"Why won't you stay put Lelouch?"

"I would like to see you in my place…" Lelouch huffed, the source of his current discomfort was standing in front of him in the form of a grinning Euphie applying foundation around his unbandaged eye.

"You most certainly lack the patience befitting of a proper lady. You won't see me make a fuzz about such trivial matters, and I'm the childish one! Now shut up and take it like a man."

It wasn't so much the fact that his sister was pampering him that irked him but the smug expression on Suzaku's face was slowly pushing him over the edge, the idiot was enjoying this too much for his liking. "Fine." Things could be worse he reasoned, Nunnally was fine and sleeping on a couch just to his left, this coup d'état was a success and his numerous prisoners would give him an advantage in the incoming negotiations with Schneizel. And there he was, preparing for his grand allocution to the Japanese. Everything was as good as it could get and he was thankful for that.

"There, all done! Now you don't look like a zombie anymore… a vampire maybe, but people tend to love those."

"Thank you. I guess I shall go then, please keep an eye on Nunnally for me." Lelouch put on his mask and made his way toward the main Hi-TV studio, giving nods at the enthusiastic Japanese as he went. While their show s of appreciation was, for lack of a better term, appreciated he had no time to lose. He finally got to his destination and admired the technicians' work, the Black Knight crest adorned the back wall and four Japanese flags were lined up before it, simple but to the point. Dhiethart was gesticulating in the middle of the stage, putting the finishing touches to the lighting. Once again Leouch pondered the man's sanity…

"Ah Zero, here you are! We will make History today! Everything is perfect, I made sure of it. We're only waiting for your signal to launch the broadcast. With my new procedure…" The blond man's pale complexion and ringed eyes made the revolutionary dismiss Diethart's eccentricities as the result of fatigue.

"Is that so? Then I suppose I made you wait long enough, begin when you feel read." He advanced to the center of the stage, his cape warped around his body making him appear taller and more imposing than he was. After a few moments the lights went out exept for a spot centered on him and Diethart gave him the thumb up.

"Good morning Japan! Once again you arise from Briattania's rule of tyranny!" Zero extended his arms, his cape billowing behind him as the light went on revealing the Japanese flags "Victory is ours on this day, and finally we are free. This was made possible not by me, but by the sacrifice of all those who kept Japan in their heart and gave their lives in the pursuit of that ideal! Let us mourn their loss and yet rejoice for we made their dream come true!"

Sobering up slightly he went on "Please do not insult that dream by seeking revenge upon innocent Britannian, should they choose to leave or decide to remain here. We, the Order of the Black Knights, swear that we will maintain order until a government is elected, for our ambition is not to rule but to protect. We will stand as a vigilant shield, always wary of those who confuse force for Justice. While we seek peace we will not let ourselves be tricked by empty promises…"

Now for the grand twist "Never doubt I am aware of our enemies twisted ways. For I am…" his gloved hand reached his mask, pressing the release command "… Lelouch vi Britannia! Britannia's castaway Prince!" He heard the technicians' gasps and rightly conclude it was the common reaction of everyone in front of a TV set, Diethart had let out a girlish squeal and nearly fainted on the post.

"My mother, Empress Marianne, was assassinated and, when I asked for Justice, my father sent me as an hostage here in Japan. But it was only a sham, a scheme to dupe Japan in a false sense of safety, for not even a year after my arrival Britannia invaded the land that has become my new home. For that reason I, Lelouch Lamperouge, disown my father's legacy and shall wear the mask of Zero for as long as injustice will befall on the weak! And should I fail another will take my place, for Zero transcend the one who bear the mask, he is the incarnation of the hopes of all mankind!" Lelouch put the mask back on in one swift movement "On this mask I swear! That I shall know no rest until this world is free of the evils of tirany! Long live the Japanese people! Long live Japan!"

NWO

Traveling from Hi-TV studios to one of the viceroy's palace, now the Black knights temporary headquarters, numerous conference room was not an easy task considering the celebrations taking place in the settlement's streets, it seemed the ghettos emptied themselves and one could only hope the men sent to keep the party from turning into a riot, former JLF members given the lack of professionalism generally displayed by other factions within the liberation army, would be enough. Sitting at the head of the discussion table Lelouch greeted the two already present, Lieutenant Colonel Tohdoh and the representative of the House of Tokyo Kaguya Suremagi. "I take it as everything is going well?"

"Indeed." replied the younger girl as she passed him a document "As you can see the Black will act as Japan's executive until such a time as a constitutive assembly can be assembled, all exiled political parties have been successfully contacted and will send their representatives in a week time, ample time to put Tokyo International airport back in order and organize an suitable welcoming party. You have full authority in the negotiations with foreign nations until then. Of course the Black Knights will be held responsible shall any such treaty unsatisfactory..." passing a wooden box she concluded "And here are the governmental seal, salvaged during the invasion by the Munakata Clan."

"Good. Tohdoh, what can you tell me of our hand?"

"Nationalist factions have taken arms in Indonesia as expected and have taken a number of small isles from Britannian control. Given the terrain and the previous resistance during the country's invasion Britannia will be hard pressed to put down that rebellion, even more so if we take into account the fact that both sides have access to Knightmare frames. Contact have been made with local resistance leaders concerning shipment of captured Portmans. Incidents have been reported in other Areas but these are more sabotage acts than full blown rebellion."

"Well, the situation could have been better but considering how an advanced turn our schedule took it is good enough. Britannia's troops are stretched thin as it is ans invading us would be too risky..." Lelouch took a document out of his older and proceeded to date, sign and stamp it with the newly acquired seal "...especially after our newest interested supporters make themselves known." He pressed a panel on the table which slid over revealing a scanner he used on said document.

"For Tokyo alone..." Exposed Tohdoh "We detain over 1,200 Knightmare pilots, about a hundred officers among them, casualty rate was higher among infantry and artillery amounting to around 4,500 but about 30% of our prisoner are grievously injured so we are currently unable to give an exact estimate. The whole high command has been captured with few exceptions as was the administrative agents, culminating at 5,300 individuals. Going by Tokyo's casualty rate the numbers for Japan should be around 10,000-15,000 pilots, 18,000-24,000 footmen and artillerymen, and over 150,000 administrative agents."

"Good, adding our VIPs into the mix we have good leverage against Britannia... Is there anything else?" At the negative from his two companions Lelouch put Zero's mask on and activated the room's intercom "Please begin the recording and open the channel with the Avalon." A few seconds after his command the giant screen at the end of the room flickered from its Japasese flag screensaver to a close up of Britannia's second prince "Hello Prime Minister. Our apologies for the delay, I sincerely hope we can reach a satisfying compromise for all parties in the terms of the armistice..."

NWO

The negotiations with Schneizel had been a long and tedious task, thankfully the timely recognition of Japan's independence by China, which acted as a catalyst for most of the rest of the world to do the same, tipped the scale in their favor, Britannia couldn't afford to wage war against the whole world yet even less so after the recent events. Alas Lelouch's current company couldn't be swayed by promises of international retribution. Judging by Ruben Ashford's stern features any attempt at intimidation was bound to backfire in a spectacular fashion "So boy, you asked to see me and I guess it isn't about your attendance issues this time..." Harsh, but not as much as could be expected, maybe the man had some divined some of his reason to occupy the academy's ground during the battle, truthfully anyone with enough knowledge of Lelouch and keeping a cool head could have seen right through it... "Well?"

"I felt I owed it to you, sir... to apologi-" A dismissive wave of is hand from the older man "Um, right..." How easily his speech could be thwarted when his audience was simply not impressed, how unfitting of Zero thought Lelouch, like the witch wasn't enough... "I am aware my actions put your family and yourself in a quandary." Both parties mentally snorted at the euphemism. "I couldn't- Ahem... The least I can do is offer you the same protection you did Nunnally and I seven years ago. As I- As Zero said the United States of Japan will never allow discrimination against Britannians shall they chose to build their future with us and-" Another slight glare, cut it out with the flowery speech "I can arrange either for you to stay here or a discreet retreat to the EU or the Chinese Federation under-"

"I see. Well, the Ashford family was never know to run so the second option is right out." Mused Ruben, at Lelouch's surprised expression he let out a wry smile "Didn't expect to accept the first one right away, boy? Don't take me for a fool had ample time to cool down since I knew you are Zero. That time the Purist faction asked for our attendance sheets nailed it for me. I think you now realize that I could have easily ended your rebellion had I wanted to."

"So-"

"For goodness' sake Lelouch! A new terrorist that's neither the usual bumbling fool that can't articulate two words without shouting in incoherent anger or the stiff soldier without an ounce of charisma appears out of nowhere coincidentally a times you disappear from my school. Why do you think I sent my son negotiate a contract in Prague the moment your sister announced her special zone?"

"Well, when you put it that way..."

"Now it goes without saying I am a tad miffed at last night events, but rest assured that had I opposed your actions as Zero I would have done something about it. With that being said and in order to cut any further nonsense I will say that while I can be considered a patriot I am most disheartened by what the circumstance surrounding you mother death revealed and the conclusions I made about the Empire may have a lot more in common to those you yourself made. Now my vision of patriotism pertaining to the wrong in one's country are not of denial but opposition and rectification, so ,in short, in order to set Britannia as it should be I will cooperate with your R&D teams and provide them with my Knightmare engineering expertise. Now you won't have to come here after some months with your tail between your leg asking me just that." Ruben kept his steel glare focused on Lelouch during his tirade daring him to interrupt with any nonsense "Now is there something else?"

"No sir, thank you sir..."

"Just don't forget to see Milly on your way out."

"I won't sir. Sorry sir..." Deep within himself Lelouch Lamperouge wept.

NWO

There was no doubt about it, he was a monster, a self-serving heartless demon that knew no bound to his deviousness. Milly watched as Lelouch grovelled before Nunnally, telling her how he regretted to ever have deceived her, how grateful he was that she forgave him and was willing to understand his choice while he simultaneously drove himself to the ground... If he was honest Milly couldn't tell but she considered it likely for she knew him incapable of lying outright to his beloved sister. Not that she put it past him to use her as a buffer... She had seen it in his eyes the moment he spotted her, that short look of terror as he realized she was ready to tear him a new one as soon as she could get him away from Nunnally. And so he hid behind his infirm sister, overtly beating himself over everything that he felt Milly could use against him. And so he left her with nothing to get him the lashing he so deserved without her awful about herself... That bastard.

"Please brother, I understand, really. I-You did what you did because you thought you had too... And I know you did your best so that no one was hurt, didn't you?"

"Not nearly enough, I-"

"Yes, I guess it can never be enough with these matters but I don't think you need me to add anymore guilt than what you put yourself on your shoulders... I'm not sure what to say but I know you and you're a good person."

Lelouch gave a hollow chuckle "I don't deserve you..."

"So you finally noticed?" Lechouch paused at his sister's words before blowing into a more sincere laughter, Nunnally's brow furrowed in mock annoyance "Eh! I was serious!" watched them both as they laughed, she never knew Nunnally could joke...

"Hmph, don't let me bother you." At least the blonde could find some satisfaction in bursting their bubble "I still expect you to follow hierarchy Mr Vice-president... Now that I think about it, does transitivity make me the leader f the Black Knights? "

Lelouch sent her a patented smile "It would, thankfully I left a resignation letter before going... I fear the world is not prepared for a shock of that magnitude yet."

"Who knows? Try it, you may be surprised."

"I'd rather not... Anyway, where are the others? I have to... well you know..."

Milly let out a heavy sigh "Shirley is... resting, I sent Nina to keep an eye on her, she's still pretty shaken." Lelouch nodded, of course Shirley took it worse than any of them "As for Rivalz, well he's your best friend so most of the students hounded on him for some kind of explanation. Judging by the lack of riots he's not that bad at damage control..."

"Now that's not very nice Madam President..." Chirped the blind girl "S

NWO

Kento Sugiyama woke up to a pain in his lower back, opening his eyes he was at first blinded by the ceiling whiteness. Adjusting his eyes he realized that he was in an hospital bed, a quick survey of the room made him realize he was not alone, on his right were two other beds occupied by a pale Oghi and a sitting Tamaki, the other original Black Knights were also present. All were watching the room's tiny television, which was displaying various hope messages from more or less important figures. "So we won…"

"Hey guys! He's awake!" It was Yoshida who first noticed him. "You got us worried for a moment man, even Oghi didn't sleep that long."

"What did I miss?"

Tamaki got up and advanced to his side sliding an arm over his shoulders, Sugiyama remarked that the man other arm was encased in a cast "Well, first of all you didn't get to see my awesomeness! I would have torn down more of them if some idiot didn't make this wall fall on me."

"It's not my fault you decided to charge in before Tohdoh's signal!" Interjected Yoshida.

"Yeah, yeah! Anyway, at least I managed to eject in time but they really should put seatbelt inside those things! Inoue found you passed out while she searched for the chick that shot Oghi, you better thank her before she start bitching about it." He dodged a blow to the head from the blue haired woman "See what I'm talking about? The medics patched you up but… they couldn't do anything for your legs…"

"M-my legs?"

"You idiot!" This time Tamaki didn't avoid Inoue chokehold "Don't listen to him, your legs are just fine. By the way, I did end up saving your life…" As the man struggled she applied some pressure on his injured arm.

"Geez, calm down man! Ah! Not my arm! Not my arm!"

Kento winced, it was easy yet dangerous to forget the woman was extremely prideful. "Um, thank you?"

"You're welcome." She send him a wickedly sweet smile "Now, did you know Zero was a Britannian Prince? And Kallen's classmate?"

"Uh?"

"Yeah, even I find it hard to believe." Admitted Kallen "To think Zero is that jerk Lelouch…"

"Why thank you Q-1, I always knew your were one of my most loyal followers." Everyone froze at the new voice. Standing in the doorway was an unmasked Zero.

"Zero!"

"You may call me Lelouch, I shall forgive it, if only this once. I thought I ought to see you all personally and take some news."

"Um, thanks, I guess…" Began Minami, seeing the usually severe looking man so awkward was quite comical to his comrades.

"Oghi?"

"I'll be fine…" The bedridden man responded weakly. "Britannian hospital are something else, they sad I should be up and running in two weeks. Didn't know you could recover from a liver puncture that quickly…"

"Hey Zero-buddy! You're relly going to let Britannian stay here?" Asked Tamaki as he untangled himself. "I mean, we fought to get them out, right? We can't trust them…"

"If that's true, then I guess I'll have to go too. I don't expect many to stay, but we should let them the choice nonetheless. Tell me, how long Japan has been an Area?"

"7 years, why?"

"Exactly! Some of them were here from the beginning, or even longer. We can't ask them to put 7 years of their lives behind them. Now a second question, would you wish for even your worst enemy to be stuck in Britannia?"

"No, but what's the point? They're Britannian!"

"So you're telling me it is impossible for a Britannian to reject what the country stand for?"

"Come on Tamaki." Intervened Oghi "There's some good guys among them."

"Yeah, as true as there are some Japanese cretins" Smirked Yoshida.

Lelouch's mobile phone ringed, he picked it up and read a message, once done he cleared his throat to gain everyone attention. "Anyway, we have a meeting at our new HQ in five days. I hope you will all be able to attend by then. I have a really tight schedule today so I'll have to take my leave. I don't think I already said this so congratulation to you all."

"Talk about awkward…" Mumbled Tamaki. Everyone agreed, Kallen clenched and unclenched her fist in frustration.

"This guy is impossible, putting me on the spot like that…"

"What? He actually seemed nicer than usual…"

"He's got no choice: he's not a faceless symbol anymore…" His fellow rebels stopped their bickering at Oghi's explanation "Don't look at me like that, I taught politics before the war… It's a politician's main weakness, they have to appear human to gain the people trust, that's why most make a show of going fishing or attending festivals. By wearing a mask Zero can do things people wouldn't accept from Lelouch, I think Kallen demonstrated this well enough…"

"Doesn't mean I have to like it…"

"But Oghi said you did…" Whined Tamaki before being silenced rather brutally.

NWO

Euphemia was alone in the corridor of the high security section of the palace holding cells, more precisely in front of Cornelia's cell. The way things were going the two sisters had very little precious time left between themselves and she intended to make the most of it. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here in Japan? Lelouch promised that all the Britanian that wanted to could do so."

"Do you have to ask, Euphie? Even if I wanted I'm still the former Viceroy… And I have to go back, with Schneizel's help I'm sure to get to the bottom of this. Lelouch can't protect you or Nunnally forever, that way I could provide you with an escape road if it come to that…"

"But…"

"My ladies! Did you say Lelouch and Nunnally?" The frantic call came from another cell near the entrance "As in Lady Marianne's children?"

"Who's that?"

"Jeremiah Gottwald, your highnesses! Lady Cornelia you must remember me. I worked under you on that tragic day at Aries Villa. Is this true? Is lord Lelouch really Zero?"

"Shut your trap Gottwald, some of us are trying to sleep!" There was no mistaking Darlton's voice. "What were you doing when the guards went at it for hours? Lelouch is Zero."

"How can it be? For so long I went against the very legacy of my Lady! Such shame! Such dishonor! I betrayed my own loyalty… This cursed body of mine is not atonement enough for my sins! Please lady Euphemia, seek your brother, tell him that Jeremiah Gottwald will follow him through the torments of death and the nine circles of hell to aid him avenge her majesty! Tell him that the true Loyalty shall be rekindled!"

"What a nutcase, don't you think Claudio?"

"I agree David, remind me to never accept cybernetic implants."

"I don't know dear brothers, in a sense it is rather touching and, dare I say, inspiring."

"Bart! Should I disown you?"

"Sorry dad, but his prose, while a tad chaotic and quite loud, nearly brought me to tears."

Cornelia sighed "I don't think we'll be able to finish this conversation today Euphie. Tomorrow maybe?"

Euphie nodded "Yes, it would be better." Rising her voice she addressed the source of all the confusion "And lord Gottwald, I will try to talk to Lelouch about your… loyalty."

"Thank you my Princess! I shall never forget it!"

As the pink haired princess exited Cornelia addressed the knights present "You know Andreas, Bart is not totally wrong… We'll come back disgraced anyway so… Well for my part I think I'll search for answers too, it was also my failure that cost the Empress her life."

"You realize that we'll probably have to go against the Emperor himself."

"That what make the thrill of it! So, who's with me?"

Darlton burst out laughing "I say why not? Boys, what do you think?"

"Count us in!" Came the unanimous reply.

"Guillford?"

…

"I think he's sleeping ma'am." Interjected Alfred.

"That leave Orange…" Concluded Edgar.

"Orange? THAT'S THE NAME OF MY LOYALTY!"

"Waaaahhh!"

"Your Highness, chief Guilford woke up…"

NWO

Lelouch was trying his best to stand upright, his already low stamina had been stretched thin from staying awake and under heavy stress for more than 40 hours, but he had an image to maintain. I wouldn't do for Zero to be seen lagging his feet and his back hunched forward as he made his way to his new private quarters. It was only once in the confine of his room that he allowed himself to slide against the closed door, tearing off his eye patch he closed his eyes in pure bliss.

"You shouldn't push your limits like that, it's bad for your heart."

"Of course I can't have some well earned peace…" The witch was there, lying on his bed "What do you want?"

"Nothing much really, I ordered you some contacts. You wouldn't believe how difficult to find a decent optician in the current situation, let alone one who can actually make exactly what you need… You?"

"I'd rather not think about it… Now that there's a face behind the mask I'll need to appear more 'humane'. Oh the joys of faceless heroism… Though it does feel somewhat good for now."

"A pity it won't last."

"You don't need to remind me… Just let me enjoy it while it last." He tried to pull the witch from the bed, without success. "You know I arranged for you to have your own bedroom."

"I know..."

"Then go away. I earned the right to sleep in my own bed!"

"Cetainly."

"But?"

"Nothing. You can sleep in it." Too tired to argue further Lelouch just dropped face down on the bed. "You look down..."

"I though you didn't do jokes."

"I don't. Pretty nice gallery out there..." He should have known better than to except her to let it slide. "The artist did wonders in capturing your likeness. You almost looked adorable at the time..." She really knew how to twist the knife.

"What's done is done. And it doesn't change anything anyway..."

"If you say so."

"What? Do you intend to comfort me?"

"As a matter of fact I do."

"Wha…" His shout of protest was interrupted as something soft crashed against him.

"It's Cheese-kun, he's yellow soft and cuddly… Keep the nightmares away and you wake up to the most wonderful smell of fresh pizza. A baby warlock's best friend…"

"That stinking blob? You can keep it…" Seeing her smirk in satisfaction Lelouch felt the irrepressible urge to get the last word. "Actually, I take that back. Give me the damn plush and go away."

"How childish of you, taking him away just to annoy me…"

"As if you're any better."

"You know I am."

"Well, since you're not getting away I have a few questions to ask… Who was that kid exactly?"

"V.V., also known as Victor zi Britannia."

"Victor… You can't mean…"

"Charles' twin? Why yes. You know your father was quite handsome in the days, you look more like him with each passing day."

"Whatever. So he has a geass… What is it?"

"Memory manipulation, challenging him at a staring contest would be a bad idea."

"I see, can I deduce you were working with them at some point and won't tell me anything about it for now?" C.C. only smilled misteriously and rolled over. "Just tell me one thing, how do I kill him?"

"That's a good question. Maybe I'll tell you one day… Goodnight Lelouch."

"That was helpful…" grumbled the amethyst eyed youth. "How can you stand her?" He asked the blob. "I really need my sleep..."

NWO

The next morning Euphemia li Britannia advanced through the Palace's hallways accompanied by one Rivalz Cardemonde. She came upon the student in front of the entrance, trying to convince the guards to let him get by, after a quick inquiry she learned he had to speak urgently to Lelouch. While she understood her half-brother was quite busy lately, she was displeased that he hadn't made some time for one of his friends. "Say, how long have you know Lelouch?"

"Well you see Princess…" the boy stammered.

"You can call me Euphie, everyone does…"

"Okay, E-Euphie… I first saw him in middle school. He was always moping by himself so I said 'Hey Rivalz show this kid how it's done' so I went to talk with him and the next day he was ordering me around like no tomorrow. I still don't get how he did it… But he's really a good friend! He always listen when no one else care about what I have to say… Well, when he's not planning a coup anyway." He laughed.

Euphemia soon joined him "Yes, that does sound like him. He was always doing the same with Clo…" Her mood fell as she thought about Clovis, who Lelouch killed at the very beginning of his rebellion. The man had all but demanded to be assigned as viceroy of Area 11 in order to find what happened to his long lost siblings, she wondered if Lelouch knew how much Clovis still cared about them.

"Euphie, are you alright?"

The former princess snapped out of her dark thoughts "Oh, don't worry about me. I'm fine, I was just getting sidetracked. And we're there already!"

They were indeed standing before the large oak doors of the viceroy's chambers. Euphemia advanced to knock but the doors opened by themselves letting out the same green haired woman from the other day, a yellow plush tucked in her arms. "Hello…"

Euphie gulped, she didn't expect her brother to have company so early in the morning, furthermore the woman was wearing what seemed to be a straitsuit… Saying her imagination ran wild at that moment would be an euphemism. "Um, good morning miss C.C., is Lelouch… decent?"

At first C.C. blinked in confusion, but then her lips curled in a devious smile "Give me a minute…" She turned around and stuck her head through the opening "You have visitors, dress up before they see something you don't want them to. Don't say I didn't warn you." Sending a wave to the two newcomers she left them speechless on the doorstep.

"Lelouch, can we enter?" Inquired Euphie after collecting her thoughts.

"Suit yourself…" Came the sigh from the other side. The two made their way inside and found Lelouch sitting at the edge of his bed his face buried in his hand. Glancing at them he couldn't repress a movement of surprise "Rivalz? I thought it was Suzaku with you…"

The girl brought her hand to her mouth to tone down her giggles "He's still sleeping, I didn't have the heart to wake him after yesterday. I found Rivalz while on a stroll in the palace's main court, he said he was searching for you, I told the guards to let him in. Did you sleep well?"

"I've got better… What do you want Rivalz?"

"You've got to help me Lelouch!" Wailed the student "It's the Prez, she's staying here and I don't know what to do! You know my place is wherever she is…"

"You mean you came here at 8 in the morning just for that?"

"Actually I camped here all night…"

"Excuse me?" Euphemia interrupted Rivalz, putting a hand on his shoulder "I don't mean to intrude, but, tou care about this person, don't you?" The blue haired boy nodded "Then I will help you! No one can stand in the way of true love! I suppose you need help in convincing your parents to stay?"

"I live with my uncle…"

"Well, I will personally have a word with your uncle!"

"Thank you Princess!" Rivalz engulfed the girl in a teary hug "I'll tell my uncle to expect you!" He shouted as he ran outside.

"Is he always this… enthusiastic?"

"When he's not completely pathetic. So why are you here so early?" Lelouch asked, making his way to a window.

"You shouldn't do that…"

"Why not? I need some fresh air." He opened the window and instantly a loud squeal rang, neatly deafening him. He promptly closed it back and hid himself from view "What was that?"

"Fangirls. Rivalz wasn't the only one to camp here. From what I've heard they're divided in 3 'factions': whether they think you're a vampire, a pirate or a pirate vampire."

"I see…"

"Anyway, I came because I promised lord Gottwald. He wants to talk to you, it's about your mother and loyalty."

"Orange? Why do things keep getting crazier by the minute?" "Say, can we all forget everything that happened recently?"

AN: Would you believe I worked on this chapter for over two years? It never quite satisfied me... Blame it for my extended absence! You can see my old style peeking out here and there...