Chapter VII

Perhaps she should rethink this plan. This was too hastily thought out - risky and half hearted.

But then again, this is one of the rare chance for her to meet Lelouch in close proximity.

Lilianne just knew Jeremiah is back in the military base making a fuss about 'where is the Princess' for others to clean up while he is cheering inwardly for this plan to succeed.

She probably shouldn't worry Cornelia like this - not when she just lost to Zero in Saitama, but Lelouch took more importance.

Hotel Hijack incident, basically do what Euphy was supposed to do, the only problem is that she forgot the exact details.

That's fine enough, but risky.

Of course she remembered that particular detail about Suzaku being in the same school as Lelouch. She sent him there for further education and undercover work to find useful talents. And Suzaku looks like he wanted to tell her something but refrained to - probably something along the lines of Lelouch and Nunally's survival. Lilianne hadn't told Suzaku about her knowing her siblings' survival despite Suzaku entering her inner circle. Better keep it that way.

Lilianne scowled when she was herded into a room together with the other guests by the JLF. It has been such a long time since she was in a room as crowded as this.

She used her Geass, planting fear and anxiety to the hostages - hopefully one of them would say something to somehow offend the Japanese soldiers.

It succeeded.

Her eyes focused on Lelouch's fellow student council. A glassed green hair, busty blonde, and that swimmer, hurdled together quite a distant from her, and a couple of the soldiers venting their temper on them after what the glassed girl said.

Nina Einstein, Milly Ashford, and Shirley Fenette her mind supplied, recalling the data Vio searched about the council.

"I suppose that's enough, Mister Soldier," Lilianne interrupted the soldiers before they can go even further.

"And who are you!" the most temperamental one hurled, "You have no right to stop us you Britannia scum!"

"Just a Britannian who is on a vacation," she answered in Japanese smoothly. Years of learning an entirely different language finally paid off.

"Don't think that speaking our language can -"

"I forgot to mention that I'm a royalty. Lilianne vi Britannia, on your service. I'd like a meeting with your commander, please."

There was a shocked murmur, before she was escorted out of the room for the meeting.

"Britannians," she called back before she exited the room. "Don't worry. I'm here."

And her Geass became fully activated, the whole room fell into a strange sense of calmness.

.o0o.o0o.

Lelouch scowled as the discussion with General Kusakabe went awry. Maybe Geass will do.

The door slid open and Lilianne came, escorted by two soldiers, each on her side.

Damn, now he can't use Geass.

"Zero," she greeted eyes trailing all over the room, "the person behind the piling paperworks, and the ire of Cornelia. Hopefully the amount of chaos you are causing will reduce."

"I am afraid not," he answered.

"Pity."

"General Kusakabe," she greeted to the other man.

"Princess Lilianne vi Britannia, what a surprise to see you here." Kusakabe greeted.

"I'm on a well sought vacation."

"Well," a grin too smug was painted on his face, "This old man is glad that you are here."

"Of course," Liliane said. "Though I suggest you to surrender, or the soldiers here will die needlessly and in vain."

"A meeting of leaders with different opinions," Kusakabe scoffed. "But it seems that Zero is siding with the Britannians this time, but I am still the one who hold all the advantages."

"Is that so?" Lilianne asked as she leered to Zero before her eyes snapped back to Kusakabe. "Surprise, surprise, but you are still today's trouble maker. I'll deal with Zero after I'm done with you."

"I do not side with Japanese or… Britannians, especially not royalties." Zero said, stressing the last word with disdain.

"And the both of you are surrounded by my soldiers." Kusakabe intoned.

"Geass…" Lilianne started, and Lelouch could feel the fear gripping on him because Lilianne know about this power, "is the power of Kings, you can never hope to win against one."

"Wha-"

"Oh, I know a Geass user when I see one." Lilianne's eyes skimmed Zero, "They have that confidence the mundanes does not have. The confidence brought forth by doing the impossible."

"Well," Kusakabe cut in, "It seems that Zero shares some secret with the Brits. Nevertheless, I'll know what secret it is in due time. Soldiers! Capture them alive!"

Lilianne slid out a pistol from each of her sleeves - Lelouch wondered how she could slip in a weapon here - and pulled the trigger when they are aimed at the two escort's jugular.

"Your Geass," Lilianne said she shoot the soldiers, "Is the Absolute Obedience, is it not? Would you like to demonstrate this princess of your skills? I love seeing strong Geass in action."

And a moment, an order, gunshot resounded, dead bodies thudded to the ground.

"Curious," Zero remarked, "it seems that Geass is a common knowledge for royalties."

"Not really, among the prince and princesses, I am the only one who knew about it, and Clovis came really close to knowing."

"And the reason you came to Japan concerns it?"

"Perhaps? I never wanted to get involved in tiresome things."

Perhaps, Lilianne thought, she's pampering Lelouch with too much free information.

"Come with me."

And Lilianne immediately fell into steps with him, she briefly felt Zero surprise - probably because it looks like she looks so at ease with 'an enemy'.

Zero did what he was supposed to do - press the detonator, order the evacuation - before she actually follow him as he escaped.

.o0o.o0o.

"Well, what do we have here?" Lilianne asked, a smile playing on her lips as she made a low whistling tone. "Protocol dictates I should signal for help or do my best to annihilate your people."

"You Britannia!" a rather familiar red head man shouted. "Zero! Why did you bring her to our midst!"

"He is dropping me off." Lilianne said drily. "All in all, it's an interesting vacation, which I do not want to be repeated. Or, there is a chance that here will be kidnapping me."

"You do have information that I want, Princess Lilianne vi Britannia."

There was a stifled gasp amongst the ranks of Black Knights when Zero revealed her royalty status - which was hidden due the sunglasses she was wearing.

"Of what sort?" Lilianne questioned, "Of the court? Military? Or maybe assassinations? I am not answering about the supernaturals, because even I have limited knowledge regarding those."

"You know a lot of things," Zero stated, "Which is why you are coming with us."

"Ah, but is that not the opposite of what you are trying to portray your organization as? How about I just tell you right here right now? I have a feeling what question you want to ask."

A deep breath, a coy smile, and Lilianne revealed the answer to the question he has been longing. "Oddly, the Emperor is innocent in this case, however the decision is made due to the Emperor's fault. No one you suspected is the instigator. However, the instigator have the Emperor's blood. You are right if you want to destroy the whole Britannian royalties."

"And the instigator… is unscathed and free."

"Right now, yes." Lilianne said with a wry smile, which is me and Uncle V. "Stronger than ever."

"How about you join us?" Zero offered. "As a spy amongst the royalty."

A momentary look of surprise flitted Lilianne's face, before she doubled over in laughter. Her amusement rolling in waves, laced with desperation and loneliness.

"As interesting as it is, there is a reason I am the Emperor's favorite."

"And that is?"

"My ability to annihilate lies and my inability to lie. Those are the Emperor's favorite value in a human being." a beat of silence, before she continued. "I should get going right now."

"By any means, use one of the boat we docked over there. It's a pity you refused my offer."

"A warning, Sir Zero. The emperor have ways to make the dead talk. You made a mistake with Clovis. He knows. But he won't move, because he considered earthly matter to be… lowly." The princess snapped back to the Black Knights. "Now make way for me. I still have 3 days of my vacation waiting."

.o0o.o0o.

She knows…

Lelouch took of the mask and leaned on the wastafel. He let the water run and get rid of the sweat that matted his bangs after prolonged use of the mask.

Lilianne talked as if she knows who was behind this mask. As if she know why he was there, why he did those things. Talked as if she knows everything. Know about him, about Geass, about the court.

Why did Lilianne betray him by garnering the Emperor's favor?

No, wait. That is the way of the court - probably how Lilianne have managed to survive long - by stroking the Emperor's ego and doing the important things he deemed unworthy of his attention.

They are only half-nobles. Surviving in the court is nigh impossible.

But to be close enough that she know what information the Emperor have? To openly declare that he favored her among all else?

And also… the Emperor making the dead talk.

How is that possible? No. Making the dead talk. If Mother had died and the Emperor had methods of communicating with her, than the Emperor would've known who the instigator is. And yet the investigation was called off. Why?

His thoughts were disturbed when he heard a door sliding open and the Black Knights trickling into the headquarters. Lelouch quickly put on his mask - just to be on the safe side - and stay inside the restroom.

"That was the first time we heard about Zero's personal goal."

"Zero looks like he had some sort of vendetta against Britannian royalties."

"Well, he aims big for sure."

"That one with the Princess earlier is rather tense."

"And I thought she was scum - turns out she is a royal - the lowliest of all scum!"

Tamaki the idiot. Lelouch had always blacklisted him since day one. But he can't deny that Tamaki is good for the morale.

"That princess was also there when Ohgi and I help Zero's first appearance. She killed one of her knights easily. And she let Zero escape."

"Looks like she support Zero."

"OR it can be a facade."

Lelouch decided it was time for him to reveal himself and entered the room, before speculations about his twin turns wild.

"Princess Lilianne vi Britannia will not actively stop what we do, however, she will do so if the Emperor ordered her so. And yes, I wish to destroy Britannian Royalties, along with their system."

"Zero!"

"Any questions will be answered in due time. Just know that Black Knights will protect the weak, and will destroy Britannia's ruling system."

.o0o.o0o.

"Hello, Diethard."

The day has been troublesome. He had just been demoted for the stunt he pulled during the hotel hijack and was just returning to his apartment when he heard the voice - low female tone that somehow portrayed a life of monotony.

"Who's there!" His eyes darted around the room, his eyes finally landing on two figures lounging on the couch.

"She is her Majesty, Princess Lilianne vi Britannia." a voice of a male resounded, "Please show your respect."

Diethard paled, immediately kneeling with his hand to his heart - just like how he had recorded knights and nobles bow in the presence of the royalties - and stuttered his apologies. The princess doesn't seem to care, instead waved her hand in a dismissive motion.

"You have been demoted." she stated, "I want you to work for me."

Diethard had a feeling of where this is going. Princess Lilianne - for all her… lack of public appearance, is oddly the emperor's favorite. There are whispers of how she control an assassin group under the Emperor - nothing specific, but the whispers remain.

"Be a part of Venom, Diethard." the Princess said, "I can send you to strategical position where you can devote yourself to recording the… glories of the upcoming future. I'll even tell you a couple of the kingdom's secrets."

"What will you have me work on, Your Highness?"

There was a tired smile on her lips as she said, "Be a spy in the midst of Black Knights. Glorify the Black Knights using your skill. It's not so far from you original goal, no? I know you have been planning on enrolling into the Black Knights."

"You want… information on Black Knight's activity," Diethard carefully said, "I'm afraid it will compromise my position among the ranks."

Lilianne hummed, leaning further into the couch. "I do not necessarily need information updates on them. I want you to keep track on some individuals and do some missions in the future."

"I am about to betray Britannia, and yet you give this offer?"

"Who said that I do not want you to betray Britannia?" Lilianne chuckled and it was then that he understood what she is implying. "I'll give you information about the court and militaries. I want you to use those information to make them stronger."

But she is royalty! The Emperor's favorite!

"Why?" he managed to choke out.

"Now…" Lilianne let out a darkly amused smile, "that's an interesting question, isn't it? Jeremiah, tell him about who is behind Zero's mask, and only that. I think it's high time I return to the banquette before those grovelling nobles get suspicious."

"Understood, Princess."

.o0o.o0o.

"There was another Geass user?" Lilianne hummed. "In here? Area 11?"

"Unrecorded one," Vio repeated. "Chinese decent. He attacked Prince Lelouch few weeks ago, and it seems he escaped confinement once more."

"And he will probably attack Lelouch." Lilianne sighed. "God, why does Lulu have to be troublesome."

"Shall we detain him?"

"No, I want him to work for me. You think his Geass is Mind Reading. That is useful to have."

"And he is psychopathic-"

"Which I can neutralize with my Geass."

.o0o.o0o.

"We managed to cut in before Code Bearer C.C. managed to shoot him." Vio reported. "But Prince Lelouch had managed to order him to become mute for the rest of his life."

Liliane stared at Mao, Bended over before her feet, feeling exasperation rising at how how how troublesome Lelouch really is. Mao struggled before, wanting to speak, and yet no voice came out. Struggling vigorously, and yet the rope is still as tight as ever.

"I want all of you to leave the room," Lilianne ordered to her two faithful servant and Jeremiah. Suzaku is wherever Lelouch is now. Lilianne had skimmed the report and found that Suzaku had played a major part in immobilizing Mao, and in turn, saving her dear sister, Nunally.

When it was just the two of them in her room. Lilianne welcomed him digging into her mind. Letting images fleet through, from her previous live, to her deal with God Almighty, to her life here, right now as Lilianne-

Mao stilled, his expression scrunched as if not understanding what he is seeing.

"It is true." Lilianne said, "Reincarnation does happen."

A steely glint appeared in Mao's face, and he dug into her mind with more fervor. Digging into her time with her brother in the previous live, and the time her brother got interested in an anime called Code Geass-

Mao stopped, eyes wide, tears threatening to come out.

"Yes," Lilianne answered the unasked question. "C.C. will no doubt kill you."

Betrayal and hurt painted his face, but before Mao could do anything drastic, she activated her Geass, giving Mao a sense of calmness that he had never experienced.

"You don't need C.C." Lilianne offered. "I'll offer you this sense of calmness with my Geass. It'll be your choice if you want to work under me or not. I need your skill, you need this sense of emptiness. It'll beneficial for both of us. And we are currently developing an Anti-Geass, which might or might not cancel the effect of Absolute Obedience that makes you mute."

It was silent for a moment. But Mao nodded in the end.

.o0o.o0o.

The news are running rampant. There are Liliane's official declaration of opening a Special Administrative Zone for the Japanese. There are public invitations for other royals to visit Japan. And then the deaths of a couple nobles.

Zero drummed his fingers on the table, thinking of possibilities of why Lilianne would administer the Special Administrative Zone of Japan, when Lelouch was quite sure she was not interested in any Japanese-Britannian relation.

He was given 2 choices. To go along the SAZ and lose his chance to raise hell towards the Britannian government, or to go against SAZ and everything the Black Knights stood for.

Either way, it will cost him dire.

Is this one of her mind games? But Lilianne never would do something like this without careful consideration.

His fellow Black Knights are in contemplation. Tamaki for one, were against the SAZ, stating it was a trick that the royals would play. Ohgi was in for the SAZ, preferring the warless option.

Not only that. The public invitation to other princes and princess coincides with the date of the SAZ opening. It was like Lilianne trying to make a statement against the other royals.

A lot of things aren't adding up. There's no motive he can dig further into. No tell tale signs of why she would move this way.

"We'll join the SAZ," Zero declared.

"What!" Tamaki hollered, "But it might be one of their tricks! Thousands of Japanese lives are in danger!"

"Of course we will be watching for tricks," Zero said, "But SAZ is in line with what the Black Knights stand for."

"We'll have to be cautious."

.o0o.o0o.

Snakes coiled around the other royalties, hissing ideas of genocide and massacre of these lowly people. By the time of the SAZ Opening, each of the other royalties are wondering why they are in Japan, much less to celebrate the liberation of a particular area.

Lilianne could feel tension and hatred coiling in her half siblings as she spoke out her welcoming speech. But she continued on, droning about her plans for the SAZ - or at least, the plans that were written in the report.

Her Geass made people trust her. It was uncannily easy. It took a moment more to draw out Zero. But this was it.

Zero requested for a private meeting, which she obliged.

The dark room they entered was empty, and by all means, free from any bugging system that she knew of.

"So Mr. Zero." Lilianne started. "It seems things have been going well on your side."

"As well as it could be," Zero said. "Though SAZ is unexpected."

"Do you doubt me and the kindness of my heart so?" Lilianne asked, "That I will not fight for the equality of human rights?"

"You did not peg me as the type."

"And what type am I?" Lilianne smiled. "Power hungry, lazy assed royal that know nothing of hardships?"

"Rather, someone who prefer a cup of tea than fame and politics."

"I am, am I?" Lilianne said. Slowly she could feel the intensity of her Geass outside - the snakes around her other half siblings - snapping. A little more. A little longer-

Zero scowled, finally having enough of this game. "How did you know about the Geass?"

"Deep dark royal secrets." Lilianne answered. "Do you know that the Empire's sole foundation and creation is Geass? That's how powerful Geass's are."

"And the Emperor-"

"Is the top dog of the Geass user production." Lilianne interrupts, her tongue wet with tension, it is time, the Geass have snapped. "That's why it's rare that someone outside of the empire would have access of this power. The Emperor dictates that I will have to bring in whoever gift this power to you, Mr. Zero, or shall I say, dear brother."

"You know!?"

And just then, both of their intercom crackled.

"Zero, the royal brits have gone on a massacre!"

"Princess! Prince Aigner and Prince Louis had ordered the elimination of Elevens!"

Zero had quickly made his way out, Lilianne following him with a slight difficulty in her heels.

.o0o.o0o.

The light had blinded her for a while, but the sound of gunshots and screams, of betrayals and hurt-

Yes, no doubt, this massacre is something she planned. Coiling her snakes to the visiting royals, tying them with hatred and the urge for genocide-

Over one thousand lives will be her sin - her guilt - to carry, on and on until the day God deems her worthy of death.

"It is your choice…"

God is cruel, to ask her of this. To ask her to sacrifice Euphie for this. She can't - won't. Euphie will be safe, innocent. She will continue on with the story, and befall this massacre to all of them, indirectly, without sacrificing Euphie-

Lilianne briskly walked forward, ordering for this to please stop stop stop stop it shouldn't have happened I don't want to do this end this quick please why me why me why me.

She might have lost control of her Geass for some time. She didn't know. The rest was a blur to her. One thing she was sure of, however, was that the day ended with her towering over the vast expanse of dead bodies - the citizens, the royals, the guards, the revolutionaire - and that Zero was nowhere to be seen.

"It is your choice, to choose from."

"There is another way, another method."

"Think."

She is such an ugly, sinful thing.

She spent the next few days in mourning.

Mao had chided her later on, in his silent way as Lelouch's Geass is still affecting him. Chided her that she should not have done this had she not prepared her heart, that she should've fuck the God and live for herself and not cause massacre in the name of God.

.o0o.o0o.

Black Knights is now known as United States of Japan.

Lelouch has been going over his head.

She wants no part in this. Not when the recent massacre - that she caused - is still fresh in mind. So when V.V. offered her a chance to check out the secret area 4 Thought Elevator, she immediately grabbed it, ordering her personal maids and knights to pack up and move to Area 4.

"Your Highness," Suzaku said, "I'd like to request to stay in Japan."

Lilianne sighed, and gave him the permission. She didn't know the details, but Suzaku is vital, somewhere, somehow.

.o0o.o0o.

Zero is there, Zero is so close, so very very close-

He ran, towards where he was sure Zero - Lelouch - is.

Master V.V. had been kind enough to tell him of the truth, That Zero is Lelouch and that he had Geassed the royals into committing massacre to blame it on his sweet, sweet, Princess Lilianne, who had been traumatized by that day's event, whom all Japanese had blamed for.

Conniving, lying, bastard.

The trees ended, and Suzaku saw some sort of ancient doors, looming over Zero - Lelouch - and quickly shot his first round.

It missed, but it took Zero - Lelouch's - attention.

"You bastard!"

Just then Kallen - red haired revolutionary and yet also his classmate - found them, and Kallen tried to fight him off and yet-

Suzaku fired another round, this time it was on it's mark, cracking Zero's mask into two. And Kallen, shell shocked at finding that it was Lelouch all along that was under the mask -

Lelouch begged for his help, to find Nunally, for a truce that was just impossible after what he did to his sweet sweet sister - and Suzaku fired the third round-

It hit its mark.

.o0o.o0o.

Suzaku is now the Knight of Seven, to be the only number that had managed to do so. Despite spending most of his time guarding the Emperor's most favored child, he was also spent to missions - undercover missions that only few know of.

Missions to accompany Julius Caesar as he triumphs battle over battle in Europe.

Princess is better off not knowing that Lelouch is alive, that his supposedly sweet brother had done such wrong against her.

At least, with Nunally accompanying Princess Lilianne, she should not be as lonely.

.o0o.o0o.

Time passed, and for a moment, Lilianne wondered if this is all necessary.

Isn't it?

Then it dawned on her, like a bucket of ice cold water against her body. That no. there are other, easier more efficient way that does not require massacre.

Why did she do that?

For a moment, her mind blanked. And she realized what she had to do, what God had been trying to lead her to do.

It made her blood freeze in discomfort.

But it made sense.

It's also probably the only way she could die in this world.

…

…

…

God, no matter what his decision is, is cruel and heartless.

That sentence is now embedded deep in her heart.

Now, what she needs to do, is as clear as day.