Code Geass: Cornelia of the Defection

by draconichero21

A "what if" type of tale as in "What if Lelouch had been captured at Saitama? Would he really have been in as much danger and trouble as he believed? Or would his greatest enemy instead becoming his greatest ally?" Rated M for safety.

4. The Making of a Goddess

(A/N: Moving right along here. I mentioned last chapter that I was only expecting to get to chapter 6 with the notes I had for chapters, but thanks to my beta's oh so conscientious suggestion that I can't just "make assumptions about Cornelia's character no matter how logical they may be" this chapter is all about showing off my head canon. That's right this is called Cornelia of the Defection so we need to focus on our "main" character here. Ladies and Gentleman I present to you The Making of a Goddess. Special thanks to my beta, Greatkingrat88, for working on this with me for FOUR AND A HALF HOURS STRAIGHT else this would've been postponed even further).

Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass.

---

Britannian Calendar 1995 atb
Pendragon

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, his majesty the 98th Emperor of Britannia, Charles zi Britannia!"

All of the noblemen and noblewomen clapped as Cornelia's father took to the throne. The stalwart Knight of One, Bismarck Waldstein, stood off to his right. The majestic Marianne Lamperouge, the Knight of Two, stood off to his left.

Amongst all the nobles that had made the turn out for Charles' inauguration and induction as Emperor, stood Cornelia li Britannia, Charles' second daughter. She was only five years old, and the third-eldest amongst her siblings, beating out her brother Schneizel by only a month. Her mother had talked about her father ascending from prince to Emperor for several months now, and Cornelia didn't really understand what that meant, but she was happy to see her father and that she was being invited to a big party. Also her mother made it sound like a good thing so it had to be a good thing.

Charles, standing 2 meters tall and 120 kg with sandy brown hair, then began his acceptance speech of the position of Emperor. "All men are not created equal! Some are born swifter of foot, and others with greater beauty!" The emperor began.

While all of his subjects were focused on his speech, Cornelia's eyes and mind wandered, like any five-year-old forced to stand at attention for hours on end would. Eventually, her eyes landed upon the beautiful figure of Marianne.

The first time Cornelia looked upon the then Knight of Two, she thought she had seen an angel. A scowling angel, but an angel nonetheless. Marianne though only fifteen years old, was an extremely accomplished soldier and trusted confident of the Emperor. Rumor had it that she had used her position as knight to Charles' father to help plan his assassination to allow Charles to ascend to the throne. Of course, Cornelia had no idea of these rumors, nor cared the validity of them. The word assassination wasn't even in her vocabulary yet.

There, standing in a sea of uniformed men and women in the frilliest, prettiest of dresses, stood Marianne Lamperouge. Cornelia did not know her name, nor did she know how exceptional it was for somebody so young to come so far, despite the limitations society had set for her gender. All Cornelia saw was a very pretty girl, carrying herself with a kind of confidence and strength that no other girl in court showed. She did not understand it, not by any stretch- but she was charmed, enthralled by this strong, cool, really pretty lady.

The woman's stance and unflinching posture and deadpan expression, while Charles made his speech, was tantalizing to the second princess. Since the age of three, Cornelia had always been fond of the military due to its presence in her household. Her family's own guard captain, Andreas Darlton, was frequently in Cornelia's company if Beatrice was not. Cornelia would always salute to him and pretend to be one of his soldiers when they would interact. Darlton continually, out of a father-like affection towards the girl, would call her his "little soldier". He had known Cornelia since the day of her birth and found her downright adorable, often being more of a father figure to her than her actual father at times. However, Dolores thought that encouraging Cornelia's behavior was a bad habit, but never made any real effort to have Darlton cease his actions.

On their own, of course, Darlton's interactions with Cornelia were harmless, but when she saw Marianne for the first time, something clicked in Cornelia. She wanted then, more than anything, to grow up and become just like Marianne. Cornelia wanted to match what she saw in Marianne in every way shape and form. So, for the entirety of her father's speech, Cornelia did nothing except watch Marianne with childlike wonder because there nothing more interesting to look at while listening to her father's speech. It was the applause from everyone in the throne room that eventually led her to realize that the speech had ended and everyone was leaving the room for the banquet hall and ballroom to celebrate their new ruler.

Cornelia was escorted to the celebration by her mother, Dolores, and her nanny, Beatrice. Dolores began to mingle with Charles' other wives, as well as some of her friends and extended family, whilst Beatrice kept a close eye on Cornelia. Cornelia herself sat at a table with a drink of water, a cup of tea, and some tea cakes, and she watched her nanny as much as Beatrice was watching her. Cornelia wanted more than anything to go over to Marianne and introduce herself. Unlike her siblings, Cornelia was adventurous, and would often wander off, and Dolores was often ready to tear her own hair out in frustration with her daughter's antics. She was almost uncontrollable, so her nanny was often strict with her actions as per her mother's orders.

But even under the watchful eyes and strict words of her nanny, Cornelia still acted of her own accord anyway. So, the moment Beatrice was distracted by a fetching young nobleman, Cornelia left the table in search of Marianne. She searched around for a while, looking through the party- so full of big, grown up people- and eventually, after a little while, she bumped into her. Quite literally, in fact. The girl was smaller than the tables around her, so she wound up walking straight into the back of Marianne's leg while looking for her.

Luckily, Marianne was alone. The woman was standing all by herself at attention with two pistols at her left hip side. One was a low caliber gun for ease of use, quick fire and quick release and the other was a heavy magnum in the case of strong enemy body armor. Of course, Marianne was not above wielding both simultaneously if necessary. She had to be prepared for anything. In the throne room she had to leave her guns elsewhere, but now she was on duty at the same time representing Charles. Furthermore, Marianne, despite her position, wasn't very popular with the other nobles; she was a commoner who had found her way to knighthood and fame by her skills alone.

At the age of nine, Marianne's home was burned to the ground while she was at school and her parents had died in the blaze. It is unknown what action brought the young Britannian to the military after that, but the decision to do so bore fruit when the girl showed remarkable prowess. She not only graduated from the academy in half the time it normally took, but proved she could take on way stronger adults with just martial arts alone. Such talent caught Charles' attention immediately and Marianne became the youngest soldier, let alone woman, to be inducted into the Knights of the Round. Marianne was a terror on the battlefield and had the eyes of a war veteran while on alert. And yet, when conversing with others she always carried a friendly disposition.

Because of this irrational paranoia, combined with her military reflexes, the moment Marianne noticed that something hit the back of her leg she whirled around, hand on her pistol, ready to draw it out and pistol whip. However, when she saw Cornelia, she lowered her guard back to standby.

Cornelia stood with her mouth agape, hand in front of her face in awe that she was standing in close proximity to the very pretty lady that had been standing at her father's side during his speech. She tried to think of something to say, but words wouldn't form. She was tongue tied as she gazed up at this tall, thin, beautiful teenage soldier, standing before her in her regal white uniform with bronze-colored leather boots. Seeing the small little girl in front of her, Marianne could only smile. She had a soft spot for little kids.

Still on alert, Marianne squatted down to Cornelia's eye level, putting her hands on her knees. "Well aren't you just adorable," Marianne said to Cornelia. "What's your name, little girl?"

"I-I-I-I-I'm C-Cornelia," Cornelia stammered, "C-Cornelia li Britannia. I-I'm the second princess."

"Ooh," Marianne grinned from ear to ear as she ruffled Cornelia's head, "You're one of his majesty's little poppets. Nice to meet you. I'm Marianne Lamperouge." She removed her hand from Cornelia's head as her smile remained, but lost some of its intensity. "Your father is an amazing man. He'll be a good Emperor for this country, don't you worry."

"Father's good at everything!" Cornelia said, incredibly chipper, grinning widely.

"You're a lot friendlier than your sister." Marianne noted.

Cornelia crinkled her nose in annoyance. "That's because Guinny's a toss-pot."

Marianne had to resist the urge to burst out laughing. "Oh, such strong language," Marianne said, rubbing the side of her finger against her lip to avoid losing her composure, "Where did you learn that word?"

"I heard Darlton say it a few times while yelling at one of his soldiers."

"Well, far be it from me to tell you what to do, but I think you're a little young to use such adult language." Marianne knew that such language was not exactly sailor language, but still was outside the scope of a five-year-old's vocabulary.

"Oh, is it really that bad?" Cornelia stared at the floor. She wanted really badly for Marianne to like her. If Marianne didn't think the world of her then it would crush her little heart.

Marianne waved her hands back and forth frantically. "Oh, don't worry. It's not the worst thing you could say." Marianne forced a small laughter to show that things were okay, and she got Cornelia to at least pick her head up from staring at the floor. "So," Marianne said, changing topics, "what do you want to do when you grow up, Cornelia?"

Brimming with cheer and confidence, Cornelia saluted, and said, sweetly and cheerfully, "I want to be a soldier just liked Major Darlton!"

Marianne smiled. That's adorable, she thought to herself.

Cornelia pouted, puffed cheeks and all, "But my nanny said it's not very ladylike for a princess to want to become a soldier."

"Well, your Nanny's silly. I think you can be anything you want to be, Cornelia. You've got the energy and the willpower to do it, of that I'm sure." Marianne didn't know if she was exaggerating or not, but nothing was wrong, she felt, of giving a child a bit of encouragement.

Cornelia giggled happily at hearing this. Marianne was everything she thought she might be. She was as kind as she was beautiful. She then put her hands on Marianne's knees and said ecstatically, "Hey, when I grow up to be in the military, can I work for you, Lady Marianne? You're in the military, right?"

"Oh, Cornelia I'm flattered, but I'm a Knight of the Round. I don't operate under regular military code."

"Oh so you're like a super super-soldier?" Cornelia asked, her eyes shining.

"Well, I suppose you could look at it that way," Marianne said, unsure if that was giving herself too much credit. She certainly felt like a super soldier with all she'd accomplished at such an early stage of her life, but a super super-soldier? That might have been pushing it.

"Ah! There you are."

"Oh, crud." Cornelia groaned. Her nanny had found her.

Beatrice grabbed Cornelia by the hand. "How many times have I told you not to wander off, young lady?" Beatrice noticed Marianne as the young knight got to her feet. She bowed low in apology. "I am so dreadfully sorry, Lady Marianne, that you had to put up with her like this. I swear, she is out of control- she just runs off on her own, whenever I look away."

"It's quite all right. It was really no trouble."

"Yes, well, her mother is certainly going to hear about this."

Having some choice words, but knowing better than to butt into family affairs, Marianne simply said, "Well, Cornelia, it was nice meeting you. I hope I'll see you again."

Cornelia turned towards Marianne as she was being led away by her nanny, gave her idol a big smile and said, "Me too!"

---

Britannian Calendar 1998 atb
Pendragon

Over the next three years, Cornelia began to look up to Marianne as an idol. She would frequent looking up information about her and watch news stories spoken about the young soldier even though she hated the news otherwise. She would even ask Darlton things he knew about Marianne. Darlton could only share what he'd heard from other soldiers of course having never worked alongside Marianne.

It was healthy hero worship, but of course, Dolores didn't see it that way. With every waking day, Cornelia, under Darlton's watchful eye, would build muscle and stamina through rigorous exercise in hopes that she could reach Marianne's level of physical prowess. Her muscles would burn and she'd end up exhausted, but Cornelia was more than willing to put herself through it. Beatrice's only job was to watch Cornelia when she was out of the house and provide snacks, so she couldn't rightfully tell Darlton to stop- and it would be difficult for a nanny to try and stop a general, anyhow.

Dolores, as much as she hated it, wasn't about to do so either. Every child of Charles' had to do some level of exercise once they reached a certain age. It was Charles' idea that he hoped all of his children would set an example of pure-blood Britannians. Odysseus took up water polo, Guinevere practiced horseback riding, and Schneizel practiced archery and played cricket when he wasn't playing chess. There was absolutely nothing wrong with Cornelia doing push-ups, sit-ups and laps around the manor…at least on the surface.

Dolores was not pleased. Her daughter was meant to be a princess, the essence of grace and femininity, but she was anything but ladylike. She was a lady of the court and a rough and tumble tomboy at the same time. In her anxiety, Dolores sometimes felt like Cornelia's next step would be to run away from home, join a gang and get a tattoo. It was an irrational fear to be sure, but Dolores didn't understand her daughter in the slightest, and she couldn't control her either. Cornelia was too old for a time-out and sending Cornelia to her room didn't seem to do anything. Dolores couldn't bring herself to have Cornelia struck on her rear, especially since, despite her attitude, Cornelia really didn't misbehave.

Oh sure, Cornelia could drive her mother crazy, but she always fell in line when asked. She didn't steal extra dessert. She never complained about her bedtime. She was diligent in her studies and she never made a fuss about having to attend special events at the palace. It was the way Cornelia went about these things that frustrated and puzzled Dolores. Every order given to Cornelia was returned with a punctual, "Yes ma'am!" She marched upright rather than stepping lightly with grace. And every time they left for the palace, Cornelia always asked if Marianne would be there.

There were times Dolores would think that maybe she was overreacting. After all, despite her…differences to her siblings, Cornelia had yet to actually do anything outstandingly dreadful in public. She might be a bit curt with others, and really didn't exemplify what one would call 'a lady', but she still acted courtly. However, those thoughts were dashed the day of Charles' wedding to Marianne.

The day Cornelia heard the news that her idol was marrying her father she was ecstatic with cheer. The idea that Marianne was becoming part of her family was so exciting to her. To Cornelia, she thought that this might allow her to spend more time with Marianne. Dolores had preemptively taken aspirin the morning of the wedding, unable to keep up with Cornelia's enthusiasm. She didn't bother to explain to Cornelia that not everyone was going to be sharing her enthusiasm about this decision. She loved her daughter enough not to crush her feelings about the whole ordeal.

However, to the adults of the world, the idea that a commoner could become empress was blasphemous. What was even more blasphemous was that Marianne was to be the head Empress- she was a commoner until she joined the military, and now she had risen far, far above her station. There were whispers amidst the court of blackmail and other forms of manipulation, though none dared openly accuse the emperor's favored. Many believed that within the year, Charles would be dead and Marianne would have the throne long enough to set things up to prevent Odysseus from taking it when he came of age.

The rumors were not only wild, but ill-founded. And for the most part, the common folk received Marianne rather well. Furthermore, while Marianne could be cruel, she'd never want the full responsibility of the throne. Besides, who would she marry? No one would want her. Not to mention she was so young. Even if she wanted the throne she knew she'd hold it for maybe a week before the country turned on her, military included.

At the celebration, rather than ditching her nanny, Cornelia had convinced Beatrice to be on her own for a while. Her siblings and the other noble children were out and about by themselves. Cornelia only felt it was all right if she did the same. Her first instinct was to go find Marianne, but she saw her idol surrounded by people and felt too intimidated to get anywhere close. She went to go look for her Nanny, since there was nothing better for her to do if she couldn't talk to her idol, but she ran into Darlton first.

"Oh, Cornelia, what are you doing wandering around by yourself? Don't tell me you snuck away from Beatrice again."

"No, I got permission this time," she said to Darlton.

"Well," he rubbed the back of his head, "I guess it's all right. I'll pretend I didn't see you if your mother asks about it even though the other children are out and about. Can I get you anything, princess? Water? Some food?"

"Ooh! Could you get me one of those little chicken hors d'oeuvres?" Cornelia asked.

"Certainly. I'll be right back. Don't go too far," Darlton said with a smile and headed for the buffet table.

Cornelia made sure that Darlton could see her as she wandered around the large ballroom wondering what she could do to pass the time, while at the same time looking for her nanny and/or mom. It was then that Cornelia came face to face with the girl she considered to be her archenemy. Guinevere su Britannia, Cornelia's only older sister, was everything Cornelia was not.

Guinevere was four years older than Cornelia, but, Cornelia felt, more immature. Look at her, Cornelia thought, scowling, thinking she's so high and mighty just because she hit puberty. Cornelia didn't know what the word meant, but she knew how to pronounce it and that Guinevere bragged about it a lot. She thinks she's so special just because she's the crown princess. When I become a soldier I'm going to throw her in jail! Then we'll see who's high and mighty!

"Cornelia, what a surprise. Beatrice doesn't have you on a leash today."

While the statement wouldn't have been out of character coming condescendingly out of Guinevere's mouth. The voice saying the words came from behind Cornelia and was definitely male. Cornelia turned to see her younger half-brother, Schneizel walking up to her. There was no mistaking that properly groomed head of blond hair. "Oh!" Cornelia exclaimed, excited to see someone whose company she enjoyed, "Hello Schneizel." She then sighed as she responded to his comment, "Yes, I wanted to see Lady Marianne, but she's busy."

"Well of course she is. It's her wedding day. She's bound to get a lot of attention," Schneizel said. He knew about Cornelia's hero worship towards Marianne, and he didn't disapprove. It made his sister happy. As long as that was the case Marianne, to Schneizel, could be a commoner, a number or even a space alien from Jupiter.

"I just hope she has time for me later. I want to congratulate her in person," Cornelia worried.

"Oh I'm sure she will. Your mother loves to stay for parties. I'm sure you'll be here long enough to at least say hello."

Cornelia smiled. Schneizel always knew how to cheer her up. However, just as she was starting to feel happy, she heard the synchronized, irritating laughter that consisted of Guinevere and her worshipers from the lower noble families. Cornelia audibly growled.

"Ah yes," Schneizel acknowledged Cornelia's irritation as he acknowledged Guinevere and her groupies. "I see Guinevere is just as popular with the lower nobles as ever. At the rate she's going, she'll have Britannia wrapped around her little finger one day."

"Guinny can go fall off her bloody high horse and get paralyzed for all I care!" Cornelia spat, glaring at her sister.

Schneizel sighed as he shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. "My, oh my, Cornelia. If that is the fate you wish upon the members of your own family, I daresay I feel tremendously bad for the fate of your future enemies."

It was at this moment that Guinevere noticed Schneizel's presence. "Oh! Schneizel, hello dear brother," she said cheerfully and then noticed her sister. "Cornelia," she said snappily as she wafted her fan in front of her face.

"Oh hello, Guinevere," Cornelia answered just as venomously as her sister had said hello, "Are you done brown nosing father for that new diamond tiara you always wanted? Or are you going to remind us all for the umpteenth time about your puberty?"

It was well known to everyone in the royal family that paid attention that Cornelia and Guinevere utterly loathed each other. It was unclear how early in their childhood this hatred started, but it was clear that the only two princesses of Britannia would never get along, seemingly destined to stand at odds with each other. Guinevere was as ladylike as it got, traipsing around in long dresses and always taking care to extend her pinky while sipping tea. Cornelia was a tomboy, often choosing to wear pants rather than a dress unless the former was not an option. She took no care in her gait and often kicked pebbles in her path, sometimes on purpose. Guinevere used to faint if she got so much as a paper cut. Cornelia, for her part, once fell out of the tree in her backyard while trying to climb it and didn't cry at all despite the blood dripping down her forehead and the pain that went along with it.

"Actually, I'm going to the opera house next Tuesday. I was just finished telling my friends. But, of course, a Neanderthal like yourself wouldn't appreciate the refined pleasures of good opera. Oh, I'm sorry- perhaps you're too young to know what a Neanderthal is." All of Guinevere's posse began to laugh collectively like sheep at their shepherd's put down.

"No, but I know what a wanker is and you're acting like one," Cornelia responded. Everyone, save Guinevere then went quiet.

Schneizel, realizing he had been forgotten, went to go get an adult before things escalated.

"Do you kiss your mother with that mouth? No, of course not- Dolores doesn't really care about you at all, does she? She forces all the hard work onto Beatrice," Guinevere pretended to wipe a tear from her eye, "It's so sad."

"I can take care of myself. I'm only eight, but I'm more mature than a stuck up prissy little bint like you."

"Ugh... honestly, you are such a barbarian, using that kind of filthy language at your age. Where do you hear it all? Oh, that's right- you have your guard captain wiping your nose and bum for you all the time, don't you?"

"Don't you dare insult Darlton!" Cornelia growled.

"Or you'll do what?" Guinevere asked.

"I'll tell Lady Marianne on you."

"You think I'm afraid of that teenage commoner filth? Hah! I still don't see what father sees in her. I mean she's young enough to be my sister. You'd think father would have better taste."

"So what if she's young? Lady Marianne is strong and wise and way better of a Britannian than you'll ever be!" Cornelia shouted.

"Oh my, my, my, what is this? You're defending her?" Guinevere folded her fan and touched it to her mouth. "Dear oh dear, how uncourtly. Darlton I can understand, his family has a history of being knights to this country going back to the Arthurian period, but Marianne," Guinevere said, without denoting the Empress' status, "without father, is just a lonely, homeless, street rat bitch."

There was a lot Cornelia could tolerate from Guinevere. Her elitist attitude was one thing. She could insult her. She could insult her mother and the commoners. But Cornelia would not stand there and let Guinevere insult Marianne.

Before Guinevere had a chance to see it coming, Cornelia punched her across the face with her left hand. Guinevere was sent tumbling to the ground and as she got up, clenching her face in shock, Cornelia didn't waste any time angrily punching her again. This time she used her right fist and smacked Guinevere right in the nose. Having grown up pampered, Guinevere didn't have the willpower to fight back against the angry beast Cornelia had turned into. She could do little more than struggle in self-defense, holding Cornelia back with her bigger, stronger body, but to little avail against the adrenaline-charged child.

By the time Schneizel came back with an adult, Guinevere and Cornelia were pulling at each other's hair, their clothes both torn, bite marks on each other's arms, and scratch marks and bruises all along their bodies.

With tremendous strength, Guinevere and Cornelia were yanked apart from each other.

"What is going on over here?"

Cornelia froze as she looked up. Schneizel had gotten none other than Marianne herself to quiet things down.

Schneizel sighed. "Isn't it obvious? They were fighting like a couple of hooligans."

Marianne sighed, still scowling. "Schneizel, take Guinevere to her mother. Let Hippolyta sort her out. Cornelia," Marianne called to the girl as she firmly squeezed her shoulder, "please come with me."

---

Cornelia's head sagged as she followed Marianne out of the ballroom. She knew was in so much trouble. This was supposed to be Marianne's special day, and she felt she had ruined it. According to her mother, every single member of the Britannian nobility was supposed to be there—the largest turn out at a party Cornelia could fathom at that age. So, to force Marianne away from the events, and anger her on top of that, made Cornelia feel as if she had ruined the whole event by causing a violent ruckus on what should've been a joyous occasion. Believing she was the center of attention, she also believed everyone saw the fight.

Cornelia figured Marianne was probably going to yell at her, tell her she never wanted to see her again. She wanted to cry, but she held it in. She wasn't a baby anymore. She was eight, and eight-year-olds didn't cry. Much to Cornelia's confusion, Marianne didn't take her outside. She instead brought Cornelia to the elevator and pushed a button for one of the upper floors. When she and Cornelia exited out, Cornelia saw that they were in a very fancy lounge of some sort. The emblem on the carpet was that of the Knights of the Round. She was in the lobby to Marianne's office. What was she doing here?

Marianne sat her down on the couch and firmly told Cornelia, "Wait here."

Marianne went in one of the adjoining rooms before coming back with a first aid kit, puzzling Cornelia further.

"Let's see here," Marianne thought aloud. "Aha, here we are." She brought out some sort of spray bottle and put the side of her hand on Cornelia's eyebrows. "Close your eyes. This spray can really sting."

With a single spritz, Cornelia winced as a stinging sensation erupted through her forehead. Marianne then took out some gauze and wiped down some blood off of a small cut on Cornelia's forehead cause by Guinevere's nails. "All right," she said as she put a band-aid on Cornelia's forehead, "while I continue fixing you up, why don't you tell me what happened?"

"Whuh-whuh-whuh-whuh?" Cornelia was utterly confused. Marianne was just as cheery as ever. And she was helping her, patching her up, in the office of the Knights of the Round.

Marianne checked Cornelia's arm and rubbed some cream where Guinevere had bitten her. Guinevere hadn't broken skin, but the marks in Cornelia's arm still looked painful. Marianne smiled as she stroked Cornelia's hair. "We all lose our temper. It's part of who we are," Marianne said. "So what happened, Cornelia? Tell me."

"Guinevere was insulting you. I couldn't let her stand there and let her say those awful things about you, Lady Marianne!" Cornelia went from defensive to suddenly scowling and angry, "She had it coming, too! I've absolutely had it with Guinevere! She's a complete and total wanker, and a toss-pot and a complete elitist twit!"

Marianne chuckled under her breath as she cleaned another one of Cornelia's injuries inflicted by Guinevere's nails. "You really need to stop using that kind of language, Cornelia. But still, I understand. However, even if you were defending me, that doesn't give you the right to beat up your older sister. I'm more than capable of defending myself from a twelve-year-old's grievances or dislike towards me. I get it enough from grown-ups, people with real power."

Cornelia laughed and smiled, "You don't think Guinevere is a threat."

Marianne smirked, "If she can't take you down, I don't think she wants any of what I can bring to the table in terms of brawling."

"Are you angry with me?" Cornelia asked.

Marianne's smile faded. "It's not my place to get cross. I'm not your mother. I don't have the right to scold you or tell you what to do. Besides your mother and Charles," Marianne pointed at Cornelia's chest, "only you should ever tell yourself how you should act."

"Lady Marianne..." Cornelia sniffed. She felt tears coming, but she withheld them.

"Oh come on now, you don't have to keep yourself from crying."

"B-but, I'm not a baby anymore," Cornelia sniffed.

"Tears are just another emotion. It's a sign that you're human, that you can feel pain, or happiness." Marianne rubbed Cornelia's head, "No matter what your age there's nothing wrong with crying."

"Really?"

"Would I lie to my number one fan?"

Cornelia shook her head fiercely and buried her face into Marianne's chest as she cried.

"Sssshh." Marianne soothed as she stroked her back, "Sssshh. It's okay, Cornelia. It's okay." As Marianne let Cornelia cry, she remembered a lullaby her mother used to sing for her when she was little. She wasn't sure about her singing voice, but Marianne felt she should do her best to calm Cornelia down. "When you look into the sky, what do you see? Do you see the clouds or do you see me? I'm smiling down upon you, like an angel from above. Circling round your head, like a snow white dove. I'm the guardian of the heavens, the seeker of the truth. And I'll always protect you, an innocent youth."

Cornelia had stopped crying and was simply continuing to hug Marianne. She was so nice. She was always so nice. Why couldn't her mom or her nanny treat her the way Marianne treated her? Cornelia just stayed there, hugging her idol in pure bliss until the door opened.

"Oh, hello Dolores," Marianne said as she stood up, forcing Cornelia to let go.

"Is she here?" Dolores asked, her tone suggesting considerable fury.

"She's right here," Marianne said with a smile.

Dolores sighed. "I am so sorry to trouble you like this, Lady Marianne."

"It was really no trouble at all. Honestly, I'm the one who took it upon myself to look after her after what happened."

"You should be celebrating this day as most as you can. You'll not get another one like it."

"Oh, well, thank you for looking out for me." Marianne said with a forced smile. While Dolores had meant nothing by her statement, Marianne was paranoid. She knew most of the upper class couldn't stand Charles' decision to marry her and she had no idea who really liked her and who hid a knife behind their smile. Marianne, of course, found that anyone who did treat her unreasonably, or threatened her, would soon find themselves staring down the barrel of her handgun.

Of course, as she looked down to the little girl clinging to her dress, she knew there was one person in the upper class who sincerely thought the world of her. Marianne focused her attention away from paranoia and at face of the eight-year-old still hugging her and giving her sad puppy eyes. "Cornelia, your mom's here. It's time for you to go."

"But I don't want to go!" Cornelia said hugging Marianne around her leg, putting her head against Marianne's thigh, "I want to stay with you."

"Cornelia, you've caused enough trouble for one day," Dolores snapped, "Let's go."

"Children belong with their parents," Marianne told Cornelia. "Now, run along. It's not like this is the last time we'll ever see each other."

"Yes ma'am." Cornelia surrendered, dropping her arms down at her sides.

"Honestly, if you weren't a soldier and an empress, I'd hire you to be her nanny," Dolores said, holding her hand by her forehead.

"Well hey, at heart I'm still a kid, you know." Marianne said cheerfully.

"Commoner or not, you're a good woman, Lady Marianne. His majesty chose wisely. Perhaps one day you'll have kids of your own."

"Ha! Yeah, me with children, that'll be the day," Marianne laughed it off, but she had already thought about the prospect.

"Right then, let's go. Cornelia, say goodbye."

"Goodbye, Lady Marianne, and congratulations!"

Marianne chuckled. "Thank you, Cornelia. See you again."

As Cornelia and Dolores left the palace into the limousine, Cornelia asked, "Mommy, where do babies come from?"

Dolores slowly stroked her hand upward across her face, "Ask Beatrice when you turn thirteen."

---

While the incident at the wedding celebration was over for Cornelia, it wasn't even close to being done for her parents. Charles and Dolores, as well as Marianne and Hippolyta all had to do deal with the aftermath. When it came right down to it, Charles would have sooner geassed everyone involved to forget the meaningless incident with a memory rewrite- but that would be overkill. Besides, this was his family. It was time to do what his father never did: actually give a damn about his children, to at least some extent.

So, here was the 98th Emperor, sitting in a small room with Marianne, Dolores, and Guinevere's mother, Hippolyta su Britannia. They were discussing the incident in question, but mostly what to do about Cornelia's behavior. She had thrown the first punch, and even though Cornelia had been bleeding as well, Hippolyta tried to make it sound like she had beaten Guinevere within an inch of her life.

"It was so dreadful," Hippolyta cried fake tears, "My little girl might have permanent damage. Dolores," she said, whipping a fan in front of her face, "Honestly, control your daughter. She's turning into a barbarian."

"Cornelia wouldn't listen to me if I tried," Dolores replied, "She's hard headed, and every day I'm just worried she's going to run away and join a backstreet gang, or something of the sort."

"Cornelia might be strong willed, but she'd never leave the comfort of nobility," Charles reassured. "And stop trying to play up Guinevere's injuries, Hippolyta. She was well enough to complain that her dress had been torn, and thankfully the teeth of hers that were knocked out were part of her first set."

"What about my darling baby girl's head injuries?"

"Guinevere had no broken bones when I checked the X-rays. She's fine. And if you don't believe me, Hippolyta, you may check with the doctor for yourself." Marianne said coldly. "Quite frankly, I'm surprised things didn't turn out the way you described them. Cornelia was scratched in no less than three places."

"Hmph! My little girl has to be a fighter now that she's at that age. She has to learn how to defend herself from the boys."

"Oh, I see- already given that little talk, have we?" Marianne said with a playful smile, but her tone suggested she was mocking Hippolyta.

Hippolyta was offended by the grin on Marianne's face. "Are you trying to imply something, Empress?"

"Me? Oh no, I'd never imply that you would spoil your kid rotten, and that that's partly what led to this incident."

"How dare you!" Hippolyta gasped, feeling accosted.

"Marianne, enough!" Charles exclaimed.

"My apologies, dear." she said with the same playful smile, but this time sounding much more sincere.

"Honestly, it doesn't matter what words Guinevere used, I always knew Cornelia would resort to violence one of these days. I have no idea what to do with her," Dolores sighed.

"Why not send her to the military?" At first Charles had thought Hippolyta had made the suggestion if he wasn't so accustomed to Marianne's voice. She had said it so nonchalantly too.

"Military?" Dolores gasped in horror. "She's eight. She'll be nine at the turn of the year."

"So? I was in the academy at that age."

"That's you. You're a madwoman and a monster when it comes to physical ability," Hippolyta said. "As upset as I am about the whole thing, condemning Cornelia to the military is the same as a death sentence."

"I sincerely disagree," Marianne said gravely. "After the incident I saw it in her eyes and in her attitude. The fight was over, but Cornelia craved more. When she felt my honor and reputation were at stake she flew into a serious rage. She's patriotic and she's bloodthirsty. She's already been doing rigorous physical exercise last I heard. She's in better shape than any of her siblings. She has the potential to become an amazing soldier."

"Are you certain?" Charles asked Marianne.

"The reflection I saw in her eyes is the one I saw in mine every time I looked in the mirror at her age. She can do it. She also has the advantage to have special accommodations set in place for her physical limits by comparison to her peers. Like me, she won't be the deftest or the strongest soldier-in-training, but she should at least manage to scrape by. I have confidence in her."

"I'd ultimately like to leave the decision up to her," Dolores said.

"Well then, ask her."

"What will we do if she says no?" Hippolyta asked.

"Well, I suppose we'll cross that bridge if we come to it." Marianne said with a grin. She was certain Cornelia would say yes. Cornelia idolized her; she wanted to become just like her. If Cornelia had the opportunity to enter into the academy at the exact same age as Marianne, she'd take it.

---

Britannian Calendar 1999

Cornelia had accepted joining the military without hesitation. On her first day, she certainly turned a lot of heads. It was rare for the military to get recruits at her age. In fact, Marianne had been the only one to do so since the turn of the century. However, a royal family member entering the military at her age? That was pretty much unheard of.

The drill sergeant, a rough-looking, gruff sort of man, looked awkwardly restrained as he approached young Cornelia Li Britannia.

"You are her majesty, Princess Cornelia?" He said respectfully, taking off his cap.

"Please, sir," Cornelia said firmly, "I want you to treat me like I'm any school student here. I don't want to be singled out."

The man grunted. "Pardon me, your highness-"

"Cornelia."

"Miss Cornelia- you ain't just any school student here."

"And what if I ordered you to treat me like anyone else?"

The sergeant laughed, half nervous, half genuinely. "That'd be right awkward, Miss. We don't treat our students with much respect, not when they're new- not until they learned to take orders."

"That's why I'm here." She said resolutely. "I want to be part of the military. And I don't want it to come for free." Her words were naive, but heartfelt, and the man gave her a small smile.

"I'll see what we can do, miss. I think we can manage a good bit of shouting, at least."

"That's a start." Cornelia nodded happily.

"Now, if you follow me this way- you'll have your own tutor, and a physician available at all times. Some classes you'll share with the rest, others will be a bit...out of your league." Cornelia followed the sergeant, as he begun to explain how her stay at the academy would work.

---

Even with the special accomodations, it was a long day of rigorous exercise for Cornelia, and when she was done she took the keys to her quarters, entered the room and collapsed on the first bed she saw with a groan. Her enthusiasm was still there, but she was exhausted, thankful to be allowed to sleep. She wasn't going to fall asleep yet, of course- she still had to set her alarm to make sure she was ready for training the next morning.

Unlike enlisted boot camp, being in the academy was just like being at a boarding school. You had your own room, and at least one roommate. Many things were the same of course, such as the place still smelling like a middle school gym locker.

Cornelia's treatment had made her so exhausted that, as she face faulted onto the bed closest to the door, she hadn't even noticed that her roommate was already on the other side of it, reading a book.

"Rough day?"

Cornelia picked up her head. She saw a lanky, blonde woman sitting up, reading and wearing a second-year's uniform.

"Oh, I'm sorry, er, I, um…"

The blonde laughed. "It's all right, the other bed's over there." She pointed to another, smaller bed at the other end of the room next to the entrance to the bathroom. It was welded into the wall; there was no chance Cornelia could move it.

"Sorry." Cornelia's roommate apologized. "I had to sleep there up until now. My roommate was such a bitch about it, but she dropped out. She couldn't take the heat. I need the leg room. You understand right?"

Her roommate was speaking with such cheer, and sounded so full of energy, that it was confusing to Cornelia. She looked at her, puzzled.

"What? Is there something on my face?" the blonde asked. "I just took a shower." The fact that she'd yet to address Cornelia's stature was now becoming all the more puzzling to Cornelia. It was as if a nine-year-old in the military didn't turn her head. Every other recruit she'd seen had at least made a glance at her. It then dawned on Cornelia's roommate that she'd yet to ask for Cornelia's name. "Oh hey, as long as we're gonna be roommates we might as well get along, right? I'm Nonette Enneagram."

"Cornelia li Britannia," Cornelia said without any cheer in her voice.

"Britannia? Oh hey, you're a princess?" Nonette asked, putting down her book and sitting on her knees. She kept a finger inside the bindings so she wouldn't lose her spot.

"I'm a soldier."

Nonette frowned. "Well, aren't you just a bundle of joy." She then almost immediately smiled. "Come on, I know you're tired, but there's no reason to be all mopey about it."

"There's no reason to be happy about it either. You're a second-year, how can you be so cheery? Didn't they grind you into the dirt too?"

"Well sure they did, but it's fun," Nonette responded.

"It's…fun?" Cornelia wasn't sure she heard Nonette right. As much enthusiasm as she had to become a soldier, Cornelia never saw this as "fun". It was hard work, plain and simple. What was going on in Nonette's brain that she found being a soldier-in-training fun?

"Well yeah. Who doesn't love rigorous exercise and marksmanship training? My dad took me to a shooting gallery once when I was fifteen and—"

"That's nice. I didn't ask for your life story," Cornelia said and began to make her bed.

"Jeez... you could lighten up a little, you know."

"You're not normal, you know that?" Cornelia snapped as she collapsed on her bed on her back.

"Yeah, I've known that since I was your age."

Cornelia sat up. "Wait, you know I'm a kid and that doesn't bother you?"

Nonette shrugged. "Eh. You're still here. That means you've got potential. They didn't let you stay just cause you're a Britannian princess, that's for sure. Hard work gets recognized around here, Nellie." Nonette had a loose grasp of royalty and their influence…actually Nonette had a loose grasp of reality entirely.

"Nellie?"

"Oh, can I not call you that? I figured if we're going to be friends, I could give you a cute little nickname."

"We are not friends!" Cornelia snapped.

"Aww, come on. Why not? We're gonna be stuck with each other for three years. We may as well get to know each other."

"I'm going to bed," Cornelia said, turning towards the wall.

Nonette sighed. "Well, whatever. Have a good night. You might as well get a jump on it. Staying up till lights out isn't good for you."

---

December was rapidly approaching, and Cornelia had been working hard to prove that she was made of stern enough stuff to be a military woman… or girl, in her case. Many of the first year students had already dropped out, unable to handle the pressure of the rigorous training involved. Military academy training was not quite like enlisted boot camp, since there was education to be given as well, but rigorous exercise was just as important.

Cornelia had barely grasped the 12-times table a few years ago, and now she was expected to learn high school level physics. Cornelia might not have shared her brother Schneizel's ingenious brain, but she was no dummy. Thanks to her brilliant tutors throughout her life, Cornelia was smarter than most to begin with. While her academic marks were nothing spectacular, just enough to keep her afloat, Cornelia managed to at least grasp the concept and it was decided that that was good enough by her tutor. Much like Marianne—though not quite to the same extent—it was clear Cornelia was a military prodigy.

Things weren't easy though, and- unfortunately for Cornelia- Nonette was not making things any easier. The always cheerful and energetic blonde was always pestering Cornelia to come with her, go do things before lights out, or trying to get her attention during lunch hours. Cornelia would have none of it. If Nonette wanted to goof around, that was her business. She had work to do. She had to prove that she was military officer material. Spending time lollygagging was not going to accomplish anything productive for Cornelia.

Cornelia thought about all of this while she did her usual extra jogging. Those who did more than the bare minimum earned recognition, and sometimes were materialistically rewarded for their efforts. Cornelia only cared about the former though. While she was certainly tenacious in her actions, the fact remained that Cornelia couldn't keep up physically; she was nine and her peers were twice that age or more. Even knowing that no amount of hard work could let her catch up- nature had put an obstacle in her path that only time could overcome- she still put in extra work, extra exercise. It was the only way she felt she could measure up to her idol, Marianne. One day, she would be grown up too- and then, having kept fit would pay off.

However, as Cornelia rounded a bend through the nature trail—yes the campus had a small forest upon it for guerrilla training purposes—she wiped the sweat from her eyes, and then almost immediately stumbled over the root of a particularly large tree. Cornelia's arms shot forward so that she didn't stumble, as she proceeded to tuck into a roll. Unfortunately the ground was not level for said somersault, and Cornelia ended up not banging both her knees on a couple of tree roots. The awkwardness of the tumble, combined with unfortunate nature of hard bone and muscle smacking into an ingrown root, had pain seething through Cornelia's knees.

Grunting and shaking off the pain, Cornelia proceeded to stand only to immediately drop down from the intense pain. Her knee was on fire- god damn, it hurt!

No way! she told herself. I'm not going to let a little stumble stop me. But the pain was bad- really bad- and she realized that the injury was a lot worse than she had originally thought when she landed. She couldn't get herself into a sprint without probably breaking one or both legs. Gritting her teeth, she decided to drag herself back to her room, or the infirmary, if the pain hadn't stopped by the time she reached the barracks.

Cornelia, of course, didn't get very far before a voice called out to her. "Hey, Nellie. Whatcha doin'?"

Cornelia looked up to see Nonette sitting in the offending tree that had put her in this predicament. How did she… Cornelia wondered seeing Nonette sitting in the higher portions of the tree. She then shook her head. Forget it. I don't want to know. She looked at Nonette fiercely and snapped. "It's not your business. And stop calling me Nellie. My name is Cornelia."

"Hey, come on, don't be like that." Nonette said as she took several leaps and bounds down the tree before landing in front of Cornelia. "Come on, let me help you back to the infirmary. You're bleeding through your pants."

"I can handle myself," Cornelia growled.

"The tough girl act doesn't work when you haven't hit puberty, you know."

"What the heck does that—" Nonette was walking towards her, trying to pick her up. "Hey! Put me down!" She struggled out of Nonette's grip, and wound up falling on her knees. It had hurt before; now pain surged through her legs like they had been put into molten metal, and Cornelia couldn't help but cry out in pain. Before the sharp, intense pain subsided, she was already being carried away from the scene by Nonette, in a bridal carry. "Hey! I said, put me down!" Cornelia reached up and punched Nonette in the cheek, hoping it would get her to put her down.

"You're really silly, Nellie." Nonette said, not reacting to Cornelia's assault at all. She smiled down at her. "Friends help friends when friends need help." She let out a brief, joyful giggle. "Wars aren't won by a single strong soldier. It takes a team effort. It's silly and selfish to push yourself like this. Pushing yourself to be the best you can be is great, but you also have to realize your limitations."

"I'm not at my limitations! Put me down! We are not friends! Get your hands off me!"

Nonette didn't answer her protests, and continued to carry Cornelia all the way to the infirmary. The injury to Cornelia's legs, it turned out, was painful but nothing serious. She would be up walking, right as rain in two days, but she'd have to stay in the infirmary until then.

"Don't worry. I'll get all your lecture notes and classwork," Nonette told Cornelia as she made a fist by her shoulder. "You won't get left behind. I know how important this is to you."

"Why are you helping me?" Cornelia asked. "I kept telling you to let me go and yet despite that," she said, feeling confused, "you still did what you wanted to do. I don't understand."

Nonette smiled as she leaned forward, hands on her legs, "I told you. It's because we're friends."

Cornelia leaned back in her bed and tilted her head back to look up at the ceiling. She sighed as she said, "You are a strange and obnoxious woman."

Nonette laughed. "I get that a lot."

"Not to mention infuriating."

"Eh, not as often, but I'm told that too."

Cornelia found herself unable to stifle a laugh. Nonette laughed right along with her.

When both of them stopped, Cornelia sighed again and said, "Thanks… for before."

"You're welcome," Nonette smiled.

Cornelia sat up and gave Nonette her hand. "Friends you said, right?"

"You bet!" Nonette exclaimed, still cheerfully grinning as she clasped Cornelia's hand.

"Till the end?" Cornelia asked.

"The best!" Nonette answered as she shook Cornelia's hand.

---

Area 4, 2008 atb

It is often said that you only need the one really good friend to survive in the world. Although they rarely saw each other after Nonette graduated, Cornelia and Nonette kept in touch as often as their lives allowed them to. In the years that followed Cornelia's graduation, a wide gap of skill soon was obvious between the two of them. Part of this was due to age, but even then, very few people could hold a candle to the accuracy, calmness under fire, physical stability and dexterity that was Nonette Enneagram. She was a war machine, able to put down terrorists and enemy soldiers in the dozens with just a pistol, the perfect soldier.

Cornelia, meanwhile, still struggled along the way. She was certainly no killing machine, but for a young teenager, she certainly held her own against Britannia's enemies. When she was eighteen, Cornelia had reached the rank of Colonel. Because of her heritage, Cornelia spent most of her early military career putting down domestic terrorism. She would be in other countries once or twice, but her involvement there was just like any other soldier.

"So, Knight of Nine?" Cornelia asked, talking to Nonette via videophone. "I'm disappointed I couldn't be there for your inauguration. Damn terrorists."

"Hey, I'd rather you be murdering terrorists than you be here and have them showing up on the doorstep of the palace." Nonette said with a smile. "When do you think you'll be coming home? Mary, Euphie, Lulu and Nunna asked for you." Nonette was never one for formalities, no matter how much they would be desired. If she wasn't calling Charles "your majesty" it was always "Charlie" when she wasn't amongst nobility. Nobody did anything to correct this bad habit of hers. It was a waste of breath and no one was about to throw a prime soldier behind bars for being indelicate.

"I'll be relieved of command by another colonel in my division before the winter starts. I'll be home before the new year."

"That's great to hear. I—" Nonette stopped talking as she turned her attention to the TV inside the offices of the Knights of the Round. "Hold that thought, Nellie. Bizzy, can you turn that up?"

"I will if you stop calling me by that god-awful nickname." Bismarck retorted.

"Oh relax, Bizzy," Marianne emphasized the nickname with a playful smile.

Bismarck sighed and turned up the volume.

"Nonette?" Cornelia called from the other end of the phone.

"Nellie, you might want to turn on the TV, news station, international where you are." Nonette said in a flat monotone.

Cornelia couldn't scramble for the remote fast enough. Over the years she'd learned an important detail about Nonette. Because the woman always acted like she was on a happy pill all the time, during the times when Nonette did act seriously, it was a good measure of how grave or important a situation was. Essentially, if Nonette wasn't smiling, things looked dire indeed.

Cornelia put on the news and couldn't believe her eyes and ears. The Ares Villa had been bombed by domestic terrorists. The patrol guard had managed to fend them off, thankfully, but the fact that a large chunk of the building had managed to be damaged was a deafening blow to everyone watching the news. The fact that the terrorists had not been spotted earlier was also a big brouhaha amongst the news watchers and reporters. It was even more suspect to Marianne and Cornelia that they had to learn about this through the news and military intelligence hadn't at least gotten to them first. It was suspect, but the shock of the incident had their mental priorities thrown amuck. Fortunately, anyone majorly important that could've been lost to such an attack—specifically Marianne and her children—were all at Nonette's inauguration.

The impact it had on the nation was stunning. Conspiracy and fear spread through the country like a swarm of locusts. Cornelia knew she had to go home right now. After some reasoning with her Brigadier General, Cornelia was relieved of her post to go home.

Charles made a grandstanding speech to the general public with the entirety of the Knights of the Round present. He made sure his speech, while amidst some of his best soldiers, was performed out in the open as if goading the terrorists to take their best shot at him. His boastful nature and over the top tone rallied the nation behind him and stirred the people. Britannians all across the empire cried out for blood against the terrorist cell responsible for these heinous acts.

Unfortunately, such an attack had already done its intended damage. Up until that point, the vast majority of people who held no love for the empire—be they numbers or crazy poverty stricken peasants—found any merit in doing so. But now, the bombing was like a loud wake-up call to all people everywhere. If the Ares Villa could be breached then Britannia was certainly not invincible. Nigh untouchable, but not impervious. It was a small crack in an otherwise unbreakable shield, but it would only widen as time went on, even as Britannia conquered more foes.

Affected most of all by these events were Lelouch and Cornelia. Lelouch, eight years old, was terrified and angry. That was his home that had just been attacked by terrorists. How could he feel safe right now? Cornelia, meanwhile, wanted more bloodied vengeance than anyone else in the empire. No one got away with bombing the home of her idol. It was inexcusable and infuriating.

Marianne, of course, did not share Cornelia's unbridled rage. She was more concerned and cross about the whole thing than anything else. The attack was obviously meant to kill her. Someone wanted her dead and she wanted to know who. Realizing this, Charles spoke with her in private.

"I think it's important that you step down from the military, Marianne."

"Preposterous. That would be giving the enemy what they want!"

"You're better protected by our nation by your personal guard than anywhere else. If the terrorists think they've won they'll get sloppy and they'll expose themselves more. The Ganymede is still yours to do with as you see fit. You still have power as Empress. Think about Lelouch and Nunnally- especially Lelouch. What would he do without you?"

"Hmph! Why would it matter? Once we complete the Ragnarok Connection—"

"Which will not be completed for at least a decade, need I remind you? This whole family should remain in one piece for the sake of its future. Otherwise, how will I rule this world without the real you at my side?"

"You would manage, I'm sure..." Marianne said playfully.

"Do not begin to joke about such things."

Marianne simply shrugged as she changed the subject. "Well, the current head of my guard was killed in the attack. Any suggestions of how to replace him?"

"I don't think you need me for that."

Marianne grinned mischievously. "You're right. I know just the woman for the job."

---

Cornelia's return home on a private jet was completely unexpected. When she touched down on home soil, Lelouch and Nunnally were currently staying with Dolores and Euphie while plans were set in motion to repair the Ares Villa. Marianne took to the comfort and security of Charles' villa. Lelouch wanted his mother to be at his side or for him to be at hers, but he wasn't about to argue with decisions his mother was firm upon.

Marianne figured it would be safer for her children to be with a house she trusted than to be right next to her. If she kept them at an arm's distance, then if something befell either the main villa or the li Britannia manor, the vi Britannia bloodline could move on in a worst case scenario.

Furthermore, Marianne thought of the possibility that it wasn't a terrorist attack, but that someone inside the empire wanted her dead. She had a her suspicions as to who it could be, but with no evidence, accusations would only serve to raise his guard. She had to protect her children from that man and letting them be in the villa at night with him potentially skulking about would be like sending her children to their deaths.

Of course, Marianne made the effort to be with her children during the day. So here she was sipping tea with Dolores while Lelouch, Nunnally and Euphie played in the garden under heavy supervision.

It was then that the front door opened without warning and Cornelia stepped through, loudly exclaiming,

"I'm home! Euphemia! Mother!"

"Welcome home, Lady Cornelia," two maids bowed to her.

"Hmm." Cornelia said, removing her regal, white cape, "Dry clean this for me will you?" she asked, placing it in the hands of one of the maids.

Dolores entered into the foyer from the dining room, standing as rigid and condescending as ever towards her brutish daughter. Not for a second did Dolores enjoy what Cornelia had become. Although Cornelia was much courtlier than in her youth, she was still a violent savage at heart, and would sooner shoot something than converse over tea and biscuits. Dolores was thankful that Euphie, at least, was growing up to be quite the lady. That was at least one aspect of the household Cornelia and her mother could agree upon. Since birth Euphie had always been a gentle soul. For Cornelia, she figured Euphie would have to be under mind control if she ever harmed another human being.

To that end, both mother and daughter had some common ground to walk upon. Even so, their relationship was strained to say the least. All Cornelia ever really cared about when she was home was Euphie. More than even Lelouch, Cornelia's sister gave her a real reason to struggle through the rigorous training and later the harsh battles she'd be in over the years. Cornelia had missed her sister's birth because of the academy—but then again, she'd missed Lelouch's as well—but that didn't stop her from thinking the world of her baby sister. Euphie would protest that she wasn't a baby anymore—and as she got older protest that she wasn't a child—but to Cornelia she would always be her baby sister.

Cornelia would've rather have been greeted at the door by her sister than her mother. After all, she knew what was about to come out of her mother's mouth.

"We weren't expecting you until later this month." Dolores said.

"Change of plans. I couldn't sit idly by after what happened to the Ares Villa. I had to come back. I am an older sister before I am a soldier."

"Keep that attitude up, and you're liable to be court martialed."

"I don't want to hear that from someone who doesn't have the shoulder strength to withstand the kickback of a pistol." Cornelia scowled.

"Well now, if I had ever talked to my mother with such hostility I would have been given a good paddling," Marianne said, stepping into the room as she stood next to Dolores.

Cornelia dropped to one knee. "Lady Marianne."

"Rise, Cornelia. There's no need for such formalities."

"You will always command my respect, Lady Marianne," Cornelia said as she rose to her feet.

"Funny you should say that," Marianne smiled, "You see, the head of my guard died in the attack on my villa. Feel like replacing him?"

The question came out of nowhere and the impact of it was like someone had just dropped an anvil on Cornelia's head. "Me? The head of your guard?"

"Well, you do have the rank and experience for it," Marianne said.

Cornelia dropped to one knee once again. "I would be honored, Lady Marianne. I gladly accept this responsibility."

"Fantastic." Marianne said with a smile. "I'll go get started on the paperwork. Dolores, would you mind getting your chefs to whip up a feast to welcome your daughter home, and in celebration of her new position?"

"By your will, your majesty." Dolores said and walked away.

"Lelouch, Nunnally and Euphemia are out in the garden," Marianne told Cornelia, "I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see you home so soon."

Cornelia smiled as she returned to standing upright. "Yes, I'm sure they will. I'm… happy to be home."

"Well, we're happy to have you home. I've always expected great things from you, Cornelia. So far, you haven't let me down."

Cornelia blushed. "I-I am not worthy of such a compliment, your majesty."

Marianne only smiled. "You most certainly are. I look forward to having you on board, Cornelia. Even if your mother is not, I am very proud of you."

"Th-thank you, your majesty!" Cornelia said, still red, a little overwhelmed. Praise like this, from her idol, was all she could ever have asked for. "I-I think I'll go see how my siblings are doing."

"You do that. I've got paperwork to fill out."

Out in the yard, Cornelia saw her siblings enjoying various recreational activities. Euphie was doodling on a sketch pad, Nunnally was catching butterflies, and Lelouch was sitting at a table playing chess against himself.

Cornelia sighed. He does not change. Cornelia approached the table to sit down in front of her younger brother. Lelouch was so engrossed in his game against himself that didn't realize it was Cornelia who sat down in front of him until she spoke. "You know, if you don't take advantage of the great outdoors, it won't be good for your health."

Lelouch looked up to see his sister staring him in the face. "When did you get back? I thought you weren't coming home until New Year's."

"Change of plans. When I heard what happened at the villa I rushed home immediately. You all right?"

Lelouch didn't answer for a short while, but eventually he simply said. "I wasn't hurt, but the villa has to be repaired. Nunnally and I have been sleeping here while mom stays with his majesty."

"I see." Cornelia said. It sounded like Lelouch was doing all right. In that case…

"Hey! Don't mess up my game!" Lelouch exclaimed as Cornelia moved the only white knight left on the board.

"Why not? Afraid you'll lose if I join the game halfway?" Cornelia asked. "In real combat sometimes a commanding officer will be killed or an officer of higher rank will enter the battlefield in his or her place. Or, think of it as a change in tactic."

"You always bring war strategy into this," Lelouch grumbled.

"Because it's very synonymous," Cornelia answered. "There are differences of course. Besides, they work. I've beaten you plenty of times."

"And I've beaten you just as many."

"In war you must always be ready to accept losses with victories. A true strategic mastermind knows when to give up the battle, but later win the war."

Lelouch made his move with a black bishop. "So, what- are you calling yourself some kind of chess master?"

"No, that would be Schneizel," Cornelia said jokingly, moving her queen. "Besides, there's one major difference between war and chess."

"I can think of several." Lelouch answered, moving one of his bishops

"In chess you can see all of the pieces in front of you. In war, you can only see your own. That's why chess is a game, and war is something we perpetuate when the foreign masses are too stupid to realize what they're up against. Anything we want, we take and that's all there is to it." Cornelia smacked her pawn onto the table to emphasize the point. "Speaking of Schneizel though—"

"I don't want to talk about him right now," Lelouch grumbled.

"Still haven't won a game of chess against him, I see."

"No one has. Schneizel is the unbeatable chess player. It's like his brain is some sort of supercomputer."

"When you get involved in politics, that's necessary. I hear he's also shooting for Prime Minister in the future."

"He is. I hope he gets rejected."

"Now, Lelouch, don't let personal grudges keep you from seeing the bigger picture. If you always get so angry when someone affronts you. It'll ruin you one day. What if you need Schneizel's help one day, will you let your grudge keep you from asking for it?"

Lelouch didn't answer. "What if you need my help?" Cornelia asked.

"Why would I hesitate to ask for your help?" Lelouch asked. "You've…" he hesitated for a moment as his cheeks turned red and turned his head away from Cornelia. He then said considerably awkwardly, "Y-you've always been good to me. You've always treated me like- like I'm not ignorant just because I'm a child. So…thanks…for being a good big sister…I guess."

"That's so sweet of you to say, Lelouch," Cornelia smirked.

"Don't smirk at me like that!" Lelouch chided, still considerably embarrassed at expressing his feelings.

"You know your behavior is betraying your earlier statement about my not treating you like a child. Honestly only children act the way you currently are."

"S-so what? I-it's not like that's how I really feel. Y-you're just good to me like I said. You know…for a big sister."

"Oh you dislike having a big sister?" Cornelia chuckled.

"N-no! You're okay. But I have to deal with Guinevere sometimes and she's so... narcissistic and self-centered. Did I tell you yet that she tried to play matchmaker for me?"

"I think you might have," Cornelia chuckled. He still hasn't started noticing girls I see. Having Clovis for a brother, Cornelia was used to having siblings not be so off put by the opposite sex. Or, at the very least, not so averse to them the way Lelouch behaved.

"Cornelia!" The loud exclamation of Euphemia was immediately followed by her tackling Cornelia. The impact of Euphemia's hug was so great that it knocked Cornelia off balance off her chair and her arm swung out on a reflex, knocking the chess pieces off the board, ruining the game.

"Ah! Our game!" Lelouch exclaimed. "Euphemia!"

Euphie propped herself up to look at the board, using her sister's stomach for leverage. "Oh, oopsie."

"Don't just 'oopsie' and think you can get out of this. Cornelia and I were in the middle of a game!" Lelouch grumbled.

"Lelouch, it was an accident," Cornelia said, sitting up as she propped Euphie up on her lap. "We'll call this one a draw."

"But—"

"It was a draw," Cornelia glared at Lelouch. Lelouch stopped all further protests in the interest of not angering his sister.

"Sister, when did you get home?" Euphie asked, continuing to cuddle up to Cornelia.

"I just arrived," Cornelia said with a smile. "Have you been staying out of trouble?"

"Yes!" Euphie nodded. "It's been a lot of fun having Lelouch and Nunnally here. Normally I'm the one always visiting them, so it's a nice change of pace." Upon saying the little girl's name, Euphie realized that a certain princess had yet to come say hello to her big sister. "Nunnally!" she called.

Nunnally looked towards the sound of Euphie's voice, but rather than open her mouth to ask 'what?' the minute she saw Cornelia she ran right over shouting, "Cornelia!"

Unfortunately for Nunnally, she had quite the klutzy track record, and wound up face faulting into the dirt. Lelouch immediately ran over to his sister. Nunnally was crying and holding her cheek. Lelouch hugged his little sister to soothe her.

Cornelia, also concerned for Nunnally, set Euphie down and walked over to check up on the youngest member of the family. "Here," she said, squatting down, "Let me see."

Nunnally's adorable blue eyes were streaming with tears as she looked up at her big sister. Cornelia examined Nunnally's face, finding her to be covered with only dirt and sweat. Any injury procured seemed to be internal, but Nunnally's clothes were now sullied with grass stains and soil.

"You're lucky- it looks like there's no blood." Cornelia said as she stroked Nunnally's scalp. "Don't cry. Everything's gonna be all right." Cornelia lifted up Nunnally from underneath her arms, and cradled her by her chest as she stroked the back of her head. Nunnally was still sniffling, but Cornelia knew how to soothe that. "There, there, calm down," she spoke calmly. "You're okay. My, my, that was quite the tumble."

Nunnally cuddled up to her big sister in adoration. She used Cornelia's chest like a soft pillow for further comfort.

With the crisis averted, Cornelia said, "Well, with that settled, what's say we all take a bath?"

"That sounds like a great idea," Euphie exclaimed cheerfully. "Lelouch, you can wash my back for me!"

Lelouch reacted like a deer caught in headlights. He would never openly admit to his puppy love crush on his own sister. "Uh…sure, but…uh…shouldn't we fix the chess board first?"

---

Summer, 2010 atb

"Withdraw?" Cornelia sounded heartbroken as she asked Marianne for clarification. The two had been walking together in a corridor of the Ares Villa only for Marianne to drop this bombshell on her.

"Yes. Think of it as a paid vacation," Marianne said, her back to Cornelia.

"I cannot!" Cornelia shouted in agonized protest. "Who will protect you if I withdraw?"

"I don't need to always have you at my back, Cornelia. I'm quite capable of taking care of myself."

"But…Lady Marianne!"

"Cornelia, you are a soldier. What should be your action in this situation?"

Cornelia walked towards Marianne as she spoke. "I am a member of this family before I am a soldier or guardswoman. Lady Marianne, please, if someone is threatening you, let me know about it. It isn't like you to make rash decisions like this."

"Cornelia, I only want to hear one thing from you. Do not make me temporarily banish you from the premises."

"But…" Cornelia continued to protest only for Marianne to clear her throat. Sinking her head to stare at the ground, Cornelia said, "Yes ma'am. When should I return ma'am?"

"I will give you a call." Marianne said calmly.

---

Cornelia returned home that evening and entered the villa in complete and total shock. Upon reaching her bed, she sat down on the edge staring at her palm. She hadn't been fired, but just having to be apart from Marianne, to be apart from her siblings, to be temporarily relieved of duty, made Cornelia feel useless. The way things stood, Cornelia felt as if Marianne had told her she was unfit to protect her and her children. In fact, such a thing might've been less painful. It would be the whole story. But as things stood, Cornelia didn't know all the details and she was angry that Marianne didn't trust her to tell her what was really going on. Did Cornelia really garnish that little trust from a woman she had admired since she was five-years-old? She had been told to take a few days off without warning. And not just her, she asked to remove her entire guard. Surely Cornelia was a workaholic, but the entire stationed guard throughout the Ares Villa. It didn't make any sense.

Cornelia wasn't stupid. She knew Marianne had to be in danger, but the woman had made it perfectly clear she didn't want her around. Why? If Marianne was in trouble shouldn't she at least let Cornelia stay and help? Nothing made sense right now. Ever since she'd been a part of Marianne's guard, Cornelia felt elation that she'd never felt before in her life. Someone had to be threatening her, Cornelia figured in her shocked paranoia. Who dammit? Who was keeping her from the woman she admired?

Cornelia was so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she barely missed the knock to her slightly ajar door. Euphie was peeking into her room and saw her sister crying.

"Cornelia? Is everything okay? You're home early. Is everything okay?"

Cornelia looked up to see her little sister and stared at her without the expression on her face changed. The expression was the same as someone who just watched their newly adopted puppy be kicked down the street, repeatedly.

"Eu…phe…mia…" Cornelia barely got out as her sister opened the door wide, walked towards her and put her arms around her. Her expression was sympathetic, wanting to heal her sister's pain. Cornelia gripped Euphie tightly, her face tightening up in anguish. She didn't cry, but she felt like she should have. She was very upset and hurt by the idea that Marianne didn't want her around with how abrupt the order had been given. Sure, maybe if Marianne suggested Cornelia take a vacation that was one thing, but she'd ordered her to vacate the premises and Cornelia just felt rejected and frustrated that Marianne wasn't telling her the whole story.

When she finally managed to stabilize her emotions, Cornelia said, "Thank you, Euphemia."

"Sister, did something happen at the villa?" Euphie asked.

"It's fine, Euphemia." Cornelia said as she sniffed again. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Hey," Cornelia said, completely ignoring the question, "Shall we get some ice cream?"

"But it's lunch time," Euphie said. "Won't mother get angry?"

"Well we won't tell mother then, will we?" Cornelia asked.

The prospect of ice cream made Euphie completely forget about her concern, but that was exactly Cornelia's plan. By catering to Euphie's—or rather any child her age—deepest desires of frozen dairy treats, she could prevent any further inquiry into her sorrow. After a day of spoiling her sister rotten and personally seeing her to bed, Cornelia went down into the wine cellar. She searched for an unopened bottle of Scotch whiskey and just began drinking right out of the bottle. Soldiery was her lifeblood. Her family was her lifeblood. If someone told her she couldn't protect her family, then she might as well not even exist.

That was what the alcohol was for. If only for tonight, Cornelia wanted to forget that today existed. She wanted to forget the position she was in. She wanted to forget that she had been kicked out of the villa. She wanted to forget everything in its entirety.

---

The Next Day

Cornelia woke up the next morning, with the worst of hangovers. The empty bottle of whiskey rolled to her feet, and as Cornelia took in her dank surroundings she realized she had spent the entirety of last night in the wine cellar. She took the empty bottle and launched it against the back of the cellar, chastising herself for turning to alcohol in desperation.

Cornelia growled as she held her head in agony. The sound of the bottle shattering was unbearably loud, like cannonfire in her ears. Down on her hands and knees, Cornelia was mentally kicking herself for her immaturity. Drinking heavily in her misery seemed like a good idea at the time and Cornelia hated that she had had such a weak will. Or, as she thought two seconds later, her hatred might have just been her stomach riling up something fierce as she vomited all over the cellar floor. Cornelia felt marginally better, but her head still felt like it was about to split open. She staggered up the stairs of the cellar, and shielded her eyes from the sunlight that poured into the corridor from the open window down the hall. Cornelia looked to the closest servants, and demanded they to clean up downstairs for her, after bringing her some medicine.

Cornelia sat at the kitchen table with a glass of water, as she downed a couple of pills to get rid of her throbbing headache. She face planted into the kitchen table, feeling miserable, only for her cell phone to go off. It was on vibrate, so thankfully her loud ring tone didn't make things worse.

The call was coming from Darlton. Cornelia answered, feeling less than eager. "Yes?"

"Sorry, did I wake you?" Darlton asked. He sounded serious, melancholy even.

"No. I…" Cornelia thought twice about admitting to heavy drinking to her superior officer. Things were bad enough as they were. "What do you need, sir?"

"Could you come down to the Ares Villa? There's been an incident."

"But I—"

"I know, I was informed yesterday. Consider this an order from me, Cornelia. Please get over here."

Cornelia didn't know why Darlton sounded so serious. It then dawned on her as to the worst case scenario. Given Darlton's serious tone she immediately assumed the worst, but shook it off, believing that such a thing could not happen to the invincible Marianne the Flash and her children. Regardless she was a soldier and one eager to report for duty. "I'll be down there right away!"

Fighting her hangover, Cornelia jumped in one of her family's cars and sped to the Ares Villa. Despite her hangover, Cornelia was a soldier. A flash-bang was worse than this, especially with the medicine kicking in. Cornelia did her best to get to the Villa as fast as she could, finding a soldier she recognized at the gate.

"What's the situation?" she asked.

"Colonel!" the young lieutenant saluted. "I-I don't know ma'am. General Darlton posted me out front."

Cornelia scowled and ran up the pathway leading to the villa. She found an ambulance already parked right outside and Lelouch was off to the side, traumatized.

At that point, Cornelia's entire mind deafened and everything around her seemed gray and clunky. She could barely hear Darlton calling to her to get her attention, but with a horrified expression, Cornelia pushed her way through the crowd and opened the front door to the Ares Villa. Then, there on the stair case, in a pool of her own blood was a woman with a head of black hair in an orange ball gown that Cornelia recognized immediately. Tears started to fall, as every fiber of Cornelia's being shouted to the heavens with despair:

"LADY MARIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANE!"

---

Present Day

Cornelia awoke with a jolt, as visions from that horrible day clouded her mind. As she came awake, Cornelia palmed her right eye with her hand. Guilt still wracked her conscience. She should've stayed the night, just as a family member. She should have disobeyed. She should have done something, anything other than abandon Marianne to her fate. The lifeless form of Marianne's body was still fresh in Cornelia's mind, and it had left an imprint on her soul that had lasted for seven years.

Cornelia hated that memory. She wished she could just wipe it away clean, but she couldn't. As much as she hated it, the memory of Marianne's body was important to her never ending pursuit of the truth. Cornelia could remember the location of every bullet hole, and the exact position in which the body had fallen. And yet, despite her tenacity, the truth had slipped from her.

Cornelia had already ruled out the possibility of terrorists only two years ago. The most prominent cell had been put down by Cornelia's own hand, and it was that mission that had made her the Chief General of the army amongst all the other four-stars. The leader said he would've loved to have taken credit for Marianne's demise, but could not. Cornelia's father had tried to reason with Cornelia that she was being deceived. The idea that terrorists were not responsible was just a façade, he had said, to make her chase after ghosts.

Cornelia never believed it. She suspected her father knew quite more than he was telling her; that he knew what was going on, and wasn't about to tell anyone about it. Schneizel, she suspected, knew something as well, but she didn't want to suspect the man who had been at her back for the last seven years. It was thanks to Schneizel that Cornelia didn't quit the military right after Marianne's death. It was Schneizel who assigned Guilford to be Cornelia's knight. And it was Schneizel yet again who suggested that Cornelia come to Area Eleven in the first place to get vengeance for Clovis. In his words:

"Too many people have been stolen from you, Cornelia. Don't you think it's high time you do something about it?"

Surely Schneizel was a crafy, manipulative political mastermind, but he had always treated Cornelia fairly and even pulled strings for her in years past. Why would someone like that hide the truth from her?

Cornelia looked around in the darkness. As she noticed her bedside clock she saw that it was close to midnight. She'd only been asleep for an hour or two. Normally she wouldn't have even called it a night for another twenty minutes from the time it currently was, but Darlton and Guilford both told Cornelia she had been working too hard, determined to pick up the slack work while she got a good night's rest. Cornelia yawned, intending to go back to sleep under the pretense of "no news is good news" when her cell phone began audibly buzzing violently. The light from the screen made it easy to find in the dark as Cornelia stumbled over to it. The caller ID registered for Guilford.

"I thought I was getting the night off," Cornelia groaned, rubbing her eye.

"Sorry to wake you, your highness, but this is an emergency."

Paranoia swept through Cornelia as a quick flash back to seven years ago made her momentarily dizzy. She shook it off immediately. There was no way events of seven years ago were repeating themselves again now. Snapped awake from her paranoia though, Cornelia spoke crisply into the phone, "What kind of a situation Guilford?"

"Ma'am! The Lake Kawaguchi Convention Center Hotel… it's been… it's been seized by the JLF!"

Cornelia's eyes widened in horror. Euphemia! Euphie had gone to that hotel to oversee a public convention on experimental technology in guise. She was only supposed to observe as a bystander. She wasn't even registered in her Britannian name. Her little sister had been inadvertently kidnapped right under her nose.

Cornelia refused to stand for that. She didn't just wake up from a nightmare to be plunged into another one. The JLF would rue the day they crossed her. Lelouch had warned her that the extremist factions had yet to be expunged and now his warning had come to pass. Nevertheless, she would get Euphemia back. Cornelia's brow furrowed and her teeth clenched as she spoke to Guilford. The JLF had put her in a very foul mood and they would see just what happened when you pissed off the Goddess of the Battlefield. "I'll be there as soon as I can! I want every able bodied Britannian soldier ready for counter-terrorism actions!" Cornelia wrenched her nightgown off her body and immediately scrambled for a clean uniform. "Mobilize and meet me within the district in thirty minutes. No! Twenty!"

"Yes, your highness!"

As Cornelia hung up with Guilford she strapped on her uniform, grabbed her gun and dialed for Darlton. "I already know." He answered the moment he picked up the phone.

"Then I assume the Glaston Knights have been mobilized."

"Mobilized and awaiting orders!"

"I'll be there soon. I'm chartering a transport copter and I'll meet you on the scene. Do not act rashly and do not open communication until I get there."

"Understood."

As Cornelia entered the elevator to take her to the rooftop so she could leave, she attempted to dial for Lelouch only to remember that Euphemia had told her Lelouch would be joining her at the convention. She would not be able to rely on Lelouch's aid in this endeavor. This was her battle to win or to lose and she was determined to win and her prize would be the lives of her siblings. Cornelia was not about to lose two of the three most important people in her life to Japanese extremists.

Not this time! Cornelia declared as the copter took off for Lake Kawaguchi. This time I win! This time things come out the way I want them to. Lelouch, Euphemia, I'm coming to save you!

To be continued…

---

(A/N: Don't worry, I'm not just going to throw Lelouch haphazardly into this without showing you his side of things. And for the purposes of this fanfic this chapter will be my head canon for Cornelia's past. I hope you enjoyed it before the mood swerve at the end there. I did say I was discarding the script for Code Geass, but the hotel jacking was the debut of the Black Knights and Zero did tell Katase to weed out his extreme parties. This was what he was talking about. Foreshadowing for the win! Next chapter I estimate will be much shorter than this one, but we'll see. I've been wrong before. Nonette and Guinevere both will have roles in the story later on when things start to get more hectic else I would not have shown them. If you don't remember Guinevere, I suggest you take a look at the code geass wiki. She's a very minor character, but that's what you call Ascended Extra. Here's to 3 more good chapters of this fanfic before I take another guaranteed hiatus. Ja ne!)