A/N: Whew, this chapter was hard to do, mostly because there was much to cover and more to take care of. Since soon, in chapter eighteen, we'll have Lelouch make his public appearance before all of Area 11 as Zero.

Before I forget, I want to thank everyone for reading the last chapter and all of the feedback, favorites, and follows. As of this chapter's posting, we have passed 350 favorites, and 400 follows, so thank you all very much.

Naturally, I offer special thanks to Jameyofthemegacosmos for his work on the chapter and editing on it, and more. Compressing a lot of the text was one of the biggest challenges in the chapter. But it should lead to some interesting reveals in this chapter and maybe a sign of things to come.

Lastly, the poll on my profile is still going, but it shall go down before I post chapter seventeen.

At the posting of this chapter posting, the poll is at twenty-four for yes, and eleven votes for no.

With that out of the way, let's move onto the chapter, enjoy!

Chapter 16

Changes

Three days had passed following events at Shinjuku Ghetto. While some videos came out about what happened at Shinjuku Ghetto, all of them seemed got shut down quickly before launch. However, nothing ever reported anything about Clovis's disappearance.

I assume they're trying to hide Clovis's whereabouts to fend off anarchy, Lelouch thought. Once they finally announce it, I'm sure they would already have control over the situation.

Lelouch walked through the ruins of Agartha, looking for Alameria. After introducing her and the others to Ashford Academy, they quickly head back to make a few more adjustments.

She should be over here since she wanted to try out her new armor.

Somewhere in the city, last time Lelouch heard, Havi was helping Alameria tap into her strength and powers inherited from her mother. If combined with her Blessing of the Hero, she would still increase her combat potential considerably.

Even if she technically a monster, a dhampir is very different from a monster girl.

A dhampir was a rare monster girl born between a human male and a vampire. Typically, most vampires are far too prideful to consider bedding a human despite having the same urges and desire for sex as a succubus. However, most vampires resist this urge and the temptation, which is why dhampirs are rare.

I can't say what kind of relationship Alameria's parents had. Still, I suppose being a dhampir is a sign she didn't try to resist.

Besides being the most prideful and stubborn monster girls, Lelouch knew that vampires only consider Incubi their equal. Typically, a vampire would abduct a human man, making them their servant to tend to their needs. They feed off their servant by drinking their blood; thus, both the vampire and her servant experience a sense of pleasurable bliss that is immensely enjoyable for both.

But each time a vampire feeds off a human, their demonic energy is infused into them. Gradually after enough time, that man becomes an incubus, and the vampire no longer sees the man as a servant. Instead, the man is now worthy of being her mate and even a member of the nobility.

However, the Dhampirs' existence is proof that not all vampires could resist their succubus-inherited desires. Of course, Lelouch expected there were likely some exceptions with the vampire already in love with a human who might've been exceptional or some other unknown reason. When compared to Dhampirs, they were considered to possess the best of both worlds. Even though they inherit their mother's strength and demonic energy, their minds are more akin to an average human. Thus, a Dhampir could more easily pass themselves off as human, including the aura and mana they give off, which was even comparable to those of a human. Unlike some monster girls who would aggressively seek husbands dhampirs, when it came to romance with a man who catches their fancy, many of them will win their hearts through more traditional ways like dating.

Dhampirs and vampires could still use their otherworldly beauty to gain an advantage but did not because of their pride and treatment of humans. Some of them became vampire hunters to punish them and make them see the error of their ways.

Hah! Lelouch heard a noise and soon discovered Alameria and Havi.

The group was in an old collapsed building with Havi using magic to animate half a dozen rusty old armor suits. They were provided to be opponents for Alameria to train against as the young woman was doing battle with them under Havi's watchful eye.

Lelouch grinned as he decided to step behind a pillar, intending to observe.

Let's see how much she has improved under Havi.

Alameria's new armor was modeled after her old musketeer outfit. The skirt she wore was replaced with a full-body suit with leather armor padding key sections. She wore a black and gold-trimmed coat slightly longer than her previous one, including her split skirt. Her armored boots were enchanted with the usual speed enchantments, and her gloves had armored plates above the palms and forearms increased her strength when magic funneled into them.

The new hat she wore was just like her old one, but with gold trim and magical so Alameria could draw objects and weapons from within. Even the red feather decorating it was a magic item capable of creating powerful wind gusts when used.

Finally, Alameria's new sword was a sword with a long and thin silver blade with a golden hit with a blue gem on the pommel's bottom.

So that's Alameria's new sword Vijaya, but also known as Thunderbrand.

The power of lightning surged through the blade as Alameria steadied herself. She didn't wear the mask that came with her new attire as the half-vampire hardly needed it. Two of the six animated armors rushed toward Alameria, who dodged their first attack before following it up with a counterattack. Alameria counted by gracefully beheading the armor, cutting the magic that animated it.

Alameria seems faster than before, but her strikes are no less precise either.

Alameria dodged a counterattack from another animated armor by quickly sidestepping the armor. However, Havi had animated another armor behind Alameria to catch her off guard. Even though Alameria had noticed the new enemy, she had little time to dodge, causing her sword to be knocked from her hand. But, instead of panicking over the loss of her weapon Alameria remained calm and composed. Suddenly her sword levitated to life on its own before it cut the new animated armor in half by cutting through the area between the waist and the torso armor.

Controlling the sword with her mind, Alameria dodged another attack before directing her sword to impale her attacker's head through the armor's eye holes. At her mental comment, a surge of lightning was unleashed, destroying the armor in a brilliant flash of light.

Lelouch had instinctively shielded his eyes, but when the light died down, he saw Alameria suddenly appear behind one of the enemies. With her sword back in hand, Alameria cut down another animated armor by beheading it from behind. Alameria was moving faster than the eye could track to the point it seemed like she was teleporting from one place to another.

As the animated armors turned around to rush the dhampir, Alameria used her free hand to use the feather on her hand to unleash a small whirlwind. The whirlwind rushed forward, catching the animated armors before sending them flying towards the wall within the old collapsed building.

Almeria punched one of the remaining walls to send it crashing down on top of the animated armors with a smile. Her enemies were crushed under a pile of stone. Havi undid the spell that animated the old armored suits, clearly satisfied with Alameria's improvements.

"Well done, Miss Crescentia," Havi congratulated, clapping his hands. "That last move was a tad excessive but well played."

"Thank you kindly," Alameria replied humbly. "I owe it to your teachings."

"Maybe, but you have made some dramatic improvements in our short time together."

The pair heard footsteps as Lelouch approached them, applauding Alameria's performance.

"I concur; your fighting style has greatly improved. You were already a gifted swordswoman, but your combat prowess overall has dramatically gotten better."

"Oh, thank you, Lelouch," Alameria said with a mixture of embarrassment and surprise.

"What brings you here, Lelouch?"

"I came to talk to Alameria about tomorrow, but I can come back later if you are going to be busy," Lelouch said with a sharper tone near the end. "She needs this training more than ever know after Shinjuku."

"Of course," Havi complimented. "She is still young, and her youth shouldn't be squandered. Besides, she has more than earned a break, given her dramatic improvement,"

"So, I have seen," Lelouch said in agreement. "You have taken your training under Havi very seriously."

"Naturally," Alameria admitted. "I wish to repay you for rescuing me, Lelouch, and I have no desire ever to be a prisoner again."

"I understand all things considered, but you don't have to thank me."

"No, you risked a lot for me, so a simple thank you will not suffice. I swear I shall protect you and your sister by extension; you have my word." Alameria offered with a bow. "I'll be the shield that shall protect you, and that will be how I'll repay you for all you have done for me."

"There is no need for that," Lelouch said, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Come now, Lelouch, don't be like that," Havi merely laughed at the scene. "You did save her life and indirectly saved her friends, so why not accept her offer? If she is sincere about protecting you, then what's the harm?"

"I suppose you are right," Lelouch sighed. "Very well, I accept your oath, Alameria."

"Thank you very much; I promise you'll never regret it."

Watching the scene unfold from a safe distance was Koyoi, hiding behind an old crumbling stone wall. The young woman felt a sense of alarm and anxiety within her, but she couldn't understand why. However, the monster slayer did realize her reactions were all tied to Lelouch, and she didn't like the idea of other women getting too close to him.

Is this what they call love? Have I fallen in love with him?

Due to Koyoi's tightly controlled upbringing, she did not know romance and love, mostly since her husband was decided at birth. Even after working alongside Lelouch for the past few years, they were close, but Koyoi realized she desired to be closer to him. After arriving on Earth, Koyoi read some histories about relationships and wondered if her feelings for Lelouch were love and the desire to be together with him.

What do I do to make him love me back? How do I express it to him?

Unknown to Koyoi, another was watching the exchange between Lelouch and Alameria.

Wilmarina had seen the flash of light, so she had hurried over. She was worried it was an enemy attack. She was leaning against a broken pillar on another corner of the hill. Yet, neither she nor Koyoi noticed one another due to their different locations. However, identical to Koyoi, she was struggling with her feelings, but for other reasons.

"Why do I feel so jealous?"

Wilmarina slammed her first into the pillar in frustration.

As she leaned against the pillar, trying to focus her thoughts, but Wilmarina couldn't deny the anxiety she was feeling.

Didn't I love Elt? Why am I falling for Lelouch so…quickly?

The young heroine was deeply confused by the revelation she had been falling for Lelouch. After three minutes of silently contemplating it, Wilmarina realized the answer.

You and Elt haven't spoken to each other for a very long time. Did we drift apart?

Wilmarina questioned herself internally but soon realized the cause. Wilmarina adored Elt, and he held a special place in her heart since they were children. Not only was he kind to her, but he treated her as an average child instead of the Hero that she was expected to be. Her freedom and childhood were sacrificed upon the altar of her father's ambitions. Elt and his family suffered as well. It was all because Elt was kind to her. Wilmarina's father took this as Elt's family trying to secure a higher social standing through her.

Elt's parents' deaths, and the boy himself ending up an orphan, weighed heavily on her for years. Still, those childhood days were among the best memories Wilmarina had. After Elt was gone, her childhood was effectively over. Every wakening moment Wilmarina had was spent training and being educated to become the strongest Hero the kingdom could produce.

She never saw Elt again until that day he was among those to join the Holy Ice Flower as a foot soldier.

I know why you joined, but you must've known how dangerous that was, didn't you?

Thankfully, her father never sought to assassinate Elt, thanks to Wilmarina treating him with cold indifference. It hurt her deeply to do that to a cherished friend from the best days of her life, but it was for his protection.

There were those memories and the affection we felt for one another, but we couldn't meet or grow as friends. Doing so would've only cause Elt's demise.

However, with Zero, or rather Lelouch, she had someone she could converse with and speak her mind.

Initially assigned by her father to be an adviser and field commander, Wilmarina knew he was there to watch her on his behalf. Instead, Lelouch and Wilmarina built a strong friendship with one another as the former became her most trusted companion. The fact she could speak her mind without anyone saying otherwise or trying to control her thoughts and actions was liberating. Wilmarina tasted a sense of freedom through Lelouch. Being able to be herself around someone who understood her meant more to her than anyone realized.

We were so similar, but our lives took different directions.

Upon learning about Lelouch and his backstory, Wilmarina realized the former prince was a kindred spirit. There were some differences between them, but they were more similar in many other ways. For instance, Wilmarina recognized she could have followed in Lelouch's footsteps under different circumstances.

We even had men we once called fathers, who we loathed utterly.

Wilmarina realized she had already been falling in love with Lelouch without realizing it. Elt becoming an Incubus and getting together with an alternate universe counterpart only made it easier for her to come to that conclusion. It hadn't helped Elt, and she couldn't interact with one another, but the realization was still troubling to Wilmarina.

I guess I can't tell myself otherwise.

Leaning against the pillar, Wilmarina stared up at the sky

The former heroine recognized her heart yearned for Lelouch, but it once dreamed for both men. Her feelings for Elt were born out of childhood affection, friendship, and guilt over being indirectly responsible for what happened to him and his family. Lelouch's, on the other hand, was built upon mutual understanding of one another, and it grew over time through her trust in him. Now it had grown into something more because Wilmarina recognized it was because he understood her situation far better than Elt did. Elt is a kind and very optimistic soul. He likely thought by joining the Order of the Ice Flower as a knight would allow him and Wilmarina to be together. Sadly, Wilmarina knew it wouldn't happen because it would've resulted in his assassination by Wilmarina's father.

How could I fall for someone else so easily like this? Was I already falling in love with Lelouch before I lost Elt? That has to be it?

Moments passed, and before Wilmarina realized, someone had noticed her and approached her hiding spot.

"Feeling troubled, Lady Wilmarina?"

Wilmarina was startled by a voice before realizing Havi was there.

"Enjoying the view?" The older man offered amusingly.

"Sorry, I was just caught in my thoughts," Wilmarina replied.

"Concerned about your feelings for Lelouch?"

"It's NOT like that!" Wilmarina replied with her cheeks turning red.

"Ah, but it's related, isn't it?" Havi offered with a knowing grin. "Your reaction just told me everything I needed to know."

Wilmarina internally cursed herself but said nothing in response.

"It's nothing to be ashamed about; when it comes to love and matters of the heart, people should take it very seriously. It's good you are recognizing the issue you are facing."

"Recognizing it is one thing, but dealing with it is another."

"Too true, and you have endured a lot since the Fall of Lescatie," Havi acknowledged. "Coupled with what happened to your childhood friend, I have no doubt this must be troubling for you."

"That's an understatement. Elt and I were so close as children because he treated me like a normal child. Something not even members of my own family did. Once I was old enough, every waking moment was spend studying and training to be the Kingdom's Hero," Wilmarina remarked bitterly. "I hated every minute of it, especially when I would see other children playing and enjoying themselves. It was something that I wanted to do, and Elt was the only one who gave me that chance."

"Then losing it must've hurt you deeply," Havi assumed, causing Wilmarina to nod.

"I felt trapped, and I had little choice but to force myself to be what everyone expected," Wilmarina remarked, wrapping her arms around herself. "Then I met Lelouch, whom I was suspicious of since my father hired him. But then I was surprised when he proved to be far more supportive than anyone else. Although I knew he aimed to gain my support to help overthrow the kingdom, we bonded as friends. No, it was more than that. Had he told me of his intentions a little sooner, I actually would've very seriously considered supporting him."

Wilmarina's grin was a sign that she would've backed Lelouch's effort to overthrow Lescatie, but Havi offered another question.

"Now that you are free from it all and recognize your feelings, what do you plan to do now?"

The former heroine of Lescatie gazed up at the sky once more, contemplating a response. As she moved one hand above her heart, Wilmarina offered Havi her answer.

"I realize now that Lelouch stole my heart before I even noticed it. Elt will always have a special place in my heart as a dear friend from the best days of my childhood. I realize I cannot love him because of the alternate version of Wilmarina and those other women he has taken as wives. I cannot grasp how it happened still, and I have trouble believing it. But I know I could never love him more than a friend," Wilmarina admitted softly with a sad expression. "I wish I could do something to help Elt so that I can move on, but I don't think there is anything I can do."

"True," Havi acknowledged. "What he and those he has taken as his wives complicated things considerably."

"Were they brainwashed or something like that?"

"Not exactly," Havi shook his head. "Especially when you consider Monster Girls are immune to brainwashing and mind control."

"Then what happened to Elt and everyone then involved with him?"

"This has been a debated matter for many in your world," Havi explained. "You must bear in mind that Demonic Mana or Mamono Mana acts upon one's desires. Monsterization can affect people differently as well, depending on many factors you must consider."

"What kind of factors?"

"The species of monster girl the human girl becomes, their lifestyle, personality, and if they are repressed in any way?"

"Repressed?"

"If they have ever denied themselves of personal desires and wants to dedicate themselves purely for a cause, they were raised and conditioned into believing that. But suddenly remove all of their inhibitions and drown them in the kind of pleasure say a succubus could give. It causes a sensory overload of what they had been conditioned to reject. Such an experience can be extremely overwhelming and very intoxicating at the same time."

"And that drastically changes who they are?"

"Yes and no. Keep in mind some probably had a boy they desired or even desires they were forced to keep locked away just as you had to hide your true self behind a mask of being a selfless heroine. But suddenly becoming a Monster Girl would bring all of these buried desires and emotions right to the surface while destroying whatever held them back from acting on them," Havi clarified. "Many who had to bury what they wanted would instantly revel in their new freedom."

"I see, but it's still difficult to grasp; that's all it took."

"That tends to happen to women, especially female heroes, raised with the Order. However, you'll be surprised that some experience little changes to their personalities than your average woman when they undergo monsterization."

"Really? Why such a difference?" Wilmarina asked, clearly shocked. "Now, I am even more confused."

"Another factor to consider is that as an Order Hero undergoes monsterization, they are forced to deal with the stress of discovering the truth of the world and monster girls. Considering how everyone in Order controlled states and kingdoms have been raised since birth to believe in the Chief God's teachings, and how you all reacted when Lelouch revealed everything, you can imagine the shock of such a truth would be."

Realization dawned on Wilmarina that Havi had a point, and she was beginning to understand the reactions of those when they became monster girls.

"Then they must've been so overwhelmed," Wilmarina said as she began to understand what happened. "I can barely picture what they went through."

"For monsterizations carried out by Druella, however, she believes denying one their desires are wrong. She intends to go too far, thinking it's better to drown them in pleasure and indulge in what they want most. To help them as she sees it, Druella uses dark matter to restrain a woman. Then she begins submerging them in enough demonic power and pleasure that it is overwhelming, effectively training their bodies to enjoy it. Even after the process is complete, she will continue to feed them demonic energy to further their transformations. By the time she is done with them, they are effectively sex-addicts from their transformations at Druella's hand."

"How can anyone think that is helping them!?" Wilmarina protested, clenching her fists in anger.

"I think Druella may not understand humans as well as she claims," Havi shrugged his shoulders. "She has good intentions at times, but her methods are a different matter."

"Understatement of the era, I think they would say!"

"Yes, but not compared to the Fallen God, whose methods are arguably worse if you consider them."

"I hear she is more extreme than Druella," Wilmarina remarked, recalling the discussion about her. "I don't even want to picture what she did to Sasha to turned her into what she is now."

"True, and it's likely best you don't think about it. Now, do you understand that compared to normal girls who become monster girls who experience little change in their personalities?"

"Yeah, it's difficult to imagine they all changed so drastically like that. Even so, those women all wanted Elt, which I never would've imagined."

"I understand that Elt's condition might not have been as overwhelming compared to those who have become his wives. However, once he became an Incubus on top of having endured hours of constantly," Havi said before pausing to choose his next words carefully. "Having personal time, on top of whatever inhibits him from enjoying sex being removed, and complicated by how he didn't have much choice, you can see how he became a different person."

"That's the worst part for me. I wish I could undo it, but that's not possible, is it? Could they be purified like what the machine has done for Lelouch and us?"

Havi adopted a sullen expression before answering.

"Bear in mind that machine and its process was more designed with preventing humans from becoming Zenkor. Granted, it infuses and alters the body. Thus, your body is stronger, extremely durable, incapable of suffering sickness, and has an exceptionally long lifespan of a thousand years or more. Most importantly, it prevents any unwanted changes to the mind and body, giving you immunity to mind control and negative mental influences."

"Really!? It did that to us?!" Wilmarina said, clearly shocked by the revelation at what the machine's effects had on their bodies. "Then there is no way we could use it to reserve what happened to Elt?"

"No," Havi shook his head. "Even if it were possible, Elt or any of his wives would probably not want to change back. As I said, demonic energy acts on desire, so if they desire it."

"Then they'll never change," Wilmarina said sadly but soon realized. "Wait, you said the machine altered our bodies. Those benefits sound terribly similar to the general benefits a monsterized human receives."

"Yes, that is true," Havi admitted. "I never mentioned this to Lelouch, but you recall how I told you Zenkor mana was used as a base for modern demonic mana?"

"Yes, you did," Wilmarina nodded.

"That was half true, given the priorities of the energy that creates a Zenkor. Still, it was melded with the same kind of mana used to reinforce humans to develop soldiers capable of fighting Kalika. To create a new species, the first Chief God wanted had to be careful not to create anything that could be a serious threat to humans. But at the same time, this new species would be dependent on humans for reproduction as another form of population control for both sides. He had to mix the mana with something else to create what he needed."

Realization dawned on Wilmarina, "Wait, are you saying that some humans who underwent the process were used to create the first monster girls?"

"Yes, but the Chief God only did to those who were traitors who sided with Kalika, their minds wiped clean to erase their former allegiance's memory. He modified the process, mixing new mana made from the fusion., creating the first monster girls were born."

Havi's explanation made Wilmarina realize a shocking discovery.

"As you can see, the reason why demonic mana won't affect and transform your bodies is that your bodies technically have it."

"Why didn't you mention that to Lelouch and the rest of us?!" Wilmarina snapped, clearly angry that such an important detail was kept from them.

"I didn't think much of it at the time, but I knew it would protect you all from becoming monster girls against your will. After all, this machine, and the mana it infuses into the body, existed long before the other monster girls did," Havi answered. "I do apologize for keeping this secret, but I do ask for your understanding. Of course, as long as you don't desire to be anything that you are now, there won't be a problem."

"I suppose there is no point arguing about it," Wilmarina replied, clearly angry and annoyed. "I trust there is nothing else you are hiding?"

"There is one thing I would like to keep close that is personal for me, but otherwise, I do not need to hide anything else from any of you."

"Fine, but you wouldn't have a problem if I told Lelouch this?"

"No, go ahead," Havi replied as Wilmarina stormed off with this new revelation in mind.

However, they did not realize that someone else watched from afar.

Luciana observed both Koyoi and Wilmarina as the pair watched Lelouch and Alameria. She saw Havi eventually walk away after a long conversation but was too far away to hear what was being discussed. Thanks to some binoculars, she effortlessly spotted Koyoi and Wilmarina spying on Lelouch.

"Unbelievable, but Wilmarina surprises me the most," Luciana remarked, shaking her head. "Koyoi, I can get giving how she was raised, and I feel sorry for her. This experience must be pretty rough on her."

The young woman found a large rock to sit on as she enjoyed the smell of the fresh sea breeze, but Luciana contemplated what she had seen. She was alone, so her words were more for herself than anyone else.

"As for Wilmarina, given how much time Lelouch and she spent working together and talking almost regularly. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised. Did she and Elt begin drifting apart before Lecestie fell?"

The rock was long and flat enough to be used as a makeshift bed, so Luciana laid back with both arms behind her head, gazing up at the sky.

Likely. If Wilmarina even showed any signs of socializing with Elt, her father would've had him assassinated. That killed any chance for them to reconnect and build a proper relationship. Still, I don't know why Elt thought it would be any different.

On the one hand, Luciana adored Elt for his kindness and seemingly endless optimism. Yet, on the other hand, she had to admit maybe Elt was too optimistic for his good. He couldn't let go of Wilmarina, so sometimes, Luciana wondered if it was something else.

I suppose even if I did surpass Wilmarina as a hero, I would've traded places with her. Or worse, I would end up in an arranged marriage for some noble. If I had been successful, Elt would be lost to me, and I would have my own glided cage as thanks for my efforts. That's also assuming I wasn't assassinated for trying to upstage Wilmarina.

Luciana sighed, recognizing she had been fighting a losing battle, and all of her efforts were doomed to be for nothing. That was not a very pleasant thought, but it was something she couldn't deny.

Ever since she met Elt and became aware of his feelings for Wilmarina, Luciana had pushed her body to become strong enough to be a hero, using any chance she could get to train herself in combat. Surprisingly, she achieved her goal and became one of the Holy Ice Flower's premier knights, at least until the kingdom fell.

I haven't seen my parents for a long time, are they alright?

Luciana had contemplated asking Havi to use his mirror to find out what became of her family. At the same time, she dreaded knowing they were likely monsters by now. Their farm was located on the city's outskirts. Most of the invading monsters had converged upon surrounding the castle city, so it was likely their rabbit farm would've been their first targets.

They probably ended up as monsters; I just know it.

The young girl felt the pit of uneasy grow in her stomach.

"Enjoying the sun and the air, aren't we?" C.C. entered.

"Geez, don't do that!" Luciana snapped, nearly jumping out of her skin.

"I have that effect, so it wasn't intentional," C.C. said dismissively before sitting on a small rock next to the one Luciana laid. "So, were you spying on Lelouch, too?"

"No, but rather I was watching those spying on him," Luciana answered defensively. On the other hand, Luciana was glad for C.C.'s presence since it would distract her from thinking about her family.

"So Lelouch has two women eyeing him?"

"Were you spying on him, too?" Luciana eyed C.C. suspiciously.

"No, but there isn't much to do on this island other than wandering around."

"Okay, good point," Luciana said, having to agree.

"Besides, I am curious who else has an interest in Lelouch."

"Why are you asking?" Luciana inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"I want to know more about one of my new contracted affiliates."

Luciana wanted to question C.C.'s motives for wanting to know more. However, after seeing how passive and neutral her expression was, Luciana didn't have a reason to suspect an ulterior motive.

"As far as I can tell, Wilmarina and Koyoi are both interested in Lelouch romantically. I think Alameria might have some romantic feelings as well since he masterminded her rescue."

"What was her crime?"

"Alameria was found to be a half-vampire and half-human, something she didn't even know. Beyond that, she did nothing criminal other than serving our kingdom faithfully."

"And Wilmarina?"

"Well, that one might take some explaining," Luciana replied.

"I am not going anywhere, and I get the feeling you aren't going anywhere too."

Luciana could only sigh because she knew this was going to be a long conversation.

Elsewhere on Earth, in one section of the Government Bureau, a handful of soldiers conducted a meeting. They all wore the typical military uniforms, but a unique gesture they all had was a red-orange wing emblem by their breast pockets. That was the symbol of a small but significant faction within the Britannian military.

"That ex-civil servant is such a fool," Jeremiah Gottwald, the Pureblood Faction leader, lamented as he rallied some of his supporters.

"Are you referring to Bartley?" Viletta questioned beside him.

"You think Prince Clovis has been kidnapped?" One of the Pureblood soldiers suggested.

"I would appreciate it if he were still alive," Jeremiah partially admitted. "But a member of the royal family disappearing under our eyes will not look well on our record."

"Certainly, it won't be good for the General," Viletta recommended. "But if we're able to do something about it..."

"It would be in our interest to find more about the prince's whereabouts. However, unless we have a member in his cabinet spill the beans on us, the investigation will be dead before it even begins."

"I'm afraid the case is already closed," another voice came into the room. The Pureblood soldiers jumped as they heard the doors open, showing the cyborg military officer entering the room. "But at least I'm willing to share such information with you."

"Colonel Madd," Jeremiah said, eyeing the cyborg with suspicion. "I don't recall you being a member of our group nor welcoming you to this meeting."

"My apologizes, but a friend among your number told me about it," Madd smirked. "Besides, I think you'll be interested in the information I have."

Jeremiah exchanged glances with Viletta before looking to his followers. No one objected, so he turned to Madd.

"Very well, what do you have?"

"General Bartley and key government ministers are preparing to declare Prince Clovis legally dead," Madd replied to the shock of everyone present.

"On what grounds!?" Jeremiah demanded angrily.

"Simply because they are unable to find him, and so far, no one has come forward with any claims of responsibility. With pressure from the homeland about his whereabouts and no evidence of who and where he might've been taken, Bartley has little choice."

"That's outrageous! So they're just giving up on the Viceroy?!"

"Did they maybe assassinate him and use that monster attack just to cover up the evidence?" Another member of the Pureblood faction demanded.

After allowing their outbursts to echo throughout the room, Viletta gestured for everyone to quiet down. Once they were all silent, Jeremiah calmly inquired to Madd.

"How do they plan to announce this?"

"They plan to use a scapegoat," Madd answered. "I do not know who they have in mind yet, but they plan on blaming the Viceroy's death on him. As for the monster that appeared, Bartley and the others are trying very hard to devise a cover story for that one."

"I highly doubt he could," Viletta commented.

"Maybe, but given the trouble they have in suppressing that information, they'll have to present a scapegoat. Otherwise, if word of Prince Clovis's disappearance gets out, Area 11 could have a total panic on its hands,"

"I see, that is very informative, Colonel," Jeremiah replied calmly.

"Now that I am done here, I'll take my leave," Madd said with a grin before departing, clearly pleased he figuratively tossed that hand grenade into the meeting.

"Lord Jeremiah," Villetta went to Jeremiah as soon as Madd left. "Perhaps with Prince Clovis out of the way, we Purebloods can..."

"It's premature to assume his highness is gone," The Pureblood leader placed a finger on her mouth. "However, I suspect things will not go well for Bartley and can't help but suspect something unforeseen is likely to happen considering how we haven't found any trace of His Highness."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"I have an idea, but we'll need to bid our time and shoulder up support."

"What are you proposing, Lord Jeremiah?"

Stepping forward was one of Jeremiah's closest companions, a young man with light brown hair and blue eyes.

"For now, we do nothing for the time being."

"Why?" Kewell Soresi inquired.

"Because Colonel Madd, a man who leads a military unit consisting of Honorary Britannians he uses for lab rats, wouldn't give information like this for free. Not to us especially, so I suspect Madd was expecting us to get involved. I can't say exactly why he wants us to, but it's all the more reason we should hang back and see what happens. The more I think about it, the more I expect whatever Bartley has planned is going to collapse. Once it does, that will be the moment we make our move."

"Understood, Lord Jeremiah…"

Back on the island, Luciana had finished explaining to C.C. about Wilmarina and her history with Zero. Afterward, she also explained the stories and connections the others like Koyoi, Olivie, Mimil, Paula, Primera, and Alameria had with Lelouch.

"I see, so Lelouch has been very busy in your world," C.C. said after Luciana finished apprising her of everything she wanted to know.

"I don't fully know all of the details of Lelouch's adventures before he came to Lescatie. All I know is how he used to be friends with the monsters before something happened that caused him to change sides."

"That's fine, but I have a general grasp of the situation and my new contractor's relationships with everyone," C.C. admitted. "Still, I confess I am surprised by this whole bit of other worlds being out there. I have been around for a long time, so I like to think I have seen it all, but that takes the cake."

"I didn't know how to react at first when I found out," Luciana nodded in agreement. "But that was merely the first surprise of many I had to deal with since."

"I can only imagine," C.C. laid on a rock she found identical to Luciana's on her right. "This is all a bit much to take in at once myself."

"I would say just take your time with it," Luciana advised.

"I will, but in the meantime, let's pick up where we left off on the subject," C.C. wished to know more about the exact nature of some of Lelouch's relationships. "You said Koyoi and Wilmarina were closer to Lelouch, didn't you?"

"They are close, but not romantically. Part of that is because I think Lelouch is more focused on fulfilling his goals than romance at the moment."

"Makes sense since he'll have plenty of time for that later," C.C. accepted the blonde's answer.

"I suppose, but I don't think it's going to make it easier for him to choose one. Even more so if Olivie and Paula might have some affection for Lelouch that could grow into romantic desire."

"What about the elf girl? Primera, I think, is her name?"

"Her, I can't tell. Given her status as a half-elf, she has been discriminated against for as long as I can remember. She typically keeps to herself, so she doesn't seem to have any romantic interest in Lelouch. She even retaliated violently when Koyoi accidentally thought that about her."

"As far as you can tell, at least," C.C. earned a nod from Luciana.

"As for Olivie, she might have an interest in Lelouch, especially considered how he saved her friends from potential execution. However, I haven't seen any obvious signs indicating a romantic interest unless she is aware of Wilmarina and Koyoi. Then she might be restraining herself out of consideration for them."

"She could be hiding it well, too," C.C. said with a questioning expression.

"I suppose, but I can't say I know for sure either."

"And what about Paula?"

Luciana sighed before answering.

"I say she's similar to Koyoi. I don't think she understands romance because of her lack of skills with people."

"What caused that?"

"Her family didn't want to waste money on their daughter," Luciana answered with disgust evident in her voice. "What Paula knew about talking with people came from what she could learn from the servants and farmhands they've employed. That includes anything else she should've learned in school."

"That must've been an issue for her."

"Well, Olivie has been working with Paula to address that," Luciana noted. "She is properly busy teaching her right now."

"I see, so what about you?"

"Huh!?"

"Do you have any romantic interest in Lelouch?" C.C. asked with a wide grin.

"Well," Luciana said, struggling with an answer.

Unlike Wilmarina, who was unable to interact with Elt, Luciana was able to do that. However, much to her annoyance, Elt only had eyes for Wilmarina. Despite all of her best efforts, from training to surpass the kingdom's greatest Hero to getting closer to Elt, nothing seemed to work. Now, with Elt an Incubus and possessing many monster wives, the optimistic and kind-hearted boy was lost to her.

Lelouch, on the other hand, had only known as Zero. They weren't exactly close, but he was friendly and supportive of her goals. He wasn't afraid to provide criticism and suggestions for improvement, but Lelouch was notably more ruthless and yet pragmatic.

Despite other girls eyeing him, Lelouch wasn't in a relationship, not yet.

I don't know if I want to try for Lelouch with more than one girl after him.

Luciana wasn't sure if she could pursue a relationship at this time, mostly because her feelings regarding Elt weren't diminishing. It was not enough to feel comfortable to attempt a relationship with anyone else at this time. Furthermore, she knew Lelouch was too focused on his goals to consider a relationship making the possibility seem more unlikely.

Unless something unforeseen happens...

Al-Mar was known for its glimmering white towers and temples dedicated to the Sea Goddess Poseidon. There were no temples dedicated to any other goddesses except for a few for the Goddess of Love Eros.

Al-Mar was a religious island nation that didn't worship the Chief God as Diana did. Al-Mar was also crucial for being the entry point to the other islands of Court Alf due to the many currents converging around the island. The island itself was used as a harbor for ships entering their territory with warehouses for offloading cargo and the rest of the land used for livestock and more.

At the center of the floating city built over the ocean, its centerpiece was the Cathedral of Blessing. None of the wedding halls throughout Al-Mar matched the majesty of the towering pure white cathedral.

If a couple sought a place to hold their dream wedding, then Al-Mar was the place. Aside from temples dedicated to weddings, they had schools for perspective Monster Girl Brides to undergo training for the sake of being a blushing bride to a young human. There were even Monster Girls, sometimes working with their husbands who have made a living as wedding planners. Nearby was a place called the Temple of Sea Poetry for those who offer Poseidon and the Great Diva prayers. As the name implied, it was also where poems were shared and offered up as well. Naturally, there were classes to help teach those interested to learn how to compose poetry.

It was also here that the Great Diva and her husband came, praying to Poseidon every day.

Alone in a particular room where a water fountain sat Caspar Le Mar, a handsome man in his early twenties who knelt in prayer. He was far older than his appearance would suggest, thanks to being an Incubus. Beyond that, he had combed black hair, blue eyes with a fair skin complexion. Casper wore white robes, which were not as grand as a man who is a king. However, Casper served primarily as a priest to Poseidon, but he helped with Court Alf's affairs from time to time.

Quietly emerging from the Fountain of the Sea Goddess, Difina slowly took to the air using magic to move behind her husband.

Casper knew his wife was behind her as he grinned.

"Dear, you should be more patient."

"I am sorry," Difina said as she wrapped her arms around her husband. "It's hard for us to be alone these days."

"I know, but such the responsibility we are burdened. Regrettably, much of it was my fault."

"Respectfully dear, and we have been over this, what happened wasn't your fault."

"Yes, I know, but I laid the groundwork for that tragedy," Casper opened his eyes. "Now, I see that this Zero, this Prince Lelouch vi Britannia, walks the path I once did,"

"He reminds you of your early days as a child and an adult," Difina remarked as she loosened her hold on her husband, allowing him to stand up.

"He does, but he hasn't reached where I was as an adult. Until my frozen heart was thawed by you, my love," Casper said, turning back to his wife with a smile.

Decades ago, Casper was once the prince of Al-Mar, but his father was a cold, calculating, and ruthless man. Casper's father was involved in many cunning political manipulations to keep the other islands at each other's throats. Al-Mar was a frequent victim of invasions and temporary occupation by foreign forces and even the other islands because of its position as the gateway to the other islands.

Despite being his son, Casper questioned his father's rule, resulting in him being cast out.

Casper survived in the slums of Al-Mar with nothing but his remarkable cunning and ingenuity. Because of the king's ruthless actions, Casper vowed vengeance against his father. Using cunning tactics and gathering allies, Casper rose back up and seized the throne overthrowing his father. However, the price he paid to climb back to the top and take the throne from his father was a heavy one as he committed many sins and lost the faith he had in people.

His desire for vengeance consumed him, and Casper became just like his father as king.

Unfortunately, Casper was even worse than his father. The new tyrant was more devious and manipulative. Casper played the other six islands against one another more successfully and was more than willing to use whatever unscrupulous methods available to him. His home was safer but at the price of his people, who feared him. To them, he was the prince with an icy heart and all of the other islands dangerously close to open war with each other.

Fortunately, the reign of Al-Mar's most ruthless king didn't last long.

Betrayed by his soldiers, Casper was cast into the sea while traveling on a ship during a storm. Instead of drowning, the tyrant was saved by a Mermaid Princess named Difina. Casper awoke on a tiny island to discover his injuries had been mended by his rescuer. At first, Casper was dismissive of Difina as a naive mermaid, despite the latter caring for him. Over time, however, Difina's purity and kindness gradually warmed his frozen heart, as did her beautiful singing. In time the two fell in love with one enough, with Casper speaking truthfully for the first time in a long time, never telling a lie to his flame.

Once his heart had defrosted, Casper was wracked with immense guilt for his actions seeking atonement.

"I recall the day we went to Al-Mar," Difina said as she massaged her husband's shoulders.

"Convincing the people I had reformed was a daunting task."

Casper recalled the day he returned. Convincing them of his change as he not only apologized, but Casper abolished the monarchy as further proof of his sincerity. He declared the Sea Goddess Poseidon would be their ruler. No one objected since many worshiped Poseidon anyway, successfully unifying the people and quelling the internal strife that had plagued their island. The peace on Al-Mar even led to a beneficial alliance with the monsters of the sea. If their harvests on land were meager, then the monster girls would provide bounties from the sea. They even aided the island's sailors, building a strong friendship between the two groups.

"Maybe so, my love, yet unifying the islands as your atonement to undo the damage you have done to all of them," Difina pointed out. "It was the most dangerous and challenging of all."

"How could I forget," Casper could only sigh in regret.

Despite Casper's success at unifying Al-Mar, the danger from the other six islands remained. Furthermore, due to his actions, a terrible war had broken out between the other islands. Seeing that much of this was his fault, Casper sought to stop the fighting and unify the seven islands together as one. Unfortunately, Casper led his soldiers and warships to battle in a dangerous bid to end the conflict. He soon found himself facing down the other six islands' forces in what would've been a destructive seven-way battle.

Miraculously, the battle never happened, but the cost was a life.

Unwilling to allow such terrible bloodshed to unfold and possibly lose her husband, Difina sang a song like no other. Its power and magic tamed the hearts of those who heard it, soothing not only the humans on opposing sides but the other monsters who stood with them. The Song of Tears put out the flames of anger and hate in their hearts. It allowed those living to feel the sorrow of those who died in the conflict to touch their hearts.

The Song of Tears stopped the battle and ended the war with both sides unwilling to attack one another. Tragically, such a miracle came at a hefty price.

The song's use caused Difina to fall into the sea and dissolve into sea foam, much to her husband's heartbreak. He prayed and begged Poseidon to bring her back, vowing to fully commit to the Goddess as a priest for the rest of his days.

Poseidon answered, and Difina was reborn as an Undine.

Following the war's conclusion, the seven islands united into one country, with Difina recognized as the Great Songstress whose rules over the islands. However, most affairs were left to each island's Diva, who each inherited a part of the Song of Tears. The island of Al-Mar's Diva inherited the Song of Blessing, the isle of Matori received the Song of Joy and the isle of Nevia that of Passion. The other islands, Sadia, received the Song of Courage, the isle of Mira, the song of Hope. The isle of Dé Ryúa acquired the Song of Love. Finally, Diana was given the Song of Serenity.

Many different Divas held their island's song over many generations until they found love and retired, passing it on to a young successor. The only exception was Asura, who wasn't married, yet, so she has served as a Diva for the longest.

Most importantly, their newly combined nation has been at peace for many generations fulfilling Casper's dream and goal for atonement. Even if he wasn't a king anymore, many still referred to him as such out of respect.

Casper and Difina's love story even became a local legend among the islands, as the Prince and the Mermaid Princess. It even inspired many monster girls, especially Mermaids, who romanticized the day they could meet their prince. Many of them took the bride training classes quite seriously, intending to win their princes through traditional romance to fulfill their romantic fantasies.

"That being said, my love, I fear this Lelouch is walking my path," Casper acknowledged as Difina finished massaging her husband's shoulders.

"Given your past actions, you are fearful something similar might happen with that young man," Difina said in agreement. "I did see much of your younger self in him. You are both very driven men, brilliant and clever, as well as unparalleled tacticians."

"And we both have a desire for vengeance against our fathers who were rulers."

"That too," Difina remarked sadly. "But that is where the differences end. His drive for vengeance is much more personal."

"That poor girl who is his sister became disabled, and we were together cast out to a nation that was engulfed in war," Casper became concerned. "I recognize that only fueled his desire for retribution even more so."

"No child shouldn't have endured what those two did."

"I agree, my love, which explains much of Lelouch's actions and why he cannot trust others so easily."

"I was like that too, if you recall," Casper said as he and Difina began walking down a hall together.

"Yes, I know, which is why I agreed to Asura's idea to send those Lelouch knows to Earth."

"But we are also hoping their presence could temper his rage," Casper added.

"That too, but after that creature that appeared. More might have to be done, I fear," Difina said worryingly.

The concern was the black monster that attacked at the place known as Shinjuku Ghetto. While Asura had yet to disclose more information, it was already alarming how dangerous such a creature would be.

"Indeed, my love. I had prayed to Poseidon about the matter, and she spoke to me. If there are more of these monsters like the one that attacked Lelouch's world, then they would be a danger to not just Earth, but our world as well."

"I wish there weren't going to be any fighting, but it seems that could be unavoidable."

"At least we can try to manage things enough to minimize any bloodshed," Casper remarked. "Just as you have used your new powers over the waters of Court Alf to keep out any attempts by the Order to invade us."

Even though Difina lost her mermaid body, her rebirth as an Undine made her into a mighty being. Difina was stronger than Asura due to her control over the waters around Court Alf. Her power was best demonstrated for creating the elevated waterways that allowed quick travel and scenic views of Al-Mar and the other islands. Even the waters of Al Mar were always crystal clear because of her.

Difina could sink the ships of the Order of the Chief God if she wanted, but she was far too gentle to consider that, so instead, their ships are redirected. By the time their captains and navigators realized what happened, they are months away from the islands of Court Alf.

"Anyway, we'll need to make plans on how to handle the group's composition and how they should act when they crossover," Difina said, focusing on the matter before them.

"We may have plenty of time, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't squander it."

"Too true, my love, but first," Difina sensed something. She clapped her hands together while passing one of the indoor rivers of water connected to the Fountain of the Sea Goddess upon exiting the hallway. Inside a chamber used as a private passageway for the couple to travel between the temple and their home. Casper watched as a column of water shot out from the river they were walking by. The water ejected something at Difina's command before someone stopped in front of them, forming a levitating bubble of water.

Inside the bubble was a young mermaid.

She possessed a light blue tail with matching long blue hair. The nervously smiling girl had a fair skin complexion with pink eyes, wearing a white sleeveless top and a silver neckless with a gold seashell.

"Marina, what have we told you about eavesdropping?!" Casper said, scolding the young teenage mermaid. "Furthermore, you should know that it is impossible around your grandmother!"

"I am so sorry, grandpa! I wanted to know what you two were being so secretive about!"

Difina sighed at the antics of her youngest grandchild before releasing her from the bubble of water. Using her magic to float off the ground, Marina bowed her head in apology to her grandparents.

"It's nothing you should worry yourself about," Difina said before patting her granddaughter's head affectionately.

"Besides, aren't you supposed to be training right now with Lady Arial?"

"Uh," Marina began avoiding eye contact with her grandparents.

"You snuck away again, didn't you?" Difina said with another sigh.

"I am sorry," Marina replied, clearly embarrassed. "I was kinda bored, and I wanted a little adventure."

"I guess you have more of your father in you, I suppose," Casper commented.

Upon their return to Al Mar, both Casper and Difina got married. Casper and Difina worked together to reshape Al-Mar before the other islands' conflicts led to war. Before the battle that would claim her life as a mermaid, Difina gave birth to twin daughters. It was considered a blessing in itself since monsters, except a few, do not get pregnant often.

Since then, their daughters have married and had children, with Marina being the youngest of the pair's grandchildren.

"I suppose I'll have to make sure you stay. Your mother hoped your time with such could tame your rebellious spirit a little. Since whenever you run off, you worry your parents," Difina said lightly, scolding her granddaughter. "It wouldn't be an issue if you haven't been vanishing for days at a time exploring."

"Sorry," Marina said, clearly disappointed.

"I'll take care of things then," Casper offered.

"Of course, I'll see you later, dear. We both have a lot of work ahead of us."

A/N: Since we didn't know many details about Casper and Difina's relationship before the latter became an Undine. I thought I would be nice and give them some mermaid children and grandchildren.

Beyond that, the pair are troubled by some of the shared similarities between Prince Casper and Lelouch, which one can hardly blame them.

Now we have some additional details on Monsterization and how different factors can affect the end result, which has been debated among fans of the series. Furthermore, I hoped I better clarified how it can affect those. Those repressed in any way like that when they are transformed see the most significant effects and changes.

Anyway, the next chapter will begin rolling along to the Black Knight's debut on a televised stage. It all goes down in chapter eighteen, so something to look forward to.

Thanks in advance for the feedback, and thanks for reading.