IC: Death plot

[thekingsgambit]

[After this fun discovery in the cornfields.

Having further stained his clothes while arranging to Suzaku's quarters in the hospital, Lelouch has since picked up a cleaner set and gone through the effort of maintaining a more presentable appearance. He wastes no time in retrieving the Shinkirou's key from the secluded area where he stores it and some other sensitive data, as well as his notes from the last several days. Securing the item, he quietly slips into Nunnally's room. She remains sleeping soundly, unaware of what events have transpired over the course of this day. His throat grows raw and he swallows once before closing the door again and walking out of the cabin.]

Comments

[ascendthethorns]

[Is at the hangars, running maintenance on the gears and systems specific to Shinkirou's feet.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Do you hear steps in the distance? They seem a bit quick.]

[ascendthethorns]

[Yes, and splitting focus just enough to listen, but not assuming anything beyond "pilot here for his/her mech" at the moment.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Lelouch turns the corner into the Knightmare bay, his gait slightly stiff but mostly purposeful. There's notepad shoved into one of his back pockets, something recovered from the cabin. He pauses mid-step when he notices her, bothered but not showing it too obviously. It might even be interpreted as possessiveness for his device.]

An unusual hour for maintenance, elder sister.

[ascendthethorns]

Is it? Personally, I usually find it too late for patrol and too early for sleep, but ideal for work of this nature.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Looking over the Knightmare thoroughly.]

I see. Is there anything particular you were concerned with?

[ascendthethorns]

Their ability to withstand travel through the thicker, larger cornfields, or at least complete it without any loss of functionality.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Well, that's certainly convenient.]

You do take everything into consideration, elder sister. What is the estimated output of your alterations?

[ascendthethorns]

I've yet to make any — [gestures to a pile of various plantstuffs nearby] — as you can see, I'm still in the process of removing existing obstructions.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Glances down at said pile.]

Ah, I meant to finish that this afternoon... Something came up.

[Looks distracted for just a moment.]

[ascendthethorns]

So I assumed. Were you able to learn anything new?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

I was able to confirm some things.

[Reaches into his pocket and removes the Shinkirou's key.]

I will be needing the Shinkirou for now.

[ascendthethorns]

No. I need Kururugi to run similar tests on the Lancelot; you will be keeping to the guard schedule and returning to the cabin to relieve him.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Something hurt and angry passes through his eyes at the name.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Before those eyes darken slightly.]

Unnecessary. I have instructed C.C. to cover my shift for now.

... Suzaku will not be back.

[ascendthethorns]

[This is a little more angered than concerned:]

... what? Explain.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[His voice shakes ever so slightly, as his hold tightens on the key.]

Something happened. He was in the corn fields. Without this place's regenerative abilities...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Throws back his head and walks toward the Knightmare.]

It doesn't matter; it can be reversed. Get out of the way.

[ascendthethorns]

Kururugi was killed?

[ascendthethorns]

[A moment of shocked silence, then she positions herself more in Lelouch's way.]

How do you intend to reverse it?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

By finding the bastard who's responsible for this. We cannot allow them to go unchecked if this shift has truly removed this place's power. Others have already been killed as well. It is merely a matter of eliminating the obstacles in the way.

[ascendthethorns]

Identify the obstacles.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Everything that is obscuring a complete search of this place. Once the conditions have been set, it will be easy to find the one involved and remove their influence.

[Trying to force his way past her.]

We're wasting time we don't have. The Shinkirou's current functionality will have to suffice.

[ascendthethorns]

Insufficient. I cannot allow you to act on destructive impulse, Lelouch. The Shinkirou will remain here.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

The Shinkirou is not yours to claim. Get out of my way!