28 Chapter Twenty-Eight: Summer of the Red Queen

Summer 2018.

Euphemia felt a tear escape from her eye and run down her face as she heard the news. As she watched what was happening on the display before her. During her time in Japan, in between her training, she, Kaguya, and the Houses of Kyoto had worked to establish what she called 'The Special Administrative Zone of Japan'. It was meant to act as a temporary government and keep the peace until the true Japanese government could be re-established.

Now it was all on fire.

"This is all from the previous week, not long after the White Samurai left to regroup with us here in St. Petersburg," said Marianne. "There has been a total blackout in media until now. No doubt meant to shock the world when this was finally revealed."

"How the hell did this happen?" roared Tohdoh, furious over seeing all the effort made worthless and in so little time.

"We're not sure of many of the details," said Marianne, visibly holding back her fury. "All that we know is that a Japanese group calling themselves the Neo-Shogunate Army have begun leading forces into the Britannian settlements and attacking any and all former Britannians in sight."

The holographic display at the center of the table showed scores of dead Britannian people as well as captured images of this Neo-Shogunate Army. Dressed in red garb in the style of ancient samurai they slaughtered any Britannians, or rather former Britannians, they came across.

While many who sat around the large table had fought Britannians or had claimed to hate Britannians, the savagery of what they saw committed made their stomachs collectively churn.

"V.V abandoned those people," growled Ohgi, his fists pressing tightly against the table. "Britannia doesn't really own Japan anymore. This...this is all just barbarism."

"What about the provisional government?" asked Kaguya. "Lord Kirahara and the other heads of the Kyoto Group?"

Marianne, her fury becoming more and more difficult to contain motioned to Bismark who brought up a video clip. It showed many of the remaining heads of the Kyoto Group sans Kaguya and Kirahara standing upon the bloody stage of the SAZ, alongside a familiar face. Even though it was half wrapped in bandages and he wore Japanese garb, everyone could recognize the face of Shin Hyuga Shaing.

"What the hell is he doing in Japan?" growled Kallen, the others stepping back for fear her releasing an inferno.

All but Suzaku, Akito, and Rivalz who all looked at Shin just as intensely as Kallen.

"This went live in Japan a week ago," said Bismark.

"People of Japan," said Shin. "You have been lied to. The man whom you entrusted your hope and liberty to is false. He is not one of us. This man, who you knew as Zero, is and always has been...Lelouch Vi Britannia."

All hearts froze with that. While Lelouch's identity was known among a number of the Fleet there had been care to keep his true identity relatively secret outside their ranks.

"No way, he can't prove that right?" asked Tamaki.

As if on cue, on a large television monitor behind him a video feed of Lelouch, the damaged Zero costume being removed from his wounded body on the day he fell played. Showing not only the savior of Japan wounded and broken, but being unmasked as well, showing a distinctively non-Japanese face.

"What is the meaning of this?" roared Jeremiah.

"That's the medical wing of the Nirvana, there shouldn't be any cameras there," said Suzaku.

Kallen said nothing, she merely watched as the man she loved was being displayed in his wounded state by the man who put him there. Using it to defame and disgrace Lelouch in the eyes of the people he fought to liberate.

"Though I was not raised on the shores of Japan, I Shin Hyuga Shaing, am Japanese none the less," said Shin. "Using the madness of the Demon V.V to have him believe I was his puppet. Using his own strength to burn his own empire and the E.U which has for so long kept our exiled brothers and sisters in subjugation. Now both lie in smoldering ruins and through my sabotage the Eden Elite are crippled."

"That lying bastard," roared Ashley.

"He's actually claiming victory for defeating the Eden Elite and for burning the E.U and Euro Britannia? He's crazy," said Rivalz.

"And just listen to the crowd, they're eating it up," said Tohdoh, disgust filling his lungs.

Kallen heard roaring cheers in the video, but all she was focused on was the image of her wounded love.

"This false messiah, Zero, Lelouch, the blood of the man who stole our freedom, hoped to steal our power for his own vengeance," Shin continued. "But he is no more, I have struck down this false savior, so let it be known that Lelouch, Zero was nothing more than a man hiding behind lies and parlor tricks. That those who followed him, his Black Knights, and his allies in this Atlas Fleet, are nothing more than liars and traitors who have allied with foreigners to fight our own battles and control our destiny. And should those traitors the Black Knights ever set foot in Japan again. Let it be known that the Neo-Shogunate Army shall strike them down for their crimes against our glorious nation."

"How can anyone take him seriously?" asked Suzaku, scowling deeply. "How did he amass this army so quickly?"

"V.V no doubt," said Xingke. "Let Shin go, have him claim he was never loyal to him while providing force from the Eden Elite and repainting them so they'll stoke the anger of the Japanese. Then use that anger to cause enough chaos that would distract us from him in Britannia."

"Allowing both time and opportunity to recoup his losses and ready his forces," said Marianne. "Also hurt chances of establishing our union of nations."

"What?" asked Tamaki.

"If...the Japanese are seen as just as cruel and as violent as how V.V makes Britannia to appear then chances then no enemy nation will wish to ally with them," said Euphemia, speaking through tears and with her sister holding her close.

"Effectively leaving Japan to be considered by the world at large a nation of savages best left isolated on their island," said Cornelia, continuing Euphie's train of thought. "Left to rot without being able to commence international trade and commerce, which any modern economy would need."

"Resulting in a nation that has a ruined economy and ruled by a government that has no qualms about killing a mass number of people," said Ohgi, following along the train. "Causing more internal violence from Japanese people who wouldn't wish that kind of government to be in power and pretty much spiraling into a never ending spiral of conflict that leaves Japan a third world country."

"On the bright side at least Britannia isn't in charge," said Yukiya, snidely. "So in a way you get exactly what you wanted."

"Alright you little shit I'm going to..."

"Enough," cried Marianne, her voice containing the restrained fury of a mother whose son's assailant was still walking free.

All gathered around the table sat and silenced.

"Now, I believe I should not have to that this is a matter of utter importance," said Marianne. "Whether or not V.V has had an official hand in this or if Shin Hyuga Shaing is acting on his own is inconsequential. That said we must be careful in going forward. While I'm sure many of you would like to board your ships and rush off to end this chaos, recklessness would be out undoing. This is a battle that must be fought with more than just weapons and power. While it appears Shin's Geass has not matured to where he can use it again, we must not rule out the fact Geass can be an element in this conflict. But more than that this is a battle involving the hearts and minds of both the Japanese people and the Britannian people now trapped in Japan. As it is their leader who has been dishonored by this...blasphemy, the Black Knights should take lead in this campaign. Amaterasu, the Red Queen will be taking command in the absence of Zero. Their priority will be intervening in areas of conflict between Japanese and Britannian, whether or not the Neo-Shogunate Army is present or not. The White Samurai will be tasked with finding the source of the Neo-Shogunate Army."

"Does that mean Shin is our target?" asked Suzaku.

Marianne caught the slight facial twitches of Akito and Rivalz. She also recalled her previous conversation with Maria. While she respected another mother's never ending love, as Lelouch's mother Marianne would not be denied the vengeance that was rightfully hers against the man who had laid such grievous wounds to her child. She was aware Rivalz had promised to bring Shin back alive to face justice and his adoptive mother's questions. While she would much rather give the okay for a field execution, Marianne believed these conditions could suit her goals nicely. The trick would be convincing Lelouch's bride, his best friend, and Shin's brother.

"Shin is to be captured alive," said Marianne. "Although I, more than anyone wish for him to suffer for what he has done to Lelouch, for the sake of building a better society us all I must put my motherly fury aside. If we were to simply have Shin killed out of our lust for vengeance we would be but a reflection of V.V's Eden Elite. Of all the lessons my beloved Charles strove to teach all of Britannia, is that the duty of a king and thus his knights is to uphold the laws of the land to preserve the rights of the people under their charge. Shin's crimes have wronged more than just us, more than just Lelouch, they have wronged the people of the E.U and Euro Britannia. As such for those who are dead because of them, for those who are left to rebuild because of them, they must have justice as well. Even more they need a certainty that the now independent government in Euro Britannia is able to protect them by upholding their laws and punishing those who wrong them accordingly by the execution of their laws. And we must be seen as respecting the laws of allied nations or we will be seen as nothing more than a rogue army dispensing a justice that the people of the world had no say in deciding what defines it."

Suzaku listened closely to Marianne's words and his face lowered slightly. Kallen said nothing, though she heard her would-be mother-in-law's words she was still focused on the frozen image of Shin.

Assembling the Fleet for deployment would take a while. Thus there was time for reflection among various members. For her own part Kallen went back to the side of her beloved Lelouch.

"He's ruining everything," said Kallen, holding Lelouch's still hand in hers. "He's ruining all the effort you put in to helping Japan. Turning it into something horrible. It makes me so furious. And even more is that all I want to do is burn him for what he's done to you and is doing to your name."

The door opened and Marianne walked in holding an armored case. Marianne looked down at her son's sleeping face. It looked almost peaceful if not for the bandaged eye and scar. She then looked up to Kallen with a soft smile.

"I'm proud of you my dear," said Marianne. "I know how furious you must have been seeing that man. Knowing what he's doing and how he's escaped punishment for what he did to Lelouch."

"Yes," said Kallen. "It was hard and...it's going to be hard to leave him here."

"I know," said Marianne. "I will be watching over him while you are away."

"You...you mean you're not going to join the fight?" asked Kallen.

"As Lelouch's mother my place is here by my son's bedside," said Marianne. "If anything comes to threaten him I shall strike them down. But the defense of his honor and the upholding of his kingdom fall upon the shoulders of his knight and his queen. Bismark has already gone to speak to the Knight. As the Queen Mother it thus falls onto me to ensure the next Queen is properly prepared."

Marianne placed the case she carried on a table and Kallen opened it. Revealing a newly designed uniform flight suit, and two maces designed in the image of the Imperial Scepter, with razor sharp spear tips like the one that took Lelouch's eye.

Kallen picked them up and felt the weight of them. There was significant weight but not enough that it was too much for her.

"Are you sure these will do the job?" asked Kallen.

"Positive," said Marianne. "With these you shall smash Lelouch's enemies to nothing but burning rubble."

Kallen then thought about just where she was going and who she was fighting.

"Lady Marianne...I'm going to have to take Japanese lives aren't I?" asked Kallen.

"If you must then you must," said Marianne. "It wouldn't be fair to Lelouch if you were unwilling to take Japanese lives to defend his dreams while he sacrificed Britannian lives, including the life of a half-brother whom he once loved, for the sake of yours."

She was right of course. But Kallen had spent so long hating Britannians for what she believed they had done to her nation, her brother, and her mother. But now she could see Britannia was a victim as well. Her brother had become a monster. And her mother a victim of her brother.

Everything had become wrong with her world view. The only thing good, the only thing she felt in her heart was right, was how she felt for Lelouch.

"Is there really anything in Japan for me to fight for now?" asked Kallen. "My mother is safe, my brother is dead, and now I'm being painted as a traitor to the Japanese people. Why don't I just burn it all?"

Marianne cupped Kallen's chin and drew her to her face, smiling warmly.

"You don't mean that," said Marianne. "Japan means something to you. It is the birthplace of your mother. But you must also recall that Britannia is the birthplace of your father. It as just as much apart of you as your Japanese half is. For so long you've tried to repress that side of you but now my dear you must embrace it. You could be a bridge between the two peoples and unite them against V.V. A glorious and blazing light for the world to look up to and give reverence to. Warm and comforting and at the same time furious and scotching. Now, you should get going my dear. There is work to be done."

Kallen nodded and walked back to Lelouch's bed, placing a kiss on his still lips, before taking the case and leaving to meet with the other Black Knights. Marianne then turned to her still and slumbering son.

"By the time this is over my son you shall have a proper queen for a bride," said Marianne.

Rivalz looked as the workers continued to make repairs on the Elysium. Even if the ship were fit to fly Marianne had ordered Rivalz to stay in Euro Britannia, to use his new status and official influence to try and get support from the Euro Britannian army in stabilizing Japan. Tianzi and Xingke would do the same in China. Given that the Fleet was still recovering from their first true battle with the Eden Elite they didn't quite have as much strength as a standing army at least just yet.

Marianne had brought in troops and arms from the mercenary organization Peace Mark to help bolster their forces. But still the might of a standing army would help at least to establish order.

Though Rivalz doubted that the Japanese people would take kindly to more foreign armies invading their shores and dominating their land. But given that it was his own people who were now in danger at the hands of the Japanese, he found his sympathies somewhat confused.

"Hey, Rivalz," a voice called out.

Rivalz turned and saw Suzaku walking up to him, his former master Tohdoh in tow. Suzaku had been given an upgraded uniform, this one bearing a similar fused logo. The skull of the White Reaper in the globe of the Atlas Fleet. He even had a new mask and a white cloak instead of a black one.

"Hey, you guys just about ready to head out?" asked Rivalz.

"We are, I'm just heading out to meet Bismark," said Suzaku. "He had something he wanted to give me. Lloyd's there too so I'm guessing he was able to rebuild the Lancelot."

"Cool, the Valiant is still under work and I haven't had much time to help out with it," said Rivalz. "So even if Lady M didn't tell me to stay here I don't know if I'd be able to help out as much."

"You're helping by gaining support from the Euro Britannian government," said Tohdoh. "We'll need the might to stabilize Japan once we've eliminated the Neo-Shogunate Army."

"Are...are you sure the Japanese people would like that?" asked Rivalz.

"No they will not," said Tohdoh, firmly. "But that's the issue, the people are at risk of going wild under Shin's influence. His Neo-Shogunate Army is nothing more than a well armed mob. Tyranny under the mob can be just as terrible as tyranny under a king. In many ways that was a justification for Smilas's grab for power in the E.U. If a nation wishes to function it must be able to hear and listen to the voices of the governed as well as have the guidance of a worthy leader."

"But who's the worthy leader?" asked Suzaku.

Rivalz looked at Suzaku and he could see that there was something troubling him greatly. He believed this was something that had been on his mind at least since his fight with Smilas. Rivalz knew of Suzaku's initial ambition, to strike down all corrupt rulers, but his similar ideals to Smilas, a corrupt would-be ruler, had struck him deeply. The same with the rise of Shin and this Neo-Shogunate Army.

Rivalz wished he could find some words to help his friend but honestly didn't have any. He still was not comfortable with the idea of speaking before the House of Lords, having mostly listened during a lot of the debates. But now he would have no choice but to speak and not only that but convince them to interfere in the policies of a foreign nation.

He honestly wished he was fighting the Dagon again.

The mood on the bridge of the Valhalla was somewhat tense. The original members of the Kozuki Resistance group sat at their respective seats waiting for final check ups to be completed before they could be cleared for lift off. They all knew that this time they were not fighting against Britannian or Eden Elite forces. They were going to be most likely fighting against their own people. Something they never thought they would have to do.

"This is just fucked up," Tamaki yelled.

"I think we're all well aware of that Tamaki," said Ohgi.

"But come on...this should be a good thing but it's fucked up," yelled Tamaki. "V.V cut us loose, we should have won..."

"That's not victory that's V.V saying we're not worth his time," said Minami. "Also essentially leaving his own people without protection."

"Yeah but why can't Euro Britannia just take them in?" asked Tamaki.

"How stupid are you?" asked Inoue. "Euro Britannia just split from Britannia, they're now two separate nations."

"Meaning they can't just take in a massive number of foreign refugees," said Ohgi. "That's why Rivalz is going to stay here to try and get them to help. China is already willing to offer aid and support, so we've got that going for us."

"But...but we're still fighting our own people," said Tamaki.

"Which is something Lelouch has done for us from the start," said Kallen, arriving to the bridge.

She wore her enhanced version of her pilot suit. The mark of the Red Queen was ablaze on her chest within the Atlas Fleet's emblem. Her gauntlets and boots also bore flames, and she wore a cape similar to Zero's redesigned cape, with golden claps on the shoulders. She held her twin maces at her hips

"The first time we met Lelouch he helped us kill Britannian soldiers, not the ones who belong to the Eden Elite, but regular Britannian military," said Kallen. "His own people and then his own brother. Killed in the name of justice for all those Japanese who died because of Clovis. Are you really going to dishonor him by not doing exactly what he did when it his own people who are in need of justice?"

Kallen took her seat next to the empty chair reserved for Lelouch.

"If that's the case Tamaki then you disappoint me," said Kallen. "It's an insult to Lelouch, an insult to Zero."

"Yeah...well...but Kallen come one even you fought..."

"I fought to liberate Japan yes," said Kallen. "I renounced my Britannian half and glorified my Japanese half. But...but I have fallen in love with a Britannian prince and will marry him when he awakes. I can't ignore my Britannian half any longer. Nor can I ignore the responsibilities I owe to that heritage. As such those Britannians whom the Usurper has abandoned are my responsibility. It falls to me to protect them in Lelouch's stead and to deliver justice to Shin for the harm he inflicted to Lelouch. So if any of you have a problem with this, with defending Britannians, or fighting Japanese, leave now and never let me see you again. Or else I shall burn you alive."

Kallen spoke with an intensity the group hadn't seen from her before. She spoke with a voice of command that would allow no argument. Even Tamaki, the big mouth that he was, buttoned his lip.

"Very well," said Kallen, activating the nanties that formed her mask. "Let the game begin."

The Valhalla had launched by the time Suzaku and Tohdoh made their way to Lloyd and Bismark. As part of the operation plan, the Black Knights would be the first to launch as they had been the ones virtually called out by Shin and the Neo-Shogunate Army.

The White Samurai would launch after with the objective of dealing with the Kyoto House and apprehending Shin Hyuga Shaing. Suzaku supposed it was fitting given his previous ambition. And regardless of his conflicting thoughts and feelings he was more than willing to beat down Shin and bring him back in chains. He owed that to Lelouch and his own feelings could be thrown aside for the sake of his friend.

He looked at the Knightmare standing behind Lloyd. It indeed looked a lot like the Lancelot with its colors of white and gold. But it bore a Fleur-Du-lies on its chest and on its shield. The head was altered, while it still had the same golden face the helm looked more like it fit a horse's mane. Or the knight piece on a chessboard. On its back, below the cockpit was a massive blue sword similar to the design of the sword on the back of Bismark's Galahad.

"It looks great Lloyd," said Suzaku. "You were able to rebuild the Lancelot in four months."

"Thank the technology of the Geass Order and some tech from the state government of France in thanks for dealing with Smilas," said Lloyd. "Although I'm afraid this machine no longer bears the name Lancelot despite my best efforts."

"It doesn't?" asked Suzaku.

"No," said Bismark. "This machine now bears the name of the legendary paladin Roland."

"Roland?" asked Suzaku.

"Yes," said Bismark. "Look on its back, that MVS sword was modeled after my own Excalibur. Much like my sword it is incredibly powerful and fittingly bears the name Durandal. The holy blade gifted to Roland by King Charlemagne."

"Nice," said Suzaku. "But I still don't get why the name was changed?"

"That was my idea," said Bismark. "You see the legend of Roland featured the legendary knight standing alone against his king's enemies and giving his life to by his liege time to rally his forces. You sacrificed the Lancelot to defeat Smilas, allowing the other members of the Fleet to complete their missions without his interference. In many ways it is more fitting than the legend of Lancelot, who while he was Arthur's strongest knight and closest friend, he ultimately betrayed his friend to feed his desires. I know of how you have been troubled as of late. Your fight with Bismark has left you uncertain of your ambitions. As did Lady Marianne's words at the meeting. Here I offer a way to help your troubled mind. Use the might of the Roland to find the truth of you destiny when you face Shin."

He tossed the command key to Suzaku who looked up at the Roland.

"Also, I couldn't help but think a sword worked better for you than a scythe," said Bismark bringing up an armored case.

He opened the case and Suzaku saw a beautiful Britannian style broadsword with a sickle-like blade halfway up one side.

"Both sword and scythe with little complication," said Bismark. "I call it...Sin Cutter."

As the Nirvana launched Marianne looked at the slumbering form of her son. The idea of her son's injured body being displayed before the masses made her stomach churn.

Bismark entered the room but Marianne would not turn her gaze from her child.

"They're off," said Bismark."Hopefully they will be able to keep order at least until we are able to send allied forces to secure the nation."

"I believe by the time we do at least much of the situation will be resolved," said Marianne. "The power of a Queen is a thing of wonder."

Bismark smirked, recalling the past in which Marianne proved her power to both him and to Charles. He then noticed how quickly Marianne's face morphed into an angry scowl.

"Bismark...that image of Lelouch," said Marianne. "It could only have come from inside the Fleet. We have a traitor."

As the Nirvana soared over the sky, following the path of the Valhalla, Suzaku walked along the corridors of the great white ship in deep thought. All that time the White Samurai had been in Japan, all those months trying to set up some kind of government to keep order in Japan. It wasn't much of one he had to admit, the sudden announcement of V.V to abandon his subjects removing any legitimacy of the Britannian colony being a large issue. In that instant their entire economy was gone, even Cornelia and Euphemia couldn't effectively hope to keep it running. Their own claims to the throne having been stripped of them officially by V.V, even though they already declared themselves broken off from V.V's Britannia.

It was by nothing more than the loyalty Cornelia's men had for her to keep them serving despite no longer being paid. In that regard they were just like the JLF volunteers who had agreed to join the provisional guard to keep order until a true government could be established.

But now that was all for naught.

'How could Shin do this so quickly? How long was he even in Japan?' thought Suzaku.

He thought back to when he got to Castle Weisswolf in Europe and immediately launched with Tohdoh and the Holy Swords to where the fires had been their most furious. Although he had lost the Lancelot he still wanted to fight. And when he saw the image of his friend fall at Shin's hands he pushed his Geass to leap from Tohdoh's Knightmare which he rode on and charged to the bastard before he could kill Lelouch. He should have killed him then and there. Then none of this would be happening.

But then he thought of the words of Smilas, Marianne, and Bismark.

His previous ambition would have compelled him to have ended Shin according to no justice but his own. Much like Smilas and how he wanted to punish the heads of the E.U because he himself had condemned them as inefficient.

But when Lady Marianne went over her justification for ordering Shin's capture, about how if the Atlas Fleet were to follow a path like that they would be no better than V.V and his Eden Elite. Simply destroying those they disagree with, the justice of a tyrant. The very false justice Suzaku himself wanted to clear away from the world.

'Tohdoh-sensei was right,' thought Suzaku. 'I was walking down the path of a tyrant.'

Suzaku looked at the sword Bismark had gifted him. Sin Cutter he had called it. He also thought of the new machine, the Roland and how Bismark had broken down the differences between the legend of the knight Roland and the legend of Lancelot.

Suzaku didn't want to hurt Lelouch, ever and their vow be damned. If he had the chance Suzaku would gladly give his life for his friend to make his dream of a better world come true. Lelouch would be a good king if he were to ever become king. He would have learned from the terrible wickedness of his uncle and strove to never replicate it. To learn from the lessons of his father.

But there was the problem for Suzaku. In a world where a righteous king holds up society what ultimate use is there for someone like Suzaku whose ambition was to be a Symbol of Fear.

But that made Suzaku think of what Tohdoh had said. About becoming a Symbol of Law.

'What did he mean by that?' thought Suzaku. 'What law would I be a symbol of? Lelouch's law? I know Lelouch will be a great emperor for Britannia but he's not really going to be Emperor of the world? Or...would he try to...? No, Lelouch is a good man. He wouldn't try to bend the world to his will, despite what his Geass allows him to do. But...but whose law then?'

"Suzaku?" asked a gentle voice. "Are you alright?"

Suzaku looked up and saw Euphemia looking at him with worried eyes. He then noticed just how close he was holding is new sword to his person and how it must have looked to Euphie.

"Oh, it's alright," said Suzaku, lowing the sword. "I was just thinking."

"About what?" Euphie asked.

"It's just...I'm...not sure what I'm doing," said Suzaku.

"What do you mean?" asked the former princess.

"I thought my ambition, to strike down unworthy rulers and inspire fear in those who would seek to take their place never to repeat the same cruelty that got their predecessors killed by my blade," said Suzaku. "But...but after fighting Smilas I can't look at my old ambition and think...was I in the wrong this entire time? All along have I been nothing more than a would be tyrant? The kind that I want to strike down? The kind like...my father."

"Your father?" asked Euphie.

"He was willing to throw away Japanese lives, as well as Lelouch and Nunnally, all for the sake of his pride," said Suzaku. "He betrayed everything he was supposed to stand for. Even if it meant the shame of defeat Japanese lives would still have been saved by surrendering, even to someone like V.V. I threw away my Japanese citizenship when I killed him. I didn't want national pride to blind me to what was right. But...but I've lost sight of what's right."

Suzaku pressed his hand to his head, feeling as if it were about to burst.

"I know the only thing I'm good for is fighting, I accepted that a long time ago," said Suzaku. "But I swore I would use that only gift of mine to strike down corrupt leaders like V.V or my father or Smilas. But...but I...what he said and what Lady Marianne said. I just don't know if what I'm supposed to do. If I continue on my path I would only be forcing my ideals of justice on the world. I'd be no different than a tyrant myself in that case. The Symbol of Fear I'd be would be one that would frighten average people and not just those who want to rule. Tohdoh-sensei suggested the ideal of becoming a Symbol of Law, but whose law is right and will never become corrupted? I'm just not sure anymore."

Suzaku suddenly felt Euphemia throw her arms around him and hold him close. She didn't say anything, she just let her warm, loving spirit flow through Suzaku. Suzaku was tentative at first but soon enough returned the hug in kind.

Kallen looked over the machine and the design Rakshata had showed her. The latter had been of the Knightmare that would have been meant for her brother. It had a serpentine head, clawed arms, and a detachable tail whip.

Rakshata had taken many of the parts from that horrid device, as well as some tech she had been given access to from the Dagon to quickly breath new life to her beloved Guren.

"The Guren Firebird," said Rakshata. "Rising from the ashes of its predecessor. Given what Lady Marianne has told me she's been treated with high heat resistance materials provided by the Geass Order."

Kallen looked up at her new machine. The head now had a more avian design, a nod to the mythical bird it was named after. The Radiant Wave Surger looked more like a talon and there was a long tail at the back.

"The tail detaches to act as a whip," said Rakshata. "Combine that with your power and I'm sure it could be quite useful."

"I'll be sure to make it useful," said Kallen.

The reports of newly increased violence in the Tokyo Settlement had come in. A large number of civilians had taken refuge at Ashford Academy, guarded by what was remaining of the provisional police the White Samurai had established.

Kallen thought of no better place to start. Where she and Lelouch had actually met face to face. It would be where she made her true introduction to the world. While some part of her was still apprehensive of the thought of having to kill fellow Japanese. But as Marianne had said, she needed to embrace her Britannian side, to become a bridge between the two peoples.

'Tasking a woman who uses fire to build a bridge,' thought Kallen. 'How ironic.'

Rivalz stood nervously, about to enter to meet the House of Lords alongside the three Grand Masters and Duke Velaines. Cornelia was going to stand in as well. Although she wanted to go fight to restore order in Japan, Marianne had requested she stay in Euro Britannia for the time being. Also to add emotional support for Rivalz, who was still nervous about having to speak before the Lords.

The six entered the room and took their respective seats before the Lords on a balcony above them. Marianne was still at Lelouch's side and thus Bismark had come to represent her.

Rivalz was not looking forward to this. While the debate to break off from the main Britannian Empire ended in a near universal vote in favor of independence given how V.V had made his opinion of them quite obvious. That was the easy part. The hard part was trying to get these stubborn old bastards to realize that they needed to join with other nations if they were going to keep that independence.

"Euro Britannia is finally independent and liberated from the main Empire," said one lord. "Our focus should be on building up our strength to continue our own expansion. Especially now that the E.U is dissolved. Those foreigners in Area 11 can fend for themselves."

"And what about the Emperor?" asked Velaines. "V.V will not take this defeat lying down."

"His Eden Elite are not invincible," said another lord. "That has been proven. Former Empress Marianne's forces appear to be more than a match for them. Especially if the leaders of their...Color Guard are anywhere as strong as our new Lord Protector."

The Lord Protector, a rarely used title reserved for the strongest warrior of the Empire. A title that had not been used after the establishment of the Knights of the Round centuries ago. The title gave incredible authority and power to whoever held it. And Rivalz was not comfortable with that.

"I can assure you my lords that the Color Guard indeed boasts warriors of strength much like Lord Cardemonde," said Bismark. "As we speak now, Kira the White Reaper and Amaterasu the Red Queen have gone to stabilize Japan and hopefully recapture the traitor, Shin Hyuga Shaing."

"Yes, and just what is to be done about the traitor's family?" asked another lord.

Rivalz clenched his teeth tightly. These fools were still going on about punishing Maria and Alice. Suddenly Rivalz had lost his nervousness at speaking before the Lords. They had effectively pissed him off.

He stood up before the lords, locking his eyes on the one who had recently spoken.

"Lady Shaing and her daughter are under my protection," said Rivalz. "They are innocent of all of this. Shin's crimes are his alone and mark my word no matter how long it takes or how far he runs he will face justice for his crimes. And until then the two of them are under my care and I will not tolerate any threat to them."

"Finally, our new Lord Protector speaks," said yet another Lord, a less than kind attitude in his voice. "Surely he has something to offer to these endless debates. Aside from sympathy for the foreigners and the traitor's kin."

From where she sat Cornelia looked at Rivalz with a mix of irritation and worry. He had thrown himself in with the lions the very second Maria and Alice sounded as if they would come under threat.

'Rivalz now is not the time to play hero,' thought Cornelia.

She, Guilford, and Dalton had tried to give Rivalz a crash course in how to speak to nobility. Now it was time to see if any of that was worth the effort. All eyes were suddenly on him.

The Lords, the Grand Masters, the Grand Duke, Cornelia and her knights. Rivalz, with all those eyes bearing down on him, thought about Milly, Maria, and Alice. This was no different than when he took arms to defend them from their attackers. Only this time he couldn't kill those who were bearing down on them. He needed other weapons. He needed his words, but he wasn't like Lelouch. He wasn't naturally charismatic or charming but he had to try.

"My Lords...you are all complete idiots," said Rivalz.

'Well I just wasted a lot of time,' thought Cornelia, her hand striking her face.

The uproar of offended voices filled the chamber but Rivalz merely responded by unleashing his sword and letting out its sonic wail, silencing the Lords.

"I am not finished," said Rivalz. "You're talking like just because you gave the middle finger to V.V and broke off from his empire it means you're truly liberated and can go on your merry way. That you can just continue on and perhaps keep doing the same thing that V.V was already telling you to do before he got bored and decided to reign hell on your heads. But here's the thing, V.V is still alive, and he's most likely pissed and is going to work his way back into getting all of you in line for execution or whatever horrible tortures he could come up with. You think what's happening in Japan doesn't concern you but it does. Not just because Shin is there but because he is still most likely working under V.V. Destabilizing Japan and putting a potential alliance of nations at risk of conflict makes it easier for him to worm his way into our societies and gain control. You think he can't find a way to worm his way back into Euro Britannia? I'm willing to bet it would be child's play for him. I'm sorry if that offends you. Wait, no scratch that I hope it offends you. I'd rather have you pissed off and out for blood than content and just waiting for V.V to come back and screw you up the ass when you stupidly have your back turned so sure he's just going to stand still."

'What are you playing at Cardemonde?' thought Cornelia.

"I'm willing to bet that V.V is smarter than anyone in this room," said Rivalz. "He's going to be focused, determined, and he will have a plan. He's going to figure out a way to play all his enemies against each other, weakening them so he can waltz right on in and take whatever the hell he wants. Sure I might have taken out the Dagon but here's the thing, I nearly died doing it. That thing was incredibly powerful and V.V probably has others like it. I don't know if I could stand against another of those...Ancients. Not alone at least, I'm going to need help and I have that from my allies in the Atlas Fleet. And that is what Euro Britannia is gong to need, allies to stand against V.V's Britannia. Isolating yourselves only makes you vulnerable. You have one of the biggest rivals of the Britannian Empire in the Chinese Federation offering an alliance against V.V. The E.U may have dissolved but the former member nations will still need allies to help them survive. Both militarily and economically, same with Euro Britannia. V.V still controls the largest empire on Earth. Both geographically and population wise. He is going to regain the strength he lost from the recent battle, which I'm guessing is still only a fraction of the power he used to conquer the Empire in the first place. Right now he's just watching the chaos that is rising in Japan, watching them as if they were children fighting in a sandbox, and once he gets bored watching them argue he's going to come in and beat down everyone he doesn't like. And he doesn't seem to like anyone in the human race. As such it is only right that the human race fight rise against him. That is something you have to understand. Against someone like V.V, someone so inhuman and cruel, we are not just Britannians, Japanese, Euro Britannians, Chinese, or European. We are the human race and for the justice owed to us for the crimes V.V has committed against all of us we must unite as such for the sake of those who have died. But even more than that, we have to do it for the sake of those who are yet to be born. That they can live in a world where they do not have to be judged by the nation they were born in. That beyond the names we make up for ourselves to try and stress our differences we have one great similarity that we can no longer ignore. That we, every single one of us, are Humanity. And Humanity cannot suffer the wickedness of V.V, lest Humanity fall into darkness forever."

The House of Lords was silent. As were the Grand Masters and Cornelia and company. His words had managed to catch their attention at the least.

"I do not feel myself worthy of the title Lord Protector," said Rivalz, choosing to continue so long as he had their attention. "Nor of the titles Prince Virtue or Blue Unicorn. I never sought fame, I never sought glory, I was a bastard who struggled to work his way up to at least a somewhat better standard of living. Then I was injured by the Eden Elite and made into this thing. I thought at least with what I had been made into I could work, I never thought to be a soldier. I was forced to become one to save lives that at the time no one else could. I took charge of my Knightmare in Japan for the first time to save lives because at the time no one else could. I took on the Dagon to save lives because no one else could. And that is not a brag at my abilities, that is because there was no one else at the time. I know you have great pride in your nationality as Euro Britannians. That you consider Britannians of the Homeland and colonial Areas as foreigners. But I was not born in Euro Britannia but none the less risked my life for a land not my own because there was no one else who could do anything at the time. My Lords, now you are in a position where there is no one else who can do anything as lives are being placed in danger. I hope for the sake of Humanity you will display the same kind of courage I had to find within myself to fight for you. If not...then these debates do not matter. Your independence does not matter. It means V.V has conquered something much more than just your nation. He has conquered your souls and then while you might be able to proudly declare yourselves as independent Euro Britannians. You have lost the right to call yourselves humans."

Silence filled the room, until below the balcony of the Lords in the gallery of various knights of the Chivalric Orders a lone clap was heard. Kujo Gallhorn, same man who once mocked Rivalz, stood clapping for him.

Another knight rose and clapped. Then another and another from behind him Cornelia, Guilford, Dalton, and Velaines joined in the applause. As did the other Grand Masters, though they seemed somewhat reluctant.

On the balcony many of the Lords seemed to join in the applause. Rivalz, not knowing what to do next, simply offered a bow to all who applauded him and took his seat.

The provisional defense force had set up a barricade at Ashford Academy. Where students and other Britannian civilians were huddled together as Neo-Shogunate forces and regular Japanese rioters stormed the weakening defenses. It would not be long until the Neo-Shogunate Army burst forth, mowed through the provisional defenses and proceeded to slaughter every man, woman, and child held up in Ashford Academy.

As the clock struck noon the final defensive barrier was blown through and armed men and Knightmare Frames began to flood in. But as they began to near the school, the charging Neo-Shogunate foot soldiers and Japanese mob members burst into flame. This was enough to shock the attacking forces into halting their advance as a large, red bird-like machine wreathed in flame landed in front of the school.

The Guren Firebird stood proud, it's mechanical wings covered in flame, and its tail whip now in its left hand.

"Attention, Neo-Shogunate Army, people of Japan," said Kallen, her Geass blazing brightly beneath the mask of Amaterasu. "I am Amaterasu, the Red Queen of the Atlas Fleet, the bride of Zero. And I command you to stand down and surrender to the authority of the Atlas Fleet. If you do not then I promise you, in the name of Zero, you will suffer the consequences."

Two Neo-Shogunate Knightmare Frames aimed their weapons at Kallen's machine. But before they could fire though the Guren's whip, an MVS type weapon, struck out, the great heat of the whip melting through their weapons and armor around their arms, literally disarming them. As the burning whip drew back from both Knightmares, Amaterasu gripped the Knightmare nearest to her and unleashed the furious energy of the Radiant Wave Surger into the Knightmare. When the smoke cleared Kallen focused her Geass on the remaining enemy Knightmares, eight discounting the one she disabled and the one she had destroyed, summoning fire to block the cameras of the enemy frames, effectively blinding them. They began to fire wildly and as such she focused her Geass on the large guns. The fury she felt over how Shin had displayed Lelouch's injured body enhanced the power of the Geass and the temperatures of the flames that bellowed over the large guns became so hot the metal had reached it's melting point.

The heat in the enemy Knightmares became unbearable due to the flames. As such the enemy pilots evacuated their Knightmares and began running back through the hole they had made in the barricade.

"No," said Kallen, beneath her mask. "There will be no escape."

She focused her Geass on the fleeing enemy pilots and the men combusted into flame. These were men who were going to slaughter women and children in the name of the man who had struck down Lelouch and was corrupting his efforts to liberate Japan. Any compassion or empathy Kallen had for these men was nonexistent. All she could do was imagine that they were all Shin.

But her focus wasn't only on the fleeing soldiers but on the new ones who were entering the courtyard. A squad of men in Neo-Shogunate armor holding high powered rocket launchers aimed at the Guren Firebird. The Red Queen merely smirked beneath her mask. She raced her Knightmare toward the men, focusing her power again, this time controlling the temperature of the flames, she lit the hands of the enemy soldiers aflame as she drew close. By the time she had pulled up her Knightmare to them the men had been forced to drop their weapons in pain.

Amaterasu opened the cockpit of her Knightmare and leaped out onto the ground. She allowed the enemy soldiers and the angry Japanese civilians to get a good look at her blazing red uniform as she drew her twin maces and lit them aflame. One of the Neo-Shogunate soldiers drew a katana and attempted to charge. But as the sword came down on its attack it was caught by Amaterasu's left mace and with her right handed mace she quickly drove the flaming spear tip into the man's armored chest. Her training with Marianne had included a great deal of strength training. And with this new strength the Red Queen drove the flaming hot spear tip of her mace deep into her foe's stomach, shattering the armor and filling the man's body with fire. She drew back and smashed both maces into the enemy soldier's skull, shattering his helmet and burning his face.

The other men drew their blades and attempted to surround and close in on Amaterasu. But as they drew in the Red Queen, with the grace of a dancer spun on the tips of her toes and hit a switch on each of her maces, releasing them on long chains. The heavy maces struck out two men, breaking the line that tried to close around her. Turning back Amaterasu brought down one of her maces onto the skull of one of the men she had knocked down. She brought it down with enough force to break the face mask and broke the man's face beneath. The fire blinding his eyes, burning his flesh, and filling his mouth. She turned to another soldier and flung out her extended mace and slammed it into his hip, shattering bone on impact.

As the man fell to ground crying in pain the remaining three soldiers went for their side arms. But Amaterasu lit them on fire before they could draw their weapons. As they cried in pain Amaterasu charged, roaring like a lioness. She impaled the fist man she came up to. The next she struck in the skull, shattering the helmet and breaking through the bone to light the exposed brain matter aflame. She extended her maces once more and used them to flail the remaining soldiers. Striking at their legs, the force of her blows powerful enough to force the bones to break through the flesh. This left the remaining men lying helpless on the ground, crying over their broken legs as they were still being cooked by the fire the Red Queen had lit on them. One soldier had managed to keep enough of his sense and work beyond the pain to pull up his gun. But Amaterasu smashed the man's hand and the gun with it.

"What...what are you?" cried the man.

"I am the Red Queen," said Amaterasu. "And I command you...go to hell."

Amaterasu then struck down with her mace, driving the spearhead tip completely into the man's skull, hot blood splattering over her mask. The blood was practically unnoticeable on the red mask she wore.

She straightened herself and stood before the horde which froze upon witnessing the hellfire she had unleashed upon the Neo-Shogunate forces. Many of them were trembling in terror at the presence of the Red Queen and fled in terror of her. Some simply stood frozen and silent. Others, fools, believed that they could still go on their rampage.

"She's only one woman, kill the traitor," one random Japanese man roared out.

He and a considerable number from the larger mob attempted to charge at the Red Queen.

'These aren't Neo-Shogunate soldiers,' thought Kallen beneath her mask. 'They aren't Eden Elite. But...they are spreading chaos. They are ruining Lelouch's efforts and his dreams. They're killing people and...the only ones who should kill...are those who are themselves ready to be killed.'

Before the foolish group could even get close to touch Amaterasu, they were engulfed in sudden flames. Amaterasu extended her maces once more and brought the blazing hammer of queenly vengeance upon their scorched bodies. By the time she was finished she looked out to the frozen masses of Japanese civilians. Behind her the huddled Britannians were also staring at her and her Knightmare.

Beneath the mask Kallen smirked. Her Geass not only allowed her to spontaneously summon fire but also control it, all depending on her awareness of her surroundings. Thinking back to her Knightmare and focusing her mind, she made the flames on the Guren Firebird rise and form the fiery image of phoenix for all, Britannian and Japanese to look at in awe.

Above in the Valhalla Ohgi looked down at the scene in no small amount of worry. While Diethard looked down in amusement and was sure to have the observation cameras of the ship pointed squarely at the action.

The meeting of the House had been called to a close and Rivalz stood in a hall with Cornelia and her knights.

"Guess I kind of screwed the pooch," said Rivalz.

"Well you're definitely not Lelouch in terms of charisma or speech writing," said Cornelia. "But I think you had an effect none the less."

"Yeah but what kind of effect?" asked Rivalz.

"Lord Cardemonde," asked an elderly lord, walking up to Rivalz and his friends with his hand extended.

"Yes?" asked Rivalz, taking the old man's hand. "Can I help you Lord..."

"Revan, Maxwell Revan," said the old man. "That was an excellent speech young man. Finally someone called out the foolishness that has been plaguing the house. Independence is only the first step. The Usurper must be destroyed."

"Well...I'm glad I at least got to one person," said Rivalz. "I was kind of worried I had offended everyone in the room."

"Oh I'm sure you've angered more than a few," said Revan. "But you were right, we needed to get angry. And there is an anger in the old guard, those of us who remember the days under Emperor Charles and are disgusted by V.V's mistreatment of our Empire. If you could afford the time, I would like to introduce you to some of them."

Rivalz blinked, surprised that there were Lords who would want to speak to them after he had flat out called them all fools and had been so vulgar in their presence.

"Oh...of course," said Rivalz. "I'd love to meet with them. If Princess Cornelia may come as well."

"Of course," said Revan, turning to Cornelia and taking her hand to his lips. "Your highness."

"Given how Euro Britannia has effectively declared its independence form the main Empire, I don't believe I have much of a title here," said Cornelia.

"Do not be so sure," said Revan. "Despite our long running rivalry and the recent troubles, we are still Britannians."

Rivalz smiled as Lord Revan began to lead the four of them to meet his comrades who seemed to approve of Rivalz's impromptu words.

In the following months since her fiery debut at Ashford Academy, Amaterasu the Red Queen became a name known throughout Japan. Neo-Shogunate forces throughout Japan were reduced to ashes when they met her on the battlefield. She was sure to focus as much of her fury as she could on the Neo-Shogunate forces, delivering a powerful message to the Japanese civilians who simply went along with their madness, hoping to dissuade future fools. Though at times she was forced to burn Japanese who would not cease their violence. As a show she was not discriminate Kallen had incinerated many Britannian troublemakers. Former Britannians who had attacked surrendering Japanese or those Japanese who had not gone along with the madness Shin unleashed. Her furious skill in battle as well as the way she made her enemies spontaneously burst into flame had an effect on many of the Japanese people. To them it was as if she indeed was the legendary sun goddess brought to life.

As such whenever scenes of Japanese rioting were taking place and the Red Queen had come, the rioting stopped almost instantly when the saw the Knightmare with burning wings. The instigators of the riots would more often than not drop their weapons and bow down on their hands and knees, surrendering directly to Amaterasu the Red Queen in almost religious terror. Some had actually taken to the streets and declaring Kallen the actual incarnation of the Goddess Amaterasu come to burn away the wickedness of Japan. Public shrines had been established and micro cults had formed, decrying the Neo-Shogunate as the non-believers. It soon became not uncommon to see Neo-Shogunate soldiers strung up by their necks and lit ablaze by Japanese who wanted to earn favor with the 'goddess'. Surprisingly enough even many Britannians had come to join these groups, inspired by how she protected former Britannians and encouraged to accept her given her punishments of violent former Britannians. None of this truly sat well with Kallen, but to try and keep as much public favor off of Shin as possible she did nothing to stop these vigilante actions being done in her name. She recalled how Marianne had once said those with Geass had once been worshiped as gods. As far as Kallen new the original Amaterasu had been a Geass User the ancient Japanese had thought of as divine. If that was the case how could she argue that she wasn't the second coming of the sun goddess.

The Chinese Federation had supplied troops and relief efforts not too long after the Black Knights and the White Samurai landed. The forces of Euro Britannia had only recently come as Summer was reaching its end. By then, the battles against the Neo-Shogunate had forced Shin's raised army into the mountains and out of the cities. However there was still no word on the whereabouts of Shin Hyuga Shaing.

"We've been fighting the Neo-Shogunate for months, how have we not found him yet?" asked Kallen.

"He's a coward," said Viletta. "He knows he won't have a chance against you this time and he's hiding. If he hasn't left Japan already."

"We'll keep looking," said Ohgi. "Thanks to the Chinese and Euro Britannian forces we can now hold the major cities. And any Neo-Shogunate stragglers will most likely be desperate to ditch the armor before the cultists find them."

Kallen scowled deeply, while she had no love for the Neo-Shogunate she knew the cultists who insisted on worshiping her were beginning to become a problem. Their only saving grace was that they didn't interfere with the allied forces or cause trouble for civilians, be they Japanese or former Britannian. But the cults were spreading and whenever she wasn't in battle Kallen would find herself bombarded with scores of Japanese and former Britannians coming to her with offerings and prayers.

Not wanting to have all that drama at Ashford, Kallen had moved all Fleet operations to the Viceroy Palace, on Marianne's suggestion when Kallen had called to ask her advice on the subject. When the move into the palace came Diethard had actually come up with a ceremonial entrance. On that day Kallen had been placed on a sedan carried on the shoulders of several of the Black Knights into the palace. She had changed her uniform that day to wear a more ceremonial robe with a veil crowned with cherry blossom leaves. The whole action was met with no small amount criticism ranging from Kallen herself to almost everyone in the high command of the Black Knights and the White Samurai. But when Kallen had been shown the statistics of how those who were worshiping her had been contributing, in their own mad way, to the fight against the Neo-Shogunate as well as how both Japanese and former Britannians had seemed to rally under her in this way, she felt she had no choice for the sake of peace. She was thus paraded into the palace and placed upon the Viceroy's throne.

And with her in command of the Black Knights, who had taken charge of the Atlas Fleet's efforts in Japan, Kallen was all but the conqueror of Japan. Something many of her fellows had noticed.

"All of this, I cannot help but be reminded of seven years ago," said Tohdoh.

The heads of the Black Knights and the White Samurai, as well as Xingke and a few of his followers, had gathered in the Throne Room of the Viceroy Palace. They were coordinating plans against the Neo-Shogunate, at least that was what the meeting was supposed to be about. But for many of them the situation they found themselves in was unsettling. They were being treated as invaders by those who came to the side of the Neo-Shogunate. They were forced to mow down Japanese citizens who took up arms against them. And their focus had gone from Japanese Liberation to Japanese pacification. The irony was terribly felt by so many of the former resistance fighters.

"Yeah, we're standing in the colonial seat of power of the nation that conquered us," said Urabe. "Only this time...it looks like we're the conquerors."

"We're here to bring order to Japan not to conquer it," said Ohgi. "To establish a new Japanese government to keep peace and order."

"And how do you plan to do that without conquering Japan?" asked Jeremiah. "Far be it from me to dare to interfere in the operation of Japan, but from my perspective fate has left you no choice but to conquer your nation if you are to have any hope to save it. In truth it is similar to how the great Emperor Charles Zi Britannia rose to power, ending the Emblem of Blood that threatened to tear apart the Empire."

"I'm afraid Lord Jeremiah is quite right," said Euphemia. "Before my father took power, Britannia was dying internally because of the endless violence caused by other royals at the time fighting for the throne. People were suffering, the economy was ruined, and chaos reigned supreme then."

"Shit, when you say it like that why the hell are we even complaining about taking charge?" asked Tamaki. "If it's the same thing Lelouch's dad did, and from what he says he was a pretty great guy, why not take a page out of old King Chuck's book."

"Were you not, in your own idiotic way, correct I would strike you down for referring to his late majesty in such a manner," said Jeremiah. "Lady Kallen, fret not about those who would worship you. They are but a means to your end to bring peace to this beautiful land. Were he here I know his majesty Lelouch would gladly use their devotion to bring peace."

"But Lelouch isn't here," said Chiba. "Although...I believe Jeremiah has a point. The Japanese have lost faith in Zero but seem to have found it in you Kozuki. I'm not saying having them worship you as a goddess but none the less it allows you an opportunity to rally our people."

"And the former Britannians as well," said Viletta. "Remember, even a considerable number of former Britannians have joined these groups. It's at least something to get Japanese and former Britannians on a common dialogue."

Kallen listened to what everyone was saying but all Kallen could think of was what Lelouch would say to her about this situation. Would he approve of her assuming the role of a goddess to use the power of fanaticism to eliminate their enemies in the Neo-Shogunate and bring about some form of peace?

"Suzaku?" asked Kallen. "You're Lelouch's best friend. You know him better than almost anyone here. What would he say about this?"

All eyes turned to Suzaku as he stood straight. While he was still contemplating his own issues he was none the less contributing as hard as he could to bring about peace to his former homeland and respected Kallen's command of the situation.

He thought about her question for a while before finding what he hoped would be an appropriate answer.

"Lelouch would do anything and everything to create peace," said Suzaku. "Even take a risk on the dangers of holy fanaticism."

"But what if they get out of control?" asked Kallen, fearing the kinds of possibilities that could arise from that fanaticism.

Suzaku thought about that and then thought about Tohdoh's words from before.

"You need to establish laws for them to obey," said Suzaku. "And I...I will enforce those laws."

Before Kallen or anyone else could respond to Suzaku's declaration Sayoko opened the door and entered the throne room.

"Forgive me Lady Kallen, but there is a large crowd at the gates," said Sayoko. "I believe they are requesting to see their Red Queen."

"How many are there?" asked Kallen.

"I was not able to keep a good count my lady," said Sayoko. "But it is a considerable mass. If you would like there is a balcony which would allow people a decent view as well as keep you a safe distance in case there are enemies in the crowd."

"Very well," said Kallen. "I guess I have no choice. The people want a goddess and I guess...it has to be me."

Kallen rose from the throne and followed Sayoko, leaving the others alone to digest the situation.

"Assuming more and more people come to see Kozuki as a goddess and demand she be the one to rule Japan what exactly is the plan to establish a legitimate government?" asked Xingke.

"I don't know," said Tohdoh. "There are no strategies to establish modern governments when the power of Geass is involved."

"Geass once ruled the world remember," said Ohgi. "Maybe their prophecy was right and Geass will rule the world again."

"If that's the case then where does that leave us?" asked Minami.

Ohgi heard the cheers from outside as the people gazed at their living goddess.

"In the shadow of a rising new Olympus," said Ohgi. "All hail the Red Queen."