Disclaimer: Code Geass belongs to Sunrise.
Why did you come back?
That was only one of the many questions I wanted your answer to, Lelouch. Under different circumstances you'd never give a direct answer, and probably even tease me enough so I'd forget about waiting for an answer.
Yes, Lelouch, your tab is building up: Why did you become Zero? Why did you keep the Vincent's pilot's identity a secret from me? Why did you come back to us, the Black Knights, after Nunnally became governor? Why did you ask me to go back to Ashford with you? Why did you say that I have to "live on" back at the Ikaruga, right before Zero "died"?
Why is Suzaku your Knight of Zero?
No. I'm not really sure I want an answer to that. Maybe I do, but that's not the most important thing I want answered.
They assign me to be the one to guide you to the Council. I refuse to put on a visor that the rest of the guards will be wearing. It's undiplomatic, I say, but agree to have them shoot me down if they think you used your Geass on me when me meet. They don't know you could only use it once, do they? They only know what it does, but not all of how it works.
It's kind of lonely, you know? Being the only one who knows what that power of yours is all about. Both you and CC told me about it being a lonely power. Who would have thought it would extend to those who keep some knowledge of it?
Ah, here you are. I watch you walk from your jet towards me, dressed in all your finery. Why choose to wear white, though? Black was your color. You made the Ashford uniform look classy despite being a school uniform. You looked ten times more regal when donning your Zero costume...
That must be it. You're not Zero anymore, are you?
I notice you stopped walking and looking at the crowds. Rivalz?! That's right, he only knew you as his classmate and gambling buddy. Yes, I was shocked when you suddenly showed up as Briannia's Ninety-ninth Emperor, even though I already knew of your lineage. I couldn't possibly imagine the shock he and the others at the Student Council must feel, knowing you to be as ordinary as they are.
Once Rivalz was restrained, you resume your approach. This is it. This is the only chance I get before you meet with the Council. I have to ask - but which one? You're only five steps away now...
... four...
... three...
It's now or never.
"Lelouch, why...?"
Why...what? Which question did I most want the answer to? Hurry up, Kallen! This is your only chance! Decide and ask him before...
"Pleased to meet you."
What do you mean? Oh. Of course, this is supposed to be our first meeting. The media's here, too. I wish it didn't take your mentioning my rank for me to understand what you're getting at. I remember my role and promptly say what I was expected to say. A roundabout route? Nervous? You? The brilliant actor as ever, I see. I nod and lead the way.
I couldn't read you. Why did you want to walk around the campus? Heck, why choose Ashford at all? Agh, what am I doing? I should be deciding which questions I most want an answer to! He's bought us some time by asking this route, time to make up my mind.
This route. It's funny how I remember my way around campus despite my many absences. Just beyond the crowd barrier is the garden where the Gardening Club members expressed their intention to go after Arthur the cat for a kiss from me. To my left are the classrooms, one having served as a mini house of horrors for that school festival (I'll get back at you for that, Lelouch! Just you wait!). Up ahead is the clubhouse, where most of the insanities happening on campus are first formed...
"It brings back memories, doesn't it?"
Your voice snaps me out of my thoughts - again! You just love doing that, don't you? I suppose we can speak freely now. They aren't supposed to know you studied here, after all.
Yes, the place does bring back memories. So much that I lost track of what I wanted to ask you. I follow the path of memories, instead, thanking you for everything - from when it all started to where we are now. I can't really blame Ougi and the others for distrusting you after finding out about your identity and your Geass. I reacted the same way in Kaminejima, remember? They'll understand, eventually.
But taking the throne as Emperor? With Suzaku as your knight? I remember your words in Kaminejima, that when you two work together there's nothing you can't accomplish. What are you two up to? Are you after the power? The glory? Oh dear, I said those out loud, didn't I? Might as well get it over with.
"Back at the Ikaruga, why did you say that I 'have to live on'?" I ask. I hope I didn't sound desparate for an answer. Yes, that's what I want an anwer to.
You don't answer. Are you even listening?! C.C. was right, you ARE dense when it comes to things like this. I guess I have one choice to make you understand...
I see your eyes widen in surprise when I brought my face close to yours, then I concentrate on pouring all of me in that one kiss.
My first kiss.
And it felt like kissing a dead man.
I end the kiss and look into your eyes just as you open them, searching for the answer I seek, and understand. The Lelouch I knew, the Zero I followed in battle, Nunnally's big brother -- they all died when she did.
"Goodbye, Lelouch," I say, and resume my role as your guide, informing you that the Council will convene at the gymnasium.
I turn and walk away. I slow my steps ever so slightly thinking -- hoping -- that you'd have something to say, just like at the Ikaruga, then maybe, just maybe...
"Goodbye, Kallen."
And I feel much lonelier than before.