Urabe glared murderously at the back of the Viceroy's head. His fingers twitched, itching to draw his pistol, but he managed to stop himself.

She can lead me to Zero, He reasoned. And who knew? Maybe she was even telling the truth. He could see Zero working with her, if it was his only chance of escape. He just couldn't understand why she would.

She claims it was because of what he was to her…and what was that, really? Her brother? She had countless, one of which he murdered. Perhaps it was just something he didn't understand, but he doubted it. Cornelia was a monster, the epitome of Britannian cruelty. She had staged a purge of Saitama just to draw Zero out. She had led the Britannian war machine to victory time and time again. She went against everything that Zero, and by extension the Black Knights, stood against.

And yet she claimed to be working with him. That she was actually seeking out the Black Knights. An outlandish lie in all likelihood, but if she was telling the truth he couldn't afford to pass up the opportunity. He didn't see any chance of him freeing Kingsley without her help, and he couldn't let Britannia take him back.

That didn't mean he had to like it, though.

Instead of trading threats with the princess, he wisely kept his distance, avoiding any conflict that might pop up. He tried to put himself in Cornelia's shoes, and understand what could make her work with Zero.

Was it a play for the throne? Had she offered up certain concessions in exchange for the Black Knights support?

He shook his head. I doubt it. He didn't know Zero personally, but from what Kallen and C.C. had told him, he despised Britannia. He'd never put someone else on the throne. But then what could it be?
Urabe didn't believe for a second it was just because she cared. Zero had slain Euphemia, and it was well known how much Cornelia doted on her younger sister.

Then again…Cornelia wasn't the same. Before, she wouldn't have considered working with an Eleven, even if she intended on betraying him later on. And certainly not with the EU. She had been stripped of her titles and accused of treason. If this was a play for the throne, she had gone about it in the worst possible way. And she may have been cruel, but Cornelia was still a cunning opponent.

No, something had changed between the Black Rebellion and her kidnapping of Zero…of Kingsley. Only, he had no idea what it could be, and it was frustrating him that he didn't.

"Urabe?"

He turned, finding Leila Malcal regarding him curiously. He frowned. Something else that makes no sense. How Cornelia managed to convince an EU commander to work for her, he would never know. Especially one that led a task force of elevens. "What?" He asked in irritation. "Something you want?"

"Answers, for one," She replied honestly. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Cornelia and some of the others turn their heads. "Why would a Black Knight be interested in Kingsley? You and the princess both implied you have a history with him."

"That is between me and…Kingsley," He said. If even Cornelia wasn't willing to tell them who Kingsley really was, then he certainly wouldn't.

Leila scowled. "No it isn't. Not anymore. The princess dragged me and my friends into it, and do you know where it's gotten us? A death warrant's been put out for us for working with her."

Cornelia frowned. "You didn't have to come back for me-"

"But I did," Leila interrupted, her voice beginning to raise. "And I was fine with that. Prepared to accept the consequences, because I thought it was the right thing to do. I still think it was the right thing to do. But so far we've been following blind, and now somehow a Black Knight of all people shows up, and apparently knows more about Kingsley than we do." She whipped around to face Cornelia. "You owe us at least some kind of explanation."

Cornelia's eye twitched in anger. "I have given up enough-"

"And you think we haven't?" Leila yelled, her anger finally slipping into her voice. Urabe took a step back out of caution. "Do you have any idea what we've sacrificed? I get you've lost plenty. Your titles, your fortune, your sister…"

The Viceroy's eyes widened in fury, and she stepped forward, wrapping a hand around Leila's throat and shoving her back up against the wall. "Do not speak of my sister!" She snarled viciously.

Immediately a shout rose up from the others, but Leila held her hand up to keep them away. One of them drew his sword anyways, holding it to Cornelia's neck. "Let her go," He growled.

"Akito…" One of the others warned.

"Now," He ordered forcefully, ignoring them. He pressed the blade lightly into her skin, drawing a faint line of blood.

Cornelia, for her part, didn't look like she was even aware of the blade at her neck. All of her anger, all of her wrath was focused on Malcal. The viceroy's grip tightened, eliciting a pained choke, and Urabe finally placed a hand on his sidearm.

I was wrong, He thought with a sad sigh. She hasn't changed. Only become better at hiding her true self. He hadn't trusted her, but he had at least entertained the possibility they could get Zero back without her causing any problems. But she was still the same, cruel Britannian she had been before the Black Rebellion. Still the Witch of Britannia.

If she doesn't let go soon, I'll have to act. Even if she was Zero's sister, he couldn't let her kill Malcal. He still needed her.

"I've…lost…too," Leila gasped, trying to pry Cornelia's fingers off her throat. Her words seemed to finally get through to the Viceroy, who's eyes widened as if she was surprised by her own actions. Her grip loosened, not enough to let go but enough to let the girl breathe.

"My parents," She said through gasps of air. "Murdered when I was a child. I was forced into the care of a family that only wanted to use me. The General was the only one who looked after me, the only one who cared for me. I joined the military to get away from the Malcal's, but also so I could repay him." Leila raised her eyes, meeting Cornelia's gaze. "I believed in him. I trusted him. And when you came to me with this little scheme, when I accepted, I was prepared for whatever might happen. I was willing to die if it meant getting Kingsley away from Britannia's hands. But the General…" Her eyes lowered, her voice beginning to crack with emotion. "I wouldn't have cared if he just had me arrested," She whispered. "Or hell, even if he had ordered my death. I am working with the enemy, aren't I?" She laughed bitterly. "But it's the fact that he used me. Lied about what I did and threw me to the side as a scapegoat just so he could take power. I looked up to him. Idolized him. And now he's branded me a traitor. The country I've devoted my life to wants me dead. The man I thought of as a second father is turning my home into everything I've fought against my entire life, and I'm stuck in a sewer in Euro Britannia, helping a princess rescue a mass murderer!"

Leila's shoulders slumped. "I know how you feel, Cornelia. You aren't the only one who's lost everything. But at least you know why. You have answers. All of this…I've gone through with it for nothing more than the hope that you'll keep your promise. I've seen you with Kingsley. I believe you'll keep him safe." Urabe frowned. "But Akito, Ryo, Ayano…they need more. Deserve more. We're hunted now, same as you. We've given up everything we've ever had. We've earned some answers at the very least."

Cornelia stood in silence, unblinking. The tunnel was deadly quiet, as they all waited for what the princess would do. Finally, the spell broke, and she stepped away. Her hand opened, closed, then opened again. "I…" She shut her eyes and sighed before opening them again. "Do not speak about my sister again," She warned. "Ever." Her expression softened. "Though…I apologize. I brought you into this mess…and I've been so focused on Kingsley, I've forgotten how much you've all given up as well." Her lip curled. "But I won't be giving you answers. I can't, not yet. Once we get Kingsley back, you can ask him," She added quickly before they could protest. "And I swear I'll tell you what I can if he refuses. But it has to wait. Please, only a little longer."

Leila stepped back, massaging her throat. "I'm not your enemy, Cornelia. You don't need to keep secrets from us."

"It isn't my secret to give," The Viceroy answered. "Even he'll tell you that," She said, nodding towards him.

Leila looked to him for confirmation. Urabe sighed. "The princess tells the truth," He said, begrudgingly agreeing with her. It wouldn't do for them to learn Kingsley is Zero, and a prince at that. Who knows what they'd do if they learned the truth. They could refuse to help them further, and he couldn't place Zero at risk. "Kingsley…it's a difficult situation. I can't speak for her intentions, but telling you the truth would put a target on your back larger than the one you already have. That I can tell you."

She scowled. "We're wanted dead by both Britannia and the EU. How much worse could it get?"

"There are fates worse than death," Urabe said, thinking of what C.C. had told him about Kingsley's creation. From the way Cornelia paled, it seemed she understood precisely what he meant.

Leila narrowed her eyes, but nodded. "Until Kingsley's safe. And then we need answers. We've thrown our lot in with you, princess. We can't keep going how we have been."

"And you won't have to," She promised. "Just until Kingsley is safe."

Leila let the matter drop, and they carried on, if with a bit more tension in the air. His shoulders slackened, and he placed his pistol back in its holster. It was a good thing the princess saw reason. They needed everyone if they wanted to get back Zero.

He was honestly surprised Cornelia had backed off. He thought for sure she would have tried to kill Malcal.

Some things haven't changed, He thought with a frown, remembering her anger at the mention of her sister. And then he thought of how she had pulled back, restrained herself. Then again…perhaps some things have.

He knew working with the princess was a mistake. He had urged against it from the very start, pleading with Leila to forget all about it and ignore her call for help. But that was never Leila's way.

Cornelia had asked for their help, and Leila had of course agreed to give it. And what had it brought them? Stranded in Euro Britannia, left to die by the General, and wanted by both Britannia and the EU.

Even still, he had gone along with this whole mess. For Leila's sake. He trusted her judgement, and no matter what he still had a duty to ensure she was kept safe. A duty I nearly failed.

His eyes fell to Leila's neck, the mark of Cornelia's grip still showing clearly. Anger welled up inside of him at the sight of it, and shame as well. It was his fault she was hurt. He should have been closer to her, he should have been ready to act.

Instead, he had allowed Cornelia to come within a hair's breadth of killing Leila. He had nearly been forced to kill the princess.

And yet…she stopped herself. Why, he had no idea. I suppose Leila must have gotten through to her. Still…he hoped this incident had at least gotten Leila to see that the princess wasn't someone she should handle lightly. Even if they were working together for the moment, Cornelia was still a Britannian at heart. And one of the crueler ones at that. How many suffered because of her? How many still suffered because of her actions.

He shook his head. None of this matters right now. They needed to get Kingsley and get to safety. After that was done…

Then it would be time for answers. Answers about Kingsley, and Cornelia herself. And certainly some answers about the Black Knight. For now though they could wait. They would have to wait.

"Here," Yukiya announced suddenly, coming to a stop. "That door just ahead," He said, pointing it out. "There's a larger room up ahead. A junction point, with a few different levels. And they've had time to set up."

"You're sure they're actually in there?" Leila asked.

"As sure as we can be," He answered. "They could have just kept going, but I doubt. They know that at least someone's after them, and they're going to need to make a stand. This is as good a place as any. We need to be careful."

Cornelia nodded. "I agree. But at the end of the day, trap or no, we still need to walk through the door," She pointed out. "So if none of you object, make way. I doubt any of you want to be the first to walk through."

Akito stepped aside, not willing to argue with the princess. Who knew, maybe they'd get lucky and Kingsley would just shoot her the second she stepped through the door.

Alas, his hopes were dashed momentarily. After a brief pause, Cornelia turned the handle and stepped through the doorway. She took a few tentative steps, and after a few seconds Leila followed.

With a sigh, Akito followed her.

Yukiya hadn't been lying. While not gargantuan, the open room was much larger than the cramped tunnels they had been moving through so far. At one end of the room, following the stream, led another door. And above them, standing on a raised catwalk…

"So nice of you to arrive!" Kingsley greeted with a flourish. "Miss Malcal, if I'm not mistaken. And her highness, of course." The cyclops bowed dramatically. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, though I do wish it were under better circumstances."

"Kingsley," Cornelia growled. "Get down here."

The Britannian snorted. "I don't think I will. I quite enjoy the view, and the stink isn't quite so bad at an elevation."

Akito quickly took in the situation. Kingsley had the better positioning, but he seemed to be unarmed. There were two other Britannians with him, Knights by the look of it. Most likely they only carried sidearms. Maybe this won't be so bad after all…

Ever the peacemaker, Leila stepped forward. "Kingsley, you're outnumbered and cornered. Surrender peacefully, and this doesn't have to end in bloodshed."

"Who's blood?" Kingsley scoffed. "You won't kill me. You wouldn't have gone through so much trouble to take me alive if you were willing to let me die."

"No, but we can make your life a hell of a lot less pleasant," Leila snapped, her anger getting the better of her.

Kingsley grinned cruelly. "And here I thought the EU was so noble compared to us savage, brutal Britannians. Threatening torture, now?" He tsked, shaking his head. "Perhaps your Britannian blood isn't as diluted as I thought."

Leila's lips curled in anger at his prodding. Before she had a chance to explode, Cornelia spoke up. "Be reasonable," She said. "You will be treated properly. Spare yourself and your companions the trouble, and come with us willingly."

Kingsley's gaze turned to the princess. "And what of you, your highness?" He shook his head. "You're the one bit of this I can't figure out. You're a daughter of the Emperor, the most glorious general of the Empire! What could possibly drive you to treachery?"

"You did," She uttered softly, as if by accident.

Kingsley's lone eye widened. "And what about me is so important a princess would turn traitor just to capture me?"

Now it was time for Cornelia to shake her head. "No. Not you. You're nothing but a fabrication. A disgusting perversion of the one I came here for. You're nothing but an obstacle, and one I will get through. The question is how painful it is for you."

Kingsley scowled furiously, gripping the railing of the catwalk furiously. "An obstacle? A fabrication?" He scoffed. "Nothing you say makes any sense, princess. As I thought, madness must have taken hold of you. There is no other explanation for your betrayal."

"You're upset," Leila spoke up suddenly. She laughed. "You're pissed!" She spun around to face Cornelia. "Kingsley…he worships the Emperor, doesn't he? This version of him, at least." The princess nodded, confused, and Leila grinned. "And now you, a princess, the daughter of that same man, has turned traitor and told him he disgusted her to his face. This…this is hell for him."

Kingsley's scowl deepened. "I am disappointed by her highnesses' failure of willpower, but I assure you that is all. He spoke through gritted teeth, and Akito didn't think a single soul in the room believed him.

Kingsley's eyes drifted to the newest member of their party, and his anger faded, replaced by a disturbed frown. "You…who are you?" He asked, almost mumbling. "Your uniform…a Black Knight, so far from Japan?"

His eye twitched, and he winced in pain, clutching the side of his head. "No!" He hissed. "I don't…I know you. How do I know you?" He demanded. "Why…why are you so familiar? Why are you…Argh!"

Kingsley fell to the ground in pain, and Cornelia took a step forward on impulse. The two Knights above drew their pistols. "Not another step, princess," The woman warned. "Or we will fire."

"You will not keep me from him," Cornelia growled.

"This isnt working," The man muttered, shaking his head. "Kingsley's already lost it, and the fight hasn't even begun. Let's just finish this, for better or worse."

The other Knight frowned, regarding them warily. "I'm not sure that's a great idea…"

The man snorted. "Do you want to surrender then?"

His partner grimaced. "No. We can't let them take Kingsley."

"Let?" Cornelia snarled. "You won't let us do anything. We're taking him ourselves, period."

"Now that would be a sight to see," The man laughed. He placed a hand on the railing, and leapt off the catwalk. His partner followed suit, and together they raised their pistols. Akito drew his own, and beside him the others raised their own weapons.

Cornelia levelled her rifle-sword with a glare. "Don't be rash. You can still get out of this alive."

"Maybe," The man agreed. "But if we do, it won't be by going with you. You aren't getting to Kingsley. Period. We can't let you."

Cornelia's eyes narrowed. "So be it. I tried to be reasonable. I tried to offer you your lives. But if you are so determined to throw them away, then I shall be happy to oblige you."

The man fired first, shooting blindly towards Cornelia and the others behind her even as he darted to the side, seeking cover behind a boiler. The woman did the same, making for the opposite side of the room.

The princess fell back with a curse. "Get behind something," She growled angrily. "We'll get them. The room isn't that large. But be careful. They could pop out from anywhere."

Akito drew his sword, returning to Leila's side. "Are you alright?" He asked, worried one of the Knight's stray shots may have hit her.

She nodded. "I'm fine, Akito." She glanced up at the catwalk, where Kingsley still sat hunched over on the floor, convulsing in pain. "Do you think you'd be able to get up there?"

"If they could, I can," He said, though he was loath to part from her side in the middle of a gunfight. "But I can hardly fly up there. I'd need to get to the ladder, and that means getting to the other side of the room without getting shot."

Leila shook her head. "We'll have to deal with the Knights first, then."

Akito nodded. "Then we will. Just be sure to stay close. We don't have our Knightmares, and we can't be sure where they are."

And he refused to let her be hurt on his watch again.

A jolt of elation ran down her spine. She had tried for hours now to hide her excitement, as she was so often forced to, but not here. Not now, not when she was so close. Who cared if one of them picked up on the change? They wouldn't do anything. Pass it off as a trick of their minds, or an odd mood taking over. Nothing more.

And she refused to hinder herself. Not today of all days.

Today, she would set eyes on her son for the first time in eight years.

She had seen pictures, of course. Been given reports. Hungrily devoured every scrap of surveillance they had on him, from OSI reports, to recordings of Zero's speeches.

What a fine man he has grown into, Marianne thought proudly. Misguided, but all the same he was his father's son, as much as he would despise the comparison. In only a handful of months, and with nothing more than his words, he had turned a rabble of elevens into a genuine threat to Britannia's hold on Area 11. Oh sure, he had Geass, but according to C.C. he used it sparingly, and was prepared to rebel even had the two not met. And she had no doubt he would have seen similar success.

But for all the report and recordings, for all the surveillance they had, she still had not seen him in years, not in person. Even Charles was allowed that much, whenever Kururugi had to bring him back to Pendragon. But Anya Alstreim knew nothing of Geass, or of who Zero really was, and if V.V. learned she had gone to see Lelouch he would no doubt grow suspicious. And that they couldn't afford, not when they were so close to victory. She had been willing to wait, for the sake of their dream.

Now though, she didn't need to. They were half a world away from that little rat and his spies, and even if they weren't, Anya Alstreim had every reason to apprehend Kingsley.

Anya Alstreim, however, was not the one who followed Kururugi and Gino through the muck of Westminster's sewer system. As if she would let that child savor the moment of her reunion with her son. She had taken control almost as soon as the mission had begun.

She didn't delude herself thinking it would be everything she dreamed. Lelouch would be hidden away, safely tucked inside of his own mind while Kingsley held control of his body. But even if he was a lie…he was still her son. It would still be good to see him. And once they returned to Pendragon, she would have a chance to see him properly. According to Charles, his Geass was slipping once more. For a brief moment, she would have the chance to see her real son.

Perhaps she could even get him to see sense. He had been forced away due to necessity, for his and Nunnally's safety…but things had changed as the years had gone on. She knew she could make him see reason if she had the chance to speak with him. He had rebelled for her sake, hadn't he? Angered at the Emperor's refusal to give him answers? If those answers were given, if he was shown what they were truly aiming to achieve…surely he would understand the need for such deceptions?

And they would not need to be apart any longer. They wouldn't have any need for Charles to keep using his Geass. They could let Lelouch help them willingly. Charles seemed to think it was impossible, but she doubted the boy's hatred ran so deep. He was likely only hurting from his perceived betrayal. If it was all just explained to him, as it should have been years ago…

Bah. If she could change the past, life would be so much simpler. She would not be stuck inside the mind of a child, they would never have allowed Schneizel to get so much power, V.V. would be chained to a coffin thrown down to the bottom of the sea, and her children would never have left her side.

As it was, they were forced to work with what little they had. It will all be worth it, once Ragnarok is complete. All would be made right. So many years of separation would mean nothing, and most important of all they would understand. Only a bit of time was needed now, that was all.

Nothing but time.

Cornelia whirled back behind cover just as a bullet cut through the air she had just been standing in.

She muttered a curse, peering around the corner. The Knight was already out of sight, back on the move. "Be careful!" She called out to the others. "They're only advantage is the gloom of the room, and how much cover there is. They'll stay light on their feet. Expect them to pop out of anywhere."

As if on cue, something leapt out at her from the darkness. She barely had the time to parry and stop the kick with the blade of her sword. With a grunt, she put her free hand behind the blade, pushing back her assailant.

The Knight rolled away from her, smoothly getting back on her feet. "Princess," She said with narrowed eyes, the words a curse in her voice. "You will regret betraying the Empire."

You will regret getting between me and my brother, She thought venomously. With a flourish, she held out her sword in a clear challenge."I don't believe I will, whoever you are." A wicked grin spread across her face. "Though if you mean to make me regret it, you'll have to try a hell of a lot harder than you are now. Fight me, then, and prove yourself a proper Britannian!" If she could keep this one occupied, it'd give the others time to track down her companion.

The Knight didn't answer, only scowling as she withdrew out of sight.

"Coward!" Cornelia hissed in frustration. She cast a frantic glance towards the balcony, where Lelouch still knelt on the floor, clutching the rails. Whatever had happened to him was apparently playing hell on his psyche. Perhaps it was father's Geass failing, or perhaps the sight of a Black Knights uniform was enough to cause friction inside of his mind. Whatever it was, it was making him suffer. And the longer these two kept them away, the worse it became.

It carried on much the same as the agonizingly long minutes ticked away. They would dart in and out, sometimes one at a time, sometimes both at once. They'd strike quickly, give a blow or two, then slink back into the shadows, or behind cover.

It kept them all scattered, and more importantly, didn't give them the chance to get to Lelouch.

Cornelia growled. This can't keep up. Kururugi and the other Knights would learn where they went soon enough, if they weren't already drawing near. And there were still the rest of those mercenaries they had encountered earlier. The longer they delayed, the slimmer the hope of escape became.

She heard Leila cry out in pain, and threw a look behind her. Already, Akito was covering the distance between him and his commander in a flash, almost to her side. Leila had fallen to the floor, clutching her side.

"Leila!" He called out in a panic.

"I'm fine," She hissed in pain. "A graze. Ignore me, make sure they don't try to-"

Cornelia was pushed forward by a kick to her back, and she rolled away as she fell, the rest of Leila's words escaping her. She scowled as the other Knight approached her slowly, grinning cruelly. A distraction.

"You know…" He started, slowly raising his sword. "Not many people get to say they've drop kicked a princess."

"Neither will you, once I've torn out your throat," Cornelia snarled. "Why are you with Kingsley anyway? You have to know it'll cost you your lives. You can't be that loyal to Kururugi."

The Knight frowned. "We aren't here because of Kururugi. And I'm certainly not following Kingsley because he makes such splendid company."

Cornelia's eyes flashed hungrily, sensing a chance. "Then why bother? Nothing Kingsley can give you can be worth your life."

The Knight laughed. "I thought I made it clear I didn't give a damn about Kingsley," He said. "But no matter how much I hate the mad bastard, I'm not about to let you take him."

"Why not?" Cornelia countered, darting forward and testing his guard with a slash of her sword. "He means nothing to you. You won't have to die down here. Give us Kingsley, and we have no reason to bother with you and your friend."

The Knight laughed. "Another time, maybe…but no. Because that lovestruck idiot I'm stuck with isn't going to hand over Kingsley in a million years. And if she dies, and you take Kingsley…then I have to explain to Kururugi and Lord Shaing how that happened. And that isn't a conversation I'm going to walk away from." He sidestepped out of the way of another blow, and was caught by her feint as a result. He stumbled back with a bloody nose and a startled look.

"You think this is something you'll walk away from either?" Cornelia asked viciously, her fury taking over her reason. "Let me make things clear for you. You and that other Knight stand between me and Kingsley. And in case you haven't been paying attention, let me remind you of the events of the past few days. I have sacrificed everything for Kingsley. My reputation, my titles, my fortune and my status…I've betrayed my country, my family, worked with people I would normally call my enemies. I tried to kill the Knight of Seven for what he did to Kingsley. I'll kill the Emperor too, if I ever lay my eyes on the bastard again. I'll kill every last person who stands between me and Kingsley, so if you're so damn concerned about your own life, then do yourself a favor and start running away from him, as far and fast as you can!"

The Knight's eyes widened in fear, and Cornelia stepped forward. This has to end. She raised her sword, but as she did the Knight's eyes fell on something behind her, and the fear vanished as another grin plagued his face. The Knight barked out a disbelieving laugh. "I suppose my luck can't be all gone, can it?" He muttered, shaking his head before meeting Cornelia's gaze. "I'm afraid you're mistaken, your highness. You should have been the one running. Now? Now you and your number friends are dead."

Cornelia's words caught in her throat as she realized what he meant. She whipped herself around, sword raised, and froze at the sight of Suzaku Kururugi entering the open chamber, flanked by two other Knights of the Rounds.

"Excuse me," He said softly, and the enter room froze at his words as the others finally noticed his arrival. The only sound that could be heard was the pained groans of Kingsley as he clung to the railing of the catwalk above them. "I'm afraid you have something of mine."

Cornelia's free hand clenched in rage, and her eyes narrowed.

She had been hoping to avoid this. A fight with three Knights of the Rounds wasn't something she was looking forward to, even if they were outside of their Knightmares. And with the two other Knights no doubt willing to back them up, their numbers advantage had been lessened, and there was no doubt they were outmatched.

Her eye twitched in fury as Suzaku stepped forward to address them. You aren't laying one filthy hand on him, vermin.

That, she could promise. That, she had sworn.

And she would not break another promise to her brother.

Marianne has now been properly introduced! She's going to play a larger role as time goes on, but for now I still have to set things up.

This chapter and the next was originally only meant to be a single chapter, but at this point it's just gotten WAY too long for a single upload. I'm still writing the last bit of it, lol.

Next chapter will conclude the entire Westminster mini-arc. It's funny, I've spent so much time building up to this confrontation, but it's really just buildup for an even LARGER confrontation not too far ahead. You'll see what I mean, and you won't be disappointed.

Writing is progressing better than it has been, though still not as well as I would like. I'm trying to think of what I can do to change things up, but I'm drawing blanks. For now, I'm still working on it. On the plus side, look at it like this: Splitting this into two chapters gives me one chapter in the backlog! So that's something, at least.

Thanks for reading, and if you're enjoying the fic, leave a comment with your thoughts! I read through all of them, even if I don't get around to replying to everyone.

Next Chapter: Sunday, February 23rd