Kallen was feeling quite the mixture of emotions. The one at the forefront of her mind being confusion. Who were those voices? How did they find the right radio signal? Why did they help? But most importantly, can they be trusted?
Part of her said, yes, she can trust them. They went out of their way to go against the number one global superpower. But the more logical part of her was saying not to trust them, at least until they show themselves to be trustworthy. What must they do to prove that? She'll get back to you on that.
That was mostly all that was going through her mind as she and many others left Shinjuku. Somehow, one of the voices got Clovis to call a ceasefire. 'Another question to be answered.' she thought to herself.
She wasn't sure what exactly the future would hold for their little crew, but she was sure that it would change. She only hoped that it would be for the better.
It was late at night as Lelouch walked to his room. He had passed Sayoko and vaguely heard her mention that Nunnally had gone to sleep already, but he was barely paying attention. His mind was replaying one moment that happened earlier today.
When he pulled the trigger while aiming at his older brother.
He thought he had grown numb to death after seeing it so much. Perhaps when it was someone else performing the act, yes. But he learned that doing it yourself is so much worse than watching it happen.
Put simply, he felt utterly vile. His stomach was doing flips just thinking about it, after already emptying itself shortly after he committed fratricide.
'Why is humanity so violent?' his half-lucid self thought as he flopped onto his bed, 'Why can't people just be kind to each other?'
Lelouch didn't get a lot of sleep that night.
I had managed to escape from the Shinjuku ghetto in the same way all the others did: walking with the crowd and making sure that I wasn't drawing too much attention. I had taken my Ashford uniform off and placed it in my bag; I had another shirt underneath so it wasn't too unusual. I kept my helmet on and had my head tilted so that while people could see some of my face, they couldn't make out any particular details; like say, the fact I was Britannian.
I had managed to get to Rivalz's – or, my – dorm room shortly after I found my way out of Shinjuku. When one has a vehicle for transportation, Ashford is only about half-an-hour away. Unfortunately, mine broke down. And while I wouldn't too many issues either fixing it up or getting a new one, it was very inconvenient.
I then learned that witnessing death for the first time is never fun. I had trouble sleeping when I tried to. I just couldn't get the images of blood out of my head. I hadn't thought of it until I stopped worrying about making sure I didn't die, then it all just hit me at once. I'm surprised that I managed to keep my lunch in.
All in all: zero out of ten, would not recommend.
Regardless, it was morning now, and I was running off of a couple hours of sleep. And I might have to explain to everyone where I was after going off with Lelouch. This was hard mainly because of Milly. She was like a hawk when it came to gossip.
Speaking of Milly, Rivalz's crush on her actually makes sense, now. When you watch the show, it was never really explained why Rivalz liked Milly, therefore it was assumed that he just liked her body. But no; the truth, I've learned, is surprisingly wholesome.
When Rivalz was a a couple years younger, his parents split. Ultimately, he went with his mother and chose to take her surname. While it might have seemed like he was still the happy-go-lucky person he was before, he was almost depressed that he couldn't see his parents happy together.
That was when he first met Milly Ashford.
She instantly worked her magic on him and helped him get back on his feet. Of course, the 'magic' here was her famous 'guts' spell. Regardless, they became friends and before Rivalz could even fully understand what he was feeling, became enamored with her.
So yeah, Rivalz's infatuation suddenly makes sense. He felt he owed her for her kindness in case she needed it.
It's weird have someone else's crush, but then again, nothing about this is normal, is it?
"Wake up, Lelouch!" I was interrupted from my half-awake thoughts by a yell that woke me up better than coffee could ever hope. Ah, right. Student Council, club budgets, right.
The voice turned out to be Milly's, I discovered, and she continued, "I know you were sleeping; your hands stopped moving!" She chided Lelouch on his sleepiness.
"Well, you don't have to beat me up over it, do you?" he responded in slightly too happy voice, I noticed. I guessed it had to do with dealing with Clovis. I wonder how he felt after that.
Stretching a bit, I spoke up saying, "Well, serves you right. You know, because you ditched me yesterday?"
I suddenly heard Shirley say, "That's right. What was up with you yesterday?"
Once I realized that it was, in fact, Shirley, then the memories of what happens to her burst open like a dam in my mind. From her father and Mao to Rolo, the images of what will happen to her made me sag in my seat. Having Rivalz be part of me means that I have his feelings on his friends and whatnot. Combine that with what I know to happen to Shirley, I wouldn't be surprised if I let out a whimper. I promise I'll do my best to keep that from happening.
"That's enough, you guys," Milly pulled me from my horrible thoughts, and for that, I'm very grateful. "If we don't come up with a fix for the club budget, there won't be money left for anything at all!"
"And if it comes to that point..." Oh, I forgot about Nina.
…
How could I forget about Nina?! She, um... kinda invented a nuke... I don't know how to feel about her now. But I should also put her on my 'to help' list, as well.
"U-uh, then the equestrian club will be pissed," I said a bit suddenly, appeasing the Rivalz part of me, "We don't want 'em comin' in here on horse back!"
"Rivalz, can't you be a more serious council member?" Milly playfully teased. Or at least, I hope so. That's definitely what Rivalz thinks of these moments, anyway.
"You know, it would have been nice of you if you would have reminded us about this mess a say ago," Shirley spoke up.
Wanting to mess with Rivalz's – my friends, I replied saying, "I would have to say a day later. Then we would have given up!"
Lelouch instantly caught on and continued the joke, "Good idea. We can still do that." It was odd not knowing whether this was an act or if Lelouch genuinely found this moment funny.
"GUTS!" Ah, there was the famous magic that Milly's friends knew and felt awkward about, which, now that I think about it, might be the intention. Just make the scene awkward enough that people don't want to worry about it much. If that's the case, I can't tell if that's brilliant or dumb. Either way, it's pretty funny!
"Trying the old 'guts' spell again, madame president?" I said half-joking at her antics.
"Yep! I want you people to start putting your all into this!" she said with her regular gusto.
The rest of the meeting happened as one might expect: Lelouch is a bit of a downer, Shirley is trying to be productive and a team player, Milly is a pervert, and I struggle not to laugh. Oh, and Nina's just... there, I guess.
And of course, we manage to balance the budget with absolutely no more problems whatsoever!
As we made our way to class, we heard some people talking about Shinjuku and poison gas, but not much else.
I was thinking that there wouldn't be too much more happening today, allowing me to rest and figure out my next moves once all school activities ended.
What I didn't remember was that this is when Kallen makes her way back to school, as I was reminded by her presence in the classroom.
This might get interesting.
Kallen hated this.
She hated standing in this building, she hated acting weak, she hated Britannia!
She hated all of it. But she knew, of course, that this was the smart play. The government would be looking for 'Elevens' – kami, she even hated that term – and not for Britannians. So if she were to go to school, they would be much less likely to find her; being to arrogant to believe that terrorist could hide among them like that. It's the same principle their radio frequency is based on.
She was only confused as to why a bee was following her.
'Why is a bee following me? Is this the same one I noticed in the bathroom, or is there a hive nearby?'
The bee had attempted to get closer, only to be cut in half by a firm and swift chop. For some reason, Kallen thought she heard someone whimpering, something about a 'Jasper'? Before she could think anymore about it, however, a classmate of hers was staring at her.
'Did he notice me?' It was times like these that she had to remind herself to calm down and think rationally. It didn't help that he was just staring without so much as a hum. 'Alright, then. If he's silent, then I might be able to perform damage control. Make him think it was an accident.'
"Can I help you with something?" she started timidly. What not many would be able to figure was that Kallen Kozuki is an incredible actress. Even the most observant would find difficulty in unmasking her.
What happened next was a bit weird.
She had apparently zoned out for a second. She attributed it to the stress of everything that happened recently accompanying her mind. And yet, the boy was still just staring at her.
So she tried again. "Um, did you want something?" she asked again, as timid as could be.
"No, I got what I wanted here," and as mysteriously as he appeared, he left. Kallen honestly thought he was an idiot. Either that or he had a crush on her and was very aloof. She couldn't ever imagine herself getting together with someone until Japan was liberated, or a Britannian ever.
She was about to leave when he turned and spoke again, mostly to himself, "Oh, wait. Just to be sure:
"Don't tell anyone about Shinjuku," THAT got her attention. And the way he said it, it was like he expected her to cater to his every whim.
"What do you mean about Shinjuku?" she said struggling to keep up her facade. She briefly noticed his eyes widen in surprise, like he hadn't expected the possibility of her defiance. 'Typical Britannian noble.' "Why would you say that?"
"Go back to class," he said a bit forcefully.
"As soon as I get an answer to my question, I will," there was an edge to her voice that she couldn't reign in, but she couldn't care less at the moment. Her mind was filled with questions about why he asked about Shinjuku.
She was ready to chase him for answers when a feminine voice called out to them. "Hey, Lulu! Kallen!" a vaguely familiar orange-haired girl said from a second story window while waving, "You know, its time to head over to the chem lab! You'd better get a move on!"
"Oh crap, it's my turn to set up for class!" the boy exclaimed before running toward the classroom. Kallen could tell that he was just using this to escape. She had to admit, his mask was almost as good as her own.
She sighed knowing that he would be staying as far away from her as possible for the foreseeable future. She couldn't get information from him as long as he was in public, so she was basically stuck. All she could do was find out information about him from the resistance.
She was so preoccupied with these thoughts she didn't notice the blue-haired person sneak away from some nearby shrubbery.
Lelouch had asked Kallen a great many more questions than what I remember in canon. That was what I had noticed the most while I was hidden in some nearby bushes. The specific questions asked were all along the lines of her group; who the members were and what their strengths and weaknesses were. There wasn't much other than that, but it was still interesting.
In any case, school was coming to a close so I made my way back to my dorm. As I sat down at my desk, I began considering my options for the future. Pulling out an empty notebook from a drawer, I began writing down everything that I planned to change.
After a couple minutes of thinking, I had the initial list written out:
-prevent Shirley and her dad from dying
-keep Lelouch from accidentally geassing Euphemia to kill the Japanese
-prevent Kallen's mom from getting as far as she did in refrain
-ultimately prevent Zero Requiem from coming to be.
There was probably much more that I've forgotten, but this is the important stuff. For now, though, let's find a place to hide the notebook. I put it underneath my bed, not worrying about anyone looking there. I – or rather, Rivalz – has a roommate, but he's pretty reserved. Has a good sense of humor, though.
As this was one of the first times I've had to properly stop and think, I realized something. If I have two sets of memories, then I was simultaneously both Rivalz and my past self, and neither; being something more than their sum, instead. It was an odd experience to be sure. I imagine that this feeling is similar to finding out you're living in the matrix. But, at the same time, it felt right. Like you found a purpose you never knew before.
After I finished doing these things, I realized that I have a shift at work today. Groaning, I pulled out my phone, and just decided to explain that I my vehicle broke down and had to call out today. The manager was disappointed, but understanding.
Guess I know what I need to start working on first. I began looking for mechanics, and for a way to get my bike back from Shinjuku.
-The Next Day-
Lelouch was at an impasse. His power could only be used once per person, he discovered. If he used his ability on Rivalz and it turned out he didn't know anything, he had just wasted it. Although, too be fair, there wasn't too much that Rivalz didn't already inherently trust Lelouch to do for him. But it was still inconvenient.
Of course, this was secondary to his main concern: Kallen is on the cusp of discovering his involvement with the resistance group. At best, he would simply be forced to work with them until they achieve their goal; at worst, he would be labeled a liability and killed promptly. With his luck, it would most likely be the latter.
At the moment, he was currently watching her retreating, wet form head toward a nearby bathroom. She had just been soaked by champagne when Rivalz tossed the bottle over to him.
"We should offer her some of our spare clothes," Shirley suggested, "After all, it's our fault that she had to take a shower."
"That's a good idea, Shirley!" Rivalz responded, "Maybe even clean her clothes for her? I'd say it's pretty fair considering."
"Alright then, let's do it," Milly said, a touch sheepishly. Odd, considering her certain... admiration of the female form.
Lelouch decided to play along and spoke up saying, "I'll get Sayoko to find some of my old clothes that fit her. From what I've seen, we're roughly the same size."
This of course got the attention of everyone in the room barring Nina, whom didn't particularly care about those things, and Nunnally, who was to young to uncover any hidden meanings (how she was still innocent when around Milly so often, he had no clue).
"Oh? Paying close attention to her now, are we?" Milly spoke up first with that familiar stare of hers when talking about these topics. Seems like she has completely forgotten about her earlier embarrassment. He vaguely remember Rivalz calling her a gossip hawk some time back and he completely agreed.
Speaking of, Rivalz decided to chime in, "Yeah, he's basically been stalking her with how much he's given her his attention." At this moment, Lelouch wanted to strangle his best friend. Now he was going to have a much harder time escaping this.
Sighing, Lelouch made an attempt at his departure, "It's not like that. I just happen to overhear that she hasn't been at school nearly at all. I was just curious." He put on his best 'embarrassed but not flustered' voice as he said these things.
Unsurprisingly, it was Shirley who took his side saying, "Y-yeah! He was just curious about how she looks so fit despite not being able to exercise! I know I did when I heard of her condition! I'm an athlete, and she looks almost as fit as I do!"
'I'm not surprised, considering what she does in her free time, but still, that's interesting,' Lelouch thought. He was also able to notice was how Rivalz had that look on his face when he realized a particular fact that hadn't thought of before. 'The question is whether it's for the same reasons I had.'
"Regardless," Lelouch took control of the conversation again, "Getting the request to Sayoko would be for the best. If she can find some of Milly's old clothes, that would work too. That leaves the girls to handle cleaning Kallen's clothes, and Rivalz and Nina to hold down the fort."
His reasoning seemed to appease everyone, so he began his way toward his room, thinking of what to do while on the way. He had intended to simply convince Kallen that him knowing who she was wouldn't matter, especially when she knew who he was as well; he thought that the semi-public area would discourage any violence. Now, though, she had a perfect chance to cause him harm should he slip up or fail to persuade her.
What could he do to simultaneously gain her trust and decrease her suspicion?
That was when his maid and protector, Sayoko, appeared in his vision. She was going around doing basic chores, mostly in Nunnally's room, he noted, probably because his sister was currently with others that both she and Lelouch trusted. She noticed Lelouch and spoke up, "Lelouch-sama, what brings you here?"
Lelouch responded with a sigh, "Nothing much, we just had an accident with a potential new student council member. I was looking for you to see if there were any of my or Milly's old clothes that they could borrow. Some champagne was spilled directly on their head." He purposefully kept out the gender of Kallen, or else Sayoko would get the wrong idea as well. He knew that Sayoko wouldn't care too much about the beverage, instead focusing on the predicament.
"Of course, Lelouch-sama," Sayoko bowed, "There's a closet that holds your and Nunnally-sama's old clothes. All of Milly's clothes would be quite the distance away. I'll be back in just a moment."
Knowing that Sayoko wouldn't let himself help her, he decided to just sit down on a nearby chair and wait for her to finish. He thought to himself that having the maid with him would at least decrease the possibility of a worst case scenario, but bring several more bad ones. Even with his new ability, it would still cause several problems.
Something began shining out of the corner of his eye. As he turned to see what it was, he saw that it was a tape recorder. A bit out of place, but perhaps it was recently dug out of a closet.
Lelouch went and picked it up, looking it over. It looked to be still of good quality, so he tested to see if it worked. He recorded a simple message and played it. He heard his own voice with uncanny clarity.
Lelouch smirked. A simple plan, but an undeniably effective one, near instantly came to his mind. And it only relied on her trying to get answers out of him about Shinjuku, something he was confident would happen.
He pressed the record button and spoke, "Glad you're still alive, Q-1." He paused for a few seconds, both checking to see if Sayoko was back yet and to give Kallen a moment to process the message. He continued, "16:00 hours, the day after tomorrow. The observation deck at Tokyo Tower. Come alone." He ended the recording there. Sure, he'd have to plan most of that out on the fly, but with his new power, that shouldn't be too difficult.
"Here are the clothes, Lelouch-sama," he heard Sayoko say behind him. He turned to grab the neatly folded clothes from the maid.
"Thanks so much, Sayoko." He said with a half-artificial appreciation. "Hey, could you do me another favor?"
The maid looked directly at her current master. "Of course, Lelouch-sama. What may I help you with?"
Lelouch's left eye began to glow as he spoke his next words, "In exactly four minutes, you are to call the phone in the south wing shower. Ask for Kallen. Once you hear a female voice answer the phone, you will play this tape. Once the recording ends, hang up and delete the recording. You will forget you did any of this." He gave her the recorder at her trance-like obedience.
It really was quite the convenient power, wasn't it?
"So, yeah, my bike broke down, and then I lost it!" I vented to the blind girl in front of me. It seems like Nunnally was loved by darn near everyone! "I've got someone whose willing to drive me to my part-time job, but I don't know when I'll get my bike back." Probably never, since it was left in Shinjuku.
"I'm so sorry, Rivalz. That probably isn't helping with any stress you have, is it?" The kind voice of Lelouch's sister felt like velvet to my ears. Knowing Lelouch's motivations, I fully understand his desire to keep this angel safe. Heck, even before knowing his motivations, I'd still probably die for her!
At the moment it was just me and her in the room. Kallen was probably in the shower already, Milly and Shirley went to clean Kallen's clothes, leaving me to look after the celebration supplies and Nunnally. And Nina too, I suppose, but she's just kinda sitting in the corner doing nothing.
Seems like Rivalz is often used as a scapegoat. While it makes sense in this case, it kinda feels like they don't really care about me. I know they do, but it still hurts.
… Did I just consider myself Rivalz subconsciously? That's a good thing, right? Getting used to be one person who was previously two is good, right?
"If anything, losing the bike is good thing," a familiar voice suddenly came from above. Lelouch was walking down the stairs while carrying clothes. "It will keep us from going out, at least until the issue is resolved."
"That's right, big brother," Nunnally said a touch joking but with concern in her voice, "Now you won't be risking anything!"
I can't imagine Nunnally finding out any other way than Shirley letting it slip. Which, while that makes sense, it's still interesting seeing how smart she is. While not quite on the level of her older brother, it still is a bit above what Rivalz – what I – would have been in canon. I'm probably only able to keep up thanks to future knowledge.
Lelouch chuckled a bit before replying, "Yeah, that's true." Seeing Lelouch with a genuine smile on his face at Nunnally's antics, I couldn't help but smile myself. Lelouch, you might not know it yet, but I promise that you will be able to live in peace with her!
"While I'm thinking about it," Lelouch continued, "Rivalz, would you mind if we talk privately later? There something I need to discuss with you."
Lelouch wants to talk with me? Why? I can't think of anything that I've done recently that would cause him to... Did he somehow find out that I had something to do with Shinjuku? No, I made sure that hid my voice from him. Then, does he maybe suspect that I might have been involved in some way? If yes, then he'll most likely geass me into answering his questions, like how he did to Kallen. That could be really bad if he asks me about how I know what I do. The biggest problem having the name 'Mao.'
Well, if that's the case, then I can just not look at him when he uses his geass. It's not perfect, but it'll have to do.
"Sure, pal!" I respond, "As soon we get the situation with Kallen settled, you'll have my undivided attention!" A small part of me wanted to put that conversation off for as long as possible.
'I didn't do it on purpose!' I screamed mentally as I looked at the tv.
In truth, I had forgotten that today was when Clovis's murder and Suzaku being framed both happened today. It really just slipped my mind entirely. I was fully prepared for Lelouch to interrogate me; now I have to let the stress of the future event weigh on my mind until then. Not to mention the added stress of Suzaku' "trial" – granted, it's way less than the former, but it still is there!
The rest of the student council had varied reactions to the new. Lelouch's mask actually cracked and showed genuine fear and concern; Milly and Shirley both were more distraught at the news about Clovis than about Suzaku; Nina was looking completely horrified, and I realized this probably didn't help her xenophobia; Kallen was mostly indifferent, but I could still see some anger oozing from her; and surprisingly, Nunnally was probably the most composed out of all of them, partly because she couldn't express her emotions as easily without her eyes, and partly because she was used to death already.
Even now, I could see the gears in Lelouch's head turning as he thought up a rescue plan. His friendship with Suzaku made my Rivalz half a touch jealous, but I quickly put that out of my mind. They helped each other back directly through the invasion of Japan.
Then what could I do to help Lelouch now?
"Well, I believe that the news has ruined the mood for celebration," Lelouch said flatly as he regained his composure first. "If you still want to welcome Kallen, you may do so, but perhaps not now. It would only be awkward, you know?"
Everyone had agreed pretty readily, not wanting to dwell on Prince Clovis's death any longer. They were all polite and kind to Kallen, saying that they didn't mean to ruin her first experience with the student council with everything that happened, myself included. After a much more subdued reception, Kallen and the others made their way back toward where they were staying, whether that be dorms or their own homes.
I, however, decided to stay with Lelouch a bit longer. I didn't have to worry about work for a bit since we ended the student council a bit early, and I wouldn't be surprised if several places just close early at the news. While Nunnally went to get prepared for her eventual dinner, me and Lelouch were left alone, leaving a slight tenseness in the air.
Deciding to poke the fire, I spoke first asking, "So, you wanted to talk to me, Lelouch?" I made sure that while I was turned toward him slightly, I wasn't looking directly at his eyes. I don't really care if he figures out that I know about his geass, him knowing about Mao is a worst case scenario.
"It can wait; I can tell that you're pretty shaken up at the news about Clovis," he said in a purposefully monotone voice. Possibly because he feels that if any emotion is in his voice, his true feelings will seep through. Being Lelouch's friend definitely gives some insight into how he thinks.
"Lelouch, you're my best friend. If whatever you want to talk about is bothering you, then I'll be there for you. I'll be there for you through thick and thin, to the end of the line, no matter what." Even though the non-Rivalz half wouldn't ever be able to say this, the half that was Rivalz had this near instantly escape from my lips. And he most certainly meant what was said.
I hadn't even realized that I had turned to look Lelouch in the eyes until after I finished my statement. And I saw that Lelouch had a slightly surprised look on his face that gave way to appreciation. To be honest, seeing him smile was infectious, possibility even more than Nunnally; it just felt more genuine when he had that same smile as his sister on his face. I couldn't help but give a smile back.
"I appreciate it, Rivalz," Lelouch said with genuine mirth to his voice. "Then I'd like to ask you a question." At my nod, he continued, "What do you know about Shinjuku?"
Did he not geass me as he asked? I felt exactly the same I did before, and I didn't feel compelled to do anything. Maybe it shows that he's willing to trust me enough to not literally bend my will just to fulfill his curiosity! I can work with this! Maybe I can help from the sidelines!
"Well –" I was cut off as the doorbell rang. I sat confused for a moment before asking, "Are we expecting company?" At Lelouch's shrug I went to open the door despite his pleas to let him take care of it.
"Hello?" I asked as the door slid open. As I looked to see who was, I felt my jaw be pulled by gravity and it refused to ascend once again.
"May I come in?" a slightly disheveled C.C. asked as if it were the weather.
AN
… that's all it took to get you interested, huh? Just put 'harem' in the summary and you're all flocking to it like moths to a flame? I'd be upset, but since I put it in there, I'm just disappointed.
Whatever. At this point, if I don't follow through, you guys and myself are going to be really upset with me.
In all seriousness, thank you all SO MUCH for your favorites, follows, and reviews! As of writing this, the story has almost 800 views! That's so insane to me that a simple concept that I came up with is apparently so interesting! I appreciate every kind word as well as every interested click!
Hope you all have a good week!