R2 Interlude 23: Gentle Moonlight's Edge

"Though we are far from home, our hearts beat as one. Though the lands between us are vast, still we are under the same sky."

The sound of macha being mixed blends in with the quiet hum of electronics in the background as I complete the tea ceremony, pouring out two cups with all the ritual and poise merited by my station.

"Looking towards the sun's arc, a longing beats inside me for Kyoto."

My companion for the last few months raises his cup to smell the vapors wafting off the brew before taking a slow sip.

"Though it is not to my usual tastes, I confess this is an excellent brew, Lady Sumeragi," Gilbert G.P. Guilford states with his usual serious, stoic, and painfully professional demeanor. Kami knows how hard I've tried to get him to loosen up over time.

Despite concealing my mouth with the cup of green tea, I'm certain he can see the coy smile on my lips.

"Ara ara, does that mean you're finally gaining an appreciation for Japanese culture, Sir Guilford? This humble lady thanks you for your high praise, fu fu fu fu."

Such a taciturn and reserved man. Which makes it ever so fun to tease him.

The slight quirk on his lips is proof enough that we've established a rapport of sorts, "In light of what I've witnessed in our travels, it would be the height of hubris for me to deny that how much I've learned about the world, and my own ignorance, milady."

Yes, seeing the Chinese Federation in all it's glory would be rather eye opening, wouldn't it? Lihua would weep bitter tears if she could see the true state of her nation.

"Do you suppose he's alright, Sir Guilford? We've had no contact with the base understandably, but I cannot help but worry."

The 'he' of course being the man whose shadow still eclipses the world, Zero, the man I love so dear.

Seeing him lying there, broken, near lifeless, none of the presence and vitality he normally conveys...I nearly fell to my knees bawling right there. I don't believe I could have maintained my composure if Nunnally hadn't helped me out of the room. Even then, it was a near thing to hold it together until we were away from prying eyes.

"Dr. Chawla believed that he had a fighting chance if she could prep him properly for the surgery. And one thing I can begrudgingly admit is that Lelouch vi Britannia is a man with the devil's luck when it comes to survival. My Princess believes he shall endure and that is enough for me to believe so as well," he concludes with a nod of his head, taking another sip of tea.

Is such blind and unyielding faith, such loyalty a Britannian trait, or something that those close to Lulu find fostering within them? Hardly a thing I can find fault in, considering it's a trait I'm guilty of myself.

"After all the travel and jet lag, it will be nice to settle down for a good rest. How long until we dock in Port Jeddah?"

Adjusting his glasses with a single finger, Guilford flicks through his phone for a moment before looking up, "Approximately twelve hours, we will be there somewhere around six thirty pm, to eight pm. After docking, it's an hour, perhaps two, to reach the base."

Fourteen hours till I hear a word of Lelouch and the others? Well, barring a dreadful surprise at port, no news is likely good news. Though I'm still quite concerned with the disappearance of the red queen. A tsundere yes, but a delight to tease.

"In that case, will you join me for a short meal in the galley? I believe I shall retire after that, unless you'd care to join me for a nightcap, Guilford?" I purr, fanning my face to show only my eyes, a coy seductive tone in my voice.

Fu fu fu fu, the look on his face just now is absolutely adorable. I really must thank Cornelia for the loan of her beau, he's been ever so helpful in keeping me safe and entertained.

A pity I could not properly introduce him to Lihua, but given the role he was playing, it would have been dangerous and suspicious for a bodyguard and servant to engage in a conversation with the Tianzi of the Chinese Federation.

How fortunate that the Eunuchs overlooked me as too young to be dangerous, fu fu fu fu.

The air is clean and fresh, the skies clear and bright, the temperature crisp with the onset of spring. And yet?

A feeling of oppression and fear pervades the vermillion city.

Such is the seat of power in the Chinese Federation, the inner sanctum of the High Eunuchs, the true rulers of this decrepit empire.

My status as a friend of the Tianzi and my power as a possible pawn for later use, is our safeguard within these walls. And precisely why I saved the Forbidden City as the last destination during my travels within the Federation. For it is here that our greatest risk, and our greatest prize awaits.

An audience with Jiang Lihua, the August Son of Heaven, Empress of the Chinese Federation.

Guilford's face is of course far too well known to be allowed anywhere near Luoyang. Prime Minister Schneizel could perhaps gain entry into these hallowed halls, but not the infamous 'Spearhead of the Empire.' Fortunately, a mask, some specialized facial prosthetics, a voice changer, a bit of stoop to his posture, and voila!

Exit Sir Guilford, enter Edward Tenkou, a Japanese-Britannian halfbreed of utterly no importance, who keeps his head down, and only speaks Britannian and thus cannot overhear important conversations conducted in the local tongue.

All we needed to do was show his face a few times and the Eunuchs dismissed him as a common servant and thus ignored him so long as he kept a small but respectful distance behind me. Only giving the gift he was carrying a quick look and then waving us through when the metal detector failed to detect anything.

The inner chambers are lavishly decorated, guards at every polished and gleaming door, saluting as we pass into the pavilion gardens where the Tianzi takes her afternoon luncheon.

"Announcing Lady Sumeragi Kaguya of Area 11!"

With her petite form, innocent looks and dismal air about her person, one could be forgiven for not realizing Lihua is only a year or two younger than me, rather than the child she appears to be. Whether it's her albinism, genetic predisposition or simply how she holds herself, no one could possibly think that this person, this girl, is the ruler of one of the largest landmasses in the world.

Grasping my hands together within the sleeves of my robes, my head bows low along with Guilford's, "This person humbly greets the great and honorable Tianzi, may her reign last ten thousand years and her empire stand ever glorious."

Ugh. Even Britannia wouldn't demand this level of sucking up. From what I've heard from CC, Charles would roll his eyes at this and dismiss anyone trying to butter him up like that without a word. Here in the Federation though? It is sadly required for dealing with the subhuman wretches known as the High Eunuchs.

"You stand before the center of the civilized world, the August Son of Heaven. Let her grace flow upon you, Sumeragi Kaguya," the man simpers in a nasal tone, his expression clearly ready to dismiss me as being a puppet for other powers. For once, a prejudice I'm grateful for. Grandfather Taizo would be watched closely and treated as a dangerous element.

Whereas little Kaguya-chan? Why, she's too childish and immature to be any kind of danger. At least, that is what I'm projecting in this audience. Pink and white robes to highlight my youth, slight bags under my eyes from jet-lag which is only slightly exaggerated by makeup, a nervous twitch or two seemingly out of feeling overwhelmed, and they're already scoffing at me internally.

Lihua, despite her youth and naivete, knows me well enough that she can tell I'm up to something. Much as I regret that this is the case, the fact that I have not seen her in two years works in my favor. The Eunuchs don't remember what I was like the last time I was here, and they have not seen me in my element.

Last time, I was accompanied by Taizo and we were dismissed as mere children to go play. Which to be fair, was not inaccurate. I was only twelve at the time, and Lihua was ten. Even then though, I could tell she was clearly unhappy with her situation.

"This person humbly thanks the High Eunuchs for their wisdom and discernment. May they always be there to guide the August Son of Heaven."

The Eunuch gives an affected laugh as he steps aside, allowing me to finally sit down at the stone table in the pavilion, Lihua on the other side of the pavilion, the useless sack of flesh hovering over her like a vulture.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to come see you again, Lihua. Please forgive me for being a terrible friend," I say in Japanese, bowing my head this time in actual shame. While I'm certain Lihua knows the language, I cannot be certain if the Eunuch does as well, though I'm going to hedge my bet and assume he either does or he has someone feeding him a translation.

"It's alright Kaguya-chan. I'm just happy to see you again. It's been so long since we last saw each other. What have you been doing?" she asks earnestly, her red eyes lighting up for the time I've seen in this entire exchange.

With a giggle on my lips and a ditzy smile, I respond, "Oh, well, I am the CEO of the Sumeragi Group, and part of the NAC. I was working with that group of radicals known as the Black Knights, but sadly, they lost. I've also learned about Ikebana, tea ceremony and quite a few other things. Would you like to hear about them, tee hee hee?"

Some part of my soul is dying, acting this cutesy and moronic. But even if they think it's just an act, it may prevent them from guessing my true intentions.

"Of course Kaguya-chan. I'd love to hear more about the outside world if you'd like to-"

The Eunuch coughs, holding up his sleeve in front of his mouth in an attempt to look elegant, but which only serves to display his vulgarity, "Ahh, but the Vermilion Forbidden City is the center of the world itself! What need does the Tianzi have to see that which is beneath her?"

Tche. Trust the ball-less mongrel to dash her hopes while trying to look apologetic.

"But Lady Sumeragi, there is a question this unworthy person must deign to ask. What can you tell us about the situation in Area 11 now, and what are your further plans?"

A question not unexpected. With the Black Knights' situation unknown and myself having gone underground, what might I say that would allay their suspicions, I wonder?

"Alas, I was forced to flee the country. Especially after the Knight of Ten was installed as Viceroy, a dreadful and odious person to be sure. As such, I only have the news reports and scant intelligence from within the country."

The trick to diplomacy, and sometimes in business, is to never tell an outright lie. Half truth, lie of omission, carefully phrased words, something is mostly true, all of these will pass muster. A canny politician acquires a sense for such things over time.

Much as I love Lelouch, he really has no patience for this sort of political repartee. He could be quite good at it, he just intensely dislikes it to the point that a keen observer can see it in his demeanor. Then again, that sort of attitude works well for a warlord and someone rallying people to his cause. And it's not as though he isn't canny enough to catch the self-same omissions I mentioned.

For example? The put-upon, tired, and overwrought nerves of my current expression would see him raising an eyebrow in annoyance and asking me to, quote, 'Cut the bullshit out', unquote. He might even spank me for trying to con him.

だめよ、かぐや-ちゃん。まだまだだね。 (Bad Kaguya-chan. Not yet.)

This is absolutely not the time to have a kinky fantasy.

"A pity. We were hoping you had some insight into Zero's previous plans. The Empress had some concerns regarding the last message of General Chao and hoped you could explain them for us," the eunuch remarks with an airy tone that might pass muster as being unconcerned, were it not for the nervous twitch in his fingers and the casual glances aside.

Fu fu fu. If I was unaware of the existence of Geass, I too would be wondering just how Zero arranged that speech. China has been dark and near silent on the international stage ever since the invasion failed, and while we had some reports from Xing-Ke and other sources, I didn't realize the full extent of it until I actually arrived in the Federation itself.

The High Eunuchs have been hamstrung by their own greed, corruption, and paranoia. None of them have any explanation for why General Cao denounced them and praised the empress, particularly when he was handpicked by them for his loyalty to the cadre.

It took me some time to piece together what happened and I might not have realized it had Guilford not scoffed at their craven nature and blindness to the suffering of their country.

None of them know what happened with Cao, so the presumption is that this was pre-arranged. That someone corrupted him and deliberately arranged for the invasion to fail.

Quo Bono? Who profits by the crime? The list of suspects in this case, is limited to the High Eunuchs themselves. If a single member of their group were to have made a deal with Zero in order to arrange the death of their fellows and to let them escape with their wealth and resources?

Why, that would mean none of them could trust each other. Because if this person was willing to betray their fellows for someone like Zero, why not Britannia?

Hence why China has been dead silent on the international stage: the High Eunuchs are in a cold war with each other.

That Lelouch was able to get so much done from a single use of his geass on a blind gamble that even he admitted he wasn't sure was going to pay off..?

Kami, that makes me so wet. I want to suck his cock till he cums down my throat, lick his scrotum and scream all night as he fucks every single hole I have till-

"Lady Sumeragi, is something wrong? Your cheeks are flushed and you look...distracted," the eunuch says, licking his lips nervously.

またくだな。 (Damnit.)

I just want to get out of here, these worms make my skin crawl, I can feel them leveling lecherous gazes at me even as they dismiss me as a threat. Lulu, you foolish, foolish man. I expect you to repay me handsomely for making me worry about you.

Snapping my fan out, I carefully fan my face before holding the fan up to hide my mouth, "A touch of vapors, forgive my youthful weakness. I am unaccustomed to the climate and long traveling."

Lihua fidgets in her seat before looking away, "If you're not feeling well, maybe we can meet another time-"

Damn. The last thing I want to do is make her uncomfortable by playing the fool.

"It is nothing to be concerned over, I assure you. Have you read anything interesting of late, Lihua? I remember your collection was quite impressive."

Before she can respond, the eunuch interjects, "Of course it is. Her Majesty's library is curated and selected for the highest quality to reflect the Federation's greatness."

In other words, they're screening her reading material because they want to make sure she knows her place under their heel. Mongrels.

"Then may I humbly offer some gifts to add to her esteemed collection?" I pronounce, snapping my fingers as Guilford holds out the package we brought through the checkpoints containing her present.

With practiced ease, he gently unwraps the package, laying out the various parts of the gift for display.

"As an apology for my long absence, and in commemoration of our long friendship, I have arranged for a selection of superb works that I hope you will enjoy. First, a silk printed copy of Fengsheng Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods) with a silk embroidered cover. While I cannot be sure that this is within your library already, I believe you will enjoy this classic tale of Chinese literature," I finish, tapping my fan against the cover gently, pointing out the depiction of King Zhou of the Shang Dynasy, and his consort Daji, the villainous vixen disguised as a human.

A sixteenth century classic, it tells the story of the fall of the Shang Dynasty and the various gods, demons, and immortals involved in the epic saga. Given that the cause of the dynasty's fall is the corruption of the ruler by a wicked consort, this book is sadly likely to be confiscated after some time, though it might take her minders a bit to parse through the supernatural elements.

One can't let the puppets start getting ideas about their station, can we?

"Oh, how pretty!" Lihua exclaims, running a finger along the silk, eyes sparkling at the elegant work.

"Second, two volumes of a series that I found amusing and endearing from my own country, Cutey Honey. A story of a female android who uses her feminine wiles, bold determination, and the ability to transform to fight against the evil Panther Claw organization in the name of peace, justice, and love."

Admittedly, this is a bit shameless on my part because I'm hoping Lihua will enjoy one of my favorites as much as I did. There were times when I was younger that I wished I could simply go wild and pretend I was her, rather than having to be a proper and polite princess. Perhaps I am projecting in assuming Lihua would find this enthralling.

"Wow, she's amazin-….oh. Oh my," her cheeks flush with color as she looks through some of the pages. Ah yes, the other reason Cutey Honey is popular, particularly among men. The author's tendency for gratuitous nudity and sex appeal.

Perhaps Milly will be interested in putting some of her outfits together for cosplay. It would be nice to relax after the stress of the last few months.

"Hmph. Such vulgar illustrations are typical of inferior cultures. It seems a rather childish gift compared to your previous one, Lady Sumeragi," the eunuch scoffs in a dismissive tone, not even bothering to hide the disdain and blatant racism in his remarks.

Feint set. Now for the forcing move.

I fan my face gracefully, taking a sip of tea as I gauge how to respond in my mind's eye. This part has to be played just right in order to get the reaction I'm looking for.

"Ah, forgive my indulgence. Cutey Honey is one of my favorite manga from when I was a little girl, I thought Her Majesty would find it amusing," my voice carries a hint of regret as I hold my hand in front of my mouth in shame.

Slyly smiling behind my fan, I gesture for Guilford to open the wrapping on the last book, eyes twinkling in amusement as Lihua looks on curiously.

"And last, but not least, the final part of my gift, a classic of Indian literature, the 'Principles of Lust', also known as the Kama Sutra. Because I would be a terrible friend if I didn't make sure Lihua had access to the best in erotic literature, fu fu fu."

The Eunuch gapes open mouthed before starting to tremble in rage, "You...you...you dare to bring this...this...INDIAN filth before the Tianzi?!"

Lihua grimaces and clutches at her dress with both hands, clearly upset by this turn of events. I'm sorry my dear friend, but this is a necessary part of my plan.

"I merely wished to give a gift to my fri-" "No! You are trying to corrupt our empress with your foreign deviance and perversions! Get out, OUT!" he screeches, his voice breaking as he points at the exit, his hand shaking.

"I'm sure that if you simply look through the book, you'll find the truth within is worth reading," I plead with him, but keep my eyes focused on Lihua as I speak, narrowing my eyes at her, briefly looking at the books. It isn't much, but hopefully she'll take the hint.

"Enough of your duplicity! Be gone! You have no country, no secrets to trade, and even your allies, the black knights, are dead and vanquired! YOU ARE BANISHED FROM THE VERMILLION FORBIDDEN CITY!"

With a heavy heart, I stand from the chair, lowering myself to my knees as I kowtow before Lihua, "Forgive this foolish person for her rudeness and failure. She had eyes, but could not see Mount Tai."

Please Lihua, please figure it out. The last thing I want is for this all to have been for nothing before you didn't understand what I'm really saying.

With a sniffle, Lihua wipes her eyes and looks down at me, "Please Kaguya-chan, I think you should go now. It's...I don't want you to get in trouble for trying to show me something. I'll look for the truth myself."

Kami-sama, please let that be the hint I'm looking for that she understood!

Giving one last bow, Guilford and I stand up, turning around swiftly to exit the pavilion, the eunuch still glaring daggers at us as guards watch our every move.

The cold winds of northern China blow as I stand on the deck of the Black Knight stealth submarine anchored in the Yellow Sea just off the coast of the city of Qingdao in Shangdong province.

The warm fur coat and muffler is cold comfort to the ache within my heart at the fear that I hurt my friend and abandoned her to the cruel mercies of the High Eunuchs. It's been over five hours since we left Luoyang! If they've discovered the real purpose of the gift I left her, who knows what torments they'll put her through?!

The communicator in my hand chirps to life as the indicator light of a received message blinks on.

かみさまにありがとうございます! (Thank god!)

I eagerly switch the audio on to hear what she had to say.

"Nihao Kaguya-chan. I found your surprise in the manga. I'm so sorry I doubted you and had to send you away like that. I didn't mind that last book, but I suppose it was less a gift than a mudball to throw in the Eunuch's face, wasn't it?"

While I am not any kind of electronics expert, this adaptation of Black Knight technology is one I consider an incredible idea. The actual device Lihua received from me is fairly short range and sends an encrypted transmission to a specific receiver, one Guilford planted in a small dusty corner of the Forbidden City. That receiver then bounces the signal across several transponders, ones that coincidentally mirror the locations he and I visited over the course of our trip across the federation. The signal is finally sent to the transponder on this sub, decrypted, and the recording is available for me to listen to.

"Indeed, it was my fault as well. I had to play the part of the naive and deviant Japanese heiress in order to distract your keepers from what I was up to. I take it they confiscated the Kama Sutra?"

I hit the send button and take a breath of relief. Due to fears of the signal being detected, this particular setup is designed to send the message as a burst signal, rather than a live communication. I don't understand the science behind it, but apparently this means there's a much smaller window for anyone to detect her using it.

Which means there's a delay between my speaking and her speaking. Not ideal, but if it means I get to actually have a real conversation with her rather than one where we're both having to watch what we say?

"Kaguya-chan...I missed you so much. You...you're my only friend."

Gah. Of all the things she could have said to me, that one struck right to the heart. Lihua is a sheltered lonely girl, isolated from the world and denied a chance to be a normal person by her birthright. Thus our friendship is not surprising, when you consider we were in much the same position. If Lelouch hadn't broken me out of being a bully when I was younger, I wonder if we'd even have had a friendship to begin with..

"Lihua, how are you really doing? The truth, not whatever platitudes you've said in letters or what you've only hinted at in our conversation earlier," I ask imploringly, steeling my nerves for her answer.

"...I hate it here. I want to go see my country, to go to a school, to make friends, not be trapped in a city watched by beasts in human skin. Please...tell me it will be ok. I don't mind if it's a lie, I...I just can't go on like this…" she whispers pitifully, faint sniffles coming through the audio of her struggling not to cry.

...This is wrong. It is a lie, if a white one. I can't know I'm telling the truth, only hoping that fate and the man I love do not make a liar of me in truth. But hearing that, seeing Lihua in such dire straits, how can I not act? How can I not at least try to ease her aching heart?

"Lihua, I'm going to tell you something very important. You cannot tell anyone what you are about to hear. Promise me, promise me you will not speak a word of this to anyone, not even Xing-Ke until the time is right."

Of all the things I have done on this trip, this is perhaps the one thing I could be upbraided and chastised for. It is the only thing CC and Tohdoh specifically told me not to do. But I have no choice. Lihua is not only my friend, she is the empress of the federation. She is a person Lulu will need on his side, or at least well disposed to him.

"Zero lives."

May the gods forgive me for breaking faith by saying this. And may Lelouch's stupidity and insanity not make me a widow before my wedding day. He has much to answer for.

"The Black Knights organization has fled Japan, they are regaining their strength elsewhere. As soon as we finish speaking, I will be leaving to go and tell them what I have seen here, and in the federation. But!"

Before she can respond, I glare across the sea in the direction of Luoyang, letting my righteous anger at how my friend has been treated and her country abused suffuse my next words.

"I will return for you. Zero will come to save you!"

The cold ocean air blowing is the only sound for minutes as my declaration hangs over my head like a sword of Damocles. With this, I have committed the strength of the Black Knights to this cause, this personal crusade to save a friend, no matter the cost. A task that I am unsure I have the authority to demand they act on.

"I...谢谢你!谢谢你!" (Thank you! Thank you!)

If I am to be punished for this, then I will gladly accept it. This was the right thing to do.

"Keep this transmitter off until I contact you again. I cannot say how long that will be, only that I will return as soon as I can. There is a green button on the side. When the time is right and I tell you, press that. It will turn your communicator into a homing beacon and help us to find you," I declare firmly, bundling my fur coat tighter to ward off the chill of the Yellow Sea.

"Please hurry! The Eunuchs...they look at me like I'm just a pet, a prize to be used...or worse. I'll miss you, Kaguya-chan.."

With a heavy sigh, I switch the device off, closing my eyes in frustration at how powerless I feel in the face of my friend's suffering.

"Lady Sumeragi."

What the-?! Oh. It's Guilford. It was so quiet and dark I hadn't noticed I was followed up here.

"Your pardon for an...inappropriate question. But I feel compelled to ask...do you suppose they are...?"

A foul question indeed. And one I wish I could answer one way or the other. Lihua is all but helpless in the forbidden city, and the Eunuchs have kept her isolated since she was a baby. I don't want to think about it, but…

"That she's being abused, or the Eunuchs are that sort of deranged deviant?"

The bespectacled warrior grimaces, clenching his fists as he looks out onto the open sea, staring in the direction of the mainland.

"It pains my honor to see someone clearly so desperately in need of rescue and salvation, yet unable to render aid. Perhaps I am only seeing what my mind imagines to be the worst case scenario, or perhaps that imagination is but a mere shadow of the true horror within those scarlet walls. I do not know, and the ambiguity is perhaps a greater torment than knowing the truth either way."

Any comfort would be welcome here, and yet unfortunately..

"I do not know the answer myself. Lihua is sheltered and has no one to protect her besides Xing-ke. But he is often away from her, and the Eunuchs are using them both as hostages against each other. Her life to keep him from rebelling, and his to prevent her from voicing dissent against their edicts."

An oppressive silence hangs in the air as Guilford cleans his glasses, looking down at the reflection of the moon on the water, peeking through the clouds.

Even thinking about that happening to Lihua...it makes my skin crawl. All it would have taken was a single gesture, and Guilford could have killed the guards and Eunuch in an instant. He could have scooped up Lihua, made a run for the exit, and then-!

No. Such a thing is too foolhardy to consider. We'd have been caught and captured before we could escape. Escaping from the maze-like structure of the Forbidden City without any sort of guide or exfiltration plan would have been suicidal.

"I have at times, had my doubts about aligning myself with the Black Knights, and whether my princess made a mistake in doing so."

My head turns around, eyebrow raised in curiosity at where he's going with this.

"While I would never question my princess in a decision of this magnitude, and my loyalty and love for her has never faltered, I have at times, doubted the veracity of this course we now find ourselves charting," he finishes his musing, putting his glasses back on, pushing them back onto his brow with a single finger.

"Such is no longer the case."

In a single motion, his right arm crosses his chest, fist atop his heart as he bows at the waist to me, a gesture I find myself surprised by. Given his history and career, seeing Guilford G.P. Guilford, the 'Spearhead of the Empire', bowing to a number, is a sight I doubt many would believe.

"I now stand firmly convinced that I am on the side of the angels. If we have the chance to right this wrong, to save a child trapped and enslaved, I know for certain that my cause is that of justice."

...The cold winds of the north blow past us, making my hair flutter as I smile in gratitude at what I've just heard.

"I am glad you have seen the righteousness of our cause, Sir Guilford. I hope your princess has reached similar conclusions."

He lets out a shallow breath before answering, "I cannot speak for her in this matter, only that I know her to be a woman of honor. And after what I have seen in how the Federation is run, I reluctantly am forced to admit there are similar parallels in how the empire treats numbers, including...Elevens."

The hesitance in his saying that hated term at the end is as sure an indication as any that our ideals have finally gotten through to him.

"Attention, attention. Estimated time to docking at Port Jeddah, thirty minutes. All passengers please be advised, we will be docking shortly."

My eyes flutter open as I look around my cabin, the place I've called mine for the last several months. It wasn't much, a desk to work at, a mini fridge, a bed built into the wall, internal communicator system, outlets for my work laptop and other electronics, and my own bathroom.

Which on a submarine, is fairly luxurious. The captain's room was likely better decorated, but this suited my needs well. And the tatami mats for the floor were a nice touch.

Given that I travel relatively lightly, it doesn't take me long to finish and wheel out both of my carryon luggage suitcases.

A rush of warm dry air hits my nose as I step off the submarine onto the dock, looking up at the darkening sky, noting that the sun has only just set recently.

"A flight has been arranged for the base, Lady Sumeragi, we should be there within the hour," Guilford informs me, adjusting his glasses as he looks over a datapad.

How annoying that I have to wait even more to find out what I've been anxious on pins&needles to find out after all this time.

仕方がない。 (No help for it.)

"Thank you, Sir Guilford. You have been an excellent traveling companion, even if you were adorably stiff at times, fu fu fu," I giggle, patting him on the ass, which he stiffly nods down at me in response.

Teasing him was rather amusing, I may honestly miss it. Ah well, such is life.

At long last, we've returned. Now, who can I speak to find out what has happened in my absence?

"Excuse me Tamaki-san, do you have a moment?" I call out to the scruffy redhead as he walks by.

"Huh? Wassup...oh hey, Kaguya-chan is back! Welcome to the ass end of nowhere, hehe!" he states, a cheesy grin on his face. A nice enough person, if a bit dim. But his loyalty is unquestioned after he saved Lelouch following the siege.

"Ahem. You will address her as Lady Sumeragi, sir," Guilford intones stiffly, narrowing his eyes at the shorter man, who winces at the reminder of how casual he's being to someone on the command staff.

"Aw shit, sorry about that. How can I help you, Sumeragi-sama," he mouths out with a hangdog expression which is honestly laughable compared to his earlier exuberance.

"It's alright, Tamaki-san. Can you tell me where the command staff is at this hour?"

He rubs his chin for a second in thought before replying, "Probably at the 'One For The Road Lounge', it's Karaoke night, they gots the place to themselves for the evening. I'll show ya to it."

Ara ara, karaoke? Things must be going much better if that sort of thing is happening.

The sound of music pricks my ears as we get closer to the lounge he mentioned.

"この頃 はやりの女の子

お尻の小さな 女の子"

konogoro hayari no onna no ko

oshiri no chiisana onna no ko

(These days the girls who get ahead

Are the girls with small butts)

ハニー フラッシュ? (Honey Flash?) Now there's a song I remember, but who is singing the duet? I recognize Milly, but the other voice..that one sounds so familiar..

"こっちを向いてよ ハニー

だってなんだか

だってだってなんだもん"

kocchi wo muite yo HANII

datte nanda ka datte datte nanda mon

(Look this way, Honey!

But it's just, but, but it's just a bit…)

。。。まさか。あのこえは-!(...Impossible! That voice is-!)

I start walking faster, getting ahead of Guilford and Tamaki, certain that I cannot be mistaken in who the voice joyfully belting out Honey Flash is.

"お願い お願い 傷つけないで!

わたしのハートは チュクチュクしちゃうの!"

onegai onegai kizutsukenai de

watashi no HAATO wa CHUKU CHUKU shichau no

(Please, oh please, don't hurt me!

My heart is pounding, pounding away!)

The instant I cross the threshold of the lounge, my eyes zero in on the stage just across from the entrance, and widen in surprise as my heart stops in my chest for an instant at the sight of Leloucia in a mini-skirt, blouse and high heels, dancing and singing one of my favorite songs next to Milly who is an identical outfit.

"イヤよ イヤよ イヤよ 見つめちゃイヤー

ハニー フラッシュ!"

IYA yo IYA yo IYA yo mitsumecha IYAA

HANII FURASSHU

(Don't, don't, don't stare at me!

Honey Flash!)

Leloucia puts her hand over chest as if covering up, looking away in embarrassment as Milly leers at her before they both pose and finish the next lyric with a wink at the audience.

And I? All I can do is stare as my heart pounds like a drum in my chest, star-struck at this vision of loveliness so at odds with how Leloucia looked the last time I saw her. Instead of a silent, scarred, and listless body on a ventilator barely alive, there is a vibrant and dynamic woman on the stage just as captivating as the day I met her. The room feels rather warm at the moment for some reason...

"今どき 人気の女の子

プクッとボインの女の子"

imadoki ninki no onna no ko

PUKU tto BOIN no onna no ko

(The popular girls these days

Are the girls with big, bouncy breasts.)

Leloucia fans her face with one hand as she croons, Milly hefting up her breasts with a noticeable bounce alongside a wide smile, both of them stepping in time with the beat. Admittedly, my eyes were drawn to Milly's chest for a moment, but now that I'm looking, I can see so many familiar faces sitting around and watching. CC smoking by herself, Nunnally and Euphemia chatting, Cornelia sharing a bottle of tequila with General Tohdoh, and...Kallen?!

When did the red queen return to the fold? And where did she get that red leather jacket? What have I missed since I've been away?

"Kallen? When did you come back?" I ask her, fanning my face as she looks up and blinks in surprise.

"Woah, Kaguya? Where have you been? And I've been back for about a month and a half," she replies with a shrug, taking a pull of her beer, kicking her feet up on the table.

So not overly long then. That does beg the question about what happened to her and where she was.

"The Chinese Federation. I've been setting the stage for the next phase of the Black Knight strategy. And rather disappointed none of you thought to inform me that Leloucia had returned to full health," I comment icily, holding my fan in front of my mouth, eyes smoldering with frustration.

To her credit, the resident tsundere winces and puts her feet down. Perhaps I'm being overly harsh to her. However, given that I've been worried sick about her and how things were going while I've been busy sneaking around the Chinese Federation and working to further the aims of the Black Knights?

I feel entitled to a touch of petulance.

"こっちを向いてよ ハニー

だってなんだか

だってだってなんだもん"

kocchi wo muite yo HANII

datte nanda ka datte datte nanda mon

(Look this way, Honey!

But it's just, but, but it's just a bit…)

Milly and Lulu continue strutting across the stage, casting flirty looks around the room, unaware of the heavy conversation taking place nearby.

An eyebrow raises on my forehead as Kallen sighs, taking another pull of her beer. I really hope a response of some sort is forthcoming, I didn't come all this way to be shut out.

"またくだな。。すまない、かぐや-ちゃん。" (God damnit..I'm sorry, Kaguya-chan.)

Before I can respond, Kallen continues her thought, "I seriously didn't know where you were. I only just got back to being on active duty a few days ago. And before that..I was kinda in a bad place."

Bad place? That sounds rather ominous. Perhaps I am being too hard on her.

"Dare I ask what you mean, or is this a forbidden topic?" I trepidatiously question, lowering my fan slowly to show the concern on my face.

"Got captured by Britannia as a POW, fucking vampire put me through the wringer. Took me a while to get back to my old self."

Vampire? ...Bradley?! Kami-sama, that's where she was?!

"Are you...are you alright?" I hesitantly ask, putting my arm on her shoulder carefully, any animosity I had towards her forgotten.

"It took some serious soul searching and a lot of help from people I love to get back to feeling good. But? I did it, the Red Queen is back in action. Hell, I beat Cornelia's ass in a Gloucester duel to get Big Red back!" she boasts, raising her beer up in a salute, a satisfied smile on her face.

"お願い お願い 近寄らないで

わたしのお鼻が ヒクヒクしちゃうの"

onegai onegai chikayoranai de

watashi no ohana ga HIKU HIKU shichau no

(Please, oh please, don't come close!

My nose is twitching, twitching away!)

"Pshh, yeah. And then you spent that same night breakin' 'im in, am I right?" Tamaki says with a smart alecky grin on his face as Kallen spit takes her beer to the side, flushing red instantly.

"Ara ara? Go on, Tamaki-san. I want to hear exactly what I missed, fu fu fu," I chortle as Kallen frantically waves her arms for him to be quiet.

Tamaki, either by lack of self preservation instinct, or simply enjoying the chance to tease Kallen, continues, "So that night right after she whupped the Witch of Britannia in a duel, she dragged Zero to the Guren and fucked him in the cockpit while she was piloting it at high speed! It was some crazy shit, yo!"

Ara ara~, someone had fun, didn't they? Now I really want to hear the rest of this. My fan waves at Tamaki to continue while my other arm gently holds Kallen by the shoulder to keep her from stopping this, a cheshire smile on my face.

"So the next morning, when security came in to see what dumbass mothafucka was messing with her ride? They were STILL fucking! Hahahahaha!"

Ouu, now that is impressive. But given how he's gesturing, he's clearly not done.

"イヤよ イヤよ イヤよ 見つめちゃイヤー

ハニー フラッシュ!"

IYA yo IYA yo IYA yo mitsumecha IYAA

HANII FURASSHU

(Don't, don't, don't stare at me!

Honey Flash!)

"But the best part? The funniest shit? Kallen here threatened to use the Guren to splatter anybody who interrupted them! Hahahahaha-oof!" he laughs uproariously before being pegged in the head by an ashtray and tackled by a furious Kallen while I laugh hysterically in my seat.

"うるさい、うるさい、うるさい、あの赤色あほ!" (Shut up, shut up, shut up, you red retard!)

The sounds of Kallen smacking Tamaki along with my riotous laughter finally draws the attention of the room, the music cutting off to the sound of high heels clicking as Leloucia and Milly walk over to see what's going on.

"Woah, what the hell set her off-hey, Kaguya is back!" Milly exclaims, bouncing over to wrap me in a hug.

As I bask in the warm glow of Milly's affections and substantial mammaries, CC walks up, whispers in Leloucia's ear with a coy smile, and then winks at her, to which our esteemed leader's face takes on an intrigued expression.

"たつけて、ボス!!" (Help me, boss!) Tamaki yells out as Kallen puts him in a headlock, noogieing him while they roll around on the ground, her legs wrapped around his chest from behind as he struggles to get free.

"Kallen, stop please. It's Tamaki, do you really think hitting him is going to do anything?" she grouses with a roll of her eyes. Well, she's not wrong, but it is rather amusing to watch.

"Tche, fine," she grumbles as she gets off him, Tamaki brushing himself off as he stands up, ready to fire a retort before catching Lulu shaking her head in the negative. Wisely, he takes the hint and ducks out of the way. Surprisingly sensible of him.

"I trust your trip was worthwhile, Kaguya-chan?" Leloucia inquires, a gleam in her eyes that while I am pleased to see that she's focused on the bigger picture? She apparently is due for a reality check.

Fanning my face gracefully, I force a serene smile onto my lips, "Oh it was marvelous, seeing the suffering and misery inflicted on the Chinese Federation by those ball-less pigs, I had a lovely time. Even worrying about you and your delicate state of health, being barely alive and held together with hope, prayers and sutures, why that was nothing to me, a consummate professional to the core. Fu fu fu fu."

The hard edge to my laugh catches the room off guard as I continue to hold my brittle smile, striding up to the now off balance Leloucia, clearly not expecting this.

"While I can understand your wanting to get back to work on saving the world from itself and conquering it under your banner, Leloucia?" I note to the room, snapping my fan closed with a casual gesture as I finally let the smile drop off my face, eyes taking on a hard edge.

"I do not appreciate being left in the dark about your survival and return to full health."

As I said earlier, I feel entitled to a bit of petulance. And Lulu does owe me a great deal for how much time and energy I have put in on her behalf.

"...Wait. Why didn't you know about my being back? Nobody told you?" she asks with a confused blink as I stare incredulously at her.

CC coughs, causing me to look at her, "I instituted a gag order for radio silence regarding your status. No one was to mention your survival on any transmissions out of the base. In fact..you reviewed the order with me and agreed to it once you woke up," she finishes with a raised eyebrow of annoyance.

Leloucia raises a finger to say something, pauses...then lowers it with a half hearted sigh and a shrug.

"...Ah, that. I honestly forgot that I'd agreed to that. My apologies, Kaguya-chan. This is my bad."

…..SHE FORGOT?!

After everything I've been through across the Federation, evading OSI and Chinese intelligence, all the backroom deals, setting up sources for intelligence, and even establishing a line of communication with the Tianzi under the nose of the Eunuchs and Xing-Ke...SHE FORGOT TO TELL ME OF ALL PEOPLE THAT SHE HAD SURVIVED AND WAS FINE?!

このとんでもない娼婦の抑えきれない傲慢! (The unbridled arrogance of this outrageous whore!)

"Come with me, now," I demand, gesturing with my fan towards the exit from the bar, a cold seething anger in my eyes.

Kallen blinks in surprise, then looks over at CC, as if to ask what, if anything, she should do. To her credit, CC shakes her head firmly, putting her arm on Kallen's shoulder gently. Nice to see she understands what's going on here, I'll have to do something nice for her later.

With a resigned sigh and a hand over her face in frustration, Lulu follows me out as I march down the corridor.

"Look, I fucked up, I understand that-"

My hair whirls as I spin around to glare at her, hand gripping my fan tightly, "No, I do not believe you do. Which is why we're going to your room and we're going to have this out right now in private, like partners and fiances are supposed to."

A low blow perhaps, but it has been months since I saw her and this conversation is long overdue. I do care for her, but…

Sometimes I honestly can't stand her.

So if this relationship is going to work, we both apparently need to air some things out.

The door to her lair opens, showing a decent sized but cozily decorated room. Quite a few bottles of alcohol and...other things in one of the cabinets, books, rehabilitation equipment, and what is this? A design sketch book?

あら、あら、おもしろい。(Well, well, interesting.) Someone has been busy. A formidable looking weapon, something to ask her about later.

"Now then, I believe you have a misunderstanding here, Leloucia. One I shall endeavor to correct."

Let's see...ah, this should do nicely for this conversation.

とくべつじゅんまいさけ、ゆきかげ。 (Tokubetsu Junmai Sake, Yukikage/Snow Shadow)

"You believe that you can act with impunity and treat me as a tool for your use, and that I shall simply let such slide due to a lack of options, or because of my own infatuation with you," I declare, pouring out two cups of sake, letting the rich floral scent fill the air for a moment.

"That's rich coming from you, the girl who let me walk into a meeting with her peers unprepared just so you could watch my reaction to them. Don't pretend you haven't been using me as well, Kaguya-chan," she scoffs as she swirls her cup before taking a sip.

Cutting words Lulu. I suppose I deserved that slap across the cheek. Well then, if the gloves are off?

"Ara ara, are we trading barbs now? Shall I remind you of the sadistic deaths you've meted out to those who stand in your way? Or your reckless disregard for your own safety and wellbeing? Or perhaps how easily you break the hearts of those around you with how callous and arrogant you act, hmm? Do you want me to go that far, Leloucia?" I growl out, biting my lip at the pit of resentment festering in my heart.

Her pale face recoils a moment, eyes shimmering with emotion as her lip quivers. I flinch as her gaze hardens, her left hand clenched into a fist as she drains another cup of sake in an instant.

"...Since when was this important to you? You've never asked me about the toll this war has taken on me, never looked at the death toll, or tried to stop me from the butchery I've had to do at times, such as the burakumin, or Yoshino, or even Sawazaki! So getting on your high horse about my actions right now is real fucking cute, Kaguya-chan!" she yells out, loudly putting down the cup, blinking her eyes in anger.

"己。。己、ルルヒャ!" (How dare you...how dare you, Leloucia!) I shriek at her, throwing my fan at her face as I stand up in a huff. How dare she have the temerity to say that to me at this juncture!

"Do you think I honestly give a damn what you did to traitorous mongrels like them?! I applauded it! They earned their traitor's deaths when they sold out my people! And as for the Burakumin? Ha! As if anyone has a right to complain about that vile tradition finally being put to rest! It should have been stopped long ago, just like the misogyny pervading Japanese culture!"

Before she can say anything, I march over, and poke her in the chest, "I have supported you all this time because I believed in what you were doing and your ambition. My country is long since dead and buried. And may it rot in Yomi, for I shall not miss it!"

Leloucia rouses herself from the cobwebs in her head to look up at me with a distant look in her amethyst eyes, "Euphemia said something to me that made me stop and think. She asked me if I wanted to end up exactly like my father. Because, and I quote, 'if you keep terrifying people into submission, that's what will happen if you win,' unquote."

...That is a troubling sentiment. One I think is an exaggeration personally, but I wonder if there may be something to it. But it does not excuse this abdication of her responsibility!

"I came to realize something, Leloucia. Japan deserved to lose. The punishment for losing was far too harsh and excessive in the extreme, but the war itself? We brought that misery upon ourselves. And while you may have qualms about using brutality now, are you perhaps simply trying to assuage your own guilty conscience for what you have done?" I exclaim archly, raising an eyebrow, daring her to try and contradict me.

She smiles wistfully, her long fingers entwining with mine as she speaks, "You may be right. But even if I proclaim 'The only ones who should kill are those prepared to be killed,' does that make killing right? Does that mean brutality and terror are the only ways to rule? Do you really want a world no different than the one we have now, save that you would be at the pinnacle instead of the base of the power structure?"

かみさま。。かんのじょはただしか? (My god...is she right?)

Have I lived so long under the boot of oppression that I cannot conceive of a world without it?

My mind's eye drifts to an image, an ideal. Myself and those around me ruling the world, a world no different than the Britannian empire. An Imperial Japanese Empire, the Rising Sun ascendant across the earth. People subjugated, enslaved, all in service to the eternal glory of Japan...

おぞましよ! (It's repulsive!)

Kami-sama….she..she..she is right. I did want this vile thing!

Ugh, I feel like I'm going to be sick-!

My hand clamps over my mouth to try and hold back the feeling of nausea welling up inside me as I frantically look for the bathroom. Where, where is it?! I can't-ack!

With a sudden motion, Leloucia picks me up in her arms, striding across the room with her long legs, carrying me over to the toilet when I finally lose the battle to hold my equilibrium.

Perhaps it was the sake I had consumed, or something I had for dinner, but whatever the case, my head occupies the toilet for a few minutes as Lulu thankfully holds my hair back, rubbing my back gently.

This...this isn't fair. I wanted to chastise her, to make her understand how badly she was acting. So why? Why am I the one vomiting into a toilet and crying like this?!

My panting form falls back into her arms as I look up, tears running down my cheeks, "You...I hate you. You drive me utterly insane, making me worry so much about you, destroying my poise and decorum, making me question everything I've believed in! Why aren't you crying, you devil wom-!"

Words die in my throat as I finally notice something that I likely discarded in my desire to inflict some measure of my pain on her.

She IS crying as well, tears raining down upon my face as I lay there, looking up at her.

"ゆるしてくれ、すめらぎさま。" (Forgive me, Lady Sumeragi.)

My body is gently pulled upright into her lap as her arms encircle me, rubbing my back as she leans against the wall, her dulcet tones marked with melancholy as she speaks.

"I've been a terrible person to you, taking you for granted, assuming that you'd be there without asking. There's...there's so much you need to know. This war isn't what it seems to be."

またくだな。 (For god's sake.)

"You said I never asked about the toll this was taking on you. I had no idea it was taking a toll on you, you never said anything to me," I accuse, pouting at her and thrusting out my lip.

Perhaps I should have thought to ask. She always exuded such strength, such determination. I simply never thought she needed help in that way.

The dark haired vixen inclines her sharp chin down, our faces eye to eye as she looks at me, "I'm sorry, Kaguya-chan. I should have thought to let you in and tell you about this. We seem to have misread each other badly."

Her head flinches at my touch as my hand caresses her cheek, a stab of pain entering my heart at the reaction.

"Then let me ask now, to share this burden, to be a partner and eventual wife to you, my Demon Queen. Tell me what troubles your heart."

And with that, Leloucia begins talking, and part of me instantly regrets asking.

Codes, Geass, the world of C, my cousin being brainwashed into the Knight of Seven, the Sword of Akasha. It would be easy to dismiss all of this as utter fancy and delusion, save for one thing.

The look of sheer unadulterated stark terror in her eyes and rock solid conviction that she is telling the absolute truth.

By the time she has finished her tale, I am shaking in place as I process the world changing nature of the revelations about this war.

"W-w-when did you learn this?"

Her gaze looks towards the ceiling, attention focused somewhere far from this place and time, "CC was in on the plan until she decided that she had a reason to live after all, and that she could not justify the end of mankind in exchange for her demise."

Knowing what I do now, the source of her newfound conviction is of course obvious.

"A reason you provided, I presume?" I say with a sigh as my torso sags against her.

Eldritch madness, a global conspiracy, immortals existing throughout history, supernatural abilities. Some of this I was already privy to, but failed to consider the implications of such due to how happy I was that Lelouch and Nunnally were still alive. Couple that with my adorably dense cousin finally seeing the light?

Small wonder I didn't consider more closely the nature of such abilities or how they fit into the world. And bitterly ironic that as soon as he found his way back, we have lost him to Lulu's father's accursed geass.

"Lulu..what happened to us? We were getting along swimmingly, our goals and hearts aligned, on the verge of triumph, and now? Now we're at each other's throats because we couldn't understand each other."

"...The fortunes of war changed. You saw the glory of it while we were winning, and when I nearly died? You have now seen the misery of it. We both realized that this wasn't a fairy tale ending where the prince rides off to defeat the wicked king and lives happily ever after. And...let me be blunt. I was in a bad place back in Japan, Kaguya-chan. And I think you know that," she whispers, looking down glumly, her raven hair falling across her face.

Depressing, but accurate. Even so..

"You're wrong."

As she looks up, I hold her chin in my hand, wiping my eyes off, "You are the most duplicitous, conniving, self centered, teasing, stupidly heroic and hypocritical woman I know," I say in an accusing and sharp tone, raising my eyebrow to dare her to contradict me.

"And you have grossly mistaken my character and convictions if you think I would ever abandon you to carry this burden by yourself or give up on our happy ending, you silly melodramatic girl," I declare with an impish smile as I rub my cheek against hers.

It's honestly a relief in some ways to realize the scope of what she's up against, and that she has trusted me enough to tell me the truth. I'm also starting to realize she's just as damaged as my dear Suzaku, just in different ways.

Then again, aren't we all?

"かぐや-ちゃん。。愛してる。" (Kaguya-chan, I love you) she says, a faint smile finally breaking through her morose aura.

"そして私もあなたを愛しています。" (And I love you too.) I reply in turn, planting a kiss on her cheek, smirking at the flush on her face. Fu fu fu, she is so cute when she blushes.

Ara ara, is someone feeling enticed by my presence? My seat in her lap just became a bit uncomfortable~.

"I promise that I will never take you for granted again, and if I ever act stupidly like I did earlier? Do whatever you think necessary to upbraid me for it, I guarantee I'll thank you later," Lulu declares, one hand over her heart as she lowers her head in deference.

Not too long ago, I was looking forward to finally getting the chance to reach the clouds and rain with Lelouch. But seeing Leloucia now, disheveled and unkempt, a radiant smile on her lips, one hand holding me in her lap?

A very different sort of appetite has awakened in me.

"Tell me Lulu, what is your safe word?" I say slyly, a wicked smile forming on my lips at the scarlet painting her cheeks.

"...Ishtar," she mutters, looking away with a blush. Eeee, that is so adorable!

Let's see, what to do with her…

"You know, we never did get to celebrate my last birthday together. And since I'm fifteen years old now, there's something I want for my present. May I presume you and CC have BDSM toys in here somewhere?" I question with a leer as one hand reaches beneath her miniskirt, fingers running teasingly along her bulging panties.

"They're in the bottom drawer of the dresser and the closet-ouu~," she coos out as I firm my grip on her underwear, shaking my head.

"だめ だめ、ルルシア。私を姫さま呼んでください。" (No no, Leloucia. Call me Princess.) I declare imperiously, the haughtiness only somewhat undermine by the flush beginning to decorate my cheeks.

"。。妻はいいですか?" (How about wife?) she delivers breathlessly, moving her hips forward with my caresses.

えええ! (Eee!) That sent shivers down my spine!

"Ara ara, not yet~, though I almost don't want to bully you after hearing you call me that~" I titter, grinding my hips against her skirt, lightly sucking at her long neck, enjoying her reactions to my touch.

Hmm, then again, this is for her pleasure as well. Best to ask.

"Unless you want me to do that? Hmm? Do you want to be bullied, Lulu? Perhaps something else? Tell your princess your desires."

I gently get to my feet, looking down at her, slowly fanning my face at the look of desire apparent in her demeanor. It's been quite some time since we last had any kind of play. And I'm quite eager to hear what she's in the mood for.

"Ahh, use me as your fucktoy. Your sex slave. I want to be degraded, to be taught my place, to learn how a slut like me should serve her princess," she pants out, hands rubbing at her chest before she gets on all fours, her skirt barely hiding the bulge she's carrying.

Fu fu fu fu! Further than I expected, but I dare say I like the idea!

"Fu fu fu fu! Imperious and wicked girl, it is long past time you were chastised for your endless teasing and flaunting of your lewd lascivious body!" I crow, lightly backhanding her across the face with my fan, enjoying the shiver Lulu makes at the hit.

How did I never realize how submissive and erotic she could be? Lelouch/Leloucia is a true switch! This will be so much FUN!

"Come with me, we're going to look through your toys, and pick out some appropriate attire~," I giggle as I gesture for her to come closer, only to slap her across the face with my fan when she tries to stand.

"Crawl, bitch. You're my toy for the night, whore. Fu fu fu fu fu fu!"

Hmm, what to use and what to wear..so many choices. Though sadly, it seems they have little or nothing in my size. I'm sure my breasts and hips grew a little bit, but my height, it seems, made no progress. Oh well, Five feet and one inch is short, but even if I don't manage to grow another inch?

There are some advantages to being a horny loli slut. And being able to be picked up by one of my sexy partners is something I do rather enjoy.

"Disappointing. To think that you could not prepare even a harness or bodice in my size, Leloucia. You wanton Britannian slut," I pronounce, pulling her long hair like a leash. Even with extensions added, she really does have beautiful hair. Perhaps I can persuade her to grow it for real. After all, it's not like it wouldn't suit them regardless of their gender. And I know for a fact CC can fit her hair under the mask, so that's not an impediment either.

A problem for another time however!

"Well then, since you can't provide me with suitable attire, we shall both do without. Strip, you shameless cunt!" I declare, pushing her over, gently stepping on her chest to leer at her, coincidentally giving her a clear view up my skirt as my unoccupied left hand rubs a circle along the wet spot at the front of my thong.

Mmm, yes, shed your inhibitions and hesitations, my Leloucia. I let loose a shuddering breath as her blouse opens to reveal her chest, my toes gently running down her washboard abs.

With a dainty hop, I step back, fanning my face as Leloucia, looking absolutely drunk with lust gently kicks off her high heels, teasingly lowering her skirt inches at a time, the throbbing muscle under her panties staining the front with her juices.

"All of it, you sensuous princess slut~. You don't need or deserve any clothes right now, now when the only thought in your cum addicted brain should be how to please me," I pant out, flipping my skirt up, shamelessly masturbating as my toy slowly divests herself of her garments.

Hmm, why Ishtar..oh. Oh ho ho ho, very clever Leloucia. A goddess who descended to the underworld, but was forced to remove her clothes and jewels at the gates protecting the realm, thereby stripping her of her power and authority.

A suitable symbol of submission to my whims indeed.

With a movement so slow and sensuous as to be deliberately practiced, her panties slide down her legs, the fabric held between the toes of her left foot as her hands cover her crotch demurely, looking away like a virgin maiden. Hiding the denouement till the last then? I suppose it's my turn.

"Ahh, look at me Lulu. Does my small petite form entice you? Do you dream about taking me for your whims?" I ask, letting my blouse drop down my shoulders, my bare chest shivering at the exposure. I don't usually wear a bra, partially because my breasts are small enough that I don't really need the support. And partially because I dislike the feeling of them.

"I'm going to tell you a secret, Leloucia. One I don't think I've shared with anyone else to date," I say with a flirty wink, turning around to shake my ass slowly at her face, my short skirt flapping up and down like a wave.

"I, Kaguya Sumeragi, am a horny bitch, much like yourself. And I love being naked," I declare, letting my skirt and panties drop down, bending over to give her a clear look at my exposed holes, a breathy moan escaping my lips.

Admittedly, I'm playing this up a bit, but sometimes it's fun to go wild. Which is doubly ironic and amusing, considering that Leloucia, embodiment of ham that she is, is currently my sex toy.

My hips cock to the side as I stand up, turning around gracefully, reaching up to my forehead to remove the last article of clothing I'm wearing, my diadem. A family heirloom, one I greatly treasure and almost never take off.

Is it peculiar that taking this off, this small inconsequential thing when I am already completely exposed, is what sets my cheeks blazing red with embarrassment and feverish heat? My core churns with liquid fire, liquid dripping from my labia as I undo my braids, letting my long hair hang loosely like a curtain of black velvet across my chest and behind my back.

"Clothes are a thing I enjoy at times, but if I could, I would go without them whenever I desire to relax. Do you know how long it took me to prepare for a typical day in my position as part of the six houses?" I grouse, fanning my face both as a nervous gesture, and because I am actually quite warm at the moment despite my lack of attire.

"If I had to guess, Hime-sama, an hour or a few?" she opines, still trying to hide her crotch and it's reaction to me. Sooo cute.

"Indeed. Worse on the rare occasions when I had to wear Junihitoe. Twelve layers of clothing does look incredibly striking but it is arduous to put on. But when I want to relax? Baring it all and exposing my tight, wet, virgin body is exactly what I need to wind down. Tell me, do you like looking at me, Lulu? Your princess commands you to speak the truth, slave," I chortle, one finger lazy tracing it's way around my nipple, fan tapping at my chin.

"Hime-sama, I would be lying if I said anything other than you arouse my intellect as much as you arouse my libido. Yes, you are quite petite, but I am a woman of eclectic tastes. From fire crotch muscular tsunderes like Kallen, to unbeatable bitchy asses like CC's, to fun size lolita sluts like you, or hard muscular hung studs like Suzu? I. Want. It. All," Leloucia declares, one hand under her chin in an oujo pose while the other moves from between her legs to framing her throbbing erection, testicles swaying as she sits up on her knees, arching her back to thrust her hips forward.

"Fu fu fu fu, let's put that silver tongue of yours to work, slave. Lick," I punctuate my command by lifting my left foot up to her mouth, using the fingers of my free hand to spread my labia open, winking my lower lips at her.

Ahh, now this is how a lady establishes her dominance. Forcing a haughty hammy bitch to strip herself naked, exposing herself like a wanton slut, and then making her lick your feet. It's less the footplay and more the act itself, though Leloucia is quite adept with her tongue as she kisses and licks along my toes and ankle...

"Kneel before your princess and worship me with your serpent's tongue, slave girl! Fu fu fu fu fu fu!" my haughty laugh would sound condescending, if I wasn't struggling not to moan and Leloucia's face looking up at me like a miko receiving a divine revelation.

Ouu, what should, ahh, I do next...aha! This should work nicely.

"Stop for a moment, slave. Put these on, and then resume your worship," I hold out a combination silicone cock ring and jeweled anal plug between my fingers, giggling perversely at how her face lights up.

Before she can take it from me, I smack her cheek with my fan, shaking my head in disapproval.

"Spread your legs open to put yourself on display like the prize bitch you are," I command her, tweaking her nipple, which elicits a cry of both pain and arousal from her.

"はい、姫さま。あなたの願いは私の命令です。" (Yes, my princess. Your desire is my command.) she proclaims, standing up, then lowering her upper body to put her head on the rug, her legs spreading apart as her anus winks at me, her cock dangling and dripping pre as she pants.

Her nimble fingers on her left hand glide around her ring before pushing a single finger inside as the right hand slowly brings the plug upward. With a gasp and a whimper, the plug meets brief resistance before sliding inside her, her right hand fondling her testicles as the silicone ring slides over her shaft before resting at the base.

All while I gaze intently with rapt attention, my finger slowly schlicking my wet eager pussy.

Licking my lips like a cat about to devour the canary, I glide along the floor, picking up something from the pile of toys...before rearing back and striking her pale full ass with a leather riding crop.

"Ahh~!"

The crop strikes out again, nailing the other cheek, and again forcing a shriek from her lips.

Mmm, let's add a little spice to this.

"Tell me why you deserve to be whipped by my riding crop, slave slut!" I demand as I slap her cheeks with a lighter stroke from my implement, her legs shivering from even that much touch.

"Ahh! Because I'm a slut extraordinaire! Hopelessly addicted to sex!" she cries out, her cock throbbing in the ring around her shaft. A ring that even now, serves to deny her release.

Am I drooling? How uncouth and vulgar of me, fu fu fu fu~. She is an incredibly appealing target, and I can't deny I'm really enjoying this.

"大声で!" (Louder!) I yell, grinning from ear to ear as I slap her quivering ass with the riding crop with forehand and backhanded strokes, the pale flesh gradually turning red and angry.

"I'm a whore! An useless horny bitch only good for serving cock and cunt!" she shrieks, legs shaking as she looks back at me, hot breath coming from her open mouth in pants, eyes wild with love and lust.

"Fu fu fu fu! Take your punishment like a good little cunt then, Leloucia! Spread your hole open!" I cackled in delight as I rear back for one last good strike to finish this up.

"くらえ、ルルシア!" (Take this, Leloucia!) I crow as I strike with my backhand at-!

"Owww! Ishtar, ishtar!" she shrieks, falling over, gritting her teeth in pain as I put my hands over my mouth mortified at what I just did. In my zeal to punish her, I accidentally struck her in the taint, narrowly missing her testicles.

"Lulu! Oh kami, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I plead as I drop the crop, rushing over to hold her in my arms as she gasps in pain, muscles tensed as she shivers on the floor.

"Owww...my balls..," she whimpers, tears in her eyes as I hold her hand, rubbing her back to try and distract her.

"I'll get some ice, stay right here!" I declare as I run over to the kitchen, grabbing a few ice cubes in my hand and running back to her immediately. I pick one up with my left hand, gently rubbing it along her taint, eliciting a hiss from her as the ice makes contact with her skin.

"Oh kami, Lulu, I..I..," I try to say something, on the verge of tears, afraid that I'd seriously hurt her while I was riding high off the cloud of endorphins and arousal.

"It's..ow..ok. Things happen...oof. Didn't think you...hit that hard," she rasps out, turning over onto her stomach, taking slow deep breaths, sweat dripping from her forehead.

The red on her perineum is fading away slowly, so the damage likely isn't too bad. Still an uncomfortable scare to have happen during sex.

"Are you feeling any better?" I say, stroking her hair as her breathing evens out, eyes closed in relief as the ice melts against her skin from the heat.

Her hand rises up, patting my knee gently, "Let's take a quick break for water, I need a minute after that."

It takes me a minute or so to find a glass of water and a straw so she can sip without having to sit up all the way. Taking a break to rehydrate is probably a good idea regardless of the circumstances.

"As mistakes go? That could have been a lot fucking worse," she chuckles, brushing a lock of hair from her face after sipping down some water. As expected, she's making light of it despite how serious it could have been.

"Lulu, do you want to stop? We can resume another time. I really didn't want to hurt you like that," I say, biting my lip in nervousness as I lie on the rug next to her on my stomach. This is embarrassing in the worst possible way.

Being naked and exposed is the fun kind of embarrassment. Feeling miserable because you just almost struck your lover in the testicles is not fun at al-

"Oh hell no. I was really enjoying that till you almost slapped my balls off. I had no idea you were such a natural domme, Kaguya-chan," she utters nonchalantly, winking at me with a smile on her lips.

"Dirty Britannian bitch," I reply, giggling to myself.

"Kinky Japanese slut," she quips in return, unable to hold back her amusement as our hands find each other, fingers wrapping together like vines.

This is quite lovely honestly. Sharing this moment, here, right now, just the two of us.

"I missed you." "I missed you too."

Sometimes a kiss is just a kiss. And sometimes, it's a declaration of love so profound it can't be translated into spoken word. The kiss I'm sharing with her right now, is most definitely the latter.

"Next time, I'll ask CC how to aim better," I proclaim with a cheeky cat-like smile as Leloucia laughs out loud.

"Hahahaha! Kiss my ass, Kaguya!"

Mmm, why not? I do owe her an apology~.

"Gladly. I'd love to rim your tight little hole. いただきます~。" (Bon appetit~) I reply as I crawl between her legs, licking the red marks on her ass, making her gasp in surprise.

"Ahh!" she squeals, shivering in place, her ass shining red from the marks I put on her as I slowly work the plug inside her back and forth, in and out, all while she writhes helplessly under my touch.

"Do you want to cum, slut~?" I whisper to her, pulling the plug out as I spit, lubricating her anus, teasing the opening with my fingers.

Lulu's answer is a plaintive whine as she gets to her hands and knees, seeking to relieve the pressure in her balls. Both of which are throbbing and pulsing with need. Mmm, how delightful, I wonder how they'll taste?

My slave's wanton sounds increase in volume as I try to take one of her testicles into my mouth, bathing it with my tongue, relishing the taste of her on my lips, all while my fingers caress the other one, alternating between it and her pulsing shaft.

"姫さま、おねがい!" (Princess, please!) she pleads with me, her eyes watering, hips daring to thrust from my ministrations. Fu fu fu, what a wonderful sound. To have the Demon Queen, the lady who will rule the world, exposed and wanton, crying out in need as I toy with her…

Ahh, to think I could get this wet~.

"Beg. Beg to cum for me. To dedicate your semen for my pleasure and satisfaction, Leloucia."

An outside observer might at first glance consider this sexual torture to be somewhat cruel, given how much she's plainly straining to release. But that would be overlooking how incredibly aroused she and I both are. I am the mistress, and she is the slave. The nature of this sort of play is mistaken often for the submissive being abused and tormented for the dominant's pleasure.

Which is an insulting shallow view of it, though one that is common among many people. My task as mistress is to give her what she needs and wants. Hence why the safeword, the ultimate ability to stop the scene and say something is wrong, lies in her hands, not mine. The submissive is the one who holds the reins on how far things go.

The dominant must know their submissive, to know how far they can push them, their limits, their desires, how to take them to the edge of their limits. The boundary between pleasure and pain. The act of domination and submission is a dance, it flows between both sides. She entreats me to punish her, to take her, whereas I in turn, goad her to act, demand her supplication and surrender.

"君の!私の精液は君の、姫さま!!" (Yours! My semen is yours, Princess!) she cries out plaintively, hips wiggling back and forth, panting like the bitch in heat she is.

Fu fu fu fu, exquisite. My left hand, which had been plundering the depths of my own vagina, pulls out, slick with feminine cum, to lather my juices on her testicles and shaft as I crawl around to her front, planting a kiss on the engorged mushroom head.

"Mmm, sit up on your knees, and cum for me, Leloucia~," I demand imperiously, removing the cock ring in a single motion, opening my mouth and panting like a dog.

"姫さま!行く!!!" (Princess! I'm cumming!) she screams out loud, the pressure in her balls finally too much to bear as her cock sprays out a shower of seminal fluid all over my upper body, my tongue extended to catch the salty taste in my mouth.

Ah, ah, ah, the sight of Lulu in such ecstasy, her muscles taut with the exertion of release, the sweat dripping down her body-it's overwhelming me!

"きゃああ!!" (Kyaaa!)

A feminine squeal of release bursts from my mouth as my pussy squirts onto her legs, my arms holding onto her as I fight to stay upright, only to pull her to her hands and knees by accident, her penis still discharging it's delicious payload onto my face.

"Ah, ah, ah, ah!" she keens, her arms holding her torso above my face as I lick up her cum like a cat enjoying a bowl of cream, before turning around to pull her shaft into my mouth to ensure I don't lose the last discharge.

"Kaguyaaaaaa!" Lulu cries out, finally letting the last of her backed up semen out, gasping for air as I suckle at her sensitive phallus, eyes looking up in glee at her quivering testicles and ass.

My eyes widen as she falls over, forcing her full shaft into my throat, face falling into my open legs, her hot breath on my wet hole sending shivers down my spine. Something I'd most definitely enjoy normally, but unfortunately right now, I can't breathe!

Quickly I tap her leg to alert her that this is not something I'm enjoying. Air fills my lungs after a moment when she rolls over, a sheepish look on her face as she pants for air.

"He he he, sorry. I almost blacked out for a moment from how hard I came, wasn't trying to choke you, Kaguya-chan," she says apologetically, her hand holding my cheek as I spoon against her.

"Fu fu fu, I don't mind gagging on your cock, Leloucia. I just need to be prepared for it~," I whisper, nipping at her chest as we snuggle together.

Not the evening I was expecting, but certainly not one I am objecting to by any means. Being together with her, sharing this closeness and intimacy, it's everything I dreamed of.

Well, not quite everything…

"You know Lulu, there is something else I want to do with you, something I've been thinking about for a very, very, long time," I declare with a smile promising perversity, mischief and enjoyment, my lips capturing hers as we roll on the carpet in each other's arms.

"Ara ara? You need but ask, Hime-sama," she says in a sibilant sotto voce voice in my ear, causing me to shiver against her. Whatever her sex at a given moment, Leloucia vi Britannia is not someone one anyone can easily say no to.

As I sit up, I turn around, lowering my ass onto her face, my mouth letting a soft coo of air onto her cock, causing it to spurt a bit of pre on my lips, an action that only widens the smile I'm wearing.

But before pleasure, there is a bit of business I need to address first.

"I must confess, there is something I did while I was abroad that you...may not approve of," I mutter nervously, knowing this would come sooner or later.

Lulu stops breathing in my scent, spanking me to move as she sits up, an intense look on her face, her hands gathering her hair up, straightening out the loose ends with her longer fingers.

"This must be important if you're interrupting this to tell me. So spit it out. What did you?"

With my face turned away, hair hanging askew, biting my lip as Lulu sits seiza style in judgement, I must look like a schoolgirl about to be punished, albeit one wearing far less than normal.

"I...I had to tell Lihua you were alive. I gave her a means to contact me."

There it is. The one thing I was expressly told not to do, letting anyone know that Zero yet lives.

Her hand rises up, rubbing her forehead as she looks down in thought, "May I ask why?"

"Because she is my friend. And I could not stand to see her in such abject despair, trapped in that cold miserable place, imprisoned by those worthless cockless vermin-" my voice takes on a heated tone, fists bunching together on my knees as I look at Lulu's face, searching for her reaction..only for my eyes to widen as she kisses me on the lips.

"Then no more need be said. You did the right thing, Kaguya," she pronounces, holding my face with both hands as I look at her in dumbfounded wonder.

"But..I betrayed your trust..I promised CC I would not say-"

Her finger touches my lips, her head shaking in the negative, "And I outrank CC, in case you forgot. And I say you did the right thing, no one should feel such despair like your friend does. Really, you thought I'd be angry or say you shouldn't have?"

There is a bit more to it. Namely that I fear what Lihua's future fate in her hands might be...

"...I was never sure what your plans for China were. You are a ruthless and dangerous woman, Lulu."

It hurts to doubt her like this, to worry about what she might do. But I know her, I know what is capable of. I have to be certain before I introduce them to each other.

"I never believed you would abuse her or hurt her physically. But disgracing her name, using her as a puppet, or casting her down in order to cement your own rule?"

"That, I am less certain of. And thus I am forced to ask, what are your plans for China, Leloucia?"

There. It's out in the open. A blatant signal that I do not trust her. Something my heart aches at having to do-ow!

My hand rubs my nipple where she flicked me with her finger, a look of resigned annoyance on her face.

"She's younger than Nunnally, first off. And extremely sheltered. I should be hurt, I should be pissed at you for doubting me. But?"

With a graceful turn of her body, she stands up, walking over to her dresser, bending over to pick up something before walking back and sitting down, taking out a joint from her cigarette case and putting it in her lips as she lights up, taking a deep pull.

"You're not the first person to chastise me for letting my bloodlust and ambition overwhelm my better judgement. And if there's one thing I'm grateful for, it's that all the people I'm close to slash involved with are willing to challenge me, to call me out on my bullshit," she comments with a wistful smile, blowing out a smoke cloud.

"In truth, I have some ideas for China. CC has filled me in on some of your plans and whom you've been in touch with, so we'll have options to make things go our way. However, that isn't what you were asking. You're less concerned about China, and more what will happen to Jiang Lihua, the symbol of the Chinese Federation, am I right?"

A slow nod is my only response, waiting for her to elaborate.

"I've done some terrible things in pursuit of my dream, Kaguya. But if it comes down to hurting an innocent girl, one who never asked for all that she has endured, someone who exemplifies the kind of people that the Black Knights were founded to protect?"

Her violet eyes blaze with passion as she stands up, gesturing with her hand to the side in a motion brimming with gravitas, "Regardless of the politics, your friend is an innocent in danger first and foremost. The creed of the Black Knights demands that we act."

"To not save her, to refuse to act on our very creed? That denies justice itself. Something I cannot, and will not, ever countenance."

She kneels in the knight's pose, her hair falling like a curtain around her as she bows her head,

"Whatever happens politically afterwards, I will not let her come to harm. She will be party to any discussion that happens and a willing participant in figuring out a solution, one that lets her be free to choose her own destiny without the yoke of oppression she's lived under."

Maybe it's the cynic in me, the part of me that doesn't feel inclined to trust in altruism, that doesn't believe in fairy tales of heroes and people being better than we think they are. But..

My heart aches that I didn't have more faith in her.

And even if she does stray from her convictions at times? She has the strength of character to accept being told that she is wrong. A king or queen who thinks themselves infallible, that none can speak freely to, is one that does not deserve to rule. Lulu has seen that firsthand with her father, I should have realized she would strive to avoid such in her own rule.

"Leloucia, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-" "No."

She interrupts me, shaking her head from side to side slowly, a solemn look on her face as she pulls me to her lap, both our eyes wet with emotion as we embrace.

"No, Kaguya. Never, ever, stop criticizing me. Never stop challenging me to be better. I need it, and so do you. We owe people like Nunnally, like Lihua, like all our friends and family, to be better."

Her hand holds my chin, wiping the tears from my eyes, "After all, if you're going to be my wife, or vice versa, we can't afford to let each other fall behind, can we?"

A yelp of surprise is all she can get out as I push her down, mashing our lips together as my hips grind against hers, my wet slit dripping over her crotch, feeling her cock harden against my ass.

To think I could fall in love with her even more than I had! That my passion for her could reach even greater heights as her heart opens up to me!

"I love you. I love CC, I love Kallen, I love Milly, I love Suzaku, but I love you most of all, Leloucia," I say breathlessly, wiggling my ass up and down her hardening shaft, as I pant with desire, arms wrapped around her neck.

And since Lulu has earned my trust and proven herself to me? It's time to let her in on a little secret.

This time, it is I who is doing the pose associated with haughty noblewomen, mischief alight in my eyes as I twirl the fingers of my left hand around her nipple.

"Tell me Leloucia, what would be your reaction if I told you that the means of communication I left for Lihua will allow us to communicate with her undetected once we are off the coast of China, and that it contains a homing beacon?" I finish with a dramatic flourish, holding my hair across my mouth like a veil playfully, waiting to see how she reacts.

"You...you actually…," she mutters, eyes blinking slowly in disbelief as I giggle at her poleaxed expression, viscerally enjoying the moment.

"Yes! Praise your princess, Lulu! Praise me and let me savor this moment, the moment I caught YOU so off guard that you're speechless! Fu fu fu fu fu fu!"

Oh yesss, this is something rich and succulent to savor. The great and terrible Zero, dumbstruck by a girl younger than her, pinned beneath her naked body. Fu fu fu fu fu fu fu!

Eh? What is that rumbling feeling rising up through my stomach? I look down as my laughter abates, and immediately rendered silent.

Leloucia's face is lit up with a smile. But no ordinary smile is this one. It is the very image of her personal gravity made manifest.

"You will pardon me, Hime-sama. But I feel compelled to indulge in something I have not done in some time."

With a squeak issuing from my lips, she sits up, holding me in her arms, a great and terrible flame burning in her eyes as she takes in a deep breath.

"For you, my darling bamboo princess whom I love so dear? You have given me the key, TO CHINA ITSELF! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" she roars with outrageous and terrible laughter, her face alight in devilish joy, and all I can do is stare in wonder at her

To be honest, I have heard of her penchant for indulging in this sort of thing secondhand, but this is my first time seeing it in person.

Is it wrong that I find it intimidating, awe-inspiring, a bit terrifying...and that it's making me unbelievably horny?

It takes her a minute or so to finally come down from her high, which is very impressive lung capacity actually. But come down she does, her eyebrow raised in surprise.

"Usually when I do that, someone decides to do something to shut me up. I find myself curious why that didn't occur this time," she muses aloud, laying back down, one hand cupping my modest breasts, the other playing with my long hair, twirling it between her fingers.

"That, my dear demon queen, is because I enjoyed it. And it would be hypocritical of me to reprimand you for indulging your inner villainess when I have been doing much the same. However?"

My sentence hangs in the air with a pregnant pause as I sit up, straddling her stomach and adopting a disapproving glare on my face, my arms crossed under my breasts. She really does need a reminder who is in charge at the moment.

"What were we just discussing regarding Lihua and how you would handle the situation? Do remind me, slave queen."

Fu fu fu fu, I can almost see the sweat forming on her brow. Yes Lulu, you did indeed just contradict yourself. And you forgot whom you are speaking to.

"He he he, I simply couldn't help myself. It would be a betrayal of who I am not to indulge myself and go wild every often," she says with a nervous giggle, smiling guiltily at me, before gasping as I give her testicles a gentle squeeze, reaching behind me with my right hand, a devilish smile rising on my lips.

"Tisk, tisk, tisk, Leloucia. I don't mind you going wild. You simply need to remember what you promised, and where you are occasionally, such as right now. You require a lesson in obedience," I pronounce, backhanding her with my left hand, watching the flush in her cheeks return, feeling her hot breath on my chest.

"On your back and lick, bitch," I coo, pushing her down and scooting onto her face, leaving a trail of fem cum across her chest, letting out a moan as she eagerly begins to obey.

Mmm, now this is a good use of her lying, duplicitous, oh so sensual and silky tongue-aahh!

A keening noise erupts from my throat as my deepest places are opened and licked, Lulu's hands groping my ass. Ah, ah, ah, ah, it feels so good! Dainty fingers grip onto her scalp, pulling her hair to bring that silver tongue of hers closer.

"Ah, ah, ah! That's it, lick me deep, you princess whore! Clean my filthy cunt like the horny slut you are!"

Fu fu fu fu! This is wonderful! Dominating Leloucia isn't what I thought my first time with Lulu would be like, but it's shaping up to be a memorable experienceeeee!

My mouth opens wide as I climax with a high pitched squeal, holding my partner's hair as I use her face to ride out my orgasm.

All while Lulu slurps at the juices running into her mouth, prolonging my orgasm, her strong fingers gripping my peachy ass.

No more waiting. It's time I rode her dry.

Taking a moment to catch my breath, I toss my hair back as I look down at the sweat on her brow, feeling the warmth of her body against my own.

"Leloucia, hold still," I command as I raise up my hips, one hand, holding her cock, the other on her chest to steady myself as I position myself to-

"Wait Kaguya, that might-"

My vagina plunges down onto her cock, instantly sending a shiver of pain through me, the blood from my hymen dripping down onto her crotch.

"..hurt. Are you alright?" she says with a wince, holding my sides with concern written on her face.

In hindsight, dropping crotch first onto her cock when my virginity was still intact was perhaps not the most well thought out plan.

"Ack..I will be. I..I refused to wait any longer. I've wanted you Lulu, I've wanted you since I was seven years old when I realized you were that obnoxious demon of the forest who taunted me and made me realize what a childish brat I was being."

To her credit, she tries to repress the sigh she obviously wants to make at my saying that, her hand holding my cheek gently.

"Not that I don't appreciate that you waited, but I am surprised you still had the hymen."

Taking credit for jump starting my libido, are we?

"Oh I was tempted, but I felt that adhering to tradition was important here," I reply coyly, a finger planted across my lips.

That provokes a reaction from the princess, namely her rolling her eyes in annoyance, "You know I don't give a shit about-"

My finger moves to press across her lips this time, as I shake my head in the negative.

"Not that tradition," I say, winking at her to show my mutual disdain for the misogynist idea of 'virginity' being a requirement for women before they're married. Men are allowed to fuck around all they desire, but women must remain pure, virginal and untouched till their wedding day, and then only with their husbands.

Gah. A tradition I am happy to see dead and buried, thank you. Credit to Britannia in at least one regard, they at least treat their women as equals, which is more than I can say about my former country.

"Rather than that bit of sexist barbarism, I had my own idea. There is a tradition of kings, or queens in this case, being anointed with oil at the time of their coronation, yes?" I inquire, wondering what her reaction will be to this bit of amusement.

"It's more of a Europian thing honestly. Britannia doesn't like to use anything related to Christian traditions after the numerous times they've been at odds with the Catholic church. Our traditions are more Celtic in origin, with some outside influence from various places. Such as, for example, various Scandinavian influences after the failed invasion in the nine hundreds."

Ah. Something I was unaware of. It's such a pity their current culture is so toxic, Britannian culture has quite a fascinating history.

"Something I'd be glad to hear about another time. But I digress. My point was, that I had the idea of a different sort of anointment."

Ahah. She's starting to figure it out, now the denouement.

"After all, should not a Demon Queen be anointed by blood, particularly the blood of the people she claims as hers? Fu fu fu fu," I gloat, performing a mock curtsey, my face lowered close enough to see the violet irises in her pretty eyes.

"...I don't know whether to be awed, squeamish or humbled."

That look, that moment of comprehension, that realization of my intent. A pleasure most sublime for the senses.

"As you like to say? Just. As. Planned," my soft voice declares, pecking her on the lips before I sit back up.

"Although, if I'd known it would hurt this much, I might have reconsidered," I grumble with a wince, steadying myself so I don't move, only for her to hold out one of her joints up in the air between us.

"Seeing as my own injuries are acting up, time for a smoke break?" she offers, her free hand tensed and gripping the carpet.

Oh. I hadn't realized she was still in pain at times.

"Are you alrig-" "I'm fine, just need to smoke or take things occasionally. Damned phantom nerve syndrome acting up. So, what do you say?"

Hmm. An intriguing thought. Drugs are a vice I haven't really indulged myself in. Not because I disapprove of them, but because I didn't see the need. Though I admit, the prevalence of refrain and my own position as a head of the six houses of Kyoto likely had a large part to do with my hesitance.

But now? Kyoto is down to Taizo and myself, and perhaps Takeshi, Lord Yoshino's grandson, if he managed to escape the purge from Bradley.

Why should I even bother not indulging myself? If this mad ambition of Lulu's succeeds, Japan and the world will have the kind of ruler it deserves and I will answer to no one.

"Why not. I'm around you enough that I may as well see what's so tantalizing about it."

Her arms move to my sides, holding my thighs, "Let me lift you up and-" before she can finish, I bat her hands away and narrow my eyes at her questioning look.

"Oh no you don't. I spent years dreaming about being in this position, being impaled cunt first on you. You are not taking me off, until WE get off."

Ara ara, is she blushing? Leloucia looks off to the side demurely, "How embarrassing and humiliating. Bullied by a loli slut."

Cheeky girl. When she looks like that, with those seductive eyes, her lips open, breathing softly?

"That's Princess loli slut to you," I chortle as I hold the joint to my lips, taking a pull as she lights it for me.

When she looks like that? My body tingles with lust and desire.

Interesting taste, a bit fruity-ack!

The room fills with the sound of coughing, my lungs burning as I gasp and wheeze, feeling as though one of my errant lungs is going to jump out of my throat.

"Kaguya, this isn't normal gangja. It's high CBD for pain medication, so it's a fair bit harsher than normal," she remarks in an exasperated tone as she pats my back carefully.

The warning would have been appreciated beforehand! I settle for a combination of pouting&glaring at her.

"Here, try this one, and this time? Toke slowly, take air into your lungs carefully, and then breathe out after a few seconds," she says, handing me a different joint from her case.

Very well. Yosh, Kaguya-chan, you can do this. It can't be that hard.

Ack! Ow ow ow! Why is this so damned hard?!

"Kaguya. Slow. Take air in carefully, try to stop coughing."

A few seconds of frustration later, the sound of my coughing finally subsides as I lay against her chest, her right hand rubbing my lower back, left stroking my hair.

"That was thoroughly unpleasant."

Lulu smiles knowingly at me, and I can tell she's trying not to laugh at the expression on my face.

An indeterminate amount of time later, my body feels lighter, and the pain between my legs is abating. Why does my mouth feel so dry though?

"So, how are you feeling?"

If I had to put a word to it? Silly.

It's hard to explain, but everything feels rather silly and absurd right now. Here I am, a Japanese princess, in the middle east, smoking with a genderfluid girl as we have sex, her for her nerve damage, and me because I was foolhardy enough to drop my cute little ass slit first onto her cock.

"Fu fu fu fu," I giggle, snuggling against her chest, a tightness in my chest flowing away as I relax.

Leloucia raises an eyebrow, "Something I said?"

Giggling as a goofy smile blooms on my face, I lick her cheek, prompting a blink of surprise.

"You're cute," I declare, rocking my hips slowly, humming in pleasure at how good it feels.

Her mouth opens with a sharp intake of air, which I take the opportunity to use for a kiss, our tongues entwined in a dance of tonsils and saliva.

"And you're mine."

With that statement, I raise up my hips enough to leave only the tip of her penis inside me, before letting my ass drop onto her lap, making me gasp out loud.

"Ahh!" I cry out, shivering as I arch my back, hands on her legs as I steady myself.

My core throbs with need as I raise and lower my hips, Lulu having taken my moving to mean we can resume our lovemaking in earnest, starts with her hands toying with my breasts, teasing them, cupping them, fingers catching my nipples between them as she pinches-ahh!

"Aaahhh!" I squeal, my hands grasping her chin to hungrily kiss her, idly aware of her hands on my hips as she stands up, kyaa!

The feeling of her position changing and her penetrating to a greater depth than laying flat on her back allowed causes my labia to spasm as I orgasm, dripping my ejaculation down her shaft, an animalistic growl emanating from her lips as she bares her teeth in a beastial and rapacious smile that steals my breath away.

"Kaguya, I think I'm about to go wild. May I?" she purrs out like lioness about to pounce for the kill, her long hair swaying, sweat running down her cheeks as her eyes begin to glow red. But not the unholy red of geass' cursed symbol. No, this is the entire eye lighting up and shimmering red. So rather than my heart clenching in terror at the sight after everything I've learned about the burden she bears?

Instead my pussy shivers in delight as I wrap my arms around her neck, batting my eyes at her coquettishly.

"Make me a woman, your woman, Leloucia. I love you."

"私も愛している。さあて、いってみよ!" (I love you too. Well then, here we go!) she avows, winking at me as her artificial nerves glow softly before using her hands to lift me up like an onahole and then releasing her grip just enough to let me slip down her dick.

Without a doubt, I am going to be very sore and tired tomorrow from all of this. But?

This is everything I wanted and more.

"もっと!もっといい!" (More! I want more!) my voice cries out at the glorious standing fuck I am receiving, Lulu womanhandling me with ease as though I were a feather pillow.

"Ah, ah, ah! You're tight like a velvet vise, hime-sama!" she grits out, her hips pistoning her cock in and out of me, making me shriek with delight as my deepest places are opened up, my lips sucking at her neck like a vampire.

More, more, more! I want everything she can give! Her cock throbbing inside me, her balls slapping against my cunt lips, her kisses raining down on my cheeks and plundering my mouth, her hands gripping my ass like a predator cornering it's prey!

"Lulu, inside! Cum inside me! I want to feel your cum inside my tight little princess cunt!" I squeal, biting her lip as she pants with exertion, our bodies burning hot against each other, a heat only matched by the passion we feel at the moment.

"Can't! Hold it! おりゃ!!いくよ、かぐや!" (Oryaaa! I'm cumming, Kaguya!) she screams out as her orgasm makes her eyes roll back, her body stumbling backwards onto the bed, an act matched by my own loss of control as every part of my body lights up in pleasure, unable to speak as I tighten up to milk every drop from her thoroughly teased and aroused testicles.

I-I-I can't even speak! It's so intense! The heat inside me, feeling her cum spilling inside!

"きゃああ!!" (Kyaaah!) my mouth releases a high pitched noise as yet another orgasm hits, before I bonelessly slump over, panting for air.

...Where am I? I had the most wonderful dream, I was with Lulu and-...oh. It wasn't a dream.

Did I blackout from how intense that was?

Kami-sama, that was….absolutely magnificent.

Wait, is Lulu alright? I look up to see her breathing deeply, her hips shaking as she blinks her eyes, looking around in a daze.

"Phew...that was intense. Was it good for you, 変態ちゃん?" (Hentai-chan?) she whispers in my ear, her tongue licking along my ear, making me sigh in happiness.

"Good was you fucking my face while CC licked my slit. The proper word for our lovemaking just now? That would be sublime, fu fu fu fu."

While I obviously wouldn't want to go through the heartache of almost losing her again, I can say that it was worth the wait.

"Catch our breath for abit, then resume?" she says, spanking me lightly, making me let out a squeak. Insatiable slut~.

A thought occurs to me at the moment.

"I do have a question, now that I think about it. What was that thing in your sketchbook?"

Her eyes close, the satisfied smile she's been wearing staying plastered to her lips as she speaks, "That, is something special I've had Rakshata working on for some time. Along with another project or two. And tomorrow, I'll be unveiling them as part of a big announcement."

"But for now? Now we rest, relax, and resume trying to fuck each other senseless in a bit."

Fu fu fu, a lovely idea~.

If anyone didn't know where I was last night? The unmovable satisfied smile on my lips should be clear evidence. Part of me is annoyed that Leloucia left a hickey on my upper neck, especially when she doesn't have to worry about them since the Zero suit hides everything!

On the other hand, why should I care about hiding it? A woman has to occasionally mark her territory, fu fu fu fu.

"You, look like the canary that ate out the cat," CC chortles as she sits down next to me, her eyes noting the hickey on my neck briefly.

The spine of my fan expands as I giggle behind it, casting a sultry look at the queen of hell, "I can say that I was extremely satisfied with L's performance as a submissive. And that I am seated due to my legs being less than cooperative."

"Ouu, spill the deets, girl! You two looked like you were about to bite each other's heads off when you left last night," Milly remarks from my other side.

"Ara ara, a lady doesn't kiss and tell. At least, not in public, fu fu fu. Ask me after whatever Zero has planned," I remark, reminding her that we are in a public space, a hanger bay awaiting today's announcement of..whatever Zero has planned for the day. Someday I really do have to break him of that annoying habit of not telling anyone what he's planning.

Command staff get chairs up on stage, everyone else stands in the auditorium. Though I think the chairs were more for my benefit so I wouldn't suffer the embarrassment of being unable to properly stand for the duration of the speech. A gesture I do appreciate for what it means.

Even through the cloud nine that I'm floating on, I cannot help wondering how my dear cousin Suzaku is doing. A gallant and heroic gesture rewarded with his mind being twisted into a vengeful living corpse.

You deserve better than this, cousin. We WILL find you, and we will save you.

The spotlights shift above us, switching on as they converge on a single spot, the center of the stage where a podium flanked by the flag of the Black Knights awaits. And then, the room's silence is pierced by a sound. The sound of boots walking along metal.

Without fanfare, applause or even a word, Zero strides through his army, giving the occasional nod or hand to those around him as he makes his way to the stage. A gallant gesture, and a show of force in one act. How very clever, Lulu.

By walking amongst your soldiers, you demonstrate your commitment to them and willingness to use them sparingly, and also demonstrate your renewed health and vitality.

As he stands behind the podium, his left hand flares out, turning palm up as he moves it across the room.

"It has been a long and painful journey. We have endured much, suffered greatly one and all, and indeed, many have doubted our cause and what we were fighting for."

His mask shakes from side to side in what is a clear mark of regret, "I cannot apologize enough for what you all have gone through. It was my responsibility as your leader, your king, and I failed you. But today, look around you. See the men and women by your side."

His hand curls into a fist before extending his index finger to point at various people in the crowd, "Britannian, Japanese, Arab, Korean, French, Indian, all different races, creeds and peoples. But before any of these labels, you are human. You, are Black Knights."

Zero's gloved hands grip the podium staring down at the crowd, the chin of his mask nodding in satisfaction.

"The time of rest, of recuperation, of regeneration, of rebuilding, is now over. Now is the time for action, for decisive moves. IT IS TIME, THAT WE, THE BLACK KNIGHTS, SET OUT TO MAKE OUR MARK ON THE WORLD ONCE MORE!"

The room erupts in cheers, hands raised in the air, different cries being yelled from the various groups that make up our organization.

"ملك الشياطين! ملك الشياطين! ملك الشياطين!" (Malik Al-Shayatin!)

"ゼロのために!" (All for Zero!)

"天下布武、陛下!" (Tenka Fubu!)

The cheers go on for another minute before Zero raises his hand in a gesture asking for silence. It admittedly takes a moment for it to be noticed that he isn't done speaking.

"I do so hate to dampen everyone's fires, but trust me, I have good reason to ask for some quiet. And it's not just because I like to hear myself talk."

A cheap icebreaker perhaps, but it does get a few chuckles out of the room.

"Are we going back to Japan to smack that vampire shithead, boss man?!" Tamaki yells out from the front, raising a fist up high.

"No."

The stark declaration kills the mood in the room, causing everyone including myself to turn towards Zero, wondering what his next move will be. Well, I perhaps have an unfair advantage as does the command staff, since he did tell us what the plan was. But I want to see how he makes the pitch.

"At least, not yet. We aren't in a position to siege Japan and weather the inevitable counterattack that would follow at the moment. We need to secure our flank first. And to that end?" he snaps his fingers, causing the hangar bay doors behind him to open, letting in the sunlight, and showing an enormous shadow upon the ground.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Black Knights, I give you our new flying command carrier battleship, THE ARCADIA!"

Gleaming in the sunlight, the Black Knight symbol on it's prow, guns emplacements across it's body, air glide engines glowing pink as it floats in mid air, all while Zero steps away from the podium to point up at the ship while he holds the mike.

"Four hundred meters in length, armed with eight hadron cannons, missile systems, vulcans, CIWS, ECM and ECCM, and capable of carrying a troop complement equal to or greater than a G-1 base!"

Before anyone can applaud or react, he turns around with a spin, pointing to the sky dramatically, his cape flaring behind him.

"However! Even a G-1, or Britannia's new flying battleships, needs units to defend it! And make no mistake, we WILL be facing aerial weaponry including knightmare frames in the near future! To that end!"

Zero's eyes glow as he snaps his fingers again, "立ちなさい、紅蓮大勢至!" (RISE, GUREN DAISENSHI!)

At that moment, a red streak flies off from the Arcadia's deck, picking up speed until an explosive crack is heard across the sky.

A sonic boom.

The red streak turns around, coming into a power dive right at Zero, who is still holding the pose with his hand upright, seemingly unconcerned with the object hurtling towards him.

Wind and sand kick up around as the new and improved Guren pulls up from it's dive at the last second, spins in mid air and lands in a three point landing crouch behind him, the metallic arm holding the RWS curled into a fist embedded in the sandy ground.

Pressurized air releases from the back as the cockpit ejects, and Kallen, gorgeous, radiant, Kallen, stands astride her machine, arms crossed under her chest, a red leather jacket on her shoulders.

"Let me introduce the vanguard of our assaults, and the woman who aims to be the greatest in the world, Guren Daisenshi, and his pilot, my champion, Squadron Commander Kallen Kouzuki-Stadfelt!"

His gloved hand thrusts upward, the sunlight gleaming off his mask, "Thanks to NOD pilfering technologies such as the element printer from the EU, all Black Knight units will be switching to the new Seventh Generation Akatsuki model KMF, to ensure we are on par or better than our foes technologically!"

Well well, you have been busy while I was away. Seventh Generation knightmares will put your forces as the only army capable of fighting Britannia on even ground, presuming Europia didn't have a major breakthrough in their KMF production. An increasingly unlikely event given that we seem to have pilfered the best of their technology.

"And last, but not least? As many of you are aware, I was extremely fond of the late KMF Gawain" Zero declares, pacing back and forth in front of the Guren.

"RIP Flying Codpiece!" somebody yells out, causing various parts of the crowd and command staff to either laugh or smile stiffly so as not to ruin the seriousness of the moment.

"Oh go ahead and laugh, I named the damn thing, I can take a fucking joke," Zero says with a shrug of his shoulders.

As a lady of nobility, it's considered uncouth for me to display my mouth when laughing, so out of courtesy, we are supposed to use our sleeves or something like a fan to hide it. Though CC is merely smiling benignly at the quip.

"With that out of the way, I was, as I said, extremely angry at the loss of my war beast. But in the grand tradition of war and science, I mourned the loss of my partner, and ensured his remains were put to good use, as part of my NEW war beast.

Balor na Fomoria, tabhair aire do ghlao do mháistir!" (Balor of Fomoria, heed your master's call!) he roars out, pointing at the Arcadia, then curling his index finger in a 'come hither' gesture.

Metallic sounds of hydraulics are heard overhead as Zero walks a few meters away from the Guren, putting his arms back under his cape as another knightmare takes off from the Arcadia, circling around the ship before slowly descending-wait what?

Six objects detach from the knightmare's back, floating in mid air and rotating in a circle as a multi-colored halo blooms into existence on it's back, red on the inner section, rose pink in the next layer, and a lighter pink color that I believe is classic rose for the third and final circle.

The objects floating around it...orbs? There's something written on them.

天, 修羅, 畜生, 人間, 餓鬼, 地獄...I know these words! They're the six paths of the Samsara, the realms of reincarnation in Buddhist cosmology!

Deva, Ashura, Animal, Human, Preta, and Naraka.

Fu fu fu fu fu. So you took your title literally as conception for this devilish machine, Zero? I had thought it looked imposing in your sketchbook, but I had not realized it was far larger than an ordinary knightmare frame.

"The king must move or his subordinates will not follow. That is one of my personal war maxims. I stood by it in our last campaign, even though doing so cost me dearly. A PRICE THAT I SHALL RISK AGAIN! FOR I INTEND TO LEAD MY ARMY FROM THE FRONT ONCE MORE! ASTRIDE MY NEW WAR BEAST, KNIGHTMARE FRAME BALOR, I SHALL BE THE SHIELD AND SWORD THAT LEADS THE CHARGE IN OUR ATTEMPT TO FULFILL THE DIVINE AMBITION!"

The now named Balor kneels, lowering it's hand for Zero to step on, and then standing up once he is in the center of its palm. Zero then draws his sword, holding it in a gesture of salute, the blade itself being a curiously shaped broadsword with a cleft in the center, gleaming pink with the tip colored gold.

"Balor moves by my will, but as mighty as it is? It is but one single machine. It cannot defeat an army, it cannot win a war, and it cannot defeat Britannia by itself. For that? I once again ask those who would follow me into the depths of hell to stand by me, as we charge towards the ever distant hope of a better tomorrow…

BLACK KNIGHTS, WILL YOU STAND AND FIGHT WITH YOUR KING?!"

Of course, there can be but one response, one answer to such an imposing question.

"天下布武、陛下!!!" (Tenka Fubu!)

"EXCELLENT! IN THREE DAYS TIME, THE BLACK KNIGHTS DEPART FOR INDIA! LADY SUMERAGI HAS GIVEN US A BOON OF INTELLIGENCE AND AND PREPARED THE WAY! LET US GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO THE BAMBOO PRINCESS!"

Ara ara, I wasn't expecting that level of acknowledgement. Much appreciated, Lelouch.

"For before we oust Luciano Bradley from Japan? WE MUST PLACE CHINA UNDER OUR BANNER FIRST!"