Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.
A/N: Characters from two series appear in this chapter.
School Festival
A television was turned on and it showed the news with a female news reporter who was giving a report.
"The terrorist organization in the Kyushu Block led by an anti-government group was stopped by Princess Cornelia's Suther Attack," The news reporter stated, "Atsushi Sawasaki and four members of the former Japanese government were arrested. Over half of the Chinese Federation troops were arrested as well. In response to this incident, Chinese Federation leaders are asserting that this was an unauthorized action by General Tsao of the Liaodong District and are requesting that all POWs be released in accordance of the Tibet Convention."
The television was turned off and it was done by a girl who was sitting in a room. The girl had long bright blonde hair and light purple eyes and she wore a formal dress.
"They're saying that it was Princess Cornelia of Britannia who stopped them," Another girl said.
The other girl who was also sitting had long light purple hair and bright green eyes who also wore a formal dress.
"But it was actually the Black Knights Anna," The bright blonde hair girl said, "Specifically it was Zero who stopped this Atsushi Sawasaki."
"Well Leila, what do you plan to do?" Anna asked.
"Hmm, what do you mean?" Leila asked.
"Well we did get a visit from someone representing Zero," Anna said, "You know that maid…"
"Right," Leila said, "my plan…"
Area 12 (Philippines)
A group of people were sitting in a large room watching the news of Sawasaki's defeat. They all knew that it was actually the Black Knights that stopped Sawasaki. Everyone in the room wore uniforms of the Black Knights and the one in the middle was a teenage girl that had green hair tied in braided pigtails.
"Our leader Zero will clear a path of us," The green haired girl said, "we still have much work to do."
"Understood Talim," One of the members said.
"We'll make sure we do our part as well," Another member said.
"Our time is near," Talim said and then she put her hands together, "may the winds guide us."
Viceroy's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11
In the garden area of the palace, Euphie and Suzaku faced each other with smiles.
"Major Suzaku Kururugi, reporting for duty," Suzaku said with a bow.
"Welcome back Suzaku," Euphie said with a nod.
Suzaku faced Euphie and felt glad.
"Thank you," Suzaku said, "thank you for believing in me. Not only that…"
Flashback: Last Night in Kyushu
Suzaku was still in the Lancelot that was still inoperable and he could tell that Lionel and the Gawain were closing in on Sawasaki. It was then that the Avalon arrived and Suzaku looked and felt relief.
Flashback End
"It was a good thing," Suzaku said, "I'm pretty sure that I would have been captured by the Black Knights otherwise and if that happened, well…"
"Well I'm just glad that they got to you before that happened," Euphie said.
"Yeah…" Suzaku said.
"…Suzaku, with everything that has happened, "Euphie said, "I know what I want to do, for the people I care about and with that… I want you to assist me, to support me… just like you promise me so with that," Euphie held out the badge that signify knighthood, "will you continue to be my knight?"
"Yes I will Your Highness," Suzaku said as he accepted the badge.
"I appreciate it Sir Kururugi," Euphie said happily.
Suzaku smiled back and he was feeling grateful. Suzaku knew that it was not going to be easy especially with the revelation of him killing his father but now with words of Euphemia, he was certain that things would get a bit easier even it was not much.
Sword of Akasha, C's World
Charles and VV were standing on the platform of the weapon.
"I see," VV said, "so Nonette lied to you about her mission."
"Correct," Charles said.
"Charles, are you really okay with this?" VV asked, "You can easily have things done as you want them to be."
"It really doesn't matter to me," Charles said, "in the end, it's all meaningless… this rebellion that my two children are leading is inconsequential to us and our end goal."
"Hmm?" VV responded, "Well you're right about that but still, we wouldn't want them to get so cocky and arrogant."
"It can't be helped however though," Charles said and then he smiled, "that will be their undoing."
"Oh Charles," VV said with a smile, "that is so like you Little Brother."
"Hmm, you think so?" Charles responded still smiling."
"Yes," VV said with a nod and still smiling, "of course that what makes me proud to have you as my younger twin brother."
"You flatter me Vincent," Charles said.
"I'm merely telling you the truth," VV said.
"Telling me the truth…?" Charles asked in his head upset.
Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11
In one of the classroom within the academy, a female teacher with glasses had a stern expression was holding a late class for students who have been constantly absent and the two students taking the class were Lelouch and Suzaku.
"Yes it is true that the invasion of the Chinese Federation and the Black Knights still roaming around have disrupted our society," The stern teacher said, "But that is a completely separate issue. The fact remains that both of you along with Winston have been absent from class far too often. I don't care how good your grades are or that you're Princess Euphemia's knight. If you don't improve, you will repeat this year which is most likely is going to happen with Winston since he decided not to show up."
"Rai," Suzaku said in his head, "Is he really not coming back?"
Lelouch just sighed and then glanced at Suzaku and then he looked at forward at the board.
"Guess there's no way around it," Lelouch said in his head.
Meanwhile Nunnally was sitting in another classroom with a male teacher who had a sympathetic expression towards Nunnally.
"I don't know what's going on with you Miss Lamperouge," The male teacher said, "I do hope that you would be willing to talk to me if something is going on with you. I know things have been tough and quite frightening, you know with the Chinese Federation invading and the Black Knights roaming around, it can be very stressful but I am worried about you because you've been gone from class far too often."
"I'm sorry Mr. Olsen," Nunnally said with a remorseful expression.
"Oh you don't need to apologize," Mr. Olsen said, "I just hope that you get yourself back on track," Mr. Olsen sighed sadly, "It would just break my heart if you had to repeat a year. I just wish Miss Macleod would be here as well. Miss Lamperouge, are you sure you have no idea where Miss Macleod is?"
"Yes, I'm sure," Nunnally replied.
"I see," Mr. Olsen, "I do hope she's alright and nothing has happened to her."
"I'm sure she's fine," Nunnally assured.
"Oh," Mr. Olsen replied and then had a cheerful expression, "well if you believe so then I'm sure she is."
Nunnally smiled and then she sighed thinking about Alice and Rai being gone.
"I guess there really is no way around it," Nunnally said in her head.
Shizuoka Ghetto
Two men were walking and they were looking around. One of them was short and a bit chubby while the other was tall and lean and they both wore glasses.
"Say Kimiaki," The tall man said.
"What is it Masayuki," The short man named Kimiaki replied.
"Over there," The tall man named Masayuki said.
Masayuki directed Kimiaki to a direction and it was where people were gathering together.
"Oh I see," Kimiaki said.
"Let's go," Masayuki said.
"Yeah," Kimiaki said.
The two men walked over and were seeing people discussing some things.
"Can't you all see?" A man asked, "Zero is our savior. The Black Knights are the only ones who have gotten things done."
"But how can we trust someone who hides his face in a mask?" Another man asked.
"The face of the person behind the mask isn't important," A third man asked, "It's the hopes and miracles he brings to us and has shown us time and time again that Britannia is not untouchable, not invincible."
"But still we shouldn't place our hope on Zero," A woman said, "There's no guarantee that he'll actually free us from Britannia control. What if Britannia sends someone or people even more dangerous or clever than Cornelia and her forces?"
"But the Black Knights are the best chance we have right now," A teenage girl said, "They've done more than any other group for the past seven years."
"But we'll be even better off if we just work our way up," The fourth man, "We Elevens can even move up in the world."
"Are you serious?" The first man asked, "You sound like that murdering traitor Suzaku Kururugi."
"Hey, hey, don't compare me to him," The fourth man responded as he was offended to be compared to Suzaku, "I'm merely suggesting what we can do. He has the right idea of working hard and work with them but don't you dare compare me to that damn father-killer."
"Oh yeah…" The third man replied.
"Hey I'm serious," The fourth man insisted.
"Well what I do know that if wasn't for Zero, the Chinese Federation would have conquered Kyushu," The second woman said.
"But that isn't what they said on the news," A little girl said.
Of course not and that's because the Britannians are controlling the media reporting what they want to report," A teenage boy said, "Didn't you learn that with the Shinjuku incident and what happened in Saitama? Both times Zero exposed what really happened at those two places."
"Okay but if that's the case, why hasn't Zero spoken up to take credit for Kyushu?" The second man said.
"Because they actually have faith in us to take Britannia's news outlet's reports with a grain of salt or that they have faith that we won't just blindly believe them," An old man said, "Because they know we would all find out anyway, just like now."
"Personally I don't care what happens," An old woman asked, "All I want to peace. Is it really too much to ask?"
"Hmph, the only peace right now is the peace of slavery," A middle aged man said, "That's what Kururugi the Traitor wants. He made that clear when he killed his own father seven years ago."
"Please don't regard or make any implications that I'm the same way as that horrible boy," The old woman replied upset, "How could someone just kill his own father like that? Granted we all heard that it was not intentional but for him to justify it."
"But Prime Minister Kururugi was ready to sacrifice Japan just to keep Britannia from occupying it," A middle aged woman pointed out, "I think maybe we're judging Suzaku Kururugi too harshly. After all, he was just a little kid and it was a terrible accident. Can we really condemn someone who was just a little boy at the time?"
"Oh really? Then explain this, how in the world is it a good idea to be a soldier to Britannia, the very country that's oppressing us?" A young man asked, "How is that right? This must be what he desired in the first place even as a little kid and even if that's not true, he was still wrong in what he did, acting out of impulse because his dad didn't want to listen to him."
"I agree," A young woman said, "I mean if he really believed that he was justified in killing Prime Minister Kururugi, then why did he hide it and why lie about it when Zero and Void confronted him about it?"
"And what about the people who covered for him?" The middle aged man said clenching his fist, "They should answer to that."
Kimiaki and Masayuki were listening and they both nodded at each.
"Let's let them know," Masayuki said.
"Right," Kimiaki replied.
Black Knights' Submarine
The submarine was driven through the ocean and inside of it and in the Knightmare Hanger within the submarine, initial members of Naoto's group along with Rai and Alice was meeting.
"So that's what Kimiaki Shirai and Masayuki Haitani are saying," Naoto said.
"Yep, opinions are split about us," Ohgi said, "and it's not just going on in Shizuoka but also in other ghettos."
"But it does suck that there are still people who believe that just submitting to Britannia is better," Alice said.
"It can't be help," Sugiyama said, "and besides, it won't make a difference in the end when Britannia is driven out of Japan and other nations."
"Yeah, it's going to happen," Yoshida said, "I can actually feel that it's inevitable."
"Yeah I feel the same way," Minami said.
"But keeping it that way comes after it," Inoue said, "not to mention helping Japan to really rebuild."
"I'm glad," Naoto said.
"Naoto?" Kallen said.
"I'm glad I decided to follow Zero in this," Naoto said.
"Yeah, I think we all are," Sugiyama said.
"Absolutely," Tamaki said, "by sticking with him and Void, we give people hope and we'll be able to fulfill our dreams. I mean hell I might actually be able to be a bureaucrat when our country is independent again."
"A bureaucrat, really?" Kallen responded surprised.
"That's a surprise," Alice said, "I never pictured you as someone wanted to be a bureaucrat."
"Heh, don't judge a book by its cover and all that," Tamaki replied, "And it's great. For me, this all started because I followed Naoto here."
"I see," Naoto said.
"Yeah I'm serious man," Tamaki said, "if I hadn't joined you, I would never been able to be lead to meet Zero and get a clear view on things and I've learned a lot too. I'm lucky that I didn't end up hook on Refrain."
"Refrain, huh?" Naoto said.
Naoto was thinking about his mother who was still serving a prison sentence.
Flashback: One Month Ago, Tokyo's General Hospital
"But just you wait Mom," Kallen said determined, "Naoto and I, together we're working to change things. Things will be better by the time you get out and then," Kallen paused a bit and then continued, "the three of us can be together again and live normal lives again.
Naoto was a bit surprised as he looked at Kallen.
"Kallen…" Naoto said.
"I want you to know Mom that I'm sorry," Kallen said with remorse, "I'm sorry for the way acted towards you all this time. Had I not brushed off what Naoto was trying to tell me, I would not have acted like a fool but even so, you stood by my side and stayed in that house for my sake," Kallen's eyes were welling up, "I don't know if I—"
Kallen cut herself off when she felt a hand over hers and she looked and saw that it was her mother. Kallen and Naoto were surprised and they looked at their mother. Sena placed her hand over Naoto's hand as well and it surprised her children again.
"Hang in there," Sena said, "hang in there Kallen. Hang in there Naoto. Hang in there my beloved son and daughter."
Kallen and Naoto were surprised and they felt happy with their mother.
"Yeah, we will Mom," Kallen said happily.
"You can bet on it Mom," Naoto said being a bit tearful himself, "don't worry. We will be together again."
"Yes," Kallen said.
Flashback End
Naoto then looked at his younger sister Kallen. Kallen noticed and wondered about her brother.
"Naoto, are you okay?" Kallen asked with concern as she approached her older brother.
"Oh uh… y-yeah I'm fine," Naoto replied and smiled, "I'm fine really."
"Oh o-okay," Kallen said with a nod.
"By the way," Alice said, "there is one thing we need to talk about and it's about the other issue we discussed earlier."
"Oh yeah, that," Naoto said.
"Should we just go ahead as planned?" Alice asked.
"I think so," Rai said, "Lelouch did say that we should get it done. Anyway, I need to contact Xingke and his group in the Chinese Federation."
"Are you sure it's a good idea for us to go along with it?" Tamaki asked, "It's possible that it's a trap."
"I don't think we have to worry about something like that," Kallen said, "and besides, it doesn't hurt to get as many sources as we can."
"Well yeah that's true," Tamaki said.
"By the way, where's Keitaro?" Ohgi asked, "There is another piece of business we need to take care of."
"Oh he'll come by," Naoto said, "he's talking to his wife right now."
Meanwhile Keitaro was in another room and he was talking to someone on the screen and it was a woman with long black hair.
"I see," Keitaro said with a smile, "I'm glad to hear that Motoko."
"Yes, I'm doing fine," The woman named Motoko said, "me and Yoko are doing all right. Right now Yoko is with my sister."
"Oh Tsuruko," Keitaro said, "I'm glad our daughter seems comfortable."
"Well yes but she does miss you terribly," Motoko said, "always asking me when Daddy is coming home."
"Yeah," Keitaro responded and had his head down in shame, "I'm sorry Motoko for having you and Yoko stay in Kyoto with your family."
Motoko shook her head, "Please Keitaro, don't be hard on yourself. Everything you've done has been to protect us. I know it, Yoko knows it, my parents, sister and brother-in-law know it as well. Even your parents know it as well."
"I see," Keitaro said, "still I feel terrible being away from you. I would like nothing more but to hold you and Yoko in my arms again."
"Oh Keitaro," Motoko said as she blushed with happiness, "By the way Keitaro, have you spoken with Kanako recently?"
"Oh… well no, not really," Keitaro said with a sad expression.
"Oh I see," Motoko said with sadness feeling ashamed, "I'm sorry, I probably should have mentioned—"
"No, it's not your fault," Keitaro assured, "it's my own fault that things are bad between me and my own little sister. I screwed up."
"But it's been six years," Motoko said.
"Yeah… but how are the others?" Keitaro asked.
"Shinobu is doing fine," Motoko said, "although she's sad that her parents are working in the Tokyo Settlement. There have been incidents in which they've been victims of."
"I see," Keitaro said.
"Kitsune is staying with her mother in Osaka," Motoko said.
"That's probably for the best," Keitaro said.
"Yeah and as for Su," Motoko said, "she was able to get out of the country and is back in Molmol but I have a terrible feeling that it's only a matter of time."
"Yeah, I know what you're implying," Keitaro said, "we're facing hard days ahead of us but I have faith… I have faith in path that I have chosen and it's because of the leader that I and many others are following."
"Keitaro dear," Motoko said, "is it true that you know the face of Zero behind the mask?"
"Yeah it's true," Keitaro said with a smile, "I wish I can tell you but I can't but I know it would be a surprise to you."
"I see," Motoko said, "um dear… have you spoken to Naru or Mutsumi?"
"No and I don't care to," Keitaro said.
"And Hina?" Motoko asked.
"Hmph, my grandmother…" Keitaro replied as he shook his head, "I never should have listened to her."
"And what about Haruka?" Motoko asked.
Keitaro sighed in response, "I..."
"Daddy!" A little girl's voice spoke excited.
Keitaro was surprised to see a little girl that had black hair that was tied in pigtails.
"Yoko," Keitaro said happily, "Hi sweetie."
"Hi Daddy!" Yoko responded happily.
"Yoko, what are you doing here?" Motoko asked surprised, "I thought you were with your Aunt Tsuruko."
"She brought me here Mommy," Yoko said.
"Oh…" Motoko said and then smiled.
"Daddy, I miss you," Yoko said, "I hope you can come back soon."
"I know sweetie," Keitaro said with a smile, "I know."
Ashford Academy
Fireworks went off as it was the start of an annual event in Ashford Academy.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting!" Milly said with excitement over the PTA system, "the Ashford Academy school festival which is the most coveted event in the Tokyo Settlement is about to start! It will begin at the sound of this voice!"
In the control room, Milly was with Shirley, Nina, and Nunnally who was holding the microphone.
"You really want me to do this, do you?" Nunnally said.
"Absolutely," Milly said cheerfully.
"…Okay, here we go," Nunnally said as she held the microphone close to her and took a deep breath, "Meow!"
In the campus, the students cheered happily with excitement. In Nunnally's room within Lamperouge's residence, CC yawned holding her Cheese-kun plushy.
"So this school festival is happening," CC said, "talk about noisy."
The school festival had begun as students worked in their stands and for their own classes while other students who weren't working walked around going to various places. On a roof of one of the building, Nunnally sighed as she arrived and saw Lelouch on his phone. Lelouch looked over and saw his sister and nodded at her.
"I see," Lelouch said, "so even we got some use from them so we've covered all the tasks in hand."
"That's right," Diethard said on the other line, "oh and just to warn to you. Some of my colleagues from the press are here."
"Wait, seriously?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes, it's seems that your friend Milly Ashford called them here," Diethard informed, "I thought it was dangerous for them to see you and your sister's faces."
"It is," Lelouch said as he and Nunnally saw members of the press and ducked out of sight, "thanks for the heads up."
"No problem," Diethard said, "although you may want to talk to your friend about this."
"Trust me I will," Lelouch said, "anyway back to the matter in hand."
"Right, we gathered all the sector data on all the countermeasures that they left behind," Diethard said, "We've also identified the solar panels used to each settlement and storage sites. Oh and what about your contact with Li Xingke?"
"I'm having Rai speak with Xingke," Lelouch said, "Nunnally and Sayoko will deal with our collaborator from a certain group."
"Certain group?" Diethard asked.
"That's right," Nunnally said as she got close, "we'll discuss this with you and the others some time later.
"Okay then," Diethard said.
"And Todoh-sensei?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes, right now he's drawing up a list of occupational targets," Diethard informed, "including broadcast stations. I would like you and Nunnally to check them including the dummy plans that we'll be presenting to Kyoto."
"Understood," Lelouch said, "we'll confirm them tomorrow. Anything else?"
"Ah yes, I know we're late on this but regarding the operation that you're having Rai and Keitaro lead."
"Yes?" Lelouch asked.
"There's trouble!" Milly called out suddenly, "There's huge, huge trouble!"
Lelouch and Nunnally saw Milly running towards them in a panic.
"Listen Diethard, I have to go," Lelouch said, "you can discuss the rest with Nunnally."
"Okay, but what's the trouble?" Diethard asked, "It sounds like your friend Milly Ashford."
"Here Lelouch," Nunnally said as she held out her hand.
Lelouch nodded, "I'll leave it to you."
"You can count on me," Nunnally said.
Lelouch gave Nunnally his phone and Nunnally spoke to Diethard. Elsewhere Diethard sighed as he was speaking with Nunnally suggested something to her to what they need to do if Milly was starting to cause them problem and Nunnally responded that it won't go so far as that as she and Lelouch were sure of that. Back with Lelouch and Milly, Milly was dragging Lelouch with her.
"C'mon Lelouch," Milly said, "You're the festival chairman."
"But everything is running fine," Lelouch replied, "there's no problem. Besides, you're taking charge of a particular part. It was two meters wide up to last year and now suddenly you declared that we have to have a 12 meter pizza."
"That's right, isn't it great?" Milly responded with happily, "It's going to be the largest kind of the world of all time."
"Just the oven and the ingredients are causing an uproar," Lelouch said, "and now you have a TV crew here? You know Nunnally and I can't be seen. It's a sure way that we'll be spotted by our enemies and I'm not just talking about Nonette and my sister Cornelia."
"Relax Lelouch," Milly assured, "trust me, I took that into consideration which is why I'm having you and Nunnally run things from the control booth. You won't be seen there. Besides, we have to document of the large pizza being made. My request as Student Council President."
Meanwhile Rivalz was directing crates to be moved and Nina arrived to inform them that she and others working were done with their part. Rivalz thanked Nina and Nina nodded with a smile. Nina went on her way to take care of other things but she could stop thinking about her meeting with Princess Euphemia. It was what she had always wanted and was grateful that she had the chance to actually talk to the person she considered as a goddess however her meeting with Euphemia was not as she had expected.
Elsewhere in the Tokyo Settlement
James Stadtfeld was in a pleasant mood as he was all smiles. He was happy because he was walking with his son Naoto who was wearing semi formal wear.
"It's been a long time since you and I had spent some time together," James said, "you and me, father and son."
"Yeah, it really has," Naoto said, "but I wonder… Dad?"
"Yes?" James replied.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Naoto asked, "I thought you would be busy and be making preparations to head back to New York."
"It's true that I have to head back," James said, "I just can't miss this chance and besides Kallen is participating in it, correct?"
"Um, I'm not sure," Naoto said.
"Well even if she isn't, I still want to see how your sister is doing," James said, "also that boy that attends there who you and your sister met seven years ago."
"Huh, you mean Lelouch?" Naoto asked.
"Yes, it's my understanding from your mother that he and Kallen are close, correct?"
"Uh… yeah…" Naoto replied and then he figured what his father was planning, "Wait a minute, are you planning on…?"
"Kallen deserves to be happy," James said, "she deserves to have someone who will look after her and treat her right. In fact, don't you have a special someone Naoto?"
"D-Dad," Naoto replied as he was caught off guard.
"Well do you?" James asked, "Surely you have a special lady in mind. If you don't, I don't mind finding someone for you."
"Dad," Naoto said.
"After all, you'll eventually succeed me as head of the Stadtfeld Family," James said.
Meanwhile Jeremiah and Villetta were walking together. Jeremiah and Villetta were wearing casual clothes and Jeremiah sighed.
"Villetta, you don't have to come with me," Jeremiah said.
"Oh yes I do," Villetta said, "You're going to Ashford Academy."
"There's this festival going on today," Jeremiah said, "I'm not doing anything work related."
"…Lord Jeremiah, I heard that you were accused of treason," Villetta said.
"Yes I was accused," Jeremiah said, "but there was nothing to prove that."
"But you disobeyed orders," Villetta said, "just like you did back in Narita and you got on my case for doing the same thing in Yokosuka."
"But I didn't put civilians at risk," Jeremiah said.
"They weren't at risk," Villetta insisted.
"Really and how would you know that?" Jeremiah asked.
"I just know," Villetta said.
"That's not good enough," Jeremiah said.
"And what about you?" Villetta asked, "What were you doing going off on your own like that?"
"That's my business, not yours," Jeremiah said.
"You realize just by saying things like that you make it real easy for people to suspect you," Villetta pointed out, "must be nice for you to be cleared by Princess Euphemia and Princess Marrybell."
Jeremiah stopped and glared at Villetta.
"Villetta, I don't like what you're implying," Jeremiah said.
"Really?" Villetta replied as she stopped and turned to Jeremiah, "And what do you think that I'm implying my lord?"
Ashford Academy
The Stadtfeld men looked the entrance of Ashford Academy that was decorated for the festival.
"So here we are," James said.
"Yeah," Naoto said.
"Son, you're still friends with Kaname Ohgi, right?" James asked.
"Yeah, he's my best friend," Naoto said.
"It was my understanding that he was a school teacher but then he suddenly quit a few months ago," James said, "I wonder if you knew anything about that."
"Oh that…" Naoto replied, "I… may have some idea."
Naoto had a downcast expression and James was wondering and then decided on something.
"If it's something you can't talk about or that you don't want to spill the beans about your friend then I won't force you," James said.
"Dad," Naoto said.
"Anyway let's go," James said.
"Hi there," A cheerful female voice said.
James and Naoto were suddenly greeted by a few students.
"Welcome to the Ashford Academy School Festival," A cheerful student said.
"Oh my, thank you," James said with a smile, "my son and I came to check out the festival."
"We're glad you came," A male student said.
"Well come in you two and enjoy yourselves," Another male student said.
"Yes have fun," Another female student said.
In one of the kitchens, Suzaku was chopping up onions and took the chopped onions and put them in a bowl. Suzaku suddenly smiled.
"I'm glad," Suzaku said, "I thought that you would never show up here again. I'm glad you did."
Behind Suzaku was Kallen who was surprised that Suzaku had already picked up her presence.
"Already felt my presence," Kallen said, "I'm impressed but also annoyed."
"I figured that you would," Suzaku said as he turned around and faced Kallen, "Right now you're Kallen Stadtfeld, not Kallen Kozuki."
"Why didn't you do it?" Kallen asked.
"What are you talking about?" Suzaku replied.
"Don't feign ignorance with me Suzaku," Kallen said, "you know exactly what I'm asking."
"You're asking why I haven't told anyone about you," Suzaku said, "about you, Alice, and Rai."
"Well?" Kallen asked.
"I took time to think about what you and Alice said to me," Suzaku said, "I can't deny the truth of the things you said. I can't deny the truth of what Zero and Void has been talking about. But still even so…" Suzaku paused, "…on the battlefield, I won't show mercy but I wanted to persuade you here. I was hoping to do the same with Rai and Alice if they would show up."
"Are you serious?" Kallen asked.
"Yes, I'm dead serious," Suzaku said, "while we're at school, I want to make an effort to change your mind instead of defeating you in combat and I know… you wouldn't expect this from me, right? After what Zero and Void did."
"That's right," Kallen said.
"I admit that I'm bitter what Zero and Void did," Suzaku said, "I still feel the humiliation of my secret being exposed like that but at the same time I can only berate myself for thinking of what I did to my father would stay a secret forever. I should have known that it was never going to happen. Anyway Kallen, would relay to Rai and Alice that they should come back to school? To be honest, it's not the same without them and I'm glad you came back."
Kallen was surprised and didn't know what to make with the things that Suzaku said and then door suddenly opened and it was Lelouch.
"Suzaku, the truck's here," Lelouch said and then he saw Kallen, "Kallen…" Lelouch smiled, "so you came back. I take it that you're feeling a lot better."
"Oh yes Lelouch," Kallen said with a smile, "my doctor said that I have to take it easy."
"I see," Lelouch said still smiling, "that's good to hear. I was worried."
"Yeah…" Kallen said.
Suzaku smiled at the sight of Lelouch and Kallen and hoped that for Lelouch's sake that he would be able to persuade Kallen.
"Kallen, think about what I said earlier, okay?" Suzaku said.
"Sure, I'll think about," Suzaku said.
"What you said?" Lelouch asked.
"Oh don't worry about it," Suzaku assured.
"Hmmm," Lelouch responded, "um Kallen, if you're up to it, would mind so seeing Sophie? She was saying that she and others were shorthanded and they would like some help."
"Sure, I don't mind," Kallen said.
Later on, Kallen had a dread expression regretting to agree as she was yelled out and scared off a young couple. Kallen was taking part of the Haunted House as a squared shaped monster. Kallen sighed in disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding me," Kallen said, "This thing actually scares them," Kallen clenched her fists in frustration, "Lelouch, you should have just told me. Hmph, Lelouch should have told me that I had to take part of the Haunted House," Kallen went down so that she would spring up again, "I really mind taking his orders when he's Zero… although it's not that I hate doing anything for him…" Kallen looked at the screen and saw signatures of people walking around, "Great, two of them… although they don't seem to be together… but man, it's sweltering in here. It's like those early Glasgows. Okay then, here we go."
Kallen popped out again and did her shriek to scare the unsuspecting person. Kallen looked and was shocked to see who it was. It was her father who just looked at Kallen not scared but amazed and impressed.
"That's very good Kallen," James said happily, "you look like you're having fun."
"D-Dad," Kallen said shocked.
"Kallen," Naoto spoke.
Kallen looked and saw her brother.
"Hey Naoto," Kallen said.
"Hey Kallen," Naoto said.
Meanwhile elsewhere at the campus, Cecile was having fun playing Whack-A-Mole that was using real students but Cecil kept hitting the one student with blonde hair that wore glasses. Other soldiers were with her and they noticed what was going on.
"The one she keeps whacking," One of the soldiers whispered, "doesn't he look like Lloyd?"
"It's no surprise there," The other soldier whispered back, "working for that guy must really driving her out of her mind."
Meanwhile Lelouch was on one of his phone talking.
"Right, the pizza starts later," Lelouch said and then he hung up, "I really shouldn't bother with this," Lelouch answered another phone, "Yes?" Lelouch heard the person on the other line, "Oh the Drama Club?" Lelouch paused, "Yes I spoke to the Film Club about it," Lelouch hung up and had his thoughts, "Maybe I should have gotten Rai and Alice to—"
Lelouch was cut off on his thought when a mallet suddenly hit Lelouch on his head. The mallet flew and Cecile showed up and caught it.
"I'm sorry," Cecile said, "the handle just broke in two."
"It's that woman Cecile who works with Suzaku," Lelouch said in his head, "soldiers here… how irritating."
"Say, you're one of Suzaku's friends, right?" Cecile asked.
"Hey you, boy," CC's voice spoke, "Where am I suppose to go to eat the biggest pizza in the world?"
Lelouch sighed as he turned and saw CC who was wearing an Ashford Academy uniform and had her long lime green hair tied to ponytail.
"Oh, it's you," CC said.
"Yeah, about that pizza…" Lelouch said.
Elsewhere in the Tokyo Settlement
Cornelia's forces including the Glaston Knights with their own Knightmare Frames had arrived and they were standing in attention with Cornelia and Schneizel speaking with each other.
"Good work getting them here from Area 18 in one night," Schneizel said. "Your forces are as impressive as always Cornelia."
"You flatter me," Cornelia said, "I'm honored that you would have your troops fill in for them."
"It was the least that I can do for you," Schneizel said.
"The Glaston Knights who were standing by in the Homeland have joined us here," Cornelia said, "and that means my forces are now in what they should be and good thing because after everything that has happened…"
"Yes and I'll be playing my cards smoothly as I'm negotiating with Chinese Federation," Schneizel informed.
"Yes, please do," Cornelia said.
"What a great honor," Schneizel said with a smile.
"Huh?" Cornelia replied surprised.
"Being asked for assistance by Princess Cornelia," Schneizel said proudly, "who is unmatched in the battlefield."
"Please don't tease me about this and besides," Cornelia said and then had a sad expression, "surely you know about my humiliating losses here. I'm not as great you believe I am… not anymore."
"But that's not true," Schneizel said, "I still see the greatness that you possess. I know that it's true that have suffered some terrible losses at the hands of Zero but to me, you still shine more beautifully in combat than butterfly or flower… yes, like the Flash herself."
Cornelia was taken aback in her brother was saying as she felt flattered but also felt shame as she felt that has not lived up to the legacy of Marianne the Flash.
"Brother please," Cornelia said, "stop saying that, you know that… oh, now where could Euphie and Marry be? I told them that I was coming to see you off and I know Marry is going to stick around here for much longer and her forces will be arriving as well."
"I had a long talk with Euphie last night," Schneizel said.
"Wait, last night?" Cornelia asked.
"Yes," Schneizel said with a nod, "ah, the other matter… Bartley's project?"
"Oh that… it's not the one that's…" Cornelia said, "I understand that Jarvis is assisting him along with Castor and Pollux, right?"
"That's right," Schneizel said.
"To be honest, I'm sure about this," Cornelia said.
"About Bartley? Our brothers? Or Jarvis?" Schneizel asked.
"I'd say all of them," Cornelia said.
"I see…" Schneizel said.
Unknown Place
Bartley, Jarvis, Castor, and Pollux were watching large cylinders that were filled with some sort of green liquid and Jarvis along with the twins Castor and Pollux grinned. Madd showed up and folded his arms and then he smiled as he was pleased as well.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The school festival continues with sibling bonding ensues and then Euphie make a surprising declaration.