Hey readers! Here is the next chapter of The black steel prince!
I just saw the second episode of the Code Geass Ova: Akito The Exiled, and it's giving me new ideas to use in the future. BTW, Sunrise pulled another one out their ass by bringing out Lelouch. Just sayin'. Probably did so in response to all the fans bitchin'. But I'm so far past caring at this point. And hey, if you look at it this way, that OVA really is an R2 prequel: It shows us where the non-sense started :P
Anyway, here it is guys and gals. Hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: This Stanislas most certainly does not own any rights to Code Geass.
Chapter 6: The Path to His Future
Evening of September 19th 2010 A.T.B., Britannian mainland, District of California, San Francisco.
The twenty-one years old second princess* Lilith Del Britannia was standing near the main window in the Terminal of L.A.I.'s San Francisco Naval Facility, awaiting for the arrival of the ship carrying her exiled younger siblings. If it wasn't for the half-moon glasses parked in front of her dark purple eyes and her black-grey hair made up into a tight, spherical bun in the back of her head, she could have been mistaken for a child; she stood no more than four feet and seven inches. She was wearing a light brown business suit with pants, and a taupe colored overcoat was folder over her right forearm.
"So you've made it through this ordeal, Lelouch." She thought, a small smile on her lips, "Just like I hoped you would. Good."
"Now, now, that is a rare sight indeed." A male voice said from her right. "I can't remember the last time I saw you smile, ho Chief Imperial Prosecutor. Is it possible you're happy at our siblings' imminent return?"
Lilith turned her head to the side to look at the speaker, who was none other than her younger brother, prince Schneizel el Britannia. He passed a hand in his short blond hair as he walked towards her, a mirthful smile on his face and playful look in his clear blue eyes.
"Of course I am." She said, in a voice much stronger and deeper than her small size suggested. "Unlike what most people believe, I am not a block of ice. And feelings aside," She turned her eyes back towards the window, "I truly believe it's a good thing that Lelouch came back. It'll make things in the future more… interesting."
"Somehow, " The prince said as he came to stand next to her, "I find myself agreeing with you, older sister."
Lilith continued staring outside, "You know, once in a while, you could use "big sister" instead."
"I would, if there was indeed anything about you that is "bigger" than in myself."
Lilith's puckish smile dropped "Tsk. Walked right into that one, didn't I?"
"Are you two fighting again?"
Both of them turned toward the speaker.
"Perish the thought." Schneizel said.
"This isn't fighting, Tiffany," Lilith said, "Merely harmless bantering. If it was fighting, "Schnitzel" here would be on the floor."
Tiffanny Del Britannia**, Lilith's seventeen years old little sister, sighed. She had light violet eyes, which were lined with black kohl, and a light complexion. Her straight hair, the same color as her older sister's, reached a little bellow her knees and was tied with a large white ribbon at the nape of her neck. She was wearing a simple but elegant white summer dress with lace up boots.
"Has Odysseus arrived yet?" Schneizel asked his younger sister.
"Yes." Tiffanny nodded. " He's also brought Euphie along, Ryan and Sir Oscar are escorting them here. I didn't want to leave you two alone for too long."
"Why, scared we'd jump at each other's throat if we're left alone in a room?" Lilith smirked.
"You did do exactly that once." Tiffanny said.
"Indeed we did," Lilith nodded, "although that was thirteen years ago, and I dare say we've… mellowed somewhat."
"All the same, do try to get along when I'll be gone, okay?"
"Don't worry, we will. We ARE both adults, you know. Besides, we've also our duties keeping us busy, especially true since a little bird told me blondie here is on a fast track to becoming the next Prime Minister."
"Still only speculations at this point," Schneizel said, "although Lord Balthazar is set to retire pretty soon. When you said you'll be gone, does this mean you've accepted Viceroy Greyhound's offer to serve as his Sub-Viceroy."
"Indeed." Tiffanny nodded. "Uncle Cornelius had to let the previous one go."
"Yeah, he let him go straight into a jail cell, if I have my way, which I do doubt will." Lilith said with a sadistic smirk, "Corrupt imbecile. And dealing with EU-connected freelancers of all things."
"With Japan now an Area of the Empire," Schneizel said, "Area 10's strategic importance has increased considerably, making stabilizing it a top priority. I'm sure you'll do a great job helping Viceroy Greyhound in this, Tiffanny."
Tiffanny smiled, "I certainly hope so."
"You'll be fine," Lilith said. "In fact, I'm sure you're gona kick ass. Now where the hell is Odysseus and Euphie."
"We're here, Lilith." Said Odysseus as he passed through the viewing room's doorway. Nine year old Euphemia was following close behind, and they were flanked by two men. One was Oscar Warwick, Lilith's knight, a wide shouldered man in his mid twenties, with clear blue eyes and long, light green hair held into a ponytail (Sort of like Gilford's), with a few wild strands of hair hanging over he front of his face. The other was Ryan Finlay, Tiffanny's knight, a young man of twenty, more finely built than Oscar, but taller, with dark green eyes and jet black hair that almost covered his eyes.
"I'm sorry." The first prince said with a wide smile, "But we had a little difficulty getting in." Odysseus glanced in Oscar's direction.
"Apparently," Ryan said with a wide grin, "they hadn't expected princess Euphemia to come along, and that seems to have provoked confusion on some level. Sir Oscar here did not, well, handle it too well. And wouldn't you know it, turns out L.A.I.'s security pads shut down when you hit them with a ham sized fist. Thankfully, Mr. Lamperouge was able to have it shorted out."
Lilith stared at her knight blankly. "You've eaten your Cheerios™ this morning?" She asked, "Because I think your blood pressure might be a little high."
"I apologize profusely to you and Crown Prince Odysseus for my unsightly behavior!" Oscar said, bowing.
'Whatever." Lilith shrugged, "Worked out in the end, and the ship isn't here yet." She glanced through the window, "Ho, scratch that, it's just pulling up at the dock."
"Indeed, your highnesses." Said an entering Sebastian Lamperouge, who was followed by Clara Winchester, Victoria, and Lazlow, "I'm immensely glad you were able to join me in welcoming my nephews and niece back home." He bowed slightly, "As for the security pad, Sir Warwick, don't worry, it's not broken, it is just made to shut down when hit."
"What a relief." Oscar said dryly.
"Now, if you'd follow me this way please."
"Well, not quite a ceremonial honor guard, but this is quite fine in its own way." Lilith, who had put her overcoat back on, said.
She was staring towards the Garland, down a red carpet flanked by two double rows of assault armed men standing at attention. The men wore dark navy blue berets, jackets and pants with black vests and boots, the colors of L.A.I., which logo they all had stitched on their sleeves, plus the letters SS, for Security Services.
"It didn't take you long to get you Security Services running, I see." Schneizel said as they walked the carpet. "As I recall, you only got the authorization a little over a month ago."
"This is Britannia, you highness." Sebastian said, "If you want to get somewhere, you have to move quick, because you never know who's catching up."
"Isn't that the truth." Lilith said.
"I don't understand why we have to dress up again, grandfather." Lelouch said, "It's not like there's going to be anyone waiting for us beside uncle Sebastian, Clara and Victoria, is there?"
Isaac smiled, just like he had from the start of this. He had found out in the days he spend with him about Lelouch's hard set certainty that all his half siblings didn't give a damn about him and the twins. Isaac could just imagine Lelouch mulling over this and other dark thoughts during sleepless night during his exile to Japan.
It was true that Isaac only asked Lelouch and the twins to be presentable for when they disembarked. He didn't specify for who. But the way Lelouch had dismissed his request, much like he just did right now, had made Isaac want to give his grand-son a reality check: Mainly that, while it was true that the world wasn't as perfect and safe as he once had thought, that didn't mean everyone in the Imperial Family was as cold and uncaring as his father.
"Tsk." Lelouch said, setting his tie as they turned the last corner, "To think I'm all dressed up for Victoria of all people, she's going to laugh at..."
Lelouch stopped dead in his tracks, his mouth hanging a little bit. For besides Sebastian, Clara and Victoria, there were also five of his half siblings. Even Schneizel, and Lilith the Succubus! Okay, it was only five out of eighty something, but it was five more than he had expected!
"Now, Isn't this a surprise," Isaac said to his grandson cheekily, "Happy I had you three dress up now, Lelouch?"
Lelouch's head swung around, and he frowned at his grandfather. He then turned back forward, and looking down, said "Yes…"
Lelouch then stepped forward on the gangplank, followed closely by Rollo and Nunnally, the little princess's wheelchair being pushed by Isaac. Lelouch barely had time to put his two feet on the red carpet before him that Euphemia broke off form the group and bolted towards him. She threw herself at Lelouch, who did his best to catch her. Jeremiah steadying him helped quite a bit.
"I'm so glad you're back, Lelouch!" She said, happy tears in her eyes, "I've missed you so much.""I…I've missed you too, Euphie."
"Cornelia wanted to come too, but she's been so busy these days." Euphie said, "She says she's come visit you three as soon as she can."
"That…that's great." Lelouch forced a smile. Euphemia was one thing, but Lelouch had vivid memories of Cornelia's hugs and the semi-suffocation that came with them.
Euphemia then moved on to Nunnally and Rollo, while the rest of their welcoming group moved towards them.
"Good to see you in one piece, MrSuspicious." Lilith said in her well practiced sardonic tone.
"You've grown quite a bit since I last saw you, Lelouch." Tiffanny said.
"That's true." Odysseus said, "Soon, you'll be taller than Lilith."
"You sound like that's an accomplishment worth talking about." Lelouch said before he could stop himself.
"Why you little…" Lilith said, bear hugging Lelouch and giving him a dutch rub.
"Owowowowowow!" Lelouch let out, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please stop!"
"And the dutch rubbing demoness claims another victim." Schneizel said, "Welcome back, Lelouch."
"T-Thank you," Lelouch said a little out of breath, rubbing the top of his head. "It's great to see you again, Schneizel."
"I feel the same." Schneizel said with a smile, then took a serious look, "I have a letter for you from the Imperial Chancellery, Lelouch." Schneizel reached into his coat's pocket, took out a sealed envelope and handed it to Lelocuh.
"A message from Father, you mean." Lelouch said, taking the dreaded letter.
"Precisely." Schneizel nodded, "I was told it's a summon notice to appear before him at court."
"Yes, Grandfather told me to expect something like this."
Schneizel glanced at Isaac, then looked back at Lelouch, "I hope it goes well for you." Schneizel then smilled, "I'm pretty busy these days, but I'll try to make some time so that we can have the chess match you wanted."
"Really!?"
"It's a promise." Schneizel said. "Now, how have you two been?" The second prince asked the twins.
Lelouch stared at the letter for a little while, remembering his last meeting with Charles and ignoring all else. "Father…"
"Hey, what are you zoning out for?" Lelouch heard a chirpy voice say. He focused back on the present, just in time to see Victoria barreling towards, and a second later slamming into him.
September 21st, 2010 A.T.B., Britannian Mainland, Imperial Capital of Pendragon, Imperial Palace.
The summons had been set for two days after they had arrived. They had barely settled into his grandfather's mansion, not that there was much to do, thanks to Clara, who had been busy preparing rooms for them, even bringing their furniture form Aries Villa.
Lelouch gulped as he sat in the black L.A.I. SUV that was bringing him to the audience with his father , Isaac sitting next to him. He wasn't exactly scared of meeting his father again, but he was pretty nervous.
"Just relax," Isaac said, "Stressing about it won't help you. Just don't lose your cool this time, and don't give any reason for your father to strike you down."
"So you're really sure he hasn't anything else horrible in store for us this time?"
"Nothing indicates he does, but no one can be a 100% sure, and this is your father we're talking about. Also, about what we've talked about…"
"Yes, yes, I'll do it, grandfather." Lelouch said, "Anyway, at this point, I don't exactly have any pride left to lose. Besides, it's not just about me."
"Good." Isaac nodded, "As long as you remember this, you should be fine." The SUV stopped in front of the pat leading to the Audience Hall's huge doors. "We're here." Isaac said, opening his door. Howard, who had been driving them, stepped out an opened Lelouch's.
"We'll be waiting for you, now go." Isaac said, and Lelouch marched forward, determination in his step.
"Now announcing, Lelouch vi Britannia!" The herald said as the door opened. Lelouch did not miss the omission of his title of prince and rank of succession.
From the door, he moved forward across the hall, on the long carpet on either side of which were a crowd of courtiers, the cream of the crop, as it were. Unlike last time he was here, none of them bowed. Lelouch ignored them, and their snickering expressions. He focused straight on his father, who was sitting at the far end on his throne on top of a flight of stairs.
Charles zi Britannia was looking at his approaching son with very much the same detached look he did last time. Lelouch finally reached the bottom of the stairs, and halter there.
"Father, I, Rollo and Nunnally have returned!" Lelouch said, looking straight at his father.
"So I have heard." Charles said in an even tone, "You did perform you role as hostages quite fittingly, although in the end it proved futile where negotiations were concerned."
Translation to Lelouch's ears: I sent you, your brother and your crippled sister into a foreign country I decided to turn into a warzone, it didn't serve any purpose but I don't really care.
"The three of you, surprisingly, did manage to come back in one piece." Charles said, "I suppose for that alone you should be commended, although you did have some help."
Lelouch gritted his teeth. "Thank you, father."
"Humpf. I there anything else you wish to add?"
"Yes, father." Lelouch said, and got on one knee. He took a deep breath. "I wish to humbly ask your Majesty to restore my title of Imperial Prince and my rank of succession, so that I may serve the Empire and you're throne to the best of my abilities."
At first, Charles didn't respond, he just stared at Lelouch with the same bland look on his face. Then, a smile slowly appeared on his lips, and soon after he started… laughing.
For a moment, Lelouch thought his father would just dismiss his request as ridiculous, but this was not to be.
"Interesting request, Lelouch." Charles said, "It seems your 'trip' to Japan taught you your place. Very well, I shall have your title an rank restored."
Somehow, even if he knew this was of outmost importance, Lelouch just couldn't find it in himself to feel happy about it.
"Thank you, Father."
"Be advised, however, that I do expect you to make yourself useful to Britannia." Charles said, "I recommend you put your energies and time towards finding the best way to do so. If you do not," Charles eyes narrowed, "I shall take matters in my own hands and find a use for you myself. Is that understood."
Lelouch gritted his teeth once more. "Yes, Father."
"Good." Charles said coldly and nodded, "Now, be gone, I have other appointments."
Later that night, at the Lamperouge Manor, Lelouch's room.
Lelouch was lying on the bed, on top of the covers, unable to sleep. He was thinking over his meeting with his father. God knew what that man had in store for him.
His thoughts also drifted to the promise he had made to Suzaku after that had escaped the destruction of the Kururugi shrine. The promise to destroy Britannia.
"I might be back to being a prince," Lelouch though, "But this country is still rotten to the core. And now I am supposed to serve it?"
He thought back to his siblings greeting at the dock. He could at least count on Euphemia and Tiffanny to not have ulterior motives for being there to greet them, and his mother's family was still here, so he guessed there were a few good things about this country. But there was so much bad. And the more Lelouch thought about it, it all led back to his father, his way of ruling, and the parasitical upper crust.
"Maybe Britannia as a country doesn't need to be destroyed," He thought on, "But my Father's Britannia certainly deserves to." A smile appeared on his lips, "And if I am to serve this country, well I am going to fight like hell and one day, this puppet his going to be free of your strings, father!"
He got up from his bed, and exited his room.
There was a large thunderstorm raging outside, with lightning bolts and torrential rain filling the sky. Like his grand-son, Isaac was thinking over the day's main event in his study, looking outside the large window with a glass of whisky in his right hand.
"Well, that went pretty well, all things considered. " He thought, "Now, we'll have to find something for Lelouch to pursue. A bit young for choosing a career, but I guess it could be considered normal for a prince."
"Master?" He heard Wallenstein call through the study's doors, "Young Master Lelouch is here to see you."
Isaac turned around "Huh? Alright, let him in."
One of the wooden doors opened, and Lelouch, dressed in his pajamas over which he had a bathrobe.
"Couldn't sleep?" Isaac asked. "What's eating you, Lelouch?"
"I've been thinking about today, about what my father said." Lelouch said.
"That I have no doubt." Isaac said, taking a sip of his glass. "So was I, actually."
"Yes, well, I've decided what path I'm going to take: I'll go for the military."
Isaac's almost choked on his drink, "Hmm, okay." He said, "but don't you think you should give it some more thought?"
"Do you see me doing anything else?" Lelouch asked.
"In fact, yes, I do." Isaac said, "I see you doing many things other than rushing into battle."
"Well, I can't." Lelouch said, "I don't want to be a... an administrator, or something like that. If I am do my part for this country, I want to do something that really has an impact! Something that matters!"
"Spoken like a child." Isaac said, sitting down behind his desk. "Neither Schneizel or Lilith have chosen military careers, yet they've already done plenty that matters."
"That's them." Lelouch said. "It's just that I feel this is the path I should take. Are you telling me not to follow you're example? Or mother's?"
There, Lelouch stuck a cord. Isaac started twirling the tip of his braided hair between his thumb and forefinger.
"Mother always told me that growing up, you encouraged her in the path she chose, that in this world, it was better to be able to fight for what you wanted!"
"And what is it you want, Lelouch?"
Lelouch looked at his grandfather for a moment, then answered, "I want to be able to protect what I hold dear, Nunally, Rollo, my family. If I can, I want to help make a kinder, more humane world, one in which three children wouldn't be sent as hostages to another country right after their mother died." Lelouch then clenched his small fists, "And one day, I want to find out who is responsible for my mother's death, and bring justice upon them."
"Not bad reason, all around." Isaac said, then stayed silent for a moment, making the ice in his glass tinkle a few times, then spoke.
"Real battle isn't like chess."
"I know that now." Lelouch said with a determined face.
"You'll have to order people to kill other people. And some who fight for you and with you will inevitably die, not just your enemy. Do you really understand this?"
"Yes, I do."
"We'll see." Isaac put down his glass on his desk, got up, and walked around the large piece of furniture to stand in front of his grandson. "For starters, if this is to be your path, I'm going to have to make sure you're truly ready to go into battle, to put the odd in your favor as much as possible. Both you and I owe your mother at least that much. You better be ready, because I'm not going to make this easy for you, boy."
Lelouch gulped, then nodded. "I will!"
*Basically, this means Lilith as about a year older than Cornelia, and thus this bumped her down to third Princess.
**Also, major OC Alert. Just sayin'.
And Bam! Another Chapter done! Man, I'm on FIRE!
To keep this inferno going, I need fuel, and the best one is known as reviews! So, review this story, or else I'll send Lilith Del Britannia to give you a dutch rub!