Demons – Shit hits the fan on a daily basis in this world.

Game777 – Phew! And thank God all of that expository pacing is over – I can finally get to the real meat of the story. But don't you worry – the next time we see Time Baron's world, we'll be able to piece together what the hell actually goes on there.

7Annabelle – Lol wut?

Light – I understand. I'd encourage you to keep reading, give the lovable Baron a second chance, but honestly that's none of my business – you're fully entitled to dislike this story! However, I would like to point out that Time Baron is kind of supposed to be jarring and different. He's an invader from another universe, after all – if he was just like everyone else, it would lessen the impact. I don't regret putting in Time Baron for a second, even if it does alienate some of my viewers; his presence and Kaguya's presence is going to help advance my story to exactly where I need it to go, and it's also going to help shed some light on just how terrible immortality really is. But again, I completely get it if Time Baron isn't your cup of tea. Kudos for giving me a chance.

Kudos for reading, once again. You guys rule!

[*****]

BLACK KNIGHTS MOBILE BASE

"…It has been approximately eight days since the Battle at the Presidential Palace, where the war between Viceroy Jeremiah Gottwald's forces and the revolutionary organization Black Knights resulted in a temporary stalemate. We have recently received some tragic news, confirmed by the combined testimonies of Viceroy Jeremiah Gottwald and Baroness Villetta Nu.

As many of you know, the vast majority of Area 11's Governors were gathered at the Presidential Palace, to discuss A-108, which is Viceroy Gottwald's proposal for fixing the Honorary Britannian system. In the ensuing battle between the Purists and the Black Knights… five of the Governors present were either killed immediately or succumbed to wounds received during battle.

The list of deceased includes… Marit Sibley of Niigata. Neil Quamme of the Fukouka Settlement. Keith Chambers of Sapporo. Ballard Carter of the Nagoya Settlement… and Roland Schon of Sendai. The other Governors in attendance, the Governors of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Osaka, managed to escape with their lives thanks to the help of additional Britannian forces that arrived on the scene, in particular one Suzaku Kururugi, the former prime suspect of the SGI—"

Click.

Kallen rubbed her eyes. It was her mother that first told her the news last night. "Do you know about what happened last week?" was what she said – her mother knew how much Kallen liked to be informed, and sometimes she and Kallen just talked about world events for hours in order to avoid addressing the elephant in the room, i.e. the possibility that Kallen's mother was addicted to Refrain. At the time, Kallen didn't believe it – she couldn't believe it. But thanks to Zero's penchant for recording every news show he watched, Kallen got to see it for herself.

We killed five Governors. It doesn't matter who did what, who fired what shot, but we killed five Governors, and we're going to receive so much backlash for it.

"Diethard Reid. He's an interesting news anchor," Zero said, re-adjusting his cravat. "On one hand, he says 'fix' when referring to what Jeremiah was doing. On the other hand, he called us a 'revolutionary force'. Not terrorists, not criminals, but revolutionaries. Fascinating."

Ohgi cracked his knuckles. "Zero… I don't know if we're going to be able to come back down from this."

"I know," Zero confessed, his tone softening. "This is why I like you, Ohgi. You're the logic of the revolution." He refocused on the screen. "The media battle is going to be almost as epic as the military battle. Britannia's propaganda machine is going to play up our actions for all it's worth – they're going to broadcast what sounds good for the Britannians and little else."

"We need a good public face," Ohgi continued, busying herself by cleaning some weapons. "Don't get me wrong, Zero, you're an excellent leader and speaker, but a silver tongue only goes so far."

Zero nodded. "People like cold-hard facts, statistics, information they can trust. It doesn't have to be legitimate, per se – it just has to look legit."

"We aren't terrorists, are we?" Kallen questioned, her head hung low.

Zero imperiously shook his head. "We didn't conquer an entire country. We aren't oppressing anybody."

"It just seems like we've been involving more and more innocents lately."

Zero scoffed, folding his arms. "I wouldn't necessarily call those Governors civilians. They were making plans with Jeremiah Gottwald, plans to strip the Japanese of their freedom once again."

"That was his plan, not theirs," C.C. put in, lounging in the corner as usual.

"That doesn't matter," Zero continued, refusing to budge. "This is war. Sacrifices are going to be made. That may not be much of a consolation to the people that've already died, but that's all in the past. Even if people think of us as cowards, even if we lose support, even if the Britannian propaganda machine makes us look like monsters, we can't give up. We can't afford to give up."

No, we really can't. We're deep in this… very deep.

"Zero, about your plan to storm the lab…" Ohgi brought up, clearing his throat, not wanting to insult Zero, but also wanting to speak his peace. "…You said that we needed to lay low for a while. Build up strength. But we're going right into an enemy stronghold… your judgment is usually right, sir, but…"

"This is a golden opportunity," Zero announced, with such confidence that Kallen almost believed it. "Prince Schneizel himself is coming to see the Lancelot. Not only do we have a chance to capture or interrogate an enemy leader, we have a chance to destroy a pain in our ass as well."

Kallen stretched her fingers, popped her knuckles. She'd wanted a rematch with that damn thing ever since it caused them trouble in the Tokyo Settlement, and with the Radiant Wave technology Rakshata was installing onto her Glasgow, she figured something as experimental and incomplete as a prototype Knightmare wouldn't stand a chance.

"But how do you know where it is?" Ohgi pressed on. "How do you know what kind of opposition we're going to meet? How can you be sure-?"

"Ohgi," Zero said. "What did I tell you at the Presidential Palace?"

"…Don't ever question the legitimacy of my orders," Ohgi quoted, wringing his hands together.

"If you want to opt out, then do so," Zero baited, crossing his legs. "I can find someone to replace you, take your position."

Different styles, different ideas about the best way to go about fighting the war. Kallen really, really hoped that Ohgi and Zero didn't butt heads later on. It didn't help that there were Black Knights who were already suspicious and mistrusting of Zero, either. Kallen preferred things to be streamlined and simple – the person in charge gave the orders, and everyone else basically followed them.

Even if some of those decisions are… questionable.

"I understand, sir," Ohgi said, bowing his head lightly. "I apologize for speaking out of turn."

Listlessly, Zero waved his gloved hand. "Forget about it. Everyone, save for Kallen, leave this room and get ready to gear up."

Kallen, surprised, took one look at Ohgi, who simply shrugged. He rose out of his chair and walked out the door; C.C. had already left by this point. Zero took off his helmet, revealing Lelouch. Lelouch had already revealed his "new look" to everyone beforehand, but it didn't lessen the surprise of seeing how different he looked from… well, Lelouch. This blonde-haired, red-eyed, scar-ridden Lelouch stared at the TV Screen for a while, and the silence gave Kallen plenty of time to think.

"Sir?" Kallen asked, more timidly than she would've liked.

"We're not terrorists, are we?" Lelouch quoted hollowly.

Kallen ran a few fingers down her nose, suddenly feeling very chastened. "I didn't—"

"Do you believe what we're doing is wrong, Kallen Kozuki?"

Kallen leaned forward, wrapping her arms around herself, grateful that they were alone. "No, I just… I hate involving civilians. I hate it. I know that maybe those people that died at the Palace could have bad people, and that they worked for an enemy commander, but… they were unarmed, and I always feel so sick whenever we manage to involve people that don't need to get involved. Not your fault, Zero… it's a feeling I've always had, especially in Shinjuku. The only reason I'm really talking about it now is… I don't know. I don't know. I've clung onto innocence for way too long because the reality is unacceptable."

Lelouch spun his helmet around in between his palms, gazing into it for a while. "Why are you here?"

Kallen almost laughed. "You asked me that already."

"I want to see if you have a more definite answer… have you figured it out?"

Kallen leaned back against her couch, her eyes wandering around the base's interior, then back to Lelouch, who seemed far less frightening and imperious without his mask on.

"…Hope, I guess," Kallen admitted, wanting to get it off her chest. "Hope that maybe Japan can be free. Hope that this'll all be worth it. Hope that I can use the legacy my brother left behind for me. I just hope that… everything'll be alright again. I refuse to live in a world where everything I've resisted becomes a way of life. That's why I'm here. I feel like our chance for freedom has come, and I intend to keep at it until it becomes a reality."

Surprised by her own words, Kallen looked at Lelouch, who simply nodded. "I understand. Go gear up and then visit Rakshata – she ought to have the Radiant Wave done by now, or at least getting there. Tomorrow is a very important night."

Kallen rose, saluting. "Understood, Zero."

She began to walk out, but her curiosity got the best of her.

"…Why are you here, Lel—Zero?"

Damn it, Kallen, shut up!

Lelouch glanced back up at the screen, the footage of the attack on the Presidential Palace playing on repeat. "Revenge, Kozuki. For everything they took away from us."

[*****]

BLACK KNIGHTS WEAPONS DEPOT

The next afternoon, Lelouch let his eyes wander over the newly-upgraded Glasgow – the Guren – and he silently marveled over how incredible it looked. Tall, sleek, and crimson-red, with armor resistant enough to withstand the firepower of a small army. At least, that's what Rakshata had said. Perhaps the most prominent addition to the Glasgow was the enormous, right-hand metal claw, which was currently being worked on by a team of engineers and technicians, dwarfed by the sheer size of the thing. Lelouch almost picture – nay, almost feel – the sheer amount of energy surging through that claw, powered by a shit ton of Sakuradite.

"Stunned silence is the best form of applause," Rakshata said, sucking on a pipe as usual.

"I've watched the videos you sent me," Lelouch mentioned. "I'm impressed. That Radiant Wave technology looks powerful."

Rakshata shrugged her soldiers, eyes narrowing. "It's alright. It's an incomplete version, of course."

"I understand. I'm sorry I didn't give you more time, but I needed it to be ready for tonight."

"None of that matters, Zero. You'll be able to take on the world with my brilliant model in no time at all."

Lelouch leaned against the railing. "Which makes me wonder. Why didn't you stay in the E.U.? From what I've heard, they need a mind like yours right now."

Rakshata paused, and then Lelouch understood. Her coming here wasn't a courtesy call, nor was it a coincidence.

"Ah. You're not just helping us out of the good of your heart. Or Viola Mancini's, for that matter."

"Cat's out of the bag," Rakshata lamented, begrudgingly turning to face Zero. "I came here to get Sakuradite. A lot of it. Without it, our Knightmares in the E.U. aren't going to last forever. I figure that's a fair trade. I help you win your war, you help me win mine."

"I'd like to meet this woman at some point." Lelouch folded his hands. "The Sakuradite distribution here is handled by a group called Kyoto. I've been meaning to meet with them for a while, anyway… now I have a reason to do just so. If you want to mine some Sakuradite for yourself, they're the people to talk to."

And I have the strangest feeling that they're not going to last for much longer.

"Well, then," Rakshata smiled, casting a calm gaze over the depot. "Maybe science will have its day at last… tell me, who is developing the Lancelot?"

Lelouch thought for a moment. "From the information I got? Lloyd Asplund. Why do you ask?"

Rakshata's face fell, and she gripped the railing for a moment. "Earl of Pudding," she said, weirdly.

"Uh, what?"

"Don't worry about it. Just destroy the Lancelot," she proclaimed, smirking. "Show him who the better developer is."

Lelouch sardonically laughed, looking down at C.C. "Old rivalry?"

"Oh, you haven't a clue."

[*****]

AREA 11 BRITANNIAN LABORATORY

This was, perhaps, the first time that Suzaku had ever legitimately met royalty. The last time he'd interacted with a Prince was with Clovis, and he'd tried to have Suzaku killed. But Schneizel, by comparison, was a different situation altogether. Schneizel was calm, soft-spoken, always seemed to have a well-timed laugh and an easy handshake. He reminded Suzaku of Lelouch, albeit older and more level-headed. Schneizel had actually bothered to shake Suzaku's hand, congratulating him on his excellent military records and efforts. Although Suzaku hadn't outwardly shown it, he was overjoyed by this exchange.

Maybe there's hope for the Empire yet.

"You've added a few of your own personal touches to this model, Lloyd," Schneizel mentioned, gazing at the Lancelot from the observation room. "I'd expect nothing less from you, but still. It's noticeable. Mind explaining?"

"Lancelot deserves the very best," Lloyd half-explained. Unlike everyone else – especially Cecile, who was a nervous wreck around royalty – he seemed to be completely comfortable around Prince Schneizel. There were points during the day when he'd called him Schnitzel, in spite of Cecile's scolding; Schneizel had merely laughed.

"SR-71 Landspinners, twenty-nine doses of Sakuradite extract, Homeland-produced energy cells, Britannian Energy explosives, a Blaze Luminous system," Lloyd listed off, his smile growing bigger and bigger by the moment. "And, of course, a VARIS. Isn't it magnificent?"

"Magnificent and expensive, Lloyd," Schneizel responded, folding his hands. "I heard there were a few problems with it some weeks ago. Care to explain?"

Lloyd dismissively shrugged. "A minor error," he said. Cecile shrunk into the corner, looking embarrassed as all hell. Suzaku simply laughed. "It's been fixed by this point – we realized how to divert the energy. And besides, at that time, Lancelot wasn't running on full power. We had to improvise, given the circumstances."

"I see."

Somebody tapped Suzaku's shoulder. He turned right and nearly stumbled backwards when he found himself staring at Princess Euphemia. Suzaku hastily got one knee and then got back up, drawing a hand across his chest; before he could speak, Euphemia gestured for him to be quiet with a finger on her lips.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Suzaku whispered.

Euphemia gestured to a hallway that led outside of the room, walking there. Suzaku glanced over at Cecile, who simply shrugged and gestured for him to follow the Princess. He did just so, standing awkwardly as Euphemia leaned against one of the walls in the narrow hallway, a few pink curls falling down the sides of her face.

She's very beautiful.

"How do you enjoy piloting something like that, Mr. Kururugi?" Euphemia asked, smiling lightly.

"It's an honor, Your Majesty. The first seventh-generation Knightmare… it's history in the making."

She nodded, laughing. "I've heard a little about you. You're the son of the former Prime Minister, yeah?"

Suzaku frowned. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"That must be difficult. My condolences."

"…Thank you, Your Majesty."

"I also heard about how you helped rescue Sir Jeremiah Gottwald, yeah?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Interesting."

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"

She shrugged, trying to appear mysterious. "You're Japanese. He's a Purist. But you sprang to his side in seconds."

"I'm a soldier, Your Majesty. It's my duty to help out anyone regardless of who they are, what they look like."

She nodded, and Suzaku stared at the ground.

"You look like you've got something on your mind, Suzaku Kururugi," Euphemia said, a ghost of a smile appearing on her face.

"...It's about Lelouch vi Britannia, Your Majesty."

She blinked, gazing at Suzaku, holding out her hands. "What do you mean?"

"I… I knew him, Your Majesty. In fact, he lived with me when we were children, Your Majesty. We were… friends. Believe me when I say—"

Euphemia kept staring at Suzaku. "He said that he made a Japanese friend… I didn't know it was you! Wow. Small, small world."

Suzaku laughed a little. "You're telling me, Your Majesty," he said before internally chastising himself, trying to not to sound so informal, but Lloyd was rubbing off on him.

"What was it like?"

"…Hard, Your Majesty," Suzaku confessed. "Forgive my saying, but he was very intimidating. It was hard to get along with him, Your Majesty. At the time, I was still scared of Britannians, and he sort of kept to himself. I didn't want to involve myself with him, Your Majesty, and to him, the feeling was mutual. But, I had a cousin that helped bring us together, Your Majesty – she liked him, and she convinced me to like him. He was a very smart, perceptive young man, Your Majesty, and… I met him briefly before he left for the Homeland, also. Admittedly, I didn't get to see him for long..."

I was too busy getting shot for trying to do the right thing.

"…And for a little while, I thought he was dead. But… I'm glad to hear that he's safe and that he's home again, Your Majesty."

"Do you miss him?" she asked, her tone softer and sweeter.

"Yes, Your Majesty. He was… is, my best friend. I hope I get to see him again sometime."

"I could get you into contact with him."

Suzaku brightened. "I… I don't want to impose, Your Majesty."

Euphemia rolled her eyes. "I can tell you this much. I think he'd prefer talking to you than the rest of his family. Just trust my judgment, okay?"

"I completely understand, Your Majesty. If you could find a way that I could call him somehow, then that would be fantastic, Your Majesty!" Suzaku said, ecstatic.

"Assuredly, Suzaku Kururugi. I can imagine it gets pretty lonely here with just a few scientists for company."

"They're good people, Your Majesty."

"Do you like Japan?"

Suzaku looked into her eyes, sizing her up. "…Area 11 is a well-run place, Your Ma—"

Euphemia's expression sobered. "I appreciate your level of empathy and respect, Suzaku Kururugi, but I'd also appreciate the truth. Please don't just tell me what I want to hear. Please tell me the truth."

Suzaku's breath hitched. No Britannian had ever asked him this question, not even Lloyd and Cecile, who went to the ends of the earth to protect him from being persecuted.

This is important. I have to tell her. I have to. She's a Princess, and she can enact change. But at the same time, Suzaku's inherent inability to trust people was coming back to bite him in the ass. Suzaku had no idea if Euphemia was testing him or genuinely concerned about his well-being.

"…"

Euphemia glanced both ways, and got closer to Suzaku. "This is strictly between us, Suzaku Kururugi."

"...It isn't a good place, Your Majesty. There are times when it's horrific."

"…Why?"

Before Suzaku could answer, an alarm interrupted him. The sound of the alarm prevented Suzaku from speaking further, and he froze in place for a moment. Euphemia looked just as confused as he did, and Suzaku ran back inside the observation room; Cecile and Lloyd were already on the computers and communication systems, trying to contact the current security team.

"General Bartley!" Cecile called out. "Please respond! Is this a fire alarm, lockdown drill?! What is this?"

Suzaku suddenly heard the pop of gunfire, muffled by the walls. Immediately, Euphemia's face ashened and she looked very, very terrified.

"Oh no," Schneizel bemoaned, quickly stepping up to Euphemia. "We need to get to safety, and quickly."

"Please follow me!" Suzaku yelled over the din, walking down the hallway, immediately drawing his pistol from its holster, military-bred instincts kicking in. "Lloyd, Cecile, please follow me as well!"

"We can't afford to leave Lancelot alone!" Lloyd shouted back. "If we're being attacked, then they'll come for Lancelot first!"

"How did they find us here?" Schneizel bellowed, placing his body in front of Euphemia, who was trying her best to calm down.

"There's an elevator on Level B-4 that can take us directly to the bunker!" Cecile said, pulling out a pistol of her own; she looked just as scared as everyone else. "Inside the bunker is an emergency control system we can use to lock up the Lancelot room!"

"Oh right, I forgot about that!" Lloyd shouted. "Well then, Kururugi! Croomy! Lead the way! I will provide emotional suppo—"

And then, before Suzaku could even think, there was a great, sonorous explosion, powerful enough to kick up ash into his eyes. Suzaku was thrown back, his back slamming against a metal wall. He felt a blind urge to run and attack, but he couldn't really see anything. When his vision finally returned to him, he was surprised to find a series of Britannian guards all pointing their guns at the group. Suzaku sprang upward and sprinted for the two of the guards, readying a wicked punch.

"Stop or I shoot!" one of them screamed, aiming a rifle at Euphemia.

That stopped him. Suzaku, shifting restlessly, threw down his pistol, refusing to let someone as innocent and uninvolved as Prince Schneizel or Princess Euphemia die on his watch. Cecile, reluctantly, relinquished her pistol as well, raising her hands above her head.

"What are your orders now, Zero? We have the science team, royals, and the pilot captive right now."

Suzaku's fists clenched and he felt rage engulf him once again.

Zero. Once again, you've come back to ruin everything.

Suzaku's eyes wandered over the group. Schneizel had a poker face, his expression indecipherable; Euphemia's expression was impassive but clearly terrified, and a little bit disappointed. Lloyd and Cecile were glancing each other, clearly trying to find a way out.

"I'm sorry," Suzaku whispered.

"Not your fault," Cecile whispered back. One of the guards unslung his weapon, turning his hips towards Suzaku.

"Let's go!" the traitorous guard barked. "Make a wrong move and the royals eat lead."

Don't need to tell me twice.

[*****]

LANCELOT ROOM

Lelouch's heart was pounding. He hadn't expected the besieging plan to go as smoothly as it did, but it did. C.C. asked him, over a private communicator, how he'd managed to do it, and his only response was Geass. A large majority of the guards (at least, the ones that weren't disguised Black Knights) were under the control of the Geass orders Lelouch had issued yesterday, when he made his first trip to the laboratory. He'd deduced that, since the Lancelot had appeared around the Telmen District, the laboratory had to be nearby that district, which it was. Using his stolen, visor-equipped Britannian grunt armor, he'd gone on a nerve-wracking Geass spree, making sure to avoid the observation room and Knightmare beds as much as possible (as well as assigning a few guards to watch over Suzaku, make sure he didn't leave the Lancelot storage room). It was a terrifying experience, being behind enemy lines like that; it was even worse tonight, for a spell.

But as he stood inside the Lancelot storage room, surrounded only by his Black Knight allies, all he felt was relief. Relief that everything had gone well.

That was the riskiest thing I've ever done.

But the time for celebration would come later. "What are your orders now, Zero? We have the science team, royals, and the pilot captive right now," Sugiyama said, over the radio.

"Good. Bring Schneizel to the storage room for questioning. Take the rest of them as far away from the Lancelot room. As possible."

"Gotcha. Tamaki, let's take 'em away."

"Let's go!" Tamaki yelled over the radio. "Make a wrong move and the royals eat lead!"

Lelouch rolled his eyes and turned his attention to Kallen, who was glaring at the Lancelot.

"What do you recommend, Zero?" Naomi asked; she and her team all had hefty duffle bags slung over their shoulders.

"Set the explosives on the Lancelot and set it nearby the locked metal door over there," Lelouch ordered, pointing towards the easternmost entry door. "The impact of the explosions will be enough to blow a hole in the wall, and that's where we're going to make our escape."

"Yes, sir!" Naomi said. "Let's roll, everyone."

Lelouch turned his attention back to his microphone. "Ohgi, how're things on Floor A?"

"There's a few guards barracks down here, and they're guarding the hallways and thoroughfares. I tried dividing my comrades to go down each hallway, a few at a time."

"Excellent. Continue that – make sure none of them get outside or reach the control room. Minami, Yoshida, how's Floor B?"

"They're turning to explosives – it's going to tear apart our tactical armor!" Yoshida responded, yelling over the din on the radio.

Lelouch frowned. Strange. They must have more guards here than there were yesterday… maybe Schneizel brought along a personal team.

"Do you want me to go and help?" Kallen called, turning her attention away from the Landspinners of the Lancelot.

"No, we need a defense team in here as well," Lelouch advised, turning his attention back to the mic. "Sugiyama, order a few of your units to go help out Minami and Yoshida. Clear out the hallways and don't be afraid to resort to the tear gas."

"Got it."

"Segata, Kato, Koichi, Akia," Lelouch said, addressing the terrorists. "Are you units still evenly divided along the north, west, south, and east outside?"

He heard a flurry of confirmations from all four of them.

"If any of the indoor teams request help, send one man per team regardless of the scenario outside to assist them. I want the Britannians to be sieged from all sides and all directions… and, Segata, remember! Protect Kallen Kozuki's unit at all costs. That's going to be our ticket out of here." Then: "C.C. How are things on Floor C?"

"Remarkably quiet," C.C. said, although the automatic-weapon fire on the other side said otherwise. "You know you may have to kill Kururugi."

"Stuff it, witch," Lelouch barked, not in the mood for her cryptic tendencies. "Focus on your end, I'll focus on mine."

She didn't bother responding. Reminding himself to breathe and to calm down, Lelouch directed his gaze toward the explosives-laden Lancelot.

It's a marvel of science. The incomplete version nearly tore us apart at the Viceroy's palace. I can only imagine what this can do when it's operating at 100%.

An automatic door slid open, and every able Black Knight pointed their weapon at the door – luckily, it was just Sugiyama and Schneizel.

"Whoa, whoa, just me," Sugiyama drawled. "Zero – I got Schneizel for you."

Even from behind the mask, Lelouch could tell how smug and imperious the look on Schneizel's face was. It was simultaneously impressive and infuriating.

"Bring him to the observation room up there," Lelouch ordered. "I'll question him personally."

Plus, he can see the Lancelot being destroyed with his own eyes. Schneizel followed Sugiyama without comment, but he stared at Zero the whole time. There was a transcendental look of calm plastered on Schneizel's face, but Lelouch could detect the energy and hidden anger behind it.

Looks like I win for now, Schneizel.

"Kallen, I'm leaving you in charge for now," Lelouch said.

"Y-yes Sir," Kallen reluctantly responded.

Lelouch followed Sugiyama upstairs, and soon he was left alone with Schneizel, who smiled.

"Hello, Zero," Schneizel droned. "So we finally get to meet."

"You should have stayed in Moscow."

"But then I wouldn't have gotten to meet the legend face-to-face. From what I've heard, I thought you would be able to spit fire. A pity that's not the truth."

Lelouch really wanted to reveal himself right there and then, shove it in Schneizel's face, but that would have made things unnecessarily complicated; plus, there was no guarantee Schneizel would immediately recognize him or even believe him.

"You're fighting a war of attrition, Zero," Schneizel advised.

"I believe otherwise."

"Britannia is far larger and far more dangerous than you think."

"So are the Black Knights. Once Japan is liberated, Britannia will be destroyed."

"Pride cometh before the fall."

Lelouch smirked. As argumentative and mysterious as ever. We're birds of a feather.

"I suppose you're going to kill me or take me captive," Schneizel drawled, trying to appear nonchalant.

"Actually, Schneizel, I've got a few questions for you. Questions I've been meaning to ask you for a long time."

Schneizel simply smirked. Lelouch opened his helmet's Geass compartment, and memories of Clovis flashed before his eyes. Lelouch decided to use the same order he used on Clovis.

In for a penny, in for a pound. Sorry about this, Schneizel.

"You're going to follow my orders until I tell you otherwise."

The order took effect – Schneizel's already-impassive, neutral face, slackened.

"As you wish," Schneizel droned.

[*****]

Villetta was starting to wish she'd stayed back at the Shibuya Red Cross. Jeremiah had insisted she accompany Bartley, ensure the Prince's safety in case something happened… and, of course, it did. The terrorists were all over the compound now; both she and General Bartley could hear the gunfire. The alarm kept going, a jarring, one-note, atonal buzzing that sounded across the compound without showing any signs of stopping.

"There's no time to deal with Zero right now," Bartley stammered, taking some extra clips from his desk and putting them into an ammunition bandolier. "We have to make sure Prince Schneizel and Princess Euphemia are secure! I'm going to try and tap into their comms as we speak."

Villetta nodded. They had to establish a perimeter, and do so fast, push the terrorists outside and then blow them to smithereens.

Villetta grabbed her mic, adjusting it over her ear. "Team A, what the hell is going on out there?"

"None of the guards are listening to our orders! It's almost as if they're fucking possessed or something!"

This is strange. Very strange. Jeremiah mentioned Zero had powers beyond our understanding… at the time, I thought he was just upset. But now…

"That doesn't matter. We'll court-martial every single one of them by the time this is through. Don't worry about destroying the data – focus on keeping the researchers alive and the terrorists dead. Do whatever you ca—"

"Baroness Nu!" A voice, female and harried.

"Make it quick, Corp—"

"We've located Princess Euphemia! They also have Mr. Asplund, Miss Croomy, and Suzaku Kururugi captive!"

And then something snapped inside of Villetta.

"We're being met with heavy resistance but we're trying to get as close as we can!"

Villetta was rushing out of the room. Bartley was yelling at her, something about being careful and not being reckless and coming back there, but she wasn't paying attention. She had to ensure Suzaku Kururugi's safety. The young corporal informed Villetta of her position – Floor B2 – and Villetta bounded up a series of staircases, hallways, the outline of a map running through her head the whole time, taking care to avoid getting into any confrontations with the terrorists. She was running with a speed she wasn't even aware she possessed. When she finally encountered the team she was looking for, they were huddled nearby a staircase that led up to Floor C, firing at the terrorists up above. There was a strange cloud of mist above.

"Status report," Villetta ordered, ignoring the surprised looks of everyone around her.

"They've deployed tear gas!" the corporal responded, clutching a pistol in one hand and a communicator in the other. "We sent a team to retrieve helmets but they haven't responded!"

Where the hell did they get control of tear gas?

Villetta had already made up her mind. "We're going to charge through it! Be prepared to hold your breath. I want a line of six or seven at the front, and another line of six or seven reinforcing the front group! Front group, I want you to crouch; back group, stand! Go!" Villetta ordered.

They proceeded to get into their positions, some actively, some reluctantly, and Villetta stood at the center of the group, raising her gun.

"In position!"

I must ensure Kururugi's safety. "Move! Shoot anything ahead of you that moves!"

Villetta sucked in a breath, and the world became a wash of white and activity as they charged into the gas. Villetta could barely see in front of herself but she could make out moving figures and little yellow flashes on gunfire. Her eyes began running and she mentally swore over and over; when she inhaled through her nose, it felt like it was on fire.

"Go! Go!" someone shouted, before coughing up a storm.

They kept surging forward; something like a bullet smacked Villetta's shoulder but she tried to pay it no mind. There were a few concussive thumps as her team began firing explosives in front of them. By the time they finally got out of the cloud, Villetta felt like vomiting. The nondescript, metal hallways were ridden with bullets, blood, and ash, debris from the explosives. All she heard was shouting, coughing, and she swore somebody was vomiting.

"Where are they?!" Villetta shouted, trying to gain control of her vision.

"I see activity to the left!" someone announced, heading down the leftmost hallway.

Villetta was hot on that soldier's trail, and sure enough, she saw two terrorists trying to usher forward the scientists, the Princess, and Kururugi. She was on them quick; Villetta threw a well-used knife at the taller one's midsection, which caused him to melt the floor and roar in agony. The other terrorist, driven by suicidal fear, half-heartedly tried shooting back at her, but she was quicker; he was down in one, two shots, and then it was over. Even Villetta was impressed; it felt like something beyond her control, beyond her understanding, was driving her muscles.

Breathe. Breathe.

Villetta, retrieving her knife, caught wind of Suzaku and freed him, cutting his bonds easily. There were short, distant bursts of gunfire behind her.

"…Baroness Nu?" Suzaku whispered, a mixture of battle-induced shock and genuine surprise evident in his voice. "I… thank you. Are you alright?"

"I had to ensure your safety," Villetta said, her back propped against the wall. The tear gas had hit her like a freight train, and her breathing still felt like it was on fire. Suffice it to say, she didn't feel very good.

"Please lend me your knife," Suzaku asked, which she did. Suzaku began freeing the scientists, the Prince, and the Princess; they all looked shaken to some extent, but relieved that they were alive.

"Sounds like a fiasco," Lloyd announced, cleaning off his spectacles.

"How are you feeling, Kururugi?" Villetta asked, turning to Suzaku.

"Fine, but shaken. What do you wish me to do, ma'am?"

Slowly but surely, the effects of the tear gas were wearing off, the crystals dying away, but Villetta still felt exhausted. "Prince Schneizel is being held captive in the Lancelot storage room. I want you to come with me so that—"

"I'd recommend you staying here… you don't look well. Please, stay here and help protect Princess Euphemia."

"And us, too, that would help," Lloyd mentioned, chuckling.

Suzaku blushed. "Yes, right."

"I have to ensure your safety, Kururugi," Villetta continued, not budging for an instant.

"And I have to ensure Prince Schneizel's," Suzaku confirmed, just as stubborn as her. "Please stay here and make sure they're okay."

And with that, Suzaku began running off without another word.

"Stay away from the gas cloud residue!" Villetta announced to her team, who looked as shaken and exhausted as her. "Air out your clothes and find a way to stay dry! Anybody who thinks they are able and ready, defend the hostages with your lives!"

Villetta radioed General Bartley, telling him to send a team of soldiers to backup Suzaku, wondering why she'd acted so impulsively for the sake of Suzaku Kururugi, of all people.

[*****]

"Schneizel. Did you kill Marianne?"

This was the moment. Lelouch raised his gun, pressing it against Schneizel's temple. As much as he didn't want to, he was completely prepared to kill Schneizel if he said yes. Justice would be swift.

"…No," Schneizel said, finally, and Lelouch felt a combination of relief and frustration hit his system.

"…Then who did?"

"I don't know."

"Then tell me what you already know!"

"I asked to see the investigation results the day after the murder," Schneizel continued, his Geass'd eyes staring into space. "Marianne had been shot numerous times in the torso, legs, and arms. Cornelia mentioned that there was a book on Marianne's person the day she died."

What the fuck. Lelouch nearly leapt back in surprise. "A book? What book?"

"I don't know. Cornelia stored the book inside the Archives on the night of the murder; the next morning, the book was gone."

"Did Marianne know?!" Lelouch spat, careful to phrase his words so that he didn't slip and say 'mother'. "Did she know what was going to happen?!"

"I don't know."

"What was the title of the book?"

"I don't know, and neither did Cornelia. There were a series of strange symbols on the cover; there wasn't enough time to decipher what it meant."

The deeper and deeper Lelouch delved into this mystery, the more terrified of the truth he became.

"The so-called 'terrorists' who killed her, did they steal the book?"

"I don't know. Possibly."

The only people that have access to the Pendragon Archives are royals!

"…Do you think that Cornelia killed my mo-Marianne, Schneizel?" Lelouch whispered, lowering his gun.

"I don't know, but I considered the possibility. I doubt it, however. She loved Marianne."

A book. A fucking book. This is new… one little thing changes everything. Clearly someone didn't want that book being seen by others! All evidence points to the idea that Cornelia killed my mother, but even that doesn't add up! What reason would motivate her to kill her?

"Did Cornelia ever show any signs of treachery beforehand?" Lelouch tried again.

"None that I know of. She was in charge of Internal Security."

She could have used that position to ward off suspicion, but even that doesn't add up! I need to know what that fucking book is, where it is, and why it was so important! Was she killed because of the book or was she killed for another reason altogether?!

"Did anything else happen in regards to Marianne's death after Lelouch vi Britannia's exile?"

"None whatsoever. The Emperor declared the case closed."

That bastard! Lelouch threw his gun against the floor. You fucking monster!

"Do you believe the Emperor killed Marianne?!" Lelouch asked, out of anger more than anything.

"For the longest time, I have suspected so."

Lelouch nearly stumbled backwards.

Oh my god, that makes perfect sense. Suddenly, the pieces were starting to come together; it was, at once, exhilarating and exhausting.

That man must have killed her, or at least orchestrated her assassination! She knew something he didn't want her to know, and he took her out!

Lelouch was brimming with rage. He was so angry he almost didn't hear Minami shout into his communicator.

"Zero! Come in! Zero!"

Bringing himself back to reality for a moment, Lelouch grabbed the radio with more force than was necessary. "Minami, come in! What's going on?"

"There's someone headed your way!"

"Who?!"

"I think it's Kururugi!"

Suddenly, gunfire broke out below him. Lelouch quickly turned his gaze towards the window, watching as Kallen's team and Naomi's team fired at an unknown target, or series of targets. Kallen was frantically taking cover behind a series of crates.

"Kallen, what's going on?!"

"Somebody found us! It looks like Suzaku, and he has a team with him!"

God damn it! The time for brooding would come later. "Quick! Do you have the explosives planted?!"

"Yes sir!" Naomi yelled back, taking cover behind one of the Lancelot's Landspinners. "Are you going to blow it?!"

Lelouch fished out the detonator from his vest pocket. "Yes! Get inside the blast-shield observation room now!"

Kallen and Naomi sprinted across the room, bounding for a staircase leading up to the observation room, and for a terrifying instant, it looked like they were going to be taken down. But they were quick, very quick, and soon they were both bounding up the catwalk and into the safe haven that was the observation room, their teams close on their heels providing suppressive fire on the Britannian soldiers down below. The world became a humungous, all-encompassing storm of gunfire. By the time they got inside, Kallen and Naomi were breathing hard, and one by one the other members of their team joined them, locking the door.

"Everyone secure?!"

"I think so!"

Lelouch took one look at Schneizel, bound and in the corner, staring off into space.

"Oh my god! Get the hell away!" a soldier down below yelled, signaling for his men to run away. "They're going to blow the Lancelot to—!"

Sorry, Suzaku. Lelouch clicked on his detonator, and the world collapsed.