(Author's note): Today, I was actaully going to write a chapter in my other fanfiction, "Aura of Mystery," but since so many people requested another chapter, I decided to do yet another chapter in this one. Incedentally, Out-Of Control-Authoress, I tried to make this chapter a bit longer, like you said. Tell me what you thought of it.
I closed my eyes as I felt the wind on my face. Rivalz accelerated, and I felt exhilarated as the sudden burst of speed hit my body. I opened my eyes and saw the road flying by us. I then resumed watching the traffic.
I had gone with Rivalz, just as before. Only this time, instead of playing against a Britannian nobleman, I had gone up against a Japanese politician. He was just as arrogant, just as easy to beat, and paid just as much.
I threw a few casual questions at Rivalz on the way back, and deduced that this wasn't "old Japan" anymore. Its new name was the "United States of Japan.," and it belonged to the UFN, or United Federation of Nations. So the deal was literally true, word for word. Aside from having the clock turned back a year, I was "living in the world I had created." I made a mental note to pay attention in history class tomorrow, to see if I could figure out what the "official" story was for how the USJ and UFN had come to be.
On the way back, I paid special attention to the traffic, being on the lookout for a familiar-looking truck. I kept glancing behind me, hoping to see the formidably large vehicle looming behind us, just like last time. No such luck, though. I also used a set of radio headphones to try to listen for any accidents involving trucks, but I couldn't find any of those, either. As we pulled into the student parking lot of Ashford, I resigned myself to the fact that C2 probably wasn't even in the Tokyo settlement. However, I was comforted by the fact that according to R.T.H., C2 still had her memories, and that meant-
I was interrupted from my musings by the 6th period release bell. Realizing that I had only five minutes to be on the other side of campus, I sprinted like a madman to get to classroom N-1B. I'm sure the sight was comical to everyone else, but no one should have to that fast or for that long. I also had to take the long way around, because Coach Villeta was waiting for me along the corridor I usually take. I swear, that woman is obsessed with trying to get me to attend gym class. You'd think she'd give it a rest after awhile. I don't know what Ohgi sees in her. Speaking of Ohgi…
The funny thing about life is that once you think you've got everything figured out, it invariably shoves something in your face to show you that you've actually got no idea what's going on. This is what happened when I walked into the door for English class and saw Ohgi sitting at the teacher's desk, looking as though nothing was out of place. Being a little more used to seeing unexpected things at this point, I took my seat and participated in the lesson as though everything was normal. I surprised to find out that despite being a resistance leader in an alternate dimension, Ohgi was a very competent teacher, finding ways to keep the class interested and involved. Even I, who was usually bored in such classes, found myself following along, paying attention, and even answering the occasional question. Come to think of it, didn't Ohgi say he used to be a teacher before he became a rebel…?
As the class came to a close, I realized I wanted to ask him about Coach Villeta. Were they still involved? Did they even like each other? I wasn't sure about how to approach it, though. How do I ask him about his relationship with her without making it seem awkward?
As I approached his desk, he looked up from a paper he was reading over and smiled. "Hello, Lelouch. What can I do for you?"
"Was just wondering, sir… What do you think of Coach Villeta?"
He laughed at this. "What, did she nail you for skipping gym class again?"
I smiled somewhat mechanically. Actually, during 6th period, when I would have been in gym, I was actually at that chess match. "Not exactly, sir."
"Well, she's a… Good-looking woman. She seems a bit intense, though. Takes her job too seriously. Teaching is a job, but it should be fun, too. That answer your question?"
"Yes, sir."
As I hurried off to the student council after-school meeting, I recalled R.T.H.'s words to me: "You will also have the power to let others remember…" I was already forming a plan, but had no time to reflect too much on it, as I just a few seconds later I bumped into a familiar orange-haired girl, knocking the books from her arms.
"Sorry, Shirley." I apologized as I helped her gather up her books. "I guess I wasn't paying enough attention to what was in front of me, and-"
"Um, Lulu?" asked Shirley, her head slightly down, eyes averted, and blushing slightly. "W-would you like to… Uh… Y'know… What I'm t-trying to say is… Um… Never mind…" she almost mumbled as she rushed past me, continuing on the way she was going. I looked at her retreating back confusedly. What was that all about?
Then it dawned on me. I remembered her last words to me: "And as I'm reborn… I'll keep falling in love with you…Over and over…"
As I continued along my way, I found myself trying to untangle my feelings toward Shirley. Before, I had only liked her as a friend. But then, I had figured out that she had a crush on me, and I tried to keep things as normal as possible, mainly because I didn't want to have a serious relationship with anyone. But then I had killed her father, and then she had kissed me, and then all that business with Mao… And then, even after I erased her memories, she had fallen in love with me again. Even when she had recovered her memories and knew that I was Zero, she had lied to protect me. She even wanted to join the small group of individuals who knew my true identity, maybe even join the Black Knights.
Such love was admirable at the very least. I couldn't just ignore it. I knew that everyday without my love in her life was torture for Shirley. I didn't want her to be unhappy. All the same… I couldn't honestly say that I felt the same way. I felt… Different then from when we were just friends, but I couldn't tell if it was love or just appreciation for all she had done for me.
During the Student Council after-school meeting, I studiously avoided Shirley's eyes. I wasn't sure why, but I felt like looking at her would increase these confusing feelings. Madam Prez seemed to sense something was up. She looked between the two of us and smirked to herself when she thought no one was looking. I frowned at this. I had always known Milly was teasing Shirley, but she had known better than to do the same to me. If she started, then so help me…
The meeting disbanded, and I headed back to my room to do my homework. I paused as I was stepping up a flight of stairs and looked out the window. I suddenly realized how lucky I was. When I had made that sacrifice for the Zero Requiem, I had fully expected to never see anyone I loved again. Even if there had been some kind of afterlife, I was sure that souls as pure as Nunnally or Shirley would be sent heaven, but because of all I had done, I was sure I would sent to hell.
And yet here I was. Thanks to R.T.H. and his mysterious master, I was living what had always been my secret dream ever since becoming Zero: being normal. If only I could find C2, then the perfect picture would be complete…
I went home (which happened to still be within the academy itself), did some homework, and watched some TV. Being bored was strangely relieving.
I also talked to Nunnally. It was nice to hear her voice again. Sayoko cooked for us, and it was an excellent meal (as usual). Although, I doubt that I'll ever be able to see her in the same light, considering that I now know that she's secretly a ninja.
As I went to bed that night, I reflected on everything that had happened. As I realized once again how lucky I was, I resolved to enjoy every bit of my new life. Even the homework. I rolled over and tried to get to sleep.
Only to be woken minutes later by the sound of my cell phone ringing. As I irritably wondered who on earth would be calling at this time of night, I flipped it open.
"It's me."
"Hello, Lelouch."
"C2!?"
(Author's note): Good enough for you, dragonamser?
