'BLACK COMPANY TOPS MONTHLY RANKS'
"With a total of thirty million dollars revenue, the Black company crushes competitors, including the Britannia company...", Diethard waves a newspaper while reading a certain section proclaiming their victory.
The black company members triumphantly cheer as they toast to celebrate their victory. Ohgi and Kallen did a very good job in demonstrating the pros of their product. Euphy, who replaced Clovis in that event, was so nervous she stammered 80% of the presentation, blowing the whole endorsement of Britannia.
"Well deserved!", Tamaki shouted as he gives Ohgi a slap on the back.
"I was really nervous back then.", Kallen admitted while eating her third slice of pizza.
The members continued to praise and celebrate their first win against Britannia with all of the members gathered for this special event. Talks about their victory reached the Japanese people and they became the ray of hope for Japan to rise once again. Busy heads turned to face Zero, who entered the party late, as he clicks the key and shows a flow chart.
"Listen, everyone.", he announced as five new members, led by Tohdoh, enter the room. "Let's welcome them in the Black company."
"Who in the world are they?!", Tamaki yelled in his drunk state. He is immediately restrained by Kallen and kicked in the leg.
"Tohdoh Kyoshiro and his companions came from the JLF that recently closed due to too much debt caused by Britannia.", he introduced as the members move forward once their names were called.
Zero begins reorganizing the positions of the core members of the group. He places Tohdoh in charge of internal affairs, like the member's activities, and Diethard in charge of intelligence, espionage, and public relations; Chiba and some others object to the latter because Diethard is a Britannian, but Zero says it does not matter who they are as long as they can work together.
"That very racist mindset is the symbol of Britannia but we are different and we value results more than anything."
He then places Ohgi as the Deputy Director (to the joy of the original Black company members).
"Me?", Ohgi asked.
"You object?"
"N-not really. Thank you.", he said smiling.
Rakshata as head of Research and Development. Kaguya as the financing committee head (external linkages). He then announces the Zero Squad, his elite personal force, and puts Kallen in charge, assigned to attend presentations and other matters. He then has Asahina, Senba, and Kagesaki be in charge of the first, second, and third divisions respectively, and puts Tamaki in charge of Maintenance and Janitorial Services.
"Yeaaah! A position for me!", he shouted happily.
Kallen hit his head again, "That's janitorial for you!"
"And also.", Zero cleared his voice before continuing.
A slightly tall woman with short and straight navy blue hair with bangs wearing a white blouse with a thin ribbon topped by a blue coat and blue pencil-cut skirt entered the room. She wore thin eyeglasses and half of her hair was tied in a bun.
The members stared at her in confusion.
"She's a European noble. Apparently, their company has been sufferring major losses due to Britannia.", Zero stated.
"What exactly does she want?", Tohdoh asked.
"Well, let us hear her out."
"My name's Cheshire and as Zero had said I am from one of E.U.'s companies. I would like to offer something to the Black company in exchange for 100 trillion dollars.", she stated taking the conversation directly to the point.
The members gasped in surprise and some almost gagged the food they were eating.
"W-wait! What? I thought your company was facing losses.", Ohgi inquired raising his arms waiting for an acceptable answer.
"The company? Yes. But my family is not. I am currently the head of our family.", she said as she handed down a picture of a mansion and another picture of a big vault. "This is where I live and inside the house, there is a big vault containing 500 trillion dollars."
"Why are you still working when you are already damn rich?", Tamaki asked, still drunk.
"Well.", she paused for a moment. "Britannia has made our company suffer and worse, the Britannia company branch there continues to harrass my family to force them to a partnership."
"Don't drag us in your family issues!," Tamaki blurted out.
"You've got a foul mouth there.", she said glaring at him. "I'm giving you a pretty good offer. I want to join this company so that I can help put down Britannia and stop their harrassment to my family. Once they find out we already formed a partnership, they'll stop.", she explained.
"Her offer is like way way way too much multiplied to our monthly revenues.", Diethard stated.
"How can we know you are telling the truth?", Tohdoh asked.
"Zero will monitor me. I believe he is a smart person.", she said. "If he thinks I am trying something stupid, he can easily break the contract and dismiss me. I won't resist."
"You are giving much more than you can receive from us.", Zero replied.
"No. I know that all of you has been living below the poverty line because of Britannia and your families' survival is put at risk. In my case, I just want to ensure my family's safety in return. Forming this partnership will shoo the Brits away from us."
"If ever we agree, what position are you going to assume?", Kallen asked. "With you investing so much in us, I don't think you'll settle for janitorial services."
Cheshire turned to her, "I'll let Zero decide. As I've said, the partnership is the only important thing."
A moment of thinking stayed in the room. In a few hours, an election will be held to approve or disapprove Cheshire's membership and offer. Cheshire just sat at the corner looking at her family's photo.
A special meeting was then held in the conferenfe room discussing Cheshire's approval. After a few hours again, the Black company members went out to announce the results of the meeting, leaving Cheshire wondering.
"Cheshire, you have three options. We agreed to let you in since the Black company is open to all kinds of people. However, your position will depend on what you can prove at this moment.", Zero announced.
The members gathered on the meeting room to see what Cheshire can do and how willing she is.
"I see you don't trust me yet even with that big of an offer.", she commented.
"We are unlike other companies that can be bought by money. With the way you were talking, it seems like you wanted to buy us.", Ohgi argued.
"That's why we have agreed to give you three options.", Zero replied. "First, you are approved as a member giving us the code for the vault which will serve as our emergency fund but you will be assuming janitorial services with Tamaki. The advantage is that you won't be giving a large money right away, if you are telling the truth. If you weren't telling the truth, you still have time to save at least a million dollars."
Cheshire smirked, "I'm afraid I'll reject the first option."
"The second option, you will only give us half of the money and you will start your own company. But, we will support you from behind.", Zero stated. "The third option is quite difficult, you should deposit 100 billion to the five subheads today; Tohdoh, Rakshata, Diethard, Ohgi, and Zero squad. And the rest of the money will be deposited to the Sumeragi Household as our main financer."
"What's in it for me?", Cheshire asked.
"You will spend a lot of money right now and prove you are really an aristocrat. In exchange, you will be the Black company's second chief executive.", Zero explained.
Out of the blue, Cheshire took out her phone and sent a few texts. Zero and the Black company members were eagerly waiting for her response.
"I'll take option three.", she said. "The money was already sent."
The subheads checked their accounts. And to their amazement, 100 billion dollars was really deposited three minutes ago.
"Is it enough?", Cheshire asked.
"Yes. Welcome to the Black company.", Zero announced, shaking her hand.
Just a few minutes after Cheshire's approval, a black member shouted to turn the TV on.
"There's a breaking news!"
Kallen quickly turned the TV on and upon seeing the news, her eyes widened. When the members turned to see the news, they were also shocked, Zero included.
'Suzaku Kururugi assigned as Euphemia li Britannia's new executive assistant '
Lelouch clenched his fists and cursed, You will not ruin my plans, Suzaku.
Ashford Academy
"C.C., is it really the time to be swimming?", Lelouch asked as he sat on the bench by the pool.
C.C. swam from the center of the pool going to Lelouch's direction. She was wearing the Ashford academy swimming club's blue attire.
"Can I not?", she smirked. "Perhaps, you should join me. It seems you've been stressed by Suzaku getting promoted."
"No thanks, witch. I can't risk being drowned by you.", Lelouch joked.
C.C. chuckled before going for another float, "How mean of you."
"Suzaku was supposed to protect Nunnally from harm while I'm gone but he went and joined Britannia.", Lelouch muttered to himself barely enough for C.C. to hear.
"Seems you got a new problem.", C.C. commented.
"Yeah. The problems will get bigger once Nina, Gino, and Anya moves too. They are nearly as smart and as clever as you when they are combined."
"Don't worry. I'm in the process of something.", C.C. assured swimming towards the small pool ladder and climbed up.
Lelouch gave her a towel to dry her self. He was focused on thinking of strategies against Britannia that he had forgotten that today was supposed to be a day of celebration.
C.C. dried her hair and got a change of clothes. She was now wearing a white sleeveless dress, highlighting her bright and fair skin.
"Hey Lelouch"
"What?"
"Care for a drink?"
"Drink?"
"Today is a day of celebration, right?", C.C. turned as she tied her hair into a ponytail.
Lelouch smiled. "Sure."
"And pizza too.", C.C. added.
"Is Brother Schneizel visiting us?", Euphy asked her elder sister.
"Yes. He'll be assisting you while Clovis and I return to homeland. Father's got something to tell us.", Cornelia replied as she combed Euphy's hair.
"Then, I got nothing to worry about om the upcoming conference. I'm sure Brother Schneizel will help. ", Euphy cheered in happiness while tilting her head thinking, I could also ask his approval for my plan.
While the sisters were busy chatting, a knock was heard and Guilford entered the room informing Cornelia that the plane to Britannia has arrived. Cornelia said goodbye to her sister and went out with Guilford. Cornelia and Clovis travelled to Britannia as ordered by their father. Euphy called Suzaku to her room.
"Yes, milady Euphemia ?", Suzaku asked bowing his head.
Euphy pouted and lightly hit Suzaku's head, "Please. Just call me Euphy."
"But-It's protocol."
"Okay then. When it's just us, call me Euphy."
"But-"
Euphy crossed her arms and smiled, "That's an order."
Suzaku blushed and smiled as well, "Okay, Euphy."
Euphy and Suzaku were called by Lloyd to inform them that Head Schneizel el Britannia has reached the airport of Area 11. Both of them were fetched by a car and five other cars (bodyguards) and drove to the airport. Upon reaching the airport, Euphy saw a tall blond man exiting the plane and immediately ran to give him a warm hug.
"I miss you, Brother!", she exclaimed in joy.
"I miss you too, Euphy.", he sweetly replied before turning to Suzaku. "So, this is the eleven that has been appointed as executive assistant. Suzaku, I presume?"
Suzaku bowed his head, "Yes, I am. Welcome to Area 11, your highness."
Then, Schneizel and Euphy were served dinner in the Britannian villa's garden, similar to Aries in homeland. Suzaku and Kanon, Schneizel's assistant, waited as the siblings conversed.
"Nina Einstein's your former classmate?", Schneizel asked.
Euphy nodded as she sliced the freshly grilled beef. "Yes! How is she doing in your area?"
"She's incredible. So smart, probably a genius. She was able to create exploding balls that were such a hit in parties and occasions. Aside from that, she also engineered some other useful products.", Schneizel reported.
"I'm glad to hear that. Suzaku was also our classmate, brother."
Schneizel nodded while chewing his food, "Euphy, why did you choose an eleven?"
Suzaku's eyes widened at the question but remained calm. He looked at Euphy waiting for her answer.
"Because I believe that everyone has a chance to become someone in this world. Suzaku has shown remarkable performance in Dr. Asplund's division and he deserves being my assistant.", Euphy defended.
"Cornelia accepted it?"
Euphy chuckled, "Well, she was so against it but after talking my reasons and plans, she agreed as long as I am enjoying my work."
"I see. If Cornelia already approved then I have no reason to doubt it."
Euphy smiled in happiness, "Really? Thanks Brother! Actually, I would also like to ask for your advice for my plan."
"What are you thinking of?"
Euphy glanced at Suzaku and smiled at him. She then went back to her brother, "A charity for all."
She brought another glass of vodka to her mouth.
"Lalush, whaat eym saying ish that your hair ish to long!", she shouted stomping the table.
Lelouch nodded nonchalantly not caring as to what the drunk witch is saying.
"Lishten to me you selfish brath!", she shouted as she pulled Lelouch's hair making him sigh.
Lelouch looked at C.C. That was your third bottle.
C.C. pulled Lelouch's hair repeatedly, "Shee? Your hair is long...", she paused, "...and soft." She combed Lelouch's hair before stomping her hands on the table again. "Eveen sho! Your hair is too loong!"
Lelouch sighed again and turned to the drunk C.C., "Okay. What about my long hair?"
C.C.'s eyes brightened,"Finalley, you're lishtening! Well, you, uhm, you look (hiccup) like (hiccup).. It's like a mop? No no, it's like a broom! HAHAHA no, really, YOU LOOK LIKE A GIRL!", she shouted and laughed at Lelouch.
"Okay, okay. That's enough for tonight. We're going home.", Lelouch replied as he placed his glass down.
C.C. cried in protest repeatedly pulling Lelouch's hair. It took a while before C.C. let go of his hair. If she didn't hear the word pizza, Lelouch's probably bald right now.
As they walked from the bar to Ashford, C.C. would rant every now and then about Lelouch's hair, name, uniform, eyes and almost anything making Lelouch sigh in disbelief at C.C.'s poor state. She swayed side to side as the walked home.
"Yesh yesh! You are a girl!", C.C. talked again pulling Lelouch's hair.
"Hey, stop it.", he said slightly annoyed.
C.C. grinned at him with her red face and drowsy eyes. A few minutes later, C.C. collapsed in the middle of their walk.
"What a pain.", Lelouch murmured as he carried C.C. on his back. Realizing that it was cold and her thin white dress did not even help warm her up, Lelouch removed his black school jacket and gave it to C.C.
Unconscious and drunk C.C. felt that she was no longer walking and was being carried. She also noticed the black jacket on her back. When she slightly opened her eyes, she felt black hair touching her cheeks. Lelouch carried her from the moment she dropped until they were now near Ashford. To his surprise, C.C. talked and sniffed his hair.
"You shmell good, Lalush."
Lelouch's face turned red at her sudden comment.
"Shut up and just sleep, witch."
Drunk C.C. nodded and tightened her hold on Lelouch's shoulders making Lelouch more embarrassed. After that, she fell asleep. He carried her to their room in the clubhouse.
"Welcome ho-", Nunnally greeted to a stop when she saw C.C. being carried on Lelouch's back.
"Good lord, is she drunk?", Nunnally asked.
"Yeah. She's staying here tonight so that she won't be reported and kicked out due to alcohol consumption.", Lelouch answered as he walks towards his room.
"Okay, brother.", Nunnally smiled before going to her bedroom too.
Lelouch dropped the heavy witch on his bed, which might've hurt a little as C.C. slightly moved when she fell. Lelouch went to his wardrobe to change his clothes then he heard C.C. talking. Letting out another sigh, Lelouch walked to her.
"What is it, you drunkard?", Lelouch asked as he knelt and lend his ear near her face.
"It's hot."
"What?"
C.C. groaned, "I-it's hot, Lelouch."
"Go change your clothes.", he bluntly replied and walked away.
C.C. remained quiet, which was surprising, that alarmed Lelouch. After changing his shirt to a black top, he decided to check on her.
WHAT THE-
To his surprise, C.C. was pulling her dress to remove it. He immediately ran towards her and pulled her hands.
"What are you doing?", he asked with a low voice.
"It's hot.", was all that she could say.
"Your dress is already thin. You'll catch a cold if you sleep naked.", he explained.
"But-", C.C. frowned.
"I'll turn on the fans and have them focused on you. Deal?", he replied.
C.C. smiled, "Okay."
Several minutes later, when the room was cool enough, the drunk witch finally fell asleep.
Seriously, put some blanket on. You are so exposed to mosquitoes.
He grabbed a white blanket and covered C.C. who was murmuring again.
"What is it now?", he asked leaning forward.
Her name.
Lelouch was surprised to hear a beautiful name being mentioned by C.C. in her dreams.
Why are you not using your real name? It's beautiful like you.
Lelouch was once again caught offguard admiring C.C., making himself blush. He flicked C.C.'s forehead, in annoyance, before going to sleep on the couch across the bed.
When C.C. woke up, her head hurt like hell. She massaged it as she brought herself and sat on the bad. She saw Lelouch sleeping on the couch. He was covering his eyes using one arm and another resting on his chest. She stood up, fighting against her hangover, and went near the couch.
You look like your mother.
She then brushed Lelouch's soft hair, as she sees blurry flashbacks of what happened last night.
What in the world did I do?
She does not seem to remember the details but she does remember Lelouch being a gentleman and taking care of her.
A/N: Hey guys! How are you? It was really uhm, difficult for me to write this chapter hahaha stay tuned for the next chapters!
Love, GeassChancellor