Anissa glared at her reflection in the full-length mirror, scrutinizing the human clothing she'd been forced to wear for this mission.
A simple blouse and jeans, nothing like the battle attire she was accustomed to.
The spell cast by the lesser demons had worked perfectly - her appearance was now that of a 19-year-old human woman rather than her true Viltrumite form.
"This is absurd," she muttered to herself, adjusting the unfamiliar garments.
Two weeks. Two weeks of preparation for what had to be the most humiliating assignment in her centuries of service to the Empire.
Seduction? Relationships? These concepts were foreign to her nature as a Viltrumite warrior.
Viltrumites took what they wanted when they wanted it. They conquered. They dominated. They didn't... court.
She paced the small apartment that had been established as her base of operations, frustration evident in every step.
Through a combination of alien technology hacking Earth's systems and demonic magic manipulating the memories of key individuals, she now had a complete identity on this planet -
Anissa Reynolds, transfer student, complete with academic records and a small but sufficient social media presence.
The memory manipulation had been particularly distasteful, requiring her to work with lesser demons who had sneered and leered throughout the entire process.
But it had been necessary to create non-digital evidence of her existence - a landlord who "remembered" renting to her, a few shop owners who recognized her face.
"Ridiculous," she growled, thinking back to the knowledge transfer she'd been forced to undergo with those revolting succubi.
The process had been invasive and degrading, but it had given her the fundamentals of human courtship rituals, seduction techniques, and relationship dynamics.
Information she had never needed in her role as a conqueror.
And why would she? On planets designated for breeding compatibility tests, it was always male Viltrumites who were sent.
The logic was simple and efficient - a male could impregnate hundreds of females, creating hundreds of hybrid offspring to evaluate.
A female could only produce one offspring per year, making her a less efficient test subject and soldier during that period.
Yet here she was, tasked with seducing a human male - and not just any human, but the adopted son of a being powerful enough to terrify Thragg himself.
Anissa had spent the past two weeks studying her target from afar. Lelouch. No last name, apparently.
Adopted by someone called Goku. Brilliant mind, strategic thinker, physically unimpressive by Viltrumite standards but apparently valued for his intellect.
Today was the day she would make contact. Her research had revealed that he frequented a particular bookstore in downtown Chicago, often browsing the chess and strategy sections.
The plan was simple - "accidentally" bump into him, initiate conversation about a topic that would engage his intellect, and leave enough of an impression to exchange contact information.
Simple. Direct. Efficient.
Except nothing about this mission felt simple or direct. And efficiency? How efficient was it to spend weeks on a single human when she could have conquered entire solar systems in the same timeframe?
But Thragg's fear had been palpable. Whatever this "Goku" was, whatever he had done to make the Grand Regent tremble, it was real.
And if seducing this human boy was the key to understanding and potentially neutralizing that threat, then she would complete her mission.
No matter how distasteful.
The bookstore was quiet when Anissa entered, the soft lighting and smell of paper creating an atmosphere she found strangely calming despite her mission.
Her enhanced senses immediately picked up Lelouch's presence - he was in the strategy section as expected, examining a book on advanced chess theory.
She took a moment to observe him unnoticed. Tall, slender, with striking violet eyes and an air of quiet confidence.
His movements were precise, economical - evidence of a disciplined mind.
Not unattractive by human standards, she supposed, though his physical attributes were irrelevant to her mission.
Another figure stood nearby - a young woman with dark hair and a red scarf. The sister, Mikasa.
Anissa had not anticipated her presence, but it didn't significantly alter the approach. If anything, it provided an opportunity to observe both siblings simultaneously.
Taking a deep breath - an unnecessary gesture for a Viltrumite, but one that helped her center herself in this unfamiliar role - Anissa moved toward the strategy section, selecting a nearby shelf to browse while waiting for the perfect moment to "accidentally" encounter her target.
The opportunity came when Lelouch moved to retrieve a book from the top shelf, requiring him to stretch slightly.
Anissa timed her movement perfectly, stepping into his path just as he turned, causing a collision that sent her carefully selected books tumbling to the floor.
"Oh! I'm so sorry," she exclaimed, infusing her voice with the exact pitch of embarrassment the succubi had taught her. "I wasn't looking where I was going."
Lelouch, ever the gentleman in public, immediately knelt to help gather the fallen books. "No harm done," he said, his voice pleasant and measured. "These things happen."
As they both reached for the same book, their hands brushed - a calculated move on Anissa's part.
She allowed a faint blush to color her cheeks, another technique from the succubi's knowledge transfer.
"The Art of War," Lelouch commented, noting one of the books she'd selected. "And Clausewitz's 'On War.' Interesting choices."
"I find military strategy fascinating," Anissa replied, having researched topics that would engage his interest. "The principles can be applied to so many aspects of life beyond the battlefield."
Lelouch's expression showed polite interest, though something in his eyes - a sharpness, an awareness - suggested he was more perceptive than she had anticipated. "An uncommon interest for most people our age," he observed.
"I've never been 'most people,'" she replied with a small smile, rising to her feet with the recovered books. "I'm Anissa, by the way. Anissa Reynolds."
"Lelouch," he replied, also standing. He gestured to the young woman who had now moved closer, her dark eyes watching Anissa with quiet intensity. "This is my sister, Mikasa."
Mikasa nodded but offered no verbal greeting. Her posture had shifted subtly - not quite defensive, but certainly alert. Interesting. The girl had good instincts.
"A pleasure to meet you both," Anissa said, maintaining her carefully constructed persona. "Are you also interested in strategy, Mikasa?"
"I prefer practical application to theory," Mikasa replied, her voice even and controlled.
"A wise approach," Anissa acknowledged. "Theory without practice is just philosophy."
Lelouch's expression showed a flicker of genuine interest at this statement. "You sound like you speak from experience."
"Let's just say I've had my share of challenges that required both strategic thinking and direct action," Anissa replied, the statement true enough while revealing nothing of substance.
The conversation continued for several minutes, Anissa carefully steering it toward topics that showcased her intelligence without seeming forced.
Lelouch responded with what appeared to be genuine engagement, though she noted he maintained a certain distance - emotional if not physical.
Mikasa remained largely silent, but her attention never wavered. She was assessing, analyzing. A protector, Anissa realized. This one would be a complication.
As the conversation reached a natural conclusion, Anissa implemented the next phase of her plan. "I've really enjoyed talking with you," she said, allowing a hint of reluctance to enter her voice.
"I'm new to the area, and it's been difficult finding people who share my interests."
"Chicago can be overwhelming at first," Lelouch acknowledged with a polite smile. "But you'll find your footing."
"I hope so," Anissa replied, then hesitated as if gathering courage. "This might be forward of me, but would you mind exchanging numbers? It would be nice to continue our discussion sometime."
Lelouch seemed to consider this for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he nodded, pulling out his phone. "Of course."
As they exchanged contact information, Anissa felt a surge of satisfaction. First objective achieved.
Establishing contact had been successful, and she had managed to create enough of an impression to secure future interactions.
"Perhaps we could meet for coffee sometime," she suggested, careful not to push too hard too quickly. "I'd love to hear more about your perspective on asymmetrical warfare strategies."
"That might be arranged," Lelouch replied with that same polite, measured tone. "It was nice meeting you, Anissa."
"Likewise," she said, offering a final smile before departing, her step deliberately casual despite her awareness of Mikasa's continued scrutiny.
As she exited the bookstore, Anissa allowed herself a small smile of triumph. The initial contact had gone according to plan. The human had responded as anticipated to her carefully crafted approach.
Yet something nagged at her.
There had been moments - brief, almost imperceptible - when Lelouch's eyes had shown a calculation that seemed beyond his years.
As if he were playing a game several moves ahead of where they appeared to be.
And the sister, Mikasa... her watchfulness had been too focused, too knowing.
Anissa dismissed the concerns. They were just humans, after all. Intelligent, perhaps, but still limited by their fragile biology and short lifespans.
Whatever game they thought they were playing, she had centuries of experience to draw upon.
The mission was proceeding as planned. Soon, she would have the information Thragg required - and perhaps, in the process, discover the weakness of the being who had humbled the Grand Regent himself.
--------------------------
"A Viltrumite approached us today."
Lelouch's calm statement dropped into the quiet of Mark's bedroom like a bomb, instantly electrifying the atmosphere.
The three siblings had gathered in Mark's childhood home, having finally returned from the GDA facility earlier that week. Debbie was downstairs, preparing dinner while they caught up in private.
Mark shot upright from where he'd been lounging on his bed, his expression shifting from relaxed to alarmed in an instant. "What? Are you serious? Are you both okay?"
"We're fine," Mikasa assured him, seated in the desk chair with her characteristic composure. "There was no confrontation."
"I sensed her life force immediately," Lelouch explained, leaning against the wall near the window. "It had the same distinct signature as yours and your father's - unmistakably Viltrumite."
Mark was already on his feet, pacing the small confines of his bedroom. "What did she want? Did she threaten you? Why would they send someone else so soon after what happened with my dad?"
"Calm down," Lelouch said, his voice level. "Nothing happened. She approached us under the guise of a casual encounter at a bookstore. She's calling herself Anissa Reynolds, presenting as a student new to the area."
"She was gathering information," Mikasa added. "Establishing contact."
Mark stopped pacing, his hands clenching into fists. "This is bad. If Viltrum knows what happened, if they're sending agents to Earth again..."
"We can handle ourselves, Mark," Lelouch reminded him calmly. "Have you forgotten that we can use Ki too? Not to your extent, certainly, but as Goku pointed out during our last training session, we should be capable of crushing mountains now."
This seemed to ease Mark's tension slightly, his shoulders relaxing a fraction. "Right. Yeah. I just... I don't want either of you in danger because of my problems."
"We're your siblings" Mikasa stated simply. "Your problems are our problems."
Mark nodded, though his expression remained troubled. Suddenly, determination flashed across his features. "I'm going after her. I need to find out what she's planning, what Viltrum wants now."
"Sit down, Mark," Lelouch said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "Before you act rashly, listen to what I have to say. I have a plan."
Mark hesitated, clearly torn between immediate action and trusting his brother's strategic mind. After a moment, he reluctantly sat back down on the edge of his bed. "Fine. What's your plan?"
"First, we need to establish facts," Lelouch began, slipping naturally into his analytical mode. "We need to understand why she's here, what her mission entails."
"It seems obvious," Mikasa interjected. "They know Nolan has been defeated. They've sent another agent to continue their plans for Earth."
"That's likely part of it," Lelouch agreed. "But I suspect there's something deeper at play. Her approach was too... specific. Too targeted."
"What do you mean?" Mark asked, frowning.
"She approached us, not you," Lelouch pointed out. "If continuing Nolan's mission was the priority, you would be the logical target - the half-Viltrumite, the son of their previous agent.
Instead, she sought out Mikasa and me. Humans with no genetic value to their breeding program."
Mark's frown deepened as he considered this. "That is weird. So what do you think she wants?"
"That brings me to the most important question," Lelouch said, his violet eyes intent. "Why hasn't Goku acted?"
"What do you mean?" Mark asked, confusion evident in his voice.
"Why hasn't Goku erased the Viltrumite species from the universe?" Lelouch clarified, his tone gentle but direct.
The question hung in the air, heavy with implications. Mark stared at Lelouch, shock written across his features.
Mikasa remained silent, though her eyes revealed she had been wondering the same thing.
"What are you talking about?" Mark finally managed, his voice strained. "Yeah, Viltrum is messed up, but Goku isn't the type to just... genocide an entire planet of people."
Lelouch's expression softened, compassion evident in his eyes. "He would, Mark. He absolutely would."
"No," Mark shook his head vehemently. "No, that's not who he is. Goku is kind, he's caring. He wouldn't just wipe out an entire species."
"He's kind to us," Lelouch corrected gently. "He's caring toward those he loves. Have you not noticed that his kindness to others is mostly courteous at best?
And that this has only become more pronounced since his memories returned?"
Mark opened his mouth to argue, then closed it again, uncertainty creeping into his expression.
"Viltrum threatens the universe," Lelouch continued, his voice soft but unwavering. "It threatens Earth. It threatens us - those Goku loves. And we all know he's powerful enough.
There's a reason we can't sense his power, Mark. It's because it's so transcendent that our very beings reject and retract our sensing when it comes to trying to feel it, protecting us from that knowledge."
"No," Mark insisted, though his voice lacked conviction now. "Goku isn't like that. He wouldn't just... destroy an entire civilization."
"He is like that," Lelouch said firmly. "But that doesn't make him evil, Mark. It makes him willing to do what's necessary to protect what he cares about."
Mark stared at his hands, conflict evident in every line of his body.
"But that's not my point in bringing this up," Lelouch continued. "I believe Goku is testing us. Teaching us by having us face this threat alone.
That's why I want you to not interfere with Anissa directly.
I have plans for her - plans that will help us understand Viltrum's intentions while demonstrating to Goku that we can handle these challenges."
Mark was silent for a long moment, his breathing slightly uneven. Finally, he stood. "I need some air," he said, his voice tight.
He moved to the window, opened it, and without another word, launched himself into the sky.
As the curtains settled in the wake of his departure, Mikasa turned to Lelouch, her brow furrowed with concern. "Was it wise to spring this on him now? Was this the right time?"
Lelouch sighed, moving to close the window. "There is no 'right time' for such revelations, Mikasa. Only the best time."
He turned to face her, his expression serious. "It's better he hears this from me, his older brother, than from some enemy in the future.
With what exists in this world and ours - magic, technology beyond normal standards - it's only a matter of time until someone tries to fracture our bond with this knowledge."
His hands clenched at his sides, a rare display of emotion. "I refuse to lose my brother to foolish, naïve morality that isn't even based on true logic.
I will make Mark understand. I will not lose him. I will make sure we don't lose him."
As he spoke, memories of Nunnally flashed through his mind - her sweet face twisted in betrayal and confusion as Schneizel turned her against him.
The pain of that moment, the agony of seeing his beloved sister manipulated into becoming his enemy, remained sharp despite the passage of time and lives.
"We don't deserve to lose our brother," Lelouch continued, his voice hardening with resolve. "And Goku doesn't deserve to lose his son because of reasonable ideals that others might twist and use against him."
Mikasa studied him for a long moment, then nodded once - a gesture of understanding and support. "Mark will come around," she said quietly. "He's stronger than you think."
"I know how strong he is," Lelouch replied, gazing out the window at the darkening sky where Mark had vanished. "That's why I'm certain he'll understand, eventually. He has to."
For the sake of their family. For the sake of everything they had built together across two lives and worlds.
-----------------------------
(Author note: So, Lelouch understands Goku's approach. And has already began to try to convince Mark of his ideology.
Tell me, do you agree with Lelouch's approach right now? Of already springing this up on Mark?
I'm interested to hear what you guys think.
So yeah, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)