Log - It’s over now, what have you done?
Characters: Lelouch Lamprouge, Zechs Marquise
Content: The two meet for a game of chess and have quite interesting results.
Setting: The Victoria II
Time: Mid-afternoon
Warnings: Two snarky, cold bastards with something to hide... What do you think?
Zechs walked along the corridors of the Victoria II, his long pale blonde hair in a loose braid down his back. He was dressed in his usual black boots, white pants, white shirt, black vest and red thigh length jacket. He wore the silver mask today, for what reason, he did not know, he just felt that he needed to... He raised a gloved hand and brushed some imaginary dust from his jacket.
Lelouch closed the door subtly behind him. He looked across the empty corridor and figured it would be a good opportunity to explore the ship and find his superiors to make his report. He loosened his newly ironed shirt's collar and made sure he looked presentable before starting to walk at a leisurely pace. He grinned at himself, thinking about his success in making it to The Victoria II which had always had such impression of invincibility to him and the rest of his good friends back to Ashford Academy. He was about to go up the stairs which lead to the weather deck and leave the quarter-deck when he saw a solitary figure in approaching. Intently, he stared at the person approaching; he figured it would be more efficient to ask someone who has more knowledge of the ship for directions than wandering off on his own. Without hesitation, he went back to the foot of the stairs. As soon as he could see the visage of the masked man he spoke in a smooth voice, “Excuse me?”
He looked up, his icy blue eyes hidden behind the mask. He studied the young man just up ahead. Properly raised that was for sure. "May I help you?" he asked, his voice low.
Lelouch did not fail to notice the man's attire as stepped out of the shadows. He looked well off and considering the ship's reputation, he would very likely either be a noble passenger or a high ranking military officer. Unlike him, Lelouch dressed very casually for his first day on duty. He was wearing a black long sleeved blazer with a high rise collar and a matching pair of sleek pleated black trousers yet this person looked very glamorous. There was unmistakable eloquence with the way he spoke too. Immediately, Lelouch replied in an attempt to be casual. “Oh. I was just wondering if you could tell me where I could find the office of this ship's strategist, Commander Cao Cao.”
His eyes flashed, but it was hidden by his mask. "Commander Cao Cao should be in either in his office or in his quarters." Zechs replied coolly. He clasped his hands behind his back; there was a gun and a rapier sitting on his hips and possibly a gun under one arm. No civilian carried that much armament.
Lelouch eyed him for a moment while trying to look as if he was thinking about his next response. He did not fail to notice a range of weaponry the man carried. He looked like he was on his twenties judging by his physique. ‘If he was a noble, he's probably someone really important to be allowed to carry such equipment. It would be no surprise if he's an officer himself, in this ship though.’ Lelouch shook his analysis off his head. He didn't want to create an awkward atmosphere so in his attempt to create a friendly impression, he replied, “If you don't mind me asking, you are an officer on this ship are you not? Well, I might be mistaken.”
"Commander Zechs Marquise. You are?" He asked raising an eyebrow under his mask.
‘Bingo.’ Lelouch thought. “Sub Lieutenant Lelouch Lamperouge, sir!” He saluted and as soon as he had his arm back to his side, a slight smile formed across his lips. “I'm the latest recruit in this ship as a strategist. If I remember correctly, I had to report to a superior by the name of Commander Marquise. I assume it would be you.”
'Why are the new recruits reporting to me?' he thought to himself. "You found the right man." he replied.
Lelouch studied his body language. He didn't seem very happy about what Lelouch had just said. That didn't matter though because this person standing before him was the prodigy who graduated the Academy at age 15. “I was thinking of meeting up with Commander Cao Cao first but I think this would be better.” He smiled at him and walked closer to him. “It's my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I had been hearing a lot of good things about you.”
He took a step back, not liking anyone too close. Zechs moved his hand and then held it out to Lelouch. "It's a pleasure Sub-Lieutenant." Zechs never thought of himself as a prodigy, just stubborn as hell and determined.
Lelouch raised an eyebrow as the commander stepped back. He clasped his gloved hand with his' in a friendly gesture. “I finally get to meet you. I'm really curious of your talents.”
"My talents?" The Commander asked curiously.
Lelouch chuckled lightly. He never enjoyed chit chats but if it benefits him in a way, he's willing to go far. “You graduated at such a young age. Exceptional indeed considering the difficulty of training. Only someone with skills that surpasses the norm would've done that.”
"Ah...." Was the only response from the older man.
“Hmm...” He thought to himself. This person's shell was hard to crack. It interested him to someday test him in a game of chess which Lulu was famed for as he was yet to lose. “I guess I shouldn't be trying to get personal. You're my superior after all.”
"You want to gauge my talents... Why don't we try for that chess game?" he offered.
“Huh?” Lelouch was taken by surprise. It never crossed his mind that the stoic commander would ever consider asking someone like him for a little game of chess. “Well, who am I to decline?”
Nodding, Zechs turned sharply on his heel to head back down the way he came. "Follow me Sub-Lieutenant."
Looking at the commander's back, Lelouch can't help but smirk. He had initially planned on getting on his superior's good side since it would be more convenient to have such influential connections. He did not utter a sound but just followed closely behind.
Zechs walked quickly through the hall, confident in his purpose and who he was. It was easy to see that the young Commander was a very hard man to read. He stopped a bit later in front of wooden door.
“I'm very humbled by your invitation.” The commander did not turn to look. He was still standing with his back on Lelouch. He looked around the hall and the wooden door. He stood there waiting for him to lead the way.
He opened the door and then stepped in, motioning for Lelouch to follow him inside. It was the Quartermaster's office.
He looked at the room. It was impressionable for an office in an airship. It even looked better than the office of the commander who had trained him back in Melior. Well furnished and it gave off a feel of elegance. He followed the Commander and started to scrutinize his actions. He gave off this particular natural grace in his movement. It was starting to pique his curiosity.
He removed the white leather gloves, a silver ring on his left hand. He then reached up, removing the silver mask. His bangs fluttered with the movement before settling down to frame his face and icy blue eyes. He set the gloves and mask down on his desk before kneeling to retrieve the chess set.
Lelouch remained standing as a courtesy while waiting for the commander to let him sit down. He did not take his eyes off the commander. What he saw next was something he never expected. The commander had removed his mask. His piercing blue eyes did not fail to remind Lelouch of something he had seen back in his childhood and so was the silver ring that glistened under the light. He couldn't quite put it but he was sure he had seen the same grace before and his facial features sparked his curiosity even more.
The ring was just a simple silver band, nothing special.. The Commander though was graceful, noble in his movements.
Lelouch did not move a muscle but just stood there with his eyes fixated at the commander.
He easily set up the chessboard. "White or black?" Zechs asked not looking up.
"Black." Lelouch replied in a rough voice.
He nodded and moved the board around before taking a seat behind his desk. He motioned for Lelouch to have a seat.
He took a seat and finally stopped scrutinizing the blonde commander. Lelouch had a feeling he should not let his guard down as the commander was definitely not just what he seems to be.
Seeing as he was playing as the white knight, he moved a pawn forward two spaces.
Lelouch looked down at the move he made. He picked the pawn in front the king piece and moved it two spaces forward.
Zechs raised an eyebrow at that. His expression was unreadable as he though, drumming fingers absently against the wood of his desk.
Lelouch did not fail to notice his drumming fingers. Many found his move intriguing in the past since he always moved the king as soon as he could, so he was not surprised.
He didn't care how Lelouch moved honestly. It was a game, an assessment... Brushing his hair out of his eyes, Zechs moved another pawn.
Lelouch looked at the commander who was focused on the game. He lifted his king and moved it forward.
"What a risky move." He murmured absently to himself, "Courageous." He wondered what move Lelouch would make next. Zechs fell silent as he made another move.
"If the king doesn't move, how can his subordinates follow?" Lelouch grinned slightly at him. He did not want to bring this up but there was no harm trying. "If you don't mind. Can you tell me where you hail from?"
"Ivona. This very city." He replied almost too quickly. He then moved a knight.
Lelouch moved a pawn and placed his elbow on the table with his hand against his chin. "Melior?" He thought about it. Nobles were bountiful in Ivona and Melior was a popular choice for them to study but he was not satisfied with that. "Considering the prestigious academy you went to and all, I'd guess you're of nobility." Even he did not believe what he said. Lelouch had something else in his mind.
"Me? Noble." He laughed at that, "I'm just a poor orphaned solider." Zechs replied casually as he moved another piece.
"Hmm..." Lelouch smirked and tried to hide it behind his hand. He moved his bishop across the board so that it would eat the knight if ever the commander does not move it. "That's interesting. For an orphaned soldier, you're very eloquent to a level comparable to a noble."
"I was friends with Treize Khushrenada. He taught me well." He commented moving his pawn to take the bishop. He fingered the black piece, looking at it.
"Hmm. So it's influence then? He must be a really passionate in teaching you." Lelouch moved another bishop now that there was an opening. One more move and he can snag the white knight.
"He was adamant about every man being a gentleman." Came the casual comment as he moved a piece.
"Lelouch did not eat the very well exposed knight but moved a pawn instead. "I do recall seeing a family of blonde and blue eyes beauty before. I could not help but associate you with them. Have you heard of the Peacecraft’s and the Sanq kingdom?"
"I've heard of them. Why do you ask?" Zechs glanced at Lelouch, giving no outward sign that he was disturbed by this. Zechs Marquise after all, was just a poor orphaned soldier taken in by the elite Khushrenada family at the age of six.
"Hmm...I've had noble classmates and they told me a lot about them. You perfectly match their distinctive traits so that's what made me wonder. Well, I'm not saying you're one of them." Lelouch did know them. He knew them because the royal family had always talked about them. In gatherings, Lelouch always hear mixed opinions on the family that had long since disappeared but he did not want to give that much information to the blond beauty. He wanted him to come out of his closet on his own.
"Now that Sub-Lieutenant, is quite an interesting tale to be sure." Zechs looked at Lelouch, his icy eyes boring into the younger man's, the rook he was going to move grasped lightly in one hand, hovering just above the spot he was going to put it at.
"You think so? They were quite legendary. Superior in intellect, battles, wealth They were at the top but then the only move you have left when you're at the top..." Lelouch took the white knight of the board and placed his bishop on its square. “...is down." His eyes glistened as he looked at the commander intently.
Zechs' expression remained neutral. "Quite interesting isn't it... The black king against the white knight." He said, "Two intelligent men battling over what? Bragging rights? A way to gauge each other's abilities. You Sub-Lieutenant are a liar. Just like everyone else in this god forsaken world."
"Liar huh? I get called that a lot." Lelouch snickered and was no longer focused on the game. "How about you? What do you call yourself then...?" Lelouch had the urge to spill the beans since with his reaction he had more confidence that he was who he thought he was however, he do not want to incur his fury just yet.
"I know I am a liar Lelouch vi Britannia." He said smoothly, looking at the dark haired Prince, his eyes flashing challengingly.
"Then that makes us no different from each other, Prince Melliardo." Lelouch grinned at him with scheming eyes. "Although I hate doing things halfway, I don't find any reason left for us to continue this little game."
"It's Milliardo. Not how you pronounced it." He said with a casual wave of his hand. The former prince moved a piece, "Check."
"Hmm... You truly live up to your name." Lelouch felt a bitter sting for he knew that for the first time in his life, the day has come that he would lose. He knew there was no escape to the inevitable fate his king was about to suffer but still, although futile, he made his final move. "A king who does not fight till the end is not worthy for his people."
"I have no people to fight for Lelouch; my home was destroyed twenty years ago. I threw off the Peacecraft name and became who I am today. The true heir to the Sanq Kingdom is Relena." Zechs moved his last piece, "Checkmate."
"I honestly think you're better off this way." Lelouch smiled at him and looked at his king get taken away. He felt mixed emotions. It was his first time losing and he did not understand the feeling. He was a bit bitter but was also glad that he has found one of his “kin” the law of equivalent exchange played out well. "It's a good game. I hope I did not disappoint your expectations."
"Not at all. I quite enjoyed the game." He replied picking up the king. "Perhaps I should call myself the Black King, for I am no White Knight."
"It fits you." Lelouch chuckled and the smile was still on his lips. He stood up from his chair and stretched his arm out. He spoke, "It's good to see you, Prince Milliardo."
"What does that make you?" Zechs questioned as he rose to his feet. He set down the black king, eyes lingering on it before sweeping over to Lelouch. "Milliardo Peacecraft is dead. I'm Zechs Marquise" He said extending his hand to Lelouch.
"But his legacy will forever live on." Lelouch looked at the commander with a serious expression now. "And I'm now Lelouch Lamperouge. Sub Lieutenant Lelouch Lamperouge." He let go of the commander's hand and a sarcastic smile was on his lips. "Lelouch vi Britannia... I have long left that name behind." He stared at him intently and continued, “And I have no plans of looking back."
"We are one in the same then Sub-Lieutenant... Having cast off our former lives to do what we must for the sake of those we care about." He released Lelouch's hand, his own expression still neutral, not revealing anything.
"I hope this marks a start of a lasting camaraderie, Commander Zechs Marquise" Lelouch stood there and saw the commander under a new light.
"Be wary of Commander Cao. He's sharp. He's onto me." Zechs warned.
Lelouch grinned at him with his eyebrows raised and haughtily replied, "I will."
"Don't get too cocky Sub-Lieutenant. If it's discovered one former prince is on the Victoria, how long until they come looking for others? There's already rumors surrounding me."
"This is a secret I will keep to my very grave." He smirked and saluted at the commander.
He gave a salute in return. "You're dismissed Sub-Lieutenant Lamprouge. Go report to Commander Cao."
With that, Lelouch headed for the door with a satisfied glint in his eyes.
Zechs watched him go, a smirk forming across his lips. He pulled his gloves back on. They knew each other's secrets and where positive the other would take the secret with them to the grave. "Unlike you, I do have honor." He murmured faintly in the native tongue of Erealia. The young Commander then moved, sitting down at his desk as the door closed. He picked up the black king, the smirk growing wicked. "I might just have a use for you in my plans Prince Lelouch vi Britannia." He then put the chess set away
Content: The two meet for a game of chess and have quite interesting results.
Setting: The Victoria II
Time: Mid-afternoon
Warnings: Two snarky, cold bastards with something to hide... What do you think?
Zechs walked along the corridors of the Victoria II, his long pale blonde hair in a loose braid down his back. He was dressed in his usual black boots, white pants, white shirt, black vest and red thigh length jacket. He wore the silver mask today, for what reason, he did not know, he just felt that he needed to... He raised a gloved hand and brushed some imaginary dust from his jacket.
Lelouch closed the door subtly behind him. He looked across the empty corridor and figured it would be a good opportunity to explore the ship and find his superiors to make his report. He loosened his newly ironed shirt's collar and made sure he looked presentable before starting to walk at a leisurely pace. He grinned at himself, thinking about his success in making it to The Victoria II which had always had such impression of invincibility to him and the rest of his good friends back to Ashford Academy. He was about to go up the stairs which lead to the weather deck and leave the quarter-deck when he saw a solitary figure in approaching. Intently, he stared at the person approaching; he figured it would be more efficient to ask someone who has more knowledge of the ship for directions than wandering off on his own. Without hesitation, he went back to the foot of the stairs. As soon as he could see the visage of the masked man he spoke in a smooth voice, “Excuse me?”
He looked up, his icy blue eyes hidden behind the mask. He studied the young man just up ahead. Properly raised that was for sure. "May I help you?" he asked, his voice low.
Lelouch did not fail to notice the man's attire as stepped out of the shadows. He looked well off and considering the ship's reputation, he would very likely either be a noble passenger or a high ranking military officer. Unlike him, Lelouch dressed very casually for his first day on duty. He was wearing a black long sleeved blazer with a high rise collar and a matching pair of sleek pleated black trousers yet this person looked very glamorous. There was unmistakable eloquence with the way he spoke too. Immediately, Lelouch replied in an attempt to be casual. “Oh. I was just wondering if you could tell me where I could find the office of this ship's strategist, Commander Cao Cao.”
His eyes flashed, but it was hidden by his mask. "Commander Cao Cao should be in either in his office or in his quarters." Zechs replied coolly. He clasped his hands behind his back; there was a gun and a rapier sitting on his hips and possibly a gun under one arm. No civilian carried that much armament.
Lelouch eyed him for a moment while trying to look as if he was thinking about his next response. He did not fail to notice a range of weaponry the man carried. He looked like he was on his twenties judging by his physique. ‘If he was a noble, he's probably someone really important to be allowed to carry such equipment. It would be no surprise if he's an officer himself, in this ship though.’ Lelouch shook his analysis off his head. He didn't want to create an awkward atmosphere so in his attempt to create a friendly impression, he replied, “If you don't mind me asking, you are an officer on this ship are you not? Well, I might be mistaken.”
"Commander Zechs Marquise. You are?" He asked raising an eyebrow under his mask.
‘Bingo.’ Lelouch thought. “Sub Lieutenant Lelouch Lamperouge, sir!” He saluted and as soon as he had his arm back to his side, a slight smile formed across his lips. “I'm the latest recruit in this ship as a strategist. If I remember correctly, I had to report to a superior by the name of Commander Marquise. I assume it would be you.”
'Why are the new recruits reporting to me?' he thought to himself. "You found the right man." he replied.
Lelouch studied his body language. He didn't seem very happy about what Lelouch had just said. That didn't matter though because this person standing before him was the prodigy who graduated the Academy at age 15. “I was thinking of meeting up with Commander Cao Cao first but I think this would be better.” He smiled at him and walked closer to him. “It's my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I had been hearing a lot of good things about you.”
He took a step back, not liking anyone too close. Zechs moved his hand and then held it out to Lelouch. "It's a pleasure Sub-Lieutenant." Zechs never thought of himself as a prodigy, just stubborn as hell and determined.
Lelouch raised an eyebrow as the commander stepped back. He clasped his gloved hand with his' in a friendly gesture. “I finally get to meet you. I'm really curious of your talents.”
"My talents?" The Commander asked curiously.
Lelouch chuckled lightly. He never enjoyed chit chats but if it benefits him in a way, he's willing to go far. “You graduated at such a young age. Exceptional indeed considering the difficulty of training. Only someone with skills that surpasses the norm would've done that.”
"Ah...." Was the only response from the older man.
“Hmm...” He thought to himself. This person's shell was hard to crack. It interested him to someday test him in a game of chess which Lulu was famed for as he was yet to lose. “I guess I shouldn't be trying to get personal. You're my superior after all.”
"You want to gauge my talents... Why don't we try for that chess game?" he offered.
“Huh?” Lelouch was taken by surprise. It never crossed his mind that the stoic commander would ever consider asking someone like him for a little game of chess. “Well, who am I to decline?”
Nodding, Zechs turned sharply on his heel to head back down the way he came. "Follow me Sub-Lieutenant."
Looking at the commander's back, Lelouch can't help but smirk. He had initially planned on getting on his superior's good side since it would be more convenient to have such influential connections. He did not utter a sound but just followed closely behind.
Zechs walked quickly through the hall, confident in his purpose and who he was. It was easy to see that the young Commander was a very hard man to read. He stopped a bit later in front of wooden door.
“I'm very humbled by your invitation.” The commander did not turn to look. He was still standing with his back on Lelouch. He looked around the hall and the wooden door. He stood there waiting for him to lead the way.
He opened the door and then stepped in, motioning for Lelouch to follow him inside. It was the Quartermaster's office.
He looked at the room. It was impressionable for an office in an airship. It even looked better than the office of the commander who had trained him back in Melior. Well furnished and it gave off a feel of elegance. He followed the Commander and started to scrutinize his actions. He gave off this particular natural grace in his movement. It was starting to pique his curiosity.
He removed the white leather gloves, a silver ring on his left hand. He then reached up, removing the silver mask. His bangs fluttered with the movement before settling down to frame his face and icy blue eyes. He set the gloves and mask down on his desk before kneeling to retrieve the chess set.
Lelouch remained standing as a courtesy while waiting for the commander to let him sit down. He did not take his eyes off the commander. What he saw next was something he never expected. The commander had removed his mask. His piercing blue eyes did not fail to remind Lelouch of something he had seen back in his childhood and so was the silver ring that glistened under the light. He couldn't quite put it but he was sure he had seen the same grace before and his facial features sparked his curiosity even more.
The ring was just a simple silver band, nothing special.. The Commander though was graceful, noble in his movements.
Lelouch did not move a muscle but just stood there with his eyes fixated at the commander.
He easily set up the chessboard. "White or black?" Zechs asked not looking up.
"Black." Lelouch replied in a rough voice.
He nodded and moved the board around before taking a seat behind his desk. He motioned for Lelouch to have a seat.
He took a seat and finally stopped scrutinizing the blonde commander. Lelouch had a feeling he should not let his guard down as the commander was definitely not just what he seems to be.
Seeing as he was playing as the white knight, he moved a pawn forward two spaces.
Lelouch looked down at the move he made. He picked the pawn in front the king piece and moved it two spaces forward.
Zechs raised an eyebrow at that. His expression was unreadable as he though, drumming fingers absently against the wood of his desk.
Lelouch did not fail to notice his drumming fingers. Many found his move intriguing in the past since he always moved the king as soon as he could, so he was not surprised.
He didn't care how Lelouch moved honestly. It was a game, an assessment... Brushing his hair out of his eyes, Zechs moved another pawn.
Lelouch looked at the commander who was focused on the game. He lifted his king and moved it forward.
"What a risky move." He murmured absently to himself, "Courageous." He wondered what move Lelouch would make next. Zechs fell silent as he made another move.
"If the king doesn't move, how can his subordinates follow?" Lelouch grinned slightly at him. He did not want to bring this up but there was no harm trying. "If you don't mind. Can you tell me where you hail from?"
"Ivona. This very city." He replied almost too quickly. He then moved a knight.
Lelouch moved a pawn and placed his elbow on the table with his hand against his chin. "Melior?" He thought about it. Nobles were bountiful in Ivona and Melior was a popular choice for them to study but he was not satisfied with that. "Considering the prestigious academy you went to and all, I'd guess you're of nobility." Even he did not believe what he said. Lelouch had something else in his mind.
"Me? Noble." He laughed at that, "I'm just a poor orphaned solider." Zechs replied casually as he moved another piece.
"Hmm..." Lelouch smirked and tried to hide it behind his hand. He moved his bishop across the board so that it would eat the knight if ever the commander does not move it. "That's interesting. For an orphaned soldier, you're very eloquent to a level comparable to a noble."
"I was friends with Treize Khushrenada. He taught me well." He commented moving his pawn to take the bishop. He fingered the black piece, looking at it.
"Hmm. So it's influence then? He must be a really passionate in teaching you." Lelouch moved another bishop now that there was an opening. One more move and he can snag the white knight.
"He was adamant about every man being a gentleman." Came the casual comment as he moved a piece.
"Lelouch did not eat the very well exposed knight but moved a pawn instead. "I do recall seeing a family of blonde and blue eyes beauty before. I could not help but associate you with them. Have you heard of the Peacecraft’s and the Sanq kingdom?"
"I've heard of them. Why do you ask?" Zechs glanced at Lelouch, giving no outward sign that he was disturbed by this. Zechs Marquise after all, was just a poor orphaned soldier taken in by the elite Khushrenada family at the age of six.
"Hmm...I've had noble classmates and they told me a lot about them. You perfectly match their distinctive traits so that's what made me wonder. Well, I'm not saying you're one of them." Lelouch did know them. He knew them because the royal family had always talked about them. In gatherings, Lelouch always hear mixed opinions on the family that had long since disappeared but he did not want to give that much information to the blond beauty. He wanted him to come out of his closet on his own.
"Now that Sub-Lieutenant, is quite an interesting tale to be sure." Zechs looked at Lelouch, his icy eyes boring into the younger man's, the rook he was going to move grasped lightly in one hand, hovering just above the spot he was going to put it at.
"You think so? They were quite legendary. Superior in intellect, battles, wealth They were at the top but then the only move you have left when you're at the top..." Lelouch took the white knight of the board and placed his bishop on its square. “...is down." His eyes glistened as he looked at the commander intently.
Zechs' expression remained neutral. "Quite interesting isn't it... The black king against the white knight." He said, "Two intelligent men battling over what? Bragging rights? A way to gauge each other's abilities. You Sub-Lieutenant are a liar. Just like everyone else in this god forsaken world."
"Liar huh? I get called that a lot." Lelouch snickered and was no longer focused on the game. "How about you? What do you call yourself then...?" Lelouch had the urge to spill the beans since with his reaction he had more confidence that he was who he thought he was however, he do not want to incur his fury just yet.
"I know I am a liar Lelouch vi Britannia." He said smoothly, looking at the dark haired Prince, his eyes flashing challengingly.
"Then that makes us no different from each other, Prince Melliardo." Lelouch grinned at him with scheming eyes. "Although I hate doing things halfway, I don't find any reason left for us to continue this little game."
"It's Milliardo. Not how you pronounced it." He said with a casual wave of his hand. The former prince moved a piece, "Check."
"Hmm... You truly live up to your name." Lelouch felt a bitter sting for he knew that for the first time in his life, the day has come that he would lose. He knew there was no escape to the inevitable fate his king was about to suffer but still, although futile, he made his final move. "A king who does not fight till the end is not worthy for his people."
"I have no people to fight for Lelouch; my home was destroyed twenty years ago. I threw off the Peacecraft name and became who I am today. The true heir to the Sanq Kingdom is Relena." Zechs moved his last piece, "Checkmate."
"I honestly think you're better off this way." Lelouch smiled at him and looked at his king get taken away. He felt mixed emotions. It was his first time losing and he did not understand the feeling. He was a bit bitter but was also glad that he has found one of his “kin” the law of equivalent exchange played out well. "It's a good game. I hope I did not disappoint your expectations."
"Not at all. I quite enjoyed the game." He replied picking up the king. "Perhaps I should call myself the Black King, for I am no White Knight."
"It fits you." Lelouch chuckled and the smile was still on his lips. He stood up from his chair and stretched his arm out. He spoke, "It's good to see you, Prince Milliardo."
"What does that make you?" Zechs questioned as he rose to his feet. He set down the black king, eyes lingering on it before sweeping over to Lelouch. "Milliardo Peacecraft is dead. I'm Zechs Marquise" He said extending his hand to Lelouch.
"But his legacy will forever live on." Lelouch looked at the commander with a serious expression now. "And I'm now Lelouch Lamperouge. Sub Lieutenant Lelouch Lamperouge." He let go of the commander's hand and a sarcastic smile was on his lips. "Lelouch vi Britannia... I have long left that name behind." He stared at him intently and continued, “And I have no plans of looking back."
"We are one in the same then Sub-Lieutenant... Having cast off our former lives to do what we must for the sake of those we care about." He released Lelouch's hand, his own expression still neutral, not revealing anything.
"I hope this marks a start of a lasting camaraderie, Commander Zechs Marquise" Lelouch stood there and saw the commander under a new light.
"Be wary of Commander Cao. He's sharp. He's onto me." Zechs warned.
Lelouch grinned at him with his eyebrows raised and haughtily replied, "I will."
"Don't get too cocky Sub-Lieutenant. If it's discovered one former prince is on the Victoria, how long until they come looking for others? There's already rumors surrounding me."
"This is a secret I will keep to my very grave." He smirked and saluted at the commander.
He gave a salute in return. "You're dismissed Sub-Lieutenant Lamprouge. Go report to Commander Cao."
With that, Lelouch headed for the door with a satisfied glint in his eyes.
Zechs watched him go, a smirk forming across his lips. He pulled his gloves back on. They knew each other's secrets and where positive the other would take the secret with them to the grave. "Unlike you, I do have honor." He murmured faintly in the native tongue of Erealia. The young Commander then moved, sitting down at his desk as the door closed. He picked up the black king, the smirk growing wicked. "I might just have a use for you in my plans Prince Lelouch vi Britannia." He then put the chess set away