Dislaimer: I do not own Code Geass, which is propriety of Studio Sunrise, and neither do I own Exalted, which is property of White Wolf Publishing.

This fiction originally appeared as a quest-style story on the forum Sufficient Velocity. As such do not be confused by the strange structure.

Fiendish Advent - Act 5

{●}

Lelouch had prepared many contingencies in case he needed to extract the truth from any enemy agent sent his way, but many of them relied on the target fearing death some way or another. So in the case of someone apparently able to come back to live, what did that leave him?

So instead he decided to think and talk with Seyrun first. "President, would you like to do the honors?" He looked at Milly while taking the stance of a bellboy inviting a guest to enter a party.

"Can I? Great! Zenész, fetch me my collection of animal ears!" Milly exclaimed excitedly. The look of confused horror on the green haired girl's face as she struggled to escape her silken cocoon was one Lelouch was all too familiar with, as was the look in Milly's eyes. "First Kallen, and now a second beautiful girl to dress up the next day! What a spectacular harem you're building for me, Lulu!"

The raven-haired youth resisted the urge to facepalm. Then he remembered he had skipped lunch in order to meet the terrorists. "Anyways Madam President, I imagine you'll whip up quite an appetite as you work. Shall I order takeout?"

"Splendid idea, minion most faithful! Hmmm... Chinese, KFC, or pizza?"

At the mention of pizza the captive's eyes lighted up excitedly, looking at Lelouch pleadingly. 'Well, she did take a bullet for me after all.' He thought. "Pizza it is, then."

After making an order he leaned against the wall and cross his arms over his chest, absentmindedly watching Milly as she ordered the spiders to set the captive upright and began taking her measurements. 'Seyrun. How is it that someone who should be dead is alive? Clones, plastic surgery, cyborgs - all those are plausible when dealing with the powerhouse that is Britannia. But from the magical side?'

"True Resurrection is impossible, Boss. And so is going back in time. Those are deliberate rules set by the Primordials when Creation was made, because both of those practices carried a real possibility of fucking up reality really bad." He replied. "That say, there are some ways for a being to avoid crossing the thin line between life and death. Spirits like Gods and us Demons don't age but can be killed. However if we have a cult - a big enough group of humans offering us prayers constantly - we can reform a year and a day later. Prayers are chains that keep us into the material world. A Second or Third Circle Demon doesn't need a cult, since they are extensions of a greater being, but prayers make the return happen faster. Ghosts are ghosts: they may think otherwise, but they remain dead beings mimicking the living. They can reform too, but the right ritual sends them to Lethe without the chance of coming back, and Oblivion destroys them."

'Understood. What about a person able to survive an injury that should kill her?'

"I was getting to that point. Sorcery, mighty instrument it is, can make someone immortal... but never in an unconditional, guaranteed fashion. There may be periodic rituals needed to renew said immortality, certain conditions under which one can die, a regional restriction one cannot travel outside of without risking his immortality and similar things. This is what the notes I was given say, but First Circle Demons like me don't use Sorcery. But I understand there is always a chink, a fatal flaw. You just need to find it."

Lelouch was relieved to hear that: even with his vision of the world turned upside down, some things stood the same.

When his order arrived he went down to meet the pizza boy and pay him. As he walked back into the room with the pizza he saw Milly's Angyalkae holding out to her a collection of fake animal ears with prehensile hair, while the blonde was trying one after the other on the green-haired girl. The latter just ignored the blonde to concentrate on the boxes in Lelouch's hands.

"Just a moment dear." Milly said to the greenette, leaving a pair of fox's ears on her head. "The pepperoni is mine!"

"Sure." Lelouch took a slice of margherita and was about to bite into it when he noticed the captive is staring at the slice. He held it out. "Want some?"

She nodded furiously, almost pleading.

"Uhm, I don't see why not." He walked up to her and removed the stripe, letting his hand resting on her shoulder. "If you swear to honestly tell us why you tried to sneak into my house."

She took a deep breath and replied: "Yes, yes, whatever."

Lelouch could feel the words hanging between him and her, ghostly and thin as spiderwebs. He concentrated and pushed Essence into the words, feeling them grow thick and strong. His anima burned brightly as the oath becomes solid, two chains of burning charcoal power that ran from his body straight into the girl's soul.

"And now-" He smirked. "You better hold your part of the bargain. After all, there are worse things than death."

The girl held perfectly still, not even breathing, before groaning. "Blasted gods, you're an Exalt?!"

He raised an eyebrow. "You didn't know?" Then he held the slice of pizza closer to her mouth.

She scowled before taking a bite. She hummed in delight as she chewed before her expression turned neutral. "Until this morning I thought you were dead, boya. You see demons skittering around eating corpses, you don't generally think someone survived." She glared at the Anuhles, who click their fangs in response. Then she took another bite.

Lelouch hummed. "So why come here to Ashford? Did you recognize my uniform?"

"Y-!" She stopped. She opened and closed her mouth a few times before groaning again. "Do I really have to say the whole truth?"

"Yes."

"Blast. Then no, I didn't recognize the uniform. But after leaving Shinjuku I remembered that the Ashfords were Marianne's close friends. If there was a place where her children could have hidden, it was with them."

By the time she finished Lelouch already took out his gun and pressed it against her forehead. In response she just looked bored. "You may be able to resurrect yourself." He hissed. "But trust me, I have enough time and imagination to make your life very unpleasant. And if that doesn't suffice, there are always the torture devices of Malfeas." After a few seconds he removed the gun and put it back. "So it's in your best interest to tell me why you call my mother by her name, and how you knew me and my sister were alive."

"In order: I use her name because your mother and me were friends. I am older than I look and occasionally mingle with nobility." She droned. "I didn't know you were alive, but I recognized you: if you were alive, there was a big possibility your sister was alive too."

"Now, now Lulu. Calm down." Milly patted Lelouch's shoulder. Her lips were smiling, but her eyes were not. He stared back for a few seconds before relenting and back down. The blonde hummed, pleased, before turning to the green-haired girl. "We may have started off on the wrong foot, but I don't see why we can't be friends. I'm Milly! The grumpy one here is Lelouch. What's your name?"

"C.C."

Milly raised an eyebrow. "Just the initials? How odd."

C.C. shrugged. "That's what I go by those days."

"Mysterious. I like it!" She grinned. "So C.C., what do you say we take you out of that cocoon and we all have lunch together, like good friends?"

"What, no 'promise to behave, or else'?" C.C. asked bemusedly.

Lelouch grinned. "Why, do you think you can escape?" At his words the Anuhles stepped in front of the door and each windows.

Her bemusement faded. "Whatever. Just get me out of here fast: I don't want my pizza to get cold!"

"Perfect!" Milly raised a fist in the air. "But first..." She looked at C.C. from different angles. "Mmmh...yes, fox's ears are the best choice. Now for the final touch."

"What do you mean with fi-" C.C froze as Milly took out a felt-tip pen. "You're joking."

Milly was definitely not joking. But apparently C.C.'s love for pizza (or was it just hunger?) was great enough that, even while wearing a pair of fake fox's ears and with whiskers drawn on her cheeks, she just ignored everything else to concentrate on the food in front of her. Lelouch ordered eight pizzas: he and Milly ate one each, the greenette devoured the rest.

"Seconds." She even had the galls to demand more as if it was perfectly natural.

"No." Lelouch told her sternly. "Now finish your story. You are hunted by the military, so why did you come here?"

She stood silent for a second before grimacing and, reluctantly, answered. "Only a small portion of the military is after me. Hiding normally is enough." She fidgeted. "...And I thought Nunnally deserved to know what happened to her brother."

"As much as I appreciate the thought-" He deadpanned. "I hope you weren't going to tell my sister I was eaten by giant spiders."

She shot him an unamused look. "But then I saw you going to school this morning, so I changed my plans." She picked up an olive seed and chucked it at one Anuhle, chuckling as it growled back. "I wanted to ask you to hide me."

"For free?"

"Of course not. I was going to offer you power." She stared in displeasure at his forehead. "But that's useless now. Exaltations rejects the forming of a Geass."

"Geass? What's that?" Milly asked.

"The power I can bestow upon others. What it does depends on the person who receives it. Usually it is related to the mind, influencing such things as will, thought, memory and perception."

"No physical interference?"

C.C grimaced. "...It can happen. If someone is injected with my blood or my cells they can develop a Geass without a formal contract that can affect the outside world." She shook her head. "But they would die soon after, my Essence corrupting their bodies and shortening their lifespan. I don't do that."

"But you know it can happen."

She frowned. "I was told it's a possibility. And the scientists that held me captive tried it a few times. It wasn't pretty to see."

'Is she saying they did human experiments on her? It makes sense, the promise of immortality would make quick work of most moral restrains, especially in Britannia.' Lelouch tapped his fingers on the table. "Alright, change of topic. You know I am an Exalt. This mean you have prior experiences with them?"

"Most of them bad." She scoffed. "Does the term 'Sidereal' say anything to you?"

"The Chosen of the Five Maidens."

C.C. grinned. "Great, I don't need to explain."

"What is it your relation with them?"

She stood silent. Lelouch narrowed his eyes in irritation. "Fine. What other types of Exalt you know of, and do you have an affiliation with a specific group?"

"Lunars and Dragonblooded. Though one time a Lunar told me stories about the Golden Kings that once reigned over the world. Silly if you ask me." She crossed her arms above her chest. "I belong to no group. I am my own person and I do what I want. Why?"

"Weeell." Milly twirled her hair around one finger. "Me and Lelouch may or may not work for Hell, so..."

"I honestly couldn't care less." C.C. deadpanned. "It doesn't concern me."

"Alright." Lelouch raised a hand. "Next questions: which sections of the army are chasing you, and how aware are they about magic? Are any of them Dragonblooded? I presume Clovis is likely aware of you given his swift response to the capsule being stolen."

"A small unit backed by the Viceroy, it's called the 'Code R - Research Team' or something." C.C. shrugged. "They're mostly scientists, Clovis is too much of a coward to involve people he can't unless he can be sure they're absolutely loyal to him. Like his Royal Guard, but they're dead now." A sadistic smile graced her lips. "That's why I assume he is going to keep things as discrete as possible, but it will also limit his options."

That fit the profile of Lelouch's half-brother. Even as a teenager he was arrogant and prideful to those beneath him, but fearful and cautious of those above him. Human experiments aside, there were so many way for this news to ruin him if it was overheard by the wrong people.

"All the researchers were also thaumaturges. General Asprius, the head researcher, I think he's a God-blooded or something similar." She shrugged again. "The only Dragonblooded was Clovis."

"So Clovis is an Exalt." Lelouch mused. "Do you know for certain? Because I think he may wears an artifact to conceal his nature."

C.C. blinked in faint surprise. "It could be. I've never seen his Anima flaring, but once he hit a guard during a temper tantrum and poisoned him. That's how I deduced he is a Wood Aspect."

"That's correct. Wood Dragonblooded can make themselves immune to plant-based poisons, but at the same time that power makes them toxic to others as well. Clovis must be wearing an Artifact that cloaks his Essence and his Anima, but doesn't stop the latter's effects."

'Note to self: if it becomes necessary, kill Clovis from a distance.' "Do you know if there are other Exalts in the Royal Family, and who?"

"Everyone that have some kind of reputation I suppose. You Exalts can't help standing out." C.C. deadpanned. "I haven't been to court since Marianne's death, but I know with certainty Schneizel and Cornelia are Dragonblooded."

'But of course: the only two that pose a real threat, and they're Exalts.' He was also sure, with Cornelia at least, that they were making a subordinate of any other Dragonblooded they could sink their fangs into. "Only those two?"

"I wasn't interested, so I didn't look too deeply beyond listening to gossip...oh." She put a finger over her lips. "I think I recall Marianne commenting than a certain Marrybell showed great promise, and was likely to Exalt."

"Marrybell?" Now that's a name Lelouch hadn't heard in awhile. The Ninth Princess, he met her only once or twice and always at formal events. For what he remembered she was similar to Euphemia, which alone made her stand out. He also remembered reading a few years ago that her mother and sister died in a terrorist attack. Honestly, Lelouch knew too little to gauge her threat level, so he changed topic. "What of the Emperor?"

"I don't know." She shook her head. "He was the last person I looked forward to meeting."

Understandable.

"How many other Geass users are you aware of? Are there any in particular I need to watch out for, like members of the Royal Family? If so, what are their abilities?"

"Not many: I give my gift scarcely, and only to people that really need it. Haven't see any of them in a while." She closed her eyes. "I don't know if any member who isn't Exalted has a Geass, or what their abilities are."

She was lying. Part of it was just omission, but the rest was a full lie. Lelouch narrowed his eyes, debating forcing her to say the truth with an oath...

He clicked your tongue, and decided against it. She would likely refuse, plus with her immortality she may decide she could withstand any kind of misfortune that can befall her. If he wanted the truth, force was not the solution. Subtle manipulation was. "Do the powers granted by Geass work on Exalts, demons, spirits, gods, or any other magical creatures? Also, can non-human magical beings be given Geass, or only non-Exalt humans?"

"It works on them all. But it can be resisted by special powers that protect against other mind tempering effects. Only non-Exalt humans can be given a Geass. I don't know if God-blooded and other half-breeds qualify."

"Do you have any powers other than granting Geasses, and do they work on Exalts, demons, and other magical beings?"

"Now, now Lulu." C.C. replieed with a mocking tone. "Leave a girl some of her secrets."

'How do I hate that nickname.' "Fine. Does anyone other you her have the power to grant Geass? If so, how many others are there and who are they?

"There are eight of us." She looked away with an huff. "I only met two other immortals like myself, and they're both assholes. Damn midget..."

"Interesting. Can someone who has a Geass Exalt? If so, do they lose their Geass? Also, what happens if you try to give Geass to an Exalt aside from it just not working?"

"Someone with a Geass can Exalt, but they would lose their Geass." She explained. "Trying to give Geass to an Exalt doesn't work. That's all. The Exaltation interferes on the soul's level, I know no way to bypass that."

"You said you are my mother's friend. Do you know, or at least suspect, who arranged her assassination? If so, who, and what are their likely motives?"

"Anyone with a grudge against her boya." She deadpanned. "Marianne was the type of person that made friends as easily as enemies." She shook her head. "I was in Europe at the time, and learned about her death only later. Sorry."

Lelouch clicked his tongue. "Do you personally know the Ashfords, Ruben specifically?

Milly perked up at that.

"I met Ruben Ashford at one of his parties. We greeted each other. That's all. He was Marianne's friend, not mine." C.C. replied.

"I suppose that's all." Lelouch declared. "I don't doubt you're keeping secrets, but as long as they're not a danger for us it's not a problem."

"They're not, I can tell you that much."

"Good to hear that. Now, I suppose you still want help to hide from the military." He locked his fingers together. "And since you saved my life, I am willing to show you my gratitude."

"Then-"

"Provided you join my Anti-Britannia organization."

"...What?" C.C. gaped, eyes half-closed.

Lelouch grinned. "Those who don't work don't eat."

She glared at you. "And if I say no?"

He shrugged. "Then the most I can do for you is to pay smugglers to take you out of the country. By sea, because the airports will be controlled. Are you amenable to the idea of spending a couple of weeks hidden inside a five meters by five container eating only canned food?"

She looked at him like he just shot her dog. "You devil."

"That's a yes?"

"Yes! Dammit, yes!" The greenette threw her arms in the air. "I swear, of all the traits you have to inherit from Marianne!"

"Thanks for the compliment." Strangely, Lelouch meant it. "Milly, meet your new minion."

"Yatta!" The blonde hugged C.C, her right hand on the greenette's breast. "Zenész, fetch me the rest of the fox's costume. And don't forget the tail!"

"Shouldn't you enforce the agreement with your powers?" Seyrun asked while C.C. judo-threw Milly across the room. "She looks shifty to me."

'She wouldn't have agreed to it. But I don't think that, besides her apparent immortality, she isn't very strong. An Anuhle to keeps an eye on her will suffice.'

Just as he thought that an Anuhle opened the door. "Boss! There is a Messenger from the City!"

"Truly? Bring them in."

What entered was a new type of demon, a man-sized salamander swathed in oily black plumage with enormous vermilion eyes, holding in its claws a scroll. "Salutations. Are you Prince Lelouch and Princess Milly?"

Lelouch nodded, and the demon handed him the scroll. He opened it to behold... hieroglyphs?

"That's Old Realm. Don't worry Boss I will teach you later. Let's see...Once, there was a maiden-blablabla...As I thought, they're calling you to Malfeas. Three days from now we need to meet with the cultists, who will have prepared a portal to the Endless Desert. Once there we will meet our escort to the City. There will be a parade, which will end at the Conventicle Malfeasant. That's, ah, the gathering for Infernals. And-oh."

'Oh?'

"It's firmed by Ligier." Seyrun said flatly. "Boss, you really, really don't want to miss this."

'Relax, I was waiting for this.' Lelouch nodded again at the salamander. "Understood. We will be there at the appointed time."

"I hear and obey." The demon bowed before dematerializing.

"Milly. Our bosses want to meet us. We need at least two weeks off school."

"That's-uhn!-easy!" She replied while wrestling with C.C. "I will make up some excuses with grandfather."

"Alright!" He clapped his hands to get both of the two wrestling girls' attention. "C.C., I can't introduce you yet to the members of my organization because they wouldn't trust you as a foreigner. So until I have earned enough of their loyalty you can stay here in my house. You don't have to do anything...of course, keeping Nunnally company while I am in Malfeas would net you positive points."

"What I am, a babysitter?" C.C. rolled her eyes before pushing away Milly and leaning down on Lelouch's bed. "Fine. But I want your credit card."

"I am going to keep track of all transactions." He declared firmly.

"If that's how you amuse yourself." She deadpanned. What a Witch.

"Your cover story is that you knew Marianne - student, daughter of friends, whatever works - and are currently in hiding much like we are for your own reasons. Do no talk with the members of the Student Council, but if you end up being found by one of them just say you're a friend of Milly." Lelouch smirked at her. "Or her pet fox. Whatever amuses yourself more."

She squinted her eyes at him, as if to say: 'this isn't over'.

"You know." Milly mused, sitting next to C.C. "We could enroll you in the school!"

"One full of teenagers? Eeew." The greenette made a disgusted face. "Spare me the melodrama."

"I agree with C.C. here. That would expose her too much." He looked at his watch and sighed. "It's already late. Milly, procure C.C. clothes that don't scream 'runaway'. In the meantime I will explain the cover story to Sayoko and Nunnally. Oh, and learn Old Realm: we will need it."

"Okay Lelouch! Follow me minion most faithful number two!" Dragging a reluctant C.C. Milly left in tandem with her demon.

"..." lelouch grabbed the door's pommel and closed it. "Raimobon. Cuabuhm."

The two Anuhles skittered to attention.

"While I am away, if C.C. tries to even hurt a single hair on Nunnally's head you are to kill her, cut her into many pieces, and then bury each one in different parts of the city."

"Will do Boss!"

He didn't think C.C. would really do it, but he wasn't going to risk Nunnally's safety.

While C.C. was with Milly Lelouch met with his sister and explained the situation, a task made more difficult by the fact he couldn't bring himself to directly lie, but he somehow managed. Strangely Nunnally easily accepted the story he prepared, though for some strange reason she also asked if C.C. was Lelouch's girlfriend, which he denied vigorously, and made a comment about Shirley being sad.

What the energetic orangette had anything to do with it, he had no idea.

Explaining why he needed to leave for two weeks and maybe more was totally more complicated though. Luckily at that moment Milly came back with a better clothed C.C. and, after presenting the greenette, together they spinned a vague tale about needing to prepare for when him and Nunnally would graduate from Ashford and would therefore need to find an occupation in society without risking their secret identity.

It was painfully obvious the biggest reason for her objecting was the thought the two siblings would be separated for so long, but it was necessary: for Lelouch the alternative was bringing Nunnally to Malfeas, and there were so many reasons against that option he didn't even bother counting them.

"Do you really have to go Big Brother?"

"I do." He squeezed her hand just a little. "We can't be students forever."

"No, I suppose we can't." She hummed, playing with lelouch's fingers like the first times after the incident where she lost her sight. "I thought about that. About career choices. I think I would like to become a teacher. Do you think it's possible, Big Brother?"

"That's a wonderful dream Nunnally." He smiled. "You should pursue it. And if things become difficult I will help you in any way I can."

Anything to see her smile.

{●}

"Sayoko? Can I talk with you for a second?"

"Of course, My Lord." She bowed. "What do you need?"

"It's about the other day." Lelouch began without preambles. "Why did you think I was wearing a mask?"

"My Lord, I was just making sure you weren't an impostor trying to take Master Lelouch's place." Sayoko replied as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Yeah. My spinneret it is." Seyrun grumbled. "That's the first thing that a trained bodyguard thinks, not a maidservant. Boss, I said and repeat it: this one isn't what she appears to be. She's trained."

Sayoko was...on second thought, how much did Lelouch really know about her? Previously she was under the service of Ruben before she assigned her to the Lamperouge siblings, and since then became so much like family him and Nunnally shared the truth about their origins, and she accepted it with a smile.

"Sayoko." He said, catching her attention. "You don't need to answer me if you don't want to, but I would like to know: before becoming a maid for the Ashford, what did you do?"

"...Ara, it has finally come to this?" She sighed in resignation, resting her cheek on one hand, before straightening up and bowing again. "I didn't wish to keep this hidden Lord Lelouch, I just thought it was not appropriate to touch on. The answer is that I became a maid only after the war. Before that, I was the Head of the Shinozaki School of ninjutsu and martial arts."

"Called it!" Seyrun exclaimed in triumph.

"Shinozaki School of ninjutsu and martial arts?" Lelouch repeated, not quite sure what to make of it.

"I was a ninja." She clarified while smiling.

"A ninja."

"Yes." So fast he almost couldn't see it she made a jab to the side, knuckles stopping just a millimeter before hitting a glass. The glass was unmarred, but the sponge inside it was tossed into the air and landed into the sink.

"...One moment." Leloch closed his eyes, pinched his nose's bridge and took a series of deep breaths. "Alright, so you're a warrior. A martial artists. A ninja, whatever they do in modern times. I...accept it, even if I don't know how that's supposed to work. That begets the question." He gestured at her dress. "Why...a maid?"

"That...is a long story." She began slowly, as if in the middle of a reminiscence. "I am an orphan Lord Lelouch, I don't remember my birth parents. I grew up in an orphanage most of my life until one day I was accosted by my mentor, the 36th Successor of the Shinozaki School, who for reasons he never explained took me as his pupil. He trained me, teaching me everything I know, and then when he judged me ready he gave me the surname Shinozaki, the title of 37th Successor and a legal identity. After that he left, whistling merrily with his inseparable bamboo cane."

She chuckled. "He was an odd man, but I respected him as a father. His first lesson was 'Do whatever you feel is right: only you control your destiny'. The second was 'your skills are made to protect, not to harm'. That's why when Britannia invaded...instead of fighting, I found myself helping the people around me." She smiled sadly. "I guess I just find the smiles of others to be more important than fighting. I still do. After that I met Master Ruben Ashford during one of his organized relief efforts to help the victims of war: he didn't know about my past, but after seeing how good I was at taking care of others he offered me a job at the school he was building. I thought it was a respectable life, so I accepted. You know the rest."

'Wow. This...how the hell was I ignorant of this?'

"What's important in a servant are skills and loyalty, not their past. Maybe th-"

'Maybe, but it's still wrong because it's Sayoko!' Lelouch interrupted him. "I thank you for telling me this Sayoko. I am glad you decided to trust me and Nunnally, even after our former country did horrible things to Japan." He paused. "Do you despise Britannia?"

"No." At Lelouch's shocked look Sayoko elaborated. "It's more like I pity it. I look at their valued ideology of superiority, and all I see is just a twisted mechanism that breeds only hate and suffering: for others, and for themselves." She smiled. "That's why I am glad to have met you, My Lord, and Lady Nunnally. You are not only someone I greatly respect, but also wish to serve because you are worthy."

"...You want to know something Sayoko?" He said after regaining the control of his mental faculties. "I've heard many people talking so much about the concept of chivalry, but you are the first person I have met that I can honestly say embodies the best qualities of what chivalry should really be."

"You honor me with your words Lord Lelouch." She bowed again. He almost told her it wasn't necessary to be so formal, but he noticed the smile on her lips and decided to let it go for the day.

Maybe in the future she will be an useful asset. But at the moment, Lelouch was content with being among family.

{●}

"Black Knights?" Ohgi asked.

"Yes." Zero replied while inspecting one of the stored Sutherlands. "That will be the name of our organization."

"But, shouldn't we choose something more-"

"Japanese?" The masked teen interrupted him before jumping down from the cockpit and landing in front of Ohgi, marveling at how his Exalt body could do many things he thought impossible with his previous weak constitution. "That would be counterproductive. Ohgi, you may not see it now but one day this organization will be filled with more than just Japanese people. Every nation we'll free from the yoke of Britannia will become one more ally to our cause. If we don't prepare to become an international force from the beginning it would only bring future problems."

He pat the Japanese over his shoulder. "It's okay. I understand it may be a concept difficult to grasp, but I have faith that you and the rest have what it takes."

"Thanks. I also have faith in you Zero. I believe you know what you're doing." He smiled and nodded. "Still, why 'Black Knights'?"

"It's for the concept behind the figure." Zero explained. "The 'White Knight' is a stereotype of literature, the knight-errant who wander the land in search of adventures suiting his chivalric virtues: dueling strong opponents, slaying monsters, courting princesses. He gains great fame for them, but it's glory more centered around himself than the good he does, which often is limited and marginal. Plus he puts respect for the authorities above all else, such that when the two come into conflict he must either let evil go, or disgrace himself in the eyes of everyone to follow what his morals tell him."

"When you put it that way, it doesn't sound so great."

"Because it isn't." He shrugged. "There is certainly nothing wrong with personal glory, as someone without even a bit of selfishness cannot be called human." He raised an hand in the air. "However, for the sake of helping as many people as possible we must behave differently. The 'Black Knight' is the opposite of the White Knight: he is an outcast, working anonymously for a greater purpose and is known to go against authorities should his mission necessitate it." He pointed at Ohgi. "That's what we need to do: putting the wellbeing of others above ours. It may be thankless at times, but such is the price for the greater good. Do you understand my reasons now, Ohgi?"

"V-Vaguely." Ohgi stammered before chuckling. "Zero, you speak like one of my old school's professors. Do you have a doctorate or something?"

"Nothing official." He replied offhandedly. "You can say I have an...appreciation for the classics."

"And the symbol?"

"Just something catchy and easy to replicate." Actually it was C.C.' suggestion. And by suggestion Lelouch meant she scribbled it, rolled the paper into a ball and tossed it at his head from behind. Repeatedly.

"Zero! This uniform is amazing!" An excited exclamation caught their attention. They turned around just in time to see Kallen running towards them, a big grin on her face, wearing the uniform Zero had made for her. "It's so soft, and yet I can't even stretch it! What is it made of?"

"A special material that's similar to silk." More specifically, magic silk from demonic spiders. "But much stronger and also bulletproof. My costume is the same. While I wish to equip all of you with them, making them requires a lot of time and resources." Zero snapped your fingers. "That's one of the reasons for my soon-to-be absence."

"You're going to meet possible backers, right?"

"Yes. They're people who already helped me in the past and can do so again now. But I need to meet them directly, and that requires I leave the country." And the whole dimension. "That's why I have prepared something for all of you. Follow me."

He lead Ohgi and Kallen to a table, under which he left two heavy briefcases. Zero picked up one and put it on the table before opening it. His followers gasped at the sight of the many stacks of bills within. "This is part of my personal resources. I'll entrust it to you. In my absence you will need to work on our logistics: food, medicines, clothing, etc."

"And weapons?" Kallen questioned.

"That, as I am sure you know, is harder to get." He closed the briefcase and bended to take the other. "My backers can help me with it. Beyond that, I want to have a firm base covering and supporting us because, once we start making waves on the public scene, we can't stop." He put the second case on the table. "Also they're not only for us, but also for the local populace. We will need new recruits, both soldiers and support personnel, so working to earn the goodwill of people will be fundamental."

"I see. So what's inside the other case?"

Zero opened it, revealing various books on war, strategy, and tactics. "You, Ohgi, are the second in command. Kallen, you're our best Knightmare pilot. You two and anyone else who might be a good officer will study those books. It's not only necessary knowledge to lead men in battle, but within them are described the tactics and strategies of Britannia. You will learn how our enemy thinks, and in doing so learn how to best counter them."

He produced a list and handed it to Ohgi. "For this purpose I compiled a list of jobs and those suited for them, based your performances during Shinjuku and other general impressions."

"Cool." Ohgi began, before he raised one eyebrow in confusion. "Why is Tamaki not on the list?"

'Oh yes, the redhead buffoon.' "Is that a problem?"

"He's one of the senior members, and an old friend."

Lelouch resisted the urge to facepalm. "I see. Then, what would you put him in charge of?"

"Uhm...finances?"

'Oh hell no.' "The cafeteria is better."

"The cafe-"

"Food is important." Lelouch interrupted him. "Without food a human being dies in five days. If we have money but no food, what will you eat? Bills?"

"Uh..."

"I'm glad we agree on the same point."

{●}

'Seyrun, what goods from Earth - I mean Creation are sought-after in Malfeas?' Lelouch suddenly asked his mental advisor while at school.

"Why do you ask Boss?"

'If there is really a cult, and they respect me, one possible source of income might be to expand the cult's business with Malfeas. I could even invest some of my own money. I am sure genuine magical goods that don't exist here would be useful some way or another.'

"Ambitious. Well, trading is not my field, so I can't offer advice. But by Yozi's decree all cults must support the Green Sun Princes, so you can just request their collaboration. Before that check who's the Cult Patron: if it's a Second Circle or higher, it may be best to work on an agreement where you both benefit from it. And for goods, the most sought after ones are seashells that hold the laughter of a mortal child. With it you can make amulets that repels Adorjan. Other commodities includes moleskins, feathers from albino peacocks, tears of pity, the dropped teeth of children, lost coins, the blood of a maiden's deflowering and the likes. Even if a demon cannot use these goods he can trade them to other demons."

He stopped and rested his forehead against the wall, resisting the urge to groan. 'The blood of a maiden's deflowering?'

"I don't decide those things. Buuut, if you want to set up an organization of assassins instead I can help you a lot more. Everyone need a dagger in the dark, and if you have more than one even better!"

'I...will think about it.' He sighed before resuming his walk.

*flash*

"Uh? Did you hear that?"

'Hear what?'

"...No, nevermind."

'Whatever.'

Lelouch then saw a wallet on the ground. There was no one else around, so it must be a lost item. You bended down to pick it up.

*flash* *giggle~*

He stood up and whipped his head around. 'What was that?'

"I knew it was something strange!"

Lelouch searched around the area, but even with Seyrun's inhuman senses added to his own he found nothing out of the ordinary. He even interrogated his Anuhle guards, but they didn't see anyone doing something out of the ordinary. Even the wallet was empty. In the end he just decided it was a coincidence and moved on, since he had an appointment and didn't want to miss it.

More exactly, he couldn't miss it because those maniacs would probably hunt him down through the whole school.

Entering the Survival Club building he opened the drawer with his name and retrieved his personal weapon, a Beretta M92F. Checking if it was in good conditions he removed the old cartridge and inserted a new one.

"Now."

Then with one fluid movement he bended his arm backward above his shoulder and pointed the airsoft gun behind him. "Not today Miss Glass."

The violet-haired girl laughed in genuine amusement, her two Desert Eagles still pointed at Lelouch's back. "Marvelous Lelouch! I knew you belong here! That you kept coming back is proof of that!"

Only because this was the only place where he could train his firearm skills hard enough to qualify for actual training. "Survival Games have their own appeal, I suppose." He said instead, turning around as both of them put back their guns. "You do realize this is the last day?"

"Not if I can help it!" She shamelessly declared.

"Yes, yes." Lelouch rolled his eyes. The usual banter done, he went to prepare the other members' weapons and equipment, so that they could change faster. It was during said task that he made a horrifying discovery. "Miss Glass?"

"Yes?"

Lelouch showed her one gun, an image of him printed on the grip. "What...is this?"

"A Glock 26C. The semi-auto Glock 26 is a real firearm, while the 26C is a full auto, airsoft exclusive va-"

"That's not what I mean!" He pointed to the grip, eyebrow twitching. "Why there is a photo of me there?"

"Oh, that?" She said dismissively. "The girls from your Fan Club asked for permission to customize their weapons. It wasn't a big deal so I authorized it."

A pin could be heard dropping in the ensuing silence. "I don't have a Fan Club." Lelouch finally said, more to convince himself than her.

"No, you do." She replied with a smirk, taking out her phone and fiddling with it. "It started gaining popularity in the last week, but already it has a large number of followers. They even have an official web page. Oh look, there is new content available!"

She showed him the screen. On it there were numerous shots of the raven-haired youth taken from different angles and at different times.

The last chronological one was taken from behind, the maker having zoomed almost obsessively on Lelouch's butt while he bended down to pick up something.

Breath. In out. In out. In out.

He smiled beatifically. "Is that so? Why, I'm honored!"

'Notes so self. First thing to do once school is over: resume my old hacker lessons. Second thing to do: nuke the hell out of this abomination against nature!'

{●}

The day finally came. With everything he needed for a five days trip through an otherworldly desert in another realm of existence prepared Lelouch kissed Nunnally goodbye and took the train to a small town outside the Tokyo Settlement. Milly, who had taken the previous train, was waiting for him at the station and together they reached the cultists' supposed 'hideout'. Milly was wearing a white and purple dress, while Lelouch had his Zero costume under the shadow illusion, which he dropped before entering.

Now, Lelouch was ready to admit his mental image of a 'cult' was shaped by stereotypes.

"My Brothers and Sisters! Our fervent prayers have been heard! Not one, but two Chosen of our Gods have magnanimously allowed us to bask in their holy presence!"

It appeared those stereotypes were correct. What greeted the two youths was a congregation of chanting cultists all wearing matching brass, green, and black colored robes. They were an even mix of Japanese and Britannians, mostly adults with some kids. Any other time the sight of people freely mingling together without any sort of racial hatred would have made Lelouch happy.

It still did. He was just a little crept out by the whole 'worshiping' thing. Thankfully he didn't see much fanaticism in their eyes. There was a stage hastily put together, and the walls were decorated with curtains matching the cultists' robes. The building was clean and showed signs of being used. All in all it was less clandestine meeting and more festival for an important holiday.

Milly just took to it like a fish takes to water. "Oyah everyone! Missed me?" She greeted them cheerfully, to which they responded with loud cheering. "I brought a new friend today! Zenész, please play some music."

The Angyalka appeared and began to play a cheerful music. Meanwhile Milly lead lelouch to the stage. "That's your moment Lulu." She whispered to him before stepping to his side, leaving the front stage all to the young Fiend.

What seemed to be the leader stepped forward and dropped on one knee, the others soon following suit. "Please Green Sun Prince, tell us by what name we may call you so that we may properly celebrate your magnificence."

"That's your cue Boss. Cultists love dramatic and flamboyant shit. Just say some important-sounding words and you will have them eating from your hand."

'I hope not. I like my subordinates to have more backbone than that. But before that, suggest me appropriate ways to refer to an Yozi. I'm new at this!'

"Will do Boss!"

With Seyrun's help Lelouch began: "I am Zero, Green Sun Prince and Chosen of..." He dramatically extended his right arm, flaring his cape "Oramus, The Dragon From Beyond The World!"

Several members of the cult gasped in shock at his proclamation, others simply staring with wide eyes and mouths agape. "Yes, blessed Oramus, he who sees both That Which Is and That Which Is Not, has chosen to aid the Reclamation by declaring me his champion. In his wisdom the Ouroboros Border of Reality has given me a task of vast importance, which will become evident to all soon enough. The corrupt and oppressive rulers of Britannia will suffer for the sins they have committed, and you all shall be remembered and greatly rewarded for your steadfast loyalty and work, when the True Rulers of the world return!"

Lelouch raised his fist, and the crowd cheered. Chants of "Zero!" and "Oramus!" were a constant. He gestured for silence, and they quickly calmed themselves, though the fire in their eyes was still present. Very good.

The leader raised both of his hands towards Zero. "What joyful news you bring, oh Chosen! Please, allow us to thanks yours and your Master's names in our prayers, together with Chosen Milly and the True Gods."

'Should I? By that matter, do prayers really work?'

"Of course Boss! The prayers of humans and other mortal beings generate Essence, which fuel the venerated being. Only Yozi, the Unquestionables and the gods hear the prayers, all the others just receive the extra juice. Now, true devotion is not really required...but being properly respectful is. It's an unspoken rule that prayers should be of gratitude and praising, and only when one really needs it about requesting a boon or help of some kind. It is extremely disrespectful and borderline blasphemy to disturb the Yozi for matters that aren't of the proper importance."

Uhm, so it was a supernatural method of communication with some benefits for the being being prayed at? He could get behind that. He also understood the last part of Seyrun's explanation: if every matter could be resolved by praying, everyone would grow lazy and indolent. Even in Lelouch's eyes the world-gods that create reality must be approached with the proper gravitas. 'I have an idea. Help me compose an appropriate prayer to Oramus.'

"Okay Boss. Uhm, in those cases we should make an offering, but lacking that let's hope your role as Oramus' champion is enough. Be sure to recite it in Old Realm."

"You can." Zero eventually replied, nodding. "But at this moment we must first give thanks to my master. Mighty Oramus does not ask for temples or shrines to be built in his image, for it is his desire to maintain only his one unique temple within Malfeas. However he does appreciate prayers, as all his brethren. I will pray to give him our thanks, and to continue watching over us. Join me." He knelt, the others and even Milly soon following, and began to pray.

As he recited the test provided by Seyrun Lelouch's Anima flared up, slowly rising to a great bonfire that bathed the room in iridescent emerald, tendrils of purple, black and rainbow orbiting around his figure. At that the cultists' prayers grew even more fervently. At the end of the prayer they raised their heads and gasped at something behind Lelouch. Turning around he saw colored fluids seeping from the cracks into the wall, quickly forming a seven pointed kaleidoscopic star.

"It worked! It worked!" Seyrun cheered.

"My Brothers and Sisters!" The cult leader's voice raised of several octanes. "Our Gods answered! Mighty Oramus has shown that Prince Zero is indeed his will made manifest! Blessed is he!"

"Blessed is he!"
"Blessed is he!"
"Blessed is he!"

Lelouch's lips stretched into a smile. 'I could get used to this.'

After the whole spectacle ended the meeting quickly devolved into a party. There was punch and food, and music blaring out of a portable radio. Lelouch wasn't a fan of progressive rock, but by Seyrun's happy humming the demon found it enjoyable.

And of course Milly was the soul of the party, rallying everyone behind her. In the meantime Lelouch had a private meeting with the cult leader, one Shichirobei Noritoshi, and the spokesperson to the authorities for the Britannians, a woman by the name of Sarah White.

"How can we help you, oh Chosen?" They both asked after bowing.

"Business, I'm afraid." Lelouch began. "As a start, how do you go about using the abilities of the demons you summon?"

"Well lots of ways, but I guess the main thing is we've been gathering blackmail material on a number of minor nobles." Noritoshi explained. "They're pretty corrupt, and quite eager to pay once they know we're aware of the skeletons in their closet. Sarah helps with that, because they know the police will listen to her."

He nodded. It was one of the things he had considered doing himself.

"Cowards, the lot of them. All the better for us, yes." A new voice spoke up. Lelouch looked around, but spotted no one.

"One moment please." The leader brought Lelouch to a large mirror fixed on the wall. Once the young Fiend looked into it he saw reflected a network of throbbing red veins in the shape of an eel floating above the man's shoulders. "This is Xibhi. He is the first demon I met, and who opened my eyes to the truth."

"Ah, a Passion Moray." Seyrun supplied. "They're transparent, but can be partially seen on reflective surfaces. They feed on passionate memories, and make efor xcellent blackmail material collectors because of that."

"Glory to the Peer, glory eternal." The demon continued in its odd speech and bowed.

"I see. What you are doing is good, but you can expand on that to make even more profitable. The right information is worth a lot to the right people. Rather than doing the blackmail yourself, you could just as easily sell the information and evidence to their political rivals for more than that. You can even play both sides, pitting rival gangs or political factions against one another, having them escalate and destroy one another for you. Giving partial information to lead people to false conclusions also works - just look at how Prince Clovis went after the Purebloods."

The cult leader blinked. "That was you?"

Lelouch grinned behind his mask. This was never going to get old. "Just doing my duty. So, what are the cult's current activities and abilities?"

"Most of our efforts are directed to make sure all of our members and their families have access to proper living conditions and services." Noritoshi explained. "The extra money is nice, but we can't rely on blackmail forever. We help people find homes, get proper jobs and for the young to receive a proper education."

"We're also working towards improving the city." Sarah continued. "This is going a bit slowly because we don't want to rouse suspicion from the central authorities. Beyond that we of course keep up the recruitment of new members. We summon demons who can help with the task at hand with their special skills."

"What goods do you currently export and import to and from Malfeas? Are there any other goods you wish to trade in, but can't get access to on either side for whatever reasons?"

"Surprisingly in Malfeas most items we humans consider common are very sought after." Noritoshi smiled. "Things like water and products of animal origins. Others are more exoteric like dropped teeth of children. Our patron especially like for us to trade cloths of various origins. However, there is also an high demand for Sakuradite: apparently it's semi-magical and many demons want it, but it is sadly almost impossible for us to obtain."

'Is he telling the truth?'

"Yes. My notes says Sakuradite is a pseudo-magical material that came in existence because of the changed geomancy of Creation. Demon artificers greatly request it for study and crafting."

"Luckily, I can help with that." Zero replied, thinking of using the battery packs for Knightmare Frames. "Who is your patron? I would like to meet with them while in Malfeas, in order to help you better."

"Peer Zero! We pay respect and gratitude to Suave Berengiere!" Both Noritoshi and Sarah clapped their hands in reverence.

In the mirror Xibhi bobbed its head up and down. "Beautiful more than the stars, Mistress Berengiere is! Peerless artist, kind Mistress!"

"Well that's surprising. Berengiere is the Weaver of Voices, soul of Ligier and Second Circle Demon. She makes cloths out of passion-filled voices, but don't ask what is under the veil that hide her face. Negotiations shouldn't be too difficult."

"Our patron has been very helpful with creating the cult proper, and the only thing she asks in return is for us to summon her often and help find passionate voices so she can practice her craft."

"Yeah, I heard she was given the duty to guard an important place, but it bores her so she escapes whenever she can."

Curious, but Lelouch has since learned that all demons have their quirks. Not that he cared beyond what could be useful for him. "In that case Xibhi, I want you to bring a message to your Mistress, to request a meeting."

"Xibhi will! Xibhi will!" The demon whirled around happily.

Noritoshi provided the tools, and with the help of Seyrun and Xibhi Lelouch compiled a letter to send. It was quite wordy and full of niceties, but the raven-haired youth had plenty of experience from his time as a Britannian prince so such things came easily for him.

Lelouch Vi Britannia's Traits:

Merits:

Mantle of Kings: You are greatly talented in all tasks associated with leadership, from commanding troops to recruit them.

Silver Tongue: You are greatly talented at deliberate deception.

Tactical Instincts: You can understand the flow of battle during war or when playing Chess and react accordingly.

Traits from Unwoven Coadjutor: There is a green sheen to your black hair that is only visible under a dim light or in the darkness, and your eyes' color appears more red than purple when it's dark.

Flaws:

Dangerous Secret: You and your sister are Royals and believed dead. It must stay that way.

Enemy: The nobles who were against your mother's position and commoner blood.

Obsession: Nunnally. You react positively to anything related to her, even if it isn't in your best interest.

Vengeance: Your mother's death. All of your long term plans include revenge one way or another, even if it may bring you or your friends into danger. This can rear it's head as you see opportunities to pursue it.