"Insanity destroys reason, but not wit." Nathanial Emmons

Zero sat in the Black Knights meeting room as all the members gathered around. He had gone in earlier for another examination to see if the data that his creator carried could be backtracked. Still, nothing had come up. Since he was in the area, he decided to walk in on the briefing. He stood off to the side, just watching. The meeting room was being held in a custom built tanker, a large purplish room with many different tables in it.

"The refitting for the Guren MK-II is proceeding as planned." Diethard said as he took the front and center for the whole place. . "There's been talks between the Kyoto and India Military district, so we're simply waiting for the arrival of Rakshata from the development team."

"Not like we really need any more development teams." Axl said in the room. "You got Reploid scientists now."

"Zero insisted that we enlist her." Diethard said. "Reploid technology has advanced the schedule and research that the Black Knights currently possess. But the developments you have made are more for the infantry section, not for Knightmares; with the exception for Cerveau who building the upgraded Frame for Zero. Continuing, the organization's changeover from a cell based system is now 92% complete. The classes have now been distributed from classes 1 to 14. We now have agents inside Britannian owned warehouses as well. We have dispersed combat forces in 612 areas all across the Kanto region. Personal have been deployed for 564 regions. 32 of our locations have been uncovered, 11 of those the Dummy ones that we sent up. 47 of our personal have been captured, with 12 of them freed in the same day."

"You're welcome." Axl said.

"Enough with the snappy comments." Zero snapped. "Diethard, continue."

"Thank you Red Knight." Diethard said. "With Kyoto backing us up, the cases with the general population tipping off the military and police are becoming rare. As for the Britannian supporters, it's the group that Zero had arranged."

Kinoue held up a photo to Diethard's face and showed it to him.

"Right." He said. "We are still looking for that of General Tohdoh."

"Understand." Lelouch said over the phone line. "Continue your work."

The line was cut there. Neige was right next to Diethard as the "No sound" window box closed out.

"So far, so good." Neige said. "This revolution is underway."

"Not entirely." Ciel said. "We still can't launch a direct assault against Britannia and the Capitol here. I've been looking into the data network of the Britannians."

Ciel turned her laptop to face all the Black Knights. It began to show Reploid specs on their data network. Some of it was recent.

"Their getting more and more research on Reploids." Ciel said. "If they keep this up, they'll be able to construct a Reploid with more than enough power to reduce the Black Knights to shreds."

"We won't let them reach that point." Zero said.

Zero turned around and began to walk into the hallway. As he did, Neige came walking up towards.

"Hey Zero." She said.

"What is it?" He asked.

"I have a question for you." She asked. "Zero…I've been around the base a couple times and I swear I could have saw Craft around the area. You remember him right?"

Zero said nothing. Killing Craft may bring up bad memories to Neige.

"Have you…seen him?" She asked.

"…Can't say." Zero began. "I think I might have. I'm not the only one who brought Reploids here. I suppose Zero might have brought him in here."

"I…see." Neige said. "Well…thanks anyway."

Zero walked away from the area and went into his quarters. Craft was standing on the side of the door as Zero walked in. Zero went to the wall in his usual fashion and stood still.

"How long do you plan on hiding?" Zero asked. "I can't cover your ass much longer. She's getting suspicious. I think she might have cross-referenced everyone in the organization."

"I…just…think it's better that she doesn't know I'm here." Craft said.

"I understand." Zero said.

"I wish I was like you Zero." Craft said. "I wish I could move as I please like you. You can make your own decisions in life. You've been doing it for so long now. I wish I could run the way you do."

"I believe every Reploid can." Zero said. "Give yourself the chance; you'll be able to do what you can. It's necessary for Reploids to evolve to help the human race move forward."

"You mean you fight not to destroy humanity, but to move it forward?" Craft said.

"I don't know." Zero said. "It's just something I feel. All Britannia has been doing since it conquered nations is oppress the people in them. Humanity can't move forward if they keep killing and oppressing them. I feel that if I can dissolve this government, or at least do enough damage to get them to move an eye here, maybe they'll change their treatment. I don't know if I'm wrong, or even if I'm right, but this is what I feel."

Craft stood silent. Zero then yawned.

"Nice talking to you." I'm spending the rest of the day in the capsule. Wake me tomorrow morning."

He entered his capsule and turned on the rejuvenation capsule. He set the capsule to let him out eight hours from now. After which, Zero reentered his deep sleep. Craft then walked away to continue his duties.

Lelouch put his phone away and looked at C.C. who was right next to him. C.C. had her appearance completely changed up. Her hair was dyed black, and she wore a professional business suit. Lelouch waited for her to go nearby her before speaking.

"Are you sure you want me to be the messenger?" C.C. asked.

"If you act modestly, they look down on you." Lelouch said. "That's just how the Chinese Federation is."

"I'm not like you." C.C. said. "Unlike you, I have a sense of humility."

"Just act like that." Lelouch said.

The next day Ashford was busy as usual. Zero and Lelouch walked to their classes. As they we're walking, Zero heard Suzaku walking towards them.

"Hey!" He shouted. "Lelouch!"

Lelouch and Zero turned around to see Suzaku over by them. Suzaku stopped when he got by the two.

"Good morning Lelouch, Zion." Suzaku said.

"Good morning to you too Suzaku." Zero said. "Haven't seen you in awhile. Your job seems to be keeping you busy lately."

"Well, the Black Knights have been acting up a lot more lately." Suzaku said. "My job requires me to be on standby."

"That's weird for an Engineering job." Zero said.

"Yeah; I thought you we're working in the R&D division." Lelouch said.

"Well…" Suzaku began. "They're short-handed all over the place. I decided to go back to being a soldier on the side to help where they need it most. At least until my boss finishes his big project."

Zero got curious from that. He remembered that Ciel had intercepted data from the R&D about Reploids.

"Project?" Zero asked.

"I really can't go into details." Suzaku said. "I just know I won't have to continue this soldier gig once it's done. I'm probably going to busy within the week as well."

"I see." Lelouch said. "Still, how about dropping by for dinner once in awhile? Nunally misses you. This would be a good way for you two to talk again. Zion, you're welcome to come as well."

"I don't want to be a bother." Zero said. "Besides, I have a track meet today so I'll be running around the whole time. I'd rather do it when I have the day free."

"Oh your no bother." Suzaku said. "To be honest, I know you as a friend and I hardly know anything…whoa!"

Suzaku stopped to see Leval's bike drive right next to him. Leval turned it to the side and skidded it to avoid hitting Suzaku. Zero was a bit closer. In order to avoid it, he backflipped away from it. Most of the students stopped to watch the scene.

"Lelouch!" Leval shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Yes Leval?" Lelouch said.

"DID YOU KNOW THE PRESIDENT WAS MEETING A SUITOR!" Leval shouted.

"Yeah, today right." Lelouch said.

Leval screamed and grabbed Lelouch's uniform.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!" Leval shouted.

"Because it would make you cry." Lelouch said, calmly.

"Okay I just started paying attention: what?" Zero asked.

"It's okay." Suzaku said. "I just found it too."

"This is no time to be so clueless!" Leval shouted.

"Clueless?" Suzaku asked.

"He's got a point Suzaku." Zero said. "You do act clueless at times."

"Anyway, about dinner?" Lelouch asked. "I'll go tell Nunally."

Lelouch began to run off, away from the building.

"Hey Lelouch!" Suzaku shouted. "What about your classes!"

"Don't worry." Lelouch said. "I'm just going to tell Nunally! Zion, let my teacher know I might be late to first period!"

"I don't think he'll be surprised!" Zero shouted back.

Zero and Suzaku laughed a little bit. Suzaku after talking to several of the students was fully aware of the stereotypes about Lelouch and missing class.

Millay of course, was not at Ashford today. She was at the R&D division meeting Count Lloyd for a marriage proposal. Since the Reploids we're considered top secret, they we're moved to another section of the facility, doing their work from behind a one way window. Iris and Alia we're the ones paying attention to the marriage situation more than the rest. X and Serges continued their work.

"Oh wow." Alia said. "She sure looks cute."

"I know." Iris said. "She's perfect for him. I love her dress to."

"You sure are unique sir Lloyd." Millay said through the glass.

"Unique. I like the sound of that." Lloyd said.

"He should totally agree to it." Iris said.

"You bet." Alia said. "Marriage. Such an interesting thing that humans share. Two people. Bonded together for all time. To look out for each and other and support each other. Till death do they part."

"Knock it off you two." Serges said. "We're behind schedule. X is out with the Britannian army and he put me in charge of all of you. Now get back to work. We need to complete the rest of this hardware of we're going to get Reploids off the assembly line."

Alia and Iris rolled back to their stations on their wheeled chairs. Iris and Alia continued to work on the boards and hardware. As they did, Iris began to become sad.

"I miss Zero." Iris said.

"Hmm?" Alia said.

"It's just…well…" Iris said. "Everyone seems to be here that I know, except him. It's like I can't find him…I miss him so much."

"Don't be sad." Alia said. "I'm sure he'll turn up eventually. And when he does, he'll be overjoyed."

"I hope." Iris said. "But I tried to kill him so long ago. I doubt he's even interested in me anymore. I mean…who would date someone like me anyway! Someone who's nuts…crazy…insane…and…"

"No more!" Alia said.

"Huh?" Iris said.

"Don't do that to yourself!" Alia said as she walked over to Iris and put her hand on her shoulder. Iris looked up in confusion.

"I know there was some problems back in our time." Alia said. "But when you see Zero, I want you to be yourself. Don't dwell on the past. If you do, you'll hurt yourself."

Iris looked up and looked at Alia. She then smiled.

"Thanks Alia." She said. "I'll try my best.

"Ahh forget about that waiting." Lloyd said. "Let's get hitched now."

"OH hell no!" Both girls said as they rolled over to the window again. Both of them intently stared as a small argument began to brew between Millay and Lloyd.

"I do not hear power tools in there ladies." Serges said.

As Lelouch was walking towards his house, he saw Zero in right over there.

"Hmm?" Lelouch muttered. "I thought you'd be in class."

"Class got canceled." Zero said. "Instructor called in sick in the last minute, which is perfect for me. Here."

Zero held in his hand what appeared to be like a neck brace; but it only seemed to cover the back of the neck. Lelouch took the brace and looked at it.

"What is this?" He asked.

"Douglas handed it to me this morning." Zero said. "One of his more…personal inventions. According to him, it's called a "Subconscious Thought Translator Device." If you put it exactly around the spot where the top of your spinal cord is, you'll be able to send your direct thoughts to someone wirelessly. It has a 1000 meter range. Plus, you can communicate to any Reploid around the area, since we already can do that. It also works on humans who have the same device on it. Since its new, I doubt the Britannians will have something on it, so you can send all transmissions safely and without being detected."

"I could use this." Lelouch said as he and Zero walked inside. "How many have been made right now?"

"Douglas needs us to beta test it." Zero said. "He said, "The two Zeros should be the one do take a look at this first."

"I see no reason to test this out now." Lelouch said. "He should have had the members back at the base take a look at it first. Hold on for a second, my sister should be here."

Lelouch opened the door to where Nunally was normally.

"Nunally," Lelouch began. "Suzaku is…"

Lelouch stopped to see that Nunally was not in the room. Lelouch began to explore the strange predicament. Even Zero, who normally didn't care about Lelouch's personal affairs, began to take a look around. As Lelouch and Zero looked, they saw something on the table.

It was a picture of Nunally tied up, and the arrangement of folded cranes all around it. Lelouch nearly went berserk when he saw the photo. As his anger built up, Lelouch's phone rang. Lelouch calmly answered his cell.

"Hello?" He asked.

"Big brother." She said.

"Nunally!" Lelouch shouted. "Where are you!"

"I don't know…" She said calmly. "But I can't move."

There was a small silence in between when she said that. Then Mao's voice appeared over the phone.

"It's me Lulu." He said.

"Mao!" Lelouch shouted.

Impossible. Zero thought. I watched the bastard get shot with my own two eyes. I even recorded it, just to confirm the kill.

"Please tell that overgrown tin can of a human to erase that data file of me getting shot." Mao said. "I'd rather not have that appear on a video sharing network."

Zero, who was monitoring in on the call, knew then that even Reploid thoughts we're not safe from Mao's Geass.

"Wait Mao!" Lelouch shouted. "C.C. isn't here!"

"That's why I came." Mao said. "An opponent immune to my Geass would be troublesome. I put off dealing with her for now. I won't be satisfied until I pay everything back that you did to me."

"You're naturally somewhere 500 meters from me." Lelouch said.

"Naturally." Mao said. "Want to try and find me? You have five hours. And since this a game between you and me, no using the cops as your pawns this time. I prefer not to be shot like before. Britannian medical science is amazing. I owe It as a debt! No Reploids from the Black Knights either. You're free to use that scrap pile that's next to you as you wish, likely it won't matter. I have a fully repaired Dynamo with me, thanks to a dealer that I so happened to come by. And since you're at school Zero 2, you can't use your weapons. Lest you reveal who you really are."

"Why you…" Zero said.

"Bye bye." Mao said.

The phone turned off. Lelouch and Zero ran out of the house and got to the entrance. Lelouch was already in a panic, Zero could tell.

"Where are we going to look?" Zero asked.

"It doesn't matter!" Lelouch shouted. "Turn this school upside down if you have to! Find my sister!"

"I'll go get Ciel." Zero said. "I'll tell her one of my friends needs help."

"Millay has some uniforms in the house." Lelouch said. "Just look around there for a bit, you'll find them."

Lelouch moved his collar up a bit and put the brace on. He clicked the start up button. A small LED went on in the back, confirming the device was on.

"Now if anytime is the best time to use it." Lelouch said. "How does it work?"

"Use your imagination." Zero said. "Keep an image of the device in your mind and then think. As long as the stimulus in your brain concentrates on the device, you can send your thoughts to me as a transmission into my brain."

"Understood." Lelouch said, as he began to run in full sprint (which wasn't saying much.)

Zero then ran inside the manor and went into Millay's room. After rummaging a bit, trying to ignore the fact he was going through a girl's clothing, he managed to find a uniform that would fit Ciel. He then put on his acceleration chip, and began to speed out of the room, house, and back into his dorms. Zero knew he was fine in using his full speed, as the human eye would be unable to register his form. They would only catch a red blur, followed by wind. Zero got to his dorm and unlocked the door. Ciel was still sleeping in his room.

In her underwear.

Zero nearly stopped dead in his tracks. He blushed greatly as Ciel woke up. She herself then blushed and quickly pulled up a cover over her body.

"You pervert Ze…!" Ciel shouted.

Zero dashed over to her and covered her mouth.

"Don't say my real name." Zero said. "Listen, I need your help with something."

Ciel stopped trying to flutter around and began to listen. She went into the bathroom that Zero had and began to put on the school uniform that Zero had provided. Zero explained the situation to her as calmly as he could. She got into it and came right out.

"Well…" She began. "How do I look?"

Zero looked at her for a second or two. He then grabbed her hair and took the ponytail. Ciel's long hair fluttered down.

"I think that's the best that can be done to give you a low profile." Zero said.

"Right." She said as she grabbed her laptop. "So what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

"A fight?" Suzaku said. "Between Shirley and Lelouch?"

"I guess." Leval said. "We're supposed to play along with it for a bit according to the president…oh…WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THAT SUITOR!"

Nina tried to ignore Leval. Although, it was starting to become really hard to.

"Never mind that." Suzaku said. "What about Shirley and Lelouch?"

"Never mind them." Kallen said. "I'm sure it's just a usual lover spat."

"Do you know?" Suzaku asked.

"Oh no." Kallen said. "It has nothing to do with me."

"Do you think he tried to cross the line?" Leval said.

"The line?" Nina asked.

"Well," Leval said. "Lelouch is good at knowing things. But he's not good at putting them into practice."

"Practice?" Nina asked.

"I mean he doesn't have enough experience." Leval said.

"Experience?" Nina again asked.

Before Leval could continue, Suzaku grunted loudly. Arthur had again bit Suzaku in the hand.

"I guess he didn't have enough food." Kallen said.

"I just think he doesn't like Suzaku." Leval said.

"Why does he always do this!" Suzaku shouted.

Lelouch walked into the room all of a sudden. He looked to be in a panic, and he was out of breath. He walked in and took a quick look around to see if he could identify anything that was Mao. No one knew what was going on.

"Hey Lelouch!" Leval shouted. "What happened between you and Shirley? You should give her a present or something."

"Umm…" Lelouch said.

No one really knew Lelouch was in a state of panic, but Suzaku recognized it. Instantly at that. Lelouch only stayed in for a second more.

"Oh never mind me, we'll talk later." Lelouch said. "We'll talk later about tonight."

Lelouch quickly left the room, leaving everyone confused.

"Do you think he has gone to gamble?" Kallen joked.

Suzaku didn't reply. He got up from where he was and began to chase Lelouch. He entered a stairwell and as he did, he saw Lelouch meeting with Zion and Ciel.

"I've looked everywhere for this girl Zion talked about, but I can't seem to find her anywhere." Ciel said.

"Why is he doing this to me!" Lelouch shouted.

"Insanity destroys reason, but not wit." Ciel said.

"I've searched the whole school." Zero said. "Nothing. I wish this dude would call already. Ciel's laptop could trace the call and we'd know where he is."

"It's that reason why he's probably not calling." Lelouch said. "I'm pretty sure he's anticipated my impatience. But what can I do. All we know is that he's 500 meters within the school, the farthest being the Ashford manor. That's all I have to go on."

"Lelouch!" Suzaku shouted.

Lelouch got startled and dropped the photo with Nunally's captured body on it. Lelouch went to pick it up, but Suzaku saw it.

"Nunally." He said. "So I see. Nunally's been kidnapped hasn't she?"

Lelouch said nothing.

"I'm afraid so." Zero said. "We've looked everywhere, but we can't find her."

Lelouch turned to Suzaku.

"I didn't want to get you involved." Lelouch said. "But Suzaku…I need your help."

Suzaku simply nodded. The four then began to walk around the school, trying to trace back something…or maybe even find a clue.

"Who's kidnapped her?" Suzaku asked. "Was it a member of the royal family?"

"No." Lelouch said. "It's some kid who is trying to get to this girl that I know?"

"Your dating!" Suzaku asked.

"It's nothing like that, either." Lelouch said. "And you are NEVER to utter that again. Anyway, an official investigation may reveal who we are. I can't go the army or police. I can only count on Zion and Ciel here."

"Ahhh." Suzaku said. "So this is the mysterious girl. Who is she Lelouch?"

"She's…Zion's girlfriend." Lelouch said. "She's scouting out this school as a potential place to go to."

Zero and Ciel nearly shot up and the blood went all to their heads. Both of them we're beat red.

WHAT THE FUCK LELOUCH! Zero said to Lelouch's STTD brace.

Sorry, I couldn't think of anything. Lelouch said, back through the brace. Hey, this is easier to use than I thought.

I swear to god… Zero again said back.

All four of them walked outside and began to discuss the full situation that was going on.

"This wouldn't happen to relate to your gambling?" Suzaku asked.

"No." Lelouch said.

"What are our clues?" Suzaku asked

"Only this photo, and that he's nearby." Lelouch said. "Watching me."

"We've checked the majority of the East and West wing." Zero said. "I have nothing to say where he could be. He's not in the windows, that's for sure."

"Wait." Lelouch sparked up suddenly. "I remember hearing the sound of water as well. Running water."

"The sewer." Ciel said.

"Sewer?" Lelouch said.

"That's the most logical place it can be." Ciel said. "And isn't there a line to the sewer right under Ashford?"

"Ciel's right." Suzaku said. "The water circulation system."

All four of them walked back into the school and went to the elevator. As they did, Lelouch put his ID card in the slot.

"This is odd." Suzaku said. "Normally, you would have figured this out right away."

"Humans have a tendency to lose focus in a panic." Zero said.

"Damn." Lelouch said as his ID card popped out. "He changed the system. I'll have to hack into it and reroute it so I can get through."

"But that's against school rules." Suzaku said.

"You got a better idea?" Zero asked.

Suzaku did not respond.

"Got it." Lelouch said.

"Wow." Ciel said as the four walked in the elevator. "You're almost as fast as me."

"Really?" Suzaku asked. "Are you a hacker?"

"I know my way around computers." Ciel said.

Lelouch entered the coordinates for the elevator. A green outline of the school appeared, and a red box that represented the elevator. After pressing a few more buttons, the elevator began to descend downwards.

"Lelouch." Suzaku asked. "You've been using this to get off campus, correct?"

"Occasionally." Lelouch said.

It took a few minutes for the elevator to make it downwards. Once it hit the bottom, the door opened up. Before the four went into the hallway, Suzaku held his clear as glass phone and began to look out into the hallway.

"Just as you guessed." Suzaku said. "He linked a machine gun up to a security camera. That camera only has a time lag of 0.5 seconds."

"Guess it can't be helped." Lelouch said. "We'll have to go back up and change the system."

Before he could even do anything, Suzaku just ran out. Lelouch turned in horror to see Suzaku charge like a madman right at it. To Zero's surprise, he watched Suzaku moved in and out of the machine gun with ease. Eventually when Suzaku got close, he began a wall run. With a swift kick, Suzaku knocked the machine gun out of place. Zero and Ciel we're in utter shock.

"Of all the recklessness!" Lelouch shouted.

Zero and Ciel we're still trying to comprehend the situation.

That's insane. That kid's adrenaline and muscle reflexes are only a little under mine. What intense physical training has this kid gone under?

"Alright." Suzaku said. "Let's go get Nunally."

Suzaku ran forward a little bit. But as he did, Zero got an electronic signal in his brain. It was a Reploid one. And not just one. It was several. Zero ran forward at an incredible speed towards Suzaku.

"Suzaku!" Zero shouted.

Suzaku turned the corner to see six Reploids with beam sabers charge right at him. At the time, Suzaku had seen Reploids, but never had faced them. And not without the Lancelot. And without any weapons of his own, Suzaku was helpless as he knew they had better physical reactions than him.

Reploids! But how would this kid have…

Zero pulled Suzaku back behind him. Zero dodged the first strike by the Reploids. A Reploid tried to cut Zero in half. Zero simply slid under it. He then rolled under the next one, knocking it down. Another tried to stab Zero as soon as he got to the other side. Zero pivoted to the right, then left. When it tried a third time, Zero grabbed his arm. He then used his elbow and crushed the Reploids. He kicked the stomach and liberated the beam saber from it. Zero then stabbed the enemy with it. The next one quickly met its end after Zero spun to dodge it's attack and Zero cut it in half. Zero grabbed the saber that fell out of its arm.

"Suzaku!" Zero shouted.

Zero threw the whirling cylinder at Suzaku. Suzaku caught it and activated it. Suzaku then ducked under the two Reploids who swung their swords. He dodged by jumping back the second time. Zero had dispatched the other two he was dealing with and then sliced the one Suzaku was fighting. Suzaku clashed sabers with the last one and then ducked under and swung at the body. The Reploid was cut in half and fell down. Suzaku then looked at Zero with amazement.

"What?" He said. "I took up fencing back in my youth."

"But that doesn't make any sense." Suzaku said. "I don't even know how these things we're obtained."

"What's going on Suzaku?" Lelouch asked. "What are these?"

"I'm not allowed to tell you." Suzaku said, looking at the pieces of scrap metal on the floor. "But it doesn't seem like I have a choice. They're called Reploids. They're a synthetic, mechanical life form being built to help better the future."

"Better the future?" Lelouch acted.

"They're just as intelligent as humans." Suzaku said. "And they're powerful mechanical beings. They can take a lot of punishment. Plus they have emotion. They're amazing really. I formed a friendship with one particular one at work. His name is X."

Zero's eyes widened.

"X huh?" Zero said.

"Yep." Suzaku said. "They say he's the first one and he started the whole thing. He and my boss are trying to build a Reploid that won't go…as they say…Maverick. X is unsure it's possible, but since Lloyd has such determination, he is willing to go along with it."

"I see." Lelouch said. "But what does Maverick mean?"

"Suzaku can fill us in the details later." Zero said. "We have to go save your sis. Suzaku, hold onto your saber. We might need it."

"Right." Suzaku said.

Suzaku and Zero deactivated their beam sabers and put them on their sides.

At least we know what they're up to. Zero thought to Lelouch.

Yes. Lelouch thought. We could use Suzaku to help us find out more information about their Reploid plans. For now, let's concentrate on the task at hand.

Because I took two months not to update, I thought an eariler update would appease you people. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

OOOOHHHH...over halfway mark. I'm counting down the Episodes people.

Any clues on this...dealer Mao mentions? I wonder if you took that word into account before you read this line. Use your brain people.

I noticed that his chapter was on a more humorous angle. I hope you enjoyed them.