Chapter 36: Feather of Maat
My first memory is snatching a lock of my brother's hair and then him carefully prying my hands free. Sometimes, we would argue and fight, but by bedtime, our strife was forgotten. He taught me to read, guiding my hands over bumps. I found our first friend and urged them to bond. When others whispered vile words, my brother stood and defended my honor. When nightmares plagued him, I comforted him. We would tear the world apart to save another.
For years, we were always together, never separated by more than a door and a wall. He knew every scratch I accrued, and I knew his every tear. Now, I wait for a phone call, not knowing anything. The chasm between us grows while I dream of his pain. He needs me to find him, but I cannot see. His voice echoes in the cavern and I wait bound. When I grasp his hands, his pulse is painfully slow.
To my brother, I beg you to return.
—Chrysanthemum: To My Brother by Red Dawn
Ashford Academy, Area 11
Nunnally set down the phone and rested her head against the cool table. Deep breaths shook her body, but Lelouch was safe. He had finally called her himself after numerous assurances from her mother. His voice had been hoarse and he had failed to crack a joke.
He always tried to reassure her. Last time he caught the flu, he cracked jokes despite his raging fever. That and telling her to stop hugging him because she would get sick.
Nunnally came down with fever two days later. In the following months, he lorded it over her, insisting that she should have listened to him.
Like then, she wanted to fly to him and envelop him in a hug and never let go. They were supposed to share everything. Instead, she almost lost him.
Maybe she shouldn't have been so selfish. Not asked to go to school. Then he wouldn't need to risk his life.
Now, he was only safe, but not fine.
Sure, he said he was fine. Her mother had assured her, he was fine. But that was all a lie. He had been captured and refused to say what happened.
Her nightmares filled in the gaps.
Silence spoke volumes. If he were fine, then he would describe the event with clinical precision and wave off any concerns. He hadn't even put in the effort to assure and dismiss her worries with a joke.
No. He was certainly not fine, but Nunnally had no idea how to help him.
Why had he chosen to stay in the army? He could have left and their mother would have helped him pack. Then he would have the time to heal.
"Nunnally?" Allie asked, her hand settling on her shoulder. "Your brother?"
"He's fine," Nunnally said, forcing a smile and repeating the same lie. He had joined the army to give her a safe life at Ashford, but their lie of peace could so easily be shattered. "Allie? Let's go out for lunch."
Confused, Allie pressed her for details as they exited Ashford Academy and walked through the bustling streets of Tokyo. Nunnally fended them off with a gentle smile to hide the turmoil within. Lelouch was Zero. Her father had forced him into a new role to serve the Empire and he accepted. Acceptance implied a choice and Nunnally doubted there had been a real one. Not when his friends' lives depended on their parents' benevolence.
"Where do you want to eat? Oranges are out of season so unless we go somewhere fancy..." Allie said.
Nunnally laughed. Of course her friend's mind wandered to oranges. But... "I wanted to talk."
Even now, the lives of Lelouch's friends hung on a thread. He had to serve their father and rise to every challenge to save them. Lelouch would succeed; there was no other option, but then would come the next task. Maybe their father wouldn't threaten them explicitly, but if Lelouch failed, he could no longer protect his men.
Lelouch would be painfully loyal to their father in order to protect those he held dear. His friends had no idea their lives were in danger or how their actions threatened her brother.
"Sure, but we could have done that at Ashford," Allie said.
Friends were dangerous.
"The school is bugged and this... it's rather private." Nunnally's cold, stiff fingers squeezed the cane as she tapped it along the street. "Lelouch's capture... It wasn't good."
"Of course, he's your brother. But he's fine now. I'm sure it won't happen again."
"No. My parents... If Lelouch died, they would have retaliated." She chuckled bitterly. "Mother was pissed and I had to beg her not to harm Lelouch's friends because she would have. They lost him."
A long silence followed. Allie stepped closer, her feet crunching snow and her hand brushing against her arm. "You don't talk about your parents much."
The implied question hung between them.
"No," Nunnally finally said. "I don't. They're not... nice."
Lelouch would never tell his friends the truth. He valued their friendship too much and wouldn't risk changing it.
"I gathered," Allie said dryly. "But you're still my friend, no matter what they do."
"I'm not supposed to tell you about them and if Lord Ashford finds out, he will tell my mother."
"Do they know each other?"
"Since long before I was born. If Mother didn't trust him, I wouldn't be allowed to be here. Brother joined the army so I would have a chance at a normal life... but it's all a lie and not fair to you."
"Nunnally." Allie hugged her and led her to a snow covered bench. "You don't need to tell me if you're not ready. I know you."
"You don't understand," Nunnally whispered, her voice cracking. "If Lelouch disobeys our father, it's not him paying the price, but his friends. He should be home and resting, but instead he's staying in the army to protect his friends." She took a deep breath. "I'll never be ready to tell you because it will change things, but just because you don't see the danger, doesn't mean it isn't there. You deserve to know what you're getting into."
Allie scooted closer and her voice shook. "Are your parents threatening you?"
"No, I'm too young and Lelouch is the smart one," Nunnally said. Perhaps if he was painfully average, then she could have shouldered some of the burden. "But when I'm older? I can't let Lelouch shield me forever."
"Milly is afraid of your parents. She knows, doesn't she?" At her silence, Allie continued, "Tell me."
"Nobody can learn that you know. If Lord Ashford even suspects you know, he'll tell my mother... Worst case, there'll be an accident. Everyone will believe it to be bad luck, but you won't survive. And if it's suspected that you told your family, they'll suffer an accident as well. You'll have to act like everything is the same even if it's not."
Allie's voice shook. "Your parents assassinate people."
"Regularly."
"And if I say no?"
"I like you Allie, so I'll say we had an argument and request a new room. I don't want you hurt because of me."
A hand wrapped around hers and Allie firmly said, "Tell me."
Maybe she was stalling, but Nunnally needed her friend to understand the consequences. There was no going back afterwards and if they misstepped, Allie would be dead.
Nunnally pulled her hand free. "You won't be able to change your mind. And by telling you, I'll be pulling you into our family drama. It will bind you forever to me and by staying with me, your family may be put in danger." Her mouth dried. "Think about it for a week."
They returned subduedly to Ashford and ate dinner in silence. Nunnally wanted to reach across the divide and say something to reassure her, but this had to be Allie's decision and while Nunnally couldn't tell her the truth yet, she wanted her to make an informed decision as possible.
A few days later, Milly flounced into the student council room. "Did you and Allie have a little lover's quarrel?"
"Milly, no!" Nunnally shrieked and buried her head in her arms. "Nothing like that, at all! I've just been worried about Lelouch."
Beside her, Shirley said, "You said he was fine."
Milly snorted. "Lulu would say everything was fine even if the sky was falling down so as to not worry his dear sister. So what's up with Allie then?"
"I may have snapped at her," Nunnally lied. "I really should say sorry, but she's been avoiding me. I think we both need some time to clear our heads."
A hand settled on her shoulder. "The plight of young love."
"You—" Nunnally yelled.
"And such a pretty one as well. But you know, Shirley is finally beginning to fill out in all the right places. In a few years, she'll put the ladies back in Pendragon to shame. Maybe she can catch Lulu's eyes the next time he visits."
Shirley's chair toppled. "It's not like that! And why are you looking at me like that!"
Nunnally growled. "I will murder you."
Laughing, Milly's footsteps danced away. "You wouldn't dare strike a lady. I am just proclaiming the truth. What do you think Lulu will like the most?"
"Don't talk like that about my brother," Nunnally snapped. "And I will hit you."
"All in good jest. But I want details. Either you and Allie or your brother. The poor girl is so depressed by what you said that she ignored the oranges which I ordered for breakfast. You're both absolutely miserable right now. Did you turn her down?"
Nunnally grit her teeth.
"Or we could talk about Lulu. The girls will need plenty of help catching his eye when the time comes. There has to be someone he likes. Come on, give us a hint."
Shirley was suspiciously silent.
"Don't spread such rumors," Nunnally ordered. "My mother is overprotective enough without giving her relationship fuel."
"Sorry," Milly said quietly. "But what about Lulu? He didn't notice anyone last time he was here no matter how hard the girls tried."
Nunnally stood up and walked to the door. "He'll notice them if they insult him."
The door shut behind her, cutting off Shirley's cry of "Nunnally!"
She needed to give her friend time, but the week of silence was slowly wearing down on her. There was a good chance she would lose her best friend, because who would risk their life for her? She shouldn't have given Allie the choice and instead pushed her away. Then her only friend would be Milly, who by nature of being the Ashford heir, would most likely be safe from her parent's manipulations.
But Allie?
She would never be safe. There was nothing to deter her parents from taking action.
Leaning against the wall, Nunnally took a deep breath. There was no need to complain. What was done was done. Her brother risked his life; this was nothing in comparison.
Footsteps slowly approached and Milly whispered, "Hey. I didn't push too hard did I? I only wanted to take your mind off things. You've been really down lately. I want you to smile. A real one. Lelouch will be fine."
Nunnally sank to the ground. "No... It's just... complicated. I keep thinking about what could go wrong."
"Well, Zero took care of the Count. That's one less thing to worry about."
"Lelouch is Zero."
"I'm not supposed to know that, right?"
Nunnally shook her head.
Sighing, Milly shuffled and sat down beside her. "Now, I'm worried about him too, but we can't help him. But at least he's not getting shot at anymore. And maybe it's a good thing? He'll be useful to the Emperor and that is power in the Imperial Court. The Emperor may be more lenient as a result and your brother... he's pretty radical. He's not good at hiding his disdain for Britannian policies like you are."
Both of them harbored more treasonous thoughts than Milly could ever imagine. Nunnally hadn't told her about the blog for a reason. There was no need to force Milly to choose between their friendship and loyalty to the Empire. Milly would choose the Empire every time; her family had too much at stake.
"Lelouch will obey as long as they threaten the lives of his friends," Nunnally said and waited for Milly to understand.
"Did you—Are you pushing Allie away so she can't be hurt?" Milly asked, aghast. "She's your best friend. Your parents won't hurt her. That's ridiculous. And unlike Lelouch, you won't make a pointless show of disobedience."
"I never did tell you what happened in Japan," Nunnally whispered. "You could feel the bombs dropping as the ground shook, smell the dead, and hear the rats squeaking and scampering over the corpses. Our best friend was there with us. He saved our lives and we hid him when we heard the knightmares approach. Mother wanted him dead because he was unworthy of being our friend. Being our friend... it offers no protection."
"Well, it's not the same. Allie is Britannian," Milly said.
Nunnally sneered. "He was ten and our best friend for two years. None of that mattered, only his birth. Now, his ashes are scattered to the wind or his body is lying in one of the numerous mass graves. The Fadiman heir is one of Lelouch's friends. He's basically nobility with how much money their family swims in, but that didn't stop Mother from threatening to execute him because he was bending the rules to try and save Lelouch. Allie... She's a nobody. Do you know how easy it would be to make her disappear? Just one wrong rumor to my parents and she'll be gone."
"I won't joke about such things anymore," Milly promised. "But don't push her away. You're here because you wanted to make friends. Don't let fear stop you now."
Nunnally stood up. "I'll consider it."
Her friend's answer would decide.
"I'm glad." Milly pulled her into a hug. "There's no need to be so angry with the world. Sometimes things are complicated, but you can trust in Britannia and the system. There are some bad apples, but they're eventually found and when we finally defeat the E.U. and the Chinese Federation, there won't be anymore wars. Your brother will be safe."
Nunnally pulled away, snarling. "You should ask your grandfather how many defenseless people he killed. How his knightmare frame allowed for the slaughter of the Japanese. They couldn't even fight back. Ask him how many people he assassinated to keep his research secret. What is his body count? My mother was his pilot long before she was my father's knight."
She regretted the moment the words left her mouth. Milly would be devastated. She didn't deserve her anger. Nor could she understand why Britannia was wrong. Allie didn't understand either. It wasn't their fault and had Nunnally and her brother not gone to Japan, they would be the same.
"I'm sorry," Nunnally whispered and fled.
712th Encampment, Outside Halifax
Lelouch spotted his friends clustered together and sharing a meal. Slightly apart from the rest, Henry sat on a crate. He had survived his father's wrath.
"Lelouch, you ditched me!" Alex shouted, but ran forward and pulled him into a warm hug. "Don't do that."
The others stood up and surrounded him with happy greetings. Roy and Pablo drew him into a hug and gently led him to their small cooking pot over an open flame. Lelouch rolled his eyes at the flagrant rule violation, but held his tongue. Even if it was just a few moments longer, he wanted to be there as their friend, not their commander.
Beside him, Roy stiffened and turned around jerkily. He growled, "Why the hell is he here?"
His friends moved in front of him as they caught sight of Art and their hands drifted to their guns.
Frederick growled and took a threatening step forward. "Don't care. I'm gonna fucking punch him in the face. Then you can shoot him. Damn Crows killed Edgar."
"I know where we can stash the body," Alex added helpfully. "Should stab him. Would be quieter."
"Alex, no!" Lelouch shouted as he stepped out of their protective cocoon. "I brought him. No shooting, stabbing, or punching!"
Frederick's hand stayed on his gun. "The Crow kidnapped you."
"Drugged us," Roy said. "He should be facing the firing squad, not walking free."
"I'm not letting him hurt anyone again," Frederick said as he stepped forward.
Lelouch frowned. They had toyed with treason in hopes of rescuing him; killing his new ally wasn't beyond them. "He saved my life. Let him be."
Roy crossed his arms. "It wouldn't have needed saving if it weren't for him. I'm not letting him near you again. I bet he's just waiting for the perfect opportunity to betray us and whatever fool let him walk free will regret it."
"Careful, Roy. That's your commander you're calling a fool," Pablo said and his eyes bore into Lelouch. "You're Zero."
Lelouch grimaced as Roy stepped back and Frederick's posture straightened, but didn't deny it. They knew, even if they didn't want to acknowledge it.
"Relax, Gosling. I'm not angry at you for defeating the Count. She can rot in hell, but from what I hear, the Crow should be joining her," Pablo said.
"Lelouch?" Roy whispered.
Pursing his lips, Lelouch nodded. "I'm Zero. My orders are to clear the terrorists from Area Two. Art... He agreed to help me."
There was no need to advertise Art's position as the Count's second. His friends were already hostile enough without blaming him for all their comrades' deaths at the hand of the Crows.
"You're in command of the division then," Pablo said. "Serving the Emperor?"
"Yes." The man whose policies denied Numbers rights and obliterated nations. His father.
The others watched silently.
"I hope you know what you're doing with the Crow, Lelouch. And with the Emperor." Pablo smiled and saluted lazily. "But I trust you. What are your orders, sir?"
"Can you get Art settled? And find an ankle monitor for him. I don't trust him to not run off."
"Yes, sir."
Lelouch watched Pablo leave and guide Art away. Unlike the rest of his friends, they hadn't interacted directly. Pablo was also reasonable enough that no unfortunate accidents would happen... probably. Keeping Art alive in a division where everyone had a reason to hate him was going to be difficult.
After an awkward moment of silence, his friends dragged him to the cooking pot. For now, they would disregard his role as their commander and Lelouch was grateful. He wasn't ready yet to say goodbye to their easy camaraderie. Henry remained apart, sitting on the outskirts and ignoring all of Lelouch's inquiring looks.
What had the Emperor done to him? He seemed fine, but failure was always punished.
Frederick also remained distant, his hands fiddling with a letter, but tucking it out of sight whenever Lelouch glanced at him. Edgar's death had to have hit him hard. Hopefully, Frederick didn't blame him.
Alex and Roy both laughed loudly and shoved a bowl of soup into his hands as they recounted anecdotes from the time he was gone.
Carefully, Lelouch tasted the soup. It was safe. His friends had prepared it and would never harm him. He swallowed. No nausea. No taste of ash. No feeling of dread. It was soup. Terrible soup perhaps, but it tasted like soup.
Slowly, he finished his first proper meal as Roy waxed on about Empress Marianne and how utterly terrifying she was. Occasionally, Alex would chime in with an extra detail, intent on giving Lelouch a heart attack. His mother was not to be trifled with and they were lucky to have escaped her wrath.
"Lelouch, can I talk to you for a minute? In private?" Frederick asked, interrupting his musings.
Lelouch set down his bowl. "Of course."
Frederick led him away from the group and behind a tent. For a minute he stood at attention and stared at the sky, before saying, "Edgar... He always wanted you and Alex out, thought you were too young. Prince Odysseus's offer gave him hope that he could save you because you both lied about your ages. But Alex will always follow you and now, you're Zero. He would be devastated."
"I have to do this," Lelouch said. He could have returned to his family and left this life behind, but he needed to save them.
"I've been wondering why the division was spared. Empress Marianne intended for us to fail and nothing would have stopped her from breaking her promise. Even then, the Emperor would not have honored her agreement. We planned to commit treason to save you. Henry deserted and took off on his own to track you down, but now he's back safe and sound. We should be dead."
Lelouch's mouth dried.
"Unless there were outside circumstances of course." Frederick sighed and pulled out a magazine from the inside of his jacket. "I took it before Alex could see... Your Highness."
Silently, Lelouch grabbed the magazine and stared at the cover. He had missed his birthday and for a gossip rag that had nothing better to do than poke their nose into the royal family's business, there was no better material. At least they didn't have a current photo of him.
"The others were too terrified of your mother to notice, but I recognized her and the knight from back when your sister came to visit. I thought I was imagining things, but everything kept falling into place. And then you became Zero."
"How—Who else knows?" he asked. Everything was going wrong. Nobody was supposed to know.
"I collected all the magazines as soon as I could. Alex is pissed at the mail for losing it, but he doesn't know. Roy's too uptight to even bother reading one and he's not going to go digging. Guess he's smarter than me. And Pablo's suspicious, but he's half convinced it's some weird Brit thing."
Footsteps crunched and they fell silent, turning to watch Henry approach with his hand on his gun. He had heard their conversation and Lelouch flinched. What orders had the Emperor given him? Because Henry's eyes were hard and there was no trace of their previous camaraderie in his posture.
"Does he know?" Henry asked. The question wasn't friendly.
"You know?" Frederick asked, surprised. "Didn't think he would tell anyone."
Henry drew his gun and Lelouch leaped forward to stand between them.
"Henry, no. Put down the gun," Lelouch ordered.
"Nobody is supposed to know," Henry said.
"Frederick is not a threat. You know him. He would never hurt one of us."
Henry scowled. "Step aside. He has relations to E.U. defectors. Him knowing compromises your safety."
"What the hell!" Frederick shouted. "You can't believe—What's wrong with you! You've been acting strange since you got back. And don't talk about my family. You know nothing."
"Your cousin's granddaughter, Thea Robinson, worked as a maid. June 1999, she aided the Breisgaus in defecting to the E.U. The initial investigation cleared the rest of your family, but in 2006, your aunt reached out to her granddaughter. After her passing, your mother continued to stay in contact,"—Henry paused—"committing treason."
Frederick paled, breaking his rigid posture. "How—"
"Enough, Henry," Lelouch said. His parents had obviously done some digging. "Has there been an arrest warrant? No? Then back off. Frederick has done nothing and your paranoia is more likely to cause trouble."
Henry grudgingly holstered his gun. "I won't fail again. I'm staying."
The Emperor must have done something.
"Someone explain?" Frederick pleaded.
If Lelouch wanted to, he could expose the entire sham; Henry integrating himself into the group with orders to keep an eye on Lelouch. It would destroy their friendship and the others would notice and assume Henry had done something wrong.
So, he lied, "After his rescue attempt, my father assigned him to be my bodyguard. Unfortunately, Henry is a bit overenthusiastic." Lelouch inclined his head. "And Frederick, I'm sorry for the background check. That was never my intention."
"Understood," Frederick said, but his muscles remained coiled and his eyes darted between him and Henry.
"You can relax." Lelouch glared at Henry. "He won't do anything."
"Lel—Your Highness," Frederick said and Lelouch cringed, "I can't. You could order my execution and nobody would stop you." His face paled even further. "We failed to protect you at the bar. We let a prince be kidnapped. How aren't we dead?"
It was Henry who failed in his task, not his friends, who were caught unaware. Even Lelouch should have known better, kept his guard up, noticed the sedative in the food. He had been too hung up on Edgar's death and left himself vulnerable. It wasn't their fault. Who expected to be poisoned? Lelouch was the one who should have known.
"It wasn't your fault," Lelouch said. "I don't blame you."
Frederick opened and closed his mouth, before finally relaxing. "It's not your fault either.. idiot." He flinched. "My apologies, Your Highness."
"Nobody is supposed to know who I am... Just act like you always did. I'm still the same person."
"I'm sorry. It's not the same, Yo—Lelouch. But I'll try to act as you ordered." It hadn't been meant as an order, but Frederick still kneeled on the ground, formally. "It would be an honor to serve you."
Their easy friendship had been lost. Maybe they would forge something new, but it would always be colored by their respective rank. The only thing Lelouch could do was offer him protection because he knew the truth now and if his parents deemed him a threat, he would be eliminated. There was no going back.
Lelouch took a deep breath. "Do you accept being a member of my royal guard?"
Henry's eyes widened, but shut his mouth at Lelouch's glare.
This was Frederick's decision and the only way Lelouch could protect him. While he could do nothing for his family, if the charges of treason were ever pursued, he could shield Frederick from the fall out. The royal guard answered only to their liege and were only charged with a crime after their dismissal. All complaints would have to be first presented to Lelouch.
"I do," Frederick finally said.
Ashford Academy, Area 11
The week passed in tense silence as Nunnally avoided both Milly and Allie. She didn't know what to say to Milly because she realized the words were true. Lelouch had always been the angry and outspoken one who would even backtalk the Emperor. She had tried so hard to move on and live a normal life because that was what she wanted. Or thought she wanted.
Normal life outside of the royal court was fun. People didn't wear masks upon masks or forge relationships to exploit the other. Everything was simple. All one had to do was keep their head down and accept Britannia's word as the truth.
Fingernails dug into her palm.
Her brother was their father's pawn, robbed of his own agency. Suzaku was dead because they had left him all alone in a war zone. Britannian culture encouraged the powerful to destroy the weak.
The world needed to change. If she refused to act then she was just as complicit. What was the point of being born as a princess, if she never used her station to do anything?
Allie shuffled into the room. "Do you want to get lunch?"
"Of course," Nunnally said and relaxed her hand
They sat on a new bench, a small hamburger in each of their hands. The silence stretched between them.
"So?" Nunnally asked, hesitantly.
Allie groaned. "This week sucked. Never ignore me like that again."
"Of course," Nunnally said. Did that mean her friend would listen and stay? She swallowed. "Your answer?"
"Tell me." Allie nudged her shoulder. "I didn't need a week to decide that. Life is so much more boring without you. You're not going to scare me off."
"You sure?" Nunnally's stomach clenched and she took a deep steadying breath. There would be no turning back. She felt sick. "I'mNunnallyviBritannia."
"Repeat that? Because I could've sworn... "
Wincing, Nunnally repeated, "Nunnally vi Britannia."
"Your mother is the Emperor's Executioner? The Flash?" Allie stood up and began to pace. "But, I met your mother. She had blond hair... and seemed normal. Absolutely terrifying, but sort of like when Gwen brought home her first boyfriend and Mom spent the entire time sharpening her knives. Except your mother doesn't have to do anything to be scary."
"She bleached her hair," Nunnally explained, unsure how else to respond.
Allie groaned and sat down. "I still don't like your mother. She looks down on everyone."
"She's very judgmental and always thinks she's right... but she apologized to my brother. I don't think she ever did that before."
"Your brother... who is a prince. Didn't he call his father a bastard, a presumptive asshole, and on one memorable occasion, a cross between a hyena and a crocodile that makes babies cry on instinct?"
"Let's not repeat those," Nunnally said. "Even if they're all sort of true."
"Even the last one?"
"He's..." Nunnally winced, recalling various half-forgotten memories and stories. "Really, really bad with kids."
"I don't think I want to know," Allie finally said. "You and Lelouch are alright, but I still think the rest of the royal family is conceited.
As long as her friend didn't hate her, Nunnally wouldn't mind. "You're taking this surprisingly well."
"It's not like you've changed. You're more down to Earth than most people here. I've seen Lelouch make an utter fool of himself trying to avoid Rick. But he did enlist, right? He's not an officer. Like... Why do all of this? You didn't have to, right?"
Nunnally frowned and shivered as the cold wind picked up. Quickly, she recounted the assasination and the invasion. Finally, she said, "We really didn't want anything to do with our parents. So Lelouch enlisted to appease our father and allow me to go to school."
"I'm sorry that happened to you. I... I can't imagine it." Allie grasped her hand. "Lelouch actually killed someone? I just—He's the definition of harmless and always polite and nice to everyone."
"I still don't know how everyone can see him as harmless. He's a soldier now and everyone talks about his manners. He's killed people."
Allie snorted. "Everything about him screams bookworm, not soldier. It's like all the benefits of being with someone who is military without all the drawbacks."
"We're alright then?" Nunnally asked. "I'm sorry that I lied."
"Well, I'd have laughed at your face or run away in the beginning. You're too... you. It's the rest of your family I'm having trouble wrapping my head around. They're just so public. We're alright, but I may have an existential crisis next morning."
Nunnally chuckled. "I'll make sure to prepare some oranges."
"You're so mean. Thought royalty was supposed to be nice."
"In what world?
Laughing nervously, Allie stood up. "Everything is normal, right?"
Nunnally nodded and then bit her lip. "Allie... This is dangerous for you."
"You made that quite clear last time and I had wonderful nightmares as a result. Although, I thought you were going to tell me you were secret French royalty."
"There's no French royal family," Nunnally grumbled.
"That's why they're secret French royalty."
"That's not—" Nunnally shook her head. "I wanted to say we should learn how to defend ourselves."
"Oh." Allie passed her the cane. "Of course. I won't let anything happen to you."
Nunnally smiled fondly. The lessons weren't for her, but for Allie. If she wanted to survive, then she needed to be able to defend herself against any possible assassin. It was too soon to broach the other topic.
Teasing another, they returned to Ashford. The week of silence forgotten and forgiven.
712th Encampment, Outside Halifax
Lelouch's mother had purged the officer rank, executing some for extreme negligence and misappropriation of Imperial funds, while others were stripped of their noble rank and demoted. Now, with barely any officers remaining, numerous lavish tents sat idly in storage and Lelouch requisitioned one along with Fortescue's desk for his own needs. If he were to pull off being both Zero and Lamperouge, then he needed his privacy to work in peace.
Ignoring the pile of paperwork on his desk and the stacks leaning against the side, Lelouch set down the mystery meal from the mess hall along with a bruised apple. His stomach growled, but quieted at the smell of goop and churned uncomfortably. He took a bite. It tasted like ash.
"Sergeant Malfoire," York announced himself and Lelouch shoved the nauseating meal aside as he allowed him to enter. "Good evening, Warrant Officer Lamperouge. A shrewd move to promote yourself, I must say."
Lelouch bit back a groan at the reminder. "York. Get to the point."
"The Crow. Instead of walking free, he should be in OSI custody. I understand that you have been busy"—he threw a pointed glance at the mounds of supply forms and personnel files—"but the situation will be rectified."
"No," Lelouch snapped. Knowing that eating would be futile, he grabbed Art's fifteen-page report on all French assets in Area Two. "Art is not walking free; he has an ankle monitor."
York didn't budge. "The OSI functions separately. All intelligence is my jurisdiction and your rank as Zero doesn't give you the authority to interfere."
"Let me be clear, York,"—Lelouch glared at York who thought he was still a scared child he could corral—"I despise you and the OSI. And I am well within my rights to order your execution as a prince of Britannia for your actions. The only reason I don't is because you'll undoubtedly be replaced by someone just as insufferable."
And the Emperor had said not to trust the OSI. York was a known quantity, who Alex would happily report on if his behavior deviated from the norm.
"You changed." York grinned. "Then what will my role be in your little fiefdom?"
Ignoring the bait, Lelouch said, "Before you send off any OSI reports, I will be reviewing them."
York narrowed his eyes. "That's almost treasonous. The OSI is independent for a reason."
"And the independence is unwarranted. The OSI fumbled in Area Two and through their incompetence, let the Count reign. You failed to keep order within the 712th as Fortescue destroyed all morale."
"I filed the proper paperwork," York snarled. "But Fortescue was nigh untouchable and I spent most of my time making sure he didn't accidentally, or not so accidentally, kill you. He knowingly ordered a mortar strike on your location, you know. And even my supposedly secure reports to your mother were being tampered with. I had to stay completely factual to ensure she received them and hide who she was interested in."
Don't trust the OSI.
"Then you understand why I do not want the OSI's attention directed here. Rest assured, the Emperor has his own minder so he may stay informed of my activities." And Lelouch was trying really hard not to think of Henry and what his father had done to him. He was too distant.
"Very well. Your mother is requiring that I report to her verbally now which should alleviate my mail quandary until I discover the perpetrator. You should be receiving a phone for yourself as well."
"Ask Art for help," Lelouch suggested. They may be allies now, but Lelouch wasn't above some petty revenge. Both of them deserved to suffer at each other's hands. But if they managed to work together, the OSI didn't stand a chance. Art wouldn't turn down the chance at revenge and York was pissed that someone had interfered with his job.
"The Crow?"
"Did you know he ran the Count's intelligence network? Managed to keep it hidden from your colleagues and the OSI didn't even know when they questioned him. He's hardly a simple Crow."
"Yet, you let him walk free. Even if you don't trust the OSI, he should be questioned. Not trusted."
Lelouch shifted the paperwork to the side and considered the bruised apple. It wouldn't taste good, but there was no chance the apple was poisoned. Finally, he looked up again. "No more torture, York. It doesn't work anyway."
"It does," York refuted. "You just have to do it properly—"
"No." Lelouch sneered. "Find another way to do your job. Maybe do actual investigative work. Art has an ankle bracelet because I don't trust him not to run off, but he is useful as my new head of intelligence, so you'll let him be."
"That's the OSI—" York cut himself off. "Very well, sir. I will coordinate with the—with Art. Any additional orders or may I take my leave?"
"I want every OSI report you sent on my desk by tomorrow. Art will be updating me on your progress so should you partake in a stupidity competition with a pigeon, I will know. And promptly inform both of my parents. You're dismissed."
Elden Villa, Area Two
Lelouch closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath. His back straightened. His stride became more fluid. His arms relaxed. Winter balls were rare, only marking important occasions, but defeating the Count was worthy of a celebration. From across Britannia, high ranking nobles flew in. The locals may have normally appreciated the extra revenue, but not now when Area Two lay in shambles.
This was such a waste.
But he was a prince, so he donned his costume of lavish silks with clever folds to pad his skinny frame and give him a stronger silhouette. Foundation obscured the unhealthy pallor to his skin and the bags beneath his eyes. He thanked his hair for growing cursedly fast which now allowed him to draw attention away from his previous military cut. As a precaution, he had also dyed it a sandy brown, like his father's hair in his youth, and prepared a ridiculous story where as a child he dyed his hair black to look like his mother.
There would be media hounds and to keep his identity safe, he needed to make sure that Lamperouge and vi Britannia looked as different as possible.
Ideally, he would have preferred to use some colored contacts, but his eye-color was too well known.
Lelouch stopped in front of Odysseus's new office and behind him, Henry—because he apparently needed a constant bodyguard now—snapped to attention. The guard before him gazed at his well tailored clothes in confusion.
"Vi Britannia," Lelouch said, mockingly.
The guard flushed and bowed deeply in apology. "A moment, Your Highness." He backed into the room and returned. "Prince Odysseus may see you now."
"Wait," Lelouch snapped at Henry and pretended he didn't see him stiffening in protest.
Without acknowledging the guard, Lelouch sauntered into the room and waited for the door to close.
Odysseus raised an eyebrow. "Lelouch, a pleasure to see you again although I admit that I am blindsided by your presence. And your new choice of hair color. "
The door latched and Lelouch relaxed. "Hello, Brother. I only wish to have a brief conversation before the excitement."
"I would love to, but"—Odysseus checked his watch—"I have a meeting momentarily. Perhaps after the festivities?"
"With Zero?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes. How did you know?"
He sat down and stared at his older brother in amusement. "Considering I'm Zero, it would be remiss of me not to remember my own appointments."
Odysseus slouched. "Of course, you are. Has Father gone mad?"
"Not anymore than usual," Lelouch said, snickering. "Let's move onto business, shall we?"
"Let me understand this. First, you enlist at age twelve. Now, you're Zero and defeated the Count. Care to fill in the gaps?"
"No," Lelouch replied, firmly. "The matter is between me and the Emperor. He ordered me to take care of our little Crow infestation by the end of the Spring and I need your help."
Odysseus grimaced. "Can I convince you to pursue more civilian pursuits?"
"We're royals." Lelouch rolled his eyes. "There are no civilian pursuits." More seriously, he continued, "I wish to extend amnesty to all Crows. Only treasonous actions the day after will be charged."
"I cannot do that." Odysseus folded his hands together. "Even if I convince the Viceroy, Father will never hear of it."
"Tell him I am responsible. He gave me the power to be Zero and to do what is necessary to stop these terrorists. This is essential."
"It's impossible—" Odysseus began, but paused as Lelouch passed him a folded piece of paper. "What is this?"
"Every E.U. operative in Area Two with their last known location and/or how to get in contact with them. I also have a list of suppliers smuggling for the E.U. on the side. Consider it a gift."
Odysseus set the list down and leaned back with a speculative look in his eyes. "How did you get this information?"
"Unimportant, but if you pardon the Crows, I have an admittedly smaller list of Chinese operatives."
"You could have gone to Schneizel... He actually has the influence to do as you wish and the resources to act upon it."
Lelouch smirked. "You're the Crown Prince."
"And Schneizel will be the Emperor." Odysseus narrowed his eyes. "Unless you are intending to make a play for the throne, which I would highly advise against."
"Absolutely not. I have enough paperwork as is. When the time comes I will happily disappear and let everyone else squabble over the pieces when you abdicate. If you don't, I will be your tool to help reform the Empire."
Odysseus snorted. "You mean the puppetmaster."
"No. Frankly, it takes an astonishing amount of skill to come across as average, yet extremely likable while pushing through most of the Empire's innovative policies."
Shifting, he protested, "Schneizel is far more cunning and suited to lead. I've understood for a long time that my younger siblings will outshine me. Schneizel with his intellect, Guinivere with her social skills, Cornelia with her prowess in battle. Now even you are shaping to be something."
"And the word Emperor did not once cross your lips. Among the commoners, my mother and yourself are the only ones whose names aren't spoken consistently with disdain. Nobility is an antiquated system which breeds corruption. People deserve a leader who sees the value in everyone."
"Careful, Lelouch," Odysseus warned as he leaned forward.
Lelouch trudged on regardless. "Britannia does not need another Emperor like our father. His tactics are already changing to adapt to new needs within the Empire, which is to gather support amongst the commoners. You are the one best suited to lead afterwards. And if Father saw you as worthless, he would have changed the order of succession already.
"Or he is lazy."
Once, Lelouch would have agreed with the assessment, but his mother's words left the impression of a much more driven man. What mask did the Emperor wear? More likely, he left the order of succession alone because Britannia wasn't ready for the bloodbath that would result from royalty fighting another to earn a spot closer to the throne. But that wouldn't convince Odysseus.
"My mother would be dragging him into more movie marathons if that was the case. And she considers the majority of his work useless." Lelouch thought of his sister and forced a fond grin. Let Odysseus think that his parents' baffling relationship gave him greater insight into their behaviors.
Odysseus rolled a fountain pen between his fingers and looked out of the window. "I do not have the power base to hold onto the throne. Any move to consolidate power will lead to a swift assassination. The important nobles understand Schneizel will be the Emperor and have accepted the idea. He supports their traditions, while I'm well known for unorthodoxy. I chose to support Schneizel long before you were born because I understand my weaknesses. Occasionally, like now, I wonder if I made the wrong decision, but the time to change my mind has long passed."
What made him doubt his decision? Lelouch hid a frown. He had thought Odysseus's unwillingness to become the Emperor was due to self-esteem, but "chose" implied that he deliberated on who to support. Any doubt now would imply he found new faults with Schneizel or had found a better candidate.
"Send me to do the legwork. I will support your bid to the throne and you assist me when I have requests as Zero. All anyone will see is a little upstart prince who thinks they can play in the big leagues."
Odysseus looked uneasy. "This is not a game. If anyone sees what you are doing, they will send countless assassins after you."
"What sort of person would I be if I did nothing to achieve my goals? I will move without your help although my life is more likely to be cut short then. Enlisting has protected me from the various assassins already targeting me and I am taking new measures which will help ensure my safety."
Like having Henry and Frederick as guards.
"You're fourteen," Odysseus snapped. "You have all the time in the world!"
"And I could die tomorrow. Then I will have done nothing."
He pinched his nose and sighed. "Stubbornness is apparently genetic... I can waive the charge of treason, but all the Crows will still have to serve time for any actual crimes they committed. I have some weight with the local judges which will help expedite and reduce the sentences. This only applies to Crows who surrender in the first week. Are those conditions acceptable?"
"Perfect," Lelouch said, glad that Art's condition was finally met. "Secondly, I would like to seize the Count's house."
"Excuse me? Whatever for?"
"I don't have the necessary funds"—Lelouch shrugged—"and have found myself in the business of selling furniture. Afterwards, I would also like to turn it into a proper orphanage with necessary oversight. Preferably, there will be no nobles involved in the day to day affairs. Call it a peace gesture to the masses."
Odysseus nodded. "Anything else?"
"A word of warning, I will be arresting various nobles and bringing them to trial. You should make your announcement to the Crows after the first trial goes through."
"I will keep that in mind. Would you have a list?"
"I can forward one to you, but all will be charged. A significant number consorted with the Crows making this a military operation and within my jurisdiction." Lelouch leaned back and debated whether to broach the second subject. It would cost him and potentially burn the goodwill he garnered with Odysseus. "Lastly, I have a suggestion."
Odysseus raised an eyebrow.
"Broaden the possible job opportunities for the Honorary Britannians. Currently, many accept inhumane working conditions because it is the only option."
"And where would they work? There isn't a huge demand for Numbers in other jobs."
"Doctors," Lelouch countered. "I am also sure Lord Ashford will also be delighted to legally employ scientific experts from various fields and so will other liberal companies."
"Much like yourself, the Office of Welfare is rather cash strapped. I do not have the funds to push this through." Odysseus tapped his pen along the desk. "Fifty-million pounds."
A test. If Lelouch could scrounge up the cash, not only would he help the Numbers, but also prove his worth to Odysseus. "It will be done."
Kaguya was on the ball's guest list. He only needed to convince her to make a generous donation.
"Take your time, Lelouch. It was a pleasure meeting with you, but I have a phone call to make before the party starts." Odysseus waved him out.
"Thank you for your assistance." He stood and bowed formally.
Elden Villa, Area Two
Unlike other high ranking lords, Reuben always had a habit of arriving at parties early. The early hours, where only barons, viscounts, and the occasional disgraced Earl socialized, was a wonderful opportunity to collect information or find unknown talent. Without a predator, the minor nobles talked freely. Too often, they forgot Reuben was there, which suited him fine.
He had gained substantial power without the political jostling that led to everyone being wary of his face. Were Oberstein to arrive early, the room would fall deadly silent. Everyone knew he was not a man to be crossed.
But as he eavesdropped and watched his granddaughter dance across the room, he was surprised to discover that Lelouch had also arrived early.
Holding a glass of champagne, Reuben introduced himself to the small group of gossiping nobles. "Excuse me, did you say His Highness was here?"
The younger lord, not experienced enough to mask his feelings, wrinkled his nose and gestured to the wall. "Not Prince Odysseus, but Prince Lelouch. Obviously takes after his mother with those manners."
That was Lelouch, but last Reuben checked he had distinctive black hair.
"That is Lord Ashford," hissed the lady clinging to the young lord's arms. "Do not insult the Empress."
Reuben smiled genially. "Marianne was always hot headed."
The others relaxed and began to converse among themselves, soon joined by more nobles that Lelouch would subtly insult. Reuben was sure the boy could be charming if he wanted to be, which meant he was scheming. Or his kidnapping had a bigger impact than Marianne thought.
Then came the rumors of Zero who was supposedly in a meeting with Prince Odysseus. An old decorated war hero who had faked his death until the Emperor pleaded for him to return. A noble from the Chinese Federation who had recognized the might of Britannia and defected. Prince Schneizel.
And every rumor was somehow corroborated by Lelouch himself. Reuben suspected that Marianne had left something out about Lelouch's involvement in Area Two.
"Grandfather," Milly whined and he raised an eyebrow, letting her lead him away. "I'm bored and Lelouch is just being rude."
Scheming indeed.
Reuben narrowed his eyes as Oberstein stepped into the room. "Milly. I'm sure he'll apologize the next time you are in private, but he is being rude to everyone."
"Can we leave then?"
"No. It would be rude to depart before Prince Odysseus's arrival," Reuben said. Oberstein stopped to introduce himself to Lelouch. "Behave yourself. You're the Ashford heir."
"And we make war machines."
He winced, reminded of the argument before they left when he refused to answer Milly's questions. She was too young and innocent to understand. She had never seen death and been sheltered from it her whole life. Milly had shot back that Nunnally was younger and understood. She didn't understand that both Nunnally and Lelouch had experienced things no child should. To her, they were her happy friends. But Nunnally had shattered the illusion in a moment of anger.
How many times had Nunnally thanked him with a kind smile while remembering the devastation his weapons brought to Japan? How many times had she celebrated Britannia and her parents in the classroom while despising them for their actions? How many times had she laughed at Numbers as expected of her while mourning her childhood friend?
It worried him. Lies took a toll on a person.
Oberstein approached, having finished his brief chat with Lelouch.
"Collect information, Milly and I'll sponsor your gingerbread houses," Reuben said.
"Big houses!" she ordered, but took off, acting like a noble lady befitting of her station.
Oberstein stopped beside him and watched her begin to mingle. "Most children her age would find such an event tedious."
"Proper motivation does wonders," Reuben answered.
"Houses?"
"Gingerbread houses." Reuben frowned slightly as Miss Sumeragi in a childish, pink, Britannian dress approached Lelouch. Throughout the evening, she had been making a fool of herself.
"Will you marry me?" Miss Sumeragi's voice carried across the room, drawing attention.
"Absolutely not," Lelouch said clearly.
"Please?"
"No."
Their childish argument continued and Oberstein chuckled. "The two devious, little devils have everyone in this room wrapped around their fingers. Impressive for their age."
Reuben shrugged, but didn't deny it.
The music began to play and Lelouch made a show of offering a dance to end her requests. Some nobles laughed and shook their heads in amusement. In a span of a few minutes, both had reinforced the notions that both were childish and therefore not a threat.
"Have you heard of Zero?" Oberstein asked as they watched the two dance.
"It is the main conversation topic of the night."
"They are probably claiming he is some sort of noble, yet the commoners believe Zero is one of them. Most nobles would not have bothered to evacuate the city."
"An accurate assessment for having only arrived," Reuben said.
"Yet in that time, I have heard he is the cause for Prince Odysseus's delay. He usually does not keep his guests waiting. An interesting alliance. But only time will tell how that develops. " Oberstein grabbed a champagne glass. "I hear you are having trouble with the Purists in Area Eleven."
"We have our disagreements, but I would not consider it trouble," Reuben lied. In response to turmoil in Area Two, they were pressuring Reuben to subcontract policing in Tokyo to their guards. It was political jostling; Tokyo had one of the lowest crime rates. The Elevens knew he was generous and took great pains to police themselves and not draw his attention. The Purist interference would disturb that peace.
"Less trouble for you than for me, I suppose. Listening to Lord Greenford complain about yourself, while amusing, is beginning to be rather tedious."
"Should I pay the Purists to make trouble in my city?"
Oberstein chuckled. "No. I will pay for them myself. A little trouble would be beneficial as well. Tokyo has the lowest percentage of Numbers attempting to become Honorary Britannians which is worrisome for assimilation."
If Britannia's goal was assimilation, then their approach would be more similar to the E.U. Although they had the advantage of claiming to save the refugees they took in.
"Why the sudden generosity?" Reuben asked.
"Schneizel offered a research position to Lloyd Asplund, Eccentricity aside, he is a phenomenal engineer and now that he has proper funding, a deadly knightmare frame will follow. One that can only be used by an ace. The disturbing trend of custom knightmare frames undermine my production capabilities. I need a mass produced frame where an ace can have an almost fair chance against a custom knightmare. Preferably, it would be cheap as well."
Not mentioned was that other countries were developing frames and the government was paying the bill. As it stood, only pilots from wealthy families or with wealthy patrons could afford to be a pilot knightmare. If the state of affairs continued, Britannia would have a few overpowered singular units and be overrun by the enemy's hundreds of low quality frames.
"I will consider the proposal," Reuben acquiesced.
Oberstein bowed and drifted away, talking to other nobles. And finally, Odysseus arrived with a broad smile that revealed nothing about his delay. The celebrations were underway. More champagne bottles opened. The music swelled.
In the corner, Reuben spotted Lelouch and another boy, presumably his guard, watching in concern.
"Your Highness, how is your health?" he asked.
Lelouch straightened and the tension drained from his frame. Another champagne bottle popped and he flinched. "I'm doing well. My mother wouldn't have it another way. Although, if I could spare a moment of your time, that would be much appreciated."
"So polite, yet how many nobles have you snubbed this night alone? But I will always have time for you." Reuben was happy to provide a needed distraction.
Instead of making small talk, Lelouch began to outline plans for a Hospital in Tokyo. Unlike others, it would serve both Numbers and Britannians at the same price. The plan was not terribly detailed, but Reuben asked questions nonetheless.
"While an interesting endeavor, the costs will be massive. How will your proposal benefit the Ashford family?" he asked as they finally finished discussing how the hospital would operate.
"Research," Lelouch said, curtly. "If the hospital is built, an amendment will soon follow which will remove restrictions on Number employment. You will be able to hire skilled laborers without any legal repercussions."
"What are you scheming now?" Reuben couldn't see how it would help the boy. He was still in the army and his sister would have access to the best medical care Britannia could offer if she was injured. But it would benefit Miss Sumeragi and Lelouch had danced with her, engaging her in a conversation.
"Only a hospital."
Reuben's eyes narrowed, before he shook his head exasperatedly. "You've been scheming the moment you stepped into the ballroom. Do you not tire of lying with every breath?"
Lelouch swallowed. "The truth is too shocking, but my parents expect me to act like a prince... and so I will. But it is an act."
"Lelouch..." Reuben sighed. An act. Just like his sister, Lelouch hid his feelings. This was because of the invasion and what they had seen. "There will be a hospital. But you know it is alright to grieve?"
Lelouch stared at him in confusion.
"Do you hate me for my role in Area Eleven?" Reuben asked. Suddenly, he needed to know. Science was his passion and the knightmare his greatest achievement. But Nunnally hated him. His granddaughter was questioning him. He had caused so much destruction from families torn apart and cities razed to the ground. But Lelouch would understand. Such things were necessary in war.
The only way to end the cycle was to win.
"Have a wonderful evening, Lord Ashford," Lelouch replied, bowing politely. "I look forward to your hospital."
The question remained unanswered.
Royal Palace, New Pendragon
Setting aside various reports, Charles massaged his brow. There were too many inconsistencies with the Count. She should never have acquired as many resources as she did, not without significant help from nobles. Various nobles had sent her gifts, bribes, to avoid their own business dealings. Others paid her to attack their rivals.
Fifteen noble families wiped out. Eight of them staunch supporters of his during the Emblem of Blood. Three others with connections to the Geass Order.
Charles did not believe in coincidences.
Someone was meddling and their intentions were unknown. A coup was possible, almost expected, considering history. But Charles had only heard the usual whispers and grumbling. The nobles were still too cowed by the execution of Seymour and his conspirators. None would risk their life of comfort on some quest of justice.
Most likely, they were a foreign agents pulling at various strings. Yet, no foreigners knew of Geass. When he took the throne, he had interrogated C.C. relentlessly on the matter and tracked down all associates of her former contractors. Dead lips could not tell suspicious tales.
Regardless, his meddler knew of Geass.
As for Lelouch... He had broken through his Geass. Seen something Charles had intended to be forgotten.
That day, blinded by rage, he had entered the room and interrogated the assassin. Too late, he had realized that Lelouch hadn't passed out, but was watching him with silent, fearful eyes. He should have realized then that the brat would live to defy expectations. From Area Eleven and deciding to leave the safety of the shrine so he could protect his Eleven friend. A boy who they never found. To breaking through his Geass and taking command, while only half lucid, in order to defeat the Count.
Lelouch hadn't stopped there. Instead of taking the time to rest and heal, he had convinced the Crow to spill his secrets and saved him from execution. Within a week, he had reorganized the division to exclude noble officers. The Count had failed to break his son's spirit and instead lit a fire which refused to let the boy rest.
Odysseus had spent a solid hour berating him for letting Lelouch enlist and then allowing him to become Zero. But then, Odysseus unexpectedly asked him to keep Schneizel busy for the next few months. Despite Charles's continued efforts to turn Odysseus into a worthwhile successor, he had clung to his mediocrity and refused to leave Schneizel's shadow.
Something had changed. Given Odysseus a reason to act against Schneizel's desires.
And once again, Lelouch was the cause.
The boy was plotting but not because of some selfish desire, but to protect the division. Undoubtedly, he would try to slip his leash, but as long as Charles held the lives of his men in his hands, Lelouch would obey. His loyalty made him weaker than Schneizel who turned on allies when it benefited him.
A knock on the door.
"Come on in, Marianne," Charles said and looked up in surprise as Schneizel walked into the room.
Schneizel stopped in front of his desk. "Father. I need to speak to Zero. His actions—"
"—Are of no concern of yours."
His eyebrows drew together. "Zero is abusing your authority. His raids on nobility—"
"—Are necessary. Zero is hunting terrorists and if the nobles supported the Count, then they are also his target. I trust him to exercise proper judgment."
Lelouch would do whatever was necessary to save his men and only stop if Charles personally intervened. Another general, a noble, would hesitate to target nobility and instead terrorize the commoners. Lelouch had no such qualms, which suited Charles perfectly. If nobles thought to collude against Britannia, they would die.
Taking a deep breath, Schneizel tested his patience. "If you trust him, then why does he hide his face? The people will not trust some nameless and faceless entity."
"The nobles won't, you mean," Charles said derisively. Perhaps he was spending too much with Marianne and listening to her rant about their incompetence. Peace had made them complacent. "Actions speak louder than words for the commoners. Much like the Count earned their admiration through victories, so does Zero. Not only did he defeat the Count, but he minimized civilian casualties. A name would give the commoners a past to critique, but Zero has no such weaknesses."
Schneizel sneered. "And when he fails?"
"Then Zero is no more," Charles said, waving his hand dismissively. "You should worry less about military affairs, Schneizel. I have dealt with them long before you were born."
"And how am I supposed to learn if you never give me an opportunity?" Schenizel asked, bringing up an age old argument.
Perhaps if Odysseus hadn't called, Charles would have finally relented. Given up on his eldest son as a lost cause and relinquished some of the military power that allowed him to control the Empire. But Odysseus had called and finally asked for something not directly relating to his humanitarian causes. All Charles needed to find was the proper motivation, although frustratingly, Lelouch had stumbled on it first.
No. There was no need to give Schneizel more leeway. He already has his various research projects with military applications. If his Lancelot project ever functioned, he would have significantly more sway with the military.
"Maybe you should convince Odysseus instead. He is the Crown Prince," Charles said and watched in amusement as Schneizel struggled to remain impassive. He was still too easy to anger. "As you obviously have too much free time if you are concerning yourself with military affairs, you will negotiate with the E.U. for the extradition of Britannian criminals. Zero captured numerous French spies which will be a tantalizing trade."
Even those who sought asylum with the E.U. would not escape Britannian justice. It was only a matter of time.
"Father, surely someone else—"
"Is the task beneath you?"
Schneizel bowed. "No, Father. I will do as you say."
His son, sufficiently cowed for now, left.
Marianne rolled through the doorway and shook her head. "I think you may have upset him. You wanted to see me?"
Charles nodded. Within the office, they were no longer husband and wife, but rather liege and their knight. "According to V.V., our favorite witch has been missing for almost a year."
"C.C. wanders off at times. Remember when she disappeared for two years and we finally tracked her to Rome?"
"Yes," Charles groaned. He had to send a black-ops team to retrieve her after she got arrested for breaking into a pizza factory. Frustratingly, she could have freed herself at any time. "But unlike last time, she hasn't been using her credit card. So either she vanquished her pizza obsession or found someone else to mooch off."
"Or someone finally captured her," Marianne said. "Most likely, it's a new contractor, she gets bored easily."
"I would agree…" But there were too many inconsistencies and Charles had enough. Unfortunately, his wife was not going to be pleased. "V.V. only thought to inform me after I specifically enquired about her. Additionally, Lelouch remembered something from the assassination attempt; V.V.'s agent was going to kidnap Nunnally. The OSI also failed in Area Two and tampered with mail which enabled the Count to work unnoticed.V.V.—My brother's treachery may be greater than imagined. I thought it was petty jealousy... but something more may be afoot."
Marianne waited silently.
"I need you to use your Geass to infiltrate the Directorate. I will—" He swallowed. "I will make preparations to take his code. He is no longer the brother who promised to never lie."
She took a shaky breath. "We don't know what my Geass will do should it evolve. A risk if I'm using it so frequently."
"You'll be hopping between your host and Pendragon. We'll be keeping a close eye on your Geass and making occasional public appearances to keep V.V. from being suspicious. Additionally, Cornelia will take your position in the military and will lead the conquest of new areas. She and Schneizel will serve as a distraction for V.V. as I will ask him to keep an eye on them. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone else with the skill set required that I can trust."
Especially because his Geass was not infallible. Lelouch had broken through, suggesting that others could do the same. He would have to be more careful.
A bloodthirsty grin crossed her face. "I will find out what the weasel is up to."
That had been… easy. "Good."
Her smile turned sickeningly sweet. "You will take care of the kids."
712th Encampment, Near Toronto
Next to his flickering lamp, Lelouch finished folding the last paper boat and placed the small lightweight candle inside. The water was eerily calm compared to the loud bustling of the camp behind him. Everything was going according to plan. Tomorrow they would march west to strike at new pockets of resistance and with every victory, Zero's fame grew.
But Edgar was dead. He would have loved to work in the newly planned hospital of Tokyo.
Suzaku was probably dead. If he was alive, Lelouch could never acknowledge him, but hopefully the work program would allow him to survive.
And he sacrificed thirty men to defeat the Count. Their comrades would never have to suffer a noble's incompetence again.
Thirty-two paper boats.
Lelouch lighted each candle and set them down on the still lake. Slowly, they drifted from shore. He turned off the lamp.
The pinpricks of light bobbed in the cold night. Each one burning fiercely with potential.
"Hey," Alex whispered, dropping a blanket over his shoulders. "Couldn't sleep again?"
"I had to do this."
Alex turned on the lamp again and stared at the calm lake with the dancing lights. "Teach me?"
In the morning, the boats would be gone, swallowed by the water. But now, under the cover of darkness, Lelouch taught those who asked and they taught another. Until the lake became a starry sky.
Author's Note:
And FINIS! (Ok, not really. I still have two books to go)
Thank you everyone for sticking with me so far. On FFN, we just passed 200 reviews and favorites. On A03, we have over 150 kudos and comments. I really didn't imagine this fic would do so well when I started, so it warms my heart.
Book two keeps with my King Arthur naming scheme and is called: The Witch in the Lake
I've been writing for almost a year now and pretty consistently. Whenever I had free time, I wrote instead of watching stuff, playing games, or reading. Therefore, there's a year-long backlog of fun stuff to do. As a result, I'm going to be taking a small break and try not to touch Excalibur for a month. Not sure how successful I'll be since the longest I've not worked on this fic in some form was for three days (besides my break due to covid which ended after 2 weeks because I got bored).
On September 18/19 (depending on timezone), I'll be posting The Witch in the Lake and an epilogue for this fic to alert everyone who is following/subscribed. Apparently, that was the day I posted chapter one and I'm enjoying the symmetry.
The next book will be having a slightly different set of main POVs and give more time to canon characters. I will say that I'm treating everything that doesn't happen in the original anime as non-canon (especially the worldbuilding), but some of the characters may show up if I find a use for them. The flying knightmare armies of r2 is also not happening.
I would love to hear from all my readers. Even if it's incoherent or a simple smiley face. My goal is to improve as a writer so critique is also welcome, especially as I'm starting book two and can tackle those issues then. Asking me questions actually helps a lot because I learn where I wasn't clear enough. I also love answering them.
I will see you September 18/19 or on the discord: discord . gg / uSBegVj
Thank you x1tears1X on FFN for your help with betaing.