Code Geass: Reign of the Psycho King

Area 11: Britannia

The main castle where the nobles and army were located in Japan hosted two simultaneous meetings. One involved Cornelia and the other nobles, while the second was Master Bison's private assembly. The latter meeting had fewer attendees—Balrog and Vega were present, of course, but several new faces had also just arrived in Japan.

Dr. Senoh

A Britannian scientist and close ally to Master Bison, Dr. Senoh was the genius who developed the Psycho Power enhancement technology that amplifies Bison's abilities. He was the mastermind behind both cybernetic enhancement and psychic manipulation research, though he had been known to conduct... questionable experiments—not on civilians, but on criminals that Shadaloo knew the world wouldn't miss.

On the huge screen mounted on the wall was the weapons manufacturer who had helped create the Knightmare Frames.

Sagat

The former Emperor of Muay Thai, scarred by his defeat at the hands of Ryu, had joined Shadaloo seeking power and revenge. Currently in a European country, he was conducting business with Euro Britannia alongside other high-ranking Shadaloo operatives, using his fighting tournament connections as cover for arms deals.

As everyone except Sagat (who appeared on screen) took their seats, Master Bison began the meeting, his presence radiating an aura of barely contained Psycho Power.

"My loyal servants, I'm pleased you've all come to this meeting, one way or another." He looked at Sagat's feed, his eyes glowing faintly purple. "You're on a secure channel, correct?"

Sagat nodded grimly. "Yes, Master Bison. I assure you I'm the only one viewing this meeting. I have my best tech specialists preventing any unwanted eavesdroppers."

"Excellent. Then let us proceed." Master Bison's cape billowed as he gestured to Dr. Senoh, who stood holding a tablet and cleared his throat nervously.

"I'm pleased to report that the Psycho Power enhancement experiments we've been conducting on our test subjects have been progressing... although we do have some complications."

This made Master Bison's eyes flare with purple energy—he'd expected perfection. "What kind of complications?"

Dr. Senoh grabbed a remote and switched Sagat's screen to a video feed, though Sagat could still see and hear the meeting.

The video showed scientists in a sterile laboratory, observing a subject enhanced with cybernetic implants walking down a corridor. Everything seemed normal as the enhanced soldier moved with inhuman precision, but then... purple energy began crackling around his head as he screamed in agony, clawing at his skull before collapsing in convulsions.

Seeing this made Master Bison slam his fist on the table, purple energy crackling around him. Dr. Senoh flinched at his master's reaction. "It seems the test subjects' minds cannot handle the combination of cybernetic enhancement and Psycho Power infusion. We've been trying to find a way to prevent mental breakdown." He quickly turned the screen back to the meeting.

"Why not simply use the cybernetics without Psycho Power?" Vega asked, examining his claws with disinterest, seemingly unbothered by the horrific experiment.

"Because without Psycho Power enhancement, they'd be nothing more than standard soldiers. With it, they gain superhuman reflexes, precognitive abilities, and devastating combat potential. Unfortunately, most human minds aren't strong enough to contain such power," Dr. Senoh replied.

Master Bison leaned forward, Psycho Power crackling around his eyes. "Is there a solution? I will not tolerate weakness in my perfect soldiers."

Dr. Senoh nodded eagerly. "Actually, Master Bison, we believe that if we gradually condition the subjects through incremental Psycho Power exposure while suppressing their original personalities, we can create vessels capable of handling the full enhancement."

"See that it's done. Failure is not an option." Master Bison's voice carried the weight of absolute authority, and Dr. Senoh sat down quickly.

Master Bison then turned to Balrog. "How goes the mission in the Amazon? Have you located the resistance fighters?"

Balrog cracked his knuckles. "Don't worry, boss. Me and the boys are closing in on these rebel scum, but we got a problem with the Britannians—they keep interfering with our operations. When we need backup, they treat us like dirt. Some of my crew want to teach 'em a lesson with their fists."

"The Britannians are tools, nothing more. Next time you need support, contact Shadaloo directly. We'll provide what you need." Master Bison then looked at the large screen. "Sagat, report on our weapons shipments."

"Shipments are on schedule, Master Bison. Your new arsenal and Knightmare Frames will arrive soon. However, I request permission to oversee the installations personally. I don't trust that Lloyd with Shadaloo technology," Sagat said, his scarred face twisted with disdain.

"Your caution is noted. Lloyd serves his purpose for now, but his usefulness may soon expire." Master Bison then stood, his imposing figure casting a shadow across the room.

"Now, onto a matter of greater interest." He grabbed a remote and pressed a button, showing an image of Zero from the day he saved Suzaku. "Do we have additional intelligence on this 'Zero' or the Japanese boy, Suzaku?"

Balrog shrugged. "Not much, boss. Other than what pretty boy here told you—" he gestured at Vega, who sneered "—we got nothing solid on Zero. And this Suzaku kid's past is locked down tight, like someone's protecting his secrets."

"I did discover he attends an elite Britannian academy. Perhaps we can exploit this... recruit him through the right incentives," Balrog suggested.

"Your methods lack subtlety, Balrog," Vega said with disdain.

However, everyone noticed that Master Bison had gone silent, purple energy slowly swirling around him as he stared at the screen with intense focus.

"Master Bison... sir?" Balrog ventured, but received no immediate response.

Master Bison's eyes snapped to Dr. Senoh, crackling with Psycho Power. "Doctor, is my formal attire prepared?"

This made the doctor look puzzled. "Your... formal attire, sir?"

"I wish to visit this academy personally. It's time I met this Suzaku face to face."

Ashford Academy

Ashford Academy was one of the most prestigious institutions that the wealthy elite coveted for their children. Although it appeared to welcome all students, it was clear that most, if not all, were Britannian nobility.

Outside the school, near the gate, a sleek black limousine approached. The driver spoke into the comm system with authority. "Shadaloo delegation arriving. Open the gate immediately."

"Y-yes, of course! Please enter, and tell Lord Bison that Ashford Academy is honored—" Before the security guard could finish, the communication was cut with a sharp crack.

The gate opened smoothly, and the vehicle proceeded through. As it moved, the driver noticed students gathered around the school's clock tower.

The tinted rear window lowered slightly, revealing the passenger observing Suzaku surrounded by fellow students greeting him warmly.

Soon, students noticed the imposing limousine that had stopped at the main entrance.

Students gathered at a respectful distance, sensing an aura of danger. They watched as a large man in boxing gear emerged from the driver's seat and moved to open the rear door.

Balrog stepped out first, his intimidating presence making students step back in fear. Then they saw him address whoever remained in the vehicle.

"All clear, Master Bison. Just some rich kids," he reported.

The students then witnessed a boot stepping out of the limousine. When they saw who emerged, they were struck with a mixture of terror and awe, for this was Master Bison—dictator of Shadaloo, wielder of Psycho Power.

Master Bison emerged in formal military dress, his cape flowing behind him as purple energy subtly flickered around his eyes. The students stared in fearful silence.

However, one student caught his attention. Unlike the others cowering in fear, this one met his gaze with defiant hatred. Time seemed to freeze as Master Bison and the young man named Lelouch locked eyes, both recognizing a kindred ambition for power.

Balrog noticed his master's intense stare and looked to see what appeared to be just another student. He was about to intimidate the boy, but Master Bison raised a hand, purple energy crackling around his fingers.

"Leave him. We have business to attend to," he commanded. Balrog nodded as both he and Master Bison walked into the school, leaving Lelouch with burning questions about this man's presence.

As Master Bison and Balrog walked through the academy's halls, they were met by the trembling principal, who bowed deeply. "Lord Bison, it's an unprecedented honor that you've graced our institution."

Master Bison continued walking, his presence causing the temperature to drop. "The honor is entirely yours. I require a private audience with one of your students—Suzaku Kururugi."

The principal was shaking, having heard whispered rumors about Shadaloo's ruthless leader.

"Oh, and principal..." The man looked back to see Balrog's fist glowing with energy as he punched the wall, leaving a crater. "This conversation is to remain absolutely confidential."

They continued toward a private room while the principal could only watch in terror.

Private Room

Suzaku's hands trembled as he entered the room. He'd heard whispers about Master Bison—the dictator who commanded Shadaloo through fear and Psycho Power. The room contained only a table and two chairs—one occupied by Master Bison himself, radiating an aura of barely contained power, with Balrog standing guard.

"Suzaku Kururugi. Sit. We have much to discuss," Master Bison commanded, his voice carrying supernatural authority.

Suzaku obeyed, feeling an almost hypnotic compulsion to comply.

Master Bison's eyes glowed faintly as he studied the young man. "You intrigue me, Suzaku. You're quite the paradox."

"I... I don't understand, sir," Suzaku stammered, feeling the weight of Bison's psychic presence.

Master Bison produced a dossier and placed it before Suzaku. "You are the son of General Genbu Kururugi, are you not?"

Suzaku's blood ran cold. "Y-yes, he was my father."

"Tell me... why do you serve those who destroyed your homeland?" Master Bison opened the file, revealing classified photos of Japan's invasion. "We conquered your nation, stripped away your identity, enslaved your people... yet you pilot their weapons. Fascinating."

"I believe Britannia can change from within, that through service I can—"

Master Bison's laughter cut him off, a sound that seemed to resonate with dark power. "Admirable delusion. But I sense something far more interesting..." His eyes flared with Psycho Power. "You carry the burden of a killer."

Suzaku recoiled as if struck. "What... what are you saying?"

"The Lancelot you pilot—a prototype with fatal flaws. Any rational soldier would refuse such a death trap... unless death held no fear for them." Master Bison stood, beginning to circle the table like a predator. "Then there was your trial for Prince Clovis's murder. When Zero saved you, you returned to your captors. Why?"

Suzaku remained silent, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Because you wanted to die. Guilt is such a powerful motivator." Master Bison stopped behind Suzaku, leaning close. "Your father—General Kururugi. The official report claims suicide, but that's impossible."

"How... how could you know that?" Suzaku whispered.

"I make it my business to know everything about those who interest me. A traditional samurai like your father would never use a kitchen knife for seppuku. He would require a kaishakunin, a proper ceremony..." Master Bison's voice dropped to barely above a whisper. "Unless someone murdered him. Someone close enough to catch him off guard."

Tears began streaming down Suzaku's face. "I... I had no choice... he was going to—"

"Kill millions of Japanese in a final, desperate gambit. Yes, I know." Master Bison moved back into view, his expression almost sympathetic. "You saved countless lives by taking one. But the guilt is consuming you, driving you toward suicide by combat."

Suzaku broke down completely. "Every day... every mission... I hope it will be my last..."

"That ends now." Master Bison's voice carried absolute authority, backed by Psycho Power. "You will serve Shadaloo, and I have no use for broken tools. You will find purpose in power, or you will be discarded."

The weight of Bison's presence was overwhelming. "I don't... I can't..."

"You can and you will. Your guilt makes you predictable, your death wish makes you weak. Overcome both, and you might prove useful." Master Bison looked to Balrog and nodded. "This concludes our business. Report to Shadaloo operations tomorrow."

As they prepared to leave, Master Bison paused. "Incidentally, you should thank this 'Zero' for saving your life. He's provided me with a valuable asset."

Outside the School

As Master Bison and Balrog exited the building, Bison stopped and gazed up at the clock tower, purple energy flickering around his eyes. Balrog noticed his master's focus. "Something wrong, boss?"

Master Bison sensed a familiar ambition emanating from above—someone watching him with calculating intelligence. He smiled coldly. "No... quite the opposite. It appears this visit has been more productive than anticipated."

As their limousine departed, Lelouch remained at the tower's edge, holding a black king chess piece. His analytical mind raced as he processed what he'd witnessed.

"So, Master Bison enters the game," he murmured, studying the chess piece. "Psycho Power, Shadaloo, and now Suzaku... the board grows more complex." He placed the king on the ledge as his eyes hardened with resolve. "But every dictator has weaknesses. I'll find yours, Bison, and use them to crush both you and Britannia."

The game of rebellion had just become far more dangerous.