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 18: Cheering Mao
Lelouch and Rin sat down together while C.C sat at the other side in the room they were on the train that was making its way back to the Tokyo Settlement.
The brunette was resting her head on her boyfriend's shoulder due being exhausted of the events that occurred today.
Lelouch spoke to C.C while Rin slept during their conversation.
"Care to explain to me why you have decided to come back to us, C.C?"Lelouch questioned."I told you that I have no intention on granting your wish or require your help since you don't tell me what I need to know."
"I did say I can't guarantee your safety, if you decided not to cooperate with me."C.C commented.
Anger started rising within Lelouch, but kept it inside him since he didn't want to wake up Rin.
"So, I was correct then."Lelouch responded slightly."You did make contracts with people and granted them Geass before me. Is Mao my predecessor?"
"Yes. I've made a contract with him 11 years ago."C.C admitted."The way Geass manifests is different for each person as you already know. If Mao concentrates, he can hear thoughts up to 500 meters away and he can read clear down to your subconscious if he wants to. For someone like you, who fights for his head, he's the worst possible enemy."
"500 meters. Well, it doesn't really come as a surprise to me."Lelouch retorted and glanced at Rin."Then Mao's Geass lets him give right in someone's head and hear what the person was thinking and planning."
"Mao's after me."C.C stated."He may be your enemy, but he's not targeting you."
"If he knows that me and Rin are Zero and Shade, he would've revealed our true identities and told the police or the military."Lelouch complemented and his glare sharpened."But he kept it to himself and decided to use Rin to get to me…"
The former Prince of Britannia glanced at the Immortal Witch.
"Are there limits to his powers?"Lelouch asked.
"Mao's Geass is very potent."C.C said."He can use it as many times as he wants and he doesn't need direct eye contact like you do."
"Does he have weaknesses to his Geass like I do?"Lelouch questioned.
"If you press me, I guess it's that he can't turn his power off."C.C exclaimed."In a crowd, he hears all the minds roiling and writhing around him, whether he wants to or not."
At the Stadtfeld House...
Naoto was busy making some food while humming a little tune in the kitchen.
As he chopped, cooked, and even spiced his food, numerous delicious smells filled the air.
The red haired boy was actually cooking to distract himself as well as accept the fact that Rin and Lelouch were a couple.
A slight smile formed on Naoto's face.
"As long as those two are happy that's what is more important."Naoto thought simply."That's what matters."
Kallen then came into the kitchen, her nose catching a whiff of the delightful aromas that were coming from Naoto's cooking.
"Hey, big brother."Kallen greeted."Are you making dinner?"
"Yeah. I'm making tiger prawn toban with chilli butter like mother used to make."Naoto exclaimed."Otherwise, if we keep eating junk food, we will lose our touch in piloting our Knightmares or fit into our uniforms anymore."
"Good point."Kallen responded and her smile shrunk a bit."Hey, Naoto?"
"Yeah?"Naoto asked.
"Do you think we will ever release mother from prison?"Kallen asked.
Naoto was silent at his younger sister's question.
The mother was sentenced 20 years in prison for using Refrain and sadly their father hadn't come to her aid since he was busy working back in the homeland.
Not that Baroness Stadtfeld actually would since he and Aiko were no longer married to each other.
The future heir to the Stadtfeld Household brought his attention back to his sister.
"I'm sure we will, Kallen. But this will take time."Naoto exclaimed and wrapped his around Kallen's shoulder."The thing we can do now is focusing on helping Zero and the Black Knights to change things for the better. I'm sure mum would want us to do the same thing."
A small yet happy smile formed on Kallen's face.
"Right."Kallen agreed."She did say always for us to be strong no matter."
Meanwhile…
In a library, Mao was struggling due to the various types of voices that he was hearing from all over the place.
He then took out a recorder to listen to C.C's voice.
"Don't worry Mao. I'm not going to die."C.C's voice assured kindly and became more cheerful."Mao! Mao! Are you awake Mao? Oh Mao, How silly …"
The more Mao listened to C.C's voice, the more he started to feel relaxed and calm on hearing her.
"C.C, I can't live without you."Mao admitted joyfully as an obsessed smile grew on his face."Wait for me. I'm coming to you."
The Next Day…
Lelouch and Nunnally were drinking cups of earl grey tea and had a plate of homemade biscotti that Rin prepared for them to enjoy since Sayoko was out and enjoying her day off.
"It's been a long time since we spent time by ourselves, huh?"Nunnally asked.
"Well, even Sayoko needs a little time off now and again."Lelouch remarked."Starting today, I'll be staying home for a while."
Lelouch glanced at his laptop for any sign of Mao in the building.
"I'm very happy for you and Rin, Lelouch."Nunnally admitted brightly."You two make a lovely couple. Does everyone else know?"
"Well, Shirley, Rai and Kallen only know."Lelouch chuckled."But no doubt Milly will scoop it out for her next meeting of the Society of Research on Male-Female Dating."
Nunnally giggled at her older brother's respond.
"Milly does come up with many fun yet crazy ideas."Nunnally giggled.
In the garden area of Ashford Academy, Rin was helping Kaguya pick out an after school club for her to choose after they finished eating the lunches in their bento boxes.
Kaguya did have inadequate education as a small child, but she did shown having a great sense of responsibility and generosity, showing great care and loyalty towards her subjects and allies, along with being such a noble figure among the Houses, allowing her to obtain such high influential around her.
Her younger cousin was the only female leader in the Six Houses of Kyoto, and by far the youngest member of the most powerful and exclusive group in Japan.
Rin looked at the area of the paper that said 'Sports Clubs' and one caught her attention.
"How about this one?"Rin suggested.
Kaguya looked at where her older cousin on the side of the paper she pointed to.
"The Volley Ball Club?"Kaguya read.
"Why not?"Rin suggested."You're really energetic, Kaguya. I'm sure our P.E Teacher, Mr Owens won't mind having you in the club and you'll quickly learn volleyball skills even with no prior experience."
"I guess so."Kaguya said with a shrug."What clubs are you in, Onee-sama?"
"I'm in the Equestrian and Cooking Clubs."Rin responded."But those two are more my hobbies anyway since I know how to ride a horse and a professional cook."
"That's true."Kaguya agreed with a nod and then gave her cousin a suspicious look."Hey, you said you didn't need experience to join a club."
Rin sweat dropped and put her hands in defence.
"Come on. Not everyone here has prior experiences when they join a club."Rin chuckled nervously."Remember every pro was once an amateur."
"Sewing, koto music, flower arrangements and saying Japanese poems."Kaguya grumbled."How is being taught to be a lady is an experience?"
"Like I said you'll learn."Rin assured brightly.
Kaguya sweat dropped at Rin's words.
"Right."Kaguya said with a unfazed look and remembered something."Hey, Rin."
"Yes, Kaguya?"Rin asked.
"What happened to you yesterday?"Kaguya questioned with a hint of worry."You usually would leave a note to tell me you would come home late? Did something happen?"
Rin simply smiled and shook her head.
"Don't worry, my imouto."Rin assured kindly."I actually ended up running into a creep after visiting my mother's grave, but I beaten him up and send him packing."
Kaguya covered her mouth to giggle.
"Poor guy."Kaguya chuckled in amusement."I can't imagine any guy surviving your stoic disposition."
"Yeah."Rin agreed with a smile and thought uncomfortably."Unless the guy is a psycho and has a dangerous Geass."
Meanwhile…
Mao was at a gun shop to buy a weapon and was speaking to the gun shop owner.
"Sorry, but I can't sell you one without a permit. It's illegal."the shop owner declared."Besides, you're from the Chinese Federation, aren't you?"
"Ah. True."Mao replied and smirked."But you sell them to the Black Knights last Tuesday 23:00 hours."
The gun shop owner was shocked at Mao's declaration.
"You're actually a supporter of the Black Knights."Mao added."Your contact was named Wolf. An alias, of course."
The shop owner was shocked and looked at Mao.
"Who are you?"the shop owner questioned.
Mao continued smirking as he held his sunglasses.
"You will kindly accommodate me, won't you now?"Mao sneered.
Mao gets closer and revealed his Geass marked eyes which caused the shop owner to shake in shock and place his head down.
"Zero."the shop owner thought while clenching his teeth.
Back in Ashford Academy…
Lelouch was in his room, writing down on a piece of paper while C.C was on his bed with Cheese-Kun in her arms.
"I know you want to protect your sister and friends, but you shouldn't get too worried. You'll just be wasting your time."C.C informed."I'm Mao's real target. You should use me as bait."
Lelouch stopped writing to stand up and look at C.C.
"Alright, C.C. If you want to stay here, you might as well start talking."Lelouch retorted."Why have you decided to come back?"
"I have my own reasons, Lelouch."C.C said simply.
"Or is it because the Emperor ordered you to?"Lelouch assumed sharply.
There was a slight look of worry appearing on C.C's face for a moment before it vanished.
"Or maybe because you think I have gotten second thoughts on granting your wish?"Lelouch assumed."Well, you're completely wrong because I haven't."
"I don't care what you think, Lelouch."C.C declared."You can keep piercing words at me all you want, it won't change anything."
Lelouch scowled in annoyance.
"Just how many people did you make contracts with?"Lelouch questioned.
"I don't know. I've made so many contractors in the past that I've lost count."C.C. responded."But so far as I know, you and Mao are the only ones currently alive."
"That is already completely obvious to me."Lelouch commented."But tell me, if I keep using my Geass, will I become like him? Or did he end up the way he is because he didn't fulfill his contract with you?"
"The more you use your Geass, the more powerful it becomes."C.C exclaimed as she hugged her Cheese-Kun."Those who cannot control the power are ultimately ravaged and consumed by it."
Lelouch clenched his teeth as he turned back to face the Immortal Witch.
"And even though you know everything about that, you still offered these contracts?"Lelouch questioned."To me, and Mao?"
"That's right."C.C agreed simply.
"You're a cruel girl. I don't know why anyone would chase after you."Lelouch scowled with a glare."Mao couldn't fulfil his contract with you, so you cut him loose."
C.C didn't respond to the the raven haired boy.
"You could've finished him when you cut him off!"Lelouch snapped."You should've taken his power back, or taken his life! Because you left things half-finished, Rin was…"
Lelouch then slammed all the pieces on his chessboard off the table in frustration, his blood pumping in the anger of his girlfriend being put in danger.
Then C.C stood up from where she stood.
"We should split up while we're dealing with Mao."C.C insisted."Starting today, I'll stay in the next hall."
"Hold on."Lelouch demanded."If you're going to be wondering around here in Ashford Academy, you might as well wear a uniform. You'll attract unwanted attention if you are seen dressed up as a prisoner."
"I don't care."C.C replied bluntly."You can figure something else out."
Just before C.C could leave the room, Rin came in front of the entrance while holding something.
In her hands was a plate that contained a pizza that had prosciutto cotto, creamy mozzarella cheese, black olives and a robust tomato sauce spread. It was also drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with oregano and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
"You may want to reconsider, C.C."Rin insisted with a bright smile."In my hands is a traditional Italian pizza handmade by yours truly and it's just for you."
C.C stared hungrily at the beautifully made pizza presented before her.
"To think a nosy girl like you can make pizzas…"C.C started.
C.C reached out her hand to take a slice, only for Rin to move away the plate.
"Uh uh uh."Rin remarked with a smirk."If you want to eat this delicious pizza, you're going to have to agree with some things, C.C."
"Which are?"C.C questioned.
"Number 1: You will attend Ashford Academy. Number 2: You will be an official student here. Number 3: There will be no more kept secrets."Rin exclaimed firmly."If you do, I promise there will be a big reward for you."
"And what is this big reward, Rossellini?"C.C questioned with an unfazed look.
"I'll set up a Pizza Club in the school."Lelouch admitted.
This earned C.C's attention.
"But only if you agree to follow these three rules that is."Rin commented and began to walk away."Though if that's too tricky for you then-"
"W-wait!"C.C protested."What do you mean by Pizza Club?"
"Yeah."Lelouch agreed."The first Pizza Club in our school will make a pursue for the ultimate pizza."
"The ultimate pizza."C.C said in awe."How the ultimate pizza is like?"
"Neither me or Lelouch can't tell that except to the members of the club."Rin declared."It's the purpose of the club after all. Do we have a deal?"
C.C glanced at Lelouch, who smirked smugly at her.
"You two really planned this through, haven't you?"C.C assumed with a frown.
Lelouch smirked."It's called planning carefully in order to achieve the right outcomes instead of the unwanted ones."
"So that means you're in?"Rin assumed.
C.C looked at Rin with annoyed look, but sighed in defeat when she loved at the pizza she prepared for her.
"Yes."C.C replied simply."Now give me the pizza."
Rin handed C.C the plate for her to eat the traditional Italian pizza before the brunette made her way to her boyfriend and the two of them high fived each other over their successful scheme.
In the A.S.E.E.C. Hanger…
Cecile tells Suzaku that he has a medical exam coming up, claiming it is required for all Knightmare pilots.
"A medical checkup?"Suzaku asked.
"Just regulations."Cecile responded."It's required for all Knightmare pilots."
"I understand."Suzaku answered.
"Good, tomorrow then, after your school gets out."Cecile declared.
"Right, thanks."Suzaku replied and then an idea came into his mind."Oh, Miss Cecile, do you know of any way I can get in to see Princess Euphemia?"
"Huh?"Cecile said in surprise."You want to meet her?"
"Forget it."Lloyd sneered."You have to be at least a Knight of Honour to get an audience with her."
Suzaku's hope to see the beautiful pink haired princess vanished as Cecile turned to Lloyd with hands on her hips.
"But an Earl could arrange it, if you really want it to."Cecile suggested.
Lloyd blinked as he looked up at Cecile in surprise, pointing a finger to himself.
"Who?"Lloyd asked."Me?"
"Yes!"Cecile answered.
Suzaku glanced at between Cecile and Lloyd before his eyes widen when a realisation hit him.
"Huh? Lloyd! You are an Earl?!"Suzaku responded."You never told me that!"
Lloyd turned in his chair playfully in circles with a dazed smile on his face.
"Ha! Ha!"Lloyd laughed."Oh, I'm so embarrassed!"
Cecile shook her head as she wearily turned to Suzaku.
"The prodigal son of nobles."Cecile admitted."He can't really separate work from play."
Suzaku could only stare in shock upon discovering that Lloyd was born in nobility.
"Wow…"Suzaku said in awe.
In the Sumeragi Residence…
Rin was in her room and typing a couple things on her laptop.
On the brunette's head was a thin pair of headphones with red ear pieces and a black bow on top.
"Okay. It seems C.C will now hopefully start to work officially with us by promising her a Pizza Club."Rin complemented regretfully and sweat dropped."Though I think we went a bit too much on the top by also saying 'the ultimate pizza'."
Then a thoughtful look appeared on the brunette's face.
"Could C.C have likely gotten her huge love of pizza because she was born in the time people presented pizza in Naples during Early Modern Period Italy?"Rin suggested."I wonder if she ended up meeting the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy?"
Rin simply shook her head to snap out of her thoughts.
"Not important."Rin retorted as she typed on her laptop."What's important to find out who is C.C talking when she is by herself in Lelouch's room. No way she believes in imaginary friends."
Rin moved the arrow on her laptop to open an audio screen that was connected with the small cat head shaped device hidden inside the lamp light that was next to Lelouch's bed.
She held her headphones with her free hand while her other hand tapped on the audio screen to hear the recorded conversations of C.C.
"C.C denied to Lelouch that she was working with the Emperor."Rin thought with a frown."But hopefully, the answers is all here."
The brunette held her breath as she began to hear C.C's recorded voice.
"Heh heh. You can't fight your own blood, can you? But regardless, that type of person is dangerous."C.C's voice admitted."I wonder which path he'll take. I understand. Just who do you think I am, anyway?"
Rin narrowed her eyes before she typed to hear the next recording.
"Lelouch have really gotten her in the mood, but it seemed no interaction happened between them."C.C's voice complemented."I guess Lynn is far smarter than his other mindless admirers."
Rin's face flushed in anger and gritted her teeth at C.C's words.
"I did not just hear her say to the person she's talking to that I'm some kind of slut!"Rin grumbled in annoyance.
She then clicked on the audio screen to hear the third recording.
"Yes. Lelouch has been asking questions regarding our contract even though I told him I will reveal in time."C.C's voice exclaimed."But it seems that he doesn't seem to be interested in completing it either. Honestly, Lynn is making him change, Marianne."
There was no words to describe how Rin utterly felt as she removed the headphones on her head.
Just her mind completely shut down on the name C.C just said.
Marianne.
There was only one person with the name 'Marianne' that she knew, but that person was killed eight years ago.
However, the brunette's mind was too puzzled on reacting on what she just learned.
"So, the person that C.C is talking to is someone called 'Marianne'. As in Lelouch and Nunna's-"Rin thought in shock and shook her head."No! It's not possible! Empress Marianne was assassinated in Aries Villa eight years ago! It can't be her! There's no way that she could've been alive this whole time! It must be someone else with that maiden name! It has to be!"
In Ashford Academy…
The following morning, Lelouch spoke to Milly outside the building where the Student Council had their meetings and activities.
"You've increased security?"Milly asked.
"It will just be for a few days."Lelouch exclaimed."If you can keep the club house off limits. That would really help out."
"Well, It's not like I can't do it."Milly responded."Say, did someone find out you're a prince?"
Lelouch shook his head.
"Not really."Lelouch responded."But I did tell to Kallen and Rai that me and Nunnally are from the royal family."
A surprised look appeared on Milly's face.
"You told them?"Milly asked."So how did they react?"
"Surprised and shocked, but nevertheless they accepted us after I told them why we were living in the clubhouse."Lelouch explained."Though they promised to keep our lineage a secret like you do."
"That's good that you told a few of our friends, Lelouch."Milly declared."So you also plan to tell Rivalz, Shirley and Nina?"
"Someday I will."Lelouch answered."When I find the right time."
"Well, all the good things come to those who wait."Milly chuckled.
Lelouch notice something was bothering Milly.
"Is something wrong?"Lelouch asked.
"Oh Lelouch, they've got another blind date set up for me."Milly admitted with a hint of sadness."I may not be able to wriggle out of this one. What do you think I should do about it?"
"Well, it depends the type of guy that your family is trying to hook you up with."Lelouch complemented."What is he like?"
"He is an Earl and seems to be dedicating himself to science."Milly exclaimed and a troubled look appeared on her face."He is part of the research organisation known as Camelot, an irregular division of the Britannian Military and I've so far only went a few dates with him. But he doesn't seem to be interested in love or being in a romantic relationship."
A light chuckle escaped from Lelouch's mouth.
"Milly, I've known you since our childhood days back in Pendragon."Lelouch commented."You really deserve someone better than who your family is trying to force you to marry. Besides, you should make your own decisions on who you should marry."
"Thank you, Lelouch. That means a lot."Milly responded with a small smile."But you know how my grandfather, the Principal, is. He has been trying to look for ways to bring the Ashfords back to nobility since your mother's death."
Lelouch looked down at Milly's respond.
The former Prince of Britannia was never fond of the ideas of arranged marriages.
Back in Pendragon, there was rumours spreading of Nunnally being planned to be married off for political gain before their mother's assassination. But after she lost her sight and legs, the rumours ended.
Then Shirley walked up to Lelouch and Milly.
"Hey, Madam President."Shirley greeted.
"Hi, Shirley."Milly answered."Were you at morning practice?"
"I was."Shirley replied with a frown."Nothing exciting, but it's all worth it at the end."
"I should take lessons from you on positive thinking."Milly remarked.
Shirley then looked at Lelouch.
"Hi, Lelouch."Shirley greeted with a smile.
"Hey, Shirley."Lelouch responded."How is your father doing?"
"Much better."Shirley admitted happily."Though he decided to take some time off from work to spend more time with me and my mother."
"Glad to hear that."Lelouch complemented.
Then one of the girls from the Swimming Club called out to Shirley.
"Shirley!"A female voice called out."We're ready to start!"
"I'll be right there!"Shirley assured and looked at her two friends."See you later, Lelouch and Milly."
Shirley then headed off to join the Swimming Club as Lelouch and Milly watched her go.
"So how did your date with Shirley go?"Milly asked smugly.
"It was alright."Lelouch replied."Shirley actually confessed her feelings towards me, but I told her that I was in love with Rin."
"Oh…so you and Rin are officially together?"Milly sneered.
Lelouch let out a sigh.
"I told Nunnally and she said she's happy for the two us."Lelouch admitted."But I want our relationship to be not revealed in the academy's grounds just yet."
"Not to worry, Lelouch."Milly assured with a wink."My lips are sealed."
In the Ghettos…
C.C pressed a man by his throat with her foot to the wall in an alleyway, impatiently looking for clues of Mao's whereabouts.
"I'm not looking for a Refrain dealer."C.C scowled."I said a Chinese guy named Mao. Did you here me?"
"Believe me, I have no idea!"the man protested."The only Chinese around here are the pushers or gang labor! Go ask the cops!"
"I don't like cops."C.C stated.
"Then ask the Black Knights about him."the man insisted."They're all over the underworld. They wire into the settlement and the ghettos."
C.C frowned deepened as she pressed her foot even harder against the man's throat.
"Everyone tells me the same thing."C.C retorted.
"Cause it's obvious!"the man argued.
In Zero's Mobile Base...
Naoto and Inoue were looking through various small screens that showed every part in the Tokyo Settlement including the ghettos for any sign of Mao.
"Sorry, Lelouch."Inoue apologised."We've haven't found this Mao guy."
"I see."Lelouch responded.
"Should we check our contacts in the Kyoto network?"Inoue suggested.
"No, just stay with Kanto block."Lelouch instructed."If you come up with any leads, let me know."
"Yes, we'll do."Inoue answered.
"All right."Lelouch said."I'll get back to you."
Outside…
Kallen and Rai were inside a cafe, drinking beverages together.
"So this is the cafe you usually go with Naoto?"Rai assumed.
Kallen nodded at Rai.
"That's right."Kallen responded and gave the silver haired boy a smile."But since his busy, I wanted you to come with me this time. You don't mind, Rai?"
Rai gives Kallen a smile.
"Not at all, Kallen."Rai answered."It's far better to drink something someone than being by yourself."
Then the waitress arrived and placed two cups of mocha drinks for Kallen and Rai's table.
"Here you are."the waitress declared softly.
Then the waitress walked away, leaving Kallen and Rai by themselves.
Kallen started drinking her beverage while Rai looked at his reflection in the mocha mug.
"What's wrong, Rai?"Kallen asked.
Rai brought his attention on Kallen.
"Hey, Kallen."Rai responded."Do you think I'm a good person?"
A surprised look appeared on Kallen's face.
"Huh?"Kallen said in confusion.
"I've still haven't gotten my memories back."Rai responded with a troubled look."But recently seen stuff in my dreams that are not even good."
"What kind of stuff, Rai?"Kallen asked.
"First, it's one with a damaged looking place. Then I see a woman and a little girl."Rai exclaimed and then narrowed his eyes to look at his reflection in the mug."Then I see a boy."
"What kind of boy?"Kallen asked.
"He had long blonde hair, dark pink eyes and had a smile that gave anything but comfort."Rai answered and looked at Kallen."Do you think these visions I have has something to do with my memories?"
"Perhaps they do, Rai."Kallen suggested."It could be a sign that your memories will be coming back."
"Yeah."Rai said quietly."I guess you're right."
Rai then picked up his cup of mocha to take a sip from it.
The drink was hot, it burned his tongue a bit, but he didn't mind.
The texture was slightly frothy and velvety smooth, but yet it was pleasant and the heat warmed him up from the inside.
A small smile formed on Rai's face at the drink's delicious flavour.
"Mmm, this drink tastes like a chocolatey coffee."Rai remarked.
Kallen chuckled at Rai's respond.
"That's how a mocha tastes like."Kallen complemented."Though I find it far more better than bitter coffee."
Rai smiled shyly as he watched Kallen drink her cup of mocha.
Ever since taking part in Ashford Academy with his friends, the silver haired boy was actually feeling much better than he felt after losing his memories.
If his friends didn't take him in, he would've likely being caught by the worst people such as the Britannian Military and being used as their torture toy.
Even though he didn't have his memories back, Rai still felt that he was meant to fight against Britannia and make a better world for the people he cared about.
And those people were his friends.
In Ashford Academy…
Lelouch placed down his phone as he walked in the clubhouse as he started to become more annoyed at not finding any clues of Mao's whereabouts.
"If I get within 500 meters of Mao, he can read my mind. That's what he wants."Lelouch retorted."But knowing that, I should be able to guess his next move."
"I was thinking the same thing."
Lelouch turned around and saw C.C coming forward.
"As your girlfriend said."C.C declared."We should work together together since we weren't able to find Mao separately. Don't you agree?"
"Looks that way."Lelouch responded with a frown.
Suddenly, Lelouch's phone started ringing causing the former Prince of Britannia to answer it.
Lelouch took out his phone and a glare formed on his face when he saw it was an unknown number.
But he knew who it was.
Lelouch then answered his phone.
"Yes?"Lelouch asked.
"It's me, Lelouch. C.C.'s there too, isn't she?"Mao sneered."I wanna talk to her alone. Put her on."
Lelouch simply handed C.C his phone, so that she can speak to Mao.
"Hello, Mao."C.C greeted.
"C.C, I love to hear the sound of your voice."Mao declared joyfully."I'll be at Clovisland. Come alone."
"You're selfish as ever, I see."C.C retorted.
"If you don't come, I'll just have to tell the police who Lelouch and Rin really are."Mao threatened."I can have them eliminated anytime I want."
C.C closed her eyes at Mao's threat.
"Very well, Mao."C.C answered."I'll come."
"Good."Mao responded in a bright tone."See you at Clovisland."
Mao then ended the call before C.C handed Lelouch his phone back.
"You're seriously going to see him just like that?"Lelouch questioned.
"Why would you care about me, Lelouch?"C.C asked."You did say you didn't want me around since I already attracted the attention of Britannia and suspected me working for your father."
Lelouch cringed at hearing the Emperor being addressed as his father.
"Anyway, you should be happy about this, Lelouch."C.C said with a bright smile."We're finally going our separate ways. I'm going back to Mao."
"You know going back to him is dangerous."Lelouch informed with a small glare."He could probably be planning something to punish you for abandoning him."
A light laugh appeared on C.C's face.
"Are you actually saying that?"C.C asked in disbelief."You and I were never friends. We were just co-conspirators. That's all."
C.C began making her way down the stairs.
"What about agreeing with Rin on attending Ashford Academy and my idea for establishing the Pizza Club?"Lelouch asked.
C.C stopped walking and turned around to give Lelouch a faint smile.
"It was an alluring offer, but it doesn't seem that is going to happen."C.C admitted."Farewell, Lelouch. I hope you, Rin and your friends achieve on your goals."
Lelouch looked on in silence as C.C left the clubhouse, leaving him by himself.
At the Tokyo Settlement…
Suzaku sat on a chair with Cecile next to him as the female doctor told him his results from the medical exam.
"The test results came out fine."the doctor declared."Though you seems to pay extreme attention to discipline and to weighing the value of human life."
"Is that going to cause problems?"Suzaku asked.
"These are the positive traits for a soldier."the doctor complemented."Do you think subconsciously you are comparing yourself to your father?"
Suzaku and Cecile looked at the doctor after hearing what she said.
"That may be the underlying cause of your insecurity. It's quite common in the children of famous people."the doctor remarked."Your father Genbu Kururugi, the former prime minister of Japan. He was a great man."
A sad look appeared on Suzaku's face at the doctor's words.
Meanwhile…
Tohdoh was visiting the grave of Genbu Kururugi with Chiba and Asahina.
"Urabe and others are late."Chiba informed.
"Well, this sure is an ironic meeting place, isn't it?"Asahina scoffed."The grave of Prime Minister Kururugi?"
"The traitor who told us to fight to the end, then commit suicide himself."Chiba scowled.
Tohdoh became upset at his comrades' words.
"Enough!"Tohdoh ordered sternly."That is not how it happened!"
This caused Chiba and Asahina to look at Tohdoh.
"What are you saying, Tohdoh?"Chiba asked.
The Leader of the Four Holy Swords closed his eyes and sighed.
"There is something I have to tell you."Tohdoh stated."Something I should've told you seven years ago…"
However, unbeknownst to him or either of his comrades, Tohdoh was being watched.
"Fugitive Tohdoh identified."A man declared."All units prepared to move in."
"Yes, my lord."the soldiers answered.
In Zero's Mobile Base...
Diethard was speaking with Lelouch on his phone.
"Yes, I've read through your proposal for reorganising the Black Knights."Lelouch exclaimed."I've got a few changes, but overall I like where you're going with this. I'll run it by Naoto tomorrow."
"Thanks."Diethard thanked."I appreciate that."
"Next draft, I'd like you to insert a chart that forecasts how the cells-base structure will be implemented."Lelouch instructed."That's all."
Diethard then ended the call as a smirk appeared on his face.
"So that was the final test."Diethard stated smugly."I guess I passed."
The TV Reporter still found it interesting upon discovering that behind the mask of Zero was the former 11th Prince of the Britannian Imperial Family.
But Lelouch had made it clear to him and the rest of the Black Knights that he had no desire to overthrow the Emperor and rule the world.
"Regardless, if you're a former Prince of the royal family, I will still look forward in documenting your story, Zero."Diethard thought.
Somewhere…
Lelouch stopped typing on his laptop after finishing his conversation with Diethard on his phone.
"Diethard, though he's Britannian, he's proven to be surprisingly helpful."Lelouch complemented."So there drops the possibility of him being a spy."
An annoyed look appeared on the raven haired boy's face as he remembered what C.C said to him.
"Anyway, you should be happy about this, Lelouch."C.C said with a bright smile."We're finally going our separate ways. I'm going back to Mao."
A scoff escaped Lelouch's mouth.
"So obvious that she's trying to take responsibility for what she did and decided not to keep avoiding it."Lelouch retorted and connected a wire with his laptop."Just too twisted to admit it."
In the Sumeragi Residence…
Rin was in the kitchen preparing linguine with prawn dim sum dumplings for her and Kaguya to enjoy for lunch.
"Just a few minutes left and dinner will be served."Rin complemented joyfully.
The brunette then got a message on her phone causing her to pick it up and read it.
However, the moment she finished reading it, a shocked look appeared on her face.
"Senpai, you-"Rin started.
In Clovisland…
C.C arrived to the amusement park by herself.
There weren't any people around since all the workers and customers went home, so the area was completely deserted.
Suddenly, the giant wheel lit up bringing light in the deserted theme park.
The Immortal Witch took a step away from the carousel she stood beside as it began to turn, hearing the slight giggle of Mao.
"C.C., your mind is so quiet!"Mao remarked as he rode on one of the horses in the carousel."It's the only one I can't read! You really are the best there is!"
"As childish as ever, I see."C.C retorted coldly.
"I'm a prince on a white stallion, and a prince has to rescue the princess."Mao remarked happily."Does that make you happy, C.C?"
"Mao, we talked about this before."C.C stated."I told you that you and I…"
"Those were all lies. Lies."Mao interrupted as he walked forward."C.C., you love me and this is how I know."
Mao removed his head phones, revealing the recording loud enough for C.C to hear perfectly.
"Thank you, Mao."C.C's voice admitted."Mao, Mao."
"Stop it!"C.C scowled.
Mao simply smiled happily at the Immortal Witch.
"C.C., you're the only one! The only one I want forever!"Mao declared."Lelouch doesn't matter at all! If you just come with me-"
Mao attempted to get closer to C.C, only for the lime green haired girl to back away in anger
"Stop it!"C.C snapped.
C.C elbowed Mao's hand away viciously, the head phones falling the the ground as she pulled out a gun from her inside jacket pocket to shoot Mao.
Mao's eyes to widen in shock at seeing C.C aim her gun at him.
"I should've done this a long long time ago."C.C scowled coldly.
C.C attempted to shoot Mao, but she started hesitating instead of pulling the trigger to end his life.
This caused her in return to get shot in her left shoulder by Mao's own gun.
C.C dropped in the ground in pain which caused her to drop her own gun in the process.
"I knew it! I knew you couldn't pull the trigger!"Mao admitted joyfully."That's 'cause you really love me, C.C!"
Mao burst into laughter as he began clapping again causing C.C to glare at him.
"You're wrong!"C.C argued."I was just using you right from the start!"
Mao stopped laughing at C.C's respond.
"What are you saying?"Mao questioned."You shouldn't tell lies like that. You really shouldn't."
Mao shot C.C's left shoulder as he spoke.
"Lies are very very wicked!"Mao retorted."Wicked lies!"
C.C screamed out in pain as Mao shot both her legs, making her lay flat on the ground and lose the strength to use her limps.
"Don't worry. I understand."Mao assured."C.C, you must listen to me. I've build a big brand-new house in Australia, a very quiet, white, immaculate special house."
Mao made his way to the left side to get something from the stand.
"But to get to Australia, you'll need to take in airplane and there isn't very much room."Mao complemented."The thing is, C.C., you're a little too big to bring on a plane."
C.C's eyes widen in shock as Mao came back to her while holding a chainsaw.
"So that's why, I'm going to make you compact."Mao sneered."It'll take little time at all."
"Is this your revenge?"C.C asked in shock."You're punishing me?"
Mao shook his head.
"Oh, no, I'm not. I'm not, I'm not, I'm not at all."Mao responded."I'm showing you my gratitude."
"So this is the place that you picked."
C.C and Mao looked up to see Lelouch on the massive television beside them, standing amusingly on the screen in front of Tokyo Tower.
"A place where there'd be no one else's thoughts to bother you."Lelouch complemented."That narrowed it way down."
Mao frowned."Lelouch."
"Since your Geass has the total maximum range of 500 meters."Lelouch admitted."It can't reach me here at Tokyo Tower."
Mao laughed as he began applausing him, still clutching onto the chainsaw.
"That's true. That's very true."Mao remarked."But what can you do from so far away, hmm?!After taking all that trouble to hack into the system, what's your grand plan? A remote-control attack with some battery-operated toys, or a tongue-lashing to lecture me into submission?"
Lelouch didn't respond.
"Ah, cat got your tongue now?"Mao questioned."If you want C.C., then you're gonna have to come-"
"Mao, think! You don't believe C.C. is her real name, do you?"Lelouch asked."She never even whispers it to anyone."
"Huh?"Mao said in confusion.
"But I know it, though."Lelouch admitted."She told me her true name."
Mao looked at C.C with a hurtful look.
"Is that right, C.C?"Mao asked in disbelief."You never told me, ever ever. But you told it to him?"
"You know why? Because C.C. is mine."Lelouch sneered causing Mao to turn to him in anger."C.C belongs to me in every possible way."
Mao climbed onto the stage beside the TV screen while holding his chainsaw.
"No! She doesn't! She doesn't! She doesn't! She doesn't!"Mao argued."She was mine long before she met you!"
"I have gained every single thing from her, including all of the parts that you have never seen."Lelouch declared mischievously.
This caused Mao's eyes to widen in terror.
"All of them…"Lelouch sneered.
"Lelouch…"Mao growled in anger.
Mao activated his chainsaw and ran at the screen, slashing at it angrily, sparks shooting everywhere.
"FACE ME! LELOUCH, COME HERE! COME HERE!"Mao demanded furiously."I CAN LOOK INTO YOUR MIND! I'LL SEE THE TRUTH! I'LL SEE WHAT A LIAR YOU ARE! LIAR!"
"Mao, you've lost."Lelouch declared triumphantly.
Then Lelouch's face disappeared from the damaged TV Screen.
"What are you talking about?!"Mao questioned."I won't care! I'm gonna be with C.C!"
Mao suddenly heard various voices coming from around the Clovisland Park.
"Is that Lelouch? But he's too far away."Mao commented as he turned his head from each side."Sounds, everywhere. All those voices."
Suddenly, members of the Britannian police ran in from the outskirts of the park, Knightmares, and even a helicopter appeared in the sky.
"Hold it right there!"A police officer ordered."Drop the weapon and surrender!"
"What are they doing here?"Mao questioned in confusion.
"Remain where you are!"the police officer demanded."Drop out your weapon and raise your hands!"
"It's the police!"Mao said with a shocked look."Who contacted them?"
C.C leaned up a bit as her shoulders recovered from Mao's bullets as somebody dressed as a police officer quietly bent over her.
The Immortal Witch's eyes widen in surprise at seeing it was Lelouch.
"Lelouch, what are you doing here?"C.C asked.
Lelouch picked C.C up as Mao become shocked at seeing him.
"It can't be!"Mao argued."He was just at Tokyo tower! He can't be here now!"
Lelouch did not reply as he glanced at Mao with a smirk on his face.
"Are you that slow?"Lelouch's voice sneered."That was all a recording."
"That's a lie!"Mao argued."You, you were talking to me, answering me!"
"Your thoughts are simple."Lelouch complemented smugly."Since you read minds, you've never resorted to cunning."
"You predicted every one of answers? Don't play games with me, punk!"Mao snapped."If the cop arrests me, I'll be back out in a heartbeat!"
"You seriously believe that?"Lelouch scoffed with a unfazed look.
"Shut up!"Mao retorted."Just stop talking to me!"
"C.C told me you can't turn off your Geass."Lelouch complemented."And your reach is erratic. If you don't concentrate, your range gets very short."
"So do you used the monitor to keep me distracted?"Mao growled and then laughed."Even so, I can still defeat you! I'll have you ruined!"
"The moment you try is the moment you die."Lelouch warned.
C.C's eyes widened as Lelouch began to walk away.
"Lelouch, wait!"C.C protested."If I talk to him! I can get through!"
"You think I'll die?"Mao laughed madly while throwing his arms out before pointing at Lelouch's direction."Listen, cops! You know who that guy is? He's the terrorist you want. He…."
Lelouch grinned slightly as the Police Chief raised his arm.
"FIRE!"
Then an onslaught of bullets occurred, aimed directly at Mao and killed him.
"Oh, Mao!"C.C cried out.
"Zero…"Mao murmured weakly.
Mao then took his last breath and died from where he laid down.
Afterwards…
The police helicopter brought Lelouch and a recovered C.C at the top of a building's roof near Ashford Academy.
Lelouch glanced at C.C as she told him her history with Mao.
"Mao was only six years old when I made my contract with him."C.C explained."He was an orphan who'd never known the love of the parent. He couldn't read or write and knew nothing of good and evil."
The duo stood silently a moment as the helicopter took off into the sky.
"When I gave the Geass power to Mao, it isolated him. In his mind, I became his only friend and his lover, though I was still a perfect stranger."C.C admitted."I'm the only one he even thought of as human. I was Mao's entire world."
"C.C., listen to me. I won't let Geass destroy me and find a way to conquer its power."Lelouch declared."But I won't also grant your wish either."
"That's fine by me."C.C said simply."You have a sister and friends that you care about more than anything. Also, a kind and smart girlfriend. Even though she likes sticking her nose into other people's business."
Lelouch lightly chuckled at C.C's respond.
"That's Rin for you."Lelouch remarked.
"Do you still want me to move into Ashford Academy after all the trouble I've put you through?"C.C questioned.
"Yes."Lelouch responded with a firm tone."You can't go off wondering by yourself since you are wanted by the Britannian Military, so enrolling in Ashford Academy is the best place you have as shelter."
C.C turned around to look at Lelouch.
"Since I'm back to you, forming the Pizza Club is still on?"C.C assumed.
Lelouch let out a sigh.
"Yes, it is."Lelouch stated with a slight smile."But I hope this also means in return you'll tell me everything I need know."
A soft smile formed on C.C's face.
"I'm usually a very secretive person."C.C stated."But now that I understand you a bit better, I'll try my best to be more open to you, Lelouch. It's the least I can do after you saved me from Mao."
"Thank you, C.C."Lelouch thanked.
"Caterina."C.C admitted."My real name is Caterina."
Lelouch and C.C shook hands with each other.
"Very well…Caterina."Lelouch replied.
Well, a lot has happened here. C.C agreed with Lelouch and Rin by attending Ashford Academy, she will get a Pizza Club! (Chuckles). But don't worry about Mao since he won't be coming back. It makes no sense to me that someone like him would survive after getting hit by several bullets. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and see you all later:)