Code Geass and its characters belong to Gorō Taniguchi and Ichirō Ōkouchi.
I only own my OC, Lynn 'Rin' Rossellini (who is not a Mary Sue) and her family.
Zero's Lady
Chapter 17: Geass vs Geass
In Ashford Academy…
Rin stood behind Kaguya as she watched her cousin fill in the papers that Principal Ruben gave her to show that she will follow the rules while attending in his academy like all the other students.
Kaguya wore a yellow jacket with gold trims and black cuffs with a white long sleeved shirt underneath, a green tie with the Ashford logo on it and a short black skirt. Underneath she wore light blue knee high socks with dark blue line designs on them and black shoes. The first straight sides of her long black hair had little red bands on them.
"Here, Principal Ashford."Kaguya remarked kindly as she puts her signature on the last sheet of paper and hands it to Ruben."I promise to be a good student and make sure to follow the rules while attending your academy."
Ruben took the papers before handing Kaguya the sheet which showed her timetable of the classes she will be attending in Ashford Academy.
"Here is your timetable, Lady Sumeragi."Ruben exclaimed."If you need any help, you can ask my granddaughter or Lynn for advice."
Kaguya stood up from her seat and bowed at Ruben.
"Thank you, Principal Ashford."Kaguya thanked.
Rin bowed at Ruben before she and Kaguya left the Principal's Office.
After walking a couple of blocks away from the Principal's Office, Kaguya let out a excited sequel.
"Yay!"Kaguya cheered in delight while raising her hands up."I'm now attending school!"
Rin smirked at Kaguya.
"Do you realise this also means that you'll be getting homework to do, right Kaguya?"Rin asked.
Kaguya does an adorable pouty face.
"I know."Kaguya whined.
Rin and Kaguya arrived to the Student Council Room.
The moment the two cousins walked into the room, five poppers sharply cracked, making confetti rain down all over Kaguya as she was welcomed by the Student Council.
"Welcome to the Student Council, Kaguya!"Milly, Lelouch, Nunnally, Alice, Rivalz, Kallen, Rai, Shirley and Nina declared in unison.
"What's all this, everybody?"Kaguya asked in surprise.
"It's your welcome party to the Student Council that's what it is, Kaguya."Rivalz chuckled.
Shirley then came over and plopped Kaguya down on the table, which had lots of plates filled with snacks.
"There you go."Shirley insisted."Our guest of honour deserves the very best seat."
"Make sure to eat up!"Milly added."We've worked hard on making these snacks for you!"
"Since today it is your welcome party, it also means for you to have some fun and not to worry about studies."Alice complemented.
"Or homework."Nunnally giggled.
Kaguya became excited at seeing the delicious snacks she enjoyed eating and a plate that had her favourite dessert; chocolate biscuit cake.
"Whoa."Kaguya commented."You all prepared this for me?"
Kallen nodded. "That's right."
"We wanted to make it special."Rai commented.
"You are a member of the Kyōto House, so it is respectful that you get a welcoming party in honour for you joining the Student Council."Lelouch declared with a smile."Also, as a thank you for your support to Zero and the Black Knights."
Kaguya blushed and smiled brightly at Lelouch's words.
"You're right, Lelouch."Kaguya agreed and smiled at the others."Thank you, everyone."
Kaguya then notice Suzaku wasn't in the room.
"Oh, where's Suzaku?"Kaguya asked.
"Sorry, Kaguya. He won't be able to make it."Rin admitted with an apologetic smile."But he sends his congrats to you."
Kaguya's smile shrunk a bit at Rin's sentence.
"Oh."Kaguya said slightly."That's too bad."
Rivalz glanced at Kaguya.
"So shall we all now sit down and eat?"Rivalz insisted."I'm starving!"
"Rivalz! Let's wait until Kaguya gives us permission!"Shirley scowled and glanced at Kaguya."Shall we celebrate, Kaguya?"
The smile on Kaguya's face grew big as she looked at her friends.
"Sure, why not?"Kaguya insisted and became confident."It's my welcoming party! So, let's eat!"
Rai, Kallen, Milly, Nunnally, Alice, Rivalz, Shirley and Nina all cheered as they sat down with Kaguya to start eating the party snacks as Lelouch and Rin share a smile with each other.
Outside…
Naoto had a proud smile on his face as he rode around the Tokyo Settlement in his motorcycle.
The future heir to the Stadtfeld Household wore a white t-shirt, a pale blue jack, dark grey trousers and black trainers.
The mission in Port Yokosuka to distract Princess Cornelia and her army while General Katase escaped had ended in success.
Since it was Zero and the Black Knights that had helped General Katase escape over seas and headed off to the Chinese Federation, Naoto had no doubt that there were rumours flying about in the ghettos of their heroic deed.
So, hopefully, the news of General Katase's escape would reach Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords.
General Katase was the type that always repaid a debt.
Perhaps, Zero and the Black Knights would actually receive the trust and loyalty of the Four Holy Swords in return for helping the Leader of the JLF?
But overall, it was because Rin that their mission was successful.
Rin was one of Kyoshiro Tohdoh's students before Japan was invaded and held him in high regard for being her sensei in the past.
However, regardless of the connections that Rin had, she would always help others.
Even those she didn't fully know.
"One step after another and someday, the whole world will be freed from the grip of Britannian Rule."Naoto thought with a determined look."It won't be straight away. But very slowly as the popularity of the Black Knights grow, we are getting many people joining us. Also, the ones that hide in the shadows."
Naoto rode his motorcycle to the Pizza Hut Restaurant to go buy lunch for him and his sister.
After parking his ride nearby, Naoto made his way inside the restaurant.
"Good day, sir."A waiter greeted."What can I get you?"
"Four large supreme pizzas, please."Naoto suggested.
"Coming right up."the waiter answered.
Once the pizzas he ordered were ready, Naoto made his way out of the Pizza Hut Restaurant.
The red haired boy placed his pizza boxes in the delivery bag that was on his motorcycle.
"Is there room for two?"
Naoto turned around and saw C.C.
"Hey, C.C."Naoto greeted with a wave."Are you here by yourself?"
"Isn't obvious?"C.C questioned bluntly.
A light chuckle escaped Naoto's mouth.
"Alright."Naoto responded and offered C.C an extra helmet."I'm on my way to my house. Do you live nearby?"
C.C placed on the helmet as she went to sit on the back seat of the motorcycle.
"I'm staying at Ashford Academy."C.C responded.
"You live there?"Naoto said in surprise.
"For the time being."C.C replied.
C.C then wrapped her arms around Naoto's waist, making him blush when he felt her chest against his back.
Naoto then started his motorcycle and the two of them zoomed off in the road to go to Ashford Academy.
"Say C.C since you go to Ashford Academy, do you see everything?"Naoto asked.
"Like what?"C.C questioned.
"Umm, well, how Kallen is doing in her classes?"Naoto suggested."I want to make sure she is doing great and enjoying her time there. That's all."
A smirk formed on C.C's face.
"Is this about your sister or about Rin?"C.C asked.
"N-No, I-"Naoto started."Rin is just a friend to me."
"Are you sure?"C.C assumed.
"Yes."Naoto responded simply."But is she and Lelouch are-"
"Lovers?"C.C finished in a smug tone."Perhaps, they are since the two of them sleep together."
A shocked look and huge blush appeared on Naoto's face.
"THEY WHAT?!"Naoto shouted.
Naoto panicked when his motorcycle nearly hit a van and quickly stirred his vehicle out of the way.
"Sorry!"Naoto apologised.
"You shouldn't get distracted while driving."C.C instructed.
"Hey!"Naoto scowled."You're the one that told me stupid things that aren't even true!"
"If it was stupid and untrue, why did you react like that?"C.C asked smugly.
"Because you insulted Rin!"Naoto complained."She is not the type of girl that leap in and out of bed with people!"
"Oh?"C.C sneered."Why would you care about what Rin does and doesn't do?"
"Because! B-B-Because…I…I…I care about Rin."Naoto answered simply."As a good and trustworthy friend would do."
C.C smirked. "If you say so."
"Shut up."Naoto grumbled with a frown.
Elsewhere…
Emperor Charles stood on the platform of the Thought Elevator, admiring the world beyond the clouds, knowing the cogs that were hidden behind the clouds were there.
Ever since the convergence was felt, he had checked every possibility that it was C.C and Clovis, after having been killed, had confirmed his thoughts.
The 98th Emperor of Britannia also saw that his son, Lelouch, was now rising against him, and was armed with the power to do so.
Still, to think the boy would possess the power to make anyone do his bidding.
"Hmph."Emperor Charles scoffed."As expected of my son..."
He muttered before he realized what it was he just said and sighed.
It seemed that he had grown a bit too fond of his children for his own good.
He knew that was the reason why his brother had betrayed him, and he had every intention of making his traitorous older twin sibling pay for what he had done.
Still, Lelouch's progress was startling to say the least.
He had half expected the boy to be arrogant like all of his children were, but to his surprise, he remained calm and level-headed, even somehow anticipating his opponent's moves before they were even made.
However, the Emperor was told that Lelouch was having a change of heart which was becoming a concern to him.
Like Lelouch, the 98th Emperor of Britannia was planning to create a better world.
But a world that was only suitable for him and the only woman he ever loved beside his many wives.
A frown appeared on the Emperor's face at the cause of the sudden changes in his son.
Lynn Rossellini.
Istvan's Eleven and Britannian half-breed from his second marriage.
Her presence near Lelouch was starting to bother him.
"Charles…"
Emperor Charles stood the way he was as a voice spoke up in his mind and was the one that he could only hear in this realm.
"Lelouch is starting to change, C.C told me. He's not that same proud and spiteful boy anymore."
"I'm aware of that, Marianne."Emperor Charles responded.
"This could be a problem to us. But if he has no intention to fulfil the contract he made with C.C, won't that likely mean she will come back to us?"
"That is not clear to us."Emperor Charles scoffed and closed his eyes."But you are correct. Our son is getting far more distracted with his little concubine than focusing on his rebellion."
"Then what do you plan to do?"
A smirk appeared on Emperor Charles' face since a plan formed on his mind.
"Just leave it to me."Emperor Charles answered."I'll take care of this."
In Ashford Academy…
Lelouch returned to the clubhouse and went into the room, only to find C.C stuffing herself with pizza.
"Ugh."Lelouch scowled in disgust."How can you eat only pizza every day and miraculously not get sick in doing so?"
"I'm immortal, Lelouch."C.C responded."I can't get sick no matter what I eat."
"Of course."Lelouch retorted.
Lelouch sat down on his desk to check the latest news on his laptop, only to see reports that General Katase had arrived to the Chinese Federation.
"He made it."Lelouch chuckled.
C.C took a bite on her slice of pizza.
"I'm surprised."C.C complemented."I was actually expecting you to annihilate the J.L.F the other day."
Lelouch glared at C.C.
"Shut your mouth, witch."Lelouch retorted."I may be a former Prince of Britannia, but I'm nothing compared to that man and the rest of his spawns."
A slight smirk appeared on C.C's face.
"Now that is no way to treat a lady that gave you the Geass power of absolute obedience that deforms people's will."C.C complemented.
A wave of frustration started to grow within Lelouch, but suddenly a slight smirk appeared on his face.
"Say, C.C."Lelouch responded."Why did you save me back in Shinjuku? You could've pretend to be dead and let the Royal Guard shoot me, but you didn't. Why?"
C.C let out a sigh.
"Don't read too much into it."C.C replied as she finished another slice of pizza."You and I are only under a contract. Because if you really decide to not fulfil your end of the contract-"
"You make a contract with someone else?"Lelouch guessed.
A shocked look appeared on C.C's face.
"Oh, come on. You think I'm naive?"Lelouch scoffed."Since you lived so long and have the power to grant anyone a Geass based on their desires, it's obvious that you made contracts with so many people in the past. But if they fail, you just move on to your next potential target without caring what happens to them."
"Did your girlfriend tell you that?"C.C questioned with an annoyed look.
"Rin didn't tell me. I figured it out by myself."Lelouch answered."Such as your wish which is to die."
There was a deathly silence in the room at Lelouch's respond.
"That's your wish, isn't?"Lelouch assumed."To die and end your hell of eternal life. In return, your immortality can be dumped on me."
"Then what of it is?"C.C questioned."There's nothing you can do about it. Your Geass power can't be removed which means you'll still live a life of solitude."
A scowl escaped from Lelouch's mouth.
"Life of solitude?"Lelouch retorted."You're only using that as your excuse just so you can make me focus on granting your wish. Well, you can forget it."
Lelouch placed off his laptop and began heading out of the bedroom.
"Lelouch, you can't come out of our contract."C.C informed and narrowed her eyes."I can't guarantee your safety, if you do this."
The former Prince of Britannia stopped in front of the door.
"Is that so? Then why should I trust you anyway?"Lelouch questioned."You barely tell me anything. And besides, you being here in Ashford Academy would be probably mean trouble. Your powers already caught the interest of Britannia, who imprisoned you for experimentation purposes."
C.C frowned. "You're doing a mistake."
"Mistake? Spare me your excuses."Lelouch scowled."Since you're usually talking to yourself a lot, you're probably conspiring with the enemy. Is it the Emperor?"
C.C opened her mouth to say something, but then became silent and looked away.
"I never said that."C.C responded.
"If you really think you can make a fool of me by lying to me, then you can actually leave here."Lelouch insisted in a bitter tone."Because I can really see that the contract between you and me doesn't really exist."
Lelouch then headed out of his room, leaving C.C by herself.
At the Government Bureau…
Cornelia was discussing things with Guilford and Darlton.
Euphemia was also present in the meeting and sat on her throne chair next to Cornelia's.
Nonette was in another part of the Viceroy Palace, talking with Cecile and Lloyd.
"So frustrating."Cornelia scowled with a hint of annoyance."First our defeat in Saitama, then Narita and now Port Yokosuka. If we suffer more humiliating losses from Zero and the Black Knights, I'll be officially removed as Viceroy."
"Yes, Your Highness."Darlton replied."It seems through these three operations, the Black Knights are succeeding in their goals."
"I agree."Guilford admitted."They're also succeeding in stamping out raids such as removing criminal syndicates and possible corruptions."
"Zero and the Black Knights are definitely terrorists that are completely different than the ones that we faced."Darlton exclaimed."But overall, their path is to wipe out what Britannia stands for and intends to defeat our empire. Not just wipe out Britannian rule in Area 11."
A scoff escaped from Cornelia's mouth.
"As if that will ever happen."Cornelia retorted."Britannia is still superior and our Empire controls one third of the world. Regardless what Zero is trying to accomplish, he and the Black Knights are complete fools to think they can wipe our world power."
Euphemia remained silent at her older sister's respond.
The 3rd Princess of Britannia had heard recently that Zero and the Black Knights' popularity had increased over the events that occurred in Port Yokosuka.
Still, she couldn't help but worry about Lelouch, Nunnally and Rin.
She had told Jeremiah about her favourite half-siblings' survival, but haven't had a clue of his whereabouts after the Battle of Narita.
Did someone took him?
"Whatever happens, I have to keep my promise to Lelouch, Nunnally and Lynn."Euphemia thought firmly."No one must know that-"
"Careful, Euphie."
Euphemia snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her older sister.
"Huh?"Euphemia said in confusion.
"I don't want another crisis like that at the hotel."Cornelia stated.
"Why not assign a knight to her?"Guilford suggested.
"A knight?"Euphemia asked.
Euphemia and Cornelia looked at Guilford.
"Yes, if we assign one knight as a permanent sentinel, then we can build a complete royal guard unit around him."Guilford exclaimed."As sub-viceroy, Princess Euphemia has the right to a personal champion."
In the A.S.E.E.C. Hanger…
Suzaku sat down inside the Lancelot, thinking about the events that occurred in Port Yokosuka.
Zero and the Black Knights failed to capture Princess Cornelia, but they succeeded in helping General Katase and the Japan Liberation Front escape to the Chinese Federation.
Though the Honorary Britannian still didn't support the terrorists oppressing Britannia, he was grateful that they prevented him from shooting his fellow Japanese.
"I don't approve of Zero and Shade's methods."Suzaku thought."But for once, I'll thank them for preventing me from getting disgraced by Rin and Kaguya."
The Next Day…
It was another simple day for the students in Ashford Academy.
Miss Wilson, a Maths teacher, was announcing a new student attending her class.
Mrs Amelia Wilson was in her 30s with mint green hair pulled up into a bun with a single strand loose and dark blue eyes. She wore a gold suit-dress with an emerald top beneath it, grey tights, and black heels.
"Today we'll be having a new student attending with us today."Miss Wilson exclaimed."And I'd like you all to make her feel very welcome today."
Then Kaguya walked into the room.
"Let me introduce to you."Miss Wilson commented."Miss Kaguya Sumeragi."
Kaguya smiled at her classmates.
"Hello everyone, it is great to be here."Kaguya remarked with a bow."I will be studying with you from now on."
Everyone stared at the young woman who came into the room.
Some were in awe while some were wary.
Another Eleven was enrolled into their school under the Honorary Britannian status.
Kaguya made her way to sit in an empty seat as some of the students started whispering to each other.
"Another Eleven?"
"I hear she is a relative of Lynn."
"Well, Lynn is half-Britannian."
"So what? She is kind of cute."
Miss Wilson looked at her students.
"Okay, if everybody could turn to Page 27..."Miss Wilson instructed.
Meanwhile…
Rin, Kallen, Inoue, Naoto, Sugiyama, Yoshida and Tamaki had arrived to meet Rakshata Chawla (the head of the Black Knights' research and development team) at the Chinese Federation Embassy.
Rin wore a short white cheongsam with green lining and a pale green flower pattern. Her shoes were green t-strap high heels with a pale green flower pattern and an emerald on a small bow. Her chestnut brown hair was worn in braids over the shoulder with a small emerald rope that has a green pearl in the center inches from the bottom. On each side of her hair were matching white green 'bun covers'.
Kallen wore a cherry red cheongsam with pale pink 'bun covers' on her red hair while Inoue wore a dark purple cheongsam.
Naoto, Sugiyama, Yoshida and Tamaki were all dressed as workers.
Inside the Chinese Federation Embassy was Rakshata accompanied by two of her scientists and had four light grey coloured Knightmares standing behind them.
Rakshata Chawla was a very tall, attractive woman with bright blonde hair. She has fair brown skin, in addition to a purple bindi on her forehead. Her eyebrows and lips were also thin and slanted. She wore a revealing pink tank top along with brown pants and a white lab coat. On her hands was a thin brown kiseru pipe, which she typically held at the tip with her fingers as if holding a conductor's baton.
The scientist smoked from her kiseru pipe as she notice Naoto and his group coming forward.
"Visitors?"Rakshata said."Are you the so-called Black Knights?"
"Yes."Naoto replied with a nod."You're Professor Rakshata of the Indian Miltary District?"
"That's right."Rakshata agreed."Which one of you is the pilot of the Rosen?"
This caused Rin to raise up her hand.
"That's me, Miss Chawla."Rin replied.
"You and the pilot of the Guren MK-II collected some useful data for us."Rakshata remarked.
Rakshata then used her kiseru pipe to tap open up one of the cases that had Knightmare pilot suits inside.
"I've brought you both a protective suit as a thank you gift."Rakshata declared."Also, we'll provide you support until India gains independence. So keep that in mind."
Both Rin and Kallen bowed at Rakshata.
"We will."Rin answered.
"Thank you."Kallen thanked.
Back in Ashford Academy…
Milly and Kaguya made their way inside the Student Council Room.
"Say Milly, what does the Student Council do?"Kaguya asked.
"Well, our main activity is planning and managing the events that I, Madam President, come up with."Milly exclaimed proudly."Also, managing budget for club activities."
When the two girls arrived at their destination, Milly hands Kaguya a sheet of paper which showed a list of after school activities.
"School activities?"Kaguya said in confusion.
"You see, the students in our school are obliged to have after school activity."Milly exclaimed."There are various club activities in our school, try to find one that interests you, okay? Please decide within this week. You can discuss with me or Lelouch when you're done."
Kaguya looked at the list of clubs as as Milly headed out of the Student Council Room, leaving the member of Kyoto with Rai.
"Hey, Rai."Kaguya spoke up."What kind of club are you in?"
"I'm not part of any club, Lady Kaguya."Rai replied."I have a double life."
"Basketball Club, Swimming Club, Horse Riding Club and Horticultural Club."Kaguya read and sweat dropped."I'm not interested in any of these clubs."
"I think there's something for everyone."Rai suggested."What kind of club activities are you interested in?"
Kaguya tapped her cheek in thought.
"Well-"Kaguya started.
Little hearts appeared on Kaguya's eyes when she caught sight of Lelouch coming into the Student Council Room.
"Lelouch!"Kaguya remarked in delight and tackled Lelouch in a big hug."I'm now part of the Student Council like the rest of you! Isn't it great?"
"Yeah, great."Lelouch said with a sheepish smile.
"Lady Kaguya, maybe Lelouch can help you pick a club activity to take part in?"Rai suggested.
"Huh?"Lelouch responded.
"Great idea, Rai!"Kaguya agreed and handed Lelouch the list."Madam President said I have within a week to choose a club activity to take part in. Do you have ideas?"
"When it comes to take part in school activities, it's mainly based on a student's interest."Lelouch declared."What are you interested in?"
Kaguya thought for a moment before responding to the guy she admired.
"Is there a club that includes singing karaoke, learn new dance moves and eat delicious snacks?"Kaguya asked brightly.
Both Lelouch and Rai sweat dropped at Kaguya's respond.
"Looks like you're going to ask Rin for help when she comes back."Lelouch suggested.
In Zero's Mobile Base...
Naoto, Kallen, Tamaki, Inoue, Sugiyama and Yoshida were relaxing in the sofa.
"We've helped General Katase escape to the Chinese Federation and now we got the new suits from Professor Rakshata."Naoto remarked."Now we have wait and see if Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords will join us."
"You're right, big brother."Kallen agreed with a nod and frowned."Though it's that white Knightmare known as the Lancelot that I want to beat."
"Don't sweat it."Tamaki said.
"Yeah, Tamaki got thrashed in the first minute."Sugiyama joked.
The Black Knights laughed before Naoto smiled at Kallen.
"I'm sure you will beat the Lancelot, Kallen."Naoto assured."Though, I have to admit it's getting a bit tricky now that the Knight of Nine had entered the field."
"Ugh!"Tamaki scowled."Man, that sucks!"
"Well, it is Cornelia's forces that we're fighting against."Inoue commented."So it doesn't come as a surprise that this fight will be easy."
"So Zero is a former Britannian Prince?"
Naoto, Kallen, Tamaki, Inoue, Sugiyama and Yoshida all looked up the stairs to find Diethard looking down at them.
"Yeah."Kallen responded."So, what if he is?"
"It's no problem, Miss Kozuki."Diethard replied."Just find it outstanding."
"Careful what you say, Diethard! I heard you got wussy and ran away!"Tamaki complemented."A gutless Brit's got a lot of cojones talking trash to his superiors like that!"
"I was making an assessment. That's my new job here."Diethard said with a smile and looked at Naoto. "Naoto, you agreed to it too. Didn't you?"
"That's right."Naoto said with a nod."And Zero did agree with it as well."
Outside…
Rin made her way to the cemetery that was not far from the Narita Mountains, which had several graves around and arrived at the one that she was looking for.
The grave of Miyu Sumeragi; her late mother.
A weak smile appeared on Rin's face as she bent down to place a bouquet of white roses on her mother's grave.
"Hey, mum. Sorry that I didn't come earlier."Rin apologised."I was helping Lelouch and the others. Especially, Kaguya. You know how it is."
Suddenly, there was a sound from behind causing Rin to turn around and find a male figure clapping at her.
Meanwhile…
Lelouch was inside a train that was to take him to the Narita Mountains to meet up with Rin.
The former Prince of Britannia wore a black shirt with a red jacket that had black lines in the cuffs, grey trousers and brown shoes.
A slight suspicious look appeared on Lelouch's face.
"C.C is definitely hiding something from me."Lelouch thought with a frown."She is no doubt working for the Emperor and informing him of my motives which probably explains why she is talking to herself while she's alone. But I don't have a clue why the Emperor hasn't given an announcement that me and Nunnally are alive or send Cornelia to bring the two of us back to Pendragon."
Lelouch glanced at the view outside which showed the ghetto area in Area 11.
"Lelouch, you can't come out of our contract. I can't guarantee your safety, if you do this."
A scowl escaped from Lelouch's face at what C.C told him.
As if he would ever need protection from the Immortal Witch that kept secrets from him.
Being truthful and less secretive was the way for members in a team to learn to trust one another in order to work together.
He was grateful that he followed Rin's advice and got accepted by the Black Knights.
If he didn't, it would've likely send him to the path of disaster.
"If Rin is able to find clues of who C.C is talking to, I would definitely get all the answers I need."Lelouch thought and suddenly got a strange feeling growing inside him."Why do I all the sudden feel nervous about this?"
Back in Narita…
"Your boyfriend Lelouch is a very bad guy, wouldn't you agree, Rin Rossellini?"Mao asked.
Rin became shocked and backed away a bit from the stranger that surprisingly knew her name.
"How did?"Rin asked with a glare."Who are you?"
"He tricked you into kill many people for him, didn't he?"Mao assumed."Punishment must come to you both."
"Punishment?"Rin questioned.
Rin carefully moved her shaking hands to take out the gun that she hid underneath her jumper.
"You're a very naughty girl."Mao taunted."Letting him play with your feelings and still continue killing for him even after learning he was Zero."
Rin paled as her body began shaking from Mao's cruel words.
"No!"Rin snapped."That's not it!"
Rin backed away a bit, not wanting to step on her mother's grave.
"And now you use your dead mother and relatives as an excuse to kill?"Mao taunted."How long you're willing to play the tragic heroine?"
"Shut up!"Rin cried out as she shut her eyes and covered her ears from hearing the man's words."It's nothing like that!"
"A girl who kills and then goes fishing for attention?"Mao scoffed."Only evil witches do that."
Tears started appearing in Rin's eyes as her voice began to break.
"No…I…I…"Rin whispered.
Rin dropped on her knees and covered her face to start crying.
"You knew there was another girl who liked Lelouch, and you wanted to get him away from her. Now you have to pay the price, Rin."Mao stated."Do you want to carry these feelings around for the rest of your life? All by yourself? Unless you atone and completely free your heart, you and Lelouch will both be lost in your sins…forever."
Mao removed his sunglasses, revealing his eyes, which are both encompassed with Geass causing to become horrified.
After stepping out of the train, Lelouch arrived at the cemetery near the Narita Mountains.
But when he arrived there, there was no sign of his girlfriend.
"That's weird."Lelouch complemented."I thought she would be here."
Lelouch notice his phone ringing and saw Rin was calling him.
"I'm here."Lelouch responded."Where are you calling from?"
Lelouch paled when he heard Mao's voice.
"Haha, where indeed?"Mao's voice cackled.
The raven haired boy turned to where the voice came from and saw Mao standing at the end of the road, holding Rin's dark pink phone.
"Who are you?!"Lelouch snapped angrily."You scum! What have you done with Rin?"
"Ooh, I like it, the scary face."Mao sneered."The face of a man whose woman was stolen away."
Lelouch became more angry as he glared at Mao.
"Where's Rin?!"Lelouch demanded."What the hell did you do with her?!"
"You want to know, Lelouch?"Mao sneered and reached for his pocket."Then you'll have to accept my challenge."
Mao smirked as he held a white chess piece of a Knight between his fingers, making Lelouch clench his fists.
"You specialize in this, don't you?"Mao assumed.
In Zero's Mobile Base...
An exhausted yawn escaped Rai's face as he entered inside the base while wearing his Black Knight uniform.
"Here I am, guys."Rai declared tiredly."I've made it."
Rai looked inside, only to find Kallen by herself.
"Hey, Rai."Kallen said with a wave.
"Hey, Kallen."Rai responded and notice the others were gone."Where did everyone go?"
"They all left."Kallen admitted as Rai came to sit next to her."How is everything back in the academy?"
"Fine."Rai commented and covered his mouth to yawn."Though all the studies and homework could be so hard to do if you don't get enough sleep."
Kallen chuckled at Rai's respond.
"Welcome to my world."Kallen declared.
"How was the meeting with Professor Chawla go?"Rai asked.
"Great."Kallen said with a smile."Rakshata gave us new uniforms as well as new Knightmares for the Four Holy Swords."
Rai rested his head against the sofa as he looked up the ceiling.
"That is good news."Rai replied.
"Were you able to remember something?"Kallen asked.
"No."Rai said with a hint of sadness."My memory is still blank as a sheet of paper."
Kallen looked down for a moment before an idea came into her mind.
"How about doing a blood test?"Kallen suggested.
"A blood test?"Rai said in confusion.
"We can ask Rakshata to analyse your blood."Kallen admitted."That way we can find out who you are and your possible relatives. Though I still think you are Japanese."
A smile formed on Rai's face.
"That could help, Kallen."Rai suggested."That way I can learn who I really am."
Back in Narita…
Naoto was walking around a ruin area around the mountains and gives a rock a swift kick while the sun was setting down.
The Stadtfeld heir had his hands in his pocket as he thought about the question that C.C asked him yesterday.
"Why would you care about what Rin does and doesn't do?"
A scoff escaped from Naoto's mouth as he tried to remove the question from his mind.
But no matter how many times he tried to or replace it with something else, he couldn't.
That was because he was in lov-
Naoto snapped out of his thoughts when he caught sight of Lelouch in a railcar with a man he didn't recognise.
"What is Lelouch doing there?"Naoto asked.
Suddenly, the sound of the motorcycle was heard and Naoto turned around just in time to see C.C come by.
The Immortal Witch was wearing a gothic white red lolita dress with her lime green hair tied in ponytails.
"C.C?"Naoto said in confusion."What's going-"
"Get in."C.C ordered sternly."I'll explain along the way."
Lelouch stood in the opposite seat beside Mao's as the railcar headed to the top of the mountain.
The two men were having a chess match against each other.
However, the former Prince of Britannia was more worried about the woman he loved than the chess match he was having.
Lelouch glanced down at the chess board, moving his knight forward two places.
"You know I've never actually played this game before, don't you?"Mao asked.
Lelouch didn't say anything as he focused on the game.
"Did he call my phone to intimidate me? No."Lelouch thought."He somehow knows my name. But how? Did I somehow-"
"There's an opening you can use."Mao informed.
"Shouldn't you be thinking about the game a bit more?"Mao suggested."You could lose."
Lelouch gritted his teeth in anger.
"You liar!"Lelouch growled."You have played this game before!"
In the Sumeragi Residence….
Kaguya returned home and made her way to Rin's room.
"Onee-sama, I'm home!"Kaguya declared happily.
Kaguya slid the door to her cousin's room open, but was surprised to find that her cousin wasn't inside.
"Rin? Hello?"Kaguya asked and looked around the bedroom."Where is she?"
Back in Narita…
Lelouch was utterly shocked upon seeing Mao was beating him in chess.
"Impossible!"Lelouch thought in disbelief."He's got me trapped?!"
"So, can we just call it my game, hmm?"Mao suggested smugly.
"How could he predict every move I made?"Lelouch thought in anger."Who is this guy?!"
"Didn't C.C. tell you about me?"Mao asked.
A utterly shocked look appeared on Lelouch's face.
"Well done!"Mao laughed."In one lightning moment, you came up with 14 possible identities for me. And one of them is precisely correct."
"He has Geass, too!"Lelouch thought in realisation.
Lelouch narrowed his eyes as Mao moved his sunglasses down, revealing the Geass marks in his eyes.
Lelouch, in shock activated his own, as Mao moved his sunglasses up again.
"Let's see now."Mao sneered."For your Geass, you have to look directly into someone's eyes. Oh, I know all the rules for your little gift."
"You can read minds!"Lelouch growled.
"You could call my Geass mind-reading."Mao suggested.
Lelouch lost his patience as he clenched his fists.
"What the hell did you do to Rin?! Tell me!"Lelouch demanded in rage."What did you do, kill her?!"
"Of course not!"Mao remarked.
Lelouch's eyes widened as he glanced outside the window behind him, only to see Rin holding her gun.
"It's Rin!"Lelouch replied.
Mao started clapping again.
"So now then, let the vital punishment games begin."Mao declared.
Lelouch froze as Rin aimed her gun at him.
"Rin…"Lelouch whispered.
"Lelouch."Rin said quietly.
Rin's hands shook as she held her gun at her boyfriend.
"Why don't you use your Geass?"Mao requested."I'm pretty sure you haven't used it on her, right? Of course, if you do, I'll just shoot you myself."
Lelouch glared at Mao in anger.
"Can he read any thoughts, or only those on the surface?"Lelouch thought."Are there conditions to his Geass, a time lag, time limit? And what's he after? If he plans to kill me, then…"
"Keep thinking about it."Mao insisted smugly."That's your strong point, right? Thoughts spinning round and round and round…"
Lelouch gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Shut up!"Lelouch snapped.
"This is a fitting death, poetic justice for a thief like you."Mao commented.
The former Prince of Britannia brought his attention on his lover.
"Lelouch, die. We'll atone for our sins."Rin insisted sadly."We have to! I'll die with you!"
"What?"Lelouch said in shock.
"She's killed many people for you."Mao remarked.
"It's time to end this together, Lelouch."Rin informed sorrowfully.
"Yes, yes."Mao agreed with a cruel smile."Sinners must be punished."
Lelouch send Mao a hateful glare.
"You put her up to all of this!"Lelouch snapped and thought."I see. He reads mind and it's easy for him to confuse and control her!"
"Yes, that's right."Mao answered.
Lelouch brought his attention back to Rin.
"No, don't let him trick you!"Lelouch protested."Rin, he's just…"
"Why bother?"Mao interrupted with a shrug."You're the one that used her from the beginning."
Rin shut her eyes in anguish.
"SHUT THE HELL UP!"Rin cried out.
Rin's hands began to shake more as she began to struggle her gun.
"Rin, listen to me!"Lelouch begged as he bravely began to take a few steps forward."If we die, neither of us will live to see our future! The future that we wanted to build for us and everyone!"
"Oh, I like what you're saying!"Mao cackled."Very touching!"
Lelouch ignored Mao as he continued making his way to Rin.
"You! Me! Nunnally! Kaguya! Everyone we care about!"Lelouch stated."All of us living in a better life together!"
Rin opened her eyes while her hands slowly lowered down her gun.
"A better life together."Rin whispered softly.
"Hey, what's that matter with you?"Mao questioned with a glare."Kill him already! His a murderer!"
"No, his not!"Rin admitted in a firm tone."He's…Japan's saviour…"
Mao was unfazed by Rin's words.
"What the heck's up with this girl? Her thoughts are just a jumble now."Mao retorted and took his own gun."I'll just have to do it–"
Suddenly, Naoto rushed forward and punched Mao hard in the face, causing him to drop his gun and get thrown back inside the railcar.
"Naoto?"Lelouch said in surprise.
Naoto glanced at his two friends.
"Are you guys okay?"Naoto asked.
Lelouch nodded. "Yeah. Thanks."
Rin glanced up at Lelouch and dropped her gun while shaking before she fell forwards into his arms.
"Rin!"Lelouch gasped.
Mao wiped away the blood in his mouth as he glared at Naoto.
"You pest."Mao retorted."I'll make you pay for that."
All the sudden, the railcar started moving while its doors shut.
"Who did that?"Mao demanded."Why didn't I sense them there? It couldn't be!"
Mao gasped when caught a glimpse of C.C at the window.
"C.C! I just knew it! We finally meet again!"Mao remarked in joy."It's you! It's really you!"
Mao removed the headset and sunglasses off his face.
Various sentences of C.C came out from Mao's headset.
"Are you awake, Mao? Forgive me, Mao."C.C's voice insisted."That's the way. See, Mao? You can do it! Thank you, Mao."
Mao continued smiling at C.C as the railcar took him away.
"You look beautiful, C.C.! I love that new look!"Mao admitted."C.C., I'll come to see you as soon as I can! I promise! I promise!"
C.C looked at the railcar while it slowly moved down the mountain before she lowered her gun.
"Mao."C.C said sadly."I never thought you would come out among people."
Lelouch confronted Rin in his arms.
"It's all right now."Lelouch assured gently."It's over."
"Lelouch, I'm very sorry."Rin sobbed as she began to cry."I nearly hurt you."
"But you didn't."Lelouch stated while placing a hand on Rin's behind head comfortingly."Because I know you, Rin."
Rin began to tear up more while she gripped Lelouch's shoulders to hug him.
"I've caused the deaths of people and used my dead relatives as an excuse."Rin admitted in shame."I'm just a monster and I don't deserve to be protected by someone like you."
And it was true.
Rin was forever stained in blood, violence and death.
Nothing would ever change that.
"That's not true!"Lelouch argued.
Lelouch grabbed Rin by both of her shoulders.
"Rin, you're the purest most precious girl in the world."Lelouch stated firmly."I swore that I'd protect and stand by you back in our time in Pendragon. I still will no matter how blood stained you become."
A weak smile appeared on Rin's face as tears of joy appeared in her eyes.
"And the same goes to me with you, Lelouch."Rin remarked.
Lelouch and Rin stared at each other before they both closed their eyes and shared a passionate kiss.
There was no words to describe how Naoto felt as he stared at the sight before him.
Regardless, the way that the Stadtfeld heir was feeling, Naoto closed his eyes and simply smiled at the couple before quietly making his way down the stairs to leave them alone.
Man, what a chapter! Kaguya started attending Ashford Academy, Naoto now understands that Rin is in love with Lelouch and has accepted their relationship. But now there is Mao for the heroes to deal with…
See you all in the next chapter:)