Ep 7. Turn 07 - The Abandoned Mask

In Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion season 2 episode 7 (Turn 07 - The Abandoned Mask), Lelouch's confrontation with his half-sister Euphemia has led to a bloody massacre at the Special Administrative Zone of Japan. Lelouch, who had used his Geass power to command Euphemia to kill all Elevens, is now consumed with guilt and despair. He has lost the trust of his best friend Suzaku, who saw him use Geass, and the loyalty of his Black Knights, who feel betrayed by his actions.

As the episode begins, Lelouch is hiding in a cave, wearing a mask that covers his face and his identity. He is haunted by visions of the massacre and the death of innocent civilians, including the ones he cared for, such as Shirley, who was killed by Rolo, a member of the Geass Order who was posing as Lelouch's brother.

Lelouch's monologue reflects his inner turmoil as he questions his own motives and his ability to lead. He wonders if all he ever wanted was revenge on Britannia for his mother's death, or if he truly cared for the oppressed Japanese people. He also admits that he had underestimated the consequences of his actions and the power of Geass.

Meanwhile, the Black Knights are struggling to come to terms with their own betrayal. Some, like Kallen, are furious with Lelouch and demand that he be punished for his crimes. Others, like Diethard, are more pragmatic and try to find a way to salvage the situation by framing the massacre as an accident caused by Euphemia's Geass.

Suzaku, on the other hand, is torn between his loyalty to Britannia and his friendship with Lelouch. He has been tasked with capturing Zero, the leader of the Black Knights, but he also feels a personal responsibility for Euphemia's death. He meets secretly with Lelouch's sister Nunnally, who is blind and wheelchair-bound, and who he has been protecting as a knight. Nunnally, who is aware of Lelouch's identity as Zero, urges Suzaku to forgive him and to help him redeem himself.

The main focus of the episode, however, is on Lelouch's psychological journey. He is visited by C.C., the immortal witch who gave him Geass, and who has become his ally and confidant. C.C. takes off his mask and asks him to face the truth about himself. She reminds him of his past, his present, and his future, and challenges him to find a way to atone for his sins and to regain his sense of purpose.

Lelouch resists at first, blaming C.C. for his predicament and accusing her of using him for her own goals. He also reveals that he is afraid of being exposed as a fraud, a coward, and a monster. He feels that his mask, which he had used to hide his true self from others, has become his prison, and that he is trapped between his past and his present.

C.C. counters his arguments by showing him a mirror, which reflects his face and his feelings. She tells him that he has a choice to make: to either give up and die, or to fight and live. She also reveals that his Geass power has evolved, and that he can now rewrite memories, not just commands, which could be a useful tool in his quest for redemption.

Lelouch finally accepts his fate, and decides to discard his mask, both literally and metaphorically. He asks C.C. to help him regain his memories of her, and to join him in his plan to create a new world, where everyone can be free and equal. He vows to make amends for his mistakes, to reunite with his friends, and to confront his enemies, regardless of the cost.

The episode ends with Lelouch emerging from the cave, without his mask, and facing his comrades, who are stunned by his appearance. He declares that he is not Zero, but Lelouch vi Britannia, son of Emperor Charles, and that he is ready to lead them once again, to victory or to defeat. The Black Knights and Suzaku are left to ponder his words, and to decide if they can trust him or not.