Stage Sixteen "Intermission"

It had been at most a week since the event had occurred between Mao, C.C. and Lelouch. Daily life had continued as normally as possible. Zero and the Black Knights had not performed any actions, nor was any of the information about Shirley was shared outside of Lelouch and C.C. Soon the information between those two would be shared…

Lelouch walked through the halls with a small package underneath his arm. He had a tough time dealing with makeup work which delayed him from telling Feite about the person called Mao that had mentioned her several times during the chess game. A worried look was stretched across his face while the sound of his shoes touching against the floor grows louder with each step. Lelouch stops for a moment and proceeds down the hallway. He looks up at Feite's room number, and looks up at the fluorescent light above.

Several hours ago Lelouch stood in his room typing heavily on his computer. He let out a small groan while C.C. casually eats pizza, and flipped through a magazine. "You still haven't told her about Mao have you?" Lelouch paused while drawing his attention away from the computer. "What do you mean by that C.C? We dealt with Mao, he's dead we don't need to worry about him." C.C. looked over and gave an almost sincere look. "You did trick him, but at least you should tell Feite about the situation. She has a right to know…" Lelouch turned back to the computer, and shook his head. "That guy was shot several times by the police force; we won't be seeing him anymore." C.C. turned over to her magazine and kicked her feet playfully. "I see…"

Back at the hospital, Lelouch walked slowly through the hallway, and took a moment to look into the room. "Feite, I thought you would be bored and…I" His eyes widen to see Feite standing by the curtains staring out at the city. "Took you long enough to come back and visit Lelouch…" She turns around and lets out a small laugh. Her hand moves to her lips while eyeing the package tucked under Lelouch's arm. "Huh? What's that?" Lelouch let out a smile and walked casually to the nearby table. "As I said I thought you might be bored so I brought chess." Feite hand slowly moved from her mouth showing a very disinterested expression. "So you brought I game I consider boring to make me not bored?" She shook her head and crossed over to the table. "I'm sorry…" Lelouch paused for a moment while turning away from the board. Feite shook her head and groaned loudly. "I didn't say I wouldn't play…"

Lelouch let out a small yawn while packing up the chess board. The two had gone on for hours with Lelouch winning the games more than ninety percent of the time. Feite was a good player, but her lack of interest gave Lelouch an edge against her. "Why are you looking so depressed?" She stared up at Lelouch with a playful cat like gaze. Lelouch turned his head away, and closed his eyes. "I remembered that you used to be a challenge, but I guess times change…" Feite shrugged her shoulders, and grinned. "Are you thinking about the past? When we used to play chess all the time?" Lelouch stood up, and let out a soft smile. "Yes, as a matter of fact I was reminded." Feite got up from the seat, and crossed over to the edge of the bed. "Reminded because of what? Did something happen Lelouch?" Lelouch's eyes widen while Feite's words hit him deeper than expected. He regains his composure and shook his head. "It's just a memory, it doesn't matter what recalls it. Just that I remembered it…" Feite forced herself to smile, and turned her head away. "I see, it's getting late, I don't want to keep you here all night." Lelouch looked over at her while shrugging his shoulders. "Oh, I'll visit you tomorrow, that's when you're being released right? School has been really hectic lately…" He gathered the chess board, and slowly walked out of the room.

Rai walked casually down the hallway tossing a small box in his hand. He caught it slowly while turning over to spot Lelouch crossing along. "Hey Lelouch, finishing up a visit?" Lelouch looked up at Rai, and let out a friendly wave. "Yes, but she seems to be tired…" Rai stopped, and let out an uneasy sigh. "Did you wear her out with chess?" He eyed the chess board package tucked under Lelouch's arm. "I guess we did play longer than expected, but she should be able to see you at the least. It's amazing that she's walking about now…" Rai crossed his arms, and grinned. "Yeah, soon she'll be back to her normal self. I just hope nothing else happens that threatens her life. Everyone will be happy when she returns tomorrow." Lelouch bowed forward, and started off towards the elevator. "I wish for the same, keep her company for me a while longer." Rai let out a sigh, and waved momentarily before turning towards Feite's room.

"What an idiot, why would he visit me, play chess, and talk about that stupid memory." Feite held a pillow across her chest while sighing to herself. "I want to get out of this place…a one more night, and I'll be able to leave." Her eyes start to close while the comfort of the pillow and mattress seemed to lull her into a sleeplike condition.

A light knock could be heard at the doorway while Rai walks in holding a smile on his face. "Hey there…" His face quickly turns sour while he takes a step back. "Crap, she's sleeping…" Feite lets out a small groan, while throwing the pillow in Rai's direction. "You're so annoying Lelouch!" Rai's eyes widen while he catches the pillow, and stands in shock for a moment. Feite crosses her arms over her chest, and growled before noticing Rai lower the pillow. "Oh, it's just you Rai…" He regained his composure and walked over to the bedside. "So, I guess you're in a bad mood now?" Rai chuckled for a second, and tossed the pillow onto her lap. Feite caught the pillow, and let out a loud sigh. "No, I'm just annoyed that guy all he does is play chess! Could he for one moment do something else?" she quickly moved her hand to her face and groaned louder. "What a lost cause that guy is….Well anyway Rai why are you here so late?"

Rai looked over at the wall, and let out a smile. "I thought I'd visit you one last time here before you're released from the hospital. Everyone is readying for your return to Ashford. Sadly by everyone I mean Nina being excluded from that group. She's become quite anti-social to me since she found out that we are..." Feite looked over with a puzzled expression and laughed. "She probably likes you, and mixed in with the dislike she has for me it's a lose-lose scenario. Also what is this we are business? I don't remember accepting an offer Mr. bossy." Rai took a step back while waving his hands in front of his face. "Well, I assumed that…well…aren't we going out?" Feite shook her head and waved her finger in a nagging matter. "One trip to a coffee shop and visiting me daily at the hospital aren't really dates Casanova. If you want to, you have to ask me clearly." She held out her hands and cleared her throat. "Feite, will you go out with me…that's what you have to say or something like that." Rai gulped while it seemed that his vocal cords were now locked up from Feite's strange personality. "I um…it's too embarrassing when you forcibly tell me what do say." She shook her head, and smiled to herself. "You really are something Rai Creswell."

In the streets outside the hospital, Mao stood across the street holding a rolled up magazine in his hand. He stared up at the upper floors and lets out a chaotic sounding laugh. "Thank god for Britannian medical technology and that idiot for not saying kill." Mao moved his hand in front of his face, and grinned at the bandages wrapped thickly around it. "But, soon I shall get my revenge not only on you Lelouch, but like I said before…" he looked out the corner of his eyes, and laughed. "I will kill Feite Avalon, only I have to wait for that strange boy to leave her." Mao tapped the magazine against his palm while crossing the street. "It'll be safe to wait till that girl is out of the hospital."

Elsa walks down the hallway and steps into the room only to spot Rai and Feite chatting with one another. "Oh, you have company this late. I'm glad to see you here Rai." Rai paused and turned over to catch a glimpse at Elsa. He waved his hand in a friendly gesture and smiled. "Oh, it's nice to see you again Mrs. Avalon." Elsa waved her hand slightly, and shook her head. "Please call me Elsa, saying it that way makes me feel like an old maid." Feite let out a pout while crossing her arms over her chest. "Mom, why are you dressed up? Are you going somewhere?" Elsa crossed to the side of the bed, and took a seat. "Well, I have to go see my grandchild who makes me feel extremely old, and Azalea is being a little too adventurous with leading the main company for the moment. I'm flying back to the mainland tonight." Feite glanced down at her lap, and smiled. "That's Azalea for you…anyway mom it was nice to see you again." Elsa waved her hand and groaned. "Hearing you say that makes me feel like I won't see you again…you aren't deciding on eloping with Rai are you?" Feite and Rai both gasp at the words and simultaneously shake their heads and deny the assumption. "I was joking with you two, well please Rai tell everyone that I'm thankful, and keep Feite safe."

Rai exhaled, and wiped the small amount of perspiration that had formed on his brow. "Don't scare me like that…anyway; I'll try my best although I think she can take care of herself." Feite let out a smile while pushing her back into the pillows behind her. "You worry too much mom, not much happening around here…it's not like I'm a soldier or anything." Elsa let out a sigh, and moved a strand of hair from her eyes. "I guess I am being too cautious, but I know you always have a penchant for chaos Feite, so please keep it calm for the time being. I'll be going now, goodnight you two."

"What did she mean by that?" Rai looked over with a perplexed expression stretched over his face. Feite let out a devilish smile, and shrugged her shoulders while pressing harder onto the pillows with her backside. "I don't have a clue..." She paused for a second and held up her finger as an idea popped up from the back of her mind. "It's because I don't really have a penchant for following rules..." Rai shook his head, and took a step back while resting his palm over his face. "I could have figured that much out…" He took a glance at his watch, and took a minute to stare over at Feite. "It's getting late, so hey I'll see you when you get back to school tomorrow." Rai held up his hand and waved while Feite returned a smile in combination with a simple nod of her head. "Yeah, see you then."

The next morning came by faster than expected, Feite was already out of bed, and changed into a pair of casual clothes that her mother had brought over from the campus. The bathroom door opened showing Feite dressed in a pair of black slacks, and a simple Tee shirt. Her hair was tied back into a pony-tail, but her fringe was still a bit unruly and fell over her right eye. "Oh, man I'm finally getting out of here!" A thick smile was stretched over her face while her arms shot towards the ceiling in a victory pose.

"That happy to get out of the hospital?" The voice was dominating, and sent a chill down Feite's spine. A woman dressed in elaborate white clothing with a bluish black cape sat in the corner chair of the room. "I thought I would surprise you, since I heard the dire news and had to force the emperor in letting me see you. The years have been good to you." The famous Knight of Nine, Nonette Enneagram, stared over with a playful look on her face. Feite stood in utter shock while she promptly lowered her arms to her sides. "A Knight of the Rounds visiting me, wow you honor me so greatly Lady Enneagram." Nonette leaned forward and covered her mouth while trying to restrain herself from laughing. "My, your manners have defiantly decreased in your exile to this Area Eleven. Say, how about you spend the day with me?" Feite turned her head away slightly, and stared at the floor. "I have to check out and…" Nonette held up a folded piece of paper and grinned. "Already done, get your things, and let your "elder" take you out."

Feite walked out holding a box in her hands while Nonette held a smaller one. "My, a lot of people do admire you at Ashford. It's amazing some of these are from noble boys. These names are quite famous, are you secretly courting this many?" Feite's face turned red while she growled heavily and shot a fierce look at the Knight of Nine. "I'm not! They just respect me okay!" Nonette turned her head to the side, and let out another playful laugh. "There's that fierce, and independent look that I remember. You used to be quite the vixen at the academy am I right? Before all that political tape got thrown in by the damned Warren Family." Feite shrugged her shoulders, and sighed to herself. "I guess so, but that event threw a wrench into joining the military." Nonette let out a booming laugh, and shook her head. "Yeah, but you can live a life free of ever touching a battlefield. It's not that great of a place to be…fighting against the E.U. is disheartening." Feite looked over at her senior, and could see the saddened look on her face. "Those people may not have our ideals, but surely we can live peacefully with the other nation's right?" Nonette crossed her arms and let out a disappointed sigh. "But, as the Knight of Nine, I shouldn't talk bad about our emperor's decision making. Shall we head out?"

The luxury vehicle belonging to the Knight of Nine moves through the streets while some people assume it as belong to a standard noble. "So, Callia the second oldest just gave birth? Who was the father of the child?" Nonette pulled off her gloves and crossed her legs while looking intently at Feite. Her eyes were drifting to the window and staring off at the endless sky. "I've never met him, but his name is Lenard Holtan, some pesky nobleman that annoys me from what I heard from Azalea." Nonette reached over to the side, and picked up a glass. She proceeded to pour a small amount of liquor into the glass followed by a pair of melting ice cubes. "What a small world it is. The Holtan family wanted you disowned from the Avalon family am I right?" Feite crossed her arms and glared evilly out at the passing traffic. "Yes, the irony in marriages…but the Holtan family are nothing but a bunch of cowards that even I in my current state could defeat in an instant." Nonette let out a soft laugh while taking a sip from her glass. "I see, but let me ask you a question. If you had a sword what will you use it for? You have two options." She held up two fingers and spoke calmly over to her former pupil. "Will you use it for Vengeance or to protect those precious to you?" Feite turned over with a small smile on her face. Her eyes were deceitful, but to a trained soldier like Nonette it was very obvious. "I would use it to destroy those that wronged me." Nonette paused while her eyes were wide in shock. She couldn't believe the words of pure hatred flowing from Feite's mouth. "You have matured quite a lot in two years; the emotion you speak with is frightening. I can tell that Cornelia and my personalities have bled onto you." She looked out the corner of her eyes and smiled.

The vehicle parked in front of the Ashford Academy, and almost instantly students turn over to spot Nonette as she disembarked the vehicle. "A knight of the rounds here?" A student exclaimed while a few others rushed over to get a look. Nonette let out a small laugh, and waved her hand to the growing crowd. "Quite a nice atmosphere…your school is very interesting to me." Feite climbed out of the vehicle after, and looked over at the crowd. Many of their smiles grew brighter after spotting Feite after so long. "Feite, how are you feeling?" Feite jogged over to the group of classmates, and started off in a simple conversation while Nonette watched from the car's side. "At least she gets along with everyone…."

Lelouch sat in his bedroom typing on his computer while C.C. was eating pizza once again on the covers of his bed. Her legs kick around while a smile flashes on her face for a moment. "Her presence has grown; her heart isn't weighed down by disease." Lelouch let out a sigh while turning over to the window. "What is all this commotion about?" He took a moment to stand up and peek through the curtains. His eyes widen to spot Feite chatting casually with a few others from homeroom. "Feite? She came back earlier than I had expected…who is she with…" C.C. turned the page of the magazine she was looking at and blankly stared over. "Maybe you should go greet her you stupid boy." Lelouch quickly turned over and growled. "Shut up…"

Feite opened the door to her room, and placed the first box onto the empty bed across from her own. Nonette followed shortly after placing the box beside the other. She looked around the room, and let out a small grin. "Quite a standardized life you live here. You don't have a roommate it seems?" Nonette sat on the edge of the bed lightly probing the sheets with her fingertips. "Yeah, I really didn't care for one, and due to grandfather running the school I have privileges." Feite started to unpack her suitcase and place the lesser garments into the dresser. "How is your fencing? Have you improved since we last sparred?" Nonette tugged on her gloves while reaching into the box to pull out the rabbit that was a gift from Kallen. "I don't fence anymore, but I assure you that my skills haven't degraded one bit." Nonette played with the ears of the stuffed animal while her elegant laughter fills the room. "Shall we put those words to the test?"

Minutes later, Rai walked down the steps of his classroom with his bag resting over his shoulder. "Man classes today were harsh." Suzaku patted him on the side and let out a comforting nod. "Yeah, well your homeroom teacher is known to being the strictest out there." Rai sighed to himself, and looked over at the large crowd forming in the center of the school. "What's going on over there?" Suzaku turned over, and his eyes widen at the white robes of a Rounds member. "It can't be…that's a member of the rounds!" His hand moved forward and pointed over. "Why would a rounds member be here unless it's…?" Rai's eyes met Feite while she elegantly held a Sabre while wearing no protective gear. "Feite…lets go Suzaku."

"Wow, so many have gathered to see you fight me. This is going to be an amazing show my former pupil." Nonette looked over at the crowd and laughed while holding her Sabre forward. "Are you sure you don't want any protective equipment?" Feite slashed her weapon forward in a professional manner and bowed forward in stylish fashion. "I should say the same to you…so please don't hold back Knight of Nine." Nonette turned her head away and without warning attacked Feite quickly with a swift swing. Her eyes widen at the quick response from her opponent. Feite was always one that had abnormally high reaction times causing her to quickly get the upper hand against Nonette. "You definitely are a Minerva…you're ruthless as well as cautious in your stance."

"Man, Feite is holding her own against a Rounds member. She's the total package…I should ask her out." A single student stared over at Feite while a light hint of blush formed on his cheeks. Rai glanced over and placed his hand on his. "Maybe you shouldn't…" The student turned over and his eyes widen. "Oh, it's you Creswell…" Rai let out a smile while turning over to the duel. "She definitely has some moves…" The large crowd of mixed students all gasp in awe while the two continued to go at one another.

However, Suzaku watched with apprehension something was out of sync in his mind. A familiar feeling overcame him while he followed Feite's movement and quick responses. "It can't be…" Suzaku could feel the fading memory that was Narita creeping up at him while seeing one of his friends in a rigid and deadly sword fighting stance. Suzaku quickly shook his head trying to shake the ominous feeling out of his head. "There is no way Feite is part of the Black Knights. Why would she be fighting anyway? Her family is well connected, and she's friends with a Rounds member." Rai looked over at the hesitant Suzaku who was lost in deep thought. "Hey man, you look pale. Are you feeling alright?" Suzaku jumped for a second, and let out a firm smile. "I'm fine, I just got the chills for some reason…" Rai gave him a funny stare before witnessing the last strike from Nonette.

In a single instant Feite was disarmed, and the fencing Sabre at her neck. Nonette let out a small grin while she laughed. "You definitely got better, but you have a lot more practice to go." Feite was out of breath and moved the Sabre away from her neck. "That is if I practice, I don't fence anymore Nonette." Nonette sighed while the crowd grew louder. "Well that isn't good at all…" She paused while Feite handed over the Sabre to a member of the fencing team. "You did well…Feite Sempai."

An hour later, Nonette stood in the center of the student council building with a smile on her face. "Wow this is amazing, this is the student council room? This place is amazing." Feite had her hands tucked into her pockets while shrugging her shoulders. "Not really, we don't use most of this place at all. Only that meeting room, the dining hall and kitchen." Nonette let out a playful catlike smile and pointed over at the kitchen. "Kitchen you say…" Suzaku let out a nod from behind Feite, and walked over. "Yes, we use it all the time to cook various things. Feite is pretty much the gourmet cook here along with Milly and Lelouch…" He paused for a moment while Nonette smiled. "Really, so you do cook still. You're turning into a very domesticated woman." Feite turned her head away and clenched her fist. "But that not domesticated, my talents are more akin to a chef than a common housewife." Suzaku let out a laugh while turning over to the door opening down the way. "A maid as well this is a prestigious establishment." Nonette stared over while Sayoko walked quietly along holding a tray of tea. "Yeah, that is Sayoko, a maid that serves the Ashfords. She helps us out a lot with cooking and cleaning." Nonette nodded a few times while she reached into her jacket for her mobile phone. She held it to her ear, and walked off to the side. "I have to take this…"

Feite leaned against the wall of the lobby with Suzaku leaning from the nearby pillar across from her. "So, you have a really good relationship with Lady Nonette?" A passionate look was stretched on his face while Feite let out a disgruntled sigh. "Yeah, she was basically my tutor back in the day. I was supposed to be a soldier...or even a Knight for Britannian Royalty. The training was rigorous, but Nonette has been like an older sister to me. I'm glad to see her, even if our ranks aren't equal." Suzaku let out a sigh and crossed his arms. "Don't sweat it; I'm glad to see that you have a lot of friends outside of Ashford. It's nice to forge bonds with others. Even if the friend is a bit eccentric." Feite let out a small laugh while nodding a few times. "Nonette is the strangest woman I've ever met…"

Nonette closed her phone and growled slightly while sliding it into her pants. "Feite, it seems that I have a mission to undertake, and I can't stay in Area Eleven for the dinner I said I'd bring you out for." She shook her head and rubbed her temple. "Being the Knight of Nine is tedious; I never get a decent amount of time for a break." Her eyes moved over to Suzaku's and let out a nod. "Kururugi, please take care, and Feite I'll see you again." Feite bowed her head and waved goodbye while Nonette started out the doorway.

Outside the campus, Mao stood with his arms crossed over his chest. He glared at the gates with annoyance stretched on his brow. His teeth were clenched while his long coat covered the bandages wrapped over his entire body. A new pair of sunglasses was over his face while a more inconspicuous pair of headphones was plugged inside his ears. "Sadly, since you checked out of the hospital, I'll just make you part of the game…I'll make you kill Lelouch, or vice-versa. But that will have to be tomorrow. After-all a genius like me needs his rest. So have fun with your last day." Mao clapped his hands, and started off down the street to a waiting car.

Hours later, the members of the student council were gathered in the dining room where Feite sat at a table where a feast had been prepared. Feite had a shocked expression on her face while her stomach almost felt like growling. "Do you like it Feite? We weren't sure that it'll be as good as you would have made it." Kallen stood by the table wearing an apron over her uniform. She held her hands tightly over her lap while Shirley leaned forward. "Come on, we slaved over at least you could say something!" Feite pointed over to the cake, and laughed. "It looks nice, I'm glad that everything came out so well. You got all my favorite dishes, but surely you'll all eat with me?" Milly's laugh filled the room while she walked over from the nearby staircase. "Of course we'll eat with you. You are our guest after you long stay at the hospital. This is your welcoming back party." She snapped her fingers while Rai walked up wearing a waiter's uniform. "Rai, please pour our princess a drink." Rai let out an uneasy nod and walked over holding the bottle of sparkling cider. "Here you go Feite…I'm glad you're back."

Feite let out a small nod while she stared at the liquid fill the cup. She looked over in the distance, and spotted a shadow moving along the wall. "Huh? Did I just see something?" Lelouch leaned against a nearby pillar with his arms crossed over his chest. "Why do I have to wear this stupid outfit as well?" He tugged at the collar, while Milly turned quickly over. "Oh, you look just fine. Doesn't he look like an enchanting gentleman Feite?" Feite turned over and her eyes widen at Lelouch wearing a similar uniform like Rai, but with his sleeves rolled up. "I um…that frown throws it completely off. At least you can smile at me Lelouch. I've been gone for so long, and being moody is going to ruin my welcoming." Shirley leaned over to Kallen and whispered into her ear. "I think Feite and Lelouch have a light for one another." Kallen looked out the corner of her eye, and let out a small nod. 'I thought Shirley had feelings for Lelouch? Why is she acting so weird?'

It was approaching Midnight at a large party on the west coast of Mainland Britannia at the Sacramento Avalon Avionics Facility. A large crowd of nobles were eyeing the next generation in Britannian vessels that would usher in a new technological revolution in avionics. This vessel was the center of the party as it floated in the harbor above the starlit sky in the distance.

The Avalon, a ship commissioned by Prince Schneizel was already completed, but would need several tweaks before it would become worthy of service to the Britannian Military. Azalea stood at the party dressed in a form fitting dress that showed off her curvaceous and siren like body. Even with her glasses on Azalea was a magnet for the many single noble men that constantly swarmed her. She let out a laugh while listening to their tedious attempts to win her over.

"Excuse me, everyone might I have a chance to borrow Azalea from you?" Prince Schneizel himself stood before the crowd, and Azalea turned her head to the side avoiding eye contact with him. "Yes, my lord…lets go over to the bar…" The crowd of men around Azalea quickly moves over to the open bar that had been put up temporally for the occasion. "So, how do you like your new ship my lord?" Azalea turned over at him with a look that he was quite familiar with. Schneizel moved forward and lightly moved his hand to her cheek. "I don't care about things like that…I only commissioned it so I could meet with you again." Azalea let out a small laugh while she lightly touched the side of his hand. "It's been nearly five years since we've been this close, and wearing suitable attire." Schneizel quickly pulled his hand back, and let out a soft laugh. "Yes, but those were beautiful times…I miss you." Azalea turned away while looking out the observation window. "I could say the same, but Schneizel we follow much different paths. We aren't foolish children anymore…" Schneizel shook his head, and leaned forward into Azalea's face. She pulled back slightly before latent feelings kicked in. "I can become a foolish child for you at any moment my muse."Azalea's lip touched against his while the both stood in full view of co-workers, and other members of Nobility.

At the bar a domineering woman sneered over at the pair. "My, Schneizel seems to always have a penchant for those Avalon women. Why does he always fall for the bespectacled ones?" Guinevere glared over while sipping from a glass of wine. "It's because they have such a strong history with one another….similar to that of the relationship of our deceased brother Lelouch, and the youngest of the Avalon…" Odysseus sat across from her also partaking in the extravagant wines that were supplied by the Avalon Family. "Oh, you mean Feite; the woman would have become another Cornelia? Rumor has it that she is still alive in Area Eleven. I also hear that she is more beautiful than Azalea is. You should pursue the youngest, my dear older brother." Odysseus nearly chokes on his wine while lightly placing the glass on the table top. He wipes his face with a nearby handkerchief, and shakes his head. "Surely you are joking. I couldn't do that…I mean…it would…" Guinevere covered her mouth while letting out a small laugh. "You are much too indecisive brother…"

Schneizel pulled his lips away from Azalea and let out a smile. "You still taste like nectar…you are an enthralling woman." Azalea leaned backward on one of the few railings in the observatory, and blushed. "You have gotten better at courting, experience I assume Schneizel?" She removed her glasses, and held them to her side. "On another note how do you like the Avalon?" Schneizel looked over his shoulder, and grinned. "It's perfect, but I would like for you to work on another project…" He leaned into her ear, and whispered. "I want you to make a Knightmare with a Float System..."

Back at the Ashford Academy the party was well over with Rivalz resting his head on one of the tables. Rai sat nearby him hunched over while groaning from over eating. "I shouldn't have had that contested with you…" Rivalz let out a small nod while getting up from the table. "I'm regretting it as well…" Rai unbuttoned the collar of his shirt, and sighed. "So, what do you think about Feite returning?" Rivalz looked over to the bright light coming out from the kitchen. "It's going to be louder with her back, but that's how I always liked it. She's just like the president…" Rai chuckled while getting up from the seat. "Why not confess to her?" Rivalz nearly fell out of the chair while holding his hands up. "You know? Wait a minute there's no way…"

On the Veranda, Feite stood with Lelouch standing behind her. "Under a starlit sky…" Lelouch looked over with an uneasy look on his face. He glanced away from Feite while she seemed to glisten in the moonlight. Her hair was tangled in a certain way while her lips looked irresistible. "So, are you sure you will be able to continue? Is your heart ready to follow the path of revenge?" Feite grabbed the railing, and looked over her shoulder. "I thought you would never ask me…yes, I've missed so much and I would like to get caught up….let me ask you one thing. Why is Shirley acting so weird Lelouch? She was head over heels for you, and now it seems that you are distant." Lelouch took a step back while his eyes widen. Feite caught him off guard with the question; he had no idea that she was aware of the situation. "I um…"

"He was forced to use his Geass on her…" The silent and monotone voice of C.C. could be heard from the ledge above them. She wore her usual and oddly shaped belted dress while holding her stuffed animal in her arms. Feite's eyes widen while she turned over to see Lelouch turned away with his face in a pained look. "You used your Geass on Shirley? What were you thinking Lelouch?" She rushed over and grabbed him by the collar. Her arm pulled back readying to punch, but Feite hesitated. Lelouch shook his head and looked away. "I was forced to use it on her…it happened when you were in the hospital. At the battle at the docks…." C.C. looked down while Feite lowered her arm and released Lelouch. "She saw Lelouch's face when his Burai was heavily damaged by that white armor…" Feite took a few steps back, and balled her hand into a fist again. "So, is that all? You did it because of that? Tell me everything Lelouch or I'll…" The door opened while the pair turned over to see Milly with a shocked look on her face. "Oh, this is awkward…let me…" Feite sighed, and turned over to her cousin. "Milly what's the matter?" Milly shook her head, and slowly walked backward. "No, nothing I'll let you two be alone for awhile." Lelouch looked out the corner of his eye, and walked over to Feite. He grabbed her by the shoulders, and pulled her into him. "Feite, come talk to me tomorrow…I'll tell you all about it…" He whispered into her ear, and pushed her away. Feite stood while she could swear that tears were swelling in his eyes. "Lelouch?"