"I see that you have chosen to ignore my advice against involving yourself further with the failure," Igor's deep voice said, as the Prison Master lazily rested his head in a hand. "Moreover, you saw fit to divulge to her the destiny that she could not realize."
Lelouch got up from his cell's bed in the Velvet Room and walked over to the bars, folding his arms as he met Igor's gaze directly. "Are you going to make something more of it?"
Igor chuckled. "Of course not, Trickster. I have already said my piece of the matter. As always, you are responsible for your own actions. Those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same."
Igor chuckled again. "But you have at last discovered the truth behind Ragnarok, and forged a bond beyond the numbered Major Arcana. And so I shall speak more on these things." Igor tented his spindly gloved fingers, so that his head was now resting on both of his hands. "As your fellow Trickster has said, your father seeks to open Heaven's Door, bringing about the ruin known as Ragnarok; in short, the end of the world as you know it. He has spent many years researching the key, and soon, he will have the means to use it."
Igor's eyes bulged. "Do you recall how the other Trickster told you that there was a Mementos beneath Pendragon as well?"
"Yes," Lelouch nodded. "They all connect together, don't they?"
"That is correct, Trickster. The Tokyo Settlement is hardly the only place where the distorted desires of the masses gather, and each iteration of Mementos stems from the same blackened depths. But let me tell you something that you did not know. There was once a great civilization across your world. In their Pride, they constructed a series of structures granting them direct access to the Collective Unconscious. You may call these, 'Thought Elevators', if you will."
"So they could function like the Metaverse Navigator?" Lelouch asked.
"That is correct, Trickster, though they were far inferior to my Navigator. Unlike them, you can access that world from anywhere, with a phone that can fit into your pocket. But we digress, Trickster," Igor said, waving his hand dismissively. "One function that the Thought Elevators had though, which my Navigator does not, was that they could be connected together to summon a weapon known as 'The Sword', with the power to forcibly open Heaven's Door."
"Were the ruins on Kamine Island... the remains of one of these Thought Elevators?" Lelouch asked.
"You are perceptive as always, Trickster." Igor let out a wry laugh. "The power upon which the operation of the Thought Elevators was based has long since disappeared from the real world, and so I had thought them merely relics of a bygone age. But the discovery and subsequent study of a Thought Elevator, upon which the Imperial Palace at Pendragon would be constructed-"
"Wait, Pendragon is built atop a Thought Elevator?!"
"That is correct, Trickster. Did you not wonder why Britannia chose to construct its capital in the middle of a desert? But suffice to say, the knowledge gained from the Thought Elevator made your ancestors aware of the existence of a cognitive world beyond their own, and provided the foundation of the discipline that would become known as Cognitive Psience." Igor's perpetual grin took on a mocking look. "There had always been a Thought Elevator back under the old capital of London, but the one under Pendragon was the first that they studied with modern methods and technology instead of regarding it with mere superstition."
Igor chuckled for a few moments. "This of course was a secret well-hidden from the general public, and Britannia profited much from it, but it was only when your father took the throne that Britannia became wholly devoted to unlocking its mysteries."
"So my father really did invade Japan just to acquire its Thought Elevator," Lelouch snarled. "Taking control of Japan's sakuradite mining operations was only the story they gave the public! Perhaps Japan's Though Elevator was even how Clovis got into Cognitive Psience in the first place. And Britannia's other wars under my father's reign - most of them were probably aimed at securing still more Thought Elevators for study!"
"Indeed," Igor replied. "Yet the Thought Elevator at Kaminejima was of particular value to their research. It is closer to the cognitive world than any other, and from there, Ragnarok may be initiated. It is of little wonder then that the ancients called the island 'Kaminejima', literally meaning the 'Island of the Gods', even as they transgressed God's domain."
"Then we just have to-"
Igor held up a hand. "Physically destroying the Thought Elevator would serve no purpose now. Your father has already given form to his Palace in its place. His Cognition will not be changed easily, and his Palace will serve the same function as the actual Thought Elevator insofar as Ragnarok is concerned."
Lelouch frowned. "But how is that possible? You said that the Thought Elevators are no longer operable because their power source no longer exists. If my father's Palace serves the same function, shouldn't it use the same source as well? Are you saying that Britannia has developed a substitute for it?"
"It would be more accurate to say that your father has devised a new system, based on the design of but superseding the original, located entirely within the Metaverse. Your father's influence spreads from his Palace even now, and will continue to do so until it has connected all corners of Mementos together. As he gains mastery over the cognitive world, I fear that a day may come when even I will no longer be able to keep his powers at bay here in my Velvet Room."
His father... could gain control of Mementos, and with it the hidden desires of every human being?
This was getting worse by the moment.
His father really would, for all practical purposes, be a god if that happened.
Killing his father in the real world would undoubtedly destroy his father's Palace as well, neutralizing the threat, but Lelouch knew that simply wasn't feasible. The Emperor was one of, if not the best-protected men on the planet, and a continent away. Nor could they trigger a mental shutdown in his father through Mementos, for his father's Shadow was safely locked away in another Palace.
Igor's revelations also meant that the cult's presumed program of artificially producing Persona users in the Taklamakan Desert, had been likely designed with an entirely different purpose than what he had first suspected. It was to enable their members, perhaps even the Emperor himself, to explore the Metaverse and develop the system that would bring about Ragnarok. Assassins and soldiers with supernatural powers were just fringe benefits to the plan. Atrocious as Clovis' Code-R had been, it was almost certainly but a pale imitation of the cult's own research. The late Third Prince had never suspected the truth of what the Emperor was planning.
"In the short term, it's expected you may face unusual phenomena in Mementos because of this," Igor continued on, heedless of his prisoner's dismay. "The Palaces as well," the old man added after a moment's thought. "But I am sure that it will be a small matter for one of your abilities."
No, Igor didn't get to understate information that could be important like that!
"What are you trying to tell me?" Lelouch demanded.
Umbrage shot through Igor's eyes. But after a moment, he nodded toward Shi and Tsu. They had remained silent thus far, lest they provoke the Prison Master's wrath, but now it seemed that he would have them explain further, when he would not deign to do it himself.
"Our Master is saying that Mementos, and the Metaverse as a whole, will be increasingly unstable going forward," Tsu said.
"You may face more powerful Shadows," Shi continued, right where her sister had left off, "including... those that bring disaster with them." She cringed slightly at the thought.
"You may also encounter areas within Mementos where the underlying Cognition has deviated strongly from usual," Tsu added. "The rituals we perform within the Velvet Room may become more temperamental as well. This may cause fusions to yield unexpected results... but it may also offer you a chance to attain greater powers than would otherwise be possible."
Lelouch met Igor's gaze once again. "If you know so much about my father's Palace, and the effects it is having on the Metaverse, you must also know the form that it takes."
"Trickster, I am disappointed in you," Igor said, sounding far too much like a stern father. "Easy answers will do nothing to facilitate your rehabilitation, and if you cannot discover that on our own, then I must question if you are truly worthy of being a Trickster. Even if I were to tell you the form of your father's Palace, you are not quite strong enough to challenge it yet. You would simply perish, accomplishing nothing but a foolish end. But if you continue your current rate of growth..." Igor let out a deep, resonant laugh. "It will not be much longer until you are ready, a joyous tiding indeed!"
Lelouch hadn't expected anything different, but he couldn't help but feel frustrated. He wanted to put a stop to his father's plans now!
"There is still time, Trickster," Igor said. "Continue to steal hearts and hone your craft. How will you make use of the new powers available to you as ruin approaches? I wonder..." He chuckled to himself once more. "Your faith will be sorely tested, but continue to trust in the bonds that you have forged, and you shall surely see your rehabilitation through to an end."
The prison bell rang.
"Until we meet again, Trickster..."
xXx
Lelouch woke up back in his own bedroom. Leila lay next to him, under the covers. Her eyes were still closed and there was a relaxed smile on her face, quite unlike any he had seen on her before. A few strands of her voluminous blonde hair rested across her face, so he gently pushed them aside without waking her so that he could see the rest of her expression.
So... that was Leila's true face, when all of her other masks were cast aside and she was allowed, however briefly, to be but herself, without putting forth any sort of facade or trying to fit into a role, whether as a noblewoman, a student, a Black Knight, or even a lover.
It was no less beautiful of a face than any he had seen her wear, and all the more precious for being so rare.
"Enjoying yourself, Trickster?" an amused female voice asked behind him.
Lelouch spun around to see Tsu stretched out next to him on the other side of his bed. Thankfully, she was above the covers, but she was wearing nothing but one of his shirts, which she had clearly helped herself to.
Startled by his sudden movement, Leila's eyes opened, and she shot upright, pulling as much of the covers as she could with her.
"Huh?! L-Lelouch! Who's this?" she stammered, her cheeks going bright red. She blinked several times, her eyes darting up and down over the newcomer before locking on Tsu's golden ones.
"Wait! I remember you! Lelouch told me- y-you're one of the wardens of- the Velvet Room! What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that?"
"Oh, don't mind me. I just watch the door, that's all." Tsu's lips spread into a mischievous smile.
"D-door? What door?" Leila asked, looking confused.
Tsu ignored her. "Though if you're up to it, I don't mind making..." She tapped a finger delicately on her chin, as if trying to remember something, though Lelouch could tell it was an affectation. "Ah, yes, making 'the beast of three heads'. I think that's how the expression goes. You can think of it as a triad 'fusion'... But don't worry. It will be a far more... pleasant experience than when we do it in that room."
"Aren't you referencing Othello?" Leila said warily. "But it's supposed to be the 'beast with two backs'..." Her eyes widened as she realized exactly what Tsu was talking about, and she buried her face in the bed covers, unsuccessfully trying to hide how red it was.
"My, your Priestess certainly isn't as innocent as she looks," Tsu smirked.
"Be quiet," Lelouch replied. Shaking his head, he placed a hand reassuringly on Leila's shoulder. After a moment, she peeked out from under the covers, and glanced over at him.
"Lelouch... you don't have more than a... professional relationship with her... do you? I'm not ready for a thr- um, for that yet, much less with someone I barely know."
"She's a... confidant, so I can't say that it's completely professional... but there are certain lines that I won't cross, Leila... and this is one of them." He let out a harsh laugh. "Trust me, this is Tsu's idea of a prank. She loves to rile people up. You can ask Kallen about it."
"What a coldhearted man," Tsu said, still looking quite pleased with herself. "And for a moment, I thought you were going to confess your true feelings for me... It's not like this is the first time I've been in your bed."
"That's only because one day you decided to practically move in and lounge around here whenever you felt like it, so you wouldn't be stuck in the Velvet Room. What was I supposed to do? I can't exactly say I blame you for wanting to get out of that place, and I couldn't have made you leave even if I wanted to force to issue. But that never went beyond comforting you when you were obviously having a nightmare."
"For a Trickster, you're no fun sometimes," Tsu frowned.
"At another time, I wouldn't mind you visiting, but right now is an invasion of privacy!"
"Says the one who goes poking around in other people's hearts. But I'm not some voyeur; I made sure to give you two plenty of time alone together. In fact, I only got here a few minutes ago." Tsu laughed lightly, but then her expression hardened. "That's more than we can say about some nosy people," she grumbled.
Thankfully, Leila still seemed too embarrassed by Tsu's arrival to realize who exactly the warden had meant. Lelouch forced himself not to swear or show his anger on his face. In this case, it was better for Leila to remain ignorant, lest it mar a precious memory for her.
"You mentioned a door earlier," Leila said, regaining some of her composure.
Tsu tilted her head slightly, this time genuinely considering the question. "I suppose that you may still have enough potential left to be able to see it, for a moment." She smiled. "Hold out your hand."
Slowly, Leila did so, being sure to clutch the bedsheets with her other hand so that her chest would remain covered. She blinked as soon as Tsu grasped her hand, and then her amethyst eyes went wide.
"Has that been there... this entire time?" Leila whispered.
"The whole time you've been here, yes," Lelouch replied. "But it only appeared when Tsu first decided to move in here. You heard her excuse earlier; that's she's here to 'watch the door.' I'll admit though, it is convenient sometimes, being able to directly go to the Velvet Room from here."
"Your maid was quick to get the wrong idea about us. When I started coming here, I mean," Tsu replied. "She thought that I was... a dominatrix, was it not?" She turned to Leila again. "Then again, your boyfriend comes to the Velvet Room so much, I have to wonder if it's because he likes wearing a straitjacket." Her eyes glinted wickedly. "Or maybe it's true what they say... that smart people are just into that sort of thing these days." She put on a Cheshire grin. "Perhaps you could even tell me about it."
"Wha-?!" Leila's cheeks went deep red, and she quickly cocooned herself in the covers, as if that could dissuade Tsu from teasing her further.
Lelouch took a deep breath, trying not to lose his patience. "Don't let her get to you," he told Leila, though she remained hidden under the sheets. He turned back to Tsu. "Why are you really here?"
"You're treading on very dangerous ground, Trickster, you know that?"
"Tell me something I don't know. Between leading a double life, going into Palaces, and a plot to bring about the end of everything, I'm not sure how much more dangerous it could get."
"Hmph!" Tsu said. "And here I was, going to read the cards for you, without asking for anything in return!" Seemingly from nowhere, there was a deck of Tarot cards in her hand.
Lelouch had a sudden sense of foreboding. Could she be trying to tell him something through the cards, something that she couldn't say directly or out loud?
"I'd love to see your reading, Tsu... if you're still willing to give it."
"I am, but it's going to cost you a large pizza with extra cheese and toppings now. I'd ask for two, but the second one would probably go cold before I could get to it."
So Tsu really was serious about this. She would never willingly decline a chance to gorge herself on more pizza, unless something much larger was at stake.
Leila seemed intrigued by the odd exchange and the promise of a tarot reading, and poked her head out of her cocoon, though she wisely chose not to say anything.
"You win, Tsu," Lelouch said.
Nodding, Tsu shuffled the Tarot deck, and drew the first card from the top. She immediately did a take.
"That's never been in the deck before... "
Tsu set the card down on his lap. It was thankfully still covered by the bedsheets, though he couldn't help but shift slightly in discomfort. Tsu had done that on purpose, to get back at him for bringing up her nightmares, he was sure of it.
"Faith, in the reversed position," Leila said, relaxing her grip on the bedsheets slightly, while still being sure to protect her modesty, as she glanced down at the card.
"Next, in your near future," Tsu continued, drawing the next card and placing it next to the Reversed Faith.
"Judgement, also in the reversed position," Leila frowned.
"And the future beyond that," Tsu said, drawing the third and final card.
"Oh no!" Leila gasped, raising her hands to her mouth. "The Ten of Swords!"
Lelouch looked at the card. It showed a man lying face-down, his lower half draped in a dark cloth that had the look of blood, impaled through the back by ten swords. The skies above the seemingly deceased man were dark, yet there appeared to be light on the horizon. Unlike the other two cards, it was in the upright position.
"How would you interpret this reading, Leila?" Lelouch asked slowly, carefully keeping his eyes fixed on hers. "I want to hear your opinion."
Leila touched the first card with her fingers. "Faith is from the Visconti-Sforza deck. One of them, anyway. They're actually a collection of incomplete tarot decks originating from the early 16th century, as you would date them in the a.t.b. calendar. In its reversed position, Faith can mean overconfidence, self-doubt, or misplaced trust." She slid her fingers to the second card. "Reversed Judgement can mean unfair blame, acting in haste, or stubbornly refusing to grow." She moved to the Ten of Swords. "You see how the man has been stabbed in the back? The Ten of Swords predicts an unavoidable betrayal, crisis, or imprisonment... a bitter defeat." She closed her eyes, and took several breaths. "It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Ten of Swords is one of the most negative cards in the entire deck.
"Taking it all together," Leila continued, "Something or someone has deceived you, yet in spite of any misgivings that you have, you continue to rush onward, unwilling to give up a cherished but ultimately false idol. But in the end, it will betray you, and in the worst possible way." She shook her head. "Though the reading may just as well apply to someone close to you."
"Of course," Lelouch frowned. "The symbolism is purposefully vague, so that it may apply in any number of ways to one's own life." He shook his head. "What about the sunrise on the card? Or is it a sunset?"
"Usually, it is thought of as a sunrise," Leila said after a moment. "It signifies that though one has suffered a crushing loss of some kind, the worst is now over, and brighter days are ahead."
"You really do know your Arcana, both Major and Minor," Tsu chuckled. Her expression turned devious. "You know, it's almost a waste that you couldn't be one of my Inmates." She gestured to Lelouch. "Your boyfriend here thinks he's so smart, but it would have saved me so much time, not having to explain the basics to him."
"Watch it," Lelouch snarled.
"You forget who you're speaking to, Trickster," Tsu laughed. "By the way... when are you two going to get some clothes on?" She cast a meaningful look toward Leila's chest.
Towards Leila's now-exposed chest.
Leila immediately threw her arms across her breasts, and averted her gaze from Tsu, her cheeks going even redder than before.
"You were perfectly fine a moment ago, when you were analyzing the cards," Tsu smirked.
"That's more than enough!" Lelouch huffed. "But we're not getting dressed until we have some privacy again."
"Have it your way," Tsu replied, getting up from the bed. "I'll put my large pizza with extra cheese and toppings on your tab for the next time you visit the Velvet Room. I'll return your shirt too, once you've finished up here. I'd hurry if I were you. Or did you forget that you have class in less than an hour?"
Crap! She was right! He didn't think they had slept in so late! He looked around frantically. They needed to get something for Leila to wear and-
Wait, what was that?
There, neatly arranged on a hanger, was a female school uniform, presumably in Leila's size, suspended from the trim between the windows.
"I guess you were even more prepared than I thought," Lelouch said, feeling sudden relief. "You thought of everything, even the... pro-" No, it was too embarrassing to say that out loud. "You know what I mean! But how did you-"
"I didn't. I don't know where that uniform came from." She glanced down at an unfamiliar box on his bedside table. "And I thought that was yours."
Sayoko had known that he was heading out to meet with Marrybell, and that another Black Knight would be joining him there. Given that most of the Black Knights were women, he was dating three of them, and her... assumptions about his love life, she likely already had preparations in place, should he choose to return home with one of them. Even as they had entered the Clubhouse as stealthily as they might during a Palace infiltration, that wasn't enough to escape the former SP's dutiful vigilance of her master's residence. Sayoko must have seen Leila as she approached and secured her motorcycle.
Come to think of it, where had Sayoko gotten that uniform from? He hoped that she didn't 'borrow' the uniform from the laundry room in the Ashford Academy's girls dorm, but he certainly wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
"You knew all along, didn't you?" he said to Tsu.
Except Tsu wasn't there at all. While he was distracted, she had apparently made an exit into the Velvet Room.
He sighed. "I suppose I should be grateful that Sayoko is looking out for us. But I'm never going to hear the end of this, am I?"
xXx
Thankfully, Sayoko chose to be discreet in the matter, simply offering him a small knowing and approving smile as she went about her duties that morning.
Or was it simply that Sayoko had already built up such a mental image of him as a womanizer that his actual love life didn't surprise her at all?
Lelouch quickly forced that thought from his mind.
Nunnally was a different matter. He couldn't lie to her, not after the blood oath they had made together, and in any case, Nunnally had overheard their flustered reactions to Tsu's teasing. That by itself had told his little sister everything she needed to know.
"I'm so happy for you, brother! As long as Shirley and Kallen are okay with it, I am too! Besides, I don't think either of you are the kind of people to go behind their backs. Now I can look forward to having not two but three sister-in-laws! I hope you were gentle with her!"
Leila blinked in surprise, but chose not to comment on it.
As for Lelouch, he couldn't be upset with Nunnally. If anything, he felt slightly guilty when he had to ruin her good mood with the heavy revelations that Marrybell had shared with them the night before.
"Heaven's Door..." Nunnally whispered. "And the end of the world... I know that our father has committed many crimes, and hurt so many people... But could he really do something so horrible?"
Lelouch was about to offer a retort when Nunnally grimaced.
"You don't have to put it like that, Nemo."
Lelouch relented. Even if Nunnally herself wanted to find some good in their father, or at least some lines that he would not cross in pursuit of power, her Shadow was under no such illusions. If anything, Nemo had probably been far blunter than he would have been, for Nunnally to deny that was to deny her as well, and Shadows tended to react violently to rejection.
It was worrying though, that Nunnally still hadn't managed to fully integrate her Shadow into her psyche as an ordinary Persona. Nunnally had to have accepted Nemo as part of her on some level, or else they wouldn't have been able to work together at all. But unlike his own Personas, which he heard as an inner voice, Nunnally visualized Nemo more as an alter ego who existed outside of, separate from herself.
He supposed that all Wild Cards might suffer from a high-functioning form of dissociative identity disorder, or at least that would be the diagnosis for them if they were ever to be evaluated by conventional psychologists. But to his knowledge, only Nunnally remained so strongly dissociated from her other self. Part of her had to be suppressing Nemo even now, which went a long way toward explaining why her Shadow was so powerful, and why Nemo demanded that Nunnally let her run wild from time to time.
Certainly, Nunnally's psyche had been far more damaged than his own from actually being there to witness their mother's murder, to say nothing of how she had been affected by the crippling injuries that she had suffered. Even though she had recovered from her psychosomatic blindness, Lelouch didn't think for a moment that her mental wounds had fully healed, or would ever do so.
He could only hope that they would not fester further, lest the alliance that she had established with her Shadow be thrown out of balance.
"I don't know what caused your father's heart to become so distorted," Leila said softly. "Nor can I truly discern why he would seek to bring about the end. Maybe one day, when we change his heart, we'll find answers to those questions, and just maybe, you and your brother be able to make peace with him. But for now... listen for your inner voice. Sometimes, we don't like to hear what it says, but it may offer wisdom."
Nunnally nodded. She was silent for several moments, and then spoke up again.
"The other Irregulars will want to help free the captives at the compound, if there's any chance for them to help."
"I have no doubt that they would, Nunnally," Lelouch replied. "But we don't know exactly when Gao Hai will choose to confess, and it's imperative that the Glinda Knights get in and out as quickly as possible once that happens. Then there's the issues of boarding a Britannian airship while it's docked here in Area 11. Since Marrybell is reporting directly to the Emperor, Cornelia won't be able to get any details about her mission, but the Viceroy will still be able keep tabs on the Grandberry's comings and going as long as it's in the Area's airspace."
"I'm sure they won't mind being on standby for a few days, if that's what it takes. And couldn't they use the Metaverse to board and disembark from the Grandberry without anyone seeing them?
"That would work," Leila said slowly. "Most of the fighting at the compound is likely to take place in the real world. Doubtlessly, they will be bringing Knightmares with them, and the cult likely has Knightmares of their own present, and plenty of soldiers. Yet it is entirely possible that they might discover a Palace there, or that the cult has managed to create its own Persona-users, who might try to escape or slip past the Glinda Knights to sabotage the Grandberry, unless there is another team standing guard in the Metaverse. But if they had to emerge back into the real world for any reason, they would likely be thrust into a war zone."
Nunnally frowned. Lelouch could tell why. The other Irregulars, with the various enhancements that they had been given in Code-R, were likely more than capable as combatants in the real world, even without formal training. But Nunnally couldn't fight at all in the real world, and would be an active liability if she were to accompany them, no, an unacceptable risk.
Lelouch also suspected that their resident detective would also be more likely to notice an unusual absence from Nunnally than from Alice. Lelouch knew that he had to have always been one of Rolo's prime suspects for changing Coach Nu's heart, and the detective had taken more than a purely professional interest in him, as evidenced by the bond that they had formed. As such, Nunnally, who spent far more time around him, would be more heavily scrutinized than Alice, and the mission did not need that sort of attention.
Then again, even if Nunnally couldn't accompany them, they'd still have Marrybell as a Wild Card if they encountered trouble in the Metaverse once at the compound. The Irregulars might also be able to offer the Glinda Knights valuable insights into the Cognitive Psience research conducted by the cult, which might otherwise be missed.
"Very well," Lelouch relented. "I'll give you Marrybell's secure contact information. You can arrange the necessary details with her and your team."
"Thank you, big brother!"
"As for the Black Knights, we can't infiltrate our father's Palace either until we know the keyword, and Igor... urges caution," Lelouch scowled. "Though, oddly enough, he actually gave us a new lead for once. It seems our father has managed to advance his Cognitive Psience research to the point that he's able to start directly influencing Mementos. We should investigate the next time we get a chance."
"I agree," Nunnally replied. "Make sure you tell the others as well."
"I will."
xXx
"We'll have to head to class separately," Lelouch told Leila as they finished breakfast with Nunnally. "Walking across campus together will draw too much attention to us."
Leila nodded. "Unfortunately, that is the case. You should go first, Lelouch. I'll need a few more minutes to get ready."
Lelouch regarded her curiously.
"It's my hair. I still haven't had time to style it properly, and people will notice if I arrive to class with bed hair. Some of them might even realize that I wasn't at my home this morning, as I'd have servants there to assist me with it. That's what they'd expect of a noblewoman, anyway. I can do it on my own, but not with the time I have left before class." She started gathering up her hair into a long ponytail. "This may have to do. What do you think?"
Before Lelouch could formulate a proper response, Nunnally piped up, "Why don't I help her with her hair?"
"That's very kind of you, Nunnally," Leila said, "but I don't want to make you late for your own classes."
"Then permit me to assist as well," Sayoko said, arriving with impeccable timing.
Leila seemed taken aback by their generosity, and Lelouch couldn't help but chuckle good-naturedly.
"If there's anyone I'd trust to get it done for you in time, Leila, it's Sayoko. She sometimes even helps Nunnally with her own hair when I'm not around. It's just one of her many talents. And I'm sure Nunnally would enjoy having a chance to spend some time with you."
"Your praise is unnecessary, but most welcome, Master Lelouch," Sayoko said with a small bow.
"In that case... I humbly accept," Leila told Sayoko and Nunnally. "Thank you very much."
For a moment, Lelouch found himself struck by the thought that maybe leaving Leila alone with Nunnally and Sayoko wasn't such a good idea after all. Sayoko already had plenty of misconceptions about his relationships, and as he had learned since the incident with Medjed, Nunnally was at times far from the innocent girl that she seemed, especially when he wasn't around.
But as he saw the beaming expression on his little sister's face, looking at the moment just like a normal, happy girl, rather than the leader of another supernatural vigilante group, he knew that he couldn't deny Nunnally this.
He hoped for Leila's sake that he had made the right decision.
xXx
The school day largely passed uneventfully. Thankfully, the student body as a whole remained ignorant of the fact that he had spent the night with Leila. Sayoko and Nunnally had done an excellent job, all the more so considering how limited their time had been. A number of students could tell that she was in a particularly good mood, but she managed to pass that off as simply being happy for how welcoming Ashford had been to her.
If anything, that was a testament to how much practice Leila had at concealing her emotions, even if she couldn't entirely keep her joy from radiating through the facade. It also reassured Lelouch that, in spite of his fears, Nunnally hadn't taken the opportunity to grill one of her presumptive 'sister-in-laws' about the events of the night before, or at least had been tactful enough about it not to cause Leila obvious discomfort.
Lelouch was glad that he was similarly practiced at maintaining a mask before others. He didn't at all regret what he had done with Leila, but he still couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious about it. There was also apprehension mixed in. Kallen and Shirley had said he could act on his feelings for Leila, but he didn't know how they would react to him moving so quickly with her.
Rivalz noticed the bike by the Clubhouse, and correctly guessed that it was Leila's, though she seamlessly pulled of another deception, and convinced him that she had merely used it to arrive early that morning. That didn't stop Rivalz from geeking out about her bike though, and before long it turned into a discussion of motorcycles in general.
"Wow, I don't think I've ever seen Rivalz hold a girl's attention for so long," Milly murmured. "Let alone such an attractive one..."
Lelouch had sudden flashbacks to how Marrybell had been eyeing Leila during their meeting, but he chose not to mention it. Instead, he replied, "We shouldn't say anything to him. Otherwise he'll just get flustered again, like on the trip to Izu." Rivalz wasn't hitting on Leila, just enjoying a normal conversation with her, and so Lelouch was content to watch the scene play out. "It's good for him to gain some confidence. Maybe it will even help him learn that being himself is a far better approach in such situations."
"I'll take it from you," Milly replied, her eyes lighting with mischief. She lowered her voice, ensuring that no one besides him would be able to hear her. "After all, you are the Student Council's resident expert on girls now, or you soon will be with all of the experience you're getting. My, how times change!"
Lelouch refused to allow himself to be baited so easily. "Hardly. I still have much to learn on the subject."
"Aw..." Milly pouted. "Well, rest assured that this secret is safe with me!"
xXx
Milly may have promised her silence, but there was no way for Kallen and Shirley to fail to grasp what had really happened between him and Leila, though thankfully they didn't bring it up until they were once more in the privacy of the Metaverse, inside what appeared to an otherwise empty room in the Clubhouse.
"I knew what I was agreeing to when I said you could be with her," Kallen said firmly. "As long as you're upholding your end of the deal with us, I'm not going to complain. But of course, that means it's Shirley's turn next."
"Wait, huh?!" Shirley stammered, going bright red.
"If anything, you should have been the one after me," Kallen replied. She crossed her arms. "You've been a girlfriend of his for longer than she has."
"Umm... it's okay! I..." Shirley paused, composing herself. "I told Lulu that I wanted to take things slowly. I may have been dating Lulu a little longer than she's been, but Leila's was part of the Black Knights and got to know the real Lulu well before me. It's natural that she'd be more comfortable, taking... the next step... in the relationship, I mean! So I don't begrudge her that... Really, I don't. If I was just to... rush into things, as if I was just interested in keeping score between myself and Leila... it wouldn't work out, would it?"
Shirley turned to meet Lelouch's gaze, and gave him a gentle, earnest smile. "I don't want to have any regrets, Lulu. When the time's right, both of us will know. Until then, let's make as many wonderful memories together as we can!"
Lelouch let out a sigh of relief that he hadn't realized that he had been holding. Kallen had thought of Shirley's happiness and place in their relationship before her own, and he could only marvel at how much Shirley had grown since facing her own Shadow. Before, she would worked herself up into a tizzy if he had thought that he might have kissed, or even held hands with another girl, but now she took him spending the night with Leila in stride.
That wasn't to say that everything was smooth sailing ahead. Kallen's body language told him that she hadn't entirely let go of her wariness toward Leila yet, though one couldn't expect such feelings to disappear overnight. Shirley also grappled with her own insecurities, which outwardly manifested as nervousness. But considering how spectacularly their relationships could have crashed on the rocks right there and then, but hadn't, Lelouch took that as an encouraging sign.
Maybe they really could make this work.
"But your father..." Shirley frowned. "I guess that makes it even more understandable why Lelia wanted to be with you last night. Who would want to be alone... when they just heard that the world really is going to come to an end?" Determination filled her voice. "But we'll stop it! Won't we, Lulu?"
Shirley's strong trust resonated within him, and he nodded. "We will. But there's more that I have to tell both of you. Kallen especially needs to hear this."
Suffice to say, Kallen was not at all pleased to learn about Igor.
"You should have told me earlier!" She clenched a fist. "That man used my brother! He didn't care if he was sending Naoto to his death! And now he's trying to use you - to use all of us!"
"Even Nunna..." Shirley whispered.
"Your brother seized the opportunity that being a Persona-user offered, so that he could protect you," Lelouch said gently. "I'm sure your brother quickly came to understand the risks of journeying into the Metaverse, as I did, and yet he didn't waver. You have every right to be angry, but you shouldn't let that diminish your brother's bravery."
"I know that..." Kallen sighed. "But if this 'Igor' even thinks about harming you, I'll kill him!"
Lelouch shook his head. "I doubt any one of us could. Besides, the fact of the matter is that we need Igor's help for now... just as he needs us."
"For now" was the operative phrase there. Once he had become powerful enough, and defeated his father, then it would be time to gather his allies, turn on Igor and seize his freedom from that velvet-lined prison by force.
Of course, he had to assume that Igor was planning to eliminate all of them as well, once Ragnarok was stopped. Igor was far more open about showing his true colors these days, and if the Prison Master would truly be a fool if he had not prepared for the possibility of open rebellion against him, and failed to see the signs taking shape even now.
The question was, who would strike the decisive blow first?
xXx
Soon afterward, Nunnally left with Alice to join the rest the rest of the Irregulars and the Glinda Knights on a joint exercise between their teams in Mementos. The point of the mission was twofold: to gain experience working together in preparation for the raid on the cult's compound, and to investigate Igor's claims about the changes occurring in Mementos.
The Black Knights remained behind in reality, also for two reasons. Firstly, they couldn't accompany the Glinda Knights on the raid, due to their public roles as students at Ashford Academy, not without their absence being noticed. In light of that, it would be more realistic training for the Irregulars and Glinda Knights to practice working together without the Black Knights. Secondly, the Black Knights would continue to monitor the situation in the real world, and alert the Irregulars and Glinda Knights if there were any sudden developments with regard to Gao Hai. In such a case, Leila would enter Mementos and use the telepathic abilities of her Persona to contact them, while remaining safely at the top.
Kallen was a notable exception. She had the ready-made excuse of her "illness" for any otherwise unexplained absences from Ashford Academy, and a day or two was unlikely to arouse undue suspicion. Granted, to most students, Kallen's health had appeared to be better recently, but it could always be framed as a "relapse" of her underlying condition. She also lived off-campus, unlike Milly or Shirley, so it would be even harder for anyone at the school to disprove her story.
On top of that, Kallen was the most skilled Knightmare devicer among the Black Knights, was the only to have seen actual combat against other Knightmares in the real world. As of yet, the Shinjuku resistance cell had managed to avoid large-scale confrontations with the Britannian military, though Kallen admitted she had gotten into a few scraps with the Knightpolice. Most of her experience prior to that had been on a combat simulation program built into her Glasgow, and she had since gotten plenty of additional practice handling a Knightmare in Mementos.
As a member of the Britannian military, Suzaku likely had experience on Knightmare simulators, and his training as a soldier would have probably made him a qualified devicer, but racist Britannian commanders would never let an Honorary Britannian pilot an actual Knightmare, let alone in combat. More importantly, Suzaku had appearances that he had to keep up as a Knight nominally serving Britannia, especially when under the watchful eyes of both Cornelia and Schneizel, and could not afford to be away from his duties for such a long time.
Thus, Kallen would be the one accompanying the Glinda Knights and the Irregulars on their training exercises, and as a devicer on the raid itself. Arthur, who remained beneath suspicion as a cat, was going as well. Obviously, Arthur could not pilot a Knightmare, but the presence of two Black Knights in Mementos was sure to summon the squadron of Burais that the public believed they had hidden in the subways. Moreover, an extra Persona-user would always be helpful on the raid, and Arthur could squeeze into tight spaces that the others couldn't navigate, a useful talent for infiltration.
On his part, Suzaku was expected to report to Princess Euphemia's side at the Government Bureau soon after school. However, Lelouch was able to share the key points of what he had learned from the Glinda Knights with Suzaku before he left, namely the Emperor's involvement in a cult, and its plans to bring about Ragnarok.
"Do you have proof of this, Lelouch?" Suzaku asked him when he finished.
"No, but there's a promising lead that our allies are following up on, and if it's true, there's no way we can just sit back and let my father do as he pleases."
"You would have gone after your father eventually, Lelouch, whether he's in on such a plot or not." Suzaku frowned. "But ensuring the safety of the people has to come first. That's why we'll continue to focus on dealing with the immediate threat of the Black Mask. And... if what you say about the Emperor is true... I'll protect Princess Euphemia as a Knight, even if I have to take down His Majesty and all of his Knights of the Round to do so."
Lelouch raised an eyebrow. "Which one is it, Suzaku? The people, or Euphy?"
"Well, obviously, I'd-"
"Reality isn't always so kind, Suzaku. Sometimes, you have to choose, one or the other. So... which one is more important to you?"
"Lelouch, that's not a fair-"
"No one said anything about it being fair, Suzaku," he replied with a laugh. "That's the point. But if it makes you feel any better, there is no 'right' answer here. I just want to see where your justice really lies."
Suzaku sighed. "I promised to protect Euphy... I still want to protect the people too, but... there's no way I could just abandon her... if I was forced to choose between them."
"What did I say, Suzaku? I'm not judging you for it. Most people would choose that way. The life of someone close to you versus that of a stranger? It's hardly a contest."
"But isn't it selfish if I think that way?" Suzaku had asked, looking miserable. "And where does the line get drawn? How many can one justify sacrificing, all to save a single person? That's an impossible situation, no matter how I look at things."
"Only one person can answer that for you in the end, Suzaku. If that time ever comes, I hope you listen to them."
Suzaku shook his head and said, "I'll try to remember that advice," as he turned to depart.
But while Suzaku still seemed troubled by the dilemma, one thing was clear to Lelouch: the strength of the Justice Arcana had grown within him.
Are the Black Knights Just?
Yes: 18.8%
Days Until the Empress is Married: 10
xXx
There was no further news on Gao Hai, save for Xingke's report that the High Eunuch was still refusing to see any visitors, but could be heard crying and moaning incoherently through the doors of his quarters. Nonetheless, Lelouch was making arrangements for when Gao Hai finally did confess, and he had just gotten off the phone with Diehard, discussing something special that they had planned together.
As for the Irregulars, Nunnally told him that their joint operation with Kallen, Arthur, and the Glinda Knights had been a success. Marrybell had been quite happy to see Nunnally, embracing her in a warm hug, but had also made a curious comment how both she and her brother were so lucky to each have "such cute Knights of your own!"
"Then again, Alice does look like a Knight in the Metaverse, and she's the one that I know I can rely on the most among the Irregulars!" Nunnally giggled happily. "So, West wasn't wrong!" A thoughtful look crossed Nunnally's face. "Alice sometimes tells me that she wishes that she could be as pretty as me... those are her words, not mine. But she should have more confidence in herself! She's going to grow up to be so pretty one day! At least... I think so."
Lelouch couldn't recall Nunnally describing Alice in such a way before, and he doubted that she had fully understood Marrybell. Or was that simply naïveté on his part? Even if Nunnally's conscious self didn't know what Marrybell meant, Nemo might. Though of course, he had no way to speak to Nemo directly, except when she was in control, and he wasn't sure that he wanted to be asking Nunnally's Shadow such questions in front of everyone else.
But far more pertinent was Nunnally's account of the changes occurring within Mementos.
"You'll see it for yourself, big brother, but you know how there are those red vein-like things snaking all the way through Mementos?"
He nodded.
"Well... cables isn't quite the right word... they're growing down there, like some kind of artificial roots. In some places, they're knotting up around the veins, as if they're trying to strangle them, but in other places they've been pierced by the veins and torn in two." She shuddered slightly at the recollection. "It's like Mementos is at war with itself. The Shadows are more erratic too."
So Igor's information was correct. Then again, he had the impression that Igor rarely told outright lies. Like himself, Igor recognized that the best lies contained truths in them. No, that wasn't quite right either. Igor's words were usually true as spoken, though Lelouch sensed that it was rarely the complete truth. Certain inconvenient facts were routinely omitted, he was sure of that.
What was really going on down there in Mementos? There was no way to be sure, short of his own investigations.
"Thank you, Nunnally. You did well."
She smiled back at him.
"No matter what our father, or anyone else is planning," she said, meaningfully tapping her nose in a way that another might mistake for a casual gesture, "we'll face it together, brother!"
"Indeed we will, Nunnally."
xXx
As of the afternoon, there was still no news on Gao Hai, but Lelouch had received an intriguing message from Kaguya, who was in turn relaying it from Kirihara. The 'acquaintance' of whom Kirihara had spoken of before the masquerade ball was meeting with them, and had a request for the Black Knights, though one that they preferred not to post openly on KnightWatch.
Lelouch had no other plans for the day, and he knew that Kirihara would not reach out to him lightly, so he messaged Kaguya back, saying that he would be there.
Just who might this mysterious 'acquaintance' be?
It was time to find out.
xXx
The trip to Kirihara Industries was a familiar one to Lelouch. As usual, Kaguya and her bodyguards picked him up, and the youngest head of the Six Houses could barely contain her excitement once they were seated in the back of her car.
"It already feels like the ball was so long ago! I'm so glad that I got to meet your Court Ladies! But when that man in the black mask appeared, and grabbed Princess Euphemia, it was pretty scary!" She leaned in toward him slightly. "If I was carried off like that, you'd be sure to rescue me, right?"
"I wouldn't let anyone get away with trying to abduct one of my confidants," Lelouch said carefully.
"Aww," Kaguya pouted. "You could just say 'friends'! What's so hard about that? It doesn't always have to be business with you!"
He knew that in Kaguya's mind, it would be a short leap from 'friend' to 'girlfriend', and he didn't want to entertain such a notion. For that matter, it was very fortunate that Kaguya didn't know that he had recently spent the night with one of his so-called 'Court Ladies'. He'd never hear the end of it otherwise.
Thankfully, Yurlungur, a Persona of the Sun Arcana, was there to advise him on what to say. For a rainbow serpent, Yurlungur was surprisingly well-spoken.
"Our relationship, Kaguya, is a... professional one," Lelouch started. "But there shouldn't any shame in being someone I can call a confidant. I mean, I had, and still have plenty of friends back at school, but it was the longest of times before I could really say that any of them was truly a confidant of a mine. It implies a much stronger degree of trust."
Kaguya had frowned at first, but her mood suddenly brightened. "Oh! I think I get it now! A Court Lady's relationship with her future husband might start out strictly professional, but being able to listen and be someone that he can trust are two of the most important parts of the job!"
That... wasn't quite what he had meant.
"It's... more that trust and communication are essential for all sorts of relationships."
"And none more so than love!" Kaguya declared.
Lelouch sighed. It would always come back to that for Kaguya, wouldn't it? "I suppose I can't argue there..."
"Anyway, you've stolen Gao Hai's heart, haven't you?" Kaguya asked, switching subjects with startling speed. "So why hasn't he confessed already?"
"We have," Lelouch replied. "But stealing someone's heart doesn't actually force them to confess; it just makes that the most likely outcome when they seek to atone for their crimes."
"Well, when he finally does..." Kaguya paused, as if suddenly unsure of herself. "I'll be heading to the Chinese Federation, to help establish ties between their new government and the Six Houses of Kyoto. It may not look it, but I can speak multiple languages, including several Chinese dialects. It's practically a requirement for doing business as the head of the Sumeragi Concern, which my parents left to me."
"That's excellent news, Kaguya. It's a very important job, and it shows that Kirihara and the others have a great deal of trust of in you."
Yurlungur let out a hiss within him.
"That's not the point!" Kaguya cried. "I won't be able to see you anymore!"
Clearly, that had been the wrong thing to say to her.
"That's not true," he replied after a moment. "When this is all over, we'll definitely meet again. If you're still in the Chinese Federation, maybe even I can arrange for those of us in the Black Knights to visit you." He chuckled. "Madam President would certainly love an excuse to go on a field trip."
Yes, bringing Milly and Kaguya together was inherently dangerous, especially should they befriend each other, he knew that. But Kaguya's position had largely deprived her of the opportunity to form meaningful friendships. It was actually rather similar to the situation that Leila had once been in. As one of the few friends that Kaguya actually had, he felt a certain obligation to look out for her, just as he would for his fellow members of the Student Council.
He could fairly call Kaguya a friend now, in spite of her... quirks, even if he had shied away from doing so out loud. Fortunately, and unlike Leila, his friendship with Kaguya had always been safely platonic, even as Kaguya continued to make it no secret that she was romantically interested in him. His love life was already complicated enough.
"You'd do that for me?" Kaguya asked in surprise.
He laughed, harder this time. "I am Zero, not just a oni, but the man of miracles, who will bring even the Emperor of Britannia to his knees. Next to a miracle like that, I think arranging a visit should be but a small matter." He shook his head, and then gave Kaguya a small smile. "Besides, I think it will be a good experience for you, and the Empress Tianzi as well."
He clenched a fist. "When I was stealing Gao Hai's heart, I saw what he really thought of the Empress. He and the other High Eunuchs treated her like a china doll, keeping her locked away from ordinary people. She's practically been a prisoner in the Vermillion Forbidden City for her entire life, especially after they murdered her parents. In all likelihood, the Empress has never had a real friend. But you're only two years older than her, Kaguya. You can be her first friend, Kaguya... perhaps even a big sister to her."
Kaguya's green eyes lit up. "That's so cool! I mean... what the High Eunuchs did to her is unforgivable But if I can be her friend, I'm sure that she and I will have so much fun together! And I can make sure that... she doesn't end up like how I used to be."
Through his bond with her, Lelouch sensed a strong determination coming from Kaguya, and the Sun's power shone brightly from her.
xXx
"I am glad to see that you could make it today, Zero," Kirihara's voice said.
A screen stood between him and Kirihara, but unlike their first meeting, it had been set up on Lelouch's side of the audience chamber, doubtlessly to help protect his identity, should he choose not to disclose it to the 'acquaintance' who would be joining them today. Lelouch also noticed that his side of the room was dimmer than usual. Paired with the translucent nature of the screen, that meant he would be able to clearly see the 'acquaintance' through it, but the reverse would not be true. The choice to address him as 'Zero' rather than 'Lelouch' was yet another sign of Kirihara's caution and respect for his privacy.
"As always, it is an honor, Lord Kirihara," Lelouch replied. "Besides, how could I decline such an intriguing invitation? I'm eager to hear from this 'old acquaintance' of mine, whomever he or she may be."
Kirihara made a beckoning motion with his staff, signaling for the unseen acquaintance to step forward from the shadows flanking his platform.
"Lieutenant Colonel Kyoshiro Tohdoh," Lelouch said as the man came into view. "Famed for the Miracle of Itsukushima, you also served as the instructor for the former Prime Minister's only son."
Tohdoh stiffened.
"Your voice was distorted during that video you leaked, and in silhouette, no one would be able to tell how old you really were. But now, hearing your voice for myself, it is clear that you are Britannian, and you are one that I am supposedly acquainted with already. But what Britannian would care that I instructed-"
Realization dawned in Tohdoh's eyes. "You couldn't be-!"
"Yes," Lelouch replied. With a dramatic gesture, he pushed the screen aside. "I am - Lelouch vi Britannia, the one who is called Zero, and the leader of the Black Knights! It's been a long time, hasn't it, Tohdoh?"
"I haven't seen you since those days at the Kururugi Shrine..." Tohdoh said, a faint sound of wonder in his voice, though he quickly controlled it. "They said you had died during the invasion - though that's clearly not the case." He looked up toward Kirihara's platform. "Lord Kirihara, do you vouch for him as someone who can be trusted?"
"Yes, I do," Kirihara replied. "He is a mortal enemy of Britannia."
"And you, Lady Sumeragi?"
"Of course!" Kaguya beamed. "After all, one day he's going to be my husband!"
"Kaguya! I thought that I told you-" Kirihara began.
"I know," Kaguya replied. "For now, it may just be a childish dream. But that's why I've decided that I'm going to work hard, and make sure I become a woman who's worthy of him!"
"Kaguya..." Kirihara murmured.
"If you've earned Kyoto's trust, then that will have to be enough," Tohdoh said, clearly choosing to ignore Kaguya's earlier outburst. "I can imagine why you would turn against Britannia, but unfortunately, I have little time for pleasantries, so I'll get right to the point. The Japan Liberation Front is disintegrating as we speak. Over the past several months, much of its senior leadership, including General Katase, whom I served under, has been murdered by an unseen assailant. All of the victims were killed by mental shutdowns, and there's no way that can be a coincidence. It's much too precise."
"The Black Knights are searching for that assassin as well," Lelouch said. "We call him the Black Mask. You'll never catch him on your own. He has the same sort of power that we use to change hearts, but he uses it on the behalf of Britannia and its Emperor. Doubtlessly, Viceroy Cornelia is capitalizing on the JLF's weakness as well."
"That's correct," Tohdoh replied. "She has renewed offensives on all fronts against us."
"So... You would seek out the Black Knights to save the JLF?" Lelouch let out a laugh. "Surely you must realize that even without the Black Mask's intervention, the JLF doomed itself long ago!"
"What?!"
"Japan's resistance movements retained more military strength than those in any other Area. Through excellent intelligence work and tactics, you proved at Itsukushima that Britannia could be beaten. There was the opportunity to rally the people and unify the resistance, and had the JLF achieved that, they might have avoided their doom. But that opportunity was squandered. Its leaders remained shackled to the past, and you in turn to them, and so you failed to carry on the great hope that you created at Itsukushima. Without hope, the Japanese people surrendered to illusions like Refrain and resigned themselves to slavery under Britannia, all while praying for another miracle to be their salvation!"
"Are you saying it's my fault?" Tohdoh asked.
"Yes, though hardly yours alone." Lelouch turned to Kirihara. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for us, Lord Kirihara, but you must have realized it as well. The old Japan will never return. Like a tower smote by lightning, it has collapsed down to the foundations. And while I'll never forgive Britannia's crimes, let's not pretend that the old Japan was exactly innocent either. Genbu Kururugi had grown arrogant, but the rot was already there. It was a society grown complacent, and so focused on ensuring social order, that it would crush anyone who was different or stepped out of line. I believe the saying is 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.' How very apt."
Lelouch's voice rose. "Japan may have enjoyed prosperity before the invasion, but it had become a plutocracy. That wealth increasingly lined the pockets of the corrupt, yet those who abused their authority were protected, because no one dared to speak out against them, lest they be hammered down themselves!"
"You dare to speak to Lord Kirihara in that way?!" Tohdoh said, glaring at Lelouch with sudden anger.
But Kirihara raised a hand. "It is alright. Nothing that Lelouch just said was incorrect. I myself benefited tremendously from such a society, as did my fellow heads of the Six Houses, due to the unquestioned deference afforded to us." The old man let out a harsh laugh. "Perhaps that is why I was so easily able to step into the role of 'Kirihara the Traitor' as I feigned collaboration with the Britannian occupation. Its corruption was all too familiar to me."
"We must not seek to merely recreate the past," Lelouch said, "for that is but stagnation, an empty hope." He gestured for effect. "We must build upon a new foundation, one that creates opportunities and freedom for all! Our opportunity is coming soon! Before long, the High Eunuch's regime in the Chinese Federation will fall to revolution, and the Japanese people will see that even the most corrupt and oppressive regimes can be overthrown if they have but the will to rise up. Together, we must carry that hope forward, and not simply let it fade away again!"
Of course, Lelouch hadn't forgotten about his father's plan to bring about Ragnarok. But Lelouch knew that he wasn't content to merely fight for survival. He would still create a kinder and gentler world. That hadn't changed, even if his motives have changed had evolved over time.
"Heh. That I can agree with, at least," Tohdoh said. "But I cannot simply abandon my comrades in the JLF."
"Rest assured, Lieutenant Colonel, the Black Knights will bring the one who murdered General Katase to justice, and we might just be able to do something about the Viceroy as well. But do not think that we are doing it for an organization that has already been dealt a mortal blow. We will instead buy you time with which to save those who might follow you, and are willing to fight to the bitter end, beyond all that's decent, for the sake of our justice and a new beginning!"
Tohdoh glanced to Kirihara and then to Kaguya, who nodded.
"Very well. I accept your assistance."
"There is one more thing," Lelouch said.
"Name your terms."
"It's a small matter," Lelouch replied, "and the assistance of the Black Knights is not conditioned upon it. But should the opportunity arise, I would welcome the chance to discuss tactics and practice under you, just as Suzaku did at the Kururugi Shrine, so many years ago."
Tohdoh gave him a funny look. "You're the last person I would expect to ask me for such training. It's not something you can just casually pick up either. It requires commitment and discipline."
Lelouch chuckled. "Times change. I have need of such skills now, and I won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to achieve my goals. I'm hardly the same boy that I was back then."
"Don't think I would go easy on you," Tohdoh replied. He gave Lelouch an appraising look. "You may not be as strong in body as most men that I've trained, but fortitude of spirit is far more important. We'll see if you're as determined as you claim."
"I won't disappoint you."
I am thou… thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
that breaketh thy chains of captivity
With the birth of the Strength Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power…
Strength... With that, he had vows for each of the Major Arcana numbered between 0 and XIX, plus Faith, leaving only Judgement and The World. Somehow, it seemed to be an important milestone for him. He sensed through his bond with Kirihara that the Tower Arcana had grown stronger within him as well.
"Naturally, his identity must remain a secret," he heard Kirihara saying.
"You have my word that it will," Tohdoh said unflinchingly.
xXx
He discussed a few more matters with Kirihara before departing. The elderly industrialist expressed that he was still looking forward to meeting with the heiress of the Bresigau Corporation, and Lelouch promised he would pass that along to her.
Lelouch returned to the Tokyo Settlement with Kaguya and then parted from her, after promising he would make sure to see her again before she headed to the Chinese Federation. He was on his way back to Ashford Academy, when his cell phone rang. Checking the caller ID, he saw it was from Nunnally.
Putting the phone to his ear, he accepted the call. "Nunnally, what's wrong?"
"Lelouch, find a television screen!" she said quickly. "The Consul-General to Area 11 is making an international broadcast!"
So, Gao Hai was finally confessing. It had taken him long enough.
Thanking Nunnally, Lelouch began a brisk run, though thankfully he didn't have to go very far. There were enormous televisions screens all over the Tokyo Settlement, built into the sides of buildings and situated so that they would be in view of open spaces, all to more effectively spread Britannian propaganda to the masses.
"... so very sorry," he heard Gao Hai sobbing, his high-pitched voice magnified and made even more annoying by the screen's powerful built-in speakers. "My fellow High Eunuchs and I thought that the land of the Chinese Federation was no more than dirt which we could trade away for titles of Britannian nobility, and that its people were like ants, fit only to be crushed under our feet once we had squeezed every last drop of wealth from them. No, we treated them like paper that we would throw away after using it to wipe our bottoms! Worse than that, even! We're all absolutely despicable, but none more than myself! I engineered the plan to sell the Empress to Britannia, and to murder her parents to ensure our rise to power! But all of the other High Eunuchs were in on the plan as-"
The broadcast cut off, replaced by a static image of the Britannian flag as the authorities tried to stop Gao Hai's damning testimony. But then the screen glitched, and discordant noise was emitted from it for a moment, before it resolved a new image.
Lelouch's lips spread into a wicked grin. That hadn't been a glitch.
It was a virus, one that Diethard had surreptitiously installed into the system through his media connections.
The screen now showed Gao Hai, viewed from above, as through the security cameras in the Chinese Federation Consulate that Nina had hacked with Sayoko's help.
"... when our alliance is secured by the marriage of our Empress to your First Prince, you will have unprecedented access to the largest untapped markets in the world, and you will find no shortage of eager workers. Our people are among the most industrious that you'll ever find, and will not disappoint you."
Around Lelouch, Britannian civilians had already been reacting with disgust at the unmasked venality of Gao Hai, mixed in with their long-standing racism against non-Britannians, and confusion as to why he was making such a confession now. Others had put the situation together more quickly, and took up a fearful clamor that it was the work of the Black Knights. They seemed perplexed by the footage from the masquerade ball, as if it didn't even register as something wrong to them, but they weren't its intended audience.
It was an international broadcast after all. Just as Diethard had sabotaged the system to ensure that the broadcast would continue to air, Xingke's people would make sure that it reached every corner of the Chinese Federation.
The ordinary people of the Chinese Federation would know exactly what Gao Hai meant.
Yes, the other High Eunuchs would make excuses, and try to pin all of the blame on Gao Hai, or else claim that the Black Knights had forced him to say things that were untrue. But none of that would stay the righteous, long-pent up anger of their people, and much less would it be believed.
The alliance was now doomed on the Britannian side as well. After seeing such a shameful, sniveling display from one of the High Eunuchs, the Britannian public and nobility would never be able to take them seriously again. The Empire's Social Darwinist ideology hated weakness. Any who willingly chose to continue associating with someone who had been made to appear as weak as Gao Hai and the High Eunuchs had would quickly draw the scorn of their fellow Britannians.
That would be unacceptable to Schneizel and the other Britannian royals. Nor could a wedding take place if the Chinese Federation capital had suddenly become a war zone.
Lelouch fought back the urge to let out a maniacal laugh. Destruction always came before creation. There might be confused fighting over the next several days, as those token forces that remained loyal to the High Eunuchs and the corruption that they had spread attempted to hold out, but they could not hope to defeat an entire nation.
From the ashes, the first foundations of the new world would rise.
A/N:
And at long last, the fifth arc of the story finally concludes!
This was undoubtedly the longest arc of the story so far, with 19 chapters. The chapters grew longer too, as more characters came together and Lelouch's relationships became ever more complex. It took nearly a year of real time to write as well, but it's all been worth it! Thank you so much to everyone who has followed, left feedback on, and enjoyed the story thus far!
Several of the unusual phenomena described in Mementos are based on some of the new features that were added to Mementos in Persona 5 Royal, and events as they developed in the story gave me a natural way to include them from here on out.
Tsu, like her canonical self as C.C., is something of a troll, as I think is more than abundantly clear here, from how she chose to tease Lelouch and Leila.
Lelouch has attained the long-elusive strength Confidant, Tohdoh. I have always planned Tohdoh to represent Strength in this story, but he could only necessarily appear late in the story, after Lelouch met Kaguya, and then Kirihara through her. As I've noted before, I originally planned to introduce Tohdoh earlier in the arc, but other developments that organically arose while writing the story kept pushing that off. Nonetheless, I was able to slightly rework Tohdoh's introduction to help segue into the next arc.
A note on time in the story. Originally, in the first chapter, I said that Cornelia was interrogating Lelouch "six months" after the Black Knights surfaced. I have always had a loose, general outline of the arcs and their sequences, organically filling in details as they develop. However, as we have proceeded in this way, we are now nearing September in the story. If we assume that Villetta's heart was changed around late April, that would have implied an interrogation in late October or early November, nearly two months of time from the current point of the story.
I believe that the natural pacing of the story should take precedence, rather than deliberately stretching out events to make sure that I completely fill out "six months" of time in-story before the interrogation. Therefore, I have revised references to "six months" in the interrogation scenes (which actually only occurs in the first two) to "almost / nearly half a year", or to a similar effect. This preserves most of the original meaning, while giving me a measure of flexibility as the author insofar as pacing is concerned. A minor retcon, yes, but one that I believe will be in the service of a stronger story.
Speaking of the interrogation scene, it is already drafted, and should be posted very soon...
Edit: Fixed a number of typos.