Shirley walked through the halls of the Student Council Building.
She couldn't bear to watch anymore of the footage that was going out. All that violence, all that death, it was too much.
She couldn't stand to think about what Lelouch was going to have to do to make Euphemia stop.
"Maybe he'll find a way to snap her out of it. Maybe he'll just hold her prisoner!" Shirley's mind tried to tell her.
But her heart knew better. And she could only imagine what he was going through.
She tried to call him but he wouldn't pick up.
Eventually she heard Nunnally's voice coming from her room.
"Oh, well, the radio cut off mid-broadcast earlier. Why do you ask? Did something happen?" She heard her asked innocently.
Shirley's eyes widen as she realized she was talking to Lelouch.
"Nunnally!" Shirley greeted as she came into the room more quickly than she meant to.
"Oh, hi Shirley!" Nunnally perked up, glad to hear her voice.
"Is...is that Lelouch on the phone?" Shirley asked, hoping that was the case.
"Yeah, big brother's on the phone right now." Nunnally told her happily.
"Is it okay I talk to him real quick? I tried to call him earlier but my phone died." Shirley reasoned with a little white lie.
But she didn't care, she needed to hear his voice, she needed to know he was okay.
"Oh sure, you can talk to him." Nunnally told her kindly. "Lelouch, Shirley's here, she wants to talk to you. Here you go." Nunnally said as she handed the phone to Shirley.
"Hello, Lulu." Shirley said sweetly.
"S-Shirley..." Lelouch stuttered on the other end, not sure what to say.
"Nunnally, I'll be right back. I have some stuff I need to talk to Lelouch about. Dinner plans, flirting and such." Shirley told her sweetly, hiding the internal dread she was feeling right now.
"Of course. (Giggles) You two are so cute." Nunnally said sweetly.
Shirley giggled back at her and left the room, she went out to the hallway.
"Lelouch, are you alright?" She asked with quiet concern, wondering what was going through his head.
"...No...but I have to be right now..." Lelouch told her with a calm voice.
His tone of voice broke her heart, she didn't like hearing him like this.
"Can I ask what happened?" Shirley asked gently, really hoping he didn't hang up.
There was a moment of silence on the phone.
"...I...I..." Lelouch tried to get the words out, she could tell he was struggling.
And it was all she needed to hear to piece together what happened.
"It was an accident, wasn't it?" Shirley answered for him, her voice filled with sympathy. "Oh Lulu..." She thought to herself, wishing she could wrap him into a hug and never let go.
"...How can you be so sure of that?" He asked, his voice starting to break.
"Because I know you, Lulu. You're not the type of person to do that on purpose." Shirley said kindly, tears starting to form in her eyes.
There was another moment of silence.
"I have to go now, Shirley. Tell Nunnally I love her and we'll discuss it more when I get back. And...and I'm so sorry for what's about to happen..." He said with an empty voice.
"Lelou-" Shirley tried to say, but he hung up.
Her hand fell limply to her side. She knew now there was no going back, Lelouch was going to wage war on the Settlement, and all because of a mistake he made.
He sounded so dead inside, and it tore Shirley to shreds.
But to not worry Nunnally, she took a deep breath, put on a brave face, and went back inside her room.
"Lelouch had to end his call early, he has to take care of some affairs in the settlement. But he says you two will discuss whatever it is you were discussing later." Shirley told her.
"Oh, okay..." Nunnally said, a bit disappointed as she took back her phone.
Shirley's lips quivered and shut her eyes tightly before quietly going over to Nunnally and hugging her tightly, surprising her.
"He also wanted me to tell you that he loves you very much. Don't ever forget that, okay?" Shirley told her with a quiet voice, really struggling to keep the tears in.
"O-Okay..." Nunnally said, not understanding what was going on.
"And just remember I love you too. The whole council has your back." Shirley told her as she let go of Nunnally and grabbed her hand instead.
"Of course I know that. Shirley, what's wrong?" Nunnally asked, now concerned about her friend/future sister.
"N-Nothing. Just allergies is all. I gotta go to the restroom now, okay?" Shirley said quietly as she started to leave.
"Okay..." Nunnally said quietly as Shirley shut the door.
She was able to make it a few steps before she started leaning against the wall and fell to her knees.
She covered her mouth so Nunnally wouldn't hear her sob.
"Lelouch, Kallen, Suzaku, C.C...please make it through this..." She thought in despair.
...
"That was it — the last broadcasting station. They're all down." Milly said solemnly as she, Shirley, Rivalz, Nunnally, Sayoko, and Naomi stayed inside the Student Council Meeting Room.
"Hands up and turn around!" A voice yelled as they heard footsteps enter the room and guns cocked.
"The Black Knights control the school — all of you are now our hostages!" A short, red-haired man yelled, a couple of Black Knights behind him.
Shirley got in front of Nunnally, and Sayoko and Naomi both got in front of them, Sayoko in a defensive stance.
"Lower the guns!" Rivalz yelled, surprisingly trying to shield them all.
"Huh? That's a hell of a thing to say in this situation!" The redhead said in annoyance as Arthur hissed at him.
"Rivalz!" Milly hissed quietly, wondering what her friend was doing.
"C'mon, lemme be cool for once, okay? I'll protect everyone!" Rivalz said determinedly.
"Is that a fact?!" Tamaki asked sarcastically, ready to strike Rivalz down.
"Tamaki!? Is that you?!" Naomi asked in disbelief and outrage.
The redhead, apparently named Tamaki, finally seemed to notice Naomi in the room.
"Huh?! Miss Kozuki?!" Tamaki said in shock. "Uh-duh...what are you doing here?" He asked nervously as he hid his rifle behind his back, trying to save face.
"I work here. You're a Black Knight?!" Naomi asked in surprise.
"Wait a minute, you know this guy?!" Rivalz asked incredulously.
"Shinichirō Tamaki. He was a friend of my son, Naoto." Naomi told the Council before turning back to Tamaki to approach him. "Were you really about to hurt this young man?!" She asked angrily.
"I-I uh-w-well..." Tamaki stuttered, not sure how to respond.
"And you were really about to hold these innocent kids hostage!?" Naomi asked with a strict-mother tone.
"I-I-I-w-well, I-I can explain..." He continued to stutter, beads of sweat now rolling down his head.
"My son considered you a good friend of his and this is how you honor his memory?! What is wrong with you?!" Naomi asked, now in full rage mode.
As Tamaki continued to stutter, the other Black Knights looked in perplexity while the Student Council were stifling their laughter.
"Careful Madam. You're about to make Tamaki soil himself." A voice said as he entered the room, that voice of course belonging to Zero.
A redhead girl, who Shirley knew was Kallen, came in with him. She wore a visor over her eyes and her hair in a spiky manner
Naomi looked in shock at Kallen.
"Of course she would recognize her daughter..." Shirley thought sadly.
"We'll be taking over the school as our command center." Zero told the Council.
"Command center?" Rivalz asked in surprise.
"Lelouch...I know you won't let harm come to us." Shirley thought in reassurance.
...
"Oh… now they've even got Suzaku!" Rivalz said worriedly as they saw the Lancelot frozen in place.
Shirley was conflicted, she wanted Lelouch to succeed but she didn't want Suzaku to get hurt either. It was clear though that he wasn't thinking clearly with what happened with Euphemia. Neither was Lelouch for that master considering he purposely had Suzaku come here to trap him, even "threatening" to shoot at the students.
Shirley knew he would never do it but she was definitely going to slap him for even putting on such a ruse!
Suddenly they heard footsteps leave the building.
"I wonder what's going on out there." Milly said.
"Now's your chance. Please, go!" Nunnally told them.
"Huh?!" Everyone asked surprise.
"Suzaku needs your help — go to him, please! And we need his help. He's the best hope we've got!" Nunnally practically begged.
"But what about you Nunna?" Shirley asked in concern.
"It's okay, we got her." Naomi reassured them.
"Nothing will happen to her." Sayoko said determinedly.
Shirley looked at them for a moment before nodding. But while she was planning on helping Suzaku, she was also determined to make sure he stayed here. That way he be safe and Lelouch could complete his rebellion.
...
"Oh, hell! Cease fire! That goes for you two, Black Knights! Call a temporary truce! We can't fire on that!" Lloyd yelled hysterically.
Shirley could tell the situation was even more dire than before.
Nina had just came out with the Ganymede with some some sort of device strapped to it. And she looked very worse for wear.
"Nina, did you complete it?" Lloyd asked gently.
"'Complete it?' Complete what!?" Shirley asked herself.
"There wasn't time to test it. I don't know if it'll explode." Nina said quietly with an empty voice.
"Explode?!" Rivalz asked, really hoping he didn't hear that right.
"Nina, what did you mean by 'explode?!'" Milly asked quickly as she tried to run to her. Only to be blocked by the knightmare being piloted by Cecile.
"It's dangerous! Stay back!" Cecile warned her.
"But she's our friend!" Shirley told her, also trying to get to her friend.
"You see, if her theory is correct, that thing may destroy the entire Tokyo Settlement." Lloyd told them solemnly.
The Student Council gasped in shock at that.
"But that is impossible!" The loud Black Knight said from inside his knightmare.
"Believe it! She's even using Sakuradite!" Milly told him angrily.
"Zero… where is he? Tell me where he is! Prince Joseph will be avenged!" Nina said as she shakily held a trigger, ready to push it.
"Nina! Please calm down!" Shirley tried to say.
"WHERE IS ZERO?!" Nina asked hysterically, not hearing her.
"Is this girl insane or something?!" The loudmouth asked.
"If no one will tell me. Then goodbye." Nina said with finality.
"Nina, don't!" Milly tried to say.
But it was too late. Nina pushed the trigger.
...and nothing happened. No Tokyo Settlement-shattering KABOOM.
"Why didn't it work?" Nina asked herself quietly.
"Miss Cecile!" Lloyd yelled, taking the opportunity.
"Right!" Cecile said as she quickly went in and secured the bomb.
"Professor Lloyd, stop!" Nina said.
"Nina!" Milly yelled, running up to her friend. Shirley and Rivalz not far behind.
"Milly, you too? Please let me kill Zero now! Let me avenge Prince Joseph!" Nina begged.
"This isn't the way, Nina! Joseph wouldn't want you to do this!" Shirley told her as she climbed onto the knightmare.
"What do you know?! Besides, he needs to pay! It's because of him my prince...my prince is..." Nina couldn't even finish as started to break down into tears.
Shirley brought her into her arms and prayed this war would be over soon.
...
Three months...
Three months and no sign of Lelouch and Nunnally whatsoever.
Both vanished without a trace. Even Sayoko and Naomi disappeared as well.
Shirley would try to call Lelouch several times, but it would always go to a dial tone.
The only theory she could think of was that they left amidst all the chaos and have stayed in exile either in the EU or Chinese Federation. But then there's the question as to who got Nunnally out of the school in the first place considering Lelouch never came back to campus after that confrontation with Suzaku.
Shirley thought maybe it was a Black Knight as she didn't want to think of the alternate. Milly wasn't sure herself but knew that Lelouch would never abandon Nunnally. They just both hoped where they were, they were safe.
All Shirley knew was that she missed them dearly.
And a nice summer afternoon couldn't make that feeling go away.
Not that it mattered as she, Milly, and Rivalz were currently planning events for the next semester in the Student Council Building. Milly thought it would be better to try and get ahead of it instead of procrastinating.
Rivalz hated it as he wanted to enjoy his summer vacation, not spend it at the empty Ashford Academy.
Shirley, frankly, needed the distraction.
"So how about we have a cosplay week!? That way all the students can dress up as their favorite characters from TV shows and etc.?" Milly asked enthusiastically.
"Certainly sounds fun to me." Shirley said happily.
"Yeah, sounds great. Can we go to the pool now?" Rivalz asked, wanting to do something fun.
"We still need to go over the budget for this school year." Milly instructed.
"Come on! It's summer! Everybody is enjoying themselves! Why can't we?!" Rivalz complained.
"Because without Lelouch here, we can't rely on someone to get everything organized last minute, so it's up to us to make sure everything's on a tight schedule this semester." Milly told him.
Rivalz deflated at that. "Have you guys heard from him or Nunnally at all?" Rivalz asked solemnly.
"Nothing." Shirley said sadly with a shake of her head.
"Argh! I don't get it! Lelouch was known for vanishing a day or two, but never this long! And now Nunnally's gone too?! Not a phone call, not even an email! What is going on!?" Rivalz asked angrily.
"I don't know, Rivalz. I really don't know." Milly said sadly, hoping that Lelouch and Nunnally were okay.
"(Sighs) Well I still a break from all this, I'm going outside to get some air." Rivalz said dejectedly as he stood up and went to the door.
*BAM*
Only for the door the burst open, knocking Rivalz to the ground. What came in were a bunch of Britannian soldiers.
"HANDS UP! NOW!" A soldier yelled, pointing his gun at Rivalz on the ground.
"Seriously! Again!" Rivalz said in annoyance as he quickly put his hand up where the soldier could see them.
Shirley and Milly did the same, shocked by the sudden situation.
"Get up, all of you!" The soldier ordered.
They complied, Rivalz a bit longer since he had to pull himself from the ground. The soldiers all had their guns aimed at them if they tried anything.
"Look guys, if this is about the gambling, I can assure you Lelouch and I are no longer-" Rivalz tried to explain before the soldier aimed his rifle right at his chest.
"Shut. Up." The soldier said with finality.
"Okay..." Rivalz squeaked.
Milly was trying to figure out what this was all about while Shirley noticed something about the uniforms of these Britannian soldiers.
"You're OSI..." Shirley said in realization, remembering Lelouch telling her about them. A special unit that only took orders from the Emperor.
"Very observant. Not too many people know of our group." The OSI soldier said smugly as he came over to Shirley.
"Please, can you just tell us what this is about?" Milly asked, trying to get some control of the situation.
Instead of answering her, the OSI soldier put his hand to ear, talking into his comms. "Bring him in." He said simply.
A few moments later, a couple of more soldiers came in, dragging in an unconscious boy. That boy made the Student Council gasp in shock, especially Shirley, because that boy was:
"LELOUCH!" Shirley said frantically, beginning to rush over to her love.
Only to get a rifle butt to her stomach, a hard one at that.
She collapsed to the ground and sucked in a hard breath.
"Shirley!" Rivalz yelled, wanting to come to her aid. Only for the OSI soldier to aim his gun back at Rivalz, right at his head.
"Please give me an excuse." The OSI soldier said with a warning tone.
"Don't you hurt them!" Milly said angrily.
"And you really need to learn to respect your superiors." The OSI soldier said indifferently as his raised his gun to hit her in the head.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" A voice yelled out with rage.
That voice came rushing over to a coughing Shirley. "Shirley, are you alright? The voice asked in concern.
She looked up and saw who it was and her eyes widen in surprise.
"S-Suzaku?" She said in shock as he helped her up. He had a Knights of the Round outfit on as well.
"I told you NOT to lay any hands on them!" Suzaku said angrily.
"She started towards the bait. She's lucky I didn't shoot her in the head." The OSI soldier said simply.
"Bait? Suzaku, what the Hell is going on?! Why are you guys dragging Lelouch in here like a criminal!?" Rivalz asked, completely lost on the situation.
"And where's Nunnally?!" Milly asked, really not liking where the situation was going.
Instead of answering, he simply turned his head to an OSI soldier. "Tie their hands behind their back." He said quietly.
"Wait, what!?" Rivalz said incredulously as a soldier forcefully to his hands behind his back and tied them up with a zip-ties.
"Wait a minute! Suzaku what are you doing?!" Shirley asked in disbelief by what she could presume was a betrayal.
And she received that confirmation by the next person who walked into the room.
This person made Shirley hitch a breath, Milly's pupils shrink, and Rivalz do a double take.
"He's following my orders." Emperor Charles zi Britannia said stoically.
"The...The Emperor..." Milly said fearfully.
"Oh God, he knows..." Shirley thought, terrified.
"Line them up!" The OSI soldier ordered as they took the students and brought them together into a line.
"Your highness, you swore you wouldn't hurt them." Suzaku said with a bow.
"I said for you to make sure they cooperate so there wouldn't be any unnecessary violence. The actions they take are of their own fault." Charles said dismissively.
Shirley and Milly looked at Suzaku appalled, knowing now that he had a hand in this.
The Emperor walked up to them and laid his eyes on Milly, and then chuckled, unsettling the students.
"Millicent Ashford. I should have known you and your family would take in my errant son and daughter." Charles said mirthfully.
"You...you told him...?" Milly stuttered to Suzaku, feeling so much betrayal.
"Suzaku..." Shirley said in shock, not believing this was actually happening.
Suzaku could only put his head down with a neutral look on his face.
"Wait! 'Errant son and daughter?' Who..." Rivalz started to question before looking over the still unconscious Lelouch, who was sat upon a chair, and his eyes widen in realization. "You mean...!?"
"Finally catching up, are you boy? How my son intersected with a feeble person like you is beyond me." Charles said in annoyance.
"Why...why are you here?" Shirley asked, finding the courage to talk to the Emperor.
Charles turned to her with a smirk.
"Ah yes, you must be the Shirley I heard so much about. I'm surprised my son's arrogance didn't blind him from the opposite sex." Charles said in amusement as he grabbed Shirley's chin to look her over, his touch made her shiver.
"Leave her alone!" Milly said fiercely, only for her to be hit in the back, resulting in her falling to ground and grunting in pain.
"Hey!" Rivalz shouted, trying to come to her defense, only to meet the same result.
"Stop!" Suzaku tried to say, only for Charles to give a narrow stare at him, resulting in him backing off.
"I don't think you have any right to bark at me, Miss Ashford. Especially when you have very little bite to give." Charles said egotistically as he kneeled down besides her and grabbing her head tightly, Milly just looked at him hatefully. "I could even have your Grandfather executed for treason if I wanted to." He said with an evil smirk, Milly's eyes widen in shock.
"No! Don't hurt him! He was just trying to protect them!" Milly said frantically, all the courage she showed now gone.
"Please! Why are you doing this?!" Shirley asked quickly, wanting to get the attention off Milly.
"Simple, my dear." Charles said as he stood back up. "This school and my son's facade provide a perfect bait system to lure out a certain contractor of his." He said with a mysterious tone as his eyes started to shone red.
It made Shirley's heart stop, as she knew exactly what it was.
Geass
"No...dear God, NO!" Shirley thought with dread. "Milly! Rivalz! Close your eyes, now!" She told them quickly as she closed her own eyes..
"Wha-" They tried to question.
"JUST DO IT!" Shirley yelled.
They quickly did what she said and shut their eyes.
"Hmm. So he told you about Geass? I can only presume he told you he was Zero as well. You must be a very special woman in his life." Charles said with intrigue. This shocked the council and Suzaku.
"You-You knew?!" Suzaku said in shock.
"Lelouch is Zero?!" Rivalz said in equal shock.
"Don't look at his eyes, no matter what!" Was all Shirley said.
"You say that without even knowing whether or not my Geass requires eye contact. You're either just as clever as Lelouch or just driven by blind luck." Charles complimented. "However, there are other ways to get make you comply." He said, snapping his fingers, signaling a couple of soldiers.
One soldier forced Shirley to her knees while the other pointed his gun at her head.
"Open your eyes, or your friend dies." Charles said solemnly.
Soldiers brought Milly and Rivalz back up to their knees and they gasped in worry.
"Wait a minute!" Suzaku said worriedly.
"Don't interfere Kururugi, or they all die." Charles said casually without concern.
"Don't do it! Never mind what happens to me! Don't open them!" Shirley insisted.
"You have three seconds...one..." Charles started to warn.
"Shirley..." Milly said, about ready to cry.
"Two..." Charles continued, the gun behind her head cocked.
"Lelouch..." Shirley said solemnly, ready to accept death.
"Thr-"
"STOP! Look, they're open, see!" Rivalz shouted, both him and Milly opening their eyes wide for him, tears running down their eyes.
"No..." Shirley whispered defeatedly.
"Good. Hold them up open." Charles ordered.
The soldiers did as instructed, though Milly and Rivalz struggled a bit.
"What the Hell is going on...?" Rivalz asked with a whimper.
"Nothing that will concern you in a few moments." Charles said indifferently to him before turning back to Shirley. "And I'm sure you already know what I'll do to your friends if you don't open your own eyes, Miss Fenette." Charles implied as she could hear the sound of the rifles cocking at Milly's and Rivalz's heads.
Shirley's eyes tightened in frustration before looking hatefully at Charles.
"What is wrong with you? What kind of father does this to his own child? Fathers are supposed to love and care for their children, to help them through anything! And all you care about is how you can use him for your own gain! No wonder Lelouch became Zero! YOU'RE A MONSTER!" Shirley said with rage she didn't even know she had, tears running down her eyes.
Suzaku, Rivalz, and Milly looked at her in shock and fear. Afraid she just signed her own death certificate.
However, Charles just looked at her stotically before kneeling down to her level and then put a smirk on his face.
"I can see why he likes you so much. And whether you believe it or not, I'm doing this for his own good." Charles said simply before gesturing to a soldier, who kept Shirley's eyes open.
"No! Suzaku, please! You know this is wrong! What happened to Euphemia was an accident! He's your best friend! Think of Nunnally! Don't let him do this!" Shirley begged frantically as she struggled against the soldiers.
Suzaku looked conflicted, like he wanted to do something. But, he just looked away in frustration.
"It's clear that Lelouch manipulated you, like he did everyone else. I'm sorry Shirley, but it's better you forget all those things." Suzaku said neutrally.
Shirley looked at him completely heartbroken by this betrayal. Her friend, who they accepted and took into their council, sold out to the Emperor.
She gave him the unconscious Lelouch a look of sorrow, wishing she could hold him.
But her view was soon blocked by Charles, who stood back up, red still in his eyes.
"Worry no more child, for you'll soon forgot we were even here." Charles said with faux kindness as he grinned at the three.
"Please don't..." Shirley begged.
"Soon you'll go back to being the students my son was friends with..." Charles continued. Suzaku clenched his fists and tightly shut his eyes in frustration.
"Stop..." Shirley continued.
"And a certain girl in a wheelchair won't even be a concern to you." Charles concluded.
"STOP IT!" Shirley shouted with all her might, trying to get out of the soldiers' grips, knowing it was all for naught.
""Charles zi Britannia engraves into you this false memories!" Charles ordered.
And Shirley wailed as red took over her vision.
...
Shinjuku
Lelouch and Kallen stood there in shocked silence by what they were seeing.
Shirley. Shirley Fenette. Was standing there with a frustrated look in her eyes.
Rolo was next to her, his face in concern towards Lelouch.
And Joseph was happy, not even surprised to see her!
"S...Shirley...?" Lelouch muttered under his breath in shock.
"Shirley!?" Kallen was more vocal about it.
Shirley's mood suddenly turned to glee as she ran over to Kallen and engulfed her into a hug.
"Kallen! It's so good to see you! I missed you so much! Thanks for keeping my big brother safe!" Shirley said happily.
"Uhhh..." Was all Kallen could say as she awkwardly returned the hug, having no idea what was going on.
Joseph just had a big grin on his face.
When Shirley let go of Kallen, she looked back at Lelouch with the same frustrated look from before.
She walked up to him and slapped him right in the face.
"Ow..." Lelouch muttered. "I am getting hit a lot today..." He thought miserably.
"'We be better off without you?!' So everything that Joseph, Kallen, and C.C. did to get your memories back, they shouldn't have even bothered?! Milly and Rivalz?! Their memories should continue to be manipulated?! Me?! After everything we've been through together?! After all the progress I saw you make last year?! You think I would be better off without you!?" Shirley said with fury in her voice like no other.
Lelouch, Kallen, and Rolo were spooked by this. Joseph just giggled at his new little sister's forwardness.
"...Shirley...you remember...?" Lelouch asked in shock.
"...Everything..." Shirley said, having calmed down a bit.
"But...but how...?" Lelouch asked, still reeling from this revelation.
Shirley couldn't help but smile at that.
"You can thank C.C. for that." Shirley said, starting to explain.
...
(Flashback)
Supermarket
Shirley was currently shopping for supplies for Milly's Broken Heart Contest. Knowing Milly, Rivalz was going to need a lot of tissues for his recovery. She couldn't help but shake her head in bemusement.
Milly was a good friend and could make a nice event, but she could be so exhausting with how far she takes it sometimes.
But at the very least, Shirley could find a way to ask Lelouch out.
...Then again, this might not be the best time to do so considering the circumstances.
"Ugh! Curse my foolish endeavors for love!" Shirley thought miserably.
Which unfortunately didn't let her see the girl she bumped into, causing her to drop her groceries.
"Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry!" Shirley said quickly as she helped the girl pick her stuff up.
It seemed she had ingredients to make her own pizza, thank goodness she held onto her tomato sauce or the situation would have been a lot more messy.
"It's no trouble at all." The girl, who Shirley noticed had green hair under her beanie as well as glasses over her golden eyes, said shyly.
As they both went for a bag of cheese, the girl placed her hand on top of Shirley's. Probably for a second or so too long as Shirley started to get a little creeped out.
"Um, is something wrong?" Shirley asked innocently, which seemed to snap the girl out of her stupor.
"Oh! Um, sorry. I just couldn't help but notice your watch. It's really pretty." The girl said nervously, quickly snaking her hand back.
"Oh, thank you! My classmate got it for my birthday. He told me it was because I can be little ditzy when it comes to getting to my classes on time after swim practice." Shirley said awkwardly as she rubbed the back of her head.
"Classmate, huh? You two been together long?" The girl couldn't help but ask.
"Wha-Oh no, no, no! It's nothing like that! We're just friends is all!" Shirley said with an embarrassed chuckle, red on her cheeks.
The girl looked at her in a confused fashion for a moment before shrugging. "If you say so. Anyway, thanks for helping pick up my stuff. Have a nice day." She said, going on her way.
"You too!" Shirley said happily, going on her own way, putting the whole incident behind her.
(Flashback End)
...
Shinjuku
"At the time, I didn't think anything of it. So I just got the supplies I needed and want back to the academy." Shirley finished explaining. Lelouch was flabbergasted to say the least.
"Why didn't you guys tell me this?!" Lelouch asked Kallen and Joseph angrily.
"C.C. said it didn't work! We didn't think it was necessary!" Kallen told him quickly.
"Yeah, if did, would have celebrated!" Joseph explained.
Lelouch and Kallen both knew that was true.
"It didn't work. At least not until that fateful day that Zero came back. I don't what it was, but somehow seeing you on the TV as Zero and the encounter I had with C.C. made it all come back..." Shirley started to explain.
...
(Flashback)
Ashford Academy
Student Council Building
Shirley watched the broadcast with Milly, Rivalz, and Villetta.
"Starting from this moment, this room shall be the first dominion of the USJ. Race, ideology and religion will not matter. Being a citizen will have but one requirement, to do that which is just!" Zero concluded.
Of the three students watching, Shirley made a small gasp in surprise. She stiffened for a moment, as if having a panic attack.
Milly, Rivalz, and Villetta looked at her in confusion.
"Everything okay, Shirley?" Rivalz asked.
"Uh...yeah...sorry, I was just thinking of all calling Lelouch again is all. Make sure he and Rolo are okay." Shirley said quietly as she started to walk away from the meeting room.
"Um, okay. Come back soon." Milly told her.
Shirley just nodded as she left, she walked back to her dorm room as normally as she could to not draw attention.
Thankfully she didn't have a roommate this year, because as soon as she shut the door, she grabbed the pillow on her bed and screamed into it before dropping to her knees.
She started to weep as the memories flooded back.
Mao, Lelouch's identity, Kallen's identity, Suzaku's betrayal, the Emperor's Geass...
She started to weep as she thought about Lelouch and her friends, how their memories were edited like some damn film, made to forget about Nunnally, replaced by some male doppelgänger! For her it was even worse, as the Emperor took away the bond she and Lelouch had created.
She continued to weep until she fell asleep. Praying that Lelouch was okay and that he was the Zero she saw on television.
(Flashback End)
...
Shinjuku
Silent tears ran down Shirley's face.
"All I could think about was how I was used against you. How my mind was made to forget about one of my favorite people..." Shirley said sadly.
Joseph hugged Shirley from behind to comfort her, which Shirley gladly accepted.
Kallen looked on sadly while Rolo looked down feeling ashamed.
Lelouch looked at her in sympathetically, knowing the exact feeling. "Shirley..."
Shirley however put her hand up, signaling him to shut up. "I'm not done." She said with a firm tone.
...
(Flashback)
Ashford Academy
Before Milly could spew more orders, Shirley swatted her on the back of the head.
"Madam Prez, stop making Lelouch do everything! He's not a miracle worker!" Shirley complained as she went to Lelouch's side to help him out.
"Her memories may have been altered, but she's still the same Milly." She thought in both annoyance and amusement.
"Yeah, Why do you only keep asking me to help with all of this?" Lelouch asked, though a bit surprised by Shirley's forwardness.
"Sorry. We didn't have a choice. Rivalz has no sense of taste." Milly told them as she rubbed the back of her head before getting awkward. "And Shirley, well, you're usually..." She started to say.
"...Not the most focused person in the world." Lelouch finished for her.
"Well, I decided to change that. After the scare you and Rolo gave us, it's clear I have to keep you two out of trouble!" Shirley lectured as she waved a frosting spreader at Lelouch's face.
"Also I need to figure out if you truly got your memories back as well. That broadcast could have simply been a ploy by the Black Knights to boost morale." She thought to herself in determination.
"Uh, sorry for worrying you, Shirley." Lelouch said apologetically.
"My, my. Looks who's taking the reins in this relationship." Milly said teasingly.
"Prez..." Lelouch and Shirley muttered in annoyance.
They noticed they said this at the same time and blushed.
"Lelouch...maybe you did..."
"President, can I ask something? Lelouch asked, wanting to get off the subject
"Certainly, although I may choose not to answer you." Milly told him with her devilish smirk.
"So today, we're celebrating Rolo and me coming back alive?" He asked.
"Of course! You two escaped that terror attack still intact." Milly said happily. "Shirley was practically out of her mind, poor girl." She teased. 'Oh, if my Lulu has been killed...' She started to imitate.
"I was not!" Shirley complained with a red blush, knowing for a fact that never happened.
"No, but you did run off to your room after Zero's comeback. Didn't come out for the rest of the day." Rivalz said, that was news to Lelouch.
"Is that true?" Lelouch asked.
"Uh, well...I couldn't help but imagine the worst. That you and Rolo would be gone, never to see you again." Shirley said sadly, she didn't notice the look of regret on Lelouch's face.
"Lelouch...ever since what happened on that highway, I wanted to get to know you, see what made you tick. When I learned that you were both Zero and a Prince, I felt like you were letting me into your world, like I was seeing the real you for the first time. You let me into your life, and I could see a weight lifted off your shoulders, you smiled and it felt like a real smile. And now, I'm not even sure if the real you has come back or is even there anymore. I swear, I will make this right." Shirley thought determinedly.
Suddenly, she felt Lelouch take her in his arms, surprising her and the group.
"I'm sorry Shirley, I'm truly okay. Me and Rolo are going to be fine." Lelouch reassured her.
"You better!" Shirley said as she returned the hug tightly.
"Is this because he's trying to be nice or because he got his memories back?" Shirley wondered.
"Awwww, how cute. You two are so perfect for each other." Milly said with her signature grin.
"(Sighs) You're too much." Lelouch said tiredly.
Shirley also rolled her eyes.
"Hey, where is Rolo anyway?" Rivalz asked.
"I spoke with him but you know, the boy is a lot more sensitive than his older brother." Milly said.
"That's partly why he doesn't have any friends, isn't it?" Rivalz inquired.
"Well, I think he's just quiet." Shirley said, a small conflicted tone in her voice.
Truthfully, she didn't know what to think about Rolo. On one hand, she was angry that Nunnally was replaced with some male version of her to probably help with the "bait system" that the Emperor set up, which makes it harder for her to determine whether or not Lelouch truly got his memories back. She would need to find a time and place to be alone with Lelouch to get the answers she needed.
On the other, she didn't really know the kid or what his orders were. Perhaps he was under duress and had to play the role or risk being killed, the Emperor may have even used his Geass on him to make him believe he really was Lelouch's brother! So she was going to reserve judgment until she got more details about him.
...
Omotesando Mall
Shirley couldn't believe it, Lelouch actually accepted going to the mall with her!
"He must have his memories back! After getting our memories altered, he usually just blows me off! But I have to know for sure!" Shirley thought determinedly.
Oh you're back!" Shirley said happily as she took of the headphones and approached him. She didn't notice the subtle rueful look on his face.
"Okay, just going to give him some hints, see if he catches on. If not, we'll laugh it off and go about our day. No harm, no foul." Shirley thought.
"Hey Lelouch, I was wondering..." She started to say.
"The Prez and others are following us." Lelouch told her as he looked behind him.
"What? Where?" Shirley asked in surprise as she looked around, not even realizing that.
"Shirley, I thought of a terrific idea." Lelouch told her in a sly tone, confusing her.
He then took her into a clothing store, they go over to the fitting rooms.
"OK. All I want you to do is pretend I'm in here for a while." Lelouch instructed.
"What are you going to do?" Shirley asked in confusion.
"I'm going to sneak out of the store and surprise the Prez and others." Lelouch told her, showing a disguise from his briefcase.
However, Shirley just looked at him in further confusion.
"Since when did Lelouch like to prank the Council? Is this because of the memory alteration?" Shirley theorized. Lelouch seemed to noticed her confusion.
"What's wrong?" Lelouch asked.
"N-Nothing! Sorry, I gotcha." Shirley said quickly, breaking out of her thoughts. She giggled nervously and closed the curtain on him.
To which a look annoyance crossed her face.
"Argh! Lelouch, did you get your memories back or not!" Shirley thought angrily, not knowing what the Hell was going on!
After waiting for a few minutes, she suddenly heard an alarm go off.
"What's going on?"Shirley wondered as she went outside the store and looked to see people running.
Suddenly Milly, Rivalz, and Rolo come running out of their hiding place with Rolo going past Shirley and into the store.
And to their surprise, they find Lelouch missing.
"He's gone!" Rolo said in surprise.
"Huh? Shirley, I thought he was with you." Rivalz said in surprise.
"He-he was. But he told me you guys were spying on us so he was going to disguise himself and surprise you guys." Shirley explained.
"He must have gotten caught up in the chaos." Milly said.
"Is that the case? Or was it simply a diversion? If so, why go through all the trouble? Unless..." Shirley theorized to herself as she looked at Rolo.
"I'm going to look for him, see if he went back to Ashford." Rolo told them before running off, not even giving them a chance to speak.
"Lelouch...how deep does this 'bait system' go?"Shirley wondered to herself.
...
Ashford Academy
"It's almost time for the execution. The remaining members of the Black Knights shall feel the judgement of justice." The news reporter said arrogantly.
Shirley looked at the television with worry, wondering what was going to happen.
If Lelouch truly was back, there was no way he was going to let the Black Knights be executed. But if it was a stunt, they be doomed. She barely got to talk to him when they got back as he seemed preoccupied with other things.
And she was afraid to confront him in case Rolo was watching them, or any other possibly spies that were at the school.
However, they suddenly saw a shoe hit Gilbert Gottfried's knightmare.
"YO, CAPTAIN BUZZKILL!" A voice shouted
The camera panned and it focused on someone who was standing on the platform blocking the civilians. A certain someone with a large black coat and a beard on his face.
"What's this?! Ladies and Gentlemen, the Dimwitted Prince, Joseph Du Britannia, has just shown up at the execution out of nowhere!"The news reporter said in shock.
"Joseph!" Shirley said with shocked happiness.
"He's back! He's okay!" Rivalz said with excited relief.
"I don't believe it!" Milly said in surprise but also excitement.
Shirley cheered up from seeing Joseph.
Her new big brother who saved her father, herself, and Lelouch on more than one occasion.
Like Nunnally, he was a bundle of joy who could make you smile as soon as he entered the room, only difference was he could make a bodybuilder look like a paperweight in comparsion. He could make you laugh whether it was or purpose or just because he was being himself.
Even before she got her memories back, when she learned the news he was taken back to the homeland, her heart sank as she wondered if she would ever see him again.
But here he was, in the flesh. And from the looks of it, he was here to help rescue the Black Knights.
"Does that mean that Lelouch..."Shirley thought in hopefulness.
...
Dimwit Prince Saves the Black Knights!
Shirley couldn't help laugh at that.
"Big brother making the headlines again." Shirley thought in amusement.
She was worried though, he officially declared himself a Black Knight all across the world and put a target on his back, now there was the chance he could be imprisoned, killed even.
"The Tokyo Settlement is still in a gossip by the news of the Dimwit Prince saving the Black Knights with the assistance of Zero." The news reporter said.
"Oof. That's going to be a blow to Lelouch's pride." Shirley thought awkwardly.
But she was happy to see Zero appear yesterday. Because it truly confirmed what she hoped to be true.
Lelouch regained his memories!
All she had to do now was find an appropriate time to get him alone and tell him she had her memories back too. It would be difficult though, before that whole fiasco at the mall, she knew she would have to watch out for Rolo but now she wondered just how many people at the school were really spies or not. She would have to keep on her toes for now.
"Hopefully the day will go by smoothly." Shirley thought to herself as she grabbed her bag.
...
So far, the day was not going as smoothly as she hoped.
Because standing in front of Shirley's classroom was the one person she really didn't want to see.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Suzaku Kururugi and I'll be returning to classes here at Ashford Academy starting today. I look forward to studying here." Suzaku introduced himself.
"Suzaku Kururugi?"
"The guy who caught Zero?"
"The White Death is coming to school here?"
"He is the Knight of Seven."
As the students chattered among themselves. Shirley thought about the last thing he said to her:
"It's clear that Lelouch manipulated you, like he did everyone else. I'm sorry Shirley, but it's better you forget all those things."
She clenched her hand so tightly that she almost broke her pencil in half.
Her friend, Lelouch's best friend, betrayed them and let their memories be played with by that horrible excuse of an Emperor and father! And now he was back, acting like it didn't even happen.
"Suzaku...you came to see if Lelouch got his memories back didn't you...you're trying to bait him again aren't you?!" Shirley thought angrily.
"Okay, quiet down. Sir Kururugi has been reassigned to Area 11 and that's why he's coming back to school here. Why don't you take the desk next to Lelouch for now." Villetta said.
"Yes, ma'am." Suzaku said as he went towards the students.
Suzaku ended up next to Lelouch.
"Hey, welcome back. It's been some time." Lelouch said in a friendly tone.
"I missed everyone a lot." Suzaku said in a equally friendly tone.
Making sure she continued the role she was forced to play since last year, she got up from her seat and approached Suzaku with a friendly smile.
"Suzaku, feels like forever." Shirley said kindly but keeping a few feet away..
...
Shirley ate her lunch in silence while the others asked Suzaku about Zero's identity.
It unsettled her that she had to sit next to him. All she could see was the same person who looked away as the Emperor manipulated their memories.
He betrayed Lelouch, he betrayed Nunnally, he betrayed them! Will he betray Joseph?
She had to ask, she had to know.
"Suzaku...you've seen the news about Joseph, right?" Shirley asked, first time she's spoken since they started eating.
The mood turned more sullen at that, knowing that their friend was now a wanted fugitive.
"Yes...I have..." Suzaku said solemnly.
"I tell ya, that guy has always done a lot of unexpected things, but officially joining the Black Knights. Man, he never ceases to surprise me." Rivalz said in a complimentary way.
"What are you going to do, Suzaku? I mean, I know he's technically a criminal now, but..." Milly said awkwardly, wanting to defend her friend.
"Um, well..." Suzaku started to say.
"You're not going to kill him, are you?!" Shirley couldn't help but ask.
This shocked the Student Council, including Rolo.
"Wha-No! Shirley, I would never!" Suzaku told her quickly.
"Easy, Shirley. He wouldn't do that." Rivalz intervened.
"Well, Suzaku did garner the nickname 'White Death'." Rolo said simply.
"He's our friend, Suzaku! He saved my father! Doesn't that mean anything!?" Shirley asked frantically.
"Of course it does! I just-Agh!" Suzaku winced in pain as he saw a particular cat biting his hand.
"Arthur?!" Milly said in surprise.
"Oh, you brought him with you?" Rivalz asked.
"Well, Suzaku, you really have a thing for cats, don't you." Lelouch said with a teasing smile.
"I figured he missed you guys too." Suzaku said with a smile as he got Arthur to let him go. "Look, the situation with Joseph is complicated. I can't guarantee he won't be jailed if captured. But I swear, I'm going to do everything I can to make sure he doesn't get hurt." He swore solemnly.
Shirley just looked down sadly. "I wish I could believe that..."
She packed up her lunch and got up. "I have to do some practice laps in the pool. I'll see you guys later." Shirley said quietly as she left.
"I'm sorry Suzaku, but I can't trust you anymore."
...
Later that day in class, Shirley couldn't even pay attention. She was just too bothered by Suzaku's presence. Instead she chose to look out the window and saw something she wasn't expecting.
Joseph was with Lelouch and Rolo speaking up to them all friendly-like.
"Huh!" Shirley said incredulously, not realizing how loud it was as it caught everyone's attention in the room.
"Shirley? What's wrong?" The teacher asked in concern.
"Uh-nothing! I just remembered, I need to, uh...go to the bathroom! For my...monthlies..." Shirley said awkwardly as she stood, subtlety covering the window.
"Oh...um...alright. Take all the time you need." The teacher said in understanding.
"Thank you!" Shirley said quickly before closing the blinds of the window by her, confusing the others. "The light was bothering my vision." She said awkwardly.
She started running as soon as she left the classroom and went outside. She could see they weren't on the bridge anymore and was about to curse in frustration when she saw something go into an alleyway between a couple of school buildings.
She followed him and saw who it was.
"No worry bro. Won't let become Anakin." Joseph said quietly.
"Joseph?" She called out in surprise.
Joseph turned around and looked at her in shock.
"Uh...Joseph? What Joseph?" Joseph said with an innocent tone as he covered his face with his coat.
Shirley couldn't help but giggle at her new brother's silliness.
"Gotta go!" Joseph said quickly, as he prepared to jump.
"Wait! I remember Nunnally!" Shirley said quickly.
That stopped Joseph.
"...What?" He asked simply.
"I remember that Lelouch is a prince and Zero." She continued, slowly approaching him.
"...What else?" Joseph asked as he slowly approached her, suspicious look on his face.
"I remember that you saved us from a deranged man named Mao. I remember that because of you, I still get to see my father everyday. And that makes you the best Big Brother a girl can ask for." Shirley said with a kind smile as she patted Joseph's head.
Joseph couldn't help gasp in relief as tears shined in his eyes.
"New little sis!" Joseph exclaimed as he pulled Shirley into a tight hug.
"Hi, new big brother." Shirley said under a tight breath.
Joseph laughed and jumped into the air, onto the top of a building.
"How?!" Joseph asked excitedly as he let go of Shirley.
"I think it was the encounter I had with C.C. back at the supermarket a month ago." Shirley told him.
"But Seaweed said it no work." Joseph said in confusion.
"I don't I think it did at first. But seeing Lelouch as Zero a few days ago...I think it somehow triggered all my memories to come back." Shirley explained.
"Yes! Seaweed, the Jedi Master! HAHA!" Joseph shouted to the sky excitedly.
"Joe! Keep your voice down!" Shirley said, trying to keep her laughter in.
"Sorry!" He said with a loud whisper. "Missed you, new little sis." He said as he brought her into a more gentler hug this time.
"I missed you too, Joe." She said as she warmly returned the hug.
"When tell Lelouch?" He asked excitedly when he let her go.
"Hopefully soon. I just need to find the right time and place to tell him. I have gotten a bit paranoid though, I'm worried about potential spies that might be here to see if Lelouch got back his memories." She said worriedly.
"Oh no worry! Spies our spies now!" Joseph said proudly. "Lelouch all Professor X!" He said as he pointed at his left eye, surprising Shirley.
"Huh? Does that mean that Rolo..." Shirley started to ask.
"Oh, nono! New little bro on good guy side now! Just showed love!" Joseph told her as he happily hugged himself.
Shirley looked at him with a cocked eyebrow. "Um, okay. Well everybody thinks I'm busy with my, um...female parts, why don't you tell me what you've been up to the past year. I mean, when did you wake from your coma? Is Kallen okay? Is Nunnally here?" She asked curiously as they sat down together.
Joseph then regaled his tale of waking up four months after the events at the SAZ, being forced to leave Nunnally back in Pendragon, traveling through the EU and meeting a few gypsies, and finding both Kallen and C.C. where they were able to plan a rescue for Lelouch to get his memories back and become Zero again.
While Shirley was sad that Nunnally couldn't be saved, she understood why Joseph put his priorities towards Lelouch first. Though she was shocked to learn just how many spies and surveillance cameras were used just to see if the was any change in Lelouch's behavior, it sickened her and made her hate the Emperor all the more.
Thankfully, like Joseph told her, all the spies were Geassed by Lelouch to not report any problems. Besides coach Villetta that is, who turned out to be a Britannian soldier sent to keep an eye out on Lelouch.
Rolo was interesting though, knowing that he changed sides because he truly found love being with Lelouch and Joseph made her happy, but she was still going to be cautious just in case the boy tried anything. She was also thankful that Joseph finally had a cellphone he could use because they were able to exchange contact info after.
She then told him she had to get back to class before the students and teacher got worried, to which he brought her back down and gave her a big hug goodbye, happy to have his new little sister back.
(Flashback End)
...
Shinjuku
Lelouch looked at Shirley in shock, realizing how much it all made sense. Their interactions together after Babel Tower, her more assertive personality, Lelouch was too much in his own head to see it.
"Wait! Joe, if you knew, why didn't you say anything?!" Kallen asked in annoyance.
"Because, it surprise!" Joseph told her as if it obvious, making her groan. "Find out sooner but Lelouch all moody!" He complained, which Lelouch just deadpanned at him.
"That and something always seemed to get in the way when I tried to tell you..." Shirley started to explain.
...
(Flashback)
Ashford Academy
Shirley climbed up the ladder of the platform where they were storing the tomatoes.
"Lulu?" She called out.
"What's up, Shirley? Do you need something?" Lelouch asked innocently.
"Well, I have a little problem that I hope you can help me with." Shirley said as she made her way up. "This is it, I'm finally gonna tell Lelouch!" She thought excitedly.
"Sure, what is it?" He asked.
"Well, Lulu, the thing is..." Before Shirley could continue, the green dog mascot bit its mouth onto Lelouch's head!
"Huh?!" Shirley said in surprise.
"Sorry but I couldn't quite catch that." Lelouch said awkwardly.
"Hey, what's the big idea?!" Shirley complained. "Who's interrupting my reunion with Lelouch?!" Shirley though angrily.
(Flashback End)
...
Shinjuku
Kallen rubbed the back of her head awkwardly.
"Wait, so how did Rolo come along to know?" Lelouch asked, turning to Rolo.
"Uh..." Rolo muttered as he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
...
(Flashback)
Ashford Academy
Shirley walked into Rolo's room, revealing herself to him and Joseph.
"You!?" Rolo said as he stood up in shock.
"Uh, hey Rolo..." Shirley said awkwardly as she waved at him.
"Joseph, what's going on? Why is she here?" Rolo asked in a cautious tone.
"Relax, little bro. She know everything." Joseph reassured him as he put his arm around her shoulder.
"I got my memories back. All of them." Shirley told him, shocking Rolo.
"But...how?" Rolo asked.
"It was something C.C. did, I can't explain it but somehow she made it happen." Shirley told him, not sure of it herself.
Rolo looked at her cautiously.
"So then you know. You know I'm not Lelouch's real brother." Rolo said quietly.
Shirley looked at him sympathically.
"Maybe not by birth. But definitely by bond." Shirley told him kindly, surprising him. "Even if it was just a job for you at first, you were with him every step of the way, especially after he got his memories back." She continued as she put her hands on his shoulders. "I'm glad he has you in his life now. And Nunna will be to once she finds out who you are and what you did for him."
"You..you mean that?" Rolo asked in a hopeful tone.
"Of course! Lulu is going to need all the support he can get! Now more than ever!" Shirley told him in determination.
"Hell yeah!" Joseph cheered.
"But why? Why get yourself wrapped up in all this?" Rolo asked suspiciously.
Shirley looked at him, quietly inhaled a breath and just said.
"Because I love him." She said, not one hint of doubt in her voice. "You might think it's some school girl crush from what you witnessed for several months, and for a long time it probably was just that. But ever since I got to know Lelouch, the real Lelouch, I can see just the kind of person he is. The kind boy, the stoic student, the charismatic revolutionary, he is truly one of the best people I know. He puts everything on his shoulders not caring how much it hurts him the process. He's lost so much and we have to make sure he doesn't lose anymore. Together." Shirley said with determination, as she took Rolo's hand and Joseph's hand.
"Shirley..." Rolo said in surprise of Shirley's passion and determination.
"It's like Joseph said, the more family the better." Shirley said with a bright smile.
(Flashback End)
...
Shinjuku
"She tried to tell you again this morning but then the announcement of Nunnally's arrival came and then you left." Rolo told Lelouch.
"Then used jedi ghost powers! Observed stupid behavior! Got Kallen! Called Rolo, tell bring Shirley! And now we all here!" Joseph told him proudly.
"Wow..." Kallen said, still processing everything she heard.
"So...this whole time..." Lelouch said, also processing.
"I answered your question, Lelouch. Now answer mine. Do you really think we would be better off without you?" Shirley asked with a strict stare at him.
Lelouch looked down in shame.
"Yes...I do, Shirley." Lelouch said solemnly.
To which Shirley karate-chopped him on the head.
"OW!" Both Lelouch and Shirley shouted in pain.
Lelouch clutched his head, Shirley clutched her hand.
"Shirley!" Lelouch said in annoyance.
"How do you do that without hurting yourself, big brother?" Shirley asked as she continued to rub her hand.
"Keep wrist straight!" Joseph proudly as he gestured to his own hand
Rolo silently shuddered as he remembered the karate chops he received. Shirley nodded and then looked back at Lelouch.
"Lelouch, ever since my memories came back, I have been feeling so very confused and afraid. A teacher who wasn't a teacher. Friends who don't have memories to share. Friends who lied and betrayed. It's as though the whole world was spying on me. That's the world you've been fighting all by yourself, isn't it? All alone. So that's why I wanted to be someone who at least be truthful to you. Who won't beat around the bush anymore." Shirley told him softly before taking his hand into hers in a tight grip, surprising him.
"I love you, Lulu! Not just as Lelouch Lamperouge, but as Lelouch vi Britannia, as Zero, as You. You are not a monster, you made a mistake, and I can see just how much it weighs on you. And you shouldn't have to fight this battles all alone. I want to help you. Joseph wants to help you. Kallen, Rolo, they want to help you! So let us help!" Shirley told him passionately.
The group looked at Shirley in awe, not expecting to hear such vocation from her. Well except Joseph, who just cheered a silent "Yes!"
Kallen took that moment to step in.
"She's right, Lelouch! Snap out of it! I would have died if it hadn't been for you, and I'm grateful for that. But I won't stand by and just watch you destroy yourself! I'm your Ace, remember! I'm with you thick and through! So don't give up! Not now!" Kallen said in a determined voice.
"I'm still getting used to all these emotions. But I do know that you and big brother Joseph saved me from a life of emptiness and pain. It only makes sense I try to do the same in return. I'll never abandon you, I promise. I'll stay with you as your brother forever, Lelouch." Rolo told him with his own shaky voice.
"Guys..." Lelouch said in shock from hearing all this. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder, it was Joseph with a gentle smile on his face.
"Always be loved, little brother." Joseph told him simply.
"..But...what if it's too late...what if all the choices I made were wrong...that all I did was get the people I care about hurt...what if nothing awaits me but darkness?" Lelouch said, still unsure.
"Well, the morning always comes again." Shirley spoke up.
"What?" Lelouch asked, looking at her in surprise.
"The fact you're worried about these things shows just how human you are Lelouch. You've done good things and you can continue to do more. You can still make that better world for Nunnally. And please, don't hold these thoughts in, share them, don't bear it alone." Shirley told him softly as she clasped his cheeks in her hands. "Things can be sad sometimes. But morning still comes, right? That's why you shouldn't try to hold back your thoughts like that." She said gently.
Lelouch couldn't bear it anymore, tears rolled down his face and he silently weeped.
Shirley brought him into a hug. Joseph joined in, followed by Kallen, and then Rolo.
They stayed like that as Lelouch let it out.
Eventually they let go of each other and Lelouch took in a deep breath, feeling a calm sensation wash over him for the first time in who knows how long.
"Thank you. All of you." Lelouch said with a small smile.
"ALRIGHT! Celebration dance!" Joseph shouted, startling everyone.
He then grabbed his walkman, pressed the play button and out came the song used for those old Six Flags commercials.
Joseph took center stage and danced excitedly, full of energy and happiness!
"Come join, new little bro!" Joseph insisted as he danced his way over to Rolo.
"Oh no, I don't-DAH!" Before Rolo couldn't reject any further, he was pulled into the dance zone by Joseph, who swung him around back and forth with glee. Rolo on his end, was just trying not to get get motion sickness.
Shirley couldn't help but giggle and join Joseph in his dancing. Lelouch chuckled and Kallen smirked as she shook her head in amusement.
"Oh, I almost forgot! I have a surprise for you and Rolo! Back at Ashford!" Shirley said excitedly as she grabbed the confused Lelouch's and Rolo's hands. Rolo was just trying to overcome the double vision he was experiencing.
"Onward Kallen!" Joseph cheered as he took Kallen's hand followed after his new little sister.
"Joe!" Kallen complained tiredly.
...
Ocean
Black Knights Naval Ship
Urabe looked at Zero's mask solemnly, thinking about the choice he made.
"That mask is heavier than it looks. The wearer bears a fate, not just of the Japanese people but that of the world." C.C. said solemnly, surprising Urabe.
"That is true, but somebody has to-" Before Urabe could continue, the alarm suddenly went off.
"This is the Britannian military. Your ship's registry and stated course are erroneous. Heave to at once. We will now conduct a forced inspection." The voice of Suzaku said over an intercom.
"Shit!" Urabe cursed to himself as he ran to the main deck. "They found us?" He asked Tohdoh
"It appears so." Tohdoh said solemnly.
"Everyone aboard is ordered to disarm and line up on the deck. You have ten minutes to comply with our order." Suzaku told them.
...
Ashford Academy
The Academy was silent and empty, not a student in sight.
'That's right. Everybody's gone on a school trip." Lelouch said, a bit sad he missed out on being with his friends.
"Should we go after them?" Rolo asked.
"No need." Shirley told them happily.
Lelouch and Shirley were confused about this until they heard a booming sound. They looked up and saw fireworks going off on the rooftop of the Student Council Building.
"Come on!" Shirley told them as she grabbed their hands and ran towards the building.
...
They ran up the stairs and saw Rivalz and Milly setting off fireworks.
"Hey, welcome back guys!" Rivalz said excitedly.
"Light some off, too, Lelouch. We have plenty leftover from the festival." Milly told him.
"Why are you…what about the school trip?" Lelouch asked in surprise.
"We couldn't leave you here crying while we three went to have fun." Rivalz told them.
"Cause the important thing about vacations isn't where you spend them, it's all about who you spend them with! Good thing Shirley told us you were feeling down, she made sure we set this up while she and Rolo went out looking for you."
Lelouch looked at Shirley in surprise, who smiled at him sweetly. "Shirley...you..." He then saw her take something out of her out of her pocket, surprising him even further.
"Is…is that a…" Lelouch stuttered.
It was an origami crane.
"A very special person once told me these are supposed to make your wishes come true. So I made one for you." Shirley said kindly as she offered it to Lelouch.
Lelouch looked at her with awe and then smiled at her as he took the crane in his hands. "Thank you, Shirley. But what about your wish?"
"It's already coming true, well a part of it anyway. I wanted to set off fireworks with everyone." Shirley said gladly.
"Everyone?" Lelouch asked.
"For Joseph, Nina, Kallen…" Shirley started to list.
"And Suzaku." Rivalz included, making Shirley subtly wince a bit.
"It goes without saying you and Rolo." Milly said, surprising Rolo.
"M-Me?" Rolo stuttered.
"Of course! Oh! And I made one for you Rolo." Shirley said excitedly as she went over to the shocked Rolo and put one in his hands.
"But...but why?" Rolo asked.
"Because you're part of our group Rolo. Always have been if you haven't already realized it." Rivalz teased.
"You're our friend, don't forget that." Milly told him.
Rolo stared at the Student Council with wide eyes, remembering what Joseph told him:
"Friends important! Friends make self whole! Friends help through life! Friends there when needed! Without friends, there be no family! So worth risk. May not always work, but more friends means more family, more family means more happiness."
And just like that, his vision became blurry and he could feel the tears falling down his eyes.
"Whoa! We didn't mean to make you cry man!" Rivalz said frantically, Milly also looked at him in concern.
"N-No, I'm not sad...I'm...I'm happy...t-thank you...thank you..." Rolo said tearfully as he started to sob.
The group looked at him in surprise.
It was then Lelouch realized something. That even though Rolo was a Geass agent, even though he was a trained killer, he was still just a child.
A child who wanted nothing more than to belong.
"God, I really have been a bastard, haven't I?" Lelouch thought regretfully as he remembered he once referred to Rolo as "trash".
Lelouch came up to Rolo and engulfed him into a gentle hug, which Rolo returned tightly.
"I got you little brother." Lelouch said quietly.
Shirley had to wipe away the tears that threatened to roll down her face.
Lelouch then looked at his friends, and imagined Kallen, Nina, Joseph, and even Suzaku standing there with them.
"A long time ago, Nunnally, Suzaku and I talked about something. We wondered what happiness would look like if we could give it a physical form. If I'm not mistaken, I think it was Suzaku who said that the shape of happiness might resemble glass. His reasoning made sense. He said that even though you don't usually notice it, it's still definitely there. You merely have to change your point of view slightly, and that glass will sparkle when it reflects the light. I doubt that anything else could argue its own existence more eloquently." Lelouch thought solemnly.
And then he thought about a conversation he had with Nunnally last year.
...
(Flashback)
"They say if you fold a thousand of these cranes your wish'll come true." Nunnally told him happily as she showed him her paper crane.
"What about you? Do you wish for anything?" Lelouch asked gently.
"Hum, I wish the world was a gentler place." Nunnally said optimistically.
(Flashback End)
...
"Yes…As a matter of fact, my battle…it isn't about Nunnally anymore." Lelouch thought solemnly before pulling Rolo back. "Rolo, how about we light a few fireworks together." He asked with an encouraging smile.
Rolo looked at him in surprise before smiling and wiping his tears away. "Okay, big brother."
They lit a few fireworks and watched them light up the sky.
Lelouch suddenly felt his hand bring grasped and saw it was Shirley, she took Rolo's into her other hand as well. They smiled at each other and looked up into the glowing night sky.
"Someday, we'll all be together again. Right here." Lelouch said quietly with a small smile.
What none of them realized was Joseph and Kallen were on the roof above their friends, they sat together near each other.
"Love fireworks!" Joseph said happily.
"Keep your voice down, Joe." Kallen warned with annoyance.
Suddenly, he put his arm around Kallen and pulled her in close. She looked at him and saw the calm smile on his face as he watched the fireworks go off, that same smile that she experienced on Kamine Island.
In that moment, she couldn't help but feel that calming sensation again as she smiled herself and leaned into him, feeling his warmth. She looked up and enjoyed the show.
"Great night." Joseph said with a small smile on his face.
To Be Continued.
...
Sorry this chapter took longer than the others to come out as I took my time to write the second chapter of Code Spongebob and a lot of other things came up.
But I'm glad I finally got it up as I truly got to make it Shirley's show this time around. She's absolutely one of my favorite characters in the show.
I was originally going to include the content of R2 Episode 8 in this chapter. But I really didn't want to wait any longer to upload this chapter and I really just wanted to focus on Shirley. Plus the chapter's long enough with all the back and forth I go with between present time and flashbacks.
As for the reasoning behind why Shirley was able to break her Geass is a couple of things:
1. The mechanics of Geass aren't all entirely explained so there's room to make our own rules in fanfiction.
2. Nunnally was able to break the Geass placed on her by Charles in R2 Episode 24 because of her own willpower. So who's to say Shirley couldn't do the same with some help from C.C.?
Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter, hopefully I'll have more time on my hands to get future ones out faster.
Comment and tell me what you think!