"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
- Confucius

Chapter XXVII: From the Ashes

Vermillion Forbidden Palace
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation
August 12, 2025

For the first time in an entire age, the city of Luoyang was lit in celebration. All throughout the former settlement, newly liberated Chinese took to the streets, partaking in various forms of commemoration. Songs were sung, dances were performed, and food and drink – which were in far more abundance than the former Twenty-Twos had ever been used to – were readily consumed. Traditional fireworks flickered in the sky above, illuminating the city – and the rest of the former Area altogether – that much more in elaborate colors and patterns. All marking the reborn nation's first Liberation Day.

From his balcony perch in the Vermillion Forbidden Palace, Lelouch observed the distant celebrations with a detached interest. Compared to the celebrations he had grown used to in both Britannia and Japan – up to and including Milly's various festivals at Ashford – the revelry around him felt rather quaint. Indeed, for all of their jubilation, the Chinese still lacked much in the way of resources, and were essentially making a party with anything and everything that was available. There were no parades, no professional music bands, no fanciful costumes or artistic performances. The food and drinks were provided by government services – such as they were at this time – and consisted little beyond bread and alcohol. And though lighting was abundant through working street lamps, buildings and the aforementioned fireworks, it paled harshly in comparison to what Lelouch had beheld in Pendragon just a few months ago.

And yet, for whatever this "peasant's festival" lacked in the way of flourish and innovation, it easily made up by way of sheer revelry and merrymaking. Not that Lelouch was surprised by this in any way; the Chinese had suffered long enough to truly appreciate their newfound liberty. As such, they practically threw themselves wholly into the celebration, retaining an enthusiasm very much separate from what Lelouch had seen during Crown Day. As uncharacteristic as it sounded, the former prince was almost envious of their fervor.

In the meantime, Lelouch was, also much like Crown Day, stuck in another part of the celebrations. With irony the Demon King did not fail to notice, a gathering had been arranged in the Vermillion Forbidden Palace, one exclusive to Tianzi, the higher ranks of the CLA and various dignitaries and representatives. The core members of the Black Knights were there to, as honored guests. Thus, short of using his Geass to slip out quietly, Lelouch had no choice but to be present. It helped even less that a certain pair of women, one of which was moving toward him now, had been intent on his attendance.

"My my," C.C. casually spoke while sauntering to Lelouch's side. "For a self-proclaimed revolutionary who has just won his latest insurgency, you appear to be in a repressed mood."

"I do not believe I asked for blithe commentary, Major Cathcart," Lelouch shot back, emphasizing the Code Bearer's public identity. Especially her rank.

C.C. smirked in return. "One may not ask for what another gives freely," she retorted, before taking a long drink of her plum wine glass. Even with his mask, the "witch" could feel Lelouch's responding scowl. Sensing that scowl, and being well aware of Lelouch's newfound fondness toward plum wine, she took a deliberately long swig. "I don't suppose you're brooding over Johann Ernst and the others."

Scowl turning into a frown, Lelouch looked away from the "witch". Two days into their incarceration, all three Knights of the Round, alongside their respective knightmares, had disappeared. No trace of their breakout – or any sign of infiltration from the outside – had been left behind. Needless to say, while the Chinese were collectively scratching their heads as to how this was even possible, Lelouch and several others knew better.

"It was to be expected," the former Prince surmised. "In spite of their failure, the Emperor would not give up his more valuable pieces so easily."

"Indeed," C.C. concurred, then shaking her head. "Shame really, as Johann Ernst really grew on me toward the end. I've never seen anyone push you into a corner like that."

Though he knew it was meant to be another sting, Lelouch simply agreed. "Johann is the best commander in the Rounds' muster, surpassing even Bismarck in that area," he acknowledged. "Had he been aware of my Geass in the beginning, chances are the outcome of Akatsuki would have been much different."

The former prince then raised an eyebrow behind his mask. "Though I find that disturbing in itself," he exclaimed. "Thanks to Suzaku, the Emperor is well aware of my return, and yet…"

"He chose not to share Geass' existence with the other Rounds," C.C. summarized.

Lelouch nodded, readopting his frown. "I don't like what that indicates C.C.," he commented, remembering his meeting with his father eight years ago, when Suzaku had brought him in. "I don't like it at all."

C.C. could understand that. Charles zi Britannia was a man of many plans after all, and not all of them were as obvious as one could believe. Thus it was well within his nature to hinder his own chosen knights against his greatest enemy, especially if it fit into his long term goals.

Even so, the immortal knew better than to discuss it in the open. "I wouldn't dwell on it if I were you," she spoke quietly. "Especially not in our present setting."

Remembering where he was, Lelouch closed his eyes and forced the thoughts away. He could consider them later. "You're right, of course," he acknowledged once more, then moving on. "At any rate, this was the first step C.C. A step nearly a decade in the making."

He turned back toward the fireworks, which were still flashing in the distance. "It doesn't make up for the Devastation and everything else, but at least it's a move in the right direction."

Now it was C.C.'s turn to frown. "Don't tell me you still blame yourself…"

"No. Rather…" Lelouch replied evenly, taking a moment to formulate his words. "The Black Rebellion was supposed to be my first triumph. My first true victory against Britannia, only to be stolen away through the worst means possible."

A particularly bright red firework flashed, its glare reflecting against Lelouch's mask. "Now, eight years later, within another country and under a different colored banner, I have finally gained that victory."

C.C. remained silent, allowing Lelouch to continue. "The first stepping stone toward Britannia's destruction," he mused. "And the world that awaits thereafter."

"And yet," C.C. observed. "You appear to be weary."

Lelouch adopted a flat smile. "Only toward the sheer amount of time and effort it took," he replied. "Again, this was all supposed to have been accomplished eight years ago, without nearly as much resources."

Or casualties. C.C. knew Lelouch wanted to add, but managed to renege in doing so. She supposed that was a positive development. "Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans."

"Among other things, yes," Lelouch replied, somehow remembering his exchange with Tohdoh right before Akatsuki's initiation. He could only imagine how Helmuth von Moltke the Elder would have thought of his and the Black Knights' collective performance.

Still, Lelouch knew better than to let it weigh him down. As he had just said, this was his first major victory against all that he despised. He would have been a fool not to savor it, regardless of the cost.


"You appear to be avoiding the mushrooms Major," Chigusa bemusedly observed as she watched Kallen sit back down with a plate full of additional food. "May I inquire as to why?"

Kallen could almost feel an anime style sweatball form behind her head. "It…" she stammered, forcing back the memories. "…shiitake just doesn't agree with me Colonel."

"Oh? That's too bad," Chigusa replied before casually eating one such mushroom. "These are rather good, and full of essential nutrients. You may want to consider adjusting your stomach to them."

Despite the backhandedness of the comment, Kallen smirked at the challenge. "Only if you do the same toward bok l'hong, ma'am," she replied sweetly, having recalled that story from the rumor mill. "And since Cambodia has just been liberated…"

"Alright alright, let's not have any of that," Ohgi stepped in quickly, before something truly ugly occurred between his wife and friend. "We went through hell to get to this night. Let's enjoy it passively."

He then smirked as he added. "And that's an order," he chimed before taking a bite of pork. All with the same casualness Chigusa had just displayed.

Both devicers exchanged furtive glances to the other. It had been going on since the Red Rebellion, and though they were both happy to see Ohgi acting more like his rank permitted, they were far less pleased with the obvious side effects. Thus, Chigusa silently nodded to Kallen, assuring her that her husband would pay for his insolence later, to which Kallen just as quietly mirrored.

Still, Kallen admitted that the good General wasn't wrong. They had gone through hell – to say nothing of countless Britannians – to get to this night. And not just with the Red Rebellion either, though that had been the decisive victory that finalized Akatsuki's triumph.

Following China's initial liberation, the other surrounding Areas – the original Federal states – were even quicker to fall. Between loss of material and morale, the Britannians simply couldn't hold their remaining territories, and within the last week, the ones that had not surrendered or taken flight to the Homeland had been forced westward. Eventually retreating into the former Middle East, presently Area 18.

For all accounts and purposes, the Chinese Federation had been all but officially reformed, at least in terms of landmass. Everything else lay squarely within Tianzi's sphere of influence.

"At any rate, things are well and truly looking up for once," Chigusa commented before taking a sip of her wine. "Not only do we have new territory to operate from, but I hear we also have something of a recruitment surge going on."

"'Surge' doesn't begin to cover it," Ohgi admonished, cringing from all the time and effort that subject had entailed. "It's like all of China's peasantry are trying to join up, as are the Koreans, Mongolians, Thais, Filipinos…"

"And Indians," Kallen commented, taking note of several non-Japanese or Britannian partygoers that were dressed in Black Knight uniforms. Some of them were presently speaking with Rakshata – who was also dressed in her uniform – and another man beside her.

"They have supported us since the Insurrection," Ohgi said, shrugging. "Hell, if it hadn't for their being under occupation throughout, I imagine they would have officially signed on with us a long time ago."

Chigusa mirrored her husband's shrug. "I'm not complaining. Besides the obvious, it will also make our logistics that much more efficient."

"Amen to that," Ohgi said as he took his own drink. Before Akatsuki, India had been Ryukyu's only link to the outside world, as well as its only outside source for food and material. The result had been a sheer logistical nightmare, in which the Black Knights, the Ryukyuan government and the Indians themselves had to come up with some creative means toward transporting supplies to and from the islands. Without tipping the Britannians, or the rest of the world, off to Ryukyu's existence.

"Though there remains the question of how much they're willing to sign on," Chigusa commented, staring into her drink. "Events like Mumbai are not going to be forgotten any time soon."

"Perhaps," Kallen answered, before turning to another part of the banquet hall. Where Tianzi and Li were holding discussions with other former resistance leaders now state officials. "But she seems to be doing well enough there."

Indeed, it was quite a switch from the "powerless", heartbroken woman she had seen in the Mausoleum. Seemingly well within her element, the pending Chairwoman of the Chinese Federation was holding court with Kaguya and the other officials, who listened to her words with clear intent. No disconcertion was to be had, nor ill will present. From all appearances, the exchange was proceeding smoothly, especially when several of the officials lit up in soft laughter toward an apparent joke.

Chigusa tilted her head in acknowledgment. "For the time being anyway," she exclaimed, then glancing back over toward the Indians. Specifically to the man standing beside Rakshata. "Her real challenge is yet to come."


"That's… quite a proposal Your Excellency," the Korean official exclaimed in both approval and interest. "I don't think even the Britannians have considered using that kind of technology for such 'meager' ends."

"I hardly consider the peoples' lifeblood to be 'meager ends' sir," Tianzi responded, in a tone that ensured her non-offense was projected. "Regardless of what they would think however, the truth remains that all of our states possess arable land, and plenty of workforce, but little technology to gain the necessary yields. It's little wonder why the stereotypical Chinese…"

She then nodded to the other dignitaries. "And Korean, and Vietnamese, and Indonesian…" that earned several responding nods. "…is an overworked serf in an oversized bamboo hat laboring on a rice paddy."

More nods, this time of grim agreement. "As compared to Britannians doing the same with tealeaves or Eurasians with potatoes," another bit of laughter to break up the somberness. "But I digress. If we can implement knightmares and other such technology toward that specific interest, we will solve much of our national shortcomings overnight."

The Chairwoman again looked around her audience. "Namely the 'mass starvation' and 'forced labor' parts, which, besides the sheer heinousness involved, only really served the purposes of one man at any given time," she said, causing another wave of grim nods. "Particularly fat men, I might add."

More laughter, somewhat less humorous this time. Responding quickly, Tianzi flashed another humorous smile. "In that regard, it's quite fortunate I'm a woman, as I always have to look out for my figure," the laughter became rancorous over that one.

"Indeed, isn't that the universal truth Your Excellency," Kaguya nodded with an approving chuckle. For all of the shelter and estrangement she endured in her younger days, the up and coming leader was a natural at the game. As premature as it might have been, Kaguya had a feeling she and the Chinese leader would get along quite well. "I'm afraid I must ask however. Did you come up with this plan yourself?"

Tianzi inwardly sighed, shaking her head. She had wondered when that would come up. "As much as I wish I could take credit for it, I'm afraid my up and coming Premier was the one who conceived it," she explained, the mood of the conversation darkening as a result. "Unfortunately Zhao Hao and the others were less inclined toward the Twenty-Twos being well fed, so it never developed into anything substantial."

Discomforting silence reigned, such that Li began to move defensively. The Chinese General stood down upon Tianzi's covert signal. "So the rumors are true," the Cambodian representative observed. "You have taken him on."

"Indeed," Tianzi exclaimed, allowing a bit of authority to shine through. "An unpopular choice I admit, but still mine to make," she said, again gazing to the other dignitaries in near challenge. "I trust this will not present a problem?"

A collective shrug was the best way to describe the response. "As you said, it's your choice Madam Chairwoman," the Kazahk official answered for the others. "And you've been making some very good ones to this point, so far be it for any of us to challenge you on this one."

Tianzi once more flashed her disarming smile. "I would like to think I've made more than some, General Koreshkov," she replied with utmost sweetness, earning more resounding laughter. "At any rate, he understands the position he's in quite well, so I don't foresee any treachery or subterfuge."

She then took on a more ironic smile. "And more to the point, he actually is a competent administrator," she said, taking some delight in the mixture of responses. "He did quite well by the Chinese people, whenever his eight overseers weren't involved anyway. Had it not been for the latter, he certainly would have made much out of this land. Far more than Mao and the rest ever did."

"Yes, but as a Britannian Area," the Laotian official pointed out.

Now it was Tianzi's turn to shrug. "Regardless, we will see how he pans out," she spoke with utmost assurance, then moving along. "For now however, I believe we have more important matters to discuss…"

"Indeed we do, 'Your Excellency,'" a new voice, one outside the immediate group, suddenly spoke up. A voice that held an all too recognizable accent. "Perhaps the most important matters of all."

Cold silence entered the palace as the originator stepped into view, practically causing those gathered around Tianzi to shift away as he did. A very tall, very large built man, he easily dwarfed most of the other patrons and effectively loomed over the Chairwoman, eyes hard as he gazed upon her. A thick black beard ran down his face, while his head seemed permanently adorned by the blue and silver dumalla that he – to say nothing of the culture he represented – had long been associated with. And though he wore an immaculate Britannian style suit, none questioned where this man's loyalties, and authority, lay, for he had been the leader of his people long before the Britannians' arrival. As well as a major thorn in the original Federation's side.

Practically standing over her now, Jathedar Bimaljeet Singh retained his gaze upon the much smaller Chairwoman, not once looking away from her pigeon blood eyes. Tianzi, just as well, returned that gaze, staring up to her most prominent adversary in the present setting. All while the rest of the attendees watched anxiously.

"So," Tianzi began, lest the next few minutes be spent in complete silence. "We finally meet, Jathedar Singh."

"Yes," Singh concurred. "And though it may sound strange, I have been looking forward to this encounter for some time."

The Chairwoman tilted her head in acknowledgment. "As have I," she replied. "We indeed have most important matters to discuss, beginning with our peoples' future together."

"Or whether they hold a shared future at all," Singh sharply corrected. "I will be blunt, Your Excellency. There are many in India who wish to have nothing further to do with your 'Workers' Paradise', and many more are disturbed by the developments that have taken place."

"Oh?" Tianzi questioned, tilting her head in indirect challenge. "I would have believed your people to have been hopeful toward those 'developments.' After all, have they not suffered as much as we Chinese under Britannian imperialism? Were they not labeled as Twenty-Ones the way we were Twenty-Twos?"

She smile viciously deepened. "But then, at least they had the benefit of having one of their own as Area 21's Viceroy," she proclaimed, causing no shortage of aghastness from the spectators. "A puppet viceroy I grant you, but still one in a position to ease his people's burdens, ensuring that they suffered far less than Numbers usually do."

Singh just barely resisted the urge to nod in approval. He had expected his former status as a de jure Britannian appointed governor to come up in this exchange, but not so quickly nor so expertly applied. The insinuation that his people had grown comfortable with Britannian occupation was also a clever touch.

"Make no mistake Your Excellency, we do not miss the Britannians," Singh retorted. "But at the same time, we do not wish to trade one evil occupier for another."

It was then his turn to smile. "Or more precisely, return to our previous evil occupier," he exclaimed. "Even if it now wears the face of a goddess descended."

"You are too kind," Tianzi countered with utmost courtesy. "Though I find that claim to be rather unfair. Surely you would not compare the China I represent to Mao Zedong's dictatorship, or the perverted oligarchy that Zhao Hao and his fellow turncoats had institutionalized."

"I do not," Singh reassured. "But only because the crimes of those horrific regimes have yet to repeated," he exclaimed, gaze becoming that much harder. "Neither I, nor my people, hold any assurances that they will not."

Convince me otherwise, Tianzi thought what Singh had not uttered. She had wondered when they would move onto this stage. "I make no excuses Jathedar," she began. "Your people have suffered greatly under the heel of my own."

Another wave of cold swept the room as the Chairwoman went on. "Nothing I do will ever make up for the horrors of Mumbai, or the tyranny that we imposed upon you. Suffice to say you have every reason not to trust me, or the resurgent China that I represent."

She fixed her eyes on the elder Indian man's, refusing to flinch. "Still, I'd like you to at least give me the benefit of the doubt," she offered. "Whether you believe my words or not, I am not like Zhao Hao, or Cao Kun or Mao Zedong. I wish for the best for any and all peoples under my care, regardless of whatever power I may retain. It is for that reason I took to seven years of fighting, seven years of leading an army in what was a hopeless cause. To see this land and its people liberated from oppression and be allowed to live freely."

Tianzi dared take a step toward the much larger Singh, who retained his own gaze upon her. Yet, the Chairwoman thought she saw a spark of interest in the Jathedar's eyes. "Thus, I make this proposal," she said. "To you and the other leaders."

To emphasize, she swept her eyes to the others gathered around her. "If you do choose Federal membership for your respective nations, then you will also retain the right to withdraw at any time you so wish," she proclaimed, much to the renewed shock of those present. "Whereas the original Federation was built for the strict benefit of its rulers, this Federation will be built for the benefit of all who live under it. Whether Chinese, Indian, Korean, Thai, Pakistani or any other nationality or ethnicity, we are all equally human. Therefore, we shall all be equal under the same red banner, regardless of our origins, our ambitions or our hopes and dreams."

She turned back to Singh. "And as equal members of the same union, we would all hold the same rights, as well as the same obligations. The primary of which is to work and act in the best interest of our people."

Singh did not miss the singular use of that last word. Knowing this, Tianzi continued. "Though we have won our Rebellion, the world remains at war. Despite its grave loss, Britannia remains as powerful as ever, such that it continues to fight in the north and west. On the other side there is the Eurasian Union, which may appear as the righteous defender now, but considering its present leadership, there is no telling when it may engage in its own form of imperialism. And finally, there is Zulfiqar just to the west, which has made no secret of their desire to conquer our 'infidel' lands in the name of Allah.

"Thus, I posit you that not only would our alliance be beneficial to our people, but also necessary. None of us can stand alone now, not when the rest of the world is poised against us. Though we each have the capability and resources to do as such, it would only incite our enemies that much further, thereby putting our people and our lands at risk. We would inevitably return to the same conditions as these last seven years, regardless of whether our collective servitude is toward Britannia, Eurasia or Islam."

Again she looked toward the larger Indian man in challenge. "At any time you feel that this alliance is a burden, or has reverted to its original tyranny, then I say again, you may choose to breakaway. For now however, I ask, for the best interest of those we represent, we stand together as one nation, one people, against all others."

She then finished with. "For that is what our enemies fear most."

Silence fell as Tianzi's words remained over the gathered, too overwhelmed by her words to move or speak. Singh could understand this, such that he need not turn to see the looks on the other dignitaries' faces. Through her words and wisdom alone, Tianzi had effectively sealed their allegiances. Whether through the Chairwoman's promises or the simple fact that they were all, in fact, besieged by hostile forces, none would dare decline her invitation now. Not when they had so much more to lose to Britannia, Eurasia or Zulfiqar, and so much to gain from China.

For his part, Singh felt some lingering temptation to rebuke the Chairwoman's offerings and claim India could stand on its own. He knew it could too. Unlike China and the others, they were technologically advanced enough to match, if not quite overpower, the other two superpowers, and India was traditionally a warrior nation to begin with. At the same time however, Singh knew that it would be a pyrrhic victory at best. For however long his beloved nation could hold against Britannia and the rest, it would lose that much more in the process. Losses that could be prevented with the help and support of others.

Besides, Singh was the Jathedar of Akal Takht, the highest office within the Sikh nation. And one of the major tenets of his faith was Vand Chhako: to share one's wealth and possessions with others and to utilize them together as a community. Thus if nothing else, Singh was faith bound not to turn away from this alliance. Who, as Tianzi best put it, really were one nation and one people when it came down to it.

"You say that we are all equal under the same red banner," Singh suddenly spoke again, causing several in the room to flinch. "Does that mean we all have the same rights and representation in your government?"

"But of course," Tianzi smiled, catching the indirect message. "I have no wish to repeat my predecessors' mistakes, as I said before."

Singh nodded in seeming approval. "Very well, Your Excellency," he spoke after another brief interlude. "Though you may have to convince others outside myself, I believe India will come to join your Federation."

Tianzi just barely held back her sigh of relief. "You have my gratitude Jathedar…"

"However, do not believe for one moment that we will drop our guard," Singh followed up with. "As much as you wish to concentrate on the future, the past, I'm afraid, will always be with us. And India will never forget the crimes your predecessors have wrought."

The Sikh took on a far more intimidating air. "We will watch you very closely Madam Chairwoman," he spoke threateningly, causing Li to take a step forward. Tianzi signaled him down however, allowing Singh to finish. "And we will see for certain if you are, in fact, a goddess descended, or a demoness."

With that ultimatum given, Singh turned and practically marched away. At last allowing Tianzi to breath some relief before turning back to the other dignitaries.


Ignoring the accusing gazes of some of the other partygoers, Singh proceeded to a somewhat less occupied area of the ballroom. In fact, it would have been completely unoccupied had it not been for the familiar Indian woman leaning against the corner. Her arms were crossed as she stared mildly toward the official.

"Was that all really necessary?" Rakshata queried. "We both know you wouldn't have showed up here if you weren't going to sign on with her."

Singh shrugged his broad shoulders. "Can't I have some fun?" he asked in a far more easing tone than he had used with Tianzi. "Besides, I wished to see how she would stand up to the likes of me. If she couldn't do that much, then she wouldn't have been a worthwhile Chairwoman, much less a leader for India to fall behind."

Rakshata sniffed with apparent derision. "As you usual, you're full of shit Bapu," she claimed. "And you were long before the Britannians came over."

Despite the seeming insult, Singh meekly smiled toward his daughter. "All part of the job, my dear," he retorted with much bemusement. "I am, after all, a follower of the teachings of Guru Nakat, and am duty bound by God to proclaim the eternal Truth to all Creation. Up to and including the Chinese."

The much younger woman let out a sharp laugh over that. "I'm sure that's what the Britannians wanted when they made you Viceroy," she couldn't help but prod, before moving on. "At any rate, we only have three days before the games begin anew, and there are still plenty of naysayers within our fair country."

"Let them be," Singh waved her off, then turning to look back toward Tianzi. "She will either convince them with her deeds and accomplishments, or she will not convince them at all."

"I suppose," Rakshata exclaimed as she too looked over toward the young Chairwoman. Despite her father's earlier offensive, she not only seemed to have recovered, but was leading the crowd once more. As though the confrontation had never occurred. "At least the vast majority of our people are enamored with her, so it's not like we're going against the mob."

"Of course they would be enamored with her," Singh stated obviously. "She presents herself as an avatar of Pavrati, enough that one may forget she is the leader of our former oppressors."

He then shifted his gaze over to the Ryukyuan Prime Minister. "If there are more like her and Prime Minister Sumeragi in this world, we may very well have utopia before us. A world of both competent and compassionate leadership, in which no sane person would dare rebel against."

The Jathedar then shook his head. "At least, that's what I hope to God for Rakshata," he confessed. "Far too much blood has been spilled to reach this point, and I dare not waste any more."

"Spoken like a true Sikh," Rakshata answered sardonically. "And the current groundskeeper of Akal Takht."

Again Singh shrugged. "What can I say? I'm getting too old to keep playing Nihang," he retorted, then giving off a knowing smile. "Besides dear daughter, we are a people of Five Virtues first and foremost. Three of which are Santokh, Nimrata and Pyaar."

"Contentment, compassion and love," Rakshata recited, waving her hand in further derision. "Please spare me the sermon Bapu. I have no stomach for that sort of thing."

This time, Singh held back a responding smile. This is what I get for marrying a Hindu, he thought with an ironic sense of pride, deciding to say no more.

Thereafter, both father and daughter continued to watch over the party in comfortable silence.


Having just managed to wrestle herself away, Tianzi wasted no time in entering the backroom and locking the door behind her. The palace's Liberation Day celebration was still going, but after several hours of exchanging words with any and all government and military official in Asia, she desperately needed a break. So she managed to excuse herself with all the grace expected of her character and position, and then disappear further into the palace as Li and Zhou covered for her. It would not be long before people started to noticeably miss her, but she only needed a few minutes for a breather anyway.

What she hadn't expected, however, was that there would be one other who apparently shared her predicament. Nor for that individual to have chosen the exact same room she had selected for her refuge. Even so, Tianzi took the extra presence in stride, taking on a bemused, knowing smile.

"It appears we both had the same idea," she spoke to her apparent compatriot. "Not that I'm surprised. You never struck me as the type to enjoy parties such as this one, even if you could show your face."

Sitting with his back against the screen, which presently shrouded him from Tianzi's eyes, Lelouch gently reholstered his Browning and resumed his dinner. He knew she would not attempt anything beyond simple conversation.

"You are not incorrect in your assessment," he replied as he took a bite of Peking duck, savoring the exquisitely crisp yet juicy entrée. "Formal occasions have never been to my taste."

Tianzi chuckled, and then looked around. "You're alone?"

Lelouch immediately caught her reference. "Major Kouzuki is presently dining with General and Colonel Ohgi," he answered. "And Major Cathcart was holding court with several of your dignitaries when I left."

That caused the Chairwoman to chuckle a bit more. "How fortunate," she answered as she moved over and sat on the bench on the opposite side of the screen, effectively placing he back to Zero's. "I may award Major Cathcart the Order of August First. Depending on her performance."

"Don't worry. Cera thrives in environments such as this," Lelouch answered as he took a sip of his plum wine. He then allowed a brief silence to intervene before moving along. "I overheard your exchange with Jathedar Singh."

Tianzi took on another, somewhat flatter smile. "And your verdict?"

"More or less what I have come to expect of you," Lelouch exclaimed, then smiling himself and shaking his head. So long as she didn't see his face, he could afford to. "No, you did much better than that. I was very impressed."

Tianzi's smile turned that much brighter. "That means everything to me, Zero," she replied expressively.

"You have come a long way, Your Excellency," Lelouch continued, now recalling the young and thoroughly powerless Chairwoman from seven years prior, when she had been setup to marry his brother Odysseus. Like many other things, that seemed so long ago now. "Though you still have much further to go, I'm afraid."

"Don't we all," Tianzi answered back, enjoying the moment. For all the praise she had received throughout the evening, it was only here that she felt such compliments mattered. Just as she knew that the Demon King did not embellish. "At the very least I am now in a position to make that distance."

"Indeed," Lelouch concurred, the smile then fading from his lips. "There was one thing that stood out to me however. In fact, it's come to my attention even before."

Tianzi closed her eyes in resignation. She already knew where this was going.

"For all of your promises toward freedom and equality," Lelouch queried. "I have not heard you promise to share power, nor to bring democratic rule to the Federation."

Tianzi exhaled. Again, she knew that would be brought up at some point, especially by the Demon King. "I cannot promise what I do not intend to fulfill, Zero."

Lelouch arched an eyebrow. "May I inquire as to why?"

The Chairwoman considered her words before replying. "It is as I said before. I do not wish to repeat my predecessors' mistakes," she answered. "Up to and including Sun Yat-sen's attempted and ill-fated republic."

She looked down in apparent regret. "Do not mistake my intentions. I do not yearn for unilateral power," she confessed. "But at the same time, I know that were I to share that power, I would only invite the same fragmentation and conflict that embroiled China in the early twentieth century. The same turmoil that eventually led to the Kuomintang, the Civil War, and then Mao Zedong's terror."

She shook her head. "No, I would only be repeating history if I were to go that route. And that is the last thing I want to do at this point."

Lelouch took another, somewhat longer, sip from his wine. "But in the meantime, you set yourself up as a dictator," he replied. "A benevolent one, but still a ruler that holds nothing to keep herself in place."

"Yes," Tianzi answered back softly. "And it terrifies me to no end."

She sighed. "For the first time in my life, I hold real, absolute power Zero," she confessed. "And I admit firsthand it's intoxicating. Such that I now see why many have spent their lives pursuing it, and that much more retaining it."

Lelouch remained silent as Tianzi went on. "Indeed it's a frightening prospect. To be but a single step away from corruption and degradation.…"

Again Lelouch said nothing, though he felt his own insides stir with that same prospect. After all, he too had felt that same intoxication. As well as that same accompanying fear.

"Even so, this is the path I have chosen, and the only path I may take," Tianzi spoke up again, this time with resolve. "And for the sake of my nation and my people, I will not shy away from it."

"Yet," Lelouch pointed out. "If you were to indeed fall to that intoxication?"

Tianzi laughed humorlessly. "Well," she replied as she rose from her seat. "I suppose that is where you would come in Zero."

She dared turn back toward the screen, picturing the one behind it. Though she could not see his face – his true face – she at least was reassured with what she imagined.

"After all," Tianzi quipped with certain irony. "Who better than the Demon King himself to lead my wretched soul into Diyu? Into the eternal damnation it would warrant?"

From there, Tianzi at last exited and returned to the celebrations. Leaving Lelouch with her parting exclamation and everything else it had entailed. The latter the Chairwoman had been blissfully unaware.


Ashford Estate
New York City, Grand Duchy of New York, Area 1 (North America), Britannian Empire

"…as we see additional storms moving up the coast, residents are advised to…"

"…assure that all fronts of the war are proceeding…"

"…or not to be, that is the…"

"…GEICO save you fifteen percent or more…"

"…I'm Captain Jack Sparrow…"

"…Heeeeere's Johnny!"

"I'd buy that for a STERLING!"

"AAAAAAH!" "Touché pussycat!"

"As usual," Milly quipped as she continued tapping the remote. "Thousands of channels to choose from, yet nothing to watch."

"Amazing how that works," Rivalz replied as he moved over to the couch, two glasses of Bacardi in hand. "But then, why wouldn't they black it out? It's only their most humiliating loss since Trafalgar."

Milly nodded as she muted the TV and took her drink, and then leaned into Rivalz's shoulder as he sat beside her. "Well, at the very least, we didn't miss anything important," she spoke warmly as she drew him closer. "Nothing that we won't pick up later anyway."

Rivalz easily beamed. "Amazing that as well, considering that we've spent the better part of the day," he chimed, wrapping an arm against the love of his life's side. There, well away from the dark outside world outside, they could act that way. Without fear of said dark world taking notice. "I mean, it's already evening, and we're still in bathrobes."

"One of the perks of nobility, my love," Milly answered, sounding entirely comfortable the way things were now. "You get to dress and act anyway you wish, so long as it's tasteful."

They both shared a laugh over that, drawing that much closer in the process. Though they had both done well to keep it secret, especially from the rest of the nobility, it was very much safe to say that the Grand Duchess of New York was in love with a "lowly" bartender. Rather ironic considering Rivalz's own open feelings for her at the Academy, which Milly had been very much aware of (as had the rest of the student body) but had remained aloof due to her station.

Only after the Devastation, the loss of her family and her following reappointment had she realized she did, well and truly, return Rivalz's feelings. In fact, she had just barely managed convey said love – and more – to her onetime henchman before their inevitable parting. Eight years would then come to pass, throughout which the Grand Duchess and the barkeep went about their lives and underground activities, having no contact with the other outside said underground. All very much feeling the distance between them, which would remain unmended until the night after Pearl Harbor and Zero's declaration of war.

They had been all but entirely inseparable since then.

"Anyway," Rivalz spoke up again. "How do you think it's going?"

Though somewhat dismayed by the abrupt end to the comfortable silence, Milly answered anyway. "I imagine quite well," she murmured. "If nothing else Lelouch is there, so I don't imagine things getting too out of hand."

"That's funny," Rivalz agreed, stroking Milly's hair. "With his track record, the exact opposite could happen just as easily."

"Wasn't that the case for all of us in the Student Council?" Milly retorted bemusedly.

Rivalz smirked. "Touché pussycat," he quoted, earning another mirthful laugh from Milly. "I just hope this Chairwoman Tianzi is as ideal as Lelouch believes her to be."

"I wouldn't worry too much," Milly replied. "Even if she does turn out to be the Puppet Chairwoman, there would be people around her who actually know how to run a government."

She then adopted a slight frown. "Besides, what's really important is that the Black Knights now have additional support," she spoke more seriously now. "Which means Lulu and the others will soon be expanding operations."

"Of course," Rivalz answered with similar seriousness. "I assume we'll be expanding alongside?"

"Very much so," Milly replied as she tapped the remote again, switching the TV to Turner Classic Movies. "In fact, I already have several dastardly and utterly subversive schemes in mind."

As luck would have it, TCM had just begun to show Captain Blood. The Grand Duchess grinned. The old swashbuckler was one of her favorite movies, and she had been quite smitten on with Errol Flynn at a younger age.

"For now however," she exclaimed contently as she unmuted the TV. "Let's just enjoy the remainder of the day."

Rivalz simply matched he grin as he held her even closer. Though they had indeed won a great victory, and likely should have capitalized on it immediately, they could resume their insurgency later. For now, he simply wanted to be with the woman he loved, and enjoy the evening as she said.


Imperial Palace
Pendragon, Grand Duchy of Pennsylvania, Area 1 (North America), Britannian Empire

"We can't let this stand!" Carine bellowed with anger, slamming her fist into the tabletop. "We have to strike back in China now! With everything we have there!"

"We appreciate your vitriol Carine," Odysseus spoke diplomatically, hoping against hope he could rein his sister in before the worst occurred. "But the fact remains our forces in Asia cannot mount a counteroffensive at this time. Not with the losses they have taken."

The Crown Prince then turned to his slightly younger brother. Who he was quite happy to have in the meeting this time around. "Or am I mistaken Schneizel?"

"Unfortunately you are very much correct Odysseus," Schneizel answered in his usual matter of fact tone. "Between what little remains of the occupation forces and the losses Zhukov has been inflicting upon Marrybell as of late, we neither have the manpower nor the capability to retake China and the other former Areas. And even if we did, it would be an inverse of the Red Rebellion, in which our forces would be the ones storming the gates, while the CLA, the Black Knights and the others are very much dug in by this time."

The Prince and Chancellor shook his head. "No, at best we would be wasting valuable lives and equipment. And at worst, we would be weakening our forces in Area 18 and the Far East. Thereby emboldening Zulfiqar and the Eurasians that much more."

"I can't believe this," Carine hissed toward her two elder brothers. "Are you saying we cannot do anything!?"

"In regard to retaking the Asian territories and preventing the Chinese Federation's return, I'm afraid so Carine," Schneizel answered, his voice remaining measured. "As loath as I am to admit it, Zero has won this round. Thus our only option is to proceed with the next."

Carine reeled herself back, but anger remained upon her face. "What about Project Gogmagog?" she remembered Schneizel's latest pet project. "There has been much progress there, yes? Couldn't we use that to…"

"I'm afraid not," Schneizel interrupted with such abruptness that the other princes and princesses virtually recoiled. Save for one other of course. "Gogmagog is a weapon meant for destruction, not for conquest."

Carine opened her mouth to inquire the difference, but reneged at the last second. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something about Schneizel's tone actually frightened her, alongside her other brothers and sisters. Just what kind of weapon could be developing under that peculiar name?

"Right," Guinevere spoke, bringing the meeting back on track. "Since Asia is a lost affair, what is our next move exactly?"

Schneizel frowned this time. "I'm afraid it's too early to determine that," he explained regretfully. "At this time, Zero has two fronts to advance upon: the aforementioned Area 18 or Far Eastern Eurasia. Until we determine which he has selected for his next campaign, we cannot formulate any real plans to intercept…"

"If I may enter in brother," a new voice spoke from across the table. "I believe I have the answer already."

Anticipation welled up among the other imperials at that. After all, outside Schneizel, this particular sibling of theirs was the most versed in military strategy. Thus if he claimed to already have the answer, then it was a sure bet he was not exaggerating.

"Oh?" Schneizel exclaimed with interest. "Then by all means, what is Zero's next move?"

The opposite prince grinned. "He will advance into the Far East next," he answered. "With the aim of repelling both Marrybell's forces and a certain group of zealous Eurasians."

"You can't be serious," Guinevere admonished. "Even with the Black Knights' inevitable increase in manpower, Zero can't hope to fight both Marrybell and the Eurasians simultaneously!"

"Not on a conventional field of battle, no," the prince admitted. "But that was never Zero's style to begin with."

He shook his head. "No, Zero will approach the Far East the same way as his initial campaign in Japan," he explained. "When he was up against both Cornelia and, to a limited extent, the JLF."

The prince then tapped the control panel in front of him, causing a nearby screen to activate. Displaying a map of the Asian continent, with several golden arrows moving toward and around the north.

"Utilizing both their stealth technology and the local geography, the Black Knights will enter from behind Marrybell's lines, likely through Siberia. They will then enact a guerilla campaign against forwardly random targets and installations, aiming to cripple Marrybell's advance and leave her forces open to a Eurasian counteroffensive. It helps even more that there are other resistance forces present within that territory."

Carine took the explanation in with visible thought. "You said that Zero will be fighting the Eurasians as well," she proclaimed. "Yet you make it sound like he will support them."

"Only as a means to an end dear sister," the prince retorted. "As I said, Zero's quarrel will be with a certain segment of the Eurasian forces, not with their regulars. From this, he will do everything to avoid combat at first, especially against the likes of Zhukov, but eventually he will make a play for Volgograd."

"Why would he do that?" Guinevere inquired. "Wouldn't it be more logical for him to seek an alliance with the EU as he had with the Chinese?"

The prince shook his head, as though the answer were obvious. "The EU, as it is now, runs counter to the Demon King's faux utopian philosophies. And I doubt Berlin is entirely enamored with him. Thus while retaining caution, he will work against their interests, especially as presented by their sturmtruppen."

He flashed an appreciative grin. "Very daring, even for a man who crowns himself the Demon King."

Odysseus eyed her sibling with intrigue. "You seem rather taken by him," he observed.

The younger prince offered a responding smile, seemingly in admission. "You could say he and I are of the same mold."

He then turned over to Schneizel. "With your permission brother," he exclaimed. "I would like to inform Marry of my findings at the utmost opportunity."

Schneizel arched an eyebrow. "That's rather surprising," he replied. "I thought you intended to enter the field yourself."

The prince again shook his head, this time with projected resignation. "The Far East is Marry's battleground, and I would be loath to intrude upon it, even to support her. Besides, I have no interest in the cold."

A resounding laugh echoed around the table before Schneizel replied. "Very well then, I see no reason to keep her out of the loop."

It was then the Second Prince flashed an enigmatic smile. "In fact, I may have one or two things to share with her as well…"


Berlin Palace
Berlin, State of Germany, Eurasian Union

Thunder rumbled as the rain continued to fall, further emphasizing the day's bleakness. Though he and his compatriots were well sheltered within the palace – his palace – the dark grey sky over the Eurasian capital – his capital – was effectively a mirror of what they all were feeling. A surprising development, considering that their primary enemy had been dealt a mortal blow further east, while his military took advantage of the resultant confusion. By all facts and logic they should have been in a celebratory mood.

And yet, it was what it was.

"This is only getting worse," one of them spoke over his cognac, his voice clear with agitation. "Pearl Harbor was already bad enough, but with this liberation, it's a wonder why the whole of Eurasia hasn't flocked to Zero's banner."

"Let them try," another waved his associated off around his cigar. "It will only make it easier to weed out the dissenters. They have grown rather annoying as of late…"

"Yes quite," yet another added. "If it isn't the Britannians, it's our own 'loyal' citizenry. Just how did they manage to infiltrate the North Sea Powerplant anyway?"

"The usual way. Stolen uniforms, false identifications, and likely one or two turncoats within the plant's security," one other sniffed in derision. "Loathsome traitors. Didn't they realize they would shoot themselves in the foot more than they would harm us?"

"I didn't say the insurgents were intelligent, just annoying," the second spoke up again, exhaling a puff of smoke. "And now thanks to Zero and his ilk, they'll likely become that much more emboldened."

The third shrugged. "As you said, it'll make their destruction that much easier for the Stormtroopers."

He exhaled through his nostrils, just managing to diffuse a glare. He hated these men around him, these old and feeble corpses who thought they shared power with him. No, more accurately they felt they retained the actual power, while he was simply their figurehead. Their front man to the ignorant and utterly incompetent masses, meant to give the people the illusion that they could, in fact, choose their own leadership and decide their own fate. Much like that Britannian poem, whose name he couldn't recall at the moment, dictated long ago. If only those same masses, as well as these leichname, knew the truth. If only any of them knew who held real power over Eurasia.

"More importantly, how do we deal with this?" another of the corpses spoke up, his voice raspy with age and decay. "There's little doubt Zero and his rabble will attempt to overthrow us at some point, even if they are concentrated against Britannia at the moment. Yet it would be foolhardy to fight the Black Knights and Emperor Charles' legions simultaneously."

"We won't have to," another replied reassuringly. "Balmung will see to all of them eventually."

"Balmung is still incomplete," came the retort. "Until it is online and functioning, we remain vulnerable."

"Zero can't possibly know this, can he?" one other spoke up, his voice hardened with worry.

The second rolled his eyes. "Doubtful. In fact, I dare believe he's as ignorant toward Balmung's existence as the rest of the world…"

"Not that that matters, as the immediate problem remains," came another follow on. "And if China is any indication, it won't be going away any time soon."

This time he didn't bother keeping the scowl off his face, though he did well to turn it away. For all of their self-proclaimed grandeur, it was amazing how easy it was to frighten these men, these supposed men of power. But then, he really hadn't expected much else from them. Unlike him, a man of vision, power was all they had ever wanted, all they had truly believed in. If that power were wrestled away from any of them, they well and truly would become nothing. A terrifying prospect, especially with the specter of the Demon King – the one being in this world entirely capable of such seeming impossible deeds – encroaching upon them.

Not that he himself wasn't afraid, of course. Only a fool would believe Zero's accomplishments in Asia to be a fluke as opposed to a sign of events to come. And in spite of their absolute control over the Eurasian media apparatuses, there was little secret about what he and his Party truly stood for and what they had done, and would do, to gain what they sought. Or, at least, what he sought.

"Well Friedrich?" one of the old bastards spoke to him, snapping him away from his thoughts. "Don't you have anything to say on this matter?"

Biting back his ire toward the casual use of his given name, Friedrich Kessler addressed his colleagues with a knowing gaze. At the very least they had stopped rambling.

"It is as you all have said," the President of the Eurasian Union spoke mildly. "Zero will indeed come for us at some point, whether now or in the distant future. And at the rate of his progress, he could likely do it before Balmung becomes active."

He paused momentarily, allowing the wretches to digest those words. "I agree that if we are to remove Zero and his ilk as a threat, we have to do it now. Before he becomes any more powerful or influential."

This earned no shortage of attention from the other Nationalists. "Do you have a proposition?"

"I do, and it's a very simple one," Kessler nodded, wondering for a moment if his compatriots were astute enough to catch the backhanded insult. "We can declare Zero an enemy of the Union, and act accordingly."

"Are you mad!?" one of the geriatrics bellowed. "The public outcry alone…!"

"Public opinion can always be manipulated," Kessler assured. "And those who refuse to follow the herd can always be locked up or removed entirely."

Kessler swept his arms outward, much as he would in one of his public speeches. "Again, it's all very simple," he repeated his veiled insult. "Zero is clearly a threat to the stability of the Union, and his wanton warmongering and destruction in Asia proves that he is both a terrorist and a rabble-rouser. Thus, in the interest of Freiheit, Gleichheit and Brüderlichkeit, he is to be brought to justice at the given opportunity."

"Killed?" one of them mused.

"Or incarcerated. We are a 'just' society after all," Kessler retorted, earning a small measure of laughter. "Either way, it will remove the thorn before it penetrates too deeply."

The others considered that proposal. "Can you actually get such a motion through the Council? Especially at a time such as this?"

"I guarantee it," Kessler replied with utmost assurance. "Several in the Council, even among those outside the Party, are already fearful of the Demon King and are under no illusions as to his plans toward Eurasia."

He then gazed around the room in apparent challenge. "And as for the opposition, it won't take much for one or two of their number to fall in line. In fact, I already know several that can be persuaded, and with the least strenuous means possible. Rest assured gentleman we will have a majority, like we always do."

"And what of the public?" another queried. "Just because it's decided in the Hemicycle doesn't…"

"Irrelevant," Kessler exclaimed with whole unconcern. "Once again public opinion can be manipulated. Heydrich and his minions can deal with the rest."

A wave of approval washed through the other Nationalists, all but dispelling their prior dread. Though it was not ideal – something even Kessler admitted – it was surely the best way to deal with their obscured foe. At least while the Great World War remained ongoing.

"Very well Friedrich," one of the corpses answered. "You have our ascent on this."

As if I needed that, Kessler thought dryly.

"However," the same man went on, again interrupting Kessler's musings. "There is still the matter of how we will proceed against Zero himself. As stated, we cannot fight the Black Knights and the Britannians all at once, even if we had adequate forces in reserve."

Kessler again smiled. "We don't have to fight the Black Knights, at least not en masse," he proclaimed. "We simply need to go after Zero directly, with a commander who can match his brilliance and unorthodoxy."

His grin grew that much larger as realization fell upon the other Nationalists. "And as you are all well aware," Kessler continued, almost diabolically. "We have one particularly brilliant commander, and one particularly effective unit, in our muster…"


Victory Square
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation
August 15, 2025

At long last, the day had come. A day in which would mark a major turning point in the history of the world, to say nothing of this one fairly large corner of it. A day that he, once upon a time, had hoped and prayed that he would never live to see. The day of China's rebirth from the ashes.

For the life of him, Reginald Calares could not figure out how he should have felt. Standing by with the other dignitaries and government officials, he looked out over the cheering, jubilant crowds of former Twenty-Twos, all but feeling their anticipation against his skin. To say that he felt out of place was to be extremely delicate. After all, it hadn't been too long ago when he had been lording over these people, carrying out Britannian policy of subjugation, even if, in hindsight, he had done so benevolently. Nor had it been too long ago when he had worn an Imperial Army uniform, as opposed to the simple black suit he was now adorned in. And it certainly hadn't been too long ago when he had been within reach of the Homeland, which now felt very much on the other side of the world.

Calares shook his head. No, Britannia was no longer his homeland. He could never return there, nor was there anyone there who wished for his return. There was little doubt that he had been stripped of his lands and titles in absentia, while a standing death warrant had all too likely been placed on his head. His failures over the last seven years, culminating in his notorious actions during the Red Rebellion, had cosigned him as a traitor to the Crown. A stigma that no amount of professed loyalty would overturn, even if he were to take his case to Emperor Charles himself. Not that he really wanted to at this time, as strange as it sounded.

Indeed, Calares had neither reason nor desire to return to his former Homeland, not even to attempt clearing himself. After all, it had been Britannia that had granted Zhao Hao and those seven others wealth and titles at the expense of those they lorded over. It had Britannia that had sent him here in the first place, to serve as an overseer and warden to innocents that had done nothing to warrant such cruelty. It had been Britannia that had directed him to take orders and directions from those aforementioned eight, who lived for nothing else than their own pleasures and betterment. All entirely unconcerned about the lives they tormented and ruined through their disgusting whims.

And it had been Britannia that had caused the Devastation. The ultimate sundering of the Earth and all life upon it.

Calares mused at the irony. It had taken seven years, his own downfall and a fair amount of time in a prison cell to see the truth, but in the end he had seen it. Such that, even if he had been offered a full pardon and an opportunity to return to Argentine, he would have refused them. He simply could not abide by a nation – not even his own birth nation – that had done such terrible deeds upon this world and its inhabitants. And though there were still good and just parts to it – Sir Johann had shown him that firsthand – they were simply too little to make a difference.

Thus, again to much irony, Calares admitted that Zero had been right all along. Britannia delenda est, for the betterment of the world and its inhabitants.

Despite that change of heart however, Calares still could not get used to his present state. As the former Britannian governor-general, he really should have been executed with the Eunuchs, if not left to rot in a prison cell for the rest of his life. Whether he warranted it through his actions or not, the fact remained that he had been an instigator in the occupation of this land. That alone made him guilty, and he would have gone to the gallows, or whatever the Chinese equivalent was, with that admission. He certainly had been prepared to at the time.

At least until the Son of Heaven decided otherwise…


Vermillion Forbidden Palace
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation
August 10, 2025

Of all the places he thought he would end up following the Red Rebellion, the former Viceroy never would have believed he would set foot in the Vermillion Forbidden Palace again. Considering who the new occupants were, he would have more likely found himself locked away somewhere in the laogai, either to live out the rest of his days in a tiny cell or to be placed along a firing line. Or he could have been "released" back to Britannia, where, assuming he wasn't incarcerated there, he would have been stripped of his nobility and fortune, disowned by his family and cast out as a pauper. Condemned to die as a penniless vagrant, and just as promptly forgotten.

And yet, there he was now. Sitting there in the palace gardens, dressed in contemporary clothing as opposed to a prison jumpsuit, a plate of food and a pot of tea placed in front of him. And not a single armed guard in sight, as though he were an honored guest.

Calares for the life of him couldn't figure it out. What was Tianzi or Li thinking? What did they have planned for him? Surely he hadn't spent the last ten days in a prison cell for simple amusement. No, there was a reason and a purpose for why he was where he was now, as well as why he was being treated with more courtesy than he was due. Yet he still couldn't fathom it. In fact, as a man that had accepted his due fate – condemned for the crimes he and his Empire had wrought upon this land – he wasn't sure if he wanted to fathom it.

"Not hungry Mister Calares?" a voice – one that the whole of the world was now familiar with – spoke up from just ahead. Daring to lift his eyes from the table, Calares watched as Tianzi casually walked over and sat down on the other side, all the while offering the most sincere of smiles.

That was when Calares noticed the second detail about her. She had come to him unescorted. Despite the fact he was not bound in any way, and so could just as easily lunge across the table to attack. Not that he truly believed her to be entirely defenseless or unprotected; surely Li and/or the Tianshou were out there, watching over her like hawks. Even so, it was a strange move for the Chairwoman to make, especially to a former enemy like him.

"No disrespect intended, Your Excellency," Calares replied just as courteously. He saw no reason to be rude, especially when his apparent host had pulled out all the stops. "I just don't like the spices in Chinese food. They've never agreed with my stomach."

Tianzi nodded, appearing considerate. "That's understandable," she replied as she reached over and picked up the teapot, pouring herself a cup. "My nation's cuisine isn't for everyone. Even we must accumulate to it from a young age."

She then gestured toward his still empty teacup. "Perhaps I can offer you tea in its place?"

Calares couldn't help but chuckle. His host really was pulling out all the stops, though he still had yet to understand why. "I would appreciate that."

Tianzi quickly poured the steaming liquid into his cup, to which Calares nodded his thanks. Both then took a sip – Calares' somewhat longer than he had intended – before Tianzi moved things along.

"You appear rather perturbed," Tianzi observed as the former Viceroy placed his cup back down. "Does this meeting disconcert you in some way?"

"No more than what you would expect," Calares replied, glad that they were moving straight to business instead of chatting. "After all, it is not protocol for a condemned man to meet his opponent. Much less when that opponent is the leader of the reformed Chinese Federation."

Tianzi retained her smile. "And what makes you think you are condemned, Mister Calares?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Calares arched an eyebrow. "Am I not, after all, the former Britannian official that oversaw the subjugation of your people?"

"More the former Britannian official that oversaw those eight traitors' subjugation of my people," the Chairwoman corrected. "In my opinion at least."

Calares blinked, wondering where this was going. "Still worthy of the executioner's axe. In my opinion at least."

The Chinese leader leaned forward, her eyes betraying her interest. "Do you truly wish to see yourself dead that badly?" she posited with clear curiosity. "Does the weight of your failures bother you so much? Or perhaps you do, in fact, feel some level of guilt?"

"Say what you will," Calares scoffed indifferently. "Whatever the truth of the matter, I do not hold any reason to remain in this world. Nor do I desire it."

"I see," Tianzi replied. "Then I suppose you would not be interested in any kind of reprieve?"

The former Viceroy gazed back blandly. "What's the point?" he admonished as he took another sip of his tea. "I have failed my country and my Emperor. To return to the Homeland would be to cosign the same fate: to face execution for my failures, or to spend the rest of my days in destitution."

"How extreme," Tianzi commented as she sipped from her own cup.

Calares shrugged, still indifferent. "I would be able to see my homeland and family one last time, but I was never too fond of either to begin with," he explained. "Thus I would rather face the firing squad here, preferably at the earliest convenience."

Tianzi shook her head. "I'm afraid that will not be happening," she said, finally breaking through the Britannian's indifference and causing his eyes to widen. "For I have neither reason nor desire to kill you, Mister Calares."

She took minor delight in her guest's responding expression. "Had it been the opposite, you would have been executed with Zhao Hao and the rest not too long ago."

"I don't understand," Calares practically bellowed in protest. "Why would you spare me? After all I've done to your land and your people, am I not due the fate I deserve!?"

"Quite a few of my advisors seem to think so," Tianzi replied all too sweetly. "Unfortunately for them, and you I suppose, I believe your death would be a waste."

She gazed directly into Calares' eyes. "One that neither I nor China can afford."

Calares tried not to flinch under those pigeon blood eyes, but ultimately failed. There was much intensity behind their gleam.

"What…?" he found himself stammering, too overwhelmed to remain composed. "What do you want with me?"

Tianzi sipped the rest of her tea before answering. "I want you to be the next Premier."

Now Calares was very much aghast. "That's a joke, right?"

"Do I appear to be laughing?"

Calares blinked. "You cannot possibly be serious, Your Excel…"

"I'm quite serious," Tianzi retorted as she poured herself another cup. "I want you to be China's new Premier."

Calares blinked again, in that much more disbelief. "Despite everything that has happened?" he exclaimed incredulously. "Despite all that I've done?"

"Yes," Tianzi answered. "Because, in spite of your background and your actions to this point, you are clearly the best candidate for the office."

The Chairwoman pressed on. "Though you may not think of yourself as such, you are perhaps the most competent administrator China has had over the last hundred years. Your intentions notwithstanding, your agricultural exploits helped feed a populace that was starving even before Britannia came here, while your social programs gave them a fair amount of ease in their hardships…"

"Yes," Calares admitted. "I intended to transform this utterly backward land into a proper Area, and make it a worthwhile edition to my former empire…"

"As I said, your intentions do not matter to me," Tianzi interrupted. "The fact is you knew what you were doing and you were effective in your exploits. Had it not been for Zhao Hao and the others, I believe you would have succeeded in making Area 22 into a prized jewel for Britannia's crown. Complete with a healthy Numbers population that may, in a generation or two, have willingly embraced new lives as Honorary Britannians."

She moved forward again. "And now I wish for that same intellect, that same talent, for China," she exclaimed. "So that its people may move forward into the future."

Calares actually laughed at that last part. "'Marching Ever Onward To Tomorrow', Your Excellency?"

Tianzi nodded in approval. "I thought you would catch that, and appreciate its significance," she replied. "It is time for China to embrace that creed and, to paraphrase your former Emperor, struggle and evolve past its initial flaws. So that it may yet flourish in this new era."

She then gazed at Calares in challenge. "And for that, I need you," she declared. "Whatever your past crimes upon this land and its people, you, who are born of a nation that ever progresses, are the only one who can bring China into the 21st century. You are the only one that can transform this utterly backward land into something new, something worthwhile."

The Chairwoman then sat back against her chair. "But I will not force you," she said. "I want you to take to the Premiership by your choice. Just as I want you to revolutionize this nation and aid its people because you wish it."

Calares pursed his lips, unable to come up with a reply.

Seeing that, Tianzi delivered the ultimatum. "What say you, Reginald?"

Once more he didn't reply immediately, as his mind shifted and churned with thought. On one hand, he wanted to tell her 'no'. A part of him wanted to embrace his fate and either die or live on as a Britannian, regardless of what may await him. Again he was perfectly content for his life to end here, so that his crimes and his failures may be paid in full. Such is what any man of honor would have done, and, for all of his flaws, Calares retained his honor and principle. Just as Sir Johann had done before.

On the other, another part of him couldn't help but feel intrigued by Tianzi's words. Yes, he had done badly by the former Twenty-Twos, executing Imperial policy as well as that of those eight hedonists. But at the same time, he knew he had done some good for them. Perhaps not so much for their benefit as Britannia's, but he had still overseen much development in Area 22, from bringing in modern farming tools from the Homeland to granting some measure of freedom and choice to an desperately beleaguered populace. Surely that amounted to something, yes? Surely it had been for their betterment, as Tianzi had claimed.

That was when Calares felt another feeling from within. A feeling of yearning, a feeling that desired to belong. Despite his accomplishments in the Philippines, he had known for a long time he was not a military genius like Prince Schneizel, Prince Lelouch or Princess Marrybell. At the same time however, he had despised his life as a noble, finding the politics and intrigues of the Imperial Court to be dull and unworthy of his time. That had all but entirely ostracized him from his family, who had held little love for him even in his youth. Thus for some time, Calares had wandered the earth, doing little more than going through the motions of whatever was presented to him. As though his entire life had been nothing but a set of routines and obligations to meet, and nothing beyond.

But this was different. Here, in the land he had detested for so long, he had made something. Something that was indeed worthwhile, even if only by little. Something that could very well last after Calares himself had left this earth.

At the moment it was only a small accomplishment, but Calares knew, with time and effort, it would indeed grow into something more. A nation and a people, originally downtrodden and forgotten, now having advanced into a new age. An age that would ultimately see Britannia's end, and a new world's beginning.

An age that Reginald Calares could have a hand in molding. For future generations to come.

Rather than give a verbal answer, Calares, with some lingering hesitance, picked up the pair of chopsticks beside him. It took a little bit of effort to hold them correctly, but once he got that down, he picked up a piece of beef from his plate and took a bite. From that came several more bites, and several more portions devoured.

Tianzi could only smile as she watched Calares eat. That had been the answer she had hoped for.

"You know Your Excellency," Calares spoke up after swallowing a vegetable he did not know the name of. "I may just grow used to these spices after all."

The Chairwoman nodded in appreciation. "I'm sure you will, Premier Calares."


Victory Square
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation
August 15, 2025

And so, Calares returned to the present. Still standing upon that stage amongst the other VIPs with the Chinese populace assembled and rallying before them. Once more it was far from what he had intended for his life, but ultimately he decided he was satisfied.

Yes, technically he was forever exiled from Britannia. Alongside, he would likely forever live in this land, this land that he had long detested as an undeveloped, decrepit hellhole. But unlike as it had been with Zhao Hao and the rest, Calares could do something about that last part, and he would. Whether it took him mere hours or the rest of his life, he would bring China into the new age that was yet to come, and it would be something marvelous, something beautiful. Something that he could look upon with pride, knowing that he had done some good in this ever chaotic world.

In fact, he was actually invigorated toward it. Even without the Eunuchs micromanaging his every move and policy, Calares knew that China would not transform overnight, and that there would inevitably be those – both in its government and without – that would attempt to hinder him. It would be a monumental challenge to say the least, one that would make his experiences in running the Seventh Army look outright simplistic. But the newly stated Premier was not about to back down from that. Not when so much depended on his success, up to and including his beloved Chairwoman. A magnificent woman who may very well had been born of Heaven.

I can see why His Majesty feared her so, Calares mused ironically. Only now, after all was said and done, did Sir Johann's mission make sense to him. Tianzi was indeed a threat to Britannia and the world order that it represented. No, she was much more than that. The Son of Heaven was a threat to the stagnant, unchanging world that had since become the status quo. The very world that Zero had declared his intention to destroy and replace with something new. Something better.

With that in mind, Calares checked his watch. It would not be much longer now, he knew. In the next few minutes, the Son of Heaven would make her grand appearance before all present, as well as those watching from far away. And with her arrival, the new world that Calares was banking on would be one step closer to fruition.


Vermillion Forbidden Palace
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation

For what seemed like the hundredth time, Tianzi looked herself over in the mirror. And for the hundredth time, she was bothered to find not a single blemish in her appearance. It was infuriating. She knew there were flaws somewhere, anywhere, in her present form, but for the life of her she could not find any. From the formal gown she now wore to the way she had arranged her flowing white hair to her chosen lipstick gloss, she looked absolutely stunning. Both as a woman and as the reappointed Chairwoman of her country.

Maybe I shouldn't have sent Xianglin ahead, Tianzi thought with a frown, which she did well to force away. She couldn't risk that upsetting her image, no matter how slight it had been. This only led to more discomfort on her part, as she wondered if, by contracting her facial muscles like that, she had caused actual damage. Not that she was able to find anything out of place of course.

A chime at the door then sounded, snapping Tianzi back to her present setting. "Enter," she commanded, figuring it was one of her attendants. She was too deep in the palace for an assassin to reach her so easily, even if it weren't filled to the brim with CLA soldiers. The Four Beasts parked outside were dissuading enough by themselves, even if their devicers weren't presently inside them.

Thus, she was pleasantly surprised to see it was Li entering. "Your Excellency," the new Chief of the CLA's General Staff started. "We're ready when you are."

Tianzi chuckled in response. "My apologies General," she exclaimed, causing Li to just falter. "I didn't realize I was taking so long…"

"No, that's not what I meant Your Excellency," the General stammered. "I was just…"

"Kidding Xingke," Tianzi sang, turning to face him with a mischievous smile. "I may be an actual Chairwoman again, but I still intend to have some fun."

Li coughed into his closed hand. "I'll keep that in mind."

"You do that," Tianzi exclaimed before looking into the mirror one last time. Ultimately she decided she looked good enough, despite whatever invisible blemishes may have been present. Even so, she did not turn away just yet. "It's really happening, isn't it Xingke?"

When Li didn't answer straight away, Tianzi clarified. "My first step toward the outside world," she said. "Even if it's still technically within China."

After a moment, Li nodded. "Indeed Your Excellency," he answered. "It will not be long before you move beyond the Motherland's borders however."

"Yes," Tianzi concurred. "Prime Minister Sumeragi intends for me to visit Ryukyu, and the other states have also voiced their desire for my presence…"

"Including India?" Li inquired.

"Including India," Tianzi answered back ironically. "Jathedar Singh is adamant that I have tea with him in Akal Tahkt."

Li nodded again, this time in approval. Good thing we didn't destroy it then, he thought, bemused by the irony. After the Guoanbu had identified Jathedar Singh and his fellow clergymen as terrorists, a plan had been drafted for an incursion into Punjab, both to subjugate the Sikhs at to destroy all offices of their religion. Akal Tahkt would have been a primary objective in that operation. Fortunately it had been "cancelled" when the CLA went underground.

Silence inadvertently came between them, causing Tianzi to recall something else. "You know…" she spoke up, regaining the general's attention. "You never did answer my question."

Li arched an eyebrow. "What question was that, Your Excellency?"

Almost taking a breath, Tianzi clarified once more. "At Xiaopei," she spoke forwardly, if nothing else. "I asked you what you wanted."

The General crossed his arms as he remembered that particular event. "I believe I already answer that."

Tianzi, once again smiling sweetly, shook her head. "No you didn't General," she retorted. "You may have convinced everyone else, but I know you better. Your answer had been acceptable in that moment, but it wasn't the truth."

Li bit his lips. "But I was truthful Your Excellency," he pressed on. "I wanted you to be free."

"I know," Tianzi turned around and stepped in front of the General. Her friend and protector. "But that wasn't what you desired for yourself."

For all of his discipline and focus, Li found himself unable to match her pigeon blood gaze. Such that he turned away slightly, as if afraid to look into her eyes.

Tianzi again felt the urge to frown. She knew she would not gain a straight answer from him. At the same time however, she also knew this wasn't the place for it. Not when she had a pending public gathering to attend to, which she was likely already late for.

"Think nothing of it," she chimed brightly, at least attempting to assure Li it was nothing. "We can discuss it more afterward."

With that, Tianzi turned toward the door. "For the time being, my adoring public awaits…" she said as she started to move again.

All while Li, in those last few seconds, recalled a certain other event.


Vermillion Forbidden Palace
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation
August 11, 2025

"You're…" Li breathed, unable to believe what he had just heard. "You're lying."

"I assure you I am not," Rakshata exclaimed pointedly, as though she were insulted. "It's a delicate process, and it doesn't have a hundred percent success rate, but rest assured it can be done."

She folded her arms while staring the general down. "Your tuberculosis can be cured."

Despite the plainness of the statement, Li still could not believe it. No, he dared not believe it.

Rakshata seemed to pick up on this, and so followed up. "Remember that I was in the medical field before I entered into weapons," she reminded. "I know what I speak of."

At that, Li felt a portion of his soul shift and yearn. Wishing against all that he knew that the Indian woman before him spoke the truth. "If that is so…" he challenged. "Why hasn't this become public knowledge?"

"Simple. The process in question is of Indian design," Rakshata smiled knowingly. "Something you Chinese would never come up with by yourselves. Not even in another thousand years."

The General nearly questioned why Rakshata and her people hadn't shared it, but he stopped short. He knew what the answer would be. Instead, he paused for a moment and chose another question. "Why are you sharing this with me?" he nearly demanded. "Especially now?"

To that, the head of the Black Knights' Science Division closed her eyes. "It wasn't my idea, I promise you," she said. "Rather, a certain someone is adamant about you 'going on living.'"

Li immediately caught the reference. "Zero," he said, frowning.

Rakshata nodded in confirmation. "Since he's paying the bills, so to speak, it's his call to make."

Li exhaled through his nostrils. In spite of everything, he still couldn't bring himself to trust the Demon King. At least, not completely. "I don't suppose he told you why exactly…"

"As a matter of fact, he did," she answered dutifully. "He claims that you're vital to China's future, and that, for the sake of your nation and your people, as well as a certain up and coming Chairwoman, you must continue living."

Rakshata shook her head. "Personally I could care less about the whole thing," she stated. "If you don't want to believe me, that's that…"

"But?" Li instantly picked up on the unspoken word.

"But,"Rakshata continued in resignation. "Zero is right. You are vital."

Li just barely kept his eyes from widening at the Indian woman's admission. "Besides the obvious need for skilled commanders, you are an officer and gentleman. No, you're more than that. Much like Tianzi herself, you represent the better parts of your nation and people, something that those outside the Motherland have only seldom seen. If more were like you, the world would be a much better place than it is now, to say nothing of China."

She dared step forward, so that she was directly in front of Li. "The world needs you Li Xingke. It needs the man you are, even more than it needs the Chinese Tiger," she pressed. "To lose that would be a major setback for all of us. Up to and including Zero's plans for the future… And my own hope for it."

Li swallowed, unsure of how to respond. As Rakshata had admitted, this wasn't simple altruism. Zero had plans for him, and the mere thought caused his gut to twist. He would be damned before he became another one of the Demon King's playthings.

And yet, that mattered little. For the longest time, Li had resigned himself to his coming death, such that he had denied himself the single thing he had always yearned for. The very thing that no human could live without, a thing whose lacking presence had served to torment him. As had been the case in that fateful night before the Rebellion.

Now, for the first time in his entire lifespan, Li, in spite of everything, felt hope. Hope that he dared not snuff out, no matter how much his instincts told him it was too good to be true. He had lived too long in despair, knowing that he would die before he gained what he sought. Knowing that he would die before he ever gave into his feelings for her.

Thus, he would have been a fool to refuse such an offer. "Very well then," he spoke after another long moment. "What does this process entail?"


Vermillion Forbidden Palace
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation
August 15, 2025

Time appeared to slow as Li watched Tianzi's body shift toward the entryway, set for the Chinese Federation's debut. For the briefest of moments, Li looked over the albino woman's face, toward her ruby tinted eyes. He had been unable to stare directly into them, but now that they were drawn toward the door, he found that he could not look away again. The eyes of the woman he had grown up with. The eyes of the woman he had protected for so long.

The eyes of the woman he loved.

Before realizing his actions, Li felt his hand reach out and grasp Tianzi's wrist. And then his mouth begin to speak once more. "Your Excellency…" he started.

Upon turning to face him again, Li just barely kept himself from swallowing. "No," he murmured after a moment. "Lihua."

Shock overcame the Chairwoman's features at the use of her given name. Even so, Li would not back down now. "It is as you said. I did not speak the entire truth that day," he spoke directly, forcing back his hesitance. "There is something that I desire for myself. Something that I have always desired."

Once more Tianzi's eyes were fixed on his. Only this time, Li did not shirk away. "You," he finally said it. "You're what I've desired for so long."

He dared take a step closer. "For the longest time, I thought myself lost," he continued. "I thought I would…"

Feeling himself nearly choke, Li ultimately decided to come out and say it. "I love you Jiang Lihua," he spoke in a near whisper. "I always have."

That was it. It had taken every ounce of his will, but Li had finally done it. He had finally admitted his feelings, both to her and to himself.

What he hadn't expected, however, was Tianzi's reaction. For what seemed like hours, she just stood there, motionless and agape. As though she were unable to process what Li had just spoke.

Suddenly remembering his place, Li reactively stepped back stammering. "Ah, I mean…!" he began to speak again, his mind racing for an explanation. Any explanation. "Forget what I said Your Excellency. I just…!"

"Xingke…" Tianzi interrupted, right before the world flashed before the both of them.

When Li's mind at last caught up with his body, he found that Tianzi had crossed the distance and drove her lips against his. Upon that action, the Chinese General felt his eyes drift close, his arms wrapping around her smaller body as he returned the kiss with all he had.

Again time slowed as the two lovers remained in place, neither wishing to break the contact that they had both yearned for so long. Alas, Tianzi knew neither of them could stay like that, not when so much was waiting upon them. Thus, with the greatest reluctance she had ever felt, Tianzi stepped back, her eyes remaining fixed upon Li's.

And then, after another moment passed, Tianzi felt tears begin to well against her eyes. "Your timing couldn't have been worse Xingke," she complained jestingly, forcing back the tears. "After all that time and prep work, I'm about to face the whole of China as a crying, lovesick schoolgirl…"

This time, Li laughed. "On the contrary," he said as he reached to stroke her cheek. "You have never looked so beautiful to me."

Holding up her own hand to press his deeper, Tianzi wanted nothing more to remain there. No, she wanted much more than that, and she knew Li did too. But once again, they both had prior obligations.

Understanding that as well, Li brought his hand away. "We only need wait a little longer," he spoke softly. "Until after the festivities."

Once more reluctant, Tianzi could only nod. "You better be here when I get back," she stated in low warning.

Again the general laughed. "I will, Lihua," he answered softly. "I promise."

Letting yet another moment pass, Tianzi eventually forced herself to turn away. Once more, her adoring public awaited her.


Victory Square
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation

With as much grandeur and regality as she could muster, Tianzi stepped onto the stage, cheers erupting upon her approach. It took several more moments to reach the center, as Calares and several of the dignitaries stepped forward, shaking her hand as she took one step after another. In the end however, she made her destination. And with one final glance to Calares – who gave a return glance of approval – she stared out over her audience.

Before her stood her people. Those that would live under her rule from then on. Not just Chinese either, as she picked upon several other faces within the crowd. Korean, Cambodian, Pakistani, Thai, Afghani, Mongolian and, somewhat surprisingly, Indian faces. With many more evading her eyes, both within the present setting and outside it.

Even so, they were all watching now. Watching and waiting for her.

"To the peoples of the world," she began, biting back her hesitance one final time. "To those who are before me, and those who watch from afar. I am Jiang Lihua, the Son of Heaven, and Chairwoman of the reborn Chinese Federation.

"I stand before you amid the former Luoyang Settlement, China's once tarnished capital, amid the toppled battlements of tyranny. I stand before you, your Chairwoman, amid the twilight of oppression. I stand before you, to herald the dawn of freedom.

"For within this city, our enemies built a fortress to dominate us; an iron cage for all our peoples. Within its walls and battlements, behind its terrible weapons, they thought themselves invincible and beyond all reach. They thought themselves the masters of this 'Area' and its 'Numbers.' In the end however, they were mistaken, for there is no fortress our liberation army cannot storm. No barricade our united hearts cannot overcome.

Another bout of cheering erupted, and then calmed just as quickly. Tianzi continued. "This day the China is born anew. This day, the dream of tianxia, whether ordained by the Heavens or by mortal hands, is reborn. A dream that falls to us to make more, to make greater and better. Our China must stand for all its peoples, no, People, not any one race or class or creed. Our China must stand against tyranny and aggression, wheresoever it rears its head. Our China must be a refuge and helper to all who suffer, all who must flee their homes, all whom tyranny or poverty oppresses.

She then paused, knowing what some in the multitudes before her were thinking. "I know that some of you are afraid. I know that some of you think 'who is this girl to say such things? How is she different from the others who went before?'

"My people, I understand. I know, only too well, of the invidious choices you have been forced to face. For so long you have suffered under the lash of Britannia, but Britannia at least is honest. Britannia makes no pretense of benevolence, of brotherhood. It never called itself your friend, your protector. It never pretended to be anything other than what it was. The only choice Britannia offered was obedience or death.

"And yet, as with the rest of you, I know what went before. I know of the tyrannies you endured before, from the mandarins, the warlords, the apparatchiks. Britannia's whip was terrible, for it was made of Schroetter steel and fear. Their whip was far worse, for it was made of lies and false promises. Your love, your loyalty, your patriotism, your honest hearts, your desire to good. All these things they turned against you, to oppress, deceive, and control you. A tyranny far worse than anything dull-witted Britannia could conceive of."

Another pause. "No more, I say no more. Through pain and torment, powerlessness and despair, we have all suffered. Whether under the brutality of Britannia and its turncoats, or the oppression and degradation of our past rulers, we have endured much that very few may understand. We have all felt the boot stamp against our faces.

"Thus I pledge to you, to all of you, to take us upon a different path. Though the memories of our suffering may linger still, our future will not follow in line with our past. For it will be a future built upon progress and benevolence, one in which all may benefit, strive and prosper. One in which China achieves a greater destiny, a destiny that is seldom conceived, let alone obtained."

Following Zero's example, she raised her hands up triumphantly. "That future begins upon this very hour, with the rebirth of the Chinese Federation. With this foundation alone, we strike against the armies of oppression, and begin our long march down the road to victory, and liberation. But this is not the only road we must walk, or the only enemy we must face. As we fight the enemies without, we must fight the enemies within; the enemies called hatred, greed, fear, bigotry, and arrogance. We must not think ourselves better, more worthy, than other peoples. For so long we did so, we repeat the mistakes of the past; adoring the glories of our ancestors and thinking ourselves gods by virtue of birth alone, all while our civilization languishes in poverty and stagnation. We must open our hearts to each other and the world, and together walk hand in hand down the road to a better future.

"Let our victory today be the opening battle in a new war, the greatest war of all, the last war. Let it mark the moment that we, as nations and individuals, chose to embrace a new and better path. Let this day be the day of rebirth."

Such was the power of those words that Tianzi lowered her head. Remembering all of those who had given their lives for that day. "For China, and for all the world."


Black Knights mobile battleship Izumo
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation

"Well well," C.C. commented as the cheering erupted anew. "I'd say we have a hit on our hands."

"Indeed," Lelouch followed on with. Unlike the two women beside, he was not watching the speech. Rather, his concentration remained on his chess board, which was now arranged quite differently from before Operation Akatsuki. "Assuming she remains on the right path, she will go quite far. As will China under her helm."

Moving his Black King one square forward, he smiled in satisfaction. "Overall, Operation Akatsuki was a complete success," he exclaimed as he leaned back against the couch. "Even more than I had envisioned."

"Despite the fact you came very near defeat?" C.C. shot back. "And lost a fair amount of our forces in the process?"

Lelouch shrugged. "Nothing that can't be rebuilt or replaced," he answered as he picked up a nearby datapad, observing its contents. "In fact, our forces will be substantially larger by the time we enter the Far East."

"I hope so," Kallen exclaimed in a flat, irritated tone. "The Far East is going to be hell enough."

The former prince nearly rolled his eyes at his Knight of Zero's display. He knew why she was angry, and it had nothing to do with what they were discussing. Rather, it had to do with a certain other part of Akatsuki. A part that she had been quite vocal in her discomfort with.

Knowing Lelouch realized the reason, Kallen frowned as she at last turned to him. "I don't suppose, given that we all agree Tianzi is living up to expectations," she started. "That you could, in fact, remove the sword from her throat."

Lelouch pursed his lip as he considered. The "sword" in question was, in fact, a Geassed Li. Who had been directed to kill Tianzi, and himself, at the given command. A precaution in case Tianzi did indeed turn out for the worst, such that Lelouch had seen to Rakshata addressing the General's illness over it. After all, he could not afford Li to die so quickly if his worst fears had actually been realized.

On that, he supposed he could give into Kallen's behest and have C.C. remove his Geass. For all intents and purposes, Tianzi was following the path she had stated to him before. A dictator that retained unilateral power, perhaps, but a benevolent one. He knew she would seek what was best for her nation and people, regardless of any consequences. Including to herself or to anything she cared for.

And yet, he remembered the final part of their exchange. "Who better than the Demon King himself to lead my wretched soul into Diyu? Into the eternal damnation it would warrant?"

That alone made Lelouch shake his head. "As much as I would wish to, I cannot," he replied with a sad smile, much to Kallen's disappointment. "For she is still young and growing as a leader. And with that emergence comes the risk of her becoming exactly as those before her."

Kallen exhaled through her nostrils. In truth, she had known that would be her answer, and she understood it. She didn't like it, especially with Lelouch using Li as the instrument, but she understood it. There was already enough at stake without Tianzi becoming another Jiang Qing. Such was the delicateness of what they were striving to achieve.

"After all," Lelouch continued, oblivious to Kallen's thoughts. "Power has tendency to corrupt even the purest of souls."

Kallen's eyes narrowed at that exclamation. "Are you speaking from experience?"

Despite the sharp edge behind those words, Lelouch's smile remained. In fact, it actually grew that much more.

And then the comm. system sounded. Since her "partners" were otherwise occupied with their staring match, C.C. tapped the switch and answered. "Thank you for calling Zero's Pizza and Wings," she chimed. "Will this be for delivery or…"

"Zero!" Ohgi shouted over her, the alarm in his voice causing both Lelouch and Kallen to snap around. "Turn your monitor to IBC! While it's still on the air!"

Blinking in uncertainty, Lelouch changed his telemonitor to the designated channel. There, another speech, much like the one they had been watching, was being broadcasted. Only, this speech was much different than what would had been believed.

Shock emerging over the room, such that even C.C. did not bother disguising her astonishment, the three watched as the speaker continued. Eyes fixed upon the one on the screen, Lelouch felt himself rise from the couch, completely aghast at what he saw. Not the words that were being spoken, but rather the face of the one speaking.

For it was his face.

"…I will not rest! Not until Zero and the last of his Black Knight vermin are hunted down and exterminated from the face of this earth! Their crimes paid in full, and our march to tomorrow unhindered!"

The speaker then smiled menacingly, his amethyst eyes fixed forward. "So swears Lelouch vi Britannia, Black Prince of the Britannian Empire! All Hail Britannia!"


END OF ACT II