Snippet spoiler: pretty minor

The Akatsuki policing force was formally established shortly after the start of the Great War when the Princess Euphemia granted a royal charter allowing it to act as law enforcement in the wards outside of the Tokyo Concession. Several conditions were attached to the charter, including a requirement that all members of Akatsuki demonstrate qualifications for actually serving as police. As a significant percentage of Akatsuki's ranks were composed of former officers from the defunct Japanese Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, this requirement was relatively easily satisfied.

Contrary to popular belief the Lady Kallen Stadtfeld-Kouzuki never actually commanded Akatsuki in its police force form. Shortly before the resistance organization's transformation into a formally recognized entity she handed command of Akatsuki to her second, Sir Kaname Ohgi. Sir Ohgi would lead Akatsuki throughout the war, helping maintain law and order within the wards and successfully reducing crime to almost pre-invasion levels. Despite often voicing a desire to return to teaching, Sir Ohgi continued serving with the Akatsuki and its successor organization the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Force for many years.

-Toward a New Dawn: The Rise of Euphemia I

Chapter 48

Disce quasi semper victurus vive quasi cras moriturus

Andreas adjusted his collar again, exactly how many times this made it he had long lost count. There were simply too many things on his mind that at this point quite a few motions were purely reflexive. The list of things that needed doing, all of the little details that still needed sorting out, there was no shortage of work he could be attending to. Then again it was important for a general to know when to delegate and that was exactly what he had already done before coming to the airstrip. The last thing Jeremiah needed was for Andreas to start micromanaging just because the lieutenant-general was feeling restless. Then again one of the reasons he was here now was that this could still be counted as fulfilling his duties even as he waited for his own plane to be readied.

The arriving transport finished taxiing and its rear lowered to disgorge its cargo. From the side a hatch popped open and the passengers disembarked. In the lead was a towering, broad shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard. Immediately following was a statuesque young woman with long deep blue hair tied into what was definitely a non-regulation ponytail. A few others also exited, most of them wearing the same colors as the young man standing to Andreas' side. The approaching soldiers came to a halt and raised their hands in salute. Andreas and those with him returned the motion.

"General Arseid," Andreas greeted. "It is good to see you again, even in such trying times."

Lieutenant-General Victor S. Arseid, Captain of the Guard of Her Highness Cornelia li Britannia, Second Princess of the Realm, nodded solemnly.

"Indeed, General Darlton." His gaze shifted over to Claudio. "My sincerest condolences, to both of you. All of them showed such promise. To have them fall before they had the chance…"

Victor trailed off, his jaw tightening, not for lack of words but because there was simply nothing else that needed to be said. He had been the one to oversee the Darlton brothers' induction into the Princess Cornelia's royal guard after all, the one that drilled into them everything they would need to know to serve as knights to her highness. And it was his training that had fallen short in ensuring that they were still here to continue that service.

"You gave them a chance to find honor," Andreas said. "For that you will always have my gratitude, Victor. And I hope you will remember them for what they did achieve under your guidance."

The other man allowed the faintest of smiles to touch his lips before nodding. "The same to you, Andreas."

Andreas returned the motion with a solemn nod of his own before he stepped aside. "Claudio will see that you get to the viceroy's palace. Princess Euphemia has already been informed of your pending arrival and has stated she wishes to see you at your earliest convenience."

"I am glad to hear that," Victor said with a relieved sigh. "Her highness gave all of us quite the fright when news came of the JLF attack on Tokyo."

"That she most certainly did," Andreas agreed. "Her guard however held the line and saw her returned safely."

Victor tilted his head in acknowledgment of the point. He then regarded his old friend.

"You will not be joining us?"

Andreas shook his head. "The marshal has ordered me to take command of our forces in western Area 11. I will be departing shortly."

The other general's eyes flickered for a brief moment before he nodded. "Her highness does need to leave the situation to someone she can trust if she is to withdraw and begin coordinating the rest of the Empire's forces."

That about summed it up. As Marshal of the Empire Cornelia's responsibilities in theory extended to overseeing the entire Britannian military. In practice most of the work was done by the general staff back in Pendragon, though the princess kept herself apprised of all pertinent matters even when in the field. With the Empire facing a multi-front war against both the Chinese Federation and the European Union however she could not afford to focus all of her attention on a single battle or even a single front, Cornelia needed to be able to focus on the entire world.

"And I can leave both her highnesses in confidence that they will be well looked after," Andreas said, "especially with the reinforcements you have brought."

Victor cracked a slight smile as the two men glanced back at the soldiers organizing the unloading. Soldiers, all of whom save two wore the Princess Cornelia's colors. Two however wore the crimson of the elite Knightmare Corps Cadet Brigade.

"Has your daughter completed her qualifications as a knightmare pilot?" Andreas asked.

"Just about," Victor said. "The final stage of the brigade qualifications is a truncated roulement tour."

Andreas raised an eyebrow as he glanced over at his friend. "Are you suggesting having her serve that tour in Area 11?"

"Laura was the one that made the suggestion," Victor said, a mixture of pride and concern in his tone. "She has been following news of the Princess Euphemia's policies closely, the two are good friends after all, and she wanted to be here to try to support her highness."

"I see," Andreas said. "And the other cadet that accompanied you?"

"Cadet Rean Schwarzer, Baron Schwarzer's adopted son." Victor pursed his lips for some reason. "He studied the same school of swordsmanship as that of General Eyre."

The eyebrow stayed up. Now that was an interesting tidbit. Swordsmanship was an expected quality for those of good breeding, ladies and gentlemen alike. The majority tended towards fencing, ever the classic, though even fencing had enough diversity in styles to have competing schools. Outside of fencing however there were a few other prominent ones, one being the Arseid style that utilized a modified highland claymore and which Victor himself was the latest in a line of masters of.

Then there was the 'school' that one Jonathan Eyre, and apparently this Rean Schwarzer, were a part of, though it was less a formal school than a style that was extremely pragmatic about its purpose. Whereas court fencing had seen a degree of gentrification, wielders of the spadroon disregarded such niceties as formal right of way and focused on one thing and one thing only, killing their opponent as quickly as possible. Such pragmatism probably had something to do with the Scottish origins of this particular combat style, what with the vehemence and determination the Scots fought against being forcibly incorporated into the old British kingdom and then the imposition of continental rulers.

On the other hand the Arseid school could be said to share a common historical origin, also having arisen in the highlands, and Andreas knew Victor did not personally look down upon wielders of the spadroon like so many of the more snobbish nobles. So what would make the man so uncharacteristically hesitant. Andreas glanced again, and noted the manner in which the two cadets were speaking with each other. Despite everything that had happened Andreas found it impossible not to allow a slight smile to crack. At that age, little wonder. And then a frown appeared.

"Will there be any complications in the two serving their roulement together under the same command?" he asked.

Even if they were cadets fraternization rules still applied when in the field.

"We shall see which commands they serve their roulement under," Victor responded. "There are many who could make use of their skills after all."

That Andreas could only sadly agree with. And began to consider just where the talents of the two cadets could be most gainfully employed.


If C.C. felt any nervousness from having her secret exposed to the Princess Euphemia she did not show it. In fact as far as Kallen's now considerable ability to read the subtle changes of expression in the other girl's features could tell, the green haired girl was actually feeling somewhat bemused. Kallen idly wondered if there was anything C.C. did not find some amusement in. She was pretty certain that list was very short.

"So, you call yourself C.C.," Euphemia said.

The princess was seated in a loveseat now instead of her bed, but there was still a stiffness to her motion that made clear she really should still be resting in the latter. 'Should' however was not something that seemed able to impede a royal.

"I know you have no reason to cooperate," the princess continued, "especially in light of my brother's mistreatment of you. Indeed that mistreatment is all the more horrific in light of what you have already done for my family. But still, I have need of answers that only you can provide, so I must ask them of you."

"Mine contractor has informed thee of mine condition?" C.C. said dryly.

Euphie nodded. "You are bound somehow, unable to answer in fullness on matters that touch upon the geass and your last contractor, at least directly. But you can answer indirectly."

"And thou thinks such answers come as I fain?" C.C. responded.

Euphemia pursed her lips. "Perhaps not, but then are you saying that giving us the answers we seek is not worth the effort you must endure? A fair enough statement. What would you desire then in exchange for said effort?"

C.C. tapped her chin. "What I seek be not what thou may provide. Thou art of another house and thus beyond thy ken."

"Are you referring to whom I received my geass from?" Euphie asked. "Only someone that you have given a geass to can provide you with what you want?"

C.C. seemed mildly impressed at how quickly the princess seemed to grasp her meaning. So was Kallen for that matter, maybe she should have come to Euphemia long ago and saved herself the headache of parsing the other girl's convoluted speech."

"Aye, tis so," came the remarkably concise response.

Euphemia glanced over at Kallen and the girl shrugged.

"She won't tell me what exactly she wants, just that in time I will either prove able or not," Kallen said.

The princess frowned and looked back over at C.C. "Is your intent to rely on luck and chance? Should you not be offering Kallen at least some guidance to nudge her towards your desired outcome?"

C.C. smiled slyly and Kallen feigned clearing her throat to cover a cough.

"She, actually has been, sort of," Kallen said.

"I see," Euphemia said dryly. "Perhaps we should start at the basics then. Ruben believes you were the one that spirited Nunnally to his family. Is that the case?"

C.C. raised an eyebrow but after a few moments nodded. There was no tension or strain in her movement.

"Then were you also involved in the cover story of her suicide?"

"Nay," C.C. answered concisely.

Euphemia frowned. "Then who was responsible?"

C.C. fell silent for several moments. "That tis not the inquiry that yield the most result. Thou shant find succor or solace along that path."

The princess clucked her tongue, whether in irritation or weary acceptance Kallen could not tell.

"Alright," Euphemia said, apparently deciding to move on, "then why did you save Nunnally?"

C.C. licked her lips. "She, held potential, as one whom shares blood with a lineage most venerable."

"Venerable? Are you referring to her mother's family, or her father's?"

To this C.C. made no response, instead staring at Euphemia intently. The princess grimaced, unable to discern just what that look was supposed to imply. She was also pretty sure that the ambiguity was completely intentional on C.C.'s part.

"Is this, venerable lineage also why you spirited Lelouch away?" she asked instead.

The intent stare hardened into something else entirely. For a moment Euphemia thought C.C. was actively glaring at her. Then she realized the other girl was completely frozen and her own expression became concerned.

"C.C.?"

That seemed to snap the other girl out of it and she began blinking once more.

"I say," C.C. said somewhat crossly. "Choose thy inquires with greater care, lest I be rendered utterly mute."

Kallen's eyes widened slightly. Apparently the binding was a bit more serious than she had assumed at first. Then again considering this Lelouch was prepared to have his pawns commit suicide to prevent his secrets from being revealed, it should not be a surprise at all that whatever he did to C.C. to keep her from blabbing would be equally severe, or at least as close to it seeing as the woman was seemingly immortal.

"My apologies," Euphemia offered honestly. "Still, this compulsion you are under is proving extremely problematic. If we could break whatever has bound you and make it so that you can speak of your own volition, are you willing to answer my questions?"

"Thou art certainly not lacking in ambition," C.C. said dryly.

"A yes or no would suffice please," Euphemia said dryly. "I hear enough doubletalk in matters of court."

C.C. regarded the princess, her eyes hardening ever so slightly.

"If thy possesseth the means to undo mine curse, then thou art deserving of the sooth," she finally said.

"I shall hold you to that," Euphemia said.

Kallen looked over at the princess. "Do you actually have any ideas on that, your highness?"

Euphemia nodded. "The thought elevator."

The lazy look in C.C.'s eyes disappeared in an instant and the girl looked at the princess intently. The reaction was not lost upon either of the other two women.

"There is supposed to be a link between a geass bearer and the one who granted the geass," Euphemia said. "It apparently allows the granter to, peek, into the mind of the bearer, though to what extent I am not entirely clear on."

Kallen raised an eyebrow at C.C. but saw that the girl was entirely ignoring her, simply staring at the princess.

"I was able to enter the thought elevator at Kamine Island and was, transported, to a place that looked like a library."

A barely audible hiss sounded from C.C., a reaction that was entirely unexpected from Kallen's perspective.

"In there, I met a man who named himself Zero," Euphemia went on. "He told me that I was inside C's World, and before he sent me back, he, severed the connection between myself and V.V."

A silence hovered between the three women as Euphemia returned C.C.'s gaze and Kallen found her own focus drawn back to the green haired girl.

"Severed," C.C. repeated very carefully.

"Severed," Euphemia affirmed with a nod.

It seemed to take several moments for C.C. to fully process that.

"And thou still retains thy geass?"

The princess nodded. Another minute or so passed as a thoughtful expression emerged on C.C.'s face.

"Curious. Thy words ring with conviction, yet what thou hast claimed should be impossible." C.C. rubbed her chin. "Thy benefactor, named himself Zero?"

Euphemia nodded once more. C.C. hummed thoughtfully.

"I would meet this Zero, and ascertain the sooth with mine own eyes and ears."

"The thought elevator apparently needs power to be opened," Euphie stated. "My usage of it seems to have drained the one at Kamine Island. Are you able to tell us how to recharge it, or is this another matter the bind covers?"

C.C. smirked. "Where a will exists, a way will be found."

To Kallen's surprise the princess returned the expression. "I see you are prepared to act, when properly motivated."

C.C. chuckled, stretching her arms and leaning back into her own seat. And then her expression took on a more serious air.

"Thou hast will, mayhaps enow to make the welkins ring. For thy daring, I grant thee a single boon." The woman closed her eyes. "Black is the badge of Hell, donned by he whom excogigates a sanguinolent finale to venerable enmities."

Euphemia's expression hardened. "You were the one whom spirited Nunnally to the Ashfords. If Lelouch really is Hel-bent on revenge because of his losses, is it because you did not tell him his sister was still alive?"

Kallen raised an eyebrow. Now that was an interesting point. She regarded C.C. quizzically. The other girl returned the princess' gaze with equal intensity.

"Recall, princess, thy ambition tis thy own. What I seek from mine contractors is mine alone as well. And what cost we pay for the fulfillment of terms is not equal in the eyes of all."

The remark was uncharacteristically ruthless on C.C.'s part and Kallen felt a slight chill run down her spine. Euphemia on the other hand was verging on a display of outright anger at the other girl's seeming callousness. The princess however took a deep breath to calm herself.

"Your words imply a game where the price has been the blood of my family," Euphemia stated frostily. "I hope you will not feign surprise if I have my own impositions on that matter."

A gleam lit in C.C.'s eyes. "The only coin which balances the scales of mine deeds are weighed in worlds."

Kallen blinked. And found in that moment before her eyes closed a gapping void where C.C. sat. When her eyes opened once more all she saw was the green haired girl, nonchalantly lounging away as if without a care in the world. The young woman frowned. Had that been her imagination? No, the gleam was still there in C.C.'s eyes. Whatever Kallen had seen, had been very real. The chill returned.

Euphemia frowned, though whether because she had seen the same thing or simply because of C.C.'s words Kallen could not tell.

"Make a list as best you can of what resources you will require to reactivate the thought elevator," the princess said bluntly, little of her initial courtesy audible. "I will see about their procurement."

C.C. simply nodded. When she rose however Euphemia raised a hand.

"One last matter," the princess said.

The other girl raised an eyebrow, remaining standing but waiting for the princess to elucidate.

"The most pertinent question," Euphemia began, her voice of cold steel. "Whom was responsible for the Empress Marianne's murder."

Kallen's eyes widened and her head snapped up to look at C.C. The thought had surprisingly not even occurred to her that C.C. might know, even after learning the woman was responsible for ferreting the empress' children away from the imperial court.

C.C.'s eyes remained locked to Euphemia's, this time unblinking for entirely different reasons.

"Thou already hast the answer thy seeks," C.C. said cryptically.

Euphemia's lips twitched.

"The question thou should asketh is whom stood by and through inaction became complicit with the sin," C.C. continued. "And whether thou art so unstained that thy hands be capable of rendering judgment."

To Kallen's surprise C.C. bowed, an uncharacteristic show of deference for the girl.

"I shall retire here, my ladies. A fair day to thee."

Without waiting for a dismissal C.C. turned about and made for the door. Euphemia made no move to stop her and so Kallen likewise remained still until the door closed behind the girl. Once it did however she glanced over at the princess.

"She's, not the easiest person to get anything out of," Kallen said almost apologetically.

"So it would seem," Euphemia said, sinking back into her own seat with a shake of her head. "You have, considerable patience in having put up with, C.C., thus far, Kallen."

The girl cracked a slight smile. "I can't really claim any particular credit for that, your highness. And I didn't really press her on the issue of her previous contractor that hard, even after he hit Ashford. I suppose I was too confident that I would see him coming myself."

Euphemia said nothing in response. Kallen tilted her head.

"Are you thinking that you might be able to, save him, your highness?"

The princess clutched her hands. "A part of me desperately wishes to. Another part is horrified at what he has become and wants nothing further to do with him. Both are right, in their own ways. The Lelouch that I knew and loved is no more, but the man that has appeared is still of my blood."

Kallen's jaw tightened. She would be lying if she claimed she did not understand the sentiment but considering that thus far two of the princess' brothers had committed acts that warranted Kallen wanting them dead. She sighed.

"I swore myself to you, your highness," Kallen said. "I will keep my word. There is however another aspect to that oath that you should remember."

Euphemia looked up at Kallen quizzically. "Oh?"

"I am your knight, sworn to your defense," Kallen stated. "And at this point this, Lelouch, has by his orchestration of the attack on Keio made abundantly clear he presents a threat to your person. Whatever your personal feelings regarding him, my position as your knight is that the best guarantee of eliminating the threat Lelouch represents is eliminating Lelouch himself."

Euphemia's eyes narrowed, but there was no anger or irritation in them. The princess finally nodded.

"I understand Kallen. And you are right, the finality of death would offer the greatest guarantee of my safety from the threat he represents." The princess regarded Kallen. "Nevertheless, I think you will also agree that the things worth doing are never without risk, and I may yet decide that the chance to regain my brother is worth the risk of my life, and the life of those sworn to me."

Kallen grimaced. Of course the princess would have a comeback like that. And while she would not go quite as far as agree, she could still see the younger woman's point.

"We shall see," Kallen compromised.

The slight smile on Euphemia's expression made clear the princess knew that was exactly what Kallen was doing. For now at least she did not seem to mind.

Kallen cleared her throat. "One other thing, regarding Lelouch. Am I to assume that we are to keep this from anyone else?"

Anyone, like a certain other sibling thought long lost. Euphemia nodded most emphatically.

"I do not want her to think of her brother as a monster. Nunnally has been through too much for such a burden."

To that Kallen had no reservations in expressing agreement.

A knock sounded on the door and both women looked up.

"Enter."

The door opened and another of the princess' armsman stepped in before bowing. "Highness, General Arseid has arrived at the palace and wishes to present himself at your earliest convenience."

"Now would be fine," Euphemia said. "Please invite the general in."

"Yes your highness," the soldier said before retreating.

"Should I leave for this?" Kallen asked.

The princess thought it over for a moment before shaking her head. "I think it would do you some good to meet General Arseid."

"Alright," Kallen said cautiously. "Who is he exactly?"

A smile appeared on Euphemia's face. It was the most playful, genuine looking smile that Kallen had seen since the attack on Keio. Another shiver ran down the girl's spine.

"Viscount Victor Arseid is the captain of the guard for my sister, the Princess Cornelia."

The chill turned into something else entirely as Kallen not quite gapped at Euphemia.

"I see," the girl managed, her mouth feeling suddenly very dry.

And then another knock sounded on the door and Kallen was out of time. She looked over at the door, her geass easily revealing whom was on the other side. It was with great effort that Kallen finally managed to swallow.

"Enter," Euphemia commanded.

The door opened to reveal the towering, well-built man Kallen already knew to be standing there. To Kallen's surprise not only did Euphemia smile brightly at the man, she even stood.

"General," the princess said warmly.

Victor bowed deeply. "Your highness. It is good to see you well and whole."

Euphemia dipped her head. "I apologize for having so worried you. Please, come in and have a seat."

Victor entered, but once at the recently vacated seat across from Euphemia pointedly remained standing until the princess herself was back down. He then regarded the princess with a gentle gaze, one that conveyed more than mere words could.

"I have been brought up to speed about what has happened the past day," Victor said. "I am truly sorry to hear about General Eyre."

The princess nodded solemnly and took a deep breath. "I do not deserve the lives that have been laid down for my own. I hope one day I will be."

"Of that I have no doubt," Victor assured her. "I have brought with me a contingent of the Princess Cornelia's guard to help complement your own guard for however long is necessary. They will follow the orders of Brigadier Nu as if they were my own."

Kallen was impressed, it seemed the captain of Cornelia's guard really had kept himself abreast of what was happening in Japan if he already knew who had succeeded General Eyre. Then again seeing the two's parallel responsibilities perhaps that was not so surprising.

"My gratitude general, truly," Euphemia said, the young woman's expression quivering ever so slightly. "I will not give you greater cause to mourn this day."

"So long as you yourself remain safe your highness," Victor said, "I shall be content." The man then glanced over at Kallen. "Now, I do believe introductions might be in order?"

Kallen blinked. Now this truly was a surprise, the general taking the initiative instead of waiting for Euphemia to do the honors. That indicated a great deal of familiarity for the man to presume such. Then again Victor had probably known Euphemia since she was a child. After a quick glance at Euphemia and a nod from her new liege Kallen stepped forth and bowed.

"It is an honor to meet you, General Arseid. I am Kallen Stadtfeld-Kouzuki, Knight of Her Highness Euphemia's Honor."

Victor's eyes widened slightly but the man did not allow his surprise to excuse any impropriety on his part. He bowed slightly from his seated position as he responded.

"A pleasure, Lady Stadtfeld. I am the Viscount Victor Arseid, Captain of the Guard of Her Highness Cornelia li Britannia. Though it may be presumptuous of me, I count the Princess Euphemia as one for whom I am also obliged to see to the care of. I trust I shall not find the caliber of your service to her highness wanting."

"You will not, my lord," Kallen stated firmly.

Victor continued regarding Kallen for a few moments longer before nodding once. He then shifted his gaze back to Euphemia. At the unspoken question the princess shook her head.

"My sister has not yet been informed, and I ask that I be the one to personally deliver the news."

The edge of Victor's mouth twitched ever so slightly. "Very well your highness, I shall defer to your wishes in this instance."

"Thank you general," Euphemia said with a smile.

"Speaking of which, Laura is also with me," Victor said.

The princess' eyes widened. "What?"

"Your highness is aware that Laura had won entry into the Knightmare Corps Cadet Brigade three years ago?"

Euphemia nodded. Kallen for her part also listened intently. The elite Cadet Brigade was considered the cream of the crop, the place where the future aces of the Knightmare Corps were groomed and prepared to serve the Empire. The training was extremely rigorous and the cadets were subjected to drilling in not only the theory and operation of knightmares but also operational planning and other aspects of how to run a modern military, all to ensure that those that made it through were equipped to not only fight but also lead. Winning entry alone was a major feat and the attrition rate saw only thirty percent of the class reaching graduation. Those that did graduate however were automatically commissioned as senior grade lieutenants in the Knightmare Corps and put on the fast track to promotion. If Kallen remembered right the Princess Cornelia was herself a graduate, as were the Glaston Knights.

"She has completed the majority of the coursework and training and now simply requires completion of her roulement," Victor said. "Laura has made it clear to me that she wishes to serve that roulement here in Area 11, your highness."

Euphemia inhaled sharply and even Kallen found herself taken aback. The intensity of the coursework and demanding physical regimen was only one reason for the high attrition rate. Another reason was the final capstone course all cadets were required to embark upon, an actual field deployment. These deployments were never to quiet corners of the Empire, they were always to Areas that the Empire was facing active opposition in some form or another. As a consequence the Cadet Brigade had perhaps the highest number of decorations awarded to its members for a unit of its size. It also had one of the highest percentages of posthumous decorations being awarded. Considering the almost constant conflict the Empire's forces found itself engaged in across the world, that was really saying something. And now one of the brigade's cadets wanted to serve her roulement in Area 11, an area that just saw a major uprising by the native population and was actively under attack by the Chinese and Russians as part of the opening offensive in a much larger war. The viscount's daughter was certainly not lacking in courage, that much Kallen could tell.

"Laura, wants to conduct her roulement here," Euphemia said carefully.

Victor nodded. "My daughter has had her heart set on it the moment she learned you were named viceroy of Area 11."

A noticeably pained expression appeared on Euphemia's face.

The general smiled gently. "You know Laura has always hoped that one day she might be able to stand by your side, your highness. Please, do not let your fears see my daughter's dreams dashed."

As Kallen gazed at the general, she found her own opinion of the man solidifying. The viscount was strong, not just as a warrior or a man, but also as a father. He had to have been worried about the dangers his daughter would face serving in Area 11, especially under a princess as, willful, as Euphemia. Yet because that was what his daughter wanted, Victor was prepared to stand by her and help her see that dream fulfilled. That, resonated, with Kallen in a way she would not have expected, with what her own father was trying to do. She looked over at the princess to see what Euphemia would do.

The princess took a deep breath, one hand resting over a heart that was hammering away.

"Where is she now?" Euphemia asked.

"At MacArthur unloading her knightmare," Victor said, "alongside another cadet that also wishes to serve his roulement in Area 11."

The princess blinked in surprise. "Another?"

Victor nodded. The smile he gave this time had a tinge of pride in it.

"You have effected great change, your highness, greater than you might realize, what with your attention on the affairs of your domain. But on this I assure you your highness, we in the homelands have not been blind to the example that you have set."

Euphemia stared at Victor, barely cognizant of how she must have seemed to be gaping like so. When she finally recovered the princess leaned back into her own seat, both hands clasped over her chest. The intensity with which her heart beat had not subsided, yet the princess felt a great calm ease through her. Yes, men and women had shed blood for the sake of her ambition, shed blood and died. But maybe, just maybe that blood would not be for naught after all. The princess regarded Victor, and offered the viscount a heartfelt smile.


One could be forgiven for regarding the Earl Asplund as a trying patient. The man had been grumbling almost nonstop since coming up from the anesthetic that had been given to him when the bullets were pulled out of his back. That was not to say the man did not have some genuine grievances, but after a certain point even a saint would grow tiresome of having to listen to Lloyd's ramblings. As patient as the army nurses were they would be the first to renounce any claim to divinity. The one person whom might have had the patience to placate the earl however was preoccupied with other matters. In fact if one were to regard Captain Cécile Croomy now one might be tempted to think the woman was in a state of shock. Such a diagnosis would not have been that far off for Cécile was in some ways still reeling from the events of the past day, events that included the betray of one Suzaku Kururugi.

For that matter the entire ASEEC was trying to come to terms with the news, and they were doing so under guard. The fact that two of the organization's knightmares had gone rogue in the midst of the Tokyo Uprising saw all of its personnel cast under suspicion and until the matter was sorted out they were confined to their assigned residential dorms with a warning that any attempt to leave without permission would be met with deadly force. The military did not seem prepared to take any chances at this point.

For the past couple of hours Cécile had been staring at the ceiling of her own room, trying to come to terms with what had happened. She played back the events of the past week, then the past month, and then the half year, trying to find something, anything that indicated that Suzaku might betray them. The act was so against the young man's character, not even the court-martial felt as if it could have provided the impetus for his betrayal. What had then? Cécile grimaced. Was she allowing her emotions cloud her impartiality? She had seen such promise in Suzaku, hoped that he would go far in his adopted society. Had she intentionally missed the signs of discontent in the young man? Yet try as she might Cécile found she genuinely could not recall any instance where Suzaku was anything but dedicated to his duties. Was that dedication itself a sign?

Cécile rubbed her forehead in frustration. She was going in circles. Answers to her questions and doubt might well exist, but they would not be found in here. Unfortunately it was highly unlikely that she would receive permission to assist in whatever investigation was being conducted on the ASEEC, even if she and the rest of the staff were eventually cleared of complicity in the mutiny. The woman grimaced. She simply could not let the matter rest however, she just could not. Suzaku was, perhaps even still is, a friend. She needed to know the truth, and whether the boy genuinely reciprocated the respect and fondness she held for him. And what would have driven him to reject that respect and fondness for an utterly futile act of defiance against Britannian authority.

A knock sounded, stirring Cécile from her stupor. The woman rose, walking over and opening the door, and froze once more when she saw whom was on the other side. Monica Kruszewski, Knight of Twelve, stood on the other side of the threshold looking back at Cécile. Monica spent a few seconds looking at Cécile before nodding.

"Captain Croomy," the woman said. "Come with me."

The order was enough to get Cécile's thoughts working again and the woman hurried after the knight as she turned about and began walking away. Once outside two more soldiers, wearing distinctively different colored uniforms than the regular military, fell in step behind Cécile, though the captain was pretty certain that Monica herself would be more than enough to subdue her if she was stupid enough to try something. The four made their way to one of the undamaged structures on base and Cécile was led into what appeared to be a makeshift interrogation room. The woman swallowed nervously.

"Have a seat," Monica half invited and half ordered even as she did the same.

Cécile obeyed, and stared across the table at the knight. Monica clasped her fingers and rested her head on the interlocked hands as she gazed back.

"It is my understanding that Earl Asplund has been paralyzed the waist down," Monica said after a minute or so of silence.

Cécile nodded a bit uncertainly but otherwise remained silent. What was there for her to say?

Monica swayed her hands side to side, rubbing her chin in the process.

"Did Suzaku Kururugi show any sign of disgruntlement with the Empire prior to his betrayal."

Cécile grimaced. That was about as blunt as the question could be asked. It was also one that she was still struggling to answer herself. In light of this uncertainty, there was no certainty in the captain's response as she shook her head.

"I don't believe so."

Monica's gaze never left Cécile's eyes. "How often was the private off base."

"Just when he attended classes," Cécile answered.

The knight raised an eyebrow. "He never left otherwise?"

The captain bit her lip. That was not entirely true, and so she shook her head again.

"He would go out on the weekends sometimes when he was off duty." Cécile almost managed a wistful smile. "I think that was mostly to get some better food than was available in the cafeteria."

Monica snorted. Even if as a knight she never had to suffer the travesty that the enlisted mess halls called food she was well familiar with the reputation.

"Did he always go out alone?" the knight asked.

Cécile frowned as she thought back. "I think, he invited some of the technicians with him, a couple of times. And they invited him too, a few times."

The knight's eyes narrowed. "Do you recall which technicians?"

Cécile pursed her lips. In fact she did. And assuming her memory was not failing her, there was every reason for the Empire to be interested in those particular technicians. Apparently the expression was telling enough for Monica as the knight nodded. Cécile grimaced.

"Dame Kruszewski, if I may, a question?" Cécile began.

The knight raised an eyebrow but tilted her head nonetheless.

Cécile took a deep breath. "What will happen to the private?"

Monica raised an eyebrow but answered nonetheless. "All indicates are the private suffered significant trauma to his head. The prognosis of the doctors is that he is braindead. That being the case, and considering his actions, the decision has been made to euthanize him."

The breath that Cécile inhaled this time was much sharper. "Euthanized?"

The knight regarded Cécile. "All things considered it is a fairly merciful conclusion."

Cécile gritted her teeth. Merciful perhaps, but it left so much undone.

"And whom made this decision, your grace?" she tried to keep her tone respectful.

"That would be me."

The captain's eyes widened. "You, your grace?"

Monica nodded. When the knight did not bother elucidating Cécile grimaced.

"May I, ask why, your grace?"

The other woman's eyes narrowed again. "Captain Croomy. Am I to infer that you hold a sentiment for Private Kururugi that goes beyond mere comradery?"

That stopped Cécile. Did she like Suzaku, more than just as a subordinate and a friend? A while back had she been asked this question she probably would have dismissed the notion outright. It was entirely inappropriate to fraternize like that after all, especially when the young man in question was several years her junior. Now though, forced to confront just what she felt for the young man under such extremis, she found she could not give voice to just what she felt.

Apparently having tired of Cécile's silence Monica spoke again.

"Let us try this again, captain. How often did Private Kururugi leave the base when off duty outside of school hours, and when did he start socializing with other members of the ASEEC."

Cécile grimaced. Her window of opportunity to inquire more about Suzaku's fate was gone, and if she did not want to fall under further suspicion herself she needed to answer, as fully and truthfully as she could. She needed more time to think, to untangle her emotions. There was one emotion that stubbornly refused to be shoved aside though, a great sadness that this would be the end Suzaku met. She could not stop his execution, that was what it really was no matter the Knight of Twelve's so-called mercy, and the pain that elicited left her heart aching deeply.


Soldiers came to attention as Cornelia li Britannia, Marshal of the Empire, strode through the halls of the viceroy's palace. Her highness return had been expected since General Darlton's departure to take command of the operational theater in western Area 11, though the speed with which she returned had still caught some of the soldiers off guard. Then again the reason for her haste was obvious to pretty much everyone and even if strictly speaking the princess was allowing her personal entanglements to influence some of her decisions at the moment no one was prepared to call her on it.

For her part Cornelia considered her actions eminently reasonable and well thought out. Steps were already being taken to prepare the Empire for the greatest threat to its existence since Napoleon. The general staff back at Pendragon was beginning a full general mobilization and carrying out the various contingency plans that had been developed in the case of something like this happening. Granted a simultaneous war with both the Chinese Federation and the European Union was always regarded as one of the less probable, and much more threatening, combination of events, plans still existed for how the Empire might respond to such aggression.

At present there was little Cornelia could do directly, though shortly before the very short flight back to Tokyo she had been brought up to speed on which contingencies the general staff intended to implement so that she could sign off on them. That done the next thing that would require her personal attention was a meeting scheduled in a few hours that would see the general staff and all theater commanders in a joint conference. Until then however Cornelia intended to see to more personal matters, like making sure with her own eyes that her little sister was all right.

As Euphemia's bedroom came into view Cornelia found herself relaxing ever so slightly at the sight of the two armsmen standing guard. One wore the colors of the younger princess, the other however was of Cornelia's own guard. It seemed General Arseid had not wasted any time integrating his personnel into the watch. In time Euphemia's own guard would recover and once again be able to see after the safety of their liege without such assistance, but for now Cornelia was determined that their diminished numbers would not leave her sister unprotected.

Satisfied with the current arrangement, Cornelia paid the armsmen no further mind as she stopped before the bedroom door and knocked.

"Enter."

If her sister was feeling any strain from her recent tribulations it was not audible in her voice. Cornelia allowed herself a slight smile. She did not doubt that Euphie was stretching the definition of the rest the doctors had ordered her to take, but it at least sounded like the girl was doing well. Cornelia pushed open the door and entered. There she was, sitting up on the bed with paper scattered over the sheets. A wide smile appeared on Euphemia's face when she looked up and caught sight of her sister. Cornelia returned it, walking briskly over to the bedside and reaching out to pull Euphemia into an embrace. The girl eagerly returned the embrace, sinking into Cornelia's arm.

"Euphie," Cornelia said softly, running her hand over the girl's hair. "I am glad to see you safe and sound."

The girl stirred slightly and looked up at her sister, her eyes shining willfully. "Many laid down their lives to see to my safety. I am here because they are not."

Cornelia nodded solemnly before pulling the girl into her chest once more. "I am sorry. I had hoped you would never again feel the bitterness of loss."

Even pressed against her sister Euphemia still managed to shake her head. "I learned long ago that life is a fragile, precious thing. I will mourn them, and I will see their sacrifices not be in vain."

Cornelia looked down at her sister, smiling proudly. Yes, Euphemia did understand. She would not be a callous or capricious daughter of the Empire, she would wield power well. Perhaps even better than Cornelia herself.

The two parted and Euphemia looked up at Cornelia with a serious gaze.

"Sister," the younger girl said in a firm tone. "There is something we must discuss."

Cornelia frowned. She had seen Euphemia like this several times before, the frequency increasing over the past year. Her sister was growing up and starting to make decisions on her own. Cornelia felt a mixture of feelings at that. Pride and joy to see Euphemia blossom into a grown woman, but also fear at what dangers her sister's daring would see her face. And of the possibility the two might one day come to a point where they could not agree with the decision of the other. Had that day come already?

"I have spoken with Kallen Stadtfeld," Euphemia began, and Cornelia inhaled sharply. "I have also spoken with Cecilia Clermont, and they have revealed to me most disturbing news." A sadness filled Euphemia's eyes. "Lelouch, is alive. And he seeks our deaths, and perhaps the deaths of all whom share our blood."

Cornelia stared at her sister, her form frozen and her breathing stilled. When she opened her mouth to speak she found there was no air in her lungs to carry her words. Cornelia took several deep breaths, trying to fight through the tightness in her chest.

"Tell me," Cornelia finally got out. "Tell me, everything."

Euphemia nodded solemnly, and did so.

End of Chapter 48

In case anyone is wondering, I know exactly what it is that C.C. wants. I also know exactly what it is that Lelouch wants. The means through which the two are working towards their goals will be, on a large scale, let us say.

As the Eight Leaves school uses Japanese swords of various types, Rean in particular a tachi, it's not exactly believable for me to have him be a practitioner of that style. I had considered making him a follower of the Arseid or Vander styles, but I ultimately decided that I would have him follow a distinctively different style, which will also be the style that General Eyre himself used. And Villetta now for that matter. Whether Cassius is also a member of said school, well, we'll see if he ever actually shows up.

A lot of strong women showing up. Ahem. It actually is an interesting problem, there aren't really that many strong guys in the Code Geass canon that would, measure up, so to speak, to the standard that I think the female characters have set in my story. Granted there are still a few other characters that haven't made their appearance yet, but the balance is slanted quite strongly to the fairer gender. Conversely I'm pretty sure I fail the Bechdel test all over the place, which probably says more about the test than my characters.

There will be quite a few more characters showing up over the next chapter or two. There is a war going on after all and a lot of people are needed to fight a modern war. How much they will appear in the story depends on how the story itself develops. For example the people in charge of the Middle East campaign probably aren't going to show up that often if the main characters don't get directly involved in said campaign. And at this rate Cornelia herself will almost certainly have to return to Pendragon seeing as that's where the general staff is. She's stalling, everyone knows she's stalling, and her subordinates are currently giving her a pass for it since she was handling the defense of western Area 11 and Euphemia nearly died, but eventually she needs to go back to the capital to conduct the war.