Chapter Text
Through the gloomy skies the sun beats down on the fair city of Pelica. One of the many haven cities that came about during the War for the Throne. From afar the buildings look scrappy, almost making the place look like a shanty town. Up close the hardiness is more apparent, along with the semi-brutalist style of architecture. The colors of the city are washed out paired with dust marks from the wasteland that surrounded the area. The humming of motors boons, as scavengers venture out for salvage or supplies. Meanwhile regular citizens go about their daily routine with a bit of grim determination.
Even in this wasteland of a world the human spirit still ticks on. Some even finding humor and amusement. Kids playing a bit of football, while some lads throw knifes at the Black Knight’s emblem. The echoing radio music adding to the liveliness of the streets with some even dancing to the beat. Through the crowd a young lad makes his way to the local library. A bit on the short side with long raven hair tied-up in a short ponytail. Gentle amethyst eyes paired with a youthful face, though the soft rounded features make him look androgynous. From certain angles one would be forgiven for thinking he’s a girl. Adding to that is the choice of attire, a shaman-like shirt with long slender sleeves that open up with a white trim. The shirt stretching a bit below the belt. If not for the light beige pants it almost looked like a dress. Lastly black shoes with the colors being a bit faded.
This type of attire is quite common, after all the heat of the wasteland isn’t something that can be ignored. Awaiting the young lad at the library is a tall lady with brown skin, blue overalls and a similar raven hair with a red bandana wrapped around it. A wasteland mechanic and a frame to match it, one Pepper Arclight.
With a chipper smile she looks at the young lad and “Hey, Rem! Everything’s set up for lesson.” Her voice was naturally strong and filled with optimistic energy.
“Thanks, Pepper, I just hope I don’t bore the kids,” Rem said with a smile. His voice was naturally soft and gentle, though it had an air strength behind it. If pressed he could certainly bite back.
“Nah! You got this, little brother,” Pepper said with a smile, while padding him on the back. “It’s like any other tutoring lesson, but with a small crowd.”
Rem had regain his balanced a bit. Seems that pat on the back had some unintended force behind it. “This is closer to giving a class, Pepper. And the topic is a bit grim.”
Pepper’s gaze soften, as she folded her arms. “It’s never fun to talk about the bastard knights’ origin… If you need me to tag in-”
“It’s okay!” Rem said with a bit of a jolt, even taking a breath. “Thanks for everything, Pepper.” The young lad made his way inside the library.
The interior was of fair size with well-maintained rows of books. The books themselves, though in good condition, had a bit of wear on them. It was evident that some of these had either been recovered from the ruins of cities past, or had been here for decades. The roof had plenty of ceiling fans, along with fairly opened windows, air conditioning is quite the rarity in the wasteland. Near the back was an area with a large board and a desk to its side with a few folders. The board itself had “Our grim tale of history” written on it with the lettering of a child. Seems even kids indulges in dark humor.
There was a bit of visual discomfort in Rem’s eyes. “Oh, come on! You don’t need be mean about it.”
From the side stepped forth a man with baggy pants and a blue robe. Scratching his short beige hair, while adjusting his glasses, he looked to be in his late 30’s, Jacob Drummond. “I tried suggest something else, but you know how kids can get when they set their minds. Bonjour, Rem.”
“Hey, Mr. Drummond, is everyone here?” Rem asked, as he gently gestured at the area.
With a smile Jacob clapped once and focused his voice. “Kids! Time for that history lesson!”
And out came running the kids twelve in total and all eagerly excited. Some quickly grabbed their chairs and moved them closer to the board, and two ran straight towards Rem to give him a hug.
“Hi, Mr. Redshire! We brought snacks in case you want some,” one little girl said.
“Oh, thanks! And again you can just call me Rem,” Rem said, as he place his hand on her shoulder. “Now, go take your seats. This lesson is going to be a bit long.”
With an excited nod the kids took their seats. Jacob and Pepper stood in the back in order to keep an eye on the kids. Rem grabbed one of the folders before turning towards the board. That title still didn’t sit well with him, he knew it the subject was grim, but he’d rather be gentler about it.
He took a deep breath and focused his gaze towards the class. “Right! As you know eighty years ago the second Black Rebellion came to end, marked by the death of one Emperor Lelouch Vi Britannia by the hands of one of the Zeroes.” Rem placed an old archived photo depicting a masked man triumphantly holding up a sword.
Instantly one kid raised his hand. “Is this the good Zero or the evil one?”
“There was a good one?!” Asked another kid with a smug tone.
“Wait, which evil one there’s like three or four?” Another asked with a curious tone.
“Patience, kids, let Rem tell the history,” Jacob said with a hardy tone.
“It’s okay, it’s early enough to answer this,” Rem said with a light chuckle, before refocusing. “Well between the two Black Rebellions it has been theorized that there were three people who wore the mask.” Rem placed two additional pictures: one of Zero standing on a boat delivering a speech at night, the other of Zero in front of the UFN council. “As for which one was “good” many say it was the original. As the second Zero’s actions during the second Black Rebellion where not only sloppier, but also more malicious.”
“He-he-he that second one was an unhinged bastard,” Pepper said with a cheeky tone.
“I mean personally the original was a bit of an ass too, if you asked me,” Rem said with an eye roll and a cheeky tone.
The remark got a chuckle out the kids, even Jacob joined in.
“Mr. Redshire really doesn’t like any type of Black Knight,” one girl remarked.
“Well there’s one, but most of them, especially Zero… Yeah, no, screw that!” Rem said with a smirk. “Anyway, what is known for sure is that the third Zero was the one to kill Emperor Lelouch. He’s also famous for being a good pilot… bbbuuuttt a terrible leader.”
“Terrible leader on both fronts!” Pepper said with a mischievous look.
Rem smiled back. “Yep, both with strategy and negotiations. It all started with the Succession War.”
Another archived photo for the board, this one of an old news article with the title “Brightons Declare War against the false Empress!” The image shows a young noble dressed aristocratically with his armed raise the visage of someone that could only come from old money, one Victor El Brighton.
Rem took a deep breath, as his eyes became a bit dour. He knew jokes and jabs were over, now came the start of the calamities. “T-t…. The Black Knights thought they had achieved long lasting peace.” Rem place a picture of the Black Knights of the time. “The public saw it… differently. Not only were there still social problems that hadn’t been solved, but the installment of Empress Nunnally had two negat… No, two very volatile reactions.”
Another picture for the board this one depicting protest in Japan and another depicting riots in the Britannian mainland. “It quickly became an open secret that Nunnally was just a figure head. The ones that actually had power were one Princess Cornelia and Zero.”
One kid raised her hand. “Wasn’t Cornelia the infamous Witch?”
Rem nodded. “She was, and many who’d suffered from her military campaigns were justifiably angry. Then you have the other Britannian noble houses who despised the power of the throne being shared with the Black Knights. Sure, Cornelia and Zero denied this, but it was obvious the types of games that they were playing. The Brighton family used this to kick start the “return to glory” campaign. And ran a non-stop propaganda to stoke outrage and divide among other Britannians and even former territories of Britannia. One incident even led to the assassination of Prince Schneizel.”
“What about Japan?” One boy asked with a curious tone.
“Betrayed. They felt betrayed by the Black Knights,” Jacob said with a bitter tone towards the end.
“Yep. Zero had promised them freedom, and he did deliver. But now there he was wielding the power of an Emperor, all the while using a little girl as a figure head,” Rem said with a bitterness starting to boil. “Japan was still scarred by the Black Rebellion and promised efforts, promises that the Black Knights made, had stalled. Meanwhile the Black Knights had received military funding from Britannia and were made into one of the specialist forces for the UFN.”
“Don’t forget the cushy living. If they moved to Europe or a UFN base they got some cushy benefits,” Pepper said with an annoyed look. “They may have protect Japan during the Succession War and a little bit during the War for the Throne. But it was clear Japan was given the short end of the stick.”
“Some did give it their all to protect their home, but more on that latter,” Rem said, as he sieved through the next folder. “The fact remains the public felt betrayed, and later on…” The lad let out a frustrated sigh. “Just wait until we get to Relius Fairfax.”
“Hm, the first Zero to be Emperor,” Jacob said with ire building up in his voice.
Three more pictures went up, two of which depicted battles across Europe and a third showcasing a most haunting mushroom cloud. “For five years the Succession War went on, ending with a decisive victory for the Brighton family. Not only did the Brightons re-initiate Fleija development, but they weren’t shy about using them. To add to this the third Zero was abysmal when it came to leadership. Many political negotiations had to be passed on to General Tohdoh or Cornelia. And even then the degrading situation made it difficult to manage.”
Up went an article image with the title “From Reclaiming Glory to Reclaiming the World.” The image depicting the Vincent MKII, a bulkier version of the original painted in pearl white standing atop the burning remains of a UFN Embassy.
“Victor El Brighton would declare war on the UFN. Saying that only the Brightons were the true successors to Charles Zi Britannia,” Rem said, only to be shaken by the nervous looks of the kids. The details to come would be the most grim, still he focused and made sure to keep his gentle tone. “The first two years were brutal for the UFN and the Black Knights. All they could do was hold ground… and were even force to develop their own equivalent to the Fleija and use them.”
“And so the world burn. To think that this is before the second madman would join,” Jacob said with a somber tone.
“The Black Knights would start to gain greater funding and support at the end of the second year. Support from the Fairfax foundation,” Rem said with a bit of ire near the end.
“I-is… Is this when Relius shows up?” one boy asked with a nervous tone.
Pepper sighed, as she nodded her head. “Yep, him and his freaking noble family.”
Rem placed another picture, this one of a large man in a suit and tie. Quite the broad and imposing with his dark hair having a mild receding hairline. “Anderson Fairfax became a contributor to the UFN, but focused more on funding the Black Knights. To this day it’s unknown from where the Fairfax family came from, many just theorized that they were a Britannian noble family. But there aren’t any records of them.” Rem took a deep breath, as he grabbed a picture from the folder. “Then again it’s his son that would write history.”
The picture that went up was immediately met with ire from both the kids, and by Pepper and Jacob. The image was of a young man, likely the same age that Lelouch would’ve had at that point. The face was that of an average Britannian, the brown hair was spiky and slicked back with the sides having a bit of a buzz cut. He carried the smirk only a monster could, and those cyan eyes were tinged with bloodlust. His attire? Why it was Zero’s attire with some minor changes. Black knee-high boots, the old collar of the cape was shorter, and the ascot was swapped for a black tie.
“Relius Fairfax joined the Black Knights and quickly made a name for himself,” Rem said with an annoyed tone. “His strategies were compared to that of the first and second Zero. For a time things swung back in favor of the Black Knights and UFN. With each victory more power and funding was given to the Black Knights. To add to this Relius also helped to bring in new recruits.”
“Call it for what it was! He staked the organization in his favor,” Pepper chimed with a sardonic tone.
Rem sighed in agreement. “Yep. Surviving memoirs from a Black Knight by the name of C.C added a few more details.” The lad placed the picture of a young lady with long bright emerald hair and citrine eyes.
One kid eagerly pointed at the picture. “Wait! That’s the new grave keeper!”
“Yeah, but her hair is longer,” another kid chimed.
Jacob couldn’t help but chuckle a bit. “Now-now, people can look similar. Remember that picture was taken seventy three years ago.”
Rem chuckled along. “No such thing as the fountain of youth. Anyway, C.C stated that Relius’ actions highlighted just how badly the Black Knights’ command structure was. Desperation led them to hire anyone that was good at piloting or good strategy. There wasn’t much when it came to checks and balances. Slowly but surely Relius climbed the ranks, becoming Zero after the death of the third Zero… Along with the death of one Kallen Kouzuki and the near death of C.C.” A picture of a redhead with hair that was spiky towards the back was placed next to the picture of C.C. “C.C would live the last of her days aiding the remnants of the UFN before pacing away. It’s thanks to her that both her memoirs and the memoirs of another Black Knight managed to survive.”
One kid raised his hand. “How did the UFN disappear?”
“Too much military and financial power was given to the Black Knights. Add to that other members of the Fairfax family helped to establish the type of political power that was seen during Charles’ reign,” Jacob said somberly.
“As the war went on every compromised stripped the UFN of any democratic policies, until it became the fascist empire or as Relius called it The House of Zero,” Rem said with a dour tone. “Once Relius was in charge the war became the War for the Throne. Given Relius practically glassed the Britannian main land with Fleijas… and the war ravaged Central and South America.” Poor lads tone got heavier, anyone’s would when being reminded of the near extinction of the world. “What remained limped on and the Brightons nearly burned down the other parts of the world. The war only ending ten years ago with Richter Fairfax conquering the last of England, and killing the Brightons.”
“Hey! Don’t forget the Nova Initiative! It’s how we got the Nova Federation,” Pepper said with a smirk. “We’re not giving up what’s left of the world to monsters.”
“True, but that’s a lesson for another time,” Rem said finding a bit of energy. “We still need to go through Kallen’s memoirs.” The lad quickly brought up notebook that had a bit of wear and tear.
“Kallen? The first Red Death?” One kid asked with a nervous tone.
“None of her memoirs mention the name, same goes for C.C’s memoirs. To this day it’s debated whether or not that was one of her titles,” Rem said just as he landed on a specific page. “Ah! Here we go! So, Kallen’s memoirs helped to paint the picture of how bad things were. Apparently after a point most soldiers were working with just four hours of sleep.”
“When Fleijas are being dropped, you can’t blame ‘em for being on edge,” Pepper said with somber tone.
“To make matters worse she wasn’t a fan of the third Zero. One direct quote is… uh,” Rem said, as a bead of sweat ran down his brow. Not from being nervous, but from words that needed a bit of oomf when speaking them. “Well “he’s a self-loathing idiot committed to a doomed plan!” there’s more, but you’re all too young for some of these words.”
The kids couldn’t help but laugh, even Jacob and Pepper joined in a bit.
“Come on! Tell us the rest!” one girl chimed.
“Yeah! I wanna here the roast!” another kid said, while laughing.
“Um, Mr. Redshire, what was the doomed plan? Some fight or something?” A boy asked with a raised hand.
“That to this day is still debated. Some believe there was a secret plan that only the third Zero and a few others knew. Others think it might’ve been a long term plan for the war. It’s a complete mystery,” Rem said with a reflective and theatrical wave of the hand.
“Probably one of those convoluted “miracle” plans that the first two Zeroes were known for,” Jacob said with a bit of an eye roll.
“Whatever it was, Kallen knew about it and hated it. C.C would add in her memoirs that things got so tense, that one time she had to break up a fight between Zero and Kallen,” Rem said with a chagrin. “There is a curious entry in one of the memoirs by Kaname Ohgi. It’s a short statement and it’s… well… “Should’ve never taken that deal. We were never the same after that day, the Black Knights. The soul was lost and some just marched on bitterly. As for Zero… it’s just someone playing dress-up now.” This is yet another mystery.” Rem placed a picture of Ohgi on the board with a question mark next to it.
The kids looked at each other with confusion. Some of their eyes darting across the pictures on the board to try and understand.
“I don’t… Um… What deal, Mr. Redshire?” one kid asked with a confused tone.
Rem gestured confusion with his hand. “It’s a mystery. Unlike the doomed plan this one is too vague. Ohgi’s entry is the only one that mentions this “deal.” The doomed plan does get mentioned by C.C, but not this.”
“Either the people involved died before saying anything. Or if they wrote it down it probably got burnt with most of the world,” Pepper said with a stern tone.
“There’s sadly a few more lost details. Between the destruction of the two wars and the older Zero’s secretive nature some things remain unanswered,” Rem said somberly. “But it doesn’t mean we stop, we’re still here. We do what we can for each other.” The lad let out a soft chuckle. “Don’t forget that. Class adjourned.”
Time did fly on that lesson, as now Rem and Pepper were walking down the street with the sun setting. The two made their way to the cemetery, as the wind was picking up. Silent as ever and the various graves being either cracked or weathered. Rem found the two graves he was looking for. One read “Ariel Redshire” and the other “Gerald Redshire.”
“H-hi mom, dad… I’m eighteen now… and I finally gave my first class,” Rem said somberly, but with a smile. “I miss you… I miss you both!” tears ran down his eyes, as they were carried off by the wind.
Pepper placed her hand on his shoulder and pulled him closer. “I’m taking good care of him. It’s not blood that makes a family, it’s the bonds.”
“Thanks, Pepper,” Rem said with a soft tone.
Pepper looked on at the horizon, the vast wasteland stretching out. A few mountains in the distance along with the feint silhouette of ruins of old. “We got a long day tomorrow. Paul has a group ready, maybe we can get some parts and finally ditch the old Wolf Wood.”
Rem smiled, as he looked up at Pepper. “Think we can get the Phoenix Archer online?”
“Here’s hoping!” Pepper said with a wink and thumbs-up.
As the two made their way out of the cemetery a mysterious figure seemed to be patrolling the cemetery with a staff in hand. The attire seem to be more nomadic with a black shroud partially covering her body, it almost looked like a half cape. Beneath was a white sleeveless t-shirt paired with light grey capri pants paired with dark shoes. Lastly a wide brim black hat over her bright emerald hair. The kids were right it was short, a bob cut, and she look identical to the girl in the photo.
“Last rights or paying respects?” the Grave Keeper asked with an elusive tone.
“Paying respects… to my parents,” Rem said with a somber look.
“Sorry for your loss. I know that feeling all too well,” the Grave Keeper said with a bit of a heavy tone.
“Didn’t think the new Grave Keeper would be so young. Miss, I’m sure there are others that could take up the task,” Pepper said with a concerned look. Tending to the dead was something that many in the wasteland took seriously, at least those outside of the Black Knights. But there was an unspoken rule to not let the young take up the task. Best for them to enjoy their time, instead of taking on such a heavy duty.
There was a bit of a cheeky chuckle from the Grave Keeper. “Don’t let my face fool you, I’m far older than I look. Besides tending to wayward souls has become my task.”
“Then please stay safe. If you hear gunshots in the distance… Mech ones to be specific, please find cover,” Rem said with a gentle tone.
“Hhmm, pretty sure I should be the one giving you that advice,” the Grave Keeper said with a cheeky tone.
Pepper covered her mouth a bit, as she fought back a laugh. “Oh, you really are new here! Rem’s a bit more cantankerous than he looks.”
Rem side-eyed with a bit embarrassment. “Oh, come on?”
“Anyway we gotta get going. Take care, miss,” Pepper said with a wave of her hand, as her and Rem walked on.
The Grave Keeper kept an eye on them as they left. It was as if she was studying them, just who is this young lady? “How long before the Black Knights cause trouble? And just what can you do?”