Disclaimer I don't own Code Geass
Chapter IX: An Unexpected Family Reunion
Seven years ago…
Sagittarius Villa, Home of the li Britannia
It was three days since the death of the vi Britannias and the (former) Captain of the Royal Guard, of Her Majesty, the 20 year-old Second Princess, Princess Cornelia li Britannia can be seen entering her house with a face filled with exhaustion due to fatigue on her investigation about the perpetrators that caused the family's demise. It was already late at night and she doubts that her maids will bother her at this point of time. But she was mistaken since when she opened the front door.
"Your highness!" A maid opened the door before she could startled to see her mistress' late arrival. Cornelia however, didn't show any emotion from the greeting and let herself in. "Are you alright, your Highness? What can I get you-" The maid asked her if there's anything she needed but Cornelia only responded with one word.
"Rest"
Cornelia walked tardily towards the staircase until she reached her room where her sister, Euphemia also resided. Once inside, she discarded her garments; first her gloves, then her boots, unbuttoned her uniform, and finally her prized possession, her sword. The sword that was given to her by Lady Marianne herself on her eighteenth birthday. While other girls prefer something along the lines that shows feminism, Cornelia on the other hand prefers the exact opposite. She was really different from the other princess of old that is a fair maiden who shows grace and beauty in the court, instead she shows resolute and strength in the battlefield and it was all thanks to Lady Marianne.
She was still young but she still remembers the days when she watches a document about the Knight of Six's achievements in the battlefield and it makes her wonder how, despite being ruthless and cunning in battle, she can also show grace and beauty to those around her. As she watches Lady Marianne, her amazement grows until she considers her as her idol and she aspires to be, one day, become someone like her.
Someone like Marianne 'The Flash'.
That is why she enlisted in the military at the age of sixteen, because she wants to be like her. To be at the level of her idol, Marianne. And while the other people showed contempt on her rash and supposedly unwise decision, it didn't bother her. In the Academy despite being a Royal, she was treated like any other Cadet, and there she met one of her first friends, Nonnette Ennearam. She has prowess in strategy and tactics, power in combat, and domination in a battle. It was truly appropriate to show as such, since she was the daughter of Victoria li Britannia. However, despite being named after the Roman Goddess of Victory, her mother never truly felt befitting such a name. She was just a noble who grew into power and lived a zealous life until she died three years after she gave birth to Euphie. If someone is suited for that title, it should be Marianne vi Britannia.
It was also at this time where she and Euphie were introduced to the vi Britannia. The nine year old Cornelia couldn't believe that she finally met her idol, and when she did. She was exactly as she envisioned her to be: Powerful, determined, cunning, and yet, understanding, loving, and caring at the same time. Marianne welcomed her and Euphie with open arms when no one else will, since it was Britannia's policy. It was then she grew fond of her and her children. And as she grows, it becomes apparent that she becomes more of her mother than her real mother could ever be. And when she said that she wants to enlist in the Military, she didn't stop her. Instead, she pushed her for it. Supported her on her dreams, helped whenever she can, and when the day she graduated Marianne, herself gave her her first assignment. Captain of her Royal Guard.
"I always knew that you could do it, Nellie. That you can achieve victory" Her words ring in her ears countless times and she always remembered it. Cornelia felt euphoria; she can't put into words when she first started serving under Lady Marianne, protecting her and her children, Lelouch and Nunnally. Even though it was only a guard duty and not like fighting in the frontlines, she was content. Here, she can be with her favorite siblings, and here, she can protect and serve her idol Lady Marianne. And sometimes, when off-duty Marianne even trained her under her wing. Taught her everything she knew in the form of fencing. She was with her sister Euphia, her step-sibling Lelouch and Nunnally, and her idol, Lady Marianne and Cornelia couldn't be more happy on those days.
It felt like heaven…
Until that fateful day.
NO!
The memories flooded in her like a storm, reminding her of her incompetence, of her failure, and how she didn't achieve victory only to suffer defeat. The fires that burned down her once called home than the Sagittarius villa, the home of the vi Britannia, the home that symbolizes her happiness burns in her mind as a memento that will leave a scar on her forevermore.
She didn't win...she failed.
Cornelia, still clenching the rapier's handle finally couldn't handle it anymore and threw it aside. "AHHH!" the sword stumbles forward until it stops on the bed stand. As for Cornelia, she finally breaks. Like dam breaking, tears flow out of her eyes. Her cold exterior, her facade she showed her men during the investigation, the face of the Goddess of Victory, finally collapsed. Now, she wasn't anything like the public conveys her to be, or her men, and even her family. Right now, she was plain old Nellie; the same Nellie that cried when her mother had died, when she hurt Euphie, and when she failed protecting Marianne.
She couldn't handle it anymore and she covered her face with her hands feeling pathetic on herself as she continued sobbing over the grief she felt at her loss. Her makeup was ruined but it didn't matter. It wasn't proper but it didn't matter. She can't hide the depression clinging inside her to let it all out, and she finally did.
Cornelia continued crying, and she didn't know how long she was in the doorway sitting upright with her arms hugging her legs as tears continued flowing like a waterfall. It was then a light flickered inside the room.
"Sister?" Cornelia heard. And when she adjusted her eyes to see where it came from, she saw her younger sister Euphie waking up and yawning. "Sister are you there?" Euphie asked as she rubbed her eyes. The room was in complete darkness except in Euphie's area where she turned on her lamp stand beside her bed and the moonlight shining through their window.
"Euphie…"Cornelia whispered. She couldn't face her sister now. She can't tell her that Lulu and Nunna are dead. It will surely break her heart. So instead of replying she sat there, hopeless and lifeless, as if she was among the ones who perished three days ago. When Euphie didn't hear a reply, she stood up from her bed and approached the doorway where she saw a silhouette of someone crying.
"Is that you sister?" Euphie asked as she slowly walked toward Cornelia, the window cast a shadow on her, developing more darkness to Cornelia. Cornelia could recognize her younger sister's nightgown as well as the bunny slippers she likes to wear since it was a gift from Lelouch, approached her but she didn't move. She continued hugging herself and avoiding eye contact to her younger sister.
She doesn't want to show her downcasted face…
Euphie finally reaches her a mere centimeters apart. "Are you alright sister?" And when she didn't respond she kneeled down to see her closely. Euphie saw her sister's face was ruined. Her makeup was completely destroyed and it was rare to see such a beautiful face to be crying like this. But for Euphie she wasn't concerned about that, she was concerned about why her sister was crying.
"Sister…"Euphie touched Cornelia's arms before embracing it and letting her head rest on it. Cornelia startled in surprise at Euhie's affection but she wasn't able to say a single word. Euphie…"Sister is crying...and when sister is crying, I cry too…"Euphie said as her eyes watered. "So please don't cry! Mommy Marianne said that princesses don't cry since that will make them ugly" she asked her as she tightened her embrace. It was only then where Cornelia looked at Euphie. She was only nine years old and yet, her hair was much brighter than her.
She smiled lightly remembering Marianne's warning to them when they were kids whenever they cried. She silently pulled her left arm and gently rubbed Euphie's hair affectionately. The strokes were caring like her mother once did, and so too was Marianne whenever she was scared or lonely. It was relaxing, and it calmed her down until her tears stopped flowing.
"I'm sorry Euphie...sister is just...tired that's all." Cornelia lied but she can't tell her the truth just yet. Euphie then faces her and shooks her head. "It's okay, as long as my sister is smiling it's okay." And it did bring a small smile on her face before she then returned the favor and embraced her.
They stayed there for a brief moment but it felt like an eternity. "I'm glad that sister Nellie is smiling. Now that she is, I'm also happy!" Euphie chirped and her eyes that were earlier about to cry was now filled with joy. Cornelia silently eyed her sister trying her best to hide her true feelings at the moment.
"And since you're happy, I know Lulu and Nunna are happy as well! And when I finally visit them again we can all be a big happy family once more!" She said and it made Cornelia shudder a little. She remembered that she wanted to keep Euphie in the dark for the time being until she was prepared to finally tell her the truth thus her unable to visit for the past couple of days.
Contemplating whether or not it was the perfect time to tell her the truth and deciding that it was best to do the latter, she gently caressed Euphies left cheek with her right hand and told her.
"When you meet them again Euphie, I'm sure we'll be a big happy family" she smiled affectionately.
In the end...that was a lie…
Present time.
Somewhere in the Middle East
Cornelia did eventually tell Euphie the truth and she still remembered how many days it took for her to grief over their loss and how hard she cried. And ever since that day she made a vow that no more from her family will suffer another loss from a terrorist. Until five days ago…
Right now she is leading an invasion force here in the middle east that will soon become Area 18. It was one of many attacks that will strike the middle east and the E.U. Her Knight Guilford and her general, Darlton, was among her leading the attack against these ingrates. If only they knew they were a decoy she thought slyly. Guilford and Darlton were leading the main force against the defensive line of Middle eastern Knightmare called Bamides while she secretly deployed from behind and attacked their main base.
"Shoddy oversized imitation Knightmares"
"They would've been wise to surrender from the start."
She heard clearly through the comms the voices of General Darlton and Guilford respectively as they destroyed the Bamides in close quarters, which was the Knightmare's weakness. Since it was so big it was hard to maneuver and had an open area to be striked against. She smiled at her men's skill; they truly deserve to be under her.
But she will also showcase them her true power. With her Gloucester, she finally weaves out of the wall of the base of the MEF(Middle Eastern Federation) already accomplishing her task which was infiltration and sabotage. It was plainly easy for her to fend off the defenders with her far superior Gloucesters as she either pierced them or gunned the Bamides. Once they were no more getting her way she planted the C4s that will blow this place sky high!
Boom!
A loud explosion erupted behind the defensive lines of the MEF, the commander who was inside the large Knightmare checked his factsphere to see their base engulfed in flames and a lone Gloucester appeared in its carnage.
"What?!" His subordinate was shocked to see this happen. "Cornelia... a single unit did this?" the commander pondered before clenching his fist until he was engulfed into flames courtesy to Cornelia's men.
"Another victory... Area 18 has been established!" Cornelia proudly proclaimed through the comms as the remaining MEF forces scattered or surrendered. Either way they will all perish.
"My Lady, about our next course of action?" someone interrupted her implying the request of her father of her being in charge in Area Eleven to become the new viceroy alongside her sister Euphemia.
"Sorry to have you clean up after my foolish younger brother." she apologized to her men.
"Please don't apologize, my Lady. We live to serve and our place is with you." Darlton refuted.
I'm truly grateful for having such kind men. She smiled at their loyalty before answering. "Humph. Do you think Area 11 needs our usual treatment?" before they all answered in unison.
"Yes, your highness!"
"Good…"She answered before her mind wandered off to the person that took once again a family member of hers: A masked Japanese terrorist named Akuma.
I'll drive you into the open, Akuma. Clovis will be avenged!
At the same time…
Lamperouge Household.
It was the night after Akuma's appearance to the world, and Marianne was taking a bath and having her usual shower thoughts. I wonder who Akuma is? She mused to the black figure that was wearing a red Hannya Mask earlier. It took them to a surprise when he appeared, and she wondered if this was a good thing or not.
By the looks of it he's part of the JLF, which means…
"He's a rebel…"Marianne completed before sighing. Now I have to deal with this guy as well. It was already stressful enough that she can't find C.C thanks to the military intervention, and now she has to deal with this guy that surely would hinder her plans on finding that witch!
I really need to find C.C and fast.
Marianne was getting old for this, and she doesn't have the luxury of time to sit idly by. She needs to get moving and find her fast. Or else...After a few minutes of relaxing in the bathtub, Marianne finally stood up and dried herself and changed to her nightgown. The bathroom was on the second floor adjacent to her room meaning she can go to her room easily, however, she remembered that her daughter was downstairs doing her chores, and before she could sleep she needed to remind her first.
So descending down from the staircase she called her daughter. "Nunna dear, I'll be retiring for the night, make sure to lock the doors before you-"But before she can finish her sentence her mouth went agape to see someone familiar right beside her daughter talking so casually. Green hair flocks sliding down her snow-white body. The one she was pursuing, the witch herself: C.C.
Nunnally, who was laughing at C.C's joke, finally heard her mother call her. "Oh Mom! Just in time! Cynthia here is telling me a story of you working together in the mainland!" Nunnally told her smiling at the apparent comedic story C.C told her about.
"Yes, you see back then your mother was so strict that it was considered a miracle if she was smiling." C.C joked once more, earning a giggle from the brunette. For Marianne, her right eye twitched from annoyance before deciding to stop this.
"Nunnally who is she?" Marianne 'calmly' asked her daughter but with a tint of venom pretending that she doesn't know her.
"Why Marianne...it's quite rude to forget your partner's name after we've been through alot together." C.C teased at her smiling. But Marianne disregards her and continued eyeing her daughter.
Nunnally sensing she can't avoid the question answered. "Well she said she was an acquaintance of yours. She knocked on the door and she told me that you knew her."
Marianne mentally facepalmed at this moment. "Nunnally...can you see that she's wearing a straitjacket right?" She asked her daughter if she was blind not to see the attire that this witch was wearing.
''I'm only cosplaying Marianne, after all, the last time we're together we did this too back then." C.C pouted to her.
"You cosplayed?!" Nunnally has her eyes flickered in amazement when she says that. Marianne sighs knowing it wasn't the cosplay she was referring to. More like a disguise whenever we operated a mission, But she won't say that to her daughter, and instead scolded her.
"Nunnally you know fairly well that we don't casually talk to strangers. You should've called the police or me whenever there's someone at the door that you don't know."
"Yeah...I'm not that a child anymore mom. But, I also remembered that I'm grounded, so technically I shouldn't even be in the living room when Cynthia knocked the door." Nunnally replied nonchalantly with a devilish smirk. Honestly, was this her rebellious phase?
Marianne couldn't handle this anymore. She can deal with her daughter later, right now she has a witch that needs to be questioned. "Look...just lock the door okay? while me and Cynthia…"she spat the last part looking at the witch. "Has a lot to talk about." Before she grabbed C.C by the arms and dragged her away towards her room.
Once they were inside she shut the door and locked it. "I don't even want to begin asking you on how and why you found us?" Marianne started. She was clearly stressed about what was happening right now.
C.C meanwhile, lay on her bed casually before answering. "Then don't," she chided. Marianne took a moment to recompose herself and turned towards her former contractor and accomplice arms crossed. "How'd you find us C.C?"
"Do you honestly think I won't be able to find you Marianne? It's quite obvious where you are if you use your surname of yours" she answered with a monotone voice. Dodging questions, typical C.C knew a lot about her past, so it was fairly easy to know her real surname while the rest of the world didn't.
"And what about you? Why did you run away from us? Hiding here for seven years only to be what...to be caught?" She rebutted to her.
"I could say the same to you. Aren't you supposed to be with Charles' plan are you not?"
This time Marianne snickered on her counter, it was like this whenever they talked. "Call it a change of heart. But I don't completely agree with my husband's plan." she answered truthfully, she didn't know if C.C reacted on that statement or not, regardless she continued. "But...he,-I still need you, to be precise your code."
On this C.C stood up and then walked casually around the room. "Didn't you forget that you failed me on our contract? And besides, I'm not here for you...I'm here for your son, the prince." C.C said as she grabbed a picture of the three. A picture of Lelouch, Nunnally, and Marianne on their new home seven years ago in Area Eleven.
"What do you mean by that?" Marianne wondered.
"It is exactly what you think, Marianne" C.C replied, smirking at her.
Marianne's face turned into a frown before replying. "You gave him Geass."
"It's an irregular one by the looks of it. And it's not my fault, if I wasn't caught by your nephew I wouldn't be in that capsule and in turn your son will never have met me." C.C. confessed to her.
Marianne pieces this altogether and with everything in place she reached a conclusion. So she was indeed captured by Clovis by the looks of it, and then my son had an accident involving her no doubt, and she gave him Geass. Marianne deduces the real story of what happened and she can only think of what to do next.
"Either way...you're coming with me C.C" She said, preparing to apprehend her, even though she was immortal she can best her in a duel in a matter of seconds.
"You don't decide for me, your son does." C.C countered.
"What does that mean?"
"It means I'll only follow whatever and wherever he goes, since he forged a contract with me after all. Also, wouldn't it be more logical if he has my code?" C.C asked her.
"That's for Lelouch to decide, but personally I don't want him to take your code."
C.C puffed before turning around. "Does he know?" C.C asked if he knows about their plans.
Marianne shakes her head. "No. My husband wiped their memories from when they were prince and princess. And I don't plan on telling them either" Not when we're finally living peacefully...She added to herself.
C.C take a look at her former accomplice before asking another question. "Where is he by the way?"
"He's at the academy preparing for their school event three days from now" Marianne answered before going to her table stand where an invitation lay. "He'll be staying there for the time being"
C.C frowned on this but shrugged it off. "I guess I'll have to wait for his return then." She said before she goes to the bed once more. Marianne sighs, she knows where this was going. "You do know you can use his room right?"
"It's comfortable here."
Smirking at this she also lay herself on the bed, "Or you just want to share the same bed with me again?" This time around she teases her. But it was only normal for the two to have this kind of interaction. "Cynthia?" She further added mocking her, making C.C cringe on that.
"Please stop it." As she covered her part of the bed with her blanket, while Marianne smirked devilishly and embraced her from behind.
"It's not my fault you didn't tell me your real name" she implied.
"It's because I don't trust you" C.C responded without looking at her former accomplice.
Marianne pouted. "How rude, even though I'll cook for you while you're still here."
C.C recalling how delicious Marianne's cooking was, answered.
"As long it's pizza you're making, then maybe I will trust you."
"Deal."
The day after tomorrow (Five days after the Battle of Shinjuku)
Stadtfeld Household
Suzaku Kururugi and his companion, the kunoichi, Sayoko Shinozaki are right in front of the doorstep of their target Kallen Stadtfeld, or rather Kozuki, in this early morning dressed in casual attire. "Are you ready Sayoko?"
The kunoichi only bows her head in response ready to take action on their endeavors that will help liberate Japan. Suzaku nodded back. "Alright...now then", one might think that they are here to burst open the door, infiltrate the manor, assassinate the stepmom, rescue Kallen and her mother, and then leave while the house is in flames due to an explosion setup by them-and casually walking away without looking back, then whoever you are...you're gravely mistaken.
Instead of taking a drastic action of forcing themselves in, Suzaku simply knocked on the door.
Knock knock
"Just a moment." They heard from the inside and moments later the twin doors opened up to reveal a Japanese maid who has the same eye color as Kallen but with brown hair. So this is Kallen's real mother. Suzaku deduced since they did investigate Kozuki for this operation after all. "Yes? Who might you be?" Mrs. Kozuki inquired about them.
"Good morning"Suzaku started in Japanese to let her know that they are of the same nationality. "We're here to apply for a job here in the Stadtfeld manor." he indicates as he pulls out his resume with Sayoko following suit.
Mrs. Kozuki was at first surprised to say the least to have a visitor at this time of day, but she didn't expect it for someone who is applying for a job. However..."I'm sorry...but the house's staff is already full and we're not currently accepting anyone as of this moment" Mrs. Kozuki revealed to the two JLF members. But Suzaku and Sayoko were unfazed by this disclosure since they knew about it from the start.
"If you may, we just need a moment of your time-"Sayoko then tried to persuade the woman to talk this out but Mrs. Kozuki was about to close the doors on them.
"Thank you for coming-"She was about to lock the two out until they heard a voice coming inside the room. Up in the staircase was the Britannian noble who was Kallen's stepmom, Mrs. Stadtfeld. The blonde middle-age woman was wearing her casual attire that is a purple gown and was wondering what was the commotion on her doorstep.
"Who is it?"She asked one of her maids that was at the doorstep as she descended down to meet the visitors who knocked on her doors earlier. Mrs. Kozuki bowed her head in respect before replying timidly, "My lady, they are here to apply for a job here in the manor." Before she stands aside to let the mistress of the house take a close look of the applicant(s).
Suzaku and Sayoko, once seeing the Britannian noble, also bowed in reverence. "Good morning, my lady, we're here to apply for a job on this manor." Before they face her and introduce themselves. "My name is Suzaku Sakurai"
"Sayoko Arai at your service"
Mrs. Stadtfeld closely examined them for a minute and thought about this for a second. Why are they here? We didn't even release any job openings at all since our staff is already full. It was also suspicious for them to be here without even an appointment being made. Oh well, they're just stinking eleven afterall. Surely they just came here desperate to have living and a roof under their head. But her pride gets the better of herself and denounces any suspicion towards the two.
"If you're actually applying for this job, then you should be able to learn to speak and read English I presume. Your language is afterall prohibited" Mrs. Stadtfeld instructed the two applicants also remarking on the forgotten language of these lowly Elevens. Suzaku nodded in this case. "Yes, we are able to read and speak, my lady. But only the basic ones."
"That will be enough, and also...are you two both Honorary Britannian?" she says this since if they were an honorary britannian then their monthly salary would be that of the minimum wage of an ordinary Britannian-with tax of course. If not though...then they are simply like a force labor.
Once more, Suzaku nodded. "Yes we both are." As he and Sayoko give her their documents indicating that they are an Honorary Britannian, but she didn't know it was forged. Tsk still at least there will be more Elevens that she can punish because of this.
"Alright then...you'll be starting for today and you will learn the rules of the household. She will teach you everything you need to know." She pointed to the woman who was standing to the side before she turned and left.
"Yes my lady" all three answered in unison, before they entered the manor. Mrs. Kozuki closed the door and was about to turn around but she didn't notice the vase that was on the side of the doorframe and accidentally knocked it over.
Crack!
The vase break into pieces and Mrs. Kozuki was shocked by her clumsiness and her utter failure once more. The stepmom also saw this and her face was filled with anger on the damn Eleven. "You worthless scum!" As she prepares to deliver her a slap on the face for her mistake. But a hand stopped her and she saw from the corner of her eye the twin emerald eyes of the young boy whose face was also filled in anger.
"It was only an accident." Suzaku informed her as he grabbed her wrist, stopping her from slapping Kallen's mom scowling as he said so. She doesn't want to accept it but she was frightened by it, but she was a Britannian while this mere teenager was a mere Eleven.
Mrs. Stadtfeld struggled to free herself but when she did she let out a puff and glared at the new staff of hers. "Let me remind you of your place, you stinky Eleven. You may not know this yet so I will tell you this now. In this house, you are to obey my rules and follow my command and do so without a mistake made. And you cannot talk back against me nor can you even complain about what I order you is that clear?" She asked with a hiss before spitting on the brat's face.
Suzaku, however, remained calm; his stoic face didn't give a hint of reaction but instead returned back the glare thrown at him. Sensing that the brat won't yield she grits her teeth and leaves them. "Clean this mess up" she ordered before she went to the dining room.
It was only then that Suzaku wiped the saliva off his cheeks and cursed her name under his breath. "Damn Britannian b**ch" Sayoko also then reacted concern on her master's discrimination. "Are you alright?" He can sense that she was about to murder the woman even without him ordering it, but she was needed for now. "I'm fine…"before he made his way helping the still shocked Mrs. Kozuki who was cleaning the broken vase.
"Here let me help you" lending her a hand as he picked the broken pieces. Mrs. Kozuki was shocked. It was the first time since anyone tried to help her and this simple act of kindness is what makes her keep on living...that and of course her precious child Kallen.
Minutes later…
As told to them earlier, Mrs. Kozuki teaches them the ins and outs of the house: where they will be staying, the rooms, their daily task/chores, and of course the rules of the manor. Right now they are on the second floor of the manor as they walked through the corridor where the masters of the house rooms were located.
"Here is my dau-...I mean the young mistress' room." She pointed at the room and as if on cue, Kallen opened the door dressed on her Ashford uniform. "Oh Kallen, I mean young mistress Good morning...it's good to see you." Mrs. Kozuki greeted her daughter with a pleasant smile.
Kallen however doesn't want her real mother at the moment and decided not to greet her. She was about to move past her like she always does until her head perks up and sees a familiar face. Once again, Lady Sayoko was there alongside a boy she didn't know.
"Hello Ms. Kallen" both greeted in unison bowing. And this time she was surprised and confused. "Hello...uhmm, who are they?" She asked her mother for some answers. Mrs. Kozuki was glad that she acknowledged her presence even though she was only being questioned. "This here is Suzaku Sakurai and Sayoko Arai, our new staff."
Kallen first eyed the two in question and since the last time Sayoko appeared it was because it was related to the JLF she suspected it was the same here so she informed her mother."I'm going to talk to them...you may leave" She said before she entered back to her room with both Rebels following suit.
"Yes my lady" Mrs. Kozuki said as she stared at the close door of her daughter before leaving. Inside, Kallen quickly fishes for some answer. "Okay what are you two doing here? Is this some kind of mission or something?"
"Yes it is indeed Ms. Kallen, we're here to gather intel about the Britannian Nobility as well as give you and your group a direct contact with the JLF" The man, Suzaku, answered her.
"By gathering intel you mean…"
"Spying Ms. Kallen" Sayoko finished.
"What do you want to know?" Kallen asked since someone spying on her-well not her but her house-wasn't her liking.
"I'm afraid that is classified." Suzaku answered. She frowned on that and instead asked a much obvious question.
"Who are you?" She briefly wonders if this guy was Akuma for a second, and if he was...he certainly has an appeal. Now is not the time to be flustered Kallen!
"If you're thinking if I'm Akuma, then you're mistaken...I'm merely his aide-de-camp." Suzaku lied to her. "And among our mission is to watch over you. So I would like to have your mother enroll me to your school as a bodyguard of sorts, so that I can also watch over you there."Suzaku informed her.
And hearing that she will be watched by him makes her shudder. She wasn't a lady that needed protection! "I'm sorry but I don't need a guy that needs to protect me." She answered proudly, though, except if that person was Akuma.
"I'm not, I'm merely using this as a cover up for me to get inside the academy and also gather intel." Suzaku replied, making her confused as to why they also wanted to gather intel on her school she was in.
"Why do you want to enroll in my school?"
"Because it is believe it is connected to the Royal family"
Viceroy Palace ASEEC base
It was only two days after Akuma's appearance and already the military was in uproar. It was bad enough that I was demoted but everyone is blaming the purist faction in our incompetence. Jeremiah thought grimly, remembering how the mainland reacted for their mishandling of the security during the parade and it gravely reminded him of a security mission that he also failed seven years ago. Now, not only did they need to put down the rebels here in Area Eleven but they need to investigate their failure two days ago but it was already becoming a troublesome affair since their numbers are limited.
Jeremiah sighed, he really needs to catch that terrorist and fast but first...a rendezvous with an eccentric scientist that had recently been discharged. He was invited by the man to pilot a new Knightmare frame during their raid on Shinjuku however he wasn't able to since he was in battle on that time but now he has some free time to check what it was.
He was nearing their base in the Viceroy palace and he could hear clearly the voice of Cecile and Lloyd.
"Fukushima, Kouchi, Hiroshima. This has been the seventh occurrence since that man named Akuma raised his head."
"It seems the other groups are following his lead and putting up a valiant fight."
"But it won't be long until we catch that rebel scum." Jeremiah announced himself getting their attention and Lloyd shrieked in delight. "JERRY!"As he and his subordinate, Cecile, approaches him. Jeremiah smiles lightly and gets straight to the point. "Now where is it that Knightmare you wanted me to pilot? I have to escort Her Highness, Princess Euphemia later today." He asked the scientist. But instead of answers, the man answered him with a question.
"The princess? She's here?"
"You mean the third Princess? The younger sister of Princess Cornelia?" Cecile clarified. The two scientist didn't knew about this, only that the late Prince's replacement was arriving tonight, but they didn't know who it might was.
"Yes, she's here apparently. She was secretly landed here before her sister last night, and they asked me to guard her." Jeremiah told them.
Lloyd grinned mischievously. "I hope this time you'll be able to guard the princess Jerry boy" but Jeremiah didn't appreciate the dark humor he said since it also reminded him of the close friends of the li Britannians. So he instead glared at him.
"Where's the Knightmare Lloyd, so I can test pilot it." He asked once more.
"Well you're too late Jerry, we manage to have someone to pilot it, and he's actually better than you since he has a 94% sync rate" Lloyd boasted to him making him confused since he was the highest one to score on it.
"But who?" The two scientists considered whether or not they wanted to tell him about the schoolboy who piloted the Lancelot but it was against the rules, however, they needed to report everything and even if they were to be punished for it, they had to tell them. So Cecile answered truthfully.
"A schoolboy named Lelouch Lamperouge"
Later that day…
Ashford Academy
Euphemia li Britannia, or otherwise known as Euphie, was now 16 years old; her pink colored hair was now longer, her face and body showed maturity, but the one thing that still remained as she grew was her pleasing and gentle personality. And right now, even though she was dressed in a casual attire, you can easily recognize her as royalty due to her grace and beauty as she walked the hallways of an academy she was invited to yesterday feeling happy during her walk. The invitation was apparently to her late brother Clovis but he didn't seem to accept it, and being the good person she is, she kindly accepts it-of course she also reported this to her sister.
It feels like I'm just a mere highschool girl!
She giggled on the thought. It was only lucky that no students were around at this time of afternoon except for those who stayed for the club activities, but she fortunately hasn't made her public debut yet so no one recognizes her.
"You think I will fit here Jerry?" Euphie asked the man that was escorting her and she vaguely remembers one of her sisters former subordinates during her time as captain of Lady Marianne's Royal guard. Jeremiah hissed as a black cat bites him on the hand once more. "Yes I think you are your Highness" as he struggles to carry the injured cat on his hands.
Euphie once again giggled on that, earlier today she had him escort her by taking a walk in the settlement instead of using transportation since she wanted to know the city she was about to govern and during their walk they stumbled upon this black injured cat, which she gladly helped of course. Though he was kind to Euphy, he didn't show the same affection to the knight. And he wanted to have it disposed of but she insisted on having her keep it until she found it an owner.
Also she requested to have him take her to the Shinjuku Ghetto where her late brother died, but Jeremiah refused to do so since it was dangerous and all she could do was frown on that and instead walked to the academy. But maybe he'll let me see it one day...she mused before she eyes the teal haired man and he seemed lost in thought…
"Jeremiah?" She asked to get his attention. Meanwhile, Jeremiah was still recalling the name Cecile gave him earlier today and it caught him off-guard. Lelouch Lamperouge...he was either hallucinating or it was fate playing on him. It can't be a coincidence that the boy has the same name as the prince...he wanted to know more about this schoolboy, but he didn't know where he attended. It was only then he heard her Highness, calling him out of his reverie.
"Jerry?"
"Hmmm...oh forgive me your highness, I was...recalling someone that's all." He answered making her giggle on his mannerism. "It's quite alright Jerry. By the way, who was it you remembered?" She asked.
Jeremiah paused briefly before he told her. "Prince Lelouch your highness" as he said that Euphie also recalled the raven haired prince and she smiled sadly from the memories that she spent with him and Nunna. "Do you miss him, your highness?" Jeremiah asked her as he studied her face which was downcast.
Euphie slowly pushed the memories out of her and answered truthfully. "Very much, every hour of every day." And I still hope that one day...I might actually see him and Nunna once more. As she recalls the promise her sister had made seven years ago
"When you meet them again Euphie, I'm sure we'll be a big happy family"
It still rings her head whenever she remembers the vi Britannia and she still hopes that one day it will soon come true.
Jeremiah, wanting to cheer the princess up replied. "Well...I know wherever they are, I know they missed you too."
Euphie smiled on his kind words and they finally reached their destination which was the student council room, it was thanks to the students leading them here. "I do hope so, Jeremiah" as she turns the knob and let themselves in and where she will have her wish granted…
A few minutes earlier…
Lelouch, Shirley, Milly, Rivalz, Kallen, Nina, and his little sister Nunnally, were busy for tomorrow's grand event which was the Family Day event. An event that was supposed to have a special guest to come that Milly only now shared to them.
"WHAT?!" They all screamed in unison as they heard what the blonde she-devil plotted behind their back.
"Well that surprises you" Milly smirked in victory knowing her classmates would be shocked by her latest revelation.
"Of course we would!" Rivalz replied, eyes wide open.
"I mean, who wouldn't be? A royal is our guest of honor?" Shirley added.
"A real Princess…"Nina said timidly, also blushing at the thought of a royal coming to her school.
"But that's beside the point…"Kallen started.
"How on earth do you manage to have a Royal be our guest of honor?" Lelouch asked arms crossed wondering how she managed to pull some strings to have this happen.
Milly on the other hand twirls her golden locks, and answers cheerfully "Well...our family were former nobles of the court so we had a lot of connection to the royals."
"Former" Lelouch chided indicating that it was the past and not today making her frown and glared back at him. "While that might be true...the Ashfords still have some connection still. Especially those close to the vi Britannia"
"You mean...the ones who perished in a terrorist attack seven years ago?" Nunnally clarified to her, making her nod. "Yes. you see they were pretty popular among the royal family and many are close to the family, like the prime minister, the late prince, Prince Clovis as well as the li Britannia"
"Get to the point!" Lelouch demanded. Wanting to know like the rest how she manages to invite a royal that would have taken years to arrange.
"Okay geez...truth be told it wasn't me who arranged it but my mother did. She said it would be a good way to have some publicity for our school, she told me." She said to them, but in reality it was a way for them to have a chance to regain their noble status, but Milly won't tell them that.
"But it would take months or years to arrange such a thing." Shirley commented which was the truth.
"And that is true that is why this invitation was made a year ago." Making them to be surprised once more. "Can you please don't shout okay?! Look...it's supposed to be Prince Clovis that was supposed to be our guest but...he never answered or accepted our invitation until his death." Milly said. And it was natural for Royals to not just accept such trivial events such as these after all. "But while his late highness declined the invitation, his replacement did not."
And once again the student council was confused.
"What do you mean?" Kallen asked. They knew that someone has to replace the Viceroy but they just didn't know who it was yet and Milly doesn't want to share it either.
"Oh don't worry you'll see soon enough." making them take a hunch on who it was.
"Man I wonder who it could be." Rivalz said as he daydreams on all the beautiful princesses of the Empire.
"I wish it's someone nice" Nina also commented, making them nod in agreement.
"So in summary, your mother gave a letter to his late highness, Viceroy Clovis, who humbly declined the invitation, but his replacement that we do not know did, because...reason?" Lelouch summarized only having the reason why the person accepted it was unknown.
"Bingo!"
Lelouch still doesn't like this but it doesn't like it will affect him that much. It was Nunnally's turn to question.
"Does your grandfather know about this?" She said with one eyebrow raise indicating Milly was suspicious.
Milly smirked devilishly. "Nope he does not. But I know he will be delighted to know who it was."
"And who might that be?" Lelouch told her, now pressing her to spill the truth.
"You'll soon know who that is. Since today she'll be arriving." Milly said to them as she recalled the Princess-more like her secretary-called her in advance that she will go to their school today for the preparation for tomorrow's event.
"She?" They said in unison and as if on cue, the door opened up and two figures walked in. One was a male dressed in military attire, his teal hair combed perfectly and his orange eyes were filled with determination. While the other was a female around their age dressed in casual yellow sundress and her pink hair was braided to the side and to complete her attire were fake eyeglasses.
They were surprised to see the two and wondered who might be the guest of honor was it the man or the teenager. However, they weren't the only one who was surprised since Jeremiah and Euphie also had their faces filled with disbelief.
"It can't be…" Jeremiah muttered under his breath as he looked to the students that were organizing for the event Princess Euphemia were to attend tomorrow. The male were dressed in black with gold lining uniforms as for the female students it was a light yellow jacket with gold trim and black cuffs, short black skirt and dark green tie with the Ashford logo. But the two people that the two guests were truly surprised by were a female girl who was dressed in a pink pinafore, white long sleeve shirt, red tie with the Ashford logo and black shoes.
Her sand brown hair was combed down to her shoulder, and her amethyst eyes were like before, gentle. The girl was only young, and yet she was exactly the girl they knew seven years ago. And the last person they were surprised by was Euphemia's old crush, the one she wanted to marry when she was a kid. The raven haired boy, with the eyes that spoke with pride with a tint of care. The silent, cunning, and the son of Lady Marianne.
No matter how long they haven't seen each other, or how much they've grown ever since they last met, Euphie can still remember his face, the face that always cheers her up whenever she was sad, the face that encourages her when their other siblings teases her, the face that she once fell in love with.
Euphie slowly walks in eyes watering in disbelief smiling in happiness. She doesn't know if this was real or not...but she knows, she knows this was a gift.
An unexpected family reunion...
"Lelouch?"
A/N: Okay it wasn't as long as I expected but I at least manage to finish yet another chapter before I start my first day in College. Anyways I'm sorry for the cliffhanger guys, but I hope that you will wait long enough to see what happens next. Since MORE revelations will come. Also I hope you see an Easter egg I put there.
Other than that there is nothing else in my mind. However, I actually want to know if any of you wanted to continue this story to be a harem one. For me I'm fine either way. But what about you guys? Please review so that I know what you guys think.
Or I will be forced to create a poll since I'm in complete confusion hehehe.
As always reviews are always appreciated so please read and review
F.C.C.S out