Chapter IV: The day after tommorow
Lelouch was at Ashford , in the student council room, waiting for Millie and the others.
On the news there were reports of how Schneizel , had negotiated a ceasefire with the E.U, within the news sub liners, but the main headline was that, "Prince Clovis die's in Battle"
It had been two days, since Clovis's death and Lelouch true to his late brother's request, made up the story that he died while fighting against the terrorists in Shinjuku, he also had Bartley and the other generals under Clovis arrested for "leaving" his brother unprotected, for Lelouch in his subconscious needed someone to blame, Nunnally had been heartbroken when hearing it and Lelouch shared her sentiment.
For Lelouch owed Clovis and his sister Cornelia a lot, for after his mother's death, the two sibling's restrained, him from going and confronting the emperor, his father, telling him that doing that would do him no good, only get him into trouble, with the emperor, and that Nunnally who was in the hospital needed him more.
Looking back, he realized what a foolish action that might have been and he realized that when he was in his darkest hour Clovis and Cornelia had been, there and had pulled him from the abyss and now, when Clovis was in his darkest hour he could not helped his sibling, this made him feel like he was the one who pulled the trigger.
Just then his trail of thought's was interrupted, by the Student council who came into the room, and Lelouch quickly slipped into his Lamperouge persona, and left what grievance was in his soul for a latter time.
Millie , Shirley Rivals, and Ninna all came into the room.
Millie walked up to him and whispered" You any better" she was the only one among the student council who knew that Lelouch was royalty.
"Yes, don't worry about it" he said back
Shirley then came up to him and said
"Hey Lulu, you know we need supplies for the upcoming school festival, so I was thinking we could go together" she said while fidgeting with her fingers.
Lelouch looked to Millie, and was horrified to see her usual (My mad scientist plan for world domination is working) mode on.
He wondered what had triggered it, but since the subject of female knowledge was alien to him, he did not realized that Shirley was trying to ask him on a date.
"Sure I don't see why not" he said towards Shirley.
Just then his phone rang, he answered it and said" Yes ,thank you for telling me" and then hanged up, he then picked up the TV remote, turned it on and said, "Something, interesting is on the news. It's a rerun of what was broadcasted a few hour s ago."
(A few hours ago ,Narita mountain range, JLF headquarters)
General Katase , and the other officers and leaders of other resistance groups where in a meeting, to discuss the recent happenings from the last few days.
"Do you knot see that this is the time for the resistance to take center stage, with Britannia in disarray from, Clovi's death" Col Kusakabe said, and the group responded with a collected agreement.
"What about The Iron Prince" a voice was heard shouting, and the other's turned their heads to see, much to their surprise that it was Todoh who had said it.
" What about him he is nothing, obviously he does not have the taste for war, his action in Shinjuku, speak volumes of his character, and how he stabbed himself in the palm shows that he clearly is a lunatic, even the nickname which he calls himself by "Zero" is fitting for such an idiot wouldn't you all agree?" Kusakabe said at which the other's laughed whole-heartedly, except for Todoh and his followers'.
"What's the matter, for someone who had defeated him you sure are hesitant, you who were once called Todoh the miracle" Kusakabe said
"All I am saying, is that you thing Lelouch is an idiot, and that he cannot wage war, but I tell you this, the situation at hand is almost too much in our favor, and I cannot but fear that underneath that mask of his lies a sleeping dragon, of which if we anger we will no doubt have to face"
He then turned towards his commander General Katase and said
"General Katase, we underestimated Brittannia 7 years ago, and look what happened ,let us not make the same mistake twice" he said.
"General Katase, tell Colonel Todoh how wrong he is" Kusakabe countered.
"It is not wrong to be cautious"
"You mean timidity, you lack boldness Todoh"
"To be bold, is one thing, to be stupid and reckless is another"
"What did you say" Kusakabe got up and drew his samurai sword, Todoh reached for his.
Just then a man came bursting into the room.
Katase recognized him as one of their communications officers
"What is it" he said towards the young man.
The, young officer took a moment to catch his breath and said"Look at the news the Brittannians are broadcasting" .
They turned on the television present in the room, and started listening to the announcer.
"Following the death of Prince Clovis, his highness Prince Lelouch a.k.a Zero who is acting as temporary governor until a new one can be named, had announced the following reforms , a economic program called "Phoenix fund", in which eleven's will be given loans to start they're businesses, of which they will not be required to pay taxes within their businesses first year of operation, a six months break from the time of acquiring the loan to the time of paying the first interest, from the Phoenix fund, also a tax cut for any business which employ's eleven workers at fair wages, his highness say's…."
The news caster went on and on, about the details, and an eerie silence, struck the JLF headquarters.
Katase then turned off the TV, deciding this had been a very difficult and confusing day, he had the meeting adjourned, and all of the officers left, with mixed feelings about Lelouch or Zero, especially after what they heard on the news.
With the meeting adjourned, Todoh went to watch the rest of the news footage repoft, he then went to the bases garage, took a car and started driving, he decided that desperate times require desperate measures,he told General Katase of his plan and he approved it, and the general who relied on Todoh's advice so much , one could say that Todoh was commanding the JLF not him.
(a few hours ago ,Shinjuku ghetto, Oughi's apartment)
…said, that it was his intention to ,as temporary governor help the eleven population recover they're lively hood back, he is also announcing, the arrest of dozens of politicians, business men, on charges of corruption" the news caster continued.
"Whoa, the man's amazing, he works fast" Tamaki said impressed not knowing, what to think of the recent news.
"What the hell is he thinking", Yoshida said.
"Those reforms mean that well be able to rebuild our homes ,and get our lively hood back" Oughi said with a broad smile on his face, for he would like nothing more, than for the Japanese to get their freedom back, and he did not have a test for spilling blood, even though he was they re leader.
"So it's a good thing" Tamaki said
"But it's bad news for, us id' just had a call from our other members and they are resigning and going back to t their day jobs" Minami said
"Ha I knew those bastards's where up to something" Tamaki said
"But to those who live, if the ghetto's it's good news, also this is also the product of our efforts, maybe Prince Lelouch is not such a bad guy after all" Oughi said.
"That's true, Tamaki said changing his opinion once more.
"That small bit of freedom does not mean the chains of bondage are broken" Kallen yelled.
"Ah…., ah screws this, it's making me confuse, I'm going for a drink" Tamaki said and left the room.
"Anyway, Kallen you should be going to school, it's what Naoto would have wanted for you" Oughi said.
Kallen left the apartment, and after that the other's did as well, except for Tamaki who remained, ten minutes, after that there was a knock at the door.
Tamaki, was pouring himself, some tee he was out of alcohol, and when he heard the knockiyng on the door he went to answer it, and when he heard the door bell, he started seeping the tee and after he finished opening the door, the shock of who was standing at the door made him spit out the tee which was in his mouth.
The person who was standing outside his apartment was Todoh Kioshirou himself, and after a moment in which Tamaki pinched himself, to make sure he was not dreaming he realized that the tee he spat out of his mouth, had splashed Todoh, the fact that he had just spited on Japan's greatest hero made him, freeze from panicked, about his own action.
Todoh for his part was unfazed, for truth be told the car in which he rode here had no air conditioning, and it was a hot day, ouside, that combined with the fact that he was wearing military attire, and over that, he had a trench coat, made him very hot ,and he was in a sense gratefull, if not also shocked and disgusted, for his "reception" or so to speak .
Oughi, came to see who was at the door and the image of Kiseki no Todoh, standing in the door way, shocked him as well.
"You are the leader of the Kouzuki group, am I correct?" he said towards Oughi
"Yes…, that…, that's right" Oughi responded, partially recovered from his shock .
"May I come in? I have something to discuss with you" Todoh said.
Oughi gave a nod Tamaki stepped out of the way and closed the door after Todoh entered.
(Present time, Ashford academy student council room)
Kallen had just entered the student council room, Millie immediately introduced her to Lelouch,
"Kallen Stafield, this is our newest Student Council member, and student at Ashford Lelouch Lamperouge, don't let the appearance fool you, he is a fully fledged duke and head of his house, Lelouch KAllen has frail health so she has been absent for the past few months from school" Millie said.
"A pleasure to meet you, your grace" Kallen said, with a soft and weak voice.
"Just Lelouch miss Stafield, I know it's rather sudden but would, you mind taking a walk with me, where we can share moment in private" Lelouch said to her giving her his best Lady killer look, at which Kallen blushed slightly, and although she wanted to say no, she for god knows what reason said yes, and they both went out hand in hand out of the student council room.
"Hoho, it looks like you have a rival Shirley" Millie said switching from (Mad hatter mod) to soap opera sucker mod on the spot.
"Rivalz for his part just said, that's my pal, he got another victim, made I should ask him for a few tips" Rivalz said mentally to himself.
(Ashford Academy grounds, student café)
Lelouch and Kallen both sat at a table, and enjoyed their respective, pastry order's, Kallen who was mentally scolding herself, for accepting this sleaze- ball's , invitation, and decided to play along and excuse herself as soon as possible.
"Millie said you where head of your house; does that mean your father's dead?" Kallen decided to try to hit a nerve, in order to end the conversation earlier.
"No , the bastard's still alive, but I don't consider him my father anymore" Lelouch said calmly.
Kallen was taken aback by this, since she too had a tense relationship with her father.
"And what about your mother" Kallen now asked.
"She's dead, killed by terrorists, my dad didn't do a god-dam thing about that, and he also didn't cared about Nunnally being crippled and blind from getting caught in the crossfire,…..he said that, the empire has no need for weaklings'." Lelouch said and he took a bite from his cake.
"To hell with you, and your dogma I said, to his face, I then walked out, relinquished my title, and founded my own house," he finished and then took a sip of coffee
Kallen was surprised and found herself with mix, feelings about him'
"But you're a Duke, from where did you get your title if you relinquished it?" she asked curious.
"I bought it" he said.
"With what funds?", Kallen asked.
Lelouch whipped his mouth, gestured for Kallen to come close to him, so he could whisper to her.
"I have quite a talent for chest, one that Rivalz can confirm, you see I play chest for money with the noble's, and I always win, and they play for huge amounts of money, and no to brag but, I have almost every nobleman in Japan, in my debt, so money is not an issue for me you see" he said with a devilish glee.
Kallen was shocked, by his answer and his devilish glee made her blush again.
After a moment she noticed he said Japan and not Area 11 so she decided to, put him through the test of fire and said:
"You know the reason, why everyone hates the Empire, it's because it's a racist, cruel, and despotic nation, which uses a form of slavery called the number's system." At this Kallen, was expecting him to defend, Brittannia's dogma, but what she got shocked her more than ever.
"I agree" Lelouch said.
"What did you just say?" Kallen ask with her mouth wide open.
"I said, I agree" Lelouch calmly said and took another bite from his cake.
This had made Kallen go silent for a moment, so not knowing what to do she decided, to continue they're conversation.
"So what do you intend to do about it?" Kallen asked for she had met or heard other men who did not like Brittannia but were unable or unwilling to change it.
"I intend to change it" Lelouch said and he pulled out a flyer, from his jacket.
Kallen picked it up and on it the words "Phoenix Fund" were written on it.
"You're a member?" Kallen asked
"I'm its sponsor and CEO" he said.
For the third time today Kallen, eyes went wide with shock
"But the program's purpose is to rebuild Japan, from where did you get the money" she asked.
Lelouch calmly took another sip of coffee and said
" You know how I said that a lot of nobles loose to me at chest and they play for huge amounts of money, and no to brag but, I have almost every nobleman in Japan, in my debt, so money is not an issue for me you see, I "advised" them to put their money in the Black Bank, which I own, the Black Bank is the one who is financing the Phoenix fund, of course you know how it is, with these industrialization processes and real estate construction, it might be years before the government pays me back the money they borough for the Phoenix fund, and some of the nobles might loose they're fortunes , because of this, a pity but sacrifices must be made, if the Japanese, will have their lives back"
Lelouch word's said that he regretted the nobles loosing they're money, for the cause of rebuilding Japan but his tone suggested that, the idea delighted him.
Kallen for the most part was speechless, at this, she did not expect him to not only share here hatred for Brittannia, but from the conversation with him, Lelouch hated it even more than she did, they both lost loved ones to that country, both where fighting for the number's freedom, that combined with his good, looks made Kallen, feel filled with "unrest" in his presence.
Lelouch saw that Kallen was falling under his spell, another part of his master plan , to have revenge for his mother's death was seemingly falling into place, for Lelouch knew that he had to make alliance with the other noble houses or friendship, unfortunately for him he used too much charm on the ladies, and unknowingly made them think, he was interested in them romantically, the same thing was happening with Kallen, but alas, he merely though he was forming a friendship with her and in celebration, sipped another mouth of coffee from the cup, but then he quickly choked on it, for looking behind Kallen she saw the weary same green haired woman, he saw trapped in Clovis's capsule.
"What's the matter", she said and started turning to look behind herself , but Lelouch quickly grabbed her face, andbrouch they re faces close together , and quickly said "Forgive me but something has come up" he said and ran behind her and grabbed, the green haired woman.
Kallen by now was too much shocked, by his action to turn around and look, she put her hands to her lip's, the fact that she was so close to Lelouch's lips struck her, but even more was the fact, that she didn't really mind that if it was him.
(Lelouch's apartment's Ashford Dormitories)
"Who are you which, and why were you captured in that capsule" Lelouch said while he trusted C.C on the bed.
"Such boldness, your highness, you know that a girl must be wooed before bedded", she said to him.
"How do you know I'm a prince!" he asked, unfazed by her comment
"Like you said, I'm a witch, we witches know these thing's" she said.
"Anyway the reason I disappeared, was that it was very hard for me to escape, and I had too contact you without, being recaptured" she said.
" I am here to offer you a contract"
" I am listening" he said
"I am offering you a power one that will, make you invincible, the power of the king, but the price of that power will be loneliness, and everyone will eventually hate you"
" Is that the only, price" Lelouch responded.
"No, you must also in return grant me my wish" she said
Lelouch pondered her offer for a moment and the opened his mouth to respond
(Hi-TV editorial room)
Diethard Reed, was currently writing his résumé, and intending on presenting it to Zero, to join his service, for thru fully, he was mow very interested at being as close as possible to the action.
When he first heard of the Iron Prince's exploits, he thought that it was just propaganda, but when he met him in person, and saw him in action with his very own eyes, he was shocked, seeing how he handled himself in Shinjuku, his voice his mannerism, it was like seeing Marlon Brandon, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable , or any other great actor from the past, performing live on stage.
"A show, a stage that is what it all, was to him!" he said out loud to himself.
Diethard felt as giddy as a schoolgirl, with her first crush, sometime inside him told him that, of this his era's Titans' he was one of them, and he couldn't help but wondering what, not who is under that mask, was it really human, was it a demon,or was it the New Age, which had descended to earth in human form.
(Outside the capital of the Eastern Federation)
"I major Halibut commander of the emir's army's, hereby sign the ceasefire-agreement between, The Eastern Federation and the Holy Empire of Brittannia" he said in English as best as he could, and signed the document.
"I Chief of Staff Cornelia di Brittannia accept" she said and put her own signature on the document.
Major Halibut then rolled up the document and was preparing to return to his own camp, when he was stopped by a question from Cornelia.
"Forgive my rudeness, but isn't an army usually commanded, by a general, why did he sent you here to surrender, when it should have been him who does so" Cornelia said.
Major Halibut, then turned around, tightened his fist in rage, something which was not unnoticed by Cornelia, nor by Dalton and Guilford who were flanking they re commander on the left and right side.
"I am offering the surrendering the army's and accepting the cease-fire, because I am the highest ranking officer which has survived the war against your army's, Princess" he said and gave a small bow of the head to her, and then quickly turned around and walked off, so he may not see her smug expression.
Satisfied with the answer, Cornelia returned to her mobile command center, which had served as her house for the past few months.
"Ironic isn't it" she said towards her two lieutenants.
"What is my lady" asked Guilford.
"If Lelouch had not done, that crazy gamble in Siberia, the E.U would still be in the war against us and would have still been supporting the Eastern Federation, only without they're aide where they forced to surrender, and we would have in a few weeks time conquered all of Asia Minor, victory for us, meant the survival of their Country for them" she said with a smile.
" Still I am proud of Lelouch, and the tutoring you gave him Dalton seems to have paid of " she said looking at him, at which Dalton only smiled and said, "I only polished an already perfect statue my lady."
Cornelia smiled at this and once she reached the command center, she immediately went to the hr room, they're she saw her little sister writing a letter.
"Hello sister" Euphemia said, while still writing her letter.
"Hello Euphie" Cornelia said, while she went to the fridge, and pulled out a bottle if ice tea, to cool her trought.
She watched her little sister, write her letters, she brought Euphie along for her, she did not like leaving her alone in Pendragon with does vultures and scavengers, with they're plans and plot's, she wanted her sister,not to be involved in the dark side of the nobility, keep her soul free and pure.
She looked and saw that Euphie was in fact working, oh her 3th letter, the other's she saw from looking at the envelope's were addressed to Lelouch ,Nunnally probably to help them with they're recent grief from what happened to Clovis.
But then she notice something strange , her sister was writing from up to down ,instead of left to right.
"Who's that letter addressed to she asked her sister"
Euphie, stopped writing, looked up at her sister' with an expression of her face of "Oh no I'm busted", and nervously said "No one".
Cornelia quickly snatched, the letter away and noticed, that it was not written with English words.
"Euhphie this is in Japanese, you're writing that Kururugi boy again aren't you" she said with a look at dismay at her sister, and she took a sip of ice tee.
At this Euphemia, started fidgeting with her finger, from embarrassment.
"It's like what your twentieth letter to him in a week" Cornelia said.
"Eighteenth, actually" Euphie responded.
At this Cornelia took, another sip of ice –tee, she was no fool and knew that her sister had a crush on that boy ever since she met him when they visited Lelouch at West Point, Cornelia, when she first found out about this warned Kururugi, that if he ever tried to do something perverted to her sister, she would apply medieval torture's upon him, which would make those used in the Spanish inquisition. Seem like a gentle massage, that and the fact that when she told him this, she was dangling him upside down, from the roof, of west point's clock tower.
She thought, that he would eventually give into his hormones, and then she could go gun-ho on him, but , by God the boy kept his word, and , he acted like a perfect gentleman with her sister, hell he was even more cavalier, than the aristocrats back home, it was not that he was an Eleven, it was the idea of any boy, touching and soiling, her pure little angel of a sister made her boil with fury.
"You will not have to write him letter's anymore, tomorrow where going to Area 11 (Japan sister, Euhphie interjected),…. Alright Japan then" she said
At this news, Euphie jumped in her sister's arms, for herself Cornelia was happy that her sister was happy, and for a moment she thought on easing up on Kururugi.
"Arrigatou one-sama " Euphie said.
At this the smile from Cornelia's face, disappeared.
"Did you just speak Japanese" she said breaking the hug with Euphie, at this Euphie put a hand, behind her head, laughed, then gave herself a slight punch on the forehead, and sticked out her tong .
"And you're doing gestures from anime!1" Cornelia shouted out loud.
"For God's sake Euphie, first the language, then you learn how to write in Japanese and now your acting like one? What's next? Where you planning on appearing before Lelouch and the other's in a kimono by any chance?" Cornelia said out loud.
Just then a knock on the door was heard and a servant girl entered the room.
"Princess Euphemia the Kimono you ordered has arrived" the servant said.
Upon hearing that sentence, Cornelia, turned around towards the servant gave here her most frightening look and growled the most menacing growl she could, which made the servant girl scream and run away.
She then picked up the white kimono, with cherry blossom petal's for decoration, then looked up at her sister, who was giving her, the "Pwease downt'be angwhy sister" look, which needless to say always worked on Cornelia, and the scowl on her face disappeared.
She the mentally said to herself, "Go easy on Kururugi my ass, I better start buying the torture equipment right away" she said to herself.
Author's note
Please read and review, let me know if I should continue.