Hello there!
Now, I would like to add, that I will put perhaps two more chapters, before returning to my cycle again! Also, this Friday, or Saturday. The chosen fanfic of my What if? Series will be announced. So, stay tuned all of you!
Until then, see you all later!
Also... in my humble opinion. Pizza Hut, has the best pizza. Next, would be, Papa Johns, Little Ceasar, and Dominos.
Chapter 2
Since the news report of Suzaku's upcoming trial arrived, it has filled Lelouch with many types of emotions and thoughts. One was guilty since it was her actions that lead to the current situation. Suzaku was now paying for her crimes, and that did not suit her well. The second one was rage at the clear motives of why Suzaku was chosen to carry the fault. The nobles of Britannia and some of the called Purebloods would love nothing more than to blame a Japanese citizen for such a murder. It would allow them to push the poor people down even more. And take practically more of their already few rights away.
What could she do about it? That was the question Lelouch was currently thinking.
"Sister, that was Suzaku they mentioned before on the news, wasn't it?" Nunnally whispered while Lelouch was putting her to bed. Lelouch cringed at the worried voice of her sister.
"Yes, he was. It looks like Suzaku's still alive."
Lelouch replied softly. It would be hard to express her own fears to Nunnally, but Lelouch knew her sister wasn't a fool. She could also see what was happening.
"They are using him, aren't they? To blame him for Brother Clovis' death."
"Yeah, you know how Britannia operates. They do love scapegoats to hide their own faults."
"I miss him. We've been apart since the war ended. But… he didn't do it. I know he didn't."
"No, he didn't. We know Suzaku, he wouldn't do such a thing. He is too stubborn to commit such a crime," Lelouch replied softly, as she put her sister to bed.
"He would never hurt someone, let alone kill a person," Lelouch said, to which Nunnally nodded.
"Yes, you're right," Nunnally whispered.
"Don't worry, I know things will get better. Try to not think about it, at least for tonight, alright?"
"Okay, sister."
"Good night, Nunnally," Lelouch kissed her sister's cheeks, and turned the lights off, wondering where would the night take her. There was a lot she had to prepare, and she was lucky that the old man who she helped to set the bets and money, owed a few favors. Perhaps he could do more. But right now, what she needed was a good costume. One, that would be easy for her to use, captivating and useful for her, since her current health wasn't the best.
There were also the many contacts Lelouch possessed now. Well, all the time. There were many people who were loyal to her mother, who were now hiding. As well, people who just have what she required. Lelouch would use her Geass on them. It was cheating to make people give her the money she requires. But it would be well worth it. Besides, the people she wanted to impress were high above the common folk. And she would need their support soon.
I should visit that old man again. He must have what I asked him to do. I will also make a few phone calls to those folks in Kyoto. Ah, I need a good name. Ugh, I've never been good with names. But, well, I have time to think about it.
Lelouch thought, while quietly she took her stuff and left in the middle of the night.
The day came, shining down on Kallen's face, as she stared at the once-popular Tokyo tower above her. Among all places, the red-haired girl wondered if it was the right place for such a meeting. Kallen only sighed, but then felt her phone ringing and saw a message popping up.
"Uh? Ah… it's Lelouch," Kallen whispered, while she read the message.
Lelouch: Kallen, I just wanted to apologize for what happened yesterday. It was not my intention to see you… uh; you know! Sorry! You can 't marry now! and it's all my fault! :C
Kallen giggled softly.
"She's such a dork sometimes," Kallen said with a gentle smile.
Kallen: Hey, don't worry is fine. It happens sometimes. Don't need to apologize for it.
Lelouch: You say that now, but I think it is only fair for me to… fix it! And I know exactly how! Please don't show this to anyone, it is only for you!
Kallen tilted her head, wondering what was that girl trying to say. But then, her mouth almost hit the floor as she stared at the photos that the girl with violet eyes just sent her. It was a set of lewd photos of that girl wearing very slutty lingerie and posing for her. Then, each photo was Lelouch posing differently, exposing more of herself, and gently removing her already small underwear. Lelouch, of course, was careful to not show her scar, but it seems as if her hips, legs, and nakedness were enough distractions. However, the last photo was just something that people would kill for. A picture of Lelouch, in front of a mirror, in a not such Christian pose, naked, using her fingers to hide her bits.
Lelouch: I can't wait for our date! 😊 and if you want to see more, well 😉 you only need to ask :3! See you later! Kisses~
Kallen shrieked on the floor, hiding her phone from anyone, as her face was as red as a tomato. Yet, she couldn't stop staring at the photos.
"What is she thinking?!" Kallen hissed, blushing. Kallen didn't know that far away that girl was staring at her reaction with a huge smirk on her face. Who is the dork now? Kallen cursed. Giving her number to Lelouch was a big mistake. That girl was too dangerous, and those photos were weaponized lewdness. Yet, Kallen while groaning in public, trying to hide her embarrassment. Saved those photos. For later.
"Really! Of all times, she does it now?!" Kallen muttered as she entered the Tokyo tower, trying to get her mind back to the task at hand. Thankfully, the sight of the old weapons from the old country of Japan, and the voice telling the history of how Japan lost but won a new age of cooperation with the almighty empire of Britannian, make her forget about Lelouch's body. Kallen stared at the pictures of the past and wondered if what tomorrow awaits her would be better. Or that she would even be there to see it.
"Tokyo tower, at 16:00 hours. Why here, of all places?"
Kallen wondered at the location of their upcoming meeting. Kallen, then saw, from the corner of her eyes, at Ohgi and other members of the resistance. They only nodded to each other, saying nothing but acknowledging their presence. They were all nervous and worried about it. They didn't know if it was a trap or something. That's why even Kallen gulped her anxiousness down.
Miss Kallen Stadtfeld of Ashford Academy, a lost item, has been turned in for you. Please come to the service counter on the observation deck floor.
The voice of a lady ran through the building, and Kallen only sighed and did as she was told. Kallen arrived at the place, and a lady there was awaiting her with a bright smile and closed eyes. The red-haired girl then saw a strange cell phone, or communicator. And frowned.
"Is this yours?" The lady asked politely.
"Uh, yeah… it is. Thank you," Kallen said.
Kallen then walked to the balcony where she could see the ancient ruins of Tokyo, and while a bittersweet feeling emerged from within her. The phone in her hands started to ring. There, she saw it. A name. Zero.
"Zero?"
Kallen muttered. She saw Ohgi and the rest nearby, and they nodded to her. She was sure that it was now or never. She would never have another opportunity to ask questions. So, Kallen better choose now.
"Yes? Hello?" Kallen spoke.
"Ride the outer tracks of loop line number five and also bring your friends."
"Wait, a second? Where are you?" Kallen asked quickly.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Once again, Kallen stared at the nothingness and irritation crossed her face, as she was again dismissed like nothing. But yet there wasn't much to do. And Ohgi and she knew that too. So, begrudgingly, they followed those orders and took the train to the place. Hopefully, their questions would be answered.
They took the train and noticed that only Japanese people were there, just traveling to the many edges of the city, where only they were allowed to live. The unspoken ghettos. Kallen saw their faces. They were tired, some were focusing on what would be the next day for them and others simply ignored the rest, too numb to care. Kallen hated to see such a scene, the face of numbness, of just living by the day with no hope of a better future. And while she was thinking about such a dreary view, the phone rang again.
"Hello?" Kallen answered.
"You seemed to have questions, bunny. But before, face forward and look to your right. Tell me, what do you see?" the strange voice asked, making Kallen wonder where was that person going.
"I see a city. A Britannian city, built with the blood, tears and sweat of Japanese people, they stole it from us, and left us to die," Kallen responded.
"Now look left."
"I see… our city. One left in the rubles of the past, as Britannia squeezes us dry. That place is the shadow no one wants to look at. The lingering question, whose answer we all know but ignored. We're being killed and forgotten."
"Good answer… then come all the way forward and see what you are waiting for. The answer."
Kallen looked at Ohgi and the rest, and slowly walked to her destination. The place where she hoped would unveil who was the person she had been hearing on, and dreaming about all this time. Slowly, the lights got blurred. And while people were there, making it hard for them to move. They suddenly left, one by one. Kallen and the group reached the last wagon, where the lights were turned off. Then Kallen and the rest saw two haunting eyes staring at them. Golden eyes. Kallen couldn't see the face or anything. It was pitch black. And the tunnel the train was going through did not help.
"Is this a trap?" One of them asked.
"Not at all. This isn't a trap," the person said with a low, sultry tone in her voice. It sounded strange now. Distorted, yet clear.
"Tell us now, then! Was it you in Shinjuku? Was the cease-fire order your doing, too?" Kallen exclaimed as she stared at those golden eyes.
There was silence, and Kallen and the rest saw those eyes closed, and when they did. The light suddenly came, and before them was a person standing. Well, they believed it was a person, but it was hard to say. The voice came from a person wearing a strange suit, made out of strange mechanical stuff. The exoskeleton made it look as if they were dealing with a robot more than an actual person. It was of a dark color and deep red pieces of armor, and there were tubes around it. But it actually fit tightly in that body. It was clear she was a female.
Kallen wasn't sure if she was that tall, of it the strange metallic heels made it look like it.
There was a long red-cape of a midnight color. The light didn't reflect on it, but the inside of the cape was of a red wine color. The long cape was open from one side, so they saw the woman's arm covered in the same mechanical engineering. But they could still see how underneath it, a tight neoprene rubber outfit tied it all together under the body of that strange woman.
Yet, what brought their attention to them was that strange helmet. The mask was the face of that person. There was a dark crystal with strange red lines, acting as eyes, or so they thought. And even though they couldn't see her face, or any skin, for that matter. They could feel those golden eyes staring at them under the helmet. There was a sound of slow breathing and mechanical sounding. Kallen didn't know. She was staring at a person she knew too well.
Lelouch smirked at the reaction of her new costume. Her new armor, of sorts. Well, it wasn't truly an armor. Not yet. It was a prototype of what could be one. Everything in her current costume served a purpose, not only to hide her identity but to help with her current health problems. The helmet had special tubes filled with the liquid that her inhaler normally has. It would allow her to keep breathing without problem, and in her chest, under a special plate, there was an injection ready to be administered if her heart was at the edge of collapse.
Again, she could use [Rejuvenation] to ease any pain and discomfort. Yet, Lelouch wanted to cover any possibility of something bad happening. What if she was fighting and suddenly, she suffers a heart attack, or if her lungs and veins became too inflated for her normal inhaler? She couldn't just stop and cast her spell. There wouldn't be time for that. Besides, she wasn't sure what limits her normal Yggdrasil powers have on her current needed to have a Plan B of sorts, a backup plan.
Things you could do with money, time, and imagination. Yet, I must be thankful for this outfit. They followed my design correctly. And they added some stuff as well. That woman from Kyoto is a truly creative genius.
Lelouch thought as she stared at the group. "Did you like the tour?" She asked in a teasing voice. Her voice felt metallic, as the echo of her helmet did a good job turning her vocal sound.
"Hey, it couldn't have been this joker!" One of them asked.
"I'm not a joker, P-6," Lelouch replied, surprising that man. "I wanted all of you to genuinely appreciate them of both the settlement and the ghetto."
Lelouch said as she pointed at both sides, spreading her arms, so they could see the interior of her cloak. They saw the robotic interior once again, and how both arms seemed made of strange red armor. They were starting to believe; the woman was actually a robot or something. Yet, they were mesmerized by her.
I look so cool!
Lelouch smirked underneath the helmet.
"Yes, we know there's a difference between us and the Britannians! A desperate difference! And that's why we fight as the resistance! We don't care if they call us rebels or terrorist!" Ohgi said, earning nods from his group.
Lelouch tilted her head and sighed internally. They are only a small group killing innocent people with their attacks. They'll accomplish nothing like that.
"You're wrong… for them, you're just terrorist, criminals hitting minor points and killing civilians who wanted nothing to do with you or Britannia. You'll never accomplish anything doing that, only death. If you kept going that way, none of you would ever defeat Britannia. The only thing you will accomplish is a cause belli for them. It is very easy to make you as the enemy."
Ohgi and the rest stared in silence. There was nothing they could say to deflect the hard truth of the last year. But the notion of winning a war against Britannia never came to their minds.
"Terrorism is the resort of the coward and savage."
"What was that?!" One of them said, feeling insulted by those words. "Are you calling us savages?!"
"Don't mistake your enemy. It isn't the Britannian people, but Britannia itself! Aiming a gun at the innocent won't make you any better from the ones oppressing you, child."
Lelouch's voice sounded more and more sinister, as the sudden noise of an inhaler made echo through the wagon. Kallen and the rest felt intimidated by the sudden change of voice, and how suddenly it all was. They felt small. Yet Kallen couldn't let it go. And it was a good thing, since she wouldn't be as fun to tease if she was a quiet, submissive girl.
"Don't be absurd! It's easy to say whatever you want when you are hiding your face! So, don't call us cowards! When you don't even show yourself!" Kallen yelled.
"Yeah! That's right! How could we trust someone who doesn't even show her face?!" Ohgi added.
"That's right!"
"Yeah, will you show us your face or not?!"
They yelled, and then, they saw how the mechanical woman raised her hand in the air, and suddenly the train stopped abruptly. The wagon felt as if something was crushing it. The surrounding windows started to break under the mysterious pressure coming from that person. They fell to their knees, afraid. And as suddenly as it came, it went away. It mystified Kallen and the rest. I felt as if something was overwhelming me! Kallen thought in dismay.
"I'll show you so much more."
They heard the steps, that woman, person, the thing was walking towards them, slowly and patiently. Kallen was the brave one who dare to stare up. And saw how small she truly was next to that person. It wasn't the height; it was something else.
"I will show you... my power. The ability to make the impossible… possible. You'll trust me a little, won't you? Just like last time?"
Lelouch said and smiled at their reaction to her. There are times when you don't need a special power to make people follow you. You just need charisma.
The day came and with it the expected trial of Suzaku, or the great farce that it was truely. The many cameras were already recording the passing trough of the prisoner, like a sort of flamboyant Peacock. As if they had done a great job of capturing him and showing the prize of their justice. It was revolting to see. And for Lelouch, who was watching it, a sense of fury emerged.
I'll save you Suzaku. Don't worry.
She thought while preparing for what would it be a grand spectacle. Lelouch has prepared something special. A rather simple plan, but one she was sure it would work. And if it didn't well, there was always Plan B. And if she was honest about it. Lelouch hoped she didn't need to use it. Or else she would be in a lot of pain.
"Are you ready, bunny?" She asked, the girl below her driving and clearly anxious.
"I… I am!"
"Then drive ahead."
The car of Prince Clovis moved ahead, and it only took a few minutes before it reached the convoy where Suzaku was being transported. The knights allowed them to pass, and Lelouch smiled at them. They were as arrogant as any noble. And that night in special, Jeremiah wanted to be the main character of the spectacle. Lelouch could almost listen to everyone's worries and questions about what she was doing. But a good magician would never reveal her secrets.
"Get out, you who dare to spoil his highness's transport!" Jeremiah yelled and Lelouch couldn't help but thank providence for the opportunity to get close to that person. It was such a lucky day for her.
Jeremiah, I remember you now. It may be years since the last time I saw you. But now, you're here. One of my mother's guards. I know where your loyalties lie. That's why I will not kill you. You're more useful to me alive.
Then, like Lelouch just planned. The curtain before her burned, revealing herself before the world while standing on the roof of her dear brother's car. And if she could say so herself, the gasp and reactions of people while looking at her confused and scared, was something she was enjoying a great deal.
"Hello there… I am Zero!"
Mm, it was between Zero or Honyopenyoko. And I doubt the latter was any good. Besides, that name means something to me. Because before I woke up. I was nothing, but now… I am everything.
The many cameras were pointing at her, and Lelouch would make sure to put them to good use.
"Mmph! Had enough of your little show, Zero? Well, it ends now!" Jeremiah yelled, while shooting at the air where more Knightmare Frames landed, surrounding the battered car. Kallen shrieked quietly, trembling in fear. Yet, Lelouch remained calm.
"Now, first you can remove that mask?" Jeremiah said in a fake, polite tone.
"That would not be possible, I am afraid. Yet, I could remove this behind me."
Lelouch then snap her fingers, and behind her, camouflaged by a large empty box, a large sphere appeared. Suzaku gasped, remembering what it was.
"What's that?!" Jeremiah exclaimed.
"Lord Jeremiah, that's the poison bomb!" Villetta Nu, appeared from a Knightmare Frame worried about what could happen. Lelouch smiled and secretly thanked one of the guards for keeping an eye on Suzaku, since he was about to say that there was no poison inside of it. Yet, none knew about it. It was the perfect way to make them understand that she had the upper hand.
Jeremiah pointed his weapon at Lelouch, anxious about how that strange mechanical person just took the people around them as hostages without them knowing.
"You'll shot me, Jeremiah? I think you know what'll happen if you try. It would not end good for either of us… or the people below."
Jeremiah groaned, knowing his hands were tied. "Tch, very well… your demands?" He asked, hissing.
"An exchange. This for Suzaku Kururugi."
"Absurd! This man is charged with the murder of Prince Clovis! I will never hand him over!" Jeremiah yelled, making Lelouch annoyed.
"No, you're mistaken, Jeremiah. He did not kill Prince Clovis." Lelouch slowly said, while suddenly she saw a man practically jumping in the middle of the street with a camera.
Uh? Where did that guy come from? Oh! Does he have a camera? A news reporter? Well, let's make this more dramatic.
"The person who killed Clovis… was me!" Lelouch said, staring directly at the camera that man was carrying. Mm, he looked rather excited by that revelation. That guy is weird.
"For a single Eleven, you'll save the lives of many precious Britannians. Don't you think is an excellent deal for you?"
"That thing is mad, I tell you!" Jeremiah exclaimed. "He is playing us!"
He? Rude.
"Are you sure about that? You want the public to know about… Orange?" Lelouch said, making everyone incredibly confused. Lelouch then hit the roof of the car, signaling the very scary red-haired girl to drive the car forward.
Orange, eh? A word no one would understand, not even Jeremiah. It has no real meaning but to make them believe that he has something to hide. Maybe they'll believed he is cooperating with the terrorist. Well, it will surely throw them off.
"If I die, it'll all go public, and if you don't want that to happen…"
I bluffing my cards now. Let's see if he falls to the bait. Lelouch thought.
"What are you talking about? What are you saying?" Jeremiah asked, completed confused.
And he fell. She smirked, then as she was close enough to him. A part of her helmet open, allowing her geass to shine. Now, let's see how useful you are.
Kallen was trembling. She was at the edge of a nervous breakdown, while the many Knightmares Frames pointed their weapon at her. She was regretting ever accepting this plan; it was too much for her. She was about to die. Kallen was just so nervous that didn't notice what was going on.
"Hmph! Understood!"
Kallen gasped, confused at the sudden change of tension. She looked up and saw both Zero and that knight ending their conversation. Or what she thought was a conversation. Wait? What happened? Kallen thought, perplexed.
"Give them the prisoner!" Jeremiah ordered.
"Lord Jeremiah, what did you just say?!" Villetta exclaimed.
"Let them have him! Nobody will interfere!" Jeremiah said once again.
"What are you thinking, making a deal like this?!"
"Lord Kewell! This is an order!"
Lelouch only stared, amused by the chaos emerging from within the ranks of her enemy. Or soon to be an ally. Lelouch and Kallen slowly got off the fake car and walked to Suzaku, who only stared at them, confused and bitter.
"Who the hell…?" Suzaku said, or tried to, since his collar only allowed a few words before electrocuting him.
"They wouldn't obviously allow you to speak, even in the trial. It was doomed from the start," Lelouch muttered.
"Zero, it's time."
Kallen said, making Lelouch smirk as she noticed how Kallen's hands were still trembling. My, my, even when she is afraid, she still puts on a strong face.
"Don't worry, we'll talk later."
Lelouch then pull a trigger and pressed the button. And soon, the sphere blew up, emanating a strange purple vapor. A simple stinky chemical reaction, nothing more. Lelouch felt quite happy with the reaction. The civilians ran away in panic, while Jeremiah stopped everyone who dared to disobey his orders. And like a sort of superhero, they jumped from the bridge. Please don't fail me now, Ohgi. Or the landing will be painful! Lelouch groaned. And thankfully, that man with the funny hair had a good eyeshot.
They landed on a soft mantle that only broke when they fell on the wagon train. Lelouch smiled, as soon enough the trained moved quickly. Leaving behind a mess of a scene, and a knight who kept on stopping anyone who dared to stop them.
A simple plan, with no problem. And I didn't even need to use any ability!
Lelouch smiled happily while the train took her away from the chaos. However, she would have to deal with another problem. And it was the stubborn person who Suzaku Kururugi was.
There Lelouch was in an old theater, looking down at her old friend. Her only old friend. One of few people who she trusted it. And he was looking at her, but his face only shared a feeling of coldness.
"Now you know what they're really like, Pvt. Kururugi. They would have thrown you at the wolf and blame you for something you didn't do. Britannia is rotten."
Suzaku said nothing since he knew it was the truth. Yet, he couldn't even think about what rotten truly was.
"If you want to change to world… you should join me. Good people are hard to find, especially those who have seen the worst of humanity."
"Did you… is it true that you killed prince Clovis?" Suzaku only asked.
"Yes, I did. This is war, Pvt. Kururugi. You've seen it firsthand. Don't you? The killing of innocent people left and right. The shouting of children as they see their parents put against the wall and executed. All of that happening before you, during Clovis' actions at Shinjuku. And besides, it's natural to kill an enemy commander."
"And the poison gas? And taking those civilians hostage?" Suzaku asked again angrily. And Lelouch frowned at the tone of voice.
"Just a bluff I used for the exchange. It was only a stinky vapor. You could obtain packages of it in any toy store. As a result, it hurt no one, I promise."
"As a result? Right… that's all that matters to you."
"Results matter if you want to change the world. Otherwise, you'll fail."
Suzaku huffed at such a reply. Yet, he couldn't say much about it. "Results matters, eh?" He muttered.
"Pvt. Kururugi, Britannia is a nation of corrupt official, and warmonger nobles. And you know it. You have seen what they are capable of, and how they'll stop at nothing to achieve what they want."
"Maybe that's true, however…! I can change it into a worthy nation!"
"A worthy nation…?" Lelouch whispered, still feeling something off. Suzaku wasn't supposed to say that. Suzaku was supposed to be thankful that she saved him. Why isn't he grateful?! Why is he going against her?! Britannia…! The emperor! Is he truly choosing their side?! Lelouch gritted her teeth. And felt a rage emerging from within her.
"Because I think the ends are just as worthless if the means to them are wrong. I will not allow innocent people to pay for my mistakes. There is always a better way than war. We just need to find it."
Lelouch glared at Suzaku, who was leaving her. "And where are you going?" She hissed as she started to breathe hard. She was fuming with rage, and slowly, Lelouch was crushing rock with her bare hands.
"My court-martial begins in an hour. I must be there."
"Are… are you an idiot?! That trial is set up just to find you guilty!"
"Perhaps, but if I don't go, they'll begin oppressing Elevens and honorary Britannians."
"You'll die, you stupid buffoon!" Lelouch was about to use her Geass on her stubborn friend.
Then Suzaku laughed gently. "An old friend of my used to call like that… she also told me once… that saving a person who is in trouble is always the right thing to do."
Lelouch froze as she remembered those words.
"Perhaps I am a fool, but… I like to believe she would approve this. I want to create a world in which she can be safe. Where people who can't stand for themselves could look up and find strength in those who are called strong. That's my goal. A foolish endeavor maybe, but one I am willing to fight for."
Suzaku turned around and faced her. "If I'm going to die, I want to do it for the sake of everyone. Still, thank you for saving me."
"Pvt Kururugi… you're unbearable naïve."
"I guess I am… but… I could say the same about you. Thinking war can make the world a better place is immature. History has told us as much."
Lelouch only glared at him. "You have made your choice… I can't force you to follow me."
"I know… that's why, even though we'll be enemies. I want to show you that there are other ways besides war. That believing and finding peaceful ways are not for the weak or naïve. But for the ones who have seen the horrors of war and wished no one experienced the same thing."
Lelouch only stared at Suzaku while he walked away. She could just kill him or capture him. And many other things, yet she couldn't do so. Lelouch only stared.
"You're a fool, Suzaku… and I am afraid of what I will do the next time I see you."
Lelouch whispered while the stars gleamed upon her.
The night was longer than Lelouch would like to admit; it felt as if was just too much for her. Lelouch was exhausted by what just transpired not too long ago. Planning and executing plans truly takes a lot of energy from someone. And not only that, she was still thinking about Suzaku's words. The words she was the one responsible for saying.
Suzaku, you're a fool. If you think, you can change Britannia with good intentions. But I guess is partially my fault for filling his head with those principles of justice and sacrifice. I was a fool years ago. A child that didn't know better.
Lelouch sighed, thinking that a warmth long bath would help her relax.
"Uh, I forgot about telling Nunnally a bed time history. I hope she is not angry at me," Lelouch muttered.
"Nunnally, I home. Are you still awake?" Lelouch asked softly as she entered their small living room. But what she saw there took her by surprise.
"Welcome back, Lelouch," a woman with green hair said, freezing Lelouch where she stands.
"Welcome back, sister!" Nunnally said happily while doing some Origami again.
"From your appearance, can I assume you ate out tonight?" that girl with green hair asked, while doing a paper figure of her own.
"You worried me, sister. I was already wondering if you were caught up in the uproar that person Zero caused. I tried to call you, but you didn't answer."
Lelouch was still shocked to see that green-haired girl that she forgot to speak, but then she coughed loud and raspy.
"Sister, are you alright?" Nunnally asked with a troubled voice.
"Um, yeah… just… don't worry. I will take my medicine, that's all," Lelouch said.
"You should not forget your medicine, sister! You know that!"
"I'm sorry, Nunnally, I was just busy all day. Although, I am surprised, you are here."
Lelouch's eyes then stared at the girl, who only stared back. Lelouch's eyes started to turn gold, and a part of her hair was becoming white. The girl narrowed her eyes at the reaction of Lelouch but said nothing, yet.
"Mm, alright… I trust you. But besides that, you have such an odd friend here. Miss C.C. came not too long ago looking for you. She is very unique person with that name! Is a friend of yours?" Nunnally asked.
"Uh… something like that."
Lelouch only replied, making Nunnally confuse.
"Could it be? Sister… are you cheating on Kallen with her? Miss C.C. are you my sister lover?" Nunnally asked with a rather funny, disappointed voice.
"Kallen?" C.C. asked, confused. "I don't know who that is, but our relationship involves a promise she made for me."
"So is true then… you're cheating on Kallen. Sister, I am so disappointed in you! You are just starting to date Kallen and now you're doing this to her?!" Nunnally said with a huff.
Lelouch sighed deeply as she felt a headache coming to her. The night was just dragging more and more. "Nunnally, I am not cheating on Kallen… besides, I am not dating Kallen… yet. C.C. and I… are just… eh, friends with benefits?" Lelouch muttered.
"Ah, what is a friend with benefits?"
"Mm, you know, never mind that! Nunnally is not what you think it is, alright? Please trust me."
"If you say so… but I'll keep an eye on you!" Nunnally said in a stern voice. Lelouch was tired. But she just giggled a bit at the irony of what Nunnally said.
"Nunnally, just allow me. C.C. and I have something very serious to discuss."
Lelouch did not wait to hear that girl's words; she dragged her to her room where she could really assess the situation. C.C. only stared at Lelouch, tilting her head and from what Lelouch could see, the whole thing amused her. This is a long night indeed.
"Who is this Kallen? Your girlfriend?" C.C. asked, intrigued.
"Mm, you seemed to survive that bullet in your head. You either capable of regenerating from any wound or you're immortal. Mm, I have seen it before… I think… from that Shota uncle of mine," Lelouch muttered, ignoring C.C. who look at her with a rather amused face.
"You've seen it before?" C.C. asked.
"Kind of… I think."
"So, what do you remember?" C.C. asked, softly.
Lelouch closed her eyes, and let her mind wander about the past of her life. There were a lot of black spots, and while she knew about certain important things. The bigger picture was still a mystery to her. "Not enough… I can recall something… not all. Yet, I wonder why are you here?" Lelouch asked.
"Don't you remember the promise?" C.C. asked while just falling on the bed.
"Mm… you wanted to die, correctly?" Lelouch replied.
"Mhm, yes… although, I would lie if I say I was not interested in you for a while. The true you… behind the chains."
Lelouch's hair turned completely white and her eyes turned golden. C.C. opened her eyes at the sudden change of aura the girl emanates. It was heavier and powerful. Yet, it was just a tiny part. And the fact, almost all of her was still locked deep down. C.C. only ponders how powerful that girl actually was.
"And what would that be?" Lelouch asked.
"You're an anomaly in this world. Something more than anything I have an encounter in the last 600 years. I'm mostly intrigued about what the future would bring… about what you'll do."
"I am here to entertain you?" Lelouch asked with a serious tone.
"Perhaps, or perhaps not… yet, I hope that whatever you choose to do. I'll be for the better… this world requires maybe a new set of rules. The current ones are quite rotten."
Lelouch tilted her head at those words.
"Do you like my power? The one I gave you?" C.C. asked, to which Lelouch only replied with a scoff, and on her hand, a blue fired appeared.
"[Arcane Fire I]" Lelouch whispered, and C.C. tilted her head at the strange blue flame. It was beautiful.
Lelouch then glared at C.C.
"Your geass is useful. I will not lie, but this is not your power, but mine… but is not enough. A shame, truly. If I had my entire inventory and entire strength. I could have walk to Britannia's doorstep and knock down the Sword of Akasha with just my finger nails… and if I had Nazarick with me… God would have run from me," Lelouch said, as she clenched her fist and the flame dissipated. She coughed again and got irritated.
"[Rejuvenation]" C.C. saw the strange dim light. It mesmerized the green-haired girl.
"Do you honestly think you could destroy it with that power?" C.C. asked.
"More than just destroyed it. Yet, that's neither here nor there. I am currently invalid as it is. I had to find a way to unlock my full power, and get rid of this annoying thing."
Lelouch said, while taking her clothes off, C.C. shrugged it off as she practically did the same. Only keeping a sort of white top and small shorts. Yet, the green-haired girl couldn't help but stare at the body of that girl. C.C. has been roaming the world for centuries, and she has seen many attractive people in her day. But there was something different in Lelouch, a natural allure that even she couldn't deny. The green-haired girl was practically checking Lelouch's body. And, after many centuries. C.C. had to admit, that she felt attracted to a person, if only on a physical level.
However, she saw the scar on Lelouch's chest. "That's the scar you were talking about?" C.C. pointed out.
"A nuisance more than anything. But yes, this is it… do you know what this symbol is?" Lelouch asked, looking for an honest answer. C.C. stood up and walked up towards Lelouch, who was still completely naked.
"That is indeed a strange symbol… I haven't seen it before."
C.C. touched it gently, and then quickly, like a small flashback. She saw multiple planets all glaring at her. C.C. removed her hand, startled by it.
"Mm, what happened?" Lelouch asked.
"Nothing… just that you're truly an interesting person… and rather lewd." C.C. said like nothing, as she jumped to the bed.
"What will you do now? The military must be after you," Lelouch asked.
"Only a small part of the military, don't worry about it. They are all focusing on Zero. A rather strange name if I am being honest."
"The alternative was worse."
"Hm, in any case. I'll make do with what I have here," C.C. said while taking all of her clothes too, and snuggling on Lelouch's bed. "Now, I am tired. I want to sleep."
"You can sleep on the couch," C.C. pointed at the couch across the room.
Lelouch laughed loudly and stared at the green-haired girl with amusement. "I will not sleep in a couch in my own room."
"I'm a guest. You should give your bed to me," C.C. said with an uninterested voice.
"I will not!"
"I hate stubbornness," C.C. said flatly.
"What a coincidence, me too."
"Eh… wait, what are you doing?" C.C. asked in a surprised voice.
"This is my bed, and I will sleep on it. Not God, new or old, would move me away from my bed. And stop hugging my body pillow."
"Who is this character?"
"No one you should concern with. Now, I hope you don't mind, but I sleep naked."
"You're a pervert person, you know that?"
"You're naked too. Now, shut up… I had a long day, and I want to rest."
C.C. only stared at the naked back of Lelouch, who seemed to be more persistent than her. Yet, C.C. just went along with it and put her head on the pillow. This girl… is rather fun to be around. Maybe at the end of it all. It wasn't a worthless pursuit. C.C. said before closing her eyes.
Villetta sighed with an incredibly exhausted tone. The whole incident with Zero has put area 11 in such turmoil that it has made it impossible for her to even have a break. Yet, there was also her need to search for an answer, for a person her mind was telling her to not forget. Still, the last incident made her feel as if something was happening around her, and there was nothing she could do but watch.
"Jeremiah's actions… they have brought the entire Pureblood faction to a hold. The Britannian official now distrusts us. I wonder what will happen now, that her highness, lady Cornelia, is here."
Villetta muttered, while searching for information about the Royal family. The net information seemed classify and there was nothing she could do to obtain, even a picture of the princess. Her low ranking made it impossible. She groaned, while furiously typing on the computer for any news or sight sof the princess while she was exiled in area 11.
"There has to be something… anything."
Villetta then found a picture of the princess and frowned. "Genbu Kururugi holds a party for princesses Lelouch vi Britannia, and Nunnally vi Britannia. Uh? Kururugi? Could it be?" That bit of information wasn't something she knew. But then, Villetta wondered how such information wasn't public knowledge. If that Eleven knew the princess back in the day. Then he must have known where she was right now. Or at least, what exactly happened during the invasion.
Villetta searched for more information about the said party, and while it seemed as if was just another smokescreen to hide the tension in the area at the time, Villetta saw a picture of both Suzaku and Lelouch, next to some other officials. Both children were looking at the camera with mixed emotions each. It seemed they just met. "Suzaku Kururugi, knew her… he must know more about her." Villetta whispered. As long as I have a low rank in the military, I will never be able to get more information, especially if it is restricted. I guess I will have to do it the old way.
"Mm, I think… I will have to ask some questions around. I wonder where that Eleven is, right now."
Lelouch sighed while the water was falling down on her. The words of Suzaku filled her mind with anger and displeasure. It was truly not her best reaction. Suzaku's feelings about what was right, and just were incredibly familiar to her. Touch-Me would have said something similar. It was one of the reasons; she liked Suzaku; he reminded her old friend. Yet, it also brought a sense of irritation.
"Fuck Suzaku, and fuck his stupid hair."
Lelouch muttered, as she proceeded to go on with the rest of the day. However, while she was showering, it seemed as if someone couldn't care less about what was happening. Or whose money she was using.
"Pizza at this hour?" Lelouch asked.
"It's really good," C.C. said, enjoying the cheese and pepperoni.
"Yeah, I know… that's why I have a premium membership in Pizza Hut. And you better don't lose my membership card! I have around 978 points, and I am very close to the Cheese-kun!"
C.C. nodded seriously. "I'll keep your card safe."
Lelouch huffed, while taking a slice of pizza from herself. She sat down before her private computer and started to read some of her emails. I'll need to send a report back to Kyoto about my outfit. There are some tweaks we need to change. Lelouch thought as she wrote a long email detailing everything. C.C. tilted her head, amazed by how fast the girl was typing.
"Are you going to be naked all the time?" C.C. asked, bemused by how Lelouch simply sat on her chair with no clothes.
"Like I say, being naked is very comfortable for me," Lelouch replied without even looking away from the monitor.
"Are you sure you aren't a deviant? I know there are some beaches that allowed nudity. You'll be very popular there."
"I know about those places. And no, I don't like showing my body to the public, just here, in the privacy of my room. And if you don't like it, you can just turn away," Lelouch said, still busy with her own work.
"Besides, you're as deviant as me. You were all over me, using my breast as your personal pillows or something."
"You're very comfortable. I like to snuggle, and your chest is the best pair of pillows I have ever felt in my life. I may even get addicted to it."
"You drooled all over me… and you have the gall to call me pervert," Lelouch scoffed.
"What, you never seen a hypocrite before?" C.C. teased.
Lelouch huffed. She would admit that the girl with green hair was rather entertaining to speak to. Yet, she was still wondering if her death was the only thing C.C. was looking for. Lelouch then looked at the news of Suzaku getting released from the charges, lay upon him. Mm, now that is interesting. It was way faster than I thought. What would be the reason for it? She wondered.
"Hey, Lelouch, in the end, what Orange meant?" C.C. asked, while eating her third slice of pizza.
"A bait, a random name to confuse them."
"The entire world now has eyes upon Zero. Because of you, they are now asking questions, moving, changing. This is what you wanted?" C.C. saw the many newspapers, magazines, photos. Zero was all over the place.
"No… at least not entirely. The worlds need more than just a few photos. They need to see something more. Chaos, for the sake of chaos, is useless. Destruction, death, hatred. They are all means to an end."
Lelouch started to change clothes while glaring at the blue sky outside the windows.
"You're speaking about human history. It has always been like this," C.C. replied.
"Indeed, but the curious thing about it. They are capable of long periods of peace and prosperity, especially after a big conflict. You could argue that Britannia takeover of Japan, was ruthless and that the Japanese people are oppressed and considered second-class citizen. Yet, there is peace. A fragile one, and filled with dread, but peace," C.C. stared at the woman with violet eyes, feeling as if there was more to it than just a history class to her speech.
"You want to change humanity? To eliminate misery of the world?" C.C. asked with penetrating eyes. But Lelouch only smiled at the notion of such a thing.
"Oh, please, no! Misery is part of life, just like hardship and cruelty. They are on the other side of the coin. Removing it would lead to stagnation, coldness, and indifference across the humans."
"You're saying that humanity needs those negative feelings in order to prosper?" C.C. asked, intrigued.
"Yes, otherwise, they would not be humans at all. Hardship leads to the need to improve someone's quality of life. Cruelty can breed compassion, and indifference, care. They are all part of one, and in my opinion, without them, life has no meaning. We all would end up as drones, statues of emptiness and emotionlessness, with no real reason to live. That type of feeling is not pleasant… the loneliness, the detachment of someone being. You then start wondering, what is the point of going on with your life."
C.C. muffled something under her breath. Lelouch could remember those feelings or loneliness clearly. They never left. And while she could remember how cruel and hateful her last previous life was. She could also remember how without those feelings, Lelouch would have never met the people who were her first proper family.
"Feeling nothing is worse than feeling something."
C.C. muttered. "You seemed like a person who knows what depression feels like," the green-haired girl whispered.
"All too well."
The sound of a large ship landing, and the incredible number of knights standing in line, could have made anyone shiver in fear. And especially, since standing there, the famous or infamous, depending on who was asking, princess Cornelia li Britannia stood proudly before her younger sister, who was looking ashamed to the floor. Cornelia took a deep breath as she scolded her sister about her recklessness. She has been always like this… trying to help people, no matter what. This is your fault, Lelouch… you were always doing the same. Cornelia thought, gloomily.
"What were you thinking? Running in the middle of a Knightmare Frame fight. You could have been hurt, or worse, killed. You understand it, Euphemia li Britannia?"
Euphemia trembled at the way her full name was used.
"Forgive me, sister. But I couldn't stand a watch…" Euphemia whispered.
"Call me viceroy here, sub-viceroy Euphemia."
Euphemia quivered at the stern sight of her older sister, but she could also notice the tired face of Cornelia. The older sister, was not a fan of acting in such a way with her sister. But, there were times, where, Euphemia needed a scolding. She could be really reckless, and irresponsible. Yet, Cornelia loved her to much, to actually be angry at her. That's why, she sighed again, when Cornelia saw, those quivering lips of Euphemia. She groaned internally.
"Look, the distinction is necessary between direct sisters like us. So, call me like that, only in public, okay?" Cornelia replied, whispering the last part, with a sigh. Cornelia knew if it was another sister of her. She would have never listened. And by that, she meant Lelouch. Her dear deceased sister was never someone who would say her siblings' official titles.
Why? Well, Cornelia knew, Lelouch loved bothering her siblings. And she would always get away with it since not many could say no to her. Or even be mad at her.
I could never get angry at Lelouch. Not even, when she pulled those silly pranks... heavens... I miss her dearly.
"Yes, I understand," Euphemia said with a small smile.
"Now, the reports?" Cornelia asked to one official there.
"Yes, highness. We've arranged a welcome party for your highness… and we are also preparing- "
Cornelia then scoffed, while pointing her weapon at that man. "Lazy, corrupt and senile. I don't care about a party. You idiot! I want Zero! Bring me Zero!"
It would not take long before Lelouch's life became more interesting. And it was not only because two of her sisters were finally in area Eleven. But because people were starting to move. And one of them, Suzaku, was going to meet her once again, in the less spectated places ever. Her school.
I would like to add that the costume of Lelouch is inspired in the following images. (The robotic costume, with that helmet!) (Remove the spaces, so you could check it out!)
www . artstation artwork / yG8m8 (Helmet!)
www . artstation artwork / 0X4V3E (Armor!)
All the credits goes to the origal designers!