Author's Note:

I'm back! Unfortunately, I also come with a shorter chapter than the previous one, a mere 3,000 words compared to nearly 14,000. However, the reason for my delay in posting is that I've been writing this chapter in conjunction with another one that is already almost 9,000 words. I hope to have that one up soon, and I actually mean soon this time.

Also, I just want to clarify the point of this anthology a little. Since I'm trying to make it as canon as possible (ACAP), I won't really be covering anything post-Requiem. Not much in the series covers that time frame and I believe that any speculation would warrant an entirely different fic of its own. I had actually planned out and started a post-Requiem fic myself before the announcement of R3 (hooray!) but now I'm unsure if I will continue it considering a canon work is on its way. These stories are more of what I consider 'deleted scenes' that I consider to have happened and probably won't be directly refuted. Anything post-Requiem takes place in a world of its own, one that I don't consider omitted from the series, but simply one not continued yet. A few of the chapters I have planned for Missing Pieces, however, do involve characters being exposed to the Zero Requiem either before or during the event, but they are probably not the ones expected.

This chapter takes place during the events of R2 Episode 5 and interweaves itself with events of the episode, unlike the last chapter that contained an entirely original scenario. Please enjoy!

Chapter 2: Solitude

Did I just see the Ace of the Black Knights wearing a green mole costume? A teenage girl with fiery red hair. It fit the description enough but… a mole costume?

Before Villetta could get a better view of the creature, it had already put its head back in place and dashed off to some unknown destination, obscured in the chaos of bubbles, colored fog, and confused crowds. Damn it. Where did all of this even come from anyway? Who in their right mind would create such a fiasco during the public pizza-making ceremony? Villetta blinked. What was the purpose of the bubbles and colored smoke to begin with?

Villetta searched the immediate area for a member of the student council to interrogate. Her eyes settled on a dejected blue-haired teen adorned in a frilly pink apron and chef's hat. He held a megaphone limply at his side, as if he held already given up on attempting to cull the masses. She sighed, realizing that the boy was the least likely candidate of the student council to have any answers in this situation. I suppose he'll have to do. She marched up to him. "Rivalz Cardemonde!"

The addressed boy yelped and jumped back a little at the sudden interruption. He brought his hands in front of him and Villetta could see his face quickly turning red. "It's not my fault, coach! I swear!"

The woman noticed his gaze drifting downwards to her chest as she remembered her current attire. Shirley, when I'm finished cleaning up this mess, you'd better watch out. At this point, she knew one thing for certain: Rivalz would not provide her with his full attention while she still wore the revealing silver bikini. She scowled a little, unintentionally frightening Rivalz more. Teenage boys and their hormones…I'd better make this quick. "What's going on here?"

He tensed and gulped. "W-well, for a while the pizza ceremony was running just fine. We'd spread the batter properly this time, the tomatoes had been collected into a giant bin, and Lelouch and Rolo cut all of the toppings – "

"Get on with it."

" – and then things started going wrong! Suddenly some crazy guy was driving the Knightmare frame instead of Suzaku and then everything just fell apart." He pouted. "And here I thought it was finally gonna work this year…" Then, as an afterthought, he repeated, "but I had nothing to do with it!"

Turning towards the Knightmare, Villetta spotted a blonde teenager in the cockpit, laughing and chatting with an angry Knight of Seven below. Who the hell could be piloting…? She paused, realizing exactly who that boy was. The Knight of Three?! When did he arrive in Area Eleven? The OSI operative spent a moment weighing her options. She considered scolding him herself for his lack of responsibility and professionalism, but upon realizing he reported directly to the emperor, she decided that she'd leave that matter alone for the time being. "I understand that part, Rivalz, and it appears as though Suzaku is taking care of the matter. But where did the smoke and bubbles come from?"

Rivalz looked around as if noticing the mess for the first time. Scratching the back of his head, he replied, "Huh. I have no idea. I think the pyrotechnics club may have been in charge of effects like that."

"The pyrotechnics club? Are you sure? There wasn't even a fire! Wouldn't the chemistry club be more likely to pull this kind of stunt?" Rivalz shrugged, and Villetta decided then to turn away and leave. Why does this school even have a pyrotechnics club? With the antics that occur here, that's an accident waiting to happen. An image popped into her mind of Milly Ashford creating the "World's Largest Bonfire" in the main courtyard, and she shivered a bit. She decided then to seek out the club for herself.

Luckily, the smoke and bubbles had begun to clear. Pyrotechnics… Villetta didn't know any of its club members. After a few minutes of searching, she passed by a group of nervous-looking boys. They grew quiet as she approached. After passing, she spun quickly and said, "You there!"

Their eyes snapped up to hers, yet no one spoke. She continued. "Where can I find the pyrotechnics club?"

All they provided in response was a sheepish look and accompanying silence. Villetta decided to press on. "Who was in charge of releasing the smoke and bubbles?" When still no one spoke, the woman realized they must have feared punishment for their actions. She breathed deeply, relaxing both her posture and her expression in the process. "Look, none of you are in trouble. I just want to know what went wrong so we can fix the problem in the future. It's obvious from how you're behaving that you know the answer, so as a teacher, I am demanding the truth. So, speak if you know what's good for you."

There was a slight pause, but eventually a boy with short dark hair stepped forwards. He looked at his feet in shame. "I'm sorry, coach. It's my fault. I accidentally set off the smoke and bubbles too early."

She raised a brow. "Too early? When were you supposed to set it off?"

"I-I don't really know. I was waiting for a signal from the vice president. He's the one who usually coordinates everything during the festivals."

Lelouch. It shouldn't have surprised her. After all, everything always seemed to lead back to that one boy. Villetta checked the expression of the guilty party once more, noticing the confused look on his face. "Is something wrong?"

He snapped up, startled. "No, it's just… sorry for the trouble, coach."

She sighed. "It's fine. Just be more attentive next time, okay?"

He smiled slightly and nodded. "Yes ma'am."

The OSI operative began to walk away, but she kept listening in case the boys began speaking to each other once more. She was glad she did because she soon heard, "Wow, you sure got lucky with that one!"

"What are you - ?"

"There's still no way you could 'accidentally' input an entire sequence of code. Though I must admit, you put up one hell of a show in front of the coach."

"Cut it out! I'm not lying! I told you already, I must have just been really out of it!"

"Yeah, enough that you can't remember entering multiple commands in the exact order necessary to create a show. I know you always love watching this kind of chaos, so just 'fess up already, man!"

"But I really don't remember!"

Villetta froze. Ordinarily, this exchange would be viewed as a pretty convincing confirmation of guilt, but these were not ordinary circumstances, not with the nature of her mission. Lelouch, memory problems, the Ace of the Black Knights. The woman shivered, hoping her guess was wrong. She quickly brought out her phone and pressed the speed-dial. A young voice answered after two rings. "Yes?"

"Rolo, where are you and Lelouch right now?"

"He just ran off to find the president a moment ago, and I'm currently cleaning up all the unused pizza toppings. Is something wrong?"

Villetta frowned at the status update. "You're getting sloppy Rolo. Go find him immediately. There have been some unusual events at the festival, and I suspect your brother may have had something to do with them." She paused. "I'm calling an emergency staff meeting at 1800 hours in the usual location to review any footage from this afternoon. Go alert the others for me. I need to finish up a few things beforehand."

"Right. I'll go do so immediately and report back once I've confirmed the location of the target."

"Good." Villetta hung up and looked down at her exposed body. First thing's first: I need to get out of this atrocious outfit.

Bzzt. Bzzt. "What is it?"

"Big brother, we have a problem."

"Go on."

"Coach Villetta just called an impromptu meeting of the OSI at six to review the footage from this afternoon. It sounds like recent events have cast her suspicions upon you. She wants me to alert the other teachers. Should I neglect to pass on the message?"

"…ordinarily, this would spell trouble, but I've recently stumbled into some information that I believe could be very useful in this situation. This may actually be the perfect opportunity to turn the tables on the OSI and begin using it to our advantage. So, Rolo, can you do me a favor?"

"Of course, big brother."

"Don't tell the others about this meeting. Instead, I need you to intercept Coach Villetta in the operations room at the appropriate time. I'll meet up with you then, so hold her in place until I arrive. I'll take over from there. Can you do that?"

"Easily."

"Good, thank you Rolo. See you then." Click.

Villetta stretched her arms in her usual red dress and white sports jacket. This was more like it. Finally, she could move in comfortable attire that covered the appropriate areas while still accentuating the curves of her body. At least she was now protected from the unrelenting dopey-eyed stares from the hormonal teenage boys at Ashford Academy. At least, not any more than usual that it impeded her job.

Villetta crossed through the library, surprised at how quiet the atmosphere seemed. I guess everyone's enjoying themselves out at the festival. She pulled out a book and waited as the bookshelf slid to the side, revealing a hidden elevator behind. The woman stepped inside and began her descent. If my hunch is correct, it's possible we're all in danger right now and don't even know it.

She stepped out and walked into the command center. Villetta looked around at the monitors and nearby table, realizing something important was missing from the scene: her staff. She pulled out her phone, checking the time. 6:02. I thought I was a few minutes late. What're the chances that everyone else is as well? Then, a thought occurred to her. I bet the students roped them into cleaning up the mess as well. As diligent as Rolo is, he's still no match for the combined will of the Ashford student populace.

Speaking of the boy, she noticed for the first time that he was leaning against an adjacent wall. Was he always here or did he just use his Geass to come in? Villetta had to admit, the young assassin, though an excellent operative, made her incredibly uncomfortable. She never forgot that he, like their target, bore an accursed power. Villetta knew exactly how dangerous he could be, but also admitted that collaboration would be necessary in order to achieve their mission. "Rolo, did the others give any indication of when they'd arrive?"

He stood up a little straighter. "No, not particularly." His eyes shot over to the elevator, and Villetta noticed. Is he that anxious to get this over with? I guess even this insensitive boy can have fun at an Ashford Academy school festival.

The two stood in silence for a moment, unsure of what to do next. Eventually, Villetta decided to get something done while they waited. She turned towards the papers on the conference table, intending to sort through them. In the background, she heard the whir of the elevator, though she didn't pay it too much mind. What did register, however, was the definitive click that emerged from behind her.

Villetta froze, looking upwards. I know that sound. Everyone in the military knows that sound. She spun slowly to face the entrance, her gaze meeting the barrel of a pistol in the process. Her eyes locked with those of the boy brandishing the weapon. He held his head high, exposing his cold violet eyes beneath his sandy hair. The assassin's expression showed one of conviction, enough that Villetta knew he fully intended to shoot her if she moved, and one paranoid thought dominated her mind as to his intentions, a conclusion she didn't want to believe but still jumped to regardless. "That's it Rolo? You've turned traitor?" The question came out more uncertain than she had expected.

Before the boy could answer, the elevator opened and Villetta heard a voice call out to her, "Villetta Nu, the woman who was awarded the title of baroness for ascertaining Zero's real identity." Her eyes widened. Oh, she recognized that voice. It was one she'd heard every day for the past few months as she observed the boy. Yet, the commanding tone he used…she hadn't heard it since the days of the Black Rebellion, and it still haunted her memories. That voice of absolute confidence and authority: it made its listeners know their complete insignificance in the presence of its owner. She knew, with those words, that Lelouch vi Britannia had his memories back. The woman berated herself internally. I knew something was wrong, but it seems as though I was too late.

He continued as he approached from the elevator, dressed in his usual school uniform. "But unknown to most, you are connected to the Black Knights."

Her heart froze. He couldn't possibly know. "Not true! I never betrayed - !"

"Ohgi Kaname." Villetta stepped back, not even remembering to hide the fear on her face. Where did he discover our connection?! I buried those times during the Black Rebellion as thoroughly as I could so they'd never resurface again. That life never existed as far as I'm concerned, and no one can be allowed to hear about it now!

In accordance with his nature, Lelouch made sure to confirm her terror."If word of your relationship with him ever got out, you'd have to relinquish that title you worked so hard to earn." He paused as she processed his indirect threat. "Why not be reborn as someone new?" Then, her world shattered around her as the OSI operative realized that her coveted status as a respected member of society had suddenly been placed in the hands of an ambitious terrorist with the power to control the wills of other people. At that point, Villetta was absolutely certain. This is blackmail of the worst kind.

The boy pulled out a package. "Oh, yes. Shirley gave me this to give to you. The timing works out nicely." He untied the ribbon, reveling a bottle of wine. Though she tried to hide it, the woman knew her terror showed. "Happy birthday, Coach Villetta."

A million thoughts swam through her head as Villetta studied Lelouch's 'gift.' He wants me to betray the empire and defect. I can't allow that to happen, not with this boy at the helm of the opposition. But if I didn't…

The whirring of the elevator sounded once more, and Villetta's hopes soared. She eyed the boys. They thought they could confront me alone if Rolo didn't relay my message, but it seems as though that's fallen through. The woman expected the two to flee, giving her an opportunity, but she froze when she noticed their facial expressions had not wavered at the intrusion. Damn, Rolo's Geass.

The doors opened, and one of her staff stepped out. Villetta quickly turned, hoped Rolo's Geass had a limited range, and told the man, "Go! Get help immediately! Rolo's betrayed us!"

The man didn't move, and for a moment, Villetta feared Rolo had somehow targeted only him. Then, the man spoke calmly in response, "Is something the matter, my lord?"

Lelouch smirked, and Villetta realized her mistake immediately; any hope she had of an easy solution left her. This is why they approached me now, not to get me alone, but because they had already finished their preparations. No, it wasn't Rolo's Geass she had to fear. It was Lelouch's. "I'm the only one left, aren't I?"

She didn't specify her meaning, but she didn't think she needed to either.

Lelouch turned slightly as if to acknowledge the man's presence, not answering her question directly. "No, there's no problem at all. Keep assisting in the clean-up operation, and report back to me at the end of the night."

"Yes, sir."

The man left, and Lelouch followed after. He paused in his stride. "I will be utilizing this command center as my own beginning tomorrow. Please report at 800 hours sharp." He entered the elevator and turned around. "I'm glad we could reach an agreement, coach." A second passed, Rolo disappeared, and Villetta watched the elevator doors close before her. A palpable silence settled in the room.

He knew. Lelouch had studied my character well enough to know I'd choose a private disgrace over a public one. Villetta eyed the bottle of wine still sitting on the table. I just can't afford to get caught now.

Villetta wondered if Rolo had perhaps succumbed to Lelouch's Geass himself. The idea didn't sit well considering Rolo could easily neutralize the older boy if he had perceived a threat. Rolo joined Lelouch by choice, not like my staff who were negligent in wearing sunglasses as they were supposed to when alone with him. She reconsidered. Though Rolo could also remove them if needed.

Looking around the command center, not much had changed. A few screens displayed shots of Ashford Academy. Chairs remained askew, and papers still lied strewn across the table haphazardly. The silence though…it was suffocating. Villetta had felt loneliness when placed in command of her unit. Unlike in the Purist faction, where she could at least converse freely with men like Kewell or even Lord Jeremiah, she felt estranged when given new responsibilities and the ability to issue orders. Her men, she'd let them down. Her negligence allowed them to fall prey to Zero, losing their volitions in the process. And now, Villetta remained as the only one left to 'choose' – however wrong it would inevitably be – and the only one left to feel the guilt of her actions. This is solitude.

Villetta unscrewed the bottle of wine and downed a large swig, for once not caring about proper etiquette. She swallowed the fiery liquid, letting it burn as it travelled down her throat, sealing her contract with the devil incarnate.

Damn him.