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 24: The School Festival Declaration
Suzaku, Lelouch and Rin were all forced to make up countless assignments by one of their teachers despite their good grades and excuses respectively, to the dismay of their other teachers.
"Yes. It's true that the Chinese Federation intervention and the terrorist acts of the Black Knights have caused all sort of disruption to our society."Mrs Fleming complemented sternly."However, this is a completely different issue from this! The fact remains that you three have been absent from class far too often! I don't care how good your grades are, you're from a noble family or that you're Princess Euphemia's knight! If you don't improve, you will repeat this year!"
Outside the science classroom, there were a bunch of reporters waiting outside for Suzaku to finish his assignment so that they can interview him.
Meanwhile…
In the submarine, Rakshata and two of her scientists were studying the Gawain.
"The Gawain."Rakshata said while holding her kiseru pipe."It a new model developed by the Zevon family, right?"
"Yes. It's equipped with a super computing unit called the Druid System along with a Hadron Cannon."the first scientist informed.
"It's also a two seater."the second scientist added.
"Let Zero have it."Rakshata insisted and smiled smugly."Rin is the one mostly by his side. Not just that C.C girl."
The Next Morning…
Fireworks went up in the sky as the School Festival of Ashford Academy began.
In the PA Room…
Milly stood with Nina, Shirley and Nunnally as she gave an announcement throughout her grandfather's academy.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting!"Milly remarked."The Ashford Academy School Festival which is the most open event in the Tokyo Settlement, is about to start! It will begin at the sound of this voice!"
Nunnally held the microphone in her hands.
"Are you sure it's all right to do this, Milly?"Nunnally asked.
"Very sure!"Milly chuckled.
"Okay."Nunnally answered.
The former Princess of Britannia took a deep breath and gives out her imitation of Arthur.
"MEOW!"
In the Clubhouse…
C.C groaned in annoyance upon hearing everyone in the academy's ground say 'Meow!' as she got dressed in the school uniform.
"School is so noisy today."C.C muttered.
On the Roof…
Rin met up with Lelouch on the academy's roof as Diethard spoke to them.
"That's what I thought. So we still got some support from the Chinese Federation."Lelouch complemented."We've covered all the tasks at hand."
"Yes."Diethard agreed."We gathered all the sector data on the emergency countermeasures that they left behind."
Both Lelouch and Rin became nervous upon seeing Diethard's former colleague workers from the TV studio causing both of them to duck down from being spotted by the cameras.
"We've identified the solar panels used in each settlement as well as the energy storage sites."Diethard continued."Oh, and what about that collaborator issue?"
"Me and Rin handled most of it together."Lelouch admitted."About 72% is complete."
"And Tohdoh Sensei?"Rin questioned.
"He's drawing up a list of occupation targets, broadcasting stations and such."Diethard explained."I need you to check them, including the plans we're sending to Lady Kaguya and the rest of Kyoto."
"We understand."Rin answered."We'll make sure to confirm the plans tomorrow."
"Oh, and I know we're late in reporting this to you, but regarding the operation of the Zero Squad."Diethard complemented.
Milly then rushed into the roof, alarming Lelouch and Rin.
"There's trouble!"Milly called out."There's huge, huge trouble!"
Lelouch quickly handed his phone to Rin, so that she can continue talking to Diethard before Milly dragged him away.
"What are you doing goofing off like that?!"Milly demanded."You're the festival chairman!"
Milly dragged Lelouch out of the roof as Rin spoke to Diethard.
"Apologises for that, Diethard."Rin apologised."That was our friend, Milly Ashford."
"Milly Ashford? As in Lord Reuben Ashford's granddaughter?"Diethard assumed."One of the supporters of Zero's late mother?"
"That's right."Rin said with a small smile and then became serious."Anyway, what were you saying before?"
Lelouch spoke to Milly in the festival area about having a TV crew around Ashford Academy.
"But everything is running fine. There's no problem."Lelouch declared."Besides, you're taking charge of that part, right? It was two meters wide up through last year, then suddenly you declared we had to have a twelve meter pizza."
"Uh-huh. Isn't it great?"Milly remarked."It's gonna be the largest one of its kind in the world!"
"Just the oven and ingredients are causing an uproar, and now there's a TV crew roaming around campus?"Lelouch said with a frown."You know that me, Nunnally and Rin can't show our faces."
"Not to worry, Lelouch. I've made sure the TV crew won't catch a single glimpse of any of you three."Milly assured simply."And besides, we have to document making the pizza. You can run things from the control booth, okay? President's orders."
Gino was at the forklift, dropping off a box of supplies at the oven while Rivalz carefully instructed him where to put them.
"Okay, stop right there!"Rivalz instructed.
Then Nina rushed up to Rivalz and stopped near the oven.
"Rivalz!"Nina called out."We're all set on this end!"
"Wow, you're in a sunny mood."Rivalz complemented."Something good happen?"
Nina simply smiled at Rivalz.
"Yeah, you could say that."Nina agreed.
Naoto and Miaka were walking together in the streets.
"Isn't it amazing how so many supports are coming to the Black Knights?"Miaka asked kindly.
Naoto nodded at his friend.
"Yeah."Naoto agreed with a nod."It is amazing."
Miaka gasped in excitement when she notice people entering Ashford Academy due to its festival events.
"Oh! Look, Naoto!"Miaka remarked."There is a festival going on your sister's school!"
A sad smile appeared on Naoto's face.
"That's nice."Naoto responded.
"What's wrong?"Miaka asked.
"It's just my best friend used to be a school teacher."Naoto explained."So I was feeling a bit nostalgic."
Miaka simply smiled and then held his hand.
"Then let's go inside."Miaka insisted."You're half-Britannian."
"Are you sure?"Naoto questioned.
"Come on."Miaka sneered."Even soldiers need a break from going to wars."
Naoto lightly chuckled at Miaka's respond.
"Right."Naoto agreed."Let's go."
Naoto and Miaka then headed inside the entrance of Ashford Academy.
Among the various other events at the festival of Ashford Academy, Rin and Kaguya were hosting a tea ceremony for their classmates to enjoy with wagashi sweets.
Kaguya wore a rose pink kimono with long flowing sleeves and a gradient of dull, pale purple and soft blue. A white sakura flower print covered it, thinning out on the sleeves and chest. The gold obi had detailed floral designs, burgundy straps, and crimson string tied around the middle. Her long black hair with part of it pulled back into a bun.
Rin wore a pale blue kimono with long flowing sleeves and had blue wave-like print align towards the bottom and top of the kimono with lily flower patterns as well. The dark blue obi had detailed floral designs, yellow straps, and blue string tied around the middle. Her dark chocolate brown hair was styled in a Geisha hairdo with a small blue ribbon and lily flower pin holding it.
Kaguya told Meeya and three other students the importance of a tea ceremony while Rin prepared the matcha green tea in a traditional way.
Behind the Sumeragi girls was a white folding screen with an orange maple leaf pattern and a dark brown frame.
"Beyond just serving and receiving tea, one of the main purposes of the tea ceremony is for the guests to enjoy the hospitality of the host in an atmosphere distinct from the fast pace of everyday life."Kaguya explained with a smile."The tea ceremony is marked by four basic principles: Harmony (wa), Respect (kei), Purity (sei) and Tranquility (jaku). In the tea ceremony, every movement, every step and every moment is precisely defined."
Meeya and the three other students gasped in awe as Rin mixed up the matcha green inside a cup by using a small brush.
"A bowl of Japanese tea is always presented with 'the front' facing you. This means that the most interesting side of the bowl is pointing towards you."Kaguya continued."As the host I present it this way, because I wish to make sure you, as our guests, receive the best possible treatment. However, it is common courtesy to not just lift the bowl and receive its contents. It is proper to show your respect to the universe for providing the tea, and to acknowledge your hosts care by showing humility."
Once the tea was ready, Meeya and the three other students then turned their cups up around as Rin and Kaguya did with their own cups.
All of them then each took a sip from their cups of tea and were amazed by its flavour.
"Wow!"Meeya complemented."That's the best tea I've ever tasted!"
"You said it, Meeya!"A female student agreed.
"The Japanese are very talented."the first male student praised.
"Who would've known?"the second male student chuckled.
Rin and Kaguya share a smile with each other upon seeing their small tea ceremony was going great so far.
Inside a food room at the Student Council building, Suzaku was cutting up onions when he heard the door open a bit more behind him.
However, the Honorary Britannian simply smiled as he turned around to look at Kallen and Rai.
"That's a relief."Suzaku remarked."I thought you two were never going to come back to school."
Kallen and Rai glared at Suzaku.
"It's on purpose?!"Kallen scowled."Why didn't you tell Cornelia about who we really were?"
"Right now you both are, Kallen Stadtfeld and Rai Elrod?"Suzaku informed."Not Kallen Kōzuki and Rai Sumeragi. I've been thinking about our argument and what you two said. I understand now you're both right."
"Oh, really?"Rai questioned sarcastically."By the sound of your voice, it sounds that you're not really wiling to step out of that wretched path of yours even after what me and Kallen said to you."
"That's correct, Rai."Suzaku stated."On the battlefield, I won't show any mercy, but I want to try to persuade you here. I know this is against the rules, but while we're at school, I'd rather try to change your mind here than defeat you in combat later."
"Forget it, Suzaku."Kallen retorted."It's not going to happen."
Suzaku frowned at Kallen's respond.
"So neither of you won't care if our friends find out that you are both part of the Black Knights?"Suzaku questioned.
"We care about friends, Suzaku."Rai replied sternly."But since you are one of Britannia's pawns, you would still follow their corrupted rules. Even it means selling out your friends someday."
"I won't ever do that!"Suzaku argued.
"Keep saying that and that will still happen."Kallen scoffed."Lelouch and Nunnally were members of the Britannian Imperial Family. But when their mother was killed, the Emperor threw them away here in Japan as hostages and didn't care if he left them for dead in the war."
Suzaku became shocked at what Kallen just said.
"You know about Lelouch and Nunnally?"Suzaku said in disbelief.
"Of course. Lelouch told us. Shirley, Nina and Rivalz also know that he and Nunnally were royalty since after the events in Port Yokosuka."Rai admitted."Though Milly knew already since her grandfather was one of the supporters of their mother."
"Okay. I admit that the Emperor did to Lelouch and Nunnally was wrong."Suzaku clarified."But Britannia can still change."
"You are really serious that can actually happen?"Kallen scowled in disgust.
"But they won't and they wouldn't have. Your plan is too much short-sighted and failing to really see the bigger picture."Rai scoffed."If you were willing to look beyond your own ideals, you would have seen that Britannia would not change for you. In fact, the only reason you got anywhere was because we are your opponents."
Just before Suzaku could say anything, Lelouch walked into the kitchen.
"Suzaku, the truck's here. The cheese-"Lelouch started before noticing Kallen and Rai."You two came back."
"Yep."Rai replied, playing along with his leader."It took me a while to accept my memories coming back. But now I'm all better."
"That's great, Rai."Lelouch praised and glanced at Kallen."What about you, Kallen?"
"Uh…yeah."Kallen agreed with a small smile."I'm not as sick now thanks to my doctor."
Suzaku smiled at Kallen and Rai.
"Guys, what we were talking about has nothing to do with school, okay?"Suzaku asked.
"Yeah, we get it."Kallen answered sternly.
Lelouch glanced at Rai.
"Hey Rai, can you go check on C.C?"Lelouch requested."Apparently, her appetite for pizza is getting the best of her again."
"Sure."Rai chuckled with a sheepish smile."No problem."
Rai headed out of the kitchen as Lelouch glanced at Kallen.
"Kallen, if you don't mind, could you go and check in with your class?"Lelouch suggested."They seemed to be a bit shorthanded."
"Sure, I don't mind."Kallen remarked.
"I DO MIND!"Kallen roared out in anger.
Though Kallen was initially compliant, to her dismay, she was forced to be a square-shaped monster at the fair's haunted house that jumps out from under a tombstone and scare people.
Additionally, a mechanical screen allowed her to see when people are coming by, causing her to complain that they could've made the whole thing a robot and that she is hot inside the tombstone.
"This thing actually scares them? I'm gonna get Lelouch for this!"Kallen growled."He should've told me I had to be part of the horror house. Hmph! I don't care if his Zero!"
Kallen frowned deepened when she notice another couple approaching on the screen.
"Oh great, here comes another couple."Kallen grumbled."Why couldn't they make this whole thing mechanical if they've got this dumb screen? It's sweltering inside of here! It's like those early Glasgows! C'mon, move your ass. Hurry!"
Kallen rose up from the tombstone she was in to scare the couple that approached.
"MOVE YOUR ASS!"Kallen yelled out.
Naoto and Miaka cried in out in terror as they embraced each other.
Kallen sweat dropped at seeing her older brother.
"Naoto?"Kallen said in surprise.
Naoto notice the costume that Kallen was wearing causing him to laugh lightly while Miaka blushed and looked down shyly upon having to have her first official hug with the guy she secretly liked.
"It seems you're enjoying yourself."Naoto remarked.
"I actually not."Kallen grumbled bitterly.
Rai growled in annoyance as he dragged C.C around the school festival.
"Rai, you don't have to push yourself so hard."C.C complemented simply."I know my way around school."
"That's not the problem!"Rai scowled."You're going to get yourself exposed to the military and the media because of your ridiculous love for pizza!"
"I can just put another disguise."C.C insisted.
"You're not helping."Rai retorted.
Rai suddenly notice a storage area which caused him to become relief.
"Here will do."Rai remarked in joy.
Lelouch sat on a bench, while also on the phone, speaking with several other clubs and students that were working with the festival.
"Right, the pizza's starting later. Definitely don't have time to be doing this."Lelouch declared and got another call."Yes. Oh, the Drama Club? I've spoken to the Film Club about it."
Lelouch then hung up again as he held his head in frustration.
"How can I prepare my coup d'etat-"Lelouch thought.
"Would you like some tea, Mr Lamperouge?"
Lelouch looked up and saw Rin staring down at him.
The raven haired boy smirked a bit at how attractive his girlfriend looked in a kimono.
"Rin."Lelouch sneered."That kimono you're wearing-"
"Don't get any ideas, buster."Rin informed simply."So have you told Nunnally?"
"Huh?"Lelouch said in confusion.
"You know-"Rin started.
Lelouch realised what Rin meant and looked down with an unsure expression.
"I haven't decided on that yet, Rin."Lelouch stated.
"But you should think about telling Nunnally about our rebellion soon, Lelouch."Rin explained."I know you want to protect Nunnally. But you're going to have to tell her. Would you rather her ended up in the Emperor or Schneizel's clutches?"
"Of course not."Lelouch commented.
"Then tell Nunnally the truth."Rin insisted."You can trust her. I'm sure once you explain everything, and how you're fighting for what's right, she'll understand."
Lelouch became silent at Rin's respond.
Should he tell Nunnally that he was Zero; the Leader of the Black Knights and fighting against the Empire they both once called home?
Would his younger sister would be able to handle that revelation?
A sigh then escaped from the former prince's mouth upon making his decision.
"Alright. I'll tell Nunnally once this festival is over."Lelouch admitted."Though I'll need your help in explaining all of it to her."
Rin chuckled in approval before bending down and planting a small yet quick kiss on Lelouch's face.
"Lynn Rossellini."Lelouch sneered mischievously."Did you just kiss me in public?"
"Why keep hiding it, Lelouch?"Rin giggled."We are a couple, aren't we?"
"Of course, we are."Lelouch answered.
"Anyway, you should stop by at the tea ceremony event."Rin insisted."Kaguya is eager to see you there."
Lelouch sweat dropped at Rin's reply.
"Of course, she is."Lelouch grumbled.
Suddenly, a toy hammer bonked Lelouch on the head, making Rin laugh lightly at the sight.
"I'm sorry!"Cécile apologised while running up to Lelouch and Rin as she caught the hammer that flew back to her."The handle just broke in two!"
Lelouch frowned at seeing Cécile.
"Soldiers?"Lelouch thought."How peaceful the world is."
Cécile immediately recognised Lelouch and Rin.
"Say, aren't the two of you Suzaku's friends?"Cécile asked.
Rin simply smiled at Cécile.
"That's right, Miss Croomy."Rin remarked.
Lelouch notice his phone started vibrating and saw he got a message from Rai.
Rai's message: Help! C.C is eager to eat the world's largest pizza without thinking about the dangers of being spotted by the media!
Lelouch frowned deeply after he finished reading the message and showed it to Rin which made her sweat drop.
"Best to go and help Rai out."Rin said sheepishly.
Near the Government Bureau…
Schneizel was with Cornelia admiring her troops and their Knightmares including the Glaston Knights.
Nonette stood nearby Guilford and the Glaston Knights.
"Good work, getting them here from Area 18 in one night."Schneizel praised."Your forces are impressive, Cornelia."
"You flatter me."Cornelia responded."I'm honoured that you deployed your regular troops to fill in for them, Schneizel."
Schneizel smiled. "It was the least I could do."
"The Glaston Knights who were stand by in the homeland have joined us here."Cornelia explained."And that means…we even have SattelWaffes for the Gloucesters."
"I understand."Schneizel answered."And I'm going to play this card in my negotiations with the Chinese Federation."
"Please do."Cornelia insisted.
"What a great honour being asked for assistance by Princess Cornelia, who is unmatched on the battlefield."Schneizel remarked.
Cornelia started to feel uncomfortable on what her older half-brother was telling her.
"Please, don't tease me about this."Cornelia said sadly."I've began to lose in the battlefield since I've began fighting against Zero and the Black Knights."
"You've suffered at the hands of Zero, but it doesn't change anything."Schneizel complemented."On the field of combat, you shine more beautifully and brightly than any flower or butterfly at a soirée — yes, like the Flash herself."
Cornelia became a bit hurt at the mention of Lady Marianne; the only person she admired more than anyone else and failed to protect.
"Please, stop saying that."Cornelia replied and then changed the subject."Now where could Euphie have disappeared to? I told her I was coming to see you off."
"I had a long talk with Euphie last night."Schneizel declared.
"Last night?"Cornelia said in confusion.
"Yes."Schneizel agreed and remembered something."Ah, and about the other matter. Bartley's project."
"Oh yes, I really don't mind."Cornelia assured."But will he actually be of any use to us?"
Meanwhile…
General Bartley watched Jeremiah, who was inside a tank filled with orange liquid that the Code R scientists were researching.
Back at Ashford Academy…
Lelouch and Rin went to the storage area to check on Rai and C.C.
"I only wanted to know information of the largest pizza."C.C stated.
"Oh for Pete's sake! Knock it off!"Rin scowled in annoyance."We are trying to run the school's festival here! But instead, we have to deal with preventing you from blowing your cover for a stupid pizza?!"
"My eating habit shouldn't surprise you anymore, Rossellini."C.C responded."Pizza is my favourite food."
"That's not the point!"Rin snapped.
"You want pizza, we'll bring you some."Lelouch assured."Just wait in your room."
"You're all preoccupied with other matters."C.C reminded.
"For the thousand time, we're not going to deceive you over a pizza!"Rai argued, already lost his cool."The military and the press are here! What if they see you?!"
"I'll wear a disguise."C.C requested."I don't like cold pizza."
Rai groaned in frustration as he rubbed his spiky silver hair.
"C.C, please use your brain instead of listening to your stomach for once."Rin suggested, trying to be patient."At the moment, it's too dangerous for you to be out in the public."
"It can't be helped, Lynn."C.C said with a shrug."I like pizza."
Suddenly, the door to the storage room opened as the group looked to see Kallen, Naoto and Miaka arrive inside.
"Why did you two come to school?"Kallen questioned.
"Naoto and I were just spending time together, Kallen."Miaka clarified giddily and held Naoto by the arm."Nothing too crazy or anything."
Kallen glanced at Naoto with a suspicious look.
"Are you two dating?"Kallen assumed.
Naoto blushed at his younger sister's question.
"Well, uh…"Naoto started.
Lelouch, Rin, Rai and C.C then walked up to Kallen, Naoto and
"Hey, Kallen. What's going on?"Lelouch asked before noticing Naoto and Miaka."Naoto? Miaka?"
"Oh hey, Lelouch."Naoto replied."How's the festival?"
Naoto took notice of Rin, who was next to Lelouch, which surprised him and made him glad to see her.
Miaka just smiled at her unmasked leader and comrades.
Euphemia was walking in the school festival with two of her bodyguards (Sarah Danes and Paul) accompanying her.
"It's all right, Your Highness."Sarah assured.
Flashback…
Schneizel was sitting in a desk as he looked through the papers that Euphemia gave him and were based on the plan she had in mind.
"Euphie, I think this is a wonderful idea you've come up with."Schneizel admitted.
"Really?!"Euphemia remarked in excitement."Then?!"
"You should follow the path you believe in with all your heart."Schneizel suggested."I'll discuss it with Cornelia so that she understands like Nonette."
At Ashford Academy…
Euphemia smiled upon remembering Schneizel approved of her plan.
The only thing was left was Cornelia to give her support.
"Suzaku, my brother approved my idea. The only thing left it's to tell Lelouch and Nunnally."Euphemia thought happily."Now we can–"
Euphemia was suddenly stopped by Sayoko, who prevented her from accidentally walking in front of a certain blind and crippled girl.
"I'm so sorry."Euphemia apologised."Are you all right?"
"I'm fine."Nunnally answered."Are you okay?"
Euphemia gasped in surprise upon seeing her favourite younger sister.
"Nunnally?!"Euphemia gasped.
Nunnally became amazed upon recognising the voice of the person in front of her.
"Huh?"Nunnally said."That voice, is it you?"
Lelouch spoke to Rin, Rai, C.C, Kallen, Naoto and Miaka of the Black Knights' next move.
"Move out from Japan?"Naoto said in surprise.
Lelouch nodded at the first deputy commander.
"That's right."Lelouch stated."The Black Knights' goal is not just to free Japan. It's all other Areas in the world that are suffering from the Empire's clutches."
"Well. That makes totally sense."Miaka agreed."Japan isn't the only nation that needs to be freed."
"Hold on, Lelouch."Rai commented."But if we're going to move out from Japan doesn't that mean also-"
Suddenly, the door on the side opened as Suzaku and Anya arrived in the storage room.
"A propane tank for the burner?"Suzaku asked."I'm sure the spare ones are here, maybe in back."
"If you say so."Anya said simply.
Suzaku and Anya then notice Lelouch, Rin, Kallen and Rai inside the room.
Naoto and Miaka went to hide behind a storage container with C.C.
"Hey, guys."Suzaku greeted.
"What are you guys doing here?"Anya asked.
"Just looking for stuff as you and Suzu are, Anya."Rin declared.
"Are there any spare fuel tanks back there?"Suzaku questioned.
"Not here."Lelouch replied."Maybe on the other side?"
Anya began fiddling on her phone, bringing her attention away from her friends.
"This is bad."Kallen thought with a frown."We can't let Suzaku and Anya see my brother and Miaka."
Rai and Rin glanced at each other, knowing they both had the same idea.
Rai quickly grabbed a screw on the ground and rolled it at Lelouch's foot to earn his attention.
The silver haired boy gestured Lelouch to glance at the shelf that was above him, Rin and Kallen causing the former prince to nod.
Rin carefully went over to Kallen and gestured her to look upward, giving her friend the message which she seemed to understand.
Kallen let out a shriek and pointed at a direction, earning Suzaku and Anya's attention.
This gave the red haired girl the opportunity to cut the straps around the shelf with her knife before she pushed them down.
"The panels are falling!"Kallen panicked."Run away!"
"Run for it!"Rin cried out.
Rin quickly grabbed Anya's wrist to move her out of the way while Lelouch, Suzaku, and Rai ran to try and catch the falling shelf.
Lelouch quickly moved forward, pressing the trigger in his hand and setting off the smoke bombs simultaneously.
The smoke covered everything which caused Naoto, Miaka and C.C to quickly head out of the front door during the chaos.
When the smoke cleared away, it revealed Lelouch, Suzaku and Rai were holding the shelf and panel up with Rin covering Kallen with her body so she wouldn't get hurt.
The brunette blushed upon realising her kimono was a bit loose and caused her legs to be revealed.
"Are you okay, Kallen?"Rin asked with a hint of embarrassment.
"I'm fine, Rin."Kallen replied with a sickly look."Thank you for protecting me."
Anya sat on the floor and simply took a photo of the awkward scene.
"Reordered."Anya declared simply.
Suzaku suddenly cried out in pain, earning everyone's attention.
"What's wrong?"Rai said in confusion.
"My ankle."Suzaku replied."It has a familiar feeling."
Arthur was biting down on Suzaku's ankle while also digging his claws into him.
Naoto and Miaka caught their breaths upon arriving in a safe spot in the academy's ground.
"Sorry about that."Naoto apologised.
Miaka simply giggled at Naoto's apology.
"It's no problem, Naoto."Miaka assured kindly."That was actually kind of fun."
A smile appeared on Naoto's face.
"Yeah."Naoto agreed with a small chuckle."It actually was."
"Naoto about what Lelouch said."Miaka said with an unsure look."Is it true that we have to leave Japan one day?"
Naoto folded his arms at Miaka's question.
"Well, the Black Knights' main goal is to wipe out Britannian rule everywhere in the world."Naoto complemented."But leaving Japan when my mother is still in prison-"
Miaka blushed a bit and gently clasped Naoto's hand.
"It will be alright, Naoto."Miaka assured with a loving smile."You are after all the heir to the Stadtfeld Household."
Naoto looked at Miaka in awe as a soft wind gently blew around them in the background.
"Miaka…"Naoto started.
In the Clubhouse of Ashford Academy…
Euphemia and Nunnally were having tea together.
"Will you keep our secret?"Nunnally asked."I mean, about Lelouch, Rin and I being here?"
"But if you just stay like this…"Euphemia started.
"All I want to is to be with my brother and my friends."Nunnally declared."That's all that matters."
Euphemia became quiet as she took a sip from her cup of tea.
"Do you remember that time you and I got into a great big argument?"Nunnally asked."On which of us was going to marry Lelouch when we grew up?"
A bright smile appeared on Euphemia's face upon remembering the funny memory of the childhood of her and her younger half-sister.
"Yes, I do."Euphemia answered."We put Lelouch on the spot by making him decide right then and there."
Euphemia and Nunnally were now laughing at the happy memories.
"So, how about now?"Nunnally asked.
"Huh?"Euphemia said in confusion.
"Do you still love him, even to this day?"Nunnally questioned.
Euphemia became silent at Nunnally's question before a small smile crept on her face.
"I think there is already someone else who Lelouch actually loves deeply, Nunnally."Euphemia remarked.
"Yeah. I know."Nunnally giggled."Big brother and Lynn are meant for each other."
Sayoko, Sarah and Paul remained outside the room while the two royal half-sisters spoke to each other.
Meanwhile…
Rivalz grinned in excitement as he wore a chef's hat and apron as he announced to the big audience gathered in front of him.
"Alright! Any moment!"Rivalz declared."We are about to begin the historic task of the making of the world's largest pizza! Please note that this contraption is an oven specially built for this occasion! A fabulous waste of money!"
Lelouch was back in the PA Room as he sat inside and just watched the show.
"Yes, I understand, Kaguya. I promise I'll make time for you."Lelouch assured and went to another call."Shirley, right now just send Group B to the stage to help."
A relieved smile appeared on Lelouch's face.
"Right. This feels so easy."Lelouch thought."If I make a mistake here, no one's life is on the line."
Then the door to the PA room, revealing Milly and she walked up to Lelouch.
"Not bad."Milly remarked."Got everything on schedule, huh?"
"I've learned to manage people lately."Lelouch exclaimed."Still, they seem so optimistic, don't they? The Chinese Federation attacked just the other day, but look at everyone."
Lelouch looked at the students and other people who were excited to be in the festival including Naoto and Miaka.
"That's why we need this."Milly continued."Festivals are necessary…for everyone, all the time. You still need to learn a bit more."
"Okay, lesson learned."Lelouch answered and then looked at the Ashford Heiress."Hey, Milly? Thank you."
"For what, Lelouch?"Milly said in confusion.
"For taking care of me and Nunnally for all these years."Lelouch stated gratefully."I shall never forget it."
Milly chuckled at Lelouch's respond.
"Lelouch, don't say that."Milly complemented."It sounds that you and Nunnally are going to leave."
A sad smile appeared on Lelouch's face.
"The truth is-"Lelouch started.
"Lelouch!"
Lelouch then smiled brightly at hearing Nunnally's voice.
"Nunnally, how's the pizza–"Lelouch started.
Lelouch paused when he turned around and saw Nunnally accompanied by Euphemia.
"I have to go!"Lelouch stated as he stood up from his seat."We'll talk later, Milly!"
"It looks like the ingredients are all prepared!"Rivalz announced as he jumped onto the ground in front of a massive tarp covering something large."Now, introducing our special dough tosser: the Ashford family Ganymede! Yes, it's a bit of an antique, however, at the controls is the student council's special member and Princess Euphemia's personal knight, Suzaku Kururugi!"
The crowd cheered and applauded at Rivalz's announcement and see Suzaku on the Ganymede.
Gino grinned at the sight of the Ganymede while Anya simply recorded the event with her phone.
"If I recall the Ganymede was the very Knightmare piloted by the late Empress Marianne vi Britannia?"Gino assumed.
"That's right. Marianne the Flash."Anya complemented bluntly."The former Knight of Six."
Both Kallen and Rai held a bunch of tubes as they stood next to Sayoko.
"Listen…is that because of…"Kallen started.
"Yes. There are lots of Elevens who came here today."Sayoko remarked."It's an open festival after all, and this is Suzaku's school."
"So they came to see him?"Rai questioned in disbelief.
"Yes. Suzaku is like a ray of hope for many Elevens."Sayoko admitted."They revere him."
Kallen glanced at the Japanese people among the big crowd with a unsure look.
"I see."Kallen said gently.
Rai just scoffed silently at Sayoko's respond as he looked at the Japanese people that seemed to idolise Suzaku.
"The peace of slavery."Rai thought coldly."That's what Suzaku wants and only matters to him."
Milly watched the Ganymede while standing next to Cécile and Lloyd.
"Ganymede, a third-generation Knightmare."Lloyd complemented."The type used by Lady Marianne the Flash, isn't that correct?"
"It's just a fundamental frame."Milly admitted."A big puppet for events like this."
"An unorthodox design dropped for the next generation of Knightmares due to Lady Marianne's death."Lloyd declared smugly.
"I'm guessing that's the real reason you want to marry me."Milly assumed.
Cécile glanced at Milly.
"So now you get it."Cécile said."He has no attraction whatsoever to the opposite sex."
"Well…I get the general idea, anyway."Lloyd chuckled.
"And again! Can he get it any larger, folks?! C'mon, Sir Suzaku! We've got high hopes for you!"Rivalz stated, watching the pizza dough getting larger."Last year, it was my turn to do it, but I can't compare to a real pro."
While Suzaku was tossing the giant pizza dough, Lelouch and Rin led Nunnally and Euphemia to the top of the entrance steps.
Nunnally sat in her wheelchair just near the steps while Euphemia sat next to Lelouch and Rin.
"I can't believe the Ganymede that Lady Marianne piloted on is now being used to cook a giant pizza."Euphemia giggled in amusement."Cornelia will be furious if she saw this."
Rin simply watched the Ganymede with a small amused look.
"Though I actually wonder how Lady Marianne would have reacted if she had been able to witness something like this."Rin chuckled."That would certainly have been interesting to see."
"I'm sure she would be happy that it could be used to do something that would make a lot of people happy."Nunnally admitted kindly as she smiled at the memories of her mother."Mother was always someone very kind and caring, I'm sure she would be happy if her Knightmare could be used so that we could all be happier. Right, big brother?"
Lelouch felt a bit uneasy at the mention of their mother, but simply smiled at Nunnally.
"Of course, Nunnally."Lelouch answered."Mother no doubt would be happy that so many people could smile like that. She always looked for joy in others."
"This is a day of sweet surprises."Euphemia stated."To think you and Nunnally were so close all this time, and that you and Suzaku are friends as well."
Kaguya pouted in annoyance as she looked around for Rin.
"I can't believe Onee-sama just left me to handle the tea ceremony by myself!"Kaguya complained."She probably done it, so she can spend time with Lelouch!"
Kaguya soon spotted Rin with Lelouch, Nunnally and Euphemia.
"I stand corrected."Kaguya grumbled and became surprised at seeing Euphemia."Is that, Princess Euphemia?"
Shirley walked up to Kaguya.
"Kaguya, what's wrong?"Shirley asked.
"Uh…nothing!"Kaguya replied brightly."Just waiting for Lelouch to finish speaking with that pink haired pretty girl!"
Euphemia continued speaking with her half-siblings and childhood friend.
"I never want to see people unhappy ever again."Euphemia admitted.
"Remember, we can't meet after this."Lelouch stated.
Euphemia simply smiled at her older half-brother's respond.
"That's not true."Euphemia replied."I've found a solution for everything."
This caused Rin to become suspicious and glanced at Euphemia.
"Euphie."Rin said uneasily."Just what are you-"
Suddenly, a gust of wind appears to Kaguya and Shirley's surprise, who quickly tried to keep their decency while closing her eyes.
The same gust also reaches Lelouch, Rin and Euphemia, causing the cap that the pink haired princess was wearing to fly through the air and reveal herself.
Shirley reopened her eyes and recognised Euphemia.
"Is that Princess Euphemia?!"Shirley said in awe.
Kaguya panicked in worry as Shirley's words were loud enough for several in the crowd, watching Rivalz and Suzaku to turn their heads, surprised to catch a glimpse of Euphemia.
"What's up?"Rivalz said in confusion.
The crowd glanced at Euphemia and immediately recognised her.
"Over there!"
"It's her! Princess Euphemia!"
Gino and Anya were surprised to see Euphemia.
"Princess Euphemia is here at the festival?"Gino questioned.
"This is unexpected."Anya commented.
Rin, Lelouch and Euphemia immediately stood up as the crowd began making their way to the 3rd Princess of the Empire.
"Lelouch! Rin!"Euphemia spoke up."Take Nunnally away!"
Lelouch moved Nunnally's wheelchair away as Rin followed after them.
"We're sorry to leave you alone at a time like this, Euphie!"Rin apologised.
Sarah arrived next to Euphemia as she spoke to Paul on her phone while preventing the crowd to reach the pink haired princess.
"That's right!"Sarah agreed."The Sub-Viceroy is near the main entrance!"
"I copy!"Paul replied."I'll send in the backup team!"
In the crowd watching Rivalz, a member of the news crew looked at his cameraman.
"Camera! Contact the studio!"
"Understood!"
Quickly the students run to where Euphemia was standing, all excited at the thought of being able to talk to a member of the Royal Family.
From where he stood, Suzaku looked worriedly at his classmates from the Ganymede.
"Everyone, stop! Don't run!"Suzaku protested."Please don't panic!"
Sadly, at Suzaku's loss of concentration, the pizza dough that the Ganymede had been handling goes flying through the air, landing in the top of a tree.
C.C from the roof of the academy watches with a pained expression as the dough ends up in the tree.
"Pizza."C.C murmured sadly.
Lloyd glanced at Milly.
"Guess we should've left this to the pros."Lloyd suggested."What do you think?"
"I'm afraid I'm just gonna have to give up on this one…and some other things."Milly declared.
The crowd's excitement was cut off by the sound of gunshots as Cecile and her Camelot agents protectively surrounded Euphemia.
"Everyone, stop this at once!"Cécile demanded."Do you realise who this is?! This is the Sub-Viceroy, the third imperial princess!"
"Thanks for your help!"Sarah thanked."We'll take over from here. Stand back of–"
A female reporter brought her microphone near Euphemia.
"H.I. TV!"the female reporter said."A comment! Just one word, please!"
Nina struggled to get through the crowd.
"Princess Euphemia, it's me, Nina!"Nina called out."I'll get you out of here!"
Gino and Anya were among the crowd and struggled to get to Euphemia.
"Great."Gino said with a sheepish smile."We're stuck."
"You don't seem that bothered by it."Anya retorted.
Euphemia and Cécile were getting crushed between the soldiers and the excited crowd.
"This is getting tight!"Cécile informed.
"Please excuse me!"Euphemia begged, struggling against her surroundings."No, don't!"
Away from the commotion, Diethard stepped out of the TV truck.
He brought his attention to Alice, who stood outside the van waiting for him.
"Lady Pelham, it seems your meeting with Zero and Shade will have to wait."Diethard declared."But I believe that won't be any trouble for you, correct?"
Alice gives the former TV Reporter a nod.
"Yes, Mr Ried."Alice replied with a firm look."I'll meet them both when this festival is over."
Back where Euphemia and the crowd were, several people watch in surprise as Euphemia was rescued by Suzaku in the Ganymede.
"Oh wow."Rivalz said in awe.
Rivalz watches Suzaku lift Euphemia over everyone with the Ganymede's hand.
Suzaku seeing that Euphemia is already at her level, leans towards her.
"Princess Euphemia, you're not hurt, are you?"Suzaku questioned with a hint of worry.
"I'm fine!"Euphemia assured."Thank you, Suzaku!"
Lelouch, Nunnally, Rin and Kaguya went to hide in a small concession stand that was empty.
Rin let out a sigh of relief.
"That was close."Rin murmured with a nervous smile."For a moment, I thought the paparazzi hyenas would've caught us."
"At least it was Euphemia that they got excited for."Kaguya stated before glancing at Lelouch and Nunnally."Though it would've been really bad if the camera caught sight of you two."
"You've got that right, Kaguya. But it seemed they didn't."Lelouch commented and glanced at Nunnally."Are you okay, Nunnally?"
"Yes."Nunnally replied gently."How about Euphemia?"
"She's all right."Lelouch assured."Suzaku's taking care of her."
Nunnally smiled at Lelouch's respond.
"I see. Lelouch, Rin, Kaguya, guess what?"Nunnally asked, earning her three companions' attention."Euphie said that she and Suzaku are becoming very close now. They make a nice couple, don't you agree?"
Lelouch, Rin and Kaguya became surprised at Nunnally's respond before the three of them just smiled at her.
"Yes, Nunna."Rin agreed kindly."They do."
"Suzaku and Princess Euphemia a couple?"Kaguya sneered."It sounds more like a forbidden love to me."
Lelouch didn't say anything as he glanced back at Euphemia, who stood on the Ganymede's hand.
Euphemia spotted Lelouch, Rin, Nunnally and Kaguya at the stand they were hiding in.
"Thank heavens, they're all right!"Euphemia thought in joy.
"Princess Euphemia, down here!"the female reporter called out."Can I get a statement, please?!"
"Could you please network this broadcast nationwide?"Euphemia requested.
"Huh?"the female reporter said in surprise."You mean go live now?"
"Euphie?"Suzaku said in confusion.
Euphemia looked at the whole crowd with determination.
"I have a very important announcement!"Euphemia declared.
Inside the TV Van…
Diethard and Tamahome watched Euphemia on one of the small screens.
Near the Government Bureau…
In the Knightmare Hanger, Guilford ran up to Cornelia, who was checking on her Gloucester.
"Your Highness!"Guilford called out."It's Princess Euphemia!"
"What's she doing now?"Cornelia scoffed.
At the Black Knights' Mobile Base…
Tohdoh along with Yui, the Four Holy Swords and Rakshata were watching Euphemia on the TV.
"I am Euphemia, Sub-Viceroy of Area 11 of the Holy Britannian Empire."Euphemia declared."There is something of great consequence that I wish to tell you all today!"
"Now what?"Rakshata retorted."This little girl makes such a fuss."
Back at Ashford Academy…
"I, Euphemia li Britannia, hereby declare the formation of the Specially Administrated Zone of Japan in the area surrounding Mount Fuji!"Euphemia announced.
Immediately, the entire crowd lets out shouts mixed with shock and surprise.
"Huh?!"Kaguya gasped in disbelief.
"A Special Zone?!"Rin responded.
"What?!"Lelouch shouted."Britannia has–?!"
Suzaku was surprised at his beloved's announcement.
"They're recognising…Japan?!"Suzaku said in awe.
In the TV Van…
Tamahome was outraged by Euphemia's declaration.
"You've got to be kidding me!"Tamahome argued.
Diethard angrily slammed his fist on the vehicle's joystick.
"Damn it! I never thought of this game!"Diethard scowled."Even though it's only a limited area!"
At Ashford Academy…
"Within the Specially Administrated Zone of Japan, Elevens will be permitted to call themselves Japanese!"Euphemia declared."Restrictions against Elevens and special rights for Britannians will no longer exist within this zone! It will be a place where Elevens and Britannians live side-by-side as equals!"
The audience of the pink haired princess were filled with several mixed reaction.
Though several Japanese individuals as well as other students looked in surprise in amazement, others such as Nina were repulsed by Euphemia's announcement.
Gino was dumbstruck while Anya looked a bit surprised.
Kallen and Rai were utterly stunned at Euphemia's declaration.
"This can't be happening."Rai muttered.
Both Lelouch and Rin weren't happy at the announcement of Euphemia.
"Stop this, Euphie! I already thought through every detail of that scenario!"Lelouch thought in annoyance."It's nothing but an empty dream!"
"Euphie! Don't do this! This won't ever work!"Rin thought with a hint of fury and disappointment."This Special Zone that you're planning to make will go everything Britannia will stand against! You're only involving yourself into a dangerous situation!"
"Do you hear me, Zero and Shade?!"Euphemia called out.
Surprised looks appeared on Lelouch and Rin's faces.
"I don't care about your past nor who you are underneath those masks!"Euphemia informed."I beg you both! Join us in creating the special zone of freedom!"
Several students were outraged by Euphemia's request.
"Join Zero and Shade?"A female student said.
"No way!"A male student retorted."Just think about Prince Clovis!"
Near the Government Bureau…
Cornelia was furious of her younger sister's announcement.
"WHAT IS SHE DOING?!"Cornelia demanded in rage.
Nonette was completely mixed with worry and concern from hearing her best friend's outburst.
"Nelly…"Nonette started.
Back in Ashford Academy…
"Zero, Shade, help me build a new future within Britannia!"Euphemia said happily."A place for everyone!"
The crowd immediately cheered and raised their fists in joy at the pink haired princess.
"Long live Princess Euphemia!"
Two female students spoke to each other with unsure expressions.
"The Japanese Zone?"the first girl scoffed."Why's she doing that now?"
"That's pretty obvious."the second girl scowled."She's in love with an Eleven."
At the small concession stand, Kaguya quietly glanced at Lelouch and Rin with an unsure look.
"Lelouch."Kaguya thought."Onee-sama."
Rin simply glared at the floor with an upset look on her face while Lelouch practically was worried about Euphemia's well-being.
"Euphie, we can't ever live like we did in the past."Lelouch thought as Nunnally clasped his hand."The thing that you've done is only bring more problems between the Britannians and the Japanese. The Emperor will make sure it will go like that."
Euphemia, however, was smiling brightly upon thinking that she had actually brought peace in Area 11, so that she can be with her loved ones again.
"Lelouch! Lynn!"Euphemia thought happily."Now we can be like we used to be!"
"Euphie! You're a total fool!"Rin thought in annoyance."You have no idea what you just done!"
Euphemia announced the Special Administrative Zone of Japan, but what will happen next? See you all next time and have a happy Boxing Day!