Excalibur: The Witch in the Lake

by Aminta.defender

Lelouch bent his knee to his father to protect those he loved, but expectations continue to rise. Meanwhile, his sister, Nunnally flirts with radicalism and their secrets begin to unravel. Unknown to them, their parents' sins threaten to throw awry well laid plans. Book 2 of Excalibur

46. Names Washed in Ink

Recap: Marianne's sister, Aimee/Amelia, plotted her escape from the palace with a little help from Lelouch. Lelouch has landed himself a new promotion and his friends rally behind him to curb his depression. Nunnally meanwhile finds not all is normal with her classmate, Rolando.

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Chapter 46: Names Washed in Ink

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S: I'm sorry I missed your messages. It took a while to figure out how to send messages from here. Don't worry. I'm fine. Tell my friends that I'm sorry. It would be safer for us to not talk anymore. You could get into a lot of trouble.

E: You left Area Eleven? Don't tell me you got mixed up with that invasion nonsense. It's not safe at all. If you need help, I can pull some strings to make sure you're safe. I'll be fine, I swear. My sister would never let me be in any real trouble.

E: Please? Nobody else ever listens to me, not even our friend. She's too busy.

S: I saw the news. I admit I'm relieved. She'll do great. Can't say where I am, but I did leave. After Shinjuku, there wasn't much for me left anyway. My father is here. It's nice. I'm actually back to teaching self-defense and babysitting brats. You wouldn't believe how many kids came along. Father is ripping out his hair. What do girls like anyway? I don't think teaching them how to punch each other is helping things. They're nothing like my cousin. She was always very boring and proper.

—Communications recovered in the investigation of Euphemia li Britannia's disappearance

---

Texas, Area Three

Amelia sat on a large rock on the side of the road, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. She had escaped New Pendragon. She had kept driving and driving, not daring to stop because the Emperor's agents would be on her at any moment. Now, she was out here, in the middle of the desert, all alone—without a clue where to go next. She had never left the Geass Order. She didn't even know how to return... if she wanted to.

She buried her head in her hands, desperately trying to hold back the sobs. She had abandoned her sister once more. It was her fault that Marianne was like this. She should've been quieter, held out like her younger sister, until the men finally left. She should've fought, escaped, done her duty as the older sister. She had done nothing, too heartbroken by the gruesome deaths of her parents and other siblings, utterly convinced that her sister had to be dead.

Marianne had helped her in a way, reminded her that there was a world beyond those sterile rooms. That there was more to life, more that she wished to share with her son. That the impossible could happen.

In the end, it turned out Marianne didn't need them. She had somehow scratched out a place for herself on her own. She was an empress now, even if Amelia despised the Emperor for what he had done to her.

A tear fell onto her lap. Then followed by another and another as the dam burst.

She failed. She was the broken one. What could she say about her life?

She had no hobbies, no interests, no understanding of the outside world. She served V.V. She had a son she could never meet. No one would truly miss her.

Marianne, for all that her life was a mess, had two beautiful children who reminded Amelia so painfully of her own siblings.

Lelouch and Nunnally had hard edges, carefully sharpened to draw blood. But their warmth, their kindness... That was the part of Marianne she remembered, which she couldn't imagine the Emperor contributing. In such a hostile world that threatened to scrape out their remaining compassion, how long would it be until they were obedient little creatures like Marianne?

No wonder Lelouch had climbed on the roof. If he could sprout wings, he would fly away and never return. Except he was still there, chained, while she could roam free. Because she was too much of a coward to stay.

Her fingers dug into her thigh, and she stared at the sky. "Please! Haven't you taken enough?"

God never answered. Why would he? Their family was tied to the Devil, who pursued them relentlessly through history. No matter how faithful they were, or how much they prayed, the Devil came. Once, their family stood strong. Then Napoleon arrived with death in his hand. Then the Emblem of Blood slaughtered what was left of their line.

Even as she was being carted away to be sold, she prayed. God never answered, but the Devil did.

He had come in the night in the form of a young boy. The guards hadn't even reacted as he walked past them and looked greedily upon her. The Devil had finally come to claim the last of their family, or so she thought. But Marianne had escaped, even if only into the arms of another evil.

When V.V. took her to the Order, she had briefly thought she was saved. Until she realized that her new master, for all his childish looks, had the same desires as all men. That was the night Aimee died.

Oh God, how was she supposed to return? How could she even save her son from him?

She shot to her feet, staggering forward, and fell to the ground, emptying her stomach. Tiredly, she wiped her mouth. V.V. would be livid. Her stomach spasmed and she hunkered down again.

She didn't want to go back, to escape one prison for another. How could she live like that? But her son—

Righteous fury gave her the strength to climb to her feet and glare spitefully at the sky. Her parents had done so much. Served their community so faithfully. Tended to all in need. Submitted themselves fully to their faith. What did they receive in return? Tragedy. Only tragedy.

She should return to the palace, prostrate herself before the Emperor and beg for his forgiveness. Her family's god clearly didn't exist. At least there, she had been safe for the first time. If she presented her case, offered all of V.V.'s secrets, surely she could find the support she needed and finally save her son.

A sudden wave of anxiety hit her. She couldn't know if the Emperor would forgive her slight. She had never worshiped him and had even technically engaged in treason. She spurned him and his wife.

In leaving the palace, she had firmly closed that door.

So where to now?

She climbed into the car, wondering if her sister ever loved her. If she would ever forgive her for abandoning her. A reassuring warmth settled over her. Of course, she would... right?

...

"You've changed," C.C. interrupted, and Marianne startled awake and groaned at the sharp stabbing pain in her eye. Her sister... had it been a dream? A fantasy of what could've been? Aimee would never consider returning, not after Marianne trapped her here. It was for the best. Charles's patience for her had come to an end.

"What are you doing here?" Marianne asked, pushing herself upright. The early morning light peeked over the mountainous horizon and flooded the royal chamber in natural light. "Where's Charles?"

C.C. shrugged carelessly. "He had the sudden urge to do some work."

"Right." Marianne massaged the bridge of her nose and accepted the glass of water. She felt drained as if she had just used her geass, not gone to sleep. Her geass was to control; it gave her no insight into the target's mind. "Leave before I remember why I want to yell at you."

"Yell at me? You were the one who for over a decade refused to use her geass, making me think you would never fulfill your contract. Yet here you are."

"Forgive me for wanting to live a life that was real instead of borrowing someone else's," Marianne snapped. Her eyes narrowed. "You gave Lelouch a geass."

"Such a strong one too," C.C. said, looking rather pleased with herself. "He flew out before I could talk to him. Do you know how irritating it is to slip through airport security with none being the wiser? I certainly felt a contract strong enough here to be him, but instead, I find you. I admit I was worried when I noticed the trail leading to Charles's bedroom."

"You shouldn't have given him one," Marianne snapped. "He doesn't need to be dragged into your problems."

"Are you going to fulfill my contract?" C.C. accused. "You should not complain. It saved his life and it will serve him well. It has been a long time since I've seen one with so much potential."

Marianne bit her tongue. An argument would go nowhere. She should be glad that C.C. was even willing to talk to her after Clovis had imprisoned her. She could have very well retaliated by handing out more geasses and throwing the Empire into disarray.

"So where is he?" C.C. asked. "I only sense you nearby."

"Area Eleven," Marianne answered dully, pushing aside the slight compulsion to answer. "Stop that."

"Nobody else notices," C.C. grumbled and flopped down next to her on the bed. "So, I followed your son from Area Eleven, but in the time it took me to arrive, he had already returned."

Despite herself, Marianne snorted in amusement. "Royalty affords some advantages in travel."

"Well, all is not lost. You have changed, Marianne."

"I grew older. What did you expect? I am not like you, cursed to eternal youth."

"You misunderstand." C.C. studied her intently. "It shouldn't be possible. People grow older and perhaps wiser, but they never change."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Your geass is changing. Your deepest desire is different. For centuries, I have offered geass but nothing like this has ever occurred before."

"Maybe they didn't live long enough because it drove them insane."

"Maybe. Your family was always fascinating." C.C. hummed absently. "As curious as this is, I need to find my contractor. Teenagers always have delusions of grandeur in the beginning. It is not good for their long term survival."

"You will leave him alone," Marianne warned. "He is fine without you waving around your death wish. I'll fulfill my contract with you. Let him be."

"Did you not hear what I said? He is quite likely to do something foolish. I can feel it in my bones. Fledgling contractors thirst to use their power in any way they can."

She remembered his haunted eyes. "I doubt he will be using his geass anytime soon. Charles talked to him."

C.C. scoffed. "I could feel him using it, for hours on end. It was an impressive marathon session."

Did she mean... Eye twitching, Marianne lowered herself into her wheelchair. "Charles! Get your ass here!"

Chuckles followed behind her as she stormed out of the room and slammed her wheel against his desk. Not only had he hurt Lelouch's guards, tried to scare him into living, he had had forced him to use his geass. No wonder his eyes were haunted.

"Oh, C.C.," Charles grumbled. He set aside his papers, diligently avoiding her eyes. "I thought we had an agreement that you would not routinely break into my quarters."

"And I thought you had your Empire under control. Funny how misunderstandings happen."

Wearily, Charles rubbed his eyes. "I apologize for the oversight. I had my agents search for you as soon as V.V. informed me of your disappearance."

"Throwing me at your brother?" C.C. tilted her head. "You've spent years covering for his stupidity, even when it undermined your precious Empire."

"My patience is only finite."

"And mine is at an end!" Marriane snapped. "Did you force Lelouch to use his geass? C.C. said she felt it active for hours. Do you know how much strain that would put on him?"

"He'll be fine," Charles dismissed. "it was necessary for him to understand his limits."

Even C.C. looked disquieted. She shifted awkwardly and took a seat, drawing up her legs. "That was unwise."

"V.V. and I tested my geass extensively at first."

"And that explains so much," C.C. mumbled. "His mind isn't used to the strain yet."

Something akin to relief crossed his face. "So Lelouch is not actually..."

"What?" C.C. asked.

Marianne sighed. "Lelouch appears to have contemplated throwing himself off the roof."

C.C. fell silent, staring at them from across her knees with an aura of contemplation.

"He'll sort things out," Charles said. "He's strong enough."

Marianne bit her lower lip hard enough to draw blood. Strength. She should've been cast aside when it became clear that she would never walk again, yet Charles had disregarded his own words and kept her at his side. Her continued competence on the battlefield was enough of a cover, but even then, he would've stayed with her.

Yet, somehow, he could not extend the same courtesy to their son. He should not have to prove himself. He might have proven himself stronger than she ever hoped, but it did not mean they should deny his silent cries for help. Even the strongest sword chipped from use.

"Suicidal geass users are dangerous," C.C. finally said. "But if he had truly wished to die when I offered him a contract, he would've. While rare, it has happened before. He should be euphoric right now, prone to risks. I've had fresh contractors die due to seeing themselves as demigods or for outing their powers and ending up burned at the stake for witchcraft. Or because someone caught wind of my movements and prematurely eliminated them as a threat."

"Your contractors in Area Eleven are not subtle."

She shrugged. "I did not want them to be. I just wanted Clovis and Bartley dead. I am satisfied, so they may do as they wish."

Charles glared at her as he massaged his temples. "Clean up your mess for once."

"It's no longer my problem. Unlike some people, I keep my word."

"So it's not his geass," Marianne interrupted before the undercurrent of tension between her husband and C.C. could turn into a real fight. They had never gotten along well, and time had clearly not softened either of their opinions.

C.C. shook her head. "He should be on an emotional high right now. It's a simple command type; the consequences for overuse are mild. A pity. I thought he would be interesting."

A high meant there would be an eventual crash. She remembered when the euphoria of her own geass wore off. The thrill of the battle had kept her secure in her body, enough that even the temptation of another, better life had not been able to move her. As her use tapered off, the world grew darker and her dreams returned to endless nightmares. And then—

Her brow furrowed. The memories danced out of reach, unwilling to answer.

"Geass compels use," Marianne said.

Charles winced. "I always blamed myself for being a teenager."

"I always forget that V.V. understands nothing." C.C. stood. "Mastery stops the compulsion, or maybe you master it when you overcome the compulsion. Now, where is my pizza?"

"The compulsion," Charles pressed.

"Pizza!"

---

Tokyo, Area Eleven

In her private rooms, Kaguya examined her collection with a critical eye, searching for something appropriate. Reflexively, she reached up to the red-golden phoenix hairpin. What could she even hope to offer to return such thoughtfulness in kind?

Maybe she was approaching this in the wrong manner. She had an official invitation to his birthday celebration—delivered through official channels and not a warm phone call from Lelouch to her unease—and would be expected to give him something appropriate for his standing.

Even if she found something which Lelouch would cherish, it would mean nothing if it only brought disdain from onlookers.

So two gifts then. One that was either rare or extravagant and one that was personal and heartfelt.

Her eyes closed in frustration. For all that she felt she had gotten closer to Lelouch at the Purist's gathering, the distance between them had never felt greater in the following month. He had taken over administrative duties from Clovis and not called on her once. Even at the opening of the season, he had barely paid her any heed, their brief moment together too short and too public for her to be sure if she imagined the coldness in his eyes or not.

Had she done something wrong?

"Mr. Kirihara is here to see you," Rebecca interrupted politely from the door. She was truly an ideal servant, meek and obedient without ever a hint of distaste at the idea of serving an Eleven.

"Show him in," Kaguya said as she closed the cabinet. What could he want? The Kyoto House was under too much suspicion already for him to be making unannounced house calls.

Warily, her eyes flicked to Rebecca, who was leading her mentor inside. She had helped reveal the OSI spy in their midst after he died from a freak accident, but one could never be too certain. Her Britannian personnel had no reason to feel loyalty to her beyond their pocketbook.

Kirihara nodded to the maid and closed the door, his pleasant expression replaced with a serious frown.

"Kirihara-sama," she greeted respectfully, bowing in the Japanese style but continuing in English. "Is your health well?"

"It could be better," he said. Something had gone wrong.

Her lips thinned, and she scanned the room. It wasn't unusual for her to discover surveillance devices. "Should I prepare a tonic for your joints, then?"

"Yes, please," he agreed.

She opened one of the cupboards and gestured for him to step inside. Thick insulating foam covered the walls of the alcove. A huge roll of saran wrap rested in the corner. With the door shut, screams were useless.

Kirihara grimaced and folded his legs gingerly.

"What must I do?" Kaguya asked in Japanese.

"For now, answer my questions truthfully, please."

Her head cocked. "Of course."

Kirihara's eyes pinned her in place. "You have not reported Prince Lelouch asking for your guidance recently. I understand that not every conservation may be of note and that personal topics may be embarrassing…"

"He hasn't contacted me," she cut in desperately. "I haven't heard from him at all after the invasion, besides the ball to mark the beginning of the season."

His face fell. "I had hoped—" He sighed. "The House is concerned. They encouraged your connection with the prince to gain influence in governance."

"I told them that he wasn't madly in love with me. He was never going to be my pawn."

"I know." His face was tense. "I told them as well that it was foolish to expect Prince Lelouch to act like a hot blooded male. Unfortunately, he has played the role of the whimsical fool for so long that they're not so willing to believe us. Do you at least know what role Lelouch will be claiming? I doubt the Emperor will let his eighteenth birthday pass without finally assigning him an official role."

She bit her lower lip. Lelouch was Zero. He already had a major role, but he would need to come out in the public soon to stop the whispers. The Emperor did not care that Lelouch had no desire to succeed him. He would pave the way regardless. "Lelouch hasn't said anything to me."

"Princess Nunnally will be the sub-viceroy," Kirihara said. "It's only intensified rumors that he will claim the viceroyship. Surely, you must have some insight?"

Except Zero had executed Clovis. She wouldn't shed a tear over Clovis's death, but she couldn't imagine Lelouch killing his siblings—or maybe she didn't want to consider that she had misjudged his character so terribly.

"Leila noticed him mingling with prominent officers; there might be a military involvement. It will be a role that would increase his popularity and cultivate the skills needed to run an Empire one day."

"It's true, then?"

"Not exactly." She shook her head in exasperation. "When Lelouch rejects the idea, he is entirely sincere. He outright told the Emperor that he had no desires upon the throne, but I doubt the Emperor is so easily dissuaded."

"Foolish of him," Kirihara mumbled. "A viceroyship would fit. I am not sure if we should be pleased by this development. The way he handled the Purists… He has no qualms when it comes to employing assassins and whatever leverage he had on Greenford—Stamford is most potent. It is fortunate that the JLF managed to escape. The nobles we bribed are no more, and we've lost multiple minor cells overnight."

"Clovis's incompetence was a boon."

"Perhaps, but I fear that only Prince Lelouch's distraction with the Purists has saved us from annihilation. He is at least much more successful in collaborating with Zero than Clovis was."

Frantic laughter clawed at her throat. "While serious, I do not understand why you have brought this matter to my attention. Intelligence is my purview, not military operations. I can tell you what I know of Lelouch's character, but it does not matter if my opinion is disregarded."

Kirihara grimaced. "I'm not here for business, Kaguya. I am here to warn you. As Prince Lelouch did not seek your input, there is concern among the House that you hold no sway with him."

"I have repeatedly said I do not," she snapped. "He's shown no interest in the fairer sex, and frankly, if I had to compete with every woman in the Empire based on the womanly arts, I would lose."

He held up his hand, to stave off her rant. "I am aware, but the issue is that they believe you have fallen for him. There are troubling whispers that you might perhaps no longer be loyal to Japan and are instead wrapped around his fingers."

Her stomach twisted. "That's ridiculous!"

Yet she had kept silent that Lelouch was Zero.

"You framed your father for treason, condemning him to death. You live a life of luxury while they feel impoverished. Then there is the matter of your youth and demeanor."

She shook her head in disbelief. "impoverished? Have they looked out of the window! And my father would've destroyed the JLF! He was going to sell out Suzaku."

"I hate that you were forced to act." Kirihara rested his hand on her knee. "You do not have to explain it to me. He betrayed us first, but they remember the years of doing business together, the dinner parties, the birthdays, and family ties. They do not want to believe he would so easily betray Japan, maybe because they would have done so as well given the opportunity."

Her shoulders shook with repressed rage. "Demeanor?"

"You're obstinate and opinionated."

"So their problem is that I'm a girl and refuse to be a quiet housewife. Do they think I would have any chance of marrying anyone worthwhile if I was without a spine? The Emperor supports me marrying Lelouch because he doesn't believe his other children are capable of handling me. He's going to be the Emperor. We both know that Britannia won't fall in our lifetime. This is an unprecedented opportunity to at least squeeze out some concessions."

"That is part of the problem—your marriage."

"Pardon? It is an opportunity."

Kirihara's shoulders sagged. "If it weren't for Kusakabe revitalizing Imperial Japan, then it would be. As is, it is a trap. Your son would be in line to inherit… a Britannian prince."

"I thought this was resolved years ago," she whispered. "It was decided to focus on reestablishing a democratic system to ensure the E.U.'s assistance and to avoid the issue of a succession crisis should Suzaku or I pass."

"While Kusakabe's invasion might have been repelled, his aim was not to secure a territorial claim but an ideological one. The news of Suzaku's survival has spread far and wide. In the rural areas, you will find his propaganda spreading freely. He claims Japan lost because we shunned the gods by no longer having a serving Emperor. People believe him, especially after Suzaku's fight against Empress Marianne began circulating. That he held her off—"

"Suzaku fought her?" She leaned forward. "And lived?"

"Yes, although Britannian intelligence is thankfully unaware due to him only being referred to by obscure reference. Tohdoh is trying to track down the leak." He smiled grimly. "It was a truly impressive showing, even if he ultimately lost."

"Then let the people have their symbols. I don't see why it would impact me."

"Because the Emperor is no fool. Kururugi's dishonorable suicide has always left the people with the feeling of a stolen victory. We were never properly defeated, so the people still believe they could fight if they had a strong leader. Out of all the Areas, Japan has the strongest and most unified ideological resistance. Kururugi was never defeated and paraded through the streets in humiliation. He never signed any official treaties of surrender or gave heartfelt speeches where he conceded. Part of why we opted against reviving our monarchy was to ensure that our rebellion never had a single leader who could be defeated.

"The Emperor may let Suzaku build an ideological following because it will finally give Britannia a convenient target, and if Suzaku succeeds, he has you to contest the position. The House is concerned that if Lelouch becomes the Emperor and you bear his child that Britannia will have a legitimate hold over Japan, especially when that child then becomes the next Emperor."

Kirihara knew her too well. She would do everything to ensure her child sat on the throne and had the power to protect themselves.

Biting her lip, she looked away. Through no fault of her own, she had become one of the JLF's greatest weaknesses. The Emperor wouldn't let this opportunity slip by him. "Are they going to declare me a traitor?" She shrugged halfheartedly. "It would be a good excuse to dispose of me."

Warm arms wrapped around her as Kirihara pulled her into a hug. "I have no intention of standing by as you're discarded." His chest vibrated as he spoke. "You've sacrificed so much more than us old fools. No, my worry for now is that they will forcibly remove you from court to wed Suzaku and strengthen your line."

"Suzaku wouldn't—" she whispered.

"I doubt either of you would be given a choice."

"I'm more useful at court," she argued weakly.

"They see only your failures now. Please, prove yourself so you're beyond reproach and irreplaceable."

She nodded stiffly and followed him out of the alcove. He settled his hand once more on her shoulder in comfort as he bid her farewell.

Would he actually fight for her? The Kyoto House doubted her allegiance. She had played the role of a Britannian too well. The Emperor approved, but now her allies were standing behind her with knives pressing against her back.

Everything she had done didn't matter in the end.

Legs weak, she stumbled to the armchair and blankly stared at the wall. Her father had never intended for her to be anyone of note. He hadn't cared for her mother either, only furious that she could not give him a male heir. Their only value in her father's eyes had always been their blood.

Her engagement with Suzaku was nothing more than a way to gain lucrative tax breaks for his business. Then, he had sold her off with no regrets to the royal family. She was chattel, a trinket to be exchanged for favors.

It didn't matter that Sumeragi Industries had overtaken many of the enterprises run by the members of the Kyoto House. The House didn't respect her and were irritated that she was showing them up.

"Mistress," Rebecca interrupted gently. "I brought some tea."

"Thank you," Kaguya whispered and accepted the cup as her hand quivered.

She had worked so hard to become something more. It was all for nothing. She would never be anything more than a broodmare in their eyes.

Inhaling shakily. she set down the cup as her eyes watered.

"Mistress? Is something wrong?"

A tear escaped despite her best efforts. She was alone. The allies she needed to watch her back were undermining her and sharpening their knives. Lelouch hadn't asked for her help in dealing with Japan. He was still inexplicably loyal to his father and would not protect her. All anyone ever saw was the girl with the old blood of the Imperial family running through her veins.

---

Tsukuba, Area Eleven

Comparing Tokyo to its adjacent prefectures always jarred Lelouch. The Tsukuba he remembered was a modern city, leading the way in science and innovation, with various parks and shrines. Under Britannian occupation, its beauty had been replaced with droll, brutal concrete buildings. With the temperature plummeting, people gathered by illegal fires and huddled for warmth.

For all that Lelouch despised the rampant inequality of Tokyo and the ghettos, there was no life here.

"We should've taken the helicopter," Frederick said. "Or Henry."

Lelouch chuckled darkly. "Because the sight makes us uncomfortable?"

"Because they're a stone's throw away from mobbing us."

It would be a very painful death. A Britannian prince probably deserved one.

The heavily armored car jostled as it struck another bump, and ahead, a pristine building grew out of the lopsided buildings. The guard, marked as one of Oberstein's personal forces, waved them through the gate. Smaller structures lined the courtyard with luscious gardens and delicate masonry. At least Oberstein cared for the people under his employ—those of proper Britannian blood anyway.

Sighing, Lelouch pushed open the door and walked past the distressed chauffeur. In the distance, the footman rushed out of the grand house to greet him.

"Your Highness, my apologies, I failed to hear of your impending arrival."

"I didn't call ahead," Lelouch said, glancing to his right at the office building and the attached concrete block which would be the labs. The smoke plumes in the distance would be the factories in which Oberstein produced his knightmares, merely one of many spread throughout Britannia. He was smart to diversify. So many nobles were pleading with the crown in the aftermath of the invasion as their lands and investments in Area Eleven became useless.

The footman—younger and thinner than what Lelouch would expect from a servant in a Margrave's employ—wrung his hands unprofessionally. "How may I assist you, Your Highness? I apologize, but Lord Oberstein is unavailable—"

"If you're going to lie on your lord's behalf, at least word it in such a manner that no blame can fall on your shoulders. Others won't be so kind."

"Um, yes, thank you, sorry sir, Your Highness, I mean."

Lelouch eyed him. "Get a better job, kid. You're far too young to be here."

The boy flushed and sized him up with a defiant look.

"I know he's here," Lelouch said. "I assume the labs?"

"I don't—Your Highness..." The boy floundered.

Frederick laughed softly. "Next time, declare yourself unworthy and rush inside to beg the valet for help. You'll live longer for it."

"You're not that much older than me," the boy grumbled.

Untrained too. Did Oberstein intend for the boy to be offed, or was Lelouch seeing an unexpectedly tender side to the man?

"Your Highness!" Lord Oberstein interrupted, rushing out of the office doors. An assistant trailed behind him, eyes wide in panic. "What an unexpected pleasure to have you here. I cannot fathom what would bring you here. Tsukuba is so undignified."

"Yet your factories here seem to be well in order, unlike most of the Area," Lelouch accused, his tone light. "I believe we have some questions to discuss."

"My forces are merely adequately trained," Lord Obsertein protested with a slight frown. His eyes narrowed. "Pardon me if I am hesitant to offer a tour, given your close association to Lord Ashford."

Any other time Lelouch would be demanding a tour. The man was a snake. There was something there Lelouch should not see. Would the answer have been the same if one of his other siblings stood here instead?

"We should talk in private," Lelouch said. "Perhaps you will be able to sate my curiosity such that I do not order an inspection."

"You're not yet the Viceroy," Lord Oberstein said.

"Yet, I am here."

"Very well. Let us discuss matters in private."

Lord Oberstein led them inside the main house, up the stairs into his office which oversaw the shambled city. His valet entered to pour some black tea, and Lelouch took the cup readily. It would be inconvenient to die right now, but at least he would be taking the snake down with him. The tea tasted normal.

"You once said we should talk... of geass," Lelouch said.

Next to him, Frederick stiffened.

Slowly, Oberstein grabbed his cup and stirred in the sugar. "Then you know what it is?"

His geass briefly warmed, begging to be used, and Lelouch forcibly shoved it down. He did not know its limitations yet, and it would be foolish to waste upon something as trivial as this. The lord undoubtedly had counter measures if he knew of its existence.

"An ability to change minds. I want to know how to defend against it."

"Last time you suggested turning me in for treason; today, you ask for my help. Last time, I thought you were far from the obedient son. This time, I know you killed your brother, and the Emperor hasn't even attempted to punish you for it."

The gunshot cracked through the air and Clovis fell, his head knocking against the floor.

Clenching his fists, Lelouch blinked the image away. "That is not the issue at hand."

"It relates to it very much. I took a risk approaching you. Perhaps I must rectify a mistake."

Frederick bristled and firmly pulled the teacup out of Leouch's hand.

Relaxing into the armchair, Lelouch observed the man. "Like you said, geass is a secret the Emperor guards closely. Clovis dug too far."

"Yet you live."

"Yet I live," Lelouch quietly echoed.

Oberstein sighed and moved to stand by the window. "You drove through the city. What is your opinion?"

"Britannia has failed the people here," Lelouch said bluntly.

"Why?"

Lelouch raised an eyebrow, unsure where this was going. Nobles would argue laziness among the poor or inherent incompetence. "Nobody thinks of them as people who need help."

"Yet you do... You helped fund the Tokyo Memorial Hospital. You founded an orphanage in Area Two. Unlike Prince Odysseus, you never publicize your projects, yet they are numerous, even if hard to track down."

"I was unaware I was such an object of fascination."

"Your actions confuse me, Your Highness."

"As do yours. You are a close associate of the former lord of Greenford."

Oberstein snorted. "We once shared a friendship but minds are not easily changed. Once people set upon a path, they rarely change bar some great extenuating circumstance. The path you have chosen is murky and unclear. Some argue that you dream of ascending to the throne. Others claim you know your place. And all the while you run around under a false name, gaining experience, but earning no victories to your name. No one would ever believe a boy such as yourself is Zero."

"I do not want the throne," Lelouch said firmly. "I've told my father such."

"Then what do you desire? You lead a division of Numbers and aid the poor, but you quell their uprisings and silence their voice protesting for change."

To protect those close to him. To right the injustices in the world. Ultimately, it was all for naught. His old goals were impossible. He would never be free in this life.

"There is no plan," Lelouch admitted. "How can there be one when you do not even know if your thoughts are your own?"

Lord Oberstein pursed his lips. "What do you know of geass, Your Highness?"

"The Emperor can steal memories and implant false ones."

"So it is the Emperor himself, not one of his underlings?" he confirmed, eyebrows rising. "There are other individuals who induce strange erratic behavior."

Lelouch shrugged. "An assassin attacked myself and Nunnally as children. They had a geass as well, or that is what my father said before killing them. If I were to guess, it only calmed its victims. If it weren't for Clovis, I would know nothing, thinking it to be a mere gas attack."

"Your father will undoubtedly be displeased that you revealed this to me." Lord Oberstein inclined his head. "One could even argue that it was treasonous."

"I am hardly the loyal son I pretend to be," Lelouch answered, "and it behooves me to ensure my falsehood does not become truth."

"For you, perhaps. I doubt you wish to hasten your fate."

Lelouch smiled sharply. "Your factories are running quite smoothly, a most curious development. You were closely tied to the Purist Party, who were tried for treason. I could very well extend the investigation to your affairs and exactly what negotiations kept the rebels away from your precious property."

"Honey catches more flies than vinegar, Your Highness." Lord Oberstein raised an eyebrow. "While I could threaten to turn Area Eleven into a bureaucratic nightmare and pin it on your sister, I would rather offer to clear your way in return for an amicable partnership. One branch of the Six Houses of Kyoto is dead, and with it, a share of the sakuradite mines is up for grabs. It falling into your hands in the first few months of your new administration would be a long sought after Britannian accomplishment."

So either Lelouch acknowledged the man had connections with the Japanese resistance and profited off it, or his sister would be ruined, her disability painted as the source of all the administration's new found trouble.

"You're not a man tempted by honey," Lelouch countered. "You have a goal which eludes me and it is all that matters. You are the type of person who would sacrifice your own son if it furthered your plans."

"A mutually assured destruction, Zero?" Lord Oberstein mused. "I will be expecting your support when I call upon it."

Lelouch bristled at the demand but nodded. Whether he would when the time came was a different matter. "Then you have something of use?"

"Your friend, Leila Breisgau." Lord Oberstein paused. "I assume the Emperor is interested in her vault."

"Her father stole classified documents."

"One of which he stole for me. You'll want to retrieve it before the Emperor's agents can. The OSI's more clandestine research branch was working on it for well over a decade before a rogue agent attempted to flee with the plans."

"What is it?"

"A way to undo the effects of a geass," Lord Oberstein said. "The plans are incomplete. You will need me for that."

Perhaps there was a path forward, a way for Lelouch to defend himself.

"Is there anything more immediate?" Lelouch asked.

"Superstitious nonsense," Lord Oberstein dismissed. "Keep an accurate journal and tell no one. That would be your best bet, I imagine."

Lelouch nodded stiffly. "Thank you."

"Thank me once you've succeeded in gaining the documents. Until then, our minds are vulnerable."

"Thank you," he repeated firmly. There was a light at the end of the tunnel, an end to this hell. If he kept his head down long enough, eventually he would be free.

That was if the device worked, but he owed it to his friends to at least try.

---

Imperial Palace, New Pendragon

As Lelouch turned around to polite applause with his new rank insignia firmly affixed to his collars, Kaguya silently cursed to herself. Lieutenant General. Her prayers were for naught. Lelouch would never do as expected from him. The Kyoto House would now regard her with even more suspicion after she agreed with Kirihara's suggestion.

Worse, Lelouch would head to Area Fifteen and, once he was finished there, would carve a bloody path through Africa, dividing the land piecemeal to satisfy Britannian ego. She could not imagine him taking such a role. He knew what Japan had lost, yet he would lift the scythe and tear more families apart.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, she turned away.

Her life was spiraling out of control. She couldn't afford to spend the time necessary to unravel Lelouch. What she needed was to shore up her defenses and prepare for the knife in her back, for the network she had built to turn to devour its master. She needed to focus on Japan, how to keep helping her nation—from within the Britannian court, not as her cousin's trophy wife.

"Kaguya," Leila greeted cordially. Her eyes wandered down her dress and the delicate fabrics before her. Her lips pressed into a firm, displeased line. "Enjoying that your winning horse is gaining more accolades?"

"If it does not throw a horseshoe. I must say you seem to be assimilating into Britannia well. I saw Empress Marianne conversing with you earlier?"

Leila's smile grew strained. "She is insistent."

"You have to commit fully," Kaguya reprimanded, a sliver of ice leaking into her tone. "You can only walk one path at a time; to try otherwise will merely bring you grief."

"Yet walk too quickly in the fog and you will find that you have long since abandoned the path." Leila dipped her head. "I wish you the best of luck with the wolves."

Watching her retreat, Kaguya swallowed a sardonic chuckle. That had been a competent insult and a depressing reminder that she played her role too well.

The festivities progressed with little fuss as Lelouch was swarmed with various well wishers. His numerous siblings meanwhile scowled from the fringes as they were overlooked for the guest of the hour.

She did as Lelouch asked last time and chatted up Prince Anscharius, who desperately asked to be called Osgar. He was a nice enough boy, surprisingly more pleasant than she remembered—children could mature for the better. That was all that could be said. He was dull witted and enthralled by unrefined things.

Knightmare jousting—Britannians could be so absurd. In a real battle, their fancy tricks and showboating would end with their deaths. An opponent of Empress Marianne's caliber would not be stalled for more than a moment.

Absently, she scanned the room. Contrary to her expectations, the woman was not by the Emperor's side, instead mingling on the opposite end of the room. Ten minutes later, half listening to the inane drivel that Osgar deemed important—that his favorite baseball team lost their star pitcher to what must have been subterfuge—she raised an eyebrow as the Emperor began circling around the room and Empress Marianne excused herself from her conversation to drift further away from her husband.

That was unusual. They always presented a united front, and the Emperor had just honored her son. If they had a falling out, then Lelouch wouldn't be given an unprecedented rank for a supposed untrained prince. Right?

"If it is not rude," Osgar asked, "shouldn't you be on Lelouch's arm?"

Her eyebrows rose. Maybe he wasn't completely without merit. Lelouch somehow didn't recognize how strong his claim on her was. Her efforts had at least paid off.

"Lelouch gets too upset when others are rude to me," Kaguya whispered conspiratorially.

"Does my brother need something from me?" Osgar asked quietly.

She studied him for a moment. At sixteen and a half, he was almost exactly a year older than her. He was far too low in the rankings to be a contender for the throne. His relaxed, almost timid, nature meanwhile meant he would always be a pawn.

His eyes dropped from her face and steadily focused on the ground as his shoulders hunched.

There was merit to someone who had enough self-awareness to accurately judge their place.

"Not yet," Kaguya said, grabbing his arm—careful to keep her deadly fingernails away from his delicate skin. While she had thought that engaging with Lelouch's siblings would be a colossal waste of her time, she had been too hasty. "Lelouch doesn't want you to do anything outside of your comfort zone. You are his siblings, even if the Emperor keeps him too busy."

The boy's head shot up and he clenched his fists. "Whatever he needs, I can do it. I'm no weakling."

"You don't have a problem with Lelouch coming from common blood?" Kaguya asked. "Or worse, him courting me?"

Osgar shook his head firmly. "Of course my mother hates him, and you too, I guess… But the Emperor values strength, and my mother is too weak for him to pay any attention to her." He glanced to the side and grimaced. "Me too, if I'm honest, but he's always watching Lelouch. Even now."

She followed his gaze and, nearby, found the Emperor observing his son with a slight frown.

She had intended to extend her network into the nobility eventually. Why not start with royalty?

"Lelouch also removed Carine," Osgar whispered. "I don't know what was wrong with her, but she was insane. She even imagined herself as a future Empress. It wasn't just the servants she targeted. We couldn't prove it was her, and it always got worse when you tried. Lelouch should've wrung her neck, but he's not strong enough to do that yet. Her toiling away in the dirt like some destitute peasant is as satisfying as it can be I suppose."

"Are there others who feel like you?" Kaguya asked. She had expected the incident would ostracize him, and Lelouch had undoubtedly thought the same, but here was proof to the contrary.

"Some are more scared, but Odysseus wouldn't like Lelouch if he was planning to eliminate possible competition."

"She wasn't even worthy of being considered competition," Kaguya dismissed.

Osgar smiled. "I know. I'll make a list, and if Lelouch needs anything, feel free to ask."

He wasn't conniving enough to set a trap, but perhaps someone else had led him on this path.

"Why Lelouch instead of Odysseus or Schneizel?" she asked. "It would at least be more popular with your Mother."

"Mother hates Schneizel more than Lelouch, and Odysseus would just abdicate to Schneizel." He shrugged. "Guinevere might try but everyone knows it'll be between Lelouch and Schneizel in the end."

Everyone had clearly forgotten to inform Lelouch of the matter. Her lips quirked in amusement. The boy was probably correct. As long as Lelouch held the Emperor's favor, he would continue to rise in power.

For reasons which eluded her, Prince Schneizel faced strong opposition at court. People were relieved that the Emperor had tired of him and kicked him off to China. As long as Lelouch was a viable alternative, she could beguile the opposition to his side.

"Kaguya," interrupted a deep voice.

She flinched and dropped into a deep curtsy as Osgar bowed formally. "Your Majesty."

If her allies learned that the Emperor called her by her first name, more suspicion would befall her. Was that his intention? Surely, if he knew of her activities, she would be removed. She was a threat to Lelouch.

"Come," he ordered, ignoring the son standing by her side. He gaped as the Emperor turned around, and she reluctantly followed him. "Do I have to warn the fool to not court a spider?"

She rolled her eyes at his attempt to sound like he cared. "Lelouch wants me to stretch my wings because he fears I'm settling. He believes himself to be above jealousy."

"Why wouldn't he be? He is the only one who can hold the little dragon's chains."

She reflexively touched her hairpin with a scowl. "May I help you, Your Majesty? I have a few nobles who I promised to spare a minute for business."

"Will one of them suffer an unfortunate accident?"

Her fingers itched, a reminder of the poison on her nails. A simple scratch would be all it took to fell a man. It was easy enough to feign an accident and the poison's delay kept her from being implicated.

"Do not mar such a happy occasion," he ordered.

"Does Lelouch see it as a happy one?" A foolish and daring question to ask.

The Emperor humored her with a vicious smile. "He chose this instead of being the viceroy. While I may have cause to complain that his skill set is not well rounded, he has no reason to find fault in the assignment. He has nearly everything he ever wanted. Only Nunnally somehow joining him in a safe manner would please him more."

A lie. He was lying. Lelouch did not believe in conquest. He was no Cornelia who didn't even see foreigners as human. War held no glory for him.

Zero fought for Britannia for years. Zero crushed sedition to reinforce Britannia's might. For all the nobles Zero targeted, he also crafted ideological divides among resistance groups so they would be easy pickings... Lelouch had done the same with his education reform. The Honorary Britannians now had even more of a reason to turn their back on their own.

Valiantly, she buried her feelings to find some sort of reply. It had to be a lie. If not, she was being played, exactly like the other members of the Kyoto House believed. "I am surprised then that Empress Marianne is not by his side, congratulating him."

A ripple of irritation passed through him. "No teenage son wants his mother looming over his shoulder at every moment."

"I would imagine that applies to fathers as well, but she never joined you."

This time, the fury in his eyes was unmistakable. So Empress Marianne was avoiding her husband, and it was not the Emperor's intention.

She ducked her head quickly and offered a contrite apology before he could unleash his wrath. Pushing was dangerous, but for reasons she didn't understand, he let her. He had sought her out instead of sending someone else to fetch her. Maybe he wasn't using her first name to only increase the distance between her and her allies.

"Lelouch will ask for your company tonight as the celebrations wind down," the Emperor said coldly. "You will go and please him."

He couldn't possibly mean...

One of the attendants approached with a thick book. It had a blank cover.

This time, when the Emperor smirked, his tone was lighter. "I imagine this will be of use to you in the future."

Her hand shook as she accepted it and cracked open the cover. The detailed drawings made her cheeks burn. "Y-Y-Your M-M-Majesty—"

"A gift."

She couldn't refuse. It was too soon. How was she supposed to deal with this being sprung on her? And the conversation from Kirihara rang in her mind. Her child would be a most useful pawn.

She was going to throw up.

---

New Pendragon, Area Three

Lelouch watched Kaguya out of the corner of his eye as Frederick drove through the dark streets. While he had promised to let her meet his friends, he hadn't been sure until tonight whether he would follow through. She was a spymaster for the JLF. He had to assume everything she learned would find its way to them or even to the E.U.

His friends were too precious to risk so cavalierly for an enemy agent. Except she was a friend too.

Maybe he invited her because he couldn't imagine himself going off to destroy nations without even a word to her. Maybe he sought absolution, hoping she understood why he was doing this. Or maybe he hoped she was disgusted by who he had become and saw no more reason to entertain such a threat to herself and her ideals.

If Frederick knew what Kaguya actually did, he would have been far less enthusiastic in encouraging him to ask her to come along.

"Shall we?" Lelouch asked as the car parked at the side of a nondescript building.

Inexplicably, Kaguya flushed bright red as she saw his offered hand. "Why did we have to come out all the way here?"

"I would rather not have my parents involved."

"Of course not." She laughed shrilly.

"Are you ill?" Lelouch asked. The thought made his chest twinge uncomfortably.

"You've been avoiding me," she said softly, not moving from her seat and tightly clutching her handbag.

"I was busy." He had been livid at her foolishness. Worse, if he had spoken to her, he might have said something compromising. "I apologize for not informing you of my upcoming promotion beforehand. I... I didn't want anything to change between us."

It already had. He was good at ruining people's lives. The fun times they spent together were now over, even if she did not know yet. There would be no more honest smile when she knew that he was all that stood between her and her execution. He would save her by crushing her soul.

Why had he invited her? He was so selfish, engaging in this falsehood to steal a few more moments of happiness.

Once she knew the truth, she wouldn't miss him if he died, right?

Kaguya inhaled deeply and opened her door without another word. "What is this place?"

Lelouch shrugged, removing his thick, formal military jacket and draping it over her shoulders. Her dress, while the envy of the ladies at court—although they would only ever admit it under duress—did nothing to shield her from the elements here. "They rent out the building for group events at a reasonable price. It's also far enough from the palace that they're not likely to be involved with the nobility too much."

Kaguya twisted her head to stare at him in bafflement. "A group event?"

"It's freezing guys," Frederick complained. "Stop dawdling, Lelouch, and for once, enjoy your damn party."

"A birthday party?" Kaguya asked, disbelieving chuckles escaping her in a warm foggy breath. "That's what this is about?"

"I did promise," Lelouch mumbled. "Why would you just come with me if you thought it was something else?"

"When the Emperor gives an order, you obey."

"Do you not want to come then?" Lelouch asked. "It's not a problem..."

"No." She pushed him playfully before leaning into him. "Your father painted quite a different image. He probably thought it was hilarious. I'd love to meet your friends."

Was she being earnest? Or was it his father's order? Or her desire to collect intelligence?

He held out his arm. Lelouch had to be the obedient son if he wanted to remain who he was. If the Emperor ordered her to attend, then Lelouch had to ensure his will was met.

Upon stepping inside, he was greeted with cheers and shouts. Kaguya pressed against him as his friends and friends of friends and really any officer the division could spare mobbed them. Fruitlessly, he tried to introduce them to Kaguya and shield her from their blatant, curious stares.

Why did they have to be so over the top every damn year?

"Your new uniform appears to be missing its jacket," Roy commented idly as Kaguya escaped to the washroom. Her face was still far too red.

"She was cold." He scowled. "You should've let us change instead of telling Frederick to take us directly here."

"We can hardly celebrate your promotion if you're in civilian dress."

"It's not a cause for celebration. It's a necessary but vile task."

Roy frowned. "Take the time to celebrate. You cannot afford to be hesitant. Area Fifteen isn't so different from our usual assignments; we will simply have more cells than usual to deal with. You have time to figure out how to integrate two more divisions and write your own rules of war before Area Sixteen beckons. Just because your mother is coming along doesn't mean you have to use her tactics. She is extreme, compared to the average officer."

"There are those who are worse," Lelouch whispered.

"Does it matter? They're not a prince. And if worse comes to worst, you can force the obedience of the officers who will join us." He nodded to the right side of the room where his wife and her friend, Rosa, were hunched over the table, oblivious to the world. "To us, commoners, you're fighting the good fight, ensuring our safety and prosperity. They don't know you yet, but they already like you. Craft the image you want now, instead of letting your father decide it for you."

Didn't Nunnally have that reporter friend? He bit back a sigh. The media was like a flock of vultures, only interested in failings. Without imperial censorship, they would never publish a positive story in their lives. An interview would go a long way to buy him some goodwill which would let him escape the worst of the snide allusions journalists were so fond of making.

"I'm surprised you let Rosa attend," Lelouch finally asked. "Or that your wife allowed it."

"From my understanding, Selena's insistence that she stay away from you only made her more suspicious." He shrugged. "Something about fashion and crowd sourced pictures and I'm fielding a frantic call from my wife. I suggested that Rosa attend... If only to keep her calm."

"Because of the Numbers?"

Roy grimaced. "Yes."

---

New Pendragon, Area Three

From the top of the stairs, Kallen watched various senior officers make a fool out of themselves as alcohol lowered their inhibitions. Their party had none of the exotic flair expected for an imperial prince's birthday party, but she wouldn't have expected that from Lelouch. He was getting better slowly, no longer casting a long gloomy shadow as he immersed himself in meetings with various officers.

Area Fifteen. She wasn't sure how to feel about their upcoming assignment. While Lelouch insisted all was fine, his sleep grew more fitful as their departure date neared.

Her own nightmares kept her up late at night, a terrifying mix of her brothers' death, Kaguya declaring her a traitor, and her own execution as the Emperor ordered her shot.

"Do you plan to stay up here all night?'' Sullivan asked, climbing up the steps. She scowled at Lelouch's other guard, not noticing anything that resembled a costume. "You should at least be doing your duty and standing by Lelouch's side."

"He's surrounded by those who would die for him without hesitation in the middle of Pendragon." She rolled her eyes. "He couldn't be any safer."

"I guess," he agreed, to her surprise. He was as terrifyingly committed as always, but since their last visit to Pendragon, he had begun warming up to her. Maybe realizing that he had escaped being shot because the Emperor liked him had finally removed the stick up his ass.

He smiled slightly. "The wolf ears are a nice touch."

"Where's your costume?" she asked suspiciously, her hands reaching up to the dratted ears. "You said it was absolutely necessary as a member of Lelouch's guard."

"For morale, it certainly is."

His pleasant smile mocked her. He had tricked her, and there was nothing she could do about it. He had seniority.

Disgusted, she threw down the headband. "If you care about morale, maybe don't be a creepy fucker."

At least he had revealed his hand before he made a mockery of her. It was a small consolation. She was going to have to live with the fucker for the foreseeable future.

He pulled out his phone idly. "A shame. You looked so cute moping in the corner like that. At least I got a photo."

For half a year, she had to suffer through a heart in turmoil by working for Britannia to keep her cover. She'd borne Lelouch's suspicions and his stupid games, barely holding things together. She had managed to keep her cool even as she feigned being a would-be Eleven defector to infiltrate the hotel. When she thought she was being executed for treason, she managed to keep her mouth shut.

She tackled him. Down the stairs. Wrestling the stupid phone out of his hands.

It was enough.

For half a year, Sullivan had trained her, delighting in every bruise he rained down on her body under the guise of teaching. He was a sadistic monster who painted the OSI walls in red when let off his leash.

She caught him in the eye, relishing his momentary surprise before he threw her off and pinned her against the steps.

"I'm keeping the photo until you beat me in a spar." Her masks crumbled under the intensity of his gaze, and she snarled reflexively. "You'll need that fire to protect Lelouch."

"Get off me," she spat. "You can keep your fucking photo. It's not like I have a chance in hell of beating you in hand to hand."

"How can you improve if you don't try?" he demanded. "You should ask Alex for some pointers before he heads out. He's better at dirty tactics." He cocked his head. "I'll give you a chance. I won't use my knife, but you are free to. See you tomorrow."

Aghast, she watched him stand and straighten his clothes before turning his back on her. Furious, she kicked out, trying to swipe his legs. Dodging easily, he gave her a cheerful salute before heading down to the party.

What the fuck was wrong with him!

"Are you—Is this normal?" Kaguya asked.

Heart hammering, Kallen staggered to her feet to face her handler. There had been a rumor that Lelouch would invite a girl. Never in a thousand years would she have imagined it was Kaguya. Except she was here.

Instead of her usual bright, cheerful pinks, her dress was composed of almost mournful dark red folds that fell petallike over a white skirt. A smattering of gold embroidery across the body gave the garment a dash of elegant playfulness; the embroidery gradually condensed into a skein of golden lace that accentuated her bare shoulders as it climbed over her neck to form a mature choker.

Kaguya, Kallen realized, was dressed for battle.

"Is he your friend at court?" Kallen asked quietly.

Kaguya nodded. "He is a far more receptive and powerful ally than I could hope for. I'm sorry that you've had to deal with this alone. This is not an easy path to walk."

Her eyes watered. It was just her bruised tailbone.

As always, Kaguya stood at the other end of a lifeline, giving her hope that she could bear this pain to create something better on the other side.

"I started the fight," Kallen said abruptly as Kaguya dabbed the small cut on her brow. "He tried to trick me."

"You need to control that temper before it's the end of you," Kaguya reprimanded.

A surprised gasp drew both of their attention, and Kallen puzzled over the two unknown women.

"Let me get an ice pack," the shorter one announced before rushing away.

"I thought he brought you," Kallen said, turning to Kaguya.

The woman chuckled and extended her hand. "I'm Roy's wife. Selena, please. Still not used to being called Fadiman after so many years. Can you stand?"

Shakily, Kallen rose to her feet and stumbled into the side room. Selena grabbed her other arm and helped her onto the couch.

The other woman returned with an ice pack and a towel. Having fulfilled her task, she idly took a seat next to her and introduced herself as Rosa. And that was how Kallen found herself pulled into an unexpected conversation.

Selena was everything she expected of a woman who was Fadiman's wife. She had the same aloof, cold air. Yet, she was more than a soldier's wife, establishing her own fashion brand for when she went independent. Her friend, Rosa, meanwhile interjected with shameless commentary, only too eager to break the impassive facade.

"I love my husband, but sometimes..." Selena laughed. "I swear he married Prince Lelouch, not me. The two of them nearly adopted two brats. It's almost enough to make a woman jealous."

"Invite him to bed," Rosa teased, giggling madly at Selena's affronted look. "Honestly, you're never going to escape it now that you've married Roy. He warned you before the wedding for a reason. You'll just need to get used to sharing. Roy will be at least; His Highness's marriage bed should be very busy between wives and mistresses."

Kaguya snorted.

"Fine. He is probably not having an affair," Rosa conceded. "Roy is too much of a goody two shoes to keep it a secret anyways. But Selena, it is better to act now. He already has two beautiful women at his side."

"It's not proper to compliment yourself." Selena sniffed. "Stop trying to live your fantasies through me. I brought you here, didn't I?"

"Lelouch isn't—" Kallen's ears burned as their attention focused on her. Why had she used his name! "Ask anyone here, and they'll tell you he is celibate. There's a betting ring on him kissing."

"Really?" Rosa asked with a mischievous glint. "He is a perfect gentleman?"

"I should congratulate him," Kaguya said, "on his devotion to his fiancee."

Kallen crossed her arms. "The only person he is marrying anytime soon is called work."

Dramatically, Selena sighed. "Work is truly a terrible fellow in any marriage. Roy is not going to retire at this rate either. I thought I would have the time with him after his contract came to an end, at least. He's going to be one of those old generals who goes completely bald before he's finally forced to retire."

Next to her, Kaguya made a vague sound of agreement, fading into the background entirely. Kallen hadn't missed the flash of distaste in Selena's expression as she looked over her.

"How is Roy at work?" Rosa asked. "Does he still do the thing where he puffs out his chest to seem more authoritative? It looks absolutely ridiculous."

"It's cute," Selena protested.

Rosa rolled her eyes and eagerly leaned forward, eyes intent on Kallen. "Come on, you've got to have something juicy to tell."

"He's an asshole," Kallen admitted. Selena's lips quirked in endearment instead of anger. "He didn't tell me he was in charge at first so I would make an absolute fool out of myself. Then he punished me for my ignorance in a stupid power play."

"Is it that bad?" Kaguya interrupted with a frown.

"No. Of course not." Kallen laughed, surprised that she meant it. "They just weren't happy to get untested green meat... I think they were worried I'd break the chain of command because I'm a noble. You know, it's always an issue when a lower ranking noble is a higher ranked noble's superior officer. It's a fucking mess."

"Roy did say the unit was all commoners and Honorary Britannians," Selena said. "Nobles could easily make a mess of things."

"Not sure what Le—Prince Lelouch will do," Kallen said, silently cursing her stupid slip. Speaking of him so familiarly around Kaguya was just asking for her loyalties to be questioned. "He has two new divisions under his command, and they're not going to like that a bunch of commoners—no, Honorary Britannians—are on equal footing with them."

"No, no, no," Selena interrupted. "Absolutely no talking about royalty. He might be insane enough to criticize his father, but I like my head very firmly attached and would rather like the opportunity to forget the man who is trying to steal my husband."

"What do you do, Rosa?" Kallen asked.

"Not much." Rosa grimaced. "I interned at a few companies for marketing. I'm not really cut out for that stuff. There's too much noble politics at play." Yet she had come to a prince's informal birthday party. "And the amount of times intelligence comes knocking is enough to knock a few years off your lifespan."

"And here I thought I was special, " Kaguya joked.

Rosa shrugged. "I'm on a bit of a break now and helping a few friends develop a site. We're mostly keeping it on the down low so we have a chance to finish our product and file a patent before a noble swoops in. I'm still pissed they stopped touch screens coming to market. Have you seen the E.U.'s new phones... well, hypothetically. It's not like I actually ever saw one or anything. That would be illegal."

"Stop rambling," Selena hissed. "And maybe in a few years it won't be. It's caught up in the courts. The site is amazing though. It's so easy to find photos of someone which is really useful for following fashion trends. Princess Guinevere tends to order her photos taken down because it's not proper so people never tag them, but the site finds them anyway."

"And Lelouch," Rosa mumbled.

"What did you say it was called?" Kaguya asked as Kallen's interest waned. Britannian fashion was a comedy show if anything.

"She didn't say," Selena interrupted with a fierce glare. "It is for proper company anyway."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kallen asked hotly.

"You know..." Selena sneered, gesturing vaguely.

"Selena," Rosa chided, easily quelled by a glare from her friend.

"My card," Kaguya offered, leaning forward. "In case you are interested in some financial capital."

As they left, Kallen grit her teeth at the casual disrespect. Kaguya had done nothing wrong, had been far more polite and refined than them. They were connected to Lelouch—or Fadiman, more accurately—but they were exactly like the Britannia she imagined.

"It's pointless, isn't it?" Kallen whispered. It was so easy to believe in another future when Lelouch was right there, but even he faltered. For all that Lelouch's gloom had eased, he seemed to only be going through the motions. He had no faith in their upcoming assignment.

She suspected he was only continuing because so many believed in him.

"They'll never change," Kallen said bitterly. The division could, but Britannia wouldn't. There were too many people deeply entrenched in their beliefs and too many benefiting from their oppression.

"She'll come around," Kaguya dismissed. "They always do when money is on the table. Even then—" Her lips thinned. "I suspect you will hear some very unpleasant rumors regarding me soon. My success makes many uncomfortable."

From Britannia? The JLF? Why did she look afraid?

Kaguya was supposed to be the pillar of strength in the confusing mess of knotted loyalties. She had never hesitated, always seeing the optimal path forward.

Hesitantly, Kallen reached into her pocket and pulled out the small notebook. Of course, she have never dared to write anything sensitive down; she wasn't stupid. But within the myriad of notes that reminded her of certain tasks—especially when it came to the maintenance of her knightmare and training—there could be something of use which could be gleaned.

"I'll need it before I leave," Kallen whispered as she discreetly handed it over. Hopefully it would be of use and she wouldn't simply serve Britannia perpetually in hope of future returns. Maybe it would give Kaguya some peace of mind.

"I'll be watching your career with interest," Kaguya declared firmly. "If Lelouch bullies you too much, let me know. Us girls have to stick together."

Kallen shouldn't interrogate her; she was her mentor, her senpai. It wasn't her place, but—Lelouch had brought her. "Does he love you?"

Kaguya scoffed. "No, I think he is upset with me although I cannot imagine what for."

"Then..." Was she in love with him?

Pulling out her hairpin, Kaguya shook her hair free and let Kallen examine it. "He understands and that is enough for both of us, or so I hope."

It was a dragon in the style of the imperial house.

Had Kallen been right all those months ago when she wondered if they were collaborating together? With the revelation that he was Zero, it had vanished from her mind out of sheer ridiculousness. Zero would never help the JLF.

The JLF had managed to escape nearly unscathed after the invasion, absconding with Britannian ships.

"Protect him, please," Kaguya asked. It was what Kallen wanted to do, but she didn't feel relieved at finally putting the conflict in her heart to rest. Kaguya should not be asking her this. "He will hate himself for this."

He already did.

Relief shone in Kaguya's eyes, her bright red lips parting. Quickly, Kallen schooled her expression. She could not let the others suspect that they were anything more than causal acquaintances. That she felt the urge to reach out and comfort her because Kallen had never truly understood how alone Kaguya was before, surrounded by enemies at all sides.

Kaguya was the strongest woman she knew. Yet Lelouch, their indomitable commander, had crumbled due to the Emperor's actions. They moved in the same circles, an accompaniment to the Emperor's tune that was desperately trying to collect momentum to finally break free into a dominant melody.

She had none of the security that came with being the Emperor's son.

The future of Japan did not rest with Kusakabe and his cowardly tactics. A man who so easily killed innocents and double dealt with the OSI was not to be trusted. As for the so-called Emperor of Japan, Suzaku Kururugi, he was a normal boy, forgettable and irrelevant. When things became tough, he abandoned his brother to live as a hostage. He lacked the vision and will necessary to be anything but a pawn.

And honestly, Kallen had met one Emperor; she had no desire to meet another. Her mother had complained endlessly about corrupt plutocrats before the invasion. Her father had his own choice words if he had a little too much to drink. The Zeroth division swapped endless tales of abuses of power from nobles.

Nobility was and would always be the same. Japan could not be saved by becoming Britannia.

Kaguya was the only one who understood, who understood that the future of Japan had no place for her... or for Kallen.

"Good luck getting through his head," Kallen finally said, the words falling like a shovel of dirt onto a casket. Kaguya devoted her life to a cause which she would never reap the benefits of.

She and Lelouch were supposed to be strong, yet they seemed so resigned to their future.

How could they not find the will to fight for their own lives?

Her prim lips twisted into a sardonic smirk and suddenly Kaguya was too close, staring up in her eyes. Her voice dropped into a teasing lilt that sent her heart pounding. "Are you volunteering your assistance?"

Much too close. Her lips tingled in remembrance of her seduction lessons—which she very much failed. Help? Her mind flashed to Lelouch and the glimpses of his bare chest and his challenging gaze.

"I need to go!" she yelped and spun around, not caring that she barreled through Fadiman and Vegas in the hallway. Kaguya's bright laughter rang in her ears.

---

New Pendragon, Area Three

Roy shared a look with Pablo as Stadtfeld hurtled down the hallway, her face bright red. It was impressive that Sumeragi had managed to wind her up so easily in a scant few sentences. That was all Roy could appreciate about her. She was not what he was expecting from a close friend of Lelouch's. Or were they really close? Lelouch had fled from her as soon as he could.

"I didn't think his type would be young," Pablo said. "She's what, twelve?"

"Fifteen, I think," Roy answered. She was foreign too, Japanese, even if her background meant she was afforded far more privileges than she should. "I guess she's rich?"

Sumeragi Industries was quickly growing to become a nuisance, pushing their snouts into every corner of the market. His family was irritated. Perhaps he could try to force some agreements with her through, but who would give a child such power?

"At least she appears to be nicer than your wife," Pablo said.

"If you stopped staring at Rosa—" Roy protested.

"I am being courteous. There is no need for her to interfere between two consenting adults." He huffed. "I know you love her—"

"But, it's difficult. None of this is fair to her. I wish..." He sighed. "I wish she would at least try for my sake."

"You didn't change in a day either." Pablo clapped his back with a chuckle. "And if Lelouch wants someone nice in his life..."

Roy gave him a look. "He doesn't need someone nice. I would say he is fleecing her for her money, but I don't think he is capable of conjuring such a plot. He'd simply trick her into signing all her assets over to him."

"She's fleecing him for his money?" Pablo joked.

"Lelouch is allergic to intimacy," Roy countered. "If she can make Stadtfeld run for the hills, I'm not sure how he would survive."

Pushing him forward, Pablo grinned. "She's tiny. It's not like she is going to bite."

"I can make an exception," the subject of their whispering replied. She extended a hand insistently. "Kaguya Sumeragi. I apologize for not greeting you properly earlier. Lelouch swept me off my feet, not giving me time to freshen up."

Her smile was perfectly sincere as if she hadn't just said— The corners of her lips inched further up, suggesting a laugh. She screamed nobility in a way that Lelouch had never really done, but she was no proper noble. She wasn't even Britannian.

Pablo recovered first, grasping her hand. There was no instinctive grimace from her. No judgment. He couldn't get a read on her at all.

"Roy," he introduced, squeezing her hand more than appropriate. She didn't even flinch.

Now, he could see at least some resemblance between her and Lelouch. Both of them were inexplicably strange.

"Of the Fadiman family?" she asked. "The strawberry shampoo is better in keeping my hair healthy than most Britannian products. It also has wonderful packaging, fully recyclable." Her face brightened. "And it's pink."

Behind her, Pablo was covering his mouth as his face contorted with suppressed laughter.

She was shitting him, right? He was depressingly used to people saying they didn't know. Why was his only recognition from the head of the JLF and, now, a former Japanese girl?

Maybe he was being unfair to Stadtfeld. The girl didn't need more than a few sentences to make someone intensely uncomfortable.

"So what are your intentions to Lelouch?" Pablo asked, crossing his arms.

She inclined her head and shrugged lightly. "To marry him."

That was... blunt.

Pablo's expression remained cold. "I don't see why you should. Lelouch can have anyone that he wants and a child is far beneath him."

"I think it is Lelouch's decision and not of his subordinates," she said with a hint of frost. Except she shouldn't know who they were, what their role was. "If you want to know what Lelouch sees in me, ask him. Or, raise the issue with His Majesty who supports our union. I have no need to justify myself."

His lip curled. The Emperor wanted her? The man who could apparently rewrite memories and had sent Lelouch into a depressive spiral that they were barely able to keep him afloat? That man supported this tiny slip of a girl? What ruin would she bring Lelouch next?

She was a threat.

As he watched her leave, winding past Lucky Jim and various other officers with a childish laugh and teasing smiles, the unease in his gut grew. There was a brightly colored viper hiding poisoned fangs in their garden.

Lelouch, having the mentality of a toddler and shiny objects when it came to social relations, would stumble blindly forward with reckless abandon.

"I don't like her," Pablo commiserated.

"Unfortunately, he wouldn't have brought her if it wasn't serious."

"How serious can it be?" Pablo jerked his chin as Lelouch escaped the kitchen and stiffly greeted her. "There is no passion. He'll find someone else, someone better, once he understands what he is missing. If we try to force his hand..."

"He'll only dig his heels in harder."

And then Lelouch laughed, short and sweet, but for the first time since he had returned with a terrifying power.

The girl made him laugh.

---

New Pendragon, Area Three

His cheeks hurt from the unconquerable smile on his lips as Lelouch stared down at Kaguya with her impudent hands on her hips. Whatever irked her on the way here had dissipated. She was herself once more. Her eyes shone with challenge.

"Three chocolates for the victor in your little game for childish boys," she insisted.

"Gluttony ought to be punished lest greed takes heart. Aren't you too eager?"

"Afraid to lose, dear? A game of paintball is no challenge. Best prepare."

His smile sharpened, aware of his men looking on with apt interest. Normally, such matches were divided between him and Roy, much to his friends' eternal frustration. They had mixed things up with drawing lots and various handicaps, but his men were not prone to following any rules. Henry would always defect to Lelouch's side. Alex took great pride in sowing the maximum amount of chaos possible, usually leading a faction of defectors screaming in bad French. Frederick meanwhile had an irritating tendency to find the highest spot in the room and disregard the fact when he was dead.

"A three way battle?" Lelouch suggested. "Be warned, the rules are a farce, mere guidelines at best."

Lucky Jim stroked his chin, eyeing them speculatively. "Could work. Although she'll need a change of clothes unless the lady—"

"Please," Kaguya interrupted. "Someone didn't give me time to change."

"Frederick didn't give me time to change! I look like a peacock!"

A warm chuckle escaped Jim. "Newcomers on her team then and we divide everyone else into three by lots. They need all the advantages they can get."

Twenty minutes later, they stood outside in the cold with their breaths fogging under floodlights that overlooked a dense obstacle course. It was more elaborate than the usual makeshift barricades they prepared but likely didn't include any traps… yet.

Without a firm nod to Roy and a wary glance at Kaguya's scheming smile, Lelouch led his faction to the starting point. Already, they were on guard. The starting bell was more of a suggestion in these games. The only real way to win was to take the opposing commander hostage… usually.

"This is going to be a mess," Lelouch mumbled.

Jim huffed and lit his cigar as he scanned the course and their men making their way forward. Their plan was simple; it wouldn't survive first contact anyway. "What makes you think it will be any more than usual?"

"Kaguya cheats," Lelouch grumbled. She was ambitious and cunning enough to get her way. She was also irritatingly motivated whenever food was on the line. Without knowing his men and lacking experience in these types of games, she would be relying on the unconventional. At court, that meant incessant suggestive comments and rampant flirting.

"I hear she intends to marry you," Jim teased. "I assume she is not some porcelain damsel like she appears. Are you worried? Roy never posed a challenge."

He wanted to protest because Roy had grown exceedingly competent, but it was true. Lelouch simply knew him too well. They knew each other too well for any real surprise.

"Roy isn't a master of psychological warfare," Lelouch answered.

The cigar rested limply in Jim's fingers. "Roy is going to have a mutiny."

"Exactly what I want to hear my sergeant major say about my second-in-command."

"It gets boring when you always know the winner."

"Which is why everyone cheats."

"Don't say it like you aren't the worst offender." He took a slow puff. "Have half a mind to defect over to her now."

Lelouch glared.

He threw back his head and laughed. "If you like her, put a ring on her. Then you won't have any such problems."

The bell rang, and Lelouch dropped to the ground as an explosion of paint covered the battlefield. Who the fuck had time for that? Pyrotechnics were supposed to be his thing!

"It's not that simple," Lelouch shouted as more explosions erupted. He brought up his radio, ushering the men to new coordinates. A unit had already defected, and apparently Kallen had teamed up with Alex to go independent to hunt down Henry. Pulling Jim away from another onslaught of paint, Lelouch continued, "My parents are somewhat responsible for the destruction of her entire culture. My mother took great joy in it."

A green flare lit up the nighttime sky. Operation Pisa was a go. He had been hoping not to do that, if only to have a hope of reclaiming the deposit Frederick must have put down.

"Have you considered your tendency to overcomplicate the mundane?" Jim rearmed his rifle and aimed over the barrier. "Almost got Fadiman there. Fucker needs to learn to keep his head down."

"You just want the glory of sniping him for the fifth time."

"Guilty." He ducked as Lelouch used the scope to peer around the corner. "It is quite a simple question. Do you like her or not? Hell, with your family, you do not even need to worry if she is the one. You can take another wife if need be."

"Please don't remind me." Lelouch fired, taking out Colonel Pereira who burst into abashed laughter. "It is a problem if she can't say no."

"She is declaring her intentions for everyone to hear. I cannot imagine her being any louder or more explicit in her very enthusiastic 'yes'."

He opened his mouth.

"And if you say she is joking, I will wave a white flag and drag you there to sort this out."

Wisely, he shut his mouth. "I don't see Roy's colors anywhere. Think he's a goner?"

"The prat totally just got taken out by his wife. I am surprised she got her shit together long enough to work with your girlfriend. The thought of losing to a bunch of Numbers must have stung her pride more."

"That's Kaguya for you," Lelouch mumbled. "Regroup?"

"Yeah, that's Elbert there. He was definitely wearing Roy's color earlier. I imagine we are now tremendously outnumbered."

"Should be any second now…" Lelouch said.

As if on cue, the center tower overlooking the arena creaked and began to teeter precariously. Lelouch winced as it came crashing down and hoped Frederick had the foresight to jump ship earlier.

A lack of frantic screaming suggested everything was fine.

"We should give your side the handicap of not destroying the playing field for once," Jim grumbled as they trudged inside the shelter. With it, they finally had a secure command post.

Louds cheers greeted them and Lelouch laughed as he pulled out a paper roll and began drafting their counter attack. "How did Roy go down?"

One of the officers laughed. "His wife feigned a limp, and of course he rushed over to check on her. She got him good, man. Right in the chest."

Lelouch buried his head in his hands. "And that idiot is my second."

"Then you will not race off to check on your girlfriend?" Jim asked.

"She's not stupid enough to think that'd work." His brow furrowed. "She is also not my girlfriend."

With their orders, his men rushed out of the room to achieve their objectives. A firm glare from Jim kept Lelouch rooted in his seat. He would not have the luxury of joining them. Instead, he was stuck inside coordinating their various actions.

"What is stopping you then?" Jim asked as he began to mark the map to reflect the updates on the radio. "She likes you. You like her."

"Because I don't know if I do!" Lelouch snapped. "Everyone talks about a feeling, something special, like you know when it happens. I enjoy my time with her. I enjoy my time cooking. It's not unique. It's not special. And maybe she wants this, but I'd be denying her the opportunity to find someone better."

"I would say take it casual, but that does not work for people like you, does it?"

No. No, it didn't. His shoulders slumped, and he refocused on the map and incoming reports. Feelings aside, what the hell was Kaguya doing?

"Sir," a young officer shouted, dragging someone behind him. "It's still 'sir', right?"

"Yes, no need to make who I am even more obvious."

"Sir." He pushed forward his captive. "Caught her trying to sneak in."

Rosa stumbled forward, her fists clenched and ready to fight until she caught sight of Lelouch. "I surrender?"

"Fucking Britannians," the young officer grumbled. "I captured you. You are also technically dead three times over but someone refused to bow out. Crazy fuckers the lot of you."

"Just tie her up," Lelouch said. It was hardly the first time someone—Frederick, Henry, Alex—refused to go down.

"So that is what you will do to me?" Her hand clapped over her mouth. "Sorry, Your Highness, I—"

"Did Kaguya put you up to this?" Lelouch asked. It would certainly be a unique way to lower his guard.

"Why would she do that? Or does she know you like people tied up? I should stop talking now, probably. Not that I am implying there is anything wrong with that—"

Jim chuckled. "Relax. We all wish he would have such dirty thoughts. Although, do you perhaps wish to rescind that order, sir?"

"Are you trying to make things worse?" Lelouch hissed.

"So you do find her attractive?"

At their expectant looks, he let his attention fall onto her again. There was a youthful exuberance to her that lent her an expression of honesty. Her tendency to speak before thinking supported such a claim. Despite being hit repeatedly, she had refused to surrender, suggesting an admirable strength of will… or disturbing masochist tendencies. While she moved in Roy and Selena's social circles, she lacked any sort of inheritance. Her family had either fallen from grace or she rose to prominence due to desirable technical skills—her social talents would only attract the wrong kind of attention.

"Well?" Jim pressed.

Black, curly hair. Bright red lips. A voluptuous figure.

"I think I understand why Selena feels the need to hover protectfully." If the wrong noble grew enamored, she would be snatched away. "Now, will you please detain her?"

Rolling his eyes, Jim threw a bundle of twine to the fledgling officer. Once her hands were secured, he stopped before the door. "Casual, remember."

Then he grabbed the officer and dragged him out of the room. At times, actions could be written off as coincidence. This reeked of some scheme by his men.

"Casual?" Rosa asked.

But to what end?

"Will you actually leave the game if I let you go?" He raised an eyebrow at her unimpressed look. "You don't look comfortable at all."

"Well, a prince still owes me a dance. You left me hanging at Selena's wedding." Her face flushed, and she ducked her head. "I know—I'm not a fool. It's not fair. You were genuinely nice, fun too. I really seem to have the worst luck with men."

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"Pablo said that I should give it a shot. That you would never take advantage of me. He's a nice man, honestly."

Sighing, he pulled out his knife and cut her loose. "I apologize on my men's behalf. This was inappropriate. If you go now, you still have a chance to participate in whatever crazy scheme Kaguya has conjured."

"You're really no proper prince."

"The birthday party with mostly Numbers didn't tip you off?"

"Yeah, where's the gold? And the pearls? And the diamond necklaces?"

"I wouldn't know. It takes forever for palace security to clear items. Kaguya gifted me a really nice set of kitchen knives, but I won't be able to use them before I fly out."

"Surely, you have something from your parents?"

"A promotion?"

She stared up defiantly and stepped closer. "A job is hardly a present."

He could feel her, the heat off her skin. She was too close. He should retreat, push her away.

"To ask for more is presumptuous," he said.

She closed the gap, her breasts pressing into him, and he froze. Slowly, her hands wandered up his arm. "Sometimes, to get what you want, you have to be presumptuous. What have you accomplished by waiting? Don't you agree?"

What would her touch feel like? He should want this. Everyone did. She was a beautiful young woman who wanted him. She had plenty of opportunities to turn back. Pressing risked her angering him yet that didn't matter to her. There was no baggage of a dead family.

She kissed him. He felt nothing.

He pulled back and shifted her to the side. "I apologize."

For what? That he couldn't return her feelings? That despite being in a position which should make anyone's heart thrum, he felt nothing?

"It's better to try, right?" she asked.

He wished he could, if only to understand and to have the opportunity to choose. There would come a time when his father would insist on a marriage to secure some noble connection. He would be expected to fulfill his duty, and his father wanted grandchildren.

Except he couldn't even choose this for himself. Maybe, he simply was broken.

"You should be more careful—" A small pop, like a can decompressing.

Reflexively, he yanked her to the ground, away from the thin windows and possible threats. Too quiet for a grenade. Gas?

Rosa grunted beneath him and smiled sheepishly. "I win?"

Something sticky was running down his shirt, and he sighed. "Weren't you searched?"

"Guy was on our side."

He had known not to underestimate Kaguya yet had done so anyway. "Did she set you up for this?"

"No. I told her I had it handled and Pablo helped me convince the guard." Her grin shone with rightful pride. "You had me worried there for a moment… Is it because I'm a commoner?"

While she most certainly didn't intend there to be, there was an undercurrent of bitterness to her words. The class system was so easy to accept until an opportunity presented itself across the divide. More often than not, it was an illusion.

"No, I just—" He didn't know. There were siblings of his who took a mistress—or a mister. Sometimes they brazenly favored a servant, and people whispered of their time together behind closed doors, sending shivers of disgust down his spine every time he heard such flagrant violations of trust. Nothing was stopping him.

….

Lelouch fought against a fond smile as Kaguya popped a chocolate with wasabi filling into her mouth. He would miss this. How she trusted him. It never even crossed her mind that he would dare to poison her.

"How did you convince them all to side with you?" Lelouch asked.

Her smile grew impish. "I told them I would make you cook for them. You will, won't you? Please?"

He scoffed. "That is what it took? My cooking? You bribed them to turn against me with my cooking?"

Her eyelashes fluttered, and she leaned in close enough for him to smell her freshly re-applied perfume. "It really is something to die for. For me, please, Lelouch?"

She was so… impudent.

Once he bound her against her will, there would be none of this, but she would live. Why couldn't she have been satisfied with charity projects? Or passing on mild gossip?

No, she was the conductor of her symphony of spies, much like she played every room she entered, much like she was the innocent song bird to his men.

It was impressive how far she had come.

Why did he have to know the truth? He couldn't even enjoy this time with her without being plagued by guilt or anger.

"Sure," he agreed, relishing her exuberant smile. "I saw you talking to Anscharius at the party."

She gasped dramatically, clasping a hand over her mouth. "You remembered one of your worthless brothers' names!"

"It's not—" He glared. "How was he? Did he treat you well?"

"He prefers Osgar. Who wouldn't with a name like that? Does your father only marry people with terrible naming sense or is it a trait magically afflicting all in the royal family?"

"I'm not—"

"You named that bird you found trapped inside 'Dog'."

"It was ironic!"

Her eyebrows should not be capable of conveying such disbelief.

An honest smile tugged at his lips, and he scoffed. "I concede defeat only if you acknowledge that you thought it was hilarious."

Her eyes crinkled. "Speak not such blasphemy. A lady is always dignified—" she sniffed disdainfully "—and would never see something that undignified as hilarious. It was endearing."

He snorted. "How'd it go?"

"Osgar had only three subjects on his mind. Knightmare jousting. Baseball. And... You."

"Me?"

"Apparently some of your younger and much duller half-siblings look up to you."

"They don't know me."

"Doesn't change the facts. You're the youngest general in Britannia. Don't screw it up, and you'll be their hero."

"Thanks," he said dryly. "You're overflowing with encouragement."

"Under faint moonlight, her light too soft to break frost, slumbers the heart of regret and sorrow. Demons are men who have yet to wake."

He startled at the tanka, taking time to digest the words. Did she regret her path? Could he show her as repentant to turn tragedy into opportunity? Or did she speak of his redemption, that demons can improve if they were only aware? What a foolish thought. The path before him lay in daylight, and only the worst coward would look away from the bones paving the way.

He fully knew what he was doing. He knew better than most the consequences thereof. He was proceeding anyway.

"So they sail by night," he responded. She would hate him. "Guided by the failing light, to seek a 'morrow, where moments are not borrowed. The heart thaws, drowning at sea."

Her response was far swifter than it had any right to be, nearly damning in its immediacy. "Moments blessed with thee, to reach for the moon and fall, time enough for tea." She smirked, eyes alight with mischief, and her tone daring him to protest. "Sword put to paper has gall, yet a coyote falls to the flea."

A coyote? A scavenger. Common in the mainland. And a reproductive strategy that rivaled his father.

Unable to help himself, he laughed. Oh, he knew what she meant. Her words were downright treasonous, echoing his own jokes. Now, he knew better. The risk was too high.

But Kaguya—

Oh, to liken the Emperor to such a lowly creature and to have him defeated by a flea, as so often nobles referred to commoners and Numbers... It took much gall indeed.

And for a moment, he felt hope because it was a tacit admission of her activities. Maybe she would come clean. Maybe they could settle this peacefully. Maybe he would not lose this aspect of her that he loved.

"Kaguya," he chided. "You can't do that."

"I merely stated a fact. It is quite terrible when a dog has fleas and with some unfortunate luck, well— Whatever else do you think I could have meant?"

"Just— Stay out of trouble." His smile refused to fade. His father would never hear of this, and even if he did, he would never understand. It was just some poetry, foreign admittedly, but there was no harm in a tanka and his father had never done more than roll his eyes when he overhead. A mere syllable game, a love poem at worst...

His eyes narrowed, trying to recall the various ones she formulated over the past years. And who had begun this game. Kaguya had always preferred the tanka over the haiku. She teased him by threading in innuendos, shockingly lewd at times for the poor Britannian ears nearby. The tanka had fallen out of favor after the First Pacific War for being too old-fashioned, especially for its connection to the old Imperial court... and its prevalence in courting rituals.

There had to be a mistake. He was no expert on Japanese culture and customs. It was utterly ridiculous to consider there was an extra meaning to it. Perhaps, she was simply emulating her favorite poet.

Because if there was no mistake? She had offered him his heart and he would—

"Should one break a heart," he asked, trying to keep his tone absent minded, "so they can see the sunrise? Happiness would wane. Memories would be tarnished. And their life could be forfeit."

"Lelouch..." She grabbed his hand. "Tomorrow will always be a new day. It's not impacted by spirits. Every night is an opportunity to expand further, to consolidate more, to gather some fleas. I'll always fight. There is so much I've yet to experience. Promise me, Lelouch. You'll come back to me. And that you won't fall so easily to a pretty face like today."

He had asked her to live; he never needed to. To promise her the same felt impossible.

"Eww!" Oscar interrupted, rushing out of the kitchen and grabbing his leg. "Lelouch... You have to stop them! They're kissing."

"So?" Lelouch asked.

"Who is this?" Kaguya asked.

"Ugh," Oscar complained, his nose scrunching. "Adults are the worst."

Chino and Ko, now Charlotte and Kevin Lamperouge, escaped the kitchen as well, each munching on a cookie that had clearly been used to clear the room via bribery. Upon seeing Lelouch, Kevin lost his smile, returning to his usual dour demeanor. Lelouch was at a loss on what to do with him.

"And them?" A hint of reproach entered Kaguya's voice. Their heritage was obvious, even if they were dressed in proper Britannian clothes.

"Oscar, Kallen's younger brother, and Charlotte and Kevin."

"Ko," Kevin grumbled rebelliously, quailing under Lelouch's fierce glare. He had to learn to keep his head down. Lelouch might have pushed the adoption through, but explaining he had Kururugi's adopted younger brother? Tohdoh's son?

"A word," Kaguya hissed. And she knew it too. Would have remembered his name or known through her work.

Fuck.

"Kaguya—"

"Naoto said we're not going," Charlotte interrupted. "He's wrong, right? Oscar is staying with his mother, but we're staying with you."

Not now. "You'll be attending school."

"You can't just leave us!" she complained. "I won't be in the way and—"

"I said no." Arguably, it could be educational. Cornelia had nothing bad to say about her time in a military camp, but Roy had firmly vetoed the idea until it was six feet under.

"Then I'll enlist! I'm fourteen next month. I won't let you down."

"No." His anger rose. Was she insane? While her paperwork afforded her Britannian status, her accents and mannerisms would leave no doubt in anyone's mind. She would be the target of everyone's ire. They'd find a reason to send her out early, to let her experience hell on earth. "I won't allow it."

"It's not your decision," she grumbled rebelliously.

He glared, and she finally lowered her head meekly. How could she be so exasperating in her enthusiasm? They were safe. That was all that mattered.

Not to be denied any longer, Kaguya pulled his arm insistently and led him away, stopping immediately once they were out of earshot. "Is that—you know?"

"Kevin," he said firmly.

"You changed their names?" she accused in Japanese, tone soft like the breeze before a typhoon. "They're Japanese—"

"Britannian, now"

"Why are they here?" she snapped.

"Let's say an old friend of ours asked for a favor." He held her gaze, letting her grasp the full weight of his words. Their rising argument in another language was quickly drawing the attention from his men.

She paled, her lips thin with anger. "You know your father is hounding me over you two possibly meeting—"

"Will you tell him?" Lelouch asked. He had been careful. There was nothing to suggest Suzaku had been there.

"Of course not!" She closed her eyes, composing herself. "Give them to me. Let them at least grow up with some sense of their culture instead of having it ripped away from them. You're denying them their name. Is that how it will be going forward? Just another Britannian drawing borders for his advantage, regardless of the families and communities he destroys along the way?"

"My father set his terms and those are the rules I must abide by. Once he can or no longer wishes to enforce them, we may do as we desire."

"Are you listening to yourself? What of the harm? They're not your subordinates; they're children. Can you even provide for them? You're going to war. I can at least offer them stability."

"Are you sure about that?" He stepped forward, towering over her. "I'm sending them to Ashford. They'll have the finest education they can imagine. They will have countless opportunities because of me. Most of all, they will never have to fear for their safety. I will protect them. In the end, it's a small price to pay."

"And your education bill?" she spat. "Children taken from families, forced to learn the Britannian way. Where is the freedom in that? Is it also just a small price to pay? They'll make good soldiers, believing in a country that doesn't give a shit about them, just like her."

"That's not my fault. She came like that. I have no idea why she is so obsessed."

"Maybe because she looks up to you, and you're in the fucking army, Lelouch!"

Of course, she wasn't okay with that. This was all some big shock to her and she had merely managed to keep her emotions under wrap. Whatever had been between them was already gone.

"Can we put this aside?" he asked wearily.

"So you can push me around as well? You've been lying to me—about all of this."

"Wasn't that the deal?" he asked coldly. "Perhaps you have something to say as well. Like why you were crying after an unexpected visit from Kirihara."

She raised her chin, voice wavering. "What are you implying?"

"I think you know what I mean."

"You don't," she cut herself off. "I can't do this right now. Go to your friends, Lelouch. If there's something I can do to please you, tell me. That's all I am here for, isn't it?"

She sneered and spun around, people clearing out of her way. For once, she wore no mask, her anguish clear for all to see. Yet, his men were glaring at her, judging her. Only Kallen looked at him in contempt.

"Fuck," Lelouch said. Shoulders sagging, he trudged back to the kitchen. Frederick and Naoto leaped apart, having missed the commotion, and watched in confusion as he washed the vegetables and began dicing.

He shouldn't have threatened her. What was he thinking? Her position had always been precarious, and he threw it right into her face. A word was all that it took for her life to be ruined.

The knife slipped on the garlic, catching the edge of his thumb. "Fuck!"

Concern written across his face, Frederick took a tentative forward, and Lelouch raised his hand to ward him off. He needed space. He needed—

He ruined things. It was a skill that his family taught him well.

His feet led him out of the kitchen and into the back corridors, away from the rambunctious noise. The icy fingers of solitude ran down his spine. It was so easy to forget for a moment of everything to come and of the monsters lurking in the past.

Maybe if he had acted sooner, Kaguya would not be set on another path. Maybe, she would trust him enough to reveal her treason. Maybe—

He wished he could grasp his life and abandon his regrets. To live life with impudent recklessness only afforded to the innocent. If one had to walk into the maw of a lion anyway, was it not better to laugh along the way?

They knew of the danger lurking; they simply didn't dwell on it. While Lelouch faltered, his men kept moving forward. Unlike him, they dared to dream.

What was a birthday but a night for a wish? To blow out the candles and dream for a better tomorrow.

He fished out his phone with a scowl. Technically, he knew what he should ask for. He was set to play a role, and to fulfill it, he needed costumes and supporting actors and a dazzling spotlight.

But he was a chef, denied the opportunity to make his preferred stew and ordered to cook grits instead.

An actor forged ahead, the spirit of his performance distracting from the paltry props. Through his words and passion, the audience forgoed their mortal trappings and was swept in the current of a riveting tale. A chef made something new.

"Father," Lelouch greeted, the word nauseatingly sweet on his tongue, like an overripe banana sitting in the sun. "How are you?"

"I was wondering if you would call. Are you enjoying yourself? Or did Kaguya fleece you for sweets again?"

The way he addressed her so familiarly irked.

"We had a game of paintball. It was fun." Talking over the phone was easier. There was no risk of meeting his father's eyes and being stripped of who he was. "Watching everyone relax was nice, and I will be making dinner later tonight. I think I need to do something about Henry. It looks like he really pissed Kallen off..."

"Not that I am opposed to a social call, but was there perhaps another reason?" Amusement filtered into his voice. "Perhaps you've remembered it is your birthday?"

"I'm not asking you to increase my allowance."

"Oh?"

It was impudent to ask, but— "Area Fifteen and Area Sixteen and what is to come. I want them to be mine to do with as I wish."

The emperor was silent for a terrifying minute. "To govern? You would not have the time."

"To appoint the viceroy." That was a power reserved for the Emperor. "I cannot negotiate if my word can so easily be overturned once the Area is established."

"Why should I allow you to conquer your own little fiefdom?" To potentially usurp the Emperor.

"I will be more effective for it." Lelouch's heart stirred. He hadn't been shot down. He needed this. Reforms could be passed at home through long and tedious negotiations. But if he showed abroad what Britannia could become? Then perhaps he could stomach what he had to do. "What do I need to do to prove myself? To prove my loyalty?"

"Do as you wish with Area Fifteen. The viceroy may be of your choosing, but you must hold in accordance with Britannian customs and subjugate the locals who have run amok. Prove that you can do that, and I will reconsider the rest of your request."

---

Tokyo, Area Eleven

Part of Nunnally wanted to rage that this meeting had been set for Lelouch's birthday. She wanted to be there for him, but Rolo had insisted that today was the only option to meet his employer. So she had made her excuse of being the sub-viceroy, and that if the viceroy couldn't leave the Area without being summoned, so shouldn't she.

Her father was most certainly not going to ask for her specifically. He had given her this opportunity. She would not cross his mind again until she either proved to be of worth or besmirched her name.

So here she was, waiting in her quarters at the Viceroy Palace for her caller. Security was better than it ever had been, overhauled by Lelouch himself before he left. Rolo had assured her it would be no problem.

Again, there was the strange sense of silence as if hundreds of people suddenly chose to hold their breath. If she strained her ears, Rolando's familiar footsteps breached the stillness. And in their wake, were two others?

She stood and brushed off her skirt. For once, she had chosen a dress with wide and cumbersome sleeves. It was easy enough to hide a small gun as well as Nina's devices with them. She was as prepared for this meeting as she could be. If it took an ill turn, it would soon be discovered as the servants arrived with afternoon tea.

When the door opened with an ominous creek, she faced them with a confident smile. "Welcome."

The door closed and the world let out its breath, the nearby hums of busy workers resuming in full force as if nothing had ever gone amiss. Rolando broke into ragged breaths, falling to the floor with a thump.

"What is wrong with him?" she asked.

A childish male voice snorted. "He merely pushed himself; it is nothing. Your antics left him far worse for wear."

"Who are you?" she asked, the cold metal pressing into her palm a reassuring weight.

A chair scooted backwards. "Please, have a seat, my girl."

Her teeth ground together at the blatant breach of protocol. "Why did you attack me?"

"Is that any way to talk to your uncle, now? A little respect would not be amiss from the youngsters these days."

Her uncle? A eunuch? He had to be ridiculously short, but such an affliction could explain why she never heard of him. Or was he lying?

"My apologies," she said, lowering her head marginally. "I was unaware my mother had a surviving brother."

He hissed and something within her quaked. The nightmares that rustled at the edge of her consciousness unfurled their broken wings. "I am Charles's brother, thank you very much. You see, we made a promise to each other long ago to protect another. I am the knife which guards his back, the god upon which he calls, and you, my girl, are an interesting anomaly. Blindness sometimes confers a certain immunity, but it was thought to dull a person's natural connection. Eyes are the window in the soul, afterall."

"Connection?" she asked faintly. She had known something was wrong, off about Rolando; people did not fall silent as one. Could she dare to think it? That in a world so cruel, that the childhood wonder of magic could exist

"You haven't noticed? How in a crowd, you always can find our brother. You are always the first to know he is coming. Do you dream of him? Do his screams ring in your ears?"

She shuddered, rubbing her arms. "Who are you?"

"The Director of the OSI... You may call me, V.V., child." Silk brushed on leather, and his footsteps neared.

She found herself frozen, her heart hammering her throat at the reminder of her brush with death. Had Lelouch not come, she would be dead. Maybe she was too hasty, too assured that she could at last deal with everything. She should be able to by now.

"Since we are here, I may as well take the opportunity to settle a matter with your ascension as the Black King." He grabbed her wrist, his spindly fingers cold as a corpse. She could sense nothing from him. "The OSI needs the trafficking of agents and the acquisition of new targets in the Black King's network. I trust I have your cooperation?"

It was like she was a child again, sitting before her father as Lelouch panicked beside her. To anger this man would bring them only ruin.

"Of course, Uncle," she said. "I wish to better Britannia, not cripple her."

He tutted. "An anomaly indeed. You are special, my dear. It is such a shame that Charles has only eyes for your brother and neglected you. Look at what you've accomplished with nothing to your name. They punished you for it. They should have showered you with accolades." He... understood. She had been right, after all. Morosely, he continued. "To be eclipsed by a sibling is a painful thing, but it is where we do our best work."

"I'm going to protect Lelouch," she swore, burning with pride.

"He will need it," V.V. assured, releasing her hand. "He is fighting against a world of liars. There are powers out there beyond his control. Britannia must stand strong and united."

"Like Rolando—Rolo?"

"Yes. He can stop the perception of time of those near him."

A wonderful assassin. How could she protect Lelouch against such powers?

She swallowed. "How does it work?"

"Every sentient creature is connected to a higher plane. There the souls of those yet to be born and those already dead coalesce, waiting to be called. One can manipulate that connection through talents. You are a special one. Your mind is more attune to the currents of the world. When I investigated the attempt on your mother's life, I discovered you knew of it far before anyone could. You saved her life."

Special. She was so used to "worthless." How she longed for this to be true...

"What do you need me to do?" she asked breathlessly.

"A blood sample, my child. If we can extend your unique ability to others, it would be an effective defense."

She wilted. Others would naturally do the work.

"As for you, I would like you to medicate, to nurture your connection. I know you are meant for greatness."

"Thank you," she whispered.

"I will leave Rolo here to be your assistant. Know that if you ever need the OSI's assistance, tell him you wish to speak to me. It is the least I can do for my niece, an outcast much like myself."

In the end, she had worried for nothing. She had an ally. A powerful one who saw her as she was. For once, she wasn't a disappointment, an obstacle, or a sad reminder of what she could've been. Her uncle accepted her where her father only had eyes for Lelouch.

She was someone of worth.

Yet in the back of her mind, she ran Rolando's true name over her tongue. Rolo. Rolo. Rolo... Like her cousin?

---

Tokyo, Area Eleven

The cold wind tugged at his jacket as Lelouch climbed the steps to the podium with the division assembled before him. His guards warily stood behind him and the front rows had been filled with officers as a precautionary protective measure. It felt comically inadequate when compared to the sea of people behind them.

If Lelouch failed and they succumbed to righteous anger, he would die. There was no escape from a crowd of that size, and Lelouch refused to give his speech from beneath the shadow of a knightmare.

Kallen was stationed nearby regardless, ready in her knightmare, to ease Henry's concerns. She would be far too late to save him should things turn for the worst.

He should probably be more concerned about his possible death. Instead, he could only muster anger at the carnage which would result. He had been foolish to entertain a death with his men. It should've been fine because it was illogical to destroy such a pool of talent, but upon reflection, he had to admit to an even more terrifying truth: the Emperor was not rational. That he married a commoner and ignored the outrage from the nobility should've made that apparent. The problem was this irrationality extended beyond his mother and to Lelouch himself. Schneizel had spent over a decade trying to build a powerbase within Britannia; for his efforts and hubris, he was now exiled to China and preparing for his upcoming nuptials. Lelouch meanwhile simply had to ask for power, and it was given.

If Lelouch died, his father would claim blood, thousand folds. It would be best if Lelouch was far away from his allies when that happened.

So as Lelouch looked out to the assembled crowd, he found that he had no intention of dying in the near future. There were things to accomplish and a sliver of hope on the horizon.

"By now," Lelouch began, "I am sure you have heard rumors that I will not be the commander of this division for much longer. Some have reacted to this news with skepticism, others with more violent protests. I am honored by your loyalty and the trust you have placed in me despite my questionable background."

Disgruntled murmurs rose from the crowd, and Lelouch closed his eyes to settle his nerves. He stepped in front of the podium, facing them fully as he raised his voice.

"First, I would like to assure you that you will not be at the mercy of some old noble taking charge and deciding he does not like our way of doing things. General Fadiman, who has been performing admirably in my extended absences this year, will be taking my place fully. You have known him as long as you have known me. I would trust no one more with your lives.

"My departure is not due to some scandal or ill conduct. Rather, the Emperor has seen fit to promote me to Lieutenant General and task me with Britannia's foreign fronts. The 712th will be joined by two other divisions under my command to fully establish Area Fifteen and then to continue onward to form Area Sixteen and so forth. For those who have moral objections to claiming foreign soil, I will help facilitate your transfer as my last act as this division's general."

Now came the hard point. The lies would be no more. His crimes would be laid bare for all to see. He would be judged for the tribulations that would come.

"It is also time for me to say who I am instead of continuing to live under the name and identity I chose as a twelve year old applying to the army. I sincerely apologize for the deception."

His heart hammered in his ears as he bowed deeply in apology. This was not the time for royal grandstanding.

"I was born Lelouch vi Britannia, Eleventh Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire."

There were shouts. Protests. Disbelief. Rage. Laughter. The officers held back the crowd, a stalwart line of defense. When he had first taken command, he had been greeted by cheers.

Slowly and deliberately, he sank to his knees. They would see a royal humbled. Some would take great satisfaction in that, but that was not the purpose of this. He needed to give them a reason to continue believing him, but more so, he couldn't let their anger build. Reason wouldn't help here, but shock would.

"I have led you for years and together we have charted a new course through Britannia, one that many would prefer not to exist. I believe in this dream, and even as I leave, I will continue to carry the torch of your aspirations and light paths previously unavailable to us. No matter what name I carry, I am your Gosling. I was made in this division, fighting alongside many of you. The names of those lost, I will carry with me always."

His stiff fingers fumbled as he removed his jacket. Goosebumps rose as cold air hit naked skin. One last act of defiance before he subsumed himself in his role.

His parents were going to be pissed, but even a geass would struggle to erase the evidence.

One of the officers stepped up beside him, and Lelouch gave a shaky nod. Closing his eyes, he bent down, exposing his back. The design had taken much deliberation as he was less concerned with artistic merit and more with including as many names he could. At last, they had settled on a goose desperately attempting to take flight. Each feather would be made of the names they lost.

"Edgar Gray," Jim shouted, and the crowd stilled. Even after so long, many remembered.

Lelouch inhaled, bracing himself against the remnants of his ugly grief. His father would not be able to take this away from him. He would find his way back to his past should the worst come to pass. He had to believe that of himself.

The officer began to ink. A tattoo for a prince as if he was a common criminal. An oath—forged and renewed over multiple sessions—to who he was.

---

And FINIS! (Ok, not really. I still have two/three books to go)

Important: FFN is turning off email notifications by default. You'll need to go into your settings to fix that before the changes go into effect. (No, I've no idea what they're thinking.)

A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read and comment and support this work. You really do help in making this an enjoyable experience. So for those in the 620 kudos, 92 bookmarks, 341 favorites, and 381 follows, 1.2k+ comments, or 600+ reviews... Thank you so much, especially in helping others find their way to this work. Also, I'd like to note that book 1 ended on 150 kudos and 200 faves/reviews. This fic has certainly grown in readership.

I hope you enjoyed your 20k finale, there is technically an epilogue coming which will be posted when book 3 goes up. As for book 3, that should probably be sometime in January. I would like to take the winter break to update my other fics as well make more headway in my pile of history books. As for the title, I'm torn between: Into the Valley of No Return, Vale of Falsehoods, A Holy Grail's Allure.

In the meantime, I'm cleaning up book 1 and doing some mild rewrites. None of these changes will be reflected on FFN or Ao3 for now, so if you want to see how that is progressing, you can find the revised chapters on Spacebattles or Royal Road or wait for me to drop the google doc links on the discord. Whenever I get to actually posting my original fic ideas, they'll probably be on those two sites.

If you like the book, even if years have passed or it's a reread, please take the time to drop a comment. I'd love to know your favorite characters, your favorite moments, etc. It's always lovely to know that the number in my stats is a real person who reached the end, even if it's a simple smiley face. :)

If you have constructive criticism, please feel free. Looking back and evaluating helps me not make those mistakes in the future.

Thank you to all my wonderful betas. A special shout out to Readhead for joining at the last minute to help wrangle this 20k monstrosity of an update.

See you in the New Year!

Chat with me on the discord: discord . gg / uSBegVj