Author's Note: With luck this chapter will finally be the one where the length goes back down to a normal level. Though the chances of that are in my favor. There are certain things that need to be done within this chapter, but not a lot. Plus Narita is up next so there is only so much for me to do. Going to be another talkative chapter. With something quite dastardly to be hinted at.

Disclaimer: I still do not own Code Geass. I'd settle for getting both seasons on DVD for a decent price though.

Stage 08
Refrain

"Cornelia has returned to the base in the EU from the frontline. She is on the line waiting as per your request, Your Majesty."

From up on the throne the imposing figure of Charles zi Britannia looked down on the trembling messenger with disdain. This man was scared just to be in his presence. How pathetic. "Very well," the emperor replied dismissively before directing his gaze at his guards. "I need to talk to my daughter alone."

The messenger had left quickly after the clear dismissal and the guards knew better than to question their liege. As the throne room emptied Charles pressed a button on the side of the throne and a screen lowered from a compartment in the ceiling. He reached out and pressed a sequence of numbers on the screen before sitting back. Looking imperious and stern as Cornelia appeared.

Cornelia bowed her head respectfully, "I am here as you wished Your Majesty. What do you need of me?"

"The OSI gave me a rather interesting report a few weeks ago," the emperor allowed himself a cold smirk as she lost the color in her face. "Tell me. Were you ever going to inform me that, though they fled, you found Lelouch and Nunnally?"

She swallowed nervously, but managed to maintain eye contact with her father. "I saw little point without having them with me at the time. All I can do now is look for them. Unless," her eyes shined with hope," the OSI managed to trace the call?"

At this Charles lips flattened into a thin line of disapproval, "No. It seems your brother was telling the truth when he said they wouldn't be able to. His signal was constantly changing as they tried. All they could get was a confirmation they were still in the settlement." He didn't particularly care about bringing his lost children back to Britannia, but it would have been useful in retrieving C.C. for the Ragnarök Connection.

Though beyond that he was disappointed that his organization that is meant to be among the elite in information gathering was unable to do such a thing. His son, whether he had help or not, was able to set up a system that they could not track. If he could do it then so could others and that is unacceptable. Things were going to change for the OSI and quickly to correct such a mistake.

Cornelia's shoulders slumped, but she nodded. "Is there anything more you need Your Majesty? I would like to finish my duty here in the EU quickly so I can return to Area 11."

The 98th emperor had always known his second daughter was blunt, but it was surprising just how up front she was being today. At the same time he was well-aware of her reasoning. With Euphemia and, as she recently had learned, the vi Britannia siblings there she would not rest until their safety was ensured. It was what made Cornelia such a useful soldier. "Yes. There is one last thing." Her protective nature for her close family also made her easy to manipulate.

"It was the Ashford Family who protected and hid your siblings all this time was it not?" The princess was looking at him with a frozen wide-eyed stare. As if not wanting to believe what her father had just said. "Do you believe they deserve punishment for never sending them home?" He almost laughed at the choking sound she was making.

"NO!" She tensed up and realized she just yelled at her father. She nervously cleared her throat into a clenched fist, "I-I mean no. It was Lelouch and Nunnally's desire to remain hidden." As much as she didn't like it Cornelia knew she needed to push it off on her siblings to save the Ashfords. "If anyone should be punished it would be them once they return to the fold."

"Oh?" Charles raised a eyebrow, "So you would prefer that?"

Cornelia stiffened and looked down, "I would not, but were it not for the Ashford Family it is possible they really would be dead and gone now. If anything I am grateful to them. For keeping them safe in the aftermath and giving them a chance to recover for all these years."

"And for Lelouch to grow to despise me."

She didn't really know how to respond to that. It wasn't surprising he knew as it is likely the OSI had recorded the conversation or at least a transcript of everything discussed. "I believe he already hated you after being exiled to Japan with Nunnally. Time just let it simmer and that would have happened whether he was back home or not."

"Even so I feel I should punish someone. Perhaps the Ashford heiress? OSI indicated she knew of Lelouch's hatred in detail, but never reported it. That would make her a traitor would it not?"

"I . . ." Cornelia stared at her father wordlessly as she tried to think of some way out of this. In truth the emperor wasn't wrong. As a citizen of the Holy Britannian Empire what Milly had done by listening to Lelouch's hate-filled rants and and not reporting him would be treason by definition. In fact, should her father be feeling particularly cruel, executing the girl would be fair as it is the standard for such a crime.

Yet she remembered the laughter of the heiress when telling them about things like the Crossdresser's Ball. Where her brother proved to look eerily like his mother in the photo they were shown. Of the silly grin on Lelouch's face as he told her about what Milly had done for him. If he was filled with rage now Cornelia could only imagine what would happen if their father took her from him. Killing Millicent Ashford would quite possibly be the biggest mistake of his life. If her brother wasn't already involved with Zero then he would be after that and she doubted much would be able to stop Lelouch from his revenge.

Sitting up straight she had her answer and looked him straight in the eye, "Your Majesty I highly advise against doing so. You do not want Lelouch to act on his hatred and become an enemy. His friends at Ashford described his intelligence in a way that was far too similar to the prime minister." She bit her lip, "I don't think I need to tell you why we don't want a Schneizel-like figure planning against us. Especially when he isn't looking to negotiate."

Charles remained unmoved, but couldn't deny her words. Of course Lelouch was already against them as Zero. Not that his daughter knew who was wearing the mask. Though she might have suspicions. "So you expect me to do nothing and accept that two of my children refuse to return? That there are those who knew who they were yet kept them hidden."

Taking a deep breath she nodded, "Please father. I ask for little, but do this as a favor to me."

He was surprised she was so bold as to ask this of him. It wasn't often she stood up to him. For that the emperor supposed he could grant her favor. For now. "As you wish." He gazed back sternly even as she smiled slightly, "However I expect you back in Area 11 soon. Secure the area before the year is out or Euphemia will pay the price." Not waiting for a reply he ended the call. His daughter's visage remained long enough for him to see it morph with rage.

"You just can't help but push her buttons can you Charles?" A young teenage girl with pink hair walked out of the shadows. A smirk on her face, "Still. Things are becoming so interesting."

The emperor chuckled, "They are. Yet it doesn't matter how hard they fight. The Ragnarök Connection is the future."

"Yes. A future without lies is not far away now." The young girl unabashedly looked him in the eyes. Allowing the red rings around her irises to become much more noticeable, "I must say that I am surprised you agreed to Cornelia's wishes."

Charles raised an interested eyebrow as he looked back, "Are you suggesting that you want me to harm the family that helped you get as far as you were seven years ago? We have always known where Lelouch and Nunnally were and I thought Ruben was like a father to you?"

She shrugged, "I've not needed a father-figure in years. Besides. It isn't like we wouldn't be reunited one day thanks to the plan."

He threw his head back and let his bellowing laughter echo around the room, "How cold of you."

Nina closed her eyes and put an hand to her forehead as she suddenly felt woozy. She wasn't sure what was happening and she could swear she had just facing her computer. Feeling confused she forced her eyes open only to find Lelouch with a concerned frown on his face. She jumped before flushing, "H-how long have you been there?"

He put on a false smile as she came out of the Geass-induced trance. "Not for very long. You don't look well. Have you been taking care of yourself?" At her shy nod he just gave her a look, "Nina." Truthfully she really didn't look all that great even before he Geassed her. No matter how upset he might be at her she was still a friend after all.

She looked away, but quickly looked back when her eyes began to wonder over her angel's body in a subconscious admiration. Her face burned a darker red, "No! She's off limits to such dirty thoughts. I won't let myself think of her like that." She realized as she did that looking at a man as beautiful as Lelouch would not help the heat suddenly coursing through her. Especially since she could pick out the facial features the siblings shared.

Swallowing hard she answered truthfully as she turned her chair back to her computer. "I haven't been s-sleeping well since Saturday, but I'll be fi-ine." Though she was stuttering it wasn't as if they were unused to that.

With what had happened it isn't surprising she has been having trouble. So, despite his anger, he looked at her with genuine kindness, "We're your friends Nina so don't feel afraid to talk things out with us okay?"

He continued when she nodded once more, "I'm going back over there, but don't be shy. As your friends we'll help you in any way we can."

"Even Nunnally?"

Her tone made him feel anxious though he wasn't sure why. Though before he could reply a hand closed around his wrist and began to pull. Lelouch found himself almost being dragged out the door by Milly with hard grip. He noticed the odd looks the others were giving them, Milly specifically, but only sent them a puzzled look of his own. Admittedly the prince did have an idea what this was about as they finally stopped a good ten feet from the door. Clearly so they would be out of earshot.

The blonde turned around and glared at him. Talking at a low volume though no less caustic, "How dare you! You used your power on Nina."

"Who put herself, Shirley, and you in danger." His eyes flashed with his emotions on full display. "I care about her just as much as you do, but this incident proved that something had to be done about her xenophobia."

His anger visibly gave way to worry and anxiety he still felt when considering what almost happened. "All of you made it out because of my sister. What about next time? And don't tell me it won't happen again. So long as she has such intense fear of non-Britannians there WILL be a next time."

Her demeanor softened, "Lelouch . . ."

Then Lelouch spoke before thinking, "I almost lost you and I can't-" His shoulders stiffened as he stopped himself from saying more. It was something both of them already knew, but actually saying it, or almost at any rate, was tantamount to crossing some unspoken line. It was too late however as they were ensnared by the others gaze.

Blue met with amethyst with a mix of emotions as they were magnetized the spot. Unable to step away from each other. Milly's hand was reaching up to cup his cheek when a familiar voice thankfully broke their connection. "Lelouch?"

Milly's hand immediately fell back to her side as pink tinged her own cheeks. Lelouch turned around almost mechanically as he tried to make sense of what just happened. His heart was beating rapidly and he had wanted nothing more than to lean into her touch. It was confusing. Why did he want to be so close to her? Nunnally's teasing was just that . . . right?

Sending an awkward smile at their friend, "Kallen. It's nice to see you again. My sister and I are here visiting."

The fiery red-head could tell something was off, but decided it wasn't any of her business. "Because of what happened Saturday?"

Milly peered out from behind him as he nodded to Kallen's assessment. Blush almost gone and winked. Swiping her hand like a playful cat would, "Good meowning, Kallen."

In record time Kallen gave the blonde a deadpan look in response to her costume and her pun. "Any chance that if I run away right now I could avoid participating in this?"

Surprisingly it was Lelouch who replied. "Not really. If I'm going to have to be included then you are too." He glanced over to Milly with noticeable exasperation on his face. "She hasn't even told me to get into costume yet, but I know better. Even though Nunnally and I haven't been around she would've had a costume made for us."

For her part Milly didn't even have the decency to look sheepish. Her grin only confirmed his words as Kallen pursed her lips. Not willing to back down quite yet though, "Is that an order?"

"If you run away Milly will only make a game of it. With a budget increase for a club and probably something like a kiss from a council member as the reward for capturing you." He grinned wryly at her expression, "Trust me. I've tried."

Lelouch chuckled at her visible look of disbelief that, with a single glance at their perverted friend, melted into one of resignation. Clearly Kallen has gained some level of experience with Milly's zaniness in the past few weeks. Being a quick learner is always for the best when acquainted with the Ashford heiress. Milly is far much too like an immovable force when she gets an idea into her head.

"Nunnally will be happy to see you. Please say hello. I just need another minute with Milly."

Kallen nodded and offered a genuine smile, "I'll be happy to." Then she shuffled past them though sent one more look at them before entering the meeting room.

"I'm sorry for being so cross with you earlier Lelouch. You were just concerned weren't you?" Her eyebrows furrowed as she seemed to think of something, "Though I don't know how I will explain Nina's fear disappearing."

At that he grinned, "So you weren't close enough to hear exactly what I said then. In that case you have nothing to fear. I took that into account." At her puzzled expression he elaborated. "The crux of the order is that the change will take place exactly three months from today. That and we, her friends, will be the ones who will succeed in doing so. So all you need-"

Milly answered with a look of understanding as she interrupted him, "Is to help her for the time allotted and we have a cured Nina." Her smile faded a little, "Though three months is rather fast for a case as bad as hers."

"I know, but I couldn't let too much time pass before then. Chances are she will run into a circumstance where her xenophobia would get her killed if I let it sit for too long."

Andreas Darlton sternly looked at the men he chose for this mission into the Saitama Ghetto. Though, considering how little he smiled public, stern is how most people knew him. He pointed at the screen behind him displaying a young Japanese man with shoulder-length black hair. His deep brown eyes appearing almost like an vast sea of darkness. "This is Private Kotaro Asada and a week and a half ago Viceroy Cornelia enlisted his help with the Yamato Alliance. In an effort to not raze the Saitama Ghetto to the ground and only target the terrorists he was sent in as a spy."

"Two days after he left for his assignment he sent confirmation that he made contact. For just over the past week he has been sending what little information he could gather from them." Andreas paused to see how the soldiers in front of him reacted to that. The general was pleased to note that, if any of them believed the private to be a traitor, it wasn't expressed outwardly. The princess had promised Kotaro would make it out alive and Darlton would not make a liar out of her.

"One such piece of information told us that Zero was recruiting, but was very selective from what it seems. He managed to convince and steal away two members of the Yamato Alliance from under their nose. The Black Knights are quite obviously the end result of that recruitment." Andreas smiled inwardly at how the men sat up even straighter somehow with that small bit of information, "Private Asada has also managed to send us a recording of their base's layout. Using that video we were able to put together a general floor plan."

Kotaro's picture switched to one of said floor plan. The scarred man pointed at the largest room, "This is where the meetings take place. The Yamato Alliance are to have one today at thirteen hundred hours. Giving us thirty minutes to get into place."

One of the soldiers respectfully called out, "Sir! One o'clock is in forty-five minutes sir!"

Andreas nodded, "That is correct however we are going to hit before the meeting is underway if things go according to plan." He moved his finger to one of the smallest room on the map, "This is their bathroom. About ten minutes before the meeting Private Asada is to contact me directly to inform me if they are all present. At which point I will inform each of you to move in for the kill so you need to be close."

"Our spy will be locking himself into the bathroom. I must stress that he is to survive this operation and the only kills that are to be made today are the Yamato Alliance. Is that understood?"

"SIR YES SIR!" They each exclaimed with a salute.

He smirked in approval, "Now we don't know if they have any watchers so before you go out each of you will be be made to appear like any other citizen of the ghetto. After applying a latex mask to change your very face each of you will enter the ghetto from different points so as to keep suspicion from rising."

The image of the floor plan changed to a map of Saitama itself with a specific building circled. "That is your destination. You are to surround it and be prepared to rush in on command. Now go next door and get changed."

"I'm going for a walk!"

Sayoko appeared down the hall, "Come back soon Master Lelouch."

He nodded towards her in thanks, "I will. Though later on tonight I have work to do with The Black Knights again. I should have time to eat dinner before heading out." It had been late into the afternoon when he and Nunnally returned from the Ashford yesterday. Lelouch had honestly grown to miss the wacky things that went on there. Though more importantly Nunnally had fun as well. It had felt almost like they had gone undiscovered just with the addition of Suzaku.

If the theory of there being an infinite number of multiverses was true then that is probably what happened to some other Lelouch. Lelouch chuckled to himself as he stepped outside and indulged the what-if. Albeit temporarily as the prince isn't one to bother himself with such things. Thinking about could-of's and should-have's will only consume you.

People can, and do, waste their lives letting what-if's do so. What is the point in thinking about something that might have happened but didn't? Those choices and events can't be changed. What matters is the here and now. Focusing on the past will let even bigger opportunities pass someone by.

Lelouch shook his head of such thoughts and remembered the day before. Specifically how Kallen interacted with his sister and vice versa. It was something he kept a close eye on. The Ace of the Black Knight's was the best contender for Nunnally's protector, but he wouldn't suggest it if they didn't get along well. Nunnally's safety is something he played very close to the vest.

Thankfully, from all appearances, he seemed to have no reason to worry. His lips quirked into a smile as he thought of how animatedly his sister had talked to Kallen. Of how attentive the red-head had been towards Nunnally. Nunnally on the way home saturday night had even expressed how much she liked their friend when he asked.

Perhaps it was fate, if such a thing exists, that he found Kallen in the park. Lelouch picked up the pace when he noticed her about to step towards a group of Britannians beating up an honorary Britannian hot dog seller. Setting a hand on her shoulder, "Don't try it." Had the situation been less disgusting than it was then he might have smiled at the shock on her face when she looked at him.

"Why not? I know you can't stand it either!"

He nodded almost absentmindedly, "That is true however you need to remember your circumstances. It is very true you could take them out without much problem Kallen, but you are still in your Ashford uniform."

Kallen's shoulder's fell as she looked down as if to remind her of that. "Which means I am Kallen Stadtfeld right now." Her anger boiled and fists clenched at the idea of letting this go. "Even so-"

"Did I say we were going to let this happen?" Lelouch interrupted just as the men looked towards them after noticing that they were staring. "Plus if we do anything obvious then that man will likely be unable to sell anything around here for a while. If ever."

The violent men came near, "Do you two have a problem with this? We're only taking out the trash. Are you Eleven sympathizers?"

Lelouch pushed Kallen behind him and gave her a reassuring look. Facing the men he chuckled, "It's more that we just don't like seeing self-important bullies." He felt a surge of amusement as said bullies grew angry.

"Why you-"

His left eye glowed red as a smirk grew on his face, "Why don't all of you head on home. You must be find this whole thing pretty boring."

To Kallen's shock she watched as the anger fled the men's faces and the leader put his hands in his pockets. "He's right guys. This isn't fun anymore. Let's go."

She continued to gape and glanced at her leader. What just happened just not have been what happened. By all rights those men should have come at them with the intent to maim or worse. Yet all Lelouch did was say a few words, after insulting them no less, and they simply agreed. "H-how?"

Lelouch only approached the man that had been subject to the beating. Allowing her to follow him as he kneeled down to help him up. He went cold inside however when the victim finally seemed to notice him and smiled in a sick forced happiness. "O-Oh! You're a Britannian student!" His eyes looked towards Kallen, "Is that your girlfriend? Would you two like a hot dog?"

The prince forced a smile in return and kept his frustration from showing, "Why not." He looked back to see Kallen's pale face, "One for her too." Lelouch stood up and remained in silence until the vendor had handed them their food and he paid. He quietly led an equally somber Kallen over to a bench where they sat down.

"Lelouch . . . why was that man like that?" She felt crushed at how he had looked. It was as if the beating the vendor had only just received didn't matter to him. Or register in his mind at all. "How did you get those bullies to leave?"

He didn't say a word until he had finished chewing and swallowing his food. "I'm not very good at trusting people Kallen, but I'm trying with you. Trying with all the Black Knights, but even more so with you. I hope you can accept waiting, at least for now, for the answer to your last question. If things go as planned I'll tell you soon."

She hesitated, but nodded all the same. "The vendor though . . ."

"Suffers from the side-effects of a drug called Refrain. It is very popular in Area 11 as it allows you to forget the present as you vividly relive your good memories." His lips pursed in hidden disgust at the drug. "I can't tell you for certain that is what is the problem with that man, but it is likely."

"That does sound like it would be rather popular here. After all who doesn't long for the good old days?"

Lelouch nodded, "Our mission tonight actually involves taking down one of the distributors of it. A nobleman is involved." He sneered at how unsurprising that was. Even when they had already taken nearly everything from the Japanese they also sell them a way that allows them to relive the days before the invasion.

Kallen took a bite of the hot dog not knowing what else to say. She had to admit it was rather good too. Then, mostly on a whim, she changed the subject. "I should thank you Lelouch." At his curious stare she expanded on that, "My mother has been a maid at the manor since shortly after the divorce. For a long time I've tried to push her away so she would go somewhere else. Where she could be happy and not in the house of the man who jilted her to keep his status."

"So you took my advice then."

She nodded absentmindedly, "I did and wouldn't you know it my assumption has been wrong all this time." She gave a hollow laugh, "Apparently she was staying for me."

"And so the daughter sought to drive the mother away out of love only to find that the woman's source of happiness was she herself." He took another bite, chewed, and swallowed. "It's tragically poetic, but at least you can reconcile with her."

"Because of your suggestion. So . . . thank you."

He turned his head and smiled at her, "You're welcome Kallen." Neither said a word as they finished off their hot dogs. It was only then he spoke again. "You know in many respects Area 11 is better off now than it was before the invasion. The economy is stabilized for example. The Japanese can even become full citizens by becoming honorary Britannians. Just need to sacrifice their pride."

Lelouch paused briefly to let that sink in, "Not that I blame them for not doing so. The homeland has already taken so much. Your country, your identity, and even basic human rights. Pride is about the only thing the Japanese have left."

"Do you really seek to free Japan, Lelouch?"

He blinked before laughing softly, "Of course. I wasn't born here, but the time Nunnally and I spent in the country before the invasion was enough for me to grow to love it and its people. Beyond that they did more to heal Nunnally than Britannia would have." Lelouch sighed as he thought about what would have happened. "There she would have been forced to hide her grief and despair. Here it was fully understandable if she were to burst into tears randomly."

She was staring at him now with wide eyes. Unsure if she should ask even as she did so, "Did she do that often?"

"Oh yes." His voice sounded distant as his eyes seemed to glaze over in remembrance. "Whenever she imagined running through the beautiful fields I might describe to her before she would suddenly remember. Remember that she would never be able to run anywhere ever again. Then there were the mornings she would wake up screaming about it being dark and how she couldn't see. Because in her dreams she could so sometimes she would forget she was blind in the real world."

Kallen looked at him aghast even as he continued, "We both came to Japan broken, but its people helped me start piecing my little sister back together."

It didn't escape her notice he didn't mention himself, but she was pretty sure she didn't want to know this time. Yet she still asked, "What about you?"

In response Lelouch only laughed, "Oh Kallen. There is no fixing me. I'm a permanently cobbled together mess." Her expression of further horror didn't faze him, "My glue consists of Nunnally, Milly, Euphemia, Cornelia, and Ruben. Then followed by the student council. In that order." Then, as if what he had just told her wasn't deeply disturbing, he changed subjects like she did earlier. "How do you feel about Nunnally?"

"Lelouch-"

"Please Kallen. It's important."

The Britannian soldiers couldn't help feeling disturbed by their current appearance. It was only now that they understood why they were chosen for this mission. Each of them were short and weren't stocky in build. Their clothes, their face, hair color, and even eye color were changed to make them look every bit an Eleven. After looking in a mirror the disguises were more accurate than they could have imagined.

One spoke in an attempt to lighten the mood, "Maybe you should keep this face after the mission is over, James. Anything is better than the ugly mug you were born with."

One of the pseudo-Japanese men only chortled, "Tell that to your mother. She enjoyed seeing it up close last night."

"That's enough ladies," Darlton interrupted. He didn't blame them for making light of their appearances. It was mystifying in a way to see them look like this. "All of you have your concealed gun correct?"

The men had immediately formed up and saluted, "SIR YES SIR!"

"Good. I'll be listening in constant contact with all of you over the transceiver hidden in your ear. If you talk I'll be able to hear you as well. Move out." The general watched them pack up into several nondescript vehicles meant to drop them off at approximately the same time. Once they were gone he sat in front of a computer and pulled up the feed for the camera hidden on Private Asada. The terrorists were already arriving at the base.

Andreas hadn't completely believed the private when he reported how selfish this group was. After listening to them talk he was certain Kotaro had actually underplayed it. They were self-important and impossibly petty. It had been at least a week since their members were poached by Zero yet some of them were still muttering about it. These terrorists acted like their group was the end all be all. As if new members should be honored they accepted them. It was truly pathetic.

Even more so when it appeared, according to reports, the largest thing this group had accomplished before now was blowing up a train terminal and it surrounding tracks. Effectively killing dozens of innocent Britannians in the station alone. Even more lives were lost when a train had been unable to slow down in time and went off the destroyed rails.

It had been an attack with no meaning. Worse yet the private's most recent report suggested they were planning an attack of similar caliber. Zero and the debut of his Black Knight's had riled them up. Mostly due to leftover anger from losing their members. Shaking his head he went back to the map of Saitama and picked up the radio. "Locations?"

"Delta-Three reporting in. I'm walking into the ghetto now." One by one each of them radioed in with similar confirmations.

"Excellent. Move quickly, but remember to not draw attention to yourselves in the process." With that last warning he went on radio silence until he would need to check in on them again. Darlton activated the miniature one-way receiver the private had in his ear. "A squall is on the way."

No more needed to be said so he shut off communications and brought the camera feed back up on-screen. Andreas sighed as he slipped his fingers through his hair. "Why did you choose to approach Saitama so differently princess? You've expressed numerous times in the past how spy operations are an annoyance just due to how much more effort is required."

"There must be something I am unaware of." Sitting back as he kept an eye on the time and had to wonder why he wouldn't be in the know. It wasn't like Cornelia to hide thing from him. Not to mention she was bad at doing it. Like with her relationship with Guilford.

He never confronted them about it, but it was pretty obvious how enamored the princess and her knight were with each other. Obvious to those that knew them well at least. It was even more clear that they slept together whenever the opportunity arose. Andreas snorted, "It isn't like they would be looked down upon. Guilford isn't called the Spearhead of the Empire for nothing."

"I suppose one could say that Cornelia is quite experienced when it comes to the head of her knight's spear. No stranger to the shaft either." As he began to laugh he knew the princess could never know about that joke. Not even he would be spared something akin to latrine duty in response.

Andreas shuddered as he remembered the last time a soldier made a raunchy comment about Cornelia and she found out about it. The radio crackled to life and got his attention, "This is Delta-five. I have arrived near the base and am now bidding time by blending into the crowd."

"Roger that Delta-Two. Continue doing so until I contact you again." Darlton took that as an opportunity to contact the others. One by one each member of the squad confirmed being in a near identical position. There was just one more left to check in with, "Do you copy, Delta-Six? The others are in position. Where are you?"

When he was met with silence the general frowned, but only repeated the message. After one then two beats the radio crackled, "My apologies sir. I'm nearing my position now."

Concerned he replied, "What took you so long?"

"There was a small contingent of Britannian soldiers that found me interesting after I saw them beat an Eleven to near-death. I had to evade them."

The general's lips curled with disgust. He has never understood how so many Britannian soldiers got their jollies by harming or even killing unassuming Numbers. It's like pouring salt onto an already aggravated wound. Causes unnecessary pain and is cruel to a fault.

"When you get back I'd like you to help me identify them if possible." Andreas refused to support such activities and he'll make an example out of these men so long as they are found.

Delta-Six heard the general's cold tone and shivered. "Yes sir." After a few moments he spoke again, "I'm in position now."

"Good. I'll contact you again soon." Getting off the radio Andreas looked back at the clock and nodded to himself. Shouldn't be long before Private Kotaro got in contact with him. He looked at the hidden camera feed once more though didn't bother to listen in. Watching the video he counted each the members there and was pleased to note that all of them were present.

Andreas didn't have to wait long as he watched Kotaro move towards what he knew was the bathroom. He turned up the sound so he could hear things better just as the private closed the door and locked it. The honorary Britannian's voice came out in a low and hushed tone. "Everyone is in there now and are just waiting on me. They don't suspect a thing. Have the squall come now."

Activating the one-way receiver again Darlton answered, "Lay down on the ground. We can't be certain of that door's integrity and I promised the princess I would get you out of this alive. So we can't have you getting hit by a stray bullet."

"Yes sir."

Darlton quickly switched over to an open channel for Delta squad. "Our spy is safely squared away. Mission is a go. I repeat, mission is a go."

For the citizens of the Saitama Ghetto there was little warning when six seemingly-fellow Japanese men suddenly tore their faces off to reveal Britannians. Even less time to understand that when they each pulled out a gun and descended on the building not far away.

The six members of Delta team met up as they entered the building from two different points. Any eyes the terrorists had on the surrounding area had no time to warn them as they burst into the meeting room from separate directions. Knowing their spy was safe they shot first and asked questions later. Not that there would be questions asked at all. The bullets tore through the fifteen or so members of the Yamato Alliance before they could even scream.

Every member was either dead or near death before they hit the ground. There was only one member that had somehow survived the onslaught but didn't have the ability to move. He was forced to watch a largely built man with a scar down his face enter their hideout after nearly five minutes of bleeding out. Forced to watch him approach the bathroom door where the only uninjured member was and . . . knock?

"You can come out now. All of them are dead."

To the man's burgeoning shock Kotaro left the room without fear and stood with among them. "I'll be happy to go home after this. Haven't seen my family since I agreed to this."

"You've done good work here." The large man paused for a moment and grinned, "And congratulations on the promotion to Warrant Officer."

That was when it all made sense. Their new member had been a spy all along. Hatred filled the dying man. So much so he managed to speak, "Fuckin' traitor." He at least managed to get them to jump. Clearly not expecting him to be alive.

Kotaro blinked as he looked at who the voice came from, "Shinji?"

"Isn't that who you reported was the leader?" That same damned scarred man asked aloud. Several moments pass before the man handed the traitor a gun. "We have no need for him. You've passed along all the intel we needed."

Without hesitation Kotaro nodded and walked closer before pointing the gun at his head. "In most other situations I wouldn't be so okay with killing my own people." He looked dispassionately on the terrorist leader, "But I've seen what is in your heart. I joined the military to help provide for my family and that is a choice I would make every time without fail. I have to admit though. Even if I wasn't an honorary I would never willingly join a monster like you."

"Fu-" The insult was never finished as his brain matter splattered against the floor.

"The world is better off without you Shinji."

Kallen had come to the conclusion that she didn't understand Lelouch. At the same time she wasn't sure if she wanted to after the bits and pieces she learned just an hour before. The ace of the Black Knights sighed as she laid on her bed. Where Kallen remained until there was a knock on the door. "What is it?"

Her bitch of a stepmother answered, "There is a guest for you."

Who would be visiting her? Curious she pulled herself from the bed and stepped outside to find Milly of all people in the lobby of the mansion. Blinking in confusion she walked down the stairs, "What are you doing here Milly?"

The blonde smiled, "My grandfather asked for me to drop something off for you." Milly paused and looked around them, "I think it would be best if I did so in your room."

As Kallen was about to reply she watched her mother stumble and break a vase. Yukiko Kōzuki quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Kallen!"

She sighed softly, "Go on up to my room Milly. I'll be right there." As her friend shrugged and did as suggested while Kallen kneeled next to her mother. Without saying anything she started to help pick up the shards. "You have to be more careful Mom."

"Thank you Kallen," Yukiko murmured after the pieces had been thrown away.

Kallen shook her head, "You shouldn't thank me after all I've done to you. I just want you to remember that I love you."

Her mother hesitantly nodded as if she almost expected this to be a joke. "I love you too Kallen." Smiling softly, "Now go see what your friend wanted."

She smiled back at her mother made her way back to her room while ignoring the looks her step-mother was giving her. Clearly disapproving of the fact that she was rebuilding her relationship with Yukiko. Not that she cared what the bitch thought. With a grin she entered her too find Milly looking out the window. "I'm sorry about that."

Milly turned around and was unperturbed by the time it took for her to get upstairs. "Oh no. It's alright." She sat down at the small table in Kallen's room and motioned to the other seat. "Now about why I'm here . . ."

Something about this made Kallen's stomach knot up yet she wasn't sure why. A little nervously now she sat in the other chair. "What did the principal have for me that couldn't be given to me at school?"

The blonde slid a folder across the table, "These are your middle school records."

Kallen's blood went cold, "So you know. That I'm an Eleven and Britannian half-breed."

"You don't have to worry. This is the only copy. Grandfather buried the records deep in the system. And as for me?" Milly smiled knowingly, "As much as I like gossip there are things I know not to say. I won't say a word."

The red-head nodded and muttered a little too loudly, "Lelouch did tell me the same thing."

Milly blinked, "When and why did he tell you that?"

That was when Kallen made a risky decision. If Lelouch trusted their friend as much as he did then she wouldn't tell anyone about her either. "It was at the base." At the look of confusion on Milly's face she grinned mischievously. Kallen deepened her voice and repeated, "You must be Ms. Lamperouge."

She let out a rather unladylike guffaw at the look of understanding and surprise that followed.

Down in Yukiko Kōzuki's room she was staring into a drawer at her last vial of Refrain. On habit she instinctively reached for it before she stopped herself. "No. Kallen loves me. I don't need this anymore."

She forced herself to close the drawer even as her body desperately called out for her to take it. Yukiko only hoped she would be able to fight off the withdraw symptoms. Fight off this urge to use the the drug again. She wondered if she had the strength left to do it. Kallen's mother swallowed audibly as she looked back at the drawer longingly. She wasn't so sure she did.

Author's Note 2: Well here we are again. This turned out longer than I imagined it would honestly. It looked like it would be about 1000 words less than it turned out to be. Darlton's section went on longer than anticipated. That always seems to be the case though.

I hope you enjoy this chapter and I would like to thank all of you who have favorited/followed/reviewed this story. I honestly hadn't anticipated it being so popular. It's incredible. So thank you for all the support.