Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
R-eset
Part 3: Nightmare
"The only ones who should kill... are those prepared to be killed!" –Lelouch vi Britannia
Stage 11: Curtain Call
"Refrain?"
That was the very last thing Kallen wanted to hear at any given point in time. It was a drug that stimulated the senses, or rather dulled them, and made you go into a memory relapse, back to the good old happy days of their lives. She had seen the effects before, far too often in the original timeline.
"Yeah, it's a drug that makes you go back to the past."
"Must be all the rage here in Japan."
"Yeah, well, who doesn't long for the days before the occupation, right? Oh, that reminds me, how's school life been treating you?"
"Pretty good so far. I think I found someone to join the Black Knights, but Zero's still thinking about it."
"You mean the kid that was operating the Burai, right?"
"Yeah, he's the one that Yoshi was looking after."
"You mean the kid suffering from amnesia? Damn, who is this kid?"
"I don't know. Anyway, call me when we're ready to get started."
"Sure thing."
Kallen closed the phone and sighed, taking a brief walk around the Settlement. At first, she used to hate this place, but after the events of the Zero Requiem, she found that beneath all of its corruption and muck, it was vibrant and full of life. Ever since reconstruction began to restore the parts of the Settlement after the F.L.E.I.J.A bombing, she had seen Numbers and Britannians interacting, and since the reign of Nunnally vi Britannia began, the world was moving to become a better place.
However, despite all the newfound joy in the world that he had created, Kallen couldn't help but feel that the world was empty without him. It was no secret that Kallen had developed feelings for Zero, however upon learning that Zero was Lelouch, she wondered if she was nothing but a pawn to him. Up until the events that led him to him forming the Zero Requiem and becoming the Demon Emperor of Britannia, however, her feelings had begun to resurface.
Yes, Kallen was in love with Lelouch, however she couldn't express those feelings. Besides, they were in the middle of the beginnings of a revived rebellion, how could she tell him how she felt? Then there was...
She shook her head. 'C.C. and Lelouch are just friends, that's all they are... right?' The more she thought about it, the more paranoid she became. It also didn't help with the fact that apparently the two were sharing a room. 'Wait, if those two are living in the same room, then... does that mean...?!' Kallen's face burned the exact same shade of red as the Guren and let out a scream, shaking her head wildly. 'Nonononononononono! Get those damned images out of my head!'
"Uh... Kallen? Are you alright?"
Kallen jumped and whirled around, nearly smacking into Rai in the process. He immediately took a step back, worried that he might have done something to piss her off while Lelouch, who was standing next to him, was frowning at the sight. As soon as Kallen saw him, her blush burned even brighter than before.
"L-Lelouch?!"
"Who else would I be? But, are you okay? You're face is red. Do you need to see a doctor?"
"N-no, I'm fine! Nothing wrong with me at all, a-ahahah!"
"Eh... are you sure about that? Maybe we should-"
"I SAID I'M FINE DAMMIT!"
Rai immediately took refuge behind Lelouch.
"Really, Rai?"
"H-hey, you're the one that can calm her down, not me!"
Lelouch sighed, shaking his head with a wistful smile before Kallen managed to get a better hold of herself, managing to shove images of Lelouch and C.C. out of her skull before they began walking around the city, killing time and the likes.
"So, what are you two doing around here?"
Kallen decided to ask, genuinely curious, as whenever Rai went around the city, it was usually to get a better feel for it, and most of the time, he was either by himself or with Rivalz and Shirley. Since it was Milly and Lelouch that found him in the first place, they were, technically speaking, his guardians, so they dealt with him however they could.
"Well, I was hoping I might find something that could help me remember something. Lelouch came along because he said he was bored, plus it was also to get away from... what did you call them again, Lelouch?"
Lelouch groaned, running a hand through his black hair.
"Demons in the body of women. I'd like to give whoever invented fan girls a piece of my mind."
Kallen giggled slightly, picturing the scene in her head. She could practically hear the ear-piercing screams of a mob of women charging down the halls in full speed while Lelouch was running for dear life.
"You know, if you ran that fast, you could ace P.E.!"
"Don't ever bring that up. It's bad enough I have the teachers and Milly breathing down my neck about my grades!"
"Why not as Suzaku for tutoring then? I mean, you said yourself he was an exercise nut, right?"
"The last time I asked him for help, I felt like my legs were about to fall off..."
Lelouch scowled.
"He's worse than Tohdoh, and I didn't think it was possible."
Kallen shook her head with a sigh, though she eyed Lelouch's figure closely. He had a slim build, but no muscle whatsoever. Though she had gotten a good glimpse of his upper torso back during the failed assault against Cornelia during the JLF's last stand. He had little to no build at all.
Perhaps she and Suzaku could change that?
Just as she was about to make some more small talk, she saw a familiar scene taking place in front of her. She felt her fingers coil together, the nails digging into the skin of her palm as she watched five Britannians kick and beat a Japanese youth around.
The moment Rai saw it, his eyes widened before they narrowed in anger, a scowl on his face and about to trudge on in and kick the crap out of them until Lelouch put a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't."
"Are you kidding me? This is completely unfair!"
"It's five against one, you wouldn't stand a chance against them."
Rai looked as if he wanted to protest, but he was unable to find the words, and begrudgingly backed down, taking a step back. The Britannians noticed them right away, and walked up to them.
"Don't tell me you guys are feeling sorry for this dead beat Eleven?"
"No, they couldn't be... Right?"
Lelouch gave a friendly smile to them as he stepped between them and his friends, his Geass emerging.
"Can't say I agree, but... You're tired of beating Elevens now, aren't you?"
The Britannians immediately fell under his spell, and after seemingly agreeing with Lelouch's statement, walked off, talking about going to the arcade. Rai watched them go in disbelief before looking at Lelouch.
"Well, they got bored rather quickly."
"H-how did you do that?"
"Hm? Do what?"
Kallen ignored their conversation and ran over to the youth, who was battered and bruised, most of his clothes soiled.
"Are you alright?"
The youth was about to say something when he saw the emblem on her uniform, and quickly put on a routine smile.
"O-oh, a Britannian student! W-what would you like?"
Kallen didn't bother to try and hide her sadness. This was how it was back before the Zero Requiem. Honorary Britannians, no matter how good they were at their jobs, were still seen as nothing more but Numbers. This boy was a victim of the racial difference between them, but the abuse had apparently reached the point where he began taking Refrain.
The youth noticed Rai and Lelouch walking over to them, though Rai looked more angry than relieved.
"Are they friends of yours? I can get them something too!"
Before Rai could reprimand him, telling him to stand up for himself, Lelouch came up.
"We'll have three hot dogs."
"Unbelievable... What the hell was that?"
Rai grumbled, taking a huge chunk out of his food while Kallen ate hers in silence while Lelouch seemed calm and passive.
"Who gave them the right to do whatever they wanted?"
"That's just how it is here in Area 11, Rai."
Lelouch told him.
"Though, if you were to ask me, Japan has been better off since the occupation started. The economic situation improved, and those that accept Britannia can hold down jobs and support themselves and their family."
"And?"
Lelouch looked at Rai who was staring at him expectantly.
"And what?"
"What does Lelouch Lamperouge want to do about all of this?"
Kallen blinked. 'This is the same conversation I had with Lelouch.'
"He doesn't want to do anything."
"'He?'"
"Yes."
"Not 'I'?"
"Come on, Rai. Even I have some secrets."
After the three finished up their meal, Lelouch received a message from Sayoko regarding dinner, so he left the two and apologized to Rai for not showing him around long enough. Rai told him it was alright, and expected to see a feast fit for a king in a joking manner.
However, once Lelouch was gone, Kallen walked up to him.
"Don't let it get to you. By the way, I need to talk with you about something..."
It almost seemed like a dream then. Ever since that day when he first laid eyes on Zero and the Black Knights, Rai had grown curious not only about them, but their goals. Ever since he arrived at Ashford, and later became something of a surrogate brother to Nunnally, he had seen how the world was. There wasn't any peace, no vibrancy or colorful ways that attracted the eyes of those who appreciated the beauty of this world. No, it was painted black and gray with only the eyes of the despised and the deceivers gazing upon their own work.
It was as if the world had lost its colors.
Then, Zero had appeared and rescued them all, even declaring to the world that he wouldn't stand for the injustice of this world. Rai had never seen anyone stand against the state of the world before, not since he woke up on that bed only a mere month ago. He made several good friends then.
Milly Ashford, devil incarnate who loved to tease, yet beneath that demeanor was a kind woman.
Shirley Fenette, an airhead who had an obvious crush on a certain enigmatic raven-haired teen.
Rivalz Cardemonde, the joker of the group that loved the thrill of danger with his friend at his side.
Suzaku Kururugi, an exercise nut involved with the military, yet kind and caring.
Kallen Stadtfeld, a girl who had lived a false life, and fought to free those who suffered the same injustice that she had endured.
Nunnally Lamperouge, an angel if any had ever truly existed, and wanted to be with her brother above everything else in this world.
And lastly, Lelouch Lamperouge, an enigma if there ever was one, living a seemingly luxurious life without a care in the world, never putting any effort into things, but always looked so bored.
It was after another attempt to regain his memories, this time traveling with Kallen and venturing into the ghettos, that a group claiming to be the Black Knights mixed them up in an attempted slaughter against Britannians. They tried to escape, but whether by fate or just bad luck, Rai found himself in the cockpit of a Knightmare, a Burai he thinks it was called, and managed to fight off the terrorists, knocking them down before encountering the real Black Knights, and watched as they promptly eliminated them.
Ever since then, Rai had always wanted to know more about them. And, somehow, he ended up becoming a member, and all because of an invitation from Kallen of all people! Kallen! The sickly frail girl that was rumored to have a crush on Lelouch! The frail girl was nothing but a mask, as the real Kallen -Kallen Kouzuki- was fierce and stubborn, a warrior through and through.
Rai looked around, seeing everyone geared up and ready to go. He looked down at himself, still wondering how Zero managed to get his measurements correctly. The black jacket was closed up until the collar, barely exposing his blue v-neck while his eyes were hidden behind the purple visor, and the cap sitting on his head. The dark gray slacks reached down to the heels of his sneakers, and strapped over his shoulder was a rifle. Kallen was sitting inside the cockpit of a red Burai, though there wasn't a rifle equipped. He highly doubted that it would actually need one, considering that they were dealing with second-rate thugs.
"Man, how long is he gonna make us wait?"
A senior member of the Black Knights complained. If Rai remembered right, his name was Tamaki. Besides him, there was Minami, Inoue, Sugiyama, Ohgi, and Kallen. They were apart of a resistance cell founded by Kallen's late brother, Naoto, and as he understood it, they were the first people that worked with Zero before he allied himself with the Yamato Alliance during the Saitama incident, where the Black Knights were officially born. Rai still couldn't believe that Yoshi was the leader of that particular group, considering it was him who found him on the streets.
'I wonder what would have happened if Yoshi never found me...?' Rai thought before smiling softly. 'Heh, it's so strange... Here I am, a terrorist, and yet, I've made some great friends. Still, what Lelouch said earlier today bothered me. If he doesn't want to do anything, then what does he want out of life?'
"There's the signal!"
Rai snapped out of his reverie immediately and grabbed the rifle, seeing the flashing lights. It was a signal from Zero.
"He actually made it in there?"
"Seriously, how many tricks does this Zero guy have anyway?"
Rai had a feeling that Zero had a lot more to show off, but that was just his personal opinion. Before he was about to move with the others, he felt a hand grab his shoulder gently. He looked to see Ohgi smiling at him.
"Loosen up a bit, okay? This will be your first real mission."
This surprised Rai for a moment before nodding.
"Yeah... Thanks, Ohgi."
Kallen couldn't help but give out a whoop as the Burai burst right through the steel doors and ran over the drug dealers while gunning down any that managed to somehow evade her.
"Man, I've missed this!"
While she never had much fun before, she always had a great deal of satisfaction in dealing with drug dealers, especially the ones that dealed with Refrain ever since that incident where she found her mother. However, ever since she had learned the joys of piloting a Knightmare, especially ones with Guren in their name, she felt a sense of adrenaline pump through her like a piston, forcing her along and showing her what she could do.
Once she dealt with the small fry, she tore down the doors leading into the dark storage area and activated the factsphere. Her monitor turned green, and showed several people lying on the ground, some acting differently than others. Despite where they were, they all seemed oddly cheerful, and spoke with such anticipation and/or joy.
It was forcing them to live a lie.
Kallen was relieved to see that her mother was not with them, and with that in mind, she immediately turned her attention to an oncoming white Glasgow and fired her slash harkens, sending it to the ground. She couldn't help but grin at the sight.
"Not this time, jackass!"
Just as it was about to stand back up, Kallen rushed forward and delivered a strong right hook, the white machine flying through the air while the cockpit grinded against the ground harshly before it smacked up against the wall. Leaving nothing to chance, her Burai lifted its foot and slammed down on the cockpit, crushing it instantly.
"Corrupted bastards."
She muttered under her breath, having heard Lelouch say that as well one time. She turned her Burai to see her friends escorting the victims of Refrain out, though some seemed to be a bit difficult to work with, the hot dog stand seller in particular.
"What the? Hey, isn't that from the Knight Police?"
"The hell? I thought they weren't in on this deal!"
"Corrupted filth. Even law enforcement supports actions such as this. This is just one example of how low Britannia truly is in this rotten world."
Lelouch said as he walked past the group, Ohgi and Rai beside him.
"Nicely done, Kallen."
She didn't know why, but when she heard Lelouch praise her, she felt her face burn up.
"It-it was nothing."
"Nothing?"
Rai scoffed.
"That was amazing! It seemed to me like you knew he was coming!"
Ohgi laughed heartedly at that, his hands at his sides.
"Well, Naoto wasn't much of a slouch inside a Knightmare himself either! Guess I know where Kallen got it from!"
"Oh, shut up, Ohgi."
Rai laughed alongside the afro-haired man while Lelouch walked away, catching up with the rest of the Black Knights. Kallen couldn't help but feel a large smile come across her face as she watched Ohgi and Rai walk back together, having an exchange of words and jokes being tossed around. Even Tamaki joined in on the fun.
'Rai once told me that this world had lost its colors, like it was just one giant patch of black, white, and gray...' she recalled, looking up at the black sky as her Burai and her moved back to base with the rest of the Kouzuki resistance cell. 'But, when you have good friends with you... It feels as if the world was painted with bright colors, almost like a painting.'
Kallen couldn't help but wish that moments such as these would last forever.
"Class, we have a new student today."
Nunnally looked up from her book to see a young girl walk inside the room. Like all the other students in the middle school group, she wore a long white sleeved shirt with a turtleneck collar and a pink blouse with straps leading over the shoulders, but what caught Nunnally's eye was her hair, which was tied back into two separate tails, and her posture.
'She walks the same way Suzaku and Lelouch do...' she thought, curious as to why a girl her age would be performing a military cadence. Once the girl turned to the class, she gave a short bow before taking a deep breath and speaking out in a crisp, sharp, and clear voice.
"Hello. My name is Alice Halliburton. It's nice to meet all of you."
"You should know what this badass mother can do!" –Kallen Kouzuki
