29 Chapter Twenty-Nine: Fall of the Reaper

Fall (Autumn) 2018.

By fall, despite the Neo-Shogunate being driven out of many of the city by the Atlas Fleet and the fierce leadership of the Red Queen. The show of force by the Fleet had done much to restore order but it in truth was the myth Kallen had inadvertently created about her alter ego that kept people in check.

The appearance of the newly minted Violet Priestess with her own semi-divine abilities to sooth the troubled souls of all people had a significant impact on the troubled nation.

A rumor around the city was that the various members of the Fleet who had come from the Geass Order were spreading the tale that the power of Geass was the source of the power of the Red Queen and the Violet Priestess. This did not sit comfortably with a few of the allies.

"While I admit the resources and power of the Geass Order is a crucial benefit to our cause I must voice my discomfort with how members of the Order have taken advantage of this chaos to spread their gospel," said Tohdoh. "Let me stress this is not out of some prejudice for their religion. But it would cause complication in future attempts to re-establish the Japanese government."

"Oh, but don't you recall? Geass once ruled the world, long before there ever was a Japan," said Lloyd, amused by the arguments. "So really what right can you say you have to re-establish your government when it only came into being after their government fell?"

"I don't think anyone could forget Lady Marianne's history lesson," said Xingke. "But recall that she also said the Geass Civilization became arrogant and destroyed themselves."

"And since then have had a hand in the establishment of countless nations, the breeding of legendary rulers, and god knows what else," said Ohgi.

The talk over the activities of the Geass Order agents raged in what was once the Ashford Academy Student Council clubhouse. The various heads of the Black Knights, the White Samurai, the newly christened Silver Angels, as well as the W-0 unit which had come to help establish order, sat there as the Silver Angels had converted the school into an emergency shelter and hospital for the homeless and wounded.

Marianne herself was chatting via a holographic display centered at the table at the center of the room. She had stayed silent but all the while she had a rather amused smile on her face which Ohgi had noticed.

"Lady Marianne...were you planning for this to happen?" asked Ohgi.

"I would not say I planned this," said Marianne. "But I will say I expected it at the least. Human beings always search for something greater than themselves. Something to give them a sense of hope and purpose. That they are considered important to powerful beings who will come to them in their hour of need and for this gratitude they reward those beings with praise and worship. That is the power of gods and heroes. It makes them forget their cosmic insignificance and gives them validation that their lives do indeed matter. That they matter so much a being far great then them is willing to use their considerable power, and even risk their own lives to make their tiny lives better even if these beings are far superior."

"That's an awfully bleak view of things," said Ohgi. "Also I don't think I entirely approve of your use of the word 'superior'."

"But my dear Ohgi, the world is a bleak place," said Marianne, smiling coyly. "And to be fair these are not my words. These are the words my beloved Charles spoke of. Perhaps I shall send you all of his works that I have been able to save. I believe if you would them quite insightful."

'And no doubt just a bit ironic,' thought Ohgi. 'Reading the philosophies of the former emperor of the nation that conquered mine.'

At the top of the Viceroy Palace, Kallen looked over the Tokyo Settlement. She could still see crowds of people camped at the gates looking for a glimpse of her.

"Why can't these people just go away?" Kallen sighed.

"If you'd like we can move them," said Suzaku, walking up to her.

"No...it's just...I'm not comfortable with this," said Kallen, a sad little smile on her face. "These people are worshiping me, calling me a queen or a goddess, when really I'm neither. I wanted to liberate Japan not rule it."

"Better you than V.V," said Suzaku, standing next to Kallen. "Besides...if he were here I'm sure Lelouch would try and do something similar."

Kallen looked over to Suzaku, not sure what he meant.

"When we were young Lelouch would tell me some of what his father had taught him," said Suzaku. "Emperor Charles believed that a nation needed to be defended from both its enemies and its own people. That an absolute democracy was more dangerous than the tyranny of a singular king. That it would lead a nation to be ruled by the mob and all the madness that comes with that."

"But wasn't Lelouch's father the absolute monarch of Britannia?" asked Kallen.

"That's what he made it seem like," said Suzaku. "According to Lelouch, his father had established a representative parliament comprised of elected commons along with various nobles. They were effectively the ones who developed laws in Britannia while Charles retained the final say and had considerable input. Emperor Charles made himself appear as the ultimate figure of authority in Britannia as a means to give the people a singular figure to look up to. A symbol for the sake of Britannian society."

"Atlas," said Kallen.

"It would appear as if he were the one who alone held society from being crushed but there were other pillars holding it up as well," said Suzaku. "Lelouch said his father taught him that people often look for something to believe in and emulate. Even if there was the risk of blind worship, and all the dangers that allowed, it was a useful means to the end of upholding peace and order."

"But Emperor Charles wasn't considered a god," said Kallen.

"Even if he were he would have used that to his advantage," said Suzaku.

"Would Lelouch?" asked Kallen.

"I believe he would," said Suzaku. "Lelouch would use any means he could to try and establish peace. Whether he would choose to be praised as a god or condemned as a demon as long as the end result was peace for humanity and a gentle world for his loved ones there is nothing Lelouch Vi Britannia will not do to achieve that end."

"But your own ambition, wouldn't that make Lelouch corrupt according to it?" yelled Kallen. "You'd...you'd..."

"Kill him? Do not remind me of my own blood vow," said Suzaku. "My ambition it...it was to strike down corrupt rulers who only used their power for cruel and selfish desires."

"But if Lelouch wants to achieve peace for his loved ones doesn't that make his ambition selfish in how he's not concerned with the needs of the people?" asked Kallen. "That Lelouch only cares about his family and any positive effect his actions have on the people of world is just a side effect of his actions, what would that mean in terms of your ambition?"

"I suppose it is somewhat selfish," said Suzaku. "But if peace for the people is the direct result of Lelouch achieving that selfish desire then by that logic any action he has taken is automatically a righteous action be it intentional or unintentional. And as for my ambition, after my fight with Smilas...I'm not to sure about it anymore. But one thing I am sure is that Lelouch is my friend. That my friend is a good man and if he were given the power to lead the world then Lelouch would do everything he could to ensure he stayed a good man. I know there is a risk of him being corrupted. He knows that to, that's why he swore me to that blood vow. But...but I won't allow him to become corrupt."

Kallen looked curiously at Suzaku, wondering just what he meant.

"I'll do everything in my power to ensure Lelouch will never be corrupted by whatever authority he wields," said Suzaku.

"And just how do you plan to do that?" asked Kallen.

"I'm not sure just yet," said Suzaku. "I'm still trying to figure out things for myself. But for now I'll get justice against Shin. I'm heading off in the Nirvana to continue the hunt. If I'm lucky I'll be returning with his head on the end of my sword."

"Shin Hyuga Shaing is mine," yelled Kallen.

"You need to focus on keeping Japan in order," said Suzaku. "I will deal with shin and get Lelouch the justice he deserves."

Suzaku left, leaving Kallen fuming in frustration.

'You're an idiot Suzaku,' thought Kallen. 'If there is anyone who will keep Lelouch from falling into corruption it will be me.'

Departing the school to return to the Viceroy Palace, Tohdoh, Ohgi, Xingke, and Jeremiah rode together in the same vehicle.

"I must say you disappoint me Tohdoh," said Jeremiah. "The legitimacy of a government, any government, depends on the will of the people does it not? And if the people wish for Lady Kallen to reign as their queen does that not grant her the legitimacy so required to form a government?"

"He has a point," said Xingke. "You must consider the will of the people after all."

"Yes, but Japan was a democratic government before its fall," said Tohdoh. "The entire mission of the JLF was the restoration of that government."

"I think that ship has long since sailed and sunk," said Ohgi. "Interestingly enough this is exactly what Lelouch warned us about. Leaving Japan in the hands of the Kyoto Group. And thanks to them trying to re-establish Japan as it once was is going to be almost impossible."

"But they did pave the way for Lady Kallen's ascension," said Jeremiah. "You fail to see the opportunity that has arisen before you."

"What are you talking about?" asked Tohdoh.

"Lady Kallen has the heart of his Majesty Lelouch," said Jeremiah. "Declare her the official Queen of Japan and the love and devotion she already has from both Japanese and former Britannians would make the establishment of a new Japanese government much easier. And when Lelouch destroys the Usurper V.V and assumes his rightful place upon the throne of Britannia, their union of marriage would forever link Britannia with Japan. Our peoples would become brothers in arms for all eternity and send a forceful message to the rest of the world."

"And what about the Geass Order?" asked Tohdoh.

"What can we do?" asked Ohgi. "I think its time we begin to acknowledge that we are no longer living in an age of nations. Our enemy is an immortal who has superhumans under his command. We're allied with immortal witches who lead a cult that has led world history for centuries. And we've witness power beyond mortal ken. It's an age of miracles now."

"Then why do I hear a sense of dread in your voice?" asked Tohdoh.

"Because nothing lets mankind know how weak they are than a miracle," said Ohgi.

While aid from Euro Britannia had already been deployed some time ago, only now was Rivalz allowed to oversee it all. The debates had finally ended at least for now. There were still going to be continuous talks over Marianne's proposal for the United Federation of Nations. But for now Rivalz had been granted a break.

And not just from the debates. But from the various lords who were trying to gain his favor and use his popularity to try and raise themselves among their peers. Lord Revan luckily was not one of those men. The allies he had presented Rivalz to, Lords Herbert and Martin however were not above trying to curry some favor with Rivalz. They, like many of the other Lords had daughters who were single and offered them to Rivalz as potential wives. But Rivalz had politely, but firmly rejected their offers and tried to keep all talks strictly focused on the business at hand.

Rivalz had enough to worry about without the stress of any kind of marriage. The only one who seemed to not give him any trouble aside from Revan was the Grand Duke himself.

Often times when daily talks had ended Velaines would offer to take Rivalz riding to help him relax. Rivalz took him up on the offer and the two had actually made it a daily routine.

Also becoming routine, was the time Rivalz would spend with Maria and Alice. He and Milly would regularly have tea with Alice, who brewed it herself and actually began to refer to Rivalz as 'big brother'. He never tried to correct her. He was just glad she wasn't doing anything dangerous like taking her own life.

As for Lady Maria she had put for the effort to ensure Rivalz continued his education, arraigning for tutors to offer private lessons. She had taken true to her word and acted in the place of his mother in that regard.

Milly had also made it her business to get close to Maria and Alice, the latter calling her 'big sister'. Milly seemed to enjoy being referred to as such and responded by calling Alice, 'little sister' every chance she got.

Milly, Maria, and Alice, it was when he was with all three of these women Rivalz felt himself being almost happy. Only the mystery of his mother's whereabouts dragged his spirits down.

But now, as he lay on his bed in the Elysium, repairs finally complete, he wondered if he would finally be able to find her. He had elected to leave Maria and Alice under the care of Velaines in Euro Britannia, not wanting to bring them into yet another active war zone. He believed they were safe and he was happy that they were. He just wished Milly had remained in Euro Britannia as well. But instead she had chosen to come along back to Japan, wanting to reconnect with her grandfather.

'I just hope she stays out of trouble,' thought Rivalz.

When he finished that thought the door to his room opened and Milly walked in, a blue cloak wrapped tightly around her body.

"Milly? What's up?" he asked, rising to a seated position.

Milly smiled and dropped the cloak. In the past Milly had never been shy about standing proud and nude in front of the other girls in the baths. But when she was enslaved to Cyst her body became something used to shame her. Since then Milly had been silently afraid of letting herself be seen naked by anyone else. But watching Rivalz for all these months. Seeing him have to endure the ordeal of politics after nearly watching him die in the horror of war, it made her experience sensations within her that outweighed her fears. She recalled her past feelings when she thought he had died and her freedom was to be taken away from her. She couldn't allow herself to return the affections Rivalz threw her way then. She was going to lose her liberty. And Rivalz, had lost his smile. She was desperate to get it back. To have him as the Rivalz she knew. It didn't matter if his body was different she just wanted his smile, she wanted his happiness.

What were her insecurities worth if she could never see his smile again? She'd gladly walk bare through the streets of the city in the coldest winter if she could just see Rivalz smile like he used to one more time.

Whether it would come to that in the future she didn't know. But for now her nudity was all for him.

The various other members of the Black Knights sect as well as the White Samurai had elected to help make repairs to the damaged school. Among their number was Tamaki. He liked to think it was an inspirational sight for some of the new recruits to see an original Black Knight slumming it along with the raw recruits. At least that was what he had told himself.

In truth the past couple of months had forced Tamaki to do a lot of thinking. The way things were going and how so many of his friends had found themselves taking up greater responsibilities and earning greater glory, he was left questioning just what his place was. Before this Atlas Fleet business Lelouch had made Ohgi second in command. Kallen was now practically the queen of Japan. Everyone else was getting promoted to key positions in the Fleet as well.

He had overheard talk of Minami being made captain of the Valhalla. Inoue and Sugiyama were being placed in intelligence. Where did that leave him?

As much as Tamaki liked to boast and brag, when he looked at himself honestly, he didn't know just what he could contribute.

"Alright everyone, lunch is ready," cried out one of the former Student Council members, Shirley if Tamaki remembered correctly.

He stepped off of the ladder he had been working on and got along with the other workers. The workers were comprised of students, Japanese, former Britannians, and off duty soldiers from the Fleet, Chinese, and Euro Britannian forces. A lot of mouths to feed but thankfully food shipments were coming in regularly from China as per the order of Empress Tianzi.

Still, Shirley stressed that only one portion per worker to ensure what they had lasted in case the shipments became disrupted for any reason. Just because there was plenty of food now didn't mean it would be there forever.

Although at the stand where Cecile Croomy stood the food would always be there. Despite having a decent spread out no one was taking anything from her. It seemed to be upsetting her just a bit by the sad expression on her face. Out of curiosity and perhaps some sympathy he walked over to her spread.

"Hey, shouldn't you be with Rivalz in Euro Britannia?" asked Tamaki.

"Actually the Sapphire Crusaders came down with the Euro Britannian forces," said Cecile. "We only recently got here."

"Kind of late to the party don't you think?" asked Tamaki.

"Politics," said Cecile. "It was hell trying to get a majority vote in the House of Lords to deploy aid to A...to Japan."

"Gonna take some getting used to isn't it?" asked Tamaki.

"A bit," said Cecile.

Tamaki looked over the spread on her table and another question came to mind.

"No takers?" asked Tamaki.

"Not yet," said Cecile. "But I'm sure someone will be curious. Especially since I got so many experimental choices. Like my wasabi and peanut butter ravioli."

Tamaki raised an eyebrow in some disgust at the combination.

"Want to try some?" asked Cecile, offering her concoction.

Tamaki wanted to say no but the woman had a bright smile and he just couldn't say no to her. He took a fork to the bit she offered, mentally offered a prayer for his soul, and took a bite.

It was...delicious.

The talks in Euro Britannia, lasting almost all summer, had taken a lot out of Rivalz. Lord Revan and his supporters had been a great help in turning the votes in the House of Lords. Thanks to him Rivalz had managed to turn enough of the Lords to motion to giving aid to Japan.

Hopefully once this was finished Marianne would be able to form her United Federation of Nations with the former member states of the E.U as well as the United Realm of Euro Britannia and the Chinese Federation.

Then perhaps Rivalz could have a proper break. At least that was what Milly hoped. She was at least glad he had been allowed to personally oversee the deployment of Euro Britannian aid to Japan.

She came along with him of course and once things seemed relatively stable in the city she asked him to take her back to the Academy. While she could never forgive her parents for what they had done to her, he at least wanted to see if her grandfather was alright. Ruben Ashford had always tried to fight against the notion of selling his beloved granddaughter. But he had been usurped as head of the Ashford Family and was helpless to stop the deal. The best he could hope to do was to make Milly's then limited time of liberty as happy as he could. He allowed her to throw such outrageous celebrations on campus.

When the day finally came that she was delivered to Cyst his heart was broken.

Seeing her free and safe mended it instantly.

"I'm so relieved you are safe my child," said Ruben, hugging Milly as tightly as his old body could allow.

"I'm glad you're alright too grandpa," said Milly, tears flowing down from her face.

Rivalz smiled watching the two of them reunite. He decided that Milly and her grandfather needed some private time and left the room.

"Not joining them?" asked Guilford, who had elected to wait outside the headmaster's office along with Dalton and Cornelia.

"This is for family," said Rivalz.

"Don't you think he'd like to get to know the man who rescued his granddaughter from slavery?" asked Dalton. "Besides, you could very well become his grandson-in-law."

"I don't know about that," said Rivalz.

Cornelia chuckled deeply.

"Men, they truly are foolish," said Cornelia, glaring at Guilford.

Guilford and even Rivalz kind of blushed much to Dalton's enjoyment. As they talked, they failed to notice how they were being watched by one of the provisional guards who had defended the school. The man ducked for cover and made a quick call, hoping to earn a very large payday.

Aboard the Nirvana whenever he was not needed in the field or called for a meeting, Suzaku would look for the camera that captured Lelouch's image when he was onboard for treatment. He and other White Samurai members searched every nook and cranny of the ship. He was the official leader of the White Samurai, that made this ship his, and his friend had been humiliated aboard it when he was getting treatment for his grievous injuries.

It still made him sick how there was someone on his ship who would film his best friend being stripped of his uniform while severely wounded and then give that image to his enemies. He had been in contact with Bismark and the former Knight of One had told him that Marianne believed there was a traitor in their ranks.

As terrible as that was, Suzaku was even more saddened by the knowledge that Lelouch still had not awoken yet. He hoped the traitor was just willing to steal their secrets and was with the majority of the Fleet in Japan and not close to Lelouch.

As he was finishing his most recent search Suzaku's attentions were called by one of the crew.

"Kira," the man called, addressing Suzaku by his code name, "we've located several Neo-Shogunate forces located at the Sakuradite mines at Mt. Fuji. What are your orders?"

"Are we the closest ship?" asked Suzaku.

"Yes sir," said the soldier.

"Then set course to Fuji and alert the other ships in the fleet," said Suzaku. "Contact Tohdoh and bring him up to speed. If we're lucky we might have just found Shin and we can end this chaos."

'And I can repay him in kind for what he's done to Lelouch,' he thought.

For the students of Ashford Academy, seeing their student council, including one whom they thought was dead, fighting in battle and bearing the strange uniforms of the Atlas Fleet, was quite a sight.

The sickly Kallen Stadfeld was now a brutal conqueror who was being worshiped as a goddess. The previously deceased Rivalz was the Blue Unicorn who had previously defended them from the Midas Company. The missing Milly was standing side by side with Princess Cornelia. Nina and Shirley were wearing uniforms as well and treating wounded and working on military weaponry.

And Lelouch was Zero and a former prince. It was quite the subject of gossip among the students.

"Everyone keeps staring," said Nina.

"They're staring at everyone," said Shirley. "They've been through a lot."

Shirley and Nina finally took their time to eat and Nina couldn't help but feel a little odd with so many Japanese and former Britannian being mixed together. She had tried to simply focus on her work but it was still difficult. Only she supposed it was worse given how V.V had effectively banished every Britannian in Japan, stripping them of their nationality. It made things so confusing for her.

"Shirley, what's going to happen to us?" she asked.

"I'm not sure," said Shirley. "I don't know if former Britannians are going to be allowed to stay in Japan. We obviously can't go back to the Homeland. So we may all just have to move to Euro Britannia. I think we should talk to Rivalz about that. Right now I think everyone is just trying to keep things stable here until they catch Shin."

"Do...do you think we might be attacked again?" asked Nina.

"That's a possibility," said Nagisa, walking up to where Nina and Shirley were sitting.

With her were her two students Ayano and Euphemia, all three holding trays of their own.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but do you mind if we join you?" asked Nagisa. "Everywhere else is taken."

"Not at all," said Shirley.

Nina said nothing and merely kept her head down.

"Thanks, it's nice to finally just take a moment to eat," said Nagisa. "It's been so chaotic I think I've actually been skipping meals just trying to keep up with every new crisis that seems to pop up."

"I think that's how its been for everyone," said Shirley. "And the year started out so relatively calm."

"Calm before the storm," said Nagisa. "But now that the Neo-Shogunate is out of a lot of the major cities we might be able to either eliminate them all."

"But...but these people are...Japanese aren't they?" asked Nina, shyly.

"In the same way the Eden Elite are considered Britannian," said Nagisa. "They represent a corrupted version of Japan that I refuse to see come to fruition. These people slaughtered every Britannian they had come across before we got here. Even those who were half-blooded weren't spared."

"But the JLF attacked Britannians as well," yelled Nina.

"Nina..."

"No...she's right," said Nagisa.

While normally she would have angrily responded to the Nina's words but she had come to see the brutality that the Neo-Shogunate had displayed. She thought back to the hatred she had felt to Britannians in the past. And when she looked at both the past and present, she could barely see any difference. It was true that under Tohdoh, her portion of the JLF had never attacked civilians, the reputation of the JLF was that of ruthless terrorist organization. She could have claimed they were fighting for the liberation of Japan. But when she thought about the Hotel Jacking incident and other examples of civilian attacks done by other groups within the JLF, she could easily see how the Neo-Shogunate could come into existence. That there was nothing more than a lust for vengeance in their actions.

Nagisa wondered if it were not for Tohdoh, and his sense of honor holding the Four Holy Swords together, she would have fallen in with those others.

"So many of us...we were so filled with anger and vengeance," said Nagisa. "The things so many Japanese must have done in their fury, it must have made our people collectively look as terrible as so many of us saw Britannians as. Hatred makes monsters of us all. Perhaps that is why Lelouch, Zero, tried to make us think we could be something more than that. That we could stand for justice and peace. It sounds childish and naive but I think maybe that's something we need. So that we don't end up as cruel as those we believe have been cruel to us. That's the true curse of V.V isn't it? Inflict cruelty on his own people so they will inflict cruelty on other people and so on and so forth. From the way you spoke, I'm guessing that is what happened to you isn't it?"

Nina sat shocked and in silence. She looked into Nagisa's eyes, which bore no malice but rather sadness. She merely looked down in shame. But as she did she suddenly felt someone embrace her in a comforting manner. To her surprise it was Nagisa herself.

In Euro Britannia, Marianne sat reading over the latest draft of her proposed constitution for the United Federation of Nations. Thanks to Rivalz's considerable efforts in persuading the House of Lords to approve at least sending aid to Japan they were in the right mood to be given the proposal for the UFN.

"Put that down before you drop that," said C.C.

Marianne sighed as she placed her tablet down aware that she was getting rather slipper as C.C lathered her up. In a private wash room to where Lelouch was slumbering Marianne sat on a bench as C.C scrubbed her back. While Marianne would have preferred a tub, she did not want to go to far from her son's side, as such she was resorted to bathing with sponge and bucket with the witch helping her with hard to reach places.

"Such attitude C.C. Are you jealous?" asked Marianne.

"If you and Bismark want to give your hearts to one another that is your business," said C.C, kneeling down and propping up Marianne's left leg over her shoulder and cleaned the Queen Mother's womanhood. "Your body is mine to do with as I please when I please."

Marianne straightened her raised leg and moaned slightly. She raised her right leg as well and rocked back, laughing slightly, holding onto the stool on which she sat.

"Foolish child," said C.C. "Hold still."

"Recalling the past C.C?" asked Marianne. "How my mischief would make you so flustered."

"You were a trouble then and a trouble now," said C.C. "If it were not for my own vanity, reminded of my own foolish youth. Perhaps I was as poor a teacher to you as mine was to me."

"So...if I were not immortal now would you take your life and force your code onto me?" asked Marianne, crossing her legs around C.C's head.

"Be glad I am kinder," said C.C.

"You call keeping me as a love slave kind?" asked Marianne.

"I have yet to put a collar around your neck," said C.C.

Marianne was about to laugh when she heard the door to her son's room open. Marianne raised a hand to C.C and quickly moved to her feet, pressing the back of her body to the wall, close to the washroom door, kept slightly opened. Marianne peered out lightly and saw in the dim light of the open doorway to her son's room, the shine of silver and ruby being raised over her eldest child's form.

The shadowy figure who held the knife did not have time to plunge it into Lelouch's chest as Marianne proved her nickname true. She ran quickly and kicked the knife out of the man's hand and acting on pure instinct she drove the knife through the man's skull.

"C.C...get Bismark here...now," Marianne growled.

An assassin coming so close to her child, in her presence, there was no greater proof of a traitor than that. One that had not only humiliated her son but now sought to kill him. There would be no mercy for this, none at all.

Suzaku sat in the Roland awaiting any sign of the other ships. As he had been running the Nirvana with a skeleton crew, the advanced features of the ship allowing minimum crew requirements, his was the only ready Knightmare aboard.

When he tried to contact the Nirvana from the ground in the Roland and only got static he deduced something was jamming communications with their radio lines. He ordered the ship to go off until they could regain a signal and let the call out to the others. That left him to go after Shin and the Neo-Shogunate. Tohdoh would no doubt call him a reckless fool. But this was something Suzaku needed to do. He should have killed Shin when he stopped him from killing Lelouch back in Europe then none of this chaos would have happened.

'I don't know if I'm really just trying to seize power for myself,' thought Suzaku. 'But right now all I want...is justice for Lelouch.'

Having no more patience Suzaku pushed the Roland onward into the Fuji mines. This was where Lelouch had met with Kirahara, where the Rebellion truly began and Shin was defiling it.

Neo-Shogunate Knightmares, Gekkas by the looks of them, came into view and Suzaku's Geass became active. He pushed the Knightmare onward and before the enemy could even react he had drawn the blade Durandal and in one sweeping motion sliced the two Knightmares in two.

"Don't get in my way," growled Suzaku.

He pushed on his Knightmare, the furious beating of his warrior heart threatening to tear itself out of his rib cage to wage bloody war on all who supported the Neo-Shogunate, who supported Shin.

'If I had been there I could have worked with Kallen and together we could have destroyed Shin,' thought Suzaku. 'Lelouch would never have had to get involved. He would never have gotten hurt. He would never have been put in a coma. And when he awakens...men like Shin...no, not just Shin, this goes all the way to V.V. Foes who are going to throw everything they have at Lelouch. They won't stop until he's dead. No even more than that they won't stop until all his dreams are ruined.'

Even more Neo-Shogunate Gekkas rolled up and fired upon Suzaku, who merely drew out a high powered VARIS rifle and quickly shot at each one of his enemies. Each shot proved true and he continued on past their destruction.

'And even more, all their cruelty being forced against Lelouch,' thought Suzaku. 'The stress of it all, the frustration to survive against such unrelenting evil, what could it do to Lelouch's mind or to his soul?'

Many times did Suzaku hear the old saying 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions'. And Lelouch had truly good intentions, wanting to liberate the world from V.V's tyranny. To make a gentler world for his family to live in. A family that was going to include Kallen.

Suzaku also thought of Kallen, the miserable look she had when she was forced to take the throne of the Viceroy and be worshiped as a divine queen for the sake of attaining some kind of peace in Japan. She looked so unhappy and he knew a lot of it also had to do with Lelouch. What he would do if he where here or how he would handle the situation.

'Lelouch...you wouldn't want to really take power, at least not for your own sake,' thought Suzaku. 'You'd take power because it's the only way you can work to enforce peace. To keep civilization from destroying itself. You'd come up with laws that would protect the rights of the people of the world, I know you would. But people...people's cruelty, even the cruelty of those who would try and worship you despite your protests, it could all push you into desperation and then to...to darkness.'

The image of Lelouch as some wicked tyrant, sitting on a throne high above the rest of humanity looking down entered Suzaku's mind. The following image was Suzaku, fulfilling the terrible deal he had made with Lelouch. The image of him, running his sword trough Lelouch's heart, was a blade through his own.

'No,' thought Suzaku. 'I won't let that happen. Lelouch, if the world should become so broken that the only way to fix it is for you to rule the world, simply because you are the best person for the job. Then I will do everything in my power to ensure that you barely need to use yours. You can work to create fair laws and I will be the one to enforce them. I'll keep the peace so you can enjoy a life with your family, knowing society is safe in my hands. That way...that way I will never have to fulfill that damn vow. I won't be your murderer. I will be your Symbol of Law.'

Suzaku burst into the center of the mine where dozens of Neo-Shogunate Knightmares and scores of soldiers, vehicles, and weapons were making themselves ready. Suzaku looked down on all of them and a sort of mad smile grew on his face as he readied the Knightmare's sword.

W-0 had enjoyed their previous stay in Japan. At least as much as they could when they saw the conditions of the Ghettos. It was no different than what they had seen in Europe. Of course Cornelia and Euphemia had made considerable improvements to the living conditions of the Japanese. At least as much as they could without alerting V.V. But then the announcement came that all Britannians in Area 11 were effectively robbed of their citizenship. As such everyone naturally was confused about where they stood. Britannians were no longer Britannians and the Japanese effectively renamed themselves.

They had hoped to shop that spring but the economy in the Area was ruined.

Still it had been nice for them to see the homeland of their ancestors. It meant a lot to them, but now it was no different than any other place they had been. A broken, war torn area where they had to fight to survive.

"I guess we can't really say even Japan can be our home," said Ryo.

The W-0 pilots, minus Ayano, sat on break, having finished doing some work in repairing Ashford Academy. Ashley and his unit sat with them, also on break.

"Still, this nation has its perks," said Ashley, his eyes still on Shirley seated not to far away.

"If you can even call it a nation," said Yukiya. "The Elevens turned to a lunatic like Shin the first chance they could get."

"Yukiya," cried Leila, worried about Akito's feelings.

"It's alright," said Akito. "My brother...is mad."

"So why aren't you the one going after him?" asked Ashley. "I heard the white guy's gone off to search."

"The entire Fleet is out looking for him," said Leila.

"Also those nuts who think that Kallen girl is a goddess," said Ryo. "Really I think everyone wants Shin dead."

"Everyone but one," said Akito. "Cardemonde, he wants Shin alive. Apparently he made a promise to Shin's adoptive mother."

"And because he wants Shin Hyuga Shaing to stand trial for the crimes he has committed," said a powerful feminine voice.

All turned and saw Cornelia Li Britannia standing in her blue uniform with Dalton and Guilford at her sides as always. The former Euro Britannian soldiers, out of habit, stood quickly to attention. While the W-0 unit, aside from Leila, were still fairly casual. Guilford was about to shout at them to show respect to his princess but she merely waved him off.

"I understand you are Shin's biological brother is that correct?" asked Cornelia, looking right at Akito.

"I am," said Akito. "His only surviving blood relation. Shin...killed the others. Including out mother...with his power."

Cornelia nodded in sympathy and a few of his friends gasped slightly at the revelation of Akito and Shin's shared past.

"As such it would be my responsibility to end my brother's life for his crimes against our family," said Akito."Of course there are now...complications."

Cornelia followed his gaze to Rivalz, standing at the roof alongside Milly.

"I see," said Cornelia. "Well, keep in mind Prince Virtue holds the authority as the Lord Protector of Euro Britannia and as a member of the Color Guard. If it is his prerogative that Shin Hyuga Shaing be captured alive then it is to be obeyed by all standard forces of the Fleet as much as those belonging to the Sapphire Crusaders sect. The only ones who can go against the order are other members of the Color Guard. If you wish to have authority to strike down your brother your only option would be for join the ranks of the Color Guard and form your own sect officially within the Atlas Fleet."

"Why are you telling me this?" asked Akito. "Aren't you a member of his Sapphire Crusaders?"

"I am," said Cornelia. "But although Rivalz has earned my respect I still feel he is being naive and as such must take certain actions to protect him. His wish to fulfill his promise to Lady Maria may cause him to hold back and against someone like Shin even someone as durable as him could be in danger. Having another member of the Color Guard strike down Shin frees him from his promise and still gets some form of justice for the fallen. However in the case of a joint operation cooperation would be the key to victory and the certainty that justice is done, regardless of means or personal desires."

Akito thought about the former Princess's words and understood.

"I see," said Akito. "But do I really need a costume?"

"It helps add a sense of flare," said Cornelia.

As Cornelia had finished her sentence her communicator rang out. Word from the Nirvana had come at last. But just as Cornelia had hit her a communicator, tear gas erupted throughout the school.

The battle was though, the numbers were against him, and his Knightmare was damaged and running fairly low on power by now. But the enemy soldiers were all dead, their Knightmares destroyed, and their vehicles ruined.

By all accounts this should have been a victory. But when Suzaku exited the Roland and searched through the secure offices of the mining operation he found at least the heads of the Kyoto Houses, but Shin Hyuga Shaing was nowhere to be seen.

The guards who were stationed to protect the old men were easily cut down by Sin Cutter, leaving Suzaku with the old fools now begging for their lives.

"Why? Why did you agree to work with Shin?" Suzaku yelled. "It cant' be because of Zero's true identity. Lord Kirahara already knew of Zero's identity. And what of Lord Kirahara?"

"That old fool couldn't recognize a good investment when he saw one," yelled one member.

"Good investment?" growled Suzaku.

"Shin Hyuga Shaing offered us the secrets of Zero's power," said another member. "The power of Geass and even more, immortality itself."

"Did you forget that Shin is a member of the Eden Elite? He serves that monster V.V," said Suzaku.

"The Emperor made a very generous offer," said the third member. "He abandoned his former subjects and provided mercenary forces to ensure we the Houses of Kyoto would seize control of Japan. For the good of our people of course. Promoting Shin Hyuga Shaing and defaming Zero was merely the price he requested and then we would be granted immortality to secure the fate of Japan for all eternity."

"Kirahara accused us of treason even though he was the one who supported a foreigner as our supposed savoir," said the first member who spoke. "Shaing dealt with him personally."

"You actually believed V.V would make you immortal?" asked Suzaku. "What the hell were you..."

Suzaku looked closely and saw faint red glowing in the eyes of the Kyoto House members. Suzaku bit the inside of his cheek as other forces from the Fleet poured in.

Rivalz had quickly summoned his mask to protect himself from the gas.

"Milly, it's alright I'm..."

Rivalz couldn't feel Milly's hand. He quickly activated a thermal heat sensor for his mask and saw the shape of a woman struggling against a larger form. Rivalz quickly looked out and saw other figures, walking quickly and with intent as if not bothered by the gas, grabbing numerous people from the crowd. Trucks also burst forth and the men quickly began to drag their captives to them.

'Damn,' thought Rivalz. 'This is bad.'

He looked back over to the man who was dragging Milly and watched as the took her over the wall via a cable.

'They must think I'm being affected by the tear gas as well,' thought Rivalz. 'I can use that.'

Rivalz compiled his nanites into a small projectile device which he shot at the lead truck. A tracker to follow the truck its source. While he would have stopped the attempt now he believed it would be better if he got to the source of this incident so it wouldn't happen again. He waited, getting his float system ready, until the trucks were loaded and drove off.

The second the trucks left campus Rivalz took off into the air, following the trail of the tracker. He kept high up so they wouldn't spot him but made sure to keep in pace with the trucks.

'This doesn't feel like Neo-Shogunate,' thought Rivalz. 'This is something different. Either way I had better at least make sure Cornelia and the others get help before I forget.'

"This is Prince Virtue of the Sapphire Crusaders to all available Atlas Fleet personnel," said Rivalz, on a Fleet comm channel. "There has been an incident at Ashford Academy medical attention is required for civilians and personnel. Unknown group has taken hostages I am in pursuit."

"You're not the only one," said a voice over the radio

Rivalz gasped not sure who this was. He then looked down and saw...his own motorcycle being driven by Ashley Ashura.

"Sir Ashley? How...where did..."

"I took a mask off one of those jerks and found the ride in Lelouch's place," said Ashley. "My eyes still hurt like hell but I can drive."

Rivalz wasn't exactly comfortable with someone else riding his motorcycle but got over it, thinking of the task at hand.

"Hold on, you'll be spotted I'm coming for you," said Rivalz.

"Wait, what are you..."

Rivalz cast his Geass to shut down his motorcycle and quickly scooped up Ashley.

"Jesus Christ," the Euro Britannian knight screamed as he was taken up into the air.

Rivalz couldn't help but smirk as he continued to follow the trail of the tracker.

Tohdoh cringed at the heads of the Kyoto Houses as they were led away in cuffs. Suzaku had showed him the faint red rings but Tohdoh believed those were somehow different from a normal Geass. He would be sure to have someone from the Geass Order look over the men before anything else could be done about them.

He then looked over to Suzaku, who was meditating on the ground with the sword Bismark had given him on his lap. There was a great deal of fury in the way the enemy soldiers had been slain by Suzaku. Tohdoh wanted to admonish his former student for going in alone without aid into the den of the enemy. But he knew Suzaku was stubborn and would rather risk his life than put the lives of others at risk. In all honesty Tohdoh would do the same. He would gladly give his life for any of his men, taking the risks so that they wouldn't have to.

"So Shin wasn't here," said Tohdoh.

"No, Sensei," said Suzaku. "For all we know he's back in Britannia laughing at us. All of this, it was just a wild goose chase."

"I don't think so," said Tohdoh. "More than anything it was an attempt to make people loose faith in our cause. Other nations would be hesitant to ally with Japan if it appears that our nation is comprised of barbarians that would slaughter women and children en mass out of revenge. Even though the Britannian people have suffered under V.V as well. It would make Marianne's proposal for a Federation of Nations questionable at best. It would mar the perception of the Atlas Fleet because so many of use are from Japan. And it would discredit Zero. Public opinion would turn against us. V.V. wouldn't gain allies but neither would we. As formidable as the Fleet might appear, without the support of other nations we would still be at a disadvantage against the might of the Eden Elite."

"But they failed," said Suzaku. "Even if they exposed Lelouch as Zero, Kallen has managed to take his place."

"Yes, despite my misgivings about the Geass Order taking advantage of it I cannot argue that Kozuki has effectively been able to make herself into a symbol for both Japanese and Britannians to rally behind," said Tohdoh. "This is a victory Suzaku, even if Shin has escaped. However there is the question of what must happen to the heads of the Kyoto House."

"We can't just find some way to remove their Geass commands and let them go can we?" asked Suzaku.

"I'm afraid not," said Tohdoh. "Whether or not they were truly in control of their actions, they were seen supporting the actions of a known mass murderer and condemned innocent people to death. For the sake of our society they must be shown to receive punishment for their crimes."

'Justice...like death,' Suzaku thought, recalling what he had said to Smilas.

Rivalz and Ashley followed the trail to a rundown area of the Ghettos. The people taken from Ashford, all women were forcibly unloaded by men in standard riot uniforms, their hands bound and their mouths gagged, were led into a rundown building that appeared abandoned.

Among the number of captives Rivalz saw Milly, but also took notice of Shirley. No women from the Fleet had been taken, only civilians it appeared.

"Alright, it's just the two of us here so we need a plan," said Rivalz.

"Well you're the one who took a Sakuradite explosion head on, you can draw their fire can't you?" asked Ashley.

"Yes but I'd rather not," said Rivalz. "I think I might be able to do something though to distract them and when they're caught in the confusion we should be able to rush in. They're aren't that many men, about ten from what I've seen. A small extraction team and nothing more. With an effective distraction between the two of us we should be able to take them. It's still a gamble though."

Ashley laughed loudly, surprising Rivalz.

"That's what makes it so terrific," said Ashley. "Time to test our luck Lord Protector."

In the rundown building the captured women were tied up against a wall while their kidnappers merely stood as if waiting for something. Although she was still affected by the gas, Milly could still get a fairly good feel of the room. There were other people in the building, sounds coming from upstairs. She heard mutterings of people calling for old friends, recalling good times, and she guessed what that was.

This was a Refrain den.

'Why would they take us to a Refrain den?' thought Milly.

Suddenly a loud wail let out in the building. Milly cringed at the sound, as did the soldiers who captured them. They were left to their knees, their hands going to their ears, and as this happened two blurs of red and blue burst forth. Rivalz and that Euro Britannian knight Ashley Ashura, the latter wearing some kind of headgear to protect him from the sound.

He drew his revolver and quickly shot down six out of the ten men, leaving them dead on the ground. The other four were struck down by Rivalz's fists, alive for interrogation. The sound then ended and Ashley began to undo the bonds on the women, starting with Shirley. Rivalz began restraining the remaining men.

"Rivalz, there are other people here," said Milly, her voice raised due to the temporary hearing issues she was having. "Upstairs."

He nodded in her direction and quickly went up stairs. When he got to the next floor he found a surprise in that at the end of the hallway was the symbol of the Blue Unicorn painted on the door of a room at the far end of the hallway.

'What the hell?' he thought. 'Was this all a trap?'

Rivalz drew his sword just in case and slowly went to the room. With his cyber enhanced hearing and his thermal vision, he got a good 'look' into the other rooms. Bodies of various people lying either slumped or moving erratically. They were speaking almost incoherently, under the influence.

'No soldiers?' thought Rivalz.

Rivalz finally came to the door at the end of the hall, the one that bore his mark, and cautiously opened it. Once the door was fully opened, Rivalz was struck with a pain that no weapon could have granted him.

He dropped his sword and fell to his knees. This was the worst kind of trap. The worst kind of horror he could ever imagine.

"M...mom?" he cried, tears flowing from his eyes.

Before him, the body of his mother Jessica Cardemonde laid dead. Her eyes glossed over, injection track marks on her arm, and a Refrain syringe in her hand. Above her body a message was written on a banner

'LORD PROTECTOR, WHY COULDN'T YOU PROTECT HER?' it read.

"Ground forces have gotten the situation at Ashford Academy under control," said Ohgi. "Other forces along the nation have failed to find Shin or any other Neo-Shogunate forces. In a way you can say we've won."

"What have we won?" asked Kallen. "Shin's still free."

"But the Neo-Shogunate movement has been stopped," said Ohgi.

The two of them sat in the throne room of the Viceroy Palace. Kallen sat upon the throne while Ohgi stood before her. Next to Ohgi though, Jeremiah had taken knee before Kallen.

"Fear not my lady, when the time comes we shall have Shin Hyuga Shaing's head on a pike and we will have justice for the dishonor done to his majesty Lelouch," said Jeremiah.

"On that note, we need to figure out what to do about the Kyoto House," said Ohgi. "Geass or no Geass, they cannot be seen as going unpunished for the scores of people already killed by the Neo-Shogunate Army. If we are lenient on them then we lose support from the former Britannians and will only get trouble from them. We also can't afford to look weak in front of other nations."

"You talk like Japan still has a legitimate government," said Kallen.

"For right now Kallen, you are the legitimate government of Japan," said Ohgi. "I know you don't like it Kallen but effectively you must lead our people for the time being. Kallen...you are the Queen of Japan."

Ohgi took knee next to Jeremiah, who could not help but smirk. Though he loved the culture and people of Japan, as it was the homeland of his beloved bride Sayoko, he none the less believed in the monarchy of his own homeland. That the prince he had been honored to foster under orders of his Empress would reign supreme of not only Britannia but all the world in gratitude to his destruction of the Usurper V.V.

And before him now was the woman whom his prince, no his Emperor to be, had loved and was being groomed by his former Empress. As such Kallen deserved nothing less than his absolute loyalty. And if fate was going in the direction it was then upon her inevitable marriage to Lelouch, both Japan and Britannia would be united under their rule, just as he hoped to unite with Sayoko. Two beloved cultures merged as one, under two great rulers who deserved his loyalty, the ideal future as Jeremiah saw it.

"The Queen of Japan," Kallen said, her discomfort obvious. "I never wanted this."

"My Lady, you need not fear the title," said Jeremiah. "The Royalty is merely the servant of the people. Meant to uphold their hopes and desires and to keep them from being crushed under mankind's natural anarchy. As was the philosophies of his late majesty Emperor Charles. The philosophy of his son, Lelouch."

Kallen stiffened upon hearing Lelouch's name. By now the news of the assassin who tried to kill Lelouch in his bed had reached them. Kallen had unintentionally set a small fire when she heard the news.

"Lady Kallen, you must send a message to the entire world," said Jeremiah. "That the enemies of the Atlas Fleet are the enemies of peace and freedom. That you, as our Red Queen are our instrument of justice as our beloved King is the symbol of power who banishes the evils of man. In the name of Lelouch you must become the Queen of this land. Show the goodness of his majesty's dream to dissuade further treason and chaos."

"Are you saying I should...execute the Kyoto Group?" asked Kallen.

"With the exception of Lady Kaguya of course," said Jeremiah. "Whom you can name your Viceroy and have her control Japan while you aid our King in battle once he awakens. You have the love and the devotion of the people, they see your power and respect your righteous fury. Your decisions would have legitimacy. If you decree that Kaguya is worthy to rule in your stead the people will obey."

"I'm afraid he's right Kallen," said Ohgi. "If Japan is to survive we must have a powerful government with the legitimacy granted by the consent of the people. People want you to lead them. If you take action now then later, when Lelouch wakes up and you side with him it will give him legitimacy as well."

'Et tu Ohgi, using my feelings for Lelouch to push me down this path? How could you?' thought Kallen sadly.

"Kallen," said Suzaku, entering the throne room.

"Suzaku?" Kallen gasped, seeing a steely look on Suzaku's face.

It showed his disappointment at not seizing Shin and getting justice for Lelouch's injuries. She shared his frustration and despite their little clash earlier, she knew Suzaku's words had come from his own love for Lelouch.

"Kallen, you and Lelouch, are both good people," said Suzaku. "He wouldn't want to seize power. If he had to it would be only because society would need him to if it were to survive, as I said before. I know you're worried about the power your being forced to take. About what that power would do to Lelouch. But if you would have me I'd like to offer my help to make sure that doesn't happen."

"What do mean?" asked Kallen.

"As long as there is peace and order in the world, even if Lelouch does become king of the world, he would essentially have nothing to do with that all that power," said Suzaku. "And if Lelouch doesn't have to use his power then he cannot be corrupted by it. He can spend his days living a peaceful life with you and the family you'll build with him."

Kallen blushed at the notion of having children with Lelouch. Suzaku couldn't help but chuckle at this before becoming serious again.

"And if he is never corrupted by his power I will never have to fulfill my damned promise to him," said Suzaku. "As such, my new ambition is to become the absolute Symbol of Law to enforce peace on the world so that Lelouch will never have to worry about having to use his authority."

"You do realize how insane that sounds right?" asked Kallen.

"Totally," said Suzaku. "But regardless I'm determined to see it through. Besides, with two symbols of authority keeping order in Japan it gives time to form a new system of governance. It doesn't even have to be an absolute monarchy. You could write a constitution and effectively give authority to a new Prime Minister."

"That actually could work," said Ohgi. "I'll contact Kaguya and we'll begin making the arrangements of a new constitution. Although that still leaves the other members of the Kyoto House."

Kallen hung her head and once again Suzaku spoke.

"All you have to do is give the sentence," said Suzaku. "Let me be the one who swings the sword."

Kallen thought about Suzaku's words. Although she had taken lives before they were in the heat of battle. She hadn't condemned men to death in such a way. She recalled what it was like being under Bludbierd's Geass and if these men were suffering a similar fate she couldn't help but sympathize with that. But unlike what had happened to her, people had seen the actions of the Kyoto House. How they were trying to make a madman the new savior of Japan, usurping her beloved Lelouch's position, and defaming his name. She could not forgive that slight against her love.

She thought about Marianne and how she must have had to make such similar decisions for the honor of her fallen Charles.

'I am the successor to Lady Marianne's title,' thought Kallen. 'I can't keep thinking like a normal woman or an average soldier. I must be the Queen.'

"The members of the Kyoto House will be executed," said Kallen. "Kira, the White Reaper shall act as executioner."

Suzaku knelt, placing his arm over his chest.

"As you command...Queen Kallen," said Suzaku.

Ashford had gotten back under control swiftly enough. The kidnapped victims returned to its relative safety. Rivalz had, for lack of a better word, shut down. He would not respond to outside stimuli after seeing his mother's body. It took five men to move him, not that he resisted, he was simply so heavy given his enhancements.

Seeing the look on his face, the parts that were still organic, broke Milly's heart. What hurt even more was how she had been used as bait to lead Rivalz to such an end.

'Rivalz, I'm so sorry,' she thought.

She had wanted to use her grandfather's resources to try and find Jessica Cardemonde. She hadn't thought she would find the woman in the way that she did.

"This was planned," said Cornelia, holding the banner in her hand. "Lure him out and show him...this. How is he?"

"I...I'm not sure," said Milly. "He locked himself in his quarters and hasn't come out since."

"Understandable," said Guilford. "What other shape could he be in after seeing his mother dead by Refrain overdose?"

"I'm willing to be event that was set up," said Dalton. "But who the hell could have done this?"

Milly thought back and her skin crawled at the memory of her former mistress.

"Madame Cyst," said Milly.

"Figures, that tumor of a woman," said Cornelia. "When I find her I'll have her roasted like the pig she is."

"If she's still operating in Japan perhaps it would be best if we got Miss Ashford out of the country," said Guilford. "Same with Rivalz, in his condition I doubt he'd be up for a fight."

"Good point," said Cornelia, before turning to Milly. "Miss Ashford, would you like us to bring your grandfather along as well? He might be targeted as well."

"Yes, please," said Milly.

"Good," said Cornelia. "But before we leave...we should arrange for a proper funeral for Lady Cardemonde. It is the least we could do."

Milly and the two knights nodded in agreement.

'Rivalz,' Cornelia thought. 'Please, do not let this break you.'

Kallen was bathed in a lavish tub the following morning. Rose peddles floating in the water, expensive soaps being lathered over her body, and her hair washed with scented shampoo. Her nails were clipped and polished and she was dressed in lavish robes of red and gold and a regal tiara designed by Marianne.

Once she was all dolled up she was given her maces, cleaned of the blood from her previous battles, and was led to a grand stage before a platform where the members of the Kyoto House were lined up on posts. Before them the Roland stood with its sword at the ready.

Kallen raised one mace in her right hand and in one swift motion lowered it, signaling the White Reaper to fulfill his duty. And in one swing of the great sword Durandal the traitorous members of the Kyoto House were executed. The people who had lost family to the Neo-Shogunate roared in celebration, justice finally being served at least in part.

From where they stood at attention the Four Holy swords and Tohdoh watched the execution take place. Because of her standing as Chiba's student Euphemia had been allowed to attend. Although the look on her face was sad, though not for the men executed.

"If you care for him, the best you can do is to support him," said Nagisa, whispering into Euphemia's ear. "Love is about supporting the one you care about and learning to accept who they are."

Euphemia nodded slightly and looked back onto the Roland.

"So where exactly does this leave us?" asked Asahina.

"I've been talking with the others and for the foreseeable future Japan has now been reborn as a constitutional monarchy," said Tohdoh. "Kozuki is now essentially our queen."

"And if she and Lelouch do marry, and Lelouch becomes Emperor of Britannia like that Jeremiah fellow keeps saying Japan goes right back under Britannian control," said Senba.

"More likely we'd just be allied with Britannia," said Urabe. "And if that does happen he'll be better than V.V that's for damn sure. But what about the Geass Order. If they keep spreading word that Geass is responsible for all of this..."

"Which it is," said Asahina.

"What does that mean for us? And I don't just mean Japan but for the whole world?" asked Urabe.

Looking back at Kallen on the stage she raised her left mace and the new flag of the United Realm of Japan unfurled. The Japanese flag restored but with one major change. The symbol of Geass formed in white stood proudly at the center of the flag within the red dot.

"It means their prophecy was true," said Tohdoh. "A black king rose from the ashes of Japan to usurer in a new age of Geass."

"What should we do then?" asked Chiba.

Tohdoh looked at Suzaku, who had exited the Roland and stood as Kira, the White Reaper now dedicated to becoming the ultimate Symbol of Law for this new age.

"Only a fool fights fate," said Tohdoh. "Geass has allowed the re-establishment of Japan. If Geass is to be an open force in the world then so be it."

"But what if the Order were to try something to re-establish their civilization?" asked Senba. "They nearly destroyed the world last time if Marianne is to be believed."

"Then we shall have to work to maintain peace among the Order as well as the rest of humanity," said Euphemia, finally voicing herself. "I believe...that's what Suzaku would do."

"Indeed," said Tohdoh. "If there is anything I can say I believe will come as a true benefit is how Kururugi has reforged his ambition. To uphold the law of the new world we are attempting to build. Let that be the new mission of the White Samurai now that Japan has been liberated."

"But...wait do you mean we're supposed to be the police for the entire world?" asked Senba.

"I believe that is Kururugi's intention," said Tohdoh. "But even more we must do it to restore the honor of Japan in the eyes of the world. Shin's actions have marred our nation's reputation on an international level. We must show the true honorable spirit of our nation to the world by working to enforce peace for the entire world."

Rivalz chose to hold a small funeral for his mother. Although he knew his friends would have liked to comfort him, what they were doing was more important. As such the only ones in attendance for the funeral of Jessica Cardemonde were her son, Milly Ashford, Princess Cornelia, Sir Guilford, and General Dalton.

Cornelia made sure it was a lovely service for the departed woman and was sure to get the best flowers for her son to lay at her grave.

Once it was done Rivalz stayed completely silent as they made their way back to the ship.

Cornelia was sending him back to Euro Britannia. Milly was going with him, it was the princess's hope that the girl would be able to heal the damage done to Rivalz's soul.

However once he had gotten to the ship Rivalz had once again sealed himself alone in his quarters.

"Rivalz," said Milly, pressing herself against the door. "I'm here if you need me. If you...want me."

No response came from the other side and all Milly could do was shed tears for her lover's broken heart and slump to the floor. On the other side Rivalz was slumped to the floor as well. He wished he could let Milly in. He wanted to let her in. He wanted to feel her warmth but for now he just felt so cold as if he were in the deepest winter.

After the execution was done Suzaku decided to once again look over the medical bay of the Nirvana. He undid every panel, every machine, every bed and still found nothing.

"Damn it," he cursed.

The traitor who had exposed Lelouch was now threatening his life. Suzaku had to find some clue to the traitor's identity. He could not call himself the Symbol of Law if he could not do so much as apprehend a single traitor.

As Suzaku was putting everything back in its place he leisurely looked to the floor and saw something that caught his attention. A single strand of blonde hair.