Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for O.C's
Viceroy's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 6:45 AM
Earlier in the morning
The vast structure, with the Imperial flag of the lion and snake, a huge, vast, heavily armed military fortress. Tall, medieval like skyscrapers lined up, all of which connected to what appeared to be a bridge monorail that lead to Cornelia's palace. There was also a roadway that stretched for miles and some small buildings.
The imperial soldiers march along, being instructed by high-ranking officers. Inside the hangers, engineer crews inspected the various types of KMFs while more soldiers jogged in formation. Various types of armor are being stored inside, including new tanks, SAMs, and AA guns.
A number of advance areal ships flew over the government bureau, including Marrybell's flagship. Other aircraft that flew in sorties around the viceroy palace included Apache Helicopters, F-22 Raptors, Ka-52 Alligator Attack Helicopters, Su-35s, and RQ-170 Sentinel.
Orpheus walked up to the Hover port and stopped and looked up to the sky. Seeing the various aircraft patrol the airspace of the Palace. He then saw two officers of the Imperial air force approaching him with a salute. He was to conduct an inspection of Princess Marrybells Hover Curuser and presided to follow them after a short brief.
Euphemia's bedroom
The third princess woke up from her dream and got up from her bed. The pink-haired girl covered her mouth as she yawned and looked around.
Its morning. Euphie then heard a knock on the door, "Enter." the door opened to reveal Jenny, her new Maid.
"Good morning Milady," The young maid smiled to her mistress, as she carried a try of her breakfast meal.
"Morning Jenny," Euphie smiled brightly to her new friend. Jenny walked over to the bed and placed the tray on Euphie's lap.
"You seem well rested."
"Yea, I'm very excited to start my full day, and I also made some arrangements to have you enrolled in Ashford Academy."
"I appreciate your kindness, Milady. By the by, I was informed that you'll be doing an inspection?"
Euphemia put her finger on her chin in thought before exclaiming, "Oh, you mean about Rio." Jenny nodded.
"It's a surprise inspection, as I was told about a pet ferret."
"A-a ferret?" Jenny asked, "Dose it carry rabies and if so, then-"
"No, Rio's pet doesn't carry rabies, silly," Euphie laughed. The young maid's cheeks looked pink. "Forgive me, I got a little carried away."
"Besides, It has been cheeked out yesterday."
"Y-you mean that it had rabies?"
"No, big sister Nelly strongly recamended Rio to take it to an animal vet, to cheek up on germs. It's all good," Euphie chirped. Jenny signed in relief, "I could never forgive myself if you got sick."
"Or you as well," The Princess and the maid laughed. "I do admit that I do get sick easily, but not like you, you seem to be immune to sickness. Because you are our Princess of our Holy Empire, God has granted you unlimited health."
Euphemia couldn't help but roll her eyes as she smiled. She cares not for her title, but she can't really renounce it like she did before. The pink-haired princess put up a happy expression to her timid personal maid as she humored with her maid on her holy imperial title. Thinking about her father and Vincent makes her realize that she's trapped.
...
The pink-haired princess's day was eventful. She, Jenny and Dalton first conducted an inspection of Rio's new room and were introduced to the young knight's pet ferret. Rio explained that she bought the ferret at an animal shelter in São Paulo, Area 6 when she was training in the conscript core. The price of pets is high for native Brazilians like herself, even though she was registered as an Honorary Britannian, but the store owner gave Rio a discount.
Rio named the ferret 'Dorie' and they have been her best pals ever since.
Thereafter, Euphemia began to sign paperwork, she had remained forces during the entire time so that she can go to Ashford on time. After she was done she head out her office for a walk however, she ran into Marry's personal knight, named Oldrin, and had a very silly and fun conversation. Euphie's perception of Oldrin's is highly favorable following their conversation. She can tell that Oldrin is different from any other noble she's met before. Oldrin is a hard worker who likes to try new things. She is also close to Marry because they grew up together in House Zevon. Euphemia offered if she can speak to Marrybell, which Oldrin replied 'yes'.
In the training center, Marrybell was training her sword art with Cornelia's subordinates. Oldrin led Eupheima and Rio Salvo to the training center. Oldrin and Rio were enthusiastic about the Hero Princess's victory over her mock opponent, but Euphie was aware of Marry's battle prowess. After Marry had completed her task, she observed her sister Euphie and their knights and extended an invitation to them for lunch, which they graciously accepted.
Marrybell's formality and ability to make everyone laugh at lunch made Euphemia's conversation at the outdoor dining. She saw in Marry a glimmer she hadn't seen in a while. But when Orpheus Zevon and Bartley had informed them of the results of data they collected from the JLF, she, her sister and their knights had to be in this meeting. For Euphemia it's only because she wanted to press Bartley on showing his lab and because that her new Personal Knight is a Rounds member, she can get access to the facility.
Rio, being a Knights of the Round, has given clearance to and with the backing of Dalton Bartley which he hesitated for a moment but complied. Euphie knew that she's bing sidetrack, but she didn't have much of a chose, she knew they were working on some kind of Knightmare (?) and had Jeremiah Gottwald in their custody.
Euphemia wanted to see wants going on and when Bartley gave her the tour along with Rio, Dalton, and Jenny. Orpheus was watching from the background, apparently instructed by Marry to keep close tabs.
Suddenly, there was a commotion when the capsule was opened, revealing Jeremiah Gottwarld and the entire scene is precisely how Euphemia had witnessed during the Black Rebellion, only this time she was there and alive. It's like history is repeating itself, but she wanted to talk to him, and without a moment's delay as Gottwarld was about to go on a rampaged.
At that moment, she knew what was neccarey and staring directly at Gottwarld she used her blue Geass, the Power of Premonition.
...
...
Church, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 2:16 PM
Present
Lelouch and Euphemia stared into each other's eyes. Lelouch thought he had countless things to say after that cat decided to tag along, but he is strucked by her again. He had remarked to Euphie while she had met with the white cat, but when she jumped at the sound of his voice, ran out of her set with the cat in her arms. Now, she is seven feet away from him, he was stunned.
He couldn't help but notice her beauty, she was wearing the same white and orange dress as C.C used while he had to deal with Mao, but she had to time to properly present herself elegantly.
"Am I... dreaming? Is this real?" Euphemia breathed.
The Raven haired schoolboy saw that the third princess was about to cry. He was shocked to see her in this state, had she been apprehensive about him? "Yes this is real. I'm here and so is Nunnaly."
"LELOUCH!" She wept as she rushed towards him for a hug. He closed his eyes tight and hugged her back after being taken aback. Bianca, a cat who never dies, felt like she was being squeezed in while humans were hugging each other.
Shinjuku Ghetto, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 2:19 AM
Nigma huffed as she crossed her arms, "You sure you haven't seen them?" A local rebel fighter shook his head.
"Nope, sorry."
The Lilac haired young woman turned her attention to the four kids with a shrugged of her shoulders.
"Don't worry, Nigma-san, we'll find your friends," the little girl Numi exclaimed.
"Yea," the three boys named Kim, Oni and Sugi pumped up their fists up in the air.
"Thank you for your encouragement." Nigma smiled at the children, the cat, and the dog, "As you may be aware, these two individuals have been stalking a certified Resident Nurse.""
"Oh, you mean Mrs Sano?" Kim asked. Nigma nodded, "Yup Geomon and Yukamori think that Sano-san is the killer. From what I can tell, they're probably looking for her."
"Sano? You mean Kyoko Sano?" the Rebel fighter inquired. Nigma turned around to face him, "Yea, I've seen them the other day talking about her being the prime suspect of this murder case."
"Heh, Oghi wouldn't like that if that is the case... OH, right! I think I've seen her go in that direction." The rebel pointed to his left.
"Thanks, but we're looking for Geomon and Yukamori," Commander Nigma put her hands on her hips.
"I know, but maybe-"
"OH snap!" Nigma slapped her forehead, "She's here? I got to ask her about gramps! Excuse us! Come on."
The four kids, the cat, and the dog, followed Nigma, saying their goodbyes to one of Ohgi's men. The rebel sighed and decided to follow them as well. Nigma and the kids notice the rebel guard catching up to them.
"Permit me to assist you, Commander," the male rebel stated. "So informal for wearing casual clothing but thanks. What's your name, solider?" The Lilace haired young woman asked.
"The names Raze," he exclaimed as he walked with the kids. "Nice to meet you, Raze," Nigma smiled as they walked to a building in this lively area.
At the entrance to the building, Nigma instructed the children and their dog and cat to stay outside while she and Raze proceeded to head inside. It was quite dark as the lights were burned out. It was an apartment that was being used for the sick and wounded, but it was later condemned by the Empire's local environmental protection agency and sealed off.
Even though the Empire's assertions were unpopular, the neighborhood residents were reluctant to take the chance of being targeted. Despite this, Kyoko Sano has been sighted in and out of the place regardless of the risk, mostly to treat children with illness.
"After we liberate Japan, we are going to seriously think about reconstruction," Nigma remarked as she turned on the flashlight as she walked through the hallway with the rebel.
"Agreed. Can't remember the last time we've been in charge," The rebel said.
"Hopefully, we don't have to deal with traitors."
"Um, traitors?" he asked nervously.
"Anyone with the Kururugi name tag," She rolled her eyes. "Right," He laughed heartily and then jumped at the sound of a pipe falling on the floor.
"What was that?!"
Nigma stopped at the door next to her, an apartment room with a number, "Sounds like we're here." She signaled the rebel to barge in, which the said rebel complied with slight hesitation.
Viceroy's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 3:45 PM
Art Gallery
Cornelia Li Britannia was devoted to achieving her primary objectives, namely halting the terrorists responsible for the death of her brother. However, she had not considered the welfare of her younger sister, Euphemia. She is cognizant of her younger sister's curiosity beyond the confines of the walls and her comprehension of the world, yet her younger sister has encountered situations that could pose a significant threat to her life.
While Cornelia is thankful to God Almighty for Euphemia's safe return. That said, she had conveyed to her younger sister on how she and her knights ordered the police and the military to search and rescue. On the surface, Euphie has taken it to spades on what Cornelia had told her. However, she knows it would be more trouble for Euphie in the future.
"That's a big portrait of your brother, Marry," Oldrin remarked to her best friend. "Yea," Marrybell mused as she looked up at the portrait with her arms crossed.
The Knight looked at her Princess, "Something on your mine? Oh, wait, let me guess; it is about Euphie."
"Euphie has spoken to Zero during the hotel hostage crises. Her clams about Zero's boasting that Clovis died like a dog is a first time I ever heard of it."
"Oh yea," Oldrin recalled their meeting with her at the tea party.
"Some Nobles here have been lining up to talk to me and air out their suspicions about her and Zero."
"Clearly they are plotting something," Oldrin remarked.
"Such as..."
Oldrin shrugged, "I don't know, maybe try to sabotage her cease fire plan?"
Marrybell snorted, "These guys are so on-brand." Oldrin covered her mouth to suppress her laughter.
Cornelia approaches the two girls, "Marrybell, Lady Oldrin." Marrybell and Oldrin turned around to meet the Viceroy of Area 11.
"Ma'am," Oldrin saluted. "Big Sister," Marrybell nodded.
"I was told that you would be here."
"You want to discuss things in private, right?" Cornelia shook her head in private.
"Your Knight seems far more trusting, in my opinion. Her battles and linage to the House Zevon is enough to prove that."
Marrybell smiled brightly at her older sister, a complement to her Personal Knight.
"I am honored, your highness," Oldrin said. Cornelia nodded back.
"On to the topic at hand. The situation on Kyushu is at a stand still, the Chinese Federation gone to great length in propping up their Proxies. One must assume that they are involved in the struggle."
Marrybell made a thinking pose, "You mean they are in a direct intervention... I am not convinced that's the case. Yes, they are still sending their weapons and material to the Japanese Liberation Front, but they are not directing the Native militia's battles."
"Humph! One might guess that might be the case. However, they managed to get the best of the former Colonel when the JLF have overrun Kyushu once again, while I was away."
"During my conversation with a representative of the Chinese Embassy, they categorically denied any involvement in the events that occurred in Kyushu, aside from providing military and humanitarian aid. Oh, and Intelligent gathering."
"This only pushes the notion of their involvement," Cornelia crossed her arms. Marrybell put her right hand on her hip.
"I am still skeptical about the Intelligent gathering part, as the High Eunuch are not Intelligent, but I believe them. The decision makers of the Chinese Federation cant pull off another naval assault. That's just giving them too much credit."
"You mean the Black Knights," Cornelia scoffed.
"So far no evidence of Chinese officials sighted anywhere in Kyushu. So it might not be specified as a Proxy war. Zero had ended it before it became one. In other words, yes, it is the Black Knights."
"I still don't understand what the heck is going on."
"Consolidation of power, I assume. China has always enjoyed close ties with Japan. It would not surprise me if the Politburo were forced to cancel their plans to install a puppet government in exchange for Zero and the Black Knight's cooperation."
"Cling on to a relic of the past and to spite us and to get nothing in return. Typical."
Oldrin cough in one hand, "Permission to speak?"
Cornelia and Marry looked at the young female Knight. Marry then giggled, "Permission granted."
"Concerning the Kyushu region, I spoke with Euphie earlier about her unilateral cease-fire strategy, and we agreed that we should begin by negotiating the exchange of inmates."
Cornelia dismissed, "My men have all sighed a no hostage policy, it would be like negotiating with the JLF like the last time."
Oldrin placed her finger on her lower lip, "But doesn't Prince Schneziel support Euphie's proposal?" The Goddess of Victory rolled her eyes.
"He forgets that we are fighting a war, not a geopolitical chessboard."
Oldrin then looked at Marry, "What do you think?"
"My sister is right, they did sign a no hostage policy, but as long as there are certain high-profile hostages such as my sister Euphemia, such a policy isn't worth the paper is written on."
"Yea, if I were the hostage, you would back me out, right?"
Marrybell narrowed her eyes at her best friend, "So that's how she got you thinking about it, huh?"
Oldrin grinned, "Oh, come on, Marry! You're not going to leave me hanging?"
"Oh gee, I really don't know," Marrybell laughed. "Marry!" Oldrin laughed as well. Cornelia sighed as she shook her head in disapproval and then smiled at the two girls. It's nice to see her younger half sister and her friend, who are very brave and can talk about military things and politics with her. She hasn't seen any of her younger half siblings with this much dedication to the Empire as Marrybell has possessed. Of course, there is the reason for it, as the shadows of Marry's tragic past looms over her still.
Nonetheless, Cornelia would unwaveringly support Marrybell's direct claim to the Imperial throne.
Church, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 3:49 PM
"I'm glad I get to see you again, Lulu. It's been pretty hard for me." Euphie said as she stroked the white cat's fur as the said cat rested on her lap. The Cat feel asleep.
"Y-Yea," That's all Lelouch had to say as he sat next to her. He looked down at the floor and thought about what to say to her. He thought he knew the words, but nothing came out from the mental script.
As she was glacé to him, her brows frowned.
"Lulu?"
"I'm sorry," He said as he looked down at the floor.
"For what?"
"For getting you into this mess. I did not know what to make of you coming here. I'd figured that you would hate me for what I did. So It was easy for me to disregard you as an adversary, a distraction initially. I've fallen into a trap and got you into it," Lelouch was startled as Euphemia reached out with her right hand and lightly touched his cheek.
"You do have to apologize, Lulu. One could assert that it is a blessing from the Almighty. Although It is obvious that I do miss Clovis, but his passing made it possible to find you and Nunnally. I learned that God always has a plan for us."
Lelouch smiled as his cheeks were slightly rosy from her touch.
"Beside, you made your decision on Clovis's fate, and that's okay. I'm not the type that screams bloody murder over a family member's death. The truth is after you and Nunnally were presumed dead, I've grieved for you both all the time. Clovis funeral just reminds me of you"
Lelouch, "Because I'm still that sweet little boy you use to hang out with?" she pinch his cheeks. "Ouch!"
Euphie giggled, "Now, now, Lulu let's not rush into conclusions~ I think about Nunnally as well and how she might want to be in a peaceful world where you and I are in it."
Lelouch sighed as he rubbed his cheek.
"Oh and one other thing," Euphie exclaimed. She pinched his arm.
"Ow, hey!"
"Here's hoping that helps. So no more thinking about Clovis okay?" Euphie said brightly. The raven haired teen rolled his eyes as he rubbed his arm, "Okay."
The Female White Cat yawned when she was woken up on the human girl's lap.
"Oh, and by the way, where did you find this white cat?" Euphie asked. He was grateful when the cat felt asleep on Euphie's lap, as she was stroking the feline before he was able to talk to her about anything.
"Milly and the others discovered that cat hiding in the warehouse, and during the festival, Milly asked everyone to look for it. The festival had its moments, but ultimately, I was the one to take care of it."
"Interesting..."
"A white cat wearing a blue cap and a jewel on its forehead is unusual. She didn't have a tag."
"That sigil looked familiar, though..."
"What did you mean?"
"I-I'm, ahh-Remember those island ruins? That mark on the stone floor looks similar to that."
"You remember?"
"It was glowing red, and the sk-" She stopped herself when the sound of lightning roared outside the church.
There was a knock on the door. Lelouch, Euphemia and Bianca turned their attention to the church entrance.
"Um, Lulu, could you please hold her for a moment? It must be Soyako and Rio." Lelouch nodded as Euphie held the cat and placed it in his arms.
Euphiema stood up, dusted her orange skirt with one hand, and then walked to the marble floor between the church chairs.
"Enter!"
Both the maid Soyako and the young Knight of Honor, wearing the pink Ashford Academy dress uniform, walked through the door. The maid bowed her head while the young female knight saluted their masters.
"It is about to rain heavily. Might we suggest we return to the clubhouse?" Soyako asked.
Rio Salvo, "Y-yea. I just informed the Viceroy that this rain would take about a houner and a half before you returned to the bureau."
"Have you explained it to my elder sister?"
"Yes, Milady. I told her that you'd be spending the time in discussion with the Ashfords. Lady Marrybell doesn't seem to be suspicious of what you are doing either."
Princess Euphemia said, "Good," and she clapped her hands together. She turned to Lelouch and the cat.
"I think this might be the perfect time to meet with Nunnally. Don't you think, Lulu?"
Lelouch sighed as he got up with the cat in his arms. He flinched as the white cat jumped out of his arms. The Cat ran up to Euphemia.
She laughed when she picked up the cat.
"I think she likes you," Lelouch remarked as he walked up to Euphie.
"You are also her favorite, you know. You just don't know it yet," the pink-haired princess replied to the raven-haired schoolboy.
He chucked, "Well, that was nice of you to say."
The additional thunderstorm can be heard outside the church.
"Oh my, it's about to rain. We should probably get going." Euphie smiled as she petted the cat.
"Yea," He nodded as he looked away in an attempt to hide his blush. He forgot to compliment her dress and looks before any wittiness. Also, her warm smile has an effect on him currently.