I don't own the 86 series or elements from Code Geass, those belong to their creators. This is for fun, not profit.

Chapter 2: The Girl with Blood Red Eyes

After rescuing the 5 teens he found on the western front and bringing them to a military containment facility, Athrun wearing a military uniform was reporting to his superior officer in his office.

"Honestly, what the hell were you thinking?" General Richard Altner asked as he was seated behind his desk.

The general was a man in his early 30s, he also had short black hair with a matching eye, he was wearing an eyepatch on his right eye. His military uniform was in dark colors and wore a red tie and had brown boots.

Athrun's was wearing the same type of military uniform as the general, but his was colored purely white with black gloves and boots, he also carries a saber on the side of his waist.

"I sent you in that area to see what was going on, not to engage the enemy. Not only did you endanger the lives of yourself and your squad, but you've brought 5 people we know nothing about. Do you not understand the severity of your actions?" General Richard asked.

"I'm well aware of that, General. But I couldn't bring myself to abandon them to the Legion. I did only what I thought was right." Athrun told him.

"And I can understand that. But we still don't know anything about those kids. For all we know they could've been new Legion bioweapons, or worse they could be foreign spies to gather intel on us." The General said.

"I know, and I have no excuses for that. I'm also aware that I've acted under my own authority, and I'll receive any disciplinary action you deem fit. But I highly request you spare my squad of this; they were only following my orders. That's all I ask of you." Athrun requested.

General Richard sighed before he thought of it, but before he could decide.

"I think that's completely unnecessary." Someone from behind the door said, and both Athrun and Richard recognized that voice.

They turned to the door as that same someone opened the door and walked inside the room.

It was a middle-aged man wearing a suit, with ink-black hair and eyes of a Jet, though his hair has begun to turn gray due to aging. He wears a pair of silver-rimmed glasses and sports a straight mustache. His physique is slender, giving him a scholarly air rather than the air of a military man.

Richard soon stood up as he and Athrun saluted to the man.

"President Ernst, sir!" Both men greeted him.

That's right, this is interim president of the Federal Republic of Giad, Ernst Zimmerman.

Ernst waved his hand at them.

"Now, now, settle down you two. There's no need for formalities between friends." Ernst told them.

"But sir, what are you doing here?" Richard asked.

"Well, Richard, I heard what happened and wanted to see those kids for myself. But I couldn't help but overhear your conversation." Ernst said as he walked to Athrun's side. "And personally, I think our boy Athrun should be commended rather than be punished for saving those poor kids."

That surprised both Athrun and Richard.

"Commended? But sir, you can't be…" Richard said.

"Oh but I am. Athrun may be a Colonel and the commander of our most elite squad, but he's still just a kid himself. You can't blame him for making naive choices like that. And don't forget that he's also the Hero of the Revolution. If you were to give him punishment for his actions, think of the backlash we'll receive from both our troops and citizens here. And we really can't afford that right now. Wouldn't you agree, General?" Ernst asked.

Richard's eyebrow twitched to hear that as Athrun gave Ernst a narrow look.

Under Ernst's advice, General Richard gave Athrun a warning and let him off easy.

Now both him and Ernst were walking in the hallway together as they were talking.

"Honestly, I wish you would stop giving me special treatment already." Athrun told him.

"I only spoke the truth and you know it. I truly believe you did the right thing." Ernst said and Athrun sighed.

"Anyway, I presume you read the report about those five?" Athrun asked.

"I did. Also, Athrun, there's no reason to act professional around me. We haven't seen each other for a while, and there's no harm in calling me…" Ernst said.

"What are your thoughts about it?" Athrun asked, interrupting him and Ernst lowered his head.

"I'm only kidding you know…" Ernst mumbles before he raises his head. "But in all honesty, I still find it hard to believe that they're from the Republic of San Magnolia. Especially since we've hadn't heard anything from them in years."

"Agreed. But then again it would make sense why they were there in the first place. The Republic is from the far west of Giad. But still, that's over thousands of miles from here. I'm amazed they were able to make it that far, especially in that old war machine of theirs." Athrun said as they soon arrived at the surveillance room. "But still do you really think they're what they say they are?"

"In all honesty, I don't." Ernst said as he opened the door and both him and Athrun walked inside.

Now they were inside in the surveillance room, they saw the staff inside looking at live footages of the 5 teens Athrun had found.

They were in separate medical rooms that were next door to each other, and they were wearing medical clothes.

The girl with red hair is named Kurena Kukumila.

One was a teenage young man between 15 to 16 years old, he had steel gray hair with matching eyes. He also appears to be the tallest of the others with his height of 185 cm and his muscular physique. His facial features are described as sharply defined, exemplified by his scars: one above the right eyebrow and another on his left cheek. His name is Raiden Shuga.

One was a 16-year-old boy with golden hair and green eyes. He is slender compared to the other boys and fairly short at 165 cm tall. His name is Theoto Rikka.

One was a 16-year-old girl with long silvery-blue hair that reached down to her back, and pale blue eyes. She is also quite tall with a height of 170 cm. This is Anju Emma.

And lastly, the one who was still unconscious and lying on his bed was a 16-year-old young man. He had jet black hair and had blood red eyes. But what really got Athrun's attention was the scar around his neck, it was a jagged like scar, and if one can see it up close, it was almost like his head was cut off and has been reattached to his body. According to the others, his name is Shinei Nouzen, their leader.

Right now, they're still under examination by people wearing hazmat suits as they ask them questions.

"Which is why we're going to keep them here to observe and question them for a few days." Ernst said.

"Guess I can't argue about that. I presume the reason you came here is because you also wanted to see them yourself, and to watch over them, right?" Athrun asked as Ernst nodded with a smile.

"That's right. You know me too well." Ernst said.

"Yeah, that you're a complete idiot sometimes." Athrun told him and Ernst was dumbfounded by that. "Do what you want. But can I stay here as well?"

"Why though?" Ernst asked, and Athrun sighed as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Well...Since I was the one who found these people, I can't help but feel that I'm responsible for them now." Athrun said and Ernst hummed as he placed a hand on his chin.

"Oh...And here I thought that one of the girls with them had gotten your attention?" Ernst said and Athrun gave him a dark look, and he flinched as he waved his hands. "I'm joking! I'm joking! Also, to answer your question, no that won't be necessary."

"What? But sir…" Athrun said, and Ernst raised his hand in front of him to stop him.

"I understand your reasoning, but there's no need to be concerned. I'll be sure to keep a close watch over them. Besides, if what they told us is true, I don't think they'll take too kindly to the...you know." Ernst said.

Athrun understood what he meant as he grabbed a piece of his silver hair.

"Yeah...You may have a point there." Athrun said.

"Glad to hear that you understand. Besides, I think this is the perfect chance for you to return home. I'm pretty sure a certain someone will be lonely there since I'll be here for a while, especially since she misses you." Ernst said.

Athrun thought about it before he sighs.

"I guess I can't argue about that. And this would be the perfect chance to give my men some time to be with their families." Athrun said.

"Glad to hear we're in an agreement for a change." Ernst said as he patted on his shoulder before Athrun smacked it away.

"Don't get ahead of yourself." Athrun said and Ernst nervously chuckled. Athrun then saluted the interim president. "In anycase, I'll leave it to you to watch over them. President Ernst."

"Alright, you're dismissed then, Colonel Lionheart." Ernst told him and Athrun took his leave.

(Later)

After taking a plane back to the capital city of Giad, Athrun along with his squad were in a military compound and were changing in a locker room.

As they were changing into their civilian clothes, they were talking about the 5 teens they had found in the Western Front.

"Man...I can't believe those kids from the Republic of all places." One of them said as he put on his shirt.

"Yeah, and but as disposable weapons for the higher ups there." Another said in disgust.

"And from what we've heard there's over thousands of them in that place. I bet there's some who are younger than those five."

"Dammit...Just the thought of it makes me sick!" He said as he punched his hand.

"Yeah. But what else can you expect from bastards like the Alba-!" He said before one of his teammates elbowed him to stop him. "What was that for?"

He then pointed at a certain someone in the locker room, and he looked at him and flinched as it was their commander, Athrun, looking at them as he was putting on his white motorcycle jacket.

In Giad and San Magnolia, they had a race of people who called themselves Alba. The distinct commonality they all had is that they're all born with silver hair and eyes. Thus, Athrun is an Alba.

"I-I'm so sorry, sir! I didn't mean it like that!" He said and Athrun sighed as he put on his jacket.

"It's alright. I won't fault you into thinking like that. Even I'm disgusted about it." Athrun told him as he pulled out a white motorcycle helmet and closed his locker. "Anyway, all of you just enjoy your shore leave. It's not every day we're back home like this."

Athrun soon left the locker room as he opened and closed the door, before the person who elbowed his teammate told him this.

"Also, if it means anything to you. I have a girlfriend whose an Alba." He said as he left.

"Hey! I said I didn't mean it like that!" He told him but was left ignored as he lowered his head in shame. "Great…"

Athrun soon arrived in the parking lot as he was heading towards his motorcycle. He then sits on it and turns it on before he puts on his helmet and leaves the military compound and soon drives on the street as he heads to his home.

After riding his bike for a while before he finally stops and kicks down the bike's stand before he looks off his helmet as he looks at the house.

The house was very large and had two floors and was big enough for a large family or a group of people to live in.

This is the house where both himself and Ernst live, along with two others who also live with them.

Athrun then walks his bike onto the house's ground and puts it in a small garage. He then walks to the door to the house and opens it.

"I'm home." Athrun said as he opened the door and walked inside.

"Welcome back, master Athrun." Someone greeted him as Athruns turned to her.

It was a woman in her mid-to-late 30s with golden hair and blue eyes. She was also wearing a maid outfit. This is Teresa, the maid and caretaker of this house.

"Hello, Teresa, it's been a while. But I wish you would drop the 'master' part already." Athrun said as he walked to the maid.

"Of course, I'm sorry, young master." Teresa said.

"What did I just...Oh forget it." Athrun sighs as Teresa chuckles before he hands her his helmet, and he begins to take off his jacket. "Anyway, I presume you heard from Ernst by now?"

"Indeed I have." Teresa said as she took Athrun's jacket as he handed it to her. "But you didn't have to take shore leave to help watch over things here. You should know I'm perfectly capable of doing things by myself."

"I know you are. But I feel like this is for the best. I've been away from home for a while, and I could use some R & R. By the way, where's…" Athrun said, and on cue.

"Hahaha! Welcome back my White Knight!" A girl's voice calls out as Athrun has a narrow look and Teresa chuckles.

"Well speak of the devil…" Athrun mutters as they turn to the girl in question.

She was about 10 years old with blood red eyes and jet-black hair that reached below her waist, she was wearing a dress with long sleeves.

"Hello, Frederica." Athrun greeted the girl.

"That's lady Frederica! Honestly Athrun, you should remember your place in this house. Especially since you're my lowly guard dog." Frederica said and Athrun chopped her on the head which made her knelt down and placed her hands on it. "Ow...What was that for?!"

"You know what." Athrun said. "Honestly, I thought I'd told you to fix that attitude of yours."

"And why should?" Frederica said as she stood up. "This is just who I am, and you should know that."

"I do. But this is one of the reasons why you won't make any friends your own age." Athrun said and Frederica flinched before she turned away from him.

"W-Why would I need friends? I mean...I have you and Teresa, and that's more than enough for me." Frederica told him.

"Frederica…" Athrun mutters as he looks at her before he sighed and mended a temple. "Man...I swear this kid…"

Teresa chuckles.

"Now, now, I think that's enough of that. How about we have dinner now? I made your favorite pasta dish, master Athrun." Teresa told him and Athrun smiles to hear that.

"That does sound good right now." Athrun said.

After they had dinner, Teresa was washing the dirty dishes as Athrun was enjoying a cup of coffee while Frederica drank some juice instead. As they were drinking, Athrun told Frederica about the five teens he found.

"Really? They made it that far in an old war machine?" She said in shock and Athrun nodded.

"Yeah. I still can't believe it myself. And by the sound of it, they're already experienced in fighting the Legion like me and my own team." Athrun said.

"Wow…" She said in amazement. "What else can you tell me about them?"

"Hmmm...I can't say much, but they're probably around my age, three boys and two girls." Athrun said.

"I see." Frederica said as she sips on her juice. "But what's going to happen to them now?"

"Hard to say at the moment. It's up to Ernst and the higher ups to decide what to do for them." He said as he sipped on his coffee.

"I guess that's true…" Frederica said.

Athrun then placed his cup on the table.

"Anyway, there's something I need to ask you." Athrun told her and Frederica looked at him. "Do…Do you still see him?"

Frederica lowered her head before she nodded, and Athrun bit his lip to hear that as he tightly clenched his hand.

"I see…So he's still out there." Athrun said.

"Yeah…But you were close to him though." Frederica said and that got Athrun's attention as he turned to her.

"What? What do you mean by that?" Athrun asked and Frederica flinched as she waved her hands.

"W-Well, you see, I…" Frederica mutters as she wasn't sure how to answer before Athrun gives her a narrow look, and she flinches and soon explains. "Okay, I was secretly watching you. I know you told me not to, but I couldn't help it."

Athrun sighs to hear that.

"Honestly, you don't have to worry about me all the time. Anyway, what do you mean I was close to him?" Athrun asked.

"Well, when you save those 5 kids you found, I also saw Kiri in a far distance from you." Frederica told him and Athrun was stunned by this as he leaned on his chair.

"I see…So he was right there…" Athrun said as he placed a hand on his face before he chuckled.

"Athrun…" Frederica mutters as he removes his hand from his face. "You know, if you take me with you, I can help you find Kiri. And together we might be able-"

"No, Frederica." Athrun told her. "I told you before, a battlefield is no place for a child. And if people find out how close you are to me, worse if they find out that you're still alive, then…"

"I know!" Frederica exclaimed which made Athrun stop talking before she lowered her head. "I know…You don't have to tell me…"

Athrun sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck before he stood up and walked behind Frederica and pet her on the head.

"Don't worry. Even if it takes me years, I won't rest until I find him and put his soul to rest." Athrun told her before he left while Frederica watched him.

"Athrun…" Frederica mutters in worry.

Athrun then enters his room as he opens and closes the door. His room was very clean and was very spartan-like. Besides the bed and desk, there were not that many things that stood out.

Except for the shield and a pair of swords hanging on the wall above his bed. The swords were in a cross position and were beneath the shield, and the shield was colored silver with a large lion's head image in the center of it.

Athrun was looking at the shield for a while before he turned to his desk which had a framed picture of a woman.

The woman was an Alba with long hair tied in a ponytail and was wearing a noble dress that was colored purely white with some blue, she was wearing jewel accessories and had a fan in her hand. She was also quite beautiful and had a kind smile on her face.

"I'm home." Athrun said to the picture.

Athrun then sits down on his bed and brings out an old picture from his pocket.

It was a picture of himself and Frederica when they were younger, Athrun appears to be 13 years old in the picture and was wearing a different type of uniform then he wears now, he still maintains his white color with black boots, gloves, and armbands beneath his shoulders and carried his saber on his waist.

Frederica appears to be six years old wearing a dress with long sleeves and was wearing a red cape on her shoulders which had a golden symbol of a two headed eagle with a shield behind it.

With them was a teenage boy with jet black hair and eyes, he was also wearing the same uniform as Athrun but his was purely colored black.

The boy with black hair was carrying Frederica in his arms as she was hugging him with a smile on her face as he had a nervous smile on his face. Athrun had a big smile on his face as his hand was on the black hair boy's shoulder.

Athrun was looking at the picture with a hint of sadness and guilt in his eyes before he looked at the night sky through his window.

"Just what are you up to, Kiriya?" Athrun mutters to himself.

To Be Continued…

There you have it, hope you like it. Review to tell me what you think of the story.