Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.
Complicated Situation
Lelouch in his masked persona as Zero was leading the Black Knights to every operation that they were carrying out under the pretense of being Knights of Justice. With all the planning he done with the discussion with Nunnally, Rai, Sayoko, Kallen, Naoto, Ohgi, and Keitaro, they would begin in stamping out the wrongdoings that was going on. Of course for Lelouch, it would not be just in Area 11 and he had plans as he spoke with his contacts with people from other countries. For now, he had them continue with preparations and then wait until the right time for them to make their move. The Black Knights were certainly busy and making their move. Ever since the hotel jacking in Lake Kawaguchi, it had seemed that all eyes were on the Black Knights. Zero making sure that he and his group kept to what he proclaimed they would do and that is to protect and be allies to the weak and fight against those that would torment, bully, and kill those just because they felt it was their natural right. They would hunt down and target indiscriminate terrorists, criminal organizations, violent troops, corrupt individuals and more. They would target those that were most likely protected by the law themselves. They would gradually become popular among the people and there were many people who desired to join them.
Two Weeks Later, Stadtfeld Manor
It was morning in Area 11 formerly known as Japan and Kallen was in her bedroom lying in her bed and she had her eyes closed. She was thinking everything she and the others have been doing as the Black Knights as she was relaxing on her bed. There was a sudden crash and it surprised Kallen as she shot up from her bed.
"The hell was that?" Kallen asked.
Kallen quickly grabbed her robe and put it on and then she went and opened her door and looked around. She saw the source and it was a broken chandelier and a broken step ladder with a Japanese maid that had long brown hair tied to a ponytail and blue eyes and she was on her knees upset with what just happened.
"Oh no, oh dear," The Japanese maid said and she glanced and noticed Kallen, "ah Kallen, uh, I mean, Mistress," The woman had a sad smile, "my apologies, I didn't mean to wake you."
Kallen just looked at the broken chandelier and step ladder.
"Again?" Kallen asked.
"I'm sorry," The woman said sadly looking at the broken items, "it was the step ladder and the chandelier when I grabbed it…"
Kallen sighed, "Just hurry and have this place cleaned up. I have to get ready for school."
The Japanese maid was happy to hear Kallen say that and looked at Kallen happily.
"Mistress, you been going to school a lot lately," The maid commented happily, "Have you been making friends…or maybe it's a certain someone an—"
Kallen flinched and glared at the woman.
"That's none of your damn business!" Kallen interjected angrily.
Kallen went back and slammed the door. The maid just looked with a smile and looked down on the floor.
"Kallen…" The woman said in her head, "my precious Kallen…"
Kallen was in her room upset and she shook her head.
"Please," Kallen pleaded quietly, "just go away, damn it…"
Kallen then looked over and saw the small portrait that was taken nine years ago. It was a picture of her with Naoto and the woman who had her long hair wearing a long dress. Kallen glanced back at the door and looked down.
"Naoto, I wonder how you can be so understanding of what our weak and pathetic mother is doing," Kallen asked, "I just don't get it…"
A Warehouse by a port
Night had fallen in Area 11 and at a warehouse on a port, Zero was leading the Black Knights to the warehouse and they all moved in. Inside the warehouse, people were working putting certain products in crates and having them put in shipping trucks. Two Britannian men in suits were making sure things went smoothly. One was a tall man with light brown hair and the other was a short man with dark brown hair.
"Even though it's for social security, it would be a waste to give this to the Elevens. That's why it's ended with you, isn't it," Dark brown haired man said.
"It's fine as it is," The light brown haired man said, "After all, it's better that the population of the Elevens shrink."
"I'll transfer the money in to your wife's account," The dark brown haired man said.
"Her Highness Cornelia is a warrior. She won't approve of this."
"She has other things to worry about anyway," The dark haired man pointed out.
The lights suddenly turned off and the walls were shot down and people were running in the building. When the lights went back on, they were surprised to see who was paying them a 'visit'.
"N-No, it can't be," The light haired man said shocked, "you are…"
Ashford Academy
"The Black Knights!" Kallen said suddenly standing up from her chair.
The teacher and students in the class were surprised and they all looked at Kallen confused. Kallen began to realize that she was in her class and she looked around realized what she had just done and felt embarrassed as she was hearing most of her classmates laughing while the teacher just glared at Kallen clearly not amused. Lelouch and Rai face palmed and shook their heads. Later on, class was over and some students were still in the classroom socializing with each other.
"That's not like you dozing off in class like that," Shirley said.
"Well…I um…" Kallen spoke as she was not sure what to say.
"You should learn a thing or two from Lelouch," Rivalz suggested with a smile.
"From Lelouch?" Kallen asked.
"Yeah, he's an expert in sleeping in class."
"Huh?"
Kallen and Shirley looked over to Lelouch who was sitting in his seat and had his two fingers on his temple and had his eyes closed.
"He's not sleeping now, is he?" Kallen asked.
"I don't know what he's up to night after night," Rivalz said, "but he sleeps through half of them these days. In fact, the same can be said to Rai as well."
"Rai?" Shirley asked.
"Yeah," Rivalz looked over to Rai, "look."
Shirley and Kallen were seeing Rai who was sitting in his seat and was resting his forehead on his hands.
"Something is definitely going on with those two," Rivalz said, "I just know it."
"Maybe you're right," Shirley said.
Kallen looked at Lelouch and Rai.
"I guess it's not just me," Kallen said in her head, "the missions we keep doing every night…"
Elsewhere in the Tokyo Settlement
Cornelia was meeting with Euphie and Nonette by the train tracks and warehouses.
"The EU has started an offensive at the El Alamein Front," Cornelia informed, "we can't keep getting held up here in Area 11."
"That's right, you certainly can't," Nonette said.
Cornelia nodded, "I want to solidify domestic affairs as quickly as we can. It's high time we made Area 11 a stable area and for that to happen, we need to eliminate all the rebels quickly although that's not the only problem we have here."
"Oh, are you referring to the drug that keeps popping up, the one called Refrain?" Nonette asked.
"Yes," Cornelia replied with a nod, "the rampant abuse of that drug. It has become widespread among the Eleven populace. Productivity has severely dropped as a result."
"We know that it's coming from the Chinese Federation's Kyushu route, right?" Euphie spoke.
"That's correct," Cornelia said looking at her sister, "we have to put an end to it."
"I understand," Euphie said, "just please be careful."
"You as well Euphie," Cornelia said and then she looked over to Nonette, "Nonette, please look after things with my sister while I'm gone."
"Sure, it is a shame that I can't accompany you to the El Alamein Front but at least your knight Guilford will be by your side so it does make me feel a bit better," Nonette said.
"Euphie," Cornelia said, "please don't leave the settlement, all right?"
"…Yes, of course," Euphie replied, "but Cornelia, what about Zero and the Black Knights?"
"We need to dispose of them and quickly," Nonette said strongly, "we can't allow this Zero character to continue on any further. I understand that it's been two weeks since that incident in Lake Kawaguchi."
"I want to let Zero and the Black Knights be for the time being," Cornelia said.
Nonette was surprised and looked at Cornelia.
"You cannot be serious," Nonette said, "I think you've let them be long enough."
"Zero and his group did saved Euphemia, just like he said he would," Cornelia pointed out, "it's the least I can do."
"Cornelia…" Euphie said.
"But I can assure you that when I return, I will put an end to them, this I promise," Cornelia declared.
Nonette just looked at Cornelia and then she shrugged, "So be it. It's your call but the moment they become close or should the emperor tells me otherwise, I'll kill them."
Euphie flinched and Cornelia smiled and nodded.
"I know and that's perfectly fine," Cornelia said, "just remember that I want to deal with Zero myself."
"Okay, then we're in an agreement," Nonette said, "I'll check with Asplund and his team to test out my Knightmare Frame."
"Of course," Cornelia said.
Nonette left to go see the Lloyd and Cecile to check how things were going with her Knightmare.
"Euphie," Cornelia said.
"Um, yes?" Euphie replied.
Cornelia gently put her hand on Euphie's cheek, surprising her younger sister and Cornelia gave a gentle smile.
"Once I cleaned up this area, I'll be entrusting it to you," Cornelia said.
Euphie just looked at Cornelia blinking her eyes and wasn't sure what to say. She started thinking her meeting with Zero in the hotel in Lake Kawaguchi and she wondered about Zero and her mind also wandered towards Suzaku as she wondered what he thought about Zero's actions.
Ashford Academy
Kallen was in a hall and she yawned.
"Living two lives really wears me out," Kallen said.
"Indeed," Lelouch said.
Kallen looked over and saw Lelouch leaning on a wall and was next to Kallen.
"Lelouch," Kallen said a bit surprised.
"I suppose that with everything we've been doing for the past two weeks is really wearing us out," Lelouch said, "even Nunnally is feeling the effects."
"Yeah," Kallen said but then she nodded, "but it's worth it."
"So you still feel that way?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes," Kallen replied and then she smiled at Lelouch, "and it's not just me."
Lelouch looked at Kallen and then he smiled, "Okay then…"
"Damn it, I said let go!" Rai complained loudly.
Kallen and Lelouch were surprised.
"Was that Rai?" Kallen asked.
"Yeah and it's coming from the Student Council Room…which means that…"
"Which means what?" Kallen asked.
Lelouch and Kallen went in the Student Council Room and they saw Rai being pinned to a chair with most of the members of the Student Council surrounding him.
"Let me go now!" Rai demanded, "C'mon Suzaku, stop this!"
"Sorry Rai, but it's the president's order," Suzaku said.
"You can't be serious!" Rai replied.
"Just as I thought," Lelouch said.
"Um, what's going on here?" Kallen asked confused.
Kallen and Lelouch saw their fellow members of the Student Council in various cat costumes with Rai pinned on the chair having make-up being done on him with cat ears.
"Damn it, you're all enjoying this!" Rai complained.
"C'mon Rai, stop moving!" Shirley said.
"Yeah, seriously!" Rivalz added.
Milly turned to see Kallen and Lelouch.
"Lelouch and Kallen, good meowning," Milly greeting in a cat wave including waving her cat paw.
"Good mor…ning," Kallen said not sure what to make in what they were seeing.
Lelouch sighed, "I knew this was going to happen."
"What is all this for?" Kallen asked.
"What do you mean?" Rivalz replied, "Didn't we tell you?"
"Huh?"
"It's our welcoming party for Arthur," Nunnally said.
Nunnally and Alice arrived in their own cat costumes and were smiling.
"Arthur?" Kallen asked.
"That's the name they decided to give to the cat," Lelouch said.
"Oh," Kallen said.
Kallen looked over seeing the cat named Arthur in his high resting place yawning and then back to the others.
"Sounds like fun," Kallen commented.
"It sure is," Nunnally said and then she looked over to Lelouch, "Lelouch, you should join in on the fun."
"Yeah no, I'm not going to dress up like a cat," Lelouch replied.
"Eeeehhh!" Nunnally responded.
"Sorry Nunnally, but not even you can convince me otherwise," Lelouch said waving his hands.
Nunnally puffed her cheeks at her brother and brought out the cat ears and Lelouch shook his head at his sister saying that he was not going to do it and his reason was that he simply didn't want to.
"Anyway, classes are postponed so we might as well have some fun," Milly said.
"Kallen, come over," Shirley said, "I have some costume for you to try on," Shirley turned over to the costumes hanging, "over there. It's my way to apologize to you for the strange things I said to you."
"Oh, I see," Kallen said.
"So which will you choose?"
"Help me," Rai pleaded, "Lelouch, Kallen, don't just stand there. Help me."
"Rai, c'mon," Rivalz said.
"Yeah seriously," Alice said with glee, "I'll bet that you'll be quite a hit."
"No I won't," Rai responded.
"Speaking of being a hit," Rivalz said turning his attention to the girls in the room, "how was it for you being television stars ladies?"
"Ah Rivalz," Alice responded annoyed.
"Cut it out," Shirley said upset, "it was really tiring."
"Yeah, it really was," Milly commented.
Milly, Shirley, Nina, Nunnally, and Alice recalled how for the past two weeks since the incident in Lake Kawaguchi, they were constantly surrounded and questioned by people and it wasn't just the students in the academy. There had also been poster with the pictures of them being shown with reading saying that Zero had rescued the hostages with the Ashford Academy students being among them. They had little to no time to have time for themselves as everywhere they went, they would be bombarded by other people, even when the girls took their bathes, their fellow female students would hound them with questions.
"It really has been annoying," Alice said.
"We can't even get out of school this week because of those annoying reporter surrounding the front gates like vultures," Nunnally added.
"So why exactly are we prohibited to leave?" Rivalz asked.
"Yeah, why is that?" Rai added.
"It's a thing called friendship," Milly said with a smile, "it's like the saying goes, 'we were not born on the same year, same month, and same day, but we hope to die on the same month, same year, and same day'."
"Wait, isn't that from Romance of the Three Kingdoms?" Nunnally asked.
Milly nodded pleased, "Exactly."
"A-Are you…?" Rai asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Was that some kind of proposal?" Rivalz asked a bit confused.
Milly faced Rivalz with a Cheshire cat-like smile and waving her cat paw, "It means that even in death meow, we drag you down with us."
"Oh man, seriously?" Rai responded with a twitching eyebrow.
"Man you're mean," Rivalz said and then he turned to Suzaku, "Isn't she mean Suzaku?"
Rivalz and Rai were surprised to see the look on Suzaku and it was Suzaku getting emotional with tears from his eyes and he was smiling. The others in the room were taken back by Suzaku's expression.
"Suzaku, what's wrong?" Nunnally asked concerned.
"Nothing's wrong," Suzaku replied, "and that's what's great. I'm so glad…so glad that we're together, all of us."
"S-Suzaku?" Shirley said.
Lelouch, Rai, and Nunnally couldn't help but to smile.
"What's with you Suzaku?" Rivalz asked as he hopped over Rai and patted Suzaku's back, "What's the meowtter? We should be laughing now."
Rivalz brought Suzaku down on the ground with him the others couldn't help but to laugh with the enjoyment that was going on. Lelouch, Nunnally, Kallen, and Rai looked at each other with smiles and nods as they reminded themselves what they accomplished two weeks ago.
"That's the nice thing about Suzaku," Shirley said happily.
"He wants to say, 'take the atmosphere into consideration' from time to time," Milly said happily.
"Uh, I'm sorry?" Suzaku said.
"It was a joke," Rivalz assured, "relax."
"Hmmm, I'm so glad for us to be like this," Nunnally said.
"Yeah, it's really nice," Lelouch said.
Rai got away from the chair and picked up Suzaku and Rivalz and put his arms over their shoulders and grin. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Lelouch looked over to Suzaku again and his smile gradually changed to a cautious expression as he remembered what Suzaku declared what he was going to do on that night when he first made his debut as Zero. Lelouch knew as well as Nunnally, Rai, and even Kallen knew that down the road, Suzaku was going to be an obstacle and they would definitely have to fight him. Lelouch knew it was going to happen because their own beliefs and the paths they have chosen.
"It can't be helped," Lelouch said in his head, "It's the choice he made and the choice I made."
A Few Hours Later
Kallen was on her way out leaving the campus. As she stepped out the campus, she saw someone and was surprised. The person she was her brother Naoto and Naoto smiled as he waved at his younger sister.
"Hi Kallen," Naoto happily greeted.
"Naoto," Kallen said as she rushed to meet with her brother, "this is quite a surprise. I didn't expect to see you here. What brings you here?"
"Well I ended up having some free time so I figured I spend some time with you…if you that's okay with you."
Kallen looked at her brother surprised and then she smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, I'd like that," Kallen said happily.
"Great," Naoto said with a grin.
Elsewhere within the Tokyo Settlement
The Kozuki siblings were walking together and Naoto was asking Kallen how things were for her in school, especially her time in the Student Council. Kallen happily said that her time with the Student Council have been pleasant. They continued to walk together within the Tokyo Settlement and they noticed that there were people talking about the Black Knights and the impact they made. Naoto recalled earlier when he was with Ohgi, Keitaro, and Jinta, that they saw construction workers having a good time as one of them acting like Zero speaking of defending the weak and fighting against the strong. Of course, they also saw wanted poster for Zero and the Black Knights, dead or alive. The Kozuki siblings walked through a park and saw a few kids running with black capes pretending to be Zero. They were amused in what they were seeing and it was things like that, it was what made it worth it for them. Of course, they knew that it was just a small beginning compared to what Lelouch aka Zero had planned for the world. A revolution would occur, a revolution that would stand against Britannia. They and the rest of the Black Knights would be sure to be prepared when that time came.
"Stop that," A woman's voice said suddenly, "stop this Black Knights nonsense right now."
Kallen and Naoto were surprised and they looked and saw a woman admonishing her son who had a black cape.
"Huh, but why?" The boy asked sadly.
"We can't say anything bad about Britannia," The woman said, "We're Elevens after all. You can't forget that."
Naoto and Kallen were sad in what they saw.
"It can't be helped," Naoto said, "not everyone is going to be fans of us."
"Zero is making a difference…but I guess it doesn't matter to some people," Kallen said, "for them, it's easy just to bow their heads towards Britannia."
"Let's go Kallen," Naoto said.
"Yeah," Kallen replied.
The Kozuki siblings left while the boy was trying to point out how cool Zero and the Black Knights and her mother admonishing her son for saying such a things and told him that it would just lead to trouble for supporting Zero and then Black Knights.
"There are those within our ranks who want to know what Zero looks like," Kallen said in her head, "Lelouch promised that he would reveal his face to the others at the right time…whatever that is. I do wonder when. I'm sure that Ohgi and my brother feel the same way since we're the few who know who Zero is…"
Ashford Academy
Back on the campus, Lelouch and Nunnally walked out of a building and decided to take a walk around the campus. On their way, they saw Rivalz working on his motorbike.
"Hey there pal," Rivalz said although he was still looking on what he was doing on his bike, "I got to say, I haven't seen you much around lately. The same goes for Rai…" Rivalz then looked at Nunnally, "the prez hasn't seen you much as well Nunnally."
"Well…I suppose…" Lelouch said.
"You know, I bet I can help you guys out in whatever it is you're facing," Rivalz said, "I just want you to know that and I'm sure it's not just me. The prez and even Shirley feel the same way."
The Lamperouge siblings looked at each other and then back to Rivalz.
"I don't know what to say," Lelouch said.
"I really mean it," Rivalz said, "no matter what it is," Rivalz looked at Lelouch, "after all, we're friends and Milly and Shirley feel the same way."
"Rivalz…" Nunnally spoke.
"Just wanted to let you guys know, that's all."
"I see…" Lelouch said as he thought about it, "well, I'll think about what you said."
Lelouch and Nunnally left and they were seen leaving by Alice who was on one of the roofs.
"What would happen?" Alice asked, "How would they react if I come clean to them about me?"
Alice was worried as she did not know how they would react if she told them the truth.
Base of the Japan Liberation Front
Todoh was meeting with the Four Holy Swords and the issue they had with Zero and Black Knights was the main topic.
"I just don't get it," Urabe said, "why would the masses support the ones that saved Euphemia?"
"Even Kyoto is saying that they'll give the Guren Mk. II to the Black Knights," Senba said.
"To those would-be Robin Hoods?" Asahina asked as he was annoyed.
"Those people aren't even a resistance group," Chiba pointed out, "killing Kusakabe is proof of that."
"Although the direction Kusakabe went was idiotic, that doesn't mean it was right for them to just kill him and the others," Asahina added, "I mean what kind of message does that send?"
"Lieutenant Colonel Todoh, if we do nothing and if it continues," Senba said, "well…"
"Hmm…yes…" Todoh said.
Stadtfeld Manor
Mistress Kallen," The Japanese maid called, "Mistress Kallen!"
"What is it?" Kallen responded annoyed as she came out of her room.
"You have a guest Mistress."
"Hmm, who is it?" Kallen asked as she walked down the stairs and was surprised to see Milly, "oh, Madam President."
"Hi Kallen," Milly greeted, "I came by because there was something I wanted to give you."
"I see," Kallen said.
"Where would you like me to show her to?" The maid asked, "To the guest room perhaps?"
"We'll be in my room," Kallen said strongly glaring at the maid.
"Ah, of course," The maid responded meekly.
"Oh?" The voice of a woman spoke.
Kallen, Milly, and the maid looked up and saw a middle aged woman who wore a purple long dress and had blonde hair and blue eyes at the stairs.
"I was certain that it would be a boy when she said it was your friend," The middle aged woman said, "considering that you normally go out all night and coming home in the morning, not going to school, and all those visits you make to the ghetto, especially to see that worthless brother of yours."
The maid flinched and had a sad expression and Kallen got angry at the fact that the woman just insulted her brother.
"Don't insult Naoto," Kallen said angrily, "I'm warning you."
"Hmph, don't threaten me young lady," The woman scolded, "hmph, it really is something. You must be enjoying doing all of this while your father is back in the homeland," The middle aged woman glared at the maid, "no fighting one's blood, is there?"
The maid flinched again and moved away and Milly raised her eyebrow while Kallen glared at middle aged woman.
"You're the one who's really enjoying the fact that Dad is not around, aren't you?" Kallen responded.
The woman got upset and was clenching her hand, "You…"
There was a sudden crash and they looked over and saw the maid standing over looking horrified at the broken vase.
"Oh dear," The maid said, "What have I done?"
"What's wrong with you?" The woman said angrily.
"Forgive me Milady," The maid responded as she started to pick up the pieces.
"Can't you do anything right?" The middle aged woman complained, "Except selling your body."
Kallen and Milly were in Kallen's room and they sat in a table.
"Seems like a complicated family," Milly commented.
"Right…so anyway, what did you want to give me?" Kallen responded.
"This," Milly said as she placed a blue envelop marked Ashford Academy on the table, "my grandfather asked me to give this to you."
"The Principal?" Kallen asked.
"Yes, it's your transcript from middle school."
Kallen was shocked and she realized what it meant.
"My grandfather figured that it wouldn't be good to just give this to you on school grounds," Milly explained.
"I see," Kallen said and she sighed, "so I've been found out that I'm actually half Britannian, half Eleven," Kallen sighed, "That irritating woman from the stairs is my stepmother. My real mother is that dimwitted maid that knocked over the vase."
"I see," Milly replied, "and your father, he's the head of the Stadtfeld Family? And is it also true that you have a brother?"
"Yes, an older brother," Kallen nodded, "his name is Naoto," Kallen frowned, "my mother is such a fool. In the end, she ended up as a servant. She doesn't have any real skills and no matter who's ridiculing her, all she could do is laugh like it's nothing."
"I see that's how you feel," Milly said, "is it the same for your brother?"
"My brother left this house because he was disgusted with our father," Kallen said, "he tried numerous times to get my mother to come with him but my mother refused each time," Kallen shook her head, "I just don't understand her. She didn't have to choose to stay in this house, she could have left with my brother and I know my brother would make sure she would be taken care of but yet," Kallen clenched her teeth, "my mother clings on my despicable father, the man that jilted her."
"Do you and your brother hate your mother?" Milly asked with sympathy.
Kallen sighed sadly, "My brother doesn't. To me, it seems like no matter what, Naoto would never hate our mother. As for me, I just find her depressing. It does make me wonder since I'm staying here myself even though my brother said it was fine."
"…Well, this is really heavy," Milly said, "Imagine…the wife, the daughter, and the other woman all living together."
Kallen poured some tea in a teacup for Milly and placed it in front of her.
"Well, it could be worse," Kallen commented, "three square meals and a roof, right? I mean it's not unbearable most of the time anyway."
"Well that's good to hear," Milly said with a smile and then she looked to the window, "I take it that this is how Lelouch and Nunnally see it, right?"
"Yeah, they have been over a few times in the past," Kallen said.
"To think Lelouch and Nunnally would keep this to themselves about you all this time," Milly said, "I must admit, I'm a bit envious."
"What do you mean?" Kallen asked.
"Well, maybe it's just me, but it seems to me that you keep almost everything about yourself bottled up, but that doesn't seem to be the case when you're with Lelouch and Nunnally. You seem to have no problem open up to them…at least that's how I see it," Milly smiled at Kallen, "you must really trust them."
Kallen was a bit surprised and then she thought about it and confirmed it as she nodded.
"Yeah, I guess I do…it's funny, when I first met them seven years ago, I really didn't like them as much…well, it was more to Lelouch that I didn't like."
Milly chuckled, "That's understandable, Lelouch does give bad first impressions sometimes. Nunnally has scolded him about it many times."
"Yeah, but in that small time that went by, we talked and well, things got different."
"And now you're close friends," Milly said.
"Yeah…in fact, it's not just me, my brother feels the same way," Kallen said with a smile.
"Hmm," Milly smiled, "I see," Milly looked over to the window again, "I get how you feel about your situation and I can understand how you would respond, still some things in life we can bear on our own but when you pile them up, they eventually break you."
"Milly," Kallen said.
"Oh don't worry," Milly assured looking at Kallen, "it's true that I'm always hungry for secrets as I'm sure Lelouch and Nunnally can tell you but I never spill them, especially something like this. It's just my own policy."
Milly took her cup and sipped her tea.
"I see," Kallen replied, "it's just as Lelouch said…Madam President…thanks."
"Hmm, no problem," Milly said, "I am curious of what your brother is like. I do hope to meet him."
"I…I see," Kallen said as she took her own cup of tea.
Meanwhile, the Japanese maid was in her small room that had insulting writings towards her on the wall and she opened one of her drawers and there was a box that contained vials and a special injector. The maid was panting and took hold of the special injector and a vial. She looked at the things she was holding and a tear formed from her eyes.
"I'm nothing but a weak woman," The maid said, "this is all I can do."
The maid felt ashamed as she placed the vial in the special injector and she stated to roll up her left sleeve.
Ashford Academy
In the Student Council Room, Lelouch was sitting in a chair reading a magazine while Suzaku was getting things out of boxes.
"I can't believe you got all emotional," Lelouch said, "I mean seriously."
"I was simply being honest and sentimental," Suzaku replied, "I have nothing to be ashamed of."
Suzaku was got bitten again by the cat Arthur who was in one of the boxes.
"Well, it's a good thing that the Black Knights were there to save them," Lelouch commented, "that's all I can say."
Suzaku freed his bitten hand and he simply had his thought.
"You know…" Suzaku spoke.
"Hmm, something wrong?" Lelouch asked.
"Well actually," Suzaku said, "if they wanted to catch criminals, they could have joined the police force. So I can't understand why they wouldn't."
"You still don't get it," Lelouch said in his head and then spoke, "they probably figured that the police are really an incompetent bunch. It's understandable why they would think that way, in fact, I tend to agree."
"The police may not be that effective right now," Suzaku said turning his attention to Lelouch, "but they could have invoke change from within."
"Oh yeah, I'm sure," Lelouch responded sarcastically, "and in the process, they would get all tangled up in red tape of bureaucracy and getting pinned down by numerous hindrances."
"If they had done everything to change things, that may cut it," Suzaku insisted, "but as long as they don't, then all of it is just self-righteous posturing."
"Self-righteous posturing?" Lelouch responded turning his attention and narrowing his eyes at Suzaku, "Are you serious?"
"I am serious," Suzaku replied, "another thing, what exactly constitute evil in their eyes? What standards are they using? It's nothing more than self-satisfying gratification."
"Let me ask you, what constitute evil in your eyes?" Lelouch asked, "What standards are you using for you to be saying such idealist and self-righteous things?"
Suzaku was taken back with what Lelouch had just said.
"There is a saying that for evil to truly win is for people to stand by and do nothing," Lelouch said, "that is how it's going on here with the administration and the law enforcements and they have no shame in protecting their own self-interest, closing their eyes to what's happening right in front of them."
"Lelouch…" Suzaku spoke.
"Invoking change from within? Tell me, when do you think that will really happen? How many innocent people will be victimize and possibly die in the process before that really happens? How long will it be until the criminals are no longer protected by the laws? Your notion of changing things from within doesn't get far especially with those in power that refuses and would prevent change. You really need to realize that."
"L-Lelouch, I don't think that…um…"
"They're out there Suzaku," Lelouch continued, "people so bad, they just go on victimizing people that are less fortunate than they are or because they believe themselves to be untouchable. Don't force your own beliefs onto others Suzaku and seriously, you need to open your eyes to see everything because really, you're blinding yourself."
"Lelouch, do you perhaps support Zero?" Suzaku asked getting a bit upset.
"Do I support Zero?" Lelouch responded, "Hmm…" Lelouch looked at Suzaku, "Who knows…but I can understand and get what they are doing."
Suzaku was shocked and remembered how Lelouch felt of the things that had happened seven years ago and how he responded to the events that had happened recently. The door suddenly opened and Shirley entered the room.
"Oh, it's just you two?" Shirley asked.
"Oh Shirley," Lelouch said.
"Shirley, hi," Suzaku said as he stood up, "anyway, I have go back to base so I'll see you later."
"Okay, later Suzaku," Shirley said with a smile.
"Hmm, later," Lelouch said not looking at Suzaku.
Suzaku looked at Lelouch and had a downcast expression and Shirley noticed something was going on as Suzaku left. Shirley turned to face Lelouch and approached him a bit and she mustered up the courage to ask.
"So um, Lulu," Shirley spoke.
"Hmm, yes?" Lelouch responded looking at Shirley.
"Um," Shirley spoke in a quite tone and she blushed and twiddled her fingers together, "I was um…thinking if you had some time…"
"Yes?" Lelouch asked looking at Shirley and then he stood up, "if I had some free time…?"
"Uh…" Shirley blushed further, "well I wondering…"
Meanwhile, Nunnally had just arrived on the roof and looked and saw Alice who was looking out of the view.
"Alice?" Nunnally spoke.
Alice turned around and saw Nunnally.
"Nunnally, thanks for coming to see me," Alice said.
"Sure, it's no problem," Nunnally said, "from the tone and the way you were acting earlier, I take it that it's something serious."
"It is," Alice said with a nod and had a sad expression.
"Alice, what's wrong?" Nunnally asked with concern for her best friend.
"Nunnally, there's something that I need to confess something to you."
"What is it?" Nunnally asked.
Alice took a deep breath and started, "Nunnally, I haven't been completely honest with you about myself."
"Pardon?" Nunnally asked confused.
Area 11 Government Bureau
In Euphie's office, Euphie was sitting in her desk and Nonette was standing and looking over a few sheets of paper.
"I see," Nonette said, "and you were able to make the connections."
"Yes," Euphie replied, "there's no doubt about who's running it, who's involved, and where they are."
Nonette sighed and shook her head, "This is indeed a problem and it's been going on because Prince Clovis didn't do his job and it saddens me to say that it seems Nelly is no better at it. It like she refuses to believe that fellow Britannians would do something like this," Nonette shook his head, "and the police…"
"Yes," Euphie said with a sad expression.
"Had Nelly really thoroughly investigated this, she would have caught on to them a long time ago," Nonette said.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The Black Knights raid another factory and are confronted by an unexpected enemy.