As much as I wish otherwise, I own neither Code Geass nor DxD.
Metatron walked the hallway made up of jade floor and golden columns, steps creating not a single sound as wings retreated behind his back. Well past dawn, the gentle warmth of the sun pressed against his back— it was a fine morning, a shame it had already been soured by decades worth of schemes and plans forced deep into the ground yesterday.
He sighed, pondering upon the fate of the heavens as of late. All his plans to bring some peace to the realm had just been dealt a death blow, everything had been rendered worthless before absolute might…
This unprecedented tribulation had suddenly shaken the very core of the kingdom to its very roots, tearing asunder the systems upon which the foundations of the society were based— Michael, who earned the throne through centuries of sweat and blood, had been usurped by an outsider not even seventeen of age!
Metatron had no desire the understand the madness that had spawned in the mind of his older brother who had chosen to bow before a boy— Lelouch had emerged victorious, and they could only watch as the regime that had taken centuries out of them slowly crumbled into dust. He could not change the outcome now, but he intended to exert every means in his power to ensure that they had a say in determining the contours of his people's future.
The worst part was that he could only observe from the side as his older brother's decision echoed through the quiet court, underestimating Lelouch had proven been his greatest folly.
The boy might lack the force of arms now but he had already proven himself a master tactician and by taking Gabriel and Uriel as his retainers, Lelouch had made his faction into an unstoppable force.
All his work had turned to ashes but there were some things that could not be forgiven, the score had to be made even before he bent the knee. As he pondered on his treacherous thoughts, Metatron paused when the duo of angels escorting him reached a doorway made up of pure gold. Power and prestige meant nothing here— even seraphs had to wait for their turn before entering for this palace which seemed majestic and grand beyond measure, was the seat of his elder brother Michael.
There was considerable activity occurring in the background, a constant bustle of noise that seemed out of place in his eldest brother's palace which always seemed enshrouded in peace and serenity. Then again, he should have expected the rush when accounting for everything that had happened recently— he would not envy his older brother at the moment. Regime change was no small task and Michael had taken all upon himself to ensure everything went smoothly, there would be no mistakes on this.
It took a moment for his escorts to finish conversing with the other guards, and he took advantage of the wait to consider everything carefully before he was led inside. The painful sight of his older brother greeted him as soon as he entered, his gaze dark as exhaustion was plastered clear underneath his emerald eyes.
Then he looked around and saw there were two other angles around the table, the power they excluded nearly comparable to the seraphs by but a margin. They were the most trusted subordinates of his elder brother, who reported to the throne alone and never stayed away from duty for long. They gave a simple nod of acknowledgement when he entered before standing up to vacate the lavishly decorative room that would have turned mighty kings green with envy, leaving him and Michael alone.
As usual, his brother was adorned in formal garb with golden epaulets above a white robe weaved with the finest of gab decorated with intricate golden designs. Golden locks shined brightly as rivers of gold as they touched his back, emerald eyes concealing a hint of solemnity that looked foreign on his handsome face
Michael nodded when he saw him enter, his perpetually haunting visage breaking into a pleased smile at the sight of Michael as the corners of his mouth faintly turned up. The archangel painted a serene picture, his beautiful features set in a way that made even emotions of joy look mournful.
—welcoming gesture as a smaller throne appeared behind him. "I was expecting you, please take a seat."
"Wine?" Michael asked, to which Metatron nodded in his usual indolent manner, after which he pushed a goblet of red across the table and poured out a glass for himself. He glanced at his older brother and slowly took the crystal cup, swirling the red ambrosia inside as he took his time to properly savour the fragrance.
"I suppose you have questions." Michael asked, a sharp gleam in his emerald eyes as Metatron nodded once again in response. "Then let us not waste time anymore. Ask away, it is high time we open up all the grievances and decide where we stand."
They both stared at each other, placing cups of wine at their sides as the room suddenly changed, suspense and desperation through their hearts in equal measure before Metatron sighed and ran a hand through his locks.
The haze perpetually covering his face instantly vanished. His skin was a healthy and enchanting pink, unblemished in any way by even the smallest imperfection. Sky blue eyes shone out of his aristocratic face and despite his broad shoulders and lean waist, he could have been mistaken as a woman from afar.
The hands which turned the pages of the book were creamy and smooth, a scholar's hands free of callouses and scars. He looked to be an adult, yet remained youthful. A handsome man, yet also a beautiful woman. A venerated king, yet also a simple farmer. A pure saint, yet also a tainted sinner— the face of his father stared back at Michael.
"Do you intend to accept the demands of Lelouch?" He spoke at long last, unable to bear the blazing heat in his heart any longer that burned with the heat of a thousand dying suns.
Michael paused for a moment, taking a peer into his burning eyes before he finally put down the glass of wine in his hand and leaned back against his throne. He considered his question for a moment but there was no variation in his tone, no remorse or regret. Just nothing. "I would now change the decision now. After everything has been said and done, I think father would have wanted this."
No emotion showed on his face as Metatron just stared back at Michael, but his brows twitched imperceivably for in the smallest of movements that Michael noticed despite all his everything and shook his head in disappointment.
"Would you also protest if I refused to comply and Heaven burned as a consequence?" The question from his brother cut sharper than any steel, and Metatron had no choice but to avert his gaze as the older brother leaned forward.
"Let's put aside the act, Metatron. The languid mask of disinterest might fool your younger brothers, but it conceals nothing from me. I have known both you as a brother and as a ruler." Michael leaned forward knowingly and he sighed in equal parts exasperation and frustration. It had taken years but here was someone who had seen through the mask, the only man other than his father to see through his true nature.
He finally removed his spectacles— his back straightened and his gaze sharpened, as the languish around him instantly vanished. He calmly raised the cup of wine to his mind, sudden sharpness in his eyes almost matching Michael's.
"What gave me away?" Metatron asked, seeing no point in keeping up the pretence now.
"Your uncharacteristic movements when Lelouch awakened were your undoing. We have always trusted you as father's placeholder but your nonchalance compared to Uriel and Raphael made everyone overlook your plans. We always wondered how an archangel who so wantonly indulges in sloth even exists!" Michael laughed, and a dull shiver reverberated down Metatron's spine as the emerald eyes penetrated the very depths of his soul. "No man is without flaw, you moved too quickly when Lelouch's true nature was revealed. Our brothers and sisters might have ignored the secret meetings you had organised behind our backs, but they could not escape my notice. My gaze covers all of heaven, it always has and always would."
So the shortcoming was not in his plans but in the haste with which he had executed them. None of that meant anything now though— everything had been rendered meaningless a long time ago, they all had been in checkmate the moment Lelouch took over the system.
"This decision of father has forced us into an unfavourable status quo," Metatron spat, "In the end, I had to choose between maintaining my charade and risk losing control of the situation or abandoning it entirely and seizing what gains I could."
The actions taken by men were always driven by the people around them. Metatron had found that even the wisest of kings could be led astray by his ministers— he might not be able to persuade Lelouch to accept his ways but he could have achieved the same by ensuring his retainers be brought to fold. How was he to know that Lelouch could reign over heaven on his lonesome? The system had changed everything.
"History is decided by the victorious and nobody would have seen my hand behind the scenes if we managed to draw Lelouch and his retainers into our sphere of influence," Metatron sighed as he glanced at his older brother, expecting to see disappointment or anger in those emerald eyes. "At least, that was what I thought in the beginning."
"You were wrong." Michael shook his head, there was only acceptance in his gentle eyes. "But why choose such a way rather than oppose the change openly?" Michael asked curiously, to which he remained quiet for a moment before replying.
"We both knew that there would be those who would see Lelouch on the throne just because of his rank alone. The boy had father's approval, and to oppose it would have caused feud in our ranks." Metatron explained, "Rather than moving openly, it would have been cleaner to check his authority through his advisors and supplant unwanted ideals through inconspicuous influence rather than force of arms."
He glanced at Michael who just peered back at him with kind emerald eyes, kindness that stung a thousand times more than any accusation would. Metatron sighed. "Rank means nothing when unacknowledged and I thought Lelouch would prove to be more malleable if we brought his key advisors into the fold. We only had to keep him sated and feed him delusions of power, the boy would serve as a nice symbol for a new dynasty. It would have sated the seraphs who would follow father's wishes to the very end, and we could have continued our rule from behind the scenes without reproach."
The emerald eyes of his brother hardened with reproach at the end of his explanation, a rare occurrence for Michael had ruled with the harshness of a monarch, but his tone was as gentle as he calmly raised his wine. "Lelouch does not require the loyalty and approval of subjects to preserve authority. There is a reason why I had the Seraphim concede instantly and went on to negotiate terms on my own, so that we could end the whole debacle and set things right before bloodshed tore heaven apart."
There was not a shred of doubt in Michael's eyes as he reminded him of the truth he could not completely accept. His older brother was certain of his defeat and Metatron would have admired this confidence had it not been the last thing he wanted to hear.
"You think just having father's approval on his side guarantees victory?" Metatron finally asked, genuinely curious to hear the answer from his brother's mouth.
"No, but the system does. He holds absolute power over angels and that is the crux of our problems, the reason why all schemes have been rendered useless," was Michael's curt reply. "Heaven had no choice but to bow before his absolute strength, so he would not hesitate to impose upon us his absolute ideals."
The answer was straightforward, yet it raised more questions than it answered. More importantly, Metatron could not see even a single trace of doubt in his brother's words. A look of apprehension appeared on his face. "You really think he can go against the entirety of heaven and emerge victorious!
"Now that you know what we face, do you think we can start in an open war of succession against him?" Michael asked with a small smile.
Metatron seriously considered this question, before leaning forward. "Name the terms you agreed to."
Perhaps the path his older brother had chosen to embark upon was the cleaner choice, and who was he to cast judgment on Michael who had always been the wisest of them all?
"The Seraphim would abandon its power and I would put aside all claims to the throne of heaven, laying rest to my regime one and for all." Michael spoke words that would have shaken the world if heard outside, "In return, Lelouch would allow the Seraphs to create another organization second only to the monarch in power meant to advise and serve the king."
"I had expected harsher terms," Metatron spoke even as Michael gestured towards a single piece of parchment laid out on the table. It seemed inconspicuous enough but upon further inspection, seemed to blaze with a divine authority that almost surprised Michael. An unseen weight struck his soul as he gazed upon the words inside, recognising it as a divine ordinance sealed by the heavenly law…
"The new regime would be a constitutional monarchy, with the emperor having the right to veto all decisions and force a legislation upon the kingdom whenever required." His older brother continued, even as Metatron carefully read through the terms agreed upon by Michael and Lelouch. "We have already started drafting the constitution. An imperial regime in which the monarch would exercise his authority as the head of state, with the seraphim as his principal retainers exercising his name and power."
It was a generous deal, he had not expected the seraphim to be given such free reign in the new regime when Lelouch held the upper hand at nearly every step of the negotiations. Metatron pondered upon the proposed plans for a moment. "You claim that the new regime would be a constitutional monarchy, but see no qualms in granting Lelouch the power to veto our decisions and create any rule he deems right without opposition?"
He was not surprised by the caveats— granting the people any more power would just challenge the hegemony of his authority, and Lelouch was no fool as far as he could tell. But why keep up the appearances?
"Of course, the one to hold all authority and power would always be Lelouch. We should be glad he has given Seraphim the power to act in his stead and challenge the parliament, the only caveat being such powers are to be exercised as per the constitutional principles rather than personal preferences." Michael answered, "Our brothers and sisters would be allowed to hold important posts in his new government and would be given enough influence to control the government as long as our interests serve the emperor."
"And Lelouch agreed to all this?" Raziel asked incredulously, to which Michael seemed taken aback. Then, he smiled as if he was remembering some jape.
"It might surprise you, but Lelouch and I have reached a tacit understanding. Our methods might vary greatly but we both wish for the same end. That is, the imposition of Heaven's absolute authority as a hegemon over all creation." Michael spoke, a thousand different emotions passing through his emerald eyes. "Despite his views on our authority and justice, Lelouch is surprisingly amiable. He remains reasonable to a remarkable extent if approached with the cold truth of logic instead of empty platitudes."
The leader of Seraphs leaned backwards and laughed, his voice a pleasant music that held neither melancholy or regret but instead shone with hope. "So here we stand now. My last divine ordinance as the ruler of heaven had been declared. The formal revocation of the Seraphim's authority shall begin before dawn, all that remains is to plan the coronation of our heavenly emperor. Lelouch has agreed to my terms, and we can have peace at last."
"And if our brethren refuse? Raphael is not the only seraph who would rather stand behind your banner than follow a stranger. Our brothers might not scheme as well as we do, but they could always challenge him to a formal duel of honour, you know?" Raziel spoke out, even as Michael nodded at that.
In the end, there was no true right and wrong in this world. Michael might have given his final consent but just as there would always be those who would choose father's wishes over their elder brother, there would also those who would rather see the continuation of the current status quo rather than give Lelouch's regime a chance to exist.
"A fair question," The leader of all angels allowed. His reply was curt, harsh, and unforgiving. "But before they do so, I would not hesitate to let them understand that if they refuse this final resolution, Lelouch would simply destroy the seven heavens and force them to beg him for terms. More to the point, he would do so without moving a single angel on his side and ensure that it would be by the hands of the Seraphim that father's kingdom would face destruction, not him."
Metatron could not help the sharp intake of breath that followed his brother's words, he looked at Michael as if he was mad. The very prospect of anyone forcing the seraphim to destroy the Heaven they had sworn to defend seemed nearly unthinkable. What kind of madness was this?
"Lelouch has been in heaven for nearly seven days now if we remove the time he spent unconscious, and our kingdom has changed more in these mere seven days than it has changed during the last two centuries," Michael paused, a grave look on his face as the gentle shadows in his face vanished altogether. "Even if he wishes to usurp my throne, the fact remains that he has not made a single move so far and gave us free reign to carefully consider his demands. Have you never wondered why? What has been keeping Lelouch so busy that he refuses to take action even as seraphs and archangels rally behind his banner?"
Michael leaned forward. His unbroken majesty as the ruler of Heaven blazing forth in a rare show of power and authority as his emerald orbs turned solemn and the mask of gentleness that had always enshrouded this archangel cracked for a single moment.
"I suppose you know the answer?" Metatron asked with a raised brow, to which Michael nodded.
"I do indeed, and I suppose you too must know it in your heart. You just do not wish to think about the fact or acknowledge it, so I must say it out loud. The very loyalty that the archangels of heaven once pledged to father has now become the force tearing us apart." Michael spoke out in a cold voice, "The appearance of Lelouch alone ensured that the legions of heaven would be separated into factions that strive to push forth their ideals. The tensions between brothers and sisters continue to rise even as we speak, and it would not be long before rage and resentment reach a peak. Why should Lelouch demand anything of us when there are seraphs who would gladly do the same for him? He needs nothing but honeyed words to change the status quo."
Michael sighed, tasting the exquisite red wine as he closed his eyes. The events he had foreseen were already coming true, the seraphim was slowly parting into three distinct factions— those who had pledged themselves to Lelouch, those that stood by Michael and his regime, and those that refused to intervene.
There was no doubt Uriel and Gabriel would pledge loyalty to Lelouch just as Raphael and Metatron would forever remain staunch and steadfast in their own ideals. The cracks had not extended beyond the upper echelons of the heavenly hierarchy for now, but they were bound to spread through every corner of the seven heavens soon— it would take but a single spark to set aflame the blazing flames of war, and angels would not emerge stronger from the ashes as devils had.
Metatron felt almost empty at the thought— he did not refer to the physical emptiness of gluttons or the spiritual emptiness of hollow prophets, but rather, the emptiness accompanied with the realisation that neither goal nor ambition could have changed anything had the circumstance taken a turn for the worst. Perhaps the last time he remembered feeling this empty was when father never returned, and Michael had to take over the reins. His mind had been reset, his dreams had been shattered, his idealistic view of life had been brutally murdered and buried more than seven feet into the ground from which they would never see the light of day again.
"If we refuse these terms, then Lelouch has promised he would use every influence he could wield to fan the flames of war. Then all he has to do is stay back and watch as the brothers and sisters tear each other apart for his victory." The smile on his brother's face was ghastly and reeked of malevolence. "If he wanted to bring Heaven to heel, then the system alone would have been more than adequate. But he knows walking down that part would merely earn him the label of a tyrant. It might take decades this way but Lelouch intends to emerge from the ashes with clean hands, he would rather the angels go to war against each other for the throne."
Metatron looked outside, unable to bear looking at his elder brother anymore. The sky which had been a clear expanse of blue and gold when he'd arrived, had transformed during the conversation into a deep overcast. The sound of rolling thunder foreshadowed an imminent storm. It was as if the world itself was mocking the seraph, reminding him cruelly with every drop of rain of his helplessness to do anything for anyone, including himself. He glanced back at his older brother and sighed, "We don't have a choice anymore, do we?"
"To be have courageous can be laudable, but knowing when to retreat is a true virtue." Michael smiled thinly. In the end, Michael had chosen not to test just how adamant Lelouch was about carving out his own regime. "This is the democracy of an absolute monarch, a deception. We must swallow our grievances and allow fate to run its course as it heralds in a new era."
Lelouch stared at his own reflection, a small frown on his face as he once again found himself adorned in pale ceremonial robes that reached down to his ankles, woven with the finest of satins and embroidered with intricate designs that depicted scenes of the revelation.
On his shoulders were two heavy epaulets, each made of platinum and large as his shoulder― seeing himself garbed in robes meant for an emperor again, a part of him wanted to laugh. A slow disbelieving humour that surely would have escalated into the hysterics of a madman. For who else but a madman would even so much as entertain the very notion of his situation?
He refrained though, the importance of appearances and the usual pageantry the only thing tethering his mind to the realm of rationality as the demon emperor adjusted the collar that seemed too extravagant even for his taste. Gabriel had organized garments and other finery for him, he had no desire to know how that seraph had got her hands on his measurements.
Lelouch ran a hand through his raven locks as he slowly paced around the base of the grand stairway, where the steward of the palace had asked him to wait. He had not expected to be served by Gabriel's entourage despite his insistence otherwise at one of her palaces whose whole interior had clearly been redone to welcome him after he'd made his demands to the Seraphim. But he could not help but imagine that the palace which once had been full of sound and activity now seemed quiet and forlorn.
He had to remind himself reminded himself that he was enjoying comforts regular citizens could only dream of, but Lelouch was not the sort of man who could deceive himself. He could not shake the impression that the palace had taken on the atmosphere of a tomb and that he was complicit in its transformation.
"Lord Lelouch, Gabriel will receive you now." Lelouch turned towards the steward whose voice snapped him out of his reflection and quietly followed him upstairs, echoes of the pair's footsteps from the walls enhancing the vast perception of his surroundings. The bearded angel led him as far as the double doors of the reception hall and then took his leave.
A moment later, the former emperor pushed open the doors and entered with all the grace he could muster, his face breaking into a smile when he saw Gabriel waiting for him beside a painting that would have made artists weep in envy.
Angels were created loyal and flawless by God― wherever they went, miracles followed. Each one of them was inherently meant to be perfect in a way mortals were not, each movement of theirs performed naturally with an ethereal elegance that seemed almost otherworldly. But even amongst them, Lelouch could tell that Gabriel was someone special.
Lelouch glanced at her once again, subtly taking in her beautiful features in a move completely uncharacteristic of him― no, to call her beautiful would be an insult, for it would put her on the same pedestal as other things that were merely beautiful.
Pink lips that spelled of unknown delights, emerald green eyes that seemed deeper than any sea a man could get lost in, luscious blond hair that reached her wide hips, and a face so alluring that it seemed almost ethereal to him— then there were the succulent breasts that bounced with each step she took, the way her arms intwined above her athletic stomach, and the bright gleam in her cheerful green eyes that almost reminded him of Shirley.
He allowed his eyes to roam for a moment, it was as if fate was playing another cruel joke on him. Gabriel was the kind of beauty over which wars were fought, the kind that could destroy kingdoms with a glance. He might even have already been enthralled if he'd not seen it all play out before― love rarely ended well for him, physical or otherwise.
"Lelouch?"
Gabriel's voice snapped him from his thoughts and the former emperor looked away, ignoring the way heat rushed to his cheeks as he slowly turned around and bowed his head in apology "I apologise for staring. I lost myself for a moment there."
"Huh?" Gabriel moved her head to the side and peered at him blankly with dull eyes. She might be more than a thousand years in age but the seraph seemed far too innocent at that moment, "What are you talking about?"
The former emperor resisted the urge to sweatdrop.
"So you were the one they sent to escort me, I take it?" Lelouch asked, pointedly ignoring the previous exchange and the earnest apology that apparently had gone to waste. "What mistake have you done to be given such a mundane task repeatedly despite being a Seraph?"
"Experience, I suppose. This would make the third time I have played escort for you." Gabriel answered, shaking her head as she smiled. "But I must admit this has proven to be the most interesting duty given to me in a good, long time with how much you surprise me each time I do."
"I shall apologise for the trouble I have caused then." Lelouch dramatically bowed with a flourish, making Gabriel giggle before he straightened. "The preparations must be complete since you're here?"
"Um!" Gabriel nodded enthusiastically. "It took some time but everything is done and accounted for. The coronation would take place in father's grand palace and would be broadcasted across the seven heavens."
"He would announce it before the entire kingdom?" His amethyst eyes widened in surprise. "Michael must have created a formidable blockade around heaven if he intends to keep this development from the outside world. It is a more daring move than I expected."
Gabriel pouted, her bright emerald eyes turning dull once again. "Huh?
"It all comes back to the reason we must keep my existence a secret from the outside world," Lelouch explained, knowing an explanation was long overdue. "In his prime, your Father did more than any sovereign before him to enrich and expand his Kingdom of Heaven, even when it meant encroaching on the interests of other pantheons. He created a legend for himself, a reputation so strong that some ascribe him with the power of omnipotence and omniscience. He never lost a battle except to win the war, all his arguable defeats have always resulted in greater victory later on."
"But the world has changed. As we grow, there remain few pantheons that can be divided and conquered. All those that remain are strong, even the devils and the fallen have formed regional blocs that rival ours and the holy power which helped us conquer Europe before has been widely studied and no longer grants us a decisive advantage. The age of swift empire building ended when the Roman Empire fell and it was at that moment in history, at the zenith of his power that your father chose to retreat and delegate powers to his children."
"It is interesting to note that father only appeared twice during the Great War, to subdue the Heavenly Dragon Emperors and to seal the Beast of Apocalypse. Have you ever wondered why?" A quiet hush fell over them as Lelouch observed the emotions changing across Gabriel's face. He thought about his next words during the time and decided it would make no difference. "I think it is because he wishes to preserve his myth of invincibility."
It rankled him, that he held close resemblance to such a god.
Turning towards her with his amethyst eyes, Lelouch spread his hands and leaned forward. "For eons, god used his apostles to spread the word. His representatives rose and fell, but the glory of Heaven never once weakened. It was his detachment from earthly concerns guaranteed certainty in his omniscience, that all things are going according to his plan."
The only other people who had thought about these motives were figures of authority, regardless of whatever faction they held sway over and it was clear Gabriel was not one of them. The ease with which he plucked apart her father's motives made him feel more out of place, and the look in her eye served only to strengthen his discomfort.
"Sometimes reputation can be more of a deterrent than even the strongest of weapons, your father understood that. It is the same reputation that shelters all three factions from eager pantheons to this day." Lelouch explained. "For this reason, it is imperative that information regarding my existence be treated with utmost caution, for it puts to question the very reputation of invulnerability that continues protecting us."
The kingdom of heaven might be on wane but it remained on which the sun never set and whose standard flew over several worlds, a nation whose name could fell nations and melt the hearts of the stoutest men— there were plenty of jackals eager to see their downfall, scheming to set upon and tear heaven to pieces with the fear of god being the only thing holding them back.
"Unn…" Her cute features slowly turned serious as she contemplated his words and Lelouch could not help but chuckle when he saw the frown that was slowly forming upon her pink lips.
He poked Gabriel's cheek. "Naïve."
"Am not!"
The empty halls suddenly seemed brighter as he chuckled at her indignant pout. A part of him wanted to follow through and learn more about the angel who had saved him, but prudence stayed his hand from more ambitious operations— not for the first time he entertained the thought of organizing a confession. It would almost be worth it to see the look on Gabriel's face.
His gentle gaze, however, turned nostalgic as he remembered his friends from Ashford and the countless happy exchanges they shared back when the world had not been sobleak.
He could almost hear fate laughing at the mockery he had made of himself― to only understand the value of what he once had when separated. He knew the cold voice of reason had never been wrong― that if he wanted to protect those he cared about he should push them away, but there was so much more they could have done. He'd always cherished the few friends he had and could not help but mourn their separation, they out of everyone else had deserved the truth.
'That's right, I never took C.C. to a pizzeria, watched fireworks with my friends, or made origami with Nunnally…' Lelouch thought, all he had now was memories and regrets.
The former emperor exhaled a breath so broken that a part of him despised the world for what it had done to him. Then the former emperor remembered that he had been the one at the centre of requiem, and he resented himself for it too— he had always known his choice, known what he had to do from the very beginning. No matter what it brought him to or what the path led him to, he'd promised to see everything through to the very end.
'Just another regret to remember...' He'd wanted everyone to see and understand what the world needed, as he had. Instead, Lelouch had to shoulder the world's hatred and parade around as a tyrant cloaked in the blood of the innocent.
Those few moments had been his remedy to the flames inside his heart that had burned ever since the death of his mother, but even that had been taken from with the conception of his zero persona and his revolution. He'd had barely any time to space, not in the beginning and certainly not by the end— they barely had any time to ground themselves even when it was just him, C.C., and Suzaku that remained.
Perhaps things might have turned out differently had they looked back for a moment. He had always taken this second chance as the curse it clearly was, any sprouting feelings of vindication ground under the heel of the revelations of what a new life in this world would mean.
The creation of a peaceful world was senseless without the companions he'd dreamed it for. These cursed emotions had forever been his biggest shortcoming, and he couldn't help but be struck by a profound sense of isolation as he thought of everyone.
The emotion wasn't foreign to him, it had been a constant companion throughout most of his life ever since the death of his mother— Nunnally had been his remedy to it ever after but even that had been taken from him as he hid his workings from her, despite it being of his own decision. He had never beentrulyalone, he could name a hundred friends and enemies who had intertwined their lives with his in inseparable ways.
Then again, he had not taken his current situation into account with that description. He'd even been stripped of his duties and burdens in this world, the constant resolve in the back of his mind had faded entirely— it would have been liberating but the chains of uncertainty had taken their place. He alone was left to this new harmony, and the former emperor could not help but think that he was the least deserving.
"Are you alright?" Lelouch blinked and saw Gabriel staring at him, concern and anxiety on her face. "You seem despondent."
Her sweet voice pushed away the dark whispers, and he glanced back at her. The world suddenly brighter as he saw the concern inside those emerald eyes, but he could not bear Gabriel looking at him in such a state so he turned away. "I have always looked down on those who refuse to march forward but never had I imagined my name would once be counted amongst the number, it seems almost amusing in hindsight. Regrets haunt me day and night, a reminder of the things I could have done and the memories that forever remain out of my grasp."
The seraphs imagined him to be a great hero sent to rescue them from the darkness, but what sort of hero would condemn his own sister to a role she loathed? Tens of thousands dead, and in the end— Schneizel's cause was as dead as his father and his knights of the round, but he drew no satisfaction from the victory. All his enemies had lost more in the war, but that did not mean he hadn't lost with them.
"Lelouch…" Gabriel whispered— the mask of an emperor long gone, replaced by a boy that seemed almost vulnerable now.
"It seems I must apologise again, for showing such weakness." Lelouch looked down at her plea, unable to meet her eyes at the momentary show of weakness.
He could not help but think how much simpler it would have been if he'd never woken up after the blade pierced his chest— a part of him simply wanted to give up and renounce everything, but never would he stoop so low. He had come close when Nunnally had denounced him and his work for her, but never again.
"Stop that," Gabriel said, tearing her gaze away from him. "Stop that right now."
"I haven't done anything." Lelouch looked up.
"You're thinking it," she said, touching the corner her eyes with the blue sleeves of her tunic. "I can read your mood as a book."
The archangel slowly drew closer before, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder— her hands were smaller than his own and he noticed how warm they were when her heat seeped into him, dusting his cheeks and driving away any cold doubts he had.
"A world that is gentle that is kind to everyone…" Gabriel could not help but reminisce, a small smile breaking out on her face despite everything as she remembered Lelouch speaking about his dream, the resolve in his voice strong enough to challenge destiny itself. It was an unachievable goal, one that seemed almost unthinkable at a glance for the world would not be changed by empty words and hollow promises alone— Gabriel knew that the road he had chosen to embark upon was an arduous one indeed, she had seen her father destroy himself walking down the very same path.
Not everyone would understand his ideals nor would the world accept his dream with open arms, great enemies would stand against him at each step forward— ancient devils that preyed upon the kindness of mankind, fell beasts that could not be destroyed, fallen who could lay waste to nations with a snap of a finger, and omnipotent gods who had never known defeat. All of them would deny him his dream.
Gabriel knew all that, she had seen it all play out before. But she could not help but be drawn in anyways— as a firefly yearning for the sun, she could not help but be swept along by his charisma and ideals.
"This may be the last chance for me to walk away, the final hours before my shoulders would forever remain heavy with burdens of duty." Lelouch spoke, "I could not help but reminisce about what I am about to leave behind."
He hated this curse, this second chance which had taken away the redemption he had chosen but he would have accepted this punishment a thousand times again— not because of the power that came alongside his newfound position but because he yearned for Nunnally and her dream, and wanted to see it come true here as he had in his own world.
"It appears that I am not completely beyond human emotions." Lelouch shook his head, pushing away the memories that made him tremble, of all the people he had known and loved. This was his burden, one he was prepared to bear. "I allowed memories to sweep me away, but it would never happen again."
Gabriel's eyes widened at his declaration, placing a hand on her cheek as she looked towards him and whispered, "Is that what you really want?"
She could not help but remember the way her heart had been moved by the words of this boy before her, the flames of ambition that had been blazed deep inside her when she'd seen resolve and regret in those amethyst eyes as he made his declaration— she remembered the way he'd had fearlessly faced Seraphim whose words could decide the fate of heaven. He had looked extraordinary, greater than life itself.
Perhaps that was why seeing his usually perfect mask of majesty show cracks full of mournful nostalgia had shocked her very core, the melancholy in his gaze as he remembered fond memories that would forever be lost to him shaking the very faith he had inspired. The boy she had seen today seemed so human, no greater than a simple man baring open his heart.
She'd thought Lelouch had been made perfect, an unequalled scion sent here by father to guide them towards salvation― she'd seen a boy today, one that could mourn and laugh just as any one of them.
"You know, the path that you have chosen is not going to be easy. " Gabriel spoke, her emerald eyes gentle. "I have seen father desperately wade forward for the same dream, he also wanted a gentle future and nearly lost everything because of it. The world itself would stand against you with its formidable armadas and undefeated champions, and you would have to carve your way through every single one of them."
Lelouch's amethyst eyes widened in surprise as the seraphs hand slowly came to rest upon his own and he looked away when she brought it closer to her cleavage that bounced temptingly alongside each of her movements.
"But I would always remain beside you," Gabriel promised. "You would never face the future alone as long as long as I remain standing."
Her warmth spread through his boy as she squeezed his hand, her eyes speaking of a thousand emotions that simple words could describe.
"But why?" Lelouch asked quietly. "Why go so far for someone you just met?"
He could not understand it― not because he had not seen loyalty before, his servants Jerimiah and Sayako stood peerless in that aspect. But because he could not understand why Gabriel would show such devotion to him, a demon.
Gabriel moved her head to the side at his words, perfectly understanding what he meant as she paused to think about the question― why was she being so persistent, insisting on staying beside him when her brother had all but ensured that he enjoyed comforts regular humans could only dream of? Why had her heart ached when she'd seen him looking so vulnerable for once? Why had she taken his side rather than stand by her brothers and sisters at court?
Was it because she thought she owed him loyalty as the inheritor of her father's dreams? Or perhaps it was her own generous nature influencing her decisions? Maybe because she just wanted to help a friend?
She frowned at that last one. Friend…
"Ah," Gabriel gasped at the revelation, and then she turned to Lelouch and relayed her discovery.
"It's because you're my first friend," she said simply.
"Really?" his amethyst eyes widened. He was her first friend? But what about the other angels? But she spoke before he could voice his thoughts.
"It's not as if I do not love my brothers or get along with other angels," Gabriel said as if she could read his thoughts, her tone turning dull as she looked down. "No, I shall forever cherish the bonds we share. But they adore me because brothers and sisters are meant to love each unquestionably, not because I earned their love."
As one of the Seraphs, Gabriel had always been busy with a goal― be it absurd or insane, she had always had a purpose that kept her moving and ensured she remained busy and occupied without any chance to pause and look back. It might have helped her bear hardship and separation, but it also ensured she had nothing else to occupy her time with except work, work and more work. It had been decades since she'd moved out of heaven and perhaps centuries since she'd taken a day to relax, so just having someone she could talk to again was refreshing.
Gabriel supposed she was just doing what she thought friends did, help each other.
But being stared at by Lelouch's unceasing gaze made her cheeks gradually start to burn as she started shyly fidgeting. It had been awkward to say those words out loud, and it was the first time she'd shared these thoughts, but she was glad for this conversation― the bond they shared somehow seemed more genuine after they'd shared the vulnerable side of themselves that the world had not seen before.
"Ah!" She suddenly snapped her fingers, as if uncovering some great secret. "We should get going, others must be waiting for us."
Lelouch absently nodded, his eyes on the beautiful angel beside him as an emotion that he could neither understand nor comprehend moved inside his chest. This woman…
He refused to dwell on the past and the present was all but lost to him so he had no choice but to accept the future, anything else would be an insult. Lelouch shook his and extended an arm towards her, "Let's go, shall we?"
"In the end, even Michael had to lower his head before our esteemed guest."
That single statement made by Uriel perfectly summarised the astonishing series of events that followed Lelouch's awakening which had shaken the very foundations of heaven.
"This is madness," Raphael growled, traces of anger apparent in his voice as the wine glass in his hand that would have served well as a matchless treasure in an emperor's hand cracked because of his clenched hands.
The archangels just stood rooted in place on the balcony, minds unable to keep pace with all they had experienced over the last few days.
As he elegantly twirled the glass of wine in his hand and slowly brought it to his mouth, Metatron was not surprised in the least to see the cracked glass in Raphael's hands who was seated beside him, the partially eaten plate of food lying before him long ignored as he stared down the balcony which gave a perfect view of the scenery below.
Raphael had a rather vacant and morose look about him.
"Is everything alright, brother?" Metatron asked, experiencing an unexpected bout of sympathy for his brother whose frustrations were painfully apparent. He might not be a great seraph proper, but he remained one of the few acutely aware of the unprecedented surprise that had fallen upon them and knew just how frustrated Raphael was at the moment.
"I'm surprised you even care, Metatron." Raphael was snapped out of his stupor and glanced at his usually languid brother from the corner of his eye, "As well as I could be at the moment. How about you? I suppose Michael has been keeping you busy as well?" the muscular angel asked, glancing at the broken goblet in his hand before shaking his head.
"None too well, I am afraid," Metatron answered balefully. The demands made by Lelouch vi Britannia had struck them all as a thunderbolt out of the blue, it was as if fate had thrown a most vicious tantrum when it had learned of the only ray of hope kept protected inside their heart that had blazed forth for the first time in centuries when they experienced that aura which so closely resembled their father wash over them.
The absolute authority wielded by that one boy had been let loose upon them as a pack of hungry wolves that had just caught scent of blood, leaving the Seraphim helpless with no means of resistance. Even now, some archangels refuse to accept the reality, unable to see the truth laid bare before them due to the chains of loyalty their brother had unknowingly cast upon them.
"It seems we are to receive bad news upon bad news. Things have gone downstream since that fateful day, we might just witness an upheave of the world order the world before long," Raphael sighed, even as he snapped his fingers and the cracked glass in his hands repaired itself.
"Bad news?" Uriel spoke out from his seat beside the head of the table, an unsaid reminder of the weight his voice held as one of the strongest archangels of god, "By father's grace, that might not be the case this time. We must have faith in our his judgment and trust in his wisdom even if it eludes our worldly minds."
"You speak of faith and trust?" Raphael spat and everyone who knew him could see his voice held none of his infamous anger that once struck fear into the hearts of his enemies during the great war, if anything he seemed almost resigned."The meaning of these words seems to have changed of late. From the way you've been behaving since his awakening, it seems my older brother has already given up on Michael and the regime he has shed sweat and bled for."
Quiet glances were exchanged between brothers and sisters at those words, for they all were well acquainted with Uriel's quiet resentment that seemed to accompany nearly every decision made by Michael as of late. His hypnotic eyes might seem gentle at a glance, but all of them remembered how he had once spearheaded the dangerous faction which advocated for the continuance of the great war.
Uriel leaned forward and all whispers instantly ceased. "That might be true, brother. But compared to the courtesy you have been showing to father's judgement we all are duty bound to obey, I consider my behaviour to be the epitome of loyalty and devotion."
Raphael flinched as if struck by a tribulation of thunder that had made him question everything he knew. The particular emotion seemed unrecognisable on his face, for few were the moments in which he was paralysed by hesitation and regret.
"I have always tolerated this headstrong nature of yours, but one must learn when to advance and retreat. I shall not allow my honour to be questioned." Uriel spoke, cold steel in his voice that made the other archangel's eyes widen. "I do not blame you for misguided faith, but my devotion to father takes precedence over my loyalty to Michael."
Doubt and hesitation danced through Raphael's face even as he lowered his blazing eyes, something that no seraph could ignore.
"I apologise, brother. It was not my intention to demean your honour." Raphael whispered, even as Uriel stared at his younger brother for a moment before he slowly nodded and went back to observing the boundless horizons of the first heaven that were now full of angels and angels.
Candles from the great cathedral of the sixth heaven where God once resided decorated the streets, set at either side of the road that led through the rows upon rows of mansions to reach the grand imperial palace of the first heaven. The people had mourned their father for aeons since his passing, and the dull gloom of grief continued to hang over the skies of heaven, perhaps never to fade away― he had been a true father to his people and would be remembered fondly as a kind monarch in perpetuity.
Next came the golden legions that had once struck fear into the hearts of gods and demons both― trained in unmatched martial discipline, the holy armada bearing the standard of father served as magnificent parade props in their platinum cloaks and gleaming gold armour.
The past three days had been an exercise in longsuffering as Michael had ordered his subordinate Ariel to teach these angels who were well versed with the dance of death how to march in human formation and the knights among them the proper orders for an advancing procession. It had all been worth it to see them march behind Lelouch in their perfect squares, sorted by companies of a thousand.
The parade had been scheduled to take place on sunday even though the heavens had been weeping rain over the entire week without pause but the weather had changed just before dawn on that saturday, as if providence sweetened the realm just to herald heaven's favourite son.
Raphael sighed, glancing out towards the immeasurable crowd that had been gathered here from the balcony of the rotunda that had been prepared for them atop the tallest tower in first heaven as his eyes flickered with a thousand untold emotions.
"It is a grand sight, my dear brother, is it not?" Uriel asked, greeting him with a small smile as he looked towards him.
The moment had arrived. The morning began with the choir of thousand bells from the city's chapels and cathedrals as their brother Michael proclaimed a day of celebration and prayer― the sidewalks of the realm teemed with devotees held back only by armed legions, many called back to the capital from the outlying areas of the kingdom to stand guard during the coronation.
The loud chime of church bells that reverberated throughout heaven told the archangels that the ceremony had begun, and finally came the moment they all had been waiting for.
A gap appeared in the procession as the gentle hymn of prayer from the preceding formations faded ahead. The crowd's tension was palpable, boys sat on their parents' shoulders and women leaned out of their windows― the zeroth regiment had finally arrived.
It was said that when creating his personal regiment, God himself had a hand in selecting the matchless geniuses who held the potential to surpass archangels themselves despite their humble origins. A single glance could tell there was something sharp and defiant about the marching angels which embodied and enforced the noble principles of God.
Their golden heels landed upon the pavement in formidable unison as they marched down the canyon of ecstatic crowds and on towards the palace where honours would be presented. They marched so smartly and were all so handsome, each with the crucifix of Christ worn proudly upon their chest.
At the end of the column came the Lelouch, and the volume inside the endless first realm swelled such that it felt to shake the skyscrapers. Lelouch stood in an open gold palanquin, smiling and waving with a purple and platinum-embroidered mantle flowing from his shoulders. The parade was his triumph, and all that distinguished the glowing youth from the divine praetors of old was the absence of an attending slave to whisper reminders of his mortality.
The procession entered through the golden gates guarding heaven as soon as Lelouch appeared atop his majestic gold palanquin. A cloak of dazzling platinum lace was draped across his shoulders, along with epaulets that gleamed under the bright sunlight, the pristine white of purity instead of the traditional gold that signified divinity.
A shower of scented petals fell wherever they went, almost masking the constant fragrance of candles and rosemary and holy incense.
One could not go ten paces without spotting the holy banners of heaven flying from the roofs of exalted mansions or outside stained-glass windows. Fair maidens born high and low giggled alongside the young and old alike that lined the streets, while cherubs shouted praises and prayers both, as they passed.
"If I might be so bold, I think you should speak with Lelouch again. Under more pleasant circumstances this time, I assure you," Uriel spoke, his eyes growing with triumph as he smiled cordially at Raphael, who looked at the procession in resignation. "The harrowing actions we took during his first appearance were disgraceful, and recent developments call for a proper introduction this one time."
It was only appropriate to put aside all grievances now that the die had been cast, to do otherwise would be counterproductive.
"Lelouch is not so bad once you learn to ignore his thorns of arrogance," Metatron added, keeping one ear open. The support was a welcome surprise.
Raphael accepted with a nod but with muted enthusiasm. His anger at Lelouch had soothed some with time, but the slate was not cleared― there would be plenty of time to work on that, though. If Uriel had to lock his brother in sixth heaven with the young heir until they were cordial with each other, then so be it.
"I suppose I could find it in my heart to let bygones be bygones," Raphael spoke, the blazing fire in his eyes betraying his true emotions. He did admirably in hiding it, but the Uriel was many years his junior in this and in age. "The boy must have some merits if father really sent him to take Michael's place."
Uriel glanced at his Metatron who had not protested as vehemently as Raphael at the time. But his support for Michael was apparent to all who had a stake in this great game, the contemplative hush as he looked down upon the procession betrayed more of his emotions than he cared to admit. "You spoke with Lelouch?"
"Briefly, when I accompanied our older brother Michael to finalize the negotiations." Metatron nodded. He was perhaps the only seraph who had been allowed to see the terms Michael had accepted and even then, he merely played the role of a record keeper bearing witness to an agreement that would shake the world for centuries to come.
"You have never made your thoughts unclear when prompted, so I shall ask you this directly. What do you think of him?"
"Charismatic and clever," Metatron said instantly, without a single pause. "That makes him dangerous, more than we can imagine."
The absolute surety in his brother's tone was surprising and Uriel exchanged a glance with Raphael "Explain."
"It is in his eyes. Constantly seeking, swaying here and there. He takes in everything around him and asks plenty of questions, the right ones." Metatron paused, repeating Michael's words as he took in the surprised faces of his brothers around him. They should have expected Lelouch to betray conventional expectations by now― the world he knew had turned so uncertain that he should have least predicted the very uncertainty that would be their woe.
"It was always clear to us that the boy had a good head. He is clever and ambitious, perhaps too much for his own good." Raphael spoke. "But do you think his ideals would blind him? Would he make a mistake that ruins him?
"Respectfully, you already know the answer to that," Metatron answered, as he adjusted his spectacles and leaned forward. "He would succeed. If nothing else, you must have faith in father's judgment."
Metatron sighed when he saw the reluctance and resignation clash in Raphael's face, knowing words would not convince his brother. He glanced down at his people, drawing comfort from the fact that heaven had always represented freedom and tranquillity to him. It existed eternally, neither limited by ties to bound by location— and in more ways than one, it was home. It never judged him, it simply watched.
"I am but a servant, it is my prerogative to worry," Raphael answered after a moment, acknowledging the unsaid meaning laced in Metatron's words. "The word of our king is the law, more so when it concerns himself. He has declared his intentions before the Seraphim, and I shall not hesitate to declare my loyalty the day he makes good on them."
This was the crux of the entire debacle― as he was now, Lelouch might have the right to impose his authority upon the subjects of heaven but he stood before them without any merit to support the legitimacy of his actions.
Perhaps things might've been different had he descended upon them a century ago, when Michael's rule had been weak and unproven— Uriel shook his head and immediately banished this line of thought. Thinking of what could have been was a direction designed to be a distraction, an illusion that would prevent him from his actual goal of heaven's prosperity. Whatever purpose father had sent Lelouch here for would be beyond his mundane acumen, he instead had to focus on his goals now. Uriel opened his mouth to answer, but was beaten to it by the sheer eruption of noise that resonated across the realm as thousands of angels cheered and shouted and screamed at the same time.
The first time Lelouch came to heaven, he'd been greeted by anger and judgment as seraphs and angels impeded him at every turn. The second time Lelouch set foot into their realm was just after the revelation of his true origins, he'd been greeted by hesitant cheers and scathing whispers as Michael ushered him through the golden doors with great reluctance.
This third time, he'd been greeted by a riot of clapping hands and the seven ringing bells. The noise nearly drowned out the whispers that Uriel could hear coming from inside, casting doubt into everything he knew.
Behind Lelouch followed Archangels Michael and Gabriel, though neither angel had bothered to intervene with the recent contentions regarding inheritance that almost divided the seraphs. A part of him resented the inaction, but Uriel could not begrudge them a share in the glory of his lord, they had kept faith in father's judgement authority and the coronation would not have gone so smoothly without them.
"Calm your heart, brother. Michael has already declared his intentions and there is naught we can do to change it. We have no choice but to continue moving forward " Metatron turned towards him, as if seeing through the treacherous whispers of his pounding heart, "To create a gentle world that is kind to everyone, that is what father would have wanted"
A golden gleam blazed across the great hall of their belvedere as Metatron whispered those words in a manner that closely resembled the way Lelouch had spoken them― his eyes blazing with an intensity whose weight could destroy the entire world and create it anew. He smiled languidly at the looks his brothers sent towards him, wearing golden robes majestic enough for a king's banquet above gleaming armour that was seldom seen upon him.
"It seems the moment is almost upon us." His gaze swept across the hall, and the seraphs shivered as his piercing eyes bore into the very depths of their soul. "It is time for heaven to greet its emperor."
Lelouch materialised atop a raised podium set in an open ground that stretched as far as the eye could see.
The sight laid out before him was something magnificent and terrifying at the same time— Millions of angels surrounded him, all standing in ranks and formations, from cherubs stronger than any human hero to mighty seraphs that could pulverise mountains with a word. From great generals to rank knights, the legions of heaven stood ready before him.
He sensed Michael and Gabriel kneel on either of his sides as they appeared amongst the seraphs already in formation behind him, but he paid them no mind. Instead, his cold amethyst eyes sought the people, his subjects— the reaction of people around the world was of joy. He saw hope in their eyes.
"Angels of the Heaven!"
His figure radiated pure charisma and authority, it cut a striking picture with his unthinkably beautiful face and the great seraphs of heaven beside him. His voice was strong and reverberated across the heavens as a clap of thunder
"Hear my proclamation."
His unforgettable visage filled with unshakable faith inspired respect from the Seraphs that surrounded him and as for the others, they watched, open-mouthed with awe as stood before them, his mere presence serving to affirm among those gathered on his behalf that they had chosen the right side, the right cause and, above all, the right man.
"I am Lelouch vi Britannia, the emperor of the seven heavens and your only ruler."
He spread his arms before the people of Heaven, people who watched him faces drawn with awe and reverence. Many had stood before them with bold claims and tempting promises— it was only the splendour of god that had made them bow before, only the grand visage of their lord had them enthralled. None had ever succeeded, except for him.
"Our Lord has entrusted upon me the throne of heaven, and even the Seraphim has acknowledged before my authority. As a result of this, I am now in control of both the seven heavens and the system." The angels listened, their eyes wide in awe of his magnificence as he declared his intentions without preamble. "I stand before you wearing the mantle of king, the sole inheritor of god's legacy."
"From the dawn of history, every ruler entrusted with the heavenly principles has carried upon their shoulders the burden of steadfast duty." Lelouch spoke, "Every king vows to give themselves for the sake of their nation, for their people."
He stood at the heart of the god's kingdom, on which the sun never set and whose standard flew over more than a billion souls. To his left and right were the noble servants of his kingdom, whose awe and excitement he felt and heard through their enthralled glances and their excited whispers. Lelouch understood perfectly what he was to these people— a symbol of hope, soon to become a legend.
"In the name of their honour, they are charged to be brave. For the sake of the faith entrusted upon them, they are charged to be wise and just. In the name of their subjects, they are charged to defend the young and innocent. For the dreams that they carry, they are charged to be discerning in thought and deed. In the name of the trust that empowers them, they are charged to hold true to their vows." Lelouch paused, before asking. "A lot of promises, but what's the point of it if no one can keep all of them?"
Confused whispers erupted as the demon emperor spread his arms wide. "There are no perfect kings. If kingship was about doing no wrong, we'd have no rulers left to speak of. All beings stumble eventually."
Through the ordeal of his mother's death, his sister's injury, and his father's denunciation, Lelouch had gained the most important insight unto that point in his life—that the protected existence he led was a lie, that the world with its comforting promises and inviting riches that seemed full with butterflies and songbirds to the naive him of before was no paradise. It was a cruel arena where danger prowled at every turn and men schemed to tear themselves apart, the nature of mankind had made it so.
"Kingship is striving towards an ideal," Lelouch spoke, leaning forward. "It is about justice and rightness. It is about wanting to be more, about wanting to be better. We might never be perfect but there is value in the journey towards perfection, in the struggle to do good in an imperfect world."
Yes, the world was cruel and cold but was that not why he wanted to change it? He was all that remained to look after Nunally and avenge their mother but had he not chosen to give it all up for a single miracle? At every turn, he'd moved forward— towards a gentler world, trusting kindness to prevail over the cruelty.
"Under my rule, Heaven would never stop moving forward, this I can proudly promise," Lelouch declared.
As he spread his arms, the boom of a close by thunderclap reverberated through his chest and caused his eyes to look towards the Heavens. Blue and purple lightning streaked across the clear sky, illuminating the sombre statues of angels and stains perched atop massive roman columns. Lelouch experienced a violent shiver going down his spine. It was a sign, his purpose in life had found him— it may take a lifetime, but he would change this world. Just as he had changed this own.
"I appeared before you as a man, and now I shall rise as a king. Yes, from this day, from this moment forward, the heavens belongs to me!" Lelouch declared, amethyst eyes flashing red for a moment, "Lelouch vi Britannia commands you! Obey me, subjects!"
The people froze, knowing what was coming next. A single god had claimed it in the past, and no one was ever able to achieve it again but this boy had done it.
"All Hail Lelouch!" screamed the angels.
"All Hail Lelouch!" screamed the exalts.
"All Hail Lelouch!" screamed the seraphs.
The seven heavens stood frozen— enthralled, amazed, and afraid before his absolute authority, his absolute power.
Thanks for reading…
This chapter was inspired by Lelouch of Britannia.
In this story, I want to portray two separate faces of our protagonist— Lelouch Lamperouge, the kind friend and Lelouch vi Britannia, the demon emperor. I don't know how successful this story would be in depicting his character, but I can only hope I do the black prince justice.
This is it then, the end of the prologue. Now we move from Heaven to the greater world of the DxD.