IC: Too many Zeros

[thekingsgambit]

[Ah, early morning in the gardens. A time for simple reflection, rest from an overly complicated week, nostalgic appreciation of the flowers -- and a curious fire-duckling who has wandered into the scene to watch. And what is he watching? Why a well-sobered noodleprince walking among the rows, examining a plant from time to time, with a very distant look in his eyes.]

Am I just fooling myself?

Comments

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

Explain what?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Just tell him the truth so we can dismiss with this interrogation.

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

Like I said, my name is Zero! So if you keep saying it like that, of course I'm gonna come check it out!

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

Is that your real name?

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

It's Rei! Rei Enna! But everyone calls me Zero—why does it matter?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Jerking his head back to Suzaku in exasperation. Insulting doesn't even begin to explain what this is.]

Alias or not, does he seem anything like the Zero from our world? This Zero could hardly come up with anything remotely resembling a strategy, let alone recruit his own army.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Glancing at Lelouch in the corner of his eye.]

It's true that he's never volunteered information about himself like this before, much less shown his face. But the personality could easily be faked to gain an advantage. . .

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Yep, that comment has definitely earned you THE LOOK, Mr. Champion of Fake Personalities.]

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

Hah! Don't NEED to! I've got the best personality of anyone EVER.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[. . . well, the pride fits.]

And where do you come from?

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

Not from here! I'm from space.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

... How informative.

[To Suzaku]

Are you satisfied then?

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

. . .

All right. You can go—Zero.

[c-clearly conflicted about saying this]

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

. . . I still don't really get what this was about! But okay, whatever!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Meanwhile, back with Mr. Duckling. Heeey. If everyone else is leaving, what about me? I wanna leave too! Listen to me guys! Fine, Imma just start blowing fire in random directions until I get some attention! And you thought this thread wasn't going to be flaming.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Just happens to be in said random direction. Now has entire sleeve ON FIRE! DD: Thus, the girlish shrieking fills the air.]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

—Lelouch!

[Nearly dropping the duckling, but instead transferring it to his pocket before he rushes over to see]

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

Whoa, whoa, you're on fire!! Did you know?! And there's a noise, a real funny noise!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[All but hissing this as he practically rips off his jacket and tries to put fire out.]

Shut up!

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

Well you ARE!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Still trying to save coat without smashing modifier inside.]

Your idiocy and unnecessary loudness was most likely the cause of the animal's reaction!

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Stepping between them and snatching the coat from Lelouch!]

Don't worry about that for now. We need to put the fire out first!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Ok we kinda do not want you to have the coat right now. Trying to grab it back.]

I have it under control, Suzaku.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

It's still burning, though. . .!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Gritting teeth. Think Lelouch think!]

... It will be easier to stop its spread if we work together! You concentrate on the sleeve and I will deal with the side.