Mosaic - Part 2
Mar. 14th, 2011 04:00 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bard_linnMissed Part 1?
”Fighting an unskilled, unarmed opponent is not what I would expect from you, Suzaku-kun.”
Suzaku fidgeted under Toudou-sensei’s intense gaze. “He started it.”
Toudou-sensei’s disapproving frown deepened. “Regardless of who ‘started it’, Suzaku-kun, hitting a guest is not appropriate behavior. Need I remind you of the possible political ramifications of this?”
“No.” Goddamn Brits and their stupid military. It wasn’t Suzaku’s fault that the Japanese empire wasn’t as strong as the Britannian one!
“Good. See that you keep your hands to yourself. I believe the dojo floor needs cleaning.”
Recognizing the reprimand for what it was, Suzaku just bowed and went to do his teacher’s wishes. Stupid Buriki prince. Stupid political consequences. He wished for once he could just lay into Lelouch the way the brainy boy deserved.
Lelouch might have thought he had been subtle, coming in on a civilian flight, but Suzaku’s information network found him on the way to the imperial palace. Suzaku allowed him to enter the dojo without incident. Kallen was watching over Nunnally and Euphemia, both of whom were in the gardens. Kaguya was handling a diplomatic dispute with the Kyoto clans — ‘quietly,’ without bringing it to the Emperor’s attention. That meant that Suzaku would have peace and quiet to deal with Lelouch however he deemed fit.
“About time you showed up,” Suzaku snapped as his childhood friend stepped into the dojo. “We’ve been waiting for nearly two months.”
Lelouch clenched his fists as he approached. “Suzaku, I can’t believe—”
“Yeah, me neither — I can’t believe you haven’t answered your phone, I can’t believe you didn’t read your mail, I can’t believe you left your sister without word for so long. Do you know how much you made her cry? She thought you must have died!” Suzaku wasn’t brilliant with words, but he had discussed the topic for a long time with his three wives. All of them had had a few things to contribute. Hopefully it would be enough to cut Lelouch off.
The prince’s eyes flashed with anger. “I can’t believe you were so impatient that you couldn’t wait until I managed to get back to you. Unlike some people, I’m actually doing meaningful work — not being a figurehead for the government and letting all of my ministers handle the job of ruling.”
“The Japanese system is different from the Britannian one!”
“Of course it is,” Lelouch sneered. “What’s your problem, anyway? I’d think three wives would be enough to satisfy you, even at your age.”
Suzaku felt his hands tense, the irrational anger he often felt when Lelouch fought him surging. “Keep them out of this.”
“Touched a nerve? How dare you go and twist my sister — who I left in your care — just to suit your game—”
Thought went out the window. Suzaku executed a perfect attack with his right hand.
Lelouch blocked it.
Suzaku stared at the prince’s arm. It wasn’t the strongest block in the world — he could have broken through it if he hadn’t been holding back — but it was well executed. When had Lelouch learned how to do that? He hated physical activity!
“Again with violence. Your usual standby.”
Suzaku pulled his arm back, took a deep breath, and tried to let his anger go. Euphemia warned him that Lelouch would try to hurt him, to make him pull away. “Nunnally and I love each other, Lelouch. You can ask her yourself. We wanted to tell you first, but you never called. And I can’t imagine what was so important to keep you out of contact for so long—”
“My father is dead, Suzaku.”
The words hit Suzaku like a ton of bricks. Immediately he forgave Lelouch for his anger — he could remember his own father’s death all too well, seeing the body fallen over his desk, the Britannian knife in his chest, the Chinese assassin turning, another knife in his hands for Suzaku. Lelouch’s shout of warning as he saw the threat coming. The man’s hand flashing forward, catching him in the side; blacking out… He had woken up in the hospital. They had told him his will to live had saved him, that he alone of his family had beaten the odds, in part thanks to Lelouch, who had tightly bound his wound and managed to call for help.
Suzaku would be Emperor.
It hadn’t mattered that he hadn’t been close to Genbu. What had mattered was that the security, the knowledge that his father was there, was gone. The country had lost not only its emperor, but also his brothers and sisters. The family line had almost been destroyed in the attack. The Britannians, under the leadership of the Second Princess, had come to rescue the small island nation, again at Lelouch’s request. Lelouch had helped Suzaku, and his country, in one of the darkest moments in his life, and now he was repaying that with rage. Even if Lelouch should have gotten in touch with Nunnally, Suzaku’s actions were unacceptable.
“I’m sorry, Lelouch. I didn’t know.” Guilt made it hard for him to swallow. Now he noticed how pale his friend was, the dark circles under his eyes marking a lack of sleep, and the prominence of his cheekbones. Lelouch had always been skinny, but there was a gauntness in his face that spoke of many missed meals.
“We’ve kept it quiet. I’ve come to tell Nunnally and Euphemia. We’ll need them at the funeral next week.”
“I’ll come.”
Lelouch shot him a glare. “Don’t be stupid. That would be asking for some ‘well-meaning’ citizen to shoot you. Stay here. They’ll be fine. I’ll have a Rounds assigned to them. Cornelia will have the Glaston Knights on guard duty as well.”
Interesting. Having power to get one of the Knights of the Rounds to guard his siblings…that indicated Lelouch had more power than Suzaku had thought. He pondered for a moment, then nodded. Lelouch was right, of course, but his friend had revealed more in this conversation than he had since his return to Japan nearly a year ago. “They’re in the gardens. Go ahead — they’ll be happy to see you. I’ll have someone make you dinner. You look like you need it.”
“A few missed meals are hardly going to kill me, Suzaku.” Lelouch took his invitation, however, and left the dojo.
Suzaku waited until he was out of sight before gesturing to a figure outside of the building. “Sayoko, put a dinner order in — and see what our people can find out about Lelouch vi Britannia. He seems to be much more than we’ve figured so far.”
Shinozaki Sayoko, thirty-seventh successor to the Shinozaki School, bowed. “Of course, Tennou. I will see to it at once.”
______________________________
Nunnally awoke when the screaming started. There was something wet on her, something that smelled like... blood. Old nightmares rose in her mind, the feeling of the bullets slicing into her legs and her mother wrapped her in her arms. She started to whimper, curling into a ball.
“Nunnally! Nunnally, it’s all right. You’re safe.” Her brother’s hands settled on her shoulder. “Please — I need you to stay with me. I think they might be after Suzaku too.”
Suzaku-san was in danger? “Oniisama, you have to save him!” She knew he could — her brother could do anything.
“I will. But first we have to hide you.” Lelouch picked her up, and carefully carried her away from the smell of blood. “Stay here. I’ll come back for you. I promise.” Nunnally hoped he would. It was dangerous, and she was scared.
He did come back that time. And he always came back, no matter how far away he went.
Nunnally received the note that her brother was in a meeting with Suzaku-san and immediately felt nervous. She loved them both dearly, but they fought like cats and dogs sometimes. She remembered far too often having to be the mediating force between the pair, and hoped they wouldn’t hurt each other too badly. As always, though she felt relief flow over her as she realized her brother was home. Even Suzaku-san couldn’t make her feel as comfortable as knowing her brother was here. Oniisama was safety and comfort; Suzaku-san was love and adventure. As long as she had them, she needed nothing else.
“It’ll be okay, Nunnally. I’m sure everything will work out.” Euphie-neesama smiled brilliantly at her.
With her regained sight, however, Nunnally could see the worry lurking in her sister’s eyes. “Kallen-san, maybe you should go watch them.”
The other woman snorted. “Suzaku is more than enough to handle Lelouch. I doubt he could hurt a fly.”
“Maybe, but…”
“Nunnally?”
“Oniisama!” Nunnally quickly turned her chair so she could see her brother for the first time since she had lost her sight. She gasped a bit as their eyes met, the shock in his obvious. He had grown up so handsome, as she has often imagined. A bit taller than Suzaku-san, paler, with something of a majestic air about him, the power of one who ruled. It reminded her of Schneizel-niisama, but somehow more genuine… Then Nunnally reminded herself that she was mad at him. “Where have you been? You haven’t answered any of my calls, or my emails. We thought you were dead!”
Lelouch went to one knee, taking her hand. He continued to stare into her eyes. “I forgot how beautiful your eyes were.” His voice was barely a whisper. “You opened them for Suzaku?”
“Yes. I needed to see him.”
“I see.” Nunnally saw something pass over Lelouch’s face. She wasn’t sure what it could be — she didn’t know his face well enough to interpret all of his expressions anymore.
“I really love him, Oniisama. I really do. Please don’t try to stop us from getting married—”
“Schneizel has already approved your request,” Lelouch interrupted.
“Schneizel?” Euphemia frowned. “A princess may only marry with the Emperor’s consent. Even the Prime Minster can’t sign off of a marriage proposal.”
“The Emperor – Charles di Britannia – is dead.”
Nunnally’s eyes widened, uncertainty washing through her. All of her life her father had been the Emperor of Britannia, and one without equal. For him now to be dead… The world dropped out from under her, suddenly an unfamiliar place. “How?”
“An accident in an experiment he was conducting.” Lelouch looked from Nunnally to Euphemia. “The announcement will be tomorrow. We want to have both of you on your way back home before then.”
“Of course!” Nunnally agreed.
“What about the sucesssion?” Euphemia asked. “Odysseus is First Prince…”
The law of Britannia stated that the firstborn prince would rule following his father’s death, provided such a prince existed. There had been female rulers in Britannia’s past, but it was a rare thing. Rarer still was it to skip a prince all together. But even Nunnally knew that Odysseus wasn’t the ruler Schneizel would be. If the emperor had not left a will to override the law, it could be civil war, with Those who thought they could use the First Prince as a figurehead or supported the law on one side and those who felt the Second Prince would be a better candidate on the other. Civil war was the nightmare of any royal child; they all learned the history of the bloody conflicts in their childhood, lest any of them think that such a thing would be an easy opportunity to gain the throne.
“He didn’t leave a will, but between Cornelia, Schneizel and me, I think we’ve convinced the necessary parties that Schneizel will take the throne.” Lelouch made a tired, wry face that held too much bitterness to be called a smile. “Odysseus will renounce his claim after the funeral.”
“Good.” Euphemia breathed a sigh of relief, and Nunnally echoed her. “I’ll have the servants start packing.” She rose from her seat and hugged her brother. “It’s good to see you, Lelouch. Don’t scare us like that again.” She quickly left the garden.
“I don’t know how I’m going to do without you, Nunnally. I’m going to actually have to pay attention to all those details you handle,” Lelouch teased, though his tone was heavy.
“Our steward really is very good, Oniisama. I’m sure you’ll manage.” Nunnally swallowed, sad as her brother’s hand caressed her cheek. She loved Suzaku-san, but losing her Oniisama… she didn’t know if she could bear that either. But she knew better than to ask him to stay. He would hate being trapped. “Please visit?”
“As often as I can. And I promise to check my messages.” Lelouch kissed her cheek. “I’ll get the arrangements for your marriage made with Suzaku before we leave.”
“You should sleep, Oniisama,” Nunnally chastised gently. “You look like you’re about to fall over.”
“I’m not quite there yet. And I want to make sure this is taken care of before Schneizel puts me back to work.” He squeezed her hand. “Let’s go make sure you have everything you need.”
“All right, Oniisama.” Nunnally followed her brother back into the palace, though she still worried. Would her brother be okay without her? She knew he would be lonely. Was there anything she could do to convince him to stay in Japan?
______________________________
When Lelouch woke him by barging into his room, shouting something about assassins. He stared at his friend, covered in blood. “Lelouch?”
“Chinese assassins. They nearly got Nunnally. The guards here are dead.”
“Father!” Suzaku lept from his futon. If they were targeting people... He might not care much for Genbu, but he was the Emperor. He had to be protected.
“Suzaku! Don’t go!” Lelouch followed him, trying to keep up. Suzaku pulled ahead, throwing the door open to Genbu’s office. The emperor lay slumped over his desk, a knife in his chest. His murderer turned, reaching for a weapon at his waist.
Suzaku saw red, and lunged. Pain exploded in his chest and the world went dark.
“I should be there.” Suzaku frowned as he watched the funeral procession on TV. Nunnally and Euphemia looked particularily drawn and exhausted, though whether that was the camera, the severe black they wore, or grief, he couldn’t tell.
“That’s a crazy idea. I’ve told you that once, and it is still a crazy idea,” Kallen groused. “Sit down. Pacing won’t help.”
Suzaku sat for a moment or two before standing again. Kallen sighed. If he wouldn’t feel so guilty about it, he’d ask Kallen for a round in the dojo to relieve his tension, but he knew that he’d feel worse if he didn’t watch the funeral.
“You can’t help but feel for them. They’ve been under scrutiny since they got back.” Kaguya sighed. “Everything from questions about their time here to how they feel about their father’s death. The Britannian press is a monster.”
“At least that Ashford girl seems to have some sympathy. She doesn’t ask them stupid questions,” Kallen pointed out.
“Milly actually knew Lelouch and Nunnally as children,” Suzaku interjected. “Nunnally’s mentioned her before. Their mother worked with her family on a scientific project of some kind.”
“Anything about the Knightmares?” Kallen asked, looking interested. She might hate Britannia, but she was interested in their custom weapons. Japan had yet to get a working model, though rumor said that the Chinese Federation and the E.U. had their own designs. Of course, unlike those two nations, Japan had not been at war with Britannia, meaning they hadn’t gotten a chance to dissect the remains of any frames lost in the field.
“I’m not sure; you’d have to ask them. Lelouch doesn’t talk about their mother much.” Suzaku frowned, his eyes scanning the screen. The First and Second Princes were the head of the procession, with the most important of the Emperor’s widows behind them. Cornelia had a prominent place as well. But Lelouch, who sounded like he had been critical in arranging the transition of power, was missing from the front of the procession. He was there, the black of mourning suiting him far more than most of his siblings, but towards the end, with those who weren’t the focus of most of the media’s attention.
What was going on here? Sayoko’s research indicated that Lelouch had spoken to his father more often than anyone other than Schneizel, who worked with him at least once a week due to his position as Prime Minister. The Second Prince often sought Lelouch’s presence himself. Cornelia was known for occasionally asking Lelouch to command a military mission if she needed an additional leader. It didn’t make sense, but Sayoko was still digging. Hopefully she would find something soon.
“How long before you marry Nunnally?” Kaguya asked, drawing Suzaku’s attention away from the screen.
“Lelouch suggested seven months from now. In the old days a year of mourning was required, but these days it seems that half a year is considered acceptable.” Nunnally’s dowry had been small, but thankfully, so had Japan’s concessions to Britannia. Preferential shipping rights for two years. Suzaku had been able to say yes with a sigh of relief.
“I think Nunnally would want something quiet, anyway,” Kallen mused. “Something that wouldn’t draw as much attention.” Suzaku nodded. Nunnally preferred to be out of the limelight when possible. He hadn’t realized it for a long time, until Kaguya had pointed it out. No wonder, when so much of the attention she received was pity. “When will they come back?”
“Nunnally said they’ll be there for the coronation next week, and then fly home.” Suzaku felt warmth bloom in his chest as he recalled Nunnally’s words. Japan was home to her now, even though they weren’t married yet. It brought a smile to his face.
Kallen made a face as she watched the procession enter the elaborate cathedral in Pentdragon. “Good. The sooner we get them away from that circus, the better.”
______________________________
”Let’s play house! I’ll be the mother, Lelouch will be the father, and you can be our daughter, Nunnally,” Euphemia declared with a smile.
“I don’t want to play house,” Lelouch interjected. His sisters ignored him. He sighed and returned to his book.
“I’m always the daughter. I want to be the mother for once!” Nunnally argued. She was too well behaved to stomp her foot in protest, but she was tempted. “Why don’t you be the daughter?”
“Because I’m older,” Euphemia said smugly. “And Lelouch can’t be the daughter because he has to be the father.”
“Why don’t we have two mothers and a daughter?” Nunnally asked.
“I’d be a son, not a daughter,” Lelouch corrected. Nunnally and Euphemia ignored him again.
Euphemia pondered the situation. Nunnally waited for her idea. Euphemia liked to have her way, but she was very kind. “Maybe we can have two stepmothers and Lelouch can be our daughter? Our husband can be away.”
“Perfect!” Nunnally declared. “Let’s get Lelouch a dress.”
“I am not your daughter!” Lelouch objected. “I’m not doing this.”
“Please, Lelouch?” Nunnally begged. “It’s much more fun with girls than with boys. I’ve always wanted a daughter,” she pleaded.
“...all right. But only this time!”
Nunnally jumped in excitement. “Thank you, Lelouch! Come on, Euphie — we need to dress her up!”
Nunnally smiled as she awoke in the morning, stretching in her bed. Due to her disability, Suzaku had allowed her to keep her Western-style bed rather than switching to a futon. It had been difficult to sleep on them during their honeymoon — not that they did as much sleeping as… other things. She giggled a bit, remembering how wonderful the week had been. Suzaku-san all to herself, and no responsibilities… It may have been three months ago, but it still made her glow to think of it. Her smile faded a bit as she recalled her self-appointed duty for the day. She thought Suzaku would be happy, but she was worried about Euphie-neesama… No use in borrowing trouble, Nunnally reminded herself, and rang for her servant so she could start her day.
Finally dressed, she went to the dining room. Again, they had made allowances for her here, using a Western-style table to serve the traditional Japanese food. The Britannian princesses were still adjusting to the different cuisine. Privately both admitted they missed the food they had grown up with… a fact that Lelouch had somehow anticipated, as small care baskets often accompanied him on his monthly visits with treats from home that allowed them to have a bit of Britannia with their Japanese meals. Kallen and Kaguya had also become fond of the gifts — Kallen in particular had developed a weakness for cookies.
“Good morning, Nunnally!” Euphemia cheerfully greeted her as she took her own seat.
Nervousness gripped her again, but Nunnally tried not to show it. “Good morning, Euphie-neesama. Did you sleep well?”
“Hmmm, yes.” Euphemia smiled dreamily. Nunnally suspected that Suzaku had been with her last night. “You?”
“I had a bit of trouble getting to sleep,” Nunnally admitted. She twisted her napkin. “I need to tell Suzaku-san something.”
“Oh? I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Euphemia squeezed her hand.
“What will be fine?” Kaguya asked as she entered the room. Behind her came Suzaku and Kallen, both with damp hair. They had already completed their early morning workout, showered and changed. It made Nunnally feel lazy, sleeping in so late.
“Nunnally has to tell Suzaku something,” Euphemia explained.
“What is it, Nunnally?” Suzaku asked, taking her hand.
“I saw the doctors yesterday.” Everyone nodded — Nunnally had to have regular checkups because of her condition. She took a deep breath, hoping Euphemia wouldn’t hate her for this. “I’m pregnant.”
“Really?” Euphemia practically jumped out of her seat. “Congratulations! Oh Nunnally, you must be so happy!”
“You’re not mad?” she asked. She knew her sister wanted children, but she still hadn’t conceived yet, despite being married to their husband longer.
“Mad? Why would I be mad?” Euphemia looked confused. “You know I love children.”
“Yes, but…”
“I think Nunnally is concerned because she conceived before you did,” Kaguya reasoned.
“Well, that’s hardly her fault!” Euphemia hugged her sister tightly. “It just isn’t my turn yet. I know it will happen, and when it does, I’ll be very happy — but until then, I’m going to enjoy babying all of your children.” She smiled. “Have you told Lelouch yet?”
“No. I wanted to tell you first, Suzaku-san. I’ll call him after breakfast.” Nunnally smiled. “I think he’ll be surprised.”
“Oh yes. He’ll be a wonderful uncle.”
“Personally, I think I may have to run for the hills,” Suzaku joked.
“Oh, no — Oniisama would never really hurt you, Suzaku-san,” Nunnally said firmly. “You’re his best friend. Besides, if he does, Euphie-neesama will never have children, and that’ll make her unhappy, and then Cornelia will be angry at him!”
“I don’t know. Cornelia might consider that a blessing,” Suzaku replied. He gently kissed Nunnally. “Congratulations.” Nunnally kissed him back, convinced she was the happiest woman in the world.
______________________________
Suzaku wasn’t sure what woke him, but he shifted slowly in his hospital bed. Next to him, Lelouch and Nunnally slept, the former in a chair, the latter in the room’s other bed. They had stayed with Suzaku during his time in the hospital, healing from the wounds he had received during the Chinese attack. Both appeared to be sound asleep.
A woman opened the door. Suzaku pretended to be asleep as she walked in, but the nurse barely looked at him, intent on the two figures next to him, carrying a cup of some sort. Suzaku felt a flash of fear as she bent over the princess. He grabbed a dish left over from his dinner and tossed it at the woman, smacking her in the shoulder and causing her to drop the cup in surprise, spilling its contents all over the floor. “Guards!” he shouted
Imperial guards immediately appeared in his doorway from their position outside, surrounding the woman, who looked at Suzaku in shock. “Arrest that woman. Detain her for questioning.”
“Yes, Tennou!” The woman was taken away.
Lelouch, awoken by Suzaku’s shout, knelt, sniffing the liquid that had spilled. He looked at Suzaku, and understanding passed between them. Poison. Someone had come to try and kill the two vi Britannias. “Thank you.”
Suzaku gave his friend a smile. “Just returning the favor.”
Suzaku awoke when he heard sounds out in the nursery.
Leaving Nunnally sleeping in their bed, he slipped out of the bed and came over to the crib. Two figures stood besides it. “Lelouch. Did you have to show up in the middle of the night?” Little Marianne’s uncle held her gently in his arms, rocking her with a steady hand. Suzaku briefly wondered where his friend had learned how to take care of a baby. “Nunnally was expecting you two days ago.”
Pregnancy hadn’t been easy for Nunnally. Lelouch’s visits seemed to bring her more peace than anything else. Suzaku tried not to resent that, though it wasn’t easy. Two months ago Lelouch had warned them that he was going to have to vanish for a while. Nunnally had worried when her brother continued not to call or write. Suzaku couldn’t offer much in terms of reassurance, now that Sayoko’s research had revealed Lelouch’s real job: handling all of Britannia’s black ops and the intelligence agency — neither safe or restful occupations.
Finally, the day for Nunnally’s cesarean had arrived, but not her brother. The new mother’s eyes had brightened when she held her daughter for the first time... but they went from Suzaku and Euphemia’s happy faces to the door, clearly looking for Lelouch.
“We’re only stopping by briefly,” Lelouch said quietly. He gently touched Marianne’s cheek. “She looks just like Nunnally did as a baby — only with black hair, of course.”
“We?” Suzaku asked. He moved over a bit so he could see the young woman standing besides Lelouch. White hair, red eyes, pale skin... “Empress Jiang,” Suzaku nodded at the ruler. Called Tianzi by her people, she had come to her throne younger than he had to his.
The ruler of the Chinese Federation bowed. “Emperor Suzaku. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“The empress is accompanying me to Britannia,” Lelouch said quietly.
“Why?” Suzaku asked, his mouth going dry. Last he had heard, the empress had been under house arrest. To be going to Britannia... to be out of China at all...
“I will seek help to regain my throne,” Jiang said. She smiled at the baby. “Your daughter is very beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Suzaku replied automatically. His attention was mostly on the political nightmare that had been placed in his lap. “Will Britannia do it?”
“We will be glad to help our cousin regain her throne,” Lelouch replied smoothly, using the term of address between royals common in the West. “Empress Jiang has promised an alliance between our people.”
Suzaku wanted to warn her about the problem of accepting Britannian aid, but the words stuck in his throat. From his own intelligence reports, he knew that she didn’t have many choices. ‘Zero’ had managed to rile the people against the ruling body of Eunuchs, but that didn’t guarantee success. At best, Zero might lead the people in a bloody opposition that would lead to civil war. Knowing the kind of alliance that Britannia favored, Suzaku looked at Lelouch. “...Not Schneizel.”
“I have quiet a few brothers. I’m sure we’ll find someone to her Majesty’s liking.” Lelouch replied. He placed Marianne in the crib. “We need to go.”
“Nunnally won’t be happy if you don’t see her before you go. She’s missed you terribly.”
Lelouch shook his head. “I can’t wait until morning. Things are changing too rapidly. I’ll call when I get to Britannia — and I promise I’ll come back soon.”
“Or you could wake me up. It wouldn’t kill me.” Nunnally called from within her bedroom. Lelouch looked a bit embarrassed, then glanced at Suzaku. He nodded his permission, and his friend disappeared through the doorway to visit his sister.
“Empress, you have to know how this will end.” Suzaku spoke quietly, trying not to let their conversation carry back to the Britannian siblings.
“With my people in the hands of Britannia, and the end of our ability to govern ourselves,” she replied, her voice just as soft. “Yes. But Emperor Schneizel has shown himself to be a fair ruler thus far. I can only hope that he will continue in such a fashion. The High Eunuchs are starving my people, abusing them. I can’t stand by and let that happen.” Her eyes returned to where Lelouch was. “He loves her very much, doesn’t he.”
“More than anything in the world. I think he would do anything for Nunnally.”
“I knew someone like that once. I didn’t get to see him often, but... he died to save me.” Her eyes were sorrowful for a moment, before she straightened, looking him in the eye. “Take care of her, Emperor Suzaku. She is a treasure if she has earned such love.”
“Best of luck, Empress.” Suzaku replied as Lelouch rejoined them. He had the feeling she would need it.
______________________________
Euphemia woke to the sound of her sister talking loudly with the servants. “What’s going on?”
“Euphie, I have to go. Lelouch called — the Chinese are attacking Japan. The Emperor has declared I will lead our opposing force.”
Fear gripped the child’s heart. “Sister, don’t go! You’ll be in danger!”
“Don’t worry, Euphie. I know what I’m doing. Lady Marianne taught me well.” She kissed Euphie’s forehead. “I’ll be back before you know it. And I’ll bring Lelouch and Nunnally home. You’ll enjoy that.”
Euphemia nodded, but dread made her unable to smile. Even at her age she knew that many fell in battle. She could only pray her sister came back safely — and that she’d manage to bring the vi Britannias home.
Euphemia tried not to fidget as they waited for Lelouch to visit. She was nervous. War horrified her. She had always feared that this battle would be the one Cornelia would not return from, and now both Lelouch and Cornelia were going into combat against the Empire’s greatest foe...
At least she didn’t have to worry about Suzaku or any of those she had met in Japan. The island nation would only be serving as a base and providing supplies. Still, the presence of so many Britannian soldiers was making people nervous.
At least Kallen and Suzaku got a chance to try the Knightmare simulators. Both had been ecstatic. In fact, Euphemia suspected they wished they were going along, if only so they could pilot a real KMF.
“Oniisama!” Nunnally cried joyfully as their brother finally entered the room. He cut a sharp figure in his uniform and cape, the military outfit for nobility.
“That’s a good look for you,” Suzaku commented. “Now, can you actually fight in it?”
“Don’t be silly — I’ll be in a KMF. And the cape doubles as good field bandage material.” Lelouch bent to hug Nunnally. “I’m sorry to do this to you.”
“You’ll be back, won’t you? Soon?”
“I promise I’ll be back,” Lelouch vowed. “I’ll always come back to you, Nunnally. I don’t know how long it’ll be, but I promise I’ll be back.”
“Well, we got you something for a little extra luck.” Euphemia pressed the omamori into his hand. “We’ll be praying for you.” She claimed her own hug.
“Just take good care of Marianne. I want to visit my niece when all of this is over,” Lelouch said as he let his half-sister go. “I’ll write when I can.”
“We’ll write too. And send pictures!” Nunnally promised firmly. “I love you, Oniisama.”
“I love you too,” Lelouch replied. He nodded at Suzaku in farewell before leaving; a young blond man wearing a Rounds uniform met him at the door with a stack of reports. He turned to wave to his sisters one more time before following the knight out, reading the papers in his hand.
Euphemia took Nunnally’s hand once their brother vanished from view. “Let’s go home. I’m sure Marianne will be happy to see you again. Kaguya said she’s been fussing.”
“Yes,” Nunnally agreed. “I want to have lots of pictures to show Lelouch when he comes back.”
Suzaku touched her shoulder. “Nunnally... you know that he might not come back, don’t you?”
“No. He will.” Her eyes shown with determination. “Because he promised me. Oniisama has never promised me something that didn’t come true.”
______________________________
The woman awoke him from his sleep, gold eyes staring into his in the dark. “Wake up, boy. They’re coming for you.”
“Who are you?!” Lelouch yelled, nearly jumping out of the uncomfortable Japanese bed.
“My name doesn’t matter. Assassins come to kill both you and your sister.” She looked at him. Lelouch shivered. It felt like she was able to see through him. “You will not survive without power. Power I can give you. All you need to do is grant my wish.”
Lelouch licked his lips. He was wise enough to know that taking a power without knowing the consequences was dangerous, but for Nunnally… “What must I do?”
Lelouch, dressed as Zero, stalked through the hallways of the hideaway of the last of the High Eunuchs. His Black Knights, Chinese citizens, empowered by Britannian weapons ‘smuggled’ into the country, and trained under carefully selected Britannian military members, followed his lead. They swarmed in and out of the rooms, looking for Huang Qian. Zero, however, continued forward. The members of the Geass Order already knew where Huang was, and he wanted to waste no time in finishing this war. Cornelia was leading their forces from the west; his own Britannian forces held the eastern side of the federation, Tianzi safely amongst them. The Black Knights worked within the chaos of the war, destroying supply lines, stealing weaponry, and most importantly, undermining support of the Eunuchs.
C.C. walked side by side with Zero. Behind them trailed one particular Black Knight, Jun, a member with medical training. He would play an important role in the coming events, though he won’t remember it, if all went to plan.
Zero stepped into a tiny broadcast room without fear. Huang was there, looking even older than he had a few months ago when Lelouch had first observed him. Long nights attempting to retain control of his country had worn him down. Lelouch didn’t give him a chance to speak before he Geassed him. “Obey my commands!”
“Yes, your Highness.”
“Stand there for now.” Confident the man would obey, Lelouch removed the helmet as C.C. closed the door behind them. “Ready?”
She laughed. “I should be asking you that. You’ve been putting me off for so long it’s almost insulting.”
“I’m twenty-three now. Twenties are much easier to age up or down than someone who isn’t even a teenager yet.” Lelouch placed the helmet on one of the control booths. “How do we do this?”
C.C. stepped closer, taking his hand. She pressed a knife into it, placing it over her heart. “Touch. That’s all that’s needed. Kill me, Lelouch. Fulfill my wish.”
C.C. had been his constant since he was ten, haunting his steps and watching him experiment with the Geass she had given him. He had never told his father of her presence. Whenever the Geass Order had closed in on her, she mysteriously vanished, only to reappear at a time of her own choosing. To lose her now seemed impossible, but he knew that anything less would sour the bargain between them. He had destroyed China. It was time for her wish to come true. They kissed, for the first and last time, as the blade plunged into her heart. Her expression was one of bliss as she fell — there was no pain in her face.
Lelouch stared at her. He felt no different, and he almost expected her to rise, insisting he’d done it wrong. Yet the body remained oddly still — just another corpse. With steady hands — she was by no means the first person he’d killed — he cleaned the knife and returned it to her person, moving her behind one of the booths. It wouldn’t do for her to be seen just yet. A moment later he replaced the mask, turning to create Zero’s final stage.
It would be a moment spoken of throughout the ages. Huang activated the broadcasting equipment within the room and confronted Zero on live TV, sending their conversation throughout the area. Zero urged him to surrender, to give the power back to the people and their Empress. Huang refused, claiming that Zero had corrupted their ruler, turning her into a vengeful, spoiled creature who would have to be killed and replaced. Zero insisted Tianzi worked for the will of the people — and Huang shot him.
Seeing their hero, the man who had given them hope, die would cause the people of the Chinese Federation to go mad. They would fight harder than ever. The Britannian armies would hardly need to do anything. Even the Eunuchs’ loyal supporters, having heard Huang malign their empress, would break ranks and turn on their leaders.
Lelouch vi Britannia, Zero no more, ignored most of this. He was just trying to breathe. Dying, it seemed, was more painful than he had expected. Jun, as he had been Geassed to do, ran into the room the minute he had heard the gun shot, using his own weapon to kill Huang. Then he bent over Zero, and declared the man dead, his Geassed mind not seeing Lelouch’s breathing, nor feeling his pulse. He then mounted a guard at the door, refusing to let anyone in. Some of the Black Knights wanted to lift the mask to find the true identity of their leader. Others insisted that Zero’s identity wasn’t important. He had given his life for them — wasn’t that enough?
Taking advantage of the arguments between his former followers, Lelouch quickly shed the Zero costume and dressed C.C’s body in it. It wouldn’t be the first time she had stood in for him, though this was certainly the most morbid case. Lelouch slipped into her own outfit as best as he could, then slipped over behind the communications desk near Huang. With a bit of luck, he’d be ignored.
He was. Jun, having killed the last High Eunuch, quickly gained power over the mob outside. He ordered Zero’s body to be carefully taken out once the fighting was finished and taken to Tianzi. She would decide what to do with the fallen hero.
As the hall cleared, Lelouch slipped out. His knowledge of the Black Knights procedures made it child’s play to get past their lines of defense and back to the Britannian ones. Rolo, the member of the Geass Order working as his aide in the campaign, greeted him with a nod as he reappeared. “That was quite a show.”
Lelouch shrugged. “As long as it works. Status?”
“The enemy’s routed. They’re turning on each other. Those loyal to the Eunuchs are having to fight their own troops. Apparently most of them didn’t believe what they had planned until they heard it from Huang himself.” Rolo tapped a few keys on the console before him. “Cornelia is pressing her line forward. Tianzi wishes to do the same.”
“Of course we will support the Empress. Give the order to engage. The sooner this is over, the better.” Two years their war had raged, and he hadn’t left China in all that time. Even when he was on leave as the Britannian commander, he had to take care of the Black Knights. Leaving the Zero identity behind felt surprisingly like a burden taken from his shoulders. He had expected he would miss it — after all, he was, as Suzaku put it, a bit of a ham. Instead all he felt was relief.
“Will you be joining the Order full time?” Rolo asked as he typed in Lelouch’s commands.
The prince shook his head. “I’ll keep an eye on things, of course, but I’ll need to watch the rest of the empire as well.” Jun had followed his instructions to the letter, which meant Lelouch’s Geass was still in effect even after he had gained the Code. He might not be able to use it anymore, but those already cast should hold true. He would stick around to keep Schneizel in line… “And I have a niece to visit.”
“Of course.” Rolo sounded bitter.
Lelouch knew why. “You should come meet Marianne. You’re her uncle too, after all.”
Rolo looked surprised. “I’m not—”
“It isn’t your fault that you’re a bastard. Nunnally won’t care. You’re her half brother, and that’s all that will matter to her.”
“Maybe you’re right. Once this is over.” Rolo gave him a slight smile.
Lelouch felt a bit of tension ease out of him at that. Rolo had a bad tendency to hold grudges, and he had seemed jealous of the attention that Nunnally received. Lelouch might now be invulnerable to Rolo’s Geass, but Nunnally, Suzaku, and Marianne were not. As far as assassins went, Rolo was top notch, but Geass had left him, like so many it touched, more than slightly warped.
On the other hand, if he came to love Nunnally and Marianne, it wouldn’t hurt to have another guard around them. One who could eliminate threats before Nunnally and her family even knew anything was wrong. A good plan, if he did say so himself.
“Your Highness, we’re encountering heavy resistance in sector seven.” Rolo reported, resuming his ‘public’ face as he activated his headset. “They’re requesting your presence on the bridge.”
“Very well.” Lelouch checked his appearance once — free of blood, and looking just as he did before dying, save the red mark on his forehead under his bangs — then headed for the door. It was time to finish this war.
______________________________
Watching them now, it was hard to believe the two boys had been rivals at one point. They laughed and played together, entertaining the blind girl in the wheelchair with a variety of games and surprises. Nothing stood between them and their goals, not their tutors, not the dour security guards who tried to keep Suzaku inside, not even Nunnally’s fits of depression.
Watching Nunnally laugh when that morning she had cried without end, Suzaku felt a swell of pride. He grinned at Lelouch. The Britannian prince offered one of his own more restrained smiles in response. “We can do anything together.”
Suzaku’s grin grew wider. “Yeah. We can.”
The Emperor of Japan watched his best friend play with his niece, feeling absolutely content. Lelouch had returned from China last week, and it had made everyone happier. Even Kallen. Though that probably has more to do with Nunnally and Euphie being happy again than anything else. It had been difficult to get the two princesses to smile while Lelouch was away, particularly during the heavy fighting. It was good to have him back.
Of course, now Suzaku only had one more task to do to keep them smiling.
Lelouch finally sent Marianne back to her mother. Rolo, who had arrived with Lelouch, picked the little girl up and placed her on Nunnally’s lap. He said something to his half sister that Suzaku didn’t catch, and the pair headed back towards the nursery. Lelouch came to Suzaku’s side and sat down. “I don’t know where she gets all that energy.”
“She’s a child. They seem to have the market on it,” Suzaku replied with a smile. He passed his friend a glass of water who gratefully took it. “I’m surprised how attached to her Rolo has gotten. I don’t think he likes to let them out of his sight.”
“Good. Rolo’s quite capable when it comes to combat. It’ll be good for them to have a bit more security.”
“The Royal Guard is going to think you don’t trust them,” Suzaku commented. “Where did you find him anyway?” He had a suspicion, but he wasn’t sure.
“Oh — it’s not that hard to tell if someone’s a Britannia if the eyes bred true,” Lelouch replied dismissively. “They’re very distinctive.”
“They are.” Suzaku agreed. Of course, the fact the man looked like he could have been Nunnally’s twin didn’t hurt either. Not that Lelouch had answered Suzaku’s question, really — he was too good at that. “How long will you stay?”
“Another week, I think. By then I suspect Kallen will be ready to throw me out. Though if Rolo could stay...”
“Rolo is certainly welcome to stay,” Suzaku replied. “You are too. I doubt Kallen will throw you out after you let her pilot the Gawain with you. I think she’s trying to figure out something to bribe you so she can do it again.”
“She did like that, hmm?” Lelouch smirked. “Think I could steal her from you? We still have spots on the Rounds that need filled.”
“Hardly. She may like Britannia’s Knightmares, but she still doesn’t like Britannia.” Suzaku made a mental note to check on the progress of their own Knightmare development program. Having so many Britannians and their equipment moving through the island had been good for that, at least. Even if they hadn’t gotten their hands on one, their own scientists had gotten a good look at some of them, along with the tools and replacement parts that had come through. “But seriously — why don’t you stay? Nunnally would be happier.”
“I can’t, Suzaku. I have too much to do.” Lelouch shook his head. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Only because you make us all find out things the hard way,” Suzaku replied. Lelouch raised an eyebrow. “You’re the head of all covert operations in Britannia. You’re in charge of the spy network, and likely the assassins as well. Schneizel values your opinion, and if he had his way, you’d likely be Prime Minister for him.”
“...Clearly I need to have words with some people.” Lelouch tsked. “You shouldn’t have been able to figure all of that out.”
“It wasn’t easy. It took my intelligence people months to get beyond the ‘disposed prince’ cover you use.” Sayoko had also uncovered something else Lelouch had control over, something called the Geass Order. After losing a couple of operatives trying to delve further into it, Suzaku had ordered her to stop. Some secrets were dangerous to know. He would have to trust that Lelouch wouldn’t use it against them. “Lelouch... there’s no reason that you can’t run things from here instead of Britannia. I imagine that you’ll be doing a lot of work in China right now. You’d be closer here than you would be back in Area 1.”
“That’s true... but I wouldn’t be able to stay the entire time.” Lelouch seemed interested, but was holding himself back from saying yes. Suzaku hoped that he had read his friend right — he suspected Lelouch was tired of darting from place to place at all hours. “I do have things I have to do. That you can’t know about.”
Plausible deniability. Suzaku knew all about that. “And I can respect that. We’re not trying to cage you, Lelouch.” Time to throw in the lure. “And... I could use your help as well.”
“Oh?” Lelouch looked intrigued.
Suzaku felt a bit bad using his friend this way. He knew Lelouch liked to help those he cared about. “You were right. I do need to be more hands on when it comes to ruling Japan. But my advisers aren’t…” He trailed off, trying to find a diplomatic way of putting it.
“Happy to give up all the power they’ve had since you were a child?” Lelouch finished bluntly for him. “So you want me to help you.”
“I need advice. On how to handle them, world politics, the economy… you were always better at this sort of thing than me.” Suzaku gently stroked Lelouch’s ego. He almost had him…
“‘We can do anything together,’” Lelouch quoted. “You realize they’ll hate this.”
Gotcha. His advisors would hate it. They’d think that Suzaku had fallen under the Britannian’s sway, or that he would be encouraging them to join the Britannian Empire properly. Let them. But Suzaku was tired of giving over into their whims all the time. “Like I care.”
“Now that’s the Suzaku I remember.” Lelouch actually grinned, the unusual expression (for him, anyway) startling on his face. “All right. I’ll stay. As much as I can, anyway.”
“Good. There’s just one more thing I need to ask you...” Suzaku said as the two friends rose from their seats. Sayoko waited at the edge of the garden, bearing a stack of paper that looked important. Might as well get Lelouch working right away. “What in the world possessed you to get that tattoo?” He nodded at Lelouch’s forehead.
“....maybe I’ll tell you someday.” Lelouch’s eyes went far away for a moment. “For now… let’s get to work, shall we?”
Suzaku took the papers from Sayoko and led Lelouch into his office. With his best friend beside him he bent over the affairs of his empire, writing notes as Lelouch pointed out different ways to tackle the problems from the ones his advisers had suggested. Kaguya joined them shortly thereafter, welcoming Lelouch with a smile. Kallen watched on from the door, an approving smile on her face when Suzaku looked up at her. Suzaku fought a smile down as Lelouch expounded upon the importance of tariffs and managing the economy. With Lelouch finally here, like the brother he had always wanted, his family was complete.
Life was perfect.
The End
And just for kicks.
Outtake one:
Milly pouted at Lelouch, who stubbornly refused to give in. “But Lelouch, it’d be perfect! An epic documentary about Suzaku, Euphemia, and Nunnally’s love! We could make it a love triangle and sell lots of tickets.”
“No.” Lelouch replied firmly. “You want to film them having sex. That’s unacceptable.”
“A tale about how Suzaku is addicted to Britannian women?”
“No.”
“....the epic tale of your male-on-male romance, hidden behind closed doors?”
“MILLY!”
Outtake two:
Lelouch cursed. If he had known that this was a side affect of taking C.C’s code, he never would have done it. He rocked on his feet a bit. Nope. Breasts still there.
Suzaku stared at his best friend. “...that’s different.”
“Ha. Ha. Ha.”
Suzaku took Lelouch’s hand. “We’ve known each other for a while, Lelouch - “
“No. I am not marrying you, I am not sleeping with you and I am not going to have any sort of romantic interest with you! Just because I’m a girl now doesn’t mean I’ll roll over and let you run my life.” Lelouch pointed dramatically. Her breasts bounced with the excessive motion. “I like girls in this fic! I even kissed one!”
Suzaku was momentarily distracted by said breasts. “But... it says in the script I can have any girl I want!” He pulled out the excessively long document and waved at Lelouch.
His best friend used it to smack him upside the head. “Not this girl.” Lelouch decided that she might as well go hunt down Cornelia. The Code Geass fandom needed more yuri anyway.
”Fighting an unskilled, unarmed opponent is not what I would expect from you, Suzaku-kun.”
Suzaku fidgeted under Toudou-sensei’s intense gaze. “He started it.”
Toudou-sensei’s disapproving frown deepened. “Regardless of who ‘started it’, Suzaku-kun, hitting a guest is not appropriate behavior. Need I remind you of the possible political ramifications of this?”
“No.” Goddamn Brits and their stupid military. It wasn’t Suzaku’s fault that the Japanese empire wasn’t as strong as the Britannian one!
“Good. See that you keep your hands to yourself. I believe the dojo floor needs cleaning.”
Recognizing the reprimand for what it was, Suzaku just bowed and went to do his teacher’s wishes. Stupid Buriki prince. Stupid political consequences. He wished for once he could just lay into Lelouch the way the brainy boy deserved.
Lelouch might have thought he had been subtle, coming in on a civilian flight, but Suzaku’s information network found him on the way to the imperial palace. Suzaku allowed him to enter the dojo without incident. Kallen was watching over Nunnally and Euphemia, both of whom were in the gardens. Kaguya was handling a diplomatic dispute with the Kyoto clans — ‘quietly,’ without bringing it to the Emperor’s attention. That meant that Suzaku would have peace and quiet to deal with Lelouch however he deemed fit.
“About time you showed up,” Suzaku snapped as his childhood friend stepped into the dojo. “We’ve been waiting for nearly two months.”
Lelouch clenched his fists as he approached. “Suzaku, I can’t believe—”
“Yeah, me neither — I can’t believe you haven’t answered your phone, I can’t believe you didn’t read your mail, I can’t believe you left your sister without word for so long. Do you know how much you made her cry? She thought you must have died!” Suzaku wasn’t brilliant with words, but he had discussed the topic for a long time with his three wives. All of them had had a few things to contribute. Hopefully it would be enough to cut Lelouch off.
The prince’s eyes flashed with anger. “I can’t believe you were so impatient that you couldn’t wait until I managed to get back to you. Unlike some people, I’m actually doing meaningful work — not being a figurehead for the government and letting all of my ministers handle the job of ruling.”
“The Japanese system is different from the Britannian one!”
“Of course it is,” Lelouch sneered. “What’s your problem, anyway? I’d think three wives would be enough to satisfy you, even at your age.”
Suzaku felt his hands tense, the irrational anger he often felt when Lelouch fought him surging. “Keep them out of this.”
“Touched a nerve? How dare you go and twist my sister — who I left in your care — just to suit your game—”
Thought went out the window. Suzaku executed a perfect attack with his right hand.
Lelouch blocked it.
Suzaku stared at the prince’s arm. It wasn’t the strongest block in the world — he could have broken through it if he hadn’t been holding back — but it was well executed. When had Lelouch learned how to do that? He hated physical activity!
“Again with violence. Your usual standby.”
Suzaku pulled his arm back, took a deep breath, and tried to let his anger go. Euphemia warned him that Lelouch would try to hurt him, to make him pull away. “Nunnally and I love each other, Lelouch. You can ask her yourself. We wanted to tell you first, but you never called. And I can’t imagine what was so important to keep you out of contact for so long—”
“My father is dead, Suzaku.”
The words hit Suzaku like a ton of bricks. Immediately he forgave Lelouch for his anger — he could remember his own father’s death all too well, seeing the body fallen over his desk, the Britannian knife in his chest, the Chinese assassin turning, another knife in his hands for Suzaku. Lelouch’s shout of warning as he saw the threat coming. The man’s hand flashing forward, catching him in the side; blacking out… He had woken up in the hospital. They had told him his will to live had saved him, that he alone of his family had beaten the odds, in part thanks to Lelouch, who had tightly bound his wound and managed to call for help.
Suzaku would be Emperor.
It hadn’t mattered that he hadn’t been close to Genbu. What had mattered was that the security, the knowledge that his father was there, was gone. The country had lost not only its emperor, but also his brothers and sisters. The family line had almost been destroyed in the attack. The Britannians, under the leadership of the Second Princess, had come to rescue the small island nation, again at Lelouch’s request. Lelouch had helped Suzaku, and his country, in one of the darkest moments in his life, and now he was repaying that with rage. Even if Lelouch should have gotten in touch with Nunnally, Suzaku’s actions were unacceptable.
“I’m sorry, Lelouch. I didn’t know.” Guilt made it hard for him to swallow. Now he noticed how pale his friend was, the dark circles under his eyes marking a lack of sleep, and the prominence of his cheekbones. Lelouch had always been skinny, but there was a gauntness in his face that spoke of many missed meals.
“We’ve kept it quiet. I’ve come to tell Nunnally and Euphemia. We’ll need them at the funeral next week.”
“I’ll come.”
Lelouch shot him a glare. “Don’t be stupid. That would be asking for some ‘well-meaning’ citizen to shoot you. Stay here. They’ll be fine. I’ll have a Rounds assigned to them. Cornelia will have the Glaston Knights on guard duty as well.”
Interesting. Having power to get one of the Knights of the Rounds to guard his siblings…that indicated Lelouch had more power than Suzaku had thought. He pondered for a moment, then nodded. Lelouch was right, of course, but his friend had revealed more in this conversation than he had since his return to Japan nearly a year ago. “They’re in the gardens. Go ahead — they’ll be happy to see you. I’ll have someone make you dinner. You look like you need it.”
“A few missed meals are hardly going to kill me, Suzaku.” Lelouch took his invitation, however, and left the dojo.
Suzaku waited until he was out of sight before gesturing to a figure outside of the building. “Sayoko, put a dinner order in — and see what our people can find out about Lelouch vi Britannia. He seems to be much more than we’ve figured so far.”
Shinozaki Sayoko, thirty-seventh successor to the Shinozaki School, bowed. “Of course, Tennou. I will see to it at once.”
______________________________
Nunnally awoke when the screaming started. There was something wet on her, something that smelled like... blood. Old nightmares rose in her mind, the feeling of the bullets slicing into her legs and her mother wrapped her in her arms. She started to whimper, curling into a ball.
“Nunnally! Nunnally, it’s all right. You’re safe.” Her brother’s hands settled on her shoulder. “Please — I need you to stay with me. I think they might be after Suzaku too.”
Suzaku-san was in danger? “Oniisama, you have to save him!” She knew he could — her brother could do anything.
“I will. But first we have to hide you.” Lelouch picked her up, and carefully carried her away from the smell of blood. “Stay here. I’ll come back for you. I promise.” Nunnally hoped he would. It was dangerous, and she was scared.
He did come back that time. And he always came back, no matter how far away he went.
Nunnally received the note that her brother was in a meeting with Suzaku-san and immediately felt nervous. She loved them both dearly, but they fought like cats and dogs sometimes. She remembered far too often having to be the mediating force between the pair, and hoped they wouldn’t hurt each other too badly. As always, though she felt relief flow over her as she realized her brother was home. Even Suzaku-san couldn’t make her feel as comfortable as knowing her brother was here. Oniisama was safety and comfort; Suzaku-san was love and adventure. As long as she had them, she needed nothing else.
“It’ll be okay, Nunnally. I’m sure everything will work out.” Euphie-neesama smiled brilliantly at her.
With her regained sight, however, Nunnally could see the worry lurking in her sister’s eyes. “Kallen-san, maybe you should go watch them.”
The other woman snorted. “Suzaku is more than enough to handle Lelouch. I doubt he could hurt a fly.”
“Maybe, but…”
“Nunnally?”
“Oniisama!” Nunnally quickly turned her chair so she could see her brother for the first time since she had lost her sight. She gasped a bit as their eyes met, the shock in his obvious. He had grown up so handsome, as she has often imagined. A bit taller than Suzaku-san, paler, with something of a majestic air about him, the power of one who ruled. It reminded her of Schneizel-niisama, but somehow more genuine… Then Nunnally reminded herself that she was mad at him. “Where have you been? You haven’t answered any of my calls, or my emails. We thought you were dead!”
Lelouch went to one knee, taking her hand. He continued to stare into her eyes. “I forgot how beautiful your eyes were.” His voice was barely a whisper. “You opened them for Suzaku?”
“Yes. I needed to see him.”
“I see.” Nunnally saw something pass over Lelouch’s face. She wasn’t sure what it could be — she didn’t know his face well enough to interpret all of his expressions anymore.
“I really love him, Oniisama. I really do. Please don’t try to stop us from getting married—”
“Schneizel has already approved your request,” Lelouch interrupted.
“Schneizel?” Euphemia frowned. “A princess may only marry with the Emperor’s consent. Even the Prime Minster can’t sign off of a marriage proposal.”
“The Emperor – Charles di Britannia – is dead.”
Nunnally’s eyes widened, uncertainty washing through her. All of her life her father had been the Emperor of Britannia, and one without equal. For him now to be dead… The world dropped out from under her, suddenly an unfamiliar place. “How?”
“An accident in an experiment he was conducting.” Lelouch looked from Nunnally to Euphemia. “The announcement will be tomorrow. We want to have both of you on your way back home before then.”
“Of course!” Nunnally agreed.
“What about the sucesssion?” Euphemia asked. “Odysseus is First Prince…”
The law of Britannia stated that the firstborn prince would rule following his father’s death, provided such a prince existed. There had been female rulers in Britannia’s past, but it was a rare thing. Rarer still was it to skip a prince all together. But even Nunnally knew that Odysseus wasn’t the ruler Schneizel would be. If the emperor had not left a will to override the law, it could be civil war, with Those who thought they could use the First Prince as a figurehead or supported the law on one side and those who felt the Second Prince would be a better candidate on the other. Civil war was the nightmare of any royal child; they all learned the history of the bloody conflicts in their childhood, lest any of them think that such a thing would be an easy opportunity to gain the throne.
“He didn’t leave a will, but between Cornelia, Schneizel and me, I think we’ve convinced the necessary parties that Schneizel will take the throne.” Lelouch made a tired, wry face that held too much bitterness to be called a smile. “Odysseus will renounce his claim after the funeral.”
“Good.” Euphemia breathed a sigh of relief, and Nunnally echoed her. “I’ll have the servants start packing.” She rose from her seat and hugged her brother. “It’s good to see you, Lelouch. Don’t scare us like that again.” She quickly left the garden.
“I don’t know how I’m going to do without you, Nunnally. I’m going to actually have to pay attention to all those details you handle,” Lelouch teased, though his tone was heavy.
“Our steward really is very good, Oniisama. I’m sure you’ll manage.” Nunnally swallowed, sad as her brother’s hand caressed her cheek. She loved Suzaku-san, but losing her Oniisama… she didn’t know if she could bear that either. But she knew better than to ask him to stay. He would hate being trapped. “Please visit?”
“As often as I can. And I promise to check my messages.” Lelouch kissed her cheek. “I’ll get the arrangements for your marriage made with Suzaku before we leave.”
“You should sleep, Oniisama,” Nunnally chastised gently. “You look like you’re about to fall over.”
“I’m not quite there yet. And I want to make sure this is taken care of before Schneizel puts me back to work.” He squeezed her hand. “Let’s go make sure you have everything you need.”
“All right, Oniisama.” Nunnally followed her brother back into the palace, though she still worried. Would her brother be okay without her? She knew he would be lonely. Was there anything she could do to convince him to stay in Japan?
______________________________
When Lelouch woke him by barging into his room, shouting something about assassins. He stared at his friend, covered in blood. “Lelouch?”
“Chinese assassins. They nearly got Nunnally. The guards here are dead.”
“Father!” Suzaku lept from his futon. If they were targeting people... He might not care much for Genbu, but he was the Emperor. He had to be protected.
“Suzaku! Don’t go!” Lelouch followed him, trying to keep up. Suzaku pulled ahead, throwing the door open to Genbu’s office. The emperor lay slumped over his desk, a knife in his chest. His murderer turned, reaching for a weapon at his waist.
Suzaku saw red, and lunged. Pain exploded in his chest and the world went dark.
“I should be there.” Suzaku frowned as he watched the funeral procession on TV. Nunnally and Euphemia looked particularily drawn and exhausted, though whether that was the camera, the severe black they wore, or grief, he couldn’t tell.
“That’s a crazy idea. I’ve told you that once, and it is still a crazy idea,” Kallen groused. “Sit down. Pacing won’t help.”
Suzaku sat for a moment or two before standing again. Kallen sighed. If he wouldn’t feel so guilty about it, he’d ask Kallen for a round in the dojo to relieve his tension, but he knew that he’d feel worse if he didn’t watch the funeral.
“You can’t help but feel for them. They’ve been under scrutiny since they got back.” Kaguya sighed. “Everything from questions about their time here to how they feel about their father’s death. The Britannian press is a monster.”
“At least that Ashford girl seems to have some sympathy. She doesn’t ask them stupid questions,” Kallen pointed out.
“Milly actually knew Lelouch and Nunnally as children,” Suzaku interjected. “Nunnally’s mentioned her before. Their mother worked with her family on a scientific project of some kind.”
“Anything about the Knightmares?” Kallen asked, looking interested. She might hate Britannia, but she was interested in their custom weapons. Japan had yet to get a working model, though rumor said that the Chinese Federation and the E.U. had their own designs. Of course, unlike those two nations, Japan had not been at war with Britannia, meaning they hadn’t gotten a chance to dissect the remains of any frames lost in the field.
“I’m not sure; you’d have to ask them. Lelouch doesn’t talk about their mother much.” Suzaku frowned, his eyes scanning the screen. The First and Second Princes were the head of the procession, with the most important of the Emperor’s widows behind them. Cornelia had a prominent place as well. But Lelouch, who sounded like he had been critical in arranging the transition of power, was missing from the front of the procession. He was there, the black of mourning suiting him far more than most of his siblings, but towards the end, with those who weren’t the focus of most of the media’s attention.
What was going on here? Sayoko’s research indicated that Lelouch had spoken to his father more often than anyone other than Schneizel, who worked with him at least once a week due to his position as Prime Minister. The Second Prince often sought Lelouch’s presence himself. Cornelia was known for occasionally asking Lelouch to command a military mission if she needed an additional leader. It didn’t make sense, but Sayoko was still digging. Hopefully she would find something soon.
“How long before you marry Nunnally?” Kaguya asked, drawing Suzaku’s attention away from the screen.
“Lelouch suggested seven months from now. In the old days a year of mourning was required, but these days it seems that half a year is considered acceptable.” Nunnally’s dowry had been small, but thankfully, so had Japan’s concessions to Britannia. Preferential shipping rights for two years. Suzaku had been able to say yes with a sigh of relief.
“I think Nunnally would want something quiet, anyway,” Kallen mused. “Something that wouldn’t draw as much attention.” Suzaku nodded. Nunnally preferred to be out of the limelight when possible. He hadn’t realized it for a long time, until Kaguya had pointed it out. No wonder, when so much of the attention she received was pity. “When will they come back?”
“Nunnally said they’ll be there for the coronation next week, and then fly home.” Suzaku felt warmth bloom in his chest as he recalled Nunnally’s words. Japan was home to her now, even though they weren’t married yet. It brought a smile to his face.
Kallen made a face as she watched the procession enter the elaborate cathedral in Pentdragon. “Good. The sooner we get them away from that circus, the better.”
______________________________
”Let’s play house! I’ll be the mother, Lelouch will be the father, and you can be our daughter, Nunnally,” Euphemia declared with a smile.
“I don’t want to play house,” Lelouch interjected. His sisters ignored him. He sighed and returned to his book.
“I’m always the daughter. I want to be the mother for once!” Nunnally argued. She was too well behaved to stomp her foot in protest, but she was tempted. “Why don’t you be the daughter?”
“Because I’m older,” Euphemia said smugly. “And Lelouch can’t be the daughter because he has to be the father.”
“Why don’t we have two mothers and a daughter?” Nunnally asked.
“I’d be a son, not a daughter,” Lelouch corrected. Nunnally and Euphemia ignored him again.
Euphemia pondered the situation. Nunnally waited for her idea. Euphemia liked to have her way, but she was very kind. “Maybe we can have two stepmothers and Lelouch can be our daughter? Our husband can be away.”
“Perfect!” Nunnally declared. “Let’s get Lelouch a dress.”
“I am not your daughter!” Lelouch objected. “I’m not doing this.”
“Please, Lelouch?” Nunnally begged. “It’s much more fun with girls than with boys. I’ve always wanted a daughter,” she pleaded.
“...all right. But only this time!”
Nunnally jumped in excitement. “Thank you, Lelouch! Come on, Euphie — we need to dress her up!”
Nunnally smiled as she awoke in the morning, stretching in her bed. Due to her disability, Suzaku had allowed her to keep her Western-style bed rather than switching to a futon. It had been difficult to sleep on them during their honeymoon — not that they did as much sleeping as… other things. She giggled a bit, remembering how wonderful the week had been. Suzaku-san all to herself, and no responsibilities… It may have been three months ago, but it still made her glow to think of it. Her smile faded a bit as she recalled her self-appointed duty for the day. She thought Suzaku would be happy, but she was worried about Euphie-neesama… No use in borrowing trouble, Nunnally reminded herself, and rang for her servant so she could start her day.
Finally dressed, she went to the dining room. Again, they had made allowances for her here, using a Western-style table to serve the traditional Japanese food. The Britannian princesses were still adjusting to the different cuisine. Privately both admitted they missed the food they had grown up with… a fact that Lelouch had somehow anticipated, as small care baskets often accompanied him on his monthly visits with treats from home that allowed them to have a bit of Britannia with their Japanese meals. Kallen and Kaguya had also become fond of the gifts — Kallen in particular had developed a weakness for cookies.
“Good morning, Nunnally!” Euphemia cheerfully greeted her as she took her own seat.
Nervousness gripped her again, but Nunnally tried not to show it. “Good morning, Euphie-neesama. Did you sleep well?”
“Hmmm, yes.” Euphemia smiled dreamily. Nunnally suspected that Suzaku had been with her last night. “You?”
“I had a bit of trouble getting to sleep,” Nunnally admitted. She twisted her napkin. “I need to tell Suzaku-san something.”
“Oh? I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Euphemia squeezed her hand.
“What will be fine?” Kaguya asked as she entered the room. Behind her came Suzaku and Kallen, both with damp hair. They had already completed their early morning workout, showered and changed. It made Nunnally feel lazy, sleeping in so late.
“Nunnally has to tell Suzaku something,” Euphemia explained.
“What is it, Nunnally?” Suzaku asked, taking her hand.
“I saw the doctors yesterday.” Everyone nodded — Nunnally had to have regular checkups because of her condition. She took a deep breath, hoping Euphemia wouldn’t hate her for this. “I’m pregnant.”
“Really?” Euphemia practically jumped out of her seat. “Congratulations! Oh Nunnally, you must be so happy!”
“You’re not mad?” she asked. She knew her sister wanted children, but she still hadn’t conceived yet, despite being married to their husband longer.
“Mad? Why would I be mad?” Euphemia looked confused. “You know I love children.”
“Yes, but…”
“I think Nunnally is concerned because she conceived before you did,” Kaguya reasoned.
“Well, that’s hardly her fault!” Euphemia hugged her sister tightly. “It just isn’t my turn yet. I know it will happen, and when it does, I’ll be very happy — but until then, I’m going to enjoy babying all of your children.” She smiled. “Have you told Lelouch yet?”
“No. I wanted to tell you first, Suzaku-san. I’ll call him after breakfast.” Nunnally smiled. “I think he’ll be surprised.”
“Oh yes. He’ll be a wonderful uncle.”
“Personally, I think I may have to run for the hills,” Suzaku joked.
“Oh, no — Oniisama would never really hurt you, Suzaku-san,” Nunnally said firmly. “You’re his best friend. Besides, if he does, Euphie-neesama will never have children, and that’ll make her unhappy, and then Cornelia will be angry at him!”
“I don’t know. Cornelia might consider that a blessing,” Suzaku replied. He gently kissed Nunnally. “Congratulations.” Nunnally kissed him back, convinced she was the happiest woman in the world.
______________________________
Suzaku wasn’t sure what woke him, but he shifted slowly in his hospital bed. Next to him, Lelouch and Nunnally slept, the former in a chair, the latter in the room’s other bed. They had stayed with Suzaku during his time in the hospital, healing from the wounds he had received during the Chinese attack. Both appeared to be sound asleep.
A woman opened the door. Suzaku pretended to be asleep as she walked in, but the nurse barely looked at him, intent on the two figures next to him, carrying a cup of some sort. Suzaku felt a flash of fear as she bent over the princess. He grabbed a dish left over from his dinner and tossed it at the woman, smacking her in the shoulder and causing her to drop the cup in surprise, spilling its contents all over the floor. “Guards!” he shouted
Imperial guards immediately appeared in his doorway from their position outside, surrounding the woman, who looked at Suzaku in shock. “Arrest that woman. Detain her for questioning.”
“Yes, Tennou!” The woman was taken away.
Lelouch, awoken by Suzaku’s shout, knelt, sniffing the liquid that had spilled. He looked at Suzaku, and understanding passed between them. Poison. Someone had come to try and kill the two vi Britannias. “Thank you.”
Suzaku gave his friend a smile. “Just returning the favor.”
Suzaku awoke when he heard sounds out in the nursery.
Leaving Nunnally sleeping in their bed, he slipped out of the bed and came over to the crib. Two figures stood besides it. “Lelouch. Did you have to show up in the middle of the night?” Little Marianne’s uncle held her gently in his arms, rocking her with a steady hand. Suzaku briefly wondered where his friend had learned how to take care of a baby. “Nunnally was expecting you two days ago.”
Pregnancy hadn’t been easy for Nunnally. Lelouch’s visits seemed to bring her more peace than anything else. Suzaku tried not to resent that, though it wasn’t easy. Two months ago Lelouch had warned them that he was going to have to vanish for a while. Nunnally had worried when her brother continued not to call or write. Suzaku couldn’t offer much in terms of reassurance, now that Sayoko’s research had revealed Lelouch’s real job: handling all of Britannia’s black ops and the intelligence agency — neither safe or restful occupations.
Finally, the day for Nunnally’s cesarean had arrived, but not her brother. The new mother’s eyes had brightened when she held her daughter for the first time... but they went from Suzaku and Euphemia’s happy faces to the door, clearly looking for Lelouch.
“We’re only stopping by briefly,” Lelouch said quietly. He gently touched Marianne’s cheek. “She looks just like Nunnally did as a baby — only with black hair, of course.”
“We?” Suzaku asked. He moved over a bit so he could see the young woman standing besides Lelouch. White hair, red eyes, pale skin... “Empress Jiang,” Suzaku nodded at the ruler. Called Tianzi by her people, she had come to her throne younger than he had to his.
The ruler of the Chinese Federation bowed. “Emperor Suzaku. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“The empress is accompanying me to Britannia,” Lelouch said quietly.
“Why?” Suzaku asked, his mouth going dry. Last he had heard, the empress had been under house arrest. To be going to Britannia... to be out of China at all...
“I will seek help to regain my throne,” Jiang said. She smiled at the baby. “Your daughter is very beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Suzaku replied automatically. His attention was mostly on the political nightmare that had been placed in his lap. “Will Britannia do it?”
“We will be glad to help our cousin regain her throne,” Lelouch replied smoothly, using the term of address between royals common in the West. “Empress Jiang has promised an alliance between our people.”
Suzaku wanted to warn her about the problem of accepting Britannian aid, but the words stuck in his throat. From his own intelligence reports, he knew that she didn’t have many choices. ‘Zero’ had managed to rile the people against the ruling body of Eunuchs, but that didn’t guarantee success. At best, Zero might lead the people in a bloody opposition that would lead to civil war. Knowing the kind of alliance that Britannia favored, Suzaku looked at Lelouch. “...Not Schneizel.”
“I have quiet a few brothers. I’m sure we’ll find someone to her Majesty’s liking.” Lelouch replied. He placed Marianne in the crib. “We need to go.”
“Nunnally won’t be happy if you don’t see her before you go. She’s missed you terribly.”
Lelouch shook his head. “I can’t wait until morning. Things are changing too rapidly. I’ll call when I get to Britannia — and I promise I’ll come back soon.”
“Or you could wake me up. It wouldn’t kill me.” Nunnally called from within her bedroom. Lelouch looked a bit embarrassed, then glanced at Suzaku. He nodded his permission, and his friend disappeared through the doorway to visit his sister.
“Empress, you have to know how this will end.” Suzaku spoke quietly, trying not to let their conversation carry back to the Britannian siblings.
“With my people in the hands of Britannia, and the end of our ability to govern ourselves,” she replied, her voice just as soft. “Yes. But Emperor Schneizel has shown himself to be a fair ruler thus far. I can only hope that he will continue in such a fashion. The High Eunuchs are starving my people, abusing them. I can’t stand by and let that happen.” Her eyes returned to where Lelouch was. “He loves her very much, doesn’t he.”
“More than anything in the world. I think he would do anything for Nunnally.”
“I knew someone like that once. I didn’t get to see him often, but... he died to save me.” Her eyes were sorrowful for a moment, before she straightened, looking him in the eye. “Take care of her, Emperor Suzaku. She is a treasure if she has earned such love.”
“Best of luck, Empress.” Suzaku replied as Lelouch rejoined them. He had the feeling she would need it.
______________________________
Euphemia woke to the sound of her sister talking loudly with the servants. “What’s going on?”
“Euphie, I have to go. Lelouch called — the Chinese are attacking Japan. The Emperor has declared I will lead our opposing force.”
Fear gripped the child’s heart. “Sister, don’t go! You’ll be in danger!”
“Don’t worry, Euphie. I know what I’m doing. Lady Marianne taught me well.” She kissed Euphie’s forehead. “I’ll be back before you know it. And I’ll bring Lelouch and Nunnally home. You’ll enjoy that.”
Euphemia nodded, but dread made her unable to smile. Even at her age she knew that many fell in battle. She could only pray her sister came back safely — and that she’d manage to bring the vi Britannias home.
Euphemia tried not to fidget as they waited for Lelouch to visit. She was nervous. War horrified her. She had always feared that this battle would be the one Cornelia would not return from, and now both Lelouch and Cornelia were going into combat against the Empire’s greatest foe...
At least she didn’t have to worry about Suzaku or any of those she had met in Japan. The island nation would only be serving as a base and providing supplies. Still, the presence of so many Britannian soldiers was making people nervous.
At least Kallen and Suzaku got a chance to try the Knightmare simulators. Both had been ecstatic. In fact, Euphemia suspected they wished they were going along, if only so they could pilot a real KMF.
“Oniisama!” Nunnally cried joyfully as their brother finally entered the room. He cut a sharp figure in his uniform and cape, the military outfit for nobility.
“That’s a good look for you,” Suzaku commented. “Now, can you actually fight in it?”
“Don’t be silly — I’ll be in a KMF. And the cape doubles as good field bandage material.” Lelouch bent to hug Nunnally. “I’m sorry to do this to you.”
“You’ll be back, won’t you? Soon?”
“I promise I’ll be back,” Lelouch vowed. “I’ll always come back to you, Nunnally. I don’t know how long it’ll be, but I promise I’ll be back.”
“Well, we got you something for a little extra luck.” Euphemia pressed the omamori into his hand. “We’ll be praying for you.” She claimed her own hug.
“Just take good care of Marianne. I want to visit my niece when all of this is over,” Lelouch said as he let his half-sister go. “I’ll write when I can.”
“We’ll write too. And send pictures!” Nunnally promised firmly. “I love you, Oniisama.”
“I love you too,” Lelouch replied. He nodded at Suzaku in farewell before leaving; a young blond man wearing a Rounds uniform met him at the door with a stack of reports. He turned to wave to his sisters one more time before following the knight out, reading the papers in his hand.
Euphemia took Nunnally’s hand once their brother vanished from view. “Let’s go home. I’m sure Marianne will be happy to see you again. Kaguya said she’s been fussing.”
“Yes,” Nunnally agreed. “I want to have lots of pictures to show Lelouch when he comes back.”
Suzaku touched her shoulder. “Nunnally... you know that he might not come back, don’t you?”
“No. He will.” Her eyes shown with determination. “Because he promised me. Oniisama has never promised me something that didn’t come true.”
______________________________
The woman awoke him from his sleep, gold eyes staring into his in the dark. “Wake up, boy. They’re coming for you.”
“Who are you?!” Lelouch yelled, nearly jumping out of the uncomfortable Japanese bed.
“My name doesn’t matter. Assassins come to kill both you and your sister.” She looked at him. Lelouch shivered. It felt like she was able to see through him. “You will not survive without power. Power I can give you. All you need to do is grant my wish.”
Lelouch licked his lips. He was wise enough to know that taking a power without knowing the consequences was dangerous, but for Nunnally… “What must I do?”
Lelouch, dressed as Zero, stalked through the hallways of the hideaway of the last of the High Eunuchs. His Black Knights, Chinese citizens, empowered by Britannian weapons ‘smuggled’ into the country, and trained under carefully selected Britannian military members, followed his lead. They swarmed in and out of the rooms, looking for Huang Qian. Zero, however, continued forward. The members of the Geass Order already knew where Huang was, and he wanted to waste no time in finishing this war. Cornelia was leading their forces from the west; his own Britannian forces held the eastern side of the federation, Tianzi safely amongst them. The Black Knights worked within the chaos of the war, destroying supply lines, stealing weaponry, and most importantly, undermining support of the Eunuchs.
C.C. walked side by side with Zero. Behind them trailed one particular Black Knight, Jun, a member with medical training. He would play an important role in the coming events, though he won’t remember it, if all went to plan.
Zero stepped into a tiny broadcast room without fear. Huang was there, looking even older than he had a few months ago when Lelouch had first observed him. Long nights attempting to retain control of his country had worn him down. Lelouch didn’t give him a chance to speak before he Geassed him. “Obey my commands!”
“Yes, your Highness.”
“Stand there for now.” Confident the man would obey, Lelouch removed the helmet as C.C. closed the door behind them. “Ready?”
She laughed. “I should be asking you that. You’ve been putting me off for so long it’s almost insulting.”
“I’m twenty-three now. Twenties are much easier to age up or down than someone who isn’t even a teenager yet.” Lelouch placed the helmet on one of the control booths. “How do we do this?”
C.C. stepped closer, taking his hand. She pressed a knife into it, placing it over her heart. “Touch. That’s all that’s needed. Kill me, Lelouch. Fulfill my wish.”
C.C. had been his constant since he was ten, haunting his steps and watching him experiment with the Geass she had given him. He had never told his father of her presence. Whenever the Geass Order had closed in on her, she mysteriously vanished, only to reappear at a time of her own choosing. To lose her now seemed impossible, but he knew that anything less would sour the bargain between them. He had destroyed China. It was time for her wish to come true. They kissed, for the first and last time, as the blade plunged into her heart. Her expression was one of bliss as she fell — there was no pain in her face.
Lelouch stared at her. He felt no different, and he almost expected her to rise, insisting he’d done it wrong. Yet the body remained oddly still — just another corpse. With steady hands — she was by no means the first person he’d killed — he cleaned the knife and returned it to her person, moving her behind one of the booths. It wouldn’t do for her to be seen just yet. A moment later he replaced the mask, turning to create Zero’s final stage.
It would be a moment spoken of throughout the ages. Huang activated the broadcasting equipment within the room and confronted Zero on live TV, sending their conversation throughout the area. Zero urged him to surrender, to give the power back to the people and their Empress. Huang refused, claiming that Zero had corrupted their ruler, turning her into a vengeful, spoiled creature who would have to be killed and replaced. Zero insisted Tianzi worked for the will of the people — and Huang shot him.
Seeing their hero, the man who had given them hope, die would cause the people of the Chinese Federation to go mad. They would fight harder than ever. The Britannian armies would hardly need to do anything. Even the Eunuchs’ loyal supporters, having heard Huang malign their empress, would break ranks and turn on their leaders.
Lelouch vi Britannia, Zero no more, ignored most of this. He was just trying to breathe. Dying, it seemed, was more painful than he had expected. Jun, as he had been Geassed to do, ran into the room the minute he had heard the gun shot, using his own weapon to kill Huang. Then he bent over Zero, and declared the man dead, his Geassed mind not seeing Lelouch’s breathing, nor feeling his pulse. He then mounted a guard at the door, refusing to let anyone in. Some of the Black Knights wanted to lift the mask to find the true identity of their leader. Others insisted that Zero’s identity wasn’t important. He had given his life for them — wasn’t that enough?
Taking advantage of the arguments between his former followers, Lelouch quickly shed the Zero costume and dressed C.C’s body in it. It wouldn’t be the first time she had stood in for him, though this was certainly the most morbid case. Lelouch slipped into her own outfit as best as he could, then slipped over behind the communications desk near Huang. With a bit of luck, he’d be ignored.
He was. Jun, having killed the last High Eunuch, quickly gained power over the mob outside. He ordered Zero’s body to be carefully taken out once the fighting was finished and taken to Tianzi. She would decide what to do with the fallen hero.
As the hall cleared, Lelouch slipped out. His knowledge of the Black Knights procedures made it child’s play to get past their lines of defense and back to the Britannian ones. Rolo, the member of the Geass Order working as his aide in the campaign, greeted him with a nod as he reappeared. “That was quite a show.”
Lelouch shrugged. “As long as it works. Status?”
“The enemy’s routed. They’re turning on each other. Those loyal to the Eunuchs are having to fight their own troops. Apparently most of them didn’t believe what they had planned until they heard it from Huang himself.” Rolo tapped a few keys on the console before him. “Cornelia is pressing her line forward. Tianzi wishes to do the same.”
“Of course we will support the Empress. Give the order to engage. The sooner this is over, the better.” Two years their war had raged, and he hadn’t left China in all that time. Even when he was on leave as the Britannian commander, he had to take care of the Black Knights. Leaving the Zero identity behind felt surprisingly like a burden taken from his shoulders. He had expected he would miss it — after all, he was, as Suzaku put it, a bit of a ham. Instead all he felt was relief.
“Will you be joining the Order full time?” Rolo asked as he typed in Lelouch’s commands.
The prince shook his head. “I’ll keep an eye on things, of course, but I’ll need to watch the rest of the empire as well.” Jun had followed his instructions to the letter, which meant Lelouch’s Geass was still in effect even after he had gained the Code. He might not be able to use it anymore, but those already cast should hold true. He would stick around to keep Schneizel in line… “And I have a niece to visit.”
“Of course.” Rolo sounded bitter.
Lelouch knew why. “You should come meet Marianne. You’re her uncle too, after all.”
Rolo looked surprised. “I’m not—”
“It isn’t your fault that you’re a bastard. Nunnally won’t care. You’re her half brother, and that’s all that will matter to her.”
“Maybe you’re right. Once this is over.” Rolo gave him a slight smile.
Lelouch felt a bit of tension ease out of him at that. Rolo had a bad tendency to hold grudges, and he had seemed jealous of the attention that Nunnally received. Lelouch might now be invulnerable to Rolo’s Geass, but Nunnally, Suzaku, and Marianne were not. As far as assassins went, Rolo was top notch, but Geass had left him, like so many it touched, more than slightly warped.
On the other hand, if he came to love Nunnally and Marianne, it wouldn’t hurt to have another guard around them. One who could eliminate threats before Nunnally and her family even knew anything was wrong. A good plan, if he did say so himself.
“Your Highness, we’re encountering heavy resistance in sector seven.” Rolo reported, resuming his ‘public’ face as he activated his headset. “They’re requesting your presence on the bridge.”
“Very well.” Lelouch checked his appearance once — free of blood, and looking just as he did before dying, save the red mark on his forehead under his bangs — then headed for the door. It was time to finish this war.
______________________________
Watching them now, it was hard to believe the two boys had been rivals at one point. They laughed and played together, entertaining the blind girl in the wheelchair with a variety of games and surprises. Nothing stood between them and their goals, not their tutors, not the dour security guards who tried to keep Suzaku inside, not even Nunnally’s fits of depression.
Watching Nunnally laugh when that morning she had cried without end, Suzaku felt a swell of pride. He grinned at Lelouch. The Britannian prince offered one of his own more restrained smiles in response. “We can do anything together.”
Suzaku’s grin grew wider. “Yeah. We can.”
The Emperor of Japan watched his best friend play with his niece, feeling absolutely content. Lelouch had returned from China last week, and it had made everyone happier. Even Kallen. Though that probably has more to do with Nunnally and Euphie being happy again than anything else. It had been difficult to get the two princesses to smile while Lelouch was away, particularly during the heavy fighting. It was good to have him back.
Of course, now Suzaku only had one more task to do to keep them smiling.
Lelouch finally sent Marianne back to her mother. Rolo, who had arrived with Lelouch, picked the little girl up and placed her on Nunnally’s lap. He said something to his half sister that Suzaku didn’t catch, and the pair headed back towards the nursery. Lelouch came to Suzaku’s side and sat down. “I don’t know where she gets all that energy.”
“She’s a child. They seem to have the market on it,” Suzaku replied with a smile. He passed his friend a glass of water who gratefully took it. “I’m surprised how attached to her Rolo has gotten. I don’t think he likes to let them out of his sight.”
“Good. Rolo’s quite capable when it comes to combat. It’ll be good for them to have a bit more security.”
“The Royal Guard is going to think you don’t trust them,” Suzaku commented. “Where did you find him anyway?” He had a suspicion, but he wasn’t sure.
“Oh — it’s not that hard to tell if someone’s a Britannia if the eyes bred true,” Lelouch replied dismissively. “They’re very distinctive.”
“They are.” Suzaku agreed. Of course, the fact the man looked like he could have been Nunnally’s twin didn’t hurt either. Not that Lelouch had answered Suzaku’s question, really — he was too good at that. “How long will you stay?”
“Another week, I think. By then I suspect Kallen will be ready to throw me out. Though if Rolo could stay...”
“Rolo is certainly welcome to stay,” Suzaku replied. “You are too. I doubt Kallen will throw you out after you let her pilot the Gawain with you. I think she’s trying to figure out something to bribe you so she can do it again.”
“She did like that, hmm?” Lelouch smirked. “Think I could steal her from you? We still have spots on the Rounds that need filled.”
“Hardly. She may like Britannia’s Knightmares, but she still doesn’t like Britannia.” Suzaku made a mental note to check on the progress of their own Knightmare development program. Having so many Britannians and their equipment moving through the island had been good for that, at least. Even if they hadn’t gotten their hands on one, their own scientists had gotten a good look at some of them, along with the tools and replacement parts that had come through. “But seriously — why don’t you stay? Nunnally would be happier.”
“I can’t, Suzaku. I have too much to do.” Lelouch shook his head. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Only because you make us all find out things the hard way,” Suzaku replied. Lelouch raised an eyebrow. “You’re the head of all covert operations in Britannia. You’re in charge of the spy network, and likely the assassins as well. Schneizel values your opinion, and if he had his way, you’d likely be Prime Minister for him.”
“...Clearly I need to have words with some people.” Lelouch tsked. “You shouldn’t have been able to figure all of that out.”
“It wasn’t easy. It took my intelligence people months to get beyond the ‘disposed prince’ cover you use.” Sayoko had also uncovered something else Lelouch had control over, something called the Geass Order. After losing a couple of operatives trying to delve further into it, Suzaku had ordered her to stop. Some secrets were dangerous to know. He would have to trust that Lelouch wouldn’t use it against them. “Lelouch... there’s no reason that you can’t run things from here instead of Britannia. I imagine that you’ll be doing a lot of work in China right now. You’d be closer here than you would be back in Area 1.”
“That’s true... but I wouldn’t be able to stay the entire time.” Lelouch seemed interested, but was holding himself back from saying yes. Suzaku hoped that he had read his friend right — he suspected Lelouch was tired of darting from place to place at all hours. “I do have things I have to do. That you can’t know about.”
Plausible deniability. Suzaku knew all about that. “And I can respect that. We’re not trying to cage you, Lelouch.” Time to throw in the lure. “And... I could use your help as well.”
“Oh?” Lelouch looked intrigued.
Suzaku felt a bit bad using his friend this way. He knew Lelouch liked to help those he cared about. “You were right. I do need to be more hands on when it comes to ruling Japan. But my advisers aren’t…” He trailed off, trying to find a diplomatic way of putting it.
“Happy to give up all the power they’ve had since you were a child?” Lelouch finished bluntly for him. “So you want me to help you.”
“I need advice. On how to handle them, world politics, the economy… you were always better at this sort of thing than me.” Suzaku gently stroked Lelouch’s ego. He almost had him…
“‘We can do anything together,’” Lelouch quoted. “You realize they’ll hate this.”
Gotcha. His advisors would hate it. They’d think that Suzaku had fallen under the Britannian’s sway, or that he would be encouraging them to join the Britannian Empire properly. Let them. But Suzaku was tired of giving over into their whims all the time. “Like I care.”
“Now that’s the Suzaku I remember.” Lelouch actually grinned, the unusual expression (for him, anyway) startling on his face. “All right. I’ll stay. As much as I can, anyway.”
“Good. There’s just one more thing I need to ask you...” Suzaku said as the two friends rose from their seats. Sayoko waited at the edge of the garden, bearing a stack of paper that looked important. Might as well get Lelouch working right away. “What in the world possessed you to get that tattoo?” He nodded at Lelouch’s forehead.
“....maybe I’ll tell you someday.” Lelouch’s eyes went far away for a moment. “For now… let’s get to work, shall we?”
Suzaku took the papers from Sayoko and led Lelouch into his office. With his best friend beside him he bent over the affairs of his empire, writing notes as Lelouch pointed out different ways to tackle the problems from the ones his advisers had suggested. Kaguya joined them shortly thereafter, welcoming Lelouch with a smile. Kallen watched on from the door, an approving smile on her face when Suzaku looked up at her. Suzaku fought a smile down as Lelouch expounded upon the importance of tariffs and managing the economy. With Lelouch finally here, like the brother he had always wanted, his family was complete.
Life was perfect.
The End
And just for kicks.
Outtake one:
Milly pouted at Lelouch, who stubbornly refused to give in. “But Lelouch, it’d be perfect! An epic documentary about Suzaku, Euphemia, and Nunnally’s love! We could make it a love triangle and sell lots of tickets.”
“No.” Lelouch replied firmly. “You want to film them having sex. That’s unacceptable.”
“A tale about how Suzaku is addicted to Britannian women?”
“No.”
“....the epic tale of your male-on-male romance, hidden behind closed doors?”
“MILLY!”
Outtake two:
Lelouch cursed. If he had known that this was a side affect of taking C.C’s code, he never would have done it. He rocked on his feet a bit. Nope. Breasts still there.
Suzaku stared at his best friend. “...that’s different.”
“Ha. Ha. Ha.”
Suzaku took Lelouch’s hand. “We’ve known each other for a while, Lelouch - “
“No. I am not marrying you, I am not sleeping with you and I am not going to have any sort of romantic interest with you! Just because I’m a girl now doesn’t mean I’ll roll over and let you run my life.” Lelouch pointed dramatically. Her breasts bounced with the excessive motion. “I like girls in this fic! I even kissed one!”
Suzaku was momentarily distracted by said breasts. “But... it says in the script I can have any girl I want!” He pulled out the excessively long document and waved at Lelouch.
His best friend used it to smack him upside the head. “Not this girl.” Lelouch decided that she might as well go hunt down Cornelia. The Code Geass fandom needed more yuri anyway.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2011-03-17 08:16 pm (UTC)I noticed a few typos; I'll list them after I've read the fic again. I've already written a bit of the fluffy romantic comedy version; I'll see if I can get it posted in a non-geological timeframe.
no subject
Date: 2011-03-17 08:32 pm (UTC)CRAAAAAAAP. I went over it twice and my friend did too. Damn. I hate typos.
Glad you enjoyed. ^^
no subject
Date: 2011-03-19 12:37 pm (UTC)-My favourite scene is definitely the one where Nunnally opens her eyes and confesses. Squee! (That's not a word I use very often, thankfully.)
-I really like the flashbacks, not least because they fill in the backstory without the need for infodumping.
-The idea that all the Britannian royals have some sort of inborn supernatural charisma is intriguing - it would explain a lot about the events of the series. (I had a Wild Mass Guess a while back that Schneizel had a Geass that made everything he said sound perfectly reasonable.)
-One criticism would be that Kallen seems a little one-note in the fic (RRR Japan good Britannia bad RRR), but her role isn't that major so it's not a big deal.
Typo list:
-"He was well aware of ‘brainy’ his friend was" (of how 'brainy')
-"Kallen, who had grown fond Nunnally" (fond of)
-"Charles di Britannia’s" (it's zi Britannia, as far as I know)
-"the long process to undermining the country" (process of undermining)
-"the elaborate cathedral in Pentdragon “Good." (Pendragon; missing full stop)
-“I saw that doctors yesterday.” (the doctor, that doctor, the doctors or those doctors)
-"as she bent over princess" (as she bent over the princess)
no subject
Date: 2011-03-19 02:14 pm (UTC)(That sounds hysterical. Knowing how Lelouch played with his, I imagine that he'd conduct all sorts of experiments where he said more and more ridiculous things)
There's a reason for that, but couldn't fit it in without becoming even MORE of a monster. R1!Kallen, in the beginning, is pretty black and white. Here it's even worse - she's half-Britannian and was more likely than not, shunned for that, especially since its so obvious in her case. Thus in her defense she clung to her Japanese side and shunned her Britannian side. She doesn't deal with Britannians much, unless they're diplomats and even then she isn't really working with them - just observing. Nunnally, and later on, Lelouch, are going to challenge those prejudices. But as you pointed out, she wasn't really a main part in the fic, so I didn't address it there.
Thanks! I'll fix those.
wow, a Happyzaku for once!
Date: 2011-03-20 12:17 am (UTC)You've tied up everything from canon like a perfect mosaic indeed.
Wonderful job, thank you<333
Re: wow, a Happyzaku for once!
Date: 2011-03-20 12:48 am (UTC)Your icon is adorable
everyone likes my icon, yeah!
Date: 2011-03-20 12:54 am (UTC)Zero's death, how Nunna opened her eyes, Rolo, Charles's death...
the plot flows nicely.
I only wish Lulu got a sex life too:P poor eternal virginXDD
no subject
Date: 2011-03-20 01:13 am (UTC)We all know he's going to end up in bed with the harem sooner or later anyway.
yes,yes,yes
Date: 2011-03-20 01:19 am (UTC)I'd rather ship him with Suzaku; I adore Suzaku in this fic(and in general;))
Re: yes,yes,yes
Date: 2011-03-20 01:23 am (UTC)Re: everyone likes my icon, yeah!
Date: 2011-03-20 11:45 am (UTC)(There might be scope for future Kalulu in bard_linn's scenario, with Lelouch asking to borrow her...)
Re: everyone likes my icon, yeah!
Date: 2011-03-20 01:17 pm (UTC)Re: everyone likes my icon, yeah!
Date: 2011-03-20 05:56 pm (UTC)I might shift it slightly so that they're in love and seeing each other secretly (to protect her) but not sleeping together - I'd already intended that Lelouch is planning to take CC's Code and then disappear (which Nunnally marrying Suzaku might throw out of whack), at which point he and Shirley could marry in secret and live happily ever after.
Re: everyone likes my icon, yeah!
Date: 2011-03-20 06:04 pm (UTC)Re: everyone likes my icon, yeah!
Date: 2011-03-20 06:41 pm (UTC)Re: everyone likes my icon, yeah!
Date: 2011-03-23 12:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-22 04:13 am (UTC)The mention of her once being a promising dancer was a pleasant coincidence, as for awhile I've visualized live-action Nunna as played by a young Summer Glau.
no subject
Date: 2011-03-22 09:52 am (UTC)re: Cesarean
Date: 2011-03-25 11:46 pm (UTC)Wow... I did not know that. Thanks for your reply!
Re: Cesarean
Date: 2011-03-25 11:51 pm (UTC)so much for eloquence
Date: 2011-04-10 05:59 pm (UTC)Not my usual cup of tea, but it’s due to your other stuff being very good and enjoyable that I gave this a chance. I don’t really regret it.
I really like how, despite this being AU, you managed to incorporate many canon elements into this – especially Lelouch being Zero, and Lelouch-Suzaku-Nunnally bond remaining unbroken.
Because I liked a great many things and am not very eloquent today, I’ll do this nifty listing thing I saw someone else use XD. So what I loved especially.
1.Suzaku still being very IC and nice, despite being the (lucky!) husband of four gorgeous women. I don’t like harem fic usually because it’s done so badly usually, but you made it more than endurable because Suzaku wasn’t a jerk, and the women seemed to be genuinely happy in their situation.
2.I love how you wrote Kaguya. So very young, but still wise and adept at handling things.
3.I loved, loved how you handled Suzaku and Euphemia in this fic, though part of me wonders … did Lelouch geass her into loving Suzaku (I think I might have missed something, lol?). There are those interesting hints you drop of her having had something for Lelouch, but – idk – I might be reading too much into this fic, and I did read it while being very tired. So ignore me ._.
4.I LOVED Nunnally and Suzaku together. Part of me was so, so sorry for her, and when she finally got what she wanted I cheered. I really did.
5.Lelouch being such an enigma. I loved how he played such an important role, and how things ended up for him here.
I admit with Suzaku having so many wives, part of me wanted Lelouch to either hook up with C.C, Milly, Shirley, Cornelia or Gino (O.o I have no idea where this one comes from. I blame the kinkmeme. Then, there’s this pesky voice in my head going "Don't forget about Schneizel!" … ).
I’m fine that you didn’t have Suzaku and Lelouch together in this romantically. I think it might have just been a tad bit too much, though I like that they are still important to each other.
Re: so much for eloquence
Date: 2011-04-10 07:31 pm (UTC)1. I'm glad Suzaku was okay! Suzaku is a character I worry about writing, especially since I spent much of R1 wanting to bang his head into a wall. Luckily,
2. As a Tokyo Babylon Reader, its sort of headcanon for me that Kaguya is Alternate!Hokuto. So she has to be JUST as awesome as Hokuto, if more refined and restrained she she was raised as clan head.
3. No, Lelouch did not Geass Euphie or Suzaku to fall in love, though he would have if he needed to. He has done so several times to other siblings and their intended. That's why he's Daddy's Matchmaker. And she did have that sweet 'first love' type of feeling for Lelouch, but he wouldn't let it grow into anything more between them because it would dishonor her.
4. This seems to be everyone's favorite part. XD;; Honestly, for Lelouch the worst part is that his sister opened her eyes for someone else. So he hates that part and likes to pretend it doesn't exist.
5. Lelouch likes to pretend he's Batman. >.>
GinoLelouch is fun! If he wasn't so focused, he probably would have had someone, but it's hard to find someone to love when you're running a spy ring and a revolution at the same time. Honestly, if may find someone eventually, he may not. Or you know, he might get pulled into the harem. Whatever.
As far as Suzaku and Lelouch this (http://cygna-hime.livejournal.com/341431.html) pretty much sums up my feeling on them.
Re: so much for eloquence
Date: 2011-04-11 10:00 am (UTC)I sometimes do this with wacky fic ideas (my own or other people's), much to my embarrassment.
I don't like Harem fic that isn't supportive of all those involved. Everyone should be at LEAST friends.
Agreed. There's a reason why most harem anime have the central guy (or girl) be a 'nice guy' or 'loser' who doesn't take advantage of the situation: anything else is likely to look sleazy. I've noticed that most Code Geass self-proclaimed harem fics either never get round to the harem or are very sketchy, probably because the author likes the idea but can't actually make it work realistically.