Disclaimer: I own nothing of Code Geass, nor of Guilty Gear, nor to a lesser extent, BlazBlue and Rewrite. I do own this story, and all the inspirations along with it. And of course, the brain where the ideas came from.
"Nunnally?"
She woke: emerging from the damp heat of dreams to the pleasant warmth of her brother's hand in hers. She grasped it, tight, for the images had been quite unpleasant.
"Brother..."
"Ssh, I'm here, I'm here, Nunnally..." His gentle caresses sent waves that soothed the anxious cobwebs away.
She remembered that he had been reading to her a tale. The musty smell of the book they had lent his brother still lingered in the room. She had a vague memory of what the story had been, but she could not now grasp it, having lost it in the sea of her sleeping mind. Smiling she looked up to her brother and said, "Would you read the story for me again, Lelouch? I think I fell asleep that time." She meekly stuck her tongue out as an apology.
Her brother's steady breaths never faded nor went away as she felt him reach out with a flutter of clothes. Then his cleared his throat, saying, "Very well. Anything for you, Nunnally."
She settled in her seat, never once letting go of his hand. The many chances she'd be allowed just to hold his hand were so, so few. "What was the title of that story again?"
"It's called, 'The Curious Cat and the Magician's Curse.' Once upon a time, there lived a cat..."
)()()()()()()()(
I did not know what I was. I didn't even know who I was. All I could gather when I opened my eyes, was that I was here, and that I had a purpose.
"From mud and sticks and grass I make you, I make you, praise Earth, praise Gaia. My life is yours as you are mine. You will be seeing unseen. You will act and bleed for me and nothing more..."
Before I could open my mouth, or twitch an ear to listen to the sounds around me, I knew things. It was like my brain was like a chip that's been hard-wired ever since it got off the assembly line. Everything was all there; programmed right in. What people were, what the big, big world was like, what Important Things were. Seithr, magic, Knightmares, giants...
And so, I easily understood what was being asked of me. When I was told or rather, ordered to go and fulfill my duty, I did so without complaint or question, knowing full well that I could and should not protest, and that I already knew everything there was to know.
And so, shrugging off the doldrums of sleep from my eyes, I trotted out of my mistress' cavern and into a long, narrow space, colored grey as a cloud.
Along the way I passed many giants who were just like my mistress, pounding and stamping on the floor recklessly. They were loud and their many noises hurt my ears, but I decided it was for the better; in exchange, they had become too busy to notice me.
I slipped through cavern after cavern, searching for my way out of the maze. I knew I was trapped in a labyrinth, and all my senses were strained to finding the exit. My eyes were ordered to see and I saw.
There was a tall, lean giant, and another smaller, but no less big giant next to it. They were standing next to another giant. The first and the third giants had shinier-looking eyes, although that may have been just a trick of the light. I blinked. My ears were ordered to hear and I did:
"- I believe Her Majesty has no objection to it if it is Prince Schneizel's will. But yes, I do share your concern. It may as well be an 'un-secret' project if the prototype's going to be used by the Order as such-"
"- what I was talking about. I was right wasn't I, Cecile? Ah well, at least we'll be getting primo data - "
"- realize there is a low, low chance of the prototype being actually used if it's revealed to the world so early like this? -"
" - course I'm aware, but will they complain if it's exactly the logical evolution of Britannian RnD needed by the Empire if we intend to keep up with the newer Union Crisis Suits? - "
" - we'll be moving to the Order branch near Suzaku's school, Lord Guilford. I've made all the necessary arrangements - "
I didn't really understand what the giants were saying, but I was ordered to listen, and I did. I looked past the giant and slipped into another cavern, thinking it was the exit.
" - already had communications with the Union and Federation representatives here. With luck, they'll accept and I can finally put the last touches to the plan - "
" - not worry about Euphie, sister. I've managed to contain most of the circles' opinions by diverting them to Clovis' case. I do not know how long it will last, but that should forestall another outbreak of protests - "
Nope. Still nothing. There was only another giant speaking to a mirror, though it seemed strange that it wasn't reflecting the giant's image exactly. I turned tail and left the place, running along on the coat-tails of the first giant from before. I bet this one knew where the exit was.
I could swear I heard the third giant utter something behind me.
We passed by many more giants, lugging large, squeaking moving monoliths behind them. On the walls were weird shapes, which my brain immediately deemed as useless as I turned my eyes away and continued to follow the two giants.
A stone giant's face fell before me, and I couldn't resist uttering a shriek as I saw those glazed eyes.
" - Be careful with that bust! That is the last known sculpture made by -"
" - Why did we have to pass this way, Cecile? The art hall is great – for flighty occasions but - "
" - move the portrait of the Golden One to the south wall while we clean up this area! -
" - forget? This is the closest sir Suzaku's allowed into the palace with his clearance - "
" - Get those paintings of Arturia li Britannia and Ghetsus ni Britannia dusted! Put Cagalli yu Britannia's down with the rest of the fortieth line - "
Many loud voices. I heard intermittent pounding and clanking, useless things that I had to fight to keep out.
"- this is just Imperial Walk, don't worry sir, we won't have to go through the rest of Prince Clovis' 'Labyrinth' - "
" - can't do it, the portrait of Dio ri Britannia's too damaged... so's with Edward son Britannia, Victor von Britannia, Johan si Britannia's and Harold tu Bri - "
" - great, almost a hundred or so meters of straight hallway then - "
"- thank goodness some works were saved from the water-"
" - Her Majesty should approve his joining so he could get a better clearance, but as expected there's red tape flying all over the place - "
I looked this way and that. The whole place seemed to reverberate with the force of an earthquake. Why the giants felt the need to rumble about escapes me at the moment. It wouldn't surprise me if they squished me flat and didn't notice.
But it wasn't my job to be squished flat, wasn't it?
Finally, my prey (not that I was hunting these giants anytime soon) reached the end of the labyrinth. I saw from between their stomping heels the promising rays of sunlight. Using all the vigor gifted to me, I bounded forward, towards "freedom". I pushed all my mistress-given strength into my legs.
"- a cat? - "
What the- Damnit, I was caught! My sides were trapped within the grasp of a pair of large, brutish hands, and as I futilely used up every fight in my body to squirm free, I caught a glimpse of huge, green eyes the size of dinner plates. I wanted to spit at it, spit in the eye of a giant, but I had no idea if doing so would mean getting squished between those awfully rough hands.
"- Good morning, Sir Kururugi- "
"- you okay? Those bandages on your head - "
" - it was just a training accident at the Order, nothing to worry about - "
Stop patting my head, you giant! Let me go!
So thinking, I drove my last free weapon into his rough, scaly hide. I felt a fleeting sense of satisfaction when the thing roared in my face, his iron grip relaxing enough for me to slip out of his grasp and run for the light.
" - yow! That hurts! - "
" - Feisty little fellow... wonder how we missed him? - "
I made my bid for freedom, and I earned it. The next step was... oh what were my orders again? I mentioned being programmed, but with that much information crammed into me, there was a delay in getting the necessary specifics.
Reading... reading... Processing...
Like a computer. Nyahaha.
Oh, right, so those were my orders. Snuffling my nose in satisfaction, I departed.
)()()()()()()()(
It wasn't too hard to gain access into one of the giants' ships.
The wider cavern into which I'd entered was littered with yet more bustling giants, though this time there seemed some things that were even more gigantic than them.
Not one of those suits of armor moved as the giants stomped around them, but I knew they'd be making even more of a din should they be awakened. The word came to me – golem? - but then I realized that wasn't the proper name for these things. I turned my head, sniffing like a mongrel dog for my destination. I needed the ultimate exit from here.
My mistress had given me some powers to help me in fulfilling her orders. One was the power to become literally invisible, if the information on my brain was true, to any of the giants' eyes. The fact that that one giant had been able to see me probably meant there was a little flaw in the power. I took note of that as I darted between the giants' legs and titanic, metal structures.
Sneak, sneak, sneak...
My brain was able to identify the next sight that registered in my eyes: one of the ships giants used to carry their big butts all over the big place. I couldn't travel through their world easily with my own four feet, so I would have to secure a moving transport.
Spying one thundering past, I sped up my pace and leaped just in time before the large flap on the side of the edifice could close completely. Scrabbling on the floor for dear life, I had just enough time to lift my tail before it closed with a resounding thud.
Phase one complete! Not bad if I do say so myself.
I activated my power, slipping through the assorted sights and smells of the inside as their ship vibrated beneath me. I smelled something familiar in the air... and to know that something familiar was afoot was kinda funny for a creature like me.
So thinking, I peeked out from a metal cover that reeked of gasoline towards the direction of where the giants where, when my hair instantly stood on end.
Sitting right there was that damn giant. How could this have happened? Did the giants know of my mission? Had my mistress been compromised? Was that giant part of the big conspiracy?
No matter. Come what may, I would fulfill my mission. And if that giant ever decided to hold me again, I would give him another what-for.
Bring it on my nemesis.
Onward to the second phase!
)()()()()()()()(
" - need to go over some of the more advanced features of the Variable Packs with you sometime soon - "
" - would appreciate requesting a schedule of your future activities in the Order - "
I lay still, eyes locked onto the back of my gigantic nemesis as I spent the next hour or so (or was it a day?) inside the giants' ship. All my muscles were taut, every one of my senses exerted. But doing all that without rest kinda takes a toll on the body, as I found out soon.
I didn't know when exactly I fell asleep, nor what happened during the time the darkness behind my eyes claimed me. Next thing I knew, I was being cradled in something warm, and when I opened my eyes in shock, it was to see that big, brutish hand come down on my poor tiny head.
Oh no! Stop doing that, you big, dumb giant! Stop patting me again! Must- bite- nooo- You shouldn't- you're my nemesis and- oh why does it feel so warm and good- no, I mustn't, enemy- mission- mistress- prrrr...
Before long, I had surrendered to the magic (for how else could that brute have put me to sleep?) in the hand and fell into a dead faint.
" - I'll be going then, Earl Asplud, Ms. Cecile."
" - use the contact number to have us there as quickly as we can - "
You have only won this round, my nemesis!
)()()()()()()()(
The smell and sounds shifted.
Where the ship was oily and generally unpleasant, the place I was taken to smelled leafy and cleaner. I opened my eyes to find green and earth blending together in an array of colors, and then looked aside to see another one of the giants' big caverns.
" - you get those bandages man? You getting knocked up at the Order? Did you go head to head with a big ass monster? - "
Another giant was trudging along my nemesis, its big mouth talking incessantly about something I couldn't comprehend. He smelled fragrant, but it wasn't pleasant, like the scent had been sprayed on him somehow. Unnatural, yes, that was it. That giant smelled suspicious. My nemesis better watch out, but it wasn't like I was worried for him or anything.
" -'s with that cat, man? You raising it to be your sidekick? - "
" - found him at the Base running around, I think he's a stray - " Well said.
" - here kitty kitty - " Alright that's it. Fool me once with your magic hand attack, giants, shame on me. Fool me TWICE-
" Yarg! What the hell is wrong with this kitty?" I seemed to have landed a critical hit.
" - he was that way with me-" Not this time, nemesis. " - kuh!... See...? - "
An opening! Time to activate my secret weapon! Super cat dash!
I whizzed away from an astonished giant, taking my chances and heading straight for the inside of their race's equally gigantic structure. Once I was sure their earthshaking moments had not followed me, I slipped into a shadow and reactivated my power.
Vanish!
Time for stealth mode...
Cat alive, it was a whole lot noisier inside than at that other giant base. At least there, the noise was concentrated, never filling up and making the surroundings literally quake with all the cacophony. It was enough to set this tiny head of mine dizzy.
But I had to finish phase two! Who knows how long I'll be able to return to my mistress? I knew where she was, but that ship ride had taken a really long time. So I gotta make this quick.
Sneak sneak... I nearly let a cry escape my throat when I bumped into something without me knowing. So much for sharp senses!
I'd lost the power, so I immediately set to running and reactivating it safely. But before I could even blink, the same sensation as before when my nemesis had coddled me surrounded me in the hypnotizing warmth, and it was all I could do to stave off the desperation that made me so want to cry.
"What's a little fella like you doing here?"
My ears twitched left, then right. Was I hearing things? It was the first time I'd heard a sound that I actually understood. I wanted to talk, but I couldn't.
" - Milly, we're done it's time to head back- Oh? What are you doing with that- "
" - For that matter, why are you making those cat sounds? It sounded-"
" - louch, I'm busy speaking to this cuddly, furry ball of fuzz so hush- "
This giant's hands definitely felt better than my nemesis'. It was smooth and warm and way more cozy.
"How did you get here, little guy? Or what should I name you? Do you have a name?"
" - Lelouch! -"
" - you're just in time to hear Milly start up a 'conversation' with a cat - "
" - Prez, you shouldn't be goofing off when we've got a whole set of meetings with the clubs - "
" - Oh! That cat! - " Oh, that smell! Why do you keep dogging me, nemesis?
"There's something weird about you that I can't really place...something so familiar...familiar... Oh! That's it!"
Before I surrendered once more to the inescapable soothing sensations, I had the faintest feeling that something wet and cold had been slapped on the spot between my ears. And then I slept.
)()()()()()()()(
I awoke. But I elected not to move. I lay on something that was smooth and comfortable to my fur. I stretched out and let out a small yawn, my ears twitching.
" - where'd those two go - "
" - dunno, but Suzaku looked serious somehow. I don't know if it's got something to do with the Order, or Nunnally - "
" - Nina, could you pass me those - "
" - what's this all about then, Rivalz? I never thought you of all people would be signing this paper - "
" - long story short, the EU's got this whole rave going on to celebrate the Order founder's, well you-know-what. The boss figures it's gonna be a busy three days, and since I'm about one of the only guys really working at the bar - "
Oh right, I did have a mission to do right?
I stood straight up, all the blood in me rushing through the length of my body. I looked around, seeing I was in another cavern, though it had more pleasant colors and smell. I looked around and found the giant who'd spoken to me; she was currently facing away, talking to more giants.
Vanish! Stealth mode...
I'm sorry no-name-weird-giant-who-talked-to-me, but I've a mission.
I leaped from my high place, trotted and found the exit, and headed out. Sneak sneak...
)()()()()()()()(
There was a strange scent in the air, far stronger than the ever-present scent when I'd been in that other place or the ship. My mind recognized it as manna, something I couldn't taste nor see.
I traipsed past giants unsure of where they were going as they went back and forth over the soft, furred floor. I slipped through an entire forest of their legs and through even more forests – seriously what was with these forests? I couldn't get far without having to pass through one!
" - second time the two have dueled - "
" - but isn't there something different this time? Sir Suzaku, at least, looks a bit more serious - "
" - Why isn't the Shadowfrost Prince doing more? - "
Ah, there was my final opening. Thinking so, I broke past the last line of trees in a dash.
Cold!
Ice exploded in front of me, and it was all I could do to skid to a screeching halt as my tail grew stiff and rigid. I looked up just in time to see another something hurtling through the air, and I immediately dashed to the right.
This whole place was getting crazier by the second!
I twitched my ears and looked at the source of the things that nearly killed me.
Oh, nemesis! And that other giant!
Nemesis was moving his hind legs in the air so fast I could barely track him. It seemed like he was literally flapping through the air like a bird. The other giant stayed on the ground, firing off those ice things that kept missing nemesis. Are those two fighting?
Suddenly, nemesis spun in the air and used his hind legs to kick at the block of ice that the other giant had surrounded itself in. The ice shattered, and I heard the sound of a bell ringing. I tilted my head. Nemesis was helping the other giant upright.
" - when we're both injured like this - "
" - sorry, but I felt like I had to do this soon - "
" - what were you going to talk to me about? From your face it sounded serious - "
" - it's more of a request, really. Please, Lelouch. Could you join the Order? - "
I heard nothing more when I was yanked up by the fur of my neck by a giant with a very familiar scent.
"There you are, little guest. Gone to watch the two lovers fight it out like 'men'? I don't blame you for being curious yourself. That Suzaku's never outright challenged Lelouch before."
I struggled weakly, my legs dangling in midair.
"Come on, let's go back. Shirley's finally returned with your food. Can't have a guest go unserviced for long."
)()()()()()()()(
This must be some sort of hell. I didn't know how long I'd stayed there, listening to sounds that I'd never understand, seeing things that were virtually unknown to me. Eventually, I learned to accept every moment I slept on the soft, fluffy bed and ate the most delicious food as heaven itself. That giant's voice could be so enticing...
" - have to talk to you Lamperouge - "
Perhaps this is a part of my mission for the mistress. In a way.
" - not here - "
Oh, mistress.
" - what, you think the cat can understand what we're saying? Come on, while the others are out - "
I don't think I miss her. I am angry at myself for disappointing her though, somewhat.
" - gonna plan on giving your answer to Suzaku? I heard all about it, so don't give me that look. You do know this would be compromising - "
But I had to escape.
" - have no idea what you're implying, Kouzuki. I tire of your games - "
Yes, that was my wish.
" - and I'm sick of yours! Fucking a' Lamperouge, you really don't give a crap about others - "
For my mistress... I have to-
)()()()()()()()(
What? I'm free? I cast my senses about me. There. My mistress was close, but not so far. Let's see, do I need to vanish? Perhaps it would serve me better if I just ran.
"And what's a cat doing here of all places?"
Without warning, another pair of hands, smooth, yet uncomfortable to the fur, lifted me up. These giants have got to stop treating cats like this. You think I appreciate being lifted by my hair? How would you like it if-
"Haven't seen a construct like you in a while. Well, the master's got yours beat when it comes to summoning, but, hmmm...well, there's nothing more to you below the surface so I suppose you are as useless as you look."
I looked at the giant, and when I caught sight of his grey hair, I felt my senses telling me something weird was looking me in the face. Whoa, this guy was bad news! Really, really bad news!
"You know, you should be thankful you're not a canine. I have a habit of kicking canines to the curb when I see one. Part of the class act, you see. Nothing personal or deeply psychotic about it."
I've got to get out of here.
"Oh, you're shivering. That's cu- no, not cute at all.
"Let me tell you something else, cat. Although I only kick dogs, I do have a murderous hate for cats. I hate, hate, hate every last one of your kind. Maybe it's the claws. Or the way your fur gets in the way sometimes."
Mistress, help me! The giant's hand was getting tight over my neck. I struggled to breathe.
"You know cat, I'm generally a nice guy, but hey, a man's entitled to his vices, right? And though master says I've got to cut down on mine, there's really no helping it if something like you was unlucky enough to get in my way."
The pressure- it was too much- can't breathe- get awaygottagetaway- awayaway-
"Looks like this is the end of the line for you. I'm guessing there's a cat heaven where you're going – but I do wonder if – hey what the-"
I felt the darkness press on me. This must be "death". What a dumb way to die – killed by a giant.
)()()()()()()()(
"You're back!"
My mistress' voice was soothing in death as in life. So this must be what cat heaven is like.
"Are you alright? You look a bit worse from wear than when you first came out. Is it really that tough out there as sister says?"
Oh, mistress, if only you knew what the giants' world was like. So many bad things stomping around. You better stay away if you plan on going down there- what am I doing?
I'm talking to a simulation of my mistress I'd failed. That's got to be a sick way of setting up cat heaven.
"Well, I see you did your duty. There seems to be a lot of memories here. Good boy," No, no matter how much you rub my chin so good like that, I won't acknowledge you as the real mistress.
"Oh, it's almost time. I'm terribly sorry, sir cat. I wish I could talk with you more, but I've my own promises to keep. Mustn't keep the world waiting!"
Yes, go on, get out. Let me rest in eternal silence within cat heaven.
Inexplicably I felt the squeezing.
It was tighter and much more powerful this time. I felt as if my insides were being ripped inside out. My ears spasmed out of control. Stars swum in my vision of heaven.
"I'm sorry..."
Oh mistress. I would have done...everything... for you...
"Good night, Arthur."
)()()()()()()()(
"Good night, Nunnally."
They'd come to announce visiting time was finished. Lelouch closed the book, the story unfinished as they wheeled a sleeping Nunnally away.
"Wait."
The attendants turned back. "We've orders to-"
"I know. Just let me do something." Softly, Lelouch got on his knees next to his sister, and then kissed her lightly on her cheek. "Sweet dreams, dear sister."
He stared down at the book for some moments, flipping to the very last page. He hadn't gone through the middle of the story before he'd sensed Nunnally had fallen asleep again, and he had stopped, content in merely watching his sister doze peacefully in her chair.
Along the way out the Institute, he extracted his cellphone from his breastpocket and watched the calls he'd been forced to miss. Three from Suzaku, two from Kallen, one from Milly... He blinked at the last one. That was a voice-mail. Was there something?
"-Lelouch, would you happen to know where the cat went-"
"Hmph," he snorted, cancelling the connection. He looked around at the deserted grounds before quickly dialling a number.
"Ohgi. It is I, Zero. We visit tomorrow."
No part of a story should ever be insignificant. If it seems useless to the story, cut it off.
Thanks for reading!
Merlin out.