Thanks to IDetestTragedy and Crystal of Moonlight for alerting! I am grateful for your thoughtful review, Crystal, thank you!
'(…)' means that an undetermined amount of time has occurred while the character paused his/her thinking and then, whatever follows that, is what the character thinks as he/she resumes pondering. Also, I use the term 'soul' as a synonym of 'being' or 'body'.
STAGE 2
Resolved Decision
They exchanged glances for several seconds before she tossed him the Lamborghini keys. He caught them without blinking.
-It's late and I'm tired. – She spoke. - Can you drive me home?
He nodded.
They walked at each other's side the two blocks. It was strange, because, despite everything, they were strangers. They both remained silent the entire way. If nothing was on her mind, she would've believed it awkward, but the truth was the opposite; she had too much to think about.
Seven minutes later, they found the Lamborghini parked at a lonely street. It was a Gallardo black model, 2036 version; definitely not half bad and it could still be considered new.
She sat at the front seat next to him.
-It's a pity. – He spoke with his serious expression. – The car seats are ruined now that I sat in them with bloody clothes.
-You can keep the car. – Sophia spoke uninterested.
-I thought you'd prefer to keep it since you asked for it.
-I didn't do it for that reason. After all, I'm supposed to come from the palace. I cannot get there walking or on a cheap car. I really don't care about it, so you may keep it.
-I don't have anywhere to park it. – He spoke without taking his eyes off the night road.
She turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow.
-Why do I feel there's more to that statement?
-I did not mean anything else than what I said. – He replied.
-Just park it outside your home or whatever.
-I do not have a home. – He responded in the same tone.
She stared at him. Her expression said 'Are you for real?'
-I knew there was more to that sentence. – She replied. – Where have you been staying lately?
-At the palace. – He answered earnestly.
The princess of Britannia sighed.
-OK, are you going to make me ask for each and every detail of your story or will you just tell me about it?
-I have simply answered your question. I did not insinuate to do more than just answering it.
She sighed again, frustrated and tired.
-OK, let's start from the beginning. What is your name?
-I'm Z.Z.
She stared at him in disbelief.
-Z two? Well, it does make sense. You portray the Code, after all.
He looked at her with the corner of his eyes.
-How do you know about the Code?
She chuckled.
-Oh, so now I'm the one that aroused your curiosity? Well, it's quite a long story. Though, actually, I just learned that myself minutes ago.
-It was part of your past knowledge?
-Not quite my own knowledge. It was passed on to me by my father. – She then changed her look towards him. - By the way, how did you know about me not having my true memories of the first eight years of my life? How did you know I had a sealed Geass?
He felt slightly surprised at her questions.
-Do you not remember that part?
-Which part? – She was intrigued.
-The part in which you had your memories replaced.
Sophia mused some seconds and shook her head.
-I was there. – He continued.
She nodded in understanding.
-So, why are you helping me now, after nine years?
-I told you in our contract.
-Is your wish the same my mother had?
-I do not know what your mother's wish was. – He said.
She grinned.
-I get it. You simply knew that my memories were erased and knew some of my past, but you don't know the whole story.
-That is correct.
-I don't know the whole story either but I think I've understood a good deal of it. Anyways, what is your wish?
-That, I cannot tell you this instant. – He said gravely.
She laughed.
-I wonder what you find so funny.
-You said the very same thing my mother said about her wish.
-The reason I cannot tell you this instant is because you need to see some things to understand what my wish is.
-What kind of things?
-Facts and events.
-Sounds like it will take a while. – She commented.
-It will, but, if you do what you decided when you accepted our contract, then the day will come in which you will see what I mean.
What I decided to do?
Out of the blue, a rock tune was heard coming from her pocket.
She took her cell phone out. The caller ID read 'Jack'.
She bit her lip and glanced at the car's clock. It was 2:20 am.
With all of the events going on, she completely forgot she was going to meet him over an hour ago.
She honestly had no idea what to tell him; though, obviously, it would be anything but the truth.
She just let the ring tone end without answering it.
She turned the phone off, knowing it was likely he would call again.
-We're here. – Z.Z. stopped the car at Ashford Academy's front gate.
-Where will you go?
-I'll park the car somewhere. – He replied.
-And after that? – She grew impatient.
-I'll sleep.
She sighed and gave up about asking for his location. Her head hurt as it was still processing everything.
-Fine. I guess I'll be seeing you. – She said while getting out of the vehicle.
-You will, Sophia.
-Call me 'Snow'. – She clarified while closing the car's door.
He nodded and parted with the car into the deep obscurity of early morning.
Superintendent Ashford knew she had to stay out until late every monthly dance and she always told maintenance and security to leave the gates open those nights.
She sneaked into her dorm like she always did.
When she got to her room, she felt surprised to see the lights were on. Andrea didn't use to wait up for her those nights.
-Where have you been? – A mad and tired Andrea shouted at her the second she stepped inside.
It took Sophia a couple of seconds to recover from that.
-What do you mean, Andrea? I was at the palace. – She replied.
-Don't lie to me! I found it strange that it was taking you so long to get here; you always leave those dances the second they're over. I called worried to the palace and the servants told me you had definitely left at the usual hour! It does not take two and half hours to get here! Where have you been?
Sophia bit her lip. She certainly didn't want to involve Andrea with her current circumstances.
However, before she could come up with an excuse, Andrea grabbed her arm abruptly and looked at her wrist.
-Is this blood? – She asked with a whole new face. – Goodness! Lady Sophia, just what happened to you? You look even worse than usual.
A silent pause was born. Andrea's expecting face did not back off. Sophia never mustered enough courage to evade her way into the room; she just avoided it completely.
-Good night, Andrea. – Sophia whispered with a fake smile before leaving using the door she never closed.
She ran into the hallways, ignoring Andrea's calls and took advantage of the fact that Andrea's eyes were not used to the darkness of the hallways like hers were and lost her.
She exited the building and headed to the garden outside the library. She often liked to muse there when it was alone at night, but it was the first time she was there so late. She felt bad her whole way there and hoped Andrea hadn't woken anyone up, though it was likely she had.
No… I cannot feel bad about something as insignificant as this. I must get used to this feeling. I must learn to feel comfortable around it. I must forget the meaning of guilt…
She reached the library's garden. Much to her surprise, the bench where she usually sat on was occupied.
The person stood up as soon as he saw her. Sophia froze. He was the other person she was trying to avoid.
-I had the feeling you'd come here. – He said.
She did not respond.
He walked closer to her. The 9 cm difference between their heights was noticeable when he stood that close.
She gazed at his hazel eyes with her violet ones and neither of them spoke for 45 seconds.
-Did you turn off your cell phone on purpose, Vice-president? – He asked.
She looked away.
-Did Andrea catch you? – He asked with the same voice tone. – I told you Japanese was pushing it.
-It's not like that Jack. – She replied. – Besides, I needed to make it believable. Which other language would I want to learn discreetly during night if not one I shouldn't, like Japanese? Besides, she didn't even say anything about it.
He almost raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
-Seriously? Well, I didn't see that coming. Anyways, does that mean you just forgot about tonight?
-Yes. – She nodded.
He sighed.
-It's OK. The client actually cancelled. He was not that big a fish and the pay was whatever. However, it's no good for your reputation to reject jobs. Had he not cancelled…
-Jack… - She intended to interrupt him.
-You know I'm right. Anyhow, he said the game was rescheduled for…
-Jacob. – She called louder.
-What is it? – He asked surprised. She only called him by his real name when serious.
Sophia's lips appeared to tremble momentarily.
-I will not be in business anymore. – She said curtly.
Jacob Holmes pulled off a surprised face. Clear expressions seldom crossed his face. The frown he permanently wore vanished after she spoke.
-That's not a good joke. – He said in denial.
-I'm not kidding you, Jacob. – She continued serious. – I am no longer going to continue in the chess business. The customer of this evening was my last one.
-Are you going to tell me why? – He asked upset.
-There is something else I have to do and it requires a good deal of my time. – Her eyelids half-closed, as if trying to avoid his look. – I've been in this for two years now and I've made a large enough fortune. I believe I don't need more money.
He growled before sighing heavily.
Ten seconds passed while he slowly calmed down. Jack brushed his fair reddish orange hair with his hand and sighed once more.
-You know? – He sounded calm enough; his hand was still in his head. – You initiated me into this. – He stated, trying to dissimulate his melancholy.
-I did. – She grinned sadly. – And I'm not telling you to stop. You can still be in the business; there are plenty other players who would be happy to have you as their partner.
-But they're not as good as you.
She chuckled lightly and then looked straight at his eyes unhesitant.
-I know. Sorry, but I'm leaving, and flattery will not convince me otherwise.
-We both know you're not sorry. – He replied with his disappointed face. – But I cannot force you, either.
-Thank you, Jack. – She then gave him a peck on the left cheek before turning on her heel
Jack Holmes stood still as a statue while she was walking away. His expression went from down to baffled.
Five feet away from him, Sophia put on the best smile she could manage before turning her head to look at him once more.
-I think you're going to be in trouble if you prolong your sick-leave any more. So, see you tomorrow, Student Administrator.
She immediately turned her head and continued her way without noticing his expression turned even more surprised.
He didn't give one step from his place for several minutes. He brought his hand to the place she had kissed his cheek while still gazing at the path she walked.
He finally lowered his arm after regaining his composure.
-Working with anyone other than you wouldn't be fun. I only want you to be my partner, Vice-president. – He whispered softly.
X Jacob Holmes's Flashback X
After a fight with his roommate, Jack decided to run away from his dorm and passed by random buildings. He sighed. There were many people outside that day and he wanted to be alone. He suddenly gazed at a random building's rooftop and decided to search for his loneliness at the top.
It was his first year at Ashford Academy. He still hadn't adapted to the place and, because of his serious and introverted nature, he hadn't made any friends. Only a couple of months before he had joined the Student Council against his will since he just couldn't say 'No' to the Superintendent. He found that woman too strange for him to understand; she just had that something that made it impossible for him to reject anything she asked him. He wasn't the only one. Many people even denominated the 'Superintendent's possessive magic spell'. He barely spoke at the Council's meetings; it wasn't surprising many were yet to notice his presence. To make things harder, his roommate was just a loud person who didn't let him sleep at nights because he snored louder than a plane engine.
He sighed again as he reached the top.
Sitting there, without paying attention to the surroundings, was a student wearing headphones. She seemed upset with her laptop.
-Why can't the webcam work? – He heard her mutter upset.
-Vice-president? – Jack asked slightly surprised.
Her expression was more shocked than his when she noticed him.
-What are you doing? – Jacob asked.
Her lips gaped a second and she needed some time to talk.
-I-It's none of your business, Main Student Administrator. – She stated before clearing her throat.
Before she knew it, he was sitting next to her and typing while looking over her laptop's monitor.
-Hey! – She exclaimed while getting over the surprise. – Who gave you permission to touch my stuff?
-Fixed. – He replied cool.
-What? – She was taken aback by that reply.
-I fixed the problem that didn't allow you to use the webcam. – He turned to her.
She glared at him in disbelief before taking back her laptop in an abrupt manner.
-That's ridiculous; you couldn't have solved it that fast… - She trailed off and her lips gaped again as she stared at the monitor. The webcam was on.
She turned again to see him with even more disbelief. They locked gazes for several seconds before a call's ring brought them both back to reality.
She immediately answered it.
-Hello? – A voice was heard on the line.
-Let's go straight to the point. – She began. – Turn on the camera and show me the board.
Jack then saw how a chess board appeared at the monitor.
Is she going to play chess online with a friend? – He wondered. – What a nerd. As expected of the Academy's Vice-president.
-This is an easy case. – She paid no mind to Jack. – Move the Queen, customer.
'Customer'? – He continued thinking while observing her.
-Yes. – Sophia continued. – Now move the piece next to it.
Is she telling her friend how to move the pieces? She's not playing as rival, then?
Sophia raised an eyebrow just after he thought the previous.
-I didn't expect the opponent to make that move. Although it looks as if it gave him the advantage, trust me, that was a stupid move. Now, move the Knight forward.
He silently witnessed the next 5 minutes while glancing at the screen monitor. He soon understood she was helping someone win against an opponent that grew mad as the short time passed. He was not very good at chess but he considered the initial situation to the opponent's advantage. It was incredible how that girl managed to swiftly change things to her 'customer's' advantage.
-Checkmate. – Sophia finished.
The man at the other side of the monitor seemed joyous and relieved while the opponent was raging.
-Remember, I charge per minute; it's been seven. – Sophia finished before closing the lid.
She then turned to see an astonished orange-haired guy.
-Is what you just did illegal? – He asked bluntly.
-It depends on your point of view to know that. – She responded while standing up.
He followed and stood up as well.
-Will you not ask me not to tell on you? You're the Vice-president, after all, and this wouldn't look good on your profile.
-I can see you're a jerk, but I don't consider you capable of doing that, Student Administrator. – She defied with a smirk. – Besides, you have neither motive nor proof to go against me. On another note, the reason I let you watch is to know if you're interested.
-I-Interested? In illegal chess? I'm not that good, you know?
-I figured as much since you didn't quite seem to understand the moves I made. However, you seem to be dexterous with computers and your grades at computer science are the highest of the class. I could use a skilled partner? – She invited confident.
-Why would I consider helping you? – He scratched his head while looking away.
-The pay's good. I'll give you a reasonable percent of my profit if you help me.
-Huh, so the Student Council's Vice-president is a criminal? Why do you need money anyways? Aren't you rich like everyone else in here?
Her grin vanished and she turned away.
-Well, if you're not interested, I cannot force you. See you at the Council meeting, Main Student Administrator.
She walked away without turning her head back.
He sat on the rooftop and mused while staring at the darkening sky.
The next day, he stopped by the same time at about the same time and searched for her, but she was nowhere in that rooftop.
Then, half an hour later, she ran in, upset, and worked.
-Did you forget your client's appointment? – He asked.
-If it doesn't concern you, why interested in knowing? – She asked.
He looked away with shrugged shoulders.
-Is yesterday's offer still open? – He asked nonchalantly.
She smiled.
-So you are interested, after all. Well, tough luck because it is not. – She replied.
He turned to her wide-eyed. She laughed without control.
-I couldn't resist, sorry. – She said while trying to calm herself down. – It is still open.
He seemed slightly mad but she didn't care so he just resigned to ask her more.
-How much do you charge to the 'customers'?
-Seventy five thousand Britannian pounds a minute.
He was taken aback by that number.
-Seventy five thousand a minute? – He exclaimed, temporarily losing his frown. – If I remember correctly, you charged yesterday's customer for 7 minutes; that's over half a million Britannian pounds!
-Winning these chess games earns each customer several millions of pounds; half a million is just a small investment for them. The price is not unfair, for it is guaranteed I'll get them to win.
-And how much of that would I get if I helped you?
-Perhaps 15%.
-What? Isn't that too little?
-For helping me with technical problems? Not really. It's still a lot more than what the average computer specialist earns at a formal job.
-How about 30%? If you give me that much, I'll create a special program for you to visualize chess boards a bit better.
-Sounds interesting, but 30% is still too much.
-Would it be fine if I also acted as your talking agenda so you never forgot your appointments? As a matter of fact, I could help you get customers by setting up meeting arrangements. All you'd have to do is help them when the time for that comes and that's it.
-You're saying you have the guts to negotiate illegal business with people of high fortunes? – She asked, highly interested.
-Of course; if a girl can do it, then so can I.
She laughed.
-Fine then. 30% it is. Remember, you must not make arrangements while I'm at class.
-I'll remember.
-May I inquire as to why you suddenly feel greedy after what you said yesterday?
-My family's fortune is diminishing. While I'm here, my older siblings were sent to study abroad, at Britannia's University of Technology. I want to study at a good university too.
-So I see. – She nodded.
-May I know why you need money?
She looked at him, reluctant to speak. She glanced at the sky while talking.
-I want to be free. – She said. – If I want to be free, I must make a living by myself.
She turned to him, who was trying to understand her words, and smiled.
-I'll be seeing you, Student Administrator. – She said before leaving.
He stared at the sky next and wondered which of the stars was the one her eyes were fixated upon.
They kept on meeting several late afternoons at that very rooftop. She had told him his presence was unnecessary but he still watched her work every so often. She never stopped amazing him, no matter how often he saw her win games that would be considered lost by most.
-Why do you always work here? – He asked her several days later.
-I cannot let Andrea or the others see me. – She answered.
-I meant at this place in particular.
She looked at him before gazing up.
-It's quiet and nice too. – That was all she added.
Some months passed and they still kept at it.
-You know? – He started. - I've been doing some research. The profit could be doubled, or even tripled, if you worked at night too.
She raised an eyebrow.
-If you've done research, then you know that at night the only games that take place are at facilities run by the mafia and that they don't let you give help. In that kind of place, to earn, you must play, and in person, too.
-Are you saying you cannot win if it's in person or if you start the game yourself?
She grinned defiant.
-I can. It is quite risky, though, but I can handle it. Are you willing to go?
-I'll drive you.
-Nah, I should drive.
-Why?
-Because you don't know how to drive my ride.
-Why would we go in your 'ride'?
-Cars need the gates to be open and security could catch us. Our vehicle should be able to pass through easily.
-Fine, then! You drive, but I'm still going. – He replied.
She smirked.
-Arrange a game for me.
-You got it.
-What will you do so your roommate doesn't tell on you, though? – She asked him.
-He won't notice I'm gone. Once he falls asleep, not even a hurricane would wake him up. What about you?
-I'll manage, Student Administrator. – She said.
-You don't need to call me by my title. 'Jack' is just fine. – He said while looking away from her face.
Sophia raised an eyebrow.
-I thought your name was 'Jacob', Student Administrator.
He blushed and replied nothing. She chortled.
-Fine. 'Jack' it is.
-Thank you. – He whispered softly, but she still heard him.
That is how months passed and they both went missing at nights to gamble and play chess.
Main Student Administrator, Jacob Holmes, got over his introverted nature thanks to the numerous evenings he spent with Vice-president, Sophia White. Of course, he still frowned most of the time and the majority of girls at school thought he was scary.
X End of Jack Holmes's Flashback X
He smiled.
-It wouldn't be fun with someone else, Vice-president. – He said out loud even though there was no one to listen.
Sophia roamed aimlessly around campus, which was like a ghost town at night. She couldn't understand a specific part of the past memories she had just retrieved. She had been alone for a while, but she still needed to walk to a place where isolation is permanent, even in daytime, in order to allow herself to shed tears. She was moved.
Everything became confusing. She wasn't sure what to think of her very existence while analyzing what she had seen. What had she seen? The answer might vary. Some would say it was a cruel abomination from a tyrannical and sadistic man, others would say it was a heartbreaking part of History and only a few knew it was a sacrifice from a selfless man who did not hesitate, a man that was remarkably firm and worthy of admiration. Unfortunately, his sacrifice had been rendered meaningless the minute Schneizel el Britannia threw another bomb of war to end the peace his predecessor in the throne had given everything he had to establish.
My father… - Sophia's tears trickled down while she pondered. – Just what is this all supposed to be? I am not my father because I am already crying… I did not hesitate to start, but, now that I understand better what I am facing, I am unsure of whether or not I can do it… Samuel…No, Shiro, knew this. This is what he was trying to tell me so badly that time… If my brother is alive, he must be out there fighting. He's been fighting all along! Brother, I apologize… I wish I could've known…If only I had known…! (…) What now?
Indeed, she had understood a good deal of what she had just remembered before. She was just not the type to cry in front of anyone. All the while, since she was in the Lamborghini with Z.Z. until that instant, she had been yearning for a lonely place to cry, holding back her tears meanwhile.
Her tears ceased. She had not shed a tear in four years, since her brother separated from her life. She was exhausted.
She had no place to sleep other than her bed…At her dorm…Where Andrea was.
The young girl did not want to face the maid, but she knew she'd have to see her sooner or later. She had lied to her many times. For several months, she had been fleeing at nights to play chess, with Jack next to her. Truth was, she had mastered Japanese quite a while ago. But she found it harder to lie this time in particular. What was going to be her excuse? She had no idea.
She thought about one on her way to the dorms. Before getting there, she stopped by a fountain to wash away the remnants of her tears and the dried blood on her wrist.
Something else replaced her mind's priority when she was in the building's front. She could see several lights through the windows. How many people had Andrea woken up with her screams? The high-schooler bit her inferior lip before breathing in deeply and entering. Her new goal was far more challenging than this. She was certain that she would not make it if she couldn't even face this.
She tried being as discreet as possible and evaded being spotted by other people. She had a lie prepared for Andrea, but not one to explain why she was given the privilege of not having the curfew applied to her. She had successfully kept her dreaded identity as princess a secret; she was not going to reveal it at this point.
Nonetheless, she still noticed people didn't really seem overwhelmed. She saw many lights were turned off as the lights that showed beneath the closed doors disappeared.
She hid in a corner when a couple of girls in pajamas passed by and overheard their conversation.
-I wonder what that maid's shouting was all about. Seriously, she scared me! – One of them exclaimed.
-I'm more worried about Ms. Superintendent being there. Did you see her serious expression? – The other one commented.
-I know! What's with that? Who would've thought Ms. Superintendent knew how to be serious.
-By the way, whose dorm was that?
-I'm sure it's the Vice-president's.
-Huh? You're kidding! – Her expression seemed surprised.
-I'm not. But that makes me even more curious. I mean, don't you think she's kinda mysterious too?
-Now that you mention it, I don't know anything other than her being in the honor roll. I think her name was Wheat or something like that…
-I only remember her first name being Sally, I think. – The other one mused.
-Well, do you think we'll hear anything tomorrow?
-Oh, I hope…
Then the conversation ended as they turned around a corner. Sophia had a drop at the back of her head and a vein on her forehead was highlighted. 'Sally Wheat'? What the hell? What kind of person would be named 'Sally Wheat'? They must be freshmen or something. Oh, they'll know my name in Valentine's Day, though. (…) But popularity brings attention and focus; I must find a way to not call for any attention…If I were to do what I wish… Will I do it, though?
She kept walking until she found her dorm number. The door was open closed. It did seem like the girls she had unwillingly eavesdropped on had come from there. Had there been people that came worried when they heard Andrea screaming?
Sophia opened the door. There was Andrea. Sophia was shocked when she saw the tear marks on the maid's cheeks. She had gotten home later than usual but was that enough to make her cry? Next to Andrea, stood Superintendent Ashford wearing purple silk pajamas over her light sweater. Her expression looked uncharacteristically serious, just like the girls from the hallway said. They both turned to her when she stepped in.
Andrea gasped and quickly stood up. She walked to her slowly and hugged Sophia. Confused, she returned the hug.
-Lady Sophia! – She exclaimed with new tears on her face. – Why didn't you tell me of the accident?
Sophia stopped breathing a second.
-I…I! – Her weeping didn't allow Andrea to speak.
-I'll continue for you, Andrea. – Milly Ashford said.
Her seriousness shattered when she smiled and placed a hand on Andrea's shoulder to look reassuring. Andrea nodded and sat down again.
Sophia turned in anticipation to the superintendent.
-Sophie, Andrea called the palace because she was worried you were not here yet. The servants let her know you left at the usual time and Andrea was preoccupied. Her worry increased when, she told me, you came here about an hour ago with blood on your wrist. She said you ran and she woke up a few girls but I believe they're all back to their rooms by now. More importantly, the servants at the palace let someone know you had yet to arrive here and someone went to investigate, following the route the limousine that brings you back should follow. They found the limousine had crashed. There was an alarming amount of blood at the driver's seat but it was empty and you were nowhere to be found. They called Andrea to inform her of the situation. She couldn't believe it at first because you seemed fine, but then she recalled the dried blood on your wrist… Then she called me, and I am here. – She then assumed seriousness in her look. – Sophie, let me see your wrist.
She didn't even let Sophia reply; she just took the girl's wrist. While it was clean now, there were inklings of blood on her sleeve. Milly assumed a solemn air on her eyes.
-Sophie, I believe Andrea deserves an explanation; she's been very disquieted by this all, you know?
Jack was not the only one who couldn't resist Superintendent's eyes. Sophia bit her lip a second. She proceeded to tell them of the crash and the attack, but she lied when she said she had no idea who the assaulters were, she did not mention Baron Carlson at all and she told them the driver had died. Her story narrated truthfully how she had survived and then strayed from honesty when she told them she merely ran away and escaped by losing the assaulters. She emphasized that she was fine and had taken no damage to ease Andrea's visible anxiety.
-But, Lady Sophia, why didn't you tell me of this an hour ago? – The distressed maid asked.
-I didn't want to get you involved. – She replied while looking straight at her eyes.
That was the only thing she had said to her that night that was heartfelt and true.
-I see. – Milly nodded and then offered them both a calm smile. – Well, it's very late already and I'm sure such an experience has tired you out, right, Sophie? We'll deal with this tomorrow. – She said as she headed to the door. – Good night, you two. – She said before leaving.
Sophia wanted to shower but she was too tired and had no energy to move for much longer.
She closed her room's door and let her body fall over her bed's mattress. It was soothing to let her back slowly get used to the surface. But before she could close shut her eyelids, she sat up abruptly with energy one can only obtain with surprise.
Sitting on the chair by her desk was someone who was facing her bed and staring quietly at her form.
They looked at each other for a couple of minutes without him saying anything as Sophia was recovering from he surprise and stared back at him, angry.
-This time, I demand an answer. – She told him frowning.
-You haven't made me a question yet. – Z.Z. replied tranquil.
-How about: 'What the hell are you doing in my room?' Does it sound good to you? – She asked sarcastically.
-I told you I had no place to stay while in the car.
-What ever happened to you staying at the palace?
-That can no longer be. – He replied with his unchanging monotonous tone.
-Why?
-For the past month, when driving you, I've been substituting the real driver. They know of the accident by now and they must have found out I was the one driving you. You told them I am dead. I have no doubt your words will reach the palace and taking them back seems improbable at this point. Hence, I have no place to stay. – He explained so calmly he might as well have drunk tea to make the environment smoother.
Sophia sighed heavily and covered her face with her palms while still sitting on her bed.
She slowly revealed her exhausted expression and stared at him once more; he was still in static serenity.
-So, you have nowhere to stay. Are you trying to tell me you want to stay here?
-I did not imply anything. I merely answered your questions, Snow. – He responded.
Sophia paused her train of thoughts momentarily. She was not used to be called 'Snow'. Even though she had requested herself to be addressed by it, it felt foreign. She gritted her teeth without outwardly showing it. 'Sophia' was not even her name, but because Schneizel gave it to her and made her forget everything else, she had no choice but to adopt it as her own.
-Why? – Z.Z. asked out of the blue.
She turned to look confused at the most dazzling blue eyes she had seen yet. His eyes, unlike her confused violet ones, were adamant in refusing to let hers see through him.
-Why what? – She replied without blinking, still staring at his blue eyes.
-Why did you ask me to address you by a name that you do not feel comfortable with?
Her irises contracted for a short instant and she suppressed a gasp.
-How do you know that?
His gaze gave away he hesitated a short second to tell her. He immediately masked that in his expression and turned it neutral again. Why did he refuse so vehemently to reveal his true self to her? Hadn't he seen everything in her when he woke up in her the 'power of the King'?
-My Geass.
-You can read minds? – She asked skeptical.
-I can hear a person's heart. – He corrected.
-How does that work? – She frowned. – How can you hear a heart?
-I myself cannot phrase it properly in words. I simply know the state of people's emotions, their fear, anxiety, wishes, and I can sense when they are confused, joyous or sad.
-You got an interesting Geass. – She commented casually, not really astonished or intrigued about the matter.
-You haven't answered my question. – He reminded.
She turned to him with an iron look; he wasn't the only one who could pull one off.
-Why should I answer? – She defied.
-I've answered all your questions. It would only be fair you answer mine.
-You haven't let me see through you all night, you know? You have seen everything inside of me without any censure while you are stubborn about remaining mysterious to me. It would only be fair you let me see through you as well. – She struck back terminally while standing up.
She opened a door on the same wall the bed's headboard was against. He had glanced at the room a while ago and knew it led to the bathroom.
He immediately heard the shower being turned on and the door was closed. He waited still as a statue while she showered.
She came out ten minutes later. Her pajamas consisted of black shorts that only reached her thighs and a red tank top with no sleeves. She wore a towel over her shoulders to keep water from dripping from her green hair.
She then took notice of him. Had he moved at all in the past ten minutes? She already knew he was a strange man, but she was yet to find out how strange he could get.
-You know? – She commented while putting her towel aside. – I haven't said you could stay here yet.
-I am aware of that. – He replied unworried.
She stared at him another minute, awkward and long, and sighed.
-It's not that I mind, but I cannot let anyone see you here.
-I will not let anyone see me. – He was trying to convince her, yet his voice was the same; it just didn't sound like he was even interested despite what he was asking.
She grinned and let out a brief chuckle. Just like her father, was she also going to hide a person in her room? Andrea lived with her and she was not blind, so it was going to be troublesome. On the other hand, she felt she still had more things to learn from him and she owed him a wish.
-Look, I don't know. Andrea could suspect things and I do not want her involved in this…
-'This'? – He asked her. – Does that pronoun comprehend the situation you're about to get into? Should I, then, understand that you have decided?
-Decided what?
-I must say I'm surprised you took the Geass when you still lacked resolve. – His voice finally changed; now it sounded somewhat strict. – I thought I had made it clear, Snow; this is not a game. Consequences will come to you inevitably. Will you not make the price worth it?
-I… - She was going speechless.
-You are confused because you are yet to understand your past. Your heart tells me you are uncertain and do not even know what you should be called anymore. Such a weak heart will not survive the battle you signed up for. – His expression seemed even more upset with each sentence. – If you're going to do it, then you must do it right or you'll die. To do things right, you must be sure it's what you want. The path you've chosen is filled with thorns, poison and pain and it will not allow you to pause and breathe very often, all while you try to walk with weights chained to your ankles. Still, your will and strength alone must be great enough as to not let any of that make you hesitate. You are into quite the situation, Snow vi Britannia.
Sophia felt as if she were shrinking while Z.Z.'s figure grew bigger. She was wordless; she couldn't even phrase anything in thoughts. She couldn't say a word in reply because she knew he was entirely right.
They stared at each other's eyes and entered a silent trance that was only broken when they heard knocks on Sophia's door. Both of their heads turned to it in a way that looked almost automatic.
-Lady Sophia? – Andrea called. – Are you talking to someone? I hear voices in there.
This was exactly the reason she opposed Z.Z. staying there.
-Um, there is nobody here other than me, Andrea! I'm only talking on the phone, which is on speaker mode.
Andrea replied with silence. Sophia's frown grew deeper. Andrea's silence meant she had not bought it, and she couldn't blame her; even she thought it was a daft excuse for a lie.
Her eyes scanned the familiar room quickly in search for a hiding place. Her eyes stopped at the closet. She didn't say a word or even looked at him when she grabbed his left elbow and quickly ran and practically threw him inside the closet.
She closed the door just in time to see the young maid entering her room.
-Lady Sophia? – She asked while actually scanning the room for suspicious traits.
-Yes, Andrea? – Sophia replied sweetly, and that was suspicious.
-I doubt a voice could be heard that loudly on the phone. – She pressured.
Andrea proceeded to walk around the room and peeked inside the bathroom.
-W-What are you doing, Andrea?
Sophia's nervousness increased with each step Andrea took that got her closer to the closet.
-Your Highness, are you hiding something here?
Sophia gulped. She only called her by that title when she was perfectly serious. She didn't have a setup in the form of a Japanese book this time. What now?
Andrea's honey-colored eyes suddenly turned to the dark wooden closet. Sophia gulped again, more visibly this time. Her heart beat faster and harder with each step she took to approach the closet.
Sophia then hurried and placed herself in front of Andrea.
-Ah, don't worry about my uniform, Andrea; I have a spare one to wear tomorrow. – She tried to grin and look convincing.
Unfortunately, she could tell in the maid's eyes that she was still doubtful of her words. She bit her inferior lip.
A meow was heard suddenly. Both women turned to the open window and saw a black cat standing in the window's frame. Its yellow eyes were fixated on the wooden closet.
What is a cat doing here? – Sophia strayed from her prior thoughts.
Andrea walked to the window and carried the cat, which licked its face. Andrea smiled.
-Lady Sophia, you know it's against the rules to have pets. I understand you hiding it, but I'm afraid I must let it go. – She said.
Sophia was bemused. She must have darn good luck… She nodded absentmindedly, and Andrea let the cat run away.
-I didn't know you liked cats, though. – She commented. – I remember you used to bring a stray dog every week when you were in your second year of middle school. You even tried to hide them from me. – She laughed at the memory. – I simply thought you preferred dogs, Lady Sophia, since you never once brought a cat.
-R-Right. – Sophia felt too slow to reply anything coherent.
Andrea then retired from her room. Sophia gave a big sigh when the door to her room was closed.
She then opened the closet's doors. There stood Z.Z., inhumanly immobile.
-You see what I mean when I tell you it would be hard for you not to be seen? – She hissed.
He didn't reply; he only stared at her gravely.
-Look, it's clear for tonight. You can stay for a night here. I'll look for a place where you can stay tomorrow.
He still remained silent. She looked at his blue eyes; she did not like the haughty look in them that looked down on her.
-You must make up your mind. – He continued bluntly without hiding the dislike in his eyes. Did he not like her? –You must make a decision, Snow. You don't have the luxury of time, so you're going to have to hurry. I expect to hear it from you soon. – He finished frigidly.
He was about to close the door to the closet when she dared to speak.
-Will you be sleeping in that closet?
-It's ample enough. – He replied before closing the door.
She just stood there, frozen. She looked at the closet. Z.Z. was right, its base was as big as a twin size bed; a person definitely fit there. She didn't know how comfortable it was going to be, though, but she had more important things rushing through her mind. Every word he said that night was true. She had to make a decision. She thought she was resolved to do it…But her unlocked past showed her it was not going to be simply challenging. What kind of sacrifices would she have to make? Just seeing what she saw intimidated her; it was the kind of thing that would make anyone hesitate and only the brave ones wouldn't tremble at the idea alone.
She yawned. She didn't want to go to bed. She wanted to think. She needed to think everything through. But, many times, even when we are very passionate about what we are doing, because we are human, we need rest. Regardless of our efforts, bodily needs usually make our resistance futile.
She let her body fall over her bed. Without covering her body with the sheets, she fell asleep instantly.
The next morning, Andrea entered Sophia's room and slid the curtains to let the warm sunrays touch a familiar sleeping face. Then, she lifted the bed's mattress sideways and the teenager sleeping in it rolled to the floor.
She groaned in pain and then stared at her when she finally opened her deep violet eyes.
-Andrea! That's not the way you wake anyone up! – She whined.
-Lady Sophia, I know you stayed up until very late yesterday, but you cannot be late to your classes.
Sophia scratched her head in reluctant resignation.
-Cheer up, Miss. – Andrea smiled. – It's Friday now. You'll get to sleep in tomorrow.
-You call shaking me awake since nine sleeping in?
-Nine o' clock is late enough, Lady Sophia. – Andrea retaliated.
Sophia sighed and her eyes roamed until they found the clock on her bedside table. It read 7:51 AM. Her eyes went wide that moment. She needed to hurry…Badly. She hastily stood up from the floor and went ahead to brush her teeth and wash her face.
Andrea took the liberty of opening the closet to take out Sophia's clean uniform. Sophia's heart skipped a beat when she saw the black wooden doors of the closet being opened.
She hastily turned her head and ran in there without drying her wet face first.
Andrea turned to her.
-Is something wrong, Lady Sophia? – She asked surprised.
Sophia's face was surprised as well. She walked next to the maid and glanced inside the closet where a handsome man's body was supposed to be resting. Other than hanged clothes, she found nothing. What was the meaning of that?
Was it all a dream? – She wondered with a scowl.
Andrea stared at her confused. She knew something was going on. That girl was acting strange since the night before…At least, stranger than usual.
-Miss. - She called sweetly while giving her the uniform. – You know that I will listen to you when there is anything that bothers you, right?
Sophia was lost in her sea of thoughts when the maid called her. She tardily nodded her head and muttered incoherent sounds.
Andrea walked to the bathroom and gave her a towel to dry her face, from which water dripped and spilled on the black and white tiles of the floor.
-And Miss… - Andrea called again.
-Y-Yeah? – Sophia asked anxious.
The maid merely replied by signaling to the clock on her wooden bedside table, which matched the closet.
Sophia's head turned to it and almost screeched when she learned class was about to start in four minutes.
She hurried and undressed right in the spot and threw her clothes all over the floor. She then took a toast from the table and left muttering 'Goodbye' while holding the piece of bread with her teeth.
Andrea looked at the room. When that girl was in a hurry, she had the same effects as an instant tornado. She sighed.
That girl will be the death of me. – She thought to herself, like she did at least once a week.
She proceeded to clean before leaving to shop for groceries.
Sophia ran like a gust of wind and made it to the classroom exactly 30 seconds before it was 8.
-Made it! – She said victorious.
-As usual. – A familiar voice mocked.
She turned to stare at a blond boy before walking to sit right behind him.
-Good morning, Sophia. – Alice and Mary said, the latter one with vividly flushed cheeks.
-Good morning, Mary, Alice. – Sophia returned the greeting.
-Hey, Sophia. – Alice called from behind and handed her a blue notebook. – I went to your dorm yesterday to return the Science notes you lent me last week, but you were not there. Andrea said you were studying with someone else that night.
-Of course. – Sophia replied normally; that was the usual excuse Andrea told anyone that visited on a dance night.
-But the tests were over on Monday. – Alice continued.
-I was helping someone who hadn't passed a test and is yet to take it. – She lied.
-Was it Jack? – A person that was just arriving greeted while sitting next to Alice. - Ah, good morning everyone.
-Good morning, Tom. – Mary and Mike greeted simultaneously; the first one flushed.
-Jack? Really? – Alice grinned.
-Not really. – Sophia relied. – Why would you think it's Jack? He's a member of the Council; he wouldn't fail.
Alice sighed. The girl that sat in front of her never caught that particular innuendo. Even Tom, who always smiled, frowned a brief moment in disappointment.
-Oh, don't play fool, Sophia. – Mike grinned suspiciously. – You don't need to lie; there's nothing wrong with you helping Jack.
Sophia scowled with little patience.
-But I didn't help Jack, Michael. – She said.
-Huh? You only call me 'Michael' when angry, Sophia. – His grin expanded. – Why are you denying it so 'vihemently'?
-It's 'vehemently', you genius. – Alice said mad. – Learn how to use a darn dictionary for once in your life.
Alice threw him an eraser that hit him in the head. The eraser was thrown with such strength that Mike's head felt it no different than a rock. Indeed, Alice's aim and anger were intimidating. Mike was knocked out and Mary had her hand over her mouth, worried.
-The substitute teacher is late. – Alice commented casually as if she hadn't just knocked out someone.
-Speaking of the Main Student Administrator, he's late too. – A voice scared everyone.
From the floor a shadow rose and it shook everyone. After a pause in which everyone realized it was just the President, who seemed to have woken up that instant, Alice rose from her seat and shook him before throwing him to his seat in front of Mary. Mad Alice was scary.
-Alice, don't you think you went a bit overboard…? – Mary asked softly and trailed off when Alice turned to her creepily.
-That idiot of a President needs to stop scaring people like that; he annoys me!
But you scare us all the time… - Everyone thought but no one was courageous enough to say it out loud.
The substitute teacher arrived and class began soon afterwards.
Sophia barely had an idea of what the lesson was about. She didn't even read the name of the substitute teacher on the board. All she could think about was Z.Z. not being in the closet.
When her last class of the morning finished, she had a free period she usually used to talk to Jack about that day's 'appointments'. That would no longer be it. Actually, now that she thought about it, Jack didn't listen to her and did not show up to class again. He was going to get in trouble.
Sophia roamed everywhere in search for a tall red-haired and blue-eyed guy.
Old habits die hard. She ended up at the garden outside the library. She sat down at the bench and continued musing.
It couldn't have been a dream… - She had repeated to herself ceaselessly all morning.
She stood up and faced the library building. She was yet to search there. The glass of the doors reflected her. She stopped walking as she saw her own eye, the one she had used last night to get Baron Carlson killed. She slowly extended her arm to the front as if trying to touch her eye's reflection. Was it really just a dream? Did I never stand a chance against Schneizel…? What about Shiro? What about our parents…? Did I never receive an opportunity to have them back?
She shook her head and finally entered the library. Just like she imagined, Z.Z. was not there. Had he disappeared?
She roamed around the hallways and sauntered around the beautiful tall old bookcases. By mere chance, her eye read a book's title, "The Illusion of the Past".
She stopped and stared at the book for a while. Not once did she think of picking it from the shelf it was on. An illusion? – She asked herself. – Was what I saw as my past an illusion? Was everything just a lie? Did my parents really die in a fire like Uncle Schneizel said? Was it really just a dream?
-No… - She whispered softly.
Her right hand's palm was on her temple when she stepped back, as if in fear of the book.
Her back bumped into another bookcase. She was surprised for a second. She turned her head and tried to calm herself down by telling herself it was just a bookcase. Her eyes glanced at another book's bold title, also by happenstance, "Lack of Resolve".
She gulped. Resolve? – That question echoed in her head.
She curtly turned her head to the opposite side. Close to her face, she read another title, "No Wish for Resolve, No Wish for Decisions".
Resolve? Decisions? What did they have to do with one another at all? Resolve is resolve. Decisions are decisions…
-No… - She whispered again before turning her face again.
She felt ridiculous. This was all ridiculous. Since when was she afraid of books? Why was her heart beating so fast for mere words?
Her eyesight came across yet another couple of titles, "Fear of Change" and "Can I really do this?"
Sophia squeezed her eyes shut. She felt she was going insane. She didn't want to be there anymore and simply ran away from that place, exiting the library, and never found out she was in the Psychology section.
Breathing was easier outside. Whether it was the fresh air or the sensation of freedom from the asphyxiating feeling she had, it didn't matter much.
Her free period was over. She only had a few more classes to attend to.
Much to her surprise, the seat next to hers was not empty as it had been for over a week now. In that chair sat a student with reddish orange hair and hazel eyes, frowning as accustomed.
-Jacob Holmes, - President called in his 'serious' mode, but not even seriousness got him to open his eyes. – I, as President, must remind you that missing so many class days is not the attitude a member of the Student Council must show. – He moved around very lively and some could see magic stars around him. – A member of the Student Council must inspire other students to give their best academically! A member of the Student Council must be a role model for everyone in society, even outside the Academy's grounds! A member of the Student Council must make everyone feel envious because they're not as cool as us! A member of the… OUCH!
Alice interrupted him violently with her fist.
-Says the guy that is always sleeping everywhere! – Alice hissed.
Mike and Mary gulped frightened as Alice proceeded to hit the school's president.
-So, Jack. – Tom began, unaffected by the sight of Alice's violent tendencies. – How did you manage to make your 'cold' last so long?
-Like I'd know. – Jack replied.
Some student sitting close by shrieked and pushed their desks as far from where Jack sat as possible. While the Student Council was used to his scary expression and knew that he wasn't really as frightening as he looked, most other students didn't know better.
Many were yet to understand how someone who was pretty such a feared person could occupy a seat at the Student Council. The superintendent's influence sure was unquestionable.
Sophia sat down; only then was she noticed by the others.
Tom and Alice, who had finally stopped beating the president that lied on the floor knocked out, exchanged glares for a second and grinned.
Mike's grin was barely discreet and Mary smiled while watching eagerly.
Jack turned to her. Sophia only spared him a glance for a second and said:
-I see you listened to my advice, after all.
Her voice was serious and uninterested. Later, she turned to look outside the window next to her. She was not in the mood to talk; she just wanted to submerge deeper into her ocean of thoughts.
Jack looked away when he realized she was not going to stop looking at the sky anytime soon. His limited response was to simply nod.
Disappointment crossed everyone's faces. They thought they'd at least exchange words. She just gave a lame random comment and he only gave her a measly nod which she didn't even see because she was, most likely, thinking. What was on her mind? Only God knew that.
However, they had noticed Sophia seemed to be thinking about God-knows-what all morning and she apparently was still not over it.
-Hey, Alice. – Tom whispered. – Sophia's been looking out the window all day, hasn't she?
-She has. – Alice answered without taking her eyes off Sophia's pondering back. – I wonder if she's worried about something.
Mike and Mary didn't fail to notice Sophia's somewhat gloomy mood that day, either. But it was a different story with Jack. He was still having a hard time believing what she told him that early morning. Whatever happened to making a living by herself? Did Vice-president change her mind or did she simply reach the amount of money she wanted from the beginning? (…) What did she want the money for anyways? What was it that she meant with 'being free'?
First class of noon passed uneventfully. Sophia had not paid attention all day.
History class was next. The teacher came in and wrote on the board 'Britannia's Dark Year'.
Sophia couldn't help noticing that. At last, her eyes were no longer on the sky outside and her face looked straight at the blackboard.
-Today we're going start covering unit two. – The short black-haired teacher announced. – The main focus will be the suppression of rights our previous King, if we could call him that, Lelouch vi Britannia, forced upon the Britannian nation. We'll learn that he limited the amount of information given to the public in all media. TV and newspapers were severely punished if they did not broadcast exactly what King Lelouch asked. He took away many of the rights of the people. Services for the community, especially health, were deteriorated because the budget he passed gave little funds to support governmental institutions. Yet, the taxes were raised significantly. Most of the money went to storage, only used for war and his personal expenses, which, it is worth mentioning, were spent without restraint; it was considered a monumental waste by most. He is considered the epitome of despotism in all of our History. Fortunately, his reign did not last long. One year after he assumed power, someone hired a murderer to finish with the King's life. While the identity of the person who did that is unknown, most people in Britannia are grateful. That single year is known as 'Britannia's Dark Year' Soon afterwards, our present day King, Schneizel el Britannia, took the throne. He has occupied the throne for over a decade now. While his government is yet to finish, we know for certain we are not approaching another 'dark year'. Make sure you know that for the next test.
Sophia felt as if each sentence was a hit on her guts. She had listened to that lecture many times before in her life. She always thought something was slightly off with the way that part of History was taught but she always shook the feeling off; before, it was just insignificant. That was not the case anymore…
You're wrong… That is all wrong! It's a big lie! You talk as if you knew History, but none of you know what truly happened! None of you know the purpose of Lelouch… - She felt strange calling him Lelouch, but she didn't have the courage to call him like she thought she should because she didn't even know if what she had seen in her past was true. – None of you know! He saved us all! He did it for peace to come! Schneizel is no saint! He's the most despicable bastard there is! He has manipulated everyone to think like this… - She closed her fists tightly, trying to contain herself from yelling what her thoughts said. – The true villain here is my uncle! 'We know for certain we are not approaching another dark year'? What the hell? We're in the middle of a war my saint uncle began! – She closed her eyes, fighting to keep her composure. – I… I myself do not understand very well what happened in reality with Britannia in those years. I don't even know what my own History is! But I could never believe one word you educators tell me about Lelouch vi Britannia. He…He couldn't possibly be who you say he is. Schneizel might think he's manipulating you, but, in truth, he's not. Lelouch himself wanted you all to think ill of him so all hatred died with him…
The class finished while Sophia was still thinking desperate. She couldn't help feeling angry; she herself didn't know why. While she did not consider herself cool-headed, she was not so easy to get angry either; she was not Alice. Sophia bit her lip in frustration. Everything was stressing her. She felt so vulnerable to her surroundings and it made her feel mad at herself. I must be weak… Then, how could I think I could do what Lelouch did?
The next class began. She didn't even know what they were talking about or which class it was. She couldn't get over her thoughts.
Class finished and everyone was leaving but Sophia sat still, her expression absent.
-Sophia? – Alice called.
Sophia did not reply. Mike shook her awake.
-Wake up, Sophia! Stop daydreaming! – He said loudly.
Sophia's irises rolled in confusion and then stared emptily at Mike. She had no idea what time it was but she guessed class was over.
-What is with you? – He asked her. – You've been weird all day, Sophia.
-Is something worrying you? – Mary asked concerned. – You didn't look well during History class, Sophia.
-Um… - Sophia was recovering from speechlessness.
-You haven't been taking notes at all today, Sophia. – Tom continued; his smile was not present in his face and that was quite unusual.
-I'm fine. – She replied sounding void.
-You don't look fine, Sophia. – Alice insisted. – You know you can tell us anything, right? We're your friends.
-Exactly, Vice-president. – President said, still with his eyes closed. – If you're not feeling well, you may miss today's Council meeting. However, the Fall Festival is approaching and we're counting on you for planning. But if you're not feeling well, let us know with time.
-I'm fine, President. – She put on a fake smile and expression. – I must be lacking sleep. I went to bed pretty late. But I'm fine, really. – She made her smile wider in hopes of making it seem more convincing. – I'm looking forward to the festival, too.
-W-Well, if you say so… - President said with a hand on his chin, obviously not convinced; nobody was convinced.
Jack was still occupying his seat as well. He remained silent most of the time anyways, but Alice glared daggers at him, beckoning that he should say something too. However, he couldn't think of anything to say to her. His ears listened keenly to the Council members and the Vice-president. He, too, was not convinced she was alright.
She knew they'd only insist more, so Sophia excused herself and took her books to leave. Nonetheless, before she could leave, a bespectacled student from a lower grade came in. She was sweaty and her breathing was ragged. Everyone deducted she had ran hastily to their classroom.
-I'm glad you're still here, Vice-president White. – She said while looking at Sophia. – I was told to hurry here to get you to the Superintendent's office. Ms. Superintendent said it was urgent.
Sophia raised an eyebrow. She thanked the bespectacled girl before heading straight to Superintendent Ashford's office.
Milly Ashford's office and reception room were redecorated every year. As long as she could remember, the reception room had always had a similar image. The most noticeable pattern was that the walls were always painted with different tonalities of pink.
Currently, the floor's tiles were white and the walls were salmon pink. The furniture was made of black wood. There were several vases with different flowers adorning and the room, mostly yellow daisies. The room looked very lively thanks to the flowers and the good amount of light that entered through the windows.
-Ms. White, please come in. – The secretary called.
Sophia twirled one of the doorknobs of the two doors of light-colored wood that separated her from Superintendent's office.
Superintendent's office was a little different from the reception room. The only flower found was a single red rose. It was at a corner of her big desk inside a beautiful crystal vase with diamonds incrusted in its surface. It shone nicely with the light coming from the two large windows at the side walls, which were painted with a color that resembled melon. The floor tiles were the same, but mostly covered with red rugs. At the center, there was a glass coffee table and a set of beige couches.
Facing Superintendent, who drank coffee with an uncharacteristically solemn face, two men she recognized immediately sat.
Sophia's violet eyes were astounded momentarily. She managed to mask her expressions right away. She still gritted her teeth. She had enough dealing with those people at the monthly dances; she did not like the idea of also having to act for them in school.
One was a tall blond man with dark brown eyes. His expression was cold and his features rough. Even the way he sat straight reflected his strict self-discipline. Perhaps he would have been handsome if he had lived a different education. He wore the uniform high ranking officers wore in the militia. In fact, he had the highest military rank in Britannia.
The other was only of medium-height, shorter than her, had purple hair, yellowish-green eyes behind glasses and a clearly mad expression. He wore a suit that was one of a kind. Other than his black cape and shoes, everything else he wore was white.
-We've been waiting, Your Highness. – The first to be described stated with a voice most people found intimidating.
-What took you so long? – The other one demanded.
-I did not expect to see you here, Mr. Wellington, Jonathan. What brings you both here? – She greeted coldly; she was one of the few who were not scared of the blond man and she definitely wasn't scared of the purple-haired.
One stared dangerously into her eyes and she returned the glare, refusing to let him intimidate her. She knew he did not think highly of her and she personally thought he was Schneizel's puppet rather than his right-hand. At least, she could always make him angry by not addressing him by his proper title as the Marshal of the Britannian Army, Marshall Wellington. Seriously, who the heck wants to be addressed as 'Marshal Marshall Wellington'? – She always thought each time she saw him.
The second one glared daggers at her, but his glares, in her opinion, were even less scary than the ones of some children. He himself actually looked younger than her; he hated to be reminded he was baby-faced. He hated the fact that the Princess showed no respect to him whatsoever when addressing him by his given name without even the title of 'Mister'. Many times, he asked her to call him 'Mr. Lewis', telling her he deserved some respect as the royal counselor and the King's right hand, though, in reality, Marshal Wellington was considered the owner of that title. Her reply would always be scoffing and a 'You actually sound adorable when begging, Jonathan'. The memory alone made him scowl even more noticeably.
-What brings us here? – Jonathan repeated upset; she had hit the exact button with her question. – How about this? – He asked before throwing her a newspaper rudely.
Sophia didn't have the best reflexes, but she still caught the newspaper easily. She would've told him he threw like a girl, but the seriousness of the atmosphere, which even infected cheerful Superintendent, called for her to assume another attitude.
She didn't bother looking at his face before the bold headline on the paper she held called her attention. It read "Britannia's Princess, Targeted!" She read on:
This early morning, a limousine was found in a crash scene with an unidentified black van. The limousine was soon identified as Princess Sophia vi Britannia's private vehicle. Princess Sophia was being transported to an unknown location after retiring from Pendragon Palace's monthly ball for nobility sometime after midnight.
The reports in the vehicle suggest the crash was intentionally provoked by causing the brakes to fail. The identity of the offenders that targeted the Princess is yet to be confirmed.
The authorities are currently investigating the scene. There are no traces of blood on the back of the vehicle, but the large amount of blood found inside the limousine's driver's compartment was at first believed to belong to Princess Sophia. This was later confirmed false.
Britannia's King, Schneizel el Britannia, was notified hours later. The Pendragon Palace merely replied that the Princess was safe and sound in a disclosed location.
While neither the Princess nor the King have made a public appearance since, it is known the Princess miraculously sustained no injuries.
A large picture of the crashed limousine was shown below. How could anyone take that picture? How did they know it was transporting her? Had paparazzi followed her? The press was smooth for covering the fact that the crashed vehicle was not just found, but that she had been followed. She thought she could avoid anyone finding out she studied at Ashford Academy by leaving earlier than the rest and by the back… Apparently, it wasn't enough.
-Your Highness, an explanation from your part is demanded. – Marshal Wellington spoke. - Why did you not contact the Palace afterwards?
-I merely didn't because I was tired. – She replied.
-Who do you think you are to make His Majesty, the King worry? Had your maid not contacted us, who knows what would've happened with the King's agenda! He would've worried and canceled his appointments merely because you 'were tired'! – Jonathan Lewis shouted.
Sophia suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at him. He was really annoying when mad. She wanted to punch his face for mentioning Schneizel to her. Please! Schneizel worrying about her? What a measly joke. But she had to remain serious because of the Marshal's stare.
-That excuse will not do! Do you know how shameful this is? We are the strongest empire in the world! We have made every single insignificant human succumb to us! And you, our princess, a symbol of our nation, were targeted and everyone in the country knows it! – Jonathan exclaimed.
She gritted her teeth and closed her fists tightly at her side, which did not escape Superintendent Ashford's notice.
Sophia wanted to choke him for so bluntly taking pride in the massacre their sadistic nation was causing all over the globe, but she knew that wouldn't happen. She knew she had no choice but to take it. I'm doomed to a lifetime of this… In the end, I do not have a chance to fight back… Schneizel… Will I ever be free from his control? Was it all just a dream?
-In any case, we need you to provide us with whatever you know about the offenders, Your Highness. – Wellington continued as if he hadn't heard anything.
Then, the Marshal handed her a paper in a much more civilized manner than Jonathan's anger did.
She sighed softly. This edition had come out later in the same day. The heading read in capitals and bold printing "Mafia Group Commits Massive Suicide! Baron's Body Found in River!" A couple of pictures below showed the body of Baron Carlson and a group of corpses that showed the mafiosos she had encountered last night. She was not given time by Marshal Wellington to read the article.
-Members of the most threatening mafia group in the city were found dead close to the river where Baron Carlson's body was found. – He summarized. - The research team states the only cause of death was suicide. The bullets they used matched the ones found in the Baron's body. While there were no visual witnesses of either incidents, there are people who signaled they heard gunshots on a specific alleyway that was fairly close to where your vehicle crashed. It is believed that is where the Baron was murdered. Traces of blood were found in a wall, and they did not belong to Baron Carlson. Tests showed it matched the blood in the driver's compartment of the limousine. – He made it clear he believed both incidents were related.
Sophia barely paid attention to the man's rough voice despite the gravity of what he implied.
She looked at the mafiosos' faces. She recognized them. She had ordered them to kill Baron Carlson and throw him into a river; they had followed her orders to the letter. But that'd mean that she was not dreaming! She glanced more carefully at the picture of the first newspaper. There was a large puddle of blood in the driver's compartment. The blood belonged to Z.Z. Why hadn't she picked that up from the text alone…? Had the events of last night, then, not been a dream?
She felt as if reality had slapped her hard with that picture. Of course it happened. Why was I even trying to say nothing happened last night? Was I denying events? Why…? I want to bring Schneizel down! How could I hesitate even for a moment? - She berated herself.
-Then, Marshal Wellington, whose help would you assume I could've received at such late hours and with the driver dead? – She asked, showing a slight grin and a radical change in her expression as confidence increased, now that she knew she had a chance…
Marshall Wellington looked slightly surprised that she had addressed him properly, but he immediately recovered.
-Your assigned driver told us that, for the past month, someone else told him it was mandated that he replaced him. The driver told us he did not doubt him because he had a royal insignia. Whoever drove you for the past month was a usurper, Your Highness.
Sophia narrowed her eyes, very interested in the information her ears were receiving.
Z.Z. has a royal insignia? Just who in the world is he? – She wondered.
-I'm afraid I never even saw his face. – She lied. – But who cares? The driver is dead at this point. As for the details, there really is not much information I can provide. The seatbelt saved me from suffering severe injuries. The driver was dead. I saw his head against the wheel and the blood. I touched him to make sure he was dead and got some blood on me. I tried walking here from that point as I was not injured, but I was confused about the events and that caused me to get lost. It was pretty dark too. I heard the gunshots nearby too. I hid in an alleyway. That is how I must have gotten blood on that wall. I remained there, and the mafiosos did not notice me. I saw a body I did not recognize at the moment, and I saw them taking him somewhere else. They were heading in the direction of the river, actually.
-You expect us to believe that? – Jonathan exclaimed. – That is barely believable!
-Give me a good reason why I would lie to help the ones that tried to kill me, Jonathan. – She retaliated with the grinning eyes that he despised.
Wellington examined her every feature. He was very well-trained to detect lies, but she had faith in her poker face. While chess required a much higher intellect than poker, every game asked to mask your thoughts from your opponent.
In the glaring game, Sophia was the winner as Wellington bought her story, so could she tell by his facial gestures.
-I don't care about that anyways! – The royal counselor hissed. – All of Britannia knows of this! This does not change the fact that you are a shame as a Princess! You still being part of nobility is merely an act of pity from His Majesty! You and the haughty countenance you show in his presence are obviously false! You are a hypocrite liar! I have no idea who you think you are but you should be exiled! To think you could be the one to inherit our empire's throne is outrage! What kind of Princess brings thus embarrassment to the Palace? Oh, it would've been better if you had died last night! – Jonathan shouted.
Marshal Marshall Wellington raised an eyebrow at the royal counselor. Raising an eyebrow was all he did after listening to someone telling the Britannian Princess those words. To him it was, most likely, nothing more than a statement he did not care about.
Milly Ashford, who had been listening with wrath all the while to those two men, looked up from her cup of coffee and stared in disbelief at that purple-haired man. She couldn't believe anyone could muster the inhumanity to say such words out loud, never mind shouting them.
Sophia returned the stare he directed at her, it was supposed to be menacing, but she was used to them. In her eyes, they were only attempts to look threatening.
Her reaction was to push her humanity aside and do the unthinkable after being told such words. She put on a smile.
That reaction was what caused Wellington to finally look shocked. Milly was observing her student with keen interest, and Jonathan Lewis's 'menacing' expression went frightened. She had not said a word yet; all she needed to make him gulp was to grin.
She proceeded to take a seat at an individual couch since she had been standing all the while. Her movements were gracious and elegant. Arguably, that characteristic alone would never let her qualify to be tomboy.
She crossed her leg and supported her head with her left hand against the side of her forehead.
-It's funny you mention that. I myself feel that my life as the Princess of the Holy Empire of Britannia, Sophia vi Britannia, has changed since last night. I feel I'm about to take a different course because of tonight alone, and something tells me Britannia will also take a new course soon. Isn't that exciting, dear Jonathan?
The two men were at a loss about what she meant. More alarmingly, they sensed a highly threatening aura coming from her that instant. It momentarily looked as if darkness surrounded her figure.
While they felt that way, Superintendent Ashford grinned. She was proud of her student for shutting them up. She then stood up and clapped her hands as to turn the attention to her.
-Well, gentleman, I said I'd let you talk to her for ten minutes. The 10 minutes are over already. I have other business to take care of and so does the Vice-president. – She said smiling.
-We've been ordered to escort her for a medical check-up. – Wellington stated. – The royal medical team is ready to receive her.
-I'm fine, Mr. Wellington; I have a Council meeting to attend to. – Sophia defied and he reacted as if defiance was poison to him.
-His Majesty himself has given us direct orders. You have no choice but to comply with them, Your Highness.
Sophia growled softly. She hated Schneizel for interfering with her life in a non-dance day (more than she already did).
She was escorted in a brand new limousine to the Pendragon Palace, where her medical check-up could be discreet. She did not like the idea of going to that place other than for the monthly balls. That place did not give her sweet memories.
She was greeted by a horde of endless servants and then by a horde of people in white coats, suggesting they were the medical team.
She sighed. This was a ridiculous overreaction. She was not even hurt, yet she was receiving the attention of an entire hospital's worth of personnel. It was even more enraging to see that when she did not ignore that the people in the old section of the city called Shinjuku Ghetto, which looked more like ruins than an inhabited place, did not receive any medical support whatsoever.
The check-up was over after fifteen minutes. She was already late for the council meeting.
Then, before she could exit that place, the man whose image she dreaded the most appeared right in front of her and put his hands over her shoulders.
-My dear Sophia! - He called in an exaggerated manner. – I'm truly relieved you are fine! I was very worried about you. I'm glad you came; I wanted to see you.
You wanted to see me, yet you forced me here to come to you? Shouldn't it be like…Backwards? – She thought annoyed while wearing a mask of calmness.
-I see I have troubled you, Uncle. I appreciate the concern.
Not. – She complemented inwardly.
-I'm indeed rejoiced you are uninjured. – He touched her cheek and looked straight into her eyes. - I don't know what I would've done if I had lost you… To think that last night could've been the last dance for you is heart-breaking.
Oh, give me a break! – She urged inside. - You don't even care about me for real! Can't you even spare me all this drama?
-Somehow, I am glad I told you last night what I had not told you before. – Schneizel continued. – When I heard about it all, I felt my heart being pierced. To lose you would be like losing everything I have. Sophia, you are, after all, my family.
-Your words are flattering, Your Highness. We are indeed related.
…Much to my disgrace and mental torture…But I'll never consider you family. The only ones who were my true family were my brother and my parents. You have not just made me miserable, you have destroyed each of the people that have cared for me and whom I've loved.
-For his family, a man should do anything. – He continued with the hypocrisy she despised. – Your health matters to me, my dear Sophia. That is why I would never hesitate to gather a medical team as large as a district.
-Well, this does look like you deprived Shinjuku Ghetto's district from medical teams.
Schneizel's face nearly distorted for a second. He only raised an eyebrow and stared at her without his hypocrite smile.
I SAID THAT OUT LOUD? – Sophia bellowed inwardly.
This was a first. No matter how much she cursed her uncle in thought, it had never leaked out like it just had; she had never dared because she knew she was powerless against him. Truth was she just couldn't contain herself. The sight of him made her want to punch him hard. She didn't have such a strong desire to do so before. Her newly recalled past was driving her neutral facial mask beyond its limits. Her contempt against him had increased exponentially. Now that she knew she had one weapon she could use to her advantage, it appeared her courage had come forth.
Even so, Sophia's eyes could not help showing she herself was baffled at her own mouth. She bit her lip while her fists were closed tightly at her side, crumpling the fabric of her uniform's skirt.
-Sophia, I know you have been through a lot since tonight, so I will forgive you this time. – He stated haughtily. – This experience will hopefully not be a trauma to you. You must never forget you are this country's princess, Sophia vi Britannia. Yes, you belong to this nation. You must not fall and become weak out of foolish pity. That is an order as your King and ruler.
Sophia gritted her teeth. He had just reminded her of everything she hated to be reminded of. She did not reply with words, nods or any movement at all.
-Answer to your King, Sophia. – Schneizel said with a deadly low tone.
She looked into his eyes and even her bloodstream paralyzed at what she saw. That was his true face. This was the true Schneizel el Britannia, which only Lelouch Lamperouge had known firsthand before.
-Yes… - She softly spoke.
-Yes, what? – He pressed while leaning closer to her, bringing those light blue daggers dangerously close to her.
-Yes…Your Majesty. – She stuttered.
Sophia was trembling, but not with fear. She could hardly contain her anger and contempt. She wanted to throw him a fist. She wanted to choke him. She wanted to stab him a hundred times. She wanted to make him feel the misery he made her feel for the last nine years of her existence.
Schneizel grinned in merciless satisfaction at how easy it was to impose his superiority on her.
He spared her a last glance, haughty and full of pity, before turning on his heel, walking away and slowly disappearing. That glance was mocking her, reminding her yet again he was the master of her soul and how she would never stand a chance against him, that she was a minuscule and insignificant creature in comparison to the greatness and power he had, that her destiny was to always look up at him.
She hated to recall she was this sadistic country's princess. She hated to recall she was doomed to be in that palace for the rest of her life. She hated to recall whom she was supposed to be, a despicable noble; simply being a noble made her a symbol of all the suffering of Elevens, formerly called Japanese, caused by Britannia. But overall, she hated, cried and dreaded the fact that he was her ruler and she was below him, a mere pawn who was so insignificant she'd never constitute a threat to him, and that was the way things would be until the he took his last breath, an event she could not look forward to because it was nowhere close to the present… But everything was different since the night before! That would no longer be the case for her!
Her new power was a small white light in her life filled with darkness and without hope for anything better. It was a chance to make her wish of defeating her uncle and reuniting with her brother a plausible reality. Overall, it gave her the chance of a new future. While that future was uncertain, intricate and unintelligible, it was still different than what Schneizel had sentenced her for. Anything was better; anything else should be better. She wanted something different for her life. She wanted to be someone else than the Princess of the Holy Empire of Britannia. For the past nine years of her life, the only ones she remembered until last night, she had longed for freedom and this was it, the path full of risks and sacrifices that would lead her to it. Between that torturous road, as Z.Z. described, 'filled with thorns, poison and pain, which will not allow her to rest and will make her carry great burdens chained to her', which would give her a new unknown future with the freedom she could only dream of before, and the path Schneizel had imposed on her that would lead her to a different kind of torture, she chose the torturous one.
Even if chances are slight, that small white light in the form of my Geass is the only way I can fight for my dream and my true wish, the only way I can free myself from the fate I was given by Schneizel! So I will cling on to it as I cling on to my own life. No matter what I must sacrifice, I must fight and not hesitate one second. I will not be the person Schneizel el Britannia has chosen me to be; I will become whoever I want to become!
To get to the nearest exit, it was necessary to pass by an entrance to the throne room, which was empty at the moment. She glanced at it, turned her head to get a better view and finally entered.
There at the back was what was considered the world's most magnificent throne. Its reputation was not a hyperbole; it really was something else. That throne was relatively new. Approximately 5 years after Schneizel el Britannia became Britannia's 100th King, the old throne was destroyed a new one replaced it. The new throne was made of solid gold, had very fine details carved by Britannia's most talented artists and several gemstones and white gold incrusted in it, and the fabric that covered most of the seat was crimson, like blood.
She walked closer to the throne until she was just below the stairs that led to it. Those stairs elevated it to a height that beckoned the superiority of the King over all other beings. He was the King and the rest were pawns.
Nearly two decades ago, that place had a different throne with a very different ruler sitting in it. The 99th ruler of Britannia became the epitome of dictatorship in a short period of time, but Sophia was no longer ignorant of who that man really was.
I've been arguing with myself whether or not I can do what Lelouch vi Britannia…Lelouch Lamperouge did. Can I sacrifice what he sacrificed? Can I be a threat to Schneizel and a light of hope to the world like he was? I am not my father, but I know that he would expect me to try if he knew what I am facing… My father didn't know either if he would succeed, but he was triumphant in the end. He never hesitated or doubted himself… I do not know where my parents are, but I must not let that hinder me. I still have Shiro. I just know he must be alive, somewhere. Shiro, I promise you I'll find you and we will be together again… I promise I'll find our family!
She made a pause in her thoughts when she heard footfalls echoing in the throne room. She hastily turned around and met the eyes she least expected to meet at that instant and that place.
There stood the young-looking man she had looked for all day at the Academy grounds. His fire red hair shone vibrantly under the light of the chandelier that was lit a dozen meters above their heads. His ocean blue eyes looked at her with still protected, so she couldn't see inside him. There was an imaginary barrier in them that he never seemed to take off. His features were far more attractive and beautiful than the expensive throne behind them. At least, to her eyes that was the case. She had not processed before just how handsome he was. While he appeared no older than nineteen, the seriousness he wore in front of her was not the kind a 19-year-old could accomplish unless he had gone through special circumstances that forced him to mature before time.
They stared at each other for a silent while. She never knew how long their staring lasted.
-I gave you an entire day to think about things, Snow. – He began. – I cannot give you any more time; I need you to make a decision this instant. What will you do now?
His question flipped a switch in her. She blinked a second. She closed amazed eyes to reveal determined ones afterwards. Z.Z. narrowed his eyes as he noted the change in her overall face. She looked like a completely different person, confident and with almost tangible resolution.
-What else would I do if not what I said I would? – She asked.
-You lacked the resolution to do it this early morning. Your past was confusing you, and several doubts assaulted your soul.
-I am still to catch up to all of the memories I remembered, Z.Z. – She clarified. – However, I simply needed to remember the reason I accepted our contract in the beginning. I intend to go by it. I will not fold or hesitate again.
-Do you believe you have given enough thoughts as to what you are in truth signing up for?
-A battle, of course. – She replied firm. – A road of struggle like no other, I know that.
-And do you think yourself ready to walk in it? Are you prepared to give up the life you currently have, not only as a noble, but all of what composes it?
She knew well what he meant. She was no longer going to be who she was that moment if she accepted. Not only would her life as noble change, her relationship with her friends, the Student Council, Andrea and Superintendent, would never be the same. She was resigning both to her chosen life as Princess and the days in which she could just sit at Council meetings, eat pizza with everyone, roll her eyes at Mary's obvious feelings for clueless Mike, laugh at Alice hitting President, wonder about whatever crosses Tom's thoughts since he always smiles, attend to illegal activities with Jacob, think of the mystery Superintendent is and be woken up roughly in the mornings by Andrea… While she was still going to do all of the above, it was not going to be the same, and she was accepting that, at some point, she could have no choice but to quit it all, just like her father had to at some point too. Was she prepared?
-I am. – She replied.
Z.Z. did not ask her again or even doubt her answer. Seeing how her eyes were reluctant to back off on her words was enough for him.
-This path will not be easy, Snow vi Britannia. If you have found your resolve, then tell me: What will you do to get where you want? – He asked her another question.
-I will do and sacrifice anything and as much as I must. I will revive the threat my father constituted to this corrupt empire! I will bring back to life the hope the rest of the people once felt! I will make this palace in which we are standing fall to the ground to remain as ruins forever! I will become Schneizel el Britannia's worst nightmare! I WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN!
