Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shirley hadn’t meant to follow Lulu like this. She knew this was stalking. But that boy was so infuriating! He had such good grades and a bright future ahead of him, not to mention a sister to look after! 

So what in the world was he doing jeopardizing all of that for the sake of gambling?! Was it for money? The thrill? She considered the latter was much more possible, since Milly helped provide for him and Nunna. 

But her musing was brought to a sudden, violent end when a massive truck sped down the highway, nearly knocking her off her bike. Her heart nearly leaped from her throat seeing the truck that nearly hit her friends before it skidded to a stop.

Lelouch raced to the truck while everyone else took pictures, because of course he did; he was never one to back down from injustice. Shirley followed without hesitation, already dialing 999.

“Shirley! What are you doing he-”

The truck moved and they fell in together.

It was cold and dark, and Shirley really wished that either she had worn tights, or her uniform had a longer hem. The gunshots and the noise of helicopters and knightmare frames had died down, but the silence was just as frightening.

With no cell reception and trapped with terrorists, Shirley was frankly astonished she could keep so calm. Then again, Lelouch was beside her and he was maintaining his cool as best he could.

Her heart leaped when one of the soldiers found them, mistaking them for terrorists. But not as much as what Lelouch had declared in response. 

“If mindless murder angers you so much, then why don’t you just OBLITERATE BRITANNIA?!”

This wasn’t mere anger. This was fury, hatred. A loathing so intense and visceral, Shirley was amazed that Lelouch had been able to contain it before now. And to speak of obliterating their home? Just what in the world filled the boy she cared for with such rage?

Yet that anger evaporated when the soldier, no, the boy named Suzaku removed his helmet. Just from seeing how the two gazed at one another, Shirley could feel their connection. It was so different from the gaze he and Milly had, despite knowing each other for years.

Then the canister snapped open and a girl in prison robes fell out.

“Private Kururugi, take this and execute the terrorists.”

“They’re just civilians that got caught up-”

“That’s an order! You swore your loyalty and life to Britannia, didn’t you?!”

“I did… but I won’t kill innocents.”

BANG!

Shirley screamed in horror as Suzaku fell with a thud, the gun once pressed against his back still smoking. How could they do this?! He was kind and brave and trusted them, but her countrymen had called him an animal and shot him in the back!

“You picked a bad time to play hooky. Collect the girl, then kill the lovebirds! Actually, on second thought…”

The captain’s eyes raked over Shirley’s form, sneer widening. “I might be tempted to spare you; if you beg properly.”

Shirley went cold, the world slowly drowned out around her. Lelouch’s shouts, the scream of “NIPPON BANZAI!” felt so far away. It was only after she found herself on the ground that the world came back, Lelouch’s hand pulling her up and away.

Women and children. No one was spared. Their eyes were wide open, faces stricken with fear and despair. 

Her countrymen killed them all without hesitation. Their deaths were the only reason they had been able to evade the royal guard.

Shirley had never cried so hard in her life. Even as her tears dried up, she couldn’t stop sobbing. She fought to contain the noises, knowing that they would die if she was too loud.

How many people had died like this because of the Britannian men and women mowing them down?

“Just who the hell are you?! If it wasn’t for you, this chaos-” Lelouch’s voice was hoarse with grief. “Suzaku-!”

All for the green-haired girl that they were currently supporting, butter yellow eyes somehow young and old at once.

“It’s not her fault,” Shirley got out, gently gripping Lelouch’s hand so he didn’t bruise her.“Those monsters are the ones who are…”

She couldn’t finish her sentence, bile rising to her throat. They were surrounded on all sides by the corpses of the innocent and her countrymen who happily killed anyone and everyone in their way. A brave, kind boy had already died in defiance of his orders to save their lives. She couldn’t take it.

How could they be okay doing such horrible things? How could they smile when taking lives? 

And even worse, there was nothing that she could do to stop it. Yet even so…

“We have to do something.” Shirley shook with intent. “There must be something we can do. Anything!”

“What would you do if you could?” The green haired girl spoke, her voice soft.

“What are you saying?” Lelouch asked in confusion and urgency. “This isn’t the time for jokes-”

A shell went off nearby, debris and dust raining down on them. Yet the girl barely reacted.

“I’m not joking. Neither of you want it to end here, do you?” She offered them both her hands. “I will give you power and in exchange, you will agree to fulfill my one wish.

“And you think we’re just going to accept such a vague deal?” Lelouch growled. “You’ve got a lot of nerve-”

“If you’re really telling the truth,” Shirley extended her hand, “then we have nothing to lose.

The world was before her. Pathways of light and neurons exploded in her sight. The form of a bird. Men and women with wings upon their brows. The visage of the woman.

While Living In The World Of Humans, You Will Live Unlike Any Other. A Different Providence, A Different Time, A Different Life. The Power Of The King Will Condemn You To A Life Of Solitude. Are You Prepared For This?

But that's just it.

The two students withdrew from CC as one. As their eyes opened, they turned to one another: Lelouch’s left eye shone with red wings, and Shirley’s right shimmered with blue wings as their gazes met.

We won’t be alone.

Chapter Text

“Hand over your knightmare to us.”

“Understood. The code number is XG21G2D4.”

The power of Absolute Obedience. Lelouch was well-aware of the irony but had no time to fully analyze it. There was so much more at stake. 

That said, he was not happy in the least with being dragged into this mess. And he was especially pissed that Shirley had been forced into such a situation. She especially didn’t deserve any of this.

But there was nothing to be done but fight.

At least, as well as he could be while stuck in a cockpit meant for one but had three people inside.

“Not the worst place in the world to be in,” the green-haired girl remarked, “but it could be better.”

“I don’t need a backseat driver. Shirley, can you call one of the others to see what’s going on outside?”

A quick call to Milly later (“It’s about time you two went on a proper date! Ohohohoho~”) and Lelouch had a better handle on the situation. If they were planning to cover this up, that means reinforcements couldn’t be deployed without suspicion. 

“You pilot like you’ve only done simulations."

“What did I say about backseat driving?!”

“Can you pilot better?” Shirley asked the girl. “Then you can help!”

“Hmph.” A grin stretched over her impassive face as she took the controls. “Watch and learn, children.”


Lelouch was impressed; the girl was a natural at piloting, as though she had done it her whole life.

He was able to make contact with the resistance fighters, particularly the women in the Glasgows he nicknamed Q-1 and Q-2: one was fiery and bold as she danced between opponents and her friends like she was born to, the other cold and bestial in every death blow with no thought to the theatre of battle. Once the group got to the train with the Sutherlands, victory was that much closer.

Victory?

Something clicked in Lelouch's mind. He had regarded his war with Britannia as a far-off dream, more a concept than a plan. Yet here and now, by mere chance and circumstance, Lelouch had come closer to that reality than any of the plans he ever made.

His plans, the green-haired girls piloting, the two female pilots and the resistance fighters… everything he had ever dreamed of was falling into place, and more. And as the enemy Sutherlands fell to bullets and traps with ease, the impossible hope that the black-haired boy had harbored for his ambitions was at last rewarded. 

Incredulous, triumphant laughter erupted from deep within Lelouch’s chest. He could do it! He could fight Britannia and win! He was invinci-

“Gack!” The dark-haired boy wheezed as Shirley’s elbow slammed into his stomach.

“It’s not over yet!” Shirley gripped the seat, eyes focused forward. “We have to stop the fighting at the source! Isn’t there a base or something-”

The startled yells from over the comm cut out, Lelouch only hearing snippets of a new knightmare frame. More concerning was the apparent body count it had within seconds of learning it existed.

[“We can take hi-”]

“Don’t fight it!” Shirley shouted into the comms, nearly knocking Lelouch over in the process.

[“Wha- who’s this now?!”]

[“A woman?”]

“We’ve already taken care of the Sutherlands around us, but innocent people are still at risk! We have to think of them first!” Shirley declared. “We'll find the commander in charge and put an end to the fighting, and you guys help protect them!"

[“... she’s got a point,”] Q-2 spoke, surprising Lelouch further.

[“The hell she does!”]

[“If even Domeki is vouching for this-”]

[“You had better not let us down!”] Q1 shouted. [“Consider this as payback for your help from before!”]

“Thank you all!”

It was supposed to be simple.

Clovis struggled against the urge to bite his nails, his gloves chafing against increasingly clammy skin. 

Losing the cargo of his precious research, those oriental apes somehow sparking their brain cells into somehow reminding the blond of his elder and younger brothers… it seemed that St. Darwin had decided that this day in particular would become a cross to bear on his delicate shoulders.

Apslund’s toy actually having success was tainted due to the creature that basketcase had stuffed inside. Still, Clovis appreciated the irony of those stinking monkeys being slaughtered by one of their own.

It’s only what they deserve. Clovis’ mouth twisted into an unattractive line. Who are any of you to live when… 

His fingers danced over his breast pocket, where the locket of the memory of joy between him, Lelouch and Nunally was preserved. 

“Your highness!”

CC was back. Thank God the day had not been completely lost! “Surround her!” Clovis barked, the guards quickly forming a circle around the three.

As for the other girl the footsoldier brought in…

“Your highness, that girl is with the terrorists!” Clovis arched a delicate eyebrow at the guard captain (he could never remember his name). “Her boyfriend can’t be far away!”

Oh? Interesting. If that was true… 

 “Remove your helmet. I simply must see the man of the hour for myself.” He didn’t need to verbalize the threat behind disobedience, lilting his chin ever so slightly so the captain of the guard remained vigilant. 

“The eldest son of the late consort Marianne and seventeenth in line to the imperial throne, Lelouch vi Britannia, at your service.”

“It’s been a while, big brother.”

Lelouch. 

His baby brother.

Right in front of him.

“Sir, that’s the other terro-”

Clovis all but flew from his seat, hugging the dark-haired youth to him as though he would vanish at any moment. Was the universe somehow righting itself after the trouble he went through, by presenting that which Clovis and his family thought they had lost seven long years ago? Yet the years had not been kind to the boy who once smiled so brightly in Clovis’ mind. Rather, the calculated calm Lelouch held now felt frighteningly like their father. Just what had those barbarians done to his precious little brother?! 

“Sire, this is insanity!” the captain bellowed. “That blaggard is taking advantage of Prince Lelouch’s memory to deceive you! He and that girl had already been present when the canister had been apprehended!”

“I’m glad you brought that up, actually. It was quite a pain having to avoid these fellows after attempting to kill the two of us simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Lelouch placed a protective hand on his companion’s shoulder.

“Your highness, you cannot compromise your work for one conman!”

The realization that Clovis could have lost his brother for real brought the muzzle of his pistol straight to his treacherous guard. The captain’s scream of agony as he clutched at his shattered bones only further infuriated Clovis. Who was he to writhe in pain when his blunders and conduct nearly deprived him of the chance to reunite with his family?!

“You dared to bring harm upon my brother, after everything he’s gone through?! Be grateful your death won’t be more painful!”

Oh, one of the shots hit CC too. Oh well. It wasn’t anything she couldn’t recover from.

Clovis groaned in exasperation as he tossed aside his empty pistol, the smell of gunpowder already sticking. Now he had to assign a new captain. But first he’d need a proper bath. Ugh, and a manicure. Painters' hands weren’t meant to fire pistols. 

“What is the matter with you?”

Lelouch and the girl were hovering over CC, the latter cradling her bloody form. “You ordered all of that death. You killed so many people, even women and children-! You shot her and- And you don’t even care!

… hmm. Lelouch being alive while Clovis had made it a point to punish the land and people he presumed had killed him did make things a tad awkward. 

But that didn’t matter, not when he finally had his brother and sister back! And so would Pixie, Euphie, Corny, Marry and Schneizel! They could be a family again-

“You’re a monster!”

Did… did this simpleton simply not know how to read the room? Clovis might’ve enjoyed teaching her better, but to dreg up the deaths of animals when his little brother had come back from the dead? And making Lelouch tend to her hysterics after being put through so much?

There was a limit to how impudent one could be!

“You’re all monsters… you won’t even try to understand why…”

Clovis tensed at the growing vitriol in the girl’s voice as her head raised, expression contorted with fury as tears trickled down her cheeks,

“Then I’ll make you understand!”

Clovis knew what that symbol was; how could he not, when the woman he had placed all his hopes upon had it etched into her forehead? Yet this was a brilliant azure rather than the glittering ruby he was used to-

Shirley’s right eye shone azure and Lelouch could swear he saw lines of blue shoot out to the remaining guards and his half-brother… and beyond. 

“IT HURTS! IT BURNS!”

“I don’t want this… what did we do to deserve this…?

“Mama- mama no-”

“Someone save me- anyone!”

Their faces slowly morphed into confusion, alarm, and pain before they began to scream and tear at themselves. Britannian voices- terrified and anguished- rang out over the comms, overlapping and frantic. 

Clovis’s hands covered his face in horror, tears and snot streaking down his face, smudging his makeup grotesquely. “It’s not my fault. IT’S NOT MY FAULT!”

What in the world did her geass do?! Lelouch wondered as he stared at Shirley’s shining blue eye with horror.

Clovis scrambled off his chair, clutching at Shirly’s clothes on his knees. “Please- please I’ll do anything! Just please-”

“Stop the fighting right now! And tend to the people you hurt!” Shirley ordered fiercely. 

“Y-Yes of course!”

“And promise you won't try to hurt anyone ever again!"

“Anything!”

“Shirley. Shirley, that’s enough.” Lelouch gently shook her by the shoulders, trying to snap her out of it. “Please…”

Shirley’s brow creased, her hand reaching out to the links. After a few moments, the prince and his guard stopped writhing. They regained their bearings, the blue glow faded from their eyes by the time Clovis had finished issuing the ceasefire.

“You bitch!” 

The bullet barely grazed Lelouch’s shoulder as he shoved Shirley out of the way of the captain’s shot. “What the fuck kind of sorcery did you use-”

“Lelouch Vi Britannia commands you: DIE!”

With tears of gratitude, the guards raised their guns to their temples and fired. Clovis screamed in horror and recoiled backwards, clinging to his chair. Lelouch scowled at him in disgust. 

“That boy… I don’t know which one he gets it from.” The girl, CC, was somehow back on her feet despite the blood still leaking from her clavicle.

“You’re alive?!” Shirley exclaimed.

“Not by choice.”

“S-See?! She’s perfectly fine!” Clovis shrieked, as though that erased the fact the blond had shot her with such disregard in the first place.

“How is this possible?” Lelouch wondered aloud.

CC sauntered slightly off-balance to the computers. "Want to find out?" She smirked.

“D-don’t show him anything-”

“Hand over whatever information we ask for,” Lelouch ordered immediately.

“The password is 10-13-2004.”

“Pixie’s birthday…”

“Who’s Pixie?” Shirley asked.

“Lila La Britannia, his little sister.” Lelouch’s expression softened as he wondered how the little blonde was doing.

Only for that softness to evaporate instantly upon seeing the contents of just what Clovis had been working on. The abomination he named Code R. The atrocities performed not just on CC, but countless men and women used as controls and test subjects. The purposes of it included researching Geass ("So that's what it's called," Shirley remarked softly), cybernetics...

And reviving himself and Nunnally from the dead.

“I’m on it,” Shirley declared with a dark voice, already beginning to download the contents. “Where are your usb drives?”

“Within the cabinet to the right; use the blue ones. WAIT NO-”

“And what are the passwords for any other sensitive data you have?”

“12-5-1999, 10-25-2003, 10-11-2000, 1-13-1990, 1-12-1990 and 8-27-2000. STOP IT!”

CC snickered at Clovis’ despair as Shirley began opening up multiple files and downloading them. “She’s quite plucky, that girl of yours.”

Lelouch quietly agreed before looming over Clovis. Now for the question that had gnawed his being for seven long years.

“Who killed my mother?”

“Cornelia and Schneizel handled the aftermath. They would know better.”

Of course Clovis wasn’t involved. He wasn’t that much older than Lelouch was now when the assassination happened. And there were more important matters at hand now.

“I got everything,” Shirley declared, holding up the usb drives. 

“Nooo…”

“CC, was it?” Lelouch turned to the green-haired girl, gaze cold and furious. “ You have first blood.”

CC’s impassive mask broke into a feral grin and walked towards the 3rd Prince.

“NO! PLEASE!” Clovis reached out to Lelouch. “We might have different mothers, but we’re still connected by blood! What we had before- doesn’t that mean anything to you?! I did everything for you and Nunnally!”

“After everything you’ve done,” Lelouch declared with fury, “you’re no brother of mine.”

And CC was upon him. 

Chapter Text

Sayoko didn’t allow herself to react too overtly when Lelouch returned home late with Miss Fenette and an unknown green-haired girl wearing a prison suit. Not when they were covered in blood and held a grimness that she recognized all too well.

Nunnally was thankfully asleep by this time, but Sayoko didn’t want her to wake up to the noise or- Kami Forbid- the smell of blood.

(“I know the smell of rotting bodies better than my brother thinks,” Nunnally once quietly confided in the shinobi.)

Sayoko instead quietly laundered their uniforms and allowed the green-haired girl- CC- and Miss Fenette to wear some of her spare dresses once they washed up. She didn’t know what they went through, but she could hazard quite a few guesses.

“I’m taking the couch,” CC announced after taking Lelouch’s pillow and multiple blankets with her.

The immortal slept fitfully despite her intentions, between nightmares (She was strapped back on the table, the rescue a mere hallucination) and the unfamiliar space. When CC woke for the last time, she could faintly hear birds chirping. She sighed in resignation, her thoughts going back to the previous day.

Marianne’s son was more or less what she expected: brilliant but arrogant and filled with rage and hate. He held the authority of a ruler even if he had rejected his title, reflected in his Absolute Obedience. Lelouch Vi Britannia’s desire for Britannia’s destruction was fierce and fiery, but she had seen such fires either burn out or engulf everything into ash; only time would tell which path he would take.

The girl named Shirley on the other hand, CC could not yet grasp her character. At first she merely was a victim caught in the crossfire, scared and naive. CC didn’t expect much from her even when she offered her contracts.

Yet it was her who moved to action and grasped her hand first. It was her who inspired so-called resistance fighters to prioritize their people over victory. It was her who called Clovis out, gave him a lesson with her Encompassing Empathy and then stole all of his most well-kept secrets.

And it was Shirley who became the second ever contractor CC had with Blue Geass; the first being George Washington. With his Encompassing Ideals, he inspired those who came to the New World to seek independence from Britain so that they could govern their own destinies. 

But the world he fought so hard for was not to be.

Benjamin Franklin had been no traitor; his shift in alliance was due to one of CC’s failed contractors eating his soul from the inside out before settling within his corpse. From the outside, it appeared Benjamin had betrayed his friends and comrades for empty titles and territory, and led to their defeat at Yorktown.

CC had yet to forgive herself for paving the death of George and his ambitions.

But his influence galvanized the Marquis de Lafayette and his surviving allies to back and support the French Revolution. There, they found the freedom they were seeking and rebuilt Europe to reflect their ideals. Their actions led to a storm of Revolutions that swept across the continent…

Which eventually culminated in Napoleon Bonaparte invading and occupying Britain, forcing the royal family to flee to the New World.

Funny how things work out, the immortal thought not for the last time.

Speaking of which.

“What was the point of me taking the couch if this was how you were gonna sleep?” CC couldn’t help the small smile at seeing her two contractors curled up on the floor.

Lelouch’s eyelids fluttered open, briefly wondering why his lower body and back were aching before remembering. He got a brief scare when he saw his empty bed… before noticing Shirley had fallen asleep beside him.

I was sure she took the bed last night. Did she move sometime after that? He wondered, thoughtlessly tucking a stray bang out of her face. Or did she never fall asleep in the first place-?

“Lulu…?”

Shirley rubbed her eyes, starting to stretch before her arm knocked on his side. Both teens realized how close they were to one another. Despite the urge to push away, they were too comfortable beside one another. Shirley slumped her head against Lelouch’s shoulder, their cheeks pink.

But all too soon, the previous day came back to him. Shinjuku, Geass, the resistance-fighters, Clovis-

Suzaku.

Shirley’s fingers brushed against his cheek and Lelouch realized they were wet. 

“You and Nunna have been through a lot, haven’t you?”

Her cheeks were wet with tears as well and she gently pulled Lelouch into her embrace, one hand rubbing circles on his back and the other cradling his head. Lelouch blinked for a moment before he clung to the girl like a lifeline and she him, shaking.

I lost him all over again.

The boy who had been there for him and Nunnally when they had nothing but themselves. The boy who taught Lelouch hope and trust all over again. The boy he loved just as much as Nunnally.

Yet another precious thing that had been taken from him by Britannia. How could he trust and hope like he did, when Suzaku- Suzaku-!

And he almost lost Shirley at the same time. He had to remind himself that he was awake, that the Shirley in his arms was real. 

Lelouch told her everything. 

How his mother had been gunned down protected Nunna, and how the experience crippled and blinded her from injury and trauma.

How his father had brushed off her death, leading to Lelouch renouncing his princehood (He called the boy she loved a corpse, how dare he, how dare he!) How he and Nunna were used as hostages for Japan, forced to live in a shed of all things. How he bonded with Suzaku and the three became inseparable.

How Britannia invaded Japan despite him and Nunna being there. How the three of them had walked through fields of corpses, having to lie to Nunna so she didn’t worry. How he had been separated from Suzaku. 

How he promised to obliterate Britannia. And how his eyes blazed with both hate and righteous rage.

Shirley remained silent during it all. And when Lelouch finished, he slumped as though his strings had been cut. Now he simply looked exhausted.

She had wanted to understand Lelouch since the moment she saw his quiet act of justice. She never could have imagined something of this magnitude had been hidden within him. They remained as they did through the sun reaching its zenith and falling into the afternoon.

Any other time, Shirley would’ve been beet red and catatonic from the distance, but her priorities were forever shifted. Now, she welcomed his embrace as the only anchor in this madness.

“You’re not going to be stopping after this.” Shirley knew this in her bones, after seeing the furious resolution Lelouch held. “You’re going to fight… and so will I.”

“Out of the question!” Lelouch gripped her shoulders hard enough to hurt, urgent worry coloring his face. “You nearly died back then, I won’t let you risk your life-”

“That’s not a decision you can make for me. I can’t just forget about what I saw, and I’m not about to let you throw yourself in danger all alone when there’s something I can do about it!” 

Shirley’s expression was resolute as she declared, “Besides, even if you weren’t going to fight, I still would!”

“Shirley, this isn’t a game-”

“Don’t you DARE belittle me like that, Lelouch Vi Britannia!” Lelouch recoiled as if struck; Shirley using his full original name struck even harder than when she used “Lamperouge”. “You seriously think that I wouldn’t take this seriously after what we went through?!”

“You can either accept we’re in this together or not: either way, I’d still fight! So isn't it better for us both to be on the same page?!”

(Lelouch didn’t have an argument against that. The thought of Shirley going out to fight on her own was already making worry and fear for her freeze his veins into ice. But if they were together, he could at least protect her better than if she were alone.)

That led to the other elephant in the room.

“What do we tell the others? They’ll think we were off playing hooky for a date…” Shirley trailed off, biting her lip. 

“We could…” Lelouch trailed off, cheeks becoming pink. 

“We could what?”

“Tell them… that we were.”

Shirley blinked before she burst out laughing. “I never thought you’d be the one to ask me out! Milly’s going to be ecstatic!”

“Don’t remind me…”

Shirley’s laughter trailed off, becoming more serious. “I think we should at least tell them we were at Shinjuku.” She brushed a bang out of Lelouch’s eye, tucking it behind his ear. “I’d really love to go steady with you, Lulu, but not like this.”

Lelouch nodded, hand rubbing comforting circles on her back. She never could have imagined she would turn down Lulu asking to date her, but here they were. Funny how life worked.

“Docchan, you can’t be serious.”

“Kocchan, I couldn’t make this up if I tried,” Domeki groaned for the fifth time.

Domeki had been prepared for death when he went against that insane white knightmare, taking the blow meant for Kallen. When he hit his head from the force of the cockpit touching down, Domeki really had thought that was it for him. It was a pleasant surprise he was able to open his eyes again, and that his injury didn’t hurt (but boy, did it bleed) enough to hamper his movement.

The woman from before had advocated for the Japanese who were put in danger due to the Britannian soldiers. He had always felt guilty that his cell couldn’t prioritize them as much as he wanted. That was what had solidified in his mind that the two were on their side.

That was what had guided Disel to finding the command base, determined to back up their saviors and help kill Clovis. But when he snuck in, Domeki witnessed scenes he never could have imagined.

“Lelouch Lamperouge- who’s apparently a former prince - and Shirley Fenette somehow guided us to victory, used magic glowy eye-powers to make Clovis give up everything and then a green-haired girl walked off a bullet to the chest and ripped him to pieces?” Kallen summarized once more, still unable to process it fully. “Are you sure that ejection didn’t give you a concussion?”

“Even if it did, Clovis gave the order to tend to even the ‘Elevens’,” Domeki sneered the last word before becoming serious, “and it lined up to when Fenette did whatever she did to make him do it.”

Kallen sighed tiredly. “So what now? Do we just go over and say, ‘Hey we know you helped us, wanna coordinate better’?” 

“Let's be more careful than that. Lamperouge’s power made Clovis’ guards kill themselves and Clovis to hand over his shit.”

Kallen shivered. “Geez, that’s foul. I mean, they deserved it, but geez…”

“Yeah. I don’t know what Fenette’s power did, but it looks like it made them actually feel bad about their actions.” Domeki frowned, remembering the captain of the guard. “Well, most of them at least.”

“Actually, I have a plan. But first let’s talk with Milly Ashford first."

“... huh?” Kallen stared in confusion.

The student council reacted more or less how Lelouch had theorized.

Nina had been horrified and in an uncharacteristic show, she had hugged them both tightly. “Thank goodness… thank goodness!” she whispered through her tears.

(Lelouch didn’t know the full story, but he had gleaned enough to know Nina had had her own experiences in the ghettos. Of course she was relieved they had escaped unharmed.)

Rivalz apologized for believing Lelouch had ditched him, dropping all faux anger for earnest seriousness. “If you need to talk- or a drink- I’m there for you,” he declared, gripping his shoulder in comfort.

(Lelouch wondered if he would take Rivalz up on that. It was tempting, considering the worry for Shirley choosing this fight.)

Milly immediately gave them both leave to take as much time off from Ashford to collect themselves. “I’ll make sure the teachers go easier on you two, so take all the time you need,” she said gently.

(Lelouch would never be able to repay Milly for everything she had done for him.)

School had already been a slag to get through, and Lelouch expected it to become unbearable now that his ambitions were finally beginning to flower. Yet now, it had become so much more precious to him. 

Shirley nearly let out a gasp, and Lelouch didn’t blame her. That red-haired girl was definitely the one he saw in the truck before, and one of the glasgow pilots! 

“You guys are staring pretty hard at those two,” Rivalz remarked. “I mean, I don’t blame you; this is the first time since last term that Kallen and Disel’s shown up!”

Lelouch quickly remembered just how she had been so familiar before. Kallen Statfeld was said to have had a sickness that kept her out of school. Marius Disel was her caretaker as well as her childhood friend (“I hear those two are even engaged,” Rivalz whispered conspiratorially. “So try not to be too disappointed!”). Despite missing a great deal of school, the two were able to keep their grades high and steady. 

“Disel’s a bit of a weirdo tho,” Rivalz began but Lelouch was already tuning him out, mind racing with the possibilities of why two Britannians would be fighting with a Japanese cell.

“It’d be difficult keeping her activities a secret if Disel is that close to her,” Lelouch deduced during lunch. “So he most likely knows, and he’s connected to the other woman in the Glasgow.”

“We can ask them once we get the chance,” Shirley replied, to which Lelouch’s expression immediately soured.

“We have to be careful-”

“We’ll do it privately.”

“That’s not the point. We have to be smart about who we reveal our identities to.”

“We’re going to be working with them, and they trusted us enough to listen during battle. Wouldn’t it be easier to know we’re in the same school?”

“Shirley, we don’t know how they’ll react to their saviors being Britannian. Let alone one of them being a former prince. This way, our families can stay secret, and therefore, safe.”

What would he do if Nunnally was discovered, and Shirley if her parents were discovered? He didn’t want to be responsible for either family to be torn apart.

He didn’t have the chance to approach either until Milly sent him to fetch them: Principal Ashford had decided to have Milly induct Kallen and Disel into the Student Council to help with Kallen’s “illness”.

“So, elephant in the room,” Rivalz looked over Disel, “what’s up with you dressing like a girl?”

Lelouch’s brain sputtered for a moment. Then he finally remembered why exactly Disel had his own rumor mill.

“I’m genderfluid. Sometimes, I feel like being a boy. Sometimes, I feel like being a girl. And right now…”

Disel adjusted his choker’s ornament while his thumb wiped over his eyes before grabbing his hair… and pulling the wig off, revealing much longer hair underneath. When his(?) head righted itself, Disel’s eyes looked rounder with fuller eyelashes, bangs framing his(?) face beautifully.

“I feel like being a girl,” Q2 declared, locking eyes with Lelouch.

“Whoa…” Shirley murmured, surprised but delighted.

“That’s possible?” Nina blushed at Disel’s changed appearance.

“Huh! You learn something new every day!” Rivalz remarked. “Also dang, that transformation was smooth as hell!”

Disel blinked in surprise before he, no, she grinned. “Thanks!” before she looked a bit sheepish. “Uh, is there a bathroom anywhere for me to change?”

“I’ll show you the way,” Lelouch said quickly, mind racing.

That was a deliberate show Disel made just now. Not only that, but the knowing look in his- her eyes… 

He readied himself as Disel came out of the bathroom wearing the girls' uniform. “Listen, I-”

“Answer my questions.”

Disel’s eyes became ringed with red. “Got it.”

“How much do you know about me and Shirley?”

“You’re a former prince, you and Shirley were the voices at Shinjuku and you both somehow have glowy eye powers you used on Clovis to order a ceasefire before stealing his shit and ripping him apart.”

Lelouch’s heart was in his throat at this admission, fighting not to panic. “How do you know all this?”

“After the white knightmare frame knocked me out, I went to the command center to back you guys up and saw what happened.”

This was disastrous; Lelouch cursed never noticing the boy/girl before.

“How much does Kallen know?”

“Everything I just said, but she’s pretty skeptical of it all.”

“Why are you two even resorting to terrorism when you’re Britannians?”

“We’re Japanese. Or rather, we’re half Japanese and half Britannian. We’ve lived in Japan all our lives, and lost family to Britannia.”

Lelouch’s chest tightened with sympathy for both students. They weren’t so different from him as he believed-

“You bastard!”

Lelouch was grabbed from behind, slammed onto the ground. Kallen’s knee dug into his back, face drawn in a snarl as she placed a knife’s edge against his neck. 

“Ugh, wha…?” Disel rubbed his- her head, the red rings vanishing. “What just…?”

“He used that crazy power on you!” Kallen exclaimed. “He made you tell him everything about our pasts! About our families!”

“Get her off me!” Lelouch ordered desperately.

“Yeah, I’m not doing that,” Disel scowled, his- her crystal eyes unmarked. 

Why didn’t it work?!

Suddenly, all three were soaked. They turned as one to where Shirley was standing, holding the offending bucket. “Let’s calm down.” She smiled dangerously.

Goddammit, Lulu!

Shirley couldn’t believe this boy! She turned her back for just a few minutes and found not only had he used his geass on Disel, but Kallen was seconds away from slitting his throat! Now she was stuck between both parties, trying to keep Kallen from enacting righteous vengeance on Lelouch (even if she was tempted to let her).

Even worse was the fact Disel had revealed herself in the first place because she wanted to talk honestly with them! Lelouch’s geassing had been completely unnecessary!

“Why should we trust either of you?” Kallen asked furiously. “That bastard went straight to using that creepy power on Docchan when he could’ve talked to us like a normal person! The whole reason Docchan went with you in the first place was because she wanted to talk with you two about it honestly! And then you went and brainwashed her! Who do you think you are, taking what you did from her?!”

“It was wrong of him to use his power on you, especially without consulting-”

“No! I want to hear it from HIM!”

Lelouch winced under the accusations and Shirley mentally wilted at how long it took for him to apologize. “I didn’t know if I could fully trust either of you to keep my identity a secret,” Lelouch explained. “You both know what happened last time a member of the royal family fought a family member.”

The Emblem Of Blood Era. A thirty-year succession crisis where the Britannian royal family killed, backstabbed and betrayed one another for the throne. It had only ended just before the 2000s, still fresh in Britannia’s collective memory.

Even if Lelouch hadn’t been the one to end Clovis’ life, he had still allowed it through Miss CC. And from how he reacted to Princess Cornelia and Prime Minister Schneizel being connected to his mothers’ death… 

“You’re planning on eventually taking the fight to Britannia, right?” Disel spoke. “The look in your eyes when you confronted Clovis; I saw the same hunger of vengeance I see in mine.”

The cold fury in her crystal eyes chilled Shirley and the effect it had on Lelouch was telling enough. 

Shirley knew Disel was right. Lelouch knew she was right. There was so much hate and anger in the boy, and he was going to direct it all at her home and all it stood for. 

But where would that leave us? What about Milly, Rivalz and Nina? Would any of them have a place after what Lelouch plans?

Would I?

“If you think we’re going to let you use Japan for your personal vendetta, you’ve got another thing coming!” Kallen growled. 

“But he has a point,” Disel said, shocking everyone at that.

“What are you saying, Docchan?!”

“Britannia’s the one who colonized us, Kocchan. Even if we free Japan from them, there’s no guarantee they won’t try to subjugate us again,” Disel pointed out. “So the safest bet for us is to take the fight to Britannia so they don’t pull this shit again.”

“But what if he uses that creepy power on us to make us his puppets?!”

“When he used his geass (“So that’s what it’s called,” Disel muttered) on you, it didn’t work a second time,” Shirley pointed out. “That means it’s a one-and-done deal.”

“Gee, I feel so relieved,” Kallen groused sarcastically. “And what’s stopping you from trying this shit with us too? How are we supposed to trust you to control yourselves?”

“… I know this is going to sound crazy, but may I try something with my geass with you?” Shirley asked tentatively. “I think I have a way to show you we’re sincere.”

“What, so you can mind-control us too?”

“My power isn’t like that,” Shirley explained. “It lets me connect people’s emotions and memories with others. I thought if I used it on myself and you guys, then I could at least prove my sincerity to you.”

“She’s right. It’s completely different,” Disel supplied. “And if my hunch is right on what it is, it should be enough.”

Kallen sighed. “If she tries anything…” The redhead looked at the dark-haired boy- girl, and she nodded.

Shirley still wasn’t sure what her geass was fully capable of. When she last used it at Shinjuku, she had been running on adrenaline and fury. All she could tell was she could move links between the people before her to the Japanese they hurt. 

But now she wasn’t doing it to teach a lesson, but to prove herself to an ally.

Shirley felt her right eye flare with power as she took Kallen’s hands in her own. The paths of blue branched between them, and Shirley willed them to bridge between only herself and the red-head.

The horror and disgust at the atrocities her countrymen committed. 

The anguish and despair for the innocent dead.

The resolve to do whatever it took to stop this horrific scene from ever happening again.

The fury and awe of the power she was given, melting into worry and confusion on how to properly use it.

Shirley let the emotions and memories associated with them flow freely between her and Kallen.

“We still don’t know everything about our powers , but we’re trying our best to learn about them. We want to help. We want to free Area 11- no, Japan. We promise that we won’t use them on our allies, or to coerce them. 

Kallen’s sharp expression softened in amazement, the fight not fully leaving her but was far calmer than before. “Whoa…!”

“What was that?” Disel questioned.

“I… I felt her,” Kallen said, still in awe as her hand clenched at her heart. “I saw her.”

She took a breath, eyes closing for a moment (Shirley could’ve sworn she saw her holding tears back). “I believe you a helluva lot more than I believe him, at least.” She cast a dark look at Lelouch at that. “And for now, I’m choosing to believe you’re well-meaning. 

“But we’re gonna be talking more about this in the future. Count on it,” Disel declared. 

Shirley nodded, relieved that bloodshed had been prevented for now. But the fact that this happened…

“Shirley-” Lelouch began, but Shirley was already grabbing his arm and pulling him to his apartment.

She didn’t recognize the fury in her chest, guiding her to pin Lelouch against the couch, arms caging him in so as to not let him run away. 

His face was torn between ashen and blushing. “Shirley, I-”

“Don’t you ever. Put me through something like that again.” Shirley could barely hold back the snarl in her voice. “I told you. I told you!”

“I couldn’t-”

“‘Trust them’, I’m aware!” Her grip tightened around his wrists. “And look where that distrust got you! Got us!” 

Considering everything that happened, Shirley knew why Lelouch put up so many more walls than she could have imagined. Considering his identity and protecting Nunna, it made perfect sense why he was so guarded. 

But right now, she didn’t give a damn.

“ We’re in this together, but you acted like you were the only one this would affect! You didn’t even consider consulting me about using your geass, did you?! We nearly lost Kallen and Disel, all because you couldn’t handle trusting our own allies!”

Shirley pushed his body further apart as she got closer, hers and Lelouch’s face millimeters away from each other.

“If you just go around acting without consideration of others or how your actions affect them, how does that make you any different from Clovis?”

She appreciated how Lelouch flinched with realization, expression becoming contrite as his eyes averted downwards. But it was only then that Shirley fully realized the situation she had put them in. She quickly let go of Lelouch, appalled that her grip had caused red marks on his wrists.

“I’m sorry,” His voice was soft with repentance. “I let my emotions get the better of me, and I put you in danger because of that.”

“Are you saying that because you mean it, or because it might make me calm down?”

Lelouch remained silent.

“Promise me you’ll work on your trust issues.” Lelouch was about to protest before Shirley held up a palm. “I’m not asking you to trust blindly, but to just consider that lying can cause more problems than it can solve.”

“And from now on, we’re going to talk about when it’s most appropriate to use our geasses. And we’ll put priority on using them when we’re together.”

Lelouch frowned but nodded in agreement. Now that the anger had simmered somewhat, Shirley found she was more disappointed and worried than anything. She expected so much better from him. 

And what if he becomes more untrusting towards me? Will we even be able to work together?

CC sighed from where she had been eating. Pizza bagels were a poor substitute for her precious pizza (but not as poor as pizza rolls ), but it was the best she could find in Lelouch’s home. 

The conversation between her contractors the previous day went a long way to making her snacks less palatable. 

A boy who put up countless walls to protect himself while keeping himself from creating bridges with others, save a select few.

A girl who had never had to consider putting up walls and acted as the bridge between others, not yet understanding the consequences of both views.

Absolute Obedience made sure he didn’t have to lower his walls.

Encompassing Empathy let her bridge others together and closer.

It was only a matter of time that the two would come to blows, and this would not be the last time either. Such different people, neither could fully comprehend the others’ view. She expected Shirley to do whatever she had to do to accommodate Lelouch, but her fierce ultimatums had surprised CC further, as were her terms. 

She was taking their “partnership” very seriously, far more seriously than CC could have predicted. 

“You can accept that I’m here for the long haul and coordinate with me properly so there’s no misunderstandings between us. Or you can keep doing everything on your own, and see how far that gets you,” Marianne declared fiercely. 

Charles’ eyes widened before his features softened as he kissed the back of her hand. “Forgive me for doubting you,” he murmured against her glove.

Marianne kissed a lock of his hair. “I will once you allow me in.”

“Hmmm?” An emergency broadcast had flickered the T.V on.

“Well,” she remarked as Suzaku Kururgi was led to prison for murdering Clovis, “this can’t be good.”

Chapter Text

“So, what’s the plan then?” Disel asked once classes were over. “If Kururugi dies, things are only going to be worse for everyone.”

Lelouch had several, and all of them hinged on the persona he would take on to protect his identity and the information he had on Code R. With this, he could exonerate Suzaku, establish his opening move and discredit his half brother in one fell swoop.

But first, he’d need the rest of the cell.

Kaname Ohgi didn’t know what to expect when he and his group were led to Tokyo Tower. It was uncomfortable enough being around what used to be a popular location that even he enjoyed going to, now twisted into Britannia’s image.

“Eesh, Domeki looks like she’s dying,” Tamaki muttered with worry.

He wished the younger man wasn’t so blunt (even by Britannian standards), but Tamaki was right. Domeki all but clawed at the skin around her choker harshly. Her face, twisted in discomfort, buried itself into Kallen’s shoulder as she supported the black-haired girl.

It must be hard for her to be surrounded by all this, the afro’d man thought with sympathy.

The exhibits around them weren’t just a mockery of what they had lost (acting like the Japanese were extinct from the clinical and/or mocking way the recorded voices droned on), but it had created horrific lies about them as well based on the War of the Axis. From the “Rape of Najing” and cannibalizing fellow soldiers to claims of human experimentation, forced prostitution and chemical warfare.

As if a prince and princess’ supposed deaths weren’t cause enough to colonize my home, he thought bitterly.

It got stranger and stranger as they were led to the train station. The line they entered was devoid of people.

Two masked figures were at the end. One with black mask and cape with gold trim, the other with white mask and cape with silver trim. 

“Are you two really the ones who helped us back in Shinjuku?”

“We are.” The man whose strategies gave them their first victory.

“It’s nice to meet you all face to face.” The woman who saved them from the white knightmare frame.

Kaname was all too aware of the difference between them and Britannia. Yet as they continued to speak...

“As valiant as that effort is, your terrorism is little more than childish nuisances to Britannia. It cannot fall to such.” The masked man swept his arm out. “The people of Britannia are not your enemy, but rather the empire itself. Hurting the innocent will not endear you to anyone, nor will it bring meaningful change.” 

“That is why we’re here now!” The masked woman swept out her opposite arm. “To help pave the path forward for you to regain what was lost to you, and more!”

“Big words from you two when you’re hiding behind masks!” Yoshida barked. “Why should we even trust you?!”

“Yeah, ditch the masks!” Tamaki agreed.

“Knock it off, guys.” 

The cell turned as one to Kallen. “They’re both insane, but I believe in them. They’re not bad people and I believe they can help us… even if one of them’s an idiot.”

“... fair enough,” the masked man deadpanned.

“You know who they are, Kallen?” Sugiyama was shocked.

“We both do.” Domeki finally spoke, voice raspy and almost masculine-sounding. “Both of them have grudges against Britannia, and Zero’s in particular runs longer and deeper than the Japanese.”

That made Kaname’s blood run cold. Japan had endured seven years of indignity, death and slavery. Yet this Zero’s hate somehow eclipsed that? He couldn’t tell if it was truth or arrogance that colored such a statement.

“Consider this a contract between us.” The masked woman offered her hand. “We will show you what we can do, and you may yet come to trust and work with us.”

After mulling over everything before him… Kaname decided he would give them the benefit of the doubt. Kallen and Domeki vouching did a lot for that, but they could be their best chance-

“So like, are you two banging or something?”

“Tamaki!” Kallen nearly shrieked as the masked man sighed in exasperation and the masked woman giggled.

Domeki facepalmed. “Way to fucking ruin the mood…”

Another day, another circus seeped in corruption. Diethard could’ve cried from boredom if his tear ducts hadn’t been sandblasted by his years of experience. How far he had fallen from the naive, just-minded journalist that had been determined to relay the truth…

The cries and insults towards the young Kururugi were so cliched, one would think they were scripted. The parade was nothing he hadn’t covered before, albeit not for regicide. At least the inside of the courtroom was somewhat quieter.

“I declare Suzaku Kururugi-”

Then a giant car crashed through the wall. Diethard recognized it as Clovis’ personal vehicle albeit outfitted with armor. 

“You not only steal from our dear prince, but sully it in such a manner?!” Jeremiah barked. “Come out of there at once!”

The top of the car opened up to reveal the Britannian flag… which burned away, revealing twin masked figures.

“I am Zero!” The man in black.

“I am Omnia!” The woman in white.

Zero, as in “nothing”. Omnia, as in “everything”. Just what was this?

“You want to be Batman?” Shirley said in disbelief.

“Bat-what now?” Disel blinked.

“Wh- no! Zero!”

“That’s Batman, Lulu.”

“Oh my god you’re right, that IS Batman,” CC grinned.

“It is NOT Batman!”

“What’s Batman?” Kallen asked.

“Obscure and short lived comic series about a man who lost his parents due to a senseless act of violence, and used his resources to wage a one-man war on crime and corruption while dressed as a bat,” CC explained before turning to Shirley. “But how do you know about it?”

“My mom likes to collect rare and out of print books and movies, so I got to read the first editions.”

“That’s a real thing?!” Disel exclaimed with a grin. “That’s AMAZING!”

“So then would that make me Batwoman, Robin or Alfred?” Shirley wondered.

“None of those!”

“Aww that’s mean, Lulu,” CC grinned. “Aren’t we in this together?”

The two halfbloods didn’t even try to hold back their laughter. “She’s got you there!” Kallen wheezed, clutching at her stomach.

“You don’t even know who those characters are!” Lelouch’s voice was on the cusp of a shriek.

Disel howled, coughing from the force.

“I hate all of- I hate most of you,” Lelouch grumbled, slumping against Shirley’s shoulder in defeat and exasperation.

She gave him an apologetic smile while brushing a lock of hair behind his eyes. “Let’s give it a rest for now, guys.”

With that, Shirley looked over the recent sketches she and Lelouch were working on. Her outfit was similar in color to his, albeit with silver embroidery, a long sectioned skirt, black thigh-high boots and white tights with black shorts. Her helmet and cape were both white, with the latter’s inside being cadmium green.

Now all she needed was a name.

“What do you think about Omnia?” Kallen asked.

“Omnia?”

“It means ‘all’, or ‘everything’. Zero and Omnia. Nothing and Everything, working together.”

“How poetic,” Lelouch smiled.

“That’s perfect! Thank you, Kallen!”

“Uh, yeah.” The halfblood’s cheeks resembled her hair.

“I won’t entertain your antics! Remove your masks, or I’ll remove them for you!”

The car’s side opened up, revealing a spherical canister. Diethard wasn’t sure what it was, but from the way Jeremiah paled he knew it wasn’t anything good.

“You bastards… what do you want?!”

“We’ve come to exonerate Suzaku Kururugi from the slander you and your precious purist faction have heaped upon his character!” Zero declared.

“Kururugi killed Clovis to get revenge for the Elevens! We even have the murder weapon with his fingerprints!” Kewel brandished the bag with the offending firearm despite the judge’s protests. “How can you possibly defend that?!”

“Wrists and fingers shattered with joint-bone shard sticking into major veins.”

The voice of a young woman. Soft yet powerful, it cut through the courtroom.

“Eyelids ripped apart with the eyeballs punctured and empty of fluid.”

The jury and judges murmured with confusion and apprehension.

“Belly cut open and the intestines laying out, the stomach filled with debris."

Omnia and Zero reached out their hands each, pale fingers accepting their support.


“Vocal chords ripped out and wrapped around the throat like a noose.”

Jeremiah and his precious purist faction looked as though death had warmed over.

“And not one. Single. Bullet hole.”

A young woman with green hair, yellow eyes and white prison clothes drew to her full height, flanked by the two masked figures. 

“What about you, Miss CC? What’s your identity going to be?”

“Do I need one?”

“You’re the whole reason we have the power and means to do this. It’d be wrong to leave you out.” Shirley was resolute. “We’re a team, after all.”

“... I think for this, I’ll simply go as myself.” CC’s smile was grim and sardonic. “For maximum impact.”

“That works perfectly.” Lelouch nodded to her, determined. “Tonight, you’ll be vindicated. This, I promise.”

The immortal’s expression softened. “You two go so far for me…”

“It’s you!” Kururugi exclaimed in shock.

“W-Who the hell are you?!” Kewel shouted. 

Kururugi already knew this mystery woman? Interesting.

“Yes, you know I speak the truth." The smile she sent Jeremiah was chilling. "After all… you did his autopsy.”

The court buzzed with confusion at the revelation. The purists squirmed with fear and shock at their apparent lies being uncovered. 

“I ripped out the throat that ordered my torture. I shattered the hands that signed off on my pain. I gouged the eyes out that looked upon me like I was less than human. I enacted every torture I and others like me could remember enduring under him.”

She showed all her teeth as she grinned and Diethard saw the devil himself in her eyes.

“And I left him alive just long enough so that he’d die alone, helpless and afraid.”

Renewed fury and rage took hold of the audience. 

“Despicable woman!”

“She’s a witch!”

“How could you do that to our prince?!”

“Evil bitch!”

“Kill that madwoman for Prince Clovis!”

“Make her pay for her sins!”

The woman simply chuckled at their outrage, more amused than frightened. Kururugi stared at her in horror, shrinking away from her.

“The nerve of you to take such pleasure in this act of degeneracy!” Jeremiah bellowed, both furious and afraid.

“Sir!” The newbie cameraman exclaimed urgently. “Something’s interfering with our feed!”

“She did not act in degeneracy, but in justice, avengeance and self-defense!” Omnia declared fiercely.

“What are you babbling about-” Kewel began before the monitors around began to grow fuzzy with static.

Then the screams began.

Diethard hadn’t eaten much that day due to how busy he had been. But the horrific images before him were enough to make bile rise to his throat. Britannians and more strapped to tables, chained to walls as they were inflicted with horrific torture by apathetic scientists. The same tortures the woman described, inflicted on them all. 

“What in God’s name is that?!” Jeremiah rasped in horror, barely audible over the horrified cries in the courtroom.

“Clovis was in charge of an abomination he named ‘Code R’. With this, he carried out horrific human experimentation on his fellow Britannians, including the woman before you!” Zero all but snarled. “This man, who preached so beautifully about how he felt for all his people, would rather massacre the innocents of Shinjuku to keep himself from being disinherited!”

Omnia slipped off the car and boldly approached the jury and judges with packets. Diethard both appreciated and was in awe of her boldness, enough to make the purists actively shy away from her when she approached them next. “You can find everything his highness signed off on here,” she said as she handed the last packet to Jeremiah, making Villetta Nu bristle.

Jeremiah had only barely looked over the packets before he all but collapsed with a stricken expression.

“Lord Jeremiah!” Villetta Nu exclaimed, glaring furiously at the caped woman as she took Zero’s hand. “You bitch, what did you do?!”

“Lord Jeremiah! Get a hold of yourself!” Kewel exclaimed, taking the papers from his hand before he gasped in horror. “My god! This is his highness’ personal seal!” 

New images came forth, showing Clovis looming over the men and women with unrestrained sneering, apathy or frustration. How he snarled and hissed at the scientists for failures, hesitation and defiance. How he gunned down any subordination, even using the protesting scientists as test subjects alongside. It was so different from what Diethard had seen from the prince, it made his stomach roil harder: he was good at reading people and knew Clovis had his own skeletons, but he never could have imagined this.

The audience moaned in horror and dismay as the image of their pure and gentle prince ripped asunder before their eyes. Kururugi recoiled in disgust at the images, unable to stomach watching further. Jeremiah crumpled further on the floor, Villetta growing more ashen by the moment.

“Sir, we have to stop-”

Diethard was already shoving off the amateur and taking the camera into his hands. Like hell he was going to let this end here! He’d suck dick to keep this airing!

The woman turned to Suzaku, gaze softening. “Suzaku Kururugi was the one who freed me from that hell. When he was ordered to capture me, he chose not to and was shot for his dedication to justice. Consider that additional evidence that this young man was slandered.”

“It was a miracle we were able to save her!” Omnia’s fist clenched. “And with Clovis before her, did she bring him to justice, keep him from ever torturing others like her and avenge those who died under his ministrations!”

And then Diethard understood. Zero and Omnia talked about justice, but this was all one giant performance. But what a hell of a performance it was, mixing just enough truth and bombasticness to upturn every machination that fueled this farce!

“Enough of this farce!” Kewel snarled. “You will die here and now-”

“Not so fast!” Zero barked. “We have more than enough evidence to destroy your precious Purist Faction, including the Damson Fiasco!”

“Wh-what?!”

“We went through your emails and read all your lies~” Omnia sang tauntingly before becoming more serious. “You’ve already shown how uncommitted you are to truth and justice! You slandered an innocent man to further your agendas of prejudice and bigotry rather than truly avenge the man you serve! And that’s just from your most recent actions!”

“And if one or both of us die here, we will release everything and more! If you wish to protect what remains of your image, you will do everything in your power to let us and Suzaku Kururugi go!”

“... understood!” Kewel raised his firearm. “Release Kururugi!”

“Are you mad?!” One of them- brunet- shouted out, reaching for his gun only for Kewel to plant a bullet in the man.

Oh-ho! Just what kind of secrets were the Purist Faction hiding that Kewel would usurp them like this? 

The chaos that had barely been contained burst forth, confusion and fear taking hold of everyone inside the courtroom. The film crew grabbed Diethard’s shoulder to get him out, but if he missed even a single second he would regret it for the rest of his days.

Zero and Omnia scooped Kururgi into their embrace, the car’s wheels spinning high-pitched. The canister was pushed from the back, adding to the cacophony of the scene.

“You will not escape!”  

Jeremiah lunged, leaping into the car as its side door slammed shut and rammed through the opposite wall. The canister burst open… 

And confetti popped out to the tune of several party blowers.

Diethard could only laugh.

The computer droned with the news going over the Purist Faction’s announcement. Lelouch’s gaze was inevitably drawn to Jeremiah Gottwald, the one who had Suzaku arrested. He detested the man, and yet…

Why does he sound so familiar?

“Did you know him?” Disel asked, making Lelouch realize he said that aloud. 

But the more he thought of it, the more familiar the man became until-

“He was one of the guards at Aries Villa!”

“Are you sure?” Kallen urged.

“Definitely. He was part of my mother's personal guard.” Memories flooded back of those simpler, happier times. He found himself smiling without thought. “Nunnally used to call him ‘Mr. Orange’ because of his eyes, not to mention he originally came from Florida.”

“Then he could know something about what happened there!” Shirley realized excitedly. “If he knew you and Nunna were okay, we could get him to join us and be our insider!”

Lelouch scowled, distaste clear. “I’m not exposing Nunnally to him. And after what he did to Suzaku, he deserves the humiliation coming to him.”

“I’m with Lelouch on this one. That guy’s straight-up scum,” Kallen grimaced. 

“Is Suzaku more important than your mother?” CC asked, making him stiffen. “Are you willing to sacrifice the chance to get answers because of your grudge?”

Shirley had to concede that was a good point. “Even still, he might be like Clovis: he doesn’t know you and Nunna are alive, so that could be why he does what he does.”

“Knowing you and Nunnally were alive didn’t stop Clovis from being a racist pig,” Disel reminded the group. “Even if Gottwald knew you guys were alive, he could choose to remain with Britannia.”

“But if that doesn’t work, you could always…” Kallen tapped at her left eye. “You know. That way we don’t expose Nunnally or risk him turning on us.”

“Oh?” Lelouch smirked with an arched eyebrow. “And you were so adamant about my geass being a ‘fucked up power’.”

“Don’t get me wrong, it still is!” Kallen snapped defensively. “But this at least is for a good cause! And if anyone deserves it…” 

“Fair enough.”

“How about this then?” Shirley proposed… 

The images of the boy and girl that his lady had brought into this world, that he believed he failed; now grown into a young man and woman that would’ve made Lady Marianne so very, very proud. The gentle conviction and surety that carried its way into his heart.

If you wish to meet the Vi Britannians once more, follow these instructions….

Jeremiah had already been shaken by the sight of Prince Clovis’ seal on the packet, but this was enough to nearly send him on his knees. So allowing Kewel to take charge in this had been less obedience and more needed than anything.

So he leaped for the chance to get answers, metaphorically and literally. When the car door slammed behind him, just barely missing his feet, two chauffeurs grabbed him and held him down. Jeremiah didn’t resist, biding his time. They drove for a time before coming upon the ghettos, bound to an abandoned chair. Omnia and one of the terrorists supported Kururugi to a different room, the former holding a first aid kit.

“I only followed you because you said you’d have answers!” 

The bastard who called himself Zero loomed over him… and took off his mask.

Visions of Lady Marianne’s son flashed before his eyes. The bright and gentle boy who loved his sisters and had wit on par and surpassing most adults he came across. 

He had wept so bitterly learning of Prince Lelouch’s death, the last part of his heart dying with him. He threw himself into his work, bringing together like-minded men and women to make sure the damned monkeys who dared to kill Lady Marianne’s children would never know peace again. 

And now… that son was standing before him, a young man.

“My prince…!”

But his highness's face was cold with contempt, as though he was staring at a cockroach. “I no longer have nor desire that title.”

“But why?” Jeremiah couldn’t understand. “Why go through so much for that Eleven-”

His prince slammed his mask across Jeremiah’s face, hard enough to knock him and the chair he was tied to onto the ground. “The next time you insult Suzaku Kururugi, I’ll plant a bullet in your head!”

Jeremiah balked in shock and fear.

“Suzaku Kururugi was my only friend, the only man who protected me and my sister when we were abandoned by our so-called family! He has more honor in a single finger than all of your precious purists combined! And you used him as a scapegoat for your own ends!”

“B-but why hide yourself for so long? Why fight your own people, your family-”

“They are NOT my family!” His prince snarled, making Jeremiah flinch away from the raw hate and rage that twisted his face. “Not after my siblings did nothing to help or protect us after my mother’s death! Not after Clovis’ cruelty towards the Japanese, Suzaku and more!”

“Not after my father called my mother’s death ‘old news’, my newly crippled sister a weakling and me a corpse! Not after he exiled me and Nunnally to Japan for daring to defy him! NOT AFTER HE DECLARED WAR ON JAPAN DESPITE US BEING CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE!”

“And I don’t mean to merely fight, Jeremiah Gottwald.” He grabbed the back of Jeremiah’s head as his face came centimeters from his. “I intend to obliterate Britannia and everything it stands for. To raze it to the ground, and take Charles’ Zi Britannia’s head with my own two hands.”

Jeremiah didn’t know he could feel more shame than when he failed his lady. He never considered that his path of vengeance could have hurt the prince and princess he cared for so. That his hatred towards the Elevens- no, the Japanese- for killing his charges when they protected them better than he ever could had been in vain. 

How many had he killed in vain? How many times did he sully and hurt that which his charges loved? 

How could he even dare to beg for forgiveness for his ignorant transgressions? 

“Lelouch.”

The chauffeur, a young woman with red hair and cerulean eyes, gripped his shoulder with shocking audacity. Despite being startled by the hateful look on his prince’s face, she stood her ground. “Don’t forget why we brought him here.”

He took a breath, rubbing his temple before turning back to Jeremiah; his left eye glowed red and… 

“- knew she’d be attacked?” His prince sounded utterly shaken. “Just what the hell is going on?!”

“We’ll find out eventually,” The redhead said gently before turning to Jeremiah. “For now, let’s figure out what to do with him.”

Jeremiah blinked rapidly, utterly confused. But there were more important things at hand.

He had been driven by the pain and regret of failing his lady and her children. But now he knew they were not only alive, but her son had become a fine young man. The regret of failing Lady Marianne would forever remain, but he could die content seeing Lelouch Vi Britannia in his glory.

“My life was forfeit the moment I went against your wishes.” Jeremiah pressed his forehead to the ground. “I accept whatever judgement you mete out.”

The silence was the most agonizing in memory Jeremiah would ever look back upon.

“Your life is mine to do with as I please. You have no right or discourse to refuse any order from my lips. If I order you to debase yourself, you will do so happily. If I order you to die, you will take your life just as happily.”

It was more than he deserved, yet he was given the chance to do what he should have done years ago. “Thank you! I am honored-”

“No. You are commanded.”

“There we go. Almost done.”

Suzaku winced as Omnia and the black-haired chauffer tended to his injuries, applying aloe and bandages. He didn’t trust the pain meds she offered, but the masked woman wasn’t offended when he refused. The woman from the canister was sitting some ways, eating some cold pizza with a vindicated expression.

“Why did you do this?”

“It was the right thing to do. You didn’t deserve to die for our actions, and Clovis and the Purists didn’t deserve to have their sins swept under the rug.”

“Did you and Zero really let her murder Clovis?”

“Awfully bold of you to ask that when I’m right here,” the woman drawled, making Suzaku flinch. “Especially after seeing what he did to me and so many others.”

Suzaku winced. He didn’t need reminding just why Shinjuku… 

Don’t think about it- just don’t!

“It wasn’t either of our places to deny his victim what she was owed.”

“You should’ve taken this to the authorities-”

“Did we not just do that?” Omnia cocked her head to the side. “You can hardly argue we didn’t take this through the proper channels.”

“That’s not what I meant! Clovis should have faced justice alive-”

“The same justice system that made you their scapegoat to subjugate your people further?” Zero asked curtly as he walked in, the other chauffeur throwing a bruised and beaten Jeremiah Gottwald on the ground. “That this man manipulated to kill you?”

Suzaku rushed to his side, looking over him before frowning at the two masked figures. “And that’s why you took your anger out on him? I never asked you two to do any of this; you’re just using me as an excuse to do what you want!”

Zero bristled. “He was the one who painted you their scapegoat and would have you executed! Yet you would defend him?”

“So you think that justifies what you do? Even if the results you get are from despicable actions?”

The green-haired woman’s hand cracked across Suzaku’s face. “How dare you,” she hissed. “How dare you speak of despicable actions when you chose to be their bitch."

“Do you really believe that our actions are beyond reproach?” Omnia asked, voice soft with confusion and worry. “Could you please explain why?”

“Britannia can be changed for the better, but it has to be from within. And it has to be done the right way, or else it would be for nothing.”

“And that’s why you’re willing to fight against your own people?!" The redhaired chauffer exclaimed in disbelief.

“To serve as an example for them! Fighting Britannia is only going to cause more death. This way, they’ll see another way besides throwing their lives away in a fight they can't win."

“Do you even hear yourself?!” The black-haired chauffeur shouted furiously. “Why should the Japanese abandon everything to be Britannia’s slaves?! Don't you have any faith in them?!"

“And even if they did entertain such a notion, they won’t allow anyone they see as lower than them near real power,” Zero declared, looking at Jeremiah. “People like the Purist Faction are going to do everything in their power to resist change. And change can’t happen unless there’s a catalyst.”

“And you two want to be that catalyst?” Suzaku realized.

“If we can,” Omnia said. “Britannia conquers for the sake of conquering. If they keep doing this, their people will bear the brunt of the world’s hatred rather than the few who profit from war. That’s one of the reasons you want to make it better, right? Yet by doing so, you’re still helping them conquer and subjugate innocent people.”

“... I walked through fields of the corpses of my countrymen, killed by bullets, starvation and disease. But the death toll was still nothing compared to the lives lost by other Areas resisting till the end!” 

Suzaku’s fists clenched, eyes desperate. “If you start a rebellion, then it’ll only kill more innocent Japanese! Britannia made the knightmare frame to fight my country; did you ever stop to wonder what they’d do to quell a rebellion?! This is exactly why Genbu Kururugi- why he-!”

He cut himself off, anguish clogging his throat as his head violently turned away. 

"Suzaku..." Omnia murmured softly.

“Yes! It’s slower than radical change! And yes! I have to do and see and endure things that make me want to throw up! But if it means that less innocent Japanese are hurt, then by Kami I will stomach whatever I have to!”

“... I’m sorry,” Zero said softly. “I didn’t realize..."

Suzaku stared in confusion at Zero’s sudden change in mood. “I’m thankful for you two saving me, and for bringing her justice after everything. But I’m not joining whatever you have going on.”

“Godspeed then.”

“Omnia-"

“We can’t stop him if he doesn’t want this, Zero. Not to mention we’ve already confessed who killed Clovis in the first place. How can a guilty verdict hold weight after that? Besides-”

Omnia held up a finger as they chirped far too cheerfully and matter-of-factly, “If they DO try anything, we’ll just break him out again! We have a perfectly rammable truck, and it’s not like Clovis is ever gonna use it again~”

Zero, Suzaku, Jeremiah and both chauffeurs sweat-dropped in solidarity while the woman laughed.

“... if all else fails, the rescue of Jeremiah Gottwald should be more than enough to exonerate you,” Zero stated curtly. “Consider this my thanks for hearing us out.”

“You are wise not to trust us immediately,” Omnia said kindly. “But I hope that we can work together someday.”

Suzaku for a moment, felt like he was open. A gentle but firm resolution, the pain of watching injustice and death, and the desire to protect and fight; it felt so strangely pure. But it also left him feeling naked and he shut it down. Omnia suddenly stumbled, Zero steadying her quickly.

He slung Jeremiah’s arm over his shoulder, supporting the man as best he could. “Thank you, Kururugi,” the Purist coughed. “I cannot apologize enough for my actions towards your person.”

See? He thought with a small smile. Change is already happening…

Chapter Text

Charles Zi Britannia hardly acknowledged the guard with the news of the death of the son he had just finished talking to.

It was one of the more disturbing deaths Charles had encountered, but he acknowledged that Clovis deserved it (and had told him so). CC was one of them and Marianne was particularly fond of her. She had been almost inconsolable not only after her death, but with the immortal girl leaving them behind she had been pushed off the edge.

Once more, he cursed his “beloved” older brother for his senseless and detrimental envy. For all of his talk of women leaving men astray, Victor had been the one to put their plan in the most jeopardy because of his insecurity regarding Marianne.

With that act, Victor had already diverged from their goal for a gentle world. Costing him Charles’ love and admiration of his older brother and destroying any hope he had of Victor and Marianne returning to what they had before.

And potentially had cut CC off from them, perhaps for good.

Lelouch being given geass by CC had been more unexpected than Charles would have liked. Even after years, he still held that reckless, useless anger and hate for Charles and his empire. He could also appreciate the irony of Absolute Obedience, even if it would be rather troublesome to deal with.

The girl with him on the other hand…

“A despairing noble and an aimless commoner join forces with an immortal woman to change the world, while feelings begin to blossom between them.” His beloved Marianne nestled Anya Alstreim’s head against his side. “Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”

Charles smiled indulgently, fingers gently stroking the pink locks he so desperately wished were black curls. “Indeed it does.”

An ordinary girl in every way, by his son’s side by pure chance… now she had the elusive blue geass and was influencing his son and even CC just by existing. Victor had tried so many times to bestow it but always failed; even now, they were not sure of the qualifications of blue geass.

To not only be able to connect others as she did through emotions, but memory as well? That was no small power. (He still heard Clovis’ sobs from where he had seen and felt a Japanese girl watching her infant brother being kicked to death by soldiers just a few feet from her.)

Only time would tell if the two would help ignite the flames of their gentle world, or burn to cinders just like all who opposed them.

–

The plan went off perfectly. More than perfectly. Suzaku was freed and acquitted, the purist faction was finished, Jeremiah was now his loyal minion as well as his inside man, and CC had been vindicated after the hell she suffered.

But Suzaku refused to join his cause.

And now, Shirley wouldn’t wake up.

Lelouch cursed himself again and again; he hadn’t noticed how lax she had been after Suzaku and Jeremiah left. Had believed that her stumble was just exhaustion from planning out their debut and rescue. But then her entire body went slack and it was only thanks to CC that Shirley didn’t hit the ground. When he had removed her mask in privacy, the orange-haired girl’s form was faintly glowing blue.

They moved Shirley to one of the rooms within the clubhouse. He prayed Nunnally would be asleep when he returned, because he wasn’t sure if he could convincingly lie to her face.

“Come on, you’ve got to have had at least one contractor that’s had blue glowy eye powers!” Disel/Domeki urged CC with worry.

“You’ve still got those files from that cockshit Clovis, right? There must be something in there that can help!” Kallen suggested.

Unfortunately, CC couldn’t remember everything of her time with blue geass. Novel or not, two and a half centuries ago was still two and a half centuries ago and plenty of people didn’t remember meals they had earlier in the day.

But what she did remember blew Lelouch’s mind.

George Washington (and HOLY SHIT was that a conversation for another time. Down fanboy Lelouch, DOWN) had suffered from similar symptoms after multiple uses of blue geass. The strain that came from opening the hearts and sharing the ideals within put the man through emotional exhaustion and emotional burnout. Despite his shockingly healthy lifestyle for the late 1700s (no tobacco, moderate drinking, consistent exercise and sleep schedule; he even researched medicine!), overuse of his geass made Washington’s health deteriorate to the point his formally red hair truly went white.

Yet the general’s constant use of geass made sense: Benjamin Franklin’s betrayal had deprived their cause of resources and legitimacy. They had less support, less supplies. So Washington was forced to work overtime to keep the would-be revolutionaries together.

The thought of Shirley withered and white-haired made Lelouch shudder. Did his geass run similar risks? He’d ask later; what was important was knowing when Shirley would wake up next.

The files they got from Clovis didn’t have information on blue geass either. And even the information they got on geass itself was situational at best. According to CC, every geass given was different from one another.

“This isn’t going to kill her, is it?” Kallen asked with worry.

“No.” CC’s hand smoothed over Shirley’s glowing forehead, gently tucking a strand behind her ear. “This state is simply helping her regain the energy she expanded using Encompassing Empathy.”

“Isn’t there a way to find out how long this lasts?” Lelouch knew that there was only so much they could explain to Shirley’s roommate, the student council, her friends in the swimming club… her parents.

God, what could he even say to them if…

“It shouldn’t be too long. She’s used it only three times since our contract, and it took this long for her to enter this state.” CC’s eyes softened. “We shouldn’t need to worry for her. In any case, I’ll keep watch over her for now.”

“If you say so...” Disel/Domeki frowned before suggesting, “I can take the next watch if you want.”

“And I’ll take the one after that,” Kallen declared.

Lelouch nodded in affirmation, reluctantly casting one last look over Shirley’s form before he left. CC was almost as much in the dark about blue geass as they were. How could he be confident that the immortal could take care of his friend?

Yet it was their only choice for now.

-

Kallen helped Domeki curl into his sleeping bag beside CC, allowing the red-head to take next watch. Shirley was still asleep, her body still glowing blue, albeit more dimly. She hoped that meant Shirley was almost better.

Lelouch already explained to Milly that they needed a mental health day while Kallen let the school know her illness flared up. Though considering the news rocking Japan about Clovis’ bullshit, no one had energy for school.

From the window, she saw the few the students and teachers out and about walk about in an almost fugue: finding out just how depraved a beloved iron was untethered pretty much everyone. Kallen took a sense of satisfaction from it: she knew Britannian royalty was fucked, and now they saw it too.

Speaking of Britannian Royalty.

Kallen still wasn’t sure what to think of Lelouch: An exiled prince who lived in and was protected by Japan, now had supernatural mind-rape powers given by an immortal witch in order to enact bloody vengeance. A boy with a fierce sense of justice trying to protect and care for his only family and build a world where she didn’t live in fear by fighting the country that put her through that pain.

And god, if she didn’t empathize with that.

She believed in Naoto’s cause, believed in freeing Japan. But she always felt a kind of despair at how small they were, at how little they were doing. How every loss all but crippled their side while Britannia could throw out bodies willy-nilly.

(And when Naoto was one of those losses… god, she had nearly followed after him, her grief and despair had been so overpowering.)

And that wasn’t even getting into his sheer presence and fury. When Lelouch had emotionally destroyed that fucking purist, Kallen truly felt a twinge of fear towards the boy. Gottwald pledging himself to the former prince only made that fear more pronounced.

That had been the expression of a man enraptured. A man who had been about to die from despair was reforged within the light of the tunnel. A man offered salvation in the form of the prince he thought to be dead.

A man who would willingly die for that same prince.

Kallen hated him for what he did to her people, yet he was so utterly willing to atone and pledge himself directly to their cause. He made no excuses for his past actions, only asked what he could do so that he caused them no more shame.

But h e only pledged himself to Lelouch, and not us . And if Lelouch ever turned against us...

Yet that worry felt so much smaller when her gaze rested on the orange-haired girl still asleep.

It was no secret Kallen liked Shirley better, or that she trusted her more than Lelouch. From her few interactions with the girl before their alliance, Shirley was honest to a fault and utterly sincere, if not a bit air-headed; there wasn’t a malicious or duplicitous bone in her body. And when she had been exposed to their suffering, Shirley truly wanted to help the Japanese and support everyone fighting alongside her. She had a similar power to Lelouch, but there was nothing that was even remotely cruel or twisted about how Shirley used it, or in the nature of Encompassing Empathy.

It helped extremely that she was the one who got through to Lelouch the most, and Kallen felt far more secure knowing Shirley was on their side. If anyone could keep Lelouch in check, it was. The way Shirley had handled Lelouch fucking mind-raping her best friend stuck with Kallen. Frankly, it was only due to the orange-haired girl Kallen hadn’t already castrated the former prince.

But at the same time, Shirley was far less exposed to the world than she, Domeki and Lelouch were. She knew almost about politics regarding Britannia, and Shinjuku was the first time she had truly seen their injustice. How would that effect Omnia’s performance?

CC’s existence made Kallen’s head hurt. An immortal girl giving out magical powers was something out of an anime. Yet here she was, either eating pizza in the background or wandering around like a lost child. How did she become immortal? How could she give out geass?

There were too many questions surrounding her, but Kallen trusted that she would stay with them. If not out of loyalty to saving Japan, then out of her contract and bond with Shirley and Lelouch. Kallen wasn’t sure what she meant by them granting her wish, but if she had been tortured and then given the chance to pay her abuser back, Kallen would absolutely be attached to the one who gave her that chance.

God, what a group they made. Yet they gave Kallen more hope for saving her home and loved ones in a few days than she had in years.

-

“A Gottwald’s loyalty is that of a Wolf’s: we fight for what is ours and only give ourselves to those who deserve us.”

“What separates us from dogs is that we do not forget our roots. We do not forget that nobles are but men. We do not forget that power is it’s own prison. We do not throw away what is essential to our soul and name in order to serve. We do not mold our faces to fit the masks and motives that the unworthy bestow upon lesser men.”

“To become a dog is to throw away all that makes us Gottwalds for the sake of personal motive. To serve unworthy masters for the sake of unstable power. To contort and mold your face to fit their masks and motives.”

Grandmother wheeled back to face them, cobalt eyes fierce and commanding. The silver wolf with yellow eyes loomed over her form, both guardian and predator.

“Gottwalds are not dogs, Lilycia, Jeremiah. Remember that.”

“Yes, Grandmother,” the twins declared as one.

-

Jeremiah’s return to the world of the living was filled with pain, left eye almost swollen shut. The morphine made his head extra woozy, unable to focus fully on the room.

Yet he had never felt so rested.

Once he had woken up fully, the doctor checked over him one more time before Jeremiah was left with his laptop and coffee.

The Purist Faction was finished, that was without question. Even without Clovis’ crimes being aired for all to see, them using Suzaku Kururugi as a scapegoat when the true killer revealed herself would be enough.

And to figure out what “Damson” would be. (He laughed hard enough to choke on his own saliva at hearing what it actually was; even remembering his prince’s explanation made his ribs ache with humor.)

Yet aside from that, this barely elicited any emotion from him. Not when what happened afterwards turned his world upside down and inside out… or rather, his world had been righted and returned to him.

Remembering that dream from nearly twenty years ago made his eyes crinkle and nostalgia and pain. On autopilot, Jeremiah opened a photograph on his more hidden files.

Himself and his twin sister, Lilycia, on their graduation day, just shy of 17 years old and both grinning with pride and excitement. Of his Grandfather Edelweiss beaming brightly, and his Grandmother Accalia’s stoic smile.

It was so hard to reconcile his sister’s smile with the fury Lilycia had shown when he told her he was joining the purists to learn who killed their lady. Jeremiah knew it was a horrific look: he supported Lady Marianne and others of her caliber, only for her former guard to join the same people who strove to make her life as difficult as possible. But how else could he find answers?

The row that followed had his sister throw him out of his ancestral home left them both bruised, bleeding and their bond broken. His grandparents had remained to the side (or rather, Grandfather Edelweiss tried to stop them but Grandmother Accalia prevented him), watching to see how their battle would play out.

-

“Children, please stop!” Grandfather cried out, moving to get between them.

“No.” Grandmother held her cane out out between him and the twins’ bloody brawl. “They are adults now. We will let them handle this.”

“Gottwalds might not give their loyalty lightly, but they can definitely give it stupidly!” Lilycia snarled. “I won’t have a dog in the Wolf’s den!”

“If being a Wolf means I can’t avenge my lady, then I was never meant to be one! I will become whatever it takes to bring her justice! That’s more than I can ever say about YOU!”

Lilycia’s stricken expression gave him violent, ugly satisfaction… which died at seeing his grandfather’s horrified expression and his grandmother’s quiet disapproval and disappointment.

He turned on his heel and stormed away.

-

Despite everything, Jeremiah had no intention of asking for her forgiveness. He had been so sure that this was the best course of action. He swore to become what he needed to be in order to avenge his lady…

And then he became the man who hurt and let down his lady’s children in every way possible.

That was why he was taking out a small box that Grandmother Accalia gave him eleven years ago. That was why he was finally looking through the letters Grandfather sent him. Finally, he found what he needed and dialed.

[“You’ve got a lot of nerve calling this number.”]

“I know. I’m sorry. Thank you for picking up.” He could endure this. It was the least he could do.

[“Finally done being the parasite faction’s little bitch? I’d say ‘better late than never’, but you’re still seven years too late, little brother.”] The bite was still in her voice, but lacked venom; she sounded more exhausted than anything.

If it was for his lady, he could endure it. Endure working with men and women whose ideals made him nauseous. Endure consorting with the worst of Britannia, who mocked and slandered his lady. Endure bathing his blades in the blood of countless enemies, within and without.

He contorted his very being to fit the mask the Purist Faction with a smile, believing his actions would please his lady in Heaven.

[“So, what’s this about then?”]

“I found them. I found her children.”

[“... bullshit.”]

“It’s really them, Lycia.”

[“Bullshit!”] Her voice cracked; he could feel her hope, her sorrow and her common sense clash. [“How do you know that they’re not con-artists?!”]

“Irrefutable proof was given. The ones we thought killed them sheltered them better than we ever could.” His voice shook. “Everything I fought for was a lie. Everything I became was antithetical to what they believe in.”

He slaughtered and subjugated an innocent people. He hurt and sullied that which his prince and princess loved. There was no excuse: Jeremiah had became the same kind of man that he so loathed, and done more to hurt his lady’s family than any other... and it had all been in vain.

[“... then the entire war was a lie.”] She sounded just as shaken. [“What are you planning to do?”]

“To protect them, to serve them properly... as I should have done.”

Jeremiah would never wash the filth on his hands away. The road to hell was indeed paved with good intentions. But if good intentions are not translated into action properly, then what good were they?

[“... keep me posted. I’ll see what I can do on my side. And Jerry?”]

“Yes?”

[“I can’t forgive you yet… but I still love you.”] *click*

Jeremiah let his tears fall before returning to his office. In one of the smaller drawers was a small box holding a styalized brooch of shaped like a gray wolf with golden eyes. He removed the winged insignia of the purist faction, pinning his family’s symbol back in place.

He accepted his place in hell, and would use his remaining years to protect his charges. To be the man he should have been from the start.

And perhaps, he may become a true Wolf.

-

Euphemia Li Britannia knew she was sheltered. How could she not be?

As the third princess of the Britannian Empire, as the younger sister of Cornelia Li Britannia and as another mourner of the Vi Britannian Family. It only made sense that she would be so protected.

But she knew this approach could only do so much. Eventually, someone would break through the walls and guards that Cornelia was determined to swarm her little sister with. And if Euphemia were to understand the world, she couldn’t do it from a distance.

Her time in Ashford Academy had been lovely, even if she had to constantly wear a wig and contacts. For a time, she could just be Euphie: an ordinary student with ordinary worries.

But Ashford was a controlled environment (an oxymoron when Millicent and/or Reuben were in the vicinity) and Euphemia knew it wouldn’t be enough experience. So when she was finally able to slip away from her guards after leaving Ashford Academy, Euphie saw her chance.

Meeting Suzaku Kururugi and seeing what she couldn’t of Area 11 had been eye-opening in many ways: from the boy himself (such a kind and caring boy, he couldn’t have murdered anyone) to the ruins of Shinjuku and those awful students’ behavior.

To the reports and newspapers regarding Clovis and his fate.

Clovis, whose paintings always made her feel warm and fuzzy. Clovis, who dramatically groused over Lelouch beating him in chess. Clovis, who loved and spoiled little Lila almost as much as Lelouch did with her and Nunna

Clovis, who had been involved in human experimentation. Clovis, who killed and tortured so many people, including the woman who took his life. Clovis, who slaughtered the people of Shinjuku to cover up his actions.

How could the silly but kind brother she once knew become so hateful?

“- even be able to get there?”

“We don’t have any other choice! This is the last of our research, and if we lose it here-!”

“Just be happy we were able to hide it for as long as we have!”

Euphie tensed from what she heard and quickly motioned Suzaku to follow her.

Three strange men struggled through the ruins, carrying a coffin-shaped container- they bore Clovis’ insignia. A quick glance between the two and Suzaku quickly knocked the men out before Euphemia found the key and opened the container.

Inside was a boy, pale with long and disheveled silver hair. Not just wearing a prison straight jacket, but wrapped tightly in chains nailed to the container. There was even a pitch black muzzle over his lower face, as well as a locked blindfold.

Suzaku was already ripping apart the chains, furious. Euphemia quickly pulled out one of her hair pins, unlocking that awful muzzle and blindfold; there was even a bar between the boy’s teeth, coated in blood. His lips were dry and cracked and she could see a chip in one of his teeth.

The boy let out a small noise, eyes opening a sliver before shutting just as quickly; the sunset was quite mild, yet it was enough to hurt his eyes. “It’s okay now,” Euphie got out, barely able to hold her tears back as she wiped the blood from the boy’s forehead. “You’re safe.”

“We’ve got you,” Suzaku promised, gently gripping his shoulder. “So don’t worry, okay?”

The boy said nothing, half-opened cobalt eyes glazed as tears fell down his face before they closed once more. God almighty, what happened to this lovely boy?

Then five different Sutherlands crashed through, barely missing them. She recognized them as belonging to the Purist Faction.

“Suzaku, there you- wait, who is this?”

“Miss Cecile, take care of him and make sure those men don’t go anywhere! Lloyd, the Lancelot!”

[“Private Kururugi!”] Jeremiah Gottwald’s voice rang out. [“These scumbags have staged a coup against Kewel and I! I request your aid!”]

The leader of the Purist Faction calling for Suzaku to aid him was a welcome surprise, as was seeing the Lancelot dance under the brunet’s control. But the dull crunch of a nose being punched in had Euphemia turning back only for the boy to run past her. “Don’t go that way!” Cecile cried out as she supported the bruised Earl.

But it was too late, and one of the Purists’ Sutherlands loomed over the fallen boy, rifle pointed directly at him. [“Don’t even think about doing anything, you mongrel! Not unless you want him dead!”]

Euphemia was already moving, pulling the boy to his feet and supporting him. The boy cried out in confusion and fear, voice hoarse and garbled from lack of use. He was so light, Euphemia could feel his ribs through his straitjacket.

She had no fear, she knew Suzaku would protect them. It was who he was. And Euphemia was proven right as the Lancelot shielded them from the chaos mine.

Even as Suzaku knelt before her, Euphemia pulled him back to his feet. They were comrades with the same goal, and they shared the same pain from losing their family. She would not have him bow to her.

-

“My lord, Mr. Disel is at the door.”

Lelouch choked on his brioche, quickly taking a glass of milk to unclog his throat. “Really?” Nunnally said. “I wonder why.”

Lelouch all but threw open the door (despite it being automatic), nearly slamming into Disel and getting one of her lockes caught in the mechanism. For a moment, no words passed between them, Lelouch’s eyes searching her crystal gaze.

Then she smiled and nodded.

“Looks like there’s no rest for the wicked. Duty- or rather, Milly- calls,” Lelouch joked, not having to fake his smile as he quickly pulled out the results of his stress-cooking from the previous day.

“Good luck, big brother!”

As soon as the door closed, Lelouch sprinted for a good few more seconds than his personal best. Kallen and CC were waiting for him with a bag of snacks and some water bottles… and Shirley was sitting up, mouth full of crisps.

It took everything Lelouch had not to tackle her in a hug. He settled for handing his friend scones, black pudding, mushroom and tomato stir fry and tea, which she also distributed to Kallen and Disel (CC was already on her third pizza.)

Disel and Kallen both groaned with amazement from the food, while Shirley sighed as she flopped back on the bed. After breakfast, she phoned her parents and roommate (Lelouch could faintly hear Sophie Woods’ exasperated voice on the other end. “Will you just let me know if you’re spending the night at your boyfriends’ instead of all these excuses?”) before her expression became serious.

“There’s something very wrong with Suzaku.”

Reminded of his precious friend made Lelouch’s head throb once more. “That’s for sure,” Kallen agreed. “I still can’t believe he can believe that after what-”

“That’s not it. When I felt him, it was like his thoughts and feelings were…”

“Were what?” Disel tensed.

“He was saying all those things with such resolution and conviction, but I felt nothing behind them.” Shirley grimaced. “There’s something inside Suzaku that’s completely disconnected what he says and what he really believes.”

Lelouch’s veins were ice, mind already racing with the possibilities of how that could be. “Like he was brainwashed?”

God, that made too much sense. So much of Britannia was indoctrinated by the royal family and Darwinism; it was all but a religion, despite the empire being secular to a fault. But to think that Suzaku might’ve been infected by it…!

“I don’t know yet. But I do know we need to understand him as soon as we can.”

Would that he could, but how would Lelouch be able to talk with him again after everything that had happened?

“I’ll be joining the student body here at Ashford Academy beginning today. My name is Suzaku Kururugi. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Chapter Text

Seeing and talking with Suzaku was a balm Lelouch never expected to feel so quickly. Now his dearest friend was just a few desks away from him.

Shirley fingers fidgeted over the satchel she carried with her. Ever since she woke up and learned of the drawbacks of blue geass, the orange-haired girl took to carrying the protein bars and shakes she kept in her locker on her person. He hated seeing the anxiety she was carrying, even if she accepted it (was what she assured him, but he wasn’t so sure)

According to the few books on psychology he, Kallen and Disel were able to find that weren’t filled with propaganda or obscenely out-dated, the best way to defuse brainwashing was through compassion and reminiscing. Lelouch was already the closest with Suzaku, so he could do both.

Nunnally would be an especially big help. She always had a talent for bringing out the best in others, even before losing her sight and legs. Just having Suzaku there for dinner was enough to lift all of their spirits.

But then Suzaku insisted on keeping their distance. While he could understand the logic behind it, Lelouch resented that the brunet put everyone else before his own needs.

“You should also take into account you might not be able to get through to Suzaku,” CC advised him gently. “And even if you do, it could take longer than you like.”

It was one thing to acknowledge that in his mind. But his heart twisted all the same seeing Suzaku try to wash out the slurs painted on his clothes.

-

“Couldn’t we tell the others Suzaku saved us at Shinjuku? At least it might lessen the bullying!”

“It doesn’t mean anything if Suzaku doesn’t accept the help.”

Nina hadn’t meant to overhear her friends talking during lunch. The moment she heard Shirley ask Lelouch that, the bespectacled girl was already running out and away.

What kind of world was Nina in where an Eleven like Suzaku Kururugi was the one who saved her precious friends, yet the beloved late Prince Clovis La Britannia was a monster who experimented on Britannians? Nothing made sense anymore, and the Eleven now being so close to her and her friends did not help her nerves.

“- be seen with me. I’m an eleven after all.” Nina flattened herself against the wall at hearing Suzaku’s voice, barely able to peak over the corner.

“Hi eleven, I’m genderfluid.” Marius waggled the spare shirt at Suzaku’s confused face.

Kallen offered hima bottle of detergent. “It’s not like being seen with you is going to worsen the rumors about either of us.”

… she does have a point, the bespectacled girl conceded.

The Statfelds were nobility and the Disels were tycoons in engineering, both having children of the same age who got along well even when they were younger. On the surface it was a match made in heaven between the families. But Kallen’s illness and Marius’s gender identity brought up worries if the two would be capable of having heirs.

Even if gender expression and different sexualities weren’t outlawed or banned by Britannia, there was still stigma that trickled down from nobility to commoners purely due to biology.

Still, Nina stared in awe at the ease the two newest members of the student council spoke with Suzaku. Kallen always seemed so withdrawn due to her illness while Disel hovered over her like a worried mother hen. Now, both seemed so much more relaxed despite being around an eleven.

Even if Suzaku saved Shirley and Lelouch, he also saved the (admittedly beautiful) woman who killed Prince Clovis. But Prince Clovis had tortured her and so many others, had engaged in human experimentation. Of course she’d want revenge.

Nina’s head throbbed and she ran from the scene. Just- why? Why did things have to be this way? Why couldn’t she go back to the way things used to be?

Back then, Nina had given no thought to politics and to the Numbers. They existed and that was it. Sure she still had anxiety, but nothing as crippling as what she had now.

A girl from her previous class had bullied her due to Milly bringing her onto the student council instead of her. For whatever reason that Nina no longer remembered, she kept this to herself. This culminated in her stealing Nina’s laptop and telling her to go to the Ghettos in order to get it back.

Then last thing Nina remembered before waking up in the hospital were the sneering faces of eleven men looming over and around her, their hands holding her down.

She had lost a year of her life.

The memory of what took place had been completely suppressed, but it only made it worse for Nina’s emotional state in the long run (the bully’s family being sued and disgraced did little to help, though her family was still able to live comfortably).

What had those eleven men done to her that made her mind completely blank out an entire year? Sometimes she felt if she knew what she had gone through, then she would know how to treat herself. Other times, she thought it was for the best: if Nina remembered, she might’ve…

No! Don’t think about it! Don’t think about it any further!

“翠お姉さん?”

Nina froze at the hand tugging on her sleeve slowly turning to the source, heart hammering in her chest.

A child.

An eleven child.

“Found you, you little shit!”

A guard grabbed the child roughly by the arm, backhanding them across the face hard enough to send them sprawling against the concrete. Nina couldn’t hold back the startled cry from her throat.

“Are you all right, miss?” The man smiled kindly even as he planted his foot hard on the child’s back. “This eleven snuck into the settlement without a pass.”

“いや、いや!” The child broke free, scrambling to Nina with beseeching eyes. 

He ground his foot into the child’s back cruelly, face twisted in a snarl. “Keep quiet unless you’re speaking Britannian!”

“助けて！助けて!!!”

“I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget!” He cruelly twisted the child’s arm as he began to drag them away.

“いや！放して!”

Nina’s taser sent the guard spasming off the child a moment later. She hadn’t realized she had pulled it out until she heard the man’s cry of pain, the gravity of her actions hitting her like a sledgehammer.

She had attacked her own countryman, a fellow Britannian, for the sake of an eleven.

A Britannian who had the same look as the elevens who hurt her, the same look Prince Clovis wore when experimenting on those people.

An eleven, a child, who had the same look Nina knew she had been wearing when she begged for help back then… now looked at her like Nina was something incredible.

“You bitch!” The man struggled to get up, murderous with rage.

Nina tasered him again, pulled the child into her arms and bolted. Thank god she was wearing her tracksuit and not her uniform, she could put her all into running. She pushed the button on her phone that she knew her friends would pick up, rounding the corner.

The bullet impacted her phone a second later, knocking it out of her hands. A second bullet barely missed her feet, sending them both sprawling. “Traitorous bitch...” the guard advanced upon them. “DIE!”

Nina clung to the child and they to her, eyes closed tightly as they searched for any comfort in their last moments.

-

Milly didn’t know what she was expecting when Nina’s signal reached her phone, only used in times of great anxiety and danger. The sound of gunfire had her racing to the alarm meant for intruders, the bells ringing out.

Nina was holding a child to her as the shooter, a Britannian guard, advanced upon them.

“DIE!”

Suzaku flew over them, body twisting as he kicked the gun out of the guard’s hand before pinning him down in the same motion. The Britannian man screamed and raved before the brunet knocked him out as well.

The next half a day was a blur: classes were canceled once more after the man’s arrest, and Suzaku barely avoided arrest as well for attacking the man. Gandpa made it clear he’d sue if the police didn’t back off the brunet. Nina hadn’t been hurt beyond some scratches and anxiety, same with the child with her.


The Japanese child, who clung to her friend and was not pushed away despite Nina’s trauma and anxiety. A girl red-brown eyes and dark hair cut so short she could see some razor scratches still healing, wearing an oversized trench-coat covering her whole body, mismatched shoes and a face gaunt with starvation.

She didn’t look much older than seven or eight, but with how malnutritioned she was, Milly could be off.

Everyone in the student council slept over at the clubhouse, unwilling to leave one another after what had happened. Nunnally was inconsolable (the gunshots hit too close to home, to that horrible, horrible day), Lelouch and Suzaku never left her side.

“No one was hurt. Everyone’s okay,” Suzaku murmured while Lelouch gently kissed her tears away.

Shirley, Rivalz and Nina huddled against Milly’s sides, the little girl curled on Nina’s lap and falling asleep almost instantly. Kallen and Marius remained awake the longest, as though keeping watch to watch out for danger.

The night passed with fear but without incident, and the student council had a big breakfast that helped put some ease in them all. The girl with them eating so cutely (and unaffected by the previous day) did help put smiles on their faces, and the mystery surrounding her allowed focus away from the shooting.

“You guys can speak Elevenese?” Rivalz remarked in amazement as Lelouch and Nunnally gently spoke with the girl, making her eyes sparkle in surprise and amazement.

“Who is she?” Nina asked, and what a change that came over her dear friend that she could be with Japanese in the room without shying away.

“Her name is Asuna Soga, from Saitama,” Suzaku explained.

“Isn’t that like, miles away?” Rivalz looked over Asuna with confusion and worry.

“Why’d she go all that way by herself?” Nina wondered. And why come here?”

“Apparently there are some serious gang wars going on that have caused trouble for her and her family.” Lelouch grimaced. “Her mother was taken by the Yamato Alliance as ‘rent’, along with other women and girls as well.”

A collective shiver passed through them all. No small wonder the girl barely seemed affected by what happened yesterday, if she had been exposed to so much already.

“Brr…” Rivalz grimaced. “But why was she going after Nina then?”

“Midori One-san,” Asuna pointed at Nina before explaining further.

“She might not’ve had TV, but Asuna heard of the green-haired woman who was aided by Zero and Omnia in Shinjuku,” Nunnally explained, hand smoothing over Asuna’s hair. “So when she saw Nina...”

“She assumed she must have connections with those guys,” Milly finished.

“Why does she keep calling me that?” Nina asked. “Mid-Dori Oh-Nay San?”

Nunnally beamed. “One-san is a prefix that means ‘big sister’, and is also used for older girls and women as a sign of respect. Midori means ‘green’.”

“So ‘big sis green’! Or ‘green big sis’!” Rivalz put together. “That’s pretty cute!”

“B-big sis?” Nina repeated while pointing to herself, blushing hard- god, she was so cute.

Suzaku spoke gently with her, Asuna kneading her jacket with a conflicted expression. “Suzaku...” Kallen said warningly; could she understand Japanese too?

Lelouch frowned as Asuna burst out in upset, making Suzaku wince.

“He’s trying to explain that she should’ve gone to the authorities instead of putting herself in danger like this,” Marius explained with a frown. “But the Britannian soldiers stationed there are abusing her people as well, and have started forcing everyone to stay in the ghettos and not leave. It was a miracle she was able to get all the way to Tokyo by herself. The man trying to catch her was one of those soldiers.”

Rivalz chest grew colder. “That’s so messed up. No wonder she wanted to find Zero and Omnia.”

Asuna couldn’t speak anymore, teeth grinding together as she wept. Nina’s eyes grew wet as well, her hand reaching to hold the corner of the girl’s coat.

Asuna looked at her pleadingly as she spoke and Milly didn’t need an explanation for what the poor girl was saying: she looked to Nina to save her people, like she had saved her.

Lelouch leaned down and murmured something to the girl. Milly wasn’t sure what he said, but it seemed to calm Asuna down as she wiped her tears away. “本当に?”

He offered her his pinkie. “嘘をついたら、心を交差させて死を望み、針を千本も食べる.”

Asuna stared in awe as she linked her pinkie with him.

-

CC knew the risk of showing her face like she had. She knew that if there were enough people that recognized her from bygone eras, she would be in more danger. That people like Clovis would do everything in their power to get her on that damned table once again.

Yet she chose to. Why? Why did she show herself for the world to see just for this one crime against her? Worse had been done to her, yet she had not felt so vindictive and desiring revenge as Clovis.

For she knew Clovis must have gotten the information to capture her somewhere. The means to restrain her best, the threats to cow her best (“Be a good girl and I won’t throw you in cold cement and use it for a sidewalk,” Clovis had hissed in her ear). Where else could he had gotten it from than…

Was it out of paranoia, or something more pathetic? CC wondered, remembering Victor Zi Britannia, or VV as he so insisted on being called these days. Or perhaps it was due to my relationship with her...

CC had met Marianne as a young girl, already swinging wooden swords and with aspirations of being a warrior (not a knight, not a soldier, a warrior). She was amused by the girl’s bloodlust, but thought nothing more of it… not until she met that same girl again as a young woman and the knight who saved Charles Zi Britannia from a particularly bloody assassination attempt.

But it had been the first time in a long, long, long time that she had internalized that had been done to her was was wrong.

It had been when Shirley had defended her, had activated her geass for the first time out of Clovis shooting her. CC had so much worse she barely registered the bullet. But Shirley felt the callousness and cruelty of the act far more acutely.

As CC gently tapped Asuna Soga’s head in the dark of the night and the girl’s eyes shone with awe and relief; CC placed a finger over her lips, smiling gently. Asuna nodded as she mimicked the gesture, crossing her heart. “Eat a thousand needles if I lie,” she mouthed.

“Eat a thousand needles if I lie,” CC mouthed back, crossing her heart as well.

Perhaps, CC mused as the two locked pinkies, she had shown herself for the chance to do what Sister could not.

Give real hope to a lost little girl like she used to be.