Disclaimer I don't own Code Geass

Chapter XIV: Vigilante

Two weeks after the Lake Kawaguchi incident

After narrowly escaping the hotel via rail line on the opposite shore, the newly formed JLF squad infamously known as 'Ronin' began its independent mission apart from the JLF. Technically it is still a JLF operation under the supervision of Akuma, but will move independently and will rely on its own for the time being.

Their mission: track down Refrain distributors, traffickers, manufacturers, and buyers, and eliminate them. It is part of Akuma's plan of dismantling the Noble's society held by the Britannians in Area Eleven. For over the years, Britannians are the cause of distributing and supplying of an halucinetic drug known as 'Refrain' specifically targeted towards the Japanese. This dark ploy goes unnoticed from Clovis' reign and even now on Cornelia's management.

But not anymore

With the help of his squad, Akuma began hunting down the black market in search of Refrain. Find the distributor, you'll find the supplier. Currently, he and his squad are in their 5th warehouse they have located inTokyo. Down below they see thousands of the drugs being packaged in large quantities and hidden inside some crates that will be delivered in the ghettos disguised as medical treatment.

"-I know it's welfare, but it seems like a waste to give it to the Elevens" Akuma and the Ronins eavesdropped on the conversation of two Britannians in charge of this place. "Which is why I'm selling it to you, right?"

"Sell? Why would they sell their drug to one another?" He heard Minami on the speculation.

Ohgi deduced their answer. "To lead off would be pursuers like us"

"And to gain more profit" Kallen added with disdain, and they were both correct. As they began hunting down the nobles who were supplying the drug, many started doubling the guards and made their distribution network much more complex to the point that their lead of who supplies them are now thrown in the water. And 'Refrain' is another reason why the nobles are gaining more profits than expected despite the regulations and taxes mandated by the government. It was an illegal operation to boost their own selfish scheme and harm the Japanese public. Truly a Britannian action.

An act Suzaku never tolerated and hated.

"Who cares? It'll be better to cut down the Eleven population even just a little" as they shared a small laugh on their maniacal ploy.

"Damn Britannian pigs!" Tamaki nearly shouted but luckily Inoue and Yoshida silenced him.

"Do you really want us to get killed?" Sugiyama half-whispered, half-shouted on Tamaki. Tamaki calmed himself down and allowed himself to cool-off. "I'm sorry, it's just what they're doing...it's plain despicable." They continued looking down on the Britannians with anger and disdain, a look Suzaku knew all too well.

"That's why we're here right?" Inoue commented. "To right the wrongs and protect the weak." Yoshida continued. And being reminded of why they fight made the red-head smile in comfort. "Yeah...guess you're right." before they hear a truck being loaded with the last crate of refrain.

"-I'll transfer your payment to your wife's account"

"Princess Cornelia is a soldier. This sort of thing doesn't interest her-" and Akuma saw enough and ordered his men. "Let us begin" before he and his squad opened fire below from the ceiling they were hiding.

"Sh*t what was that!" a guard manning the forklift asked.

"Look! Up above!" Another one shouts out in terror seeing as several men wearing masks appear before them with rifles at the ready. Before long they realized who they were.

"It-its Akuma and his Ronins!" they said

Within seconds the guards as well as the numerous workers were gunned down into pieces who were working with the Britannians, and even some tried to escape but it was futile. After checking if the coast is clear all of them propel down via ropes and search for survivors.

"Check if anyone's still alive. Minami, Sugiyama, and Yoshida take the crates off the truck and destroy it." before they answered in unison. 'Hai' He turns to meet Kallen and Tamaki holding the Britannian nobles who were left from the fire fight.

"Akuma, we saw them trying to escape to the backdoor." Before shoving them to the ground. The two men whimpered in fear and tried to negotiate. "Lo-look I'll pay you! Double if you want! Just please don't hurt me!" Said the older man of the two.

"I don't know anything so please let me go!" The younger one struggles to break free but Tamaki has a firm hold of him. "Quit whining!" Tamaki threatened and the man covered his eyes and cowered. Ohgi walked beside him and whispered. "Akuma, what should we do with them?"

Suzaku already knew what he wanted, and so faced the older man. With his Oni mask and his black suit, it gives a demonic vibe to the both of them making them tremble in fear. "Mr. Florenz Moore, a Britannian Baron, who has a family of three, a prime donor for several medical clinics and foundations since the days of Viceroy Clovis. Over the years, your family recently gained ample amounts of boosts in finances, why is that?" Akuma asked towering to the kneeled baron who was now sweating bullets.

"I-I...don't know what-what you're talking about!" the noble averted Akuma's gaze through the mask as he pleaded to let him go. Akuma only snickered. "Really? Then what about the 'refrain' drugs smuggled from the medical clinics you and so too your other conspirators we saw from the ones YOU HAVE DONATED TO?" He said holding his face made him quiver in fear. "You use your contacts to donate to several medical clinics all over Japan as a disguise to 'refrain' drug distribution. And, seeing you're a Britannian noble giving 'medicine' to the Elevens, the police won't bother investigating the matter. In fact, I can surely guess they're also behind this as well, isn't it?" Mr. Moore's eyes widened knowing all of what he said was true, and it didn't help that his partner tried to deny these claims.

"Don't tell them anything! If we make it out of here alive they'll soon be dead-" but he was silenced when Tamaki knocked him out with his rifle. "I said quit your whining!"

"So is it true?" Akuma waited patiently for his answer, and mr. Moore contemplated all of his possible options if he tried to lie and decided that it would all lead to his demise or worse. "Look, I'm just a distributor okay? I don't know who our supplier even is, and I don't even know what refrain actually does, haha-you, you got to believe me!" he said begging as he started to panic.

Akuma turned around, he dreaded that it might be the case. "Unfortunately for you...I do believe you" before he turns back and shoots him point blank through the . Moore's lifeless body flopped to the floor with the traces of his blood already making a pool. Akuma holstered his pistol and gave the final order. "Burn everything to the ground, and dispose of everyone who's alive" he said and his Ronin squad did what they were told, except Ohgi.

"Akuma, why did you kill him?" Ohgi asked his commander to turn to face him.

"Why wouldn't I?" was his cold response.

Ohgi was startled at first but continued. "We could still use him, if we presented his crime and this as evidence then surely all of this-" but Akuma cut him off before he could finish what he was saying.

"Ohgi I admire your morals, but if we do that then we gain nothing." Akuma said with bitter malice in it. "The bureaucracy wouldn't allow their own nobles to be put in jail and if I were to bet he would go scot free regardless of the evidence put upon them. These nobles control everything; the police, the court, even within the Viceroy's chain of command there are nobles who will trade their own countrymen for a much better position."

"The only way these pests can be dealt with is to eliminate them, if not...then the red-tapism of the government will prevail." Akuma finished and Ohgi couldn't help but accept this truth. Since the day Japan turned area Eleven, he and so many others saw the brutality that they have to face. That the Brtiannians are superior to them in more ways than one, and they can't do anything about it.

"Sayoko, are you there?" Akuma called out to the shadows to his trusted kinouchi, who suddenly appeared right beside him. "Always master Akuma," she said, startling anyone near her.

"How does she do that?" Tamaki asked Sugiyama, who was also baffled by her stealth.

"I need you to investigate Mr. Moore's family and see if you could find anyone who might be his supplier of refrain."

"Certainly master Akuma" before disappearing to the shadows. If only I have something to make them confess everything, then this would be a whole lot easier. Akuma quietly thought to himself, but for now he would have to make due with the tools on his hand instead.

Within minutes the warehouse burns ablaze and the traces of refrain and the people who worked there are turned into ash. As a mark, they painted their symbol in the entrance of the warehouse marking that Ronin was here and it would also serve as a warning to anyone who makes and/or sells refrain to watch out.

"Friends...this is only the beginning, before long we will stomp out those who enact cruelty to our countrymen and deliver them swift justice!" Akuma proudly told his men.

"We'll make them pay for what they did!" Yoshida boasted.

"Yeah, for the friends we've lost along the way," Inoue added.

"It's time for some payback" Sugiyama said, cracking his fist, with Minami agreeing with him.

Tamaki raised his rifle and screamed to the burning warehouse, "You hear that Britannians! Prepare yourself, cause we're coming for you we are-"

The next day

Ashford Academy

-Ronin!

I can't believe I actually said that in front of the class! Ughh!

It was the day after the night operation conducted by Akuma and his Ronins, and currently one of its members was taking its toll due to the lack of sleep she was having everytime they made a raid in the middle of night while going to school at 8 in the morning the following day. Case in point, waking up in the middle of the class screaming at the top of her lungs a word belonging to the now infamous insurgent group of the JLF who recently made headlines. Luckily for Kallen they just laughed it off seeing that she obviously didn't have enough rest and thinks of it as a simple dream she had with the current news. Clearly she was having a bad day, and it was only 9 in the morning...little did she know it will only get worse from this.

Yawning, Kallen made her way towards the student council room which she thought was having a meeting once more. "It sure is tough living a double life" After successfully getting to the door without falling asleep, she was about to get inside until she heard Milly's voice.

"Come on, Rivalz put him down! And Shirley, you're not helping either!" And this makes her wake up as she can clearly hear there was a commotion brewing inside the room. "Nunnally you go ahead and tie him up"

"Yes Madam president!"

Tie him up? What for?

Curious, she waits for a few moments to hear what exactly was going on the other side of the door and she suddenly hears the vice president's voice crying for help. "Let me go Nunnally, this isn't something a brother and sister should do!"

What the-

Her mind flooded with a few scenarios of what was happening inside and some of them were indecent thoughts. Shaking the thoughts away, Kallen peered her ear to listen. "Calm down Lulu this would be over before you know it" she heard Shirley's voice followed by a weak girl scream that sounded like Lelouch.

"NOOOO!"

That was the last straw and Kallen immediately opened up the door. "What's going on?!" She exclaimed and the scene before her...was something she didn't expect. Right before her was the entire student council….

...Wearing animal suits.

Huh?

"Good meow-ning~" Purr Milly who was wearing black and white cat suit, and she wasn't the only one who was wearing an animal themed costume. Everyone was, including Suzaku who she thought would gladly decline even the idea of participating with Britannians with their silly antics. She paused for a moment thinking maybe this was just a dream and a few seconds later she would wake up on her bed and will go to her normal morning routine. But seeing that it was reality, she just replied to the greeting.

"Go-good morning, as well…" she said remembering that she has to be timid around them, but the real reason was that she was speechless on what's happening, so she kindly asked. "Uhmm...madam prez, what's going on here?"

"Didn't we mention this?" Rivalz said to Kallen wearing his brown dog suit "It's our welcome party for arthur" he said mentioning the cat they've saved from the family day event a few weeks ago.

"I see...and they got you into this as well Suzaku?" she said with a small smile on her fellow ally who was undercover. Suzaku sighed on his blue dog suit. "Yeah...Milly forced me to participate, unfortunately" he said, hiding from the embarrassment he was currently in. Well, to be fair, he wasn't the only one since the black-haired boy was more than embarrassed with what's happening as three people struggled to get him to complete his cat makeup.

"Hey, I didn't force you. I simply said that if you don't participate then you are officially dismissed in the student council." Milly informed Kallen in a smug grin. So you didn't force him instead you've threatened him...I guess now I know why Lelouch calls you a she-devil. But she just said that to herself so no one can hear it but her.

"It's peaceful here…"she silently commented and indeed it was. Even Nina, who was always busy on her work-which she still is-even wore her yellow catsuit. "Enjoy life while we're still free to do it!" Milly urged her and she was quite right, after what recently happened, she really needed to take a breather.

"And don't worry about anything Kallen, we already have your stuff ready. Look!" Shirley chimed in and she followed where she was pointing at and sure enough she saw the racks of animal suits waiting to be put on.

"Yeah, you can be anything you want, a catgirl or if you're a dog person, you can have a suit similar to me!" Nunnally said, indicating her white french poodle dog suit. "They're all finished, big brother!" Nunnally said after putting on the finishing touches, and even though she hates him a bit, he looks kinda cute in that outfit.

"You look ridiculous in that outfit" she snickered at the look of Lelouch on his black catsuit. And Lelouch kindly teases her with his own. "Oh I think Kallen wouldn't need those suits Nunnally"

"Hmm?"

Lelouch gave a mischievous grin towards her and continued. "I think she's better off wearing a bunny outfit instead." And everyone paused after hearing his statement, even Nina gave an awkward glance to the boy, Suzaku who was eating his chips and fell down to the floor. And Arthur who was sleeping...is still asleep.

Kallen processed his sentence carefully and the idea suddenly popped in her mind and just merely thinking about it made her cringe. Her face went full red and she couldn't hide her real reaction to that statement and can only answer in one word. "Pe-pe, pervert!"

To which Lelouch just laughed it off, "I'm just kidding miss Kallen, you do know that right?" he said so casually. Who would have thought that this guy was so smug, ugh, just another thing I hate about him. She just averted his gaze and made no further comment.

"Damn Lelouch, I thought you only flirted with Shirley haha. Never knew you were a ladies man" Rivalz said, nudging him in the shoulders. "Maybe you can teach me that to Milly?" he whispered in the end. Since his girlfriend was brought upon, Nunnally took an opportunity to give Kallen what she wanted, a bit of revenge.

"Oh Shirley, you should make a note of this that my big bro likes bunny outfits hahaha." She said and the two couples turned bright red on her comment.

"NUNNALLY!" they said in unison. Serves you right The brunette just giggles on their immediate and natural reaction. "But to be honest...I'm really glad everything is back to normal...just us having some fun...this is all I want." Nunnally said with a smile to them all, and even his big brother couldn't joke about it since after what happened she can only think what it must be for Nunnally and the rest of the student council who was among the hostages from the incident.

"We could thank Akuma and his Ronins for saving you all then" they heard Suzaku and everyone went silent after that. For them, they have mixed feelings for the masked vigilante. On one hand he is an insurgent leading a rebel faction in Area Eleven causing chaos. While the other, they can't deny that he saved everyone in the hotel and killed the leader of the hostage taking. He was both a hero and a villain.

But for us he's our leader…

The room went silent and even Nina pondered about this, however, Lelouch was the one who broke it. "Yeah...we could thank him for that." He said, eyeing Suzaku. Whether it was a lie or not, Kallen couldn't tell. Milly knowing the situation went awkward stirred the topic to somewhat light, clasping her hand she called them out.

"Well, now that we thank the masked man, let's forget all of our problems and just enjoy the moment shall we? Rivalz! Put on the music and let's get this party started!" She said, raising a glass of punch and everyone cheered as well.

"Yeah!"

Kallen smiled at the scene before her. Everyone was happy and being carefree just as they should be. And I made it all happen. For Kallen, this was a few reasons why she was fighting against Britannia, to protect what she cares about, her allies, her friends, her brother's wish, and-

No! I don't want to fight for her, not after everything she has done…

Kallen pushed the thought away from her mind and joined in the party. But sooner rather than later she would have to face the thing she's trying to suppress.

Later that day

Viceroy palace, Office of the sub-viceroy Euphemia

Princess Euphie was inside her office reading the reports sent to her from her sister while she was away, she was instructed to learn everything she could about the area she was governing. From education, welfare, security, and finance, and currently there was a bit of a problem about the last part.

Just as my sister said...there has been a sudden drop of productivity in the Tokyo settlement for the past months…

She recalled her conversation with her sister before she departed earlier this morning.

Outside the Viceroy palace, the two leaders of Area Eleven can be seen conversing with each other while lines of Knightmares are being put inside the train cars to be transported. Viceroy Cornelia is to depart to conduct her mission, whilst her sister, Sub-viceroy Euphemia, will oversee the office while she is gone.

"-The E.U's starting an offensive along the Alamein front. We can't drag our feet here in Area Eleven." Her sister informed her of the situation in the west to put her up to speed. Ever since the hostage taking incident Cornelia made sure to double the security of Euphie so it will never happen again, and she wasn't allowed to leave the palace for two weeks despite her protest. So, in that duration she has no news about the outside world.

And this one was important. I know my sister is in charge of the military and is the leader for the Egyptian expansion, so I know how crucial it is for her to return to her original post. Euphie concluded seeing that the tension in Europe was beginning to rise.

"Is brother Schneizel negotiating for a truce?" she asked about their brother who was the empire's Prime minister to ease the tension there as they can't engage in multiple fronts. Cornelia smiled, she was learning. "Sadly, our brother is needed elsewhere, but he reassures me that the Euro-Britannia can handle the offensive while I'm gone."

"I see, but it looks like you needed there"

"Exactly. Such is why I want to solidify domestic affairs and promote this place to a satellite area." She begins and she can agree on that. The sole purpose of the li Britannia governing area Eleven is to bring stability to the area that has been a stain in the Empire for far too long. "For that, not only wiping out the terrorist organization a priority, but the rampant abuse of the drug 'Refrain' among the elevens is also a serious problem."

Refrain? I heard it was a hallucinogenic drug used to remember past events…

"It's caused a serious drop in productivity. To do that, we have to stomp out the Chinese Federation's Kyushu route here, understand?" she told her mission which won't take too long since it would be a simple blockade and engagement.

"Yes, do be careful" Euphie told her sister with a worrisome tone but she hid it with her radiant smile. Cornelia returned the gesture and caressed her soft cheeks, "And you don't leave the settlement understood?" With a simple nod Cornelia was relieved. "Sister, what about the Ronins…?" Euphie dreaded asking her about them seeing that they haven't done anything to engage Akuma and his Ronins.

"I'll let them roam free for the time being, I owe them that much for saving you. But once I return…" She gently caressed her cheeks once more and made a promise. "Once I cleanse this area, I will soon give this to you. So don't think about such dangerous things, all right Euphie?"

But I know what I have to do, sister…

While she appreciates her concern she was the sub-viceroy for a reason. She may not help Cornelia on the problems concerning the insurgents in Area Eleven, but what she can do is to manage the livelihood of everyone living here. Such is why she gathered up the reports given to them by the department of finance to understand why there was a sudden loss of thousands of Japanese labor in the settlement.

"-According to the reports, it is said more than 45% of the elevens working the settlement has been relieved of duty due to tardiness, malnutrition, and lack of motivation to do a proper job. Some were even reported missing…"Villetta Nu told her about the information they acquired.

"And it says here that those employees that were reported missing which the police investigated were found dead in multiple warehouses, alleys, motels, and even public areas. Autopsy reports indicated almost all of them were overdosed on drugs…" Jeremiah conducted with a stoic expression.

"Refrain," Euphie concluded.

"Precisely your highness"

Now she knows why the workforce has been dwindling, now the question is How can we prevent it? She can task the police force to investigate this case, however, she can also assume that they might be behind this or at least part of this plot. And even though her sister will make a blockade to stop the trade route from the Chinese to reach here in area Eleven it won't ensure the drugs already shipped here from being distributed and manufactured. Euphie pondered the situation at hand, she might not be the brightest like her brother Schneizel or Lelouch and even not as decisive like her sister Cornelia, but she was competent and her kindred spirit has always helped solve her problems.

But how exactly?

She was thinking too hard that she nearly didn't hear another voice calling her out from her musing. "Ahem, if I may, might I offer some assistance?" Euphie then fixed her gaze to the man standing before her. He was in his mid-twenties with blonde hair and hazel colored eyes and an attired fit of a noble with his grey blazer and white long sleeve underneath. "Though it won't be much, my foundation, the Solar Charity, has always strived for medical operations like rehabilitation of patients due to 'Refrain'. I could help the employees on their rehabilitation plan so that they can return back to the society completely rejuvenated and with clear motivation" the man said proudly to Euphie.

Euphie has little information about this man, but what she does know is that he is the son of the Duke of Manila in Area ten, and is one of the many benefactors of clinics in the Ghettos especially here in the Tokyo settlement. His foundation, the Solar Charity, has been founded since her brother's reign and it was among lesser foundations that supported the Japanese, among which she also supports and encourages others to do the same.

"I thought you were only here to invite her highness, to be your guest at this weekend's gala celebrating the fifth year anniversary of your foundation?" margrave questioned the man, suspicious of the man's motive. Officially, this was sir Christopher Lasor's intention which she would be deliberating since she was clearly ordered to not leave the palace while her sister was gone.

Christopher gave a small chuckle and only smiled at the man. "Indeed I was, however, if the princess were to make an appearance then surely the other nobles would join in our efforts to deal with this problem. A fundraiser event would soon follow that will be donated to the rehabilitation of the patients. Not only that, we could also use this opportunity to suppress the ones who are illegally distributing the drugs to Japan-I'm sorry, Elevens. That we, the nobles, are here to safeguard our people may it be Britannians or not."

Euphie weighs his statement and she has to agree with it. For the most part, it was a brilliant way to show the people that they care. Not just to Britannians, but Japanese alike. They are all equal. It was a notion she wanted to pull through but never had the chance, but to think someone has already been doing it, then it was only natural for her to help it to succeed.

Maybe this is my chance to do something more to the Japanese

Euphie wasn't the only one who was swayed with his words. Her two guards also agree with his statement. "That could work" Jeremiah commented looking at her, and if Jeremiah thinks it is possible then she can go along with it.

"But the security must be air tight, I know that the gala would be held near the ghettos, isn't that right?" Villetta informed her if she was planning to go.

The man simply nodded. "Yes, I was planning to have some, if not all, the residents in Shinjuku to be there as it is for them. But I'm afraid my colleagues won't allow it." He said with dismay in his voice.

With Akuma and his Ronins still roaming free and it was only just recently since her life was endangered she knew her sister won't accept this invitation regardless of reason. Jeremiah knows about this too. "Are you sure about this, your highness?" he asked for her confirmation on the invitation.

Euphie didn't ponder this for too long and gave an immediate answer. "If this would help the people, then it is a risk I'm willing to take." Jeremiah slightly was disappointed with her answer, but he knows she was doing this because she believes that this was the right thing to do, and he can also support her on that. What he can do is to make sure no harm will be done to her highness during the event.

"I am glad that you accept your highness. I'm sure everyone would be delighted to have you there." Christopher gave a small bow. But before he could speak another word, the door suddenly opened up.

"Ah great you are all talking about the Gala!" And Euphie as well as others were surprised to see the eccentric scientist Lloyd with his assistance Cecile Croomy and surprisingly, Lelouch was with them as well.

A few minutes earlier

Hallway of the Viceroy palace

Lelouch takes the rest of the day-off to go to ASEEC base to train the Lancelot, since one, he has to make up for the days he was out of commission due to him taking care of his sister. And two, and the most important reason, to relieve some stress he had during Arthur's acceptance party earlier today.

Note to self, never allow Milly to measure me for future precautions, and make sure my sister is brain-checked if he was infected by Milly's disease of pervertedness.

Just thinking about it gave him a migraine, and he was actually looking forward to actual training which was the first since he dreaded physical activity. But the day was only getting worse since when he arrived no one was there. Apparently Lloyd and Cecile were in a meeting with the Viceroy earlier today before her departure talking about various things, but specifically about the 'Refrain' problem that arose. He waited for the meeting to be concluded only to realize that it was already over when he got there, luckily for him, Lloyd and Cecile managed to bump into him who were also searching for him.

"Ah Lulu my boy, I thought a seventeen year-old pilot of the Lancelot won't be lost in the Viceroy palace" teased the earl of pudding, but Lelouch just waved it off. "Well I was actually looking for you. I take it that the meeting went well?" He asked Cecile who was holding some documents.

"Yes, and we are on our way to deliver our reports on the ASEEC to her highness Princess Euphemia" Cecile said to him and he can sense that Lloyd made her carry the documents all to herself such is why the heavy breathing. Lelouch took some of the documents and carried the other half. "Thank you"

"No problem...if you're going to sub-viceroy Euphemia, then has the Viceroy left?"

This time Lloyd answered him. "Yes she's on her way to block the Kyushu route of the Chinese Federation to stop the distribution of illegal 'Refrain'" Curious he wanted to know more about this Refrain problem, so he asked if there's any report about it.

"Can I have some documents about the refrain?"

"Oh sure" Cecile said before handing some documents about it. "It was actually our main topic earlier. From what causes it and its effects, to how to stop or prevent the further spread of its distribution. Lelouch quickly skimmed through the papers while they were walking towards her highness' office.

I can see why they are taking this seriously, losing the workforce that does nearly 60% of the job in the entire peninsula would hit the economy. As he read through papers after papers he begins to theorize something in his mind. The question of who conducts this distribution and manufactures it can be answered on the later note, the real question is how can we stop it and why are they doing this?

Illegal drug trafficking has always been a great business to boost one's profit, and I can think many nobles who done shady business in the past because of my gambling schemes...still to think that they haven't been found for this long means that whoever supplies them, must be really competent and knows what he's doing.

It was starting to get interesting for Lelouch and began to connect the dots. Regardless of how much you try to hide, there will always be traces of your doing...but before he could finish they were already at the front door of her highness' office.

"-And would you help me pick up a suit for the gala?" Lloyd pleaded to Cecile with puppy dog eyes and Cecile can only sigh on her boss' antics. "Yes I will Lloyd, now come on."

"Excellent! Now-" but he stopped before knocking since they heard from the inside that they too were talking about the gala as well.

"I am glad that you accept your highness. I'm sure everyone would be delighted to have you there."

Lloyd grins as he takes this opportunity to barge inside without any hesitation.

"Ah great you are all talking about the Gala!"

Present time

Both Lelouch and Cecile were embarrassed for their boss' mannerism and apologized for the intrusion and going inside without an announcement or permission. "I'm very sorry for the intrusion, your highness, I'll make sure that it won't happen again" glared Cecile to Lloyd who was oblivious to this and made his way forward with the two in tow.

Jeremiah also glared at him. "Have you ever heard about knocking?" Earl or not he should really mind his manners, and if he has to beat that into him, Jerry would be delighted to do it for free. Lloyd simply waved his hand. "Well, hearing that you are talking about the gala I thought it was fine to simply walk in" with a smirk on his face.

Before Jeremiah can talk senses into him without a doubt, Christopher beats him to it. "Yes we were. I was just extending an invitation to her highness about the gala this weekend and-"

"Oh, did you accept your highness?" Lloyd asked the girl.

Euphie was startled at first due to Lloyd's interruption of their meeting and how fast it was going but she composed herself and answered properly. "Indeed I am. As the princess of the realm I must serve my people, and with this I can show that Britannians and Elevens are equal under one banner. We could help everyone in need, especially now with the growing case of 'Refrain' usage." she said and if they could give an applaud right now on her speech they would. Euphie then fixed her gaze to the second youngest person in the room.

"Lelo-I mean...mr. Lamperouge, it is a pleasure again to meet you" Euphie said with a small smile. Lelouch first bowed at her reverie before answering. "The pleasure is all mine, your highness" and Euphie was slightly disappointed that he had to do that instead of casually greeting her as his sibling. The last time they spoke was weeks ago when they confirmed their identities, after that they haven't spoken since. Though she was glad he was here, she didn't know what to say to him now knowing he wasn't Lelouch vi Britannia.

To give her some respite Cecile chimes in. "So I guess we are all going to the gala then?" Cecile asked everyone to the room and she was only going to the gala because Lloyd insisted on having her as his escort with him and his date. And to think I"M the escort.

"I'm afraid I can't go to the gala" Lelouch suddenly spoke to everyone in the room. I mean...I have no invitation" And personally after enduring Milly's parties? I'd rather stay at home during the weekends.

"Well you will come too, as a member of the ASEEC and our devicer, you are to attend the gala." Lloyd said with a grin. "If that is alright to you and her highness?" Lloyd gave a knowing glance to the man in charge of the event and princess Euphemia.

"Not a problem at all," Christopher said with a smile.

Euphie was surprised at first but she would be glad if he did come. "I don't see why not, you may accompany sir Asplund, mr. Lamperouge." Lloyd grinned at this, "And don't think of bailing Lulu since that is an order~" he said and Lelouch tried his best to hide the dismay on his face and forced a fake smile. Milly would be perfect match for him *sighs*

"Oh do keep in mind that you will have a date with you, though it is a charity event, it has to be formal as well." Christopher informed him, making Lelouch groan much more to himself due to this. But it did make him curious a little.

"Excuse me for asking my lord, but...what is the charity event for?" He could simply say he doesn't know about this event since it was the first he heard about it, which was actually true. "Certainly, as her highness said this is an event to the Elevens who are suffering due to 'Refrain' a hallucinogenic drug. This will raise funds to support rehabilitation to those who are using the drug, and we will make a stance to stop the distribution of the drug with the support of the princess" Christopher replied proudly.

But to Lelouch he only frowned. A noble cause but only a front. This won't eliminate the problem, only a temporary solution to an already chaotic one. If we need to stop the Japanese using the drug it's either we take out the supplier or have better security to the ghettos where it is being distributed. And knowing Britannia...I could say they would rather do the former.

Lelouch pondered for a moment before asking another question. "And how does the government plan to stop 'Refrain'?" He asked and this time it was Jeremiah who answered.

"The police have already started the investigation among the cases where elevens are confirmed who are using refrain and arrested those who are caught using them to interrogate on who is their supplier."

"As for that, they hit a dead end, almost all patients who are confirmed to refrain are located in random warehouses, motels, etc. It was just a gathering for them to use it, it would seem." Villeta reported the police's information gathered so far.

"Then they should look onto the nobles who own them" Lelouch suggested and that made everyone confused on his statement. "What do you mean?" Euphie asked where he was going since making that conclusion surely has solid evidence or support to back up such claims. Everyone eyed the boy for a moment who was also shocked by the revelation.

They really don't know?

He considered boasting about this as improper and will most likely be taken in a sour note so he instead answered accordingly. "Based on the reports on the recent cases of 'refrain' usage a majority of them occurred of elevens to be placed on random warehouses as you put , but the thing is it wasn't random." Seeing that they are silent he continued. "The warehouses originally owned by the Japanese before the war, after the establishment of Area Eleven all land owned property are claimed by the government or third party to be sold or used by them. Meaning someone owns them and these warehouses are no exception."

"But from the reports it was said it was abandoned, and the original owner are elevens who either died or gave up the property." Villetta countered. "And see that's where it leads to false conclusion, the reports given are not entirely true, those warehouses are actually owned by several nobles as mortgage property, that is why the papers only said the original owner instead of the one to whom they loaned it. You can check the finances on that matter."

And Jeremiah gave the nod to Villetta to scan whether they miss something. "And how did you come up with that conclusion?" Euphie asked him.

"I just like to read your highness" smirked Lelouch. In reality, one cannot only rely on a single form of information. After seeing the reports and knowing the names of the warehouses I took the papers to see if there was anyone who purchased or loaned the property for the past five years. And true enough...there was.

Villetta took the papers and even used the nearby computer to confirm if it was true, and luckily for them the department of finance was done with their monthly audit so these reports are up to date. "He's right...the warehouses are leased to several nobles: Mr. Cunningham, Lord Edwards, and even Earl Harrison. They could possibly lead us to who the manufacturers and distributors are."

"Or maybe they are the ones behind it all" Jeremiah deduced...looking back to princess Euphemia "I would like to form another investigation team about this your highness" Euphie nodded. "Request accepted sir Gottwald"

"Great if I can manage to form a team we can investigate the three by next week" Jeremiah informed her, however, Christopher interrupted them.

"That won't be necessary since the three are invited to the Gala" he told them and this greatly works in their favor. "Then we can corner them at the gala and question them" Villetta suggested and everyone agrees on that.

"If you are to investigate them there, please do it discreetly as it is still an event. I don't want anyone to panic over an event that should celebrate the lives of people who will recover from 'Refrain' . Is that understood?" Euphie ordered them and they answered in unison.

"Yes your highness!"

As the two began their investigation, Cecile wondered. "Why did the police didn't report this information?" I could think of one or two reasons Lelouch mused knowing what they did. But what irked him the most is that if the three in question are also going to the gala...

Then that means…

His thought was interrupted when Christopher walked up to him. "Thinking about the gala my boy?" startling him.

"Oh-yes...I was just thinking that if they are going to the gala then it means they might be planning something or their supplier or distributors are there…We can't also dispose the notion that they might working independently or maybe a group"

Christopher eyed him closely and asked with seriousness. "Do you think there is a connection between the three?" His hazel irises meet amethyst as the two locks in with each other. Lelouch eyed him too...suspiciously. "If they were...I'm sure that the truth will unfold, and the man who is behind will get what he deserves."

Christopher smiles before laughing. "Indeed he will be" grabbing Lelouch's shoulder he gave his final message. "Well I'm sure the margrave will do a better job than the police and the one behind it will soon be revealed. If I can help in any way...be sure to let me know." Before turning back to the princess and saying: "I'm afraid it is time for me to go, your highness, I'll make sure the security of the gala is doubled and it will go smoothly as planned."

"Yes, thank you for your time Lord Christopher" Euphie replied to him. Christopher bowed to her before vacating the room. As he exits, Lelocuh follows the man with his sight and he has a bit of doubt about him. I should keep a close eye on him just in case.

The meeting continued about another hour to plan about the gala this coming weekend before they all concluded. If everything went according to plan then the 'Refrain' case would be over, if not...then they just hope that the party won't stop. One thing is for certain, this won't be an ordinary gala.

Later that night…

Lamperouge household

Marianne was done with all her chores and her children were already fast asleep. I should really talk to Lelouch when I have the chance. She said to herself as earlier today he didn't bother greeting her as he came home nor did he eat together with her and Nunnally. She suspected she was still mad about the secrets she was hiding from him, but she wished he would just grow up and start acting like a man rather than moping around like what he usually does.

But I guess he deserves to know the truth...

If she was in his place, she too would act like this. She lost his trust due to the assumption of the li Britannians and she knows it. The question now was how to remedy it.

"You always have a hard time playing the mother Marianne. But if it's combat or anything related to your husband's plan, you were calculated, cunning, and decisive." C.C. commented sitting across the table she was sitting from unannounced. For Marianne she already used from C.C. popping out of nowhere and seeing she was here it must mean that Lelouch forced her to leave the room.

"Are you saying you could do a better job Cynthia?" she jest back at her, if she wanted to play this game she could tag along. "Nope, but I could be a better wife to your boy~" the witch replied with a cheshire smirk.

Marianne frowned at the prospect of C.C becoming her daughter in law. "You do know Lelouch has a girlfriend right?"

"And does that mean he can't share?" C.C. pouted "Pity, then he's truly missing everything" Marianne sighed, she knew what was going on. After spending time with C.C. for nearly all her life she knew what this witch was actually doing.

She's trying to cheer me up

Marianne was grateful but she could just ask what is wrong with it, but with C.C.? She always does it mysteriously and always with a monotone voice unless you're Marianne. "I really appreciate what you're doing C.C. but I can handle this myself."and this time C.C. frowned.

"You never been a good liar Marianne, you know what you're supposed to do, you're only avoiding it." she said with her natural tone which was all cold and serious. And getting to track Marianne. "Why is that?" Marianne asked C.C.

"You told me you don't support Charles in eradicating the lies of the world, so you go out here and live a life of lies, and for what? To live here in secret while your children don't know who they truly are. You're hurting them, you're hurting yourself" C.C. told her and she can clearly tell she was genuine with her.

"What of it? I'm fine with the life I have so far with my family. And what did you use to say? False tears bring pain to others, false smiles bring pain to oneself' but guess what? I'm not hurt, in fact I'm enjoying the time with Lelouch and Nunnally." Marianne coldly answered back. C.C however, wasn't fazed by this.

"But not to your children, they deserve to know the truth not with this lie" C.C advises her and it has been a very long time since she advised her former contractor. Marianne shakes her head in disapproval. "I will turn this lie into truth C.C...I'm sorry but this is my decision."

C.C. sighed before grabbing the last pizza on the table and eating it. "Well...your boy is also now living in a lie, so I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" and Marianne perks her head up. "What do you mean by that?"

"Lets just say he's playing hero Marianne...good night" those were C.C. last words before she turned herself to bed, which she knew was also in her room. Marianne was left to wonder what she meant by that for the remainder of the night.

At that same time…

Unknown location

"Lord Moore and Mr. Quinn are dead!"

"I heard Akuma and his Ronins did it, their mark was seen on the warehouse Florenz owns…"

"Do you think they know about us?"

"If they did then this would be hard since Princess Cornelia is launching a blockade in Kyushu"

"That means that the shipment would either be postponed or…"

"Gone forever"

The three silhouettes converse with each other for some more until the fourth voice interrupted them. "Gentlemen...please calm yourself. This minor setback won't hinder our business, if only we follow the plans."

"What exactly is that plan of yours?"

"Yes and if I recall the Princess even accepted the invitation to the gala, making it much harder for the transaction."

"Aren't you going to tell us?"

"Patience, I was just getting there...as you might know Akuma is already targeting each of us for the past two weeks...our network is compromised and we cannot let them get their hands on our product. Such is why I propose to transfer it out of hands for the time being...someone from outside our circle."

"If you're suggesting some lowly commoner to break bread with us you can count me out."

"Fret not but it would still be us noble who will take control, I won't share our power to those who don't deserve it."

"And do you have someone already in mind?"

"Indeed I am" the fourth person replied to the three before tossing to the table a single photo of a female noble who was in her mid thirties to early forties. Blonde hair and blue eyes, a picture of wealth and superiority; a perfect candidate to be part of their own.

"I recognize this face, I believe I know her husband...she's Countess I do believe isn't she?"

The fourth person replied. "Yes she is...Mrs. Karen Stadtfeld"

A/N: And that concludes Chapter 14. Anyways if you have read the original chapter there I said my announcement about the story and what will happen. However if not, then a brief tl;dr.

Tl;dr: I'm already in my sophomore year and seeing that it is my summer I'll try to write a few chapters. I would also appreciate it if you have any suggestion or question I would like to answer.

The next chapter will continue about the refrain arc and would be the gala event.

I'm very grateful to everyone who continued supporting this story despite the inconsistencies and the reviews you have written, I have read it and appreciate every single one and try to deliver this story to be within your expectations.

Please read and review

F.C.C.S out