Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Wolf's Fury R1

By Storm Wolf77415, Wing Commander White Wolf, and Centurious the Azure

Fury's Fallout

(The Night Following the Battle of Shinjuku)

It was a pleasant evening, one that many families across the world took for granted and enjoyed like nothing else was going on. Many were eating dinner and watching TV. But the families of Area 11 were about to get a rude awakening as the normal programming was replaced by two large and angry-looking white words that appeared on a blood-red screen. BREAKING NEWS.

Televisions across the region shifted to the masked visage of Nero Sunderland. Even though the bulk of his face was obscured by the black mask, but the thin frown more than displayed his current mood. "Ladies and gentlemen of Area 11. I am Major Nero Sunderland, I served as one of the commanders under His Highness, Prince Clovis."

"It is my sad duty to inform you that our esteemed Viceroy was injured during an operation earlier today. Rest assured he is in stable condition and we will keep you informed of any developments. As it stands, I am now in temporary control of the region. I will do all in my power to ensure Area 11's stability until our esteemed Viceroy recovers."

He squared his shoulders. "I'm increasing security patrols for the next three weeks. Rest assured we will find the terrorists who committed this atrocity and bring them to justice. That is my word."

(Area 11 Administration Building, Broadcast Studio)

Sunderland sighed as the camera light cut out. "And we're clear!" The producer said. The masked knight stepped away from the podium. "You did well Sir Sunderland." Although Nero paid the technician no mind.

"I just did what was necessary. Even it was rather distasteful." Nero knew what he meant all too well. Once the rebels had departed. His troops boarded the G-1 and found Clovis's dead body. Iok was all set to pursue them but Nero shut him down, citing they had to think about the public order first.

Panic would ensue if the population learned that Clovis had been killed. Not to mention it would have emboldened the resistance to step up their activity. Nero figured that if everyone was told that Clovis had bee taken to the hospital, it would be able to keep things calm for a short while, not to mention deny the terrorists any kind of legitimacy.

"Sir Sunderland!" The knight felt his stomach twist at the sound of that particular voice. He saw the Third Princess fast approach, Rin, Tia, and the Valkyries right on her heels. "What was the meaning of that whole broadcast? You know full well as I do what happened to Clovis!" Euphemia had been beside herself when her brother's corpse had been brought in. "Everything you just told the populace is an absolute lie! Once word gets out."

Nero bowed his head slightly, before holding his hand up to stall Euphie's protests. "Now just wait a minute, Your Highness. Let me make you aware of a couple, simple facts. Carta was Clovis's Knight, and thus served as his second in command, effectively serving as his Sub-Viceroy. The commander of the Viceroy's Royal Guard is usually next in line. And guess who that person happens to be?" He pointed himself. "Let me also say, I understand where you're coming from. Yes, what I said was a bald-faced lie, but it was a calculated move on my part to keep some semblance of order here."

Even with the mask covering most of his face, Euphie could see his jaw muscles loosen, his lips turning into a small smirk. Before he swept down to one knee in front of her, bringing his fist up over his heart. "That being said, You are the Third Princess of the Empire, which means your authority far outstrips my own. In which case I would have no problem turning over control as Acting Viceroy to you, Princess Euphemia. You would be able to calm our citizens far better than I ever could."

Euphie was taken aback by this. She hadn't expected Nero to say this. She looked to Tia and Rin for a second. "Can you pardon me, Sir Sunderland. I need to consult with my advisors." Euphie quickly dragged the other girls to the other side of the hall. "What should I do, girls? I wasn't expecting to be so accommodating!"

"I wasn't expecting that myself. Given how a lot of high ranking officials in the Empire wouldn't dare turn down a chance at power like this." Rin said. Her opinion of Nero having gone up a few notches. It was clear that he was the only one with a working brain in Clovis's inner circle. "Although, this could be a huge opportunity for you, Euphie. A chance to prove yourself in a time of crisis. You wouldn't just be Cornelia's kid sister anymore if you handle this situation properly."

"I'm with Rin on this one, Euph." The gears in Tia's mind were already beginning to spin. "Although I do think we should be cautious. Unlike his compatriots, Sir Sunderland clearly knows what he's doing, and it wouldn't surprise me if he had an agenda of his own. But for right now, we need to focus on the well-being of the people. They need a charismatic figure they can rally around, and right now, that's you, Princess."

Euphie thought about it for a few more minutes before she made up her name. She gave a slight nod to her top confidants, before turning to Nero. She adopted a formal stance. "Very well, Sir Sunderland, I accept command of Area 11, effectively immediately."

"In exchange, I offer my services as a knight to you, Princess. You let me focus on tracking down Clovis's killers. I swear I will bring them to justice." Euphie held her hand out, to which Nero took it, gently kissing it before standing up. He couldn't help but be taken by the princess's beauty just a little bit when she smiled. A part of him wondered if Sebastian could appreciate just what he had.

"It appears we have a lot of work do, Sir Sunderland. I'll be counting on your support." Euphie then became very subdued. "Tell me…have you heard anything from Commander Connor?" As much as Clovis's death hurt, it was the fact that her Knight had seemingly gone rogue turning Thunder Stalker's weapons on the Britannian forces that was the real gut punch. She hadn't wanted to believe what Nero had said, but when a few other survivors confirmed it, The Third Princess's heart had nearly shattered. "I know that he must have had some reason for he's done."

The masked knight just shook his head. "Permission to speak freely, Your Highness. I only had a chance to know your Knight for a short amount of time. He seemed like a relatively decent guy. However, it doesn't change that he willingly killed Britannian soldiers during the battle in Shinjuku. That alone is guaranteed to end up with him getting shot. Not to mention people are going to be skeptical if you can lead, given he was your Knight."

"I ordered him to keep an eye on my brother, not to kill him!" Euphie protested, before regaining her composure. "I just need to talk to him, Sir Sunderland. Please, if you can find him, and convince your men not to shoot Commander Connor full of holes. I'm sure we can work something out."

Nero just tugged at his mask slightly. "If that is what you want, Madam Viceroy, I will respect your wishes. But I'm certain your sister and the rest of the family won't feel so generous. Whatever you put into your speech, Princess Euphemia, it had better be something incredible to win everyone over."

"For starters, Sir Sunderland. Call me Euphie, all my friends do. You leave the speech to me, and focus on finding the terrorists who committed this heinous deed." Sunderland saluted once again and quickly departed. Leaving Euphie and her retinue. The pinkette suddenly felt much older than her sixteen years. She took a seat in a nearby chair, holding her face in her hands. Rin came up to pat her on the shoulder.

"Is there anything I can get you, Euph? A drink perhaps?" Rin offered. To which Tia shot her a dirty glare. "Not anything alcoholic! I just figured you might need something to clear your head."

"No, I just need some time alone." She stood up, straightened out her skirt. "I'm going out to the garden for a while, girls. Let me know if anything comes up." It was clear the whole mess had taken its toll on the Third Princess. Tia just bowed to her, while Maria and the others saluted. Rin just pushed her raven locks out of her hair before sauntering off to do her own thing.

Euphie threw open the double doors and stepped out into the garden. She couldn't help but smile at the beautiful layout before her. "It's exactly like how it is at the Aries Villa." She said, walking down the cobblestone steps. "Clovis always did enjoy spending time there. He wanted to bring those memories with him when he took charge of this place."

Fond recollections of days long past were starting to surface for Euphie as well. Tears were starting to form in her eyes. When a slight buzzing caught her ears. She realized it was coming from her pocket. Reaching into the folds of her dress, Euphie pulled out her phone. "Third Princess Euphemia Li Britannia." She asked nervously. "Who is this?"

"Who do you think?" A familiar voice spoke. Euphie gasped at the sound of her knight. "Forgive my late reply, Your Highness. I have to keep this short and to the point. There's good news and bad news. The good news is, I found the rest of my team. They are alive and well. We're all very glad to be together again." This set her at ease, but then his voice dropped, and the temperature did too. "Now the bad news. I know by now you're aware of your dear brother's tragic fate. I'll just say…he had it coming!"

Euphie felt gut-punched, but she didn't let it stop her. "How can you say such a thing? I know you don't agree with a lot of the policies of the Empire, but he shouldn't have died for it!" She exclaimed.

Sebastian just sighed. "Euphie, I don't believe you're stupid, but there's a lot of things about this world you need to realize and quick. The things your people, your family has done to others is the reason why the Empire is hated and reviled by anyone who's not Britannian! This kind of oppression is the reason why ZAFT was formed, to begin within my world. It's exactly why the war started. You look at Clovis as your kind older brother. But all I see, is a cruel tyrant who needed to be knocked off his throne. I shed no tears when he was shot in the face."

"That is absolutely cold-blooded!" Euphie cried, tears forming in her eyes.

The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due's only response was a slight grunt. "Yeah it is cold-blooded. But it's also the truth. And if you still don't believe me, then listen to this."

Euphie could only weep at the slightly distorted sound of her brother's voice uttering the fateful command. "As Viceroy of Area 11 and Third Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire, I Clovis La Britannia command all forces to eliminate all residents of the Shinjuku Ghetto! Leave no one alive!" Sebastian had kept a full record of all communications made during the Battle of Shinjuku. It was a card he hoped not to play, but he never had that kind of luck.

"Those were the exact words uttered by your brother, Euphemia. He gave the order that condemned almost eleven hundred people to die for no other reason than to save his worthless ass!" The anger from earlier was now tinged by a degree of sorrow. "As I said earlier, I don't think you're stupid, but you need to open your eyes to the truth and fast, Euphie. The sooner you start thinking for yourself and not take what your sister and everyone else says at face value, the better off you'll be. I hope you heed my words, and if the next time we meet you have. I will be more than happy to serve as your Knight once more, Princess. Until then." The line went dead, and Euphie slumped to her knees crying.

(Ashford Academy, the Same Time)

Sebastian looked at the burner phone Lelouch had provided him earlier to make this very phone call. He sighed, forcefully chucking it on the concrete roof, and stomping it a few times so she couldn't call him back. "Don't you think you were being hard on her, Storm?" He looked to where Kyle was leaning against the wall where the roof access was. "You never would have spoken to Lacus like that."

"Let's clear a few things up right here and now. She is not Lacus. In fact the only things those two have in common is they both have pink hair and blue eyes. Not to mention they're the daughters of politicians. Lacus was never so naive. She knew the truths, she knew the realities. Euphie had been sheltered by her older sister and so many others it's not even funny." Sebastian took a deep breath, calming himself down. "That being said, I do think Euphie has the potential to become a great force for good. I'm just giving her the impetus to do so. If it means I have to be an asshole to do it, then I'll be an asshole."

The Hyena walked over to stand at the rail with the Wolf, the two men looking over the Academy campus. "You took me off guard when you asked me to be present when you made this little phone call. I figured you'd want to be alone, or at least have Russo present. You two are always joined at the hip after all."

"Yeah, I would have, but Anthony has his issues to deal with." Sebastian folded his arms. "Besides, it gives you and I time to talk. Let me say again, thank you for looking after my team while I was in Britannia. Takachi tells me it was your plan that kept him from potentially being executed by the Knight Police. So I guess I owe you for that."

Kyle just stretched, the gentle breeze running through his hair. "I've grown to like Murakumo, I wouldn't be a good commander if I let a man like that die on my watch."

This comment made Sebastian's shoulders dip a little. "Yeah, a far better commander than me. You didn't go snap and go crazy." Sebastian shook his head. "I should have never let myself lose control like that. But at the same time, the minute Clovis uttered that damn command. It was like being back there all over again. I promised I would never let it happen again, but I was just so unprofessional, acting like a wild animal."

Sebastian's rant was brought to a halt by Kyle coming to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Let me stop you right there, Storm. I know the events of the past few days has cropped up a shit ton of bad memories for you about what happened that day. How you felt responsible for all those lives, especially those of your family, being lost. Dupree told me you were always the type to come down pretty hard on yourself."

"Yeah, I'm my own worst critic, but then again, so is everybody else." Sebastian clamped down on himself. "You don't know what those days following the attack were like, Kyle. When word got out that I was the pilot of the GINN that was chasing the nuke. The pilot who failed to stop it. A small minority of the victims' families started pointing fingers at me! I couldn't go anywhere without at least one person accusing me of not saving their loved ones." He breathed heavily. "That hurt more than anything else."

"Certainly explains your actions in Shinjuku better." Kyle found himself reaching a new understanding with his former rival. "I don't know if this helps, but I'll take a stab at it anyway. I had a couple of buddies who came from Junius Seven. We were all at the academy together. They couldn't quite cut it and washed out. So they returned home and joined the local Colonial Defense Force. They were trying to evacuate civilians to the shelters when the nuke hit the colony."

Sebastian's knees were about ready to give out, but Kyle just gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "But I don't blame you for their deaths. My friends died doing their job to protect the people. Just as you did in trying to stop the nuke. I'm not sure if anyone has told this to your face, Sebastian Connor, but I will say it here and now. What happened at Junius Seven was not your fault. Just as Shinjuku was not your fault. And if you ever need someone to tell you again. I will be more than happy to do so."

The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due managed a weak laugh. "I never thought words of comfort would come from the likes of you. Then again…" he straightened himself up, and the Grimaldi Hyena could see a little more life in his fellow ace's eyes. "You are my rival, and will always be that way." The two men stood eye to eye. "You won't hesitate to tell it to me as it is. In ways even Anthony couldn't."

Kyle smirked. "Well then if you need to me to punch you in the face to see reason. Don't hesitate to call me. I'm always valuable. But you shouldn't sell yourself short Wolf Man. It's not the kind of man that Lacus fell in love with. I think I speak for every single man in ZAFT of how jealous we were that you managed to win her heart."

"So that's why you were always so hostile to me when we first met?" Sebastian asked. The little half-smile Kyle gave him was all the answer he needed. "I suppose I'd be jealous too if I was in your position. Dating the daughter of the Supreme Chairman, who also happens to be the most famous pop idol in the Cosmic Era? I'd be hostile to that guy as well."

"In all honesty, I thought you had stolen my chance at having her away. I thought it should have been me at Lacus's side. But as time went by. I realized that I was just in love with the idea of dating Lacus. I just wanted to brag about it. I saw how in love you two were." He sighed. "And I knew that I didn't have a chance. She picked you, bro. I hope you understand just how lucky you are."

"That I am." Sebastian stretched out. "Mark did send me to therapy after J7. Doctor Freedman was a huge help. But Lacus ultimately guided me out of the darkness. She saved my very soul. I can never repay that debt." He slumped against the railing of the school building. "I just hope she knows that even though we're worlds apart. I'll always love her."

"She knows man." Kyle patted Sebastian on the shoulder, giving his fellow ace a moment of brotherhood. "She's always known, and I'm certain no matter what she feels the exact same way." Neither of them said anything after that. Both men lost in their thoughts of the Songstress of Hope and how much they missed her.

(The Following Day, Ashford Academy, Garage)

"What did you do to this thing?" Ezra asked Rivalz as he looked in on the innards of the latter's motorcycle. "The power line has been severed. You ruptured three gaskets and this conduit is going to need to be replaced. These parts aren't cheap, Rivalz." He said, going over to the workbench to get what he needed.

"Hey, don't blame me for this one. It's all because Lelouch ditched me." Rivalz whined. "He just decided to run off and leave me hung out to dry. It took me almost an hour to drag this heap back to the school. My legs were killing me by the time I limped through the gate." He shook his head. "I'm so glad to have you around Ezra. You taught me a lot about maintaining these things, but I still don't know it as well as you do."

Ezra would've usually tuned out Rivalz's ranting. But some of the repair work needed required a delicate hand. And he would do better if things were quiet. So he went for a different tack, changing the subject. "So how much did you make on your last game? I heard Lelouch shut the guy down in less than ten minutes."

"Yeah, he did." He had all but forgotten about the chess game. "Uh, I want to say we made a cool eighteen grand from that. I think I still have our winnings from that day. Do you want me to pay you out of that?" Ezra knew all about Lelouch and Rivalz's little side venture, having caught the two of them about to skip classes for the afternoon. He had surprised both of them by offering to keep their little secret. In exchange they would often give him a small cut of their earnings, not that he needed it.

"Excuse me?" A melodic voice called out. The two boys turned to see a vision of loveliness standing in the door. The young woman wore the standard Ashford Academy uniform, her hourglass figure filling out the beige jacket and dark skirt very well. Instead of the normal ankle socks, a pair of dark blue thigh-high stockings covered her long, toned legs. Blonde hair fell just below her neck, framing a rather cute face with brilliant aquamarine-hued eyes, She ran her hand through those feathery locks. "Can you direct me to the Headmaster's office?"

Ezra struggled to find the proper words, he was captivated by the girl. Rivalz's elbow to his side helped him to regain control over his tongue. "Uh, it's in the main school building. If you're willing to wait a few minutes so I can clean up. I'll be more than happy to escort you there."

He was rewarded with a playful smile. "Aw, how sweet of you! Glad to see that chivalry not's dead." The girl blushed a little as she spoke, holding her hand out. "I'm Felecia."

He gently took it, noting how soft the skin of her palm was as he turned on the charm. "I"m Ezra, Ezra Underberg. Welcome to Ashford Academy. I hope you find the place to your liking." His reward was a light giggle, Ezra turned to Rivalz. "Hey, let me show our guest to the office and when I get back, I'll see about fixing up your ride. You understand, right?"

"I can wait a little bit longer," Rivalz said, strolling back to take a seat while he pulled out his phone to watch some more videos of Taylor. Even if she was here in the flesh, she had created a generous backlog of videos that she was cranking out a steady rate.

Ezra and Felecia walked side by side. He would occasionally sneak glances at her. Relishing each graceful stride she took. He wondered if she was a dancer. The dandelion haired girl then turned to him. "So what do you do around here?" Her question caught him off guard at first. Ezra wouldn't normally be so open with a person he just met. But the fact it was a cute, girl, not to mention the way she smiled made him feel relaxed enough to humor her.

"There's not much to say about me." He stretched his arms up to the sky. "I'm in the fencing club and I help out around the garage, as you saw earlier. Other than that, I'm just another face in the crowd here at good ol' AA." Felecia cutely cocked her head as they finally arrived at the main school building. "Enough about me, what about you? What brings you to this esteemed institution of learning?"

"Mostly here to visit my family. My grandfather and cousin live here in Area 11." Ezra opened the door for her, earning another dazzling smile from her. He was going to make sure he found as many opportunities to enjoy that as possible. "I haven't seen them in a long time, so I'm so happy to finally see them again." She said.

"FELECIA!" Ezra saw Milly charging down the corridor at full speed. She nearly tackled the other girl, sweeping her in a wide spinning hug. "I don't believe it, it's really you Fi!" Ezra's jaw dropped at the sight. Milly then winked at Ezra. "Oh hey, Ezra! Thanks for escorting my cousin here!"

"This is your cousin?" Ezra exclaimed.

"But of course! You can't see the familial resemblance?" Milly pulled Felecia close to her, letting Ezra get a long look at both of them side by side. He couldn't deny it, the hair was just a couple tones off each other. For him, the smiles were a total give away.

"I guess there is a slight resemblance between you." Ezra finally admitted.

Felecia let out an embarrassed giggle and started blushing. "I suppose I should have told you my last name from the beginning, huh? To keep it simple, My mom and Milly's dad are siblings." Her face tightened up as she frowned. It didn't look right on her. "My dad, unfortunately, was a total creep. I was just a baby when Mom divorced him. She went back to her maiden name. So it only made sense I do the same thing."

Ezra just let out a bemused chuckle. "Well, if you're anything like your cousin. I'm sure this place will explode into mayhem even faster than normal."

"Oh, I've heard plenty of stories about Milly's shenanigans." Felecia grinned, recalling the many emails they had exchanged. "It's one of the reasons I came here, to begin with."

"And we're so glad to have you here!" Reuben proclaimed as he stepped out of his office. Felecia's eyes lit up as she ran to him, giving him a huge hug. "Hello there, my dear. Welcome to Japan. I trust Mr. Underberg hasn't done anything untoward? I would hate to have to sic Anthony on you." Ezra blanched a little. He only knew of the Chief of Student Security by reputation, having passed by him on campus a few times. But the intensity in those green eyes always made his instincts, honed by years of fencing, a little sharper.

Felecia just patted Reuben on the arm. "You can relax, Grandpa. Ezra has been nothing but a total gentleman to me. So there's no need to send in the hounds. I'm sure he'll be more than willing to keep showing me around, right?" Ezra struggled to keep from going all dopey at the sight of that smile. Luckily Milly was there to do it for him.

"Aw, could it be you have a crush on my cousin?" Milly let out a triumphant laugh as Ezra sputtered and Felecia started blushing. "Tell you what, Underberg. I was going to invite Felecia to the Student Council anyway, but we always need extra bodies to throw at problems, so consider yourself on board as well. It will give you two time to spend together!"

"Uh, great I suppose," Ezra said, wondering if he shouldn't have taken his chances with Anthony…

(Middle Eastern Federation, 104th Mechanized Battalion Field Headquarters)

"THAT BASTARD!" The Second Princess's voice resonated through her office. Guilford and Darlton's faces were set in stone as they stood at attention before their commanding officer's desk. The Witch of Britannia was looking at the typed communique on her desk, her face a mixture of confusion, profound grief, and plain unbridled rage as she read the document. "Euphie's Knight opened fire on our troops? A bunch of terrorists used this to get into Clovis's G-1 and murder him?" She crumpled up the paper in her hands, tossing it across the room. "I'll have his head!"

Dalton winced. "The kid certainly didn't hold back, did he?" The aging general remarked. "Casualties list over a hundred dead by his hand alone." He shook his head. "That giant Knightmare Frame of his certainly gave him an unfair advantage."

"It doesn't matter, I'll chop him down one way or another for taking advantage of my sister!" Cornelia hissed, wishing she had her blade in hand, or even a sidearm so she could shoot something. "He'll learn what it means to betray our trust!"

Guilford reflected on his duel with Sebastian. The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due had seemed like a decent enough sort during that battle. A bit brash and flamboyant, but for the most part an upstanding man that would be perfect knight material. He thought it was a great move on the Third Princess's part. A Knight for Euphie meant Cornelia wouldn't hover about her so much. Cornelia had taken it upon herself to look after both Euphie and Taylorissa, their middle sister, After the death of their mother.

Well-meaning as the eldest Li Britannia sibling had been. Taylor had chafed under Cornelia's constant smothering, feeling like she couldn't go anywhere without needing a full protection detail, and all her friends getting a background check. Fed up, at last, Taylor departed for parts unknown. It had made Cornelia all the more paranoid and protective of her remaining full-blooded sibling. Guilford had watched Euphie grown sheltered from the world by her sister, into a sweet and caring, if rather naive young woman. Someone who simply wanted to do right by the people of the Empire, both Britannian and Number alike.

Guilford got the impression that he and Sebastian were cut from the same cloth, as far as having no prejudices against Non-Britannians. He saw the same fire in the younger man's eyes that every soldier carried. The fire to protect. It was then he recalled what the Storm Wolf said after their duel was over. "What kind of soldier can you be if you're unable to even protect your own family from danger?" The words echoed in the Spearhead of the Empire, and he came to the realization if the young soldier was haunted by the failure to protect his own family, he would go to any lengths to prevent such a tragedy again, even if it meant turning his weapons on his own allies.

"Your Highness!" The door of Cornelia's office was flung open, revealing one of her mid-ranked staff officers. "Forgive me for barging in like this, but you need to turn on your TV at once! you won't believe what's happening over in Area 11!"

Cornelia scowled, but grabbed the remote, turning on the fifty-inch high definition LED television in her office. What she saw was Euphie standing before a podium, flanked by both Tia and Nero. 'THIRD PRINCESS ADDRESSES AREA 11' in large white letters at the bottom of the screen. "Euphie? What is she doing?" The Second Princess would soon get her answer.

"People of Area 11, I am Third Princess Euphemia Li Britannia. I'm sure all of you are aware of my brother, Third Prince Clovis La Britannia's tragic fate. I know many across the region mourn his death as I do. I was here visiting my brother when he was killed during the terrorist attack in Shinjuku. And now Area 11 is without a Viceroy." Her face became determined, delicate eyebrows knitting together, and her blue eyes showing a firm resolve. "At least until someone can come to relieve me, I will serve as Acting Viceroy of Area 11. I hope together we can move past this tragedy and into a bright future."

The reporters assembled erupted, while the headline on the screen changed to read 'BRITANNIAN THIRD PRINCESS BECOMES ACTING VICEROY OF AREA 11'

Cornelia stood up abruptly, throwing her clamshell tipped cloak over her shoulders. Her expression set into the firm countenance every soldier in her division knew when it was time to get down to business. "Darlton, Order all our troops to pack up. We're departing for Area 11 immediately!"

Darlton cleared his throat. "Your Highness, perhaps I should remind you that we still have a duty here? The MEF's forces may be on the ropes, but if we depart they could rally back. It would fall on us." He chose his words carefully. "I know this is your sister we're talking about here. I think she's more than capable of taking care of herself. Plus she has Baroness Monarch at her side. That's one Dragoness who would never let any harm come to her friends."

"This is not about my sister's ability to take care of herself!" The Witch of Britannia snapped. "What is Euphie thinking by taking on the Viceroy's position? She hasn't got any experience running an Area. Euphie doesn't know the first thing she's doing. I have to stop her before she does something foolish!"

"You will do no such thing!" Cornelia was floored by the sharp tone of Guilford's words. She wheeled about on her knight, only to be stopped by the cold glare in his eyes as he adjusted his glasses, the harsh florescent lights of the office causing a slight flare. He then dropped to one knee, bowing his head low. "Forgive me for my impertinence, Your Highness. But you are not thinking clearly at all. You need to be reminded of the facts." Guilford's face came up to look Cornelia dead in the eye. "With Prince Clovis's death, she is the highest-ranking official in the Area. Princess Euphemia recognized this and immediately took charge."

"Your point being, Guilford?" The tone of Cornelia's voice didn't make Gilbert P. Guilford's resolve shake at all.

"My point, Princess. Is that you need to step back and let her make the most of this opportunity. I've kept silent on this matter for a long time because I didn't feel it was my place. However, I don't think I can anymore. Her Highness Euphemia is a Princess of the Britannian Empire, just as you are. She isn't a child any longer, and you can't protect her forever. It won't be long before the Emperor demands that she starts pulling her own weight. This may as well be the best time for her to start." He adopted a more humble stance. "Please Your Highness, have a little faith in Euphie to carry the day. She may just surprise you."

The Second Princess just looked at her Knight for a few seconds, putting a hand on her hip. "You realize there are only three people who could speak to me in such a manner, and not be summarily executed for it? My father, Schneizel, and." She closed her eyes. "You, Guilford." Darlton just smirked, folding his arms.

Guilford just adjusted his glasses. "I am your Knight, Your Highness. My main duty is to protect you from all threats, even if that threat is yourself. I understand you're driven only by your desire to protect your family. It's always an admirable goal, but I do believe that Euphie needs to at least try and build some experience. Once we've secured this region. We can go to Area 11 and see what needs to be done. I think that's fair."

Cornelia sighed, sinking back into her desk chair. "I suppose that will have to do for now. Now if you don't mind, I just need some time alone." The two Knights offered their best salute and departed, leaving her all alone to ponder her Knight's words.

(A Couple Days Later, Area 11 Administration Building, Viceroy's Office)

Euphie looked on wordlessly at the massive pile of paperwork arrayed in front of her. Numerous forms and requests covered every inch of the desk, not to mention the height of the stacks was giving her a mild sense of vertigo. "So this is the reality of being Viceroy?" She looked to Tia, who had her arms folded across her chest, wearing a bemused smile. "I knew it would be a lot of work, but this is…" She trailed off, unable to find the words.

Nero's face was impassive. "Yeah, I'm afraid that's one of the many sad truths about Clovis's regime. He would delegate most of the minor stuff to his secretaries, and he only signed off on major things. I don't think half the time he even read those reports. So tell me, Princess, how much experience do you have in wrangling paperwork?"

"Sometimes I would accompany Cornelia on her campaigns and I'd help out around her field headquarters by filing away the paperwork while she was leading the troops in battle. If just to make her job a little bit easier." Euphie said reaching for the first sheaf of papers. "Although it never got this bad, Cornelia was always quite diligent in those matters, even if she wasn't a fan of it."

"At least she was a proper administrator in that regard." Nero rolled his eyes, remembering how many times Clovis would be too busy painting another portrait of working on some frivolous pursuit instead of his proper job. "That being said, don't be afraid to delegate if you need to, Your Highness."

"That's what she has me for, Sir Sunderland," Tia said. "I fully intend to see about whipping the administrative staff into shape so we can get this bureaucracy working properly." It was evident the Sea Dragoness had effectively stepped into the role of unofficial Sub-Viceroy. "How are things coming on the military side of things, Sir Sunderland?"

"I've been spending time drilling with the troops of Baroness Monarch. Unlike Carta I'm not wasting my time with stupid parade formations. I've made them split their time improving their CQC skills and mandatory time on the range every single day. Hell, I think Iok may even be getting close to hitting the broadside of a barn." Nero's lips twitched upward as he said that. "Once I'm certain they've improved we'll start the manhunt for Clovis's killer."

"How are the troops handling my brother's death?" Euphie asked.

"Everyone's outraged, which is no big surprise. The ones making the most noise are the nobles, also no big surprise." The masked knight hesitated. "I'll level with you. A lot of their anger is directed at your Knight, Princess. I hate to say this, but Commander Connor has become their scapegoat. I've been hearing the men talking, saying he planned this from the beginning. That he made a deal with the terrorists to let them get close to Prince Clovis so he could be assassinated." He held up a hand to placate her. "But it's all just rumors, so please take it with a grain of salt."

Euphie's delicate shoulders sagged for a moment before her face became hard. "I know he's effectively caused treason by attacking and killing Britannian forces, but I want you to send a message to the men, Sir Sunderland. Sebastian Connor is my Knight and my responsibility. You are to bring him back to me alive and one piece. If they even think about going against my will. Then I am going to have a long talk with them, is that understood?"

Nero straightened himself up, gaining a new respect for the Third Princess at that moment. "But of course, Madame Viceroy." He saluted before bowing at the waist. "Your will shall be done." He was about to leave before he stopped. "Oh, there is one more thing I wanted to bring to your attention. A report from Earl Lloyd Asplund. He deployed his new weapon during the battle. The Z-01 Lancelot, a Seventh Generation Knightmare Frame. From what I read, it performed beyond expectation. And on top of it, the devicer was an Eleven."

"What was the name of the Eleven?" Euphie asked, intrigued that a Number would be given the honor to pilot not just a Knightmare Frame, but a highly experimental one at that. "I'd very much like to meet with him and Earl Asplund at their earliest convenience."

"Private Suzaku Kururugi. I'll let both of them know you'd like an audience at once." He offered another bow to the princess and a second slight bow to Tia. "Lady Monarch." He said before departing. Once Nero left the room, he smirked. "You may have more of Aunt Elizabeth in you than people think. Let's see how you do, Euph."

Euphie leaned back in the chair, sighing as she covered her face with her hands. "You want some coffee?" Tia asked.

The pinkette smiled a little. "Go ahead and put on a couple of pots." She grimaced at the sight of the mounds of paperwork still on the desk. "I have a feeling we're going to be busy with this all night."

Tia giggled, offering a slight curtesy. "Whatever my Princess asks of me. I'll be sure to tell the wait staff to make it extra strong." So the girls worked into the night, burning through the paperwork and beginning the progress of turning Area 11 around.

(Ashford Academy)

When Reuben Ashford set up the Academy that would bear his family's name, he had chosen its current location for a very explicit reason. It had once been the site of a military base for the old Imperial Japanese Army. While the surface buildings had been torn down, the vast network of underground corridors and hallways still remained. Many of the rooms were large enough to set up small assembly lines for Knightmare Frames.

The newly minted Black Knights had set up shop in the corridors beneath the Academy. Oghi was still taking it all in, standing on a catwalk as he looked down at everyone working to make their new space livable. "Quite the setup, isn't it, Mr. Oghi?" The former schoolteacher turned to see Anthony walking up to him. "I imagine it's a huge step up from your former accommodations."

"Considering those accommodations was the crumbling down low-rent apartment building I lived in, Yeah, this is like a four-star hotel." Oghi watched as Inoue and Yoshida worked on moving a couple of the Sutherlands captured from Shinjuku into docking slots. "I mean, the only resistance group that would even have these kind of facilities would be the Japanese Liberation Front, and it makes sense since they're the remains of the old JSDF. It seems like a bit much for a group of grassroots resistance cells to have a base as fancy as this."

Anthony sidled up next to Oghi, wincing as Takachi began railing on Tamaki for something stupid. "Well get used to it. You're about to become much more than just a group of simple guerrilla fighters. You're going to be trained, ZAFT style. Into an army that can match the Empire any day of the week. When they do come looking for that fight, it won't be what they expect."

"You make it sound so easy." Oghi was amazed at how relaxed and calm the Arctic White Wolf seemed.

"I suppose I am oversimplifying things a little bit." Anthony claps Oghi on the back. "But you need to ease up and relax. Your little cell isn't fighting this battle alone anymore. If you really want to strive for a Free Japan, It only makes sense unity would come eventually."

"There is logic in your words. Naoto did mention that the Resistance would need to come together for that final push." Oghi recalled his old friend's words well. "Do you think every cell will join us? I imagine a few might object to following a member of the Britannian Royal Family, even if he is disgraced." A part of him was still uneasy about Lelouch leading them, but he also remembered that it was thanks to him Clovis had been toppled in the first place. Oghi knew he couldn't do it, he wasn't sure Naoto could do it, maybe not even Toudoh.

Anthony was nonplussed. "It would be the height of arrogance to think everyone would jump on this particular bandwagon. Lelouch knows this as well, he plans on creating a disguise for himself. He's hoping it will be a rallying point for the rest of the Resistance. Truthfully, I think except for the most hardcore extremists, the desire to see Japan free would be enough for them to put their prejudices aside. At this point all we can do is wait and see."

Oghi just nodded. The prospect of creating a unifying resistance that could push out Britannia was greater than his fear. "I heard this installation is under a school, right?" He smiled fondly. "If I could manage it, I would pop up there and look around. I used to a teacher before everything fell apart." He grew wistful at memories of what seemed to be another lifetime. "I always felt a little sad at graduation, knowing they were going to leave us and head out into the world."

"But you were also proud of having the honor of watching them grow into fine young men and women under your tutelage." Anthony finished. "In an ideal world, your job would be the one that all others would aspire to. There's nothing more important than passing knowledge onto the next generation." He swallowed hard. "And hoping they learn from our mistakes."

Oghi nodded. "I hope our children never have to fight this war. Maybe with you guys here, there is some hope for our nation's future."

"Sometimes that's the only reason we get out of bed. Hope for a better tomorrow." Anthony said, patting Oghi on the shoulder. "As I said, relax man. It will all work out."

It wasn't just Anthony and Oghi adjusting to the new paradigm, everyone was finding their place. Aya was taking in the variety of Knightmare Frames the Black Knights had assembled. The Sutherlands taken from the train, not to mention a few others that had been salvaged from the battlefield after the fact. The former Knightpolice frames from the Yamato Alliance, Keijiro's cannabis green Gloucester, and lastly the Lancelot Strike itself. "It's quite the motley little crew we've assembled here." She remarked to Takachi. "I heard the Sutherlands are getting a new paint job. Hopefully it won't be a rolling billboard for marijuana." She shook her head at the gaudy green Frame.

"This is incredible!" Aya winced at the sound of Hanji's exclamation. "Oh, I have truly died gone to heaven!" The Blood of the Samurai had good reason to be so joyful as she drooled at the very state of the art workshop. loaded with every matter of tool to make any gearhead very happy. Much to Reuben's bemusement as he watched Hanji swoop from one side of the room to other. "I have to admit, I never thought I would be working under you again, Boss! I can tune my baby in a way I never could before!"

"Ah yes, your Centurion armor. I still remember when you brought the idea to me before the Foundation collapsed." The Ashford patriarch eyed the exosuit standing off in one corner of the room. "Does it still use that hydrogen battery you created?" The wide grin was all the answer he needed. "I see, well, it's not just the Centurion you'll be working on. All these Knightmare Frames will need a good tune-up. Not to mention the Falken and Commander Connor's Thunder Stalker."

"That will be a bit of a trip, given it couldn't fit here." The Storm Wolf's CGUE had been left behind in Shinjuku, stored in a bombed-out building while covered by a tarp. Reuben had goggled at the concept of such a massive machine. But his chance to examine it would have to wait. But Hanji's grin just grew wider. "Oh, we are going to be so busy!"

Reuben smirked, adjusted his glasses. "Indeed, so the sooner we get to work, the better!"

(Ashford Academy, Underworks)

Kira found one great thing about this new arrangement…it meant lots of time with the girl of his heart. The two of them were once again in the underground room where the former had recovered. The medical equipment had been removed and now it was made up to be a regular bedroom. The couple was lounging on the bed, Kira resting his head in Flay's lap.

Flay once again wore her school swimsuit, although she had her track jacket on over it this time. But the way it was open gave Kira a very nice view of her flat stomach and ample chest. A view he quite enjoyed. "Are you comfortable?" The redhead asked, gently stroking Kira's hair.

"Yeah, Your lap does feel rather nice," Kira admitted, adjusting his head a little bit as he continued looking into Flay's blue eyes, captivated by her smile. "The skin of your legs is real smooth, but I guess when you're a swimmer, it means removing any hair in order to cut down on drag."

"It's not just the hair on my legs I got rid of. I had it removed from anywhere that may cause a slowdown." Flay giggled at how Kira paled at that implication. Her face became playful as she leaned down so their faces were inches from each other. "And I do mean everywhere, honey." Kira's face went even paler, Flay laughed, surprising with a passionate, but gentle kiss. "But that can wait for later, right now I just want relish this quiet moment with you."

"I do too," Kira said, reaching up to stroke those lovely crimson locks, only for Flay to gently clasp his hand between hers, holding it to a delicate cheek before kissing it. "I think a lot of people would be angry at the two of us being together like this. Britannians and Numbers together romantically always will anger a lot of people. Look at everything Kallen's parents went through."

"You're right. My father would definitely pitch a fit, provided he ever actually cared enough to look in on me more than a few times a year." Flay grew sad, holding Kira's hand a little bit tighter. "He's always so busy with work. I suppose it's a fact of life when you work directly under the Prime Minister, but it would be nice if he at least called me every once in a while." Her sadness turned to anger before she softened. "I'm sorry, but it was only him and I ever since my mother died. Daddy took it really hard. Made him into a full-on workaholic."

"Your father works under Schneizel, So I guess that means he must be a diplomat then?" Kira asked.

"George Allster, Minister of State, the Duke of Mecklenberg. and a proud son of Charlotte, North Carolina." Flay rolled her eyes as she rattled it off.

"I guess your father has used that line more than once?" Kira could tell it was something Flay knew all too well.

Flay just shook her hair back. "All the time. My father's not just a workaholic, but he's also a social climber. He has his sights set on becoming the Grand Duke of North Carolina." She pouted. "All I wanted him to be is my Dad. To go horseback riding at our plantation outside Charlotte, or just watching a movie together. But no, it was always about the job to him."

"At least your father is still alive." Kira pointed out. His purple eyes darkening a little. "Cagalli is the only living family I have left. Our parents were killed in the invasion. And our uncle." He sat up, not looking Flay in the eye. "Less said about our uncle, is for the better." Flay crawled over to put her arms around him, pushing her chest up against his back, resting her head on his shoulder before planting a little kiss on his cheek. "You want to know anyway, don't you?" She nodded. He couldn't resist those delicate lips or the sparkle in her eyes. "Okay, I'll tell you then."

"You're not the only one with a politician in the family. Now while we call him our uncle. He was actually an older cousin of our mother's. But he and Mom had always been close, and he doted on us very much, so we called him Uncle. Does the name Uzumi Hibiki ring a bell to you?" Flay sat upright in shock. Kira looked over his shoulder at her. "Yeah, that Uzumi Hibiki."

"The last Minister of Foreign Affairs under Genbu Kururugi was your uncle?" Flay couldn't believe it. "So he was a part of the inner circle then?"

Kira grunted. "Yeah, but not exactly the most liked amongst the administration. Mostly because he was the only one who had a fully working brain at the time. Uncle Uzumi believed Japan had to remain neutral and independent of the three blocs. He warned against raising the Sakuradite prices so high and openly flaunting it in front of them, but they didn't listen to him. It only became worse when Britannia openly threatened invasion. Genbu and the entire Cabinet pretty much said, bring it on. Everyone was spoiling for a fight, except for him. Uncle Uzumi was a pacifist, didn't like unnecessary violence. He was mocked by Atsushi Sawasaki, the Chief Cabinet Secretary for not having the spirit of a true samurai." He snorted.

"Reminds me of some of the more obnoxious nobles I've met, and believe me, that's a few," Flay said.

A sinister chuckle escaped Kira's lips. "The real funny thing is what happened to all those powerful men, who talked such a big game when once it was clear we weren't going to win. They did one of two things. They either A, followed Genbu's example and committed suicide, or B, followed Sawasaki's example, abandoned Japan, and fled to the safety of the Chinese Federation." Kira started laughing. "Cagalli said that the Eunuchs were overjoyed to have them because they didn't have enough ball-less wonders over there."

Flay laughed as well. "I totally concur with that statement."

"You two may get along yet." Kira's face became somber as he continued his story. "But the war was no laughing matter. We both know how it turned out, so no point in going down that path. In the end, Uncle Uzumi was the only ranking member of the Kururugi Administration who remained in the capital through the entire war. He would give occasional speeches, trying to keep morale up. When Tokyo finally fell, he, along with a few trusted aides, stood on the steps of the Diet building, watching as the Britannian forces marched into the city. He offered the full surrender of Japan to Britannia." Flay began rubbing his shoulders, helping him to calm down. "The commanding general accepted the surrender…and promptly had them all executed just because they could!"

The two teenagers hugged again, Flay whispering soothing words to him. He waved her off. "I'm okay, but thank you for being so understanding." He took a deep breath, wiping the unshed tears from his eyes. "Everyone looks at my uncle as a coward, the one who laid down for Britannia. I know he wouldn't approve of Cagalli and I joining the Resistance, but we are going to fight, so we can make a new Japan. One that hopefully he would be proud of."

Flay rested her head against Kira's shoulder, her face totally serene. "Thank you for telling me, Kira. Can we lie down together? I'm getting rather tired." The couple laid down in bed, faces inches from each other. It wasn't long before they were asleep, their worries forgotten for the time being.

(Area 11 Administration Building, Officer's Lounge)

"Absolutely disgraceful." Lieutenant Colonel Kewell Soresi snorted derisively as he watched a replay of Euphie's speech from earlier in the week, "What does this little girl think she's doing by taking over as Viceroy?"

Major Viletta Nu also seemed dismissive of the prospect. "They send a child to do the work of an adult." She delicately sipped at her coffee. "If she thinks it's going to be that easy to bring Area 11 to heel, I hope she's ready to be sadly disappointed."

Kewell sneered as an image of Sebastian appeared on the screen. "I can't wait to get my hands on that traitor, Connor! He killed Lady Carta, and with it a good chunk of our credibility. All we have left to rely on now is that buffoon, Kujan. He couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag. If we want to make any kind of impact, we'll have to do it ourselves."

"Do you have something in mind?" Viletta asked, leaning in.

A dark smile formed on his face. "Everyone seeks justice for Prince Clovis and Lady Issue's deaths. They want to see their killers cast down at their feet. All we have to do is produce him." His smile became even wider and more sinister. "And when that happens, we will be rewarded, Viletta. The Emperor will have no choice but to put us in charge of Area 11, and we'll run in as we see fit."

"But Connor isn't going to be subdued so easily as long as he has that monster Knightmare Frame of his. Besides which, we don't even know if he killed both of them anyway!" Viletta stated.

"Maybe we can't pin both of their deaths on him. But I already know exactly where Prince Clovis's killer is located." He pulled his phone out, showing Viletta a picture of Suzaku. "We'll pick him up later today, and then we can get the ball rolling on making Area 11 a model of the Empire to follow."