Location: ?

It didn't actually look like a sword. In fact, it was barely a coherent object, much less a weapon. But what it truly was wasn't nearly as important as what it did. And while that fact wasn't easily apparent either, it was easier to deduce than an accurate name for it.

The Sword of Akasha was the name they had agreed on. It was ideal; a sword was a symbol of power and conquest, and akasha roughly meant heaven, with some nuance. They had named it together after they discovered it's existence. It reminded him of a simpler, happier time with his brother.

Unfortunate that their once beautiful relationship had become nothing more than another lie.

Charles zi Britannia shook his head. He shouldn't be thinking about such things now; there was something that demanded his attention much more than a shattered promise.

There was a disturbance in the World of C.

Initially, he had thought it to be a convergence with the Ragnarok connection. However, once an actual convergence occurred just minutes after, he realized that wasn't the case.

This was something different. It was similar, but different nonetheless.

He had wanted to discuss this new development immediately after he realized what it was, but there were a number of factors that prevented that. Even now, he would eventually have to give a speech regarding the death of Clovis, an act that he thought incredibly unnecessary, regardless of the need to keep up appearances.

He sighed. He got sidetracked again. Had this issue really rattled him that much?

He focused. He was currently waiting for V.V. and, at a later time, his Empress. He wanted their thoughts on this issue as well as possible solutions, Marianne especially; she was smarter than most gave her credit for. But he didn't want her and his brother to cross paths; that could have consequences he didn't desire. Specifically, he wanted to meet with V.V. first because of his code: he had a more intuitive connection with the World of C. Marianne didn't. If V.V. could explain what the problem is, he was confident that Marianne could find a solution.

"You wanted to speak with me, Little Brother?" A familiar voice sounded.

He turned to see the aforementioned V.V. standing on the stairs, "Yes. I believe it's imperative for you to learn of this immediately, Big Brother." He didn't let it stain his words, but as he looked at the diminutive boy, he felt great anger.

"Yes, you mentioned it was a disturbance in C's World? I can't see anything out of the ordinary."

"It has since corrected itself from what I could tell. But," he pointed to a specific spot, "perhaps with your code you can see something I could not."

V.V. hummed as he moved to closer to examine the point his brother brought attention to. Because things like space and gravity were mere suggestions here for code bearers, all V.V. had to do was think of approaching and he'd be there. It was always interesting seeing it from an outside perspective.

Charles explained what he saw to the elder twin, "Nearly a week ago, there a Ragnarok convergence event – someone received a Geass contract; likely C.C.'s newest attempt to finally experience death." The Emperor left out that said contractor was likely the son of his Empress. "Less than an hour prior, a similar event occurred; I had mistaken this event for the former."

"Well, there isn't much that could be confused for a new contract being forged; it's a very unique event," V.V. responded. "I can't imagine anything being similar enough to confuse the two events." He continued examining the supposed disturbance.

"Would I lie to you, brother?" While Charles voice was level and almost nostalgic, internally, he couldn't help but feel bitter.

V.V. let out a slight chuckle, "No, I suppose not."

A few minutes passed in a silence that, to V.V., were comfortable; to the Emperor, were anything but. Charles was uncomfortable having to spend so much time with his immortal sibling; add this mystery to the mix, he had little doubt that anyone would be tense.

Said immortal suddenly spoke, "I can see what you referred to now. If it wasn't for the monitors we have in C's World, I doubt I ever would have found anything out of the ordinary." He rejoined the Emperor. "From what I could tell, -"

"The World of C performed it's own Geass contract?"

It had been almost two hours since V.V. explained what he had found to Charles. Now, he was sharing what he was told to his Empress, Marianne, in a secluded location. It was an odd experience knowing that she was now periodically possessing the body of the current Knight of Six, Anya Alstreim, even after seven years.

Charles responded, "Yes, that is a paraphrase of what he found. It might not be a correct observation nor what the World of C intended to do, but it's currently the closest explanation we have to the truth."

"So, what; the World of C itself made a contract? No code bearer to be a bridge of sorts? Is that even possible?" It was clear that she was hesitant. He didn't blame her – it's hard to ever forgive the person who killed you.

"If it has its own will, then yes. The problem, however, isn't that it happened; it's why it happened. What wish could humanity's collective unconscious possibly have? Does it feel its life drawing to a close? There is much we don't know the World of C; it's possible that there is a greater mind at work here. If so, then we have our work cut out for us."

"And you want my opinion on preparations that should be made, am I right?" He could almost hear the teasing in her voice, disguised as it may be in Anya's body.

He couldn't keep the smile from forming on his face, "As always, you're correct, dear."

She grabbed the tip of her chin as she hummed for a moment. "Well, at the moment, there isn't much that can be done except keeping any eye on C's World a bit more thoroughly; maybe make V.V. take watches?" She said the last part with a sarcastic tone, but there was disdain there.

There was a fire in her eyes as she continued, "But if there's ever a similar disturbance, then we investigate immediately. And if needed,

"we remove them, permanently."

AN

Just want to say thanks to everyone whose been reading this series so far! You guys are fantastic!

This intermission was just a way to say that there is an in universe reason for SI/Rivalz to be here. What is that reason? Who knows! I'm certainly not going to spill the beans yet! I'm curious as to what you guys think the reason could be though; please, leave some reviews! I read all of them!

Not much more to say; hope you enjoyed this chapter/ intermission and continue to enjoy the story as a whole for much longer! Next chapter should be your regularly scheduled normal length chapter!