Chapter Forty Seven: Wolf In Wolfs Clothing
Arc Twelve: Downfall
Opening: "World End" - Flow
Lelouch was furious, but then that was not a new emotion for him. It seemed as if everything existed to prick at his consciousness or irritate him with an increasing degree of frequency that could only leave the lone President distrustful and apprehensive towards everyone around him.
The most recent of his many stress points was the Prime Minister Kaname Ohgi, who after stepping out with his tail between his legs after his colleagues saw, with some convincing, the necessity of the War with Britannia, was now calling for another hearing to remove war powers from him at this critical juncture.
It was unbelievable, as far as Lelouch was concerned. Not only had Britannia unleashed a FLEIJA warhead, an act that demanded retribution, but following his half-sisters military coup d'état, they now had the perfect opportunity to strike back now that they were in a state of disorganisation, but Ohgi instead would rather relitigate this war of survival, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. The truth was these politicians and bureaucrats had neither the time, the training, or the inclination for strategic thinking.
And so when he took the stand, he was in no mood to play around.
"The Prime Minister Kaname Ohgi, A, 10th District of Toshima and Nerima has recognition for five minutes to open the discussion."
Lelouch's eyes shifted to the treasonous target of his scorn, who now stood to speak, seeming pretty scornful himself by his frown, etched into every inch what could be termed his laughter lines if one assumed for a moment their harsh, rigid forms were good for anything beyond scowling viciously.
Lelouch wondered briefly if Ohgi would glare at a Britannian politician in that way. Of course he wouldn't; the traitor would submit and prostrate himself, only serving the strong, and never the weak.
"I thank the Chairman for my time, and would remind him that I intend to first lay out the purpose of this meeting before we begin the questioning period."
"Of course." Lelouch replied, who was certainly eager to learn what had so radically changed from the last meeting that the Prime Minister would drag him away from his vital duties of conducting the war in the Pacific, a duty that held the lives of the entirety of Japan in the balance.
True to form, Ohgi stood righteously as he spoke, with voice laced with self important faux-heroism filling the room "I have brought you here today President Lamperouge to address what I deem to be critical elements of your testimony on September the 4th that have not been borne out by the facts of the events that have occurred in the month since, and then vote to rescind war powers from you in the face of your reckless irresponsibility."
These were unquestionably very strong words to be throwing around in public, particularly by Ohgi, but Lelouch was by no means thrown, having far more vociferous vocabulary in mind to describe the reckless irresponsibility that Ohgi was displaying by calling this meeting. This insubordination only served to delay the opportunity of a lifetime to humiliate Britannia and safeguard an independent Japan. However, Lelouch was biding his time, and allowed Ohgi to continue.
"Items which have come to light include a refusal to agree to a white peace offered by Cornelia's Government, which directly contradicts your statement that Britannia sought to reestablish a protectorate here."
Lelouch frowned, realising Guilford had told Ohgi of the message. He sighed, as he reached for the small glass of water next to him. As someone intimately involved in the war effort and familiar with Britannian foreign policy, Lelouch had expected Guilford at least to stand by him.
Instead, his Minister for Defence had joined the Prime Minister in opposing him, as it seemed everyone was. Indeed, Lelouch was aware of at least two Field Marshals preparing reports advising against continuing the war. It seemed everyone in the Japanese Government were insistent on saying no at this critical juncture.
But his hope for Japan was not yet lost. He had faced worse odds than this in his time.
"Is this true?"
Lelouch stopped glaring at Guilford to return to glaring at Ohgi, and answer him.
"If you are referring to the informal memo Guilford provided last week that showed that we are knocking on the doors of victory, and are close to permanently dispatching the threat Britannia poses in the long term, then yes, I saw that memo and rejected it."
Lelouch's tone was clerical and calculated, as was expected of him, but he was internally furious. Cornelia seeking a peace could only mean that they were close to being overcome, and then Japan could establish a permanent state of security.
Even though he would never acknowledge it, as it was greatly detrimental to his point that there may have been other reasons that combined with Cornelia's need to stabilise her political situation, such as Euphemia being in Japan or a rare show of empathy after her brother launched a weapon of mass destruction on a civilian population. This was entirely possible. However, the threat Britannia posed was bigger than one Emperor. It existed in the entrenched interests of Lords and Dukes. It was an imperialist attitude that, unchecked, would continue its attempts to spread an Empire where it wasn't wanted. Even with Schneizel gone, even with Cornelia in, Britannia remained the same, and he would not pass up this opportunity to obliterate them, as he promised himself he would.
However, Ohgi understood none of this, responding "This was certainly not the impression I got from Guilford. It seems to me as if my previous understanding of things has been proven out by what has occurred."
Lelouch bristled. "Well I think you and I both know you have certainly had some funny understandings of things over the years which could call into question your judgment right now. Indeed, I can recall very specific instances of this. I believe that my views have been borne out by the series of events since before the beginning of the war, as Britannia's only attempt to make peace has been when they are at their weak point."
Lelouch would prefer it if Ohgi understood the danger his country was in, just as he would if all the other conspirators that stood behind him realised the rightness of his concerns, but Lelouch knew that any hope of that was fading if it was not already lost, and in the interest of protecting the nation in the present, he would earn their complacency with the secrets he held. The stakes were too high for any other way.
The President's intent was not lost on Ohgi either, as Lelouch watched the man frown in thought, before things took a turn for the confusing, and the Prime Minister began to smile.
"I was wondering when your cabinet was going to show up."
Now it was Lelouch's turn to frown in thought. It was certainly well within the bounds of reason that Ohgi had guessed ahead of time that Lelouch would try to blackmail Ohgi with information about his connection to Kallen, Lelouch wasn't honestly certain what Ohgi could do about it beyond a sort of counter-blackmail, a move that was distinctly un-Ohgi in its optics. Eventually, having no real response, Lelouch eventually replied "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean.", hoping to avoid being baited into a trap.
"Lelouch, you are not a man who changes easily. I know Suzaku certainly gave it his damnedest, but he is gone, lost somewhere to the dustbin of history. Your box of tricks isn't as extensive as you like to think it is, and I can say with great confidence that this body has seen enough of them to understand what you really believe, Lelouch. An authoritarian, in many ways cut from the same cloth as the nobility you rail against. And these authoritarian strategies will die today."
The room was now completely silent. This was as antagonistic as Lelouch had ever seen anyone on the Parliament floor, as it seemed all camity had been thrown out the central window behind him, scattered into the evening.
"I have spoken to each and every Representative you have attempted to silence, and I have, unlike before, ensured that they will not be beholden to you."
"Like you were beholden to Kozūki?"
Ohgi was not moved, not even flinching as he replied "Yes, like I was nine years ago while we were under occupation and a majority of the people in this House were unemployed, I, like many, made mistakes. We are not here to discuss my mistakes from a decade ago, we are here to discuss your failings today."
Surprised by this turn of events, Lelouch called what he believed to be Ohgi's bluff, responding "Well I can't say I'm surprised that you would want to ignore that, given the company you keep."
"Are you referring to members of Parliament?"
Lelouch smiled. Ohgi could be as brave and forward as he wanted, but the President remembered how quickly the rest of the Ameliorates had buckled, and was confident they would let him do his work once again.
"It was not an exclusive statement."
"I just wanted to be sure whether you were addressing Saburo, Naomi, or any other of the fine men and women you have attempted to corral?"
For this first time, Lelouch began to panic. This wasn't just Ohgi throwing caution to the wind, which was within character, but to pretend to speak for others was either the bluff to end all bluffs, or a sign that Lelouch was in serious trouble.
Hoping for the former, Lelouch commented "I'm sure they are well able to speak for themselves, and would rather not be dragged in to star as exhibits in your grandstanding."
In spite of Lelouch's hopes though, Ohgi remained static, answering "I'm glad you asked, because I did in fact make sure before I summoned us all here that no matter what you may have on them, their service today would be infinitely more valuable."
"I think that that may change if you knew the finer details."
"Fortunately, they told me all of it, just as I told them all my history. What you have failed to understand, because you cannot comprehend it, is that I trust my colleagues, and they trust me."
Lelouch was in a full blown state of amazement. He couldn't believe that this many people had banded together, in spite of their hidden demons, and had ignored them, no, aired them out for all to observe. It flew in the face of what he thought he knew about people.
And over what a cause. He could not imagine ever rallying people like this at the best of occasions for the most ideal of goals, such as saving the nation from military destruction, but opposing the work of the only man who could seemed as natural to them as breathing. As Lelouch looked around at the conspirators, they all stood in lockstep with Brutus.
However, it appeared he had forgotten his knife.
"So that is how you wish to do things…"
Ohgi, now appearing to indignantly look down on his superior, continued, having not heard Lelouch's aside "So is there anything else you would like to add before I relinquish my time?"
Lelouch grimaced, before nodding.
"As a matter of fact there is."
Ohgi sat up and replied "Well let's hear it.", obviously anxious to get to a vote before Lelouch tried something.
Unfortunately for him, it was too late for that, as Lelouch called over to the Chairman for his attention.
Evidently having not expected to be called upon, the meek man from Hokkaido took a moment to respond with an uncertain "Yes?"
Lelouch sighed. He certainly acknowledged that this would be a very radical move that would have negative impacts, but the stakes were too vast for any latitude to be admitted. Britannia had to be taken care of ahead of any other priorities.
"Summon the Sergeant At Arms to arrest Kaname Ohgi on suspicion of terrorism, theft and facilitating the destruction of property, as well as Saburo Okawachi and Naomi Inoue on the same charges."
"What the hell?"
Lelouch stayed sitting as Ohgi stood up from his seat, banging the heels of his hands off his wooden desk in anger. The Chairman was thoroughly unsure as to how to proceed as Lelouch spoke again.
"Did he not offer a probable cause to us all here? He just admitted to associating with a leading member of the Black Knights prior to his election. Arrest him at once."
"This is illegal! You cannot do this!"
Lelouch smirked. "I think it is you who is in trouble with the law sir."
Ohgi began to shout, joined by more that a few others who vocally protested this breach of order. The Sergeant was standing uncertainly at the door, thoroughly unsure of what he was supposed to do as the Chairman called for order.
Lelouch sat quietly as everything exploded around him, sipping his water in silence, mulling as the wheels of bureaucracy clanked along. He could only wonder what better things he could be doing with his time, rather than answer to fools.
Finally, there was some action, as the Sergeant at Arms finally went to remove Ohgi, who was certainly not impressed.
"Get your damn hands off me!" the Prime Minister roared indignantly, before the Sergeant began to get more physical, grabbing Ohgi's arms and handcuffing him. Helpless, Ohgi was left only able to shoot vehement daggers at the bemused Lelouch.
"I would advise against working with terrorists, if you plan to have a long career."
"I couldn't agree more!"
This voice was new, and boomed in an artificial fashion that neither Ohgi's scraping snarls or Lelouch's deep, condescending tones managed, causing the entire room to pause to try and find the source of the announcement.
"Up there! By the clock!"
Lelouch turned his neck around and pitched his head up, trying to get a view of the clock, which was directly behind his seat in the centre of the Parliament hall, which fell up and away from him to a point as it swept back from its low, wide front end. The room was shaped to draw itself towards the clock, but now all eyes were on the person below it, stood as a pure shadow against the narrow back window that was bathed in the evening sunlight.
However, even if the colours were bleached by shadow, there was no mistaking the long cape or the tipped helmet.
Zero had arrived.
Lelouch, feeling his heart drop down into his pelvis, instantly understood the gravity of the situation he was in, and yet could only gape at the impossible costume. There was only one left in existence as far as he knew, and it was in his possession, which meant that whoever this was knew what Lelouch had done.
But who? Was this a backup plan of Ohgi's? A breathless glance back to the Prime Minister, bent over a desk and gazing in confused awe busted that myth in a real hurry. Was it Guilford? No, he was here, picking up his glasses after having dropped them in shock. Taking a moment to fling his gaze from side to side showed no significant absences, only confusion.
He finally turned his body to face the vigilante, stood stoically in black against the window, stained in red by the sun forming an apocalyptic palette.
"Who are you?"
The figure shifted slightly, leaving Lelouch confused again until he heard the hollow click of a pistol cocking, and no one breathed.
"I am Zero."
Lelouch took a step back, his waist falling against his desk as he tried to steady himself. Was it a Britannian agent? They had a lot of details about Zero, and could probably replicate a suit if they tried. That theory had weight, as they had incentive to end the war for now and rebuild their army for a later invasion, which Ohgi would not be able to stop.
But Zero spoke again, with the invisible gun still aimed straight down the centre of the Parliament hall at Lelouch, with his words stopping all rational thought in Lelouch's brain in fear.
"I have been watching you for a very long time Lelouch, longer than you can imagine. I must say that I had hope, but that hope is long gone. You started to become to much like me, and have neglected to follow any semblance of your promise, and this is the final straw. You were the original sin of this nation. I suppose, after all this, we are both long due a retirement, and yours shall be no more voluntary than mine. I swore to protect this Republic, as did you, but you have forgotten that promise, just as you forgot me."
Lelouch blinked as his breath grew more rapid, palms pressing hard into his desk. Someone he had known? Lelouch had no friends, he knew it well. He had sacrificed them for power, that had proved so fleeting, oh Lord, he did not want to die..
"You have often asked what justice is over your life, a life where you have evaded it, defiled it and have even attempted to mimic it. Consider your question resolved; Zero is justice, and it has an overdue sentence for you."
Lelouch's desk finally gave way, collapsing under his trembling weight. He fell back, severely off balance, landing between the two chunks of furnished wood. His heart was thumping, desperate to escape its prison be near the ribcage, banging and pleading with the silent Lelouch, who could only look up at his divine judgement.
"Goodbye Lelouch."
Lelouch was about twenty degrees below Zero, and was laid out on his back and heels, arms extended back out behind him, chest exposed with only a fluttering shirt and tie to defend it.
Lelouch heard a loud bang echo through the room, and moments later felt the pain tear through his body, this time his upper right breast. He felt each piece of cartilage and flesh tear through the many layers of lung contained within the narrow cross section of his body like a vicious stab with a piece of bloody glass, sending red spilling across his shirt. It felt like the worst sort of burn, a burn that buried itself inside him and dug at his organs like an oxidiser.
He felt, not for the first time, like he was being burned alive.
He had been shot three times now, all in the torso, all having some connection with Zero, and all in an instance where he had been outflanked by an unexpected enemy.
His arms now gave way, and he lay flat on his back in terror. What was going on? While he could not escape his boiling pressure cooker, he was in the centre of Parliament! There should be a doctor somewhere!
But, as his head flopped to the side, he saw a portrait reason as to why he was so very alone. The people in their pews watched, and watched in horror, but none came to aid him.
He screamed a vicious scream, pain mixed with anguish. He did not want to die, he had so much he needed to do. He mustn't die, no, it was not to be! He couldn't! He had to take care of them, he had to help them, Nunnally, oh Nunnally, he couldn't leave her behind, he had to protect her. Who else would? Back in the day, perhaps, before Suzaku had made such a fool of himself and had forced Lelouch-
The dying man paused his mental workings, oxygen slowly leaking from his brain, as it slowly processed this new idea like an old calculator, one that filled up a basement and took a half hour to add single digits.
Like the ancient Enigma, Lelouch coded the pieces of Zero's speech together hint by hint, and with his dying breath, hissed his dying hate.
"You!"
There was quite a bit of subtext to that 'You!', but Lelouch was pressed for time. 'You', for lack of a more nuanced final shout, represented Lelouch's surprise at who Zero was, his anger at this man's now obvious reasoning, and his desperation at having been shot by him.
Of course, this would be lost on the crowd, but it would not be lost on the man who had known him for 16 years, knew his habits, knew where he hid important things, and had watched his ascent.
The crowd remained unmoving, still in a state of shock, or perhaps of complicity, as Lelouch heard the sound of glass breaking. Of course Zero would escape, get away with his crime.
Nobody could outrun Suzaku Kururugi.
It seemed most everything was red now. His energy was now leaking onto the wooden floor, alone, betrayed by all on his own Ides of March, but there was only one wound, delivered by his oldest friend, his second oldest enemy, whom he had left alone, and now left him alone.
Alone. Oh, so alone. And cold, cold wrapped up the pain and consoles it, a blanket that isolated him from his senses. He didn't want to die, he still had work to do, people still needed him, even now. He still had a responsibility to his fledgling utopia.
Even if it was alone, like it always was, please, if only someone could just help, could save him. He would… he could save himself.
Geass. Yes, if he had Geass. He would give anything, as words failed, to have a chance to see that witch again, to take her offering. He could make them save him, he could.
But she was not here, and after his thoughts finally faded, Lelouch Lamperouge died from blood loss.
I… I need a shower. That was not fun.
I don't dislike Lelouch at all as he is presented in canon, in spite of what I've done to him. He's incredibly intelligent, and really wants to do the right thing, but over the events of this fic his more negative traits which are undeniable at the best of times came to prominence due to his unfortunate choices. Heroes are not just the strong or the witty, which can sometimes be a mistake some people make. They need to make good choices actively, and Lelouch's record is spotty, hence his designation as an anti-hero. While it makes for good television, ends-justify-means thinking doesn't give you a lot of friends, particularly when you think you can solve everything by yourself, which was ultimately what killed Lelouch.
In truth, I don't have much to say beyond that preamble. This Chapter was a good bit more prosaic than average, and took a few rewrites that have proved taxing. I hope the end result was worth it.
If so, stick around for one more Chapter, the 48th, Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien, and for the love of God please find close friends that'll help you out when you're in trouble. I'll see you soon, and please rate and review.
~Eth0