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Now, on with the story!


Chapter 8: Reveal

2017 a.t.b.

Army Base, Area 11

Shinji Hirako woke up to several blurred figures around him. Blinking in confusion, he tried to lift his hands up to rub his eyes when he felt a jerking motion. Looking down, he say his hands strapped to the sides of his straitjacket. Still slightly stupefied, Shinji's eyes opened wide when the memories of what had happened rushed into back into his brain. Jolting, he found himself completely immobilized with straps around his body. Now fully awake, he started really looking around, his heart sinking when he realized he was inside a cell, clearly in the army base.

Shifting his body, Shinji moved his body into a sitting position just as a soldier passed by, probably patrolling the grounds. When the soldier saw Shinji awake, his eyes widened and he dashed off without saying a word, leaving a confused ex-soldier to wonder what had happened after he was knocked out.

A few minutes later, Shinji got his answer as soldiers opened the door to his cell. Unlocking his leg straps, a soldier jerked him onto his feet, barking out "Walk!"

Complying, Shinji wondered where he was going until he saw an all too familiar door. Having been an undercover agent, Shinji was sometimes brought there to help manipulate unwilling terrorists. It was the interrogation rooms that he was heading towards and at this revelation, his pace halted. Unpleased, the soldier pushed the Honorary Britannian forwards, leading him to an isolated interrogation room just in case things got noisy.

His heart beating at a hundred beats per minute, Shinji was pushed onto a flimsy foldable chair. Sitting in front of him, he saw a green-haired man in a uniform he realized belonged to the pure bloods. Looking down on him, the man tossed a gun, sealed in an evidence bag with a tag, onto the table. Not knowing what to say, Shinji kept quiet until the man demanded, "Do you recognize this gun, Shinji Hirako? It was used to assassinate his Highness, Clovis la Britannia…"

At that declaration, Shinji's head jerked up as his eyes opened in surprise.

Seeing his expression, Jeremiah continued on, "Oh don't look so surprised, Shinji, after all, our forensic team found YOUR fingerprints on this gun!"

His mouth dropping open for a moment, Shinji exclaimed "N-No, you have it wrong, I didn't do it! All I did was-"

Shinji stopped talking as a soldier stepped forward and backhanded him, the force throwing him onto the floor as his arms were bound, not letting him protect himself. Undisturbed, the purist continued, "Don't lie to us, we've got proof that you rebelled and shot your commander before running off. No doubt about it, you were probably converted by one of the terrorist groups you infiltrated and was sent on a mission to assassinate his Highness!"

Sputtering at the nonsensical motive, Shinji protested "W-Wait a minute! I admit that I attacked my commander, but a soldier knocked me out after that! The next thing I knew, I was in that cage a few minutes ago!"

Scoffing, Jeremiah continued, "That's a likely story, but we retrieved you at the army base. That Eleven friend of yours, Ryoga, probably knocked you after the job to leave you with an alibi! Heck, he was probably your accomplice, seeing as the generals reported being attacked by two armed soldiers!

Looking up at the serious soldier, Shinji cried out, "There must be some mistake! I didn't do it!"

Looking at the frantic man, Jeremiah rose from his seat and brushed his hands as if cleaning up a messy business and said, "Our evidence says else wise, Shinji Hirako. The only mistake that has occurred it that you as a dirty Eleven thought you could harm a prince of the Holy Britannian Empire and get away with it."

Seeing the former soldier being put back into his cell, Jeremiah turned around and exited the room, his mind already thinking of what to do next to aid the purists.


That afternoon

Ashford Academy, Area 11

Lelouch sat in class, propping his face up with his hand and acting like the model lazy genius he pretended to be. Hiding behind his boredom, however, his mind was working furiously, deciding what to do with the girl he was now sure was Q-1. 'Hmm…from what I've tried, people don't remember what happens during or a little bit before the geass is activated or else that teacher would have caught me. If that's the case, then Kallen should be the same and wouldn't recall anything other than me telling her not to talk about Shinjuku. The problem lies in what she's figured out from that information. From what Rivalz said, I can assume she's pretty bright and might recognize my voice. I'll have to throw her off my tail until what she does know won't be so influential to my plan. How to do so….well, if Kallen only knows my voice, then appearing before her while she hears the voice should be fine. This should be a good time to appear before that terrorist group in Shinjuku too. In any case, he who attacks first gains the advantage. I'll have to ask Suzaku to help me and confront her my way.'

Completing his plan, Lelouch merely shifted slightly, relaxing into actual boredom and waited for the end of the class. Clearing his desk, Lelouch ignored the eager Shirley, determined to get it over with before Kallen could confront him first and ruin his plans. Striding purposefully towards the group of girls who were chatting away with Kallen, Lelouch coolly said, "Could you come with me for a second? There's something I want to talk to you about."

Kallen looked up, her eyes slightly narrowing in suspicion, and replied "Yes, I was waiting for you to ask."

Ignored by the two, the girls in the class screamed collectively and Shirley visibly jolted, disgruntled at Lelouch's apparent interest in someone female outside of the student council.

Wincing slightly at the noise level, Lelouch lead the way, heading towards the Student Council Clubhouse while Kallen trailed behind him purposefully, observing all his actions for any suspicious activity. Understanding the need for privacy, she didn't speak until Lelouch closed the door of the clubhouse behind her. Curious about her surroundings, Kallen commented, "I didn't know there was such a building on the school campus."

Acting like a guide, Lelouch explained " This clubhouse was built specifically for student council use. It was made large for balls and other festivals that Milly, the president, loves to throw.

Nodding her understanding, Kallen stated, "Then there shouldn't be any interruptions her"

Just as Lelouch was about to agree, their private conversation was pierced by a triumphant shout "Yes! I found it!"

Shocked, both teens turned towards the upper levels, where Shirley suddenly popped up rubbing her back as she turned towards the hallway where Rivalz and Nina suddenly appeared, and the mousy girl said in a relieved tone. "That's it! The experimental data! Thanks a lot Shirley!"

Suddenly, from a different entrance, Milly entered, decked out in an apron and pushing a cart of food. Looking up at the voices, Milly asked "Did you find it? In that case, let's get started!"

Looking down and seeing all the delicious food that now graced on of the tables, Rivalz exclaimed "Oh, that looks amazing!"

Beaming, Milly finished placing all the food onto the table and said "Feel free to praise me all you like!"

Having recovered from the shock, Lelouch asked "Umm, Madame President, what's all this for?"

Tilting her head sideways, Milly wondered "You knew what we were planning didn't you, Lelouch? That's why you brought her here, because you knew that we were going to ask Kallen to join the student council. My grandpa specifically requested it, after all!"

Confused, Kallen muttered a 'Huh?' to which Milly explained, "He said that because of your frail body and health, it wasn't a good idea to let you join an athletic club. Because of you infrequent attendance, our cultural clubs weren't an option either, so he suggested that you join the student council."

Turning around to face Kallen, Milly pointed to herself and introduce, "Oh, I'm Milly Ashford, by the way, the president of the student council. It's nice to meet you."

Recalling her manners, Kallen bowed and said "It's nice to meet you!"

Straitening up, she found herself surrounded by the student council as they all introduced themselves. Exchanging pleasantries to keep her cover, Kallen didn't even notice the sound of an electronic wheelchair approach them until a quiet voice asked, "Umm, sorry Suzaku, but could you put the food onto the table for me?"

Rushing forward, Suzaku replied, "Of course Nunnally, here."

Surprised at the appearance of the gentle girl in the wheelchair and the Japanese teen who accompanied her, Kallen stopped talking while Lelouch rushed forward asking "Nunnally! Suzaku! You guys are here too?"

Noticing her confusion, Milly explained, "That's Nunnally Lamperouge, Lelouch's younger sister and Suzaku Kururugi, a new student"

Noticing the new girl, Nunnally supplied, "Since I'm still in middle school, I'm not technically in the Student Council."

Walking towards her, Rivalz said, "But you'll be soon, won't you? Granted, not as soon as Suzaku, but it's only going to be a few more months right?"

Informing everyone, Suzaku said, "Yup, I'll be attending Ashford starting next week. You'll probably see me around though, since I've got nothing better to do these few days besides getting ready. It's nice to meet you though, Kallen"

Pushing her wheelchair forwards, Nunnally repeated the greeting and Kallen beamed, taking an immediate liking to the kind girl and enjoying the fact that a fellow Japanese would be allowed at Ashford.

Pulling a bottle from his bag, Rivalz interrupted the tender moment by declaring, "Now then, let's celebrate the two new members of the student council with this! How about a toast?"

Staring at the bottle Rivalz had no doubt gotten from work and placed on the table, Shirley exclaimed "Champagne!"

Fiddling with her skirt, Nina asked, "Is it really appropriate for the student council to be drinking champagne?"

Lifting the bottle up, Rivalz stated "Now, now, there's no need to be so uptight about this!"

Ever the proper girl, Shirley exclaimed, trying to grab the bottle, "Rivalz! We all know that's not allowed in school!"

Struggling with the persistent Shirley, Rivalz tossed the bottle to Lelouch, shouting "Hey Lelouch, catch!"

Catching the bottle with pure reflex, Lelouch couldn't prepare himself for Shirley, who promptly tackled him to the floor, sending the champagne cork flying towards Kallen.

Amazed by the turn of events, Kallen flicked away the high speed cork only to be showered in the proceeding spray of champagne, much to the surprise of both herself and the rest of the student council, who stared at the now soaked redhead.

Glaring at Rivalz, and staring at her clothes, she internally ranted 'Never mind that moment with Nunnally, this is why I HATE Britannians!'


10 minutes later

Bathroom, Student Council Clubhouse

Kallen found herself quickly ushered to the bathroom after the champagne incident after Rivalz and Shirley apologized, and Shirley forced Lelouch to mutter a half-hearted apology. Now standing under the soothing spray of warm water, Kallen thought about how she had gone from suspecting Lelouch to being attacked by champagne. Hearing a knock on the door and Lelouch explain that he was bringing her spare clothes, Kallen answered, "Come in! I have the curtains drawn."

Entering the misty room, Lelouch took one look at the shadow of Kallen's body before looking away, saying, "Sorry about those guys, they're a bit more lively than most."

Assuring him that she didn't mind, Kallen said, "Nah, it's alright once in a while to have that kind of excitement."

Placing his clothes in a hamper, Lelouch asked, "The clothes I brought are mine, but I think they'll fit fine. Do you mind?"

Flicking her gaze towards the direction of the teen, Kallen wondered curiously "You must be pretty fast then, to be able to get from the dorms back here so quickly…"

Leaning on one of the walls, Lelouch answered sombrely, "Actually, I live here since it's hard for my sister to stay in the dorms. The chairman gave us permission to live here instead."

As if trying to escape the subject, Lelouch quickly turned around excusing himself as Kallen suddenly said, "Wait! Could you hand me my pouch?"

Looking at the pink pouch, Lelouch slowing extended his hand past the curtain, only to jolt mentally when Kallen firmly grabbed his wrist. Having already predicted such a confrontation, though not exactly like this, Lelouch merely stated "You're stronger than you look."

Her eyes narrowing, Kallen demanded, "Were you at Shinjuku the other day?"

Carefully maintaining the calm in his voice, Lelouch asked, "What do you mean?"

Mad, Kallen slowly grabbed her pouch she had dropped, revealing the sharp knife hidden in it and placed it to Lelouch's wrist, stating "Don't answer my question with a question! Give me a yes or no answer!"

Feeling the sharp blade pressed against his wrist, Lelouch was about to reply when the phone rang. Mentally congratulating himself at getting the right timing, Lelouch asked, "Can I get that? Someone will come up here if I don't…"

Suspicious, Kallen agreed, listening to the short dialogue before being offered the phone. Wondering who it could possibly be, Kallen took the phone, slowly exchanging the knife for the phone and lifting it to her ears. Before she could say anything though, she heard an all too familiar voice say "It's good to see you're safe, Q-1."

Her eyes widening, Kallen peered past the curtain, making sure Lelouch wasn't talking to her somehow, shocked that her suspicion was wrong. Before she could finish her observation, however, the voice ordered "Meet me at 1400 tomorrow at the ex-Tokyo Tower. Come alone"

Before she could ask the voice any questions, however, the call suddenly ended, leaving her staring at the phone. Before she could think up what to do though, Lelouch interrupted, "Hey, was that a friend of yours or something?"

Suddenly realizing the awkward situation she was in, Kallen quickly released his arm, muttering, "Sorry about that, I guess I was just suspicious of anyone who randomly talks to me about Shinjuku. I heard there was a commotion there…"

Having thought up an excuse, Lelouch said, "That's why I told you not the mention Shinjuku. I thought the since you haven't been to school lately, someone might try to show you the pictures from Shinjuku. They're really graphic and aren't pictures someone frail like you should see. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll head back down stairs. Come join the party when you're done."

Nodding even though she knew he couldn't see, Kallen agreed and rested on the shower wall, exhausted by the chain of events that had happened and trying figure out what to about they mysterious voice's orders.


A few rooms away, Suzaku sighed as he ended the call after Lelouch's taped message was played. Just after Kallen had been sprayed by the champagne, Lelouch had dragged him away from the rest of the student council and told him to play a recording two minutes after he headed to the washroom. Confused, he had done it only to almost expose himself as soon as he heard the tape along with Kallen. Worried that the deception would be discovered if he left the tape on for longer, he had hastily slammed down the phone. Sighing, he tucked the tape recorder in his pockets just as the door to the room opened.

Jumping slightly, Suzaku turned around to see Lelouch discretely closing the door behind him. Relaxing slightly, Suzaku said, "Oh, it's only you Lelouch. You scared me for a second…and what's with the tape you made me play? I was so shocked I almost exposed myself!"

Recalling what had happened that afternoon, Lelouch explained, "You know the girl in the Glasgow that you were working with in Shinjuku?"

Wondering what that had anything to do with this, Suzaku nodded, replying "Yeah, the one who you saw when you snuck into the terrorist's truck right?"

Pleased that Suzaku had remembered that detail, Lelouch continued "Yeah that one…when I saw her, I couldn't help but think that she looked familiar. Turns out, I was right after all, it was Kallen"

His eyes widening, Suzaku asked, "Are you serious? She's a teenage girl! A sickly one, to boot!"

Scoffing at Suzaku's reaction, Lelouch revealed, "You know, we can't exactly criticize her about being young since we're the same age. Being sick is just a cover Kallen uses to explain for her long disappearances from school. I'm pretty sure she's spent the last year fighting with the rebels, and she probably only came back to school to maintain her cover and keep a low profile while the military searches for the terrorists."

Shocked, Suzaku wondered, "Why is she fighting though? As the daughter of a noble, she probably grew up around Britannian propaganda. Even if she's a sympathizer, why would she go so far instead of donating to charities and stuff?"

Looking out the window, Lelouch explained, "That's what I was wondering about this morning after I saw her. Turns out, she's only half Britannian and she identifies herself as Japanese."

"Wow…she looks pure Britannian…But Lelouch, how did you get this information? There's no way that she just up and told you all of this, you used your geass, didn't you?" accused Suzaku, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Exasperated at his best friend's high morals, Lelouch said, "Yes I did Suzaku, but could you really tell me I had a better option? It didn't even work out as planned even WITH geass."

Curious, Suzaku put his frustrations aside for a moment and asked, "What do you mean?"

Sighing, Lelouch revealed what had happened and what he discovered about geass. He also revealed his plan and Suzaku's part in them. Suzaku was relieved when Lelouch reported that Kallen seems to be pacified at the moment. After listening to explanation, Suzaku continued undeterred and asked, "Alright, so that problem is solved for now, but what are you going to do about your geass, Lelouch. Don't tell me you're going to use that inhumane power!"

Scowling at Suzaku's criticism, Lelouch said, "Yes, Suzaku, I am."

Angrily, Suzaku accused "You can't do that Lelouch! Using your geass to bend others to do your bidding is nothing less than evil! If you subjugate everyone to your will, what differs you from the Britannian Empire? What makes you different from your father?"

His eyes narrowing almost into slits, Lelouch hissed, "NEVER, compare me to that man, Suzaku! I'm not going to order anyone to follow me at all! Unlike what you think, I believe loyalty has to be earned!"

Slightly pacified, Suzaku demanded, "Then what were you going to use the geass for?"

Calming himself down slightly, Lelouch explained, "Geass will be my last resort in case of a dangerous confrontation. Besides the geass can be used to minimize any casualties on both sides."

Still suspicious, Suzaku asked hesitantly, "Promise me you'll only use it when you absolutely have to, Lelouch"

Staring Suzaku in the eyes, Lelouch replied, "Fine, I promise."

Feeling the tension in the room disappearing, Lelouch relaxed and opened the door. Gesturing for Suzaku to come with him, he walked out and said, "Come on Suzaku, we should probably head back to the party or else Milly will take off our heads."

Shaking his head at the memory of Milly he had from the night before, Suzaku muttered, "God, she reminds me of Kaguya! I didn't even know that was possible!"

Curious, Lelouch asked, "Kaguya Sumeragi? That cousin of yours that Nunnally and I met at the Kururugi Shrine? How on Earth does Milly remind you of her?"

Shuddering at his memories, Suzaku said, "Trust me, she's changed since you've met her. Her staff should have NEVER let her near the computer…"

Warily, Lelouch said, "I'm not sure what that means, but I don't think I really want to…"

Nodding furiously, Suzaku agreed, "She scared me for life…and I have a feeling Milly will do the same."

Laughing at his friend's misfortune and arriving at the door to the ballroom Lelouch said, "Well, good luck about that!"


As the two boys headed back to the party, they didn't notice a certain redhead hide in one of the rooms in the hallway. Having listened into their conversation, Kallen's suspicions were rekindled. Her eyes narrowing, she wondered 'who is this Lelouch Lamperouge? Not only is he friends with a Japanese, he dares speak to Japanese in the Britannian Settlement…how does he know it anyways? The Britannian government banned the language ten years ago! And why does the name Kururugi sound so familiar?'

Straitening up slightly, she exited the room she was hiding in and triggered the automatic door that let her back into the ballroom. Just as she entered, she heard Nunnally cry out, "Oh big brother, Suzaku, this is terrible!"

Curious, Lelouch asked, "What do you mean Nunnally?"

Turning around from the TV screen, Milly looked at the trio who just arrived and said, "Prince Clovis is dead, apparently killed!"

The trio's eyes widened, although for different reasons. Kallen had been genuinely surprise where as Suzaku was shocked that the news had been broadcasted only now. Lelouch was just faking his reaction, having already deduced that the military would cover the assassination up until they had a scapegoat ready. As predicted, a clip of the press conference was released with Margrave Jeremiah declaring "His Highness Clovis la Britannia had died, being a martyr in the battle against Elevens while pursuing peace and justice! We must carry on his ideals as we grieve his passing!"

Lelouch's eyes narrowed as the announce took over, explaining urgently, "This just in! A prime suspect has been identified and apprehended! The suspect seems to be an Honorary Britannian. The Honorary Britannian Shinji Hirako, a former Eleven!"

Her fist clenching, Kallen said, with her voice deceptively calm, "Do you think it was really this Shinji Hirako character that killed the late Prince? How could an Honorary Britannian make it to the Prince's private chambers?"

The student council all turned around and looked at her while Nina said, "B-But, it has to be him! The news says that he's a prime suspect after all! He probably took advantage of Prince Clovis' mercy or something, there's nothing Elevens wouldn't do…"

Kallen looked at her speechlessly, unable to comprehend the shy Britannian girl. Just as she was about to burst out angrily, Lelouch's calm voice coolly said, "Now Nina, Kallen has a good point. There would be no way that an Honorary Britannian could have gotten to Clovis. Most likely, the army is trying to cover something like the betrayal of someone influential…"

Confuse, Shirley asked, "B-But that's not fair! The army wouldn't do that!"

As if trying to placate Shirley, Nunnally said, "Don't worry Shirley, if Shinji Hirako is innocent, I'm sure the court won't find him guilty! I think everything will turn out all right!"

Smiling at his sister, Lelouch assured, "I'm sure that will happen" and mentally adding 'Not because of a corrupted court, but because me and Suzaku will have something to say about this.'


3 hour later

Student Council Clubhouse, Ashford Academy

After the commotion about the newly arrested Shinji Hirako, the council had continued their party until Lelouch had declared it was time to wrap up and Nunnally to go to bed and so, after everything had been cleaned up, all the members had dispersed, each heading to their rooms except for the Lamperouge and Suzaku. After tucking Nunnally into bed, Suzaku had pulled Lelouch aside with a worried look on his face. After finding a vacant room, Suzaku closed the door discretely and asked, "Hey Lelouch, what are we going to do about this Shinji person? We can't possibly see him executed for our crimes!"

Smiling slightly, Lelouch said, "I'm glad you actually realized that Shinji was going to become a scapegoat."

Glaring at Lelouch, Suzaku huffed and said, "I was naïve, not stupid. You have a plan then, I assume?"

Nodding, Lelouch said, "According to the broadcast, Shinji is going to be paraded into the courtroom, no doubt a way for the army to spur public distrust for Elevens so they use more extreme methods without the backlash. This will prove a wonderful opportunity for us to make a debut!"

Confused, Suzaku asked, "We're going to have a debut? You can't possibly think that us announcing ourselves to the world is a good idea, right?"

Scoffing, Lelouch replied, "Of course not. WE aren't going to do anything. Zero and Rei, however will."

Looking at Lelouch as if he was crazy, the Japanese teen asked, "Zero…and Rei?"

Grinning, Lelouch explained, "I've been thinking about how to rebel against Britannia without being a terrorist. With your skills and my intelligence, I'm sure we're capable, but without an army of some kind, we won't be able to do anything worthwhile."

Nodding in comprehension, Suzaku confirmed, "That's why you helped the terrorists in Shinjuku and asked Kallen to meet up with you, right?"

Sitting down, Lelouch said, "Yup. So far, they've only heard my voice and seen your capabilities, but come tomorrow, they'll be able to see us too. That is, Zero and Rei."

"I assume by Zero and Rei, you mean our disguises?" Suzaku asked.

Grinning, Lelouch said, "Correct. I'll be Zero and you'll be Rei, as you've probably guessed."

Suzaku wondered, "Why Zero? I assume Rei is the translation, but why Zero?"

"I thought that my name should reflect a bit of truth. My character is going to become a synonym for revolution, a knight of justice after all. With that fact alone, a regular name just won't do. If I am to be such, I'm not a single person or entity, but a symbol. Thus, I'm Zero a non-existent being, summoned by the grievances of the Japanese. Besides, it sounds cool!" Lelouch declared.

Face palming at the last part of Lelouch's reasoning, Suzaku asked, "Lelouch! Anyways, so what are our disguises going to be exactly? A different name isn't going to get us far."

Pulling out a sketch he had made during class, Lelouch said, "Well, I was going to wear something like this. It's unique and the I hardly doubt anyone will recognize me in it."

Staring at the drawing, Suzaku laughed, asking him "Are you serious Lelouch? It looks like a cartoon character! What's that on your head? A fishbowl?"

Glaring at his friend who didn't appreciate his sense of fashion, Lelouch said, "I happen to like it! And as for the fishbowl comment, let see you laugh when you get the same one as me!"

This stopped Suzaku's laughter as he stated, "You're serious? I don't want to wear something like that! How can you even move in that thing?"

Sighing, Lelouch explained, "I won't need to move around too much, I'm going to be a commander after all. And you aren't going to wear it, but I'm going to make the same mask for you, except in white instead of black. It's just easier that way. As for your costume, you can pick something out by yourself as long as it's widely recognizable. Seeing as your name is Rei, I recommend you to have some sort of Japanese influenced costume."

Nodding, Suzaku asked, "How about a Sashinuki hakama with a white kimono underneath? You know, the same thing I usually wear while training. You've probably seen it when I was training with Todoh-sensei ten years ago"

"Hmm...that's plausible, you'll be comfortable for combat in the thing too right?" asked Lelouch.

"Yeah, and it's pretty traditional Japanese wear." Agreed Suzaku.

Thinking about it, Lelouch said, "Alright then, I'll just get someone to craft the costumes for us. I've already come up with a plan about how to get the terrorists to join us too…"


The next day

Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Settlement

Kallen looked up at the remains of the Tokyo Tower, once a proud symbol of Japan, and checked her watch. 'Tokyo Tower at 16 00. That's what the voice said. He also told me to come alone, but he doesn't deserve our trust if he can't even predict me contacting the others.'

Walking around the exhibits, Kallen started growing sick of the amount of Britannian propaganda around. To think that a place used for the enlightenment of youth would be full of misleading facts like how Japan's 'laziness' brought their defeat. Looking around, she spotted Ougi along with Kento and Yoshida, who were keeping an eye on her since Ougi suspected that the voice had been the accused, Shinji Hirako.

A soft announcement interrupted her thoughts as the announcer spoke softly "To Miss Kallen Stadtfeld from Ashford Academy, there is a lost item waiting for you at service counter. I repeat, Miss Kallen Stadtfeld to the service counter."

Looking up, Kallen proceed to the indicated counter with her guard up. Looking around, the women at the counter brought up a cell phone. Slightly surprised, Kallen confirmed that it was hers before making her way up to the observation deck. Checking up with Ougi, Kallen answered the phone when it rang, puzzling at the display that said 'ZERO'

Making her way slightly away from the crowd, she lifted the phone to her ear and said, "Yes?"

Without indicating any emotion, the voice commanded, "The 5th Kanjou train line on the outer track. Bring your friends along."

After making some discrete signals to Ougi, Kallen did as she was told. Just as the train started, the phone buzzed once more and she picked it up, asking "Hello?"

Calmly the voice asked, "When you look to the right in the direction of the front of the train, what do you see?"

Kallen's eyes darted to the window and saw the shiny metallic glean of the Tokyo Settlement. Understanding that it was a test of sorts, she said lowly, "A Britannian city, robbed from the us and built on our bloody sacrifices."

As if approving her opinion, the voice then asked, "And on the left side?"

Kallen looked to her left, seeing the grimy and dusty city that used to be a booming metropolis and stated, "Our city, a shell of what it used to be after Britannian sucked out it's life and it's people."

"Good answers" the voice stated, sounding pleased, "Now, come to the first car."

Realizing that the voice was on the train, Kallen rushed forwards, forgetting about Ougi and the others and headed towards the front of the train. Making her way through crowded car, Kallen didn't hesitate to open the door to the first car. Taking a look, she gasped as she took in the two figures who stood at the front of the cabin. Hearing her comrades join her, she asked "It's you guys…isn't it?"

Looking back to see all the other passengers in the second car completely ignoring their actions, Kallen demanded, "What happened in Shinjuku and the cease fire were you guys' doing, right?"

The black figure took a step forwards, waving his hand up to maximize the effect of his cape and said, "What did you think of your tour of the city?"

Confused, Ougi asked, "Tour?"

Irritated, Kanto muttered, "So this was your idea of a joke huh?"

"I was just trying to get you in the right mindset. The city and the ghetto!" The figure exclaimed, lifting his arms up one at a time to make his point clear.

Completely serious, Ougi stepped up and said, "We know there's a wide gap between us and the Britannians. That's why we fight, we resist!"

Unsurprised, the voice uttered, "You're wrong! Britannia will not fall to mere terrorism! Terrorism is merely a childish antic, a pathetic plea for attention!"

Angered, Kanto snapped, "WHAT? Are you calling us kids?"

"You shouldn't mistaken the general Britannian populace as the enemy, it's Britannia herself that you must fight! If you want to do something, declare war! Don't harm the innocent civilians who have no part in the conflict!" the white figure pronounced, taking part in the conversation.

Biting her lip, Kallen retorted, "That's easier said than done! Why would be even believe the words of someone who hides his face from his allies?"

As if nodding, the mask of the black figure moved up and down as he acquiesced, saying "Very well, I shall show you, not my face, but my power! If I make the impossible possible, would you believe me just a little?"

Hesitantly, Ougi nodded slightly and as did Kallen, being the more sensible members of the four rebels there.

Pleased, the black figure said, "All right, the two of you, for your willingness to trust, will be rewarded with a front view seat to my miracle. Now here's what I want you guys to do…"


A/N: Phew, a very important chapter done! I apologize for the lateness of this chapter, but I guess the real world caught up with me. I could tell you all the things I needed to do this week that kept me away from this fic, but excuses are just words…

There was a few reviews asking for Lelouch to let Kallen in on his identity, but as of now, she won't know it for a while to come. That is not to say, however, that Lelouch will keep her in the dark forever until someone forcibly rips his mask off (that was such a bad idea Lulu -_-), but it will take time for him to trust her. If anyone was wondering why, it was just plain logical for me. I don't think it would make sense for Lelouch to randomly blurt out his secrets to any girl who finds out the slightest bit about him. Especially since that information could not only harm him, but also Suzaku and Nunnally.

On a completely different note, ZERO AND REI HAVE APPEARED! If you didn't notice before now, Lelouch will be in his classic Zero outfit, but Suzaku will be wearing a hakama (if you don't know what that is, just google it). My reason for that is…I THINK SUZAKU LOOKS GOOD IN IT! :P

Shinji Hirako has also made a surprise appearance. I don't think anyone predicted what was going to happen to him, but it seemed kinda obvious to me :P

Also, if anyone noticed that Kallen switched from English to Japanese on the train, it was on purpose. At first, it would be suspicious of her to speak in Japanese, but if she talked trash about Britannian in English, it would cause more trouble so she switched to speaking softly in Japanese.

As always, tell me if there's something you think needs to be changed or if you have a question! Any comments, opinions, critiques and support is welcome!