AN: Welcome back! I hope you like this chapter.

P.S. Sorry for any mistakes I may have missed.

Chapter 10: Doubts and Deception

"Couldn't you just wait until we got home C.C.? I'm sure there are other people in the house that would like to eat pizza too you know." Leloucia looked over to the green Witch who munched away at the pizza slice she pulled from the box in her arms.

"That's why we got extra boxes Leloucia." The woman spoke with her mouth full. "Besides, the only person who comes close to sharing my deep love for pizza is Euphie and she doesn't even eat as much as I do."

"Thankfully, I don't need her to eat pizza for the rest of her life." The mother regripped the grocery bags in her hands as they walked down the dirt road back home. The nearest town wasn't too far from their home, respectively giving the trip to and from town two hours. Although they could've saved time by taking the horse carriage there or simply drive. Leloucia thought it was best to enjoy nature and walk instead.

"Leloucia, did you know that everybody has a unique tongue print, almost like how everybody has their own unique fingerprint?"

"...No… I didn't know that." Leloucia looked down to her companion confusingly, a little caught off guard by the sudden fact. "What's your point in telling me this?"

"Geez Leloucia, not everything has to have a great significance or a point. At least Euphie appreciates the time I take to find facts to add to your everyday knowledge." C.C. rolled her eyes then stared at the box of pizza in her hands. The smell of melted cheese and the taste of the previous pizza she'd just finished left a watering sensation in her mouth. The temptation of eating another slice before arriving home tenfold.

After another few minutes of walking down the dirt road, Leloucia and C.C. finally made it back home to the Orange Farm. Upon entering after closing the door behind them and removing the hats that were worn for disguises, they then greeted a happy Sayoko who was in the kitchen preparing appetizers for tonight's dinner.

"Welcome back Leloucia and C.C., how was the trip?"

"Long and tiring! That's the last time I'm walking to the store like that." The green witch released a elongated sigh setting down the pizza boxes before taking a seat at the kitchen table.

"At least you two made it back safely." Sayoko smiled prettily. It's amazing how a few years away from the world's crisis can change people for the better. Everybody in this household seems to be more relaxed and at peace now that they don't have to take part in any stressful affairs.

A small smile graced the raven-haired woman's features as she set down the grocery bags on the free space of the kitchen counters. Putting the things away, Leloucia couldn't help but feel a little off when her energetic daughter hadn't come out from wherever she was at to squeeze her with an enormous hug. When the last item was put away, "Sayoko, where's Euphie?"

"She went out in the fields about an hour ago." A sweaty Jeremiah waltzed in the kitchen wiping away the sweat that befallen across his forehead. "She took Rin with her and I made sure to remind her to not go out too far." He gave the now worried mother a reassuring smile before searching through the fridge to grab a water bottle.

Even though Euphie has played out in the fields many times before alone, the mother still couldn't help but worry about her daughter. Especially when the adventurous side of her can be a bit reckless and not think things through… almost like Suzaku in a way. "Well, I hope she returns for dinner on time." Leloucia commented.

"I'm sure she will." Jeremiah added.

C.C. looked out the nearby window lost in thought. Earlier when she and Leloucia were in town there was a nearby TV set on the news that informed it's audience that there was an attack on Zero and his followers. While most of the soldiers were found and transported back to base, Zero's whereabouts remained unknown.

"I hope Euphie doesn't get into any trouble."

#

His heart paced unbearably in his chest. The longer he stared at her in a intolerable silence, the more furious he felt. Even though appearances are becoming more and more similar like his late wife's, there's not way that she can be his. Right? There's no proof that she's Leloucia's daughter nonetheless his own.

But why does she seem so familiar?

"Leloucia wouldn't hide something like this from me… unless-" A pang in his heart sent jealous chills all over his being. "-unless she cheated on me and hid her pregnancy while I was away… What if she's the little baby from-"

Pushing away the negative thoughts hastily with the shake of his head. Suzaku met the young girl's gaze. "Sorry but you must be mistaken, I don't have a child." His tone turned a little hard following his next question. "Why are you making a false statement?"

Euphie's lips formed into a frown. "I'm not… I know who you are, you're my father."

"Please stop saying that! I'm not your father, I never married nor had a kid." Suzaku raised his voice scarily, making the little girl shy away on the inside. Though just because he raised his voice at her doesn't mean she has to stand down.

"You're a liar! You married my mother in secret because you two were afraid of what the world might think, you didn't want the world to know." Euphie studied him hard with fierce glares. Right now she had to be ten feet tall in front of this man even if her body is trembling out of uncertain fear. "My mother told me that you disappeared before the Zero Requiem and that's why you and I never got to meet."

Suzaku sighed trying to calm down the boiling anger inside.

"Look… Euphie…" Her name rolled off his tongue oddly. It felt weird calling her Euphie since the last time he used that name was for his past love Euphemia- Who has also left him. Is he destined for despair? "Are you sure that everything your mother told you is the truth?" He looked at the little girl pointedly. "Obviously I haven't gone away since I've been Zero this entire time. Euphie.. I was always with the late Empress Leloucia so I would know if she had a baby or not."

"But-"

"Euphie." Suzaku kneeled down to be at her level brushing back a few of her dark brown hairs out of her face. He gently gripped onto her shoulders as his green eyes connected with hers. "I've done things I wish I can take back, but there's no way that Empress Leloucia can be alive. Are you sure that you truly believe the mother who claims to be the late Empress?"

Instantly doubt rushed over her. Of course she believes her mother, she looks just like the Empress. But… if Suzaku was telling the truth… then who's the liar? Neither his proclamations or her mother's stories made sense. Stepping away from the injured man her eyes downcast to the grassy ground. Was it a mistake to blurt out confidently that she was his daughter?

"I'm sorry…" She looked at the serious man. "I shouldn't said anything... It's just that I've heard so many stories about you and my mom that I couldn't help myself when I finally saw you. My mom always told me to embrace my name… even I did have to change it." Bowing down slightly, "I really wanted to meet my father so if what you said is true-" She bowed a little deeper. "I'm sorry for falsely claiming you as him. I hope you can forgive me. " Her position deepened a little more before rising with tears flowing down her cheeks.

Her sad wet eyes definitely reached a soft spot in his scarred cold heart. He didn't mean to make her cry. "Hey I-"

"Here." Euphie dug through the contents of her backpack before handing him the picture she kept away in secret.

As if a bolt of lightning shot through his body straight to his heart, Suzaku's breath escaped his whole being when he carefully took the image out of her hands. Eyes wide and heart racing. Suzaku couldn't stop the shaking of his hand that held the image she gave. "How did she get this?" It was a picture of him during his high school days. Something like this shouldn't be easily accessed unless-

"I took it from my mom's belongings. I thought a genuine picture of my acclaimed father would be better than any picture found on the internet." Euphie's tears stopped as she wiped away the droplets. "You can keep it… I don't want it anymore." Voice laced in hurt she gave Suzaku a false smile. "Come on Rin, it's time to go home."

The happy Collie ran to her side as they walked slowly back to the direction of her home. Heart broken and loss for words that she's forced to feel, what she thought was a fateful encounter with her father might've costed her greatly emotionally. "Rin-" She looked at the puppy jollying beside her, "I'm a fool… Mommy is going to be so mad when she finds out."

As her frame became small in the distance of green opened filed, every fiber in his body screamed for him to chase after her. There's definitely something familiar about her. What if the reason why he raised his voice at her was because he's scared of knowing the truth?

"Dammit…" Suzaku stood from the ground ignoring the dull pain on his side. "Euphie!"

The young brunette stopped in her tracks to look down at him, sending his heart into flutters unknowingly. Nothing in his life made sense anymore, there's nothing to lose if he takes this risk. Because Leloucia was a liar and very cunning woman, if there's a chance that this girl is who she says she is… then he's willing to go through great lengths to find out the truth. But secretly he hopes that Leloucia didn't lie to him and had his daughter taken away from him selfishly.

"Yes?!" Euphie shouted atop the hill.

"Wait for me." Suzaku threw on his shirt and gathered his mask and cape before slowly jogging up the hill to meet with the young girl and her small puppy. By the time he reached them he propped his hands onto his knees, catching all air to fill his lungs that burned from the lack of it. "I-I'm sorry for yelling at you, I didn't mean it. It's not your fault if your mother lied to your or if Leloucia lied to me."

His face scrunched from the stinging pain, gripping his side where he was gashed.

"Are you okay?" She asked out of pure concern. When she reached to look at his bandaged wound, his warm hand stopped her little one then gripped it lightly.

"Euphie can you please take me to see your mother? I want to see her for myself."

"I can't… I'm going to be in so much trouble if I bring you home. I really shouldn't have told, I didn't think this through and if Mommy sees you she's going to be so angry with me." Her beautiful eyes filled with panic tears.

Suzaku released a chuckled. "Hey, everything is going to be okay." He patted her on the head comfortingly. "I got your back and If things are mistaken then we'll just play strangers. I'll pretend like you never told me that I'm your father, Okay?"

Euphie looked down at Rin then back to Suzaku.

"Do you promise that everything is going to be okay?"

"I promise."The man also known as Zero held out his pinky for her. Wrapping his around hers when she complied, his heart filled with warmth as she sang the promise sound that ended with eating a thousand needles. He doesn't know what he will find, but he's willing to risk everything.

"Okay! Well we're off to my home then. Remember Zero, you'll have to swallow a thousand needles if you lie!" She jumped happily. Her sudden mood change excited Rin to greatly which made him bark happily also.

Amazed at how she bounced from fearful sorrow to excitement almost immediately. He can't deny that her bubbly, honest, and caring personality was like a breath of fresh air. A sweet little girl who he would like to get to more of, especially since he has already formed a soft spot for her. Well, before she dropped that unexpected surprise on him.

"Euphie."

"Yes Zero?" The young girl skipped her way back to the walking man.

"Have you lived out here your entire life?"

"Hmmm, pretty much. The open space allows me to explore and roam freely without any care in the world. Sometimes I travel out into the city, but I don't really like it there. I think it's very suffocating if you ask me." She giggled. "What about you? What was your home like when you were growing up?"

"Well...I didn't grow up in an open field like this, but for the most part it was pretty peaceful before Japan was taken over. My father was the Prime Minister of Japan so he kept me away from the public for a really long time it seemed."

"Really? Weren't you sad or lonely?" Euphie held his hand to bring comfort.

"Let me ask you this. Are you sad that you have to hide your true identity from the world?" His reciprocated the grip.

"Sometimes, but as long as I have my family with me I have nothing to worry about."

"Yeah… I guess you're right." A smile adorned his once stressed facial. Right now he might not know who she really is but he's happy that he's has this golden opportunity to get to know her.

#

Walking through the citrus forest alongside Sayoko, C.C. thought back to what has happened over the past few years that has brought her complete peace and happiness. Even though in the beginning it was a little rough, especially with a baby. C.C. had grown to love that little girl who brought happiness in her life and saw everyone else as the the family she never had. Of course they had their ups and downs like any family would, but that alone made the experience better.

The lonely immortal never thought she would see the day where she was happy to live for others.

But… that peaceful life she's been living might be gone. That nagging feeling has been clinging onto her all day to the point where it'd become such an naussience. She just can't chew through it.

"Sayoko, have you seen the news."

"Of course… Euphie is so curious, I hope she doesn't get involved if she comes across any of it." The former maid clasped her hands together. It would be devastating if something were to happen to little Euphie.

"Yeah, I hope so too." C.C. glanced over to the woman beside her then turned back to the grassy walkway as they strolled through the orange trees. Not talking any further about the situation, the two ladies walked in a tense silence for a little longer until simultaneously stopping in their place when faint barking played along with the sounds of the wind.

"Is that Rin?" Sayoko questioned more to herself than C.C.

Confirming when the collie came into view with Euphie running close behind with a wide grin on her face. C.C. exhaled a sigh of relief before turning to the woman next to her. "I guess we have nothing to worry about right?" Sending the young Japanese woman a smile, but when Sayoko's face turned icy cold and washed with worry-

"C.C… trouble followed Euphie home." Her brown eyes widened in fear.

Following her gaze every cell in C.C.'s body died as the blood in her veins brutally washed through her coldly. "No… what is she thinking?" The witch's jaw clenched when the sight of Zero walked close behind the young child.

Both women stood frozen whilst screaming on the inside. Knowingly or unknowingly… Euphie has brought home calamity.

When both her Aunts in plain sight, Euphie ran to them excitedly forgetting all about Zero until she came close enough with a few feet separating them to see that their eyes held disappointment and anger. Shying away presenting a sad smile, she knew what she'd done wrong. "I'm sorry… but I had too."

"Euphie, do you know what you have done?" Sayoko whispered harshly before Zero appeared next to her.

Eyeing the man momentarily with her guard up. Sayoko glanced over his tattered clothes until her eyes caught sight of the bloodied hole on the side of his shirt. Confirming that Zero is actually Zero... also meaning that she really did bring home Suzaku.

Placing a gloved hand over the indigo-black mask waiting for it to open, Suzaku unveiled his face completely by also removing the black cloth that covered his mouth. His face impassive as he held strict gazes with his former companions. "Sayoko...C.C… It's been a long time since we've last seen each other like this."

The two ladies stayed silent.

Looking down to the young girl who was starting to shy behind him he continued. "I know it's a long shot after everything that's happened, but I find it hard to believe C.C. that you will come to a place like this with Sayoko unless you had something to hide." He meet C.C.'s golden hues. "Am I right?"

"You're falsely accusing Suzaku. People change over the years so you don't know a damn thing." The immortal coldly stated.

"You're right. I don't know a damn thing because I've been kept in the dark haven't I? Sayoko-" he glared over to the former maid. "Is this the same girl that I met all those years ago in the garden at the palace? Is she supposed to be Mary Anne? Sayoko... Tell me who she is."

Sayoko looked to the girl intensely who shied even further behind Suzaku. "Euphie-"

"Don't talk to her, I'm talking to you right now." His voice coming out harsh.

Sayoko closed her eyes not knowing what to do. She had the feeling the day would come when Suzaku would find out that the child is his. But not like this, not right now. She didn't anticipate for him to find out so soon. Feeling pushed back into the corner, there was no way for her to know just how much Euphie told him.

No point in lying now.

"Yes, that's the same girl." She answered stoically.

His heart dropped to his stomach. "Who is she exactly?"

Sayoko opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words to tell him. C.C. glanced at the girl who held an apologetic expression before releasing a sigh. The witch closed her eyes briefly then looked at the lost father. "She's your daughter Suzaku."

"Don't lie to me C.C. Leloucia would've told me if she were pregnant." His heart quickened as anxiety overridden the rest of his feelings.

"Suzaku, it's Leloucia were talking about. She kept you in the dark during the entire pregnancy. Everybody was against it, but she insisted and sent you away on that year long mission so you wouldn't know." C.C.'s faced softened and spoke more softly. "She didn't want you to know."

"You're a liar."

"Then ask her yourself. You're already here so you might as well ask." C.C. extended an arm to the direction of the house. "You can tell me all day long on how you believed your wife or how you killed her in front of the world. But your love for her has blinded you and lead you to stray in the dark abyss of despair."

Suzaku's wavering green eyes stung with unshed tears. His body trembled at the idea of his wife actually being alive this entire time living happily, while he drowned himself in pain and self-loathe over the past few years. Closing his eyes to ease his nervousness and rising anger he looked forward to the home that tauntingly hid what he's been yearning for for years.

"Take me to see Leloucia."

A smirk played along the witch's face. "At least you asked… now follow me."

About to follow close behind, Suzaku turned around and knelt once more to be at eye level with the child before him. "I'm keeping my promise to you." He held her hand in his placing it against his chest. "When everything is over, I'll come back for you." Suzaku leaned in to whisper in her ear. "I'm sorry for doubting you…"

Euphie watched as he gave her a faint smile before leaving her alone with Sayoko to follow C.C. inside the house. Conflicted with her inner feelings of being happy that he's her father but could be in immense trouble with her mother, she walked to her Aunt's side then held her hands in her small ones.

"I'm sorry Aunt Sayoko."

"No need to apologize sweetie, this was bound to happen one day." The former assassin turned on her heel and directed Euphie away from the home.

"Is Mommy going to be mad at me?" Silent tears welled in her eyes out of panic and fear.

"Probably, but you need to understand that she brought this upon herself. Suzaku met you once before without knowing you were his. We were ordered by your mom to keep you away from him and the public."

"My father was the Prime Minister of Japan so he kept me away from the public for a really long time it seemed."

"I guess we grew up more a like than I thought." She whispered to herself.

Whatever she did has been done. All she can do it walk away and hold onto her father's promise that everything will be okay.

AN: How was it? I'm not too confident in this chapter so sorry if it was bleh... I do feel like I should have waited and developed more before Euphie dropped the bombshell, but oh well. I'll do my best next chapter. Feel free to let me know what you think, comment, ask questions, review, etc. Until next chapter.

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Thank you for reading and reviewing! It really means a lot! Shiranai Atsune, KuroAlince, idea getthe , Titanfire999, Guest, Guest, and Guest.

P.S.S. Next Update will be on 3/25/17

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