A/N: So I am back at it again! I'll be honest, I felt like it wouldn't hurt to have a day's break or two, plus the weather for where I am at for the past two day's just make's me feel sleepy as all can be! So I realized something, I am mostly trying to work on date's for when the various event's in the timeline take place in. Thing is, I am not too sure on when 'X event' occurs on 'Y date', I've mostly been running on guess work, so if anyone has a good idea for a timeline for each Episode/Event in the story, I would very much appreciate it! Also, since I got rid of Mao so early, I realized that since the next major incident in the rebellion was the rescue of Todoh (who wasn't captured by the way) which would have happened on September 3rd, the only other major battle would have only happened the day after, and would lead to Kaminejima Island on the 5th. And while the battles will be carried out on the 4th and 5th if only because they would rather not tempt the butterfly effect so much, that leave's 1st-3rd open to all matter of thing's to fill in the gap, it's actually rather impressive how thing's move so fast when you think about it... But I'd rather not just skip those day's and not have anything go on in that sense. It would be a waste of ample time to establish characters some more or any sort of 'screen time' as it were... As such though this chapter and the next two, as I plan on having one chapter per day or event until we get to the point of the 'Death' and 'Rebirth' of Zero unless otherwise stated. The time in between will serve to introduce characters and event's in such a way as to help fit in the extended canon however I feel like it...
As for the 'First Battle of Tokyo' itself... It's not going down the same way it did in canon is all I am going to say, and as for the 'Return of Zero'...
While the event of the return itself will be mostly the same, in the sense that he will make a grand reveal to the world when a number of Black Knight's (among other's!) will be held captive and will see to it they are free, the people who are overseeing the event and the people who will be in charge of Area 11 will be different from Canon. Of course there will be other thing's, but I want to keep some amount of suspense for the future...
But for now, let's just get on with the story, okay?
Code Geass: Specter of the Rebellion
Chapter 19
A meeting with a Father...
Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, September 1st, 2017 a.t.b
Lelouch P.O.V.
I have dealt with a lot of thing's in my live's...
I am aware of how thing's have changed from the version of this world I now call home...
Where once I was a mere young man, unsure of what he could do with his life, now I lived the life of a Prince, albeit one in exile...
Where I was once a mere only child, now I find myself part of an ACTUAL Royal Family, cast out I may be from it...
It has been, a lot to adapt too, to say the least...
To say nothing of how different it all is from what I have begun to call the 'Baseline' version...
'Feel like making a review of compare and contrast? Might make it easier if you took a moment to take it all in...'
I suppose you're right on that front...
So, the change's in this world from the base version are as follow's, to my understanding anyhow...
1. The motivation's of Marianne and George Lux Britannia are of one's that do not seek to cause a rendition of Ragnarok, rather they want a world where I and my sister and half-sibling's would live in a better world, yet accept that the plan of their 'Baseline'-selves would only create a world that would ensure a stagnant world that no-one could be said to be happy with, and as such could be compared to the version's of them from 'Zero of The Black Crusade' if nothing else could be different...
2. Nunnally is the same age as me, rather than being 4 year's my junior, in essence making her my non-identical twin sister as it were. And she has not suffered any sort of debilitating injuries that would render her either blind or crippled...
3. Naoto Kozuki-Stradfield is in fact alive and well, as well as being the leader of his group for the most part, yet it appear's Kallen Kozuki-Stradfield has the unofficial role as leader despite Kaname Ohgi being the designated second in command. Need to consider how I do that with regard's to my Restructuring of the Black Knight's at some point...
4. I managed to prevent the death of Genbu Kururgi at the hand's of Suzaku, yet their is also the fact that Suzaku also appear's to have been something of a Time Traveler of sort's from the 'Baseline' timeline, with a few year's down the line most likely as well, as well as Euphemira Li Britannia having had a simllar occurence, although in her case she seem's to have had a point in the active recall of such event's being made difficult, leading most to view her as simply having had an active imagination from a young age...
5. Despite the effort's of my Parent's own action's in averting the possibility of needing me to lead a Black Rebellion, after being cast out by the figure known only as the 'Lord of Wraith's' I have no choice but to lead said Rebellion, if only to ensure they are placed upon the throne once more. Or if they demand it from me, to take up the throne as the next Emperor of Britannia. Also how the Lord of Wraith's appear's to have the power to bring in version's of people from alternate universe's and have them take over the live's of those who are native to this one, yet for whatever reason had not bothered to kill them...
6. I have managed to work a web of information and contact's, as well as my interrogation of the Mind-Reader Mao. Has provided me some idea of the Lord of Wraith's goals involving the death's of myself and Kallen, the exact end goal in unknown, as well as to the exact nature of the Lord of Wraith's as a whole. As well as the guardian's for myself and Kallen having something of importance considering how the Lord of Wraith's wishes for them to be destroyed if possible, yet such is unlikely given the skill gap between the two of them versus the 'Wraith Corp's' sent to fight them...
7. The figure known as Rai is present, although he seem's to have no Genetic Relation to the Imperial family in any way. If what he has told me is to be accurate, as well as the fact that he has memories of the various possible 'route's' from the rendition of the world that I know he existed in. Also, need to prepare for the possible scenario of Nunnally having memories of said timeline's come to her as well if it come's down to it...
And finally 8. Kallen herself has displayed trait's and behavior's that seem somewhat odd considering what I would expect from her baseline self, such as having an active role in leadership at time's beyond a simple squad leader. As well as that, she also has skill that even a version of her brought from a different timeline like Suzaku and Euphie would not be able to display, hiding it or not, simply put, she is the most unknown variable in my current view of thing's. Not in a sense of a threat, but more so in that she is simply surprising me in way's I did not expect, such as how the two of us seem to have a far greater connection then I previously anticipated...
'Not that you seem to dislike it though, or at least part's of you anyhow...'
Oh, and I also have a so-called Voice of 'Reason' in my head that is AN ANNOYING PRICK AT TIME'S!
'Hey, you need me, you said so yourself!'
Yes, doesn't mean I have to LIKE it when you decide to annoy the crap out of me...
'Right, anyhow that might be good enough to work as a baseline correct?'
Indeed, it's good to just take a moment to weigh out what has happened and take stock of the situation I am in...
'So, you said you where going to ask Kallen out at some point right?'
Yes, I simply didn't have the time considering everything that happened...
'So, when do you plan on having her go out with you?'
To be honest, I don't know...
'Really? REALLY? You have a HOT gal like her and you DON'T KNOW HOW TO TAKE HER OUT ON A DATE?'
For the record, it is NOT a Date! Just having the two of us spend some time together, by ourselves...
'Which is, by the way, A DATE!'
Still, there is also the fact that I need to get in contact with Mister Stradfield...
'Planing on asking for her hand already? You sly-'
SHUT UP! THAT IS NOT WHAT I MEANT!
'Yeah I know, you want to talk to him for support with the Black Knight's right?'
Indeed, even if the rest back home don't like him or his children, he IS still the head of the family by law...
'Unless something where to happen to him and his children, like what they tried in that one story remember?'
Key word being TRIED of course, although I would much rather not have Sir Stradfield and Lady Kozuki die before their time if at all possible...
'Think you should have Sayoko and Jeremiah escort you? Between the two of them and you and Kallen, any would be assassin would learn to regret such an action...'
Good idea, now all I need to do is get a good way to meet with the Lord in question...
"Hey! Kallen! Lelouch! Can we talk?' Ohgi ask's me as he walk's up...
Now some might think how could a guy like HIM manage to get a position in Ashford Academy, thing is he got the approval of Ruben himself for his quality being FAR better than the Teacher's he already had...
As well as also having some help from myself in making sure any staff that would give an issue would be more compliant in having him around...
'Geass can be one hell of a motivator, am I right?'
Actually now that I think about it, it was more so just me talking to them and they seem to just accept my request's with little protest, and what was that they kept talking about a mask?
'A mask? Huh, weird...'
Most of the student's had an innate dislike for having an 'Eleven' for a school teacher, but the one's who he would teach would find him endearing oddly enough...
'Also help's that you and Kallen are among his 'Student's' so that help's if he want's to talk to you two about anything Black Knight's related...'
Like right now I am guessing...
"Yes, Mr Ohgi?" I ask in my Lamperouge voice and mannerism's.
"First off, just call me Ohgi okay? And beside's that, Naoto wanted me to relay something to you and Kallen." He say's.
"Oh, okay what is it Ohgi?" Kallen ask's, curious as to what her bother want's us to know...
"Well, he said that your Father want's to meet Lelouch, Kallen." Ohgi said.
"..." Was all either of us had as a response to what he just said...
...
...
...
'Well, that was rather convenient!'
Indeed, best alert Sayoko and Jeremiah to come along prepared for any 'unwanted guest's' to our meeting with Lord Stradfield...
Kallen P.O.V.
Okay, THIS was not what I was expecting when it came to trying to have Lelouch and Dad talk about supporting the Black Knight's with his resource's!
'Can you complain though? I mean it mean's that you don't have to do anything more than just have them sit down and talk!'
Yeah, but I guess I should mention WHY it is a big deal for Dad to go out of his way to ask for Lelouch to come...
My Dad, Robert Stradfield, is the current head of the Stradfield Noble Family House...
Meaning he is the Duke of New York, which seem's to be a hub of attention and commerce and progress no matter which nation it is a part of...
As well as the Head of Stradfield Industries, a company that help's supplement Manufacturing for thing's like Weapon's, Armor, and Vehicles...
Knightmare Frame's Included...
In other word's, it mean's that while his company isn't one to CREATE said product's, it's good at making MORE of them than what the actual arm's group's can make on their own resources...
So having him support the Black Knight's would go a LONG way in establishing an effective Supply Base for the future. As much as having the support of Kirihara and HIS company...
Honestly the only reason why Dad's not dead yet is mostly because he's the only one out of the family that has kept the company from going under in a lot of way's...
'Is it cause the rest of his extended family just doesn't have good business sense or...'
It's cause he know's how to play it smart and keep other's from getting hold of the companies asset's, that and he has a majority hold in the company in question, compared to the rest of them at least...
'Nowhere near the level of say, the Ashford's in their Prime, but it's good enough for what we need anyhow...'
Yeah, so for Dad to ask for LELOUCH to come and talk with him seem's...
'Strange?'
That, and worrying...
'Pretty sure he's made it so no one else know's he's a Prince...'
Yeah, but even still, Dad had some connection's with the Lux Britannia's, not to the same level as the Ashford's, but there was something at least...
'Think he might have been willing to work with the Ashford's if thing's didn't get screwed over?'
I don't know at this point, but no use holding it off at this point...
"So, shall we go in?" I say turning to Lelouch, as we are standing outside the Manor's entrance Proper...
He look's to me and nod's "Yes, best not to keep your Father waiting, he won't mind if we came with Jeremiah and Sayoko will he?" He ask's, as he felt it best to bring his Knight of Orange and Shinobi Maid along with him...
'Think he's worried about anyone crashing the meeting?'
Knowing the rest of Dad's side of the family, I wouldn't put it past them to try something, even now...
Putting on a smile I say "I'm sure he won't mind at all! At least he can meet Jeremiah in Person, and yourself for that matter."
Jeremiah step's up and say's "I would be pleased to meet your Father, Lady Kallen."
"Oh it's no big deal! And just Kallen please." I say, feeling a little embarrassed at the formality.
"Very well, Kallen, shall I do the honor's?" He ask's.
"Very well, although, Miss Sayoko, if my Step-Mother give's you any issue's, please don't take it personal, it's just..." I say trailing off, knowing how thing's are here, even if it's supposed to be my home, it doesn't feel like a Home to me...
I feel Sayoko place a hand on my shoulder and she say's "Kallen-sama, I am aware of how you must feel knowing your own mother is forced to deal with this. If nothing else I can try to help her if possible, would you like me to keep watch over her?"
You are very kind Sayoko, even still...
"Are you okay with it Lelouch? After all she IS your maid." I ask, wondering his own thought's on it...
Lelouch P.O.V.
While I do admit, having Sayoko be present with the rest of us would be the most reasonable choice, however I can not rule out the possibility of Ms. Kozuki being targeted as much as Lord Robert...
That and I feel having the two Maid's bond over their experience's would do them both some good, more so for Kallen's Mother than anything else...
"It's fine, technically Sayoko is Milly's Maid after all, but hey, details, am I right?" I say with a nod of approval...
"Right! So then, Jeremiah if you would please..." Kallen say's while leaving the way open for Jeremiah to walk up to the door and knock for entry...
A few Knock's later and we find ourselves being greeted by the Current Mrs. Stradfield...
And I hate her already...
Both because of the Sneer on her face at seeing us, Kallen most of all, and myself as second...
"Oh, It's you, well I guess your Father was being serious when he said he wanted to have some Brat come over. Fine, but keep the... Eleven, from doing anything, got it." The Blonde Bitch say's, and while I could give less of a crap about how she view's me, with regard's to Jeremiah and Sayoko on the other hand...
"I am more than qualified to take care of the house, as I am a Maid myself, your Lady. As Mister Lamperouge and Lelouch can attest to personally." Sayoko say's.
She might look as if she is not bothered, but I can tell by the tone of her voice she is irked by how Blondie regarded me as little more than a Brat...
"We are here to see Lord Robert Stradfield, where can we find him." Jeremiah say's, though he himself is making sure to hide his anger at this woman's insolence at how she called his prince in such a matter...
Honestly, while the two of you are loyal to a fault, please try to keep the vengeful behavior's to a minimum you two...
"Fine, I guess the... Help, can point you to where he's at. Get over here you bitch!" She say's while calling over Ms. Kozuki...
"Ye-Yes Mistress?" The mother of Kallen and Naoto, Hinata Kozuki, say's while sporting a fresh bruise on her cheek...
Taking a good look at her, I could tell that despite appearing mostly Britannian, Kallen most certainly got the look's of her Mother in all of the various part's that mattered...
'Not to mention her Figure... WOW! I think Mom might find a woman who can actually compete with her in term's of look's!'
And it also explain's why Kallen's figure is so...
'Developed for her age?'
Yes, to put it mildly...
"The Girl brought herself some brat to spend time with Robert, go send them to him and don't mess up anything or you'll get punished again, understood?" The Bitch said while raising her hand to strike at Miss Hinata again.
"Of course, Mistress." Ms. Kozuki say's.
And Mrs. Stradfield walk's off in a huff, leaving us to follow along Kallen's actual Mother to her Father...
And I can tell Kallen is shaking in rage at having her Mother be Treated in such a way, not to mention myself...
'Think we should Freak out the Blond Bimbo?'
Not now, later...
I make sure to hold onto Kallen's hand to stop her shaking and calm her down...
It felt, nice...
Very nice in fact...
...
Still I could tell she knew it was meant for comfort, and let go as soon as we started walking...
...
...
...
Why did it feel a bit sad to let her go?
'Because the two of you have suffered more than most?'
Perhaps, but even still...
'Got to see what Robert want's right?'
Yes, whatever he want's us for, it must be important...
Jeremiah P.O.V.
I can see know why Miss Kallen seem's to dislike her stepmother so much...
She seem's like an insufferable woman...
And she had the NERVE to call Prince Lelouch a mere BRAT!
I am aware of how his Highness want's no attention to be brought to his Royal Heritage, but even still...
...
...
...
I swear My Prince, Lady Kallen...
I will make that woman REGRET EVER EVEN OPENING HER MOUTH!
I feel the Hand of Miss Shinokazi's clasp my own, and to be honest, it is comforting to have her here...
I can rather clearly see how she herself feel's for the Poor Ms. Kozuki...
Say the word my Prince, and I shall REND the rest of those fool's that Miss Kallen and Sir Naoto have as kin with Lord Robert to PIECES!
Though to be honest, I have a feeling that when such a moment come's, you might wish to do something that will Humiliate them and embarrass them to no end...
And I shall allow them to live so long as that is the case, at least until you demand them dead on your order's My Prince!
As your Loyal Knight, I shall protect the Honor of you and those who stand beside you!
And as well of that of Miss Shinokazi of course...
Sayoko P.O.V.
Poor Kallen-sama...
To see the woman who dare's take the place of her Mother, while the woman herself is left to toil under the abuse of such a wretched woman...
...
...
...
If you need me to cut the whore who calls herself Mrs. Stradfield down Lelouch-sama then I shall do so...
If only to ensure the proper Lady Stradfield is no longer to suffer as needed...
Lelouch P.O.V.
It didn't take all that long to get to the office of Lord Robert Stradfield, and at mine and Kallen's behest, had her Mother come in with us along with Jeremiah and Sayoko along with...
"Father, I have come with Lelouch Lamperouge, as you asked." Kallen say's while giving a formal bow to her father...
Robert Stradfield had the same hair and much of the feature's that both Kallen and Naoto shared, even if Naoto's where more outwardly Japanese, he still had a fair amount of such trait's of his father...
"Ah, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Mister Lamperouge, please sit." Robert say's while motioning us to sit down. Sayoko and Jeremiah and Ms. Kozuki standing.
"I'm afraid you are mistake My Lord, Mister Lamperouge is my Legal Guaradian, Jeremiah here." I say motioning to the man in question.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, My Lord." Jeremiah say's while bowing respectfully...
Robert appear's to hit a button on his desk and say's to us. "The Pleasure is all mine, Prince Lelouch, Lord Gottwald."
Myself, Jeremiah, Kallen, and Sayoko Tense up at the mentioning of my Status and Jeremiah's actual family name.
"How did you know?" Kallen and I ask at the same time, before sharing a look of surprise on our face's...
"It would be easy enough to know of the identity of the Son of Marianne and George Lux Britannia if one knew where to look. Tell me, how has life in Japan been for you my Prince, or should I call you. Zero?" He say's.
"If you speak of this to the false ruler's in the homeland, I WILL kill you Lord Stradfield!" Jeremiah say's while having a blade of his be drawn from it's hiding place.
"Jeremiah! I will not tolerate such action's from a Knight in charge of a Prince! What would Nunnally say if she were here right now?" I say, demanding he stand down.
"It's alright Your Highness, though to be honest I would rather have nothing to do with those idiot's back in Britannia. Considering how they have treated me and my WIFE! Not to mention our Children..." Robert say's, to which we all breathed a sigh of relief...
"My apologies on behalf of my Knight, Lord Stradfield, it's just that since the invasion..." I say.
"You've had to deal with the fear of the Wraith's knocking down your door one day and killing you and everyone you know of, believe me I know that feeling all too well." Robert say's.
"It is about Wayfinder Correct?" I suggest.
He nod's in approval "Indeed, Kallen I suggest you get along with the young prince well, it would be good for both our family and his own if you would." He say's.
We both can't help the blush's on our face's as we say "It's NOT LIKE THAT!"
Robert just laugh's as he say's "Oh? Then what would you say with explaining how you two seem to confide in each other as the Black Knight's?"
...
...
...
HOW THE HELL DID HE KNOW ABOUT THAT!
Kallen P.O.V.
HOW THE HELL DID HE KNOW ABOUT THAT!
Wait a second...
"Did Naoto say anything? Cause if he did..." I say with anger in my voice...
"No he didn't, I figured it out because of how the two of you have acted around each other..." Dad say's.
"Huh? But how would you?" Lelouch ask's.
Dad say's "I've spoken to your Parent's Lelouch, and might I say it was good having drink's with George and Bismarck again after so many year's!"
We each had a bit of a gasp, Lelouch for the fact that Dad has been in contact's with his parent's. And me because of how Dad was apparently Drinking buddies with THE EMPEROR OF BRITANNIA AND THE KNIGHT OF ONE!
WHAT THE HELL, DAD!
"You've spoken to them? WHEN! I DEMAND THAT YOU ANSWER!" Jeremiah ask's with renewed vigor in his voice.
Geez, he really is something isn't he?
'Considering how he's kept watch over Lelouch and Nunnally over the year's, it's not all that shocking...'
I guess so, even still!
"Not to long after the world reveal of Zero, and before you ask. No, I don't know where they are right now, I'm sure Marianne would like to have time to talk with Hinata again though, right my dear?" Dad say's to Mom with a pleasant smile on his face.
"It would be nice to talk to her again, and might I say you look as every bit as handsome as your mother described you to be. Lelouch." Mother say's with a rather sweet smile on her face, and she look's as though she is actually happy for once in her life after all these year's...
Lelouch for his part, had only a mild blush and said "Thank you, Miss Kozuki-san" in perfect Japanese...
And my GOD does his voice sound wonderful when he speak's in it...
'Quite the catch? Wouldn't you agree?'
STOP THAT!
"Oh my Kallen dear, something about the young Prince catch your attention?" Mother say's in a teasing tone.
"IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!" The two of us shout in unison...
"Oh my, they are even talking in sync! Sound familiar my dear?" Dad say's with a longing look in his eye's to Mom...
"Not unlike us, dear. I am sure Marianne would be pleased to hear about it!" Mom say's with an equal look in her eye's...
"Please don't, I would rather not deal with the machination's of my Mother for as long as possible..." Lelouch say's with an exasperate voice...
Oh Kami, I am going to have a LOT to deal with on my hand's...
Then Lelouch notices something and sit's up for some reason.
"Oh, and I am sure you both are aware of the assassin's trying to act as if they have the element of surprise correct?" He say's.
I was wondering when he was going to point them out, honestly they REALLY must be bad at their job's if they are THAT easy to spot...
"Yes, we just felt like giving them the idea they had a chance..." Dad say's, before pulling out a remote and pressing a button...
To which a number of turret's outside pop up and shoot the would be killer's dead...
...
...
...
It should sound surprising, but it's not...
In fact it's something of a normal thing around the estate...
When are those idiot's going to take a hint and LEAVE US ALONE!
"As expected the owner of the main manufacturing industries in Japan that is Britannian Held. Beside's that of Kirihara Industries of course..." Lelouch say's with a pleased smile on his face.
Dad give's a hearty laugh "And I'm sure Kirihara has offered you his support alongside the rest of the Kyoto Houses right?"
Lelouch and I nod and I say"Yep, and Lelouch even showed himself to Kirihara-san himself. Though for whatever reason all of the guard's he had wound up dead the next day..."
"Guess those two have been busy, though to be honest I can't say it's that surprising huh?" Dad say's to us.
"They have, despite the name addition's and color change's, they are the same as ever" Lelouch and I say again in sync...
...
...
...
WHAT IS IT WITH US TALKING IN UNISON!
Robert P.O.V.
Honestly Kallen, you couldn't have picked a better young man to be your partner...
It will be something to consider you an Empress in the future at some point, but you and Naoto are the Pride's and Joy's of me and your Mother...
Oh Hinata...
If only I wasn't forced to Marry that TRAMP!
Still, that Blond Bimbo will get her's soon enough...
Her and the rest of those idiot's who I have the misfortune of sharing Blood Ties with...
...
...
...
George, Marianne, you have brought a good son into this world, and I have no doubt your Daughter is every bit as wonderful as he is...
Still, I guess it's time I get down to Business...
...
"So, Lelouch, I do believe you hoped to speak to me about giving you support for your Black Knight's correct?" I ask him in a serious tone.
He nod's. "Yes sir. I am aware of how the situation between you and the rest of your... Kin is rather unsteady enough as is, and I have no intent of causing harm to you or your Wife, your ACTUAL Wife that is..."
I got to say, he's rather selfless and intelligent, good trait's for a would-be Emperor...
How about I put him to the test...
"So then, if I were to grant you support, how would you go about it?" I ask him.
He doesn't even take a second to respond.
"I would have the necessary fund's be brought though a variety of dummy account's, all in varying amount's and time's so as to not establish a pattern for anyone to follow, and as for the acquisition and transport of the product's... Multitude of transport route's and drop off point's that are on a constant shift in term's of exact location's so as to ensure the least amount of product get's intercepted by any rival's or Police... And to ensure no one can trace it back to either of us, I would have effort's to scrub any and all trace's linking either of us to the shipment's in question, effectively making the product's in question be akin to ghost material's..." He explain's, to the Impressed look on Kallen's face as well as that of Gottwald and Shinozaki...
I do think I like this young man, a lot in fact...
"And in what matter's would you use the supplies given to you to act out in the most effective matter?" I ask.
Again, doesn't even take a moment to answer.
"I would divide the resources given to me and implement them to those who need it the most, be it on a basis of skill first for the most quality of said supplies, or in term's of what is most needed depending on the situation above all else, and when nothing else is needed, I will distribute them on a matter of who would request them and in what quantity. Such as for example, if Kallen here wished for some better armament's for her Knightmare, I would ensure the best quality rather than give them to say, Tamaki, who is... Rather inept most of the time to put it mildly... And that is purely on the matter of skill, nothing more, nothing less. Though Tamaki might grumble about me playing favorite's with Kallen, but really it would be anyone else for that matter by comparison really." He said, and we all got a few laugh's knowing how the man in question is a bit of a goofball at time's...
"If you had to choose between the live's of your Subordinates, or yourself, to achieve your mission, who would you pick? And why?" I ask him.
I am barley even done before he start's explaining...
"I would ensure the live's of my Subordinates above all else, as I have plan's to ensure a command structure to be put in place so as to ensure that even in the event of my Capture and/or Death, that the Black Knight's are not left leaderless, I will not attempt to explain, as I am in the finalizing stages of it, and I feel it would be more appropriate to inform all member's in question rather than simply just tell them one at a time..."
Alright, one last question...
"How will you ensure your Base of Operation's is not compromised?" I ask him.
"It's quite simple, I won't..." He say's.
"Huh?" Kallen and Hinata ask.
"Go on..." I tell him, as I know he has more to say.
"I won't attempt to ensure my Base of Operation's isn't Compromised, because I will always assume it is, and therefore have plan's in place to ensure a rapid evacuation of all personnel as quickly as possible. And while I can see the appeal of a Mobile base, it however is unfeasible for the scale and scope I plan on doing, as such I always make sure to keep an eye out for potential Base site's to establish in the event my primary facilities are overrun, and the data of said bases will be limited to my own person as well of those whom I trust to safeguard the data in question, and it will only respond to the person in question using a variety of method's, from password's only they would know, to all matter of scanning system's on the storage device itself as to ensure destruction should all else fail. Quite simply, I leave nothing to chance if I can help it..." He tells me with a smirk...
...
...
...
Okay it's official, Kallen you are GOING to Marry him...
Once the two of you admit your feeling's of course, I don't want to force your heart's after all...
And you have my Blessing Lelouch, if nothing else I am proud my little girl found a good man like you...
George, I look forward to drinking with you as a Brother-In-Law...
Hinata P.O.V.
Marianne, it will be good to call you Sister-In-Law, once Robert and I can Remarry of course...
Elsewhere...
"Hmm" George hummed to himself.
"What is it Georgie?" Marianne asked.
"I have a feeling that Rob and Hinata approve of our son, my Wife..." He said.
Marianne for her part simply smirked "I look forward to seeing what sort of a wonderful young woman Kallen has grown to be, after all you recall the last time we met with them before we left, remember?"
George smirked as well "How could I not forget? The fact that the two of you woman managed to drink us under is something neither Robert nor Myself can forget."
Bismarck spoke up "I can also not forget the raging Hangover the four of you had, needless to say, you all asked for it..."
Marianne pouted "Aw. No fair! You didn't even bother joining in!"
Bismarck simply chuckled "I knew better than to get between the four of you in that regard..."
George then had a thoughtful look on his face "And where were you Genbu? As far as I recall it was in honor of you being made Prime Minister?"
Genbu grunted "I had no interest in being involved in a drinking contest between you four, much less the part in general..."
Marianne had an Impish smirk "I'm pretty sure it was because SOMEONE had your interest? Well?"
Genbu simply kept quiet and did not bother to respond...
Stradfield Manor
Lelouch P.O.V.
ACHOO!
"Something wrong Lelouch-sama?" Sayoko asked.
"I have a feeling Mother and Father were talking about me again." I said.
Robert smirked "I'm pretty sure it was about the time George and I had a drinking contest! Ahh, good time's."
"Who won?" Kallen asked, and I had to admit I was wondering which of them did.
Ms. Kozuki smirked "Actually, it was myself and Marianne who won in the end, we just had it at a tie though. And hopefully I can beat her next time."
That smirk of her's look's an AWFUL lot like Mother's when she was up to something twisted...
"Well, I'll leave you and mother too it then, Ms. Kozuki." I say with a formal bow.
"How about you and Kallen walk around a bit, it would do you well to see the place." Robert said.
"It's not like I have anyone to have come over anyhow, come on." Kallen say's while tugging on me to follow her...
Robert P.O.V.
"Are you sure it would be okay for them to wander around on their own? Lord Robert?" Jeremiah ask's me.
"I'm sure they can take care of themselves just fine." I say.
"And if the come across her Lord Stradfield?" Miss Shinokazi ask's with venom in her voice.
I was aware that Ruben had a rather impressive number of Maid's, but to know that at least one of them was a Ninja is rather...
Interesting to say the least...
Perhaps I should ask if he knows of any other's like Miss Shinokazi here, and if they would be willing to help, deal with any annoying pest's that come around...
"I have a feeling that his Highness will put that Tramp in her place, if you would excuse my saying, sir, ma'am." Hinata say's.
Sayoko for her part instantly beamed at Hinata and said "Oh it I am so glad to meet you Miss Kozuki! Tell me, would you like it if I helped train you at all?"
"Eh? Wh-what Kind of Training are you talking about?" Hinata asked.
"Oh the normal thing's for a maid, Cooking, Cleaning, Gardening..." Sayoko listed off.
"Well, I am rather decent enough as it, but I suppose a little bit more wouldn't hurt..." Hinata said.
"OH! And I could also teach you some of the basic art's of the Shinokazi school if you would like!" Sayoko finished off...
"EH! I don't know how to feel about that..." Hinata said, and I will admit it would be rather unbecoming of her learn of such skills...
"I do believe it would do you good to show that Blonde Pig who sleeps in the same bed as your Husband a lesson or two in Humility, beside's, part of my training would do good to please your Husband if nothing else, you can even have the Bimbo do nothing more but watch as you please your man better than she ever could!" Sayoko say's with that smile on her face as if she was talking about more mundane thing's than having... That woman... Be all tied up and forced... To watch me and Hinata...
...
...
...
I suddenly felt a passion in myself that I had not have ever since that Tramp forced herself into my bed all those year's ago...
Hinata seemed to have the same thought's as me as she said "O-Okay, I'll accept. But only because I want to protect my Son and Daughter if possible, okay?" In a voice that rather poorly tried to hide her ACTUAL feeling's about it all...
Sayoko had a flat look on her face and said "One of the first lesson's you need is how to hide your emotion's behind your face and voice. It is a skill I have seen Lelouch-sama have natural mastery of and have made sure to train Nunnally-sama a fair amount of, alongside other skills I am certain you will find rather useful, both in defense of your home and family, and in pleasing your beloved."
Hinata blushed rather deeply before getting a look on her face and smirked "Just as you have with regard's to Jeremiah-san, Sayoko-sensei?"
The blush the two in question had was well worth it!
Kallen P.O.V.
Okay Kallen, it's fine, perfectly fine...
You're just walking around the Manor with Lelouch...
Just...
Plain...
Old...
Regular...
Lelouch...
...
...
...
'If so, then why are you blushing so much?'
I AM NOT BLUSHING!
'Nope, you TOTALLY are!'
AM NOT!
'Are too.'
I AM NOT!
'Whatever you want to think, spoilsport...
WHY YOU-
"I take it the issues with your Step-Mother is something that you and your Brother don't just deal with in regard's to your Mother?" Lelouch ask's.
"HUH?! Um! Yes! It's something the whole staff have to deal with..." I tell him, trying to keep my embarrassment down!
"I wasn't talking about the staff, though I have no doubt they suffer in many way's as your Mother. I was talking about your Father, Kallen." Lelouch say's.
Oh...
He, want's to know how it affected Dad...
"H-He didn't take it so when during the Upheaval, he kept most of the worst details about it from me and Naoto. I had no real idea it was that bad until you said it to the rest of us and Kirihara that day, at Mt. Fuji that is." I told him...
He nodded in understanding "I know why he didn't want to admit it, it was..."
I hold onto his arm "You don't have to if you don't feel like it." I tell him.
He sigh's "No, I said I would confide in you all matter of thing's. And I feel this count's as something I need to confide with you in."
We found ourselves in my room, no idea why, we just did...
He told me "The day the Upheaval occurred, it was the day my Father was going to declare the Invasion of Japan to be denied fully and rendered forbidden to bring up again."
I couldn't help but gasp, his father was going to halt any plan's of Invading Japan!
"And I know Mother agreed with him on it as well, if no other reason than because they both had friend's in Japan, Genbu Kururgi among them. And as it turn's out, your Parent's as well." He told me.
I held onto him, having him sit beside me on my bed...
He continued "I confronted a Nobleman who had complained about how the invasion was crucial to the continued dominance of Britannia, and do you wish to know what I told him?"
"Yes." I said, not even caring how I sounded or how close as we were to each other.
"I told him, of what good is it for us to have the most powerful army if there was no one left to fight? Of what good is waging war that leaves only animosity and resentment in the people we conquer, having their homeland's stripped of their name's and the people being referred to as simple 'Number's'? And of what good is it to force people to die for the one's who have not proven themselves worthy of Leadership? And the way I saw it, the only one's who should kill, be they the soldier's on the front line's, or the one's who lead them, are the one's who are prepared to be killed. And that I did not see him, or any of those like him, ready to die for their belief's..." He said with such a strength and ferocity in his voice, that I couldn't help but be drawn to him by it even more...
I am sure his parent's were proud of him that day...
He continued "I have no doubt, that if the room was not so tense and full of potential enemies, that my Parent's and Bismarck and Jeremiah would have clapped in applause for my speech... But IT did, a slow, mocking clap, as it came to show itself..."
I felt a shiver along my spine at what he meant "The Lord of Wraith's..." I spoke in a breathy whisper.
He nodded "Indeed, and with it the current two who run the highest order's of the empire, 'Charles Vi Britannia' and the one called simply 'V.V.' and how I saw it mock my parent's, no, our very IDEA's as if they were nothing. And when Bismarck went to challenge it, the Lord of Wraith's simply swatted him aside as if he was a mere fly..."
I felt as if I understood him, and could almost see it in my own mind, Lelouch, only 10 year's old by then, facing down the figure that everyone across the world now had a sense of dread for it's gaze. And seeing grip Bismarck's blade if it were nothing, only to toss him aside as if he was nothing...
"It was only then did it reveal it's Wraith's to us, and Jeremiah was willing to hold firm even though he and the rest had a sense of fear in them." He said, and I could see Jeremiah acting as the Loyal Knight he is, trying to protect his young Prince even though he faced against a being that could make anyone feel fear...
"What did you feel?" I asked, unsure how he must have felt.
"Honestly? I wasn't afraid, only angry at the being that dared to act as if it could waltz around my Father's Domain, my FAMILY'S Domain, as if it was it's own, or simply a place it had no real use for other than to look nice. And I had no fear even as it told me that it planned to kill me..." He spoke with such fury and rage. Yet it didn't feel frightening or scary, it felt...
Protective, warm, comforting...
I could see him there, standing defiant against such a foe who seemed all but poised to kill him easily enough, and yet he stood firm, and if I am being honest, it made me feel something toward's him for such an act...
That he could hold against such thing's, like I would...
"How did you escape?" I asked, curious how they managed to get out and reach Japan as they did...
"It was thank's to my Guardian 'Ranger' you know? He fought against the Lord of Wraith's, and bought us time to reach Nunnally, aside from the two of us and Cornelia, none of the other children of the Emperor were around Pendragon at the time, so in term's of the rest of my extended family of half-sibling's, they were safe for the time being..." He said, his voice cold, yet strangely comforting at the same time...
"And then, we finally got to Ares Villa, where Nunnally was at, and we met HIM..." He spoke with rage in his voice.
"Who? Wait, you mean!" I asked, as it was not long after the Upheaval did the place of Knight of One was taken by-
"Lucario Bradley, the 'Vampire of Britannia'..." He told me with only contempt in his voice...
"Did he, do anything to you?" I asked, even if it wasn't anything physical, it didn't mean there was nothing there...
"No, before he had a chance to do anything, Cornelia came and knocked him out cold, I went to tie him up with some rope along his arm's and leg's so he wouldn't try anything, bet he was annoyed at that to say the least." He said with a humorous smile, and I couldn't help but laugh at the mental image of the feared Vampire of Britannia being tied up like a pig...
But then his smile left him and he said "It was then Cornelia told me of how it all was, though she tried to keep it hidden from me, I could tell that the assault we were facing was one all across the homeland, if not the empire at large. As such I felt the enemy would only keep assaulting until we were dead."
I could figure out the rest easily enough "And then you told her to give the order to surrender, and you all managed to fake your death's, how did that work anyhow?" I asked, it was such a clever ploy, how did he do it?
He took a breath in, then out. "It was a gamble, a risk, I would have Ranger come along, and by some measure, ensure we would be transported as the plane was being destroyed, it was a major risk, but we managed to get out unscathed, though the landing was a bit wet when we got there." He said with a slight smile at the end.
"Is that were you met the Kururgi's?" I asked, couldn't hurt to ask now could it?
"In fact we did, and when I introduced myself to Suzaku, he fainted, though I feel asleep not long after." And I giggled slightly at the image of a young Suzaku and Lelouch, sleeping side by side as it were, it felt cute...
"And then we stayed at the Kururgi shrine for a time, and then after a month had passed, we scattered, myself, Nunnally, and Suzaku one way, Jeremiah another, Genbu, Mother, Father, and Bismarck yet another. In time Suzaku left on his own, and Nunally and I wound up with the Ashford's, I think you know the rest from there..." He said...
Oh Lelouch...
I felt memories of my own from the invasion and it's aftermath plague me...
Of how Naoto and I were left alone for a time, wandering through field's of the dead...
How scared we felt at the idea of being found and killed...
And of how Mom and Dad must have felt for us, how scared they were for their children...
I felt him bring his hand up just bellow my eye, and felt him wipe across my cheek.
"I thought I said you shouldn't cry. You are far to beautiful to have your face be stained with tear's..." He said...
And yet even more memories came rushing to me...
Older one's...
From my old life...
Of seeing so many of my family, just die...
How we all had a large get together, and how they were all killed, and I was the only one left alive...
I just held onto him, so consumed by my grief and sadness, I didn't want to lose the family I had NOW!
Not this time...
Not EVER...
NEVER AGAIN!
Lelouch P.O.V.
I could see it in her eye's...
The Pain...
The Suffering...
The Misery...
Yet I could also see the strength within...
The flame within her that burned bright and true...
I could feel my heart beat, as if it was trying to get in tune with her's...
I could sense the emotion's welling from inside of me...
But I can't act on them, it would be wrong...
'Not wrong, too soon perhaps, but not wrong...'
Does it matter? In the end I guess not, but for now...
'For now, all she need's is your comforting embrace...'
Yes, that's all that is needed, nothing more and nothing less...
And so I held onto her, holding onto her form, even as she cried her heart out...
We were like that for an hour's worth of time, if not more even...
And then, she finally fell asleep in my arm's...
I made so she would be tucked into bed and allowed to rest...
"You're a good young man, Marianne should be proud to have a son like you." I heard Ms. Kozuki say.
"Thank you miss, I am certain my Father is proud of me, at least compared to Castor and Pollux at least." I say with a slight amount of mirth.
She gave a slight chuckle "I think you are selling yourself too short, young man."
I shrug sheepishly "I have always tried to be humble in my life, Prince or no."
She smiled "And that is what make's you so beloved by your parent's, and might I say you have impressed me and Robert as well, and we are glad to have met you Lelouch."
I give a slight smile "You both are so kind, and your son and daughter are impressive in their own right's."
She let out an amused chuckle "That they are, and you and your own sister are much the same way."
I give a fond smile at the thought of Nunnally "She has always been there for me, ever since the moment of our Birth's."
She gave a motherly look "A good brother and a loving son, whoever the woman you may take as a wife will find a good husband in you."
I can't help but give a sad smile at such a statement "I do not know Ms. Kozuki, if they will not shy away from me due to my Royal Blood, then it is because of the mask's I wear and what lies beneath them."
She give's me a knowing look "If there is a woman to love you, it is not for the mask's you wear, nor in fear of that which lies beneath, and not of your Royal Blood. It is because of your kind and caring soul, even if you must fight and kill other's, it does not change the fact that even still, your soul is one whose nature can never be altered in any true sense. Though you might have a darker side to it, that is a part of you all the same, the light and dark of the soul. Both acting in unison and harmony, and there will be nothing you or those who side with you can't face in battle and overcome, be it in the clash of blade's, or of soul's. Do you understand?"
I smile truly, knowing that she referred to a psychologist who's work's and theories were present even in this world. "Indeed I do, you use the work's of Jung do you not? A man who thought the mind was split between a self, a Persona, and a Shadow. or the ego, Superego, and Id, respectively, each acting in various part's. The Persona, the mask the world see's. The Shadow, the side that neither the world, nor the self, seldom see present and on full display, with many wishing to keep such a side hidden when it show's itself. And then the Self of a person as we know it as, that which is the result of the two interacting and fusing together, the form which we all are behind the mask's we wear, though the Shadow is the raw from, and the Persona is the ultimate refinement of that form, it is the Self that is what we all consider ourselves to be above all else..."
She smiled "Impressive, what drove you to learn such thing's?" She asked.
I smiled back "Nothing much really, just felt like it one day." And to be honest, it was true, as in my old world, I happened across a random video online. The music present in that video was so interesting, I tried to find the source of it...
And in doing so, it brought me to a video game series who's title was that of the Superego in Jung's work, which in itself made me interested in the working's of the mind...
'And people said Video Game's didn't teach you anything!'
They didn't know any better, but I did learn a lot from both the series and the Psychology that inspired it, lesson's that I hope to carry me to this day, both in the self that is me in this world, and all other version's of me across possibility...
'You think a version of you lives in the multiverse where it came from?'
Yeah, in fact, I wouldn't be at all shocked if he took up the role of a certain Trickster...
'Well, best get going then huh?'
Agreed...
I bid Ms. Kozuki and Kallen farewell, only to notice the Bimbo just behind me...
'OH! I know what you are thinking! AND I LOVE IT!'
Let's just get somewhere she won't wake Kallen up first...
'YES! I AM THE PILLAGER OF TWILIGHT!'
You can save it for when we scare her proper...
Ranger P.O.V.
You know, I'm sure I'd be him, what about you my dear?
'I'll give you a hint, the code name of the two are one in the same...'
Oh, Clever, clever my dear, and it fit's as well...
'I am Thou...'
And Thou art I...
A/N: And that's the end for this chapter! So I hope you all noticed what Ranger and Wayfinder said there... It's going to indicate what Fiction I plan on writing for myself at some point, and the way I came across really was by random chance as described in the ending point there, and I think you can guess which one I will be doing above all the rest, if your having issue's figuring it out. I'll give you a hint...
Before he was known for THIS Role for the Japanese version, he was the Japanese VA for Lelouch...
If anyone want's to comment on it, by all mean's go ahead, and if anyone ask's any stupid question's (You know who you are.) I think having the end be with AU! should tell you this is not the same Code Geass as you all know! Make sure to leave a review!
Anyhow, til next time!