The Britannian Councils

August 25th, Viceroy's Palace, 12:07 P.M.

Andreas Dalton

"This is even worse than I could imagine." Villetta said. The two were going to the Viceroy's office to see how she'll be starting her investigation. Dalton had given her the files concerning Code R and the immortal girl, though she had little time to actually read them, due to the hotel incident. Villetta was currently skimming through the datapad.

"If a drill down her skull is bad, what is worse, lieutenant-colonel Villetta?"

"Well, the Viceroy mentioned that it was only a level 2 experiment. Level 3 either has a gruesome experiment, such as injecting her veins with acid, or two experiments conducted at the same time."

Dalton halted his step, but only for a moment.

'Dear lord, Prince Clovis. If Zero revealed this to the world~' "What was level 4?"

"Simply a combination of level 1-3 experiments. They usually involved three to four at a time."

SMASH

Both were startled at the sound. Dalton quickened his pace, and knocked on the door.

"Enter." Prince Pollux's voice replied. The two entered, seeing a small part of Pollux's desk cracked with an impact point. Prince Pollux himself was currently flicking his wrist.

"The news?" Dalton inquired. He knew that Pollux rarely had moments of anger, but, when he did, it was never a good thing.

"In a minute. First, report, lieutenant-colonel."

"Right. I've combed through the data acquired, and will begin the investigation as soon as possible. We're looking for a girl, age possibly 15 to 17 due to height and complexion, however, if she's immortal, then her age is impossible to determine, has lime green hair that extends to her waist, and with golden eyes. She appears to be French in origins."

"Any chances that Zero would place her in the ghettos?" Dalton replied, "She'd have plenty of warning from the Elevens."

"Not likely," Villetta retorted, "We'd be able to easily find her in there, if that was the case. No, Zero most likely has her in the Settlement proper. She'll most likely have her hair a different color, as lime green isn't that common amongst, well, common people. I'll be looking into houses recently bought, as I doubt she'd be in a hotel."

"Why," Pollux inquired.

"Likelihood of detection. A fugitive on the run would usually get a hotel room for the night. However, with someone like Zero, it's more likely he'll buy a house, as not many criminals would purchase property right after escaping."

"An excellent point. Good work, lieutenant."

"I live to serve, your highness."

"Viceroy," Dalton exclaimed, "I know this might seem like an odd question, but, what did the Sub-Viceroy mean when he said we were at war with the E.U?"

"Ah, my brother exaggerated, but he wasn't wrong. As you know, when we hit the Middle Eastern Federation, our projected attack plans estimated we'd have it under our control within two weeks. Yet we were bogged down in there for two months. Even now, the Glaston Knights can't help us with so many terrorist groups in the now Area 18."

"I did find it odd that they put that much of a resistance. However, I simply chalked it up to Intelligence messing up."

"I did as well. However, the day before the hotel attack, I received intelligence indicating that the E.U. had been supplying the MEF shortly after our invasion. Not only that, but they have been covertly resupplying the terrorist groups. For all intents and purposes, the E.U. have used Area 18 to wage a proxy war against us."

"Why would they risk open war with us?"

"Because of Zero. I'm pretty sure their support would've ended after we formed Area 18 if the Black Knights didn't exist. As it stands, it would be ill advised to engage openly with the E.U., so we simply have to deal with the situation."

"I understand, sir." 'Though I don't like it.'

"Now, Miss Villetta, I have a question for you. What do you think of the Imperial Family?"

'What?'

"My lord?"

"Sorry, that's too general. Let me rephrase that. If the Emperor were to die, who do you think should inherit the throne?"

'He's testing her. But, for what?'

Villetta was silent for a moment.

"Permission to speak freely, sir?"

"Permission granted."

"The Crown Prince Odysseus eu Britannia should get the throne, however, he lacks both the ambitions and decisiveness to properly rule. His brother, Second Princes Schneizel el Britannia, would be better in that department, but he's...too cold to inspire the masses."

"Interesting. You choose two. So, if you had to pick one, which would it be?"

"Crown Prince Odysseus. With time, and proper advisors, his lack of decisiveness could be overcome. He'd also have people who could help him be more ambitious, should those ambitions help the Empire. The only problem would be finding advisors that truly wish to help him, instead of simply trying to gain more favor with him."

"Wouldn't the same be said for Schneizel?"

"No. He's too smart to not see it coming. He'd move against whatever advisors we'll place."

"...What I'm about to say cannot leave this room."

Both stood straight at his statement.

"Sir!"

"Former General Bartley Asprius led Code R before Prince Clovis's death. I was attempting to get him released from his life sentence so he could assist you in the investigation. However, I learned that he was acquitted."

'What? Even if the charges against him were falsed, who would~Wait.' "Don't tell me."

"I just got done with a call with the Prime Minister. Luckily, I made no mentions of Code R, so he doesn't suspect anything."

'Damnit, now he's in this race.' "So Prince Schneizel is also after the girl."

"It's quite possible he isn't, and has other ideas for him. However, the timing is too much to dismiss it. And, if he is, then he's grown too ambitious. If he gets the girl, it won't be long before he aims for the throne. I believe in the line of succession, and will not allow another Emblem of Blood. So, if I had to come to blows with him, would you stand with me?"

"Yes, Your Highness!" Both exclaimed as they saluted.

'Pollux always did have a slight disdain for Schneizel, but I didn't think his opinion of him was this sour.'

"What about Prince Castor?"

"He wouldn't care who got the throne so long as they did a good job, so do not mention this meeting to him. Now, with that unpleasantness out of the way, I do have a couple of good news, though one of them was due to our carelessness. First," he pulled out a large, black coated pistol, "The Sub-Viceroy's weapon has just arrived."

The pistol had a large barrel chamber with a holographic sniper scope up top, and had a three cylinder chamber. Overall, it looked like someone tried to smash a sniper rifle and a pistol into one. (The closest thing I found to describe the gun is Eriana's Vow, from a game called Destiny 2)

"What," Villetta inquired, dumbstruck at such a pistol, "What is that?"

"Before Prince Pollux and Castor went to the MEF," Dalton replied, "They worked on that pistol. When they left, they allowed their research division to continue working on it. Let's hope the results aren't the same as last time."

"What do you mean?"

"Let's just say," Pollux replied, "That, the last time he tested it, he couldn't use his right hand for a week due to the fractures. Though, he'd most likely say the pain was worth it."

"And the other?" Dalton inquired.

"That's...a mixed bag, depending on your opinion."

'?'

"Due to our inability to deal with the situation quickly, the Emperor has sent one of the Knights of the Round here."

'Please don't be Bradley. If he and Castor meet, one of them isn't leaving the room alive.'

"Is it because of the hotel attack?" Villetta exclaimed.

"Actually, it was our failure at Saitama. Since we failed to defeat them twice, he saw fit to send one. Though, you might enjoy her, I know Lord Guilford won't"

'Her? Who would….Oh boy.' "Lady Nonette?"

"Yes. They'll be arriving tonight."

"They?"

"Lady Enneagram is bringing her Squire along."

"Squire?" Villetta said, surprised that such a practice was still around.

"Yes, the practice of knights taking squires has been largely abandoned, much like duels to the death. However, the Knights of the Round are allowed to retain this practice. It isn't common, but a Round Knight can assign someone to be their Squire. In time, they are usually assigned as a high ranking officer, to guard a member of the Imperial Family as their Royal Guard, or, more rarely, they are able to become a Round Knight themselves. If I remember correctly, isn't her Squire Baron Valstar's son? The Viceroy of Area 8?"

"How did a Baron come to run an Area," Villetta exclaimed in shock, "Protocol dictates that only those who have the title of Earl or higher can be allowed to run an Area."

"Normally, you'd be correct. But Voldimir Valstar conquered the Falklands for us in the first place. It uplifted them to the title of Barons and, with a little intrigue, no doubt, his son Talian was able to earn the Viceroy position. And the Squire is his adopted son, mind you. If I remember correctly, his name is~"

Unknown

Nonette Enneagram

"Raiii!" Nonette exclaimed, trying to get her Squire to tear his vision from his datapad. He was a boy of 17, with silver hair and blue eyes, wearing a black suit. The two were currently in a private jet heading for Area 11.

The boy jerked his head up, surprised at the loud disruption, "Sorry, Lady Enneagram. I've just been looking over the AARs from the Saitama battle."

Ever since she was ordered by the Emperor to eliminate the Black Knights, Rai had been looking over all the details concerning Zero and Celaeno. He was a very stoic boy when it concerned work. This was mostly due to his upbringing as Lord Valstar's adopted son, which the lord told her when she chose him as her Squire.

Lord Valstar was leading one of the first battalions to assault Japan during the Second Pacific War. Less than a week into the war, his battle group was ordered to bombard a military installation in the northern territories. The orders were carried out, of course, but Valstar felt that they were too vague. No recon was allowed, no details on enemy forces were given.

Talian decided to take a squad up there after the bombing was done, though he would never log the excursion in his report. What he found horrified him: They didn't bomb a military base. It was a civilian village with barely any soldiers there. They found only one survivor, a young boy with silver hair. He was bleeding profusely, and his right shoulder was severely burned. Lord Valstar took the boy in as his own, feeling like, since he was either tricked by his government, or the military failed greatly at the lack of intelligence, he owed it to him to give him a much better life than one of an orphan.

However, one more trouble occurred, or blessing, depending on your point of view: The boy had no memories. The doctor attributed it to the emotional trauma that he went through. As such, in Talian's eyes, it was easier to help an amnesiac boy than one who hated the very country raising him.

'But he never told Rai what happened. After seven years, he began treating him like he was of Valstar's own blood. He didn't want all that happiness to be destroyed by telling him the truth. Fool. It would've been soured, but he's too smart not to know, and too kind to not understand.'

"So," Nonette replied, going back to her cheerful demeanor, "What's so interesting?"

"Well," Rai replied, "I've looked over both the AARs for Shinjuku, Saitama, and logs detailing the Sakuradite Convention attack. So far, I've been able to deduce that Shinjuku was the first instance of Zero directly engaging Britannian forces."

"Oh? And how'd you figure that?"

"Clovis's forces were decimating any and all resistance during the battle, with resistance forces only having a single Glasgow. However, halfway through the battle, there was a calm. The enemy then reentered the battle with several Sutherlands, and a completely different battle strategy. It's also possible that Clovis ordered the ceasefire at the end due to Zero threatening him. Unfortunately, Celaeno killed him anyway."

"Ooo, aggressive. He probably did something like 'I won't kill you' but she did instead. What else?"

Rai switched over to footage of the hotel incident. "This is footage of the Sakuradite Convention attack. Reports say the bombs were detonated by the Japan Liberation Front, however, I believe Zero himself detonated them."

"Is that so?" Nonette grinned. The boy may have been socially awkward, but he was a genius tactician. "Reveal thy plan, my tactician."

"Well, at first glance, it does seem like the JLF did blow up the hotel. However, upon closer inspection, the timing of Black Knights' ship appearing coincides with the bomb detonation. This would imply that they knew exactly when the bombs would explode. Either Zero planted them there himself, or they took control of the bombs from the JLF. Either way, the Black Knights detonated them."

"S~"

"Why would they? Simple: To gain support. If they killed the JLF and released the hostages over the bridge, the message wouldn't be strong enough. However, by blowing up the hotel then showing the hostages were safe, it not only made them look like heroes, but our forces looked incompetent because we couldn't save our own people."

"Ooo, deceitful. I love it, and that's why you're my favorite Squire."

"I'm your only Squire."

"Not true. I've had plenty of other Squires."

"Asking for a transfer less than a month later does not count."

"If you say sooo. We have some leftovers from last night. Do you want me to heat some up?"

"That'll be fine. Just not from your box!"

'Just for that, I'll make sure it's only from my box.'

Tokyo Settlement, 9:57 P.M.

Pollux rui Britannia

Viceroy Pollux, alongside Dalton, Guilford, and a small number of troops in formation, were waiting for Nonette's plane to touch down. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his brother approaching. He had his custom pistol holstered, and was shaking his right hand.

'Looks like he tested it.' "I take it it's to your liking?"

"Kickback a sonofa, but I didn't break my hands, so it's good to go." He took his place just behind his brother, as was protocol. The plane made a final descent, slightly behind schedule, however. As it came to a full stop, the welcome committee advanced to the jet. When the door opened, their eardrums were greeted by a cheerful roar.

"YOOHOO!" Lady Nonette exclaimed as she walked down her jet, "Aaaandy!"

'Well, I guess General Dalton wasn't lying when he said she was eccentric. Don't know what I was expecting from a Knight of the Round. They're all crazy.'

"Good to see you too, Lady Enneagram." Dalton calmly replied.

"Oh, please, Andy," Nonette retorted, "There's no need to be so formal. We haven't met in person since the Academy." The two shook hands, but Nonette quickly turned her head to another person. "Ghillie? Is that you?"

Lord Guilford silently groaned, "Good to see you to, Lady Nonette. Oof!" He grunted as she wrapped an arm around his neck.

"Please! We haven't spoken since that bout in southern Africa, about three years ago."

"Ghillie?" Castor inquired, grin forming on his face.

"Yeah, he was a bit of an introvert back at the Academy, so that's what I called him."

"Forgive me, but I might use that from now on."

"Please don't, your highness." Guilford semi-pleaded as Nonette released her grip.

'Time to get down to business.' "Lady Nonette," Pollux exclaimed, "Now that you're here, we can begin. We're setting up a announcement tomorrow so we should discuss~"

"Nope."

'Huh?' "Pardon?"

"Lady Enneagram," A young man replied, approaching them, "Would rather wait until our Knightmares have arrived. She'd also likely want to get a look around the settlement, I presume." He appeared to have a cloak similar to Lady Nonetee, but without the golden sigils.

"You know me so well, Rai. But, yes, I would like to wait until we're all settled in. Not only that, but it'll make you look good."

'What does that mean?!' "How do you figure?"

"Rai."

"Right. You see, you're already having to deal with the embarrassment of having other forces come to support you. However, if we wait, and then announce our arrival, it can look like you requested assistance, rather than the Emperor believing you can't handle it. People respect a leader who's willing to swallow their pride."

'That's...kinda brilliant.' "You have quite a Squire on your hands, Lady Enneagram."

"Yep. Now, if you don't mind, I have a hotel room to book."

'Yes, let's~Wait, WHAT!?' "Lady Nonette," Pollux exclaimed, "We've already given you and your~"

"Don't bother, Viceroy," Rai retorted as Nonette walked past them all into the Palace, "She's like that wherever we go. Rather than stay in the Viceroy's Palace, she books a hotel for us."

"It's true," Guilford continued, "Before I became part of your Royal Guard, she was assigned to assist us in southern Africa. However, rather than stay at the military base we had, she pitched a tent a mile outside the base."

"You're kidding!" Castor joyously retorted.

'Again, they're all insane.' "That is extremely dangerous. Wo~"

"Won't terrorists or some other unsavory foe try to attack us?" Rai finished, "The Black Knights are supposedly symbols of justice. I doubt the common man would see any real justice in attacking a hotel, even if a high value Britannian is there. And, in the event any are dumb enough to actually attack us, there's always Lucy and Darrell."

"Who?"

Rai smirked, reaching behind his back, and pulled out a metal object. The object began unfolding, eventually cascading into a metal crossbow with a drum magazine. (Repeater Crossbow from Van Helsing)

"Darrell, meet our bosses. Lady Nonette has a compact shotgun for her backup. And, before you ask, yes, her craziness is affecting me."

'Uuuaaaiiii, these two might give me a migraine.' "I was afraid you'd say that. Let's go inside so I can give you the details."

August 27th, ASEEC Mobile Base, 7:32 A.M.

Suzaku

Suzaku exited the simulator, noticing Lord Jeremiah approaching. They were in the middle of testing when Lady Enneagram asked Lloyd to inspect their Knightmares. Due to both her and her Squire staying outside the palace, he hadn't gotten a chance to meet them.

"I'm surprised you're still here, Miss Croomy," Jeremiah exclaimed, "I would've thought that you'd be with Lloyd to inspect Lady Enneagram and Sir Rai's Knightmares."

"Sorry," She replied, "Lloyd wanted us to finish the test, then I'll catch up with him."

"Also," Suzaku continued, "Forgive me, Lord Gottwald. I haven't found a good time to have that discussion with you."

"No, no, you're not at fault. With everything occurring, I'd be surprised if you could find a moment."

"Oh," Cecile exclaimed, "Sorry, I'll just be leaving then."

Jeremiah gave him a cold stare, and spoke even colder, "Suzaku, do you trust this woman?"

"What?"

"I ask again. Do you trust her? Not only with your life, but the life of the Viceroy?"

'Is the discussion that important. Regardless, she can be trusted.'

"Um, if it's confidential, perhaps I should~" Cecile tried to excuse herself, but Suzaku cut her off.

"She can be trusted."

"She had better. Four people hang in the balance." He held out an arm, noticing that his outfit was tightened around the wrist. After lifting the cloth, he used his free thumb to push up an orange USB drive."

'Orange? Wait, Project Orange!' "Sir, should we really be~"

"Me and Clovis were the only ones to work on Orange. I need to tell someone before the paranoia drives me mad." Jeremiah then moved to a nearby computer and was about to plug it in.

"Wait, don't!" Cecile exclaimed, "Use mine. Lloyd doesn't use my computer since I threatened him one time."

'She actually threatened him? Moreover, he listened?' "What did you do?"

"Forgive me, Suzaku, but what was said that day should not be uttered in decent company."

"Very well." Jeremiah replied, moving to Cecile's computer, taking a seat. He plugged in the USB, and, after opening a few folders, came up to a map of Area 11. "We never had a name for the project, but, since we always used an orange USB, that's just what it was referred to."

"What is this?" Cecile inquired as she leaned in, "Some of these reports date to just after Prince Clovis took office as Viceroy."

"Prince Clovis had spent years combing Area 11. When I brought the Purebloods here, he brought me, and only me, into the search. We've been working on this ever since."

'Prince Clovis had actually been working seriously on something. I mean, the media depicted him as a playboy of sorts.' "What were you searching for?"

"Not what, who." Jeremiah gave him a 'you should know' look.

'Who? Who would you spend years trying to fi~Oh no.' Realization and horror spread across his face.

"Good to know you remember the Li and Vi Britannians, Kururugi." Jeremiah said with a little snark.

"But," Cecile sputtered out, "They were killed during the invasion of Japan."

"Declared dead, Miss Croomy. Clovis took the position of Viceroy here because he didn't believe they were dead. When I brought the Purebloods here, he noticed that I was part of Empress Marianne's Guard, and brought me into his hunt. With my help, our search would take only a few years, as opposed to a few decades. Worst case scenario, we would find their bodies, and bring them home for a proper burial."

"And, if you did find them?" Suzaku retorted with a slight venom that surprised her.

"Simple. We would've helped them disappear."

"Disappear?" Cecile replied.

"If the four have been hiding all these years, even after Area 11 was established, it is because they don't trust our own people, especially after Marianne died. I'm among the people who believe that the jealous nobility killed her, so it makes sense why they remained hidden. Not only that, but the Imperial Family is even more cutthroat than the nobility. Clovis wouldn't want to drag them back into that life if they didn't want to. He planned to discreetly meet them, and arrange living space. He would then misplace several million pounds."

'They...they were going to help them?' "How would he have done that?"

"You think Clovis went to all those parties just because they were fun? Actually, he did, at first. However, he soon realised that, if he gave the impression of a playboy, then it wouldn't look so odd if so much money went missing. It would look bad, but it wouldn't seem suspicious. Not only that, but I would've transferred my command to someone else, and disappeared, taking my place once more as guard of the Li Britannians. I failed their mother, but I wouldn't fail with them."

Suzaku was mentally floored by Jeremiah's declaration. He never imagined Britannians would go so far against Britannia to protect his friend.

'They were going to help them! Should I tell them? I don't want to break Lelouch's trust. But, what Lord Jeremiah is saying makes sense. I just don't kn~'

"You've seen them." Suzaku shook his head, realizing that Jeremiah was staring at him with hope.

"You've seen them recently. Suzaku Kururugi," Jeremiah stood up with almost a pleading look on him, "If you have any idea where they could be, you must tell me."

Suzaku was still unsure, though his resolve was wavering in the face of such a desperate man.

'Can I trust him? Those eyes...They don't show any deceit. They show a man who's failed. And cannot afford to fail again.'

Suzaku sighed, then took a seat at the computer. He closed the files, then began opening files pertaining to the Lake Kawaguchi incident. He opened a video file, letting it play for a bit before pausing, "Take at look at the left."

Jeremiah inched down, observing. It was a video showing the hostages. Jeremiah's eyes nearly bulged out when he looked at the left side.

"Prince Lelouch?" Jeremiah croaked out in hope.

"At first, I didn't think it was him," Suzaku lied, "But, if you look a few people to the right." He pointed to a woman with red hair and violet eyes, "But those eyes look startelling close to Euphemia's. I had my suspicions that it was Lelouch, but that girl confirmed it."

"Not only that," Cecile added, scrolling through her datapad (where did she get that?), "But the girl near the center, blonde hair. She's Millicent Ashford, a former noble girl who's family produced the Ganymede, Empress Marianne's Knightmare."

"They're alive." Jeremiah croaked out, tears building up, "If those two are alive, then no doubt Princess Nunnally and Cornelia are as well. They're alive! And there's no way Millicent wouldn't recognise Lelouch, which means that they are hiding with the Ashfords, possibly attending Ashford Academy itself."

"If Lelouch is still as smart as he was seven years ago, then we can't approach that place. He'd have over a dozen escape routes. They'd either disappear for a few days. If they caught wind that we knew they were there, without the reasons why we're trying to find them, they disappear, and we'd never find them again."

"It's worse than you think."

"What do you mean?"

"Suzaku, remember what Zero said when he rescued you."

'Huh?'

{You wouldn't want the public to learn about Orange, would you?}

'Zero said Orange, which means...No, no, NO!' "He knows about them."

"Yes. If we tried to approach Ashford, then Zero's forces would take them. I don't believe he'd hurt them, as he would've made some statement on them after the hotel attack, but he'd make sure we'd never get to them. That's why I need to root out the spy in our ranks. If Zero can't see when we come for them, then we'll have a chance of saving them."

"What if," Cecile exclaimed, "Instead of us going to them, they come to us?"

'Huh?' "How would we do that?"

"Lloyd has been pushing on the Ashfords to get the designs for the Ganymede. He's used almost all polite methods to try to get their cooperation. However, there's one he hasn't tried, mainly because he isn't interested...romance."

"Please clarify, Miss Croomy."

"If Lloyd can convince the Ashfords to allow Millicent to meet him to consider at least dating him, though, he'd probably consider skipping straight to marriage, it will give us opportunities to talk with her. She'd be able to pass our message to them, possibly even arrange a meeting place.

'That's...That's brilliant.'

"Excellent thinking, Miss Croomy. Besides, even if Millicent isn't interested in marriage, she might play along if it could help them." Jeremiah unplugged the USB, placing it back up his sleeve. "Now, I don't think I need to express how important it is to keep this between us. If anyone finds out, we could be trialed for treason, even if we didn't intend to actually hurt them."

"Yes, Jeremiah."

'Hang on, Lelouch. Help is coming.'

With that, a secret pact was formed. One to save four members of the Imperial Family.

Whatever the cost.

August 31st, Tokyo Settlement, 5:45 P.M.

Nonette

Nonette was currently driving her customized McLaren 900S towards Shinjuku Ghetto, the place where Zero first began. Not only that, but she decided to drag Rai and Suzaku along. She wore a purple leather duster with a white suit underneath it.

"You feeling alright, back there?" Nonette exclaimed to the passenger behind her. Normally her car model would only have two seats. However, she wanted a four seater, so she had it rebuilt from the ground up. It's significantly longer than the standard McLaren, but she got what she wanted.

"Yeah," Suzaku replied, still slightly in shock. He was completely caught off guard when she offered (dragged) him along. He was wearing a blue duster that curved at the top, along with a greenish long shirt and gray pants.

'Makes sense that he's getting whiplash. Just a week ago he was a private in the Foreign Legion. Now he's an officer in one of the biggest research branches, in a car with one of the Empire's strongest warriors. Surprised he hasn't fainted yet.'

"Lady Nonette," Rai inquired, adjusting his suit, "Why are we heading to Shinjuku? You said it was to gather intel, but your tone said something else."

"Astute as always, my Squire. But not entirely correct. We are gathering intel, just not on terrorists."

"Then~"

"Ap, ap, we'll discuss things when we get there."

Shortly after, they had arrived at the Shinjuku Ghetto. A memorial was built for the people killed during Clovis's extermination.

'Such a waste. Then again, they'll get no sympathy for me. They took you from us, sister.'

"The Shinjuku Ghetto," Suzaku exclaimed, "Ruined again, just like Saitama."

"Only difference here," Rai continued, "Is that the people weren't evacuated."

"It was tragic," Nonette finished, "And unnecessary. However, we are not here to speak of the Elevens. Kururugi, I understand that, before the Invasion of Japan, you housed four members of the Imperial Family."

Suzaku stiffened, like he had been caught doing something wrong.

"How were they in your care? Were they miserable, happy?"

"Huh?"

"I trained alongside Princess Cornelia during her time at the Camlann Military Academy. I simply wish to know how their stay went...before the end."

Suzaku loosened up at that, "I can't say how they were before they came to stay with my family, but Nunnally and Euphie were some of the sweetest girls I ever met, while Lelouch~"

"I believe the proper terms are Prince and Princess, and her name is Euphemia." Nonette interrupted.

"With respect, ma'am, but those three didn't consider themselves part of the Imperial Family, and all but ordered me to not refer to them as such. As for Euphie, well, same boat, unfortunately."

'We broke them that badly. Damn you, Charles!' "And Princess Cornelia?"

"She still was referred to as Princess, and had a sour look on her whenever I didn't refer to her siblings as royalty. She was cold, and very defensive around the other three." Suzaku's eyes widened in realization, then he let out a chuckle, "One time I even called Euphie cute, and Princess Cornelia nearly bit my head off. I think the only reason she didn't do it literally was because Euphie was still there."

Nonette barked out a laugh. 'Same old Nelly.' "I imagine so. I understand you lost your father during the invasion." Suzaku looked shocked at her statement, but didn't comment.

"Holy hell," An unknown voice from behind them dryly stated, "This place is a mess."

"They even used Hummer rounds." A second voice replied. It appeared as though it was coming from a nearby statue up on the hill.

'So, it's already started: Our people are feeling sympathy towards the terrorists.'

A large crash was heard before a third voice roared, "Get outta here, you damn Britannian bastards!"

'Oh, no.' "Come on." The three bolted up the hill.

"Look, Eleven, we didn't come here to fight. We came to pay ou~"

"Don't call me Eleven! I'm Japanese!"

"Okay, but don't say that out loud. If a cop heard you, they'd probably beat you for it."

The three got up the hill, and saw five people, two of them teenagers. The two kids were wearing a school uniform, one of them having dark gray, and the other had brownish hair and was wearing a similar brown cloth wrapped around his head. The three Elevens were wearing casual clothes, and had brown, red, and purple hair colors.

"You think I'm afraid of a racist Britannian pig!"

'This will get ugly if I don't stop it.' "Enough!" Nonette barked out, getting everyone's attention.

"Stay outta this!" The red haired Eleven retorted.

"And allow you to harass these kids more?"

"You're just~"

"Before I continue, I'd just like to say, if you try to attack me, I will hurt you back. Now, if you were paying attention, you'd notice that these boys weren't here to insult your people."

"Yeah," one of the students replied, "We came here to pay our respects."

"It's your people that caused this in the first place. You attacked Japan, you reduced our pride to a mere number, and your Prince ordered this massacre."

"And you don't deserve it?" Nonette countered.

"What?!" All three Elevens roared back.

"Your people had the largest reserve of Sakuradite in the world, something Britannia needed. We gave you a fair deal, and, not only did you refuse, but your people declared an embargo against us. Your people convinced the Chinese Federation to organize an economic blockade of our country. Had you simply accepted our deal, maybe the Second Pacific War wouldn't happen. I cannot speak for Prince Clovis's actions, but you brought the invasion upon yourselves."

Nonette was sure she saw steam shooting out of the red haired man's ears. "Why you!" The man charges, trying to land a right hook onto her. She ducked under, grabbed the arm, then dislocated it. The man fell to the ground howling in pain.

"You see. I warned you not to attack me, and you still did it. You don't know when you've bitten off more than you can chew. Here's a lesson for you: Do to others as you would have them do to you." She knelt to the ground and popped his arm back into place, but not without him giving another howl of pain. "Get your friend outta here before he makes an even bigger fool of himself."

The other Elevens lifted their friend up, and the three began walking away. Well, two walked, third slightly limping. One of the students went to a camera that was cracked on the ground.

"Damnit, I only had this for a few weeks."

"Hey, kid." Nonette exclaimed, walking over to him. "Do you have a credit card?"

"Um, yeah?"

"Mind if I see it. Don't worry, I'm not gonna mug you." The student hesitantly pulled out his credit card. Nonette took it and pulled out her phone. After a moment, she returned the card. "I just transferred some money into your account. I hope it'll be enough." The kid's phone buzzed, and he looked at it.

'Most likely the money I transferred.'

"Holy, um, yeah. This will do. Thanks."

"You two should leave. The Ghettos aren't a place you should be without some form of protection. There are many people like that idiot who don't think clearly."

"Yes, ma'am. We'll be going now." The two students quickly left the area. Rai was simply smiling, not surprised by Nonette's handling of the situation. Suzaku, however, was very surprised.

'He probably thought I'd do a lot more harm to the Elevens. While they won't get my sympathy, they don't deserve my cruelty.'

"Lady Nonette?" Suzaku inquired.

"Suzaku, this country has taken so much from us. You lost your father, I lost someone I considered a sister, and Rai has lost his past."

"What?"

"I have amnesia, Kururugi. The first ten years of my life are missing. All I know is my father found me here."

"This country has left marks on each of us. We must bear those marks, not as shameful acts, but as stepping stones, on the road to better tomorrows."

The three stood there, whether it was for the people who died there, or just in contemplation for her words, only they knew.

"Well," Nonette cheerfully exclaimed, "Enough downbeats. Who's up for Chinese?"

"What?!" Suzaku replied, completely floored by her change in attitude.

"I'm thinking of spaghetti."

"Wait, isn't that an Italian meal?"

"Don't try to correct her when it comes to food," Rai retorted, "It'll save you a lot of headaches."

The three then left the Ghetto, returning to the Settlement, before going on a bing spree with Lady Nonette.

September 2nd, Viceroy Palace, 9:02 A.M.

Dalton

Andreas was currently getting ready for Prince Pollux public introduction to Lady Enneagram.

'And not a moment too soon. With the Black Knights having eliminated nearly all the criminal organizations, the public is silently turning favor towards them. Well, at least we'll be able to focus on them.' He left his room, noticing Villetta and Jeremiah coming down the hall. "Miss Nu, have you made any progress?" He got his answer when she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Very little, I'm afraid, General. I thought I had a lead when I discovered a landlord allowed a couple of women to stay in a house for a year. Unfortunately, it turned out to be simply some boy with a lot of money helping his girlfriend and her mother."

"Hehe, well, we'll find a lead sooner or later. Come on." The three were about to reach an intersection, and Dalton was about to leave the two so they could regroup with the rest of the Purebloods, when they spotted Kewell.

"Kewell," Jeremiah exclaimed, "What business did you have in the administration section?"

"Sir," Kewell saluted, "I was looking for you. I was hoping there would be orders that could help prove to you that I'm not working with Zero."

'Have to agree with him on that. I seriously doubt that he's working with them, but Jeremiah seems adamant. Why?'

"Following orders is the only way you'll prove your innocence, Captain Soresi. And your orders were to gather with the rest of the Purebloods."

"But, sir~"

"Your orders." Jeremiah retorted with finality. With slight indignation, Kewell began making his way to the Pureblood hanger. "Villetta, makes sure he actually gets there."

"Yes, sir." Villetta replied, catching up to Kewell.

"Do you," Dalton inquired when they were out of earshot, "Actually believe he's the spy?"

"(Sigh) No. But, if the real spy thinks we're targeting Kewell, they might get less cautious, allowing us to capture them."

"That's a big if."

"I know. I'm destroying whatever comradery we had for each other. However, if that's what it takes to catch the spy, then I'll gladly accept that punishment."

'Need to put Jeremiah in for a promotion if we catch them.' "Very well. I need to be at the Viceroy's side during the announcement. We can discuss more afterwards."

"Yes, General." Jeremiah saluted, and began heading towards the Pureblood hanger.

9:37 A.M.

Nonette

"May I introduce," Viceroy Pollux exclaimed, gesturing toward her, as the two were broadcasting her arrival, "Nonette Enneagram, the Knight of Nine!"

The crowd of noblemen in front began clapping with approval as she stepped forward, with the Viceroy stepping back, letting her have the stage.

"I thank you, Viceroy Pollux. I'm not one for long speeches, so I'll keep this short. These Black Knights represent possibly one of the greatest threats to Britannian society. No matter what they preach, they seek to upend the great empire that we have created. I have come to bring these terrorists to heel. And to Zero and Celaeno, I only have one thing to say."

(Flashback)

"Lady Nonette Enneagram." Charles zi Britannia exclaimed to a kneeling Nonette from his throne, the two being the only ones in there, "You are to go to Area 11 and deal with the mess that my sons seem incapable of fixing. You are to be granted authority equal to my own while you are there."

"Yes, your majesty."

"However, there is one demand I must make of you. Bring me Zero, alive."

"Alive? Forgive me, your majesty, but what purpose would it serve to keep that terrorist alive?"

"If you needed to know, you would have been told. These are my orders. Now go."

"Yes, your majesty."

(Present Day)

"I'm coming for you."

Author's Notes: We have now reached the end of the Filler Arc.

Britannia is stepping up their game. Nonette has a secret mission from the Emperor, Pollux has formed a group opposed to Schneizel, and Suzaku has been inducted into two groups: One working behind the scenes, and another working with him on the front lines. I needed Suzaku to have his own circle of 'friends', since he isn't going to Ashford in this story. At least, not immediately.

Side note, how the HELL did I not discover Destiny 2! This game has so much to offer, and it's FREE. I heard about Destiny 1 releasing years ago, but never got into it. Might not play it, but the amount of stylish armor and weapons is leaving me inspired.

As always, leave a review, and I'll see you next time.