Remember during these trying times, be like Lelouch and practice social distancing and wearing a mask whenever you go out!
Cornelia sighed as she put down the file she was looking over, her eyes resting on Euphie's, a stern look set about the younger siblings face as she took a seat across from the general.
"What could I do for you, Sub-Vicroy Euhpimia?" Her hands coming together above the table, her poker face set and prepared for whatever she would have to shoot down and maybe even some tears.
The teen took a second to organize her thoughts before clearing her throat, "I came to speak to you about Zero." At this, Cornelia's eyebrow rose, a wave of her hand prompting the pinkette to continue, "It's about what he spoke to me about while I was held hostage at Lake Kawaguchi... About how you have been keeping something from me..."
Cornelia's eyes widened as she realized she was caught and while she didnt know the specifics, each was a landmine in it's own right, "What do you mea-" The Vicroy tried to dismiss only to be cut off by the pinkette.
"What I mean is you have been withholding information about Zero from me! Specifically his relations to our own bloodline!" Cornelia slightly gasped at this, though her surprise was quickly subdued. With how liberal Zero had been with sharing the information on his origins, it wasn't a far shot that he wouldn't have kept it a secret from Euphimia when given the chance.
Cornelia tucked a loose strand of hair back into place, "Euphie, I know you won't believe it, but I wanted you far away from Zero, I don't want him to pose a threat to your safety" 'Not again..' Cornelia thought as she remembered the note he used to draw her out, making a mental note to seek Lieutenant Reyes out before deploying to Narita, "But now I guess I should fill you in with what I know, I owe you that much.
Cornelia leaned back, a sigh of relief at the situation not being something a bit more worrying, "I first learned of Zero much the same way you had but I had viewed him as an ordinary terrorist at the time. It wasnt until I was first contacted by him that I began to change my opinion and that was when I learned he was a member of the imperial family." Cornelia turned to view out the window, thinking back to her own stubbornness to underestimate her opponent, "I didn't get the pleasure of meeting him face to face until the Saitama operation, a place where I watched my own trap be used against me, eventually leading to my own capture." At this Euphimia gasped, she hadn't heard much about that operation beyond the fact if had failed, and that Cornelia had been injured. 'But how had he been able to isolate her to even do that kind of damage? Much more even draw her out?'
"He had drawn me out and laid bare my biggest weakness, he had used you," Cornelia's expression was somber as she continued, "We had received a message, from Zero, asking for me to appear before him alone. Not wanting to risk your safety, I complied and went alone with my Glocester. Confident he couldn't best me alone, he instead used this opportunity to get into my head. It was then I realized what Zero was capable of and before I knew it, I was at his mercy." At this pause, Euphimia slowly took her sister's hand, offering her a small squeeze earning a soft smile from the older sister, "He confronted me about his motives, to why he had done the things he did, before disappearing just as quickly as he had appeared."
Cornelia sighed, hoping that what she did provide would at least be able to hold the conversation off until a later time, "That's all I know."
"Oh sister," Euphimia said softly, her voice warm,"Thank you for being honest with me, that's all I ask for." They held this warm atmosphere for a bit as they talked about needless things, eventually the pinkette offered another of her warm smiles as she stood up, "I would love to stay to talk more, but I have work to attend to, please excuse me."
Euphimia wanted to believe Cornelia, though she knew better at this point. While yes, she didnt doubt what her sister said about Zero being all she had known, she knew she was omitting various other details. Those could wait however, judging by how busy everyone seemed today, they was going to be an operation soon. The princess stopped walking, a frown forming as she thought about what that entailed. More people would die. And she was stuck within the settlement unable to stop it.
She took a deep breath, she was already growing tired and it was barely past lunch. Not only had confronting Cornelia been emotionally draining, but her work as Sub-Vicroy had been so physically. The pinkette didn't understand how people enjoyed doing paperwork, or working in administration in general. She knew the worth of it, and the rewarding feeling of helping someone in a meaningful way, regardless if they knew who did it, but she had inherited her sisters habit of dodging paperwork like the plague.
She would need to spend some time with Suzaku. As of late, he was the only one she didn't need to put on airs for. She smiled as she thought about the brunette, not paying attention as she walked, bumping into someone as she rounded a corner.
"Oh, I've been looking for you."
Kallen walked out of her bathroom, a towel wrapped around her body as she dried her hair. She had been either at home or attending school the last few days, and honestly it had been refreshing. While yes, her step mother was being a royal pain in the ass, she had been able to improve her mother's situation steadily. She had been making it a point to speak with the woman when she could and to help improve her situation with the other staff members.
While yes, Shoko Kozuki remained a servant, she wasn't living a life she'd want to escape from. She had the love of her daughter and while the staff weren't exactly welcoming, they maintained a professional relationship at the very least.
Kallen smirked as she finished putting on the old school uniform. She was looking forward to today, as Lelouch promised to do something nice for her
While vague, she doubted he would do something distasteful.
"Alright Mother, I have to get going now, I'll be late today." The younger Kozuki told the older, the latter smiling to her daughter.
"A date with that boy again? I would prefer if you brought him to the house one of these days if he's got you so enraptured."
Kallen blushed at the last statement, "He means a lot to me, and I'll be sure to drag him here one of these days okay?" She went and hugged the maid, who returned it in equal measures, "I love you, Mother."
"I love you too dear. Now go, you'll be late if you don't hurry," The older woman giving Kallen a small push from behind, "I'll be waiting for you right here, like always."
"I know."
Kallen walked into the Student Council room only to see Lelouch being held down to have his face painted. Despite his struggling, they were doing a pretty good job, the whiskers and eyeliner hadn't even smeared.
"For the last time Suzaku! I won't run away!" Lelouch cried out, the brunette laughing as he held him down.
"No can do Lelouch, Presidential Orders."
"That's right, I won't have you escaping like you did during the Crossdressers Ball!" The blonde chided as she noticed Kallen enter, giving her a wave with her paw "Good Meowning!"
"Good Morning, Milly. What's going on?" Kallen inquired, slipping off her handbag and placing it on a nearby table.
"Why the welcoming party for Arthur, of course! Lelouch was trying to sneak away again, but with Suzaku's help, we managed to get his makeup started." Milly said cheerfully as Shirley continued to apply makeup to the worse for wears Lelouch, who by now has stopped struggling against Suzaku.
"It helps having someone as strong as Suzaku, right Pres? Anyways, how are you so strong? Secret Technique? A rare herb?" Rivalz quipped, his hand on Suzuku's shoulder, "Come on, tell me!"
Seeing how Lelouch has sufficiently calmed down and accepted fate, he turned to address the Secretary, "Nothing like that," Suzaku said laughing lightly, "Years of hard work and dedication having paid off."
"You mean there's no shortcut?" Suzaku shook his head, causing the indigo to deflate slightly, "There goes my rockin' bod."
The rest of the council merely laughed at their friends misfortune, while Lelouch got free of his bonds once again.
Kallen merely laughed as she watched Suzaku spear the Demon Emperor as he tried to get out the door, 'I wish I could hold this moment forever' Kallen though before her expression became more somber. She knew she couldn't and that she'd have to treasure these small moments when she could. To make each day with them worth while.
Rivalz laughed once again as he came up behind Kallen, a hand on her shoulder, "No need to tear up about it, it'll all come off with water. Lelouch will be back to his normal grumpy self in no time."
Kallen's eyes widened as she brought a hand up to touch her face, her cheek moist from the tears, 'When had I started crying?' She quickly wiped it away with her sleeve, "I guess I just got worried he'd like it." She giggled at the look on his face, a look that'd put most others into their place, as he got restrained to the chair again.
"I guess not?" This earned laughter from the group as Shirley put the finishing touches onto Lelouch's makeup before offering Kallen her pick of the cat outfits.
Tamaki whistled as they got the go ahead signal from Zero, "That magic eye of his really is something, letting him crack into places like this."
"Quiet Tamaki," Ohgi whispered as he knocked on Kallen's knightmare, her standard red Glasgow, leading the Black Knights to where their leader had opened a path.
"Man, that really is a useful power, huh?" Tamaki asked, a smug grin on his face, "Sure seems like nothing could stop you as long as you have that."
Zero merely chuckled as everyone triple checked their equipment, "Oh Tamaki. As a matter of fact, I haven't used my power since the Kawaguchi incident." Tamaki sputtered at this, "And it does have it's disadvantages you know. I'm forced to hide my face to protect those close to me. I might never be able to look someone eye to eye again."
Tamaki merely shrunk as he took in the information, whispering a quick apology under his breath, only to have Zero laugh again.
"Why apologize? I choose this path, I while I might not know where it'll take me, I knew the risk." Zero patted the red head on the shoulder, "I appreciate you sentiment though."
This earned a couple of stars from the rest of the group. While Zero had been forthcoming and open about his ability, he hadn't always been this friendly with them. This display of trust from him was shocking since they had only just debuted as an organization.
"Zero, the charges are set, waiting on your go." Sugiyama quickly said, giving the vigilante a nod.
"Then all the conditions have been met," Zero started, his hand on the detonator, "Begin the operation!"
Kallen burst through the door, her anti-personal machine gun rapping as she showered the smugglers with lead. She was even quick to the trigger as the KnightPolice unit burst from the storage room, intent on either escaping or preventing the attack in general. Sadly, the device was soon finished as Kallen dispatched of it with ease. She figured she could take Guilford or Dalton in their Glocesters in her Glasgow. Maybe.
She had quickly done a search in the back room and was relieved that her mother wasn't among the various addicts. A frown settled on her face as they cheered about various different events in their past.
"I got the promotion! I'm going to the Paris office!" A man called out.
"I just got engaged, oh I'm the happiest woman alive!" An ecstatic woman said, her hand up to show off a ring that wasn't there.
"I graduated top of my class! The world is my oyster!" A familiar hot dog salesman cheered, his arms raised in triumph.
Kallen had to shut her eyes and turn away, the scene heartbreaking as her fellow countrymen and woman gave into a fantasy long past.
"I know, Kallen," Zero said as he entered the back room while the others disposed of the vile drug known as Refrain, "I rebel again, wear this mask again, so these people can fulfill the dreams they once had. So that people without a voice or without strength can stand on their own to get and live a life free of oppression. That had been my ideal back then as well, back when I first started the Black Knights." He stopped besides her knightmare frame. His cape hugging his body gently.
Kallen quickly exited the knightmare, leaving it in a kneeling position, she was in her 'Red Wolf' outfit minus the helmet and approaching Zero quickly.
"And I intend to help you realize that world, one where people won't have to sacrifice their happiness." She offered her King a somber smile as she gently grabbed his hand, gently resting her head against his shoulder.
Zero shifted slightly, his arm going around the red haired ace, pulling her into an embrace. They stayed like this a few moments before Zero began to pull away, to both their displeasure.
"We must get back to the group, the police can handle the civilians here. We achieved our goal of destroying another one of the cartels underground smuggling dens." His voice was light, even through the modulator, "With this, the spread of refrain is crippled, if not entirely halted. Something the people will look upon and know that what we stand for isn't just a show."
He slowly lead her back out to the main storage room, the other members of the Black Knights standing around in a small circle as they waited for them. Each had a look of satisfaction ranging from a subtle smile to a full blown grin.
Ohgi smiled as he stood up from the table he was leaning on, "Zero, the police have been informed, Deithard expects them to be here within 10 minutes."
"Plenty of time, though we wouldn't want to delay and give someone a bonus." Zero said with a clap, already beginning to go out the main 'entrance' they had made.
Zero watched as the other members left, Inoue and Sugiyama being the only two to leave separately from everyone else, until it was just himself, Kallen, and Deithard. The journalist was currently working on a way to help spread the news of their latest victory, something to rally the people behind them, whilst being a home for their sentiments and a small section in regards to recruiting.
Zero slowly approached the door, knocking twice before entering their makeshift studio. The blonde was in a corner of the room, fast at work on the terminal before him. He stopped his work to give Zero his undivided attenti
"Good job today as well, Sir." The reporter said with a smirk. He had gotten to do everything he was promised to during their interview and was quickly making himself an invaluable asset once again.
"Deithard, have you completed the task which I assigned you?" Zero said flatly as he aproached the desk, the reporter handing him a small stack of papers.
"Lieutenant Jorge Reyes of Army Group Li Britannia, also known as the Goddess' Valkyrie's. Born in 1986 of the Imperial Calendar. He had an uneventful childhood being the Oldest of four. His father had served as a soldier though that's all I could find regarding him. Not even a name popped up. At the age of 17, he entered the Britannian University of War in Pendragon where he graduated Valedictorian majoring in Counter intelligence and Espionage. Soon afterwards he was assigned to Army Group Li Britannia as their intel officer where he excelled during the Middle Eastern Campaign, even going into live combat personally." Deithard reported, his smirk unwavering at the info he just recalled from memory, "There is more indepth infomation in the report."
Lelouch was honestly impressed at the reporters connections, having trumped even his own, "Good work, You have proven yourself quite well. Tell me and be honest, how is it working under Vice Commander Ohgi?"
Deithard leaned back, his arms resting on the arm rest, "Honestly, he can be dull at times, though I have worked under worse. He has an understanding and patience that's a rare commodity now-a-days."
Zero laughed lightly, "I would expect so from a school teacher."
At this they both shared a laugh before Deithard began to pack up, his body begging for the release of sleep, "Now if you'll excuse me, Lord Zero, I must be off. I have a big day tomorrow at the office."
Zero merely watches as he walked out and away, before making his way to his private room. Slowly, he entered the room, careful not to wake the sleeping inhabitant. She had done great today, though he wasn't too sure how to handle the situation now that they were alone. Usually, she would have left with the others, but this time she insisted she stay. He took off hks mask as he approached the sleeping girl, placing a small kiss on her head before taking her hand.
"Kallen, come on." Lelouch said warmly, his thumb trailing a small circle into the back of her hand.
The red head stirred slightly, gripping his hand tighter as she pulled him a bit closer, "What?" Her voice groggy from the unexpected nap.
Lelouch sighed as his smile slowly became more mischievous, "Kallen, you can't sleep here all day, what would Nunnally think?" the Demon Emperor slowly sitting next to her on the couch.
Slowly, Kallen began to stir, slowly sitting up and wrapping her arms around her king, "Shut up, tomorrow's saturday."
Lelouch laughed lightly and kissed her hair, "Worth the shot."
Kallen yawned before nestling into Lelouch's shoulder, "What time is it?"
Lelouch chdcked his watch, gently leaning his head against hers, "About one in the morning."
Kallen sighed and slowly pulled away from the revolutionary, a small shiver going up her spine at the sudden lack of warmth. After a few moments she slowly got up, stretching out her stiff limbs before pecking Lelouch on the lips, Her voice still a bit groggy "See you tomorrow."
This caused the noirette to chuckle lightly, wrapping his arms around the red head, who sleepily returned it, "You mean on monday?"
Kallen shook her head against his neck, "You still owe me, Vi Brittania."
Lelouch smiled as he kissed her hair once more, "I know my Queen, I hope your ready."
And that's it! Hope ya'll are staying safe and healthy! As SeerKing said, I did make a lot of mistakes, primarily with Jeremiah but i went back and corrected what I found. I do want a Beta but with how my postings are absolutely uncoordinated or really planned out,they would hate me quickly. With that, I wanted to out out this chapter and maybe eek out one more before im unable to anymore due to work.
RR Appreciated!