The Black Knight

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Turn 12

Lelouch awoke to his empty bed. He inhaled against his pillow, his breath rasping against the fabric. He sat up, remembering Euphemia's leaving the mansion.

"I need to think about things, Lelouch," she told him. Lelouch frowned, trying to embrace her. She wrapped her arms around herself, recoiling from his touch. Lelouch backed away.

"You're having second thoughts," Lelouch guessed, grinding his teeth with his mouth closed. "I didn't want to drive you away."

"I just need to think, Lelouch," Euphemia repeated, reassuring. "I still love you, I just can't think about it while I'm taking over the Prime Minister position. I'll try to call you before I get to bed each night. And I'll keep your identity secret." Lelouch reacted with surprise. "I promised you."

Lelouch frowned, feeling her absence deeply. He rolled out of his bed, landing to his feet, standing with a grimace. He pulled on his purple robe, leaving it hanging open. He walked barefoot out into the main house. He sat down on the couch, sighing as he did. He leaned back, looking up at the ceiling. He saw Kallen walking down the stairs, dressed about the same as he was, her usual robe, and a pink silk nightie.

"How'd you sleep?" Kallen asked, friendly. Lelouch grimaced.

"I know I've only been sleeping with a bed mate for a few weeks, but I'm already used to it, rather than sleeping alone," Lelouch said. He tied his robe around himself. Kallen walked over and sat down next to him, smirking politely. Lelouch turned, leaning against the corner of the couch, his arm on the back of the couch.

"So, what do the black knights do today?" Kallen asked. Lelouch smiled.

"You've adapted pretty quickly to being a Black Knight. Today I was going to teach you some more of our organization," Lelouch said. He stood and offered her his hand. Kallen took it for support as she stood, letting go of it as she followed Lelouch to the elevator. "My sanctum you know. It's for my personal use, though, not for the main body of the knights." Lelouch pressed a button on the elevator, the doors closing.

"Do they know you're a prince of Britannia?" Kallen asked.

"Of course," Lelouch said, surprising her. "The mask is not for them. The leader of the Black Knights is meant to command the shadows themselves. He exists in those shadows."

"From out of darkness, our blades light the way," Kallen muttered to herself, remembering her oath binding her to the Black Knights. Lelouch smiled, proudly.

"That's my favorite line," Lelouch said. The elevator opened, revealing a large room with various maps and computers. "This is our Pendragon Bureau. It's an entire floor, containing our barracks, armory, communications. Speaking of the armory and communications, we should procure you a sword." Lelouch led her into a hallway, into a larger room with various weapons of all kinds. A single man in glasses. "Billy here encrypted your phone. He's a genius with technology and numbers."

"Hey, Lelouch," Billy said, smiling. Lelouch nodded. "Sword for the new recruit then, is it?" Lelouch nodded again. Kallen looked nervously at the rack of swords that hung on one wall. Billy gestured for her to pick whatever she wanted. She walked over to the rack of swords, looking nervously from one blade to the other. They were various lengths and styles, and Kallen just wound up being more daunted. Lelouch walked around and pulled one, inspecting it, and handed it to her. She held it, unsure, as Lelouch pulled one for himself.

He swung, tapping Kallen's sword. Kallen backed up, taking a grip as she held the sword in front of her. He took a double handed stance, lowering into a bent-knee stance. Kallen swung the sword, and Lelouch blocked, holding up a hand.

"When you swing, twist the blade so your edge is aimed where you want to cut. When you block, twist the sword so the enemy blade hits the flat side of the blade," Lelouch said, pointing with his finger at the edge then the side, respectively. Kallen tested, tapping Lelouch's blade with the edge, and Lelouch swung back, and Kallen slowly blocked. They briefly sword fought, Kallen being much worse than Lelouch. He suddenly replaced his own sword. He pulled a short katana from the wall, holding his hand out for her sword. "This is a wazikashi. It's faster, and is more in line with the Guren. Tohdoh would be a better teacher for you with this weapon." Billy nodded as Kallen took the wazikashi from Lelouch. He smiled, and gestured for her to follow him.

He led her back to the main room, where Tohdoh was examining the maps, his arms crossed.

"Our main forces are in China. We form the elite special forces of the Imperial Chinese Army. We own twenty different companies, most of which I started to support us. All of our Knightmares are provided by Rakshata Clandra and her company in India. She designed your Guren." Kallen absorbed this. Then Lelouch headed for the elevator again, stepping in.

"Now what?" Kallen asked, almost skipping after Lelouch, drawing a chuckle from him.

"Now," Lelouch said, pressing the top button on the console, "I'll show you what your oath means. Head up and get dressed. Meet me downstairs in fifteen minutes."

0.0.0

Charles zi Britannia faced the council of Ministers, Nunnally and Euphemia standing to either side. Jeremiah looked around to see them all here. Even Schneizel. He wondered if anyone had a clue as to the identity of Zero.

"Gentlemen," Charles began, "since Odysseus's death, the position of my hand is left unfilled. As of this moment, I have two new hands. My gentle daughters, Euphemia and Nunnally, shall rule Britannia as my Prime Ministers." Jeremiah stood and bowed. The rest of the ministers took his lead, standing and bowing to them. Jeremiah straightened and sat down, recrossing his legs. Charles nodded in thanks. Euphemia sat at the throne beside Charles's left arm.

"Now, what of the terrorist. Any news on his capture?" the Emperor asked, his eyes watching Jeremiah carefully.

"We've begun to focus on the motivation for his acts," Jeremiah explained. "We don't believe these are unguided actions. Perhaps someone is commanding the terrorist. Either way, if we are able to find his exact motivation, we can predict his movements. We have made some progress, but very little to apprehend him."

"Coordinate with the Ministries of Intelligence and Defense. Zero's attack earlier has made this more than a mere criminal investigation," the Emperor ordered.

"Yes, your highness," Jeremiah said, respectfully. Charles nodded to Euphemia, who stood again, ready to speak.

"I will be visiting the leaders of the Chinese Empire and the India Federation, to announce a new tact for Britannia. Zero was able to become a threat because of support from the people. To defeat him we must also garner support from the people.

"To that end, I'd like to propose to Parliament a new set of laws, allowing non-Britannians to achieve a citizen status in our legal system. The Honorary Britannian System will create better equality for those who are not born in the empire." Schneizel smirked, amused.

Audacious, Jeremiah thought. Giving Numbers the ability to join the empire as citizens instead of being merely a denizen of the empire. It was very risky. He glanced at Nunnally.

"I agree with Euphemia's idea," the younger princess said aloud.

"Quite a coup," Charles said, smiling. "You proceed with my blessing. Euphemia, Nunnally, I leave it in your capable hands."

As Schneizel and Jeremiah walked out of the council room, Jeremiah kept an eye on Schneizel. The now oldest-prince of Britannia was only a shining paragon of nobility on the outside. The silver-prince had a survival instinct like a snake's.

"The Prime Ministers' plan is very audacious, don't you agree?" Jeremiah asked, testing Schneizel as they walked along the hall.

"Indeed," Schneizel said, smiling in amusement.

"You approve?"

"If it worked it would be exactly as the Emperor said. A coup." Schneizel turned down another hall, where a dozen assistants and a blonde boy waited for him. Before Jeremiah could see anything else, the door was closed.

0.0.0

Kallen walked down the stairs as Lelouch stood, waiting in another of his black suits. He was checking a pair of pistols, then holstered them as Kallen joined him in the lobby. Kallen was wearing a leather jacket and a red skirt, with a simple blouse and her riding boots. He nodded, noting the red colors with the black of her jacket and boots.

"Give me your purse," Lelouch said. She handed it to him, and he set a pistol and a new wallet into a red purse and handed it to her. "Your old one was almost certainly known by now." He handed it to her. Lelouch set his own pistol inside his coat and straightened it to hide the gun. "Your Camille identity hasn't been compromised, so we're using it."

0.0.0

Suzaku and Cecile were sitting at a computer, working on the operating system of the Lancelot. Suzaku kept eying Cecile as they worked. Cecile just smiled at him whenever he glanced her direction.

"How long have you and Lloyd worked together, Miss Croomy?" Suzaku finally asked, politely. Cecile turned to him, smiling cordially.

"Since we graduated college," Cecile told Suzaku. "Why do you ask, Suzaku?"

"Just trying to figure you and Lloyd out," Suzaku said, looking at the white Knightmare Frame. "Are you lovers, or just co-workers?"

"Well, Lloyd's married, but he doesn't really be with her much," Cecile said, typing away at the computer. "Lloyd doesn't really like emotions and change. Both are things people cause more often than not. He enjoys machines. They are always understandable." Suzaku absorbed this, thoughtfully. "Suzaku, can I ask you a question?" Suzaku looked up, curious.

"This terrorist, Zero," Cecile began, tentatively, "what do you think of him and his ideas?"

"I'm a loyal soldier of Britannia," Suzaku said firmly. Cecile giggled, looking back to the computer.

"I'm not supporting him. I'm just thinking about whether Britannia's always right, the way they treat people like you, Suzaku," Cecile said. Suzaku just looked at her, frowning. Britannia wasn't always the best government. Suzaku looked down at his feet.

"I only wish they would treat the numbers better. Maybe that's why I'm glad I'm Euphemia's personal knight. If my people are able to become honorary Britannians, maybe we can regain some of our pride, as a people."

"You're a good person, Suzaku," Cecile suddenly said. Suzaku looked up in surprise. Cecile smiled at him, and he almost automatically smiled back.

"Okay everybody," Lloyd began shouting, in his usual eccentricity, "we're done for the day! Pack up, go home, hip hip hooray!" Suzaku looked from the odd designer back to Cecile, who smiled again. Suzaku stood along with Cecile, since their work was obviously done for the day.

0.0.0

Villeta was walking around the business section. She thought about how her search for Zero and Kallen Stradtfeld had hit a dead end. Two weeks and not so much as a red hair. She sighed, throwing her shopping bags in the back of her car. She closed the trunk, heading for a place to eat. A black sports-car pulled into a spot on the side of the street.

Villeta's eyes widened as she saw the girl getting out of the car. It couldn't be. Villeta wasn't that lucky! She quickly hid behind a corner, watching carefully as Kallen Stradtfeld got out of the car with a tall, lean, black-haired Britannian. You've just made a mistake, girl, Villeta thought, grinning to herself. As the two began to walk down the side-walk, Villeta watched them walk away until they were far enough, then began to follow them.

0.0.0

Ohgi watched Kallen and Lelouch walk down the sidewalk, flipping up the visor of his motorcycle helmet. Then he noticed the Britannian following them. She was beautiful, Ohgi thought to himself. Ohgi quickly parked his motorcycle and climbed off, following the Britannian. He'd come to keep an eye on Lelouch, but now he had to make sure he wasn't captured.

0.0.0

Lelouch and Kallen paused as they saw several men beating on one. Kallen could tell the one man was an eleven. Kallen's teeth gritted as she watched, disgust building up in her. The attackers were Britannians. Kallen began to step forward, her hands going into fists. Lelouch's hand stopped her.

"Look," Lelouch said. Kallen scanned the scene, unsure of what she was looking for. "A hot dog stand. That's often the best any number can aspire to in this country, and even then, serving the people who look down at you?"

"Then why don't you stop them?" Kallen asked, angrily. Lelouch eyed her, then looked back at the scene. He stepped closer to her.

"If you stopped them, would that eleven ever get any business? Would he be safe from reprisal?" Lelouch frowned. Kallen frowned, absorbing the new information. She looked down at the eleven. "Sometimes, you have to ignore the symptoms. Sometimes, you have to treat the illness, and let the symptoms resolve themselves." After a second, he spoke again. "Stay here." Lelouch walked over to the Britannians, his black coat billowing open as he did, his scarf trailing behind him.

"Aren't you guys a little bored of picking on the hot-dog guy?" Lelouch asked, using his Geass. The oppressing Britannians' eyes tinted red, and they stepped off.

"Yeah, let's get out of here," the tallest said, and they walked off, jeering and laughing. Lelouch looked down at the Japanese, smiling.

"Could I get a couple of dogs?" he asked cheerfully. The eleven nodded and quickly made two. Lelouch handed the eleven five bills worth a hundred crowns each. When the eleven tried to decline the money, Lelouch insisted, taking the two hot dogs. He carried them, one in each hand, over to Kallen, handing one to her. She gratefully took a bite out of the sandwich. "The numbers have learned that you can't fight. That's the difference. The Black Knights exist in darkness, you can't attack darkness. We take the burden on ourselves, because we can take it. We can make the choice that no one else can make."

0.0.0

Villeta watched the exchange, disgust in her eyes. An eleven and a Britannian, acting like friends. The fugitive girl was probably a prostitute anyway. As they continued to walk along the sidewalk, she kept following them.

0.0.0

Kallen was happily eating her hot dog as they walked. Lelouch kept walking, not eating. Kallen wondered if his dog was gross or something.

"We're being followed," Lelouch said, growling. "Don't look behind us. She's gotten lucky. Probably recognized you." Kallen eyed behind her, not turning her head. She couldn't look to see if they were indeed being followed. So she looked ahead, throwing the remains of her hot dog away as they passed a trash bin.

"What do we do?" Kallen asked quietly.

"You won't do anything. As soon as we seperate, go back to the car and call the mansion. Ask for someone to guide you through getting back to the mansion without being followed. I'll lead her off with Zero," Lelouch said. He pulled them into an alley. "When I say, go walk a circuit around the block to avoid her and get to the car." Lelouch pulled his backpack off of his back, unzipping it, pulling out his helmet. He examined it and looked to see a Britannian standing in the alley with them. He smiled, showing a predatory grin. "Go."

0.0.0

Villeta saw the fugitive girl come out the alley solo, and quickly began to walk over to the alleyway to make sure that the Britannian wasn't hurt. She peeked around the corner to see Zero standing in the alleyway, donning his cloak. Villeta's eyes widened as she ducked back, not looking in the alleyway. Zero...if she could track him, they might be able to capture him. She checked for her phone. It wasn't there. She silently cursed and looked again, to see Zero walking down the alleyway. Villeta followed him, passing a dumpster.

She followed Zero for three blocks, winding up in an abandoned city block. Suddenly Zero turned, and Villeta pulled her back up sidearm, readying to arrest the terrorist. She stepped out of the corner, shouting.

"Freeze!" she ordered, aiming carefully. Zero threw up his hands. Villeta approached him carefully. She grinned at him, mocking. "Not such an untrackable terrorist now, are you?"

"Actually," came a male voice from behind her, "that's a diversion." Villeta spun, eyes wide. She heard a gunshot and felt a bullet hit in her stomach. She bent over from the gunshot, crying out. Suddenly her pistol was yanked from her hand, and she fell backwards, landing on her back. The black-haired Britannian stood over her, grimacing, then walked past where she lay. The last thing she saw was a dark figure approaching her.

0.0.0

Ohgi knelt by the Britannian woman, assessing the damage. He needed to get her to a doctor. He picked the young woman up in his arms, carefully, and began to carry her back the way she came. He couldn't just let her die.

0.0.0

Lelouch was stuffing his zero outfit back in his bag. He looked at the Britannian, his eyes tinted red, and scowled.

"Don't remember this. If anyone asks, you just got drunk and went home," Lelouch ordered, zipping up his bag. He slung the bag across his back, walking away as the Britannian looked around in confusion.

0.0.0

Euphemia was packing a suitcase, humming to herself. She walked across the bedroom, passing Lelouch's portrait. Her hand, unconsciously, reached up and ran her hand across the painting. She froze as she realized what she'd done. She backed up and looked into the portrait's eyes. She ran her fingers up to the painting's cheek.

She thought about if she could forgive Lelouch, not for the first time. Her husband wasn't the same Lelouch from ten years ago. She heard footsteps behind her.

"Hi, Cornelia," Euphemia said without looking.

"Not exactly Cornelia," came Lelouch's voice. Euphemia spun in surprise, a smile hitting her face. She then paused as she remembered her train of thought. "Not my coldest welcome," Lelouch said in a smirk that didn't reach his eyes. Lelouch walked over and sat down on her bed, by her suitcase. "Going somewhere?"

"India," Euphemia said, somber. She hesitated. "Would you have killed Cornelia?" Lelouch frowned, looking back up at her.

"I wouldn't," Lelouch admitted. "I love you and Cornelia like I love Nunnally. But I can't stop because of you either. It's not for just me." He stood and walked over to her. Euphemia became aware of his body as he stood next to her, and her breath became short. Lelouch reached up to cup her cheek, and she leaned into it, sighing at his touch. His other hand gripped hers, and he leaned in, kissing her gently. She returned the kiss. When they broke off, Euphemia sighed, satisfied.

"Are you the same Lelouch that left?" Euphemia asked, softly. Lelouch smiled.

"I wish I could say I was. I've been through a lot," Lelouch said, still smiling. Euphemia frowned, leaning against his chest. "That's a pretty bad portrait of me," Lelouch said. Euphemia rolled her eyes, sighing. Lelouch chuckled. Euphemia wrapped her arm around his neck, the other pressing against his chest.

"Why did you come?" Euphie asked against his chest.

"I need you to ensure diplomatic relations with the Empress of China. Rolo might have been tracked. I need to make sure they are safe. I'm asking for Tianzi's sake. The people I'm worried about, they don't stop at merely defeating the enemy." Euphemia smiled and nodded. Lelouch smiled and walked over to her suitcase, investigating.

"Why are you looking at my clothes?" Euphemia asked, throwing the lid over the case. Lelouch smiled his devil's grin.

"I was seeing what color panties you packed," Lelouch said, deviously. Euphemia blushed. Lelouch stalked closer to her, looking at her greedily. "I wonder," Lelouch said, as he wrapped his hand around her waist, pulling her against him, "what color you're wearing right now." Euphemia backed away from him, trying not to give in to what her body craved from Lelouch. He merely followed her until she hit the wall. He began to sniff at her hair, her neck, his breath hot against her neck. Her breathing became short.

"Lelouch," Euphemia breathed in an almost moan. Lelouch's lips found her neck, kissing and suckling softly. Euphemia pressed her hands against the wall abover her head. Lelouch's hand slid up her body, his fingers curving around her back, his thumb on her front, pressing against her ribs, then under her breast.

"What color, Euphie?" Lelouch said against her neck. Euphemia sighed in pleasure.

"They're blue," Euphemia admitted, her eyes closing as Lelouch's lips met her neck again. Lelouch stopped and stood tall again, looking into his eyes. His knee pressed between her leg, all the way against the front of her panties. He cupped the back of her neck where her neck met the back of her head, and pulled her against his lips in a deep kiss.

"Be good while you're in India," Lelouch said, smiling, and backed away as Euphemia closed her eyes. When she opened them, Lelouch was gone, her window open.

0.0.0

Cornelia was working in her office, reading a military document as she rubbed the back of her neck. She took a sip of scotch, sighing as it burned down her throat. The lights suddenly clicked off, and Cornelia stood, alarmed. Her room should've been invulnerable to power loss. A black shadow walked across one wall, and Cornelia nervously reached for her pistol.

"That won't help you, Cornelia," came Zero's voice. Cornelia froze as the terrorist walked out of the shadow, his purple visor catching the moonlight. "I came to ask if you saw my move in your chess game."

"That wasn't for playing. It's my way of remembering my brother," Cornelia said, angrily. She stepped around her desk, facing the terrorist.

"I apologize." Cornelia raised an eyebrow in response, cocking her hip as she set her fist on it. "I'm glad you're not going with your sister to India. It'll make it much easier to implement my plan."

"What plan?" Cornelia asked, suddenly stepping closer to Zero. Zero changed the subject.

"You were close, your brother and you?" Cornelia gritted her teeth.

"Don't speak of my brother!" Cornelia shouted. Zero raised a pistol, warningly.

"You aren't the only one who's lost people, Cornelia li Britannia," Zero said. "Don't cause any alarm, or your sisters will be attending another funeral." Zero lowered the pistol, holding it up to show he meant her no harm.

"Most people don't face their family's killers," Cornelia replied.

"On the contrary, Cornelia, many of the people that are arrested," Zero began, humor edging through his voice, "Many of the numbers tortured for Britannia face their family's killers just before they are executed. Tell me, do they deserve justice?" Cornelia frowned, irritated at Zero's comments.

"Order requires sacrifice," Cornelia said, justifying her government's actions.

"Sacrifice requires a greater goal," Zero countered. "Something this government seems to lack. If you had to kill one thousand innocent people to win, would you do it?"

"No," Cornelia admitted. Zero sighed and shook his head.

"I would," zero said, oozing disappointment, "Ends justify means. Because my ends are justice. When George Washington started his rebellion, he lost because he lacked the will to do what he needed to create his new nation."

"Even if that means a deal with the devil?" Cornelia asked. Zero merely chuckled.

"More than just a goddess of victory. Yes, even then, Cornelia." Zero began to walk away. "Your brother. Would he be the prince, Lelouch vi Britannia?"

"How would you know that?" Cornelia asked angrily. Zero looked over his shoulder at her.

"It was on the television, Princess. Good night." The lights returned, and Cornelia saw that Zero's dark form had vanished. She gritted her teeth.

0.0.0

Ohgi looked through the window blinds at the dark-skinned woman lying in the hospital bed. Ohgi glanced, worried, as the doctor walked up to him. He turned as the doctor walked into the room, looking at Ohgi.

"Well, she's lucky you got her to us. She would've bled out a few minutes later," the doctor told Ohgi. Ohgi sighed in relief. "She's not out of the woods, but she'll be ready to go home with you as soon as she wakes up." Ohgi saw Lelouch enter the hallway, smiling to himself in his black suit, long coat, and scarf. Ohgi waved at Lelouch, and Lelouch nodded, walking over.

"What's up, Ohgi?" Lelouch asked, smiling. He looked at the woman and his smile disappeared.

"I found her in an alley, shot in the side. I had to get her to a hospital," Ohgi explained. Lelouch nodded at Ohgi, smiling again. He reached into his pocket and handed Ohgi a large stack of bills.

"Pay for the treatment, give them the address to one of my shell corporations if they need more," Lelouch said, smiling. Ohgi thanked Lelouch for the generosity, heading off to the billing section of the hospital. As soon as Ohgi left, Lelouch pulled out his pistol. She wasn't supposed to survive. If she knew Lelouch's face, Zero could be put into jeapordy. He entered the room. The woman was beginning to awaken, her long silver hair hanging over her head like a nun's habit as she slowly opened her eyes. Lelouch waited for the recognition to hit the woman's eyes, his pistol at his side.

"Can I help you?" the woman asked, nervously. Lelouch frowned in confusion. He instantly formed a dozen hypothesis. He had to test one. The girl may have lost her memory, or could have possibly not seen his face.

"I'm Sir Lelouch Lamperouge, of the Knight-Police," Lelouch lied, smiling. When the woman didn't react to the lie, Lelouch decided to try and continue. "Can you remember anything about the person who attacked you?" Lelouch turned away, placing his pistol back in his coat.

"Uh...no," she said. "I don't even remember how I got injured, or how I got here." Lelouch saw Ohgi returning, and turned back to the woman.

"Well if you remember anything, please try to contact me," Lelouch said, and turned and left. He intercepted Ohgi, grabbing his arm. "Keep her in your apartment. If she remembers anything, tell me." Ohgi absorbed this as Lelouch walked away. Did Lelouch somehow know this woman? Ohgi saw she was awake. He walked into the room, smiling.

"Hi," Ohgi said. The woman smiled back at him, tentatively. "Well, since I saved your life you could at least tell me your name." She frowned, looking down, trying to remember.

"I don't know," the girl admitted, scared. Ohgi looked at her in surprise, letting out a gasp. Ohgi thought about telling the doctor, but if he did, he wouldn't be able to keep an eye on her. Lelouch obviously was worried about her, and Ohgi needed to know why.

"Well," Ohgi said, smiling nervously, "I can't call you 'you' or 'girl.' Maybe we can give you a temporary name until you figure your real one out?" Ohgi chuckled nervously at the suggestion. She just smiled, nodding. "Well...my mother's name was Chigasa," Ohgi suggested, nervously chuckling again.

"Chigasa," the woman replied, smiling to herself. "It's okay," she said. She sat up, then offered her hand. Ohgi smiled and walked over, taking it.

"I'm Ohgi."

0.0.0

Kallen stood as Lelouch entered the living room, unwrapping his scarf from around his neck. He smiled at her and began walking over to his downstairs room. Kallen followed him, her boots clacking on the floor as she walked. Lelouch took out his pistol, thumbing the safety and removing the clip and round in the chamber before setting it on his dresser.

"I'm a little evil," Lelouch said, chuckling to himself as he took his coat off. "I saw Euphemia. I'm afraid to say I teased her."

"Ugh," Kallen said, disgusted with Lelouch. "You are evil. Is she coming over tonight?"

"No," Lelouch admitted, looking over at her sheepishly. "In the meantime, we've a coup to plan. Euphemia is heading to India, and if I know Cornelia, she will be accompanying Euphie."

"Euphie?" Kallen asked, bemused at the nickname. "What did they call you, Lulu?" Lelouch glared at her, and Kallen's eyes widened. "They did! You're nickname is Lulu!" Kallen laughed as Lelouch rolled his eyes, sighing in frustration.

"We'll be needing our uniforms," Lelouch said, changing the subject again. "Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords will be joining us. The Maharajah is...an acquaintance." Kallen was about to speak again, smiling, before Lelouch interrupted. "If you talk about my nickname again, I will throw you into that prison again. We're heading for India, pack some clothes. And your Black Knight uniform and sword." Kallen nodded, serious. Lelouch looked around, slightly embarrassed. "This might not look like it, but this is my bedroom, so..." Kallen nodded and turned to leave.

"Yes sir, Master Lulu," Kallen said as she left. Lelouch rolled his eyes as he opened his cell phone, dialing for a private flight to India.

0.0.0

Euphemia stepped out of her bathing room, dressed in a white silk nightie. She jumped when she noticed Cornelia in her room, then sighed, relaxing. Euphemia walked over to her bed, closing her suitcase and dragging the massive case down off of her bed.

"I wanted to ask if I could come with you to India," Cornelia said, smiling at her sweet sister. Euphemia looked back at Cornelia, surprised. "Just to get away from the terrorist problem. And I'll be able to help you talking with the Indian government."

"Sure," Euphemia said, smiling. Cornelia smiled and threw her arms around Euphemia, who smiled and returned the hug, giggling.

0.0.0

Lelouch was packing his helmet into his case as C entered his room, dressed in her straight jacket uniform. Lelouch looked at her, then closed his case, locking it. C sat down opposite of Lelouch, crossing her legs. Lelouch sat back, crossing his own.

"So, warlock," C said, teasing Lelouch, "how goes your plan?" Lelouch chuckled.

"It's going well," Lelouch said. "What do you want, witch?" C frowned at him, her yellow eyes narrowing at him.

"Have you thought that if V is in Britannia, he might be working for one of the royal family?" Lelouch frowned, no longer amused at the immortal sitting across from him.

"I have," Lelouch admitted. If V was working for a member of the Royal Family, that made them even more dangerous. V would no doubt give a patron a Geass to ensure their power. But a Geass would also make them much more dangerous rather than just being a powerful human. But if he didn't know the ability or weaknesses of that Geass, how could he fight it? "Does Geass have any weaknesses?'

"The weaknesses are limited to each Geass. You should remember that." Lelouch nodded, sighing. "And if you can't face that person, will you try to use me?" Lelouch considered that.

"Would you aid me if I asked?" Lelouch asked, curious. C was immortal and immune to all Geass, along with any weapons on the planet. C merely stared at him.

"I became your accomplice the moment I made my contract with you," C declared. Lelouch smirked, pleased and amused by her comment.

"Even if I have no intention of fulfilling your contract?" Lelouch asked. The contract was to grant C the ability to die, by taking on her code. "I won't. I don't want to be immortal. I've got too much life in me as it is. I don't want this pain for eternity, and seeing all my friends and family die around me. So, I'll help you with your freedom, but not your code. But I'll make a new contract with you. I will stop at nothing to help you to find your happiness before you leave the world." C looked at him in surprise, then smiled.

"I accept the terms of your contract!" C offered her hand. Lelouch took it, shaking it vigorously.

"We're leaving for India early in the morning," Lelouch announced. C let go of his hand and stood, smiling a small smile.

"I guess I better set an alarm clock then," C said, and walked out of the room. Lelouch adjusted himself on the bed, until he was reclining on the bed, a mound of pillows underneath his head. He leaned down, reaching in his nightstand, withdrawing a small photo album. He began to flip through pages, until he found a picture of himself and Euphemia, almost twenty years ago now.

They were both dressed in white clothes. Lelouch had remembered it was Easter that year. Lelouch's white suit matched Euphemia's white dress. Her pink hair was shorter, Lelouch's raven locks were much longer. Lelouch's hair had been almost as long as Cornelia's when he'd been eighteen. He smiled at the picture.

He flipped to another picture, of his younger sister Nunnally, in her ball gown, her eyes glimmering. Lelouch thought bitterly that he may never see those eyes again. Nunnally had been traumatized and crippled in the attack on Marianne. His eyes closed as the gunfire resounded in his mind. He touched the photograph, stroking the picture Nunnally's cheek. For the millionth time, Lelouch thought about telling Nunnally about Zero.

He slammed the album closed as he decided against it. If he talked to Nunnally, he'd be placing her in a position that Lelouch couldn't reconcile. This is for you, Nunnally, Lelouch told himself. But he couldn't involve her until he was done. And even then, maybe Lelouch would have to abandon Nunnally to a better life on her own.

Lelouch stopped himself before he thought about his own future. He had to focus, he reminded herself, and the future was not in his plans currently.

Lelouch clicked the lamp off, and laid down into his bed, joining the darkness as he drifted into unconsciousness.