07

Sword of Arawn

Otherworld

He was alone now, as he preferred the most, standing upon a world within a world. Compared to the world he was used to, it was quiet and tranquil here, as well as outside the reach of most other humans. As such, it was one of the few remaining places in existence that Charles zi Britannia could find peace for himself. However, that was not the real reason why he had come here as much as it was one of the side benefits.

Standing in the midst of the temple-like structuring that was the Sword of Arawn's form, Charles continued to look "up" into the sky toward the image that resembled the planet Jupiter, viewing the image with a mixture of curiosity and distaste. Ever since he was a small boy, he had looked up at it, with the full knowledge of what it was and what influence it held upon his world. How he would have loved to simply reach his hand up and wipe it away like a blemish upon a window or a stain on his clothing, but even he did not have that kind of power. For that reason, all he could do was look at it from his place, knowing as well that the more he gazed upon it, the more it gazed upon him. And he did this with the same unflinching power that he wielded upon those he ruled over.

As he collected his thoughts, his ears picked up the sound of footsteps moving toward him. Footsteps that were too small and light to have been one of his guards, as well as ones he had been able to recognize since he was much younger. "You are late."

He did not turn to face V.V., but he did hear the sound of child-like laughter escape from the immortal's lips. It was child-like because while the one before him appeared as such, Charles knew very well that he was no child. "My apologies Charles, I had been so busy with matters back in our world that I had lost track of time. Not that time truly matters in this place."

This time, Charles did turn to face the new arrival, and in what would have been a newsworthy event had he done it elsewhere, offered V.V. a small smile. "Nonsense, you've always had a problem with timing." He then shifted back to business. "I don't suppose you're going to tell me you've found C.C."

V.V. frowned at that. "Unfortunately no. C.C. continues to elude us despite the bait you made for her eight years ago. I believe I told you back then that she would not fall for such an obvious trap."

"As obvious as it was, it has been quite beneficial to us anyway," Charles explained.

The smaller one nodded in understanding. "Yes, I have heard of Britannia's progress in this Great World War of yours. However, I need not remind you what would happen if you were to conquer the world before we get every Code…"

"That will not happen," Charles stated firmly. "As I have learned from my time as Emperor, there are many means of prolonging a conflict without drawing attention."

"I should hope so," V.V. replied, apparently content with the answer Charles had given him. A moment of silence came between them as V.V. moved to stand at the Emperor's side before continuing. "One thing does trouble me about this whole thing, however…"

"And that is?" Charles asked, raising an eyebrow.

"How no one or nothing has stepped up to upset our plans," V.V. explained.

Charles nodded. "It has been rather silent for the past few years. I believed after the Black Rebellion had been put down that another enemy would step up to challenge us, but that hasn't been the case. Disturbing really."

"Perhaps that abomination put more weight on its newly chosen pawn than we anticipated. That said, I still think Lelouch should be killed at the first opportunity." V.V. offered.

"I still have use for Lelouch," Charles stated. "Both for the war and for other matters. And since you have not been able to track any other leads to C.C., then that makes him all the more valuable."

"And dangerous." V.V. countered. "Don't tell me you've actually developed some fatherly attachment to Lelouch over the years, Charles. That's not becoming of you."

That earned a small chuckle from the Emperor. "I view Lelouch no differently than I view my other children. Another pawn to be used and disposed of in equal fashion."

V.V. walked closer so that he could study his pupil carefully. "Does that include Nunnally as well? Because from where I'm standing, she should have no more reason for being alive."

"It does, and I disagree," Charles responded. "Should the need arise, Nunnally has her own uses."

V.V. opened his mouth, seemingly to respond to that. However, after a moment of consideration, he decided to wave it off. "I'll take your word on that one," he answered simply.

He then found himself looking up at the same sky that Charles had been gazing at not long before. At the same image of Jupiter that hung in the air.

The immortal's expression turned to one of disgust. "Such an ugly form," he glowered with hate. "It will be all the better when neither of us will have to look up at that false god any longer."

"It will not be long now." Charles said in a reassuring tone. "Ragnarok will put an end to that thing soon enough, Master."

"And give birth to a new world in the process." V.V. concluded.