A/N: Well, it certainly has been a long time. Er... A little too lo- Sorry! I'm really sorry! I just... Kind of lost it for this story. To be truthful, I'm not quite sure where this story is supposed to be heading (yikes, that's probably the worst thing that can happen when writing a story), so I'll have to keep indulging on your kind forgiveness. I am so sorry.

Uh, and it's been a while, so... Obviously... For those reading this for the first go, the... Style, I guess, from chapter 22 to chapter 23 could be, is probably, worlds apart. Just live with me here. So, without further ado... Yikes, I hope you like it! I'm really scared for this chapter...

Disclaimer: Code Geass is not my property.

Ch. 23

There was an enormous ingress of people entering Wonderland from all corners of the world. Word had spread, like wildfire, about the vigilante Zero, and how he had dared to challenge the omnipotent Queen of Hearts, how he had dared to wage war upon her unquestioned rule. Speculation and fascination sprung up in the ashes gossip left behind; some praised his courage, while others condemned his foolhardiness, but no matter the theories that were created, the stories that were spun in hopes of explaining this phenomena, no answers were given to the hundreds of questions asked.

"Who is he?" they queried.

"Where was he from?" searched they.

"And what is motivating him to defy the Queen?"

Was it stupidity? Was it narcissism? Extraordinary hubris? Or perhaps (and this was only voiced in the most tentative of whispers), perhaps this Zero truly was strong enough to defeat the dictating monarch they all lived in fear of, perhaps he truly was the messiah who had come to save them all.

Perhaps.

But no matter what their opinion of the famed rebel was, a massive number of travelers arrived in Wonderland, in a variety of means; walking, swimming, flying, riding carts, horses, on bicycle. It certainly was a grand affair to see the river of impassioned foreigners enter the legendary empire's capital city, bringing with them a palpable air of contagious enthusiasm and electric excitement.

"It's quite the crowd," murmured the Cheshire. She pulled the window's curtain aside ever so slightly and peered out to stare at the incredible crowd lining the pathways of her country, their gypsy-like campsites bright splashes of color behind them. She, along with Zero and five others, were seated in the luxurious state carriage of the Black Knights. With velvet upholstering and rich carpeting, she had been surprised that they had been able to afford such an opulent, frivolous, and particularly flashy, mode of transportation. But then again…

Zero was someone with fabulously deep pockets.

"But of course," the masked champion (seated besides her) replied. "It would be strange if an assemblage of this size weren't to be received upon hearing about our little… Event."

"And why do you say that?"

She turned her attention away from the passing rambunctious view and to the formidable vigilante who had become a symbol of hope against dark oppression.

"Because, although no one has said it, everyone knows that this is, in fact, a cope d'état of one of the most intimidating, powerful, and ancient monarchies in the world."

"Is it not dangerous to be so public with our intentions? It is treason after all, if you consider it apathetically."

The pair regarded Humpty-Dumpty, who was sitting across from them, his arms crossed and a disapproving frown smeared all over his face. Zero chuckled and told him (with a hint of pride in his voice), "A wise man once said, 'People shouldn't be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.' And when we have the support of the people… Our people, to be more exact… What have we to fear?"

He was undoubtedly smugly smirking underneath his grand visor. The Carpenter, listening in on the conversation, scratched his head and adjusted his large wire-framed eyeglasses before pitching in to the discussion.

"But humans are frail, delicate beings. No matter how many side with you, they can fall as easily as a house of cards."

"Ah, but the idea uniting them will not. No; it will endure eternally until the day it's recognized and realized, until it is made true. And once that happens… It will continue to live on through the people, by the people, with the people. Ideas are succeed where man fails. Ideas are immortal."

"… Zero?"

"Hmm?"

The March Hare hesitated further as all eyes were focused upon her.

"… Who are you?"

He remained silent underneath the mask as she continued to question him.

"Are you Wonderlandian?"

"… Does it truly matter where I'm from? Who my parents are? Where I was born? What nation I'm to give my allegiance to?"

"… I suppose not, but-"

"What does matter, March Hare, is the fact that I produce results that no other can. Not where I call homage to as my birthplace."

"You've hardly done anything to serve as evidence for your prideful declaration, for us to believe in your words," countered the raven-haired man.

"Nevertheless, you do. After all, isn't that why you stepped forward to take on this task?"

Humpty-Dumpty looked away, having nothing to say in answer.

"Caterpillar. Carpenter. Walrus."

"Yes?"

"If you would be so kind as to explain to our field agents their instruments…"

"Of course."

Enthusiastically launching into a detailed description for each contrivance, the Carpenter rolled up his sleeves while the Caterpillar lazily took her favorite hookah hose out of her mouth, blowing smoke rings in the process. The Walrus smiled as she mentally stepped aside to hand the spotlight to her two colleagues.

"Now, it's quite simple. There's a lozenge, a potion, a mask, and a very special wig that I design-" began the bespectacled scientist. But he was abruptly interrupted with an indignant, "What nonsense are you spouting? It was obviously all my research and all of my theories that-"

"You?! All you did was-"

"U-um, Caterpillar, Carpenter, maybe we should-"

Much to her disappointment, the Walrus' pleas to stay on task were drowned out by the nettled cries of the twosome of piqued mastermind apparatus pioneers. As the general volume in the carriage gradually increased, Zero seized the opportunity to tend to more personal affairs.

Watching the Cat seated besides him, he observed her silently.

He could tell that she was tense, her nerves tightly coiled in her mind. Of course she was. For goodness' sake, he was high-strung at the moment. The only reason why the other didn't know was because they couldn't smell fear, he mused, and because of his skills in the art of furtiveness. In fact, he realized, every single one of the Black Knights, even cool and collected Humpty-Dumpty, was on edge.

After all, the endeavor they were about to undertake was certainly no walk in the park.

He wasn't quite sure if it was to help himself, or if it was to soothe his love, but he, discreetly, so that no one would notice, took her hand and gave her a light squeeze to wordlessly reassure her that in the end, everything would work out well.

Her golden irises met his, despite the mask that lay in between them, silently questioning if they really would. He nodded once ever so slightly and the feline sighed before slipping her hand out of his grasp. Neatly folding them in her lap, she continued to gaze out of the predominately-curtained window as if nothing had happened.

And so, they patiently prepared to enter the lion's den.

. . .

"Will Mother not be in danger?"

The Princess of Looking Glass Land worriedly waited for her fiancé's reply, who had been anxiously twirling a chess piece in his hand ever since the journey to the awaiting stadium had begun.

"Of course not. There's no need to worry; she's an incredibly able and talented fencer."

"I do admire her for her abilities; she was once a world-renowned champion of fencing, was she not?"

"One of the best, if not the best," he grudgingly admitted.

"Although…" here, she hesitated slightly. "Although, do you think she'll be able to triumph over Zero? Is he not a dangerous man? The rumors I've heard about him…"

She delicately shuddered at the mere entertainment of the dark thoughts.

"No man in dangerous, Princess. Rather, the idea that consumes the man, that make that man who he is and motivates the decisions he makes, is what the true monster is."

"… Why do you think it is that he's rebelling?"

"I believe it's more of a question of why the people are rebelling."

"… But what could possibly cause for an uprising in the Nation of a Thousand Heavens?"

The Prince kept his silence and simply set down the black king with a harsh click. His companion furrowed her brows, ruining her dainty face with perplexity.

What indeed could make such a content and tranquil kingdom full of people reputed for their altruism and peace-loving ways to revolt so violently and vehemently?

But more importantly…

Who was in the right and who was in the wrong?

Who was the true evil poisoning the nation, and who was the purging good?

. . .

"You never informed us of the exact reason why you're utilizing proxies," accused the raven-haired man. "Is it because you don't wish to risk your own life?"

"How strange it is to hear another's voice coming from my own mask," reflected the rebellion leader. "But no, Humpty-Dumpty. I don't place any more value on my own life than I do yours."

"Then why do you want stand-ins for yourself and the Cheshire?" interrogated the woman besides the disguised doppelganger. Tension contaminated the atmosphere in the carriage before the true Zero answered deliberately, "Because with the two of you, the Black Knights will be able to obtain their goal at a much faster, much more advantageous, way, as expedient as it may be."

"In other words, we're cheating," flatly countered the one dressed as the man of miracles.

"Why is it that you so intently query? Does it inconvenience your integrity?"

Humpty-Dumpty remained silent, but they all knew his answer.

Gracefully crossing his legs, Zero said, "Then let's find a new perspective for you. Who do you value most, Humpty-Dumpty?"

"… Tweedle-Dum."

"And you, March Hare?"

Surprised by the inclusion of herself in the debate, she stumbled over her reply.

"My mother."

The vigilante nodded his approval while remarking, "Both excellent answers. Now; those you value, you love, do you not? I myself have someone whom I greatly cherish and hold dear. I am would be willing to destroy the world for them, if need be. If they were ever inconsolable. If they were ever in peril."

"And?" The formidable swordsman waited, having yet to receive a satisfactory remedy for the doubt that had been plaguing him of recent.

"Unfortunately, she, along with your mother, March Hare, and Tweedle-Dum, Humpty-Dumpty, are in grave danger. Have been, in grave danger. And this… Threat to the one incomparable person of my life, this threat to the irreplaceable personages of your lives, this threat to this splendid nation's unparalleled treasures, has escalated, has grown, to the point where I can no longer stand by silently. To the point where I can no longer keep silent, where I can no longer permit this unforgivable evil to run rampant, breeding like filthy parasites, endangering the one I would burn the world for. I, much like the two of you, much like the rest of the Black Knights, much like the other individuals of mankind, of humanity, have someone that I desire to shield and better the world for."

"So you're saying that deceit and treason are justifiable because of the people we wish to protect?"

"I would do anything for the one I love. And I know you're no different. Isn't that why we're working together, despite our obvious differences in ideals and morals?"

The question was left unanswered as the last flames of doubt weakly danced to their death, Humpty-Dumpty's dubiety was reduced to nothing more than silvery ashes.

The coach rolled to a gentle stop, and their leader said, "It seems we've finally arrived. I take it you memorized the speech?"

"Yes," replied his clandestine double.

"Don't forget the theatrics. Society loves theatrics; almost as much as it loves its sadistic cruelty and excessive indulgences."

"… And where will you be, Zero, as I deliver the address you wrote? As I serve in your role?"

"I won't be far. I give you my word, Humpty-Dumpty. I will do everything in my power to achieve this necessary end to the Queen of Heart's regime."

"See to it that you do."

"And contrive that you triumph over her Heartness' hubris. For Tweedle-Dum." He spoke to the March Hare, "For your dear mother."

Nodding grimly, Humpty-Dumpty and the March Hare, respectively dressed as Zero and the Cheshire Cat, exited the state car. Thunderous cheering could be heard as the two stepped out. "Zero" flicked his cape back, shrouded in a carefully elegant demeanor, before proudly walking to the entrance of the coliseum, the "Cheshire" following him into the waiting inferno.

. . .

"Marianne."

"What is it, darling?"

The Queen of Hearts gave her husband only half of her attention, as the remnants were directed towards the buttoning of the crisp, blood-red jacket of her ceremonial dress uniform.

"Promise me you won't do anything foolish or hasty."

"Oh dear, is the King of Hearts concerned over his consort?"

Amused, she slipped her scarlet suede gloves on, occasionally glancing out of the large window of their private quarters and to the landscape that lazily stretched out below. She could see her people, the Wonderlandians, and then men, women, and children from neighboring sovereign states; Looking-Glass Land, of course, and Rose Nation, the two countries that flanked her own. There were also, apparently, representatives from the Republic of Merfolk, the various Leprechaun clans, members of the Drakonian Dynasty, sprites, pixies, faeries, and creatures that revealed themselves only in the most wildest of children's dreams.

Ah, what a gathering it was. The more the merrier, she cheerfully told herself. After all, the larger the audience was, the larger Zero's humiliation and mortification would be.

"You know almost nothing about this man. We don't even know if it's a man in the first place. Marianne, what if it's a Strigoi?"

"A Strigoi? Charles darling, don't be ridiculous. I rid the world of all of those savages myself on my crusade! There's really no need to stress over that extinct race of fiends. Rather, the one that we'll have to watch isn't Zero, but someone closer to home."

"Who?"

"Our lovely son, Lelouch."

"Lelouch? Why? Has he changed his mind about the marriage with Princess Nunnally?"

"Oh, no. It's just… He's been acting strange lately. Unlike himself. Unlike the one we gave birth to. And any abnormalities should be eradicated with as much swiftness as possible, do you not agree?"

"What do you propose? We can't exactly reconstruct his memories. Princess Nunnally would notice something was amiss."

"I realize that. For now, we'll just keep quiet and continue observing him. But Charles…"

"Yes, Marianne?"

"The second anything out of the unexpected happens, he's to be rewritten. Do you understand? Even with the risk of rousing Princess Nunnally's suspicion… Nothing must be left to change. Nothing. Nothing must stand in our way. Especially that weakling of a son."

"Of course, but Marianne…"

"Yes, darling?"

"Do be careful."

"Isn't that a given? It certainly wouldn't do for the future Empress of the World to make a fool of herself in front of the very people who'll soon bow down to her. I'd never be able to raise my scepter to execute them."

And with a flourish and a kiss on the cheek, she left her husband to claim Zero's head as her prize.

. . .

"Hatter, what are we doing back here?" whispered the Cheshire. She glanced all around them to quell her fear that any sentinels were nearby.

"We," the Prince, now unmasked and in his royal regalia, gazed around the gardens of the Castle of Hearts, as if he were searching for something, "Are currently taking advantage of the opportunity Humpty-Dumpty and the March Hare so graciously bestowed upon us, as unwitting and unintentional it may be on their part."

"An opportunity to do what?"

"To steal a very precious artifact from the Queen of Hearts."

"We're going to steal from her? Are you sure about this? Knowing the Queen, she probably hid-"

"Rest your worries, love. Her Heartness herself will whisper to us the location of her cherished relic."

"What?"

His eyes training upon an ancient oak, he smiled.

"Ah, there it is. Cheshire my love, if you would be so kind as to climb up onto that tree branch and blow into the ocarina hanging there?"

Tossing him a mystified expression, she hoisted herself up onto the lowest branch of the great tree, her fingers reaching for the golden flute.

. . .

Clovis la Wonderland, a proud prince of the eminent empire of Wonderland, stepped forward onto his balcony, the stage waiting to gloriously present the man known as the Voice of Wonderland.

As applause rang throughout the stadium, echoing off of the stone walls and rippling into oblivion, he could practically smell the audience's boredom. They had come with the intention of witnessing history's greatest duel, and yet…

They were denied what they vied for with the endless ceremonies, dances, songs, by all manners of celebratory exhibitions of talent and honor.

They desired blood, they craved for anguish, they hungered for the Queen and Zero to be stripped of their flairs and elegance, of their grace and composure; they wanted for them to writhe and twist against each other in the sands of the coliseum, desperately struggling to survive and emerge as victor, the prize being the immortalization of their name and the head of their opponent.

What was this nonsensical foolery and flattery, they screamed.

Clovis knew of their impatience. Fortunately, for them, he had arrived to grant them their reprieve.

"Majesties and Highnesses, lords, ladies, and gentlemen. It is upon this illustrious day when we reach into the darkest recesses of the most unfathomable shadows to bring you… The fall of the Black Knights!"

As per ordered, the mob erupted into uncontrollable glee, shouting and crying their euphoria. The Prince smiled, pleased with himself, as he carefully smoothed his opulent attire. When he was given permission to continue, he went on to deliver his speech.

"Led by an insane man whose existence is only drive by a lust for power, these savage mercenaries and ferocious barbarians, so hell-bent on merciless conquest, have stepped forward to challenge your safety! Your freedom! Your peace! But fear not, people of Wonderland! Your Empress, so clever and cunning, is pleased to give to you… The bestial man, the coward who refuses to show his face to all… Zero!"

Catcalls and jeering were made as a set of gates opened, revealing impudent Zero and his mistress.

"And so, on this honored day, the heavens send forth Wonderland's, nay, the world's greatest warrior born, the one who is the very essence of nobility, of grace, of glorious valor… The ever-benevolent!"

In the darkness, scarlet lips curled up into a conceited, self-satisfied sneer.

"The ever-omnipotent!"

This day would certainly go down in history, and it would all be thanks to her and her unmatched, unbeatable skill and grace.

"And so, it is my great and incredible honor to present to you, Her Heartness, Queen Marianne vi Wonderland, striking down the murderer, the liar, the cheater, the one who so insolently dared to defy and challenge her Heartness' majestic and benevolent rule!"

With a flick of her long, raven tresses, Marianne stepped into the spotlight, relishing in the crowd's deafening approval. At the opposite end of the fencing platform, she could see the infuriating mask she had carved into her heart and mind.

That devil…

He would pay, and he would pay dearly.

She would see to it, even if it were the last things she were to do.

And it was as the Queen made her way towards him, she decided that the last thing Zero would ever see was her blade in his chest.

. . .

"I realize that you don't have complete knowledge of my plan, Cheshire love, and I thank you for being so agreeable and patient. I believe that it's time to inform you of what exactly I intend to do by planting these explosives into the ground."

Covering the small hole with dirt, she whispered, "Why is it that you're doing this, Hatter?"

"You know the legend of the Kingdom of Heaven?"

"How could I not?"

It was a children's tale, but also a story of enormous historical importance.

"Tell me of the Kingdom, Ches."

"Near the end of King Mirare's reign, Wonderland fell into darkness. Her borders were being threatened by neighboring countries ruled by selfish and reckless rulers, and her people were in great danger of being enslaved. Having always been a peaceful nation, Wonderland didn't have the resources to defend herself."

"And so, his Majesty Mirare prayed to gods. And they, seeing how devoted and good he was, bestowed upon him a gift. They gave him a sword, crafted by the gods, of the gods. The Sword in itself is a normal blade. But the one thing that sets it apart is the way it controls the gods."

"In my opinion, it was stupid of them to make something like that. Foolish idiots, giving man control of deities."

"The gods who watch over Wonderland aren't as powerful or as great as minstrels make them out to be, Cheshire."

"Hmph."

"Well, with King Mirare's cunning and the Sword, Wonderland lived to see another sun rise, and soon flourished to be crowned as the world's strongest and wealthiest kingdom."

"Yes, we all know of that story. But what does that have to do with burying explosives into the royal grounds?"

He stopped and looked up at her.

"Cheshire, my love."

"Yes, Hatter?"

"She has it. She has the Sword, the Queen of Hearts has the Sword of Akasha. Think about it. Why do you think she had such a vice grip on everyone for such a long time? The gods are helping her, love. And not because they want to, because they must."

"The Sword of Akasha… Wasn't it-"

"Returned to the gods? … It's a royal secret. But they allowed Mirare to keep the Sword, for the case that Wonderland falls into peril again. The Queen must've unburied it years ago, when she rose to the throne."

"So we find the Sword and then kill her with it?"

"Essentially, take away the source of her power, yes."

"Then why-"

"Unfortunately, it's not as easy as that."

"What do you mean?" she demanded. It was simple. Find the Sword, steal it, and then stab the Queen. Three steps. Three tasks. They would be difficult to accomplish, of course, but quite cut and clear.

"The gods recognize only those who have been crowned and sit on the High Throne, my love."

"… Then you have to become king."

"… Yes," he sighed. "I must become king."

"Then what's the plan, Hatter?"

"The plan? The plan… The plan is to locate the Sword, spirit it away from the Queen's immediate grasp, and before she catches wind of our little theft, rid the world of her existence."

"Well, what are we waiting for then? Honestly, Hatter, at times, your sluggish ways can be hard to comprehend and deal with."

The Cheshire Cat, her tail waving gently in the air, set to work on priming the last of the incendiaries. She missed his expression of sorrow; Lelouch's amethyst eyes softened as he thought, 'If only you knew, my love, of the events and obstacles that will inevitably arise once I descend to the throne... I'm sorry, Cheshire sweetheart, for not having the heart to tell you of the great and terrible truth.'

A/N: Oh, for those who have read A Thousand Cranes. I am planning to take that story down (well, it'll be up while I do the following) and rewriting it. By rewriting, I mean fixing general grammar and spelling mistakes, most likely, hopefully, patching up plot holes (I know. There are about a bajillion plot holes in that thing, it upsets me too, which is why I'm doing this). (Un)fortunately, that will have to wait until summer vacation... Or spring break. Either one. But yeah. I guess... This is for New Year's? I was going to write a New Year's special in Adorer, but I don't think that's going to work out, as I have to play with my orchestra tomorrow... But um... I hope you liked it. Uh, please review, and most of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!