It all seemed like a dream.

Kallen didn't know if the entire incident with Lelouch was just something her imagination made up, or if her time with the Black Knights was nothing more than a past time, or even where she and her mother used to play dolls or dress up in Western clothing. Either way, it seemed way to good to be true that Shirley, and even her father, were alive.

Not that she wasn't happy; of course she was. Who wouldn't be, after spending so many months believing yourself to be a killer, all for the sake of Independence, then finding yourself in an era where that Independence was practically given to you on a silver platter, and that you actually killed no one innocent all? She was ecstatic, to say the least, to know that her friend was content.

Every day, she went up to her to see if Shirley was alright. But she would always respond in that ghost-like tone of hers, with that shallow smile. It wasn't the Shirley Kallen knew, but then again, who wouldn't be wary of a former terrorist? The red-haired pilot came to her that day, though, determined to make amends. "Shirley."

She surprised her, making her jump two feet in the air. She looked back up at her, and smiled. "Hey, did you get Anti-derivatives? I can never understand what Ms. Taiga is talking about."

"Shirley," she repeats, but she cut her off, rambling on about the Calculus homework she knew no one was going to do. "And how about English? I like Marlowe and all, but sometimes, I wish the people back then would write directly, instead of adding all this fluff into it, you know?"

"Are you mad?"

"What are you talking about?" That saccharine tone made Kallen cringed. It was forced; it was so unlike the girl she knew before. Quietly, she deposited herself in the seat in front of her, and looked her straight in the eye, a look she used to give to both Lelouch and C.C whenever she suspected them of hiding something from her. This caused Shirley to shrink even further into her seat, which confirmed her suspicions. "Don't you remember? I almost got our classmates killed…I almost got you killed…"

Shirley shook her head. "It's alright. I mean, no one died, right? Everyone is…back where they belong…t-this should be enough, right?"

Kallen was taken back at the girl's stammering. No, it wasn't alright. She remembered Milly's lesson clearly, about adding everything up inside, to the point where they'll eventually break you. She saw Shirley's hand shaking, and took it protectively. Maybe it was an instinct she took when she returned to her peers, maybe it was a reaction when she saw that weak, fragile girl take up the throne of Britannia. But either way, she couldn't let Shirley suffer like this.

Tears splattered softly on the desk. Kallen made sure everyone was gone before whispering comforting words to her friend. Sobs poured from her mouth; she resembled a beaten kitten. Her hands flew to her face, trying to make it look like she wasn't crying, though she was doing a poor job of doing it.

Why? What had Lelouch died for, when something like this was going to come up again? But it was good that she managed to find her family once more, that she was able to move on with her life.

Right?

"K-Kallen," she hiccuped. "Don't talk like that…I-I have nothing against you." She put her hands firmly on her lap and gazed at the pilot fiercely through her tears, causing Kallen to admire her resolve. "I-I mean, the Black Knights are now helping the world, aren't they? And I here Lulu's little sis is now Empress. So everything should be fine, right?" she asked hysterically.

"Y-yeah…"

"So why? Why do I still feel like this?" Kallen quickly put the pieces together, now seeing what must be making the poor girl suffer like this. The 'Demon Emperor' ploy was something that had to be explained to Shirley, though she must promise never to tell something like this to other people. But then again, it wasn't like Kallen could blurt Lelouch's motives out. She doesn't know about Zero, doesn't know about anything but the lies people have kept telling her. So she kept up her words, trying to get her to cheer up, even if nothing worked.

How long they were like that, she didn't know, but at last, Shirley pulled herself together. Once again, she formed that smile, the one Kallen hated so very much. "So, I hear you and Gino are going out…"

Kallen didn't have a chance to defend the creeping blush that came across her face. She was too busy knocking the orange-haired girl to the ground, just as the wall behind them exploded.

The fairies of the Unseelie Courts were gathered in the throne room, anxiously waiting for the King to make his entrance. Some were scared of execution, others were trying desperately to master the glamour at their fingertips so they could appear to 'disappear'. (Pun). They all knew of their King's wrath, his instability. Euphemia could tell that much just by looking at them, gripping the sword she used to pierce Arthur with in her hand.

She was now in a black dress, the frills pausing midway between her knees and her thighs. Her sleeves were slightly puffed up at the shoulder, with a gray, see-through material reaching down to her wrists. The raper glittered in all its majesty, and though she looked regal at the time, internally she was hyperventilating. She thought back on her words, and began regretting having such a strong resolve in the beginning. "Euphemia?" a voice asked from the shadows. She quickly turned and found C.C there, standing with a simple green dress with a black choker clutching her throat.

She breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, C.C. Is everything ready yet?"

"It is. Arthur's power seems to have ingrained in you now. You must have a stronger will than he had from before."

"Don't compare me with him," Euphemia snapped. C.C remained emotionless, but still Euphemia apologized for her sudden rudeness. "It's just I'm so nervous."

"Lelouch is among the crowd. Since we both will probably be recognized by most of the people here, only he will be able to quell the rising tension between the monarchy and the mass. Besides, he wants to see what we're dealing with." She stood back and watched the last of the procession march their way into the court room. They all straightened visibly when the large, ornate doors closed on their own. There, in the back, was Lelouch, surveying the court.

A few more minutes, was what his expression said. Euphemia gripped the raper tightly, to the point where she almost drew her own blood, when C.C stepped in and loosened her grip. "That sword was from the Chinese Federation. I would appreciate it if you were more careful with it."

"I'm sorry."

"Do you like it?" C.C asked, shrugging off her latest 'sorry.' Euphemia looked up at her, her clear eyes realizing the magnitude of the question. The truth was she did like it. It reminded her of the scene in the painting, where she pierced Arthur, as would a hero taking down a villain. It made her feel powerful, special. But what she enjoyed most was the blood she spilled, the rapist she was now going to torture for the majority of eternity. She nods. C.C takes a step back and observes the crowd. "Then keep it."

"W..but isn't this yours?"

C.C laughed slightly. "I stole it from a certain bodyguard. It suites you better then him though. You know how to wield it properly."

"My…sister was in the military."

"You would've made a fine commander then."

"Call me Euphie."

"Pardon?"

She giggled to herself, taking full notice of her state. "I guess you could say I'm sort of home-sick at the moment. Lulu calls me Euphie all the time, but I want to hear you say it too…"

"Princess, Lelouch and I," she said, though she laughed beside herself at Lelouch's nickname, "are helping you with your wish, even if it doesn't involve an official contract. I appreciate you stabbing that mongrel, but I'd rather not-"

Euphemia turned full force to her. "C.C, please."

The witch caught sight of her partner's nod, meaning it was time to leave. It was the first time anyone demanded informality of her, something she wasn't accustomed to. It was perhaps why her voice came out warmer then it intended to be. She gently nudged the princess along. The two women walked onto the stage, causing the crowd to look up fearfully.

Some recognized C.C, as Euphemia predicted. They were astonished, happy, grateful that she was still alive. Then they turned to Euphemia, and their benevolent mood turned to malice. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and began. "Arthur is no more."

Collective murmurs came from the crowd. She held up her hand, causing them to stop. "And I was the one that removed him from the throne."

The audience did a double-take. No one could have known that Guinevere, the doll Arthur had so adored, would be the one to bring him down in the end. Euphemia channeled all her courage, and continued thus more. "I will now take his place, because I am the one that experienced his cruelty first hand.

"I am aware of your suffering, of your pain. For the past years, Arthur had been nothing but shamefully pathetic, slipping unto the path of evil while endeavoring to illustrate it as good. For the past years, the great King has slipped into cowardice with the mind of a spoiled child. For the past years, he had done nothing to quell that sinful pride, and instead, plunged underneath its tempting darkness. He had been aware of your pains, yet he chose to do nothing about them, and instead, ventured somewhere else to attain more to abuse." C.C elbowed her, causing the new queen to regain her composure.

"Out of such insolence, he refused to bear the burden of your lost loves." A few eyes looked up at the King's Lover, a piece of their wills returning to them, ones that were supposed to have been broken long before. "Whether it be a person, or desire, or anything of this reality, Arthur refused to acknowledge them. And because of narrow-mindedness, he was removed." She held up the sword, the light reflecting across the audience. "With this sword, I relinquished his Majesty," she sneered, "from a place he did not deserve. I stabbed him with this blade, his blood still warm on my hands. His magic is now mine, his title my title, but his will…" she threw the raper down, causing Lelouch to jump slightly, "is utterly disgusting."

Fear was replaced with confusion. What did this action mean? Is she the new Queen? Are they free? Euphemia sensed these questions and stared evenly at the fairies, attempting to elevate them as her equals, as well as her subjects. "I am nothing like Arthur. I am not someone who cowers behind some jewels and fabric and pretends I am beautiful. I am not one that gloats about her pride, when I have been so humbled by the people before me, by the ones that suffered with me. That's why…"

She stands, smiling her sweet smile at the crowd. "That is why I will take your burdens. I will learn your sorrows and place them before you, giving you a sense of security. No longer will you feel violated, nor will you have to steal yourself away from such a devastating world. It is why I ask you, to please give me your consent as I take the throne."

No one said anything. They'd been broken for so long…Did they even know how to repair themselves once again? Was Euphemia overestimating them a bit. But she put away the thought, when one brave soul stepped up to her. "Why should we trust you? How do we know you won't turn into the old King?"

Lelouch watched expectantly, and on cue, C.C was about to answer. However, Euphemia stepped down from the steps to approach the man. Her hands scooped up the sword, the handle facing outward. Everyone backed away fearfully, others began crying. But she simply held the handle out to the man's. C.C froze. What is she doing? is what her expression screamed.

Euphemia did not waver. "Then stab me. The blood I've spilt will be my promise to you."

His eyes widened. Lelouch cussed under his breath, and tried to push through the crowd to see what was going on. Many weren't willing to let him through, as most were surprised at the new Queen's actions. If that man stabbed Euphie through the heart, it would be over. And, as he suspected, many of these people here knew that. How desperate had Euphie become?

And still, she went on. "Stab me, behead me, do whatever you want. You can even break my heart if you wanted to."

"Wh..what?"

"The will to govern comes from the approval of the people. If you deem me as inadequate, I am willing to die right here."

C.C's eyes were wide, as she fought the impulse to shut them. She didn't move from her spot, but observed as "Euphie" contemplated on throwing her life away. These people were under the oppression of a monarchy, and for thousands of years. That man was right; what did Euphemia think she could do? She was linked to the previous regime; if Lelouch, or even she were to ascend, no one would suspect them of aiding Arthur. Euphie, however, was a different case.

The man stared at the raper for a moment, then to his new Queen. He had a hard time saying anything. Both Lelouch and C.C could only wait; will they label Guinevere the same way Arthur perceived himself? Will she receive the same fate? Lelouch readied his gun…

And much to their utter shock, the man lowered the sword. He chuckled emptily. "We want traditional rights. We want something to believe in. What makes you think you can do it?" Others seemed to agree with what he was saying.

"Of course; happiness and liberty are basic rights after all," she said confidently, relieved that the man was willing to allow her the throne, as well as the audience around her. "Remember this; I will even descend to the doors of the abyss if it means proving my loyalty to you all. But in return, I expect you all to return the favor."

Collective "Yes, your Majesty" came from the crowd. Both immortals relaxed greatly, causing Euphemia to snicker. She felt like a badly behaved child after the stunt she pulled; she may receive a scolding from both later. She turned gracefully, and sat on Arthur's throne. "Then I, Euphemia Li Britannia, will become the second ruler to this great realm. I am sworn to an oath to aid my citizens in their time of need, and guard them with everything I have. I will aid the processions and festivities, as well as give tears to the dearly departed. With magic once tainted, I will use it for good. And I hear by issue the rights of the people to dictate my actions, unless I help stave off harm."

A loud applause thundered Euphemia's ears, but she still managed to gesture C.C over. Lelouch also entered the fold, standing alongside his partner. Euphemia smiled happily at the two's annoyance.

But it was their turn to take the stage. She bit her lip, not wanting to say their new names. However, Lelouch gave her little choice in the matter, and though C.C didn't like it either, all three knew it would be better this way. She turned to the audience. "This is Morgan and Mordred. They will act as my advisors, as well as my fools. They will go out into the realm to see what damage we can recover to your steads. Expect them at your doors tomorrow."

She heard murmurs of approval erupt from the people. The man closed his eyes, with an embarrassed "thank you" under his breath. She responded by tousling his hair fondly, giving rise to a new informality that made everyone less stiff.

She whispered the word "fool" to herself when it was all done, even during the night the two immortals practically screamed at her. Yes; she learned well from Shirley. The only thing to protect them was a title, and a label. Aristocratic names were dangerous to keep, and she needed people that could help govern them even while she was away. But she also hated formalities.

So she kept her two 'fools' near her, with a hope that things will be alright.

Things were not alright.

Everyone heeded Zero's orders, as the Black Knights and Knight police surrounded the Academy. As they knew, all the students were inside, including Kallen Kozuki, their one and only Ace. Reporters covered the hostage attack by a new terrorist group called Alfheimr. The world waited anxiously to see the new enemy they had to deal with after the deposition of the 'Demon Emperor.' Nunnally had begun readying emergency medical services to the scene in the event chaos erupted. Many concerned citizens were watching from afar, frantically calling their loved ones to see if they were alright.

Oghi bit the bottom of his lip, while Villetta walked up to Zero just as he was entering the Knightmare. "You can't afford to die. You know that right?"

"Yes," he said, his voice enigmatic as ever.

"What should we do while you're killing yourself?" she asked sarcastically, Oghi coming up from behind her. Zero tilted his mask pointedly at her. "I will try and dismantle the terrorists from the inside. If Lloyd's report is correct, they have a detonator deep within the lower levels of the school. If we can disrupt that explosion, it will be alright; the Black Knights will storm the school and get all the hostages out of there. I've already sent the plans to the officer."

"Just be careful. They used to be my students, after all," she said softly. The Prime Minister put his arm around his wife and examined Zero. Was he actually going to do this? "Do you have any idea what you're dealing with."

"I have a pretty good idea," he said, the Knightmare closing in. Zero's voice boomed from the Knightmare. "If things go bad, get everyone out of here. I can take the guards by myself, but what comes first is that bomb. I'll contact you with the radius." Oghi nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. His voice exalted leadership, and when the fresh air greeted the white Knightmare, he was sad to see it go.

But he still had work to do. He turned to Villetta. "Go back home and monitor all activity there, alright?"

"Right."

All the while, his mind kept comparing this Zero to Lelouch.