Eddie: Oooooh Kallen~!

Kallen: What do you need?

Eddie: Take this.

Kallen: This little golden ball?

Eddie: Yes that.

Kallen barely touches the ball....It begins bouncing everywhere.

Kallen: HOLY SHIT!

Ball slams into her forehead....Knocking her out.

Eddie: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *Catches the ball with special glove* I never get tired of that. Grimdivide doesn't own Code Geass. Okay Kallen, you can get up now....Wake up...Wow, she's out cold. I wonder if she left her lunch in the fridge. Hmm. *Leaves the unconscious Kallen*

Act I Part 4
Ardor

Remnants' HQ, Unknown Country
Day One

Naoto's cloak swished behind him as he strode through the long white hallway in search his partner. Naoto sighed. "Who the hell decided to make these hallways so damn long?!" he complained.

"So the rumors of you starting everything were true," said a misty voice behind him.

Naoto stopped dead in his tracks. "What do you want Marik?" he asked, displeasure in his tone.

A dark-skinned man about Naoto's age walked in front of the former resistance leader. "I just wanted to confirm what I have heard is all," Marik spoke truthfully. His eyes were forest green and his long hair was strawberry blonde. "Is it true that you will be the signal to our coming?"

Naoto shook his head. "No," he answered plain and simple. "Now step aside flower boy. You're in my way."

Marik wagged his finger in Naoto's face. "Now now. It's rude to call people names sparky."

"Shut it Marik before I turn you to ash!" Naoto warned.

"Humph. So barbaric," Naoto's threat did nothing to frighten him, "And you should not insult my love of plants...Every rose has a thorn." Marik began to walk away while saying, "You should learn to control your anger Naoto, or you'll burn the house down...And you know that better than anyone."

Naoto huffed and continued to look for his partner while he grumbled his complaints about Marik to himself. When he was just a quarter of the way to his destination, Naoto bumped into a pair of slightly older Remnants. Keith and Adriane, they're twins so they both have brown eyes and blueish hair.

"Hello-" Keith began with a big childish smile on his face.

"Naoto," Adriane finished cheerfully.

"Are you-"

"Going on your-"

"Mission?"

"Okay guys, quit it," Naoto said to the twins, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Quit-"

"What?"

"I think Naoto is crazy bro."

"I think so too sis."

"Why did I have to run into these two?" Naoto growled to himself.

"Hey Naoto! Do you-"

"Want to play-"

"With us?"

Naoto didn't even bother to answer the twins, he just kept walking, leaving them to talk to themselves. Eventually he arrived in front of his partners room. Naoto grasped the handle firmly; even with his glove, the knob was extremely cold.

"Issac, we have to go," Naoto said as he opened the door. The room behind it was completely frozen, there was ice everywhere. The only occupant of the room was a Remnant with icy blue and purple hair and violet eyes. He was about Naoto's age.

"Come on let's go," Naoto told Issac, who just stood there staring at him. The look Issac gave Naoto told the Japanese man to not rush him. Naoto sighed. "I know, it's not like we have to be there right away. We have three days, but...I just want to get it over with."

Issac just stared at his comrade with some sort of pity in his violet eyes. "Man I wish you weren't mute," Naoto complained, walking off. In the distance Issac could here him saying, "At least you could possibly give a decent conversation I bet!"

*************

Kallen's home

Roland and Kaylin stood by the door, fully dressed in their new Ashford uniforms. "Hurry up Kallen!" Roland called to the usually late red-head.

Kallen came running downstairs toward them. "You need to work on your morning routine," Kaylin commented.

"Hey, I'm ready aren't I?"

"Cut it kinda close though," Roland said, "I mean, we were about to leave you."

"I get it," Kallen responded. She called goodbye to her mother and the three of them set out to Ashford.

When they arrived at the academy the group met up with Schneider, with his lucky beanie hat, at the front gate. He grunted a greeting to them as he continued to the front of the school with them trailing behind. Roland knew sooner or later they would get into a fight with each other and he hoped Kallen would take his advice in staying out of the fight.

"Nervous?" Kaylin asked Roland.

"Why would he be?" Kallen asked, curious.

"You do know who I look like, right?" Roland asked with a questioning look.

"Yes I do," Kallen snapped, the way he said it made her sound stupid. "But with your hair cut and piercings, you don't look enough like Lelouch."

"Then I guess I'm not worried," Roland said turning back to Kaylin who just gave him a smile. "So what do you guys have first?"

"Physics," the two girls answered at the same time.

"What do you have?" Kaylin asked.

"Gym," Roland answered. Kallen began to give him directions but he stopped her. "I'm going to skip that class," he said, "I don't need it anyway since I'm at peek health."

Kaylin sighed. "You will get into trouble....again."

"Don't I always?" he asked rhetorically.

"Did I hear that you were skipping?" asked a voice from behind them. They and Schneider turned to see Viletta with her arms crossed and glaring at Roland. "No one skips class. Especially mine, Roland," she glowered at said exchange student.

"Now, now coach," he said while beginning to step back, "It's just one day-"

"Yesterday counts too," Viletta growled, taking a step closer.

"Okay two days," Roland continued. He took three more steps back before turning around and sprinting away.

"GET BACK HERE!" Viletta yelled while chasing after him. "ROLAND!!!!!!"

Kallen shook her head. "Baka."

"Ditto," Schneider agreed grinning as he watched the coach run after Roland into the school.

Kaylin sighed. "Just like home, huh?"

Schneider nodded. "You can say that again." With that the three of them continued to their assigned classes.

***************

Day Two

Naoto and Issac arrived at the airport of their first destination. They took a plane because Naoto wanted to think about what would lie ahead in his future. Issac was just along for the ride.

The two Remnants wore regular civilian clothes so as to not stick out amongst the crowd. "So, is there anything you want to do before we head out?" Naoto asked.

Issac used sign language since he couldn't speak. 'There's nothing in this town to see,' his hands answered. 'But I'm tired, lets find a place to rest for the day.' Naoto nodded in agreement with a yawn and the two went off to find a room to rent for the day.

After a few hours of searching, they went inside a cheap, crappy, hotel. The pair walked up to the counter to the old man with a bottle of scotch clutched in his hand at the counter, the owner Naoto guessed. "We need two rooms for the night," Naoto told the old man.

One look at Naoto made the owner scowl. "We don't serve your kind," he growled.

Naoto gave him a confused look. "My kind?"

"Yes, your kind, you filthy Eleven."

Issac's eyes widened in fear for the old man as he looked at the back of his friend in front of him. He thought Naoto's body language would give him some sign of anger or something. What he saw though was...nothing. He sensed no tension of any kind in the room.

In a calm, uncaring tone Naoto spoke back to the owner. "I believe they are now called Japanese."

'They?' Issac wondered.

"I don't give a damn what they are called!" the old man yelled. "They are still Elevens!" He pulled out a revolver from under his counter and aimed it at Naoto. "Leave," he warned.

Much to Issac's bewilderment, Naoto left without a word, let alone an outburst as Issac was expecting. His comrade was a prideful person so Issac thought Naoto would beat the hell out of the owner for insulting the Japanese; when he caught up with Naoto that belief came into question when his fellow Remnant spoke. "The country of Japan...is nothing more than a lie." Naoto didn't say that to Issac, but he was reminding himself.

***************

Saudi Arabia

"Okay Lelouch," Adam gazed at the Black Knights supply plane, "How do you propose we sneak on board with so many soldiers patrolling?"

"I'm thinking," the raven-haired prince replied. The three of them, Lelouch, Adam, and Iskandar, had finally arrived in a town. Problem was that it was occupied by the Black Knights in search of Lelouch and Adam. Right now they were planning to smuggle themselves on board a supply plane heading to Japan.

Lelouch looked at the ruby ring Iskandar let him keep. After they arrived, the group had found a relative of Iskandar and let the child stay with them; they also left the treasure with the boy. Lelouch thought that Kallen would like the ring as a gift. In other words...Hopefully she will forgive him for leaving her again and she will not hurt him.

"Well?" Adam asked impatiently.

The ex-emperor turned to look at his companion. "How about you come up with a plan for once?" Lelouch questioned, annoyed by Adam rushing him.

"Don't feel like it," the snow haired teen replied. Adam spotted two Black Knight soldiers approaching. "But if you really want one..."

*************

Night of Day Three

The Remnants, now in their black hooded cloaks, walked along the country road the night of the last day Naoto had to complete his task. Their target was at the end of the road in a huge brightly lit mansion. Naoto gave a silent chuckle. 'Still retain your wealth huh?'

"Issac," Naoto suddenly spoke to his friend trailing behind him. The mute gave no sign of listening but Naoto continued, "I want to thank you for coming with me. I bet you want to know why I asked you to come. Right?" Issac did wonder why he was invited to come. "I...I just wanted a friend with me...So," Naoto turned his head to look at his comrade, "thanks." Issac nodded and smiled when he mouthed 'no problem'. Naoto gave a small smile and returned his attention to the house at the end of the path

When they stopped in front of the mansion, the two looked around the surrounding area. The mansion overlooked a beautiful country landscape with moonlit mountains in the background. It was perfect for painting a picture. 'You always did appreciate the land that was below your feet.'

"May I help you?" Issac turned a saw a kind old butler holding the ornamental door of the mansion open for the two cloaked men.

Naoto, still looking at the night landscape, answered. "Actually yes," the fire-starter said warmly. Naoto pulled off his hood and turned to look at the butler. "It's been awhile," he said with a warm smile, "Ne, Gerald?"

"Master Naoto!" The butler named Gerald ran up and hugged the supposed to be dead young man in front of him. Issac noticed that there were tears in the old man's eyes. "I'm happy to see you alive my lord."

"Eh heh. It's good to see you too Gerald," the Stadtfeld heir said as he patted the butler's back. Gerald released him. "But don't call me 'Master' or 'Lord'. You know I never liked that."

The old man laughed. "Of course, of course. Please, you and your friend come in," Gerald gestured to the door that was left ajar.

They went inside with Gerald closing the door behind them. "I will inform the lord of your arrival," the butler said as he began to walk up the stairs in the foyer, "I'm sure he'll be delighted to see you again."

When Gerald was out of earshot Naoto spoke in a silent whisper. "Yeah...he should," Naoto said solemnly. He looked around the brightly lit room and smiled.

"It looks like..." was all Issac heard him say about the house. The blue haired Remnant noticed the nostalgic look that was planted on Naoto's face.

"Issac," Naoto's expression turned to one of pleading when he placed his gaze to his friend, "I want you to make sure Gerald is gone before..." He stopped himself as his look soft. Issac answered with a slight nod, understanding why Naoto wanted to keep the old man alive...For sentimental reasons and other reasons.

When Gerald returned he beckoned Naoto to follow him to the study. His father wanted to see him. When they got there Gerald opened the door and let Naoto step in.

"Gerald," called a voice from behind a chair in front of a fireplace, "Leave us."

"Yes my lord." Gerald bowed to Naoto and walked away.

Naoto walked into the study, closing the door behind him. "It's been awhile," he said as he stepped further into the study. He took a seat beside the man who was watching the dancing flames.

The man had bright red hair and stern dark brown eyes. His face was wrinkled with age and regret; his eyes no longer carried the pride that Naoto once admired. After a moment of silence Benjamin Stadtfeld spoke to the son he thought dead. "How did you survive?" he asked.

Naoto chuckled as he stared into the flames. "That depends on what you mean by 'survive'," Naoto answered, "But to talk about how I am still alive and kicking isn't why I am here."

"Then why are you here?"

"You already know the answer to that."

"Then it seems you still have questions." Naoto looked at his father who was now reaching for two glasses of scotch. "Here," he handed Naoto one of the glasses, "You should be able to drink legally now."

Naoto took a sip of the liquor and began to ask the questions he had always wanted answered. "Why did you come to Japan in the first place?"

"I had heard the land was a sight to behold," Ben Stadtfeld answered simply, "And it was and still is...How I miss living there."

"Then why don't you?" Naoto questioned.

Lord Stadtfeld did not answer. Naoto noticed the sadness in his eyes when he asked, "Do you think they would forgive me?"

"Mom would soften up to you if you actually try," Naoto answered, "But Kallen..."

Ben laughed. "She is like me, stubborn and so full of pride."

Naoto smiled. "Yeah...She is."

"She will never forgive me," Ben stopped laughing, "And she has every right not to," he turned to his only son, "What about you?"

"I'm listening aren't I?" Naoto questioned. His father looked back into the fire and took a sip of scotch. "Why did you leave?" Naoto Kozuki asked looking into the fire himself.

"The same reason why you fought to defend Japan," he sighed, "Having pride comes with a great cost."

"Hmph. I can't say I love Japan anymore," Naoto said surprisingly.

Benjamin cocked an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

Naoto took another drink before he answered. "Because for the sake of pride...That whole country became a den of traitors." His father had no comment so he continued, "They turned on the true Zero at the drop of a hat. And for what?! Their empty pride!" He stood up and threw the glass at the wall, shattering it.

"I met Lelouch," Ben said calmly taking another drink. Naoto sat back down, interested in what his father was going to say. "He came into this very room after he defeated the Black Knights...including Kallen. Do you know what he wanted to talk to me about?" His son just looked at him as he chuckled at highly unlikely things the last Emperor questioned. "He asked me about Kallen's childhood."

Naoto barely believed him. "Really?" he asked with a laugh.

"Yes, it's true," the Britannian answered. "So I told him everything I can remember about Kallen and you. Lelouch just sat there as I told him everything and then I knew that he was not the Demon Emperor the world made him out to be. Instead of staring into the cold eyes of a dictator I looked into the eyes of a sad young man, one who I could tell had suffered much in his life...Much more than any boy his age should live through.

"I asked him about his life and he told me everything. It was as if he was confessing his sins to a preacher though. Anyway, he told me about his childhood, Zero, and even his final plan, his final gift, for the world...The Zero Requiem."

Naoto chuckled. "That was a good name for it," he commented.

"Heh. It was indeed," his father agreed. "I could tell there were things he didn't explain, but I suppose that he just couldn't...You know, when he talked about Kallen, I could see the caring in his eyes. That caring was the same as when he talked only about the current Empress Nunnally," he smiled thoughtfully, "He and Kallen, they must care deeply for each other."

Naoto decided to change the subject. "Father," he took a deep breath, "If you could go back would you-"

"Would I change my decision of leaving Japan?" his father finished. "I would not."

"Why not?" Naoto asked, even if he knew the answer.

"If I had not made that decision," Ben began, "Then would we have this peace that we do have now? No, you and Kallen played important roles in history that led up to this peace. If I had not left, you wouldn't have played the roles everyone must play. Make no mistake, I love you, Kallen, and your mother dearly. But son, do not waste your life pondering on the what ifs like I have." They sat and stared into the fire for awhile without talking.

Naoto was pondering, sinking in everything his father had told him. With a sigh Naoto broke the silence. "It's time," he said as he got up from his chair.

Benjamin finished his last drop of scotch and set the glass on the table beside him. "Did you find your answer here?"

Naoto conjured his sword, Drynwyn, into his right hand. The blade of the flamberge was covered in soot from the fires that usually enveloped it. Naoto never answered his fathers last question. "I'll make it quick," was what he said.

"I love you, Naoto," Benjamin Stadtfeld said to his son, "I don't blame you for this."

Eliminate what binds you to the past...Burn away what is left of Naoto Kozuki.

The Remnant pierced his heart with the grey-black sword. Kallen's father died the instant the blade touched his heart. "I didn't ask for forgiveness," the Remnant stated as he stared at the lifeless dark brown eyes of the Britannian. The body ignited into flames as Drynwyn was slowly pulled out.

The fire spread out through the entire room. The Remnant stood in the middle of the inferno, laughing madly over what he had done.

*************

Issac stood outside carrying an unconscious Gerald over his shoulder. He watched as his comrade stepped out of the mansion as it continued to be engulfed in flames. The look in his friends eyes was cold and emotionless, as if he had no soul.

"Leave the old man as he is," the Remnant ordered. Issac did as he was told and dropped Gerald on the ground. "Good. Now let's go." The two of them walked off into the night and faded into the shadows.

'Naoto shall burn away with his past,' the Remnant thought, 'His life is not mine. Neither is his name...I am a Remnant, granted with a new life, so from now on my new name is....'

'Ardor.'

What do you think? Please Review.

Act II begins next chapter...That is, unless I can think of another chapter for Act I.