"Do you realise what position that would put us in?"
He refused to concede his father's point, settling instead for a scowl. The action elicited a resigned sigh from Lord Phenex.
"Riser. Son. There is no shame in losing to a better opponent. There is shame in immediately decrying said opponent as duplicitous. I cannot grant you what you ask of me."
"The boy had holy weapons prepared."
"To which every devil in attendance would have agreed was an acceptable tactic. The preparation of advantageous weapons is hardly uncommon. One would only require a quick glance at the annals of our race's storied history to find similar examples."
"He is weaker than me!" He made sure to never sound as if he was pleading. The very thought disgusted him.
"Undeniably so. But strength alone does not a victor make. It would do you well to learn this."
"That's what this is about then?" His scowl deepened. "You wanted to teach me a lesson at the cost of my dignity?"
"In my eyes; none was lost," his father dismissed. "You more than acquitted yourself with that display of capacity. Not since Ruval have the flames of the Phoenix burned with such vigour, for such time."
"My brother has nothing to do with this," he growled. "And in my eyes, I just lost to a low-class devil. Let me go back."
"So you can do what, exactly?" Lord Phenex had acquired a hard edge to his tone, the kind that reminded him his father only remained genial out of choice. "Make a fool of yourself? The boy has already left. You will find naught but song and dance, and they make for a poor rival in combat."
A realisation struck him. "This is about Lord Lucifer isn't it? You're scared of-"
"Scared? Boy, do you know to whom you speak?" the candles in his father's study flared to life along with the man's temper. "I am the Lord and Head of the Phenex Clan. Our bloodline is traced back to the Phoenix of time immemorial! I did not see our lineage through years of war for it to fall to the level of a child's petulance! You speak of shame? Shame is having to reduce former comrades to dust and ash with the very fire I take pride in. Shame is being able to live on even as companions die around you. Shame, is watching our noble race descend into petty squabbles over a matter as insignificant as blood purity. You think blood mattered, in the days when brother slaughtered brother and father murdered son?"
He would not be cowed by his father's old war tales. Every devil of his generation had been subject to such narratives from a young age. "Then is our House just going to-"
"The importance of blood lies in its provision of structure." His father's speech had cooled in volume, though it cut in with no less vehemence. "The seventy-two Pillars exhibit order, without which there would be anarchy. But do not mistake that as the pedestal upon which you stand. The Phenex, as always, will distinguish themselves by ability. We will not sit back, content to lounge on the dwindling laurels of ancient titles like so many others. Already, Clans with any amount of foresight have taken action. You would be satisfied to fall behind the Sitri? The Gremory? Though ever my stalwart ally and friend, Lord Gremory has no tolerance for the wilfully ignorant; a predisposition I share."
He ground his teeth in frustration. Then it had been a set-up from the start? A test for him? "You planned this," he accused. "You wanted me to fight."
"Of course not." Lord Phenex said, tired. The room again grew dim as candlelight faded. "What purpose would that serve? I could easily have just prepared a Rating Game for you against any number of your generation. Seekvaira Agares for instance. The marriage simply would have been beneficial for you; young Rias has a head full of sense and the talent to match. But this result, though unexpected, may serve to be more effective."
"Then what do you want me to do?!" he threw his arms out wide. "Just accept it? You say you want me to prove my ability; how can I do that when you deny me a rematch?"
"If you wish to re-challenge the boy, you have my every blessing. So long as it is when he comes into his own peerage. Which he will, one day. But do not do yourself the dishonour of claiming this first duel a fraud. You- we, are better than that."
He looked his father in the eye and found nothing but sincerity, despite the mask of authority it wore. Flexing fingers he hadn't realised were clenched, he expelled a heated breath and looked away.
"…Fine. I'll do it your way. Where is the boy now?"
Lord Phenex nodded, pleased. "I would suggest you wait, for now. A year or two should suffice; the boy grows fast. Besides, I imagine he may not be in the form to receive you so soon. The duel seemed to take a great toll on him."
He frowned. "Rias has a wielder of Twilight Healing in her peerage. He should have already recovered."
"That was not what I was referring to. But- Ah, yes," his father mused. "You were unconscious. Did you not wonder how your opponent was able to make use of holy objects?"
Hadn't it been because of the Boosted Gear? Surely a Longinus would suffice to-
"He sacrificed an arm. Perhaps that is not the right word, in hindsight. It would be more accurate to say it was an exchange."
The boy did what?!
"He…"
"It is not so dire as to require your concern." His father smiled. "Though I daresay that would go a long way into repairing your relationship with young Rias. A pity that; you got along amazingly as children."
Concern? Absurd.
"Tch. Just tell me where the boy is, old man."
"Ha!" his father barked. "Such rebellion. It reminds me of your mother, when she was young. Her temper burned brighter than any flame I ever could produce."
He glared. His father grinned wider.
"If you insist, you may issue the challenge today. I could not tell you his exact location though. Somewhere in Kuoh, no doubt, but you were already aware of that."
He jerked his head gruffly, just enough to pass as polite, and pivoted to exit the room. His father's voice followed him out.
"Do win next time won't you? A year is already too long a time for Lord Gremory to have bragging rights."
He slammed the door, and heard another muffled chuckle from behind it, annoying him further. Quick strides brought him to his own wing of the mansion, and he made for his personal chambers.
"Riser?" His queen was seated by the dressing table, brushing her long, lavender hair. "How did it go?"
"Well enough. I'll be leaving soon."
He restrained the irritation in his tone, but she knew him too well.
"I'll go with you." She moved to change out of her nightgown, but he stopped her, placing a hand on her arm.
"No. They'll refuse me if I'm not alone."
"The girls will worry," she pointed out.
"I'll be back before they wake. Go to bed, Yubelluna."
"I'll worry." She smiled teasingly, awaiting his response.
He pulled her forward and kissed her deeply, holding it for several seconds before drawing away.
"There. Now sleep. The party must have been tiring."
"As you wish, Master Phenex." She repressed a giggle. "But only because you were so convincing."
He left her to her ministrations and passed through to the next room, where he kept his favourite wines, among other collectables. Selecting a bottle and weighing it in his hand, his foul mood began to return. Mere alcohol for an arm. What an idiotic reimbursement. Was the boy even of age? Not that he cared, but they might.
He stood there, holding the red, and considered his father's words. Blood. It all came down to that, didn't it? He never quite shared the holier-than-thou attitude of some of his peers when it came to heritage, no matter what drivel Zephyrdor preached. But in the end, he'd found it more comfortable among them rather than his generation's… oddities. Rias Gremory, Sairaorg Bael, or god – damn that stung – forbid, Sona Sitri.
What guarantee had he that his challenge would be accepted, anyway? Thinking about it, he knew nothing about Rias' pawn other than the boy's lust for women. And he'd lick his father's boots before ever offering up one of his peerage to anybody.
"Tch."
This was obviously getting him nowhere. To hell with it. He'd just go and deal with the aftermath. Calling upon his magic, he began the process of transporting himself to the school that had served as the battleground of his Rating Game with Rias. As good a place as any to start. Flames consumed his body, and he began to experience the familiar feeling of disconnect that came with teleportation magic.
Just before he flared out of existence, he replaced the wine bottle onto its rack.
Lelouch was in the midst of removing his tie when he heard a loud clatter from downstairs.
He frowned. Despite their earlier assurances to him, the sound didn't exactly instil confidence in the culinary prowess of the Occult Research Club. He'd welcomed their offer to return his hospitality thinking it would allow him time to gather his thoughts, but perhaps he'd misjudged the potential repercussions upon the state of his kitchen. His worries were unfounded when no further noises disturbed the late hours of the night, however, and he returned his considerations to the task of changing his clothes.
And, of course, the previous events of the evening.
In truth, part of him had still been trying to rationalise the existence of the supernatural, as any sane person would. The Geass, the Code, even they had been bound by laws, and their owners had been kept in check by enemies encased in steel and spitting gunfire. But in the face of reality – and he couldn't help but think how inept that term was – Knightmare Frames no longer seemed so formidable.
Not that it necessarily mattered. Whimsical and fanciful these devils were, choosing dance and entertainment over outrage and accusations. What did it say about the courts of Britannia, when a gathering of underworld denizens seemed so less vicious and underhanded?
He attributed it to the new generation of reincarnated devils. Modern blood with modern values. He'd been wary, expecting a social caste system similar to that of the residents of Britannia's conquered Areas, but clearly he'd just been paranoid.
Well, just because the majority of their race was well-intentioned didn't mean he would allow Issei's little blunder to pass. Probing eyes had never quite turned away from him, and he'd been forced to accompany Akeno for dance after dance. Then she'd teased him when he began to run out of breath.
He'd have to get the boy back for that one. He could-
…
No.
What was he doing? Plotting a trifling vengeance and shifting blame? He'd been the only human at a gathering of devils. It had been obvious, the outcome. He'd just disregarded it.
How long had it been since he arrived here, in this world? How long since he'd been mired in his own hypocrisy? Was he to ignore the trembling of his hands as he'd watched the duel? The very same occurrence had happened on the night of the church, when he'd gunned down Freed Sellzen.
Fear? Laughable. Excitement.
When had he felt that last? He'd denounced both his Father and Schneizel for their stagnancy, their refusal to pave a future, and yet here he was doing the same. Hiding behind the skirts of the powerful. Content to wait passively as slow tendrils bore uncertain fruit.
It was staggering, the depths of his own arrogance. To think he'd be granted resolution if he just waited. No green-haired witch would appear here, to grant him the power of kings. No inane contrivance would serve to throw him into the fray. No sudden divine providence to set him upon a holy crusade.
He'd considered himself lacking in purpose. Ridiculous.
Why had it not occurred to him that he could just seize his own path? To take matters into his own? It was what he'd always done. Hadn't he been the one to boldly declare that the world would not be changed without the dirtying of hands?
And yet here he was, playing the fool. Deluding himself into thinking he wanted a conventional life. If he'd wanted that, he would have allowed Rias to alter his memories. All this time he'd been seeking the extraordinary, yet balking at every turn.
Well, no longer would he mistake complacency for patience.
Throwing on the last of his casual wear, he descended the stairs, taking long, purposeful strides. Entering his living room, he was provided with the sight of six devils enjoying a light supper fare of tea and assorted snacks.
Evidently Rias had arrived with Issei and Asia without him noticing. The brunette boy was seated between the two girls, the reason for the dazed look of bliss on his face. Gone were the marks of battle, along with the aberrant draconian limb. No doubt suppressed via some obscure spell.
"Good evening," he greeted, drawing their attention. "Rias Gremory, I hope this isn't too sudden. I have a request."
A single beat, so they could process his words.
"I want you to teach me magic."
Confusion slowly gave way to consideration as she mulled over her response.
"…I see no problem with that. In fact, it is actually rather sensible, if you are to continue to interact with us. I'd be more than happy to; if you'd like, we can discuss the specifics after this."
"Oh!" chimed in Issei. "I can help too, if you want. I'm not sure how much use I'll be though."
He nodded his gratitude. "Thank you. I look forward to it."
A mundane thought struck him at the image of Kiba pouring him his own serve of tea. "You know, I'm beginning to wonder if this is going to become a regular occurrence, meeting here in my residence. I'll have to purchase more tableware."
"I certainly hope so," smiled Rias. "You keep a very good stock of tea."
"A shame there is none of the Asian variety," said Akeno wistfully. The raven-haired girl, along with Kiba and Toujou, had accompanied him directly home, and thus were still in their formal attire. The sight of a kimono clad beauty daintily holding a western-styled teacup was exceedingly strange.
He seated himself across from Rias and accepted the proffered beverage from Kiba by his side. The heiress waited until he had brought it to his mouth once, before launching into the obvious topic of interest.
"Issei tells me you were the one who devised his battle strategy."
"Only in part," he inclined his head. "Initially I had discounted the use of holy objects due to his racial nature. It is right that your gratitude should be directed towards him."
They both turned to look at Issei, prompting the boy to point at himself as if to say 'Who, me?'
"Aw, well, I mean, If Ddraig hadn't helped, I wouldn't have thought to use them either."
"The Great Welsh," breathed Rias. "I see. That does explain why the method was so… vicious. I must admit, even I thought it was more brutal than necessary. Simply dousing Riser in the holy water surely would have been enough."
Issei tilted his head quizzically. "Actually Buchou, that part really was Lelouch."
She paused, then turned to face him. "And by vicious I meant… effective. And ingenious? Well, regardless... thank you."
"I enjoyed it." Akeno gazed at him with a familiar light in her eye. "Immensely."
He sipped his tea.
"So…" wondered Issei,"why did you lie about that earlier?"
"I believe," explained Kiba, "that Lelouch was 'covering his tracks', as it were."
"But why would…"
"Because he is human, Issei," said Rias. "And when devils take an interest in humans, it usually ends in only one of three ways."
"Peerage, Contract, Death," summarised Toujou.
"Or a steamy night of passion," said Akeno.
"Three ways," he said. "None of which appeal to me very much, if at all."
"Why did you turn down peerage anyway, Lelouch?" asked Issei. "I mean; I know you already-"
A shrill tune interrupted the boy's question, emanating from Rias' vicinity. The heiress' eyes lit up in surprise, and she pulled out the offending device. It took the form of a slim, red cell phone, complete with a pink strap that ended in a dangling, tiny figure of a panda.
He gestured for her to take it, having a fairly good idea of who was calling.
"Excuse me," she apologised, flipping it open. "Hello?"
He used the opportunity to stir a cube of sugar into his drink.
"This is a fairly late hour, even for you, Sona."
He took a sip. The student council president had been notably absent at the engagement party. However, he was almost certain of why.
"Yes, I know."
Asia had begun to lightly doze, resting her head on Issei's shoulder. Kiba left for the kitchen to replace the biscuits Toujou had cleaned off the plate.
"I'm at Lelouch's place, why?"
Rias immediately pulled the phone away from her ear as the speaker blared indecipherable words. Indistinct as they were, he could still make out the indignation in Sona's tone.
"No, of course not!" Rias hurriedly spoke. "Everyone else is here too!"
Akeno winked at him. He focused on his tea.
"You're with-?! Sona-"
With that reaction, there could only be a handful of candidates. Frankly, he couldn't care who it was, as long as it wasn't Serafall.
"He said what?!"
He relaxed ever so slightly back into the couch.
"I don't know, just… I don't want to see-"
…Riser Phenex.
"Fine."
In which case, how could he work this to his advantage? Magic was a good start, but he doubted its efficacy as a catch-all solution, due to its variance. His discussion with Ajuka had told him as much.
"Yes," Rias sighed. "And… thanks, Sona. I know how you feel about him."
The red-haired devil flipped her phone closed, and sighed again. "Sona is coming, Lelouch. Accompanied by Riser Phenex. I hope you don't mind."
The faintest scent of ozone permeated the room as Akeno froze a smile upon her face. Issei's knuckles had whitened, fists clenched and placed stiffly on the boy's knees. Toujou frowned.
Kiba stepped back in, carrying a plate of biscuits.
"The cake is almost ready. I-"
The blonde eyed their expressions. "Did I miss something?"
"We'll be entertaining more guests tonight," he said calmly. "Unfortunately, I think I'm out of further tableware."
Kiba looked at him warily. "And these guests would be?"
The blonde was provided his answer when embers flickered into the room, growing larger in number and more erratic in movement. A precursor to the sudden gout of fire that faded to reveal a young man with wild blonde hair. The casual blazer and half-buttoned white shirt suited Riser Phenex far better than any formal wear, and he amended his earlier comparison of the devil to Clovis. Visually, at least, the two were antithetical.
Immediately, Issei shot to his feet, placing himself between the intruder and Rias. The movement woke Asia, and the girl attempted to rub the sleep from her eyes.
"Issei?" she yawned. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Asia." Issei didn't move his eyes off Riser. "Go back to sleep."
"Relax kid." The man leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. "I just came to talk."
"We have no business with you," said Rias. Her eyes were focused straight ahead, ignoring her once-fiancé. "State your piece and leave."
The doorbell rang.
Well, he supposed it was his house.
He stood, and made his way to the entrance of his residence, leaving the devils in the now-silent room behind him. The door opened to reveal Sona Sitri, complete with Academy uniform and trademark stern features. He was quite certain that student representatives did not usually have access to the addresses of other students. It seemed that despite her disciplined image, she was not above being… resourceful.
"Good evening, Sona. For the record, as long as you give prior notice; I don't mind if you arrive directly inside."
She stepped into the threshold and began to remove her shoes. "Good evening Lelouch. I appreciate the thought, but unlike some, the Sitri pride themselves on proper etiquette. Pardon my intrusion."
"Shut it, Sitri." he heard from the other room. "You were just wasting time."
Sona gave a frown of disapproval, and he followed her back into the room.
"The only reason I brought you here was became you requested it personally, and insisted it was of great importance. Don't make me regret my decision, Phenex."
Riser brushed off the warning words easily. "As it's abundantly clear I'm not welcome here; I'll get to the point. Hyoudou Issei, was it? Fight me."
Issei blinked. "…Why?"
"Take a wild guess."
"If this is about Buchou-"
"It isn't." Riser remarked irritably. "Just you and me. The terms are a Rating Game, when you become a King."
Issei seemed unsure of how to react.
Rias looked contemplative, and opened her mouth to respond. "That is a long time away. Why issue it now, and in person?"
"Does it matter? I'm here already. Just say yes, I'll leave, and we don't see each other for a year or so. Then, I get to defeat him utterly. Again."
And here was another opportunity, despite the time frame. Before Rias or Issei could respond, he interrupted.
"It would hardly be fair to propose such an arrangement without incentive. Might I suggest you offer a prize?"
"And you are?" Riser was scanning him as if the devil had only just noticed his presence.
He grinned confidently. "I am the one who composed the method with which Issei here defeated you so soundly. If you'd like; I could do it again."
From the corner of his eye he could see Sona turn sharply to face him, an action shared by Rias and her peerage.
"You…" Riser seemed incredulous. "And I suppose I'm to just take that at face value? What a terrible excuse for a joke."
"It's the truth!" said Issei hotly. "Lelouch is a hundred times smarter than you!"
"And what hold over you does the boy possess, that you would say such a thing?" Riser continued before Issei could respond. "Wait, no, let me guess, he's your friend. Save it for someone who cares. My only interest is in you."
He folded his arms and leaned back against the wall, mocking Riser's position. "I had not thought a Phenex would be content to scamper away, tail between his legs, but it appears I was mistaken."
The pyrokinetic pushed himself off the wall angrily, prompting Kiba to step beside Issei, further obstructing the man. "And what would a human know of the Phenex?"
Truthfully? Only the little he'd gathered from the party earlier; though that was already enough to pique his interest. But of the devil in front of him, he knew a great deal, simply from the man's words and actions.
Which made this entirely too easy.
"That apparently they pick and choose opponents in an effort to seem fearsome, when in reality they are naught but lukewarm, timid, cowards."
A blistering sphere of flame came flying at him, sent over the heads of Kiba and Issei by virtue of Riser's superior height. He made no movement, and was rewarded with the hiss of steam as the attack was halted by a barrier of water.
"That will be quite enough," commanded Sona Sitri. "From both of you. As there was obviously provocation, I will overlook what just occurred. But if you make any other attempt to harm a student under my purview, my hand will be forced, Phenex, and I will take no small amount of pleasure in meting out discipline."
There was more than simple dislike there. Perhaps the animosity between the two devils went further than just individual differences? The fire and water magic would lend credence to that. He studied the resulting wisps of steam, wondering if he would be able to replicate a similar effect, given time.
Riser sneered. "If the human wants a fight, he's free to one, for all I care. Not that I'd expect him to ever hold to his words."
The devil stepped back, and refocused his attention to Issei. The pawn was glaring daggers at the man, and he wasn't alone in the sentiment. Kiba was visibly tensing, and Akeno's teacup lay untouched as she remained completely still.
"Send your response through your master, Hyoudou Issei. I'll be waiting." Flames licked at Riser's body, concealing the devil from sight. A few short seconds, and both were gone entirely.
"Lelouch, are you okay?!" Asia had rushed to his side, unsure of what to do with her flapping hands as she fretted over him. "Did you get hurt anywhere?"
"I'm fine," he assured her. "There is no need to worry about me."
"Yes," said Sona dryly. "Or it'll take you to an early grave. Do you find some sort of perverse pleasure in antagonising high-ranking devils, Lelouch, or do you simply think it's funny? I hope you notice; nobody is laughing."
"Agreed," exhaled Kiba. "I thought you wanted to keep a low profile?"
"His pride will prevent him from speaking of this to anybody," he explained. "As much as it may seem, I assure you, I am far from suicidal."
"That doesn't explain why you did it in the first place," said Rias, rubbing her forehead. "What would you have done if Sona hadn't reacted fast enough?"
"Indeed," said Sona. "Though I'm pleased you have some semblance of faith in my ability; that seemed exceedingly unnecessary. What could you have possibly hoped to gain?"
"If I had been harmed, something I considered highly unlikely, I would have trusted Miss Argento to make good use of her Sacred Gear."
The young girl looked less than accepting of his words, but beamed at him when he finished. "Of course! Anyone who needs healing, I'll be there!"
But not every waking hour of the day.
"Failing that," he said, smiling at her, "I caught word of a rather interesting substance earlier. Tears of the Phoenix, I believe they were called?"
Sona and Rias fell silent.
"A liquid with restorative properties so potent; even severed limbs are a minor issue. One wonders what they could achieve with such a wondrous ability."
"It is unable to replace blood or organs." Sona sighed. She removed her glasses to pinch at the bridge of her nose. "But that is a rather minor setback, for what they are fully capable of. Fool me once…"
Hmm. That made them slightly less useful, but they were desirable all the same.
"We don't have any though." Issei frowned. "I thought they were super expen-"
Understanding lit up in the boy's eyes. "You want them as a prize!"
"Yes." He grinned. "Though hopefully, it won't be me that does the fighting. Will you help, Issei?"
"Hell yeah I will!" The boy smiled back. "I would've said yes even if I didn't owe you."
"Ahem," Rias cleared her throat. "I'm not sure if I appreciate you trying to steal my dear pawn from me, Lelouch."
"I wouldn't dream of it," he dismissed nonchalantly. "Regardless, it is far into the future."
Sona looked between him and Issei, unconvinced. "And is Hyoudou to simply hand over his prospective winnings, only due to the reason that you are his friend?"
"Yes!" declared Issei.
"No," he said.
"No?" echoed Issei.
He smiled at the boy. "You have the potential to win against him alone, without external tools or help. Especially given the amount of time available for preparation. But when you gain peerage, you will not be alone. That is where I come in; to advise you on the workings of group combat. And at the end, when it is won, if you feel my contribution lacking, you may even withhold the Tears for yourself."
"He would never do that," Rias said quietly.
"Yes," he confirmed. "He wouldn't."
The heiress placed both hands flat upon her knees, tone sincere and professional. "Do you think you are truly capable of winning?"
"He is," he stated firmly.
"That was not what I was asking. Lelouch, I consider you a friend, despite our past… difficulties. However, my last loss still weighs heavily on my mind, and while Issei has proved himself to be far more than I could ask for; Riser Phenex, for all his conceit, is undeniably stronger. And he has a year or more of his own to prepare. I shouldn't even have to say that holy objects won't be a possibility. Even when Issei becomes a King in his own right, he will still be a member of my peerage. No matter how far into the future, I don't wish to see him needlessly hurt again."
Idealistic, yet pragmatic. Ambitious, but far too caring. That, it appeared, was Rias Gremory. They looked at one another, matching gazes; violet to blue. It evoked memory of a similar exchange, but this held for longer.
"I do." he stated firmly.
She closed her eyes and nodded. "Then I trust you."
He paused. "…Thank you."
"Yeah!" whooped Issei. "Grilled chicken is going down!"
"How suitably heart-warming," came the clipped tone of Sona Sitri. "But if you don't mind; I would have you explain why you so dearly want Phoenix Tears, of all things."
"Perfectly reasonable," he said. "But nonetheless, private."
"And the reason you didn't simply ask one of us to purchase a vial for you by proxy?"
He blinked. "I was not aware that was an option."
"You didn't know that before you goaded him so strongly?" she asked incredulously.
"I'm certain we'll win anyway." He shrugged. "What do they cost?"
She told him.
"So this would be the best method regardless." He'd destabilise Japan's economy if he attempted to acquire that much. What could the Phenex possibly hope to use that amount of money for?
"I thought you were egotistic." She shook her head. "I was mistaken. Now, I know you are egotistic."
"He is, isn't he?" agreed Rias, amused. "Oh, and Lelouch, in regards to the magic lesson, we'll have to do it another day. It's far too late, and I should take Issei and Asia back home. Sona, would you like to try your hand at teaching? I know it's your future vocation of choice, after all."
"Lelouch wishes to study magic?"
"Yes, he asked me earlier. What do you think?"
Sona adjusted her glasses. "An entirely logical and reasonable request, so much so that I hesitate to believe it came from him. Very well. I do have some early curriculum drafts worked out which I have been wanting to test for quite some time now."
When she provoked him like that, how could he not respond?
"Thank you," he spoke. "You're too kind, already agreeing to help me after expending so much effort for Rias' sake. It is unfortunate you could not attend."
"I have no idea what you're referring to," sniffed Sona. "I had not attended the engagement party because I have certain standards. A ceremony based on such a farcical agreement did not sit well with me."
Ah, so he'd been right.
"He didn't say anything about the party." Rias was smirking at the revelation, though in good humour.
"It was easy to deduce from context."
"If you say so, Sona."
"You know, it is rather late," Sona evaded. "As tomorrow is a school day, I should be going, along with the rest of you."
Akeno chuckled behind a delicate hand. "Good night, Miss President."
"Good night." Sona nodded stiffly. "One thing before I go, however… does anybody smell smoke?"
Smoke? Yes, he could, now that he tried. Surely Riser couldn't be the cause? He hadn't considered the devil one for petty revenge.
"Ah." Kiba seemed to come to a realisation. "That would be the cake."
Toujou whimpered, but that could also have been his imagination.
Later, as he was tidying up after their departure, his phone rang.
He would have thought it strange, had the classical ringtone not indicated that it was coming from his business cell, rather than the one he owned for personal use. Placing his chores aside, he flipped it open and brought it to his ear.
"Speak."
"One man. Blonde, mid-thirties, with a crew cut. Said he was in town looking for someone. Said he knew about the gun you provided – still haven't found the maker, by the way – and that he'd like to meet you."
"Did he give a time and location, or should I?"
"Won't matter. Up and disappeared as of today. Left everything behind, and we lost all contact. Either he's very good, or whoever took him is."
Intriguing. "His personal effects?"
"Noted them all down before the police got to them. Not that they'll realise any time soon; as far as we can tell, the guy acted alone. Three items of importance. Identification; Jonathan Andrew Baker, Irish citizen and travelling missionary. Passport supports this, it shows seven instances of international flight in the last six months alone. Second was a sword hilt. Just the hilt. European sabre at a guess, with cross-guard. No blade, though strangely there's an opening for one to be placed."
A custom light weapon, most likely. A similar example remained in his possession, taken from the corpse of Freed Sellzen. The frequent flying indicated a rostered exorcist of the church, to be sent to areas according to need. The only question; why Kuoh?
"The third?"
"This is the important part, I imagine. He had a book; a journal if you will. Reminders, addresses, phone numbers, typical. Family, friends, associates et cetera et cetera. Only one number was unlabelled, with an Italian country code. It was…"
He repeated the string of digits mentally, committing them to memory.
"Forget it."
"Obviously."
"Anything else?"
"Just that one of ours wasn't related to the disappearance. Anyone else's, either, and as far as we can tell, not some random crazy."
"Very well. Maintain surveillance."
"Noted. I'll be in contact."
The call ended, and he slipped the phone into his pocket.
"Who was that, this late?" Kiba entered the kitchen, carrying a stack of plates and cups. The blonde had volunteered to stay back and help clean up, insisting everybody else return home to rest. "On second thought, no, I don't want to know. Where do you want these?"
He indicated the dishwasher, and the boy obliged him.
"I thought you had an agreement with the President?" continued Kiba, placing the load down and transferring it one by one into the machine.
"It was nothing illegal." He shrugged, choosing to help instead of elaborating further.
Tableware clinked as they worked, permeating the silence. When they were almost done, Kiba spoke again.
"…Whatever it was, is it related to the reason you need the Phoenix Tears?"
"Of that, I am unsure."
"So you acknowledge it as a possibility." Kiba sighed. "I suppose it's too optimistic to think it won't be dangerous, knowing you."
"Perhaps." This entire world was unfamiliar territory. He could speculate as to where things might lead, but it was always best to be prepared.
They finished up, and he walked the Knight back to the doorway.
"You know," began Kiba, putting on his shoes, "when I first met you, I suspected there was something you were hiding?"
He leaned his shoulder to the wall and crossed him arms, tired from the day's happenings. "Everybody has similar secrets."
"Yes," Kiba agreed. "And I thought yours was the whole gambling deal."
He elected to remain silent, watching as the blonde finished and moved to open the door.
"I don't think that anymore."
Moonlight illuminated the threshold, spilling into the interior of his residence. The air was noticeably damp, indicating approaching rain.
"Whatever you're looking for though, you'll have my help, if you need it. Even if it's a year from now, or more. I rather enjoy our lunches together, you know." Kiba smiled, polite and easy-going as always, and he was reminded of another friend from another time.
"Then I would offer you the same, Yuuto Kiba."
Had he meant it? Again, as of yet, he was unsure. Trust was difficult to place, irrespective of Rias' view on the matter.
"I'll keep that in mind, Lelouch Lamperouge. Good night."
Amongst the shadows that played across Kiba's face as the blonde turned to leave, he was quite certain that some were due to drifting clouds that obscured the moon. But as for the rest, he could only begin to guess at the cause.
"I simply cannot understand why this spell refuses to activate."
He hummed his agreement. It was certainly no fault of his tutor. Sona had proved to be excellent in every which way, and when placed in combination with his own mental faculties, he'd been able to grasp the foundations of human magic within half an hour. He'd been surprised when she began by opening a textbook detailing advanced calculus and geometry, but the reasons why had quickly become clear as she guided him in composing arcane equations.
However, that had been two hours ago.
"Perhaps I simply have no magical talent?" he speculated.
She frowned. "That is one possibility left, yes. But this is the most basic of magic circles. It requires very little power, if any at all. I've looked over your calculations several times already; the fault lies not there. Thus, it can only be that you are unsuited for this in some way."
"Unfortunate, but I'll acknowledge your expertise in this matter. What would you suggest I do?"
She brushed a stray strand of hair out of her eyes. "I have never heard of somebody unable to make use of both Western and Eastern branches of human magic. Usually, a person shows aptitude for one or the other, or at least capability. Then again, I have never attempted to teach a human."
He waited as she tapped her finger against her arm.
"We'll adjourn for today, then, as I attempt to discover a system more suitable for you. It may be that the problem lies between the connection between you and the external channelling device. If magic circles and spiritual talismans remain inert, it could mean that you have a problem with sending magical power outwards. In which case, I may have several suggestions. I believe there exists a Chinese art that incorporates only inner energy; though I will have to look into it further."
A glance out of the window of the Student Council room showed a setting sun, dappling the Academy in inconsistent dancing daylight. A breathtaking effect that Sona seemed to ignore, caught up in her musings as she was.
"Summoning magic, maybe?" she puzzled. "Though that requires a greater degree of energy contribution from the user, to maintain the familiar's obedience."
"Is there a method of determining one's magical reserves?" He leaned back into his seat. "If we had an estimate of mine, this quandary may be easier to solve."
"No." She began to organise strewn papers and stationery. "At least not at the lower levels. There are certain methods used to determine potential for certain systems, but the arcane is too variable to be quantified by a single generic measurement. Certain beings exude a recognisable magical aura, but that is limited to the extremely powerful and extremely unique."
So it would be difficult to discern his magical ability. A shame.
"In that case," he rose from his seat, "there is naught to do but be patient."
"I'll have something else by tomorrow," she promised. "It would not do to give up so soon."
"Then I must strive to be an excellent student, if I am to be worthy of you. If you don't mind, I would borrow those grimoires. Remaining knowledgeable is the least I can do, even if I cannot make use of their contents."
She nodded, redistributing the materials so he could take them from her. "Your work ethic is praiseworthy, Lelouch. I must admit, it leaves something to be desired when it comes to some of my peerage members."
"I believe I may know who you're referring to."
She smiled fondly. "His heart is in the right place, but his head often wanders. It is my hope that one day I can help him grow into his fullest potential."
"Would this relate to your goal of becoming a teacher?" He took several of the substantially heavy books from her arms, placing them in his bag. "It does suit you quite well."
"Partially, yes, but I have something far grander in mind than a simple teacher. This lesson is just the beginning of a long road I must walk."
"Then I wish you the best of luck, for everything." He nodded, turning to leave. "Good evening, Sona."
"Until tomorrow, Lelouch."
He left her, alone in the room, and made his way home accompanied only by the coming of nightfall. The journey was short, as always, but still succeeded in quickening his breath, no doubt due to the tomes that weighed him down so heavily. Entering his abode and ordering them neatly upon a shelf, he selected one and flipped it open, placing it on his desk.
Principles of Magic for the Uninitiated
He drew the curtains of his residence closed, plunging himself into utter darkness. Walking carefully back to the book, he neglected to flip any light switches, knowing they would be unnecessary.
He focused - a single second - and a pale-white wisp of not-quite flame played across his palm, illuminating the room.
Smiling, he sat down and began to read.