Code Geass: Lazos de Sangre (English Version)

by AliceXS

Lelouch was a child when his family was devastated by order of the president of the Britannia Corps. Years later, he'll return as a successful lawyer to reveal the truth and cruelly do justice, since evil can only be punished with evil. Will he make it? Will you dare to relive Lelouch's rebellion against Britannia like you never thought you would? (Retelling)

8. Chapter 7: Zero Squad

Code Geass: Lazos de sangre

Chapter seven:

Zero Squad

"Everyone has a weak point." He had told Kallen. Nina's was Lloyd. Lelouch was remembering her red face and her puffy, staring from behind huge glasses. Suzaku was right. Charles zi Britannia was the author of the misfortune that befell Mr. Kirihara. Either way, none of that mattered. Charles sacrificed his pawn to protect his king. What was the Britannia Corps president's weak point? His company. If Charles believed in his motto as much as he bragged every time, he recited it, would it hurt whatever happened to his family? The more power men accumulated, the more they had to lose, which forced them to be twice as cautious and to move methodically. They learned to be patient and to make their luck. Just like the king in chess and certainly this felt like a game taken to a real scale.

Lelouch was in his office, playing chess. Well, more than just playing; he was studying his movements. Suddenly he was distracted by meditating on the events of the day. Then, he began to admire a small black box that he had stored in the first drawer of his desk. Inside it was a beautiful ring that originally belonged to his mother.

"When you are older, this ring will be yours and you'll give it to the woman you love," she said, ruffling his hair. Lelouch didn't like her doing it since he had to comb it again. He never imagined that he would miss that gesture. "You'll fall in love with a woman so deeply that you'll want to share with her every day of your life and you'll let her know it with this ring, someday."

Set it a silver mounting, solid, thin and shiny, a tiny diamond was sticking out. It was pretty. Lelouch planned to hand it over to Euphemia. In this way, he could give it to a woman the way his mother wanted and it would please Nunnally, who was encouraging him to engage. He would soon be thirty years old. It was conventional for a man at that age to start a family by getting married. It wasn't an obstacle to his plans.

Meanwhile Lelouch got lost in his thoughts, Tamaki broke in. His gaze swept around the perimeter as if trying to orient himself. Lelouch's office looked just like any fine, gloomy lawyer's office, except for the fact that he had a chessboard and a large model of a castle in the corner. It was evident that this was the place where he used to spend the most time.

"Buddy, I've got the tickets you asked for!" He exclaimed, surveying the castle. Mesmerized, he leaned closer to examine the details. "How long did it take you to put it together?"

"Be careful. It's very delicate," Lelouch warned softly, joining him. "You know, there's a story about this castle," he asked. "Do you see the knight at the door? He wants to take over the castle. In order to do that, he has to enter, but the king won't allow it," he commented, pointing to the figure of the king that he recognized by his cardboard crown. He was sheltered within the infrastructure walls. "Can you think of a way that he can do it?"

Tamaki took a closer look at the demo for clues. As he racked his brains, his hand took on a life of its own and slipped through the opening of his black shirt. He scratched. If it weren't for three hairs sticking out of his chest, he would be hairless. He couldn't deny his race. On the outskirts of the castle, he saw nothing that could help the black knight mounted on his steed. There was only him, the king and another figure in the north tower of the castle that seemed to greet the knight by waving a handkerchief.

"Well, there's no infantry or trees with which to force the entry, the princess is there... Oh!" Tamaki snapped his fingers. "The knight has to seduce the princess and marry her!"

"Correct, Tamaki," Lelouch approved. "You've become more observant."

"Tks! I'm learning from the best. Surely it succeeds and they reign fairly."

"No, the knight doesn't want the castle to rule it," Lelouch replied; "He wants it to destroy it from the inside," he corrected ominously, at the end of his lips twisting into a cold smile. The next second, his expression was just as sympathetic. "What did you bring me?"

"This!" He pulled some tickets out of his jean's pockets. Lelouch took them, glanced at them, and tucked them into his jacket. "Hey, where's C.C. and Kallen?"

"I've no idea where C.C. is. Kallen was dispatched early. She refuses to understand that she must rest at home. She's stubborn," Lelouch snorted.

"Every woman likes to play tough. You shouldn't have a problem, buddy. You drive them crazy," Tamaki said, giving him a friendly elbow in the ribs. Lelouch bit back a groan. "Heat something in her ear and you'll soften her character." Lelouch twisted his smile. Kallen would probably punch him on the nose if he tried to seduce her.

"Maybe. Kallen is unpredictable. It's a bit difficult to guess her actions. Her character and her reasons don't always match," he admitted.

Lelouch went to his desk and took the box to lock it up.

"What's that? An engagement ring?"

"Yes, it was my mother's."

"Your father gave it to her, didn't he? You've never talked about him. How was him?"

Lelouch's smile disappeared. He didn't feel like talking about his father with Tamaki.

"Because there's nothing to say about him," he snapped. "I'm going to close the office. Come."

Even though he would have loved for his boss to open up a bit more, he knew that tone. The matter was closed. He nodded without much encouragement and followed him out.

---

Jeremiah arrived at the law firm. He greeted his secretary warmly and entered the office. He had just returned from court. On the desk table sat a small cross-legged figure who was smoking. She wore a light white T-shirt buttoned to the neck, a pleated red skirt, a jet black wool coat, and platform shoes. Jeremiah winced.

"C.C.!" He exclaimed.

"I was going to ask you how you were doing, but I'll change my question: are you still alone that you're so glad to see me?" She asked, naughty.

Lawyer Gottwald smiled at her. C.C. blew the smoke across the room, returning the gesture knowingly. Although it had been two years since they last met each other, the memories remained fresh. They had been in a motel; the room stank of alcohol and cigarettes to cover the musty smell, and they had fewer clothes. It was one of the most interesting talks he ever had. It had changed her life both for the better and worse.

"I'm glad to see you. Not because of that, but that I've missed you," he confirmed. He advanced on her. "How did you get in without my secretary seeing you? When did you arrive to the city?"

"Easy over there," C.C. said, stopping him with the tip of her heel. "I only accept one question at a time."

"All right," the lawyer gave up. "What do I owe for your surprise visit?"

"Isn't it obvious? To tell you that I'm here and to remind you that we have a contract."

"I haven't forgotten. Ah! Dammit!" Jeremiah clicked his tongue and tapped himself between his eyes. "I haven't been a good host. Do you want me to serve you something?"

"As long as it's liquor, it's good for me."

Jeremiah nodded. He turned around and went to a wooden cupboard. He took out his key ring and opened the padlock that secured the door. Inside were two shelves filled with different kinds of liquor. C.C. laughed. Although she wanted to burn her throat with liquor, she was saying it as a joke. She never imagined that he actually had a decanter. Jeremiah reached down and opened a small double sliding door that held all the glasses. He chose two and took out the whiskey. He put them aside and began to serve.

"I suppose if you've come to see me you've already met with him. Has he given you new orders?"

"Same old stuff," she answered dryly. "It's better this way: if the missions that both assign me align; I can carry them out without anyone's suspicions."

"How do you see Lelouch?" He asked, handing her the glass.

"He's smart, there's no doubt about that; but he's arrogant. Lelouch must be careful. If he overestimates his abilities, they'll kill him, and if he underestimates them, he'll not be able to fulfill his vengeance." C.C. rested the rim of the glass on her thin sallow lips and sipped a little. She cocked her head. "Schneizel and President Charles are definitely smarter. In order to beat them, he must make himself smarter than them."

"The eternal million-dollar question," sighed Lawyer Gottwald. "Do you think he's prepared for what awaits him?"

"No," She answered, avoiding a glance. An enigmatic smile roamed her lips. "Well, in his defense, no one would be," she urged to add.

"Does he have a plan?"

"He does. It's good. Too bad it won't be enough."

"You're not going to tell me, are you?"

He knew the answer to that question in advance. He could ask anything else. Still, he had to try. C.C. couldn't blame him for that.

"Are you crazy? I'm loyal to Lelouch," C.C. growled, grimacing. Jeremiah caught a tinge in her thick voice, irony or emphasis? C.C. was so used to alternating the lie with the truth that it was difficult to determine when she was joking or blunt. "Fortunately, I do have a plan and you'll help me."

"I will," he confirmed. "We signed a contract. My signature is my most sacred law."

"A man with honor. It's funny that it comes from you, the one who ruined his own lawyer ethics on the orders of his boss. In my opinion, lawyers should be independent."

"Well, what good is a footman if not to do the job his master can't? Soon or late, you'll have to get dirty for Lelouch. Are you ready for that?"

"I was already dirty before I ran into Lelouch," C.C. replied sullenly.

"Carrying your own sins isn't the same as carrying those of others," he said subtly.

"Is it not? If you carry the sins of President Charles and Schneizel, it was your own choice. You had other options."

"Yes, death," Lawyer Gottwald agreed after taking a sip of his whiskey. The drink made him heavy. He rubbed his neck.

"Are you afraid of it?"

"Aren't you?"

The woman's smile widened. She set her glass on the desk and rolled up the sleeve of her right hand. She had long, ragged scars that ran from her wrist to the middle of her forearm. It reminded him of the pictures of cannons in science magazines. So that's why she wore long-sleeved shirts or thick coats. C.C. didn't seem shy about showing them to him.

"I've flirted with death a lot more than you know. Five times they've tried to kill me and another five times I've tried to commit suicide. That sums up my whole life. Death wants nothing with me," She whispered, and slowly rolled her sleeve down, "so I resigned myself to living."

Her voice sounded distant, as if she wasn't really there, in that office, on that day. C.C. picked up the glass and drank. Jeremiah accompanied her in silence. It was better than anything else he could say to her. And frankly, he didn't know how to answer. C.C. didn't expect him to. She could understand it and preferred that he drinks without saying anything. They were going to need more than a drink to keep talking.

---

Lelouch wandered freely in the study of the Britannia mansion. President Schneizel had convened him. The maid motioned for him to wait in the meantime. To spend the time, he began to study the room. It was a luxurious room, squared and windowless. On both the side walls stood two tall bookcases stocked with books. On the wall in front of the door was the desk, a wooden table, on which was a computer and some paperwork. The sofas were made of leather. The crackling of the fire in the fireplace was soothing. Better than the song of birds. The famous hourglass from the Britannia curse was on the ledge of this one. He looked ordinary and harmless. Most dangerous things looked like that. Suddenly, he felt that he was being spied on. Not by Schneizel. The eyes that haunted him belonged to the young Charles zi Britannia in the painting behind him. Euphemia told him that it was a tradition for the Britannia to make a place for themselves on the walls of the mansion. His hair was the color of sand. His expression was severe and cruel. He must not exceed forty years old. There was something else in the study that also caught his eye: a chessboard like the one he had in his office on the central glass coffee table. He scanned the game. No king had been captured. Since they weren't going to finish it and he was unable to resist the game, he moved one of the black pieces.

"I'm sorry for the delay," the velvet voice of President Schneizel whispered. "You've entertained yourself in my absence, are you a chess player?" He inquired, placing his almond-shaped eyes on the board.

"I used to be in my teens. Currently, when I have some free time only, what about you?"

"I learned to play just to spend some time with my father," the businessman replied, smiling. He walked over and picked up the White King's piece. "Do you want to play?"

Lelouch blinked, confused. He hadn't called him to play chess, had he?

"Of course, on one condition: the black pieces are mine," he pointed out, returning the smile.

President Schneizel didn't raise any objections. They chose two chairs and arranged them facing each other. White always moved first, so the host opened the game by placing his pawn in the 4-D position and gave the turn to his opponent ...

"The king?" President Schneizel observed, raising his eyebrows.

"If a king doesn't move, his subjects will never follow," he explained, shrugging.

His rival made a distracted movement of the head to express his agreement and counterattacked. Which was his goal? Did he want to put his strategic capabilities to the test? Regardless of the answer, Lelouch intended to take this game seriously. The game unfolded under the watchful eye of some servants. President Schneizel pointed out that he hadn't played for several years and they were curious to see him play. Lelouch replied that it didn't bother him that they have an audience. Lelouch's opening was aggressive. President Schneizel would be lying if he claimed he was surprised. As he expected, he used the offensive tactic. He had seldom defended himself. Of course, that could've been because he barely took the offensive. Lelouch was in his element. He sent for wine. This could take longer than he anticipated. Lelouch, likewise, had to admit that he never faced an opponent like President Schneizel. He cleverly dodged the traps he set for him, those which any newbie would've fallen for. A great player was hiding under the naive facade of the president. Lelouch found himself in the dilemma of choosing between open or closed Sicilian when the president castled. He joined his hands behind his neck, discovering himself frustrated, and took a deep breath. Then he looked at his rival. There was no doubt or weakness in his eyes. Just fun and certainty as if he had already read that game in a book. Of course, Lelouch's abilities weren't rusty at all as he would've made them believe. They both had lied and they knew it.

"Do you see yourself as the king?"

Schneizel dropped that question after tasting it in his mouth.

"The king represents the chess player on the board. He may lack of special abilities, but he's the commander of the battlefield. It's the most important," he answered simply and chose the closed Sicilian.

"That's true. The battle is automatically lost when he's caught." He nodded and leaned across the board to carry out his move. It seemed that it had been everything, but then he added, "In your opinion, what's better: A cowardly commander whose strategies are good or a brave commander whose strategies are bad?"

"Although it seems that the cowardly commander and strategist have the advantage, they are both just as useless," Lelouch replied with a sigh.

He didn't like the president. His manners, his smile, his words felt practiced, unnatural, stuffy. Not only his deals, but himself was an artifice. He longed for the game to end. It was his turn to play...

"I do agree. I like the way you think, lawyer," he confessed. "In a short time, you've become someone very dear and important in the life of my sister, Euphemia. You can't imagine it, however, before you met her, Euphie was like without life. I was afraid we wouldn't see her sweet smile again until you entered into her life. You've to be a good man to perform such a miracle and I can't offer you more than my sincere friendship," he declared with a hint of gratitude. Lelouch fixed his pupils on him, expectantly. The president held his gaze for a few seconds until he lowered it and placed the White King in front of him. Lelouch watched the play with wild eyes. "Check," he announced with a smile. His opponent hesitated. The president was in no rush. He had more to add: "Needless to say, you defended our Vice President Kirihara and won. We need lawyers like you. Many of your colleagues in court cry over the injustice or stand up and yell at the judge and offenders that they're doing something wrong. In Pendragon, day after day, people break the law and no one dares to say so. You're not like them. That's why I would like to propose that you join our law firm, would you accept?"

How did he have the gall to say such things with a great-natured smile when he just made an illegal move right under his nose? Any player knew that his king couldn't be near to an opponent's piece, although if it took him one step closer from the other king: it was suicide. Even a rookie chess player would rate Schneizel as an incompetent tactician. Lelouch could hear some of the onlookers holding their breath. But being such a bad play could only mean that it was made deliberately. He wasn't playing to win, but to show how confident he is of himself. First, he invited him to play, handing him the piece of the White King and then asked if he identified himself with the king. Those weren't just random questions. They were meant to be plotting a route. It was logical that he considered himself as the White King. The fact he counterattacked with his own piece indicated that he was willing to sacrifice himself and his kingdom for his ends. Basically, it was the same as dueling an unarmed man. His offer reinforced the apparent intention to befriend him.

By doing that he was putting Lelouch to the test. He could take his king and win, but that would be opportunistic. Something that Charles zi Britannia would do. Or he could back off, but it would show a lack of risk and doubt. It would be cowardly. Schneizel asked him what kind of commander was the worst and now he wanted to know which one Lelouch was through a simple game. Whichever he chose, it didn't matter. He would be validating his move. He transformed the study into a courtroom to send a clear message: Pendragon was the home of the Britannia and they played by its rules.

There was a third option that Schneizel didn't see him capable of: he could claim him. Technically, it was a legal move in rapid chess; however, they never cleared it nor were they using the clock. The only thing he could argue against his move was that it was inappropriate to put his king into the capture zone of the opponent's pawn, which would make him look petty. Lelouch scratched the arm of his chair and looked up at the president. There was a glint in his eyes that hadn't been there before, an unpronounceable one. Something that words would never get translated.

"What will you do? Are you going to cry because life treated you unfairly? Do you think someone will admit in court that I'm doing something illegal in my city?"

Slowly, Lelouch retracted his lips to the point that only his teeth were showing.

He had never been so humiliated in his entire life.

"No, thank you," he answered with a dry voice. Very dry.

"May I ask why?"

Lelouch felt a fist of saliva creep on the bottom of his tongue. He grabbed the Black King's piece and reluctantly moved it behind the pawn.

"I don't trust someone who doesn't take their opponent seriously," he muttered.

Schneizel smiled at him condescendingly.

"You're very smart," he said, evaluating the play. "Too bad your ego will be the cause of your defeat."

A silence filtered between them that became more and more rigid as the seconds passed. President Schneizel and lawyer Lamperouge measured each other with looks during that period. Then a young maid came with the wine. She was going to serve the president first but stopped her by raising his hand.

"No, no, our guests have priority."

Embarrassed at her mistake, she bowed her head, apologizing. President Schneizel gave her an indulgent smile. Despite everything, he wasn't a cruel man. The woman poured wine into the glass and handed it to Lelouch, but before he could grab it, it slipped from his hand and smashed on the floor. The red liquid spilled out, splashing his shoes and pants, smearing the carpet. The pieces of glass bounced in all directions.

"Get a broom and shovel to clean up this mess as soon as possible," Schneizel requested, addressing the other servants. They complied immediately.

"Don't move!" Lelouch warned the maid who was about to bend down.

The woman wore a skirt that reached to cover her knees. Her legs were unprotected. She could hurt herself, by accident.

"No sir. It's my duty..."

Lelouch bent forward as she rushed to pick up the fragments. She was faster grabbing one. And so close were his hands and so abrupt was her movement that she cut him off. Lelouch's mouth twitched in disgust. He felt his blood boil.

"I'm sorry Sir!"

"Don't waste your time and deal with it now," ordered President Schneizel. The firmness infused his voice with undeniable authority. "I'm sorry for this sudden cancellation of our departure, Lawyer Lamperouge," he said ruefully, turning away. "I appreciate this departure. Brief as it was, the experience was enjoyable."

"I may agree."

The maid whispered to Lelouch to accompany her. They met right at the way out, on the threshold, with the servants who were returning to sweep up and take the pieces away. They were walking down the hall when they ran into Euphemia. Concern showed on her beautiful, pale face. She would surely have seen the servants and asked about what happened, since they had the first aid kit with them. Bathed in the twilight light she looked lovely. She was dressed in a ruffled pastel pink dress. It was particularly jeweled: her wrist wore a double bracelet and a combination of rings sparkled on her fingers.

"Let me take care of it."

It was funny that she asked her when she could order it. Still, the woman had no intention of discussing it with her young mistress. She continued on, leaving Lelouch and Euphemia alone. She smiled weakly at him. They went to the nearest bathroom. In the first instance, she wiped the blood that flowed with gauze. Noticing his lips tighten every time she scrubbed, she was more cautious. She threw away that she used, turned on the tap and checked the temperature of the water. About to take his hand, Lelouch took a step forward, dipping his hand into the waterjet. He felt the attention was exorbitant. It was just a cut. He had a better understanding of Kallen's discomfort the other day. While it hurt Euphemia that he wanted to do it alone, she respected his decision. The water was lukewarm. Every time he suppressed a gesture of pain, his face contorted. After washing with soap and water, he pressed directly on the wound to stop the bleeding.

"You seem reluctant to be looked after, aren't you used to it?" She asked, cleaning the cut area again. Superficially this time.

"Since my mother died, I learned to take care of myself," he whispered in a voice that was not his, looking away. Euphemia bit her lower lip, contrite. With the gauze, he held down the cut. As if guessing where the flow of his thoughts was leading, Lelouch said, "It's not your fault, Euphemia. Your brother already apologized. You don't have to do it either. These accidents usually happen."

Euphemia removed the gauze and threw it away. She searched in the briefcase for an ointment and applied it all over the region in circular motions with her finger. The cold numbed his hand. It didn't take long for a feeling of heaviness to spread. Lelouch took a look at her concentrated face. Even to this day, Lelouch couldn't believe that Charles was her father. That someone with the name Britannia could be as charitable and gracious as Nunnally. From whom would she have received that love? He dismissed Charles immediately and her siblings as well. Cornelia had been cordial to him out of courtesy (not that she was sincerely) and all the phrases that came out of Schneizel's mouth were practiced. From her mother perhaps?

"Why didn't you tell me your mother was Marianne Lamperouge?" She inquired. "Why did you lie to me when you said we didn't know each other?"

And so, she raised her head. It was the first time their gaze met each other from the hall.

"How did you ...?" He asked as soon as he could get out of the stupor. "Was it Suzaku the one who told you about it?"

"What difference does it make whoever told me? Answer me, please," she begged, as her strength started failing.

"I just didn't know how to tell you."

Euphemia stared at him in terrible anxiety. She had finished, just the bandage was missing. She put a long one over the cut and glued it on.

"And do you hate my family? Do you hate me?"

"I hated your father for much of my life. Not you, Euphie, you're innocent."

"But you still believe your mother was murdered, don't you?" She asked insistently. He remained silent. Euphemia held her breath as she continued to bandage. "Is there nothing I can do?"

"Nothing."

"I'm sorry."

"I told you I don't want you to apologize," he cut her off. The cutting tone with which he said it hurt her. He realized it. He tried to make amends by gently clarifying his intentions. "If I didn't tell you anything before, it was because I didn't want to ruin our friendship. I was afraid you would never want to see me again."

The tinge of pain in his last sentence hit her. It was a fear she shared. The bandage was now ready and neither of them seemed to care.

"I don't want to stop seeing you either," she admitted voiceless.

The lawyer saw her suddenly serious. Her face seemed carved in stone. The dripping of the sink intensified the silence followed by Euphemia's words. "When she held her gaze like this, what she have been thinking?" Then, Lelouch leaned in, cupped her face in his hands, lifted it to his, and captured her lips. Wide-eyed, the young woman felt his mouth move against hers tenderly. Lelouch didn't want to rush his plans, but since Schneizel suspected his intentions and she had found out the truth of his past he was obliged to act. He was certain that Euphemia loved him. How much? He would find out soon enough. Lelouch ended the kiss as abruptly as it began. He examined her reaction. She was speechless. She hadn't digested what just happened.

"Shit! I didn't… I shouldn't have," he stammered, embarrassed. "Forgive me, I don't know what..."

"I don't want your apologies," she blurted out. Lelouch looked up at her. Euphemia felt that her heart, at the runaway rhythm it was beating, was going to jump out of her chest. "It was pleasant."

Euphemia seemed as shocked as he, except that his cheeks didn't burn like hers. Lelouch's lips formed a smile that lasted a few seconds. Euphemia couldn't think of anything good to prolong the conversation. The good thing was that words weren't going to be necessary. By mutual decision, as if they had agreed in that exchange of glances, they resumed the kiss. Lelouch wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against his body. She returned the hug deepening the kiss. He moved his hand to her shoulder and slowly slid it down. Caressing her arm, elbow, forearm, wrist; a chill went up Euphemia's spine like a lightning, making her dizzy, although that didn't stop them. Lelouch grabbed his bracelet, pulled it off, and stuffed it in his jacket pocket. Euphemia didn't notice anything. It was placidly lost on Lelouch's lips. "God, this is… Unbelievable." She placed her hand behind his head, curling a few strands of his raven hair between her fingers and tightened her grip, drawing him closer. At this, they heard a slight throat clearing. They parted gasping and turned toward the open door. They had made the mistake of leaving it like that. There was the same servant girl who caused that chain of events.

"Miss Li Britannia reports that dinner is served," she informed.

"Oh perfect!" Euphemia replied, laughing nervously. Her gaze wandered from her maid to the lawyer and back. "Let's go!"

Lelouch nodded, giving way to her. Euphemia came out, fanning herself with her hands. She felt that all the heat from the bathroom had gone with her, because, even after she left, it was difficult for her to breathe. The ghost of Lelouch's lips tickled her skin. On the other hand, the maid was waiting for the lawyer to follow in Euphemia's footsteps to go to the forefront. It wasn't that Lelouch had in mind at the moment.

"Won't you apologize to me for the cut you inflicted on me?" He questioned her. He didn't sound offended or stern.

"But I did apologize, sir," she whispered shyly without taking her eyes off the ground.

"You intentionally cut me off, didn't you? Did Schneizel order you?"

"The president would never order something so terrible from me. It was all my fault," the poor maid repeated.

Lelouch crept up to her and put a finger under her chin. He raised her head to him.

"I like that people look at my face when they speak to me," he explained, stretching the pauses between each word, as if trying to get her to memorize what he was saying. "You're pretty. If you took care of your image a little more, you would steal the eyes of several men…" Lelouch observed, picking up a lock of her hair, which had come out of her bun, behind her ear.

The woman felt his dazzling amethyst eyes absorbing her.

"I'm sorry, sir," she repeated, adding more assurance to her voice.

He smiled at her, pleased. She sensed it. His penetrating gaze had totally captured her attention. She couldn't stare at anything else. He stroked her cheek. Quickly, he took out the bracelet he had stolen and put it in her apron pocket.

"Great. I like it better that way," he congratulated. He distanced himself from her, pushing her back with gentle but firm hands. "Well, we have to go."

"How?" The maid gasped. She blinked a few times coming to her senses and shook her head. She seemed to wake up from a dream. "Right."

They both came out of the bathroom together. Minutes later, coming from the opposite direction, Kanon sneaked in. He grabbed the trash can, noticed the blood-soaked gauze, and left, bringing it with him. Lelouch and the woman went down the stairs and into the dining room. The table was rectangular. President Schneizel was at the head and Director Cornelia at his right. On the same flank was Euphemia, although a little further away from the others. The three waited patiently for him. The servants had put out all the silverware and plates.

"Is President Charles not dining along with us?"

"President Charles has other business to resolve. He asked that we excuse his absence," Cornelia replied curtly.

Lawyer Lamperouge made a gesture that could be interpreted as having understood. Then he stretched out on the seat in front of Euphemia. All gathered together, they began to serve.

---

Where was Charles zi Britannia at? Giving a press conference? In the company? Perhaps in some orphanage having a photo taken for his campaign? None of those. Few people could answer accurately. He was in a nearly dark boardroom. The only light there came in through the huge windows on the far wall, giving a panoramic view of Pendragon under a sky of orange and purple tones. He wasn't alone. Nina was with him. They had been talking for a long time or, rather, Nina was speaking about her career, her passion for science and her deep interest in being part of the Project Geass and that she could contribute with, and the president listened to her. It was the first time she met him in person and interacted with him. She was excited and nervous. However, she knew that if she wanted to convince him, she had to keep her hands to herself and speak calmly. She couldn't spoil it since, after all, she accused an innocent at the cost of her work and morals and, although she confessed at the trial, if she didn't act right: it would've been in vain all that she had achieved up to that moment. If possible, imitate her behavior from the other day when she met with Schneizel. The physical attitude, the words, the temperance. Imagining the president as him instead of Charles was an effective exercise. Only once did President Charles speak:

"Your knowledge, your skills, and your successes far exceed your age. There's no doubt that you're Lloyd's ward. You remind me of him when he was young. He must have seen something of him in you too. Today he's merely a shadow of the brilliant scientist that he used to be. Pitifully."

"Inspiration and spirit diminish over time and, by my mentor's age, only experience and technique remain. That's why it's important to learn it early and pass the baton on to the next generations," Nina added.

"Doesn't it scare you that your determination to your goals will drag you to cross boundaries you never considered crossing?" He inquired. Curiosity shone in his small eyes.

"You mean committing a crime?" She replied, getting to the point. There was an accusing pause. The president was silent. "Look, I don't see the dissociation between science and crime. Ethics and morals are social constructs. Science studies physical and natural facts. The death of men and women is one of the millions of phenomena that happen every day, why should the world stop there?" She asked herself. "Many scientists have invented things that are considered wrong. Alfred Nobel, for example. He lived the rest of his days regretting for creating dynamite. It horrified him to see what it was capable of. But it doesn't make sense: he just invented it; humankind chose to put it into dangerous use."

"And it was the Americans who dropped those two bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The knowledge is there and we decide what we use it for. My opinion doesn't diverge too much from yours," President Charles confirmed, nodding slowly. "Imagination is dangerous, huh?"

"It's also amazing. It all depends. It's a human thing, anyway," she clarified, shrugging her shoulders.

"Your mind is open and lacks the usual squeamishness that morality has imposed on us. You've the skills, Miss Einstein. You might understand the vision for my project," President Charles contemplated. He stood up. Likewise, Nina jumped to her feet. "You see, Miss Einstein, I started this project with my twin. He had no business talent, but he was a true visionary. I haven't admired or respected a man in the world like him. He used to be really smart, a prodigy. The idea for this project was conceived by him, actually. He was a scientist just like you. He looked to me for support not just because I could fund it, but to understand it." President Charles and Nina left the room and walked over an iron bridge. The other end led to an elevator. "We grew up in a family debased and disunited by power. We, on the contrary, were inseparable. Thanks to him, it was that I was able to assume as my own our motto, which I've tried to instill in my children, and when he died, I swore not to rest until his dream materialized. I had to do it for both of us," he explained. The president's booming voice echoed off the walls. "For years, I've been recruiting the best scientists, professionals whose talents and abilities were horribly squandered by this society. They worked for our project and I, in return, helped them reach the peak of their careers with the greatest achievement of their lives," President Charles and Nina got on the elevator. The doors closed after pressing the button for the basement. They descended. The TFT screen was showing the floors through which they passed. It was a cabin made of stainless steel, so if it weren't for the ventilation system, the heat would be unbearable. "It's a mutual agreement. And I want to do the same for you."

The elevator slammed to a halt. Nina staggered. She had to hold onto the handrail behind them to keep from losing her balance. President Charles was unfazed. He must have ridden that elevator multiple times. Progressively, the doors opened wide. Nina closed her eyes, shielding herself from an irritating white light.

"Welcome to the Project Geass."

---

Lelouch was sure of two things if he was going to wage war against Britannia: to win there was no clean method and he couldn't do it alone, he needed allies, where did he get such crazy partners to face the Britannia Corps? Who wouldn't be afraid to get their hands dirty? Who could be willing to get shit up to their elbows for him? That's when he knew it. Criminals. The height of filth. They were the solution, but not just any. They had to be loyalists who would do whatever he "asked" for without expecting anything in return. This way he would avoid betrayals. The chosen ones had to be desperate so that they could depend on him to some extent. In other words, he was looking for convicts. He spent a long time in prisons. In the end, he found them. He presented himself as their only salvation, freed them, made friends with them, found out their desires, offered them a chance to redeem themselves, and so made them his own. C.C. and Tamaki were there just for him. It was his Suicide Squad, so to speak, though he preferred to refer to them by another name: Zero Squad. They wouldn't rebel against him and if they did, he would have evidence of their crimes. They were also people who he could easily dismiss. Kallen Stadtfeld was the latest additive. She was a potential partner because of her motivations, but not a criminal. Her income had to be different. She must earn it, to be exact.

The next day, Vice President Kirihara went to his lawyer's office early. When they met and he agreed to be represented in court by him, they agreed at once what the payment of his services would be and the delivery date after the trial was over. Legal fees of Lamperouge's caliber were stratospheric. However, he didn't want any money. It was clear: he would defend him if he gave him the same information the Britannia Corps disposed of him for. The time had come to comply. Vice President Kirihara gave him a USB stick containing a list of names of people bribed by the company who worked for 30 years. Lelouch grabbed it.

"Here's what I promised you. You'll be interested to know that Britannia Corps operates a secret bribery account from which it conducts its illegal transactions. Few know its source, I don't include myself among them," Vice President Kirihara commented. "This morning I delivered my letter of resignation to President Schneizel. I'm moving to Japan. After what I gave him, this city isn't safe for me. No, it never was," he corrected himself thoughtfully, shifting the position of his leg. Lelouch shot him a look. "I invested my youth, my wisdom and my experience in Britannia Corps and they repay my loyalty that way. They don't deserve it." He sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. "Maybe this was for the best. It served to open my eyes," he perked up. "Hopefully you can take advantage of this information and do justice to your mother, lawyer."

"How long have you known about it?" He asked, smiling.

"Since you defended me in the first trial," he answered. "You look just like her. They must have told you by now to the point you would be sick of hearing it; but I'm not talking about your eyes or your hair, the audacity and conviction with which you defend your clients and make your arguments was the same as she displayed. She was an implacable lawyer, those who feared her called her the "Scorpion", and she was a woman with a rebellious spirit. Whenever she could, she spoke of his children with pride. She would've loved to see her oldest son follow in her footsteps."

Lelouch got to be present at two of the trials in which his mother was the defense lawyer. He remembered her gestures, her poised voice, and the sparkle in her eyes. She won both of them. He felt honored by the comparison. The door to his office was ajar. Lelouch asked Kirihara not to close it all the way. It was risky to have such conversations in broad daylight. In Pendragon, the gates had ears. However, Lelouch told him not without a certain mysterious hint in his tone that he wanted someone to listen to them.

In parallel, Kallen had arrived at the firm. She barely heard some people around. She looked around for the voices that her ears could hear and it was so, driven by her curiosity, she stopped in front of the door. She saw that they were Mr. Kirihara and Lelouch. She caught the conversation in media res. So Lelouch's mother was a lawyer? She couldn't understand exactly what he was referring to and she wasn't going to because, back then, Tamaki quietly approached and exclaimed:

"Hello, Kallen! What are you doing?"

Unprepared, the redhead jumped.

"Damn it, Tamaki! Don't you dare to do that again."

"Sorry, did I scare you?" He asked innocently. He glanced at the door. "Were you eavesdropping?"

"For a while now."

Kallen followed the direction of that thick voice and scanned C.C. sprawled on a sofa with her head thrown back, her arms outstretched behind the furniture, and smoking lazily. Since when was she there? She never heard her come. Kallen opened her mouth to argue something in her defense when Tamaki intervened:

"Uh! A few days here and you're already starting to do the wrong things. Maybe you're one of us." He winked at her.

"I wasn't doing anything wrong..."

"If you weren't doing anything wrong, why did you jump scared?" C.C questioned.

"No pressure, Kallen. Who are we to punish you? Be more confident in us. Whatever you do isn't going to be worse than what we already did." He reassured her with a smile. "Okay, I wanted to teach you both one thing."

Tamaki invited them to come close the television with a gesture. Kallen went after him. C.C didn't move from her site. The sofa was comfortable and her body had gotten used to it. Tamaki turned on the television and made a place for himself on the couch. C.C. reluctantly spread her legs. President Charles appeared on the screen. He was at a rally, about to unveil his plan to combat the serious problem of illegal immigration, the main theme of his campaign. His position had been clearly populist and extremist since the announcement of his candidacy and the subject of controversy, earning the legion of cursed who branded him a xenophobe; in the same way, he obtained a sea of followers who felt identified with his speech. Behind him were those who had helped him organize his campaign and those who supported him: Alicia Lohmeyer, his political adviser, and some of his early supporters such as lawyer Jeremiah Gottwald, reporter Diethard Ried, and Chancellor James Stadtfeld. Three delegates from three different institutions united by the generous support of the Britannia Corps, three men who swore to become his prophets: the sword that stabbed the innocent, the bell that spread lies, and the broken lamp that darkened the world. Corrupt justice, truth and knowledge. Under the blazing sun and with the effervescence of the attendees, the image was a painting of the antichrist and the four horsemen of the apocalypse greeting their faithful.

"Do you want to know why you're not aware of the shortcomings of our immigration system? It's because the media isn't interested in reporting them: they only want to tell them what they would like to hear, not what they need to know. And the reason politicians don't talk about them: it isn't convenient for them. And do you want to know what the real problem is with the immigration system? That it is subordinated to the interests of wealthy donors and powerful politicians. That's why they've been misled," Charles explained emphatically. "If we want our system to work, we must begin to speak honestly and the truth is that everything's worse than anyone could imagine. The truth is that we have the right, as a sovereign nation, to choose the most apt immigrants to prosper here." A timid applause followed that statement, but it didn't end. "My opponent claims that the needs of illegal Japanese immigrants are as important as yours. That's not true. They're not the same. They are different! Is that so bad?! Not in the least. My opponent's plan is to maintain the same policy of open borders, radical amnesty and reduction of immigration laws and what has that led us to? The loss of millions of lives!" He snapped, not holding back his indignation. The lion's roar set off the alarm signal. A prehistoric instinct settled in the hearts of his followers. "For this situation to be changed, immigration reform must be different: in a Britannia administration, all our efforts will be based on improving our laws and policies so that the life of each citizen will be greater because the priority of my government will be you," claimed the candidate. "Ask my opponent what's his, but never forget that equality is stagnation! Difference is evolution! And evolution is progress!"

Divided by fury and excitement, the crowd cheered President Charles with hisses of jubilation and vigorous applause. Tamaki booed him and threw a cushion at him. Kallen was frowning at the television through pursed lips. Once again that charlatan was saying trash on television. The worst was the absurd number of followers. They were people who shared his xenophobic ideologies. No matter how much the Japanese showed that they had come to work in the country, there would always be people who judged them as barbarians. C.C. glimpsed everything with disdain. The rally evoked the same feeling of a secular mass in her: a charismatic leader and a host of parishioners who didn't understand a whit and agreed. The useless ecstasy into which the mass was plunged was ridiculousness in its purest form.

On the other hand, Lelouch had ended his meeting with Mr. Kirihara. He escorted him in person to the door. As he passed in front of them, he bowed respectfully, greeting them, and continued on. He just came back, Tamaki called him:

"Look, buddy!" he whistled. "Again, the old man throwing shit on immigrants. Pff! What the hell are his advisers telling him? How does he think he'll get the elections like this? This country is full of immigrants and the Japanese community is the largest," he huffed, skeptical.

"He has a high chance to," Lelouch disagreed. "He's a good public speaker and uses the media to get his message out faster. He knows how to manipulate them. He's self-assured, direct, and provocative, which is attractive. Also, it's not entirely wrong."

"Do you think Japanese immigrants are criminals?" Kallen muttered. Her jaw was stiff.

"A vast majority are," Lelouch confirmed. "Irregular immigrants are sent to open centers where they can sleep, eat and are given a humble pension. It barely covers a meal, although it's more than the minimum wage. And they shelter them for a year. At the end of the term, they have to vacate and fend for themselves. Even if they haven't found a place to stay or a job, which is another process that takes time. Only ten out of a hundred from each center have a paid job. The rest have nothing to do and fall into crimes."

Tamaki scratched the back at his neck. He wanted to be swallowed up by the earth in that moment.

"The Japanese can't be blamed entirely, either. The government pretends that they do as much as possible and that the Japanese have to fend for themselves, but when they go out to look for opportunities; they aren't really provided any but are instead forced to fight for them. I've seen the conditions of the centers. They're terrible and when they demand more dignified treatment, officials fold their arms and deny everything. They're left to their own devices!" Kallen pointed out, getting irritated.

"It's true that the performance of the centers is poor, but I can't blame them: it's complicated. Still, they reaped something positive. In the past it was impossible to obtain citizenship. Today it's possible to fill out the paperwork."

"A citizenship that only a few get approved while and thousands of others are rejected and continue to be treated as an outcast! Evil isn't measured by nationality, Lelouch," Kallen yelled. "Prisons abound in more born criminals in this country than Japanese, and people turn a blind eye because they don't care! In their eyes we'll always be the villains!"

"It was the life they chose." If they swallowed their pride, they would make things easier."

Those words exceeded the limit of Kallen's patience. In a feverish paroxysm, in which anger had blinded and deafened her, she slapped him. The hollow sound of the slap shook Tamaki. C.C turned her head towards them, looking at them for the first time. Lelouch touched his cheek.

"I dare you to tell me that their life is easy when people spit in the street or shout atrocities anytime they see you. No one should disrespect you because you're different," she grumbled. "I thought you were decent or that you could be..."

"That Rector Stadtfeld," C.C. interrupted, "by any chance, is he your father?"

"It is," she stated without taking her eyes off Lelouch. "Mr. Stadtfeld wants to be Minister of Education and believes that by supporting Charles zi Britannia he'll succeed," she explained coldly. "Now if you'll excuse me..."

The redhead walked into her office and closed the door. The fact she referred to her father as "Mr. Stadtfeld" wasn't a detail that happened without pain or glory. Tamaki and C.C. intuited that their relationship wasn't going through the best of its moments. Lelouch automatically thought of his mother's last name and how vehemently she had defended the Japanese, who was the victim of a xenophobic attack. He already begins to attach the meaning, the connection between one isolated event and another; in order to get to know her better. Her compassion and empathy for the Japanese weren't contingent. She was one of them.

"So, I didn't understand. Does Kallen have any prejudice or did her rage against the people of Pendragon make her hallucinate?" Tamaki asked, brushing wax from his ear. "No! That makes no sense. Her last name is Stadtfeld. She's not Japanese, is she?

Nobody answered. It wasn't necessary. Everyone knew the answer.

"Buddy, do you still think it's possible to shoot the old man before he catches us all alive?" Tamaki asked again in a low voice, returning his pupils to the television where people were shaking their fists in the heat of jubilation.

"It seems unattainable to you, right? People tend to deify opulent, influential media personalities when they get used to looking at them through a screen. It's natural for you to do it, though it's a mistake," he observed, comprehensive. "It's a scientifically proven fact that the humans are made up of eighty percent water and that most of it circulates in the blood. Therefore, as long as blood runs through Charles' veins, he's a man. And history has shown us more than once that any man can be killed…" he emphasized with a strange smile. "But we aren't going to kill him, we'll defeat him at his game, in his city, before he can deport the Japanese."

Tamaki smiled in relief. If Lelouch meant it, it would be so.

---

Immersed in the sea of musings, Schneizel took shelter between the walls of his office and in the shadows that the closed curtains cast when blocking the rays of the afternoon sun. The darkness soothed his senses by clearing his mind.

Months ago, he was convinced that he would inherit the business empire as soon as his father passed away. He wasn't impatient for the arrival of that moment. After the death of his older brother, Odysseus, Charles zi Britannia completely neglected the affairs of the company. It was Schneizel who assumed that responsibility. His negligence bothered him to such an extent that their relationship grew colder, even more than normal. And although Charles wasn't a doting father, they used to talk from time to time. Just to report on the status of the company. One day when they were alone, suddenly, the old lion declared that he was going to resign his functions and that Schneizel would be appointed as the new president. Not once in history has a Britannia Corps president resigned from office, why now?

"Are you going to leave the company to me?" Schneizel repeated suspiciously.

"Yes. You should be happy," he replied without looking at him. "This is what you've always wanted."

"I've never been your favorite son," he admitted, despite himself. "Why would you let me the company? Why not Cornelia?"

"It's true. Cornelia is much more of a Britannia than you or Euphemia, but not all spaces correspond to a woman. That has been our tradition and it will be maintained for the sake of order," he explained. "You're my only son and my oldest. You're the blood of my blood. You're the heir to this empire. In a few months, you'll become the president of the Britannia Corps, marry an appropriate woman, and have your own children. I don't have to tell you that you'll abandon that affair you hide, first of all," Charles sentenced. Schneizel looked away for a second. "It's time for you to fulfill your duty as the successor of our family."

"I will, Father," Schneizel agreed solemnly. "However, I've a question: if I'll be the president of the Britannia Corps, what will you do then?"

President Charles's sour expression softened as his half smile creased. The gesture was so deformed that it looked more like a monstrous grimace.

"I'll be the president of this country!"

He only lasted a few days sitting in the president's chair and already a threat loomed over his last name. A lawyer, out of nowhere, came to the city and persuaded the vice president to transfer the case to him, ruining Schneizel's plans. He tried to force the lawyer to leave through fear. Instead of feleeing, he made a declaration of intent: he wasn't going to leave anywhere. He wanted something. He was looking for something. And he won't be satisfied without having obtained it. Therefore, if Schneizel couldn't push him away, he would bring him closer. He invited him to his house. He needed to know his opponent. It confirmed his worst suspicions. Lelouch Lamperouge wasn't a demon who had been sent from hell to torment him, he was Lucifer himself. He also discovered his weakness and his preliminary objective. Euphie was a smart and determined woman, a Britannia from head to toe, but her heart was fragile and Lelouch was taking advantage of it. He had started whispering in her ear.

The devil liked to tell the story of his downfall to human beings in order to gain them over. The softest were the first to fall for his tricks. Men humanized their gods in an attempt to understand them. In fact, there was a time when heroes were a reinterpretation of Christ and when they realized that Satan and his story were more interesting: they put Christ aside and took Lucifer as their model for their heroes. The world had been at his mercy ever since. How could he protect Euphie from that?

At the same time, there was that other detail that was bothering him since the party. He knew who he was playing against; not why nor what he wanted. He had a hunch that was deeply disturbing him. President Schneizel ordered his assistant to investigate. Until he had all the answers to his questions, he wouldn't make a decision.

On this, Kanon walked in and bumped into President Schneizel with a frown and hands clasped. He had never seen him like that, but knew him well enough to detect the worry in the lines on his forehead.

"The samples were sent to the lab," he announced.

"Very well. This morning Vice President Kirihara gave me his letter of resignation. We don't know how much information he was able to share with our intrepid lawyer. He's a man who handles too many secrets of our company."

"I'll see how I can solve that problem," he commented. Kanon hesitated. "Would you like me to order a Chardonnay with brie?"

"It would do me good," he sighed in a cracked voice. "I'm worried about Euphie, Kanon," he confessed. "Lelouch Lamperouge is no ordinary man. It's a demon, a very dangerous one. The assault didn't dilute his spirits. He killed one of our men. I can't let Euphemia be around him."

It was just as Kanon had guessed: if President Schneizel came to be intimidated by lawyer Lamperouge, it was because he was indeed a fearsome man. Kanon remained calm.

"But it's not invulnerable. You figured out his character," Kanon reminded him gently. "If his ego makes him believe it, that's better: the fall will be harder."

Schneizel smirked. Kanon had a good point.

---

Euphemia had also given herself over to her own reflections. She was in her room, her elbow propped against the balcony railing, her hand resting on her gentle countenance and her gaze focused skyward. It was a sunny day. Unconsciously, her pinky slid across her lips. She still had vivid memories of her kiss with Lelouch. As hard as she tried to let them pass, the image came back to her mind more insistently. Arthur marched past the woman along the railing, breaking her concentration. Happily surprised, she hugged the kitten and pampered it. She went back inside. She was happy that Cornelia and Schneizel agreed to have a cat in the family, even though her sister wasn't an animal lover. At that moment, she entered the room. Her face was red and the veins in her neck were swollen. She would've been screaming for a while.

"Guess where I found your bracelet? It wasn't lost, it was stolen. One of the maids did it," she counted in a restrained voice.

She hasn't digested the anger, but it was unfair take it outon sweet Euphemia.

"Did you ask her why she did it?"

"People steal when they want something for themselves and can't get it legally. What other reason do they need? I already scolded her in front of the others, so that they don't even think of repeating it and I fired her," the director Cornelia snorted, massaging her temple. "This is an unforgivable offense."

"I suppose it was necessary," Euphemia whispered. "If she had told me she liked my bracelet, I wouldn't have minded giving it to her or buying another one. I have many similar ones."

The young Britannia sat on the corner of her bed. Cornelia walked to the other end of the room with her arms crossed and rummaged through a string of inconsistencies to herself. Then, she glanced at Euphemia and noted the taciturn air that enveloped her.

"Are you okay, Euphie?" She asked, softening her intonation.

"Uhm? Yes, I…" Euphemia looked down, blushing. Director Cornelia stared at her as if that was how she could read her mind. "It's just… Well, I like two men," she murmured. She wasn't proud of that confession, yet it was a burden that tortured her for days and she had a mad desire to share it. And there was no one better than her sister to be honest with and ask for advice. "I know it's not right, but I can't decide who I like best and I don't know what to do either."

Director Cornelia rolled her eyes. Euphemia seldom felt the emptiness of her mother as her beloved sister filled that void by becoming the guidance she needed. Some specific occasions they had feminine talks. They weren't the best subjects for Charles's eldest daughter, but they shouldn't be ignored. Cornelia sat with her.

"In that case, you should see if they're good men and if they feel the same way about you. If you feel that both correspond to you, choose the one who loves you the most. It's preferable that you're with the one who loves you, even if you're not so in love with him. You'll see that love is a decision rather than a feeling," she said cautiously. "You'll have to be wise. I trust you will. You're prudent. And don't feel bad, you're not the first to have conflicts of the heart," she encouraged her, bringing one of her strands to the front and brushing it lovingly.

Cornelia took her by the wrist and smiled gently at her. She sensed that one of those men must be the lawyer Lamperouge. She didn't dare ask her. Cornelia was curious to find out who the second was. Who did Euphemia meet recently to make her heart arrow? Whoever it is, she hoped it was better than Lamperouge. She still didn't like him and if she didn't protest, it was out of respect for her sister.

"Thanks for your advice," she replied smiling, feeling better. "Sister, do you remember Marianne, the lawyer who worked for our firm? Do you know what happened to her?"

"She was diagnosed with postpartum depression and took her own life in a fit of insanity. It was for refusing to enter treatment," she explained laconically.

"I heard there was a suspicion of murder."

"There was no evidence to support that theory," she disagreed. "What else would I have liked to but blame iton someone else, rather than to accept that a bold and intelligent woman with a great future committed suicide. It was a tragedy. I admired Marianne. She was my role model." Her voice grew husky, as she couldn't control the emotions she was reliving. Euphie knew that her death continued to wound her, even after seventeen years. She stroked her shoulder to comfort her.

"Was it Lawyer Gottwald who defended the alleged suspect?"

"Yes. He could give you the information from the first source," she stated. "Why are you asking me about her? It happened quite a long time ago."

"I dreamed of her," she answered nervously.

She hated deceiving on her like this, but she didn't want to mention prosecutor Kururugi or lawyer Lamperouge. Perhaps she would disapprove of her relationship with him because of that fact of blood that indirectly affected their families. And, just like she told Lelouch, she didn't want to stop looking at him.

---

On that same day, there was a fire in the Saitama suburb. Atsushi Sawasaki's house caught fire. Who was he? A candidate in the primaries from another party. He had become secretary to the chief of staff. No Japanese ever succeeded in taking over a major political office. Along with prosecutor Kururugi and perhaps Commissioner Tohdoh, he was the most renowned Japanese in Pendragon and therefore a valued figure among Japanese immigrants; as well as a representative who advocated for the rights of this group. Firefighters put out the flame, preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings. Neighbors were evacuated. Until now, no injuries were reported. However, nothing was known about Sawasaki. The police were investigating. The prosecutor Kururugi had in mind a fact that the majority rejected. Sawasaki was to be President Charles' opponent in the elections and promised to do so even if they wouldn't meet each other in the debates. Suzaku speculated that he plotted the fire and if his hypothesis turned out to be true the case should be his.

"The police have a suspect," Gino said. "A housekeeper claims she observed Dr. Bartley Asprius enter the house. So, he's the last person to see him alive. And guess what? He's missing too, isn't that weird?" He asked, giving Suzaku a friendly poke on the arm.

"This information hasn't been reported by the media. How did you find out?" Suzaku questioned.

"I've a pretty friend at the station who gives me some information," he replied, winking at his mischievously.

Suzaku laughed. Gino loved women as much as his job as a prosecutor.

"Good. I wish it were true. I'm going to ask prosecutor Guildford for the case as soon as it is transferred to the prosecution."

"Why?"

"It will be another chance to catch some corrupts. I don't think a common criminal did it."

"That's the attitude!" He exclaimed cheerfully, patting him on the back. "I was afraid you broke down on the Britannia Corps vice president case."

Suzaku had Bartley Asprius's face fresh in his memory. He was the psychiatrist for Marianne Lamperouge. At the trial seventeen years ago, he had come forward as a witness to attest that his friend's mother successfully overcame her postpartum depression. Or he intended it to be so, because he committed perjury by saying the opposite. His expert medical testimony influenced the judge's ruling. It was time for Bartley Asprius to answer for his crime.

---

It wouldn't be long between that peer chat and the release of a media report touting the Sawasaki disappearance, the Saitama fire and the possible connection to Dr. Asprius. Lelouch and the entire group of gangsters were reviewing the news on television in the waiting room of the law firm.

"The commander and former secretary to the chief of staff, Atsushi Sawasaki, has disappeared. The police have doubled the size of the investigation team in their search. Mr. Sawasaki was last seen in Fukuoka, where the fire recently occurred. The police are trying to trace a relationship between the two incidents," he said. "The incident is suspected of being arson. The main suspect in the disappearance of the former secretary is the director of the Britannia Medical Center, Bartley Asprius."

The famed news anchor Diethard Ried provided details of the incident. His expression was grave. The aspect should be taken when giving any news. In the strip below Diethard, the headline read that the suspect had entered Atsushi Sawasaki's home on the day he disappeared. They then broadcast the video of the short interview with the eyewitness: Sawasaki's housekeeper. In simple words, she described Dr. Bartley Asprius. There was no doubt about his baldness, his fatness, and his monocle.

"This damn city already looks like hell: every so often a fire breaks out," Minami commented.

"It can't be hell," Lelouch objected with a mysterious smile. "The bad guys are punished there for eternity," the lawyer pointed at the screen when a photo of the missing person came out. "This was murder."

"Do you believe it because they burned the house?" Urabe asked.

"Someway, yes. Fire cleans up a crime scene better than anything. But I meant it because of the disappearance itself. Without the corpse, the prosecution can't charge Dr. Asprius with murder. It's what the law stipulates," he explained. "By now, he should know that they're looking for him. The fact that the police have shared this information with the media means that they're asking people for help to find him faster. If he did or has something to hide, he'll try to flee the country. You can't fly or go out on the road when the police will be checking each individual who comes out the hardest. I suspect that he'll take an illegal route."

"So, he's going with a trafficker," Tamaki pointed out, playing with a toothpick.

"It's a hunch, but I need you to confirm it," he stated, turning to him directly. "Use your old contacts and track down the dealers. We must find Asprius before the police. When you find out his whereabouts, give me a call. Together we'll capture him. I want this to be the introduction of Zero and the Order of the Black Knights to Pendragon. May I count on you all?"

The gang members exchanged glances with each other as if they were passing a secret message to each other. When you've been dealing with people on the same team for a long time, it gets to a point that they become extensions of yourself and words become expendable for communication. Lelouch was in awe of the criminal society organization founded by the Black King, the mob boss for whom he had worked, and even more so at the genuine camaraderie of the gangsters. It was a very solid brotherhood. Looking at it, it was a twisted hilarious thing and, at the same time, something really smart. Lelouch aspired to achieve the same result for his firm.

Tamaki, as the spokesperson for the gang, responded:

"Of course."

Lelouch nodded. He couldn't dispatch them without supplying them with some precise directions. He showed them a couple of newspaper clippings that included photos of Luciano and Kanon.

"In the past, Luciano Bradley was a subordinate of Charles zi Britannia. Now it seems that he's following the orders of Schneizel, his eldest son and the current president of the Britannia Corps. He's the new White King," Lelouch pointed out, implicitly alluding to the chess game over dinner at the Britannian mansion. "But I wouldn't discard that Charles had his hands in it. Kanon, on the other hand, is Schneizel's section chief. Neither he nor his father do things for themselves, they delegate everything to their subordinates. Kanon and Luciano are his rook and bishop. While his right hand solves internal affairs, the left makes its illegal moves."

"They're like C.C., you and me, but motherfuckers," Tamaki put in, biting into toothpicks.

"You can think about it like that."

"To be clear, then," Urabe put in, promoting a light tapping on the photos Lelouch was holding. "If we follow his right-hand man or his thug, we find the trafficker and the doctor, right?"

"Exactly," Lelouch confirmed. "If you've understood feel free to leave."

The mob of gang members came out. Tamaki sent his buddy a glance and left last. Alone, the lawyer went downstairs to his secret room. His Zero suit remained intact. As is, he left it the day he hung it up. Lelouch picked up the helmet that was resting on the table below his wall of evidence. Its reflection peeked off the surface of it. At last, the day that he was looking forward to has finally come. It was an irony that the land of men was crueler than that of demons. There the evildoers suffer the consequences of their actions while here they evade them. Seventeen years ago, he promised Nunnally that those responsible for his mother's murder would be punished. In a world without justice that was impossible. It was a heartless lesson that led him to a single conclusion: there's no justice unless you do it. And Lelouch was going with every intention of turning the city into the worst hell.

---

Suzaku was still mulling over Nina's statement at the last trial. A part of him fiercely refused to accept that Nina sued an innocent man for money. Something so dirty had to be the work of the Britannia Corps. Pendragon was a corpse in such an advanced state of putrefaction that it had become a feast for ambitious worms, thanks to the Britannia hunger for power that devoured even the leftovers. Suzaku didn't feel better thinking that they conspired together. The Nina he knew wasn't a mean person, although to be honest, after graduating from high school he lost touch with her. He would be sorely disappointed if she had changed. He would soon patch up his mistake: he called her to a bar, not as prosecutor Kururugi, but as Suzaku, his former classmate. A little stunned, the woman agreed.

Since the setting was informal, he wore some blue jeans, a relaxed indigo shirt with sleeves rolled up at the elbows, and white sneakers. When he saw himself in the mirror, he couldn't recognize himself. He used to come out dressed for work. He most of the time wore formal clothes. Anyway, he didn't want to entertain himself anymore and left. Nina was fifteen minutes late. Suzaku invited her to sit at the bar next to him and let her choose her drink adding that he would pay for that round and those that followed. Nina was one of those who preferred a coffee to a cocktail, but she wasn't going to dismiss his kind invitation. They updated each other with their lives and when one spoke, the other drank in moderate amounts. In the long run, they had an enjoyable time in which there were a few happy laughs from time to time. At one point in the conversation, he asked her about her future.

"Yes, I submitted my resignation the day succeeding the trial. I can no longer work there like nothing happened, not after what I did," she said, her head down.

"You were wrong, but you reconsidered and did the right thing. That's the most important thing," he reassured her, seriously. Suzaku paused and gulped. "If you don't mind my opinion," he continued cautiously, "I think disengaging from Britannia Corps was a good thing. It's a corrupt company."

"Are you investigating it?" She asked curiously.

"Yes, I've been following them for a long time, but I haven't gathered any concrete evidence. They clean their tracks too well," he confessed with a hint of frustration in his voice. "Once, I watched how a good friend's life was ruined. I wouldn't tolerate the situation repeating itself with you."

Nina held the glass straight to her lips when that statement caught her attention.

"Do you consider me your friend?" She inquired surprisingly.

"Yes, I wouldn't like the trial to be such a farewell. Let's continue seeing each other. You've my number. Call me whenever you feel like it," Suzaku encouraged, smiling. "I'm usually crammed with work, but I can make room for a friend."

"You must have a lot of friends, right?" Nina tasted shyly, stirring the tequila in circles with her little finger.

"Not that many," he stammered. "I spend all my energy and time working hard to make Pendragon a better place than neglecting other things that are also important."

"In that sense, we're alike," she mused aloud. "We've given ourselves in body and soul so completelyto ourwork and realizing our dreams that time can't stop us. I admit that I take refuge in science to isolate myself from the rest of the world," she added, looking at her absent-minded playing hands. "I'm not good at communicating. I don't know what your excuse will be."

"Maybe the same as yours," Suzaku sighed. "You have to change, don't you think?" He gave her a friendly smile again.

She looked up and nodded slowly, returning his smile. Why had he quoted her, exactly? Initially, it was with the intention of finding out if she would continue to work for Britannia Corps and warning her, which he didn't have to worry about, since she found a government job. But after that talk, he wasn't sure what the real reason was. Suzaku called a taxi for her and escorted her outside. Overwhelmed by his kindness, Nina thanked him and left. Already far away, he continued to dismiss her with a gesture.

As he turned back, Suzaku sensed that a couple was coming towards him. He had never seen the woman. Her skin was milky and her hair was lilac. She was pretty. She grabbed the man's arm tightly, as if she feared he would vanish at any moment, and kissed him passionately all over the face. The man didn't flinch or do anything to push her away. He knew him quite well. It was Lelouch. The two were leaving the casino. In fact, he wore a different outfit: khaki pants, a black button-up shirt, a brown leather jacket, and loafers. Everything indicated that both chose that day to have fun. As it had to happen, Lelouch became aware of the presence of his old friend and continued straight on, going to their inevitable meeting.

"Suzaku, I didn't expect to see you today! How are you?", Lelouch greeted.

"Me neither. I'm fine, not as good as you, thought," he answered, glancing at her stunning companion who had ignored his existence.

The woman caught a glimpse of Lelouch as if he were a god in flesh and blood. He turned to her and held her hand with which she had been playing the first button of his shirt, thus stopping that movement that was making him nervous.

"Could you wait for me in my car, Miya?" He asked friendly. "It's that one black. I'll catch up with you soon."

"It's okay, kitty!" The woman agreed, holding his face in her hands.

She planted a violent kiss on his lips. He staggered. It had caught him off guard. In the end, he gave in. What else could he do? Suzaku pretended to scratch his ear and look away to escape the discomfort. When an eternal moment had passed, she left. And the joy didn't fit inside her body.

"Your friend is enthusiastic," Suzaku commented, not knowing how to resume the conversation after that little act.

"It seems like that. I met her perhaps a couple of hours ago," Lelouch said, sprucing up his messy clothes.

Suzaku accidentally bit his tongue. His eyes went from Lelouch to where Miya had gone, imitating the swaying thoughts that crossed his head.

"I didn't imagine you would be that kind of man…" he murmured.

Lelouch shot him one of his penetrating glances. He didn't like that hint.

"Are you talking about the man who meets a beautiful woman and decides to have a nice night off from engagement with her?" He inquired with that inherent serenity in his voice. "I think that all men are profiled in that type. You ever had to be attracted to a woman." He smirked at him, mischievously.

"You were withdrawn…" He excused himself, avoiding the subject.

"We were children. I've changed over the years," he declared. Suzaku stared at him. His face was inscrutable. Lelouch began to feel uncomfortable as the silence lengthened. He extended his spiel: "I like women, okay? They're charming, witty, and independent, they can be rebellious and, in addition, they're beautiful. Their bodies are the jewel of nature. I only pay homage to them by loving them and fulfilling their desires which are also mine. That's not a sin. Please, Suzaku," Lelouch snapped when his patience reached its limit, "I look ridiculous telling you this. Don't make me explain something you should be aware of."

"That's not the point," Suzaku replied. "You shouldn't hang out with other women if you're flirting with Euphemia."

Lelouch imagined that Suzaku would deny his provocation and that the talk would end in an exchange of jokes or if he admitted that he was right, he had a way to stick to his argument and prove his point. Instead, his answer stunned him. He didn't foresee that it would take this course

"Not at all, that unites Euphie and I it's a sincere friendship."

"She doesn't seem to get it that way," he muttered circumspectly. "She likes you."

"Did she tell you that?" Lelouch asked, feigning astonishment. "I swear I didn't know. I've just been nice to her."

Lelouch noticed that his friend's jaw was tightening and his eyes were hard. If glances could kill...

"She didn't tell me anything. I guessed it," he refuted through clenched teeth. "You should make your intentions clear to her so that she doesn't get the wrong idea."

"I can't go before Euphemia and disprove a speculation," he denied sourly, irritated by the absurd request.

"Please, Lelouch, I advise you as a friend," Suzaku pleaded. "I know you wouldn't want to hurt her feelings."

"I said no," he roared. "It's not your business to make decisions for any of us. You don't care about Euphemia..."

Assaulted by a sudden impulse, Suzaku dug his elbow into Lelouch's chest, slamming him against the column beside them with a shove. Lelouch noisily blew all the air out of his lungs.

"Don't you dare tell me I don't care about her!" Suzaku shouted at him.

Lelouch repeated those words to his mind, as his pained features began to relax. He saw before him an angry look and teeth that held back a sullen growl, almost like an animal. His eyes opened more and more as he understood.

"You like her," he hissed.

Lelouch's statement was like receiving a slap from a white glove. All his fury evaporated. Barely aware of his knee-jerk reaction, he backed away. What was that? He had never been dominated by his emotions.

"Lelouch, I'm so…" he groaned, regretful.

"Yeah, yeah," he whispered dismissively, rearranging his jacket again. "I know the rest..."

And that was the cold goodbye. Suzaku followed him with his eyes as far as he could. He never realized his feelings for Euphemia to be so strong. Could it be that Lelouch was right? Suzaku kicked the ground and pressed the bridge of his nose.

"Ah! Damn it!"

---

A third knight, it was the last additive he had thought would interfere with his plans. And, of all the people, Suzaku had to be his potential rival. Alone, Lelouch would've laughed at the irony. At the very least, Euphemia returned his kiss. That was significant. At the Britannia mansion dinner, he had invited her to the theater and she accepted. On the way to the hotel, Lelouch tried to calm himself by recalling his accomplishments with Euphemia. He couldn't please Miya by being upset. With a clear mind he could devise a strategy to defeat the third knight and win the heart of the princess.

Only then would the key to the castle be his.

---

A / N: Every good story has a love triangle. It's a topic that I love when it's well executed and, unfortunately, that's not the case in most of them. Love in revenge stories isn't something strange. Rather, I've noticed that it usually constitutes an obstacle in the hero's plans; because his love interest is linked to his goal or, in any case, it's the same goal. In the series, Euphemia was the object of Suzaku and Lelouch's affections. First, Lelouch recognized her as his first love and, on the other hand, Euphemia was confronted by her feelings for Lelouch. Although, judging by the looks, it seems that Lelouch was a thing of the past while Suzaku was her present and he reciprocated her love. Taking into account those details of the series and being a lover of love triangles, I included this topic, which helped me to address the dynamic between Lelouch, Suzaku and Euphemia. How will things unfold in the fic? You'll have to continue reading in order to know! For now, tell me who do you think Euphemia chooses or who would you like to keep her heart? (It would be interesting to read your answers, because, in general, the rival has ulterior motives when courting the girl, as opposed to the hero, whose love is sincere and pure; and in this story the opposite happens).

I'd like to talk a bit about our antagonist. Schneizel's introduction to this story was friendly and I would add that it was modest compared to his presentation in the anime that was shrouded in mystery (it's perfect because we don't know exactly what Schneizel is up to). The second time we read about him he's in his office and it's a total contrast to what we saw previously. Behind closed doors, Schneizel is calculating and knowledgeable about everything that happens around him. Some of his dialogues allow a glimpse of his way of thinking and doing things. However, it's in this chapter that we have our best approach to him and we do it through our hero. In the series, Lelouch knows his rival perfectly. I don't know if Schneizel had any suspicions about who Zero was, but anyway, he's cunning enough to turn an obstacle into an opportunity to find out more about the type of person Zero was, humiliate him in front of everyone, and make fun of him with a language that both use (chess). It's practically a cryptic message. R2's episode nine game is brilliant for that; Hence, I decided to transfer that scene to my story (I had told you that there would be scenes recreated from the anime; but I didn't promise that I would maintain the order or context). In this fic, this is the first confrontation between Lelouch and Schneizel. No one knows who the other is or what they want or how they intend to achieve it, let's say that both are on an equal footing, for which they assume the task of discovering each other and it's a new knowledge for the reader. It's a declaration of intent. All through a simple (and exciting) game of chess, which reveals that Schneizel is indeed an opponent that Lelouch can face (not like sociopath Luciano) In the series, we could get an idea of what Schneizel is capable of, but it's much more subtle than in my story and that's because we're reading the scene from Lelouch's perspective.

As I said in my preface author notes, Schneizel is going to have more prominence and I would like to delve into some of the Black Knights. Tamaki is the living example of this. I confess it. To write this story, I reimagined him as the average Code Geass fan: he's a devoted Lelouch fanboy and has a crush on C.C. I wanted readers to identify with him to some degree; but I didn't want it to be an empty mold either and I kept its personality and made it useful. It's no longer the silly comic relief or the punching bag of history.

Alright! We have finished chapter seven, roasted marshmallows, we're more than half on the first part, are you liking how the story is going? What do you think of the game between Lelouch and Schneizel? What do you think C.C. is up to? Do you think Charles will win the election? What expectations do you have for the next chapter? What was your favorite scene? Mine was Lelouch interacting with his gang.

If you love this story, feel free to support me with a comment. They encourage me to continue translating, which isn't an easy job. I would greatly appreciate it, as well as all the favorites and follows that you want to leave.

We'll read each other in the next chapter: "Sin."

Take care. Kisses on the tail!