(A/N: You know I'm going to stop talking about hiatuses with regards to this series…I'm always wrong lol)
Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass or Mirai Nikki because if I did own Geass there would've been some changes
The Next day
While the teacher gave lecture Lelouch prepped himself to pay a visit to Deus. He wanted to question the big guy about Yuno's powers and he also wanted to ask about how absolute these Dead end prophecies were since Lelouch himself had now escaped two and he had helped Tsubaki escape one herself. He didn't think he'd get much on Yuno, and he was hesitant to use his Geass over something so trivial, but he still didn't think it would hurt to try asking nicely. He also thought he might sneak in his concerns about Suzaku.
He arose in the hall and took notice that the 11th was around as well, his body framed in shadow as usual.
"Well I do believe we're being intruded upon," the 11th said. He looked towards Lelouch, "Heard you managed to kill the 12th last night 8th, not bad, not bad at all."
"Wait how did you know that?" Lelouch asked him.
"A message is sent out to the other diary holders not aware of a diary holder's death if one of them has been killed and by whose hand," Deus stated.
"Since when was that part of the rules, you didn't mention that! Why didn't something like that happen when the 3rd was killed?" Lelouch asked.
"When the 3rd was killed you had not yet received your diary," Deus reminded him.
Lelouch growled under his breath. "My, my, making such a fuss over something so trivial," the 11th chuckled, "It's not as if I know the place or way in which the 12th was killed. His identity was not revealed at the time of his death either."
"Nevertheless it appears the 8th came here to have a private conversation 11th, are you and I quite finished?" Deus asked him.
"Yes, I believe I've addressed my concerns," the 11th stated and then vanished.
Deus turned his attention to Lelouch, "Just the person I was hoping to see."
"What a coincidence I was thinking the same thing. Why don't we get to your concerns first though?" Lelouch said humbly.
"We can address my concerns after we address yours. After all, perhaps one of your concerns address my own," Deus said.
"Right back at you on that," Lelouch chuckled, "but you're the big boss. I won't argue. Now then," he folded his arms behind his back and stood professionally, "Let's get down to business. Your all seeing and all knowing, certainly you've born witness to the 2nd's abilities as of late."
"I have," Deus stated.
"I've not seen them first hand, but two of my followers described them as 'something out of a sci-fi' film. Someone else also told me that Yuno's powers seem to be some form of bio-warrior. Taking all this into consideration Yuno is an eleven by birth. Her parents are on a long business trip, but it's clear she's out of touch with them. My point though is, just as with C.C, the green haired woman whom I'm sure you've seen in my company, if Yuno Gasai was truly a creation of Britannia she wouldn't be wandering about so freely, she'd be in hiding, trying her best to avoid the authorities. Her power had to come from somewhere and the only place I can deduce such unfathomable power from is from this very hall," Lelouch explained and pointed at Deus, "Care to explain? I thought the 1st was your favorite."
Deus was intrigued, "Very well played 8th. I'm impressed."
"That's high praise considering the speaker," Lelouch smirked. He frowned again, "Nevertheless if you can give me the answer to my question, I'd appreciate it. Although I can make do without my answer if that would give me an unfair advantage."
"Having deduced so much it would be rude of my not to answer you. You are right though this is the only place you can find your answer, but let us revisit this point in a minute. What of your other concerns?" Deus asked.
"My second concern is the Dead End prophecy. Just how absolute is it? You said it was a Checkmate Solution, that there was no way out of it, but I have escaped two now and helped the 6th escape one. The 1st has now escaped two himself," Lelouch stated.
"The flag is raised when there is nothing the holder themself can do to stop their demise. Both times you escaped because the 9th and the 1st intervened. The 1st escaped with the assistance of the 2nd the first time and the second time you were the one who provided assistance," Deus explained.
"So it's only when the person themself is trapped. Interesting," Lelouch pondered this to himself for a moment.
"Did you have another concern?" Deus asked.
"I did," Lelouch looked straight up at Deus, "A friend of mine, who goes by the name Suzaku Kururugi, is caught between my life and the life of my half-sister Euphimia Li Britannia, the 4th. He seems adamant about wanting to speak to you and about the game's rules. I wanted to know if you would permit him to speak to you if I formally vouched for him on his behalf."
"If you, a diary holder, permit such an action as a tactic to further your goals who am I to stop you?" Deus asked.
"Good, then let's get back to discussing the 2nd," Lelouch said.
"I see so all of your concerns have been addressed. Very well then, here is mine. The 2nd, as you've already deducted, has immense power beyond the limits of normal humans and as you clearly seem to know, the 1st is the horse I have bet on for the winner of his race." Deus lifted a hand from his large throne and pointed to Lelouch, "However, you 8th are my second choice. You are clearly the dark horse of this game and if your strategy continues to function as it does now you may even win."
"Well thank you for the compliment," Lelouch smiled, taking in the praise.
"However, I am not so sure you can win with such an obstacle as the 2nd blocking your path. She and the 1st hold the Pelleas, a Knightmare Frame that should not have seen play for five years. 8th, the reason the 2nd has such power is because she is a 'defending champion'," Deus said.
"Come again," Lelouch's eyes widened.
"I shall explain. In another timeline the 2nd played the survival game and using her powers as god time jumped back into the past for a reason that's irrelevant to the conversation," Deus said.
"She probably did it for Yukiteru, no need to be cryptic," Lelouch said. "I'm more intuitive than most. I can put pieces together even when some are missing."
"Touché," Deus agreed. "Nevertheless, originally the survival game was to be played again in the same fashion it did before, but my assistant, Murumuru caused quite the bit of damage to this wonderful hall, which is still being repaired, but at the same time is also shifting due to the changes in time going on."
"So what are you saying exactly?" Lelouch asked.
"I'm saying that originally the timeframe between the original survival game and the one going on now are two different games entirely due to minion error," Deus said.
Lelouch scowled, "So in other words if not for that screw up none of this would be happening the way it was."
"Don't give me that look," Deus said, "If things continue as they are now. If you can win the survival game then the realities between this dimension and the 2nd's will become intertwined permanently to this timeline."
"Why me?" Lelouch asked.
"Not just you, if anyone from your reality manages to win then the realities will be fused. If not they shall be separated, but you shall be none the wiser and history will fluctuate as it would without my ever meeting you," Deus said. "Telling you who's who however is a bit of information I wish not to give you."
"And you know I'd never compel you to tell me such a trivial detail, not that I care. In the end I will be the last one standing," Lelouch said.
"I like that attitude of yours. I was right in calling you the dark horse. Moving on, I do believe you have the potential to come out on top, but the 2nd provides you with a large obstacle you must get over. If you can beat her, or put her at a large disadvantage it will prove to me that this game could still be interesting."
"So what you're saying is that you want me to convert my efforts to killing the 2nd," Lelouch deducted.
"Don't put words in my mouth," Deus grumbled.
"The only way I could disadvantage the 2nd would be by killing her or destroying the Pelleas and I think you know well enough that I don't have the firepower to bring down such a high-level machine," Lelouch answered.
"Then do what you will," Deus said.
"One thing though," Lelouch continued, "What do I get if I can prove myself to you?"
"Is thanks from God not good enough for you?" Deus asked.
"Then how's this then. We treat this as an eye for an eye. I eliminate the 2nd and in return, I will ask something of you in the future. When I do, even if my request seems as if it would be unfair to the other holders, I would prefer if it was done," Lelouch answered. "It will be a simple request, probably something you may consider minor, but I don't feel like abusing the power of god. Let's just say my request will be equivalent exchange with regards to the difficulty of your request."
"Very well, understand that I may be forced to ask you to change your request if I find it's too unreasonable," Deus responded. "And I do hope you don't plan to use your Geass to compel me to agree."
"If I did such a thing the next head to be served on a silver platter would be mine. I don't need the diary holders after me. You have my word. I will not use Geass to compel you to honor my request when I ask it," Lelouch stated.
"Very well, now are we quite through?" Deus wanted to know.
"I believe so," Lelouch stated, "Unless there's something you want to add."
"There isn't. If your business is concluded you may leave," Deus responded.
"As you wish," Lelouch said and then let his consciousness drift back to the reality of the classroom.
When he woke up class was just ending. He noticed Suzaku on his way out and tugged up on his collar, signaling him for another private roof meeting. Suzaku obeyed and Lelouch and he met on the roof.
"Something come up?" Suzaku asked.
"I spoke with Deus on your behalf. He said he'll let you meet him. Don't make me regret this Suzaku," Lelouch stated.
"I understand," Suzaku nodded.
"Good," Lelouch looked off into the distance and spoke in a normal voice, although it would seem like he was talking to the sky, "I know you can see us. Let him see you." In an instant Suzaku fell asleep on his feet. Lelouch lowered his friend to the ground and let him lay there. He leaned against the balcony and watched his friend. "Don't do anything stupid Suzaku."
The 38th Holy Hall of Cause and Effect
The moment Suzaku came to he found himself lying on a marble platform. "The guest awakens," a thundering voice stated. Suzaku sat up and saw the large figure that was Deus.
"Are you Deus?" Suzaku asked, still sitting on the ground.
"I am, are you Suzaku Kururugi?" Deus asked.
"I am," Suzaku said rising to his feet.
"I hear from both the 4th and the 8th that you are caught between their alliances. You wish to see neither of them killed," Deus said.
"Wait Lelouch is the 8th?" Suzaku really had no idea. Lelouch never told him what number he was.
"So he didn't tell you?" Deus asked.
Suzaku clutched his head, "I'm going to need a moment." He looked down at the ground. Lelouch is the 8th. That means that that letter was from him. But why all the secrecy? More importantly it means Euphie's message about an ally of the 8th killing the 12th means that Lelouch killed the 12th, but who does Lelouch have besides me as an ally that's not a diary holder? Lelouch I thought you said you had no intention of dirtying your hands. Why are you lying to me?
"Suzaku, I let you in here so that we may have a discussion. Have your mental breakdown on your own time," Deus stated.
"Right sorry," Suzaku said with a hardened face. I'll talk to Lelouch about this later. "Deus is it true that there is really no other way for anyone to win the survival game other than for them to be the last one standing?"
"That is correct," Deus answered.
"C-can a member of the game forfeit or drop out?" Suzaku asked.
"No," Deus replied.
"B-but how could you…how could you force Lelouch and Euphie to face each other down like this? And not just them Yukiteru and Yuno are attached to each other too. Why would you do something like this? This…this isn't right!" Suzaku said agitated.
"Love is but a petty emotion, it has no bearing on one's survival instinct. All humans die eventually and my days are running thin. If I am not able to choose my champion within a certain amount of time the world as we know it may collapse," Deus told Suzaku, "I picked the 8th, the 4th, the 2nd, the 1st and the other future diary holders because I believed that out of all the people out there that they had the best chance of becoming my successor."
"So you pick terrorist, a few school students and a pacifist princess? What is wrong with you?" Suzaku asked, completely annoyed, "Not to mention several of these people know and love each other. And if you don't care about human emotion or friendship then why not throw me into this mess too huh?" Suzaku slapped his chest with his palm, "I've been adamant about keeping a diary too you know."
"Yes, but unlike the others I picked you embrace death, almost seeking it. The others have either a reason to live or are unafraid to kill. You, Suzaku Kururugi," Deus pointed to the young Japanese, "have been looking to die ever since…"
"Don't say it!" Suzaku shouted, "So what if I throw myself out on the line and seek to die? Does that make me somewhat less of a person in your eyes? Even so I have a reason for what I do. I'm trying to change Britannia from within and make it a less corrupt nation. I may seek to die, but that also means I'm not afraid to die either!" Suzaku declared. "I've gone toe to toe with Minene Uryu twice now, spent a long time allying myself with the 4th and the 8th; better known to me as Euphie and Lelouch. If I have to choose between my friends then I'd rather share in their dilemma as well. If it's not too late, let me become a diary holder. I've been with Euphie, the 4th, since the beginning. If everyone has to die then I'll fight to become your successor too. Let my alliance have meaning. Lelouch, Euphie, and I we'll all stand together. If it comes down to the three of us I'd gladly sacrifice myself for them, but if they fail I will succeed where they could not." Suzaku was now panting, having said his piece.
"You make some excellent points on all accounts Suzaku Kururugi," Deus said. "Still, your entry into this dilemma was caused by the fact that the 4th changed her future and meet you by chance. Because of that single notion I cannot consider you involved in this from the start."
"B-but," Suzaku protested.
"You're lucky the 8th granted you permission to be here, else I'd have killed you by now for taking the tone you just did with me," Deus said.
"You," Suzaku scowled at Deus. "DEUS! Mark my words when Lelouch or Euphie inherit your throne they'll do a much better job then you ever did at it!"
"I hope for it," Deus said and then thrust Suzaku out of his domain, having had enough of him.
Suzaku woke up with a jolt. He sneered and began punching the ground. He annotated each punch with a frustrated "damn it."
Lelouch seeing this walked over to him, "I could've warned you." He said it so nonchalantly. While Suzaku had been in Deus' domain Lelouch used his diary and found the following entry
Suzaku comes back from the hall completely angered and frustrated.
"Lelouch," Suzaku said, still kneeling on the ground.
"Hmm," Suzaku stood up and looked at his friend. His eyes were not friendly.
"Tell me, why didn't you tell me you were the 8th? Why all the secrecy? I thought you didn't plan to kill anyone," Suzaku grit his teeth in frustration and confusion.
"So Deus told you," Lelouch looked to the side, "I figured he might reveal my number. So now you know. I betrayed Yukiteru and Yuno to you and Euphie and I orchestrated an assassination of the 12th."
"Why Lelouch? Were you always this screwed up?" Suzaku asked, "How long have you known about mine and Euphie's alliance?"
"I don't trust you with that information," Lelouch said.
"Enough!" Suzaku punched Lelouch in the face. He began to pant. "Enough! No one tells me anything! Euphie's always vague about things, afraid she'll worry me and you treat me like you're afraid of letting me become your ally."
"I can't be sure if information I say will make it back to Britannia or not. Britannia is my enemy. I am a criminal Suzaku, I betrayed my own comrades and I orchestrated an assassination, do you really want to still consider me an ally?" Lelouch was so calm as he put a hand where Suzaku had slugged him.
"Then stop being a criminal," Suzaku turned sympathetic, "Come on Lelouch," he gave him his hand, "join up with me, and with Euphie. You don't have to be Britannia's ally, just ours. Please?"
"It's not that simple," Lelouch walked right past Suzaku. "I've aligned myself in a way that's against your code of conduct. I lied to you when I said I didn't desire to get blood on my hands." Lelouch touched the back of his hand to the side of his face so that his knuckles brushed his cheek. "I am to win Suzaku, when I eventually come to kill Euphie try to make it as painless as possible for both of you."
Suzaku ran forward grabbed Lelouch by the shoulder spun him around and slugged him in the face again. "You think I'm just going to accept that?"
"Suzaku, open your eyes," Lelouch still remained calm. "There's nothing you can do about the situation. If you don't want to see Euphie or me die that's fine, but there are some things I just can't ask you to do. And there are some things that I will do that you won't agree with. Keep your alliance with Euphie, Suzaku. If you want to help me, then do it only when I ask for it," Lelouch said and turned back around, "Otherwise consider us on neutral territory."
Suzaku dropped to the ground as Lelouch walked away and back down the staircase. Suzaku let out a frustrated scream and stayed up on the roof for quite a while. When he calmed down, he got up and made for headquarters to greet Prince Schneizel.
Area 11 Government Building, Hangar
Suzaku arrived in uniform at the hangar, alongside Euphie, Guilford and Darlton.
"You're too tense," Darlton told him, "Try to ease up a little."
"Right sorry," Suzaku apologized, although he really couldn't help it, given what he had been through earlier today.
"His lordship Second Prince Schneizel approaches," Schneizel's subordinate Kanon Maldini announced. Schneizel stepped out of the plane and stepped onto the solid ground. Suzaku, and the other soldiers saluted.
"At ease soldiers," Schneizel told them.
"Sir, yes sir," everyone dropped their salutes and just stood at attention. Schneizel walked over to where Euphimia, Suzaku, Darlton and Guilford were standing.
"Which one of you is Suzaku Kururugi?" he asked.
"I am," Suzaku stepped forward.
"I'd like to see both you and the Sub-Viceroy as soon possible in my office. Is that all right?"
"Sir, of course," Suzaku stated.
"Of course my brother," Euphie bowed.
"Very good then, is now a good time?" he asked.
"Ah, sure why not?" Suzaku responded.
"Excellent," Schneizel turned around and put a slip of paper in Kanon's hands, "Please do everything on this list for me as we had discussed on the ride over."
"Yes my lord," Kanon saluted and walked off.
Viceroy Schneizel's office
Schneizel sighed the moment he, Euphie and Suzaku walked into the office. "First Clovis, now Cornelia, such innocent lives taken from Britannia's mighty circle of royalty," he said as if in mourning.
"Sir what did you call us here for?" Suzaku wanted to know, giving proper salute.
Schneizel sat down in his chair, "Suzaku you're the lead pilot of the Glaston Knights now despite being of Eleven origin is that correct?"
"Schneizel I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from insulting Suzaku's pride as a…"
"Easy my dear sister Euphimia, I was just inquiring. I know full well that you were the one who promoted Suzaku as lead of the Knights, but was that wise?" Schneizel wanted to know.
"I beg your pardon?" Euphie asked.
"I don't dismiss the Lancelot's capabilities or Suzaku's skill as a soldier, much unlike your poor dear late sister, but I am concerned about making him the lead pilot," Schneizel looked over to Suzaku, "have you any skill in leading a battle?" he asked Suzaku.
"N-no sir," Suzaku responded depressingly.
"That's quite all right. I'm here to get us out of this fix. Suzaku you may remain the lead pilot and the Glaston Knights can remain your personal guard Euphimia, but I would like to become the master strategist," Schneizel requested.
"I accept," Euphimia nodded with a joyous expression.
"I as well," Suzaku said with a cheerful grin, "You're renowned as one of the more brilliant minds of the Britannian army, with your intellect Zero will have quite a challenge in defeating us."
"Yes, us, about that, I read into the incident about what happened with those two students and the Pelleas I asked be put under production here in Area 11. I'm rather miffed that it has been stolen, and am I wrong in assuming that there is something more going on here in this Area than meets the eye, hmm?"
"Sir, all we did was apprehend alleged conspirators to murder the Sub-Viceroy," Suzaku stated.
"How interesting," Schneizel said, "The aim is to kill the Sub-Viceroy, not the Viceroy, who is actually dead. They fled without eliminating their target, don't you find that a bit odd?"
"Odd?" Suzaku asked.
"Suzaku, I am to understand it was you who raised the alarm for arrest, exactly how did you come by these conspirators?" Schneizel wanted to know.
"I got the tip off from a reliable source," Suzaku lied to cover up both the survival game, and Lelouch, from Schneizel.
"Yes, how very odd indeed. I believe that whoever sent this letter believed that imprisoning those two students would lead to their eventual breakout and murder of the Viceroy," Schneizel said.
"What?" Suzaku was shocked, "but how…"
"Because that's what I would do if I had concocted a plan to eliminate an enemy without having to reveal myself to them," Schneizel said.
"Brother what are you talking about?" Euphie wanted to know.
Schneizel pulled out his PDA and looked at it, "Euphie is confused, I have several different ways of responding to you, but I believe, I'll just cut to the chase." Schneizel paused and then said directly to Euphie, "4th." Suzaku pulled out a gun. Schneizel did the same. "Yes it says right here that Suzaku Kururugi would pull a gun on me if I chose that response," he looked at the lead pilot of Euphie's guard, "Good thing I came prepared."
"Brother…are you really a…" Euphie felt confused and slightly betrayed.
"Yes, I am the holder of a future diary. I am the 11th," Schneizel answered.
"Do you plan to kill Euphie and me and cover it up in some manner?" Suzaku asked.
"I plan to do nothing of the sort, so long as you do exactly as I say. As long as you promise to maintain an alliance with me, I won't betray either of you," Schneizel said. "And don't try to run off and try to ask the 8th for help. It says here in my diary that I will eventually find out about your little under the table alliance with the 8th, whoever he is. He must be someone you really trust if I cannot see his identity from this."
Suzaku scowled. "So you're going to force us to help you against our will?" Suzaku asked.
"Who said anything about that?" Schneizel asked, "We're all on the same team, at least on the surface. I'm just telling you that unless you want Euphie to lose you'll be sure to be ever loyal to me. Both of you will."
"Well then," Suzaku lowered his weapon. Schneizel did the same, "What is the first order of business then?"
"Simple, we take the Pelleas back from the 1st and the 2nd and kill them both."
Meanwhile…
Black Knight's Base
"And that is why tomorrow we shall mount an attack upon Yukiteru Amano and Yuno Gasai," Zero announced. "They were useful to us for our last operation. We will attempt to reason with them and see if they cannot be persuaded to join us. If they cannot we shall kill Yuno Gasai, take hostage of Yukiteru Amano and take possession of the Pelleas. Are there any questions?"
Minene spoke out, "I have one, why not kill both those brats. If we only kill Gasai and let Amano live there's a good chance that could backfire on us."
"Trust me and my intuition Miss Uryu," Zero stated, "If we can help it I'd like Amano Yukiteru to remain alive after the excursion."
"When will we mount the attack?" Kallen wanted to know.
Viceroy Schneizel's office
"We shall attack in 3 days' time," Schneizel told Suzaku.
Black Knight's Base
"3 days will be enough time for me to prepare battle plans. When I have drafted plans I shall assemble you all again," Zero said.
Viceroy Schneizel's office
"At that time I will explain to you and the Glaston Knights the plan of attack," Schneizel stated. "And when all is said and done. The Pelleas shall be ours and we will have the firepower necessary to crush Zero."
Black Knight's Base
"And when all is said and done we shall have the Pelleas and have the firepower necessary to crush Britannia," Zero clenched his fist and then threw his arms out at the side, "Knights! The road ahead is long and dangerous, but together we shall usher in a new age of prosperity and the Britannian Empire shall fall to our might!" The knights began chanting Zero's name. Lelouch smirked behind his mask. Yuno Gasai, your days are numbered.
To be continued…
(A/N: So the next outing is the fight for the Pelleas. With Schneizel, the "white king" now in play Yuno and Yukiteru will soon be attacked from two fronts. Will they be able to conquer the odds and remain alive or with things get incredibly bloody? So it seems Suzaku's talk with Deus didn't go as well as he planned. And it also seems Lelouch is trying to distance himself from Suzaku. And what is Schneizel thinking revealing himself out in the blue like that? Does he have some sort of plan or did he just pop stupid pills this morning? The 11th is revealed. That just leaves the 5th, the 7th and the 10th, but most of you already seem to know who the 10th is. Who are the 5th and the 7th then? If you've been paying attention I've left hints as to their identities, it's up to you to find and piece together those hints with your own intuition. Bonus points to you if you can figure it out. Anyway I'm blathering and I'm tired. Night folks, hope you enjoyed the chapter. I hope I find inspiration to start the next one.)