Chapter 3

The Red Ace

Kallen Stadtfeld, formerly Kallen Kouzuki, member of the resistance and soon to-be ace of the Black Knights. Kallen, my most loyal knight, and my most dangerous enemy, besides Schneizel. Lelouch knew that Kallen would be suspicious of him from the start, and would hound him down. However, if I restore her memories, I'd limit her reactions to scolding me while kicking my ass, or have her crying on me. Neither are good options. However...

"Hey buddy. See something you like?" Rivalz had surprised him.

"No I was just thinking. How long has Kallen been out of class?" Lelouch asked, already knowing the answer.

"I think it's been a few months…. You don't have to hide it, Lelouch. A touch too sheltered though, if you ask me.

(at lunch)

Kallen didn't like going to school. She'd much rather spend her days in the ghetto, fighting Britannia, than simply acting helpless and attending high school, especially a Britannian high school. But still, it's what Naoto wanted me to do.

"Aaaaah! There's a bee! A bee!" Kallen hadn't noticed, but there was infact a bee.

"Oh my God. Kallen, run!" her "friends" told her. As if I would ever be friends with a Britannian. "Hurry up and run!"

Kallen wasn't afraid, but didn't want to make a scene. She backed up, then ran the hell away from the bee. As she turned, she noticed that her so-called friends had ran in other directions

"I don't get it, why is a bee after me? Hm? I wonder if there's a hive nearby…"

"God, I hate this! I'm sick of acting like a freakin' invalid!"

Crap, he saw me...

Lelouch stared at his knight, feeling an odd sense of depression and gratitude. Thank you God. Thank you for allowing me to make things right this time. He readjusted his mind, focusing back on the matter t hand. "There's no question, it's you, Kallen."

His voice sounded familiar… too familiar. Could he be… No, he can't be… But if he is...

"What do you mean it's me?" She asked him, her suspicions rising.

"If you want answers to that, then you will meet me after class, tomorrow. We'll be in touch." Lelouch told her, turning to get to chemistry class.

"Hey, Lulu! Kallen!" The familiar voice of Shirley Fenette called out. "You know, it's time to head over to the chem lab! You'd better get a move on!"

Lelouch grabbed his head, acting completely clueless. "Ah crap! It's my turn to set up for class!" He remarked, sprinting towards the hallways of his old school.

Phase 1 successful.

(that evening, in the Clubhouse)

Sayoko was teaching Nunnally about origami, just as she did before "Well, what shall we do? He may be late again this evening."

Nunnally, blind and crippled, simply told Sayoko, "I'll wait. He said that we'd have dinner together tonight."

Sayoko made the last fold. her crane was complete "There now. This one's finished." She said sweetly, handing her the paper bird.

Lelouch entered his old quarters, regarding Nunnally with a smile. "I'm back. Huh?" Out of the blue, Lelouch saw someone, someone he was very familiar with.

The figure, now folding a origami crane, simply said. "Welcome home, Lelouch."

Sayoko smiled, as she always did. But Lelouch knew that she was confused by all of this.

"Yes, welcome home, my lord."

Nunnally ignored the figure, trying to figure out the shape of the crane. "Ah, a bird?" She began to smile. "Amazing! The Japanese are so skillful."

Lelouch stood there in utter disbelief. "C.C.? You're here early." Of course she is. Last time it took her long because she was hunting me down. But now…. I have to see how much she remember.

Nunnally giggled at her unusual name. She's happy again. Lelouch told himself, putting on an uneasy smile.

"Your friend goes by such an unusual name, Lelouch, only her initials."

I need to test my Geass. I know I can control her, but can I really restore Sayoko's memories?

Lelouch quickly changed his face into a smile. "C.C., can I see you in the other room?"

C.C., now smiling as well, answered "Of course Lelouch", and followed him into his room.

Nunnally was a tad bit confused. "Sayoko, do you know who C.C. is?"

"I'm sure Master Lelouch will behave himself, Lady Nunnally." Sayoko reassured, but still unconvinced herself.

"How much do you remember, C.C.?" the former Demon Emperor questioned.

"All of it, Demon Emperor Lelouch." C.C remarked.

"If that's the case, then why did you and God offer me this second chance?" Lelouch demanded. The pain he feels when he gets near Nunnally is intense, like he was going through the Zero Requiem all over again. After everything that happened between them, her becoming the Viceroy of Japan, the F.L.E.I.J.A. incident, her declaring her hatred towards him on the Damocles, and… her tears when he died. "I deserve to know at least that!" He raged, the pain flaring up his anger.

C.C.'s smile disappeared instantly. "You will learn that eventually. You'll probably find out like when you learned the details of our original contract: When the deal is close to a breach or closing." C.C. told him.

"Damn it witch!" Lelouch cooled off. "How do I activate this new Geass power?"

C.C. didn't need to tell him about his Geass the last time, for he merely figured it out on his own.

However, given this Geass. "Simply state the name of your target, and order them to awaken. But be warned Lelouch, after you use this Geass on them, you will be unable to use either of your geass on them again. And you can only awaken those who you knew well." C.C. had never done this before, telling her accomplices about their Geass ahead of time.

"So, if it works the way you say, then I should be able to awaken Sayoko, and Nunnally if I wanted." Lelouch implied.

"It has other restrictions, almost all of the same ones your original geass had. For example, you need direct eye contact, and using reflections won't work with this one."

"If that is the case" Lelouch wondered "Are there any specific requirements in order to activate this geass." C.C smiled, seeing Lelouch the Demon Emperor as well as Zero ask for such help.

(Meanwhile)

*over the phone*

"So, how's campus life treating you?" Ohgi asked.

Kallen needed to tell Ohgi something. But why can't I remember what it was? She had to respond though. "Stifling. I was stuck in history class yesterday. Look, maybe I should just head back."

Ohgi knew how much they hated Britannians, Kallen especially. But I promised Naoto I'd protect her. "Kallen, the army's on a high alert right now. Stay there, and let things cool off."

"I don't know." Kallen suddenly remembered why she called. " Listen Ohgi, about Zero…"

She tried to tell him about that boy, but Ohgi cut her off.

"Kallen, listen to me." he paused for a moment, looking at an old photograph. "We can't waste time looking for a voice. Besides, Naoto would be happy to see you back in school."

Kallen tried to assert herself, but Ohgi interrupted her again. "We'll be in touch." He told her, as he hung up. That phrase stung her mind, like a splinter in her brain. We'll be in touch. the thought echoed. No, it couldn't have been his voice. She tried to believe.

(in the morning, during 2nd period)

Lelouch began to speak, reading his textbook outloud. "The aristocracy was highly educated, with such an emphasis on edification and training, they produced a superior breed of ruler. And with emphasis on progress, they developed heightened efficiency, since only a small number of the very best were carefully chosen from their ranks…"

Kallen was only hearing the class, giving her mind room to think. It could be...no, I can't remember well enough to be sure. But even so...

Lelouch, also paying half-attention to the class, was planning his next move. I told her I wanted to talk, however…

If he knows who I am…

I'll need to act quickly. He finished, seeing her close her pencil case.

(after classes were over)

This was the day that Lelouch had previously concealed the fact that he was Zero. This is the best time to do this, when her guard will be down until we're alone. He thought as he put his plan into motion. out of the corner of his eye, he saw Shirley, seemingly over his outburst yesterday.

However, he knew she was still thinking about it. Don't worry Shirley, I won't let you get hurt this time. She turned to him, looking… No stay focused. Shirley, now gesturing him to follow, began to speak."Hey Lelou, you coming along?"

Better stick to what happened before. I can't let it change just yet. Lelouch thought, beginning to speak. "Sorry, maybe some other time." he turned towards Kallen, surprising most of her so called friends.

"You think that you could spare a minute?"

Kallen responded, having that glare in her eye. "Sure. I was waiting for you to ask."

Shirley was giving Lelouch the stink eye, but he didn't mind. He missed that quite a lot actually.

(In the Student Council Room)

It was quiet, as the two former allies entered the room. Lelouch thought this was a good excuse to get her here, and hopefully, trigger her real memories. Kallen looked around, bewildered by the size of the room.

"I didn't even know this room existed." She said in her confusion.

Kallen, I hope that you will find it in your heart to forgive me, and even more so, that you will follow me again. Lelouch thought, begging that god would not interfere. He spoke to her, putting on his best mask of innocence.

"It's the clubhouse for the student council. They built as a ballroom for various special occasions." He told her, preparing to use his geass.

Kallen looked around in suspicion. "And we won't be disturbed inside here?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Now is the time.

Shirley appeared from behind the staircase, acting like she had just done something great.

"Hey guys, I found it!"

Nina and Rivalz "You found our lab data?"

Rivalz: "You had better. My ass is killing me."

Milly: "Were you able to find it? I finished up on my end, shall we dig in?"

Rivalz: "Wow!"

Shirley: Way to go, Milly!

Milly: You adore me, I know.

Lelouch: Um, what is all of this?

Milly: Lelouch, don't you know? I thought that's why you brought her. We're inducting Kallen into the student council. It was my grandfather's idea, actually.

Lelouch smiled, and began to joke. "The principal thought of this. He must be having a good day."

Milly looked at her Vice president with a playful smile, just as she had done in the past. "Ha ha. Very funny, Lelouch. He thought it best, with her poor health she'd have a harder time with regular club activities." She turned towards Kallen, and introduced herself to her.

"Oh, I'm Milly, President of the Council. Pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, thank you, the pleasure's all mine." Kallen said, using her fake smile, the smile of a frail women.

Then, one by one, the Ashford Academy, with the exception of Lelouch, introduced themselves to the Japanese red-head.

"I'm Rivalz, the secretary. If there's anything you need to help with, I'm your man."

"Hi, I'm Shirley. And I'm a member of the swim club. Welcome."

"Hi there, my name's Nina." she said, shy as ever.

Kallen greeted them with her fake smile. "It's nice to meet all of you."

Like clockwork. Lelouch thought as Nunnally wheeled herself into the room, carrying large amounts of food. "Shirley, I'm sorry but, do you think you could set these on the table for me?"

Shirley hesitated, but responded with a smile on her face.

"Oh, sure, thanks, Nunna."

I swear, I will protect you all, so we can enjoy times like this again. Lelouch swore under his breath. Milly looked at Nunnally.

"Oh right." She remembered, turning back to Kallen. "Kallen, this is Lelouch's sister, Nunnally."

Nunnally smiled straight at Kallen, like she knew where she was, even without her sight.

Nunnally took Kallens hand, as she did with all the people she met. "Hello there, it's a pleasure to meet you, Kallen."

Kallen responded to the girl sweetly. "Thank you. You as well."

Rivalz took out a shopping bag. The fool. He just wasted his money getting Kallen… Lelouch stopped himself, trying not to think about it too much. Rivalz unwrapped the bottle. "Right. Shall we kick this off with a toast?"

Shirley gasped, displeased with Rivalz. "Champagne?!"

Timid as always, Nina stated "Yeah, but we're on the student council, we shouldn't…"

Rivalz chuckled. "Uh, come on! Loosen up, you guys!" he told them, trying to uncork the bottle.

Shirley jumped at him, attempting to prevent an incident. "No way. We're gonna get in trouble!" she screamed as she tackled him.

Nunnally paused, then asked "What's going on?"

"Here, Nunnally." Milly told her, giving her a cup to hold

"Lelouch! Heads up!" Rivalz shouted as he was tossing the bottle towards him.

"Ah...Ah…" Shirley turned, then jumped at Lelouch, trying again to get the bottle.

"You aren't getting away with it either, Lelou..." Lelouch became lost in his thoughts. I could just give it to her, but then again, the shower would be an excellent time. He snapped back to reality when Shirley got a better grip. She struggled to get that Champagne away from him "C'mon, Lelou! Let me see that bottle!"

Suddenly, the cork popped off, and the bottle had soaked Kallen. Nunnally, being unable to see, was unaware as to what happened.

"What just happened?" Nunnally asked, completely oblivious to the incident.

(in the laundry room, a few minutes later)

Milly was embarrassed by the lack of class the Student Council had shown Kallen. Damn it Rivalz, you ruined everything. She looked at Shirley, and tried to make conversation

"Do we have clothes for her?"

Shirley vaguely responded. "Sayoko's on it."

(in the bathroom)

Kallen was drenched in liquor. She hated getting wet by surprise. She would be completely exposed if not for the curtain. I come back 1 day, and this happens. Damn it, I let my guard down, and this happens! Urg! This is why I hate Britanians.

Suddenly, Kallen heard knocking. She drew the curtain, and heard a voice.

"It's Lelouch. I've brought you a change of clothes." he informed her. She gasped, quickly drawing back the curtain, and answered. "You can come in. I've drawn the curtain already."

He walked in, gazing at the silhouette of her gorgeous body. Lelouch had seen Kallen this way before, but he could still feel cold sweat all over him. Any minute now Kallen will ask for the pouch, then attempt to interrogate me. I should try to stick with the original script as much as possible, yet I didn't have these sensations last time. He needed to keep his cool, so he tried not to look too much.

"Sorry about all this. I know they can be a little over the top." He told her waiting for an answer.

Kallen, burying her temper for the moment, answered like he'd expected. "That's okay. Nothing wrong with cutting loose every once in a while, you know?"

If I can get him over here, maybe I can find out for myself.

Lelouch placed his clothes in the basket, careful to keep his cool.

"These are some of my clothes. Hope that's okay."

"It's cool. Don't worry about it." She lied. "That was fast. You went all the way to the boy's dorm?"

Lelouch opened his mouth, and began to explain "Actually, I live here." he told her.

"It'd be pretty hard for my sister to live off in the dorms. The principal of the school lets us stay here as a favor."

"I see…" Kallen sighed. I forgot about that...everyone has problems, not just us, but Britannians as well. But even so… She thought before Lelouch cut her off.

"Anyway…" He said, turning to leave.

"Hey, wait!" Kallen cried. she put her hand through the curtain, gesturing towards the counter. "Can you hand me that pouch over there?" She asked politely.

Lelouch knew the second Kallen had that pouch, she'd interrogate him with the hidden knife.

Regardless, this is the best time available.

"Sure" He answered, picking up her hidden knife. He walked towards her, activating his geass.

Lelouch looked away, and gestured for her to take the pouch from him. And just like last time, Kallen grabbed him. Excellent, you haven't changed Kallen. Or… Lelouch thought, thinking of his Geass. At least not yet.

"You really are a live wire, huh?" Lelouch joked, knowing she would ignore it.

"Were you the one in Shinjuku?" She asked him, clutching her knife close to him.

"Shinjuku? Is this some kind of joke?" Lelouch needed to play dumb long enough to prep his new geass.

"Don't play dumb with me. Are you Zero or not?" She demanded, with her knife extended.

"Zero? As in nothing?" He was toying with her, but it was necessary. It's nearly ready.

"Don't answer my question with a question! Are you Zero?! You have the same voice."

That's not right. Kallen didn't suspected me because of that. She suspected me last time because I mentioned Shinjuku. Could it be what I said that did this? No, it must be something else. But what... He froze, realizing that his geass was ready.

*flashback*

A plate shattered on the floor, as Lelouch had intended. immediately, sayoko showed up with a broom. "Let me get that Master Lelouch" she told him.

"Sayoko." Lelouch said, activating his geass.

"Yes?"

"Lelouch vi Britannia commands you. AWAKEN!" The familiar red glow appeared on her eyes. The geass had activated.

"Awaken what, my master?" Sayoko asked, still under the geass' power.

"What?! C.C., what the hell? Why didn't my new geass work?!" Lelouch demanded, upset with her.

"Your normal geass, like most, is red in color, and activates at will in this stage. However, your new geass has another color, and it takes 40 seconds for your geass' to switch."

40 seconds to switch between my powers. This will be more difficult than I thought.

"Sayoko, you will awaken me at 4:30 A.M so that I can make preparations, then at 4:50 P.M. you will use this cell phone. If I say "Yes", you will hang up the phone immediately and delete recorded message 1. And I say "No" you will play recorded message 1, then proceed with the previous instructions."

"Understood" she said, as the geass wore off.

*flashback end*

"Well well well. It's about time you noticed that, Q-1."

Kallen was shocked, but not surprised. I was right.

"What do you hope to gain from us, Zero?!" She asked, tightening her grip. She leaned the blade closer to him, yearning to cut him to ribbons. But out of nowhere, she found herself being startled by the phone.

"If I don't answer it, someone will come looking." he bluffed, knowing that his plan would work.

"Fine, you can answer it, but don't move otherwise." She ordered him, leaning the knife closer to him.

"Hello? Ashford Academy Student Council." Lelouch answered. "Yes" Sayoko had hung up. Excellent. "Nevermind" He put the phone back. "Now where were we?"

"I told you, DON'T PLAY…" She began to shout, before being cut off by Lelouch, with his eye lit up green.

"AWAKEN, KALLEN KOUZUKI!" he commanded. Her eyes glew green. Success.

Kallen suddenly felt these thoughts, feelings, and...memories flooding into her.

She remembered meeting Zero, The Battle of Narita, The Special Zone massacre, the Black Rebellion, Zero's return, being captured by Britannia, when the Black Knights turned on Zero, Lelouch becoming Emperor, the Battle at Damocles, countless others, and finally… The Zero Requiem.

Kallen's eyes filled with tears, the geass fading, and depression took a firm hold of her. "Lelouch"