Indomitable
Chapter 5: A New Battlefield
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Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven; 2018 ATB
Clovis la Britannia was a man considered a master at organizing social gatherings. And in the land which he ruled, many high profile individuals attended his parties. He had connections extending beyond his own domain, vast networks of influence supporting him alone. Though he had yet to measure up to the power wielded by his elder brother Schneizel, it was nothing to scoff at. Compared to the many siblings of theirs, he was leagues above. And being Viceroy of Area Eleven, the most vital colony of the empire, he wielded a unique power greater than even the prime minister. Clovis planned to utilize that power to its fullest to propel him to even greater heights.
"Prince Clovis, my lord…" approaching him with a pained expression covered in sweat was the portly general Bartley, Clovis' right hand. Dependable, but hardly presentable at establishments such as this. "Bartley, what are you doing here, can't it wait?" He snapped at the man whose military outfit clashed horribly with the finest of dresses and suits around them.
"My apologies your highness, I simply needed to inform you that the security team has reported unusual activity outside the event hall." The bald man told him.
"And is that really so important?" Clovis glared at the simpering man. "We are deep within the Tokyo settlement, and the security detail is being led by none other than my royal guard."
"O-Of course your highness. I was merely worried for your safety."
"Thank you Bartley." He replied in a sharp tone. "You may go now."
Wiping his forehead, the large man nodded before scampering off once again. Honestly, he knew better than to make his presence known in here.
Now where was he?
Ah, that's right, off to speak with countess Madison. He had a deep interest in her-
Perhaps he should have listened to Bartley.
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Pendragon Imperial Palace; 2018 ATB
Her eyes held an intense gaze upon him as the two danced along the grand ballroom floor of the royal Palace. In a sea of influential people of all kinds, Kallen Stadtfeld was completely alone with the Black Prince of Britannia.
For several minutes she maintained her silence, staring intently forward, out of nothing more than anxiety. She waited so long for this moment,
Finally, it was the prince who broke the silence. "It's been a while hasn't it, Kallen? You look well."
Weaving through the dancing crowds with practiced grace, Kallen nodded. "I am. You as well, your highness. I heard about your victories in Area Sixteen, it was really inspiring."
"Is that so? I suppose it was what earned me the rank of colonel." Lelouch replied with a lighthearted smile. "What about yourself? I've heard you acquired an engineer specializing in knightmare technology."
"That's right, Rakshata Chawla, she's from India." Kallen confirmed.
"So I've heard. How on earth did you even get her to work for you?" He asked.
"I happened upon an older prototype she developed a while back, news got back to her and she found out I was able to pilot all her creations." The countess explained. "She wanted to see how far she could go, with me as her guinea pig. I funded her and she built me a knightmare. Simple as that I suppose."
"How fortunate. But to be able to pilot a prototype, you must be truly remarkable." The prince complimented her.
Kallen looked away, her face red. "How well remains to be seen. Simulations sure, but no more than that."
The song came to an end, and a new one began. The pair continued on. "I can guess the reason for it though." Lelouch said. "You've been working toward this a long time, haven't you?"
"Yeah, I have."
"That's why you're here isn't it? Are you certain about this?" Not that he doubted her resolve, he just needed to ask.
"Of course I am. The more I think about it the more I want nothing else." She snapped at him.
"I can't promise you I will be going to Area Eleven. It isn't my choice to make, and I'm not the only option." He explained to her. "Even still, I can get you in touch with Cornelia in the event she is chosen instead."
Kallen shook her head. "That isn't really what matters to me anymore. Sure, it'd be a nice bonus, but fighting with you is a lot more important."
Lelouch raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
"It was you who inspired me when I felt completely lost. But it was what you said the last time we met that really helped me make up my mind. You remember, don't you?" Kallen went on.
Of course he did, and he meant it. Just as much now as back then. His reason for fighting.
"Lashing out blindly might make me feel better now, but there's a root problem, a source to all this. I want my battles to have meaning. Even if it might be impossible, I wanna try." She spoke passionately, conveying the same conviction the prince himself possessed.
A sudden thought crossed his mind, and he spoke it aloud. "Say Kallen, would you like to become my knight?"
Her reaction was quite adorable, as her face turned as red as her hair. "You-what are you serious?!"
Several others turned toward her at her outburst, realizing this, she somehow grew even more flushed. "You mean your knight of honor?!" She hissed.
"Of course. My family has been hounding me to fill the position for a while now. I think it would be a great fit." Lelouch answered.
"That's…" a hell of a lot more than she was expecting.
Once again the song came to an end. This time, the prince released her, bringing her hand to his lips. A gesture that did nothing to help her complexion. "You don't need to answer that now, I know it's a big commitment. But regardless of your answer, you are more than welcome to join me wherever I may go."
Lelouch bowed before departing, leaving Kallen to once again chase after his back. This time, the choice she made could finally bring her to stand shoulder to shoulder.
Was it really so hard to answer?
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Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven; 2018 ATB
Chaos reigned around him as the flames consumed the building before him. A hall dedicated to greed and lies. They wouldn't announce it right away, but he was certain they already knew. His mission was successful. Suzaku has struck the first fatal blow Britannia had felt in far too long a time. It wouldn't be the last, whoever they sent would be slain as well. And he would keep slaughtering their oppressors until they finally gave up. Only until this land was soaked in the blood of those who took it from them, would they finally be free to take it back.
"All teams have confirmed with me they made it out safely. Looks like a flawless execution." His partner reported from beside him as he admired their handiwork.
"We'd better head back, Suzaku. There's a lot we'll need to discuss after this."
He nodded. His partner was the voice of reason to his blind justice. He'd be nothing without him. "Let's go then, Naoto."
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Aries Villa, Pendragon; 2018 ATB
This was the first time Kallen had ever set foot in an imperial villa. It was truly a home befitting royalty, leagues greater than her own mansion, or any other she'd seen before. She'd been allowed entry fairly easily, even without invitation. It seemed she was expected to arrive at some point. Not that it was surprising. Meeting her in the grand hall however was a younger girl Kallen had met a handful of times prior.
"Oh Kallen, Lelouch didn't say anything about you coming." Princess Nunnally greeted her with a welcoming smile. If there was one thing to be remembered about the younger vi Britannia, it was her innocent smile.
"That's alright. He probably wasn't expecting me this soon." She explained as the young princess guided her to an adjacent room. "Is he here right now?"
Nunnally shook her head. "No, actually. He's probably speaking with our father about now."
"With the emperor?" She repeated in surprise. To her understanding, that was exceedingly rare, even for the royal family.
"Yup, he summons Lelouch every now and then when we're in Pendragon." The younger girl explained. "Dunno exactly what they talk about, only that he usually receives our orders by the end of it."
"Is that so?" Kallen remarked. She supposed that he was an exceptional case even among the royal family. It was why she was here, after all.
"You're welcome to wait here for him if you'd like." Nunnally offered. "I'd be happy to keep you company until then."
"I'd like that." She accepted. "I don't intend to let him slip away this time."
The princess led the two of them to a sitting room. "I saw the two of you together the other night. What was it you were talking about?"
"I approached him, actually." Kallen explained as they sat down. "I was hoping he would let me join the two of you."
"Is that right?" Nunnally exclaimed with visible excitement.
"I've had the idea for a long time now. Your brother really helped me sort my problems out, more than he probably realizes." She said, taking a cup of tea from a servant along with the princess. "But the last time we spoke, he made up my mind. Although last night he did kind of throw me for a loop."
"How so? He didn't say something strange did he?" Nunnally asked.
"You could say that." She smiled from behind her cup. "Right out of nowhere he asked me to become his knight of honor."
The young princess choked on her teas in response. "He seriously said that?! I mean, I have been pushing him for a while now, but I was expecting Gino, or even Anya. People he's known for a while. Not to say you aren't a perfectly good choice, it's just a lot to ask of you out of the blue like that."
"That's exactly why I was so surprised." Kallen agreed. "He first offered to get me in contact with princess Cornelia, so that I could go to Area Eleven if she did. But I honestly think that's not what matters as much to me…as it does knowing what I'm fighting for."
Nunnally turned her head. "What you're fighting for?"
The redhead nodded. "Yes. Lelouch helped me find that. So that's why it's more important to me to fight beside you than to get back at those who hurt me."
"I see. I myself have come to decide that revenge isn't the goal I want to devote my life to." Nunnally said. "Our mother wouldn't want that. Lelouch still tries to find her killer, but that isn't what we want to devote our whole lives to. Even if nobody else understands what we're after, it's worth persevering for."
"He might have made things a little more complicated than I was expecting, but that doesn't really change my mind in the end."
"So you'll accept his offer then?" The princess eagerly asked.
Smiling, Kallen nodded. "I think I just might.
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Aquarius Villa; 2018 ATB
It seemed the favored son had finally returned home.
Her eyes sharp as she gazed out upon the glorious city of Pendragon, crown princess Guinevere scowled at the newspaper as she discarded it. And to think the emperor had once again summoned him to the Imperial Palace so shortly after he returned. What was he, sixth in line now? It was unbelievable, not to mention highly concerning. He had Schneizel and Cornelia's favor. Those two might not be the crown heirs but their support was certainly not to be taken lightly.
Honestly, what absurdity that the commoner prince, the black sheep of the family, should be so prominent in their society. With the Ashford family firmly in his corner, Marrybell and the Zevon family to call upon as allies, and a sizable roster of capable knights under his command. The crown princess clicked her tongue.
"Honestly, what a disgrace." She spat.
"Does something displease you, my princess?" Her knight, Lucio asked her. He was a pretty little thing, subservient and obedient. Little else however.
"Something does indeed." She growled. The question was though, just what was there to be done about it?
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Pendragon Imperial Palace; 2018 ATB
Lelouch sat in concentrated silence as he assessed the board before him over and over. This was far from the first time he had sat at this table, playing this game. Yet the outcome was always the same.
The man before him radiated a presence unlike any other, one that unnerved even the most stalwart of hearts. Rationality seldom remained as he attempted to keep afloat in the sea of his father's overbearing stature. His decision made, he covered his flank with a well placed rook. The cold glare of the emperor immediately made him second guess his actions.
Furthering the pressure he placed on the board, His Majesty spoke. "So I heard you made a visit to Cornelia before returning home.
"That's right, your majesty." He replied curtly as he responded to the man's turn.
"And she is doing well I presume?" He took a bishop, severely weakening any offensive potential Lelouch could muster.
"She is. I provided some assistance while I was there. Though I primarily went to ask a favor of her, regarding my mother." He was on the backfoot, any hope of turning this around rapidly fading.
"Your diligence will be rewarded, Lelouch. So long as you do not relent…" He seized the prince's queen, a sacrifice to save her king. "You will accomplish your goal."
One last attempt, a counterattack his losses bought. "Thank you, your majesty."
"And what of your own task? Nothing of importance in Area Eight?" But of course, the emperor saw it coming. He was forced to abandon the mission to amend his defenses.
"No, your majesty. Frankly it was a waste of time." He answered honestly. He was only a turn behind this time. So close to piercing through the overwhelming offensive, but it wasn't enough.
"How unfortunate." Defeat was closing in, and his window of opportunity long gone. "You might be glad to know I have decided upon a much more meaningful assignment for you."
Lelouch raised an eyebrow. It wasn't like the emperor to talk up a task like that. "I am here to serve, your majesty."
Three turns from checkmate, the emperor's face betrayed no satisfaction. "Schneizel tells me he has a plan to diffuse the tension with the High Eunuchs of the Chinese Federation, one I find acceptable." Was he referring to the plan he had discussed with his brother earlier. If that was the case…
The door suddenly opened, with Bismark Waldstein stepping through. The only man on this earth who could enter the place unannounced. "Your majesty, urgent news."
"What is it, Bismark?" The emperor asked not rising from the table. Instead he made his next move. Two more from checkmate.
"We've just received word of an attack in the Tokyo Settlement this morning." The Knight of One explained. "The death toll has yet to be determined, however…they have recovered the body of Prince Clovis, your majesty."
The emperor made no reaction to the news, Lelouch for his part leapt from his seat. "You can't be serious!" He exclaimed. "Lord Waldstein, what kind of nonsense is this?!"
"Forgive me, your highness, but it is true. The prince's event hall outside the government bureau was attacked with explosive devices. It can be assumed Eleven terrorists were responsible, though no one is currently available to sort the mess out. General Bartley was caught in the attack as well."
Shaking with barely contained fury, Lelouch grit his teeth. How could this happen? His foolish brother went and got himself killed. He might have been a rival, an obstacle in the way between him and the throne, but even still…
"Your Majesty, send me to Area Eleven." He demanded. "I will see to it that every one of those bastards learns their place."
"No."
The one word was like ice that froze thar froze his righteous fury. "What?" He uttered.
"As I was saying before, I already have a task ready for you. Cornelia will be the one to deal with Area Eleven, this does not change that." The emperor spoke, his eyes cold and calculating.
"Then what could possibly be more important than this?" He demanded of his father.
"You are to go to Euro Britannia and address the rumors of treacherous nobles the OSI have reported to me." The emperor explained.
"More of that?" Lelouch growled. After all this he was supposed to chase rumors?!
"Once you are certain the matter has been dealt with…" His father continued on despite his obvious displeasure. "Then you shall use the region as a staging ground for a full scale invasion into the EU, with the primary goal of reclaiming the British Isles."
"The British Isles?" Lelouch repeated after a moment of stunned silence, all traces of his anger washed away at the words.
"I trust you'll find that to be satisfactory?" His father asked with the same expressionless glare.
He couldn't be serious. He was giving the isles, Britannia's greatest failure, to him? The implication was clear, as was the challenge. Accomplishing this would set him apart from everyone. Not just his siblings, but his mother and all those that came before. There wasn't an achievement one could make that even came close. If he were to take back Britannia's old homeland…it would be nothing short of being declared heir apparent.
No one could ever compete with that.
"I swear upon my mother's name, that Europe will fall." Was his answer.
The faintest ghost of a smile found its way upon the emperor's face. "Then see it done."
With a prompt bow, The prince moved to sweep past the Knight of One.
"Lelouch." His father called out to him, he turned around to see the man gesture toward the chessboard still before him. "Finish what you've started."
He took another look at the board. One turn from checkmate, no matter what he tried to do. Stepping forward, he took hold of his king piece, and moved it forward.
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Wow it's been a long time. I've said it before but let me be clear it'll get done…eventually. Any time I ever feel like writing I just decide to work on Throne of Glass. That being said, I'm starting to get to the point in that story I've been totally dying to write for years. I've taken some time to sort out what it was I wanted to do with Indomitable after coming to establish exactly what ToG means to do. And in regards to that I'll give you all a little piece of info as to my intentions since it's been so goddamn long: Indomitable will be a harem. This is the thematic opposite to Lelouch beginnings in ToG so it's only fitting.
So I'll see you next time, whenever that is.