This is like a bare-bones just vibing concept, but Suzalulu and it's Slay the Princess.

Obviously Suzaku is the Hero character and Lelouch is the Princess.

a slightly altered timeline    2) the timeline in which they never met who would become the most influential or important person in their life, or that person was taken from them before they were capable of forming memories.  @witchingrey​

Okay. First of all, I have no idea how to start that answer unless you are going to have a heavily meta about the 'what if Lelouch had never met C.C how canon would have going?'. As a Code Geass veteran for be here since the first time it aired, and since how much I am emotionally conflicted with canon (hi Euphemia's death, hi R2, hi Zero Requiem), I have lot of thoughts, so many to say about the absence of Lelouch/C.C bond would impact canon. 

Take a seat, prepare a number of handkerchiefs, we are going into a trip. 

* Main divergence: Lelouch never received the Geass. From this information, the canon has a possibility of being transformed into two routes which I will call route a) Lelouch doesn't become by definition Zero since no possibility allows him to become it and to realize his greatest dream, which completely depend on his relationship with the future Black Knights following episode 1 of R1; route b) Lelouch nevertheless becomes Zero, conscious of his humanity, that he has no backup solution, that each movement on his part can no longer be recovered and that each error will be fatal. Besides how Lelouch can switch to route a) or b) and having a chance on itself depending if he survive the end of ep 1 of R1. You know, do you remember that soldiers were on the way to kill him? I prefer put that detail without a specific reason since it's cement the canon. Meaning that Lelouch would face three choices: 1) to be killed, 2) to escape but be wounded, 3) escape unwounded. I find myself offering open the three possibilities and depending of Lelouch's state, he will get either a) or b). 

* Lelouch would devote himself completely to Nunnally until she is his only anchor. Into that timeline, if his sister disappear of his care or if his sister ended up died or without his saving hands --- Lelouch would never recover of it and it would be an complete emotional death. Nunnally would be the only person in the world to have a glimpse of his true nature, of the gentleness and the softness that man possess, inclined to do anything for protect her --- however regardless of a) or b) the heavier traumas weighing his shoulders, the exposition of his pain and doubts towards circumstances, the duty he feel and the unfair sentiment that following him, the hatred he have towards his world...wouldn't be known. Into route b) Nunally wouldn't still supposed to know that Lelouch is Zero --- and losing her over that fact would be insupportable *waves at the end of R1/some parts of R2* Meaning that Lelouch is condemned to losing his will of life into this timeline, to be removed of the reason of his actions/desire without any way to take it back, to live an emotional death that will lead him to sacrifice everything about his mental health/his sanity/his dreams/his future for her sake. Because, compared to canon, there would be no emotional support that would be able to understood how much Nunnally is his entire life and be able to put sense on him. Into this timeline, maybe Suzaku would handle that duty instead however it won't be enough. 

* Remember into canon that Lelouch is the expert of mask himself under various personality traits, lie as he breathes, and tend to say the exact opposite of what he really thinks just to continue a general 'perception' that he wants under control? Canon can hold it beer. Into route a) it will change to an coping mechanism virally that his existence will deteriorate in this feeling of observing without being able to do anything, of having no possibility of reacting and finding himself in a feeling of being a 'bird in a cage until he runs out of oxygen'. He is doomed to lose interest in the world around him which he wants to destroy, which he refuses, but since he is nobody, remained nobody, will have to undergo the cruelty of his father's actions, will have to manage complicated situations with his family ... that his perspective will be similar to that of the canon but in a very bad way: he will detach himself so much from reality that he will no longer have any interest for it. Meaning, he will treat people like pieces of chessboard and shut himself up without letting anyone close. Into route b) Lelouch will cling to his role of Zero as second nature that he not allowed himself unless expected by some people into some instances (Nunnally, Suzaku, Kallen at some point, Euphemia when his identity is discovered) to reveal pieces of his true personality. Knowing that he is stuck without the potential to have a backup power, he will want to use his intelligence in every corner of opportunity that he has, to influence the people around him to play in his favor, will want to control the world around him insidiously and gaining power that way --- by hanging on to it even more and wanting to increase it even more. Allowed to be seen as a horrible person, to be seen as a heartless murderer, to have no consideration for the feelings of the people around him, he will play on each of these layers by pretending indifference of all the pain he feels proportionally to what he does. In this route, his true nature and his true ambitions will remain well locked inside him and alone he will face the mixture of guilt / regret / doubt / distress towards these actions...and since he is fated to an emotional death with the events of the canon, nothing can stop him. 

* It's a point which I have the feeling of necessary to note: Lelouch will never know the feeling of love or in his case an inexplicable bond with another person whom he wishes to protect and feels free into the already presented love interests canon (Shirley into an complexed one-sided from her part and a deep affection of Lelouch that already not asking himself how he feel really towards her, one-sided love from Kallen) or those who can be perceived as such (* waves at Suzaku *). I want to say that canon-wise, it's already complicated for Lelouch to show more than platonic interest in someone and he certainly has his own way of showing more which comes in several interpretations (I could almost write his relation with C.C is a mixture of platonic, denied romantic , something much more mystical that I can made a novel on their relation and their dynamic depending of the eyes of the observer about the way to take it... but that's not the subject). Meaning? Meaning that regardless of a) or b) Shirley/Lelouch would end up with barriers on their ways from my others points exposed earlier. Kallen/Lelouch is a little doomed since the beginning but depending how far their relationship develop coming from Lelouch statut with the Black Knights, they come to have more development that the presented show. Suzaku is the special case of 'I love you but I want to kill you' from the wonderful inversed dynamic of Kamui/Fûma from X or the major theme about complicated love by CLAMP --- it's neither the point of this post but the dynamic of Lelouch/Suzaku though their mutual friendship/hatred is wonderful and would be deeper into that timeline that canon would expose. 

* The traumas triggering by Charles vi Britannia would have been higher that canon, to the horrible point that even sending Lelouch into some therapy wouldn't help him. In canon, Lelouch was able to facing the immortality of his father because he have the Geass and a way to fighting back, to didn't turn out his pawn without be powerless --- here, whatever it's a) or b) Lelouch would have been fated to dealing with the fact without way to removing him of the picture and be fully 'used' by his father as a pawn. Since Lelouch wouldn't be able to becoming Emperor, that removing the entire Zero Requiem stuff...and since he hadn't the Geass and would have conscious of it otherwise into the OG timeline with Mao as first perspective of it...the show would have ended either into a) or b) into Lelouch having his dad as enemy...with high probability he get doomed by the same man into higher traumas. It would be the most ironic thing in existence since his name is a catchphrase, but Lelouch would hate to be a 'vi Britannia', to be one of these guys who destroyed the world...and will not having an occasion to coming in terms with his identity. He would fall into the holding 'Lamperouge' as much he can, feeling safety into 'Zero'...but in the end, would be entirely broken down by the actions of his father. Since...Charles would manage to bring up the Ragnarok to the world...and V.V wouldn't be stopped. Though it's a timeline in which Euphemia death doesn't happen and route b) showing hope about that peace be able to be created ---- route b) would exposing harder the emotional conflict Lelouch have with his siblings. Also, Lelouch is fated of not knowing the truth about his mother. 

* miscellaneous on R1 if route b) : Clovis's arc taking longer to be finalised, Lelouch/Ohgi relationship taking more time so settle down since Lelouch can't afford to doing a mistake into his manipulation, showing arguments he is an leader and can be trusted without his Britannia origin showing up, major emotional conflict about Suzaku be the Lancelot all along, Lelouch risking to die in Narita, Lelouch constant fear to losing Suzaku and that One Scene when he have to find another way to making him live and he won't end up killed with him, Jeremiah's arc turn out even more complicated to win, Lelouch/Euphemia managed to doing that peace and saving a part of the Japanese with the immediate consequences on it, some breakdown of Lelouch when his sister is gone, Lelouch reveal be even more heartbreaking that the canon, Mao be the real exposure of the power of the Geass for Lelouch, Shirley remembering that Lelouch is Zero and be emotionally conflicted...

* miscellaneous on R2 if route b) : Lelouch not having his memories back until a long while or something triggering it, his inability to coping with the lose of Nunnally following it, an further complexed relationship with Rolo, an complexed relationship with Suzaku if as canon he became one of the Emperor's Knight, Diethard becoming an horrible problem for Lelouch, Black Knights betrayal destroying emotionally him for once and all, Schneizel turning into a long-term enemy for Zero, Charles vi Britannia be the last problem to stop...

Such a nice timeline...

Code Geass Season 1 Interview Collection

All of these interviews were translated/summarized by Celiss @ GameFAQs

CLAMP Summary of the Newtype Ookawa Nanase x Taniguchi Gorou interview. Note that the early designs on that page are by Ookawa Nanase, but the finalized CLAMP original art (not to be confused with the finalized KimuTaka character designs) were done by Mokona, a different CLAMP member. All info listed are from Ookawa and Taniguchi themselves; dialogue in ""s means those are the parts I didn't rephrase at all. - Suzaku originally had a "sharper" look to him. Ookawa -- "Originally I imagined him as having Chinese-like, sharp, single-eyelid eyes." Taniguchi -- "In order to have Lelouch stand out more, I had this design changed to a softer, rounder image." - On the early design for Lelouch (white hair) Ookawa -- "I imagined Lelouch as someone everyone will find to be "cool"; a beauty, to put it simply." Taniguchi -- "We talked about Tackey & Tsubasa as well as early Kinki Kids." (Popular Johnny's idols in Japan) - Ookawa attended the Episode 1 sneak preview / test screening; according to her a large number of reporters and other mass media-related personnel showed up as well because of the pre-show hype. When the 1st episode ended, the room went dead silent. With the fast-moving plot and the episode ending with Lelouch going "Die, all of you" as he Geasses the soldiers into killing themselves, everyone was left speechless. However, the momentary silence was later broken by tremendous applause. Taniguchi himself wasn't at the screening, but he heard about what happened as well. - How did CLAMP come to be part of the Code Geass project? Producer Kawaguchi was the one who wrote to them first. That was the first time CLAMP heard from him, and also the first time they received a request to design characters for an anime. The members only met the director more than a year later; they were already on board the project when the characters and world view were nothing more than a vague concept. CLAMP offered some "interesting ideas" and these helped shape the world of Code Geass. - The character illustrations shown on the page are preliminary designs; when these were first drawn Code Geass wasn't about a war with an Empire but something different. Taniguchi said "We're making a hit show", and wanted to create a show which appealed to everyone. They ended up using the Johnny's artistes (Tackey & Tsubasa; early Kinki Kids) as a sort of model for the characters (probably Lelouch; those Johnny's artistes are usually thought of as "Prince" types, especially early Domoto Kouichi of Kinki Kids) - The character "Zero" was decided from early on, and is one of the characters left unchanged even when they adjusted the story. CLAMP members call Zero's mask "Tulip" (because of it's appearance) They wanted to create a mask never seen before in previous Sunrise shows. They were told to create a mask showing only one eye, and there were two possibilities for that, the other being the masks used in palaces (...which kind of palace? Asian or Western?) Taniguchi -- "When I saw Zero's mask, my thought processes all came to a halt (laugh) It was extremely simple yet had impact." The biggest merit of having CLAMP do the designs is that, according to Taniguchi, they can come up with things normal animator-turned-designers can't. The clothes, for example, may seem impossible (*coughZeroandC.C.'scostumescough*), but CLAMP still went ahead with them anyway with the simple reasoning that "These are better!" - How did the designing process work? CLAMP members drew a certain number of illustrations, handed them to Taniguchi and Taniguchi would later return it to them with his own comments. The designs would be changed according to his wishes and the cycle repeated. The comments ranged from "I want you to redraw just this part" to "I want you to add this part of the character with this part of that character and come up with a new character." Taniguchi pretty much gave CLAMP free reign over the designs, telling them not to worry about what the CG world was like, and because of that they came up with all kinds of variations, from SF to Classical, for things like the military uniforms. There were altogether some 40 ~ 50 designs; C.C. also had traditional Japanese clothes as well as Western Barbie-style clothes. (Now we know why C.C. cosplays so much. Taniguchi probably included them because he thought it would be a waste not to...) - Ookawa -- "Taniguchi doesn't like girls with big breasts." (This is true; Taniguchi is famous for being anti-fanservice. He supposedly hates "jiggling chests" the most, but it seems that since GunxSword he's had to compromise on this area because frankly, sex sells) Ookawa - "Even though I drew all kinds of female figures and body shapes, only the flat-chested designs were returned." (The unreturned designs = No Good) Taniguchi: "It's not that those aren't allowed (laugh) It's just that when you transfer them on to the screen it usually ends up even more exaggerated, so I wanted to keep the original designs under control, at least." - Taniguchi also likes having characters who have something different on one side of their bodies (the "unbalanced" balance) Lelouch has one red eye, for example; Villetta's and Jeremiah's hairstyles also fall under this category. Taniguchi -- "I like it. It's sexy, don't you think?" Ookawa -- "You like characters with sex appeal, huh." Taniguchi -- "Sex appeal is important. CLAMP's characters are all sexy. That's another reason why we decided to request designs from you." - Before doing the character designs, KimuTaka spent every day copying CLAMP's art from their artbooks and manga. After analyzing CLAMP's art to his best ability, he then started on the character designs. He did his best to design them in a way so that the other animators would be able to draw them without deviating from CLAMP's original artstyle. - According to Ookawa, Schneizel was designed with "Lelouch's arch nemesis" in mind. The most time was spent on his design. Taniguchi wanted someone who could appear either good or bad and had a large sense of scale (2 meters... okay so he probably wasn't referring to height, but still) - Lloyd is the professor-type CLAMP is good at (Ookawa's own confession), but originally he wasn't supposed to be that much of a mad scientist. It happened mostly because of Shiratori Tetsu's acting (In the audio commentary for episode 1 Taniguchi mentions that he gave Shiratori free reign over Lloyd's character) Ookawa was surprised when Lloyd turned out the way he did. - Which characters do the CLAMP members like? Mokona (she did the final character original art) liked Clovis, so when she saw that he was offed after only 2 episodes she was really depressed. According to Ookawa, Clovis was killed off a lot earlier than originally planned. Taniguchi apologizes for this, and then remarks that Jeremiah, on the other hand, has survived longer than originally planned. (The power of 2ch, indeed) - Taniguchi: "If you rewatch the first half of the show after watching episode 23, you might discover new things you didn't see before." He refuses to say what these things are, saying that this is an enjoyment exclusive to viewers who noticed themselves. - Okouchi was the one who insisted that a mask was necessary in order for it to be a Sunrise anime. - Ookawa -- "Director Taniguchi is someone who makes it clear what his likes and dislikes are, and this really helped our work. I like Cornelia, and I hope she can be happy." (I'm sure she'll get along well with Fu-kuyama, that crazy Cornelia fan) - Ookawa seems to be a Lelouch fan. She says that she worries whenever Lelouch does something stupid or uses the Geass in a wasteful manner. - CLAMP will still be doing the designs for the sequel, or perhaps have already done them. --- Animedia Q. Is it true that the Emperor is invading countries because he is looking for (Geass) "ruins"? A. In episode 19, General Bartley said "The Emperor decides which country to invade going by the location of the ruins" (I'm not sure how gg translated this). It is unclear whether this is truly the motive behind the invasions, but as the General has been investigating this for a long time, his statement that there are other such ruins, at least, must be true. Since a gigantic Geass mark surfaced on the Kaminejima ruins, it appears that it is somehow connected with the Geass. (Well duh) Q. What exactly is the "Mental Elevator" (Intellevator) the Emperor mentioned? A. This is still very much a mystery. However, because this is something coming from the Emperor, it may have to do with the mystery of the ruins he is said to be searching for. (...Double duh) Q. What is the 2nd Imperial Prince Schneizel looking for? A. Bartley and co. are picking up where Clovis left off with his investigations, which is why they went to Kaminejima. It seems that they have a vague suspicion on what the Emperor's objectives are, and intend to get a jump on him. At this stage this is all we are able to infer. It is probable that there is a certain something the Britannian royalty all wish to obtain. (...? Immortality? Pizza? And Schneizel vs Emperor, go! If Schneizel isn't a bad guy, or had nothing to do with Marianne's assassination, Lelouch should just team up with him already >__> With Suzaku, the Emperor would be dead in a day) Q. After episode 23, what will become of Britannia's "Area 11"? A. As we have just reached the part where the next step of the battle would be to destroy the Britannian government office (the palace-like building with flags), the answer to this question will have to depend on the outcome. Should the Black Knights triumph, Japan may have its rights restored while the Britannians may be forced into a vulnerable position this time around. (Take away all their cellphones! That'll teach 'em!) However, both the Chinese Federation and the EU, names which have repeatedly come up in the show, are both keeping an eye on the situation. How these two forces will act is something to look out for in the future. Q. What happened to "Good Morning'd" Orange? A. I too am surprised. Even though it's amazing that he's made a reappearance in the show, it's "Good Morning'd" after all. (Meaning the line destroyed the serious, cool mood of the scene XD) It seems that after the Narita battle, he was picked up (in the same sense you pick up rubbish / abandoned animals), turned into a subject for experiments and then modified. I'm sure many viewers have already realized what happened because his silhouette is in the OP. The resurrected Orange can't be beat! (Literal translation = "is the strongest") Q. What happened to Shirley's "memories" erased by the Geass? A. Basically, those memories will not return. The Geass works only once. Having seen the memo with her own handwriting, Shirley made her own inferences and somehow managed to grasp the truth of the situation. Although there was a subtle scene in episode 23 where she reacted to the name "Lulu", with the situation becoming increasingly hectic, her chances of meeting Lelouch again will diminish. (What does this mean? She's not going to get her chance to confront Lelouch about the truth after running away from it in episode 22?) Q. Will Kallen's real identity never be revealed to her friends in school? A. Although Suzaku already knows about it, he didn't say a thing about it in school, so as long as Suzaku and Kallen herself keep quiet no one will know. However, in episodes 24 and 25 Kallen, along with Zero, may storm the government office. What will become of the school when the settlement becomes a battlefield...!? (Are they hinting that the school will be in danger --> Black Knights come to the rescue --> Kallen's identity is finally revealed?) *The caption for Nunnally's picture: Sayoko's position itself has become somewhat ambiguous. There isn't a single person left who is protecting her... (I noted this because this sounds bad. Protect her, Arthur!) *The caption for Milly's picture: Having given up on Lelouch, she plunged headlong into the engagement with Lloyd. However... (However...? JUST JOIN THE BLACK KNIGHTS ALREADY!) Q. If the settlement is attacked, what will become of Nunnally and Arthur? A. In episode 23, it appears that the school is still somewhat safe and peaceful. Although Nunnally was frightened, she still has "the mysterious" Sayoko-san with her. Sayoko was told by Diethard to "Stay as you are and wait for further orders." (Episode 21) Things should be alright. Is Arthur with them!? (No, he's obviously outside taking down mechs left and right) However, should Japan achieve independence, Britannian schools would be in danger. *The text below (not in the blue boxes) written by the magazine writers (not the CG staff) says that if Lelouch doesn't go back to Ashford, Nunnally's safety will be "a candle in the wind". However, since this is his beloved sister we're talking about, it makes sense to think that he will definitely return in episodes 24 and 25...!? (...did they really need to end the sentence with an interrobang?) Q. Will "Chigusa"-san join the Black Knights? A. Chigusa-san = Villetta. She's currently cohabiting with Ougi and living a life reminiscent of the Showa period (...loving couple, wife waiting at home etc?) The octopus wieners she made for Ougi's bentou truly had a lot of impact. However, because her memories disappeared not because of the Geass, they will return someday. With that the two of them will become mutual enemies, which will make things difficult. *The lower text says "There is no way a Britannian female Knight will pass all her days living a lovey-dovey life in secret. But don't cry, Ougi!!" (I... want to see him cry >__>) Q. When will C.C. give the OK to Lelouch the Geass user? (This is the literal translation of the question; it seems that what the question is trying to ask is: Exactly what does Lelouch need to do in order to fulfil the terms of the contract?) A. This is far from clear. It seems that C.C. sealed the contract with Lelouch with a certain objective in mind. This contract is valid until that goal is reached. (Does this mean that once her wish is fulfilled, she can / will take Lelouch's Geass away from him?) For Lelouch, his goals are to defeat Britannia and the Emperor and also to create a happy world for Nunnally... However, what C.C. stands to gain from these goals of his remains a mystery. Q. Is Wall h4x Suzaku's (okay, so it actually says wall-runner Suzaku) physical prowess that of a normal human being's? A. Yes, he's a normal human being. It's just that he possesses extraodinary physical capabilites. It seems that his excellent Knightmare piloting skills has to do with him being unexpectedly compatible with Lancelot, and nothing more than that. Lloyd of the Special Dispatch was quick to notice this. (...? What about Fake Okouchi and Real Okouchi's previous hints about there being a secret behind his abnormal physical strength? Unless this answer is supposed to be a red herring?) Q. With Euphie dead, is Suzaku's mental state alright? A. He can't be alright, can he? That's not the usual him. If you listen carefully he said "Ore" (? He was still Boku-Suzaku during the phone conversation though, but I might have missed him saying "Ore" in episode 23), even though he had been using "boku". However, it seems that that is Suzaku's original personality. Up till now he's been faking his personality because of what happened with his father. He can no longer continue his facade now that he's snapped. Rather than saying that he will be somewhat like a beast from here on, it would be more appropriate to say we will be able to see Suzaku's real personality. Q. Why is it that up until the very end, Suzaku still doesn't have a "cellphone"? A. It's because there is a clear rule regarding this; Elevens and Honorary Britannians are not allowed to have one. It's a Britannian rule. This was probably decided in order to nip any possible insurrection in the bud. Also explains why Cecile-san had to personally come and get Suzaku (in episode 17) Q. After episode 23, what will Suzaku's next move be? A. To take revenge? For Euphie. Against Zero! Perhaps he isn't thinking about the future at all. Although he's fighting as a Honorary Britannian, it seems that he's just rushing headlong into the battle with personal grudges to settle. However, he pretty much cannot die due to the "Live!" Geass on him. A rather painful future may be awaiting him. Q. Who is more amazing? Suzaku vs Lelouch 10-point showdown! 1. Knightmare piloting skills: Suzaku 2. Hunting ability: Suzaku 3. Game skills: Lelouch 4. How they treat Nunnally: Lelouch 5. Popularity with the girls: Tie 6. Popularity with the guys: Suzaku 7. Studies (Science/Maths): Lelouch 8. Studies (Humanities/Arts): Lelouch 9. Independence (Cooking): Suzaku 10. Independence (Money concept): Lelouch (Lelouch wins 5-4. Lelouch is actually pretty good at cooking (It's part of his official character profile, IIRC; Sayoko also mentions this in her Diary section for DVD vol 2's booklet) Some of the reasonings behind the Lelouch vs Suzaku results are pretty nonsensical, actually. For example: 9. Independence (Cooking skill): Suzaku Lulu has been feeding Nunnally ever since their childhood days. His cooking skills are absolutely perfect. Suzaku received a strange Onigiri (Cecile's) Therefore... ...What does that have to do with cooking skills? >__> If anything that only proves Suzaku isn't human. As for Popularity with Girls, it's a tie because while Lelouch may have a hidden fanclub at school (I forgot who said this... FO?), Suzaku is popular with older women. This is also part of his official character profile; Suzaku admits it himself in the booklet for DVD vol. 03. However, he denies being attracted to them, but considering his first love (a house maid) happened when he was 3 years old... >__> Suzaku wins in the Popularity with Guys section because Lelouch doesn't really mix around with other students, only with his fellow Student Council members. This isn't really fair considering Suzaku probably has a hard time getting along with other classmates as well, but I guess that all changed after Euphemia knighted him. Though I think if it had been Zero vs Suzaku Zero would have won hands down. Zero has Diethard (Obsessed stalker), Tamaki (Tsundere) and Orange (also a stalker when you think about it >__>) --- Taniguchi Some interesting stuff from the Taniguchi interview: - Taniguchi appears to be hinting that Suzaku will have more scenes in the 2nd season. He mentioned that for viewers who want to watch this show thinking of Lelouch and Suzaku as double protagonists (Like Kazuma and Ryuhou in S.cry.ed; however, officially, Lelouch is the only protagonist in this show; everyone else is a supporting character), this motif will come up from here on. (He probably means that the difference between Suzaku and Lelouch will be made even more obvious in the future) - We'll be seeing more of Lelouch romantic relationships (probably in the 2nd season) According to him they decided not to put too much focus on those in the first 23 episodes because it would only complicate matters. It was necessary to show what Lelouch's primary focus is (Destroy Britannia; happy world for Nunnally) - V.V. will be a key person in the 2nd season; same goes for the mysterious long-haired Chinese guy (? Girl?) shown in episode 23. - By episode 26 (Taniguchi probably means 1st episode of the 2nd season; it seems that he's thinking of Code Geass as one whole continuous season) viewers will be able to see what Lelouch currently has in mind and what he intends to do next. - In case the sequel wasn't greenlighted (they already received the OK for it back in December last year, at least), they had an alternative route prepared for the story to take, one which would have ended the story in episode 23. It would have been a non-conclusive ending though; according to Taniguchi it was more of a "psychological" ending for Lelouch (think EVA ending) - By Taniguchi's own admission, the real story has only just begun. --- Kawaguchi The Kawaguchi interview itself is quite strange. It feels as though Director Taniguchi, Scriptwriter Okouchi and Producer Kawaguchi all have different interpretations regarding the show. On the subject of the phone conversation at the end of episode 23, Kawaguchi says that Okouchi originally wrote the scene intending to dramatize the mistaken nature of Lelouch and Suzaku's friendship (lit. trans: how it continually "passes each other by"), but Taniguchi said "If you need to confirm it, then you're not really friends" (The "After all, we're friends, aren't we?" line) and had the meaning of the scene changed. So... are they truly friends or not? I suppose they're "friends" in the sense that they truly care about each other, yet at the same time they can't be "true friends" because they're still hiding all sorts of secrets from each other. Kawaguchi, at least, is adamant that Lelouch and Suzaku cannot be considered friends. I'd like to see an Okouchi-only interview next to hear what he has to say on this matter XD Also, Kawaguchi referred to Lelouch as "Lulu" twice in the interview. Kawaguchi is a big fan of Lulu Quality, indeed. --- The infamous phone call in 23. Producer Kawaguchi actually offered an explanation in his interview on why Lelouch has Euphie's number. We know that he definitely has her number saved because "Euphemia" showed up on his cellphone; we also know that calls from unknown people show up on his phone as "No Number" (episode 13 -- assumed to be a call from Ougi and episode 15 -- Mao) Basically the (lame) explanation is: "They must have exchanged numbers on the deserted island (laugh)" I wonder what name Euphemia saved Lelouch's number under though. She can't possibly have saved it under "Lelouch"... she's not that much of an airhead... right? >__> Though "Zero" is a lot worse, but not as much as "My First Love, Eheh <3" --- Fake Okouchi questions from 2chan 1. (Did Suzaku know that Zero = Lelouch at the end of episode 23? If so, did Lelouch realize it as well?) No comment. 2. (When exactly will episodes 24 and 25 be aired during the summer? Will they not be aired first via Biglobe's internet streaming?) I don't think so . We weren't able to secure the slots in time. It's a little thick-skinned of me to say this, but to make up for it the animation and the directing etc. will be impressive. 3. (It seems to me that Suzaku is more important to Lelouch than Lelouch is to Suzaku. What exactly does Suzaku think of LuluNana?) To Suzaku, Lelouch is more of an old friend. As for Nunnally, rather than her being just the sister of a friend, it appears that he thinks of her as an important person. 4. (Will Lulu and C.C.'s line "Bestow upon me the mark of destruction! Consecrate it!" used in the pre-airing CMs appear in the show? A word about this line please.) I don't think the line will appear in the show. The lines said in the CMs are more like "catch copies" <"catch phrases" in English> 5. (Did Suzaku see V.V. or C.C. in episode 22? What was the reason behind it?) <-- The light silhouette in front of the Gawain It was C.C. It's somewhat like the mirage(?) of C.C. only Lelouch could see in episode 1. He saw it because he has the Geass potential. 6. (C.C. talked to Marianne in episode 23. Is Marianne in the World of C?) No comment. 7. (How does C.C. go about choosing Geass users? As long as they have potential everything's fine? For what reason did she choose Mao and Lelouch?) It's a secret, but the main criteria involved in the choosing is related to the bloodline as well as where and how the person grew up. 8. (In episode 7, C.C. said "The blood does not rebel" (Children take after their parents) Whose blood was she referring to? The Emperor's or Marianne's?) Both, I suppose. C.C. was teased *by Marianne* a lot, so I think she just wanted to get her back for it *by claiming that Lelouch takes after her?* 9. (Who's stronger: V.V. or C.C.?) It depends on what you mean by "strong", but if you were to make them fight each other mano-a-mano I think C.C. would be declared the victor. 10. (Will the "Lelouch being good at household chores" character setting be used in the future? Is it true that he made Zero's costume himself? Will such hidden character settings appear in the drama CDs etc?) I think the scenes that were cut from the show *such as the kiss with Kallen?* as well as the character settings that have yet to be shown will be included in the drama CDs and such. *He didn't actually state a specific media* 11. (What's the meaning behind the OP shot in which Lelouch rides a horse? What about the mugshots? Whose hand is it in the scene showing someone trying to grab hold of the person floating with the Geass mark?) Horse-riding is a sort of reference to piloting a Knightmare *they're "mares", after all* It implies that his (Lelouch's) main role isn't to pilot a Knightmare *he's more of a commander*, unlike Suzaku. Also, his elegant way of spurring a horse onward shows his prince-like quality / nature. This is further supported by the background, which was drawn with the Britannia homeland in mind. As for the mugshots, I think that those show the key characters whose actions help move the story forward, but I fear that only the director knows the truth of it. As for the hand, I think it's probably Nunnally's. (Actually I don't know either, but the skin-tone is the same as Nunnally's) 12. (What is the debt from 7 years ago? Will it be revealed in the 1st season?) The "Debt" doesn't only refer to one specific thing. One of it has to do with the Kururugi family forcing LuluNana into confinement *in a storage shed, no less* 13. (Will the Emperor's past cronies and Knight appear in the show?) That would depend on the 2nd season. 14. (Why is it that even though Nunnally calls Marianne "Okaa-sama" (polite), Lulu calls her "Kaa-san" (informal)? It's rather strange for royalty to do that.) I think perhaps it's a sort of code showing how he respected, trusted and in a way depended on his mother. The same goes for Suzaku calling himself "Ore". *Meaning it's a sort of clue about what goes on in their heads* 15. (How much time has passed in the show between episodes 1 ~ 25?) The actual length of time is made ambiguous, but I suppose it's quite close to the broadcast length in real life. *About 6 months?* 16. (The difference between a Knight and an Elected Knight (Suzaku, Guilford) please.) Originally, the term "Knight" is a general one referring to all Knightmare pilots. Elected Knights such as Guilford and Suzaku are those chosen by the royalty as personal protectors. It's just that for the convenience of the conversation there are times where the term "Knight" actually refers to "Elected Knight". 17. (A hidden character setting, please. Anything is fine.) In the early planning stages, Rivalz was named Radner *? Katakana = "radona"; I have no idea whether this is a name or whether he's referring to another famous person or what* and had a much bigger role. In a way, he had an evil side to him, more so than Lelouch, and was truly "bad company". However, if he was to be made into someone who had too much in common with Lelouch, Suzaku's existence would have less of an impact and thus changes were made. 18. (Will the period in which LuluNana lived by themselves be shown in the show? Or will these be covered by the Picture Dramas and Drama CDs?) Unknown. 19. (Was the Marianne shown in episode 22 part of C.C.'s memories? Why did Suzaku faint?) Rather than say that was C.C.'s memories, it would be more appropriate to say that was a scene showing her "vision". *That's exactly what he says in katakana* Suzaku collapsed because of C.C.'s shock attack. 20. (Villetta once said "Britannia is scary" when she was still Chigusa. Were those her real feelings?) That was her reacting to having been seriously wounded and having lost her memories. Besides that, she felt peaceful during her time with Ougi and was also influenced by his way of thinking. 21. (What are the requirements for the reactivation of Suzaku's "Live!" Geass? How will it affect him, exactly? Make him go berserk?) He will return to his original way of living and become more and more honest. *His "boku" personality is a false one used to protect himself* 22. (Are there plans to use the cut Zero / Kallen kiss scene (Source: Megami Magazine) in the future?) It is true that that scene was cut. A lot of adjustments were made around episode 20. The kiss event was to give Kallen courage after she lost her nerve to continue to act as a member of the Black Knights. Originally there was supposed to be a sequence of scenes showing her remembering the kiss, shaking off her hesitations and fighting whenever she was about to be discouraged. 23. (A word about the Emperor and Marianne, please.) No comment. 24. (What is the relation between V.V., Suzaku and Nunnally?) For Suzaku and Nunnally, it's just as I said in the answer for the 3rd question. As for V.V. and Suzaku, no comment. At the moment V.V. and Nunnally are not connected. 25. (A word about the future of the Ashford Academy Student Council members.) The school will become a part of the battlefield due to various calculations *? from which side? Nina...?* 26. (A hint about love relationships. Also, a word on why Euphie fell in love with Suzaku. Is Suzaku no longer a virgin?) No comment. *Yeah, 2chers like asking which characters are virgins. See: Virginity Theory* 27. (Kaguya called herself The Goddess of Victory. Did something happen before this to support her claim?) Unknown. --- Ura de Net Geass! Participants: Tanaka Kazunari (Tamaki VA) Yoshino Hiroyuki (Secondary scriptwriter / series composition) Kawaguchi Yoshitaka (Producer) Morotomi Youshi (Producer, MBS TV station side) - An 8 hour meeting was held to determine C.C.'s name and real identity. Supposedly none of the participants ate or drank throughout the whole thing (Okouchi: "Give me something to eat!") According to Yoshino, whenever he thought the meeting was about to come to an end, someone would start up again and the meeting would continue with no end in sight. XD - The title "Code Geass" was a fairly last-minute decision (the tentative title was "Lelouch of the Rebellion") The production team were in a panic over the lack of a proper title; "We need a title to design the title logo!" etc. - Yoshino: "A strange scriptwriter joined around episode 12." (referring to himself) According to him, for episodes 1 ~ 11 all he did was comment on Okouchi's scripts: "Oh, I like this. I don't like this. This is cool." etc. Okouchi got annoyed and told him "Why don't you write the scripts then?" (Yoshino wrote the scripts for episodes 12, 13 and 19) Dark Okouchi >__> - Mao's repetitive clapping didn't exist in the scripting stages; Taniguchi was the one who later added it to make him "more annoying". Also, according to the producers, the Mao arc had the highest ratings o__O - Originally, Toudou was supposed to join Lelouch's side much earlier. They talk about the Diethard and Toudou shot in the ED. All are baffled by it; conclusion: "Only Taniguchi knows." - Okouchi wrote the script for episode 18; according to Yoshino, Okouchi told him: "Isn't it exciting, leaving viewers wondering whether Lelouch Geass'd Suzaku?" Yoshino: "So how are you going to wrap this up?" Dark Okouchi: "I'll think about it later!" XD Each time Yoshino asked him if he's thought of it yet, Okouchi would reply: "Not yet." Seems like Okouchi is a fairly laidback character XD - Yoshino ended up writing the script for episode 19; supposedly he requested to do it, saying "Oh well, if (Okouchi) wants me to write a script, I might as well do the island arc." (he's more or less the fanservice supervisor for this show) According to him (and the Newtype Taniguchi + Fu-kuyama interview), this was how Lelouch's trap was supposed to work: Lelouch successfully digs a proper hole --> However, a boar appears behind him --> Lelouch tries to Geass it: "Lelouch Vi Britannia orders you to SIT!" --> Geass doesn't work on animals --> Lulu Quality Tragedy (Wait, isn't this just like that one fancomic? o__O) However, Taniguchi changed it all, telling Yoshino: "Well, in the first place, Lelouch isn't capable of digging such a hole..." - The reason why the writers made Kallen stand on Gawain's shoulder instead of getting into the two-seater cockpit with Lelouch in episode 19: "There's no way Kallen will hand over the 2nd-pilot position to anyone else once she's in there." Good point. - Will we see Gawain engaging in electronic warfare? Maybe, maybe not. However, officially Gawain is equipped for it (Druid System) The producers and Tanaka all agree that Gawain is pretty much a h4x mecha in this show. - According to Tanaka, right after the airing of episode 22, 3 of his friends rang him up asking "What the hell was that? I need to know what happens next!" etc. According to Kawaguchi, "some of the viewers may have been satisfied with the handshake in episode 22, but actually, a lot more people would have been upset..." - After episode 23, the production team received letters from fans saying "Okouchi is so evil", "Dark Okouchi" etc. According to the 4 of them, Okouchi doesn't like that. Realizing Okouchi may be listening to this, they start sucking up to him, saying things like "Okouchi is a wonderful person!" "He's an... *long pause* honest person!" Tanaka: "I love Okouchi!... okay, moving on..." XD XD XD - Tanaka says he isn't allowed to talk about episode 24, but he dropped some hints, like: "I had no idea that part in episode 23 was a foreshadowing" and "So that was what that person was doing". Okay...

We are in 2017 and I’m still not over Lelouch and Suzaku’s fate.

We knew all along that Suzaku had the mentality “If you are going to take someone’s life you have to be ready to lose your own.”

But I personally never expected it from Lelouch. But in the end. He always was ready to die.He just didn’t want it to happen too early. So that every lives he took would count for something.

It doesn’t excuse what he did. what either of them did In anyway. But he was just a teenage boy, trying to undo what his father had done.Just like Suzaku killed his own father to stop the war and protect his peoples.Lelouch wanted to destroy his family's reign to protect everyone, especially Nunally whom he had taken care of his whole life.

And in the end both of those boys accepted their punishments. Lelouch died even though he had fought so hard to live, even though he knew he would never again see Nunally’s smile, would never see her grow up and fully knowing that no one would ever know what he had done for all of them and that is name would be cursed and slandered throughout history. And Susaku lived, even though he had so dearly wished to die, Suzaku lived, Wearing the mask of his most hated nemesis, with the blood of his father, best friend and countless others splattered across his hands.His own name further slandered and having to bite his tongue for the rest of his mortal life as peoples slandered Lelouch. Being the only one who knew what he had done for them.

I still wish to this day that someone else could have stepped up and uncovered the whole plot. Could have told everyone what those 2 stupid teenage boys were trying to accomplish. Could have revealed what they were about to do. That both of them were committing suicide in their names. And tell the world about what was done to them. Because I’m sorry, but using Lelouch as Julius Kingsley was absolutely abhorrent.

Both of them would never have been happy about it. Both of them would have felt guilty to live after killing so many themselves.And I wish everyone could have known how guilty they were.

I wish that Schneizel, Cornelia and Nunally could have run up to them and hugged them both. I wish that the world could have understood everything they had done for them. And found it in their heart to put their hatred aside to build the better world they had dreamed of without killing them. That they could have find it in their heart to punish him but in an humane and understanding way.

And beyond all.... I wish that the peoples knew what they did.... And Realized that they owed their peace to two teenage boys. Not to some over glorified monsters. Two teenage boys, whom both faced their families and friends in order to achieve peace. Two teenage boys who cast away everything that made them themselves. In order for the world to be at peace.

I wish that those teenage boys sacrificed their lives to create a symbol of hope in Zero. In order for their wish and to wish of every single ones of them, to be granted.

I wish that everyone could know the relief that Suzaku saw in Lelouch’s eyes just before his blade stabbed through him. The deliverance of knowing that at last, he would be freed from the guilt. That at last everything he had done to culminate to this point would have a meaning.

I wish that everyone could have seen the tears running down Suzaku’s cheeks and the determination in his eyes as he killed his best friend. The knowledge that with this act he was killing the last vestige of Suzaku Kururugi together with Lelouch Vi Britannia. That with this act he would forever be prisoner of the mask of Zero he had so hated.

Perhaps the worst part is that Suzaku had to live on with the pain of it. I wonder how many times he wished that he could have truly lied in his own grave or died by his friend’s side.

 “Beneath this mask there is more than flesh, Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof."  

“There are no coincidences, only the illusion of coincidences” 

“People should not be afraid of their government, government should be afraid of their people.”

The past can't hurt you anymore, unless you let it.

“No one will ever forget that night and what it meant for this country. But I will never forget the man and what he meant to me. “

“Remember, remember, the Fifth of November, the Gunpowder Treason and Plot. I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot... But what of the man? I know his name was Guy Fawkes and I know, in 1605, he attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. But who was he really? What was he like? We are told to remember the idea, not the man, because a man can fail. He can be caught, he can be killed and forgotten, but 400 years later, an idea can still change the world. I've witnessed first hand the power of ideas, I've seen people kill in the name of them, and die defending them... but you cannot kiss an idea, cannot touch it, or hold it... ideas do not bleed, they do not feel pain, they do not love... And it is not an idea that I miss, it is a man... A man that made me remember the Fifth of November. A man that I will never forget.”

“Delia Surridge: Is it meaningless to apologize?                                               V: Never                                                                                                          Delia Surridge: I'm so sorry”

“A building is a symbol, as is the act of destroying it. Symbols are given power by people. Alone, a symbol is meaningless, but with enough people, blowing up a building can change the world.”

“It is to Madame Justice that I dedicate this concerto, in honor of the holiday that she seems to have taken from these parts, and in recognition of the impostor that stands in her stead.”

“V: What was done to me created me.  It's a basic principle of the universe that every action causes an equal and opposing reaction.                                         Evey: Is that really how you look at it?  Like an equation...?                                V: What was done to me was monstrous!                                                             Evey: And it created a monster...”

“It is strange that my life should end in such a terrible place, but for three years I had roses and apologized to nobody. I shall die here. Every inch of me shall perish... Except one. An inch. It is small and fragile and it's the only thing in the world that's worth having. We must never lose it or sell it or give it away. We must never let them take it from us. I don't know who you are but I hope you escape this place. I hope that the world turns and things get better and that one day people have roses again. I don't know who you are but I love you. I love you.”

“Happiness is the most insidious prison of all, Evey”

“I hope that whoever you are, you escape this place. I hope that the world turns and that things get better.”

“But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that, even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you, I love you. With all my heart, I love you.”

“He was Edmond Dantes. And he was my father, and my mother, my brother, my friend. He was you, and me. He was all of us.”   - V for Vendetta        

May they all rest in peace at last. And may we all remember. Remember that ideas and wishes transcend time.

Code Geass: A Tale of Two Demons. CH5: The Man in Control

Chapter five of A Tale of Two Demons. The Battle of Shinjuku Ghetto is about to take place, and all parties involved will soon be face to face.

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Lelouch, a Britannian youth who was given the power of geass seven years ago, has just made his first move against his homeland of Britannia. His goal is to find out who killed his mother and to create a better world for his sister, Nunnally. His actions will change everything as the world will be thrown into chaos. As time goes on, he will need to gain allies in order to bring down the empire of Britannia and rid Japan of its corruption.

Suzaku, a Japanese youth who was also given the power of geass, has just encountered a masked Lelouch, and later meets Princess Euphemia li Britannia. The time will come for Suzaku to make a choice that could ruin his relationships among friends and family.

In the subway tunnel to Shinjuku, Lelouch sees a group of people approaching him. “Now, who the hell are you?” Tamaki says as he and the others see the masked figure in their way.

“My name is of no importance to you.” Lelouch replies. “All you need to know is that I am a person who detests their own country.” He adds.

“Now what’s that supposed to mean?” Tamaki says, getting flustered.

“What it means, is that I am the most wanted man alive.” He replies. ‘Crap, there’s too many of them to deal with, but it seems like this guy is the only one wanting to pick a fight.’ Lelouch mentally says, seeing that the red haired guy in front of him is the only one getting agressive.

“We’re all wanted, one way or another.” Ohgi says.

“I’ve had enough of you, punk!” Tamaki says, angrily. “I say we beat this guy to a pulp. Maybe there’s a reward for him.” He adds, turning to face the masked man. He then rushes towards Lelouch, who doesn’t flinch until Tamaki is real close to him.

Lelouch ducks and kicks Tamaki’s foot, sending falling to the ground. Before Tamaki can get back up, Lelouch places his foot right between Tamaki’s shoulder blades, pinning him to the ground. “All I seek is a place to lay low.” Lelouch says, getting close to Tamaki. “The Britannians will most likely be after me, so if you don’t mind, I’ll be on my way.” He adds, getting up.

“I’ll take you to our hideout.” Ohgi says. “Just let Tamaki go, and I’ll lead the way.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that.” Lelouch says, moving away from Tamaki, who then gets back to his feet.

“Ohgi, are you really going to take this guy, who we don’t even know, to our base.” Tamaki says. “What do you think Naoto’s going to say when he learns of this.”

‘Naoto? Kallen’s brother’s part of this?’ Lelouch mentally says once he hears Naoto’s name being said.

“Naoto would do the same, Tamaki.” Ohgi replies. “Although I don’t like the fact that Britannia is after you, I’ll offer shelter for the time being.” He says to the masked man. “The rest of you head back to base.” He says to the others. When the others leave the tunnel, Ohgi signals for the cloaked man to follow him.

In the lower levels of the embassy, Jeremiah and the Purebloods are preparing to assault one of the ghettos. “Shinjuku Ghetto is the closest of the ghettos to the embassy, and that will be our first move.” Jeremiah says as he informs the Purebloods.

“Lord Jeremiah, shall we contact Bartley and have his forces surround the ghetto.” One of the Pureblood lords says.

“Do that, Kewell. Once we are all in position, prepare to destroy the ghetto.” Jeremiah replies. “We will avenge Clovis’s death.” He adds. When the Purebloods leave the room, Jeremiah heads towards his purple and red Sutherland knightmare frame.

“Getting the Britannian military involved in a Japanese conflict, my someone had to have done something wrong.” A person says from behind Jeremiah. Jeremiah turns around and sees a tall man with violet hair, dressed in a long, white lab coat.

“What does the Special Corps want, Earl Asplund?” Jeremiah says, upon seeing the bespectacled man.

“We have developed a new knightmare model, and we want it to be tested. But with the lack of Britannian involvement here, we were about to pack up and head to the front lines with Cornelia.” The Earl replies.

“I don’t have time to test a new knightmare, Lloyd. My Sutherland will suffice for the time being.” Jeremiah replies, turning around and heading for his Sutherland.

“Well, Cecile, looks like we might have to have Cornelia test Lancelot.” Lloyd says as a dark blue haired woman dressed in an orange uniform approaches.

“I’ll prepare to have Lancelot sent to the airport, and we’ll leave as soon as possible.” Cecile replies.

Naoto reaches his home, the Stadtfeld Manor, and heads for the main door. Once he enters the house, he is greeted by a maid of Japanese descent. “Welcome home, my lord.” The maid greets Naoto.

“Mother, you know you don’t have to be doing this.” Naoto replies, not pleased that his mother has become a maid for the Stadtfeld family.

“There’s nothing wrong with what I’ve chosen to do with my life. However the Mistress isn’t too happy that I have chosen to stay.” Ms. Kozuki says.

“So you’ve decided to come home, boy.” Ms. Stadtfeld says, as she appears from the second floor. “There’s someone on the phone who wants to talk with you.” She says, returning to the second floor.

“Who would call me here?” Naoto asks, he then checks his pockets and discovers that he left his cell in Shinjuku.

“It’s the lieutenant colonel, Naoto.” Ms. Kozuki replies. She then returns to her duties of caring for the manor. Naoto then heads up the stairs and into the lounge. Before he picks up the phone, he hears the sounds of footsteps approaching him.

“Naoto, you came home.” Kallen says, excited to see her older brother. She then rushes towards him and hugs him.

“I missed you too, Kallen.” Naoto replies, hugging his younger sister. He then breaks apart from Kallen and looks into her eyes. “So, how’s school going?” He asks.

“Life on the student council is interesting as always. Martial arts is proving to be easy. I’ve been worried about you for the past few days, Naoto, but I’m still top in my classes.” Kallen replies.

“Martial arts? That’s a club at Ashford?” Naoto asks. “Who’s the head of the club?” He asks, curiously.

“The Prime Minister’s son, Suzaku Kururugi.” Kallen replies. “His cousin, Kaguya is in the club as well.” She adds.

“Well, I’ve got a call to take, Kallen. I’ll see you around.” He says, heading to the phone. Kallen leaves the lounge and heads back to her room, as Naoto takes the phone. “Stadtfeld residence, this is Naoto speaking.” Naoto says.

“Kozuki, this is Lieutenant Colonel Tohdoh. We have a situation that you and your rebels can take care of.” Tohdoh says over the phone.

Naoto looks around the room and sees that no one is nearby. “How did you know, Colonel?” Naoto whispers.

“It wasn’t that hard to deduce, Naoto. I too wish to see Japan change for the better, but I am loyal to Kururugi to the end.” Tohdoh replies.

“Do the others know?” Naoto asks, with concern in his voice.

“If you mean the Four Holy Swords, then no. If you meant you squad, we informed them as they returned to base.” Tohdoh replies.

“Then what is it that we have to do?” Naoto asks.

“Return to base and I’ll give you the details of your task.” Tohdoh replies. Naoto then hears the dial tone as Tohdoh hangs up. After he hangs up the phone, Naoto then prepares to head out.

“Ambassador.” Euphemia says in surprise. “I’ll at least be acting ambassador until my sister arrives.” She adds. “Suzaku Kururugi, would you mind escorting me to the embassy.” She says, extending her hand. Suzaku looks away from euphemia, thinking about what to do next.

“I owe it to Lelouch and Nunnally to see you return safely.” Suzaku says, reaching a decision. “I’ll gladly take you to the embassy, milady.” He says, facing Euphy and taking her hand. They then leave the storage room and prepare to depart for the Britannian embassy.

“Suzaku, would you mind showing me the city. This might be the only time I get to see it as it is.” Euphy asks as they reach the base of the stairs.

“Your wish is my command, milady.” Suzaku replies, bowing to Euphy. They then begin their long walk back to the embassy, with Suzaku leading the way and showing Euphy all the sights of the Settlement. Euphy’s guards are keeping an eye on the two as the walk through the city. As Suzaku and Euphy stroll through the city taking in the sights, window shopping, and eating street food, Euphy then sees a stray cat. Suzaku hears Euphy meow, and turns to see her in front of a little black cat, its left paw above the ground in pain.

“Oh, does the kitty’s paw hurt?” Euphy says, meowing again. She then moves her hand close to the cat, and it nuzzles against her fingers. Suzaku approaches, chuckling a little at the sight before him. Euphy then picks up the cat and shows it to Suzaku. He then moves his hand in front of the cat, who then hisses and bites Suzaku’s index finger. “Oh my.” Euphy says, shocked at what has just happened. They then find a place to sit and Euphy bandages the cat’s paw. “Do you have trouble with cats?” She asks Suzaku.

“I like them fine. However…” Suzaku says, moving his hand close to the cat again. The cat hisses and Suzaku backs off. “The attraction isn’t mutual.” He finishes. The cat then jumps and runs off, away from Suzaku and Euphy.

“Oh, the kitty ran away.” Euphy says, saddened that the cat ran off.

“We’re not that far from the embassy, Euphy.” Suzaku says, getting up.

“Alright, lead the way.” Euphy says, getting up as well. As they approach the Britannian embassy, they hear the sound of knightmare land rollers squealing. Looking around, they see all of the stationed knightmares leaving the embassy.

“What’s going on here?” Suzaku asks.

“I’m not sure, but there has to be a reason for this. Come on, Suzaku.” Euphy says, dragging him with her, into the embassy. Once inside, the embassy staff see the princess enter the building and bow to her. “Why have the Purists left in their knightmares?” Euphy asks.

“They are heading to Shinjuku to take care of the nearby terrorists.” One of the staff members replies.

“Terrorists? I thought the Japanese had them under control.” Euphy says. “You think that Clovis’s assassin is a terrorist?” She asks.

“Pray tell, how do you know about what has just happened today?” Lloyd asks as he enters the lobby.

“I… uh.” Euphy starts, not quite knowing what to say.

“I told her.” Suzaku says.

“Interesting.” Lloyd says, looking at Suzaku. “You’re the son of the Prime Minister, yes?” He asks.

“I am.” Suzaku replies.

“With Princess Euphemia here, Cornelia should be here soon. Am I right, princess?” Lloyd asks, looking at Euphy.

“You are correct. However, I can’t give a time of arrival.” Euphy replies.

“I see.” Lloyd says. He then looks back at Suzaku. “Do you have any experience in piloting a knightmare?” He asks him.

“Britannians would never make the Japanese knights.” Suzaku replies, shocked at the offer.

“Well, assuming you could.” Lloyd says, holding up a knightmare activation key. “Besides, it’s data I’m after. We need this knightmare field tested.” Lloyd adds.

At the Japanese base in Tokyo, Naoto arrives and is greeted by his squad and the Lieutenant Colonel. “Glad you could make it, Kozuki. Your mission is to evacuate Shinjuku Ghetto of civilians, and to aid the Britannians in their goal of ridding the ghetto of terrorists.” Tohdoh says.

“Aid the Britannians, are you crazy.” Tamaki says. He then looks away when the others are glaring at him.

“Kyoto wants you to test their newest model of knightmare as well. The Burai knightmare frames.” Tohdoh says.

“New knightmares. Let’s hope that they’re better than our current Glasgows.” Naoto says. He and the others follow Tohdoh until they arrive at the knightmare hangar and see several dark colored knightmares, one with a samurai mask design.

“These are your new knightmares.” Tohdoh says, indicating the group of knightmares in front of them.

“Alright guys, let’s save the people of Shinjuku.” Naoto says, as he goes to the more colorful of the Burai. When they have all entered the knightmares, they power them up and prepare to head out to the ghetto.

“You are to aid the Britannians when you can.” Tohdoh says, over the communications.

“Understood, Tohdoh.” Naoto, and the others reply. They then change their communication frequency to their own. “We get everyone out of Shinjuku, even the other resistance groups.” Naoto says.

“Got it, boss.” The others reply.

In Shinjuku Ghetto, Ohgi has lead Lelouch to their hideout. “Well this is our home away from home.” Ohgi says. He then sees the masked man looking around the base.

“It’s as I thought. Terrorists.” Lelouch says. “A civil war won’t end Japan’s corruption.” He adds, figuring out what it is that they are planning. He then hears the sound of a gun being cocked. He turns around and sees Ohgi pointing a Japanese model handgun at him. “Go ahead, shoot. You’ll pay the price later on.” Lelouch says, unfazed.

“What do you mean by that.” Ohgi says, keeping the gun pointed at the masked man.

“I am your only hope against Britannia.” Lelouch replies. “Kill me now, and Britannia will make Japan an Area of the empire. You will lose your identity as Japanese, and become a number. Do you really want that?” Lelouch says. He sees that Ohgi is still pointing the gun at him, but hasn’t fired yet. “I see. So you understand, those who should kill are those who are prepared to be killed.” He adds. Lelouch then sees Ohgi lower the gun.

“Hey, Ohgi! You there!” A voice says over a radio. Ohgi then grabs the radio.

“Yeah, I’m here, Tamaki.” Ohgi replies.

“Good, the Britannians haven’t found you yet.” Naoto says.

“The Britannians are in Shinjuku?” Ohgi asks. He then sees the masked man look in his direction.

“Yeah, and by the looks of things, they’re going to surround the ghetto. We need to get everyone out of Shinjuku.” Naoto replies. “Ohgi, get the other groups to help fight back.” He adds. Before Ohgi can respond, Lelouch takes the radio.

“Listen closely. Once you are all in position, follow my orders and you will win.” Lelouch says over the radio.

“Now who is this, and how did you get access to our base.” Naoto asks.

“Are you not afraid that these transmissions are being intercepted as we speak.” Lelouch asks. “I see we understand each other.” Lelouch says after a pause of silence.

“What do we need to do?” Naoto asks.

“Knightmares. You got here quickly, so what model are you using?” Lelouch asks.

“Burai, a modified Glasgow.” Naoto replies.

“Your enemy has Sutherlands, they'll outmatch your Glasgows.” Lelouch says. He then hears the sound of gunfire near the base.

“They found us!” Ohgi shouts.

“You, get out of here. We will need the other groups to aid us in this battle.” Lelouch says, calmly.

“Right. Do you really expect to win against a knightmare?” Ohgi asks as he prepares to flee.

“I have my ways. Now get out of here. This victory might just revolve around you escaping.” Lelouch says. Once Ohgi leaves the base, Lelouch changes out of his black and purple outfit and back into his dark clothes and red jacket. He then sees a phone on one of the tables present and takes it, just before the wall in front of him and part of the ceiling collapses. As the wall collapses, Lelouch takes cover and sees that his case is covered enough so that only he can see it.