A/N: I was very pleased with the reviews of the last chapter. Very few of them were of the non-substantial one line variety but rather had depth and thought to them. I really like seeing that; it shows my story is really making an impression. I'd like to say that I really appreciate you all for reading this.
Disclaimer: Amelia: "The one calling himself CrazyNinjaPenguin does not have any legal claim to Code Geass. This is purely a fan work."
Ava li Britannia wore a pleasant smile as she sat in the castle garden, admiring some flowers. Looking up, she turned to the girl kneeling beside her to find that she too was smiling. It was a cute smile. Ava looked down quickly to hide the blush on her face.
"The flowers in the castle are so pretty, Ava!" the girl, Astrid Weinberg said in a pleasant hum before standing and twirling about, taking in all the lush colors at once.
"Yeah. It's nice. Aunt Nunnally rather likes flowers. She's brought in varieties from all over the world," Ava replied cheerily, watching her dear friend spin with a warm expression.
"It really is beautiful," said Astrid, stopping her twirl and coming to sit in front of some particularly lovely pink flowers.
"I'm glad I could share this with you, Astrid," said Ava as she sat down right next to Astrid. She could feel her warmth. "I'm glad you're my friend."
"Of course I am, silly!" Astrid said, tilting her head and smiling as she put a hand to Ava's back. "And I always will be, you can count on that."
"Thank you, Astrid…" Ava said looking down to hide her blush and the tears in her eyes.
"What the hell are you doing?" a low, spiteful whispering voice said from behind them. Ava turned around. It was her cousin Jackie. She was 12, two years older than Ava.
"What do you--" Astrid started but was cut off.
"Don't be so clingy with each other, it's disgusting," Jackie said in a huff as she come to kneel in front of the pretty pink flowers before which the other two sat. To Ava's horror and disgust, her cousin began to forcefully rip flowers from the immaculate display.
"Stop that! What are you doing?! Everyone worked so hard to make it perfect!" Ava demanded, standing and trying to pull her cousin away from the flowers. The larger girl didn't budge.
"What's the point of some stupid flower garden that no one sees? These flowers would be better served accenting my outfits," said Jackie, pulling up another flower.
"But you're ruining it!" Ava protested. Jackie finally turned around.
"You disgust me, cousin," she said pointedly. "You always have," she took another step toward Ava, entering her space. "You never talked to anyone, you just read books in a corner, and wore that blank, creepy look on your face. I always used to think you weren't even human. I still sometimes wonder if you aren't anything more than a freak."
"Don't say stuff like that about Ava, you ugly bitch," spat Astrid, walking up to the older girl, looking angry.
"You think that just because you use crude language you become an adult, little girl. The simple fact remains that I'm bigger than you. You cant intimidate me," said Jackie coldly.
Astrid clinched her fist. "Then I'll just have to make you take it back!" she said before striking Jackie at the side of her chin. It was a glancing blow at best.
"You little monster, how dare you!" Jackie shouted. She then pushed Astrid forcefully back into a display of thorny flowers. She cried out in pain.
Ava about screamed before running forward and tackling Jackie full force down into the display of pink flowers which she had earlier admired. She sat atop the girl and began to pummel her face with both fists, not letting up, even for a second. After a few minutes, Ava tired and her hands came to a stop. Jackie began to cry and scream, her face thoroughly bruised. Ava pulled off of her. She turned to Astrid who had found her way out of the thorns with a few cuts.
"I'm sorry, Astrid. It looks like I hurt some of the pretty flowers," said Ava looking at the display again, realizing for once that her screaming cousin's weight was atop part of it.
"It's all right, Ava. I thought you were really cool," Astrid said with a soft smile.
"What's all the noise in here?" asked an always familiar adult voice from the entrance to the flower garden.
"Mommy!" Ava said before running into her mother's arms.
Mother smiled as she held Ava close. She surveyed the scene, particularly the screeching girl still laying in the flowers.
"Ava, did you do that?" Mother asked in a serious voice.
"I'm sorry mother…" Ava said, knowing she had done something bad. "But she hurt Astrid."
Mother glanced over at Ava's young friend. She took note of the cuts on her body, some of which dripped blood. "I see. One should always protect those they care about, Ava."
"So what I did was okay, mother?" Ava asked with a hopeful smile.
"Your aunt Arienette will still want me to punish you," said Mother. "But perhaps we could avoid that were you to go home early today."
"You think so?" Ava asked with a tilted head.
"You're a big girl. You wouldn't mind going back without me, would you, Ava?" said Mother, nodding.
"N-no, it's okay," said Ava shaking her head.
"Good. I'll call Padriac and have him come pick you up," Mother said, adjusting the fancy yet cute silk hat Ava wore
"Bye Ava! Thank you…" said Astrid in a warm voice.
"Bye, Astrid. See you in school," said Ava, exiting the garden.
"Now then, let me see about getting you to your father," she could hear her mother tell Astrid as she found the exit.
Ava wore a very satisfied expression as she walked through the castle halls, navigating herself to the entrance. It took awhile. The castle was very large, and Ava didn't know it all so well. Eventually she found the main gates. She went through them. She didn't see Padriac's limo there waiting for her. She supposed it was natural. Mother had likely just called him. He wouldn't be there for a few more minutes. Bored and a little curious, Ava walked out toward the street in front of the castle and looked around.
Seconds after she reached the street a very young girl ran by. It took Ava a few seconds to realize her hat was gone. She looked over. The young girl had it. Her mother really liked seeing Ava in that hat. Ava didn't even think about anything else. She just gave chase.
She closed the gap quickly. The girl looked to be half Ava's age. She couldn't move as fast. She was determined to get away though, and still made it a contest for Ava. Ava put all the energy she had into running. Just as she was about to catch the little girl, the girl came to a stop, hiding behind an old man.
"Lucy, what's going on here," asked the old man, looking back at the little girl and then at Ava.
"That girl took my hat!" Ava said, stopping, out of breath.
"Lucy, is this true?" asked the old man, looking at the girl.
"I'm sorry, grandpa…" the young Lucy, who had to be just five, said with a pout.
"We mustn't steal, child. Please, give this young lady back her hat and apologize," the child's grandfather, a kind man looking to be in his late sixties, said with a nod.
"I'm sorry…" said Lucy, handing the hat back to Ava. Ava took it.
"My, that certainly is a fancy hat," said the old man, finally seeing what his granddaughter had tried to take. "You must be a noble's daughter."
"I'm a princess, actually," said Ava looking down.
The old man froze. With a quiver he began,"I-I'm horribly sorry… the child doesn't know any better… she didn't mean anything by it, your highness."
The reaction kind of scared Ava. Not knowing what to say, she looked around. She had ran just a short distance from the castle, but things looked so different here. The houses were small and crumbling, the cars dented and dirty, a number of the passersby dressed in rags.
"It's okay. I'm not angry," said Ava tentatively.
"I'm relieved, your highness," the old man said gratefully. "Our family's fallen on hard times of late. The girl seems convinced to do what she can to help. We've told her not to, but the girl has taken to stealing things she perceives as being of value."
Ava looked forward, a certain sick feeling entering her stomach. All the nobles always talked about how peaceful and happy the world was. Why then did this little girl think she had to steal to support her family? Why did a shoddy crumbling place like this exist so close to the castle? Ava's ten year old mind had trouble comprehending it.
"Could you tell me what's happened with your family?" asked Ava softly. "Maybe I could help."
"Your highness! That you'd--! I don't even know what to say," the old man seemed awed. "I was the middle son of a noble. I accrued a fair amount of wealth as a bank manager. My only son, the girl's father, worked in energy resources, overseeing sakuradite mines in Japan while it was still Area 11. Then, twenty years ago, the Demon Emperor went after the nobility. I lost my title, but somehow escaped with my life. My brothers and my wife were not so lucky. My son lost his job when Japan became it's own nation again. He got a job locally at a severe pay cut, and was able to support his wife, his three children and me who had nowhere else to go. But about the time Lucy was born, my son was laid off. He hasn't been able to find anything since. We've been left to our own devices to get by."
Ava reflected on this somberly. It was a far cry form her idyllic life. It made her sad. She wanted to help this man and his family. She still didn't understand any of this though.
"But everyone says Aunt Nunnally does a good job. I didn't think…" Ava spoke tentatively, her head hung.
"I'm an old man. My life is in its decline now. That's why I don't fear saying it, but Britannia was a better place to live when it wasn't afraid to flex it's muscles and show its authority as a world power. Say what you will about war. It's a horrible thing. My father served and died a military commander. But peace does not guarantee happiness. It might be a selfish thing; surely there were people suffering then as I do now, but that doesn't change the hollow feeling inside me that my Empress doesn't stand up for my sake, for Britannia's sake," the old man said before giving a long sigh.
Ava couldn't find any words to say. The man spoke again. "But here I am spilling my life story and my petty concerns to a girl younger than some of my grandchildren. I suppose we lose touch with age. I'm sorry to trouble you with such things, your highness."
Ava looked at the young Lucy. She smiled as she held out her hat. "Please take this," she said. "My mother said it was made from fine silk. It should be worth something."
"Your highness, we couldn't accept such a--" the old man started, shocked by the offering.
"I insist. It would be better used in your hands," said Ava, shaking her heads. "I just wish I could do more."
"No, your highness. That's more kindness than this old man and his family deserve," said the man obviously touched by the act of kindness.
Ava smiled. She turned to go back. There was sure to be a panic by now as everyone looked for her. She had to hurry. Her mind still went to the old man and the little girl. She wanted to help them. She wanted to do something. She had to figure out what she could do.
---
Ava smiled as she went over the details of the dream she had had four nights ago, the night before the conquest of Japan was to take place, yet still hadn't left her. She remembered that day seven years ago. It was an important day for her. A lot of her had grown up then. Before then she wasn't very different from the likes of her cousin Jacquelyn and the others. She was an innocent child who didn't know anything but the world of a Britannian princess, a world that would never be unpleasant, a world of nothing but pleasant things. Before that, she was just like that flower garden, a beautiful thing, well tended too and loved, but entirely isolated from everything around her.
She remembered what happened after that day. She retreated to the books that had always been her solace. She would research economic trends and reports for hours. She'd ask her mother about how things had changed. She'd have long conversations with the servants about their lives and families. She was appalled by everything that she found. It wasn't just that old man and his granddaughter. Britannia as a whole had entered a period of decline. Her juvenile mind couldn't comprehend why no one complained, why no one spoke a foul word to her Empress. She had asked her mother about it once. Back then she didn't understand the reply:
"The world isn't always a happy place, Ava. Even if they suffer now, as long as the cruel memory of war remains within them they shall stay silent. Though things may have become hard for many, they are spared the sadness war brings and thus remain content."
Ava knew she had finally grasped what her mother had meant as she prepared to present herself to the world. War was misery. Devlin Granville, her knight of seven, a man who didn't believe in her per say, but believed in Britannia more than any other, had died. Many other men whom Ava had never known had also died. She was responsible for their deaths. She knew this. It filled her with a sense of emptiness, a sense of loneliness. Still she had to be strong. She was doing this for Britannia and its people. She was doing this for the truth. Backing away now would be the most dangerous choice.
Even if the deaths surely brought sadness, she wondered what the people thought of her. All indication was that she was well loved. She had opened eyes, allowed people to free the dark thoughts within them that had existed for twenty years. What's more, she had caused the economy to reboot considerably, millions of military jobs had been created, sakuradite was coming in like never before, the men who weren't dying in the war surely wore smiles on their faces as they considered their new lives.
Ava somehow hoped she'd meet that old man and his granddaughter again someday, that she'd get a chance to see if she had made any difference in their lives or not. If she had, then just maybe, some of this misery was worth it. She held this thought within her as she walked out before an excited crowd.
"My people, hear me, I, Ava li Britannia, 101st Imperial ruler of the Holy Empire of Britannia, hereby announce that the United States of Japan has fallen. Their allies have all either withdrawn their support or have been defeated. This war is over, and our glorious Empire is the victor. Please join me in welcoming in a new era. An era of a strong Britannia, a Britannia that isn't afraid, a Britannia that doesn't hide."
With those simple words people began to cheer. She was filled with doubt and uncertainty but they were cheering. That made her feel stronger, if only just a little. She prepared to give the rest of her speech.
---
Miya Ashford had a crisp smile on her face as she sat amidst a small group of young men and women. The past few days had been difficult. Her body was worn. She had been worked past her limits and allowed little rest. She supposed it was worth it though. She was quite impressed with the things she could now do.
She stared ahead. One of the other candidates was engaging in a sort of test before the training instructor, a woman in a white Zero mask. The young man was performing a rigorous run though a dangerous obstacle course that tested the very limits of his agility and nerve. Miya knew it was just a matter of time before she'd have to run through it.
"This one looks pretty tough," she said in a sigh. A girl sitting beside her looked up.
"Yeah. I guess it does," she said with a soft laugh, a smile on her face. She was about five years older than Miya and had soft blonde hair, cut short. She was quite pretty.
"I'm Miya," Miya introduced herself, holding out a hand.
"Cynthia," the girl replied kindly, shaking the hand. She then did something that surprised Miya greatly. She giggled before placing a quick kiss at Miya's cheek. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"It certainly is," Miya started with a blush. "What was that for?"
"Greetings are important when meeting new friends. How one reacts to them is a good way to judge who will be true to you," the girl, Cynthia said in a pleasant voice. Miya laughed.
"Well, did I pass then," she said, scratching the back of her head.
"It was a different sort of reaction. It's rare to find a girl who actually seems to enjoy it when a complete stranger granting her a kiss upon the cheek," Cynthia gave another giggle. "You seem to be a very relaxed person; the sort who seldom becomes uncomfortable with anything. You're the type who would be a good friend to anyone."
"I doubt it's so rare to find someone who likes getting kissed by a girl as pretty as you," Miya said, nodding.
"Oh, so is that your persuasion?" Cynthia asked, head tilted.
"I don't have a persuasion. For me it's all about people," said Miya in a calm voice.
"You don't say," Cynthia was impressed.
"I don't know if it's some special gift, or I just have really good intuition, but I can tell within seconds of meeting someone what sort of person they are, whether they're good or bad. It's like I can see some sort of invisible aura that surrounds us all," Miya said, knowing Cynthia was someone who would listen.
"My, what a beautiful gift," Cynthia said with a smile. "And it's accurate?"
"Aside from just maybe one time, It's always right," Miya commented. It was true that she was very adept at making snap judgements after just meeting people. She could tell with one look at a man's face whether or not she should walk on the other side of the street from him. There was just one girl who betrayed her intuition, who she perceived as shining with the best of them, yet propagated evil into the world. That was Ava li Britannia. That was Absolution's sworn enemy.
"Well I suppose that saves you a bunch of kisses then," Cynthia said with a cute giggle. "So what about me, what sort of person am I."
"The very best sort," said Miya smiling.
"I'm pleased to hear that. Most people find me odd," Cynthia said nodding firmly.
"I can tell you're a very kind person, Cynthia. I actually find it kind of strange that someone like you would be here," said Miya, looking at the floor.
"It's like you say Miya. This world contains good and evil, light and dark. It's the job of the light to battle the dark, don't you think?" the blonde girl said with a cute laugh that betrayed her philosophical question.
"Some of it, yes, but I've always thought that the brightest of the light should be allowed to shine purely, never touching the darkness," Miya commented softly.
"Then why are you here, Miya, your light surely shines brighter than even mine," said Cynthia, causing the other to blush.
"Im curious you could say. There's some light in this darkness and I want to understand it, even if it means I'll be forced to extinguish it," said Miya in a heavy voice, thinking of old friends.
"Then I suppose our stories are different. I search the darkness not for light, but for one of the blackest spots, a place within the darkness where a monster resides," Cynthia said, her voice never becoming grim or sober.
"A monster in the darkness?" Miya raised an eyebrow.
"You've surely heard about Japan. Monsters do exist in that darkness. One of them I feel obligated to cast into the light," said the blonde girl in a wispy voice.
"I don't understand how what happened in Japan could have just been allowed…" Miya said looking down.
"Monsters can't be tamed, Miya. No matter the leash you keep them on, they remain monsters. Monsters know only one thing and that is filling their jaws with blood," said Cynthia, still smiling.
"I have this feeling I'm going to be talking to you a lot in the future, Cynthia. You're really interesting," said Miya returning the smile.
"Thanks! So are you, Miya," the blonde gave an agreeable giggle. Miya's eyes fell on the young man training with the white masked woman.
"Looks like he's about done," she commented.
"Yeah, and I'm next," the other replied.
"I hope you do well," said Miya.
"Thank you, Miya. I wish you luck as well." Cynthia laughed. Just then the white masked woman called the young man's training to an end. He stopped, covered in sweat, his body bruised and cut from all that had been thrown at him. The woman told him, to shock, that he had failed the test and needed more practice. She then turned to the small group.
"Let's see, next we'll have a Miss Moore. Cynthia Moore," the woman called, looking at her list of recruits. The beautiful, pleasant blonde stood, revealing herself to be quite tall and even more beautiful. She gave the white masked woman a nod before beginning the training test.
Miya watched, enthralled. The elegance in Cynthia's movements was incredible. It was a whole new level of beauty. At that moment Miya knew that the girl in front of her was a light that shone bright enough to pierce the heart of any monster.
---
Kallen Kozuki wore a grim expression as she sat at a large round table aboard the Japanese flagship, Hitokage, as it sat hidden in the mountains of the Chinese Federation. Sitting at the table was everyone who's voice mattered: Kyoshiro Tohdoh, Nagisa Tohdoh, Rakshata Chawla, Kaguya Sumeragi, Zhou Xianglin, Hong Gu, Kaname Ohgi, Villetta Nu, Yoshitaka Minami and even the Federation's empress. Also at the table was Shinichiro Tamaki, who had forced his way to the table after having spent the last twenty years living a civilian life; Kallen couldn't safely put him in the same category as the others.
"So, we are clear on all that has transpire the last four days?" said Tohdoh in a heavy voice. The stress of having had his younger daughter fall into enemy hands was clear on his face.
"To put it simply, we lost," said Kallen in a low growl. "Japan was taken, our forces left decimated. The Federation had to abandon the cause to save what little of its autonomy it could."
"It certainly does look grim," said Minami, looking at the table.
"We were overwhelmed. When the EU entered the picture, we lost any chance of victory. It's as simple as that," said Rakshata in a somewhat causal tone.
"I agree. The EU was the deciding factor. Without them, our force had superior numbers. With their support Britannia had an effective buffer that allowed them to lead a
full on strike," said Xianglin, looking quite displeased.
"I think we're agreed on this matter. The thing I still wonder is why? Every nation that makes up the Euro Universe was also a UFN member. They are the traditional enemy of Britannia who has been fighting them since long before we have. Why would they join them now?" Ohgi started shaking his head.
"It's cause their a bunch of damn cowards! They got hit hard by Britannia last time so this time they were only interested in saving their own skin, and making a profit in the process," Tamaki accused in a loud voice.
"There are decent men in the EU, Shinichiro, we can't forget that. Fear and greed are powerful things, but it takes a lot to get great men to abandon their pride," said Kaguya in a quiet voice.
"The EU has become more centralized of late, that's part of the problem. The President of the Commission has considerable sway," inserted Nagisa in a slow voice.
"I've spoke with Belisario on a number of occasions and was left with nothing but a favorable impression," said Kaguya deliberately.
"As have I," said Tianzi with a nod.
"But does any of this really matter! I mean, look, we lost, what do we do about it now!?" Tamaki started, pounding his fist on the desk.
"That is the question. We have hardly a move to make, our forces are scattered and the enemy is strong," said Kallen somberly, her heart heavy.
"And there's no Zero to come along and guide us this time either," said Rakshata to stares. Kallen silently agreed with these words. Making the impossible possible was that man's place.
"There is something for us to consider," said VIlletta, looking resolute.
"And that would be…" started Kaguya, shaking her head.
"Two weeks ago, I received a message, a sort of job offer from a group operating in Britannia. I disregarded it as nonsense then, but now..." the former diplomat said in a low voice, the grief caused by her young daughter's death evident in every syllable she spoke.
"What sort of group?" asked Hong suspicious.
"They are called Absolution," said Villetta simply.
"Terrorists, I would assume." Kallen scowled.
"We were terrorists once," said Ohgi, closing his eyes. "If Britannia is to fall now, we must make it to crumble from the inside. If winning back Japan means condoning things we otherwise wouldn't might that not be worth it?"
"Even so, I would prefer knowing some details of this group before throwing myself behind it's cause," Tohdoh said pointedly.
"The message contained no details of the group, only actions for me to take to contact them," said Villetta solemnly.
"That could prove quite dangerous," said Nagisa. "How do you know this isn't a trap?"
"Please now, who has anything to gain in targeting a simple diplomat?" VIlletta said shaking her head.
"You say they offered you a position. What would that be?" asked Xianglin with a stern nod.
"What I'm used to. Ambassadorial work," said Villetta smirking.
"So you'd be their link to us?" Minami said in understanding.
"Would you be all right with that, Kaname?" asked Kaguya tilting her head.
"Even if I wasn't, it's her choice I won't get in her way," the man said with an even expression nodding to his wife.
"Well then, Villetta Nu, we leave it in your hands to secure knowledge of what could be a valuable ally. We all wish you luck," said Kaguya with a smile.
"Yes, Miss President," Villetta replied closing her eyes.
As the meeting came to a simmer, Kallen considered everything. Her Japan had been taken for her for a second time now. Fighting to reclaim it twenty years ago had cost her so much. Naoto's face had grown hazy in her memory, even Lelouch's was starting to fade, but Kallen knew the price for this war was just as heavy with a simple look at everyone's face in that room. That's why she couldn't yield in the face of enemies. She would have to fight just as hard this time.
---
Amelia Gottwald was virtually expressionless as she approached Astrid Weinberg's door, a tray holding the girl's usual Pizza Hut pizza dinner in her hands. A smile appeared suddenly as the door opened.
"Your dinner, Astrid," she said in a pleasant voice as she entered the room. The girl was lying on her bed face down, looking rather distraught, her face paler than usual.
"Oh, Amy…" she started, picking herself up.
"Are you feeling any better, Astrid?" Amelia asked, tilting her head to show curiosity.
"I guess…" Astrid sighed as she sat down at her table, her food placed before. "It's still a sad thing, losing a friend. It's enough to make me lose sight of the fact that I won this time, that I forced my enemy's retreat."
"You're a kind person Astrid, that's why this has such an effect on you," said Amelia with a nod.
"I'm a knight of Britannia. I know people die in war, I'm at peace with that fact. It's a necessity for fulfilling Ava's ambition. But when it's someone I know, when it's him, when I think about what she must be going through right now, I still can't help but fall apart," Astrid said in a weak, pathetic voice.
"Eat your pizza. It'll make you feel better," said Amelia consolingly, a sadness within herself. She was a spy, a deceiver, aiming to kill this girl's best friend. She was Astrid's prime enemy, yet every day the girl was here, she would spill her heart to her. There was nothing but love and kindness in this girl's heart, though some of it may have been twisted the wrong way. Astrid Weinberg was impossible to think of as a simple enemy, she was rather a kind, somewhat sad girl.
"Okay…" Astrid said with teary eyes as she lifted a slice of pizza to her mouth and took a bite. She smiled. "It's good."
"That's better," said Amelia smiling back.
"Yeah." Astrid gave a soft laugh before taking another bite of her pizza. "I can't beat myself up for something in the past that I can do nothing about. I helped Ava succeed. That should be enough."
"You're very dedicated to the Empress," said Amelia, nodding.
"Yeah… well…" Astrid blushed. "Amy, if I tell you something kind of weird, you wouldn't hate me for it, would you?"
Amelia smiled. She gave a quick nod. "You said we were friends Astrid. Nothing you say will change that."
"You know how I said once that there was someone I'd give everything to protect… someone I maybe l-love?" Astrid gave a gulp.
"I remember it," Amelia said closing her eyes.
"Well, it's Ava. I love her," Astrid admitted tentatively, her face red. Amelia already knew this. It was apparent after spending a single hour alone with the girl. Still to hear the words ring boldly off the girl's own lips, Amelia was impressed and also a little sad. This girl's trust in her was so complete that she was willing to divulge such private things. It tore at Amelia's heart; it made her feel like a monster.
"I see. I don't think that's strange, in fact, I find it beautiful. Love is never something to hate someone over," said Amelia softly.
"You're a good friend, Amy," said Astrid smiling beautifully. Amelia was filled with guilt.
Amelia sat with her "master" a while longer, chatting about matters more frivolous. The girl, as per usual offered her second piece of pizza to her maid to keep the conversation going. It was just Pizza Hut, but to Amelia the pizza always tasted somehow special. It was the gift of a warm girl, a girl who maybe loved the wrong person, but was herself filled with nothing but warmth. Eventually, the pizza was done and the conversation reached a close.
"Good bye, Astrid," Amelia said softly as she stood to leave.
"See you soon, Amy," Astrid smiled widely, her mood having improved greatly. Amelia left the room feeling strangely satisfied.
Amelia descended the stairs and moved past some other servants to the kitchen. She sat the empty tray aside for a moment by the sink. She looked to see that no one was watching before opening a side door and slipping outside. Making sure no one was around she pulled out her cell phone. She dialed a single digit and held it up to her head.
"Agent Gottwald, what do you have to report," said a voice, this time a woman's.
"The primary target has reached the point of absolute trust in me. She'd be willing to divulge anything to me," spoke Amelia into the phone.
"Have you secured any usable information so far?" the woman on the other end asked.
"The target harbors a romantic inclination for the primary enemy," said Amelia quickly, callously.
"Y-you don't say?" the woman was surprised. "I trust it is unrequited."
"It seems that way. I have not met the primary enemy to confirm this," Amelia said in a low voice.
"Hmm, well, that puts you in a position where an opportunity is more likely to present itself. If you will, try using your target's trust to get into the castle. It's likely the task will fall to your hands, agent," the woman said deliberately.
"I understand. I will not hesitate when the opportunity comes," said Amelia in a resolute voice. She heard the click of the other hanging up.
Inside she was torn. She wasn't a girl who had many friends. It seemed she was destined to betray one of the few she now had.
---
Chiharu Ohgi stared blankly ahead as she sat atop the bed in her room aboard the Hitokage. Her best friend, Hiromi Tohdoh was sitting on the bed next to hers doing much the same. Almost an hour had passed now since the two of them had sat down, yet a single word had not been exchanged. Chiharu wanted to speak with Hiromi, she just didn't know what to say.
Kiyoko Ohgi was a cheerful girl. She was small and cute and full of boundless energy. She was very direct, never shy. She was playful. She was happy. She dreamed of being a gymnast and had the potential of fulfilling that dream. She couldn't now. Kiyoko Ohgi was gone forever.
It was devastating. The cute little sister who had always been there to pester Chiharu at no end was gone now. Chiharu wouldn't see her again. Even the body of the girl was lost in the fire, buried beneath rubble. When Chiharu considered that she would never see Kiyoko's face again, that she would never hear her voice again, she was filled with a sense of incredible loneliness.
Despite this, Chiharu knew that Hiromi might be worse off. Her and Yasuko were so close. Kiyoko was gone and nothing could be done about it, but Yasuko's fate was uncertain and in the hands of their enemies. What's more, Chiharu wasn't anywhere near Kiyoko when it happened. Hiromi was right there. It was after her own defeat that Yasuko had been taken. She surely blamed herself. Even still, Chiharu couldn't find any words of comfort within her torn heart.
"Gee, you two, does it have to be so mopey in here?" a playful voice came from the room's door. Chiharu looked ahead. Megami Subarashii was standing there smiling. "Come on, cheer up!"
"Get the hell out of here, you insensitive bitch," Hiromi started in a quivering voice, standing and facing the other. Megami slapped her hard across the face. She fell back at the force.
"Stop being such a child," Megami said shaking her head.
"Fuck you! You don't have any clue what we're going through," Hiromi shouted as she came up fist first, ready to knock out the woman's jaw. When that jaw and the woman attached to it became invisible she lost her clear shot. Hiromi went on the defensive preparing for another blow from the invisible woman.
Megami wasn't invisible for long. Chiharu could soon see her. Her arms at least, that was. The woman was embracing her from behind. It was probably odd having another woman hold you like that, her hands on Chiharu's hips, her chest pressing into Chiharu's back, her chin nestled against Chiharu's neck, but it was strangely warm and comforting.
"Don't speak when you don't know someone, girl. I've seen up close a sort of hell you can't even imagine. So don't tell me I don't know what your pain is like," said Megami in a low voice. Hiromi wore a look of defeat on her face, but sat back down.
"If you know, then how can you just come in with that dumb smile and sunny attitude?" Hiromi said with a scowl.
"It's because I know that I do. It's too easy to let pain, sadness, grief, loneliness consume you at times like this when there's no reason to let that happen," Megami said in a low voice, straight into Chiharu's ear. "Doing that just kills you on the inside. It's better to hold your head high and just press forward. Even through grim times, it's best to remain strong otherwise you'll just lose sight of yourself."
"Say what you will, I still want you to leave," Hiromi said coldly, looking down. Chiharu didn't know why, but contrarily she desperately wanted the woman embracing her to stay.
"A strong girl like Yasuko wouldn't want to see you lose yourself over her. Remember everything you believe in, everything you fight for, and move forward with the thought of winning her back set firmly in your mind," said Megami, nodding to Hiromi.
"I can't believe a faithless mercenary like you can speak such words to me," said Hiromi with some venom.
"I've already lost everything. The words no longer apply to me, that's true, but you haven't lost sight of hope yet. That's why I still feel the need to say them to you," said Megami in a low voice.
"I don't like you, mercenary. You think you are more than what you are," Hiromi said in a dark voice.
"Eh, I suppose I've said enough," said Megami, letting go of Chiharu and standing.
Chiharu's lips formed a smile. She would grieve her dear sister the rest of the day. After that she'd allow the girl to become another driving reason why her promise with the Phantom from the past needed to be kept. Kiyoko's memory, Yasuko's safety they would both become new components in her reason to fight. She'd regain her strength, she'd fight on. She wouldn't lose herself, she'd become stronger. She'd avenge Kiyoko, she'd save Yasuko, she'd reclaim Japan, she'd bring an end to this war. She'd do it all. She had to.
"Thank you, Megami," Chiharu said softly as the turquoise-haired mercenary reached the door. The woman turned around and smiled at her before exiting.
---
Yasuko Tohdoh sat alone in a dark, isolated cell. It was a Britannian military prison. She had transferred here after a duration in a prison block aboard a battleship. She was scared and she was lonely. She missed her family. She missed Miss Chiharu. She wanted to go back. As Yasuko contemplated her loneliness the sound of voices soon hit her ears.
"And over here we have the last one. A young girl captured by Lord Marsh's unit," said a very strong female voice.
"Very well, I suppose I'll meet with this one as well," a more subtle, younger female voice said.
Yasuko could soon hear footsteps. Shortly after that, two figures, two women, appeared before her. Both had pitch black hair; the shorter was in her late twenties, fairly muscular, with shorter, wilder hair and a very strong look about her. The taller was younger, just Yasuko's age, her hair was long and straight and she had a beautiful appearance. Yasuko had seen this second woman before. Everyone had seen this second woman before.
"You're the--" Yasuko started, instantly recognizing the young leader of Britannia, Empress Ava li Britannia.
"I am Ava li Britannia, as you well know. This is the Knight of Four, Hildegarde Waldstein. It's a pleasure to meet you," Ava said with a smirk.
"Why would you come to speak with me directly?!" Yasuko demanded, not understanding.
"Surely you know of my ability. I may be the Empress, but having what I have makes me a valuable commodity when it comes to military interrogations," said Ava, nodding.
"I don't know anything, I swear it. I'm just a private," Yasuko said frantically, shaking her head.
"Please forgive me if I don't believe you," Ava said with a sigh. "But I prefer to find the truth for myself."
"Honestly, I'm not hiding anything!" Yasuko demanded.
"You're name, rank and affiliation, soldier?" the Empress asked casually, her eyes locking with Yasuko's. Yasuko knew then that it was too late.
"Yasuko Tohdoh, private. Soldier of Japan under the command of General Kyoshiro Tohdoh," Yasuko replied at once, unable to stop it.
"Your name and the General's are the same. What is your relation?" asked Ava, fire deep in her eyes.
"He is my father," Yasuko said simply, staring ahead without blinking.
"This one already has more value than the others, Lady Waldstein," the Empress said with a smile.
"Yes. She has political value even if she has no information." The woman next to her nodded.
"Being the General's daughter, would you say you get special privileges compared to the other soldiers of your rank?" Ava asked, focusing on the girl in front of her again.
"Yes. I'm sure I do," Yasuko said readily.
"Do you have any knowledge of the newer units developed by Rakshata Chawla for Japan and the Federation?" Ava asked, smirking.
"I do," Yasuko said with a nod.
"What can you tell me of the Federation model, Tianlong?" the woman spoke, giving a soft nod at the one standing next to her for some reason. That woman smiled, looking curious.
"It's pilot is Lieutenant Hu Xuemei. It's meant as a balance to the Shenlong. That's all I know," Yasuko said. It wasn't a machine she knew much about.
"Tell me about Hu Xuemei," the Empress prompted.
"She's 19 year old. Silver hair, pale skin, about five and a half feet tall, very pretty. She reveres General Zhou Xianglin but behaves coldly to everyone else," said Yasuko in brief. The Empress nodded.
"What about Dongfeng and its pilot?" Ava, satisfied, turned to a new model.
"His name is Wu Chaowei. He's in his early twenties. He's very brash and energetic. I don't know him very well at all," Yasuko said, shaking her head. Ava merely nodded.
"Well what about the Japanese machines, you'd surely know those? Hokurei, the machine you fought alongside, what do you know of it?" Yasuko's heart fell. She'd be betraying her sister's personal details to the enemy next it seemed.
"It's just under 14 feet tall, just over nine tons in weight, equipped with a heavy radiant wave-surger rifle, 2 slash harkens, a fork knife, a large powerful radiant wave-surger shield and energy wing systems. It's piloted by Hiromi," Yasuko struggled in letting out the last bit, wanting everything to protect her sister.
"Hiromi?" Ava prompted, causing severe pain to enter Yasuko's brain as she fought to contain the information.
"My big sister, Hiromi Tohdoh," Yasuko said shaking under the Empress' glare.
"Tell me about Hiromi," the Empress said with a smirk.
"She's strong, and smart, and funny, and likable, and very cool. She goes a little too far to protect me some times and sometimes she can't control her temper, but she's really the best sister I could ever ask for. I lover her so much," Yasuko said, tears entering her eyes.
"H-how… how old is she? What is her rank?" Ava asked, looking sadder now somehow.
"She's 18. A Sergeant Major." Yasuko said, looking fearful for what was surely next.
"Well then, tell me about Chiharu Ohgi, pilot of the Jinketsu," Ava prompted. Yasuko was shocked to hear the Empress already had Miss Chiharu's name. She didn't know how that was possible.
"She's incredible. She's kind and friendly, fun to be around and just really cool. She's also amazingly beautiful. I admire her more than anyone else," Yasuko spoke still crying.
"Age and rank?" Ava asked, obviously not interested in the response Yasuko had given.
"19. Lieutenant," Yasuko said softly.
"And what do you know of the machine Jinketsu? As you and Miss Ohgi are so close, you surely know something of its specs?" Ava asked hopefully.
"I don't know the real details. It's a solid ninth-generation machine. Unlike Guren it was built with an ordinary pilot in mind. It's specs are comparable to Hokurei, Tianlong, or any other," Yasuko said nodding quietly.
"Then what allows it to reach the superior speeds we've observed in battle twice now?" asked the Empress. Yasuko had no choice but to answer, even if the girl in front of her would set her sights on Miss Chiharu.
"Chiharu's Geass," Yasuko said, again feeling pain in her head.
"G-Geass?!" Ava exclaimed. "Did I hear that right?!"
"I heard it too, your highness," Waldstein said with a nod.
"Chiharu Ohgi possesses the power known as Geass?" Ava questioned leering blankly into Yasuko's eyes.
"She does," Yasuko confirmed.
"What can she do with her Geass?" Ava asked.
"It increases greatly her strength, speed, reflexes, and mental power," said Yasuko rather simply.
"Enhanced strength? Is something like that possible with Geass? Your Geass, father's Geass, Lelouch vi Britannia's Geass, they all stuck strictly to mentality," Hildegarde started in disbelief.
"The body is all connected to the mind, Lady Waldstein. It's reasonable then that, within a certain limit, Geass can effect physicality as well," said Ava with a steady nod.
"I see. That does seem most reasonable, your highness," said Waldstein.
"Now, girl, I ask, what are the limitations on the ability?" Ava asked.
Yasuko began to shake. The pain was the worst yet. She desperately didn't want to betray Miss Chiharu's weaknesses to the enemy. She'd rather die. But she couldn't resist. With the Empress' Geass eyes on here, she had no choice but to say it.
"It's really dangerous. She'll faint instantly after using it for any more than matter of seconds. If she ever let it last over 15 minutes the doctor said she would surely die."
"Interesting. So it can be safely used in very short bursts, or for an extended period, but only if she is positive she will defeat the enemy within fifteen minutes save risking exposure during the fainting spell." Ava nodded. "I have a friend who will be most pleased to understand how this all works."
"But to think the enemy would have a Geass user in their possession…" Waldstein started in a deliberate tone.
"Where did Chiharu Ohgi acquire her Geass?" Ava asked smiling.
"I don't know. It as after she was shot down in a remote region of the Chinese Federation. She won't tell anyone the truth about it," said Yasuko in a low voice. Ava look dissatisfied.
"Well, I suppose my next question is of the Onryou. Who is the pilot?" Ava asked.
"A woman. A mercenary," Yasuko spoke. There was no pain this time. She didn't care about protecting that woman.
"Her name, age, and place of origin?" asked Ava.
"I don't know any of them," said Yasuko. She didn't care to protect the woman but she had nothing to say.
"Very well, the unit itself, were you briefed on it?" asked Ava.
"I wasn't. She stole it. That's the only reason it was out on the field already anyway," Yasuko said bitterly.
"Do you at least have an idea why it is able to disappear from sight as it does?" asked Ava, looking displeased with the complete lack of information.
"Geass," was all the girl said.
"You're joking?! The enemy can't have two!" Waldstein said in shock.
"People don't joke under my Geass' influence, Lady Waldstein," Ava spoke. "The enemy could have a Geass source in their possession. If so, though we have won this initial battle, our war may be far from over."
"Then I'll just have to keep fighting," said Waldstein resolutely.
"I think that's all I want of you for now, Yasuko Tohdoh. Thank you kindly for your patience. You've been a great help to us," said Ava with a nod to the girl before turning around, freeing the girl from her gaze. The Empress and her knight began to walk away.
Yasuko began to cry. She felt horrible. Britannia would have profiles on all her friends now. She was forced to, but she had betrayed them. She began to question why she had pulled that switch in front of the Knight of Two. Things would be better for Hiromi and Miss Chiharu if she were dead. She was left to contemplate that all alone in the dark, quiet cell.
---
Regina Granville lie on her bed all alone in her room. It felt empty. Everything felt empty. Her life was empty. She had nothing left to live for. Why hadn't that woman ended things for her as well? She kept asking that question. She couldn't find a satisfactory answer. It was as if she were being mocked that that woman would be called to retreat seconds after slicing Regina's heart in two.
Why was she spared? Why? She had nothing now. She wanted to die. Thoughts of killing herself had filled her brain constantly since that day. It had been four days now yet she hadn't moved, she hadn't eaten anything since then, she had just lied there, alone in the darkness.
Astrid Weinberg had wanted to comfort her. Gino Weinberg had wanted to comfort her. Ava li Britannia had offered her a heartfelt apology. Regina didn't want to hear from any of them. She didn't care about any of them. None of them mattered. Nothing mattered. Everything that mattered to her was gone. The only one who could have comforted her no longer existed in that world.
Her mind was clouded in darkness and isolation as she lie there alone, staring up into nothingness. She had no purpose now. She had nothing. She wanted to die. She didn't know if that would reunite her with him, but she still wanted it. She wanted an end to this loneliness.
A stray thought then crossed her mind. He had died saving her. She had survived that day to live on. Would she really be okay with ending everything just like that? She had no purpose now. She just needed to find a new one. She needed to find some way to use this life of hers that had been cruelly spared.
What better way to do so then making them all pay? She'd kill that woman. She'd kill them all. Every soul that breathed against Britannia she'd kill. It was as simple as that. She'd become an embodiment of the hellfire of judgement as she let if rain upon her enemies. Everything was so simple. Thats all there was now. That was her purpose. That was her mission. Vengeance would be hers. Solace would be hers.
Mad laughter soon filled the dark room completely.
---
Ava wore a composed look as she entered the research and development wing of the Britannian military headquarters in Vortigern. She smiled as she was greeted by the figure of Rayner Wilde, wearing a serious expression as he stared up at a battered Bedivere.
"Empress, what gives us the pleasure?" started the voice of Earl Lloyd Asplund from nearby, sauntering toward her with a grin on his face.
"There are some questions I have, but before that I thought I'd see how things are going with the two of you," Ava spoke with a short nod.
"We have a lot of work to do coming from this battle, but we'll get it done," said Wilde finally taking his eyes off the machine in front of him. "New projects are also underway."
"I'll be pleased to hear of them. But first, I'd like to hear more of this one and its lost counterpart," said Ava nodding to the Bedivere.
"Bedivere and Lucan had core specs on par with Lamorak or Viviane. It's simply poor luck that it was Guren those kids ran into. None of the units we have could safely be put on that level these days, but then again few of our pilots could handle such a machine," said the Earl in an easy voice.
"What makes Kallen Kozuki so superior to any of my men?" Ava asked, frowning.
"Some are just born gifted. They can take a continual strain that would kill most. Kozuki is one such individual," the Earl said, lightly.
"Would you say we have any?" asked Ava.
"Probably Cross. I'm convinced that guy could take anything and keep fighting at his best," Wilde said with a short laugh. The Earl nodded.
"Yes, that man is certainly on the level. I'd put Hildegarde there as well," said the Earl. "And maybe Astrid."
"You really have that much faith in her?" Ava said looking down.
"She's a prodigy. That's been evident from the start. She just gets better with each fight too, that girl will surely be a star of Britannia," the Earl said with a showy nod.
"But her father, Marsh, Enneagram, they aren't on Kozuki's level?" asked Ava surprised.
"In my observations twenty years ago, I saw quite clearly that as good as the 'Gino Weinberg's of the world got, there would always be a gap between them and the 'Kallen Kozuki's and 'Suzaku Kururugi's of the world," the older man said, grinning.
"Do you want us to rework the Viviane's specs to Guren levels when we do the repairs?" asked Wilde, nodding.
"I would. Do the same with the Galahad when it is rebuilt," said Ava nodding.
"You sure? Astrid will see more strain as a result?" started the Earl, head tilted.
"The enemy force contains two Geass users," said Ava suddenly. Asplund's eyes widened.
"If you don't mind me asking, where did you hear that, your highness?" he asked.
"From the mouth of a POW well connected within the Japanese military," said Ava sternly.
"My, that is shocking news then. I suppose we can't afford to be sloppy now, even if the enemy is well contained," Asplund said, beginning to smile again.
"Speaking of this Geass, that is actually a question I had for the two of you," Ava started.
"Yes, Empress?" Wilde asked, interested.
"I'm not sure what you know of the power, Geass, but I am curious if you know of a technology existing by which a power within the mind may be transmitted to a knightmare?" the Empress asked wearing a smirk.
"A man named Bartley Aspirus once oversaw a project for Prince Schneizel in which he was able to cybernetically enhance a man and link him into a machine so as he controlled it directly though his nervous system. If I had to wager a guess, this technology could be tweaked to work as you say. I personally have little experience with it, but a certain colleague of mine was able to get her hands on it at one point," said the Earl, his voice serious.
"I see," Ava sighed. "Such a troublesome weapon."
"I've heard about this invisible foe. I suppose we know how it works now," said Wilde, connecting the dots. Ava nodded to confirm it. "We'll try to devise a countermeasure," he assured as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it.
It was right then that base sirens began to blare. Everyone began to look around confused at what was going on. It took a few minutes for someone to run into the room, looking out of breath.
"You sir, what's going on?" Ava asked this man. He looked up and froze momentarily, clearly surprised to see her.
"A key location nearby is under attack," he panted.
"Well out with it then, don't keep your Empress waiting," Ava said looking impatient.
"A small unknown force with at least one Energy-winged knightmare has broken into the private military prison not far from here," the man revealed. Ava's yes went wide. The very place from which she had just come was now a small battlefield. She had to question who the attackers could be. This wasn't possible for Japan. it had to be an internal enemy. It had to be someone with interest in the facility's biggest named inmate, Suzaku Kururugi.
"Who can be deployed, Dr. Wilde?" Ava demanded.
"Constantine, Morganna, and Lionel, are in the best condition," Rayner said readily.
"Right! Let's contact the pilots and have them deploy. That prison contains valuable things that we can't afford to lose," Ava said with intensity, setting a frantic pace.
---
Jeremiah Gottwald looked out at the horizon from the balcony of the building who's basement he had secured. A orange Zero mask was held proudly under his arm. His wife of many years now, Sayoko Gottwald wore a resolute expression as she held her own, white version of the mask.
"It should be starting about now," Jeremiah said, smirking.
"Yes. I have no doubt they will succeed," Sayoko said in a soft voice. "The machine Red and Blue worked on is a powerful one, and of course the pilot is more than capable."
"Securing Kururugi, securing Zero, would be an important first step for Absolution. And with what has happened in Japan, it's necessary we make that step now," Jeremiah spoke in a low voice.
"But then again, Suzaku Kururugi isn't necessity of the plan. The true objective here is making our presence known. We already have the resources and connections for a fight with or without that man," said Sayoko coldly. Jeremiah nodded.
"Correct. Absolution doesn't fear failure. It prepares for it, and finds a way to turn it into success," he inserted.
"Gold reported that Amelia is likely to be the agent used for securing the primary objective based on her current standing," Sayoko said looking down.
"I hope that girl is smart. The chance of failure there is high. I'd rather not lose her needlessly in the fight for this cause," said Jeremiah darkly.
"That's a rather cold thing for a father to say of his child," Sayoko said shaking her head.
"Amelia is prepared to give her life. Though I'd give my own to prevent this, in our position there are some things we just have to accept," said the founder of Absolution with a steady nod. "It's painful to think it, but very soon either our daughter or our sworn enemy will be dead, and it's really all a game of chance."
"I wouldn't ever state things as being so black and white," Sayoko replied.
"I suppose not. That man did show me back then that things don't always occur as we expect," Jeremiah said. "I hope his spirit is with Amelia. Her path is the easiest by which to save the world I swore to him I would watch over in his stead."
"Absolution will set the world back on the path he laid out for us. I'm sure of it," the man's wife gave a nod.
"We can only hope," Jeremiah said in a resolved voice as she stared out into the distance a while longer.
A/N: I know this one wasn't as spectacular as the last. It was a sort of transition chapter. You can't go from intense action chapter to intense action chapter. But yeah, it served to show the effects of the battle and set up the next little action scene. We had our third little Ava dream which provided a few small insights. Cynthia's introduction and her talk with Miya was cute, I thought.A fairly uneventful meeting scene with Chiharu side people, more Astrid-Amelia bonding, and the necessary Chiharu grieving scene followed that. Yasuko's interrogation scene might have been too long. The beginning of Regina's descent was fun. The final scene was moderately informative, mostly just an excuse to include a couple characters I haven't in a long time before setting up the next event.
Anyway, with the poll, it's clear you guys want more yuri. No one thought having two lesbian couples in the spotlight was already enough. But there was a split in the vote regarding how much restraint I should use. 9 of the 20 voters told me to put as much yuri in as possible. The other 11 told me to keep it reasonable. I ran this poll to test my audience mostly. And with this test, I think it's safe to include a fair number of side couples without getting complaints that I'm going overboard. Thanks to everyone who voted.
Items to be added to the info page with the next update:
Cynthia Moore