Greetings and welcome to the re-imagining of one of my earlier and now quite abandoned stories! So long story made short I began the original telling of this fic right after my marriage imploded, suffice it to say I was drunk for about six months straight. This story suffered greatly from that and I wanted to make it...better, so here is what to expect in this rewrite-

Lelouch x Kallen, Suzaku x Euphemia, Cornelia x Naoto (you read that right) and the lot of them being one happy if highly dysfunctional family. While this story starts at Pendragon it will eventually shift to a very different Japan from canon and eventually it will lead to Lelouch and company journeying to Euro-Britannia.

While I detest editing old work (especially old work I find embarrassing nearly two years after I wrote it) I can luckily say this is going to take significantly less work to get off the ground then the other rewrite I'm in the midst of. Mostly because it's only the last chapter or three that I intend to axe, 'Another Day in the Life of Potter' has had something like 25k words chopped out of it and is a monumental pain in the ass to bring back to life.

Right, rambling, anyway here we go, please enjoy and as always drop a review, I'm quite open to creative criticism.

Imperial Capital of Pendragon, Duchy of Arizona, 2009 A.T.B.

"Fitting, even a land known for being dry and desolate weeps for the passing of Lady Marianne," Cornelia Li Britannia mused to herself as sheets of heavy rain fell upon the reinforced glass of the hospital waiting room windows. The Capitol of the Holy Empire of Britannia lay in the northeastern reaches of the Sonoran desert near the Salt and Gila rivers, despite the subtropical environment mankind's stubbornness prevailed irrigating the area to create a lush oasis in the wastes. But some days the works of man made no difference to the rage of Mother Nature, and Pendragon drowned in her tears. Cornelia glanced at her own reflection as she rubbed her eyes warily going over the day's events.

Lady Marianne and Princess Nunnally vi Britannia had been shot by terrorists, her Lady...her charge and mentor was killed instantly and young Nunnally didn't fare any better. Armor piercing rounds had bore through her mother and tore her young body apart in a spray of high velocity shrapnel. She was currently in surgery and the doctors held little hope that she would survive the night, the injuries to her spine, liver, and kidneys doing the child little favor. The thought of her cheerful little sister following the fate of her mother sent a wave of nausea through the normally stoic Captain of the Guard.

Glancing over to her younger half-brother the woman's expression softened as she watched him console Euphemia's sobbing form, the little girl distracting Lelouch from his own turmoil at least for the moment. Looking up he met her eyes and Cornelia was taken aback by the dullness in the normally vibrant amethyst gaze.

"Nelly...why did you let her die?" he asked dejectedly. There was no accusation, no bitterness, just a worn down child who was about to lose everything. Composing herself she walked over to her siblings and knelt before them resting her forehead against the boy's.

"I would never have let my Lady die, I'd have gladly given my life up for the one who showed me a woman was not simply constrained to being what society demanded... I... I probably shouldn't tell you this but she ordered the guards off a few hours beforehand. I argued of course, respect or no she was my charge but...your mother was a stubborn one, she gave me the signed orders and asked that the security systems be deactivated as well."

As she was saying this she straightened her back and handed a tear stained envelope to her half-brother who shifted the now sleeping Euphie aside to shakily take the document. Cornelia felt her heart ache as he read the letter, his eyes watered and lower lip trembled before he let out a single loud sob.

"Why...why would she do this!? You were there for her protection not as ornamentation! Wait..." his young face contorted into a thoughtful expression before he managed to school his features back to normal. "Of course, she trusted whoever she was meeting and it ended up being misplaced...that's it isn't it?"

Sighing Cornelia reclaimed the envelope and paper, putting them away as she stood and began pacing. "That is all I can figure out myself, the idea of terrorists pulling this off in the Imperial Palace is just...laughable at best, all four assault carbines were found on the lawn where they had been fired, no prints and the serial numbers are all from the national guard armory signed out as of yesterday. Before you ask the master at arms was found in the barracks shot in the head and all security footage is missing, this of course means-"

Interrupting her Lelouch continued the thought, "Means that it was an inside job and they didn't particularly care if the trail led to the high courts..." Nodding sadly she sat beside her half-brother and wrapped an arm around his slim shoulders.

"About right little one, as things stand I'm not sure what can be done, the Emperor himself ordered the investigation cancelled which is odd on it's own, it was well known that your mother was his favored consort." The boy stiffened at that meeting her concerned gaze, his formally dull gaze now burned with fires of rage as he began to seethe.

"That bastard! How dare he ignore what happened to my mother and Nunnally! I'll confront the heartless monster myself and find out what is-" His declaration was cut off as a sweat stained surgeon entered the room hanging his head despondently.

"Your Highness...I...I regret to inform you we could not save Princess Nunnally, the damage to her organs and the blood loss was too extensive, I'm so sorry." Cornelia's shoulders slumped as she looked down at Lelouch whose eyes had widened to the size of saucers, as those shocked orbs rolled into the back of his skull Cornelia barely caught the boy as he fell from his seat. That night Lelouch vi Britannia's entire world collapsed and changed his path forever, and while one door closed, another had opened, and his half-sister was determined to make sure he knew it.

Lelouch awoke from a dreamless sleep in an unfamiliar bed, the sheets were fine silk and smelled faintly of lilacs. Glancing about his sun lit surroundings he could not help but smirk upon seeing the Darth Vader poster on the far wall, so he was in Cornelia's room then. Sitting up groggily he began rubbing his sleep encrusted eyes when he remembered the previous day's events, his family was dead and he was left alone.

Gripping his blanket in white knuckled fists he painfully clenched his teeth as he screwed his eyes shut, the young boy trying his best to keep his tears in check. He would never admit to it later on that he failed and sobbed inconsolably for a time. Eventually the door to the bedroom cracked open and his elder sister walked in holding a tray, placing the plate of toast and eggs on the sideboard next to a glass of juice she put the tray aside and sat next to the grief stricken child.

Placing a hand on his shoulder she found herself in an abrupt death grip hug as the boy wailed into her side, the cries muffled by her uniform coat. Sighing she began stroking his hair until the wracking sobs slowed. She didn't say anything as she did this since neither sibling believed in pointless platitudes, it was one of the many reasons they got along after all.

As he eventually calmed and sat up his half sister gave him a warm smile as she placed the plate of food in his lap and jammed a fork in his hand, "I know the last thing you need right now is someone dictating to you but please eat something. You've had nothing for over 24 hours so for my own sanity try and get something in your stomach, ok?"

Blurry eyes looked at her a moment before he sighed and nodded, he ate the light breakfast with little enthusiasm but being that the boy despised wasting time even when aggrieved he finished it quickly enough.

Downing the glass of offered juice he sat in silence for a few minutes before stirring, "I...Nelly what do I do? I'm all alone, my mother's enemies will be after me and it is fairly obvious I've lost father's protection, if we ever had it...I...what do-?"

He was interrupted as Cornelia hugged him gently resting her chin on his head, "For being so smart little brother you're being awfully stupid. You'll never be alone, you have myself and Euphemia and while we need father's permission I'd be honored to take charge of your well being, if you wish for it that is."

Sighing and feeling a small fragment of hope he contemplated the idea for a moment, he could rush into the throne room and demand the Emperor act like a husband and a father or...or he could solidify a path for himself. His mother's protection was gone and she made many enemies on her rise to glory, crunching the numbers he was fairly certain he'd be dead within the next six months without aid, but Cornelia... Well the nobility was terrified of her and she loved him dearly, there were worse fates then being beneath the aegis of a goddess of war.

Shifting out of her grip he smiled lightly while nodding, "Ok...I suppose I should request an audience then...this ought to be interesting."

As the massive doors to the Royal Throne Room swung open Lelouch couldn't help but gulp a bit. Here it was, time to either sink or swim. As he plodded down the stairs and down the crimson carpet leading to the throne he did his best to ignore the snickering visages of the collected nobles.

His hatred for the the "elite" of the Empire knew no bounds. They labeled him the 'Pauper Prince' since his birth and it was obvious they were expecting a spectacle from him, if only they knew. As he approached the man who styled himself his father's throne Lelouch came to a stop and knelt staring up at the regal figure, Emperor Charles zi Britinnia's gaze did not falter in the slightest in the heat of his child's hate filled gaze.

"Your Royal Majesty, my Mother the Empress Marianne and my sister Princess Nunnally are dead," Lelouch stated with no inflection in his voice whatsoever, his eyes going dull realizing the truth of the statement.

His father for his part just stared down at the kneeling child and scoffed lightly, "Why are you bothering me with this old information, you dare waste my time like this boy? Send in the next one."

Despite the desire to rush up the stairs and tear the man's throat out with his teeth Lelouch stayed composed and made a request, "Your Majesty, father... this was not the reason I have approached you, rather it is the prelude to my request if you would hear me."

Quirking a single brow Charles nodded to the child who stood and returned the gesture. "My mother and sister were obviously murdered by a member of the high courts else wise you would not have seen it fit to cancel the investigation, I am aware that this is simply politics despite how much it makes my blood burn with rage. Since I am left on my own with nothing to protect me I have a request, put me under the care of my half-sister Cornelia li Britannia so I might learn from her and become...useful to you in the future."

Charles glared down at the boy for a moment before cocking his head slightly to the side, "Why would I accept this request, it is clear you do not respect the authority of the courts or even myself, so why bother?"

Going ramrod straight Lelouch could not but help sneering, "Because I fully intend on becoming the most powerful man in Britannia outside of yourself of course your Majesty. When I reach that position I will find the one who killed my family and I will destroy them. That is a vow, one I relish in keeping."

Smirking Charles nodded to his son, "Excellent answer young one, I give my blessing, you are now the ward of Cornelia li Britannia, do not bite off more then you can chew, Lelouch, I have high hopes for you."

Nodding in return the boy replied with, "I have one final request your Majesty, one of dire import to the Empire as a whole, would you will to hear it," the Emperor already impressed by the boys restraint simply gave a faint nod and his son continued. "The Ashford family were supporters and later patrons of my mother the Lady Marianne, currently several other families are attempting to discredit them to claim the military contracts they hold to steal the blueprints for Duke Ruben Ashford's newest creation, the Glasgow Knightmare Frame.

"The Ashfords have been nothing but loyal subjects to the Empire, and allowing them to fall from grace due to vultures taking advantage of the momentary chaos caused by my mother's death is not only unjust but treason against the crown. My request is simple, do not let the Ashfords be pulled down due to a situation outside of their control, and punish the families that are attempting to use the death of my mother and your wife to further their machinations."

Charles remained silent for a time then smirked lightly as he finally replied, "Obviously you care a great deal about this for your own personal interests. Though on that note the Ashford family has been graciously sponsoring the Empires newest engine of war, allowing them to fall would be...foolish. Very well my son, I will put a halt to any further actions against your allies, is there anything else?"

Keeping his gaze neutral Lelouch shook his head in the negative, "No your Majesty you have done more then I could have hoped for, am I dismissed from your presence?" Giving the boy a wave of his hand Lelouch stood and marched past the now quiet nobility, against his better judgment he flashed them a feral grin.

'Soon you fools will realize the wolf amongst the sheep, and as always you'll be too slow to save yourselves.' With that the young predator left his prey behind to learn the art of conquest from his goddess, he could barely restrain the glee he felt at the thought of becoming stronger.

Imperial Capital of Pendragon, Duchy of Arizona, 2012 A.T.B

Twelve year old Lelouch vi Britannia breathed heavily with hands resting on his knees, slightly winded after the six mile run his half sister forced upon him daily. The athletic youth eventually stood up straight and began his cool down stretches as he accepted a bottled sports drink from Cornelia's knight.

"Guilford, I swear my dear sister wants me dead, there is no other reason for this."

Smirking the bespectacled man shrugged lightly while wiping the sweat from his own brow, "My Prince if that were the truth I'd not be able to stop it one way or the other, but if I were to guess the problem may simply be that you're quite possibly the most lazy gifted person any of us have ever met."

Glowering at the ponytailed man who showed no reaction to his rire Lelouch just sighed as he fell on his backside. "Be that as it may I do appreciate the effort Lord Guilford, never confuse my annoyance for lack of gratitude all right? It may have taken a few years but you and General Darlton have made me a hard target for assassins...and I do so love being hard to kill." Accepting the praise Guilford offered his hand to the boy and pulled him to his feet, after Lelouch eventually caught his breath the pair made their way to the recreation center's showers.

"Tomorrow is political studies alongside Euphemia and Knightmare frame piloting with Princess Cornelia, but outside of that you are free, what do you plan on doing?"

Shrugging the raven haired preteen threw a towel around his shoulders scowling lightly, "Honestly I'll probably just hang out around Nelly, since she's likely to become Viceroy of Area Eleven it's best I learn the intrigues of that circle. Ironic really, I always looked at her as the avatar for war yet here she is playing politician...well...albeit a politician with very big guns but still."

Guilford gave the boy a knowing smile while staring forward, "The Princess's views have been tempered by those around her, she is as formidable as ever yet she now has some softness to her, I blame you for this my young Prince."

Lelouch for his part simply smirked, "Yeah, I do that to people, ah well if the nobles find my sister weak they'll soon find out why she was the Captain of my mothers guards as a teenager. Hey Gilly, why don't we get cleaned up and hit the arcade? I know you get a kick out of beating everyone in the Knightmare sims." Pausing his step for a moment then nodding with a smile Guilford accepted the request. The young Prince was right of course, showing up the rabble was awfully amusing.

Cornelia was less then happy with her current orders, sure she had written up the plans to invade Area Eleven while it was still known as Japan but that meant nothing, especially considering the fact Lelouch had helped. That did not mean she wanted to be VICEROY of the bloody island much less getting saddled with her dimwit dandy of a half brother Clovis as her Deputy.

Hells bells she'd put Lelouch or EUPHIE in that position before him, worst of it was she had no idea who had arranged for the ambitious twit to become her problem. Glaring at the broken seal upon the envelope in her hand she just shook her head in annoyance, it would appear her small family was making an unplanned long term trip, the thought sent a shiver up her spine.

Noticing this Darlton turned to her in question, "Is something wrong Princess?"

Grimacing she handed the letter to the older man as she began pacing around her large office, "Yes, these orders are absolute bullsh...they are foolish. I'm a soldier not a politician, and while the plans we came up with limited civilian casualties and retained much of Area Elevens resources I do not see why it is MY problem to administrate it!"

Shaking his head at his friend and commanders ire he read the letter then placed it on the table, "My Lady you know my view on how the Empire treats numbers. That aside I believe this is an excellent chance to teach young Lelouch and Euphemia the benefits of caution and intrigue, and after all we're stuck with your idiot brother Clovis. If nothing else you and Lelouch can prank the fool as you always do."

Dropping into her plush chair the violet haired woman sighed while rubbing her temples, "I suppose you're right, and with our new governing policies in place it would be a stable home to raise the pair of them, but you know neither will accept the way the Empire treats numbers. They'll demand their pet reforms stay in place if only it is in our assigned Area."

Shrugging lightly the large man smirked, "The only constant in the universe is change Princess, if those two can do it who are we to stop them?"

After staring at the wall for a time Cornelia nodded slowly, "Valid point, all right we'll not fight these orders to head to Area Eleven, who knows it could be fun." Chuckling lightly Darlton left his Lady to give his boys the news, it was time to pack up.

The Following Day

Cornelia was busying herself with the maintenance of her personal Glasgow as she waited for her half brother to finish his studies with Euphemia. The Princess took great personal pride in babying her own machine and her station rarely gave her the time for it anymore. Gritting her teeth as she pulled back on the torque wrench she was rewarded with a dull clunk as the offending servo finally locked into place.

Grinning victoriously she wiped the sweat from her brow and discarded the tool. Swinging the armor panel back into place she picked up a small ratchet and locked it down, as she finished with the last bolt she heard the unmistakable bubbly laughter of her sister from across the hanger.

Turning away from her crouched war machine Cornelia had to cover her mouth to hide the smile threatening to overtake her face as a very animated Euphemia was chattering away at a forlorn looking Lelouch. Making eye contact with her the boy mouthed "Help Me!" Taking pity on him she met them halfway and gave Euphie a hug that ended her ramblings, shooting Lelouch a knowing smirk he gave her a sardonic bow in thanks.

Breaking the embrace she cocked her hip to the side while crossing her arms. "You're late little brother, don't worry no demerits today I see who is truly responsible for the delay," she quipped in obvious amusement. Lelouch swiped his hand across his forehead while letting out an exaggerated "Whew!"

Rolling her eyes at the antics she turned to Euphemia. "All right young lady now exactly what are you doing in the trainer hanger, other then pestering your poor brother that is?"

Looking a bit pensive the pinkette had her hands held behind the back while toeing the pavement lightly. "Well Cornelia umm...I was kind of hoping you'd allow me to watch Lelouch train today? I'm tired of wasting time on all these etiquette courses when I care very little for them, I want to do something useful like you two." Holding the bridge of her nose she glanced to Lelouch who just shrugged sheepishly, man of few words today it seems.

Sighing she rolled her eyes and said, "Fine fine, but you have to stay on the observation deck. We may be using training rounds but they're still dangerous, Lelouch get set up while I get out of these rags."

Cheering happily Euphie ran to the deck stairs while Lelouch met Cornelia's questioning stare, "She wouldn't stop talking about it the entire day. That little brat Carine put it in her head that she is useless without you around so she's trying to prove that she'll eventually reach your level...its been a vexing afternoon."

Clicking her tongue thoughtfully as she unzipped her baggy jumpsuit she pondered on that before deciding she could understand Euphie's thought process. If the girl could handle being around heavy war machines and keep track of the tactics perhaps she could pilot one some day.

Shrugging out of the drab mechanics outfit she tossed it aside as she straightened her uniform. Nodding she finally replied, "All right...while I'm hesitant to risk her safety I'd be the biggest hypocrite in the world if I denied her the chance to prove herself. If she can keep up with our maneuvers today and is willing to sit through the safety and training tutorials on our way to Area Eleven then I see little reason to not let her try." Nodding Lelouch followed her to the parked KMF's pausing only to catch the ignition FOB tossed to him by one of the technicians.

Turning back to Cornelia he whispered, "We've got a few things to discuss. Firstly Clovis has apparently taken off ahead of us and is already trying to style himself as the Viceroy, the reports on his antics are...concerning." Grimacing the violet haired Princess felt the beginnings of a migraine at that news.

Grabbing the ascension winch she rode it up to the cockpit and lithely hopped into the command seat, sealing the hatch behind her she began the boot up process and brought the dark purple machine to its feet.

Clicking on the radio she opened a comm channel to her half-brothers black and silver frame, "I'm going to truly regret asking this but what exactly did he do and furthermore why the hell is he there before us? Wait... how have you found this out before me anyway?" After a moment a small window popped up on her HUD showing Lelouch adjusting his settings, looking up for a moment he sighed in resignation.

"In answer to the first questions? Clovis's harlot of a mother was in the throne room when father-" Lelouch impressively made the title sound like a curse as he continued, "made the decision. Apparently Clovis had gotten it into his head he was going to be made Viceroy with the news, I do not know why.

"He's already attempted to have the Elevens largest remaining hospital leveled to make an amusement park named, and I kid you not, "Clovis Land." Cornelia's migraine had now taken a life of its own as she maneuvered the Glasgow onto the training field, grabbing one of the paintball rifles from the weapons rack she turned around in time to see Lelouch mirror the action.

Sighing she replied in a deadpan tone, "Clovis Land? Really? Clovis Land?"

Chuckling humorlessly her half-brothers image nodded, "Oh yes indeed. It gets better since big brother Schneizal has been holding the reigns of the Area until a permanent Viceroy was chosen he was able to effectively shut Clovis down, during a rather flamboyant speech discussing the merits of said amusement park. The Elevens were greatly amused." Smirking at that she sighted the rifle in on a few targets down range and popped off a three round burst, bulls eye, naturally.

"And how did you find all this out before me?"

Lelouch gave her one of his rare true smiles as he replied, "Well...remember the informant that pointed us to Genbu Kururugi's location during the invasion while I was masquerading as our ambassadors son? Well he's kind of in the care of Duke Ashford thanks to your's truly, they both have their ears to the ground in different walks of life and well... its amazing how invisible an "Eleven" and an eccentric industrialist wasting his time building a multicultural academy can be. Its good to be owed favors."

With that his smile became just slightly cocky but it vanished quickly as he finished, "That's about it honestly. Something tells me our dear brother is going to keep you on your toes in the near future."

With that she simply grunted "Lovely" and drove her machine into the middle of the urban warfare training area. Opening her factsphere she scanned the combat zone and began clearing the remote controlled tanks as Lelouch ran interference. After a time she asked, "Was there something else Lelouch?" She could see him hesitating before his face hardened in resolve, she was oddly proud of that, he obviously didn't want to discuss this but he didn't back down from it either.

"Well...you're aware that Clovis's actions obviously drew the attention of the nobility, and while Schneizal was oddly accommodating of our experiment the high courts obviously would not be." He sighed now and managed to look dejected as he weaved through the enemy units suppression fire and pulled a rather dramatic spin as he lined his rifle up and cleared the targets.

With that the exercise ended and he gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "Father found out we didn't follow protocol with the Elevens...we've been summoned to his offices this afternoon." Now looking clearly irritated he jettisoned his spent magazine and reloaded the rifle. "As for how I found out before you, well apparently his messengers thought I was your page and handed the orders off to me..." Obviously annoyed at the indignity of his situation she tried not to smirk at this but failed.

Looking directly into her cockpit camera she said, "Well you are technically my protegé so I suppose its admissible...and we knew this was coming the second you talked me into it after the invasion. We'll park our frames and send Euphie off to review our practice then meet father, don't worry little brother I'll keep you safe."

Muttering near unintelligibly about not being little he followed her back to the hangers, sighing as her machine began to shut down the princess created a brief staccato as her head beat against the seat rest, lovely just lovely... An afternoon explaining to father why she didn't commit genocide in his name. Shaking her head as the cockpit slid open she glanced over to Lelouch's machine as he disembarked.

She didn't bother to suppress the warm smile that crawled up her lips as she observed the boy getting tackled by an excited Euphemia. 'Oh well, they're worth it,' she thought fondly as she formulated what she would say to the old codger.

The Emperor's personal office was a fairly spartan affair compared to his ostentatious throne room. Outside of the desk and a few generic paintings on the walls there was nothing to give indication to the owners mindset, honestly it reminded Lelouch of a hotel lobby more than anything. Approaching the desk in the rooms center both he and his half-sister saluted whilst making the appropriate salutations. Keeping his face clear of emotion he focused solely on his father, immediately going on guard upon seeing the vaguely bemused look in the mans eyes.

After a moment the Emperor began speaking sounding almost bored, "It has come to my attention that you have hidden things from me, or at the very least carefully omitted details. Clovis was quite...vocal on the rather unconventional policies Schneizal has enacted at your behest. While I am rather impressed on how quickly you subjugated Japan you have gone against the established order of things. Our methods are often considered extreme by the weak yet I had not expected the same from the two of you."

Gritting his teeth Lelouch stayed quiet as Cornelia responded, "Your majesty I was unaware taking an entire territory in less than a week with the majority of its infrastructure intact was considered a weakness. Giving the Eleven's the near equal rights to natural Britannian citizens has led to a peaceful transition with limited strain on our own resources. While I had been skeptical of the idea at first the past two years have shown a rather dramatic increase in social stability and sakuradite exportation is already exceeding pre-invasion levels."

Giving a barely perceptible nod to this Charles tapped a few fingers across the desks surface as he countered, "Be that as it may you've set a dangerous precedent for leniency which we simply cannot have. The Empires continued expansion is based on the principles of social Darwinism and it is the key to our eventual victory, the rabble must bow down to their betters."

No longer capable of keeping his tongue Lelouch snapped out, "Father must you keep up the facade of actually believing in such tripe? It is obvious you use the principles of 'survival of the strongest' as a platform to engage the masses and it has little other use. If you had actually been a follower of social Darwinism you would have never lowered yourself to wedding my lady mother, a simple commoner."

Both adults were dumbstruck at the bold statement and after a moment Cornelia covered her face with her palm fully prepared for the worst as their stone faced father stared her younger brother down, the eventual response was unexpected.

Smirking ever so slightly the old man let out an amused snort as he relaxed in his chair, "You know my son, in the fifteen years I'd been associated with your mother not one person has had the gall to point out that little nugget of hypocrisy to me. I'm unsure if it was foolishness, anger, or honest indignation that compelled you to bring it up but I do respect you for it." With that Cornelia glanced over the top of her hand in surprise and let out a sigh of relief vocalizing Lelouch's feelings.

After another moment of silence the Emperor began speaking again, "Since I am to make Area Eleven your sisters problem for the foreseeable future I will allow your little...social experiment to stand, but I warn you don't take this as a sign of approval. I give you a length of rope, it is up to you whether it will aid or hang you." Nodding silently Lelouch exchanged a glance with Cornelia, after a moment she looked resigned and shrugged.

Taking that as approval he went all in as it were, "Father I have a suggestion that I believe would greatly benefit the Empire as a whole and not just my sisters new assignment, if you are willing to hear it."

Charles arched an eyebrow at that while quipping, "My this sounds familiar, very well lets hear it."

Collecting his thoughts Lelouch mulled the best way to word his request for a moment before continuing, "As you are aware the Empire is a massive entity and our citizens have spread far and wide. Many have established families with foreigners across the globe and in the past this meant next to nothing but with our current policy of conquest, well..."

Meeting the Emperor's eyes Lelouch gave his father a grim smile, "Well... these loved ones become nothing but Numbers, and within the nobility itself they are forced to divorce their spouses by their families to keep up appearances. I suggest a very simple law, allow those that marry Britannians to become citizens, if fear of exploitation is an issue make a requirement that they be married for a set amount of years just...please...don't force families apart when there is no rational reason to do so..." With that last statement Lelouch was well aware that he sounded like the child he was. Shifting his gaze from his father to his feet he waited on the response.

"Lelouch...why do you find this to be important? Do not insult my intelligence I know why on an emotional level, I am discussing how this benefits the Empire."

Without missing a beat the young prince met his fathers eyes once again, "Its simple really, familial lines bind the nobility together, be it by love, contract, or convenience family is what keeps our nation whole. Forcing families apart because one partner is a citizen of a nation we conquered is just...asinine."

Smirking once again Charles nodded at the boy while gesturing to Cornelia, "Very well, your sister will be responsible for writing up the document but you will be required to sign it. Any ill or gain that comes from this is on your head, how Cornelia leave us, I will send your charge back to you when I am done." Looking pensive his protector stared at Lelouch with caring eyes a moment before saluting and walking out of the office, standing the Emperor opened a side door and motioned towards the startled prince. "Come, walk with me Lelouch, there are things we must discuss." Perplexed he followed his father through the doors and entered the inner gardens.

Observing the exquisitely manicured vegetation he felt it best to keep quiet, eventually his father spoke, "You kept your word. I find that rather impressive young one, very few actually hold to their vows."

Admittedly confused Lelouch asked, "What ever do you mean your Majesty?"

The Emperor's curled hair swayed as he shook his head in amusement, "You swore to become the most powerful man in the world to avenge my beloved wifes death...and you are well on your way. Tell me, did you manipulate the courts to appoint Cornelia as Viceroy of Area Eleven before or after you gained its populations trust as a benevolent dictator?"

Pausing at that and...yes...gasping Lelouch glared up at the smirking man, "How did you know?" Charles motioned for the child to continue following him as they meandered through the immaculately trimmed hedges.

"You were very coy about the entire thing, weaseling yourself in the invasion plans, being part of the insertion team in a rather believable position. Giving the Elevens rights no other Numbers enjoy while the entire time keeping your hands clean...it was a very well pulled off con."

No longer pretending to play dumb Lelouch simply smiled and met his fathers eyes, "A king is useless without his pawns...your majesty, and willing pawns are so much easier to play."

Snorting at that Charles stopped and leaned against a stone archway, "You are impressing me son. You are willing to manipulate those around you without outright lying and at the same time put yourself in the line of fire, why?" Shrugging at that Lelouch decided to be mildly cheeky by mimicking his fathers pose on the opposite side the arch.

"Something I learned while in Japan father. Only those that are willing to die for their cause should be allowed to kill others, I cannot force my people to fight for me if I cannot shoulder the risk myself." Face impassive for a moment Charles eventually flashed a brief smile while kicking off the wall, motioning his son to follow he led Lelouch to the gardens exit.

"Well put...well put, you are very much your mothers son," at this Charles actually looked a bit..forlorn? Haunted? Lelouch could not put his finger on it but his father most certainly was thinking of something outside of their current conversation. A few moments later Charles shook his head as he signaled a guard who swung the door open. "I will give you a call once you reach area Eleven son, but before you go I must admit to succumbing to idle curiosity. Why did you arrange for Clovis to be made Deputy Viceroy?"

Letting out a sharp quick laugh Lelouch smiled widely, "Because father, Cornelia is going to have to make some harsh decisions that will annoy the nobility and their grievance's are usually expressed at diplomatic functions...Cornelia despises parties and Clovis loves them. I'm simply giving my dandy brother what he wants while using him as a smoke screen for my beloved sister."

Letting out a single sharp bark of laughter Charles gave the child a gentle push through the door, "Day by day you remind me more and more of Marianne...go now boy, live your life and grow stronger. Your country will need you one day and you best be prepared, oh and as to your ultimate goal, what will you do if Cornelia manages to become Empress rather then gain the throne yourself?"

Chuckling as he walked out the gate Lelouch shrugged slightly, "If Cornelia is to become Empress so be it. She and I want the same thing, why fight the tidal wave when you can easily make it stronger?"

All right, I think I fixed most of this mess but I'm sure I missed some things because HOT DAMN was this a borked to begin with. To clarify a few things

-I have no idea what the Ashfords nobility title was, if someone can enlighten me if I got it wrong I'll change it.

-I'm aware that the Ashfords probably didn't develop the Glasgow, I don't particularly care though because hey, fanfiction.

-Clovis is indeed ambitious enough to want to run his own Area, unfortunately for him Lelouch wants to keep him around as a meatshield for Cornelia's PR image.

-Yes I am humanizing Charles, some hate it, some love it, either read it or don't I'm not going to change how I'm handling his development.

-Those who read the original fic, pretty much forget the last chapter happened, after watching Akito the Exiled I am now taking this story into a completely different direction.

As always, reviews are welcome, thank you for reading.