IC: Cellular

[thekingsgambit]

[After hearing that C.C. has been unable to determine Euphie's whereabouts within the past week, Lelouch finds himself on edge. It is illogical, he knows this. Even if Euphie were somehow still here, her existence is as transient as his. Yet, he can't stop wishing that she could still enjoy things here, if only for a brief while. Camp had always granted him an odd sort of retreat, not that he'd ever admitted it, a chance to appreciate things he had little time for in his other life. And while his ever-restless soul had always demanded escape from the tedium and a return to his battle, his pursuit, his wish, he still held onto those moments. Lelouch Lamperouge had been happy here. He had had everything he wanted but had been unable to understand that back then.

Now, Lelouch vi Britannia only wants to hear his half-sister's voice again, teasing him about his pets and lamenting the last days of autumn. It had been so important to get rid of her that day...

Out of options, he reaches for the communicator he received his first night back. If C.C. can't find Euphie, there are only two other people who could. And one of them was still too quick to suspect any unusual queries, especially about her. The other... It's a risky move, but he has decided that this time, Euphie is more important. His fingers push the button, no doubt intended for immediate connection .]

Comments

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

You are referring to inconsistencies in the time-line. They have existed before. Gino...

[ascendthethorns]

Then they have offered me no reason to believe that anything has changed for them, or that they are from a point much later than the power shift in the United States of China. Still, I cannot be certain. I have not presented the topic for dicussion.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Lifts the communicator enough for him to sigh in something close to relief before adjusting it once more.]

It is better that way.

[ascendthethorns]

[Pauses here - not a long pause, but a clear one.]

Then I can expect your cooperation.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Cooperation... ?

[ascendthethorns]

In limiting the complications that may arise.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Long pause as he runs C.C.'s admonishments through his mind again. He can't hide forever -- Is that what he's doing? Hiding? From what? From consequences for his actions? Actions he had known, still knew, were the only course. Was it really to protect them... or himself?

His answer is quiet and all but numbed, as if saying it to himself.]

... I will not interfere.

[ascendthethorns]

You already are. Inquiries into your absence can only be explaned away for so long, Lelouch, before more significant questions are raised.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

It will be easier for them to understand that I have left.

[ascendthethorns]

Easier for them? Hmn. You have new obligations now, built from both the long-existing and the recently formed. And abandonment, dereliction of prior responsibilities, escape, the compromisation and confusion of the innocent and uninvolved do not count among them.

[Another pause as she collects both thought and breath.]

However, if you cannot see this, or if you do but will still insist on maintaining your isolation, then you are correct. It would be best for everyone to believe that you have left camp. I will not ask for or accept a decision now, but I must request that one be delivered by the end of the month. If I do not hear from you before then or if you have made no effort to restore your presence here, I will inform the others of your "departure." Know that I expect finality. There will be no going back on your choice once it is made. Is that understood?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

New obligations... ?

[He repeats the words to himself as if they hold some key to his presence here. Prior responsibilities... They aren't his anymore. In a way, hadn't he already done just as she is accusing? Abandoned his responsibilities and given them to others? Of course, certain responsibilities had once been thought lost forever. The realization that he was wrong had come too late to allow for much compensation. By then, there had been no turning back... Is she asking him to take them up again? She had seen what he had done as much as anyone. Yes, he had planned on that as well. What does she want from him now?

Her follow-up is no more reassuring. As if a month will change anything. As if it could erase... What is he supposed to do? He glances back at his chess board, his old habit of seeking its solace acting up. Instead, he scratches lightly at the wall.]

... At the end of the month, you will have your finality.

[ascendthethorns]

[Falls back into her chair, elbows on its arms, forehead on the fingers of her free hand, waiting a short, futile while for an end to the conversation.]

You are not done yet. Out with the rest.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Straightens. This conversation has already gone on much longer than he expected. He is tired again, something he's grown used to feeling. But Cornelia is right. There is still something... He leans more heavily against the phone.]

... Elder sister, I need to know about Euphie.

[He takes another rough breath.]

Please. I just need to know that she is safe.

[ascendthethorns]

She will return.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Opens his mouth to ask for more information... Then closes it again. There is certainty in her tone, more than just blind hope. It will have to do.]

Very well.

[ascendthethorns]

And I must now request that you not launch any further inquiries into her status or that of the others here. You will be kept informed of any developments that require your notice; all else will go unheard as appropriate to your current position here.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Her request isn't difficult, as much as an old part of him hates being without ample information. But the fates of others aren't his to know anymore. And he has gotten what he needs. As much as is possible right now. Nothing else is necessary.]

Understood.

[ascendthethorns]

[One second passes, then two, then three, then four before she disconnects the call.]