Chapter 5

New Girl at Ashford

Lelouch felt his muscles, if he had any, turn into jelly. I'd forgotten how much stress being Zero had put on my body. He opened the door, looking to see his sister.

"I'm back." He turned to see his plan had gone faster than anticipated. Orange boy was right there, helping Nunnally with her food.

"Welcome home, Lord Lelouch."

Nunnally smiled, her hair slightly messed up. "I'm so glad. I was getting worried."

Jeremiah looked at Nunnally. He switched to Lelouch, and winked. "I assume you ate out tonight judging from your appearance, young master."

"Thank goodness. I thought maybe you've gotten caught up in all the uproar caused by that man Zero. I tried calling you but you didn't answer your cellphone. I wanted to tell you Mr. Jeremiah has been waiting for you to arrive."

"How long has he been here?" Lelouch asked, turning to Jeremiah with a smile on his face.

"A little more than half an hour Lelouch. I must confess though, your sister is so much sweeter than you described when you hired me." He lied.

Hired. I suppose that would be convincing. But with Sayoko. Lelouch thought. Losing track of his train of thought, he noticed the change in mood with Nunnally. She looked sad, like she had just lost a friend.

"Nunnally, what's wrong?" he stammered out. His heart became heavy and rough. He had only seen Nunnally cry once before he died. I'll never let her be sad again.

"Lelouch, did something happen to Sayoko?" she asked, looking more and more upset.

"Not at all Lady Nunnally. Sayoko will continue to care for you. I am here because I know who you two are, Nunnally vi Britannia.

Nunnally had no transition. She just immediately gasped. Jeremiah knows about us. If were discovered, the they'll just use us again…

"But do not fear my lady. I am here to help. I was loyal to Lady Marianne, and with her passing, I am loyal to only you and Lelouch." He proclaimed. However, Nunnally became puzzled.

She became uneasy. She quivered in fear, as if she was freezing. "But how did you know…"

"I had met your brother the other day, during the Shinjuku incident. I admit I was unsure at first. But upon further investigation, I found that it was infact Lelouch vi Britannia, son of my Lady Marianne." Orange told her, lying to prevent a panic.

"Are you planning on…" She began, but was once again cut off by Jeremiah.

"No, I am not going to reveal your presence." he told her, putting his hand on her cheek. "I am going to help you and Lelouch stay hidden. Believe me, I want nothing more than to please my lord."

"Jeremiah, may I see you in the other room." Lelouch asked his aid. Jeremiah saluted, putting his arm across his chest. Very good. He remembers everything it seems.

"Welcome back, Lelouch. And you as well Jeremiah." C.C. greeted them. She was dressed in her containment outfit. And as usual, she was holding a slice of pepperoni pizza.

"And I am grateful that Lord Lelouch chose to return my memories to me, Lady C.C." He told her.

"Jeremiah, are you here to receive your next instructions?" Lelouch asked him. The former Knight of Orange nodded, giving Lelouch a full report on the conditions of the Purebloods. After all, Jeremiah was the leader of the pureblood faction. With his memories restored, I can use Orange to further divide the Britannian forces.

"They seem to believe that Orange was a code name for me, one which you gave me." Jeremiah reported. "How shall I deal with this my lord? I will gladly go to hell for you, should the need arise. However, me being in power could be very useful to the Black Knights."

"Jeremiah, first things first. Last time, concealing C.C.'s presence was a bit of a hassle for me, as well as keeping her from Nunnally. let me ask you, how many of the military forces know about C.C. in this area?"

"Little to none my lord." he assured.

"Good. Jeremiah, you are to implant false information about C.C., a fake name, a fake birth certificate. In short, I want you to make her a complete fake identity for her." He ordered.

"As you wish my lord. However, that will require a photo and name."

"I have a camera in the closet over there" Lelouch pointed towards a plain white door, with dust piling on the knob. Jeremiah walked towards the door, then grabbed the old and probably rusty knob. He turned it slightly, and the door moved forward. On the top shelve, he noticed a small twinkle, and grabbed it. As he drew it into the light, he realized that it was infact a small camera.

"And as for her name. Lamperouge is clearly the ideal last name. As for her first name, perhaps we should call her.." Lelouch managed before getting slapped by C.C.

"Don't even think about using my real name. I told you never to say my name ever again, remember." C.C. told him. It was strange, because C.C. had never lost her temper being around him.

Damn it witch. "Alright then, how about Cecilia." Lelouch asked, looking at her. C.C faced him, and gave him approval. "Cecilia Catherine Lamperouge. I think I can work with that. I can convince Milly to allow you to attend Ashford, and I can smooth things over with Suzaku easily."

"Sounds like you were planning this from the start. Are you sure letting me out in the open is such a good idea?" she asked him, her gold eyes looking as bored and indifferent as ever.

"I was planning this when I received my second geass." he scolded her. He turned to Jeremiah, and gave him his instructions.

"Cecilia Lamperouge. 17 years old. Full Britannian. 2 days after Zero first appeared, she arrives in Area 11. She was sent by her parents from the homeland to attend Ashford Academy, while simultaneously live with her cousins Lelouch and Nunnally Lamperouge.' A convincing story to tell them if a background check is asked, don't you think?" he said, complimenting himself. "Now, as for Orange…"

(at the pureblood facility)

"Lord Jeremiah. What happened back there? When Zero showed up, you acted like..." Villetta Nu began to question him, before he put his finger on her lips.

"If Orange was revealed to the public, the terrorist would have taken the entire city hostage."

"What are you talking about? I am your second in command and deserve to know."

He sighed, remembering what his master had instructed him to do. "Alright Villetta, it was going to leak sometime now that Clovis is dead." he told her, then filled his lungs as he took a deep breath.

"Project Orange is an espionage mission, directed by Prince Clovis, in order to search for and find any trace of his siblings, Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally."

"But what would that have to do with Zero?"

"Because, Project Orange had located the young prince and princess to the Tokyo settlement. If news about Orange had gone public, the terrorists would attack simultaneously in order to take them hostage. Former Emperor Charles would have disregarded the matter, but with Emperor Schneizel valuing family above all else, it would very well be a disaster."

"But if it was so confidential, how could Zero possibly know about it?"

"I have no certainty of it, but given the extreme level of confidentiality, it is safe to assume that Zero could very well be a higher up, or have ties to a higher up."

"But that would mean…"

"Yes. Zero has worked his tentacles into the Britannian military. The only ones that are above suspicion are those of us who were at that event."

"What?!" was all Milly could say. Why would Lelouch want to know that?

"It's a simple question, Madam President. Are there any dorms available for girls?" Lelouch asked her, seeing how he could make his plan unfold.

"There are a few. But why Lelouch?"

"It's because… I have a friend. She just lost her place and her parents, and can't go back to the homeland. I was wondering if you could convince your grandfather to let her attend Ashford."

Milly smiled, seeing Lelouch in such a frenzy. "Alright but I wanna know: What's your relationship with her?"

Lelouch wasn't surprised at her nosiness, but tried to act like he had just found out.

"Yikes! You really do enjoy that type of thing, don't ya madam pres?"

"I'm not hearing an answer."

"Alright. The truth is… she and I were friends back before Japan was conquered. She helped me and Nunnally out once, and now I'm trying to return the favor."

Milly pouted, probably disappointed at the lack of drama. "Very well, I'll work things over with my grandfather, but I'll need a name and picture. As well as her measurements."

Lelouch chuckled, then handed her a paper. I was right to fill this out. Milly is the generous type. With that, my plans will proceed.

"I only have one more request. Since all students are required to join a club, I think it'd be best for her to join the student council.

"That's all. Fine, but you owe me a favor Lelouch vi Britannia."

"Deal. As long as it's not about cosplaying." He warned her. All tasks at hand have been cleared. Now, I think it's time to inform Kallen on this plan.

Kallen looked at Lelouch as if he were crazy. Lelouch, I swear, I can hit you sometimes. She began to scowl at him.

"Are you nuts? If they find pizza girl here, they'll snatch her up in a heart beat. Then were all in trouble."

"I have Jeremiah working on creating a fake identity for her. I have all the necessary precautions." He walked up close to her, and she began to tremble. He put his hand on her chin, nearly knocking her out. "I've got everything under control for now. Just leave everything to.."

He was greeted with a burning pain of his face. Kallen had slapped him.

"Don't give that little routine of yours! I once told this to Suzaku, and now I'm telling you: Kallen Kozuki is a soldier, not a sideshow!" She raged. Honestly, what the hell is he thinking?!

Lelouch began to chuckle, laugh even, as he rubbed the pain from his face. "I'm glad that you did that actually. You're finally acting like yourself again, Kallen." All tasks at hand have been cleared. That leaves but one obstacle: Suzaku.

Suzaku walked through the settlement, his court martial playing over and over in his head. 'Case No.107: Private Suzaku Kururugi, Area 11 Military Forces. In the murder of His Highness Prince Clovis you are no longer a suspect, and are hereby set free due to lack of evidence.'

The trial kept playing in the back of his head. He was suppose to die. But Zero saved him. God damn you Zero! You kept me from my redemption.

He looked down, and began to ponder out loud. "What happened? I'm free."

"Out of the way, please." a voice cried out. What the hell? Suzaku looked up, and saw a girl falling to her death. "Look out below!" Upon instinct, Suzaku caught her. The fuck is going on around here?! Suzaku asked himself, staring at the beautiful women who had landed in his arms.

"Oh!" The girl said as she landed in his arms. He looked at her, with her pink hair flowing down to her waist. Who is she?

Suzaku shook off his curiosity, snapping back to reality. "Uh, are you all right?"

She instantly stood up, and he gazed into her deep, violet eyes. "I'm sorry. I wasn't aware you were down here until I had leapt." She said impulsively.

Suzaku smiled, trying not to work her up. "Don't worry about it. I wasn't expecting a girl to come falling out of the sky and into my arms, either."

Euphemia looked at him, and instantly knew who he was. Suzaku Kururugi

"Oh, my…" she accidently said out loud.

"Huh?" Suzaku cried. "Is there something wrong?" Of course something's the matter. She just jumped off a building.

The pain in his eyes, they look like...mine. Euphemia had only a few seconds to think. I shouldn't… he's an eleven after all and I'm… No, I will not give in to those thoughts. She put on a smile, then turned to him.

"Yes! There is something wrong."

"Huh?"

"The truth is bad guys are chasing me. So considering the circumstances could you help me, please?"

Help her? I suppose it's the right thing to do, but...Suzaku froze...his mind felt like it was bleeding. What is this...sensation?

"Is something the matter with you as well?" Euphie asked with a tender tone.

"No. And as for helping you, I guess I can help." Suzaku said on impulse.

Euphie leaned towards Suzaku, and grabbed him by the arm. She began to walk, with Suzaku right next to her.

"I'll be joining the student body here at Ashford Academy beginning today. My name is Cecilia Lamperouge. It's a pleasure to meet you all." C.C. told them, wearing a fake smile.

"Very well, Ms. Lamperouge. Why don't you take a seat next to Lelouch. After all, he is your cousin correct?"

"That is correct sir." The immortal witch answered. She had learned a thing or two about lying from Lelouch. And it seems to have paid off.

Immediately, Rivalz began to stare at C.C. Milly looked at her with suspicion. Kallen kept glancing back at her. Hiding her in plain sight. It's brilliant, but at the same time, it's just...urgh.

"Now then, Queen Elizabeth the 3rd lost the British Isles to Emperor Napoleon II, but later escaped custody and retreated to the American Colonies, which in time became our homeland..."

The Student council was paying little attention to class, all of them thinking about Cecilia.

Good. No one seems to be disturbed by C.C.'s presence. Lelouch spoke in his mind. Now to learn about her roommate.

"Do you know what this "Orange" means?" Kewell asked, a vengeful look in his eye.

Villetta began to lose her cool with all the uncertainty, and shouted. "Lord Jeremiah told you fools already. Project Orange was an espionage mission, directed by Prince Clovis, in order to search for and/or find any trace of his siblings, Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally. Zero was able to use him like that because Project Orange had located them somewhere inside inside the Tokyo settlement. If Orange was made public, the terrorists would've used it to surround the settlement and use them as the primary hostages."

"But if thats true, why were we not informed of Project Orange sooner…"

Jeremiah entered, having a determined look in his eye. "Because Project Orange was to be trusted only to those who Clovis kept at his side. Most of his court have had their memories muggled somehow. And I assure you, it was not Bartley and certainly not myself."

"Whoever Zero is, he has an agent working on the inside. But how the hell do we know it's not you Jeremiah?"

"Because I have the history of Project Orange on this flash drive" he told them. He plugged the flash drive into the computer. "Unfortunately, the data that made up Project Orange was either transferred or destroyed, but it does leave behind a calling card." Jeremiah pulled up the exact code that was used to transfer the data.

"But that code belongs to..." Villetta gasped.

"I was afraid of this. This code makes one thing clear: Whoever Zero has a connection with, is a member of the royal family."

"We haven't introduced ourselves yet, have we?" the princess informed Suzaku, her thoughts beginning to pile up. I can't tell him my real name. So…. "My name is…" What should my name be… my nickname! "Euphie."

Suzaku gave her a puzzled look. "Euphie?" What kind of name is Euphie?

"Yes. That's right. And you're a celebrity. The son of Prime Minister Genbu Kururugi, Private Suzaku Kururugi." she told him, her eyes wandering. Ohh, how cute.

If there were people after her, they should've at least made contact by now. That means... Suzaku grunted, trying to assert himself. "Humph. You lied before. There's no one chasing you at all, right?"

"Meow"

Suzaku was shocked, he even jumped a bit. "What?" he blurted out. And as he turned, he noticed something very familiar. That cat. He shook himself off, regaining his hold on reality. Euphie bent down to meet the strays big yellow eyes.

"Meow meow." She continued, even with the cat hissing at her. "Aww, does the kitty's paw hurt? Oh, meow meow meow!"

The cat sniffed her, then began to rub against her fingers. The fur is so soft, it feels just like cashmere. "Meow meow." She said once again, now picking the cat up. she giggled, gesturing for Suzaku to pet the poor thing.

Suzaku had never been much of a cat person, but it was nice enough to let her hold him. I guess it's ok then. "Hmm, hi…" he attempted. Suzaku leaned his hand closer to the feline, slowly lowering his guard. When he reached the cat, he suddenly felt a sharp pain. The cat had bit him.

Aargh! He held in, the pain slowly working his way up to the front of his mind.

"Oh, my…" Euphie cried.

(at lunch)

Lelouch was on the roof, enjoying his turkey sandwiches. Rivalz walked up behind him, then grabbed a hold of him.

"Rivalz, what are you doing?" Lelouch demanded. What the hell is going on. This didn't happen last time. Is this because of introducing them to C.C.?

"Sorry, but no can do buddy. Pres' orders." he said, as he dragged the Demon Emperor to the Student Council room.

Lelouch looked around, the scents of fresh fruit and pastries filling his nose, and saw almost the same things from when the had inducted Kallen into the council. He noticed that the only ones that were here we're himself, Rivalz, Shirley, and Milly. Out in the corner, Nina was typing on the computer. Probably working on… He froze, remembering F.L.E.I.J.A.

"Lelou, you asked us to induct your cousin into the council, and you didn't remember to bother showing up?! Honestly, what's been with you lately?"

"Yeah, and by the way Lelouch," Rivalz began to whisper. "Why didn't you say that your cousin was smoking hot."

Smokin Hot! Lelouch screamed in his head, offended by Rivalz remark. "Why would I say that my own cousin was 'smokin' hot', Rivalz."

Milly turned to Lelouch, wondering what he had to hide. She took a quick glance at him, then backed off.

"In any case, I felt ashamed for what happened to Kallen during her induction. So, this gives us a chance at redemption. Now, everyone get into position." She instructed.

They turned out the lights, and hid themselves behind the desk. Out of nowhere, they heard the sound of footsteps. The doors slid open, and Kallen came in with C.C.

"It's rather dark in here. Let's find the light switch, shall we Kallen?" As she flipped the switch, the entire Student Council, with the exception of Lelouch, sprung out and said "Surprise, and welcome to the Student Council you two."

Lloyd narrowed his eyes, looking out of his armored van. "We're running late. I hope he's still waiting for us."

Cecile looked at Lloyd with her bright blue puppy dog eyes. "Considering the charge, did they really release him?"

He smiled, looking pleased that they had done so. "Yes. They had no evidence. I'm sure they put him through the third degree because of that Zero incident though...uhhh?"

"Ah!" They said in unison, seeing Princess Euphie with Suzaku.

"What? Why is he" He said, but then he smiled devilishly. "Oh ho ho. It seems Euphie wants to get in trouble."

Euphemia let Arthur down between them, still tending to his paw. "There. All better now. So, Suzaku, do you have trouble with cats?" she asked him.

Suzaku looked at the cat that would be Arthur. "H'm. I like them fine. However…" He reached to pet him, but Arthur immediately began to growl at him. "The attraction isn't mutual."

Euphemia smiled at him, adoring his compassion. So strong, so kind, and yet so sad. She closed her eyes, trying to imagine his reaction. "I think an unrequited love is a mark of a kind person." She opened her eyes, and Arthur had run away.

"The kitty ran away." she said, slightly disappointed.

"Oh, uh. Euphie, why did you tell me that lie when we met?"

"Do you ask because you're concerned about me?"

Suzaku froze for a second. "Huh?" Do I care for her? However, Suzaku quickly responded to her. "Um... of course."

"Good! Then you can accompany me some more." Euphemia confirmed, grabbing him by the arm. "Come on. It'll be fun." She pulled him towards the city, ready to continue their day together.

"Lelouch?" Kallen said as she walked up to him. Her expression was how she looked when she got mad at school. "Do you have a minute?"

Lelouch gazed at his red knight in his usual cold way. "Of course. What is it?" He asked, enjoying her company for a change.

"Lelouch, why did you have pizza girl enroll here? She could have been hidden within the…"

"Are you talking about me Kallen?" Lelouch's "cousin" asked her , forgetting that Kallen hadn't noticed her sneaking up behind.

"Ah!" Kallen screamed, seeming to be startled. She immediately turned around, looking angrier than she was before."You shouldn't sneak up on people you know. Didn't your mother ever teach you.."

Lelouch put his hand on her shoulder, and she knew that was too far.

"Oh… I'm sorry." Kallen apologised. Never thought I'd say that to her.

"Don't worry about it. But all the same, why should you be worried whether or not I can be seen in public." She pondered. "Unless of course, you do?"

"And what does that suppose to.." She stopped, switching into her fragile face. lelouch turned, and saw Shirley right there.

"Shirley! We were..um...uh.." He stuttered, trying desperately to catch his train of thought.

C.C. looked at her with that new smile of hers. "We were just catching up. It's been years since we've seen each other. Right, Lelouch?"

Thank you C.C. "Yeah, that's it."

Shirley gave him the cold shoulder, looking at C.C. with her own, genuine smile.

"Come on. Madam Pres thinks it would be best if you stayed with me." Shirley said, dragging C.C. by the arm.

"Well, that was weird. What's with her?" Lelouch asked. Kallen smirked at him, looking proud and amused at the same time.

"Maybe she saw you put your hands on me earlier, or overheard us in the bathroom." she joked.

"Don't even joke about that." Lelouch remarked, his face completely red now. Why would Milly want to have them share a room? Probably get more gossip that way, I suppose. But still, I want to keep Shirley out of danger this time. Then again, this could be an advantage of doing so.

"The Shinjuku Ghetto... ruined again. The residents were starting to return too." Suzaku informed Euphemia with a heavy heart. Shinjuku was now home to many sad memories for the Japanese now, and as the site of Prince Clovis' death for the Britannians.

"Man, they didn't use RG on the Elevens. I figured they wouldn't." a voice said. Suzaku and euphie gasped, and turned to see something unexpected.

Out of the blue, two Britannian students showed up, looking like they were sightseeing. One of them was blonde and wearing a red bandana. The other had flat black hair, and both of them wearing some school uniform.

"Hey, look! Those are marks of Hummer rounds. Get a clear shot of it." The brunette said.

"Say cheese!" He took the picture. "Got it. Okay, me next…" He said, before being pushed to the ground. Suzaku looked at them, and saw that the people who pushed him were Japanese. It was Tamaki.

Tamaki threw a punch, knocking the camera out of the students hands."Get out of here, you damn Britannian bastards!" Hei raged, clutching his fists tight.

Euphie gasped, having not seen the minimum scale level of violence before. Trouble. "Euphie, stay here." He told her, and marched up towards the scrap.

The britannian schoolboy helped his friend up, all the while trying to impose superiority on Tamaki and them. "How dare a lowly Eleven speak like…"

Tamaki sent his mouth flying off. "Don't call me an Eleven! I'm Japanese, got it!" He sneered, about to kick the crap out of both of them.

"Wrong. You seem to forget you people lost. You're nothing but a beaten dog!"

"Grrr... you racist pig." he said to them, about to blow a gasket

Suzaku came running, hoping to stop the conflict before it happened. "Stop. Please no violence!" he begged, trying to place himself between the groups.

"Stay out of this!" Tamaki screamed. He grabbed Suzaku's hand, and swatted him aside, knocking Suzaku's sunglasses right off. At that moment, everyone became silent, staring at Suzaku.

"You're that…"

"Are you Suzaku Kururugi?"

"The guy who killed Clovis?"

"No, it was Zero who killed him. He was just suspected."

Tamaki snarled at Suzaku. Why'd Zero even bother saving his ass. Can't even work up the balls to stand up for himself against them. "Eh. This guy is nothing more than a slave. You're an honorary Britannian. Big deal. Nobody cares. You sold your pride, your people, yourself, yet you call yourself Japanese?"

He's right. I killed my own father to end the war, that led to japan being taken over, and then it was stripped of all it's rights. But still. Suzaku began to speak. "No! You're wrong!"

Tamaki's temper rose to a breaking point. Wrong! "I am not wrong!" He charged at Suzaku, his fist filled with his hatred of Britannia. "You stinking Britannian lapdog!" Suddenly, he found himself in the air, flopping around like a rag doll, until he was reintroduced to the ground. The impact nearly sent his bones flying out.

"Ah." they all said at once. Tamaki grunted, his wind knocked right out of him.

Suzaku scowled, filled with conflict about protecting his people and serving Britannia, "I warn you. I've been trained for military combat. Don't make me fight against my own people." He begged.

Tamaki sneered. "Like hell your own people!" He raged. His own people! Yeah fucking right, you lapdog.

Yoshida grabbed Tamaki' shoulder. "Come on. Let's just go."

Tamaki: "Oof, lousy traitor." They walked away, leaving Suzaku in a state of confusion. Am I a traitor? Is a lapdog all I really am to them? Zero, Lloyd, Cecile, Lelouch, and now Euphie. How many more people will get involved with me, and how many will actually know of my actions? Regardless, I have to strive for change, and I'll do it from within,...Zero!

"Suzaku. Oh my… Are you okay?" She asked, her eyes full of concern. That was plain awful. I never want to see things like that again. But to do that would mean…. She thought, before returning to reality, via Suzaku answering her,

"Yeah, I'm alright." he lied, knowing that his heart was aching on the inside.

The britannians got to their feet, and immediately began to shoot their racist mouths off.

"Well I'm not O.K. Just look at my prime-G and my elex-4."

"Why did you wait? Damn it, some honorary citizen you are."

"Why'd you let 'em go? You should have killed 'em. What's a few dead elevens to a guy like you! Who do you think's taking care of you all these years anyway?" He managed, before getting slapped by Euphie.

Euphemia scowled, looking at her own people with disgust. "I will not allow you to insult this man any longer, you... oaf.

Suzaku stared at the gentle, pink-haired women in shock at what she just did. He pondered briefly on what to say, before settling on..."Thank you Euphie."

She smiled, looking as if nothing was wrong."Why thank me? I was just being a good person." she asked.

Shirley sat on her bed, staring out the window. "Tell me Cecilia… does your cousin like.."

C.C looked at her confused, but cut her off. "If your asking about what Lelouch likes, then ask him yourself." She gave Shirley a wink, and began to smile. "I can't make it too easy for you, now can I?"

Shirley blushed. How did she know that I like Lelou? Madam Pres? No. Could Lelouch like me back, and told her. No, Lelou doesn't like telling secrets to anybody. Darn it! Shirley felt her cheeks turn bright pink.

"You do really like him, judging from the expression you just showed. I'm sure he could like you if you simply told him how you fell. I can't say I know exactly how he'll respond, but I will say this about Lelouch: He will do anything to protect his friends and loved ones." C.C. proclaimed.

Suzaku held his head down, his knuckles now turning white from the sheer pressure of his grip. He faced her, looking deep into her eyes. "Tell me Euphie what do think the world is like."

"I think that it can be a kind place if people would just…"

"Euphie, don't look at me with disgust when I say this, but, take another look. Because I only see the same things over and over. I see starvation, disease, filth, decay, racism, constant war and terrorism. We're living in a never-ending cycle of hate, like rats running in a wheel. The cycle has to be broken. Somebody has to do it."

"Suzaku. I.." she tried, but Suzaku ignored her, caught up in his own little world at the moment.

"But then again, it's doubtful if the one who does it will make all the bad things go away. But no one should lose the people they love to violence, therefore a world without war is what should be aimed for."

"But, how would you do it?"

Suzaku froze for a second, frustrated at the lack of a clear answer. How would I do it? He cleared his throat, and began to speak.

"I don't know how you would do it. But if I stop trying, then my father's death will have been in vain."

"The Prime Minister's death?" She blurted out loud, not realising it.

"My own father died, because he had to sacrifice his life in that war." he lied. Of course he didn't. I killed him… How long...do I have to live with this lie?!

Euphemia gasped, giving Suzaku a sad look. Suzaku.

Suzaku looked at the pink haired women, seeing her upset. "Oh, I'm sorry Euphie. I didn't mean to get all episodic there."

"It's all right." she told him, quickly changing into a smile. "You just spoke your mind. And that's quite rare for someone like me."

'Someone like me.' What does that mean? He tried to solve the puzzle that she left him, but she cut him off.

"Anyways, I'd like to do this again sometime. Is that alright with you?"

Suzaku froze, but then smiled at the girl. "Sure. I wouldn't mind at all actually." Why am I happy? After all, I killed my own father, and then let him take the fall for it. Japan was conquered thanks to me. But… I can't help but feel happy around her.

"How about in 3 days, at Shinjuku park? Is that ok?" The princess asked, looking fetching in the orange light.

"I'll be there, Euphie." He promised, taking her hand.

"Great." She giggled. "But until then.." She gave him a peck on the cheek.

He froze, staring into the horizon as she walked away. Until then, Euphie. He thought, a smile coming onto his face.

Euphie turned, and began to walk away.

(watching from afar)

"Oh ho ho, it looks like Euphie goes for the bad boys." The earl of pudding remarked, grinning like crazy.

"Lloyd are you feeling ok? You usually don't pay much attention to these things." Cecile asked.

"I'm fine. As for taking interest, I want to see how this new factor will affect his performance rating. It's quite interesting,seeing that now he has something else to fight for."

"But shouldn't we tell him…"

"Tell him what? That the girl he was with was Euphemia li Britannia, the third Princess of the Empire. He needs to know that like he needs to learn that I'm an earl: He doesn't. Not yet anyway."

"But to keep something like this a secret…"

"Will be absolutely fine if she doesn't get caught. And if she does, we'll claim to have had no idea. We won't even tell Suzaku that we know." Lloyd began to chuckle, smiling at the image of Suzaku grinning.

"After all, I wish to see what effect love has on my dear Lancelot."

(later, at the Government Bureau)

Cornelia scowled at Euphie, and began to lecture her. "I heard what you did, Euphemia. You shouldn't be so reckless. Sneaking out on your own. And to the ghettos of all places. What were you thinking?"

Euphemia lowered her head. "I know, sister. Forgive me. But…" Cornelia lifted her hand up, telling her to stop.

"You will address me as Viceroy here, Sub-Viceroy Euphemia. Because we're sisters, we need to follow a stricter protocol."

Stricter protocols, huh? "Yes, I understand." she had lied to her sister, but it didn't matter to her. She now had a secret life all her own, and the only one who knew about it was...Suzaku. She thought sweetly.

Cornelia snapped her fingers twice. "Earth to Euphemia. It's Cornelia." What is distracting her so?

"Oh, I'm sorry Viceroy." Euphie said, jumping a little. I have to keep these thoughts as hidden as possible. If Cornelia found out, then… No, she will not find out.

"Humph." Cornelia shrugged. She turned towards her men, and gave her orders. "Now then, give me your report."

The officer saluted, and began to speak. "Yes, my Lady. The first order of business is a welcome party we've arranged for your Highness and…" He gasped, for Cornelia had pulled out her gun, and aimed it towards him.

"Sloppy, senile, corrupt." She mused. Her face instantly changed to match her title 'Witch of Britannia'. "Where is Zero? I want the enemy of the Empire caught! Get Zero before me now!"