for Dauntless5/10 c103 Weewoo
I love this story. No pressure, you have no obligation to continue, but MAN do I wanna see what happens in the future
I love this story. No pressure, you have no obligation to continue, but MAN do I wanna see what happens in the future
5/8 c34 Thoughts
I love how Lelouch and Kallen end up having virtually the same reaction of 'Are you crazy?' when they hear about Suzaku's delusions of working for the empire and somehow freeing his people. If not for Lloyd happening to save him, he would have never become a knight at all, let alone a Knight of the Rounds. But I suppose that, in canon, if not for Rivalz and Lelouch just happening to drive in front of Naoto and Kallen in the first episode, Lelouch would have never gotten the Geass and become Emperor. At least, not based on how things play out in canon. These two boys are really driven by fate.
I love how Lelouch and Kallen end up having virtually the same reaction of 'Are you crazy?' when they hear about Suzaku's delusions of working for the empire and somehow freeing his people. If not for Lloyd happening to save him, he would have never become a knight at all, let alone a Knight of the Rounds. But I suppose that, in canon, if not for Rivalz and Lelouch just happening to drive in front of Naoto and Kallen in the first episode, Lelouch would have never gotten the Geass and become Emperor. At least, not based on how things play out in canon. These two boys are really driven by fate.
5/8 c45 Guest
This chapter parallels canon, what with Lelouch forcing himself into the spotlight to save his friend and demanding that he ally with him. However, unlike canon, he is markedly more successful in the latter. I love the little detail on how oaths to the empire mean different things to them. For Lelouch, different oaths mean different levels of trust and responsibility. But for Suzaku, as you said, it's all the same to him. He has already sacrificed everything.
The line about Lelouch not requiring gestures of obeisance makes me kind of sad. I know he still thinks this in the later parts of this fic, but they aren't going to be treating each other the same way they do in these earlier sections of the story. I miss their banter. I mean, they will still banter, but it won't be the same. Suzaku has given himself up to Lelouch, but I don't think either of them will realize quite how much until later in the story. Like in canon, Suzaku's choices will lead to a slow but continual loss of self, and the same will happen to Lelouch I fear.
This chapter parallels canon, what with Lelouch forcing himself into the spotlight to save his friend and demanding that he ally with him. However, unlike canon, he is markedly more successful in the latter. I love the little detail on how oaths to the empire mean different things to them. For Lelouch, different oaths mean different levels of trust and responsibility. But for Suzaku, as you said, it's all the same to him. He has already sacrificed everything.
The line about Lelouch not requiring gestures of obeisance makes me kind of sad. I know he still thinks this in the later parts of this fic, but they aren't going to be treating each other the same way they do in these earlier sections of the story. I miss their banter. I mean, they will still banter, but it won't be the same. Suzaku has given himself up to Lelouch, but I don't think either of them will realize quite how much until later in the story. Like in canon, Suzaku's choices will lead to a slow but continual loss of self, and the same will happen to Lelouch I fear.
5/8 c46 Random Rambles
Okay. But. Your fic reminded me of something. In canon, the only detail we get of Suzaku and Lelouch/Nunnally's separation (in the anime, idk abt the sound dramas or manga) is a clip of Lelouch looking at Suzaku through the back of a car that is driving away. Probably symbolic of the distance that fate has put between them. Very sad moment. But it always kind of bothered me?
I assume that Lelouch somehow managed to convince someone to take them to where the Ashfords had set up camp in the Settlement, explaining why he was being driven away. Obviously, Suzaku wouldn't have been included in that invitation so he was left alone. Which is wild. He was literally a lone ten-year-old in an invaded country. I know he could take care of himself, because he was able to take care of himself and Nunnally and Lelouch simultaneously (those survival skills from R1 really coming into clutch. thanks tohdoh-sensei, ig? or whoever taught him). But it's really sad. Like, in this fic it was Tohdoh-sensei who saved the Kururugis, and based on WMD he probably ended up coincidentally finding Suzaku and returning him to his clan. But how long did that take? How long did Suzaku spend completely alone with no idea if anyone would find him and just hoping he would find safety and his father's other estate. He must have missed Lelouch and Nunnally so much. I'm glad he got to find them again, all those years later.
Okay. But. Your fic reminded me of something. In canon, the only detail we get of Suzaku and Lelouch/Nunnally's separation (in the anime, idk abt the sound dramas or manga) is a clip of Lelouch looking at Suzaku through the back of a car that is driving away. Probably symbolic of the distance that fate has put between them. Very sad moment. But it always kind of bothered me?
I assume that Lelouch somehow managed to convince someone to take them to where the Ashfords had set up camp in the Settlement, explaining why he was being driven away. Obviously, Suzaku wouldn't have been included in that invitation so he was left alone. Which is wild. He was literally a lone ten-year-old in an invaded country. I know he could take care of himself, because he was able to take care of himself and Nunnally and Lelouch simultaneously (those survival skills from R1 really coming into clutch. thanks tohdoh-sensei, ig? or whoever taught him). But it's really sad. Like, in this fic it was Tohdoh-sensei who saved the Kururugis, and based on WMD he probably ended up coincidentally finding Suzaku and returning him to his clan. But how long did that take? How long did Suzaku spend completely alone with no idea if anyone would find him and just hoping he would find safety and his father's other estate. He must have missed Lelouch and Nunnally so much. I'm glad he got to find them again, all those years later.
5/8 c47 Thoughts
I just had a funny thought. Lelouch is very possessive of Suzaku. He also extols his skill as a pilot and knight to the naysayers so Suzaku can gain public favour. Suzaku even passed an aptitude test from the Knight of the Rounds and will be skilled enough to take the position of Knight of Three, if not Knight of Two, in a year's time. It would be funny if, after putting all this effort into improving Suzaku's reputation, the Emperor were to take him and make him swear oaths to become a Knight of the Round. Even in canon he's proven to be willing to elevate Suzaku to that rank. Of course, the circumstances were different, but it would be such a good punishment for Lelouch. He can't argue against his father or say that Suzaku isn't worthy of the position lest he undermine his previous statements.
I don't think this could actually happen, because Suzaku already is Lelouch's Knight of Honour here, where he wasn't in canon, and I wouldn't want to break this duo apart either, because together they can accomplish anything. But. The image of Lelouch watching Suzaku strip himself of his cloak, his broach, his sword, and the next day donning the colours of the Emperor? It's such a bitter picture.
I just had a funny thought. Lelouch is very possessive of Suzaku. He also extols his skill as a pilot and knight to the naysayers so Suzaku can gain public favour. Suzaku even passed an aptitude test from the Knight of the Rounds and will be skilled enough to take the position of Knight of Three, if not Knight of Two, in a year's time. It would be funny if, after putting all this effort into improving Suzaku's reputation, the Emperor were to take him and make him swear oaths to become a Knight of the Round. Even in canon he's proven to be willing to elevate Suzaku to that rank. Of course, the circumstances were different, but it would be such a good punishment for Lelouch. He can't argue against his father or say that Suzaku isn't worthy of the position lest he undermine his previous statements.
I don't think this could actually happen, because Suzaku already is Lelouch's Knight of Honour here, where he wasn't in canon, and I wouldn't want to break this duo apart either, because together they can accomplish anything. But. The image of Lelouch watching Suzaku strip himself of his cloak, his broach, his sword, and the next day donning the colours of the Emperor? It's such a bitter picture.
5/8 c51 Thoughts
I think I've been mistaken in my comparisons between this alternate history and what little I know of IRL Japan. I keep on forgetting that Japanese nobility, along with Britannian nobility and Chinese nobility, have a lot more influence in the Code Geass world than IRL. That would explain Suzaku's status and influence in this fic.
I think I've been mistaken in my comparisons between this alternate history and what little I know of IRL Japan. I keep on forgetting that Japanese nobility, along with Britannian nobility and Chinese nobility, have a lot more influence in the Code Geass world than IRL. That would explain Suzaku's status and influence in this fic.
5/8 c53 Thoughts
The whole part where Suzaku is trying to tell himself he isn't using Lelouch. Like, yes, you are using him and his status to achieve your goals. He is also your friend. These two things aren't mutually exclusive. You are Lelouch's friend and he is definitely using you. That's part of what makes your relationship so complicated sometimes.
The contrast between how Suzaku views himself and how Lelouch holds him in such high esteem is so obvious in this chapter.
It's sweet how Suzaku prioritizes Lelouch and his reputation when explaining to himself his hesitancy to become Knight of Honour. It highlights their close friendship, and contrasts with their hatred from the end of R1/beginning of R2. I'm glad things are turning out better here.
Lelouch compares Suzaku to a prince several times throughout the story, but I personally do not think this is an apt description for him. A prime minister's child has no authority in matters of policy. Even if he were in some way related to the Imperial family or had a lot of land or property, this still wouldn't make him a prince in the way Lelouch regards him as in the modern era the Imperial family has almost no influence in Japan. I guess he's trying to make Suzaku equal to him (a prince) by making this comparison, but I don't think it really holds true.
The whole part where Suzaku is trying to tell himself he isn't using Lelouch. Like, yes, you are using him and his status to achieve your goals. He is also your friend. These two things aren't mutually exclusive. You are Lelouch's friend and he is definitely using you. That's part of what makes your relationship so complicated sometimes.
The contrast between how Suzaku views himself and how Lelouch holds him in such high esteem is so obvious in this chapter.
It's sweet how Suzaku prioritizes Lelouch and his reputation when explaining to himself his hesitancy to become Knight of Honour. It highlights their close friendship, and contrasts with their hatred from the end of R1/beginning of R2. I'm glad things are turning out better here.
Lelouch compares Suzaku to a prince several times throughout the story, but I personally do not think this is an apt description for him. A prime minister's child has no authority in matters of policy. Even if he were in some way related to the Imperial family or had a lot of land or property, this still wouldn't make him a prince in the way Lelouch regards him as in the modern era the Imperial family has almost no influence in Japan. I guess he's trying to make Suzaku equal to him (a prince) by making this comparison, but I don't think it really holds true.
5/8 c55 Thoughts
The exchange about getting used to killing in the first part is strange. Suzaku has likely already killed several terrorists, freedom fighters, whatever, on a much more personal level. Maybe the scale of the slaughter got to him? Either way, its ironic when compared to where Suzaku ends up at the end of canon - his feelings on Geass and killing and whatever. I don't think he liked these acts by that point, but he was certainly more than accepting of them.
Lelouch is totally right when he says that Suzaku needs to take the spotlight, and I'm glad he's giving him that push. In some ways its disappointing to see Suzaku so hesitant to do the things he needs to reach his goal, but it is otherwise understandable. Suzaku is an oppressed, marginalized person in Britannian society. Its been practically engraved into his psyche to stay out of sight as a part of his survival instinct. He very well could have been killed otherwise. So it's good that Lelouch can help keep him on track when everything Suzaku knows is telling him to stay quiet and keep his head down. He might have been able to do it with a little less manipulation and more straightforward discussion, but Lelouch is Lelouch I suppose.
And the part about Suzaku making Lelouch view Japan as equal not inferior... so many thoughts! It must have taken something to get Lelouch to view a country he thought to be holding him and his sister hostage positively.
The exchange about getting used to killing in the first part is strange. Suzaku has likely already killed several terrorists, freedom fighters, whatever, on a much more personal level. Maybe the scale of the slaughter got to him? Either way, its ironic when compared to where Suzaku ends up at the end of canon - his feelings on Geass and killing and whatever. I don't think he liked these acts by that point, but he was certainly more than accepting of them.
Lelouch is totally right when he says that Suzaku needs to take the spotlight, and I'm glad he's giving him that push. In some ways its disappointing to see Suzaku so hesitant to do the things he needs to reach his goal, but it is otherwise understandable. Suzaku is an oppressed, marginalized person in Britannian society. Its been practically engraved into his psyche to stay out of sight as a part of his survival instinct. He very well could have been killed otherwise. So it's good that Lelouch can help keep him on track when everything Suzaku knows is telling him to stay quiet and keep his head down. He might have been able to do it with a little less manipulation and more straightforward discussion, but Lelouch is Lelouch I suppose.
And the part about Suzaku making Lelouch view Japan as equal not inferior... so many thoughts! It must have taken something to get Lelouch to view a country he thought to be holding him and his sister hostage positively.
5/7 c63 Thoughts
It's actually wild that Abigail has no idea how good of a Knightmare pilot Kallen is. I mean, no one has truly seen her in action yet and so don't actually know, but she could literally conquer a battlefield singlehandedly with the right KMF (assuming another ace pilot isn't in the field). I hope she takes names and proves everyone wrong, shows that her blood isn't tainted. That wouldn't actually happen though, otherwise Suzaku wouldn't have any problems, but I hope she has a moment to shine and blow everyone away.
This is tangential, but I wonder how Suzaku would rank compare to the Knights of the Round. Canonically, by the end of the series he's a stronger pilot than Gino. Technically he's also stronger than Bismarck but because he has like a ninth gen KMF against a seventh gen in that battle (I think?) it wouldn't apply to a non-Knight of Zero Suzaku. Anyways, it would be entirely possible for him to take the rank of Knight of Three (only two away from One!) in a short amount of time. It isn't exactly relevant because Suzaku isn't about to turn Lelouch in to join the Rounds or anything, but it would definitely be something to see him in a true pitched battle. Maybe against the Chinese Federation Suzaku would be able to earn the name 'White Reaper' again, for singlehandedly wiping out battlefields, and Kallen (if she were to work with him) could earn her own cool moniker.
Actually, speaking of the Chinese Federation, I wonder how that would go in this fic? It would take place several months here before it does in canon (I think? Timeline is confusing). Anyways, Lelouch won't have the Shinkiro or anything like that, so he won't have the superior KMF there, but eunuchs may or may not have the Shen Hu developed at this point... Also because Lelouch wouldn't be fleeing but rather pursuing he probably wouldn't end up trapped the same he did in canon... But the Chinese would also be prepared for combat in a way they weren't in canon when they were taken off guard... Undoubtedly having Kallen and Suzaku work together would greatly increase the chances of success during that battle, and Kallen probably wouldn't end up running out of energy either, preventing her from being taken hostage... Ah, so many possibilities.
It's actually wild that Abigail has no idea how good of a Knightmare pilot Kallen is. I mean, no one has truly seen her in action yet and so don't actually know, but she could literally conquer a battlefield singlehandedly with the right KMF (assuming another ace pilot isn't in the field). I hope she takes names and proves everyone wrong, shows that her blood isn't tainted. That wouldn't actually happen though, otherwise Suzaku wouldn't have any problems, but I hope she has a moment to shine and blow everyone away.
This is tangential, but I wonder how Suzaku would rank compare to the Knights of the Round. Canonically, by the end of the series he's a stronger pilot than Gino. Technically he's also stronger than Bismarck but because he has like a ninth gen KMF against a seventh gen in that battle (I think?) it wouldn't apply to a non-Knight of Zero Suzaku. Anyways, it would be entirely possible for him to take the rank of Knight of Three (only two away from One!) in a short amount of time. It isn't exactly relevant because Suzaku isn't about to turn Lelouch in to join the Rounds or anything, but it would definitely be something to see him in a true pitched battle. Maybe against the Chinese Federation Suzaku would be able to earn the name 'White Reaper' again, for singlehandedly wiping out battlefields, and Kallen (if she were to work with him) could earn her own cool moniker.
Actually, speaking of the Chinese Federation, I wonder how that would go in this fic? It would take place several months here before it does in canon (I think? Timeline is confusing). Anyways, Lelouch won't have the Shinkiro or anything like that, so he won't have the superior KMF there, but eunuchs may or may not have the Shen Hu developed at this point... Also because Lelouch wouldn't be fleeing but rather pursuing he probably wouldn't end up trapped the same he did in canon... But the Chinese would also be prepared for combat in a way they weren't in canon when they were taken off guard... Undoubtedly having Kallen and Suzaku work together would greatly increase the chances of success during that battle, and Kallen probably wouldn't end up running out of energy either, preventing her from being taken hostage... Ah, so many possibilities.
5/7 c64 Thoughts
The way Suzaku is jealous of C.C. comforting Lelouch after he has a nightmare is honestly kind of sickening. His narrative is one part concern one part discomfort three parts jealousy. This boy is PINING for Lelouch's attention, its honestly kind of ridiculous. (No, I don't ship them, but this behaviour is outrageous. You two do not talk about anything except work, you're not having heart to hearts in his bed. Though this is also the case with C.C. Hm, his jealousy is ridiculous, but I can understand why he thinks C.C. comforting Lelouch is weird.) He might have comforted Lelouch during a nightmare when they were children during the invasion, but that was a long time ago. He really needs more friends. He has only one real friend; the rest of the Royal Guard are more his acquaintances/close colleagues than friends. I suppose this is also the case for Lelouch, but he can trust the Royal Guard in a way Suzaku can't. He also has more family relations than Suzaku, which is a low bar but since Suzaku has been disowned he still wins out in that department. Suzaku needs to have more people in his circle so he can wean himself off of Lelouch's attention. I don't know how he made it through military school in complete isolation. Or maybe he made friends with the other three Honorary Britannians in his cohort whom he is now separated from? Who knows. Regardless, Suzaku's possessiveness is concerning.
The way Suzaku is jealous of C.C. comforting Lelouch after he has a nightmare is honestly kind of sickening. His narrative is one part concern one part discomfort three parts jealousy. This boy is PINING for Lelouch's attention, its honestly kind of ridiculous. (No, I don't ship them, but this behaviour is outrageous. You two do not talk about anything except work, you're not having heart to hearts in his bed. Though this is also the case with C.C. Hm, his jealousy is ridiculous, but I can understand why he thinks C.C. comforting Lelouch is weird.) He might have comforted Lelouch during a nightmare when they were children during the invasion, but that was a long time ago. He really needs more friends. He has only one real friend; the rest of the Royal Guard are more his acquaintances/close colleagues than friends. I suppose this is also the case for Lelouch, but he can trust the Royal Guard in a way Suzaku can't. He also has more family relations than Suzaku, which is a low bar but since Suzaku has been disowned he still wins out in that department. Suzaku needs to have more people in his circle so he can wean himself off of Lelouch's attention. I don't know how he made it through military school in complete isolation. Or maybe he made friends with the other three Honorary Britannians in his cohort whom he is now separated from? Who knows. Regardless, Suzaku's possessiveness is concerning.
5/7 c72 Thoughts
Honestly, as possessive and irrational Suzaku is in this chapter, it makes sense. Like I mentioned before, I think it all comes down to fear. Suzaku is an Eleven. Yes, he's an Honorary Britannian, but he is a second-class citizen. Arguably not really a citizen at all (I doubt he was entitled to the same legal rights, for example, as normal Britannians). I'm sure that in his early days at the military Honorary Britannians were treated like canon fodder, the first to be sacrificed during operations. It was the Honorary Britannians, after all, sent to Shinjuku when it was about to be slaughtered. He is still that same soldier, albeit with Lelouch's favour. Having spent so much time apart from him, he's going to feel unnecessarily insecure. He's only important (in his mind, as Britannia taught him) because of how useful he is as a pilot and as a symbol for the Japanese, but Lelouch could make do without either if he wanted. The vast majority of people would prefer for Suzaku to be replaced by a Britannian who, in their mind, would do the work better.
I would call Suzaku's irrationality a persecution complex, but it really isn't. Most people here would really have him lynched. I wouldn't be surprised if he and his fellow Honorary Britannians experienced some friendly fire early on. It is only Lelouch's favour that gives him any sense of security, and he hasn't felt that in a while.
Honestly, as possessive and irrational Suzaku is in this chapter, it makes sense. Like I mentioned before, I think it all comes down to fear. Suzaku is an Eleven. Yes, he's an Honorary Britannian, but he is a second-class citizen. Arguably not really a citizen at all (I doubt he was entitled to the same legal rights, for example, as normal Britannians). I'm sure that in his early days at the military Honorary Britannians were treated like canon fodder, the first to be sacrificed during operations. It was the Honorary Britannians, after all, sent to Shinjuku when it was about to be slaughtered. He is still that same soldier, albeit with Lelouch's favour. Having spent so much time apart from him, he's going to feel unnecessarily insecure. He's only important (in his mind, as Britannia taught him) because of how useful he is as a pilot and as a symbol for the Japanese, but Lelouch could make do without either if he wanted. The vast majority of people would prefer for Suzaku to be replaced by a Britannian who, in their mind, would do the work better.
I would call Suzaku's irrationality a persecution complex, but it really isn't. Most people here would really have him lynched. I wouldn't be surprised if he and his fellow Honorary Britannians experienced some friendly fire early on. It is only Lelouch's favour that gives him any sense of security, and he hasn't felt that in a while.
5/7 c73 Thoughts
Lelouch is too ruthless. There isn't anything wrong with a delicate touch. I understand why he wants to claim responsibility for everything he does - it is an admirable trait - but that doesn't mean he should just skip over explaining extenuating circumstances. He really wanted to keep Suzaku in the dark so he would have an appropriate reaction for the press? That doesn't change much of anything. He's still going to be complicit in Lelouch's actions, so him looking angry about it won't score him many brownie points. It's kind of like when he didn't explain why he used Geass on Euphy in canon. There's no reason why, in a moment of supposed honesty, he couldn't have actually explained things in full. It's another thing he does when he loses the trust of the Black Knights. Schniezel points it out quite succinctly when he notes how Lelouch tends to cut himself of from others, despite them being the allies he is so reliant on. He has a tendency to be extremely ruthless, like when he became the evil dictator of Britannia, when he had enough power and reputation as the just Zero at that point to fix the system in a much more painless but equally effective way. His unnecessary ruthlessness has a tendency to harm himself and others, but Britannia hasn't taught him anything else. Ah, Lelouch...
Also, when Suzaku is like 'the Japanese aren't my people!' it's like - no, they are! You are one of them so they belong to you, and you also belong to them. That's what it means to be part of a group. You don't own them, obviously, but you and everyone else are part of a shared collective. How meaningful these connections are is a subject of debate, but he isn't wrong for claiming them.
Lelouch is too ruthless. There isn't anything wrong with a delicate touch. I understand why he wants to claim responsibility for everything he does - it is an admirable trait - but that doesn't mean he should just skip over explaining extenuating circumstances. He really wanted to keep Suzaku in the dark so he would have an appropriate reaction for the press? That doesn't change much of anything. He's still going to be complicit in Lelouch's actions, so him looking angry about it won't score him many brownie points. It's kind of like when he didn't explain why he used Geass on Euphy in canon. There's no reason why, in a moment of supposed honesty, he couldn't have actually explained things in full. It's another thing he does when he loses the trust of the Black Knights. Schniezel points it out quite succinctly when he notes how Lelouch tends to cut himself of from others, despite them being the allies he is so reliant on. He has a tendency to be extremely ruthless, like when he became the evil dictator of Britannia, when he had enough power and reputation as the just Zero at that point to fix the system in a much more painless but equally effective way. His unnecessary ruthlessness has a tendency to harm himself and others, but Britannia hasn't taught him anything else. Ah, Lelouch...
Also, when Suzaku is like 'the Japanese aren't my people!' it's like - no, they are! You are one of them so they belong to you, and you also belong to them. That's what it means to be part of a group. You don't own them, obviously, but you and everyone else are part of a shared collective. How meaningful these connections are is a subject of debate, but he isn't wrong for claiming them.
5/7 c75 Thoughts
What was it that Suzaku had said in the anime? That they were friends, so he wouldn't ask for forgiveness? They're not very kind to each other sometimes, are they.
What was it that Suzaku had said in the anime? That they were friends, so he wouldn't ask for forgiveness? They're not very kind to each other sometimes, are they.
5/7 c77 Thoughts
Suzaku and Lelouch are best friends that go like "I would do anything for you, including commit grievous acts against you, innocents, loved ones, and my own moral principles. You'll hate me by the end of this, and so will I, but remember still that I've always loved you". Suzaku literally killing his father so Lelouch and Nunnally, who he'd known for a fraction of the time, could possibly live. Lelouch deciding to leave his wife to die just for Suzaku's mental stability. Just so he wouldn't have to keep listening to something that hurts him. They're crazy. Both of them are better friends to the other than either of them actually deserve. And they don't even realize all of the sacrifices the other makes for them. No wonder they decided to co-star in the tragedy that was Zero Requiem in canon. Lelouch could not have chosen a better guy to destroy himself with.
Suzaku and Lelouch are best friends that go like "I would do anything for you, including commit grievous acts against you, innocents, loved ones, and my own moral principles. You'll hate me by the end of this, and so will I, but remember still that I've always loved you". Suzaku literally killing his father so Lelouch and Nunnally, who he'd known for a fraction of the time, could possibly live. Lelouch deciding to leave his wife to die just for Suzaku's mental stability. Just so he wouldn't have to keep listening to something that hurts him. They're crazy. Both of them are better friends to the other than either of them actually deserve. And they don't even realize all of the sacrifices the other makes for them. No wonder they decided to co-star in the tragedy that was Zero Requiem in canon. Lelouch could not have chosen a better guy to destroy himself with.
5/7 c81 Thoughts
It's weird. Suzaku is wrong, I think, when he says Lelouch will feel any measure of regret killing his father. We know from canon that he won't. However, I think he's right when he says revenge won't bring them any satisfaction. Revenge isn't inherently unsatisfying, but when Lelouch pursues it he is asking a question like he asked Charles: 'who killed my mother? why did she die?'. Revenge isn't an end in and of itself; rather it is an attempt to obtain closure for the event that shattered his childhood. But he won't ever have that. Even in canon, when it is all laid bare before him, Lelouch is only derisive. There isn't a moment of satisfaction for having accomplished his longest-held goal. It is a hollow victory. Suzaku is right about that, I think, and he's right too when he says that Lelouch won't realize it until the very end.
It's weird. Suzaku is wrong, I think, when he says Lelouch will feel any measure of regret killing his father. We know from canon that he won't. However, I think he's right when he says revenge won't bring them any satisfaction. Revenge isn't inherently unsatisfying, but when Lelouch pursues it he is asking a question like he asked Charles: 'who killed my mother? why did she die?'. Revenge isn't an end in and of itself; rather it is an attempt to obtain closure for the event that shattered his childhood. But he won't ever have that. Even in canon, when it is all laid bare before him, Lelouch is only derisive. There isn't a moment of satisfaction for having accomplished his longest-held goal. It is a hollow victory. Suzaku is right about that, I think, and he's right too when he says that Lelouch won't realize it until the very end.