The Familiar of Zero was written by Noboru Yamaguchi and published by Media Factory.

Code Geass was directed by Gorō Taniguchi and created by Sunrise.

I own neither, will not profit by these works, and will abide by the rules set before me, copyright held by them. I own only the creative bending of these worlds into a new project in an exercise of the imagination.

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Zero Over Zero

Stage Two

The Familiar King Awakens

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"In the past, we found ourselves divided by conflicts that consumed us, only thinking of the next day, or even just the present at best, trying to fight for as long as we could. Then things changed more than I ever thought they would. I made new friends, I became a leader, and, most importantly, I found love. It still surprises me to this day how much we've been through, all because of that one man."

-Kaname Oghi

"Dude, if you knew Lelouch from back then, I don't know what you'd think. Like, he seemed different. I thought he was pretty nice overall. When he was a student, at Ashford, I mean. He was aloof, yeah, but he was never cruel or mean about stuff. He was helpful with all the council work and we had a blast when everyone was together. Well anyways, I think the guy must've had some serious baggage under the act. But see, there's something that felt kinda wrong too… I dunno man, I'm still trying to make sense of what happened after all this time. He used to be a friend of mine, so I just wonder what got into him."

-Rivalz Cardemonde

"A real gentleman would sleep on the floor."

-C.C.

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Well then, it looks like things are more complicated than I thought.

A certain witch's words of caution, a human summon, a unique rune on his left hand, and his master was talentless? The conditions that were set before Lelouch were particularly unique compared to the others of this magic Academy, but for what reason had yet to be found. Was this some odd destiny or was someone playing with him from the shadows? Time would have to tell since he'd been reduced to a laundryman and thus had few resources at his disposal.

Lelouch reminisced for a while, recalling the time he spent in his previous world. While being Zero was an act of deceit, being Emperor even more so, it felt convenient to have people at his command, Geassed or not. It afforded him more freedom and more flexibility in his options, but here he had no idea what pieces were on the board. He would have to gather more information on the people of this world before making any big moves, otherwise, he'd only become a pawn in someone else's game. Thus, he would do as he always had in the end.

He'd let white move first, whoever that may be.

Lelouch continued to walk according to Guiche's directions. By the time he reached the exit on the first floor, he had to avoid another couple on their way in, this one even more flirtatious than the last.

"A-are you really sure this is okay? I mean, I'm glad I get to be with Kirche the Ardent, but even so isn't this a little…" The young man, despite his gruff appearance, seemed fragile in the face of the girl in front of him.

"Oh don't worry so much about it. There's plenty more I want to do. The night is young anyway and I have a flame that has yet to be matched." A smile curled onto her lips, almost hidden by the vividly red waves of her hair, her tan body moving with arcs to match.

Lelouch kept an eye on them as he walked by. There were few places to hide in the open hall and he'd like to avoid the accusation of being a voyeur. He took a glance at the pair after they passed him, recognizing the red-head as someone from the summoning ritual from earlier.

It turned out that she would have her head turned as well, out of the corner of one eye looking at him while flattering her date. When she saw his gaze, she winked at him with a questionable smile and went off on her merry way.

Lelouch had no words. It was just more unwanted attention. Especially unwanted attention.

After deciding to act like that never happened, what that blonde noble had revealed about Louise continued to linger within his mind. That would explain much of her sour attitude, being unable to do what is so easy for others. This environment must be a constant reminder of her inadequacy. And inadequacy means vulnerability.

Would it do to manipulate people again? Would he play the same game as he did once before? On one hand, he was in a land full of strangers and magic and he needed every advantage he could get, but as exciting as it was to play such games, he no longer had a clear objective and being cold had left him isolated and lacking. Perhaps I can use this an opportunity to try things differently, though for now, I'll be no less prudent than I was before.

On his way outside, Lelouch could see an open field of grass shrouded by darkness. Considering that, he doubted that he could find someplace to wash and hang the laundry without help. He felt somewhat powerless at his situation, but walking around the central tower yielded results.

He saw a girl in maid's clothing. It was difficult at a distance, but he could see her well enough to notice her, the white apron contrasting with the dark dress. He spoke up as he approached her. "Excuse me?"

Lelouch saw her jump, the sound of his voice enough to startle her. Turning around, she heaved a sigh of relief. "I'm so sorry sir, I was surprised there for a moment. What can I do for you?"

"I'm just wondering where I can get some laundry done." The young man gave a smile to the maid, holding up the basket of laundry in his hands.

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Apparently, she had thought he was a noble looking to have his clothes cleaned, but even after clearing up that misunderstanding, she still insisted on taking his master's laundry anyway as she happened to be doing some laundry as well. Politely refusing her, they walked to the nearest place to wash them.

Lelouch quickly learned that she was a talkative one and that only helped him all the more. He was starved for information regarding the mere basics of this world and had found someone who was kind enough to share. While she didn't have much on political knowledge, she was a native of this world. What defined rank and status? The ability to cast magic. How did people live? Much like those from hundreds of years behind his own world's people. What opportunities did he have? He could answer that on his own, and his options were slim. He'd have to find some way to secure resources and connections himself, to shift the balance of his situation.

While he had many questions for her, it was often her turn to be curious about him. "So Mr. Lamperouge, where is it that you come from? Surely it cannot be so close if you've never known these things, yet you look as if you'd fit in with most of us here. After all, you have black hair like me but I've never seen purple eyes like yours before."

"Lelouch is fine, Siesta. You've probably never heard of it, but it's a land that I had to abandon long ago and a place that I don't feel like remembering right now." In a moment of more genuine expression, Lelouch frowned at the memory of his former home.

"Oh, I'm sorry, that's so sad to hear," she said, seeming crestfallen for a moment, "but I'm sure you can find a place for yourself here somehow. After all, with luck, I was able to have the honor and privilege of serving here. It's a well-paying job that many don't have the opportunity to do, working for noble children and all. It helps my family back in Tarbes pretty well too. I think you'll do well under Miss Valièrre."

"Is that so? Then thank you for your concern. I'm sure I'll find a way as well." I just wonder if I can make things more tolerable too. I'll have to do something about my master sometime soon.

"Ah!" Siesta sprang up and began to finish hanging the laundry out to dry with the morning sun. "I just remembered I had a few other things I need to take care of. I hadn't realized how late it's become. I hope I haven't kept you for too long." Wrapping things up and collecting herself, she explained, "If you ever need your clothes washed, you can find me here near the servant's quarters. I'm also on kitchen duty right around the corner. Goodbye Lelouch, and have a good night!"

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Louise awoke with a groggy feeling in every inch of her body. Suddenly feeling cold, she began to wonder where her blanket had gone and why it was so bright all of a sudden. Rolling over, she slowly came to, realizing that it was the early morning sun that was shining on her. She was never much of a morning person, always rising each day in a daze. Finally opening her eyes and looking around properly, she spotted someone she didn't recognize.

"Rise and shine, Master. I had some difficulty waking you up, so please excuse my rude awakening of you. I have your clothes ready here since I thought you would need to be up soon. Some of your classmates already seem to be awake." Someone was looking down on her, eyes narrow with a plain frown.

"Wait, who are you?" It took a second for her to realize that she had seen this person before. Her sweet dreaminess was replaced by the reality that had struck her the same as it did yesterday. Sitting up, she began to rub the sleepiness out of her eyes. "Ah, that's right, you are the familiar I summoned." Taking a look, her clothes were set aside on her dresser by its mirror. Getting out of bed, she stood before him. "Dress me."

"As you wish then, my lady." As stern as he always seemed to be, he took her clothes up and began to carry out his duty.

Louise couldn't help but notice how quickly he was able to go about his business. It was as if he were already used to doing such things. Perhaps she actually did summon a servant. He had the efficiency, but his demeanor was so unlike that of one, no sign of that nervousness which peasants always carried with them around nobles. She had seen it in new servants hired by her family, how they would avoid eye contact and waver in their voice and movement, worrying about the impression they would make, always afraid and subservient. Most would get used to it eventually, but some never let it off. There were also those who were insufficient for whatever reason and would be let go as a result, although that rarely ever happened. She sometimes wondered how they had been hired in the first place as it was suicidal for them to contradict the nobility. He hadn't done so to her yet though, and then again why would he? A commoner was a commoner all the same. She wouldn't think of it much.

"Come on, let's go." With that, Louise picked up her wand, her familiar obediently following after her, none the wiser to the thoughts running through the former emperor's head.

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Lelouch didn't think it was possible, but he was unhappier today than he was yesterday. Yesterday he could imagine explanations for his master's rotten behavior. Yesterday he could think of possible reasons for his treatment in this backward world, exceptions to the rules. But today he knew differently. Who treated their personal servant as she did?

His master wasn't the only one. Far from it, she wasn't yet the worst of them either.

Siesta had mentioned that some kind nobles were out in the world, but kind was relative. Nobles could spare servants of their wrath if they wished to, but they were still helpless in front of such power. For their mistakes, servants could be punished quite severely, often fined, whipped, and beaten amongst other distasteful consequences for lesser deeds. Though there was a limit, his status as a familiar may have even put him down a level below that, a wonder why she was calling him a dog, but it also allowed him to be different as well. He was far from other familiars, not an animal who was utterly shackled to their master. He'd be able to make an impression on people and make them see him as something more. He could even be able to get her to see things his way too. Young people were impressionable, as all people were with enough effort.

They eventually arrived in a grand hall filled with the smell of savory dishes and fresh bread, easily seen to be coming from the dark wooden tables with lavish, steaming food laid out in a vast quantity. There were extravagant chandeliers hung from the ceiling and the floor was tiled with an exquisite marble checkerboard from wall to wall. As expected of an Academy for nobility's children, sparing no expense for the elite.

Walking by, Lelouch heard low whispers from a few of the students around them. Although they were trying to be quiet, many were audible enough to be heard by him, careless in concealing their words. Some were even less discrete with their gossip and he was sure the girl in front of him wasn't taking it well.

Her shoulders would tense up at the sound of their commentary, some of them having a more visible effect than others. Her hands would grasp thin air and a breath deeper than others would escape her, an exasperated sigh here and a tired one there. She'd tilt her head one way and turn it slightly the other, very much hearing, but never saying a word. Catching a glimpse of her face betrayed nothing. Still, he could almost keep track of what irked her the most, some comments about him being hired to pose as her familiar or how illicit their relationship could be behind doors rising out to his ears. It irked him in the process as well. Some people thought of him as a man at the least, although it was of little comfort in such context.

Thinking more about it, while they were approaching the hall he could tell that she was already building more hidden agitation inside of herself. He'd known it from looking at recruits on their way to their first few missions, from students who tried to keep calm before a test, and from nobles who would meet his father at the throne, that including himself when he did so as a child in demand of answers. His frustration and bitterness were intensely real at that time as was his failure to protect that which he held precious and dear to his heart. His injury was of family. It would seem that her's is of dignity.

Louise stopped amongst the tables behind a particular chair. Pulling it out for her, Lelouch noticed a small plate on the floor by her seat and he could guess who it was for. He had to ask anyway. "So, where is it that I may eat?"

"You will be eating on the floor there." Pointing to said plate, she continued, "You're lucky to be eating in here. Normally peasants and familiars would eat outside, but I've made a special exception for you."

"Ah, thank you, master, but I am simply unworthy of such graciousness, and so I must excuse myself." With a quick bow Lelouch strode out as the mealtime prayers began, Louise apparently not bothering or unable to follow him. He didn't care either way. He'd get his breakfast elsewhere.

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Lelouch made his way to the kitchen that Siesta had pointed out to him the night before and found the girl easily enough. She was bouncing about the kitchen from one spot to the next and appeared to be particularly good at her job, completing each task with ease. As she was finishing something up, she was able to notice his approach this time, coming up to him with a friendly smile. "Why hello Lelouch! What brings you here?"

"Good morning, Siesta. I was just wondering if there was any way I could get something to eat." Lelouch shrugged slightly and put his hands up and out from his sides. "It would appear that my master isn't so interested in giving me much more than scraps."

"Aha, I know who can help you with that." Turning around and yelling into the kitchen, she called, "Marteau! Marteau, I have a guest!"

It continued to be noisy even after most of the food had been served. From behind the rush of the servants, an almost massive man with lumbering arms and legs came over, standing taller than anyone in the room. "Is he of nobility?" Siesta shook her head and gestured to Lelouch. "No? Then welcome to my kitchen boy! Let me guess, you came here for the food, didn't you?"

"You would be right about that sir. Sorry for the trouble." Lelouch flinched a little at the man's boisterousness, unused to such rowdy kinds of people. He didn't seem like a bad person though, and Lelouch would be far from being curt.

"Ahaha, I do not mind!" Putting a hulking arm around Lelouch's shoulders, the big chef led him to another part of the kitchen. "Us commoners have to look out for one another when those damn nobles decide to walk all over us. Wait here, I'll get you something good."

Lelouch was quickly seated at a small table. It was easier to get food than he thought it would be. If he was able to gain favor based on not being a noble, was the divide between these classes that bad? Siesta would happen to provide an answer.

"Ah, that Marteau. Please don't mind him too much. His behavior can be a bit rough at times. He also has a sore spot for nobles, so I think you should keep your master away from him."

Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, Lelouch asked, "What does he have against nobles?"

"Well, he used to be a soldier in the previous war. And a good one he tells me. He goes on about how the commanders had no respect for the work of the men that weren't mages. He's got a bad impression of them from that time, I assume."

"Talking about my military days for me, are you Siesta?" As jolly as ever, the chef came up to Lelouch and placed in front of him a hot bowl of stew that gave off an aroma that energized his appetite. Having not one meal since he had arrived in this world, the young man began to eat.

"Curious about me, are you? Well in my days as a man on the field, I had respect from my men and for my men. We looked after each other, we did. It was a good way to survive." He let out a hearty laugh and leaned closer to the boy. "Like it? It's just a bunch of leftovers tossed together, but it tastes well enough, doesn't it? Those nobles don't miss scraps like these. They can't appreciate simplicity."

"It's certainly far better than what I could've gotten my hands on. Thank you, Marteau." Admittedly it was well made. Though it wasn't complex, he would have assumed it was supposed to be a dish of its own. It seemed that the help here was working at the Academy for good reason.

"I'm glad you like it! I can make just about anything taste absolutely exquisite. It's like magic you can eat, no?" Letting out another laugh, Marteau set his hand on the boy's shoulder, perhaps a little too hard, jostling him around a bit. "Tell you what, I'll even show you the knife I picked off of a noble one time during the war. It's a keeper for sure, better in my hands than it was in his I'd bet."

"Oh Marteau, there you go again, showing off that blade. Everyone in the kitchen has seen it by now." Though she was chiding him, she still smiled at the two men as she passed by.

"Everyone but this boy!" he shouted back. "Here, I insist. It feels great to have in hand. It's a precious little thing, I'm sure you'll agree." The man pulled the blade and sheath out from his belt and handed it to the boy handle first. Thinking it would be impolite of him to refuse, he took the weighty blade in his hand and pulled it from the leather cover, seeing it gleam in a ray of sunlight. Immediately, something felt different.

He could feel a change, his body lighter and his mind sharper than they were a moment ago. Observing the back of his left hand, he noticed how the familiar runes glowed with a soft, white light. Lelouch let a smile creep out with the sudden understanding of a new power, his new power, coming to him. It reminded him of when he obtained his Geass in the ruins of Shinjuku, save for the fact that things were far less urgent this time around. A breath of appreciation escaped his lips. "Wonderful."

Marteau would mistake his word for flattery. "I see you've taken a liking to it! It's one of the things I hold dear to myself. It's only seen the flesh of beasts these days though." Laughing once more, the burly chef would graciously take his prized possession back. Although Lelouch would have liked to experiment more with it, he couldn't take someone else's weapon and wave it around at a table for long.

"Marteau, the students are done with their meal and the cakes and teas are ready." Siesta returned as lively as ever, ready for the next order.

"Ah, how time flies when you reminisce. Go with some of the others and give the food out. They should be sitting around in the field that way. And boy, you're welcome here anytime your master gives you any trouble. If you need, you can leave that way without attracting too much attention." Pointing out the direction, Marteau excused himself and went back to work.

"Ah, and Siesta, allow me to help." If Lelouch were to be productive, moving around amongst the students was sure to let him gather information. He owed the maid too and it would make him look well to the servants in general.

"Oh, there's no need for that. It is my job, after all." Almost on her way, Siesta gently denied his offer.

Lelouch had his own plans, however, and would have things his way whenever he could. "I insist, Siesta. It's nothing to worry about. It's the least I could do, after all."

"Oh, alright then." Giving in, the maid led him to the trays nearby. "You can start by helping me bring these cakes out. We can't have them waiting too long."

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Without Louise's presence, the students didn't seem to acknowledge him at all. Even if what he wore was modern, the plain white shirt, dark pants, and leather shoes were apparently inconspicuous enough for them to judge him as no one special. While he could still hear rumors about his master, they were few in number. With this, much more useful pieces of knowledge were able to reach his ears. He could pick up a few important names, matters of everyday life, its troubles, and some otherworldly facts, many pertaining to the familiars that accompanied these mages.

Moving about, Lelouch eventually came upon someone he recognized. The blonde boy named Guiche was sitting across a girl with long and curled hair of the same color. A red bow adorned the back of her head and an orange frog sat in the palm of her hand.

"I must say, you and your familiar look absolutely beautiful today, Montmorency." And with a flourish of his rose, he flashed a smile. Somehow, the girl seemed flattered, despite how cliché it was. Then again, Lelouch was no stranger to theatrics, having been quite flashy enough as a leader to catch the attention of the world no less.

"Why thank you, Guiche. That's very sweet of you to say." Petting her small frog, her pleased appearance changed into one of slight suspicion. "And by the way, I've been hearing rumors about you going out with one of the first-years. That's not true now, is it, Sir Guiche?"

The young noble gave off a subtle jump at the accusation. "What? Of course not, I have nothing to hide from your eyes, my dear, nor do I have any affection to hide from you either."

Hmph, she believed him, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a fool. Serving cake to the pair, he figured that Guiche was a cheater, and a bad one at that, even reusing his lines from the last night. Thinking of that time, Lelouch noticed the brunette girl from then approach through one of the open walkways with a basket in hand, likely the cheesecake that was promised to the fop.

Not completely oblivious to his surroundings, Guiche took notice as well, quickly getting up and guiding his current lady away. "Come, my sweet fragrance, there's a lovely place under a tree that I'd like to show you. I'm sure you'll love it." Rushed, sloppy, unprepared.

"Oh, okay, but is something the matter?" With a look of confusion on her, the two left for another location, and as Guiche was leading her away, Lelouch noticed something shiny fall from his pocket.

Moving over, Lelouch couldn't help himself and picked up the object. It was a small glass vial about the size of the old black chess king he used to carry around with him. From it, he could smell something sweet and could tell that the dark liquid inside was a perfume.

"Oh Sir Guiche, where could you be?" Katie, on the other hand, had only found people she wasn't looking for, seeming just as lost and confused as the frog-mage from earlier.

Lelouch saw an opportunity. He could use that fool to make some change. It didn't help that the two-timer reminded him of Clovis time and time again. A smile came to him as he made his opening move. "Excuse me Miss, but do you know who this belongs to?"

Katie spun around to see who it was and her eyes widened when they caught sight of the vial. "That's one of Lady Montmorency's perfumes. Where did you find it?"

"It would seem that someone had dropped it and I was hoping to have it back to whoever owns it. Since it is Lady Montmorency's, would you mind giving this to her? It would be safer in your hands and, if you would be so kind, this gracious favor would help me immensely." Upon closer inspection, Katie appeared to be a somewhat timid girl that would almost hide behind her short, brown hair despite being diligent enough to be out looking for her lover.

"A-ah, okay then. I'll be sure to give this to her if I see her." She took the vial in her hands and began to look around once more, perhaps this time for a different blonde. She found nothing either way and moved onto the next field, the same direction where Guiche had gone.

With that, the stage was set. Although it was only amongst mere students, Lelouch still felt some guilty pleasure at stirring up trouble for others, a part of him always inclined to plot the ruin of someone else's day. And speaking of the devil. It looks like he's realized his mistake.

The young man could see Guiche approaching cautiously in a bit of a panic, no doubt over the precious object he had lost. Lelouch was quickly noticed and was approached with questions. "You, Louise's peasant, you were nearby when I had left. Tell me, had you found a bottle of perfume by any chance? I'm sure I dropped it here a moment ago." Guiche's eyes darted around, desperately searching for the missing vial.

Calling him "Louise's peasant" wasn't going to win him any points with Lelouch, but if he was going to get involved any further he may as well go all out instead of leaving things half-way. "Tell me Sir Gramont, are you a man of honor?"

"What? Of course, I am. Just why are you, a commoner, questioning a noble about honor?" He looked even more puzzled than before as if he couldn't fathom what was going on. His agitated state probably didn't help his thoughts as he continued to search the ground like his life depended on it. In a way, it did.

"Because of your philandering, of course." Speaking a little too loudly, a few heads were turned towards them.

"Wait, no, be quiet you idiot! Things like that shouldn't be spoken of." Grabbing Lelouch and pulling him away, he hissed in a quiet hush and lowered his head as if to hide somehow.

"But if it shouldn't be spoken of, it can't be a good thing now, is it?" Ah, Lelouch was slightly having fun now, although he'd appreciate it more if he weren't being handled so roughly. Once in a day was more than enough for him.

Guiche spoke through his teeth with a bit of distracted venom. "It's none of your business. Just what do you want with me? I was the one who came here with questions. What right do you have to question me?"

Lelouch's response almost seemed nonchalant, but his voice held a quiet steel in it. "Allow me to advise you of something that I'm certain you'll need. I don't deny that you might hold some genuine affection for those girls, but if they hold an equal passion for you to match, then it is sure to be equally as heartbreaking to them when they find out that you've betrayed their trust. Hear me and listen to me well, Sir Gramont, make a decision while you still can, otherwise, it'll be too late. You'll become someone who you had never wished to be and the consequences will be more than just tears and apologies."

Guiche paused for a moment. "What kind of nonsense is this?" Despite his protest, Lelouch could see a flash of doubt spread through his voice and across his eyes. Although he was on edge, Lelouch could tell that the boy was lost in thought, turning the words over in his head. It seemed to him that Guiche still had something resembling a conscience on the inside.

Meanwhile, a number of students began to move around in a hurry, rising from the comfort of their seats and leaving. Something else had appeared to have become the focus of everyone's attention, including Guiche's. "Wait, what's going on? Malicorne, where is everyone going?"

A pudgy student carrying his table snacks with him answered, "Guiche, there you are! Montmorency's arguing with a first-year girl and apparently, it's over you! You'd better get to Vestri Court and take a look for yourself. I heard it's getting pretty bad right now."

Guiche paled even more harshly than last time, unable to hide his immense panic. Ignoring everything else, he made another mad dash, returning to the place where he had come from.

Lelouch, on the other hand, began to casually stroll to his destination. Now then, let the show begin.

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Guiche could begin to hear the shouting as he approached Vestri Court. It was a wide-open field that was clearer than most of the others, save for a few trees and structures around the edges, good for anything that required plenty of space. Especially now.

He braced himself for what was to come. Though he would see what could be done, he felt a horrible feeling well up inside of him at the mere thought of the situation. Certainly, he'd always liked the attention, but not as a loser. He was out in the world to prove himself to others and to live the life of an outstanding noble like his father or brothers. If only it were so right now.

Others had arrived before him, a large gaggle of people gathered around what was sure to be the two girls. Beyond the chatter, Guiche could hear his dear Monmon yelling her heart out. "And why do you have this vial anyway? I gave this to Sir Guiche as a present. Did he give it to you?"

"No, not at all! A servant found it and gave it to me to give to you." Although Katie asserted that it was the truth, Montmorency would have none of it.

"As if that's the truth! Tell me what has happened between you and Guiche. Now." The youth was able to push through the crowd and into the clearing the others encircled. He could already see tears in the eyes of both girls, one in furious temper and the other shrinking away from the fire.

Witnessing this, Guiche felt something clench in his chest, another pain to add to his already unpleasant feelings. The pressure was mounting and he couldn't bear to watch any longer. "Monmon, Katie, hold a moment!"

"Guiche! Just what is going on? You were going out with this first-year, weren't you? She told me you were going out with her!" Stomping her foot, the angry woman in front of him showed no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Guiche's mind ran blank at the accusations from both Montmorency's cutting words and Katie's betrayed gaze. "I'm sorry Monmon, please let me explain. You should not mar your pretty face with that look. Please calm-"

"And do what? Forgive you again?" She interrupted him curtly. His appeals did nothing to quell her fury. "Just shut it! What is your problem, Guiche? Just why would you do such a thing? This isn't even the first time either, I swear, I've had it with you!" The sound of palm meeting cheek struck out amongst the silent crowd. Montmorency held nothing back, sending Guiche tumbling over with a large red mark stamped onto his delicate features. She marched and Katie ran, both turning their backs to the humiliated youth.

The crowd made way for the two. Nobody wanted to stand in the way of such turmoil, much less of a lady's emotions. As Guiche turned his head only to see them leave, he caught sight of that familiar of Zero with a smile plastered across his face. It could have been because of the desperate situation he was in, but to salvage his reputation Guiche tried to grasp onto what few straws he had before he would snap.

Yet instead, something clicked.

"To think I considered your words, for even a moment…" He rose from the ground and turned, forgetful of the laughter that was all around him. The crowd had responded to his sudden change in demeanor and watched with raptness at this newly found resilience. "This… All of this is your fault!"

With a roaring accusation pointed in the familiar's direction, everyone's attention was diverted to the raven-haired boy once more. Wasting no time, Guiche strode up to him, knowing that his resentment was written all over his face for the peasant to see.

"I have never been so humiliated in my life. If you'd just given me the perfume, none of this would have happened. Making two ladies cry. I swear you will pay for this!" He drew his rose and jammed it towards him, intending to cause insult to his pride. "You will duel me, knave. Here and now."

He, however, would remain unphased. "Hmph, blaming others for your own inadequacy?" Guiche did not respond to the jab, too deep into pursuing the beating he wished to give. "I don't even own a weapon to duel you with. Would you assault a defenseless knave? It's hardly reasonable." The young man lifted his hands as if in surrender, but Guiche wouldn't take no for an answer.

Having none of it, the noble channeled his willpower into a rose petal, casting it to the ground where a plain sword suddenly grew into existence. It wouldn't save him anyway. He turned back towards his opponent and looked at him in his purple eyes. "Pick up the sword and duel me."

Walking over to the sword, he seemed to evaluate it for a while. He grunted as if he were scoffing at his work. Laying his hand on the blade, he drew it from the ground and leveled it towards Guiche in one swift movement. "If that is what you wish, then so be it."

"Wait, familiar! What the hell is going on here?" Louise stomped over, probably to save her familiar, but for him it was too late, drawing a blade before a noble and accepting the aggression, the duel. "Sir Gramont, please forgive him and stop this nonsense! Nobles cannot duel!"

It was time.

"And he is no noble! No matter what you say the duel has already started!" A flick of his rose wand let another petal fall to the ground. He would unleash his greatest achievement to wipe that smirk off of that peasant's face. "My runic name is Guiche the Bronze, thus you will be fighting my bronze Valkyries!"

A beautifully feminine and green suit of armor arose, decorated with a cloth skirt and ornate decor all over its polished body, its helm adorned with a wing on each side. The armor wielded nothing, no need for a weapon to seize victory and no need to let the commoner die. Not yet anyway.

With that, it made a sudden charge into the pitiful boy, ramming into him and immediately giving him a knee in the gut and a jab to the head that made him stagger backward. It knocked the breath out of him by the looks of it and Guiche let out a grin. "Had enough yet, commoner?"

"Stop it Guiche, he doesn't know any better!" Continuing to protest, Louise turned to her familiar. "Lelouch, stand down! A commoner can never win against a noble!"

He chuckled. "So now you call me by my name?" Odd, thought Guiche, he had gotten a hold of himself rather quickly, but perhaps commoners were more sturdy than he thought. This one was certainly braver. Or foolish.

"And what's that supposed to mean? I'm telling you to stop fighting!" Her words didn't appear to reach him. "What are you doing? Don't get back up or he'll kill you!"

"I don't plan on letting him." The familiar stood up sooner than Guiche had anticipated, retaining that defiant expression. "If I remember now, I heard something else before you summoned me. You were asking for a majestic and powerful familiar, right? If so, then I suppose it's time to show you true majesty and power." Turning to Guiche, he spoke with indignation in his voice. "Not even setting the terms of the duel before striking me? Hardly what I call honor. En garde, Gramont!"

Guiche witnessed an unprecedented display of speed and agility. The familiar had lunged out, sword in one hand, lodging his weapon under the helmet of his construct. With a swift twist of his wrist, there was a horrible groan of metal followed by a loud pop. The head had gone flying off, landing with a thud on the ground nearby, and his Valkyrie was no more, falling over by the loss of a vital part.

"Th-that's impossible!" Guiche couldn't believe his eyes. Commoners could never fight back against the nobility. It wasn't in their power, so how could this peasant do so?

Guiche saw his opponent slowly approach him and felt panic strike him once more. Letting loose the rest of his petals in a rush, Guiche formed more armors to fight. This time they wielded various weapons, all advancing to attack. They would be a menacing bunch to any other swordsman, their swords and spears gleaming in the light, but the familiar was unafraid.

"Impressive." He remembered that his adversary's name was Lelouch. Louise had screamed it so loudly that everyone must have heard it. "But will it be enough?"

His Valkyries charged in as they were created, in ranks of two with their arms leveled to maim their target. Lelouch would simply avoid their assault with a dodge here and there, smashing through a pair of them with a single stroke. Guiche had attempted to pull his forces back once he saw how easily they were cut down, but he could only save one, the others falling before him like it was nothing.

"You should have taken your time to surround me instead of charging in so recklessly. What a waste." His lecturing both infuriated and terrified Guiche. It was if he was seeing through him and at the same time taunting him about how incapable he was. He also felt livid at having only a single construct left. His heart was racing, trying to find a way to salvage the situation, but only ended up hearing another clash unfold before he realized it.

Lelouch had cleaved off the right arm of his last Valkyrie, now more defenseless than the first. He changed his grip to a murder-stroke and swung the hilt into the side of the bronze helmet, knocking over yet another adversary.

He didn't stop there. The armor could still move, even if it was barely functioning. Stepping on its back, Guiche saw him smash his Valkyrie.

Again and again. Over and over.

By this time the crowd was hushed, watching the devastation with either rapt wonder or undisguised horror. Guiche would be one of the latter, not believing what he was seeing. He refused to, denying that he was losing to a mere commoner.

"Five hits in total. While they fall to pieces if I cut them, bludgeoning them is far less effective. How contradictory, but it makes quite the impression. Don't you agree, Sir Gramont?" Winding up, Lelouch dashed towards Guiche as he realized what was to come. He braced himself for the impact but failed to even get his arms to guard. It came to him with all the unpleasantness he expected.

He suddenly felt his feet leave the ground for a moment, no doubt flying back further than the slap from earlier had sent him. He landed with a force that was felt through his whole body and could feel his chest burn with an intense pain. Winded and coughing, he could begin to taste a bit of the iron flavor of blood in his mouth. The only thing he could feel even more intensely was the acute fear in his heart

He tried to retreat, but all of his energy was knocked out of him by that one blow. He was not used to being injured so. He could barely breathe, only able to prop himself up onto his elbows, frozen in horror as his fate seemed to be approaching. Lelouch advanced upon him with his blade raised into the air, ready to end him. He shut his eyes and turned away with no other option but to be a coward unable to witness his own death.

"Stop! Don't you dare hurt him any further!" Guiche heard a girl's stern voice call out. Although he didn't dare look ahead quite yet, he could feel someone support his head and back. Soft and smelling sweet, he opened his eyes only to see Katie holding him and Montmorency standing firm between him and the man who held his life, being as verbal as ever. "You cannot take his life. I won't allow it."

Lelouch lowered his sword, but only to point it at her face. "You would run to defend this traitor? He's the one who betrayed your trust. He saw your love and took it for granted. Why would you protect him?"

Monmon showed no signs of backing down, even if she was interrupting a duel, proper or not. Why was she risking herself for him? He didn't care. He only wanted her to be safe, but she spoke on. "You don't get it, do you? If you kill him, others will be after you. His family is one of a long line of generals and they wouldn't cease to make your life miserable."

"Oh, is that so?" He wasn't taking her words seriously, looking down at her instead. "I would have to say that you're the one who doesn't get it. It's not me you're trying to protect right now, is it? The question still stands. So, I'll ask you once more, why would you protect him?"

Montmorency was quiet and Guiche couldn't tell why. He was bewildered by this course of events. To him, it was one of those moments where it felt like a hundred years had come and gone. She muttered something, but it was practically inaudible. The commoner would call her out. "No one can hear you. Stand aside if that's the limit of your resolve!"

Her head snapped up.

She inhaled sharply.

"It's because I love him!"

She yelled as if it would drive that man away, "Despite his skirt-chasing, despite the stupid way he acts, and the flowery compliments he gives to me, I still love him!" Her breathing had hastened, then gradually slowed. "I always have since we were little…" She became silent and Guiche realized that she was shedding tears. "Just what more do you want from me?"

"Nothing else." Lelouch lowered the blade, holding it downward in one hand. "It would appear that you are right, Sir Gramont. I have made two ladies cry." He made contact with Guiche's eyes and lowered his voice. "However, I must ask, will you apologize?"

Guiche had recovered somewhat from the blow he received and was able to respond. "I was wrong. I apologize for offending you."

"Not to me, Sir Gramont." Guiche realized that there was something amiss, both about his own conduct and about that of the familiar.

"Monmon, Katie, I'm so sorry." He would not make the same mistake again. If he didn't know honor, then he was not a Gramont. "I'm sorry for being a fool…"

"It's okay, Sir Guiche. You'll be okay." Katie, still cradling him, gave him some words of comfort, gently watching him with moistened eyes.

"Let me make something clear to you," Lelouch spoke once again, "You're young. You do not yet have blood on your hands like others I have met. I'm sure that if you have any honor, then you would do well to absolve yourself of any misdeeds, past, present, or future. Remember this, Sir Gramont. Not everyone can have people who care for them so dearly."

Relaxing, Guiche saw the man place his sword into the ground by the tip, the same as when he had created it. He hadn't noticed until now, but the runes in his left hand were glowing, but quickly fading too.

"Not again…" It was then when he saw him suddenly stagger and fall to the ground, Louise running up to catch him. Before he was all gone, Guiche could hear him mutter, "Damn… side-effects…"

"What are you doing?! Get up! Get off of me, I can't carry you!" Despite her protests, Louise would be squashed by her familiar's back, unaware of the trouble he was causing her. "You're heavy too! Wait, are you sleeping?"

Guiche also rested himself on someone who would support him. He too felt tired, having to exert himself far more than he had intended. He was being riddled with more questions from the two girls, his body sore, broken too if he was correct. While he was being carried off to the infirmary, his mind began to wander off to last night as he was stared at the sky. If only I'd known it would have come to this. What a strange one he is. Strange, but of honor.

Choosing to close his eyes, he would let sleep take him away. True, he had lost.

But today he had learned.

·◊◊◊◊◊◊◊O÷O◊◊◊◊◊◊◊·

Author's Notes

Hi, Verrill here with another chapter. I hope you've all been well.

To be honest with you, I'm someone who took a liking to most of the characters in both series, even some of the more unpopular ones. From the original story, Guiche's fight with Saito served to be the big reveal to the Gandálfr's powers, but as a writer, and since you likely already know of these things because that's the nature of fan fiction, such a reveal alone was potentially moot.

There needed to be more weight in the conflict. I liked the characters of Louise's world, but fun as they were, I had wished some of them carried more depth and, as you can see here, I like trains, but not necessarily the rails on which they ride on. Thus, Guiche himself will be portrayed differently than from how he was. I have plans for him as I do for everyone else. I can only hope that it will live up to expectations.

Also, another thing that astounds me about these two worlds was how that many of the characters had reminded me of each other in one way or another, despite how different they are as a whole. Sometimes it's like you took one side and changed a few traits here and there to get to the other. As you've noticed by now, Guiche does remind me of Clovis in some ways and this chapter reflects that.

Once again, please support the official releases, review my work as you see fit, and be welcome to ask what you wish.

Thank you for your time again. Otherwise, take care~