Throne of Glass
Part Three: To Seek Tomorrow
This one was annoyingly difficult to write, and took me some time. I may start work on something else I want to write. my motivation (discipline) is a fickle thing, so who knows how that'll go. But I'll still try to get 47 out next month.
Also, I met Johnny Yong Bosch at Salt Lake City FanX last month, got an autograph. Pretty sick.
Chapter 46: Alea Iacta Est
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He awoke to a dull ache and stale air, and an unpleasant throbbing in his head.
"Finally awake now, are you?"
Clovis fought through a wave of nausea as bright white light assaulted his eyes.
"You're very lucky you know, the bullet landed high, missing your heart." A doctor, his personal one, told him as he struggled to keep his eyes open. "Shattered your collar bone, but nothing more than that thankfully."
He looked down, seeing his left arm was bound tightly in a sling. "Tell me what happened." He choked out.
The doctor nodded to his side, prompting Clovis to turn and find the room's other occupant.
"We found the shooter rather quickly. And managed to implicate Calares in the attack as well." Jeremiah told him, the exhaustion in his voice painfully obvious. "However, Britannia's fleet began moving earlier this morning. We are as ready as we can be now, but our morale is threateningly low."
Clovis took in a deep breath. "I need to make another appearance." He cringed in pain trying to sit up. "Get me Reid, we'll broadcast an announcement."
Jeremiah looked as though he wanted to object, but stopped himself. "Very well."
"We'll take ample precautions." He reassured the man. "I don't intend to give Schneizel another chance at sabotaging us."
He'd been careless, foolishly so. He knew full well he had enemies within his own domain, yet he had been entirely focused on dealing with the outside threat. Despite the fact that in reality they were one in the same.
Jeremiah left to carry out his orders, and the doctor brought in several nurses to fuss over him before he could begin to look moderately presentable. He recalled an eerily similar situation three years ago in which Lelouch narrowly survived an assassination attempt arranged by their brother. Once again, there was little doubt it was on Schneizel's orders that Calares burn himself in an effort to eliminate him. It spoke of desperation, and clearly rushed planning that the man was almost instantly caught in the act.
Regardless, the point was made, that Clovis had let his guard down all too easily.
How could he ever hope to live up to his legacy failing like this?
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"Then there are no problems with this plan?" Schneizel finished as the last of the unit positions were established on the virtual map of New Tokyo laid out on the large table in the center of the command room.
"No objections from me." Cornelia shook her head. "With this strategy, we should be able to govern where the Mirai will be positioned. It's still going to be the biggest obstacle we have to face, but we are far better equipped than the last time we faced it."
"Unfortunately, we aren't certain exactly what the dreadnought is capable of. What intel pur spies have been able to gather is dated information." Guilford spoke up. "All we know for certain is the enemy has not been lax with ensuring their flagship remains the apex of the battlefield. It should be noted however that warfare as a whole has undergone yet another evolution as we are aware. Airships, and float enabled knightmares are much more common place. We've experienced several battles against Yoake's air forces in Area Nineteen, excluding the presence of the Mirai, but it can be said that the dreadnought no longer holds absolute air supremacy like it did in the Ashford Rebellion."
Schneizel nodded in thanks. "That is very true. I foolishly believed the Avalon would give us the edge we needed, when in reality their Mirai did the same for them in a far greater capacity. We possess more numbers than they do, especially with the losses they took from the FLEIJA attack. In the end, the Mirai is but one ship."
"We also have with us two knights of the round. Lady Alstreim will provide fire support while Sir Weinberg acts as vanguard." The prime minister continued. "As for our enemy, it can be assumed that Suzaku Kururgi will be deployed with the Lancelot. We have also recently learned that Kaguya Sumeragi is in fact alive, and will likely be present as well."
That particular bit was new to Cornelia. It did not take her long to realize what that could mean however, and she spared a subtle glance to the redhead standing behind her a ways. And to her surprise…she wasn't at all alarmed at that revelation.
It wasn't something she was certain of, but she was pretty damn sure of how important that girl was to him. She was declared dead. He believed that, because it was the girl standing behind her that told her so. Yet she didn't seem all too worried to learn that she was wrong.
Did she already know?
Did he?
"However, there is nothing to indicate that they have any more cards up their sleeve. It's all on the table, and I am confident that we have the winning hand."
Because if he did know, there wasn't a chance in hell he would willingly stay down there now.
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Ashford Manor, Yoake; 2020 ATB;
She was on edge, something was seriously bothering her, and Suzaku couldn't figure out what it was. Lately, she had become more active, less bitter. Then without warning she started snapping at everyone again. It wasn't because of Clovis, but something else that happened not long after.
He thought back on that conversation they had, what she asked of him. She hadn't said it outright, but it was terrifyingly clear to him what was going on here now. What worried him more however, was the very probable chance it was connected to what happened back then. And if that was the case, he refused to stand by and wait for it to come crashing down again.
Because he knew the results from the last time that voice meddled with them, and he refused to let that bastard have his way again.
But what could he do then? Suzaku was missing a key piece of information he suspected Kaguya still withheld, one she was refusing to share.
The girl shouted orders, commanding final preparations without any of the grace he knew her for. Suzaku took a deep breath. If he was going to do something, he had to do it now. He had a feeling he wasn't going to get another chance.
"Kaguya." He called to her.
"What?" She snapped, hardly sparing him a glance.
Suzaku swallowed. He had to be direct here, no playing games with her, so without hesitation he blurted out "You have the keys to the Damocles, don't you?"
She betrayed no emotion, showed no reaction to his accusation. She said not a word to him as a heavy silence weighed down on them. That silence however, was more of a confirmation than anything.
"Someone is making you do this, what did you agree to?" He demanded.
Kaguya whipped her head to him, her features drawn in a tight expression. "I already told you. Anything it takes to get what I want."
He breathed out. "Are you certain that he's even alive? How do you know you're not being used, just like-"
"I will not be lectured by you, Suzaku. Not after what you did." She spat over him. "I know he's alive, and he needs me. I have to save him."
"Think about what you're doing, Kaguya. I won't …I won't say anything about the price you're paying, but you have to realize that whoever this is will not give you what you want." Suzaku pressed. "They're just using you, like they did with me. a childlike voice, reeking with arrogance and disdain, yet you don't know what he looks like. That's who you spoke with, isn't it?"
For a moment, Kaguya actually looked surprised, before she hardened her gaze back at him. "It doesn't matter, I have no other choice. In order to save him I have to…" She faltered, looking away from him.
"Have to what?" For once, she seemed uncertain. "What is he making you do?"
Slowly, with no small hesitation, the young woman reached into her dress, retrieving the two black chess pieces he said seen countless times now. She stared at them, examining every inch of their flawless craftsmanship. Kaguya eventually brought the two of them together at their bases, and to Suzaku's surprise, they reacted. The king's head split open, revealing an ominous red button. After a moment's deliberation, Kaguya pressed down on the switch.
The device sprung to life, an intricate control panel unfolding from the attached queen. "This controls the Damocles in its entirety, and it's the only way to do so. There is no other way to access the system. They were both given to me…together, and discreetly. And…yes, I don't know who is responsible. I just know they have Lelouch, and what it is I have to do to get him back."
Suzaku took all this in with a deep breath. It was…mostly what he had expected. "And what more is there?"
She pursed her lips, looking down at the activated key. "One more FLEIJA, in the heart of New Tokyo, after the fighting has begun."
Suzaku took a step back in shock. "Here?! But…You said there wasn't any, so did Ruben." He argued.
She shook her head. "As far as Ruben was aware that was true. And for a time, yes, there weren't any. Lelouch deactivated the warhead within the settlement once he declared Yoake a nation. This much Ruben knew. But…"
Kaguya fiddled with the device, until the tiny screen along the queen's length then displayed 'Warhead Eleven: Active'. "A code is needed to rearm any of the FLEIJAs, a code only Lelouch knew. Which means at some point after that night, he reactivated it. That's how I know he's alive."
Suzaku fell into a deep frown, taking all this in. "But why would it be given to you? That bastard could have done it himself."
Kaguya undid the connection, and both pieces resumed their unassuming forms. "He can't, actually. You know how Lelouch is, just having the keys isn't enough. Like I said, you need a code to do anything with them. He guessed I knew it…and he was right."
"You can't go through with this, what would Lelouch think of all this, of everything he built erased to bring him back?" Suzaku said.
"What else am I supposed to do?" She cried out. "I can't just…ignore Lelouch!"
"Three years ago he tore us apart, using me to do it. And now he's using you to finish the job, stealing Zero's identity and tarnishing his name in the process. He's destroying Lelouch's entire legacy for some twisted reason." He looked Kaguya dead in the eye, hammering in the brutal truth. "He won't give Lelouch back."
The girl looked only seconds from breaking. She forced words through trembling lips. "I have to. No one else will."
"Let's take this to Clovis, he cares a great deal for Lelouch too." Suzaku offered.
"As much as you once did?" Kaguya accused.
He winced at that. "I still do. There isn't a moment I don't spend hating myself for what I did. I know you don't believe me, but I swear I did not pull that trigger."
she sighed, looking back down upon the keys she still held. "It doesn't matter. Tohdoh's the one to blame in the end, and he got what he deserved."
It may be the closest to forgiveness he'd get from her, and he would gladly take it.
"I'm sorry to say I really don't know what the right choice is here." He admitted. "Lelouch was the one who always had the answers, and I would simply follow his lead. The one time I chose not to was the worst mistake I ever made."
Kaguya snorted, clearly agreeing with him. "Well if you don't know what to do, I'm at a loss."
"You said he gave the keys to you because you knew how to use them. Well, it's hard to imagine Lelouch hasn't heard about the FLEIJAs by now, wherever he is. So surely he must know you were responsible, which means he knows you're alive." Suzaku reasoned as it came to him. "And we both know there's nothing on this earth that could stop him from finding you again. So right now, I'm certain he's exactly where he wants to be."
She looked down, conflict clouding in her eyes. "So I should just hope he's okay, and pray he comes back?"
"Just believe in him."
What he didn't do, what he should have done. He was the last person to insist on it, but he had to try all the same.
"Alright." Kaguya finally said. "After the battle, I'll…speak with Clovis. I'll tell him everything."
Suzaku quietly breathed a sigh of relief. He'd avoided the worst. And even through his own uncertainty, he would have to believe in his own words. To have faith, where he once did not.
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"People of Yoake, once again, I must speak with you." Clovis spoke with a measured tone. His arm was bound in a sling, though to all watching, his good health was apparent. "Insidious forces have attempted to strike at us from within, but rest assured: they have failed. But theirs is far from the only threat leveled against us. As I speak, Britannia's fleet is once again coming to our shores. What lies before us is a daunting trial, foes from within and without, madmen and wanton destruction. There was a time when I had thought myself above such concerns, when I held myself above everyone, believing my station was one of privilege and prestige, not responsibility and duty."
A frown fell upon the once imperial prince's face. He had no script to follow, only choosing to speak what words came to him. "I often find myself wondering if I am any better than the man I once was. If I had outgrown the fool who was in over his head, completely unconcerned with the people he was meant to lead. I know that I am not the man you wanted, nor do I think for a moment I deserve to stand here now. Yet all the same I will do everything I can with the chance I still have."
Clovis placed his good hand upon his chest, over his heart. "I am but a fool, chasing the afterimage of a dream I never saw in myself. I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but of one thing I am absolutely certain. I am done looking behind me for better days, for I know they lie before me. And I will continue to chase after them, for as long as I am able. So I ask you now, will you follow me into the unknown? Will you continue to hope for a better tomorrow? Will you fight for it?"
He breathed out, smoothing his features. "My friends, we stand on the edge of our greatest challenge. Before us is a moment that will define our future. And I shall seize it with my own hands, no matter the outcome."
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Pendragon Imperial Palace; 2020 ATB
"Cornelia's fleet will soon be reaching the border, Your Majesty." Bismarck's voice broke the silence, and the emperor spared him a glance.
"Have the formal declaration sent shortly then." Charles replied curtly.
The Knight of One nodded. "It also appears that he has decided to finally make his move."
To this, the old man allowed a grin. "Has he now?"
"Have you decided to intervene?"
"No, it won't be necessary." He said.
"Then shall we head to Kamine Island now?" His knight asked.
"Not just yet, but do prepare the Great Britannia. For now, we shall wait in C's world."
"I see. Then you believe that's how it will end." Bismark stated. That was not a question.
"Perhaps." The emperor chuckled lightly, rising to his full height from his throne. "Who can say for certain? Although…You'd best be careful, dear brother."
Charles zi Britannia departed from the throne room, his knight at his side. "You may believe you are in control, but you may find you are quite outmatched."
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HBN Artemis, International Border; 2020 ATB
Tensions were high strung aboard the princess's flagship. Many of the officers present had been present once before, and had no shortage of bad memories. The stakes were far higher now.
"Ma'am, we're approaching Yoake's border now." Cornelia was told, as far in the distance, the very island came into view.
"Has the declaration of war been declared?" She asked. It was standard to do so mere moments from the initial attack. Though it may be considered ill practice, none would dare tell the empire otherwise.
"Yes ma'am."
She nodded. "We shall await confirmation from all vessels."
"We're receiving a communication from Yoake, your highness."
"Put it through."
She recalled a similar happening once before, though this time it was Clovis whose face she now saw. He looked worse for wear, though his eyes displayed a steely resolve.
"Cornelia. I never imagined this is the way we would reunite after so long." Clovis said to her. How strange it is, the paths we've walked."
"Is there a reason you called?" She asked with little patience. "Surely you have not chosen to surrender."
"I simply wished to talk, while we still had a chance to do so." He said with a sad smile.
"There is little that needs to be said between us." Cornelia told him. "It is clear you are prepared to fight to the bitter end. Anything you have to say would be better spoken on the battlefield.
"There is something that you still need to answer, Cornelia."
She froze, painfully aware of what he was speaking of. That very question that plagued her for so long.
"You are out of time, my dear sister. If you do not have your answer at this point, then it will be given to you. And you might no like what it is."
The princess frowned, recalling another conversation she just had not long ago. "Everyone seems to know better than I." She spoke with all the frustration she felt with each passing day. "What do you know, about the burdens I bear?"
"I know that it often takes someone else to show you what you yourself are blind to." Her brother said.
"You think me blind? I can see it, it's so awfully clear to me, but it makes no difference. I have a duty, it is mine to carry." Cornelia said.
"I see. Then I hope that duty sees you through, to whatever truth you may find." Clovis sighed, before his gaze turned hostile. "The moment you cross the border, we will open fire. There will be no further discussion."
"Fine by me." She ground out.
An uncomfortable silence descended upon the bridge, as the officers present could feel the intensity radiating off the chief general. "Open a channel to all units." Cornelia ordered.
Her subordinates jumped to comply, and soon she was speaking to all the men and women who were to follow her into war. "This is Chief General Cornelia li Britannia. Many of you have fought beside me in the past, though some I have yet to know the privilege."
The fleet she now commanded was greater in capacity than any she had ever led. It was far from her own personal division that would fight and die with her. "Three years ago we came to know defeat upon those shores in a magnitude we have never before experienced. We were brought low, beaten by once loyal allies who betrayed our empire." Cornelia had given inspirational speeches many times before. She was no stranger to rousing the spirits of her soldiers. Yet now, why did these words feel so hollow?
Ah, perhaps that would work better. For them, and for herself. "Our convictions were tested, and found wanting. But now, we have been given a chance to settle the score. So show me, sons of Britannia, how far your will takes you."
Show me the answer. "Tell me who is just…with your actions today. Forward, in the name of the Holy Britannian Empire. Forward…to victory."
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Temple Tower; 2020 ATB
He was nearing the end of this book. It was one of his favorites, and he'd read it many times while he was down here. A cautionary tale it was, about the dangers of exacting revenge. Though it did amuse him a bit. A man who knew not what it meant to lose everything could not understand. There was only one remedy for the weight upon his heart. Especially when that weight refused to let it go.
"The fighting should have started by now." He spoke aloud. The battle that would determine everything. It, of course, would not be the last they would have to fight, that would come later. But the curtain had risen on the final act, and he had all the pieces ready.
It was time to end this game.
"He's here."
His sole company, Albert the prison guard-a man who knew far more than he should have, spoke to him.
He allowed himself a smile, and closed his book. He knew how it ended.
Footsteps echoed throughout the silence of his solitary cell, and Lelouch finally saw for himself the visage of the man-the child-who had tried so hard to break him.
The boy's face was that of a triumphant sneer, his strides filled with confidence as he approached the imprisoned prince. His long, pale blonde hair trailed behind him, giving him an otherworldly appearance. Lelouch watched him impassively until the boy finally stopped before him.
His sneer grew wider, into a vicious thing that revealed his true nature. "I've just been dying to finally meet you, Lelouch vi Britannia."
The prince returned the boy's expression. "Likewise, V.V."
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