AN:

Samurai Seven: I'm sure there's a way to beat him.

DarkDremora: Honestly, I don't see why Kallen would have to convince Lelouch to show his face, considering that he needlessly did it in the original timeline as well. He didn't necessarily have to do it with Clovis, and he certainly didn't have to when facing Cornelia in R1. Unless you meant showing 'himself' as in showing his true personality, and not Zero. In which case, I definetly see what you mean.

Chapter 121: Cornelia

Lelouch's Knightmare descended upon the Geass Order ruins, watching as Luciano continued his rampage in the background – smoke rising to the ceiling from multiple areas of the battlefield. The once gray Gekka now covered with numerous blood stains, and only gathering more, as he toppled a massive building where an elderly group were hiding, who he brutalized with his foot, squashing them like ants, "Ugh. At least he's doing his job now…" the Prince mumbled in disgust with the Guren close behind.

Clara flew down with Lucretia in-hand, following the couple into the Order's Knightmare bay, instantly noticing the command center that was still ablaze – the smell of soot and blood emanating from within, "Over here." C.C called, directing the group to an area she walled-off by stacking tables and chairs, "And I see you brought this one." she gently took Lucretia into her arms, and placed her bare body next to Alice, who was passed out.

Meanwhile, Dalque's body convulsed in pain, her breath shallow as Sancia tried to get her under control, "Wait!" the black-haired girl shouted, turning to the Guren, "Please! You have to help!"

Kallen raised an eyebrow at the girl's plea, "Who are you?"

"I… I…" Sancia looked down, figuring that there wasn't any answer she could give to earn the Guren's help. The feeling of possibly losing her sister began to flood her heart, creating an aching pain that felt all too real. A feeling of helplessness.

However, that's when C.C stepped in, putting a hand on the girl's shoulder, before calling the red head, "Kallen, you should help her. Don't worry, I'll try my best to explain who they are later."

"If you say so." the Guren turned to Sancia, getting on one knee to get on her level, "What do you need?"

The commander quickly pointed at a blast door, clad with tungsten and marked with caution lines from top to bottom, "In there. Please get it open. There's a Knightmare in there that has medicine for my friend."

"A Knightmare?" such information instantly made Kallen suspicious. She took a glance at C.C, who gave her a reassuring nod as Lelouch entered the walled-off area to see Cornelia, "C.C, I hope you know what you're doing."

Using her surger, Kallen ripped open the blast door, revealing a hulking Knightmare in a kneeling position, one that she instantly recognized from Narita – except this one had significantly more armor, and an additional weapon. Though, just as she was about to ask a question, Sancia picked up her sister and ran into the open cockpit, where she would put a shackle-like device around Dalque's neck, booting up the system. Soon after, she manually injected Dalque with the antidote, and held her close as the life-saving liquid flowed through the neck, into her blood stream. "I hope I made it in time. According to her original frame, she did get injected with the antidote, but I don't think it was enough, considering how she was convulsing." she then began rocking her sister back and forth, using the motion to calm her nerves, "Please Dalque… you can't die… how will I be able to face Lucretia and Alice afterward?"

Suddenly, she felt a hand grip her shoulder tightly, followed by a coarse voice, "Seriously? You're worried about facing Alice and Lucretia after I die?" the dark-skinned girl began giggling, "Such a meanie."

Sancia let out a sigh of relief while tightening her hold, "You know what I meant, idiot."

"So cruel. I'd give you a good smack on the arm for that." Dalque joked weakly, her arms still shaking, "Though, I'll let you off easy since you saved me."

The black-haired girl eyed the Guren in the background as it kneeled next to the Kagero, allowing for its pilot to enter the enclosed area, "Actually… there's something I have to tell you…"

"What? Don't tell me Madd and Bartley are still alive."

"No, it's not that." Sancia pointed at C.C, "Alice… Alice has a plan to get us out of here. Though, we'll have to make a deal with the Black Knights."

"Another deal? I sure hope this doesn't turn out like the last one…" Dalque mumbled as the metal prongs in her neck retracted, freeing her of the shackle.

"I've got a lot of faith in Alice. She said she met C.C back in Ashford, and have something in common. So, I hope that's enough to get us something in return."

"Something substantial."

"Of course."

"Heh. It's kind of funny, isn't it?" Dalque smiled, "I never thought Alice would be the one to save us through diplomacy, especially with how prickly she can be."

"You must be talking about yourself, right? There's no universe in which Alice can be described as 'prickly'."

"Woah. Aren't you supposed to agree with everything I say?" the dark-skinned girl puffed out a cheek, "After all, I was on the verge of death just moments ago, wasn't I? Don't I deserve some kind of sympathy?"

Sancia rolled her eyes at her sister's antics, before moving to pick her up, "Come on. Let's go see if Alice and Lucretia have awoken."

"Ah, yes. My hero." Dalque playfully wrapped her arms around the girl's neck, fully embracing the gentle treatment she was receiving, "Now, whisk me away to safety!"

"You're heavy." her sister said bluntly, earning a loud gasp in response, followed by hot air being blown in her face.

"H-how dare you!?" Dalque exclaimed while continuing to blow air into Sancia's face.

"Ew. I can feel your spit on my cheek. Disgusting."

"Take back the comment about my weight first!"

"No."

In petty fashion, Dalque stuck her tongue out, blowing a raspberry to further annoy Sancia, who responded by abruptly dropping her into a chair next to Alice and Lucretia.

"She's really here." Lelouch muttered, spying his – unconscious – half-sister, who remained bound to a chair in a special section C.C created by stacking more tables and desks.

"What are you going to do?" the Immortal asked – already knowing the answer.

"My mother. I need information, and according to Clovis, Cornelia is one of only two people who have it." the Prince stated while taking off his mask, "Now, wake her up."

"Don't you think there's some other way of doing this?" C.C suggested, "Perhaps you could ask nicely? After all, I remember you saying something about Nunnally reuniting with her."

"There's no way I'll be able to tell if she's lying."

"Well, if you brought up Nunnally, I'm sure Cornelia would be a bit more cooperative."

"C.C." Lelouch's voice turned stern just as Kallen entered, "Wake her up."

"Calm down, Lelouch. You don't have to be so pushy." the Immortal wiggled her finger, "Don't you agree, Kallen?"

The Prince eyed his girlfriend as she put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Please, Kallen. I need to find out what Cornelia knows about my mother."

"But she knows about Nunnally, right?" Kallen gave him a compassionate gaze, "Surely you could draw sympathy from Cornelia, and get the truth that way, right?"

"Like I said before, there's no way to know if she's telling the truth." Lelouch glanced at Cornelia, who continued to sleep peacefully, "If she truly had a hand in the assassination, she won't outright admit it unless I use Geass."

"Yeah, that would be the most effective method. However, don't you think she's been through enough? Cornelia was Geassed to shoot Euphie – her own sister – and sought out the Order to exact revenge." Kallen explained, figuring that was the only logical reason for the Princess to be here, "And now, you're going to Geass her again? It's a bit cruel, don't you think?"

"It doesn't matter what I think." Lelouch looked to the ground, avoiding eye contact while saying, "Now that I have the opportunity, I must push personal feelings aside, and do what's necessary."

"Don't say that." the red head cupped his hands, bringing them to her chest, drawing his eyes to hers, "I know you're not that kind of person, Lelouch. The compassion I've seen you show over the past year is evidence of that."

"Kallen… compassion isn't what I need now. This… this is something I was prepared to do ever since I found out about Cornelia and Schneizel possibly having information." the Prince looked away once again, this time toward his half-sister.

The red head put a hand on his cheek, causing his gaze to instinctively return, "If that's the case, then why don't we try my way first? We'll get the information from Cornelia by using the bond she developed with Nunnally – her heart's not made of stone after all. Then, if you're not satisfied… maybe you could use your Geass to be certain." Kallen gently moved her hand from his cheek, to the back of his head, where she would caress the boy's black hair soothingly, "If it doesn't matter what you think, then do it for me. I wouldn't want to be Geassed again, and neither would Cornelia."

"Kallen…" Lelouch let out a sigh, "Very well. We'll do it your way."

"Thank you." the red head pulled him into a hug, staying like that for a few moments.

"Alright, that's enough PDA." C.C gestured to the couple, "And considering what's going on right now, I doubt such a loving moment is appropriate."

"She has a point." Kallen exited the embrace while hearing the sound of battle in the background, "Let's get this over with quickly so we can get back to the Ikaruga. I'm not exactly a big fan of the blood, soot, and… screams."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure you'll have a nice and hot bubble bath when we get back."

"Oh. That sounds nice." the red head smirked, "Say… will you be joining me this time or…"

"We'll talk about that later." Lelouch said, keeping an eye on the mischievous C.C behind him, "For now, wake Cornelia."

The Immortal did as told, gently tapping the Princess' cheek until she stirred, slowly opening her eyes, which instantly darted to the most notable hair in the room, "Red?" Cornelia blinked once, before moving to rub her eye, only to find herself bound to a chair. That's when panic began to set in, followed by a relentless struggle to break free, "No. This can't be. Damn it, I knew not to expect Suzaku to help me, but I didn't think he'd just let me get captured. What about Oigaros? Is he gone too?"

"Cornelia." Lelouch called, drawing his sister's attention

However, before he could say anything else, she suddenly blurted, "L-Lelouch? Is that you?" Cornelia shook her head repeatedly, as if trying to snap out of a trance, "But… how are you-"

"Alive? That's the least of your worries, sister."

The Princess' eyes wandered downward to his outfit, which she recognized within mere seconds, "N-no way… it can't be. This has to be some kind of trick!" she protested, "Zero must've used Geass on me somehow… trying to use Lelouch to appeal to me? Bastard."

Kallen's eyes darted from their prisoner, back to her boyfriend, who continued to give them an all-too calm stare, "I have to do something." she concluded, "Cornelia, I'm sorry about the rough treatment. However, there was no other way for this to go down."

"Why are you apologizing?" Lelouch tilted his head, perplexed by her treatment toward his sister, "She's our prisoner."

"She's your sister first, Lelouch." the red head retorted, "Don't you feel any sympathy for her?"

"That depends… on how she answers my questions."

"Good luck with that." Cornelia muttered, her words laced with spite, "I won't be revealing anything to you, just because you've got Lelouch's face on, Zero." she smirked defiantly, trying to provoke her captors into granting a swift end, "You might as well kill me now."

"Then you'd be useless." the Prince's eyes narrowed, before turning to his girlfriend, "Kallen, my patience is wearing thin."

"We haven't even tried my method yet, Lelouch." Kallen reasoned, "Remember what I said?"

However, before he could respond, Cornelia's eyes widened with surprise, evidently recognizing the red head, "Wait… you're Kallen? As in… Kallen Stadtfeld?"

Kallen slowly turned to face their Prisoner, her eyes filled with shock, "How… how do you know that name?"

"Did it come from Nunnally?" Lelouch interjected, putting the pieces together rather quickly.

"Is that true?" the red head asked kindly.

"Yeah… she told me. Especially about you and…" the Princess' gaze fell, but not without quickly passing Lelouch, who continued to give her an unreadable stare, "Though, you're supposed to be dead too."

"I guess Nunnally just couldn't help it…" Kallen smiled, remembering the little girl fondly, "I'll have to thank her later… because she indirectly made this easier." the red head approached Cornelia, kneeling to meet her downtrodden eyes, before starting with a light-hearted joke, "Well, this isn't exactly how I imagined we'd meet face-to-face for the first time. Heh."

"I never imagined we'd meet at all." the Princess mumbled, "Could they have read my mind with a Geass? No… it's such an insignificant memory, why would they bother pulling that up?"

"So, what'd Nunnally tell you specifically?"

Cornelia's eyes finally met Kallen's of her own volition, "Mostly about you and Lelouch. She was – or rather is – extremely fond of you." her eyes narrowed slightly, "How long have you been a Black Knight?"

"Officially? Ever since our debut." the red head replied, pointing to Lelouch with her thumb, "But I didn't have any alternative motives. It was thanks to him."

Cornelia glared at Zero, matching his gaze briefly before looking away, remembering the possible dangers of his Geass. Then again, she might've fallen into it already, so was there any point? "You can't fool me with some imposter."

"Imposter? What do you mean?"

"Kallen, that's enough." Lelouch intervened, "Just ask her what happened to Marianne already, please."

Upon hearing the woman's name, Cornelia's ears instantly perked as she faced Zero, "Marianne? Why do you want to know about that?"

The Prince took a step toward her, the heel of his boot echoing softly due to the enclosed space, "She was the victim of an assassination. They say terrorists were responsible, but I don't believe that. Though, when I tried to question father about it, he banished both myself and Nunnally to Japan, hoping to use us as political pawns." he then clenched his fist tightly, the sound of latex crinkling drawing Cornelia's attention, "However, that hasn't stopped me. I want to know what truly happened that day – do you understand?" he stopped just before her seat, staring into her, with eyes full of resentment.

"Is this another Illusion? No… those statements… they're way too specific for it to not be Lelouch." the Princess breathed a sigh – neither of relief or frustration, just confusion, "So… you really are Zero. Darlton suspected that the one responsible for Clovis and Carine must have had some kind of grudge against the royal family." she looked into her brother's eyes, searching for more answers, "You're not just trying to find Lady Marianne's murderer, are you? This is for Nunnally as well, correct?"

"Of course. I'm going to build a better world in this one's place." Lelouch knelt to her level, still keeping a stern gaze, "Cornelia, tell me everything you know about my mother's assassination."

"I…" the Princess looked away, clearly disturbed, "I'm sorry… but I don't know much about it either…"

"Liar. You were in charge of her personal guard, were you not? If anyone knows something, it has to be you."

"Lelouch… we… we were ordered to pull out that day." Cornelia admitted regretfully, knowing how ridiculous her statement sounded. Yet, it was true. "Lady Marianne told us to leave her alone that day. Of course, I tried to object, but I'm sure you can guess how that went."

"Cornelia, do you honestly expect me to believe that?" the Prince's patience wore thin, and his words grew harsh, "There's no way she would've done such a thing." he let out a frustrated breath, running countless possibilities through his mind, "Could it be that she knew about that attack beforehand? No. If she had, then she would've gotten us out of there. Why would she allow Nunnally to be caught in the cross-fire?"

"I know how bad it sounds… but the Emperor himself closed the investigation, preventing me from further looking into the incident." the Princess explained, "If I could go back in time to change things, I swear I would. That day still haunts me… knowing that I failed… failed to do the one job I was put to. And because of it, I lost my idol. The one person I looked up to."

After hearing Cornelia out, Kallen placed a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder, trying to break him free of his thoughts, "Lelouch, I think that's enough." she said while gently squeezing him, "There's no reason for her to lie right now. So let's-"

"No. She has to be lying." the Prince – in denial – rejected that possibility, "The details… they just don't add up… they can't." his Geass flared as he stared Cornelia in the eye, "We should've done this my way from the beginning!"

"No!" the red head pulled her boyfriend back, trying to prevent him from making a mistake, "We got everything we can from her, Lelouch. Think about it carefully, why would she lie here? There's no reason for it!"

However, that's when the Princess' voice cut in, adding a surprising suggestion that nobody saw coming, "Go ahead then, Lelouch! Do it!" she shouted, matching her brother's fiery gaze with her own, "Use your Geass on me if you want to! Just don't be surprised when I tell you the exact same thing!"

"How do you know about it? My Geass?" the Prince asked, already partly knowing the answer, considering her company.

However, what surprised him the most, was that Cornelia actually told him, "Suzaku Kururugi."

"I see." Lelouch's eyes narrowed as his Geass slowly faded, "Suzaku… I never expected someone like him to cause me so many problems. Did he know we'd be here today? Or was it just coincidence? Moreover, just how far does his knowledge of Geass extend?"

For a moment, the siblings glared at each other, neither daring to back down despite the red head's efforts to pull her boyfriend away, "C.C! Can't you help me!?" The air grew thicker by the second as tension continued to build.

"Kallen, calm down." the Immortal stated nonchalantly, carefully observing the sibling's staring contest, "They'll figure this out themselves."

Just as she foretold, Lelouch let out a loud groan, breaking eye contact with Cornelia, "Damn it." he put a hand on the red head's shoulder, not tightening his grip as he used her as support, "There's no way she's lying."

"I'm glad you realized that." his sister mumbled, slumping against her chair, "So what now?"

The Prince rubbed his face, mentally looking over the options laid before him, "Wait… what happened afterward? Once the Emperor ended the investigation, what happened next?"

"Well, he put Schneizel in charge of the body. Honestly, he probably knows more about what happened than even I do – he always has in everything else."

"I see. Clovis suggested I look into Schneizel as well."

"Speaking of Clovis… how did he react to seeing you again?"

"Surprised. Glad at first, but… that quickly changed. I'd rather not revisit the memory."

"That's understandable."

Kallen suddenly tugged on Lelouch's cape, drawing his attention, "What are we going to do with her now?"

"It almost sounds like you have a suggestion." the Prince responded calmly, "Tell me, what do you think we should do?"

"Well, I think it would do us some good to have someone like Cornelia on our side. It'd also save Nunnally the heartbreak, since she's clearly gotten closer to her over the past months."

"I suppose that's a good point… it'd also help Euphie too-"

"If you're trying to suggest I join you, forget it." the subject of their conversation cut in, "I've got enough on my plate as it is. Word's sure to get out that I shot Euphie at the Chinese Federation, and it won't take long to reach Schneizel."

"Have you spoken to her since then?"

"I… It's complicated…"

"You're afraid, right?" Kallen lent a sympathetic hand on the Princess' shoulder, "Lelouch, could you leave us alone for a bit? I'd like to speak with her alone."

"Very well. I'll go check on Bradley in the meantime." the Prince exited the sectioned area, followed shortly by C.C, who drew his attention to the Irregulars.

"Wait, we have to do something about them." she stated as Sancia eyed him.

"And who are they?"

"Well… it's a bit complicated, but allow me to explain…"

"I know how you feel, Cornelia." Kallen sympathized with the Princess while undoing her binds, "In fact, I was in a similar situation with Lelouch not too long ago."

"You tried to kill him?" Cornelia asked, soothingly rubbing her hands, mentally questioning why she was being freed.

"Under Geass, just like you. Possibly from the same person as well."

"How'd you find out… about me being Geassed?"

"Lelouch told me." the red head explained, pulling up a chair, "He had a… lengthy conversation with the culprits." she then let out a relieved sigh, "Honestly? I'm just grateful that he's still here… if he died that day… I don't know what I would've done."

"I… I feel the same way about Euphie…" Cornelia looked down, "The very thought of losing her… it'd kill me."

"Then we share something in common, don't we?" the red head smiled, "Cornelia, contrary to popular belief, I don't want you to die. I've seen the connection Lelouch has with his siblings first-hand, including Euphie." that last comment earned a surprise glance from the Princess, "That's right, they've met. And you wanna know something else?" she leaned in, whispering, "Euphie knows Lelouch is Zero."

"You're joking." Cornelia shook her head in disbelief, "How?"

"It's a bit complicated, but in short; Rai managed to capture him from Suzaku coincidentally, and brought him to Euphie. Everything unfolded from there." Kallen explained briefly, "However, instead of having him arrested, she let him go."

"Euphie's too kind for her own good." the Witch of Britannia sighed, "Did she agree to help him?"

"Not exactly. They just stay out of each other's way for the most part, acknowledging the other's plan to make the world a better place." Kallen rocked her chair back and forth, lifting it off the ground slightly, "If you want more details, you'll have to ask Euphie herself."

"I can't do that…" Cornelia clenched her fist tightly, "There's no way she'll be able to forgive me. It's inexcusable."

"I thought the same with Lelouch, but here we are."

"Your situation's different. He already knew the phenomenon known as Geass. But she doesn't."

The red head nodded, "That's a good point. But considering that she didn't have you arrested on the ship, that's a good sign, isn't it?" then, she pointed a finger upward, "Besides, if you'd like, I could have Lelouch help you explain the situation in its entirety."

Cornelia giggled slightly at the last comment, before saying, "You've certainly got a handle on him, don't you? Just like Nunnally said."

"Really?" the red head put a hand on her chin, "Mind telling me what else she said?"

"I'm not one to gossip, Kallen." the Princess responded bluntly, "I just listen to what the girls say – not really adding anything."

"Figures. Besides, it's a bad time to do so anyway." Kallen tapped the back of her chair several times, before moving onto another question, "By the way, how'd Suzaku get you on board with this? Don't get me wrong, I know you want revenge for Euphie, but how did he convince you of Geass?"

"I… I don't know myself." Cornelia admitted, "I was desperate at the time, seeking a way to atone for what I had done, and that's when he came to my room, just after Euphie tried getting through to me."

"So… that's what happened? Makes sense."

"Oh, we also had someone else with us."

"Really? We didn't see anyone else outside."

The Princess shrugged, "Well, he said he wanted to stay out of this, due to being the leader of Pluton. Obviously, it'd be a bad look if he were to be caught here."

"And what about you?"

"The situations aren't comparable, especially considering Pluton's supposed to be a big secret, so I can't get in trouble for attacking their installations. They can't make a big scene publicly." Cornelia explained touching her side, still aching from battle, "His name was… Oigaros Zevon."

"I don't mean to be rude, but why are you telling me this? This information… it helps the Black Knights. I figured you and Euphie would be the same regarding Lelouch's existence as Zero."

"It doesn't help you that much, trust me. Now, as for my stance on Zero… will I be free to go after this?"

"More than likely."

"If that's the case… I'll still be loyal to my country." the Princess proclaimed, "However, I still want to protect my siblings – even if one of them happens to be a bit… rebellious. At the end of the day, Lelouch is my little brother, and I don't want to lose him again. Enough of our blood has been shed."

"What does that mean for the future?" the red head asked, beginning to take the woman's hints.

"Exactly as it sounds. Zero is a threat to Britannia, thus it's my duty to stop him, but at the same time, I must protect my siblings."

"That's just like Cornelia. She won't admit it, but she cares for Lelouch even though he's Zero. It also helps that he hasn't hurt Euphie in this timeline – otherwise, things would be drastically different." Kallen got up, directing their prisoner toward the exit, "Well, let's get back to Lelouch."

"Wait." Cornelia called while standing before her, "About the Geass Canceller…"

"Oh. You haven't had your command lifted, right? Don't worry, I'm sure we can get that done too."

"Actually… there's another thing I wanted to ask you." the Princess once again stopped them from leaving, "Why are you being so nice to me? Even Lelouch was hostile… and I'm supposed to be your enemy. It just doesn't make sense."

"Hmm… just like Euphie, I don't want to see you bleeding out on the ground." her words vaguely echoing the ones she spoke in Zilkhstan.

Even so, due to the humiliating the defeat she suffered at the hands of the Guren, Cornelia instantly remembered that time, "It's you… you were that pilot?"

"I'm surprised you actually remember something so vague."

"There's no way I'd ever forget such an… ominous warning."

"Lelouch hasn't said it aloud, but I know he doesn't want Euphie to die – same as you. And I know for a fact, that if you die, that'd hurt her more than we can imagine. So… if you want some solid reasoning for keeping you alive, there it is."

Cornelia let out a heavy sigh, "You're everything Nunnally described you as and more. It's beyond evident that you've made a positive impact on Lelouch – for that, I thank you."

"Ah… you really don't have to do that…" Kallen responded bashfully, "I'm just taking care of him like any of you would. Lelouch shouldn't have to experience more pain than he needs to, and if there's some way I can help with that, I will."

"You're quite the enigma, Kallen Stadtfeld. Now, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get out of here now."

"Sure thing. And… my last name is Kozuki, not Stadtfeld."

Lelouch quickly eyed the familiar blonde as she sat up in her chair; clothes still torn up from when she fought the Knight. Even so, he paid her current appearance no mind, instead planning on jumping straight into the questions, "You… you're Nunnally's friend, aren't you?"

"S-so you recognize me?" Alice let out a nervous sigh, glancing at Sancia and Dalque as they patiently witnessed the negotiations. Internally, she was surprised to face Lelouch again, especially after his 'death' during the Ashford bombing; but due to his significantly intimidating stature now – thanks to the power he currently holds – she managed to push that feeling down, instead focusing on the task at hand.

"How could I not? I always see you two hanging out." then his eyes narrowed with suspicion, "However… why are you here? If I remember correctly, you were supposed to be Clara's sister, correct?" he crossed his arms, awaiting her response, "Damn. I can't believe I overlooked that detail. My mind was too preoccupied with the rebellion."

However, just as the blonde was about to answer, C.C interjected with the pink-haired girl standing at the entrance, "Wait, Lelouch. Are you forgetting what I've told you already?"

The Prince rolled his eyes as the Immortal stood behind him, "I just want to hear her say it – see if your stories match up."

"T-then you know that I helped Nunnally, right?" Alice brought the conversation back to her, "So if you're thinking that I only befriended her to possibly get at you, you're wrong. Our friendship is real. It was mere coincidence that I was there for a mission." she then glanced at her 'sister', seeking help, "You can even ask Clara, she'll tell you everything!"

Lelouch kept a stern gaze on the blonde, holding it for a solid minute as Kallen and Cornelia entered from the left, instantly being hushed by C.C. "Alice… I believe you. There's too much evidence pointing to you being on our side." the Prince reassured, lifting the intense beating of the Irregulars hearts. "I must say… your anatomy is interesting… somehow you've gained C.C's healing, while retaining a Geass. Powerful ones at that."

"Thank you." the blonde mumbled, "Now that you know my intentions… I want to know if there's some way for us to strike a deal."

"A deal?" Lelouch raised an eyebrow, "Since you're Nunnally's friend, I'll hear you out."

"Well… we'd like to return to Japan, and be enrolled in Ashford Academy – my sisters and I." Alice explained, "I know you're friends with Milly Ashford, so I'm sure you can make it happen."

"And in exchange, you'll protect Nunnally?" Lelouch finished the girl's sentence, glancing at the rest of the Irregulars in the process.

"That's right." Dalque got up confidently, her jacket slipping off one shoulder, "You can't ask for better bodyguards!"

"Sit down." Sancia forced the dark-skin girl back into her seat, "And wear your jacket properly. You're embarrassing us."

The Prince continued to eye the rest of the group carefully, "It wouldn't be a bad idea. Of course, Sayoko's great, but it wouldn't hurt to have some extra protection for Nunnally. And, they'd provide her some much-needed company, alongside Euphie and Lila." he smirked internally, "This can kill two birds with one stone. And if they're anything like Clara – which they seem to be – they desire freedom and are loyal, so I won't have to worry about betrayal 24/7."

"S-so… what do you say?" Alice asked, nervousness subconsciously seeping through her words.

"Very well, I agree to your terms." Lelouch answered, "However, I need your help accessing the archives for this facility. You don't have to provide passwords. Just point me in the direction they're in."

"Well, I can help with that." Clara stepped in, slyly seeking approval with an adorable smile.

"No. Someone needs to check on Bradley. I have no doubt he's doing his job, but it's just to be certain. Can you do it?"

The pink-haired girl looked down with a bit of disappointment, mumbling, "Okay…"

Lelouch let out a sigh while approaching her, taking off the glove on his left hand before giving her a head pat, "Thank you for the information regarding Alice. I appreciate. Now go check on Bradley, please."

Clara nodded with a content smile, enjoying the warmth of their leader's hand, "Can I get a hug afterward?"

"I'll… put it into consideration." the Prince answered, keeping an eye on his girlfriend who approached with a smirk – her cheek slightly puffed into a little pout. "Just check on Bradley first, then we'll talk."

"Okay!" the pink-haired girl responded, quickly rushing to her Gekka afterward.

"What about me? Don't I deserve a hug?" Kallen wrapped her arms around Lelouch from behind, resting her head against his back.

"I mean… you always can. Just…" the Prince scanned the room quickly, his cheeks turning a bit pink upon eyeing his sister, who raised an eyebrow, "It's a bit embarrassing now, isn't it?"

"Awe. Is someone embarrassed?" C.C teased while hugging him from the front, to which Kallen responded by trying to swat her away. "Hey. I deserve a reward too. After all, I'm the one who brought in Cornelia."

"Th-that's enough. From both of you." Lelouch proclaimed, gently pushing the girls away as they glared at each other – though, only playful malice laid behind their eyes.

"Your entourage is certainly… interesting, brother." the Princess said as she came face-to-face with him.

"That's one way of putting it." he quickly shifted the topic back to her, "So, I assume that you have something to tell me?" his hand gestured toward her body, which was free of any binds, "Considering your state, that is."

"Ah yes. Well, I have made up my mind." Cornelia let out a breath, before looking her brother in the eyes, "Zero is still a threat to Britannia. It's my duty as a Princess – and a warrior – to put an end to his rebellion. Though, at the same time, you're still my brother – despite only sharing the same father. Thus… I can't bring myself to punish you, regardless of your… actions."

"I see. I won't have her cooperation, but she won't stand in my way either. Makes sense considering who Cornelia is." Lelouch nodded, agreeing to his sister's words, "Very well. If that's the way things are, then it's better than the alternative."

"I take it that means you won't harm Euphie or Lila either?"

"Considering what Nunnally told me about the latter, it seems I won't have to. As for Euphie, that's already been explained."

"Wait… Nunnally told you? You've been in contact with her?" the Princess then shook her head in disbelief, "Wait… no. Does she know you're Zero too?"

"Of course not. I didn't want her to think I was gone, so I contacted her after Tokyo." he explained simply, "All she knows, is that Kallen – who she thinks is a mechanic – took me to the Black Knights, where I've been safe for the past months."

"You've lied to her quite a bit, haven't you?" Cornelia mumbled, "Don't you think she'll be hurt once she finds the truth? Even more so considering how long this lies been going on?"

"It's for her own good, Cornelia. This… this is for her."

"And what if you die? For real, this time. Ever thought about how she'd feel then?"

"He won't." Kallen proclaimed boldly, "Not with us around."

The Princess sighed, seeing that this conversation was pointless, "Very well. You've clearly made up your mind, Lelouch. I just… hope it doesn't cost Nunnally greatly."

Ruins of the Geass Order.

Luciano sadistically swatted a pillar, sending rubble flying in different directions as his rampage continued with no one left to stop him. "Bahaha! Come out, come out wherever you are~" he grabbed a piece of rubble, tossing it away to reveal a group of kids who were cowering, "There you are! Just like maggots inside a rotting tree stump!"

The children trembled as he stared them down, utterly stricken with fear. Speechless. "How about we play a game!?" the vampire asked, clenching and unclenching his fist, "Point to the person you want to sacrifice, then I'll give the rest of you a chance to get away."

Without hesitation, the kids pointed to one girl, who let out a gasp, surprised by their betrayal. However, Luciano was absolutely loving it, "Oh wow! I didn't even have to give a 3-count! I like that. You kids can follow instructions." without hesitation, he tightly gripped the little girl, hoisting her high above her peers, "Start running." he ordered the rest before crushing the unfortunate victim by slamming them against a building, snapping them in two bloody halves.

Though, just as the remaining kids began running, a hail of bullets gunned them down from the right, where Clara's Gekka stood, "Luciano, what do you think you're doing!?" she demanded an answer – sick to her stomach by the sadistic game.

"My job, you bumpkin." he responded without remorse, effortlessly tossing his victim's mangled corpse amongst the others, "Or did you forget why I'm here?"

"Oh no. I remember all-too clearly." the pink-haired girl approached him, her eyes filled with rage and annoyance, "You were supposed to kill the residence, not torment them." she glanced at the kid, her gaze turning downtrodden, "They don't deserve to suffer anymore than they already have."

"Boohoo. I don't sympathize with the enemy. You could learn a thing or two about that."

Clara's jaw dropped with shock, before quickly returning to normal, "Ah… how could I forget? This guy… he's a psychopath." she clenched her controls tightly, waiting for the Knight to turn around before striking him down, disabling the already weak Gekka.

"Hey! What the fucks you're problem!?" Luciano complained, trying to get back up, only to find his systems unresponsive.

"Nothing." the girl said while walking away, "We're going to cause a cave-in soon, so you better get back to the entrance somehow."

"Damn it! My energy filler's dead…" the Vampire's eyes then wandered toward a nearby Gloucester, which looked to have its filler intact, "Ugh. This is utterly ridiculous."

AN: Bit of a weak end, but next chapter Lelouch and Cornelia will have a final conversation before parting. He'll also have a last word with Alice.

I didn't say this before, but the cage for V.V will be used later. However, using it on KT Suzaku is a different case, because they can't actually get him to C's World. Could it work on him in theory? Yes.