Situation: Euphie meets Kallen and Zero came across them while Suzaku was left alone.
In four different surfs of the same island of sand and stone stood solitary figures, while gazing across the vast open sea, their thoughts lingered on one question amongst the many that have crossed their minds.
Where am I?
However, their similarities stopped there.
In the rocky edged beach stood a forgotten prince contemplating of the events that happened, while struggling to keep the fear of finality at bay.
In the shadowed area of the nearby woods stood a half-blood whose thoughts were now filled with confusion, dread and concern.
In the bright sandy shores with sea greens scattered aimlessly stood a princess of noble birth and stature, but deep emotional wounds scar her loving heart.
And all alone in the shores of a foreign land stood a knight whose thoughts continue to dwell on what had happened but was continually thwarted in his efforts to remember.
Where the hell am I?! This is not good, if I'm going to be stranded in this god-forsaken island for the rest of my accursed life, all the sacrifices and pains I've gone through for the succession of my plan will be ruined! the dark prince thought as he clenched his hands into tight shaking balls.
"No!!! This can't be the end!" he exclaimed as he smashed his fist by a nearby boulder in frustration ignoring the shock of pain that emanated from the action.
"If I fail now, I can no longer make Nunnally's wish come true and her gentle world would never come." he said to himself in lament while feeling the full force of panic and fear in one blow.
Nunnally!!! Oh, God! If I disappear, what will happen to her! He realized as his heart began to thump against the walls of his chest.
"Dammit!" he exclaimed once more while smashing his fist to the boulder again.
I'm getting out of this island no matter what. He declared to himself with all the determination and power that he could muster.
Okay. Calm down Lelouch. He ordered himself as he took deep breaths to regain the composure he had momentarily lost.
Panic won't help you in the situation at hand. Never has, never will. He thought as his heart started to slow and regain its usual pace.
And once again within moments, the black prince of Britannia was back to his usual strategizing self but a pang of fear still remained within him. But this time it was only at a normal level that he was able to keep it at bay for it is normal for humans to experience fear in such situations.
Zero. Where are you? thought the red-headed half-blood as she approached the woods' nearby shade.
The thoughts continue to haunt her mind then suddenly a dark thought managed to invade her present concerned thoughts.
What if he didn't make it? she thought as her eyes grew wide at the possibility.
She automatically felt the pain and hopelessness when a vision of Zero's death came to her.
If he…he dies all we achieve would be lost. If th-that happens Japan would never be freed from the Britannians. No!!! He must live! He can't die. He's our only hope of freedom. He can't… she continued to think of the unfortunate possibility and their unavoidable failure if it would really happen.
She fell down to her knees shaking as silent tears began to ebb down her cheek.
All our hopes and dreams of freedom all lost because of my failure to protect him. Zero please be alive. Don't leave us. We need you. she mentally begged as she gripped her sides to stop the pain of failure that continued to dawn on her.
She was so immersed with her flights of imagination and perceptions of failure that she didn't hear the footfalls of a girl approach her.
Until.
"Hey! Are you alright?" asked the small voice as she watched the crouched figure look up to her with wide shocked blue eyes.
What's she doing here! she mentally exclaimed as she swiftly got up and pinned the princess with an effortless pounce.
"Yes, I'm fine, compared to your situation anyway." She said as she stared at the bewildered lavender eyes of the princess pinned below her.
Who is this girl? Why is she doing this? she asked herself as she continued to assess her blue-eyed subjugator.
She's…a Black Knight! she exclaimed in her thoughts as she noticed the black jacket the girl was wearing as she was pinning her on the shaded sand.
"Get off of me this instant! You have no right to do this to me! Let me go! Or else-" she said showing the slight panic within her only to stop with the terrorist's cold harsh insulting words.
"Or else what Barbie? You gonna call big sis to come and get you?! News flash, you spoiled Britannian Barbie doll we're in an uninhabited island probably miles off from the Britannian Army. So if I we're you, I'd get down on that marble pedestal you standing on and go back down to the real world." declared the red-head as she gripped her even more, her words dripping with venom and mockery.
"I am not a doll!!! And yes, my sister Cornelia would come and save me, she always does! She's going to come and arrest you for assaulting a member of the Royal Family. And if I we're you, I would start by getting off of me and go from your own high horse. Just because you're a Black Knight means that I'm afraid of you!" she retorted at the stranger's insults with every ounce of dignity and pride she could muster.
"So…Cornelia's coming to get you huh?" the stranger asked with the amusement.
She merely nodded. She was strangely bothered by the girl's lack of fear for sister since she was quite used to people stiffening at the mere mention of her sister's name.
"Well, I don't see any ships or Knightmares coming so wouldn't that mean they have absolutely no idea where you are at the moment. And wouldn't that mean you're going to be stuck here with me for a while?" said the girl as she grinned at her evilly as her eyes narrowed onto her.
Her eyes widened at the realization. Then for the second time, fear gripped her. The first time was when she realized she had no idea where she was until she managed to calm down with the knowledge that her sister is coming for her. And this time when that fragile hope was shattered by this angry disrespectful stranger.
Even if Sister Cornelia would be searching for me, it's quite unlikely that she'd come immediately at my rescue. And if worst come to worst she may not even find me alive! Oh no! What have I gotten myself into?! She inwardly panicked and gazed into her captor's blue eyes and only to see the glint of hate and disgust in her cerulean eyes.
"That's right dolly. Even if they are searching for you, chances are, you wouldn't be in good shape when they do find you." the girl said as she sneered at her frightened expression.
The stranger chuckled at the statement while she on the other hand shook with pure fear as she stared at the cold hard gaze of her captor.
"Not so high and mighty now are we Princess Euphemia?" the captor said as the sneer grew even wider.
She was already shaking in fear as the tears began to flow as she saw the stranger pinning both of her hands with one of hers and reaching for a small knife at her back pocket.
Suzaku! Help! she mentally screamed.
She was nearing her breaking point when she heard a strong authoritative voice.
"That's enough Kallen!" said the masked man as he approached the two of them.
Zero! her thoughts were all in a jumble because of the fear that laced her brain as she turned to gaze upon the approaching figure.
Also, she couldn't help but feel a flood of relief when she heard the man command the stranger to stop. However, suspicion soon took on her as looked at the masked man, while a name echoed in her mind.
Lelouch.
"Dammit! What the heck happened!" the knight repeatedly asking himself as he tried to rack his brain in an effort to recall the past events. But despite for his memory loss, one thing was certainly clear.
Zero. The masked man still continues to haunt him with his imposing dark figure of mystery.
"Why can't I remember?" He asked himself only to once again come up blank.
He took a deep calming breath.
Where am I anyway? He thought as he surveyed the island's landscape only to have the knowledge of him being stranded being engraved on his mind.
Judging from the silence, I'd say the island is inhabited so the chances of me coming across someone are certainly slim. He contemplated while gazing at the shadowy forest at the distance and listening to the eerie silence only broken by the coming waves that lapped his feet.
He sighed as he began walking towards the green patch of trees.
Look's like I'm going to be here for a while. I might as well look for some place to spend the night. I'd also need to look for food and water to keep myself alive. And of course, I'd have to look for some wood to build a fire or else I'm probably going to get a cold in these wet clothes.
He sighed once more, this time in exhaustion due to his contemplations.
Even if I never do get to leave this place, at least I everyone I care about is alright. Euphie. Lelouch and Nunnally. The Student Council. Everyone's fine, all except for me that is. I'm here in a desolated island probably stuck here for the rest of my life. he silently contemplated.
He sighed as he let the memories ebb.
He recalls the talk with his father escalating into an argument until he ended it with a final blow.
This is just a fitting punishment for a killer like me. he thought as a small sad bitter smile showed in his lips.
He was just walking towards the green patch when the young man took notice of two figures hidden amidst the bushes.
Kallen! What is she doing here?! And…who's that unfortunate being she has pinned? Eu…Euphie! It can't be! Kallen was near enough to be dragged into this but not her.
Suddenly, he felt nothing but anger when he saw his ace threaten his half-sister. Even with his anger towards the Royal Family, he could never bring himself to hate or even despise the princess who showed him and Nunnally nothing but kindness and love.
As he neared them, and when he was sure enough that both of them could hear him, he ordered the pilot with his usual authoritative self, with a hint of anger and annoyance that failed to reach their ears.
"That's enough Kallen!" he said as the ace raised her head to see his approaching figure.
"Let her go, Kallen." He uttered once more in a slower tempo, noting that Euphie was also staring at him with gratitude unmistakably present in her lilac eyes.
"Zero! You're alright!" Kallen exclaimed with both relief and joy that managed to reduce the anger he felt for her at the moment. She then immediately let go of the princess as she looked at him with her shinning blue eyes.
She really must have been worried about me. He observed as he glanced at Kallen who seemed to emanate nothing but relief. He was about to say something when he once again noticed Euphemia sitting silently on the side at the brink of crying.
"Are you alright, Princess Euphemia?"he asked as he turned to her while ignoring his ace, which in turn made the red-head glower at the princess.
"Yes. I'm fine. Thank you for stopping her. If you hadn't come she probably would have –" the princess said rather shaken of the ordeal, as the tears began to flow once more.
"Don't fret. No one's going to hurt you Princess." He said tenderness emanating from every syllable while lowering down to his knees.
Both we're shocked at his statement and action. But they were more surprised to hear such a tender tone from the said ruthless leader.
"Besides. I'm sure Kallen didn't mean any harm. I'm quite sure she was just scaring you." he added ignoring their surprise while maintaining his tender calming tone.
"Really?!" said the princess still visibly shaking even with him trying to calm her down.
"Really." He uttered with such tenderness that both women's eyes widen once more for they never thought that such a person like him who is capable of such cruelty could emanate such tenderness when needed.
He then stood up and once again regained his usual proud regal commanding tone.
"Kallen, might I remind you, that I never condone acts of taking advantage of the weak and defenseless." He said staring at his knight as his tone turned from gentle to berating.
"Forgive me, Zero. I just thought to scare her so she would stop her efforts of escape when I finally take her in." she said stuttering as she lowered her head not meeting his invisible gaze.
"Oh? As a hostage you mean?"he asked now in an amused tone that seems to make the pilot feel a little better.
"Yes, Sir. I only want to scare her that's all. Hurting her would not only be against your principles but mine as well." she said raising her head once more and her tone reverting back into her strong voice.
Not bad. She does have a point in using fear to induce cooperation from Euphie. And it's not like it's a move I wouldn't make in her position. In fact, taking Euphie hostage would only be common sense if one wants to have some leverage over Britannia. he contemplated as he gazed at the half-blood proudly standing before him.
"So you decide to take advantage of rather distraught state to make her a more docile captive. A psychological move. It's quite unlike you Kallen. I'm impressed." He honestly stated which earned him a bright smile from the ace pilot.
"Thank you, Zero." She said with a pleased smile as she bowed in thanks.
"Very well, as you have heard Princess, my knight had no intention of harming you physically if you'll be cooperative during your captivity. So I suggest you repress any foolish thoughts of escape for she may be forced into harming you. Is that clear?" he bellowed at the seated girl in his usual voice devoid of the tenderness that used to be present as he his spoke to her.
"Yes." She said shaking, obviously still scared of the girl despite his assurance.
Looks like Kallen really got carried away in scaring her into cooperation. He mused as he observed Euphemia's shaking form.
"Good. Now, let us find some shelter and build a warm fire before nightfall." He ordered as walked off into the woods, stopping to turn at the girls waiting for them to follow.
Both girls nodded as they soon understood the gesture and followed him into the green jungle.
I never thought he could be so… gentle. the soldier thought as she recalled the way her commander comforted the frightened doll.
I never saw him show such kindness and gentleness to anyone. To a Britannian at that! she continued in her thoughts as remembered how he said that he'd destroy Britannia and liberate Japan. So to see him be so gentle at the girl irked her in some way. The irksome feeling she felt was of course jealousy but refused to acknowledge such emotion.
It is times like these that I wonder who this man behind the mask is. She remembered the time when he asked her if she trusted him and she unhesitatingly answered yes. She recalled how her sudden answer surprised her as well as her fellow Black Knights.
Why did I trust him? I don't even know him. But with the way he preformed those unattainable feats won me over. That, and the unmistakable charisma and the essence of regality that seems emanates from him. she concluded.
She glanced at Zero's lithe walking figure.
She sighed.
Who are you, Zero? She mentally asked while keeping her gaze at the man leading them.
Eventually, she felt herself tire a bit. They were walking for hours and they weren't able to find a good spot to spend the night.
Damn. You'd think an island would have less rough terrain. she thought while trying not to lose her balance on the rocky earth.
We've been going at a snail's pace for hours. We should have found some place if it wasn't for the slow poke over there. she begrudgingly thought as she glanced at the princess behind her and a look of disgust lacing her features.
"What is your problem?! We've been giving me those looks every time you look at me!" the princess asked, annoyance obviously present in her voice.
"You! You've been dragging us down from the beginning of our trip. " she answered her fatigue finally getting to her and has now dissolved the last essence of patience and consideration left in her.
"It's not my fault that these woods are so rough." The doll retorted with indignation as she flushed with emotion.
"Why do you wear such a long gown anyway? It's basically impossible to walk in that thing." She asked with her temper flaring to greater heights.
Dammit! And I actually thought nobody could make my blood boil like this other than Lelouch. If I didn't know any better, I'd say the two are related. Geez… maybe… she need a little more fear in her system. That would shut her up and maybe quicken her pace a little bit. she thought when she glared at the girl once more.
She was already in the process of taking out her knife again when she was stopped by her commander's bellowing angry voice.
"That's enough! Both of you stop your petty quarreling now! Do you hear me! "her commander snapped at them, with annoyance and anger coating the statement. Looks like Kallen's not the only one getting a little cranky due to fatigue.
Silence enveloped them at once. Not one was brave enough to utter a sharp retort to another. Especially with Zero growing tired of their arguments.
They continued on with their silence until they finally arrived in a suitable place. The ground was quite bumpy but compare to the terrain, it was a god-sent.
Finally! She mentally exclaimed as she sat on the ground breathing out an exhausted sigh.
"Kallen. Make a fire while I search for some food and water." ordered Zero while still maintaining his standing position unlike the two of the girls.
"Yes, Sir." She quickly stood up and gathered up the available firewood while still keeping an eye on the princess.
"Oh, and Kallen." he said while gaining both of the girls' attentions.
"Yes, Zero?" she turned to him awaiting another command.
"Try not to kill her while I'm gone. We can't afford to lose such a valuable piece." He said in a half-jesting and half-serious manner that seems to confuse her once again.
Since when did he know how to joke around? Well, it was sort of a joke. Sure it's more like a sarcastic remark rather than a joke but still…it was a joke. she contemplated vaguely considering the possibility of Tamaki rubbing off on him or something.
"I will sir." She replied with a salute and secretly hoping that he didn't notice her pause.
"I trust you with that statement, Q1" he said in a gentler manner now, making her blush a little.
"Thank you, sir." She replied a little shyly as she observed Zero walking away.
"Zero!" she exclaimed only for the figure to turn to her as if asking her what she wants.
"Be careful." She said in a more vulnerable and soft tone that seem to surprise Euphie.
"I will." Zero said in his gentle voice as he cupped Kallen cheek but before she knew it he was already walking away to find some food and water to sustain them for the night.
She never thought she could actually feel thankful in the presence of the infamous Zero. She could almost feel the cringing fear as she recalled the knife nearing her throat and mentally screaming for Suzaku.
And her silent cries for assistance did get answered, but she didn't quite expect the white knight turned into a black one instead.
He spoke to her as if nothing changed between them. His voice was both gentle and calming, so unlike his usual authoritative tone that graced the ears of the public. She felt she was crying with joy and was about to call out his name, only to be cut off by reality when his commanding voice pierced her ears.
Momentarily shocked by the turn of events and the euphoric revelation, she didn't notice him turn to Kallen until the tone of his voice changed. So she thought he was talking to her, but quickly realized that he wasn't with her anymore, but was instead standing in front of her with his back against her while berating the actions of his follower.
Serves her right. She recalled thinking only to be miffed when he ended up commending her transgressions after her explanation. She was already starting to dislike this girl and her displeasure didn't lessen with the exhaustion she felt during their quest for shelter.
She and the girl snapped at each other whenever she does something wrong and it didn't help the matters when she was actually slowing them down with her gown. They were eventually silenced by Zero's annoyed angered voice.
But she had to admit that she was rather impressed with Lelouch's present stamina, in the aspect of his physical capabilities and tolerance. When they were young, she vaguely recalled how Lelouch was the one slowing them down and as for his tolerance, she had no idea when or where did that develop but soothing tells her it had to do with his act as Zero.
Eventually she was snapped out of her thoughts of reminiscence when she heard him saying something about looking for food. And her ears pricked up with Zero's jesting tone and the words trust and Q1.
Q1? She thought as glanced at the still blushing red-head and completely trying to hide the slight blush that bloomed on her porcelain cheeks when she realized that the thought carried a rather jealous tone.
Who is this girl to deserve such a high rank from him? She wondered trying to ignore the nagging feeling of envy in her heart.
She was never a fan of chess unlike her other siblings but she knows enough to know that Q1 stands for the most powerful piece on the set. The Queen. And that little fact irked her a bit since she knew how much her half-brother enjoys the game.
And did he say that he TRUSTS her?! She thought while trying to calm the blush that was threatening to bloom. Lelouch, even as a young child rarely trusts anyone except for the ones closest to him so the tidbit only made her feel worse.
Who is she Lelouch? She asked as she curiously stared at the girl trying to make a fire for the three of them.
She sighed, readying herself for the sharp hurtful retorts to come.
"Excuse me? Um…mind telling me why Zero calls you Q1." She said with all the gentleness that she could muster as she tried to keep the hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Yes, I do." the girl retorted harshly while not taking her eyes off of the fire she was building.
"Oh." She said as she stared at the ground letting the silence consume them.
"Um – " she said interrupting the silence only to be interrupted with an annoyed sigh from the girl.
"Okay! If it helps you shut your mouth and let me concentrate in building this fire. He calls me Q1 because I'm the Black Knight's ace pilot and one of the very few who works under his direct command. Happy?!" the girl answered the question as she reverted back to her work.
"Oh." She said plainly while looking at how the girl's brows knitted with impatience.
Kallen was eventually able to build the fire so they just waited in silence while waiting for Zero to come back.
He's been gone for so long. Maybe he got lost or something. She worriedly thought while recalling how Lelouch hated the camping.
I hope he's all right. She prayed while gazing at the newly built fire.
Her thoughts were pretty soon immersed in happy moments of childhood with Lelouch and Nunnally. But she was unfortunately interrupted when her stomach growled.
Silence echoed between them only to broken when the girl laughed and just then, her stomach growled in turn and blushed as Euphie herself giggled.
"What's taking Zero so long?" she asked the girl who merely shrugged her shoulders.
However, her question was soon answered by footsteps and a gentlemanly apology.
"Forgive me. It took longer than I thought." Zero said coming from behind her startling her a bit.
He was carrying a bundle of fruits with his cape with a couple of bamboo shoots that seemed to be filled with water. With his cape removed, it revealed his lithe form more clearly, she then noticed that his clothes were neatly tailored but she was soon distracted by a small pistol hidden at the holster in his belt.
Lelouch. Is that the same gun that killed Brother Clovis? She mentally asks while looking up at the Zero's standing form. The morbid tone of her thoughts was soon cut off by Kallen.
"It's alright. We're fine." Kallen interjected as she stood up to great her leader while taking the bundle off Zero's hand while he gave them both the water-filled bamboo.
Kallen. She's so different when it comes to Zero. She actually seems nice. She thought as she released a tired sigh.
Wait. Kallen? Since when did I refer to her as Kallen?! she briefly pondered at the realization that the girl despite of all her rudeness was actually growing on her while taking a sip from the hallowed shoot.
They were both eating the when she noticed that Lelouch wasn't touching any of the fruit he brought.
"Zero, aren't you going to eat?" she asked concerned.
"I already ate." He said plainly as she watched how the shadow cast dark shadows against the mask.
"Oh. I forgot. You never show your face to anyone." She said dejectedly as she reverts her gaze back to the fire.
Only to Kallen, I suppose. she thought not bothering to ignore the tone of jealousy in her feelings.
She then looked up when she heard the sound of Kallen's questioning voice.
"Zero, how did you manage to make these?" Kallen asked, curiosity present in every words, as she examined the hallowed out bamboo that stored fresh water.
Kallen's question managed to get her interest.
How did he? she asked herself as she once again recalled how Lelouch was never the handyman since he was quite lazy to learn anything that doesn't manage to get his interest. She waited for his answer only to be surprised by his knowledge.
"I cut off some young bamboo shoots and hallowed them out with a knife." he said while showing a small utility knife whose size was comparable to Kallen's dagger.
Her brows furrowed slightly at the knife.
So he not only knows how to use a gun but a knife as well! she exclaimed in her thoughts while looking at how his long fingers played the knife.
"Oh. But wouldn't it be easier to get us and rest by the water source instead of going through the effort of making these?" Kallen asked while throwing some more wood into the fire.
"I would have, but the terrain was simply impossible to sleep in." he said plainly as he answered her, his fingers stopped twirling the knife when he saw her looking at him.
"Oh. Too bad." said Kallen as she leaned her back to the tree behind her while stifling a small yawn.
"Get some sleep Kallen, you need some rest and we have a long day ahead of us, and you too Euphemia." he said reverting to his gentle tone when he noticed Kallen yawn.
"Okay." muttered Kallen sleepily as her lids began to droop and soon she was off to the world of dreams.
How can anyone sleep on a place like this! she thought as she gazes at Kallen, peacefully sleeping like a baby while she struggle to look for a comfortable position.
She then turned to Lelouch who was also getting ready to sleep. Moments passed and she gave no indication of confronting him. And while she was gathering her courage to talk to him, he was now also off to dream world.
Come on, Euphie! You can do it! Just talk to him already! She said to herself as she stole a glance at Zero's sleeping figure.
He was leaning against a tree with his arms crossed against his chest. His head was drooping from the weight of the mask on his head.
"I can do this!" she exclaimed in a whispery voice as she stood up and walked towards the dark sleeping figure.
She sighed.
"Lelouch." She whispered as she placed her hand on his shoulder.
Then what happened next was too fast to recall but all she can do right now was to stare at the dark hawk-like mask hovering above at her as he pinned her down with a gun in his hand.
The stars are so beautiful. thought the lying knight, as he gazed upon the starry night while recalling childhood moments forever treasured within his heart.
I remember when Lelouch and I used to gaze at them all night long while making up stories to entertain Nunnally. he recalled while smiling at the memory.
We were so happy and peaceful then. No wars. No fights. Well… I couldn't say that. he chuckled at the sentiment.
He recalled the first day he saw Lelouch. And every time he did he'd wince at his actions. He was once a racist, in a way he was no different from the Britannians that treat the Japanese like dogs. He once thought all Britannians as nothing but stuck-up spoiled brats thinking they can order everyone around. So when he found out a couple of them are staying with his family he got mad.
Lelouch. He recalled confronting the little kid and punching him in the gut with no valid reason what so ever. Just because he was a Britannian. Back then, he expected the kid to cry and go running back to the place where was supposed to be. But he didn't, Leouch held it all in, not a single tear came out as his flurry of punches and kicks connected to the boy's lanky frame.
Until now, whenever he and Lelouch reminisce, he'd apologize for his actions and every time he did, his friend would wave it off as if it was nothing. He says he'd forgiven him, but that doesn't mean he'd forgiven himself yet.
Nunnally. A smile crept up on him as he recalled how she single-handedly stopped him in the process of beating the crap out of her brother. And all she said was for him to stop her big brother, at first he had no intention of listening to her pleas and even decided to taunt her so he stopped for a moment and raised his eyes to look at her.
He was about to say, 'Try and stop me you Britannian brat!' when he was cut off by the sight of her. She was crippled so she can't stop him even if she wanted to, and to top it off, she was blind so she can't even see him. At that moment he felt so lousy and sick to his stomach that he let go of Lelouch and ran outside without a word of apology.
Later that evening, he volunteered to take them their dinner, so when he could apologize for beating the kid into a bloody pulp. When the door open, he saw Lelouch standing there regally as if nothing happened but the fact that he was black and blue all over betrayed his pain.
'What do you want?!' he asked seething, his dark violet eyes boiling with anger, even as a child his eyes were so fierce that one could not help but get lost in the intense emotion they held and step back a little, forgetting that what they see before them was no more that a small lithe figure of a man.
'Dinner.' he said meeting his still seething eyes, while pushing the try against the boy.
'Thanks.' the boy sarcastically said while turning his back at him.
The action made him so angry that he recalled wanting to beat the boy up again just to teach him the lesson not to turn his back on him. And he was about to when he heard the kid speak to his little sister with such gentleness that it surprised him. He never expected him to be so nice, to his sister anyway. The boy soft comforting tone softened him up a bit so he managed to recall the true purpose for the visit.
'I'm sorry.' He said so sincerely that the boy paused in his movements as if trying to confirm what he heard him say as true.
'I'm really sorry.' He said to ensure that the boy was not mistaken.
The boy said nothing in return, soon; an awkward silence enveloped them until Nunnally spoke up with her innocent tone.
'Of course I forgive you. But brother here may not be so easily swayed.' She said giggling, maybe imagining their shocked faced at her statement.
While he continued to stare at her in disbelief and the thoughts of 'She's can't be that forgiving. No one is!' echoing in his head, he didn't notice the boy sigh until he heard it the second time.
'She's right you know. I'm not as nice as her. So you'll need to earn that forgiveness.' He said looking at him.
He merely nodded in agreement and proceeded to go downstairs while thinking of a way to earn that forgiveness.
And he did. But until now the guilt was still there.
He recalled more moments with them, they were the happiest moments in his life and he'd treasure them always. He was still reminiscing when an ugly realization came to him.
I might never get to see them ever again. he thought as a sharp pain stabbed at him, as he recalled all the people he's going to lose. Not only Lelouch and Nunally but the Student Council as well and of course, Princess Euphiemia.
Euphie! Oh, Euphie. I'm sorry I can't be your knight. he thought as sadness and pain came to him in waves, while tears began to ebb out of his eyes like a stream.
"I'm going to miss them all." He sighed as he turned to his side at began to watch the flames cast playful shadows against the ground.
Besides, I never did deserve happiness. Especially after what I did many years ago. he concluded bitterly.
"Father. I'm so sorry." he whispered to the wind and paused as if waiting for it to answer him.
"I'm worthless son. I'm sorry to bring my family such sorrow." he continued as he felt the tears slow as he adverted his gaze into the fire's hungry core and sat up throwing a few sticks into it.
"I would not ask you to forgive me like I did with Lelouch, because I know I don't deserve your forgiveness or anyone's for that matter." he silently declared as he took out a sharp dagger and aimed it at his heart.
"And for what I did. I deserve to die!" he shouted and with one swift motion he plunged the dagger into his heart.
Live! The order echoed within him and then he stopped with the dagger merely centimeters from its target.
Why can't I do it! he thought as he plunged the dagger into the ground instead.
Why?! he questioned himself as he racked his head in frustration.
And as if on cue, he answered his own question. He remembered all his friends. The people who gave him a reason to live echoed in his head. Those people saved him from sheer depression when he was about to plunge into its deep abyss. Those people are his friends.
Oh. I almost forgot. To think that I actually forgot about them when all I did was think about them. I'm such a fool at times. he begrudgingly chuckled at his foolishness.
Look's like Lelouch does have a point went it comes to constant jabs on my intellect. I was never good at logic and analysis. he thought as he recalled how Lelouch used to pick on his intellect when they were young.
But, that doesn't change what I did. he thought resuming his dark brooding when he recalled his unforgiveable act.
Fine. I'll let Fate decide. If I die. I die. If I survive… I'll try to live my life. Because, now I have a reason to live. Even if I truly deserve to die. he sighed at the realization and looked up at the sky once more, but this time he saw a light.
A dark smile crept up on lips when he noticed the beacon.
Talk about timing. Just when I decide to try to live and to leave my life in Fate's hands, she answers by giving me a hope to leave this island. It was as if she was waiting for me to realize. he chuckled darkly at the thought.
He sighed and leaned back as he assessed the light's location. His assessment was soon cut when he smelled something burning and to his dismay, he saw his dinner ruined before his eyes.
Uh! You idiot, you forgot about the fish! he thought as he examined the burnt out crisp that supposed to be his dinner.
He sighed once more as he took off his shirt and proceeded to the stream so he could catch some more fish.
He was between two worlds at the moment. The dream and the real. He was sleeping but not completely. Ever since he took on the mask of Zero he conditioned himself to be a light sleeper because he needed to be able to wake up in the middle of the night immediately and not asking for five more minutes of sleep when he is needed. And the act took some effort but he soon managed to do it with the help of some meditating books where it helps you plan and think in your sleep. It also heightens your sense when you're sleeping making you wake up more easily. So when Euphie placed her hand on his shoulder and whispered his name, he shot up and pinned her down immediately not thinking who the person was.
"Le-Lelouch?" she said as she spoke his name once more while he in turn maintained his position of pinning her with a gun aimed at her.
"Lelouch." she said more steadily as gazed at him fear no longer present in her eyes.
"It's you, I know it." she declared with a more determined tone.
"How did you know?" he asked, wondering how he managed to betray his identity to her.
"During the hostage incident when you saved me. That incident, gave me the suspicions but you confirmed them when you spoke to me with such gentleness. I remember the tone of your voice when you spoke to Nunnally." she said a little blush grazing her cheeks.
"Oh." he said as got off of her and returned the gun back to its holster.
I really should be more careful. I know she won't speak to anyone. It's against her nature. But if she managed to find out who I am, there's no question that others would be able to guess my true identity. And if that happens. he thought as his fists clenched with anger at the possible consequences.
He then surfaced from his thoughts and noticed her staring at him with a curious gaze.
"What?" he asked as he met her gaze.
" C-Could I see your face?" she asked shyly with a small blush emphasizing her emotion.
He contemplated at the request with an obvious pause.
Why not. She already knows anyway. he thought as he took of his mask revealing his face to her.
"Lelouch!" she exclaimed while hugging him like boa constrictor.
"Euphie!" he exclaimed rasping for breath.
"Oops! Sorry." She said loosening her embrace letting him breathe properly as a chuckle escaped her.
He sighed. She always overreacts when it comes to these things. Some things just never change.
He was about to tell her just that when he heard Kallen stir. Kallen's action didn't escape Euphie's notice either so both of them froze in a hugging position waiting for the girl to go back into the deeper realms of sleep. When they were sure that Kallen's not going to wake up anytime soon, they both sighed in relief.
That was a close one. If Kallen caught us were dead. he sighed as he let go of Euphie.
"Lelouch? Does she?" she asked worriedly at him and if his ears weren't deceiving him he heard a tone of envy from the girl.
"No. She doesn't." he told her, as he observe his half-sister's reaction to his words.
The relief he saw her gave out was unmistakable and the action was followed by one of her winning familiar smiles.
So she was jealous. At Kallen at that! he mused and chuckled inwardly.
Soon they were both sitting side by side just like the old days while reminiscing their childhood experiences together. A light atmosphere seemed to have formed between them but it soon faded when Euphie asked one simple question.
"Why Lelouch?" her tone both curious and sad.
"Because the emperor dismissed my mother's murder and called Nunnally worthless. That's why." he replied not masking the hate he felt for their father.
"And Clovis? I know you two don't get along but…" her voice trailed off as a stray tear journeyed down her cheek.
"He ordered the massacre of thousands of Japanese people all that's why. And don't ask me why he did it because I have no idea." he said not meeting her gaze.
He was lying of course. He knew why Clovis would order such a thing. But he had no intention of giving that information to Euphie.
She doesn't have to be dragged into this. he thought while looking at the fire with sadness present in his eyes.
"So…how's Nunnally?" she asked quickly changing the topic in an effort to bring back the light atmosphere they once had.
"She's fine. Despite her unfortunate disposition she is happy." he replied still not meeting her gaze.
"I'm glad. For both of you." she said with all the sincerity and tenderness in her voice.
She then embraced him, in a more gentle way unlike the first. He then let himself go and let the warmth of her embrace envelop him as he lean back to her soft loving form.
Euphie. I missed you. he confessed to himself as he took a deep breath inhaling her fragrance in the process.
She smells like lavender and roses. He concluded as he remembered the flowers to be her favorites.
"The stars are so beautiful here I remember the time when we were kids we'd watch them all night long." she said wistfully while tightening her embrace on him.
"Yeah…I miss those days very much." He confessed with a sad smile present on his lips.
I miss those days very much. Too bad they can never be repeated. he added to himself.
"Lelouch? Are you?" she asked hesitantly as she stiffened a little.
"No. I'm Lelouch. Zero's not here right now. Only Lelouch is." He said to her comfortingly and gentle just like the old day.
She merely smiled at his words and held him more firmly than before. Soon, the both turned their gazes back to the stars only for him to notice a light in the distant sky.
A light. He noticed hopefully.
A small yawn soon escaped from her so he reluctantly left her embrace.
"Get some sleep Euphie. You'll need it in the morning." He said while reaching for his mask.
She nodded sadly and proceeded to go back to her usual place.
He was about to resume his state of half-sleeping when she asked him one more question.
"Um…Lelouch? Where did you learn how to make those cups?" she asked curiously.
"I learned them when I was living in Japan. I managed to make a friend there, and the kid loved the outdoors and so dragged me out every day to camp. And in the process teach me some survival tips." He said wistfully.
A small smile laced her lips as she uttered her one last sentiment.
"You were really happy in Japan, weren't you? Goodnight, Lelouch." She said as she closed her eyes and tried to get some sleep.
"Yes. Yes, I was. Goodnight, Euphie." he said as he resumed his earlier position.
Forgive me, Euphie. Tomorrow, I'll have to be Zero once more. he thought as he resumed his stupor.
"Zero, are you sure about seeing a light?" she asked her commander as they walked up a rather steep terrain.
"I'm sure Kallen." he replied in clipped tones, obviously still a little angry at her attitude yesterday.
Not that I blame him or anything. It was highly immature and unprofessional for me to act like that towards the princess or for anyone for that matter. She thought as she glanced back at the princess's already fatigued form behind her when she saw the girl slip.
And with her fully recharged she was able to catch her before the girl could tumble down the terrain.
"Are you alright?" she asked with true sincerity that seemed to have caught Zero's attention.
The girl merely nodded, probably not wanting piss her off again.
Damn. I really was a nightmare yesterday wasn't I. she concluded as she saw the girl refused to meet her eyes.
"Kallen?" asked the voice from behind.
"Yes, Zero?" she asked, wondering if he wanted her to do something.
"Why the different tone?" he asked quite curiously.
She couldn't help but blush at his assessment.
"I just realized that it is Britannia we're fighting against not its innocent citizens. Royal or not." she answered glancing at the shocked princess she was holding.
After confirming that the princess was able to stand on her own she let get go and they resumed their journey.
"Hmm…looks like a good night sleep did your mood good." Zero said not even trying to hide the amusement in his tone.
She blushed once more and nodded at his statement.
"And Princess Eupiemia?" she paused while glancing back at the princess.
"Y-yes?" replied the girl still visibly scared of getting on her bad side.
"I'm sorry for being so rude the other day. The fatigue got to me I guess." she said as a small blush came to her cheeks.
"That's okay, Kallen. I was a little off yesterday myself. And Kallen." the girl smiled at her apology and answered her with a cheery warm tone of forgiveness.
"Yes. Princess?" she asked a little shyly.
"Call me Euphie, please." she smiled once more.
"Uh. Okay. Euphie." she replied in turn.
They were walking a little further up the steep rocky him when Zero turned to her once more.
"Oh. Kallen. It reminds me." he said while glancing at her with more scrutiny that usual.
"Yes Zero?" she asked uneasily as she felt his observing gaze on her.
"Since when did you get a decent night's sleep?" he asked in a berating tone.
Oh no. Looks like he noticed my eye bags. she thought as she felt him observe her even more.
"Last night." She said rather sheepishly.
"No wonder you were unusually irritable yesterday. You didn't get enough sleep!" he declared.
"I'm sorry for snapping sir. I guess studying the Guren's manual took out a lot from me than I thought." She confessed with a bright red blush on her cheeks.
"Just make sure you get some sleep when we return. I don't want an unstable pilot on the field. Understand?" he said with a commanding tone combined with a little genuine concern.
"Yes, Zero." she replied while giving him a slight bow.
The both of them were too busy in their conversation that they didn't notice Euphie slip until they heard her horrified screams.
"Euphie! " they both exclaimed as they tried to reach for her but it was too late.
She busy listening to Kallen and Lelouch's conversation that she didn't notice a rather loose stone at the side on which she used as leverage so slipped.
Help! she mentally screamed in her head.
While she was screaming as she tumbled down the steep hill until she was saved by a couple of stray trees.
Thank God. she sighed.
Then everything went black.
He was walking towards the area where he thinks the source of the light came from when he heard a shrill terrified scream.
"What was that?!" he exclaimed as he turned to the source of the sound.
He then turned and ran towards the voice without a moment's hesitation.
With the pitch, it could only be female. And she sounded really scared and she probably needs help. he concluded as she sprinted off to the where he has heard the sound.
Then, he stopped mid-step as he saw Zero carrying Euphie in his arms. She was obviously hurt judging from the blood coming from the side of her head.
And when the scene finally registered in his mind his vision was clouded with a red haze. And all he could think about was Zero.
I'm going to kill him. he screamed in his head as she charged towards Zero only to be blocked by a familiar face.
Kallen? What is she doing here? And is that a Black Knights uniform she's wearing? he thought as he jumped back to assess the situation more clearly.
"What are you doing here Kallen? Wearing that uniform and serving that man?!" he asked still visibly seething.
"I'm here because I'm a Black Knight and it's my duty to protect Zero." She declared proudly while shifting to her fighting stance.
Not as frail as they said she is then. he concluded darkly as he himself took on a fighting pose.
"What did you do her?" he asked angrily at Zero ignoring Kallen for the moment.
"She fell." Zero said plainly completely devoid of emotion.
"Liar!" he screamed as he charged towards him once more only to be blocked again by Kallen.
"Why did you drag her into this Zero?" he asked while trying to break Kallen's defense.
Man, for a girl, she's strong. he begrudgingly concluded.
"I did no such thing!" Zero replied obviously offended.
"It's your fault she's hurt." He pressed on.
"We're in a war Kururugi, casualties are expected even with one so frail." he replied with with proud arrogant tone.
"Casualties are expected?!" he exclaimed as he pushed Kallen only to meet with her defence.
Man! She's stubborn! he thought as he turned to wait for Zero's answer.
"Yes." the masked man replied to him coolly.
"Ha! You're nothing but a murderer! And if you ever made such an attempt on her." He said seething and unable to continue.
"What do you call what you're doing then?" Zero asked him with a hint of malice.
"I don't know what you mean." He stated rather confused at the question.
"Really, so fighting under Britannia against Japan doesn't make you a murderer?" Zero taunted him.
A murderer. He's right but that doesn't give him the right to do the same.
"Ha! It's not like I meant it unlike you who knows what he's doing." He replied only to jump back at Kallen's question.
"What are you talking about Suzaku?" she asked him confused as he jumped back to his attack position.
Crap. I slipped. And it looks like I'm confusing the past with the present again. he thought as his anger for Zero and himself began to take its toll on his chaotic worried mind.
"I'm talking about my father's murder Kallen." he said calmly as a shadow casted itself on his eyes.
"Murder! But I thought – " she said only to be cut off by him.
"You thought wrong. I killed my father so that the war would stop." he answered; at that moment he didn't care anymore he'll do anything to get Euphie back even if it means exposing his past crimes.
I'll just have to distract her long enough so I could get Euphie from that bastard Zero. he contemplated as a plan formed in his head.
"What you did was give Japan over to Britannia on a silver platter!!!" she screamed at him with rage and fury boiling in her ocean blue eyes.
"To hell what you think. I did it for the Japanese." He replied as he lunged for Zero.
"The hell you did!" she screamed back as she lunged at him too.
Just as I expected. She let her emotions cloud her focus with my confession. He thought as she charged at Zero.
But he was surprised when he saw Zero swear something under his breath and then tossed Euphie like a ragdoll who he luckily caught.
He soon saw Zero going to Kallen when suddenly the earth began to shake as a red light appeared around them.
What the – his thoughts momentarily halted.
And the next thing he knew he was holding Euphie in his arms and he was surrounded by a small army of Britannian soldiers. He just stood there as he saw Zero and Kallen go for a large black Knightmare frame which they stole.
It took a few moments for him to get things straight but as soon as he gazed down at the unconscious figure he was holding all thoughts focused on her.
Euphie! He mentally exclaimed as the events began to take shape.
"Somebody get a medic, now! The princess is hurt." He cried out as he got everyone's attention.
Euphie. Please be alright. Live. he prayed as he watched them take her to the hospital.
That was a close one. He thought as he piloted the flying Knightmare across the ocean.
"Zero?" Kallen asked.
"We're meeting up with them soon Kallen." he replied.
"Oh." She said as she let the silence envelop them.
"Is there something you want to add?" he asked wondering if he guessed her question right.
"Nothing, Zero. Nothing at all." She replied obviously not wanting to pester him with questions.
"She's going to be alright, Kallen." he said to her in reassuring tone.
He was monetarily met by silence, but he was soon answered.
"I hope so, Zero. That coconut hit her pretty hard on the head." she said worriedly.
"I know. Let's just hope that I didn't make things worse by tossing her to Suzaku like a ragdoll." he agreed while adding some of his own concerns.
"Yeah. But she's a lot tougher than she looks Zero so I think it's going to take more than a coconut to stop her." she said reassuringly.
He chuckled at her comment while recalling how Euphie fell down only to be saved by a couple of tree which turned out to be coconut trees so when his half-sister was saved by the said trees a coconut fell on her head making her unconscious.
"You're probably right, Kallen." he replied.
Once again silence enveloped them both. As both of them retreat to their own consciousness, he thought about his friend's death wish.
I'm sorry for the command Suzaku. he silently thought as he gazed back to the endless blue sea.
-END-
A/N: So…what do you guys think? Do you like it? Anyway…this is going to be my first multi-chaptered fic….this fic basically features all the multiple combinations of pairing that I could possibly think of during the Kaminejima incident… so enjoy…Oh! And I would just want to add that this is a companion fic to…A Twist of Circumstances…which features the pairing combination of Lulu x Suzu and Kallen x Euphie… and once again no malice intended…really…
Anyway… the next chapter would probably feature the paring combination of Lulu x Kallen and Suzu x Euphie…And please review… :
Acknowledgements: This pairing was suggested by Worker 72 so I hope he or she likes it. And his or her suggestion inspired me to experiment with different pairings. Also, thanks to those who read and commented on A Twist of Circumstance…I'm glad the pairing didn't stop you from reading it. And also to those who read my previous fics The Witch and The Warlock…and White Horse…THANKS!!! =D
P.S. I don't own Code Geass…geez…rub it in why don't you! :(
Extra: OH! And please read and review on my other new fic…A Shuffle of Songs…this features drabbles on the Lulu x CC pairings…hehehe…Also I'm open to requests and suggestions…so don't be shy!:] I could use the fresh ideas anyway.