CHAPTER 8:

PRINCE, PRINCESS, PLAYERS

The reunion with Euphemia went well, for the most part. Kallen seemed to be seething with jealousy, but that became mingled with a kind of wistful sadness and even happiness as she witnessed the reunion between Euphemia and her creations in their previous lives. Kallen was happy for the former Dark Elf twins, who got to reunite with their creator. And if truth be told, Kallen was actually happy to have another Supreme Being present.

Still, eventually, Lelouch and Euphemia reconvened in the Round Table room, for a private talk. "I still don't know what is harder to believe. You were my older half-brother in this life, the NPCs have been reincarnated, or that Aura and Mare have swapped genders." She pouted. "My adorable trap and her tomboy sister…"

Lelouch all but sweatdropped. Instead, he decided to change the subject. "What name do you prefer? I mean to be addressed as?"

"Oh, I love being called Euphie, so you can still call me that. What do you prefer, Momonga or Lelouch?"

"Lelouch, but remember, Nunnally and I are meant to be incognito here, thanks to what our sperm donor did. If you must refer to our last name, then it is Lamperouge."

"Yes…I had thought he had loved Marianne, and yet, to dismiss the investigation into her death…" Euphie shook her head. "We can talk about that later. Lelouch…why did you kill Clovis?"

"…The fact that he was murdering civilians in Shinjuku wasn't enough reason?" Lelouch said quietly. "One of the resistance groups stole what they believed to be a chemical weapon bomb. According to Kallen, or Albedo, her group were going to use it to expose Clovis' crimes. After all, even Britannia has adhered to the ban on chemical and biological weapons…at least publicly. If things got out, he would have been disinherited at the very least."

"So he intended to wipe out the Japanese here to cover up that fact?" Euphie asked, horrified.

"No. Poison gas was the cover story, given to the soldiers sent to clean the mess up. He was actually involved in human experimentation. That green-haired girl you saw earlier in the Throne Room? She was the main test subject. She calls herself CC. She's not a reincarnation as far as I know. Rather, she's an immortal human being in this world, capable of granting a power called Geass. But when she gave me that power, it unlocked my memories and abilities from Yggdrasil, along with the memories and abilities of the NPCs who were reincarnated. In any case, Clovis, apparently, wanted to gain her immortality for himself. Since then, she has been basically hanging around being infuriatingly enigmatic and eating pizzas."

"…She's immortal? Really?"

"She claims to have fought alongside Jeanne d'Arc. Plus, I personally saw her recover from a bullet wound right between the eyes. I am working on getting documentary proof of Clovis' crimes."

"So, that wasn't that 'Orange' thing you blackmailed Kewell with?"

"No, no, that was a bluff. It worked only because I used Geass on him." Lelouch tapped his left eye, activating the power briefly, showing Euphie, before deactivating it. "My Geass power is to issue an absolute command to anyone I wish. I've done a bit of experimenting. Not on the NPCs, as they are loyal to me already, but on some of the staff and students at Ashford. I can use it once, unless I issue a backdoor command or tell them to wait for further orders. I can even order someone to commit suicide, as I discovered when I first used it on Clovis' Royal Guard, who were about to kill me."

"So, like an ultra-strong Imperius from the Harry Potter books, only a one-use thing?" Euphie mused.

"Yes. Our father has one, though I don't know what it is, and CC alluded to another who has the ability to read minds. CC also warned me that, as I use it more often, it may enter a state of it being activated permanently, called Runaway Geass. With my Geass, it would be a potential disaster."

"…I can see why. What did they say back in our world? Loose lips sink ships?"

"Yes."

Euphie leaned back, peering at Lelouch. Eventually, she said, "I'm not happy, you know. Clovis, to me, was a kind brother to me. I believe you, Lelouch, but…I had nothing but fond memories of Clovis. Vapid and vain, yes, but…"

"I know. But I wanted to save those lives at Shinjuku, not to mention finding out who murdered my mother," Lelouch said. "Under the influence of Geass, Clovis said that Cornelia and Schneizel may know. I don't believe Cornelia was a willing accomplice to my mother's murder, let alone the perpetrator, but if she knows something…"

Euphie shook her head. "And what are you going to do, kill her?"

"Cornelia was one of the few members of that family I respected. I may have to kill her, but I will avoid it where possible. Leaving aside everything else, the truth is, killing her may only ensure a stronger response. Given how much Cornelia despises graft and corruption, she'll be targeting those elements within the Britannians almost as much as the Japanese groups. But if she comes after civilians, then I will destroy her. Not necessarily kill her, but…well, remember what we did to that one guild, shortly before Touch Me stepped down from heading Ainz Ooal Gown? And then, there's persuading her to defect. That would be tricky, I would imagine. I would have to reveal that Nunnally and I are still alive and she may try to take us back to Pendragon…still, it's something to consider. However, I do not intend to abandon Ainz Ooal Gown, or the Japanese. They have done more for me than just about anyone in Britannia."

"Not to mention we were both Japanese in our old life," Euphie remarked, before a gentle sigh wafted from her lips. "It's ironic that the Japan in this world, even as it chafes at the bridle of a conqueror, is much more beautiful than what it became in our world. Blue Planet would have given an arm and a leg to see this."

"I'm sure," Lelouch said, though he winced inwardly at the reminder of the other members of Ainz Ooal Gown.

"Hmm. Well, we need to stick together, I'm sure. I'll do what I can to deter Cornelia from repeating Clovis' actions. I want to see innocents killed as much as you do. Apropos of nothing…what was with Albedo? Why did she look at me like I was going to steal you away from her?"

Lelouch winced, outwardly this time. "…I was a bit miffed about nobody staying until the end, I got bored, started reading Albedo's backstory…and then I saw Tabula's little bit at the end. Saying that, in spite of being an elegant lady, she was a bitch on the outside."

"Ah, yes. Tabula always loved gap-moe, unexpected contrasts," Euphie said. "So, you changed it?"

"It was only a few minutes before the servers shut down!" Lelouch protested. "I just changed that last bit to 'she is deeply in love with Momonga'. Ugh, if I knew something like this would've happened, I wouldn't have done it. I feel like I've soiled Tabula's creation, and forced her to love me."

"Well, if it was my brother who did it, I'd be whacking him over the head by now," Euphie said.

"…I am your brother. Well, half-brother."

Euphie nodded, but her face became solemn. Thinking of Peroroncino, no doubt. "You know what I mean," she said quietly. Then she looked back up at him. "I'm not going to do that for a number of reasons. Firstly, you're actually sorry about what you did. Secondly, you couldn't have foreseen this happening, and let's face it, it's like something out of a bad anime, this whole thing of game players and NPCs reincarnating, and I've done voices for some pretty bad ones. Thirdly, you're not a sex maniac like my brother was, and you'd actually be considerate of her feelings. In any case, just in case, I'm going to talk to her, make sure she understands that I'm not interested in poaching you. I saw you like a brother back in Yggdrasil, and while I did voice characters who were into incest for some H-Games, I'm not really into that for real. Even if you are pretty good looking. Plus, it's best that I defuse the yandere bomb before it goes off…"

Albedo felt ambivalent about this. On the one hand, one of the Supreme Beings had come back, which was always a cause for celebration, and Aura and Mare were happy. On the other hand, she was a rather beautiful girl, and she had been one of the ones who left Lord Momonga alone…though the fact that she did eventually come back was a point in her favour. And now they were alone, and who knew what they were doing together…

Albedo closed her eyes and calmed herself down. When she had lived as Kallen Kozuki, she had gained some perspective. She had been weak. Not just weak in the same way humans were, but weak because of her position, caught between two worlds. But her anger and determination, not to mention her skill with a Knightmare Frame, made her strong.

The truth of her existence held little problems for her, even after Lord Momonga explained it to her. It didn't matter that she had been created by the Supreme Beings, by humans, within a game as their playthings. To be created for a purpose was reason enough. She had been made with a beauty beyond compare, with strength beyond measure, and if these humans needed virtual reality to be gods, then she didn't mind. She didn't even mind being altered slightly to love Momonga, for that gave her further purpose, and indeed, love beyond the sexual experiences of Succubi.

She had to admit, she was actually sorry for Shalltear. To learn that one's creator had been murdered by a lowlife would be a shock, and for all Albedo's antagonism towards the lamprey, they were comrades and allies. Albedo had felt the same way as a human when Naoto perished. Even now, she actually missed him. She, Albedo, cared about a human! But…this was her new reality.

In any case, she was waiting impatiently for the doors to the Round Table room to open, and they finally did, Lord Momonga and Lady BubblingTeapot emerging. "Albedo?" BubblingTeapot said. "I'd like to talk to you."

Albedo bowed, and allowed BubblingTeapot to lead her away. Soon afterwards, BubblingTeapot got to the point. "I'm not going to steal him away from you, Albedo. Or would you prefer Kallen?"

"When within the halls of Nazarick, I prefer Albedo, Lady BubblingTeapot."

"Just call me Euphie. I'm so used to my name in this world, and it's shorter than my old handle," Lady…Euphie said. "But anyway, there's a couple of points I need to make. One, Momonga was like a brother to me back in Yggdrasil, even though I had one already."

"Yes, Lord Peroroncino. I was sorry to hear of his demise," Albedo said.

"Thank you. Two, I am, in this life at least, Momonga's half-sister. I may have voiced characters for adult games with incest pairings, but it's something I wouldn't do myself. So I am not a threat to your relationship."

Eventually, Albedo said, "If you wished to be part of it, we were open to the idea of a harem. The hierarchy would be what was at issue."

"Harem? Hierarchy?" Euphie chortled. "Oh dear. My brother must be rolling in his grave. And poor Momonga. How many?"

"Women? Aside from myself and the lamprey, I believe Solution has expressed an interest as well. Her human self has had a crush on him for some time. And there is the possibility of the CC woman joining in." Inwardly, Albedo was relieved. She was a little wary, in case Euphie was lying, but the rest of her was relaxing. Indeed, she was basking in the benevolence of one of the Supreme Beings. Ah! If only her own creator was here! And Euphie had no intention of stealing Momonga away from her! One of her greatest fears was unfounded!

"One of the Pleiades as well?" Euphie chuckled. She walked over to Albedo, and then hugged her. "There's one thing I want you to promise me, Albedo. Promise me that you'll keep him out of trouble. I know he intends to take on Britannia, and I despise what it did to us, did to our family, not to mention the suffering it caused not just the Japanese, but all the Numbers. Momonga's good at figuring out what to do…but he might get in over his head. If he does, get him out of it."

"You needn't ask, Lady Euphie," Albedo said quietly. She would do anything to keep Momonga safe. "But, if I may be so bold as to question a Supreme Being…what will you do to aid us?"

"What Momonga intends to do with guerrilla warfare, I intend to do with diplomacy," Euphie said. "I am well-placed enough to begin a series of reforms within Japan. What's more, I will see if I can sway Cornelia to our cause. The problem is, the Britannian system is very deeply entrenched in their own superiority complex. Changing things from within, while not impossible by any means, will doubtless make me many enemies, and if any of our enemies have a power like Geass…"

"I see. While I am not content with hiding in shadows and acting with temerity, I understand your caution, Lady Euphie," Albedo said. "The Geass is almost like a World Item. If your father in this life possesses one, that makes him very dangerous indeed. And changing the ideology of Britannia, from without and within, is sure to be difficult. After all, killing an idea, especially one as resistant as the Britannians, is difficult." Albedo gathered herself, knowing that she was taking a risk here, before she fixed Lady Euphie with a glare. "However, know this. Should you betray Lord Momonga, I will give you to Demiurge and Neuronist to do what they wish with you, Supreme Being or not, but I will ensure they leave you alive once they are done, so that I may inflict a slow, lingering demise. Should any other Supreme Being turn up, even my own creator, the same would apply to them."

"Understood," Euphie said, a little taken aback, but not without her own fire in her eyes. "And if you betray him, then you will suffer the same fate."

"I would expect nothing less," Albedo agreed. "But I would never betray him." Then, a little grudgingly, she admitted, "I am still glad that a Supreme Being has returned to us. I fear that we may not have been enough for him, and…"

"…Albedo…Momonga was the one most committed to Ainz Ooal Gown out of all of us. He lived for it in a way none of us managed." Euphie chuckled softly. "Ah, I remember how much money he blew on an item in the in-game lottery machine. He was a bit miffed when Yamaiko got the same item with less money. So your fears are unfounded, Albedo. And I'm glad I came too. My brother was murdered back in our original world. I was starting to get sick of the H-Game roles. But here? I'm a princess, and my creations…Aura and Mare are alive. Changed, yes, but…in a way, I have children now, to be there for them. Aura and Mare are my children. Plus…well, between you and me, Cocytus' new form is pretty cute, don't you think?"

Albedo nodded readily. It was prudent to agree with a Supreme Being after all, and Cocytus' form as Suzaku was indeed cute…

"Are you ready, Nunnally?" Lelouch asked. "Should this succeed, you'll only be able to stand out of the wheelchair when out of sight, at least until we can find a plausible cover story. Of course, your legs may still be weak, but we can use physical therapy for those."

Nunnally nodded. The denizens of Nazarick were once more gathered in the Throne Room, with Euphie there as well. Lupusregina was on standby to try her healing skills, in case this didn't work. But as Lelouch activated the Shooting Star ring, he had the feeling it would.

The ring would allow him to normally cast Wish Upon a Star without the experience expenditure the spell normally incurred, though the effects were still randomised. However, something told him that he could direct the magic. He wouldn't lose any experience points, and he could wish for the right thing.

"SHOOTING STAR!" he roared. "RESTORE NUNNALLY'S ABILITY TO WALK!"

Energy flared out, and as the bright light faded, Nunnally began to wince. "Ow, ow, ow…ooh, it's all pins and needles! Ahhh!" she hissed softly. She began massaging her wasted legs, grimacing. As they watched, though, the legs, once wasted, gradually gained some more mass. They were still slender, but they at least looked capable of supporting Nunnally's weight now.

Tentatively, she got to her feet, and tottered, but did not fall. "My lord…I can WALK(1)!" she said, surprised and overjoyed.

Applause burst out, with Lelouch and Euphie going over to Nunnally, hugging her. Maybe it would be the last bit of celebration before their struggles began in earnest, but they had cause to now…

CHAPTER 8 ANNOTATIONS:

So, BubblingTeapot and Momonga have had a talk, and Albedo has had some reassurances. Keep in mind, this will be the last chapter for a while. But I hope you guys have enjoyed what was written so far. And has anyone seen the new titles for Overlord Season 3? I think the titles are brilliant, and Myth & Roid's Voracity is easily on a par with Clattanoia from the first season.

I deliberately wrote part of the chapter from Albedo's point of view for a few reasons. One, the POV of this story has been mostly with Lelouch, and I felt it was about time more was done with Albedo/Kallen, who's been out of the spotlight. Two, I wanted to show both the similarities and differences between the canon Albedo and this one. Canon Albedo grows to hold a major resentment for the other Supreme Beings, going so far as to basically head up a secret hit squad to kill them if they ever showed up in the New World (she doesn't tell Momonga this, obviously, just claiming it's a group meant to track down other Supreme Beings). Here, while she still has that resentment, it's tempered by a few factors.

Firstly, she has had an actual human life, so her empathy, while rather slight, exists. Secondly, BubblingTeapot made her appearance before that resentment could boil over into murderous intent (I got the impression that it took a while for it to happen in canon, as it's yet to happen in the translated books if I recall properly, though the signs are there). Thirdly, BubblingTeapot, once she has arrived, actually makes it clear she's not competition for Momonga's affections, which helps matters. This means that, in the unlikely event that I do bring in other members of Ainz Ooal Gown (and frankly, that's not going to happen unless I get a good idea), Albedo's not going to kill them. Oh, she'll be jealous and still a yandere, but she won't be a problem to them.

Review-answering time! Kaiya Azure: If Peroroncino was reincarnated into the world of Code Geass, he'd end up as Rivalz or Tamaki. Maybe Milly. Also, I remember one fanfic (can't remember which one it was off the top of my head) where Orange is eventually equated with Code-R, at least in the minds of Gottwald's superiors.

LoamyCoffee: Actually, Euphie will still be falling for Suzaku (who will be part of a love triangle with Shizu), and as for the Euphienator incident…well, the jury's still out on whether that happens, though if it does, I hope to make the outcome different to canon.

Guest: I am aware of SeerKing's Overlord fic, but I excluded it partly because it hasn't really gone beyond Book 1, and partly because it seems dead. And thank you for your understanding regarding my choice of words.

korat5: Nunnally is NOT going to be trying to get into her brother's pants. But she is going to be holding a whip over any would-be harem members.

aliestrikehero: While I don't know when I will update Yield to the Darkness, unfortunately, Evileye won't be making any kind of appearance…unless it's in a sneeze cut cutaway I could cram in. Which is a shame, as Evileye is an interesting character.

1. I cribbed this line, with modifications, from the last lines of Dr Strangelove. I mean, aside from the song We Will Meet Again…