Disclaimer I don't own Code Geass

Chapter VII: Old Friends

Right after Lelouch dealt with both the Glasgow and the Sutherland he, as well as Lloyd and Cecile made their way to the checkpoint in order for them to escape from the battlefield. Cecile was still tending to Lloyd's care as they passed through the checkpoint. Though the guards offer for their assistance they don't want to cause the formation to be broken and insist that they can go to the nearest hospital on their own.

And when they heard the Prince's proclamation of a cease fire, both scientists were genuinely grateful and finally heave a sigh of relief. "You heard that Lelouch? the fighting is over" Cecile said to the one piloting the Lancelot smiling that the battle that nearly cost them their life was over.

However, they heard no response.

"Lelouch?" Cecile asked once more but he didn't budge. She eyed her boss worriedly and he too, was concerned. Even though they were moving the Lancelot can actually go to auto-pilot mode if it was given the coordinates but it can't go into combat during this mode. She was now more worried about him than her boss-well she already took care of his bleeding so there's that. So they just have to wait until the Lancelot stops to see his condition.

It was already nighttime when they finally reached the Tokyo settlement and reached their destination which was the Tokyo Memorial Hospital that was formerly handled by the Japanese before the war until it was overrun by the Britannians and refurbish it with new medical equipment. The crowd at the parking lot was either amazed, confused, and/or shocked when they saw a white Knightmare parked right at the entrance of the Hospital.

"Please we need help!" Cecile asked for help to nearby bystanders to get some assistance and it didn't take long for the paramedics to come and get them from where they were sitting which was at the hand of the Knightmare. First they let Lloyd down since he was injured by the ladder before settling him on a stretcher and then getting him inside. The same was about to be given to Cecile until she remembered the boy who saved them.

"Wait, you need to save the pilot first!" She pleaded to the paramedics that were assisting her and seeing her concerned face and that she was relatively unharmed, nodded and then proceeded to open the hatch. She first goes down on the ladder and then back at it again at the back of the hatch of the cockpit to open it. She knew the codes so it was easy to open it up, once it opened, they saw the driver seat was occupied, but the person who was piloting it was unconscious, and Cecile checked his vitals.

He's still breathing.

But she needed to be sure that he was safe, so she asked him to be checked upon. "Quickly get him inside" And the paramedics didn't need to be asked twice before they retrieve the boy and get him in the E.R. Meanwhile, Cecile was also being checked up by the staff in one of the rooms, and seeing she only suffered a few bruises and patched her up, she thought of what to do.

She reached into one of her pockets where Lelouch's phone was kept. I'm sorry Lelouch but your mother needs to hear about this. She contemplated before speed-dialing his mother to let her know his condition.

"Hello is this Mrs. Lamperouge?...it's about your son."

Three hours earlier

Lamperouge Household.

Marianne Lamperouge was casually watching the news, and it was the same just like the other channels she watched. So there's traffic in the Shinjuku Ghetto, but why are they all treating it as if it was important? She asked mostly to herself. She really doesn't understand this sort of thing. Even when she was an Empress, she didn't understand publicity, well since she was raised as a commoner she felt like she didn't need to learn these trivial things. Sure she was well-mannered and taught proper conduct but that's about it. She wasn't like the other Empresses (or concubines of her husband) that were hungry for attention.

Nope.

She was a plain old house-wife to the eyes of many And yet I'm still popular Well one could say she was suffering from success. A trait that was passed down to her son, Lelouch.

"Speaking of which they must be arriving soon." She remembered knowing at four o'clock her children were soon to arrive from school. So, being a good mother as she is, she quickly prepares a small food for them to munch over knowing that they must surely be exhausted. And it didn't take long to hear the door open and hear her daughter's voice.

"I'm home!" Nunnally said and coming from the kitchen she greeted her children home, "Welcome back Le-" but instead of seeing her children, Lelouch and Nunnally, she only saw Nunnally, and surprisingly, her son's girlfriend, Shirley.

"Oh Shirley what brings you here?" She asked the orange-haired girl. It would be a year ever since she knew that her son and this girl were dating and that Lelouch did have a proper decency to actually introduce Shirley to her.

The teen smiled in response and bowed to her, "Hello Mrs. Marianne, I'm just here to drop Nunna off" she said to her. Nunnally seemed to bicker that she had to be escorted but at least she was glad that it was one of her close friends. "Change first Nunnally, before you do something else" Marianne ordered her daughter that was slumping in the staircase but grudgingly did what she was told. "Also Shirley, you know you can drop the Mrs. part, after all one day you'll soon call me Mother or mom as well." She teased the orange haired girl.

Shirley, as expected, blush on that, "Mrs. Marianne!" First it was Milly, then Nunna, now Lelouch's mother?! She can't take it anymore!

Marianne laughed wholeheartedly on her embarrassment. "Please just call me whatever you like Shirley." She said asking her to be less formal around the mother of her boyfriend.

Shirley was reluctant at first, but nodded and replied. "Thank you...Mari?" She said. When Marianne heard the last part she pulled a thinking face, considering if the nickname suits her or not. Well at least it's better than 'The Flash' what am I a superhero?! (Barry Allen sneezes on that) "I think Mari is fine. Now then, I bet you're exhausted, want some tea?" She offered the girl before making her way to get some refreshment.

"Yes, thank you very much" Shirley answered as she lounged in the living room of the Lamperouges. Nunnally soon also appeared in the room wanting to get some snacks for herself. "Nunna dear, do you know when your brother is coming home for today?" Sensing her daughter was also near the vicinity.

But Nunnally was already munching on some snacks she already got from the fridge and couldn't answer clearly with her mouth full. "I-djust sknow msom" she answered as she casually laid back to watch the television.

So this is how she normally acts huh? Shirley wondered at the girl who by all accounts was cheerful and playful to everyone around her.

"Don't talk with your mouth full dear!" Marianne said as she made her way back to the living room with a tea set at hand. Nunnally grumbled but silently complied at her mother's request. "Now then...how much sugar?" Marianne asks, preparing to pour the tea on Shirley's cup.

"Just one please" She answered and Marianne put a single cube of sugar on her cup. The smell of tea manages to relax the teen girl especially considering what happened today. "Well, what exactly brings you here today Shirley?" while she already accepted the girl-and given her blessings already-it was an unexpected visit, and she knew from experience that unexpected visits doesn't mean a good one.

Shirley first sipped some of her lemon tea, savoring the taste before answering. "Well...it's about Lulu…" and her face flush when she answered considering the mother of the one she was concerned about was asking her question. But Marianne already knew this girl's tendencies and her shyness, so she let out a small laugh.

"Well, what did my son do today? Skip class?" She asked her, knowing her son, he would probably do that without a doubt.

"Actually he did." Shirley replied seriously since he promised that he wouldn't skip class anymore Well he didn't say promise more or less try to lessen skipping class "But I don't know where he went at all. Usually he would either be at the rooftop, the library, or the student council room whenever he skips one, but earlier today he wasn't there."

Marianne was intrigued by this event and also pondered on this. Shirley continued. "But what surprised me the most was the fact that Rivalz was also nowhere to be seen! And when both of them were missing it usually meant that Lulu gambled-" But she wasn't able to stop herself when she remembered that Lelouch's mother doesn't know about his illegal activities.

"Gamble?!"

Shirley was now even more embarrassed than before. "Uhmm...he told me not to say it to you Mrs. Marianne, since...he wanted to keep it a secret" she said her head hung low due to embarrassment and shame.

Marianne eyed her attentively and also pierce a gaze on her daughter. "Do you know about this Nunnally?" And when Nunnally heard her name been spoken, she knew it was something serious. Nunnally wanted to escape this situation so she tried to make an excuse.

"Uhmm I will get some water fi-" but she was cut short when Marianne again called her out before she could even get up. Nunnally trembled on her mother's strict voice that usually was sent to her brother not to her! She now finally had the courage to face her mother with a small awkward grin.

"I ask you again...did you know about this?" Marianne used her cold gaze to pierce her daughter to make her tell the truth, and it worked. Nunnally wasn't able to handle her mom's gaze and her guilt so she sighed and spoke up. "Yes" was the only thing she spoke and like Shirley her head hung low.

Marianne didn't need to ask anything else since she knew her children all too well, "Thank you for your honesty dear. You're dismiss" And when she smiled at the brunette she thought she was on the clear. "Really?!" Her face was filled with hope.

"Nope, when your brother returns you and him will be both grounded and will be stuck on cleaning the attic for the next two months!" She proclaimed. And just like the flames of hope, it was easily snuffed out. Forget washing the dishes, she'd rather die than clean that garbage disposal that they call the attic!

Nunnally hearing that she was grounded lost her morale, and made her way to the room slouching, but before she did she grabbed the nearest snacks and beverages before cooping up all night binge watching her favorite show.

Marianne sighed and finally straightened herself up and sat properly. "I'm sorry about all this Shirley." She apologized to the teen girl who was now also back to the real world.

Shirley shakes her head. "No it should be me who should be apologizing for not telling you sooner!" she refuted but Marianne knew better.

"You don't have to explain anything at all Shirley. Knowing Lelouch, he probably did this either because he wants to help me over the finances or because he's bored and wanted to challenge someone. Or maybe both" She replied to Shirley deducing everything what Lelouch's reasons were.

That's a real mother to you.

Shirley can only be amazed by her intuition and answered sheepishly "Ye-yeah…"

"So I guess he gambles on Chess then?" She asked and she nodded.

"And he's with Rivalz to drive him off to his destination?" she nodded.

"And he's keeping this a secret from me so that I don't have to worry about him?" and she nodded. "That kid…" Marianne sighs on her son's behavior both in disappointment and a bit of pride; proud since he was man enough to actually do something instead of slacking off and doing something he truly desired regardless if it was illegal.

Just like his father

Marianne correctly guessed everything what Lelouch's was up to, the question now is: "Where is he?"

Shirley considered her next words carefully, thinking that she might cause Lulu more trouble than what he will receive later But his mom already knew why he's doing this, and it's better to tell the truth than lie. Deciding that it's better to just tell the whole truth to Marianne, Shirley answered.

"I don't know where he and Rivalz went, but at noon, it was only Rivalz who returned saying he doesn't know where he went as well. I tried calling him, but he didn't answer." Shirley informed Marianne.

Marianne wondered if the blue-haired kid, Rivalz, knew more about this. But knowing him and how close he and Lelouch are, he'd won't spill the beans. Lelouch trusted Rivalz that he wouldn't tell his secret, especially to her, at all cost so it was out of the question.

"Since he didn't show up in our afternoon classes as well, I walked Nunna home, so that I could ask you if you knew where he went as well…" Shirley added.

"Well I don't know where my son is either. But, knowing him I'm sure he'll just arrive late as usual." Marianne said to Shirley, confident that Lelouch would come home. However, she can feel the anxiety of the orange-haired girl towards her significant other.

"Yeah...but I just got this feeling of something bad had happened." She said as she finally put down the empty cup and held her hands tightly to avoid fidgeting and getting on her nerves. But Marianne already saw it and while she won't accept it, she too feels worried about her son.

Especially since the news earlier said that there was massive traffic control in Shinjuku.

But Marianne, wasn't dumb; far from it, she knew a cover-up when she sees one, and the fact that every news outlet only reporting the same thing and yet no concrete information was being told to the public, she knew it was a military operation. One that was too classified that not even the general public should know about.

And if the military is involved…

Then the chance that Lelouch would wind up in the crossfire is high. Or worse…

Marianne after thinking every possibility tried to call her son. "Let me see if I can contact him" As she dialed her son's number. It rang and rang, but no one answered, only a voice message. "He's still not answering." She said with a grim.

"What shall we do?" Shirley asked.

"It's too early to jump into conclusion." Marianne advises the girl, but it didn't make her less tense. "But…" "Huh?"

"It's better to do something than nothing." She smiled as she retrieved the tea set and put it on the sink. "Such is why we're going to someone I know Lelouch would go to, if he was in deep trouble." And Marianne quickly removed her apron and grabbed the keys of the house.

Shirley was confused about what Marianne was implying when she said that. Lelouch would go to? But who? She was also standing up since she would like to go to that person as well. "Mrs. Marianne, who-"

"Nunna dear!" Marianne called her daughter from the first floor, and since her room was the first room when you reached the second floor she was able to hear it. "Yes?!" They heard her scream.

"Me and Shirley will be going out for a bit, please lock the door while we go and fetch your brother okay?!" Marianne instructs her as she finishes her casual attire by taking a violet scarf to go with her orange sundress.

"Okay Mom!"

Marianne smiles at the teen girl before opening the door to let themselves out. "Shall we go?" She requested it, but before they could leave, Shirley asked.

"Mrs. Marianne, who are you talking about?"

Marianne smiles lightly as the sudden memory of her past resurfaces before answering.

"An old friend. The Ashfords."

Ashford Household, Tokyo Settlement.

Millicent Ashford or known to her friends and classmate as Milly-to Lelouch, Blonde She-devil-, current President of the Student-council of Ashford Academy, the same academy her grandfather had founded seven years ago when they left the mainland to here in Area Eleven, was currently at her manor's library reading about history.

Royals History

The once elite and noble family turned into a disgrace was to many, a waste; her grandfather Ruben K. Ashford was once a leading figure on Knightmare production and creation. And not only that he was the one that gave rise to the fifth Empress, the late Marianne vi Britannia, as she was the first ever to pilot the first Knightmare, the Ganymede, which was now being used in the academy for school purposes.

Due to the rise of Marianne as becoming a Knight of Honor, then as Knight of Six, and then becoming the fifth wife of Charles zi Britannia, it propelled the name Ashford in the Noble court, and her grandfather became a Duke in the mainland the second highest form of Noble rank, second to the Grand Duke. All in all, as Marianne rises the Ashford rose as well.

And while she was very young when they were still an elite class, she still remembered visiting the vi Britannias on their home at the Aries Villa with her grandfather as she played with the two siblings, Lelouch and Nunnally. She grew very fond of the two even though she was older of the three, they were different from the other princes and princesses; they aren't arrogant, who act high and mighty to those around them, instead was a caring one, just like their mother.

Which is why it devastated her when she learned about their demise.

She was only eleven when it happened, a still growing girl that shouldn't know about this kind of thing, and yet she did. The whole world knew, just like her. The death of the whole vi Britannia family.

Like a domino, the Ashford also fell due to the death of their candidate, and it wasn't a secret that the Nobles in the court detest the whole vi Britannia, and those who affiliated with them. Such is why it was a perfect opportunity for them to remove the power and the rank of her grandfather and the whole Ashford family. It was already a heavy blow for the whole family about the death of the vi Britannias, it worsened when they heard that they were now a disgrace.

With nothing more to gain in the mainland, her grandfather decided to look for an opportunity elsewhere, and when they heard that a new area with tons of Sakuradite was now conquered he took up the chance and left the mainland and started a new life in Area Eleven formerly known as Japan.

Now, with no titles to speak of, her mother tried to arrange her for a marriage in any nobles here in this island peninsula, however, her grandfather forbids it saying The time will come when we will return to our former glory. He never explained when and how, but she was glad that she didn't have to marry someone that she didn't love and was only after for the noble rank.

But there's something missing…

The blonde girl muse as she read her book. She was implying to a night seven years ago…

Seven years ago…

The eleven year old Milly was already past bedtime and she knew she would be scolded by her parents when they learned she was still up and about 'But I can't help it, I'm hungry!' As she said to herself her tummy growled in hunger. "Don't worry I'll get some food soon…" In order to reach the kitchen where the snacks are she has to sneak past her parents room, climb down from the staircase then to the kitchen!

With tip-toe steps, she almost revealed herself when she heard a creaking sound from the floorboard making her pause and held a hand to her mouth. Luckily, her parents didn't seem to hear the sound and so she continued.

"Alright! Now the staircase…" She wasn't even half-way from descending when she heard her grandfather shriek in delight and she heard him saying: "Empress Marianne!" Huh? She didn't know if she heard him correctly or if he was being delusional since he's always stayed up late as well. Maybe grandpa's watching a documentary? Either way, the little girl was now more interested than ever.

So descending a bit further she hid herself behind the bannister's baluster and took a peek on the front door. It was raining that night and she saw her grandfather blocking the doorway, still every time a lightning strike she saw three figures in a cloak. One was very tall, another was the same height as she is and the last one was small. Still she couldn't get to see their faces since they were covered by their hood and only their mouths were visible.

"Shh...calm down I'm not supposed to be seen" The figure held her grandfather by the shoulders making him stop and listen to her since it was a feminine voice. She didn't quite hear what they said since it was a form of a whisper making it inaudible, but she did hear a few words coming from the figure.

"Alive...cover-up...classified mission...new names…" Meanwhile her grandfather listened attentively and once the figure stopped talking he replied. "I see…"He first glanced around the room to see if there's anyone eavesdropping and Milly took a step back just to avoid being seen. But due to that she wasn't quite able to hear the following conversation.

Ruben once he finished checking if there's someone around finally replied. "What can I do to help?"

"For now we need to vanish, however, once I complete my mission I'll make sure to return the favor."

Ruben shooks his head. "It's fine your majesty, you've given me more than I could ever hope for. Now, let me help you just like you once helped me and my family."

"I'm grateful Ruben, very." The figure bowed at him and he raised his hand indicating that it was alright, and suddenly an idea popped on his head. "You know...you can have your children enroll in my academy, that way I can also keep a close eye on them."

"Wouldn't it be suspicious for them to be seen by anyone?" The figure asked since the whole point was that no one should ever know that they existed.

"As far as the world is concerned, you're already dead."

The figure smiled lightly. "I suppose you're right. Still...I'm entrusting you about this secret, no one should ever know about this." Before she and the two other figures turned their backs and left.

It was this time that Milly mustered her courage to take another peek and the last thing she heard was from her grandfather bowing and saying "Yes your majesty" and then proceeded to return to his room.

Oh no!

Milly didn't have time to be discreet and instead ran as quickly as she could to her room, it was pure luck that her grandfather didn't notice a thing.

And that was all she could remember, and ever since then she tried to do more research about the apparent assassination of the vi Britannians. It was strange that the investigation was halted and therefore the case was dead, and the fact that the previous records of the Empress before she became even a Knight of Honor suddenly disappeared making her early life unknown to the entire world. She guessed it was the nobles' doing to make sure that no one ever remembered the commoner empress and her family.

But what's even more strange is that I have two classmates named after the two siblings I used to play with and not only their mother has the same name too! Only their surname changed.

But back then, she was still suffering from grief so she was certain it was purely coincidence when both Lelouch and Nunnally enrolled in her grandfather's school. However, when she grew old enough she finally asked the three of them if they are related to the dead royal family.

Mrs. Lamperouge said that it was purely coincidence that they share the same appearance as they, but that was about it. As for the name, Marianne was a common name in the mainland, but Lelouch and Nunnally weren't. Marianne told her that she was a fan of the vi Britannia so she named them after the prince and princess. Still they are at the same age as well...

But that was circumstantial evidence, she needed more than that to have them clear from her doubts that they are indeed the vi Britannia. So she asked Lelouch about a code that she knew Lelouch vi Britannia knew, during his time in the Aries Villa, but he didn't know anything. Even if she tried to trick him for revealing a single clue, there wasn't any. He truly doesn't know anything from what she said, and the same goes for Nunnally, and she knew they were genuine since even she knew that Nunna won't hold a secret from her since she considered her as a friend.

So maybe she was truly mistaken and that the Lamperouges were entirely different from the vi Britannians. But then what about that night? Milly speculated wanting to connect the dots that was left seven years ago.

Maybe I'm thinking too much…

Milly sighed and returned the book to its place and went back to the living room to prepare for dinner. She was nearing the kitchen when she heard a knock from the door. Since she was alone she answered.

"Yes?" When the door opened she was quite surprised to see Shirley and Lelouch's mother at the doorstep. "Oh Shirley and...Mrs. Lamperouge, how can I help you?" She didn't try to tease the orange haired girl since she was already flustered earlier this day when Lelouch skipped class. And Shirley's (future) mother in law was also here.

Marianne smiles wholeheartedly and gets on with it. "Hello Milly is there by any chance Lelouch called here? Or stopped by?" Milly, knowing that it was serious close the door behind her and steps outside.

"Is it about Lelouch's skipping class?" Milly assumed.

"Yes, he still hasn't returned and we couldn't contact him either." Shirley answered. "We thought that you might know something about his whereabouts." Marianne continued.

Milly flushed in embarrassment since the last thing she knew was his whereabouts. "I also don't know…"She answered sheepishly scratching the back of her head.

"I see...wel-''But before Marianne could continue asking further questions her phone rang. "Excuse me for a moment" she said before she stepped away from them.

Milly took this opportunity to confront the worried girlfriend. "Concerned about your darling Lulu?" She teased as she nudged her elbow, but Shirley could only smile but her eyes spoke otherwise. "Ye-yeah…"Shirley answered downcast.

Milly knew if things were serious and when she needed to act proper, and this was those moments. "Don't worry I'm sure he's fine-" but she was interrupted when they both heard Mrs. Lamperouge shrieked in shock. "He's been what?!" And this caught the attention of the two and they approached the worried mother who was now pale.

"Alright...I understand...I'll be there." Marianne turned to the two after hanging up her phone. And Shirley told the very important question.

"What happened?"

"It's Lelouch...he's been hospitalized."

Tokyo Memorial Hospital

It didn't take long before the three reached their destination via cab, and when they did they were surprised that the parking lot was filled with various patients ranging from soldiers to civilians. Eleven citizens Marianne said to herself as a group of Japanese were being aided by the doctors and/or nurses.

I guess I was right about the Shinjuku being a cover-up

But her train of thought was cut short when she remembered that she needed to see her son right away. "This way!" Milly called her and Shirley as they made their way inside the hospital that was already crowded. They made their way to the receptionist desk and asked the nurse.

"Is Lelouch Lamperouge here?"

The Nurse perks her head up and is surprised to see her but did her job and replied. "Are you his mother?"

Marianne nodded. "Yes I am"

"Well his room is on the second floor room 125" she directed to them, Marianne offered her thanks as well as Shirley and Milly before they made their way to the designated room. Using the staircase since the elevators were already filled with patients, they ran hurriedly to see the condition of the raven haired boy.

When they approached the said room a female who was wearing an orange uniform was seen sitting on a bench adjacent to the room. She must be the one who called me Marianne deduced and when they were near, the woman stood up and greeted them.

"You must be Lelouch's mother." Cecile greeted her, glad that she came. Marianne wanted to know her son's condition but instead used this to get some answers.

"Yes I am and you are?…"

"Oh my name is Cecile Croomy it's a pleasure to meet you." She sailed holding out a hand which Marianne took gladly. "Likewise."

"I'm Shirley Fenette"

"And I'm Milly Ashford" they both also held out their hand and Cecile accepted it and shook them respectively. "Oh so you two are Lelouch's girlfriend?" Cecile asked since he did say that he had one. But he didn't say how many though...Cecile wondered if he was a womanizer seeing two gorgeous girls were here concerned for his well-being.

Milly laughed hysterically while Shirley's face turned red as a tomato in embarrassment, after a few minutes of laughter Milly clarified. "I'm just his friend, this girl is his girlfriend." Pointing to the still tomato face Shirley.

"Madam Prez!" Shirley really doesn't want to be in this position right now, if this goes on she might turn into a half-tomato human hybrid.

"Oh, well I'm glad you're here for his health." Cecile smiled knowing that she truly cared about him And that this blonde girl isn't his ex She added to herself.

Marianne after letting them finish the introduction wanted to know something. "So...how did you find Lelouch?" She asked since she doesn't know about this woman after all and she doubts that Lelouch frequently goes with this girl or met her before.

Cecile knew that she had to leave the part that he was in that state due to him piloting a Knightmare that was supposed to be classified, so she instead replied with half truth and half lie response.

"We found him near the Shinjuku Ghetto where he was caught in some sort of incident, luckily he wasn't badly injured."

"Accident?!" Both girls screamed in unison which Cecile merely nodded.

"But why in Shinjuku? Isn't there some sort of traffic in there?" Shirley ask

"Maybe that's why there is one because it was the accident that caused it? Or he was caught up in the mess there?" Milly speculated.

Right they didn't know about the real thing what happened there and it's for the best that they don't know

But she didn't know that Marianne knew, their conversation was interrupted when the doctor appeared from Lelouch's room, and almost immediately all four women cornered the age man and asked.

"How is he?" Marianne questioned the doctor. The doctor was surprised to see them here but seeing that the eldest one was probably the boy's mother answered truthfully.

"He's unconscious but other than that he's fine. His body collapsed due to strain and he only suffered minor injuries and few bruises. He only needed to rest and by tomorrow he can actually be discharged." The doctor politely informed them.

"Can we check up on him?" Shirley said.

The doctor nodded. "Yes you may...now if you excuse me." He said before he made his way through the corridor to meet his other patients.

"Well that's my cue...I have to check up on my boss to see if he's also alright." Cecile also turns around to leave. "It was nice meeting you" she waved them goodbye.

"I hope we can meet again soon!" Milly shouted back at her before she as well as Marianne and Shirley faced the door of Lelouch's room.

"Now then…"Marianne slowly turned the knob and let themselves in…

In an abandoned Warehouse in Shinjuku Ghetto

She never really liked dying.

"Ugh…" the Immortal witch groaned as she wakes up on her stupor, granted that she would have awaken a bit early than that since she can regenerate much faster than any human being, but she sensed that the fighting was still ongoing so she remained from where she was at until she knew the coast was clear.

C.C rubbed the part where she was hit earlier this morning and where her code was located and sigh that the bullet was out of her. She looks around and once she regains her senses she smells the familiar scent of dead bodies flowing through her nostrils. But she was used to it already; being a 300 years old would do that to you.

"At least I'm out of that sick place" C.C commented on the experiments done to her by that bastard of the Prince and his followers. She took a moment to breathe in from her surroundings-even including the stench of dead bodies- and was glad that she was finally free.

C.C walks out of the warehouse while recalling what happened earlier today. She was first unconscious when the day had started and that she was being transported somewhere, hours passed, she felt a sudden connection from one of her contracts-not the exact person but next of kin. And after a few more hours passed the container she was in suddenly opened, she thought she arrived from her destination but when her eyes opened she saw a pair of amethyst eyes. The same eyes she knew once before.

"There's no question...he's her son." And if her former contract can't grant her her wish, then maybe this boy can. And with that she made her way to the Tokyo Settlement to find more clues about the supposed dead prince:

Prince Lelouch vi Britannia

"Time to pay someone a visit"

The Next day

Ashford Academy

After the battle had ended Kallen was mixed with emotions; at one point she was glad that she and her friends were alive and the other was confused as to why the prince suddenly called a cease fire. Maybe it was Akuma's doing? He did say that their plan was to reach the G1 and take down the Viceroy...but she didn't actually think that he was able to pull through.

If he did…

Well she might have found a new kind of respect for the man and if he came from the JLF and the possibility that they would soon ally with them, makes her heart racing. But it wasn't just that her emotions were high, it was the fact that she may or may not have a crush on the masked man.

No! You've only known him for one day and you have a crush on him?! And besides he might be a middle-aged man for crying out loud!

But with the way he talks it doesn't seem he was a middle-aged man, and she can throw out of the window about him dating his companion Sayoko, since it was only master and servant relationship from the looks of things. In conclusion he was available and she definitely has the hots for him.

"Thank you Kallen, be safe!"

She replayed that scene in her mind the entire time making her blush. Not only did he save her once, but the thing that she likes the most was the fact that she acknowledges her. And so, it was no denying that if they ever made an alliance with JLF, she hopes she's with Akuma.

Speaking of (another) devil…

Currently Kallen was back on her Statdfeld self meaning she was back on her timid, sickly self. I swear Ohgi...Her so called 'friends' came to her the moment she sat on her desk.

"Kallen! It's been ages!"

"Are you all right? Sophie's been worried sick all this time."

"You're okay though, right?"

"Yeah, I just have to go easy for a little while." she said smiling weakly "Anyway, if I stay home any longer I'll never catch up." She said as she was trying to have her friends to go away and pretend to study, but it would seem she didn't have to since the door opened up and came in the smug student council vice-president.

And as expected nearly everyone flocked him as if he was some sort of Messiah but she hardly cared what happened to the guy, although she listens from her classmates if there's anything interesting that was going on.

"Vice prez!"

"I heard you were admitted to a hospital!"

"Is that true?!"

Lelouch chuckled much to himself, glad that everything was back to normal, he still doesn't remember what happened yesterday when he piloted the Lancelot and when he woke up it was morning and her mother was there to pick him up. Apparently, he suffered minor injuries so he was able to be discharge almost immediately.

"Don't worry guys I'm fine, I just have a few cuts and bruises but that's about it" He replied to everyone. Rivalz then hugged him from behind.

"I'M SO SORRY I LEFT YOU BRO! Will you forgive me?!" Rivalz said wailing like an infant. Lelouch struggled to free himself and he replied to him.

"I should be the one that needs to apologize. I shouldn't leave you behind."

"Nah, it's fine just don't ditch me, next time okay?" And Lelouch silently smiles agreeing on that request. "Promise" it just in time for their history teacher to come in making them go back to their seat and Kallen return to what she was doing. But Lelouch also eyed her suspiciously.

There's no doubt. It has to be her from yesterday...but he can confront her in another time and instead focus on one of his hated subjects.

"Hey Kallen want to eat lunch with us?" Kallen's friend asked her from the back and she merely nodded in agreement.

I really want to get out of here. Kallen slumped as she day-dream to more pleasant thoughts. But oh well, she will proceed to get lunch with her friends that involves a certain bee…

A/N: If you guys are coming from the previous chapter then this is where I will explain a few things. First off, I'm back. Second, I'm sorry for the wait. And thirdly I hope you enjoy today's chapters. As I said before in my last update I'll be nearing college soon and when this is published it will be a week before the start of our class, and therefore I won't have time to write any chapters. However, the previous chapter that was supposed to be published in May or June was delayed due to...unforeseen circumstances where I was left depressed. And, so I wasn't able to publish or complete it.

It was only a few weeks ago that I returned to writing and it was a good way to get off my mind of the bad memories that haunt me. But as I said, I actually don't have any motivation to write other than sheer boredom but I promise to publish chapters whenever I can.

And as compensation, I'll publish three chapters for today (6,7, and 8) that were supposed to be published a few months ago.

Again, I'm terribly sorry for my English and I'm still hoping if there's anyone who wants to lend a hand I'm very grateful. But I'm glad that people still want this to continue and frankly, I'm glad it did. Your reviews are important as well as your criticism to make me improve on my English and to deliver you guys the satisfaction this story will bring. So, I appreciate the reviews, favorites, follows, you guys give. So thank you very much. I won't prolong this since you have another chapter to read xD

Anyways please read and review.

F.C.C.S out