Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.
Desiring Answers
"The question is that can you be trusted," Lelouch said, "Nunnally believes you and still thinks of you as her best friend."
"Absolutely and I mean it," Alice said with passion, "I know that it may be hard considering what I had confessed but I assure you that everything I said to Nunnally is true."
"Well, Nunnally seems to believe you and I want to believe you as well," Lelouch said, "so, with that, we'll find out if you're sincere and if you really told Nunnally everything."
"Do you have a way to see if I'm telling you the truth?" Alice asked.
"Yeah," Lelouch said.
Lelouch looked straight at Alice and activated his Geass.
"Answer every question truthfully!" Lelouch said.
Alice saw the mark of Geass on Lelouch's eye but before she could utter a single word, she was already hit with the power of Lelouch's Geass.
"Sure, go ahead," Alice said being under the control of Lelouch's Geass.
Nunnally looked on seeing her brother use his power on her best friend.
"My brother's power," Nunnally said in her head, "the power of Geass."
"Let's begin," Lelouch said, "Alice Macleod, is that your actual name?"
"Yes it is," Alice responded.
"Yesterday, you confessed to Nunnally about yourself and your purpose is that right?"
"That's right." Alice answered.
"Was everything you said to Nunnally yesterday true including your desire to go against Britannia and actually aid us?"
"Yes, it was all true."
"I see..." Lelouch placed his hand on his chin, "but did you tell Nunnally everything?"
"No, I did not."
"Huh?" Nunnally spoke surprised.
"I see…" Lelouch responded, "I was just throwing that around. This is a surprise."
"Wait, seriously?" Nunnally asked surprised looking at her brother.
"Yes," Lelouch said with a nod, "Alice, what is it that you didn't tell Nunnally yesterday?"
"I mentioned that I belong to the Britannian Special Honorary Foreign Legion. It's officially an irregular unit made up of Honorary Britannians however there is more to that."
"And that is?" Lelouch asked narrowing his eyes.
"It's really part of the organization known as the Geass Order."
Lelouch and Nunnally were surprised to hear it.
"The…Geass Order?" Nunnally spoke.
"T-The Geass Order?" Lelouch asked, "Wait, what is that?"
"It is basically an organization that studies and produces Geass users."
Nunnally and Lelouch were shocked to hear about Geass again and shocked about an organization that exists for the sole purpose of studying and producing Geass users.
"Is every member a Geass user?" Lelouch asked.
"No, not every member," Alice answered.
"Hey Lelouch, do you think that CC could be…?" Nunnally spoke.
"Let's see," Lelouch replied, "Alice, do you know a woman called CC?"
"I have heard of her, yes," Alice said.
"Do you know her personally?" Lelouch asked.
"Not personally, I've only heard of her from other members of the fact that she once led the Geass Order but gave up her position and disappeared eight years ago."
Lelouch and Nunnally were surprised to hear about CC and Lelouch reminded himself to get answers from CC.
"What about you Alice? Do you possess Geass?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes I do."
This surprised Lelouch and Nunnally again and they looked at each other and then back to Alice.
"This is quite a surprise," Nunnally said.
"Well, I always figured that there would be other people that would possess Geass…not to mention that whatever Geass manifest depends on the person…at least that is something Jinta mentioned to me."
"Jinta?" Nunnally asked surprised.
"Yeah," Lelouch nodded, "Alice, what Geass power do you possess?"
"My Geass allows me to hyper-accelerate myself and cause all objects within a given radius by manipulating gravitational pull," Alice answered.
"I see…" Lelouch replied and he had his thoughts of what he was just told, "Tell me as much as you know about the Geass Order. Who leads the Geass Order now?"
"The Geass Order is led by VV," Alice said.
"VV?" Lelouch replied with a raised eyebrow, "Who's VV? Is he the same as CC by any chance?"
"Yes, VV is a Code Bearer and the one who gave me and many other current agents Geass. In fact, he also gave the Emperor Geass as well."
Lelouch and Nunnally were shocked again.
"Wait, the emperor has Geass?" Lelouch asked shocked.
"Yes he does," Alice answered.
Lelouch and Nunnally were stunned and Nunnally felt horrified at the fact their father who abandoned her and her brother would possess Geass power as well. Nunnally had always had a fear of her father because of his cold glares and it didn't help the fact that he also possessed Geass as well.
"What's his Geass power, do you know?" Nunnally asked shaking a bit.
"Yes, the emperor's Geass allows him to alter a person's memories."
"To alter a person's memories…" Nunnally said shocked and a bit scared.
Lelouch clenched his teeth in anger, "Do you know the connection between the emperor and VV?"
"The only thing that I know is that the two of them are close allies," Alice answered, "in fact, I heard that VV was Emperor Charles's very first ally."
"So the Geass Order is controlled by Britannia," Lelouch concluded, "Is that correct?"
"Yes, that is correct," Alice answered.
"I see and you do not know anymore than that?"
"No, I don't."
"Hmm…"
"Lelouch…" Nunnally spoke looking at her brother.
"Alice, are you willing to honestly aid Nunnally and myself by going against Britannia and the Geass Order for that matter as we may need to?" Lelouch asked.
"I am," Alice answered with nod.
"…Are willing to stake your life on it?" Lelouch asked, "Are you willing to protect Nunnally and become our close allies? Is that your true desire?"
"Yes, it is my true desire," Alice said.
"You treasure Nunnally so much, don't you?" Lelouch asked.
"I do," Alice answered, "I really do like Nunnally and I really do like you."
"Oh," Lelouch replied.
Nunnally smiled when she heard Alice's replied.
Lelouch looked at Alice for a moment and nodded, "Very well."
Lelouch deactivated his Geass and freed his control over Alice. Alice blinked and looked confused as Lelouch and Nunnally smiled at Alice.
ASEEC Knightmare Hanger
Nonette was looking at the Morgause and thought about her fight against Zero and his Lionel. Nonette was sure that she had Zero right where she wanted him but was upset with the interference by other members of the Black Knights.
"I'm certain I know who it is," Nonette said in her head, "if it really is him then it shows that he has grown strong and capable…but it's upsetting that he would turn on the empire. I'm going to need a bit more proof though so for now, I'll contact His Majesty and give my report."
"Ah Lady Enneagram," Lloyd called out.
Nonette turned and saw Lloyd who was being accompanied by Cecile and Suzaku.
"Lloyd Asplund," Nonette said.
"I heard you quite event last night," Lloyd said, "confronting the Refrain distribution and those involved and you even fought against Zero."
"Indeed I did," Nonette said, "I take it that you heard it from Nelly…or was it Euphie that told you."
"It was Princess Euphemia," Cecile answered.
"I thought so…" Nonette said with a nod.
"Um Lady Enneagram?" Suzaku said a bit hesitant.
"Hmm, yes Warrant Officer Kururugi?" Nonette replied looking at the Honorary Britannian.
"Um, is it true that members of the police force were actually participating in the Refrain distribution?" Suzaku asked with a bit of hesitation.
Nonette frowned and folded her arms, "Yes unfortunately. Princess Euphemia had her suspicions and sadly, her suspicions were correct."
Suzaku, Cecile, and Lloyd were visibly upset to hear what Nonette had just informed.
"That's terrible," Cecile said upset.
"It is and to think that it was meant to shrink the population of the Elevens. Those stupid bastards were intentionally causing productivity in Area 11 to take a huge dive," Nonette said, "well, I'm sure that Nelly will make sure that all those involved will suffer the consequences. Those bastards dared make us look like idiots…"
Suzaku frowned and clenched his teeth and his fists.
Flashback: Yesterday, Student Council Room, Ashford Academy
"Let me ask you, what constitute evil in your eyes?" Lelouch asked, "What standards are you using for you to be saying such idealist and self-righteous things?"
Suzaku was taken back with what Lelouch had just said.
"There is a saying that for evil to truly win is for people to stand by and do nothing," Lelouch said, "that is how it's going on here with the administration and the law enforcements and they have no shame in protecting their own self-interest, closing their eyes to what's happening right in front of them."
Flashback End
Suzaku frowned and it was hard to him to admit that it was the these kind of the things that Lelouch was talking about and he saw it was part of the reason why Lelouch had no faith in the law enforcement and why he despised his own country as he thought about what Lelouch declared of what he was going to do seven years ago after the war ended.
"Still I have to say that it's quite impressive," Lloyd said suddenly.
Suzaku and Cecile looked over to Lloyd who smiled at Nonette.
"What is?" Nonette asked.
"The fact that you were able to give Zero such a hard time in the Morgause," Lloyd commented with a grin, "Princess Cornelia wasn't able to even slow Zero down when she fought in Saitama."
"L-Lloyd, I don't think it's appropriate for you to make such comments," Cecile said nervously.
"It's fine Cecile Croomy," Nonette said with a shrug, "after all it's the truth and Nelly lost to Zero because she underestimated him."
Cecile was taken aback by Nonette's comments.
"Lady Enneagram, do you have any clues about who Zero might be?" Suzaku asked.
"Suzaku…" Cecile spoke looking at Suzaku.
"My, my, curious, aren't you?" Lloyd commented.
"You want know Warrant Officer?" Nonette spoke, "Well, I might however I am not at liberty to say."
"Y-You're not?" Suzaku replied surprised.
"That's right, direct orders from the emperor himself. You know how it is," Nonette explained, "Not even Nelly can order me to tell what I may or may not know about Zero unless the emperor tells me otherwise."
"I see…" Suzaku said and then saluted to Nonette, "my apologies for my line of questioning."
"I personally don't mind," Nonette said, "I'm not like Nelly as I know that Euphie told you and that's why you asked me, correct?"
"Oh, I-I guess you already know," Suzaku replied, "Yes ma'am, that's correct."
"Figured as much…although, there is something I want to ask you Warrant Officer Kururugi."
"Um, yes?" Suzaku replied.
Lloyd and Cecile looked over to Suzaku and at the other side; Euphie was looking over and was hearing the conversation.
Ashford Academy
In Lelouch and Nunnally's residence, Lelouch was showed Alice his Geass power and then he deactivated it.
"I see," Alice said, "so that's explains it and so you both know now."
"I just want to be absolutely sure that you can be trusted," Lelouch said, "and it turns out you can."
"I see…" Alice said with a nod.
"Alice, are you upset that Lelouch used his Geass on you?" Nunnally asked with concern.
"No," Alice answered shaking her head, "he used it to make sure I was sincere so I can't really be upset about that and besides, I didn't really tell you everything when I confessed to you Nunnally so I can't really be upset about it."
"I see…" Nunnally replied.
"Still, this whole thing bothers me," Lelouch said, "The Geass Order that is controlled by Britannia and the fact that the emperor had already known that Nunnally and I are still alive. Not to mention, what Jinta has informed me."
"Jinta?" Alice asked, "Who's that?"
"I'll tell you later on," Lelouch said, "right now Alice, I have something to show you as a sign of our trust."
Nunnally nodded with a smile.
"Oh?" Alice responded.
Lelouch and Nunnally had Alice followed them and then they arrived at Lelouch's room. It was there that Lelouch brought out his case and took something out and it was his Zero mask. Alice was surprised at what she saw and she looked at mask and then to Lelouch.
"You're…Zero," Alice said shocked.
"Yes, I am Zero," Lelouch said, "the one who made his appearance and now leads the Black Knights."
Alice was amazed and she was amused by the whole thing.
"Wow," Alice said, "just wow. To think that all this time…"
Nunnally simply smiled at her best friend's response.
Zero's Mobile Base
On the second floor, Naoto was sitting on the couch thinking about the things that had happened recently and remembered what had happened when he was with Kallen and their mother in the hospital.
Flashback: Tokyo Settlement General Hospital
"But just you wait Mom," Kallen said determined, "Naoto and I, together we're working to change things. Things will be better by the time you get out and then," Kallen paused a bit and then continued, "the three of us can be together again and live normal lives again.
Naoto was a bit surprised as he looked at Kallen.
"Kallen…" Naoto said.
Flashback End
Naoto nodded and sat forward placing his hands together and prayed for his mom.
"Naoto," Ohgi called.
Naoto looked over and saw Ohgi who was coming up and had a stack of papers in hand.
"Oh Kaname," Naoto spoke.
Ohgi sat next to Naoto and handed him the stack of papers. Naoto looked them over and he nodded.
"Okay," Naoto said, "everything looks to be in order here. I'll be sure to hand them to Lelouch personally."
"Sure," Ohgi said and then Ohgi thought of something and decided to ask, "Say Naoto, can I ask you something?"
"Hmm, sure what's up?" Naoto responded.
"I've been curious, how did you and Kallen meet Lelouch?" Ohgi asked.
Naoto looked at Ohgi and then he smiled.
"Heh, I was wondering when you were going to ask," Naoto said, "You're quite curious, aren't you?"
"Y-Yeah," Ohgi said with a grin as rubbed the back of his head.
"Well, it's like I said before," Naoto started, "we met Lelouch and his sister for that matter seven years ago. In fact, it was actually two weeks before Britannia invaded Japan."
Shinjuku Ghetto
The bodies of Britannian soldiers were on the ground and they were all dead. They died from gunshots and one soldier who was still alive looked at the one who killed his fellow officers terrified. The one who was holding the gun was Rai and the silver haired young man's blue eyes were staring at the soldier with such a cold stare.
"H-How?" The soldier asked terrified, "How did you find out?"
"The record logs from the G-1 Base that was taken after Clovis was killed," Rai answered.
The soldier was surprised and he knew what that implied.
"Y-You…do you work for Zero?" The soldier asked upset.
"That's correct," Rai said, "not a pleasant thing for you is it? Well, I'm sure it wasn't pleasant for the people in Shinjuku who you bastards were hunting down and killing like they were animals."
"Wait, wait!" The soldier pleaded a bit hysterically, "I'm not one to blame for this. I…no, we are all following Clovis's orders and he was the one was in the wrong. We didn't have a clue what was really going on. It wasn't that we could just disobey, we had no choice!"
"Well then you can just hold your grudge against Clovis for it and besides, it doesn't change the fact that you bastards acted in glee when you killing the people of Shinjuku, especially when you in particular decided to make it game. You and the others here decided on the points on the people and wanted to see how many points you can accumulate based on whether it was a man, woman, or even a child," Rai glared at the soldier, "so spare me your disgusting excuses. People like you make me sick."
The soldier clenched his teeth and then decided to be defiant against Rai.
"S-So what?" The soldier said glaring at Rai, "You goddamn Eleven sympathizer! Who the hell cares of how many these damn Elevens die?! They were nothing more than monkeys…monkeys who can't understand that we're superiors to them! So what if we—"
Rai shot the ranting soldier in the head and the soldier fell on the ground dead. Rai just lowered his weapon and looked at soldiers he shot and killed.
"Scumbags," Rai said in disgust, "every single one of them."
Rai put his gun away and left to go back to Ashford Academy.
Ashford Academy
CC was on a roof of one of the building looking at the campus from above.
"That's right," CC said, "Jinta."
CC was silent for a moment and then she frowned.
"I don't know," CC said being very upset, "I would like for him to stay out of it," CC was silent for a moment and then she shook her head, "I know that…you don't need to remind me and I can't do anything about it right now…you know what, forget it."
CC sighed and frowned again.
"Why are you here?" CC asked.
CC turned around and saw Jinta who was leaning by the door with his arms folded.
"You shouldn't be here Jinta," CC said, "it will be a problem if you're seen here."
"Oh well thank you for the warning," Jinta responded a bit sarcastic, "although it's not like you're one to talk."
CC frowned and looked away from Jinta.
"By the way, who were you talking to?" Jinta asked.
"What do you mean?" CC asked.
"You know what I mean," Jinta responded, "Who were you talking to?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," CC said as she rested her arms on the ledge.
Jinta sighed, "Fine, be that way."
"Anyway Jinta I'll ask again, why are you here?" CC asked.
"Hmph, I think you should already know why I'm here," Jinta responded.
"…Jinta, what part of stay out of it did you not understand?" CC asked twitching an eyebrow.
"I just believe that Lelouch has the right to know," Jinta said.
"That is not your concern," CC insisted, "but tell me, it was you who was talking to Lelouch on the phone earlier, wasn't it?"
"Yes, I told him that I know who he and Nunnally were. I told him that I'm same as you, someone who is an immortal Code Bearer and that you and I have known each other for two centuries and there are two important things that I told him."
"And they are?" CC asked.
"I told him about your wish," Jinta said, "and the fact that you were an accomplice to his mother Marianne, the same way you are to Lelouch right now."
CC was flinched and turned to look at Jinta shocked.
"You didn't," CC responded.
"I did," Jinta said with a serious expression, "I told him the truth about you…the truth that your wish is to die by his hand so that he would carry the burden of being an immortal Code Bearer. I told him that you gave Marianne her Geass power as well in which helped Lelouch get a clue as to why you knew him and Nunnally beforehand. I also told him that there was a possibility that you know exactly who killed his mother."
CC was shocked and upset in what Jinta had said.
"Why did you do that?" CC asked upset, "You had no right to do that. I formed a contract with Lelouch so whatever concerns is between me and him. You're quite rude just butting in."
Jinta shrugged, "I figured that it would be better for Lelouch to know," Jinta folded his arms again, "that way, he can decide how he really wants to do in regards of you. You say that you'll aid him but of course that's only as long as he would fulfill his end of the contract and that would be to make sure that he helps you die."
"Jinta, you…" CC spoke upset.
"I'm sure with what I exposed to Lelouch, he'll have questions for you so what will you do?" Jinta spoke, "Are you going to be straight with him…or are you going to just jerk him around…just like what you did to that kid Mao."
CC stiffed up when Jinta mentioned that name.
"Jinta, don't you dare bring him up," CC said giving Jinta a death glare.
"You wanted that kid to take your code and bear the burden but he refused because he really was quite attached to you and so you abandoned him," Jinta narrowed his eyes at CC, "you abandoned him knowing how he was going to be being left alone on his own devices. He's hurt a lot of people mentally with his own Geass and all just to track you down," Jinta pointed at CC, "don't you dare try to say that you're not responsible for it."
CC clenched her fists and her eyebrow was twitching.
"Who do you think you are Jinta?" CC asked annoyed, "Seriously, who the hell do you think you are? A typical spoiled brat like you speaking to your elders like that."
Jinta just looked at CC and twitched his eyebrow as well.
"You don't understand what you've just done. By speaking of things that you should not have spoke about to my accomplice, you have actually just placed him in danger," CC said.
"How, by telling him the truth?" Jinta asked.
"Yes, there are things that Lelouch didn't need to know at this point but now because of your careless action, he does and it may puts him in a dangerous position," CC explained, "he would put himself in unnecessary risks just to get answers."
"I don't know how that does but if whatever it may be happening, I'll make sure to protect him and his sister for that matter," Jinta declared, "that has always been my intention from the start anyway."
CC narrowed her eyes at Jinta, "Because of him…?"
"Yeah, that's right," Jinta said with a solemn expression,
"So this where you are," Lelouch's voice said.
Jinta and CC were surprised and they looked and saw Lelouch and Nunnally and Alice were with him.
"Hello," Jinta said with smile.
"I'm glad you made it Jinta," Lelouch said and then he looked over to CC, "CC, I figured I find you here."
"Lelouch, were you—" CC spoke.
"I think it would be best for us to head back to our residence," Lelouch interrupted looking at everyone, "there's a lot to discuss and things for us to ask," Lelouch looked over to CC again, "especially you CC."
CC just looked at Lelouch and then at the side, "You can ask Lelouch but that doesn't mean that I'll answer every question you have."
"Really?" Lelouch responded.
"This is a problem," CC said in her head, "Jinta, you brat…"
Area 11 Government Bureau
In one of the rooms, Nonette was speaking to Emperor Charles through transmission and Charles appeared on the screen.
"I see, are you certain of this Nonette?" Charles asked.
"I'm sure of it Your Majesty," Nonette replied, "Although I can't really say for sure without concrete proof."
"I see…" Charles nodded, "You want to be absolutely sure…very well."
"What would like me to do Sire?" Nonette asked.
Meanwhile, Cornelia was in her office and pondered on the things that had happened and she couldn't help think about the comment that Nonette made.
Flashback
"You're telling me that when you fought Zero and his Lionel, it didn't raise alarms with you?" Nonette asked.
Flashback End
Cornelia shook her head, "The very idea is inconceivable," Cornelia slammed her fist on her desk, "it just can't be. No, I refuse to believe it."
The door suddenly opened and Guilford walked in the office.
"Milady," Guilford said.
"Hmm?" Cornelia responded and saw her knight, "Guilford? Is something wrong?"
"Your Highness, we have a situation," Guilford said, "and it's in Shinjuku."
"What is it?" Cornelia asked.
Ashford Academy
Rai had just arrived at the door to Lelouch and Nunnally's residence and the door opened and Sayoko appeared. Sayoko led Rai to the common room and when Rai got there, he was surprised to see Jinta and Alice.
"Oh, welcome back Rai," Nunnally greeted.
"Hi Nunnally," Rai responded.
Rai noticed something that Alice was holding and was surprised to see that it was a Black Knight uniform.
"Wait a minute, what's going on?" Rai asked.
Nunnally smiled and looked over to Rai.
"Rai, welcome our newest member of the Black Knights," Nunnally said.
Rai was surprised, "S-Seriously?! That means…"
"Yes," Alice said as she stood up and faced Rai, "as of now, I'm a member of the Black Knights. The same as you Rai."
"I see, so it was all settled and you found that she's trustworthy," Rai said.
"Yes," Nunnally said.
"Okay…but Jinta, what brings you here?" Rai asked, "And how did you…?"
"I'll explain once Lelouch get here," Jinta said.
"Okay, uh where is he though?" Rai asked, "In his room?"
"Yes and talking to CC right now," Nunnally said narrowing her eyes.
"Hmm?" Rai arched an eyebrow.
Meanwhile in Lelouch's room, Lelouch leaned his wall and looking at CC who had her back on him.
"So CC, do you feel like telling me what I need want to know now?" Lelouch asked.
"I don't know what you mean," CC responded.
Lelouch sighed, "CC, you know that Jinta spoke to me earlier and revealed things to me and not just him, Alice as well."
"Alice was one thing since you used your Geass on her to know but Jinta shouldn't have done what he did."
"Really and why is that?" Lelouch asked, "Just because he told me things that you didn't want me to know, well?"
"Lelouch, who do you trust?" CC asked.
"Huh?" Lelouch responded with a raised eyebrow.
"Someone who just shows up and tells you things…or someone who helped you since Shinjuku and the one who gave you your Geass? The one who will make sure you stay alive and won't let you die."
"CC, right now, you can't really talk to me about trust," Lelouch replied, "and it's due to the fact that you intentionally kept the truth from me like the Geass Order and the fact that you gave my mother her Geass power and that you really do know my father and this VV person."
CC sighed, "Lelouch, there are things that you can't understand, things that are best unknown for the time being."
"Like your wish to die?" Lelouch commented, "Is that also part of it as well?"
"Jinta had no right to reveal that to you," CC said, "I would have told you myself eventually."
"Yeah I'm sure but still there is one thing that I want to know right now," Lelouch said in a serious tone, "CC, with everything that I have found out, there is one crucial thing I want to know right now, something that is important to me and Nunnally. CC, you knew my mother and you actually know who killed her. Tell me CC, who killed my mother? Who killed my mother, Marianne vi Britannia on that night eight years ago?"
CC had a downcast expression and shook her head.
"I can't tell you Lelouch," CC said.
"Why the hell not?" Lelouch responded upset at the response.
"I made a promise," CC replied.
"A promise? To who exactly?" Lelouch responded in a dark tone, "To her killer or killers?"
"No," CC said, "of course not."
"To my father," Lelouch asked agitated, "Did you promise that bastard?"
"No, of course not," CC said calmly.
"Then who damn it?!" Lelouch asked angrily.
"I can't tell you that either," CC said.
"Damn you CC," Lelouch said upset.
"Look, you and I have a contract and as long as that stick, we—"
"Spare me!" Lelouch interrupted angrily.
"L-Lelouch, just listen," CC spoke.
"No, as of now, I refuse to listen anything you say," Lelouch said angrily, "you say that I can trust you and that you won't do anything to cause trouble," Lelouch shook his head at CC, "but right now, I'm seeing that you have not really done anything to really earn my trust."
"Lelouch, I've helped you out beforehand and assisted you when you needed."
"Yes and it's just to keep me alive because you just want me grant your wish, that's your only reason. The problem is CC is that you've known the truth of things that I wanted to know and things that I actually need to know but you purposely kept it from me."
CC was silent and looked away and Lelouch clenched his teeth.
"Damn it CC, talk to me," Lelouch said upset as he was gradually losing his patience.
"Lelouch…you should just know that I'm going to keep you alive. I do have answers but you can't know of them," CC just looked at Lelouch with a neutral expression, "you have a reason to live and to keep moving forward. You're not going to disappoint me, are you?"
Lelouch got angry at the things that he did not want to hear.
"You selfish witch," Lelouch said in anger,
"Yes I am," CC said, "deal with it."
Lelouch clenched his teeth, "If that's how you're going to be…"
Outside Lelouch's room, Nunnally, Sayoko, Rai, Alice, and Jinta were listening in and none were happy with what was going on.
"I should have known that how it was going to be," Jinta said.
"Is this for real?" Rai asked.
"I just can't believe it," Sayoko said and then she looked at Nunnally, "Lady Nunnally, you and Master Lelouch may be in trouble. If your father already has knowledge of your whereabouts, then he could be…"
"I know what you're going to say Sayoko," Nunnally interjected, "but don't worry, my brother have made the proper arraignments just in case it gets to that point," Nunnally then had a sad expression, "of course it would mean having to say goodbye here."
Rai, Alice, Sayoko, and Jinta looked at Nunnally with concern.
Sword of Akasha
Charles was looking on and he was curious of how certain things would play out.
"It's quiet unexpected," A female voice said.
"Hmph, Marianne," Charles said as he turned to see the pink haired girl with Geass brimmed blinking eyes.
"Who would have thought that Jinta Kuromaki would get involved," The girl said.
"Yes, I admit that it's quite a surprise and now with him, Lelouch and Nunnally now know things."
"They still don't who was it that 'ended my life' or what we're really doing."
"Yes and that's perfect, as long they're ignorant about it, it will be fine."
The girl sighed, "CC was quite upset. I could hear it in her voice," The girl had a neutral expression, "well at least she's keeping her promise to me."
"Indeed, we can't have her telling them the truth," Charles said with a nod, "at least not yet."
Ashford Academy
Milly was in the Student Council Room looking at the sky. Milly had several things in her mind at the moment and then she closed her eyes and placed her forehead on the glass window. After a few moments and she opened her eyes and decided on one the things she wanted to do. Meanwhile, Nina was in her room and she was staring at a magazine page and she was blushing. She was staring at the page that featured Euphemia. Nina felt an urge and she wanted to do something about it quickly and she wondered where she could take care of it. In the clubroom, Lelouch was sitting on the stairs and using his laptop. He was looking at files and pictures of people who wanted to join the Black Knights.
"This is excellent," Lelouch said to himself.
"Lelouch, there you are," A female voice said.
Lelouch looked over and saw Kallen.
"Oh Kallen," Lelouch greeted, "nice to see you."
"Yeah, nice to see you too," Kallen said with a smile, "say, what are you looking at?"
"Come over and see," Lelouch invited with a smile.
Kallen did just that and was amazed at what she saw on Lelouch's laptop screen.
"More people wanting to join our ranks," Kallen said.
"Exactly," Lelouch said.
Lelouch and Kallen looked over to the next file and picture and they were surprised to see who it was. It was the picture of Diethard Reid."
"A Britannian?" Kallen asked surprised.
"Diethard Reid," Lelouch said and then he recalled, "wait a minute, I remember him."
"You do?" Kallen asked.
"Yeah, he's the guy I saw with the camera when I made my debut as Zero."
"Oh, you mean back when Suzaku was being transferred and you destroyed Jeremiah's plan."
"Exactly, I'm sure it was him when I looked at the camera," Lelouch said and then he grinned seeing Diethard, "interesting…"
"A bit daring I say," Kallen said, "What if he's a spy?"
"Hmm, possibly or he could be an ideologist," Lelouch said.
"This is really good though," Kallen said smiling, "we have more and more people wanting to join our ranks and it's because of you and your leadership Lelouch and things we've done as a group."
"We're simply doing what we've set out to do," Lelouch said, "The general Japanese populace here hate Britannia but that doesn't mean they support terrorism. That is their mindset of here. If other rebel factions would have understood that, it would have been easier to them and they would have had more support. This is why we of the Black Knights are extremely popular because one of the things is that we don't tolerate terrorist acts."
"I've heard that even Kyoto is keeping an eye on our activities and people support us even with the fact that we saved Euphemia and other Britannians from the JLF members," Kallen pointed out, "I bet that pisses off the rest of the JLF."
"Well that's their problem," Lelouch said, "my guess though is that Kusakabe was not authorized to do what he did but it's not like the leader or any of the others did anything to prevent it or even stop it. We don't have to worry about any leaks and the people supporting us and not even worry about people reporting us to the Britannian government. Those have been a real huge help."
"Yeah and we'll just going to continue onward," Kallen said pleased, "right?"
Lelouch looked at Kallen with a smile, "That's right."
Kallen and Lelouch smiled at each other and then when it dawned on them that they were staring at each other, they both blushed and quickly looked away from each other and they shifted their eyes in embarrassment.
"S-So, we should go ahead and get ready for the next phase," Lelouch said nervously still blushing.
"Uh, y-yes, you're right," Kallen replied nervously and still blushing.
A small makeshift office
"Yes, I've been demoted," Diethard said, "just the same as you two."
Jeremiah glared at Diethard in response.
"Which is why we want your help," Villetta said.
"My help?" Diethard asked, "With what exactly?"
"We don't intend to let things end like this," Villetta explained, "surely, you feel the same way."
"Hmm, I wonder…" Diethard responded shifting his eyes.
"We have some clues in regards to Zero!" Jeremiah declared.
Diethard was surprised and intrigued.
"There's a school called Ashford Academy," Villetta said, "I would like you to investigate the male students there. We're certain that one of them has some connection to Zero. He could be one of Zero's supporters."
Diethard typed the word Ashford on the search engine in his computer.
"Now as for the two us," Villetta continued, "we can't investigate ourselves right now as we've been ordered to go to the Narita Mountains."
"Wait, Narita?" Diethard spoke, "According to rumors, that's where the main base of the Japan Liberation Front is located."
"You're pretty sharp," Jeremiah commented.
"Oh, you flatter me," Diethard said with a smile.
A warehouse somewhere
The Black Knights were surprised as the lights came on and they saw new designed Knightmare Frames.
"Wow, amazing!" One the Black Knight said excited.
"Hey, theses are Glasgows, aren't they?" Another Black Knight asked.
"They're actually Burais," Keitaro said, "They were remodeled to Japanese designs."
"Man, this is the first time I've seen something like this," Gen said.
"Yeah, no kidding," Yoshida said, "ha, the Black Knights are getting stronger and we got hell of support as well."
"Yeah, but it wasn't easy thought, that's for sure."
"But doesn't this make us elites?" Minami asked.
"Man, I'm fired up!" Keitaro said excited.
"Take a good look at them guys," Naoto said, "Kyoto sent these to us…especially that," Naoto pointed at a new red Knightmare Frame, "A true Japanese Knightmare Frame, the Guren Mk. II."
"Man, I'm so glad," Tamaki said happily, "it means that the people of Kyoto recognize the Black Knights."
"Mr. Tamaki!" A female voice called, "How do we use this equipment?"
Tamaki and the others looked back.
"Hang on, I'll be right there to show you," Tamaki responded and went to other side.
"Man, the newcomers can be pretty helpless," Sugiyama commented.
"I'll say," Inoue commented.
The Black Knights continued to be in glee about the new Knightmares that were provided for them and the backing they were getting from Kyoto. Kallen and Naoto were smiling in what they were seeing as well.
"We've really come far," Kallen commented.
"Yeah, I suppose…" Naoto said.
"Everyone else is quite in glee," Zero said as he appeared out of the shadows, "they're all really excited."
"Zero," Kallen commented.
"Say Zero, isn't it true that Kyoto is providing assistance to other resistance factions?" Naoto asked.
"Yeah, I know for a fact that it's true," Zero answered.
"Then that's great," Kallen said with a smile, "it just means that they support us as well."
"No, that's not it Kallen," Zero said.
"What?" Kallen responded surprised.
"What this is," Zero explained, "this is actually a test. They want to see if we're worth the backing."
"Oh," Kallen responded, "but still even so, just getting their attention and their support is remarkable."
"I admit that it does well for us," Naoto said, "even if it is a test. Anyway though Zero?"
"Yes?" Zero replied.
"About the Guren Mk. II…"
"Yes," Zero said as he brought out a key.
Zero tossed the key to Kallen and Kallen caught and looked at it.
"What's this?" Kallen asked.
"The key to the Guren Mk. II," Zero said, "as of now, it is yours to pilot Kallen."
Kallen was surprised and looked at both Zero and Naoto.
"A-Are you sure about this?" Kallen asked, "I mean given the defensive capabilities of the Knightmare, I think it would be better for one of you two to have it."
"No, you're the one fit to pilot the Guren, Kallen," Naoto said, "the fact is that you're actually a better pilot than I am."
Kallen shook her head in disbelief, "You're just saying that."
"No, I'm being sincere," Naoto assured, "with all the missions we've done as the Black Knights and even before then, you've always been a better pilot than I am and with the one of the best Knightmares we have right now, it's only right to have one of the best pilots for it and that Kallen," Naoto pointed at his sister, "is you."
"Naoto," Kallen spoke and then she looked over to Zero.
"As for me," Zero replied, "I have my own Knightmare, the Lionel and I'm perfectly content with my own creation. Kallen, Naoto and I have discussed this and we both agree that you're the ace pilot. Have more faith in yourself because we do. No, not just us two, all of us know you're one of the best. We believe in you Kallen so believe in yourself."
Naoto nodded and smiled in agreement and Kallen was taken back with the words that Zero and Naoto said. Kallen looked at the Guren key again and smiled.
"Well, it would be rude of me to continue to say otherwise with what the two of you have said," Kallen said and she clutched the key, "very well, I accept this Knightmare as my own and will live up to faith you have in me."
"Excellent, that what I wanted to hear," Zero said as he was pleased.
"I know you'll do well," Naoto said with a nod.
"Zero, do you have a minute?" Ohgi called out suddenly.
"Yes Ohgi," Zero responded.
Kallen, Naoto, and Zero turned to their side and Ohgi was approaching them with a folder that was a report.
"We received information from a Britannian that actually wants to join us," Ohgi said.
"Really?" Zero replied raising an eyebrow behind the mask, "it might be Diethard Reid…"
"Is it a trap to lure us?" Naoto asked.
"We should find out more," Ohgi said, "but it would be too dangerous to just approach this man recklessly but at the same time, this information is too important to ignore."
"Yeah, I agree," Rai said.
Rai appeared and Alice was with him and she was wearing her own Black Knight uniform.
"Oh, you're our new youngest member, right?" Ohgi said, "Alice?"
"Yes, I'm Alice Macleod," Alice said with a smile, "it's nice to meet you."
"Hey Lelouch," Naoto whispered to Zero, "Are you and Nunnally sure about this?"
Naoto looked at Alice who was speaking to Ohgi and Kallen.
"Yes, we're sure," Zero said, "I was able to find out for sure with her. Alice sincerely has the same desires as we do. She doesn't want bow to Britannia any further and like me and Nunnally, she lost someone very dear to her because of Britannia. Plus, she's willing to do whatever it takes to protect Nunnally and that is something I need to happen."
"Lelouch…I see," Naoto said, "I understand…for your sister."
"Yes…" Zero spoke.
"I hope you all get along," Nunnally's voice said.
The others look over and they saw Nunnally, however Nunnally was in different clothing and she wore a mask as well. Her clothes and mask were similar to Zero except it was white.
"Are you satisfied with that my sister?" Zero asked.
"Yes, I believe I am," The masked Nunnally said with nod.
"Very well," Zero said with a nod, "now about this info…"
"So what do you want to do?" Alice asked.
Zero closed the folder, "It looks like we have plans for this weekend."
"Plans for the weekend?" Ohgi asked.
"Yes, we'll be going to the Narita Mountains," Zero declared, "that is where main base of the Japan Liberation Front is located and not only that…"
"Zero?" Naoto asked.
"The Code-R Project," Rai said.
The others except for Lelouch and Nunnally looked at Rai shocked.
"Wait, Code-R?" Kallen asked.
"Correct, Rai did some investigation and he concluded that the people who are involved in the Code-R Project are actually hiding in Narita as well," Zero said, "I would like to get them before Cornelia and her forces do."
"Cornelia?" Kallen asked.
"Yeah, there's no doubt that Cornelia and her forces know that the JLF are there as well," Rai commented.
"So it's off to Narita then," Naoto said.
"Yes, gather everyone," Zero said, "I'll explain the mission for Narita."
"You got it Zero," Ohgi said.
"Consider it done," Alice said.
"Alice, we'll be counting on you," Zero said.
Alice looked at Zero with a smile and she nodded, "Absolutely, I won't let you down."
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Preparations are made heading to the Narita Mountains.