You know, I do this to myself. I said I am going to take a while and then boom! I come back from work and go to writing. I have break at work, I write. I don't sleep, I write. Yes, this is an update. I won't keep a schedule anymore. Updates will come when they come, since my inspiration is all over the place these days.

Before we get to you guys, someone sent me a P.M asking how long this day by day events would continue. Well, I do think a lot has happened, so our characters do need some time to process and it is important to show these moments. Having said that, It will probably go on for a little longer. Just a bit.

Now, let's get to the reviews shall we?

Tyrant Overlord Killidia – Sayoko is busy, she is doing…. Stuff.

Imperator's slave – Thanks for the compliments! If you didn't notice, there is no problem. Indeed a shame it was never fully translated. Good luck and stay safe as well.

fallendemon248 – Yup, I am a great supporter of the ship as well.

chernabog 90 - Thanks, hoping to improve that relationship for the chapters to come.

Guest 01 – Thanks for the lengthy Reviews, I love it. Nice that you appreciate the irony of it. Milly is going to go through a lot on these next chapters. About the harem, I am working on it!

OBSERVER01 – Thank you as always!

Dewa1990 – Thanks for the support as usual! Karma is indeed a thing. It is ok not liking harems as much. Everyone has the right to like or dislike what they want, as long as they respect the other. Oz still has a lot of growing to do, but the future is still a blank page. I have been taking care of myself as much as possible and for that I am thankful. I may take you on that offer on the near future.

Narutoxasuna25 - I am happy that you enjoyed the chapter, especially the ending. Well, here is an update. Thank you, I have been taking extra precautions when I go to my shifts.

Arthas Potter – Thank you, I take special care to make the characters as close to canon as they can be, all while developing them.

Stardrago – that would be spoiling the entire thing my friend, but I do have plans for "Adam" and Kallen. So please, keep reading.

DeathCrawler – Thank you and I do think it is about time for Kallen to take a few life lessons so she can wise up.

TRL- HAK – you are not late, nor are you early. You are here exactly when you needed to be here. Thank you!

DarkOverlord2008 – it does fit her better in my opinion, but if she will get that title, well fate has plans for her is all I will say.

Ewertondragon10 – Ei, sem problemas. Eu sou brasileiro, então se você quiser deixar suas reviews em português, não tem problema não viu? Fico muito feliz com suas palavras.

PATR10JD – Yeah, i wonder the same thing. How would Nina react?

Star's Keyblade4114 – Thanks for the high praise, I do think each character being unique is a necessity for a good harem.

Wow, that was a lot of reviews, I can't express my happiness. Thanks as well to all who have favorited and followed the story, I can't tell how grateful and humbled i am.

Thanks as well to Tyrant Overlord Killidia who kindly lent his time to act as a Beta for this. Thanks for the tips!

I have broken my record once again. This chapter has more than 15.000 words of pure content. I have overdone it yet again. Hoping you guys continue to appreciate it.

As usual, flames will be ignored since the world already has too much negativity.

Stay safe out there. Covid is not a joke and I am hoping all of you stay safe through these turbulent times.

Please, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass, nor do I wish to own it.

-? -

Euphemia was having a dream. A dream which showed a little child, her skin appeared to be made of clay, full of cracks in its hands, legs and torso, black liquid flowing from it, with eyes that cried tears of blood and a long hair made of fire, all alone, as she ran on what appeared to be ruins. Did she know that kid? Why did her heart ache so much when she saw such a scene?

Euphie tried to reach for her, to console and help, however, no matter how much she ran, how much she tried, the little child was only getting more and more distant.

As she kept running after her, she heard a voice. One so androgynous, it was impossible to define whether it belonged to a man or a woman.

"You are not supposed to be here yet." It seemed irritated. Like her presence was an unforeseen problem.

And with that, the dream began to disappear. Reality was calling for Euphie's conscious. However, before her awakening, she heard, one last time, the cries of the little kid. She didn't know why, but somehow, she thought those cries belong to someone who was very, very lonely.

"Why are you crying?" she asked as the light consumed her.

Imperial Capital, The Emperor's quarters, around nine in the morning.

She awoke to the sweat fragrance of her favorite tea, her dream all but forgotten. Looking around, she saw Lelouch, half naked, fresh from a bath by the looks of his wet hair and smell of shampoo, was going over some papers in a chair nearby. Soon, he noticed she was beginning to awake and grabbed a cup of warm tea which he delivered to her hands.

"Good morning Euphie, I see that you are finally awake. Not that I blame you, our… activities were certainly exciting last night." He smirked as he saw her tilt her head, as if she didn't understand.

Soon, she was assaulted by the memories of what they did previously She blushed so much that probably a person all the way on another continent could see her face.

Last night, she had surrendered herself to her most basic animalistic instincts and by the looks of the room, with an overturned chair and their pieces of clothes scattered everywhere, Lelouch had as well.

If it was possible, she went even redder as she fully remembered the things she said and what they ended up doing in certain places. She most certainly wasn't getting near that desk anytime soon.

When Lelouch noticed where she was looking, he turned around; a smile that sent shivers up her spine on his face.

"Well, I will need a new desk that is for sure." Euphemia had to use all of her self-control not to spit the tea she had just ingested.

"L-Lelouch, please spare me." She coughed hard.

"I am just saying that I never had seen such a side of you, so…violent." His teasing continued, but it was then that she noticed that he was blushing as well.

Well, it seems two could play this game.

"But of course. After all, you were so demanding of me, I could only respond in kind." She did her best to not blush further, knowing that was something she would never say normally.

Nevertheless, she got her desired result as the man in front of her assumed a shade of red very similar to her.

A few seconds and Lelouch asked for a truce, which she gladly accepted.

Soon, she was presented with a tray full of her favorite breakfast foods. Not before, of course, having to hold a scream when she saw nail marks on the man's back when he went to get said tray.

What, in the world, had possessed her last night?

Such thoughts were quickly overpowered by the hunger that suddenly revealed itself. She would think about such things later. For now, she had to fulfill her most basic needs.

Lelouch spent most of the time simply watching her eat, much to her embarrassment, explaining he had already had his food, since he had been up for two hours already, he had asked for her food when he saw her moving.

As she finished the light meal, she returned her attention to him, who still hadn't taken his eyes off her.

"I am sorry, is there something on my face?" he denied as he moved a stray hair from her face.

"I guess I am just happy, happy that you are here, happy that you are real, happy that you chose me. Sometimes I still think you will just disappear and I will awaken, all but a dream." She intertwined their fingers and gave him a light kiss.

"Do you believe it now? Not only I am here, but I am here to stay." Her smile melted all worries he had. "Just so you know, I do think this is a dream as well, since I am having trouble one person could be this happy."

Lelouch moved the tray to a chair near them and, suddenly grabbed Euphie as they rolled in the bed. Laughing and giggling the entire time. They finally stopped with him over her, violet staring at bluish violet. They kissed once again, however, this time it wasn't a light one, but a fiery one, full of passion.

After a while, they broke the kiss, panting.

"Do you believe this is real now?" He whispered, approaching again for another round."

"I think I need a bit more proof." She also approached, kissing him once again, battling for dominance.

As things began to escalate, however, there was a knock on the door, which made the two immediately break apart.

He took a moment to collect himself as Euphemia covered herself with the blankets, realizing, for the first time since awakening that she, for all intended purposes, was only wearing her birthday suit.

"Who is it?" Lelouch asked with his regal voice in place.

"It is I, Your Majesty, Jeremiah Gottwald." The voice of the loyal cyborg came clearly through the door. "I am here since you had asked me to collect the data for the meeting with Lady Marrybell about the Terrorist groups on Europe. May I come in?"

"Jeremiah, give me just a moment if you will." The man grabbed the scattered clothes on the floor, giving Euphemia's to her as the woman rushed to the bathroom, he also informed her there was a dress at the bathroom he had asked a servant to deliver when he awoke as it would be embarrassing for her to have to walk back to her room on her nightgown. Thankful, but also abashed, she didn't even responded, closing the door as fast as possible.

He then quickly got dressed and tried his best to adjust the room.

When he was satisfied with the result, and made sure the sound coming from the shower wasn't too loud, he allowed the knight in. If Jeremiah noted something, he didn't show it.

"Good morning, my lord. The papers, as you have requested." He gave a quick bow and delivered the information.

As Lelouch went over the data, making alterations on his plans as he absorbed the news, his concentration was broken when he heard Jeremiah cough once to catch his attention.

"My lord, if I may, about Lady Euphemia…" He spoke in a low tone; Lelouch had the willpower to keep his poker face. "I do believe that it is too soon for her "return" to society."

"Yes, I also believed in that until recently. However, recent events have made me reevaluate my stance. She is strong my friend, stronger than we could ever imagine." He heard the sound of his shower growing louder, Euphie had probably listened to that and was trying to give them privacy.

"So that means, that your orders this early morning…" The cyborg kept his attention on him.

"How soon can they be completed?" He finished reading the data and went to put the finishing touches on his "White Emperor" look.

"The teams have begun working on it. They should be done at the earliest this evening. The madam is on route and should be on Palace grounds as we speak." Jeremiah's eyebrow twitched at that last statement." All that is left is the approval of the Lady Euphemia herself." If his master trusted her, then there was no reason for Jeremiah to not do the same.

"Do you need my approval for what?" the men turned around, staring at the freshly bathed Euphemia, her hair styled as usual, downwards with two buns on each side of her head. She was wearing a pink dress, similar to the one she wore back in Japan.

Without saying a word, Lelouch passed the documents he was checking before the knight's arrival. Too stunned to even form a sentence, memories he would like to forget, coming to the surface once again.

She took the papers and quickly went through them. Her eyes filled at first with disbelief, but them with blazing determination.

"I accept it. I am assuming there will be a team to guide and prepare me for it?" Jeremiah nodded.

"They are being assembled as we speak. Since it will take some time to make sure everything is perfect, as soon as we leave, they can begin."

"Euphie, you are only doing this if you are prepared. I trust you and that is the truth, but you may want some more time." Lelouch stared at her, trying to find some signal the woman was forcing herself. He found none.

"No, I will do it. I have been useless since your reign started. It is time for me to take the front." He grabbed her hands, shaking his head in denial.

"You are not useless, you saved me Euphie. You are one of my pillars." She touched his cheek with her hand.

"Thank you Lelouch, but I want to do more. Sister Marry is leading part of the military, your friends are your knights and even C.C has come to reveal herself to the public. It is about time that I place myself on the stage as well." She reassured him. "And this is the perfect way to gather even more praise onto you and move our plans to their desired stage." She pointed at the papers.

"Euphie…" He wanted to argue, but her eyes, alight with determination, stopped him, making him remember her previous displays of will and strength."

"Sorry, but you have seen me too weak, too often. Now, it is my turn to shine." Her tone was so strong; it put an end to their argument then and there.

The couple would be now remembered they weren't alone in the room, as they heard someone sniffing.

Jeremiah, who was cleaning his tears with a handkerchief, rambled at how beautiful such a display of loyalty was.

The two laughed at such scene, lightening the mood once again.

"Ah, but this is not the only reason you have come here. I do remember that Luana had requested a meeting with me and Marrybell. Is she waiting?" the cyborg nodded, explaining that his Knight of One had just finished her morning drills with the soldiers and was expecting him and the High Commander on the war room.

"Well, I better not keep them waiting. Euphie, I will see you later, know that my room is always open for you." The lady blushed.

As he and his knight departed, the cyborg warning the staff would be here soon to guide her, Euphemia was reminded of the strange dream she had. It seemed so important; she should have brought it to Lelouch, but she couldn't actually recall a thing. Somehow, that thought unnerved her.

"No, I don't have time to think about this. I need to focus on the events of tonight." She huffed. "I don't think I have anything decent for it. If only she was still working at the capital."

She didn't had the time to think much about it as the doors to the room were fully opened, violently might she add, revealing none other than the personal stylist of the Imperial Family: Nina Hopkins. The person Euphemia was just thinking about.

"Madam Hopkins?" Euphemia asked incredulous.

"I can't believe it. His words were true. I had my doubts." The woman quickly rushed to her, touching her skin, sniffing her head, measuring her hair. "This body, this smell and this perfect hair, there can be no doubt. You really are Lady Euphemia!" the woman had begun to cry as she squeezed the very life of the pinkie in a crushing hug.

Euphemia had known the tailor for a lifetime. Miss Hopkins had light brown eyes; she styled her brown hair into a curly ponytail worn on the left side of her head. Suggestive of her position as a tailor, Nina presented herself as a proper and well-dressed woman, donning a tight, low-cut, long-sleeved top and a vest sewn with black lace placed over it.

She had taken the capital by the storm a year after Lelouch and Nunnally had disappeared. Everything she made was so desired, so innovative, people made huge lines to just see one of her creations. It was said that, at her highest point, she was booked for the next two decades.

What many didn't know was she had taken a special shine to Euphemia, building her entire wardrobe from scratch. The news of Euphie's death had crushed the woman as she refused to believe her sweet model would do something as cruel as the massacre of area eleven.

That and her dislike for Emperor Charles's policy as she had plenty of assistants which came from outside Britannia, made her disappear after Euphemia's death, claiming an early retirement. At least that was she had heard from the maids talks around the palace.

Which sure surprised Euphie when said woman was not only back, but was, literally, hugging her internal organs out of her body.

"M-madam Hopkins, I can't breathe." She managed to blurt, her strength leaving her.

That did the trick as the tailor let her go, Euphemia's lungs begging for air.

"Oh my dear, sweet Euphie, I can't even begin to explain how happy I am to see you. I knew that nasty World news were nothing but garbage. My perfect muse would never be capable of hurting a fly!" Madam Hopkins hugged her, this time without much force. However that didn't matter as Euphemia was too stunned by what she had just heard.

Did she hear it right? Someone was happy to see her? When she came back among the living, all that she heard was insults or curses thrown at her by the people.

Every article, every post, every video was putting her on a bad light. She kept a strong face to prove that she was ok with what was happening. But that was too much. To hear that someone, beyond those who knew the truth, was not only happy that she was alive but also believe she would never do something like the Massacre of The Special Administered Zone, bought tears to her eyes.

The taller woman quickly noted this and swiftly moved to dry her tears.

"Now, now, there can be no sadness on such a happy encounter. You have such a big day ahead of you and I will accept nothing short of perfection." That had brought a sweet smile to her face. Madam Hopkins never failed to brighten her mood.

"But Madam Hopkins how is it that you are here?"

"Oh, haven't they told you? Men!" she huffed. "They sure can be useless. I am the personal tailor of His Imperial Majesty. I was the one who prepared his "White Emperor" look as well." She proudly said.

"I had no idea." She said, amazed. Soon, she saw the happiness vanish from the tailor's face as the woman saw Euphie's dress.

"Now, what in the world are you wearing?" She made a circle around the girl, examining her from the top of her head to the sole of her feet.

"I am sorry Madam Hopkins, but it seems they didn't keep much of my things. I am wearing what it could be arranged since no one can know about my circumstances." The tailor all but shrieked.

"But this… this is unacceptable. You are an angel, a gift from the heavens and they let YOU use such…. Such… GARBAGE!" She ripped the dress apart in one move, making the girl scream as she tried to cover herself with the sheets from the bed.

However, she would never have the chance as Nina was faster.

"Meg! Augusta! Inside, right now! I need my collections this instant." Two women, dressed in suits, quickly entered the room, carrying what appeared to be waves and waves of the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen. Soon, they had put a robe on Euphemia to cover her as the Madam raged as she went through dresses.

"Unacceptable! Simply unacceptable! You are the flawless rose of Britannia! And they DARE to let you wear such rags which have gone out of style for years! I will find whoever is responsible for this and rip their eyes for such sin! Or so help me God!" she threw beautiful dresses, made of jewels, to the ground, like they were worth of nothing.

As Euphemia watched, she heard a knock on the opened door, as C.C entered the room.

The pinkie watched her suspiciously as the green witch sniffed around, showing a grin that promised troubles.

"Well, well, well, it seems someone had a lot of fun last night." She whispered low enough so only Euphie could hear, making her blush immediately. She wouldn't be thinking…

"Ah, Lady Cecilia, it is a pleasure to see you again so soon. I trust your dress was up to your specifications." Hopkins said quickly, never removing her eyes from the dresses.

"Madam Hopkins, enchaté." The immortal gave a quick bow. "The dress was more than perfect; I would be delighted if you could make more for me in the future." The giggle was the only response she got.

"By the way, my dear Euphemia, I can't help but notice something…different on you today." Euphemia's eyes went wide, as she realized what she was trying to do.

As the other people also began took a quick look at her, Euphemia only wished she could bury herself in a hole and disappear.

However, as the assistants certainly didn't seem to notice anything different, Madam Hopkins gave a surprising answer.

"Yes, a mark of a bite near her neck, it isn't hard to not notice it, since I can notice any change on my Euphie's skin from a mile away." The pinkie yelped, burying her face on a pillow, trying to hide the love bite, making C.C laugh whole heartedly, even if she wasn't expecting for the tailor to have such a keen sense of sight.

"But to be honest, the day I came to take your measurements, I had also noticed on you Lady Cecilia. I usually don't comment on it, but we don't want to kill my muse of embarrassment before her debut." This time, it was Euphemia who smiled triumphantly as C.C had the decency to blush.

No one said more as the only sounds were of the Madam walking around and moving dresses from one place to another.

After two minutes she screamed.

"Nothing! I am getting nothing! Why is this happening? Oh, I know, it is too stuffed here! I can't think properly!" she ripped her own skirt, making even the green haired witch yelp in surprise, reveling shorts underneath. Beneath the shorts, she was also wearing visible garters, linked to her black thigh-high boots.

"NINA HOPKINS! Have you no shame?" Euphemia all but begged, finally remembering what the tailor acted like.

"Shame? My lady! That notion is as old as these fossils nobles our Emperor purged! These clothes are primarily for freedom of movement and were made in respect of all who advocate active women." She lifted her left leg, showing her flexibility. "Britannia has to change! Noble Women such as us should cast aside stiff and formal rules, and be free! Clothes, with loose silhouettes, that are easy to move about in, such as those favored in Greece and Japan, are what is trending. Silhouettes are important for men as well! And for beautiful silhouettes, taking fine measurements is of the utmost importance! I have even said that to Emperor Lelouch!" Such speech clearly moved the assistants, as they clapped enthusiastically.

As C.C tried to quickly move from the room, Madam Hopkins's actions proving to be too much even for her, was swiftly stopped as she was, literally grabbed by the boobs by the crazy tailor.

"Yes! Yes, I can finally see it! The spring of my imagination is overflowing!" she signed to the assistants, which quickly grabbed Euphemia and brought her closer to Nina.

"Let me go! The dresses are supposed to be only for the pinkie. Not for me!" Her protests were ignored as the tailor quickly ripped her clothes as well.

Putting the two girls side by side, Nina began to droll.

"This is it! The black and white! Such contrast! A flower for each of The Emperor's hands. The angel and the devil!" she let them go, quickly writing something on a piece of paper as she rushed to the door she then called for one of the guards.

"I need this delivered to this room as soon as possible. Also I need you to bring these people to the palace this instant." She exclaimed as the two guards looked confused.

"Ma'am, I am sorry but our duty is…" one of them tried but was interrupted as she removed a paper from the middle of her breasts, which made them blush.

"Do you know what this is? This is an imperial decree! It says here His Imperial Majesty allowed me full control over you numbskulls! Whatever I want is to be brought to me, whoever I want to see is to be here! Do I make myself clear?" The guards looked at her flabbergasted.

"Look at me! Did I stutter? DID I STUTTER PUNKS?" They flinched.

"Yes Ma'am! We mean No Ma'am!" They saluted at her, terrorized for their souls.

"Then why are you still here? I don't have all day! SCATTER!" They ran with the list as if the devil itself was after them. And in this case, this description would be very accurate.

She then quickly moved her focus back to the girls, especially C.C. As she grabbed the girl and was forcing her on a dress, Euphemia laughed while being flanked by the assistants.

"You know Lady Euphemia; the madam never stopped believing in you. Your death had almost broken her. When His Majesty not only claimed you were alive, but what his plans were; she rushed here so fast!" Meg said, smiling at the bickering between Nina and C.C. "It has been years since we saw the madam like that: So happy and so full of life."

"Indeed and if I may say Lady Euphemia, I do believe Lady Cecilia was also worried about you. After all, it was she who suggested the madam's services in your situation to the Emperor." Augusta said, surprising Euphie.

C.C had done that for her? It certainly didn't match her usual persona, but maybe, just maybe, she really did care. Euphemia smiled a true sincere one. As she watched the chaos around her, she realized: Things would be alright. Everything would be just alright.

Then she felt an iron grip made by cold fingers on her shoulders, turning, she saw, behind her, the tailor with the most evil smile she could muster. C.C was on the ground, panting.

"Now, my dear, sweet Euphie, it is time for your new measurements! We don't want to disappoint His Imperial Majesty do we? Don't worry, I will take very good care of you and Lady Cecilia just like I did it in the old times" Her soft smile certainly wasn't hiding the fiery emotions on her eyes.

Euphie tried to run, but she noticed Meg and Augusta had grabbed her by the legs. She then did the only sensible thing she could do at that situation. She screamed for dear life. Unfortunately, for her, the guards were on their errands and the maids had been previously warned that Madam Nina Hopkins liked to be "rough" with her clients from time to time. Since, Lady Cecilia was also with her and the tailor had an authorization from His Majesty himself they didn't worry too much.

And so, life continued in a splendid way that bright and peaceful morning on Pendragon.

Imperial Capital - War Room - around that time.

The first thing Lelouch noticed when he entered the room was that Luana was not only there, but was also bowing to him. If she had been that for a long time of is she had heard him coming and proceeded to bow, he couldn't tell. Frankly, he didn't know which option scared him most: Her devotion or her keen senses.

With an approval from Jeremiah, Lelouch allowed her and the cyborg to sit as they began the meeting, while Marrybell didn't arrive.

"Good morning Your Majesty and a good day to you as well Sir Jeremiah." The other knight saluted her as well. "I hope you had a nice night of sleep."

"It had been more than adequate." To tell the truth, Lelouch didn't sleep much, but when he did, he managed to have one of the best rests he ever had. "Now that we have gone through the pleasantries, let's get down to business."

"As you wish." She gave a quick bow. "It is as you had feared. Six squadrons had investigated our top secret warehouses this morning in Europe and I am afraid it is worse than what we feared. All seven hundred F.L.E.I.J.A warheads are gone."

"But how is that possible? Their locations were a secret of State!" Jeremiah asked, enraged.

"Schneizel, he must have acted as soon as I ascended to the throne. The noble rebellion happened too fast for a bunch of incompetent pigs. I wouldn't put it past him to have instigated such an act." Lelouch considered as he looked at the world map. "However, that begs the question, why he didn't use them yet?"

"Wouldn't he be afraid of the international response Your Majesty?"

"No Jeremiah, my brother is many things, but he was never afraid of the world's opinion. Now that he has the warheads, he might as well be one step from being unstoppable." He looked at his Knight of One. "It may well be as you have foreseen Luana. He is waiting for someone, or worse, for something."

"And what that would be Your Majesty?" This time Luana answered the cyborg.

"The power of the F.L.E.I.J.A is indeed terrifying; tactics lose all meaning in view of such monstrous power no matter if they are armies, Knightmares, even Geass." She put a few figures near the borders of Area 13. "Since there is no known counter measure against that monstrosity, it may as well be called invincible.

"However, as it may be unstoppable once launched, the same could not be said about the preparing for its deployment." Lelouch continued. "As it emits high levels of energy, it is easy detectable and, in consequence, easily targeted."

"Kururugi Suzaku had the element of surprise last time as it was the first deployment of the warhead." The emperor flinched as he remembered the events of that fated day. "However, if it were now, it would be like lighting a fire in the middle of a dark forest. Everyone would see it for miles."

The door on the other side of the room opened, revealing a butler who announced Marrybell which entered the room, immediately rushing towards Lelouch.

With a hug and a kiss on her hand, which made her blush, he offered the sit right next to him, which she gladly took. As they recounted what they had discussed, Marry gave her thoughts.

"So, what I can deduct from this conversation is that the only defect it has is not having an appropriate launching device?" Marrybell trembled, finally aware of the terror Lelouch felt of the warheads. "Talk about a monstrosity."

"Yes, we can clearly deduce Schneizel won't be using a fixed base or anything of the likes." Luana explained, Jeremiah quickly knowing why.

"Yes, it does have too many exploitable weaknesses, the underground could be breached and it could be attacked by air, land and sea depending on the location." The Knight of One gave an approving nod.

"Indeed, however, that changes if we are talking about an airship." She traced a line through the world map. "Even if we excluded the fact that it is harder to attack since it is usually smaller than a full base, we also have to consider the fact our ground forces would be rendered virtually useless since they probably couldn't reach it."

"All things considered, airships have a fatal weakness as well." Marrybell noted. "The need to recharge their fuel can be easily exploited as not a single airship has the autonomy to fly around the globe without the need to recharge."

"Indeed Lady Marrybell and that we can be certain as even our research department working around the clock to create a permanent source of energy, Earl Lloyd concluded it still may take a long while." She then pointed at Area 13. "However, everything changes if we put the Toromo Agency into the picture."

"Aren't them Schneizel's secret research organization? What do they have to do with all of this?" Marrybell asked. This time, Jeremiah answered as Lelouch moved a few pieces on the board.

"My Lady, it isn't well known as it was extremely hard to acquire these since the institute had been under heavy lockdown. However, as we examined the few data the Empire has received from it, we can determine that it was established to complete only two goals: To further the development of the Blaze Luminous and the flight system."

"Yes, before I was to be called by Father to the capital, I remember that it was thanks to them that the new airships were a resounding success." She remembered that even Schneizel seemed excited about something for once.

"Indeed. Nevertheless, what was also found out was a particular request by the owner around the same time the F.L.E.I.J.A research had entered its final stages." Marrybell didn't like where this was going. "He wanted to make a floating base, not only capable of carrying a large amount of troops, but also able to endure the heaviest of attacks."

It was only Lelouch's hand grabbing hers that stopped her from jumping from her seat.

"You can't be saying…." Luana's nod was all the answer she needed.

"Indeed my lady. We believe that Schneizel is trying to make this so called "Project Damocles" a reality." The blonde gave her some papers, which gave a few details of the new creation.

"An invincible fortress, Lelouch if this is true..." Marry looked at her half-brother, terror clear in her eyes.

"The very concept of war will become a thing of the past. Every single person will have to cower in fear or face extinction."

"Then why are we wasting time reorganizing our troops in Europe as this monstrosity is coming closer and closer to becoming real!" She rose from the chair. "This will put a new meaning on the word Terrorism! We can't allow this!"

"And we are doing our utmost to stop it. We have even located the area in which is being built." Her brother personal knight said.

"Then allow me to go Your Majesty! Me and my Glinda Knights can give a swift end to such a nightmare and-" She stopped when she saw Lelouch's hand, asking her to calm down and sit.

"I understand your anger Marry, I really do, but things aren't so simple." He said once she had calmed down.

"Why is that? We have the troops for it!" she begged. However, the one to answer was not her brother, but Luana once again.

"As much as His Majesty wished to do the same as you Lady Marrybell, he cannot. The reason is clearly expressed on this map." She pointed at the digital display of the troops around the world.

"To reach Area 13, which declared herself autonomous from the Empire; we would have to cross areas that belong not only to the Europia, but the U.F.N as well." She moved the digital troops to Cambodia, as they disappeared. "As we are now, our troops are scattered too thin across the globe."

"And if we attacked, not only we will receive the rest of the world's anger, but we would lose precious troops necessary to keep the situation stable." Marrybell realized, remembering yesterday's war meeting.

"You are correct my lady! Even if recruitment and Knightmare production has tripled since His Majesty Lelouch has sat on the throne, the losses are still above what can be manageable." Jeremiah explained.

"Even if they were manageable, as we must never consider human lives as mere numbers…" Marry smiled at his statement. "We are here to create a gentler world; we need to have the people on our side if our grand plan is going to work. Unfortunately, moving troops on territories that belong to two other powers will do anything but that."

"And we can't simply explain that to them as not only they won't believe us, but there is a real possibility they will try to get the power for themselves. We are without a real possibility to attack them!" Marry finalized the thought process, mortified at the realization.

"Not exactly, while we can't interfere directly for now, we managed to buy some time." At his half-sister puzzled face, he continued. "We have found and destroyed their supplies routes. While it may be a temporary solution, since they will create new ones, it will be buying at least a few months as the last report suggests they had just entered the final stage. I give us four months at best to find a permanent solution."

"But to do that, we would need to have, at least, Europia's territories under our control and they are but a husk of themselves these days. However, if we attacked, it would destroy the image of pacifists we are trying to build." Marrybell thought on an alternative.

"I wouldn't kill them just yet Marry, my dear. I have sent them an offering for a peace conference on neutral territory and was swiftly refused by their military leader, General Mendell." The commander looked incredulously at him. "After that, we have begun to notice suspicious movements from the remains of the military."

"General Mendell was nothing but the shadow of Gene Smilas, if one were to use one word to define him, it would be: Coward. He would never have act under these circumstances. Why now?" She looked at the map, staring at the ridiculously small territories Europia had under control.

"Lady Marrybell, this has just arrived, but we believe such acts are stirring from the return of their so called "Goddess of Victory" Leila Malcal." The commander questioned such a statement. She was then shown visual proof of the rumored blondie entering the Headquarters of Europia.

"It can't be. I had heard she had abandoned her duties. Why return now?" to that, Luana was the one to answer.

"I do believe they are underestimating His Majesty." Marry's blood boiled in anger at such a statement. "She believes we are weak, without the imposing figure of Charles Zi Britannia leading us. Perhaps, she wants to reclaim their territory and proclaim herself as Empress. She was very close with General Smilas; some of his ideas must have rubbed on her." Luana finished with her face a mask of serenity.

"That disgrace. She wouldn't dare! After everything brother has been trying to do for peace, she acts to destroy these efforts! I will kill her myself." Luana and Jeremiah exchanged a quick glance with Lelouch as she was distracted. Hook, line and sinker, they had gotten her. Now it was time for the finish blow.

"My dear Marry…" The girl in question blushed. "As well as I am happy with your efforts to protect me, I still believe we can solve this through dialogue. As soon as we are finished discussing this with Grand Duke Velaines, I will ask once again for a peace conference."

"Pardon my outburst; I simply can't accept that there are people who want to cause even more chaos to this world. Too many have died already! How many more must pay the price for peace?" This time, Lelouch gave her a hug, perfectly understanding what she meant.

"Don't worry Marry, I am sure they wouldn't come to the point they would cowardly attack our territories. And even if they did, I will make them pay twenty times for what they have taken.

When she calmed down, he let her go, making her sad as she wanted the warmth for a little bit more.

"Now that Lady Marrybell is aware to the latest information, I do believe there is one last matter that demands our full focus." Luana coughed, grabbing everyone's attention.

"As you may know, during Emperor Charles's reign, the Knights of Round hit an all-time low of only eight members: Kururugi Suzaku, the traitor. Bismarck Waldstein, which occupied my post previously. Gino Weinberg, which family has sworn allegiance to us, has remained with the enemy. Dorothea Ernst and so on…." She said as the images of said knights appeared on the screen.

"From these people, two have been killed." Luciano and Suzaku photos appeared. "Two of them have seen the justice of our actions and have joined us. "Anya and Monica appeared this time. "And the rest remains at large."

"Thanks to His Majesty swift actions, we now stand with nine new and loyal members of the Round Table." Luana said proudly. "However, as we have the rest of the world against us, it would certainly boost the morale of the army if all spots were to be filled." All the present agreed wholeheartedly.

"As Earl Lloyd works without rest, developing new Knightmares, I have been tasked with finding suitable members for them." She looked at Marrybell. "And after relentlessly searching for it, I believe I have two members that would certainly put fear on our enemies and relief on our allies."

"One of them has already been approved by His Imperial Majesty and is being "prepared" to take the mantle as we speak by no one less than Sir Jeremiah himself which is prime embodiment of the ideals of knighthood." The cyborg bowed, humbled by such words. "The other one, whoever, is one of the reasons I have asked your presence today Lady Marrybell."

"As you well know, Knights of Honor are sworn to their masters and can serve no one until their lord's death or dismissal from their service." When said woman agreed, Luana continued. "Taking all that in consideration, I find myself in a conundrum as my loyalty to the Emperor is in direct conflict with not wanting to bring sadness to one he has such deep affection for."

"Luana, I thought I told you not to express my private thoughts in public." Lelouch reproached her, but that only made Marrybell redder.

He cared deeply about her? So much he had confided to his personal knight? Marrybell wanted to scream in happiness, rush to her room and write all of she had heard in her diary. However, she managed to keep her composure. The only sign being were the corners of her mouth which were slowing forming into a smile.

"I apologize to you Your Majesty; I only did it because I thought it could bring the two of you closer. Forgive my insolent self." She bowed, her smile hidden by the hair.

"Please Lady Luana, if it helps His Majesty, I would like to hear it. Also, brother, I would like you to know it will never bother me the fact you worry about me. On the contrary, it brings me much joy." She smiled genuinely at him, happy from the bottom of her heart.

"Thank you Marry, it also brings me much joy to have you at my side." Now Marrybell wanted to drag Lelouch, as he also smiled genuinely, with her to her room. Nevertheless, her thoughts were broken when Luana called for attention once again.

"As much as I would like to let such beautiful sibling love to bloom, I think it is important that we focus on the matter at hand." The couple blushed, one more than the other, turning to hear her words.

"Since I have Lady Marrybell's permission, I do believe that Lady Oldrin Zevon would be a perfect fit for the position of Knight of Twelve." As Lelouch remained stoic, Monica yelped in delight, Jeremiah didn't react as he was already aware of such a possibility.

"My dear Oz! Taking of the spots as one of The Knights of the Round Table! She would be jumping in joy if she was to be aware of such a fact!" Her master clapped when she heard such a fact.

"Yes, it is the highest of honors, one that I have already discussed with His Majesty." Lelouch confirmed the fact. "However, he wisely remembered me the fact she was already a Knight of Honor."

Marrybell was torn. She wanted her best friend to be happy, but if she became a Round, Oz wouldn't be able to be by her side all the time and that would break her heart.

"However, taking your long friendship, His Majesty came to me with a proposal. One that I think can satisfy both sides of this conundrum." She then explained the proposal, one that brought another smile to Marry's face.

"Yes, if you would like brother, we could present this offer to her tonight! When my Glinda Knights come to have an audience with you, it would be perfect."

"What a wonderful idea Marry, I do believe it is indeed a perfect idea."

"I am happy that it pleases both of you." Luana bowed to her.

After the euphoria passed, the room fell into silence.

"Is there anything else?" The Mel Britannia wanted to rush to her quarters to prepare for tonight. The response came from Jeremiah as he finished quietly talking into a communicator.

"Yes Milady, I do believe there is. As we had just talked about countermeasures for the F.L.E.I.J.A, there is one last matter that should concern your ladyship."

"Well, no need to be shy, tell me what it is."

"As I am sure you are aware, lady Euphemia is with us among the living." That had been the last of bombs that day had dropped on her. Her sister was alive! To tell the truth, Marrybell and Euphemia were pretty close until the death of her sister. After that, as Cornelia dragged her around the world, they talked less and less. However the care they felt for each other was still pretty much alive. It had broken her heart when she heard she died

However it had made her rage when she had learned the truth about her "death". She would never ever forgive the ones responsible.

"Yes I am well aware of it and the plan that is to take place tonight. What about it?"

"After the events end, we will need to take immediate action. We would like your cooperation for it." Jeremiah stated.

"As I have said previously, I am in agreement with whatever your plans are. But what does tonight events and our actions against the warheads have in common?" She was confused, those two things didn't relate in anyway.

"Oh, but they do Mary. They are perfectly aligned with each other. More than you can ever know. Tonight, another of my chess pieces will finally enter the board as she had been in hiding." Lelouch smiled ominously at her.

Ikaruga – Above the Tokyo settlement – Hangar 01

Kallen was pissed.

She was so pissed she wanted to break their entire airship. Her mother was gone! Well, not like gone, gone! But she couldn't find her anywhere! After the fight had started, many hospitals had begun relocating their patients, including the prison hospital in which she had been treated as she served her sentence for using Refrain.

Thankfully, they had evacuated as the warhead had consumed that place in its pink light. However, no one was able to inform where she went as they had too many patients to pinpoint where one specific person was.

As the attendant told her she would be better calling them later for the sixth time that week, the redhead suppressed her desire to break her phone in half.

Everything was going wrong! Zero was gone! Rumors had begun to spread of an inside betrayal since C.C had appeared on the news.

The soldiers were saying that if the green haired woman, who was Zero's most trusted confidant (Kallen liked to disagree to that statement, but couldn't) had gone to the other side after he died and she was nowhere close to him during the time the higher ups said he died. Something was wrong, very wrong.

She continued to hear the rushed whispers as she moved to the bridge where she was welcomed by a very apologetic looking Ohgi.

"Did you find anything?" He already knew the answer just by the look on her face, but he had to ask.

"Same as ever, they still can't waste time trying to locate a specific patient as they are working around the clock to save more lives. They know she has been relocated, but they can't pinpoint her location. I have been to four hospitals and nothing. How many can there be in this damn city?" What no one had told her was the fact there were plenty of war hospitals in the entire city. It was like looking for a needle in the biggest haystack in the world.

Kallen had no doubt if she was someone important, they would drop everything and locate her mother in seconds. However, to them, she was probably only one more of millions of souls who was worried about a familiar.

With that thought, she tried to relax, as Ohgi waited.

"What do you want Ohgi?" she said as soon as she managed to control her anger.

"Look, about what I said about Naoto…" he was interrupted.

"I know you didn't want to say it. You were still stressed about the whole Zero thing. I get it. I will only forgive you this time since I know you were his best friend. There won't be a next time." The smile of relief was all Kallen needed, she didn't have many people which she liked these days. Even if she didn't like him very much these days, Kallen had no one she could count on.

She meant, who was left? Tamaki? She would cut her finger and jump on an ocean full of hungry sharks and she still knew they would have more self-control and intelligence than the brown headed fool.

Rakshata could be one if she didn't spend her days complaining how her rival and arch-nemesis "Earl of Pudding" was probably having the time of his life working for a man which gave him an unlimited budget by the looks of it.

Chiba was out of question. She had hated the woman with a fiery passion and by the looks of it. Todoh's puppy still thought she could be a double agent.

Villeta had tried to approach her countless times. However, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't come to like that woman. No matter how much Ohgi had tried to make them see common ground.

Perhaps, Xingke, Tianzi or, she shivered, Kaguya. However, those three were too busy; trying to solve the vacuum Zero has left in his death. The U.F.N was in complete chaos and only their combined efforts were keeping it in place. So strange, something that when Zero was with them, seemed so solid, was now falling in shambles as frail as an egg.

The cherry on the proverbial cake was the revelation that Shirley not only was alive, but she and Rivalz had joined Lelouch and were now Knights of The Rounds! She couldn't believe it! Shirley, shy, kind, and gentle was killing Britannian nobles like a champ! She didn't reach Kallen's level, but she could give her a run for her money.

And Rivalz! Come on! What could he do? Sure, he may drive well and she heard he liked to participate on shooting competitions during school breaks, but a Knight of the Round? She could never see it coming.

Suzaku had been a problem. To not only know he had been defeated and captured, but killed had brought mixed feelings to her. After all, the redhead believed she would be the one to defeat her rival. The rest of the black knights hadn't show much beyond surprise at his defeat. With the exception of Tohdoh, who had retired to his quarters after the announcement of his execution, and Kaguya who had called him a fool and dropped a single tear for him.

However, she betted the one most affected by all this had to be Milly. The reporter had asked for a break from her dream job immediately after Lelouch's reveal and still hadn't get back to it. She must have been completely wrecked after Lelouch becoming emperor and Shirley and Rivalz moves.

The worst was that she couldn't even go and visit as it would draw too much attention! This was officially one of Kallen's worst weeks of her life!

Above all, she felt something weird about Lelouch's Knight of One. Call it instinct, but whenever that woman appeared, Kallen felt such shivers it was as if death itself was near her. Luana or whatever she was called was wrong, something that shouldn't belong, no matter how much she smiled or laughed to the cameras. Not knowing why she knew she was dangerous only made the redhead fear her more

Pulling her from her thoughts, the door to the bridge had opened, revealing Kaguya. Any hope of good news was blown away as the girl flopped on a chair, a defeated sigh leaving her lips.

"What is it this time?" Ohgi was the only one with courage to ask.

"Our supplies are running low. And the other countries are afraid to give us any since it has been observed for some days now that Europia has begun to move again. Britannia is teaching us a lesson as she is even sharing her dwindling ones with us to save more people."

"Europia is moving? Aren't their powers beyond hope at this point?" Todoh asked, rising from his meditation.

"Not since their so called "Goddess of Victory" has returned. Their representative assures us they are only doing trainings against Britannia, but they have moved too close to our borders that it has begun to draw some worries from some of the representatives." Kaguya closed her eyes, a headache appearing.

"And since the decisions on the U.F.N are taken by a majority, it was decided that any new Knightmares and personnel will be directed to these frontlines, not here."

"This is ridiculous! We are in a desperate situation here! Can't they see how many injured people we are trying to save here?" Chiba raised her voice.

"And what do you want us do? Bypass the council decisions and force these resources to come here? We will cause only more chaos! A thing we don't need now!" Kaguya exploded, shutting Chiba up.

"Lady Sumeragi is correct. If that is what the council decided, we have no option but accept it." Xingke said, calming the little Tianzi who was scared with her friend's outburst.

"Maybe it is time we try for peace with Europia. I am sure it is in their best interest to ally with us against Britannia." Tohdoh tried to argue.

"We tried. Before Lelouch's reign had begun, they were pretty interested. However, they had been stalling ever since. Now, since their "Goddess" is back, they have refused all together a conference for an alliance and ended contact with us." Kaguya denied, as she tried to control her headache.

"Are they insane? There is no way they can win this by themselves" even Tamaki couldn't believe it.

"I know that, you know that. However, the Europeans leaders have always liked their romances. As they are nobles that, for the most part, never have seen the field of battle, they believe that a deity will bring swift victory." Xingke sighed.

"Bunch of imbeciles is what they are. Can't they see how much support Lelouch has been gathering?" Tohdoh smashed his fist against the wall.

Indeed, it was no secret that in the last few days, the army of Britannia had been growing exponentially. Numbers had entered the army, occupying positions previously held only by nobles. Scientists had been convinced to work on the mainland with offers of higher pays and better work conditions. Even normal people were defecting with promises of decent homes, food and work.

"How in the world is Lelouch managing to make all these improvements?" Ohgi asked, completely baffled.

"It is no secret that, in the past, Britannia's riches was centered on the Imperial Family and the Nobility System. With both of them gone, The Emperor is simply using this stagnant fortune to create such vantages." Rakshata entered the conversation, surprising everyone.

"As he does this, he is also strengthening his image of savior and guardian of the weak. We have to admit it is a very well thought out plan." Xingke admitted.

"Even so, if his plan is to have the entire world at his feet, he will have to break both Europia and the U.F.N. And if does it by force, he will be the target of the people's anger." Todoh concluded.

"You guys aren't even considering that Europia may attack Britannia?" Kallen intervened. Almost everyone looked at her as if she had grown a second head.

"Kozuki, as much as they grow, it is impossible for Europia to attack Britannia in the near future. It would be a suicide attack." The Japanese swordsman answered.

"They said the same thing when the Black Knights started. We were too small, too few members, little resources. Look where we are, we have become something that puts fear on Britannia." She claimed.

"Kallen is right." Ohgi agreed with her. "They may attempt something suicidal, but that can bring results." The others in the bridge began to discuss.

"However, I disagree on the fact that they may do something soon." Kallen didn't want to believe Ohgi's words just now. "They may have a few troops, but they are too well known for them to act suddenly. I believe they will contact us in the near future. That is when we must take action." Words of agreement resounded though the cabin.

Kallen was about to explode. She couldn't believe it. They still were underestimating Britannia's power. Worse, they weren't taking in account Lelouch's genius. Everything from the moment he sat on the throne until now could be nothing more than a plan. And they were nothing more than ants, dancing on the palm of his hand.

Xingke recognized the look on Kallen's face.

"Kozuki, calm down, we have on good authority that these moves on Europia's side came from their own will. There is no trace of Lelouch's involvement in any of their actions." He tried to calm her down.

That did it. Not one of them knew Lelouch. That was certain. They were drowning in their success of "having" Tokyo and belief that it was too soon, but Kallen knew, she knew what their ex leader could and would do to realize his plans.

With a huff, she tried to leave the room, but not before being caught by Kaguya.

"Later, come to my room, I think we have some things to discuss." She said low enough so only Kallen could hear.

It was at that moment, the screen of the bridge, which was showing the hole left by the warhead changed, revealing a Britannian reporter which informed that His Imperial Majesty Lelouch had an urgent announcement that evening.

As everyone began to argue about what it could be. Kallen realized she had missed her chance to question what that meeting would be about. She decided nothing could be gained and moved out of the room.

After she left, the Guren's pilot leaned on the wall of the corridor.

'Lelouch… What am I supposed to do? Please, your words that day and everything that happened since has only made me more and more confused. I-I don't know what do! S-Someone! Anyone! H-Help me!' the redheaded begged as she finally broke down in tears, overpowered by her feelings, thinking of one man in particular, her will in shatters as she had no one she could fully trust at the moment. However, fate was not kind to her, as things would go from worse to hellish in the next few days.

As she was out of the room, she missed Tamaki's last remark.

"I think you guys are thinking about this too much. What is he going to do next? Bring back the dead?"

Imperial Capital, Throne Room, Antechamber, 21:00, Same Day.

As the Glinda Knights made their final adjustment on their suits, no one was more stressed than Leondhart Steiner as he asked for the tenth time that night if his bowtie was in perfect alignment.

"Look Leon, I know you are stressed. We all are, but if you ask me one more fucking time if your tie is good, I will rip it and shove it down your throat." Sokkia, who was wearing a short black dress, answered, fury threatening to consume her very self.

"Give it a rest both of you. Leon, your tie is fine for the last time. Sokkia, give it a rest. He is nervous; it is his first time before His Majesty after all." Oz adjusted her gloves in her knight of Honor suit as Tink smiled at the entire scene. She too was nervous, but for different reasons.

When she had meet Marry that morning, her best friend looked to be out of a dream as she giggled and whispered while writing in her diary. When the knight had asked what happened, her master had quickly hidden the book, saying it was nothing.

Suspicious, but she didn't have the chance to question it further as Marry had told how His Majesty was impressed with their services and had even more rewards awaiting for them.

Before she could even begin to process this information, Marry had dragged her again to a room in which Sokkia already was as many man and women began what she, personally, could only describe as hell.

Cleaning bath, removal of pimples (Not that they had any mind you!), Lotions in the hair, dresses, make up, shoes. While Oz didn't hate it these kinds of things from time to time, eight hours was more than what she could handle! She had insisted on the Knight of Honor uniform, much to the chagrin of her fellow women.

They had finished just in time for their audience and where only waiting for Marry who was doing some last minute adjustments.

When they heard steps behind them, the Glinda Knights turned around, knowing it was their leader. Oz, with words on the tip of her tongue, ready to chasten Marrybell for her tardiness.

However, such words were forgotten once they saw their commander.

Marry was wearing a midnight black dress that went to her feet, however it had a cut, showing her milky-white legs that seemed to go for days. The dress also had jewels that shinned like the stars in the skies. The upper part of the vestment showed just enough cleavage that it was sexy, but not enough one could consider it vulgar. She also wore one white ascot between her arms that further showed the beauty of the black dress.

On her neck was a beautiful collar made of… WERE THOSE DIAMONDS? Oz realized Marry's neck was indeed filled with the biggest diamonds she had ever seen. One could most certainly live without having to worry about money forever if they sold these.

Her hair was styled in ponytail, but the curls fell as waves by her shoulders and bust. Simply, Marrybell Mel Britannia looked Heavenly.

"So, how do I look?" the looks and open mouths were all the answer she needed as she giggled spinning around, showing the full look.

"Marry, you look amazing!" Oz finally managed to say. The others agreed with nods, unable to express more.

"Thank you very much everyone. Do you think His Majesty will be pleased?" she stared at the throne room, eyes full of hope.

"Marry, you can't be truly…."

"What are you inferring? Can't a sister dress well for her brother and lord?" Oz didn't believe that for a second.

They would have argued more, but the doors of the antechamber opened, revealing a guard who said everything was ready to receive them.

With nervous glances and final moves, the Glinda Knights moved, passing through the garden as they approached the Building which held The Emperor.

As they waited for the double doors to open, Marry took a deep breath and took Marry's hand.

Soon, they heard the announcement.

"Presenting Lady Marrybell Mel Britannia, High Commander of Britannia Troops and Her Knight of Honor, Oldrin Zevon! Escorting them, Lord Leondhart Steiner, Lady Sokkia Sherpa and Lord Tink Lockhart, all valued members of the Glinda Knights!" A voice said.

When it ended, Oz finally took her first look at the room. Charles Zi Britannia's audiences were full of nobles, people who begged for what little scrapes he liked to give. Now, however, during his son's reign, the number of people couldn't even a tenth of the room's full capacity.

The people were most generals or members of the army which had achieved great results. They and their families were using simpler clothes and sure looked they didn't know they would participate on such an audience.

Near the columns, faceless guards stood in attention, ready to strike any who dared to move against The Emperor.

If Oz would say someone was drawing attention out were Earl Asplundh and his assistant Cecile Croomy. The man was in dignified Earl clothing, but seemed ready to rip them off. The woman however was wearing a red dress which certainly wasn't covering much. However, differently from the usual nobles, many if not all present kept their eyes on their partners. Oz liked that.

As they reached near the stairs, they noticed that the nine Knights of The Rounds were present. Lady Luana and Lord Jeremiah were the closest to him of course. The rest was forming a semi-circle.

Suddenly, Oz felt Marry almost crush her hand. Containing a scream, she searched what could have brought such act from her when she noticed that the Emperor wasn't the only one sitting up the stairs.

Lady Cecilia, or C.C, was sitting in a throne to the left of The Emperor. She looked almost ethereal with her black dress and golden diadem. Oz let out a sigh of relief when Marry's only reaction was to crush her poor hand.

The group of five bowed when they reached the stairs.

"Eternal graces and glories to the only sovereign of Britannia, His Imperial Majesty, Lelouch Vi Britannia." They said in unison.

The crowd clapped until Lelouch made a move, asking for silence.

"My dear citizens, we are gathered here to honor the sacrifice and hard work of one of our own." He rose. "The Glinda Knights have acted time and time again to protect us from the acts of terror. Such bravery and loyalty went ignored for too long, in favor of these that didn't deserve it, but no more."

"Rise Lady Marrybell Mel Britannia!" The Emperor called for her, as Marry let Oz's hand and stood before Lelouch.

"Do you swear to, once more, protect the weak?"

"I swear!"

"Do you swear to, once more, guard our people from the terrors that might fall upon them?"

"I swear!"

"Do you swear to never surrender in the face of adversity?"

"I swear!"

"Do you swear to, above all, protect the ideals of justice, humility and honesty with your life on the line?"

"I swear by my body and soul!"

"Then with the Heavens as my witness and the power bestowed upon me, I, Lelouch Vi Britannia, Emperor of Britannia and all of its domains, do proclaim you Marrybell Mel Britannia, High Commander of the Britannian Forces. May you use these powers for good and only good may you bring! So have I said it, so it shall be from now on!" From everywhere cheers exploded, congratulating the new High Commander.

Marrybell rose to stand by his side after she kissed his hand. The two of them together welcomed the rounds of applause and congratulations.

'They would make a good couple' Oz quickly erased that thought and the emotions that were born with it.

After another round of applause, Lelouch once again spoke.

"However, to honor only Lady Marrybell would be unfair to her four escorts." The Glinda Knights trembled when they were called.

"Lord Leondhart, Lady Sokkia and Lord Tink, to me." The trio rose and move towards him. Oz remained bowing like a statue.

"Your efforts and actions cannot be ignored. Such bravery in face of the Terror has to be recognized. That is why I am promoting you three to the ranks of captains, each with your own squads. All of it, of course, under the leadership of Lady Marrybell, May you brings us victory forevermore." They rose as another round of applause began.

Leon was so flushed there was steam coming out of his ears. Tink was so tense he moved liked a robot. Sokkia looked like she would faint. The trio, nevertheless, managed to stand behind Marrybell without problems.

It was then that silence overcame the room once again.

Oz stood there for what seemed like hours, even though she knew it had been seconds. What His Majesty would do to her? Praise her? Demote her? Kill her? She knew some of these were bullocks, but she was too nervous.

The words that came out of his lips, however, were anything, but what she was expecting.

"Last, but not least, we are here to give praise to someone who, not only displayed the qualities of a true knight, but also went above and beyond to save and protect her people." Lelouch smiled. "Such acts are worthy of the most elite knights in all realm.

Oldrin froze right there. There was no way, no way His Majesty was about to do what she was thinking. Only in her wildest dreams she would ever receive such an honor.

"Lady Oldrin Zevon, you are considered worthy. For that, you have been requested by The Knights of The Rounds, to serve as my sword and shield, to speak and act in my name. Do you accept it?" Oldrin had to do everything in her power to not mumble anything she would regret.

She took a quick look at Marry, as her lady, with tears in her eyes, gave a single nod.

Go ahead. It is your dream.

And with her doubts gone, she said.

"My Imperial Majesty, It would be the highest honor in my life to join you as one of Yours Knights of the Rounds." She said with all the willpower she had.

"Then once again, with the Heavens as my witness and the power bestowed upon me, I, Lelouch Vi Britannia, Emperor of Britannia and all of its domains, do proclaim you Oldrin Zevon, Knight of Twelve of the Round Table." Monica appeared with a dark green cape, which she delivered to Lelouch. "May you use these powers for good and only good may you bring! So have I said it, so it shall be from now on!" The emperor himself put the cape on her.

"Now rise! My Knight of Twelve Oldrin Zevon!" Oz turned to the crowd, the words and applauses threatening to overwhelm her.

"I do believe it has been an eventful night. Please enjoy this feast. Sing and dance as your heart's desire." Lelouch raised a goblet of wine as food from all the corners of the world entered the room.

As she was congratulated by her friends and hugged by Marry, Oz was scared that she would wake up. It was only when Lady Monica herself appeared to not only congratulate her, but also inform the Knight of One was waiting for her outside, The new knight made herself back to the real word.

As she moved to the location the Knight of Nine had indicated, she saw herself on a balcony. From there, she could see Pendragon in its entirety. She could even hear cheers and laughs all around.

"They are happy because of you in case you didn't know." Oz's heart almost jumped out of her body. From the shadows, Lady Luana, in the usual knight of Round uniform, greeted her.

"They are happy because of me my lady?" Oz managed to ask when she was certain her heart wouldn't fail on her.

"Of course they are. They know you as one of their saviors, they are as happy as they can get."

"My Lady, I don't think that I…" she was interrupted by Luana.

"Please, when we are away from the prying eyes of the populace, please call me Luana. Titles make uncomfortable if anything." The golden haired woman moved and stared at the lights. "Beautiful isn't?"

"I-indeed, the capital is something else!" Oz blurted out. She was so nervous. After all, she was alone with the most powerful knight on the empire. His Majesty Lelouch's personal knight was talking with her. She had seen Lady Luana fight and command the troops, it was nothing short of perfection. And this was without even mentioning her sworn loyalty to their leader.

"I have heard about your mother." Oz flinched. "Is that the reason you have aspired to join us?"

"M-my lady, I mean Luana, yes, yes it is." Oz said as she stared at the drink she had brought from the party. "She was my absolute, my one goal. I thought she was something I could never reach and now…"

"Now you stand where she stood. I think I can understand that." Luana looked at the moon. "I am sorry for bringing such a sensitive topic on this happy occasion."

"No! It is nothing, I swear. In fact, talking about her made me happy." The Knight of One smiled at her "To know that the Knight of One of my generation knows her, brings me much honor."

"Not only do I know of her, but she also holds my deep respect for her actions in guarding these lands. It is good to know her daughter upholds the same values." Oz blushed at the compliment. "Now, with that out of the way, let's get down to business."

"Lady Oldrin, you are now a Knight of The Round. With that come many responsibilities that I am certain you are aware." The warmth in her voice was gone, Oz gulped and nodded. "You are His Majesty sword, where he says you to strike; you strike until it is no more. You are his shield, whatever he asks you to guard, you protect with your life. Do you understand this?" Luana stared at her with her blood-red eyes.

"Yes ma'am."

"No I don't think you do. Let me ask you this then: If you received a mission of completely erasing a quiet village of the map. Would you do it?"

"If the village…." She was interrupted once again.

"The answer is you complete your orders, you ask no questions. It is an order from His Majesty, there can be no arguments."

"But Luana, if there were innocent people…"

"Understand one thing Lady Oldrin, we are not only His sword and shield, we are his will. When we say something, the Emperor speaks through us. When someone dares to insult us, they are insulting His Majesty himself. When someone doubts us, they also doubt Him!" she looked at the city. "In exchange for that loyalty, we are awarded with everything. Power, Knightmares, riches which we could only dream off, all of our dreams are but a mere snap of fingers away."

"However, we are also the ones whose people's eyes are always on. We have to display the values of Knighthood better than anyone. We have to be loyal above all else." She pointed at Oz. "The village I mentioned was, in fact, a great tragedy in our history as during one of Britannia's first invasions on Europa, a sergeant had received orders to exterminate a village that was in the middle of their supplies routes."

"Do you know what happened to that squadron of good one hundred and fifty men and woman Lady Oldrin?" Luana's stare was piercing her soul. "They died, because they refused to do it. They awoke all dead. Poison was the reason for their death. It was a village of terrorists." Oz felt the shame.

"Understand one thing Lady Oldrin; war isn't black and white as we make it. However, to reach the future of peace and prosperity every single one of us desire, we will have to assume it is." Her words were so strong; the new knight could only nod. "I am not asking you to close your heart and act like a robot, but whenever you receive an order. You complete it without fail."

"Lady Luana, I-I am so sorry, I have already made so many mistakes that…" She felt a hand or her cheeks.

"No tears, you are a Round now. You have not sinned Oldrin, I have to be harsh on you. Don't mistake yourself, war is coming. A war so great it could mean the end of our way of life. That is what His Majesty is working so hard to prevent. Do you really think, based on what he did until now that he could give you a cruel order without knowing it would save more people than kill? He doesn't like to make other suffer, but the way to that dawn is filled with thorns and he trusts us to help him reach there." There was no anger on her eyes, only determination. What had this woman gone through to have eyes like that?

"Yes, I understand, I will do my utmost to see his dreams realized." She proclaimed, once again, renovating her vows.

"Good, in that case, it is time for your first mission." She smirked at Oldrin. "You are to keep Lady Marrybell under your guard at all times. Unless directly ordered, you are to only answer to her."

"But isn't that the same as…." Oldrin noticed the smirk. "Oh, I know now."

"Yup, congratulations Oldrin, you are the only Round in history that servers two masters." With that, she hugged Luana, thanking her from the bottom of her heart.

"Don't thank me. Give thanks to His Majesty. He was the one allowed this entire thing after all. Now, go and enjoy the party. I will be right after you." And with a bow, Oz began to leave. "Oh, I almost forgot. We have a meeting, bright and early, eight in the morning. Don't be late."

Luana watched Oldrin disappear, standing all alone with the wind and the shadows.

"Such a child, but she will be one of the best yet." She said. Suddenly one of the shadows moved, revealing the mysterious Knight of Five, Shadow.

"Was all that theater necessary?" he huffed.

"But of course, Oldrin Zevon is many things, but above them, her desire for Justice stands as beacon of hope. She desires it as much as some have desire for air, water, food, sleep, money or sex." She giggled. "With this little talk, not only have I assured her His Majesty is on the side of Justice, but also that whatever happens from now on…. She will remain on our side. Not that is much difficult with the family she has."

The only response she got was silence.

"Yes, I understand. However, your moment is upon us. So, for both of our sakes, control yourself for just a little bit longer. That mask will come out soon enough. You have been too bitter my friend." He grumbled, but nodded.

"What about your 'truth'? You don't have much time left until we hit the limit."

"Ah yes, that event is about to happen. I have to make sure nothing goes wrong. We have to hurry then, all the pieces are not on the table and for Her dreams to come true, I must act swiftly." She moved from the balcony.

"How is Lady Euphemia?"

"Ready and waiting for the signal." He moved to rejoin the shadows.

"Then let's not keep the public awaiting. Such a masterpiece is about to go down on the annals of history. Dance my puppets, dance until you break. So that her will is realized." With a smile on her face, as she adjusted he cape, Luana rejoined the party.

It was when the euphoria of tonight's events had begun to dwindle that His Imperial Majesty Lelouch ascended for the throne and asked for everyone's attention.

"I do hope everyone is having a pleasant evening." The chorus of voices rose to agree with him. "However, I have one last announcement to make."

Curious looks all but waited eagerly for what surprise would come. As the cameras, which had been turned off since Oz's knighthood, came back to life, Lelouch adopted his most somber look.

"Two years ago, a tragedy of impossible proportions took place on Japan, or as many of you knows it better: Area 11." Many of the present gasped, quickly realizing what he was talking about.

"Yes, I do believe you all know what I am talking about. The Massacre of The Special Administered Zone. That day, the rose of Britannia committed what was called an unforgivable sin." He continued.

Ikaruga – Bridge – same time

"What is he doing?" Ohgi asked terrified.

"I don't know, but whatever it is, it is not going to help us" Tohdoh said as he stared at Lelouch's eyes.

Ashford Academy – Secret Bunker –

"The one who did it was beloved by many of you." A green haired scientist flinched in pain.

Ashford Academy – Club House

The dark skies outside promised a terrible storm for the day.

"Someone who promised to bring peace only to betray you…" Milly Ashford stared at the screen without blinking.

"What are you doing Lelouch?" she whispered.

Cambodia

Cornelia broke the glass cup she was holding

"That bastard, he is going to…" she raged.

"Well, that will certain complicate things. Well done little brother." Schneizel said.

"Why do I bring such memories you ask? Because I have a compromise with justice and honesty above all." Lelouch stared directly at the camera.

"And that is why I come to you today to reveal that you have been feed lies by my predecessor!" the temperature on the room was gelid. "My father, Emperor Charles Zi Britannia was someone who believed the weak hadn't a place in this world. On the exact opposite, Euphemia Li Britannia believed everyone had a right to belong. Such different opinions and, nevertheless, daughter did exactly as her father dictated."

"However, even after the so called advantage she had given her empire, she was killed. She who was gentler and kinder than most, had not only committed such an atrocity, but was killed for doing something her father preached? Those questions haunted me in my exile as I tried day and night to find the answers." There were no sounds; the entire world was fully focused on Lelouch's word by word. "And it was here, when I took the throne that I found out the terrible truth. But why say it? When I can show it? " he pointed to a new screen which began to show a record.

"Do we have visual?" one of the voices said.

"Affirmative, Euphemia has just left the room. She appears to have finished her talk with Zero. Everything is in place." Another one said.

"She cannot be allowed to continue with such acts. The orders from His Majesty Charles are absolute. The impostor will assume her place and carry the orders."

After that, it clearly showed Euphemia being taken down and dragged as someone who looked just like her took her place.

As the transmission ended, many people began to whisper.

"As much as I wanted to believe that my words alone and this video would be enough, I understand the mistrust that some of you may still have. Taking that in consideration, I have taken the liberty to invite a certain man over here: Luis Edward Von Eric." Everyone knew who that was. The greatest Britannian Historian to ever live, at the ripe age of ninety two, he still worked on the Royal Library in the capital after he was removed from his services as Charles's scrivener. It was said he could discern the real thing from a forgery in just a glance.

And it was the man that had just entered the room.

"Mister Eric, I am happy that you could have come."

"It is an honor Your Majesty. I am especially happy that I can help shed light in such a momentous event."

"Then if you could please watch these two documents and tell me if the signature on any of them is a fake." As the man looked over, the entire room, nay the world watched holding their breaths.

"Both are authentic Your Majesty." The man said in the end of a long long ten minutes.

"Could you please tell for everyone what the first document is?" Lelouch helped him turn the paper forward.

"But of course, it is His Majesty's Charles order of deployment of the army on Japan." All Britannians knew such document. It was impressed in every school book in the world.

"And there is no way for this to be a counterfeit?" The Emperor asked.

"No Your Majesty."

"And why is that Mister Eric?"

"I wrote it. It has my special signature at the bottom." He pointed at the bottom of the papers, which clearly showed that it was the truth.

"So, now that we have ascertained its authenticity, you can also vow for the second one's signature?"

"With my life Your Majesty."

"And what exactly is being discussed on this second one?"

"Well, it clearly is an O.S.I mission which had been approved by Emperor's Charles. It is about…. It orders the immediate and complete destruction of the Special Administered Zone by whatever means necessary. The rest is blurred out as it's the usual black ops operations modus operandi." The man whispered, as he went pale as a ghost.

"The date if you could."

"This document was signed the same day Her Highness Euphemia declared the creation of it."

"Thank you very much Mister Eric, a room has been prepared for you. The staff will make sure you are well kept for the evening." As he was escorted out of the room, the only sounds were of their steps.

"There it is, ladies and gentleman, proof. Proof of a crime a father committed against his own daughter. However, even now I can hear the whispers of doubt. So why don't we ask the one most harmed by such an action? Why don't we ask Euphemia Li Britannia?" the double doors of the room began to open slowly.

"As every man, woman and child turned to look around the camera quickly turned around and then there she was, in all her glory.

Princess Euphemia Li Britannia, the rose of Britannia herself. In a dress of white and gold, she looked like a perfect picture of an angel.

As she soundlessly began to walk towards Lelouch, people began to pray, cry and prostate themselves not only there, but around the world.

When she finally reached her destination, she slowly turned around and looked at everyone, before moving her eyes to the lens of the camera.

And so the angel smiled.

"I am Euphemia Li Britannia and I am finally, truly, back." Her voice was so sweet, so real that no one doubted that statement.

"I, for the longest time, have been living a nightmare. A nightmare in which my name and my face were stolen from me. My honor was destroyed and the very world cursed my existence." She paused. "But, by the grace of the Heavens, it had come to an end. I was freed from my prison and now stand before all of you."

"And the reason for it is only one: Justice. I was betrayed by my own father. Betrayed for wishing for a more equal world." She paused again, tears flowing from her eyes. "I never stopped believing that it could be achieved though. I was rewarded by my faith. I was saved by him, Lelouch Vi Britannia." She touched his cheek and when they saw flesh touch flesh, they knew. It wasn't holograms, but a real person.

"And as I stand before you today, I promise to correct the mistakes my father has wrought upon this world." She breathed, grabbing all her courage. "And for that reason, I, Euphemia Li Britannia, will be departing for Japan with as much resources as can be spared to provide relief for the victims of the F.L.E.I.J.A incident as my first act since returning." She proclaimed, making the entire world fall into insanity.

Ashford Academy

Milly Ashford was running as fast as her legs could carry her. She had to reach it. She had to make it!

As she run through the silent and emoty corridors, she finally sighted her target from a window. Nina, trying to leave the grounds by jumping through the grid.

She rushed to the woman; grabbing her by the legs and making them both fall on the grass. As they rolled, Milly ended up on top of her as Nina tried desperately to release herself.

"LADY EUPHEMIA!" Her scream was devoured by the torrential rain that had begun to fall.

"Nina, calm down!"

"I can't! It is her! My goddess! Let me go!" she tried to punch the blondie, but was quickly immobilized.

"You can't! The entire world is hunting you down! Think for a second!" Her pleads fell on deaf ears as Nina continued to fight.

It was only when Milly punched her that she got a response.

"Think Nina! Think! She is coming to Japan. You can't do anything as long as she is there. Let her arrive and I will do my utmost to help you talk to her. I promise you!"

Her words got through as the girl finally stopped fighting her. After a few moments she rose and asked through tears.

"You promise?"

"I swear it on my soul Nina. Now let's get you inside, before you get a cold and someone see you." They would get their answers, even if it was the last thing they did.

'Shirley, Suzaku, Rivalz… Lelouch' she thought as she dragged Nina back in the bunker, completely missing a passerby woman.

Back in the throne room, a soldier was just informing Luana that they had indeed found the location of their last VIP. She was indeed in Ashford Academy as they had suspected.

With an ominous smirk, she sang in a happy tone:

"Nina Einstein. Hook, line and sinker."

I am exhausted. 15.000 words of pure content, but I hope I did everything alright.

Thank you guys once again for all of your support. It certainly motivated me to keep writing.

About this one, I do believe Lelouch and Euphemia had a pretty "Hot" evening. It is always their shy ones, I swear. That and the fact they had a lot of emotions that needed to be expressed and they certainly did.

Yes, Nina Hopkins is not an O.C, but a character from Black Butler. I thought she fitted perfectly with Euphie as she would be the one to prove that someone still believed her and show that Euphemia still has complicated emotions for the world that simply accepted she was a monster. Character growth I mean.

I also think it is important to show such meetings, discussing Cambodia and the other things, since, in my opinion, the moment Area 13 revolted, Lelouch should have known something was wrong. I mean, it was the only area that revolted. Red flags everywhere!

Oz becomes a knight of Round just as Kallen can't seem to understand what she should do. They are both loyal and such contrast, felt pretty nice. Well, our favorite redhead is in for a ride in these next few chapters.

Luana and Shadow continue with their plan and the moment of truth draws near. Please be patient.

Marrybell's character has begun developing and I hope to do it even more as this story progress.

Finally, Euphemia's reveal has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I have been thinking about it since before chapter one and I am HOPING I did it okay, at least to be passable. I don't know all about authentications and the like, but I read a lot and tried my best It isn't easy bringing someone who was dead back to life ok?

Nina's reaction is what I consider to be the most canon thing I have written and no one can know how Euphemia will react when she sees her. Milly's character will be explored more very soon. I didn't do it for this one since I couldn't fit another 4000 words.

Whew, I guess that is everything I wanted to talk about. Leave a review if you can, and I hope you had a pleasant time reading during the difficult days we are going through. As I am writing this final part, my shift just ended and I am about to go to my well-deserved sleep.

Stay safe out there. Take care of yourselves.

From someone who cares,

Emperor's ally.