Chapter 6

The Mask

Ashford Academy – Area 11, August 2017 a.t.b.

The next day

In the classroom, Lelouch stared towards the front of the classroom in shock. His other classmates were similarly shocked, though admittingly for a different reason than him.

"I'm Suzaku Kururugi. I'll be joining the student body here at Ashford Academy." Suzaku stood, wearing his school uniform as he introduce himself. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

The class was silent. They knew about Suzaku Kururugi. Everyone did, and as the class went on, his classmates were giving him a wide berth.

When class ended, the situation remained the same, though people started talking.

"What's an Eleven doing here?"

"We already have enough of them here. We don't need anymore."

"Especially him."

"Shh, he was one of the suspect of the murder of Prince Clovis. Don't provoke him."

"But didn't the teacher say that was a false arrest? Besides, Zero was the one who killed him."

"Still suspicious, in my opinion."

Suzaku paid no heed to this as he was packing his books.

Kallen watched, also surprised and wondering why was he here. A female student next to her turned to her. "Do you think he's a terrorist?"

"Huh?" Kallen said, confused, and looks at Suzaku.

"Of course not." Said another student, a male with brown hair and brown eyes. His features, while looking handsome, signal him out as an Eleven student as well. "Even the school would be able to find that out about him, if it were true."

Yeah, sure. Kallen thought as the secret that she was a terrorist- freedom fighter, wasn't found out, which probably says a lot about the school's success in that regard.

Still, she doesn't know him that well. So there wasn't much to say except maybe pity him, she guesses.

In a corner, Shirley, Rivalz and Nina watched Suzaku, a wary atmosphere taking up the room.

"An eleven, here?" Nina says, sounding unsure about his presence in the same school she goes.

"He's an Honorary Britannian." Rivalz reminds her.

"I know, but still..." Nina frowns. "It's still the same."

Shirley, however, makes a face full of resolve and approaches him. "Well, he doesn't look all that scary. Why don't we just try to talk to-" Well, she tries to approach, but Rivalz stops her, shaking his head.

"The dude just got here. Give him some space."

Lelouch, finally hearing enough, stands up. He walks by Suzaku, not giving a glance at him. Suzaku, surprised, watches him discreetly from the corners of his eyes. When Lelouch reaches the door, he stops and looks back at Suzaku. After a while, he walks out, but not before raising the collar of his blazer.

Suzaku's eyes widen a bit at the action.

Unknown location

Up above the clouds stood an impossible platform, allowing one to view the clouds if they wished. Pillars were around, holding broken arcs in the air. In all that, a man stood looking out.

Coming up from behind him, another man came, wearing a dark suit with a long half cape and a helm that covered their face.

"Your Majesty, the remains have arrived." The strangely dressed man said.

The man looking out was none other than Charles zi Britannia, the Emperor of the Britannian Empire. "Actually, I was just conversing with Clovis just now." He remarks.

"I-I'm sorry, My Liege?" The man questions, caught off guard by the sudden statement.

"The project shall continue." The Emperor commands, ignoring him. A smile creeps up on his face.

"No delays."

Tokyo Settlement – Area 11

"You've been acting rather reckless lately, haven't you, Euphy?"

Within the governmental centre of the Tokyo Settlement, Cornelia and Euphemia were taking a walk. Cornelia's strictness would normally prevent her from acting friendly with her sister, but given they were alone and in private, she could afford to now.

Plus, it served as a pleasant break away from the built-up paperwork. Bless her late brother, but did he really have to leave such a massive mess behind?

Euphemia, walking alongside her, turns her head. "Haven't you pointed that out last night?"

"Yes, however, we were in the presence of others, so we couldn't have a proper discussion about it."

Euphemia pouts and looks away. "There really isn't much to discuss."

Cornelia raises an eyebrow. "Really? Then the reports about you running away from your assigned guards mean nothing?" The slight flinch she sees states otherwise. "Then there's that fact you run around the city with that Eleven pilot."

Euphemia turns back to her sister. "Suzaku isn't a bad person!" She defends vehemently. "Besides, he didn't know who I was at the time."

That's true, he didn't know. But that doesn't really help his case. He should've been able to recognise a member of the Imperial Family, especially if he's an Honorary Britannian. It doesn't help as well that Camelot was insistent that he'd be their pilot. Honestly, that boy is a secret risk, but Camelot isn't under hers or the military's command.

It's under her brother, Prince Schneizel el Britannia, The Second Prince and Chancelor of the Holy Empire of Britannia. And as such, only he could truly order around Camelot.

"And then, there was that moment you placed yourself in harm's way." Cornelia reminds her.

"Someone needed to stop that fight." Euphemia tries to explain.

"Yes, I agree." Cornelia agrees. Once she heard it, and its reasoning, she also agrees that it was utterly stupid. "What I don't agree with is that it almost got you killed, Euphy." She places her hands on her shoulders. "Please, I can't have you dying. Please, promise me you won't do something like that again."

Euphemia looked her in the eyes, a bit of a glow in them.

Even since she was young, Euphemia had an uncanny ability to read people. She could always know what someone was feeling at the moment. At first, Cornelia just thought she was a natural empath. A savant at reading people. However, she found the truth soon after.

Her sister has a Quirk.

A Quirk that allows her to see the emotions of others upon eye contact.

After she found that out, she made sure to keep it a secret. Not that she would be persecuted or discriminated against for it. Not only is she a Britannian, but she's also a princess. That title comes with benefits. So no, that was not the reason for her secrecy.

No, it's to ensure that the Emperor doesn't take advantage of her. Even since Lelouch and Nunnally were sent away, Cornelia has taken steps to ensure Euphemia's safety. Such as keeping close by and in sight, and making sure she doesn't use her Quirk too obviously. And making certain that her father does not catch a word of this. An ability like that has a lot of benefits.

The dim glow was how she knew that Euphemia was looking at her with her Quirk, letting Euphemia see her worry. Her desperation. That and the odd, piercing-like feeling she has whenever she makes eye contact with Euphemia with her power active. Some unknown side-effect of the Quirk.

Euphemia sighs. "Okay, sister. I won't. I just feel a little restless, that's all." Euphemia understands that Cornelia cares for her safety, more so than before, given what had happened to Lelouch and Nunnally, but that still doesn't change the fact that she's feeling a little caged and wishes to have some freedom to herself.

Cornelia smiles, relieved at the reassurance.

Soon after, a soldier came marching to the Britannian sisters. "Your Highness." He addresses Cornelia.

"Soldier."

"We have the information you need."

"Good." Cornelia glances at her sister. "Duty calls, Sub-Viceroy. I'll be seeing you later."

Euphemia nods. "Take care, Viceroy."

With a nod of her own, The Viceroy of Area 11 walks off.

Ashford Academy, Area 11

Upon the rooftop of the academy, Lelouch looked over at the school. Waiting.

The door to the rooftop opens and Suzaku walks out. He walks towards Lelouch, who turns around. "It's been seven years since we last used these signals." Lelouch comments, lifting the collar of his blazer again.

"Talking on rooftops, just like old times, huh?" Suzaku remarks. Honestly, he didn't expect Lelouch to remember after all this time.

"That's right."

Suzaku walks and leans on the railing. "I'm glad you're doing okay. I was worried."

"I'm alive, because of you." Lelouch said, before frowning. "You almost died protecting me."

"I was just returning the favor seven years ago." Suzaku says, smiling. A thought comes to his head. "Oh, I've been meaning to ask. What happened to the girl? The one in the capsule?"

"We got separated on the way out of the fight. I don't suppose you know more of what happened?" He lies, glancing back at Suzaku.

"No." Suzaku confirms, saddened. "The only ones who probably know anything about her would be the inner circle of the Royal Guards." Who were dead went unsaid.

"I see then." Lelouch says.

"And what about you?" Suzaku changes the subject. "Can I still call you Lelouch?" It's been years since they last meet. He could be under some identity.

"The records have my former identity as deceased. Right now, I'm just Lelouch Lamperouge."

"I see."

"And you?" The subject was back on him. "What happened at your court martial? And why did you even sign up at this school?"

Ashford Academy was one of the few schools throughout the entire Area 11 that allowed the natives of Japan to enrol and study. Even those who aren't Honorary Britannians could enrol if they could. Though it didn't matter if they were Honorary Britannians or not, someone would still discriminate against them.

What happened back in class is proof of that.

"I'm surprised too!" Suzaku perks up. "Who would have thought we'd end up in the same class, much less the same school?" He smiles, looking out at the school. "Actually, you see... someone made it so that I would actually have a proper investigation. Saying that a seventeen-year-old should be in school." The thought of pink hair comes to his mind.

Governmental Building, Tokyo Settlement – Area 11

Euphemia looks at the various paintings on the wall with longing.

They were beautiful. Such color, such texture. They are truly works of art.

Which is sad. They only remind her of her late brother.

"Clovis painted these?" She asks a butler who stood nearby.

The butler bows. "Yes, Your Highness."

She wasn't surprised. Clovis always was an artist at heart, creating many beautiful works back in the homeland, when they were younger.

When they were still a happy family.

Euphemia focuses on one particular painting. A noblewoman with her two children.

Marianne vi Britannia and her two children, Lelouch vi Britannia and Nunnally vi Britannia.

Their deaths struck everyone hard. The death of Marianne, the Imperial Consort, already shook everyone, making a lot of nobles feel a lot more vulnerable. And the two children...

They never found the bodies, presumed to have been destroyed during the war.

Yet, deep in her heart, against all logic, she believes otherwise.

She knows it's illogical. They were inside the country as the war descended. She should know it would have been impossible for them to survive as they were children then.

Yet...

She looks at the young boy in the painting. Standing straight with eyes that shined with intelligence even visible through the painting.

Growing up with him, one of the many things she admired about Lelouch was that he could be unbelievably stubborn, especially about things he cared for.

He would have done everything to protect Nunnally.

And it's for that, that she dares to hope.

Ashford Academy – Area 11

As evening was approaching, Lelouch decides to prepare a surprise for his little sister.

As Nunnally was entering the room with Sayoko pushing her in, Lelouch, sitting by the table, decided it was time.

"I'm home, Lelouch." Nunnally announces with a smile.

"Welcome home, Nunnally, Sayoko." Lelouch replies back, with a smile of his own. "I brought home a present for you, Nunnally." He stands up.

"Really!? What is it!?" Nunnally asks, shaking in her wheelchair. It was odd, as her birthday wasn't nearby, but she didn't mind. Her brother always gives the best presents.

Lelouch simply just smiles and gestures to Sayoko to stay quiet. He waves his hand in, and out from the kitchen comes Suzaku. Sayoko looks at him with a raised eyebrow but doesn't react. As he makes his way in, he sees Nunnally in the center of the room, waiting patiently. He hesitates for a moment before moving closer to her. He glances at Lelouch, then kneels down and grabs her hand gently.

Nunnally gasps, surprised by the sudden touch as well as the hand that's holding her. A familiar hand. With her other hand, she insects Suzaku's hand. "This hand..." Tears begin to form. "Thank God. I knew it. You're alright!" She cries, holding his hand to her face.

"It's been a long time, Nunnally." Suzaku smiles.

"So, you're going to be staying over, right?" Nunnally asked as they were having dinner.

"Suzaku is now a student here." Lelouch explains. "So don't worry. You can visit him anytime here."

"Really!?"

"Well," Suzaku states. "I still have my military duties, so sadly, I won't always be here."

"Oh... So you're still in the army." Nunnally sounded a little sad and confused.

"Don't worry. I was assigned to the Engineering Corps. It's a lot less dangerous." He assures her with a smile.

"I see." Lelouch said, relieved. "An Engineering Corps." He stands and begins to gather the finished dishes.

"Wait, let me help you." Suzaku makes to stand as well.

"You sit down." Lelouch turns to him, smiling. "You're our guest, and this time, we get to be your host."

The Japanese boy listens and can't help but smile as he sits back down. "Okay."

"It's funny. You've gotten a lot mellower." Lelouch comments.

"And you've gotten a lot tougher."

Lelouch chuckles. "No doubt." He leaves and enters the kitchen, placing the dishes in the sink. "Didn't I tell you to stay in my room?" He suddenly spouts, his expression going from calm to annoyed.

Nearby, leaning by the sink unseen, was C.C. with her arms crossed. "That boy is the one from Shinjuku, isn't he? You're sure that's wise?"

"Don't worry, he's a friend..." Lelouch says, looking to the side. C.C. notices the expression on his face turning sad.

"...from the past." Lelouch finishes, before glaring back at her. "Again, why are you outside my room?"

"Relax. I'm staying out of sight." C.C. says, her usual smile back on her.

Lelouch frowns before leaving the matter and returning to the dining room.

C.C. drops her smile as she turns to the corner of the kitchen. There stood Sayoko, staring at her with an unreadable expression. The two have a stare out, each with a blank expression.

Sayoko then breaks off the stare and returns to the dining room. As if nothing had happened.

That maid. She's not normal. Are C.C.'s thoughts.

Cell, Tokyo Settlement – Area 11

Jeremiah Gottwald sat in his cell, wearing the standard white prisoner suit that restrained him. The glass door of his rises up, bringing his attention to the man standing before him, glaring at him.

Gilbert G.P. Guilford.

"Come out, Jeremiah!" Guilford commands.

Jeremiah's eyes light up. "Lord Guilford! You know I'm innocent! Right!?"

Guilford, however, just frowns. "Well, in the eyes of the law, you are, 'Orange' boy. However, that doesn't change the fact that you and the Purebloods let Zero get away. You've been demoted three ranks for your failure." The words shocked Jeremiah to his core. Demoted? By three ranks!?

"Therefore, you have two options," Guilford states with contempt. "You can either begin as a simple pilot, or you can start cultivating an orange farm."

Years of work and experience. So much effort and the things he had to put up with to get there. Gone. All in less than 1 week. This was outrageous! Yet, he can't do anything about it. He has no power here.

Zero! This is all your fault!

Ashford Academy – Area 11

"Come back anytime. Nunnally would love it." Lelouch says as he and Suzaku stand outside, by the doorway.

"Sure, but..." Suzaku started looking nervous, confusing Lelouch. "Lelouch, we shouldn't be seen together at school."

"Huh, why?" Now he was even more confused.

"How would you go about explaining why you're friends with an Honorary Britannian?" Suzaku points out. "You must keep it a secret. No one must know you're Royalty. The same for Nunnally, right? I don't want to cause you any trouble."

The more Lelouch heard, the less he liked. So that's his reasoning. "There you go again," Lelouch mutters angrily. "Putting other's needs before your own."

"Huh?"

"Forget it."

Suzaku looks worried for a bit before smiling. "It was nice seeing you. Thanks for inviting me. See you later." Suzaku waves as he leaves. He was really happy that he got a chance to talk with Lelouch. He had thought he had lost it. And now, it appears he has.

Maybe it's for the best.

Unknown to them, above them, C.C. watched the two boys from a window.

Unknown Warehouse – Area 11

Yukimaro Sawazaki panted as he and the others rested against the walls inside the safe house.

He is a young man with short, black-haired wearing some sort of camouflaged uniform. Sawazaki grits in anger as to how he got here.

Before the invasion, he had joined the military, thinking he would probably do better there than in politics. He really wasn't interested in following in his father's footsteps as a politician. No, he wanted to crave a path for himself.

Then that all changed when Japan got invaded. As the nation was falling apart, as well as the Prime Minister committing suicide, he thought he was about to lose it all his hard work.

But many resistance groups sprung up, one of them being the Blood of the Samurai. At that moment, he felt the same anger many others had over Britannia and joined.

He rose up high in the ranks, his rage fueling as he took down many Britannians. Even his father, who fled the country to China, helped. Once he heard his son was in the Blood of the Samurai, he managed to convince the Chinese government to sponsor them.

While he wasn't all too happy to be relying on his old man, he could handle that. With how things were going, he might actually be able to do something in his life. More so than before the invasion. Maybe he could even free Japan.

Imagine that, Yukimaro Sawazaki, Liberator of Japan. Has a nice ring to it.

Unfortunately, that dream went into smoke like the last one as Britannia come again and utterly destroyed them. He thought they were strong. But Cornelia quickly taught them who truly was the strongest.

Sawazaki looked around and saw a few dozen rebels. Sawazaki realized that the only reason he and the rebels escaped was that they weren't on the base when it was attacked.

He clenched his fists. No, he wasn't going to sit here and take it.

No.

He'll make sure that Britannia pays. Of that, more than anything in his life, he's certain.

And then, he'll free Japan. That was his promise.

The next day

Lelouch stood by a window, with his phone in hand. "It's not on the news yet, but they're saying that Cornelia just took out The Blood of the Samurai." Ohgi's voice sounded a little frightened and Lelouch can't blame him. The Blood of The Samurai was one of the largest Japanese Resistances groups. Possibly the largest. And they destroyed it in a day. Cornelia certainly isn't playing around.

"It's only a matter of time before she comes after us." Ohgi warns. "Look Zero, we have to do something."

"Calm down, I'll think about something." Lelouch says.

"But..."

"I'll contact you later." Lelouch cuts off communication before Ohgi could respond. We are getting a little too overly familiar. Maybe it's better if I cut ties with them.

Lelouch looks outside and sees a sight that has him frowning in disgust. Down below, Suzaku is at a sink, cleaning his gym shirt. 'RETURN TO YOUR GHETTO' was spray painted on it.

Back at Lelouch's and Nunnally's residence, a Pizza Hut delivery guy stood by the door, ringing its bell. He is about to try again, but C.C. opens the door.

"Ah, thank you for choosing us." The delivery guy said, handing over the pizza in his hands to C.C.

Unseen by both, a black cat with a bandaged paw sneaks into the residence.

"Though the account we charged had a man's name." The delivery guy questions, but instead of receiving an answer, she instead closes the door.

Inside, Lelouch is packing his Zero costume into a suitcase.

"So, this is where you hide your mask?" C.C. remarks, approaching him and seeing him place the Zero mask into the suitcase.

"Unlike my Geass, my mask is physical evidence." He explains.

A knock on the door brings both of their attention. The door opens and in comes Nunnally. "Lelouch, tea's ready." She then notices a smell in the room. "Are you having pizza again?"

Unseen by all of them, the black cat sneaks past Nunnally and enters the room.

"I'm building up points for rewards." Lelouch replies as he places the suitcase on the table. "I'll be right there."

"Lelouch, maybe you should cut back on the pizza. You might get a fat belly."

As Lelouch pass by C.C., he says. "Just don't touch or rub it. Okay?" He addresses C.C.

"Oh, scary." Nunnally jokes, thinking he's referring to her.

As the siblings leave to have tea, the black cat that snuck in played with the suitcase, causing it to fall off the table, alerting C.C.

As she's looking at the mess, the cat sneaks off again and leaves the room.

"What was that?" C.C. asks as she hadn't seen what left.

Dining Room, Ashford Academy – Area 11

"It's just terrible what had been happening to him." Nunnally says as she sips from her cup.

The two royals in hiding were talking about the situation surrounding their dear friend Suzaku. He was harassed and discriminated. Some of them, especially coming from the self-proclaimed Ashford Self-Defense force. A club of students who have volunteered to protect and police the Ashford Academy.

In truth, they're just a group of students with military backgrounds, running around with their self-proclaimed authority. The only reason they are even allowed to exist is that stopping them would involve those military connections into the situation. And given the Ashford's descent from nobility, it would not be a fight they could win.

"Yes, I was wondering what was going on." Lelouch says.

"They're just being cruel to him." Nunnally looks down in sorrow.

"No, it's just..." Lelouch pauses, looking for the words. "These things take time, you know."

"Isn't there something you can do? I mean, he is your friend."

Lelouch frowns and gazes away, as he sadly can't find a way that doesn't compromise his anonymity. Though, as he does, he sees something that shocks him to the core.

A black cat walks into the room, one leg scratching the object on its head. It looks to him, revealing what it was.

Zero's mask.

Lelouch lets out a high-pitch scream and jumps up, surprising Nunnally. The cat takes with the mask on its head, hissing.

"HEY! Give that back!" Lelouch shouts as he chases after.

Nunnally tilts her head in confusion. "Lelouch?"

No, no, no, nooo. Lelouch's thoughts ran faster than he was currently. "This can't be happening!"

The cat jumps out the window, and rushes away. Lelouch, however, took a longer time climbing out of the window. He finally manages and begins the chase again.

"Because of a cat." Lelouch says. "There's no way I'm being exposed because of a stupid feline."

Back in Lelouch's room, C.C. with a pizza slice in her mouth sees this chase. "Huh? That's not my fault, was it? It's not like I touched it or rubbed it."

Student Council, Ashford Academy – Area 11

In the Student Council room, Nunnally was discussing with the other members of the Council.

"Yes, that's right." Nunnally says. "The cat must have stolen very important to him."

"Something important, huh?" Milly ponders.

"It must have been something. I've never heard him act so hysterical." Nunnally explains.

"What could it be, though?" Rivalz ponders.

"A love letter?" Nina suggests, unsure of herself.

"A compromising photo?" Milly offers.

"A poetry notebook!" Rivalz shouts cheerfully.

"Poetry?" Nunnally says, confused, bringing a chuckle out of Rivalz and Milly.

"Don't you worry." Milly said, turning to Nunnally. "We'll sweep it up before Lelouch can even think. Just you wait." Plus, if it is really something embarrassing, she'll have something to hold over his head.

Lelouch continues his run, looking for the cat.

If those terrorists were here, I could use them to surround the cat. Lelouch thinks as he searches for the cat. Maybe Kallen? No! She already suspects me. Can't do that.

He sees the cat had gotten on the roof, moving away. He follows as best as he could from the ground, but trips and falls into a bush, as he was looking up instead of front of him. To add insult to injury, the cat gets off the roof and rushes past him.

"Ah... get it together." Lelouch says as he gets up. He can't let a cat get the better of him.

The cat then makes its way into the Academy, passing by a couple of students. Two schoolgirls see the cat.

"What's with that cat?" One questions.

"Was that Zero's mask on it?" The other notices.

"Wait, Zero? Why would he be here?"

Suddenly, Lelouch enters the same corridor. He stops and questions the two. "Did you see anything?"

The two tense up and hesitate.

"Tch." Lelouch activates his Geass. "Forget everything you just saw." He commands.

The girls fall into the trance. "Yeah, sure." They reply as Lelouch takes off.

What a waste of Geass. But he can't allow anyone to see the mask and report its existence here. Authorities will investigate, which brings attention. Attention he does not need.

So long as he catches this stupid cat, he can advert that-

A loud chime plays as the Academy's speakers turn on. "Attention, students." Milly's voice comes through. "This is Milly Ashford, President of the Student Council. And I have an assignment for all of you."

Students stopped what they were doing and listened.

"Find the cat!"

Lots of eyebrows were raised. "A cat?" Suzaku asks, wondering what this was about.

"On the Campus, there is a cat running around. And whoever finds it receives a very special reward." A lot more students started hearing more intently.

"A budgetary increase and priority to whichever club catches it." Some students began smiling, liking the reward.

Inside the Swimming Club Indoor Pool, Shirley could tell some members were excited, even from the high diving board she was on. She shrugs, really not that interested in the prize, and begins to do her di-

"As well as a kiss from a member of the Student Council!"

Hearing that, Shirley loses her balance and falls into the water, screaming.

Outside, Kallen heard the announcement as well. A kiss from a member of the Student Council. Really? That was a prize?

Wait, didn't she just recently join?

"Wait, does that include me?" Kallen says out loud.

"THAT'S RIGHT!" A loud, collective shout makes her jump.

In the bushes were multiple students, many of them seeming to be from two different clubs. The Photographic Club and the Gardening Club.

"You're a part of the Student Council."

"Those lips..."

"It doesn't have to be a peck on the cheek, right?"

"I'm fine with that."

"Wait, don't we get to choose how we want it?"

Kallen had an expression of disbelief at the situation and disgust at these boys' obvious lust and desire.

"ALL RIGHT!" The boys shout excitedly and run to find the cat.

Oh, hell no. "There's no way I'm having my first kiss like this!" Kallen shouts as she too starts running after the cat as well.

Elsewhere, several students heard the prize.

"The student council members?" A girl with hair of reddish-brown and blue eyes gasped. "Does that mean Lelouch?"

"Oh, maybe we get one from Milly as well?" Another girl suggested.

"Don't say that now." Another girl says to the previous.

"Hey, now. Don't do that." The girl with brown hair chastised. "We can like whoever we like."

She turns to look at another student next to her. "What do you think, U-"

Suddenly, the student, who had long, blonde hair, jumps up. "A kiss!? From a member of the Student Council!?" She shouts, before starting to run. "Come on! We have to find that cat!"

"Wait, Usagi! Slow down!" The girl with brown hair chased after her. The other students follow after. Unseen by all of them, a black cat with a crescent moon on its forehead watched them go.

A group of students in red rugby uniforms charged, shouting, "Let's go!"

Elsewhere, house riders began blitzing around the field. "We have the mobility advantage."

"Search every nook and cranny!" Said a student with garden tools, the rest of his club scouring the gardens.

"Science will prevail!" Said a student with a lab coat. Multiple inventions were in the hands of his club.

"The cat! Whatever it has, bring it to me. Me! ME!" Milly cackles could be heard throughout the entire school.

Back to Lelouch, he had a frown on his face after hearing what the President had to say. "Milly, stay out of this!"

Kallen runs through the halls. Furious. "Damn Britannians, Offer people like trophies. This is why I don't like them."

Turning a corner, he slows down to a slow walk as there were students walking up to her in the same hall. Once she passes them and, making sure they weren't suspicions of her, she begins to run again. "Why do I have to act as a crippled?"

She kept running and passed another corner, before crashing into someone, making them fall.

"Sorry about that. I wasn't paying attention." She apologises before recognising the person who fell. "Shirley, why are you dressed like that?"

Shirley, on the floor, was wearing her blue swimsuit. The slimmer on her tells Kallen that she just recently got out of the water.

"There wasn't enough time to change. They're going to have us kiss someone. We have to hurry!" Shirley shouts, getting up.

"On that, we agree."

Back at the office, Nunnally is sitting in front of the microphone. Both Milly and Nina are standing by her, asking for details.

"Is there anything special about this cat?" Nina asks.

"Hmm, let's see." Nunnally ponders. "I think it had a hurt paw because its footsteps sounded off to me."

Yes, the footsteps she heard during that time sounded offbeat. A lot of things that walk had a certain rhythm to them. Not just people, but even animals, had a rhythm. And she was always able to pick it up with ease.

Milly holds the microphone closer to her, as she continued to think about what else the cat had. "Anything else? Oh, and I think it meowed like this." She clears her throat.

"Meow!"

Nunnally's meow echoed throughout the school. Even catching the attention of Cecile and Lloyd, who was parked outside the school grounds.

"That school sounds so excited, even though they're supposed to mourn the prince." Cecile comments. "I wonder if Suzaku is doing well here."

"I wouldn't worry about him." Lloyd said. "The university, on the other hand..."

"I already have made arrangements with them."

"I see. But did they really have to kick out my beloved Lancelot?" Lloyd complains.

"I know. Even if they did say elevens aren't acceptable."

"Right! Let's go!" Milly shouts as she jumps into the sidecar of Rivalz's motorbike.

"Hey, Pres. What would happen if a Student Council member caught the cat?" Rivalz asks, looking hopefully at her. "Do we get the prize as well?"

Milly looks at him. "You mean the kiss? Of course." After all, if she manages gets the cat, she gets embarrassing leverage over Lelouch.

And maybe a kiss from him wouldn't hurt.

"I see." Rivalz says. He then immediately straps his helmet and accelerates the bike. "Well then, what are we waiting for!? It's my time to shine."

A professor shouts at them, shouting that they shouldn't be speeding on campus. They ignored him, driving away at high speeds.

Inside, the cat rushed down some stairs and under a nightstand. The shadow covers, and the mask from being recognised.

This is why when Shirley and Kallen caught up, they only saw the cat and not what was on it.

"Ok, we catch it and our lips will be safe." Kallen says, her school brazer on Shirley. She sneaks up on the cat. "Shirley, watch our backs."

As Kallen moves closer, Shirley calls out to her with a nervous look. "Wait."

Kallen gazes at her, confused. "What?"

"Who are going to get a kiss from?" Shirley suddenly asked, surprising Kallen.

"W-what?"

"It's not Lulu, is it?"

"What? What would make you think of that?" Kallen asked, taken aback.

"Well, it's just..." Shirley mumbles, red on her cheeks.

In the confusion, the cat sneaks away yet again.

The cat was again running on the roof. As it entered an open window, the only person to notice it was Suzaku.

"Is that..." He runs to the staircase of the building. On his way, he meets up with Lelouch, who's panting.

"Suzaku!"

"Lelouch. Are you looking for the cat, too?"

A loud meow echoes out from above the staircase.

"He's up there." Suzaku says as he rushes up the stairs.

"Suzaku, wait!" Lelouch rushes after. Out of all people, he cannot have Suzaku discover his secret.

"But the President said to find the cat!"

"Forget it! I'll catch the cat!"

"Come on! I was always more agile than you. Remember the little bird that got loose?"

"Quit talking ancient history!"

"That was only seven years ago!"

"Oh, for Pete's sake." Try as he might, Lelouch could not keep up with Suzaku, slowing down. "Damn it. He was always an exercise nut."

From the ground, Milly and Rivalz arrive. At the building, Lelouch and Suzaku entered, and a small crowd started to form.

"I heard that it got cornered." Milly says as she jumps out of the sidecar.

"Who's the lucky winner?"

"Up there!" Shirley pointed up at the roof, where the school bell resides. Crawl up there was Suzaku.

"Suzaku?"

As he's crawling up, Suzaku tries to calm the cat. "Easy now. Don't be scared."

Appearing from the same window that Suzaku exited, Lelouch appears. "Suzaku! Come back!"

"It's alright. Leave it to me." Suzaku assures Lelouch.

This is strange. He never went along with the crowd like this. Lelouch looks down at the crowd, surprised at his friend's behaviour and fearful about his secret.

Suddenly, he seems to have lost his grip and balance and begins sliding off the roof.

"Ah!"

The crowd screams as they see him starting to slip. Nunnally, unable to see, is confused by everyone's sudden screams.

Looking back, Suzaku sees what's happening. "Lelouch!" He slides down to catch his arm, grabbing on the windowsill to halt their fall. "Are you okay?"

Lelouch dangles. "Yeah, I'm alright." As he's pulling himself up, he looks past Suzaku to see the Mask on the cat be knocked right off as it moves under the school bell. He lets out a sigh of relief.

"You look pretty calm for someone who was just on the verge of death." Suzaku points out, a grin on his face.

"What? Are you kidding me? I got limp with fear." Lelouch lies.

From the crowd, a varied amount of expressions could be found on many students.

"Those two wouldn't happen to be..." Nina mutters, unsure of what she's seeing.

"Huh." Milly says, looking at the two boys.

"What happened?" Nunnally asked, wanting to know what she missed.

"The new transfer student saved Lelouch from a close call." Milly explains.

Nunnally's expression shows a bit of surprise and fear at the thought of her brother almost dying without her even knowing, before shifting to happiness and gratefulness at Suzaku saving him.

As he's walking to the crowd, Suzaku notices that the cat in his arms was familiar. "I think this is the same cat from that time." He notices the same bandaged paw that Euphemia bandaged.

Looking up, he stops as the crowd stares at him in uncomfortable silence. Most of them have uncertain expressions.

Shirley notices it too, looking around. With a smile, she walks up to Suzaku. "Thank you! You saved him!"

"Way to go, new guy." Rivalz follows her lead.

"That cat was carrying something." Milly walks up as well. "What was it?"

Suzaku looks on in surprise at the kindness, before smiling. "There was something on its head, but I couldn't get a good look on it. It must have slipped off when I wasn't looking."

"Where's Lulu?"

"He stayed back. Saying that he left something behind."

"That's it!" Milly points at Suzaku. "That was the embarrassing secret he was hiding!"

"Was that all of this was about, Madam President?" Lelouch speaks up as he leaves the building as well.

"Oh, man. For once, I thought I had some dirt on you." Milly pouts.

"Yeah, he actually lost his cool for once." Shirley says, crossing her arms. Lelouch Lamperouge, the Ice Prince of Ashford, losing his composure? Whatever could he be hiding?

Suzaku smiles again. It looks like even though all these years had passed between them, Lelouch found some friends.

"So," Kallen speaks. "Do you two know each other?"

"But he's an eleven..." Nina says, fearful.

Everyone looks at Nina.

"No, I'm just-" Suzaku tries to come up with an excuse.

"He's my friend." Lelouch confesses, his firm tone inviting no arguments against it. "Madam President, could you permit him to join the Student Council?"

Everyone looked at him in shock.

"The rules are clear. All students have to join a club." Lelouch explains.

Milly ponders for a moment. She smiles and looks at him. "Well, you are the Vice-President. So, of course, I approve."

Shirley smiles, Rivalz scratches his cheek and Kallen stares on with a blank expression.

"Well then, I guess that settles that." Nunnally moves forward. "Come now, you two. Lend me your ears."

Lelouch and Suzaku look at each other, leaning forward to Nunnally. She then proceeds to give the boys small pecks on the cheek.

"Nunnally!" Suzaku says in surprise.

Nunnally places her hand on her chest. "It's the prize and you two both caught the cat. Though, you'll have to settle with me, semi-member of the Council."

"All right!" Rivalz cheers, bumping his fist up. "Let's celebrate the catching of the cat. Everything's on the new guy, obviously."

"Oh, knock it off." Shirley berated before smiling at Suzaku. "Hi, I'm Shirley Fenette."

"Oh, that's right. I'm Rivalz Cardemonde."

"Milly Ashford, President of the Student Council."

Suzaku looks and sees everyone, including the crowd, starting to warm up to him. He lets out another smile, a genuine one. "Nice to meet you all."

Unseen by all, Nina's fearful expression grew larger.

Gymnasium, Ashford Academy – Area 11

Within the large gymnasium, all students stood in rows, looking up at the news feed being projected on a massive screen.

'Prince Clovis' State Funeral' was the title.

In the feed, a far large hall was presented. Fill with hundreds of people standing in front of a podium. A massive portrait of Clovis stood out on the podium and sat before the portrait were members of the Britannian Imperial Family.

One of them was a man with fair skin, brown hair and blue eyes.

This was the Crown Prince of Britannia, Odysseus eu Britannia. First Prince of the Britannian Imperial Family and Chief Executive of the Holy Empire of Britannia.

Another one of them was a tall, handsome man with fair skin, silky blonde hair and violet eyes.

This was the White Prince himself, Schneizel el Britannian. Second Prince of the Britannian Imperial Family and Chancelor of the Holy Empire of Britannia.

"And now, His Majesty, the Emperor of the Holy Empire of Britannia. Charles zi Britannia."

The Emperor stood at the podium and grasp it with his hands.

Back at school, Lelouch frowns at the sight of his father.

"All men are not created equal." The Emperor begins. "Some are born swifter than others. Some with greater beauty. Some are born into poverty. And others are born sick and feeble. Both in birth and upbringing. In sheer scope of ability, every human is inherently different."

The students watched intently with various expressions. Shirley watched with narrow eyes. Rivalz watched with his arms crossed and eyebrows raised. Milly, however, just had a blank stare.

"Yes, that is why people discriminate against one another. That is why there are struggles, competitions and the unfaltering match of progress."

And Kallen watched with a glare. While Nina looked down.

"Inequality is not wrong."

In a newsroom, while the reporters were watching and working on the Emperor's speech, Diethard watched a clip of Zero's actions back on the bridge.

"Equality is!"

Inside a military base, Jeremiah, Villetta and the other soldiers stood at attention and with their salute, watching the feed.

"What of the EU, who made equality a right? Rabble politics by a popularity contest, filled to the brim with hypocrisy!"

Hiden, the resistance group of Ohgi's, listens to the feed as well. Only this time, with contempt.

"The Chinese Federation, with their equal distribution of wealth and resources? A nation of lazy dullards and apathetic sluggards!"

Inside Camelot, Cecile and many other workers stood in salute, listening to the feed. Lloyd, however, just stood with his arms closed.

"But not our beloved Britannia. We fight. We compete. Evolution is continuous!"

"Evolution? Such a pretty, little word." Lloyd remarks, a small grin appearing.

"Britannia alone moves forward, advancing steadily. Even the death of my son, Clovis, demonstrates Britannia's unswerving commitment to progress!"

In the governmental building, the li Britannian sister listened. Cornelia with a frown and Euphemia with a sorrowful look.

"We will fight on. We shall struggle, compete, plunder and dominate."

In a massive mansion, Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing watched the feed with a lit cigar in hand. She shreds not a single ounce of emotion. Standing by her was her butler, Walter.

"And in the end, the future will all be ours." Charles shot his fist up in the air. "All Hail Britannia!"

"All Hail Britannia!"

The crowd chanted. Hundreds of voices, carrying the chant far, wide and loud.

"All Hail Britannia!"

Suzaku hears the school chants as well. He frowns and clutches his fists.

"All Hail Britannia!"

In Lelouch's room, C.C. sat on the bed, in her original white suit, caressing Zero's Mask. "So, this is Lelouch's enemy? Well..."

"All Hail Britannia!"

Lelouch stares at the image of his father, The Emperor, and glares.

"All Hail Britannia!"

A/N: Finally done with this chapter.

Also, a nice little cameo of a certain pretty guardian. As well as some small revelations.

Let me know how this chapter was for you. Will always appreciate constructive criticism.