19 Chapter Nineteen: The Human Guillotine

The Robespierre burst forth from its hanger and into the night air of Paris. At the end of its blade was the Lancelot, pierced through the left arm and flung onto the ground. Inside the hanger Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords became preoccupied with the rest of Smilas's soldiers, having gotten into their own Knightmares in the confusion.

"Your machine bares the name of Lancelot, the legendary knight of Arthur's court," said Smilas. "Lancelot in truth was a child of France who found love and brotherhood on the shores of a foreign land. A land that had been a life long enemy of his mother nation. Tell me, is it not ironic that you would be the pilot of a machine so named...Suzaku Kururugi?"

Suzaku initially froze from beneath the mask of Kira, as he reeled from the impact. It was not enough to fully disable the Lancelot but the left arm was useless.

As he took off his mask, Suzaku regained his composure. Smilas was a former member of the Order, and apparently was in contact with V.V, why should he then be surprised by him knowing of his true identity.

"The son of Japan's last Prime Minister, now a servant of Britannia, the enemy of your mother nation," said Smilas. "Yes, I know of you. You killed your father because you were trying to save your people from suffering because of his foolishness. Then surely you must understand why I must act."

"In a way I do," said Suzaku. "I even understand being willing to sacrifice your countrymen to try and save your country. It's a contradiction, but you justify it by saying that these are sacrifices meant to be for the greater good. I do understand that. But there is one key difference between our philosophies General Smilas. I wouldn't overthrow a corrupt leadership simply to put myself in power."

He straightened the Lancelot which was half the size of the Robespierre and drew forth the Knightmare's sword. The odds did not phase Suzaku, he had long been ready for death in battle.

'What is that you like to say Lelouch? The only ones who should kill are those who are willing to be killed?' thought Suzaku.

"Your courage is one that deserves to be rewarded," said Smilas, readying his own sword.

Smilas lunged out with his sword, only for Suzaku to command the Lancelot to dodge the attack. He then leaped up and motioned a spinning kick into the face of the Robespierre. It didn't seem to affect the machine that much and thus Suzaku had the machine leap away and quickly draw back.

"It is wise to flee Suzaku Kururugi, allow me to save my land as you sought to save yours," said Smilas.

"You call this salvation?" asked Suzaku. "You collaborated with V.V. and the Eden Elite, the sworn enemies of the E.U."

"War makes strange bedfellows," said Smilas. "Vincent and I were both taught by the Geass Order. As was Emperor Charles, in many ways I am inspired by the late Emperor."

"And you side with his murderer none the less," said Suzaku.

"Because the enemies I face are just as terrible," said Smilas. "The rules of the Republic of Europia care of nothing more than wealth and status. They have taken the place of the old aristocracy which the Revolution had once banished across the sea. As such a new Revolution must be carried out to undo their corruption. The Robespierre is the great blade with which I shall cleave the heads off the false rulers of the Republic. And thus I shall transform myself into a Human Guillotine."

Suzaku bit his lip, finding his enemies words similar to his own.

'Human Guillotine, Symbol of Fear, it's...it's so similar,' thought Suzaku.

"Why were you cast out of the Order?" asked Suzaku, hoping to buy some time. "Were you just a washout of their breeding program?"

"I was cast from the Order because I had no intent to work to rebuild their Geass Civilization," said Smilas. "I suppose you could say I was a problem child. Denied a Geass of my own and cast out. But their knowledge, their training, I took to my advantage."

"You went rogue," said Suzaku.

"I will not suffer the laws of my inferiors," said Smilas. "Be they mortal or immortal. Not even the gods from whom the Geass comes from hold rule over me."

"Hubris," said Suzaku.

"Is that really the case?" asked Smilas. "Aren't you also tired of the laws of man? Seeing the uselessness of them all as those who are supposed to enforce and uphold them are revealed as nothing more than the same kind of criminals those laws are supposed to put down?"

Smilas wasn't wrong, Suzaku did feel that way. But that had nothing to do with what was currently underway. He recalled the schematics that Oz had secured for them, the weapons of the Robespierre were enough to tear the Lancelot apart. The damaged arm was proof enough of that.

But there were four coolant port which kept the heavy machine from overheating.

Hidden beneath the arms of the machine, the groin, and the base of the head, a well placed strike with the MVS sword or a shot from the VARIS rifle could work. Speed and maneuverability were what would win the day.

"So what is your decision Suzaku Kururugi?" asked Smilas.

Suzaku charged out with his sword, his decision made.

Flashback.

In the weeks before the fleet would deploy, Suzaku often found himself in Euphemia's company. One day had featured Euphie coming into his room and taking a long glance at the White Reaper suit.

"It looks so terrifying," said Euphie, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"That's the point," said Suzaku. "My goal, to be the Symbol of Fear to terrorize would be rulers away from corruption. Because should they abuse their power, my blade will come down on all of them."

Euphie's face fell slightly, which Suzaku noticed.

"Euphie..."

"Suzaku, why do you only want to be this Symbol of Fear?" asked Euphie.

"Because it's what the world needs," said Suzaku. "People are naturally chaotic and when granted power they will seek out to fulfill only their own ambitions rather than using that power for the good of the world."

"Does everyone really seem like that to you?" asked Euphie.

"It's what this world has shown me," said Suzaku. "My father, V.V., they're all the justification I need."

"But what about my sister?" asked Euphie. "Cornelia has had to so so many terrible things with her authority. Are...are you planning to kill her?"

"No, she only went along with V.V because she wanted to protect you," said Suzaku. "Euphie, I'm not saying everyone is bad but...I know that not everyone is good. Some people in this world are so terrible they deserve nothing more than my blade. That's why I joined the military. I wanted to try and work my way up to V.V. so I could kill him myself. And when I showed the world that I had his head in my hand the corrupt of the world would know I would stand over them in judgement. That I would show no mercy for their wicked deeds. There would be no room for negotiation, for bribery, or retreat. And the powerless of the world would look upon me and be wary as they sought power, knowing I'd pass my judgement on them as well if it so came to that. They would all look at me and know I am Death."

As Suzaku became caught up in his speech, he failed to see the sadness in Euphie's eyes. At least for a moment, but then he saw the look in her eyes.

"Euphie...I have to do this," said Suzaku. "As much as people need hope they also need fear."

The Robespierre was equipped with its own Hadron cannon in its left arm, beneath the ceremonial cloak it wore. A powerful weapon that Smilas used to try and keep Suzaku at a distance. Suzaku had been able to avoid the beam, and was swiftly still making his way to the machine.

"Smilas, why did you have the machine named as it is?" asked Suzaku. "Robespierre was destroyed by his own Revolution."

"Yes, but unlike Robespierre I shall not loose control of my Revolution to the mob," said Smilas. "I shall control them."

"But Robespierre wanted to destroy the monarchy, you're only trying to place yourself on the throne," said Suzaku. "Your Knightmare is misnamed."

"Perhaps," said Smilas.

Smilas then chose to take the offensive and lunge out with his own sword. Suzaku dodged, the sword scraping the chest of the Lancelot.

"Tell me this though Kururugi, the true identity of Zero is surely M.M, Lady Marianne's own son Lelouch is it not? In that case would you not condemn him for sewing such chaos for his own people?" asked Smilas. "For if Lelouch is Zero he like his uncle has spilled the blood of his brother and has declared war on his own people. The same crime you accuse me of."

"Lelouch isn't fighting the Britannian people he's fighting his uncle," said Suzaku. "He isn't fighting for his own glory. Unlike you."

"You speak like a foolish child," said Smilas.

Suzaku managed to avoid another strike with the sword and a blast from the cannon, and made his way to the weak spot under the left arm and struck with his sword. The strike landed and it appeared to have an affect on the large Knightmare, causing it to spark and shape. However this didn't slow it down as it drew back its arm and struck away the Lancelot.

Flashback

Suzaku would sometimes spar with Lelouch before the Atlas Fleet was fully refined and deployed. It was nice for both of them to have someone who they could match power with. Although Suzaku was the better fighter, Lelouch's power was to be commended. Especially given how Lelouch's true power was one he held back.

"You know you could just command me to hold back," said Suzaku, offering Lelouch a bottle of water.

The two had sparred for three consecutive hours before both felt completely drained. Lelouch a little more so than Suzaku. Although he was in decent shape Lelouch had never really been much of a match for Suzaku. When they were children they'd often spar together under Tohdoh's watch and Suzaku had always won. He had often commented that while Lelouch appeared to be decent enough in martial arts, enough at least to defend himself, Suzaku was a true progeny in combat. Just as Lelouch was a progeny in strategy.

"I wouldn't insult you like that Suzaku," said Lelouch.

Suzaku took a seat next to Lelouch and sipped his own water.

"You know I've been thinking about it and I don't really think our Geass abilities enhance our bodies," said Lelouch.

"What do you mean?" asked Suzaku.

"I've been going over what I've been able to learn from my mother's explanation of Geass," said Lelouch. "She said Geass is a psychic power and that had me thinking about what I've been able to do aside from controlling the minds of others. My supposed strength and durability aren't really coming from my muscles and skin."

"So what is it then?" asked Suzaku.

"I think it's more along the lines of tactical psychokinesis," said Lelouch. "You know like how a Knightmare gives you enhanced strength and protection, imagine the same idea but smaller."

"Sort of like if there were an invisible suit of armor around us," said Suzaku, following Lelouch's line of thinking. "It's strong enough to offer enhanced protection and strength but it does have its limits."

Suzaku thought back to the moment when Lelouch had injured his hand punching the concrete floor after Rivalz was thought to have died.

"Exactly," said Lelouch. "And I think the reason it tires us out so much is because it draws from our own stores of energy and stamina to power it when it becomes stressed."

"Not unlike a muscle," said Suzaku. "Over exert it and you'll wear it out. Or like how eventually a Knightmare will run out of fuel."

"Exactly, but because our bodies are being used as the batteries the risk of losing our lives through overexertion is a possibility," said Lelouch.

Suzaku thought about that for a while, acknowledging the risk Lelouch brought up.

"Well then we'll just have to be careful," said Suzaku, smiling.

Lelouch gave a soft smile as well.

Some blood had trickled into Suzaku's eye, the crash of the Lancelot having caused him to strike his head against the controls. Suzaku did a check of the Lancelot's systems and found that the Knightmare's energy cells had been damaged.

Any more stress would most likely cause an explosion of the core.

Suzaku then looked up at the staggering Robespierre and an idea came to Suzaku's mind. He checked and saw that at least the Lancelot's propulsion system was still working.

"I guess I can't be careful after all Lelouch," said Suzaku.

Suzaku opened the Lancelot's cockpit and Suzaku stood up, donning the mask of Kira, and holding but both his scythe and a grenade launcher he had stored in the Lancelot.

As this happened, Tohdoh and his Holy Swords came from the hanger having dispatched Smilas's men. From his Knightmare, the Zangetsu, Tohdoh watched his former student's actions scowled deeply.

"Kira, what are you planning?" yelled Tohdoh. "If your Knightmare is disabled fall back and let us handle Smilas."

"Kyoshiro Tohdoh, you will stand aside," said Kira. "Remember that in the eyes of the Atlas Fleet I Kira, the White Reaper, command this sect."

Before Tohdoh could respond Kira leaped from his Knightmare and charged out at the Robespierre at full speed, propelled by his Geass. He ran with inhuman speed towards the Robespierre despite Tohdoh's protests. The shoulders of the Robespierre popped up and revealed two Gatling guns and both fired at the White Reaper. However the 'tactical psychokinesis' allowed by his Geass, enhanced Suzaku's own natural abilities and he had been able to dodge the shots fired at him, running in a serpentine motion to avoid the bullets and draw closer to the large Knightmare.

When he appeared to be getting close Smilas attempted to use the Knightmare's sword to try and sweep him aside like rubbish. But when the blade came towards him Kira vaulted over the blade as it swung by and continued his mad dash to the Robespierre. He dove between the legs of the towering Knightmare and shot a grenade into the weak spot of the groin.

"Insolent boy," roared Smilas. "Our ideals are the same. Can you not see that? We are on the same side Kururugi. We fight against the madness of our moral inferiors."

Flashback.

Suzaku would often wake early and train before breakfast. He worked to get used to fighting with a scythe. And as he walked into the training area on one such morning he was surprised to see that he was not alone.

"Lord Bismark?" asked Suzaku, seeing the former Knight of One holding aloft a large sword shaped in the emblem of the Britannian military.

"Kururugi, good morning," said Bismark, holding the large sword in the position for a thrust.

"I didn't expect anyone else to be up so soon," said Suzaku.

"I always woke early," said Bismark, giving a perfect thrust with his sword. "A knight must be ready with the sun for whatever troubles the day may bring."

"I hope I'm not interrupting," said Suzaku.

"Of course not," said Bismark, bringing up the sword.

Thankfully the ceiling was fairly high up otherwise the tip of the blade would have cut into the ceiling.

"I could use a sparring partner," said Bismark.

Suzaku smile and readied his scythe as Bismark readied his sword. The two men drew back their weapons and in an instant they clashed.

"A scythe, the weapon of Death," said Bismark. "You seem to truly wish to be true to your namesake."

"In every way," said Suzaku.

The two knights drew back and clashed once more.

"Do you truly understand what your ambition means young Kururugi?" asked Bismark. "If you seek to depose all false kings of this world you would leave the door open for even worse men. And the worse kind of tyrants are the ones who are able to look into the eyes of Death and move on with their conquest."

"I know that could happen," said Suzaku. "No matter who tries to use their power in the name of corruption I will cut them down none the less."

"In that case no one will seek to take the lead if they fear you will judge them to be unworthy," said Bismark.

Suzaku drew back and struck hard, Bismark blocked easily, feeling a greater deal of anger behind Suzaku's attack.

"It's better than trying to struggle against the grain and try to change things from within," said Suzaku. "People don't respond to words or ideals as they once did. They see power and when they take it all hope of reason is gone. Force is the only option. Unforgiving judgement of all those who would use power as a means to terrorize and oppress others. That is my goal, to punish the tyrants of this world who care nothing about the lives and liberty of their subjects and believe they can commit atrocities without being condemned. Why does everyone argue with me about this? It's no different than what Lelouch says as Zero. It's about bringing justice to this world."

"Yes, but you seek to take hold of all aspects of justice for yourself. That is why you face opposition," said Bismark.

Suzaku paused when he heard this and Bismark used that to his advantage, forcing the scythe out of Suzaku's hand, sending it spinning into the air. He then kicked Suzaku to the floor and caught the scythe before it could hit the ground, the blade stopping just an inch from Suzaku's face.

Suzaku could only look up in awe at the man's speed, especially considering the massive sword he held.

"You have the mindset of an executioner Suzaku Kururugi," said Bismark. "The thankless and frowned upon but necessary component of justice. But the executioner alone cannot bring justice. He is not a deterrent but rather the final action with which to purge and punish the most evil elements of the world. By becoming this symbol of fear you wish to be you will effectively usurp the position of the Judge and the Jury."

"The Judge and Jury are meaningless if the law of the entire world is corrupt," yelled Suzaku. "How can these tyrants possibly hope to be judged fairly? How can they even have any who would stand as a jury of peers? There are no laws they do not control. There can't be justice in a world of those kinds of laws. In this kind of world the only justice that can possibly be of meaningful effect is the justice of the outlaw. Lelouch understood this when he created the mantle of Zero."

"In a world of V.V's law yes," said Bismark. "But what of when, not if, when we destroy the Usurper? The world will be forced to change drastically, especially with her ladyship's ideal. Would you continue to be the outlaw even when those you fight alongside now are the law? Will you truly risk fighting against your blood brother?"

"That's the whole reason Lelouch swore me to a blood vow," said Suzaku. "That if he should fall into to the same corruption as his uncle I should be the one to execute him."

"I know what he said," said Bismark. "I have also heard those words from another. From one who I swore a blood vow to."

Suzaku gasped in confusion. Had Lelouch's father and Lord Bismark made a similar pact as he and Lelouch?

"Surprised? Charles swore me to a similar vow not long after he became Emperor," said Bismark. "He had tasked me to be put the needs of the Realm ahead of our friendship if the need ever arose."

"You...you mean..."

"Yes, Kururugi, I would have killed Charles if he had fallen to his baser instincts," said Bismark. "He would have made me a Kingslayer and I would have accepted the scorn and punishments of such a title. Because it would have been an action necessary for the good of the realm. Something that was larger than both me and even Charles."

"But...but Emperor Charles..."

"Charles was a great man," said Bismark. "But he was still just a man and he acknowledged that. Although he tried to present himself as the ultimate display of the Ubermensch as dreamed by Nietzsche, he knew he was still just a man. A man subject to hypocrisy and error. That's something you should take into consideration as you go forward with your own crusade. You are not Death, you are only a man, fallible and flawed just as we all are."

Despite the shot of the groin's coolant port, the Robespierre still was able to move. Smilas attempted to step on the White Reaper, but he quickly moved out of the way.

"We're not better than anyone else Smilas," said Kira. "We're just men."

Smilas brought the sword down again on Suzaku, who dodged and ran up the arm of the Robespierre, his suit and mask enduring the hail of bullet fire that struck him. Once he got to the shoulder he hooked onto it with his scythe and swung below the arm, firing at the coolant port beneath the right arm.

This caused the Knightmare's sword arm to fall, knocking the White Reaper to the ground and robbing him of his scythe.

Suzaku gritted his teeth as he fell to the ground. The protective suit damaged greatly by both the fall and the intensity of the gunfire he had run into.

From where they had stood in observation of the fight the Four Holy Swords could not help but admire the skill and the courage Suzaku displayed in fighting the towering Knightmare.

"Col. Tohdoh permission to retrieve Kururugi?" asked Chiba.

"Denied," said Tohdoh, watching from his own Knightmare with his arms crossed.

He could see the state of the Lancelot and he believed he could see what Suzaku was planning. Even more than that he had been able to overhear much of Suzaku and Smilas's conversation over the open channel of the radio. The general's words had struck deep with Suzaku. This was a battle he needed to resolve for himself.

"But sir, he can't possibly be able to fight any more after that fall," said Chiba.

"She's right, and that things disabled now we should be able to take it," said Urabe.

"Denied all the same," said Tohdoh. "Kira, the White Reaper has given us our orders and we the White Samurai will obey."

"But sir..."

"Enough," roared Tohdoh. "This is his fight and his fight alone."

Kira strained to straighten himself as the Robespierre began to turn.

"I have not worked so hard and come so far to save my Republic from the fools who have ruined it only to lose it all to a boy who knows nothing of loyalty," said Smilas. "Not even loyal to his own father."

The mask of Kira beginning to crumble, Suzaku's brow furrowed with anger, a lone eye of fury poking through. The eye that bore the mark of Geass. He could already feel the strain of overexerting the psychokinetic field Lelouch had theorized gave the appearance of superhuman strength and durability. He was pushing himself and once he deactivated his power he would be left with the great drain and it could very well cost him his life.

That was fine with him, he would gladly give his life if it meant destroying this would-be dictator. To bring to justice one who would sacrifice his own subordinates and willingly allow attacks upon those who he had been sworn to protect was worth any sacrifice.

'Sensei, Lelouch...Euphie,' thought Suzaku as he struggled to his feet and stood tall before the towering Knightmare, like David before Goliath. 'I love you all. Goodbye.'

"Tohdoh, we have to do something he's going to die," said Senba.

"Holy Swords, you will do nothing," roared Tohdoh. "Suzaku Kururugi, stands as a true samurai. Pitting his honor and his life against his enemy. Unless he asks it of me then as his teacher and his comrade I will intervene. But until then I will honor his command to stand aside. As all of you will as well."

Tohdoh then focused back on the stand off between Suzaku and the Robespierre.

Flashback.

Tohdoh and his Holy Swords ate a traditional Japanese breakfast in the lounge for the White Samurai. They were without the company of their 'official' leader who was still out in morning training.

"Tohdoh, exactly how far are we going to along with the Atlas Fleet?" asked Asahina.

"I've been meaning to ask that as well," said Senba. "If all is to go as planned then we should be able to have Japan declare full independence in a matter of months. The Viceroy has turned traitor to Britannia, we are liberated in all but name."

"Not so long as V.V is on the throne of Britannia," said Tohdoh. "If we were to use the Fleet to liberate Japan and then ignore Marianne and Lelouch's proposed Federation of Nations then we will essentially be caught in the middle of a great war and enemies to two great armies. As long as V.V. lives we will never truly be free."

"And given his immortality that makes things complicated," said Urabe.

"But what about Kururugi?" asked Chiba.

"What about Kururugi?" asked Tohdoh.

"If we are able to rebuild Japan he will have to face the consequences of his actions," said Chiba. "He is a traitor."

"Suzaku has thrown aside his Japanese citizenship," said Tohdoh. "He is on his own path and I will not stop him from following it as he believes fit."

"You're not his teacher anymore," said Senba. "He's not your responsibility."

Tohdoh merely remained silent and resumed eating.

'You may no longer be my student Suzaku but no matter what I shall continue to guide you,' thought Tohdoh, watching the conflict. 'But I will not stop you from learning the lessons you must learn for yourself. This is the time when your ideals are to be truly tested. To answer a question raised around your ambition. Are you but a killer seeking the heads of would be kings because you seek power? Or are you a true warrior? May this give you the answer you need.'

Suzaku tore off the mask of Kira, standing proud before the Robespierre. As the guns of the Robespierre fired, Suzaku pushed his power as he made an impossible leap into the air before the first bullet struck the ground. His abilities enhanced by the Geass made his leap incredibly high, equaling the height of the Knightmare. He somersaulted in the air and fired his last shot into the final weak point of the Knightmare.

"NO!" roared Smilas as the Knightmare overheated and collapsed to its knees.

The cockpit of the Robespierre opened as a result of this and Suzaku, having landed on the Knightmare, quickly placed his boot.

"Gene Smilas, you are a tyrant who has betrayed the social contract held between you and the people you were to defend at all costs," said Suzaku, pulling forth the Lancelot's command key. "I am Kira, the White Reaper whose duty it is to bring the blade of an unforgiving justice upon the heads of tyrants. This is your end."

"No, Kururugi please..."

"Whatever similarities there are between our philosophies be damned," said Suzaku, pressing the summoning command on the key.

The Lancelot raced towards the Robespierre at top speed upon the activation of that command. Tohdoh acted instantly, pushing his own Knightmare to the Robespierre.

"Even if I've taken up the tyrant's habit of taking hold all positions of justice. Judge, Jury, and Executioner, I will find the true answer on my own later," said Suzaku. "But for now know that for you and all tyrants no matter what truth I find. Justice comes like Death, inevitable and for all."

With that final word the hand of the Zangetsu caught Suzaku as the Lancelot crashed into the Robespierre. The unstable core of the Knightmare ruptured and as the Japanese Frames dove for cover the crashed Knightmares became caught in a furious explosion destroying both Knightmares and killing Smilas.

Tohdoh, the Four Holy Swords, Oz, and the now unconscious Suzaku returned to the Nirvana. Once Tohdoh made sure Suzaku was secure in the medical bay he joined the others on the bridge where news of the developments in Euro Britannia had broken through.

Tohdoh couldn't help but smile at the image of a broken, battered, and somewhat burned Rivalz Cardemonde giving a thumbs up and silly smile to Princess Cornelia and to the camera, not knowing millions were watching him.

"Can we get in contact with the Elysium?" asked Tohdoh.

"We've tried," said one of the bridge crew. "However the ship itself is disabled. We also haven't been able to get in contact with most of the other sects of the Fleet."

"We're closer to Castle Weisswolf, we could help the Black Knights deal with the Order of Michael," suggested Chiba.

"Very well," said Tohdoh. "Set course for Castle Wiesswolf."

The bridge crew did as told and set about their work. Tohdoh turned to leave but stopped when he came across Oz.

"Are you staying?" asked Tohdoh.

"My mission is complete," said Oz. "But I'm not unwilling to pay for a ride. I'll help you unless I get further orders from Lady M.M."

"Very well," said Tohdoh, carrying onward down the ship, the Four Holy Swords in tow.

"That guy is weird," said Urabe.

"He was raised by what is essentially a cult," said Asahina.

"At least he's not like Lloyd," said Senba. "I swear he nearly died when he was told the Lancelot blew up. You'd almost think that it was his child that died."

Chiba hushed the three men when Tohdoh came to the medical ward and walked in to take a place by Suzaku's bedside. She and the three other swords knew what this meant and left without fuss.

In the med wing Suzaku's eyes began to open and to his surprise he saw a light smile on his sensei's face. One that brought a tired smile to his own.