Throne of Glass

So many of you who've read this already may remember Euphy's introduction scene was written twice. I genuinely thought I fixed that forever ago, but as it turns out I only edited the chapter without reuploading it. Huh.

Well its fixed now.

Chapter 20: Final Prelude to War

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Britannian Embassy to the Chinese Federation, The Forbidden City; 2017 ATB

Lelouch was pleasantly surprised to find his predictions were correct upon setting foot in the Capitol. It would have be irritating, if not more difficult had one of the High Eunuchs actually bothered to greet him. Instead he was met by a man much more worth his time.

"Welcome to the Forbidden City, Lord Ashford." Li Xingke extended a hand in greeting, his eyes analyzing Lelouch in a way he was very familiar with. Presenting himself with every ounce of charisma he had, the young prince took his offered hand. "It's an honor to meet you Xingke, I've heard many things about you."

"You've heard of me?" the Chinese man asked In surprise. "I didn't realize I was important enough to catch the eye of someone like you."

"You head a militarized branch that is steadfastly loyal to the empress, rather than the High Eunuchs. To me that is of great interest, see the Eunuchs aren't exactly appealing individuals." Lelouch explained, before adding in a suggestive manner. "Though they are easy to do business with, on the rare occasion."

"I see." Xingke replied in a manner that masked his reaction. "You are correct that my loyalties lie with her majesty. Which is why I have gone out of my way to greet you here today. I imagine you have something of great interest to me for you to come personally without any forewarning."

"I believe I do." Lelouch assured him with an easy smile. "Something of utmost urgency."

With a nod, Xingke gestured toward the giant Britannian style building that stood out like a sore thumb among the ancient Chinese architecture. "Then shall we head inside? I've set aside a conference room where we can discuss in private."

"Very well then. Lead the way."

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Ashford Tower; 2017 ATB

With a defeated sigh, Kallen dropped the massive stack of documents onto what was now her desk. Upon his departure to India, Lelouch left a new command structure for many of the aspects he was constantly overseeing. It was unbelievable to think it took half a dozen individuals to replace the void he left in Ashford and the Black Knights.

Kallen herself was designated the head of the Black Ops unit, given the position would have gone to Suzaku had he not also been indisposed. She quickly found the innumerable operations the Black Knights were conducting across the globe to protect and expand their many global interests. The redhead knew full well that it was always Lelouch's intention to bring about Britannia's downfall by the hand of a new Japan, but the extent to which he had gone on an international scale was astronomical. Between training guerilla forces and undergoing sabotage missions of their own, the Black Ops had been a thorn in the side of well over half the Britannian settlements world-wide. On top of that it had only recently been brought to her attention the extent of his relationship with senator Malcal and the faction under his control in the EU. Malcal was vying for presidency, with a promise of support from Lelouch and thus the Black Knights. Kallen now knew the extent of corruption in the European Central Hemicycle, having already dealt with the reports of three different assassinations. She imagined Lelouch believed he could control the EU through Malcal, or perhaps had other plans that involved him. But unlike the sole emperor of Britannia, the EU had three presidents, and over two hundred senators that sat at the Central Hemicycle. While presidency was the most power a single man could hold in Europe, it was hardly enough to steer the entire union. However, should Lelouch be able to so as much, it would make war against Britannia that much more feasible. From what she could see, the hand he had in Europe was tentative, hesitant even. Much of his focus was here in Area Eleven, and now in India. The operations taking place in Europe could at this point be completely abandoned without many consequences. And given the situation that would soon take place in Area Eleven Lelouch had more than a suitable excuse to Malcal for seemingly abandoning him, thus saving their alliance if he so wanted.

It was all more than Kallen was used to dealing with, and she probably learned more about the world in the past few weeks than she had all the time in her life before it. But Lelouch entrusted her with this, and she had done just fine thus far.

"Here's the reports from Sayoko, sis. You just need to review these ones." Her brother set a sizable stack of even more papers for her to go through.

Times like these made her wish she had declined the position, but Lelouch placed his trust those who showed results. And though she'd rather be in a knightmare on the Indian front, this task was equally important. And she had her brother to boss around, which in itself was reason enough to keep going at it. Naoto did have some prior experience at managing operatives, though at a much smaller scale. But he was reliable at least, along with Sayoko, who acted as a field commander with her experience as a shinobi.

"Did you send the final report over to Lelouch from last night?" She asked, briefly looking at the top page in front of her.

"Yeah, everything should be ready for him there now. It's all taken care of on our end. Still…" He paused, looking away with a hesitant expression; prompting her to goad him.

"What?" She asked, pushing the reports away.

"Do you really think this is the right way to go? He's starting an entire war just to insure some plan pulls through the way he wants to. You don't think there might be something wrong with that?"

"You might want to take the entire situation into consideration before you try to determine if something is justified." Kallen returned with a glare. "Right and wrong? That's just a concept someone came up with to keep others from taking what little power they couldn't hold on to themselves."

"You know, that sounds a lot like what our esteemed emperor preaches every day." Naoto commented with an impassive expression.

She scoffed in response. "Maybe that's why he controls a third of the world and not you. We are far from believing that pretty words and good intentions can fell an empire. That's how Lelouch has gotten this far; not by doing the 'right' thing, but by doing what needed to be done. In the end, people will thank us no matter what we did to get them what they wanted."

"How can you say you fight for the people, yet so easily throw their lives away like that?" Naoto began to argue heatedly.

"Sacrifices are necessary Naoto. Anyone who says otherwise is too naive to know better." Kallen threw back.

"Oh? And when did you become so wise little sister?" Her brother responded in a mocking tone.

Kallen glared at him, making her displeasure clear. "While you were busy playing hero in the ghettos." She answered flatly.

"I was helping people Kallen." He hissed. "Don't you dare act like that meant nothing."

"You were an ant waiting to be stepped on Naoto. If it weren't for us that's exactly what would have happened to you. You were just flaunting your pride for some sort of self satisfaction to tell yourself you were making a difference. When in reality, you amounted to nothing, and now you're jealous of someone who actually does. So you use something as frivolous as a moral high ground to grasp at anything to make you better than him." By the end she had gotten inches from his face, each word bringing greater tension as she dug out the truth she could easily see. Yet her foolish older brother adopted a cold face, as if completely unaffected by her accusation.

"So then, that's how you see things. It appears your opinion of that prince is unshakable." He replied without emotion.

He then promptly turned from her, taking a few steps before hesitating. "I'll stay because I want to save as many lives as I can. At least, the ones you might ignore on your crusade to save the world. Just be careful…" He added as he reached the door. "You might find there isn't anything left to save by the time you're done."

Before she could retort, he closed the door on her, leaving with the last word.

With a growl, she fell back into her seat. Who did he think he was? He didn't know anything. Just being older than her somehow makes him that much smarter than her? Hell, he wasn't even smart enough to realize just what he was missing when he constantly rejected her. He was naive, clinging to a childish sense of justice. Heroes exist only in fairytales, only to instill some false righteousness in people. Never, never before in history had anyone conquered the world with a righteous cause. This fighting would only end when someone won, and the victor would be free to shape the world however they so choose. And so, to create the closest humanly possible to an ideal world, any measures necessary are acceptable, any sacrifice demanded. To do anything less would cede that victory to those who would build a world in their image. Victory through righteousness was a fool's dream, a child's fantasy. And in the end, it's as they say: history is written by the victor.

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"I'll admit, when I heard Lord Ashford himself was requesting an audience with us I was quite interested as to might be the reason." Xingke started as soon as their parties were inside the conference room. "You're relationship with the Eunuchs has been one conducted through the Indian government, from what I can tell. Rather, they preferred to deal with India directly; instead of with you."

"That's correct. It was...easier for them to obtain knightmares from the Indian government than it was to do business with me." Lelouch took a pause for dramatic effect, adopting a more grievous tone. "However, things have begun to change rather drastically. Let me get to the point."

Placing his hands on the center table, he looked the Chinese man in the eye. "India has attempted to take me hostage." A lie, right from the start. But he was confident in his ability to weave fantasy directly through the eyes of the deceived. "The reason for this is because they have initiated their plan to rebel against the Chinese Federation."

With an understandably stunned expression Xingke responded. "You're telling me that India has been planning a rebellion without our knowledge for who knows how long. What makes you think that's their goal, if I am to believe you escaped them?"

He knew this man would not so easily buy in to his story, yet the reward for convincing him was all the more sweeter. "I have noticed discrepancies for some time now, while so deeply ingrained in their development. Weapons and resources would disappear, along with entire frames vanishing. It was clear to me they were stockpiling for a clear purpose, yet it was of no concern to me. I received what was always promised, so I never pressed the issue. In fact, I believed our relationship meant they would include me in whatever goals for the future they had. It seemed I was more valuable as a hostage than as an ally. They were fools to believe my life would stave off all of Britannia for even a moment."

"What you claim is of great consequence. What I can say is the treatment of the Indian people by the High Eunuchs leaves me no room to argue your story." The older man admitted with a slight shake of his head. "What I cannot understand however is for what purpose did you come here, rather than to your own nation? Surely this would be great news to your people, had you forewarned them of this rebellion."

"My foremost concern is the safety of my assets and my people, Xingke. And there are those among the Britannian military who would find any way possible to hinder my enterprise. Above that however, is while your loyalties are with your empress, mine do not lie with my emperor."

With so brazen an admission, Xingke looked at the reactions of the rest of room's occupants. He himself was not entirely surprised by the thought, simply his easy manner of admitting it. But not one of the individuals Ashford brought with him were the least bit surprised to hear this. The young man and woman standing beside him were clearly of Japanese descent, further adding to the mystery that was Allen Ashford. But not even the two clearly Britannian bodyguards standing at the doorway so much as moved a muscle as their boss declared what was effectively treason.

Recovering without allowing his outward expression to change, he responded. "Be that as it may, that does not explain why you would come here, Lord Ashford." He again turned to questioning the young Britannian before he could control the conversation.

"As I said, I desire to protect what is mine. Either the proper arrangement, I believe you could do as much far better than my own military would." Allen revealed with such ease it only made it that much harder to assess what he was being presented. Despite his age, this man was cunning. His past experience told him as much in the short time the two of them had spoken. Though he had yet to find a reason as to why, he was not entirely certain he was being presented with the whole truth. "And what might you have to offer?" he asked the Britannian noble.

"You are not satisfied with your current government." Once more, he spoke so plainly of such dangerous things. Cunning, yet incredibly bold. "You say you are loyal to your emprese, ut the High Eunuchs are anything but. Even to me that much is perfectly clear. The empress is a figurehead, used by the oligarchic Eunuchs, and that much you do not like."

"Even of I were to agree with what you say, what does that have to do with any of this?" He asked, keeping himself away from such audacious claims.

"It is why I was so ecstatic to find you greeting me here today. See it is you who know of this impending revolution, whilst the rest of the of the Federation will not realize it until India is in full on rebellion. This is an opportunity for you, as a loyal follower of her majesty, to go forth in her name to put down this rebellion before the Eunuchs even get a chance to react." Allen explained.

"You would have me go with the authority of the empress, as a way to reestablish her word over the Eunuchs. So even if they were to challenge me it would be in direct opposition to the empress." Xingke surmised.

"I understand your faction is relatively small in the grand scheme of the federation. Many authorities bow to the Eunuchs, acknowledging the true balance of power. Though they may never say it, they all know how it is. An act like this, especially if it creates distress, may serve to properly remind them of the way it really should be. And perhaps give your empress a proper power base."

Contemplating his reasoning, a smirk found it's way to Xingke as he realized the obvious. "And if I was to do as you suggest, what is stopping me from simply ignoring your request, seeing as you have already told me all I need to know?"

"I'm a weapons dealer, if you've forgotten. If you are to be her majesty's sword and shield, you must be properly equipped no?" the blonde replied with a smile. "Besides, I've just lost what comes to a third of my clientele. And I foresee a promising partnership once her majesty comes to stand on her own two feet."

"So you would arm this conflict, as well as promise additional support in the future?" Xingke thought briefly upon that, before coming to a decision. "You speak plainly, that much has certainly surprised me. Silver tongues seldom tell truths, yet you have openly stated what many would never utter. However, if I am to accept this offer I must ask one thing of you."

"Go on." Allen said with a nod.

"You must not further involve yourself with this war that is to come." Silence fell between the two as Xingke attempted to discern what truths this boy's eyes betrayed. But as since the moment he first saw him, they masterfully concealed his secrets.

"I'm afraid that may be impossible. I have no doubt Britannia will attempt to involve itself, and I am Britannian after all. Especially given the circumstances it will be inevitable that I am required to assist with that endeavor. Refusal would be...bad to say the least."

"I see, then it cannot be helped, forget I asked." Xingke replied as he continued to study Allen's reaction. "We can discuss such arrangements in further detail at another time as it is getting late. You are more than welcome to stay here in the embassy, or perhaps in one of the hotels in the forbidden city."

Allen shook his head. "Accusations would be levied against me if my visit here was discovered. It is best if I depart as soon as possible."

"Then we can continue over communications later. I'll be sure you have someone give you that information before you leave. It was a pleasure to meet you, Allen Ashford." He extended his hand to the young man.

"More than you know. I'm sure this is a dated encounter, if fate is something to rely on." Allen said as he took hold of Xingke's hand.

As the noble and his group left the room, leaving Xingke and his alone, he allowed the tension in him to release, visibly sighing.

"Quite a lot to take in isn't it?" His second in command, Xianglin commented.

"Indeed. It seems we have a lot of work to do." Hong Gu, another reliable member of his small faction agreed.

"This may be just the break we need though, provided things work out the way that Britannian envisioned." Xianglin continued. "You don't exactly trust him though do you?" she stated.

"It's difficult to say. Without a proper motive to fabricate such a tale I can't find a reason why he would. I've always wondered about the young man who controls the biggest weapon development company there is, and now it seems to have been thrown rather abruptly in my face."

"You asked him to remain uninvolved. What was that about?" Gu asked.

"I feel there may be more going on here then he lets on. He had an excuse to ignore that though, I believe he might be attempting something greater." He shook his head. For now though, prepare the strike groups. Let's see what Ashford has to offer us."

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Viceroy's Palace, Area Eleven; 2017 ATB

Things were beginning to move at an incredible pace to Clovis.

It wasn't just the absolutely mad plan Lelouch had come up with, one that both demonstrated his power and position, as well as provided a definitive defeat to Cornelia in one swift stroke. On top of it all, providing the basis to which a new nation would be built following that victory. It was insane, the last thing Clovis himself would have thought of to beat her, or anyone. Despite that, no one argued against him, proof of his younger brother's authority amongst his subordinates. They were on the verge of something greater than he could have ever imagined. The world Clovis was beginning to see tear apart at its seems was coming upon the dawn of a rebirth. And it would be one baptized in flames, destroyed before being built anew. Lelouch was on the path of vengeance, seeking the blood payment for the life of his murdered family, yet it was that path that seemed to have brought him a sense of clarity Clovis had previously lacked. His brother saw the world for what it was while he and the rest of their family wallowed in their own misery. The whole of this world was miserable, suffering day to day a life that was slowly fading as it was choked out by the ones above them. All while the fortunate few looked down upon them as to not see the guillotine above their own heads as well. History followed a vicious cycle, spiralling forevermore unto an oblivion. That time was soon coming for the cycle to reach its peak, as the course of history once more took its turn to change.

To break that cycle it would take a man of unfathomable strength and determination. More so an understanding of that spiral. And perhaps it may come to repeat itself before long. But to at least prove, for as short as a single human life may live, that it could be done. That action may inspire others to do the same. And perhaps then true peace could finally last. At least, that was the way Clovis saw it. Maybe now Lelouch was too blinded by his hatred to look back upon it, but the prince had faith. In whatever cruel deity found amusement in the relentless march of 'human progress' he prayed that day would come.

His eyes slowly came to rest upon the since empty chair in the corner of his office. He had grown so accustomed to her presence he never quite realized that witch had well and truly disappeared. She was an enigma through to the end, but one he no longer cared for.

Still, he had to wonder what she might have thought of all this.

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Pendragon Imperial Palace; 2017 ATB

"And that concludes today's report, your majesty." Bismark finished as Charles idly moved another pawn on his chessboard.

"Very well. And what news of Cornelia? Has she finished her preparations for her campaign in India?" He asked, examining a few other pieces' positions. It was a common method of visualizing situations many of his children had taken up without even realizing it.

"None yet, your majesty. I would imagine she shall soon be ready to depart however." His first knight told him.

"I see." Moving forward a knight he gave his next order. "I have decided to send one of the knights of the round to assist her. It shall be Nonette Enneagram."

"As you will it." Bismark replied. "And if I might suggest, what if Area Eleven? Reports have demonstrated the situation in the region has grown rather dire. Losing it will prove catastrophic."

"If Lord Ashford says he is capable of defending it then let him. Though, perhaps it may be prudent to insure it is properly defended."

"Perhaps Lady Strauss would suffice?" The Knight of One offered.

"The Knight of Five." Charles acknowledged. "See to it."

"As you command." Bismark bowed.

"That is all." As his knight left the room, leaving the emperor in silence, the old man allowed a ghost of a smile to form. He found his way to the white king, standing boldly before the wall of pieces hiding away the black king.

"What an interesting game you have chosen to play. Indeed, you are the black king masquerading as his white nemesis." Moving the king forward, the two were faced in battle. Only a single pawn between them.

"But there is a simple fact you seem to have forgotten." His hand now grasping the black king, it was moved to replace the pawn, now facing the white king.

"The king…is but another piece on the board, my son."

Throne of Glass, part one,

End

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