Fanfic / Icarus

Icarus is a Code Geass fanfic series written by Love_Psycho.

Icarus Summary: Change comes in many ways. Some subtle. Some sorrow-filled. Some filled with joy.

And then there is Lloyd barging into Ashford to recruit one Lelouch "Lamperouge" vi Britannia into the ASEEC...

Icarus's Dilemma: If Lelouch had known that party would have resulted in him meeting Lloyd Asplund, he wouldn't have gone. As is, now he's gone and been tricked into working for the eccentric Earl so might as well do a good job. Even if that ends up complicated before the first year of work is even really begun with him reuniting with Suzaku and starting to uncover a plot by the Emperor involving some very particular powers.

And that's not even taking into account Prometheus and his rebel group, along with the other complications that keep piling up and preventing Lelouch from making his move against the Emperor. But at the same time, these choices and changes might very well open up a new path for Lelouch vi Britannia and his comrades in seeking a gentle world...

Spoilers up to the last five chapters in the first half are left unmarked

This Fanfic Contains Tropes Of:

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#-B

• Aborted Declaration of Love: Lelouch thought to confess to Suzaku during the battle of Kyushu but decided not to. Instead, he and Suzaku confessed indirectly to each other.

• A-Cup Angst: Alice is not pleased with her flatness, compared to Kallen, Milly, and Shirley.
• Adaptation Relationship Overhaul: In canon, many of Lelouch’s relationships are complicated due to Poor Communication Kills and lack of trust, leading them to make wrong assumptions not that Lelouch helps by digging his hole deeper via lying or pushing away or both. On the other hand, Suzaku’s relationships are just as complicated due to similar issues but instead of lack of trust, it’s trusting too easily and being screwed over by it. Here, Lelouch has more chances to bond with loved ones due to the Positive Friend Influence of Cécile and Lloyd, talking and leaning on people more. And Suzaku talked about his issues slowly and openly but learned to trust reasonably.
• Altar Diplomacy: Before the war, the Japanese officials consider Nunnally and Suzaku for this but they also admitted it was more to buy time than anything else. If they set up Suzaku with Lelouch, it would quicker. Even Kaguya was surprised.

• Ascended Extra: Barring Shirley and Nina who have more importance in both the fic and original canon, Milly and Rivalz are given more prominent roles. Not quite major but more than minor. The fic gives more importance to their friendship that they act as confidantes and have more stakes in serious affairs, especially since they know their friends are on the frontlines of the war as either rebels or political leaders.
• Attractive Bent-Gender: Lelouch. When Cornelia saw the photos, she thought she was looking at Marianne. Everybody in the school knows this as they made an effort to tease him at the Crossdressing Fest. To a lesser extent, Rai as Suzaku noted he can pass as a woman when crossdressing.
• Base-Breaking Character: In-Universe examples such as...
  • When Prometheus emerged, he's this. Before the SAZ Massacre, he and Taiyō no Heishi had been debated. Tohdoh won’t deny Prometheus is a terrorist and Ohgi knew they are popular among the Japanese. However, people doubt his intentions and saw something off.
  • Prince Lelouch and his Knight of Honor Suzaku Kururugi. The former's family and Taiyō no Heishi believed he is planning something due to what a Britannian royal possesses. The Japanese either believed they have good intentions or cannot be trusted on the basis they are still siding with Britannia.
  • Euphie after the SAZ Massacre. Only those who are aware of what actually happened and who know the people behind SAZ know the truth, even Charles doesn't believe Lelouch and Euphie are the ones who created the disaster. While evidence had been erased, people have seen it and it had been a royal order. Her reputation had been hit and it's unlikely Euphie could cope with the fact These Hands Have Killed anytime soon.
• Beach Episode: In an effort to cheer up Lelouch, Suzaku, and Shirley, Milly arranged a beach trip.
• Big Brother Instinct: Cornelia is this so much. It mounted further once she learned the vi Britannias are actually alive and coming back. Lelouch is also this which is why he reacted so badly when he met Euphie after so many years. He's still far reasonable though as he wanted them to spread their wings. He only reacted so much if they have the possibility of being harmed.
• Black-and-Gray Morality: There is no question there will be war and bloodshed. Between a Social Darwinist Emperor and those who seek a better world, they know this to be true. This hits Euphie hard as she learned this the hard way. Prometheus and Pandora see the upcoming rebellion as necessary. And that is not getting to the former’s desire to see the world burn as long as he has the vi Britannia’s.
• Blackmail: From the outside, the situation with Lloyd and Lelouch looks like this when it really isn't. Lloyd only cared about Lelouch's brains and Lelouch was able to draw up his own contract, not Lloyd.
• Bluff Worked Too Well: Euphie used a game from their childhood past where one must count the people in the room in order to make Lelouch slip past Schneizel. Unfortunately, it worked too well as Lelouch was out in the battlefield, captured by Prometheus, and then suddenly missiles were called to be launched... by Schneizel.
• Breather Episode: All the School Festival chapters alongside the beach trip.
• The Bully: Three girls (one named Karen Hoggarth) are this for Nunnally. When they learned about her royal status, they feared retribution.

C-E

• Central Theme: What is the right way to reform a fascist and tyrannical system and create a better world in the process? Do one have to sacrifice morals and honor in pursuit of one's goals? This can lend itself to You Are What You Hate. The appreciation for life and the little things of humanity. While cruel things humans have done to other humans aren’t typically forgivable, people can realize their mistakes and make amends.
• Character Development: A large part of the series is for the characters to develop a healthier mindset. The teenagers made plenty of stupid decisions still.
  • Lelouch leaned more into his caring and kind with tempered emotions and rage to change the world. He began to see that keeping things from Nunnally caused more harm than good so he told her about pressing matters. Because he is concentrating on his loved ones and not self-isolating - something people admonished him, saying they are here to help him and not take on too many burdens by himself -, he realized what power he possesses if he returned to royalty. He chose to return to the royal family out of his own power.
  • Suzaku hasn't snapped out of his suicidal tendencies quite yet but he is putting honor as much as he could realistically can in a situation because a core of his reasoning was to protect the people he loves most in the world and have to make it explicitly clear many times that he's not loyal to Britannia. As a result of actually talking, Suzaku saw Lelouch's side but he doesn't dismiss it either; the denial was kicked out of him much earlier - unlike Euphie which took the SAZ massacre to learn the harsh truth.
  • Euphemia, as a result of Lelouch calling her out for her immaturity, decided to become a proper Princess of Britannia for she’s evolving into her Code Geass: Nightmare of Nunnally incarnation. She admitted to herself her motivation was based on anger at the system and the "Well Done, Son" Guy desire she had for Lelouch. In the end, she wants to make people happy and the gentle world she and her siblings dreamed of. It hits hard after the SAZ massacre.
  • Cornelia is willing to adapt for Lelouch and Nunnally's sake because she loves her family and after mourning them for so long she's just happy to see them again and doesn't want to create distance. Especially knowing how they grew up as commoners and not royalty.
  • Nina started to gain some confidence and moving past her xenophobia. But her self-esteem issues are crippling. When the news hit that Euphie died apparently by Prometheus’ hands, she has a vengeful Freak Out.
• Charles Atlas Superpower: Suzaku. He’s The Ace at anything sporty and has a Super-Strength that surprised even his fellow Knights.

• Clark Kenting: Played straight. Lelouch's disguise is a pair of glasses and a lab coat. The Ashfords kept the royals hidden so well the world thought them dead and it helps the royal baby names are popular when a new royal is born. When it comes to his siblings and the media, Lelouch went for a wig and avoided cameras. Lloyd pointed out that not only he resembled his mom greatly, but those who know him before would immediately recognize him. This is backed by Jeremiah and Euphemia. His actions said for all the Master Actor tendencies he cannot stop being himself which led to Euphie, Guilford, and Darlton’s suspicions. Cornelia was given hints but refused to entertain them.
• Cloudcuckoolander: Lelouch somewhat. In a side story, Lelouch gave jewelry to his female friends because of a law that women will still have jewels in their possession no matter what and it's the best way to get the money that way if they really needed it. He failed to realize the implications of giving women jewelry.
• Color Motif: Orange for Jeremiah. From painting his Knightmare out of the Purist colors to the pumpkin Knightmare at the Rising Sun Rebellion. Violet/black for Lelouch.

• Continuity Cameo: When Lelouch was kidnapped by V.V., the latter was accompanied by Clara Lanfranc, a character from Oz the Reflection.
• Contrived Coincidence: It was confirmed by Word of God that Rai and Alice found the vi Britannias at Ashford by complete coincidence as they were there for another reason entirely. Because Lelouch had been pointed out to have not changed much physically as anyone who knew him as a child can attest, Rai recognized him instantly. it had been hinted by Alice's flashback to her first meeting with Nunnally for she did not immediately recognize Nunnally vi Britannia and likely her mission to befriend Nunnally was given after she met her and attached herself.
• Cordon Bleugh Chef: Cecile. She got better due to Lelouch's teaching but she then started to use her cooking as punishment or underhanded to get back at people. She suggested such a thing to Schneizel for his part in nearly killing Lelouch and Suzaku.
• Corporal Punishment: Lelouch couldn’t let Clovis go unpunished so he shot him non-lethally on the shoulder and immediately applied first aid. This made Lelouch guilty when he realized he was indirectly involved in Clovis’ murder. So he took the avoidance route for Cornelia.

• Dark and Troubled Past: Rai and Alice. Mysterious Past as they were there when NAC was established and stayed with them until they left for Ashford. Rai expressly used to be part of the royal court while Alice was possibly a Number from an Area noted by Rai and Euphie (a Mythology Gag where Alice was a Number recruit for a special Britannian organization).
• Decapitation Presentation: Prometheus showed this off with Clovis' head, enough to put the family who loves him sick to the bones.

• Déjà Vu: Lelouch felt an uncomfortable familiarity when he saw Gawain.
• Didn't See That Coming:
  • C.C. did not expect Lelouch not to choose the rebel leader route. When she saw he is going to be a prince again, she found it exciting and hoped to see what else holds in the future.
  • Rai didn’t expect Lelouch to come forward as a prince.
  • Cecile, Lloyd, Suzaku, C.C. did not expect to see either Viletta and Jeremiah still alive at the Rising Sun Rebellion. Though C.C. immediately sees why and how Jeremiah survives.
• Dies Differently in Adaptation: Clovis still dies via Boom, Headshot! but in this fic, it’s not a vengeful Lelouch (he calmed down due to learning Suzaku’s survival and made different choices in part of his association with ASEEC) but an unknown assailant. Clovis has the misfortune of decapitation postmortem. The writer said Clovis is Doomed by Canon unless a Peggy Sue plot is involved where Clovis will live.
  • Andreas Darlton. In canon, he was killed in the Assault on Tokyo Settlement by Lelouch. Here, he was executed by the Taiyō no Heishi for his part in the SAZ Massacre. What made the latter's form of death worse was he was under a Geass and Prometheus Mercy Kill him when he wanted the gentle world.
  • Clara Lanfranc. In Oz, she was killed by Orpheus. Here, she's killed by Suzaku.

• Distressed Dude: Lelouch during the Battle of Narita, the Lake Kawaguchi crisis, the attempted murder by Mao, Prometheus kidnapping him and Schneizel’s missile launch in Shikine Island, his abduction by V.V.
• Do Not Call Me "Paul": Lelouch refused to be addressed as prince and highness and it’s not just because he’s in hiding; though he’s more than happy when Suzaku called him anything of his status. He’s fine being called Lord while Lloyd deliberately called him Mr. Lamperouge in reference to his royalty.
• Dramatic Irony: Lelouch feared losing people and their happiness if he indeed chose to become Zero when Suzaku, Lloyd, and Cecile already pledged their loyalty to him regardless; even Nunnally made it clear if Prometheus’ goals can be trusted, implying if Lelouch chose that route, she can trust her brother to stick to them. On a lesser note, Clovis wanted to make Area 11 a perfect resting place for the vi Britannias as Euphie said but the vi Britannias, for all they love Clovis, don’t approve of his rule and treatment of the Japanese.
• Early-Bird Cameo: In Rai’s flashbacks, Rolo made an appearance. When Prometheus’ speech was broadcasted after the SAZ massacre, Li Xingke made an appearance.
• Embarrassing Old Photo: Milly arranged to have photographic and video evidence of Lelouch’s Ashford days for Nunnally when she will see one day. Milly ended up giving it to Cornelia and Euphemia as a gift.
• Entertainingly Wrong: When Kallen noticed the invasion of privacy element in the Lelouch photos shown to Taiyō no Heishi, she went through the student council and dismissed Rai/Prometheus and thought Rivalz was the one.
• Even Evil Can Be Loved: The vi Britannias know their family is stained in blood. But they hope they can make it up for those horrible deeds when alive.
• Even Evil Has Standards: Prometheus is willing to kill innocent people in cruel ways and manipulate people's emotions for them to follow him but he does not want the SAZ massacre to happen at all, especially knowing the Britannians at the scene wanted to build a better world.
• Everyone Can See It: Downplayed with Lelouch and Suzaku. It had made explicit the boys had crushes on each other since they grew close as children that evolved into a Childhood Friend Romance.
• Every Japanese Sword is a Katana: A katana is usually what Britannians thought of a Japanese sword. However, it’s not the only sword mentioned and used as Suzaku corrected Lelouch he used a shinai in childhood and a bokken (Jeremiah and Suzaku have sparring matches so Lelouch printed what Jeremiah and Lelouch called wooden katanas) when sparring.
• Evil Counterpart: Prometheus is this for Zero. They are both intelligent rebel leaders against a fascist and tyrannical empire but one wants the world to burn and the other wants to create a better world for everyone. One is willing to sacrifice whoever while the other had to come to terms of costs that still hurt him. Lelouch felt uncomfortable as the plans that he would have thought up and logic that he understood appeared similarly with an edge of cruelty. He understood getting rid of Katase and JLF as they are a liability to the forces because We ARE Struggling Together but what Lelouch has a problem with is the loss of civilians.
• Exact Words: Lelouch made it clear he hates Britannia and whose royal Britannia’s current values been embodying the nation? Charles zi Britannia. Lelouch sees his royal status not only as a means to an end but as a representative for his people. Milly could tell he hates the Britannia his father created but Kallen could not tell what he really means. Even when Lelouch bluntly told Kallen the reason. Twice.
• Eyepatch of Power: When Lelouch's Geass started to go out of control due to Prometheus, Lelouch started wearing first a medical patch and soon enough the Julius Kingsley's eyepatch.

F-H

• Fake Ultimate Hero: How Prometheus presents himself. He took the credit as the murderer of Clovis and Lelouch’s credit for stopping the Shinjuku Massacre. That is not to say he isn’t dangerous since he has some strategic knowledge to head against Britannia and the Chinese Federation.
• Faking the Dead: The official story was the vi Britannias died during the war. By the time Lelouch and Nunnally returned to the royal family, they have been 'dead' for seven years. When Euphemia became suspicious, she isn't hopeful and did not want to experience the pain all over again if Lelouch isn't her brother and her brother was indeed dead. After the SAZ massacre, to keep the mob and terrorists from going after Euphie, she was officially declared dead in the time between SAZ and the rebellion.
• Family of Choice / True Companions: Lloyd, Cecile, Lelouch, and Suzaku are this with ASEEC technicians. Coupled with Britannian royals who truly love and care for each other and the student council, it's pretty much this. The student council is the latter, especially when shocks struck them, they supported each other through thick and thin.
• Fascist, but Inefficient: Lelouch pointed out not only the Numbers have it bad but also the Britannians. The latter is trying to live in an oppressive empire that controlled them through Social Darwinist values that made it easy for climbing crime rates, war, and propaganda. Corruption is everywhere. Pendragon has a Decadent Court. Cecile wondered what is the point of the Honorary Britannian system just as factions in the government like the Purist Faction were easily defunct.
• Fix Fic: Played with but ultimately straight. As evident with Spared by the Adaptation and Character Development, characters are given a chance to be happy and be healthier mentally. At the same time, disasters still pass such as the SAZ massacre. The writer is insistent there will be a Happy Ending, specifically an Earn Your Happy Ending.
• Foil:
  • See Evil Counterpart for Prometheus and Zero. A big difference would be how they executed the landslide plan. Lelouch miscalculated and did not mean to kill a part of the town. Prometheus intentionally created a larger landslide that covered the town and did mean to kill the town.
  • Prometheus and Pandora can be seen as a dark reflection of Lelouch and Nunnally. They were cruelly treated by Britannian royalty and Geass Order, indirectly or not.
    • However, the royal siblings returned to royalty because they want to use their status and influence for altruism and are fair and good rulers. The terrorist siblings had no hesitation in harming civilians including geassed ones and aren't good leaders, using manipulation and intimidations to get their way, only acting as Reasonable Authority Figure. How they earned their reputation to commonfolk and Numbers is different: the terrorists through falsehoods while the vi Britannias are honest yet the parties proved themselves skillful. Both paths are bloody and they are well-aware that is inevitable in their end goal; the difference is the vi Britannias just hope to save as many lives as they possibly can in the inevitable.
    • Both pairs are devoted to each other as they only have each other in times of despair as they are to those they care most in the world. However, the royals have a support system that provided a healthier mindset while the terrorist siblings only have each other.
    • Nunnally lost her sense of sight but her sense of hearing, smell, and Living Lie Detector are powerful while Alice’s Geass can block off or change the senses within a certain domain at a detriment. The two preferred to use Japanese honorifics to refer to their older brother. The vi Britannias aren't great fighters due to circumstances while the terrorist siblings are incredible fighters.
    • Lelouch and Rai are emotional passionate people who respond to dangerous situations without considering their luck. However, Rai is not introspective as Lelouch had been due to Character Development. They both considered their current lives lies but does share some connection to the student council. They hid behind masks of normal kids yet their lineage is true Blue Blood. However, it's clear Rai identified with his Japanese-Britannian bloodline (for he wants revenge twofold for the murder of his noble house and the tortures he suffered at the Geass Order) while Lelouch rejected his royal blood.
    • Both Lelouch and Rai deified Nunnally and Lelouch respectively but Lelouch let of the image and knew Nunnally is much more. Rai have some idea of Lelouch’s true character but he seems to insist the core of Lelouch is pure.
• Forceful Kiss: Rai as Prometheus gave one to a blindfolded Lelouch as the SAZ Massacre started.
• Foregone Conclusion: It was inevitable Lelouch's identity as a prince would be uncovered once he got wrapped up in ASEEC.
• Foreshadowing: Suzaku’s suicidal tendencies have drawn a lot of focus, especially when Lelouch learned about it. So the Live command have to be given at some point.
  • It had been hinted at the vi Britannia’s will return to Area 11 as Viceroy and Sub-Viceroy after a year. Schneizel had hinted Lelouch would likely be sent to the EU War and indeed he was sent there.
  • Euphie’s survival has been hinted by her Character Development. On the other hand, Darlton’s Character Development has instead hinted towards his early death.
• For Happiness / Liberty Over Prosperity: Milly, Euphemia, and Nunnally simply wanted a happy world; all they want is for people to smile in the brief moments of peace in war. Lelouch knows freedom is what people needs and happiness is what people want. He wants happiness for everybody as much as the others do but he needs to be rational.
• For Want Of A Nail: Lelouch just being with ASEEC and building a stable support system that he can trust. And that's an obvious one since it’s not the same ASEEC in canon due to Lelouch’s presence. Zero almost happened; Lelouch had considered it before Prometheus’ arrival but chose not to for the sake of his loved ones working for Britannia.
  • Instead of keeping Shinjuku massacre a secret and the reason why it even occurred, Prometheus ended up revealing it.
  • Because there is no Zero, Mao took a different direction as he kidnapped Suzaku instead of Shirley and Nunnally. And civilians. In order to torture Lelouch.
  • Lelouch and Nunnally's return to the royal family. Both of them. At the same time. Instead of Euphie making a speech at Ashford's summer festival, Lelouch was the one who did that to announce his intentions.
• Gender-Blender Name: Arthur is a female cat in this.
• Gut Feeling: Tamaki has this feeling about the untrustworthiness of Prometheus. Likewise, Kallen has this about trusting Lelouch.
• Heartbreak and Ice Cream: Shirley, after the rejection from Lelouch, said she's going to need this almost jokingly.
• Heroic BSoD: Many.
  • Kallen has one during the Assault of Tokyo Settlement. She was discombobulated when Suzaku told her Prometheus was the one behind the SAZ massacre but at the same time, she wanted to have her brother's dream come true and that Prometheus was their rebellion. It comes to a head when she learned Prometheus' true identity.
• Heroic Sacrifice: From Lelouch’s point of view, Jeremiah did this so he can live. Due to this new perspective and just how his loved ones feared for his life when he’s in danger, there is no way Zero Requiem can happen (though continuous events of Despair Event Horizon played into too).
• Heroic Self-Deprecation: Nunnally. She felt useless with her disabilities and she wanted to be more, hating to be burdens on her loved ones. Which is why she grabbed the chance at being a princess after awhile.
• Home Field Advantage: The Ashford student council and Sayoko knows about the school well enough to save Suzaku and Nunnally. Even when the council is over their head.
• Hope Spot:
  • Just as Lelouch, Euphie, and Darlton thought they stopped further terrorism and heading to build the gentler world, Prometheus pulled the rug from under them and geassed them to kill the Japanese.
• Hyper-Awareness: Milly is an observant one and perceptive about her friends and their problems. She was the one who made clear to Cornelia how the vi Britannias grew up.

I-K

• Icarus Allusion: The title and author commented that Icarus is Lelouch. Word of God explained the Zero route is the sun route and the Prince route is the ocean path. The author commented that the ocean path was not quite as mentioned for Icarus flying too close to the ocean can wash away the wax. Until Lelouch officially returned as a royal, Lelouch was essentially in limbo.
• I Have No Son!: Suzaku was disowned by his remaining family for becoming an Honorary Britannian at the young age of 11.
• I Kiss Your Hand: Suzaku does this to Lelouch.
• I Need a Freaking Drink: Cecile has this reaction when Lloyd and Lelouch wanted to do more tests with the latter’s Geass.
• In-Series Nickname: Ray "Illusionary Adonis" Sanderson and Lelouch "Prince of Ashford" Lamperouge have nicks at Ashford.
• In Spite of a Nail: Clovis' death still happened as well as Lake Kawaguchi (Lelouch was still bought up to Kusakabe, just not as Zero) and the Battle of Narita. Speaking of which, the same incident where Lelouch pointed the gun to himself in that conversation with C.C. was moved from the Saitama massacre to the Battle of Narita. Orange still happened but it wasn't Lelouch who gave him that nickname but Jeremiah himself with actually applying a Knightmare with orange paint. SAZ and the massacre still happened as the command to kill the Japanese was still given to Euphie. And Darlton and his guards. Lelouch almost obeyed if he hadn't geassed himself into disobeying. As for V.V. kidnapping a royal to lure out a certain rebel leader, Lelouch was chosen as Nunnally was held captive at Ashford.
• Internal Reformist: In a different way Suzaku and Lelouch. They are notably not on Britannia's side as they are also fighting the system.
• Internal Reveal:
  • A public revelation that the vi Britannia siblings survived the war and returning to the royal family. Lelouch did this to the entire world after the Battle for the Fukuoka Base. Nunnally revealed herself at Ashford assembly hall following with the Ashfords’ help.
  • Kallen and Alice/Pandora of Taiyo no Heishi is revealed this way to the student council except Nina. Rai was unveiled as Prometheus to Kallen, Lelouch, and Suzaku.
• Is This Thing Still On?: Arthur twice stepped on the broadcast button, once to show Milly's revealing her engagement and the other when the royals are incognito and Cornelia and Lelouch are arguing.
• I Want My Beloved to Be Happy:
  • Lelouch wants Suzaku's happiness at teenage High school normalcy.
  • Shirley wanted Lelouch to confess to Suzaku after his rejection of her and learning about his feelings for Suzaku.
• Killing in Self-Defense: Lelouch’s Die geass orders are notably this as seen as the Royal Guard and Kusakabe. He never killed anyone with murderous intent although it could be argued about the former with Suzaku. He couldn’t kill Clovis. Like in canon, his belief is still people willing to be killed should be allowed to kill.
• King Incognito: The vi Britannia siblings. The whole of Ashford exempting those in the secret was shocked to learn this when the siblings revealed themselves. Later, Cornelia, Euphemia, and Guilford went to Ashford Summer Fest in this.
• Knighting: Suzaku was named Lelouch's Knight of Honor. With a KATANA.
• Knight in Shining Armor: Suzaku, which everyone noted.

L-N

• Lessons in Sophistication: Lelouch and Milly remember their lessons well. It's hinted even though Suzaku is a knight, he must learn. He's heading to Pendragon court after all as a prince's Knight of Honor.
• Living Emotional Crutch: Lelouch is this for an increasingly slipping Rai. Rai cling to the memories of Lelouch unhealthily and desires nothing more to have Lelouch by his side.
• Loss of Identity:
  • Lelouch insisted he’s not royalty and made clear Prince vi Britannia was dead. He kept this up until he was forced to confront the fact Lamperouge doesn’t have the power vi Britannia does to protect the people he loves and changes things for the better. In his Ashford summer fest speech, he acknowledged both identities as who he is and what made him so.
  • After meeting kind Britannians including someone working on their xenophobia, Kallen has this issue with the Britannian side of her blood. She doesn’t think Kallen Stadtfeld with a crush on Lelouch Lamperouge existed as she doesn’t think Lelouch Lamperouge existed. She loves her friends truly but after the SAZ massacre, she’s angry and hurt at the betrayal that it will be harder for her to accept.
  • Played with Rai. He uses his Britannian-Japanese blood easily and understands Kallen, preferring Rai (he didn’t divorce himself from his true name either as Rai is a nickname from the real name) and thinks himself so. He is willing to kill Britannian civilians and stirred up ill will between Britannians and Japanese. He did not mean to start the SAZ massacre and understand it’s his fault, willing to stop it by Mercy Kill the geassed Britannians who he knew wanted the better world but notably didn’t let Lelouch stop Euphie’s royal order or do something. He just hates Britannia for what they did to him and wants the nation and its royalty dead. Kaguya, Lelouch, Suzaku, and Nunnally doesn’t think he has the well-being of Japan in mind as even Diethard could tell he wanted the world to burn.
• Loving a Shadow: Zigzagged with Prometheus for Lelouch. He believed Lelouch’s loved ones except Nunnally gets in the way when he does care for them. There’s also the fact Lelouch was the one that came up with SAZ with Euphemia so he really doesn’t know Lelouch that well after all.
• Manipulative Bastard: Rai/Prometheus eased his would-be soldiers’ emotions, manipulating Kallen, Tohdoh, and the Four Holy Swords into thinking he’s a Zero figure. But even then he can’t manipulate people’s Gut Feeling about not liking or distrusting him. Even in civilian, he easily bribed his classmates for tokens at the Crossdressing Festival, something Shirley remarked as unsurprising.
• Meaningful Name: Prometheus and Pandora were discussed In-Universe; Rai intended to take back the fire Britannia took from Japan and reignite destruction and growth while Alice held secrets that could destroy. Taiyō no Heishi translates to Soldiers of the Sun referencing that Japan is the country where the sun rises. Rai was derived from how the Japanese word for liar was written as he is a Consummate Liar to the world as Prometheus and Ray Sanderson.
• Metaphorically True: Lelouch, Nunnally, and Suzaku bend the truth so the royal identities aren’t revealed. Since Lelouch and Suzaku can’t say why Mao is actually after the former, they allow the Britannian royals, military, and police to believe Mao was after Lelouch vi Britannia when the hidden royals were revealed. And Mao would know it.
• Mistaken for Racist: Rai/Ray. He doesn't actually care either way since he was willing to use his Britannian heritage easily as his Japanese. He doesn't hate the Japanese as much as he hates Suzaku specifically. Lloyd caught on. Suzaku felt Rai hate him, just not as an Eleven. Lelouch and Kallen mistake his hate for Suzaku for racism against Elevens.
• Morton's Fork: Lelouch doesn't even want to work for Britannia - giving the impression he's a fellow Britannian oppressor - but it's either that or letting Prometheus win. He was also forced to choose between Suzaku and an innocent girl's legs.
• Murder the Hypotenuse: Rai considers Suzaku his main rival and would kill him. If it weren’t for Lelouch’s strong attachment and luck, he Would have.
• My Country, Right or Wrong: Everyone can see Britannia is not good. It took convincing the entirety of Area 11 of this was Prometheus showing video of the Shinjuku massacre with Clovis’ orders.
• My Sister Is Off-Limits: Lelouch does not like guys fawning over Nunnally but he failed to recognize the female attention at his sister too.
• Mythology Gag:
  • The Gekka Pre-Production Test Type is Rai's Knightmare in Lost Colors if chosen the Black Knights route and officially Prometheus' in fic. At least until he gets Gawain. Actually, a lot of what Lelouch has in canon will be Prometheus'...with the edge of ruthlessness.
  • The Lancelot Club would have been Rai's Knightmare in Lost Colors if chosen the Britannia Military route and in this fic, it's C.C. who uses it.
  • Alice and Nunnally’s first meeting was similar to their first meeting in Code Geass: Nightmare of Nunnally and their Pseudo-Romantic Friendship is still there and all the subtext just like Suzaku and Lelouch. However, their eventual fractured friendship was similar to Suzaku and Lelouch of canon, only less.
• Noodle Incident: Quite a few.
  • Apparently one with Tohdoh and a watermelon. Suzaku also brought up Lelouch's first venture at bug-catching.
  • There's also a previous beach trip that took place with the known details with too little stuff, the student body of Ashford (apparently Milly can't invite the school to the beach officially and Rueben forbade any more beach trips), and Lelouch's bad luck; it brought shivers down the student council. Apparently Ashford beach trips has a terrible record.
  • It's minor but Ashford students dismissed Cornelia and Guilford in disguise on the basis that odd people show up at the Summer Fest all the time. Another minor but slightly explained. Apparently, the equestrian club invaded the student council room on horses to yell at them for the club budget or lack thereof. Apparently, it was enough to make Milly wince and the club to glare at them then and there. Rivalz seemed to think it's funny.
  • Cleaning robot incident mentioned twice. Apparently, Lelouch's bad luck and ended up with Kallen dowsed with soap.
• Nothing Is the Same Anymore:
  • While the earthshaking events of Taiyō no Heishi are definitely this, the return of the vi Britannias are this. This changes events forward now the siblings are in positions of power and influence.

O-Q

• Oblivious to Love: Lelouch, Nunnally, Euphemia, and Cornelia are unaware of Suzaku (Shirley, Rai, Milly, and Kallen), Alice, Nina, and Guilford's affections. Suzaku himself is unaware or in denial of his own feelings but he caught on quicker as evidenced by his shock at Prometheus’ declaration for Lelouch and well-hidden envy towards Shirley. So far, only Lelouch is aware of his feelings and confessed. When it comes to others, the royals do notice the attraction of friends and family somewhat.
• O.C. Stand-in: Rai and Alice take inspiration from their counterparts in the spinoffs but they still have bits and pieces from their originals.
• Official Couple: Suzaku and Lelouch. They aren't a couple yet but they are on some level knows they love the other.
• One-Steve Limit: Averted. There’s many Andrea(s) from Darlton, Kneller, and Farnese. Thankfully, they are mostly on Last-Name Basis due to military and titles.
• Only Known by Their Nickname: Rai is only a nickname. It’s partly Renamed the Same as he only switched out the i for a y for his Britannian civilian alias.
• Only Sane Man: Lloyd and Cecile reined in Lelouch's Geass and what he can do about it. They were explicit that he was never to tell bad jokes while doing it, accidentally or otherwise.
• Papa Wolf / Mama Wolf: Lloyd and Cecile. Doubles as Parental Substitute.
• Pacifism Backfire: Lelouch and Euphie were hopeful that their SAZ plan managed to dissuade terrorism and grant hope to the people who truly needed it. The massacre was something they never expected.
• Parental Favoritism: Charles favored Lelouch and Nunnally, indulging their wishes. Darlton questioned if they were truly the favorites, why discard them but then bring them back and give them whatever they want when Lelouch hates Britannia? However, the writer pointed out Charles has delusions about Lelouch’s character and even C.C. notes the similarity yet striking differences.
• Patchwork Fic: The fic takes a lot from the spin-offs such as Euphie’s political-savvy is from the Code Geass: Nightmare of Nunnally. It doubles as Mythology Gag.
• Pen-Pushing President: Paperwork is often looked with distaste from many characters. It’s not just the royals and the student council but also defunct organization leaders like Jeremiah and Viletta who have to sign off on paperwork. There’s also written contracts and ND As mentioned for important activities.
• Platonic Life-Partners: Lelouch and Milly. Milly knows that romance would never happen between them ever and knows they are better off friends.
• Police Brutality: Suzaku suffered this after Mao.
• Poor Communication Kills: Averted for the most part. There are still cases of this.
  • Suzaku and Lelouch discussed what they planned to do with Britannia's system. While they do admit flaws with their plans, they chose to team up to reform Britannia but their biggest issue is getting people to trust them.
  • Nunnally and Sayoko are told of important matters. Nunnally, as a result of being in the loop, was able to make it clear to Lelouch and Suzaku she wanted them all to stay together. And she wants in to make a gentler world.
  • Alice explained why she’s at Prometheus’ side to Nunnally though she hadn't dare divulge about Geass. However, while Rai explained his mistakes to Alice, he wasn’t able to explain to Suzaku, Lelouch, and Kallen due to V.V.’s interference, leading them to make assumptions.
• Positive Friend Influence: Complete with many Friendship Moment. This goes both ways with Lloyd, Cécile, and ASEEC & Lelouch; the latter have a support system he can rely on, leading him to make mentally healthier choices including expanding his inner circle and leaning on his friends and family more while the former saw a kind and reliable young man who they can trust, leading to a different ASSEC Suzaku walking into because ASEEC does not like anybody including Schneizel harming Lelouch and Suzaku.
• Power Fantasy: Discussed between Lelouch and Nunnally regarding Prometheus.
• Pretty Freeloader: It’s implied Lelouch broke a deal with the Ashfords regarding money. The vi Britannia’s stayed with the Ashfords as a safe haven and would lose protection once they graduated and essentials would be paid by both of them. In Alice’s flashback, Nunnally’s bullies said he worked odd jobs and not seeking a job, rather gambling for as much money he can procure. The Ashfords reassured they will still support him when he and Nunnally graduated.
• Princely Young Man: Lelouch. His school nick is “Prince of Ashford”. Kallen noted that sometimes he acted like nobility and Lelouch berate himself for slipping into royal etiquette when he met Euphie again. Milly found great joy in breaking this mold to show just how cute he can be in all embarrassment glory.
• Propaganda Machine: Britannia. Lelouch pointedly criticized what was being taught at Ashford's History and the media machine. Considering that everyone is under The Empire, it shouldn't be any surprise that the media is on their side.
• Protectorate: Lelouch and Suzaku wanted to protect each other and Nunnally. Lelouch revealed himself as a prince to protect Suzaku from another false arrest and officially named him as his Knight of Honor.

R-T

• Rags to Royalty: Marianne is a Cinderella-type and a fantasy for many Britannian girls to marry into the royal family.
  • Lelouch and Nunnally are the Snow White types. It's hinted they still have their titles because it is much more useful to have legitimate royals as hostages than disowned ones; even though they should be disowned, everyone including Charles still called them Prince and Princess vi Britannia, implying they still have their titles. They were simply returning from the dead.

• Rebel Prince / Rebellious Princess: Lelouch, Nunnally, and Euphemia. They disliked Britannia's Social Darwinist warmongering ways and want to do everything in their power to help the common people and Numbers; they don't hate their status as they wanted to be worthy Prince and Princesses of Britannia. Since his return, Lelouch presented himself as a Royal for the People as he made clear in his speech at Ashford Summer Fest.
• Reasonable Authority Figure: Lloyd, Cecile, Euphemia, Kaguya, Rueben Ashford, Milly, Lelouch, and Nunnally. Schneizel just looks the part. Tohdoh too, especially given recent events.
• Recurring Extra: A boy dressed as a Playboy Bunny was mentioned twice in the Crossdressing and Summer Fests.
• Revenge: Rai and Alice seek vengeance for their ill-treatment, something the vi Britannias picked up. Due to getting a new perspective, Lelouch had yet to refocus on his revenge for his mom but admitted revenge like Prometheus is petty.
• Royally Screwed Up: The Britannia royal family. What could describe Schneizel and Lelouch when they see their father smile is an Oh, Crap!. Even Cornelia was shocked to learn the Emperor wanted to talk to Lelouch when he usually doesn't wish to talk to anybody.
• Royals Who Actually Do Something: Expected for Britannian royals. Clovis is neither a Warrior Prince nor a politician; Lloyd said he was a Viceroy, not having too many accomplishments. Lelouch, Cornelia, and Schneizel are Warrior Prince. Lelouch, Euphie, and Nunnally are active politicians (Schneizel certainly can act like a Reasonable Authority Figure and a good politician if his way with words say anything but ASEEC with help from Lelouch and Euphie saw through him).
• Sanity Slippage: Yeah... Rai...
• Secret-Keeper:
  • For Lelouch and Nunnally being royalty, there's Milly, the Ashfords, Lloyd, and Cecile and later Kallen and the rest of Taiyō no Heishi as a result of Tohdoh and Prometheus.
    • Rai and Alice are more Secret Secret-Keeper. They seemed aware of the Ragnarok Connection plan by Charles, Marianne, and V.V. and the vi Britannias being Charles’ favorites; for the latter, they agreed they discarded them, knowing how much Lelouch hates Britannia and that he would agree with the destruction. Though considering C.C. knowing the plan too...
  • Suzaku and Lelouch know Kallen is part of Taiyō no Heishi. During and after the rebellion, Taiyō no Heishi members are known except Rai and possibly Alice. The student council learned about Alice as Pandora during or before the rebellion. It’s implied Euphie recognized Alice but kept quiet to not hurt Nunnally and it was Pandora’s secret to tell. As for knowing Rai is Prometheus, Suzaku, Kallen, and Lelouch Didn't See That Coming but kept quiet.
  • For Euphie's survival, the siblings, the med staff in charge of Euphie, the guards, Lloyd, Cecile, C.C., and Shirley knows because until the crisis blew over, the word won't get for her blood.
• School Festival: What had been featured in Ashford was the Winter, Summer, Crossdressing, and Cat Hunt Festivals.
• "Shaggy Dog" Story: Rai, Alice, and Kallen hopes Lelouch, Suzaku, and Nunnally would join them based on their hate for Britannia and strong sense of justice. However, the vi Britannias and Suzaku sees them as terrorists based on their targeting of innocents and want to find the right way of reforming Britannia. Rai is the worst case of this since he wanted Lelouch to join so much he exposed the vi Britannias to Taiyo no Heishi and partly killed any chance of recruiting Lelouch as he and Marianne are the reasons why Lelouch and Nunnally returned to royalty.
• Ship Tease: Jeremiah and Cecile have been teased a couple of times. Euphie and Nina & Nunnally and Alice have been teased too.
• Shown Their Work: Lelouch mentioned a shrine at Shirahama and Milly noticed Shirahama torii gate which indeed the real beach does in fact have.
• Sliding Scale of Idealism vs. Cynicism: The original series can get dark but underneath that is an inkling of hope. Of course, there is a difference between cynicism and realism.
• Sneeze Cut: Lelouch sneezed as Shirley and Rai lost another chance to confess to him in Milly's Valentines' Day Fest.
• Smashing Watermelons: At the beach party, Lelouch set up this as an activity.
• Spanner in the Works:
  • The royals towards Taiyō no Heishi and vice versa: The royals did not expect the SAZ massacre nor the Ashford hostage situation at all.
  • Lelouch: Coming back as the new Viceroy of Area 11 is this
    • He was the strategist that undid their plans.
    • They planned to recruit Lelouch and have Suzaku unveiled as the Lancelot pilot so they could have public support that Britannia was a hypocrite. What they didn't expect was to have Lelouch come forward as a vi Britannia, take Suzaku as his personal knight, and make a speech that outright declares him as a true Prince of Britannia thusly their enemy.
  • Euphemia:
    • Her announcement of SAZ drew hate from Rai who believed she is in the way of Lelouch and his goals.
• Spared by the Adaptation: Shirley, Lelouch; Euphie
• Speak Ill of the Dead / Never Speak Ill of the Dead: Lelouch does not like this. When Kallen did this about Clovis, Lelouch was affronted.
• Stranger in a Strange School: A non-supernatural example. Kallen saw the student council's torment of Lelouch normal after a while and wondered how Milly got away with any of the shenanigans. Darlton have this reaction when Nunnally meowed to start the festival with students cheering in response. Cornelia and Euphie found Ashford interesting.
• Succession Crisis: Even now, the royals don't know who will succeed Charles. Schneizel, Cornelia, and Guinevere are the top choices. Lelouch was never a fan of being forced to compete for the throne.
• There Are No Therapists: Justified. Due to the circumstances, most of them can’t really say because it sounds crazy and nobody will believe them. As a second class citizen, Suzaku can’t pay and Lelouch couldn’t say he’s a prince if he wants to be discovered. Rai and Alice couldn’t go because their issues seemed to lie with the Geass Order. The best they can do is to have a support system.
• "The Reason You Suck" Speech: Many. Mao have one for Suzaku when he captured him.
• Translation Convention: Subtle but it's there; if Japanese words are used publicly, it can be suggested they slip or intentional. Japanese language spoken and written is banned and illegal which is why those who use Japanese Honorifics and the language are in the privacy in their own home or hidden from public view.

U-W

• Unaccustomed as I Am to Public Speaking...: Lelouch had been away from the public spotlight that he felt utterly embarrassed after his speech at Ashford's summer festival. However, classmates have noticed his passionate eloquence as quite a shock after the unmotivated slacker they were used to.
• Undying Loyalty: Jeremiah Gottwald. He did a 180 as soon as he learns just how loyal Suzaku is to Lelouch. Sayoko Shinozaki as the Ashfords were willing to let her go to stay by the vi Britannia’s side after the hidden royals were revealed.
• Unequal Pairing: Ohgi and Viletta/Chigusa. The latter was completely amnesiac and don't know who the hell she was before she met Ohgi. Ohgi initially was caring for her because she was injured and now couldn't let her go because she provided some form of normalcy. Also, Viletta's prophetic words of Prometheus bringing chaos brought some doubt in Ohgi when he began to look at Prometheus' actions. This bite Ohgi hard because Viletta was wrathful when she regained her memories and made a point in shooting Ohgi just to tell him how he’s in the wrong. This is averted with Lelouch and Suzaku who see each other as equals, even when they are officially Prince and Knight.
• Unperson: What happened to Rai and his noble house in the royal court. Given the Emperor’s Geass, it’s obvious.
• Upper-Class Equestrian: Suzaku said it’s one of the few physical sports Lelouch can actually do.
• Utopia Justifies the Means: Of course. Lelouch, Suzaku, even Nunnally knows that to create a better world for everyone is not without bloodshed. Euphie learned this the hard way after the SAZ massacre. The question that popped up a lot is: What is the right way to destroy a fascist and tyrannical government and to create a better world in the process? Lelouch even pointed out that all good intentions can lead to hell and feared falling one day in his pursuit of creating that gentler world.
• Villain with Good Publicity: Prometheus and Schneizel.
• Walking Disaster Area: Lelouch. His friends pointed out his terrible luck as the cause of comical and serious events.
• Warrior Prince: Lelouch, Schneizel, and Cornelia.
• We Hardly Knew Ye: Euphemia’s previous Knight of Honor, Andrea Kneller, killed by Taiyo no Heishi due to her Geassed participation in the SAZ massacre.
• "Well Done, Son" Guy: Euphemia and Nunnally want to make Lelouch proud and their older brother does give them their So Proud of You. On the other way around, Charles wants Lelouch and Nunnally to make him proud but it’s clear he has delusional ideas of who they are as people and they don’t want his approval.
• We Used to Be Friends: Nunnally and the student council learned about Alice and Kallen's association with Prometheus and Taiyō no Heishi. Nunnally was hurt and angry and renounced Alice as her best friend. But that doesn't mean they longer care about them since they have strong reactions. Suzaku definitely have this reaction when he learned Prometheus' identity.
• What the Hell, Hero?: Lelouch called Euphie out for her recklessness and what her death would mean politically and personally. It's implied offscreen Cornelia scolded her again for her recklessness in the Lake Kawaguchi crisis.
• What's Up, King Dude?: Played with. Security is tight around the royals. In formal situations, they must be addressed accordingly. To their friends and close associates, Lelouch, Nunnally, and Euphemia wished to be addressed by their first names or nicknames and be treated as informal. Which their friends and classmates still slip.
• Wide-Eyed Idealist: Euphemia wanted both Britannians and Japanese to be happy and coexist peacefully without any of the war and bloodshed. This hits her hard as she was the face of SAZ and its massacre...
• Will They or Won't They?: Suzaku and Lelouch which ended in Relationship Upgrade; Downplayed with Nina and Euphie & Nunnally and Alice where the Nina was assured to confess to the princess whereas Nunnally doesn’t have a clue in her situation.
• The Wise Prince: Lelouch, Nunnally, Euphemia. Again, Schneizel only looked the part.
• Worldbuilding: There are cases of this.
  • Since the Emblem of Blood era, laws been put in place such as siblings involved indirectly in Sibling Murder would be free from punishment.
  • The position of Sub-Viceroy came about because of inheritance issues and a form of protection from the Viceroy.
  • Royal Knight of Honor (bodyguard and champion of royals) and nobility Knight of Honor (Knightmare pilots with titles) has been a mixup and those behind it was too proud to fix it.

X-Z

• Yandere: It's quickly become obvious Rai/Prometheus is this for Lelouch. He deemed Suzaku and Euphie obstacles in getting Lelouch and his goals. Bordered on Entitled to Have You because he honestly believes their goals in destroying Britannia coincides and does not like what Euphie said teasing Lelouch and Suzaku about their feelings for each other. However, he quickly realizes after the SAZ Massacre, he would never have Lelouch, knowing how much the prince despises him now. All he seems to understand and want is to have Lelouch by his side regardless of the prince’s feelings and would spare the vi Britannia’s in his pursuit to murder the royal family.
• You Are What You Hate: A theme. Lelouch gave Kusakabe a scathing "The Reason You Suck" Speech about this. Urabe & Tohdoh disapproved of Chiba’s outspoken attitude for terrorism and hyper-nationalism.
• Your Terrorists Are Our Freedom Fighters: The fic made it clear there is a difference. Like in canon, Lelouch has a distaste for terrorism and learn innocents will be caught up in war no matter what. Prometheus knows there is a difference between the two as he purposely destroys the town in Narita and saving the hostages at Lake Kawaguchi; he is also aware of the former fact reaches his group, it would be a loss of trust or worse. They are still labeled as terrorists as often those who opposed Britannia in the homeland and the Areas are called this no matter what.

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