A New Day Arrives
Code Geass

Sometimes the things we desire are too far out of reach to be what we call a 'realistic' goal. Sometimes the desire for something can blind our true 'vision'.
Can you comprehend the concept?

"Lelouch, what do you truly desire?" Said the beautiful women with luscious, long green hair that shone in the light streaming in from the windows that nearly reached the ceiling of the study. The study was most commonly referred to as the King's office. This nickname was multiple years old now and originated from the chess games that Lelouch would always win against nobles. It was specifically named 'King' because that was the last piece of yours to go when the mighty chess master, Lelouch Lamperouge, won. The name seemed to stick and for Milly's own amusement, she makes every person that enters treat Lelouch like the wise and strategical King he is. It was a lavish study, fit for a King, but once again, this was for Milly's own amusement. Lelouch thought perhaps it had to do with his original position as prince but dismissed it as trivial in his ultimate game of chess, the pieces being the very lives of those around him.

"Only if you tell me what you desire, witch." Lelouch said as he placed the pawn one move away from him and across the board. As Lelouch had never been defeat in chess, excluding that game against Schneizel that he refuses to remember, he began to play the game against himself. Counterattacking each and every genius move he made trained him to develop multiple possible strategies and occurrences that would still lead him to victory. This tactic, he was sure, would eventually cause him to build up enough strategies to beat his second eldest brother.

"Then I guess neither of us are getting our desired answers." The pizza loving girl said as she got up and moved towards his chess set he was currently using. Touching his black king piece, she knocked it over. "Oops, my bad." She smiled with a great grin.

Glaring at her for even touching his king, let alone knocking it over and effectively ending his peaceful game against himself, he said with an unusual anger, "C.C.!"

Not particularly caring about his game, C.C. replies, "It was over anyway, anyone who plays against you will evidently lose." Even with that comment that could also be read as a compliment, Lelouch was still mad. After two minutes of staring at her, the brown haired genius dropped his gaze and stood up from his chair. At the same time, Milly came running into the study with Rivalz chasing after her as always.

"Lelouch!" Milly called out to him in a voice filled with slight worry. It was evident, from her facial expression that something wasn't right and that it concerned Lelouch, as always. Ashford Academy was like the kingdom Lelouch manipulated from behind the scenes. He truly was a Prince in heritage and character.

"Calm down, Milly. What is it?" Lelouch said with concern for Milly's coming words. Judging from the fact that Milly is usually full of energy with a over excited expression, he knew that it couldn't be good.

"Uhm, Lulu… I mean, your highness, there are royal guards from the palace asking questions. Specifically about you. They won't say anything until you get there." Milly said quietly to Lelouch so as for Rivalz, who was patiently waiting outside would not hear.

"Milly…" Lelouch whispered softly.

"Please Lelouch! You have to go see them." Milly said a lot louder than her previous whisper. Milly was getting more and more worried.

"Well, I do owe you for looking after Nunnally and I. I will go there now. C.C, look after Nunnally." He said in a more regal and responsible manner. Although this young man was a genius, even he was nervous for certain things. Especially things that brought back remnants of his past.

—

On his way up the stairs to the Chairman's office, who happened to be Milly's father, Lelouch couldn't stop thinking about the past seven years. He had created a whole environment where Nunnally was safe from the eyes of the Britannian royal family. Always willing to accept responsibility, particularly when it comes to his little sister. To Lelouch, Nunnally is his only true ally.

Finally making his way to the doors, he knocks for permission to enter. "It's Lelouch Lamperouge." "Lelouch! Coming in." Sir Ashford replied. Opening the doors slowly and closing them quietly behind him, Lelouch walked towards the Chairman while carefully avoiding the waiting soldiers gazes. "Ah, Lelouch, these men here have called for you." The chairman said with a worried tone as he recognised the men to be soldiers from the palace, especially loyal to the royal family.

"I am Lelouch Lamperouge, what is it you would like?" Lelouch said, calming the tone of his voice.

"Sir Lelouch, is Sir Ashford a trusted associate?" One of the two royal guards inquired to the young prince. "Of course, he can be trusted." Lelouch replied.

"All hail Empress Marianne and her children!" The royal guards proclaimed. Lelouch was taken aback with shock from their proclamation. How did they know? How did they find me? Were jut a few of the questions running through his mind. However, what eased his thoughts was the fact that they were loyal and could be trusted for now.

"I Lelouch vi Britannia, command you to tell me why you are here!" Lelouch commanded without the help of his geass.

Kneeling down with their arm across their chests in honour, the guards answered, "As your personal guards, we are here to escort you to your new residence. Princess Nunnally is welcome too." It was unusual, Lelouch was so shocked that his mind went blank.

"Will I still attend Ashford Academy from the new residence?" Lelouch vi Britannia inquired, trying to regain some mental composure.

"If that is your wish to then we can not stop you, my Lord." Rising from their kneeling position, they move towards the Chairman. "His and her highnesses will be escorted immediately out of the school. They will return at their behest."

The Chairman, Sir Ashford replied, "Of course, make sure to tell Milly you will return though… she seemed quite worried when she left to get you."

Giving a small nod to the Chairman, Lelouch implied to stop by Milly before he left the academy grounds. "Guards." was all he needed to say for his new guards to understand they shouldn't move until he returned.

Leaving the Chairman's office, Lelouch couldn't help but be confused. He now had allies, after seven years of hiding with the Ashfords, he finally had something he could trust… for now at least. His mind continued to wonder as his feet carried him to the student council room. He didn't even have to think where he was going because he knew the route all too well. Left foot, then right foot… "Ouch" Lelouch said as he bumped into something… or should he say, someone?

Right in front of Lelouch, was a red haired girl looming over his dazed-out self. "Sh-Shirley!" Showing a slightly shocked expression for a second then letting out a sigh, made Shirley come to her not-impressed appearance. "Lelou-" was all Shirley managed to get out before Milly came running at him. "Lelouch! Is everything alright?" She blurts out in worry. Taking a moment to breathe, she then leads Lelouch off into his study, much to Shirley and Rivalz protest.

"Lulu… what did they want?" Milly finally asked, breaking the ever-so-silent silence of the study. "If you let me breathe then I'll explain Milly." Lelouch said in a husky voice caused from lack of oxygen. "Ah!" Milly realised as she released her hold over Lelouch.

Finally able to breathe, Lelouch proceeded to tell Milly of the convocation that was recently had in the Chairman's office. Milly, patiently listening until the end only had one question, "Will you and Nunnally still attend everyday?" Showing an expression of almost sadness, Milly wanted a straight answer. "Whenever we can, we will." Adjusting his voice down into a whisper, Lelouch continued, "Nunnally and I enjoy the time spent here with you all and I will do my best to protect the time we both enjoyed some remanence of a normal life. Thank you Milly Ashford, the Vi Britannias thank you from the bottom of their hearts." At those words, Lelouch left Milly alone in the King's study.

Heading back to the Chairman's office, Lelouch called C.C, "Lelouch?" the green haired witch answered. "Prepare Nunnally to leave the grounds. We are moving residence. I will call back where to meet." With a 'click' the phone call ended between the two before C.C. had time to reply. Although, when following the 'glorious strategist' it was quite the norm to have one sided conversations where they ended in him giving orders and expecting them to be carried out.

On arriving back at the office, the guards bowed their heads and lead Lelouch out a back entrance of Ashford academy. Signalling the guards to halt for a moment, he called C.C. again. "Where, " was the answer he got from her upon her picking up the phone. "Back entrance." this time Lelouch paused before ending the call. "What do I tell her?" C.C. asked him. "One can not lie to Nunnally. Tell her the truth, that we are leaving the academy grounds and that her brother is waiting for her." C.C. then replied, "Lie of omission is still a lie in the eyes of the innocent." As always, Lelouch counterattacked, "But these eyes can not see." And with that, the conversation came to a close with Lelouch heading towards the jet black limousines parked at the back gate.

"Your highness." One of the two guards said as he motioned for the Prince to get in the car. "Nunnally will be here in a moment." he said as he stepped into the fancy car. Lelouch had rarely been in a limousine because as a child he was not allowed out of the palace for fear of enemy attacks on the royal family. Glancing at the alcohol and glasses in front of him he comments, "I am still not of age…" A guard in turn replies, "Does his highness need permission to drink?" Giving a gentle laugh, Lelouch answers the guard by pouring himself a glass of wine and drinking it.

A moment later, Nunnally and C.C. proceed to get in to the limousine as well. "Brother! Where are we going?" Nunnally said with a great smile at knowing her brother was there. "Let's go." he said to the guards as he decided to explain to Nunnally that they weren't going to live at the academy anymore. "Nunnally, it has been decided that we aren't to burden the Ashfords with ourselves and so we will no longer be living at the academy." Lelouch hadn't thought for even a moment to tell Nunnally the whole truth because when it came to her safety, he always felt it was best she not know anything and he wanted to protect her happiness too. He also knew that alone he could not protect her, he was a great strategist and tactician but without a defense around his weakness, how could he even fight?

"Ah, alright then… but will we still attend Ashford academy?" Lelouch could see Nunnally's hopeful expression as she asked him, causing Lelouch to cave in. There was no way he could say no to a wish from his precious little sister. "It would be safer for you to attend. I will attend when I can but I can't make any promises concerning my own attendance. Understood?" Nunnally's face at the moment he said she could attend lit up, "Thank you, Brother!" For the rest of the journey, Nunnally's smile continued to cheer Lelouch up but also gave him an invisible burden. He had always known the cost of granting Nunnally's happiness but had been prepared to burden it… along with the world it would seem.

"We are here." were the only words needed to bring excitement to the Vi Britannias waiting in the limousine. The guards opened both doors of the limousine and Lelouch stepped out first. What awaited Lelouch's eyes as he stepped out was two rows of bowing maids with a bright red carpet in between them, leading to the large wooden double doors. The house simply exuded grandness and wealth. "Your highness, Prince Lelouch, " one of the guards said as he walked Lelouch in, "this is your new residence. Tomorrow evening the guests will arrive to meet with you. Today has been set aside for you to relax and get to know your new surroundings. Also, if you have any inquiries, don't hesitate to ask any of the staff."

Questions have been asked, yet answers have not been spoken.
This game is just beginning and the King has yet to make his move.