July 5 2017 a.t.b.
Euro Universe Debriefing on Britannia's Military
Britannia's military is the most powerful of the world, numerically and technologically superior to any one nation. Currently, estimates of their military count 10 million active soldiers of their 1.4 billion population, with a reserve of 2 million. The deployment of the first knightmare frames in Japan would have led to a decrease in these numbers, but with the destruction of Mount Fuji, the sakuradite necessary to fuel knightmare frames was reduced dramatically. It is estimated that only 40% of the original amount of sakuradite in the world remains. Despite this, Britannia still has continued production of knightmare frames at an alarming rate, at approximately 50 frames a day. These frames complement several scores of armored battalions, acting as shock armor.
A special note must be made about Britannian armored forces. As seen from the Pacific Incident, Britannia has placed significant emphasis on fluid, rapid armor tactics supported by infantry. This would not normally be effective, but analysts suspect that Britannia has been preparing its military for a decade to perfect its integration of armor and infantry, culminating this with the knightmare frame. The total numbers of the Britannian armor cannot be determined, but from observations of Britannian campaigns, roughly 4 battalions of tanks, 4 battalions of armored personnel carriers, and a squadron of knightmare frames are integrated with 10 infantry divisions.
With the obsolescence of aircraft through Sakuradite Disturbers, the only effective way to engage Britannian forces is through artillery bombardment, urban warfare, magecraft, or sacraments. The latter two are the most effective, but difficult to acquire. The Magus Association and the Church are officially nonparticipants in "affairs of the nations." However, the Magus Association backs Britannian forces with "rogue" mages, knowing that a magus can easily declare himself independent of the Association, whereas declaring independence from the Church is an act of heresy for a Priest or an Agent.
The options available to the Euro Universe are limited. Britannia has not invaded because it has its hands full from consolidating Japan and invading Africa and the Middle East. Acting now is preferable than acting later, because Britannia is growing stronger with each day.
Chapter 7: Classmate Fabrication
11 August 2017 a.t.b., 0105 hours
A glimpse of the road.
A panicked call.
"Lelouch? Lelouch! Hang in there, buddy!"
Rivalz? I'm alright.
Then-
"He'll be alright."
"Wait a minute! Who are you-"
Fade.
"Master Lelouch! What happened?" That's Sayoko.
"It's nothing much. You don't have to worry about it."
"Now, just who exactly are you?"
"I already told you. You don't have to worry."
Fade.
"So, Lelouch. You're awake."
He was, but everything seemed so dark. Little flashes of light appeared in his vision, but he couldn't pierce through the darkness. His body was exhausted, but his mind was sharp. With a final, strenuous effort, he opened his eyes.
Lelouch found himself staring at the ceiling of his room. He tried to sit up, but that proved to be too strenuous for him. Instead, he propped himself up with his arms, and leaned on the back of the bed.
The smell of pizza hit him full force. He turned towards its origin.
A girl in a black t-shirt and jeans sat in the seat at his study table. She was quietly munching on a slice of pizza, next to six empty boxes stacked on top of his books. Her green hair was tied back in a short ponytail, wet from the shower she had apparently taken recently.
"I was hoping that you'd wake up soon. You snore like a thunderstorm given life."
And now she was giving him lip. "You know, after all of the accommodations you've availed yourself to, you could at least be grateful."
"You should be grateful to me. After we got here, I had to use my powers on that dull boy, several guards, and a maid to get you in here. That was a hassle."
"Well, who saved who? If I remember correctly, you- Wait." Lelouch's brow furrowed in thought. "Powers?"
"You're welcome." C.C. smiled. It wasn't a nice smile. It looked pretty, but that didn't matter. It was the smile of one who was hiding pain.
"It's not nice to judge. Well, I guess I have to explain some stuff to you, dim and insulting as you are. If you are to fulfill our contract, you have to stay alive." She stopped, taking another slice.
"Most people see one world, one of science and rationality. A few know that two exist, the second being affected by the presence of magecraft and magic. My being as an Immortal stems from the Akashic Root, a third world. I think you've already deduced that I'm an Immortal. We are from this third world, which is not entirely different from the second. My captors theorized that prana, the fuel for magic, originates from this third world, even saying that Akasha, the third world, is the World, the basis of all living beings." She sighed as she realized that only a few slices remained. "I'm pretty sure all I'm doing is getting you confused.
"I don't particularly care. What matters is that our powers bypass all others. Your Power of the Kings, the Geass I gave you, is a powerful one. So, Lelouch. What are you going to do with my gift?"
Lelouch remained quiet. Annoying and sardonic this girl may be, the power she gave, as well as her abilities, were a godsend. This could accelerate his plan.
"Ah, so you do have a plan. There's a brain inside of that head of yours? What a surprise. You might actually be entertaining. Now go wash my jacket." She pointed at the strewn clothes from her Britannian captors on the floor.
"What- I am not your-"
"Would you rather have your sister see me, in your clothes, washing them?"
That struck a nerve with Lelouch. Not one of anger, but of sadness. "She wouldn't be able to tell. She's blind."
"I'm sorry. Still, you're washing them."
Lelouch sighed. "Fine." He painfully got up. He realized something. I never asked what her name-
"C.C. is my name. It's not a code name. It's all I am." Lelouch turned sharply to look at C.C.. Her expression was unchanged, but something was off.
"Don't worry about me. Just go wash that jacket."
When he returned, he found C.C. on his computer. "What are you looking for?"
"Information on Immortals." She was surprisingly focused, scanning articles rapidly.
"What exactly-"
"We can't die. It's not that simple, but that is our main power. We can create contracts with normal humans, giving them Geasses in return for a guarantee on their part. We can create," and here she air-quoted with her fingers, "'psychometric interference' within a human's brain. And apparently, I can hear bits and pieces of whatever's on the surface of that brain of yours."
Lelouch raised an eyebrow. "You make it sound like that doesn't usually happen."
"It doesn't. I'd imagine that it came with training. I certainly couldn't do it with any of my other contractees."
"Training? You had to practice immortality?"
"Yes. I learned the depths of the human condition from human will, using Alaya's-" She touched Lelouch's hand, and he felt a wave of pain, revulsion, and hate ripple through him. He saw just one of the hells she experienced, visited upon her by Alaya, the very counterforce of humanity's will to live. "-gift. So there's no need to wax sarcasm at my Code."
He breathed heavily, trying to recover from that momentary vision. "I'm- I'm sorry."
C.C. read an actual, sincere feeling from her contractee. She was … surprised. But before she could dwell on it, Lelouch returned to business.
"So, what is my Geass? It seems that I could control those soldiers without resistance. I need to know the full specs of my weapon, if I am to use it."
"I don't know."
"What?" Lelouch was surprised. She was the one who gave him this power. She should-
"The Geass given is determined by the recipient's desires, not by the will of the Immortal. So I have no idea."
Lelouch sighed. This is going to be a long night.
"Why?" C.C. got up and laid on the bed.
"I need to revise my plans. And you cannot sleep in my bed."
C.C. ignored him, snuggling deeper into the covers.
"I said-"
"Goodnight, Lelouch."
He shook his head. It's amazing that she's part of the most infamous force in Britannia. Let's see … What should I designate her as?
Ah, I know.
Q1.
11 August 2017 a.t.b., 0527 hours
Ashford Academy, Area 11
Shirou awoke. He felt completely sore, a testament to the strenuous activities of the day before. At least he was in a soft bed. He would have just stayed underneath the covers until the afternoon, but something cool and hard was touching his leg.
Shirou turned on his side, and met the gaze of Saber lying by him.
He was on the floor in seconds, gaping and stuttering at the fairly serene, and now perplexed, girl in full armor.
"Are you alright, Shirou?" Saber sat up, her armor clinking lightly. She pushed the covers off and sat on the side of the bed, steel-clad feet dangling over the side.
"What- What-" Shirou stood as he struggled to get the words out, still tongue-tied at the- at the immodesty of it all. He looked down, and was relieved to see that he still had his uniform from yesterday.
Saber raised a bemused eyebrow. "What is it?"
"What-"
There was another clink as Saber slid off of the bed and stood at attention. "I await your orders, Shirou."
"What- What-"
"English, Shirou. Speak it."
He took a deep breath. "What were you doing in my bed?"
"I was protecting you."
Shirou's legs almost gave out. He was completely shocked that a girl of such- of such decorum would be so indecent. She was completely unfazed, as if it was completely acceptable for a girl to sleep with a guy after only meeting him a day ago. He was able to collect himself before expressing his anger.
"Saber, it's not- it's not right for you to- to- to share a bed with me." He sighed. The very thought of it appalled him.
Now, Saber looked less bemused and more confused. "Why not? In my time, common practice was to keep trusted knights beside their charges. Hiding underneath those sheets is the best way to surprise assassins."
"But-" Shirou paused, hesitant. "It's-" He stopped again.
"What's wrong, Shirou? I will do anything in my power to remedy the issue." Genuine concern could be heard in Saber's voice, which made Shirou feel all the worse for what he was going to say.
"Saber, it's because you're- you're a girl." Immediately, he felt himself flush. He turned his head, expecting to be slapped. A sharp intake of breath from Saber indicated the fulfillment of this fear in seconds. But …
Nothing came. There wasn't any angry, retaliatory retort from a gauntleted hand. Shirou looked back at Saber, and it was guilt that convicted him, hitting harder than any blow she could have given. Saber's gaze was directed at the ground, her blonde bangs obscuring her eyes. Her shoulders and arms were pulled inwards, her entire body tense and compact. She looks so small. Is she- Is she trembling?
"I see. So it is my sex that is interfering with my duties yet again." Saber suddenly looked at Shirou, her demeanor melancholy. "You are truly an honorable man, and I cannot hold this against you. However …"
Saber shook her head, and looked away. "I had hoped that you would see beyond my- my failings. I am your Servant. As a Servant and a knight, my duties are to ensure your protection first and foremost. To find that I am incapable and unworthy of answering that call because of an unchangeable aspect of me is-"
Her words were frozen in her mouth as Shirou grabbed her shoulders, the cloth on the pads pressing down with his fingers. She turned her head to face him, and found his gaze aimed directly at hers. He spoke. "Saber, I'm sorry. I didn't know. I just was surprised to find-" He flushed again. "-to find you next to me. I feel pretty strongly about these things."
He searched through his head for alternatives. There has to be something that will satisfy her desire to sleep with me- Crap. That sounded wrong. What should I do? What can I say?
"I guess- I guess it would be alright if we shared the same room." I'm not too happy with that, but it's the best way to allow her to stay with me. "Just don't do that again."
Saber relaxed. "Very well. I must ask, though. Is this truly your home?"
"Of course-" He looked around, and then realized that he was in Ashford Academy. "What-"
His memories of yesterday ended with talking to a guard at Ashford and entering the guest rooms. After that, there was nothing.
"Saber, this isn't my home. What happened after we got into Ashford?"
"You fell asleep. I decided to let you slumber. That rag you gave me was … unpleasant, so I used the baths to cleanse myself."
"Alright …" Shirou took another look around. "Saber, this is the boy's dorm!"
"You are the one who brought me here, Shirou."
Shirou had to sit down. He held his head in his hands. Now that he thought about it, he did remember foggily walking with Saber into the boy's guest dormitory. He groaned.
"Are you all right, Shirou?" Saber was becoming more and more bewildered at Shirou's apparent mood swings.
"It's nothing. Nothing at all."
He checked the time. "It's almost time for classes. Saber-" What was he to do with an armored girl? She couldn't just go to the Academy with him. He made up his mind. "Saber, I'm going to have to ask you to stay in here."
Saber's jawline hardened. "You know that is impossible, Shirou. I must be with you at all times."
"I can't have someone in armor following me around. You'd attract way too much attention."
"So be it. As long as you are protected, I will disregard all spectators."
"It's not about that. If we're in this Grail War, I don't want anyone getting hurt because the other Servants see us."
Saber quieted at this. "Then what would you have me do? Without me, you are vulnerable."
That's true. And if something does happen, Saber is the most capable person to handle a threat to innocents as well. Shirou sighed. I need some fresh air.
"Saber, I need to step outside for a little while. I won't be long, I promise."
"I take it that you need some time to think?"
"Yeah."
"Then I shall wait for ten minutes. If you do not return, I will retrieve you."
Ten minutes? Retrieve me? "Alright. Make yourself comfortable."
Shirou left, closing the door quickly behind him. He started walking, enjoying the scent of new dew on the grass.
What should I do? Saber should stay with me. That'd be the best thing for her. But how do I get an unknown girl to be enrolled here? She certainly carries herself like nobility, so she'd fit in. The only problem is creating enough credentials so she would be admitted. Unless-
He stopped, finding himself in front of the Ashford residence. That's it.
He took out his phone and called a number.
"Milly? I need some help."
Saber sat on the bed, watching the sky burn from red to blue. Her mind was elsewhere.
Shirou. I am confused about him. He is nothing like Kiritsugu, but they share the same last name. Is it truly possible that they are of the same blood? Perhaps- If he was my master in the last War, I would have been able to acquire the Grail. Indeed, if a certain knight had his honor, I might have been able to retain my kingdom.
She frowned. Enough about the past. This time, I have another chance to obtain the Grain. I need to see how competent a magus Shirou is. I still possess all of my prana, but with further battles, Shirou must replenish my power. If he can't-
The door opened, one minute short of the ten minute deadline. She turned her head.
A tall, buxom blonde walked in, followed by Shirou. Both were taken aback by the radiant being sitting in front of them. The morning light touched the girl lightly, creating an aura of soft warmth. She wore a blue gown highlighted with gold, a white dress underneath that was visible between the vested corset and bust. Completely regal in appearance, she observed the two with unreadable eyes.
Shirou gaped. She looks like a princess. With all of that armor on, it's hard to tell her status just looking at her. But with this, it's impossible to doubt her upbringing. He, after several attempts, was able to find his voice.
"Milly, this is the girl I was talking about, from the Aylwin family. She's been exiled from the homeland for political reasons. She needs a place to stay for a while." Saber, do you see what I'm getting at?
Saber just kept returning their gazes.
Milly was still staring at the girl. "Uh- Um, it's nice to meet you, miss-?"
"It used to be Lady Arturia eu Aylwin, of the Duchy of New Wales. I was accustomed to being addressed to as 'Milady,' but …" Saber bowed her head, but Shirou caught a flash of understanding. He inwardly sighed with relief.
"A-ah, Milady. It's-"
"Please. My title is no more. I simply go by my moniker, Saber. It is a pleasure to meet you, Milly."
"You- you too, Saber. I think we'll be able to accommodate you for as long as you like." Milly finally was able to take her eyes off of Saber, and addressed Shirou. "I'll be able to send up a uniform in a few minutes. Can we just talk outside for a moment?"
"Sure. Saber, just give us a minute."
"Alright, Shirou."
Milly and Shirou stepped outside. As soon as Milly closed the door, she squealed and hugged Shirou.
"I can't believe it! You actually were able to seduce a girl! And I have to say, a fine, high-class one at that. So tell me. How'd you get her into your room? Is she good in bed? No, don't tell me. I'll save that bit of gossip for later. A mysterious girl, noble in stature, enters the campus at the behest of her beloved. Of course, I'll leave out all the sensitive stuff. This is going to be great! I'll talk to you later, Shirou! I'll let you two naughty creatures a bit of time to yourself!" Milly talked so quickly that Shirou barely fit a word in. And like that, she was gone.
"Milly- What-" Shirou just placed his palm on his face. At least Saber can attend Ashford with me.
He decided to heed Milly's advice and take some time back in the room.
As he opened the door, Saber looked at him curiously. "So how did negotiations go?"
"They were pretty good. I'm glad you caught on to my plan." It was his turn to look at Saber curiously. "You caught on pretty fast. The scandal just came out a few days ago."
"A suspicion based on past actions. The Aylwins are loyal, but they have a penchant for imprudence."
"Um, alright …" Shirou decided not to press any further into the matter. "You'll be able to go to classes with me after you get your uniform. Is that good?"
"Very." Saber looked content, crossing her legs. This was the first time she was so relaxed.
"I'm glad you're happy." Shirou started heading towards the door. "I just need to take care of some-"
"Shirou." There was a note of urgency in Saber's voice.
"Yes?" Shirou turned back to face Saber. He held his breath in the silence. Then-
"Thank you."
She smiled.
It was genuine, pure.
Shirou was still for a moment, and then turned his head, coughing in a vain attempt to hide his flushed face. Saber cocked her head, puzzled.
"Are you alright, Shirou?"
"It's nothing."
Now that I think about it, Saber's actually a really pretty girl. All of that nobility, and yet she's so small, so petite. It's kinda cute. I can't describe it, but … When she smiles, I can't see her as my Servant. Just my Servant. Not that type- Hero of Justice. Hero of Justice. That's not a heroic thought.
Before Shirou's active imagination created further un-hero-of-justice thoughts, someone knocked on the door. Shirou answered it.
"Uniforms for the young lady, sir." It was Milly's butler, who appeared (in a discreet, butler-ish fashion) to be scandalized by the whole matter.
"Th-thank you." As soon as the uniforms were passed from his hands to Shirou's, the butler fled.
"So, this is the uniform?" Saber curiously peered around Shirou's arm.
"Yeah. I'll let you have some privacy to change." Before Saber could make an argument for a more indecent course of action, Shirou hurriedly left.
He only had to wait two minutes before Saber's voice came muffled through the door. "I am done, Shirou."
When he entered, he was speechless. The beige jacket, the black miniskirt, and the thigh stockings transformed Saber from a knight to an Ashford schoolgirl. Saber looked down at her exposed legs critically.
"It bewilders me that the uniform for a lady is so revealing where it needs not be." She looked a little embarrassed as she looked back at Shirou, but managed to remain stoic about the matter. "However, if this allows me to accompany you to school, Shirou, then I will wear it."
Saber caught Shirou staring. "You seem to be looking at me often, Shirou. Are you sure there that nothing is wrong?"
Shirou shook his head, and walked towards Saber. He moved his hands to her neck. She just kept her eyes on him as he lifted the collar of her shirt and made a series of loops with the cloth around her neck.
"Your tie wasn't straight, Saber. That-that's all."
He checked the time. It was 7:15. He still had three-quarters of an hour before class.
"Saber, would you like a tour of the campus?"
Saber blinked. More and more, life did not seem like the war she prepared herself for. It was unexpected and unsettling, but … Perhaps a little calm before the storm would be pleasant.
"Yes, Shirou. I would like that."
11 August 2017 a.t.b., 0750 hours
Ashford Academy, Area 11
"Saber, Shirou! It's almost time for class!" Milly ran over to the perceived couple. Aw, they're taking a walk together. They looked so cute, she just had to interrupt. "Saber, I brought your books. Now hurry along, I need to talk with you." And with that, she whisked Saber away, her tall, curvaceous body contrasting sharply with Saber's short, petite figure.
Before she vanished, she called out to Shirou. "I won't keep Saber long! Don't worry, I'll return your little lady to your company before class!" The exasperated expression on Shirou's face was priceless.
Little lady? Saber barely had any time to think before the energetic blonde dragged her along, walking quickly through the lawns that she had just seen with Shirou. She couldn't fully appreciate them, though, because Milly was whispering in her ear.
"I got my father to create a brand new identity for you. You are now Saber Kenway, the sole daughter of the deceased Lord Kenway. He's relatively mysterious, so you can expect few questions about your past. The teacher will introduce you as such. Just make up some answers to whatever questions people might have. I gave you a seat right next to Shirou, so you two can have all of the time you'd like together in class." Milly paused, catching her breath.
"Thank- thank you." Saber was more ruffled at the rapid procession of information presented to her, but Milly took it as an adorable embarrassment from Saber's happiness being placed next to Shirou.
"I'm so glad Shirou found a girl like you. You are just so adorable! So, how far has your relationship gone?"
"I- What?"
"Well, you two were in the same room together last night, so I thought-"
Saber caught on. "We're nothing- nothing of the sort. We just have a … mutual understanding." She flushed mildly, taken aback by this forward girl.
"Oooh, I see. So that's how you two play it. Don't worry, Shirou was all clueless and hush-hush about it as well. I get it. You two make a great pair. I'll let you two decide when you want to make it official. If you want something high-profile, just tell me!"
The flush deepened on Saber's face. "There's no need for-"
"Oh, look at the time! I kept you too long. Well, I'll just give you to the teacher right now. Tell Shirou I'm deeply sorry about keeping you from him, okay?"
And with that, Milly ran off to her class, leaving a thoroughly flustered Saber next to the teacher, who was about to open the door to the full classroom. Saber took a few breaths, and was able to settle enough to regain her calm composure. The teacher turned his head downwards and gave her a kind look.
"Milly is quite energetic. Don't worry, you'll fit in well with everyone."
"I am glad that you think so."
And with that, the teacher respectfully opened the door for the noblelady.
"Class, we have a new student. She just transferred from the homeland, so I hope you'll all make her feel welcome."
The class turned to her expectantly. For a moment, she didn't understand why. And then-
"My name is Saber. Saber Kenway. It is a pleasure to meet you all."
Subconsciously, she felt a current of prana flow throughout her, a habit she had to reassure herself. Its warmth comforted her in times of stress, and returning to a public environment was stressful for Saber. The flow of prana, however, created a subtle aura of power and light around her, emphasizing her nobility and calmness to almost divine levels.
The entire room was silent, the customary applause lacking.
Finally, the teacher broke the silence. "Ah, Saber. Your seat is to the left of Shirou," he said, pointing to a seat to Shirou's right. The class's heads followed the mysterious noble as she sat next to Shirou. Even as the teacher began the history lesson, students took furtive glances at Saber.
Who is this girl? Lord Kenway never had any children. He didn't even have a wife. He would have mentioned them to my mother when he visited the palace. Lelouch's mind was churning furiously. No member of the nobility held themselves like that. Only royalty.
And yet, he could not place that face anywhere.
Shirou flipped through his textbook, but his attention was not entirely on the lesson. He snuck a glance at Saber beside him, who was completely focused on what the teacher was saying.
If she is a hero from her time, then she should've never heard of this stuff. If she's a knight from the medieval ages, she probably never went to school. I'm going to have to tutor her in a lot of subjects. She seems as if she's fitting in well with a normal life. It just doesn't seem like she's part of this war. Why is she in this, anyway?
"Both Masters and Servants will do anything to receive the blessing of the Grail." Does this mean she has a wish as well? What can it be? Why would anyone fight in a war for a simple wish? I know that there are things worth dying for. But I've never had one, so I can't speak from experience.
He was stirred out of his thoughts by the voice of his teacher, directed at Saber. "Saber, you have something to say about the origins of Britannia on modern government?"
"I do." Shirou detected a grim note in Saber's voice. It was all but unnoticeable, but Shirou's proximity to and relationship with Saber allowed him to hear it. "A king is responsible for his people, correct?"
"Yes, Saber. Our ruler, in his benevolence, has the best interests for us."
"What would qualify for a king's removal?"
"Well, we've seen in the past that insanity and malevolence have been the cause of regicide. Various governments have been developed by people, but as seen with Britannia, the rule of a king has led to its power and success. Generally, the will of the king is the will of the people in time."
"And if the king did nothing wrong, if the king truly is acting for the good of the people, do the people still have the right to dispose of him?" The shaking in Saber's voice alarmed Shirou. She was still as enduring as ever, and yet the miniscule tremor was still there.
"People are … fickle. This is where Washington's Rebellion has influenced our government for almost two centuries. Even though a ruler is doing everything right for his people, his people may not be satisfied with his rule. An element of self-governance, as seen in our bicameral legislature, creates a balance between the wisdom of our leader and the will of the people."
"I see. And what if the people do not know what is best for them?"
"Then-" The teacher froze. This was borderline treasonous. If he expressed the correct, approved answer, he would be criticizing the House of Lords and the House of Commons. If he expressed his favor for the will of the people, he would be criticizing the king. "I'm sorry, but we have to move on. It's an interesting question, but unfortunately we do not have time-"
"Saber, are you saying that the king should have total control of his people?"
The entire class, riveted to the discussion between the teacher and the new student, turned to the back of the class. Lelouch Lamperouge was the one who spoke. His fingers intertwined, elbows on the table, and a poker face on his countenance, he was looked ready for a debate.
Saber, facing Lelouch, replied. "If the king is good and just, why should his people dispose of him?"
"People may have a different perception of 'good and just.' Who else is to judge the king's actions?"
"A king serves his people, so he cannot be held by their standards. A king should only be judged by a power greater than his."
"What, like God?"
"Yes."
Shirou felt it first. It was a wave of warmth, of regal power. He turned to look at Saber, and saw steel in her eyes. The air hazed around her, her currents of prana being tapped.
Lelouch gritted his teeth, angered at his outburst. For a moment, he almost revealed his true feelings about the matter. He smothered them, and put a smile on. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Our king has maintained his power by the forces of natural selection. Indeed, it could be said that his rule, his selection is the product of a divine force, to have been in power for so long."
Silence followed. Then, the bell rang.
The rest of the class occurred without incident, except for a general subdued air about the class. Finally, classes ended as lunch began.
A crowd immediately gathered around Saber.
"So are you really related to Lord Kenway?"
"What part of the homeland are you from?"
"Is Saber your real name, or your nickname?"
"Shirou! Shirou! We're going out for lunch! Bring your friend!" Milly pushed aside all of the onlookers and grabbed both Shirou and Saber's hands as she dragged them outside.
The three quickly caught up to a tall, dark-haired, handsome boy. Milly let go of Shirou's hand and whapped Lelouch's head with a rolled-up paper. "Lelouch! Quit daydreaming and say hello to our newest member of our student council!"
Lelouch smiled ruefully. "You didn't have to hit me so hard, madam president." He turned. "Isn't Shirou already on the student council?"
Shirou blinked. "Try again, Lelouch. Look down."
He did. The possibly pretend noble. "Ah, Saber. So, Milly decided to drag you into our council? My name's Lelouch. I'm the vice president." He offered his hand to her.
"A pleasure." Saber took it, grasping his hand firmly and shaking it.
Lelouch winced. She's surprising strong for her size. He looked at Saber, then at Shirou. "Do you two know each other?"
They glanced at each other. "Yes." They answered simultaneously.
"I see." Interesting.
Before further questions could be asked about Saber, a girlish voice called out to the group. "Luluuuu! Millllyyy! Shiiiroouu! We're over heereee!"
Outside in the courtyard, a lithe, ginger-headed girl was waving at them, waiting with a blue-haired, lanky boy and a skinny brunette girl wearing glasses and pigtails.
"Oh! You're the new girl. I'm Shirley! Nice to meet you!" The ginger stood up, smiling at Saber.
Rivalz remained sitting, a grin making its way across his face. "I'm Rivalz, the secretary. If there's anything you need help with, I'm your man."
"I-I'm Nina." The black-haired girl introduced herself shyly. She flushed. "It's-It's nice to meet you." She kept looking at Saber and blushing, turning her head back down at the ground.
"A pleasure. I am Saber." Saber couldn't help but smile in response to their friendliness.
"Well, guys, now that we have the introductions over, where to? Classes are over today, so …?" Milly pulled up a basket and gave it to Shirou.
"How about Shirou's place? It's far fancier than the lunchroom," Rivalz said, grinning and slinging his arm around Shirou.
"But it's in Fuyuki …" Nina suddenly became nervous. She fidgeted and bowed her head.
"Nina, you don't have to worry about Fuyuki. It's been reformed by Britannian estate companies." A grimace crossed Shirou's face briefly, only to be replaced by the neutral expression he had before.
"Well, how about it, Shirou? We could cook some more stuff in that gigantic kitchen of yours," Shirley said.
"Since we're already walking there, I think the decision's already been made, Shirley."
"Lelouch, it's not a problem. You guys are welcome anytime you want." Shirou managed to extricate himself from Rivalz's arm, smiling faintly as Rivalz continued to wrestle with him. It was more one-sided than it seemed, since Shirou was as tall as Lelouch, and a lot stronger.
"Have I ever told you that you're too generous, Shi-" A girl, in his clothes, with a green ponytail, was pointedly looking at Lelouch. He flinched visibly. What is she doing here?
"Lelouch?"
"I'm sorry, I have to go for a minute. I'll meet you guys at your house, Shirou." The dignified sentence did not match the hurried speed at which Lelouch ran. Or rather, attempted to run.
"So, we're off!" With that remark, Shirley began peppering Saber with questions about her lineage, her favorite clothing stores, where she got her hair done. What was truly surprising was that Saber responded readily, making up facts on the spot. Of course, they were along the lines of vague descriptions of nobility, mansions, and servants, but Shirou was relieved.
Perhaps this won't be so bad after all. This erroneous though crossed Shirou's mind, the hope of an innocent before a conflict.
"What are you doing here?"
"I want to accompany you."
Lelouch and C.C. were walking rapidly outside school grounds. C.C. just kept walking, Lelouch struggling to keep up. She continued to speak.
"Something important is going to happen. I'm coming with you."
"That's preposterous, C.C.. It's just a council meeting."
"So what's the harm? I'll wear a cap, if you're worried about my hair."
In all honesty, it didn't really matter if C.C. followed him if she took the necessary precautions. So why did Lelouch have that sudden turn of his stomach, that foreboding hesitation that comes with the wariness of the future?
"Because you're being overdramatic."
He sighed. "You win. Let's go. I'm already late."
It took fifteen minutes for the bus to arrive at the transfer stop, three seconds for C.C. to nick a cap, and ten minutes to arrive at Fuyuki City.
When he entered, another scene of chaos was before him. Shirley ran to him. "Lelouch! It's terrible! Look at the news!"
She pulled him into the main room, where Milly, Rivalz, and Nina were engrossed with the ongoing explosions and cracks of gunfire on the television.
"-are at Shinjuku, a battlefield. Eleven extremists have begun to attack Britannian forces. Though they are merely fighting with small arms, they still are bent on the destruction of innocent Britannian life. Military advisors are telling civilians to stay indoors until the fighting ceases. More information from your trusted news source, Area Eleven's Britannian Broadcast Channel." The anchor faded out, replaced by an ad.
Lelouch examined the room. "Where's Shirou?"
"He took Saber with him, said he had to help out some friends." Shirley looked pleadingly at Lelouch. "What if he gets hurt?"
Lelouch gritted his teeth. Always like him, to go off half-cocked and stubborn. "I'm going to get him."
"Take us with you, buddy!" Rivalz jumped up. "We're not going to leave a member out there!"
"I can't." Lelouch shook his head. "It would be easier for all of us if only one person went. Too many people would be too obvious."
Shirley bit her lower lip, then smiled nervously. "Be careful, Lulu!"
"I will." Before anyone else could delay him, Lelouch left.
C.C. left her leaning position and walked beside Lelouch. "Back to Shinjuku?"
"Yeah."
"And you know how to get there?"
"I thought you might have something to do with that, if you're an Immortal."
C.C. laughed darkly. "You could say that." She smashed in the window of a car and unlocked the door. Sliding into the driver's seat, she opened the bottom of the steering drive, snapped the two wires, and then sparked it. The old engine started.
Lelouch stepped in. "I don't suppose you're going to tell me to hold on tight."
C.C. just gunned it.
AN: Bloody hell, writing this chapter was a pain. I'm adopting a new order to the chapters, and adding ~2000 words to each chapter to fulfill a self-imposed 5000-6000 word standard. I do apologize for the delay. I was swamped with work. I will update on Fridays and Saturdays, and the next update will arrive in two weeks, hopefully. I believe that's it.
Tactical Updates INCOMING. IT'S OVER.
EDIT: Some stuff changed. Times fixed, etc.
Now, to address updates:
I'm giving the previous chapters (1-5) and the two prologues a holy mother of an upgrade. A private message alerted me to lacking action scenes and a load of disorganization. So I am moving the two prologues to an "Aftermath Files" chapter, and adding ~2000-3000 words to each chapter. So this week, updates will be arriving quite frequently. Other chapters (6-8) will have minor edits.
Chapter 8 will be offically up in roughly two weeks.
EDIT: As of 12/29/11, the C.C. rewrite has occurred.