| school / base |

[yourmindseye]

[It is December 23rd/24th! And of course someone needs to knock the holidays into Lelouch since he is usually silent.

AT SCHOOL: Lelouch has oddly been avoiding everyone. Even the Student Council. You can find him on the school roof sitting in the snow. He has a scarf and his hobo hat on.

AT THE BASE: Lelouch has somehow managed to lock himself

Comments

[ofsunrises]

*There is a ninja Kiku on the school rooftop. He's wearing a winter kimono, with an outer coat and a scarf.*

[ofsunrises]

...Tell me, do you wish for "Lelouch" to disappear?

[yourmindseye]

[...Does he? After everything, it would be better.. but Nunnally... Rolo... Kyo...

He shakes his head.]

[ofsunrises]

It is ultimately up to you to decide, whatever your choice may be...

But I do not believe that personal attachments can hold you back, except only when you let them.

[yourmindseye]

...

[ofsunrises]

I have known many great men in my time. But the truly skilled ones were those who knew when to not let their emotions affect their judgment and decisions, whether for their duty or their ambitions...and at the same time, did not allow themselves to degenerate to mere ruthlessness or become blind to their own weaknesses.

I cannot say I agree with your ambition. But...you must realize that if you truly wish to become a leader, you cannot simply surrender your identity as a normal person.

[yourmindseye]

[Lelouch looks down in thought. But... didn't he already surrender it as payment?]

[ofsunrises]

Your identity as "Lelouch"...should not be forgotten. Most importantly, it should not be forgotten by you. What you have surrendered is your chance to return to being being simply "Lelouch", once you choose to become "Zero" for your purpose.

[yourmindseye]

[He is quiet, as he has this whole conversation, listening. But how could he do both? Maybe it would be easier after graduation...]

[ofsunrises]

...Normally, I would not say much, about this. But...as much as I find it distressing, I cannot deny the possibility that you...no, Zero may become Emperor, no matter how many months or years it may take.

I hope this will help you understand, what it means, and what it takes to bring about change. Because I cannot simply leave my nation in...unreliable hands, either.

[yourmindseye]

[He remains quiet still, but looks up directly at Kiku when he says "my nation." He almost seems alarmed, many different theories hitting him at once about who the young boy could be. But they never seem to fit.]

1/2

[ofsunrises]

*He just realized that you know, normal people don't use that kind of wording when referring to their own country. But it's too late to take his words back now, so...*

[ofsunrises]

You...most likely do not remember me, Lelouch-san. But I suppose you do not have an inkling of who I am, either.

[yourmindseye]

... [Lelouch forces himself to stand up to look at the boy.]

[ofsunrises]

Ah, but then again...it has been a very long time, as well.

[yourmindseye]

w-what... are you?!