Here's another guys.

I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 4


"So, what should we do now?" Kallen asked breathlessly after parting from another kiss with Lelouch.

"Don't know, I don't mind spending the rest of the day…catching up," Lelouch coughed sheepishly.

Unfortunately, Kallen's cell phone rang just as he said that.

"It's Rivalz," Kallen said.

"Hmm, I wonder what he wants?" Lelouch asked.

"Crap! We're still in charge of the party!" Kallen exclaimed, slapping her forehead.

"Do we have to go? I'm pretty sure everything's set up," Lelouch said.

"Idiot! What would the students think if the Student Body President didn't show up to an activity that the Student Council set up?" Kallen asked.

"Fine," Lelouch breathed in a disappointed manner, "So much for catching up."

"Don't be such a big baby. It's not like I want to go either," Kallen grumbled with puffed up cheeks.

"If you say so, my queen," Lelouch said with a bow, causing Kallen to blush.

"Kallen, Dante! Where have you guys been?" Rivalz asked.

"We were just making sure that all of the tools were put away, right Pres?" Lelouch replied, having donned his mask again.

"Yup!" Kallen said awkwardly, making Lelouch cringe.

Kallen, you're not the best liar! Which is strange, considering you led a double life for years!

Perhaps, she was still flustered from their heated reunion.

I suppose it's charming that I can have such an effect on her.

Lelouch couldn't help but grin at the thought.

"Sure. 'Putting away the tools,' right," Rivalz said, catching Lelouch's smug look.

Kallen also caught Lelouch's expression and punched him in the arm.

"Smooth," Kallen growled.

"You're only making it more obvious," Lelouch grunted, rubbing his arm.

"He's right, Pres," Rivalz said.

"Whatever, is everything prepared for the party?" Kallen asked.

"Yeah, the last thing we needed was wood for a bonfire and I've got the last of it," Rivalz said, referring to the pile of wood that he was carrying.

"Well then, shall we get started?" Lelouch asked.


A Black Knight facility in Europe

"So, Sergeant Bernard. Why did you turn on your comrades?" Jeremiah asked.

"I will not answer to you, heathen!" the brainwashed soldier snarled. He was dressed in a prisoner's outfit and handcuffed to the table.

"Who is your leader?" Jeremiah sighed. This had been the response he had been receiving from all of the traitors. When he relieved them of their geass, they had no recollection of what had occurred in the past few days.

"His name is too sacred to be wasted on you!" Bernard exclaimed, eerily repeating the words of his compatriots.

"Your comrades have already betrayed your cause and have rejoined the Black Knights," Jeremiah said.

"Impossible! Our loyalty is absolute!" Bernard spat.

"You are under a geass. Whoever your leader is, you're being manipulated by them," Jeremiah said, sitting back in his seat in a casual manner.

"Then, it is my pleasure to be of use to my master!" the soldier laughed maniacally.

"I wonder if you'll feel the same after this?" Jeremiah said, opening his cybernetic eye.

The soldier's furious expression immediately softened into confusion as he was freed from whatever geass had been holding him.

"Huh, Where am I?" he asked.

"You're in a Black Knight facility," Jeremiah replied.

"What happened? Why am I in cuffs?" Bernard asked pulled against his restraints.

"Calm down, we only restrained you so that you wouldn't hurt someone," Jeremiah said.

"Hurt someone?" Bernard asked.

"You were put under some sort of mind control. What's the last thing you remember?" Jeremiah asked.

"I-I was in the desert," the soldier said.

"You were in charge of a Vincent squadron," Jeremiah said.

"Yes, I remember. We had just finished scouting the area," Bernard said, nodding.

"Then what?"

"We saw a shepherd with some sheep," Bernard said, "That's the last thing I remember."

It was the same thing that the others had said.

A shepherd.

"That was the only person that was around the area?" Jeremiah asked.

"I'm certain there was no one else," the soldier replied.

"Then, I'll leave the rest to you," Jeremiah said. As he left the interrogation room, a few Black Knight soldiers entered to take care of Bernard.

Zero and Tohdoh were standing on the other side of the one-way window.

"It appears that we're going to have quite the headache on our hands," Zero said.

"How can we counter this geass?" Tohdoh asked.

"I'm not sure if there is a countermeasure against it," Jeremiah said, "All of the affected soldiers were in their knightmares when the geass was cast on them."

"Our only suspect is some random shepherd," Zero said.

"What can we do, then?" Tohdoh asked.

"I'm afraid that we can only wait for this shepherd's next move," Zero sighed.

"Jeremiah, why did you follow Lelouch when you're immune to geass and why did you help us?" Tohdoh said suspiciously.

"Does it matter?" Jeremiah asked nonchalantly.

"If you're still loyal to Lelouch, then it does," Tohdoh replied.

"Enough, Tohdoh. I trust Jeremiah," Zero said.

"Why Zero?" Tohdoh asked.

"Because without his aid, I would not have been able to kill Lelouch," Zero replied.

"Fine, if you say so," Tohdoh said.

"I wonder what the enemy was trying to accomplish, letting his men strike so early on," Zero pondered.

"I agree, any sound strategist would have waited for a more opportune time to attack," Tohdoh said.

"Perhaps, they were testing their power? It would make sense if the user obtained their geass recently," Jeremiah asked.

"Then, we'll most likely be seeing more incidents like this," Zero said.

"What should we do, Zero?" Tohdoh asked.

"The only thing we can do is wait until the enemy's next move," Zero sighed.

"We should call a meeting with the Security Council immediately, we have much to discuss," Tohdoh said.

Jeremiah was disgusted.

The meeting had been utterly fruitless. When the council was told that it appeared that nothing could be done about the current user's geass, they became terrified, resulting in a discussion totally dominated by fear. Foolishly desperate for a countermeasure, the council members decided that soldiers would be issued special visors just like the original Black Knights. It was nothing but security theatre. It was just a way for them to make themselves feel better, a complete waste of money.

How do the Black Knights function without his majesty?

Though, Jeremiah couldn't blame them. It was an impossible problem that they were dealing with. There were too many unknowns, too many places that the enemy could strike.

They were facing true terror once again, just like the Black Rebellion. Perhaps, this was even worse than back then. Not everyone knew, but the fear of geass was there. The possibility that anyone, including someone you loved, could turn on you at any moment was absolutely terrifying.

It was a despair that few had faced.

Jeremiah sighed. It seemed that peace still an unattainable dream, always sought after but always out of reach.

Well, your majesty, it seems that the world still needs you.


Jeremiah's Farm

"I'm sorry, Dante, but you suck at dancing," Rivalz laughed.

"Well, what's your excuse?" Lelouch asked.

"Whatever, you're just jealous," Rivalz said.

"Whatever, I'll redeem myself before the night is through," Lelouch said.

"During the bonfire dance?" Gino asked, raising an eyebrow.

"What can I say, I can only dance with a lady," Lelouch said, shrugging his shoulders.

"I know what you mean, buddy," Gino said, laughing.

"Who's the lucky partner who's going to suffer through that abuse?" Rivalz joked.

"Good question," Lelouch said, "Pres, will you dance with me tonight?"

"Huh?" Kallen and Gino both asked in confusion.

"Pff, you're going to dance with Kallen?" Rivalz snorted before bursting into a fit of laughter.

"What's so funny about that?" Kallen asked, glaring at the VP.

"No offense, Kallen, but you don't really seem the type to be able to ballroom dance," Rivalz said.

"Oh yeah?" Kallen said through clenched teeth, her eyebrows twitching in anger.

"How about a wager?" Lelouch asked.

"Interesting, what'd you have in mind?" Rivalz asked.

"We'll have a competition and let the students vote on who wins," Lelouch replied.

"I like it, but I wanted to dance with Kallen," Gino whined in a disappointed tone.

"Sorry Gino," Lelouch said unapologetically.

"Whatever, you're not sorry," Gino huffed in an offended manner.

"All's fair in love and war," Anya yawned.

"Anya, you're siding with him?!" Gino asked.

"I don't think it's a dull idea. Besides, Kallen can choose who she dances with, can't she?" Anya asked.

"Oh yeah!" Gino exclaimed, "So, Kallen are you going to accept?"

"I'll dance with Dante," Kallen said after some thought.

"NOOOOOO!" Gino cried out, grasping his chest and falling to his knees.

"What does the winner get, anyway?" Kallen asked.

"Why don't we harken back to the good old days and make it a kiss with someone on the Student Council?" Rivalz suggested.

"NO!" Kallen exclaimed.

"Why Kallen, don't you want to get kissed by me?" Gino asked.

"Honestly, no," Kallen said bluntly.

"You're breaking my heart, Pres," Gino said overdramatically, fake tears streaming down his face.

"I think it's a great idea, it'll give Kallen an incentive to win," Lelouch said with a devious smile.

"Great, it's decided!" Rivalz said.

"But I'm not dancing with Kallen," Gino moaned in complaint.

"Get over it, it's not like those two are dating," Rivalz said.

"Right?" he then said, turning to Kallen and Lelouch.

"Uh…it's getting dark. Shouldn't we light the bonfire soon?" Lelouch said, unable to meet his friend's gaze.

"Oh yeah!" Rivalz said, "I'll get the lighter!"

"I better go get a dance partner…" Gino mumbled, looking depressed.

"I'll win, Dante! You'll see! Wait for me Kallen, your lips will be mine!" he proclaimed before storming off.

"I'm not some trophy," Kallen grumbled.

"Why'd you make that wager?" she then asked.

"I thought it'd be fun," Lelouch said, "You can dance, right?"

"I learned when I was living as a Britannian, but it's not like I've had a lot of practice," Kallen said.

"Well, we've got some time, why don't we practice?" Lelouch asked.

"I'll leave you two to that then," Anya said.

"You're not going to compete, Anya?" Kallen asked.

"If someone asks, I might, but I'd rather watch and record. It'll probably be a fantastic evening, something worth remembering," Anya said, pulling out her camcorder.

"Dante, this isn't a traditional ballroom waltz," Kallen pointed out. Lelouch had insisted that whenever they were in public that she call him by his fake name. It felt strange to call him that now. Luckily, the mask helped.

"Well, I doubt that our audience would relate to something so slow-paced," Lelouch responded.

"Besides, don't you think this dance suits you better?" he asked.

"Even if it did, it won't matter if we can't do it," Kallen said.

"I don't know if I trust you tossing me around like that," she said.

"I'm not weak anymore," Lelouch stated defensively.

"You can't blame me for having a hard time believing that," Kallen retorted.

"Thanks to my healing abilities, I was able to become fit much faster than someone could normally," Lelouch said.

"Trust me," he said, raising his arms and taking a dance posture.

"You do keep up with me during gym class. If I hadn't been there to see for myself, I probably wouldn't be saying this," Kallen said, nodding.

"Fine," she sighed, grasping his hands.

The students were more than excited to do the dance competition to say the least. Surprisingly, many of the students joined in.

"C.C.? You're competing with Gino?" Kallen asked.

"Jealous?" C.C. asked. She was really directing the question at Lelouch.

"Do you even know who she is, Gino?" Lelouch asked, his eyes sharpening dangerously.

"I just met her today, but she said that if we danced together, it would really bug you guys," Gino replied, crossing his arms in a self-satisfied way.

"Nice, real mature," Kallen said, rolling her eyes.

"I don't intend to lose to you again, Kallen," C.C. said.

"I didn't think you cared about stuff like that, C.C.," Lelouch said.

"It's a girl thing, you wouldn't understand," the witch said, shaking her head.

"Alrighty, everyone! Let's get this started!" Rivalz exclaimed.

"Like it was previously announced, we're having a couple's dance competition! The winners get to either kiss a member of the Student Council or get two free tickets to Clovisland!" he said, causing everyone to cheer.

"Will the first couple please make your way to the center of the circle and we'll start this dance off!" Rivalz said.

And so, the contest began. Most of the performances were cute at best but the crowd generously applauded their efforts. It was a great spectacle with a pleasant atmosphere. Quite a miracle, considering that it was high school.

"You boys think you could beat that?" Rivalz asked once he was finished with his partner. To be honest, his performance had been one of the best so far.

"Where'd you learn to dance like that?" Kallen asked, completely surprised.

"I picked up a few things while my friends were out changing the world," Rivalz explained, taking a well-deserved bow.

"Impressive, but I'm sorry to say that I'm going be the one to win this," Gino said as he and C.C. took to the center.

The dance they chose was an old-fashioned waltz. They began very slowly, executing very basic steps and moves. It very much matched Gino and C.C.'s personalities, laid-back and fluid. Then, as the dance progressed, their movements became more complex and sensual.

Many of the students began to blush at the sight of their movements.

The two of them ended their waltz with a final twirl and a deep dip, which, to the pleasure of the male student population, accentuated C.C.'s cleavage quite a bit.

The crowd roared into applause. Even the girls did so because the dance had been too graceful to not receive applause. What made their dance even more impressive was the fact that the two had executed every move with their eyes closed!

"That was beyond impressive," Kallen had to admit.

"Well, we'll just have to outdo them if we want to protect your lips," Lelouch said. Kallen just rolled her eyes at that.

"Alright, the final couple will be Dante and Kallen!" Rivalz announced, which everyone roared into applause as the power couple approached the center.

The song Lelouch had chosen was fast-paced but it had a lengthy slow quiet start, which only gave Kallen more time to become nervous.

"Hey, Kallen. Look at my eyes," Lelouch said.

"What?" Kallen asked gazing into her love's eyes as requested.

"Do you trust me?" Lelouch asked.

"Yes," Kallen said, taking a deep breath.

"Well, my queen. Shall we take their breath away?" he said before they began.

Just as the song took a drastic change in pace, the two of them sprang into action.

Their dance was oddly inconsistent. One moment they were making ferocious gestures and steps; in another, they were moving so sensually slow that it was painful for people to watch.

Despite how strange their dance was, their steps were completely in sync and controlled. It created an interesting paradox, just like the two executing them. Beautiful but brilliant, sensual but subdued, carnal but clean.

Lelouch and Kallen made a furious twirl, both separating briefly before returning to each other's arms.

The audience's eyes went wide at the sight of Kallen's smile. They had never seen her radiate so much joy and it caused many of them to blush, all of them thinking, "So cute!"

In their next move, Kallen jumped into Lelouch's arms as he caught her in a bridal carry. He then turned and let go of her legs, allowing them to swing around him before catching them in reverse. Lelouch continued to turn, this time releasing his hold on Kallen's back and arm. She swung upside down and circled her partner before being pulled back up into the same position she had started in.

Good thing I wore pants today, Kallen thought.

"Woah!" the crowd gasped. It was only the first of many more gasps. As the dance progressed, the students became enchanted with breathless anticipation.

By the end of it all, Kallen and Lelouch were panting breathlessly, their sweat gleaming in the light of the bonfire. They had finished tightly embracing each other. Lelouch's hand rested underneath Kallen's thigh, holding them up to his hip, while his other arm was wrapped around the small of her back. Kallen had one hand in Lelouch's hair and the other on his chest, clenching his shirt.

At first, there was complete silence due to the sheer awe that had overcome the spectators. Then, they exploded into a loud ovation.

"Are they really high school students?" someone asked amidst the applause.

"Well, they're out of our league," another said in a defeated tone.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Let's get down to the vote!" Rivalz said, "I'm going to go through the list of contestants. Whoever gets the loudest applause wins!"

Most of the couples received a generous response from their classmates. However, it was clear who the main competitors were. It came down to Rivalz and his partner, Gino and C.C., and Lelouch and Kallen.

"Alright, it's really hard to determine who won between the three couples, so raise your hands for your favorite couple," Anya said. Rivalz had turned the job of judging the result to her since he had made it into the final running.

"Raise your hand for Rivalz and Kouko."

"Let's see. One, two, three, four…"Anya muttered as she counted up all of the hands.

"Okay, sixty."

"What about Gino and C.C.?" Anya asked. More hands went up.

"Sixy-two."

"What about Dante and Kallen?" she asked.

"One, two, three, four, five…" Anya said, "Wow, there's more of you guys than I thought."

"Seventy-five," Anya said.

"NO!" Gino wailed.

Rivalz looked deflated, saying, "Darn it. At least, we made it into the final vote. Sorry, Kouko."

"Don't apologize, Rivalz. I had a lot of fun," Kouko said with a genuine smile, giving him a hug. She was one of the Japanese students that had enrolled in Ashford since the war ended.

"I guess no one can really compete with what Kallen and Dante brought," Rivalz said.

"It's really hard to believe they put that together in so little time," Kouko said.

"It looks like Anya is giving me the look to relieve her of host duty," Rivalz said, "I'll talk to you in a bit."

"It looks like we have our winners!" Rivalz said once he grabbed the megaphone from Anya.

"Please step up and claim you prize!"

Lelouch and Kallen walked up to their energetic host in a bashful stride.

It had been close, but Lelouch had been right. Just like many those that had witnessed its, Kallen couldn't quite believe that they were able to pull off such a demanding performance.

It was a miracle.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

"So, what'll it be?" Rivalz asked, "Which prize do you want?"

"We'll take the tickets to Clovisland," Lelouch said.

"Alright, we'll have those for you some time in the future," Rivalz said.

Lelouch's decision surprised Kallen. She had expected him to use the kiss to prevent any male students from pursuing her in the future.

"Awesome," Kallen said flatly.

"Are you disappointed, Pres?" Lelouch asked.

Kallen didn't give him the satisfaction of answering that question, shaking her head instead.

"Here," Lelouch said as he captured Kallen in his arms and kissed her.

"WHAAAAA?!" everyone screamed, their jaws dropping to the ground. What made it more shocking was the fact that Kallen was returning the gesture, not pushing him away.

When their lips parted, Lelouch gave their classmates an intimidating look.

Mine.


So, I know there's not been any action...I'm working on that. I'm just not sure how I want to create the first main conflict. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Seriously, though. I have a couple ideas I really would like to discuss with you guys so message me if you're willing to listen!

Please review and let me know your thoughts. It motivates me and gets me thinking!