Chapter 11: The Dark Council Pt. 2

August 27th, Tokyo Settlement 3:07 P.M.

Celaeno

Celaeno looked over the ten squad leaders gathered in the Briefing Room in Operations. The survey concluded that they had the most experience commanding troops, so Zero felt that they would be critical over the coming weeks. Zero was currently absent working on a side project, so she was left in charge.

"Alright, take a seat, people. We'll be starting shortly." One of the doors slid open, revealing Ohgi and Kallen, with Ohgi holding a folder. "You were nearly late, Administrator."

"Sorry," Ohgi replied, "Had to look over the files a few more times. Slight adjustments can greatly impact progress."

"A fair point. You may take your seats." Celaeno taped the screen, revealing a map of the Tokyo Settlement. "We are here for the beginning of Operation Izanagi's Burden, the multi staged plan to free Japan. However, to do this we must both weaken the Britannian military, as well as strengthen the Japanese people. Administrator Ohgi will now have the floor on the first steps on how we accomplish this."

"Right," Ohgi exclaimed as he stood up, moving to the front, with Celaeno moving to a corner of the room, "Operation Inari's Wrath will be the first step of the plan. Several cartel rings have been set up in the Tokyo settlement. For years they have poisoned the settlement, targeting the Japanese specifically, knowing that the likelihood of the police actually doing something about it would be almost void. That ends now." He taped the screen once more, revealing thirteen highlighted zones, some of them clustered together.

"These are the areas that we've confirmed will have cartel activity tonight. We're gonna hit them all at once." The captains began murmuring amongst each other. "By slowly eliminating the cartels, we'll be able to focus on rebuilding without the cartels interfering with our efforts."

"Won't this end up helping the Brits, though?" One of the captains inquired.

"Well, we~"

"If this is about helping our people," another captain continued, "Shouldn't we be helping them first?"

Several other captains began agreeing with the two, and Ohgi was having a hard time regaining his composure.

"(Sigh) I believe," Celaeno interjected, "I can answer your questions. It will help Britannia, as they will deal with the cartels sooner, and will be able to focus on resistance groups like ours. However, the public support we'll get will greatly help our efforts in the second stage of Izanagi's Burden. As to why we aren't working on helping out in the ghettos, simply put, our supply bases need time to set up chains to smuggle supplies into the ghettos. We can't simply drive large amounts of trucks into the ghettos and not be spotted. Now, are there any more questions." Unlike Ohgi, the captains kept their mouths shut. "Then move to your assigned squads and give them their briefings. You'll get your assigned targets at 1800 hours."

The captains began filing out of the room, but Celaeno noticed that Ohgi had his gaze slightly downward. Once it was just him and Kallen left in the room, she approached him.

"You did fine," Celaeno exclaimed, knocking Ohgi out of his daze, "For your first briefing."

"I completely fell apart once they started asking questions, though. I should be used to getting questions asked from me, so why did I freeze?"

"First off, you haven't been a teacher in years, so you're no doubt rusty in that department. Second, running an entire military branch is much different than simply running a classroom."

"Sorry to interrupt," Kallen interjected, "But which squad am I assigned to?"

'Here's another test for you, Ohgi.' "Do you want to tell her, or should I?"

"Kallen...You're not assigned to Inari's Wrath."

"WHAT?! Why?! I know this will involve close quarters, but some of the spots are large warehouses, and the teams assigned to them have Knightmares, which I'm our best pilot in that department. So why am I being put on the sidelines."

"Because of your mother," Kallen stiffened, "Several of the cartel rings deal with Refrain distribution. If you hadn't told us that Arita was taking Refrain, you would've been assigned to the mission. But, what happens if you find your mother in one of these rings? Even if you're not completely devastated at seeing her, you'll hesitate, which could prove fatal."

"Ohgi…You know how important this is to us. For the first time in seven years, we have a chance to take back our home. I refuse to simply sit idly by, while you all are risking your lives."

"Your brother wo~"

"Naoto's gone!" Both Celaeno and Ohgi were caught off guard at both the sorrow and conviction in Kallen's voice, even more so at the tears that were building up.

Ohgi sighed, "Very well. I know I'm in a battle I can't win." He turned to Celaeno, who nodded.

"This is Celaeno to Oda squad," she exclaimed into her radio, "Come in Oda. Change of plans. Kallen will be assigned as your Knightmare pilot. Alter your briefing to accommodate this."

"T-T-Thank you." Kallen squeaked out.

"Don't let your emotions rule you. They can guide you, but never let them control you, understand?"

Celaeno may be allowing Kallen to join, but it was clear she was being too emotional, which can be just as dangerous as hesitation. As such, she was being assigned to Oda, which would be hitting the largest of the cartel rings. Celaeno was confident there wouldn't be issues, but she had to make sure.

"Yes," Kallen replied, regaining her composure, "Sorry, sir."

"Now, I need to speak with Ohgi concerning the next stage of the operation. Meet up with Oda and get debriefed."

"Yes, sir!" Kallen then ran out of the room, leaving only the two.

"So, what do you need to discuss?"

"The operation can wait. Right now I have a bigger issue to deal with." She had to snip this threat in the bud before her brother did something drastic. "You're already trying to figure out who my brother's mother is, aren't you?"

Ohgi stiffened, "Yes."

"I have to ask you to not look into our family, for your sake as well as my own."

"What do you mean?"

"My brother is very defensive about our sisters. If any of you approached them with some form of malicious intent, he'd put a bullet in you faster than you could blink."

"Not even Tamaki would dare strike a crippled girl~"

"I can't take that chance!" Ohgi kept quiet, waiting for her to elaborate. "After his mother died and we were casted out, I vowed to never let my brother's spirit be broken again."

"Why do you keep saying 'his mother'?"

"It is common amongst the nobility, especially in the Homeland, to have multiple wives. Was it not common for the Japanese Emperors of old to have concubines."

"Touche. Continue."

"It happened right when the invasion happened. A Britannian squad assaulted the place we were living in. Were it not for the Japanese soldiers nearby, we might've died right then and there."

"Wait, why would Britannian soldiers attack your place? I doubt it was of strategic value. Unless~"

"Correct. The assassins that killed his mother weren't done with us. We escaped the attack, but Lelouch's mind was twisted even further. After that, I took it upon myself to 'heal his soul', as cliche as that sounds. However, in my quest to do just that, I failed to see what I was turning into."

Ohgi could sense some dread coming from Celaeno, "What happened?"

"It was five years ago, I was doing a training session with my teacher," flashes appeared in her mind, showing Cornelia in a forest against Sayoko, with Lelouch watching with a book, "She told me that she would only teach me her more advanced techniques if I could knock her to the ground once."

"Tamaki said that you were trained by a ninja."

"Correct. For eight days I tried," Flashes of Cornelia slamming into the ground again and again, "And failed. However, on the ninth day," Flashes showed Cornelia slamming into a tree. She then broke a branch and, using it as a staff, was able to get an edge over Sayoko, ending with Cornelia tripping her to the ground, "I won. My teacher was impressed, but the look on Lelouch's face. I hadn't seen him so happy since before his mother died."

"But."

"But that happiness was shattered with just three words. With joy, he said 'Good job, mom'."

Ohgi looked absolutely distraught, "Oh no." he whispered.

"Yeah. Lelouch immediately realized his mistake and apologized, but the damage was already done. In my quest to heal him, I took something from him. Not only was she Lelouch's mother, but she was an idol to me. She was someone I looked up to and revered. And I took her place. Nothing like that has happened since then, but, every now and then, Lelouch would sometimes have a look on his face. The kind a child would give to a parent they're proud of. I don't want to damage him more than I've already done. So, for both our sakes, don't look into it any further."

Ohgi was silent for what felt like an eternity.

'Please.'

"(Sigh) I trust you, Celaeno, and we all respect you and your brother. So I won't look into it any further. However, if I end up discovering something~"

"Then you'll come to me about it first, understand?"

"Yes, sir. Though, you give yourself too little credit."

"Huh?"

"You had to look after three kids in a warzone, and afterwards had to take care of them during the years following the war. Most would've fallen apart at such a task, but you kept going. That speaks volumes about your will. As for what your brother said, don't feel ashamed. You couldn't act like a sister to him because that wasn't what he needed to survive. I'm sure his mother would be proud that he had someone to look up to after she died. So don't blame yourself."

'He's not wrong. But it still doesn't feel right.'

"Hehe."

"What?"

"It's just funny. I started this out trying to give you some advice, and you come back at me with some sage wisdom."

"Hehe. Well...I am part of you council."

"And you've shown why you deserve to be a part of it. Now, let's get back to work. We need to oversee tonight's missions, as well as plan for tomorrow's."

"Agreed."

With that, the two began planning the next step's of Inari's Wrath.

August 29th, Tokyo Settlement, 11:02 P.M.

Cartel Dealer

In an 'abandoned' warehouse, Weston was having a nervous breakdown.

'Three years without so much as a warrant, and, now, with those damn terrorists, we're losing profit, and assets, like a rock in water.'

However, with the recent shipment from the Chinese Federation, they can recuperate on their losses.

"Perimeter check."

"Sector 1, clear."

"Sector 2, nothing."

"Sector 3, got nothing."

"..."

"Sector 5, clear."

"Sector 4, come in."

"..."

"Sector 4, if you don't pick up, I'll~"

"Huh, ha, sorry, boss. Must've dozed off."

'These rookie IMBECILES!' "If you do that again, those terrorists will be the least of your concerns!"

"Yes, boss!" The thug squeaked out, "Sorry, boss!"

"Sir," a thug in the warehouse exclaimed, "They've arrived."

"Good. Let them in."

One of the warehouse doors opened, revealing several armed individuals, one of them holding two briefcases. The central one had a suit one, and clearly was chinese.

"I assume," the chinese man inquired, "That you have our payment."

"So long as the Triad has our delivery."

The Triad man motioned one of his thugs to bring the cases. When opened, the first one revealed several narcotics, while the second one revealed Refrain.

'Everything seems in order.' Weston motioned for one of his men to bring the cases. "So, one million Britannian pounds, converted to renminbi?"

"Correct."

"Dài shàng huòwù." One of the Triad thugs ordered into a radio, "...Huòyùn tuánduì, nín huì fùzhì ma?" The Triad member looked back in concern.

"Something the matter?" Weston inquired.

"If my men aren't responding, yes."

All of a sudden, the lights to the warehouse flashed on, temporarily blinding them.

"I'd sit still if I were you," an unknown voice called out. When Weston's vision cleared up, he was horrified at what he saw: Dozens of soldiers donned in black on the catwalks, with a cloaked figure in the center of them all. The reason his own men weren't up there were the conditions of the trade deal: all participants must be on ground level.

'And now that little fact has doomed us.' "How did they get here? Why weren't we informe~"

"Oh," One of the Black Knights said as he held a radio, "Sorry, boss. They must've slipped past me while I was asleep."

'God DAMNIT!'

"Don't bother running," Zero exclaimed, "Not only would that be foolish, but, on the off chance you escape our bullets, well~" The warehouse cargo doors were ripped open, revealing a silver knightmare with a blue cape. The head unit was something Weston had not seen before, being spike-like, and having three red eyes. (Winter's Edge Leathercraft Chitin Mast V1 for reference, replace black with silver.)

"Don't think that you can escape the Gorgon's gaze."

August 31st, Ashford Academy, 11:12 A.M.

Kallen

Kallen was bored.

No, scratched that, bored would indicate a lack of interest in whatever she was doing. No, she simply despised her school life. Sure, the Student Council is nice, aside from Milly's antics, but everything else, especially having to use her sick persona, was driving her mad. She should be out there, helping the BKs, but, due to her being a student, Ohgi and Celaeno agreed she could operate every other night for Inari's Wrath, unless something critical happened.

'Which is stupid. What do they think will happen, that I'll fall asleep in class then wake up saying something stupid.'

However, what really had her thoughts was her mother. The idea that she had been suffering for all these years just to be near her. It was tearing her up on the inside.

'Mom…I can't stand you living in that house anymore. And, if I'm being honest, neither can I. Tomorrow night, we're leaving it.'

Was she not thinking that far ahead...most certainly. But it didn't matter, Kallen didn't want her mother living in that house any longer. And honestly, she couldn't either.

September 1st, Stadfelt Manor, 10:32 P.M.

Kallen

All was quiet in the manor. Josephine Stadfelt was out at a 'social gathering' for noblemen, while most of the other servants were asleep. It was now or never.

'Suitcases, check. Taser in case Josephine comes home early and tries to stop me, check. Destination….uncheck.'

Honestly, she was debating bringing her mother to the Nest. They would certainly help her, but she didn't want her mother to find out she's a rebel.

'I don't need to add that to my mom's worries.' With a slam of the case, she picked up both and quickly looked out her room, making sure none of the servants were nearby. With the coast clear, she began making her way to the opposite end of the manor, her previous desire to stay as far away from her mother coming back to bite her. She decided to leave the suitcases by the front door, allowing her to move quicker.

And just in time, too, for, when Kallen opened the door to her mother's room, she saw that she was about ready to inject a syringe into her arm.

"L-l-lady Stadfelt," Arita nearly screeched out in panic, "I can explain~" Before she could continue, Kallen walked over, yanked the syringe, and smashed it to the ground, stomping on it for good measure.

"Come on mom," Kallen stated, though tears were starting to form, "We're leaving."

"Lady Stad~"

"Stop calling me that!"

"?"

"I can't stand by any longer while you suffer all to stay near me. I've caused you so much pain, and I'm not having it any longer. So we are leaving now."

With no way of responding to Kallen's statement, Arita could do nothing as her daughter took her by the hand, and the two began making their way to the front doors.

However, a shocking surprise awaited the two when they got there. One of the doors was opened and, standing to the side, was a man. He was about six feet tall, had sea blue eyes, as well as short, blood red hair.

"F-f-father?" Kallen squeaked out. Her father, James Stadfelt, was supposed to be in Pendragon for several more weeks.

'So why is he here?'

"Hm," James replied in a calm demeanor, "I figured you'd try something like this when you found out about what was happening with Arita."

'Wait, he KNEW!? And he didn't try to help her. Figures.'

"Just to clear things up, I found out shortly after the hotel incident nearly a week ago. The servants may like Josephine, but they answer to me."

The two approached James, shock still on their faces.

"James~" Arita began, but James held a hand up.

"Arita, what we had is still there, even after all that's happened. In a gentler world, I'd be hard pressed to find a love stronger than the one we share. But~"

"We don't live in a gentler world." Arita gave a sad smile, which he returned.

"I'll, of course, still pay for your education, Kallen, but, where will you go?"

"I believe," a fourth voice announced, "I can help with that." The three turned, and Kallen was surprised to see Lelouch, of all people, standing there.

"Lelouch?" Kallen exclaimed, not noticing her father cracking an eyebrow at that, "What are you doing here?"

"Most likely the same reason you're leaving here."

"What do you mean?"

"When you told me your mother was taking Refrain, I couldn't sit by and do nothing. So, I had an extended conversation with a landlord, and was able to get you a middle class house, free of charge. You won't have to worry about paying him for the next year while you and your mother get on your feet."

'Wait, was this the side project he's been working on?'

"And," James inquired suspiciously, "Did you manage that? Both the house and the money?"

"The man owes me several favors, as well as a debt or two. I told him it'd be a clean slate if he does this for me. As for the money…"

'Time to play wingman.' "Does the man's debts involve your gambling?"

Lelouch had an annoyed, "Well, why don't you spoil all the fun, Miss Kozuki."

Kallen couldn't stop herself from giggling, finally getting one over on Lelouch. However, she didn't notice the smiles on her parents' faces.

"I retract my previous statement."

"Not only that, but I know a good therapist or two that can help Lady Kozuki with rehab."

Arita was a little shocked that a Britannian was addressing her as if she was nobility.

"Why don't," James exclaimed, "You and Arita discuss the finer details, I'd like a private talk with our daughter."

"Of course, Lord Stadfelt." With that, Lelouch escorted Arita a distance away from the two.

"What did you want to talk about, father."

"I know."

'Red flag!' "What do you mean?"

"Kallen, did you think I was unaware of Naoto's activities. Or your inclusion in those activities."

'Crimson.' "Father, I can explain~"

"You don't need to say anything. I would probably do the same if I was in your spot. It's why I did all I could to help your brother."

'?' "What do you~"

"Did you really think the military would leave a perfectly good Glasgow near the ghetto."

'So father was responsible for that.' "But then, why~"

"When Naoto and your friends stole it, the number of eyes on me were too much. If I stayed in Are~Japan any longer, not only would I be discovered, but you, your mother, and Naoto would all be imprisoned. So, to protect you, I had to cut myself off from you. Even simply returning here for this simple visit is dangerous. And I also know that, if you were willing to join a small rabble consisting of your brother's friends, those Dark Knights would be an obvious choice."

"Black Knights," Kallen replied before she even realized what she said, though she froze like a board when she did.

James chuckled, "Even after all this time, it's still too easy to trick you. I did all I could to help Naoto. I can do no more."

Kallen felt a smile approaching. Despite everything that's happened, he was still the man she remembered him to be.

"Thanks, dad."

The two then rejoined Arita and Lelouch at the main gate.

Lelouch

'Honestly, this couldn't have gone better.' Lelouch thought as he finished deciding a therapist for Arita. He figured the best way to get Kallen's loyalty was through her mother, sohe Geassed a landlord into giving him the property.

"I trust," James inquired, "That you've decided?"

"We believe we've made a decision," Lelouch turned and saw a taxi approaching, "Ah, I believe that's your ride."

"Good. Alfred." Out of nowhere, a bald buttler with a black mustache appeared behind Kallen.

'Where'd he come from?'

"Ah!" Kallen screached, "Dang it, Alfred. You're still doing that?!"

"Forgive me, mistress Kallen."

"Alfred, could you and my daughter help Arita Kozuki with their luggage. I'd like to personally thank Mister…"

"Lamperouge." Lelouch replied.

"Mister Lamperouge for all the help he's done."

"Of course, master Stadfelt."

With that, the three began moving the luggage into the trunk of the taxi, leaving the two alone.

'And with that, Kallen's loyalty is secured.'

"I must say, Mister Lamperouge. You've done an impressive job, considering how short of a timeframe you must've had."

"I'm good at challenges." Lelouch however noticed that Lord Stadfelt was eyeing him suspiciously.

"You don't remember me, do you."

'Red flag!'

"We met years ago, at Pendragon."

'Blood red.'

"It's understandable why you don't remember, you only saw me once, and it was very brief."

Lelouch began to think back. Stadfelt was right. It was during one of the balls. Euphie had whisked Nunnally from him, and he was trying to find them, when he ran into his mother talking with several noblemen. One of them looked surprisingly like Lord Stadfelt. His mother pointed out where she saw them last, and he quickly left them.

In a rare moment of weakness, he found he had nothing to say.

"Now, I'm not one to question why a member of royalty, or, members, if I can guess, would be in hiding, but I can promise this." His tone became gravely, "If you harm my little girl, I won't hurt you. But your family might just discover where you are."

Lelouch had recomposed himself, and found himself smiling. "I understand, Lord Stadfelt. Though, I feel it's more likely that she'll hurt me."

James chuckled, "On that, I'm sure we could agree on. Though, it'd be a good match."

With that, Lelouch left, saying farewell to Kallen and her mother, as the taxi drove off. He began making his way back to Ashford Academy.

'It'd be a good match.'

Lelouch felt like a record scratched.

'That's a term noblemen would say when they'd want to marry children. DAMNIT! First Milly, now Kallen's father! That woman's gonna be the death of me.'

September 2nd, Ashford Academy, 8:42 A.M.

Lelouch

Lelouch was currently looking over the division of finances for each of Ashford's clubs. The Student Council was having another meeting to discuss it, however Rivalz and Shirley had not arrived yet, and were actually running late.

'This isn't like them.'

"Do you have any idea," Euphie exclaimed, "Why they, of all people, would be late."

"No," Nina replied, "Which concerns me."

"Maybe they had some late night acti~" The door slammed open, and the two barrelled in.

"Dude," Rival exclaimed, "You're my best friend. How could you keep this from me?"

"Lelouch," Shirley continued, not letting anyone get a word in, "Why would you keep this from us?"

"Did you think we'd rat you out."

"Oh my god, would I get in trouble for slapping you last year."

The two continued doing this back and forth, however, due to how fast they were talking, the other four couldn't understand a single thing being said.

"Ok," Lelouch tried to calm them down, but to no avail, "Please slow do~QUIET!"

That made them stop dead in their tracks. The looks on their faces seemed like they were being sent to the executioner's block.

'Why do they look so scared. I know I don't yell that often, but they look like I'm about to kill them.' "Now, why don't you take a deep breath, start over, and do it one at a time."

The two took several breaths, and Shirley motioned for Rivalz.

"You got some explaining to do, Prince Lelouch vi Britannia."

Now it was Milly and Euphie's turn to have a terrified expression, while Nina jaw simply dropped. As for Lelouch, he only had two words on his mind.

'Oh boy.'

Author's Notes: Man, everyone seems to be discovering secrets about Lelouch.

Next chapter will involve Rivalz's search into why the Black Knights were interested in Lelouch (or that's what CC made him think X))

As always, leave a review, and I'll see you next time.