Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for O.C's
Shinjuku Ghetto, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 2:31 PM
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. I can't remember the last time we've been in charge," The rebel said.
"Maybe next time 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 rebel did with slight hesitation.
"Okay 3… 2… 1!" Raze kicked the door open as he rushed inside while squinting with his gun in hand. Nigma rolled her eyes as she simply walked into the room.
The room itself is rather empty, with only two desks and a laptop.
"A box?" Nigma walked over to the box with her arms crossed.
"No sigh of deadly traps," Raze exclaims. "Oi! Do you know what's inside that box?" Raze jumped and turned around to face his commander.
" I um—"
"Go open it. That's an order," Nigma said sternly. Raze swallowed. He is not going to disobey an order; hopefully it is not a bomb. Raze slowly approached the box before opening it.
Subsequently, the commander heard her phone ring. Nigma signaled Raze to pause and brought up her phone.
"What is it?" The Lilac haired young woman asked as she turned around away from the box. Raze looked on, confounded, as he scratched the back of his head.
Nigma's eyes widen. "Wait, hold up! Are you serious?"
Raze was sure that the commander was talking about the old man.
"I'm inside the complex with the guard," Nigma answered calmly and sighed, "I'll be right out to pick him up." She hung up the phone and mumbled a few curses.
"Stay here, I'm going to contact Ohgi and Tamaki to mobilize our guard, and then we'll raid the palace!"
Raze: "They're here already?"
"No. Just wait here and don't touch anything!" Nigma stormed out.
Raze shuddered as he was now alone in this dark office room. Well, alone with a box. Didn't Nigma say that she wanted him to open the box? He had to admit he did feel tempted to take a peak, even if it was a bomb. Even if there was a bomb inside, it's not like it would explode on him. In fact, it could have a timer.
"Yea, that makes sense; I might have to take a peak and then skedaddle and warn the others. Yea that's."
He then felt shadowy presences behind him. He quickly turned around and found
Nothing.
Then he flinched and found it coming from outside the room.
"Who's there?" he barked. He was sure that wasn't the commander, and he readied his rifle and walked out.
He looked both ways in the hallway. It's still nothing. Raze, take a breath, his nerves are getting to him.
"This is stupid," He said to himself, and he was about to walk back to the room.
"Sir, are you lost?" A woman spoke in a soft and caring voice. Raze froze before turning around to meet-
In a red flash, Kyoko Sano used her dagger to slash her victim's neck before the interloper could react, as she did not allow the interloper time to react. Subsequently, she repelled him back into the room by kicking him, causing his back to hit the desk, and sustaining a blow to his face on the floor.
Pools of blood poured from her victim, and the childless widow stared coldly. Subsequently, she pushed enter on her phone.
Two Minutes Later
A group of resistance fighters were present outside the ruined hospital. Some onlookers took note but paid no attention, as they believed that with them around, they were safe from harm.
"A ceasefire?" Nigma crossed her arms.
The resistant fighter nodded. "Yea, it would seem that Princess Euphemia has been talking about it on live television. At that school where Kallen goes."
Nigma gazed down, slightly confused, and then looked up at the rebel and said, "Then what are you doing here, telling me all this? I thought Sensei had arrived here!"
"The rest of the core members are always on the move."
Nigma sighed with relief. "You gave me a heart attack." She glared at them.
"Sorry about that, mate. Ohigi knew that you would start running the moment you heard him coming," The rebel chucked.
"Very funny," She rolled her eyes. "So... the Imperialists are proposing a ceasefire."
"Under Princess Kaguya's orders. They want you to return to Kyushu."
"A proposal such as this can't be ignored without proper discussion for all parties." For Nigma this is golden, as she can go to Kyushu and be with her uncle and hopefully talk to her teacher about the killings in the Ghetto. Nigma is thankful that her teacher will escort her to the hospital to pick up old man Ono.
"The thought just accored to me: where are Geomon and Yukamori?" The two rebels whom Nigma was talking to exchanged glances before answering to their commanding officer.
"U-Um about that."
Suddenly, there is a loud explosion from the hospital, alerting everyone outside. Nigma eyes widened in shock, "Holy crap- Raze!" She was about to run inside, but the one rebel stopped her.
"Wait, it is too dangerous!"
"But Raze is-" She stopped mid-sentence as she watched the fires burning, her eyes lowered, "Never mine, he's dead," She then turned on her heel to meet her subordinates, "Everyone, clear out! The Britannian aircraft is coming in hot soon, and I would rather not be here before it does!"
"Yes, Commander!" and with that, the Resistance group scattered.
A dozen of Britannian Apache Helicopters leveled the building with missiles after it was notified via its AWACS that a fire had broken out. The building has long since been a legitimate target for the Imperial Army, but they never got around it until now. Due in part because the third Princess of the Holy Empire was missing last time.
After reporting in, the Imperial Helicopter Squad went back to base.
Everyone emerged from hiding after the coast was cleared. Ohgi was told what was going on by his friends.
"So there is a murder case?" He inquired about the rebel grunt.
"Apparently yea. Our two groupies have been all over it. I haven't heard from them since."
Ohgi, "So where is-"
"Oi Sensei!" Nigma waved at Ohgi as she approached him. Ohgi responded with a wave of his hand, "Nigma!" Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
Nigma bowed her head before speaking, "No sir. I'm alright." Ohgi signed in relief after hearing that from his former student.
Nigma offered her brief perspective on what's been happening lately to her teacher during her break. Ohgi is troubled by the situation in the ghetto. Nigma wanted to ask Ohgi about Geomon and Yukamori, but a freedom fighter came in and told them that their friends had been killed, just like that.
"What!?" Ohgi was surprised.
"The Britannian's found the bodies, as it has been reported in the news," said the female freedom fighter.
"I see.." Ohgi shook his head in disappointment. He had known them well enough to ask, "How did this happen?"
"It could be that Nurse lady who did it."
"That's not very helpful..."
"Well, Geomon has been saying it's her, so it might be her."
"And if that's the case, then I should be careful what you say out loud," He dismissed her, crossed his arms and sank deep into thought before turning his attention towards his student.
He saw Nigma's gaze looking down, fists clenching. It's unusual, but he can trust her.
"Hey Nigma. I've been thinking, would you mind accompanying me to a quiet place?"
Nigma gazed at her master in a state of confusion, as her master elaborated.
"Okay, I actually want you to come with me to my apartment to pick up someone so that we can, um," He said, clearing his throat with one hand, trying to sound professional, when thinking about the woman in his care, "Fast food restaurant."
Nigma blinked, "Someone?"
"It's complacent, but I, um, promised her that I would take her out after work." He laughed heartily.
Nigma simply shrugged and said, "I'm not going to dwell on its Sensei. Sure, I'll come with you."
Ashford Academy Club House, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 4:01 PM
Today was a day of heavy rain, torrential downpours, and thunderous thunder throughout the Tokyo Settlement. Apart from the media report of heavy rain, there was a special report on the fact that the Sub-Viceroy was visiting the heads of Ashford Academy. In this case, the Imperial Press Core has parked outside the Academy, perhaps in hopes of interviewing their Holy Monarch.
The pitter-patter of the rain hitting the window of the clubhouse's Main Hall. Rio felt like she was having a staring contest with the white cat at the door entrance.
The young Knight of Seven, who wore the pink Ashford Academy dress uniform, has already dispatched the special task force of the Knight Police to guard the perimeter where Princess Euphemia will be having her meeting. The young Brizilian Knight has to make sure that the reporters are kept at a respectful distance, preferably blocking all entry points per protocol. This wasn't unnoticed by the students and the staff, though it was organized peacefully and orderly.
Rio has taken her job quite seriously, as per protocol, although she did have some guidance from Miss Soyako and Princess Euphemia about the campus that she didn't think about. Which she is genuinely thankful for.
Anyway, back to the cat with the red jewel on its forehead: it was sitting on the floor, staring with those green eyes (?) at the fifteen-year-old knight. It slightly tilted its head at her. She had this awkward feeling that this white cat was judging her somehow.
The Knight jumped when she heard a knock on the door and announced, "I'll get it!" She opened the door.
"M-Miss Ashford?" Rio's eyes widened as the older girl walked in. "Hey, Rio," Milly grins at the younger girl as she holds her umbrella.
"Um, long time no see," Rio said as she closed the door behind Milly Ashford and offered the student body president her umbrella.
"You as well," Milly chirped as she handed her umbrella to the young knight. "By the way, you look adorable in our school uniform."
Rio slightly blushed and said, "Um, thanks," as she looked the other way- to the stairs—and pointed. "Um, Princess Euphemia is upstairs in the dining room with her friends; Miss Soyoko is with them. I'd just like to inform you."
"That's great. Oh, I see you met Felisha," Milly remarked. The White Cat rolled her eyes.
"Felisha? Is that her name?" Rio asked.
"Yup, she was another stray when we found her."
"Huh, I was thinking about that, Princess Euphemia never mentioned anything to me about her friends owning a white cat. Now I know why. Her Highness must be surprised and delighted as well."
"Yeah, don't worry, though; Felisha won't bite or scratch."
"Well, that's good to hear." Rio has no need for any more inquiries about the white cat.
"So anyway, mind if you accompany me to Princess Euphemia?" Milly asked.
"I'm on duty and can't, sorry. Oh, right. Hold on," The Knight circled Milly while still holding on to that umbrella, "Just checking," she explained to Milly, and after she was done, "Okay, you're good to go." she laughed.
Milly laughed as well, "Thanks."
Tokyo Settlement Imperil Air Force Base, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 4:27 PM
When a large Privet Airliner landed on the airfield, the crew on the ground rushed in. The Airliner is marked with the tricolors of the Russian Flag. The plane parked next to the red carpet as the sacrificial guards of the Holy Britannian army gathered, rifles in hand, in a formation.
A Captain of this facility walked up to the plane, swiped his shoulder with his right hand and straighten his composure, waiting patiently for the guess to emerge out of the plane. He signaled the crew to move the stairway to the hatch after the plane's engine was shut off.
A minute later, the hatch opened and revealed that the woman had long, curly blond hair and blue eyes. A gold tiara with various gemstones and a blue ribbon tie her hair into a ponytail make her look like a princess. Furthermore, she sported a military attire of white and gold, adorned with medals and strips, reminiscent of the Romanov regimen, white gloves, a long white skirt, pantyhose and dress shoes.
The Britannian Imperil guards turn their heads in attention to the royal member of the House of Romanov, Princess Milania, as she is walking down the steps with her umbrella.
Milania Romanov approached the Captain, he saluted in recognition of her athurotuty and family rank in the Russian hierarchy of the new Special Administrative Zone of Russia.
"Ah, Lady Milania. So glad that you made it," The Captain bowed to the Romanov, "I was informed by Lord Schneziel of your arrival."
"Yes, it's regarding his various projects for the European continent and other matters," Milania spoke nonchalant.
"I'm truly sorry milady that his highness has not been able to meet you in person at this time."
"After the damage he caused to my country, I prefer not to speak with that man immediately. But I would like to have a conversation with the soon-to-be Grand Duchess of Euro-Britannia."
"Of course my lady," The male Britannian Captain was about to gesture her to follow him through the red—His eyes widened at the sight of a little 8-year-old Burnett Caucasian girl with her umbrella. She wore a robe coat over her light blue dress, a matching tiara and dress shoes. The smiling little princess hopped down three steeps.
"Please don't do that!" said the adviser Antoine as he got out with the luggage. The crew members helped the clumsy passenger out the hatch. He thanked them as he walked down the steps. He is also Caucasian with brown hair, wears glasses, a gray business attire, dark pants, black socks and shoes. Not only that, but he carried the luggage as he followed the young Princess down the steps and walked up to the older Princess and Captain.
The little one complied with a cute smile when Milania Romanov reached out for her sister's right hand.
"Maria Romanov," the Captain remarked, "I was not informed of your arrival."
"Call it a surprise visit," Antoine said, "And just so you know, Schneziel knew she was coming."
The Captain gritted his teeth at this low life, "And who are you?"
"This is Antoine, my adviser," Milania gestured to him.
"Antoine? That not a Russian name."
"What was your first clue? I was from Western Europe, after all," The Butler remarked.
"His family are immigrants," Milania explain.
"Indeed, we got your message," Sir Guildford approached the guess, which caught the Captain surprised as the said Captain turned around and saluted to the officer of higher rank.
"Sir Guildford I presume," Milania extended her hand to the Knight. Guildford approached and held her hand, "My Princess is most expecting you," He bowed his head.
"It is an honor, Sir Guildford," Milania smiled lightly, "As you were." the Knight let go of her hand as per custom, he signaled the two Romanov and Antoine to follow him to the armored car.
"As you should know, I seek to have an audience with Princess Euphemia, the third in line of the Holy Empire. It is concerning her role as the first Grand Douches of Euro-Britannia and the policy of the Special Administrative Zone of Russia."
"Lady Euphemia isn't at the Viceroy Palace currently, but I will inform the Knight of Seven about your arrival, she will arrange a summit meeting." Guildford said.
"No worries, we are in no rush," Milania said. "I see," Guildford darted his eye at the older Romanov. The Knight of Honor has already had mid-suspicion with the next hair.
After a duration of two minutes, the pilot crew and Secret Service personnel assisted with the luggage of Lady Milania and Lady Maria. Antoine waved at the Milania and Maria as they went inside the armored car. The Captain was instructed to escort Antoine to the French embassy.
Ashford Academy Club House, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 4:45 PM
The dining room
While sitting at the table, Euphemia, Lelouch, Nunnaly and Milly conversed with each other. A teapot from the kitchen, and laid on the table are some snakes. Milly Ashford has talked to Euphemia about Rio's enrollment at the Academy and the Brazilian's academic record. The Student Body president was also considering adding Rio to the Student Council.
Lelouch and Nannaly have listened to the conversation between their half-Sister and their friend with bright expressions.
Euphemia, "So like an intern," she concluded with a smile.
"Yup! What do you think?"
"I approved! It could help her get to know everyone."
"Well said, your Highness," Milly laughed, "I think she would be in a separate class, only because we got a couple of newbies just enrolled in that same class. It's a great time to throw a surprise party, but don't tell Rio."
"Don't worry, I won't."
Euphemia, Lelouch, and Nannaly were delighted to see Milly Ashford when she walked in and to talk about Euphie's new Knight. For Lelouch he is just happy to see Euphie again. However, he thought back about the events on one of the Japanese Islands and how Euphie had vanished into the darkness. Since then, Cornelia has been in a frenzy to find Euphie.
They haven't heard back from Suzaku though they have resive snail mail from him. Sheirly had contacted him on the phone just to apologize for that controversy; it appears they spent four hours to iron out their differences, though they believe it to be one-sided.
Despite the circumstances, they were aware that Sheirly still experienced a certain level of embarrassment regarding her performance, as it was initially perceived by many on campus as if she had formed a fan club with Nina.
Nunnaly had inquired about when Suaku would be able to come back to Ashford Academy with Euphemia.
Euphemia wasn't sure she had an answer to that question. She wasn't there to back him up when they put him under military arrest when she vanished from this world and uncovered new powers at the time. But like with the original timeline, he resigned his duty as her Knight of Honor, which she has no problem accepting.
"I don't know Nannaly. I've been gone for a while, if I hadn't gone missing, it would have been easy to clear things up. But if you want me to pardon him, I'll try my best."
"Hasn't he contacted you?" asked Lelouch. The pink-haired Princess shook her head.
"I'm afraid that's up to him," Euphie frowned.
"I see," Lelouch frowned as well. Euhpie looked down at her half-empty tea cup in deep thought- then she looked back at Lelouch.
"Lelouch, can we speak to each other in private?"
He was mildly surprised when she asked him that. Talking to her with Nannaly was enought for him to trust Euphie with a full heart. Whatever secrets she wishes to share with him are not a concern. Although, he dreads that they might run into C.C.
"Of course. How about in my room?" He offered. He was confident that she would not tease him since his room was clean and nice.
Euphemia giggled with a faint blush on her cheeks, "I've been wondering if I can get a peek into your room."
Milly Ashford, "Probably a big-o mess."
"You're right, it is a 'Big-o mess' persisly why she invited herself here, madam president."
"I wondn't mind if your rooms a mess," Euphie smiled.
"I'm joking Euphie. My room defiantly not a mess."
"If you say so," Milly laughed. He rolled his eyes as he rose from his seat. Euphie rose as well, and Lelouch politely gestured for her to follow him out of the dining room.
He and Euphemia walk down the hallway to his room. Being considerate, he allowed the Princess to enter first, then stepped in and shut the door behind him.
"So this is your room," Euphie brightly remarked as she looked around his room as if she were a tourist.
"Yeah, just don't touch anything, please," He said. She giggled, "It looks lovely," as she turned to face him.
"Thanks. I didn't have an opportunity to clean up the room after hearing of your coming here. Soyoko did it for me."
Euphie blinked.
"Of course, there are no secrets between me and Soyoko." Euphie signs in relief.
"You had me there, Lulu."
"So anyway, what do you want to talk about?"
The pink-haired princess tipped her finger at her chin as she sat on his bed and said, "Hmmmm. I guessed I should talk about Suzaku. I wanted to ask him his side of the story on what happened while I, well, you know."
Lelouch scratched the back of his head as he gazed to his right. It does feel awkward to talk about his friend at the moment.
"He refuses to contact you," He concluded.
"How..." She looked at him and said, "Did you know about that?" It was pointless to ask Lelouch that question, as she knew perfectly well about his friendship with Suzaku. She still could not believe he would one day turn on Lelouch and Nunnaly, but she could not dwell on it right now.
"I know him quite well..." Lelouch said.
"..."
"Euphie?"
"When I appointed him as my Personal Knight, I didn't know what I was doing, and even now, I still don't. I thought I would find the answer, but I am further away from it."
"So, you don't know."
"I'm sorry... Case in point: I always considered him to be a friend, and I did owe it to him for saving my life on my first day in Japan. I guess you can say I just like to be charitable to anybody, including foreigners."
"I see... Well, I do admit the thought never crossed my mind when I asked you last time."
She smiled, "So you knew I was innacconte, then..."
"I can't see you pulling off such a stunt without someone taking advantage of it. I'll also admit that I was reeling at the fact that he's the one who pilot the Lancelot."
Euphie sighed, "Lulu, you never once thought what I was going through when I arrived here, didn't you? Then again, you must have thought I was a different person before we'd seen each other again at the hotel."
"I just thought you had forgotten about us."
"Well, surprise, surprise," she smirked, "I'm here now with you and Nannaly and that's all it matters." She signaled for him to sit with her on the bed by tapping her right hand on the mattress. He obliged and sat down with her, allowing her to wrap her arms around his shoulders and rest her head on his.
He didn't say anything and let her embrace him. Her warmth and radiance made it difficult to resist; he wanted to rest his hand on her shoulders, but he felt inconvenient thinking about it right now. It wound't make sense for him to be doing that, right?
...
...
It had been several minutes, and she still held on to him as they sat on the bed. He cleared his throat.
"I've been meaning to ask... about the purpose of the ceasefire."
"Oh!" The Princess let go of her embrace and got back up, "Where do I begin? Right, I purpose a prisoner exchange and, in return, a temporary pause between Kyushu and me and my sibling's forces."
"For how long?" He asked.
"Um, perhaps as long as possible...?" She sighed, "I don't know... Big Sister and Marry don't want to agree to a ceasefire."
"Besides Cornelia, what about Marrybell?"
"Marry cares heavily about her reputation, and she also hates Zero. Plus, she is the direct heir to the throne. Getting a significant win out of Area 11 would help her a lot in terms of public relations."
"And I thought she was going to stay on the sidelines, given her hard-fought victory," he remarked.
"That's true, but she couldn't help herself. She was the one who put together a plan to use a drone on the Japanese military aircraft. It was to 'gather data' as it were. I think she's planning something; otherwise, I don't think she would stake her reputation like this."
"Sounds like Marrybell has grown more bold in the last twenty-four hours."
"That, and Big Sister is fearless in her support for Marry. I know this sounds a little selfish, but I wanted to cease fire not just to protect the Japanese people, but to protect Marry as well."
Lelouch thought about it for a moment: would Marrybell stake her 'street creeds' to make him look bad? Will he allow her to take such a victory lap? Marrybell is a cautious and clever person, but she's not immune to the same dangers as Cornelia.
"Alright, I'll help you." Euphie's face brightens.
"Really?"
He stood up from the bed and said, "You seem to care a lot about Marrybell; besides, a temporary ceasefire is no problem to me."
"Oh, thank you, Lulu!" She rushed to hug him. He almost fell backward onto the bed when Euphie did that. Every so often, he curses his stamina.
"Of course we need to draw up a plan," He said.
"I've already worked it out with Schneizel."
"Schneizel?"
"Don't worry," as she let go of her embrace once again with a confident smile, "I didn't tell anyone your secret."
"The thought never crossed my mine but seek Schneizel for help?"
"Well," Euphie made a thinking pose, "Schneizel has his reasons for helping me out with the Kyushu cease fire," She then felt sad as she crossed her arms, "He gave me a new role in Euro-Britannia."
"Euro-Britannia?" He said in surprise, "I'm not sure how I feel about this," He thought.
"Schneizel wanted me to have a solid good standing in Russia before I was appointed as Grand Duchess of Euro-Britannia. I think I am sure it has nothing to do with you, Lelouch. The first thing is the prisoner exchange."
"I see," He made a thinking pose, his gaze looking down- His eyes shifted the other way after realizing that he was staring at her cleavage. He coughed in one hand.
"We should get back to the dining area to see Nannaly and Milly."
She smiled and nodded.
Lelouch and Euphemia have returned to the dining room. Milly, Nannaly and Soyoko notice their arrival.
Nannaly was the first to speak with a cute smile, "Big sister, did you remember the locket?"
"Locket?" Euphie asked confusedly before exclaiming, "Oh, that Locket! The one that I planted my first kiss on and Lulu's cheek."
Lelouch facepalmed.
"Wow, I totally forgot about that," Milly said with a laugh, "It pretty amazing that Felicia found it for Nannaly."
"Well, I should be thanking her when I see her," Euphie giggled as she looked at him. He looked the other way.
"Yea, Rose is good at taking pitchers," Nannly giggled.
"I agree!" Euphie said.
His only response was a sigh and a faint blush on his cheek.
Kumi's Revolving Sushi Bar, Shinjuku Shopping & Restaurant Sector, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia, 5:01 PM
Bordering the Shinjuku Ghetto, the one that was not affected by the war, was a bristling city full of commerce and mostly rich aristocrats going about their daily business. Solar panes were installed atop the buildings, some with propaganda billboards featuring Marrybell and Euphemia. Others with posters of upcoming operas, theatrical movie releases and promotional corporate top brands.
Some People have been shopping on the sidewalk while others have gone about their business, and the traffic was busy.
The 'Kumi's Revolving Sushi Bar' was packed with Japanese and a few foreign backwater merchants from India, Korea and South Africa. The gathering of folks was intimate, with many of them recognizing each other and their livelihoods, including armed resistance against the Empire. They engage in laughter, express sorrow, and engage in karaoke in a private recreation area exclusive to VIPs.
Ohgi grabbed a plate of Sushi, Rice Balls and Tofu from the conveyor belt. Chigusa sat beside him. Her Bluish-gray hair is straight down and sported a long, off-shoulder sweater-dress.
"It's been awhile since I've been to a place like this," Nigma remarked.
Ohgi smiled as he glanced to his left towards his former student, "I have heard that Japanese business is flourishing in Shanghai."
"True, but the authenticity is what counts." Ohgi nodded in agreement.
"Do you think this is a place to talk about, you know," Nigma whispered to her teacher.
"Well, the backdoor ally to the bar never fails," He joked.
Nigma frowned.
"It's going to be fine; I know everyone here."
"But what about your, um, friend?" She hissed, "Sure you can trust her?"
"W-What made you say that?" Nigma sighed, looked at her plate, and shrugged.
"I don't know, but she looks familiar. Definitely not a relative of mine, that's for sure," The lilac-haired girl whispered.
"Uhh, really?"
"Or like on a really six-year-old newspaper," She shrugged her shoulders, "But enough about that, Sensei. I'm probably picturing things; I didn't mean to probe you about your date when we have more important things to discuss."
Ohgi sighed as he glanced to his right at Chigusa. The twenty-six-year-old woman looked at him with a warm smile. He looked away from her shyly. Ohgi found her in the rubble. He remembered her telling him who Zero was and then passing out. Since then, he has brought her to his apartment and treated her wounds. The next thing she knew, she had no memory or recollection of what had happened to her. He has been taking care of her ever since and gave her a name: Chigusa.
Spending time with her was wonderful, but he fears he's getting too close to her. The Zero Question felt like a faded memory. Not to mention that he had to bring Nigma along after an incident in the Ghetto.
Oh! Right, the incident!
"I guess you've been wondering about Koyoko Sano." Nigma raised a brow.
"Well, that's the whole point of why I'm here, so have at it. Not that I think Sano is the killer, but what is her background?" She said this as she grabbed another dish from the conveyor belt.
"I don't take this lightly, though, because I don't like to implicate anybody in our group."
Kaname Ohgi explained to his former student about the resedient nurse. Years before the Britannian invasion, Kyoko was a loving and normal young woman until one night, she got involved in a horrific car accident that led to the deaths of her husband and infant son. With the trauma of losing her family, she took up a job as a live-in nanny and school tutor...
Meanwhile, in the rainy streets of Shinjuku. Members of Britannian Red Cross place two dead bodies into the black bag. A few Knight Police officers came into the scene along with some reporters and a crowd of people, mostly Britannian settlers, with their umbrellas. Kyoko Sano, who was present among the crowd, gazed intently at the bodies with a void of emotion.
The redheaded Japanese woman turned on her heel and left the scene, holding on to her umbrella. She looked at her phone and noticed she received messages from Tomo Nigma's caller ID. This has sparked her interest.
"And secretly became a wet nurse to breastfeed other people's children in order to relieve her of her pain and grievance. Later on, she was dismissed from her position when she was caught doing indecent and sexual acts toward one of her client's children."
"Is that really what happened?" Chigusa was stunned by the story.
He nodded, "I don't know her personally, but the whole story was common knowledge in the teacher's guild. It was comparable to folklore."
"That's so sad," The woman said.
Nigma, "Folklore? The sexual scandal is iffy, but this is how your colleges at the time would frame it?"
"We- I mean- they offered their condolences to Kyoko when she joined the guild, but it went downhill when she had her scandal with her client's children. We haven't heard from her since."
"Until recently." Ohgi nodded in agreement. The archives about Kyoko have been erased since Britannia took over. Therefore, she was not known to anyone outside the guild, and what's left of the guild has been discarded as well. He, Naoto and others had found Kyoko when they raided a slave bus and got them to the ghetto. Ohgi was stunned to even recognize her face when she was chained up, her clothes slightly ripped and dirty, as well as others. After they freed Kyoko from her chains, Naoto and Inoue found out that she had been raped and beaten by the Imperial soldiers. Oghi was shocked and angry about it and offered Inoue his assistants to treat Kyoko.
Weeks after Kyoko's recovery, she elected herself as Naoto's group head nurse as a token of her gratitude. She was well-versed in medicine and was able to treat the people of the Ghetto. He and Kyoko have a cordial relationship, but since Naoto's death, she has withdrawn from the group and become a resident nurse. Kyoko does not want to be implicated in the resistance anymore and has opted to stay in the background. Even being offered a role in the Black Knight's she still refuses. Nonetheless, she remained in the ghetto, treating people, taking care of the children, and having a friendly conversation. But sometimes she gets angry when her past scandal or the mention of her late daughter is brought up.
Nigma looked at the conveyor and grabbed a bowl of noddles, "You don't think she's well, you know."
"No but she was fired from the guild, and who knows what she's been through during that time. Kyoko and I are the only ones left formally from the guild..."
"I'll pray for your collage." Chigusa smiled. Ohgi smiled back and said, "Thank you."
Nigma's face deadpans at them. Kyoko aside. Are you sure you can trust this 'Chigusa' Ohgi Sensei? Her thoughts were interrupted when her cellphone rang. The lilac-haired girl looked at her phone message- her eyes widen.
"What?" She stood up from her seat.
"What is it?" Ohgi asked.
"Its Ono-Sensei! He's waiting for someone to pick him up at the hospital. Can we go, Sensei? The Brittanians are going to kick him out in a couple of hours."
Ohgi and Chigusa exchanged glances, then looked back at the young woman. They both nodded.
"Yeah, we better get going." Ohgi then asks the waiters to pack up their leftovers and leave a tip.
Viceroy's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia, 6:45 PM
"With God's blessing, I Euphemia Li Britannia, will hereby intact a temporary ceasefire to facilitate a prisoner exchange."
Euphemia spoke as she stood before the podium outside the entrance of the Ashford Clubhouse. The Imperial Guardsmen provided Euphie and Rio with umbrellas as they stood beside them. Reporters, with umbrellas, started taking pitchers as the third Princess spoke.
Marrybell simply sipped her tea as she sat on the couch and watched her sister on the big flat-screen TV in the living room. As Orpheus stood next to them, Oldrin sat on the couch with Marrybell. Three Palace workers in the room stood as well, but they kept their distance as they watched the news.
...
Hotel Building, Kyushu, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia
Silva, Ram and Sam, along with other members of the Bianca Alliance, watched Euphemia's announcement from the master living room. Sam held on to her brown teddy bear closely while she and her twin sister watched intently as they listened to Eupemia speak.
Silvia, on the other hand, stood as she crossed her arms, her expression of disappointment. No one knows how long she will have to give up some prisoners in exchange for a ceasefire. How long that will last will be up to Cornelia. It shouldn't have to be too long.
...
Kyushu Fort Complex, Kyushu, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia
There are numerous murmurs in the situation room as they listen to the broadcast. General Nogoshi Nagasaki was optimistic about the announcement from the Britannian Princess, considering the possibility of a prisoner swamp.
Kyoshiro Tohdoh closes his eyes as he crosses his arms and listens as well. Chiba scoffed at the news with Shogo Asahina. The rest of the Holy swords seem natural.
Richter got a phone call from Silvia and left the room quietly.
...
Kei Nagase, the Commander in Chief of the Imperial Japanese Air Forces, was in the air base lounge with members of AWACS as they listened to Euphemia's speech on TV. Meanwhile, the maintenance crews are in the hangars fixing up the various aircraft, getting good pointers from tech and weapons experts. Outside, many pilots have been playing baseball as they have gone about their business without a care in the world.
...
Sumeragi Kaguya sat on the couch as she watched the news with her aids at her Privet Quarters. When the news broke about a cease-fire, she thought about Lelouch and Nannuly and began thinking about sending him text messages just to see how they were doing. Certainly, there is no need to be concerned, as Lelouch possesses the intelligence and expertise to safeguard himself as well as Nunnaly.
Euphemia seems like the most likely candidate to join Zero-sama's Herem Club.
...
European Union
Of course, the news of the cease-fire has been broadcast all over the world. Normally, the elite in Brussels have viewed this with apathy; however, it has been noted that the cease-fire between the Chinese proxy forces in Kyushu and the Empire was written by Princess Euphemia. It is a question that has been raised by many, whether this is related to her new position as the Grand Duchess of Euro-Britannia or whether her statements are genuine, as they have long since omitted her diplomatic status.
In the Headquarters of W-0, Leila Malcal and her Commander watch the news from the office. The news was surprising: the Holy Empire would negotiate with the Black Knights regarding prisoner exchanges. After concluding her peaceful nature, the head of the W-0 opinion of the third Princess has cooled. Malcal shared the same feeling with her commanding officer, but at the same time, it was too good to be true.
Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 7:17 PM
Student Counsel Room
Rivals, Shirley and Alice, watch the broadcast on TV. Kallen, on the other hand, did not bother watching the broadcast as she was playing with the kitten, Arthur.
"Man, this is insane," Rivals said, "Seeing our beautiful Princess here making peace proposals in front of the clubhouse. We're going to be so famous."
Kallen masked her displeasure concerning that Royal Puppet. Having her new Knight of Honer be enrolled in Ashford and apparently dating Lelouch. That last part made her cringe for some reason. She thought she was sure that she had no romantic interest in Lelouch, so why did she feel sick to her stomach about it?
Shirley rolled her eyes, "Seems like everyone in the Empire is going gaga over Lady Euphemia..." she muttered.
"Man, I wish I could just go to her and say hi to her," Rivals said.
Alice rolled her eyes, "And if you do that, then the guards will beat you to a bloody pulp."
"Hey, anything could happen, after all, Lelouch now has special connections."
"To the third princess, you mean," the 15-year-old blond girl scowled.
"Right, forget I said that," Rivals laughed heartily. "Sure, I'll let that slide," Alice huffed.
"Do you think this could help Nannaly?" Rivals, Alice and Shirley turned their attention to Kallen.
"I mean, with Princess Euphemia Nannaly might have the best access to the top medical facilities in the world."
"Hmmm," Shirley, "It is possible, though we don't know the nature of her condition, but I'm sure Lelouch and Lady Euphemia would figure it out."
"Nannly is pretty healthy; she's just crippled and blind," Alice said, "I can't see what more they can do for her."
Kallen sighed. It was a long shot, but Alice was right. It would be nice for Nannaly to walk and see again, but given how she doesn't trust the Britannian doctors in general, Kallen would not touch Powder Puff Princess's doctors with a ten-foot pole. With that in mind, Lelouch dating Euphemia was surprising. But it is very conflicting for her, as she hopes that she doesn't have to harm or kidnap them.
"How the heck is Lelouch able to meet with Euphemia and date her? Ugh! It's like she is invading my private life! Is he supposed to marry her? I don't think so. If I wasn't held up in here, I would have killed her by now." Kallen thought. Yea, it may be a bad idea, but it would've made her feel better.
Viceroy's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 6:45 AM
Bartley has briefedCornelia and Marrybell along with their faithful Knights and Schneziel, in the situation room. The LCD table display displays a map of Kyushu Province.
"So," Princess Cornelia crossed her arms, "Glum Two is actually a female."
"That is correct, your highness." An officer handed Cornelia and Marrybell copies of the information regarding the Glum Team.
Cornelia handed the copy to Guildford, "Well, this is quite interesting, but I don't need a sheet of paper to know the flight patterns from the data your men have already provided to us. The apple undeniably does not fall far from the tree."
Marrybell carefully reviewed the document and then passed it to Oldrin.
"What do you think?" Cornelia asked her little sister.
"The name of the new mercenary pilot is interesting, her name is Grace Cipher, and she is a relative of the Demon Lord."
"Relative, you say?" The elder Princess smirked. Marrybell simply shrugged her shoulders.
"The information is shoddy at best, and this person is no older than me, but I do find it fascinating that Larry Foulke is not the one."
"Humph, is that so?"
"Yea, so," The reddish-pink-haired girl laughed, "He was a pivotal figure in the Euro-Insurrection War, which took place twenty-two years ago, when the insurrectionists opposed the EU's 'global order'. The epic center of the final battle was located in northern Finland, where the Insurrectionist tried to build a WMD but failed. Cipher and his former partner dueled each other in aerial combat, in which the Demon Lord was victorious. After that battle was won for the EU, 'the Demon Lord vanished without a trace' or so we heard."
Cornelia smiled proudly and said, "You're certainly knowledgeable about history; I'm impressed."
"Well, I wasn't sent to a Military Academy for nothing, you know," Marrybell smiled back at her older sister.
"Well then," The Goddess of Victory changed her mood to one of sternness and said to Bartley, "The revocation of pilots does not alter the current situation in Area 11. However, when Euphemia was returning to us, they attacked and put her in danger. What are your plans for dealing with them, General Bartley?"
Bartley became nervous, he was well aware of those bandits who attacked the Aigaion Fleet. They have not dared to attack the Great Shadow, but this has caused an outcry over the idea that they can threaten Brittannia's Great Shadow and their fair Princess onboard.
"We are devising a plan using the data that we collected."
Schneziel, "On that, I suggest you work with the Russian Aerospace industry on devising that plan. Any threats to Princess Euphemia are a threat to Euro-Britannia Itself."
"Yes, My Lord!" Bartley and his assistants spoke in unison and took off, rushing.
"So, brother, let's talk about this cease-fire, or rather, prisoner exchange. What are you getting at with this nonsense?" Cornelia said as she narrowed her eyes at her brother.
Schneziel smiled back and said, "It's all in good optics. We do want to boost our sister's standing as the Grand Duchess of Euro-Britannia. Brussels will have little reason to ignore her if they want to save themselves."
Marrybell could scowl at this, but she is not desiring it. She looked down at the map of Kyushu and started to analyze: The Chinese-backed JLF has taken control of Kyushu, Zero has taken the helm of things there, which makes it less like a proxy war between China and Britannia since the Politburo is neither the scriptwriter nor the director. Zero has proven to be able to defy China and come out of it on top. Now the Federation's new role is to just support his rebellion against the Holy Empire.
The Hero Princess was aware of others, like the Glum Team, but they were not her concern.
"I don't need to dignify you with that question for that reason alone, especially after your pledge to 'end all terrorism'. You're trying to probe information out of me regarding my interaction with the leader of the Black Knights, but sadly, you are mistaken."
Euphemia looked at her sister, eyes beaming with determination, "And you must think I know his secret, but the truth is I do not know who he is behind the mask and even if I do, I am not the kind of person to rat somebody out. Besides, the people of Japan believed in him in all of their heart, what kind of person do you think I am to-" She gasped at the pain in her right eye and forehead—she quickly turned away and held the railing with her free hand.
"Hey Marry," Oldrin whispered as she interrupted her friend's thoughts. Marry raised her hand and said, "Not now, I'm thinking."
"I'm not in favor of the misunderstanding you're bringing to my sister."
"Would you not support your sister on this endever?" Schneziel question. Cornelia grunted. Marrybell cleared her throat.
"If I were to provide a suggestion, why don't you go talk to Euphie? Clearly, there is something amiss," Marrybell asked Cornelia.
Cornelia sighed, "You and I both know we can't make her change course when she's dead set on something."
"Not without reason, though."
"So, it's about our men."
"From what we've heard, the Killer Harlot has been watching over our men. Taking into Euphie's perspective; our men could be in mortal danger with Silvia. Euphie would try to convince you that allowing that woman to butcher our people with a knife and a hook would be a victory and a loss for us."
"And what do you say about that?" Cornelia asked.
"I would say that 'you are an idiot'."
Cornelia scoffed, "To be swayed like this, like in a hostage crise. That is the most nonsensical reasoning I have ever heard, in my opinion. But you're right."
"My Lady?" Guildford asked. Cornelia rolled her eyes.
"The No Hostage case is a paper tiger anyway, and I'm not too fond of Zero's scorecard of PR. Once they get our people out, we will be resuming our campaign to take back Kyushu. Beside, I will not allow that Harlot to enjoy her freedom."
"So we are in a agreement," Schneziel asked. Cornelia nodded.
"I will go along with this, but I do not approve of you using Euphemia and her feelings like pawns on some chessboard."
"Have faith, as she will not be harmed," He said.
Why don't I believe you, brother? Cornelia thought.
Ashford Academy Club House, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia, 8:14 PM
As the press leaves the campus, Lelouch, Nunnaly and Euphemia spend the most of their time in the Club House. Milly Ashford had already left, and Rio Salvo had accompanied her to the Student Council.
While Euphemia, Nunnaly and Soyoko were talking to each other, Lelouch his cell phone; it was 8:14 PM.
"You're going back to the Palace?" Nunnaly asked.
"Unfortunately," The Pink-Haired Princess brows and frowns, "But we'll see each other again. Rio will stay here at the Academy and get to know your other friends before she starts class tomorrow."
"I hear that she's going to be in a different class than the one that Alice and I go to."
"Yea, Milly said that the one that Rio will go to is a Mathematics and accounting class. Rio was eager to learn how to take care of her finances."
Nunnaly giggled, "I see... oh wait." The siblings both laugh.
"You will be okay with your Brother, right?" Euphie asked.
"I'll be alright as long as I'm with him."
"Good," the third princess said as she knelt down to embrace her younger half-sister, who in turn embraced her back.
"I miss you."
"I miss you too, big sister."
Euphie let go of her embrace and stood back up. Soyoko made a crusty bow to their guess.
Lelouch has seen a text message from C.C; looks like she made it to Kyushu, and, as usual, she had a Black Knights member order pizza. Which leaves him with the White Cat.
Lelouch accompanied Euphemia as she stepped out the door, arriving at the location where the chauffeur of the limousine was waiting. She saw that the sky was clear, and the rain had stopped.
"Your chariot awaits," Lelouch remarked. Euphemia gaze lowered.
"I wish I didn't have to go..."
"Hmm?"
She shook her head and said, "It's nothing." She took two steps and then paused. There is still so much that she wants to tell him, especially about her new powers. How she wanted to stop the Zero Requiem from happening. How she wanted to stop Schneizel from building a bomb that could destroy cities.
The good news is that history has changed and with the power to see through time, she can be assured that she can protect Lelouch, Nunnaly and even Marrybell. And she got Nina on her side for the most part.
Obviously, she can't tell him or use her Gease on him to reveal the truth. There is nothing to gain by putting her true family in danger by revealing her gift.
"I'm pretty sure you're trusting me with this one, right?"
"Of course, I have no reason to doubt you."
"But am I being selfish by wanting to see you and Nunnally?" Lelouch thought about it for a moment.
"You're not selfish for wanting to see us after all these years," He said, "My only concern is for Nunnaly's well-being, keeping her as close as possible. I can get by with whatever risks come."
She giggled and turned around to face him, "Hard for me to stand idly by to see you get into trouble."
Lelouch smiled and said, "Fair point, but I do have a bag full of tricks that you don't know about."
"I can imagine," Her cheerful face turned sad as she looked straight into his eyes.
"Euphie?"
"I love you."
He blinked and looked away as he rubbed the back of his neck, "I... well, you have always been precious to me." he said as he put his hands behind his back. The moment Euphie revealed her affection for him caught him off guard, but it's not like he knew what she thought of him, but the way she said it hit him differently. It's likely that she was trying to reassure him that everything related to his and Nunnally's identities would be protected by her, and that might be why she is constructing the narrative that he and she were secretly betrothed. It is indeed advantageous if they are engaged in a committed relationship. The good news is that he does have an excuse to leave campus for his rebellion or in case of emergencies. The bad news is that Cornelia and, by extension, Marrybell. He is sure that Cornelia would not suspect a thing, let alone care about whom Euphie interacts with, who is not a number. Marrybell, however, is still here at Area 11 and has Cornelia's ear-
His thoughts were interrupted when Euphemia wrapped her arms around his neck, tugging him closer to her as she hugged him.
"I was hoping you would say, 'Yes, I love you' but close enough," She kissed his cheek. He blushed in response.
She let go of her embrace and said, "I have got to get going, it's great seeing you again, Lulu."
"Um, yea, you two."
She smiled as she turned around and headed to the car.
The chauffeur closed the limousine door when the Sub-Viceroy got in safely. Lelouch could see her waving at him, so he waved back.
Kyoko Sano looked at her phone messages as she was walking on the sidewalk. She was close to her destination, an apartment building. She glanced to her right and spotted Ohgi, Nigma and some random woman.
It's him, alright.
"That was pretty fun, Sensei. It does put the whole mind at ease after, well, you know," Nigma smiled.
"Yeah, I'm glad you had fun," Ohgi said, starting to sense someone watching. He grabbed the keys from his pocket.
"You know about the apartment number, right?"
"Of course," The lilac-haired girl nodded. Ohgi handed her the keys, "I got some business to attend to on the phone. You two go on ahead; I'll meet you inside."
"Okay," Chigusa smiled as she let Nigma-chan lead the way.
Ohgi is waiting for a moment to receive a phone message from Nigma and sure enough, he got the text message that she and Chigusa are inside his apartment.
"I did not expect to see Nigma with you, let alone some stranger." Kyoko Sano spoke as she stood behind him.
"Nor do I expect you to come visit me," He said as he turned around to face her.
Sano cracked a smile as she crossed her arms and said, "Don't think of me coming here as a sigh asking for my old job, I've already made up my mind."
"Then what are you doing here?" Ohigi asked.
Kyoko Sano simply smiled and said, "I want you to ask me about that woman that you are with, as well as do me a favor for me."
Ohgi's eyes widen in shock. Is she talking about Chigusa?