Recap: Suzaku and the JLF leave Japan. Lelouch killed Clovis and received his geass.
Chapter 43: To Ask
The Emperor isn't who he seems. He has a cursed power, and now I know. He's going to kill me. It's only a matter of time. I don't understand. We trusted him, believed in him, but he's made a deal with the devil. They're all in on it, every single one of them. I would blame them, but what can they even do?
We prayed to be saved. The Devil answered.
—Recovered from Archives of the Secretary of Labor
JLF Fleet, Bay of Bengal
Sailing through the choppy Chinese territorial waters set Suzaku's teeth on edge. The phantom siren of the alarm echoed through the halls and every unexpected clang had people reflexively stiffen. At least they were safe from Britannia. The Chinese had no reason to treat them with kindness. They would probably try to stop them and capture Suzaku if they could.
Ban leaned against the wall, smoking a rare cigarette. Earlier, he helped light the memorial candles. He hadn't spoken since, merely gazing around with troubled eyes. So many had died for Kusakabe's Japan. Then over twenty of some of their most skilled pilots to Empress Marianne.
Was it worth it?
"How was it being in the army?"
Ban stiffened and exhaled. He shook his head and gestured for him to follow. On the deck, the wind howled. A fine mist hung over the water, and it draped itself over Suzaku, like death's warm cloak.
"Sound carries," Ban warned. "Not too many would be accepting of my past. Your... guardian barely trusts me as is."
"But you left. You're here now."
"There are some things you don't leave behind. I killed for Britannia. That is something I will always have to live with and many will never accept."
"But—"
Ban sighed, his foggy breath curling over itself. "Initiation and my first unit were worse than I expected. You go to sleep every night, reminding yourself you are human. They take everything away from you, including your name. I think it's better in other Areas. I'm not sure. Maybe it merely depends on the commander. If I hadn't been transferred, I would've lost myself."
Suzaku shifted. They would fight Britannia, against Honoraries.
"But you already knew there were good Britannians. You trusted your friend, and he is a soldier. How does a Britannian like him make friends with the Prime Minister's son? And be known by the leader of the JLF? He seemed upset about it."
Suzaku winced. The truth would be revealed soon enough. Ban was not going to be fooled by a change in hair color when the news spoke of Lelouch vi Britannia. He had more than enough clues.
"I trust him," Suzaku said. "We were very close as children. He saved my life then, and he keeps his word. Sensei is worried what will happen because I asked Lelouch to watch over Ko and Chino. He's the only one who is able to keep them safe."
Ban watched the waves silently. "I know he is a good person. I ran into him in the army. He was always helping others. I imagine you're the friend he mentioned."
Suzaku flushed and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "You never mentioned."
"Seemed like a sure fire way to create more trouble. So why did the two of you first meet?"
"He was a hostage," Suzaku whispered. "He and his sister were our guests as a sign of our friendly relationships with Britannia."
"That clearly didn't work. So he is a noble?"
"He's not a noble," Suzaku whispered.
"A commoner wouldn't have been a meaningful hostage."
His shoulders tensed. "The children of Marianne vi Britannia were."
The blood drained from Ban's face. "What?"
"I shouldn't have brought him to the bar," Suzaku grumbled. "It was foolish; the last time Empress Marianne was displeased she ordered a slaughter. If he died..."
"He's a prince?" Ban hissed. "You brought a prince to my bar!"
"Not so loud!"
Ban dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief. "You brought a prince to my fucking bar. Fucking hell. We should all be dead."
"What was he doing in the army?" Suzaku asked warily.
"A lot of accounting," Ban answered absently before walking unsteadily off. Halfway down the deck, he leaned over the railing and screamed, "Fuck!"
Maybe, Suzaku would wait for others to learn of it on their own and pretend he knew nothing. They would not take to the news anywhere as well.
Lelouch had always been Lelouch. To everyone else, he was nothing more than his father's and mother's son.
Imperial Palace, New Pendragon
The long hours of the flight had fused together in a sleepless blur as Lelouch agonized over his fate, the lab of horrors, and Clovis's bathroom had become a familiar companion. Despite his frequent attempts to scrub his hands clean, he could still feel Clovis's blood beneath his fingernails. The flight attendant had futilely tried to tempt him with food or drink, her expression drawn in a terse frown. If he had eaten anything, he would've thrown up.
Idly, he scratched beneath his nails, further removing old red flakes. He had come alone, without Henry or Frederick. His father would surely be displeased.
But how was Lelouch to face them when he killed his own brother in cold blood?
His only comfort was the geass, a flash of warmth in his soul which he desperately clung to. He knew nothing about it. Not how often it could be used, whether it would fade with time, or the length of an order. He only had the instinctive knowledge that any command he gave would be obeyed.
As he entered the palace, his heart thundered like a marching division. The time had finally come for him to decide on an order. Would he demand the safety of him and everyone he loved or would he demand the truth? The former was risky. He had no idea how long this protection would last. The latter... It was terrifying.
Or maybe he would do nothing, lower his head like a coward, and abandon the weapon which had fallen into his lap. It was by far the safest option (not if his father decided to kill him; the punishment for killing a royal was death).
The great redwood doors swung open, reflecting the sunlight guided into the rooms via carefully positioned mirrors. This was the secondary throne room. The guards near him gave a polite curt nod, a strange acknowledgment which he hoped suggested that the Emperor would not terminate remaining loose ends.
The Emperor wasn't yet in the room. Obediently playing the role of the perfect son, Lelouch knelt on the stretch of carpet regardless. His ears strained to catch the slightest hint of his father's arrival.
What would he do?
A side door swished open over the polished marble. Multiple pairs of footsteps entered, and Lelouch risked a peek at the Emperor accompanied by his usual guards.
"Your Majesty," Lelouch greeted, his head carefully lowered as his eye itched in anticipation. "I killed Clovis. Those who knew of the woman are now dead."
Except Lelouch. The only loose end.
"You have done well in finding her."
Lelouch squeezed his eyes shut. Now was the time. There was no more time to decide. He would take—
A stabbing headache pushed him to the ground. He swallowed past the dryness in his parched throat. Had he done it again? Lost himself while kneeling before the Emperor? He needed to focus. He needed to know and—
Fuck. His arm hurt. Why were the guards around him? He had to know—
Pinned to the ground, Lelouch strained against his captors and fought through the confused haze suffocating his mind. Why, what, how? A painful memory burned in the back of his mind, something he would much prefer to forget.
"Geass," Lelouch whispered as the horrifying realization crashed into him. Years ago, on that fateful day, his father had stared into his eyes... "You can take memories."
"Well done," the Emperor congratulated. His footsteps padded across the ground and the guards dispersed. "Stand."
Lelouch swallowed and rose, trembling like a fledgling. The Emperor could control memories, had rewritten Lelouch's account of that fateful day until a mixture of torture and refrain revealed the truth. How far did the power extend? Lelouch had forgotten for years, and even now, to remember the true memory felt like juggling broken shards of a mirror.
What was anyone without their memory? Memories held experience, and without those, who would Lelouch be? If he no longer remembered Suzaku, would he ever consider the Numbers as a possible equal?
And his father had not merely removed a memory. He had changed the narrative of events. If he could rewrite memories, could he turn anyone into anybody? A traitor would defect to Britannia, believing themselves to be a spy all along. A loving mother would turn against her children, convinced that they weren't hers. A staunch pacifist would embrace the thrill of the slaughter.
An unsettling familiar narrative...
Bile rose in his throat, flooding his mouth. He gagged, desperately trying to keep it down, his mouth closed, to not let the Emperor see.
A warm hand settled on his shoulder. "Geass. The power of kings, a manifestation of your inner desire."
To force people to obey. Was that what Lelouch truly desired?
"Now," the Emperor said. "Let us see what you can do."
He pushed them off the thin, red carpet and onto the harsh marble floor. Ahead, prisoners were being brought in, arms restrained by straight jackets, gaunt faces staring at them with either empty or hate filled yes. More and more guards lined the walls, an endless stream of his father's absolute power. Lelouch would be a fool to try anything. His father had disabled him, stolen precious moments when Lelouch must have raised his head and met his eyes to cast a geass. Perhaps, if he remembered his repeated failures, he could devise a plan which would allow him to escape this bind.
The guards were wearing visors. More were undoubtedly watching safely from far away, over the security feed. If he somehow succeeded, they would know what he had done. They would kill him to protect their Emperor.
"Eye contact?" the Emperor asked from behind. His grip on his shoulder made it impossible to run. "An order, right?"
What would happen if Lelouch refused? He knew now what happened to the Unspeakables. Would Lelouch become like them?
"A command," Lelouch said quietly.
"Show me," the Emperor ordered, shoving him to the first prisoner—the man looked like he was on the edge of death.
Lelouch shook his head. "I'm sorry, please. I shouldn't have—"
"Use your geass."
A harmless command. Something nice and simple.
Lelouch trembled. "I command you, touch your nose."
When the royal guard fell, he had been thrilled at the power at his fingertips. Maybe he was that sort of monster who only thought to dominate others but hid his intentions behind fancy words. Watching the man lift a frail and brittle hand to his nose filled him with horror.
"Please," Lelouch begged.
"Order him to tell you the color of the sky."
"What is the color of the sky?" Lelouch ordered quietly.
The man blinked, not responding at all.
The hand on his shoulder tightened. "Do it properly, Lelouch."
"Lelouch vi Britannia commands you, answer me. What is the color of the sky?"
The man blinked.
A guard shoved him back and the next prisoner was dragged before. She glared at them hatefully.
"Again," the Emperor commanded.
Lelouch hunched his shoulders. "What is the color of the sky?"
"Blue," she answered robotically.
"Order her to do something else."
"What is the color of grass?"
Her scowl deepened. "I do not answer to you, devil's spawn."
"One time use?" his father murmured. "Yet there is flexibility..."
Suddenly, the woman collapsed, like a puppet with its strings caught. She moaned and cradled her head between her knees until the guard wrenched her upright again.
"Try again."
That was his father's geass. Fortunately, Lelouch's efforts were futile. His father ordered her away, voice laced with displeasure.
Five more prisoners, confirming what they had guessed. Lelouch could only use his geass once. It didn't matter how he posed his questions. Anything given with the intention to demand obedience would work. On the last one, Lelouch hadn't activated his geass. The prisoner hadn't played along, choosing to laugh.
"Father," Lelouch begged, squirming under the harsh grip. "Enough, please? I learned my lesson. I won't do it again. Please."
The next prisoner was dragged forward, almost blinding in his defiance. As the gag was freed from his mouth, he hailed them with creative swear words. The guard struck him, and the man cursed even louder.
"Ask him who his allies are," the Emperor demanded.
Lelouch shook his head. No. He couldn't do that, because if he could then—
"Do it."
"Who are your allies?" Lelouch asked hesitantly.
The man dully began reciting various names, an endless stream of information—clearly, everyone the man ever knew. Too much information to parse the useful from the useless easily.
"You have to try," the Emperor reprimanded. "How are you to wield a weapon if you do not understand its weaknesses? You cannot shy away from it; you must master it or become its slave," he trailed off. "Why hesitate, Lelouch?"
"They do not deserve this," Lelouch whispered.
The grip eased. "Such softness will get you killed. They are traitors. This way they can at least be of some use. Now, use it with intent."
Or... What would happen?
"Name your allies," Lelouch commanded the next prisoner.
The man scowled and grudgingly rattled off names and their occupation, far more restricted and useful than the last time. He paused, coming to an end. "Are you not going to say something? Fucking royals. You think I'm going to betray my people just because you swing about a new minder? You got something else coming, Charlie! You fuckers are going to die, hanged by your entrails."
Sighing, the Emperor waved his free hand. "Kill him. There is no use for him anymore."
"No..."
A blade ruptured through his chest, and he fell to the ground with a gurgle.
The next was a woman. He was to order her to perform a handstand. It did not work although she continued to futilely try until the Emperor finally took mercy on her and ended her life. Next, a man was ordered to speak in Japanese. Next to solve a simple calculus problem. And next to... And next. And—
The orders kept on coming as Lelouch's headache grew. Thirty-six prisoners with their minds warped. Eighteen corpses piled in the corner. And Lelouch watched as his mouth parted robotically, barely able to muster the energy to activate his geass, pinned beneath the Emperor's grip.
He had been wrong. This wasn't freedom. Geass was a new chain, heavier than before. He was fairly certain now that he wouldn't die. The Emperor was investing too much time and energy in understanding exactly how his geass worked. If Lelouch was more awake, perhaps he would be puzzling over the results as well. How some seemed to become happy, enthusiastic even, under his command. How others moved grudgingly. How some commands were fulfilled instantaneously. How some were slow and drawn out, as if played by a sleepwalker.
Unless the Emperor had a way to transfer geass, Lelouch would live; if this existence could be called living. He knew the potential he had. He could conquer an entire nation with mere words and a gaze. Such a tool would not be left to gather dust, but first, the Emperor had to ensure there were no surprises. At least his men would not suffer.
"Please," Lelouch mumbled, his eyes straining to remain open.
"Create a false memory," the Emperor instructed.
Scars, fresh and old, covered the woman's frail body. One eye was swollen shut and her skin had a slight yellowish hue. Despite all the pain she had to be in, a spark of defiance floated in her eyes.
"Be free of pain," Lelouch whispered instead, wishing that she could escape at least some of her torture.
"Lelouch, you only have one command to give. You cannot waste it," the Emperor reprimanded, slowly trailing off as the woman's face brightened and she began to inspect her limbs with amazement. "Cut her."
A knife dropped into the guard's hand and slashed at the woman's face. She flinched, then patted her face in curiosity. Face drawn in confusion, she traced the cut and licked the blood off her finger.
"Fascinating," the Emperor said.
No. Lelouch hadn't meant—
"Chop off her arm," the Emperor ordered.
She screamed as the blade cut through sinew and cleaved the bones right below her elbow. Then her screams stopped. She was gazing at the absence of a limb in horror. The woman couldn't feel pain.
"Well, that works," the Emperor murmured. "Toss her back into the cell and ensure she does not die. Now, to repeat—"
Everything Lelouch touched withered away. He brought only misery and suffering. He hadn't meant to give new ways of torturing her, only an escape.
"Please," he begged. "I can't."
"You already did. What use is a weapon if you don't know how to use it? Bring 204."
Was that what Lelouch was? Simply a weapon?
A man, whom Lelouch recognized as some upstart journalist, was dragged forward. He had been arguing for the secession of the Homeland.
"Make him loyal," the Emperor demanded. "Like you took her pain."
There was a certainty within Lelouch that if he gave the order it would be followed until the end of time. The man would cease to exist, replaced by something alien.
"No," Lelouch said. "I can't."
"How is it different from taking her pain?"
Lelouch desperately tried to calm his breaths. "I don't want to. It's not right."
The Emperor pulled him against his chest, his free hand combing through his hair. "It is your right. You're a prince with the power of kings. There is nothing to fear."
Except him—his father!
"You could save his life. Make him loyal to you."
Lelouch focused his eyes. "Die."
The man smiled. "Happily, my lord."
"Restrain him!" the Emperor barked.
Slipping through the guard's grasp, the man snatched a knife. There wasn't even a moment of hesitation as he slit his own throat.
"So childish," the Emperor grumbled. "Bring 205—no, 206. Make sure to restrain him properly. Demand his loyalty, Lelouch."
Petulantly, Lelouch glared at the next prisoner. "Die."
Bound in a straight jacket, the man had no chance of escape. He still wriggled and squirmed in desperation. Suddenly, he stopped.
Smiling, the man slammed his head into the ground with a last desperate burst of strength and speed. A sickening crunch.
In five minutes of silence, they waited for him to stand. He didn't stir. The guard confirmed his death.
"If I wanted the prisoners dead, I could do that quite easily," the Emperor grumbled. "Bring 207. Ensure there is no possible way for him to die. Lelouch... Will you behave?"
"Die!" Lelouch yelled as a part of him screamed to submit. This wasn't a battle he could win. Either he accepted defeat on his own terms or his father would force them upon him.
"What purpose does this serve?" the Emperor asked as they watched the man fruitlessly struggle. "There is nothing to learn; they are suffering for no reason. Claiming their loyalty isn't even a heinous demand. They could live happy and productive lives again if you succeed."
"They would never choose this. Death, even imprisonment, is preferable."
The Emperor leaned in, his beard scratching Lelouch's cheek. "Did you ask them that? Look at that poor man over there. He will spend the rest of his life doing everything he can to die. He won't eat; he won't drink. He'll smash his head into the wall. He'll twist his head. He'll hold his breath until he passes out and he breathes again. That is a torture one would be hard to beat."
The man coughed before them, spraying blood across the floor. A drop landed on Lelouch's cheek.
Coughs strung together into the dying wheezing of a man as blood leaked from his mouth. A chunk of flesh splattered onto the ground.
"Or he bites off his tongue and chokes to death," the Emperor said in wonder. "There appears to be no room for resistance at all, yet they continue to think. Bring the next one."
"Please don't make me," Lelouch begged as the man continued to choke on his own blood. "I don't want this. I won't use it." Lelouch swayed on his feet. "It hurts. Father, please."
"Perhaps it is time for a break," the Emperor said. "It will take time to analyze the data. We can always continue tomorrow. Guards, dispose of the mess and return the prisoners to their cells."
Tomorrow?
His father's grip relaxed as they exited the throne room and—
The Emperor, wearing the same visors as his guards, sighed. "You really should stop that. This is not healthy for you. What did you even hope to accomplish?"
"Can't remember," Lelouch slurred, recalling the brain scans from Henry and reduction in the medial temporal lobe. Perhaps the Emperor would not endlessly geass him; it would ruin his competency.
But then how useful was Lelouch's mind when he could subjugate people's will with a word?
The Emperor reached out, and Lelouch flinched, stumbling backwards.
"Lelouch... Will you join me for dinner?"
How could anyone eat after that, but did Lelouch really have a choice in the matter?
He nodded.
Slowly, the Emperor extended his hand again, gently grabbing the top of his right arm. Unable to help it, lelouch hissed in pain.
"Lelouch?"
He squeezes his eyes shut, regaining control over his breathing. "It's nothing."
The Emperor released a long suffering sigh and carefully pushed him by the shoulders to the physician's office.
712th Division Base, Area Eleven
Three days... Three days without hearing a word from Lelouch. Roy's only comfort was the log entry of Lelouch departing on a government chartered plane to Pendragon. But why wasn't he answering his phone!
Across from him, Frederick paced his office anxiously as Henry worked on his fingernails with his teeth. Both of them should've known where Lelouch was, yet they had been left equally in the dark.
"Have you heard anything?" Henry asked again.
"I am not the one with a connection to the Emperor," Roy spat. "Given he hasn't ordered us to knock down every door in Tokyo to find him, I presume he knows where he is."
Henry's scowl deepened. "I should've been told."
"Join the club," Frederick snapped. "I can't believe he ditched us... again!"
Roy pinched his nose and stood. "Unfortunately, I still have work to do. Keep your ears open and report to me if you find anything."
Shadowing his footsteps, Frederick followed him into the corridor. "Where are you going? You don't have a meeting."
"I may have a lead... or a guess." Roy shrugged. "Lelouch asked me to do something before, and it may offer a clue. If he kept it from you, there is a reason, Frederick. Let me handle it."
"Sir!" a voice shouted from the end of the hallway, and Lieutenant Joseph Azar, the exact person Roy intended to call upon, ran forward. Out of breath, he snapped to attention. "Sir! The Emperor just announced Clovis was executed for high treason." His posture slumped. "It was Zero."
Oh, shit.
And Lelouch had gone off to Pendragon, presumably to meet the Emperor. Royalty attacking royalty... It was not to be done.
Oh, fuck.
"Frederick," Roy hissed, "get your ass to Pendragon now. I don't care what excuse you pull."
Frederick nodded, his face paler than snow.
"I'm coming," Henry interrupted.
For a moment, pure fury overtook Frederick's face as he clamped his mouth shut, only held back by the presence of an officer who did not know Lelouch's secret—or was at least presumed to. "He's our friend."
"You are the one to deny friendship," Henry retorted. Was it Roy, or did he seem more lively as of late? "I know what arguments need to be made."
"Do your job as his guard and get him back safely," Roy demanded and gestured for the lieutenant to follow him as he pulled out his pager and alerted the officers in the know to an emergency meeting.
Was Lelouch even alive or would they soon hear of the tragic and unfortunate death of Prince Lelouch? Roy had to hold on hope that the Emperor still saw use in his son. But what could've led to such a public downfall for Clovis? An assassin would have caused far fewer waves.
Roy stopped abruptly, Lieutenant Azar nearly running into him. If Lelouch was leaving the division that left Roy in charge... as Zero. Fuck.
"What did Lelouch need you for?" Roy asked quietly. The final piece in the puzzle. "What happened?"
"The Shinjuku incident. I really should not say more, sir. Gosling was real spooked. It is the kinda information that leads to a late night visit from the reaper."
"And Lelouch knows," Roy whispered fearfully. "How bad was it?"
Lieutenant Azar shuffled awkwardly. "Human experimentation."
"By the Emperor," Roy cursed. "And Lelouch?"
"He left to make a call."
To kill Clovis, neither of them said but understood anyway.
Sighing, Roy continued to the conference room where various officers filed in. He closed his eyes, preparing himself for what had to be said. Usually their meetings had some levity or at least familiar camaraderie. Now, there was only tense, uncomfortable silence.
"Did Lelouch kill Clovis?" Sergeant Major Gill asked.
"I think so," Roy said tiredly. "Lelouch said the Emperor was plotting Clovis's death before."
"And now he is missing." Sergeant Major Gill frowned. "There are rumors that he won't be returning."
"He won't," Roy confirmed. "I have been promoted to Major General in his place. He was not sure what form his new role would take."
"Viceroy would be my guess," Pablo said. "There is a spot open now."
Colonel Lopez scowled. "Only if he lives. Royals killing royals is not a good look."
"And to ask him to do it," Lieutenant Azar trailed off.
Sergeant Major Gill winced. "Lelouch loathes executions, and for it be his own brother—"
"You heard him a while back. He despised Clovis, said he would kill him," Colonel Lopez said. "If he wants to become the viceroy, it would be a natural development. The question is whether his ambitions are finally aiming higher."
The room exploded into arguments, some defending Lelouch's character, others arguing Clovis deserved death, with even more wondering if Lelouch would still be loyal to them if he climbed the social ladder.
Roy raised his hand, quieting the room. "We cannot answer any of these questions without more details. Whether the Emperor covered up Lelouch's role in Clovis's death or ordered him to commit the deed is immaterial. What this means is that the Emperor poses an imminent threat to Lelouch."
Colonel Periera, having been unusually silent so far, finally spoke up. "You're saying it may be time to move now. Against the Emperor."
"Frederick and Henry are going after Lelouch," Roy said, "but if the Emperor has truly acted against them, they will not be able to save him."
"And what if he is dead?" Lieutenant Colonel Tamay asked. "This entire plan, operation of ours, entirely depends on Lelouch becoming the Emperor. What is our plan, should the worst come to pass?"
Roy grimaced, crossing his fingers beneath the table. "Lelouch trusts Odysseus. We could go to him."
"Trust another royal?" Lieutenant Colonel Ward snorted. "That is inviting our destruction."
"His sister then," Roy argued.
Pablo glared at the table, his voice low. "No one else has the capability to lead as effectively nor the courage to change the world. Why should we settle for second best? We have all sacrificed part of our ideals to be here. We have compromised. We have waited. We have done everything right but it is never enough and will never be enough. I don't know if Lelouch can change things, but I trust that he would devote himself fully to the task. I do not want anyone else on the throne."
Voice of agreement filled the room.
"The division won't follow anyone else," Sergeant Major Gill said. "Not even his sister. They will unite for revenge though."
"A revolution then," Colonel Lopez said. "We know how to fight Britannia effectively, even if we use the knowledge to defend her at this time."
"We don't have the resources yet," Roy interrupted. "We need to become much larger than a division if we truly wish to succeed. We need the Numbers in every Area on our side."
The room turned to Lieutenant Colonel Tamay. His scar twitched at the heightened attention. "We have numerous injured soldiers who I could grant a medical discharge to become our agents but none of us here are from intelligence."
"We're not including Art," Pablo spat. "He would sell us out at the first opportunity."
"He actually knows how to lead a revolt," Lieutenant Colonel Tamay said dispassionately.
"And Alex is... too loyal to Lelouch," Roy said. "He would reveal the entire thing to him."
"If Lelouch lives," Pablo said darkly.
"Well, it's too late to do anything now on that front," Colonel Pierra said. She grinned widely. "Let us give his guard a chance to retrieve our wayward commander. Three days to figure out if he's alive. Otherwise, we storm the Viceroy's Palace.. I suspect the JLF may be willing to help us out again."
Roy winced. "They would be eager to."
He had set this in motion. They would move on without them. There was no stopping the rising tide, but who would rule Britannia if a Numbered division deposed the Emperor?
Imperial Palace, New Pendragon
Lelouch woke to darkness, his heart in his throat. The Count whispered in his ears. Her nails dug into his arm as she dragged him forth. Her eyes flayed the lies from his bones.
Barely able to breathe, he staggered to his feet, only half aware that this couldn't be real. He had to be dreaming. She was dead, yet—
The harsh fluorescent light flickered on and illuminated a bare doctor's office. He was in the palace, and his father could twist minds. And under Lelouch's order, a man bit through his own tongue and drowned in his own blood.
With renewed desperation, he snatched a scissor from the counter and yanked the door open.
"Your Highness," a visored guard greeted him.
Lelouch slammed the door shut. He was trapped. And soon the Emperor would come, dragging him to the throne room once again to enslave the minds of men.
"Fuck!" he screamed, punching the wall. He had to get out. There were no windows. The guard blocked the only exit. He refused to allow himself to become such an evil. He would find a way to save the division, but he had to leave before the Emperor realized Lelouch would never submit and he would cease to submit.
"Your Highness!" the physician cried. His eyes hid behind a thick visor. "What did you do to your hand?"
"Let me out," Lelouch ordered, positioning himself behind the cart. "Let me out, or I swear—"
"Your Highness, please calm down. You are supposed to rest."
"I've had worse," Lelouch spat, brandishing the scissors between them. He could make it past the guard with the element of surprise. Then he needed to turn right. There was a fifth story window he could attempt to climb out of and—
The door opened. His back prickled at the weight of a familiar gaze.
"Put down the scissors. You are safe, Lelouch."
No. He wasn't. He wasn't at all.
Slowly, Lelouch turned around to face the man. His breath shuddered as he met his father's eyes—both eyes glowed a demonic red. What did that even mean? Was that why the Emperor was always faster, foiling Lelouch's attempts each time?
"Do you wish to have breakfast?" the Emperor asked.
Lelouch shook his head stiffly but obediently followed him out of the room.
"I think we have enough data for the time being," the Emperor said. "We will have to test your limits at a later date. Geass grows stronger with use."
"What is it?" Lelouch asked. "This power."
"Did C.C. not explain?"
Lelouch stiffened.
"I do not fault you for letting her escape. She made a contract with you, did she not? She will return on her own."
"So you made a contract with her?"
The Emperor chuckled. "No. She is not the only immortal."
Immortal? The woman was immortal? If that implied regeneration, then the limbs—
"I doubt she is pleased with our family," Lelouch said, fighting the bile back down.
"She will return regardless for the sake of her wish and stay for the pizza. You, on the other hand..." The Emperor observed him with a frown. "There is much that you do not know yet for your own safety. Numerous agents within the OSI possess a geass, and they once plotted Marianne's death. I am certain that sentiment continues. Trust no one with the secret of your geass. Until you can wield it without hesitation, you are not ready for this enemy."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Lelouch said, a fragile hope flickering to life. He would not stay?
The Emperor pushed open the door to the small dining room where a traditional breakfast awaited them. His hand dropped onto Lelouch's shoulder. "I am proud of you, my son. You will be someone far greater than me."
Would the Emperor ensure his vision of greatness would succeed through his geass?
"Hopefully, your next assignment will result in far fewer personal acquaintances with bullets. I fear my heart and your mother's cannot take such excitement in the long run."
"Where?" Lelouch asked, focusing on his shoes. The tips were stained red.
"The Viceroy of Area Eleven. You are far more deserving of the role."
Lelouch froze, rapidly shaking his head. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have tried geassing you. Please don't—"
The Emperor raised his hand. "This is not a punishment Lelouch."
"Yes, it is! I killed Clovis!" Lelouch screamed.
"On my orders."
"Which no one will care about! They will only see the power hungry brother robbing his grave before the body even cooled. I can't—" Lelouch inhaled shakily and forced himself to bow his head. "I apologize. Please, let me make amends for forgetting myself."
"Cornelia will be the Viceroy then; she has been desiring a break to spend more time with her sister and reign her in. Unfortunately, that is not a long term solution." The Emperor hummed. "Nunnally will be sub-viceroy."
Closing his eyes, Lelouch buried his protests. He had no room to complain.
"You will be taking Cornelia's role then in commanding the foreign offensive."
A protest died on his lips. He lowered his head. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
The son the Emperor wanted wouldn't protest this; he would hunger for it. Lelouch despised it, yet anything was preferable to returning to Area Eleven and returning to the halls where Clovis's head bounced against the floor.
"Trying to command me—" The Emperor huffed. "An audacious idea but a commendable attempt. What did you plan on ordering me to do? To keep Nunnally out of politics? That would have been unfair to her. She has only begun to blossom into her role."
"The truth," Lelouch said. "Only that you would be honest with me when I asked."
"I do not make a habit of lying, Lelouch."
"You geassed me that night."
"For your safety."
Crossing his arms, Lelouch glared at him skeptically.
The Emperor pulled out a small notepad and a pen. Frowning, he crossed out a word, then started on a new page before finally offering it to the guard. "If this means so much to you, I will permit you to use it."
The guard passed the note to Lelouch. If he accepted this deal, then the Emperor would once again hold all the cards. But Lelouch needed to know, so he could finally put this all behind him and bury the foolish boy who craved the affection of his father. Even now, that boy was foolishly clinging to life, begging for validation.
Lelouch activated his geass.
His father met his gaze calmly.
"You will answer me truthfully when we are in private which will be signaled by crossing your fingers, but should you cross your fingers when we're not alone, you will still speak truthfully, except when you honestly believe the answer would pose a threat to my life, in which case, you will inform me," Lelouch recited, "and furthermore, you will remember not only this command but any instance where you are under the influence of it."
The Emperor blinked as he broke out of the daze and his lips curved gently. Nodding to the guard, he dismissed them and crossed his fingers. "We are alone now, Lelouch. So what did you want to know?"
Lelouch braced himself. "Have you used your geass on Mother?"
"Yes," the Emperor answered; the smile slipped. "But I—"
"What of Nunnally?"
"Once. She snuck into the room when—"
"Do you love Mother?"
"Yes."
"Do you—" Lelouch swallowed. "Did you care for Clovis?"
"Yes. Gabrielle can be incredibly annoying if she thinks her son has been slighted." A wince passed over his face. "She is going to be insufferable about this. I may have to geass her."
So no. His father hadn't cared one bit except for his own interests which intersected.
"Did you ever love me?" Lelouch whispered, eyes fixed on the crossed fingers.
The Emperor grimaced, shaking his head as if chasing off an irritating fly. "I love you, Lelouch."
Somehow, that answer was even worse.
Geass Thoughts:
- C.C.'s says that geass grows more powerful, but we do not have any concrete evidence for this. She also says that his contact lenses would eventually not be enough to block his geass. This suggests Lelouch's geass never achieved its full potential.
- Lelouch's geass seems to function more on intent than the literal wording because we never see anyone misunderstand his orders, and Lelouch tends to give orders which are honestly vague.
- Charles's geass is honestly terrifying in its versatility.
Author's Note:
A somewhat shorter chapter than usual, but this was the right place to end it. :)
I've noticed people in the reviews mistaking something repeatedly, so I would like to clarify. Nunnally is very much actually blind. Way back in book 1, she hit her head which damaged her optic nerve. She was not geassed into being blind.
Also, Lelouch is at times susceptible to moments of extreme stupidity, in canon, they tend to happen when he's emotionally overwhelmed. *Points to Nunnally and Suzaku*
Thank you Dark, Jarod, Gabriel, and Nektry for your beta work.
Chat with me on the discord: discord . gg / uSBegVj
See everyone in two weeks!