Audacity chapter 9
*Must… Stop…Procrastinating… Sigh. Well now that's over I suppose I can get onto business, as I previously stated I will respond to every review assuming it's not a rhetorical question/comment. On that note feel free to ask questions, for I will give detailed answers. Also tips and suggestions are always welcome. And just as a heads up this chapter is returning to Lelouch's point of view… just so you're aware*
I was simply walking, saying it was aimless would be inaccurate, for I had a target objective to complete by doing this… And that objective was 'Memorize the godforsaken layout of this most damnable school' I felt like I was impossibly bad with directions but when I focused my mind I couldn't help but remember almost every detail on just about anything I had previously experienced recently.
Putting the grind of map building onto an auxiliary thought process, I began thinking back to the conversation I had with CC earlier today. It was fairly simple, although she wouldn't tell me exactly what her wish was, I did know that all I had to do to accomplish it was use my Geass until it evolves. This information was not garnered lightly it took several attempts from many different verbal pathways in order to get her to give me this seemingly trivial piece of information.
Somewhere else in my mind I thought about Shirley, every time I did I would feel this borderline giddy feeling surfacing itself, it wasn't like I disliked it or anything, but it did get in the way of other thoughts.
I couldn't help but marvel at my ability to think about several things once and not lose track of anything. I had determined through heavy concentration, my maximum was seven different intelligent subjects at once. Although when I devoted all my 'brain power' to one thing at a time I found that it was unyieldingly successful at finding both alternative solutions and back door loopholes.
I was distracted from my internal musings by my cell phone vibrating in my lower breast pocket. Slightly disgruntled I answered it not bothering to check the caller ID.
"Hello?" I questioned quickly. The response from the speaker nearly caused my eardrum rupture.
"LELOUCH YOU LUCKY BASTARD! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE FINALLY GOING OUT WITH SHIRLEY?" painfully holding the phone away from my ear I barely recognized the voice as that of Rivalz.
"Damn son, you trying to break my ear?" The ire was clear in my voice.
"That's not important right now, tell me what'cha got." I sighed lightly, knowing it was futile to try and reprimand someone of his sunny disposition.
"To make a short story even shorter, Shirley and I are going out… Is that clear enough for you?"
"Ha ha very funny, I mean tell me how you snagged her, I mean, it was pretty obvious she liked you for the longest time, I just find it funny you finally got a clue and took advantage of it." It irked me a little bit that he described Shirley almost like an object or an animal.
"I did not snag her," I paused "It was a mutual agreement on both our ends."
"pfft… you're no fun, I'll just get my explanation from Milly or Shirley herself. Catch you later." I was relieved when I heard the click signifying the call was over. Stopping to view my surroundings briefly I noticed I was near the faculty room, and to this room the door was wide open. Interestingly enough there was a television inside displaying the news. I leaned up against the doorway to watch for a moment, interested in the recent happenings significantly more so because of my lack of memories.
The screen displayed two completely suited up guards pulling a clearly unwilling man along with them. My brow furled slightly as I tried to piece together the situation. But my attempt was pointless for I then heard the newscaster.
"Suspicions have been confirmed as to who killed Prince Clovis," My interest peaked significantly as a remembered the out of body experience the video had provided. Recalling myself killing Prince Clovis.
"Honorary Brittanian, private Suzaku Kururugi is the prime and only suspect in the ongoing investigation and has been set up to be tried…" At this point I began to tune out as my thoughts ensued.
But I know for a fact I'm the one who killed the Prince… Can I simply let someone else take the fall for me, are they going to execute them if he's found guilty? How did they even begin to suspect him? Then again he did have contact with me on a personal level from before I lost my memories. But it's not like I can simply go to the authorities and say 'hey, I'm your guy, not him and walk away cleanly even with Geass… my mind burned with questions as I tried to figure out a way to get this innocent person out of my mess.
"Fuck…" Was my brief yet profound form of conveyance, conveyance of the sick and angry feeling I had from causing someone else's reputation to be ruined because of my actions. Despite the fact I couldn't remember it.
Maybe I could speak to CC about this… I clenched my fist in brief frustration and reversed the thought process. Then again she's unlikely to help me… Wait, she said I needed to have my Geass evolve in order to fulfill her wish. If that's the case I need to be alive in order to do that.
My frown curved up some with that thought. And I made a beeline (At least I what I thought to be) back to my dorm in order to consult with her.
On the way there I toyed with thought of Geassing someone to take the blame for me. However this was quickly dismissed as I realized this was exact equivalent of what I was trying to correct, which was:
The punishment of an innocent for my foul deeds.
I couldn't even begin to comprehend what my motivation could have been behind killing the Prince. But I decided to pursue that knowledge on a later date.
Opening the door to the student Council main building, my eyes narrowed when I saw what could potentially be an obstacle.
Milly stood there with her back turned to me, Rivalz and Nina in tow behind. In an attempt to shirk my way past them unnoticed, I lightened my footsteps. But it seemed this would have no effect, for Milly turned to her right in order to speak to Rivalz and in doing so spotted me.
"Dammit…" I cringed knowing that if I used my Geass control over her in front of other people that it might become suspicion worthy. I flicked my Geass on, preparing to Geass the remaining two student Council members to obey me. Milly began to walk towards me and my heart dropped for directly behind her was Shirley. Quickly averting my gaze and turning off my Geass I submitted to my fate.
I refuse to Geass Shirley… this was the only thing stopping me from Geassing Rivalz and Nina, the potential and unwanted Geassing of the only person I felt anything for.
"Lelouch can you help us out here for a second we have pictures here that we took, and they need to be brought to the photography club so they can be put in the yearbook."
"Sorry Milly, don't have time right now."
"There he goes again trying to shirk off work." Rivalz said deciding to chime in unnecessarily.
Has anyone ever told you that you're a pain in the ass? I thought while sneering mentally.
"No that's not it; I just have things I need to get done that are very time sensitive. Henceforth I do not have time to be running errands."
"Oh come on Lulu it's not that hard just hand these to one of the members of the photography club." This input came from Shirley herself.
Well Shirley just asked me… I lose. I faked a sigh, deciding to play this off nonchalantly.
"Okay then, for you I can make time." I then walked up and took the photos from Milly being sure to wink at Shirley suggestively.
Unable to keep the devilish smirk off my face I ignored everyone's reactions and simply turned to leave.
I'll just Geass some poor bastard into doing this job for me.
And I intended to do just that, quickening my pace in the courtyard I spied several potential candidates walking around or sitting down on the provided tables and benches. I settled for the closest group, it consisted of four girls. Two blondes of medium height and of a lien stature, and a brunette who was similarly endowed. One of the group stood out significantly, despite her being shy and timid looking. It was large busted redhead who sat towards the edge of the table that all the girls occupied.
"This will do…" I said softly as I approached them. I stood at the head of the table for brief moment so they could notice me. Smiling calmly I started with.
"Excuse me ladies, how are you all today?" I found it odd when a hint of recognition flashed in most of their eyes.
"Oh hello vice president!" The slightly taller blonde responded with. "what's up?" My brain almost completely froze as I realized that most if not all of the student body here recognized me as the vice president. And that I determined might prove to be less of an asset than one might think.
Hardly missing a beat I flicked on my Geass and began the order trying to direct it at all of them.
"{Would you be so kind as to deliver these to the photography club, and be sure to let them know that the student Council wants them put into the yearbook… At their own discretion of course.}" Three of them nodded slightly and stood taking the pictures from me and going about their assigned business.
However one of the girls remained. For brief moment I panicked believing that my Geass may have not worked. Getting my brain into overdrive I searched for plausible solutions.
More than likely she just wasn't making eye contact with me when I gave the order. Despite the fact my business here was completed this slight fluke caused me to inspect the remaining redhead a bit more thoroughly.
From the looks of it she appeared to be very physically fit, not to mention her very attractive large curves in all the desirable areas. My mind began to wander further towards the gutter as I continued inspecting her.
"umm… Excuse me?" I flinched slightly "what are you looking at?" a ridiculous smile coming to my face, I opted for the easy way out.
All forces retreat, pullback! "{obey me…}" This time I directed my Geass towards her individually being sure to make eye contact.
"Please forget this ever happened."
"{Understood.}" Although I found her response and confirmation rather formal I blew it off, walking away aiming once again for the student Council room.
This time I entered through the back, being confident that I would run into no one on the Student Council my strides were quick and deliberate. Reaching the door to CC's room I opened it, not bothering to knock. It was literally a mirror copy of my own room, aside for some slight furniture rearrangement. Double checking the bathroom and still finding nobody left me a slightly disheartened.
Dammit, where could she be? This is a very time sensitive matter… If I don't fix this soon that guy is going to be screwed… She might be waiting for me in my room, who knows she might even want to talk to me about something. Not that she ever gives up any useful information.
Determining that my room was the next best place to look, I quickly took off in that direction. My steps even faster than previously, I literally threw open the door to my quarters. The sickening sensation hit me like a brick. The smell of burnt meat was in the air. My mind immediately convulsed as I recalled the gray monstrosity that that had assaulted me when I tried to regain my memories.
I sensed something behind me not knowing who or what it might be I quickly juked left and spun around while reaching into my breast pocket producing my Beretta in record time. The first thing that came to view was the large gray hand with long thin fingers, my sight following up the sickly looking arm all the way to the ungodly looking, lipless face some strange being.
Had I been a second later it would've managed to wrap its hand around my throat. For one arm was partially extended, mere inches from my jugular, windpipe, and carotid arteries.
Biting back the urge to scream and unload the entire magazine, I settled for a quick question.
"What the fuck do you want?" the large purple orbs that were sunk deep into its skull, widened slightly at the question.
"You were expecting me?" the deep inhuman voice asked astonished.
"To an extent, I knew of your existence beforehand. From when you stopped me from regaining my memories… I had a camera trained on myself during the entire incident… For documentation purposes of course." My left eye twitched and sweat began to build on my brow, but despite this I managed to speak with a flat and level voice, although it was beginning to show signs of distaste.
"Well then… At least that partially gets you over the shock of seeing me." It paused "although I must say your reflexes are significantly faster than the first time we met." My mind quickly wondered if I had contact with this being before I lost my memories, but I quickly put that thought away for another time as I pressed on with questions.
"Once again, what do you want?" The skin around its mouth opened up in conjunction that conveyed a smile of sorts.
"I'll be straight with you; I'm here to amuse myself… And I find you can do just that."
What? What the hell is with all these strange characters coming up to me and asking me for things? Am I some sort of freak magnet?
"Next question, what or who are you?" A joint popped in the creatures other arm as it flexed.
"Always so straight to the point, I suppose that is natural, you don't feel completely in control, not that I can bla-"I lost my patience.
"Answer the question!" The beings eyelids narrowed some. In response I pulled back the hammer to my Beretta.
"You may call and refer to me as Gray Jack. As to what I am… I don't remember anymore I believe I might be what most humans would call Satan or a demon of some sorts. However it's been so very long since I spontaneously came into existence, so as you can imagine I'm not quite sure what I am."
"Next question, do you know what happened to my memories?" the creatures smile returned, significantly wider than last time.
"I was waiting for that question, I have your memories." My mind went blank with shock as I quickly realized that Gray Jack had stolen my memories somehow.
"Why?" The hand that was closest to my throat twitched slightly.
"Like I said, I'm here solely to be amused. And from what I've seen so far things are significantly more amusing than they were in your previous state." Knowing the source of my amnesia was rather comforting, or I should say would have been… Had it not been a huge monster like being that had turned up as the source.
"{Give me my memories back.}" I settled for using my Geass, tired of beating around the bush. A brief pause then ensued until crude laughter emanated from Gray Jack causing his hand near my throat to edge away slightly.
"I wasn't quite sure, but now that you've tried to use it on me I know for a fact. Your little magic trick won't work on me." I grit my teeth and frustration.
Fuck. Was the only angry coherent thought I could form. That seemed to be happening a lot today.
"Next question." The malice is practically dripping off my words at this point. "What is the purpose of showing yourself to me today?"
"As I've previously stated multiple times, your situation is purely for my amusement… And while perusing your thoughts earlier I noticed you are about to embark upon a potentially dangerous path-" My eyes widened.
"Stop!" I tried to clear my head. "You can read my thoughts?" Jack took amusement to my fear of his ability.
"Yes, all the way down to your subconscious."
Dammit, this eliminates one of my strongest assets against this thing… Well since I know you can hear me continue what you're saying a moment ago. Jack nodded and continued.
"As I was saying, I noticed you are about to embark upon the warpath, so to speak. I also noticed that your physical abilities are somewhat lacking, despite your quickness and even quicker reflexes."
"I have Geass, winning a fight would be child's play." I said purely to defend my pride. Jack sighed because of my reaction.
"Yes yes that's all good and dandy. However you determined yourself that you require eye contact, and this Geass won't help you run from something dangerous, nor will it help you take down someone who's wearing any form of eye protection." I wanted to argue with it; however I could not deny the logic behind these points.
"Very well what you have in mind?" the moment these words left my lips Gray Jack lunged forward completely enveloping my throat with his incredibly large hand.
I saw stars immediately, my body singeing and tingling all over… It was painful but not unbearably so.
Exhaling sharply, I came to my senses and pulled the trigger twice. Both rounds struck Jack in the forehead.
He fell over onto the ground, presumably dead. The moment his hand disconnected contact with me the sensations stopped.
"Glad that's over… but I wish I knew what 'that' was." Movement directly in front of me immediately stole my attention.
"That, as you so articulately put it was a physical augmentation." My brow raised itself involuntarily. It was clear I was in shock from Jack getting up after taking two 9mm's to the head.
"You will notice and that your physical well-being is much better off than it was a few moments ago… However I couldn't do all the work for you, but your muscles should build up rapidly throughout the next few weeks." Jack paused to smile wickedly at me.
"So as long as you give yourself proper nutrition that is… lots of iron and fiber should do the trick. But then again you should also focus on calcium too."
"Okay now that I know you can't die… well nothing really. There's not a whole lot I can do now, assuming I can't find a way to restrain you if the need be." I paused in order to return to handgun to my breast pocket.
"Then again even if I did restrain you, you would probably do that magic teleporting thing." Gray Jack raised an arm along with one finger in the air in order to correct me.
"Interdimensional matter teleportation." I blinked twice. The concept was easy enough to wrap my head around.
Essentially you disassemble matter and reassemble it somewhere else within the same dimension, but at a different location and/or time.
However what I did not understand is how he pulled it off, or why he did not do something more useful with this ability.
"Is that why it smells like burnt meat every time you come around?" Gray Jack nodded once with an approving smile.
"Carbon and atomic searing caused by fiction due to high speed reassembly."
That explains why he's not wearing anything, clothes would just be torn apart and disintegrated with those types of forces being applied to them.
"Precisely!" Jack said almost emphatically. "And as much as I would love to stick around here and have my secrets picked apart by you, I have other business to attend to. So I bid you farewell for now… If you ever desperately need me to save your ass, feel free to run around circles with your arms flailing while calling out my name… I'll be sure to show up and save you."
"Duly noted…" I said with an air of disbelief. Gray Jack then turned around and while he was doing so an enormous flash of light blinded me. And the smell of burnt meat filled the air once more amplifying its already present intensity.
"That was fucking weird…" I said to myself, feeling a bit of faintness due to shock and blood pressure.
But I can't be overcome by this now, like that creepy bastard said… I'm embarking upon the warpath, and I'm about to piss off an entire nation just so I can feel good about myself.
Lightly slapping myself on the face to increase awareness I began to formulate a plan to save Suzaku Kururugi.
I need to find a theatre or drama club here… Or perhaps the pottery club. I nodded once agreeing with myself as I made my way towards the door ignoring the potential to lie down and sleep in a comfortable bed with semi-familiar surroundings.
"Right, first order of business… Protecting my identity, secure an alias." I said this to no one in particular as I set out to accomplish my still formulating plan.
TO BE CONTINUED SOON, NEXT CHAPTER….