Code Prime
Code Prime has many examples between both human and Cybertronian characters. The Big Tetrad
- The quadrad of Lelouch, Optimus Prime, Suzaku, and Megatron work as this on very many levels:
- Lelouch and Optimus Prime: Both are rebel leaders who came from relatively prestigious backgrounds (Lelouch a Royal Britannian and Optimus a high-class archivist), care deeply for their friends, and have a natural gift for inspiring others with words only. But while Optimus managed to enact the reforms he sought while still maintaining his prestige (and was only forced to become violent when the Decepticons struck first), Lelouch lost almost everything as a child and initially led his revolution out of revenge, before coming to believe in his own rhetoric.
- Suzaku and Megatron: The two of them were low-class inhabitants of a flawed caste system but were able to rise to prominence by recognition of their incredible fighting valor. However, while Megatron rose to command and maintained loyalty within his ranks by making sure they were always aware of his superior might, Suzaku is subservient (and by extension, much more manipulable) and would rather follow commands than issue them. Moreover, when finally confronted by the atrocities of their actions by their old friends, Megatron doubled down and ended up killing the very planet he lived on, while Suzaku suffered a crisis and eventually made a Heel–Face Turn to join the Black Knights. Perhaps the most crucial difference between them though, is that Suzaku (until his Heel–Face Turn) tends to make excuses for his more morally-questionable decisions while Megatron accepts, even embraces, the monster he is and owns up to every atrocities he's committed.
- Lelouch and Megatron: Both are pragmatic planners and manipulators who strove to break down the system that spawned them (and the two are compared similarly many times), but unlike Megatron, Lelouch can feel compassion, empathy, and form strong bonds with others, while Megatron is a sociopath that only sees others as tools to achieve his goals. Also as previously mentioned, Lelouch was a Royal Britannian while Megatron was a low-class gladiator.
- Suzaku and Optimus: Both are incredible idealists that believe in the best of people (and like Lelouch and Megatron are often compared), but Optimus has had his ideals tempered with eons of experience and a better understanding of why conflicts can happen, making him more pragmatic, while Suzaku can't yet comprehend that some people just won't change for the better. Additionally as previously mentioned, Optimus started out as an archivist (a librarian, essentially) from the upper classes of Cybertron while Suzaku, though born into an influential family, was reduced to a second class citizen at best after his homeland was conquered ("11" turned "Honorary Britannian").
- Moreover, while Lelouch and Suzaku were already this in canon, their Foil status is further highlighted by their interactions with the Cybertronian leaders on their respective sides - Lelouch completely trusts Optimus and is slowly becoming a better person because of it, while Suzaku is understandably wary of Megatron and has slowly been corrupted by him. Nearing the end of R1, Lelouch acknowledges Optimus as more of a father to him than Charles ever was, while Suzaku, confronted with Megatron's atrocities with the SAZ massacre, finally broke with the Decepticons to join Lelouch and Optimus.
- Finally, Megatron and Optimus, as always. Megatron originated as a mining drone who initially only had a numerical designation (D-16) and gained power through unmatched prowess in Kaon's Gladiator Games. Optimus, meanwhile, was a well-off member of Cybertron's society who was a data clerk (essentially a librarian) and obtained power by being a fair and honest leader when a crisis arose. Optimus prefers to solve problems with peaceful methods while Megatron favors violence. Additionally, while Optimus and the Autobots only get involved in global affairs once they get fed up with the Britannian oppression of the Numbers, Megatron and the Decepticons have been active in secret for far longer, and created the modern iteration of the Britannian Empire. Optimus nurtures his pupils/subordinates and brings out the best in them, while Megatron abuses his human disciples and earns their resentment. As a direct result of this, Optimus' human allies ultimately come to fight for his cause because they believe in it, while Megatron's human allies invariably decide to go on their own path and hold distrust of him. In turn, Optimus cares deeply for said subordinates while Megatron will brush off their losses or defections if the end result still benefits him. Finally, and most interestingly, their Geass powers are direct contrasts both in terms of origins and effects — Megatron's Dark Geass of Absolute Terror originates from research on Geass combined with Dark Energon, creates the worst fear of the person affected, and can outright kill the target, while Optimus' Prime Geass of Absolute Conviction originates from a contract with C.C. (who also made an agreement with the remaining original Primes to give him said power), provides him with the insight needed to invigorate hope in whoever it targets, but doesn't actually command them, instead merely offering a different path to take. In terms of fame and infamy, Optimus would been seen as the symbol of hope, and a universally beloved hero while Megatron had been viewed as a universally abhorred tyrant.
Other Lelouch foils
- Bumblebee finds Lelouch similar to Soundwave of all bots - both are master planners who pretty much obliterate their competition with well-thought-out strategies. Lelouch, in turn, upon learning of Soundwave, compares him to both himself and Schneizel. Of course, Soundwave was a low-ranked gladiator in the past while Lelouch and Schneizel were born privileged royals who are anything but fighters.
- Lelouch and Cornelia: Both are Frontline Generals, but while Lelouch only leads from the front out of personal morals and is otherwise a lackluster pilot, Cornelia leads the charge because she enjoys battle and is a skilled warrior. Cornelia is brash and aggressive, while Lelouch is calm and collected. Lelouch has only been Outgambitted exactly once in the story, while Cornelia has only pulled off a single win. Things have only gone From Bad to Worse for Cornelia, while Lelouch's life has primarily gotten better. Additionally, while Cornelia has suffered numerous defeats yet absolutely refuses to swallow her pride, it took Lelouch receiving exactly one Humble Pie from her to realize he needed to start changing for the better. Furthermore, while both half-siblings work with a Cybertronian leader, Cornelia prefers to work professionally with Megatron (who is also a major source of ire for her, due to regularly making plans without her and eventually being demoted by Charles, making Megatron her superior) while Lelouch views Optimus as a Parental Substitute. Finally, Cornelia gradually ends up straining her relationship with Euphemia due to various events in the story, while Lelouch ends up strengthening his relationship with Nunnally and even introduces her to Bumblebee, with later plans to introduce her to the rest of the Autobots.
- Lelouch to Leila: Both of them are of former Britannian nobility and Geass-bearers that formed a contract with C.C., and lead a fighting force against Britannia consisting of mostly Japanese. They also choose to be Frontline Generals out of principle and concern for their subordinates despite being otherwise mediocre combatants. They also changed their last names and went into hiding after losing their parents, and have yet to act to the romantic feelings they have for a pilot in their ranks (Kallen for Lelouch, and Akito for Leila). As for differences:
- Lelouch is a former prince of Britannia while Leila's parents were noblemen who defected to the EU.
- Whereas Leila is a straight Nice Girl and a Wide-Eyed Idealist who's not as self-assured in her abilities to command, Lelouch is a brooding but noble antihero who's confident in his leadership skills.
- While Lelouch started out with average to poor skills in Knightmare and hand-to-hand combat, he's improved in these stages thanks to training. Leila is skilled in Aikido but doesn't participate in a battle until the Battle of Slonim.
- Leila's fighting force, the wZERO, is a government-sanctioned team often deployed for black-ops and suicide missions, whereas Lelouch's team, the Black Knights, are a resistance group that fights on the frontlines.
- Lelouch has used his Geass to the point that it now appears in both his eyes and Leila has only just started to use hers.
- Lelouch's Geass is all about control through forced obedience. Leila's Geass is about strength through unity of minds.
- Nonette to Lelouch. Both were Britannians who were wronged by Charles's actions taking away someone they dearly loved. Both in turn stormed the throne room, seeking justice and an explanation for what happened. Both were punished coldly for their "insolence", and both in turn began thinking of working against Charles as a way to avenge the wrongs of the system. However...
- Lelouch was sent out of the country and forced into hiding, and thus could only hope to change the system from the outside, waiting 7 years to accomplish it. Nonette was merely demoted, and thus spent the 7 years working her way back up through the ranks as a way to accomplish it.
- Lelouch was a royal, while Nonette was merely the assigned knight of Kaizaren.
- Lelouch wanted to build a better world for the family he had left. Nonette was interested in showing the worst of the empire to create a better world in honor of her lost prince.
- Lelouch was personally motivated, but came to embody high ideals as the war went on. For Nonette, everything was personally motivated, so that when she learned Kaizaren was alive again, she pivoted to finding a way to serve and help him again.
- Lelouch has one other pronounced foil: Bumblebee. In terms of attire, Lelouch is Dark Is Not Evil while Bumblebee is Light Is Good. Lelouch is a natural-born leader while Bumblebee prefers to follow the lead of others. Lelouch is a talented speaker while Bumblebee is The Speechless. Lelouch is a Non-Action Guy while Bee is a frontline fighter. Finally, in regards to knowledge, Lelouch and Bee represent intelligence and wisdom - Lelouch is a master planner and manipulator, but can still be caught flat-footed by things he didn't predict. Bee, meanwhile, may not be much of a planner but is well aware of how things can go wrong and warns Lelouch to expect unforeseen consequences.
- Oiagros Zevron to Lelouch. Both started out as members of Britannian Royalty. Both had an act of violence to their family change their lives forever due to jealousy. Both became entwined with Geass, and both put on masks to hide their origins in order to better lead others against the corrupt systems that ruined their lives. However....
- Lelouch was the son of the emperor's favorite wife, while Oiagros was the subordinate younger brother of more minor nobility.
- Lelouch lost his mother to his uncle in a tragedy, but Oiagros killed his sister himself out of ambition.
- Lelouch gained Geass on accident. Oiagros was entrusted to run Pluton in connection to the Geass order.
- Lelouch might've named his alter ego Zero as a sign of being outside Britannia's control. Oiagros might've chosen the name Wizard as a show that he'd be able to work magic by playing both sides.
- Lelouch had plenty of family back in the homelands, but only had his younger sister for a while. Oiagros for personal and political reasons couldn't keep contact with his only remaining family: he hurt his nephew by killing his girlfriend, and his niece already hated him for killing Olivia.
- Lelouch gradually revealed his identity after everyone knew that he was of good character, so that they could accept him relatively easy. Oiagros had his secret ripped away by the Decepticons, and had to explain himself much more fervently to gain some measure of trust again.
- Shamna to Lelouch -
Other Optimus foils
- Optimus Prime and Charles zi Britannia - Both are the high leaders of their respective factions and see themselves as Lelouch's father, but Charles is the father whom Lelouch hates and wishes to destroy while Optimus is the father he always wanted and loves dearly. Both once had a strong relationship with Megatron, though with Charles it was a Master and Student relationship, whereas with Optimus they used to be like brothers. As for differences, Charles was content to sit back on his throne and watch things from afar while Optimus is always in the thick of every battle with his soldiers. Charles views all his subordinates, with the exception of a few, as expendable, whereas Optimus values all those under his command, seeing them as his family. Optimus has always believe in humanity's capacity for change, believing that when unified, they are stronger together but Charles never believed in it, seeing his species could never be united.
- Cera to Optimus - Both are ancient beings who have given Lelouch great power (Cera his Geass, Optimus an alliance with him and the rest of Autobots) and taking up a mentor role for the boy, though in different means. They have also seen many horrible things and hold deep regrets over their actions. The difference, however, is that while Optimus has always retain his idealism but remain hardened by the experiences, while Cera was broken by the experiences and had long since became a cold cynic, before regaining her idealism, thanks to Optimus and the others.
- Optimus to Grimlock - Both are A Father To Their Men, and both are The Aces that the army can deploy for dangerous targets. Both also are most dangerous when they cross their Rage Breaking Point. However, Optimus has a wider field of responsibility compared to Grimlock, and considers his transformation to be Prime a duty. Grimlock by contrast only looked after his squad, and considers his new form a curse. Optimus is patient and peaceful despite the trials around him, while Grimlock is a bit more blunt and surely by comparison.
- Optimus to Gene Smiles - Both older men (or Cybertronian in Optimus's case) are mentors to young teenagers and played a large role in their growth as leaders. But where Smiles killed Leila's parents and planned to throw her away when she proved to have no more use for him, Optimus values Lelouch as his beloved son and would never betray him.
- Optimus to Marianne - Both of them are extremely skilled warriors, the strongest of their respective factions. Both love and care for Lelouch and Nunnally, though how Marianne was towards them was in a warped manner while Optimus acted like any normal parent would. As for differences, while Marianne is content to be the right-hand for her husband's ambitions, Optimus is only the high leader of the Autobot-Black Knight Alliance.
- Optimus to Nunnally and Euphemia - Like Optimus, his daughters are compassionate and loving to those around them. A difference is while the two sisters both dislike violence and fighting and wish to settle things peacefully, millennia of experience have taught Optimus that some conflicts can only be settled by fighting, not that he likes it though.
Kallen foils
- While it has yet to be brought up in the story, Kallen's actually a pretty good one for Soundwave - both are extremely talented warriors that hold positions of significant importance within their respective organizations. Both also hold special relationships with their respective leaders - a platonic one for Soundwave, a questionably romantic one for Kallen. Both relationships are also reciprocated. There's one very pronounced difference, though - while Soundwave downright encourages the worst parts of Megatron's behavior, Kallen brings out the best parts of Lelouch's character. Additionally, Kallen prefers to fight up close, while Soundwave normally uses his Mini-Con army and Groundbridge to deal with foes.
- She's also one to Cornelia - both are Action Girls fighting side by side with Cybertronians who use Mecha that favor close-quarters fighting. Both also have rather striking hair colors (red for Kallen, purple for Cornelia), have fiery tempers, and in a Master Subordinate relation with the two main human protagonists of the story, albeit in reversed positions. Both aren't afraid to fight in person, as Divided They Fall demonstrates. They also happen to have lost siblings due to the conflict between Britannia and Japan. As for differences, Cornelia has Fantastic Racism for non-Britannians (which she grows past in R2) while Kallen has grown past this and nurses a crush on Lelouch. Cornelia is a commander while Kallen tends to allow others to lead. Cornelia tries to be professional with the Decepticons while Kallen views the Autobots as her friends and treats them accordingly. Lastly, while Kallen is ultimately dedicated to seeing her path through to the end, Cornelia admitted while under Lelouch's Geass that she would defect from Britannia to protect Lelouch, which she ultimately does at the end of R1. Part of this is because Kallen has Cliffjumper and Arcee as friends and confidants, who bring out her better nature. Cornelia, meanwhile, has Guilford and Darlton, who while being moral are her subordinates and have grown up with Britannia's culture, so they tend to suggest some more morally questionable actions.
- Shirley Fenette to Kallen Kozuki - Shirley is calm, emotionally fragile, and wouldn't hurt a fly, while Kallen has quite a temper, has an unbreakable will to fight, and is the best Knightmare pilot among the Black Knights. Despite this, they actually get along very well. Romantically, Shirley is the Betty and Kallen the Veronica to Lelouch's Archie.
- Kallen to Arcee. Freedom Fighters loyal to their cause fighting against an oppressive government (Britannia and the Decepticons) who have lost those dear to them (Naoto for Kallen/Cliffjumper and Tailgate for Arcee) and the loss of their loved ones have only fueled their drive to keep fighting back against their enemies.
- Euphemia and Kallen are both strong-willed Britannian natives (though Kallen is half-Japanese) who stalwartly stand against the country's oppressive totalitarianism. Kallen is a frontline fighter and is more passionate and quick-tempered whereas Euphemia is a politician whose gentle nature belies her fortitude and resolve. Also, both have pink hair and have much respective Ship Tease with the two main human characters of the story.
Airachnid foils
- Cornelia to Airachnid - both are highly skilled female fighters in their respective organizations with a penchant for melee combat. Other than that, though, the two could not be more different - Cornelia uses a ground-based Knightmare while Airachnid's alt-mode is a helicopter. Cornelia prefers blunt action against her foes while Airachnid enjoys playing with her victims. Cornelia leads her forces while Airachnid prefers to let others do the planning. Finally, while Cornelia has moments where she is surprisingly sympathetic (such as her concern for Euphemia), Airachnid is never portrayed as anything other than a monster. Finally, while it's made completely clear that Airachnid is Beyond Redemption, Optimus and Lelouch are considering trying to get Cornelia on their side after she admits under the influence of Lelouch's Geass that she loves her brother and would defect to the Black Knights to protect him, which she does at the end of R1.
- Megatron to Airachnid - both are bloodthirsty Decepticons, but are diametrically opposite in all other regards. Airachnid is defined by her sadism while Megatron merely indulges in it when doing so will not compromise his other goals. Megatron is a
Lawful Evil warlord who wants to dominate others while Airachnid is a Chaotic Evil Torture Technician who wants to be free to torment others as she sees fit. Airachnid chooses to use an Earth helicopter alt-mode to allow her to blend in better with human forces while Megatron proudly uses a Cybertronian jet as his alt-mode because he wants to be recognized. Finally, Megatron rarely if ever loses his cool while Airachnid is tends to rapidly fall apart when things don't go her way. Lastly, Megatron comes out of R1 considerably better than he was at the start, while Airachnid comes out worse. That being said, both are Arch Enemies of Suzaku, for much the same reason - belittling his ideals, killing innocents, and tormenting Euphemia for their own amusement. - Starscream to Airachnid - the two of them are the least sympathetic of the Decepticons, share similar body types, and have aerial alt-modes. As for differences:
- Starscream's alt-mode is a jet while Airachnid's is a helicopter.
- Starscream desires to lead, while Airachnid is willing to follow as long as she can indulge in her sadism.
- Starscream is a competent planner, but frequently has his schemes ruined by circumstances that could happen, but which he never expected. Airachnid, meanwhile, prefers to play things by ear, with most of her losses being due to a Spanner in the Works or five.
- Airachnid left the Decepticons because she wasn't able to indulge in her sadism following the end of the war. Starscream remained so that he could try and become the leader.
- Starscream's actions are usually (but not always) Played for Laughs. Airachnid's actions, however, are always Played for Drama.
Other Suzaku foils
- Suzaku to Shin, which is lampshaded in-universe.
- While Suzaku doesn't like killing, Shin is obsessed with death.
- Suzaku's intentions in R1 (while misguided) were honorable, even if he faced discrimination for being an Honorary Britannian. Shin faced no such discrimination and is willing to get his hands dirty to achieve his goals.
- Nonette to Suzaku. In some ways, Nonette is the kind of Britannian warrior that Suzaku aspired to become. Both were wronged by Charles in different ways, and both had a desire to change Britannia from within by rising through the military. Both also sought to create this change because of a perceived failure on their parts in the past. And both ended up throwing away those lives in order to honor the person they cared about most.
- Nonette actually succeeded in reaching an upper echalon, while due to his ethnicity, Suzaku encountered problems in even rising slightly.
- Suzaku was hoping to change the larger system as a way to make his murder matter in a positive light. Nonette wanted to succeed because of perceived neglect of duty.
- Nonette was personable and well spoken enough to even disarm rivals. Suzaku's stiffness and self-pity lead to some alienation.
- Nonette was always secretly traitorous due to the resentment she carried towards Charles. Suzaku had a bit of Believing Their Own Lies in trying to atone through service.
- Suzaku was a bit of a Death Seeker trying to move forward. Nonette always believed in living in Kaizaren's name, even making friends with some of her colleagues.
Schneizel foils
- Schneizel to Starscream - both wish to usurp their leaders for dominion over their respective factions and employ deception to do so. But while Starscream is Obviously Evil and tends to alienate potential allies, Schneizel is a Villain with Good Publicity Manipulative Bastard who can trick his enemies into helping him. This may be why Schneizel sought out Starscream's aid during the battle of Shikine Island. Additionally, Schneizel has a preference for Pragmatic Villainy that Starscream respects, and deliberately ingratiates himself to Megatron rather than try to flaunt his royal authority.
- Schneizel to Suzaku - both are humans who desire a more equal world and ally with the Decepticons to do so. Suzaku, however, is The Fettered, wants peace to be achieved without contemptible means, and ultimately ends up Trapped in Villainy due to Megatron blackmailing him when Suzaku realizes he chose the wrong side, before finally jumping ship when pushed too far. Schneizel, meanwhile, is The Unfettered, and admits he would accept all of mankind being brought under the Decepticons' heel if all of them were equal (and outright acknowledges that this might mean equally worthless to the Cons. Consequently, he has no grievances with supporting them and joins under amicable terms.
- Schneizel is also a Foil to Lelouch - both are Britannian princes who are aligned with one of the major factions in the Autobot-Decepticon conflict. As for how they differ:
- Lelouch is a Dark Is Not Evil Rebel Leader aligned with the Autobots while Schneizel is a Light Is Not Good Evil Prince who ultimately joins the Decepticons.
- Lelouch is a Frontline General while Schneizel is something of an armchair general, albeit a highly competent one.
- Lelouch is (more of) A Father to His Men while Schneizel ultimately views most of his subordinates as expendable.
- Lelouch genuinely believes in the innate goodness of mankind, while Schneizel is more cynical here and would rather have all mankind be subordinate to the Decepticons if this eliminated all other conflicts on Earth.
- Lelouch tends to employ grand theatrical displays in his strategies whereas Schneizel prefers more practical approaches.
- To go with their favored strategies, it's noted that Lelouch usually makes his plans for the immediate situation, while Schneizel prefers to play the Long Game.
- Schneizel to Steeljaw: While both have a deep ruthless side, both also have a charming exterior that gives others confidence to follow their lead. Both also have a sense of responsibility so that even when they fail, they refuse to pass blame onto others in the process. Both also have ambitions to continue rising above their current rank. However, while Schneizel prefers to direct from the back, Steeljaw is more that willing to get his claws dirty in direct combat. Schneizel always has a bigger plan to follow, while Steeljaw prefers to exploit immediate opportunities, and work around what he's given. Schneizel has a group of subordinates and a loyal Number Two, while Steeljaw creates a "pack" around him as a tight knit crew. Schneizel's own ambitious planning eventually got him killed due to not getting the big picture. Meanwhile, Steeljaw's patience to learn the full picture eventually caused him to turn on Megatron when he realized he'd lose his own free will in the process, leading to him surviving thanks to other dissenters who aligned with his POV.
- Schneizel to Cornelia: In their meeting during the Iacon relic hunt, they've clearly changed from how they once were. Both of them are more interested in capturing important people for information and greater strategic goals, and both were once high members of the Britannian court. However, while Schneizel's risen to become a Decepticon commander, Cornelia's subordinated herself to serve as a member of the Elite Guard. While Schneizel seemingly hasn't changed, Cornelia has decided to humble herself as a shield of her family rather than the sword she was used as before. While Schneizel seems to be continuously putting on acts as a loyal servant or a caring brother, Cornelia is all surface, saying that she doesn't believe in him anymore after his actions, and that she's going to make it all right for her siblings.
Other Foils
- Shirley Fenette to Euphemia li Britannia - both are kind, caring women who are love interests to one of the human protagonists in the story. As for differences, Euphie is a princess while Shirley is implied to be a commoner, and Shirley is mostly uninvolved in the conflict between Britannia and the Black Knights/Autobots at least at first while Euphie tends to be close to the front lines even if she absolutely hates fighting. As for love interests, Suzaku has romantic feelings for Euphie as well, while Lelouch prefers to be Just Friends with Shirley.
- The Decepticons to the Autobots regarding their human allies - while the Autobots tend to be extremely friendly with the Black Knights (to the point that most of the named Autobots have human partners within the Black Knights), the Decepticons prefer to keep their relationship with their Britannian allies strictly professional, and eventually decide that Britannia has outlived its usefulness and make plans to conquer the empire.
- Nunnally to Jeremiah, as the latter notes. Both of them received cybernetics for their injuries, but while the Autobots were set on bringing Nunnally back to normal, the Decepticons enhanced Jeremiah into a weaponized slave.
- Jeremiah to Soundwave. Talented Masked Military Officers of their respective organizations (The Holy Britannian Empire and the Decepticons) well-known for their undying loyalty to high-ranking members of said organization (Megatron for Soundwave/Empress Marianne for Jeremiah).
- While Jeremiah is often loud and boisterous and fights head on, Soundwave is mostly silent and normally uses his planning to beat his opponents.
- Additionally, Jeremiah pilots a mech with a bulky design (Siegfried) while Soundwave has a sleek design.
- Tohdoh to Starscream. Commanders of Revolutionary Groups (The Decepticons for Starscream/The Black Knights and the Japanese Liberation Front for Tohdoh) voiced by Steve Blum.
- To contrast while Tohdoh is brave and respectable Starscream is the exact opposite where he is cowardly and treacherous.
- Additionally they also lead an elite group of soldiers (The Four Holy Swords and the Seekers).
- Oldrin and Orpheus Zeviron. While intentional foils in this source, here they get a few more interesting points of contrast as brother and sister.
- Orpheus already started as an outsider in story, and was quick to move in with the Autobots thanks to shared values. Oldrin was forced to leave the Decepticons, and only ever joined the alliance because her love Marrybell moved her team there after her Heel Realization.
- Orpheus was kidnapped for the Geass order, and given a cover story of abandonment with tradition. Oldrin worked her way up in the open as the golden heir of the Zevirons, but chose a more common path as part of her desire for revenge.
- Marianne and Cera. Both were "silent partners" in the creation of Ragnarok. Both came from highly traumatic pasts which had them agree to Charles's plans. Both hid their true identities from others. Both ended up meeting with the anicent Primes of the past and helping the two main protagonists of the series in return near the end of one of the seasons unintentionally. And both when it comes down to it, turned out to be natural Knightmare pilots despite their humble origins. However...
- Cera got into Ragnarok because she wanted to die, or finally lose her immortality and have peace. Part of her progression through the story was learning to value life and friends again. To find a purpose beyond survival but to live with a new family. Marianne got into Ragnarok because she wanted to live and have a world safe for her family and for herself. Part of her journey is learning to accept the world for what it is, to see all the good in it, and to eventually learn how to be willing to die for another.
- Cera began growing after Lelouch and Bumblebee saw her past for the first time. Marianne began growing after Prime's Geass of Absolute Hope finally began breaking through her shell.
- Cera, having worked and lived with Nunnally for nearly a year did hurt her when she found out about all that she'd done with Ragnarok, but seeing all the good allowed Nunnally to forgive her. Since Marianne had only just returned to her life, Nunnally was less charitable with her when they reunited.
- When Cera met with the Primes, their contract with her is that they'd allow her to give Optimus a Geass, but in return, she would swear to fight Megatron and live in the ideals of Justice, hope and Freedom. To live a good life as she once refused. When Marianne met the Primes, her "contract" of sorts was that they'd allow her to help give Lelouch Primehood for a limited time along with life, but in return she would cease to exist and die a good death protecting him from the worst of the overload, with death being something she was trying to avoid.
- Shalio and Nunnally -
