The Demon's Pride V2

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. As for some of the reviews, I don't have a problem with including characters from the other spin off series', but I would need to know more about them. For those characters loyal to Lelouch I will try to include a little action for them. But I won't put anything in writing just yet.

Chapter 10: The Birth of Zero

Suzaku Kururugi sat in his cell in a Britannian Detention Center, bound in a straight jacket that was wound so tight it almost cut off circulation. The soldier was covered in bruises and cuts, with one of his eyes swollen shut from a rather severe black eye that he had received. As to how he acquired these injuries, well…

(Flashback)

(30 minutes ago)

Suzaku stared at the man in front of him, one Margrave Jeremiah Gottwald, who held up a standard issue handgun.

"Do you recognize this weapon Private?"

Suzaku shook his head at the question.

"This is the weapon that killed Prince Clovis. Your fingerprints were found on it. All the evidence points toward you as the Prince's killer."

Suzaku shook his head. "Margrave Gottwald please, I didn't kill Prince Clovis."

Gottwald continued, ignoring Suzaku's pleas.

"When we began this investigation, we investigated any possible person of interest who was in Shinjuku and would have had easy access to the Command Center. You were one of many, but something about your personal history stood out." At this, the Margrave placed a file on the table, sliding it to Suzaku. He looked down and saw that it was his personnel file.

"You are the son of the former prime minister, Genbu Kururugi." Gottwald ether didn't notice or didn't care when Suzaku flinched at the mention of his father. "This alone gives you more than enough reason to want to kill a member of Britannian Royalty. I'm afraid that this is all the evidence in our possession, but unfortunately for you, all of this evidence incriminates you as the killer. If there is -"

Margrave Gottwald was cut off as the door to the interrogation room was opened by a man around Gottwald's age, who walked in and saluted. "My apologies for the disturbance sir! But Lord Kewell requests your presence. He says it is urgent."

Gottwald sighed before standing up. "Captain, please keep an eye on Private Kururugi while I see what Lord Kewell needs." With that the Margrave walked out the door, which closed with a hiss behind him. The new Captain turned to Suzaku and smiled viciously.

"You damn Eleven." He said softly. "You really think that you can just kill one of us and get away with it? Well, is there anything you have to say for yourself, Eleven?"

Suzaku shook his head. "I didn't kill Prince Clovis sir! I promise!"

"What are promises from animals? Simply lies!" He exclaimed as he closed in on Suzaku. "You know what I think? I think that when you joined the army, you laughed. You, a filthy animal, were allowed to be a member of the greatest army in the world. A little snake like you."

Suzaku stared at the man who began to giggle hysterically. Suddenly, he stopped before looking Suzaku dead in the eyes, allowing the young man to see the madness and insanity in those eyes. "You know something animal? You shouldn't lie to your betters. So, I'm afraid I'm going to have to educate you in these matters." With that, the Captain drew back his fist before whipping it forward, punching Suzaku in the face, causing him to fall out of the chair. "Now then, repeat after me: I must not tell lies."

Hearing no response from Suzaku, he lifted his booted foot and slammed it into Suzaku's chest. Suzaku wheezed as air was forced from his lungs and curled on the ground, trying to make himself as small as a target as possible and to protect his vital organs.

It didn't help.

(Flashback End)

Suzaku had been beaten by that Captain for what seemed like hours before Margrave Gottwald and Sir Kewell opened the door and pulled the officer off of him. Suzaku had been rushed to the medical wing and had been given care, before being returned to his cell.

Suzaku shook himself from these memories as he heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

He looked up and saw Lloyd Asplund standing there with a forced smile on his face. "Hello there Private! I guess you've seen better days."

"You could say that." Suzaku said before coughing.

Lloyd shook his head before holding up a sheet of paper. "Well this just might make your day better. Those two people you wanted me to look for. Their names and appearances did not show up on the list of deceased in Shinjuku. And before you ask, I looked over both the list for Britannians and Elevens."

"Miss. Cecile made you?"

"Yes, she was very...persuasive." Lloyd said as he rubbed the back of his head. "However, I'm afraid that I can't do anything for you as off now. Your fate is left to the courts."

"Is that bad?"

Lloyd looked at Suzaku dryly. "It's all smoke and mirrors. This trial, the investigation, everything about this affair is fake. The Purebloods are in charge and want to blame someone and unfortunately you're the scapegoat."

Suzaku sighed before steeling himself. "If that is how this is, then that's that. I'm not going to complain or beg for my life."

Lloyd nodded. "I knew you would say that. Goodbye Suzaku." With that, Lloyd turned on his heels and walked away.

(Scene Change)

(Ashford Academy, Clubhouse)

Lelouch looked down at his sister as he pulled the sheets up to her chin. "Get some sleep Nunnally ok. You've had an emotional day."

This was true. Once she heard that Suzaku was accused of killing Clovis Nunnally was inconsolable. Lelouch had returned from meeting with the Resistance group meeting and found that Nunnally had locked herself in her room and refused to come out. Lelouch had been the one to finally get her to open the door. He took one look at his sister and decided that the remainder of the night needed to be spent with her. In her mind Clovis was still the gentle and loving man she remembered him to be, while Suzaku was still her dear friend who would never hurt anyone like that.

"Big brother." Lelouch blinked and focused on Nunnally who sounded utterly exhausted. "You don't...you don't really think that Suzaku killed Brother Clovis, do you?"

Lelouch shook his head. "No Nunnally. Not Suzaku. The day Suzaku willingly tries to kill a member of the Royal Family...well let's just say I don't think Suzaku would ever do something like that."

Nunnally nodded before letting out a breath. "You're right big brother. By the way, do you remember the man who was on TV."

"Jeremiah Gottwald… I think I do. Wasn't he one of Mother's…?"

"Yes." Nunnally confirmed before shuddering at the memory of her mother's death. "It's hard to believe that he would do something like this. I always remembered him as being so kind and helpful. Now…"

Lelouch nodded at his sister's thoughts. "Don't try to think about it too much sister. Just pray that Suzaku gets proven innocent."

Nunnally nodded before closing her eyes. "Thank you, big brother."

Lelouch stood and walked to the door, placing a hand on the light switch as he paused in the doorway. "Good night Nunnally." Turning the light off and stepping into the hallway, Lelouch closed the door behind him, before turning and walking towards his room. Opening the door Lelouch was greeted with the sight of C.C., Milly, and Shirley sleeping in the bed. A bed made specifically for three people. Shaking his head in exasperation, Lelouch turned and left.

He had work to do.

This is the last chapter that was from the original. That being said I do plan to take my time writing the new chapters. Life, available time, and other factors may delay or expedite new chapters. I will do my best to keep to a reasonable schedule so that I don't lose too many readers. I hope everyone enjoys so far.

INUYAHA, signing out.