Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Code Geass.
Zero
Suzaku was in the interrogation room with a few members of the Purist Faction and Jeremiah was sitting across from him. Jeremiah placed something on the table and it was a gun in a plastic bag that was labeled as the murder weapon.
"Do you know anything about this weapon Suzaku Kururugi?"Jeremiah asked.
Suzaku just looked at the weapon and didn't say anything.
Jeremiah narrowed his eyes, "It was the one used to kill Prince Clovis. The barrel striations confirm it. I also took the liberty of investigating your background. You're the son of Japan's last Prime Minister, Genbu Kururugi. From where I'm sitting, you indeed had motive to kill His Highness."
"You're making a mistake," Suzaku rebuked, "I've never seen that gun before and while it is true that my father was the last Prime Minister, that doesn't mean that I did or had anything to do with what happened!"
Suzaku's chair was kicked and it got knocked over causing Suzaku to fall on the floor.
"We also found your fingerprints on the murder weapon," Jeremiah continued, "you might as well confess because it's obvious you did commit the crime, not only that, you're also suspected in killing the members of the Royal Guard. Just admit it Kururugi. Do so and you'll be judged as an Honorary Britannian and not an Eleven."
"No, you're wrong," Suzaku said looking straight at Jeremiah, "I am telling you the truth! I haven't been even near a gun and my fingerprints couldn't be on that weapon. I was nowhere near His Highness and I certainly didn't kill the Royal Guards. I swear on my life, I didn't kill Prince Clovis!"
Jeremiah scoffed, "This is the problem with you Elevens, you don't know how to tell the truth."
"I didn't do it, I didn't kill anyone!"
Suzaku got kicked in the face and then he looked straight forward and had a sad expression wondering if somehow, someway he was would be proven innocent. He refused to admit something he didn't do no matter what happened and he had faith that he would be proven innocent in the end.
"There's one more thing I want to talk to you about Kururugi," Jeremiah said.
"Huh?" Suzaku spoke looking at Jeremiah.
Jeremiah gave a death glare to Suzaku.
"It's like I said, I checked on you. I learned that before the empire took over this land, for the time being, you had two young members of the Royal Family stay with you and your father."
Suzaku was shocked and immediately he knew that he was referring to Lelouch and Nunnally.
"Try to do one descent thing Kururugi and tell me what happened," Jeremiah approached Suzaku and kneeled to face him and then he grabbed Suzaku by the hair, "What happened to them? What did you do to them? What did you do to Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally vi Britannia? What happened to my young prince and princess?"
Suzaku didn't say anything and just looked away from Jeremiah's gaze and Jeremiah was not pleased as he clenched his teeth.
"I don't know," Suzaku said, "I haven't seen them in seven years since we separated."
"Damn you," Jeremiah said coldly and shoved Suzaku to the floor.
Ashford Academy
Lelouch was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and he was upset, he was upset with the fact that Suzaku was being accused for Clovis's death.
"I have to do something," Lelouch said to himself, "I won't let Suzaku go down for something I did," Lelouch sighed, "oh well, I'll just have to speed up my schedule of make my appearance to the world…it won't be a problem, I have the necessary means."
"Lelouch," Nunnally called.
Lelouch looked over and saw Nunnally and Rai.
"Nunnally, Rai," Lelouch said.
"About Suzaku," Nunnally said with worry.
Lelouch placed his hand on his sister's shoulder and smiled.
"Don't worry Nunnally," Lelouch assured, "I won't let Suzaku go down for it."
"Yes, I know you won't," Nunnally said, "it's just that Jeremiah…"
"Yes, I know," Lelouch said.
"Jeremiah Gottwald…he served a guard in the Aries Villa, right?" Rai said.
"Yes, Nunnally and I were very fond of him. Even though he comes from a noble family, he respected and admired our mother and jumped at the opportunity to serve her as one of her guards."
"He was so kind to me and Lelouch," Nunnally said, "we used to talk a lot with Jeremiah."
"I'll rescue Suzaku but," Lelouch frowned, "it's most likely that I'll destroy his reputation to do so considering that he's now the leader of the Purist Faction, but..." Lelouch clenched his fist, "I can't let an innocent man, our friend being executed."
"Will you ask Suzaku to join us?" Nunnally asked.
"Yes, I intend to do so, last time, he didn't really give us an answer but his body language said that it wasn't a good idea…but I'll try again."
Nunnally nodded, "Maybe with everything that is happening, Suzaku will see that it's not worth serving Britannia as it is now."
"Yes, hopefully…"
Naoto's Base
"So I was right," Naoto said on his cell phone.
Naoto was talking to Kallen and he was hearing his sister telling him everything that Lelouch had told him.
"So that's what he's proposing," Naoto said and then he nodded, "okay, I've decided, we're going to meet him."
"Really?" Kallen responded surprised on the other line, "You decided very quickly."
"Hmm, true but I think it will be fine. If what he told you is true then I believe it will be beneficial."
"I see…"
"I'll tell the others and will plan to meet him the day after tomorrow."
"Okay."
"By the way Kallen, have you seen the news regarding Clovis's death?"
"Yeah, I saw it with some of my classmates. Lelouch said that it was not true."
"He said that?"
"Yes, he admitted it to me that he was the one that killed Clovis and he said that he was not going to let that Kururugi guy take the fall for what he did. Lelouch also said if it was really true, Lelouch would not have let him get captured in the first place."
"I see…well it does make sense. Did he tell you if he was going to do anything about it?"
"He said he'll bring it up if we meet with him on that day."
"Okay, I'll let the others know, anything else on your side?"
"Um, not really…it's just…"
"Yes?"
"I became a member of the Student Council."
"Oh really?" Naoto then smiled, "That's good to hear."
"Y-Yeah, I guess…"
"Seems like you're doing well in your school right now."
"I wouldn't say that I'm doing well, it's actually been one annoyance after another to be honest…but I guess it's not so bad. Lelouch told me the benefits of being in the Student Council and one of them is that I'll be able to sneak out more often."
"Right…well, that's good."
"Oh I have to go Naoto…it looks like Milly is calling for me."
"Sure, no problem."
"Yes, bye Naoto."
"Bye Kallen."
Naoto hung up his cell phone and then walked over to where the members of his cell were watching TV and it was the news of Suzaku's arrest.
"That's why we should have issued a statement sooner," Shinichiro Tamaki complained, "we could have taken credit for it."
"I don't know what you're saying Tamaki but I suspect that it's not good," Naoto said.
The others looked at Naoto.
"Not good?" Tamaki replied upset, "You see what they're saying on TV, right? We should have taken credit for what happened to Clovis. We could have gotten credit for it and it could have boosted morale."
"I get the sense that it would not give us the results we would like."
"Oh c'mon," Tamaki replied being upset.
"So Naoto, what's the word from Kallen?" Yoshitaka Minami asked.
"Well, it's like this," Naoto said.
Naoto explained what Kallen told him regarding Lelouch's proposal and they were surprised to what they were hearing.
"And you're going to do it, just like that?" Toru Yoshida asked.
"That's right," Naoto said
"Are you sure about this?" Ohgi asked.
"I am, if it wasn't for him, we all most likely would have died and he did aid us taking on the Britannian forces."
"Uh…yeah, that's true," Kento Sugiyama said.
"When we followed his direction, we were able to strike a blow against them," Naomi Inoue said, "it has been a long time since we were able to do that."
"Yeah, that's true," Yoshida said.
Naoto nodded and then looked at Ohgi, "How about you Kaname?"
Ohgi thought about it and then he nodded, "I do agree with what you're saying Naoto and frankly, we could use all the help we can get but it's more than that. You have never said or done anything that wasn't beneficial for us and I take it that your intuition is telling you to go for it."
"Yeah, it is."
"Then I'll go along with it as well. I am curious to meet the guy that helped us…even if he going to cover his face."
"I'm sure you'll get to see what he looks like eventually."
"Well I don't buy it," Tamaki said, "I mean c'mon, are you sure we can trust him?"
"He did help us Tamaki," Yoshida pointed out.
"Well yeah, but still, how are we suppose to trust someone that plans to cover his face when we see him and Naoto, how come you and Kallen get to know who this guy is but can't tell us?"
"It's complicated Tamaki," Naoto replied.
"Complicated, huh?" Tamaki crossed his arms and then scoffed.
Two Days Later, Ashford Academy
The students were in the gymnasium for an assembly as a faculty member was giving a eulogy of Clovis. Kallen took glances at Lelouch and Lelouch just stood with a stone face expression. Rai stood and glanced at Lelouch and then he glanced at Kallen. He was thinking about the plan Lelouch came up with and thought about doing his part as well.
A.S.E.E.C. Knightmare Hanger
The A.S.E.E.C. members were working on the Lancelot and Lloyd and Cecile were overseeing the work being done.
"We lost our most essential devicer," Lloyd said not pleased.
"Can we make do without him?" Cecile asked.
"I wish, we can't get a replacement pilot for love or money and even if could, they wouldn't get the reading he gave. I mean didn't I tell you? He had an operation efficiency of 94%! There's no way we can replace that."
"Then we should tell them so that they'll release Suzaku, we know he didn't do it."
"Do you honestly think they'll listen to what we say? Besides, he's an Honorary Britannian and because of General Bartley's disgrace, the Purist Faction now has control of the military," Lloyd sighed, "according to them, the guilty party can't be from the Britannian military. But if he's an Eleven, they'll accept Margrave Jeremiah's demands and shut down the Honorary Britannian system."
"And what about Suzaku?" Cecile asked with worry.
"I doubt there will be any way they'll even consider him innocent. Honestly, I doubt they actually did a real thorough investigation. We are talking about the Purist Faction after all. We know what they're about."
Cecile looked at the Lancelot and felt horrible about what Suzaku was going and she thought of how unfair it was.
Ashford Academy
Students were leaving gymnasium after the assembly for the eulogy of Clovis. Lelouch and Rai were speaking to each other as they headed out as well.
"It will be ready to go by the time you make your appearance," Rai said.
"Excellent," Lelouch said, "well then, I better get ready."
"Do you know if they will show up?"
"Kallen came to see me yesterday and she assured me that she and her group will be there at the place and time."
"So they did accept."
"I think they want to feel me out which is fine."
"Hey Lelouch, Rai," Rivalz called as he caught up with them.
"Hi Rivalz," Lelouch greeted.
"Hey," Rai greeted.
"So now that we have no classes for the day, what do you want to do?" Rivalz asked, "You want to hit up on chess matches again against the nobles Lelouch? I know there are some that are itching for a rematch."
Shirley who was listening stopped and turned around.
"No, no more gambling," Shirley berated.
"Oh c'mon," Rivalz responded with a whining tone, "don't be so uptight Shirley."
"No, no more gambling," Shirley insisted and looked at Lelouch, "I'm serious."
"Man Shirley, what are you, our mother?" Rai asked a bit annoyed.
"Rai," Shirley said giving Rai a dirty look, "don't you start."
"No matter, I'm not going to gamble. I'm done with that," Lelouch said.
"Huh, really?" Rivalz replied as he and Shirley were surprised.
"Yeah, that's true," Rai said, "Lelouch has something else that has got him interested."
"Indeed I have," Lelouch said with a nod, "speaking of which, I have somewhere that I need to be."
"Oh yeah, me too."
"Huh, where are you going?" Shirley asked.
"I have something personal I need to take care of it," Lelouch said.
Kallen walked by and she looked at Lelouch and when Lelouch noticed, he smiled. Kallen flinched a bit and continued on her way.
Later on, Lelouch and Rai were by themselves and Lelouch handed Rai a piece of paper and it was a list of names.
"So they're the ones," Rai said.
"Yes," Lelouch said.
"Okay, I'll take care of it."
"Thanks, sorry to ask this of you."
Rai shook his head, "Don't worry about it, I'm doing this willingly. No need to trouble yourself on this."
"Right," Lelouch said with a nod, "Thank you Rai."
Old Tokyo Tower
Kallen was walking through the museum within the old Tokyo Tower and Naoto was walking with her. On the other side, Ohgi was with Yoshida, Sugiyama, Minami, Inoue, and Tamaki and they were standing around as well. They were listening to a recorded voice about the history of Britannia conquering Japan and Naoto was irritated when he heard the recorded voice of how Japan was not well civilized compared to Britannia and since the occupation that Britannia and Japan shook hands. Naoto was annoyed and he was disgusted.
"So what do you think this guy is like?" Yoshida asked, "The one we're going to meet."
"Good question," Minami said, "I'm curious about it myself."
"From what Naoto and Kallen said, they actually met him seven years ago," Ohgi said, "two weeks before Britannia invaded Japan."
"That is curious but it really doesn't mean much if he going to cover his face," Sugiyama said.
"That's why it's suspicious," Tamaki said, "I can't believe we're going to do this."
"If you're just going to complain Tamaki, you could have just stayed behind," Yoshida said.
"Hey, I'm here to see if he's the real deal and if he tries to trap us or something, I'll be there to deal with him."
"Don't do anything rash Tamaki," Ohgi said, "your action like that is reason why Naoto's plan with the canister got screwed up."
"Yeah, which also led to more grief," Inoue said.
Tamaki flinched and clenched his teeth remembering how angry Naoto was towards him.
"It wasn't supposed to happen," Tamaki said.
"But it did," Minami said, "so do us a favor Tamaki and just keep calm."
Tamaki crossed his arms upset, "Fine."
"Naoto Stadtfeld, your lost item has been delivered to the service desk," A voice said over the intercom, "I repeat, Naoto Stadtfeld, your lost item has been delivered to the service desk."
Naoto and his group were surprised as they listened to the person over the intercom. Naoto narrowed his eyes and went the service desk with Kallen following him. Naoto and Kallen got to the service desk and the female receptionist handed Naoto a black cell phone with a smile and Naoto claimed it thanking her. Naoto and Kallen looked at the cell phone and it was vibrating. They looked at the Caller ID and it read Zero.
"Zero?" Kallen asked quietly.
"Is that the name Lelouch is going by?" Naoto asked quietly.
Naoto and Kallen looked out at the view of part of the Tokyo Settlement and Ohgi, Tamaki, Sugiyama, Yoshida, Inoue, and Minami looked at the view as well
"Yes Hello?" Naoto answered the phone.
"Naoto, it's me," Lelouch responded.
"Hello Lelouch, where are you?"
"Elsewhere."
"But didn't you say to…?"
"Yes, I did and now I'm elsewhere. I'm actually outside the old Tokyo Tower. Get on the fifth Kanjo train line, the outbound line and do bring the others with you."
"Lelouch…"
"I assure you this is not a trick. I just want to remind you and your friends something."
Naoto sighed, "Okay."
They both hung up. Outside the old Tokyo Tower, Lelouch put his cell phone in his pocket.
"Okay, it's almost time," Lelouch said, "now then…"
Area 11 Government Bureau
In the office, Jeremiah was sitting in the desk with Villetta standing next to him on his left and another member of the Purist Faction, Kewell Soresi standing next to him on his right side. They were meeting with Diethard Reid.
"His Highness's memorial program was handled very well," Jeremiah said, "a bit too weepy for my taste…"
"The masses do enjoy a tearjerker," Diethard replied.
"Hmm, spoken like a true TV person, still I acknowledge your skills. You really did well in the short time you had," Jeremiah smirked, "so well that one would think that you were expecting Prince Clovis to die."
"I'm afraid it's quite common to have memorial programs prepared for…important people," Diethard respectfully explained with a slight bow and then stood straight.
"Does that include me?"
"After this, we may make one for you Margrave."
Jeremiah chuckled lightly, "That means I wasn't important enough until now, how very honest of you."
"I'm afraid so," Diethard said with a shrug.
"Would like to join the army? We do have a need for intelligence officers."
Diethard shook his head, "I'm afraid I'm not cut out for it, it's just not for me."
"So you prefer civilian work," Jeremiah shrugged, "oh well, no matter. I do have another favor to ask."
"Yes?"
"Tomorrow night, Suzaku Kururugi will be transferred to his court martial," Jeremiah said with a grin.
"Let's get a lot of patriotic Britannians to line the roadside," Diethard said, "is that it?"
Jeremiah then had a serious expression, "It's helpful that you catch on quickly," Jeremiah smiled, "be sure his face can be seen clearly in every angle."
"Lord Jeremiah, there are some among the Elevens that consider Private Kururugi as a hero," Villetta pointed out, "it wouldn't be farfetched that some groups will try to free him."
Jeremiah narrowed his eyes as he nodded, "That is true and which is why I'll be providing security personally in my Sutherland. Should any troublemakers show up, I'll execute them on the spot."
Fifth Kanjo Train
Naoto, Kallen, and their group members were riding in the train as instructed by Lelouch. Naoto kept looking at the black phone and narrowed his eyes. He looked around seeing that his sister and the other members in his group were sitting comfortably within the train.
"Lelouch, what are you trying to do?" Naoto asked in his head and then he answered the phone when it rang silently, "Hello?"
Kallen and the others noticed and wondered what was going to be going on next.
"Look at the right of the direction you're heading to," Lelouch said on the other line, "What do you see Naoto?"
Naoto looked at his right side, "The Britannian city, which was stolen from us and built on our sacrifice."
"Correct, now look to your left," Lelouch instructed, "now what do you see?"
"I see our city, the result of Britannia bleeding us dry."
"A fine answer Naoto," Lelouch replied, "okay, now head towards the next car forward."
Lelouch hung up and Naoto looked at the phone and then he walked forward and he signaled the others to follow him. Naoto was amazed that with him and his friends here, there hasn't been much of a word of them being in the train considering that they were Japanese riding in the train full of Britannians. He wondered why that was the case but decided to ignore it for now and keep moving forward. They arrived at the next car and were surprised to see that there was only a lone figure in the next car and he had his back turned. It was Lelouch wearing a different outfit with his mask. Lelouch turned around to face them.
"So it's you, isn't it?" Sugiyama asked.
"Hey, are you the guy?" Ohgi asked.
"I am," Lelouch answered.
"This better not be some sort of trap," Tamaki said.
"This is no trap so there is no need to be alarmed."
"Lelouch…" Naoto and Kallen said in their heads.
"Are you the one?" Ohgi asked, "Naoto and Kallen say they know you."
"That is true," Lelouch replied with a nod.
"Then do you really need to hide your face from the rest of us?" Sugiyama asked.
"For the moment, yes and for good reason besides, it's not as though every single one of you trust me."
Lelouch looked directly at Tamaki and Tamaki noticed.
"You looking at me?" Tamaki said, "Well guess what, you're right, I don't trust you. How can we trust a guy that hides his face even though Naoto and Kallen knows you," Tamaki looked at the Kozuki siblings, "I don't get why you're going along with this."
"He has good reason," Naoto said.
"Tch, and you won't tell us."
"We gave our word and we won't break it," Kallen said.
"This is crap."
"I'm in charge in this Tamaki," Naoto glared at Tamaki, "if you don't like the decisions I make, you can leave right now."
Tamaki and the others were surprised with what Naoto was saying to Tamaki and Lelouch was intrigued with how Naoto was handling things.
"I'm serious Shinichiro," Naoto continued glaring at Tamaki.
"All right, all right fine, I get it," Tamaki grumbled.
"Um, excuse me, who are you exactly?" Ohgi asked Lelouch.
"For now, you can refer to me as Zero," Lelouch answered.
"Zero huh," Naoto said, "so that's the alias you're going by."
"Yes Naoto," Lelouch replied with a nod.
"Zero, as in nothing?" Kallen asked.
"Sure but anyway to the matter at hand," Lelouch said, "what are your impressions of the little tour?"
This confused Naoto and the others.
"What are our impressions?" Sugiyama asked, "Are you being serious?"
"Dead serious," Lelouch answered, "I want you have a feel and have a true appreciation of things," Lelouch raises his arms to the sides, "of the settlement and the ghetto."
"We already well aware of the huge difference between us and them," Ohgi said, "that's why we resist them and fight doing everything we can against them.."
"To the point of getting rid every stinking Brit!" Tamaki added.
"You're wrong!" Lelouch berated.
"Wh-What?" Ohgi said surprised.
"Britannia will not fall to terrorism; it does nothing but simply annoy them while it makes them see it like annoying bug bites. In fact, it's nothing more than children nuisances."
Lelouch's statement shocked them and some of them felt insulted.
"Hey, what the hell?" Yoshida said angrily.
"What was that?" Tamaki asked heated, "You calling us a bunch of kids?"
"Don't mistake your enemy," Lelouch said, "it is not the people, but Britannia itself! What you need is fight a war without involving civilians," Lelouch looked at Naoto, "Naoto Kozuki, surely that is what you really desire, is it not?"
Naoto clenched his fists, "Yeah, of course it is."
"Then let us work together and take the path to bring Britannia down. By working together, we can show not only Japan but the world that Britannia is not as superior as they make themselves out to be!"
"You said to show the not just Japan but the world, right?" Kallen said.
"That's correct, I'm sure you all had in mind of liberating Japan from Britannia but I say why stop there."
"What are you getting at?" Naoto asked.
"Surely you know that Japan is not the only country being oppressed by Britannia's trampling. There are other countries occupied by Britannia, those who suffer the same fate as it is here."
"So what are you saying exactly?" Ohgi asked.
"Just freeing Japan will not actually defeat Britannia."
Naoto and his group were stunned and they began to think about it.
"I…I never thought of that," Naoto admitted.
"Y-Yeah, neither did I," Ohgi said.
"Britannia controls one third of the world and if the path that Britannia is heading continues, it will lead to nothing but decay to the world. I am determined to put to stop to it before that happens."
"You're serious about this?" Minami asked.
"Absolutely, this is the path I have chosen and that path continues starting with regard to Suzaku Kururugi."
"Kururugi?" Naoto replied, "I was wondering when you were going to bring him up."
"Yes, as you all must know by now, Suzaku Kururugi is accused of killing Clovis however that is not the truth."
This surprised the others as well and then Kallen realized it.
"It was you, wasn't it?" Kallen said, "You're the one that actually killed Clovis."
"Yes, it was me," Lelouch said, "it is also part of the reason why I intend to rescue Suzaku Kururugi, I will not in good conscious allow him to take the fall for something he did not do."
"But it's going to be heavily guarded," Naoto said, "I don't doubt that they would expect an attempt to rescue him."
"You are correct however," Lelouch grinned behind his mask, "even with all of that, I'll still be able to free him and if I do that, if I'm able to pull off a miracle, would you all be willing to work with me then?"
They looked at each other and discussed it a little bit and then Naoto looked at Zero.
"Okay, how do you plan to pull it off," Naoto asked.
"I'll just need the help of two people to commence the operation," Lelouch said.
This shocked the others.
"W-Wait, two people? Three people taking on the operation to rescue Kururugi?" Ohgi asked.
"That's right and I know you probably think that it's crazy—"
"Because it is crazy," Tamaki interrupted, "there's no way in hell you're pull it off."
"Actually I say I can and I will and if none of you want to help that's fine, I've already have people ready to assist me just in case."
The others looked at each other again and then looked at the masked individual and Naoto nodded.
"Okay, what's your plan?" Naoto asked.
The others with him were shocked with what Naoto asked and Lelouch smiled behind his mask.
Base of the Japan Liberation Front
Members of the Japan Liberation Front were discussing things in meeting regarding Suzaku and Lieutenant Colonel Kyoshiro Todoh was keeping quiet most of the time as he had his katana in front of him as he sat with his legs crossed.
"He killed the Britannian Prince," One of the members said, "Suzaku Kururugi should be treated like a hero!"
"But he's an Honorary Britannian," Another member pointed out.
"Isn't he also the son of the late Prime Minister Kururugi?"Another member asked.
"Tch, you mean the man that gave up Japan?" Another member said disgusted, "Do people even know that about him?"
"The Shinjuku incident was triggered by that group led by the young man Kozuki, right?" General Tatewaki Katase asked.
"That's right General," Lieutenant Colonel Josui Kusakabe answered.
Katase pondered a bit, "Has Kururugi's family said anything?"
"No sir, they've cut ties with him when he joined the Britannian military. They…want nothing to do with him."
"Hmm, no surprise there…" Katase said and then he and Kusakabe turned to Todoh, "What are your thoughts Todoh? After all, young Kururugi was one of your students."
"We have no reason to join him in a public execution," Todoh said, "that is what's going to happen if we charge in to make an attempt to rescue him."
Kusakabe didn't like the answer and Katase just looked at Todoh.
"Such cowardice," Kusakabe said, "are you not Todoh, the miracle worker?"
"You shouldn't confuse miracle with recklessness and foolishness," Todoh replied.
A Britannian Cellblock
Lloyd came by to visit Suzaku who was sitting in his cell.
"Congratulations Suzaku," Lloyd said with glee, "the two you asked about were not among the list of casualties."
Suzaku was relieved to hear that, "Thank goodness. I'm glad that they're safe."
"Yes," Lloyd said but he gleeful expression was gone, "but unfortunately things are not going well for you. You're getting a trial but it's nothing more but a farce…it's all smokes and mirrors really."
"But trials are where the truths are made to be known. They have to."
"I fear that there is more obscurity that is going on," Lloyd then shook his head, "the truth is rather scarce in this situation."
Suzaku sighed, "If that's how it is, if that's how the world works, then I have no regrets in leaving this world…as long that I know that I didn't kill His Highness, that's more than enough."
"Hmm, that's one way of being content of your fate."
The Streets of the Tokyo Settlement
The next day afterwards, it was evening and people were lined up as they waited as to see Suzaku being transferred and the whole things was going to shown live. Diethard was in a production van overseeing things and having everything go as exactly as Jeremiah had instructed him. Diethard was disgusted with not only in what he considered a circus that was going on but also with himself as he was cooperating with in the farce. It was a reminder that he really hated his job.
"I don't know what's worse," Diethard said in his head, "this idiotic farce or the fact that I'm participating in this," Diethard frowned, "once again, I'm just as corrupt…it's disgusting."
Things continued on as Sutherlands began to appear on the street surrounded the transport that was carrying Suzaku with two foot soldiers pointing their guns at him. Suzaku was wearing a collar that didn't allow to speak and he was hearing Britannians cursing and calling him terrible names and even some demanded they he give back Clovis.
A.S.E.E.C. Knightmare Hanger
"This is insane," Cecile said, "we know that Suzaku is innocent."
"And you know that the court deemed our testimony inadmissible," Lloyd said, "there's nothing we can do."
"Yes, but…"
Lloyd turned around, "Tell me Miss Cecile, is that altruism or humanitarianism?"
"You're playing word games at a time like this?" Cecile replied upset.
"Not much we can do," Lloyd said with a shrug, "we both know where this case is headed really and we couldn't reach our patron at the summit so the only thing we can do is cut our losses."
Ashford Academy
Milly, Shirley, Rivalz, Nina, Nunnally, and Alice were in the Student Council Room watching the live news of the Suzaku being transferred.
"Voices of scorn growing ever louder," The news anchor said, "voices bearing testament to the people's love for Prince Clovis, raining their judgment down on a terrorist."
Nunnally was worried and prayed for Lelouch's safety and success and prayed for Suzaku's safety.
"Lelouch, Suzaku," Nunnally said in her head, "please be safe."
Milly watched the news and clenched her fists on her arms and Alice looked at Milly and then glanced at Nunnally.
Streets of the Tokyo Settlement
Jeremiah was being seen in riding his Sutherland.
"Margrave Jeremiah, intern Viceroy of Area 11 will be presiding in this trial as acting counsel," The new anchor reported.
Naoto's Base
Minami, Yoshida, Sugiyama, Inoue, and Tamaki were watching the news.
"No way that they'll be able to pull this off on their own," Tamaki said.
"We'll just have to see," Minami said.
Streets of the Tokyo Settlement
In a vehicle elsewhere, Naoto and Ohgi were in sitting and waiting while watching what was happening from their monitor.
"He told us that he would make the impossible possible," Ohgi said.
"Yes, he did," Naoto said, "he guaranteed that he would save Suzaku Kururugi."
Elsewhere, Lelouch just put on his mask and he was ready.
"There is no turning back," Lelouch said, "the die is cast. The time has come for me to make my appearance."
Back with Jeremiah and his envoy, Jeremiah was being contacted.
"Acting counsel Jeremiah," A soldier said.
"What is it?" Jeremiah asked.
"A vehicle is approaching the main highway from Third Street. We just let it through as you instructed but…"
"Do you believe the target is a terrorist vehicle?"
"Well sir, it…um, it's Prince Clovis's car."
This surprised Jeremiah and he raised an eyebrow.
"The prince's car," Jeremiah smirked, "so we have a comedian. Don't worry about it, just let him through to us," Jeremiah turned to his envoy and signaled, "All forces, halt here!"
This surprised everyone seeing this and wondered what was going on.
Naoto's Base
"Hey they stop, they really did," Sugiyama said.
"Heh, just a coincidence," Tamaki said.
"Yeah, but he said that Jeremiah would stop and try to hog all the limelight and make some sort of stand," Yoshida said.
"Again, coincidence!" Tamaki insisted.
Streets of the Tokyo Settlement
"This is not a schedule stop," The new anchor reported, "Could there have been some sort of accident?"
"This is site five," Another reporter said, "There's a vehicle approaching them."
Jeremiah was seeing the vehicle and smirked, "There's the fool."
"It's…I don't believe this, it's Prince Clovis's car and it's heading straight to them."
Elsewhere, Ohgi and Naoto were surprised.
"So he's heading towards them," Naoto said.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Ohgi said with worry.
Kallen was driving the car that was identified as belonging to Clovis when it was actually a fake and Kallen was dressed as a chauffeur with a visor over her eyes.
"I hope they can't tell it's a fake," Kallen said in her head with worry.
Kallen stopped the vehicle just as Zero instructed.
"You dare desecrate His Highness's transport," Jeremiah said, "come out of there!"
Flames engulf the upper part of the transport and Zero was revealed.
Jeremiah was surprised so was everyone watching at the roadside and everyone watching through the televisions. Suzaku was also surprised and wondered what was going on.
"I am…Zero!" Lelouch declared.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The operation to free Suzaku commences and afterwards Lelouch as Zero asks Suzaku to join him.