DISCLAIMER: I own nothing, this story exists purely because I want it to
AAAAAND, WE'RE BACK
What else can I say but...
DOUBLE CHAPTER!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Dear Readers all... welcome back to... Awaken, enjoy
History Lessons
"Really?" Lelouch asked as he sat at the dinner table, empty plate in front of him, across from him, Milly sipped her tea
"Yes your majesty, I followed her all of yesterday, she seems to have a good noble heart. Were it not for the circumstances of her birth, I'd say she would make a fine knight," Villetta replied with a bow
Lelouch sat back, a small smile gracing his face, "That's good, very good," he said
"Send the invitation then dearest, we can meet with her tomorrow, get things moving," Milly stated
Lelouch nodded, "My thoughts exactly," he said, before turning back, "Villetta."
"I will see to it immediately my lord."
Kallen glowered as she worked on her exercises, exercises she should have been doing the day before, when she'd been hanging out with her new friends. They were mainly fitness orientated, but a few had combat applications as well. Beside her sat Teal'c, who'd been assigned to make sure she actually did them
"He said to use my free time how I wanted," Kallen grumbled
"Yes... but your free time doesn't last the entire day, now does it?" Teal'c countered
Kallen scowled some more, sitting up from the position she was in to take a rest, "I got carried away alright... I said I was sorry."
Teal'c chuckled as he helped her to her feet, while handing her a water skin, "No point complaining about split milk now... just keep at it," he said
Kallen nodded, and then looked up as the sound of a horse came from the Ludus entrance. She turned to see a man with teal hair and a knight's uniform, sitting astride a white horse. As she watched, he dismounted, as the door guards approached him
"Can we help you sir?"
"Yes, I'm looking for a gladiator named Kallen," the knight responded
The door guards glanced at one another, "What did she do?"
"Nothing, I have something I was bade to deliver to her," the knight replied
"Yo, over here," Kallen called, raising her water skin
The knight looked in her direction, before glancing at the door guards, who both shrugged, before stepping aside. The knight made his way over to where Kallen and Teal'c stood, as he did, Kallen was very aware of the many eyes on them. After reaching them, the knight gave a small bow before handing her a small sealed scroll. Kallen took it from him as he rose, opening it up, she frowned as she studied the paper, "I can read it for you if you like?" the knight said
"No, it's fine... I'm just a little confused... says here I'm being invited to have lunch?" Kallen replied
"Yes, my lord wishes to meet with you and discuss your future career," the knight responded
"Why?"
"I'm afraid you'll have to take that up with him."
Kallen stared at the knight hard for a couple of seconds, before a voice behind her pulled her from her thoughts. "What's going on here?"
Kallen turned to see the Ludus master walking towards them, she turned back to the knight quickly, "Please tell your lord that I' am deeply flattered, but I must decline, I have a lot of training to catch up on."
The knight now frowned in turn, "My lord will be sorely disappointed to hear that," he said
Kallen was about to apologise, until the Ludus master snatched the letter out of her hand, everyone stared at him for a moment, then he spoke, so quietly it's a wonder anyone heard him, "Kallen, my office, now."
Kallen was about to argue, but one hard look from the Ludus master was enough to shut her up, she nodded and quick marched it to the Ludus master's office. As she walked away, she heard the Ludus master speaking with the knight, "Please give us a moment, this won't take long."
The moment the two of them were alone in his office, the Ludus master got right in her face, "What did you do?"
"Nothing," Kallen cried, indignantly, "The guy just showed up and gave that to me." The Ludus master's face softened, before frowning and he began to pace, Kallen felt unease settle in her gut, "What's wrong sir?"
The Ludus master stopped his pacing, just long enough to hand the letter back to her, "You see that seal?" Kallen took the letter and looked at the seal it had been closed with, there was an identical one, stamped at the bottom of the page
"Yes... what about it?" she asked
"That's the seal of the vi Britannia's, the symbol of the late consort, Marianne vi Britannia, the latest of the Emperor's wives and mother to his youngest son and now deceased daughter," the Ludus master said, "Which means this letter came from Prince Lelouch vi Britannia, the Black Prince himself."
Cold understanding filled Kallen to the core, and at the same time, her confusion rose even higher, "Why the hell would the Black Prince want to have lunch with me!?" she exclaimed
The Ludus master shook his head, "I don't know... it's not uncommon for nobility to sometimes request time with a famous gladiator... comes as part of the job." The Ludus master now looked at Kallen, "But you have only one fight under your belt, and it was a close one at that... not to mention that this isn't a noble asking... this is a Royal asking."
A number of different scenarios suddenly filled Kallen's head, none of which were really appealing to her. "What should I do?" she asked
The Ludus master scowled for a moment, before heaving a heavy sigh, "Accept, it would be the smart thing... you don't want to piss off a royal, especially the favoured son of the Emperor."
Kallen felt her stomach flip, but at the same time, she could hear the truth in the Ludus master's words. Angering a royal could have dangerous consequences, taking a breath, she nodded, "Alright."
They came back out into the yard in short order, the knight was still there, waiting patiently with his horse. He turned as they approached, and Kallen returned the bow the knight had given her earlier, "Please tell your lord, I would be most honoured to accept, however, I'm afraid I don't really have anything matching the dress code, of the establishment he wishes to meet at."
The knight waved a hand, "Not to worry, that's already being handled," he said, a smile on his face
Kallen blinked at that, but nodded all the same, "Okay then... I look forward to meeting him then."
The knight bowed once more, "He shall be most pleased to hear that my lady, farewell." With that, the knight mounted his horse once more and left
Kallen watched him go, her stomach churning with unease, what have I just gotten myself into?
"Want us to go in with you?" Krem asked later that evening as they sat around their usual table
Kallen shook her head as she downed her mug of ale, "Nah, I think I'll be fine on my own."
"What makes you say that?" Tamaki asked
Kallen held up the letter she still had, "This," she said, before flattening it out onto the table, and reading out loud. "To Lady Kallen of Pendragon Ludus, your fight last week was a display of pure brilliance, power and passion, I see great potential in you. I would like to meet to discuss your future career, if you are interested, please inform the knight who delivered this letter, and come to the La Ratatouille in the Verchon district... Warmest regards, L.v.B... I assume those are his initials, kinda surprised I didn't figure that one out when I first saw them."
Teal'c shrugged, "Could have been anyone, you know these Britannians and their fancy names."
Tamaki snorted, "You're telling me... spirits if I never hear another it will be too soon," he grumbled
Kallen frowned at this as she put the letter away, "Bad experiences?"
Tamaki gave a harsh bark of laughter, "You could say that Red, perhaps worse than yours."
"Oh," Kallen ventured, eyebrow raised
Tamaki stared at her, "That's right, I forgot, you were born here weren't you." Kallen just nodded, "When was your mother taken exactly?"
Kallen shrugged, "About eighteen years ago, she didn't like to talk about it much."
"I'm not surprised, that would have been about the beginning of the raids... very few of our people like to talk about that time," Tamaki stated
"Raids?" Kallen asked, now curious
Tamaki glanced at Krem, "Heh, don't look at me, I was never in the military, private guard I was."
Tamaki sighed, putting down his mug and pulling out his charm, he stared at it for several moments, "I only know what I've been told about that time... I was just a kid when it started, barely five years old." No one spoke as Tamaki turned his charm between his fingers, then, "It began with whole villages and towns disappearing overnight... no one knew why or how it was happening, travellers or traders would come into the towns and find them deserted, sometimes burned to the ground. At first we thought it was angry spirits and the priests attempted to appease them, but the spirits declared that it wasn't them, that something had come to the Isles, something hungry."
Kallen gave a start at Tamaki's words, her own thoughts about the strange dream she'd had returned. Something in the dark... something... hungry
"People started ranting about the end of days, but it didn't take long for the truth to be revealed, several clans fortified their towns and put up permanent watches through the night. The plan worked, to an extent... the heightened guard meant that when the Britannians came again, they didn't get everyone. After that, word spread quickly to the other clans... invaders had arrived on our shores, and were trying to kidnap our people. The clans responded violently... unfortunately, we underestimated our enemy, and while fighting alone, we were no match for them."
"Why on earth would you take them on alone... if their kidnapping your people, without regard for what clan they belong to, surely it would be smarter to work together?" Kallen asked
Tamaki shrugged, "You're asking the wrong guy there Kallen, I was still just a kid at this point... I had no clue what was going on or why... all I knew was the adults were very upset."
"So what happened after you got your butts handed to you?" Krem asked
Tamaki scowled at her, before launching back into his tale, "People panicked, everyone started voicing solutions and potential ideas but no one could agree on anything, meanwhile the raids continued... finally, a man named Kyoshiro Tohdoh stepped up, declaring that the clans had to untie against a common enemy... he was instantly shouted down."
"Why?" Kallen asked, eyebrow raised
"Because the man was an outcast... he'd abandoned the code that the clans lived by... and dishonoured not only himself but his entire family in doing so... not to mention the fact that the clans had lived separately for generations, and that wasn't likely to change," Tamaki explained. "But as the raids continued and the clans continued to argue, some began to see merits in Tohdoh's ideas. He was able to gather a small cadre of followers that he began using to counter attack against the Britannians, with success. During their first few years, Tohdoh and his followers managed to save at least a dozen settlements, with minimal losses, and also taking a number of captives, who were later interrogated."
"It was from these prisoners we learned the identity and language of our enemy, it became common practice to teach the language to our children, so they could understand our enemy, for the purposes of spying. Meanwhile, Tohdoh went from success to success, and because he and his followers flew no clan banner, the Britannians couldn't tell who was leading this new force against them... of course, it couldn't last forever. Eventually, Tohdoh and his troupe got found out, but by then it had grown from a small handful of warriors, to a small army, and Tohdoh's successes had drawn the eyes of the clans, to the point that many clan leaders went ahead and defied tradition, by publicly joining Tohdoh and his army."
"With his new support, Tohdoh turned away the largest Britannian raid yet, preventing the Britannians from taking anyone, and forcing them to return home empty handed. He even managed to capture half a dozen of the ocean going vessels the Britannians used to cross the sea, and after interrogating the sailors they'd captured with them, Tohdoh's forces learned how to sail those ships. After that, the clan's view of Tohdoh changed... no longer was he 'Tohdoh the Outcast', he was now 'Tohdoh the Miracle Worker'."
Kallen stared at Tamaki, her jaw resting on the table, Tamaki chuckled at her reaction, "Just imagine what it was like growing up, while hearing about his exploits," he said. "Me and all the other youngsters idolised Tohdoh, we all wanted to help in our own way."
Kallen now frowned, "Wait... I thought you said you were a woodcutter?"
Tamaki now smirked, "I was... it was my job to find the best lumber for Tohdoh's fortifications... and if necessary, I was trained to fight as well... everyone had to do their part to defend the Isles, no matter what." The pride was shining off Tamaki like a lighthouse
"Too bad your winning streak didn't last," Krem stated
Tamaki once again scowled at her, before heaving a sigh, "Unfortunately yes."
Kallen looked back and forth between them, "What do you mean, what happened?"
Tamaki stared into his drink for a long moment, before looking up, his eyes haunted, "Britannia finally took the gloves off." Kallen felt a shiver run up her spine from Tamaki's words, "About eight years ago, our scout ships reported sighting Britannian sails in a large bank of sea fog heading for the Isles, Tohdoh mobilized everything, bringing all the available military force we had to meet this next raid... only... it wasn't a raid." Tamaki began twirling the charm between his fingers again, "We were all gathered, waiting for the Britannians to arrive. I remember hearing someone call out when the first Britannian masts became visible through the fog. Everyone waited, tense... and then... the fog cleared... and we realised the true scope of the beast that had come to our Isles.
Kallen's body felt numb as Tamaki recounted the story, "In the previous raids, the most ships we'd seen were a few dozen... this time... this time there were hundreds... the entire eastern horizon was filled with ships, of all shapes and sizes, most of what we had assumed to be a bank of fog, were merely the sails, blended in with a pall of thick sea mist... it was the most terrifying sight I'd ever seen... and it appeared Tohdoh agreed with me... because he ordered an immediate retreat and evacuation. We turned tail and ran, abandoning the eastern third of the Isles to the Britannians, whole villages and towns were emptied, crops were torched, and mines were collapsed, we left nothing for the Britannians."
"We withdrew to the mountainous western half of the Isles, where Tohdoh had us begin setting up fortresses to hold off the Britannians while he thought of a way to beat them... and that's how things have been ever since... every month, the Britannians fling themselves out our defences, and every month we drive them back." Tamaki's voice now turned remorseful, "But every month, we also lose brothers, sisters... sons and daughters... we bleed, but Britannia remains strong."
Kallen stared at Tamaki, her eyes wide, Tamaki then glanced up at her, "Still want to meet this Prince alone Kallen?"
Kallen gulped, "I'm beginning to have my doubts," she replied, before flagging down a member of the kitchen staff, to get her another mug of ale
Kallen walked down the well kept street, the Verchon district was one of the nicer parts of the city, a borderline middle/upper class area, filled with the finest residences, shops selling luxury clothing, food, furniture, and more. The area was also famous for its many temples and amphitheatres, meaning it received quite a lot of tourists, which also attracted the construction of some of the finest restaurants in the Empire. They were a relatively new sensation that only the rich could afford, essentially, they were taverns that had removed anything that might be considered remotely common and had developed a system, which catered purely to the upper class
So it was no surprise to Kallen that upon reaching 'La Ratatouille', she was stopped at the door
"I'm sorry miss, but I'm afraid we don't allow vagrants in here," the doorman said, his black tunic pressed and immaculate
"I'm expected, name, Kallen," she stated
The doorman frowned, and proceeded to check a list that he had with him, it took him several moments, but eventually, she saw his eyes widen as he found her name. He looked back at Kallen, his eyes examining her. She'd decided to wear the trousers and shirt that she had worn under her armour, as they were slightly better make than her tunics. "M-my apologies miss... I was not expecting..."
Kallen waved her hand, "Forget it," she said cutting across him, "I was told some more appropriate attire was going to be made available for me?"
The man blinked, before comprehension dawned, "Ah yes, yes of course." The man clapped his hands and a couple of female servants rushed up, "Please show Miss Kallen to the restrooms, and help her with her dining attire."
"Oh no, its okay I can do it my..." but Kallen didn't get a chance to finish as the two servants practically dragged her away
Kallen emerged from the restrooms fifteen minutes later, dressed in a sheer red dress, held up with a strap over one shoulder. Her hair had been styled into an elaborate formation, held together by a number of pins and clips, cleverly disguised by jewellery across their surface. Her face had been dusted with an ever so slight application of makeup, and her lips had been given a coat of red lipstick. Her thoughts as to what this meeting would turn into were growing ever more concerning by the minute, and if it was going where Kallen suspected it was going, then she had a feeling she'd probably be wanted for treason by the end of the day
She was led into the restaurant proper, past tables of nobles who all looked up to follow her progress through the room. At first, Kallen thought they could see through the disguise she was wearing, and knew she didn't belong. As they went further though, she could see the looks morphing into curiosity, and confusion. She soon understood why
At the very back, was a set of steps that led up to a balcony, that overlooked the entire district, even from her current vantage, Kallen knew the view would be stunning. This she realised was the VIP seating area, and there was only one table set up here. Seated at said table, was the Black Prince, talking animatedly with a blonde woman around the same age as him. The noble's looks went from curiosity to shock, as the servant escorting Kallen, brought her up the steps, straight to the Black Prince's table
The Prince looked up as they cleared the last few steps, a broad smile stretching his lips. The servant bowed, "Miss Kallen has arrived your grace," she said, before backing away
"Kallen of Pendragon Ludus, welcome, please have a seat," the Prince said, gesturing to the empty seat between him and his companion
"My apologies for intruding," Kallen stated, glancing in the blonde woman's direction
"Oh please, there's no need for that... after all, we invited you here," the woman replied
Kallen blinked in confusion, "My apologies, introductions are in order," the Prince stated, "I' am Lelouch vi Britannia, second prince of the Empire and 3rd in line for the throne." He then gestured to his companion, "This is my betrothed, Millicent Ashford."
"A pleasure, but please, call me Milly."
Kallen blinked, this wasn't at all what she'd been expecting, "I'm afraid the waiter has already taken our table's order, so we've had to order for you... I hope you like roast duck," Lelouch stated as a servant poured Kallen a glass of wine
The familiarity of the subject, broke Kallen out of her shock, "When your raised a slave you eat what gets put in front of you, otherwise you starve."
Lelouch smirked, "A fair point," he now turned to Milly, "Was that dress really necessary?"
"You know how I love teasing you dearest," Milly replied, cheeky grin plastered across her face
Kallen sipped at the wine, which was very good in her opinion, then decided it was time to get down to business. "Please forgive me your majesty... but I'm a little confused as to why I'm here?"
Lelouch smiled as he sat back, "Straight to business I see, good... in answer to your question Kallen, I have one for you... what do you think of the state of this city, of the Empire in general?"
Kallen frowned, "I don't follow?"
Lelouch now sat forward, "You've lived in this city long enough... how does the treatment of the lower classes make you feel... are you sympathetic to them... indifferent?"
The pieces clicked, and Kallen's face turned sombre, "So many people live in poverty in this city... and the conditions their forced to endure are terrible... but that's just the way things are... you got Nobles at the top, Plebs at the bottom, and the merchants making a fat pile of cash out of both of them."
Lelouch gave a small chuckle, but it didn't reach his eyes, "Quite... do you perhaps know why the Empire is like this... why some parts seem to be stuck in the classical era, while others have advanced... why the plebs suffer under the boot heel of the nobility?"
Kallen shook her head, as their food arrived
"A history lesson then," Lelouch stated, as he began to eat, Kallen and Milly following suit
"About five centuries ago, the nation of Britannia was ruled by my great, great, great grandfather, he envisioned a world untied under a single banner, Britannia's banner. To see this vision come to pass, he began a campaign of conquest and political intrigue, which continues to this day. However, in its opening salvoes, this campaign caused incredible upheaval across the continent. It wasn't long before war had erupted across the continent, fighting was rampant and uncontrolled, a nation who had been an ally yesterday, became an enemy the next day. Distrust, backstabbing, and betrayal were rife, and it caused a complete breakdown of the lifeblood of every nation... trade."
Kallen listened intently, she hadn't taken as much interest in her sibling's history lessons, they hadn't seemed important to her goals, now she was rather wishing she had
"Trade began to break down between the different nations of the continent, and before long, the economies of every nation began to crumble, including Britannia's. The merchants of the disparate nations were hit hardest of all, trade was their livelihood, without it, they were no better than peasants. Eventually, a number of them decided they'd had enough, despite all being from different nations – enemies, in a sense – this group banded together, took their families and anyone who would follow or work for them, and departed for a small island off the western coast. There they made their home, and began trading with anyone who happened to come by, and since this island was situated at the delta of a major river that ran straight through the continent to the Arbor mountains, that was basically everyone."
Milly spoke up now, "This settlement became known as Veru, and it became a safe haven from the wars on the continent, as well as a hub for international trade."
Kallen's eyes widened, as Lelouch continued the lesson, "Obviously, the idea of a place safe from the war, with plenty of food, water etc. Greatly appealed to the masses, who began flocking to the settlement in droves. Naturally, to the nations of the continent, who were all authoritarian in one way or another, this population shift was terrifying, especially when the Council of Veru declared there would be no single ruler of the city, and that those who sat on the council would be elected by popular vote... a vote, made by the people of Veru."
Kallen's eyes now bugged out, "Wait... the common people got to decide who their leaders were... are!?"
Lelouch chuckled, "Not exactly, and certainly not everyone in Veru."
"Votes were only given out to the upper and middle classes of the city, and even then, it was a men only thing," Milly stated
Lelouch nodded, "Things have changed since then... all levels of Verusian society now get to vote, but it's still very much male dominated... only a few select women are given the vote, and they have to be very exceptional to earn it."
Kallen shook her head in disbelief as Lelouch continued, "As I was saying, the nobility of Britannia, and many of its rivals felt threatened by this new development... so threatened, that they were willing to put aside their differences, and stamp out this little revolution before it began."
"The armies of Britannia and several other nations marched on Veru, their fleets surrounding the city, and a demand was made for the Council's surrender," Milly stated
"In response, the Council invites the leaders of every army, and a large number of their troops inside the city," Lelouch continued
"WHAT!?" Kallen exclaimed, "Are you kidding me... what kind of moron invites their attackers into their city!?"
Lelouch chuckled again, "I would agree with you... but in reality it was an incredibly masterful play."
At Kallen's look of dumb confusion, Milly clarified, "You see, before their attackers had arrived, Veru had amounted a large amount of wealth in the form of many different goods, and every street leading to the capital building was lined with merchants hawking their wares to the soldiers as they marched through the streets."
"Each army came up a different street, so it wasn't until they reached the city centre, that they got to see how the others had reacted to this. The moment they did, the leaders of each army knew they'd been beaten," Lelouch said, a sly grin spread across his face
Kallen frowned, "What... how?"
"Think about it Kallen," Milly said, "Their soldiers – who'd all been fighting for years, were probably tired, hungry, their clothes likely ragged, and many of them probably had injuries in need of decent medical supplies – had all just marched up streets, offering the things they needed by the cartload."
Kallen continued to frown, but it slowly melted, as understanding dawned, "No... no way?"
Lelouch full on laughed now, "Yes way... by simply having the leaders of each army march through their city with some of their soldiers... the Council of Veru had just gone and bought itself five different mercenary armies, that would now do anything to stop the other four from taking complete control of the city."
Kallen sat back, food forgotten, as she stared in disbelief, "That... that's..."
"Crazy?" Lelouch finished for her
"Yes!" she exclaimed, "I mean, okay sure, you've bought five armies, great, but surely their lieges would have more!?"
Lelouch nodded in acceptance, setting down his knife and fork, "Very true... which is why an agreement was made. Veru would not try to spread its egalitarian ways, nor actively poach anymore citizens from other nations. In exchange, Veru would become a neutral ground if you will, for trade, diplomacy, etc."
"The Verusian crest became synonymous with trade and wealth... if you saw the crest adorning a caravan, you left it well enough alone," Milly stated
"This ensured that trade returned to the continent, even as the war continued to rage," Lelouch added, "Eventually, with my great, great, great grandfather's death, the majority of the fighting came to an end... but it's never really stopped. However, thanks to Veru, trade continues to flow, despite any disagreements between the other nations."
Kallen sat there, eyes wide in shock as she absorbed all this information, then she shook herself and sat up, "Okay, but what does this have to do with the state of Britannia today?"
"Remember that fear I talked about... how the nobles were terrified by Verusian society?" Lelouch asked. Kallen nodded, "That fear... never went away, despite Verusian assurances... and because of that fear, and Veru's proximity to the Britannian coastline, Veru came to fear that one day, Britannia would attack them anyway. So they began building, preparing, for the day Britannia would finally come knocking."
"The Verusians didn't have much though; just a tiny island surrounded by water, the nearest land was already claimed by greater powers. So instead of focusing on sheer military strength, they decided to focus on their technology, and the technology they focused on the most, was their naval power," Milly explained
Lelouch nodded, "Unlike an army, a navy required far less manpower, especially with the advent of cannons. Suddenly, rather than simply a transport for soldiers to be used in a boarding action against an enemy vessel, now the ships themselves could fight one another. The Verusians knew how revolutionary this would be for naval combat, and were the first ones to make widespread use of cannons on their warships, which became larger, faster, stronger, eventually culminating in the Ironclads they have today."
"Of course, all this innovation only terrified the nobility more, and they began pushing for new military advancements themselves, as well as greater power, in order to keep the masses in line. This was sanctioned by the crown and is how we ended up with the chivalry system... unfortunately, giving the nobility more power, while it was good for administration, severely harmed the lower classes, who are now choking on the oppressive and corrupt feudal system, which is built on the template of the old patrician system."
"And how do you think Veru reacted to that?" Milly asked
Kallen saw where this was going immediately, "It became a vicious cycle, as one side grew more afraid of the other, they took steps to protect themselves, prompting the other to do the same."
"Exactly," Lelouch stated, "And this has gone on for the better part of the last five centuries."
Kallen sat forward, head in her hands, it all made such perfect sense now, the squalor, the deprivation... all of it, an endless cycle of fear and hatred. Kallen now looked up, "That still doesn't answer my original question... why am I here?"
Lelouch sat forward, chin resting on interlaced fingers, as he looked Kallen right in the eye, "You've seen this city Kallen... you've seen the suffering the nobles are inflicting on it..."
"I'm missing the part where I care," Kallen interrupted, "I get that this is a problem... but it's not mine... the moment I've won my freedom, I'm gone... and this country can burn in hell for all I care."
Lelouch gave her a hard stare as he delivered his next line, "You would leave your three friends at the mercy of the nobles... or worse... in the crossfire of a revolution?" Kallen raised an eyebrow at him, but he spoke again before she could respond, "What were their names again... oh yes... Shirley, Rivalz and Nina, wasn't it?"
Kallen's entire body suddenly felt like it had turned to ice, "If you dare," she growled
Lelouch gave her a pitying look, "Kallen please, give me a little credit, I'm not that heartless."
"Then don't make threats," Kallen growled back
"It's not a threat," Milly said, "It's a fact... if something isn't done about this situation, then they, and everyone in this city will face the fires of revolution."
"It will be brutal, it will be bloody... and it won't just be in the capital... it'll happen all over the Empire... meaning nowhere will be safe," Lelouch added
Kallen stared at them both, "Okay... so fix it, you're a Prince aren't you... don't you have the power to make the nobility stop?"
Lelouch now frowned at her, "If it were that easy Kallen, don't you think I'd have done it already?"
"Only the Emperor has the power to make a decree of that magnitude, and even then... he'd still need proof of any wrong doing," Milly added
"Okay... so find the proof," Kallen replied
"Been there done that," Lelouch stated, sitting back, boredom now etched across his face, "Come on Kallen I thought you were smarter than this?"
"The nobility isn't leaving a paper trail... at least, not one we can find," Milly clarified
Kallen ground her teeth in annoyance, "Okay, appeal to the common people then, make them happy, and get them on your side."
"Oh, like with that act of barbarism called the arena," Lelouch drawled, "Let's not forget the fact, that the only ones with the power to tell the royal treasury, to raise the taxes, is a royal... which means, even though it's a lie... the common people believe that me and my family are to blame for their current woes."
"The arena can only alleviate so much, eventually, it's going to reach a threshold that they'll be no coming back from... we may have even passed it already," Milly added
Kallen sat there, staring into space, "Alright... but how does meeting with me help you to solve this?"
Lelouch sat forward again, eyes gleaming, "This city, and others around the Empire, are powder kegs, waiting for a spark... we've tried everything we can think of to diffuse this situation... everything we've tried has failed... which leaves only one course of action." Lelouch made sure to meet Kallen's eyes for the next part. "If we can't stop the revolution... we may as well start it, on our terms."
Kallen's eyes widened to the size of their dinner plates, "Are you insane," she hissed, "You want to deliberately set off a revolution, right here in the capital?"
"Last I checked I was perfectly sane," Lelouch replied, "And of course, we wouldn't let the revolution run its course."
"We set it off, we let the mob burn off some of its anger, and then we yank on the reins and bring the city back under control," Milly explained
Kallen blinked, it sounded crazy, but done right, it might just work, "I still don't see why you wanted to discuss this with me?"
Lelouch now smirked, "Think it over, you'll figure it out."
Kallen frowned, and began mulling over everything they'd said, then the pieces clicked, and her face paled. "You need someone to set it all off," she breathed
Lelouch's smirk, turned into a toothy smile, "Exactly."
Kallen now scowled, "Go find yourself another scapegoat," she snapped, before moving to stand
Lelouch held up a hand, "Scapegoat, please Kallen... if I wanted a scapegoat, I would've manipulated you from afar."
"We have no intention of hanging you out to dry once this matter is resolved," Milly said
Kallen continued to scowl, "Why should I believe you?"
Lelouch's smirk returned, it was really beginning to annoy her, "For one, you still have a job thanks to me... for another... I can give you whatever it is you want in exchange... name your price."
Kallen paused, any price... anything I want. It was tantalizing, and Kallen knew that, if things continued as they were here in Pendragon, the populous would rise up on their own, and it wouldn't be pretty. Tens of thousands of people would die... and she could prevent that, all she had to do was play ball with the Prince's plan
"I can have anything?" Kallen asked, eyeing the prince wearily. Lelouch simply nodded, to which Kallen took a deep breath. Should I get involved in this... mire myself in Britannian politics?
Suddenly, Kallen winced as her dream returned
You stand upon the edge
Your fate woven by a single thread
Fate falls to you
The Demons knock at your door
Restless one
Each night you shall hear the drums of War
Awaken
Awaken
Our voices call to your hunger
Taste the destiny you're searching for
Awaken
Awaken
The fight is at our door
Take up your cause
Kallen shook off the dream
"Are you okay?" Milly asked
Kallen nodded, and then turned back to Lelouch, "You said anything, yes?"
"Within reason," Lelouch replied
Kallen nodded, preparing herself for what she was about to do, "I intend to win my freedom, and buy my mother's... I can't exactly do that if I'm to be your little revolutionary... so in exchange for me helping you... you guarantee mine and her freedom, along with a boat to take us back to Japan."
"Kallen..." Milly began, before Lelouch cut her off
"Done."
"Lelou!" Milly cried in exasperation
"Later Milly," he replied, before turning back to Kallen, "Do we have a deal?" he asked, hand extended
Kallen nodded, and shook his hand, "It appears we do, your majesty."
And that's it for this update, and I'm sorry to say but I' am now drawing the line. 'The Storm and the Hawk' is begging for attention and I've left it long enough, so I will be returning to that one, and probably doing the next chapter of Stellaris after that, so a new update for Awaken will take a while
On the upside, I'm going to have lots of time to read your guy's opinion on the story so far, and if I'm being honest, I can't wait, so
Hope you guys liked these two chapters, please don't forget to review, and as always, constructive criticism is welcome
See you all next time ; )