I do not own any of Code Geass characters, stories or anything else related to Code Geass all of it belongs to Sunrise.

A/N: As stated in the summary, this is a companion fic to the Code Geass Fic Colorless Memories Redux by NSBleach00, while it's not a necessity to have read Colorless Memories before reading Colored Memories. References will be made throughout my fic to numerous ongoing plotline and characters within Colorless Memories.

Colored Memories in many ways is like Gundam Seed Astray, in that it adds more context, information, lore and shows the world of Colorless Memories outside of Rai's POV and via not just the trio of Kaguya, Suzaku and Kallen. But a few recurring side characters when relevant, a few one off POV's and some worldbuilding back chapters and so on.

In very much GRM ASOIAF style that is a big influence on my writing with a fair amount of Baccano type storytelling mixed in as well.

Here is the new prologue for Colored Memories, I decided to write this as I feel my fic needed a stronger start to it after feedback from a few people and deep down, having really never been satisfied with how the first chapter came out, hope you enjoy it and that it gets you hooked to Colored Memories. Much to be had and come from it.

All chapters have been updated and edited by Eliya Shirwood, the writer of Code Geass fic Surety and Oreimo fic The Sibling Complication. Whom I want to thank for taking on the role of editor for my fic, having done marvellous work so far and look forward to continuing to work with on future chapters.

Hope you enjoy the edited versions and the latest chapter's on Kallen.

I have also set up a Discord channel, so anyone who would like to chat to me about Colored Memories, Colorless Memories etc. can do so via the link below. I'm online most of the time and will respond to any queries as soon as I can. Combine the following into a web address.

discord. gg/ dzGYPpP

There is as well if you don't know already, a massive amount of pages for Colorless Memories on Code Geass Fanon Wiki. That have plenty of details and extra lore for the Colorless Memories universe.

codegeassfanon. wikia wiki / Code_Geass_Colorless_Memories

Along with a TVtropes that is open to editing provided examples fit and any spoilers tagged properly.

tvtropes pmwiki/ pmwiki. php/ FanFic/ CodeGeassColorlessMemories

Rambled on enough, enjoy Colored Memories and thank you for choosing to read my fic.

Blackmambauk

"Bushido is realized in the presence of death. This means choosing death whenever there is a choice between life and death. There is no other reasoning."

― Tsunetomo Yamamoto, Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai

[Date: 10/09/2010 ATB, Time: 23:00, Location: Fuji Command Headquarters]

"Perfect… It was supposed to be so… perfect," Genbu lamented within a deep raspy breath. His large hands cupped under his dried shadowy eyes before they dragged along his dirty face. His mind churned in an attempt to regain his bearings.

His concentration was wracked by the encroaching sloth, impediment, and negative emotions burrowed in his brain, despite how much delicious and caffeinated black coffee flowed through his thick veins. In fact, he downed an entire gallon just to prepare for that very day, enduring the side effects of constant visits to the toilet and bursts of adrenaline. That's exactly what men do to march on, Genbu justified. This was the reason why he was called 'The Last Samurai' by his fellow Japanese who looked to him to lead the nation towards a new dawn.

Genbu found himself surrounded by the ever-present stacks of maps, reports, and echoing blasts from a distant tank shell firing at the enemy machines (some 'fancy white elephant project' that the damn Mongol Britannians acted so sassy about). To his side screeched a military radio that delivered bad news upon every minute and at his hip rested a silent walkie talkie.

Overhead through the oval-shaped window he observed the constant grimy smoke from a charred burning out in the distance. The obscure charcoal color allowed the stream to blend well into the pitch black night, betrayed only by the dim lit candles inside that command room. Nearly transparent clouds loomed beneath the crescent moon as it snuck into the night.

Genbu's sight arched downward to the collapsing bookcase whose scribed contents spilled onto his desk without a care. He noted how the slightest touch could possibly cause another avalanche to occur based on how the slope trembled with the quivering earth.

He remembered that he was lacking bodyguard protection at this time of night (granted, the great Kururugi Genbu did not need such protection; he himself was the protector of this nation after all). He looked over to his stuffed black bear from the Hokkaido forest mounted near the looming window as a testament to that fact.

"That bear only took 4 moves to bring down. Heh, I still remember how it gurgled as I choked it," Genbu mumbled to himself in pride as he rolled his shoulders back and pumped his chest out. He could imagine himself once again posing over the defeated beast with his foot poised atop its skull. The victory itself was captured in the portrait beside the head with a nice caption to summarize:

'Kururugi Genbu: He had prayed to the spirits, to the god of war Bishamonten, to guide his people to victory and glory against the enemies of Japan.'

'His Japan,' Genbu had wanted to correct. The nation he envisioned as a young boy shared by his older brother; the ideals that endured a stab in the back by the power hungry fools, peasants, and merchant castes motivated only by the desire to drink from the sake of fallen warriors. That powerful desire to make Japan great again.

Genbu felt disgusted during all his life seeing how each generation that came and gone neglected to honor their ancestor's philosophies, instead willing to embrace the ways of savages and cretins. Their way of living caused Japan to be bled dry of his finances, spread the falsehood of different religions and leadership, justify ill omens, and advocate the prowess of lesser 'superior powers.' Where did the Japan he knew go that he learned from history? The one that triumphed over the vanquished and stood at its rightful place as the forebears of benevolence for the Asian race?

Genbu worked hard to free its people from the thought of starvation, from the lustrous nature of needs and wants, and provide the abundance of loyalty and servitude to the nation under the correct mindset to die for its cause. To die for Japan rather than become another area to Britannia or the chinks overseas.

'No longer will I be the Sheppard of their lives, no more shall I bear this burden of carrying worthless hides through the mud. No, the turtle will not be their shell anymore. I never wanted to do this, but they have left me with no other choice!'

Genbu pursed his lips as he reached for a map and a coordinate's device lingering at the corner. Reading the contents gave him such joy, especially knowing the orders were directed to the individual actors just moments ago. His most loyal personnel would carry the plan out and the results would arrive by the coming dawn. The only action required from Genbu was the simple press of the button once a confirmation call arrived.

'Thank you Tendo-ojiisan. Thank you for making the solution to all our problems a reality on this day. From here the phoenix will truly rise again from its ashes and the tiger will claw a gash into the hides of the miscreants. The dragon will be born amid the salt of our waters and smoke will arise from Britannian flesh to devour the lesser people of the east. In time, my son will pluck himself of those feathers he chooses to prance around… Yes, that matter will surely be dealt with in just a few moments by a worthless mallet. I shall once again by that point be the impeccable turtle with a black shell. Only then will Japan learn and arise from its mistakes from the past.'

His hand swept slowly across the top of his candles, and the small flames flickered and danced beneath his force. He could already imagine the flames of passionate dancing similar to his rhythm all across Japan. He knew just how glorious the act would be: a nation removed of useless persons acting like rats, twists, slim, rabbits, or ignorant pigs. He would stand above them all and finally not worry about the qualms of the world.

'Yes, all that's needed is the word from Fury and all will proceed as planned.'

Genbu was satisfied despite the hourly reports received that stated the unfortunate obvious news that Britannia was swiftly wiping out forces along the islands of Kyushu to Hokkaido (a common trend since last month). Only pockets of guerrilla divisions have shown success in keeping the good fight going. Nonetheless, his palace in Tokyo was being brought to ruin bit by bit just like the Osaka Castle, the Britannia flag waved victorious over its keep. How insulting the sight was to the rest Japanese bloodlines, history, and lineage that rested at that monument!

Despite the falls and ruin, most of his military command remained in tight-knit operation. Most remained isolated in designated bunkers along the likes of Katase who wanted to surrender with his 'peace buddies.'

Surprisingly enough, a magnificent report arose that the Sumeragi family, his son's fiancée, had lost its 2 adult heirs along with most of its ilk, and their insignificant little hut owned in Sakai bombed to pieces during a recent bomb run. The cause of death had not been identified yet, but their 'English toy' was reportedly seen with the bodies at the time of confirmation.

'Shame that the bald tattooed prick managed to survive... Alas, that's the price to pay for trusting an Englishman capable of tricking me to speak a certain word to a British ambassador. Once I get my hands on their 'Bunny,' wherever they have her hidden, none will see her again! Her only trace will be a photo of her at that slavish shrine and a strand of hair. That rat bastard Kirihara… how dare he arrange my son to wed her! This is the ultimate sweet nectar of revenge considering how he stole what was rightfully ours, he and that fruity couple screwing up my plans for China. They dare have the audacity to go into hiding after those sneaky antics!'

Genbu was willing to offer the Sumeragi as a sacrifice to behead the Britannia empire. Too long had he dealt with those denying him his rights without offering any compensation or blood. To have the audacity to lecture him on how to run a nation, to maintain an army, and the most insulting: his life.

"Seems the Knight of Two Beatrice Phalanx's 3 stage barrage by artillery, air strikes, and those machines had done their deed well… Oh those Mongols will be paid back double the Sakuradite than they bargained for," Genbu muttered as he pushed over a stack of reports to blend with the rest.

Britannia had so much audacity; not only to attack his fine city, but to strike directly at his Palace? The very place that housed Shoguns, Emperors, members of his vast dynasty that stretched to the servitude under the Taira?! He was by default the last Taira for damn sake!

His enraged eyes turned towards the recording device that stored The Miracles of Itsukushima dictated by Takakatsu's son, Tohdoh. His ploy was the finest in all of the recent battles: to use the volatile properties of sakuradite as a means to obliterate the enemy directly.

'Heh. I guess even he finally managed to be useful outside of teaching my son or intimidating others to following Sumeragi Shizuka.'

None would have suspected that the 'little potato-like' runt, who followed that woman around like a chick, had the talent to execute such an intricate maneuver. Thinking her very image brought anger to his mind; the very woman who caused his brother, Kururugi Byakko, to be killed in China, then forced to accept forgiveness for the insolence. That very woman was an eclipse throughout his life, his actions a mere shadow compared to her achievements (especially in swordsmanship).

The Sumeragi prowess acted as a thorn in the Kururugi side for at least millennia (if teachings could be believed). Every time they met, Shizuka's father would remind him of "just how fortunate" he was to one day wed the woman. Then there was that constant patronizing look she gave to those beneath her while she carried on with calligraphy, writing out her self-righteous tripe in pride. She portrayed herself as a being above all, even having the fancy furisode's custom-made for her. She dared to never return affection or emotion to him despite his efforts!

Not once did she respond to his letters while on travel or his inquiries about visiting other countries. By all means she was stoic, unnerving, and above all else to her supposed suitor: frustrating.

"How insulting to be ignored for doing my duty regardless of how wrong that might have been. Curse you in hell, Sumeragi Shizuka!"

*BAM*

His fist crashed against the wooden desk and caused loose leaflets of reports to fly in the air before dancing softly down. In his anger he made sure to throw away a certain inquiry made by Chief Cabinet Secretary Sawazaki Atsuhi on how Genbu would want him to handle the government communications in his stead due to 'incarceration or termination.'

"Grr, I should have smacked that slimy weasel years ago, with my autobiography book that I had sister Nozomi write for me! I'll be sure to have brother Amashita put his head on a pike one day!"

Genbu turned his attention to the dull part of his wall to reduce his anxiety. His shadow crawled over his figure as the candle flicker behind him. He always thought this wall had a rather pretty blasé gray color to complement his portrait, his pose so gallant as he rose his arms beneath a Japanese flag. He considered himself crazy or paranoid at times because he swore a faint buzzing sound could be heard from the portrait. The painter himself insisted that an additional padding would be required to hold the back up due to excessive material, considering the weight of the realistic middle button of his military uniform.

Genbu frowned at a phantom pain that loomed in his heart. "Even now I feel that woman's silhouette draped over mine." His veins seemed to throb along with his aggression, agitated by his own loud breathing and his knuckles cracking under his tightened fists.

Her indignation did not stop there of course. She had the audacity to insult the very Japanese custom by eloping with that shrimpy Knight of Round Britannian (a rather twinky fellow to say the least). How ridiculous to see such a fine crown jewel of a beauty be taken by a foreigner, and taken advantage for her desirable frame and build (compared to her letch of a sister at the most)!

"Oh how relieved I was to hear of that hussy little harridan's passing so long ago," Genbu muttered through the grit of his teeth as he imagined himself strangling that harlot himself with his battle-worn hands. How much he wanted to watch her struggle and die off a very slow, very painful death. The most satisfaction he got from her was the opportunity to break her nose years ago and split that fat lip up for about a month. He could not hold back his anger when she dared call him a fat-

"NO! I will not even mutter that word! Nobody uses that word around me! EVER!" Genbu lashed out randomly to no one in particular.

At least his late beloved wife Tomoko-chan (whom their wayward son took more after that he desired) remained gorgeous in his eyes ever since he saw her as Shizuka's lady-in-waiting (or hoped he remembered well enough, considering that all the Sumeragi lineage looked alike to him). She was the second cousin to him on Shizuka's side thus had been a far better sight to endure and talk to.

Though Genbu had to admit, he had been more fond of her beyond what he was permitted (despite how doe-eyed she became around Byakko), considering that she was visibly appealing with that rounded face and tight hips. The best aspect of Tomoko was that she held a strong business ethic to handle affairs that Genbu had no patience in. The massive slight nonetheless still existed because that damn Kirihara and Genbu's elders arranged their marriage after the embarrassing Tokyo banquet between the Kururugi, Sumeragi, and the remaining Kyoto Houses. Despite that, Genbu allowed a small smirk to form on his hardened features reserved otherwise for stern expressions.

'Still, at least Tomoko-chan knew how to drink everyone under the table… Oh yes, how I remember we were always the last one's standing after that night. All the Sumeragi either lay wasted or occupied in the bathroom. She appreciated my company for all its worth and honored my ethics… And what a bun she had down there, heheh. What a shame she did not make it past the birthing of my only son.'

Genbu then reached into his pants pocket to clutch his pocket watch, bringing it to his face to look at the picture hidden inside. The portrait was of him and his brother while still stationed in Tibet. His brother was waving like an idiot with a naïve smile as the two stood at attention with rifles in arm. During that time both were under command of General Kyoshiro Tadakatsu, undertaking peacekeeping missions during the tour to disrupt the balance between India and China (which became the foundation of the Militarized Zone of 1970 ATB).

The black pocket watch itself was an heirloom belonging to his father, passed down from father to father for many generations. One day soon that watch will pass on to Suzaku to carry on that tradition…

He ran a gentle thumb across its surface in amazement. He recalled out a saying went: that a picture reveals everything. He chuckled at the moronic statement because said person would not know about what rested in the frame below Genbu's thumb. Bored of the sentiment, he put the watch aside beside the static radio.

"Now, if what he said was true… then I should have everything necessary to rid that miserable bitch when she comes for 'her' things. Urgh, how much I've always detested that battle-axe wielding dame… Just the snotty way she thumped her pig nose in my family's direction. That guy was too accurate about that detail."

Several probable and recently-true details were revealed to Genbu by that same person. He, who came to his aide mysteriously during the dark night and the moon faded into the clouds. He, who cleverly revealed hidden truths of the world and provided transparency through many lies and showed him the proper path to the future. Genbu was amazed that this man never asked for repayment beyond that of a simple mask. He had become the leader's most faithful, most devoted, and most loyal servant. The man even managed to lead Genbu towards his family's most prized possession hidden away in Okinawa by an unknown party (though he suspected a particular set of persons behind it).

Silence and shadow may have become their closest ally, Genbu was sure they will leave its side once the deed is done. In the meantime though, he would enjoy their simple chest stored in the bottom drawer. He encouraged himself to open that drawer and reveal the Japanese pine comb-made chest. He opened its lock and revealed a note instead. The note was composed of scrambled characters and words that if summarized meant: 'Await the New Dawn.'

However, of course that tidbit of information was not the true object of interest within that box. Instead Genbu's sights were caught on the unique mask centered inside. No other masks exist like this one, at least based on Genbu's knowledge. His hand slid against its keen surface, feeling just how smooth its metallic frame offered. No other metal felt so sublime in his hand, even compared to his personal blade. The sides of the mask curved off as though owning wings. The outlier was crowned in a bright ting of gold, especially at the forehead where various hues of gold ran down its face. The red ruby-esque object laid at its center as though the pinnacle of the piece. The eye sockets were carved out perfectly to wait for its owner to wear.

"Yes, this mask will be the key to usher in the new era. Indeed I will make great use of it when the time's ripe!" Genbu nearly squealed in excitement at the marvel bound to follow. Nonetheless he had to remind himself: the deed must be done first.

He drifted his attention back to the paperwork scattered across his desk to find his other prized possession: his sword heirloom of the Kururugi. The sheath itself was a dark shade of brown, showing obvious signs of wear over the years. Despite that appeal, in his hands it felt as though never used before. At that time with a renewed smirk, he unsheathed the sword.

Below the dim light the tachi managed to shine and sing as though Heaven itself was revealed. Myths, legends, and songs were forged to praise of its worth, claimed to have been wielded against the strongest of foes: Samurai Lords, Chinese Emperors, and Britannian Knights, all of whom fell before its might as it pierced the stomach. Such prowess was to be expected from the last greatest weapon created by the legendary blacksmith, Masamune Nyuudou Gorou.

The only travesty about the blade is that a minor blemish existed on its length due to lesser owners like the Hojo and peasants handled the blade poorly and did not know how to wield this mystic blade properly. Thankfully Genbu learned of a technique to renew the blade and truly unleash its power. The only requirement was some blade and a few worthy sacrifices…

"With this, I will cleanse all who remain unrepentant of the old way, those people who clung to decadent and oppressive perspectives and refused to change… Hm?" Genbu's musings were interrupted when he heard his sliding doors slam open behind him, revealing a visitor.

The young boy was frantic for a breath, huffing and puffing while his sweat dampened his silky pink shirt and baggy green tie. His hair was complete mush and unruly like a vagrant, and his little shorts rode up his legs along with the white socks he wore. Oh the nerve of this young fool to dare wear his shoes INSIDE Genbu's office! The insult cannot be ignored!

*SMACK*

"GRRRR WHERE ARE YOUR MANNERS, MUSUKO?!" Genbu roared after the back of his hand arched towards the boy and crossed his cheek.

Genbu burst into laughter after watching his son smooth over the pain in his left felt from his backhanded strike. He put his sword down on his desk in order to free both hands. "Gods, act in accordance to your status Musuko!'Twas only a small tuck. Quit acting like you've been shot. You've received worst blows your from sensei I'm sure," Genbu chastised by wagging his index finger at the defeated boy.

Suzaku could barely stare up beyond his long bangs, his shoulders slumped over as his hands fell to his side, revealing the growing red on his cheek. His weary crying eyes were revealed to the elder while the boy continued to breathe frantically. The tension grew as thick as smoke as the candles carried on dancing in the new wind brought in. Each flicker introduced a new darkness into the room as the two stared each other down. Sniffling could be heard from the boy as he tried to wipe away the tears with a shaky arm.

'Damn, the boy needs to muscle himself up. He looks like a thin ramen noodle,' Genbu complained and tapped his fingers on his desk as he waited for the next action. Eventually after breaking away from the pain, Suzaku pressed forward with a single step, his tired eyes staring daggers at his father. Not that such daggers proved dangerous to the man, but at least there was intent behind those eyes.

"Otou-san! Why?! JUST WHY?!" Suzaku wailed out of desperation, as though the answer could easily be demanded. In response, Genbu merely cocked an eyebrow at the unspoken question and dared the boy to continue.

"Just why what, young Suzaku?! Do you not have a brain in that thick head of yours?! Use it for once!" Genbu snarled as his fingers continued to tap in anger.

The request seemed to not register with the boy as he ponder the reason, but then his eyes burst open in shock. He finally grasped the meaning behind it. His shaky hands wringed inward into fists and his entire body shook with boiling anger.

"So you did do it! Why did you do it?! How could you do such a thing! It is a violation of everything you taught me! Such an act will kill everyone! Our family! My friends! Even Kaguya-chan!" Suzaku cried out as his voice began to cave.

'Oh just great,' Genbu chided to himself in thought, 'somebody had to take the hard way. Just HAD to squeal the truth out to my son of all people. I already know just the coward too… Tsh, I should have just killed him and that nasty gang of rats the moment they were liberated. The only damn use I got out of him was rolling cigars and playing a flute.'

His eyes rolled in annoyance, then shook his head to rid of the nuisance and clicked his tongue. He will have to take actions later to remove that issue.

Suddenly, a loud clunk came from behind his shelf, and books fell onto the floor in suit. Both son and father turned their heads towards the source. Genbu growled at the scene that was failing before his eyes, and revealing an important fact to Suzaku.

The sound that followed was faint and silent to most, only heard by the best of ears. Of course Genbu was fine-tuned for such activity, thus could hear the rapid breathing and chiseling of a sword against the surface of the bookshelf. Yet, Genbu allowed a smirk to rise on the right edge of his lip.

'Just like that, I knew that dog would come crawling back after failing at the one task I assigned him. He's so desperate to evolve from the no good mutt he is. Very well, I'll make sure he gets exactly what he deserves,' Genbu concocted in his mind then rubbed his chin at a new thought, "but not before I get what I need.'

Just a sudden as the books had fallen, Genbu burst into a guffaw and faced towards his son again.

"Now are you ready for your answer, son?! Granted, it is so simple! Because Japan must be cleansed of the impurity and weakness that bounds it! To remove the mongols that dared to invade our once glorious country, and to remove those phony lineages like your cousin and her family! That disgusting disgraceful bloodline that brought them here in the first place! Of that damn "Elder" Kirihara and the other Kyoto Houses were thought they could control the world with Sakuradite buried in our home! To get rid of the backstabbers who sold us out to the Britannians and the rest of the superpowers! And above all else, to purge those who deny Japan the future it so righteously deserves!" Genbu's arms stretched out to the heavens as though making a divine proclamation.

"For Japan to redeem itself, it must have sacrifices offered to the new Japan that will rise from its ashes! I will be the one to give those sacrifices and see the new world!" His head naturally tilted back as he let out a wild laugh. Genbu took in the pleasure of seeing his son's reaction: Suzaku just stood there in silence, his resolution broken and compromised. Genbu could also just imagine the heartbroken feeling the other intruder must be feeling at the moment. Oh what a high the leader felt at that time!

Just then, like a prize for his work, his son burst into a blubbering mess as he fell to his knees. Many tears poured out and onto the floor as his son took in the news. AND still he had his shoes on!?

'Just how long will this son of mine smear my honor?! Gah, it doesn't matter. I'll just need to ensure he has better friends in our new land. I still don't see why he cares for those offspring from Charles; he even punched that arrogant blowhard the moment he arrived on our shores. I bet it's that blind doll that convince him, using those honey-inducing words to bring him over. Oh I can just hear that sickeningly sweet voice and tantrums already. Damn witch!' Genbu's temper arose anew at the mere sight of his own flesh showing weakness.

"Kururugi Suzaku! You will redeem yourself and cease your whimpering this instant! I did not raise you to sully my name or your deceased mother by acting like a craven unworthy mutt!" He thundered his command on high and pointed a finger at the boy.

"Besides, what do you care about those two anyways? It's their fault that this must happen! They brought the mongols here as a ploy by their fatty father to weaken us form the inside! Our people suffer because that boy had the nerve to sob over the death of his barita mother! Really, who stupidly allows herself to be killed in their own home?! She couldn't even prevent her worthless daughter from going blind! That silly useless attachment you have will be your own demise, Musuko! I only do what any father must! I must protect you from yourself!" Genbu roared in self-confidence as he clenched his fists tight.

'Not to mention as a favor to that sly Britannian who promised assurance in the future,' Genbu concluded to himself as he continued to watch his son snob over the mat. Suzaku only briefly stopped his blobbing to which Genbu could near the long drawn breath as though to renew again. As usual, the boy refused to endure the cold hard truth. However, instead of crying again-

*WHACK*

Suzaku raised his head only to slam it hard into the matt. This was not some form of penance or torture, but an opening act before he spread his arms out and castrated his legs. The boy was actually… begging?

"Otousan! I beseech you! As the Prime Minister- as the head of the Kururugi Clan- as my father- Please reconsider your course of actions and show mercy to those who mean no harm! Please! Show them the honor that you hold true deep in your heart! The same shown at Shanghai!" Suzaku cried out with sincerity and dug deep into his bow, as deep as his body could allow in submission.

There was no immediate response or reprimand for such a degrading act. Instead, Genbu just stared at this display before a loud snort escaped his nose as though a hilarious scene just happened. He tried his best to contain laughter as he shook his head in disbelief. His own family would stoop so low to seek a recourse?! How-

*Beep**Beep**Beep*

The forgotten walkie talkie at his hip came to life and broke the intensity of the scene. Genbu was glad to finally get something profitable out of this night.

["Kururugi-sama! This is Dragon reporting in, over!"]

["About time. Is everything set and ready?"]

["Yes Kururugi-sama, but there's been some- some- something terrible!"]

Genbu rubbed his hand against his forehead in exasperation at the mention.

["What kind of complication, Dragon?"]

["It's about Fury, Kururugi-sama! We can't find- and he is- AH! *SHHHH*"]

The scream ended in static silence, unable to convey what just happened. Genbu searched the channels in case there was interference.

[" Dragon! Come in! Report what's happened to Fury! Do you copy!?"]

The static resumed with no further response. Genbu grit his teeth at the development and a delay in his plans. His eyes shifted to the bookcase at the hidden second visitor.

"Urgh, I bet he's most likely behind whatever that was with Fury… Always jealous of Fury's knowledge of Geographic's and mines. What a second rate piece of crap," Genbu griped as he crunched his knuckles together in annoyance. His attention shifted downward to his begging son and reached his limit. 'Whatever, I'll deal with all this nonsense in time.'

"I tire of this… Leave this place, my son. Go and become a harden man." Genbu began to walk past his son and get some fresh air outside. However Suzaku's persistence prevented that as he rushed in front of his father with opened barred arms.

"Please reconsider, Otou-san! Please!"

"Damn it, I told you to leave!" Genbu cursed in anger. Without little force, he pushed his son aside to avoid escalating his nerve any further. But the boy made a fatal mistake; he reached out to his father's arm and pulled. The final resistance was the breaking point, demonstrated by Genbu's roar.

"So you want to prove yourself a man, Musuko?! Very well, I'll beat that lesson right into your body then!" Genbu raised his hand in earnest and primed a fist ready. He let the fist drop down to his opponent with all his might.

*WHAM!*

The impact sent Suzaku flying backward into the room and against the desk. The collision caused a great shuffle in the materials though Genbu paid that no mind as he turned out. He heard that sword fall to the mat as well, but knew that would cause no damage.

Then, out of nowhere, a whistle blew into life.

The lit candles gave out and died in the night. The world became pitched dark like outside as shadows lingered and moved.

"Great, now I have to walk the rest in darkness?! Just great!" Genbu jested in annoyance as he forced his way forward without any hesitation. He knew the rest of the way out of the hallway and just how low the doorframe sat.

However just as he reached the entrance, a sharp sensation slipped into his abdomen. He knew that pain before, the piercing feel of a blade entering the skin. This time it was no minor wound like in the war, instead that pain ruptured through his back, into his spine, and straight through his sternum and ripped the middle button of his uniform open.

Genbu's eyes widen in full at the realization. He was stabbed thoroughly from behind.

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

His body quivered as it attempted to gather the strength to remain standing, his head dropped down to see what had penetrated his body. To his surprised, he was greeted by the splendid shine of HIS legendary sword spilling his blood all over the mat and introducing his insides to the hot air. Just seeing his own weapon used against him caused his energy to wither away, almost instantly dropping to the floor on his knees.

His hands gripped the edges of the sword… in an attempt to pull… it away… useless… he did not have the will to pull it out…

His words… drifted… the effort grew more tiresome to gather as he tried… to breath steady…

Genbu managed to… turn his head and see… his attacker. At his back… with handle in hand… his son stood there with his sword…

Completely frozen… Genbu was in shock…. he did it… his son killed him… underneath a blue moon… illuminating the room in full… how it shined… ever so brightly… with his sword.

Instead of summoning… the strength to yell… Genbu smiled… he hadn't smiled… in years… not since… he went away…

"Ju-Just… like the night I- *COUGH COUGH*… handed to… your mother… I- I just can't believe… that… worked… Heh heh… look at that…. Tomoko-cha… our son… isn't a craven after all… *sigh*"

So spoke the last words of the 'Last Samurai' in the presence of his crying son.

A/N: And so The wheels have begun to turn.

Japanese word translations.

Otosan and musuko I'm pretty sure you can guess mean father and my son.