"Tell me again why I have to bother with this," Lelouch sighed.

Cornelia scowled, crossing her arms. "Because you thought it would be amusing to give the guards the runaround and make them look like fools."

"They look like fools because they are fools," He grumbled. "It isn't my fault for wanting to have fun."

"It is, in fact," His sister told him. "You are a prince, Lelouch, and a very clever young man. You're ten years old, not two. A certain amount of decorum is expected from you."

He snorted. "No one expects anything out of me, haven't you heard? My mother's the commoner empress, and bathes in dirt."

Cornelia scowled. "Where did you hear that? Who is saying such things?"

"Half the court," Lelouch muttered. "And the other half is thinking it. I'm not ignorant. I know what they say."

"Then you should know they only say such things out of jealousy," Cornelia said firmly. "Any one of them would give an arm to take your place, or your mothers, or your sisters. You are royalty, and everyone of them who glares at you knows it. But you must act like royalty if you wish to earn their respect."

"Why would I want their respect?" He scoffed. "They're opinions aren't worth spit."

"Because one day, you will be a part of the court, Lelouch," She said softly. "And I don't wish for you to find yourself surrounded by enemies. Even your mother has her admirers among the nobility. You can't scorn them all."

"I don't need them," He said defiantly. "I have you, and Nunna, and mother, and all the others."

"You won't get anywhere leaning on our family, brother," She said. "And no matter what I wish, I cannot protect you forever. You'll have to learn to support yourself sooner or later."

"And how is sitting here doing nothing supposed to help me?" He asked angrily.

Cornelia had the audacity to laugh. "Oh, so that's what this is about then. You aren't mad about what the court is saying. You're mad you're getting punished."

He flushed in embarrassment, looking away from his sister's eyes. "It can be both…" He mumbled.

"Lelouch…" Cornelia sighed. "I am the captain of your mother's guard. Do you understand what that means?"

He nodded. "It means you have to keep her safe."

"Yes, but more than that, I keep you safe as well. You and Nunnally, and everyone else within the palace."

"So?" He furrowed his brow. "What does that have to do with me getting punished?"

"So when you run around the palace, jumping up and down flights of stairs, you're putting yourself at risk," Cornelia said. "You and your sisters both. This isn't a playground. You could trip, hurt yourself."

"But we haven't!" He protested.

"But you could," She said sternly. "I just want to keep you safe."

"Your job is stupid, then," He huffed.

"Lelouch, even if I weren't your mother's guard, it would change nothing," She told him. "I'm still your older sister, and as your older sibling it's my responsibility to look after you."

"What does that matter?" He mumbled. "Schneizel only speaks to me because I interest him. Guinevere, Oddyseus, they don't care. Father rarely visits. Since when does being older make you care?"

Cornelia was silent for a moment, before she sat down next to him, wrapping an arm around her younger brother. "We…we don't exactly have a normal family, Lelouch. Not even remotely. Neither of us have even met most of our siblings, and we probably never will. And yes, I won't pretend there aren't those of us who should be more active in our families lives, and I'll even admit there's a few of our siblings I don't particularly like." She glanced around conspiratorially before whispering in his ear. "Though if you tell Guinevere, I'll feign ignorance."

Lelouch giggled at that, but his sister carried on. "But none of that means we aren't still a family, Lelouch. You are my brother, and I love you. Or do you think Euphie and I don't care?"

His eyes widened. "Of course you do-"

"Then that settles it," She said simply. "I know it's frustrating. And…and I know I tend to get…overzealous, trying to look out for you and your sisters. But it's only because I can't bear the thought of something happening to you. Do you understand?"

He nodded glumly. "I understand."

She patted his back, then stood with a sigh. "Alright then. Off you go."

Lelouch frowned. "I'm…sorry?"

"I told you to leave," Cornelia repeated. "Get. Scram. Go steal a jar of cookies or something."

He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "I thought I was being punished?"

"Yes, well, I haven't technically told your mother yet," Cornelia said. "And with my mother's birthday coming up, I do believe the whole incident's slipped my mind entirely. Such a shame" She paused for a brief moment. "Euphie's waiting for you in the gardens. She was planning on trying to climb up to your balcony, but I imagine she'll be much more surprised to see you walking the grounds."

He hesitated only a moment before running up to Cornelia and throwing his arms around her in a hug. "Thank you, sister.'

She returned the gesture with a smile. "Just be careful, Lelouch. I know you two will keep getting into trouble until your mother gets back, but try to be safe. I don't know what I would do if something happened to one of you."

"I told you already," Lelouch said with a roll of his eyes. "We never get hurt."

Cornelia glanced back down at the sleeping form of Lelouch beside her. They had moved further into the cave to stay out of sight from Euro Britannia. More importantly, she had moved the two of them further into the cave to get out of earshot from the others if Lelouch woke up. Even if they were going to be traveling together for the time being, she doubted Lelouch would appreciate it if they learned something they shouldn't have because he slipped something out as he was waking up.

So she had taken off her poncho and her dress coat, and made a little bundle to serve as a pillow for Lelouch as she sat beside him, waiting for him to awake. She passed the time slowly, trying to figure out what she thought of Leila's decision to travel with her and Lelouch.

On the one hand, she and her squad had proven themselves more than capable, and Leila wasn't lying when she said Cornelia would need the help. Britannia would spare no expense trying to get Lelouch back. But their aid was a double edged sword. How willing would they be to help if they learned he was Zero as well? If he was a prince? She didn't know any of them enough to say for sure, and she would take no risks when it came to her brother's safety.

She jumped as Lelouch began to stir from his sleep, groaning in pain as he tried to sit up. He placed a hand over his eye, breathing out shakily.

"Easy now," She said gently. "You've been asleep for nearly half a day now. Don't strain yourself."

He hissed at her words, evidently nursing a painful headache. "Where…where am I?" He struggled to say through gritted teeth.

"In a cave, somewhere in the middle of Euro Britannia," She answered honestly.

Lelouch frowned. "What? No, that doesn't make any sense. Why…why would I…?" He trailed off as he lifted his head, finally looking at her. He stared in confusion for a few brief moments, before recognition set in. His lone eye widened in fearful recognition, and she watched him freeze. "Sister," He greeted stiffly.

Sister. It was him then. It was really her brother, and not Kingsley. She smiled warmly, hoping to set him at ease. "Hello, Lelouch."

"I…I thought you were like the others," He muttered. "I thought you were a trick. I didn't think you were actually there."

"Yes, well, I did promise to come back," She reminded him.

"Yes," Lelouch mumbled blithely. "Yes, you did." He shook his head. "Whatever it is you want with me, get it over with. Or do you want to sit and gloat first?"

She frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"What do you think?" He snapped, before sighing. "I suppose I should thank you, at least. I did ask it of you. I'd rather die a clean death than waste away as father's Geass breaks me."

Cornelia shut her eyes, hanging her head. "Lelouch…" She knew this was never going to be simple. "I'm not here to kill you."

He scoffed. "Of course you are. I don't know why you went through the trouble of getting me away from Suzaku, but what else would you possibly want with me?"

"To rescue you," She answered.

"Why?" He asked, confusion written plainly on his face. "Why would you bother? For what possible reason? Do you want answers? To use me to lure out the Black Knights? Why?"

She shrugged. "Because you are my brother," She said simply.

Lelouch scowled. "That means little and less in our family. I murdered Clovis, or have you forgotten? Euphie as well. Were they not our family?"

Cornelia glared at him, feeling the old anger rise up. "Don't," She warned sternly, before wincing at the harshness of her own words. "Just…no. We aren't talking about Euphie. Not…not yet." She wasn't ready for that conversation. Not by a long shot. "And don't pretend family means nothing to you, Lelouch. Or do you mean to say you don't care about Nunnally? And besides, you spared me during the Black Rebellion. I was bleeding out on the ground. It would have taken nothing to kill me, but you let me live."

"I had everything I needed from you," He deflected. "It would have been a waste of time to bother. I let you bleed out."

"I don't believe you," She said. "Is it so hard to believe I would come for you?"

"You didn't before," He muttered bitterly. "You stood by when father sent us to Japan. Let him use us as martyrs for his invasion, then left us to die as Japan was torn to pieces around us."

"I begged father to let me search for you," Cornelia scowled. "And when he finally gave me leave to go, I searched for months." She and Clovis both had.

"We stayed with the Ashfords, who were known family friends," Lelouch glared. "We didn't dye our hair, we didn't wear contacts, we didn't even change our names. So however hard you looked, sister, it clearly wasn't hard enough."

Cornelia clenched her fist, biting back a retort. It wasn't as if he didn't have a point. But neither did he understand, not fully. She didn't have the resources to search properly back then, and she needed to take care of Euphie. "We weren't discussing your exile, Lelouch."

"Then don't hide behind family as an excuse, as if that explains why you would free me," Lelouch said. "You want something. You must."

He won't accept the truth as an answer. Cornelia sighed. She wouldn't lie to him, but if she at least explained herself a little more, he might listen to her. "When I found you in that cell, yes, I hated you," She admitted. "Of course I did. How could I not, after what you did? But seeing you there, rotting like that…you looked awful, brother. Like an empty husk, one who was half in another world. And then you told me it was our father's doing, that he used Geass to rob your mind, to pervert your existence." She shook her head. "Do you have any idea what that was like for me? The boy I watched grow as a child, dying as he lost his mind, forced to parade around as something he loathed? It killed me, brother. I couldn't…I couldn't just leave you there. No matter what you may have done, you didn't deserve a fate like that. No one does."

Lelouch narrowed his eyes, but didn't argue with her, apparently accepting her explanation. They sat in silence for a few minutes, neither of them sure what to say. It could be worse, She thought. It could have been Kingsley who woke up.

"How did you get me out?" He asked finally, and Cornelia breathed a sigh of relief. A nice, simple question. Better than arguing, at least.

"As to that…" She cleared her throat. "We aren't exactly alone."

His eye widened, suddenly alert. "Who?" He demanded.

"Europian soldiers," She said. "All they know is that you're Julius Kingsley, and the Emperor had some sort of way of forcing your cooperation. They're closer to the entrance of the cave, they can't hear us from here."

He relaxed, somewhat, before frowning. "You worked with the EU?"

She grinned. "I also threw the Knight of Seven off of a balcony."

Lelouch snorted, letting out a disbelieving laugh. "You can't be serious."

"I certainly am," She told him. "Unfortunately, your friend is rather persistent. Last I saw he was clawing his way up, albeit with a rather nasty bump on his head."

His brief smile faded away. "You are serious." He frowned. "You realize that's treason, yes? Your status as a princess won't save you, not this time. You've just thrown your life away for nothing."

"I threw it away for you," Cornelia said softly. "And I would do so again in an instant. I told you, brother. I came back to rescue you, not to kill you, and if I have to tell you that a thousand more times until you believe me, then I will."

He grew quiet once more, shifting his gaze away from her. His lip curled, and it was clear he was struggling to think of an answer to her.

His hand fell to the ground, and he froze, noticing the makeshift pillow she had made for him. "What's this?" He muttered.

"My coat and poncho," She answered.

Lelouch frowned. "This is a dress coat fit for royalty, with a price tag to match, I'm sure. You've ruined it, laying it on the damp cave floor."

She shrugged. "You needed something to rest your head on."

He was silent for a moment, shifting awkwardly before clearing his throat. "Thank you, sister."

Cornelia smiled. "Of course."

"Gene…" Amelia sighed, shaking her head. She was far too old to be engaged in such nonsense. "I thought we spoke about this."

"We did," The younger man confirmed with a nod of his head. "And I left the conversation under the impression you shared my opinions. Was I wrong?"

"Not wrong, but…it's so much more complicated than you think."

"It really isn't," He said, with all the arrogance of a General who thought only he knew the path forward. "The Council of Forty is a useless, corrupt relic that stands divided, while Euro Britannia gains more ground day after day. Their strength lies in their leadership, their rigid hierarchy. It's a weakness of theirs as well, yes, but with how divided the EU is it hardly matters. They can act swiftly, while we need to hold meetings to hold meetings in order to get a new vending machine installed."

"And what do you want to do about it?" Ameia challenged. "No matter what we feel, the Council of Forty is what we have. What exactly do you think you can do to change that?" Don't, Gene. Don't say it. She already knew what he was thinking. She just hoped she was wrong. Or at the very least, smart enough not to say it in front of her.

For a moment, she was worried he might actually tell her. He held her gaze for some time, before looking away with a sigh. "I don't want to do anything, Amelia. But soon enough it won't be in my hands. What are we supposed to do when Julius Kingsley marches on Paris? Hold another meeting?"

"Julius Kingsley shouldn't be a problem for much longer," She said. "I heard you authorized Malcal to eliminate that particular problem."

He shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe she fails. What then?"

"Have you so little faith in your protege?"

"I have little faith in our government," Smilas said.

Her lip curled. "Why did you ask me here, Gene?"

"You're one of the greatest generals the EU has to offer, with a record to match," He said. "You're an old friend, and someone I happen to respect very much. I wanted your opinion on something."

"Then get on with it and stop wasting our time. Neither of us has enough to waste." There was a sour feeling in her mouth. I'm not going to like what he has to say, am I?

"If…If there were a change. If the EU did have a capable leader…would you offer your support?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Gene…" She warned. "What exactly are you implying?"

"Nothing at all," He lied through his teeth. "But it's hard not to ruminate on all the ways this war could go. Think what would happen if Leila fails? If Kingsley continues his reign of terror? You can't honestly tell me we can win in a protracted campaign against someone like him."

"No, I can't," Amelia said, before breaking into a smile. "Luckily, I don't have to. I have my own news to report. Have you been paying attention to the news in St. Petersburg?"

"I've been waiting for a report from either Leila or my aid," Smilas frowned. "Has something happened?"

"Something has," She answered. "Something very interesting. It seems you should have had more faith in the girl. Kinglsey has been kidnapped, and arrest warrants have been placed for Leila Breisgau…and Cornelia li Britannia."

Smilas's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

"I had it confirmed three times before I came here," Amelia said. "It seems your little friend was more capable than you thought, if she managed to rope a princess into her scheme."

Smilas scowled. "The mission was to assassinate Kingsley, not kidnap him. And she made no mention of the princess."

"Of course she didn't," Amelia scoffed. "You'd have never approved it otherwise. I would never have approved it if she told me that. Still, it's impressive, and isn't it exactly what you wanted? Kingsley is out of the picture, and on top of that one of the most famous and feared generals of Britannia, a princess, has been labeled a traitor. By all measures, Leila's mission was a complete success."

"Yes," Smilas said blithely. "I suppose it was." He frowned. "Of course, that's if she manages to get back with Kingsley in tow. They aren't safe yet. Something could always happen to them on their way back. Britannia could catch up to them."

"Or someone else," Amelia said, glaring at Smilas. "Is that what you're thinking?"

He looked astonished. "Amelia, you can think what you want, but you better not be accusing me of what I think you are."

"What am I supposed to think, then?" She growled. "Don't tell me the thought hasn't crossed your mind. I know you, Gene. You'd call it necessary for the greater good. You might feel a little guilty, but if the girl dies, then the threat of Kingsley remains. And if Kingsley remains a threat, you have an excuse to overthrow the Council of Forty."

Smilas stood up with a huff. "I think you should leave, Amelia," He said seething.

"I think I should as well," She told him. "Think about whatever it is you do next, Gene. Think hard. You're a good man, and you mean well, but you have the same irritating habit all young men with a bit of power tend towards. You think everything depends on you."

"We're done here," He said, more harshly.

She turned with a sigh. "No. No, I think this madness has really only just begun."

Suzaku stood kneeling in the former office of the Grand Duke, waiting for the transmission to begin. He had summoned Shaing, and he would be arriving soon, but Suzaku had other matters to attend to first.

He heard the telltale click signaling it had begun, and the Emperor spoke. "Rise, Sir Kururugi."

Suzaku obeyed, saluting. "Julius Kingsley has been captured, your majesty."

The Emperor nodded. "Explain."

"Princess Cornelia arrived without warning, bringing a woman named Leila Breisgau in tow. Upon introducing her, she revealed that Miss Breisgau was in fact Leila Malcal, and claimed she had been serving as Cornelia's spy for some time." He paused. "There was a celebration held in her highness's honor, of course, but we were soon warned of an intruder by Lord Shaing. I attempted to search the grounds, when the Princess hurled me over a balcony. Upon recovering, I learned she had apparently been working with Miss Malcal in an effort to take Kingsley alive. We nearly caught her taking a train to Moscow, but the Knightmares sent to take her in were destroyed, presumably by forces of the EU."

"Where are they now?" The Emperor asked.

"We believe they are still hiding somewhere in the woods," He answered. "There's been no sign of them on aerial surveillance, and they seemed to have powered off their Knightmares, and disabled their IFF beacons. I have squads scouring the woods as we speak. I myself will lead the next party going out to search."

"You will do no such thing," The Emperor ordered. "This…this is an opportunity."

Suzaku resisted the urge to frown. "How so, your majesty?"

"You have made attempts to silence word of his capture, yes?"

He nodded. "I have, but whispers have spread regardless."

"Good," The Emperor said. "Aid these whispers, if you can. Have we not been waiting for a chance to lure C.C. into our grasp? She has been patient, but I know her eyes are still on Kingsley. She is picky with her contractors, and I have never seen her so attached to one as she is to him. I would not be surprised if she leapt at the opportunity to finally take him back." The Emperor nodded to himself. "Yes, that will work nicely. Remain in St. Petersburg, Kururugi. I will be sending Gino Weinberg, the Knight of Three, and Anya Alstreim, the Knight of Six to assist you. You will maintain nominal command, as Kingsley is your charge, and they have not been apprised of the full details of Kingsley's nature."

Suzaku bowed. "It will be done, your majesty." The transmission ended without further ceremony, and Suzaku allowed himself a sigh, taking a seat in the Duke's chair.

Unbidden, his fists clenched in anger. Lelouch's escape irked him. That scum like him walked free, and he could do nothing but sit by until the other Knights arrived.
And Cornelia…what madness had taken hold of her? Of all of the people in the world, she alone had just as much reason as he did to loathe Lelouch. He had murdered Euphie, stolen her sister away from her, and she decided to free him? She had dared to say he didn't deserve what was happening?

She knew nothing. She ran away, dropping off of the face of the earth in the wake of Euphie's death, while he carried on for the sake of her dream, and his as well. And now Cornelia returns, claiming the moral high ground. Disgusting. There was never much love lost between the two of them, but he had at least respected her, once.

I suppose I've always been a fool, haven't I? He had respected Lelouch as well, once. Trusted him with his life. And he had thrown it in his face, spitting on their friendship and grinding it into the dirt.

I will find you, Lelouch. I swear it. And I'll bring you right back to where you belong. You do not get to escape your punishment so easily. I refuse to allow it.

Shaing wasted no time, knocking politely on the door as soon as he arrived. A second later, Suzaku's voice rang out, muffled behind the door. "Enter."

Shaing obeyed, Jean trailing behind him as faithfully as ever. He inclined his head towards the Knight of the Rounds. "Sir Kururugi," He greeted. "You asked for my presence?"

Suzaku nodded. "I did. Thank you for securing an audience with the Emperor on my behalf. I wanted to make things clear. The Emperor has confirmed me as nominally in charge of Euro Britannia's affairs while Kingsley remains in captivity, but that's mainly so I can operate without wasting any time with red tape. Consider yourself in command of all military matters, as Kingsley originally instructed. The Duke will handle more domestic duties. All that concerns me is retrieving Kingsley."

Naturally, He thought, restraining a grin. You can't very well let Zero run free, can you? He bowed. "You honor me, Sir Kururugi. Will you need assistance in the search?"

Suzaku shook his head. "No. Two of my fellow Knights of the Rounds will be arriving shortly to assist me. If I require any further accommodations, I'll be sure to inform you. You are free to leave, Lord Shaing."

He bowed, before swiftly turning to leave, trying not to let the surprise show on his face. Three Knights of the Rounds for one man? Even for someone like Zero, that was an extravagant expenditure of resources. It made him suspicious. There had to be something else to the matter. Something he still didn't know.

But what? What could be a bigger secret than Kingsley's identity as Zero?

I'll have to focus elsewhere, for now. As interesting as it was, Suzaku's presence afforded an opportunity he couldn't pass up. With the Duke teetering on the edge of disgrace, now was an excellent time for him to consolidate power, and perhaps secure a few more friends. He was ill liked at court, but he was respected. Word was already spreading that he was the first to realize they were betrayed. Perhaps he could use that…

"Jean," He said suddenly. "I have a task for you. One of the utmost importance."

He saw her light up in excitement, like an eager puppy. "Yes, my lord?"

"You heard Sir Kururugi. I will be busy here, in St. Petersburg, going over the notes Kingsley left me regarding the war effort. Sir Kururugi said he had no need of my assistance in searching for Kingsley…but I would be remiss in my duties if I did not lend my aid, don't you think?"

Jean frowned. "What is it you wish of me, my lord?"

"Search for Kingsley yourself," He ordered. "Tell no one, and travel in stock Sutherland Knightmares, unmarked so as to not give yourself away. Take Ashley Ashra with you, as back up. If you manage to find Kinglsey, do not tell anyone. Anyone. If the opportunity presents itself, be sure to rescue him."*

"Of course, my lord," Jean said. "But…why go behind Sir Kururugi's back?"

He shrugged. "Curiosity, perhaps? I don't entirely trust him, and I know there's something more to be found regarding the military advisor." He smiled. "And I know I can trust no other to uncover it for me."

The effect was immediate, and Jean flushed. "I won't fail you, my lord. I shall leave at once."

"I know you won't, Jean," He said. "Oh, and try not to let Ashra provoke you."

"We'll remain professional," Jean promised, before bowing. "Goodbye, my lord."

"Good luck," He told her, watching as she left. Once she vanished from his sight, he sighed, turning down the other side of the hall. It was time for the less amusing part of his duties.

Politics.

He has never claimed that he was a perfect man, or that his decisions were infallible. He had never believed he was fated for the position he was in. He had become a General through a healthy mixture of luck and talent, and he was grateful with all he could accomplish because of his title.

Which made it irk him all the more when he was constantly surrounded by problems he couldn't fix because of his authority. Try as he may, much of his power was hindered by the Council of Forty. Cities had been razed because they hadn't authorized reinforcements fast enough. Lives had been lost because they sat bickering over how much money the war was losing them. As if this wasn't a war for their very identity. No matter how many times they watched it play out across the rest of the world, they seemed unable to wrap their heads around the idea that they would all just become another Area if Britannia won.

No, all they cared about was lining their pockets.

It was sickening. And worse, there was nothing he could do about it, not for a long time. But now, finally, an opportunity had come. A wretched, horrible, treasonous opportunity, one that would either save the EU, or damn it further. And no matter what, it would cost him his soul.

But he was a General. He was used to hard decisions.

Smilas sighed, lifting his head. "Marco? Any further news?"

"Only more sources confirming what you already knew," His aid told him. "Kingsley has been captured alive by Leila Malcal, and it seems she had the aid of Princess Cornelia li Britannia. Word is spreading fast."

"It is," He muttered. If he was going to act, he needed to do so quickly. Amelia…

He had been incensed by her accusations, but only because of how close they hit to the mark. He couldn't claim Kingsley was free anymore and use it as an opportunity to take power. Not with Leila having captured him. But there was still another avenue available to him…one far more terrible.

Can a sin truly be called a sin, if it benefits all but a handful? Perhaps. But that was for someone more philosophically minded than him to figure out. All he needed to do was either give the order, or abstain.

Smilas shut his eyes with a heavy heart. "Marco. It seems that Leila has betrayed us."

Marco frowned. "Sir?"

"Her orders were to kill Kingsley," Smilas said. "And she made no mention of the Princess. It Is clear to me she was bought off, and this was an attempt by Cornelia to make a play for the throne. Perhaps she was trying to destabilize Euro Britannia, or perhaps she was trying to capture Kingsley to use his talents for herself. I can't say for certain, but it is obvious Leila has gone against the will of the Europian people."

He saw realization glimmer in Marco's eyes. "I see. And no doubt Leila's treachery presents a terrible threat to the EU, sir?"

Smilas nodded grimly. "That it does. Kingsley runs free, and what's worse, in unknown hands. Who can say what resources Cornelia has at her disposal? After all, if she was confident in making a play like this, she must have taken months to prepare, years perhaps."

"I understand, sir."

"As of this moment, Leila Malcal and the rest of Wyvern Zero are branded as traitors to the EU." Smilas declared. I am sorry, Leila. You don't deserve this. But it is for the good of all.

Marco nodded. "I will send word. And…is there anything else you need? Perhaps regarding the Council?"

This was it, then. The last chance he had to back out. For years, he had inducted select members of the military into his little faction. Others, like him, who were discontent with the Council of Forty, and the corruption of the EU. For years, they had spoken of the time when a day like this might come. They had taken certain preparations to ensure the transfer of power if it became necessary.

And now, it finally has. He nodded. "Go ahead. Tonight, the Council of Forty is stricken down, and the EU is reborn. We will have a proper leader, and united we shall take the fight to Britannia."

Marco grinned, snapping off a salute. "Yes, Sir!"

Smilas's shoulders slumped as the boy ran off. It is done, He thought. Now let us hope it was worth it.

The plot is beginning to pick up the pace. Smilas is taking a more active role, Lelouch is actually lucid for the moment, and Suzaku is getting reinforcements from the Knights of the Rounds. And then there's still all the stuff I can't talk about, because it hasn't happned yet. These next few chapters are gonna be fun…

If you're enjoying my fic so far, please feel free to leave a comment! I read through every one of them, and it always makes me smile. Thank you all for reading.

Next Chapter: Sunday, November 24th