I 'Can ( Not ) Help You.'

"I need to know why Lulu I can't go back anymore without knowing the truth. Mao told me things, and I need to hear the truth from you, so please tell me everything!" Shirley begged.

Lelouch took a deep breath and released himself, knowing that whatever he said, there was no going back. He told his tale about him being a prince, and his real name is Lelouch vi Brittania, heir to the Britannia Empire throne and the well-known exiled prince that the world thought died in Japan along with his sister.

How he was forced to survive during the Pacific War was through sheer luck and determination to keep Nunnally safe. They managed to survive, and meeting Ashford helped keep the siblings hidden and safe, especially from the royal family or those who didn't like royal blood tainted with commoner blood.

As such, he knew about Milly and owed Rueben Ashford a debt of gratitude.

Then one day Lelouch had a dream of a world free from British tyranny and had a reason to fight not just for his sister but for others so that they wouldn't grow up in such a cruel world.

"That's my story, Shirley.

Hearing this, Shirley could only do one thing as she hugged Lelouch, trying to ease his pain: "Lelouch, I'm so sorry." She finally understood why he was willing to fight Britannia for Nunnally's sake and others, as they would live in a peaceful world. And what happened to her father was an accident.

Lelouch was surprised by the hug but welcomed it; in truth, he looked at Shirley like a sibling—a mother hen, to be exact. He's not an idiot; he notices that Shirley has feelings for him. When your senses are sharp, you can tell between a love-struck teen and a stalker.

As of right now, he needs to get back to Ashford, where it is safe. '

Ashford Academy morning the next day.

In Lelouch and Nunnally's residence, C.C. stood and waved at Nunnally and Sayoko, who were surprised. The immortal came.

"I'm back," C.C. greeted

"This is a surprise," Nunnally commented.

"I'll fill you in on what has happened," Lelouch explained, explaining what happened to Shirley.

Lelouch told Nunnally and Sayoko what had happened earlier with Shirley, with Mao and C.C. intervening. Nunnally and Sayoko were upset at what had happened to Shirley and despised Mao for what he had done. C.C. had a sad expression when it came to Mao. Lelouch assured them that Shirley was fine for now and that she was in her dorm room getting some rest.

And he had to reveal a few things so that she could gain Shirley's trust and understand why he walked the path of carnage. Nunnally was upset that Shirley got involved, as they never wanted her to be involved in their war, and knowing her personality, she couldn't let it go.

XXX

Mao was in Area 11 Public Library, was staggering, and was having a hard time. Even though no one was talking, he was hearing multiple thoughts all over the place, and it was driving him crazy. As you can imagine, you hear voices in your head nonstop, like someone putting a jack hammer near your ear.

He couldn't take it and pulled something out of his pocket. It was a recorder and he played it, and it was C.C.'s kind voice as he played the praise and encouragement that C.C. had given to Mao. Listening to C.C.'s voice made him feel at peace and relaxed, and he felt calm as he was able to hear only C.C.'s voice.

"CC, I promise we'll be together very soon. Lelouch doesn't deserve you at all. "I'll take you back, and we'll be together again." How delusional he was!

XXX

Lelouch was meeting with Rai, and they were discussing their plan regarding Mao, knowing he wouldn't stop until he had C.C.

"Since this Mao guy has the ability to read minds, he could go after our weakness if we confront him recklessly," Rai said.

"Exactly. He'll definitely be gunning for me, though." Lelouch said.

"So how do we combat someone who can look into our thoughts?"

"He may seem to be so difficult to handle; however, I won't back down." Lelouch thought about Shirley and the verbal torment that Mao put her through.

"Still, how's our estimated guest?" Lelouch decided to ask.

Rai knew what Lelouch meant: "She's awake and confused; it's like a blank slate as she can't remember anything at all, even her past and name."

"I leave it to you, as I have a psycho need to subdue," Lelouch said, putting on his game face.

"Of course, call me if you need help."

Mao was in a gun shop wanting to purchase some weapons, and he was speaking with the gun shop owner.

"Sorry, but I can't sell you one without a permit, and besides, you're from the Chinese Federation, aren't you?" The shop owner said

"Yes, I am, but can you really not accommodate me?"

"No, I cannot."

"Even though you sold them to the Black Knights? I suppose if I were one of them, we wouldn't even be having this conversation."

The gun shop owner was shocked, and Mao grinned..

. Ashford Academy

Lelouch had a discussion with Milly about the fact that she was going to be engaged to an Earl through an arranged marriage, and this didn't surprise them both. Knowingly, Milly's parents wanted to regain the Ashford glory days and wealth. As much as he wanted to help Milly, he said it was her problem to solve.

As much as he didn't want to burden his childhood friend, he needed to ask her for a favor to look after Shirley after what had happened at Narita. Milly understood.

XXX

Back at Lelouch and Nunnally's residence, Lelouch entered his room, and C.C. was already preparing to leave.

"So, did you all decide on something regarding Mao?" C.C. asked.

Lelouch answered, "The first thing we need to do is find him first, and even then, we have to be cautious and can't be reckless."

"Of course, that is absolutely true, and that's because of his Geass," C.C. sighed. "Look, you should just use me. I'm Mao's real target after all. I'll keep him away from you and the others."

Lelouch just looked at C.C., as he didn't like the plan of using her as bait.

"You have enough to worry about. You don't need any more enemies dangerously closing in on you. I can deal with Mao and keep him away from you and the others. So you see, Lelouch, having me go to Mao and keep him at bay is the logical thing to do. I know you want revenge for what he did to your friend, but I must insist on not trying that. You know you can't really beat Mao, but I can, so let me handle it."

"One, I don't want revenge; it only turns me into something that I can't ever go back to, and two, tell me, C.C., why did you come back?" Lelouch was curious.

C.C. was taken back and was a bit confused by Lelouch's question.

"I already told you, Lelouch, I came back to help you with your problem with Mao. I came back to get Mao away from you so that he doesn't interfere with you and doesn't come after you or anyone else close to you again. I already told you all this yesterday."

"Those are just excuses?" Lelouch asked.

"Lelouch,"

"C.C., while I do appreciate you helping me and Shirley back in Narita yesterday, you didn't seem concerned about Mao roaming around before, nor did you care for my safety or well-being for that matter since our fallout, so tell me, why did you really come back and why did you really decide to help me?" Lelouch wanted to know

C.C. just looked at the floor, averting Lelouch's gaze. The reason was simple meeting Lelouch changed her was because the boy didn't want power and used his own strength and philosophy, which was admirable. She wanted to see how far the boy would go.

"I had assumed that you had made a contract with someone else or would have found a way to leave Area 11, so I'm shocked that you are now willing to help me get Mao out of my life, even though I want him to pay severely for what he did to Shirley, but all I see is a pitiful man wanting someone to love him.

"I have my reasons, but if you must know, I realized that there was no point trying to avoid him. Mao won't stop until he finds me, and he's willing to hurt and kill anyone who stands in his way, such as you, and use whatever means he considers a threat." C.C. said.

"Like using Shirley to get to me," Lelouch said angrily.

C.C. sighed sadly. "That's right, why would he want to have me in his life? I mean seriously, after all that has happened and after what I did?"

"C.C., what did you do?" Lelouch asked.

"I'm sure you already know Lelouch. I abandoned him. He is unable to turn off his Geass, and it has driven him insane. I left him knowing full well that he had grown attached to me and what might happen, but I didn't care. Finding someone else to fulfill the contract"

Lelouch just looked at the immortal and found either to pity her or be angry at her."Just tell me about this C.C."

"Yes?"

"Tell me, if I had Geass and constantly used my Geass, would I be like Mao?" Lelouch asked about the side effects. "Will I too get to the point where I'm unable to turn my Geass off? Will it drive me to the point of insanity or even Rai?"

C.C. answered, "The more you use your Geass, the more potent and effective it becomes; if you can't control it at that point, it will consume you."

"Just like with Mao," Lelouch felt relief and was not tempted by such an offer. "And you gave him Geass when he was, what, six years old?"

"Yes…"

"C.C., the way you described it is like a pawn. What were the terms of the contract?" Lelouch wanted to know.

"You're furious about me, aren't you? Well, you have every right to be. Even knowing how Mao was going to be, I still just got up and left him. With the choices I made, it resulted in your friend suffering."

"I've run from Mao because he couldn't fill my contract, and it's time for me to understand that no matter what, Mao won't stop until he gets what he wants, and that's me. So with that, Lelouch, I really want you to let me handle it. I'll keep Mao away from you and the others. I'll worry about what happens afterwards."

"You're serious about this," Lelouch said, knowing she was avoiding his answer about the contract.

"I am; it's gone on long enough." C.C. said as she prepared to leave.

"What are you going to do, C.C.?" Lelouch asked.

"I'll think of something, "as she is already near the door.

"Before you go," Lelouch said as he pulled out a small smartphone lending her, "just remember, C.C., you're not alone; we were in this together."

C.C. was surprised that he still cared as she looked at the phone and smiled at Lelouch. "Thanks; I'll happily accept this as your thanks. It looks like I'll be able to call pizza."

Rai was helping the amnesia woman adjust to living with him, knowing it was his responsibility. He gave her the name Sakura after the cherry blossom tree that he liked to watch. The woman was an enemy, but at the same time, he could show her and teach her the ways of the Demon Slayers to show tolerance and empathy.

If her memories do return, she will know the difference between right and wrong and what it means to fight for what is right.

"Demon Slayers are allies of justice?" Sakura asked.

"We are, but not just justice; we help those who can't help themselves and slay greed and corruption within society."

"Like Britannia?"

Rai nodded. "Britannia may be our enemy, but it's their ideologies that we want to slay; their concept of the strong devouring the weak is nothing more than propaganda so that everyone could support the Empire for their own greed."

"…"

"But if you want to learn more about us, you need to become one of us."

Sakura felt like there was a chance she could become a demon slayer and prove herself worth it. "I can do it. When do we start?"

Rai just smiled. "The first thing you need to learn is your breathing style".

XXX

Diethard was in a room with two people who were working on logistics for the Black Knights. As he received a call from Zero, he was interested, knowing it was the same person who fed him intelligence about Narita.

Diethard grinned, knowing it was a test to see how competent he was, and passed with flying colors, knowing the corps wanted his knowledge and skill.

Suzaku was putting on his Ashford black jacket, and Cecile informed him of something.

"A medical check-up?" Suzaku asked, as he didn't expect to be called, but then again, honorary Britannia like him were expendable soldiers.

"It's required for all Knightmare pilots," Cecile informed him.

"Oh, okay," Suzaku replied.

"Right, so you'll take one after school tomorrow," Cecile reminds Suzaku like a mother to a child.

"Sure," Suzaku was reluctant. "Oh, Miss Cecile, one more thing."

"Yes?" Cecile replied.

"Is there a way I can officially meet Princess Euphemia?" Suzaku asked.

"Princess Euphemia?" Cecile was surprised to hear that.

"Yes, the thing is that one of my classmates wants to meet her. She wants to thank Her Highness for what she did back in Lake Kawaguchi." More like an excuse—I just wanted to meet her.

"Oh, I see. I assume she was one of your classmates who was held hostage at that time."

"Yes," Suzaku nodded.

"You can forget it," Lloyd said as he was still doing work on the computer.

"Lloyd," Suzaku didn't expect such a rejection.

"You have to be at least a Knight of Honor to get an audience with her," Lloyd explained.

"That's true, but surely you would be able to help him, right? Lloyd?" Cecile smiled.

"Huh, me?" Lloyd replied.

"Yes, after all, you are an Earl," Cecile said.

"Well, I suppose..." Lloyd started to wonder if he wanted to too.

"Huh?" Suzaku responded, and then, after processing what he had just heard, he was surprised: "Wait a minute! Lloyd, you're actually an Earl."

Lloyd laughed and felt bashful. "Well, it's kind of embarrassing."

Cecile said with a smile, "He's a prodigal aristocrat; honestly, he can't differentiate between work and play."

"I see…" Suzaku was amazed, as he didn't expect the mad scientist to be an earl. He really shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

XXX

An alleyway within the Tokyo Settlement

It was now sunset, and C.C. was in an alley in disguise, fed up with the man that she was talking to. CC then kicked the refrain dealer and pushed his chest against the wall with her leg. As she was searching, Mao only knew that he did not know anything at all. The dealer only told C.C. that she should talk with the Demon Corps as they knew information in the underworld, but C.C. was losing her patience, knowing she was being told the same thing again.

So she knocks him out, as he has no use. "Idiot." C.C. said before leaving the alley.

XXX

Mao was walking through the theme park, Clovisland. He was hearing the thoughts of people in the theme park, and it was driving him crazy, so he immediately turned up the volume of his recorder, hearing only CC's voice. He was able to feel relaxed again and at peace again. He then looked around the theme park.

"They have this park in Clovisland still standing and open, even though the prince who built the park and had it named after it is considered a disgrace for this illegal project in which he was involved."

Mao was angry "the same illegal experiments that they were performing on C.C. Damn them all. When this is over and I have C.C. back with me, I'll hunt down those bastards and kill them myself."

Mao looked around and felt confident. "Now then, this place will be the setting for our long-awaited reunion. CC, it's time we got together again.

XXX

Suzaku and Cecile were in the medical facility in Tokyo Settlement as the boy required a checkup from the doctors. It doesn't matter if they are commoners or numbers, as they took an oath. Suzaku had just finished his medical exam and was sitting with the female doctor, and Cecile was with him. The doctor was telling Suzaku about his results.

"The test results came out fine," the doctor said, and she looked at her computer screen, "although you seem to pay attention to discipline and weigh the value of human life." She was evaluating his psychology.

"Um, is that going to be a problem?" Suzaku expressed concern, fearing it could jeopardize his piloting.

"These are positive traits for a soldier, but I wonder, do you think you're comparing yourself to your father?" The doctor clarified.

Suzaku and Cecile were taken aback by what the doctor asked.

"My father?"

The doctor deduced, "Yes, that may be the underlying cause of your insecurity. It's quite common among the children of famous people. After all, your father, Genbu Kururugi, the former Prime Minister of Japan, was a great man."

Suzaku looked to the side with a sad expression.

"A great man..." Suzaku couldn't put into words what he recalled in his mind seven years ago when his father died, and Suzaku looked horrified and pleaded with his father to wake up.

"I..." Suzaku felt ashamed.

"Suzaku…" Cecile was very concerned.

Five people were standing and looking at the shrine of Genbu Kururugi, and it was Todoh along with the Four Holy Swords, and they were resting after their commander went missing after the Narita accident.

"So here we are," Urabe said, looking at the shrine.

"Well, this is sure a nice place to meet: the grave of Prime Minister Kururugi." Asahina is sarcastic, saying

Chiba frowned "The traitor who told us to fight to the end then went and committed suicide; at least we were first told, but that is not the whole truth."

"No, we know the real truth. We now know what really happened to the Prime Minister." Senba sighs as only those like him—the holy swords, the House of Kyoto, and those in the know-know the truth that day. If the Japanese knew what happened that day, it would break their spirits and demoralize them, and they would willingly subjugate themselves to the invaders.

"Yes, but it doesn't make it any better, knowing that Prime Minister Kururugi was actually killed." Todoh sighed.

"And we know the one who did it." Ashina felt like he needed a drink to wash away the taste, as trying to say its name brought sourness to his mouth.

Todoh thought about it, closed his eyes, and frowned. Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by a small Britannia squad ready to move in to capture Todoh the miracles.

XXX

C.C. had just hung up the phone and looked at Lelouch with a smile as she gave his phone back. C.C. told Lelouch what Mao wanted, and then she started walking away. Lelouch frowned at what was happening.

"So it's just like that?" Lelouch asked.

"Yeah, but hey, you should be happy; we're going our separate ways again, and I did promise to keep Mao out of your hair. Oh, and before you say anything, I won't tell you where he is. It's better this way."

"So you say," Lelouch replied.

"It was fun while it lasted, and it seems we'll be going our separate ways and not on bitter terms like last time. Anyway, Lelouch, don't worry; I promise that you won't suffer any trouble from me." C.C. smiled. "Please give my regards to Nunnally, Rai, and Sayoko. Oh, I guess Kallen is as well. Anyway, Lelouch, thanks for everything." C.C. turned and started to walk away.

"You don't have to go to C.C.," Lelouch said.

Thanks for saying that, but I should still go. I need to take responsibility for what I did, and I can't keep avoiding it. Take care of yourself, Lelouch, and I hope you succeed in your goals. I really mean it."

C.C. left, and Lelouch looked and closed his eyes. He then opened and, with determination, ended this.

XXX

CC was just standing in Clovisland. The lights of the theme park suddenly turned on, and the carousel started to activate. C.C. looked and saw Mao riding on the carousel.

"C.C., your mind is so quiet. It's the only one I can't read. You really are the best there is." Mao said happily.

"As childish as ever, I see," C.C. responded.

Mao declared, "I'm a prince on a white stallion, and a prince has to rescue the princess." Mao laughed happily as he got off the carousel. "Does that make you happy, C.C.?"

"Mao, we talked about this before; I told you that I was—"

Mao interrupted, in denial, "Those are lies, lies! C.C., you love me, and this is how I know it."

Mao took off his headphones and had C.C. listen to the recording of her own voice calling and encouraging Mao. CC didn't like what Mao was doing and screamed at him It reminded C.C. of what she did and the things she had told Mao in the past.

"C.C., you're the only one I want—the one I want to be with forever. Lelouch doesn't matter. He doesn't deserve you, especially after the way he treats you. Just come with me, and we'll be happy together. After all, you and I"

"Stop it!" C.C. shouted as she drew a gun and pointed it at Mao.

Mao was surprised that CC was actually pointing a gun at him. "C.C. You're not serious.

"I am. I should have done this a long time ago." A gunshot was fired.

C.C. fell to the ground as she suffered a gunshot wound to the right shoulder from Mao, who had his gun out.

"I knew it! I knew you couldn't pull the trigger, and that's because you really love me C.C.!" Mao started to laugh and clapped his hands happily.

"You're wrong, Mao! I was just using you from the start!" In truth, part of her couldn't do it, knowing she had turned the boy she cared for into a psychopath and that it was her fault.

Mao didn't like what he had just heard. "What are you saying, C.C.?" Mao pointed his gun at the immortal and said, "You shouldn't tell lies like that! You really shouldn't!" Mao shot a couple rounds at C.C., injuring her further. "Lies are very, very wicked. Wicked lies!" Mao shouted again, "But don't worry, C.C., I completely understand." Mao kept shooting C.C., and she lay flat on the ground, bleeding from the gunshots.

"C.C., you must listen to me. I've built a big brand new house in Australia, a very quiet, white, immaculate, special house. But to get to Australia, you'll need to take an airplane, and there isn't very much room.

Mao walked to the side. "The thing is, CC, you're a little too big to bring on a plane." Mao brought something from the stands, and it was a chainsaw, and he looked at C.C. insanely. "So that's why I'm going to make you compact! It'll take no time at all!"

Mao maniacally sliced off a pole with a chainsaw. C.C. was shaking and saw it as Mao getting revenge on her for abandoning him."Is this your revenge? Your vengeance? You're punishing me for what I did?" C.C. asked

"Oh no! I'm not! I'm not! I'm not! I'm not! I'm not at all! I'm showing you my gratitude; really, I am."

"You really are twisted, Mao." Lelouch's voice was heard.

Mao and C.C. were surprised to hear Lelouch's voice. Lelouch came, but unlike the Zero suit that he used to wear, he is wearing the Gakuran uniform of a demon slayer with black and white checkered haori.

"Lelouch?" C.C. was surprised.

"Lelouch!" Mao gritted his teeth hard.

"Since your Geass is permanently active, you hear the thoughts of people around you within 500 meters, whether you want to or not; therefore, in order for you to prevent it, you choose a place where there would be no people, and Clovisland is one of the few places that you would choose during this time." Lelouch explained.

Mao was surprised, and then he happily laughed and clapped his hands. "Very good, Lelouch; you're absolutely correct. That means you're willing to let me read your mind like an open book, and whatever you're doing can't stop me."

Lelouch was silent, and Mao grinned in response, trying to read Lelouch's mind, and the only thing he heard was the sound of water. Which is impossible for such a thing, and it irked him not knowing anything.

"Hmm, what's wrong, Lulu?" Mao mockingly tried to rile him up. "Cat got your tongue? Do you want CC back?" Mao shook his head. "Shame on you, Lulu. You don't deserve her, not after what you did."

"I simply had a disagreement with C.C., that's all. But you, on the other hand, are quite vindictive, shooting C.C. like a sadist, and you're just ready to carve her up with a chainsaw. That is not the action of someone who loves and cherishes C.C. That's the act of someone who really feels resentment towards C.C., and it's easy to see why, considering she left you. Just admit it, Mao, you felt betrayed by CC, and you can't forgive her for what she did."

"You don't know anything, Lelouch," Mao replied and pointed to the Demon Slayer, "and I'm warning you, if you keep pushing your luck, I'll have you ruined. Don't forget that I know who you really are. The moment that I expose you and your sister Nunnally, you two are finished, and all of your members and supporters of the Black Knights will fall with you," Mao grinned sadistically, "including the members who are also your classmates at your school."

Lelouch didn't take the bait as he was calm like water. "Are you done rambling, petty man-child?" Lelouch unsheathed his Nichirin blade as its blade glows in the dark.

Mao was taken aback and twitched in anger as he pulled out his gun and aimed it at Lelouch.

Mao was furious. "Manchild? Lelouch, you have some nerves! You know nothing about me! Hell, you don't really know anything about C.C.! You don't know her like I do!"

"That's where you're wrong; I know more about C.C. than you realize."

"You're lying!" Mao rebuked.

"Then how about this? Mao, you know for a fact that C.C. is not her real name."

"Yeah, so what? Does that matter?" Mao realized.

"Good, you know what I'm getting at," Lelouch still maintains his facade, "and the thing is, I know her real name. Well, to be completely honest, I'm not the only one who knows. My sister knows, and our close allies know." That was a lie—he didn't know her real name—but a perfect way to spite Mao. And as long as he concentrated without thinking, Mao would believe it.

Mao was shocked, and then he looked at C.C., who was still on the ground..

Mao asked in disbelief, "CC, is that true? Did you actually tell Lelouch your real name?"

C.C. looked at Mao but didn't say anything, and Mao felt hurt. But she knew it was a lie, and how Lelouch managed to conceal his mind was the question.

Mao was upset. "But it can't be; you never ever told me your real name, no matter how many times I asked you, no matter how much I pleaded with you, you told him," Mao accusingly pointed at the Demon Slayer, "you told Lelouch?! You actually told him that bastard?!"

"Do you know why that is the case?" Lelouch asked with a smile and made Mao look at him. "It's simply because C.C. I gave her something that not even you could give her."

"No, she doesn't! She doesn't! She doesn't! She doesn't! She doesn't!" Mao said angrily, "You're a liar!" As Mao tried to read Lelouch's mind, all he heard was the sound of water, which furious him more.

Lelouch smiled just to spite him. "It's the truth, and you know it. Think about it. Why do you think she went out of her way to help me and Shirley in Narita? C.C. prefers my company to yours."

Mao shouted, "No!" No! No! No! No! No!" "Not true, not true! Not true at all! You're a liar! C.C. is mine! She was with me long before she ever met you!"

"I have gained everything from her Mao, and when I say everything," Lelouch grinned as he emphasized, "I mean everything."

Mao was shocked again, and he was boiling with rage.

"Lelouch!" Mao spoke as he was blinded by rage as he fired his gun at Lelouch, who just deflected the bullets easily. As Mao ran out of ammo, he picked up the chainsaw, turned it on, and charged towards the Demon Slayer. "Face me, you vile bastard!" Mao slashed, but Lelouch parried the chainsaw easily, as no matter how many times he tried, he kept failing. Lelouch Mao was sloppy, as the chainsaw weight made it difficult for him to swing and move.

"First from water surface slash" as the chainsaw was cut into two and fell.

"Mao, you have lost," Lelouch pointing the blade t his neck as Lelouch relax and release his focus.

"You lied to me that you knew her name!" Mao hasn't given up "I'll take CC with me and you'll never see her again but just for pissing me off, for antagonizing me, I'll make sure that—"

"You'll fallen too far and broken ," Lelouch look at the mind reader with pity.

Mao clenched his teeth in anger and said, "Damn you."

"Mao, for once in your life, listen, what does C.C. want?" Lelouchh asked

"She wanted to be with me!"

"That is what you want. C.C. is an immortal like you; she had no choice but to be alone, wandering between one place and another. She was the only person you truly loved, like a mother, but in truth, you wanted a friend, someone that could share your burden."

"That's not true; I love her more than anything in the world!"

"Is it just your madness that you can't move on and face the truth? I accepted my fault and sins; you probably heard lots of things people say about you and have trust issues. I get that I was just like you; I couldn't trust anyone."

"Shut up, Liar! I know you're just trying to let my guard down. I will prove it." As Mao focused his gaze on Lelouch, something happened. He was in a place that had an endless blue sky and it was beautiful. Around him were flaming children playing around as he could feel the warmth, unlike C.C., which was genuine. Then he saw it and saw a sun brightening the world. As he got closer and touched it, he could see the memories of a person named Tanjiro. He could feel the boy's despair and hate, but he never succumbed to it and moved forward with hope. Lelouch kept part of Tanjiro Memory in his heart and soul so that he wouldn't be lost or walk on the wrong path.

"Why are you making me see his memories?" the man-child cried.

"Because like you, I have trust issues; like you, I hate the world, and like you, only some close to me could trust me, so let me end your suffering, Mao, and move on."

Mao understood what Lelouch was giving him: "Please make a stop"

Lelouch rushes and prepares his blade.

"C.C. I finally understand you never loved me, but you love me like a sibling would do, and for that, I thank you for raising me to smile and accept his fate.

"Mao" C.C. cried for him.

Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After the Drought

Lelouch decapitates the geass user in a single flowing strike with no pain. It is a sword strike of kindness used when the enemy willingly surrenders.

Then everything was quiet as the geass user was finally at peace.

"It's finally over." Lelouch put both his hands together and prayed. Like Tanjiro, not all demons are evil; they became like this because of rejection, despair, betrayal, and loneliness as Muzan used such emotions, turning them into such creatures. Mao was desperate for love; he made a contract with C.C., and it drove him mad.

Lelouch looked at C.C., and then he went over and helped her up as the injuries were healing.

"Let's bury Mao somewhere quiet," Lelouch said.

"Lelouch, I don't know what to really say." C.C. doesn't know what to say; the part that Mao died peacefully wouldn't haunt her.

"You don't have to say anything, at least not until you feel like it. You already helped me when you told me what I needed to know."

"Why?" CC asked.

"Hmm?" Lelouch responded, looking at CC.

"Why did you help me?" CC asked. "Why go through the trouble? There was no need for you to deal with it, and it's not like you have any intention of granting my true wish. What was the point?"

"I told you, it's not my way to abandon you and you're one of us, "Lelouch said.

"But it was my responsibility; if I had done what I should have done a long time ago, then—"

"But you didn't, and I think I know why. You couldn't really bring yourself to kill him, could you?" Lelouch understood.

C.C. was taken aback and looked away.

"I get the sense that you have regret—a lot of it in your past. I haven't known you long enough, but I can tell by the look on your face. You had the same sadness back in Narita and even on the way back. You tried to hide it, but I noticed, and it seems that you really care about Mao. That's why you didn't kill him before. You couldn't do it then, nor could you do it now."

CC was surprised, and she had a sad expression and sighed.

XXX

Mao was buried in the forest, a place where he could rest in peace. Lelouch and C.C. were in the park, and they both sat down on a bench.

C.C. decided to confess: "Mao was six years old when I gave him Geass; he was an orphan who never knew the love of a parent. He couldn't read or write, and he knew nothing of good and evil. When I entered into the contract with him, it isolated him, and I became Mao's entire world, even though I was still a complete stranger. I was the only one who he ever thought of as human, and I became his mother and his lover."

"I see, because of that, he only thinks that you're his world." Lelouch understood his obsession as C.C. wanted Mao to fulfill whatever his contract was.

"I caused you some trouble, Lelouch. You know with Mao."

Lelouch sighs, "Don't worry about it as far as I'm concerned; Mao was just a man driven by madness, and I will never forgive him for what he did to Shirley. I pity him at the same time and decided to bring him peace. I know you wanted to deal with the situation, and my apologies for getting in the way."

"You don't need to apologize; in the end, you did what I couldn't do, what I couldn't bring myself to do, even though I said to myself that I would."

Lelouch stood up from the bench, looking up at the night sky. "Sometimes that person turns into a bad seed, but in the end, he is still someone you care about."

C.C. just smiled sadly and said, "You may be right."

"C.C., any idea what you're going to do now?"

"No, not really."

"In that case, why don't you come back with me?" Lelouch suggested.

"Lelouch, are you serious?"

"I would like to make a proposal."

"A proposal?" CC asked.

"Yes, I'm going against an empire that controls one-third of the world, and I intend to bring it down and free other nations held by Britain's iron fist. I don't know what will happen in the near future, but I intend to survive this. What the result will be, I don't know, but if I make it through this with everyone else. I can show you that things are still worth looking forward to, and then if they don't work out well for you, well, we'll figure it out when the time comes and I may be able to learn your wishes."

"Lelouch, do you really mean that?" C.C. didn't want it to be false hope.

Lelouch just smiled. I do. You came back and helped me even if you had your own personal reasons to do it, and you just have to trust us that we will help you."

"Is this your way of comforting me?"

Lelouch said, "I would like to consider it a contract from me to you. So what do you say, C.C.? The choice is yours, of course."

C.C. looked at Lelouch and was amazed. "I may cause you trouble again," CC warned, "and if we do this, I want pizza with extra toppings."

Lelouch chuckled. "Acting just like how we met," Lelouch shrugged with a smile. "What the hell? I'll deal with it and I'll tolerate it, but just don't push your luck and try to eat the vegetarian ones."

"Honestly, Lelouch," but I can deal with that. "I'm starting to understand you a bit better," C.C. stood up and placed her hand out, "very well, then I

Lelouch placed his hand out, and he and CC held hands.

"Thank you for trusting me," Lelouch said.

"No, Lelouch, thank you. I trust you."

"Yes, I know," Lelouch replied.

Mao is no different from the Demons that Tanjiro slew as he became like that due to geass that made him insane as such. He still hates Mao, but at the same time, Mao reminds him of himself when he has trust issues and is paranoid.

With Mao dead, he won't kidnap Nunnally, and Lelouch won't learn about what happened to Suzaku's dark past, but he will learn about it later, as Suzaku's suicide action would bring Lelouch into question.

Vilette name is changed as I wanted to divert from Canon into something else.