Disclaimer: Code Geass belongs to Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi(tell me if I'm wrong).

Notes: Wrote this after Ep 12, listening to Stories from the Code Geass OST.

Response to 'Stories' (from Code Geass OST)

-Zero. Nothing. Neutral. Words that should describe what he feels.

-Lelouch. Sadness. Hatred. Revenge. Love. Sadness. Hatred. Revenge.

"Zero. When we joined you, you told us we had two choices. To fight for you - or die with you. Over these many months you have lead the Order of the Black Knights. You have earned the respect and utter loyalty of us all. We will do whatever you ask. Only, as you grieve, remember this. Your goal, as well as ours, is to destroy the Britannia Empire." Ohgi stared down at Zero one last time then turned and shouldered his way out of the room. Tamaki and the other committee members looked at one another, then followed Ohgi out of the room, except Kallen. She had his arms crossed and looked at Zero.

Lelouch still had his hands clamped over his head - glad his tears poured unseen. He battled with himself. Send her away. Ignore her. She'll leave on her own. Wouldn't that mean, you want her to stay? Like Shirley?

Renewed guilt swept him away.

"Get up. Your pathetic, Lelouch."

"What?" Fear gripped him. Fear he had never felt, facing his father. Fear he had never felt, facing the white Knightmare. Underneath the mask, his eyes were wide open and a bead of sweat dribbled down his face.

Zero slowly, almost hesitantly, turned to face Kallen. If she... Dare he use it?

"I am Zero. Leader of the Order..."

"Idiot! I know your Zero, Lelouch! You told me the same excuse in class, 'Someone close to me died.'"

"Shut up!" Lelouch was on his feet.

"SHIRLEY LOVED YOU! She . . ." Kallen's voice broke, saying the words she never wanted to say, looking away from Lelouch. "She was always worried about you. We even got into an argument when she asked if I liked you. She's the only one that died in our atta . . ."

"Shut up." Lelouch's fists were trembling. Kallen took a step back, looking at Lelouch now.

It is true.

It is true.

It was true.

Shirley was in his arms, bleeding. Gunfire from Knightmares rattled above them, but it sounded distant to Lelouch.

"Lulu... di..." he bent so he could hear her precious words, "suki..." they breathed together.

The world ended. Explosions kicked up asphalt and concrete, shaking the world. Metal whistled in the air and clanged together, disturbing the peace of the world. Screeches fled into the clear noon sky, souls extinguished in the world. Orders streamed though the air as waves, determined the winner of the world.

The world was him - and Shirley. Rocking in his arms.