Before Me The Revolution! 7 - (Code Geass, Bonaparte!SI)
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The fall of Area 10 to the African forces and the liberation of the Philippines had truly thrown things out of the loop for the Britannian Administration in Tokyo.
Clovis was a good placeholder for a viceroy, but the necessary steps to avoid a rebellion were meant to be more than just increasing censorship and reinstating some wartimes' criminal offenses in the law.
Lucia sneered over the latest addition, and she couldn't help but wonder if the Britannian administration was truly that atrocious.
Sure, the first few meetings she attended in regard to the 'Japanese Freedom Movement' installed by the African agents had assured just as much, and Lucia had to admit that they had some impressive understanding of what was needed to do to destabilize Clovis' reputation and standing both in Area 11 and the Britannian court.
The first step being actually caused by his own actions.
The sudden appearance of 'Clovis the Mad', a cartoon drawn by one of the 'mangakas' hired by the movement, was getting some popular attention both for being 'terribly accurate in its caricature' and also 'very beloved' by Elevens with how intense the censorship struck the distribution of the papers.
Clovis had even raised the punishment for possession of just a copy to a full decade in Area 9 (Australia).
The fear of being caught only made citizens more clever in hiding the papers and even some Britannians had been caught having those in their own possession... and being sent to Area 9 despite their privileges.
In less than a month or so, the once stable rule of Clovis had started to be seen as shaky and disputable. Some even argued that Clovis was not meant to face 'such a stress' and there was a rumored petition going around Clovis' best efforts to make himself lovable again.
No matter the 'charity', or the parading he committed to, the discontent was rising and he was seen as a tyrant as he would snap back to harsher measures each time his 'kinder side' failed to appeal the masses.
A change unfolded roughly a week after the news that the Philippines had been completely liberated, with Area 9 now threatened by potential invasions.
Seeing the growing issues, the Emperor was 'forced' (cough, Schneizel, cough) to demand Clovis' return and for someone else to replace him.
Lucia had many ideal substitutes in mind. She thought of Odysseus, she thought of Cornelia.
But never she would have envisioned Euphemia to be chosen for such task. Such a young noble lady, but one that had been particularly eager to 'prove her chances'.
Cornelia joined her as 'vice-viceroy'. It was clear who really had the power at that point, but it was odd how Euphemia was selected for the task-
And then it clicked in Lucia's mind: Euphemia was a lovable girl. Even as a noble, she was regarded as a good person and someone that hardly handed out the worst deals.
It all started when she started to remove the harsh measures selected by Clovis. And now a new issue appeared to the JFM: they couldn't use the 'mad' excuse on Euphemia. Not with the girl being such a darling to Britannians and Elevens alike.
This was indeed a deadend for many... but not Lucia.
"I may have some... interesting stories about Lady Cornelia and Euphemia."
She couldn't believe how clutch her childhood memories could be in such a moment, but the comics that came out made those even more memorable.
'The Adventures of Elia and Euphie' were an immediate hit. Rather than trying to demonize the two new rulers, they 'humanized' them for how they behaved as children. Where 'Elia' was seen as this dutiful but awkward girl, poor Euphie was on the received end of some silly situations that were common among little kids.
The reaction was even perfect as it went all along Lucia's own prediction: Euphemia squeaked furiously over this not being true and even tried to limit the production as 'an attack to her person', but Cornelia was reported to not only support the production, but even wanted some artists to do 'cute fanarts of little Euphie'.
The duality of this reaction worked wonderfully to keep the production unrestrained, and allowed for some subtle messages for agents to be distributed without being noticed.
Operations were going smoothly as some secret supply depots were being established and some militias were being raised deep in the woods, with the prospect of a liberation of Japan happening within the next two months.
The fact that Lucia secured the chance to command troops by the Yokohama's area felt like a promising opportunity to take the steps needed to become a more influential leader of the movement without using her Geass.
C.C. had argued it would have been easier but...
"With great power comes great responsibility," She had argued smartly, having read some of the 'superhero' comics that came from Africa, those that lacked any indoctrination or any secret message. A hopeful era where people could use their powers for the greater good rather than revenge.
Lucia still wished to destroy those fools that had damned her and Nunnally, but she wasn't going to become a devil for her own thirst for power and anger.
Taiwan, Chinese Federation.
Far from the less far-reaching Imperial administration in the island, a secret meeting is being held.
Many elders and political dissidents from older and newer generations had rallied to the banquet hosted by a rather unusual figure. A secret element that had been tinkering not just Taiwanese freedom, but Chinese own chance at Democracy.
A simple lady with brown hair and pretty shining brown eyes. She wore a traditional chinese pink outfit, not a dress, but nonetheless fitting with her petite frame.
She walked with earnest affection and grace unfamiliar to the usual imperial dogs. The banquet was massive and the food served was delicious, but it was the guards that stunned the guests.
Masked men from the USA. They had heard of it, they had tried to reach out, but they were told 'this woman' was the one leading figure within a proper unifying Chinese Liberation Party.
It was also the flags that caught the many eyes, fondness burning to all those rallied at the red flag with the blue square on the upper left corner, with a white sun in it.
The National Party of China. The years where China brawled with desire to become independent from the Empire.
A dying movement that died with Sun Yat-sen, the man seen as the founder of a new Chinese Option away from the old traditional tyranny.
But who was this woman as she sat with drive and confidence, but also politeness and humbleness?
"Good guests, my name is Jian. My grandfather whom I am sure you all know and revere was the mighty Sun Yat-sen."
Shock, and awe. the guests were thrown into whispers, and the brunette patiently allowed them to discuss and think, to wonder and ponder.
"Alas, my legitimacy is shaky at best without actions. Today I wish to speak truly to all of you. China will be free, not just in its original connotation, but as a Federal Institution led by States of a Republican Democracy."
More whispers, but this time the once deactivated screens all over the room came to life and various scenes of war unfolded. The captioned names suddenly had them all gasping.
Wuhan, Guangdong, Vietnam, India, Manchuria, Xinjiang- and much more. Troops bearing the Nationalist Flag bolted with pride and determination, clashing with less-prepared troops as they occupied major buildings of the military and of politics.
They were Chinese, Indians, Vietnamese, Siamese, and even Koreans.
"Today, my good guests, the Revolution is at hand. It is not an illusion, not when months of preparations and years of hatred have made us the strongest. Today, my good guests, China shall rise up to the challenge as an ally of Freedom and its children. The United States of Africa has given us tools and officers, men and women willing to teach us the ways to break the shackles. I ask of you- to you, if you can all support us in this endeavor. None of those divisions! It's not a matter of Left and Right, flimsy political conjectures of Europia- We are people! We are the people that come from China, from India, from Korea and the many countries of Indochina! We are strong, we are brave, we shall stand tall if we unite against the true oppressor."
The political group was roused, shouts of supports came at the same time as those of doubts.
"I shan't claim presidency. I am but a figure in this realm, a leader of war and nothing more. Look up to me less as someone that will stick around for peace as the world shall be dictated by its people. Not by a single ruler, not by a potential tyrant, but by a constitutionally elected body and a constitution so strong that no monster shall tear it anymore!"
The dissent vanished. A promise that felt unusual to many that would be in her position, but endearing to those that sought a true change from the old system.
Gone the Empire should be, gone should be the cruelty and...
Perhaps that goofy Big Boss was going to answer her call for once.
AN
You have all heard of the Ming-plosion. Beware the Han-plosion! Tianzi? Worry not, Sun Jian has plans for her. Headpatty plans at that!