The next morning Lelouch was sleeping with Kallen resting on his arm when a female voice said "Now this was not how I imagined finding you Lelouch."

Lelouch instantly slammed his hand on the coffee table beside the bed and a drawer popped out with a pistol in a spring holster shot out of the drawer and Lelouch grabbed the pistol turning it toward the direction the voice came from as his eyes tried to gain focus only for the gun to be knocked away and he felt his hand ache in pain as his eyes landed on the amused looking face of Cornilia.

Lelouch glared at her as Kallen awoke looking around and paled as her eyes landed on Cornelia and Lelouch grabbed her hand under the covers squeezing it tight and said in a demanding voice "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE CORNELIA AND HOW DID YOU FIND ME."

Cornelia who walked over and picked up the pistol that she had kicked out of his hand said "Is this anyway to greet your sister after all these years." as she unloaded the magazine and removed the bullet from the chamber before setting them on the dresser.

Lelouch said "Depends....Are you here to finish the job and kill me."

Cornelia frowned and said "I had nothing to do with your mothers death."

Lelouch frowned as he heard this as he sat up and said "Do you mind leaving and letting me get dressed. We can discuss this then."

Cornelia smirked and looked at Kallen who had pulled the covers up to cover herself and said "Whose the girl."

Lelough started to say something when Kallen said "Kallen Stradtfelt, Lelouch's fiance, Viceroy Cornelia." with a half bow while trying to keep herself covered.

Cornelia said "Stradtfelt...I see...your father is works with my brother Scheinzel....I wonder why he never informed brother of your engagement."

Lelouch said "Because our relationship has been secret for sometime from everyone and I asked for her hand last night after our relationship was discovered on accident....Now do you mind giving us a few minutes to get dressed properly."

Cornelia said "Sure, I'll be waiting in the main room with Nunnally." as she left the room as Lelouch froze in place.

Kallen hissed "What the hell is she doing here." in a quit voice.

Lelouch said "I have no clue.....fiance." as he looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

Kallen glared and him and said "Shut up, I'm not leaving your side with her until I know what the hells going on and I figure it was either that or tell her I was your mistress which would have destroyed my cover for being here."

Lelouch slipped on his pants and said "It's fine, I'll come up with a story for the others later after we deal with her.....Protect Nunnally if anything should happen....damn, she took my bullets." as he slipped the magazine back into his pistol and put it back in the springload.

Kallen said "What about C.C."

Lelouch said "She's a very very light sleeper and would have gotten awake and hid long before Cornelia got here." as he walked into the bathroom to brush his teeth.

Kallen laughed and said "Here we are dancing on a tight rope most likely to be executed in a little bit and your worried about morning breath."

Lelouch sighed and said "Cornelia a member of Royalty. Everything is taken into account when dealing with them from your breath, smell, to the wrinkles in your cloths...I see C.C. brought yours in sometime this morning and iron them for you." as Kallen button her blouse.

She walked into the bathroom and closed the door to get ready and when she came out she asked "How come I changed in the one in the hall instead of in here last night." having wet her hair and washed up making her look like her sickly personality.

Lelouch said "Because the water to this one is turned off after 10pm till 5 am because it's on the same system as the pool shower drainage system and when they cycle the waste water from there if they don't shut this one off it causes all that shower water to back up into this bathroom and would cause $60,000 to have someone come and fix the problem when I can just walk 30 ft for free."

Kallen said "Oh....ready." as she looked at herself in the mirror.

Lelouch who finished putting on his shoes said "Yes...about last night."

Kallen smiled and kissed his lips and said "I don't regret it and if we die today I'm glad we did that together. It was a dream come true."

Lelouch smile a little and said "Me too." as his face got a bored expression before he opened the door and Kallen walked out.

When they walked into the dinning room they saw Cornelia, Euphemia, Nunnally and Sayoko who was setting breakfast on the table for everyone and when Sayoko eyes landed on Kallen she shot a look at Lelouch who slightly shook his head yes and Sayoko smiled slightly but said "Will there be anything else for now masters."

Lelouch said "No, that will be all for now Sayoko, you may continue your duties."

Sayoko bows and quickly leaves and Cornelia said "She's an eleven." in a surprised voice.

Lelouch frowned and said "She is a trusted friend who has earned my respect and thanks many times over and please do not use that term in my presence. I find it a tactless and disgraceful. She is a human being just as any of us and her name is Sayoko, please refer to her as such."

Cornelia frowned and said "Very well...so..why have you let all of us to believe you and Nunnally are dead all these years." as Lelouch pulled out a chair for Kallen and she set down and he then set beside her next to Nunnally who was also sitting next to Euphemia who looked happy.

Lelouch said "Because it was members of the court who murdered mother and crippled Nunnally." causing Cornelia eyes to go wide and Euphemia to gasp.

Cornelia asked "And what makes you say that."

Lelouch shook his head and said "Cornelia, Cornelia, Cornelia, what would the Emperor think of your lack o decorum...where are your manors, I mean you have not introduced yourself properly or your sister in the presence of guest when you are guest in our home."

Cornelia frowned and Nunnally asked "Guest, who brother."

Karen said "I'm still here Nunnally."

Nunnally eyebrows rose even as her eyes remained closed and Cornelia said "I am Cornelia Li Britannia, 2nd princess of the Holy Britannian Empire and Viceroy of Area 11. This is my sister Euphemia Li Britannia, 3rd princess of the Holy Britannian Empire and the Sub-Viceroy of Area 11."

Kallen bowed and said "My name is Kallen Stradtfelt, it's an honor to formuly meet both of you your highnesses."

Euphemia said "I think I remember seeing you in passing the 2 days I was here before that incident at Lake Kawaguchi."

Kallen said "Well I am sorry I didn't have the honor to meet you then."

Cornelia said "Now that we have decorum settled will you answer the question I asked Lelouch."

Lelouch who had buttered a couple of pieces of toast set 1 in Nunnally plate and offered some to Kallen, Euphemia, and Cornelia and said "First tell me how you found us. There are only so many people who know about our presence here and even less know about who Nunnally and I really are." as he looked at her.

Cornelia said "I had decided it was safe for Euphemia to return to school here and was taking her to talk with the administrator when I saw Nunnally being pushed through the halls by...what was her name again."

Nunnally said "Sayoko."

Cornelia said "Yes her. I instantly recognised her and after telling Nunnally who I was she remembered me and Euphemia and she said she was on her way to have breakfast with you. Now will you...." as she stopped talking as there was banging on the door.

Sayoko quickly walked by and opened the door and a male voice said "Is Lelouch here. I got to warn him." as everyone turned and saw Suzaku run into the dinning room speaking "Lelouch, Cornelia is.....here." as he looked at everyone at the table.

Cornelia frowned and said "What are you doing here PRIVATE Suzaku."

Suzaku looked over at Lelouch and Kallen and he said "Um..."

Lelouch said "Suzaku is one of 5 trusted individual who know about mine and Nunnally existance. In fact he saved my life on several occasions most recently the day Clovis was killed when his commanding officer ordered Suzaku to kill me because Clovis ordered there were to be no witnesses to the mass Genocide of every man, woman and child no matter who they were that Clovis was commiting in Shinjuko Ghetto's." as he took a bite of toast.

Cornelia turned from Lelouch to Suzaku and asked "Is that true."

Suzaku frowned and pulled out his fathers pocket watch that still had the bullet in it and said "This bullet was from my commanding officer after I refused to kill Lelouch who was trying to find a way to get out of Ghetto's."

Cornelia frowned as she looked at the watch and Euphemia asked "Was it true what Lelouch said about Clovis."

Lelouch said "Of coarse it's true, I mean it's impossible to forget seeing soldiers holding people up and having men in knightmares using them as target practice getting points for the cleanest kills and most damage. They got 50 points for infants." causing Euphemia to gasp.

Cornelia said "Shut up Lelouch, I won't have you lying about..."

Lelouch slammed his hand on the table and stood up and said "LYING.... Why don't you tell Euphemia the truth about that nerve gas that Clovis was trying to get back. Why don't you show her the total number of people who were buried in mass graves because their families couldn't identify them because of Clovis's men, Why don't you show her the video feeds from the knightmares that day and tell her I'm lying." as he sat back down.

Euphemia asked "Is he telling the truth sister."

Cornelia ignored her question and asked "What do you mean it wasn't nerve gas."

Lelouch laughed and said "Come dear Cornelia, your not that ignorant....If it really was nerve gas like he had the public announcement to the news to make the people hate the group who stole that item then why would he order his men to leave no witness. The answer is simple, whatever it was inside that tank was something that could cost Clovis a lot of trouble from members of our family or the Emperor himself. If it was really nerve gas do you think Zero would have turned it back over to you so easily. One life, compared to all the people nerve gas could kill. He would never have made that trade. I don't know what was inside it but either Zero now has it or that Orange guy covered up what it was. I bet you had to send it somewhere else without ever getting to look at it, didn't you dear Cornelia."

Cornelia frowned Lelouch said "Tell me dear sister, why is it that you drag poor Euphemia all over the world with you when she would be safer in the homeland." as he took a bite of eggs and a sip of coffee."

Kallen thought "Well, if I die I can say I saw a great show before this day is over." as she took a small sip of water to hide her amusement.

Cornelia said "Because I love my sister and want her by my side."

Lelouch snorts and said "I see you are a master of the double talk. The truth is you know just like I do that there are members of the court, including the Emperor himself would harm her."

Cornelia said "That is a lie. The emperor would never do such a thing."

Lelouch said "Really...then why did he try to kill Nunnally and I and why was he involved in mothers assassination. Where were you when you were head of security at our home."

Cornelia said "I was ordered to leave along with my men by lady Marianna and the Emperor would never try to kill his children and he wasn't involved in her death, he loved her."

Lelouch sighed and said "Cornelia.....the investigation into her assassination was only 3 days before he had it cancelled....you remember how I came before him demanding justice for her after I found out he cancelled the investigation."

Cornelia thought a moment and said "I remember."

Lelouch said "You remember how he said he had no need for a spoiled child and a cripple, that we were of no further use to him before he sent us here. Let me ask you this, why did the assassin leave Nunnally and I alive, why did they only shoot mother and Nunnally and not shoot me when I was holding Nunnally."

Cornelia said "I don't know Lelouch."

Lelouch said "Mother was given the name by those in the court as the black queen because she wasn't noble born, that she came from a commoner. Several members of the court said she shouldn't have been allowed to marry the emperor and that we as her children should be killed. Mother was killed because she was a threat to the position of several of the noble woman who were married to father. She was a knight of the round and a famous soldier who was gaining favor with the emperor. You say she ordered you to leave that day. Why...why did she order you to leave but kept Nunnally and me there. The only answer I can think of is she was going to meet someone who would have been a threat to others and she didn't want you to see who it was yet it was someone who had a reason for wanting to see us. I was called the black prince and besides Euphemia, out side of playing chess, none of the other children wanted anything to do with me and the same was for Nunnally. That means since she didn't want you to see who it was it could have only been one person who would want to see Nunnally and me....the emporor himself."

Cornelia eyes darted back and forward and said "Even if what your saying is true you don't have any evidence."

Lelouch said "Oh, I have more and the main reason why I have kept the fact we are alive a secret. Did you know that when Nunnally and I were sent here we were under specific orders to never leave the Kururugi family compound and if the Kururugi family ever let us leave it would be considered a declaration of war on their behalf so they never let us leave......the first attack on this country, the very first bomb fell on the Kururugi family home. Nunnally, Suzaku, and I had snuck out of the compound through tunnels in the family graveyard that connected to the hill over looking the compound. We watched as 15 bombs fell on the Kururugi family home 15 bombs. We weren't sent here for a peace negotiations, we were sent here to become martyrs. No search party from the empire ever came for us, we were declared dead the first day of the attack on this country. As plagues on high society by having a commoner mother Nunnally and I were something that made the empire look bad, the reason Nunnally was only wounded and I was left alone was because they needed us to be the perfect victim to get the public to feel outrage and support the empire, the orphaned weak sister and the protective brother....the reason you keep Euphemia so close to you is because you know that she is to kind to be a soldier and to freely opinionated to do what is right instead of what is good for the empire that she would become a pawn just like Nunnally and I were."

Cornelia frowned and Euphemia said "So you don't trust us."

Lelouch said "If word got out that Nunnally and I were alive we would be assassinated before we ever even set eyes on the homeland. Cornelia can try and claim that she could protect us but she knows that if she tried it the emperor would use you against her and the only reason she is allowed to bring you around is because she gained a reputation as a ruthless and merciless general who is undefeatable because she leaves no survivors."

Cornelia said "You seem to know an awful lot about us having not seen us in nearly 7 years."

Lelouch said "The joys of the internet. As soon as I heard you were the Viceroy I spent a week looking at every peace of info I could on you to protect Nunnally and myself from you because I still don't know if you are part of the group that killed mother and tried to kill us. All I have right now is your word that mother ordered you to leave and you have already demostrated you are a master of the double talk and could be lying to us for the benefit or Euphemia."

Cornelia frowned and said "Is there anyway I can prove to you that I am not here to kill you, that I just want to see my little brother and sister."

Lelouch bit his lip and said "Let us remain dead. We both have lived by our mothers maiden name all these years and have our own lives...also don't punish Suzaku for not informing you because he was honoring a request from me not to. Had it not been for him we would have died after the bombing on this country. He tought me how to survive here and helped to protect Nunnally. I support Nunnally and me."

Cornelia raised an eyebrow and said "Really...how."

Lelouch said "You think you and Clovis are the only ones I took money from in games. I've been taking Nobles to the cleaners for years now and I'm part owner in this school and have business contracts with several stores in both the main city and the Ghettos."

Cornelia shook her head and said "Why am I not surprised...but I've gotten better over the years. Care for a game."

Lelouch said "Will you honor my request about not telling anyone and not punishing Suzaku."

Cornelia bit her lip and Euphemia said "She won't tell anyone." causing everyone to look at her.

Cornelia started to say something and Euphemia said "No Cornelia, I've listened to both you and him and I find myself agreeing with him there. If Lelouch will agree to let you come see him and Nunnally from time to time and allow me to spend time with them while here then everyone is this room will keep this secret and Suzaku will not be punished in anyway. In fact I believe that a reward is in order.....Suzaku Kururugi." saying the last part in a formal tone

Suzaku said "Yes your highness." with a bow.

Euphemia said "I am coming of age and it is time for me to begin looking for my own knight....."

Cornelia stood up and said "NO EUPHEMIA, I FORBID IT."

Euphemia said "Then I will be on the next plane for the homeland......I'm not a little girl and you don't have to watch over me every second. I can make my own decisions and I will listen to your council. It is my right as a princess to chose my own knight and after seeing him protect me, as well as seeing proof and hearing of his actions in protecting our siblings I can not name anyone I would trust with my life more then him outside of blood. He is a capable warrior and has a strong code of Loyalty. All qualities befiting a guardian knight.

Cornelia closed her eyes and said "I withdraw my objection.....do you accept Suzaku Kururugi."

Suzaku who was stunned bowed and said "I accept this honor humbly your highness and I will honor your expectations of me fully with my life."

Euphemia smiled and said "Good....now can you give me the gossip on Lelouch and his friend here." causing everyone to face plant.

Nunnally giggled and Cornelia said "What about you Lelouch, Nunnally...do either of you have a knight or something."

Lelouch said "We both do while where here but in truth she is Nunnally Knight chosen by me when she was younger after she saved Nunnally life."

Euphemia said "Why are you babying Nunnally so much. Why don't you let her make her own decisions."

Lelouch started to say something when Nunnally said "From the way it sounds Cornelia treats you like Lelouch does me because they both love us...but the reason he makes the decision for me is because I'm not the same person I was when mother was alive.....I had to start over in life after that day, I had to learn to read, write, bath, eat all over again and learn to use my sense of smell, taste, touch, and sound to replace my lost sight. Doing that in the middle of a war zone was an impossible task but brother found a way to do it for me. He sacrificed so much to give me a comfortable life that I am willing to give up my independance to some degree to repay him. I have friends who accept me as I am, but don't feel sorry for me, I don't go hungry and I get to decide what I want to eat most of the time unless we need something from the store to make it, my cloths I get to pick out after having them all describe to me, and I am treated as an equal by all those around me because of him watching over me...I'm not a princess in title anymore but I'm treated better then I was when I was royalty...for that I am eternally thankful to Lelouch."

Cornelia said "I see....who is her knight if I may ask."

Lelouch laughed and said "Oh, you and everyone here are going to get a kick out of this, why don't you tell them about yourself."

A voice from the side of the room startling everyone but Lelouch said "As you wish Master Lelouch. My name is Sayoko Shinozaki. I am the 37th successor of the Shinozaki school of martial arts...I was also one of the 13 assassins of the former 12 great houses of the lands before the fall of Japan."

At this everyone was wide eyed and Suzaku said "Woah, hold up, how in the world did you get to be Nunnally knight and how did you even meet." as everyone looked at her as she had both her fist on the ground beside her with her head bowed and one leg in a half crouch and the other in a half sitting position.

Lelouch said "She saved Nunnally and my life when a noble challenged me to a game of chess and he told me if I refused he would take Nunnally as payment and if he won he would take her as payment. We had only been here at the school for a few days when this happened and I we were in a nearby park. After the Noble lost he ordered his driver to kill us and she disarmed the driver and helped us get away. I brought her here with us since she didn't have a place to live and she offered to be a maid and care taker for the Ashfords daughter Milly and she agreed but since we were living here also she helped to take care of Nunnally. When the school was repaired from the war and started taking students again we were given this place and I asked her if she would take over as Nunnally knight and guardian. The Ashfords, her, and Suzaku until recently were all that knew about Nunnally and I being royalty with Kallen now joining that group. Like I told you, she has earned my respect and proven herself in her duties many times over."

Cornelia asked "What do you get out of it. What payment do you recieve for your service."

Sayoko said "I am given a home, food, cloths, and a purpose. All were things I lost when the war hit. I was trained from childhood to be an assassin and to serve my masters commands. Serving Master Lelouch and Lady Nunnally has been an honor for me I wouldn't trade even at the cost of my life. I would die for either of them."

Lelouch said "That is all Sayoko, I know you've kept an ear on us the whole time to ensure our safety and I thank you but I do not believe they will harm us...yet."

As everyone looked over Sayoko was gone and Suzaku said "I didn't even see her leave."

Lelouch laughed and said "She is a trusted friend but her skills make up for ANY doubt anyone could have about her.....so what now, Euphemia has said your not going to tell but what about you Cornelia."

Cornelia said "No, I won't tell as long as I can check up on you from time to time."

Lelouch said "Either send word with Suzaku or Euphemia when you plan to show up because my duties to the school and also my duties to supporting us take me away from time to time and also since Kallen and I are an item now I will be spending time with her as well. That way I can try and be here to meet you but do not tell anyone about us. Nunnally has been the only family I had for years and anyone who puts her in harms way will face my wrath."

Suzaku laughed and said jokingly "What wrath."

Cornelia frowned seeing the look Lelouch had understanding what he meant and said "When."

Lelouch said "I rather not discuss it....for now I don't trust you Cornelia and I barely trust Euphemia. I've come to terms a long time ago that it was members of the court who were responsible for mothers death and Nunnally condition. I've also come to terms that if the choice came down between them and her the answer is her....Last night I had an argument with Suzaku here. After what I saw in the Ghetto that day and the thought of dying at those soldiers hands leaving Nunnally alone I would have gladly traded places with Zero pulling the trigger." as he looked into Cornelia eyes showing he ment every word of it.

Silence went through the room and Cornelia said "For what it's worth, I'm sorry for failing your mother and you both all those years ago."

Lelouch frowned and said "Lets get our minds off these disturbing thoughts. How about a little wager Cornelia." as he got up and got his chess set.

Cornelia asked "Oh, and what are we wagering." as they set up the board and she took white.

Lelouch said "If I win I get $10,000."

Cornelia choked and said "That much...why."

Lelouch said "Sorry, that is a business secret...but if you win I will answer any question you want to know for 1 hour. Interested."

Cornelia said "$5000."

Lelouch said "Agreed. Your move."

Cornelia made her first move and Lelouch made his and he asked "So how are you."

Cornelia said "Busy."

Lelouch nods and said "So are you worried about the JLF and their attack that's coming up." as he moved his next piece.

At this Cornelia and Suzaku both perked up while Kallen thought "What are you doing."

Cornelia asked "Which one." as she moved her bishop pretending she knew more then she did.

Lelouch said "The one where they plan to take control of the Sakuradite processing plants. Check."

Cornelia brows furrowed and said "I'm not sure I heard about that one, what have you heard."

Lelouch said "Well word on the street is they have made some kind of alliance with the Chinese and they are going to bring in equiptment and troops and launch an attack on the processing plants while the Chinese copy the plans on the plants so they can build their own processing plants in China while the JLF use the plants to power up their equiptment. They also plan to set a small explosive in the plant to set back production when you come and force them to flee. Check again. Are you even trying Cornelia."

Cornelia said "Huh...sorry, you move...any idea how they plan to do it."

Lelouch said "Just rumors I heard when I was in a couple of gambling taverns. The most realistic ones is they plan to move the entire JLF army on the north end of the island and then sweep down quickly. There aren't a lot of civilians in that area and hardly any obstacles so they can move quickly. Check again, come on Cornelia, I've seen 4 year olds make better moves then this."

Cornelia shook her head and said "Right....Check."

Lelouch said "There goes your queen Cornelia. Are you throwing this game."

Cornelia said "Of coarse not. I would never throw a chess match. I guess my mind is elsewhere."

Lelouch sighed and said "Just conceed the match, I've got you in 6 moves anyways....personally if I was you, if the rumors are true it would be a perfect chance for you to wipe out the JLF and also to send a message to the Black Knights and any other group like them."

Cornelia toppled her king showing she forfieted and leaned back and said "Really...what kind of plan do you think would work."

Lelouch said "Well, I would have the media travel with your men over the next few weeks, tell them it's a chance to see the improvements in the defense of this country since you took over and show the people that you are a more competent leader then Clovis. That way the media would be with your men when the JLF prepare their attack and you could have your men ready for this in advance and so when you attack the media will broadcast it to everyone and it would not only show everyone what happens when they fight the undefeatable Cornelia but it would also calm the nerves of all the Nobles who have money tied up in the Sakuradite manufacturing. That way they will know and trust you are looking out for their investments which means you won't have hundreds of them beating on your door every day."

Cornelia said "It's a little rough around the edges, I mean we don't want the Chinese to get a foot hold here so I would have to put a navel blockade around up there when the attack started. I like it. Have you told Suzaku about this info."

Lelouch snorts an said "Cornelia, most of the info I just gave you is what I pieced together hearing drunks talk in the gambling dens. There may not be an alliance with the Chinese or there is one. I just thought I would mention it because I may not trust you but I would hate to see you and Euphemia moved to another command because of not being properly informed. Could you imagine if it was Schneitzel that found us. I wouldn't even have a chance to ask to let us remain dead....Besides, would you honestly believe Suzaku if he came to you with info like these rumors. You would call him a traitor since he wasn't born Britannian and have him arrested or executed, just like Orange tried to when he blamed him for Clovis death. That is one of the things that I hate about the empire. They believe that since they got some fancy title they are better then others and anyone who is born from different stations then them is beneath them. That is why mother was killed and that is why Nunnally and I were to be martyred and you are just like those people even if you want to deny it. How many men do you have under you that have shown half the skills of Suzaku here and yet you would over look him for others just because he was born Japanese. It's why you were trying to deny Euphemia right to chose her knight because you know that having someone not born britannian will be considered an insult to the court and will make Euphemia enemies in the court who would try to harm her."

Cornelia said "Perhaps you are right....but I have to watch out for her."

Lelouch said "And I have to watch out for Nunnally. It's the responsibilities of the eldest siblings."

Cornelia smiled a little and said "You maybe grown up but your still the little boy I remember Lelouch.....I'll earn your trust and make you proud....I must be going though, how do you want the money taken care of."

Lelouch said "Just have it sent as a donation to the accademy and Milly will have it transfered to me without raising any flags in case anyone tracks the bills and also in case someone marks them if you have spies in your ranks working for who ever was responsible for mothers death."

Cornelia said "Alright, that will work...you have a good mind for strategy. I wonder what you could do on the battle field."

Lelouch said "I prefer debates instead of fist. Ask Suzaku, I'm the worst physically fit person in the world and I prefer to be responsible for my own...."

A man burst through the door in a military uniform and said "Cornelia, It's Zero." as Lelouch grabbed Kallen hand under the table.

Cornelia screamed "WHAT."

The man said "He's leading an attack on our ships in the harbor, RED ONE has already taken out all the moble suits there."

Cornelia said "Damn it, Suzaku guard Euphemia, I'll deal with Zero and those black knights myself." as she quickly left with the man.

After they were gone Kallen said "So.....are all your family meetings going to be like that Lelouch."

Lelouch said "Probably worse.....So are you just going to sit there all day Euphemia or not now that the wet towel is gone are you going to do what you've been wanting to do."

Euphemia smiled and ran around the table and hugged Lelouch and said "I missed you so much Lelouch and I am glad you and Nunnally are safe."

Lelouch said "I've still many a mile left to travel before I may rest Euphemia. It's good to see you and I'm happy you are well as well but.....please watch yourself against the empire. Not everyone there has your best interest at heart.....I know how you were taught and raised but remember this sister. Being a Britannian is a choice and life style just like being a Japanese, Chinese, African, or any other country. It's not where a person is born that determines what they are but their history, believes, and culture. What the empire did wrong was strip the people of this land of that, what made them unique trying to force them to follow the empire example. Suzaku there was born Japanese but he is more Britannian at heart then I am even though I was born Britannian. If you listen to anything I ever say remember what I just told you and keep them at heart. We are all human beings. Things can be replaced easily...people can't. That is the reason I am glad Clovis is dead because he forgot that lesson and considered people as nothing more then a resource like metal, wood, or food to be used and discarded. Please don't follow the same path as him."

Euphemia said "So your not a total Emo huh." causing everyone to laugh and Lelouch said "I knew there was a reason you were different then Cornelia and the reason I trust you more then her."

Euphemia frowned and said "Sister wasn't involved in that Lelouch, she's spent years trying to find out who was responsible when she could. She blames herself even though she was following orders."

Lelouch said "That is why I don't trust her Euphemia, she was following orders, just like the men who were killing those people in the Ghettos, just like the commander who shot Suzaku for disobeying his order to kill me. That is why I trust Suzaku to watch over you as your knight."

Suzaku said "Thank you Lelouch for trusting me...and about last night, I'm sorry for what I said but that is why I became an Honorary Britannian because I want to change things the right way, not like Zero is doing."

Kallen said "And what is wrong with his way of doing things if I may ask, I'm just currious on your point of view not that I am questioning them."

Suzaku said "Zero is a glory hog who is using the peoples fears and ambitions against them to finish his own goals which will most likely result in the people who are supporting him being destoyed and punished for his goal."

Lelouch said "But what if his goals and the peoples are the same, what if he is just a symbol for the to unite behind. That is what the Britannian Empire is after all, a symbol to unite the people under a single purpose."

Suzaku asked "Then why does he hide behind a mask."

Lelouch snorts and said "A symbol is untouchable Suzaku. If he showed people what he really looked like then they would see his strengths and weaknesses, his fears and doubts, and those could be used to control him....truth is I believe Zero is not a man but an idea given shape and form. Since he appeared crimes against the Japanese have decreased 25 percent and with every victory, life for the Japanese have been getting better and better, the criminals weather they be Japanese or Britannians have slowed down their operations in fear of what Zero and the Black Knights would do to them since he has shown he will punish any who harm the civilians no matter if they are Japanese or Britannian, royalty or scum."

Nunnally said "You sound like you believe in his cause brother."

Lelouch sighed as he sat back and looked at the ceiling and said "It's not his cause that I believe in Nunnally but the cause that all people should believe in. Life is meaningless if you don't have the freedom to go with it....the emperor robbed the people of this land of their right to live and have made slaves of the people here....look at Sayoko, she lives her life happily because she has a life with a purpose that she chose and she would gladly give her life in order to fulfill any request we have of her not because she is forced to but because she chose to."

Kallen looked down and thought "Just like my mother, she chose to remain a servant to be there for me." as a tear fell from her eye.

Euphemia saw this and asked "Are you alright Kallen."

Kallen smiled and wiped her tears from her eyes and said "It's just that I have someone close to me who is a Japanese that is the same way as Sayoko and I think Lelouch is right. People deserve the right to chose for themselves and believe what they want to believe."

Suzaku said "To what end, should a person fight to the death for their belief if they know they are going to lose, isn't that being a hipocryte to you saying needless deaths are meaningless." as he thought of his own past.

Kallen looked at him and said "Let me ask you something Suzaku, your a knightmare pilot from what Lelouch told me right."

Suzaku nods and Kallen said "You were there the day the hotel was captured by the JLF when Zero saved everyone right."

Suzaku nods again and asked "What about it."

Kallen said "I've heard stories that you were the one who sank the hotel, that the JLF had some kind of trap set up where any knightmare that went down the supply tunnel to the hotel was destroyed and that you were the one to destroyed that trap and got through to complete your mission. Is that all true."

Suzaku blushed a little at the praise and said "Yes."

Kallen said "You just admitted to proving the point Lelouch was commenting on. The trap the JLF set was perfectly planned and had the superiority in the situation but you fought on because you believed that you could complete the mission, even at the risk of your life, to save the hostages inside. You fought an overly powerful enemy who had the advantage and you came out winning....Were not saying that Zero is right in the way he's doing it but sometimes it takes a person standing up against the rules to make a change. Would you concede that point."

Suzaku frowned and said "Yes, I concede that point but I do not like the fact violence is required."

Euphemia smiled and said "As do I. I do not know everything but you all have given me a lot to think about and I will see if there might be a way to change things for the better, perhaps diplomacy would be the answer instead of force. Perhaps if we can remove the reason for people wanting to rebel then the people would not be supportive of Zero because he would not be needed."

Lelouch said "Perhaps you will find a way to succeed where others have failed Euphemia. I wish you luck if you chose to follow that path."

Kallen said "As do I."

Euphemia said "I thank you for the well wishes but I do not know what I could do as I am only sub-Viceroy but I will try to come up with something.....since you all are so knowledgable about how things are here from different perceptives may I talk with you all about ideas in the future if I can come up with them."

Lelouch said "I have no problem with talking....as long as I am here that is."

Kallen said "Sure, I wouldn't mind hearing what the leaders of this nation are deciding for it's future."

Euphemia smiled and looked at the clock and said "Well it's almost time for class to start. Will you walk me to my class Suzaku."

Suzaku said "Sure Euphemia." as he offered her his hand as she took it and walked out

Sayoko who had cleaned the table during the discussions said "Come Lady Nunnally. It's time for your lessons as well.....and Master Lelouch, Lady Kallen, I wish you both luck in all of your future endevors here or abroad." as she took the black knight and the black king and queen off the chess set and set them on the table making both Lelouch and Kallen wide eyed understanding what she meant.

Nunnally said "Bye brother, take care of him Kallen." as Sayoko pushed Nunnally toward the door.

Kallen said "I will." trying to get over her shock.

After they were gone Kallen turned to Lelouch who was smiling and had his cell phone out and dialed a number and after a few seconds he said "Abort, Cornelia on her way."

Kallen said "What the hells going on. What the hell was all this and how does she know about Zero and the black knights."

Lelouch said "Sayoko a trained assassin Kallen, she been trained to identify speech and hidden signals and I guess she must have recognised my voice and both our body language....as for Euphemia, what I said is true, I wish her luck in changing things. If she succeeds we win, if she fails, we don't lose anything, but if she were killed afte trying to make change she would become a martyre to the people to show why the changes are needed....I say we leave her be for now and see what she could come up with. She was always kind and considerate to others when we were younger and I can tell she's still the same way. If she's shows Cornelia that she wishes to change things here for the better then Cornelia won't be willing to use the people against us in fear of turning her sister against her....like Nunnally is to me, Euphemia is to Cornelia and so we won't draw Cornelia anger by targeting Euphemia and any who do so we will try to prevent...do you agree."

Kallen thought a moment and said "In the end we could win what we've been fighting for all."

Lelouch shook his head and said "No, at most all she will be able to do is make things better in the short term. Any long lasting benifits will be stopped by the Emperor....but by sowing the seeds of doubt in Cornelia, Euphemia, and Sazuka minds should the Black Knights stop an attempt on Euphemia life from the empire....."

Kallen eyebrows arched as she saw where Lelouch was going and said "Then there's a chance to have them join in the fight against the empire."

Lelouch looked at Kallen and said "The Empire...I thought you were only interested in freeing Japan."

Kallen frowned and said "It's been pointed out to me that even if we win our freedom the empire could just turn right back around and take it from us. That means the empire itself is our enemy."

Lelouch said "I'm glad you understand that. I was afraid once you found out who I really was that you would doubt my reasons and convictions."

Kallen said "At times I did but the more I see and understand your plan the more secure I feel about it." as she stood up and winced.

Lelouch asked "Are you alright."

Kallen said "Yeah, just a little soar....so what was that about during the chess match with Cornelia." trying to hide the blush and the reason she was soar.

Lelouch with an amused look on his face causing Kallen to mummble about idiots being to smart for their own good said "Cornelia just fell into my trap. Since she was here with us both at the time of the attack she will talk herself out of believing it is us. Also with her getting the media in the area for the attack when the black knights show up it will make her believe that it was just coincedence and it also gives me a barganing chip to use against the JLF leaders. By staging the gathering of their men when the leaders are planning to leave we can say we can distract Cornelia fleet froms stoping their ship."

Kallen thought about it and said "What about the Guren, how is it there."

Lelouch said "C.C. did your cloths, the key to the Guren was in them I guess and since I had already made plans with her in case you were ever in risk of being discovered this would draw attention away from you."

Kallen sighed and said "Well....it was funny as hell to watch and I understand things a little better."

Lelouch said "Yeah, but I was surprised with Euphemia taking Suzaku as her knight....I'll have to think on that....shall I escort you to class."

Kallen said "I guess....have you thought about what to tell the other knights."

Lelouch said "Somewhat. It was the message I gave Euphemia about what is Japanese and Britannian. I may have to use you as an example and reveal that Lelouch is an ally but I can't tell them about me being Zero yet. Things are already risky as they are."

Kallen said "I understand....so...what are we now."

Lelouch said "I'll be right back." as he left the room.

He returned a few minutes later and held out both his hands with closed fist and said "Chose one."

Kallen blinked and pointed to the right hand and Lelouch turned it over and opened his fist showing a gold necklace with a jade emerald with a queen engraved in it.

Kallen was awed by the beauty of it and she asked in a whisper "What is this."

Lelouch said "I made this from a jade stone I found in the hills after a bombing 6 years ago. I engraved the queen in it as a memorial to my mother since I would never be able to see her grave again....I want you to have it as my promise to you, Lelouch or Zero, you are my Queen and I will do everything in my power to complete your dreams, no matter what they are. If you accept this then you accept me to be your King...do you accept."

Kallen turned around and raised her hair and said "Put it on me already, were going to be late for class." hiding her blush and trying not to emberass herself.

Lelouch smiled as he slipt it around her neck and kissed the back of her neck as he fastened the clamp.

Kallen turned and said "What was in the other hand."

Lelouch smirked and opened his other hand and showed a note with an arrow pointing to the right hand with the words See other hand written on it.

Kallen punched him in the shoulder and Lelouch laughed as he offered his hand.

Kallen took it and they left the wing where he and Nunnally lived.

When they walked into the student council room they saw Milly who was looking at them from some papers on the desk and blinked and said "Hmm...so is there anything I should know."

Lelouch said "In what degree of the words do you want to know."

Milly said "What can I get away with teasing you about in public." as she leanded back with an amused look on her face.

Lelouch sighed and said "Why am I not surprised."

Kallen said "We are a couple."

Milly raised an eyebrow and she saw the necklace around Kallen neck and said "Not very likely considering how long Lelouch spent on that necklace...3 years if I remember correctly." as she looked at Lelouch.

Kallen blushed and Lelouch said "Unofficially we are engaged, no public announcements as we will have to figure out how to tell her father without alerting my family and yes, she knows EVERYTHING considering Cornelia found me and Nunnally today."

Milly said "I know....I was escorting her to dads office when we ran into Nunnally and Sayoko...I'm sorry about that Lelouch, I thought she was already having breakfast with you or I would have taken Cornelia a different path."

Lelouch said "It's OK, it was bound to happen since Euphemia is a student here. At least we got her to agree not to tell anyone else....so why are you looking at marriage contracts." as he saw the documents she was reading.

Milly sighed and said "Well keep this to yourself but my family has asked me to look into several open arranged marriage contracts to help our family image to recover. These are the ones I'm looking at." as she showed them the papers.

Lelouch looked at them and blinked as he turned one around to look at it better and said "Lloyd Asplund...hmm....." as he seemed to be in thought.

Kallen asked "What." looking curious.

Lelouch said "Oh, sorry, I recognise his name, he's a technician...he created the Lancelot that Suzaku pilots. I don't know much about him but considering the Ashford family history with Frame designs considering you have my mothers Granymede frame here that your family created you might be able to use that as a bargaining chip if your interested in trying to gain back that reputation."

Kallen said "They have your mothers frame here." in shock thinking of how it might help the knights.

Milly said "Unfortinately it was stripped of everything but the base design. All armor, weapons, even controls were stripped from it and the actual Frame FRAME was returned to us. We use it for one of the festivals each year to make a huge pizza that we sell slices for $1 a slice. It's a big fundraiser for our school clubs. Lelouch usually pilots it."

Kallen said "I see. Any catch your......Lelouch, check this one out." as she turned one around.

Lelouch said "Kewell Soresi....oh I see, seems the emperor is handing out titles to anyone these days, I would ignore this one Milly, you and him would not get along. He's a member of the Purebloods."

Milly frowned and said "Your right, I wouldn't get along with him. I dislike the ideas that the purebloods represent." as she made contact with Kallen eyes and she motioned to Lelouch when she said pureblood.

Lelouch who was looking at the paper didn't see it but Kallen did and she said "Yes...he knows about my mother." as she looked down.

Lelouch looked up from the papers looking to see what was going on and Milly said "Relax, your transcripts came in and I was in the office when they did. Your files are with Lelouch and Nunnally in my family safe and we won't reveal your secret. I just see Lelouch as a little brother I like to tease and wanted to know if he knew your secrets...by the way, you need to put some makeup on that hickey or rumors will begin flying."

Kallen rubbed her neck where Lelouch bit her the night before and said "What hickey. I didn't see one this morning when I checked."

Milly blinked and said "I wasn't talking about you....interesting...so your a man now huh." with and amused look causing Kallen to blush.

Lelouch said "Not one word Milly or I will tell about yours."

Milly said "I'm not emberassed about it."

Lelouch said "No, I suppose you wouldn't find it emberrasing but it sure the hell was for me when I walked in on it."

Milly said "You should know to knock on a girls door before entering her room Lelouch. Especially hers."

Kallen said "Wait, hers....then..."

Milly said "I'm BI....I've told Lelouch if him and Shirley ever got together I was joining in for a threesome, choice be damn. She's got a nice rack and a cute ass and Lelouch isn't so bad himself....but if you count the green hair girl your hiding out in your room and Kallen here interested we coud have to be a four way."

Lelouch frowned and asked "How do you know about her."

Milly said "The pizza guys who keep coming to the east utility tunnel entrance. I stopped one a couple of days ago when he was walking away asking if our pizza got here and he told me the green hair girl got it...who is she."

Lelouch said "A friend in trouble...just ignore her if you can and if she's discovered I'll take the blame. The wrong type of people are looking for her if you know what I mean."

Milly said "She's not dangerous is she."

Lelouch said "I trust her in the same room as Nunnally, what do you think."

Milly said "Point taken...so any of these others catch your attention."

Lelouch said "This 4 here are fakes, their part of a group called Britannians breed, they believe that to get rid off all the troubles with other countries you should produce children who have Brittannian blood in them, as many children as possible. They have a betting pull running around the gambling tower I frequent about who can produce the most children."

Milly frowned and said "Almost as bad as the pureblooders." as she took those 4 and the purebloods and threw them away leaving 4.

Lelouch said "You don't have to decide today, maybe you can talk to Suzaku and Euphemia about meeting that Lloyd guy to see if you have any chemistry. I would hate to see you throw your life away with someone you hate or whose to strict to allow you happiness."

Milly smiled and said "I know...I just feel I should at least review my options for now. I'll take your advice about meeting that Lloyd guy. I've already ready the files on the other 3 and I don't think I would like them to much. One is an accountant, one is looking for a mistress since he's already married, another from what I hear is actually a drug dealer. I heard rumors he sells Refain on the east side of the country and I'm afraid he would want to use the school to push his drugs. I'll check out Asplund and meet him if Euphemia and Suzaku can let me...come here." as she opened up a make up kit and pulled out some powder and dabbed around the hickey on Lelouchs neck and said "There, if anyone ask say you got a bruise there. I won't reveal your relationship until next week but then I'm making a public annoucement. We got 5 minutes to class starts, lets go." as they started to leave.

Lelouch stopped and said "Oh I forgot something, I'll catch right up." as he turned and ran back into the council room and grabbed the files that Milly threw away and took them back to his room.

By the time he made it to class the bell rang as he entered the door.

The teacher said "Hurry up and take a seat Lelouch." as she went about roll call.

The rest of the day went by normal. At lunch Lelouch had lunch with Nunnally and Kallen left to go home claiming she wasn't feeling well.