A/N: thank you for bearing with chapter one. The story finally begins here. To give you an idea of what you are reading, I'll discuss the general theme. It focuses more on court politics than frontline battle. Not that there won't be any battles happening, but I won't be describing the details.

Also, this is first story on fanfiction. Please do review and don't hesitate to suggest any improvements- I'm looking forward to constructive criticism. Also, let me know if you find the writing too descriptive or narrative, or meandering or too much of anything else; I'll do my best to improve.

Lastly, have fun reading.

The Beginning Of The End

March 16, 2017 a.t.b.

Area 11 (Japan), Tokyo settlement.

It had been a week since Clovis' death. The new viceroy and sub viceroy would be arriving soon, though it hadn't been announced who would be taking up the respective roles. Lelouch was on his laptop digging for information when it was suddenly snatched away from. His head jerked up only to see an indignant Milly glaring at him as she shut the laptop handing it over to Rivalz who was standing beside her.

" The festival will start in less than an hour and you, Vice Prez, should be coordinating everything instead of lazing around with your precious electronics." she chided.

He opened his mouth to explain how Shirley and Kallen were currently handling everything before she cut him off with wave of her hand.

"GUTS" she bellowed with a grin causing him to cringe. "Let's get back to work. Need I remind you that this is an extra special festival that is open to visitors?"

Somehow prince Clovis' death hadn't stopped Milly from going ahead with the festival. True, the official mourning had ended just yesterday. Still, Lelouch never understood how it had been approved but he supposed that with Milly nothing was impossible.

"And as a punishment for ignoring your duties I'll be confiscating your phone so it doesn't become a replacement for your laptop." she said holding out her hand with Rivalz snickering behind her. Not wanting to get into an argument with her, he grudgingly handed over his phone.

"Good" she said ushering him towards the control room.

He sighed on reaching his destination and turned his attention to a few club members who were apparently unhappy with their stalls.

' It's going to be a long day'.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cecile knocked at the door of Suzaku's room. He had recovered two days ago and Lloyd had immediately asked him to run the Lancelot's simulator. The boy came out with an efficiency score of 94%. To say that Lloyd was overjoyed was an understatement; he had tried to throw a pudding party until Cecile had talked him out of it.

The door opened revealing the brunette smiling at her. "Hello miss Cecile! How can I help you?"

"Do you have any plans for the day?" she asked.

"No. I don't have any. Do I have training with Lancelot today?"

She shook her head. "I have the morning free. So, I was thinking about taking you out for a while. You have only just recovered and some fresh air will do you good."

He considered this for a moment. "Well, I suppose I could come. I'll be out in a minute." he said and Cecile headed to the main entrance to wait for him.

Euphemia absolutely had to escape. Her adviser had been talking for hours and her assistant kept adding more and more appointments to the already unending list.

'If this goes on, I'll definitely lose my mind' she thought grimly and started brainstorming different escape plans.

Deciding on her escape route, she feigned exhaustion waiting for them to notice, which they soon did, thankfully.

"Your Highness, are you all right?" the assistant asked.

"Oh! Its nothing really. I was only feeling a little tired."

"Then you must have some rest. Forgive us for the inconvenience we have caused you". When she saw Euphemia trying to protest, she quickly added "No princess, this can wait till tomorrow. You must rest."

Quickly muttering her thanks, she scurried off to her room. She changed into some simple clothes that would allow her to pass for a commoner; that she was yet to make a debut and unknown to the public helped immensely. Opening the window, she jumped out shouting "Move aside".

She expected the hard pavement but instead was caught by someone. The said someone set her down and asked if she was all right and who she was.

"I'm fine, really. And my name is Euphy."

"I'm Suzaku Kururugi and this is my colleague Miss Cecile Croomy." he said gesturing towards the blue haired woman who looked concerned. "Why did you jump off the window? Is something wrong?" he continued.

"Why, yes" Euphy said "Some bad guys are chasing me". Grabbing his arm Euphy started running dragging him along with Cecile at their heels.

Only when they were a good distance away from the Government building did she stop.

"There isn't anyone chasing you, is there?" Suzaku asked.

Euphy only smiled sheepishly and said "Well, I'm here on a vacation and I'd like to do something fun here."

It was when Cecile stepped in. "I was taking Suzaku out so he could enjoy a bright day. You are welcome to accompany us if you like".

Euphy nodded excitedly and thanked her.

"But where are we going Miss Cecile? You never said." enquired Suzaku.

"I heard there was an event in a rather famous school here. Ashford academy it's called. Its open to visitors today"

On hearing 'Ashford Euphy's face lit up. She remembered the blonde girl, Milly Ashford, she had met her a few times when her family visited Lady Marianne. She was saddened a little when the same train of thought led her to Lelouch and Nunnally, though.

' Well, if its the same Ashfords, perhaps I might see Milly again.' she thought as they resumed walking.

Suzaku, Cecile and Euphy had been wandering about the school grounds for an hour until they came across the Fashion club's designs display which resulted in the two women happily skipping towards it and a now lonely Suzaku aimlessly drifting across the sea of heads.

Euphy and Cecile laughed and chatted cheerfully while looking wondrously at the display all the while. They turned around to make way to a chocolate fountain Cecile had spotted when Euphy accidentally ran into a wheelchair with a black-haired woman wheeling it.

"I'm sorry" Euphy apologized as black-haired woman stepped forward protectively.

It was only then that Euphy saw the person in the wheelchair. Her breath hitched on seeing the face of the young girl with flowing brown hair. Euphy's eyes widened in realization and her legs weakened with her face blanching several shades because of the impossibility of the situation as she stammered,

"N..Nun...Nunnally?".

A/N: Very cliched title, yes. But I find it fitting.