Do Something, Do It Stupid

by codegeassfan123

Everyone knows about the Britannian Imperial Family, even Lady Marianne's deceased children have their place in history. Yet everyone often forgets about the one prince that left Pendragon 7 and a 1/2 years ago, and that's the Dimwitted Prince, Joseph Du Britannia. Now that he's crossed paths with his brother on a highway in Area 11, there's no telling what adventures might ensue.

41. Relaxation!

OSI Surveillance Room

"Sayoko, what'd you do?" Lelouch asked tiredly as he rubbed his eyes in frustration.

"Um, I was afraid Rivalz might discover this control room. So I thought that's what I should do in your character." Sayoko said, feeling ashamed.

"Good call, Lightning Servant." Joseph praised as he came up and patted Sayoko on the back, surprising her.

"No, Joe. Bad call." Lelouch said quickly.

"She had no right doing that!" Shirley said in annoyance.

"What big deal? Dating anyway." Joseph said, not getting it.

"No! I mean...yes...but we..." Lelouch stuttered, trying to explain.

"I wanted my first kiss to be with the ACTUAL Lelouch!" Shirley whined as she beat Joseph's chest rapidly.

"...Ooooooh..." Joseph said in realization before patting the pouting Shirley on the back.

"I really am sorry, Master Lelouch." Sayoko said as she bowed her head in shame.

"Sayoko, I've told you already. You were acting too nice as a stand-in." Rolo said sternly.

"Now hold on. Beside from that she did a good job." Lelouch told him.

"Lelouch, I know Sayoko used be in your service but…" Rolo started to say.

"Actually, to be precise, I was working for the Ashford family." Sayoko corrected him.

"I know that. You were in charge of caring for Nunnally, right?" Rolo asked.

While they were talking, Villetta was in the corner looking at the profiles of Gino and Anya.

"I guess the problems with the Knights of the Round will have to wait." Villetta said to herself.

Lelouch just sighed to himself.

"Oh well, I suppose it can't be helped." Lelouch said tiredly before giving Shirley a small smile. "At least now I can take you out somewhere and people won't have to speculate." He said positively.

"R-Really?" Shirley asked in surprise.

"Well I do owe another date after all." Lelouch told her kindly as he took her hand into his.

"Oh, Lulu." Shirley said, returning the smile, giggling a bit.

"Awww." Joseph said as he took Rolo around his arm, squeezing tightly.

"Big brother...can't breathe." Rolo said with a tight breath.

"Master Lelouch, I have your schedule for tomorrow." Sayoko said as she handed him an iPad, getting the couple's attention.

"Tomorrow?" Lelouch asked as he took the iPad.

"Sayoko made promises to other people without considering all the consequences." Rolo said tiredly after Joseph let him go.

"I was instructed to maintain his interpersonal relationships." Sayoko said.

"'Interpersonal?'" Shirley asked with a raised eyebrow as she also looked at the schedule.

"Sayoko, you're a ninja, I wouldn't think you be careless." Rolo said in annoyance.

"I am a secret service agent. A 37th master of the Shinozaki school…" Sayoko started to say until...

"Sayoko!" Lelouch spoke up in aghast.

"What's with this schedule?!" Shirley asked angrily as she looked at iPad in disbelief as she ran through the many things Lelouch had to do in just one day.

"Allowing for three hours of sleep, you were scheduled to date 108 girls. But now they are waiting for cancellations. And they've been on the wait list for six months." Sayoko said in a professional manner. Not noticing the miserable look on Lelouch's face or the twitching eye from Shirley. "Since you have no classes pending I was able to fill all 24 hours. At 0800 you'll get a homemade box lunch. At 0900 you'll have visit the art gallery. At 1030 shopping. At 12 noon, you need to travel back to the aquarium, and from there, travel aboard the Shinkiro. Please go underwater until you're 400 kilometers from shore. You'll change clothes inside the cockpit and proceed to the Chinese Federation where you conclude trade treaty in Shanghai at 1500 hours. You are allotted 47 minutes to complete your business there. Then you'll return here to see a late movie at 2100 hours. At 24:02 you'll meet your break up with your next date at a live show. And then…"

"STOP!" Shirley yelled as she raised her hand in frustration. She then snatched the iPad out of Lelouch's hand and shoved it back into Sayoko's. "Sayoko. This schedule will not do at all. Lelouch is not here to run himself ragged like he does as Zero, he is here to socialize and relax." She said in a stern manner.

"But Shirley, the treaty..." Lelouch tried to reason.

"You have C.C. over there to take care of those things, right? And we'll just have to make an official announcement to the students so all the other girls can back off." Shirley told him. "You are going to stop worrying about this stuff for a few days and I won't hear otherwise!" She demanded with a wagging finger before turning back to Sayoko. "And you need to revise this schedule immediately Sayoko, because trust me, the cold shoulder is the not worst thing you'll get from me!" She threatened with an intense look.

Honestly, it actually made Sayoko a bit nervous. "Um, right away Lady Shirley..." She said wearily, not wanting to upset her master's girlfriend.

Lelouch and Rolo also looked at her nervously. Joseph just had a big smile on his face.

"Perfect for you." Joseph whispered to Lelouch.

"Someone's gotta look after you, Lulu." Shirley said with a cheerful tone. "However, a lot of people are going to be asking questions, what should we tell them?" She asked curiously.

"Simple. It's like this..." Lelouch started to say.

...

Pendragon

The royal siblings consisting of Guinevere, Odysseus, Schneizel, Cassius, and Carine sat together as they discussed the news given by Bismarck.

"Hmm, it's a bit rush isn't it? Declaring war on the Chinese Federation." Odysseus said in concern

"Hmm, is that what His Majesty said?" Schneizel asked curiously.

"Yes, he told us to take all of it." Bismarck told them.

"I agree! I say take out the Chinese Federation'd be good." Carine said with glee.

"Those savages humiliated Odysseus. We can never forgive them for that." Cassius said with a wicked grin.

"Cassius, I have no grudge for the incident that occurred with the Empress." Odysseus said wearily. "The war with the EU is ongoing. And Area 11 is on the path to peace. So I prefer to settle this…"

"Oh as if we care about what Nunnally does there." Carine scolded.

"Carine, Nunnally is around your age. You should make an attempt to be friends with her." Odysseus gently advised.

"Friends with a crippled? Please." Cassius scoffed. "Next thing you'll be asking us to welcome that traitorous retard back with open arms." He said offhandedly.

"Perhaps he should be thankful to that 'retard'." Guinevere spoke up, making the other siblings look at her in confusion. "A marriage with a 13 year old girl, what the Hell were you thinking?!" She asked Odysseus angrily.

"I...I was just..." Odysseus stuttered, not sure what to say.

"We thought it was the best course to seize the Chinese Federation without any lost of lives." Schneizel explained for him.

"Yes, and in return we would have given nobles titles to those slimy beings that called themselves 'men'." Guinevere said bitterly. "I would have thought you have better ideas than that Schneizel." She said with disappointment.

Schneizel couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that. His sister usually didn't get too involved in political manners like this, often the "silent passenger" so to speak.

"Who the Hell cares how they went at it. If it's more power for us, we do whatever it takes." Cassius said arrogantly.

"We should have blown them all to kingdom come and taken the land for ourselves a long time ago." Carine said evilly.

"This would be an easy matter to solve if Cornelia were present. Bismarck, have you heard anything?" Cassius asked.

"I haven't. But she apparently hasn't contacted Lord Guilford, either." Bismarck told them.

"Then who will lead our troops?" Cassius asked:

"We can station two divisions along the Mongolian border." Schneizel told him.

"Are you offering to take command, Schneizel?" Odysseus asked.

"Of course he is..." Guinevere thought with an eye roll.

"Battle is unnecessary. The Chinese Federation has fallen apart. We can gain half the territory by rattling sabers and through the negotiations. Will that play, for the Emperor?" Schneizel asked Bismarck.

"I will bring it to his Highness." Bismarck said.

At that, Guinevere rose from her seat and took her leave.

"You know best, Schneizel." Guinevere said blankly.

The group looked at her, unsure what she meant. Odysseus decided to go after her.

He caught up with her in the hallway.

"Guinevere, wait." Odysseus called out to her, she stopped walking but didn't look at him. "What happened over at the Chinese Federation...I...I knew it wasn't right, but Schneizel said-"

"Schneizel says, Cassius says, the Emperor says. Everyone's word except your own, huh Odysseus?" Guinevere asked quietly, still not looking at him. Odysseus looked at her surprise. "We're the oldest members in this family, and yet we became the sheep following the wolves." She said as she turned to look at him, before putting on a sad smile.

"Or maybe we always were sheep and we just kept our heads down while the world burned around us..." She continued as she looked at a portrait of her father. "What happened, brother?" She asked before resuming her walk, leaving a conflicted Odysseus with his thoughts.

Along with her own.

...

(Flashback)

9 Months Prior

Guinevere walked into Joseph's room wearing just casual clothes, a white blouse and teal bellbottoms to be exact. They were a lot more comfortable than her dress and she could walk around without being bothered. Not that it really matter since the only ones to visit him was her sister, Nunnally, and that recently appointed Knight of Seven, Suzaku Kururugi.

Guinevere was surprised that her father had given him such a title, considering his ethnicity. He may have killed Zero but her father wasn't known to be generous. She wondered what he did to get on the Emperor's good side in the first place.

But she put it aside for now as she looked at her comatose brother who had a tube in his mouth to help him breath and she could see the scar where he was shot with the sniper was healing. The stitches seem to be doing their jobs as it was healing nicely.

It would honestly looked like he was sleeping if it wasn't for all the medical equipment.

Next to him was a coat hanger with his black coat on it. Next to that was a desk with his walkman on it. Along with a picture of his mom, Lady Rebecca, and a vase of flowers that were starting to wilt.

She went to the desk and threw away the wilted flowers and put in the fresh ones that she brought with her. She looked the picture of Lady Rebecca and a feeling of regret invoked within her body.

She approached her little brother, her regret turning to anger as her fist tighten.

"You stupid fool..." She said quietly.

Why did he do that? Why for the man who killed Euphemia?

She then sighed tiredly as she relaxed her hand. "And I still can't lecture you about it..." She said sadly.

She then reached her hand to his head and slowly brushed her fingers through his hair.

Dense but smooth, just like that day eight years ago.

And now here he was, practically a vegetable.

She had a shaky breath, for a question lingered in her mind for many years, one that she could never find the courage ask.

"Joseph...I want to know..." She started to say.

Until the sound of the door opening behind broke her stupor.

She whipped her head around and saw it was Nunnally and Suzaku who entered.

Suzaku saw her and gave a surprised gasp, Guinevere froze in place.

They both stood there, not sure what to say.

"Um, Suzaku? Is everything okay?" Nunnally asked after a few moments. She had a bouquet of flowers in her arms.

"Uh..." Suzaku spoke up, trying to find the right words.

Guinevere quickly gave him a stern look and put her finger to her lips.

He then saw the fresh flowers that were already inside the vase and looked at her in surprise. She then made a cutting motion to her throat, looking at him angrily.

"Suzaku?" Nunnally asked again, getting worried.

"Oh, sorry Nunnally. I just noticed that someone already left a fresh batch of flowers for Joseph." Suzaku said casually as he made sure to keep the door open before pushing Nunnally over to Joseph's bed.

"Again? How sweet." Nunnally said cheerfully as she took Joseph's hand.

While she did that, Guinevere made sure to quietly step out of the room. But not before hearing:

"It's nice to know someone else here cares about Joseph." Nunnally said kindly.

"Yes, it is." Suzaku said, giving Guinevere a small smile.

She in return rolled her eyes and made her way out.

Once she was out of hearing distance, she sighed in frustration.

"He better keep his mouth shut." She thought miserably.

(Flashback End)

Guinevere went back to her room and opened a bottle of vodka.

...

Throne Room

"Hmm, is that what Schneizel said?" Charles asked Bismarck, who kneeled before him.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Do you approve?" Bismarck asked.

"You, the Knight of One, the mightiest knight of the empire, ask me that?" Charles asked with a chuckle.

"Your Majesty, war is merely one method of diplomacy. However it is far away the least efficient of them." Bismarck said.

"Perhaps you're right. War has historically been an action favored by idiots." Charles said.

...

Viceroy Palace

Guilford looked at a scrapbook filled with pictures of Cornelia as he waited patiently for Viceroy Nunnally, who had called him up to her office for a meeting.

"Princess, where are you now?" Guilford wondered solemnly.

He then heard the door open and turned to see Nunnally wheel herself in.

He put down the scrapbook and stood up in a professional manner.

"Viceroy Nunnally." Guilford said politely with his fist over his chest and a small bow.

"Please, no need for formalities Lord Guilford." Nunnally said kindly as she waved him off, surprising him.

"Um, of course." Guilford said.

Nunnally successfully brought herself around to her desk to due to learning the trajectory of the room.

"Where's Miss Lohmeyer?" Guilford couldn't help but ask.

"I sent her on an errand, I wanted our conversation to be private." Nunnally told him as she gestured for him to sit, he did so.

"I'm surprised you knew I was still standing." Guilford said, a bit impressed.

"Chairs and shoes make certain sounds when someone sits or stands up. It's something you catch on to when you deal with a disability like mine." Nunnally explained happily.

"Indeed." Guilford said with a smile and nod.

Suddenly, Nunnally reached her hand out to Guilford, who looked at it in confusion.

"May I?" Nunnally asked politely.

"Um, of course." Guilford said, putting his hand in hers, not sure why she needed it.

"Now Guilford, I believe you were under my sister's command for a long while. Princess Cornelia." Nunnally said, leading the conversation.

"Yes, I was her Knight of Honour, still am." Guilford said proudly.

"And I'm sure she had your loyalty through and through, I can only hope I can have the same while I'm Viceroy here." Nunnally said solemnly.

"Of course, your Highness." Guilford said in determination.

To which Nunnally arched her eyebrows in frustration.

"Do I though?" She asked.

"...Uh...I don't understand." Guilford said, now confused about what the subject of this conversation was.

"I had an interesting conversation with Lady Anya and Sir Gino awhile back and they told me you were given full authorization to wipe out Japanese civilians at the Special Administrative Zone ceremony had things gotten out of hand." Nunnally said, a bit of an edge to her voice. "Would you care to explain to me why that is? Especially when the point of that ceremony was suppose to be a symbol of peace." She asked.

Guilford couldn't help but look at Nunnally in surprise. The princess always gave off a gentle nature, and now there was a fire in her tone, one that reminded him of Cornelia.

"Well...we were given permission by Alice Lohmeyer, she said that you-"

"You really think I would approve of something that despicable!?" Nunnally asked with a rare case of anger in her tone.

"I..." Guilford stuttered, not sure what to say. He then bowed his head in shame.

"My deepest apologies, your highness. It wasn't my intention to disrespect you or your leadership. My greatest concern, my only concern is to make sure you are kept safe. For the longest time, Princess Cornelia mourned you and your brother because she thought you were casualties of the war in this country. Then Prince Clovis was killed by that terrorist, Zero, along with Princess Euphemia. And now that man has somehow manipulated your brother, Prince Joseph, into fighting his cause, a cause that could very well get him killed by his very own country men. So many times I have failed the royal family already and I refused to let you be added to that list! Because I know if anything were to happen to you, I would never forgive myself, and I know that your sister would feel the same way." He explained solemnly.

Nunnally looked at him sympathetically, as she could understand his reasoning and she could feel he wasn't lying.

"I thank you for your concern over me, Lord Guilford, and I'm sure my family doesn't put any blame on you for what's happened here." She told him kindly, Guilford looked up in surprise at that. "But is it really fair to punish those who had nothing to do with said events?" She asked solemnly.

That took Guilford off-guard. "Uh...no, I suppose not." He said in a defeated tone.

"Tell me Guilford, this bigotry you have against the Japanese, is it because of personal vendetta? Or have you just been going along with Britannia's way of life for so long that it's the only way you see things now?" Nunnally genuinely asked him.

"Well...that's how Britannia has stayed strong for so many years, your highness. Our country has ruled superior because we abide by the simple rule of the weak die while the strong survive." Guilford said, hoping not to insult Nunnally.

"Yes, but the ones who enjoy the fruit of labor are either the nobles who buy their way into it or the high ranking military who caused it in the first place. The commoners who work hard or the ones born here are rarely if ever offered a piece." Nunnally said solemnly. "Our country should do better, and the way we do that is to first make ourselves better, don't you think?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

Guilford wouldn't lie, he was stumped at that. He hadn't expected such a speech by Nunnally, such gracefulness and a strong posture at that.

After a moment, Nunnally smiled and gave a chuckle. "Just think on that for awhile." She suggested before grabbing a report made for her in Braille. "You're dismissed."

"Uh, yes, your highness." Guilford said quietly as he rose up and gave a small bow. He turned to leave and went on his way, but not before stopping at the door and addressing her. "Viceroy?" He spoke up.

"Yes?" Nunnally asked, looking up from the report.

"While Miss Lohmeyer thinks you still have much to learn, I can see what a fine leader you are becoming. You have the gentle nature of Euphemia while also the fiery passion of Cornelia." He praised with a small smile, which Nunnally returned.

"Of course, I am a lion after all." Nunnally said.

"Hm. Indeed." Guilford said with a chuckle.

"And one more thing, Lord Guilford. If Miss Lohmeyer tries to give another order without my authorization, let me know about it." She instructed.

...

Knightmare Base

"C'mon, Suzaku. It's Milly's surprise graduation event!

"It's like I said before. I really wanna go. But unlike you and Anya, I'm an aide to the Viceroy, so I just can't. Meetings come first." Suzaku told him solemnly.

"Geez, you really need to loosen up, my friend." Gino told him.

"Say hi to my fiancee for me, will you?" Lloyd asked with his signature smirk.

"What? You're serious about that?" Gino asked incrediously.

"Well Cecile here tells me I need to be more mature about these things." Lloyd said offhandedly.

"I really wish I didn't have to." Cecile said with a sigh.

"Not only that, I was told that Lelouch was making an announcement as well." Gino said excitedly.

"An announcement?" Suzaku asked curiously.

...

Ashford Academy

"...Shirley and I have been seeing each other in private for a while now." Lelouch told the band of students in front of him and Shirley, including Milly, Rivalz, Anya, and Gino.

"It started as simple bonding when we went to the Omotesando Mall, but we gradually started to develop feelings for each other." Shirley continued.

"And it wasn't until the Ashford field trip that I asked her out." Lelouch said.

"Don't you mean when I asked you out?" Shirley asked with a smirk.

"Alright, that's fair." Lelouch said as he shook his head in amusement.

The students couldn't help but giggle at the couple.

"So how come you two are only coming out about it now?" Rivalz asked.

"Well we didn't want to make a big deal out of it. Heaven forbid I get to have my boyfriend to myself." Shirley told him in annoyance.

"So why did he ask me out?" A female student asked in annoyance.

"And me?" Another female student asked angrily.

"And me?"

"And me?!"

"We were trying to just keep it casual at the time, take it slow." Lelouch started to explain. "But when I tried to make a connection with the other girls, I realized it wasn't the same kind of spark I had with Shirley. I realized only she could bring me happiness no other woman could." He said with a heartfelt tone as he took Shirley's hand and smiled warmly at her, which Shirley returned. "Besides Nunnally that is..." He had to quickly add in his head.

The girls couldn't help but "awww" at the two while the boys nodded in respect.

"It was foolish of me to try and mingle with you girls, and I deeply apologize. But trust me when I say that Shirley has taught me a good lesson about it." Lelouch said.

"Darn right!" Shirley said with a grin as she punched the back of Lelouch's head, who chuckled painfully.

"I gotta say, Lelouch. I didn't think you had it in you." Rivalz teased.

"What can I say, sometimes we got to take risks." Lelouch said.

"Lelouch, old man!" Gino spoke up.

"Um, yes Gino?" Lelouch asked, still wondering how that ended up being his nickname.

"Does this mean you won't be going to those underground chess games where you bet? I was hoping to accompany you on one." Gino said disappointedly.

"When I told him how you gambled on your games he begged me to take him along." Rivalz said awkwardly.

"Rivalz..." Lelouch muttered with annoyance.

Milly looked on with a wistful smile. "Lelouch, looks like you finally understand." She said with a grateful tone.

"Took me awhile, but I got there eventually." Lelouch said with a chuckle.

"Hey Prez, are you really graduating?" Rivalz asked

"Um, well..." Milly started to say.

"Hey, prez!" Shirley said, grabbing Milly's arm.

"What is it?" Milly asked, confused.

"Come with us, we have something to show you." Lelouch encouraged as he and Shirley lead her into the Student Council Building.

They, along with the whole band of students, came inside and what awaited was *POPS* of confetti!

"What the?" Milly said in shock.

"HAPPY GRADUATION, MILLY!" Everyone shouted happily.

There was a sign hung up that said: "WORLD'S BEST PRESIDENT!". Along with decorations that went with the themes of all the festivals Milly had created, games like "pin the tail on the horse", students wearing cat costumes, some wearing horse costumes, some dressing as clowns, and her grandfather in the center of it.

"Hello Milly." Reuben said with a small smile as he went over and gave his granddaughter a hug.

"Grandpa? W-What is all this?" Milly said, stupefied by what was going on.

"Well, the President of Ashford can't leave without a proper sendoff, can she?" Reuben asked with a smirk.

"But when did you...?" She asked.

"Lelouch had the dean set everything up while he was telling us about his and Shirley's getting together." Rivalz told her.

"You did this Lelouch?" Milly asked in surprise.

"Of course. Anything for my friends, especially one as close and personal as you." Lelouch told her kindly.

"Thank you for everything you've done here at school." Shirley said happily, going in for a hug.

"It won't be the same without you here, Prez." Rivalz said a bit sadly.

"Yes, the time I spent here with you has been...interesting and...fun to say the least." Rolo said with a small smile.

"The last three years were so much fun!" A male student said.

"You're the best president ever!" A female student said.

"Thank you." Another student said.

More and more praises came the students, all of whom cherished Milly.

It honestly made her tear up. "...Thank guys..." She said with a bittersweet smile.

"Come on! Let's get this party started!" Gino said as he opened a bottle of sparkling cider.

As the party went in full swing, Lelouch and Shirley stayed back a bit.

"It's wonderful what you did here, Lulu." Shirley said sweetly

"It's honestly the least I can do. After everything that's happened, she deserves this." Lelouch said with a small smile. "You were right, Shirley. This is a time to relax." He told her.

Shirley looked at him cheerfully and put a hand on his shoulder. Suddenly they heard a camera click and saw Anya taking a picture of them.

"Lady Anya?" Lelouch asked.

"There's something I want to ask you." Anya said in monotone.

"Um, sure." Lelouch said.

She turned her phone around and showed a picture of a 10-year old boy with black hair and violet eyes. Lelouch and Shirley both froze in horror seeing it.

"Same Lelouch?" Anya asked blankly.

"CRAP! That's a picture of me when I was still a prince back in the homeland!" Lelouch thought fearfully. "Of course, not. Remarkable similarities. But you know, I'm only a commoner." Lelouch said quickly.

"Yeah! I mean, he looks like a sweet kid but it's definitely not the same person! Lelouch hasn't even been outside of the Area!" Shirley said quickly with a nervous chuckle.

While they were trying to get Anya off their back, Milly was talking on the phone.

"Yes, that's right, Suzaku. The roof top garden's finally finished. Suppose I can't keep avoiding the real world forever." Milly said.

"I'm sorry. I really hate missing your graduation event." Suzaku said apologetically.

"I understand. You have important work to do, right?" Milly asked.

"Ye..yeah..." Suzaku said awkwardly.

"Then my final act for you is to cast my special magic spell. Relax! You need to unwind from time to time." Milly said with authoritative voice before giggling

"Thanks a lot, prez. I appreciate it." Suzaku said with his own chuckle.

...

Viceroy Palace

"By the way, is it true that Lelouch set up your graduation party?" Suzaku couldn't help but ask.

"Yep! Surprising really, I had no idea he could be such a softie for this kind of stuff. Shirley must have really gotten him to unwind a bit." Milly said happily.

"...So that's also true, him and Shirley are together?" Suzaku asked hesitantly.

"That's right, the two lovebirds have finally nested!" Milly said excitedly.

Suzaku's hand clutched in fury at that. "That's...fantastic..." Suzaku said calmly. "Anyway, give my regards to everyone."

...

Ashford Academy

Student Council Building

"Will do! See ya!" Milly said before hanging up. She looked around and observed the various students having fun, she spotted Lelouch, Shirley, and Rivalz talking with each other and they gave her a wave. She smiled and waved back, she then thought about what Nina told her.

You're kind, passionate, and a great leader. Those festivals you always had us do were so well organized and fun that only you could have made it so. I know I said some awful things last night, but I was right about one thing, you are the campus queen and you can easily bring that to wherever you go next!"

"And with that this girl is no longer avoiding the real world!" Milly said determinedly

...

Few Days Later

"Hello everyone, how are you? My name is Milly Ashford. Beginning today, I'll be your go to girl for weather information here on the weather corner." Milly said joyfully on the television as she stood in the rain with an umbrella over her head.

The rest of the council including Lelouch, Shirley, Rivalz, Rolo, Gino, Anya, and Joseph(in his spirit form) watched her from the meeting room.

"From Student Council President to a weather reporter." Rivalz said with a smirk.

"How did she qualified?" Rolo asked curiously.

"I heard she chose a talent agency while still in school." Lelouch explained.

"She's from nobility." Anya said, looking at her phone.

"She said she never likes doing anything half way, so…" Rivalz started to say.

"...Of course she would choose a job where she can be her fullest self." Shirley finished with a proud smile.

"Yes! Now watching weather can actually be fun!" Joseph's spirit said excitedly.

"Then why did she call off her engagement? Did she have to?" Rolo asked curiously.

"Lloyd must be in a state of shock." Gino said, an amused smile on his lips.

"I seriously doubt that." Lelouch muttered before looking at the photo of Milly's graduation on a shelf.

She was at the center wearing her graduation uniform and a diploma in her hands with her friends by her side consisting of Lelouch, Shirley, Rivalz, Rolo, Suzaku, Gino, and Anya.

"Good luck, Prez." Lelouch thought with a small smile.

...

Viceroy Palace

Military Base

Lloyd laughed wholeheartedly. "Just what I'd expect from my former fiancee." He said happily.

"He doesn't seem to upset about it." Suzaku stated.

"Well of course, it was all bravado. I doubt he wanted to get married at all." A Britannian researcher said in amusement.

Cecile could only sigh at her partner's behavior.

...

Avalon

Nina and Kanon watched Milly's weather report as well.

"It seems your friend was able to find a place for herself." Kanon observed with a small smile.

"I had no doubt." Nina said happily.

...

Later That Night

Horai Island

"Thanks again for coming to my sleepover everyone!" Tianzi said cheerfully "Uncle Joe told me friends do this to have fun and make antics!"

Currently she, Kallen, C.C., Kaguya, Chiba, Rakshata, and Xianglin were all sitting on a giant bed together all in their pajamas.

"I guess that is one way to describe them." Kallen said in amusement. She had on her yellow sleeveless shirt and black shorts on, along with a cast around the leg that got wounded that was laying on a pillow. Her crutches were on the side of the bed.

"Sorry again about your leg, Miss Kallen. Will it be okay?" Tianzi asked in concern, she wore traditional yellow pajamas while hugging a stuffed panda.

"It's nothing to worry about, your highness. Docs say it's just a hairline fracture, I should be able to take it off in a couple more weeks." Kallen reassured her. "Which also means no missions unfortunately..." She thought dejectedly.

Chiba had on a black sports bra and shorts. "I'm glad you were rescued Kallen, but that probably wouldn't have happened if Joseph hadn't acted so recklessly." She reprimanded.

"True, but I would have probably been executed by now if he hadn't acted as recklessly as he did." Kallen said with annoyance towards her.

"You'relucky that he didn't damage my Guren too badly otherwise you'd both be in trouble." Rakshata said sternly, wearing nylons, a purple mini-skirt, a scarf that wrapped around her shoulders, and a fabric that wrapped around her breasts. Like always, she had her smoke pipe in her hand.

"Why are you mad at me?! He's the one who kicked it!" Kallen whined.

"And he wouldn't have had to kick it if you recharged my child in the first place." Rakshata said with a lecturing tone.

"Please, let's not fight, we're here to relax after all." Xianglin said, trying to change the subject. She wore a pajama version of her usual attire.

"Agreed! We should talk about love!" Kaguya said, a wearing a pink, more suggestive, version of a pajama garment.

"Ugh! Kaguya, no one wants to hear that!" Kallen said, exasperated.

"Why? Embarrassed to discuss about a certain moron you obviously like?" C.C. asked, her pajamas consisting of a white buttoned up shirt and panties, she also had her cheese-kin between her chest.

"C.C.!" Kallen shouted, cheeks an embarrassed red.

"Miss Kallen, Kaguya told me you 'like like' Uncle Joe. What does that mean?" Tianzi asked curiously.

"Uh, well..." Kallen stuttered, not sure what to say.

"Oh just come out with it, child. The boys aren't here, quit being so shy." Rakshata said with an amused smile.

"Yes Kallen, tell us how you fell in love with a prince!" Kaguya said excitedly.

"Oh, this I have to hear." Chiba said with interest, having no idea why Kallen harbored such feelings for him.

Kallen could feel all eyes on her and just sighed in defeat. "Fine." She muttered.

"Well, when I first meant Joe, my initial reaction was shock and disbelief. He had long hair in a man bun, dirt covered his face and clothes, I honestly thought he was just some crazy, homeless guy. And to top it off, the guy was a complete moron! I mean I thought Tamaki was dumb, but Joe definitely takes it to whole 'nother level!" Kallen said as she began her story.

"Joseph's stupidity is actually amusing though." Rakshata said with her relaxed tone.

"That's one word for it." Chiba muttered.

"But when a few friends confirmed he was indeed a prince, I became angry, I mean an actual prince in my presence, a royal member of the family who took my land and murdered my people. How could I not get angry?" Kallen asked rhetorically.

Chiba nodded in agreement.

"But then it changed when I was told about his past, I couldn't help but sympathize with the guy. Having only half a brain, losing his mother to cancer at a young age, all the physically abuse he endured by so many people for so many years, it's hard not too." She continued with a quiet voice.

Tianzi couldn't help but tear up in sadness, her new uncle didn't tell her any of that.

"Poor Uncle Joe..." Tianzi said sadly, Kaguya putting a hand on her shoulder in support.

"But, I wanted to put my country first, so I actually had the idea to kidnap him and hold him ransom to try and get Japan back." Kallen continued.

Everyone except C.C. and Rakshata gasped in shock.

"You were going to attempt to kidnap a prince all by yourself?!" Xianglin asked in surprise.

"Not a bad plan, but considering where his stance in the royal family was even before he turned traitor, I doubt Britannia would have even lifted a finger for him." Chiba said.

"Miss Kallen, why would you do such a thing?!" Tianzi asked in shock.

"I know! It was stupid and I regret even thinking of it." Kallen said, ashamed. "But thankfully, I didn't get very far as it turned out he was a big fan of Zero and me being a Black Knight." She continued.

"I'm surprised you told him early on like that." Kaguya said.

"Well...I didn't, he uh...figured it out..." Kallen started to say awkwardly, surprising the others.

"Really? How?" Xianglin asked.

"...He recognized my hair from TV." Kallen muttered.

The group, besides Tianzi, stared at her blankly for a moment before Rakshata and C.C. burst out laughing.

"Good lord! Maybe he's not so dumb after all!" Rakshata howled with hysterics.

"A moon can be blue every once in a while." C.C. said, still snickering as well.

"I would have thought, given your situation at the time, you would have donned a better disguise." Chiba said, a bit disappointed.

"No one at school recognized me! How I was suppose to know he had his own Sherlock shit going on!" Kallen complained angrily.

"Moving on. You said he was a big fan of yours?" Kaguya asked, wanting to get back on track.

"Y-Yeah. He started ranting about how awesome I was being out there with Zero when we rescued Suzaku. And while I was really confused at the fact that a prince was a fan of the man that killed his brother, there was tiny bit of me that couldn't help but feel...flattered." Kallen continued, a small voice at the end. "I mean, a lot of things I heard from Britannians about rebel groups at the time were about how were we terrorists that were trying to disrupt their way of life. But here this guy was, a prince for that matter, telling me right to my face, that he actually loved the work I was doing. I think for that first time, I truly felt proud for what I did that night." She said with a small smile.

"Awww. And that's when you fell in love with him." Kaguya said, leading the conversation.

"Nooo, not even close. If anything, I was in a state of confusion that very first day with him. The guy hadn't eaten any real food in six weeks and acted like tree bark was a full meal, he got insulted and mean looks from people in the settlement and didn't say anything, AND he got hit by a car and didn't even batter an eye! Not even when the driver tried to put blame on him! I couldn't comprehend it! The guy was letting himself be treated like an honorary Britannian and acting like he didn't care!" Kallen said angrily before taking a breath.

"And the thing is, he really doesn't care. I could see he is truly happy with himself, despite the circumstances he came to be in. So at the time, I no longer saw him as an enemy, but I wasn't going to become friends with him either. After all, I'm part of a rebellion and it would be rather strange for a Black Knight to suddenly be friends with a Britiannian prince." She continued.

"And yet you did." Chiba said a somewhat judging tone, which Kallen rolled her eyes at.

"What changed?" Xianglin asked, Kallen looked down sadly.

"...My mother became addicted to refrain." Kallen said quietly.

The women gasped in shock, Rakshata looked in surprise, C.C. looked down not expressing anything, while Tianzi was just confused.

"What's refrain?" Tianzi asked.

"It's a drug that became popular in Area 11, your highness. It tricks the mind to perceive a moment in a person's life that brings them joy." Xianglin explained.

"Except the addiction rate is higher than any other chemical out there. The death toll is pretty high on that one." Rakshata continued.

"And I was the one who pushed her into it." Kallen stated, confusing the girls except C.C. "While I was still living as Kallen Stadfelt, my mother took a job as a maid in the mansion I lived in. For the longest time, I thought she stayed because she wanted to get back with my father, like some jaded lover who was trying to pull off some romantic comedy bullshit. I thought it was pathetic, it made me angry, and I started to treat her horribly because of it. I would ignore her, insult her, berate her, anything I could do to make her leave! All because I thought thought she deserved better than the life she made for herself. Instead I drove her to taking drugs, my own mother." She continued as tears started to sprout from her eyes.

The women, including C.C., looked at her sympathetically. Tears sprouted from Tianzi's eyes and she crawled over and gave Kallen a hug, surprising her.

"It's okay, Miss Kallen. You did something wrong, but you're trying to do better. That's what matters." Tianzi said, remembering Joseph's story about Lelouch.

Kallen looked at the girl, not sure what to say, and instead gently hugged her back.

"Thank you, your highness. I appreciate that." Kallen said gratefully before they let go.

"I'm so sorry that happened Kallen. But what exactly does that have to do with Joseph?" Chiba couldn't help but ask.

"Because he's the one who saved her, and our relationship." Kallen told her after wiping her eyes. "It was because of him I learned she stayed for me all those years, it was because of him he stopped her from going to a drug buy that turned out to be a raid. And it was because of him I can still be with my mother today." She said with a grateful smile, a lot of the girls felt the same.

"And to top it off, he saved my friend's father from dying in Narita." She continued, surprising the others.

"Narita?" Kaguya asked curiously.

"The town that got caught up in the mudslide we created, turns out my friend's father was one of the people there. If Joseph hadn't been there when he was, he would have died like the rest of those people. Knowing that was a gut blow for me, but I was relieved to find out they made it. Joseph could have hightailed out of there without a second thought, but he chose to put his life on the line to at least save this man and let him have more time with his family, and my respect for him grew immensely that day." She continued.

"As well as your love!" Tianzi said excitedly, starting to understand what "like like" meant.

Kallen couldn't help but blush, but she didn't deny it either.

"I don't know about that, your highness. But I can say that the longer I've gotten to know him, the more I realize just what kind of person he is. Is he an idiot? Yes. Is he a pain in the ass? Absolutely. Are there times he makes me wanna rip my hair out? More than daily. But he's also a man who has a heart of gold, who's selfless, who never gives up, who always finds the bright side of a rainy day. And honestly, I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life with that kind of person." She said with a sweet smile.

The girls smiled at that too, minus Chiba that is. But even she couldn't deny the good person he was.

"That's so sweet, Kallen. You two were perfectly made for each other!" Kaguya cheered.

"Like vinegar and baking soda." Rakshata teased.

"I don't think I should get my hopes up honestly." Kallen said, a bit dejected.

"Don't be so sure, Miss Kallen. After all, the boy took on an entire army just to save you." Xianglin said.

"And he already told you he loves you, so it makes all the more easier for you to be with him now!" Kaguya said excitedly.

"Uh...I don't know about that. He could have easily meant he loved me like a sister or something." Kallen said.

"Then why did he kiss you?" C.C. asked with a knowing smile.

Now that definitely shocked the girls and made Kallen glow a cherry red.

"HE WHAT?!" Kaguya asked with a big, twisted smile.

"Huh. The boy really does have moves." Rakshata said, a bit impressed.

"C.C.!" Kallen yelled angrily.

"Sorry, forget I wasn't suppose to say anything." C.C. said with her lazy tone and cheeky smile.

"I will be your maid of honor!" Kaguya said excitedly.

"IT WASN'T A 'KISS' KISS! It was just on the cheek, a friendly little peck! That's all!" Kallen tried to tell them.

"Not what I saw." C.C. teased, adding fuel to the fire.

"I HATE YOU C.C.!" Kallen shouted, scaring Tianzi a bit. She saw this and quickly calmed down. "Sorry your highness. Can we please move on to someone else!?" Kallen asked, really wanting to get the attention off her.

"Well, I am actually am curious who you like, Kaguya." Tianzi said to her friend.

"Why Zero of course! I'm his bride-to-be!" Kaguya said with a dreamily voice, making Kallen and Chiba sigh tiredly. "However, if I were to ever need a backup husband, I would say Rolo." She said happily.

That got their attention.

"Rolo?!" Kallen asked in surprise.

"Who's that?" Tianzi asked.

"He's Joseph's adopted brother. He's so cute too! Like a female version of Nunnally." Kaguya said delightfully.

"I don't know, something seems off about that kid." Chiba warned.

"Doesn't exactly seem like a people person." Rakshata commented.

"I think there's a softness underneath that hard shell of his. We just have to find it." Kaguya said optimistically.

Kallen wouldn't argue with that, the kid did seem to be doing better from what Joseph told her.

"What about the rest of you? Anyone in the Black Knights you like?" Tianzi asked curiously.

"Hardly, the men here are such children." C.C. said lazily.

"Urabe's a gentlemen, he's just not interested in a relationship right now. And Ohgi's a nice guy, but just a nice guy." Chiba said.

"And he's not crude like Tamaki." C.C. commented

"Or a lolicon like Minami." Rakshata said airily.

"WHA! He is not! Take that back!" Kallen said, offended.

"I would agree actually, he gives off that vibe." C.C. mentioned.

"What's a lolicon?" Tianzi asked innocently.

"Uh, I'll explain when you're older, your majesty." Xianglin said awkwardly.

"You guys are talking crap!" Kallen said angrily, but now she felt like she needed to have personal discussion with the man.

"Whatever you say." C.C. said with a bored tone.

"As for Diethard, I cannot stand that man. He doesn't care about people at all, only how they look through a camera lens. A sly, tricky person." Chiba sneered.

Kallen would agree with that, she was told how he wanted to retreat and leave her behind. Only for Joseph to come to her defense and personally attacked the guy. While she could understand Diethard's reasonings, she was glad Joseph was able to get a swing at him.

"And no offense Kallen, but Sugiyama is kind of a skirt chaser." Chiba said apologetically.

"Yeah, I've actually seen him try to flirt with a few of the new recruits here and there." Kallen said awkwardly. "I think it's just flings for him though, the only person he really liked was Inoue." She said sadly, remembering her deceased friend.

"What about Asahina?" Xianglin asked curiously.

"Oh! Are you interested in him, Xianglin? If so, I can help arrange something!" Kaguya said excitedly.

"Nonono! I was just curious is all!" Xianglin said quickly. "My feelings lie with someone else anyway." She thought to herself.

"Asahina's a loyal soldier, but his tastes are a little odd as well." C.C. began to say.

"What do you mean?" Tianzi asked curiously.

"Well there are many forms of love, his is-"

"C.C.! I will not have you spread false rumors about my comrades." Chiba chided.

"All your comrades? Or just Tohdoh in particular?" C.C. asked slyly, making Chiba blush. "Don't want a bad word said about your colonel?" She continued.

"Uh! My feelings for the colonel are purely rumor!" Chiba said, embarrassed.

"Oh my dear lady, you're so obvious." Rakshata said cheekily.

"Yeah, probably more so than I am with Joseph." Kallen teased.

"The only person who doesn't know is Tohdoh himself." Kaguya said with a giggle.

All the teasing just made Chiba's face go redder.

"Miss Chiba. You should let the Colonel know how much you value him, and I'm sure he will value you in return." Tianzi encouraged.

The girls couldn't help but laugh at that.

"See, even she gets it." C.C. said with a smirk.

Chiba just groaned into her hands.

"You're a good girl, your highness. Don't let yourself fall for some bad boy, okay?" Rakshata told her kindly.

"Oh, I'll be fine. There are over 5000 soldiers in the Vermilion Forbidden City." Tianzi told her innocently. "Bad men won't be able to-"

"No, no. I mean don't fall in love with some nincompoop. It's too late for Kallen here." Rakshata teased.

"Hey!" Kallen said angrily.

"Nincompoop?" Tianzi asked in confusion, not understanding the word.

"Lend me your ear." Rakshata said as she gestured for Tianzi to come over.

Tianzi did so and Rakshata whispered into her ear.

"Huh...men are...what...?!" Tianzi said her face contorting from confusion, surprise, and then shock.

"Doctor Rakshata! Please do not fill the Empress' head with anything inappropriate!" Xianglin reprimanded.

It was then they heard a knock on the door.

"It's Li Xingke, I need the Empress to check on something real quick." Xingke said through the door.

"Okay, come in." Tianzi said gently.

Xingke entered the room and was surprise by the girl's attires.

"Empress, your outfit." Xingke said in surprise.

"We're having a pajama party! Kaguya help me set it up!" Tianzi said excitedly.

"I see." Xingke said simply.

"We were having a girl talk! About love!" Tianzi said enthusiastically.

"Love?" Xingke asked, not understanding.

"We were talking about men and how hopeless they are." C.C. commented.

"They taught me a lot of things. I'll teach them to you as well, Xingke. Lend me your ear." Tianzi offered as she gestured for him to come closer.

"Um, alright." Xingke said, wondering where she was going with this as he put his ear near her.

"Uh, your highness, maybe you shouldn't..." Kallen tried to say, but it was too late as she could see Xingke's face turn into shock.

"Wha...?!" Xingke asked, appalled.

"Yes! It shocked me too!" Tianzi told him.

"Those are all lies, Empress." Xingke told her, her voice becoming dark.

To which he then unsheathed his sword and aimed it at the girls on the bed.

"Master Xingke, stop!" Xianglin yelled, trying to hold him back.

"Let me go, Xianglin! They must pay the price for polluting the Empress' mind!" Xingke said angrily as he swung his sword at them.

"I already paid that price a gazillion times." C.C. said as she casually got up from the bed.

"Will you shut up, C.C.!" Kallen yelled as she got her crutches and hightailed out of there as fast as she could.

"Now's not the time for jokes!" Chiba said, doing the same.

"Hiya!" Xingke yelled, swinging his sword at the running girls.

"Xingke!" Tianzi shouted in concern.

"Come over here, Empress." Kaguya said gently as she pulled her over to comfort her.

"Kaguya, are these the antics that Uncle Joe was talking about?" Tianzi asked innocently, making Kaguya giggle.

"Yes, I believe they are." Kaguya said sweetly.

"Master Xingke, please, no more!" Xianglin pleaded as she went after him.

"You see, your highness. A nincompoop." Rakshata said with her relaxed smile, still laying on the bed.

...

Toyko Settlement

Jeremiah activated his left eye and a giant blue sphere loomed over the area.

"This is the eighth area, correct?" V.V. asked over the screen that he was on.

"Yes. But the people who are affected by the Geass power have been deployed as secret police, haven't they?" Jeremiah asked.

"We don't know so we're cleaning up the situation. You've been given a Geass canceller, which can destroy all types of Geass power." V.V. said.

"Yes, I understand. We don't know who's under the influence of the Geass. However once I've done with the Ashford Academy I'll take care of all business with Lelouch." Jeremiah told him.

"Very good, send me the report once you're done." V.V. instructed before cutting off communications.

"Lelouch, I will find you and get my answers!" Jeremiah thought determinedly.

...

The Next Day

Unknown

Another scientist fell dead by the blade held by Cornelia. Her hair had grown longer and was more unkept, and her left arm was injured and kept in a sling.

"I finally grabbed it. The tail of Geass…and now I will drag it from the shadows. I'll wipe away the stain from Euphie's name at last!" Cornelia said with determination in her voice and veagance in her eyes.

...

OSI Surviellance Room

"He kissed you on the cheek!?" Shirley whispered excitedly to her phone.

She was talking to Kallen on the other line while Lelouch and Rolo were discussing things and Joseph was dancing to his tunes. They were going to go on a date in a few minutes.

She and Lelouch both had casual clothes on. A black shirt, grey pants, and a brown jacket for Lelouch. While Shirley wore a pink, sleeveless buttoned shirt and a white skirt.

"I was surprised honestly. I...I'm not sure how to interpret it." Kallen said shyly on the phone.

"Well that should be your proof right there. If he goes out of his way to say he loves you and then kisses you on the cheek, his feelings must be the same!" Shirley told her optimistically.

"I...I guess..." Kallen said, still nervous.

"Just tell him when he gets back Kallen. Take a risk." Shirley told her gently.

"...Yeah, okay." Kallen agreed quietly.

Shirley smiled and then overheard Lelouch.

"So, the Jianmen path has fallen? We've also taken over the air force facility in Macau. We should send Asahina and Hong Gu to defend Chennai. And why don't we assign Minase and Sugiyama to take charge of municipal affairs there." Lelouch said.

"Well, looks like things are going smoothly." Rolo told him

"I'll talk to you later, Kallen. Get well soon." Shirley told her brightly with a twitching eyebrow.

"Our so-called foes are just local military factions that won't join us. But they deploy forces without talking to each other." Lelouch continued.

"Not to mention that you've already got the Empress to work with you. The one leader who could unify all those factions." Rolo said.

"Exactly." Lelouch said with a smirk.

"Tia gonna do great!" Joseph cheered.

"Lulu. What did I say about taking on work?" Shirley asked with a raised eyebrow and lecturing tone.

"Sorry, just had to quickly take care of a few things." Lelouch said awkwardly.

"You're off?" Rolo asked.

"We're going to Ikebukuro. Shirley and I haven't taken a proper date in awhile." Lelouch told him.

"But we'll help you with the rest of your homework when we return." Shirley told him kindly and then proceeded to kiss him on the head, making Rolo smile.

"I'll catch you guys later then." Rolo said happily

"Later love birds!" Joseph said as he brought Lelouch and Shirley into a hug, making them laugh.

"You sure you guys will be okay by yourselves a couple of hours?" Lelouch asked.

"You kidding! Teach new little bro moves!" Joseph said excitedly as he wrung his arm around Rolo's shoulders and pulled him close.

"But what about homework?" Rolo asked with a tight squeeze.

"Homework later! Important stuff now!" Joseph insisted as let go of Rolo. "Now come and learn mambo!" He said as he took his hand and pulled him into the lounge area.

Lelouch and Shirley couldn't help but chuckle.

"Have fun you two!" Shirley said with glee.

"Now, shall we my Lady?" Lelouch asked in a gentlemen-like manner as he hung his elbow out to her, making Shirley giggle.

"Why thank you, my good sir." Shirley said, playing along as she wrung her arm through his and went to the elevator.

...

Knightmare Hangar

"Hold on! Should the theory be accurate then we're the worst criminals in all of history!" Bartley said in dread. "Dear God, what have I done?"

"Let's get out of here. We're through fine-tuning Jeremiah." A researcher said.

"B-But...we be abandoning our nation!" Bartley said, trying to give himself some reason to stay.

Only to hear a gun cock behind him.

"Freeze." Cornelia said quietly, Bartley and the other researchers gasped in shock. "My dear Bartley…" Cornelia said venomously.

"That voice…Princess Cornelia?" Bartley asked, sweat rolling down his bald head.

"Why are you here, Bartley?" Cornelia asked.

"Thank heaven. You've come. Please save us! We were ordered to be here by the emperor!" Bartley begged.

"My father?" Cornelia asked in surprise.

"The world is racing down the path towards destruction." Bartley told her.

Cornelia hummed in thought as she looked at the sphere-shaped knightmare with spikes attached.

...

OSI Surveillance Room

Villetta entered the lounge and saw Joseph teaching Rolo some dance moves.

"Like this?" Rolo asked as he clumsily performed a spin and side steps.

"Almost! Watch." Joseph instructed as he took Rolo's hands and guided him through it. "And one, and two, and three. And one, and two, and three." Joseph repeated as he showed Rolo the proper moves step by step.

Villetta's eyes couldn't help but soften a bit. She just didn't understand this, it was clear Joseph wasn't a hateful person, so why was he following Lelouch?

"Where's Lelouch? Out on a date?" Villetta asked, making herself known.

"Yep! Little bro and new little sis, getting down, doing it up, hinkie style!" Joseph told with a southern, smooth-like voice, which both Villetta and Rolo both cringed at.

"Well, I'll never be able to un-hear that..." Rolo muttered.

"How convenient." Villetta scoffed. "I don't understand you, Rolo. Why have you turned your back on your country? Unlike me, you were dispatched here by the Order, so why would you just turn traitor? And Prince Joseph, I just can't figure you out. Geass clearly doesn't affect you and yet you're following the same man who killed your sister in cold blood, who made her commit a massacre!" She said incredulously.

"HEY! Weren't there! No right to judge!" Joseph argued angrily.

"Why are you asking us this? What's between me and my brothers is none of your business." Rolo said in a professional manner.

"Eh, just ignore, little bro. She villain anyway." Joseph dismissed.

"I'm the villain!? I was trying to serve my country!" Villetta said angrily.

"Bigoted country! Seen what country does! Ain't good! But you no mind! No, just want ranks! Even used Ohgi!" Joseph accused, making Villetta back step a bit as she remembered shooting him in the stomach.

"I...that's not...he didn't give me a choice!" Villetta tried to argue.

"All have choice. Chose power you jerk!" Joseph said meanly. "Lelouch superhero! Making better place!" He told her determinedly.

"Exactly." Rolo agreed.

Villetta looked at the two in disbelief and just turned away in frustration.

Suddenly they heard the intercom come on.

"B7 to control. Suspicious male sighted near the chapel. B5 and B9 have moved in to apprehend him." A female OSI soldier who Lelouch geassed stated.

...

Ashford Academy

Jeremiah took down the two geassed OSI officers with ease.

"Look what happens simply by asking where Lelouch was." Jeremiah said with disappointment as he flicked the blood off his sword and inserted it back into his sleeve.

...

OSI Surveillance Room

"Lord Jeremiah! But how…?" Villetta asked in shock, thinking she would never see her old comrade again.

"Jerry?!" Joseph shouted in both excitement and confusion. Excitement because he finally got to see an old friend again and confusion because he wondered where he's been this whole time.

"Target is moving toward the clubhouse. B2 and B8 have been eliminated as well." The Female Geassed OSI agent said.

"Sound a school wide alarm! Gets students out of vicinity of the target." Rolo ordered.

...

Ashford Academy

"Attention all students and personnel. This is an emergency announcement. Do not come near the clubhouse area. A suspicious person has been sighted there. I repeat…"

As Jeremiah made his way up to the Student Council Building, Sayoko came out to face him from behind a pillar.

"Out of my way. I have no desire to kill a woman if I don't need to." Jeremiah warned her, just because he was on a mission doesn't mean he wanted any innocents to get hurt.

"We at least share that. I, too, would like to avoid any unnecessary killing." Sayoko told him blankly.

"Oh?" Jeremiah asked, admiring the woman's bravery. "And a beauty for that matter." He thought to himself.

"En garde!" She yelled as she charged towards him.

She jumped into the air, and pulled a two kunai from her nylon. As she landed towards him, Jeremiah's sword pushed out of his sleece and blocked one of her kunai, and while the other was able to hit him where his heart was it didn't even cut his skin. It instead made a clanking sound.

"Cyborg?" Sayoko asked in surprise after Jeremiah pushed her back. "And a handsome one at that."

"And I have Zero to thank." Jeremiah told her as another sword pushed out of his other sleeve.

She couldn't help but smile. "I must say, it's been awhile since I've had an actual challenge." Sayoko said, now more eager.

"Glad I don't disappoint." Jeremiah said(one might even say, flirted) with a charming smile.

Her eyes tighten, as did his. She charged again, and he did the same.

Her kunai met his swords as they swung rapidly at each other. He dodged them with ease and she dodged with grace. If they weren't trying to kill each other, one might say they were performing a dance together.

"Even if you are a cyborg your exposed human parts make you vulnerable!" Sayoko said as she jumped up and hit him the face.

"You have good aim!" Jeremiah complimented as he backflipped away from her.

"I'll stop you for Master Lelouch's sake!" She said as she dropped a smoke bomb.

Jeremiah could see two kunai fly towards him and hit his chest again, but like before they didn't even make a dent. He looked up and saw Sayoko fly towards him and swing more kunai at him, but he easily deflected it with his arm sword. He jumped away to get some distance from her.

"Your skill in martial arts is impressive. But it won't impede Jeremiah Gottwald." Jeremiah told her proudly.

"Are you always this boastful?" Sayoko asked with a playful smile as she brought her kunai up in defense.

"Just on my good days." Jeremiah said with an equally playful smile.

"Sayoko!" Rolo called out as he made out way out to the school yard.

"Damn it." Jeremiah muttered in annoyance. He then noticed Sayoko jump away from him.

"Stop time!" Rolo said as he activated his Geass, enrapturing Jeremiah in the time freeze. "Okay. Now get him while I hold him still. Go on!" He told her.

"Sorry." Sayoko muttered, a bit of regret in her voice as she wouldn't have minded getting to know this man.

But suddenly, his left eye activated and swiftly jumped into the air, dodging Sayoko's attack.

He landed behind her and before she could do anything else, he slashed his sword across her back. She screamed in pain and fell to the ground unconscious.

"Forgive me, my fair Maiden." Jeremiah quietly apologized, regretful he had to hurt this woman.

"My Geass, it doesn't affect him either?" Rolo asked in shock as he tried to activate his Geass again.

Only for Jeremiah to land in front of him, grab him by the neck, and slam him to the ground.

"Rolo Lamperouge. Just as I thought. You've been fooled." Jeremiah said as he put his knee on his back, making sure he couldn't get up.

"But how could you break my Geass? Are you like Joseph?" Rolo asked as he struggled under Jeremiah's grip. That name drop got Jeremiah's attention.

"Joseph?" Jeremiah questioned, before his eyes widen in realization. "Wait! Do you mean..."

And before he could finish that question, he felt a finger tap his shoulder.

He looked behind himself, ready to cut down whoever was there, and saw a man with a beard and a long black overcoat on. He recognized who it was.

"Y-Your...your highness?" Jeremiah quietly asked in shock.

"Hey Jerry!" Joseph waved excitedly before proceeding to punch Jeremiah square in his face.

...

Viceroy Office

Nunnally listened to Milly's weather report of the day and smiled.

"I always knew you do great things, Milly." Nunnaly thought happily.

And then another thought occurred to her:

...

(Flashback)

"...And by the way, that student you had me talk to, who was he?" Nunnally asked.

Suzaku staggered a bit there but was able to keep calm.

"Just a student I met at Ashford. He looked similar to Lelouch so I thought maybe it was him." Suzaku told her.

(Flashback End)

...

Something was going on, and she was going to find out what!

It was then Miss Lohmeyer came into the office and huffed a breath of annoyance.

"I finally got your chocolates, Viceroy." Miss Lohmeyer said as she held up a couple of bars. "I don't understand why you had to send me to the other side of the settlement just to get them." She complained as she handed them to Nunnally.

"They make the best kind over there." Nunnally told her innocently, as her ulterior motive was to get her to leave her alone for a couple of hours. "One more thing, Miss Lohmeyer?" She asked kindly.

"(Sighs) What now?" Miss Lohmeyer asked tiredly.

"Could you get me a list of all the students who are currently attending Ashford Academy?" Nunnally asked.

"The school you used to go to? Why?" Miss Lohmeyer asked.

"Well you see, Suzaku's birthday is coming up and I want to plan a proper party for him there and get all the students in on it." Nunnally explained.

"For goodness sake's, your highness. There is no time for parties!" Miss Lohmeyer lectured.

"I don't see why not. After all, things are running smoothly so far in the Area. And I think it would do people good to see the Viceroy attend more events. Especially when one has to do with her knight." Nunnally told her, to which Miss Lohmeyer just sighed in annoyance.

"Very well." Miss Lohmeyer said as she went on her way.

"And make sure not to tell Suzaku either, it's a surprise party." Nunnally told her sweetly.

"Yes, yes." Miss Lohmeyer said offhandedly. "God, like I don't have better things to do." She quietly complained.

...

OSI Surveillance Room

A female Black Knight nurse was tending to Sayoko's wound in the lounge area. She was geassed to forget that she ever came to Ashford whenever she left as Lelouch didn't want any leaks where he was.

Joseph then came out of the elevator after telling them he had to get some things.

"Back! She be A-Ok?" Joseph asked in concern.

"I dressed the wound and made sure it doesn't get infected. She just needs to take it easy for a couple of days." The Black Knight nurse told him, eyes rimmed with red.

"We should contact Lelouch right away." Villetta suggested.

"Probably for the best." Rolo said.

"Hey bro, you say 'Stop time' before superpower using?" Joseph asked with an analyzing eye towards him.

"Y-Yes?" Rolo said, a bit confused.

Joseph stared at him for a few moments before smirking.

"Awesome catch phrase, Man Freeze." Joseph told him, impressed.

Rolo couldn't help but smile a bit at him before turning a glare to the direction behind him. "I don't understand why you didn't just kill him, Joseph."

He was referring to the knocked out Jeremiah, who was tied to a chair with metal bars that Joseph wrapped around him.

"'Cause Jerry old friend, little bro. No see in long time. Catch up first!" Joseph explained happily before turning excited with arched eyebrows. "Then interrogate!"

"Interrogate?" Villetta asked.

"Hurt Lightning Servant, almost hurt little bro. Not cool! Will explain self! Then see who sent!" Joseph explained determinedly.

Rolo was surprised, he didn't think Joseph was one to do interrogations.

Soon they heard Jeremiah groan as he started to wake up.

"Let it begin." Joseph whispered with a crazed smile as he went over to the cyborg.

Jeremiah's eyes started to focus on the individual in front of him.

"Pr...Prince Joseph?!" Jeremiah exclaimed in surprise.

"Jerry! Long time!" Joseph greeted happily.

"But...how...when...?" Jeremiah stuttered in shock and then looked down realized his predicament.

"We figured you would easily cut out of rope due to your physical enhancements, don't even try to break free." Rolo told him blankly as he came to Joseph's side and aimed the gun at his head.

Jeremiah gritted his teeth in frustration by the turn of events. He then noticed a familiar face.

"Jeremiah..." Villetta said quietly.

"Villetta? You mean Lelouch has snared you, too?" Jeremiah asked in shock.

She responded by hanging her head down in shame.

"Serious question, Jerry..." Joseph started to say as he came inches away from Jeremiah's face. "...You really cyborg?" He asked.

"...Um...yes?" Jeremiah said, not sure why Joseph needed to get into face to know that.

"...That...AWESOME!" Joseph shouted with excitement, startling Rolo and Jeremiah and nearly giving Villetta a heart attack. "Part robot! Part human! Real life sci-fi baby!" He cheered as both Rolo and Jeremiah looked at him in confusion. "How you do it? Waitwaitwaitwait! Gonna guess!" He said rapidly as he thought about it and a scenario came to his head. "Ooh! I know! Traveled back from future! Right?! Terminator style!" He asked excitedly as he bounced on his feet up and down.

Jeremiah stared at him in perplexity before breaking out into a laughter.

"What's so funny?" Rolo asked suspiciously.

"Apologies. It's just been so long since I've heard the inner workings of Prince Joseph's mind. It feels quite nostalgic honestly." Jeremiah said with a smile.

"Awww. Missed you too, Jerry!" Joseph said happily as he hugged the former guard. Rolo and Villetta looked in bafflement while Jeremiah actually appreciated the hug, happy to be reunited with a member of the royal family.

"But!" Joseph said suddenly as he let go of him. "Having 'splaing' to do!" He said with a faux Cuban accent as he pointed his finger at Jeremiah.

"Explaining?" Jeremiah asked in confusion.

"You frame training buddy for brother's death and now almost killing Lightning Servant and little bro here!" Joseph said accusingly.

Jeremiah looked in surprise. "Lightning Servant?" He asked curiously, and then realized who he was talking about. He looked around and saw the wounded Sayoko lying on her stomach, sleeping. He looked at her in regret, wishing it hadn't come to that. "Will she be okay?"

"She be fine." Joseph quickly reassured, then getting back to the matter at hand. "What give Jerry? Why acting like supervillain!?" He asked.

"Because I have my reasons, your highness. I'm resolved to see my loyalty through! I must know the truth for certain, once and for all!" Jeremiah told determinedly.

"We're going to be asking the questions here." Rolo told him harshly.

"Easy, little bro. Got this." Joseph reassured him. "WE asking questions here, Jerry!" He told Jeremiah, making Rolo sweat drop. "Who sent ya? Skynet? The Matrix? HAL 9000?!" He asked angrily as he slammed his hands on the table.

Now it was Jeremiah's turn to sweat drop. "Uh...your Highness, I'm not from the future. My body-" He tried to explained, only for Joseph to suddenly get right into his face, noses touching.

"Denial be expected. But if wanna do hard way...so be it." Joseph whispered in a dangerous tone.

He stepped back and reached into his inner coat pocket. Rolo, Villetta, and Jeremiah looked in curiosity of what he had planned.

And what he pulled out was an orange. Now all of them were confused.

"Um, big brother?" Rolo asked, wondering where he was going with this. Joseph just put on a smug smile.

"Heard you develop nickname. Orange Boy?" Joseph asked in a conniving tone.

Jeremiah sighed in annoyance. "Yes."

"Admiral Zero gave name because like oranges? Yes?" Joseph asked as he inspected the orange in his hand.

"...What?" Jeremiah asked, now really confused where this was going.

"See in eyes. Care for fruit. Like own children." Joseph continued. "Shame if things..."

*SQUASH*

"...Go accident." Joseph said with an evil smirk after he crushed the orange in his hand.

Now the three of them were looking at him in complete WTF expressions.

Joseph then licked his hand with orange juice on it. "Mmmm. So JUICY!" He said evilly.

"You're...you're going to torture him with oranges?" Villetta asked, making sure what she was seeing was accurate.

"Psychology!" Joseph said as he waved circles with his fingers around his head. "And just getting started." He said with a crazed smile.

"Um...your highness, I think you may have been misinformed." Jeremiah said in a polite manner.

"Too late, Jerry. Tried being nice. Now it get worse." Joseph told him as he took out another orange from his coat. "Far, far worse." Joseph whispered intensely as he took out another orange and then another. "Hmmhmmhmmhmmm. Hahahahahaha. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" He laughed evilly as he took out more and more oranges from his coat.

Rolo looked at him tiredly while Jeremiah was baffled by the situation at hand.

...

Unknown

"They say they're going to kill God." Bartley told her as they walked through the halls of an underground city.

"God?" Cornelia asked blankly.

"I thought they were speaking metaphorically. But now, at the very least, these people believe what they're saying." Bartley said.

"Ridiculous. To believe in God. There's no such being." Cornelia dismissed.

"That's right." A voice called out to them. Revealing himself from a pillar to be the long haired, blonde child, V.V. "No winged goddesses or long bearded old men in white gowns in kingdoms in the clouds. No. Not that sort of God…" He began to tell her.

Only to receive a knife to the head by Cornelia, shocking Bartley.

"Princess Cornelia!" Bartley yelled after V.V. fell to the ground.

"Who knows what type of Geass he controls. You mustn't never let your guard down, even for a child." Cornelia told him as she started to walk away.

"Yes, that's correct."

Cornelia froze where she stood and whipped her head back around and saw V.V. get back up.

"Impossible!" She thought with wide eyes.

"Cornelia, you do live up to your reputation, don't you. As your uncle, I'm very proud of you." V.V. said as he pulled the knife out of his head.

"My what?!" Cornelia asked in shock.

"We made a solemn vow, your father and I. If there was ever a God that made men fight each other, we kill him and his divine rule." V.V. told her with a smile, blood dripping from his forehead.

...

Ikebukuro

It was safe to say that Lelouch and Shirley's date was going off spectacularly.

They went to a mall and got some lunch and ice cream, discussing various topics such as their hobbies, interests, and stories when he was still a prince back in Pendragon. Then they went to a nearby lake and fed some ducks, following a walk around the park.

And they spent a lot of that time holding hands as well.

At the current moment, they were currently on top of a skyscraper, enjoying the scenery.

"You'd always played Santa Claus?" Shirley asked.

"Yeah, Nunnally would always get so excited. I'd dress up every Christmas, even stuffed a bunch of pillows under my shirt." Lelouch told her.

They both laughed at that before leaning on a rail and looking at the city below them. Shirley closed her eyes and breathed in the air.

"Such a nice day. I'm glad we were able to do this, Lulu." Shirley said happily.

"Me too. Days like this will be sparse soon." Lelouch said quietly, Shirley gave him a confused look. "I'll have to go back Horai Island soon, there will be a point where I'll have to declare open war on the Emperor." He told her.

"Lelouch! What did I tell you? No business while you're here, now's the time to relax and have fun." Shirley lightly chided, to which Lelouch lightly chuckled.

"Of course, your word is law after all." He said lighthearted, but Shirley could sense something was on his mind.

"Lelouch, what's wrong?" Shirley asked gently.

Lelouch looked out towards the city solemnly.

"...Shirley...I appreciate everything you've done for me. I probably would have sunk into a deep dark hole if it wasn't for you, Joseph, Kallen, and Rolo that night." He started to say, his face becoming sadder. "I just...I still wonder if I deserve to feel this...this happiness. After everything I've done, am I really worth it?" He asked quietly.

To which Shirley put her hand on his cheek, he turned to her and saw a determined look on her face.

"You are worth it, Lulu. That and so much more. And I'll keep telling you that until the end of time, no matter how much you want to put yourself down. Because you are a good person who's doing good things for this world and I know you'll accomplish your goals. That's the kind of person you are, deal with it!" Shirley told him proudly.

Like always, Lelouch was in awe of Shirley, and he smiled and put his hand on her cheek.

"And you are the best person this world has to offer." He told her kindly.

She returned his smile as they stared at each other with dreamy eyes. Soon their eyes started to shut and their mouths came closer together. They lips were about to-

*RING RING*

They both groaned as the moment was now ruined.

"Again?!" Shirley thought with annoyance. Wondering if the universe had a problem with her kissing her Lelouch.

"That's Rolo's ringtone." Lelouch told her, also let disappointed he didn't get to finally seal the deal.

"Go ahead." Shirley said in defeat.

"What is it, Rolo?" Lelouch asked, trying to hid his annoyance.

"Lelouch! Jeremiah Gottwald's here at Ashford! He's an assassin sent by the Order! My Geass didn't work on him! He even managed to incapacitate Sayoko!" Rolo yelled through the phone as there was some loud noise in the background.

That definitely Lelouch's attention.

"Wait, Jeremiah's alive?!" Lelouch asked in surprise.

"Jeremiah?" Shirley asked with a raised eyebrow.

"And what do you mean an assassin, Rolo? And is Sayoko okay?" Lelouch asked as he put the phone on speaker.

"She's okay, albeit injured. I'm not sure! But Joseph was able to capture him! It's best you probably come back and see if you can get answers out of him!" Rolo continued.

"Why are you yelling?" Lelouch asked.

"And what's that noise?" Shirley asked as well.

...

OSI Surveillance Room

"Joseph's currently blending a bunch of oranges!" Rolo told him.

"YOU LIKE THAT?! HUH?! LIKE THAT, ORANGE BOY!? HAHAHAHA!" Joseph shouted evilly.

The blender was on the puree option, slicing oranges at a rapid speed.

Meanwhile, Villetta was by the communicator.

"God, what an idiot." Villetta thought with annoyance. "Still, he is good for distractions..." She thought as she saw that the three of them were in their own little world.

She placed a call that could only be heard between her and the person on the other line.

"Zero, it's Ohgi. What's happened? What's the emergency? If it's about the guys from Taiwan, right now-"

"Ohgi…" Villetta said gently and quietly.

"That voice! Chigusa?!" Ohgi asked in shock.

"I'm sending you coordinates. Meet me there in two days time." Villetta told him as she typed in a location and quickly hung up.

"Your majesty, I wasn't called Orange because I love the fruit!" Jeremiah yelled over the noise of the blender. "It's because-"

"KILLING CHILDREN, JERRY! OWN CHILDREN!" Joseph yelled, ignoring Jeremiah's plight.

...

Ikebukuro

"Joseph! I don't think it's working!" Rolo shouted.

"GIVE TIME! HE'LL CRACK! THEY ALL CRACK!" Joseph yelled crazily.

"Who's 'they'?!" Rolo asked incredulously.

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

Lelouch sighed tiredly.

"Good old big brother..." Shirley said with a tired, accepting smile.

"Just stay put for now, I'm coming back." Lelouch told him.

"Yes, big brother!" Rolo shouted before hanging up.

"Wait. What about me?" Shirley asked.

"You stay here for now, Shirley. I have to-"

"No! I'm going with you!" Shirley told him angrily.

"Absolutely not! The situation could be-" Lelouch tried to argue.

"I don't care! I'm the Orange Avenger, remember! I'm not letting you do this by yourself! Besides, our brothers are back there with a cyborg assassin, I'm not going to stand by and let something bad happen to them!" She insisted with determination.

Lelouch stared at her in shock, and sighed in defeat as he knew he wouldn't be able to change her mind.

"Very well, Shirley. But please, don't do anything reckless." He told her in concern.

"Got it." Shirley said with a smile.

...

OSI Surveillance Room

Joseph stopped the blender and opened the top.

"Oh Jerry. Jerry, Jerry, Jerry." Joseph said as he shook his head in disappointment and took a glass "Why make do this?" He asked with faux sadness and proceeded to pour the orange juice into the glass in a very dramatic fashion.

Jeremiah stared at him blankly while Rolo just put his hand to his face in exasperation.

"HOW are he and Lelouch related...?" Rolo thought tiredly.

"Here little bro." Joseph said as he brought the glass over to Rolo. "Drink...slowly..." He said with an evil grin towards Jeremiah.

"Do I really have to?" Rolo asked blankly.

"Want answers? Commit evil to defeat evil!" Joseph told him determinedly.

"This is evil?" Rolo asked with a twitching eye.

"Enough, please. I'll talk." Jeremiah said with a sigh, mostly just to save the boy from going insane.

"Ah-ha! See, always crack." Joseph said proudly as he nudged Rolo with his elbow, who sighed tiredly.

"It's true, I was sent here to kill Lelouch. But I also came with my own agenda. I wanted to know why? Why did he betrayed his country? Why did he adopt the mask of Zero!?" He asked determinedly.

Joseph just tilted his head in confusion.

"Uh, duh Jerry. Know already! Why else? For family!" Joseph told him as if it was obvious.

"...Family?" Jeremiah asked in confusion.

...

Some time later, Lelouch and Shirley made it back to Ashford and went into the secret elevator behind the library shelf.

"Hopefully Joseph and Rolo were able to keep him indisposed." Lelouch said wearily.

"Well big brother does have the strength of a knightmare after all." Shirley reminded him.

"And he also interrogates people with oranges..." Lelouch said with a blank look.

"Fair enough." Shirley said.

"Shirley, when we get down there, please stay at a distance. I know you want to help but your safety is my prime concern." Lelouch said wearily.

Shirley didn't like it but nodded in understanding.

They reached the floor and took a deep breath in anticipation, not sure what could happen.

When the door opened, they heard noise coming from the room. Lelouch and Shirley hurried over to the door and opened it, the noise revealing to be:

"Hahahaha!" Jeremiah laugh wholeheartedly as he looked to be out of his restraints and listening to Joseph tell his stories. Rolo was nearby, keeping an eye on the cyborg, while Villetta was gone.

"And when ram took battle stance, did so too! A mighty warrior, a mighty day!" Joseph said dramatically as he recounted that time he was accepted into a family of rams.

"Oh your highness, you're too much!" Jeremiah said lightheartedly.

"...Uh..." Lelouch and Shirley both said as they weren't sure what they just walked into.

The three heard them and turned to them in surprise.

"Big brother! Shirley!" Rolo said.

"Your highness." Jeremiah said in awe.

"Hey guys! How date?!" Joseph asked as he went over to them and pulled them into a hug.

"Joe, what's going on?" Lelouch asked in a very confused manner.

"Talking with Jerry!" Joseph told him after putting them down and ringing arms around their shoulders. "He from cyborg future!" He whispered excitedly to Shirley, who just raised an eyebrow at his statement.

She then saw Sayoko resting in the lounge.

"Sayoko!" Shirley said in concern as she rushed over to her.

"Not entirely accurate, Prince Joseph. But I thank you for your admiration." Jeremiah said as he stood up from his seat and approached the two, Rolo following behind him.

"What is this?" Lelouch asked suspiciously, Shirley also looked at him wearily.

"This, is something I wanted to do for a long time." Jeremiah said solemnly with a serious eye.

His sword popped out his arm. Shirley gasped in fright, Joseph instinctively put an arm in front of the stoic Lelouch while Rolo also pointed his gun at the cyborg.

But instead of attacking, he kneeled down and put the sword to his own throat. Shocking the rest of the group.

"Your highness, I humbly give my life to you." Jeremiah said as he hung his head down in respect, eyes closed.

"W...What?!" Lelouch stuttered, definitely not expecting that.

"Whoa! Jerry! WTF! Said just talk to little bro! Remind who you be!" Joseph said in surprise.

"Wait. What do you mean, Joe?" Lelouch asked.

"Seriously?! Don't recognize?! It Jerry!" Joseph told him incredulously.

"It's true, Master Lelouch. My first assignment was being part of the the royal guard for your mother, Lady Marianne. Whom I loved and respected!" Jeremiah told him passionately.

Lelouch looked in disbelief and he rummaged through the deep memories of his brain as he faintly remembered a young, blue-haired guard who Joseph would sometimes get involved in his pranks.

"So...you were there?" Lelouch asked in shock.

"Yes. I was told to withdraw, and it ended up costing your mother her life and your sister her eyes and legs. I failed to carry though with my loyalty, all I because I wasn't able to protect her!" Jeremiah told him solemnly.

"That's why you founded the Purebloods." Shirley said in realization.

"Yes, a mistake that scorches my soul now that I know the truth. Once Joseph told me who were, I realized what a fool I've been." Jeremiah told him with a regretful tone. "Master Lelouch…everything is becoming clear now. You became Zero for the sake of Lady Marianne, didn't you?" He asked, finally understanding.

"B-But if you didn't come here to kill me then what are you trying to do?" Lelouch asked with a shaky voice.

"I don't serve V.V., I follow only one. It's Lady Marianne and her children." Jeremiah told him proudly. "Your majesty, I committed so many atrocities against so many people who didn't deserve it, I framed Kururugi for a crime he never done, all out of anger and revenge for the supposed deaths of the Vi Britannia line. I am not worthy to be your knight, and I ask you to let me sacrifice myself in reparations of my crimes. Let me slice this sword through my throat and I'll gladly die without regret." He said quietly.

Lelouch looked at him in complete shock, this was a scenario he hadn't thought about at all. Jeremiah Gottwald, Orange Boy, the man who had gotten in his way more than once, not only turned out to be a guard for his mother, but a loyal one at that. He could hear no deceit in his voice and could see he was truly ready to die for his sins if it meant keeping the honor of his family's name intact.

He looked at Shirley, who had surprise and sympathy enraptured in her face as she came over to the group. He looked at Rolo, who looked back at him, wondering what he would do. Then he looked at Joseph, who looked the saddest of the bunch and said, "Come on, bro." with mercy in his voice.

Lelouch thought about it for a moment and sighed. "Give trust, get trust."

He walked towards Jeremiah's kneeling figure.

"Lord Jeremiah. Raise your head and look at me." Lelouch ordered.

"My prince?" Jeremiah asked in surprise as he did so.

"Do you truly wish to atone for your sins?" Lelouch asked solemnly.

"Yes, more than anything!" Jeremiah said.

"Then how do you plan on doing that by simply killing yourself?" Lelouch asked, shocking Jeremiah.

"But your highness-"

"Jeremiah Gottwald, listen." Lelouch told him firmly, but not harshly. "You're not only one who has regrets, ones so grievous that I too sometimes think letting myself be killed is the only way to make amends." He told him in understanding, shocking the group there. "But I also know that it gets nothing done, merely self-gratification if nothing else, and I think you know it too. I can see it in your eyes that you truly want to do right by me and the name of my family, so join me! Help me make this a gentler world where someone like Nunnally can be accepted with open arms!" He said with passion in his voice.

Lelouch then reached his hand out to Jeremiah.

"Your steadfast loyalty is still desperately needed here. Isn't that right?" He asked with a smile

Jeremiah looked at Lelouch in awe, seeing his mother broiled in his soul, reminded why he was so loyal to her in the first place. A few tears started to sprout from his eyes and he smiled in return

"Indeed. Yes, Your Majesty." Jeremiah said as he took Lelouch's hand and lifted himself back up

"Alright! Jerry on good guy side!" Joseph said with glee as he went over and lifted Jeremiah into a bear hug, who chuckled in delight.

"Glad to be apart of it, Prince Joseph." Jeremiah said happily.

"I'm surprised you were okay with Joseph unbinding him, Rolo." Lelouch said.

"I was weary about it, but he did nothing to provoke any action. Though I am surprised by the turn of events." Rolo said.

"Something you got to get used to in this line of work." Lelouch said with a chuckle.

"Welcome to the Black Knights, Jeremiah." Shirley said with an accepting tone as she approached the two. "But you need to apologize to Sayoko when she wakes up." She said with a lecturing tone.

"Of course, I feel truly dismayed knowing now who she serves." Jeremiah said guiltily before getting a good look at Shirley. "Are you Shirley Fenette?" He asked curiously.

"Um, yes." Shirley said in a confused manner.

Jeremiah smiled at that and kneeled before her, surprising her.

"It's a honor to meet Master Lelouch's fiancee!" Jeremiah said proudly.

That made Lelouch and Shirley go red in the face.

"Huh?!" Lelouch squeaked.

"Oh no! Nonononono! We-we uh...we are definitely are not there yet!" Shirley stuttered, waving her hands frantically.

"Oh? Forgive me, Prince Joseph told me that Prince Lelouch most likely proposed to you." Jeremiah said in a confused manner.

"Joe!" Lelouch and Shirley said in annoyance.

"What?! You could!" Joseph insisted.

"And you didn't say anything?!" Leluch asked Rolo.

"I honestly thought it was a possibility. You two have been together for quite awhile." Rolo said, still getting used to the whole concept of dating. Lelouch just sighed tiredly.

"And please Jeremiah, there's no need to kneel." Shirley said politely as she rubbed the back of her head, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"Au contraire, Lady Shirley. You are my prince's beloved after all. Prince Joseph told me how you helped him when he needed it the most, which means my loyalty to you holds just as strong as it does for him and Lady Nunnally." Jeremiah told her passionately. "Just say the word and I'll be your sword and shield. I'll make those who oppose you tremble on their knees. I'll carry you through a scorched Earth on jagged rocks and glass shoes!" He said boastfully.

He continued like this to the point where Shirley gave Lelouch a look that said, "Help me!"

"Um, Jeremiah. Maybe tone it done a bit, you're starting to freak her out." Lelouch awkwardly.

"Oh. Apologies." Jeremiah said awkwardly as he rose from his kneeling position.

"He is a boastful one..." A groggy voice said, revealing to be awake and standing up. Her chest and back was covered with bandages and was wearing baggy pants. "...But I think it's part of his charm." She continued with a smirk and tired eyes.

"Lightning Servant!" Joseph cheered as he rushed over and hugged her tightly, not hearing her groan in pain. "Glad A-Ok!"

"Thank you, Joseph." Sayoko said in a polite manner but with a look of painful misery on her face.

"We're happy to see you on your feet as well, Sayoko." Lelouch said with relief as he approached her put his hand on her shoulder.

"I appreciate that, Master Lelouch." Sayoko said with a grateful smile.

"Sayoko, I'm so glad you're alright. And to think I've been giving you the cold shoulder this whole week, I'm so sorry!" Shirley said apologetically as she came by her side.

"It's alright, Lady Shirley. There's no need to apologize." Sayoko reassured her.

"Indeed, it is I who owes you an apology." Jeremiah said as he approached Sayoko and bowed deeply to her. "Lady Sayoko, I done a great deal of harm to you. If I had known you served Prince Lelouch from the start, I never would have taken it so far. I'll accept any punishment you see fit." He told her solemnly.

"I thank you for the apology, Jeremiah. What matters now is your loyalty to Master Lelouch." Sayoko told him. "However, if you truly wish to make it up to me, you can always give this 'fair maiden' a rematch." She said with a playful smirk.

Jeremiah looked up in surprise. "Y-You...you heard that?" He asked, a bit embarrassed.

"Not afraid to damage that impenetrable skin of yours, are you?" Sayoko continued teasing.

Jeremiah looked at her in surprise before forming his own playful smile.

"Not at all. I would just rather not make a fair maiden such as yourself eat dirt a second time is all." Jeremiah teased in return.

Sayoko put a thoughtful look on. "Hmmm. I'm not sure that was a fair fight considering you concealed the fact Geass doesn't affect you." She argued with a smirk. "But I suppose a boastful cyborg such as yourself is too proud to fight a woman a second time." She said with a dramatic flair of her hand.

Jeremiah couldn't help but chuckle. "You really know how to hit a man's ego. Very well, it shall be a glorious rematch. But I must warn you, I will not hold back." He said with a charming smile, getting closer to her.

"Flattery will get you nowhere." Sayoko replied with her graceful one, not minding his presence.

While that was going on, Lelouch, Shirley, and Rolo looked in confusion while Joseph just had a big smile on his face.

"...What's happening?" Rolo asked.

"I think...they're flirting?" Shirley said, not so sure herself.

"That's...out of nowhere..." Lelouch said in bewilderment.

"Awwww. So cute." Joseph said, putting his hands to face.

"That does raise a good question though. Why aren't you affected by Geass, Jeremiah?" Lelouch asked, approaching the two.

"I have a device attached to my eye called a Geass Canceller, your highness." Jeremiah started to explain. "It lets me-"

Before he could continue, Joseph suddenly got in his face.

"'Geass...Canceller...?'" Joseph asked, making sure he heard that right.

"Um...yes?" Jeremiah said, a bit nervous by Joseph's suddenness.

"So...that means...you can turn off a Geass?" Shirley asked with shock in her voice.

"Uh, correct." Jeremiah told her.

"Any Geass?" Lelouch asked, also fully interested.

"I believe so, your highness." Jeremiah said, wondering what brought on all the attention.

Joseph, Shirley, Lelouch, and Rolo stood there frozen in shock for a few moments.

Then Joseph and Shirley turned to look at each other, huge smiles grew on their faces and they both let out a huge:

*SQUEAL!*

The noise startled the group and made them cringe a bit.

"YES! YES! YES! YES!" Joseph and Shirley cheered together as they interlocked their hands and hopped on the balls of their feet. Lelouch couldn't help but laugh.

They then released each other and went over to Rolo and Lelouch. Shirley hugged Lelouch and Joseph bear hugged Rolo.

"FRIENDS BACK, LITTLE BRO! FRIENDS BACK!" Joseph cheered as he swung the suffocated Rolo back and forth.

"Can't breathe..." Rolo uttered weakly.

"This is it, Lulu. We can bring them back." Shirley said with joy, tears starting to come out of her eyes.

"I know, Shirley. I know." Lelouch said with a grateful smile as he hugged her in return.

"CALLS FOR CELEBRATION!" Joseph yelled as dropped Rolo, who plopped to the ground, and grabbed his walkman to push the play button.

Let's go!

Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots!

EVERYBODY!

Joseph grabbed the gasping Rolo, as well as Lelouch and Shirley and jumped up repeatedly in the air. While they were getting a bit dizzy, they couldn't help but laugh in joy.

Jeremiah just stood next to Sayoko, completely out of the loop.

"Did I miss something?" Jeremiah asked.

"It's a long story." Sayoko said with amusement.

To Be Continued...

...

I have to admit, this chapter was a lot more fun to write than I thought it would be. Especially when writing Joseph's method of interrogation.

So one of the things I really wanted to push was the Jeremiah/Sayoko relationship. That's a pairing I absolutely love in the Code Geass fandom that I wish more people would write about.

I also wanted to show more of Nunnally growing into her own person and hopefully teach Guilford a few things about humility. Will she find out about Lelouch's secret? I guess time will tell.

As for the sleepover section, that's actually from a picture drama that the creators made. Originally Kallen wasn't even apart of it because she was captured and taken into Britannian custody, but since that's not the case this time, the girls would obviously be all over her about Joseph. And Kaguya admittedly has feelings for Rolo as well, who would have thought?

Anyway, next chapter is the Black Knights invading the Geass Order.

And that, is a chapter I've been wanting to write for awhile now.

Why?

...You'll see :)

Comment and tell me what you think! Until next time!