Unknown Requiem

003

A day had passed and Castiel with excited thoughts of his Uncle's return in his mind awaited in the garden. Hoping that his uncle. His teacher. Would appear at any moment. In truth it had been years since he saw Suzaku and hoped that he was well. But most all he hoped he had not forgotten his promise to him. Castiel remembered it as if it were yesterday,when he was a child. It was a very warm day and the sun danced upon his skin as he,his mother and a few other enjoyed the sun's gentle warmth. Castiel was a young boy only 5 years old and already his interest in knowing his father. For as a boy he always wondered why he never had a father. And often he would ask his mother why. And when he did. He would never forget the painful expression which flickered in his mother's eyes. How her breathing almost stopped the moment he asked of his mother. Castiel watched hoe his aunt Cecilia held his mother in her arms trying her best to console the sobbing woman. Oh how she weeped. And how horrible he felt at that moment.

Maybe he should never have asked? Maybe he should never have felt such anger and greed towards the other children who had their fathers. It was Suzaku who scooped the young boy in his arms and bid him to accompany him. Hoping to give the Empress a moment to regain herself. It was true Suzaku knew how Lucia was. How she would silently grieve for her husband. His best friend. But he never truly realized the depth of it until that moment. She was still hurting. Still in unimaginable pain that she had no way to cope with. And Castiel's questions at the moment were only making things more difficult for the Empress.

As was the "wish " of geass that Lelouch have given to Suzaku in his final moments on his earth. Suzaku remembered as his blade slowly slid into the flesh of his friend. How Lelouch smiled a smile filled with sadness and regret as he muttered the last words Suzaku would ever hear from his friend. As Lelouch placed his bloodstained hand on "Zero's" mask. He made one final request,in hopes that his final wish would be heard. And carried out by his one and only true friend.

"You will bear the name and mask of Zero....along with the burdens of what is to come..."Lelouch breathed as his weakened body slumped against Suzaku's. "I wish....for you to care for my family...along long as you remain in this world. Protect them....make them strong. Do the one thing...that I could not."Lelouch whispered his breathe now ragged as his grip on this world lessened. It was then he saw the running form of Lucia,who's tears streamed down her face like a never-ending waterfall. And her scream. As she called for Lelouch was both painful and pleasing to him.

The love in her voice was evident,even as she held him in her arms as Lelouch took his last breathe. Suzaku remembered the sight all too well how sad and angry he felt about his actions. And how he vowed to follow Lelouch's orders till the very end. Suzaku was also frightened at the thought that he would never be able fullfll his promise. And why? Because of Lucia. Of her mixed emotions. If she ever grew to hate him,Suzaku wasn't too sure of he could stand it. Yet it didnt.

Strangely enough Lucia never grew to hate him,in fact she relied on him as a dear friend. And trusted advisor. Even so as Suzaku took the responsibility of helping raise Castiel,as he was teaching the young boy the art of combat. Which he had a unique talent for unlike his father the young boy asked something of him. Something that Suzaku would never forget and neither would Castiel. "If I win against you uncle will you tell me about my father?" It was the look of determination in Castiel's eyes that bid Suzaku to answer. And answer he did.

"Of course, if you can win that is."Suzaku stated as a bright smile appeared on Castiel's face as he continued to train. And as the years went by even without Suzaku's watchful eye Castiel continued to train hoping and praying one day that the day would come. The day that he would best Suzaku and finally learn about his father. As Castiel peered out towards the lush garden before him he noticed a figure clad in black with a familar mask on his face. Immediately he rose to his feet with a smile on his face. He had finally appeared.

Suzaku. Taking off his mask Suzaku couldn't help but to smile warmly towards the young man before him. Bowing respectfully towards the young prince before him with a smile on his face. "It's been a long time,Castiel."Suzaku greeted as Castiel smiled towards his uncle " It has been a long time,but I haven't forgotten."Castiel stated before slowly unsheathing his blade and aiming it towards his uncle. As a grin appeared on Suzaku's face."How could I forget."Suzaku said as he too unsheathed his blade as he prepared himself. For battle he was not sure he wanted to win or lose.