Chapter 10: The Dark Council Pt. 1
August 25th, The Nest, 1:02 A.M.
Zero
"KAMPAI!" The Training Dojo roared in joy as the Black Knights had gathered there to celebrate their unveiling. The area was already cleared out and ready when they got back due to Zero having called ahead, saying that this was cause for celebration. Tables were set up with drinks and food, all the equipment was put away.
"A toast," Zero exclaimed as he lifted a wine glass from atop a raised platform in the back, which was raised above the rest of the area, "To a successful unveiling!" Cheers ensued.
"Not only that," Robbinson replied from within the crowd, "But I can proudly say the basics for the Knightmare Factory are complete. This time tomorrow, we'll be cranking out Sutherlands!" The cheers nearly turned into a frenzy at that point. "Does R&D like to add anything to that?" Robbinson inquired with a smug grin as he turned in the direction of the twins.
It was only known to the original members of the Nest, but R&D and Engineering had something of a rivalry between them. It somehow started with an art contest three years ago (he and Cornelia were having scuba-diving training during that time, so he wasn't sure on the details). Regardless, while they didn't try to sabotage each other, they did find opportunities to take jabs every now and then.
Tolia began stuttering like a fool, not expecting said jab, before steeling her face and grabbing her brother by the scruff of his lab coat. "We've got work to do." She said to him as they bolted out, no doubt intending to finish work on the Gorgon, and try to finish the Morgana. The crowd bursted out in laughter at the sight.
"With our unveiling, we have started on a journey unlike any before. Unlike many other rebellions in the past, who were focused on simply liberating their homes, we are fighting for something far greater: To end this injustice that a corrupt system placated on Social Darwinism! Where the strong devour the weak. We have shown them how little that matters!"
"They believe that evolution is the ultimate law of the universe. However, they have failed to realize one simple fact about evolution. They have become lions, gorging on their meals, becoming dull, lazy, unaware of the new predators beginning to hunt in their territories. We have become those predators. We are WOLVES!
"We will bite when they roar, rip when they slash, and show them that evolution has chosen us to defeat them. So celebrate and, when you're all rested, prepare. For, before the month is over, the wolves shall hunt!"
The cheers turned into a frenzy, with the people chanting 'Zero!'. Zero nodded his head to a technician behind him, who then pressed several buttons on a console. Some of the training rings began folding in on themselves and into the floor. Red lights appeared on the ground, which prompted the men to move away from them. Panels began opening and having other assortments come out of the ground. One was a volleyball net, another was two football goals, around the entire area were small markers for a race track. Zero moved back, opening a case, filled with several assortments, such as sports balls, and other assortments. Even a violin.
"Enjoy yourselves," Zero roared out as he tossed a volleyball into the air, "That's an order." The soldiers began to either grab more refreshments, move to the new activities available to them, or file out of the Dojo to celebrate in other areas. Zero turned and motioned for Celaeno to follow him. He moved towards the members of the Naoto Resistance members, though, they will be getting a new name soon.
"Follow us." Zero commanded, though there was no malice in it. The group moved along the outskirts of the Dojo, to ensure they didn't interrupt anyone celebrating.
"It's rare," Celaeno commented as they exited the Dojo, "To see you in such high spirits, brother. Any higher, and I'd think you were walking with a spring in your steps." Despite that being an obvious slight jab at him, he couldn't dismiss its authenticity.
"It's because it was a perfect unveiling. The entire world was watching, no civilian casualties, and our message was clear: a shield for the weak, and a sword against the strong. The only way we could've planned that better is if we knew the hotel was going to be attacked, but that would simply ruin it."
"What do you mean?" Kallen inquired.
"Simply put," Celaeno replied, "That we wouldn't have let it get hijacked in the first place. This means we would have to wait longer to unveil ourselves. However, the JLF's shortsightedness allowed this little storm to happen, which we capitalized on."
"Hey," Tamaki barked as they reached the Central Station, turning toward Operations, "Why aren't we celebrating with the rest of the Knights. I want to see Inoue smack the floor in football!" Inoue then blushed before smacking him in the head. "Eh! It was a compliment!"
"This sounds like a story I need to hear. But, the reason for this is because we'll be going into more detail about the reward you, the Naoto Resistance Cell, have earned with your faith in us."
The group had just entered Operations, and they could see several Nest operators gathered around a table. Most of them raised a glass in our direction, but mostly kept to their group. The group head up some stairs on the right, leading to the command deck, Zero and Celaeno's personal offices in the base. He placed his hand on a touchpad next to the door, which then slid upwards.
As they entered, the group, minus the siblings, were in slight awe at the beauty, as well as the practicality, of the room. 10 by 12 feet, a half circle metal desk stood at one end, with a technical readout of the Tokyo Settlement on the wall behind it. Across the left side wall, was an electronic map of Japan, with several pings on the map, either being blue, red, or purple. There was also a couch, some chairs and a coffee table, located on the right side of the room. There was also CC, sitting on the couch.
Overall, it looked like a room a person planning on world domination might have in his secret lair.
'Which isn't that far from the truth.' "You can either sit or stand. This meeting might be long, depending on your reactions."
"What do you mean?" Ohgi replied. Zero moved around the desk, with Celaeno taking position standing to the right of the desk.
"Due to the faith you placed in us by being the first to join, as well as your continued loyalty, we've decided that you are to be the founding members of the Dark Council."
"Yeah," Kento replied, "Kallen made a mention of that while she was wearing her outfit. What is the 'Dark Council'?"
"Simply put," Celaeno replied, "They are individuals that we value the opinions of. Even if you don't hold a significant military rank, it doesn't mean we don't value your input in plans. Think of them as our advisors."
"So we're the highest ranking members of the Black Knights now?" Tamaki joyously exclaimed, "Sweet!"
"Not exactly. You have our favor, but that doesn't mean you command power," Seeing the confusion on their faces, he continued, "Think of it like this: A person may be the head of a branch of our organization, but they are not a member of the Council. A common soldier may not have much command in the system, but they have my ear by being on the Council."
"It's," Kallen slowly commented, "Like a VIP club?"
"You're...not wrong. There are benefits to being a Council member. For starters," Zero stood up, "A level of trust." Kallen's eyes showed confusion, then shock.
"Wait, are you about to~" Zero then deactivated the back panels of his helmet, allowing him to take his helmet off and pull down the cloth covering his face, with his sister following suit.
"Allow us to reintroduce ourselves: I'm Lelouch Lamperouge."
"And I'm Cornelia Levett."
"..."
"..."
Silence. None of the Knights expected their leaders to just reveal themselves. They were dumbfounded that a couple of Britannians were their illustrious leaders. Kallen had a terrified look on her face, mostly out of concern for how her friends will react.
'3..2...1'
"What the fuck!" Inoue exclaimed, which seemed to snap everyone out their dazes.
"Yep," CC replied dully, "That's the reaction you should've expected, Lelouch."
"Is this some kind of joke?"
"You're a couple of goddamn Brits!"
"You can't be Britannian."
They kept laying words out, however both Kallen and Ohgi were trying to calm everyone down. Well, mostly Ohgi, as Kallen was more or less letting the situation resolve itself.
"We should at least let them explain the situation, first."
"Like hell! These guys are just gonna use us, then toss us aside like all the other Britannians."
"Tamaki, we don't kno~"
"I'd like to ask you all a question," Cornelia interjected, "If you may?"
"What do you want, Brit?"
Ignoring the insult, Cornelia continued. "What would you do if a Japanese soldier hurt, or even killed Kallen." Kallen stiffened, surprised that she was the subject of their question. She was slightly proud when she saw all her friends light up with anger.
"I'd beat the hell outta them," Tamaki roared, "Damn the consequences!"
"Same here," Kento commented, "We'd make the offenders pay dearly. She's family."
"Exactly," Lelouch replied, "If your own people hurt your family, your opinion of them would turn quite sour, wouldn't you agree?"
"So what, your mom bought the clock by some Britannian noblemen."
Lelouch could feel Cornelia's rage building up. Her respect for his mother was only rivalled by her love for her sisters and brother. "You've got it."
"Wait, what?"
Lelouch stood, "Years ago, Britannian noblemen, jealous of my mother, orchestrated an attack, which resulted in her death from a hail of machine guns. Not only that, but the investigation was cancelled, leaving her murders to roam free."
"You," CC replied, "Forgot to mention how she was also part of the nobility." CC may be making Lelouch's life hell at the moment, but she wasn't crazy enough to play the royalty card.
"All the more reason why it was an injustice that her murderers got away. She was born a commoner, but she clawed her way up to be on equal footing with them, which led to their jealousy."
"Kami," Ohgi gasped, surprised that the Britannians would murder their own in such a manner, "That must've been hard on your sisters."
"Yes, it was hard on all of~" 'Wait, he said sisters, plural.' "What did you say?"
"Your sister Celaeno let it slip that you have other sisters. One of them isn't even aware that you're the leaders of the Black Knights."
Lelouch turned his head to Cornelia as she was rubbing her neck in embarrassment, a scowl dominating his face. 'You messed up that badly!?'
"Yes," Lelouch growled out, "My little sister, who was only six years old, was blinded and crippled because she got caught in the middle during the attack." The looks of horror on their faces brought pride to his face.
"It's true," Kallen spoke up, her friends whipping their heads back, "I go to the same school as he does. I've met with his sister Nunnally, bound to a wheelchair. How can she show such kindness, even after everything she's gone through?"
"It is her way of expressing gratitude. Every kindness done to her is a blessing."
"It gets worse, I'm afraid," Cornelia continued, "When Lelouch confronted our father about why he cancelled the investigation, father ca~"
"Wait," Tamaki interrupted, "Your father cancelled the search for the murderers of his own wife? What the hell!"
"As I was saying, when he confronted his father, he casted him and his crippled sister out."
"Hold on," Minami inquired, "So, you're saying, not only did the man allow his wife's killers to escape, but, when his children demanded to know why, he kicked out said children?"
"More or less," Lelouch replied, "My sisters Cornelia and Euphie kicked themselves out to make sure me and Nunnally weren't fully abandoned."
"Zero," Ohgi exclaimed, "If we ever see your father, do you mind if I slug him?"
"Slug him?" Tamaki roared, "I'm gonna straight up curb stomp him!"
"Get in line. Though, it's a long line." That earned some chuckles from the Councilmen.
"Regardless," Cornelia continued, "When we came to Japan, your people didn't see four Britannians. You say three children who lost their home, and a woman doing everything she could to protect them. You treated us with a kindness not shown by even our own family. For that, you have my respect."
"Then, Britannia invaded Japan, which had become like a second home to us. Twice now, Britannia had destroyed the peace that I had sought for Nunnally, and, twice, no justice was served. Twice, Britannia had destroyed the place I could call home. I made a promise the day Japan fell to destroy Britannia." Lelouch gave a cold stare at his Council, "Do you think I intend to break that promise?"
He was met with silence, as none of them could stand against such cold hatred.
"Ze~Lelouch," Ohgi answered, "I'm still with you. It doesn't matter if you're Britannian. You've given our people hope that we'll see Japan free in our lifetime. That has earned my respect, at the very least."
"Same here," Yoshida replied.
"Those bastards deserve to burn," Inoue commented, "If they're willing to do this to their own people."
"Agreed," Minami continued
"You've got my trust," Kento exclaimed. Everyone turned to Tamaki, who had a indignit look on his face, feeling like he was getting gang up on.
"I don't like the idea that you're Britannians," Tamaki then threw his arms up in defeat, "But I'm a sucker for sob stories. What the hell, I'll keep my mouth shut on your identities."
Lelouch breathed a sigh of relief. He and Cornelia then placed their masks back on, resuming their identities.
'Good. Ironic. Cornelia suggested I tell Kallen in order to earn trust, yet objected when I suggested the entire Dark Council should know. Then again, we could've easily Geassed and abandoned her group if it didn't work. Not so possible now.' "Now, with that out of the way, one of the major things that will need to be done is set aside time for Kallen to take some training."
"What, why? I'm already good at Knightmare piloting, so what would I~"
"That's not the training I meant," Celaeno then moved to the side of the room and picked up a small wooden case, "Kallen Kozuki, would you please, step forward and kneel."
Kallen, at first nervous, quickly stepped forward, and bent on one knee. She did have one or two things wrong with the kneeling, but it was not important.
'It's supposed to be the right knee forward, not the left.' "In the highest circles of Britannian society," Celaeno approached Zero with the case, "There is a group of warriors considered the best in all of Britannia, the Knights of the Round. They are feared by their enemies, revered by their allies. We need our own Knights of the Round. Kallen Kozuki, will you become the first Obsidian Knight?"
Kallen was silent with joy, not expecting such a reward.
"I will gladly accept this honor." Zero turned to Celaeno, and she placed the box in his hands.
"The Knights of the Round have their capes as a symbol of their rank. We have something more...practical." He lowered the box and opened it, revealing a wakizashi, being 30 inches long. The saya was black and had the Black Knights sigil etched into the side. The tsuka was also black, but had red mekugi, but also had a red cloth wrapped tightly around it. Upon closer inspection, it was shown that the cloth hadJapanese writing, あなたが世界から身を隠しても、あなたの本当の性質を見失うことはありません。
She gently picked up the blade, noticing that an engraving, depicting a samurai facing a lion, was placed onto the tsuba. She pulled the saya part way out, revealing the blade itself. It was pitch black, though the habaki was crimson red, and had more Japanese writing etched into the lower part of the blade, ボイドブレーカー.
"This blade was forged two years ago, by a Japanese blacksmith in the northern provinces. We keep him safe and isolated so he can continue his work in peace, as was his request. This blade was meant to represent myself, but I feel as though it means alot more to you than it does for me."
"I-I can't accept this!" Kallen attempted to return the blade. If it was meant for Zero, then she shouldn't have it.
"Oh, yes you can," Celaeno retorted, "You have demonstrated your skills both at Shinjuku, for facing off against several Sutherlands in a broken down Glasgow, as well as Saitama, where you took down thirteen enemy Sutherlands. Despite this not seeming like the skills of a Knight, we believe you could have the potential to rival even the Knight of One, Bismarck. So accept it, and be glad for your triumph."
Unsure of herself, Kallen eventually put the sword back in the sheath. She stood up, and latched the blade through a ring on her left hip, not even realizing that the ring on it was specifically for the sword.
"Well done, Kallen!" Tamaki roared as he slapped Kallen on the back. The others quickly joined in on the celebratory promotion.
'The twins made the outfit knowing that Kallen would be our first Knight, so they added a small ring feature to keep her new weapon close to her.' "Now," Zero exclaimed as he moved to sit back down on his desk, "with that done, we have one more important matter to attend to: The head for the Relations & Reconstruction branch of the Black Knights."
"The what and what?" Yoshida replied.
"Do you think we're going to win Japan back simply by beating the Britannians? No, what we need to do is build up Japan's pride again. To do this we will begin by supporting your brothers and sisters in the ghettos across Japan. By repairing and helping support the ghettos, our popularity will soar. Not only will we show your people that Britannia can be beaten, but the Black Knights will also help their own living conditions, where the Britannians did not bother to lift a finger at rebuilding the ghettos."
"So," Ohgi replied, "By helping the ghettos, not only do we build support for the Black Knights, but we shame the Britannians as well?"
"Correct, but not just Japanese support, but, possibly, Britannian support as well. The common Britannian is unaware of the suffering their people have caused you. Most believe that the resistance groups are simply monsters who can't take losing with grace, or are too stubborn to accept change. This is because nearly all resistance groups simply attack Britannia. By helping your people, we will show them that we are not animals, that our love for your people outweighs our hatred towards their people. This will generate sympathy amongst them, which would result in the government having to control its own people to prevent such sympathy, but this will have the opposite effect.
"By cracking down on their own people, the common Britannian will ask themselves 'If they're willing to do this to us, then what have we been doing to our enemies?'. This will result in even more sympathetic groups. A couple months from now, I wouldn't be surprised if we began counting Britannians amongst our ranks."
"Holy hell," Tamaki groaned, "I'm getting a headache at the complexities of this."
"That is why you, Kaname Ohgi, are to be the head of this branch."
"Wait, what?"
"You were a school teacher before the war. That affords you a level of historical accuracy that would be valuable in rebuilding the ghettos. Not only that, but you have a tolerance of Britannians your fellow soldiers lack."
"What do you mean?" Zero pressed a button on the desk, and the back screen changed to show a storage room filled with people.
'Wait,' Ohgi thought, 'Those are the people from the hotel we saved.'
"Hey," Ohgi's voice was heard, "Are you alright?" The woman he was kneeling at turned her head to the dead soldier, but Ohgi kept her gaze away from them.
"No, no, there's no need to fear anymore. Are you alright?" Zero turned off the recording, returning it to the map of the Tokyo settlement.
"Most in that situation would have simply ordered the hostages to move, but your first act was to make sure a school girl was alright. That compassion will be needed in the times ahead, and it is why you're the best person to build this compassion upon."
"I-I-I thank you, Zero."
"Hehe, don't thank me yet. You arguably have the hardest job out of all the branches. We have several supply bases around Japan which will help you discretely move these supplies, but all that's for another time. For now, we celebrate." Celaeno moved to a cabinet next to the couch and pulled out a wine bottle, as well as some glasses.
"I'd join in on the toast," Zero said, trying his best to contain his amusement, " But, when you have an older sister who knows you're below drinking age, yo~"
"Speak one more word, and I'll schedule a public training session for us."
"..."
The Dark Council began to laugh at that, even Tamaki began to beg Zero to keep speaking.
"Um," Ohgi commented as the laughter died down, "Zero, if you don't mind, I have a question I'd like answered."
"I can't guarantee that I'll answer it, but ask away."
"Who's Ruben?"
Zero and Celaeno stiffened at that. 'How the HELL did he learn that name.'
As if he read his mind, Ohgi continued, "A couple days ago, Mr. MacNamara mentioned his name. I don't think he even realized he said it."
"No, he most certainly didn't know he said it." Zero leaned forward, placing a hand on his face in annoyance.
'Damnit. I've revealed one too many secrets already. Ah, screw it, what's one more?' He went to the Tokyo map and pinged a spot on the map.
"What is here?"
The Dark Council, though initially confused at the question, looked at the map.
"Isn't that where we are?" Tamaki replied.
"What else?"
"Hold on," Inoue exclaimed, "Isn't there a Britannian school there?"
"Correct, Inoue. Ashford Academy, run by Ruben Ashford."
"Wait," Ohgi retorted, "We're under a school? That's not even considering the fact that it's the same school Kallen goes to, but an actual SCHOOL?!"
"I wanted our base outside the Tokyo Settlement, but Ruben suggested underneath his own school, as the safest place to hide is right underneath your enemy. Literally, in this case."
"What's his stake in all this?" Minami inquired.
"Ruben Ashford was once a member of the Britannian nobility. However, when their patron died, the other nobles began picking off their assets like a pack of hyenas. Using all the influence he had left, Ruben moved his resources to Japan, which was just recently conquered at this point. His influence allowed him to have almost complete control over how the Tokyo Settlement was built. In a way, he's the biggest supporter for the Black Knights. The Hive network, the Nest, the information network and secondary bases spread across Japan, all done by Ruben Ashford, at great risk to himself. If it wasn't for him, the Black Knights would be using abandoned warehouses for bases, and you would be the only members at this point."
"What do you mean, Zero?" Kallen replied.
"If we didn't have the Hive network, Celaeno wouldn't have been able to get the remnants of the Blood of the Samurai to us safely, nor would we have been able to safely get into Saitama, thus the Yamato Alliance would've been wiped out. Ruben Ashford is as much of a Black Knight as the rest of you. If the other Black Knights were so aggressive towards Britannians, I'm sure he'd be coming down here more often, and he'd also be a member of the Dark Council. I value his input greatly."
Everyone had a look of shock, and possibly a little awe that a Britannian would go this far to help fight their own country. Maybe Zero was on to something when he said Britannians may join them several months from now.
Ohgi had an inquisitive look on his face, which concerned Zero.
"Zero, if I may ask, was the Ashford patr~"
"I think that's enough stories for one night. Also, despite earning a level of trust from us, it does not mean you're entitled to our entire story."
"Of course, sir."
'Damnit, he's suspecting my mother was the for Ashford. It's not that hard of a leap to find out who she was. Damnit, Robbie, you had to slip that out!' "I believe there's a party you all should be participating in, is there not?"
"Yes, sir!" The Councilmen began funnelling out, with a few sticking close to Kallen to get a closer look at her sword.
"Well," Zero exclaimed once they all left, with only CC remaining, "That could've gone better."
"Could've gone a lot worse. Telling them was too much of a risk."
"Oh," CC retorted, "Then why tell Kallen?"
"Telling one person is different than telling a group of people. A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky and dangerous. I'm sure you can attest to that."
CC got an angry scowl, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, I'm guessing you've lived for several centuries, and had plenty of experiences where a person reacts to you calmly, but a group would act in haste."
CC kept silent, knowing that Celaeno was right was right.
"Overall," Zero interjected, "Revealing our identities, at least partially, had the intended effect. They are less likely to betray us now that they know what stake we have in it. The only problem right now is Ohgi."
"Hence my concern. He's the smartest of the group. He's already suspecting, if not downright knows, that your mother was Ruben's patron. Not only that," Celaeno shot CC a cold glance, "Buy you let slip that she was part of the nobility. While not true, it's not that hard to put the pieces together."
"Your point?"
"MY POINT?! If they discover our true origins, how long do you think they'd stay loyal?"
"If you're that concerned with them, why not just Geass them to be loyal."
"That," Zero retorted, standing from his desk, "Defeats the whole purpose of the Dark Council. I formed this group so that my closest allies may trust me. If I Geass them, what happens if they break the Geass? Or what about if someone outside the Council discovers that I've Geassed them? The Black Knights would fall apart in an instant. They would never trust us again."
"It was only a suggestion."
"An idea you know will be rejected is both pointless and disrespectful."
Once again, CC wisely kept her mouth shut, though the annoyance on her face was evident.
"Now, if you don't mind, I need to start activating our bases across Japan. We should start with~"
"Brother," Celaeno calmly interjected, "While your previous attempt at taking a break was met with disastrous results, I still believe that taking a break is necessary. Ruben has already cancelled school for today, so you don't have to worry about that."
"Sister~"
"You don't have to partake in the festivities, but at least observing won't kill you. It may even give a boost to morale, despite how high it is already."
Zero was silent.
'In another time, I would've rejected such an offer. My thirst for vengeance would have driven me. But you, Cornelia, you repaired this broken man. Maybe I will allow a moment of weakness to enjoy myself.' Zero stood up and began walking to the door. He stopped next to CC, "Coming?"
"Why?"
"Just because I disagreed with your suggestion does not mean I don't value your opinion. Why do you think you're also on the Dark Council?"
CC actually had a look of shock, which was a nice change of pace from her usual dull expressions.
"CC, you gave me this Geass. You expedited our efforts to enact their justice, and my vengeance," Zero didn't notice Celaeno giving him a disapproving glace, "In a way, you helped create the Black Knights. Why wouldn't I value your opinion."
CC's surprise wore off, and she went back to her usually dull look.
"Regardless, I'm not one for public events."
"(Sigh) Very well, then. But, I encourage you to at least try further down the road. Abandoning your humanity can't be good for the mind." He added that last bit sarcastically before opening the door.
"Brother, aren't you forgetting something." Zero groaned, before using his helmet to transfer some money into Celaeno's account.
"Told you he'd lose the bet." CC commented to Celaeno. With that, the siblings left the office, leaving CC alone with her pizza boxes. They headed back to the Training Dojo, and noticed that there was a slight change. One of the training rings was up, and a couple Black Knights were having a match, with the others placing bets with yen.
'Been awhile since I saw Japanese currency.' Zero saw several chairs and a table near the ring, and took a seat. Celaeno elected to simply stand and watch.
"Drink?" A voice came up behind him. He turned to see Kallen, holding two red cups. He quickly pulled a chair so she could sit as well.
"Don't worry. Seems that we have plenty of 'underage' recruits, so Mr. Namara got plenty of 'age appropriate' drinks."
"Ha, he is the 'uncle' of our group." Zero took the cup, and slid a bottom section of his mask off, allowing him to drink.
The two sat in silence, contemplating who should begin.
"That was very risky," Kallen finally began, "Revealing your faces."
"It was necessary. To earn your trust. Both from your friends, as well as the Black Knights as a whole."
"I suppose." Kallen noticed Zero, despite appearing in deep thought, had his helmet aimed at Celaeno, "You really care for your sister, don't you."
"(Sigh) That doesn't do it justice," Zero spoke softly, so none of the others could hear them, "I was broken by my mother's death. Being kicked out of the family simply made it official. My hatred for them grew beyond reckoning. I believed that I would have to pick up the pieces of my mind all by myself, all the while trying to protect my sister." He turned his attention back to Celaeno, who was unaware that the two were talking about her.
"But then my other sisters kicked themselves out of the family. They were the only ones in my family I actually enjoyed, but I didn't think they would actually~" Zero stopped himself, fearing he might reveal too much. "Of course, my child mind was still angry at them, but I eventually got over it. My sister spent seven years trying to fix this broken mess called my mind. Ha, I didn't make it easy, that's for certain. But I dread to think what I'd become if she wasn't there. You'd probably be working with a demon instead of a...a…"
"A fallen angel," a third voice suggested.
'Ajklfhds!'
"Ah," Kallen nearly screeched as the two whipped their heads behind them to find Tamaki sitting in a backwards chair.
'I am seriously losing my edge.' "How much did you hear?"
"I missed some of the beginning parts, but I got the gist. Gotta say, having to deal with you for seven years, given all the crazy things you come up with. Surprised your sister hasn't gone insane."
"You say that like she isn't?"
"BraHA, and they say you don't have a sense of humor!" The trio then noticed Celaeno unbuckling her pistols, and placing them on the table behind them.
"Celaeno," Kallen commented as she unhooked her dagger and placed it on the table, "What are you doing?"
"As someone who got trained by an actual ninja, the performances those guys in the ring are doing are offensive," she undid her cloak and laid it on the back of a nearby chair before cracking her knuckles, "So I'm gonna show them how it's done."
Celaeno then walked over to the ring and climbed up, with a japanese man a foot taller than her waiting.
"500 yen on the big guy," Tamaki commented to Zero.
"I'll be happy to take your money. Kallen?"
"No way am I getting involved in this. Not when I know the outcome."
"Oh, come on," Tamaki retorted, "Don't you have faith in your people."
Two minutes later, Tamaki had to ask Ohgi for 500 yen.
Author's Notes: So starts what I'd like to call 'The Filler Arc'.
Let me explain. These next few chapters will cover the same week, but from different points of view. When writing the outline for this, I realized that trying to condense these next few chapters into one, or even two, would cause two problems: One, they'd each be probably the longest chapters this story will ever be. And two, they'd feel rushed. So, I decided to divide them but expand upon so they don't feel rushed. Now, with that out of the way.
One of the hardest things for me when writing this story is possibly how Lelouch and Cornelia have affected each other. Lelouch in canon was broken when he and Nunnally were banished, and he had to fix himself on his own, which led to the Lelouch we see today. I hope I've conveyed how different the two are in this AU. Once again, your reviews will always be helpful. Until next time.
あなたが世界から身を隠しても、あなたの本当の性質を見失うことはありません-Even if you hide yourself from the world, don't lose sight of your real nature.
ボイドブレーカー-Void Breaker