Former Japanese military Lieutenant Colonel Tohdoh of the Four Holy Swords. He is a reliable soldier and an important future member of the Black Knights. That's why when I heard he was captured, I was glad things were going as they had before. To make certain of that, I spoke with Lelouch in his room before he was to get the call from Ohgi. D.D. was informed ahead of time what I was going to say to him and agreed to follow me even if what I say will affect the future greatly. While we played a game of chess, I told him that in exchange for following the original plan, I'd tell Lelouch what Cornelia's involvement was in the death of his mother.

Lelouch: "Then you know the truth in regards to what happened then."

(F/N): "But it is your choice to either believe or not. That won't change the fact that the Four Holy Swords will go to the Black Knights for help."

Lelouch: "This time I want to know why you want things to play out the same and don't tell me about ripples. I'd say you're creating your own if you were to go through with your offer."

(F/N): "True, so I'll tell you this. The person that pilots the white Knightmare Frame? The Lancelot? That person is Suzaku." I placed my knight in a position to take his king. "Check."

Lelouch: "What did you say?" His tone was as dejected as his expression.

(F/N): "You're in check."

Lelouch: "No, about Suzaku, is he really the pilot of that Knightmare?"

(F/N): "Yes, and the reason I'm telling you this is because you'll find out during the rescue of Tohdoh. Now, are you going to move your king, or am I to take this as my win?" Lelouch looked at the board, moving his king, I responded by checking him again with my queen.

Lelouch: "We've played this game before. You haven't thought about a single move so far yet you've matched me."

(F/N): "Correct. You're against an opponent that knows you inside and out, whereas you know nothing about your opponent. While I can't beat you at chess, I know how to beat you as a person."

Lelouch: "Targeting my weak spots and threatening them."

(F/N): "No. Destroying your plans and recreating them as my own." Positioning his queen in front of mine, if I were to take it mine would be lost to his knight in exchange but if I didn't I would be stuck in check. "I could never win after this part, always goes downhill."

Lelouch: "The pawn." I looked up to him, he was examining the board. "Your greatest chance of winning comes from moving one of your pawns."

(F/N): "Is that so? You never told me." I moved one of the pawns forward. "You know, no matter how many pieces you capture if they weren't yours from the start, they'll never fight for you. The other player? They can always through the match."

Lelouch: "You're talking about Suzaku and yourself." He made his next move, and I saw the win condition.

(F/N): "Cruel-nelia may control the military but my knowledge puts me in control of the future. Oh, by the way, don't order pizza for your next date." I moved to capture his queen.

Lelouch: "Will there be something wrong with it?" He didn't notice the opening.

(F/N): "No idea, I just know it's not romantic. Surprise her by saying it's pizza but have a home-cooked meal instead." With my next move, that's the game. "Checkmate." Lelouch laughed and moved one of his pawns forward to my side and changed it to a queen.

Lelouch: "Checkmate."

(F/N): "Wait, you can't do that."

Lelouch: "You moved the wrong pawn." I glared at him for the clearly unfair move. "What's the plan?"

(F/N): "Alright, you better listen carefully."

The chessboard was put to the side as I drew out the battle plan and exampled the rough timing of the events. Lelouch was listening closely without saying a word. I emphasized that it was important that Tohdoh and Suzaku fought, but that in the end, the Black Knights retreat before reinforcements arrive. Once I was finished, Lelouch claimed to understand the plan and said nothing more on the matter. I took my leave after confirming he didn't have any questions and asking if he spoke with C.C. about runaway Geass, to which he didn't answer.

D.D. would go to make sure the Black Knights would do as planned in the coming days. I also asked her not to bother C.C. about me. She agreed, but the way she said it made her sound reluctant. There wasn't much I could do until then but keep an eye on things. For example, there was Milly and Lloyd's marriage interview, which went unexpected. I was on my way in for work when I crossed paths with Milly who was on her way to meet Lloyd. She asked me about him, to which I described him as an anomaly in terms of nobles since he doesn't care about noble status.

The unexpected was when we met up with Lloyd, almost as soon as Milly sat done Lloyd chimed in about my uncle. Now, the Crowel's aren't nobles, we're moderately wealthy and known for our history of military service, but those two are not enough to make a noble. My father's older brother, whom I asked Lloyd to refrain from bringing up, did go down one path that does make someone a noble. He married the second daughter of a Viscount and adopted their family name.

Uncle 'Ricky' was always planning to get ahead in life but was smart enough not to aim too high and risk everything. He and my father don't speak much anymore, only when there's an important event such as the death of a family member or a ceremony that warrants attention do they meet face to face. That doesn't mean they are on bad terms, they've simply cut most of their ties to move on with their own lives. Milly, however, wanted to hear more about this uncle I had never mentioned. I made it clear that my uncle was no longer a Crowel and that Lloyd should stop trying to use me as a distraction.

Lloyd confessed to being busted, so I took up part of his work and listened as the two talked. That didn't last long, he wanted to get out of the interview and all future ones in one swoop. Lloyd suggested that they should get married and forget about the interview. Giving Milly a shock at the suddenty of it. I continued on with work, minding my own business. Art Week, however, proved to be annoying as I was forced to act as one of the models to 'make up for missed work,' what Milly was really saying was that she saw me laughing at the result of her marriage interview and was now forcing more work on me.

I'd rather be working with Rakshata on the Guren and being lectured on the importance of treating it properly than be a model. Holding out, so long as my mother doesn't catch wind of this I should be fine. She would drag me into her hobby and wouldn't take no for an answer if she did. This is why I was thankful for the day that Suzaku was summoned to the Britannian prison where Tohdoh was being held.

Unfolding well so far, as long as Lelouch followed the plan then even with my Lionel's interference it would go off without a hitch. In one of the offices of the prison, I sat beside Suzaku as Lloyd signed paperwork. Suzaku was visually shaken at the information that he was to be the executioner for Tohdoh. Neither Cecile nor I tried to comfort him, but in my case, it was because of the explosion about to go off.

Sirens began sounding off as from the view of the window we could is the cloud of a large explosion. Suzaku stood up as Lloyd cheered in relief that he was free from the paperwork. As the two of us ran down to the transport, I received a phone call from D.D. confirming that everything was so far going as planned. I hung up saying now wasn't the time, but she knew I couldn't openly thank her right now. In our Knightmares, we didn't go through the standard launch procedure and went off to fight the Black Knights.

The Lancelot and Lionel were to dance in an orbiting pattern. As I circled the Lancelot, my Blaze Luminous systems took care of most of the incoming fire. However, I cannot be in two places at once and, moreover, Suzaku's pattern of attack has mostly stayed the same since it was my duty to adapt to the movements of my fellow pilot when in combat. After the Guren dodged Lancelot's first attack, I intentionally stayed behind Suzaku to cover his back in case the Guren came back around.

Approaching a corner, one of the Gekka's caught him off guard and hit the VARIS out of his hands, so as he fell back I took on the Gekka. Meanwhile, Suzaku had the unpleasant surprise of dealing with Tohdoh from behind. I watched as his hatch was cut open, the battle halted for a moment as his identity was revealed. As the two reengaged, the Guren came after me. I held her off but as the Four Holy Swords encircled Suzaku I was worried. Thankfully, Lloyd didn't miss up and told Suzaku to use the Harken Boosters, which were the experimental thrusters designed to improve the speed of the Slash Harkens and allow them to change direction midflight.

Four of them were disarmed as a result, and the fifth was disabled when Suzaku threw one of his MVS's at it. I broke off from the Guren and brought him one of the spares, before covering his back. In the air, reinforcements could be seen coming in. On cue, the Black Knights began their retreat. The Gekka's released a smokescreen as they made their escape, Suzaku attempted to chase after them but lost one of his Landspinners when one of them shot at him from the smoke. I covered him until the smoke began to clear.

Suzaku: "(F/N), you can still go after them." I opened my hatch and stood.

(F/N): "True, but I promised Nunnally I'd keep you safe, so I couldn't move until that smoke cleared." That convinced Suzaku and got a smile from him.

Suzaku: "I see, thanks."

(F/N): "We'll get them next time." I turned my Knightmare so I could reach him. "How does that sound, partner?"

Suzaku: "It sounds good." He reached out and the two of us firmly shook hands. "I'm glad you came with us today." I smiled.

(F/N): "Yeah, me too."

As far as I was aware, at this moment, Suzaku was declared Euphemia's knight by Euphy herself at the museum. I underestimated how things were different. That piece that changed, its name was Euphemia li Britannia and she made a move I didn't register until it was far too late. There were ripples in motion since we left the homeland. In other words, the reason things were so slightly changed but remain the same is in part due to those ripples. Who knows how many things changed? If a butterfly flapping its wings can contribute to the development of a hurricane, then merely taking the wrong step to school changes everything. There was more to worry about in the present than some big brain ideas.

Catherine: "Congratulations!" My mother had me in a breathless hug, as the whole family had gathered in the parlor, standing with sir Guilford.

(F/N): "I'm sorry, what?!" I asked breaking free from my mother's grasp.

Guilford: "As I just said, you have been chosen to be a duel Knight of Honor to Princess Euphemia li Britannia." That's a big ripple. "With this title also comes the rank of Major."

Conor: "It may sound hard to believe, but you should accept it with pride."

(F/N): "I'm sorry, how was I deemed worthy of such a title? Above that, is it even possible for a royal to have more than one Knight of Honor?"

Guilford: "In regards to whether you deserve the title or not, that is not for me to say. As for your second question, that has been asked already and is currently being answered by the royals back in the homeland."

(F/N): "So when is an answer to be expected?"

Guilford: "After the knighting ceremony later today. If the answer is deemed no, then you and Warrant Officer Kururugi will duel for the title, with the winner keeping it, while the loser will maintain the title of Knight."

Catherine: "Oh, you should be more excited for this important moment in your life." Spotting my genuine discomfort with the news, my father made an attempt to end the situation.

Conor: "I'm sure you are busy Sir Guilford, we'll make sure to arrive before the ceremony."

Guilford: "Good, I'll be taking my leave then." After he left, father asked mother to leave us for a moment.

Conor: "What's the real reason you're so reluctant to accept this honor?" I expected an etched expression of sternness from him, but although his words were spoken firmly, his expression met me with pity. "I've never seen you like this before. One moment you're a recluse average student, the next you're eager to show your skills as a pilot, but the moment you're said to be a knight for a princess, you're the exact opposite of joyed to hear it."

(F/N): "Because I would have preferred it if Suzaku was the only Knight of Honor." I sat down and fell back into the chair defeated.

Conor: "That Eleven?" He sat down, wanting to hear more.

(F/N): "Suzaku is an Honorary Britannian, who if given the chance could become a symbol of hope for the Numbers within Britannia's society."

Conor: "I'm starting to understand, you were hoping they had hit it off well when the three of you met and that his service up until now would earn her attention. Is that right?" I nod while pressing my temple. "Well, I'd advise against turning down the offer."

(F/N): "Why's that?"

Conor: "Because together you both could be that symbol. Duel Knights of Honor, friends both on the battlefield and off, I'd say that speaks volumes on its own."

(F/N): "I suppose you're right..." What else have I changed unintentionally? "Still, I'd rather not fight Suzaku over the title."

Conor: "Until that time comes, I'd suggest accepting the honor. After all, I'm sure Princess Euphemia will be facing her own problems as a result of this."

(F/N): "I guess so." Father rose from his chair and went for the door.

Conor: "The last thing I'll say is this, don't be like your uncle and worry about your future. As your mother said, you should be more excited, even if it's for the sake of others."

I didn't argue against the title after that. At the central government office, Suzaku and I were dressed up for the live broadcast of the ceremony. Personally, I would have liked to speak with Euphy about her decision before we were to be Knighted. Suzaku appeared happy so I avoided ruining the mood by making a scene. After a practice of our lines, we made our way to the throne room at a matched pace. Both of us were tense for differing reasons, the murmurs that came from the observers in the throne room didn't help as we entered.

As we took the final steps up to the throne, we both kneeled and waited for Euphy to begin her part. She started with Suzaku, giving me a moment to calm my nerves and recite my part properly. After she returned his sword it was my turn. With no slip-ups, once Euphy gave the gesture to rise, both of us stood and faced the crowd. There was a moment of silence before Lloyd, Darlton, and my parents started clapping. It couldn't have ended faster. Later that same day, the two of us went to Ashford Academy, however, I didn't plan to attend the party and told Suzaku that I needed to make a call.

Lelouch: "It would seem that things didn't turn out completely as you said they would." I leaned against the railing of the rooftop.

(F/N): "Maybe forgetting my memories for a time was a mistake after all. Anyway, how are things on your end?"

Lelouch: "We've finished with reorganizing the positions of our core members. What's the reason for your call, Sir Crowel?"

(F/N): "Please don't start calling me that. This is about what I promised to tell you. She had no involvement, in fact, she investigated it thoroughly and found nothing."

Lelouch: "Are you telling me that my efforts to capture her have been for nothing?"

(F/N): "Yep. The real culprit has yet to show themselves, and if you want to know who it is I would continue on with the script." The door to the rooftop began to open. "I'll have to call you later." I hung up and saw C.C. walk outside. "Shouldn't you be with him?"

C.C.: "Things are starting to deviate more on their own, aren't they?"

(F/N): "Yes, and?"

C.C.: "And something was bugging me and I wanted us to talk." She walked over and leaned forward onto the railing.

(F/N): "Didn't I say we could talk at the festival?"

C.C.: "I'm not going to wait simply because you told me, not when there's something I want to ask you. The reason I killed you, it was after you killed Lelouch, wasn't it?"

(F/N): "Yes... the reason you killed me was because I killed Lelouch."

C.C.: "I didn't say that was the reason. I think you were wrong before when you said that we were never really friends. I believe, the reason I killed you wasn't simply because you killed Lelouch, it was because the first friend I had betrayed me."

(F/N): "You're saying that you thought of us as friends?" C.C. stood up and faced me.

C.C.: "I think she also sent an important message by killing you in that way. (F/N), activate your Geass."

(F/N): "Why would I do that? Besides, it wouldn't even work on you."

C.C.: "Because I've listened to everything D.D. has said about your past memories, and what you've said to me, about your Geass and about us. And I've reached a conclusion that can be confirmed by a simple question and action. (F/N) Crowel, does your Geass work in a reflection?"

(F/N): "I suppose it can, it's visual like Lelouch's."

C.C.: "Then I propose that you after fallen victim to your own Geass."

(F/N): "C.C. that's ridiculous, even if I did, my Geass doesn't see that far into the future."

C.C.: "Don't you find it odd that you used your Geass but couldn't get Kallen? Doesn't that strike you, someone who can see the future, strange? The mind is a painful thing, in dreams, it can recreate sensations and emotions, but pain, even under the power of Geass, cannot be recreated. So what if it ran away? What if you gazed at him in a mirror and the constant relay made it stronger, allowing you to see further into your futures? What then?"

(F/N): "Then... it would all be for nothing." I lowered my head. "None of it..."

C.C.: "All you'd have to do is use your Geass and find out."

(F/N): "Why are you telling me all of this now?" C.C. moved closer and hugged me. "What are you-"

C.C.: "If what I believe is true, and if you've learned enough from your experiences. Then I want you to wake up tomorrow and find me again, and say my name with more heart than sorrow."

(F/N): "Yeah... I will." C.C. let go and went for the door.

C.C.: "The party isn't over yet, you can still enjoy some pizza while you can."

Eventually, I dragged myself to the ballroom in time to hear the room gasp at the news that Lloyd and Milly were to married. I couldn't fake a smile or a reaction, my eyes simply drifted from person to person. Lloyd spoke up about me and Suzaku having work to do as someone important was coming. I looked at him, even someone as inept with social cues as he could tell something was wrong with me. Passing my hand across my eyes I forced my Geass to activate when I couldn't feel it. Then, for the hell of it, I attempted to force it off. The world I thought I knew, shattered into pieces.