The Chousin and the Demon

by sephiroth12285

Lelouch vi Britannia and Sasami Masaki Jurai knew one another fondly before the war, but when Lelouch attains powers similar to Tenchi the young princess returns to Earth after seven years away. Yet unknown to them old enemies are returning Lelouch/Harem

21. Chapter 21 The Ranks Grow

A/N: Alright it is here and the next chapter cleaned up and improved at last and ready to go. We had some fun near the end and it gives a clean cut hint to what will come next. Anyway read and please enjoy...

*Modified Chapter on 10/02/2011...content correction*

---

Chapter 21

The Ranks Grow

The following morning Lelouch came to Washu's lab to check on Monica after resting and assuring the Black Knights he was alive and well after his little unexpected appearance on television when he suddenly appeared at the Hi-TV studio. They had been particularly concerned when he appeared a little more than just simply scorched and had assured them he had been only careless, which he would change. Once breakfast with his sister was done the former prince made his way over to the scientist's inter-dimensional lab, which was where he currently found himself.

"How is Monica doing?" Lelouch inquired quietly.

"You were smart to bring her to me when you did…" Lelouch raised an eyebrow at the sad red crab dance, "There is no way any hospital on this planet, or for that matter anywhere close to this planet, that would have been able to treat the wounds she suffered."

"I see, but now…?" Lelouch looked to the redheaded disguised goddess as she still worked on Monica.

"Don't worry she is stable," Washu smiled to him before turning back, "but she is still a long way from being okay," the fact Washu wasn't using her high pitch voice and was in her adult form was telling, "The poor woman lost her right arm, and left leg, suffered a lot of blood lost and part of her spinal column was badly damaged not to mention multiple third-degree burns on her body including deep cuts from shrapnel damage and lastly damage to her lungs and some of her internal organs," Washu snorted in disbelief, "It's clear she was closer to the explosion then her soldiers had been," Lelouch only nodded, they could be treated locally, but it would be some time before they were completely healed.

Although he held a down cast expression, Lelouch was able to expertly hide it well… however Lelouch was actually horrified at the extent of the damage, but he felt all the more thankful he had been smart enough to go straight to Washu. He shuddered at the thought if he had not and did not like it.

Leading him to a capsule filled with a transparent olive-oil colored substance in a corner of her lab, Lelouch saw Monica had been placed inside. The damage was indeed as bad as Washu claimed even though he couldn't see it all, but seeing all of the tubes and wires linked to her which were part of a complex life support system keeping her sustained and stable. He couldn't believe he could get her command out with far lighter wounds and injuries and yet she took the full force of it. He felt like a failure at the moment.

For the former prince it was painful to look at, the once beautiful Knight of Twelve was now a broken doll of her former self with serve burn scars covering over half of her body… the sight of her missing limbs added to the pain he was feeling in his heart.

At that moment Sasami arrived inside the lab finding Washu standing next to Lelouch checking on Monica.

The sight of the woman's broken body was difficult to look at, but the sight of it also made Sasami feel absolutely nothing for Muller given how Lelouch brutally executed him. In fact, it was a fate well deserved, although the reason behind Lelouch sparing the Knight of Ten was puzzling unless he had something else in mind for Bradley. Then again, Lelouch wasn't exactly in top form at the moment either.

"Do what you must for her please…"

Lelouch said solemnly as he slowly walked away seeing Sasami on the way out. Sasami looked into the young man's eyes and saw the pain and the barely leashed rage being held inside… Lelouch had come dangerously close to losing someone close to him.

A silent nod between them was enough as Lelouch teleported away to a distant remote planet to vent out his anger.

'He's mad and while it doesn't show, he risked too much and was wounded saving her,' Sasami sighed as she thought about the fact that Lelouch had taken injuries, lowering his protective fields enough to save Monica and her security contingent, 'That had been too close for comfort.'

Sasami left the lab soon after she finished visiting Monica to check on her, but once she was gone a grin appeared on Washu's face, even if she had been warned not to, as she brought her transparent keyboard and monitor and began typing in some commands as the critically wounded blonde began to stir inside the life-support capsule.

"I can make her faster, stronger, and give her better tools of visual warfare, maybe surpassing Ryoko herself… Yes… It's perfect… I can turn her into the perfect Devicer of my Morri-chan!" Washu crackled madly while working at a computer station with her signature mad scientist grin on her face in a clearly good mood, but it wasn't long before she noticed that Monica was awake.

"Oh.. . .?" the redhead blinked, surprised, "You awoke even with all the medication being pumped into you…" Washu looked sympathetic and for a moment... "Don't worry dear…" her mad grin was gone, "When I'm finished with you, an explosion like that only will leave you singed…" she hit a control button, "Now, nighty-night."

Before Monica could do anything the Knight of Twelve was put under once again.

---

Meanwhile inside her office Viceroy Cornelia was seething in anger over what had happened last night. Not only did the Knight of Ten and Muller go over her head completely and destroyed an entire military headquarters and the adjacent city, which resulted in heavy losses in both troops and civilians, but now support for the Black Knights was growing dramatically now. This was especially true when Zero revealed what had happened along with providing video proof of the Knight of Ten being responsible for the explosion which has the citizens on the Noto Peninsula in an uproar and she was thinking about the Britannian citizens no less.

All in all, it was turning into a bad day for Cornelia and if the Vampire of Britannia wasn't a Knight of the Round she would have had him shot. The loss of Monica was also a heavy blow as she was one of the best tacticians in the entire Empire. Her loss had also opened the flood gates with more military movement from both the EU and China and there were reports of rioting in the homeland, Pendragon included.

"Sister…" a small voice called from the door.

"Euphy… please… this… isn't a good time," a despondent Viceroy said while her back was turned to the door where the Sub-Viceroy was poking her head in.

"I am sorry about what happened," Cornelia heard her sister say.

"I doubt there was anything any of us could have done," Cornelia admitted and as a military commander she knew such things were bound to happen, but not like that.

"But what happens now?" Euphemia asked, concern welling up uncontrollably, "It seems nothing can stop Zero."

Cornelia was silent, but her expression suggested she was thinking about the matter deeply.

"I honestly don't know Euphy… I just don't know," she finally answered.

---

After successfully venting his anger on a remote planet and a hapless Pirate Fleet that stumbled upon him by accident; Lelouch returned to Earth later that afternoon skipping class completely and going instead straight to the Black Knight's new base at a warehouse located on the Tokyo Settlement Harbor where much of their weapons they were keeping was being stored. He noted that the mobile headquarters vehicle was undergoing a tune up, which was good, should they need to relocate, though it lacked a means to maintain Knightmares, it could at least house a command group and carry spare parts and mechanics.

The day had immediately begun looking up for Zero as they had received an unexpected gift from the group known as Kyoto. Seven Knightmare Frames which consisted of six Burai units and lastly Japan's first produced Knightmare Frame...

The Type-02 Guren-Mk II.

Standing before the new Burai Knightmare Frames were the new members of the Black Knights having finally been accepted into the Black Knights by Zero and Minaho, who conducted through background checks on the new recruits, and Ohgi who also gave the okay. From a small group of consisting of less than ten, now they were numbering at least over seven hundred members with plenty more ready to join them especially following what had happened the previous night. Lelouch idly noticed Tamaki returning with the group's pay, including the sign up bonuses that were to be given to the rookies in their group, but Tamaki spotted him and smirked, indicating that the young man had managed to get his hands on some Knightpolice and Glasgows to increase their number.

"Oh wow! Is that a Glasgow?" a new member exclaimed excitedly.

"No," an older member chuckled, "These are Burais, a Japanese modification that makes them twice if not thrice as tough as the old Glasgows."

"The Black Knights sure have some serious muscle," another new member stated as she gazed at the line of Glasgows and Knightpolice getting an overhaul and upgrade, "It wasn't easy signing up with the BK."

"So that means we're special right…" another new member said, "Like elite right?" he then jumped into the air excited, "I feel totally amped!"

As the new members of the organization were checking out the Burais the senior members of the Black Knights stood in awe at the Japanese original model, though a few chuckled at the energy of the newer members, most of their focus was on the Guren.

"The guys at Kyoto they believe in us!" Kento said impressed by the crimson machine before them.

"A completely made Japanese Knightmare," Tamaki exclaimed happily as he approached the group.

"The Guren Mark Two…" Kallen spoke softly; impressed by the machine she was looking up at.

"I am loving this!" the ever excitably Tamaki cheered, "The big shots at Kyoto are recognizing us and we got their approval!" Tamaki added signifying that for the Black Knights this was a very good day for them.

"Tamaki-san could you show me how to use this equipment?" a new female member called out.

"Oh?" he turned and saw what she was working with, "Sure! Hang on I'll be right there."

Tamaki began walking away as the others, except for Kallen began following him.

"Newbies what are you going to do?" Inoue joked as she and the others walked off.

Kallen heard footsteps approached as Zero appeared from the shadows near the Guren's right leg. He stopped to look up at the new Knightmare that had been given to them. He could tell it was impressive and he could also tell where someone had slipped slightly more advanced technology than should there be into the machine.

'The question now is,' Zero thought, 'Is it domestic or does someone have connections?'

"First Tamaki and now Inoue and the others are treating this like a party," a shake of his head showed his slight disapproval as he kept his thoughts hidden.

"Huh…" Kallen blinked at Zero's words.

"Kyoto is backing multiple resistance groups correct?" Zero asked, though he already knew the answer, but he wanted Kallen to get the point as well and that would spread to the others and calm them down to avoid unnecessary loses in the future, his own brush with death notwithstanding.

"Yes," Kallen answered, "Which means we have finally made it in," she looked up with a smile at the red machine, "They know that we are worthy."

"No," Zero slowly shook his helmeted head, "You are wrong Kallen," the redhead looked to him with eyes wide, "This is a test that they have put before us."

"So what if it is?" Kallen answered with a snippy tone, "This is still incredible."

"You are an optimist…" Zero said before tossing Kallen the activation key for the Guren Mk-II.

"What's this?" she blinked at the item she caught.

"The Guren Mark Two is now yours Kallen," Zero answered simply.

"WHAT?" she shouted loudly, "Me, but…"

"By far you are our best pilot," which was the absolute truth, even he hadn't the natural touch she did, "You have skills with a Knightmare Frame that are second nature to you, so having you use the Guren would be the best way for us to make effective use of it," he explained, another truth that was pretty much absolute again.

"I see..." Kallen said slowly as she thought about it, "So that's how it is."

"I have a feeling you and the Guren will get along well Kallen," Zero nodded, his masked face hiding the smile he had, "Besides you have a reason to fight."

The last part of Lelouch's sentence took Kallen back who merely looked at the Guren activation key one more time before nodding her head to accept it. A few minutes later Lelouch and Kallen retired to a windowless room with a table where Minaho was waiting along with Ohgi. There were stacks of documents and a number of maps about the room ranging from city to global as well as communications equipment in a corner and some other minor knick knacks and devices lying about.

"Alright let's get started," he saw the others nod, "Let me begin by saying that I am pleased with the growth we've had," Ohgi and Kallen were standing taller, prouder at that, "As an organization we have gained new members and supplies as well as a new headquarters and equipment," the others nodded, the two 'older' fighters were especially starting to look like a pair of peacocks, "In retaliation for what happened last night, regardless of who died, I am planning a major counter offensive against Britannia code named Operation: DAY OF FURY."

"Operation DAY OF FURY?" Ohgi inquired curious about the operation itself rather than the name.

"It is a surprise counterattack that I've been planning for some time…" Zero turned to his lieutenant, "Trust me Ohgi when it happens the entire world, especially Britannia will remember it," Zero said calmly while Kallen and Minaho knew that Lelouch was no doubt pissed off about what happened, which meant his retribution is going to be extremely fierce and swift.

'Even now he sounds like Lady Seto about to explode,' Minaho thought as the tone of Zero's voice at the mention of last night's events contained hints of suppressed anger and she knew how her mistress could be.

"However between now and the day of the operation there is an issue we must be prepared to address," Zero stated and felt it was truly the maker or breaker of their group.

"What do you mean Zero?" Ohgi inquired.

"As we continue to keep growing it will be required for the Black Knights to create a new hierarchical structure, so we'll need to start planning on restructuring the organization. So we'll need to appoint leaders of different divisions of the Black Knights and place them in key areas throughout Japan which we can use as bases for launching more effective missions as well as places for obtaining and securing additional personnel and supplies," Zero explained while Minaho had a suggestion.

"May I also suggest we should consider setting up a new system of information control within the Black Knights, so if any members do end up getting captured the information they have will be limited to those under a certain rank and level," Kallen and Ohgi turned to her for an explanation which Zero signaled for them, "For instance if we start forming divisional headquarters and bases in other places throughout Japan it would be wise if the information those Divisions have or learn is limited so if they are compromised it won't endanger the local forces as well as the organization as a whole."

"I agree," Zero said at once, he had actually been planning that, but she was the expert, "An excellent suggestion Minaho, but since we're on the subject I will put you in charge of all intelligence gathering and information control for the Black Knights."

"I can provide you with a suggested layout of how we should conduct it," the dark haired Juraian woman said.

"That would be appreciated Minaho," Zero nodded and added, "And we should consider setting up some dummy locations to keep the Britannians from discovering our hideouts as well as emergency fall back bases and mobile support vehicles as well, although the latter two may be some time ahead and not immediate."

"Zero so who do you suggest we assign as leaders for these divisions?" Ohgi asked.

"I have no one in mind yet, but this isn't something we need to do right away either," Ohgi nodded, that made sense, "I wanted to put that on the table as something we'll need to do soon, so I was wondering if you knew anyone you or any of the senior members wanted to nominate as potential candidates for divisional leadership for the Black Knights. They would handle operations in assigned areas or with specific units, carry out missions on our behalf and also conduct recruiting in their assigned divisions along with intelligence work."

"I see…" Ohgi nodded, it was a clear thing to him now, "As big as we are getting I agree and we should start picking out leaders for these separate divisions. I am not sure of anyone at the moment, but I can start putting together a list, though I already know that we trust most acquisitions to Tamaki, so there's at least a start."

"Please do so and agreed, Tamaki is a start," Zero agreed, "Once we select them we'll train them and select a few others to form the core members of that division."

"Right, but speaking of training we have a lot of new people," an annoyed sigh escaped Ohgi, "They are all good folks…" he didn't know what to do really, "Some have skills and training in mechanics and even medical training, but combat experience is a concerning issue," Ohgi added.

"You have a good point Ohgi and I agree with you," Zero responded with a nod of his masked head.

"You have an idea in mind already?" Minaho asked while raising an eyebrow, he though well enough ahead.

"Yes," Zero responded, his tone hinting at a slight ego, "We'll use some of the oldest tactics for guerrilla warfare in the book…" he paused for effect and Kallen swore she was going to hit him upside the head later, "Hit and Run Tactics."

"Hit and run?" Ohgi blinked, though Kallen wondered why such a thing.

"I intend to group some of the new recruits with the more combat experienced members and then begin organizing some hit and run operations where we would attack small convoys of supply and military transports," Zero explained, "Basically we would obviously defeat the enemy and take what supplies they are transporting and escape before they can dispatch troops to get us."

"That's bold," Kallen admitted, "but we got a lot of people who don't have experience."

"I know…" Zero trailed off, "I have a plan in mind to build up some experience under actual combat conditions or simply put, fighting a real battle eventually," both Ohgi and Kallen twitched at this, but let it go, "but in regards to what happened last night on the Noto Peninsula near Anamizu its time we show Britannia we are not a force to be trifled with."

"I saw the news at least over two hundred thousand civilians alone were killed by the explosion's shock wave, falling glass, or debris falling on them, not counting those killed by the actual explosion," Ohgi shook his head, "and that's a mix count no less as some can't even be told if they were Japanese or Britannian anymore."

Minaho sighed as she added, "That's not even including the Britannian soldiers they wiped out which I heard was somewhere around ten to twenty-five thousand soldiers not counting support personnel and those brought along by the Knight of Twelve."

"Then we agree that the Britannians in Japan are potentially divided over Luciano Bradley's recent actions," everyone nodded, it had been more statement than question anyways, "We should seize the momentum and strike back at them," Zero stated firmly.

"I agree…" Ohgi said while Minaho and Kallen nodded their heads in agreement.

"As soon as Kallen familiarizes herself with the Guren we'll begin operations to strike back against Britannia," Zero stated to the group then turned to his Juraian agent, "Minaho start collecting intelligence on possible hit and run targets. These missions should be a good opportunity to put our new Guren Mark Two through its paces and see about sites where we can have small skirmishes between company sized forces."

"Understood sir…" Minaho blinked at the last part, "But company sized forces?"

"Yes," Zero replied, "Keep up with the Britannians movements as best as you can, but we need to also start to get our troops more field experience as Hit and Run Tactics are woefully different from action Field Battles and far more complex to the point that if we were forced into one ill prepared I can see us either losing or being severely crippled."

"Good point," Ohgi admitted, remembering how close they had nearly been killed back in Shinjuku.

"Very well if there isn't anything else this meeting is concluded," Zero stated when nothing else was brought up, but Tamaki chose that moment to intrude with a grin that made it look like he had won a war.

"You'll never guess what I got dirt cheap and fully working and has a beautiful history that's only a few years old!"

He brought up the instructions, still in English, and grinned and when he heard Zero ask that what he was seeing was real, Tamaki only nodded, to which Zero burst out laughing saying they had indeed found their head of supply much to Tamaki's confusion while the others either chuckled or giggled at his dumbfounded look.

---

As the sun was setting, a group consisting of four was hiding out on a hill overlooking outside of the city of Katano. They had chosen a point they were looking down upon the old Botanical Gardens Faculty of Science that was once operated by the Osaka City University before Japan became Area 11. The group had gotten a lead when they had searched the charred remains of the make-shift lab Clay had been using. Back at the burned out wreckage, they had found a number of tools, a few of which were items marked with the seal of Osaka City University, specifically equipment used for cultivating plants and fluid extraction tools found at the Botanical Gardens located in Katano.

That had been a big break and with a recon corvette on loan from the Galaxy Navy's Bureau of Naval Intelligence, they had confirmed communications emanating from the closed facility. The kind that couldn't be linked locally, though there were a few of those as well. The officer in command of the corvette made it clear they either find out and get out or she'll drop the whole place on their heads while they were still in it. It had been clear she wanted her ship back on the frontline, or rather behind the enemy's frontline, as apparently the ship's homeport might be another target for the pirates.

Jeremiah and Kiyone along with their allies Seiryo and his wife were silently observing the supposed abandoned building. The building was supposed to be completely abandoned, they could see why as well as the ground was littered with unexploded ordnance and there was even a minefield, clearly someone had used it as a strongpoint as the walls were pocked marked from gunfire and the burnt shells of several AFVs and IFVs still remained. One side or the other had claimed it and then abandoned it and the Britannian government had seen fit not to invest in restoration of it and thus it was left as a derelict, but they noticed a few lights coming from the empty two-story building that was built into the side of a hill providing two entrances.

"According to the records the faculty of science was supposed to have been abandoned after Britannia had taken control of Japan, but clearly this isn't the case," the Britannian looked over the wreckage from the invasion, he had been close to hear, but no Knightmare had participated in the action over the building, "There is something going on here that shouldn't be," Jeremiah commented, though already aware, he was curious as he remembered seizing some rather advanced rifles only a couple of years ago.

After a brief stopover to investigate the rifles he had seized, still crated and marked for shipment that was long overdue, it was determined the rifles were not from Clay, but rather someone else in the Jurai Empire. They were cutting edge by Earth standards, but surprisingly were using antiqued technology by the Galaxy's standard. Someone had gotten around the law by producing rifles Earth could make on its own and then giving them to the local Resistance fighters. This would require investigation as it still violated the law banning Galactic aid to Earth among several older laws that Seiryo happened to be aware of.

"I wonder what we will find this time?" he turned to Kiyone who nodded and then he called their fifth member, "Radio check Villetta, do you read me?"

"I read you and I have some new information as well," the dark skinned Britannian was sitting in her Knightmare, having helped arrange to deploy the Purist Faction for training maneuvers nearby to sharpen their dulling edges, "Apparently the Knights of One and Eleven were in the Tokyo Settlement earlier and provided some new information about what's been happening with the Knight of Ten."

"Short version if you don't mind," Kiyone asked before the corvette skipper could demand and the woman got the hint.

"Looks like the Knight of Ten was tricked or has gone mad..." she stopped for a moment, "or is no longer the loyal man he once was."

"Knowing him as well as I do," Jeremiah had met the man more than once as a guard at Aries Villa, "Him not being loyal to the Emperor means he found someone better," a snort from Villetta, "or Clay may be involved somehow since he likely can't challenge the upstart that Zero is and the trouble he has been causing," they had found the Order of the Black Knights had raided another of Clay's bases and made off with some vitally important equipment and resources while destroying everything else.

"I vote the latter," the corvette skipper spoke up, "Though that little stunt with that base made him unusually angry and that is not an understatement one bit."

"Agreed," Seiryo said from his perch, "As the Shadow Hawk Wings are completely new and unknown to him and could rival or surpass the Light Hawk Wings, save for the fact one is the sword of battle, the other the dagger of shadows."

"Agreed," the skipper replied, "Since Zero is far too powerful to simply fight alone, he needs to use his mind and gather resources and personnel to fight his battles, but Lord Tenchi Masaki does not and is likely the more skilled of the two in direct combat thanks to years of training and experience, however Zero on the other hand has learned and found creative ways of using his powers so perhaps in terms of tactical and development Zero is better," the sound of her shifting, "We're not getting any more than we have, that's some barrier to block out scans while not interfering locally."

"I wish we could use active scanners, but that's a flare in the night if I've ever heard of one," Kyo shrugged, "I say let's go, we can either succeed or get blown away, but we're do neither standing here."

"There are two entrances…" Kiyone looked over the building's blueprints from what they had survived and what they could gain through the passive scanners, "It could be a trap, but we can't exactly sit here and do nothing like Kyo said."

"I agree we should storm the place," Seiryo suggested, the man itching for action, but being level headed unlike his past, brash self.

"Alright," Kyo said, knowing it was already unanimous, "but I say we do it from the two entrances at the same time."

"Right…" Jeremiah and Seiryo said together to Kyo's suggestion.

Kiyone and Jeremiah moved into position choosing to invade from the lower entrance on the opposite side of the building while Seiryo and his wife would enter from the upper floor entrance.

At the moment Kiyone and Jeremiah rushed out from the second group made their move as they hurried to the door right at almost precisely the same time… the two groups kicked down the door entering the abandoned building. Once the inside the two didn't see anything out of the ordinary than what you would expect from an abandoned build of this nature, though Jeremiah had to pick Kiyone up at one point when she nearly stepped on a trip line attached to an old landmine.

Yet when the two groups rendezvous on the bottom floor, they spoke briefly. The first group had finished its searched of the second floor and had come up with nothing, but had found signs of squatters at one point... what was left of them against the wall. The second group on the other hand revealed they had found a sealed hatch leading underground hidden behind a dust covered table with dead plants set upon it. The second timed moved aside as Jeremiah investigated the hatch himself and with a nod to the others he opened the hatch before proceeding down entering the underground passageway.

"It's clear!" he called up, noting that no one was in the tunnel, though he kept his voice down all the same, sound did travel after all.

"Hopefully this must be Doctor Clay's lab," the Detective First Class stated as he dropped in, peering down the passageway, looking for anything that sticks out in the tunnel.

"We can only hope Seiryo, but so far it seems too easy," Kyo commented as she checked her weapons one last time, it was too simple.

Kiyone was only silent as she looked down the passage. It had been too easy as they had managed to slip through an area, arguably a live minefield, but there were no other defenses aside from some scraps from a war ten years ago. Clay was either confident or careless or worse, did not care what so ever.

The group cautiously proceeded further inside until they came to a sealed metal door at the end of the underground tunnel. Kiyone and Kyo readied their guns while Seiryo prepared his light sword before Jeremiah broke the door down after slamming into it with his left shoulder. Throwing the door down the hall the two didn't find any guards, but what they did find however was too horrifying for words.

Along the walls behind a thick layer of glass were small rooms which each one held a total of six containment capsules where inside a person was seen floating within with wires hooked up to the them. The people in each capsule varied, some were men, others women, but there were even a few children found held inside. They didn't look alive, but well over half of them didn't even look human anymore… some had varying degrees of their bodies undergoing one form of mutation or genetic modification after another. Several of these people were found to have been merged with some kind of plant-like life form.

"The mad doctor's secret lair of horrors," Kyo muttered sardonically with a shiver, "I think I've met less deprave people in Super Max Prisons than Clay and that's saying something," Kyo saw a young girl and felt her stomach lurch, ready to vomit at the mere sight of what happened to her.

Kiyone simply moved through, she had seen similar things before, mad scientists weren't exactly rare surprisingly, but she wasn't unaffected, she just wanted to get this over with fast so she could get plenty drunk later and stay that way for the next month or so.

"I've seen and done a lot," the corvette skipper spoke up suddenly, but the four didn't jump for some reason, "but this most definitely takes the cake," it sounded like she had shaken her head, "Hurry up, even our stomachs aren't that tough," she did sound queasy to them.

Jeremiah and Seiryo were horrified and deeply disturbed by what they were seeing as they proceeded further down the hall looking at the lifeless bodies those of had likely suffered tremendously as test subjects for Clay's twisted experiments and could not fault the woman or their company either. Neither man spoke and Seiryo kept quiet about getting justice for it all, but Kyo had noticed his step had become somewhat demanding and even Jeremiah looked ready to bolt. Of course that was down the hall to find Clay and forget what they should do, both men wanted to tear him apart and leave him for the goddesses to sort out what would be left of him.

Kyo who had seen many fights and battles with some of them having very gruesome aftermaths was finding it hard to stomach what she was seeing. True, her earlier remark would probably be spot on, especially after that prison riot, but this was simply out of bounds even for those she had run into over the years. She now knew how deep Tarant Shank had fallen and wondered ideally if the man's father would approve of him anymore.

'Probably not,' she realized, because the man was far different from his son at this point, he would likely disown the Tarant simply to distance himself from this madness and likely join the GP in fighting against his son, 'That would go over well with Tarant,' she shivered, Tarant Shank hated traitors.

The further they went the worse it seemed to have gotten until finally they came to a large chamber with similar capsules laid on their sides and seven operating tables with lab equipment and tools scattered about. Two armed men were standing in the company of a single tall man who was clearly Japanese with short black hair on a large head possessing a very thin and lankly body wearing a black business suit while his two guards wore black armor armed with laser rifles. The man in the middle seemed to be speaking out loud about something, maybe coordinating or communicating with someone, but none the less, the corvette up in space was now getting a strong reading and quite the mapping was going on among other operations they doing up there.

"Pity these samples didn't endure the experiments," the Japanese man spoke, a slight accent on his Galactic Standard, "but Doctor Clay wanted them kept for reference should he need to return and examine any of them."

"The storerooms are becoming too full can we accept any more?" One of the guards asked, the man shifted slightly, he really didn't like this place, something always seemed off, like the experiments weren't as dead as they appeared.

"We'll move them to the second storehouse if need be," the Japanese man stated plainly, but hurriedly not as hurriedly.

"Freeze!" Kiyone shouted aiming her gun at the Japanese man as Kyo did the same while Jeremiah and Seiryo were ready with their respective weapons as the two guards froze, midway through their turns at the sound of several booted feet, troopers from the corvette lined up with them, a welcomed addition.

"In the name of the Galaxy Police you three are under arrest!" Seiryo shouted, glad for the corvette skipper deciding to send in the backup she said she wouldn't send, "TURN AROUND! HANDS IN BEHIND YOUR HEAD!" Seiryo demanded.

The two guards wearing black armored appeared to be your average hired thug armed with advance weapons, so it was likely the men were from Tarrant's Pirate Guild. They would be a simple case of cuff'n'stuff, but the middle man caught their attention as Jeremiah recognized him recalling his face from a newspaper article he had seen a few years ago. The mere sight of the man was causing Jeremiah to almost lose his self control at the sight of the traitor to Earthlings everywhere...

Atsushi Sawasaki was shocked by the appearance of the four with weapons drawn and a small squad of covert ops troops armed and ready for a fight and given what they had to have seen, he didn't doubt that the whole group would rip him limb from limb if given the slightest provocation, but then his shocked visage changed to a confident one and the two guards went to their weapons.

"Well, well," a voice said behind the men and women of Galactic Society, "Seiryo Tennan and Kyo Komachi," Kyo looked ready to throttle the speaker and Seiryo was ready to put the bastard down once and for all, "I wasn't expecting to encounter you two here," the unexpected voice said from behind as Jeremiah turned while Seiryo looked over his shoulder to see a familiar face.

"So Tarant Shank," Seiryo smirked, the man was good, but he was better, "Didn't think I would find you here… this is our lucky day."

"Lucky day…" Tarant smirked, "Hah! Don't make me laugh Seiryo!" Seiryo slightly turned the man out without him noticing it and Kyo couldn't help but roll her eyes, "That time you beat me was a fluke, but today I get a chance to reclaim my honor."

"You NEVER had any honor Shank!" Komachi snapped suddenly, "You were only tolerated because you could get the job done!"

"Sticks and Stones, but this argument is pointless," he said as his own men filled in, weapons at the ready, "I'll kill all four of you myself and then no one will realize the existence of this storehouse."

Tarant snapped back before his mechanical arm suddenly transformed into a charged particle cannon and fired a sphere of energy at the group intent on killing them in one shot, but Jeremiah stepped in front of it and raised an energy shield blocking it.

"That won't happen…" Jeremiah said evenly, "In the name of Lady Tokimi and as a soldier of Britannia sworn to the House of vi Britannia," Jeremiah brought his right arm up, "I will take you down myself," the hidden blade slid out from its housing, punctuating his words as he shifted to a combat stance.

"Then come on Earthling!" Tarant shouted as he fired another shot that Jeremiah defeated easily.

Jeremiah then launched himself at the evil space pirate hell bent on taking him into custody knowing both Tokimi and the Galaxy Police would benefit greatly from his capture. Raising his sword up to cleave off the pirate's mechanical arm Jeremiah brought his energy blade down, but only for Tarant to counter it with his own blade conjured into existence with his right hand. Never the less, Jeremiah's strike was formidable and Tarant actually had to bend his knees to absorb the recoil while the ground beneath his feet cracked.

Tarant backed away as he shot a beam of energy from a concealed laser gun near his cybernetic left eye, but it missed the Britannian's right cheek by an inch who had sensed the attack before it could be made. Teleporting directly behind Tarant, the enhanced Britannia delivered a swift roundhouse kick to the side of his opponent before trying once more to cleave off his left arm to hopefully disarm him of his more potentially deadlier weapons.

In the room Jeremiah had been in; Kiyone, Seiryo and Komachi were engaged in combat with the two thugs protecting the former Japanese Government cabinet member from them while Sawasaki was hiding behind some crates staying out of the battle even as the covert special forces soldiers and the pirate soldiers began to exchange heavy fire with one another, a fight that was quickly degenerating into a brawl as there was too much cover and not enough room to probably fire their weapons without severe collateral damage.

Jeremiah and Tarant were fighting a fierce duel in the hallway behind the group with their blades clashing with the two seemingly equal in strength, but the deceitful pirate was devising an underhanded way of turning the tables in his favor. From under his wrist on his left arm a thin silver guard began to peak out before it shot out with the space pirate grabbing it to throw it about in a fashion similar to a whip.

On reflex the former Margrave backed away with a quick spin to avoid being hit by the whip with Shank pressing his advance. Jeremiah used the force of his spin to thrust forward with his blade after shooting a bolt of energy at the cyborg pirate to stall him thus creating an opening for him to land a blow, but Tarant was quick as he had deflected the shot with his energy sword before dealing a high kick into Jeremiah's gut leaving him open to wrap his body up with the whip he had, but it was something else other than being an offensive weapon. Yet, Jeremiah had managed his own trick and was preparing to break free and Tarant could see he had little time.

Detaching the cord from his wrist, the pirate quickly backed away before snapping his mechanical fingers to detonate the explosive cord he had wrapped Jeremiah's body sending the enhanced Britannian to the ground, but the explosion only slightly hampered the warrior since his body had been highly advance to give him a very durable body.

His clothes may have been slightly burnt by the blast, but the former Margrave was still capable of fighting. Upon which Jeremiah proved as he emerged from the smoke still ready for more as he brought his blade down upon the space pirate who barely backed away in time to avoid having one of his arms cleaved off by the former Margrave's blade of energy.

The result was the space pirate's clothes getting cut so the Britannian managed to deal out some damage, but the fight between them kept going with the two exchanging blows as Tarant transformed his mechanical arm causing it to morph into a heavy pulse cannon to fight back with. Jeremiah dropped to his knees to dodge the first shot, but was back up again deflecting an attempted horizontal swing from Tarant's blade.

Stepping forward Tarant head butted Jeremiah before kicking him in the stomach. The space pirate fired a shot from his pulse cannon, but the Britannian recovered enough to cleave the blast in half. Then having enough of Tarant and seeing him in the right spot, Jeremiah thumbed hidden detonator that caused the small string of high explosives that had been attached earlier to Tarant to explode, though Jeremiah doubted the bombs actually hurt Tarant, but it was the psychological factor he was aiming for anyways.

And sure enough Tarant appeared from the smoke, coughing and hacking and clearly mad as he blindly charged the former Aries Villa Guardsman who only had a smirked on his face that further irritated Tarant.

As their battle waged on, Seiryo, Kiyone and Komachi succeeded in taking out the hired thugs protecting Sawasaki before subduing the former Japanese government official. The covert ops soldiers had also succeeded in overpowering the pirates they had been fighting without loss. The room was quickly secured and the survivors were being handcuffed for their crimes.

Now Komachi and Seiryo were moving to give Jeremiah some back up so they could take Tarant captive as well. Seeing the situation was turning sour now that his head was starting to clear, Tarant began to wonder if Tokimi herself or her servant D3 would step in an attempt to capture him. So the space pirate decided to cut his losses and escape on his own, abandoning his men and again turning to run from the fight. Dropping a smoke bomb from his person, Tarant was covered in a thick blanket of smoke that filled the entire area before the treacherous space pirate teleported away.

"DAMMIT! The coward got away!" Jeremiah shouted in frustration as he punched a clear wall and sent a slight vibration through it as cracks developed.

"It's his nature," he heard from one of his company, "Tarant has always been a coward," Komachi pointed out, "but a tenacious coward who keeps coming back and actually can succeed if you're not careful."

"At the very least we captured one of Doctor Clay's insiders from the Japanese Government and secured this warehouse while learning of a second," Seiryo commented trying to provide a positive outlook on the situation and then continued, "While a nice bonus, Tarant was just that, a bonus today and not the prize, but now let's see to our other bonus of the day," hearing Seiryo's unusually happy tone meant that the poor SOB they had just captured was in for a rough row to farm.

"Hopefully he'll know something," Jeremiah said as he, Seiryo and Komachi returned to the chamber where Kiyone was waiting with Sawasaki in her custody even as the soldiers were beginning to mark things down and get everything on paper and prep for transport or disposal as the pirate prisoners sat dourly knowing their fate already.

"It's obvious this isn't his lab," Seiryo remarked and more than a little glad that it wasn't if he was honest with himself, "but from what they were saying this is some kind of storehouse right?"

"Apparently this is a storehouse for…" Kyo let a sigh her, her stomach still in the throes of rebellion, "...those poor souls who Clay has experimented upon who did not live through it, but is likely keeping them for further study," Komachi said with a strong sense of disgust in her voice as Jeremiah's attention was suddenly diverted when he noticed something moving on one of the metal tables.

"What is it Jeremiah?" Kiyone asked from next to Sawasaki.

The Britannian didn't reply as he walked over to one of the metal tables, but unlike the others that held an apparently decease test subject… this one had a live one. Before the Britannia was a small boy who seemed about around ten years of age with black hair and brown eyes. A Japanese boy, but rather what remained of one. Over seventy percent of his body including his torso and all of his limbs were horribly mutilated and combined with some kind of plant-like life form. The only parts that retained any visage of the boy's remaining humanity were his right shoulder and part of his head that still appeared normal.

With all of the wires hooked up to the poor child and various internal organs he could see through the bones and withered away skin it was unbelievable that this boy was still alive, but it made it all the more tragic as Jeremiah could see it in his eyes.

The child was in unimaginable pain and torment.

"Please… please… kill me… kill me."

The boy begged with tears in his eyes while groaning in agony. For the Britannia for having been the type to look down on others not of Britannian blood this scene was extremely difficult to look at, but as much as he wanted to look away… he couldn't and knew why... he was reaping what he had sown over the years.

"Please… kill… me…" the boy was practically begging.

"Rest in peace and know we seek to bring to justice -true justice- the one responsible," the boy looked better at hearing that, "and he will be punished to the full extent of the law," Jeremiah said to the boy, his voice slightly wavering, but he kept his person together as the boy smiled with a small nod.

Following a slow nod of his head, Jeremiah conjured his energy sword into his hand before mercifully ending the child's pained existence. The smile had morphed to one of sheer bliss, as the agony ended and with a quiet "Arigato," the boy passed on... An uneasy silence had settled over the room as the Britannian slowly turned around before slowing approaching a trembling Sawasaki as a pair of soldiers placed a blanket over the dead child.

"If we didn't need you for information…" Jeremiah said slowly and evenly, "I would use the most painful methods I can devise to end your pitiful existence, but I hope that you will pay for your crimes and your part in all of this."

Jeremiah said darkly while resisting the strong, seemingly almost overpowering urge to kill the man on the spot after seizing him by the collar and holding up a full foot off the ground. The others didn't say anything since even they had questioned if anything could have been done for the boy, but given how radical the mutations and genetic modifications likely done to him was even possible? They weren't scientists or doctors, but they didn't think it was likely that child could be restored to his original self.

Jeremiah calmly walked out of the room while a concern Kiyone watched him.

'Unseen' by the three officers and lone Britannian, the soldiers had decided to met out a little early punishment on Sawasaki. By the time he would arrive at GPHQ, he would have been 'caught while attempting to escape custody.' Few if anyone would be asking any questions, as only the most hardened of GP would be handling the storage site and since even Intelligence Spooks were queasy, it was probably a good thing at that.

---

Later that evening at the Ashford Academy, Lelouch (vi Britannia) Lamperouge had entered the auditorium which was being used for the Springtime Dance as well as the surprise event Milly had planned later that same evening. The young former prince walked further into the auditorium where the dance was now starting to begin with music and couples out and about enjoying themselves. The former prince was nervous as he adjusted the collar of his suit he was dressed in. Unlike the stock off the rack outfits that the males of the academy were wearing, the young former prince opted for something that was classier and had a better sense of style to it as well as a lot less ruffles.

His attire consisted of a black waist-length satin waistcoat with gold buttons and embroidery on the edges, deep cuffs, and pocket flaps and a high-collar possessing a chest pocket sporting a pocket square and wrist ruffles of fine lace. Underneath he wore a purple vest and a dark purple cravat that had a small red gem in the center and a white collar shirt underneath. Lelouch also wore matching dark breeches with black polished ridding boots and finally white gloves on his hands.

He still ideally wondered why Milly insisted on such a gala. He had his suspicions as he eyed the room, some of the young men and women were dressed according to their high born status and he was often surprised by how many were shockingly modest and even moderate. Though he stood out, his outfit would fall under the heading of modest itself, where as he saw several which would win them friends with his sisters Fifth Princess Carine and First Princess Guinevere su Britannia.

Observing the crowd as he waited to be announced, hopefully with no joke on Milly's part, but she knew what would happen if she did and something he hoped she would, he still wondered about the dress for the night.

Everyone looked as dressed up and done up as any noble family with long dresses for the women and frock or rider coats with breeches for the men. The common tuxedo was not to be found this night or any other style of formal dress that was 'modern.' If anything the dress appeared to be akin to a Southern gathering with a strong showing of Londinium dress from before The Fall of London 200 years earlier.

"Presenting Student Vice President Lelouch Lamperouge!" the man at the door called out and Lelouch walked in, greeting a few fellows and friends and making a girl or three giggle, he strode in stride to this as his well taught manners in such events came to the fore.

Lelouch then was alone and took a moment to adjust his cuffs a little before he walked over to the buffet table to take a slip of water not trusting the punch since it could have been spiked. Plus he could more easily tell in the water by simply holding it up and the way it reacted as it was held. He highly doubted that Milly would spike the water, but he was careful none the less and as he left, he could see several people inspecting the punch just in case.

A few minutes passed until a certain girl came along kindly asking.

"May I have the next dance?"

Lelouch turned and saw Sasami standing there wearing a new all pink strapless princess style evening gown and small roses in her hair making her just absolutely stunning in the young man's eyes.

"I would be honored."

Lelouch said as he took Sasami's hand and the two walked out onto the dance floor as a new song began playing, 'Flowers of the Forest,' the version by one Mike Oldfield. Holding her hands as the two began slowly dancing to the song playing, but while the other couples around them were too absorbed with one another Sasami and Lelouch also became fixated with the other as the eyes of their partner locked with their eyes as if looking deep into the other's soul.

A moment of silence followed between them until Lelouch spoke.

"You are much better since the last time we danced together."

"I could just decide to step on your feet just for that." Sasami remarked with a smirk.

"Sorry, but I my real intent was to compliment you not to make fun of you."

"Hee hee, I know…but you are fun to mess with sometimes."

"I suppose."

Lelouch replied with a warm smile as Sasami suddenly threw her arms around Lelouch and laid her head on his shoulder. The former prince likewise returned the affection by wrapping his arms around her and holding her close as they moved to the music.

"This evening seem uneventful so far…"

"Don't say that," his tone warning, "You might jinx it," Lelouch finished.

"Aren't you concerned about this event Milly is planning?" she asked, very much concerned, which on a side note, Sayoko and Minaho had hidden her combat armor and weapons just to be safe.

"I am somewhat concerned as to what it is," he knew Sayoko had taken his sword, Meiyo-no-kage, from him, much to his annoyance.

"I doubt it's anything too crazy," Sasami was trying to be positive, "but let's enjoy the dance as much as we can before it comes around."

"I completely agree," he nodded, he could always 'need to use the restroom,' "Which is why something more appropriate needs to be played."

Lelouch said as the song ended and the former prince broke away from Sasami's embrace to tell the students handling the music to play a specific song for him. Afterwards Lelouch began walking back to his date for the dance, but not before grabbing a rose from a nearby table.

"What song did you ask them to play?"

"You'll see… Tango?"

"Me… uh… sure."

Sasami said with her cheeks turning red as Lelouch took the rose and began stoking it lightly down from the top of her forehead long her nose as the instrumental tango song 'Por una Cabeza' by Carlos Gardel began to play.

Upon reaching the tip of her nose the teal-haired girl grabbed the rose and held it in her mouth as Lelouch took her right hand holding it far out as the two assumed a close embrace while moving to the Sasami's right together before stopping allowing the girl to arc her back over the young man's right arm before rising back up allowing Lelouch to take the rose from her mouth and into his.

Holding her in a close embrace with his left arm going around her torso from the front while he held her outstretched left arm she was holding above her head while she was leaning back allowing the man to practically drag her across the dance floor. Before stopping to hold her in another close embrace as the two moved together in a full three hundred and sixty degree motion before Sasami fell back arching her back upon Lelouch's left arm, but upon rising back up Sasami took the rose from her beloved's mouth and breaking away from his embrace.

She was holding the rose in her right hand before twirling away from Lelouch a few feet before stopping and reserving her movements to return to him before taking held by the former prince with his right arm around her torso holding her close. Sasami began to slowly lower herself until she was upon her left knee, but as she slowly moved down the princess moved her right hand from Lelouch's ribs all the way down to the knee on his left side before coming back up again repeating the same motion, but only in reserve.

Back up at his level Lelouch took Sasami in a close and tight embrace as he held her as the two continued their dance, but from the side lines Suzaku was watching with a cup of punch in his hand enjoying the sight. However off to his right a good distance away he could spy Milly and Shirley who were watching the two inventively.

"This is not fair!" Shirley said with tears in her eyes while she almost on reflexive instinct crushed the paper cup she was holding in her hand while her friend Milly was outright jealous at the two.

"I agree!"

Milly downed another cup of punch before going to get another…t he poor girl has really been drinking cup after cup of punch from the bowl, though thankfully, somehow had made sure it wasn't one she tainted... they hoped at least.

Back on the dance floor the couple continued their tango which has drawn the attention of the other students, but Lelouch and Sasami didn't notice as the two were far too preoccupied with one another to care. Lelouch held Sasami in a reserve embrace as the two stepped forward in one direction before the former prince took the young maiden's hand and switched positions to a V-shaped close embrace.

Their embrace was so close than before now with their cheeks pressing against one another. As the song finally came to an end the two ended their tango by assuming an open legs ending pose with Sasami putting her right leg over Lelouch's upper left thigh for support while the young man kept one hand on her lower back to hold her while his left hand held her hand before Sasami slightly arched her back prompting Lelouch to lean in close keeping his face close to hers.

After the song ended there was a loud applause from all of the students who had been watching.

The two finally aware of the audience they had unexpected captured causing Sasami to lightly blush at the attention they were receiving.

"Alright that was some very good dancing," every boy and girl in the room suddenly felt the need to run for the hills, "but now that all of our couples have had some run together it's time for the main event!" Milly said from the stage with a mischievous grin on her face.

"Here it comes…" Lelouch said grimly and a dozen or so boys around him nodded in unison.

"Now Lelouch I wouldn't worry…" Sasami couldn't help, but want to suddenly drop the busty blond through an atmospheric re-entry naked, "Besides what could she be planning?"

"That is a very good question Sasami, but because it's Milly planning it…" he shivered and some people were trying to sneak out and found themselves locked in, "That is reason enough for me I should be concerned."

"Alright I want all of the boys to come up onto the stage…" several looked ready to try their luck at the windows, "COME ON! HURRY UP!" Milly shouted and it looked like a military surprise snap inspection as all the boys were suddenly trooping up the stage like soldiers.

"Do I dare go?" Lelouch asked himself wondering if he and Sasami should just flee for their lives.

"Now come on Lelouch it could be fun, so let's go!" Suzaku said surprising the two from behind as he proceeded to drag Lelouch to the stage.

"Sasami…" Lelouch turned to her, "HELP ME!"

"Oh go have some fun!" Sasami said before giggling at the sight of the young man being dragged off by his best friend.

'Suzaku,' Lelouch thought, 'I'm gonna take a perverse pleasure in terrorizing your unit later,' then his eyes went back to Sasami, 'And I'll have a punishment planned for YOU Sasami.'

Once on stage the bad feeling the young man had began to worsen by the minute especially as Milly shot a wink back him before making her announcement.

"Okay!" she shouted, "Now that we have all of the guys on stage I want to remind everyone that we are accepting donations to help the people who have suffered terribly at Anamizu Town, so our little fund raising activity tonight should raise more than enough to give those people a little pick me up," cheers went out throughout the crowd, "That is why tonight as our fund raising activity we shall have a…" she paused for the effect, "MALE AUCTION!"

'WHAT?'

Sasami, Lelouch and even Suzaku thought at the same time after hearing Milly's announcement, although for Lelouch it merely confirmed his fears as he spoke to Suzaku out of the side of his mouth.

"Pack your Arctic gear Suzaku," he mumbled.

"Why?" Suzaku mumbled back.

"I hear its real cold this time of year at Alaska Outpost Twenty-Four," Suzaku knew his friend to be vindictive and wondered if he could get that countermanded as AO-24 was located on the edge of the Arctic Sea and Alaska itself.

.

"All you have to do is wager on the man presented her and if you win the bidding you get him for the evening so how about it ladies?"

"YAY!" A sound deafening cheer echoed throughout the auditorium.

"So first up! Rivalz Cardemonde…" she paused again and suddenly Washu who had been observing felt sorry for Lelouch as she had a flashback she'd rather forget, "STEP ON UP!"

"Alright!" Rivalz shouted, looking like a proper gentlemen despite the eager grin on his face, "I'm all fired up for this Madam President!"

"I'm glad you are…" she smiled before turning and calling for a song, Twisted Sister's 'We're Not Going Take It!' "Alright let the biding..." she paused again for a full two minutes, "BEGIN!"

The room was tragically silent despite the blaring music for a few moments until a girl spoke.

"I bid Ten Pounds!"

'Wasn't that Shirley's roommate?' Lelouch thought.

"I bet Fifteen Pounds!" another girl called and Lelouch was certain it was one he had chasing him regularly.

'Crafty,' he thought, 'Rivalz knock'em flat and up for my sake!'

A slight stomp on his foot showed that for all his naivety, Suzaku knew what he was thinking even as the bidding between the two girls went on and on and several others joined in until...

"We bid One-Thousand Pounds on him!" both girls shouted, "Together!"

"Ok I have Ten-Hundred Pounds… do I hear Fifteen-Hundred Pounds… anyone for Fifteen-Thousand Pounds?" Milly said scanning the auditorium for someone to outbid the one girl, but no one else spoke.

"In that case, going once, going twice…" she was about to finish... "SOLD!" she called out, "For Ten-Hundred Pounds!"

'Ouch… Sorry Rivalz…'

Both Suzaku and Lelouch thought while they saw the sad and dejected face on the young man who was secretly hoping Milly would bid on him, though he seemed somewhat happy he went for more than a penitence of money and to two girls at once.

"Sorry Rivalz…"

Suzaku said trying to comfort the young, but despite this seemingly streak of bad luck the young man was pleased when he saw coming to the stage to claim him was a new student… Meeya I. Hillmick, one of the new students who had joined the swim team and was quite popular among the male students for obvious reasons besides her interesting light plum-pinkish hair and wine red eyes and fair skin complex and a friendly if not slightly airhead personality.

Though he was still surprised that long time Swim Team member and Shirley's roommate Sophie Wood, with dark blue, Prussian Blue eyes, and also fair skinned was there with Meeya and both took him arm in arm and he ideally wondered if he was about to be asked about Lelouch or did Milly spike the punch.

"I… guess I can just take it in stride… I suppose," Rivalz feeling a little better as a happy Meeya and Sophie promptly claimed him and dragged him off the stage.

"Two for one folks!" Milly suddenly called out and the female cheered, two less rivals, "and for the next song!"

The DJ began to play 'Kung Fu Fighting,' Cee Lo Green version as Milly turned and the crowd was eager...

"Up next is..." waiting for everyone to get into it, "SUZAKU KURURUGI!"

"Oro?" Suzaku said suddenly, causing girls to laugh.

"I bid Twenty Pounds!" was immediate to everyone's surprise.

"No I bid Thirty Pounds!" another girl shouted.

"NO!" another shouted, "FORTY!"

"FIFTY!"

"Seventy Pounds!"

"TWO THOUSAND!" was suddenly shouted.

"Alright I hear Two Triple Zero!" Milly reported to the crowd, "Do I hear Two Oh Ten…" silence, "ANYONE?" again... silence; "In that case going once going twice..." she dragged out...

"Three Thousand Pounds!" a girl called out at the last second and Milly repeated the process before shouting...

"SOLD for a nice Three Thousand Pounds!"

"Have fun Lelouch!" Suzaku said before leaving in the company of a beautiful female student which was unexpected, but nevertheless the two couldn't complain, yet there was something familiar about her, 'Nina?' Lelouch realized with a start even as the next dozen or so boys went on, but that was when Milly called out the next unlucky sap- LUCKY, yes very lucky young man for auction...

"And now…" the blond creator of mass chaos paused for effect as 'Eye of the Tiger,' by Survivor began, "For the best we have this evening..." everyone was waiting and suddenly a very alone male realized something... "LELOUCH LAMPEROUGE!"

All hell broke loose immediately loose and Lelouch suddenly felt like transforming and running to a hidden planet somewhere.

"I bid One Hundred Pounds!"

"I BID ONE HUNDRED FIFTY POUNDS!"

"I bid a good Two Hundred Fifty pounds!" Milly bid with a small smile on her face and a glare from a certain former prince.

"I SHALL BID TEN THOUSAND POUNDS!"

The girls gasped as all heads turned to the girl who screamed out the insane amount who turned out to be Kaguya who was dressed in her usual pink and red robes she wore while attending meetings with the heads of the Kyoto.

'Oh merciful deities…' Lelouch groaned inwardly, 'Anyone but Kaguya!'

But no one could outbid that except for…

"Well okay then…" Milly was slightly off, "uh… Do I hear Thirty Thousand Pounds to my Twenty Thousand?" Milly smirked, this was a battle she wasn't about to lose.

"TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND-TWO HUNDRED POUNDS!" Milly shouted all of a sudden and Lelouch nearly fell over on his side.

"THIRTY THOUSAND!" Kaguya countered at once.

"THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND!" Milly answered, more than a little annoyed.

"FORTY THOUSAND!" Shirley shouted then was countered.

"FIFTY THOUSAND!"

"SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND!"

"EIGHTY THOUSAND!" Shirley shouted.

"…One hundred-Ten Thousand Pounds…" a voice wafted through softly as the three girls were resting their lungs for the next round.

"HUH?" Kaguya, Milly, and Shirley said as all eyes went to the door where standing there was the Knight of Nine Nonette with a grin on her face lazily spinning a broken door handle in her hand as she leaned against the door frame.

She was dressed in a skirted version of her Imperial Order of the Knights of the Round uniform with a cuts on both sides of the legs that went to her mid thigh and a triangular cut in front and back that was still modest as it only reached just above her knees and had showed a respectable underskirt hid the inside of her legs. Her hair was still the same, though slightly longer and with a small bow in it at the back of her head. Though it was the front of her uniform that stood out... there was a conservative V-Cut in it that showed off her the sides and top of cleavage, though it wasn't scandalizing given her history.

"Whoa well this unexpected the Knight of Nine and she has bid One Hundred-Ten Thousand Pounds for Lelouch!" Milly cursed inwardly and sent a look at Shirley that said, 'Get your backside over here right NOW!' the slightly airheaded orangnette seemed to teleport to the blonde's side.

"I BID ONE HUNDRED-TWLEVE THOUSAND POUNDS!" Kaguya roared shocking the entire room again as that wasn't actually so large a sum... she was going to push it and milk this for all its worth.

"Two Hundred Thousand pounds…" Nonette replied calmly as she strolled forward, a serene smile on her face.

'Oh hell! I'm screwed either way!' Lelouch thought as the situation wasn't getting better for him.

"FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS!" Milly and Shirley shouted together, really shocking the crowd.

"Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Pounds on Lelouch…" Kaguya responded with a triumphant smile as she shouted out, "BEAT THAT!"

"Alright…" the Knight of Nine responded, "I bid One Million-One Hundred Thousand Pounds!"

The entire gathering was even more surprised while Shirley at this point has fainted, only to be shaken by the Ashford Heiress with a smirk as she declared

"We bid One Million-One Hundred and Fifty Thousand pounds!" Shirley then remembered that Milly didn't know how to retreat... let alone how to perform a Tactical Withdraw.

---

As the fiasco that was the Male Auction at Ashford Academy was going on, another event, one of Galactic Importance with far reaching effects was taking place at the Galaxy Police Headquarters which was still undergoing repairs, but thanks to the Galaxy Army and a few dissidents, the last remaining criminal hold outs in the massive construct were now back in jail, but that isn't the event of Galactic Importance unless you're a victim of the recaptured criminals.

Jeremiah Gottwald preformed an express teleportation, bringing Sawasaki to Galaxy Police Headquarters to be interrogated for any information that could help them find Clay and/or combat and defeat Tarant Shank. The enhanced Britannian was standing behind a tinted window where on the other side Sawasaki saw a mirror, but he would have been aware of that, it wasn't exactly uncommon knowledge and the man had been in Japanese interrogation cells for corruption related crimes in the past. How ironic that it was now that a possible source of those charges had landed him inside a GPHQ interrogation room with Airi Masaki and Mikami Kuromitsu was standing over the captive former Japanese government official.

Some people never learn.

"So Sawasaki eh?" the aged blond woman spoke with a hard, neutral tone, "A key player during the Genbu Kururugi Regime and a notable member of his cabinet and one of Jurai's most trusted allies and agents," the headmistress of the GP Academy closed the file before her, "and so we find you having been involved in this mess," Mikami said calmly while glaring at the Japanese man who knew he was as good as dead at this point.

"Just tell us what you know and you might avoid the death penalty," Airi said with venom in her voice and then she smirked, "Or having her come by and pay a visit," the man's face bordered on the color of death, "Tick-Tock," the taunt went out.

Deciding to do a bad cop and good cop act Mikami assumed the role of good cop.

"Now Sawasaki," she began, but noted the time anyways just in case and a fair warning, "I don't think I need to tell you the crimes you face are very serious," she held a neutral expression, "So it might be better if you tell us all you know now."

"Hah! If you want to get something out of this scumbag we need to persuade him to do so or just let her handle it."

Airi remarked darkly while pulling out a razor sharp butcher knife before stabbing the sharp blade perfectly in-between the middle and index finger of the now terrified Japanese man's right hand. Yet, before they could go any further, someone else entered the room and to Sawasaki... it was now no longer good cop and bad cop, but this one that was likely what one could call… the Devil Cop.

(A/N: Scary as fuck cop is more like it!)

"Dears, please go out…" the tone was soft and gentle, almost playful, "Mister Sawasaki and myself are going to have a deep chat..." Seto replied while entering the room as the blood from Sawasaki's face drained from his face and his pallor was that of death itself.

The poor fool was now going straight to the meat grinder, he wasn't going to jail and he sure as hell wasn't going to pass Go and collect 200 bucks.

"...H-hai, Seto-sama…" Airi said quietly, slightly disobediently -for show-, as she and Mikami quietly left the room, but as the door closed Mikami said in a sweet voice.

"You should have told us everything before Lady Seto arrived."

The door was now closed and Sawasaki was now facing a fate worse than death… he was alone with Lady Seto Kamiki Jurai in an interrogation room.

"It's been awhile Sawasaki..." the lime green haired woman began, "Been doing well?" she inquired and wondered if the man hadn't already died, "I have heard you have a new hobby…" Seto said before within seconds her sweet smile and demeanor evaporated leaving only rage and anger.

Now she had one of Clay and Genbu's collaborators and she was intent on squeezing every bit of information out of him.

...May a very merciful god have mercy on his soul…

As it stands, there seems to be a sudden lack of merciful goddesses.

The mirror was now blocked by a curtain that had fallen over it while the sound in the room had been blocked out by the two men inside the room who was monitoring the interrogation.

"Why are you two shutting the sound and blocking the window?" Jeremiah asked the two men, one was vaguely human and the other looked like a Dark Elf.

"Trust us friend we're doing you a favor…" the Elven one said as he shook involuntarily at the mere thought of what was about to happen.

"Yeah that bastard is royally screwed," the other guy shook his head, "It might have been better for his sake to have executed him as that would be far more merciful than right now."

"I see," Jeremiah responded, these guys were the mark of be veteran, tough as nails cops, "So she is that frightening then."

"She can be a lot worse than what her reputation claims her to be," the non-elf responded with a slight quiver in his tone despite it not really being noticeable.

"So I bet one thousand credits that the guy ends nuts!" the elf-like alien suddenly said.

"I'll go with that," a new voice said, "I bet one thousand more that he starts bleating like an Earth sheep," the newly arrived third man said while two more men entered… they were members of the Galaxy Police's Crime Scene Clean-Up crew.

The two new arrivals also offered their bets as well.

"I drop two thousand that he starts acting like a Cosmarian Monkey!"

"I'll put five thousand on him jumping from the balcony into the ground below headfirst for that elusive perfect score he didn't get with his high school swim team," the other guy responded.

Jeremiah blinked and responded, "He was on the kendo team in high school."

"I know," the fifth roughly humanoid tiger, lion, or liger responded.

Jeremiah stood there wondering just how bad Sawasaki was going to suffer, but as far as he was concerned it was going to be worth it.

Back at the Ashford Academy the now legendary bid for Lelouch Lamperouge was finally entering its final stage as Kaguya was putting it all on the line now with the young girl now putting down the biggest bid yet for the young man.

"I shall bid Forty Million-Eight Hundred and Ten Thousand Pounds for Lelouch!" she could have gone further, but the old men would have had a heart attack, but she at least beat the Ashford girl and her friend cold with this bet a Thousand Pounds less than her.

"Now that is high…" Nonette whistled, her respect for Kaguya off the charts, "I might not have enough money," Nonette said jokingly, "Ha! Not!" Kaguya gave her a death glare, "I Fifty Million Pounds for Lelouch!"

The entire female populace gasped and the whole room was in complete shock as Kaguya was now behind by a single Million Pounds, her limit and unable to bid any higher.

"Well I guess there is no beating that so, going once, going twice…"

"Fifty-Five Million Pounds," Sasami suddenly said casually.

"Oh!" Nonette looked challenged, "Sixty-Five Million!"

"Eighty-Five Million," Sasami responded and Lelouch looked shocked... her dad was going to likely kill him later.

"Ninety Million," Nonette smirked, she actually had VERY deep pockets.

"One Hundred and Sixty-Five Million Pounds," Sasami challenged with a slight smirk.

"He's worthy every bit of it!" Nonette said with a smirk of her own and declared, "Two Hundred and Eighty-Five Million-Six Hundred and Fifty Pounds!"

Sasami actually blinked, before sighing, "In one piece if you don't mind," she said with another sigh, "I like my boyfriend in one actual piece."

"Two Hundred Ninety Million!" Shirley suddenly yelled, she and Milly having finished a little planning between them.

"Five Hundred Million Pounds and I have a lot more ladies," Nonette knew she had won, especially after the Ashford heiress deflated in defeat.

"Needless to say," Milly began, even as Eye of the Tiger continued in the background, "Going once!" she looked around, "Going Twice!" she looked around again, seeing several girls throw their arms up in defeat and others deflate, "SOLD!"

'Maybe she won't be as bad as Kaguya would have been,' Lelouch thought.

'I am sure you'll be fine Lelouch...' Sasami spoke to Lelouch telepathically.

'Hopefully,' he mentally muttered.

At the very least it allowed him to escape the rest of the following chaos as Milly's male auction continued with her plan ruined, but the blonde was determined to still have a little fun one way or the other.

---

Elsewhere Princess Cornelia was inside her office alone with a look of concern on her face. Her thoughts lingered on the Knight of Nine's well being since she knew she was taking Monica's death rather hard, although there was word from Zero that might have survived… even through it was highly unlikely anyone but Zero could have survived such a horrific explosion, the appearance of Monica's soldiers alive, if badly injured was a sure sign that she might be alive as well.

She sighed; her earlier victory had lost all its warmth. It had been both shallow and petty, but it was a reminder. She would not tolerate such an act a second time and the Emperor knew it too.

She sighed again facing out the window, clad only in her under shirt and her long breeches. She stood up on her bare feet and quietly padded her way over to the window and looked out. She saw for once, the possible true face of her Empire, her home and she did not relish it. Her thoughts of course going back to that time seven years ago.

She recalled that time when she had informed Nonette of the time she told her that Marianne's children Nunnally and Lelouch had been killed during the 'war' between Japan and Britannia seven years ago. The poor woman had been surprisingly crushed by the news just as she was when she first heard it… it was depressing to see her so emotionally vulnerable, but having seen her in a similar state recently following Monica's death… Cornelia had her concerns as she wondered.

''Should I go out and find her? She mused to herself, noticing in her reflection that the top buttons of her shirt were undone to the midway point and that the same applied to her breeches, 'And keep her from doing anything stupid?'

Cornelia thought it over and wondered... and then decided.

"What the hell," she said softly, finishing undoing the buttons as she vanished behind a hidden door, "Tonight I'm going to go and find myself in a rubbish bin in the morning and my knight pulling me out as I vomit!"

That sounded quite entertaining for once in her life.

Though she wouldn't wake up like that... Darlton and his sons had tracked her down just before she could get that drunk and took her back to Viceroy Palace.

---

Meanwhile outside Nonette was leading Lelouch away while the young man was mentally trying to figure out the likely possible situations he was going to end up in. If he was truthful, several weren't so bad and in fact the only thing keeping him from enjoying them was Sasami and the image of her father making him pay for it. He seemed to be a somewhat killjoy that way and he was actually rather happy with that.

But, then again, so far the Knight of Nine hadn't tried anything indecent... so far at least.

However something did happen once they reached the roof of the student council clubhouse where Lelouch lived… apparently the Knight of Nine dropped her cheerful expression for one of sadness and hurt as if she had been stabbed in the heart.

"Lelouch as you know the Knight of Twelve..." she stopped and shook her head, "Monica was killed not too long ago."

"I know…"

Lelouch replied quietly although he was fully aware of the fact that Monica was in fact alive, but he couldn't tell her not without revealing himself as Zero.

"I'm not good at situations like these," Nonette nodded, neither was she, "but I can't do anything but offer my sincere condolences."

Lelouch said sadly while Nonette walked up to him looking down at him before gently pushing him against the door leading down from the roof and pressing herself against him as she lowered her lips to his left ear while tears began to fall from her eyes.

"I haven't been like this since I had been told you and Nunnally had died in Japan," she admitted and Lelouch wondered if Nonette had been the same as Monica at one point in his early life, "I don't mean to burden you like this, but I needed to be with you tonight," her voice was barely holding and Lelouch knew there was no longer any reason to hide his past from her, "It's hard to explain, but… I… need you."

"Why?" he asked softly, "Why me?" he spoke softly, "I am a banished prince and you are a Knight of the Round."

"You're the ONLY man I'll ever allow to have me," she leaned back to look into his eyes, "I made my choice Lelouch and I have deemed you as the only man who will ever have me…" her eyes were so bright, so full of life and honesty, that for a moment, Lelouch wondered about himself, "You need to only say it and I would give myself to you completely without hesitation, but I would prefer it if you took me instead of me offering myself to you," Nonette said with a tone of voice that didn't sound seductive, but rather it was caring voice of a lonely sad woman one needing a warm body next to her own for the night and a lot of others thereafter.

"I am not sure if I understand?" he wanted clarification; he wanted to know what it was that was setting off something with in his powers, something hidden within her.

"What is there to understand?" she saw he sensed something, but he knew it to be a separate matter, "The nobles and other princes are spoiled and power-hungry and many of them, especially it seems, the Emperor as well," she was honestly surprised how easy that was to say, "only see women like me and Monica as playthings, but you are very different compared to them, so you have a better sense of decency than they do by far and unlike many men I have tested you didn't fall prey to my charms."

"Tested?" he was mentally calling bull; she was trying to hide the real truth.

"I dislike the typical man who would sleep with a woman at the first chance he gets; because you see the man I want to share that moment with, and a lifetime thereafter, must be not only a strong man, but also a truly decent and good natured man who wouldn't jump a woman when they see one like Clovis did."

Lelouch couldn't stop his snorting before he realized he was doing so.

"I suppose if his taste in swimsuits…" he later learned that Cornelia had burned hers' and Euphemia's swim suits simply to have something to burn, "Not even mentioning the ones he designed wasn't any indication."

"Ha-ha-ha!" Lelouch had to admit, her laugh was truly true and nice tonight, "I guess you have a point there."

Lelouch was generally surprised for once he was seeing a completely different side to the Knight of Nine he didn't expect to see. Yet, the feel of her mature body against his was making him a little uneasy as he was struggling in vain to control his own body from reacting in kind to the situation he had now found himself in.

"Lelouch vi Britannia I…" she stalled, trying to actually say it and he knew it, he must be like his father a bit too much, "I love you."

"What?" he said, though he heard her, he just... he was wondering where he got it, his mother or his father or both.

"You heard me…" she said, he just wasn't sure, she knew about Monica's own confession as well, "Of all of the noblemen and princes I have met you are the only one I can say who has a better sense of honor as well as a good head on your shoulders than any of them," she knew he would piss off the whole world if only to get it to unite and have peace if could try, "If you were to ask of me I would gladly give myself to you completely."

"But I am only seventeen!" he protested, whether about her or the fact that he's been through so much was debatable.

"Your mother was the Knight of One by fifteen and only a year later, before she was sixteen even, she was married to your father who was MUCH older than me your highness, but that aside I would give you everything that I am including my skills and abilities as a knight for you to use how you see fit?" Nonette said pressing herself closer to Lelouch to drive her point home before capturing his lips with hers.

Lelouch's eyes went wide open as he could feel Nonette's lips as the woman stole a kiss from him, but he could hardly argue as he would really want that, but there was one thing missing... she was still deep in despair and there was only weak warmth and a drive of need.

Noticing his slight resistance and hesitation, though he was still giving a return, Nonette pulled back breaking the kiss.

"Something wrong…" she asked shyly, "You have an opportunity I have never given to a man before and I can even tell your body is going crazy," her right hand dropped down and Lelouch knew he was rather in need now, "but you are not…" she looked him in the eye, her hand coming back up, "taking the initiative."

"I'm sorry Nonette," he responded, he needed to end this now, "but I have already promised myself to another…"

"I see…" she said neutrally, but not in a bad way, "Even if I'm jealous of her... I can't but respect you even more…" Nonette said with respect and understanding in her eyes, but a mischievous grin appeared on her face, "but I of course will want my money's worth so I'll make a promise to you?"

"A promise?" he narrowed his eyes.

"Yes," she responded, "I will save myself only for you," he caught something off about her eyes and when he spoke...

"WHAT?"

"You heard me young man…" she misunderstood his confusion, "I cannot envision myself with any other man, but I'll respect your wishes your highness," she smirked and leaned in, "However I ask that in return that someday when your obligations are fulfilled and if the situation at the time allows it I am yours."

"You can't be serious?" he responded.

"Try me your highness… ha-ha-ha-ha…" Nonette said with a smile and a laugh.

'Well at least I'll be surviving the night with my pants still on,' Lelouch thought, but he was certain there was more here.

As Lelouch thought while things had worked out a little better than he had thought, but watching them from across the way Sasami was quietly laughing having watched the two and was pleased with Lelouch's devotion to her, but Nonette's devotion and love for the young was surprising to say the least.

'I guess she is a tad bit better than Ryoko I suppose.'

"Oh well Lelouch it's sad you missed out on scoring with a beautiful mature woman like me…" Nonette said while laughing, but her comment having a familiar tone with it.

Growling like a pissed off cat, "Exactly like Ryoko..." Sasami twitched slightly.

Meanwhile, down in her lab, clad only in a bra and shorts and winding down from the day and the fact she had managed to avoid the dance and auction, Washu raised an eyebrow at what she was looking at. The readings didn't lie about what she knew she saw as well. The question now was... was that Nonette or was that Tokimi and what was Nonette to Tokimi.

"I wonder what you are up to sister?" Washu was curious, as she would have in all likelihood Monica, Tokimi had Jeremiah, and possibly Nonette belonged to Tokimi as well... no something else was afoot and it would prove to be quite the game.

"Good thing I was checking in on them..." Washu muttered before stopping and a grin with a salute of her soda bottle, "And you likely knew that? Didn't you Tokimi-neechan."

Taking a last swig of Coca-Cola Lime, something she would never grow to hate, Washu began closing things down for the night and heading to bed.

"Tomorrow's another day," she muttered, "Better have Sayoko and Sasami check Lelouch's injuries, though he should be fine now," and with that said, she checked on her Knightmare and Monica and then yawned and went off to bed.

---

Semi-half-baked humor off panel attempt...

A/N: (Conversation between Washu and the Author)

"So why is Lelouch injured?" - A

"Well I want to have an excuse to do a check up on him?" - W

"So you basically want his shirt off." -A

"...I am not answering that, but you'll be quiet if you want your money." -W

"Okay... you win he's injured... slightly, but he healed pretty damn fast either way... happy?" -A

"Quite..." - W

Cue the Gundam SEED Preview Theme Music... and role them!

The dance has come to a close and the auction has revealed surprising traits. What will the next part be like? And what of Monica? Well she recover in time to join the battle once more and which side will she fight for?

And what will be Operation: DAY OF FURY?

How will Zero pull it off and how much is already in jeopardy by the Knight of Nine alone?

Also, who will appear and how will it go when the average life is intermingled with the background of revolution and galactic war...

And what is that bright light? And that sound of a rabbit?

"Tearing through all corruption and evil, the Black Knights shall emerge victorious!"

---

A/N: (back in serious mode after attempts with humor…hoped no one minded lol)...alright enough of that lol but yeah besides little things in the next chapter will be more fun as the Guren makes its combat debut, but Kallen will find a stowaway and Zero will gain a new ally among other interesting events.

Next chapter will be out as soon as possible and trust me it will be something to look forward to...thanks for reading and drop a review or two. Also I am laying in ground work for a second Muyo story (I plan to do it after this one) along with a possible new Harem pairing line up with a poll at the forum post I made that you can find by going to my profile and using the link.