Legal Disclaimer: Code Geass belongs to Sunrise. Characters belong to CLAMP. Kallen belongs to me.
Timeline note: Since chapter 1, the Black Knights (among 1 million Japanese) have been exiled to China. Zero abducted the Tianzi and engaged Chinese Federation forces in battle. Chapter 2 begins during R2 episode 10.
Thank you to all who have reviewed/otherwise expressed interest. As before, more detailed notes are available in my profile. Like it? Hate it? Have advice? Review! (or PM) Feedback = Motivation, and more detail is more helpful.
Red Requiem
Chapter 2 - Fissures
"Doesn't matter! Kallen, don't give up. I will come for you! I swear to you, no one will stop me, so wait for me. I will not let them have you!" Lelouch stopped himself when he heard the quiet static showing the audio connection with Guren had been severed. He noticed, without having to turn his head, most of the bridge personnel were staring at him and muttered a curse under his breath. Letting control slip like that in front of his subordinates would likely not go over very well, and nothing less than a mass Geass would be able to fix matters now.
More importantly, though, where had his reaction come from? Yes, her piloting skill was at least a match for any of the other Black Knights, even Tohdoh's, and she was the captain of Zero's personal guard and a loyal soldier. Certainly it would be a setback to lose her, one that could potentially take quite a bit of time to overcome. But everyone, every piece, was replaceable.
Zero shook himself mentally. Now was not the time for introspection. Returning to the present, he heard Ohgi command the Ikaruga to return to battle.
The Knights' head of information and media relations, Diethard, quickly stepped forward and spoke up. "I propose we retreat." The remaining members of the original Knights on the bridge, the self-titled Executive Committee with their old red resistance headbands, all jumped on him at once. Whatever else could be said of the Britannian former broadcaster, though, he handled pressure well. Turning dispassionate eyes on Ohgi, he continued, "Kouzuki Kallen is just one soldier. This is a choice between her and our acquisition of the entire Chinese Federation's power. There's no comparison between the two. Our duty here is to maintain as many of our forces as possible and fall back for reinforcements. The greater good-"
"Diethard," Zero broke in smoothly. "You are present on the bridge for your valued abilities, but those do not include battle commander." The Britannian man turned to him and hesitated before nodding grudgingly and returning to his seat. "Even if we plan to fall back and wait for assistance, which is uncertain at this point, we can not do so too quickly. Ohgi! Form up the Knightmares and bring us about! I will teach Xingke the difference between a warrior and a tactician." He saw entirely too many relieved faces around him. These people were supposed to be soldiers.
"All Black Knight units, prepare for battle!" As the troops formed up outside to Ohgi's command, Zero's adrenaline pumped and he put away the Kallen issue for later examination, shifting his frame of mind to more immediate concerns. It had been difficult when he had first been forced to keep up with the flowing currents of an entire battle, but he had quickly adjusted. A keen intellect, a quick mind, and an upbringing of intrigue and fierce competition had geared him exceedingly well for contests like chess, and adapting that mindset to real-time combat had not been so challenging once he had fully grasped the process.
He let his thoughts roam over the situation, trusting his training and experience. Force deployment, current unit strength, terrain and weather, visibility, battle time, machine specs, pilot ability, troop training, mobility, the list went on. His eyes and ears devoured the real-time data from the screens and operators before him as he mentally touched each variable lightly, examining and leaping onward, tracking, extrapolating, building the constantly changing model in his head. Orders issued from his lips as the model evolved and plans formed, shifted, failed. This was the ultimate test, the greatest game, and Lelouch had been born for it.
Child's play.
Behind his mask, the Black Prince's grin showed teeth.
Zero sat in his quarters, alone, leaning restlessly forward on the couch. He had not taken time to remove his costume, though the mask had been discarded somewhere on the floor. His elbows rested on his knees and violet eyes bored into the black-and-red chess board kept on the table in the center of the room, searching the pieces in play. Searching for something, some clue, some stray thought or insight.
The door to his left hissed open. C.C. sauntered in, and Zero could see in his periphery, between the fingers splayed over his eye, that she still carried her stuffed Cheese-kun doll. Pointedly ignoring his presence, the green-haired immortal made her way to the couch opposite him and flopped down on her back, sprawling in a seemingly haphazard manner that was likely precisely calculated to distract him. He kept his eyes on the table, refusing to give her the satisfaction.
She shifted slightly, and a slender, booted leg dangled off the side. Definitely calculated.
"So?" she asked, amused golden eyes turning now to study him. "Where is she?"
Lelouch considered trying "not here," and hoping he'd be left alone. That thought was quickly discarded, though: She was used to getting her way, and he knew she would not leave until she had it here. He had to focus. There was a missing piece, a play someone was making that he hadn't seen yet. It was best to just answer and attempt to avoid the mind games she loved. "I followed Xingke to the Chinese command ship. He executed the eunuchs and freed everyone they had restrained. His second in command, Xianglin, had been on the bridge through the fight, and she said that the dead bastards gave Kallen to Britannia, to Suzaku." His old friend's name came out in something close to a snarl. The man had been there, dogging his every step, putting him through hell, since the very beginning. And now this.
Abandoning her posed lounging, C.C. sat up and faced him, head cocked sideways. "I hadn't planned on saying anything because the way you two have been dancing around each other the past few days has been intensely amusing to me, but-"
He finally raised his head and narrowed his eyes at the woman. "I have been doing what, now?"
"Dancing," the ageless woman responded airily. "She's been spending nearly all of her free time trying to corner you, and you've been avoiding her like she's contagious. Very humorous. But today you nearly lost it. I would ask if you finally gave the girl what she wanted, but we both know that's impossible. Did she beat you up, poor boy? Is that where that bruise you had came from?" She was obviously quite enjoying herself.
Lelouch, despite all of his precautions and foreknowledge, was sputtering before she finished. He hardly knew where to begin this time. He sincerely hoped he was not blushing. The witch still somehow managed to get under his skin seemingly at will. "I have not been avoiding her. I have just been busy, and our paths haven't crossed." She was clearly not buying that. "No, she didn't 'beat me up,' and what do you think she wants from me?"
"Weren't you supposed to be a genius? It would bore me to explain it to you, Mr. Virgin. So what did happen, then?"
He growled and muttered vague threats under his breath before looking aside and answering sheepishly. "We ... she kissed me."
C.C. rolled her eyes. "The Great Zero, infamous terrorist, master manipulator, fearless leader of the empire-defying Black Knights, didn't see that coming? Boy, you are thick." He ground his teeth, saying nothing. "Unless ... unless you did expect it."
"Of course I did," he snapped. "Well, no, but I didn't want to take the chance. I kept her at a certain distance for a reason, but at the warehouse..." C.C. didn't know about the warehouse. He moved on quickly, preferring to keep it that way. "...earlier, I made a mistake. Why are we talking about this?"
"You care for her." Coming from the woman in front of him, Lelouch had no idea if that was a question or observation.
"Don't be ridiculous. She is a very capable, loyal subordinate, and that's all, witch. Even if I did, the path I chose to walk with you is not one for company. I can trust nobody because nobody who knows who I am and what I am capable of can trust me. You know this. The stakes determine the rules, and in this game, she would be used against me if she didn't immediately turn on me herself. Already, Shirley's mind has been raped and Nunnally has been taken hostage because of their connection to me. No more."
C.C. studied him silently for a time. Complex emotions fogged her expression, but Lelouch couldn't read her. "Go back to Ashford. You're irritable and distracted. You will be as useful as Tamaki in the negotiations here, like this. I will make sure Ohgi and Tohdoh handle cleanly our affairs with the new Chinese Federation, and Diethard will send you anything he turns up on her." She stood and walked to the door, then stopped and continued quietly without looking back. "Lelouch, do you even know what you've been holding since I came in?"
Startled, he looked down. Zero's gloved left hand was clenched, painfully, around the black queen from his chess set. He turned back to his accomplice, but C.C. was gone.
"Villetta!" The woman jumped as Lelouch burst into the late Saturday night silence of the co-opted Britannian Intelligence base underneath Ashford Academy, angrily shouting her name. He was trailed by a nervous Rolo and his maid and body double, Sayoko. "What the hell are two more Knights of the Round doing at the Academy? And on the student council, even!"
"Well," she stammered. "We're not really sure. It seems as if Gino is only interested in having some fun while he's not on active duty. From what I know of him, it doesn't seem very out of character. Anya is a different matter, but we're nearly positive that her presence here has nothing to do with you. It's likely just to remain nearby Gino and Suzaku for area defense purposes."
Lelouch groaned and paced aggressively over to the screens displaying camera feeds from the school. He shook his head and rubbed his temples. "Nearly positive. Fantastic, more problems I do not need right now. I want anything you can find on possible reasons for their presence, and keep tight surveillance on them. If you learn anything suspicious, get it to me immediately. Devote all remaining resources to keeping watch for a high-profile prisoner being brought to Area 11 or recent arrivals, especially in the Tokyo area."
"Um, understood. Why are we looking for prisoners, Lelouch?"
He ignored her. "Sayoko, is my schedule clear for the next few days?"
"I'm sorry, Lelouch-sama, but as it is the weekend, I have obligated you to a few appointments," Sayoko responded politely. "Your schedule is on this datapad."
Lelouch took the pad and read out loud, growing more visibly upset with each line. "7:00, homemade breakfast with Mary. 9:00, date at Clovis Art Gallery with Giselle. 10:30, shopping with Alice. 12:00, date at aquarium with Donna. What ... what is this?"
His maid did not appear at all perturbed. "In accordance with your character, Lelouch-sama, I have 108 young women lined up for dates. There are fourteen on standby and you currently have a waiting list of six months for future appointments."
Lelouch blinked, dumbfounded.
Rolo was not so restrained. "'In accordance with his character?' Sayoko, nii-san is not like that! What are you doing?"
"And Shirley?" Lelouch finally managed. "Is she involved?"
"Ah, yes, Lelouch-sama. I believe you are seeing a show with her at 21:00. Also, you kissed her yesterday to keep her from discovering the hidden door in the library. Is that a problem?"
He laughed, wild-eyed. He couldn't help it. It bubbled up from inside and poured out and doubled and redoubled. This was insane. Where had everything gone so wrong? He was fairly certain that other dangerous terrorists and aspiring world leaders did not have to deal with this.
The others were all carefully watching him. Villetta, especially, looked like she thought she was sitting next to ground zero. That only made things worse, and he laughed harder, leaning on the table until he wheezed out of breath before speaking. "I need to sign a trade agreement at 16:00 in China, as well. Sayoko, since you saw fit to help me so much, I will have you continue to do so. You will attend the dates you planned. I will attempt to find a way to keep Shirley from murdering me while I figure a way out of all this and handle my other business. And do try not to make any promises I can't keep."
His intrepid maid bowed agreeably as Lelouch exited the intelligence office, Rolo worriedly following on his heel. Villetta looked on, frowning nervously.
At 21:10 the following evening, Lelouch found himself slinking through the bushes towards the entrance to the student council building. He could see Shirley standing in front of the large double doors in a stylish green dress with her orange hair tastefully done up. She was tapping a foot with her hands on her hips and speaking angrily to herself. He had no doubt that those words were for his benefit, likely enumerating his flaws in extensive detail.
The day, he reflected, had not gone particularly well. After a restless night, Lelouch had risen early and spent the entirety of the morning on the computer, reviewing data he had from his numerous sources - aside from the Black Knights and Villetta's staff, he had a number of private agents that neither other party was aware of. He had searched for any abnormality that could reveal a recent change, a heightened expenditure, increased security presence or modified schedules, rerouted food shipments, new public contracts, or a number of other factors.
He had found absolutely nothing unusual. Either Kallen had not been brought to Tokyo, or she was very well hidden.
Additionally, he had been so focused on his task that when he noticed he was running late for the treaty signing in the Chinese Federation, he had also realized that he had completely forgotten to consider the issue with Shirley.
Upon Shinkiro's rushed arrival at the Ikaruga, Zero had ordered a rookie Black Knight to run into the nearby city and find a Mandarin-style gown, reasoning that any girl would be happy with a nice dress. He had given the young soldier Shirley's size, acquired from Student Council President Milly, who kept that information accurately updated daily, and ordered something purple.
With that taken care of, Zero had proceeded to the signing event itself. Being unable to explain his unique situation, though, he had been forced to remain longer than planned in order to approve recent Black Knights arrangements and mingle with Federation officials. By the time he had excused himself, he had been running late, carrying a bright fuchsia gown folded over his arm, and realizing he had left the show's tickets in his room in the student council annex.
Lelouch was jolted from his contemplation when a stiff shove left him sitting in the dirt.
"What was that for? You didn't have to-" he cut himself off when he noticed Shirley glaring down at him. There was a gleam in her eye that looked decidedly dangerous.
"So? Who is the next oh-so-lucky date?" He tried to protest that he was here to meet her, but the angry young woman gave him no opportunity. He noticed that they were surrounded by a not-insignificant number of onlookers, mostly female. "First underground gambling and now womanizing? I can't believe you!"
Lelouch managed to regain his feet and held out the expensive Chinese gown. "Right, I wanted to apologize. Shirley, it's all a misunderstanding-"
"Misunderstanding?" She tore the gift from his hands, hardly looking at it. "You think you can buy yourself an apology for this?" Lelouch devoutly wished he had a neutral member of the fairer sex there to translate for him. He was sure Milly would be able to help, or C.C., or maybe-
"Loooooook!" The shout drew his eyes, and everyone else's, upward to see the student president herself standing on the balcony with arms spread dramatically. Always one to make an impression, Milly had made sure the spotlights above were all trained on her. The sly grin on her face quickly betrayed her intentions. "I have decided on my final graduation event: Cupid's Day!"
Rivalz, nearby, choked audibly at her mention of departure as he stepped forward with Gino and Anya. "So, what's this Cupid's Day thing, then, Milly?" Gino asked brightly. Rivalz leveled a glare at the knight's quick familiarity with the president.
Milly cleared her throat to draw any attention that may have wandered. "Tomorrow! All students will wear a hat like the one I am holding. Boys will be blue, girls will have pink. So! Anyone who can grab an opposite hat and put it on ... will be forced, by my executive power, to become an official couple with their target!"
The excited blonde's announcement caused a general uproar. Lelouch considered, a plan to fix his current woman troubles quickly taking shape in his head. He was completely unaware of the number of predatory eyes suddenly locked on him. He quickly turned and rushed off to his hidden intelligence base, pulling out his phone to call ahead and marshal his available forces for tomorrow's event.
Sayoko, Villetta, and Rolo were all waiting when Lelouch arrived, breathing heavily from the light exertion. He joined them around the table and began without preamble. "Milly has just revealed her latest scheme. It is ridiculous, irresponsible, and will probably end up causing significant amounts of property damage to the school grounds while having the potential to disrupt classes."
"This doesn't sound like anything out of the ordinary for her," Villetta sighed.
"Oh, quite," Lelouch smirked. "But I am going to use this to solve my current dating issues. The event will be tomorrow; each student will be wearing a special hat, and whoever is able to steal someone else's hat and put it on will gain the president's executive approval as a couple."
The teacher frowned thoughtfully. "So you're going to arrange matters so that Shirley takes your hat? She should be happy about that."
"I have no doubt she would, and I care about her, too. That's why I am not involving her. I will not allow her association with me to put her in danger any longer. You will take my hat, Villetta."
The teacher choked. "Lelouch! But won't that invite ... unfortunate misunderstandings?"
"It is the best available option. I need to put an end to my perceived romantic availability, involving a student will hinder my future movements, and Sayoko is out because she will be doubling for me during part of the operation. That leaves you."
"I ... understand." Villetta looked as if she had just swallowed a particularly sour lemon. "I assume you have a plan, then?"
He chuckled. "Of course." Lelouch was about to continue when he heard a buzzing from his pocket. He checked the caller ID on his phone and quickly stood and stepped away. "Diethard? I am busy at the moment."
"Ah, my apologies, Zero. But I have information you asked to be notified of immediately. We've found Captain Kouzuki. She is being kept in the maximum security cells under the Tokyo Government Building."
"You're sure?"
"Positive, Zero." The Intelligence Manager sounded slightly offended. "The information is good."
Lelouch felt his blood pumping faster. "Excellent. Diethard, send me a full report on security in and around the building, and have all available Knightmare pilots ready for deployment two hours from now. I will contact you then with more details. And good work; you and your source will be getting a bonus."
"Yes, sir, thank you!"
Lelouch hung up and turned back to the inquiring faces around the table. "Change of plans. Villetta, send me any data you have on the current security and layout at the Government Building and the schedules of the Knights of the Round in the area. Tomorrow's event here at Ashford will be up to you three. I have pressing matters that look like they will be conflicting." He turned on his heel and left before anyone could respond, hurrying to his private computer to get to work.
Zero strode purposefully through the silent halls of the Tokyo Government Building, cloaking himself in an easy air of casual confidence. His boots rang in military precision on the hard floor and his royal blue cape flared stylishly. In his gloved left hand he held the handle of a shining silver case. Guards saluted as he passed, but there was a noticeable lack of anyone else around.
He stifled a yawn before it could make itself public; he had been up all night planning and had not had a full rest in days previously, but that would have to wait longer yet. The entire operation had been set to the clock, in case circumstances prevented easy communication. Zero had ordered the deployment of his personal Zero Squad and First Squad, then divided them into four teams led by Tohdoh, Asahina, Chiba, and Zero Squad's Vice-Captain Kinoshita. He had sent Tohdoh and the two Holy Swords to execute precisely timed attacks on three separate Britannian installations, designed to draw as many reinforcements away from Tokyo as possible. All three of the local Knights of the Round were supposed to be at Milly's Cupid's Day event, but if for some reason they were in the Government Building, the attacks had been designed to be enough of a threat to draw their attention as well. His forces had been ordered to avoid engagement with the three dangerous pilots while provoking pursuit for as long as possible. Kinoshita's team was hidden in a submarine in Tokyo Bay, ready to render assistance to Zero if necessary.
Zero had also decided to use one of the preparations he had been hoping to save for the battle to retake Japan. His agents had managed to sabotage a number of Knightmare frames, both in and around Tokyo; some had been fitted with explosives and others had simply been rigged to go inert or display faulty friend/foe ID's. He had given activation switches to his team leaders, and while they would not cause significant damage on their own, they would serve to sow quite a bit of confusion in the enemy ranks.
The role Zero was to play in this operation was to walk into the heart of Britannian power in Area 11 and retrieve a prisoner from the max security wing. His guerrilla war on Britannia had taught him a few things, though, the foremost of which was to prepare for the unexpected. His cold confidence in the current situation was only possible due to that preparation: The technology that created the mask and voice changer Sayoko used when attending school for Lelouch had also been adapted to mimic other targets, and a select few VIP's had been prepared ahead of time.
The outfit Zero wore as he walked down the halls of the Government Building was white with gold and black trim and a long blue cape, denoting him as a Knight of the Round. Specifically, he was posing as the Knight of Seven, Kururugi Suzaku, whose face he was also wearing. He had tested his voice earlier, too, and there were no problems other than the unease that came from hearing his words spoken by someone else.
It was a calculated risk: If things went badly enough, he was alone in enemy territory, but on the other hand, posing as a Knight of the Round who was also an Eleven was bound to keep most people from taking much of a direct interest in him beyond bowing and moving away. If worse came to worst, Geass could be used as a last resort.
Picturing the blueprint he had memorized, Zero finally rounded the last corner before the entrance to the prison wing he sought. According to the reports he had studied, Kallen's was the only occupied cell in the entire wing. They apparently wanted her kept private. He checked his watch again: just a few minutes before the first attack was launched. Perfect. He wanted to be in the cell when the alarm from his pilots' attacks reached the building.
There were five guards present at the indoor gate, and he knew there were no windows or other doors; this was the only entrance and exit. He mentally made a last check of Suzaku's usual mannerisms, preparing to gain admittance from the security force, but as he approached they saluted and opened the gate without a word. The senior duty guard handed him a cell key, smirking. He suppressed a frown; this was not expected, and unexpected usually did not mean anything good.
He found the locked cell and turned the key, quickly stepping inside. He stopped just inside the doorway, setting his jaw and narrowing his eyes. The room was utterly empty of any accommodations. There was no chair, no bed, not even a mattress. Kallen sat against the back wall, and she looked terrible.
She was dressed in a prison suit similar to the kind C.C. favored, but this one had already been soiled enough to no longer be white. Her arms were bound behind her back and her legs were tied together. Her bright red hair looked darker, dirtier, and hung in lank strands. Sapphire eyes glared angrily at him, but without any of the burning passion, the beautiful life that had always been there; they were dull, glassy. Her entire body shook in near-constant spasms.
The redhead's lips curled, baring her teeth. "Bastard," she rasped. "Back for more already? Fuck you. Once he gets me out, I'm going to make sure you die slow, you disgusting traitor." She spat weakly at him.
Zero's newly green eyes widened in shock, and he stepped forward. He spoke, remembering too late that it would not be his voice she heard. "No, it's me-"
Kallen tried to slide farther away, hissing. Hissing like an animal. Her eyes drifted abruptly out of focus. Zero felt his knuckles popping as his hands balled into tight fists. Kneeling beside his pilot, he attempted to judge if she would be able to comprehend the situation and offer any assistance. She noticed the case in his hand and flinched away, spasms becoming quakes of fear, expression morphing to one of wide-eyed terror. "No, please. Onii-chan!" Kallen cried. Tears trailed down her cheeks.
He had never seen her like this. It was painful to watch.
The smirks at the guard station became apparent: Someone had been interrogating Kallen with Refrain, and from her visceral reaction to his disguise, Suzaku seemed a likely suspect. This would not go unanswered, but now was not the time.
The first alarms began to sound then, warning of a terrorist attack. Zero quickly considered options. He had developed a number of contingency plans, hinging on the security situation, Kallen's health and readiness, and enemy presence at the points his Knights were attacking. Moving quickly, he examined the young woman with his hands, searching for any broken bones and thankfully finding nothing obvious. Under ideal circumstances, he would have taken his ace to her Guren, which intelligence reported was nearby, or dressed her in the soldier's uniform he carried in the case and walked out with the aid of one quick Geass on the nearby cell guards. Her mental condition unfortunately rejected those plans, as well as other less attractive options. He was left with less than he would have preferred.
Zero activated the communicator clipped to his ear. "This is blue lion. Proceed with E2, beginning exit now. Out." Among other things, that was a signal to Kinoshita to perform a quick flyby as near as possible to draw attention outward. Gritting his teeth, Zero unbound Kallen's arms and legs and walked back to the cell door to scowl at the men outside.
"Guards! Your assistance is required. All five of you." After they hurried over, he flipped open his forged badge. "Knight of Seven, Kururugi. I'm taking charge. We had reports that the Black Knights may be coming for this prisoner, and the alarms are confirming it now. We need to move her. You and you, bring her. Carry her, drag her, whatever, just keep her in one piece for further questioning. You three, watch for intruders and keep everyone else away. There are concerns of an informant nearby, so do not make any calls for confirmation or backup, and do not allow others to approach. Let's move." They looked at each other, reluctant to take new orders and abandon their posts, even from a Knight of the Round. "Move!" Zero roared.
They dropped their ceremonial pikes and jumped to it. Three of the soldiers unlimbered their rifles and went back to the main gate to keep watch while the other two went for Kallen. One of them, a big man with a nose that had obviously been broken more than once, roughly grabbed her hair to yank her to her feet, eliciting a gasp of pain. Zero watched coldly. The two then each took one of her arms and pulled her through the doorway and down the hall.
The group of soldiers moved out, with Zero directing them, trying to hurry. He kept them to the side hallways and unused passages, aiming toward one of the underground garages. They were confronted once, but Zero used Suzaku's (apparently unpleasant) reputation and some not-so-subtle threats to quickly move on. Upon reaching the destination garage, he told Broken Nose to load Kallen carefully into a nearby mini transport van, marked with the official crest of the Britannian Area 11 government, and used Geass on the rest to return them to their posts and forget anything unusual that had happened.
Once Broken Nose returned, Zero again swept off his colored contact with a flourish. "Lelouch vi Britannia commands you: Search and destroy! Find all Britannian soldiers in the Government Building and kill them."
He left the walking dead man and quickly drove the van off the property. When he had relayed plan E2 earlier, one of his agents had left a nondescript sedan in a nearby parking building. Lelouch pulled the van next to it, then hurried to help Kallen out. She was whimpering and flinching away from him. With a monumental effort, he managed to maneuver the uncooperative woman into the car, then removed his Britannian costume and face and drove as fast as he dared to the private aquarium where Shinkiro was kept.
From the oversized cockpit of his Knightmare - larger than standard, but still not comfortable for two - he gave the withdrawal order to the other pilots and switched to a private line to the Ikaruga. "Ikaruga, this is Zero. I am inbound to your deck, and I need a doctor to meet me immediately upon arrival. Do you copy?"
After receiving confirmation, Lelouch activated the autopilot, donned the spare Zero outfit and mask he kept inside Shinkiro, and attempted to calm Kallen. Her eyes were distant and she was shivering and muttering unintelligibly. She seemed totally unaware of her surroundings. He held her head to his shoulder and softly stroked her hair, speaking quiet lies of safety. She eventually slept for a short time, but he wasn't sure if he had had anything to do with it.
As Zero delivered the unconscious Kallen into Ohgi's waiting arms in the hangar of the airship, the wall of his will finally collapsed under the overwhelming buildup of physical and emotional exhaustion. He later remembered muttering something about receiving a full report after a short rest, trying mightily not to stumble as he angled toward his private rooms, and then nothing at all.
