C.C.'s body was bloodied and was back to being chained on a table. Mao sat in a chair beside looking bored.
"Hmm, I've run out of ideas. I'd like to go back to the chainsaw dream of mine but, V.V. made me promise no dismemberment."
Footsteps were heard in the dark room.
"Are you having fun Mao?", Charles asked.
"I was, but I've run out of ideas."
"No matter. C.C. is needed somewhere else. Lloyd has returned."
- - -
Suzaku was dressed and went by Euphemia's room to get her so they could look for C.C.. He knocked on her door.
"Who is it?", she called.
"It's me, Suzaku. Are you ready?"
"Yes." Euphemia walked through her door dressed and ready.
"Where shall we look first?", Suzaku asked.
Euphemia thought for a moment. "The kitchens. I don't think she ate last night."
"Good idea."
- - -
"Brother, where do you think C.C. has gone?", Rolo asked.
"I'm not sure. Nunnally?", Lelouch called.
"Yes?"
"Can you focus on C.C. and figure out where she might be?"
"I'll try." Nunnally concentrated on C.C. in order to see her future. Then, at least they might be able to find where she will be later. But she couldn't see anything.
"Brother, I don't see her."
"I see. Rolo, your Geass didn't work on her either, did it?"
"No, it didn't."
"Then we can only assume that they don't work on C.C., we'll have to find her the old fashioned way."
They were about to start looking when three servants came to them. One of them spoke up.
"It is time for the vi Britannia children to resume their lessons."
"Lessons?", Rolo questioned.
"Yes. Your Highnesses have been gone for a long time. You must be educated on the proper way to behave."
Before they could answer the siblings were separated and taken to their studies.
- - -
"She wasn't in the kitchens. The cooks didn't even mention seeing her", Suzaku said.
"Why don't we check the garden? I always love looking at the flowers."
"That might be it, but I don't think C.C. is the type of girl to stare at flowers."
"Is that a bad thing?", Euphemia asked.
"Uh well, I just mean that C.C. seems to focus more on other things."
"I see."
"But we could check anyway! Leave no stone unturned", Suzaku said when he saw Euphemia's face.
"Alright!"
Euphemia led Suzaku to the gardens. Suzaku noticed a particular flower bush. It's amethyst petals were outstretched. Euphemia followed his gaze.
"Those are queen lilies. They're my favorite."
"They are pretty, but I think I prefer cherry blossoms."
"Cherry blossoms?", Euphemia questioned.
"It's weird, I've never seen them except for in the books Lelouch reads. But I still think they're beautiful."
Euphemia was silent for a moment. "You have a home to return to, don't you?"
"I'm not sure."
"What?"
"I thought I knew where my home was. But after all this, I'm not sure. Lelouch always said I don't think things through. But I've never had to before. I feel like the wrong decision will disappoint my friends."
Euphemia grabbed Suzaku's hands and looked him in the eye.
"Don't worry so much about disappointing others. If you're free to choose, then you should take advantage of it!"
"I should?"
"You have a choice, and I'm sure you could even stay here if you wanted!"
"Stay here?"
"U-um, what I mean is. . .well."
"I think I understand."
"You do?" Euphemia noticed the soft look in Suzaku's eyes.
"Yeah. I have make decisions for myself."
- - -
"Prince Lelouch, I thought it'd be best to start with strategics. Many of your brothers and sisters have a position in the military. It's imperative that you learn the basics", the tutor said.
He laid out a map on the desk that Lelouch sat at. On it where two sides. Lelouch guessed one side was meant to be Britannian and the other side the enemy.
"You have 10 minutes to draw out a battle plan, incorporating the enemy's movements. I understand this may be a little advanced since you have had no prior teaching since you were missing but-"
"I'm done."
"What?!"
"I assumed you wanted the Britannian side to win so I worked with that. I was able to compensate for the hole in our defence and allowed the 2nd division to lead while having some of the soldiers cornered the enemy at the mountain base."
The tutor looked at Lelouch shocked.
"Although we did have an advantage at having a bigger army. Britannia may be powerful, but you should be prepared to be outnumbered."
"I-I, w-what? You. . ."
Th tutor called for a maid and talked to her quietly. Her eyes widened and she left quickly.
- - -
"You were greatly mastered in the art of archery Prince Rolo. It's a useful weapon."
"Archery?"
Rolo was being taught outside with a female teacher. She showed him to a target, and handed him just a bow and arrow.
"I'm sure you know what to do."
Rolo looked at his tools confusedly, then looked at the target. He turned and pointed it towards his tutor.
"Hey, stop playing around. Get serious."
Rolo fired and the woman ducked out of the way. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
He pointed to where the arrow landed. Against a tree straight on an insect.
"That wasp looked like it was about to sting you."
- - -
"Music?"
"Yes, your Highness. You were learning about the flute when I last saw you."
Nunnally's instructor was an energectic man. He handed Nunnally the instrument and showed her the sheet music.
"This was written by Empress Marianne herself. I'll play it first just so you know how it sounds like."
He started to play and the tune sounded familiar to Nunnally. She picked up her flute and played. Her teacher stopped playing and watched her. Nunnally finished and looked up at him.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"That. . .that was perfect. How did you?"
"It sounded familiar. Like an old lullaby. So I just thought I knew it."
"Amazing, just as I expected from a princess."
- - -
Up next: I don't know. Maybe I'll have Lelouch finally find C.C. or something. Maybe I'll have Suzaku and Euphie's first kiss? Hmmm~