Code Geass and its characters belong to Gorō Taniguchi and Ichirō Ōkouchi.
I only own my OC, Lynn 'Rin' Rossellini (who is not a Mary Sue) and her family.
Zero's Lady
Chapter 15: The Messenger from Kyoto
After the Battle of Narita ended, Lelouch and Rin returned to Ashford Academy.
"Lelouch, you know there are sort of rumours flying around."Rin declared.
"What sort of rumours?"Lelouch questioned.
"Since you are Zero, there are many in our ranks who want to know your true identity."Rin exclaimed as she wrapped her hand around Lelouch's arm."I think you should reveal your face to our comrades. Because if you don't reveal who you are to them and be too secretive, it is likely our enemies could use that against us and manipulate our comrades in betraying you."
"But Rin, I'm no ordinary Britannian."Lelouch reminded."I'm also a former Prince of Britannia."
"Yes, I know."Rin responded with a hint of worry."But it doesn't hurt to be a bit more open to those that happen to be your allies."
"I'll think about it, Rin."Lelouch answered.
Lelouch then let Rin use his laptop to connect her USB in it to show him the files she she found in Shinjuku using her computer hacking skills.
The files opened revealing the name 'Code-R' as well as information of the hidden project.
"Code-R?"Lelouch read.
"Yes."Rin answered with a nod."It was a secretive and corrupted enterprise that was owned by Prince Clovis which took place in Shinjuku. The projects that took place within it were mainly inhumane experiments and the main reason why he ordered that awful massacre to occur there."
"That is repulsive."Lelouch retorted.
"And that is not the only thing, Lelouch."Rin replied."Look."
Rin typed a couple of things in the laptop before a picture of C.C appeared as well as more images of the Immortal Witch being tested on other experiments.
"They were using C.C for human experiments."Rin declared with a hint of disgust.
Lelouch looked through the files and his glare sharpened as he checked every detail written on each one.
"This is definitely a secret research project mainly owned by the Emperor."Lelouch scowled."But I find it strange that C.C that bother telling me about this."
Rin glanced at Lelouch.
"Lelouch. I hope you don't find it rude if I'm saying this."Rin complemented."But do you think there's a possibility that C.C may be secretly working for the Emperor?"
Lelouch let out a sigh.
"I honestly don't have any evidence on that."Lelouch responded and his frown deepened."Though there's a chance that she could be. The more things you learn and tell me, the more my distrust on her grows."
Rin stood up and removed her USB from the laptop to put it away on her trousers' front pocket.
However, Rin's cheeks dust pink when she felt Lelouch wrap his hands against her waist to bring her closer to his chest.
"Say it, Rin."Lelouch insisted."Tell me you love me, that you want to be mine alone."
"I can't be yours alone with all the other girls here, Lelouch."Rin declared."Shirley's crazy about you like the rest of your admirers. She's told me so. And I don't think it's one-sided."
Lelouch let out a sigh, searching for the words.
"I can't tell you that I only see her as a friend and the same goes for Milly."Lelouch responded."But I can tell you that you mean more."
"How am I supposed to be sure of that?"Rin questioned.
A devilish smirk came to Lelouch's face.
The exiled prince moved his lips to the brunette's ear.
"I can think of a few other ways to show you how you make me feel."Lelouch whispered huskily.
Rin swallowed, both frightened and hopeful he'd say more.
Lelouch's body was now up against Rin's, his hand low on her back, holding her to him.
The other hand pushed her curls off her neck.
Rin trembled as Lelouch ran his open lips over a tiny patch of her skin, his breath was very tempting.
It was as if she forgot how to use her limbs.
She couldn't hold on to him or think of how to move.
But Lelouch took care of that by backing her up a few steps so she was pressed against the wall.
Rin's blush went more red as Lelouch planted his lips onto her before he carefully lifted her up, so that she was the exact height as he was though still against the wall.
The smirk on Lelouch's face grew more when he felt Rin wrapping her arms around his neck and wrapping her legs around his waist.
He wanted her.
He desired her.
He lusted her.
He needed her.
A soft moan escaped from Rin's mouth when she felt Lelouch starting to kiss her neck while her hands moved around his back.
Rin's hands then moved to Lelouch's chest, feeling his heart beat.
Lelouch and Rin then looked at each other in the eyes.
"I love you, Rin."Lelouch purred."Won't you give yourself to me?"
Rin immediately became shy, knowing what Lelouch had in mind.
"Lelouch, I…I can only give myself to you only as your wife."Rin answered with a shy smile."Not as your mistress."
Lelouch groaned in rebuttal, the look of want on his face.
Rin then leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on Lelouch's lips.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door which alarmed Lelouch and Rin.
"Lelouch! Rin!"Suzaku's voice called out."Are you guys in here?"
Lelouch released Rin, so that she can quickly adjust her appearance as they moved away from the wall.
Then Suzaku came into the room to greet his friends.
"Hey, Suzu."Rin greeted with a wave.
"Suzaku."Lelouch spoke up."I know we are friends and all, but walking into my room like this is rude."
"I'm not."Suzaku answered.
"And then you're supposed to wait till I say 'Come in'."Lelouch commented."Why don't you think before you do things?"
A slight smirk grew on Rin's face.
"That's how Suzaku had always been, Lelouch."Rin declared with a shrug."Barging into places whenever he feels like it."
"Do I?"Suzaku asked.
Rin nodded in respond.
"Yes."Lelouch agreed with a frown."You should respect people's privacy."
"Lelouch, you're just too secretive."Suzaku remarked."Even back at the Shrine, you had your pork buns, bean crepes and stuffed weasel toy."
Surprised looks appeared on Lelouch and Rin's faces.
"Wait a minute, Suzu."Rin instructed."You remember those things, but you forget everything else?"
"What do you mean, Rin?"Suzaku questioned."I don't forget everything else."
"Yes, you do."Rin scoffed with a frown."Remember the times when the three of us were playing various games with Nunna, you always forgot to invite Kaguya to take part in it."
"Also, the time we wanted to send messages."Lelouch added."So I came up with that great secret code."
"Which was impossible to learn."Suzaku admitted."It was like 500 different hand signals."
"I remembered them."Rin pointed out.
"So did I."Lelouch added.
"But in the end you changed it to a simple code."Suzaku said with a sheepish smile.
"Because you couldn't read the messages."Lelouch and Rin answered in unison.
"Well, thank you, Lelouch and Rin."Suzaku declared sarcastically.
"Dork."Lelouch scoffed."Don't just say thank you like that for all the extra effort."
Rin covered her mouth to giggle.
"You sure have changed, Suzu."Rin admitted.
"Have I?"Suzaku asked.
"Yeah."Rin answered with a nod."Everything used to be me, me and me. You were completely self-centred."
"Well, Lelouch and myself aren't the only ones who have changed, Rin."Suzaku declared smugly."While Lelouch became a bit more rough, you seriously had become more open to people. You used to have an old fashioned way of thinking and was very traditional. You were stoic and serious. Due to the lack of male role models in your life, you didn't seem to rely on men and not uninterested in ever getting into a romantic relationship."
"That's coming from the guy, who was previously an arrogant brat that hated having a Britannian prince living so close to him and always got my punches as the result when he got on my nerves."Rin commented bluntly.
Suzaku let out a nervous chuckle while Lelouch slightly smirked at his girlfriend's respond.
"Anyway Suzaku, why did you come over this time at night?"Lelouch questioned.
"Oh, I came to give you back your math notes."Suzaku admitted as he took small written notes from his pocket."They were a huge help and now I'll be able to pass the exam next week."
"Exams are essentially games where your opponent poses questions."Lelouch exclaimed."If you can anticipate how your opponent thinks, it's easy."
Rin sweat dropped. "More like a sheet of paper that threatens to devour you by asking to answer difficult questions."
"Classic Lelouch."Suzaku chuckled and then began heading out."Anyway see you guys tomorrow. Good night."
Suzaku left the room and the door closed behind him.
Lelouch then went behind Rin and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I find it funny how Suzaku managed to join up with the Engineer Corps without even knowing High School Math."Rin complemented.
"All this is probably Euphie's doing, Rin."Lelouch responded and then changed the subject."You know its been a couple of weeks since I was alone with you. I miss being in your company. Don't you feel the same way?"
Rin's cheeks turned a bit more red at feeling Lelouch press his body against hers once more.
"I feel the same way, Lelouch."Rin responded with a shy smile.
"How am I going to be able to persuade you to have dinner with me?"Lelouch asked.
"Issue a royal decree?"Rin joked.
"I can't do that."Lelouch answered."I'm not really a prince anymore."
Lelouch gives Rin a kiss on the neck, making the brunette smirk a little.
"But you know my father would kill you if he learned that I had carnal pleasure before marriage, right?"Rin reminded.
Lelouch frowned at Rin's respond as he released her.
"Way to kill a moment."Lelouch muttered.
Rin covered her mouth to giggle in respond at her boyfriend's displeased tone.
(Two Days Later)
In the Sumeragi Residence…
Rin hummed joyfully as she prepared pancakes with whipped cream and banana on top, served with rich chocolate syrup for her and Kaguya to enjoy for breakfast.
After their success in the battle of Narita, Zero and the Black Knights' popularity went up by a landslide. For Japan, this was a spectacular event while it was an unfortunate one for Princess Cornelia.
80% of the Britannian forces had been wiped out by the landslide caused from the Guren MK-II and the Black Knights' appearance which ended up costing the Goddess of Victory's mission on wiping out the Japan Liberation Front.
An excited gasp escaped Kaguya's mouth as Rin brought their plates of pancakes on the table.
"Here you go, Kaguya."Rin declared."Homemade pancakes from yours truly."
"Thanks, Onee-sama!"Kaguya thanked.
Kaguya started eating her pancakes as Rin looked at her with a surprised expression.
"You haven't called me 'Onee-sama' since Britannia invaded Japan, Kaguya."Rin chuckled.
A sad smile appeared on Kaguya's face.
"Yeah."Kaguya agreed with a nod."I guess haven't called you that since we lost everybody."
"Oh. That reminds me."Rin responded."This is what I found while clearing up the attic a bit.
Rin brought out a photo that had two figures on the table for Kaguya to look at.
The first figure was a young girl with dark chocolate brown hair tied in pigtails by yellow ribbons and sapphire blue eyes. She wore a white blouse and a yellow suspender skirt with white socks and yellow Mary Jane shoes. On her lap was a sleeping one year old baby girl with black hair and wore a dark pink baby outfit.
The photo showed a five year old Rin holding a one year old baby which happened to be Kaguya.
"Aw."Kaguya cooed."It's you holding me as a little baby."
"And look this was taken on August 10th 2004."Rin exclaimed."On your very first birthday. I was there. So was Grandfather Youta. He was even at your second birthday."
A small smile appeared on Kaguya's face.
"Really?"Kaguya said."I don't remember any of that."
"It can't be helped."Rin responded gently."You were too small to remember."
"I guess I got my leading skills from Grandfather Youta as my otousan did and you got your cooking skills from Grandmother Sanae, Onee-sama?"Kaguya assumed.
"You've got that right, my imouto."Rin admitted kindly.
Rin and Kaguya share a bright smile with each other before they continued enjoying their pancakes.
In the Area 11 Government Bureau…
Cornelia sat in a large meeting room alongside her knights; Guilford and Darlton, along with Euphemia, and several other bureaucrats.
"The Japan Liberation Front was nearly wiped out by your Narita operation, viceroy."the vice minister declared."Now, we're hunting down the survivors, one by one."
"Are you being sarcastic?"Cornelia responded bluntly."We're barely pulling our forces back together after that fiasco."
"No, I, I didn't mean to…"the vice minister started.
"The Occupation Government is responsible for this."Guilford exclaimed."They've done nothing about Area 11's subways and mining railways."
The government officials became nervous at Guilford's declaration.
"In the ghettoes, they falsify the registries and property deeds as the rebellion spreads unchallenged."Guilford informed with a glare.
"Ah, the subway tunnels stretch over the whole country."the vice minister admitted.
"The terrorists are using them as their strike bases and escape routes."Guilford admitted sharply.
"B-But, Prince Clovis instructed us."the vice minister replied.
Cornelia gave the vice minister a deadly glare, making him shut his mouth.
"He said forcing them would fuel the rebellion giving the Chinese Federation an excuse to attack."the vice minister stated.
"They've already got their excuse."Cornelia retorted."Zero is growing stronger and bolder every day."
"Vice Minister."Darlton commented."Internal Affairs has appointed a special group of the Elevens to self-govern this area, isn't that right? A group who are called the NAC."
The government officials all gasped at what Darlton revealed to them.
"When we stormed Narita, we looked for the evidence of the NAC's conspiracies." Darlton continued."But it was buried in the landslide. Still, our suspicions remain high. If we suppress them now…"
"Hmm. A group of blue-bloods and plutocrats."Cornelia said."Relics of their dismal past."
"Oh, wait! please!"the vice minister protested as he stood up from his seat."These are just rumours. There's no evidence of that at all. If you suppress them, then the Eleven's economy will certainly collapse. That means no tax revenue to send to the homeland. Also, it's a prime directive of the Empire that Numbers should take care of their own kind."
"And what have you done to find the Black Knights?"Cornelia questioned.
"We analyzed the shield machine they left showing Zero was behind the Narita operation."the vice minister reported."But that's all we've got. You can't squeeze information out of corpses."
"So you can't catch the Black Knights and you don't want us to hit Kyoto."Cornelia declared with a frown."Do you know the word incompetent, minister? It's for people who can't get results."
Euphemia said nothing as she took a look at the report on her computer.
There was a list of casualties from their forces that were lost in Narita and Jeremiah was one of them.
At Mount Fuji…
The members of Kyoto were discussing what took place in Narita.
"So, Cornelia li Britannia has gone this far already."Kirihara commented.
"With the Liberation Front smashed."Munakata said."The last members of Japan have died away."
"No."Kubouin disagreed."He may be on the run, but Tohdoh is still strong, still fighting."
"Even if that's so, I heard he lost his custom Burais."Osakabe admitted."So, there's no hope."
"There is hope."Kaguya admitted.
The four men looked over to Kaguya, who was sitting behind the window pane.
"The Black Knights?"Kirihara assumed.
"You and your relative have been infatuated with Zero since he rescued Suzaku Kururugi."Munakata explained."We even sent him the Guren Mk-II, the Rosen and the Gekka Pre-Production."
At Ashford Academy…
There was a class taking place by Mrs Jones that was giving a lecture about Elizabeth III.
"And after the defeat at Trafalgar, Elizabeth the 3rd found herself surrounded by revolutionaries in Edinburgh."Mrs Jones exclaimed."However, with the help of Lord Britannia, she's fled to the American colonies now known as our homeland Britannia."
Shirley pretended to read her history textbook as she opened up a letter sent to her by her father, revealing a pair of tickets for the Area 11 Concert Performance of the 7th Britannia Empire Symphony Orchestra.
"Oh, father."Shirley said softly.
Shirley glanced to the spot where Lelouch would normally sit, only to find he wasn't there.
He wasn't the only one absent.
Kallen wasn't in class either.
After taking part in her morning classes and Swimming Club, Shirley joined Milly, Rin and Nina in the Student Council Room.
Nina was typing on her computer while Rin was looking at a baking magazine.
"Okay, what's got you so worried?"Milly asked in a smug tone."Constipated? You're monthly?"
"That's not it!"Shirley denied.
"Ah, you're lonely because Lelouch is gone, aren't you?"Milly teased.
"It's more like Kallen's absent the same day he is."Shirley said with a troubled look."Again."
"Oh, so carefree."Milly remarked."While the rest of the world grapples with what happened at Narita. Suzaku's been out for two days because of that, too and so has Rai."
"I know that! But Lulu and Kallen gone on the same day together?!"Shirley spoke up."That's serious!"
"I envy you Shirley, that's what I love about you."Milly giggled.
Nina stopped typing away at her computer and glanced towards the pair of girls.
"Don't make fun of me!"Shirley argued.
"Then just tell him already."Milly instructed."Three little words: I like you."
Shirley's cheeks turned red at Milly's words.
"I couldn't! I just couldn't!"Shirley protested nervously."I mean…what if…"
"'What if he rejects me?"Milly joked, pretending to act like a scared Shirley."It could ruin our great friendship!'"
Shirley sunk a bit as Rin covered her mouth to quietly giggle.
"You don't have to laugh that hard you know."Shirley grumbled.
"Sorry."Milly apologised."It's comfortable isn't it? This place now. The way we are together."
"That's true, Milly."Rin agreed.
Rin turned to the next page of her magazine which showed how to make chocolates at home.
"Still we should prepare ourselves a bit."Milly suggested."The fact is nothing stays the same forever, you know."
"Uh…"Shirley started.
"Oh forget it, please don't take me too seriously."Milly insisted."If it's bothering you, why not just ask him the next chance you get."
Milly then smirked as she turned to the doorway as a familiar person walked in.
"So how do you feel about it on your side?"
Shirley looked in confusion, which turned into shock to see as Lelouch himself had entered the room.
"Lulu!"Shirley gasped."I thought you were absent!"
"Nunnally had a little fever this morning, and Sayoko was busy, so I stayed home to help."Lelouch explained.
"Oh really. You don't say."Shirley stuttered slightly."So is Nunna feeling better now?"
"Much better thanks to the soup that Rin made for her."Lelouch answered before turning to his girlfriend."We should start calling you the kitchen princess, Rin."
Rin's cheeks turned a bit pink.
"Come on, Lelouch."Rin said with a shy smile."Anyone can cook. It's not something rare."
Lelouch then brought his attention on Milly.
"Madam President, those papers?"Lelouch asked.
"Oh right."Milly responded."Make sure you organise them by year and class, okay?"
"Yeah I will."Lelouch replied.
Lelouch picked up the pile of papers and accidentally took Shirley's envelope as well.
"You have a talent for ordering people around."Lelouch complemented.
"And you're a great subordinate."Milly sneered.
"Subordinate?"Lelouch thought in confusion.
Lelouch then headed out of the Student Council Room.
Shirley gives a glare at Milly.
"Ugh! Madam President, you nearly gave me a heart attack doing that!"Shirley scowled before immediately noticing her envelope was missing."Where are my tickets?"
Shirley' eyes widened in shock when she realised Lelouch accidentally took her envelope.
"Lulu!"Shirley panicked.
Shirley ran out of the room to after Lelouch.
Rin let out a bored sigh as she closed the baking magazine she was reading.
"What's wrong, Rin?"Milly asked.
"It's Kaguya."Rin commented."I've told the Principal that she wants to enrol here in Ashford Academy. But I'm worried that she might get bullied by the racist worms that crawl around here."
"Hey. That's not a bad idea having your younger cousin here. She could become a member of the Student Council."Milly admitted."Things would actually become more interesting. I'll talk to my grandfather about it."
"Thanks, Milly."Rin thanked."You're awesome."
Nina's hands nervously shook as she typed, but didn't say anything.
"Lulu!"
Lelouch turned around and saw Shirley going over to him.
"What is it?"Lelouch questioned.
"Um…is my dad's letter mixed up with that paperwork?"Shirley asked.
Lelouch looked at the papers and noticed Shirley's envelope in there as well.
"Huh? Oh, sorry."Lelouch apologised and then notice the unsure look on Shirley's face."Huh? What's wrong?"
"Lulu!"Shirley blurted out.
"Yeah?"Lelouch asked.
"My dad sent me these."Shirley replied.
Shirley opened the envelope to reveal the two tickets.
"Tickets to the symphony concert tonight."Shirley declared.
"Oh, a concert."Lelouch responded."That's nice of your dad."
"Yeah, it is."Shirley remarked."The thing is my dad works a really long way from here, but he likes send stuff like this to keep my spirits up. So, I was wondering…"
Shirley gave Lelouch one of the tickets.
"If you would like to come with me?"Shirley suggested."It won't fun to go there on my own."
In Lelouch's Bedroom…
C.C stood near the window and eating a slice of pizza, having had watched the conversation between Lelouch and Shirley.
The green haired witch had a curious look on her face, but quickly turned into annoyance.
"Stop being so suspicious."C.C retorted."That's hardly the case. To me, he's nothing but a self-righteous jerk. Besides, he has Istvan's second daughter to amuse him."
C.C then got a respond causing her to smirk.
"No. It doesn't seem she hasn't given him what he wants. Though I won't deny that the two of them had been sleeping together."C.C admitted smugly."I guess you can say that she is smarter than Lelouch's mindless admirers that I see around here."
C.C placed her hand on her head.
"Yes, I know that Lelouch doesn't need to get too distracted. But his still your son, Marianne."C.C reminded."I have told Lelouch on the day we met, the power of Geass will force the person to live in solitude and when that happens, he will fulfil the contract."
A scoff escaped from the immortal witch's face.
"Just make sure that Rin doesn't end up foiling everything?"C.C repeated."That is going to be difficult since she's already suspicious of me."
As C.C spoke to herself she wasn't aware of a small cat head shaped device hidden inside the lamp light that was next to Lelouch's bed and was listening to the conversations she was having.
In Zero's Mobile Base…
Lelouch was back in his Zero persona sat with almost all the gathered members of the Black Knights which included Shade, Naoto, Kallen, Rai, Minami, Sugiyama, Yoshida and Inoue.
Naoto came up to Zero with a letter in his hand.
"Here, Zero."Naoto said, offering out the letter."This is for you."
"What is it?"Zero questioned.
"A love letter."Naoto answered.
"Sorry, Kozuki."Zero apologised."I'm only into women."
Rai, Tamaki and a few other members of the Black Knights burst out laughing while Kallen smirked slightly.
"And they say you got no sense of humor!"Tamaki chuckled.
"You laugh too much."Shade commented with a hint of annoyance.
Naoto shuddered and scowled in utter disgust.
"That's not what I meant."Naoto retorted sourly and cleared his throat."It's actually a letter from Kyoto, they urgently request a meeting."
"Kyoto?"Zero questioned.
"Kyoto has been the pillar for resistance groups all over Japan since the invasion."Shade admitted."It's most notably a producer of Knightmare Frames and the organization is led by the Sumeragi House. Though I'm only a Sumeragi by blood."
"Then I can say that our results at Narita is fruiting."Zero assumed.
Rai looked at Naoto.
"So if we pass this test meeting with Kyoto, it obvious means more funding and support?"Rai assumed.
"Not only that."Naoto remarked."It could solve our financial crisis."
This caught Zero and Shade's attention.
"Crisis? What crisis?"Zero retorted."There shouldn't be any trouble. Rin and I created the budget plan ourselves."
"And we do have someone to keep tabs on our budget."Shade complemented.
This caused everyone's attention to go on Tamaki.
"Hey, it's not my fault! We're turning into a big organisation now!"Tamaki argued."That means new expenses, you know!"
"Like French dinners for the new recruits so you can show off?"Kallen questioned with a knowing grin.
"Hey, you!"Tamaki scowled.
"I know where you've been taking them, big spender."Kallen sneered.
"You know about that?"Tamaki said with a hint of shock.
Shade's eyebrow twitched in annoyance as she removed her mask to touch the bridge of the nose.
"Ed è per questo che non si possono affidare soldi a un idiota."Rin thought bitterly.
Rin's Translation: And that is why you can't rely money to an idiot.
Zero let out a sigh.
"Naoto, you're in charge of the treasury for now."Zero stated.
"Hold it right there!"Tamaki snapped as he stood up from where he sat."I'm the one that's in charge of the cash! That's my job!"
"Seriously, dude."Rai scoffed."You literally just admitted you used our money to go to fancy restaurants and show off to the new recruits."
"You have potential, Tamaki."Rin assured."It's just that for terms of finance, your not really good with it."
"If you want me to trust you then show me some positive results."Zero insisted.
"Did you actually just say trust a guy who hides his face from his own partners?!"Tamaki questioned.
Rin bit his lip as the other Black Knights glanced at Zero with similar looks.
"Tamaki-"Naoto started.
"Zero is not the problem here."Kallen declared as she stood up to defend their masked leader."Who cares who he is? He had the skill to outwit Cornelia, didn't he? And he allowed Rin to beat the white knightmare, that's why his the leader of the Black Knights. Do you really need to know more?"
Afterwards…
Naoto and the current members of the Black Knights were talking about Zero.
"Do you guys seriously don't trust Zero still after everything he done for us?"Naoto asked.
"Naoto, isn't it obvious?"Inoue questioned."We are grateful that Zero saved us in Shinjuku, but I find it strange that our leader hide his own face from us. You were our leader before, but you never hid your face."
"Well, maybe there's a reason that Zero doesn't want to show his face."Naoto suggested."Maybe he wouldn't show his identity because he will get scared on how we would react on his appearance and judge him from his nationality."
"I guess so."Tamaki retorted.
"You have a point there."Yoshida agreed."Since Zero is helping us in return, we should accept him hiding his mask."
Minami nodded. "Yeah. Otherwise, we're just pressuring him."
Sugiyama smiled at Naoto.
"If you, Rin and Kallen trust Zero, we should at least do the same."Sugiyama complemented.
Naoto smiled at his companions in approval as he went to his thoughts.
"Rin does seem to be very close to Zero. It seems that they are more than just comrades."Naoto thought."Is it possible that they are-"
Later that Night…
Lelouch returned back to the Clubhouse and went to visit Nunnally in her bedroom.
The former Prince of Britannia looked to see his sister sitting up in bed and checked her forehead.
"Looks like your fever's gone."Leluch declared with a smile.
"Maybe I was just a little moody."Nunnally suggested.
"Moody?"Lelouch questioned.
Nunnally laid back down on her bed.
"It just seems to me lately that you have become a little distant."Nunnally explained."Like you have other things weighing on your mind."
A surprised expression grew on Nunnally's face.
"Perhaps my body did this on its own to get your attention."Nunnally giggled.
Lelouch kneeled down and took Nunnally's hands with his own.
"You're wrong. I haven't changed."Lelouch assured."No matter what, I'll always be at your side, Nunnally."
"So then, can I be a little selfish now?"Nunnally asked as she held Lelouch's hand as well."Please hold my hand just a little bit longer. If I fall asleep alone, I'm afraid I'll have that dream again."
Lelouch held Nunnally's hands together for the rest of the night, so that his younger sister doesn't get the awful nightmare she had been having.
The Next Morning…
Lelouch met up win Rin in the campus area of Ashford Academy.
"So Shirley asked you out on a date?"Rin asked.
"Yeah."Lelouch responded."Does that bother you?"
Rin simply smiled and shook her head.
"Not at all, Lelouch."Rin replied.
Lelouch plants a kiss on Rin's forehead, making her softly giggle.
Suddenly, the phone of Lelouch started ringing causing the former prince to answer it.
"Hey, Shirley. It's me."Lelouch responded."Oh good timing, I wanted to call."
"Um…Listen, Lulu?"Shirley spoke up."I know I made a date with you, but I may be late."
Afterwards…
Zero was standing in a place that was foggy, waiting for something.
Then a limo arrived and the driver opened his window.
"Please bring your command staff along as for my master's instruction, understood?"the driver instructed.
"They are patrolling the perimeter in case of any unpleasant contingencies." Zero responded."I'll call them soon. However, before I do…"
Zero then activated his Geass to use it on the driver.
In the Narita Mountains...
The Britannian Forces were clearing the damaged areas in the Narita Mountains as well as recovering the bodies that were caught in the landslide.
Suzaku used his water to wash his head as he thought of the Knightmare battle that he had with Shade.
"Zero and Shade. The terrorists and the so called saviours of Japan."Suzaku thought with a slight frown."Who the heck are they?"
The Honorary Britannian snapped out of his thoughts when Lloyd spoke up.
"Dug enough bodies out of the landslide, yet?"Lloyd asked.
"Hmm…I'd like to continue recovery operation if that's possible."Suzaku responded.
"Be my guest till it'll out of your system."Lloyd answered."Considering Princess Cornelia is pleasure to indulge you."
"Hmm. Ah, Lloyd. Zero, Shade and the Black Knights what are they trying to do?"Suzaku asked."What do they hope to achieve by sacrificing all these lives?"
"They are knights for justice, haven't you heard?"Lloyd reminded.
Suzaku scoffed as he crushed his empty water bottle.
"Is this justice?"Suzaku questioned with a hint of anger.
"Hey hey, I hope you are not going to start spouting some embarrassing theory about the nature of justice."Lloyd remarked."We are soldiers, after all."
Suzaku notice Viletta escorting Shirley and her mother, Amelia Fenette, to the tent where survivors of the landslide were kept.
Cecile glanced at Suzaku.
"Oh Suzaku, I replaced the energy filler for you."Cecile declared.
"Okay."Suzaku responded.
Suzaku walked away as Lloyd spoke with Cecile.
"I checked the units including the Pure Bloods."Cecile complemented.
"And I was right, wasn't I?"Lloyd questioned.
"Yes, a radiant surge."Cecile admitted.
"Rakshata."Lloyd complemented as he thought about the former academy acquaintance of him and Cecile."I never thought she'd work with our enemies."
"Plus their pilots were extremely skilled. Especially, the one who piloted the Rosen."Cecile admitted."Suzaku's mental status is so unstable now. If we have to fight that Knightmare again…
Lloyd smirked. "You don't think it could win? Against my dear Lancelot?"
Meanwhile...
A black limo was driving through a dark tunnel, heading to an unknown location.
Inside the vehicle were Zero, Shade, Naoto, Kallen, Rai and Tamaki.
"This is taking too long."Tamaki complained."When do we get there?"
"We've only been here for fifteen minutes."Rai reminded.
"Ah, could you chill out?"Kallen retorted."You are embarrassing."
Suddenly, the limo came to a stop and began to ascend up in some form of elevator which caused the group to notice.
"What the hell?"Tamaki questioned.
"We are going up?"Kallen asked.
Then the elevator stopped moving and the driver got out of the car, revealing to be a man in a suit and sunglasses.
"Sorry for the inconvenience."the driver apologised."The master is waiting for you."
Zero, Shade and their companions stepped out of the limo.
Once they did, they saw a massive window and were beyond surprised at what they saw beyond it.
Even Tamaki and Rai ran up to the window to get a closer look followed by the Kozuki siblings and their masked companions.
"Whoa."Rai said in awe."This is the Fuji mines."
"That is not possible!"Tamaki denied."There's no way we could be here!"
"It has to be!"Kallen commented."There is only one mountain like this."
"That means the Sakuradite is right below us? The damn treasure that caused this whole war."Tamaki stated."You know, what they do to intruders here? Execute them!"
"The power of which is all the way up to here?"Naoto remarked."Kyoto group is amazing."
"It's repulsive!"
Suddenly, the lights turned off and the room was light in dim, red light.
This caused the Black Knights to turn their attention to a man who was veiled and sitting holding his cane.
From his mask, Lelouch's eyes widen since he recognised the man that was veiled.
Rin recognised him as well since he was one of the people that she used to see visit the Kururugi Shrine before Japan was invaded.
"Mount Fuji, a sacred mountain once known for its clear water and quiet beauty. Now it is bent to the empire's will, a place of hideous violation."Kirihara exclaimed."Our reflection of what Japan has become. It pains me so. I apologize for not showing my face. But, Zero, your face is hidden as well. Unfortunately, I cannot allow this. To trust you, I must know who you are."
Kirihara then pointed his cane at Zero.
"Therefore you will show me your face!"Kirihara declared.
Then four Burais rolled out from the shadows and pointed their guns specifically at Zero and the Black Knights.
"Huh?!"Rai gasped.
Rai was shocked at the sudden show of force while Shade remained calm.
"Please wait! Zero has given us power and victory!"Kallen protested as she stood to protect Zero."That should be…"
"Silence!"Kirihara snapped."Which one of you is Naoto?"
"That's me."Naoto replied.
"You will remove Zero's mask."Kirihara declared.
Naoto was silent for a moment before making his way in front of Zero.
"Naoto!"Shade protested with a hint of fear."Wait!"
"It's okay, Rin."Zero assured and glanced at where Kirihara stood."That won't be necessary, Lord Taizo Kirihara."
The two bodyguards of Kirihara were shocked and prepared to take out their guns.
"Anyone who can identify him must die."the first bodyguard scowled.
"Especially one who is not Japanese!"the second bodyguard snapped.
The four Burais aimed their assault rifles at the Black Knights.
"Hey! Hold on!"Tamaki protested while raising his hands."I'm not part of this!"
Shade then removed her mask, revealing her face.
"Miss Sumeragi?"the first bodyguard said in surprise.
"Please have your men lower their guns, Lord Kirihara."Rin instructed."Zero bares no ill-will towards you. Please hear him out."
Zero, Naoto, Kallen, Rai, and Tamaki all looked at Kirihara, all wondering what was he going to do.
"Very well, Lady Rin."Kirihara responded."Stand down."
"But sir-"the second bodyguard started.
"I said stand down!"Kirihara snapped.
The two bodyguards obeyed and lowered their guns as did the four Burais.
"Taizo Kirihara, founder of Kirihara Industry which has monopoly on Sakuradite mine, formerly a key backer of the Kururugi regime."Zero exclaimed."However, when Japan fell, you dodged the tribunals by collaborating with the colonial rulers. Commonly known as Kirihara the traitor. In reality, you are one of the leaders of the Six Houses Of Kyoto, who support resistance groups throughout Japan, a double agent. How cliche."
Zero let out a slight chuckle at the last part of his sentence.
"Show some respect, you swine!"the first bodyguard retorted.
"Stop!"Kirihara snapped.
"It's as you guessed though, I am not Japanese!"Zero declared.
Naoto, Kallen, Rai, and Tamaki were shocked at Zero's declaration.
"Is he serious?"Tamaki asked in disbelief."No wonder he doesn't show his face."
"If you are not Japanese, why do you fight for Japan?"Kirihara questioned."What is it that you want?"
"The destruction of Britannia."Zero responded.
"And so, do you believe that this is possible, that you can do it?"Kirihara asked.
"I can, because I must. I have reasons which compel me execrably. I'm glad I'm dealing with you."Zero declared."But more importantly, I have yet to repay my debt to you and the Sumeragi family for taking care of me and my sister all those years ago."
Zero moved his hand towards his mask and removed it, revealing his face to everyone.
Kirihara's eyes widen in shock.
"You…"Kirihara murmured.
Rin became surprised to see Lelouch openly reveal his face while Naoto, Tamaki, Kallen and Rai were utterly shocked.
"Lelouch."Kallen said in awe.
"You're Zero?!"Rai commented.
Naoto and Tamaki glanced at their companions.
"Wait, you guys know him?"Naoto asked.
"His a friend from Ashford Academy."Rin admitted.
"No way!"Tamaki responded in disbelief."A Britannian?!"
Lelouch smiled at Kirihara.
"It's been a long time, Lord Kirihara."Lelouch remarked.
"Is it really you?"Kirihara asked."It has been 8 years since that family received you as a hostage."
"Yes."Lelouch agreed with a nod."I'm gratefully for what you have done for me back then."
"If I hadn't come tonight, were you planning on taking a messenger hostage?"Kirihara asked.
"Not at all."Lelouch replied."I came here because I need your help, nothing more."
"So the flower from eight years ago has finally bloomed."Kirihara sneered.
Kirihara let out a loud laughter as Rin and the others waited for Kirihara's respond.
"Naoto!"Kirihara called out.
"Yes, sir?"Naoto asked.
"This man is a true mortal enemy of Britannia. He had hidden his face from you, but for vital reasons."Kirihara explained."I urge you to follow Zero. If you do, we'll assist you generously with intelligence and strategic support."
Kallen and Rai exchanged bright smiles while Tamaki looked a bit more happy.
"That's awesome."Rin chuckled softly.
"We thank you!"Naoto commented with a smile.
"I am grateful, Lord Kirihara."Lelouch declared.
Kirihara lifted the veil to look at Lelouch.
"Are you embarking on the path of blood, Lelouch?"Kirihara questioned.
Lelouch turned back with a smirk on his face.
"If I have to, then yes."Lelouch replied.
Lelouch put his mask on before leaving with his lover and companions.
In a Medical Tent…
Joseph Fenette was on a medical bed and opened his eyes, only to see Shirley and Amelia.
"Shirley."Joseph murmured."Amelia."
"Oh, father."Shirley remarked joyfully as she hugged her father."I'm so happy that you're alright."
"I'm so glad that you're alright, dear."Amelia said with a weak smile."When we lost contact with you, me and Shirley feared the worst."
Joseph, Shirley and Amelia embraced each other.
"I'm alright."Joseph answered and carefully touched the bandage on his head."I've received a bruise, but I'll live."
Shirley nodded with a beautiful smile on her face as she wiped away the tears of joy in her eyes.
A Few Hours Later…
It was raining and Lelouch held an umbrella as he made his way to the Tokyo Settlement in the middle of the night.
The former prince soon arrived to his destination and was waiting near the theatre for Shirley to come.
"Five minutes left until the concert begins."Lelouch thought in concern."I hope nothing happened."
"Lulu!"
Lelouch saw Shirley rushing towards him as he brought his umbrella forward to shield her from the rain.
"Sorry, I didn't come sooner."Shirley declared with an apologetic smile."Are we late?"
"Not really. The two of us are right on time."Lelouch admitted."Are you okay?"
"Yeah."Shirley answered."It's just my mother and I went to check on my father because he got caught in the landslide of Narita. But his alive."
Lelouch felt butterflies in his stomach at Shirley's statement.
"Oh, I see."Lelouch commented lowly."That's good to hear. Your father must be a great man."
"Yeah."Shirley agreed with a nod."His the best father you can ask for."
Shirley then sighed in relief before lightly glomping onto Lelouch's arm.
"Alright then!"Shirley remarked joyfully."Let's go!"
A small smile formed on Lelouch's face.
"Okay."Lelouch replied.
Lelouch and Shirley then made their way inside the theatre to go enjoy their evening.
Joseph Fenette is alive and Lelouch had revealed his identity to the Black Knights. Like I said, this story won't be very canon:)
See you all in the next chapter!