Also, Madness and Insanity, which is kind of relevant...
Green Sun, Black Shadows (CG/Exalted)
- Thread starter Alexander89
- Start date
- Crossover
- Location
- madison
Wernher von Braun could be a mortal keeping up with the dragon blooded by making reckless deals with the Gods. though I'm not sure what he could offer them that would be interesting. It's not like a single soul is worth that much. Maybe it was a power play that got way out of hand?
Vaalintine
Wild Wondorous Wolfalope
For one, it is covered with Moon Faries. Not the actual name, but they're what results of Raksha that befall Luna. Oh, and a 3rd circle deva that was disconnected from it's primordial and became a very powerful god.
Edit: Did you know you can reach the moon by ladder? Yes, it is canon. There is a rope ladder hanging from the moon to earth.
Last edited:
- Location
- madison
that's not any weirder than being able to cross an infinite desert in 3 days regardless of how fast your moving for those 3 days.
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
I suppose that a Celestial Court member whose purview was "innovation", "new things", or even some obscure form of First Age travel device/weapon that resembles a rocket might have invested in von Braun's experiments in a bid to further their own interests - or done so as part of a wild-ass plan to try and fuck over the gods of the Golden Barque of the Heavens by creating a completely novel form of transportation ("Screw you, assholes! I'm the Spaceship God now!")
Alternatively, von Braun was a godblooded whose interests diverged wildly from his divine parent's, but who still wanted to pay respect to his father by slinging a little prayer his way whenever possible.
5 days, wasn't it?
frozenchicken
Does not have a custom title.
Yeah, though in fairness it's not like the quest is short either. This thread has just been rather exceptional when it comes to creating extra content. Mainly because that extra XP from omakes is really wonderfully motivating, though to be honest, I think it still beats out Alchemicals in sheer number.
Still, it probably wouldn't hurt to make a comment early in the quest about how the GSP omakes are optional reading.
Still, it probably wouldn't hurt to make a comment early in the quest about how the GSP omakes are optional reading.
Some of them are just really fun though. Like Magical Girl Ebon-Chan, or Alexander's own contribution (The Utsuho inspired one), or even the monster loving girl.
- Location
- Hawaii
I think the GSP omake are interesting to read, and they reflect a general trend of the thread subverting the "villainous" nature of infernals, then playing it straight when so many "heroic" infernals were posted. And once we hit the limit of fifty, we started bringing in more exalt types.
Not saying it's a bad thing, but was new to the quest and read from the start. Confused me at first, then I read the thread marks...then kept reading and found more omakes than actual questing.
People like the quest, but it's a little slow on the updates so keep things going ourselves.
Also, we were encouraged to fill out the roster, so to speak.
Alexander89
Pet the pretty kitty? Y/N
- Location
- Italy
Wanted to post this together with the new post. Then I remembered my system to save text is not user-friendly with this site and auto-draft is better.
There aren't many excuses I can provide for the delay, and none I believe you are interested in. Changing myself is hard.
Tally:
[X] Plan Blame Milly and Big Reveal
No. of Votes: 17
[X]Plan The Man Behind the Mask
No. of Votes: 2
[x] Plan Schooltime Shenanigans:
-[x] (Re)introduce Kaguya to Nunnally.
--[x] Without at all asking her to, ensure that the thought of healing Nunnally occurs to Kaguya.
-[x] Ensure that a certain insane person-throwing Infernal does not have any interactions with Nunnally
--[x] Possibly by assigning him some 'Highly Vital' position somewhere. It doesn't matter where. It couldn't possibly be worse than having him around your sister.
[x] Kaguya, Rakshata and the President would make for a terrifying trio. This must not occur.
-[x] Perhaps get one of them to join a club far away from the Student Council office.
--[x] Didn't you hear about a new club forming? The all-female one that Milly signed off on? She never did tell you what it was about. You're sure that will do.
No. of Votes: 2
[x] Plan Schooltime Shenanigans:
-[x] (Re)introduce Kaguya to Nunnally.
--[x] Without at all asking her to, ensure that the thought of healing Nunnally occurs to Kaguya.
-[x] Ensure that a certain insane person-throwing Infernal does not have any interactions with Nunnally
--[x] Possibly by assigning him some 'Highly Vital' position somewhere. It doesn't matter where. It couldn't possibly be worse than having him around your sister.
No. of Votes: 1
Roll:
There aren't many excuses I can provide for the delay, and none I believe you are interested in. Changing myself is hard.
Tally:
[X] Plan Blame Milly and Big Reveal
No. of Votes: 17
No. of Votes: 2
[x] Plan Schooltime Shenanigans:
-[x] (Re)introduce Kaguya to Nunnally.
--[x] Without at all asking her to, ensure that the thought of healing Nunnally occurs to Kaguya.
-[x] Ensure that a certain insane person-throwing Infernal does not have any interactions with Nunnally
--[x] Possibly by assigning him some 'Highly Vital' position somewhere. It doesn't matter where. It couldn't possibly be worse than having him around your sister.
[x] Kaguya, Rakshata and the President would make for a terrifying trio. This must not occur.
-[x] Perhaps get one of them to join a club far away from the Student Council office.
--[x] Didn't you hear about a new club forming? The all-female one that Milly signed off on? She never did tell you what it was about. You're sure that will do.
No. of Votes: 2
[x] Plan Schooltime Shenanigans:
-[x] (Re)introduce Kaguya to Nunnally.
--[x] Without at all asking her to, ensure that the thought of healing Nunnally occurs to Kaguya.
-[x] Ensure that a certain insane person-throwing Infernal does not have any interactions with Nunnally
--[x] Possibly by assigning him some 'Highly Vital' position somewhere. It doesn't matter where. It couldn't possibly be worse than having him around your sister.
No. of Votes: 1
Plan: ◈Schooltime Shenanigans:
Roll:
(Manipulation (Deceiver's Stone) + Presence social attack + Various Bonus: 16 dices
8 sux. +5 autosux, total: 13
Calculating...well, as always Lelouch knows what to say and what other people wants to hear.
8 sux. +5 autosux, total: 13
Calculating...well, as always Lelouch knows what to say and what other people wants to hear.
- Location
- Wörms, the half continent
I maintain my vote was valid and worthwhile.
Ashford 3.1
Alexander89
Pet the pretty kitty? Y/N
- Location
- Italy
[X] Plan Blame Milly and Big Reveal
This entire thing is Milly's doing. You just know it. And you just know she's going to get the whole Coven into the Student Council...so you might as well plan to do it anyways and get the paperwork done. It'll make meeting in school easier, at least.
But first there is something else you need to do. As everyone's attention is focused on the new arrivals you take our your cell and begin to type under the desk whitout looking down.
"Milly, what the [insert unintelligible word]?"
She replies a few seconds later.
"Surprise ♥ ♥ ♥!"
"If you plan to keep giving me surprises like this, you may as well shoot me already."
"( •̀ω•́ ) Oh, I'll shoot you alright..."
Your right eyebrow rises by exactly one millimeter.
"With the gun called LOVE! (｡▰‿‿▰｡) ❤"
You spend the next three minutes imagining the Emperor burning on a stake, which as always has the power to calm you down.
"I need all the data. All of it. Backstories and everything."
"Already sent them to your mail. Kaguya-chan is such a great help! Ooops, the prof is shooting me dirty looks, the old pervert! Buh-bye :-* :-*"
"Was that some sort of secret code? I swear, this human system to exchange written messages across large distances confuses me."
'Just Milly being Milly.' You sigh in your head before starting to compile a mental list of things that need to be done, all the while pretending to pay a minimum amount of attention to what's going on in the class (not much).
Akito and Leila can join as members, Kaguya as an unofficial member like Nunnally and Rakshata can be added as the Council's faculty advisor, something that wasn't needed until now but there is no explicit rule against it.
'Predicted reactions of the other members: Rivalz and Shirley will be fine. Nina...is probably going to freak out about two Japanese people joining the Council. Did I check if the whole hostage situation worsened her xenophobia? Negative. Solution: have Rakshata talks about science with her as distraction. If that doesn't work request Milly to use those emotion-controlling powers of her.'
You would prefer it doesn't come to the latter however. Not only it would put you into debt with Milly, constantly messing with the mind of Nina...It leaves a bad taste on your tongue: she never caused problems for you, and her xenophobia has always been kind of pathetic instead of irritating.
'Malcal is a professional, but Akito is probably going to be bored to tears of school in record times. Rivalz probably has a stash of alcohol somewhere: if not I can provide one. It's probably best to also compile a list of places that offer all kinds of entertainment, legal and not. As long as he doesn't drink, or worse, around Nunnally he can do as he likes in his spare time. He's Malcal's problem, not mine.'
You briefly pause to muse if you should draw the line on drugs. There is that new drug, Refrain, going around and you are planning to make it another target of the Black Knights. It might not be necessary, as far as you know he only goes after alcohol...on the other hand you're sure Malfeas has available much worse stuff. Screw it: it's Malcal's problem even this.
'Nunnally would love to meet Kaguya again after all these years, they got along well. I need to give them a chance to talk in private. I should do the same with Kaguya and Suzaku: I have no idea what he did in the last seven years, but his family is not going to take well him being a Honorary Britannian and a soldier too. Yes Suzaku, it was plain as day from your face you never bothered telling them. I can deal with planning to kill most of my blood kin, you can deal with talking with them about different ideologies.'
Sukazu is your best friend, but there is a limit to what you're willing to help him with. He's an adult, he doesn't need you holding his hand for a simple talk. Now, if they plan to force him in any way that's a different story. Kaguya wouldn't, but you have to confess you know next to nothing about his other family members. For now you shall simply provide a room where they can meet privately to discuss family business. If they want you join in it's good. If not...you were going to have the room bugged anyways.
Speaking of Suzaku, you wonder exactly what is going on in his military career. He should be a simple soldier, but his absences for work don't exactly fit the probable schedule of one. Not to mention you still don't know who helped him get to Ashford. Eh, you'll have a couple Anhules tailing him. Discretely.
What's next...introduce C.C. to the others. They need to know about Geass users. You also need to check how her training with the Black Knights is going, if it works or if she's just slacking off.
That's everything?
You change the hand you're holding your chin on: in doing so a certain redhead enters your field of vision.
'Right. Kallen. That is going to require drastic measures.'
Joy.
A few hours later
In a dark room in a sidewing of the Student Council Clubhouse (with potential unwanted interlopers being turned away by Sayako in the corridor leading here), the mask of [Lelouch Lamperouge the Apathetic Britannian Student] fell from Lelouch's own face. A deep breath, and he had donned a mask he found himself far more comfortable with. Though this time without the protection of the physical one, or even a misleading and disfigured face made out of shadows he had so often hid behind underneath the first for additional deception. Or underneath that the veil of obfuscating magic of Oramus, that was now part of his very nature in hiding his secrets. Because he was going to reveal them by himself. Well, one layer between him and the world would have to do this time.
"Are you sure about this, Boss?"
"Yes. Now, be quiet unless you notice something extremely urgent. The show is about to start." He then snapped open a briefcase with a number-lock, which contained his most important prop.
"...You really love your theatrics, eh, Boss?"
He did, but he was not going to admit it. Ever. "Shut. Up."
Whatever Kallen Kouzuki had been expecting when Sumeragi Kaguya had suddenly showed up on her class as a fricking exchange studnent, along with other members and allies of the rebellion, it hadn't been... Okay, she hadn't been expecting anything, because she was still a little bit off-balance about the whole exchange student thing! And being roped by Milly Ashford to show around the school alongside with her to the head-turningly diverse group, though she would have had tried to include herself anyway in the tour. First to protect Kaguya-sama's honor, with her own presence hopefully preventing any Britannian casual racist deciding to throwing slurs at Kaguya-sama, and secondly when and if she had the opportunity to ask what the hell was going on! Politely.
"And this here is one of the sidewings!" The perpetually cheerful blonde exclaimed, their tour having taken them finally to the Student Council Clubhouse. "Most of the rooms aren't reserved for anything specific, but are free to be used by Student Council members for any of their needs." She pointed one door to her left. "For example, we use this one mostly for meetings. Which reminds me, is the coast clear?" At that, Kallen froze. She had noticed Hyuga Akito and Leila Malcal discreetly scanning their surroundings, the European soldiers obviously keeping up their guard on enemy territory. But the way that Milly had said that, could she be a-
"Aaand judging by your look," The smirking young woman before her face said. "you probably realize at this point that I'm inside on the whole [Zero's Rebellion] -thing. Kallen Kouzuki-chan."
Kallen gaped. She opened and closed her mouth a couple of times. "What. You. But. Why? How?!"
At that point, Leila Malcal sighted and bowed deep in a very Japanese, apologizingly manner to her. "I am sorry about the lack of proper warning, Kouzuki-san. We received an invitation here from Miss Ashford-" "I told you, just call me Milly!" "...From Miss Milly, and the papertrail we were provided by Sumeragi-dono could be made much more foolproof if we can add some authenticity to it in this manner. And Miss Milly had said she would take care of things on this end." "Which I totally did! Just right now!"
Massaging the bridge of her nose, Kallen could feel a headache coming. And Akito-san was sporting a slight smirk while glancing at her sideways, a one little too similar to that of Milly's for comfort. Rakshata was leaning at a wall nearby looking bored. At least Nathan Coulter had thankfully stayed behind, citing something about having to sort out some paperwork with the faculty, so she wasn't feeling like a fool before even more people. And Kaguya-sama was following the proceeding silently while looking absolutely serene, like things were going exactly as they should be. Suddenly, she broke her silence. "Ah, Kallen-san, sorry about the unintentional cloak and dagger. But the is a reason why we are all gathered here, besides of what Miss Malcal told." With a click that seemed far too loud in a suddenly silent hallway, she opened up the door to the room Milly had previously pointed out. It was pitch black inside.
"Zero-sama has something important he wants to reveal to you."
At those words Kallen momentarily stopped thinking, even as her body automatically followed the others inside.
"Q-1, what do you think about masks?" Kallen whirled towards the deep and rich voice she instantly recognized coming from the other end of the room. Squinting her eyes in the faint light coming from the doorway, she could just make out the outline of an office chair there at the end of the table with six other chairs on the either side, its back turned to her. Before she could answer Zero continued. "I myself find them fascinating. When you put one on, you become something else than what you were just a moment ago. Which is only a lie often. But sometimes, they can be used to show the world our true face and let us act on what we believe, while our face underneath it becomes the mask to hide behind."
While Zero's words were still deeply resonating inside her where they had struck, the chair spun around to face her, and she lost her voice for the second time on the same day in short succession after the first. Because now that her eyes had adjusted, she could see who was sitting on it, and he was definitely not wearing a mask. "Kallen Kouzuki." said Lelouch Lamperouge, with the mask of Zero which he was staring at with a contemplating look held high in his right hand. "You are not the only one who hides in plain sight. And like you have already seen with some our comrades, not the only Britannians who can't tolerate their own country's beliefs and deeds."
You watch as Kallen's face goes through several expressions and emotions almost too quickly for the human eye to track. You were expecting her first words to be 'You are Zero?', but she surprises you by starting with: "I am Japanese!", her tone almost indignant.
Surprised, yes, but not unprepared. "Half of you is, the other is, as much as you deny it, Britannian. Yet you choose to base your identity, your beliefs on the former. Because that is what this is all about: choices." You look directly at the others and gesture to the free chairs. "Have a seat."
Once everyone have sit down you continue. "During our first meeting I said I would one day show you my face. Here we are." You gently put down the mask on the table's exact center. Then you fold your fingers together. "Ask your questions."
She looks around at the other members, especially a smiling Kaguya next to you, before stopping on you and Milly and gulping. "Why...are Britannians-"
"Fighting against their own country? Well Kallen Kouzuki, let me shatter the common myth that all Britannians are a big happy family. Far from it: Britannia simply uses different reasons than race to discriminate its citizens. Social status, money, ideology...take your pick. For example: most Nobles see Numbers as beasts, but treat Britannian commoners as garbage. The difference is minimal. And when a fellow Noble shows signs of weakness...well, an apt comparison is a shark being attracted by blood. A cannibalistic shark at that."
"The Ashford were once nobility, the leading company in the creation and development of Knightmare Frames." Milly interjects with a smile too dim to not be fake. "Then our sponsor died, we were disgraced and forced to flee to this Area. This school isn't a pastime, it's the only thing between us and outright poverty." She shrugs. "This injustice is one reason. But the major one is that I disagree with Britannia's Social Darwinism."
"As do I." You continue, your features growing stern. "You have met my sister Kallen. If I were to follow that sick theory I would have to abandon Nunnally because in the view of many she is nothing but a 'useless cripple'." You let part of your inner anger emerge. "That is not something I can or will ever abide. That is why I want to create a more just world where people like Nunnally won't be oppressed by those who abuse their power." Fingers unfold as you rest both palms on your knees. "Second, both me and Nunnally have been grievously wronged by Britannia in the past. Yes, I am willing to admit a not small part of me does want revenge."
Kallen, who until now listened intently and silently, quietly asks. "Wronged. How?"
"I don't have parents." Not a lie: you don't consider the Emperor your father, so you don't have one. "My sister is blind and cannot walk. Do the math."
By the widening of her eyes she did. "And that's as far as I will go. The details are very personal."
"Ahah..." Kallen nervously laughs, looking away and scratching her head with one finger. "Alright, I confess I had some doubts about you being Japanese. What with you insisting we were eventually going to fight alongside the resistance members of other Areas. And the reason for wearing a mask-"
"Was because otherwise your group would have not given me the chance to prove my good faith." She scowls. "I am right and you know this."
She keeps the scowl on for a few seconds before sighing in defeat. "You're right as always, our great leader."
That elicits a twitch. "Lelouch. Without the mask I am not Zero but just Lelouch Lamperouge, a fellow student who wears a mask at school to deal with the inanity Britannian teenagers are capable of."
Kallen smirks in mutual understanding.
"Yosh!" Kaguya cheers. "Now that Kallen-san has accepted the reason for our presence here let's move on! Milly-san has something important to tell everyone."
"To have new students join Ashford Academy is a joyous event!" Milly replies with the same enthusiasm. "And a joyous event must be properly celebrated!"
Oh...no...
"Everyone! Be the guests of honor for the coming Hellenic Party!"
Maybe you can ask Akio to send you to the hospital?
[X] End of Part 1
====
The post is gonna be split into smaller post because when I go above 2000 words my PC slows down for some reason.
+1 Xp for meianmaru for writing Kallen's POV.
Some people are soon going to Hell (forgive the pun) while others will arrive, bringing with them new headaches for our dear Lulu. Have a small preview:
This entire thing is Milly's doing. You just know it. And you just know she's going to get the whole Coven into the Student Council...so you might as well plan to do it anyways and get the paperwork done. It'll make meeting in school easier, at least.
But first there is something else you need to do. As everyone's attention is focused on the new arrivals you take our your cell and begin to type under the desk whitout looking down.
"Milly, what the [insert unintelligible word]?"
She replies a few seconds later.
"Surprise ♥ ♥ ♥!"
"If you plan to keep giving me surprises like this, you may as well shoot me already."
"( •̀ω•́ ) Oh, I'll shoot you alright..."
Your right eyebrow rises by exactly one millimeter.
"With the gun called LOVE! (｡▰‿‿▰｡) ❤"
You spend the next three minutes imagining the Emperor burning on a stake, which as always has the power to calm you down.
"I need all the data. All of it. Backstories and everything."
"Already sent them to your mail. Kaguya-chan is such a great help! Ooops, the prof is shooting me dirty looks, the old pervert! Buh-bye :-* :-*"
"Was that some sort of secret code? I swear, this human system to exchange written messages across large distances confuses me."
'Just Milly being Milly.' You sigh in your head before starting to compile a mental list of things that need to be done, all the while pretending to pay a minimum amount of attention to what's going on in the class (not much).
Akito and Leila can join as members, Kaguya as an unofficial member like Nunnally and Rakshata can be added as the Council's faculty advisor, something that wasn't needed until now but there is no explicit rule against it.
'Predicted reactions of the other members: Rivalz and Shirley will be fine. Nina...is probably going to freak out about two Japanese people joining the Council. Did I check if the whole hostage situation worsened her xenophobia? Negative. Solution: have Rakshata talks about science with her as distraction. If that doesn't work request Milly to use those emotion-controlling powers of her.'
You would prefer it doesn't come to the latter however. Not only it would put you into debt with Milly, constantly messing with the mind of Nina...It leaves a bad taste on your tongue: she never caused problems for you, and her xenophobia has always been kind of pathetic instead of irritating.
'Malcal is a professional, but Akito is probably going to be bored to tears of school in record times. Rivalz probably has a stash of alcohol somewhere: if not I can provide one. It's probably best to also compile a list of places that offer all kinds of entertainment, legal and not. As long as he doesn't drink, or worse, around Nunnally he can do as he likes in his spare time. He's Malcal's problem, not mine.'
You briefly pause to muse if you should draw the line on drugs. There is that new drug, Refrain, going around and you are planning to make it another target of the Black Knights. It might not be necessary, as far as you know he only goes after alcohol...on the other hand you're sure Malfeas has available much worse stuff. Screw it: it's Malcal's problem even this.
'Nunnally would love to meet Kaguya again after all these years, they got along well. I need to give them a chance to talk in private. I should do the same with Kaguya and Suzaku: I have no idea what he did in the last seven years, but his family is not going to take well him being a Honorary Britannian and a soldier too. Yes Suzaku, it was plain as day from your face you never bothered telling them. I can deal with planning to kill most of my blood kin, you can deal with talking with them about different ideologies.'
Sukazu is your best friend, but there is a limit to what you're willing to help him with. He's an adult, he doesn't need you holding his hand for a simple talk. Now, if they plan to force him in any way that's a different story. Kaguya wouldn't, but you have to confess you know next to nothing about his other family members. For now you shall simply provide a room where they can meet privately to discuss family business. If they want you join in it's good. If not...you were going to have the room bugged anyways.
Speaking of Suzaku, you wonder exactly what is going on in his military career. He should be a simple soldier, but his absences for work don't exactly fit the probable schedule of one. Not to mention you still don't know who helped him get to Ashford. Eh, you'll have a couple Anhules tailing him. Discretely.
What's next...introduce C.C. to the others. They need to know about Geass users. You also need to check how her training with the Black Knights is going, if it works or if she's just slacking off.
That's everything?
You change the hand you're holding your chin on: in doing so a certain redhead enters your field of vision.
'Right. Kallen. That is going to require drastic measures.'
Joy.
{====}
A few hours later
In a dark room in a sidewing of the Student Council Clubhouse (with potential unwanted interlopers being turned away by Sayako in the corridor leading here), the mask of [Lelouch Lamperouge the Apathetic Britannian Student] fell from Lelouch's own face. A deep breath, and he had donned a mask he found himself far more comfortable with. Though this time without the protection of the physical one, or even a misleading and disfigured face made out of shadows he had so often hid behind underneath the first for additional deception. Or underneath that the veil of obfuscating magic of Oramus, that was now part of his very nature in hiding his secrets. Because he was going to reveal them by himself. Well, one layer between him and the world would have to do this time.
"Are you sure about this, Boss?"
"Yes. Now, be quiet unless you notice something extremely urgent. The show is about to start." He then snapped open a briefcase with a number-lock, which contained his most important prop.
"...You really love your theatrics, eh, Boss?"
He did, but he was not going to admit it. Ever. "Shut. Up."
{====}
Whatever Kallen Kouzuki had been expecting when Sumeragi Kaguya had suddenly showed up on her class as a fricking exchange studnent, along with other members and allies of the rebellion, it hadn't been... Okay, she hadn't been expecting anything, because she was still a little bit off-balance about the whole exchange student thing! And being roped by Milly Ashford to show around the school alongside with her to the head-turningly diverse group, though she would have had tried to include herself anyway in the tour. First to protect Kaguya-sama's honor, with her own presence hopefully preventing any Britannian casual racist deciding to throwing slurs at Kaguya-sama, and secondly when and if she had the opportunity to ask what the hell was going on! Politely.
"And this here is one of the sidewings!" The perpetually cheerful blonde exclaimed, their tour having taken them finally to the Student Council Clubhouse. "Most of the rooms aren't reserved for anything specific, but are free to be used by Student Council members for any of their needs." She pointed one door to her left. "For example, we use this one mostly for meetings. Which reminds me, is the coast clear?" At that, Kallen froze. She had noticed Hyuga Akito and Leila Malcal discreetly scanning their surroundings, the European soldiers obviously keeping up their guard on enemy territory. But the way that Milly had said that, could she be a-
"Aaand judging by your look," The smirking young woman before her face said. "you probably realize at this point that I'm inside on the whole [Zero's Rebellion] -thing. Kallen Kouzuki-chan."
Kallen gaped. She opened and closed her mouth a couple of times. "What. You. But. Why? How?!"
At that point, Leila Malcal sighted and bowed deep in a very Japanese, apologizingly manner to her. "I am sorry about the lack of proper warning, Kouzuki-san. We received an invitation here from Miss Ashford-" "I told you, just call me Milly!" "...From Miss Milly, and the papertrail we were provided by Sumeragi-dono could be made much more foolproof if we can add some authenticity to it in this manner. And Miss Milly had said she would take care of things on this end." "Which I totally did! Just right now!"
Massaging the bridge of her nose, Kallen could feel a headache coming. And Akito-san was sporting a slight smirk while glancing at her sideways, a one little too similar to that of Milly's for comfort. Rakshata was leaning at a wall nearby looking bored. At least Nathan Coulter had thankfully stayed behind, citing something about having to sort out some paperwork with the faculty, so she wasn't feeling like a fool before even more people. And Kaguya-sama was following the proceeding silently while looking absolutely serene, like things were going exactly as they should be. Suddenly, she broke her silence. "Ah, Kallen-san, sorry about the unintentional cloak and dagger. But the is a reason why we are all gathered here, besides of what Miss Malcal told." With a click that seemed far too loud in a suddenly silent hallway, she opened up the door to the room Milly had previously pointed out. It was pitch black inside.
"Zero-sama has something important he wants to reveal to you."
At those words Kallen momentarily stopped thinking, even as her body automatically followed the others inside.
"Q-1, what do you think about masks?" Kallen whirled towards the deep and rich voice she instantly recognized coming from the other end of the room. Squinting her eyes in the faint light coming from the doorway, she could just make out the outline of an office chair there at the end of the table with six other chairs on the either side, its back turned to her. Before she could answer Zero continued. "I myself find them fascinating. When you put one on, you become something else than what you were just a moment ago. Which is only a lie often. But sometimes, they can be used to show the world our true face and let us act on what we believe, while our face underneath it becomes the mask to hide behind."
While Zero's words were still deeply resonating inside her where they had struck, the chair spun around to face her, and she lost her voice for the second time on the same day in short succession after the first. Because now that her eyes had adjusted, she could see who was sitting on it, and he was definitely not wearing a mask. "Kallen Kouzuki." said Lelouch Lamperouge, with the mask of Zero which he was staring at with a contemplating look held high in his right hand. "You are not the only one who hides in plain sight. And like you have already seen with some our comrades, not the only Britannians who can't tolerate their own country's beliefs and deeds."
{====}
You watch as Kallen's face goes through several expressions and emotions almost too quickly for the human eye to track. You were expecting her first words to be 'You are Zero?', but she surprises you by starting with: "I am Japanese!", her tone almost indignant.
Surprised, yes, but not unprepared. "Half of you is, the other is, as much as you deny it, Britannian. Yet you choose to base your identity, your beliefs on the former. Because that is what this is all about: choices." You look directly at the others and gesture to the free chairs. "Have a seat."
Once everyone have sit down you continue. "During our first meeting I said I would one day show you my face. Here we are." You gently put down the mask on the table's exact center. Then you fold your fingers together. "Ask your questions."
She looks around at the other members, especially a smiling Kaguya next to you, before stopping on you and Milly and gulping. "Why...are Britannians-"
"Fighting against their own country? Well Kallen Kouzuki, let me shatter the common myth that all Britannians are a big happy family. Far from it: Britannia simply uses different reasons than race to discriminate its citizens. Social status, money, ideology...take your pick. For example: most Nobles see Numbers as beasts, but treat Britannian commoners as garbage. The difference is minimal. And when a fellow Noble shows signs of weakness...well, an apt comparison is a shark being attracted by blood. A cannibalistic shark at that."
"The Ashford were once nobility, the leading company in the creation and development of Knightmare Frames." Milly interjects with a smile too dim to not be fake. "Then our sponsor died, we were disgraced and forced to flee to this Area. This school isn't a pastime, it's the only thing between us and outright poverty." She shrugs. "This injustice is one reason. But the major one is that I disagree with Britannia's Social Darwinism."
"As do I." You continue, your features growing stern. "You have met my sister Kallen. If I were to follow that sick theory I would have to abandon Nunnally because in the view of many she is nothing but a 'useless cripple'." You let part of your inner anger emerge. "That is not something I can or will ever abide. That is why I want to create a more just world where people like Nunnally won't be oppressed by those who abuse their power." Fingers unfold as you rest both palms on your knees. "Second, both me and Nunnally have been grievously wronged by Britannia in the past. Yes, I am willing to admit a not small part of me does want revenge."
Kallen, who until now listened intently and silently, quietly asks. "Wronged. How?"
"I don't have parents." Not a lie: you don't consider the Emperor your father, so you don't have one. "My sister is blind and cannot walk. Do the math."
By the widening of her eyes she did. "And that's as far as I will go. The details are very personal."
"Ahah..." Kallen nervously laughs, looking away and scratching her head with one finger. "Alright, I confess I had some doubts about you being Japanese. What with you insisting we were eventually going to fight alongside the resistance members of other Areas. And the reason for wearing a mask-"
"Was because otherwise your group would have not given me the chance to prove my good faith." She scowls. "I am right and you know this."
She keeps the scowl on for a few seconds before sighing in defeat. "You're right as always, our great leader."
That elicits a twitch. "Lelouch. Without the mask I am not Zero but just Lelouch Lamperouge, a fellow student who wears a mask at school to deal with the inanity Britannian teenagers are capable of."
Kallen smirks in mutual understanding.
"Yosh!" Kaguya cheers. "Now that Kallen-san has accepted the reason for our presence here let's move on! Milly-san has something important to tell everyone."
"To have new students join Ashford Academy is a joyous event!" Milly replies with the same enthusiasm. "And a joyous event must be properly celebrated!"
Oh...no...
"Everyone! Be the guests of honor for the coming Hellenic Party!"
Maybe you can ask Akio to send you to the hospital?
[X] End of Part 1
====
The post is gonna be split into smaller post because when I go above 2000 words my PC slows down for some reason.
+1 Xp for meianmaru for writing Kallen's POV.
Some people are soon going to Hell (forgive the pun) while others will arrive, bringing with them new headaches for our dear Lulu. Have a small preview:
Reinart Ellis (frozenchicken, have you saved the picture?)
Ernst Lehrmann
'Imaginary'
Yuno Gasai and Yukiteru Amano (hear that? It's the sound of Britannian Gods and Nobles screaming)
Ernst Lehrmann
'Imaginary'
Yuno Gasai and Yukiteru Amano (hear that? It's the sound of Britannian Gods and Nobles screaming)
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I would say that such fantasies are unhealthy, but we all know that already (and I'm sure Lelouch himself would firmly disagree).
Minor typo here, should be "plain".
Too late Lelouch. Now be a man and endure your incoming suffering, heh.
I do hear that, yes. And somehow, I can't find much sympathy (except for the few who may not deserve it).
Hyacinthium
Writing about sad cannibals as we speak.
- Location
- Bedroom
- Pronouns
- He/Him
IT IS TIME
This will be amazing to watch. And it's nice to see Kallen knowing who Zero is, kind of sorta.
This will be amazing to watch. And it's nice to see Kallen knowing who Zero is, kind of sorta.
frozenchicken
Does not have a custom title.
...Um, no. I'll try to track it down. Or maybe replace it.
Edit: Found it!
....And see if I can push past writer's block to finish off his 2nd interlude as well.
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- Location
- South of North
Poor Kallen, she's going to eventually just stop giving a fuck about all of the crazy shit Lulu's going to drop on her after a while...
Lelouch: "I am Zero!"
Kallen: <Deep Breath> "Okay. Okay. Tragic backstory, crippled sister, I'm not exactly cool with it yet, but I can accept it."
~Next Month~
Lelouch: "I was born Lelouch vi Britannia! I was the Exiled Prince!"
Kallen: "But you said you didn't have parents-ah, yeah... and here I thought my father was a piece of shit. Still, what the fuck!? How!?"
~Next Month~
Lelouch: "Magic is real! The Gods have sided with Britannia because they're draining people of Essence!"
Kallen: "You're doing this on purpose you jackass!"
~Next Month~
Lelouch: "The ancient titans of hell have blessed myself and a chosen few warriors to-where are you going?"
Kallen: "Fuck this shit. I'm out."
Lelouch: "I am Zero!"
Kallen: <Deep Breath> "Okay. Okay. Tragic backstory, crippled sister, I'm not exactly cool with it yet, but I can accept it."
~Next Month~
Lelouch: "I was born Lelouch vi Britannia! I was the Exiled Prince!"
Kallen: "But you said you didn't have parents-ah, yeah... and here I thought my father was a piece of shit. Still, what the fuck!? How!?"
~Next Month~
Lelouch: "Magic is real! The Gods have sided with Britannia because they're draining people of Essence!"
Kallen: "You're doing this on purpose you jackass!"
~Next Month~
Lelouch: "The ancient titans of hell have blessed myself and a chosen few warriors to-where are you going?"
Kallen: "Fuck this shit. I'm out."
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Nice to see an update. Hope we'll get Part 2 soon.
~Next Month~
Lelouch: "Congratulations! You have Exalted and are a Chosen of Luna. Plus you're my soul mate, I guess."
Kallen: "WHY DO I HAVE BUNNY EARS!?"
~Next Month~
Lelouch: "Congratulations! You have Exalted and are a Chosen of Luna. Plus you're my soul mate, I guess."
Kallen: "WHY DO I HAVE BUNNY EARS!?"
~Some time later~
Lelouch: "I have made myself equal to the creators of the world! The universe is mine to mold!"
Kallen: "Okay, Lelouch, that is enough."
- Location
- Anatolia
Lelouch: "I demand all attractive women around me wear tiny miny skirts!"
Lelouch's SAN would have to be at zero in order for him to reach that point.