Stage 15 "Needless Memories."
The battle was still underway with explosions and fire bathing the entire docks. In every direction there was nothing but flames and Knightmare debris. Several of the embers blow about the air while Rai stood beside the Club holding a standard issue rifle. He turns over his shoulder while shaking his head at Cecile. She held a small kit while her hands tried to fix the damaged limb. "You didn't need to come here Cecile. It's too dangerous to make field repairs!" An explosion goes off nearby while Cecile buckles from the shockwave. Rai shields his eyes while turning over in the distance.
"Get down!" Rai dives over tackling Cecile to the concrete while debris bounces off the Club's armor. "Who is it?" The Lancelot and Guren were still at it with each other. Each machine wasn't letting up, while the melee between Sutherland and Burai continue to flash in the night sky. "The battle is going on, I don't need it completely repaired. So, just make it move, and I'll get you out of here." Cecile let out a small nod while shaking the slight amount of blush that had formed on her face. Rai cautiously looks around while she continues her work.
C.C. walks calmly through the warzone with little regard for her own life. She spots what was left of Lelouch's Burai, and shakes her head. "What a fool…" Her eyes focus down at Lelouch who stood beside the battered machine staring at the helmet held in his hands. His face was filled with confusion mixed in with the feeling of defeat. "C.C. is that you?" He turned over to glance over before turning back to the helmet. C.C. stepped out from the veil of a nearby crate's shadow and nods. "This is not like you to remove your mask…" Lelouch shook his head, while reaching into his jacket. He pulled out a radio and tossed it over to C.C. "Inform Ogi that we will be pulling back."
Ogi runs along the crates holding the radio while he waits for Zero's orders to come through. Diethard also was not far behind tagging Ogi like a delayed shadow. "Is this Ogi?" The interference from the battle added some static to C.C.'s voice. Ogi let out a small nod, and leaned into a nearby crate. "What about Zero?" The static grew louder, but her voice came out with a mystic clarity. "He can't move right now, but he's fine. Issue the order to retreat. We'll be completely annihilated if we drag this out any further."
C.C. turns the radio off and holds it as if it were some disgusting object. "Was that okay?" She glares over at Lelouch while still he was withdrawn from the current situation. "Yes…" He spoke with a very uneasy voice while C.C. slowly approached from behind. "This is rare, for you to be so shocked that you couldn't even…" Lelouch regained his composure and fiercly turned around. "You're mistaken. My gun is missing. Someone took it when I was unconscious." C.C.'s eyes widen while the situation comes to a certain light. "That means…someone saw your face?" Lelouch turned his gaze to the ground where blood was splattered against the concrete. "There were at least two, one who fired and one who was shot. There were two…"
Rivalz sat Indian style in one of the oversized chairs in the waiting room. His hair was disheveled and his eyes partially open from just waking up. "So they said Feite would be fine?" Milly sat across from him and let out a small yawn. "Yes, but she still had to go through surgery in the morning. It would have been nice to have everyone here, but it seems that they were busy. Even grandfather had a busy schedule, but he came to visit." Rivalz crossed his arms, and shook his head. "Even Shirley couldn't make it; this is turning out to be a very bad day…"
"It's okay you two…" Elsa walked into the waiting room and let out a smile. "Rivalz, can you be a gentleman and make sure my niece returns to Ashford safely?" Milly stands up and shakes her head. A shocked look was stretched across her face. "But Aunt…" Elsa interrupted her while shaking her finger in a nagging manner. "Feite needs rest right now, it's best for all of us to return home. In my case, I'll be here by Feite's side." Milly opened her mouth only to close it after spotting Elsa's touch looking eyes. She let out a small nod while waving goodbye. "I'll visit after school, goodnight Aunt Elsa." Elsa waved and smiled at the two. "Goodbye." Rivalz bowed and held his hand out for a shake. "It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Avalon." Elsa let out a nod, and shook his hand before the pair vanished off into the hallway. Elsa took a nearby seat, and let out a stressed sigh. "Please, Feite you need to hold out."
It was the early morning; Shirley had not had a chance to sleep while tears steam down her face. Her hand holds tightly to a pencil while trying to write down what looked to be a letter. Her cell phone was resting on the desk with Milly's message in bold on the screen. On the opposite side was the gun she had fled the docks with. Her hand trembles over the paper and quickly crumbles it. "Shirley?" Her room-mate Sarah looked up from her bed. She rubbed her eyes while looking over at her roommate. "What are you doing up so early?" Shirley grabs the gun and quietly tucks it underneath her uniform jacket. "Writing a letter?" Shirley tries her best to hide her emotions while faking a smile. "Yeah, sort of…" Sarah looked over with a smile brimming on her face. "Could it be a love letter? To Lelouch?" Shirley looks away and nods. "It could be…."
The battle was over but the docks in this ghetto were in utter shambles from the bout. What was salvageable was brought back, but what wasn't would be left to rot. The Club and Lancelot were both secured and the pilots transported by the headquarters. Rai closed his locker, and put on some casual clothing. He pressed his hand against the sides of the locker, and tapped his head onto the door. "Please be safe…" His thoughts were obviously on Feite who had before the battle took a turn for the worse.
Suzaku looked over from his locker with a duffle bag over his shoulder. "Rai, are you going to the hospital?" Rai shook his head, and glanced over at Suzaku. "It's probably too late to see her tonight…or should I say this morning. Visiting hours for friends is probably well over." Suzaku let out a small nod, and walked over. He placed his hand against the nearby locker, and smiled. "Judging from your reaction, Milly must have sent you an updated text." Suzaku held up his phone and nodded. "I got it too." Rai grabbed his backpack, and walked off with his arms behind his head. "But it was cryptic, she still has to have surgery done. Let's go Suzaku…"
In the dimly lit Governor General office, Cornelia sat behind a computer monitor while letting out a relieved sigh at the notice on her desktop. "It would seem that Feite Avalon is in stable condition." Cornelia held her hand to her forehead while she was lost in thought over another matter. She looks up at Guilford while he held over a elaborately decorated get well card. "What is this? What about Feite?" Guilford took a step back, and bowed his head. "Your Excellency...she was put into the emergency room before our operation started, and has been listed as critical ever since. Lady Euphemia didn't have a chance to visit, but thought this card would suffice." Cornelia held the card in her hand, and read the small note jotted inside. "Foolish girl, you put too much weight on everyone's shoulders." She pulled out a nearby pen, and quickly jotted her signature. "Guilford, also have fresh flowers delivered with this card…" Guilford bowed cordially before taking the card in hand and promptly exiting the room. Cornelia stared forward while she glanced at the old photo on the desktop.
It was quickly approaching midday, Lelouch sat in small office inside the mobile headquarters with his eyes wide at the message on his phone. He couldn't believe his eyes after seeing the paragraph of text from Milly. His hand trembled at the desktop while he let out a small growl. "Why….why didn't she tell me?" He quickly swipes the helmet off the desk, and grabs his forehead. C.C. looked over from the nearby couch while holding a large stuffed animal. "Maybe she had her reasons. I thought she was nothing more than a pawn for you." Lelouch turned around and shook his head while rubbed his temple. "Be quiet, you don't have any idea how much she means to…" C.C. let out a devious smile while lying down on the couch's cushions. "You are a foolish boy…" He pauses while walking over to the helmet sitting on the floor. Lelouch kneeled down and picked it up. He let out a small frown while looking at his reflection. "Why can't I stop thinking about the day we met…" Lelouch touched his cheek, and turned back over to the desk.
Eleven years ago
A few footsteps tap alongside the elaborate marble floor of the imperial palace while Elsa, and her husband Aidan Avalon walk towards a waiting Marianne. "It's been a long time hasn't it Queen Marianne." Aidan bowed cordially as did his wife behind him. Marianne waved her hand while smiling at her old friend. "Please Elsa, Aidan you need not bow before me. We are friends are we not?" She turned over to the small girl hiding behind Elsa. "My is this your youngest. She's grown so much hasn't she?" Marianne held her hand out and smiled. "Come its' okay." Feite shyly looked over with an innocent look on her face. She put her finger on her lips and looked up at her mother. Elsa let out a small laugh, and motioned over. "It's okay Feite, don't be scared."
Feite walked over slowly while her parents watched in awe. Marianne couched down and took a close look at the small child. "I heard quite a lot from your mother. You are a skilled chess player are you not?" Feite let out a hesitant nod while shyly holding her left arm. "Yes, but I really don't like it much…it's too slow." Marianne let out a small laugh, and motioned over to a member of her guard. "Would you like to play with someone your age? My son Lelouch would very much like some company." Cornelia walked up and bowed folding her arm over her chest. "Marianne would you like me to lead her to Lelouch?" She turned over to her niece and nodded. "Yes, also please make sure they don't get into too much trouble." Feite looked back at her parents while they waved to her. "Be a good girl Feite, we'll be talking to Marianne in the other room."
It took Cornelia a few moments while she led the shy and partially frightened Feite through the hallways. "How is your sister, Azalea? I heard she is attending the Colchester Institute." Feite crossed her arms over her chest, and shook her head. "Oh big sister, yes she went to college.." Cornelia let out a small laugh and shook her head. "The Colchester Institute is a prestigious establishment. It's a honor to go there at her age, but you're just a child so I'll forgive you…" Cornelia paused in front of the room near the end of the hallway. "We're here." She knocked on the door and slowly opened it. "Lelouch, you have a guest."
Lelouch sat at a small table sipping from a cup of tea while playing a game of chess by himself. He turned over and spotted his half-sister. "Cornelia…who is that?" Cornelia turned over to Feite and let out a small smile. "This is Feite Avalon, this isn't the first time you've met each other. She'll be your play-date for today." Lelouch paused for a moment and turned his head away. "Do what you will…Hey you girl are you good at chess?" Feite looked away, while her voice was far too intimidated to let out a sound. Cornelia let out a small laugh, and walked out of the room. "I said do you know how to play chess you dumb girl!" Feite's hand shook for a moment while she looked up with an annoyed face. "I know how to pay it, you idiotic boy!" She stuck her tongue out while Lelouch stood in shock. "How dare you speak to me like that? You punishment is to play me in chess! Now come here and sit!" Feite walked over to the chair and took a seat. "I can speak to you however I want." Lelouch growled while setting up the pieces in perfect order. "If you lose you'll be my slave, and if you win I'll let you do something..."
The two went at it for hours with a flurry of yells coming out from Lelouch's mouth. Cornelia let out a loud sigh while leaning against the wall outside the room. "They mesh well together; their egos are so childlike…"
After several games Lelouch stared at the chessboard. His eyes trembled while he had lost the final deciding game to the girl seated across from him. "So, I can do anything right?" Feite let out a playful laugh while taking a sip from her cup of tea. Lelouch looked up at her and slammed his hands on the table. "You cheated; there is no way I could have lost." She shrugged her shoulders, and turned her head to the side. "Cheated? You're just a dumb boy. Chess is so slow and I can think of a whole lot more away to defeat you!" Lelouch got out from the chair, and put his hands against his hips. "I'll let you do anything, now what is it?" Feite let out a small giggle and walked over. She leaned forward, and Lelouch's eyes widen while her lips press against his cheek. "There…" Lelouch stumbled backward while rubbing his face. "Gross, why did you do that?" Feite shrugged her shoulders, and stuck out her tongue. "Cause I wanted to you looked like you were about to cry." Lelouch threw her arms out and shook his head. "Princes don't cry, you're a weird person…." He paused for a moment while looking at a few other games. "I won't lose this time! Now let's play that one!"
Present
In front of the hospital Suzaku stands beside a taxi and looks up at the towering building. His eyes move to a random window, and he let out a smile. "It would seem you are important not only to Lelouch and I. But it would seem that your smile has touched everyone…" He climbs into the taxi cab, and closes the door behind him. "I wonder why Guilford didn't want to deliver them personally. Did he have business to attend to? Oh well it looked better with the bear I bought for her." Suzaku paused for a moment while he lets out a small laugh. He turned towards the window while a smile appeared on his face. "I just remembered the first time, you came to visit…"
Inside the recovery room, Feite lied in an unconscious state while a blanket covered her up to the waist line. Underneath her gown was a thick layer of bandages over where the incisions were. The new heart was reacting normally, while several of the nurses still monitor her closely for any signs of rejection. A fresh bouquet of flowers sits near the window with a small teddy bear leaning against it. A card with Feite's name written on it was held tightly in its hands.
Tokyo, Kururugi Shrine, seven years ago
Alongside the patio edge around the large shrine the two ten year old boys sat talking to one another. "So, you're friend is coming over? What do you mean by that?" Suzaku looked over while taking a small sip from a class of cold water. Lelouch sat Indian style while leaning forward in an uneasy fashion. "More like a nuisance…her family is…" Suzaku looked over at Lelouch, and let out a small laugh. "Sounds like you hate this person. So it's not a friend." Lelouch rested his arms on the edge of the patio while shaking his head. "Not really hate, but I haven't seen her for a long time." Suzaku started to choke on his beverage while turning over to Lelouch. "Her? You said her? A girl is visiting here?" Lelouch looked over and shrugged his shoulders. "What is wrong with that?" Suzaku quickly shook his head, and pointed over to the courtyard. "Who is that woman my father's talking to?"
"It's a pleasure for you to come here. I wasn't aware that you'd bring your daughter here…" Genbu Kururugi looked down at the developmental Feite while she stood silently beside her mother with a disobedient grin on her face. "Oh, I apologize for that Mr. Kururugi; my daughter simply followed because of that certain boy…" Genbu's face contorted for a moment while his large arms crossed over his chest. "I see, it is approaching turbulent times. I don't think your government would like for one of their honorable weapon manufacturers to be talking with Japan's prime minister." Elsa glared up at Genbu with a smile forming on her face. "It must be a family quirk, I don't buckle under any pressure. Please I would rather not talk business in front of my daughter, may she play with your son and Lelouch?" Genbu let out a soft nod while looking over his shoulder. "Very well, they should be…" He blinked for a moment to see Feite rush past him. Her speed was shocking to his eyes while he shook his head. "She's fast…" Elsa covered her mouth with a handkerchief and let out a small laugh. "That's Feite for you…"
"Lelouch is that really you?" Feite ran up to the pair of uneasy eyes. She took in a few deep breaths while Lelouch stood stationary. "Why did you come here?" Suzaku's eyes were wide while his face was bright red. Feite looked over for a moment and let out a smile. "You must be that old guy's son! I'm Feite Avalon, it's nice to…"Suzaku shook his head while rising up to his feet. "Its nice to meet you too…That's an odd name…." His voice shifted in a nervous manner while his palms began to sweat. "What's wrong Suzaku? It's just a girl…" Suzaku gulped while scratching the side of his face. "I um, yes…" Feite let out a small laugh, and pointed over at Suzaku. "Is it that my womanly charm has captivated that samurai there?" Suzaku's back straigtened while Lelouch leaped off the patio. "Shut up Feite, hey Suzaku lets go check on Nunally…" He walked past Feite, and waved his hand. "You might as well follow me." Feite shook her head and pouted. "Come on Lelouch, at least you could kiss me." Suzaku's body locked up once more while his back was now against the wall. "K-I-S-S?" Lelouch nearly fell forward while turning quickly around on one foot. "Listen, I'm not going to kiss you? Why would I anyway?" Feite placed her hands against her hips and glared over. "I'm your fiancé of course; we're destined to be together."
Present
Suzaku let out a small laugh while stepping out of the vehicle in front of Ashford Academy. He looked up at the falling leaves, and up at the sky. "So much has changed since that day. You two seem too distant from each other now…Speaking of which…" His eyes move slowly to catch a glimpse of Kallen walking out of the gateway. "Kallen?" Kallen paused while she held a small bag in her hands. From the tissue paper a pair of bunny ears was protruding out. "Suzaku…did you just get back from visiting the hospital?" She slowly moved the gift behind her back while weakly looking around. Suzaku took a few steps toward Kallen and nodded. "She made it through fine, all that she needs to do now is wake up, and rejoin all her friends. Speaking of which have you seen Lelouch? That guy hasn't been around for a few days." Kallen shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure…last time I saw him was a few days ago."
"Are you sure you don't want to visit your girlfriend? Heart Surgery is a real big deal." Cecile entered the laboratory holding a tray with two plates on it. She lowers one to Lloyd who was typing vigorously on a keyboard while Rai was checking over the Club. He pushes a few buttons while gripping the data pad tighter. "She's fine, Suzaku checked up on her for me. They still aren't letting friends visit, but her mother told him she's going to make a full recovery in some time." Cecile let out a smile while walking over to a nearby desk. "I made something Rai, I would like you to take a break and taste it." She placed the last dish down and held the try over her lap. "You must be psychic Cecile, I was about to get something to eat." Rai placed the data pad against a nearby terminal and walked over. Lloyd turned over to look at the meal and stuck his tongue out. "Rai you are too naïve…Cecile is..." Cecile turned over to Lloyd almost as if her eyes shot daggers into his back. He quickly stiffened up and continued to type.
An hour or so later, Lelouch stepped out of a vehicle with his jacket folded over his forearm. He looked up at the hospital, and shook his head before walking into the facility. "I need to make this as brief as possible…" He walked into the lobby, and approached the nurse's desk. "Excuse me can you direct me to where Feite Avalon's room is?" The nurse looked up at Lelouch and let out a faint smile. "My she is quite popular today. Her room is up on the fourth floor in the recovery ward in room 405B. She just got out of surgery so please be careful when you go up."
A few voices come out from room four hundred and five, one of them belonging to Elsa, and the other Kallen. "Please, you need not worry about Feite. I'm glad she has so many friends here in Area Eleven. I'm appreciative of the gifts you've gotten her." Elsa bows formally to Kallen while she stood in front of her. She waved her hand to downplay the simple thank you and shook her head. "No, it wasn't any trouble. Feite is one of my trusted friends at school…and to have her come down with such a condition…" Kallen glanced over at the table filled with various flowers, and the other get well presents that had recently been delivered. "Who would have thought my daughter was so popular at the academy. When she wakes up, she'll be overjoyed." Elsa opened the window, and looked at the afternoon sun shining against the towering buildings in the distance. Kallen looked out, and turned away for a moment while her eyes meet Lelouch's at the doorway. "Oh Kallen you're here as well. I'm sorry for being late…I had to do a few things."
Kallen looked over, and shook her head while walking over. "Everyone was worried about you Lelouch. You've missed a few days, and the teachers were getting angry. Suzaku was asking about you earlier. I'm glad that you decided to show up when our friend is in a great need of support." Lelouch bowed his head, and nodded at Kallen. "Yes, I lost my mobile phone the other day and had it returned only recently. How is she?" Elsa crossed her arms over her chest, and sighed. "Feite is still under some medicated sleep aids, but her surgery was successful. She should wake up in a few hours, but that is an estimate from the doctors." Kallen bowed her head, and walked over to the exit. "I should be going. It was nice seeing you Lelouch." Lelouch waved his hand slightly while walking further into the room.
"It's a shame; you should have come a few hours ago. She was talking in her sleep." Elsa turned around with a smile on her face. "She was whispering out your name with profound feeling." She took a few steps over and leaned into his ear. "You and my daughter better not be doing anything indecent at Ashford." Lelouch's back straightened while he stumbled a few steps backward. "No…nothing has been going on…We're just friends." Elsa let out a small laugh while covering her mouth. "You are such an innocent boy; please don't mind an old lady's jokes. So you lost your phone, that's pretty dangerous here, Lelouch. You don't want to be discovered right?" Lelouch paused for a moment, and let out a soft nod. "Yes, but a lot of things have been going on recently….and…" Elsa let out a sigh while shaking her head. "She does it for you Lelouch; I'll let you be alone for a while. It would be well for you to talk for a while."
Lelouch took the seat nearby Feite's bed, and looked down at her sleeping face. He crossed his leg over the other, and shook his head. "You've really gotten yourself into quite the dilemma…" His hand moves slowly towards Feite and lightly touches her hand. "I could have used you at the docks…then this situation wouldn't have happened. I need to find out where Shirley is…" Feite exhaled lightly while her lips moved slowly. "Strawberry…pie…" Lelouch shook his head while a smile appeared on his face. "Talking about food in your sleep, you are a strange girl. Get well soon, we will all be waiting for you. Rook One." He slowly lets go of her palm, and walks towards the doorway. "I'll be leaving now Elsa, please contact me if Feite wakes up."
C.C. sat on a bench across from the hospital staring over at Lelouch. She eyed up at the window, and looked over at him lightly jog across the crosswalk. "I found out a few things of merit while I searched that girl's room." She pulled out a small notebook while Lelouch caught his breath. "You are pathetic, losing breath after running such a small distance." Lelouch quickly glared upward, and growled. "Shut up, what did you find out?" C.C. looked down at her notes, and sighed. "The gun couldn't be found in the room, and from others it would seem she didn't attend classes today. Also her diary was updated only on the fourteenth." Lelouch paused for a moment and looked up at the hospital. "That is when her father died…" She pulled out a closed envelope, and held it over along with a train schedule booklet. "I found these as well, what a lovely subject she is. You owe me for searching her room…" Lelouch quickly grabbed both objects, and looked through the envelope. "Shut up…" He pulled out a few pictures that were taken earlier in the year. "Where could she possibly be?" His eyes move towards the line schedule and opens to a red bookmark that had been placed. A pink highlight was squared around the Narita line route with a time check marked nearby. "She couldn't have gone…"
At Narita, Shirley stands in front of the newly erected memorial holding a picture of her late father in her hands. She was trembling with the conflicting emotions overcoming her. Her eyes turn down at the picture of her father while she quickly placed it into the duffle bag at her feet. "Lulu, why did you do such a thing?" A voice called out from behind where a tall man with thick glasses and headphones stood. "Yeah, I wonder why?" Shirley gasped for a moment while turning around to spot the man. "What a majestic memorial Shirley Fenette." She glared up at him with confusion in her eyes. "Who are you?"
In the mobile headquarters, the executive committee of the Black Knights was discussing recent events. "What, Feite is in the hospital? Why didn't you tell us?" Tamaki yelled from the couch while he lowered the bottle of wine in his hand. Kallen sat nearby flipping through the Guren's manual. "Because it would be odd if suspicious people visited the hospital. Her mother is there, and it wouldn't be right to have you at the least visit." Tamaki growled while the others laughed in unison. "Will she be alright?" Sugiyama wiped his glasses off while sincerely looking over at Kallen. "She just had successful surgery, but it would be a while before she would be able to help us." Inoue looked down with sadness weighing heavily on her eyes. "It would have been more even if we had both the Guren and Voulge during the battle. First that white armor, and that gray one that appeared." Kallen closed the booklet while nodding slightly. "I will defeat both of them, it's our duty…" Ogi rubbed his temple while looking up at the ceiling. "I'm glad for Feite, but about the Japanese Liberation Front Ship…why did it explode?" Tamaki glared over while tapping the side of the couch. "They self destructed didn't they?" Ogi shook his head and turned to the floor. "They asked for our help didn't they?"
Moments later, inside a train bound for Narita, Lelouch sat across from C.C. while staring out the window with his fist clenched. C.C. looked up at him with a smirk on her face. "Remind me Lelouch, which one do you like? Is it Shirley, or is it Feite." Lelouch replied with a disinterested tone while continually staring at the passing buildings. "Beats me…" C.C. shrugged her shoulders, and let out a disappointed sigh. "Then why are we going to Narita?" Lelouch glared back with a cold expression stretched across his face. "Obviously because she may have found out my identity." C.C. looked down at the nearby pamphlet and turned back to him. "What will you do when you find out? Eliminate her?" Lelouch jumped with his cold feelings fading into a quick shock. He was quickly caught off guard by his companion's words. C.C. continued to speak while he listened closely. "Don't put too much effort into it if it's something you don't want to really lose."
Back at the monument in Narita, the tall man still stands before the stunned Shirley. Her body shakes from the information this man knew. "That Lelouch is a cruel person, so is this Feite girl who interferes with your advances." Shirley took another step back with her eyes trembling. "Why do you know about Lelouch, or Feite for that matter?" The man let out a smile, while moving towards her. "You were tricked by him, weren't you? That guy is really Zero." Shirley dropped her back, and her expression feel into a deeper fear than before. "How do you know these things?" The man simply continued to pull Shirley's thoughts out and play upon them. "His mouth gave the word to kill your father, and stole away your kiss. You can't forgive those kinds of people, punishment is required. Both you him, and that blonde girl you keep picturing with him." Shirley held her hands over her chest, while her body was shaking from the cruel words. "I know everything about that night. You are a murderer, the same as Zero." The man keeps approaching her while Shirley shakes her head frantically. "Not only that, but you also made use of the death of your father in order to gain compensation. A manipulative woman, kind of like that Feite one you think about. You acted pitiful on purpose because you wanted him to be nice to you like he is to her. Did that sympathetic look make you feel better? How long do you intend to play the role of the tragic heroine? You, who killed someone and seduced a man, are not fit to be a heroine." Shirley's eyes widen while the man now moved his hand to brush against her cheek. He let out a smile while looking at her directly. "It's time for you to get your just deserts."
Feite's eyes slowly move while they quickly open showing their vibrant green color. Her left hand moves up to her brow and gently rubs against it. "Where am I?" She takes a moment to look around spotting the recovery room, and the large amount of presents and balloons at the far side of the room. "I remember now…" Feite looks down at her chest to see some of the bandages from the gown she was dressed in. "Where is everyone? I'm sure I heard Lelouch's voice did he actually visit me?" Elsa walks into the room, and her eyes widen while holding a small paper bag in her hands. "Oh my god, Feite you're awake!" She ran over to the side of the bed, and quickly grabbed hold of her daughter's hand. Feite's shoots her mom and odd glare while letting out a faint smile. "Mom, I'm okay…please don't shout my head is spinning enough." Elsa looked up with tears streaming down her face. Even though her daughter was safe, it was pleasant to know that she had woken up after extensive surgery. "Good….good, I'm glad that you're safe my dear." She moved her hand over her face, and reached into the small paper bag. "Look, what your sister just sent to us…" Feite looked over and let out a bright smile at the picture of her second sister Callia holding a small baby in her arms at a hospital in mainland Britannia. "Did I make you miss that mom?" She turned away slowly and looked at the open window. Elsa shook her head while placing the picture on the nightstand. "No, I had to make a choice, and Callia agreed that you needed me more than she did. Azalea was there the entire time, although I would rather she pay more interest in men than her job." Feite let out a small laugh while she paused a moment while pain had surfaced in her brow. "Are you in pain? Let me go tell the doctors that you're awake now."
C.C. stood on the top of the stairs overlooking the memorial monument where Shirley once was. She looked around while crossing her arms over her chest. She let out a smile while looking over at Lelouch catching his breath nearby. "You really should attend school more often. You are slender, but lack endurance…its pitiful." Lelouch glared upward shooting a nasty look while returning to a standing posture. "She's not here…" C.C shook her head and took a few steps forward, something was amiss and she could feel it. Someone familiar from her past was wandering around, deep inside she knew it, but Lelouch didn't need to know for the time being. "We should split up and look for her." Lelouch turned to her and sighed. "You do know what she looks like right?" C.C rolled her eyes and pointed at him. "I'm not a forgetful person you idiot." Lelouch turned his back, and much to his discomfort ran down the long stairwell.
Minutes later, Lelouch walked down a paved street in the middle of the restoration zone. Most of the debris had been cleared, and all that was left was to turn the area into a suitable space for settlement. The sound of Knightmare and technicians made a loud ambiance while Lelouch was lost in thought. "The chances are low. She shouldn't be there. Wait there were two people, that means Shirley no…I need to think this over more…" Lelouch lifts up his phone and his eyes widen at the caller's name. He quickly answers and holds the phone to his ear. "It's me. Where are you now?" The man's voice came out from the other line. "Where, I wonder?" Lelouch turned around to spot the man standing in plain sight holding Shirley's phone in hand. He quickly tossed the phone over and let out a maniacal grin. Lelouch clenched his teeth with anger apparent in his brow. "Bastard! What did you do to Shirley?" The man clapped his hands together and laughed. "Ah, isn't that nice? What a scary face. A face that shows that you won't forgive me for strike your woman…or are you simply bluffing?" Lelouch threw his arm out to the side while tightening the grip on his cell phone. "Where is Shirley?" The man scoffed and turned his head to the side. "You want to know? Then let's have a duel, you're good at it."He pulled out a Knight piece from a chess board.
"Okay, so everything looks like it went well. Did the nurse offer you anything yet?" The doctor lowered her pen light, and put the stethoscope on. Feite let out a firm nod while she sat upright in the bed. Her body often felt sluggish, but for the first moment in her life that feeling was gone. There was the pain from the surgery, the soreness of the flesh, but it would soon fade away. "I had some water earlier, but that was it. I'm not hungry at all…" The doctor smiled and held the device to her chest. "That is because of the IV, we don't want you eating solid foods for a while. Your new heart needs nutrients to grow strong, and all of them are in that IV drip in your arm. Can you please take a deep breath for me."
In the waiting room, Milly sat in an empty section fiddling with the can of tea in her hands. She had mixed feelings most of which were focused on Lelouch, and Shirley. She wanted to know why neither was returning any of the calls. "Where are those two at? Lelouch dropped by earlier, but Shirley hasn't been around at all. Is she still mourning her father?"
"Hey Milly…" A voice called out from across the room making her turn up to spot Rai. He was dressed in his uniform still with his jacket resting over his shoulder. "Rai, you made it. Good news, She's wide awake." Rai's eyes lightened up much like a child on Christmas morning. A thick smile flashed on his face while he nodded. "Awesome, can we visit her?" Milly looked over at the hallway, and shrugged her shoulders. "Aunt Elsa, told me that she's getting checked up by the doctor. Our medical technology is amazing isn't it?" Rai let out a nod while turning towards the doorway. "Yeah, usually you would be bed ridden for days, but they're checking up on her so quickly…" he paused momentarily and looked around the room. "So where is everyone?" Milly got up from her seat and sipped the last amount of tea inside the can. "Nina had a project due, and couldn't make it. Suzaku is helping Sayoko with Nunally. Rivalz had to go to his part-time job, and Shirley is still mourning her father's death." Rai nodded a few times while letting out a sigh. "That harsh huh? What about Lelouch? "
At the base of the mountain C.C. was in deep conversation with a motorcyclist. He looked over at C.C. with a semi-interested expression. "So you want me to help find your friend? Do you have a picture?" C.C. shook her head and seriously gazed into his eyes. "I don't have any photos. As for pictures, I can draw in the Batuan style." The cyclist shook his head, and let out an annoyed groan. "You don't have a photo, but you can draw? Listen I can't wait around for you to finish, why don't you call the cops or even the military to help you." C.C. looked up at the moving tram, and glanced up at the passengers. "I can't leave my friend in a pinch, they would take far too long…" Her heart stopped while one of the passengers beside Lelouch was the one she feared was walking ahead of him. "It can't be….Mao."
Mao sat at one end of a chess board that was balanced in the back of the tram on one of the large group seats. He looked over at Lelouch and let out a small laugh. "This is the first time I'm playing a game like this. Allow me to make the opening move." Lelouch's eyes widen while it quickly reminded him of seven years ago. "This movement, this guy isn't a new player. This whole chess game might be rigged so he wins. What can I do about this? He plans on taking me to a desert area, and he doesn't seem to know who I was until he called me. So I doubt he has the place trapped…" Mao looked up and let out a mocking laugh. "You can make use of the flaws, and break through? Shouldn't you pay more attention to our duel? Or are you to fixated on your sick friend at the hospital." Lelouch's eyes widen while Mao clapped his hands. "Yes, but you really should pay attention to the duel." He paused for a moment while glaring up at Mao. "You liar. What was that about this being the first time?"
The tram pulls up into the station up ahead while Mao quickly and utterly delivers the final blow to Lelouch. "He beat me just like Feite did….this is impossible…" Lelouch was shaking in the final moments while Mao moved the final piece to victory. "Is it okay to just call the game here? Because we just arrived." The tram slides into the station causing the cabin to shake throwing all the pieces onto the floor. Lelouch stared down at the board in complete shock while Mao basked in the moment of beating Lelouch at his own game. "He defeated me completely…Who the hell is he?" Mao looked up at him and shook his head. "You didn't hear about me from C.C.?" Lelouch's eyes widen while he quickly thinks up a series of possibilities of who Mao truly was. Mao simply clapped while his grin continued to grow larger and larger. "As expected of a genius like you, you come up with various strategies and made up fourteen of them. Also to give you some merit one of them is truth." He moved his hands to the large pair of sunglasses and pulls them down for a moment showing a pair of Geass sigils in both his eyes. "A Geass user?" Lelouch's Geass activated, but Mao quickly placed his glasses back on. "Oops…Your geass is useless unless you're in direct contact with your target's eyes…just like wow!" He tapped on the side of his headset, and started to chuckle. "What is so funny?" Lelouch grabbed the nearby bar, and clenched it with all his strength. "Just the fact that you just thought.." Mao cleared his throat and mocked Lelouch's conscious thoughts. "I wish Feite were here, she would have killed him by now." He clasped his hands and shook his head. "I can't die, I can read people's minds. I could very well kill her after I deal with you and that stupid fake heroine." Lelouch took a step forward while Mao shook his head. "No no, let's not get too hasty. Oh looks like she's here." Behind Mao and Lelouch Shirley walked down the stairwell past the window in the back. Lelouch's eyes widen while he catches a glimpse of her. "Shall we begin this punishment game?"
"I want to eat a strawberry pie…I can't take this anymore!" Feite crossed her arms over her chest and pouted over to her mother who stood elegantly at the window. "I'm sorry dear, but they won't let me bring anything in for you." Feite growled and let out a small puppy like expression. "Come on mom, please they won't know…" Elsa rubbed her temple and sighed. "You really are getting on my nerves. Usually patients are still unconscious, do you really care that much?" Feite paused for a moment while turning at her mother. "The fact I love strawberries, or how bad I want to get out of the hospital." Elsa crossed over to the empty seat, and sighed dejectedly. "Well let's make a deal, you put up with drinking water, and I'll buy you the biggest cake I can get." Feite shook her head and stared down at the blanket covering her feet. "What kind of deal is that? I can just bake one, since cooking is something I'm skilled at." Elsa grabbed her head and groaned. "There is no pleasing you is there. I really should have stopped after having two children."
"Huh? Whats going on?" Milly walked in holding a plate from the cafeteria. One her cheek was a small amount of crème while a fork rested on a small plat in her off hand. Feite glared over while her jaw dropped. "Milly you…" Milly looked down at the cake and smiled. "Ooh, I'm sorry Feite let me describe the taste to you." She proceeded to slowly eat the cake and make a lot of sounds that made Feite cringe in the medical bed. "This is absolute torture! Kill me now god."
Back at the tram station above the reconstruction ground, Shirley points Zero's handgun directly at Lelouch. "Shirley is that?" Her arms were steady while Lelouch stood between her and Mao. "Yes, it's Zero's…Lulu's gun." Mao grinned from behind. "Come on use your Geass, you used it once on Feite. What's the difference? You have yet to use it on her, right? But I can fire immediately at you after using it." Lelouch paused while Mao drew his gun from underneath his robe. "Can he only read surface thoughts?" Are there restrictions to his Geass usage like mine? A time level, duration? Anyway what are his intentions? He knows about everything now, I just inadvertently placed Feite in danger. If he intends to kill me…" Mao stretches his arms out and laughs. "Think it through, and use the strategies you're good at. Come on hurry, spin, spin, spin around." Lelouch turned over his face filled with annoyance and anger. "Shut up!" Mao grinned while moistening his lips by licking them.
"There's nothing more suitable than death for someone who fools with the hearts of others. Speaking of hearts you caused one to break right? She's in the hospital because of that." Shirley's voice trembled while tears were falling down her cheeks. "Lulu, please die…bear your sins. After that I can die with you." Mao nodded while pointing the gun back at Lelouch's head. "She fired at a witness in order to protect your secret." Lelouch turned back and then refocused on Shirley. "Then you…" Shirley shook her head while the depressed look overcame her usual energetic face. "Lulu, let's end it all." Mao nodded several times, and once again aimed the weapon away. "Yes, yes sins need to be paid for in blood." Lelouch shot another similar gaze over his shoulders. "Bastard you made Shirley!" He pauses and comes to a conclusion about Mao's powers. "If he can read a person's mind, he can easily control and mislead them." Mao clapped his hands together and nodded. "Absolutely right, now shoot him please…"
Shirley shook her head and closed her eyes while pulling the trigger. The loud bang of the gun filled the empty area while the bullet flew past Lelouch's head grazing a few hairs off. He slowly falls backward while the package of pictures falls out from his pocket. The photo's spill out onto the steps while Lelouch hits the stairs shoulder first injuring it. Shirley paused while she reopened her eyes to spot the various pictures of not only Lelouch, but everyone else in the Student Council. A photo was overturned with Feite's handwriting on the back. "Don't lets other persuade you; always trust in your heart, Feite Avalon." Her eyes trembled while the sadness and realization of what she had just done eats away at her soul. Mao growled over while he pointed directly at Shirley. "What are you doing? He was the one that killed your father, wasn't he?" Shirley shook her head and froze up trying to resort the memories of school and those of her father. "What is wrong with this girl? If you won't I will." Mao raised the gun over to Lelouch, but Shirley quickly fired the gun once more. The bullet richochets off the floor's plating nearly hitting Mao. He jumps to the side while holding his arms up in defense. "Okay, okay I get it, I'll let you two sort it out."
Shirley lowers her arms, and falls forward. "Shirley!" Lelouch rushed forward, and caught her in his arms. Mao however being as diabolical as possible stood inside the tram loading shells into a shotgun. "What's with those idiots, I guess I'll have to deal with both of them…" The tram started to shake while the doors shut. "Huh? What is going on?" Mao looked out the window, and growled. "I didn't sense anyone else up here!" He runs to the end of the tram, with his eyes wide. "It couldn't be…" He gasps while catching a glimpse of C.C. at the window. He grips the headset, and glasses only to throw them off his face. "It's really you C.C.! I can't believe it! I love you definitely! Forever please come to me!"
C.C. looked at the tram while it slowly moved down the mountain. She lowered the gun, and shook her head. "Mao to think you actually came out from the heart of a person…"
"Shirley, its okay now…" Lelouch holds Shirley in his arms, and tries to console her once again. Shirley sniffles while she tries to hold back her tears. "Lelouch, I shot someone…so…" Lelouch tightens his hold and pulls her to his chest. "It's my fault…Shirley you're not at fault." Shirley starts to cry again with the tears slowly running down the sides of her face. "But I shot at you…" Lelouch shook his head and tightened his hold on her. "I'm still alive…I'll forgive your sin, and bear all of it." Shirley buries her head into his shoulder, and rubs her tears onto his jacket. "I just wanted you to be kind to me…" Lelouch looked over at her and nodded. "What's wrong with being kind?" Shirley pulled herself away, and met his eyes with hers. "But my father…he." Lelouch looked at her tear stained eyes, and tightened his hold on her. "Forget it…It's okay if you want to forget all of the horrible things." Shirley shook her head while she slowly came to a pause. "I can make you forget it all." Lelouch activated his geass while Shirley shook her head. "Lelouch No!!"
Mao stood at the base of the tram, and slammed his fist against the control panel. "Damn it that bastard he locked out the controls! C.C. I want you! That dress was amazing…" He pulled his hand away, and placed his headphone and glasses back on. His fist clenched up while he started to chuckle. "I still have one more card to play you bastard Lelouch…I will go after the girl you so graciously leaked to me…Feite Avalon, prepare to die…"
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Hey Guys sorry for the late update, the Mao Arc is pretty hard to write.
Also, to answer a few questions: How to say the heroine's name. Feite is just a cool spelling of the word Fate. "Fei-tou" or simple "Fate"
Hope you like it, it was pretty difficult to write about Feite near the end and still put the Lelouch Vs Mao parts in.