Disclaimer: The rights for the production of Code Geass belong to Okouchi Ichiro and Sunrise. I'm writing this as entertainment and take no credit for the canon material and characters used.
STAGE 1
The Beginning of the Aftermath
After the public death of the 99th Emperor of Britannia, Lelouch vi Britannia, his tyrannical government ended and peace reigned in the world.
The United States of Japan was acknowledged world wide as a nation.
Britannia assumed a peaceful government when the 100th King, Schneizel el Britannia, ascended to the throne. Everyone was grateful for his great ruling that had brought Britannia to peaceful terms with all other nations, albeit it was still to join the United Federation of Nations. What few knew was that those actions were the orders of a man that had resigned himself as he adopted a new identity, Zero.
Suzaku Kururugi became the head of the Black Knights, who dispersed soon afterwards. It was decided that the Black Knights were to separate until the circumstances asked for their return, which would hopefully never be the case.
A new identity was in order for Suzaku. While still holding on the mask of Zero in secret, he was publicly known as Kurou Sarukabe, Knight of One. Along with him, a new order of Knights of the Round was born; it was formed by new people with a different perspective as to what was there to protect.
After the Black Knights' separation, Kallen Kouzuki continued and finished her high school education. Then, took a year off her studies to travel and see the world. The following year, she signed up in the Air Forces. Three years later, she married former Knight of Three, Gino Weinberg, who continued his education as well and became a professor at Ashford Academy.
Ashford Academy's former Superintendent, Ruben K. Ashford, died from a heart disease soon before Gino started working there. The superintendent's office was taken by his granddaughter, Milly Ashford, who was deeply hurt about his death.
Cornelia li Britannia quit her right to ascend to the throne and became the ambassador of Britannia inside the USJ. Two years later, she got engaged with Gilbert Guilford, who had quit his knighthood 6 months previous to that.
Nunnally vi Britannia quit her right to the throne as well and became one of the most influential figures in diplomacy. Within her projects, she was determined to make Britannia part of the UFN, which brought as a result her friendship with Kaguya Sumeragi, the chairwoman of the UFN, and Empress Tianzi, who had a lot of influence in the organization too. The past had not quite been forgotten yet by all nations. To make Britannia join the UFN was a challenge Nunnally assumed knowing it would take many years to accomplish successfully, but she was determined.
Jeremiah Gottwald resigned from his position in the Royal Army and became involved with the techonology research of Lloyd Asplund and his wife Cecile Croomy; both had become renowned names in the scientific fields of technology developement. Since the war was over, Knightmare frames were considered a thing of the past, and this allowed technology to flourish in the medical, engineering and energy fields. With time, Jeremiah Gottwald became the CEO of a company allied to former noble Asplund's research.
Before one year of marriage, Kaname Ohgi and Villeta Nu had a baby boy together. They named him Len.
Many things occurred while in peace. Before anyone knew it, eleven years had passed, over a decade of wonderful peacefulness, when the Middle East was attacked by none other than the Britannian forces despite there not having been any declaration of war previous to that event. This shook the entire world in astonishment. The attack was, effectively, ordered by Schneizel el Britannia. This was confirmed that late evening in a world wide broadcast of him justifying that action by declaring his life to have been threatened by someone within the government in that country.
The Knights of the Round, the Black Knights, the UFN and the entire world were awestruck.
A war exploded in the world yet another time.
Sometime, approximately two years before this event took place, Schneizel el Britannia snapped out of his younger brother's control. From that point on, he secretly planned for Britannian agents to mix with other countries' governments as ambassadors and, as disclosed by the UFN when it was too late, they were reporting classified information to the King in person. Moreover, many countries were still in the middle of their own growth after being freed from Britannia's empire. Due to that, Britannian forces had the upper hand when the war began.
As soon as the King's broadcast was watched by millions of baffled viewers, Suzaku Kururugi fled from the Pendragon Imperial Palace after leaving a letter of resignation as Knight of One. While a search for him was issued, the investigation led nowhere. Kurou Sarukabe seemed to disappear off the face of Earth.
Along with Suzaku, Nunnally vi Britannia was, at first, judged for being related to the King. Her words of denial were not listened. She had no choice but to abandon the UFN.
The Black Knights reassembled in new quarters to plan a comeback under the command of Suzaku Kururugi in the mask of Zero. At his side, supporting him, were mainly Kallen Kozuki, Kaname Ohgi, Villeta Nu, Jeremiah Gottwald, Rakshata Chawla, Gino Weinberg, Kaguya Sumeragi, Nunnally vi Britannia, now a supportive member, former viceroy Cornelia li Britannia, Empress Tianzi and Li Xingke, among others. The Black Knights became affiliated with the Kyoto House and Asplund Technology, who provided artillery support.
The Black Knights' surprise attack at the Pendragon Palace took place four months after the war started. The Black Knights seemed to have the advantage in the beginning. They all had learnt a lot from their original leader; the only one they ever referred to as Zero and whom Suzaku, they knew, could not aim to equal. Still, their plan did not succeed.
Everyone in the organization knew firsthand what Schneizel's power could do. However, most were convinced something was manipulated so that it failed, and it had been by someone other than the King of Britannia.
The attacker's true identity was kept in the dark to the public. Schneizel refused to let the people know a new Zero was back; he knew such news would bring hope and more rebellions could emerge from that.
Suzaku Kururugi was captured and was up for execution. The public excuse for such act dictated he had made use of a fake identity and committed several treacherous acts while he functioned as Knight of One.
Suzaku's demise was made official by every newspaper in Britannia. However, because his execution was not broadcasted, nor any proof of his sentence being executed was given, several from the Black Knights held their doubts, but then, Suzaku's situation was unfavorable; it didn't seem likely, or even possible, for him to escape.
Without a leader, the Black Knights could not organize a comeback. It was decided they would be at an impasse until they found a capable leader and then dispersed again. But the years passed and that leader did not appear. With time, they all forgot about the organization. It seemed so distant in past, many no longer believed in it and abandoned it in oblivion.
Time flew and nine years passed without anything changing for good. The war was still ongoing, but the resistance was no longer threatening. The UFN disintegrated, which only weakened each country's defense.
The world was in fear, knowing the world was most likely going to be subject to another era of Britannian domination. Britannia was the strongest country and plans to re-conquer areas were surging. No Zero of hope appeared.
At Ashford Academy's student dorms, a 17-year-old girl was not messing with anyone while simply sleeping on her bed. She had her uniform on and was not covered by any sheets.
Her room's door was knocked twice softly. When she gave no response, another two louder ones followed.
Because there still was no answer, the maid at the other side took the liberty to enter. She was a fair, honey blonde woman of a medium height of 1.60 meters. She wore a purple maid dress with long sleeves, a white apron with matching white headband, simple brown shoes and a blue ribbon around her neck.
When she saw the girl sleeping soundly with her legs sprawled on her mattress and in her uniform, without a care for appearances, she sighed. This was actually a daily event.
She did as always. She opened the curtains to let the morning's sunrays touch her face. The teenager's green hair shone and her creamy white skin looked radiant as she grimaced in sleep and turned so her back faced the light; that was her usual reaction.
The maid knew what to do next. She walked towards one side of her bed and lifted her mattress so the girl rolled down and hit the floor.
A muffled scream was heard. Yes, she was finally awake.
Pressing her right hand against the part of her forehead that had hit the floor, she growled in pain and sat on her knees. She opened her eyes and a couple of deep violet irises were revealed. Those half mad eyes headed for the one standing on the opposite side of the bed. She knew who the culprit was; it was always her.
-Good morning, Lady Sophia. – The maid smiled.
She growled inwardly. They both knew she was just holding her laughter and hid it behind that smile.
-Andrea! – The girl spoke out, sounding upset. - That's not the way you wake someone up!
-Ah, do you mean that I should be gentler when waking up nobility, Miss? – She asked with a smile, already used to that response.
Sophia looked down, inwardly upset about her comment.
-No. – She replied serious. - I meant exactly what I said. Nobody should be woken up that way. – There was a melancholic air to her violet eyes as she said that.
Andrea looked at her and blinked before assuming seriousness herself. After serving the girl that sat pensive on the floor for 5 years, she knew what was going on in her mind; she knew she did not like to be recalled of her status.
Andrea immediately put on another smile and accommodated the mattress back on the bed.
-Lady Sophia, you shouldn't sit on the floor or you'll catch a cold, especially because that skirt, I insist, is very short.
Sophia chuckled and stood up. She had heard from Superintendent Ashford that the uniform had been the same for generations; even she had worn it when she was a student.
Andrea looked at her. That girl had grown up a lot. They used to be the same height when she started working for her and now she was a whole 10 cm taller than her. She had also become more beautiful with time. Unfortunately, she was not very kept and apparently held a religious belief that she shouldn't spend more than three minutes grooming.
Andrea sighed outwardly.
-Miss Sophia, why did you sleep with your uniform on? Now it's all creased and unpresentable.
-Oh, nobody cares, Andrea! – Sophia laughed.
-Yes, somebody does care! I care, Miss Sophia! I have told you many times, you would really look very beautiful if you just wore good clothes and, at least, did something with your hair!
-And I've told you many times I like it loose, Andrea. – She replied smirking. – Besides, if I would look 'beautiful' if I do that, then the more reason not to do it! I'm seriously tired of all the boys hitting on me the way I look already. Argh, I shudder at just the thought of how many more trash that'd make me receive in Valentine's Day! I got plenty last year and it was annoying. I had to clean my P.E. locker and my locker neighbors', as well as my desk at the classroom and the desks of my friends! Did you forget already the huge pile of cards they all slid under this room's door and the sticky notes on the window? Oh, but what brought me nightmares were the hordes of boys from all over the Academy, even from lower and higher grades. They hunt me down all day and I couldn't lose them no matter where I ran! I had to hide in the guys' bathroom!
Andrea snickered.
-That is because Miss Sophia is an attractive young lady.
Sophia blushed a bit and shook her head.
-Forget it Andrea, I'm not going to.
-Very well, at least wash your face and brush your hair before having breakfast, Miss.
-OK… - Sophia responded while rubbing her eyes.
-Miss, I know you like staying up even after midnight when you think I'm asleep…
Sophia yelped alarmed.
-…But lately, you've been staying up later than usual. What is it that you've been doing? – The maid continued.
She got even more nervous than before.
-Ah, nothing special!
-Is that so? – Andrea's probing eyes were all over her.
-Of course! It's not like there is anything else I'd do!
Just after Sophia pulled out that sentence, Andrea picked up the bed sheets from the floor and a book that was originally under the pillows was disclosed.
Before she could kick it under the bed, Andrea picked it up.
The book's title was 'Learning Japanese: Level 2'.
So this was it. – Andrea concluded before turning to Sophia.
Sophia's eyes looked nervous.
-Lady Sophia, why have you been learning Japanese? – She didn't ask harshly.
Sophia's head tilted down and gave no reply.
Andrea glanced at the book again.
-If you want to learn a language, Miss, then just do it during the day. – She said.
Sophia's eyes widened and her head turned to look at Andrea's calm face.
-But it's Japanese and I'm…
-It's just a language, what is wrong with that? – She interrupted her.
Sophia sighed and smiled at her before hugging Andrea.
-Thank you, Andrea. – She said. – You're the best.
-You're welcome, Miss. I know I am. Now, hurry up; you're going to be late to class.
She nodded and immediately headed to the bathroom and washed her face, teeth and brushed her hair. Oh, this time she cut even shorter the time to groom and was out of the bathroom 1.5 minutes later.
Sophia glanced at her alarm clock on her bedside table and panicked. She only had 4 minutes to get to the classroom, which was on a different and distant building.
She grabbed a couple of books and placed the toast and held it with her teeth. She opened the door and hurriedly said 'Bye' to Andrea, with the toast still on her mouth, before leaving.
Andrea sighed again.
-Seriously, this girl!
She smiled for herself. Although she was one of a kind, to her, that girl was her family and she was like family to her. After all, they had been together ever since she moved at that place to study at Ashford Middle School when she was 13. Not to mention it had been just the two of them for 4 years now.
She then stuck her hand on one of her apron's pockets and took out a white envelope with the Britannian royal seal on it.
She was so happy, I didn't have the guts to give this to her.
She simply placed it on her desk and proceeded to do the chores of the day.
Sophia raced through campus like a gust of wind. It was a mystery how she got that much energy when her physical condition was not really that outstanding. She could only muster that much speed when hurrying to class, as usual. Even more interestingly, she had a knack to get to the classroom less than 30 seconds before the class began.
-Yes! I made it! – She raised both her arms in glory.
-As usual. – Joked a blond guy with blue eyes and a medium height of 1.71 meters.
A bespectacled brown-haired girl that sat next to him laughed at his joke.
-However, today the teacher is absent. – The same guy continued. – So it will take the substitute a while to get here. – He laughed.
Sophia's forehead had a highlighted vein in it. She blushed quietly as she approached them and sat at the penultimate seat of the classroom's row by the window, just behind the blond guy.
-I've told you not to laugh at his jokes, Mary. – Sophia stated. - You're only encouraging him to say yet more jokes that aren't even funny.
-Hey, what was that? My jokes are funny and you know it, Sophia! – He defended before turning to the bespectacled girl. – Isn't that right, Mary?
-Y-Yes. Of course they're funny, Michael.
He sighed.
-I've told you a million times you can just call me Mike, Mary Louise Angela Stanford.
-S-Sorry! – She apologized blushing.
-Leave her alone, Mike! – A girl with green eyes and red hair defended while walking closer to them. – You know she feels embarrassed about her full name!
The red-haired sat behind Sophia and sighed heavily.
-I was just kidding. – Mike replied. – Besides, I don't get what is there to be embarrassed about.
Sophia hit his head after noticing Mary's increasing blush.
-Ouch! What was that, for, Sophia?
-Learn to shut up when you have to. – Sophia replied calmly.
-Yeah, you really speak too much, idiot. – The red-haired agreed, calmly, too.
-Ah… - Mary stuttered and got everyone's attention. – Ah… - She got nervous. - Alice, it's not like you to get here late. – She tried to change the subject.
-Yeah, it's a miracle Sophia got here before you. – He said before being conked in the head again, twice.
-I forgot to set my alarm. Leave me alone. – Alice replied mad.
-And I thought it had only happened to me. – A guy with light brown hair and gray eyes joined.
Everyone turned to look at him as he sat right behind Mary, next to Sophia. He was smiling as usual.
-You forgot to set your alarm too, Tom? – Mary asked.
-Well, not quite. Actually, my roommate turned it off by accident and didn't set it back.
-I don't know what to think of today. – Mike started. – Two people got here after Sophia. Just what is the world turning into?
He got conked in the head three more times. Alice hit him with one fist and Sophia with both of hers.
Mike's head crashed against his desk.
-Ah… - He muttered. – Sophia's I can take, but Alice's punches hurt…
-Stop whining like a girl, Michael. – Alice looked away.
-Ah, President! Alice is molesting me! – He cried.
-Who are you calling a molester? – Alice shouted at him before knocking him out.
Everyone got quiet. Mad Alice was scary.
-Wow, he was knocked out. – Tom was the only one that didn't seem to be scared of Alice. – As expected of the captain of the female rugby team. – He stated calmly.
Sophia shook her head to regain speech.
-Anyhow, is the president actually in the classroom? – She wondered.
Everyone stared at each other in confusion for a while before they detected some movement on the floor of the wall right behind the classroom's rows, more specifically, behind Alice.
They all headed their eyes there and the movement occurred again. Most shrieked, except Tom and Sophia, the latter simply sighed. They both stood up and recognized the body's form. Sophia showed wide eyes and Tom was the same as before.
-The school's President is sleeping on the floor, against the wall. – Tom spoke calmly.
While he was unaffected, Mike was still out, Mary had a drop at the back of her head, Sophia stared at him like the weirdo he was and Alice's vein on her forehead was more throbbing.
-This guy… - She hissed even angrier. – I cannot believe he sleeps anywhere! He doesn't even show the decency of sleeping on his desk? Do something, Sophia!
-Don't look at me as if it were my fault, Alice. I'm just the Vice-president. – Sophia looked away with a drop at the side of her forehead.
Alice stood up and shook the sleeping black-haired until he woke up drowning in fear.
Everyone stared as Alice shook him more and yelled at him telling him he was embarrassing…
-That's our President, always napping. – Tom smiled.
And I thought Andrea was rough… - Sophia thought.
-Come to think of it, do any of you know what color are the president's eyes? Not only does he always sleep, his bangs cover his eyes too. – Tom mused.
He has a point there… - Everyone agreed in thought.
-Sorry for the delay! – A cheerful voice everyone knew well heard.
Sophia turned to the classroom's entrance and saw the Superintendent. That day, she wore a beige suit with a mini skirt shorter than the uniform's, a red blouse underneath, red high heels and a jewelry game of pearls. It wasn't rare to see her around often. She was like another student, always socializing with everyone.
-Ah, the Student Council at the back, please take your places. – She smiled before noticing how Alice was holding the President's body. – Ah, was the President sleeping again, Alice? – She understood smiling. – Very well, good job in waking him up. – She then looked at the president. – Now, President, please come here to the front to give today's announcements.
-Yes, Superintendent Ashford! – He saluted militia-style.
A second later, he was already at the front reading.
Where did he get that energy from when he was just asleep? – So everyone wondered.
-Seriously, how did Mark James become the school's President? – Alice thought out loud annoyed.
Once the announcements to which no one paid attention were over, Milly Ashford took a piece of chalk and wrote 'Fall Festival' on the board.
She then turned to the students at the right back corner.
-Now, I request the Student Council comes forth and announces whatever you guys have planned so far for the Fall Festival that will take place in 3 weeks.
President Mark James remained in the front. Next to him stood Vice-president Sophia White, then Secretary Thomas Danes, Main Treasurer Alice Harrington, following Second Treasurer Mary Louise Angela Stanford and finally Reporter Michael Warren.
-Huh? Isn't the Main Student Administrator missing? – Milly noted.
-Jack Holmes has been on sick absence since last Friday. – President announced.
-So I see… - Milly expressed pensive.
-Because this class got the highest scores in last month's exams, this class will be rewarded. – President started. – We will take into account your opinion as to which of the school groups' theme propositions you prefer for the Fall Festival to decide which one to work with.
-Do take into account that budget among other factors might not allow your choice to be the definite event. – Alice reminded and scared the class.
Class was almost over when the council finally finished the decision process of their class. Terminally, it was decided the theme would be 'Masquerade'. Everyone would be able to wear different masks and the surroundings would be given an air fit of a masquerade ball.
The rest of the classes went by.
The Student Council gathered to discuss the Fall Festival.
The room was old. It hadn't been changed in appearance in years, so said the Superintendent.
-How are you guys doing? – Superintendent Ashford asked as she walked into the room.
-It will be possible to administer a budget for the ''Masquerade' theme. – Alice informed.
-What about the decorating? Can you guys think of ideas? – She asked smiling.
-Mary has great taste and she's always able to pull themes out. So we're leaving it to her. – Mike reported, oblivious to the fact that he made Mary blush.
-How will you get the materials?
-Leave it to me. – Tom said, still smiling. – I never fail to find good things.
-Alice, did you give Tom and Mary a fair budget? – She asked.
-Yeah, it was a pain, but I divided it so there was enough for that and the other aspects.
-You're very efficient. – Superintendent praised. – Ah, I remember when I was President. I didn't care about the budget at all. – She laughed.
-Well, the school is no longer the same, Superintendent. – Alice said. – I heard this place was filled with nobles, but ever since nobility went scarce, there haven't been as many here.
-The nobility is growing again, though. – Tom added.
-Oh, by the way, Mary, will you be able to pull all of that off in just 3 weeks? – Superintendent asked her.
Mary flushed.
-Well…
-I will help her in the planning. – Sophia spoke quietly and serious.
Milly Ashford stared at the vice-president. She smiled.
-I'm pretty sure Mary can use your help, Sophie.
-But, Sophia, will you be able to? You've never taken part in decorating before. – Mike intercepted. - Or is it that you have ideas?
-I have many ideas… - Sophia stated solemn.
-Very well, then. – Superintended clapped her hands. – That was pretty much all I was concerned in listening. I trust you guys, so I'll leave the rest to you.
Then a man in a uniform with a motorcycle helmet on came in. He held a Pizza Hut box with him.
Sophia's seriousness vanished. She immediately grabbed a piece of stuffed crust pizza and ate it gleefully.
Everyone smiled. They knew she loved pizza more than anyone there.
Milly looked at them all eating and discussing. It felt nostalgic.
When the Council's meeting ended, it was decided it would be possible to use the 'Masquerade' theme.
She returned to her room at the dorms afterwards. Her only purpose there was to pick up her laptop and earphones.
Before heading out, she took notice of the envelope on top of her desk. She frowned and clenched her fists. She dreaded the seal it had on it. Had Andrea left there?
She placed down her laptop and reluctantly opened it. Her presence was requested for that very night. She gritted her teeth and her hands fought the urge to tear that paper into pieces.
After sighing and standing there in deep thought for some minutes, she remembered something and hastily revised the letter. She was going to be picked up at 6. Her watch marked 5:30. This was bad; she had yet another thing to take care of.
She crumpled the letter, turning it into a paper ball, and threw it into her wastebasket furiously. She hurried to take the laptop and earphones and headed to the dorms' rooftop.
As usual, the roof was an isolated place she had adopted as her working place. She had an appointment and was waiting for a call.
This guy better not call until five to six!
While waiting, she set the computer and opened up a special program created just for her to use. The computer had a webcam that was now on.
At 5:49, the call arrived. She answered with her earphones on. By then, she had everything set.
-H-Hello? – A nervous male voice asked on the other side of the line.
-Let's not waste time with greetings. – She smirked. – Connect me.
-Y-Yes…
Suddenly, at the other side of her screen appeared a chess board. The white pieces were in front of the black ones, meaning she was going to use the white ones. At the other side of the board sat a skeptical old man with a cigar on his mouth.
-A girl? – He asked before snorting and burst out laughing. – This is entertaining!
-I see. – Sophia started after analyzing the board, paying no mind to the other man. – You lost the Queen.
-Y-Yes… - The same voice replied on the phone.
-Is that girl serious? – The laughing man continued. – Please! This is a clear victory! You won't fix this guy's stupidity in your life, kid!
-Move forth the King. – She commanded.
-What? – The nervous man asked; the men besides him and his opponent seemed dumbfounded at her words too.
-Move the King. – She commanded again with no hesitation.
The opponent laughed again; it was starting to get annoying, but she was used to it already.
-This girl does not know what she's doing here!
-But… - The man who hired her replied. – I'm going to lose the King if I move it! Do you know how much money I bet here? – He begged.
-Well, do you want my help or not, customer? – Sophia answered unhesitant.
-But…
-I know what I'm doing here; you're the one that made the situation like this, remember? I'm merely giving my help. That is the reason you hired me. Move the King, customer.
After hesitating, the man did what she told him and his opponent attacked his King.
He was about to cry and Sophia grinned.
-I'll remind you he doesn't have a King either. – Sophia said.
After setting the board the way she wanted it to be, in just a matter of four minutes, the tables had been turned completely.
-This is ridiculous! Something isn't right here! – The opponent shouted mad.
-I-I can't believe it! I'm winning! – The customer exclaimed.
-Make your move already; I don't have all day. – Sophia told the opponent.
Her opponent, desperate, moved a piece. Sophia grinned again.
-Got you. – She said. – Move the Rook.
Everyone in the dark room gasped at her words.
Her opponent was sweating as he realized what that girl he considered no threat before had been planning all along.
Her client nervously moved it.
-Ch-Checkmate. – He whispered astonished.
-NO! I will not accept this!
The other man suddenly pulled a gun, but the men besides her client went after him.
In the middle of the ruckus, the customer was still in shock.
-Thank you! Oh, thank you! – He exclaimed. – You really are the genius I heard about! I'm so glad I called you!
-Don't thank me. Just transfer the money into the account. Remember, I charge per minute; it's been six. – Sophia ended and cut the connection.
She hurriedly checked her watch. It read 5:55 pm.
Well, this customer wasn't that bad. Fortunately, she could fix it in minutes, as usual. Though she tried to foresee occasions like the time she needed a whole quarter of an hour to solve some customer's issue. That customer seriously didn't know what chess was. She made sure to charge him extra that time.
She ran to place her laptop back at her room before running to the front gate.
A limousine was waiting for her.
-Sophie! – Greeted the cheerful Milly Ashford.
-Superintendent… – Sophia looked surprised to see her there.
-Andrea told me about you needing an exception to the curfew this night of the month. I came here to thank you for helping Mary. – She smiled.
Sophia blushed and looked away.
-It's nothing. You know I am fit to help her because of experience.
-You are a strong girl, Sophie. – Milly placed her hand on Sophia's shoulder.
Sophia looked straight at her eyes, somewhat confused.
-You know? – Superintendent continued. – You have gorgeous eyes; they remind me dearly of one my former friends.
-You're telling me someone else has my rare eye color? – Sophia asked intrigued; all her life, it had been remarked that she had unusual eyes.
-Yes, there was someone. – Her gaze turned sad, out of the blue. – I never really understood what was going on in his mind and he just let everyone think ill of his attitude without bothering to defend himself, because, you know, he was actually a hero…
Sophia frowned. Not even her intellect could figure out what she was saying, and Milly noticed.
-Sorry. I'm entertaining you here. – Milly smiled again. – I don't want you to be late because of me.
Sophia nodded but inwardly disagreed; she wanted to delay that trip as much as possible…
-Good evening, Lady Sophia. – A formal driver opened the vehicle's door for her with his eyes hidden behind his hat; this was the fourth time in a row she saw the same driver.
She got inside.
In twenty minutes, they arrived to the Pendragon Palace. She entered through a side entrance instead of the main one, which was filled with limousines that obstructed passage.
She passed through a maze of hallways decorated with portraits of people she didn't care about and red and blue carpets. Music reverberated all over the palace.
Finally, she reached a set of stairs and went up to the third story. She then turned left, took the right side of the hallway and opened the door to the room between the fifth and sixth windows on the opposite wall.
The white doors lead to a majestic room four times the size of her dorm at school. The walls were painted white. A beige carpet covered most of the floor. A chandelier with expensive crystals and diamonds hang from the center of the ceiling. At the doors' left was low vanity table of dark wood with a chair that was now too small for her. The left wall had two big windows with crimson red curtains at their sides. Against the back wall was a King size bed, thrice as big as the one she had slept on last night. It had four posts around it, with red transparent drapes hanging from the top and the sheets were made of purple silk. At each side of the bed were nightstands with light blue lamps on top of them. At the right wall was another set of wooden doors with a big closet behind them. At the right side of the doors, at the corner, was a set of dressing room mirrors with gold margins and gemstones incrusted at its borders.
She opened the doors, looking for something hanged in there. She found a royal blue dress hanging in there and proceeded to take off her uniform, threw it on top of the bed, and put the dress on.
She looked at herself in the mirrors. The ballroom dress she wore was strapless, had beading details at the waist line and below the bust, was tight until it reached right below her hips and became very full at the bottom, reaching all the way to the floor.
She opened a compartment in the middle of the closet to look for the shoes. She growled inwardly when she only found one pair as her only option. They were matching blue heels, 3 inches high, pointy and with straps around the ankles.
She knew how to wear high heels but these events lasted a long while. Her feet were going to ache like hell the next day. She considered using her black flat school shoes since the dress covered them but she figured someone would notice due to the difference in height and posture. She sighed and sat on the bed to put them on.
She then noticed that there was something shiny in the center of the bed. There were a white gold tiara with incrusted sapphires and a jewelry set that matched it. Tiaras were uncomfortable; she didn't want to wear it. To keep them in place, one had to keep her head stable and not move. Nonetheless, if she didn't wear what was placed for her, she was gonna have to listen to complaints later. She just wanted to save that so she could return to the dorms as soon as the event was over.
She took the golden hair brush on the vanity table and got its fine teeth through her green hair, which reached only to her shoulders. On the vanity table, there was a perfume bottle from some foreign area and a lipstick. She sprayed some of the perfume on the air and coughed after sniffing it. Her nose wrinkled. Never mind the tiara; she didn't want to smell like that.
She only placed a bit on her fingertips and applied it at three points in her neck so it wasn't so penetrating.
She checked out the lipstick's color; it was a natural pinkish tone. It would've been the last straw if it had matched the dress's royal blue, though she admitted inwardly she would've worn it if she got to see the faces of the nobles in shock. She suppressed her giggling and placed the sparkling tiara on top of her head. She put on the flashy necklace around her neck. She honestly believed it was a piece of 'extravagant bling'. Matching the necklace and tiara was a bracelet she wore on her right wrist. She was thankful there were no matching earrings or else she would've felt like a lighthouse.
She looked at her reflection in the mirrors again. She didn't feel like herself. She never did every time she was summoned, which was more frequent than she would've preferred it to be.
She checked out her watch. It had already been fifteen minutes.
She left the room and was about to turn into the hallway that would lead her to the stairs, but she couldn't help glancing at the room right next to hers.
Her eyes filled with sad memories.
-Brother… – She whispered softly.
She placed her hand softly on the doors. She then tried to enter but they were locked.
She grinned as she went back to her room and took a key from her uniform's pocket. She hadn't used that key in a while but she held on to it because she considered it useful in occasions like this one.
That key could open any room in the entire palace. She opened the room's doors. The room inside was dark. She searched for the light switch and found it on the right side of the door.
It was also very richly decorated, but its atmosphere felt desolated. The room hadn't been occupied in six years. The bed and furniture were similar to hers, but they were in darker colors and more suiting for a boy than for a girl.
Sophia sauntered around the room in memories of someone she could never stop missing.
Samuel, why did you have to leave? Why did you leave me alone? I couldn't understand the last words you told me…
She suddenly came across a nightstand next to the navy blue bed. She smiled at the memory it brought her.
X Flashback X
A couple of children were playing in that very room. The girl was 10 and the boy was 11. She had green hair and violet eyes. He had black hair and he had beautiful green eyes with golden sparkles that never died. They both wore fine clothes and had innocent faces.
-Brother, what is it that you wanted to show me? – The girl asked him.
-Be patient, Yuki. – He told her.
-Why do you call me 'Yuki', brother? Isn't my name Sophia? – She asked pensive.
-I don't know. I simply do. It feels as if it's been forever and I've always called you 'Yuki'.
-You're weird, brother.
-You want me to show you or not?
-I do.
-Close your eyes. – He urged smirking.
She did as he told her. She heard the sound of a drawer being slid open.
-You can open them now. – He instructed.
She opened her eyes and she confirmed a drawer had been opened. The drawer was at the bottom of his nightstand. It was filled with some toys and else she hadn't seen in a while.
-Didn't we use to have toys that looked just like those? – She asked fascinated.
-They are the same toys, Yuki. – He smiled.
She awed in admiration of everything they found there.
-Why did you keep them? We have been told we cannot play with the same toys twice. – She then seemed sad. – No matter how much I like a doll or a ball, the servants never let me play with them again. That is why I don't want to like anything.
-I know. It seems unfair, right, Yuki? That is why I kept them here in secret. These are all toys we played with together. – He then looked around as if confirming they were alone. – There are no servants here right now. We can play with them as much as we want.
-But what if they find them. Will they not take them away?
-That is why I picked this drawer to put them away. See our keys? – He asked as he held his. – Only our keys can open it.
Her eyes shone with glee.
-This will be like our chest, where we will keep our treasures without anyone taking them from us.
-Brother, you are so smart! – She praised smiling innocently.
-You're smart yourself, Yuki. – He blushed happy.
Together, they played for a while. When they heard footfalls heading to the room, they hurriedly put everything inside the drawer and locked it. That is what they would do until he left at the age of 13 to Ashford Middle School. Sophia cried that day, feeling lonely. She aimed to enter Ashford Middle School when she were old enough to rejoin with him, so she recalled.
X Flashback X
Brother… I miss you so much…
Courage replaced her sad face when she thought of doing something she hadn't dared to do in 4 years. She used her key to open the drawer. She grinned. Everything was there. Toys, drawings, stuff they got from outside and else. She could hardly believe they had been able to fool the servants all those years.
She then saw something she didn't recognize. She grabbed it with curiosity. It was a chain with rectangular white gold plaque.
Although she didn't recognize it, part of her felt like holding onto it.
I wonder how is it that I missed it last time though… - Her eyes grew open and a gasp parted from her lips after that thought made her realize something. – Is this the evidence he meant in the letter?
She examined the plaque more closely and noted it had an engraving she couldn't read. That was strange and kind of unfair. She knew eleven languages and she still wasn't able to read it.
She frowned in disappointment. I'll look more into this later…
Suddenly, she came back to the present as a specific tune was playing faintly in the background. That was the song in which she was supposed to appear next to her relatives into the event. She was late.
She hastily closed the drawer and hid the plaque to keep it. She remembered to close the doors after getting out and ran as fast as she could with her high-heeled shoes. She went down the stairs and jogged all the way to a side entrance to the ball room. There was a platform in which others were already standing and sitting at their respective seats.
Before going in there, she looked at herself in random mirror's reflection and put on her 'mask'.
She composed her expression into a serious face and calmly walked into the platform. Nonchalantly, she sat on her red seat, which, unfortunately, was almost at the middle. She couldn't help attracting attention for her late entrance but she paid no mind to it. Her outfit guaranteed she would be receiving attention whether she wanted to or not.
At the very center was the King of Britannia. He then was 46 years old, no longer young. His face had aged but not really as much as one would expect. He could easily pretend to be ten years younger. As a matter of fact, many swore that, after he turned 36, he stopped aging. An ongoing joke used to be told about the King finding the fountain of youth.
Sitting on the platform, at the side Schneizel el Britannia were many other numerous figures that occupied a distinguished place within nobility. And right next to him was the young lady in the royal blue dress.
-You are late, Sophia. – He commented without a mad expression.
-My apologies, Your Majesty. – Sophia replied with her cold demeanor.
-You're forgiven. You look beautiful. Royal blue suits you and highlights your lovely midnight eyes; I will tell you I find those eyes very unique.
-Thank you for the compliments.
-No need to act so formal when speaking privately, Sophia. After all, you are part of my family. – He smiled.
-Yes, Uncle Schneizel. – She replied, hiding the fact that she did not like his smile; she never liked it.
-How has school been for you?
-It has been good.
-I heard you won a seat at the Student Council elections. What seat do you occupy?
-Vice-president.
-Congratulations, niece.
-Thank you, Uncle Schneizel. Although that was months ago… And it's exactly the same seat I occupied last year, too. I've actually been occupying it since I started high school.
-Oh, forgive me. I must be boring you with my small talk.
-Not at all.
-Why don't you go and dance a piece or two? There are many young men that have requested to dance a piece with you tonight and this is a dance after all. – He offered her a smile.
-I might dance, but I don't feel like dancing at this very moment. Perhaps later in the evening.
-Of course.
After half an hour, the members at the platform joined the party below. Sophia greeted nobles for almost an hour. She then had to talk with some other noble girls just for appearances. She didn't like talking to nobles, especially noble girls. They talked of nothing other than frivolous matters such as clothes, jewels and gossip she couldn't even understand about some guy being hot and talking ill of girls that thought they looked good. She would simply give a small grin and remain quiet, nodding every now and then.
Moreover, she personally disagreed with the decisions her uncle made. She didn't feel pride, but shame, about belonging to Britannian nobility. She thought all of the people around her were retards for acting so idly at these kind of events when the rest of the world was suffering because of the war the King caused. Why didn't anyone oppose him? How could they let this happen again, to let History repeat?
She let go of those thoughts after counting to one hundred. She had no voice in those matters; stressing herself over that served no purpose. She was a high school student and that was all she should care about, right?
The ball was interrupted by a banquet. She stood next to the King again. She quietly ate as she heard him talk about political matters that really didn't concern her. Although she had a high noble status, her opinion did not matter so she preferred not to know about them.
The food was exquisite but not to her liking. Rather than fancy beef and flawless soup, she felt like eating pizza. She loved pizza.
Once dinner was over, the dancing was resumed. She strolled a bit outside the ball, just looking at the stars from one of the balconies that had a magnificent view to the royal gardens. She thought that most of the things in that gargantuan palace were extravagant and expensive. If anything, she liked the simplicity of the gardens' roses.
Suddenly, a somewhat familiar sensation overrode her. It felt as if a couple of powerful eyes were over her. This was the sixth time she felt this way. It had happened over the last six parties she had come to the palace for. The first time was about half a year ago; there was a party like this in which her attendance was asked once every month. She just shrugged the feeling off.
She was in the middle of her thinking that her uncle called her.
-Sophia.
She gasped in surprise.
-Forgive me, I didn't mean to scare you.
-It's nothing, Your Majesty.
-The young men I talked to you about earlier are very eager to dance with you. Would you be kind enough to dance with them at once so they can stop feeling so anxious? – He smiled. – I cannot blame them, though. You are a beautiful young lady and you look ravishing tonight. I hope this doesn't sound too inappropriate, but if I were your age, I know I would feel like them.
-I am flattered you think so highly of me. I don't really deserve those compliments. Though I know you did not mean a word you just said. Very well, I can dance with them now.
-Thank you, niece.
Liar.
She wore a fake smile for the next couple of hours after dancing with ten different noble guys. 'Your Highness, you look breathtaking tonight', 'Your Highness, I am flattered you have chosen me as your dance partner', 'You are a naturally graceful dancer', 'Can I tell you a secret? There were another twenty girls that asked me to a dance tonight, but I rejected them because I wanted to dance with you only', 'Your eyes are as captivating as the night sky', 'You know? I may not have a rank as high as yours, but I do come from a noble family. Do you want to hear more about it?', 'I am to inherit my family's fortune', 'It's funny, but I feel it was our destiny to meet tonight and dance', 'I hope you will give me the honor of dancing with me at the next ball, Princess Sophia'… God, she wanted to throw up from all the times she heard each of those lines that night alone.
'Why, you don't say! Is it because I'm wearing a strapless and tight dress?', 'I didn't. You're the one who begged the King that I danced with you and he insisted on me doing this; I don't even want to dance with the shoes I'm wearing. High-heels are painful to use even when you're just standing, you know?', 'I could swear I just stepped on your foot but if you say I'm a natural dancer, then I must be', 'Oh, what an astonishing secret! I'm surprised you even trusted me enough to tell me. Though, you know? I just talked with the girls and I'm pretty sure there are less than fifteen there', 'Wow, I wonder where you got that poetic reference from? I doubt it has anything to do with the fact that it's night right now and my eyes are the same color, right?', 'Yeah, I figured as much since you're at this party. Hell no, I'm not interested in your family's rich and corrupt History. I had enough with the History lessons I was forced to learn as a kid about my own family', 'Well, good for you! Hurry, go tell someone who cares!', 'It's funny, because I don't. In fact, you just made that out, didn't you, cheeky boy?', 'I hope there's a fire at this room so that I never have to come to another one of this torturous dances again! By the way, thank you so very much for reminding me I'm the Princess and hence I'm sentenced to a lifetime of this.' She wanted to at least say one of those but she knew she couldn't and bitterly knew she could not face the consequences of such actions.
She had trouble containing her relief when the dance was over. It was past midnight already. She was exhausted and she swore her feet were bleeding.
-Did you have fun tonight, Sophia? – Her uncle asked her.
-It was very entertaining, Uncle. Are you seriously asking me that?
-I'm glad you did. – He smiled for her again.
That smile could never be true in her eyes. Not even when she was a kid that counted with the gift of innocence did she buy that his smile was authentic.
She just gave him her own fake smile in response.
-It's a pity your brother is no longer here with us. – He commented while looking somewhere else, using the sky as a shield.
Her lips' fragile fake smile immediately broke at the mention of her brother.
-It is. – She replied; her voice sounded a bit husky and forced, though.
-Although he has pretty much betrayed me, I am honest when I tell you I hope he's doing well.
YOU LIAR! I hate you! How dare you mention him? You didn't even let me say goodbye to him and now you bring him up? You didn't listen to what he had to say either! You have no right claiming he has betrayed you! I don't even get why some people actually like you! I refuse to believe what you have made everyone else think of Samuel! He must have had a good reason for his actions; something that explains things! He was trying to tell me something. I felt it was important and he was trying so hard… And you just didn't let me listen to him either! He was a great person, a way better man than you despite being younger! I hate you…
She simply nodded to his statement. She clenched her fists discreetly and looked at the floor for a few seconds, trying to calm down.
-Because, you know, now that Samuel is gone, you are my closest relative, niece. You're like a daughter to me.
YOU DAMN LIAR! Don't! Don't remind me we're related! I refuse to believe that. I know my parents died when I was a baby and I know nothing of them, but they must've been way better than you! Samuel was better than you! I'd rather swallow fire before calling myself your daughter! The mere thought disgusts me!
-Wow, Uncle. – She was fighting with all her might to remain cool. – You don't have to say such words to me. I know we are family; I really do.
He smiled and lifted her face by the chin.
-Oh, you have such a pure heart, my niece. To think my words have moved you to the point of getting your eyes watery. I'm touched and blessed to have you as my niece.
Sophia was surprised. She was actually crying from the memory of her brother. Fortunately, her eyes were just watery. She wiped her tears with her forearm.
-Oh, I was about to give you a handkerchief. I know you are moved, Sophia, but don't forget that is not very lady-like.
-Of course. I apologize for forgetting that. – She spoke softly.
-It breaks my heart, but I must return to my duties. Governing is not an easy task, Princess. I will see you at the next month's dance. Please be good, my niece.
He then kissed her forehead before leaving.
She walked to the stairs and then took off her shoes before going up. Her feet ached with every step. She almost dragged herself to her room.
She took off the uncomfortable dress and left it in the floor. She took off the expensive jewelry and threw it into the air and landed all over the room.
She hated this. She hated that man. She would never forgive him for separating her from her brother.
X Flashback X
-SNOW! – A 14-year-old boy with black hair, rare green eyes and casual clothing bellowed at the Pendragon Palace.
He was being held back by armed royal guards.
-Samuel vi Britannia, you do not scream like that in this palace! – King Schneizel reprehended harshly. – You are a Prince, so behave as such! This is neither the place nor time for this. The monthly ball will take place in two hours. I suggest you fix that attitude of yours and go get dressed for the event.
-Bullshit! – He shouted back.
The present servants gasped as did the 13-year-old Princess.
Samuel, what are you doing? – The young teenager thought scared as she stared at her brother who was fighting the guards just to reach her.
-Let me go! – He yelled.
Schneizel walked calmly towards him and then punched his face, leaving everyone present shell-shocked.
Sophia's violet eyes contracted it as she heard the sickening sound of her uncle's fist on her brother's face.
Blood trickled down his nose, yet his eyes were not backing off.
-Samuel! – Sophia exclaimed as she ran towards him.
However, before she could reach him, Schneizel beckoned for the guards to hold her. She fought hard to break free of their hold but she couldn't.
-Let me go! – She cried as her arm tried to reach her brother's.
Just when their hands were centimeters away from one another, an electrical current ran through her brother's body with a weapon held against his neck.
He screamed and was knocked out.
She was speechless as she saw her brother lying on the ground. All of her strength was gradually draining along with his consciousness; the guards were no longer fighting to keep her still. She fell to her knees and stared at him with tearful eyes.
-S-Snow… - He whispered softly.
-Snow? – She mouthed silently; she didn't understand why he was calling her 'Snow', but she was certain he meant her. – Yes? – She whispered.
-This is a lie. It has all been a lie. Our past, our lives, our par…Ah! – He screamed when their Uncle stomped on his back.
-Uncle, please don't! – Sophia begged.
-Shut up! – He shouted and turned to her.
For the first time, she felt honesty coming from him. He was being true to his feelings when he gave her that disdainful look that showed he anything but loved her. All there was to those clear blue eyes was pure hatred.
Before that day, she thought he just didn't love them but still, possibly, cared about them. That day, her innocent belief was proved wrong. The clear truth was that he hated both her and her brother.
He stomped on her brother with a frightening face, worthy of a monster.
Samuel could no longer talk but his eyes persisted stubbornly on looking at his crying sister. She knew he was trying with all he had to tell her something. But what?
-Take him away. I shall punish him later. – He ordered the guards.
-Brother! – Sophia yelled and suddenly stood up, but her uncle caught her and literally threw her to the guards. – No! Brother! – She was shedding tears.
-Make sure these two do not talk to each other. – Schneizel ordered.
Sophia sobbed and stared at her uncle, pleading him with her soul to let her see her brother.
-Don't look at me like that; it's bothersome. – He commanded her.
Her eyes widened in shock. She was the one who felt betrayed.
-I told you not to look at me like that! – He yelled at her.
She shuddered and looked away in fear.
Schneizel sighed and brought his hand to his forehead, as if he had gotten a headache because of them.
-Maybe it would be best if you both took time to think on what you've done. – He said. – My nephew shall remain locked up in his room. Take my niece to school.
-Yes, Your Majesty. – The guards replied as they took her away from her brother.
She cried on her way there and was escorted all the way to her dorm room.
-Oh my goodness! Lady Sophia, what's wrong? – Andrea asked her as she saw her face with dried tears.
Sophia didn't speak. She instead ran to lock herself on her room.
An hour later, she was sitting at the school's entrance. It was the middle of winter, and it was a cold night.
-Sophie! – 32-year-old Milly Ashford exclaimed. – What are you doing outside? You'll catch a cold. I'll take you to your dorm and…
-NO! – She cried and revealed her face, full of tears, which shocked the Superintendent.
-But what happened to you, Sophie?
-My brother… - She sobbed. – My brother was… - She couldn't speak.
Milly didn't force her. She hugged the girl, stroke her back and let her cry on her shoulder.
-It's OK. Everything will be OK.
-It will not… - She said.
-Why are you here, outside?
-My brother might come… I will wait for him. – She insisted.
The Superintendent smiled.
-Very well. I'll wait here with you. – She sat with her.
Sophia blushed and sat next to her. She felt so pathetic for crying like a little girl, but she couldn't help it. They waited for several hours with the cold breeze blowing. She fell asleep waiting. Her brother did not come that night.
The following late morning, Sophia woke up on her bed. She glanced at the clock. It read 11:43 am. For once, Andrea let her sleep in.
She gritted her teeth and punched her mattress in wrath for not being able to stay and wait for Samuel.
Andrea was out to buy groceries at those hours of the late morning. She was alone.
She didn't want to get up from bed, but her throat was killing her. She wanted a glass of water. It was likely she had caught a cold for waiting outside without even wearing a sweater.
Her whole face froze and stopped breathing when she saw a note on the table. She recognized that handwriting as her brother's.
She hurried and grabbed the note as if her life depended on it and read it.
Yuki,
I'm very sorry I gave you trouble yesterday. I know I have confused you. I'm afraid I won't be able to see you soon. I find it so hard to believe myself I cannot phrase anything in coherent sentences. I promise you I'll be back to give you the details. I could only think of one place to leave the evidence of what you must know. It might not make much sense, but I wouldn't do this much damage to you if I wasn't sure it's real. For now, all I can tell you is that you cannot trust our uncle. No matter what he says, don't believe all of it. Act like none of this happened, please. I know it's not easy, but you must. I could never forgive myself if he did anything to you, believing you were siding with me. I must also ask you to immediately burn this letter after you read it. I trust Andrea, but it is possible for our uncle to hire someone to search evidence of me contacting you. Please be strong, Snow.
I love you,
Shiro
-Shiro? – She scowled.
Why was it that he was suddenly changing their names?
As expected, the next time she saw their uncle, he acted as if nothing had happened. All servants could tell her was that her brother had escaped from his room and was nowhere to be found.
At the next monthly dance, she got into her brother's room and opened their special drawer, certain he had meant for her to open it and find the cause for his actions. Unfortunately, she didn't find anything other than toys. Her only hope had been that drawer, and nothing was there.
It was devastating for her. Just which place did you mean then, brother?
She closed the drawer pained and never opened it again until the present dance.
Was their uncle threatening his life? Why was he running away? What did he want to tell her? Those questions had tormented her ever since.
X End of flashback X
I will never forgive you, Schneizel…
Sophia changed into her comfortable uniform. This was the part in which she usually relaxed and felt happy she no longer lived in that room and would not have to return until next month. Months were cruel for being so short and flying away from her reach.
She exited the Pendragon Palace the same way she entered. There was the black limousine waiting for her; they would take her home.
She sighed in relief as she sat in the back of the vehicle and they left the Pendragon Palace. She was minutes away from her cozy bed. It was way smaller than the one in her room at the palace and the sheets were not as refined, but she could never lie and sleep on her huge purple bed; she didn't like that room at all. It reminded her of lonely times, the year she was without her brother, the strict lessons and instructors and the cold servants' greetings.
Strangely enough, she could still feel that mysterious glare over her, even though she had left the palace. It had been about three times already that she felt this way in the limousine as well.
Suddenly, a loud crash was heard. It felt as if the entire vehicle was about to flip over. Had she not been wearing the seatbelt, she might've suffered injuries.
While not injured, she felt as if the seatbelt had been thrust into her body and her head had hit hard the window next to her and crashed it partially. She groaned.
-What…? What is going on? – She demanded with a weak and husky voice that was barely audible.
She got no reply.
She gingerly took off the seatbelt, moved forward and knocked on the driver's compartment and still got no reply. Was the driver alright?
She was about to open her door, but it opened from the outside.
A gun was pointed at her forehead by a man wearing a formal suit and sunglasses, despite the darkness of the early morning. Her eyes were wide in shock.
-Step out. – The man in black suit ordered.
She stepped out and her irises contracted in bewilderment. The entire front of the car was destroyed. It had crashed against a huge black van. She tardily walked closer and then saw the driver's forehead was lying against the wheel. He was dead.
There were numerous men that looked exactly like the one threatening her. She had been surrounded and captured.
Among the replicas of the same man, another one differed from the rest. He wore no sunglasses and his suit was white. She recognized him from the party. He was a well-known baron among nobility, Baron John Carlson.
-Baron Carlson? – Sophia questioned.
-Good evening, Princess Sophia. – The man grinned sickly while greeting her. – It's surprising you survived that.
-What is the meaning of this?
-I just cannot afford to give you the luxury of time, Princess.
-I don't understand. – Sophia scowled slightly, trying to remain composed.
-The King is not married and has no children, no siblings, no close relatives other than you, Princess, his niece.
-What does that have to do with anything? – She was inwardly angry about him bringing up her uncle.
-You are the only possible heir to the throne!
Sophia stared at him in disbelief at his reasoning, which she considered highly retarded.
-So what? It's not like he's going to die anytime soon. – Saying that out loud got a bitter taste on her mouth. – It is not likely that he will leave the throne to me, anyways.
-We can never know that, but if I take care of you first, then it is certain you will not inherit the throne!
-Do you really believe you can just kill me and walk away?
-These men you see here belong to the mafia and have several times committed crimes worth of the death sentence in affiliation with terrorists! No one will doubt they did this because they affiliated with terrorists and no one will bother to look into it any further! It will only be seen as a tragic event in which lovely Princess Sophia vi Britannia got unfairly involved. Curse such heartless terrorists that ordered her demise! Everyone will cry at your sure-to-be-magnificent funeral and then everyone will forget it! I will be one step closer to true power! Whoever rules Britannia, rules the world! – His eyes were about to pop out of his face and his expression was that of an insane person. – You will be dead. Chances are your foolish brother is dead, so nothing will stop me!
She gritted her teeth.
-You bastard! – She shouted as she was about to punch him.
He backed off, frightened as the rest of the men pointed their guns at her and impeded her from walking any closer to him. She grimaced.
It hurts… My body hurts. I cannot run… If I were Mike, I could just run as fast as him. If I were Tom, I could confuse them with my thinking and escape. If I were Alice, I could kick the hell out of these guys and walk the rest of the way… But because I am myself, I cannot do anything. I am not Mike, Tom or Alice…Or Jack… Is this how I'll meet my end? Helpless to the very end? Samuel…! No… This cannot be happening…! Brother! I have to figure out what the engraving on the plaque he left says… I have to see him again… I still haven't defeated Schneizel! - She was inwardly desperate as flashbacks of her brother's face were shown in her mind like a slideshow. – No! I cannot die yet!
The sound of guns being loaded was heard. She closed her eyes, defenseless. She clenched her teeth and fists, so tightly that her fingernails were about to draw blood from her hands.
Then, out of the blue, the driver's door was opened.
Sophia was not the only taken aback by this. Everyone else turned their heads and felt the same way.
-I-Impossible…! - Baron Carlson exclaimed.
From the car emerged the driver.
Sophia took a few steps back but could not take her eyes off him.
He no longer had his hat on. She could see perfectly his vibrant fire red hair, which was as long as hers. His gaze was directed straight to her. Her deep violet orbs looked at his eyes for the first time. They were a beautiful shade of ocean blue with a trace of silver sparkles. His entire face seemed surreal with such fine features; creamy white skin, favorable bone structure, perfect nose and lips that together formed beauty even men would envy.
This cannot be… - Sophia told herself. – I saw him! He was dead!
She finally broke free of his mesmerizing face's spell and took a closer look at his overall appearance. His clothes had blood all over them and that blood couldn't be anyone's but his.
He walked closer to her. His manner of walking seemed perfectly fine despite having just been in a car crash. It was a miracle the fact alone that he was alive, but he turned out to be unharmed as well.
The men standing around them were also flabbergasted at that man.
-Who…What are you? – Sophia asked softly.
Without any words, he grabbed her wrist with his bloody hand. She gasped at the contact but before she could do anything, he took off running and dragged her alone.
Baron Carlson shook his head to regain his speech.
-What are you doing? They're escaping! Get them! Kill the princess!
The other men had to regain control of themselves too and proceeded to shoot stray bullets at them.
Sophia screamed in fear and her eyes were watery, but that didn't seem to distract the man that held her wrist tightly.
They turned around a corner and got rid of the bullets as the men pursued them.
-This way! – The man's voice was finally heard.
He led her into a narrow alleyway and that was enough to confuse the mafiosos, who ran everywhere else to search for them.
Sophia wiped her fright tears away with her forearm's sleeve before looking at him.
-They're gone. – He announced before stepping out of the alleyway and dragged her along.
She then shook his loose hold off her wrist and gained his attention. She stared at him, not knowing what she was supposed to feel at the moment.
-Why are you helping me? – She asked him.
He didn't reply.
-What are you…? – She got interrupted when he placed his hand on her lips.
-You want to live. – That wasn't a question; either way, her eyes reflected surprise. – I can help you live. – He told her.
What is this man saying? – Sophia gasped in thought.
-You don't want it to end, do you?
Sophia shook her head.
He closed his eyes. Suddenly, her mind was no longer in her body. It was all white light and flashing images everywhere she looked. She and the man had lost all colors.
What is this? – She whispered.
-You have a reason to live.
This man… No… He cannot possibly be the one doing this!
-If you had the strength, you could live. – His voice sounded distorted but serious. – This is our contract. I will wake up your power and your true past will be unlocked. In exchange, you will grant my wish. If you enter into this contract, you will live as a human, but also as one completely different. - A light appeared in front of her as he spoke. – You will live under different rules, different time and a different life… Along with the power of the King, loneliness beyond what you've experienced will embrace you. Are you prepared?
Then, the memory of Schneizel el Britannia flashed in front of her eyes.
-My dear niece, it is indeed a pity Samuel is not with us anymore. – The face that disgusted her expressed. – Who knows if he is alive now; it's a shame. However, it had to be that way. It was all for the sake of Britannia; it was the best for the entire world!
Sophia's face changed. Wrath burned in her eyes. She growled and her face became determined and did not hesitate.
-Very well! – She exclaimed louder than she ever had before. – I, here and now, accept this contract!
A blinding darkness surrounded them.
A flashback of memories she recalled for the first time in her life came to her. Her whole life literally flashed in her eyes. Her ire unleashed.
When opened her eyes, they were right outside the alleyway in the real life. It felt as if not a second had occurred while their contract took place.
-There they are! – A man's voice exclaimed.
In a matter of seconds, they were again surrounded by the mafia. All of them had their guns threatening to shoot.
Baron Carlson was sweating as he stopped between the men and pointed to them both.
-This is it! – He shouted. – You have no place to run to!
Sophia slowly lifted her gaze and stared at them all. She then, shockingly, grinned.
-What do you find so funny, brat! – The Baron yelled. – Has fear made you lose your mind?
-Baron, - A deathly low voice began. – Have you ever had an experience in which your own attack got reflected right back at you? – She smirked.
-Huh, I have no idea what you're talking about. I guess you must have gone insane. Shoot…
-I'll take that as a 'No'. – She continued; her expression did not change. – Well, let us help you, then.
-What…
-I'll let you have that feeling for the first and last time! – Sophia shouted.
Immediately afterwards, a strange red symbol appeared on left eye. Not even the men's sunglasses saved them from their effect. They suddenly began to shake.
-She's lost her mind! – The Baron yelled. – Wait no more! Kill the Princess now!
-That will not happen! – She shouted and astounded the Baron.
Her eyes shone with a different light for one instant.
-I, Sophia vi Britannia… No, I, Snow Lamperouge, hereby command you all to submit to my orders!
-Kill her! – A mad Baron shouted.
Her death did not happen, and he turned to them.
-What's the matter? I told you to kill her!
Again, the men gave no reply.
-This is what I paid you for! – He shook one of the men. – Kill the Princess of Britannia!
-Shoot him in the limbs. – She spoke up.
The men turned to the Baron with blank stares.
-What? Are you bloody kidding me?
Gunshots fell upon his whole legs and arms.
The Baron fell to the floor and bellowed in agony.
-WHAT IS THIS? – He cried.
The calm girl walked slowly towards his lying body and stomped on his stomach. He moaned in pain.
-So, - She grinned. – Do you like the feeling, Baron?
He was in too much pain to reply.
She then turned to one of the men in black and beckoned for him to get closer. So he did as she removed her foot from him.
-Kill him. – She commanded.
-Yes, Your Highness.
One more gunshot's sound reverberated in the night's wind.
The Baron's expression would remain frightened forever now.
She turned to the men that were still under her control.
-Get rid of the body. Throw him into the river. After that, you will shoot yourselves.
-Yes. – They all replied blankly.
-But before that, I don't suppose any of you drive limousines. Who has the nicest car here?
-I do. – One responded.
-Hand me your keys.
-Of course. – He replied as he gave her a set of keys with a key ring of a bull attached to them.
-Huh, a Lamborghini? That's not half bad. I didn't know the mafia did that well in business. Where are you parked?
He didn't reply. She sighed.
-Tell me where you are parked.
-Two blocks north from here.
-Good. Anyways, you all go do what I commanded you now.
-Yes. – They replied again as they picked up the Baron's corpse and walked away.
Her grin died as she gazed down in sheer wrath. She glanced at the driver, or whatever he was. He had been watching silently all along. She then looked down.
Shiro… - She thought melancholically with tears coming back to her eyes. – Shiro – Nii, you were right. From that day on, we lived a lie. Almost our whole lives have been a lie, our past was a lie, even our names were lies… Everything was lies. But unlike you, I needed a lot to wake up. Things were worse than I imagined, and I continued living naïve until tonight… But I am finally awake! I have this power at my disposal… That is why…
She then smiled and looked up. Her face met the gaze of a silent red-haired.
-I will no longer be helpless!
Wow, that was one long introductory chapter! I doubt they will all be this long. I must tell you that I plan to update this story on a sporadic basis since I am giving more focus to my other two stories. However, I can guarantee you I'll finish it. Once I start something, I finish it. If you don't believe me, let me tell you my first story has 83 chapters so far and I am still writing it. ;) Please review to let me know if you like this, though. Comments, reviews and critiques, as long as respectful, about plot, character portraying and grammar are all welcome.