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 6
{●}
How to describe stepping into the portal? There was a sense of...freedom, as if discarding a comfortable dress to remain naked, the temperature just right to the skin.
Lelouch breathed in. The air was clear and crisp, free of smells and particles.
He opened his eyes to a blank black sky, a breathtaking desert of silver sand stretching for what he knew was forever.
That was Cecelyne. A place. A Goddess. A World. A Primeval Reality.
"Woah..." Even Milly was without words, taking in the scenario with wide eyes.
"And here we are. Home, bittersweet home. Well not quite, but close. Creation is great but I missed the familiar sights. Oh: look, our escorts is there."
Advancing towards Lelouch and Milly's position was a contingent of demons. Many were armed and formed serrated ranks on both sides. Between them were two palanquins carried by hulking red apes, while behind them were two strange crosses between a spider and an horse. Flying above them were two great, beautiful wasp-like beings.
When in reach they stopped and bowed deeply, the flying ones landing before doing so. Lelouch had to praise their discipline, which wouldn't look out of place at Pendragon...except for the whole 'non-human' thing.
After he acknowledged them with a nod of his head they stood up, and an hunchbacked demon with the head of a praying mantis and wearing simple yellow clothes approached the two Infernals. "Ugh, a Naneke. I hate those guys." Seyrun complained
'Why?'
"They never shut up. Never."
"Welcome great Green Sun Prince, great Green Sun Princess. Peers of the City. Chosen of Hell. Welcome." The Naneke clapped his hands together and bowed deeply. "May I ask for your names?"
"My name is Milly! Nice to meet you."
"I am Zero."
"Peer Milly, Peer Zero: my name is Lemmun, and I am here to answer any questions you will ask of me. Now please hurry and come." The demon gestured to the escort. "For the Unquestionables desire your presence, and we must make them wait not."
He pointed to the palanquins. "The palanquins are at your service, provided with every comfort."
Next he pointed to the spider-horse hybrids. "You may also choose the Peghedu, their movements so smooth it's like you're not moving at all."
Finally he pointed to the wasp-like beings. "Or, if it so please you, the Agatae are ready to bring you whenever you wish on their wings."
Milly was already running by the time Lemmun started speaking, hugging an Agata before riding it. The demon responded with an happy bell-like cry and rose in the air.
With a light chuckle Lelouch removed the mask and tossed it to one of the Anuhle to keep before walking to the remaining Agata. The demon bent down respectfully, allowing him to easily mount it. "Fly steady, I need to concentrate."
"Yes master." It intoned before raising in the air.
With that, the travel began.
The landscape, while beautiful, couldn't be said to change much. There were dunes here and there, but after a while they all blurred together. Seyrun told Lelouch it was better that way, for truly dangerous phenomenon were hidden in the desolation of Cecelyne, and a travel where nothing happen was the best blessing that can be given.
So, when not conversing with Milly, Lelouch spent his time questioning Lemmun, much to Seyrun's annoyance. Indeed the Naneke proved himself to be able to talk for hours without even breathing, but listening was an art the young Fiend had mastered long ago. From Lemmun he learned of the history of Creation as remembered by demons, of the rise and fall of the Solar Exalts; of the Twin Cataclysms and the event called 'World-Change', when the world became a sphere and the firmament opened, revealing the Spiral, aka the Milky Way.
To think the home of humanity was once a flat surface amidst an infinite sea of chaotic energy. The things one learn.
"Is that sarcasm?"
'Yes. Yes it is.'
The caravan stopped only for a few hours every day to allow Lelouch and Milly time to sleep, the passage of time calculated only by the screams of the Tomescu, a type of demon that apparently always cries at dawn and dusk. Seyrun explained that clocks don't work in Malfeas, for the demon realm exists outside the normal passage of time. Only the Tomescu are accurate.
When he didn't feel like sleeping, something his Exalted nature allowed him to ignore safely, Lelouch engaged in something normally unfamiliar for him: meditation. It was, according to Seyrun, the most efficient way to study the core of Essence that dwell inside his body and develop it, allowing him to draw forth new and stronger powers. Forcing his hyperactive mind to empty itself of all thoughts proved difficult but Lelouch persevered on, conscious that this could, and would, mean difference between victory and defeat, life and death in the future.
It was during the second day that he finally did it. Seated in the lotus position on the sand the raven-haired youth's sight turned inward, towards the core of burning potential nestled in his soul. The demons of the caravan watched in awe as his anima burned brightly with pure emerald and the Caste Mark blazed, the sand around the male Infernal turning into shards of obsidian and sphere of sardonyx.
{●}
In the beginning Lelouch mistook them for mountains.
Then as he grew closer and the light of a green sun peeked up from the horizon he realized that the gargantuan super-structures spreading as far as eyes can see were not mountains but buildings of black stone and basalt, some reaching so high the top couldn't be seen.
It was Malfeas, the Demon City. A place of impossible, sanity-defying proportions and nature, upon which shined an alien green sun both beautiful and terrible.
Lelouch Vi Britannia had never felt so small and insignificant before.
"And this is only one of the outmost layers." Seyrun chuckled. "Behold Malfeas! Our King! Our Kingdom! Our Prison!" His voice grew heated. "Look at the ignominy of form that the traitor gods inflicted on He who Was Infinite Power. Understand his rage at the betrayal, his pain. Understand his lesson." He growled. "Never forget, and never again."
'...' Lelouch tilted his head. '..Was that part of the given instructions?'
"In part, but most is mine. Do you like it? I'm quite good at inspirational speeches." The demon shamelessly replied.
'Sure.' The youth responded, mentally cataloging away the discovery of another quirks of his advisor.
The final thing to reach them was the music: foreign to human tastes, but so wonderful and full of so many different emotions Lelouch felt his heart swell and almost burst. He knew the music and the noise served as a ward against certain death from a crazy Yozi, and yet he was sure that even without that danger it would continue, because imagining the absence of such beauty was almost painful.
He looked to his side, and saw the same emotions on Milly's face.
Hell really wasn't all it's cracked up to be.
When they reached the point where desert meet city they were greeted by a crew of black-robed beings. Their hands and feet were darkened bone and their faces were flame the hue of Earth's clear autumn sky. Seyrun told Lelouch they were the priests of Cecelyne, who enforced her laws and administered worship. He suggested caution and utmost respect, for they were fair but ruthless in their duties.
As the other demons of the escort bowed and walked away one of the priests stepped forward and pointed a finger at Lelouch and Milly. "If you are Peers of Malfeas, show the sacred Marks."
A minimal exertion of Essence, and the mark of Ebon Dragon and Adorjan appears on the forehead of the two.
The priest nodded. Others began to observe the two youths by various angulations before nodding in apparent approval. They even offered Milly a white mantle to go with her dress.
"I have a question." Lelouch said while they followed the priests to another location, the Dark-Green Fangs and Milly's Angyalka following another path.
"If I can answer I will." The priest replied gravely.
"How long before we reach our destination?"
"Two cries of Tomescu."
Twelve hours. It was a definite improvement from Lelouch's early estimate of several days, considered the incredible size of Malfeas. The two Britannians were lead to a large carriage tied to large, sturdy beings similar to elephants. They stepped into it, and the parade began.
{●}
Lelouch saw many celebrations before, the ones back in Britannia the most sumptuous of all. But like the rest, Malfeas was just something else.
At their passage the city literally exploded with activity, ten of thousands of demons of all forms and appearances flowing into the streets to celebrate. They organized contests to see who could produce the more noise. They danced with reckless abandon. They drinked many mysterious drinks, the air carrying a thousand and one different smells to the nose. At some point even the buildings danced, revealing themselves to be another demon.
It was total, complete madness. It was so far common sense it went beyond alien.
Yet he loved every. Single. Moment of it.
Milly was a whirlpool of movements, dancing as she hurled bolts of prismatic lightning and bursts of gossamer ice in the air, a totemic harp of iridescent gemstone burning behind her.
Not one to be outdone Lelouch pushed his anima to the limits, the bonfire burning brightly around him.
Then he pushed past them and thrust his fist in the air.
Lelouch's anima swelled and exploded, his mantle consumed by the light as the twin intertwined dragons appeared behind him, spreading out their seven great wings made of unearthly kaleidoscopic light like the tail of a peacock. Space twisted around them as fragments of shining, fluctuating lights revealed brief vistas of alien stars as they resonated from the music, echoing back colors that could be heard and sounds that could be tasted. They gathered in a large tornado with Lelouch as the eye and shot upward, hitting everything and nothing at the same time.
The crowd grew even wilder.
{●}
Hidden by the chaos of the celebration different pairs of eyes, and other manners of perceiving reality, stared at the two newcomers not with reverence but with interest.
They plotted. They schemed. They all wanted different things, but all knew a single certain truth.
There were new players in the game.
{●}
Twelve hours later the carriage reached a city-sized stupa of verdigris-covered brass and basalt, surrounded by a wall of jagged, interlocking black stones. A torii framed the only doorway into the structure and a gigantic tower emerged from the center, collecting Ligier's green light at the top.
The Conventicle Malfeasant.
Once inside Lelouch allowed his utterly tired and exhausted body to slump down. "Cannot...move...anymore..." He rasped.
"Why...I...can...?" In a similar condition Milly wheezed out.
"Honorable Peers." Servant demons presented them glasses of vibrant green liquids. "To recover strength."
Any other day he would had reservations. That day he was too tired to care. Lelouch grabbed the glass and gulped it down.
It tasted like spicy water.
Instantly the young Fiend felt his reserves of Essence being refilled, if only partially, the familiar energy re-energizing his body. "Wow, it really worked." He looked at the glass. "What is this?"
"Chalcanth. It's demon essence or flesh dissolved into Vitriol."
Lelouch froze.
"By the taste I would say...Metody, the elementals of Vitriol. No foreign memories, so it's the regular type, probably made from many identical demons each giving out a piece of themselves to brew."
The raven-haired boy's cheeks puffed before he forced down the instinct to puke. 'This is absolutely, totally disgusting.'
"Eh, cannibalism isn't really a big thing among demons. It's you humans who balk at it, but I heard it made you sick so you're justified."
'Just shut up. Please.'
After resting Lelouch and Milly were lead across the Conventicle. It was an immense structure larger in the inside than on the outside, the hollow dome easily able to hold a many small cities. The light of Ligier shined from above, allowing everyone to see clearly. Around the perimeter of the interior of the dome were 50 lavish palaces, one for each Green Sun Prince. After that was another ring of temples, gaming parlors, theaters, restaurants and other recreational structures.
In the very center was a large amphitheater of basalt and brass, many smaller buildings connected to it. They entered one, which turn out to be a reception hall. "This way please." The guide indicated a corridor. "The other Peers are waiting for you."
"You mean there are other Green Sun Princes here?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes. They arrived before you."
"Heard that Lulu?" Milly grabbed his hand and dragged him with her. "Let's meet the full band!"
He rolled his eyes before matching her pace. A few minutes later the two emerged in another room, with various couches positioned around a large table with numerous types of food and beverages on it. There was only one person there, a girl a few years younger than them dressed in a stylish white and red kimono, long and flowing black hair framing an youthful face and two...very familiar...green eyes...
'Hold on, isn't that-?'
"Ara! It's the demon of the forest! Sashiburi, demon-san." The girl smiled happily, eyes light up with clear interest.
Yep, it was Kaguya Sumeragi.
'Fuck the gods.'
"Fuck them!"
"Oh, yes, hello." Lelouch replied, finding the whole setup oddly...awkward. "Nice to see you again."
"Lelouch, who is this? And what does she mean by 'demon of the forest'?" Milly asked in a sing-song voice, smiling the smile promising mischief and doom.
He waved her off. "She's someone I met when we were children. It's a silly story, can we just forget about it?"
"Why? It sounds interesting." A new voice announced.
Lelouch turned around, and saw three new people coming in his direction. The first was a tall woman of oriental origins with tanned skin and long blonde hair, a pipe in her hands. She was wearing a white doctor's coat over a red jacket and purple pants.
He blinked in honest surprise, having recognized her almost instantly. "Rakshata Chawla?"
"Oh? You know me?" Lelouch and her shook hands.
"Indeed. I read all of your articles about medical cybernetics." 'In the hope of finding a method to heal Nunnally's legs.'
"Oh, that. Sadly the world is more interested in making weapons than investing in medicine." She put the pipe in her mouth, smiling with a touch of melancholy. "Something I hope to change."
"By making more weapons?" One of the other two said in a monotone, nonetheless managing to make it sound sarcastic. He was a young Japanese man around Lelouch's age, with blue eyes and long blue hair tied in a single braid. The young Fiend recognized the blue uniform belonging to the European Union, the grades on his arm making him a Second Lieutenant.
Behind him was a young woman that, honestly, looked like she wasn't sure she wanted to be here. She too was wearing an European Union uniform, her rank that of Major. She had very long light blonde hair that reached her waist, with two egg shaped buns held up with gold braces. Her purple eyes caught Lelouch's attention, for they hinted at Britannian nationality just like his own.
"By ending all conflicts as quickly as possible. I already told you so Akito." Rakshata replied back with the tone of a mother stating the obvious to a child.
"Yeah. Sure." He replied flatly before looking at Lelouch, Milly and Kaguya. "Second Lieutenant Akito Hyuga." He pointed behind him at the girl. "This is my superior Leila Malcal. She Exalted as a Dragonblooded a few days ago without any idea what was going on, so I brought her here."
"Lieutenant Hyuga! I am perfectly capable of giving my name out myself." Leila said sternly before looking to the side. "When you said we were going to Hell, I didn't think you were literal..."
"I know how you feel. Initially it was a shock for me too." Kaguya stepped forward and did a curtsey. "I am Kaguya Sumeragi, Head Mistress of the House of Sumeragi, one of the Six Kyoto Houses of Japan."
"Milly Ashford!" The blonde raised an hand. "I am just a Student Council President!"
After that all the eyes turned to Lelouch. 'Right, introductions. Uhm, Milly and Kaguya already know my identity as an ex-prince, and will probably keep it a secret. I don't know what kind of person Rakshata is beyond her scientific genius, and the other two are even more of an incognita.'
He internally sighed. 'I...don't really want to do this. Milly is a friend, Kaguya can't be helped, but the others...no, at this point secrets are pointless. At least secrets of this kind.'
Lelouch slowly raised his right hand up to chest level, before quickly putting it above his heart while bowing, the left arm spreading open his cape. "The eldest son of the late Empress Marianne and 17th in line to the imperial throne. Lelouch Vi Britannia, Eleventh Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire." He looked up and smiled. "At your service."
The reactions were mixed: Rakshata's mouth hanged open and her pipe tilted down; Akito just raised an eyebrow, as if just mildly interested; and Leila openly gaped, eyes widening as she stared at Lelouch's features. Meanwhile Milly was surprised but also happy, probably at the honesty, and Kaguya's happy expression hadn't changed.
Akito looked at Rakshata. "Is he telling the truth?"
"He's telling the fucking truth." She flatly said before catching herself. She coughed before giving Lelouch a roguish smile. "Who would have thought I would one day meet royalty? Nice to meet you, Your Highness."
"Y-You!" Leila pointed at Lelouch. "You're the Exiled Prince!"
He snorted. "Yes, I was called that too, wasn't I? How quaint."
"But! They said you-"
"Died?" He interrupted her in a monotone. "Executed by the Japanese government as retaliation mere days after the War's start, despite the rescue teams' best efforts to save me? Yes, yes they did."
The ex-Britannian prince's lips curled into a feral smile. "Except the only thing even remotely resembling those fabled 'rescue teams' I saw was the lone jet that bombed the house I was staying at hours before Britannia started the invasion. Luckily for me I was outside at the time. Even if navigating through a war-torn Japan for the following two weeks before being rescued by old friends of my mother was tough for my ten years old self."
"Wow. And here I thought I have family issues." Akito stated bluntly, even if his words lacked the sarcastic edge of before. The others' faces were full of horror, and Milly was looking at Lelouch with sadness.
"But...then..." Leila began, but Lelouch raised a hand to interrupt her again.
"Make no mistake Miss Malcal. I was sent to Japan as a political hostage, just as a tool to catch Japan by surprise. And then, once my usefulness was over, they tried to make me into a martyr. Lelouch Vi Britannia is dead, and it's better he stays that way."
"Laying it a little thick Boss."
'I know, but it needed to be said.' But with that done he could try to raise the mood. "As such, nowadays I go by the name Lelouch Lamperouge, Miss Ashford's ever-so-helpful Student Council Vice-President ." He bowed to her, to which she replied with a grin and a wave of her hand. Then he turned back to the others. "I also go by the moniker Zero, a mysterious masked leader currently creating a revolutionary army in order to challenge Britannia."
"Aah!" Kaguya let out a cute yelp of excitement before running in front of Lelouch and looking up at his face in blatant adoration, fingers folded together. "But of course! It could have been no one else! Such an amazing victory, and your bold actions!"
He stepped back. She stepped forward. He looked at her in confusion before it clicked. "Are you talking about Shinjuku? How do you know about that?"
"The cell of brave Japanese warriors you guided so marvelously is in contact with the agents of an ally of mine, Lelouch-sama. They even provided him with a video of when you helped defeat Britannia's new model." She tilted her head cutely. "You didn't know?"
Lelouch's left eyebrow twitched. "No, I didn't." 'Ohgi will have a lot of explaining to do when I come back.'
"I see you are getting along. That is good." A new voice said suddenly.
No, to just call it a mere voice would be doing it a disservice: humans have voices, demons have voices, and Lelouch was almost sure ghosts and gods have voices too.
This?
This was pure power used for the not-really fitting but still necessary act of communication.
His head slowly turned to face the source, causing every fight-or-flight instinct in his body to scream in alarm.
[ Play: "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure - Awaken (Pillar Men Theme)" ]
The handsome, green-skinned young nobleman had auburn hairs spread like a halo, and his green eyes were blazing with power and authority, like twin suns looking down at the earth from atop the sky. His smile could be said to be supremely confident or supremely arrogant, but in the deep recesses of his mind Lelouch knew there wasn't really any difference. His clothes were fitting for a king of old, of those times immemorial when humanity was young and the heavens infinite.
"BOW DOWN BOW DOWN BOW DOWN-"
Seyrun screamed, but Lelouch had already kneeled down and bowed his head, his iron-clad force of will commanding his body to obey. The others did the same, though in Leila's case Akito had to gently but firmly push down the paralyzed girl. He had probably saved her life.
"It is good to meet you again, Lord Ligier." Rakshata and Akito said at the same time with a respectful tone, confirming exactly who they were dealing with.
"Akito. Rakshata." The Fetich of the Demon City acknowledged the two Infernals before looking at the others. "New faces have joined us today."
"Sumeragi Kaguya." Kaguya quickly replied to the unspoken question. "It is a great honor to be in your presence, Lord Ligier. I eagerly waited for such a chance, though I feared I was still unworthy to do so."
"Milly Ashford." The blonde replied. "It is an immense pleasure. Forgive me if my words may happen to lack proper reverence, for I was taught only to address mortal kings and those lessons are, obviously, wholly inadequate to address one such as you."
"Sumeragi Kaguya and Milly Ashford. I shall remember your names." The Green Sun of Malfeas said, apparently pleased. Then he turned to look at Lelouch, and his smile widens by a fraction. "And, of course, we have Lelouch Vi Britannia. The Ebon Dragon spoke much of you, such that even I grew curious. When Wise Oramus broke his long seclusion and joined the Reclamation just to claim you as his champion, that curiosity only grew."
"You honor me with your words Great Ligier." Lelouch said, forcing out and applying every notion of etiquette he had ever learned. "Especially since I believe myself unworthy of them. I am but an hatchling, having joined the ranks of the Peers only a few days ago. I have done nothing yet worth praising of."
"That is a correct assessment: you have done nothing yet. But you will." Ligier pressed his palms together. "Results are important, are they not?"
"Indeed, Great Ligier." Lelouch answered, having understood the hidden message: 'there are expectations about you, and you better meet them.' "I will do my utmost to not betray the trust granted to me."
The Unquestionable nodded before glancing at Leila, almost as if just noticing her. "Leila Malcal, was it? Right. You are here today as an ally of Slayer Akito, and will be treated as such. You don't possess voting rights...but of course helpful suggestions are always welcome."
The girl just nodded, probably too overwhelmed to do anything else.
"Follow me." Ligier turned around and began to walk away, all six of them instantly following him. "It's time to begin."
{●}
The heart of the amphitheater resembled those found on earth: a debate chamber with fifty wide platforms, each with at least three comfortable chairs of brass and red leather surrounding an arena of greenish sand. The sky was covered by a canopy lattice of brass filaments.
In the center of the sandy floor was a revolving rostrum large enough for a single person to stand behind an ornate podium. Once everyone was all seated on adjacent platforms, with only Akito and Leila sharing one, Ligier appeared in a flash of green light on the podium. A light touch upon the controls and the rostrum rose in the air, manipulated by a mechanical arm, until it was slightly above the position of everyone. Another touch, and a holographic image of Earth appeared in the empty space before the roof.
"It is my great pleasure to announce the first meeting of the ruling body of the Green Sun Princes, created for the purpose of debate, coordination of efforts, and deliberations: the Althing Infernal!" Ligier announced grandiosely, before his smile fell and was replaced by annoyance. "It was, of course, supposed to happen with all fifty Green Sun Princes present, but current circumstances made that impossible. This is one of the points that will be addressed today. In the meantime a member of each of the Five Castes is present, and this will have to do."
Eight marked points appeared on the map: one, Lelouch noted, was in Britannia while another was in Japan. "The Reclamation started seven years ago, when the barrier to seal the Underworld, powered by eight great magical foci erected by the Gods and the Sidereals, was finally breached, allowing Shadowlands to manifest again. It does still prevent most powerful undead beings like the Deathlords to cross into Creation, and that is good. The Ebon Dragon saw the opportunity and, aided by Oramus, conspired with the Lords of the Abyss to breach open the long-forgotten Jade Prison and retrieve the Solar Exaltations. Only 150 of them could be captured and 100 went to the servants of Oblivion, but 50 Exaltations still remained and were priceless."
He spread his arm, indicating the five Infernals. "By mine and many other Unquestionable's efforts were the pieces of the traitorous Sol's power reforged in the semblance of the True Masters of Creation, so that they could spread their glory to a world that has since long forgotten its creators. Mightier than any of the Akuma of old, were the Green Sun Princes born. True Infernal Exalts, free to leave Malfeas as they please and operate in Creation.
The problems, however, started soon afterward. While the process of Infernal Exaltation proved to be without flaws, almost all the chosen Exalts proved themselves to either be completely without restraints," Ligier frowned, and the ambient temperature rose to just short of uncomfortable. "so much so that they needed to be harshly 'dealt' with, or were just prone to die astonishing quickly, either by entering battles they couldn't win or mistaken for Solars and slain by kill-teams sent by the Sidereals."
"Kill-teams? Lord Ligier, could you please elaborate on that?" Kaguya requested.
"The Chosen of the Stars are aware of the breaking of the Jade Prison, but lacking the means to trap the Solar Exaltations again they seek to kill their hosts before they can become a threat." The Unquestionable explained. "For that purpose they, through their spies in the Dragonblooded community, deploy Wyld Hunts: teams of the most martially adept Dragons, trained in the most effective tactics against Celestial Exalts. Using their divinatory powers the Sidereals find the general locations of Exalts and direct those teams against them. This is how they have dealt with the Lunars since the Usurpation, even if the Chosen of Luna have became extremely good as escaping notice, and now they are used against the reborn Solars. Infernals are immune to their methods thanks to them existing outside the Loom of Fate, but the forming of the Chrysalis Grotesque is still something that can catch their attention, though I know with absolute certainty they are still unaware of a Green Sun Prince's true nature, thinking of them a new breed of Demonblooded. Fools." He smiled in pleased condescension.
"Of those first Chosen only two remain. Akito, who demonstrated great skills in mastering the powers of Mighty Isidoros and my Master Malfeas."
"Master Ferand is a harsh teacher." The bluenette shrugged. "He eagerly awaits the time I can, I quote, 'punch mountains and use them as projectiles like a proper Celestial Exalt should'."
'...Okay, is that a real thing that happened?'
"I learned to not by shocked by what Exalt can or cannot do Boss."
"And yet you thrive." Ligier said in in apparent praise before switching to Rakshata. "The second is Rakshata, first Chosen of Blessed Cytherea and who has since then incessantly worked to adapt Malfeas' technology to the modern world's conflicts."
"I aim to please." The Indian scientist replie with a satisfied smirk.
"These two have for a long time been the only two reliable Infernals on hand, even after shortening the required time in the Chrysalis Grotesque. Many in the Reclamation Conclave, the assembly of all the Third Circle Souls of those Yozis who joined the Reclamation, of which I am the Head,-" he said proudly. "-began to display doubts about the project. Until three new entries and their choosing a Champion each rekindled those hopes."
He gestured at Kaguya. "The first happened when Great Szoreny chose you, Sumeragi Kaguya."
"Yes, Lord Ligier." She bowed in deference. "Using the blessings of both Great Szoreny and Great Cecelyne I have begun gathering followers, converting people to the True Religion, and organizing the existing cults into a formalized structure, to maximize efforts while making it impossible for future enemies to deliver truly crippling blows to them. I am also halfway to gaining leadership of the Six Houses of Kyoto, after which I will be able to fully dedicate their resources to the Reclamation."
"Is Kirihara Taizo still alive?" Lelouch asked, inwardly marveling at Kaguya's accomplishments: she may still be young, but she was already an excellent politician...and a worthy ally.
"He is." Kaguya frowned. "He was the one who provided the Shinjuku cell with information about the poison gas, without even informing the other Heads."
"Did he?" Lelouch mused. "Still, it granted me a real chance to accomplish my goals. So we can say it ended well."
"Extremely well if what I heard is true." Ligier continued by gesturing at Milly. "You know, there was an uproar when Hegra joined the Reclamation, and chose a Champion from the Caste of Adorjan at that. Many feared that any such Chosen would be a walking disaster."
"Eeeh, I am not quite on that level, I'm afraid." Milly mused, a finger on her lips. "I mean yes, I only Exalted two months ago and since then I only managed to...one moment." She quickly counted off her fingers. "Fourteen. Yes, it should be. I managed to involve fourteen Britannian nobles into huge scandals, ranging from infidelity to appearing on TV naked and drunk."
Lelouch didn't fall from his chair. He definitely did not.
"Chaos in the enemy's chair of command is always useful." Thankfully Ligier chose to not comment on that. Instead he turned to face the raven-haired youth. "And, finally, we have you, Lelouch. I must confess your appointment as a Green Sun Prince was...let's say irregular. While the task to chose a worthy mortal is left to the inbuilt mechanisms of the Exaltations, the Ebon Dragon has made known to the Conclave that there was one specific human who could not only resolve the issue of the missing Infernals, but also be an ideal leader capable of focusing all the Green Sun Princes into a force on equal footing with Britannia, Heaven and the Underworld."
"Ah. To hear such praise, I am honored." He quickly bowed, partially in respect and partially to hide the emotions currently passing on his face. To know that the Primordial Titan that embody Darkness and Opposition had such faith in him and his abilities...was honestly unsettling.
"Now you see why I didn't dare speak his name before merging with you."
"That's why it was honestly amusing when the messengers of Wise Oramus came and, calling upon a debt Ebon Dragon owed to him, declared you as his Champion." Why he found it amusing, Lelouch didn't ask. "But also intriguing. The Dragon Beyond the World has never acted before, even as many of his souls worked fervently to end his ignoble imprisonment. To choose a Champion, many feel this event may be just what is needed to settle the Reclamation on a successful road. Even then, the plans of Oramus are much more trustworthy than the Ebon Dragon's."
"I owe my Master and all of Malfeas a debt I believe will require much to repay." Lelouch bowed again. "Thanks to their blessings I was able, during the battle of Shinjuku, to steal many Knightmare Frames and give them to the almost routed rebels. Under my orders they turned the battle around and crushed Britannia's army. If not for the intervention of Britannia's new Knightmare it would have been a total victory, but even then I used the blessings of both Ebon Dragon and Oramus to convince Clovis La Britannia it was the Pureblood Faction's fault, leading to a witch hunt that will severely destabilize Area 11. Taking advantage of that, I am currently training the members of the Shinjuku cell to become the core of a future army capable of standing against Britannia."
"Wait a moment." Rakshata interrupted him. "Britannia has a new type of Knightmare?"
"Yes. And one which use Jade in its structures. I have reasons to believe the one who build it is a Dragonblooded."
"Jade?" Rakshata's mouth hanged open before she grinned. "Lloyd. It could be no one else. What could it do?"
"Besides being more agile and faster than any five meters tall metal giant has any right to be? I saw it doing a flying kick!" Lelouch scoffed. "It was white, more humanoid than a Sutherland, and even had energy shields."
"I knew it." She leaned on her chair and put the pipe in her mouth. "He had an head-start so I shouldn't be surprised, but to think Britannia already managed to produce a Seventh Generation Knightmare Frame..."
"Seventh Generation?!" Leila jumped to her feet. "Are you sure?"
"It certainly seems that way. I saw the footage myself, and that thing is way above currently existing frames. But Japan also has its own Seventh Frame: the Guren MK-II." Kaguya looked at Rakshata. "Which, if I am not wrong, was made by you?"
"Correct: it's my precious baby. Made combining the best of Earth and Malfeas' technology." She said proudly. "I needed to find a pilot who can't use Essence but is still capable of fully using it in order to gather data for the future mass-production models, so knowing the resistance was very active in Area Eleven I sent it there."
"Is that so? Then we have an ideal candidate." Kaguya smiled. "The pilot who managed to stand against the Seventh Generation using only a Sutherland."
"Her name is Kallen." Lelouch told them. "And I can say proudly she is the best among my soldiers."
"Really? You make me want to come there and see her myself."
"Seventh Generation, huh?" Akito mused before turning to Leila. "Do you think the Alexanders stand a chance?"
"How should I know?" She replied before noticing everyone was staring at her. "Sorry, but this is secre-"
"Me and the Major are part of a secret special Knightmare unit called W-0, with the officers being EU military and the pilots being recruited among the refugee Japanese that escaped the war in exchange for giving full citizen status to their families." Akito suddenly said. At Leila's scandalized face he just put a finger over her lips and continued. "The Alexander is a prototype Sixth Generation frame developed by a friend of the Major. They're hard to control, but provides great mobility even when other Knightmares would have troubles. Armor isn't that great though."
'Members recruited among formally non-recognized citizens and use of prototypes?' Lelouch frowned. 'Why does it make me think the EU is going to use them for suicide missions?'
"Maybe they are?"
'Then they are no different from Britannia.'
"As refreshing as it is to finally see this chamber being used for its original function-" Ligier's words caused everyone to sit ramrod straight and give him their full attention. "There are still some things I must speak of, which happen to be the most important ones. Namely, what is expected from you Infernals."
He raised a hand, and the image of Earth turned into that of Ligier's sun-self. "The ultimate goal of the Reclamation is to open the gates of Hell! To sunder the accursed surrender oaths and to liberate our King and his siblings from their unjust imprisonment! For that I personally promise you the support, resources, and military might of Malfeas. It will obviously take a long time for you to reach the might necessary to realistically pursue such a great task, but time is something we all have plenty of.
A secondary but more immediate goal is to spread Malfeas' influence across the modern Creation. In this case Britannia is the greatest obstacle, because a world fully dominated by it would surely cripple our already meager efforts. Therefore, fighting against it by any means available is the current highest priority. Of course you must still follow the orders of your own Masters: in case they interfere with the above two goals you can discuss among yourself the best way to achieve both, or in the case of truly irreconcilable conflicts you can bring your concerns to the Conclave.
Another point of great importance is to keep an eye out for...unusual Exalts. 100 of the stolen Exaltations went to the Underworld, and I have no doubts those abominations will use them to create servants to do what they cannot: bring death to all of Creation." He frowned. "That is, of course, unacceptable. If you meet Exalts that use arts of clear Underworld origin they must be killed or taken prisoner, with them and any information you can gather sent to Malfeas. Temporary alliances are...acceptable, but you must be ready to turn on them at the first opportunity."
""Yes Lord Ligier."" They all bowed.
"Finally, we can address the topic of the missing Infernals. During the most recent Conclave it was suggested that a more successful method to make sure future Exalts are loyal and last longer could be by having already accomplished Chosen train the new ones before sending them here. The proposal was found promising and approved. As the first full Coven, it will be your duty to instill others of your Caste with...healthy survival instincts." He pressed his hands together. "That also require retrieving them in case we can't spare agents. In return you will maintain a status of seniority until all seats are filled, which grants you the right to give orders to your junior Peers...provided they don't interfere with their respective Masters' orders and the other major goals of the Reclamation, of course."
Well then, that was interesting. The concession means Lelouch could virtually have the whole Althing follow his directives without the need to convince the others in a debate, at least for a limited time. Not to mention he could gain the trust of other Peers, allies more likely to support him.
To do that, he needed to bring the other four to his side. Milly was already a solid ally, and Kaguya for some reason seemed to hold Lelouchto in high regard despite not having met for seven years. Rakshata, he could give her Kallen as a pilot for this 'Guren' in exchange for her collaboration. Akito was a more complicated matter: maybe Lelouch could just have Ligier order the EU soldier to assist him, but he also wanted Leila: as Seyrun said, Dragonblooded minions were valuable. Since her unit was top-secret and made of Japanese, Lelouch and Kaguya could convince whoever was in charge of it to support Zero's rebellion in exchange for weakening Britannia and other concessions like more Sakuradite.
But to do all that, Lelouch needed to persuade the others that assisting the rebellion was the best thing to do, for the Althing and Malfeas in general.
"You could, I don't know, offer Japan to the Yozi or something?" Seyrun offered.
Lelouch blinked. 'Actually, you may be onto something.' Creating an empire was also Oramus' desire, so why not start with Japan? Converting and unifying the whole population under the worship of the Yozi as the world's saviors, basically making Japan a subordinate kingdom of Hell.
If that didn't make Heaven shit their pants, Lelouch didn't know what could.
He just needed to sell the idea to those presents.
"Lord Ligier, may I speak?" He eventually asked with reverence to the Unquestionable. At his silent nod Lelouch stood up and bowed. "Thank you. In light of what you revealed to us today, I have created a plan that I am sure will be able to take care of the more pressing issues, and also advance greatly the Reclamation's efforts towards its ultimate goal. I would like to propose it to everyone present."
"That was fast." Ligier commented with amusement. "Go on."
Lelouch took a deep breath before beginning. "The first point I want to address is that of the future Peers. Because the survival and training of the future Infernals is a key part of the Reclamation's objectives, obviously the survival of the current Infernals is of paramount importance to make that possible. This is something more likely to happen if everyone here is working together, rather than scattered. Peer Kaguya, Peer Milly and myself are all currently residing in Japan and should be able to work together readily." Both Kaguya and Milly nodded at his words. "Peer Rakshata has already shown interest in coming to Japan, and I am are more than willing to provide a test pilot of adequate skills for the Guren Mk-II. Unless her presence is required elsewhere...?"
"Nope, I am free." The Indian scientist replied. "Me and Akito just finished a minor project in the Middle Eastern Federation. Now all that remains is to reap the benefits, and I have subordinates for that." She put the pipe in her mouth and smiled. "Beside, I have a lot of stuff made for urban warfare that only need testing: Japan sounds like the perfect place to do so."
"That would be most helpful." He thanked her before turning to the blue-haired Japanese. "That leaves Peer Akito. I believe it's essential for him to be near the rest of the Coven in order to fight any Wyld Hunts sent after us. Akito is a Slayer, from his and Lord Ligier's comments a warrior of great power who will only become even greater. While I am an elite Knightmare pilot myself, I am limited in the time and effort I can spend making myself personally capable in other areas of combat given my other responsibilities. Not to mention my greatest talents lie elsewhere. I suspect the others are in a similar situation, being focused on political efforts in the case of Milly and Kaguya or scientific pursuits in the case of Rakshata. Am I wrong?"
"You are not, Peer Lelouch." Kaguya readily admitted. "I possess no martial ability whatsoever."
"Me neither. I have a Charm-" Seyrun snorted at Rakshata's words. "-that offers excellent support against normal humans, but isn't ideal against Exalts and other magical beings."
"As I thought. To balance this out the four of us need Akito close by." You saw Akito nodding absentmindedly, but Leila's expression was quickly turning into a scowl. Time to strike. "Peer Akito, Major Malcal, I would like to propose that we convince your superiors to send the W-0 unit to Japan. I believe it will be a much better environment for your pilots to operate in."
While Lelouch still had a hard time getting a good read on Akito, Leila was clearly hesitant, but he could see that her interest is piqued. "How so?" She asked.
Giving his Essence a push, Lelouch stated his case. "For seven years Japan and its people have been oppressed by Britannia, and what Akito has said about your unit doesn't indicate things are all that much better for the Japanese refugees within the EU if they have not been granted citizenship after that long. Given their lack of citizenship and the use of prototypes, I have little doubt that they are intended for highly dangerous missions in place of normal troops. In short, suicide missions."
He could tell she was upset, in spite of her efforts to stay calm. She was aware of the matter, but she didn't like it. "I can tell you don't approve of this notion, and neither do I. An enlightened world has no place for such discrimination. If you work with me, I can assure you that your subordinates would be valued as much as my own."
The look on her face said she was interested. Perhaps just a bit more bait. "Also, I'm certain that Peer Rakshata would be willing to look over the Alexanders with your friend - with the advances that come of it, I'm sure their chances of survival in battle will increase greatly." The Indian scientist smiled confidently. "So, what do you say?"
"I...would like that." Leila seemed to hesitate before her gaze hardened. "But you want my unit to aid your rebellion."
"Of course." Lelouch's honesty without hesitation stunned her. Obviously he took advantage of that. "We both know that it is only a matter of time before Britannia and the E.U. wage war against each other. So, instead of operating in missions that will likely result in high casualties, wouldn't it be better to work for a task that equally aids your nation, but it is much less dangerous? Plus if Japan is liberated the refugees could return to their home nation. There they would not be unjustly discriminated against, and could lead happier lives."
He raised his arm, letting his cape flapping dramatically. "This brings me to the next point, and the most important one: how Japan can be the ideal beachhead for the Reclamation, as well as a vital linchpin to any effort for defeating Britannia."
"Creation is large. Not as it was once, but still big." Ligier commented with what seemed, seemed, honest curiosity. "What makes a small island nation so special?"
"What it represents, and could be. Japan contains 70% of the world's known Sakuradite reserves. This makes it a strategic location with few equals in the world. By freeing Japan from Britannia's control it severely weakens their ability to wage war abroad: from Knightmares to common guns, the Britannian war machine runs on Sakuradite. Even if we have tangible proof that they have started using other magical materials, it is still an undeniable fact that cutting Britannia's source of Sakuradite would have devastating effects on them. Similarly, that advantage could become that of the Reclamation if Japan comes under its control."
He looked at Leila. "This is also a good negotiation point with the E.U. for sending the W-0 unit to Japan. The geographic location of Japan makes it impossible for the E.U. to gain control it, as they'd have to go through either Britannia or the Chinese Federation, neither of which is possible. An independent Japan is therefore better for them, especially if they have friendly relations. Britannia would be weakened, and their other rival wouldn't gain an advantage either, but by helping the revolution they can gain many advantages: like, an increased supply of Sakuradite?"
"You know, he isn't wrong." Akito commented, looking at Leila. "And even if we are discovered? The top brass can just say we went rogue. Things like those happen all the times."
Leila stared at Akito with a non-amused glare. She opened her mouth as if to say something before stopping, closing it and sitting down with a sigh. "You have already decided, uh? Fine, alright. But you will need to convince the W-0 Unit's supervisor, General Gene Smilas." She scowled. "Also, I want command of the W-0. There is no way I am leaving that racist Anou in charge."
"I would like to take care of that." Kaguya smileed innocently. "As a representative of the old government of Japan, I am the most qualified for the job."
"Thank you both for your collaboration." Lelouch did a small bow before continuing. "With Japan freed, showing that an Area can liberate itself, rebellion will increase in other places conquered by Britannia, further weakening it. But it is in Japan specifically that my plan will unfold."
He spread his arms. "Japan is an ideal location to lay the foundation for achieving the objective Wise Oramus has given me: to create an empire that will surpass everything Britannia is and will ever be!" His declaration drew curious stares from everyone, sans Milly who already knew and Ligier whose expression didn't let anything out. "I believe this is also a good platform that may be helpful for meeting the orders of the other Infernals here." Lelouch looked at the others. "Or would that interfere with your duties?"
The others shook their heads in denial.
"Excellent. Finally, why I am sure my plan will aid the Reclamation." Lelouch turned to Ligier. "The empire I will build, is one where the people will embrace the worship of the Yozis! Japan is, again, ideal for this, as there are many disenfranchised people and cults have already begun being built. The cursed and corrupt gods have done nothing to help them, so the Yozis and their champions will become their champions. With Japan under our rule and worshiping the the Yozis, the future empire will become a subordinate kingdom to Hell, one that recognizes the world's True Masters and willingly aids in their liberation!"
Silence. For a few seconds nobody spoke, Lelouch's fellow Infernals and Leila staring at him in mute fascination.
"Ahahahaha!"
And then Ligier laughed. Like his voice it was hardly something that belong to humans: it was like an explosion of energy, a wavelength that made the air itself suffocating to breath.
It was a natural disaster, and the only reason Lelouch's mask of confidence didn't crack was that Ligier's laughter...wasn't hostile.
"Now I see the unrestrainable ambition of a true Exalted! I can honestly say this is the boldest plan I have heard in the last few millennia. You do realize that, unlike cults, there will be no way to hide the conversion of an entire nation?" His smile was one of sadistic glee. "But oh, I would willing give some of my most precious treasures just to see the faces of those fools in Heaven the moment they hear the news!"
Lelouch bowed. "I am perfectly aware Lord Ligier. Yet, I don't plan to proceed without making appropriate preparations. By the time my vision becomes reality the new kingdom will be equipped to deal with any violent responses, both from Britannia and Heaven, its armies ready to fight to protect their home just as fiercely as they fought to free it. And even if it not suffices...this plan requires only the five of us to oversee." He indicated his fellow Exalts. "As we do it and bring Britannia's focus upon us, the other 45 Green Sun Princes will be able to strike everywhere else, forcing our enemies to either stretch their forces too thinly to be effective, or concentrate on a single target at the exclusion of all others, with the risk they grow too strong in the meantime. Whatever they do, it's their loss."
"You would stand openly against everyone, even at the risk of annihilation?" Ligier asked Lelouch.
"If the king does not lead, how can he expect his subordinates to follow?" The young Fiend raised his left hand and made a sharp, cutting horizontal gesture sideway. "We will inspire by example, to show our future Peers that, no matter how numerous our enemies are-" He raised his head proudly. "Victory will be ours as long as our will is stronger than theirs!"
Kaguya was the first to react: she stood up and began to clap. Milly followed immediately. Rakshata snorted before letting her pipe suspended in the air by a field of energy and started clapping too. For the first time Akito's expression showed emotions: his lips curled into a bloodthirsty smile, but he clapped nonetheless. Leila immediately imitated him before stopping, as if only then realizing what she was doing. Yet a few moments later she resumed clapping.
"The Dragons were right: Lelouch Vi Britannia, you really are something else." Ligier looked at him with an intrigued stare. "The operations of the Althing are up to his members. Are all of you ready to back up this plan, knowing the price for failure?"
"I was ready since the time I accepted to become a Green Sun Prince." Was Lelouch's answer.
"Where Lelouch goes, I'll follow!" Was Milly's answer.
"To protect Japan is my duty, to show its people the right way my pleasure." Was Kaguya's answer.
"I have a dream, and nothing will steer me away from making it a reality." Was Rakshata's answer.
"I was saved, in more ways than one. Now it's time to return the favor." Was Akito's answer.
Leila gulped, but then sighed in relief when nobody asked her to say something too.
"Your determination will serve you well. But there is a last topic I must address." Ligier's right hand was suddenly weathered in green fire. When it subsided in his palm stood a black prism-like stone with a core of green light. Seyrun informed Lelouch it was one of those Hearthstones the demon told him about. "The Althing needs a Marshal. Someone who will act as the mouthpiece for all Peers, making sure the assembly's laws are respected and will bring their concerns to the Conclave should the need arise. Who do you think is most qualified for this task?"
All eyes turned to Lelouch. Clearing expecting this Ligier smiled and commanded the rostrum to move until he was right in front of the raven-haired youth. "Lelouch Vi Britannia. Green Sun Prince. Peer of the Demon City. Do you accept the title of Marshal of the Althing Infernal, with all that it implies?"
Lelouch knelt down and bowed. "I do. I swear it on my name and on my very soul."
"Then this is yours." Ligier held out the hearthstone. Lelouch extended his arm and the demon put the stone in his palm. The young Fiend felt a miniscule part of his Essence being drawn into the stone, and following that the creation of a metaphysical link between him and it. Information filled his mind, and he knew everything about the hearthstone.
It recognized its new master.
After that the others, save Leila, touched the stone too, creating a link to it. Finally Ligier addressed everyone in a final, brief speech. "Go forth Green Sun Princes! You are the will of the Yozis! Remember Creation of its True Masters! Show no mercy to any who oppose you!"
He then ascended to the sky in a flash of impossible emerald brilliance, the buildings giving way to his passage before snapping back in place. Leaving the six Green Sun Princes alone.
"That went well." Rakshata stretched before standing up and walking away. She stopped and looked back at Lelouch, Kaguya and Milly. "One of the Unquestionables of your Patrons will surely request to meet you, and soon. Before that happen take possession of your personal palace and then meet me at the armory: it's time we properly equip you with Exalted gear."
"That would be most useful. Thank you." The Defiler smiled and walked away. Akito and Leila were talking, so the others gave them privacy and left too.
"That went...well." Seyrun commented with a relieved tone. "Honestly, standing before an Unquestionable is usually a sign you fucked up, badly. Please Boss, let's not end there."
'I do have self-preservation instincts.' Lelouch replied back sarcastically.
Kaguya appeared on his right, matching his pace. Milly did the same to is left.
"Lelouch-sama, later I would like to speak privately with you." She asked with a happy smile. "There are so many things we have to discuss."
"Of course." Lelouch replied with a small bow. "Our stay in Malfeas has just begun. There will be plenty of time for that."
Now if only he could understand why Milly was grinning like the cat that got the bird, he would be able to relax.
{●}
==Ohgi==
It had only been two days since Zero had left, and Ohgi Kaname had already read through three of the books that he had been instructed to read. Kaname did not consider himself a violent man, not liking war. He had been a teacher, a man dedicated to ensuring that the younger generation had a bright future ahead of them. It was ironically that which had lead him to taking up arms against Britannia. What hope could his pupils have of even a decent future when they were relegated to being second class citizens?
The contents of the books had been eye opening. Kaname knew he wasn't as good of a leader as Naoto was. He'd only taken over as the group's leader after Naoto's death because there wasn't really anyone else who seemed like they could. Ever since then the group had been in decline, getting less funding from their backer and losing members as their petty victories were outnumbers by numerous defeats. If Zero hadn't saved them in Shinjuku they'd all be dead now, along with every last citizen in Shinjuku.
Kaname could only chide himself at his failure, but not as a leader. No, he was disappointed in himself for failing to do what all teachers should do - continue learning. Why had it not occurred to him to learn how to lead even if only at an academic level? Hell, if he had thought to get Naoto books like these would his friend still be alive? Naoto was a good leader, but looking back he had been mostly leading through good instincts. With the right training, could he have been as good as Zero? Maybe. All Kaname knew was that what he was learning would possibly one day keep his people alive, so he was eager to understand it.
His stomach grumbled, and he realized he had left his meal untouched for the last couple hours. Cold curry didn't sound very appetizing, but he wasn't about to waste it. He picked up his plate and spoon, and then began to eat.
"Hmmm?" he chewed and swallowed, and then looked at the rather plain looking meal. "This is pretty good."
==Shirley==
Lelouch's fan club was out of control. Did they have no shame?
*click, save, click, save*
It was scandalous! How could they take so many pictures of her darling Lulu without his permission like this?
*click, save, click, save*
She'd report it to Milly, but the President would only encourage this kind of behavior.
*click, save, click, save*
Was that a picture of Lelouch bending over!? Why was it so focused on his butt? His amazing...
*click, flash*
Shirley looked up and saw Rivalz standing behind her monitor, smiling mischievously while holding a camera. "Oya, Shirley, what ever might you be up to to have such a look on your face?" He turned the camera around to show a picture of her staring at the monitor, a lecherous, open mouthed smile on her face, and... was she drooling just a bit? "Has the fair maiden perhaps found the now infamous site of Lelouch's fan club?"
Shirley was absolutely certain she had gone beet red at that point. "N... n... no, of course not! I don't know what you're talking about!"
"Oh, so you all that clicking wasn't you saving pictures to look at later?"
Something inside her snapped.
==Nina==
A loud noise distracted her from the equations she was looking at. Turning around she saw Shirley attempting to strangle Rivalz. She sighed in relief that it was just something normal happening, and turned back to her computer to continue her work.
==Kallen==
Looking at Kallen now, most people would only see a young woman playing on a game at an arcade. Kozuki Kallen though was training, or at least as best she could without being able to actually go out in a real Knightmare. She wished she had a real simulator available, but the current generation of arcade games were a decent substitute.
At this moment, she was looking at her time. She was the previous record holder of this particular scenario on this machine, something she had been quite proud of. But now she'd blown her previous time out of the water by just under four minutes. While she hadn't thrown herself into reading the books on war and tactics as much as Ohgi had, she had been quite interested in a few chapters involving Knightmare combat. The book "The Conquest of Area 11: How Knightmares Changed the Course of Warfare" had been really illuminating.
She was a good pilot. She knew that. Few could match her if they were in an identical machine. Reading hadn't really helped her as a pilot. What it had helped was to give her an understanding of fighting alongside other Knightmare pilots and how others did the same. Her Glasgow had been destroyed in Shinjuku. Hunted down by that arrogant dog in the Sutherland like she was a little rabbit. He had help though. It wasn't just his superior machine that won the day for him, but the fact that he had others backing him up.
The scenario she'd just played had a number of AI pilots on her side she could give some primitive commands to. She'd never really bothered with them before. They had always seemed slow, more a hindrance than a help. She could always win on her own. But now she realized that just charging ahead by herself had slowed down how quickly she could win, and that the only reason she had been winning was because her AI allies had still be targets the enemy had to contend with. This time she had worked with them, positioning them to help her own attacks, and the results...
Kallen smiled. Next time she would be the hunter.
==Tamaki==
Tamaki was pissed. How could Zero put a talented man like him in charge of something like food? Tamaki should be in charge of finances or something else important. Oh, Zero had made it sound like the cooking was important and all at the time, but Tamaki was sure it was bullshit. As he was stirring his pot of curry to keep it from burning, he was about to complain loudly before he was interrupted.
"Tamaki-kun, can I have seconds?" He looked up and saw Naomi holding an empty plate.
"Oh, sure. Just a sec, Inoue-san" He took the plate and began putting more rice and curry on it.
"I didn't know you could cook, Tamaki. It's really good. Everyone is saying so." She smiled.
"Err... thanks. I don't usually cook because it's a bit of a hassle, so I usually eat out." It was true. He considered himself a man of taste. He only would cook when he was low on cash. Did people really like his cooking? "Here you go." He handed her the plate.
"You should cook more often, Tamaki-kun. Women love a man that can cook." She winked at him, leaving him blushing and rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment and pride. Maybe Zero knew what he was doing after all, recognizing Tamaki's true talents? Of course. That had to be how it was. Zero was too smart to waste someone like Tamaki on something unimportant, right?
Coven: A group of Infernal Exalts gathered together for a common purpose.
First Official Coven's Composition:
Slayer: Akito Hyuga
Malefactor: Kaguya Sumeragi
Defiler: Rakshata Chawla
Scourge: Milly Ashford
Fiend: Lelouch Vi Britannia