Everything went normal today. Classes were usually dull and boring; with the exception of Ms. Villetta's class where she forced me to exercise four times to keep up with my absence. I bet she's enjoying my suffering. After the long exercises, I felt like I was about to fall unconscious. Why do I have low stamina? The only thing that really changed is that I have to act more innocent while Suzaku's here. Act innocent like poor Lelouch doesn't remember he's a prince who became a terrorist and has a princess for a sister. Act innocent like Lelouch didn't kill his first love aka his half-sister. Act innocent like Lelouch forgot everything about Zero and about Lelouch vi Britannia. Yeah right.
Personally, I don't like Suzaku around here in Ashford. His presence makes me feel like a sucker, seeing that I lost my so-called 'best friend' to Britannia, that is. Besides, he's my enemy, isn't he, the trader who traded even his own friends. Why does he have to go back to Ashford now… now that Nunnally needs him more than ever.
I packed my stuff after the last period was dismissed and placed them carefully in my shoulder bag. Thankfully, I aced the test Mr. Brown gave us about the History of Britannia. I don't care about that pathetic nation's history. He just gave us a test about Britannian Royalties and what they did for that pathetic nation. It's like asking questions about your dead relatives.
In part 7 of the test, there's a question asking who the four deceased children of pathetic Emperor Charles zi Britannia are. Everyone else answered the unborn Ruvia ña Britannia, Euphemia li Britannia and Clovis la Britannia only. Some included Cornelia – poor sister, we all know you're alive because I didn't kill you. So three deceased children and one more to go. Then, I included myself in the list. I scribbled my name on the line that has a number 4 before it. "Lelouch vi Britannia" It's ironic, really. I even laughed when I wrote my name in the enumeration list. Thankfully, Mr. Brown ignored my laughing.
I walked towards the student council building were Milly is holding another meeting. Almost every single day of the school week, she holds meetings of the Student Council. It's really tiring but I can't blame her since her reign of Student Council president is nearing its end. She has to graduate sooner or later.
I entered the building and headed to the rooftop, where Milly will hold the meeting. She has this garden project on the rooftop planned out. The moment I arrived, someone tossed soil towards me. "Sorry Lulu." A feminine voice apologized. Oh, it's Shirley. Clumsy little Shirley. Wait a second… why is she doing the digging?
"It's alright Shirley. Here, I'll dig for you." I said as I got ahold of the shovel. I looked up at Shirley to see her face all red and blushy and her green eyes all sparkly. I made an innocent and childlike stare at Shirley, which made her blush even more – if that's even possible. She slowly let go of the shovel, still twitchy and shivery. I gave her a smile and said "Thank you Shirley."
I started to shove soil out of the ground and Shirley helped Rivalz and with the plants. Shirley told me that Milly ordered that
"The Student Council members must build a beautiful garden at the rooftop of the Student Council Building and finish it a week before my graduation!"
Her order makes my escapes even harder. But I'll let Milly enjoy her final days. Where is she anyways?
After a while, Rolo and I left the work to Rivalz, and Shirley. I wonder where Milly went since she's always present at meetings. Suzaku wasn't there too. I guess he's at the base talking to Villetta. "Hurry Rolo. Let's get your homework done right away." I said as Rolo and I climbed down the stairs of the Student Council Building. Doing 8th grade homework is really easy but I don't know why Rolo find everything they teach him hard. Maybe he never actually studied in a school before…
As I was about to open the door, the door opened from the outside and Milly came in. "Oh Lelouch, going out already?" she asked me. I noticed that she wasn't in her Ashford Academy uniform but rather in an extravagant looking dress. "Uh yeah. I have to help Rolo here with his homework." I said as I patted Rolo on the head. He really loves that – and I have no idea why. "By the way, going out lately with your fancy dress?" I commented. "You really think it's fancy?" she asked me as she glanced on her sparkly violet dress.
"It is extravagant, beautiful, sparkly, fancy… what else." I said with a smile. "Milly-san is beautiful even without the dress." Rolo added. Milly smiled at our comments on her beautiful dress. I wonder how much that dress costs. Well, she's an Ashford, she can afford fancy dresses.
"I was out for a party. After that, I got these pictures developed." She said as she grabbed a small paper bag from her purse. She handed me a picture and gave Rolo a smaller version of the picture. "It's a little reminder from me… for being your president for so many years." I felt that Milly is somehow sad inside. She did have a lot of good memories in this place. Ashford Academy holds a lot of precious memories for her, for me, for Rolo, for everyone. This place is too precious to be part of the war. It holds memories too dear to be destroyed.
"Okay Lelouch. I'll meet up with the other members now. Good luck with Rolo!" Milly said as she waved goodbye and walked upstairs – and tripped on her dress at the 6th step. "Come on Rolo, let's go." I said as I pushed Rolo forward but he didn't react at all. I grabbed his hand and opened the door. "Rolo, I said let's go." I repeated but Rolo remained focused on the picture Milly gave. "Rolo?"
I glanced at the picture Milly gave. I saw Milly, Rivalz, Suzaku, Arthur, Nina, Shirley, Me, Rolo, Kallen and Nunnally… Since when did Rolo and Nunnally have a picture taken together and how come Milly knows about Nunnally? Kallen already left before Rolo even arrived here and I don't even remember having a picture taken with all of us together. Maybe it's just digital editing. I'm thinking too much. It's just digital editing, Lelouch. "Rolo, it's just a digital edit. Come on now." I said.
Rolo and I headed for the base. On our way, Rolo still kept on looking at the photograph Milly gave us. There's something in the picture that's bothering Rolo – and I hope it isn't Nunnally. On our way to the library, Suzaku ran rapidly pass us. He's late for another meeting again. "Oy Suzaku! Hurry up before Milly gets angry!" I shouted at the running lad. "Okay!" he replied and he soon disappeared out of our sight.
"So Suzaku's out, it'll be safe for us to come inside the base now." I said. We entered the library and wandered around. No one's in the library besides us. Even the two librarians aren't here. "It's empty?" Rolo asked. An empty library rarely occurs here in Ashford. "I guess it is." I replied. We were walking towards the entrance of the base when a female student with long black hair comes our way. "It isn't empty."
The girl stood behind us like she was waiting for something. Since we can't reveal to her our base, we have to act like we're here in the library for a purpose. "Let's grab a book to pass the time." Rolo suggested. We searched through the library for books to read.
Rolo found a book that interests him, about an orphan kid who was left with his aunt and uncle. He discovers that his parents were actually wealthy and that they didn't die in a car accident, but was murdered instead. The book's author is a European and the book is called "Harry Potteur"
I managed to get a book that I'm interested in. It's about a girl who stood up for her sister who was chosen to participate in a game where teens kill each other. I find the story interesting because the girl is also a rebel, just like me. The story's author is Britannian and its title is "Hunger Gamez"
The girl that we wanted to get rid of just grabbed a book from the shelf and started reading near us. I think she didn't even choose which book to read or what book she's interested in. Instead, she only grabbed a random book in front of her. Minutes went by and the girl still won't leave. She still can see us entering the base from where she is sitting. This is getting boring. I'll just geass her when she sees us entering.
Rolo and I walked towards the entrance, with the mysterious girl following us. I pulled a book that reads 'Bases' from the shelf and a keypad mysteriously appeared from the wall. I typed in the code correctly and the wall started to move revealing the entrance. The girl behind us didn't seem to be surprised at all. Now, time to geass her.
I removed the contact lens C.C. gave me and looked at the girl directly. I can see she has blue eyes and she's about my age. "Forget this base." I said. Then, a red ring appeared on her eyes. Perfect.
As I turned my back behind the geassed girl, she called my name "Lelouch."
Isn't geass supposed to be taking effect? She shouldn't be able to speak or do anything for like 5 seconds. I looked back at her and I saw her remove the black hair. It's only a wig.
It's the fiery Ace of Elevens all along. Kallen.
"Very convincing isn't it? Even you got tricked." She said with a smile. To my defeat, I sighed. "Very convincing, indeed." Kallen put her black wig back. The three of us walked inside the base were Villetta was waiting for us. She sat on her usual high chair with her legs crossed. "What took you so long?" she said, annoyed.
"Kallen here dressed up very convincingly." I said as I sat down on one of the chairs. Kallen quickly went to Rolo and asked what his homeworks are. Rolo pulled some of his books, notebooks and 3 sheets of paper from his backpack. Then, Kallen sat next to Rolo and they did the homework together. I can't believe Kallen is this determined to help a 15-year old do his homework. There's something wrong with Kallen, and I can tell by the way she acts with Rolo. She's just too determined.
"Stop staring at her." Villetta snapped. Then I realized, I've been staring at Kallen for so long, it looks awkward. "It's not what you think." I said but Villetta only laughed in response.
"Haha. Very funny. I bet my suffering during your gym classes is pretty funny too." I said. Since I blackmailed her, she has to do something to get me back. And I'm guessing my suffering during her classes is her way of doing so. "Don't blame me for making you repeat it four times. You're the one who was absent." She said. Of course she's right. I was absent because I was Zero.
"Now, onto the Special Administrative Region, you really agreed on that?" she asked me in disbelief. Good. At least Villetta didn't counter me. I nod at her and said "Don't worry about it. I have a selfish plan up ahead." My plan isn't really that special. It's just like how I used Britannia's bubbles against them, turning their own against them. Like how the moon steals the sun's light and uses it.
"Ohh.. Interesting." She said. Suddenly, some files on the far corner of the room fell down from the shelf. "Must be the rats." Villetta said as she grabbed the files on the floor. I noticed something at the entrance that resembles a fringe. Wait… it looks like blue hair. I stood up to get a better view of that fringe but it's already gone.
Villetta and I continued our little chat while Kallen helped Rolo with his homework.
Afterwards, Villetta left as she said "I have some other matters to attend to besides being a terrorist."
I invited Kallen over at the Student Council Building – aka my home – since the members of the student council already left and it's safe for a terrorist to be around here. I'm sure Riza won't notice that Kallen is a terrorist.
When we arrived, the place is hollow and empty. The lights and appliances were turned off and the place is just silent. Riza isn't here. I searched around the place and found no signs of Riza. Great. First day on the job and she's already out of town.
Kallen took off her wig and placed it on a pile of pillows – it's a gift from Milly. She then offered to help with the cooking in Riza's place but I took down her offer. As I cooked spaghetti and some fried potatoes, Rolo and Kallen were busy watching TV. There's nothing really good on Britannia TV but at least it helps you from being bored.
I served the spaghetti and fried potatoes on 3 plates, one plate for each of us. Rolo, Kallen and I assembled at the table, ready to eat dinner, when the TV started broadcasting an "Emergency Britannian Announcement"
"What are they going to broadcast now?" Kallen said, annoyed. The huge texts that say "Emergency Britannian Announcement" covered the whole screen for about 10 seconds until the governor-general appeared. Nunnally.
"Good Afternoon, everyone. As you all know, I am Nunnally vi Britannia, your governing general of Area 11. I want to invite the Japanese in the ghettos and around Japan to join us in the Special Administrative Region. Also, every Britannian who wishes to participate is also welcome in the ceremony. The inauguration will start at 3pm tomorrow afternoon by the Grand Stand near the South China Sea." Then, Nunnally made a childish, yet sweet and very innocent, laugh. "I wish to see all of you there. Good Evening and have a wonderful day!" With that, the broadcast ended.
The three of us continued to stare at the TV, even after the emergency broadcast ended and the channel returned to its normal shows. "Have something else planned?" Kallen asked me as she bit a fried potato. "I agreed with Nunnally, didn't I?"
Kallen and Rolo ate their dinner that I made for them but I didn't bother to move my spoon and fork or even my dinner. I wonder how Nunnally will react tomorrow at my hidden surprise for Britannia. I just pray that it won't harm her in any way.
My thoughts were disturbed when a knock at the door came. It's probably Riza. Finally, she's home.
Then… a masculine voice came from the door. Riza? "Hey Lelouch, It's Suzaku. Can I come in?"
Kallen quickly gobbled up her potato, placed her plate on the sink and ran for my room where she locked herself in. "Uhh….. sure… Suzaku." I said. Suzaku opened the door and entered the room. He's wearing his Japanese clothes this time and he looks sweaty. "Been training?" I asked him wonderfully with a fake smile. "Uhh yeah. Hey Lelouch, you didn't see Arthur here anywhere, right?" he asked me as he looked left and right.
Now that's a relief. I thought he noticed Kallen or something. "I didn't. No cats around here." I said as I looked under the table. "None here." Rolo added as he ate more of the spaghetti. "Can I search your place then?" he asked me and I nod in response.
I pretended to enjoy the meal while Suzaku searched all over the place. Under the sofa, under the TV, under the cabinets, on the chandelier, everywhere. "I guess you'll be busy tomorrow huh?" I asked him as I grabbed my plate and placed it on the sink. He surely will be, he's the Knight of Seven after all. Let's see how he brags about how he got that position of a Knight… traded his own friend, huh?
"Uhh… yeah… I guess…. Thanks for letting me search the place. Bye." And with that, Suzaku left. Now that was fast. I bet he didn't really lost Arthur but used the cat as an excuse to search all over the place. You can find nothing here. Kallen locked herself in my room.
After a few seconds, Kallen went out of my room and asked "Is he gone?" "He is." Rolo said as he placed his plate on the sink. Kallen let out a sigh and looked up the wall clock. "Bye Lelouch, Rolo. It's already getting late." She said worriedly.
She reached for her black wig under the huge pile of pillows. Then suddenly, I remembered Milly's picture. "Hey Kallen, before you leave, look what Milly got us." I said as I handed her the photo of the Student Council. She glanced at it for a few seconds before she said her first remark of the photo. "It's edited?" Well, it's obviously edited anyways. "Obviously." I said with a smile. "Even if it's edited, I don't get why they need to include me. I'm a terrorist that they hate." Kallen said sadly. "Because you're part of the student council family." Rolo said as he washed the plates on the sink.
I can see Kallen's mood change a little. Kallen put her wig back on and left without saying goodbye. I looked out the window and saw her running outside. I wonder where she's going to stay tonight.
After Rolo's done with the dishes, I headed for my room, ready to take a loooooong nap and be ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow will be one of the Black Knight's greatest moves. I have planned it perfectly that Britannia wouldn't see it coming.
I was about to fall asleep when someone knocked at my door. "Nii-san." It's Rolo. I climbed out of bed and opened the door, only to see Rolo holding some papers. "I guess this will be useful. It's Riza-san's bio-data." He said as he gave me the papers and left. I let out a big yawn and glanced at her bio-data.
Even if I feel very very sleepy, I read her data form, seeing that Rolo wouldn't give me these when it doesn't have anything interesting in it. As I read her name, location, history, something from my past started to ignite at the back of my head. I closed my eyes to figure it out. Why is Riza so familiar? Why is Riza someone from my past? Why is Riza related to me.. somehow…
I opened my eyes and I saw her name "Riza Rouge."
That's it. She's not Riza Rouge.
She's Riaz Lamperouge.
Author's Note:
Chapter beta-reader is TheLazyArtist22.
Thank you for the reviews, faves and follows, and even the views! ^^
So big surprise, Riza the maid is actually Riaz Lamperouge from Lelouch's past.
Any feed backs you can give is very-much appreciated!
Also, Harry Potter and Hunger Games doesn't belong to me. The two books are just awesome. I managed to finish "The Hunger Games" in 11 hours xD.