7 Chapter Seven: The Queen's Conquest.

Euphie could not contain her fright when she had found several guards lying dead around her sister's bedchamber. As well as Cornelia herself missing, with a map of Narita pinned to the mattress.

She wasted no time in calling Lelouch. He quickly took over the situation and began reviewing the palace security footage, revealing a young man walking casually through the halls. When the guards came up to him they suddenly appeared to stop in their tracks and the boy killed them quickly.

"Rolo, the time stopper," said Rai.

"He has the power to stop time?" gasped Euphie.

"I don't think so," said Lelouch. "The time stamp on the video is still going as normal. Rather I think he stops a person's perception of time."

"Correct," said Rai.

"And he's a member of the Eden Elite," said Guilford, a slight tremble in his voice.

Whether it was out of the shame he felt for failing to protect his beloved princess, or because of the fear the Eden Elite inspired no one could say. However Lelouch was more focused on the map that had been left.

"You know it's most likely a trap right?" asked Suzaku.

"It's most definitely a trap," said Lelouch. "All I'm curious of is why my dear uncle simply didn't send his entire forces if he was able to deduce I was Zero. I suppose I'll have to ask the two of them when I meet them."

"The JLF is in Narita," said Suzaku.

"Could Kyoshiro Tohdoh be allied with the Eden Elite?" asked Dalton.

"He'd never do such a thing," said Suzaku.

"Enough," said Lelouch. "Suzaku, you go to Narita and see if you can meet with Tohdoh again. Brief him on the situation. We don't want to risk any mistakes of intent if we show up in full force."

"I will go as well," said Rai. "None of you are properly trained in Geass combat."

Lelouch looked at Rai with suspicion, although he knew his Geass revealed the truth about who he served, his own mother, he still could not help but look at the young man with some suspicion. The fact that C.C. seemed to nod in his support didn't entirely help the case.

"Do you intend to go as well C.C?" asked Lelouch.

"I might as well," said the witch. "It's more helpful if they get an example of both Geass and the Code?"

"Very well, I'm sure we can spare a Sutherland," said Lelouch.

"That is not necessary," said Rai. "I brought my own Knightmare. I hid it not too far from here."

Rai left before Lelouch or anyone else could speak up.

"You sure it's alright to have him in the field?" asked Suzaku.

"Right now we don't have much of a choice," said Lelouch. "Keep an eye on him though. As well as C.C."

Cornelia stared down at her cuffs in a pure, slow burning anger. The great Witch of Britannia now a captive, stolen from her bed as if she were one of those fairy tale princesses she always found disgustingly weak.

"Enjoying your stay princess?" asked the tall white haired man looking down at her.

Cornelia only glowered from her seated position in the cage she had been locked in.

"If you're the mind reader then I believe you should know exactly what I'm feeling right now," said Cornelia.

"Yes, what a lovely vocabulary you have," said Mao. "This agent from the Order is definitely something we didn't expect but it should be a minor obstacle. After the dust settles, Lelouch will be dead, and you and Euphemia shall be executed publicly for treason. The power of V.V will be undeniable."

"The Usurper can go to hell," yelled Cornelia.

"Feisty," said Mao. "It won't last. Now I believe it's time you got ready for your performance."

The display of Rai's Geass as well as C.C's display of immortality had left an impact on Tohdoh and his Four Holy swords. Suzaku, despite himself, couldn't help but laugh at seeing his stoic former teacher gasp in shock.

"That...that is the power of Geass?" gasped Tohdoh.

"The power of my Geass," said Rai, deactivating his power. "It is different fro each user. Suzaku has already told you of Lelouch's power."

"To control the minds of others," said Tohdoh. "And you say these other two are able to read minds and halt a person's perception of time?"

"Indeed," said Rai.

"How on Earth do you expect to stop such men?" asked Chiba.

"Hopefully with your help," said Suzaku. "The Eden Elite are the real enemy of both the Japanese and Britannian people. If we destroy these two it shows that they can be defeated. That V.V's invincible army isn't invincible after all."

"Indeed," said Tohdoh, regaining his composure. "Tell Lelouch he has our support and we'll meet with his forces to aid in Princess Cornelia's rescue."

"And the Knightmare Frame?" asked Suzaku.

"If Lelouch has a pilot he believes is suitable then he may use it," said Tohdoh.

"Thank you Sensei," said Suzaku.

The two young men returned back to their transport where the Lancelot and Rai's blue Knightmare, the Adonis, stood ready. For his part, the Knightmare engineer Lloyd was practically in love with the blue machine.

"It's beautiful," said Lloyd. "There are components I never even knew existed. Just what kind of technology does this Geass Order have? That hack Rakshata is going to be sea green with envy when she sees how I got to play with such toys before she even had a chance."

Rai noticed the odd behavior of the confessed sociopath and narrowed his eyes.

"Don't mind Lloyd," said Suzaku. "He's...somewhat harmless."

"He should still be respectful," said Rai. "The Adonis is more than a mere machine. It is a sacred weapon entrusted to me by the Reverend Mother."

"Lelouch's mother," said Suzaku. "Exactly how long has she been keeping an eye on Lelouch and Nunnally?"

"Long enough," said Rai. "She would have come for them but she had duties to the Order. As do I."

"So you were raised by the Order," said Suzaku.

"Yes," said Rai. "I never knew the one who bore me or the one who sired me. It does not matter though. I do not seek my past nor do I seek some purpose. I was raised for a purpose. I am a warrior of the Order."

"And just what does the Order want?" asked Suzaku.

"That is not for one who is not of the Order to ask?" said Rai. "Do not do so again. Or I will be forced to kill you."

Suzaku glared at the silver haired boy, whose ice blue eyes glared back.

"Fine, but I want you to know something," said Suzaku. "If you do anything to hurt either Lelouch or Nunnally I will..."

"I would never harm Nunnally," said Rai sharply.

Suzaku was caught off guard by the passion Rai had in that shout. He usually sounded fairly flat and machine like.

"You don't even know Nunnally," said Suzaku.

"She and I...are fated," said Rai.

Suzaku felt he should have pressed further, if only because he did not find Rai's wording comforting, and because he cared deeply about Nunnally's well-being. However he had more important things to do. He would bring this issue to Lelouch was the current crisis had been resolved.

He then focused on C.C who seemed to be off in her own little world. It both made sense to him and infuriated him. C.C was an immortal, she had no doubt seen many wars in her time, this was nothing to her. They were nothing to her. When they were all dust in a thousand years she would still exist. Suzaku honestly wondered if it really was a blessing to live forever. To live until the world and its misery no longer meant anything to you.

He wondered how many contracts she had made with people like Lelouch. Her terms, as far as Suzaku knew, were still unknown to Lelouch. He feared for his friend, he did not want this witch to manipulate Lelouch or sacrifice him for her own desires. He needed to take action to prevent that, to protect his friend. Thus Suzaku Kururugi would make a deal with the witch.

Lelouch had not been idle during his time of recovery. Ever since the incident with Naoto he had designed a new Zero suit. A more armored appearance with protective plates covering his chest, legs, and forearms.

He had to construct a new mask as well.

"Much better," he said, looking at his new suit in the mirror.

"You're a bit of a narcissist aren't you?" asked C.C, lounging on the couch.

"I won't admit anything but I won't deny anything as well," said Lelouch. "Will you be joining the battle?"

"I suppose I must," said C.C. "As a member of the Geass Order I am duty bound to destroy the Eden Elite."

Lelouch decided to accept her right now, he needed to focus on the operation at hand. He and C.C left the room and entered the rest of the G-1 mobile base and soon entered the command room where Euphemia stood along side Ohgi, Tamaki, Guilford, Dalton, Suzaku, Rai, Viletta, Kallen, and Tohdoh and his Four Holy swords.

"Col. Tohdoh," he said, removing the mask. "It has been a long time hasn't it."

"Indeed," said Tohdoh. "Although, I would prefer if you would refrain from using your Geass on either me or my subordinates."

"Fear not, my Geass is only used to break the will of my enemies and make them my pawns," said Lelouch. "My allies do not need fear my power."

"And you must be the witch who gave him this power," said Tohdoh.

"Indeed," said C.C. "Although if you're thinking about begging for power of your own, know there will be...conditions."

"I have no interest in this power," said Tohdoh. "To me it appears...unnatural."

"Then woe for you face two skilled warriors of Geass," said Rai. "The time stopper and the mind reader. In combat they are extremely deadly."

"We haven't noticed any activity in this area despite our own forces," said Chiba. "How can you even be sure that they're holding Princess Cornelia here?"

"All we have to go on is the map they left behind," said Lelouch. "And given how Rolo apparently can stop a person's perspective of time he could have outmaneuvered any patrols you had in the area. Right now our objective is to search for any sign of them or Cornelia."

"So we're essentially just repeating the same shit we pulled in the sewers and waiting for the bad guys to slam us right?" said Tamaki.

"We're not dealing with an organized force as far as we know," said Lelouch. "While I would prefer proper coordination to form a strategy, we have no choice but to attempt to spring their trap."

"I would advise caution," said Rai, producing two photographs, revealing the images of Mao and Rolo. "In battle Mao is fairly weak but his abilities allow him to know the strategies of his enemies and effectively counter them. And if Rolo were to be in a Knightmare Frame..."

"He'd essentially be able to outmaneuver any of our forces and take them out before they can even comprehend what has happened," said Tohdoh. "This one could effectively operate as a one man army, appearing to have the speed of a god."

"He looks so young," said Euphie, sadly observing the photo of Rolo.

"He may be young your highness but he is still the enemy," said Dalton. "We cannot allow sentiment in this mission my lady."

"Of course," said Euphie, sadness still in her voice. "And what about the Knightmare Frame you have? What was it called?"

"It's called the Guren," said Tohdoh.

"And I already have a pilot in mind," said Lelouch. "Kallen."

"Me?" asked Kallen, slightly surprised.

"Given the skill with which you fought with an old Glasgow I imagine the effectiveness you'd have with a more advanced machine," said Lelouch.

Kallen didn't know how to respond, she merely bowed her head in an attempt to hide her inappropriate blush. Everything was so confusing for her now. Her sudden burst of foolishness in kissing Lelouch the other day had thrown her heart and her mind into chaos. She tried to push those feelings down. She needed to focus on this mission.

From his position Mao could hear everything. It was both his greatest strength but at the same time his greatest weakness. There were so many thoughts, so many loud minds, it was enough to drive him mad. However the training of his magnificent emperor had allowed him to funnel the voices. He could be more accurate about who he was listening to.

He could pinpoint the minds of his enemies and tracked their locations accordingly. They were spreading out in several squads below.

"Time to thin the heard," said Mao, pressing a detonator.

Lelouch and Suzaku were in a squadron together, the latter's Lancelot sticking close to Lelouch's borrowed Sutherland. Before they had gotten into their respective machines Suzaku had given Lelouch a signal in the sigh language they had developed when they were children. It was an indicator to switch to a secure radio channel between the two of them.

"Lelouch, I realize that this probably isn't the best time but I just wanted to ask you something," said Suzaku. "Why do you think your mother went to the Geass Order? Assuming Rai and C.C. can be believed."

"I've been thinking about that myself," said Lelouch. "Honestly, I don't know. From the way C.C talks my mother may have been a member of the Order for years. Even before she became a Knight of Britannia. Before she met my father. I honestly don't know what to think."

"I mean if she knew about Geass and had access to an army of Geass Users why didn't she bring you and Nunnally to them?" asked Suzaku.

"If I had to hazard a guess, she and the Order had a falling out and she only went to them out of desperation," said Lelouch. "I should have pressed Rai more. What brought this on Suzaku?"

"I was just talking a little more with Rai earlier," said Suzaku. "It just feels suspicious, him, C.C, the Geass. Maybe I'm just getting scared at how unreal it all is. Immortals and superpowers are real."

"It is pretty nerve racking," said Lelouch.

Before Suzaku could respond a loud explosion came from the top of the mountain and the ground began to tremble.

"What the hell?" asked Suzaku.

Motioning his cameras he then noticed the devastating wave of mud and rock heading their way.

The power and speed of the Guren was incredible and it seemed to fit Kallen as if she were destined to have it. Which all came in handy when the mountain gave way, she had been able to avoid much of the ruble and hoped that the other squadrons were just as lucky. Not so many of those with her had been. Most of all she found herself hoping Lelouch was alright.

'He's my commander, of course I should be worried about him because of that,' thought Kallen. 'I have to focus. I...'

Kallen's thoughts were interrupted when the image of a golden Knightmare came into view. She saw one of the JLF's new Knightmares, the ones they hoped to use against Britannian forces, came up and fixed it's weapon on the strange Knightmare. The pilot issued a demand of identification and intent from the strange Knightmare and as Kallen blinked in mid sentence, the JLF Frame had been destroyed while it appeared as if the stranger machine had been standing completely still, with the exception of a crimson blade in its hand.

"Please, run," a new voice came in over the radio.

"It's...it's him," said Kallen, fear suddenly rising inside her chest.

In the time she had blinked this new machine, the device of the Eden Elite, had demonstrated his power. In that one instant she realized just how terrifying the Eden Elite truly was and why so many Britannians must have feared them. What could one hope to do against something so indefensible?

Kallen's shock was interrupted by the sound of a great clash and as reality came to she saw a hands of the Adonis catch the sword of Rolo's machine.

"Rai...but how..."

"Kallen, go find any other survivors and regroup with Lelouch if he's still alive," said Rai over the radio. "Leave this one to me."

Kallen felt like arguing, not wanting to leave with her tail between her leg, but her worry for Lelouch came back into focus and she complied.

'Lelouch...entrusted me with this Knightmare thinking I was some great warrior but here I am running like a coward,' thought Kallen. 'He'll never trust me again after this. It's all ruined.'

Kallen then noticed several Britannian Sutherlands and attempted to meet up with them, only for them to lock their weapons onto her.

The chaos caused by the landslide had destroyed all sense of unity and coordination the operation had. What followed was even worse. Several Britannian operators were now firing upon their commanders.

"Goddamn it," cursed Dalton, taking cover from his own troops of all people. "Damn traitors."

The Knightmare piloted by Kyoshiro Tohdoh came swiftly, drawing forth what appeared to be a giant Katana like weapon, and with speed unimaginable he made swift work of the enemy Knightmares, slicing through their cockpits with ease.

"I had believed I would use these Knightmares against Britannian forces," said Tohdoh. "But not under these circumstances. It would appear that we have indeed sprung the trap this Mao set."

"Looks to be the case," said Dalton. "Thanks by the way. Although my inner cynic would say that if I weren't being fired at as well we'd be crossing weapons now."

"Indeed," said Tohdoh, with deadly seriousness.

Dalton only chuckled, expecting nothing less from a warrior with such a reputation. He then looked at the ruined Knightmares of his former allies and grimaced.

"I knew these men," said Dalton. "And somehow that bastard had turned them against me. After all we had been through."

"Most likely the others are suffering similar circumstances," said Tohdoh. "We have to reorganize. Whatever forces we had lost in the landslide are bound to be the targets for these traitors."

"You're right," said Dalton, regaining his focus. "I need to secure Princess Euphemia, for all we know there are more traitors on the mobile base. Col. Tohdoh, I hope this doesn't dissuade you from an alliance, but I know your first loyalty must be to your own subordinates. I wish you good fortune no matter the results of this day."

"As I do you," said Tohdoh. "If fortune is indeed kind then perhaps our alliance can be salvaged. Good luck."

"Thank you," said Dalton. "Good luck."

The two seasoned warriors left to their respective duties both with the hope to salvage some order from the chaos and perhaps their alliance as well.

The Lancelot plowed through several of its former squad mates, with Zero in its hand.

"Suzaku, you can't go on with only one hand," said Zero.

"You can't go out on foot,"said Suzaku through the speakers of the Knightmare.

"I can avoid conflict with enemy forces," said Zero. "Sayoko's more than just my maid remember. You're main priority right now should be securing Euphie."

Suzaku hated to admit it but Lelouch was right, he couldn't fight effectively with only one hand, and Euphie could have been in serious danger if the extend of this treason went so far to the command base.

"Before I go I have something I need to run by you," said Suzaku.

Rolo's Knightmare, the Vincent staggered backward thanks to another surprise counter from the Adonis.

"I don't understand, why aren't my abilities working on you?" yelled Rolo.

"With enough focus a Geass such as yours can be meaningless," said Rai. "You're powers will not help you against me. A warrior of the Geass Order."

"The Order? So you're one of that whore's boy toys eh?" laughed Rolo.

Anger flared inside Rai, but his discipline beat out his need for vengeance over his mentor's dishonor. He merely focused on the mission at hand.

"And what about your Geass abilities?" asked Rolo. "It seems unfair that you have a greater advantage than I."

"My Geass is not for the likes of you," said Rai. "You are nothing to me."

His own anger flaring, Rolo struck out only for Rai to block his blow.

Kallen had managed to fell the Britannian Knightmares that had attempted to kill her. Making use of the Guren's main weapon, the Radiant Wave Surger. Built into the right arm, a great and vicious claw that channeled a powerful burst of radiation. It made her feel more composed after her fright from Rolo, although the mere existence of that fear continuing to act as now small dishonor to her.

She knew she had to continue on, that Rai could handle Rolo, but she just couldn't stand the idea of facing Lelouch or anyone of the Black Knights after shamefully running away like she did. She needed to make it right.

'Rolo's Geass only stops a person's perception of time,' Kallen thought, recalling how Rai had talked about the extent of his abilities earlier.

An idea came into Kallen's mind, one that she hoped wold allow her to conquer her earlier fear, and justify Lelouch's faith in her.

Euphie ducked behind the frame of the door, a machine gun in her hands. She hadn't used any of the bullets in the chamber yet. Instead the witch C.C came to her aid. She actually took in many of the bullets, her immortality giving her an advantage. She fought only with a knife, once again her immortality giving her an advantage given the old adage about knives and gunfights, with unusual fighting skills that Euphie was not familiar with.

"It's alright now," said C.C, after the gunfire had died down.

Euphie, and a small cadre of Britannian soldiers and Black Knights, including the man called Ohgi, peered over and saw the floor riddled with corpses and bullets. C.C herself looked no worse for wear aside from several bullet holes in her clothing exposing her flesh. Euphie hadn't entirely believed the notion that C.C was an immortal but this was more than enough proof to convince her.

"I suggest you get on the radio princess," said C.C.

"Oh...yes of course," said Euphie.

Acting quickly Euphie got to the radio and called out to any remaining forces, the remaining loyal crew bringing their computer tracker online. There were so many 'LOST' signals Euphie felt her spirit breaking.

"Princess Euphemia," said Dalton over the radio. "I'm relieved that you're alright."

"As I am for you General Dalton," said Euphie. "Our forces have been compromised."

"I'm well aware of that your highness," said Dalton. "Col. Tohdoh has gone on to unite his respective forces. What about the Black Knights?"

"So far I can only speak to those of us here in the G1," said Ohgi. "It was nothing short of a miracle that we didn't get swallowed up by that landslide."

"I'm glad to hear that," said Zero's voice.

"Zero, good to hear from you," said Ohgi, gently taking the radio from Euphemia. "How did your unit pan out?"

"A few of the Britannian soldiers turned on us but Suzaku was able to deal with them," said Zero. "My machine was damaged in the landslide but I'm alright. Suzaku should be coming to your location at this minute."

"L...Zero are you not with him?" asked Euphie.

"It was my idea. He can't fight with only one hand," said Zero. "I'll be alright."

Euphie wished she could share Lelouch's confidence. But with the knowledge that both her brother and sister were exposed on a battlefield terrified her greatly. She wasn't a military commander like her sister, and this fear only made her feel even more useless than she knew she was.

"Zero, coudln't you attempt to gain some of the soldiers that are firing at us under your control?" asked Ohgi.

There was a long pause before Zero answered.

"Right now we need to focus on regrouping," said Zero. "At any moment the Eden Elite agents could enter the fray themselves to take advantage of the situation."

'Or are you afraid to use your Geass again?' thought Euphie.

Kallen kept a close eye on the progression of Rai and Rolo's battle. Glad that she could at least keep track of it, either because she might have been out of range of Rolo's Geass, or because of something Rai had done she couldn't tell. But either way it gave her a decent enough opportunity to see what was happening and plan out her strategy. There was a ledge not too far from where the two Geass Users were fighting and her plan began to form.

'Rolo's Geass can only stop a person's perception of time,' thought Kallen. 'That means he can't really affect the laws of physics. So even if everything seems frozen gravity would still be a constant.'

Before she could turn to go towards the ledge she noticed several Frames coming up upon her via her radar. She turned and readied the Guren's weapons when she noticed these were the JLF Knightmares.

"Miss Kozuki, are you alright?" asked the female soldier, Chiba.

"I'm fine," said Kallen. "This Knightmare, it's certainly powerful. But what about you all?"

"Nothing we couldn't survive once Tohdoh got back in touch with us," said Chiba. "Is that golden Knightmare the one the Eden Elite soldier is using?"

"Yes," said Kallen. "Rai seems to be able to hold him off but...I have an idea of how we can finish him off. Do any you have long range weapons?"

Suzaku continued onward through the ruined forest until he came up upon an unfamiliar Knightmare Frame.

"Hold, identify yourself," he demanded, reading the Knightmare's rifle.

"I'd hold back that gun if I were you...Father Killer," said an unfamiliar voice.

The Knightmare turned and to Suzaku's horror there was Princess Cornelia, chained naked over the torso of the Knightmare.

"Say hello Princess, give the shining knight a nice loud scream," said the voice, no doubt that of the mind-reader Mao.

"Kururugi, I don't care if I die," yelled Cornelia. "Just kill this bastard."

"This one clearly isn't used to being a damsel in distress," laughed Mao.

'Well you're the one who sounds more feminine...'

"I heard that," yelled Mao.

"I know," said Suzaku.

Suzaku took in a deep breath, emptied his mind, and lowered his heartbeat. Many years ago his teacher Tohdoh had taught him how to focus his mind, how to control his thoughts, and let his body and will become united as to act out as if without thought. On pure, Absolute Instinct.

Rai and Rolo managed to match each other in terms of skill. Neither one gaining much of an edge on the other. Rai was tempted to use his Geass but as he said he did not consider Rolo to be worthy of it, he relented. Preferring their skill in combat win this day.

"You fight well for one trained by a whore," said Rolo.

Rai refused to let his focus slip and blocked Rolo's blade with his own.

"I wonder just what his Excellency has planned for her children," said Rolo. "I'm especially curious as to what he'll do with sweet Nunnally."

Rai's heart suddenly accelerated, his eyes dilated, and his face became twisted. The image of Nunnally's face appeared in his mind and the confusing feelings from earlier came back.

'No,' Rai yelled mentally. 'I need to focus.'

"Perhaps he will reward me and I shall keep her as a pet," laughed Rolo.

Rai screamed in fury, his focus gone. He struck out in a blind fury, and slammed his blade into Rolo's effectively shattering the giant sword. Rolo then took advantage of Rai's lack of focus and activated his Geass, freezing the Adonis.

Rolo drew forth another sword and was about to ram it deep into the cockpit, when a blast from a high caliber rifle shattered his Knightmare's hand.

"What the hell..."

He looked over attempting to pinpoint where the shot had come from, only for another shot to strike at his feet. Quickly Rolo pulled back, more shots landing near his sides, one even taking part of his shoulder armor.

"Where is this coming from?" Rolo yelled as he came closer and closer to the base of a ledge.

Suddenly Rolo noticed a large shadow appear on the ground, overtaking him, he looked up and attempted to activate his Geass, only for it all to end as a large metal claw came crashing down onto him.

The weight of the Guren crushing his machine, destroying his focus, but he still managed to somewhat survive. As far as having jagged bits of metal digging into his torso could define survival. He could only barely make out the devilish red figure that adjusted itself before him before the claw once more came down and death came in a crimson wave of power.

'This is it...this is the proof that the Eden Elite aren't invincible,' thought Kallen from inside the Guren. 'This is is the proof...that Lelouch's faith is justified.'

For the first time in a long time Mao came to know the sensation of surprise. And with the sensation of surprise came the unfamiliar feeling of fear. The mind of Suzaku Kururugi had become a blank to him. His movements had no thoughts behind them that Mao could read or anticipate. He acted swiftly and without hesitation, hostage be damned, but incredibly enough he had managed to lay a crucial blow, although not without coming dangerously close to Cornelia's exposed torso. The princess suddenly found her bare flesh pressed against the cold metal of the Lancelot's blade as Kururugi drove both it and Mao's machine into the ground.

"There's a joke about cutting it close in this," said Zero, running up to the fallen Knightmare.

He broke Cornelia's chains and draped his cape over her body.

"Are you alright sister?" asked Zero.

"I'm fine," said Cornelia, hugging her masked brother. "Though I didn't expect Kururugi to take my words to heart."

Zero looked up at the Lancelot and smirked, the plan had worked.

Earlier...with C.C.

"You would wish for a Geass yourself?" asked C.C. "Despite your mentor's objections to the power."

"As much as I admire Sensei it's foolish to not use a potential resource when it's available," said Suzaku.

"I'm not a well to be pumped dry you know," said C.C. "I have no intention of giving out a Geass too all of Lelouch's little friends like so many toys from Santa Clause."

"I'm asking because of Lelouch," said Suzaku. "I don't trust Rai and I trust you even less. But if I had a Geass of my own I could stand alongside Lelouch and fight whatever threats the Eden Elite, or the two of you, may present."

"And what makes you believe I will offer you a Geass after you state that you do not trust me?" asked C.C.

"Because although you may be immortal you can still be hurt," said Suzaku. "A nice bath in wet cement could do wonders for you."

Suzaku's eyes held a savage intent that showed C.C it was no meager threat.

"Very well," said C.C. "Although be warned, the power of Geass always comes with a price. Both a gift and a curse for you to enjoy and suffer."

"I can take it," said Suzaku. "I'm not afraid."

"You will be," said C.C. "You will be."

Earlier...with Zero.

"So...what abilities did you get?" asked Zero.

"I'm not sure," said Suzaku. "I haven't used it yet. I was saving it for when we came into contact with Mao or Rolo. But I think I should forget that I even made the deal."

"In case Mao shows up? And my Geass could help with that," said Zero. "Alright, let's do it."

From beneath his mask Lelouch's eye glowed red with the symbol of Geass, the first time he would use it since the incident with Naoto. Focusing his will on Suzaku's mind he implanted the idea 'forget your Geass until you see Mao'.

Now.

"I must admit that was quite clever," said Cornelia, resting on the ground as Zero forced Mao from the cockpit. "It still doesn't excuse your manipulation of Euphie."

Suzaku merely sighed from his position atop the Lancelot. He had called in to Euphemia that Cornelia had been secured and that Mao was neutralized.

"Don't mind her Suzaku," said Zero, pushing Mao to the ground. "She's always grumpy when she acknowledges respect for someone."

Cornelia merely huffed and turned her head, pulling the cape closer over her body. She then looked over at Mao, sneering on the ground, and stood to her feet. She walked to the psychic, now bound by the chains that once held her, and kicked his teeth in.

"My spirit isn't broken," said Cornelia. "But your teeth certainly are."

Zero couldn't help but chuckle at seeing one of his uncles henchmen being so treated. Although he knew their father would never approve of such behavior. It was dishonorable but Lelouch could not help himself.

Before Cornelia could continue repaying Mao for her humiliation a JLF Knightmare rolled up. The machine stopped and Suzaku's mentor Tohdoh exited from the cockpit.

"Princess Cornelia," he said as he descended his Frame and walked to the nude princess. "I am relieved to see you are unharmed."

"Unharmed and defrocked," said Cornelia. "I understand this one caused several of my men to turn on you. I apologize for allowing such weak willed men into my forces. I hope this doesn't threaten a potential alliance between us."

"My forces and I were given a very effective explanation of Geass and you can be comforted that not all of your forces turned against our alliance," said Tohdoh. "Many of your own men as well as the Black Knights came under fire as well. However we were able to reorganize and with the other Eden Elite soldier dead along with the news that this one had been captured, all their forces surrendered."

"Then I have an unhappy duty awaiting me," said Cornelia.

Tohdoh's eyes then drifted to Mao, lying on the ground with blood flowing from his mouth.

"So this is the mind-reader," said Tohdoh.

Mao looked up at Tohdoh with his eyes both filled with Geass and anger.

"Clearly being able to peer into the minds of the enemy is no substitute for true strategy," said Tohdoh.

"You should thank your student," said Zero. "Suzaku was able to outfight Mao and rescue Cornelia. It was actually his plan."

Tohdoh looked up at his former student, who shared his stone-like expression, and gave a bow to Suzaku. Suzaku returned with a bow of his own. Tohdoh then faced Zero and gave a rare smile.

"I believe the alliance of the JLF, the Black Knights, and the true forces of Britannia has now solidified," said Tohdoh.

At the bottom of the slide several men in uniform dug out from the dirt, mud, and rock. They picked out soldiers who had not been lucky enough to avoid the mudslide. Among the soldiers however was one who did not come for battle.

Young and barely clinging to life, Rivalz desperately looked up, as if hoping for salvation from on high. Was he found, was a dagger driven though a snake and an apple, the emblem of the Eden Elite.

The return of the missing princess, as well as the defeat of two Eden Elite operatives, was cause enough for a celebratory feast held in the Viceroy Palace. Surprisingly on the guest list included the Four Holy Swords, as well as other commanders of the JLF, and the Kyoto Group.

"I must say this is most fascinating," said Kirahara, beholding the emblem in Lelouch's eye. "Particularly the concept of immortality."

"With all respect Lord Kirahara, such a thing is best left out of Japan," said Tohdoh. "At least until more knowledge is revealed about it."

"Unfortunately C.C isn't one for telling her secrets," said Lelouch. "But...perhaps my mother will be able to tell us something about Geass."

"It would be wonderful to be met with the loveliness of Marianne once more," said Kirahara, the smile of a younger man on his face.

Lelouch grimaced internally, not entirely fond of the idea that other men could be interested in his mother. While his father had other concubines Lelouch knew it was his father's right as the Emperor and his duty to spread his genes for the purpose of creating powerful successors, Lelouch always thought of his mother only ever belonging with his father. Something the late Charles agreed with and was killed for.

"Regardless, surely now that your uncle has sent his dogs surely he knows of your alliance," said Kirahara. "I suggest nothing less than a public execution of Mao, a spit into the face of V.V. To show that his Eden Elite are not invincible."

"I don't think that would be appropriate Lord Kirahara," said Lelouch. "He only sent two operatives, why not send his entire army if he knew I was alive and had already brought Cornelia to my side? My uncle is many things but a fool is not one of them. He has a reason and until I'm sure I know what it is we shouldn't risk giving him all the justification he needs to send his full force."

"I agree," said Cornelia. "If anything we should continue to focus on strengthening our new alliance. As far as everyone is concerned I am still acting Viceroy and can covertly act to recruit the Britannian dissidents that have been popping up all over the nation."

"And the JLF and the Black Knights can help bring in the Japanese resistance," said Tohdoh.

"And if anything we should consider seeking out the enemies of the Empire," said Lelouch. "We're close to the Chinese Federation. We could go to them for a potential alliance."

"It would give us the edge in manpower and resources," said Kirahara.

"What about the E.U?" asked Ohgi. "There are considerable Japanese citizens in Europe, we could recruit from there as well. Perhaps even get the E.U itself on our side."

Lelouch noticed Rai and C.C and how their eyes seemed to narrow at the mention of Europe, as if there was something there that warranted their concern.

"And what about the Geass Order?" asked Lelouch. "I think it's time we had answers about Geass itself and whether or not they can be an ally. Or if they're just using us in a private conflict with V.V."

Rai stood and faced Lelouch, the two of them standing eye to eye, neither one appearing to give ground to the other.

"Very well, I will contact the Reverend Mother Marianne," said Rai. "Now that the rogue and the Eden Elite operatives are taken care of I'm sure she will be...eager to come."

Lelouch's heart raced at the thought of his mother returning after all these years but kept his face straight.

"Thank you," said Lelouch. "Now, I think that's enough business for now. We've done something great and we deserve to celebrate."

A loud roar from an already drunk Tamaki seemed to be the official rallying cry and both Japanese and Britannian people began to eat, drink, and celebrate.

Lelouch decided to take up Cornelia's offer to rest in the Viceroy Palace for the night. Tomorrow Nunnally would be returning from her vacation and then he would tell her the truth of his identity and tell her that their mother was coming home to them.

It made him so excited that he wondered if he could truly go to sleep. The idea of having his family together again, it was almost too much to believe.

A knock on the door gained his attention and when Lelouch opened the door he found Kallen standing there, her hands held together nervously.

"Kallen," he said, wondering what on Earth a woman who had just killed a super soldier could be nervous about. "Is something the matter?"

"No, it's just...I wanted to thank you for trusting me with the Guren," said Kallen. "It meant a lot to me that you would have that kind of trust in me."

"It was always warranted," said Lelouch. "You're skill is undeniable as is your courage. You were the best for the job."

"Oh...thank you," said Kallen, attempting to hide her blush. "Also...I'm sorry for what happened the other day."

"Huh?" asked Lelouch, until he finally recalled the incident from before, his own face becoming red.

"I shouldn't have kissed you," said Kallen. "You're my commanding officer, it's unprofessional and wrong. I...I just...I just don't want you to think of me as some loose woman. Or...I don't want to gain promotion simply because of any...personal feelings you might have for me. Not that I think you have..."

"Would it be so bad if I did?" asked Lelouch.

Kallen gasped shut as Lelouch looked at her with the softest eyes she had seen him give.

"My mother...she was a pilot too," said Lelouch. "Her skill and her courage earned the attentions of my father. At least that's what I still want to believe. I don't know what to think of things now that she's apparently a member of this Geass Order. But...but I know in my heart what my mother and father had was real. That he was a great man who saw a woman of courage and skill and...and with a good heart. I've wanted to try and live up to my father ever since he died. It seems only fitting that I find a woman like the one he loved. Not that I'm attracted to you because you remind me of my mother. It's absolutely nothing like that. I just...I just..."

Kallen once more let her feelings take over and before her mind could stop her she forced her tongue into Lelouch's mouth and their lips collided. Kallen did so with such force she actually caused Lelouch to stagger back and the two of them fell on the bed. Unknown to them that close by a witch was listening.

Miles away Marianne couldn't help but giggle.

"A redhead," said Marianne. "Oh goodness, the babies will be beautiful."

Rai sat back in his own bed, his mind thinking back to what happened during the fight with Rolo. How he lost his focus and allowed the enemy to cast his Geass upon him. All because he threatened Nunnally, a girl he barely knew. They were fated that was true, but that was common among various members of the Order. It was arranged, personal feelings didn't normally come into the equation. They had only spoken once but...it was nice. Rai liked talking to Nunnally and he wanted to do it again.

Suddenly he heard a light yawn and bolted upright. Looking across the room he saw that it was as before. He was facing half of a different room, the room Nunnally slept in.

"Of course," he whispered, looking into a mirror on his half of the room, seeing the Geass shine in his left eye.

They were able to see each other thanks to his Geass, Absolute Illusion. Their minds connecting and the Geass allowing them to see each other across the distances.

He looked back at Nunnally and watched as she slept so peacefully. She was lovely, no longer a child and on the threshold of womanhood, but more than mere physical beauty there was a purity to her. Her eyes from earlier showed nothing but kindness and gentility. It was a purity he never had. Perhaps that was why he became so enraged at Rolo threatening that purity. He was wanted nothing to harm her, he wanted to hold her and selfishly keep her away from the world that wanted to crush her purity.

He had never felt these kinds of feelings before. He was only one to obey the will of the Order. But this was different, perhaps that was why her mother, his superior Marianne, smiled the way she did when she told him of her. As if she knew what effect her daughter would have on him.

'I have to meet her,' thought Rai, looking at Nunnally smile in her dreamy sleep. 'In person.'