Chapter 8: A World Without Zero

A/N: I needed the time gap to further the advancement of technology. If the story continued from the previous chapter, we would still be fighting with limited FLOAT units.

(Tokyo) (Kallen's POV) (1 year later) (The Devil's Right Hand)

I awoke that morning just like any other day by the sound of my alarm clock in my bed surrounded by my clothes which I forgot to stash in together in my closet. I guess I must've been more tired than I thought since I came home about one in the morning that night. As I shifted my eyes to the side I saw my alarm clock ticking to 07:15 AM. I still had some time before school so I should probably… wait… 07:15 AM?

"OH CRAP!!!" it was probably the poor choice of words of that particular day. "I thought I set this thing to six!? What the hell!?" the reason why I was panicking so much was because today was the day I start my school. I protested against this but Ohgi insisted on it saying that Naoto would like to see me back at school again. That guy always uses that punch line whenever we got into an argument. You could say that it was my shut up line or something. "Crap crap crap! I'm going to be late on the first day! This is so not happening!" as I got into my school uniform I hurriedly rush downstairs where my mother was placing some dishes on the table.

"Oh, good morning Kallen" she said softly to me just like she used to. "Would you like to have some…"

"Sorry, can't stay long!" I blurted out while putting on my socks. "My class starts in fifteen minutes and I'm gonna be late! Ahh man!" after adding the finishing touches to my hair I took out a slice of bread from the plate, gave a peck on mom's cheek and ran off towards the door. But not before getting a small memento from my secret table. It was my key system to my Guren, the Knightmare frame that I pilot.

As I left the house with a big rush I heard my mom shouting from behind. "Kallen! Wait! You forgot your lunch!"

"Just keep it in the fridge!" I replied not even slowing my pace. "I'll have it later for dinner! I'll call you! Bye!"

Being late on a school day wasn't something new to me. In fact… when I was in school… I was actually pretending to be weak and feeble. I believed it was called the Ashford Academy if I remember correctly. It was a place I wouldn't forget easily. Sure there were some crazy times, but I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. It was perhaps the best school I ever went to. The president of that place was rather crazy and over the top but she was a girl who knew how to party. There were many others too but the memories of those times just seemed rather hazy at the moment.

As I jumped onto the train carriage that was to take me to New Shibuya, I caught sight of the Black Knight's headquarters which was also known as the government capital. It was once the government bureau of Britannia a year ago but was later converted to a government building thanks to its technological resources. It now stands as the most important building in all Japan. From its different layered structures a branch was made to accommodate all of Prime Minister's cabinet members. There was a Health Section, a National Security Section, Economic Section, R&D Section and many more. But the most notable one was the building at the center most of the building which held the black flag of the hero that the people sang in praises.

The Section of the Black Knights.

It was a special area where only members were allowed. It was a special force that Lady Kaguya, our Prime Minister, hired to become the protectors of peace. On the day that Zero died, many of its members quit seeing that the leader was no longer existed. Out of all the thousand members we had then, it dwindled down to a few hundreds. But Kaguya requested them to remain active. She thought that with the Black Knights… they would still carry on Zero's wish of being the Knights of Justice.

Of course, I was a member too and I traveled to that sector many times before in my Knightmare. As of the moment, Ohgi was the leader. He had the talents but he definitely didn't have the confidence to lead others. I guess that must be why so many of us ran up and left the ranks. But even with our dwindled numbers, our pact remained strong. The original members stayed behind and even Kyoshiro Tohdoh often visited us to see how we were doing. He was the head of the Japanese army now but he was still a member of the Black Knights by heart.

Members of the Black Knights were highly looked upon by the people of Japan. There had been new recruits coming in from time to time but they were simply there because they were admired by our previous success. I still like to think back it from time. Back then, the Black Knights were a mighty military force capable of toppling Britannia. But now… we've become peacekeepers, a force that oversees the court of justice system and investigate corruption within the ranks of the government. A guard dog if you would say so.

But… that also reminds me…

It's been exactly a whole year since the Britannian forces were crushed by the Black Rebellion, the revolt instigated by Zero, the leader of the Black Knights or… I should say the former leader. Things have finally quieted down, even here in Japan. But even so… we could not let down our guard as we knew that Britannia would someday strike again. We had some minor clashes with them for the pass months but nothing too serious that can be escalated into a full scale war.

But all in all… Japan was finally on the peak of its strength. Thanks to Zero, the country was rebuilt even faster than when Britannia ordered administration in by Prince Clovis. In just a year's time, economy was settled equally and the country began to stand on its own two feet. There were still many problems though.

When the train car stopped, I was the first to exit the door. As I looked at my watch, I noticed I still had seven minutes left before the first bell. I was going to make it in time. After crossing through the security panels and area codes I raced myself towards the school gate that was closing. There wasn't going to be any classes on the first day that's for sure, but it was nice to be early for a change. Besides, I have an image to keep up as a member of the Black Knights and the Ace Pilot.

When I arrived, I wasn't surprised to be starred by a lot of students. By making such a dramatic entrance and doing the 'safe' pose that the referees in baseball do I quickly became the center of attention.

Japan was indeed falling into place. Though my school uniform was left unchanged it still reminded me of how I used to be. Just remembering myself in that ghetto in the Shinjuku district already made me want to cry. It was a simple struggling life but one that I remembered and cherished greatly. It was the first time we ever sought victory and the first time I heard his voice through my com.

"Excuse me" my attention was thrown into disarray when I noticed myself in the teacher's lounge. I was asked to report here when I got to school. Because of my military background I had to meet with them personally to ensure that I wouldn't use my enhanced strength to knock all the other students to the ground and put them in line. Heck… I could already imagine myself as a dictator walking up this hallway with people saluting at me.

The teacher who called out to me was sitting on a simple rectangle table. There were several books and papers neatly put together which made it look a lot like an office. In front of her was a students' browser which had all the faces and names of the students in her class. Her hand was sticking out so it meant that she wanted something from me.

"Y… yes?" I answered back.

"Your registration form, please"

"Oh… oh yeah. I have it here" I quickly shuffled through my bag and handed her the said documents. "Sorry it's a bit late. I wasn't able to hand it in because I was stuck at work"

But she just waved it off with a smile. "Oh please, don't worry about it. I wouldn't be surprised if it took you a month to find it. It's only been a year since the occupation and our curriculum is barely even stable. You might be shifted from class to class so don't get your head lost. Now… you're here because of your military status, correct?"

"Yes ma'am" I replied holding myself firm. After being with the Black Knights for so long I guess standing in attention was pretty much a common thing for me. "I may have military duties from time to time so I would like to have that excuse to leave class"

"Of course" she smiled. "You're not the only student-soldier we have here. We even have some teachers who are in the army too. Are you in the regular army?" she asked with a slight chuckle followed after. "My cousin is in the army too. He was part of the Blood of the Samurai and now he's part of the regular army ohohoho…"

"Really? That's great" I tried sounding casual trying to carry on with the conversation.

"Yes. So what division are you in?"

"Oh I'm with… the Black Knights" to put it bluntly, there were a few heads that turned to me upon mentioning the name of my company. The Black Knights were so famous and so respected by the people that even just mentioning it made heads twirl. It was kind of embarrassing to admit it but you could say that we were celebrities among the populace.

And indeed even my teacher's eyes were widened by this. "Oh I see. Well then you must be very proud of yourself"

"Yes ma'am"

"Now let's see. Your name is…" as she read through my record I had a brief moment of respite to think back of everything that has happened. After our victory over Britannia, everything seemed to be falling into place. A lot of the country has already been rebuilt but there were still plenty of areas that needed to be refurnished. It's strange. Once you actually get a look of this place, you would have a hard time believing that there was a battle here. The construction and rebuilding was so fast that it looked like the war we had was just a bad dream.

I let out a sigh and allowed myself to loosen up a bit. As I thought back about it, everyone was probably doing fine on their own. Tamaki was still a hot head as usual, doing nothing but gloat and howl at the new recruits that he was one of the original members. He wasn't the best of pilots but he was fun to be around with. Inoue still worked with the Black Knights but was also attending college. Yoshida and Sugiyama are full fledged members of the company and were now training other Knightmare pilots on basic guidelines. Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords… I mean… the Three Holy Swords now since Chiba joined as a permanent member of the Black Knights. They dropped by from time to time to see how we were doing. I could remember that Kyoshiro wanted to come back to us. Even though he was now a leader of an army he was a Black Knight at heart. But he had to follow Zero's orders. He had to build Japan's military strength and make it so without weakness. He and Ohgi often drank and ate together at the cafeteria.

As I looked back at it now… I feel kind of lonely without Zero.

THUMP!!!

My head was thrown back when I heard my teacher smash her coffee onto her table. From the looks of it she must've drank the whole content in a single gulp. When eyes forcefully came to my face, the look on it was like a zombie who just saw its meal on a silver platter.

"Kallen?" she muttered out my name. "Kallen… Kouzuki…"

"Y… yes?" I replied a little frightened by her stare.

"Kallen Kouzuki? As in THE Sergeant Major… KALLEN KOUZUKI!!!?"

Upon the mere mention of my name, the teachers in the lounge stood up with their eyes widened like saucer plates.

"No way!" I heard one say.

"Kallen Kouzuki!? The pilot of the Guren!?" another one said with a loud tone.

"That's impossible! Here!? Out of all the schools, here!?"

"But it has to be there's no other girl like her!"

"Yes it is her! I even got a photo of her! It has to be!" the man held up a copy of a newspaper bulletin showing my face back during the victory of the Black Rebellion. The squeals and squeaks went on for another ten minutes before the door opened revealing a man with a business suit. I recognized him as the school principal since I saw his face and name on the brochure a few weeks back.

"Attention everyone" he clapped his hands to get the teacher's attention. "I believe you all know Ms. Kouzuki. Now due to some circumstances she will be attending our school for the next two years. I would like you all to give her your best and make her feel welcomed. (Yes sir!) Now… before we do so… let us…"

I raised a brow for a moment but was then put into a state of shock when the teachers and the principal all lowered their heads to me. "Ms. Kallen Kouzuki" the principle began. "Please… accept our gratitude. For we… the Japanese are in your debt. If it were not for you or Zero none of this would've been achieved. Allow us the teachers of this school to solemnly honor your welcome"

"Uhh… thank you"

For the whole school day, I spent my entire time talking with the students and club members who wanted me to join their clubs. It was a free for all zone if you asked me. I felt like a meat hung in a cage full of lions.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After school, I returned to the government bureau to report for duty. The guards were easy to move away seeing that they knew my face well. And even if they didn't, my Black Knight badge was enough to allow me passage. Only the original and the high members are allowed these badges. They're enough to hold power over a small group of police or command over the fire station of any emergency services.

"Welcome back Sergeant Major Kouzuki"

"WHA!!!" I yelped to the top of my voice when a girl saluted back at me from the doorway to the hanger bay. Immediately I recognized her as Chiba, my second in command of the Zero Squad. I held my chest and panted. "Chiba… don't scare me like that!" I was actually more curious on how she was able to avoid my detection. Usually I can tell when a person is hiding somewhere quite easily, but Chiba was like a ghost to me in terms of presence. She would've been a better spy than a soldier.

"Sorry, it wasn't intentional" she apologized with a small smile. "You're here rather early, major"

"Huh? Oh yeah… class was canceled for half a day. The school was still collecting itself but the curriculum should be able to hold by next week. (I see…) So… anything happening?"

"Commander Ohgi called out a few minutes ago, sir"

"Another Britannian warship?"

"No. We're just going on a routine escort mission for the main army. They're making a firebase on an island on the eastern wave"

"I see. I guess we'll prep for launch"

"Yes, major. I'll see to it that the Zero Squad is ready" and without another word, the girl left. Even though she said the 'Zero Squad' we're actually just a squad of two. But even so, the two of us were indeed a great force to be reckoned with. Alone, we were able to fight any army and halt any unit from breaking through. I guess that must another reason why I'm such a celebrity. Even if we were a squad, there are times that I wish that Chiba would be a little more open with me. She's always so tight and stuck up like she was talking to her superior. Perhaps being with Tohdoh for so long made her like that.

(Knightmare R&D lab) (Cecile's POV) (The Lonely Maiden and the Wise Fool)

The coffee was warm.

I guess that's the only thing that was warm in the government bureau seeing that all the other rooms were air conditioned. I woke up that morning in my room just like any other day. In a comfy bed surrounded with notes and my stuffed toys and breakfast prepared by a chef in the building.

When Britannia lost control of Area 11… I mean Japan, things have been looking quite pleasing here. I thought that things would change over time because of the new government and all but after a few months later, I found out that nothing really has changed much for me. I still worked in late hours with Lloyd Asplund, my boss and sub-head director of the R&D program of the Black Knights. It was amazing really. I thought that with Zero gone, I would've been happy or at least Lloyd would take the chance to return to the homeland. But instead he chose to stay along side with Rakshata to finish with his research.

It's been a good year ever since Area 11 seceded to Japan. Ever since that day, I thought that I was really going to die. But we were spared thanks to Lloyd's quick thinking and Zero's generosity… if you would call it that. I later went to the hanger bay that afternoon and saw Ms. Kouzuki ride atop her Guren and her subordinate following not far behind. They must be going to another mission like they did almost every day. The Black Knights were indeed very popular among the people and Kallen was even more popular. I even saw a poster of her hanging somewhere in the city yesterday when I went shopping.

As I entered the research laboratory, I found Ms. Chawla and my boss, Lloyd duking it out in a rather friendly yet bitter argument. They never really got along even before they split up but they always managed to achieve better results when they work together. From the key words that I was able to hear they seemed to be arguing on the power core of the new Knightmare Frame that was designed by Zero before he was killed.

Oh… those words alone were able to bring back painful memories.

That day when Zero fought with Suzaku near the outskirts of the Tokyo Settlement, I felt my heart racing a hundred times faster than its usual self. It almost felt like it was going to burst. We saw the battle happened through the monitor so we weren't able to experience the fight first hand. Lloyd was devastated when he saw how wrecked the Lancelot was, but Rakshata was more horrified when she saw it destroy the Gawain. After that fateful battle between the two, the entire core of the Black Knights went into a state of a great depression. Just right after their celebration of victory, the whole country went into mourning for the man who they all called their hero.

Suzaku disappeared from the battle after, the Lancelot as well.

The high command of the Black Knights spent hours and days searching the wreck of the Gawain but there was no corpse. The only few objects that they were able to find was Zero's mask and his cape which seemed rather resistant to fire.

I let out a sigh as I returned to my desk and began working on the formulas and equations that they lined up waiting for me. But just right before I began I noticed another form of papers lined up neatly at the side of my desk. It was then I remembered that I was actually quite popular myself here in Tokyo. Even of my nationality I was almost recognized by every member of the Black Knights. There were some who even wanted to ask me out on a date. I felt kind of guilty turning them down but I guess that's just me, a woman who puts my career first.

"Well well, aren't you the popular one" I leaped on my feet when I felt Lloyd's voice tapping on my neck.

"Lloyd! Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry sorry" he waved it off carelessly. "I was just wondering why you have so many pictures of men in your hands"

"Oh this? This is something that the Japanese call Omai. It's like an arranged meeting between parents before sending off their children to marriage"

"Well now, aren't you the lucky one having so many of those in your hands. Let me see those" he snatched them from my fingers and scrolled through the faces and BIOs in a record time.

"H… hey give that back!"

He flashed me a grin when he looked at a few interesting ones. "Well now. How delightful. These are all well educated and talented men you have here. Doctors, lawyers, bank managers and even sons of politicians"

"Lloyd!" I whacked him on the head and took my forms back with a grunt face.

"Now don't be mad" he said in usual singsong tone. "Besides, why are you even thinking of getting married? You're practically stuck here with me anyway"

"I'm just thinking of my future options! What about you Lloyd? Don't you have any plans for your future?"

He whipped his head back to me and smiled. "My dear Cecile. Science is the only spouse for me. Besides, you rejected most of those who even wanted to date you, remember?"

I flinched back slightly remembering all those proposals. "Ugh… well. They weren't the one for me"

"Don't be picky now" he cooed.

"I'm not being picky. I'm just planning out for future reference! I don't exactly have much time you know"

"Very well, I understand I understand. But in any case, if you do run out of time, why don't you and I get married instead?" I choked on my coffee and fell butt first, throwing all the forms around in the air. "Good one…"

"Lloyd!" I barked out blushing slightly. The man annoyed me; he always has ever since his research days back in the homeland. "Don't joke around like that!"

"Who said anything about joking?" he looked at me with his stupid expression as always. "Besides, don't we act like a married couple at all? We both work together, you stick with me like glue, you cook for me and buy me food from the outside, help out with the others at the kitchen and even lecture me on bad behavior. Even if we were married, nothing would change"

"Would you cut that out!?" I fumed at him and quickly returned to my desk and to my work. But as I began working on the formulas, I began to wonder. Why was Lloyd like that? Why was he such a sociopath and choose to sell his soul for science? For Rakshata, I understand but records of Lloyd were almost non-existent. Perhaps it had something to do with his childhood or maybe an external force? Who knows? Great, now I'm curious.

(Ashford house, Hollington) (Milly's POV) (The Maiden who made a Deal with a Devil)

I woke up that morning feeling rather ditzy for my taking. I guess I couldn't help it since I had a little bit of wine at last night's party. My father had an official ball to commemorate the celebration of the founding of the house of Ashford. Our noble titles were a bit obscure but it was nice to know that he had some friends in this world. I had a toast with some of the nobles as well and I had to admit that they could beat me in a drinking contest any day. I must've fell asleep on the couch because that was the last thing I remember before taking a sip from my wine glass. The good thing was I still had my clothes on from last night and I didn't tare it up because I tripped down or something.

After changing into my more appropriate clothing, I made my way down stairs for breakfast. As expected, my parents weren't around to join me. My mom was probably out working at the stock exchange rate at the nearest intel-bank and my dad is definitely upstairs signing up some papers to further our family's status.

The day went on without much care. I read the morning news paper, eat breakfast quietly and take a few practice rounds at the stables. School wasn't gonna start in a couple of months so I had all the time I needed to clean myself up afterwards.

That afternoon, I took my tea time at the living room while scrolling through the channels on the television. The news hasn't really changed much. Ever since the Black Rebellion that happened in Area 11, things had been hectic around Britannia. Stock Markets came crashing downwards, investors of other Areas deteriorated and military force have been increasing all over the world. It felt as if the world was going through an upheaval and it was all thanks to a single man named Zero.

Zero…

He was the leader of the Black Knights and the one who led to the liberation of Area 11. Now it's known as the United States of Japan. It was the first area in Britannia's history ever to secede from our rule.

I'll admit though… when I first saw Zero make his debut, there were a lot of people who thought of him as nothing more of a terrorist or a joker, myself included. When I went to the Broadway street on the Tokyo Settlement, I saw several Britannian clubs actually making fun of him, even putting up costumes to demote his character. But after he began retaliating against the Britannian army, his presence became more frightful. Those who even ushered his name or the company that he leads were thought to be collaborators. Costumes and replicas of the masked man were burned and destroyed as well for even a glimpse of the man seemed to have brought fear into the hearts of the people. I even remembered one student in Ashford Academy dressed up to make fun of Zero, got arrested just for portraying the man.

But… I had to admit at some point that I was also intrigued by the man. He didn't seem like any terrorist I've seen so far and he looked far too dangerous to be a common criminal. In fact… I met with the man personally. He even held my chin with his hands and I'll be blunt… they felt as cold as ice itself. It sent chills down my bones and even made my legs numb.

Right after his announcement of liberation came to light, all the other Areas began to instigate their own rebellion and fighting off the Britannian army with great light. It was as if the world followed Zero's role and made themselves known as rebels who fought for a good cause.

"Ms. Ashford?" I jerk my head upwards to the sound of my maid's voice. "Sorry to disturb you. But the master is calling for you"

"I'm on my way…" I replied with a sigh. My father was probably going to sign me up on another date with another man today. It must be a record. This was the fifth one this week.

The room where my father's office was located was on the third floor of the house. It was decorated with all of his medals and awards and even some hunting trophies he had since he was young. I guess all men were alike at some points. His table was made out of the finest oak wood in the country and forms of different values hidden neatly in the compartment. His butler was also situated on the side to get him his every need.

"Ah Milly" my father, Peter Ashford welcomed me. "I've been looking for you. Please come in and have a seat"

"Yes father" I nodded respectfully even knowing what was coming.

He placed his hands on his table and twiddled with his thumbs for awhile until I sat on a chair comfortably. When I put my arm on the armrest he let out a small sigh. That alone was the sign of what he wanted. "You probably know why I called you here, Milly"

"I have a hunch" I let out a small smile to ease the tension.

"I found another suitor for you" he began. "His name is Alfred G. Darlton, one of the adopted sons of Andreas Darlton. He's the second eldest of the family and he's just about your age as well. I also heard that he's a member of the Glaston Knights under the service of Princess Cornelia, 2nd princess of the Britannian Royal Court"

"But father, don't you think I'm a little too young to be getting married? I mean… I just turned seventeen and all"

"Milly… haven't we had this discussion already?" he placed his head on his hand and let out a silent groan just barely loud enough for me to hear it. "Now that Lloyd Asplund was captured by the Black Knights, your engagement with him was off. You two will simply be engaged at first with all the ceremony. You will still be able to attend your school until you graduate. Afterwards you two will be officially wed" I sighed at this. "Listen Milly… I know that I am asking a lot out of you but……… your mother and I won't be around forever. I…… I just want to know that you're being taken care of. I am only doing this for the safety of your future. Our family status is already down the mud and the properties of the House of Ashford are deteriorating faster than normal. And thanks to that idiotic Black Rebellion at Area 11, your uncle and I ran into some debts. If only my brother knew how to play politics and keep his head out of those games then he would've been in a better situation"

"I… see…" I really had no way to fight back or argue with my father. He really had his ways with words and I found nothing to backup my claims to even reject that offer. "I guess I'll try and…"

Ring ring! Ring rign!

Save by the phone…

"What is it?" my father answered the phone on his desk with a slightly annoyed tone. "I'm a little busy right now, can't you deal with it?"

"Sorry to disturb you sir" that was the voice of the gate guard. I recognized it because I usually talk to him a lot during my horse ride. "But there's a visitor who came to see you. He said he has an appointment with Ms. Ashford"

My father looked at me while putting the caller on hold. "Were you expecting someone?"

I shook my head in reply. "No, not at all"

He put the phone to his ears again. "Who is it?"

"I have here a…… Mr. Lelouch Lamperouge and his brother, Mr. Rolo Lamperouge. Sir…" Lelouch and Rolo? What were they doing here of all places? They couldn't have come here for a visit cause that wouldn't sound like Lelouch at all. He was my childhood friend so I knew a little bit about him.

Of course my father knew both of them as well. "The Lamperouge?" he let out a soft gesture of a sigh. "What do they want?"

"They say that they came here for business sir"

"Business?" my father quirked a brow before pressing the button again. "Alright… send them in"

I was surprised to actually see Lelouch here of all people. What could he have come here for? They said that it was business but I never thought that he would be dealing with my father of all people. We waited there for a few minutes and my father allowed his butler to fetch us some nice tea. Upon his return, he brought Lelouch and Rolo up as well. Lelouch was wearing a rather fashionable clothe for once. Usually he would wear some commoner's outfit that would make him blend into the furniture but now he was looking rather dashing. A white vest covering his denim T-shirt and long cotton pants which made him looked rather like a noble than an everyday boy.

His little brother Rolo stood at the back wearing his usual going out outfit carrying two large briefcases on both of his hands. He was a bit more fit that Lelouch which explained why he carried them.

"Mr. Ashford, how good it is to see you again" Lelouch greeted in a voice I haven't heard in awhile. My father returned the greeting and they both shook hands between me. "And it's good to see you too Milly"

"Hi there" Rolo said in a soft pitched voice. Unlike his brother, Rolo was more sensitive than Lelouch, which was partly the reason why he doesn't have many friends in school.

Before I could return the gesture, my father spoke out. "Lelouch, Rolo, welcome. It's been awhile, hasn't it? How is everything at school?"

"Very well Mr. Ashford" Lelouch smiled. "Though I have to admit, it isn't quite the same as it was in Area 11. But in any case, Ashford University feels like home"

"That's not surprising. Ever since the Black Rebellion, things have been going hectic. I even heard that you were kept there for almost a month before they released you. It must've been horrible"

"Oh I endured" Lelouch nodded politely before taking a seat beside me. Rolo took his seat on the nearby coffee table as he gladly placed those briefcases on the floor. "But it was fun while it lasted. Like they say 'Don't let time go to waste' I believe an author said that"

"Yes, from the Arthurian Legends" father smiled back before taking a sip from his teacup. "But off the record Mr. Lamperouge, I would like to…"

"Please, just call me Lelouch. It feels strange when someone calls me Mr. Lamperouge"

"Very well… Lelouch. I would like to thank you in my brother's stead. I had heard from his confession that he was part of a gambling circle in Area 11 and that he was clear of debts thanks to your intervention"

"It was no big matter" Lelouch waved it off. "I only did it because I owed the Ashford a lot of favors myself"

"Haha! Still the noble boy I see. But seriously… if my that impudent brother of mine focused on our situation now he would quickly stop on his gambling habits"

"Yes. Old habits are hard to die. Speaking of those gambling. That's the exact reason why I came here to you today. (Oh?) Yes. I had heard from a reliable source that you were offering Milly here to a nobleman of great status. Am I correct?" I shook for a moment before turning my eyes to him.

I could see my father's eyes visibly sharpen and was sure that he didn't like the topic very much as it is. He hates to discuss this particular topic with me or my mother and even worst with outsiders. "That subject is personally between this family alone Lelouch. I'm afraid I cannot answer more of your…"

"Well I find it completely despicable" Lelouch cut him off creating a surge of tension in the room. The butler noticed this as well and turned his eyes towards him.

"Excuse me?" my father spoke a bit taken back by that word.

"Selling your daughter's freedom for the sake of a family's pride. I find it absolutely despicable, disgusting above all reasons"

It wasn't long then till my father stomped his hands onto the table, tripping his teacup. "How dare you!? You're clearly out of your league young man!"

"F… forgive us sir!" Rolo pleaded as he rushed to his brother's side. "Big brother, please! You're going to get us in trouble"

"But you agree with me, don't you?" as my eyes glued itself to Lelouch, I found myself unable to let off my stare. What was he planning? Is he crazy? Getting my dad angered like this could even get him sentenced to a suitable punishment. "Admit it Mr. Ashford. You are disgusted by yourself by even considering this act. It was probably the last thing that you had in your mind but the situation and debt that you ran into had forced your hands into submission. You had no other choice but to sell out your only heir to your family to another to ensure the preservation of your family name. How stagnate" I could already hear my father gritting his teeth but my eyes remained steady on Lelouch. "But… you have prepared a backup plan, have you not? A plan in which you carefully calculated?" A plan? What plan?

"What are you talking about?" my father played the 'innocent' card but it didn't work on Lelouch. No one could lie to him and get away with it… at least most people.

"I have heard from a reliable source that you were planning on selling the Great Deed of Hollington" the deed of Hollington!? But that means…

I turned my eyes towards my father and noticed that his expression turned from angry to surprised and shock. "H… how did…"

"How did I find out about it?" Lelouch smirked. "You forget Mr. Ashford that your brother Mr. Bill Ashford, hasn't changed his gambling habits. I defeated a noble opponent one day and since he couldn't pay me in cash I asked for another form of currency. Information"

"So you know about it…"

"Yes… I do. By selling the Great Deed of Hollington, you would surrender your land, your title and all of its assets, style and properties to the buyer at a great price. You would be giving up everything. But… I believe that the title of Earl Ashford seemed to have withered away a long time ago since Lady Marianne's death… so there's no point in holding on to a title that has little value of the moment"

"That is only a precaution plan. When my daughter…"

"Do you still plan to sell her out to the son of Darlton?" Lelouch said boringly. "I'd say that's a good plan but still it won't guarantee the payment of your debts. Also… there has been a particular rumor going about Britannia as of late. There are some soldiers who are saying that the general himself, betrayed Princess Cornelia during the battle of Tokyo which resulted in their defeat"

"Absurd! That's preposterous! There's no such thing! You made that up entirely and…"

"Pardon me sire" the butler interrupted which quickly caught our attention. "But I believe there is some truth to that rumor"

"What!?" my father was now confused and infuriated at the same time. "You mean, you've heard of this rumor too!?"

"I only heard of it a few days myself, my lord. But I believe that it was true"

When Lelouch saw the light in my father's eyes waning, he silently lifted up a wide grin. "How ironic. If Milly gets to marry the son of a traitor, it would only bring more shame and suspicion to the family name"

"But then…… what do we do?" my father slumped back in his seat now completely devastated by a teenager. If this was a normal conversation, I would've slapped Lelouch a hundred times already but my hands remained steady… as if frozen by the tension of this conversation. "If we call off the engagement… it would create shame upon our family"

"Then why not sell the deed?" Lelouch recommended. "Your land and title is worth millions, is it not? Even if it is just a small land at the west coast, it still retains plenty of fertile lands"

"Yes… but even so" my father poured himself another cup of tea and drank it all in one go. "It would not be enough. I have a buyer from California and Pendragon who are willing to buy it all for twelve million credits but that would only get us so far"

"This is why I have come today to make you another offer Mr. Ashford. Sell your deed to me"

"To you!?" my father and I said together in unison.

"Yes. I am prepared to offer you…" he snapped his fingers to Rolo who handed him the briefcases. "… forty million credits, in cash, paid in full" my eyes widened so much that they were ready to fall off their sockets. When I saw the lines of green in those suitcases my knees felt chilly. There were indeed forty million credits in them perhaps more… and they all looked like they were neatly tucked and cleaned.

"Forty… million?" my father's jaws gawked. "But how… how can a commoner like you…?"

"You forget Mr. Ashford. I played with noblemen and I always win" Lelouch placed the two suitcases on the table and allowed his opponent to get a clear look of the cash. Rolo waved off and returned to his seat slightly embarrassed himself. He probably knew of Lulu's gambling habits but remained silent about it. "This is more than enough money to pay all of your debts and even if you spend half of it, you'll probably have more than enough for your family to live comfortably. I heard that you still own a private villa at the edge of the country. You have no need to worry. I had all this money checked out by the police. They're all clean. No strings attached"

"B… but…" my father was now in a tight rope. If he accepted this money… then Lelouch would become… Baron Lamperouge. That would mean selling everything we possess, even our servants and our maids. "I… I… can't. I don't know what to say. This is going to fast for me"

Lelouch's smile turned into a dark frown when he heard this. "I see. Then I guess the deal is off then" he slammed the briefcases closed and locked them together tightly in a complex combination. "It was my mistake to come here with such a generous offer. I'll take my leave to you now. Rolo, let's go. There's nothing more to do here. Mr. Ashford, Milly…" he bowed to both of us and took his leave.

"R… right big brother…" the boy nodded before turning his eyes to me. "Milly…" he bowed politely just before he left the room. As the two of them slowly walked towards the door, my father began to sweat like a hound dog. The golden opportunity was slipping through his fingers and it wasn't going to be long before it was too late.

As the butler showed them the way out, I finally snapped out of my hypnotized trance. "I agree!" I screamed out to the top of my lunges which literally halted every voice in this room. "Lelouch Lamperouge… I agree to your offer!"

"Milly?"

I didn't know why I was doing this or why I was even shouting. But when he was just walking out that door I felt like I needed to do something. To finally take actions for my own life and not let others run it for me. It was my dream I guess.

Lelouch slowly turned around with a small grin that would've made Satan himself, proud. "Hmm… as much as I like to agree with you Milly, only the head of the house can make a great deal such as this"

"But my signature alone should prove as a substantial proof"

"Oh?" it was for once that Lelouch raised his eyebrow in my stead. "Indeed… your signature alone will prove undoubted…"

I could sense my father standing up from his seat when he saw this. I don't know whether he was going to shout at me or yell, but I didn't care anymore. I just felt so sick of a world that I had no control over… a life that wasn't mine.

"Very well then…" our heads jerked back towards my father who now held a face of defeat. "I agree to your terms Lelouch Lamperouge"

"Your lordship!?" the butler stated a bit startled.

"It's my decision my friend. Though I have a good feeling that my wife will kill me… I will give in to this deal"

"Father…" I muttered out unconsciously.

"If it will get my daughter's freedom then so be it. Let us head on to the city hall where we can get a document to make the deal, official…"

"I already went there" Lelouch then suddenly pulled out a small document from his vest and unrolled it in front of us. Immediately I recognized it as a deal breaker from the city hall. I saw so many of them run by my father so it wasn't anything new to me. It had the seal of a court judge and the signatures of the city's representatives. How Lulu was able to pull this off, I'll probably never find out. "This agreement should provide us with legitimate trade"

"You really thought of everything… haven't you?" my father complimented sadly. "Very well then. George, get me a pen" the butler nodded and hastily took a fountain-pen from the cabinet. But before he handed it to my father, I snatched it away. "Milly?"

"Please… allow me to be the first to sign it" I begged. "Even though my name will not mean much, I would like to be at least partially responsible for this deal" Lelouch didn't seem to mind so allowed it. My father took a deep breath at this and nodded back. It was childish, I know… but it did felt like something I should do. With a quick motion of my hand my name was immortalized on that piece of paper. My father's name followed afterwards but it didn't seem as bad as mine. I felt as if… I just signed a deal with a devil. Lulu… just what are you planning?

"Thank you Mr. Ashford" Lelouch said happily before gesturing to his brother to hand over the briefcases. They seemed heavier for my father. I guess that's no surprise seeing that he just traded everything for them. "And the deed?" my father nodded depressingly before turning to the family portrait which he hung on the wall near the bookshelf. Behind it stood a hard iron safe which was protected by a password code and retinal scan. Once he had it opened, he produced the said document which held the Great Deed of Hollington. Lelouch gladly took it and read its contents carefully, not missing a single word. After he was certain of the info, he rolled up the paper and nodded. "With this… our deal is done. I'll have it submitted to court of justice by tomorrow"

"Yes…"

It wasn't long then till the butler bowed his head to Lelouch. "Then if the transaction is done. Then I am now under your service… Mr. Lamperouge. Is there anything you wish me to do?"

"Don't be rediculous" he replied coldly. "As in accordance to the deed transaction, the shift does not take affect until three days time has passed. I believe that will be sufficient time for you to announce to the other servants who their new employers are and for the Ashford to move to their new villa. I will return then"

"Very well sir" the butler nodded and slowly passed through me like I was but a stranger. As I looked back now… I just had a thought. Lelouch was now… Lord Lamperouge… the new Baron of Hollington. I wonder then deeply in my mind… if I had just made the biggest mistake in my entire life. That I just didn't sell everything just out of plain pride.

(Japan Eastern Island off the coast of Iwate) (Chiba's POV) (The Wayward Soldier)

Guard duty…

They're one of the worst jobs, professional soldiers like us could get. They're dull and extremely boring especially at this time of peace. It's almost like walking from one point to another and then back again. I didn't like it one bit and my captain agrees with me too. She doesn't say it openly but I could tell from her yawning that she hates it. Our duty right now was to escort two large tankers that were on route to an island base off the coast of Iwate. The Zero Squad came alone but… that was probably more than enough.

I was surprised to see that the military didn't have the manpower to provide their own supply ships with escorts but I guess it shouldn't be a surprised since Lt. Colonel Tohdoh was running it. There weren't many people who enlisted from day to day and ever since the incident of Zero's death, I guess everyone lost their will to fight.

"We're here!" shouted the helmsman which awoke me from my thoughts. As I looked around, I noticed that the ship had already made port at the shift-made dock of the military base island. How shameful of me. If enemies had indeed attack I would've been the first to fall. But knowing Kallen, she probably fell asleep in her Guren.

When both of our units got out to the loading bay, the flatbed-Glasgows began hauling the supplies from the tankers in and out. Burais were no longer a commissioned force as they were pretty much only useful on the ground. They were also too light for combat as just a few shots from a machinegun could already disable them. The military force were now using the Jimmu, a bigger version of the Burais copying the frame that Zero piloted during the battle for Japan.

It was a perfect name for it since Zero was the legendary founder of the United States of Japan itself.

"Chiba" I heard my captain's voice on the radio. "How long until the cargo finish unloading?"

"About three hours at best, sir" I replied professionally as ever. Kallen had a problem with me about that. I was always stuck up since I was a soldier for the past eight years of my life. She thought that I should be more casual or open but I guess that's not going to happen any time soon.

"Three hours?" I heard her whine. "Aww man. I guess there's nothing better to do around here. We'll get our energy fillers recharged and wait out at the barracks"

"Yes sir" but just as Kallen's Knightmare heads off towards the hanger bay, I noticed a com signal coming through my channel. "Huh?"

"Chiba? Is that you?" I immediately recognize the voice.

"Asahina?" I turned my frame around and noticed a similar frame of my own waving at me from the cannon tower. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm in charge of this sector" he chuckled at me. "Don't tell me that you're the escort for the supplies"

"Afraid so…" I laughed back. "So… you're in charge of this area huh? Then that means that you're a captain now?"

"Just in rank" he returned the gesture. "But my loyalty remains the same. Commander Tohdoh is still reforming the army. Things were difficult for the first few months but after that hard wall we got through. How about you? How's it going?"

"So far so good" was my reply. But to be honest, things were not going so well within the ranks of the Black Knights. Ever since Zero death, the organization nearly dissolved because of the lack of their great leader and many of its members resigned upon the first months. A time of great mourning happened and civilians and soldiers alike cried for their beloved Zero. But even if all of Japan were drowned in the sorrow of their lost, none of them was more devastated that Kallen. When Suzaku delivered the final blow to the Gawain's cockpit that day the captain just…… broke down in silence. She stayed in her room for a whole week after they announced his death and never have I seen her at such a state.

After a few weeks or so she was able to recover from the shock.

There was a definite good reason why Zero chose Kallen to be his ace. Not only was she skilled in hand to hand combat, she was definitely an excellent Knightmare pilot. Though few of us only had years of experience, Kallen looked like she was born with the natural talents of piloting these machines of death. Her Guren alone was an army on the field and even without support, she could probably take out two dozen Sutherlands on her own.

Even Tohdoh complimented her on her skills.

"Hey Chiba" my attention was caught by my former comrade. "Why don't you come back to us? Back to the main army?"

I sighed at this. This wasn't the first time that Asahina tried to convince me to return to the army. "Not this again. You know why I can't, Asahina. Not until I understand why the people are loyal to Zero"

"Zero is dead" it was a good thing we were on a private com. If Kallen or any member of the Black Knights heard him, they would give him the strange eye for sure. "There's no point in serving anymore. Come back to us. I'm sure that even the Colonel would welcome you back without a thought"

"Sorry. But I've made my decision"

"Heh… since when did you become a hard head?"

I was urging myself to join up with Kallen quickly but my curiosity got the best of me. "Say Asahina (Hmm?) Tell me. What are the supplies we brought for?"

"Oh that? We're building an outpost here as a lookout post. There's been sighting of Britannian patrol ships off the coast of Iwate by several fishing boats. The Colonel thought that it would be better if we had troops stationed here just in case"

"But aren't you guys relying a little too much on Jimmus? Those Knightmares look tough but they're not as agile as those simple Glasgows"

"They're meant for defensive situations only" Asahina clarified. "Think of them like giant stone walls. But they're more durable than simple frames. Anyway, I should probably get back to work. See ya later Chiba… and think about my offer. It's never too late to come back"

And with that… the man walked off, leaving me behind to think about his words.

But I didn't want to groan all day reflecting on my decision. After awhile I joined up with Kallen at the hanger lounge for some rest and recuperation. There were some tea given to us and for about ten minutes we rested there, doing nothing better but looking at the weekly papers and the news on TV. We still had some Britannian channels coming by from time to time but no one minded it. With most of our reporters coming from radio stations we had to settle with foreign media forces.

"… and the price stock exchange from E.U. is dropping steadily this year" I heard the reporter said clearly while sipping on my tea. "However with the discovery of new Sakuradite source near the borders between Iceland and Germany, those numbers could rise back up to new heights. (Pause) In breaking news today: The man proclaiming himself to be Zero in Area 19 has been arrested by the Britannian military force yesterday" both our eyes immediately turned to the screen as the sentence was spoken. "When making a last stand at Athens four days ago, the instigator of the rebellion was identified as Aetos Maro, an ex-military chief of the former country known as Greece"

'Another Zero?' Was my only thought. This wasn't the first time another Zero was unmasked along the world. If I counted correctly from the following days after the death of the original Zero, there had been about 30 attempts of his so called 'reappearance'. Many of those are simply wannabes who thought they were smart enough to take his place. But none of them were able to last more than a week or two after their announcement.

They thought that if they appeared, the Black Knights would come again and aid them in their struggle. But that wasn't the case. Just by pretending to be Zero and wearing an imitation copy of his mask was an insult to his name and by being defeated so easily, smudge the name of Zero to the dirt and drag it through the muck and the mud.

As the new Zero was slowly escorted away to the execution ground the news anchors continued. "That would make the 3rd Zero this month"

"Indeed. It's hard to say but all we know is that they're copies of the original one"

"Heh, if the first Zero was anything like this, his name wouldn't be on the post at all"

Kallen immediately switched off the TV without a moment's notice and returned to her tea and her newspaper. I guess I could understand her a little bit. Unlike many of the Black Knights… she was probably one of the closest members ever to interact with Zero openly.

I guess… the only thing we can do right now is…… cut our loses.