Birthdays
Marrybell mel Britannia- August 27, 2000
Orpheus and Oldrin Zevon- June 6, 2000
Adeline Rossellini- September 9, 1996
Akito Hyuga- July 4, 2000
Leila Malcal- November 8, 1999
Ayano Kosaka- July 16, 2002
Ryo Sayama- January 4, 2001
Yukiya Naruse- November 17, 2001
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.
"Guard your secrets like a fortress, and only reveal them to the worthy."- Unknown
Zero's Lady
Chapter 23: Secrets
In the Sumeragi Residence…
Rin was in the kitchen, preparing hakata ramen; a rich porky taste combined with thin noodles which was incredibly filling and almost criminally delicious.
The brunette wore a black tube top with a loose white T-shirt covering it and denim dark grey jeans fitted with a small golden button and pockets. On her feet were white slippers.
After chopping the scallions and slices of chashu pork, she added the extra toppings that were crushed garlic, beni shōga (pickled ginger), sesame seeds and spicy pickled mustard greens (karashi takana).
She was thinking about the events that occurred in Kamine Island.
"Kamine Island. That piece of land surrounded by water must have something to do with Geass."Rin thought suspiciously."No doubt it was the Emperor's jealous and petulant bratty older twin brother V.V, the one responsible for sending me, Lelouch, Kallen and Rai there. Including Nonette, Suzaku and Euphemia."
Rin narrowed her eyes while making the ramen egg and sliced each in half lengthwise, then place two halves in every bowl.
"Now that Nonette knows about me, Lelouch and Nunnally are alive, we have to be extra careful."Rin thought with a frown."The Black Knights know that Lelouch is a former Prince of the Britannian Imperial Family. But they don't know about Geass and the type of power that their leader has. Though I think it's best to tell them when it is actually the right time. Though still we can't have Schneizel or any of our other enemies get the upper hand to tear us apart."
She then remembered Rai having Geass symbols in his eyes.
"Rai has Geass, but he is still recovering at what happened at Kamine Island."Rin thought worriedly."I guess his memories are back."
Once Rin finished preparing lunch, the brunette placed the bowls in a serving tray and placed it in the table in the living room.
"Kaguya!"Rin called out."Lunch is ready!"
"Coming, Onee-sama!"Kaguya responded.
Kaguya slid the door to the living room, revealing herself to be wearing a deep red-brown kimono with long sleeves and a pink obi wrapped around her waist.
"Ta-da."Kaguya remarked brightly."How do I look?"
"You look beautiful, my imouto."Rin praised."But what's the outfit for?"
Kaguya went over to Rin.
"Didn't Milly tell you? I'm going to be the President of the Japanese Cultural Society for Ashford Academy's upcoming school festival."Kaguya admitted happily and sighed dreamily."And guess what? Lelouch was the one who came with the idea. He really does appreciate me."
Rin sweat dropped and smiled nervously at Kaguya's respond.
"That's nice."Rin murmured.
At the Government Bureau…
Nonette went to visit Euphemia in her office.
"Euphie, how long you were going to hide it?"Nonette questioned.
"Hide what, Nonette?"Euphemia asked.
Nonette's frown deepened at the pink haired princess' respond.
"The fact that you knew that Lelouch, Nunnally and Lynn were alive."Nonette declared.
A shocked look appeared on Euphemia's face.
"Nonette, how did you-"Euphemia asked.
"While you were in Zero's custody, I've learned that the woman behind Shade's mask was none other than Lynn Rossellini."Nonette responded."But you probably figured it out since you know that Lelouch is Zero, right?"
"Nonette, I'm sorry."Euphemia apologised and then became sad."But I promised Lelouch, Nunnally and Lynn that I wouldn't tell you or Cornelia anything. Neither of them have no intention in going back to the homeland and become my father's political tools."
Nonette shook her head.
"It is fine, Euphie."Nonette replied simply, no longer upset at the pink haired princess."I tried talking to Lynn about leaving the unnecessary path that she and Lelouch were following. But unfortunately it seems she has no interest of backing down from the Black Knights."
"As expected, Lelouch and Rin really want to destroy our empire."Euphemia stated and looked down."Sometimes, I wish things were like the way they were before."
"I do too, Euphie."Nonette agreed and folded her arms."Though these unfortunate things would've been avoided if the Emperor provided support to Lelouch and Lynn after losing their mother and Istvan's father would've saved Lynn's mother and relatives."
"Uncle Istvan and Adeline would be happy to know that Lynn is still alive."Euphemia declared with a melancholy smile.
"They would."Nonette agreed."Lynn told me she would love to see them again. But since she is the co-leader of the Black Knights, she said it won't be possible anymore."
Then an idea came to Euphemia's head.
"Nonette, I've been actually thinking about forming a plan for a while."Euphemia exclaimed."Cornelia would be against it. But I hope you approve if I tell you it."
"Alright, Euphie. You can tell me."Nonette insisted."You are the sub-viceroy of Area 11."
In Ashford Academy…
Lelouch typed on his laptop to upload the images that were taken of the ruins within Kamine Island to show to C.C, who held cheese-kun in her arms.
"Would you look at that. The Emperor dispatched an investigation team for Kamine Island."Lelouch said with a unfazed tone."And the ruins within that island is over 5000 years old. Does it look familiar to you?"
C.C looked at the images of the ruins in Lelouch's laptop.
"Yes. That's a Thought Elevator."C.C admitted."It attracted the attention of the Emperor and V.V. They're all over the world, I don't know they're exact locations, but I do believe they may be connected to the origin of Geass. But I can't say for certain."
Lelouch gives C.C an amused smile.
"I almost forgot that you weren't always immortal."Lelouch complemented.
C.C rolled her eyes as she laid down on the sofa coach while holding Cheese-kun.
"Since V.V was the one that sent us to Kamine Island, you probably know the reason why, right?"Lelouch assumed."My Geass somehow activated without me planning to use it."
"He must have created a trap with the Thought Elevator that would force your Geass to grow to the point where you can no longer control it."C.C admitted."And that means-"
"I can't no longer control my Geass like Mao."Lelouch said with a hint of worry."But isn't there a way to somehow to cover my power in order to avoid catastrophe from happening?"
"Beside your mask, you can use sunglasses or special contacts to block your Geass if it does permanent."C.C requested."Though if you want your Geass removed, the only way is to-"
"No, thank you."Lelouch answered with a frown."I prefer living an ordinary life with Nunnally, Rin and my friends. I don't want to outlive them."
"Fine for me. So what do you intend to do now?"C.C questioned."You now know the real story behind your mother's assassination. But isn't it best to tell Nunnally about it?"
Lelouch let out a sigh.
"Nonette knows the identity of Zero and Shade. But the organisation of the Black Knights shall remain ongoing."Lelouch declared with a frown."Though I think it is best that Nunnally has her own knight to protect her. I planned it to be Suzaku. However-"
"How about Alice Pelham?"C.C suggested.
"Alice?"Lelouch said in confusion.
"She is a former spy and your sister's best friend."C.C complemented."Believe it or not, there's more to her than meets the eye."
Lelouch raised an eyebrow at C.C's declaration.
"What do you mean?"Lelouch asked.
C.C smirked."Why don't you use your Geass on her and find out."
"Very well."Lelouch agreed with a nod."I'll do ju-Achoo!"
"Oh my."C.C sneered."Are you catching a cold?"
"No, witch."Lelouch retorted."I am perfectly fine."
Lelouch stood up, only to let out another sneeze to head out of his bedroom.
"My goodness, you're so feeble."C.C remarked.
"Shut up."Lelouch scowled.
Lelouch made his way to the living room and saw Nunnally having tea with Alice.
"Hey, Lelouch."Alice said with a wave.
"Hi, big brother."Nunnally responded.
"Say Nunnally, is alright if I-"Lelouch started and let out another sneeze."Achoo!"
"Big brother, are you alright?"Nunnally asked."You should rest."
"I'm perfectly fine."Lelouch assured.
Lelouch once again let out another sneeze.
"Yeah, right."Alice scoffed."You sound totally well."
"Go rest, Lelouch."Nunnally insisted."You're sick."
"But Nunnally-"Lelouch started.
"Don't worry about me. Alice is with me."Nunnally said with a firm tone."So please take your time and rest, big brother."
"There's your answer, Lelouch."Alice chuckled smugly.
"Fine."Lelouch grumbled and thought unhappily."So pushy. As expected from my younger sister."
Lelouch out another sneeze as Sayoko walked up to him.
"Master Lelouch, you do not look so well."Sayoko said with a hint of worry.
"It seems like I have a fever."Lelouch declared."I'll rest once I have some medicine, so don't worry."
"I will prepare something nutritious for you, then."Sayoko suggested.
Lelouch nodded before he made his way back to his room.
"Alright, a sick person's job is to sleep."Lelouch thought.
In the Sumeragi Residence…
A bunch of maids were preparing Rin for her upcoming meeting with Li Xingke; the Faction Leader of the Chinese Federation.
Rin wore a purple kimono with a faint checkerboard pattern background, decorated with wavy white and gold lines along with white and gold goldfish. A green obi with a red belt, blue and yellow flowers around the middle, and a checkerboard section at the front was tied around the waist. On her shoulders was a short white fur cape. The cape was closed with gold string tied into a bow at the front, a fluffy white ball with a purple bead placed at each end. It was decorated with red fish, tiny green leaves and light blue line and dot accents. Around her neck was a set of three necklaces, one a plain thin chain and two beaded. The shorter of the beaded necklaces was purple while the longer was black with some white beads. On her feet were short white socks with a pair of geta with a plain cream stand and purple sides with orange decoration. A striped black and orange strap was secured on top. Her dark chocolate brown hair was in a simple Geisha hairdo with a small purple ribbon and little white gold flowers.
For the finishing touches, one of the maid added a bit of blush on the brunette's cheeks.
"You're ready, Miss Sumeragi."the first maid declared.
Rin stood up and walked up to her dressing mirror to look at her reflection in the mirror.
She now looked more like Rin Sumeragi, a member of the Sumeragi Clan than Lynn Rossellini; A Britannian student that attended Ashford Academy.
"Thank you, all."Rin thanked."I'll be going now."
The maids bowed at Rin as she headed out of the Sumeragi Residence.
Rin made her way to the limo that was going to take her to the Chinese Federation.
Inside the limo was Naoto and Tamahome waiting for her.
Naoto blushed a bit at seeing how beautiful Rin looked wearing a kimono.
"Rin, that kimono-"Naoto started.
"I know."Rin said with a sheepish smile."It's a little too much."
"N-No."Naoto answered."You look beautiful."
A smile formed on Rin's fact at Naoto's comment.
"Thanks."Rin thanked."That means a lot."
"You ready to go then?"Tamahome assumed.
Rin nodded at Tamahome.
"Yes, Tamahome."Rin replied."Let's go."
In Ashford Academy…
Lelouch was on his bed with his blazer and shoes removed.
The former prince let out another sneeze causing him to groan in annoyance while C.C sat down on the sofa watching him with an amused smile.
"This is awful."Lelouch muttered."Too bad it's not you that's sick."
"That's right, feeble boy."C.C sneered."Even though someone with a perfect constitution like myself can't get something like a cold."
"Ah, true."Lelouch agreed sarcastically."That's because lazy immortals can't catch colds…"
C.C simply smirked at Lelouch's respond.
Then Milly, Rivalz, Nina, Shirley and Suzaku showed up in Lelouch's room.
"Hello, there!"Milly greeted."We heard that the Student Council's valuable asset is bedridden, so we came to visit!"
"It sounds your gambling habits pushed you too hard, Lelouch."Rivalz assumed.
"Are you okay?"Suzaku asked.
"Just have a cold."Lelouch said with a small smile."Why are you all here? Is it already after school?"
"That's right, Mr. Sleepy Head."Shirley answered."Nunna and Alice told us you were sick, so we came to see you. Sick people should be quiet and rest."
"But my fever's already gone down."Lelouch replied.
Lelouch let out another sneeze causing him to cover his mouth.
"Sure it has."C.C said smugly.
Lelouch gives C.C a cold glare.
"Don't worry. I thought this might be the case."Rivaz remarked and brought a few pervert magazines."So I brought stuff that would make any healthy boy cheer up."
Nina blushed and squealed in shock while Milly, Lelouch and Suzaku sweat dropped at the dirty magazines.
Shirley flushed and smacked Rivalz on the head.
"Ow!"Rivalz groaned in pain.
"Rivalz, you pervert!"Shirley snapped angrily."What kind of stuff are you bringing?"
Then Nunnally came into the room, not happy to see her friends distracting Lelouch from relaxing.
"Please cut it out, everyone!"Nunnally demanded."Big brother is sick! Please go home for today!"
"Oh dear, we came and made Nunnally mad."Milly giggled.
"Yeah."Suzaku said with a nervous smile."Nunnally can be quite scary when mad."
Nunnally, Milly, Rivalz, Nina, Shirley, and Suzaku then left Lelouch's bedroom.
"Where is Rin?"Shirley asked."Isn't she supposed to be here to look after Lelouch?"
"I called Rin, but she said she's in a meeting with the Houses of Kyoto."Nunnally explained.
"Huh."Rivalz stated with a smile."I almost forgot that Rin was half-Japanese."
Nina became a bit nervous at Rivalz's reply, but didn't say anything.
"Yet Kallen and Rai are away because they're doing things for the Black Knights."Suzaku thought with a frown.
"Leave that to us!"
Nunnally, Milly, Rivalz, Nina, Shirley and Suzaku looked to see Kaguya walk forward dressed in a nurse.
Kaguya wore a plain pink dress with a shorter apron, white tights and pink shoes. On her head was a white nurse cap with a red cross on it.
Alice was behind Kaguya, wearing the exact nurse dress as she was, but looked utterly uncomfortable at wearing such a girlie outfit.
Suzaku smiled at Alice.
"Hey, Alice."Suzaku chuckled."You look lovely as a nurse."
"Be quiet unless you want to get a sharp needle jabbed inside your arm."Alice grumbled darkly.
Nunnally covered her mouth to giggle at her best friend's reply.
"Me and Alice will take care of Lelouch until his all better."Kaguya assured proudly."To take care of the husband is the wife's job you know."
"The wife's job?"Nunnally said in confusion.
Suzaku sighed as he simply face palmed.
"Here we go again."Suzaku muttered.
Kaguya went up to Nunnally and clasped her hands.
"That's right."Kaguya remarked happily."It's going to be great Nunnally that you and I will be sisters."
"Eh?!"Shirley gasped in disbelief.
"Wait, wait, wait, Kaguya!"Rivalz demanded."When did you become Lelouch's fiancé?"
"Yeah, actually I want to know that as well."Nina agreed."Kaguya, when did you and Lelouch get engaged?"
Kaguya just looked at her friends and smiled.
"Lelouch became my future husband ever since you rescued me."Kaguya admitted giddily.
"Oh, I remember that. It was just before the war."Nunnally replied while putting her finger on her cheek."You were climbing on a tree to get fruit, but you lost your balance and you ended up landing on Lelouch."
Shirley sweat dropped. "Uh…"
Milly laughed lightly at Nunnally's story.
"So Lelouch ended up being your seating cushion?"Milly chuckled.
"Poor Lelouch."Rivalz replied."He must've gotten hurt."
"Since his so fragile and lacks being athletic, no doubt about that."Alice agreed with a nod.
Suzaku sweat dropped and smiled sheepishly upon remembering complaining Lelouch complaining at Kaguya to get off him as she kept thanking him from saving her.
"You have no idea."Suzaku murmured.
At the Chinese Federation Embassy…
Rin, Naoto and Tamahome walked out of the limo before making their way inside the at the Chinese Federation Embassy.
When the two of them arrived inside, they found Xingke waiting for them.
Li Xingke was a tall young man with a lean body, he had brown eyes and long black hair that reach to his knees donned with a red back headpiece. He wore a blue short shirt similar to a men's qipao and a long white shirt with two cut leg slit underneath. He also donned a red sash with his sword attached to it, black pants and brown boots.
Xingke bowed at Rin.
"Hello there."Xingke replied."Are you Rin Sumeragi or rather Shade, the co-leader of the Black Knights?"
"I am Captain Li."Rin answered and introduced Naoto and Tamahome."And these are my deputy commanders, Naoto Kōzuki and Tamahome Mendez."
Naoto and Tamahome bowed at Xingke.
"It's honour to meet you at last, Captain Xingke."Naoto declared.
"We hear you're a close friend to Empress Tianzi."Tamahome stated.
Xingke nodded at the young men's responds.
"Indeed, I am."Xingke agreed and looked at Rin."Right this way."
Xingke began to walk away causing Rin, Naoto and Tamahome to follow after him.
Back in Ashford Academy…
Lelouch was soon back in bed, reading a book while Kaguya was busily cooking something for him to eat.
The Head of the Sumeragi Clan soon came into Lelouch's room with a steaming bowl of porridge.
"Here you go, Lelouch! I made you some porridge!"Kaguya said with a smile."It looks great, so I promise it'll be edible!"
"Edible?"Lelouch said in confusion.
"I actually once cooked for my Onee-sama, but she ended up complaining because I used cold water."Kaguya explained."But that's all in the past. So eat up."
Lelouch sweat drop at Kaguya's reply.
"Thanks."Lelouch thanked with an unsure look.
Lelouch looked at Kaguya and then at the porridge in his lap with an unsure look on his face.
When he looked at Kaguya again, he saw the look she was giving him.
The old puppy dog smile.
In other words, she was expecting him to like it.
Not wanting to let Kaguya down, Lelouch took off the top of the bowl, revealing the steaming porridge underneath.
The raven haired boy took a spoonful, popped it into his mouth and swallowed.
At that moment, Lelouch's eyes bulged big and let out a wild shout as a torrent of flames erupted from his mouth while tears gushed out from his eyes.
After the flames soon died down, Lelouch let out one final groan as he slumped face-first to the bed, appearing unconscious.
Kaguya was shocked as well as horrified.
"Lelouch! What's the matter?!"Kaguya panicked."Are you okay?!"
Alice then walked forward and inspected the porridge by tasting it herself.
When she did, the former spy coughed in disgust as her eyes teared up.
"K-Kaguya!"Alice muttered bitterly."You put too much chilli spice in it! You were supposed to add cinnamon spice in it!"
Kaguya flinched and then lightly bopped herself on the head in embarrassment.
"Oh, I did it again!"Kaguya said with a sheepish smile."I guess I'm not worth my salt in cooking, am I?"
Alice glared at Kaguya.
"Please, don't be funny, Kaguya!"Alice coughed, still reeling from the porridge."Your jokes aren't helping!"
Lelouch slowly recovered from eating the awful porridge.
"Kaguya, would you please excuse me?"Lelouch croaked, managing to speak."I think I'll rest for a while."
"Sure thing, Lelouch."Kaguya declared happily."While you're doing that, let me help you get cozy. I'll take this away."
But as Kaguya picked up the porridge from Lelouch's lap, she accidentally lost her balance and causing her to lose control and ended up making the porridge fly out of her hands and spill all over Lelouch's head, making the former prince scream in pain due to it still being hot.
C.C watched the whole fiasco from sitting on the sofa and eating a slice of pizza from a Pizza Hut box.
"Too bad I don't have a camera to record this."C.C thought in amusement.
"Kaguya, you klutz!"Alice snapped."How much of a disaster are you?!"
"I'm so sorry!"Kaguya panicked nervously."But don't worry! I'll get you some clean sheets right away!"
However, due to getting so flustered and clumsy, Kaguya wasn't thinking clearly and ripped the sheets underneath Lelouch causing the raven haired boy to fly off the bed.
Alice cringed as she face-palmed herself in exasperation while C.C struggled to contain her laughter.
"Poor Lelouch. Somehow, I get the feeling his going to have a long recovery after this."Alice muttered under her breath."All of this would've been avoidable if Rin was here in Kaguya's place."
Alice then went over to Lelouch and bent down to talk to him.
"I'm so sorry, Lelouch."Alice apologised."Kaguya means well even though she's a bit of a klutz."
Lelouch glared at Alice at her respond.
"You don't say?!"Lelouch growled, growing impatient."If she were trying to cause this much pain, she'd be more of a villain than my father is!"
Alice and Kaguya then soon replaced Lelouch's bed covers with fresh ones.
"There you go, Lelouch."Kaguya declared brightly."We've made your bed, so now you can get a good rest."
"Just relax now."Alice assured.
Lelouch then went in his bed in exhaustion, wanting the nightmare to be over.
Moreover, he was begging in his mind for Rin to come and save him from Kaguya's clumsiness.
Kaguya then notice a bunch of books near the small table of the sofa, where C.C sat.
"Oh, Lelouch. You forgot to put some of your books away."Kaguya stated."I will just-"
Alice immediately took the books before Kaguya could even touch them.
"Allow me to put them away."Alice insisted.
"Alice!"Kaguya argued."I want to do it!"
"Not a chance!"Alice scowled."You already caused enough havoc for one day!"
"Havoc?!"Kaguya snapped."I'm only to trying to help Lelouch because his sick!"
"As if!"Alice retorted.
Lelouch immediately lost his patience and glared at Kaguya and Alice in fury.
"BOTH OF YOU GET OUT!"Lelouch demanded angrily.
Both Kaguya and Alice freaked out at Lelouch's intimidating glare that sent them off and scampered out of the bedroom.
C.C snickered mischievously as Lelouch sighed in frustration before closing his eyes to get some sleep.
"Man, those girls are so noisy."Lelouch muttered tiredly.
At the Shopping Area of the Tokyo Settlement…
Kallen and Rai were among the people spending time together.
Kallen wore a short light pink dress with a yellow ribbon on the collar with a light blue jacket and white socks with white grey trainers. Her crimson red hair was down.
Rai wore an elbow length horizontally striped blue and black shirt with a symbol resembling a compass in the lower right-hand corner, light brown trousers and sneakers that shared the black colour of his shirt.
The silver haired boy stood in the bench as Kallen walked forward holding two hojicha crepes.
"Here, Rai."Kallen insisted, offering a hojicha crepe."Rin says a little something sweet usually helps cheer someone that is feeling down."
Rai smiled and took the hojicha crepe from his girlfriend.
"Thank you, Kallen."Rai thanked.
Kallen sat next to Rai as the two of them started eating their crepes.
Rai slowly munched on his treat, surprised at its sweet taste.
The crepe was filled with plenty of chocolate syrup and cream though filled with hojicha-flavoured soft serve and kuzumochi which created a mild bitterness and an aroma of tea.
Kallen chuckled as Rai took another bite on his hojicha crepe.
"Do you like it?"Kallen asked.
"I do, Kallen."Rai replied with a small smile."It tastes great."
Then a concerned look appeared on Kallen's face.
"So what happened back there?"Kallen asked.
"Hm?"Rai said.
"At Kamine Island, when Rin saved us and Lelouch from the Knight of Nine's clutches."Kallen said, recalling seeing the strange red bird-like symbols in Rai's eyes."Your eyes had these strange marks for a moment and then after you acted so down that you didn't realise you were taking the risk of getting captured."
Rai looked down at Kallen's respond.
"Kallen, you saw the red symbols in my eyes because I actually contain a supernatural ability that a variety of people know and contain."Rai explained."It's called Geass."
"Geass?"Kallen asked in confusion.
Rai glanced at the area they were, not feeing comfortable at where he and Kallen were.
"I don't feel like talking here, but it's best to tell you back in Ashford Academy."Rai suggested."And the other reason why I was feeling down is because my memories have returned."
A surprised look appeared on Kallen's face.
"Your memories have returned."Kallen murmured.
Rai nodded at Kallen.
"But as I said, I'll tell you more back at school."Rai requested.
Suddenly, Kallen notice her phone started vibrating and saw she got a message from her older brother.
"It's Naoto."Kallen commented."He says the meeting with the Faction Leader of the Chinese Federation was a success."
A small yet fragile smile formed on Rai's face.
"That's good to hear."Rai chuckled."We need all the help we can get."
At Ashford Academy…
Lelouch felt someone place a wet towel on his head.
He slowly opened his eyes and saw Rin smiling down at him while the sun was setting down in the background.
"Rin."Lelouch murmured.
"Hey, Lelouch. It seems your fever is going down."Rin said with a hint of relief."I was hoping to change your towel while you were sleeping, but I guess I messed that up. Sorry if I woke you up."
Lelouch shook her head.
"No, not at all."Lelouch replied."So, does this mean that you've been taking care of me all this time?"
"As a matter of fact, I've only been here less than an hour."Rin complemented and chuckled."C.C and Nunnally made sure they were taking care of you. Not just Kaguya and Alice."
Lelouch flinced upon remembering the incidents that happened when Rin was gone.
"Uh…"Lelouch said uncomfortably.
"Anyway, good news. Xingke seems to understand our goals, but first needs to check if Empress Tianzi approves with helping our organisation or not."Rin explained."There could be a likely chance we might end up having the Chinese Federation on our side."
"That is good news. Well done."Lelouch declared."I'll make sure to give my gratitude to Naoto and Tamahome as well."
Then Nunnally and C.C came into the room.
There was a serving tray in the immortal witch's hands.
"Ah, big brother."Nunnally remarked happily."You're awake."
"We've brought you your meal."C.C complemented.
Lelouch scoffed and collapsed on his head.
"No, thanks. I don't really have an appetite."Lelouch stated bluntly."It will probably taste terrible as Kaguya's porridge."
"Lelouch. Don't say that."Nunnally scolded."Kaguya worked hard to make you that porridge, so that you can feel better."
Lelouch realises his mistake and sweat dropped at his younger sister.
"R-Right."Lelouch answered as he sat on the bed."Sorry, Nunnally."
C.C put the tray on Lelouch's lap as Rin moved forward to take the lid that covered the meal that she, C.C and Nunnally prepared together.
"Here's your dinner."Rin explained and lifted up the lid to show the cooked dinner."We have a creamy three mushroom risotto with a pork and wine pot-au-feu. And for pudding, we have a delicately spiced warm apple compote with yogurt. Now Lelouch…"
Rin picked up the bowl of mushroom risotto and offered her boyfriend the spoon.
"Say 'ah'."Rin instructed with a sweet smile.
Lelouch immediately became shocked as his face turned bright red.
"Wha?!"Lelouch said in shock."Do you have to do that when they're here?!"
"You can't take medicine if you don't eat, right?"C.C sneered."So might as well eat."
Lelouch glared at C.C in annoyance.
"Big brother, it's just as C.C says."Nunnally informed."You really have to eat at least a little bit."
The former prince brought his attention back on the brunette.
"Thank you, Rin."Lelouch answered simply."But I'll feed myself."
"Alright."Rin chuckled with a shrug."If you say so."
Rin handed Lelouch the spoon before he placed it in his mouth.
The raven haired immediately smiled at the delicious flavour of the risotto.
"Hey. This is delicious."Lelouch praised."I like it."
"Lelouch, you sound happy."Nunnally remarked."I'm so relieved."
"Did I make you worry by being sick, Nunnally?"Lelouch asked.
"Not all. I spend the rest of the day with Sayoko, C.C and the rest of the Student Council because you weren't able to take care of me today."Nunnally assured brightly."So I've been doing fine. No one wanted you to struggle and worry about my well being, Lelouch."
Lelouch became surprised at Nunnally's declaration.
"Everyone was trying so hard to be so helpful?"Lelouch questioned."I mean, what's the purpose for all this?"
"Because you mean a lot to everyone, Lelouch."Nunnally giggled."Not just me."
"And it's not because you and Nunnally are both former members of the Britannian Imperial Family."Rin clarified kindly."You're both close friends and valued members of the Student Council. And besides, it's never a problem to have a little help from your friends."
Lelouch, Nunnally and C.C stared at Rin, feeling surprised and moved by her words of kindness.
Soon, Lelouch finished eating dinner and eventually went back to sleep.
C.C helped Sayoko clean up the dishes as Rin went to speak Nunnally privately in her own bedroom.
"Lelouch will be better by the morning, Nunna."Rin assured with a wink."So, need to worry."
"That's great."Nunnally answered and looked down shyly."Hey, Rin?"
"What's wrong, Nunna?"Rin asked.
"It's just…um…you and Lelouch both seem to going out a lot lately."Nunnally admitted while fiddling with her hands."I happy that you and my big brother are a couple. But I would like if Lelouch spend a lot of time with me too."
Rin was silent at Nunnally's request.
"Could this be jealousy?"Rin thought with a hint of worry."Does she think I'm going to take Lelouch away from her?"
Rin bent down and placed a comfort hand on Nunnally's hands.
"Don't worry, Nunna. I'm not going to take Lelouch away from you."Rin assured kindly."He still loves you and wants to make you happy above everything else."
"It's not like that. I know big brother always thinks of me first."Nunnally answered."That's why I want to try and least do something on my own power when big brother is not around. Yet, in the end I still rely on you and others to help me out."
"I understand your feelings."Rin chuckled."Though first cold and distant at our first meeting, Adeline eventually began treating me as her younger sister despite being from a different mother. She was kind and reliable. But also, overprotective and made sure I was always out of harms way."
Nunnally smiled at remembering Rin's older half-sister.
"I remember Adeline. She used to come to see us in Aries Villa with Cornelia and Euphie."Nunnally explained and giggled."I also remember seeing her beat up two of Darlton's adopted sons that were bullying you because you were half-Japanese."
"Yeah. Things were so different back then."Rin agreed with a nod and went back to the main subject."You love Lelouch before anyone else. Isn't, Nunna?"
"Yes. I love him very much."Nunnally remarked gently."The time spent with big brother is irreplaceable. It's just…It's frustrating that big brother usually prioritises me above himself. If possible I'd like to be able to do things by myself and not being a burden to big brother. Yet things don't really work that well."
"Well, Nunnally. You're not going to always be a little girl."Rin informed with a smirk."You may end up growing up to a unique woman."
Nunnally blushed at Rin's sentence.
"I don't know about that."Nunnally said sadly.
"Don't doubt yourself. Just tell me."Rin insisted and sat on the bed."What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Nunnally took a deep breath and smiled shyly.
"I want to become a fine lady like my mother."Nunnally admitted and blushed a bit more."And if that happens, I wonder if a wonderful husband will come my way."
Rin smiled at Nunnally's respond.
"I'm sure it will."Rin assured as she stood up and offered her hand."Just remember to keep believing in yourself."
Rin and Nunnally shook hands with each other.
"I will, Rin."Nunnally assured with a smile."I promise."
The Next Morning…
It seemed another peaceful day in Area 11.
Suddenly, something fast zoomed straight into Ashford Academy and go over the roof instead heading to the gate.
The zooming being stopped behind the back wall of the school building revealing herself to be Alice.
Then the Geass mark on her forehead vanished.
"At least now Milly won't worry about getting the decorations late."Alice sneered and then shivered in disgust."At least, I don't have to worry about wearing that awful nurse dress anymore."
Alice then made her way inside and saw students going on with their daily lives.
However, she soon stopped walking as she became lost in her thoughts.
"Candida is a very strange girl and yet the name she wants to call her is strangely familiar to me. C.C. It's like-"Alice thought and her eyes widen in realisation."Director C.C?! If it's her then she is danger being here!"
Alice immediately to the room of the Student Council to see if C.C was there.
However, when the former spy arrived inside the Student Council Room, she found Lelouch and Rin waiting for her.
"Hey, Lelouch and Rin."Alice greeted with a wave."What's up?"
"Nothing new, Alice."Lelouch answered and activated his Geass."I just want answers."
Alice saw the mark of Geass on Lelouch's eye, but before she could say a word, she was already hit with the power of Lelouch's Geass.
Rin stood closely near Lelouch, carefully preparing to listen to what every answer Alice was going to say.
"Sure."Alice responded."Go ahead."
"Are you the last member of the Pelham Family?"Lelouch questioned.
"Yes. I am."Alice agreed with a nod."I am Alice Pelham; the last living daughter of Count Daniel and his wife, Salvia."
"Do you care about Nunnally?"Lelouch asked.
"More than any of other friend I have."Alice stated."I want to always protect her whenever she's in trouble. I'm her knight. I will keep protecting her until the end."
Rin smiled at hearing Alice's reply before Lelouch asked her another question.
"What is your Geass?"Lelouch asked.
"My normal physical abilities have been augmented with cells originating from C.C, giving me a Geass ability called 'The Speed'."Alice declared."Which allows me to enable movement of sufficiently high speed that it resembles teleportation."
Lelouch and Rin became surprised at Alice's respond.
"That's so cool."Rin murmured in awe.
"C.C's cells?"Lelouch muttered before looking at Alice to ask her another question."And who did you work for?"
"I work for the Britannian Special Honorary Foreign Legion."Alice answered."But it's also known as the Geass Order. An organisation that studies and produces Geass users."
Lelouch and Rin became stunned at Alice's declaration.
"Geass Order?"Rin murmured.
"Do you know the individuals called C.C?"Lelouch questioned.
"Not personally."Alice answered."I only heard from other members of the Geass Order that she once led the Geass Order, but gave up her position and disappeared eight years ago."
Lelouch and Rin glanced at each other at Alice's reply.
"I see."Lelouch retorted."And who is in charge of the Geass Order now?"
"The Geass Order is under the control of V.V."Alice responded."But presumably it is under Britannian influence."
"V.V."Rin whispered quietly.
"Are you aware that V.V is an immortal?"Lelouch asked.
"Yes."Alice agreed with a nod."I know that V.V has the Code of Immortality and the one who gave me and many other current agents Geass. In fact, he also gave the Emperor of Britannia a Geass as well."
Lelouch and Rin became shocked at what they just learned.
"And what is the Emperor's Geass?"Lelouch questioned.
"Altering a person's memory."Alice declared.
Lelouch became stunned as Rin covered her mouth in horror.
"To alter someone's memory."Lelouch murmured.
A hateful snarl escaped Lelouch's mouth before calming down to ask Alice one last question.
"Are you against Britannia, Alice?"Lelouch asked.
"Yes. I despise Britannia as much as the Geass Order."Alice responded firmly."I want to make the world a better place for Nunnally and everyone close to me can be happy in."
Lelouch deactivated his Geass and freed his control over Alice.
Alice blinked and looked confused as Lelouch and Rin simply smiled at her.
"Why are you guys staring at me?"Alice asked with a blunt tone.
"Nothing, Alice."Rin responded as she stood up."Just want to know if you need help in preparing the snacks for the upcoming school festival."
"Sure."Alice answered simply."I could use some help with your cooking skills."
"But make sure not to eat anything until the event."Rin instructed.
"I make no promises."Alice declared smugly.
Rin scoffed at Alice's teply.
Alice and Rin headed out of the Student Council Room as Lelouch became lost in his thoughts.
"So, V.V and the Emperor are part of this Geass Order. But also the Emperor has a dangerous Geass too."Lelouch thought with a glare."Altering a person's memory. I have to watch my steps, if me and Nunnally end back in Pendragon. I don't want to endanger our lives. Including, Rin and the rest of our friends."
At the Government Bureau…
Nonette was on her computer and giving Emperor Charles her latest report on Zero and the Black Knights.
"Your failure on stopping Zero and the Black Knights distresses me, Lady Enneagram."Emperor Charles declared in a disapproving tone.
"I apologise, Your Majesty."Nonette apologised in a firm yet strict tone."But reassured I'll unmask Zero and deliver you to him very soon."
Emperor Charles' glare sharpened as he looked at the Knight of Nine.
"Rest assured! Ah, put my faith in you!"Emperor Charles scowled."You've been in Area 11 for a month and this is all you have to report? I find it pathetic that you're failing a simple task that I ordered you to do and you're a Knight of the Round."
Nonette felt nervous in the inside at the Emperor's words, but showed no fear which was covered by the mask of bravery.
"I seek your forgiveness, sire."Nonette informed."But I will complete my task and get the results you wanted."
"You better."Emperor Charles warned sharply.
Then the 98th Emperor of Britannia disconnected from Nonette's computer causing the Knight of Nine to collapse on her seat in exhaustion and touched her forehead.
"I just lied to the Emperor. Never in my life, I expected to do that."Nonette thought in frustration and worry."Lelouch. Lynn. I need to convince you two to stop your rebellion. Otherwise, I'll fail you both and Nunnally again as Nelly and me failed Lady Marianne."
At Port Yokosuka…
Naoto, Kallen, Rai, Tamahome and Kaguya met up with Lelouch, Rin and C.C at their secret base.
"Hey, Lelouch."Naoto greeted."We've got your message. Is everything okay?"
"You're not sick again, are you?"Kaguya asked curiously.
"Nope. Not at all."Lelouch assured with a nervous smile."I'm perfectly fine."
"So what's going on?"Tamahome asked.
"You'll find it out in a minute."Lelouch assured and brought his attention on Rai."So Rai, many of us have notice you've not been acting yourself since we've came back from Kamine Island. Did your memories came back?"
"Yes. They have."Rai replied, trying to stay calm."So I remember…everything."
Kaguya clasped her hands in delight.
"That's great!"Kaguya said happily."I'm happy for you, Rai!"
"But it's awful."Rai admitted, interrupting Kaguya's happy mode."I wish they didn't."
Naoto, Kallen, Tamahome, Kaguya, Lelouch, Rin and C.C became surprised at Rai's declaration.
"Why would you wish your memories didn't come back, Rai?"Rin asked.
"That doesn't make sense."Naoto complemented."Before you were so desperate to get your memories."
"You know remember everything that happened in your life before attending Ashford Academy and joining the Black Knights."Kallen responded."Did something awful happen before that?"
Rai's face turned pale and was silent for a moment before responding to his comrades.
"With my memories back, I now know my birth name is actually Raimon. But everyone called me, 'Rai'."Rai explained."Half-Britannian and Half-Japanese. My father was Earl Friedrich Hodges; a Britannian Noble and the previous Knight of Eight. My mother was Hinagiku Sumeragi, who was of Japanese royalty and famous warrior known as 'Hinagiku the Silent Grass Slasher'. And…I had a little sister, who was four years younger than me called 'Sophie'."
"You had a little sister?!"Rin and Kaguya said in unison.
Rai nodded at his cousins before he continued talking.
"We actually lived in a city in Euro Britannia. My mother was the one who taught me martial arts and lessons as well as the art of using a katana sword."Rai explained and then his smile vanished upon remembering the bad memories from his father's family."Unfortunately, me, my mother and Sophie were ill-treated by the rest of the family due our status as 'the outsiders'. That was mostly by my father and half-brothers."
Rin looked at Rai with a hurtful look.
"Your own father treated you as garbage?"Kallen said in disgust.
"He wasn't that much a father to me or Sophie to begin with."Rai declared."The reason he married my mother was only for personal gain."
"That's awful."Tamahome retorted.
"A father is supposed be a caring and loving being like a mother."Kaguya complemented unhappily."He shouldn't be someone that treats his own wife and children as mere pawns."
"I know that feeling."Lelouch thought unfondly.
"Eventually, I met a strange young boy, who offered me to create a contract with him which acquired me to earn the power of Geass that will help me protect my mother and younger sister."Rai admitted."I was perhaps by that time only eight years old."
"Geass?"Naoto said in confusion.
"What's that?"Kaguya asked.
"It's a power that I earned by agreeing to make a contract by that strange boy I met."Rai commented."The power I have is described as a "power of absolute obedience", but it relies on sound propagation rather than visual information."
Naoto, Kallen, Tamahome and Kaguya became shocked at Rai's declaration.
"Power of absolute obedience?"Naoto said in disbelief.
"So you have the ability to control someone's entire movements?"Tamahome asked.
"Geass is actually a supernatural ability that manifests differently in each person, but related to their personality and inner desires."C.C informed, earning everyone's attention."Every Geass, while powerful, has its own unique set of restrictions, limitations, or idiosyncrasies. Since you wanted to protect your loved ones, you wanted to have the power to boss people around in a way."
This caused Rai, Naoto, Kallen, Tamahome and Kaguya all to glance at C.C.
"Candida, you know?"Rai said in surprise.
"Wait a minute, Pizza Girl."Kallen said suspiciously."You know this supernatural actually exists?"
Lelouch let out a sigh while Rin simply covered her face.
"To be more clear, C.C is actually one of these two people that can actually grant people the power of Geass."Lelouch admitted."In other words, she is an immortal witch that lived for 500 years ago due to having the code of immortality."
Dumbstruck looks appeared on Rai, Naoto, Kallen, Tamahome and Kaguya's faces.
"HUH?!"Rai, Naoto, Kallen, Tamahome and Kaguya shouted in shock.
Rin sweat dropped at her friends' completely identical reactions.
"It's shocking, isn't?"Rin said sheepishly."The girl whose lazy and eats pizza a lot, but also a friend lived longer than any of us."
"T-This is insane!"Tamahome blurted out.
Naoto slowly became overcome by his shock.
"So C.C, if you are an immortal that means you can't die?"Naoto assumed."Whether you're shot or stabbed?"
"That's correct."C.C agreed with a nod.
"You maybe too old, but you look still pretty for your age."Kaguya praised.
Kallen glanced at Rai.
"But if C.C is an immortal who grants the power of Geass, then who was the one that actually you your power, Rai?"Kallen questioned.
Rai rubbed the back of his head, trying to remember the being that gave him the Power of Geass.
"Let's see he was a young boy with platinum blonde, pink eyes and wore some kind of noble suit."Rai explained.
Both Lelouch and Rin frowned since they know who was exactly the being that Rai met.
"V.V."Lelouch snarled bitterly.
"You know him, Lelouch?"Kaguya asked.
"I never met him. But thanks to C.C, I know who he is."Lelouch admitted."He is Vernon zi Britannia. The Emperor's older twin brother and my uncle."
This caused Rai, Naoto, Kallen, Tamahome and Kaguya to become more shocked.
"N-No way!"Kallen gasped.
"So it was your uncle the one that gave Rai his power?"Tamahome assumed.
"I never actually knew that the royal family would be involved with Geass."Lelouch assured firmly and then put an arm over Rin's shoulder."But mostly is because of Rin that I actually know somethings. Without her, I would've actually have become more no different than the Emperor and the rest of his spawns."
Rin blushed a bit and smiled shyly at Lelouch's words.
"Lelouch…"Rin started.
"That's sweet."Kaguya giggled."Onee-sama is always had the gift of helping a friend."
Naoto looked at Rai.
"Alright. Going back to you, Rai."Naoto declared simply."What happened exactly after you got your Geass power from V.V?"
A look of sadness and guilt appeared on Rai's face.
"My mother decided to visit the family of Rin and Kaguya. But the hotel we were was at the Chūgoku region here in Japan. However that was around the time that Japan was at war with Britannia."Rai declared as he shook in fear."I saw soldiers gun down innocent civilians. Regardless, if they had families or were the elderly. Outraged, I quickly ordered a full counteroffensive. Unfortunately, my Geass went out of control at that moment and caused all who heard me, including the civilians, to take up arms against the invaders. In the end, there were massive casualties on Britannia's side. Including my mother and sister."
No one in the secret base said anything as Rai chocked back some tears.
"My mother. The woman who brought me in this world and raised me. Sophie. My adorable little sister. The person who looked up to me and I was her big brother. Both of them are dead."Rai sobbed in regret."And it's all my fault."
Naoto, Kallen, Tamahome, Kaguya, Rin, Lelouch and C.C all looked at Rai with sympathy.
They all had seen death before and had suffered the loss of a family member.
But that's the kind of pain no one should suffer.
And yet this was part of life itself.
"Overwhelmed by sadness, loneliness and guilt, I went as far as wish for my own death. However, V.V did not allow that, saying that I still had to fulfil the contract that we made. So he sealed me inside a Thought Elevator instead."Rai declared in anger and sadness."At that occasion, I also used my own Geass on myself in order to forget everything that happened."
"A Thought Elevator?"Kallen asked."As in the ruin we saw in Kamine Island?"
Rai nodded at his crush.
"I was inside there for the last seven years. So lost. So alone."Rai admitted, repulsed by the painful memories he remembered."Then Clovis found me after he began his experiments on C.C. He later gave me to General Bartley's team during their research in Kamine Island and then sent to the same Code-R facility where C.C. was. There, I was put through several kinds of experiments, including Knightmare training and artificial reinforcement of my body. I eventually managed to escape by using my Geass and shortly after found my way into the Ashford Academy."
Naoto, Kallen, Tamahome, Kaguya, Rin, Lelouch and C.C silently took in everything that their friend told them.
"I see."Lelouch said quietly."So that's how it all happened."
"It's all my fault!"Rai cried in regret while holding his head."My loved ones are gone and it's all because of this stupid power that I agree to have! I don't deserve to breathe! I'm an inhuman freak!"
Kaguya pulled Rai into an embrace, wrapping her arms around him so tightly and refusing to let go.
"Rai! Stop it!"Kaguya demanded."Don't say such things! You're not a monster!"
"I am!"Rai cried as more tears fell down his eyes."I killed my family!"
"It was not your fault!"Kaguya assured in a firm yet strict tone."You didn't want this to happen! It was V.V the one who gave you Geass and the Emperor was the one ordered our home to be invaded! You are not to blame!"
"I…"Rai started.
"Rai, you and Onee-sama are the only relatives that I have left in my father's family line."Kaguya declared as she began to tear up."We've all lost so much because of the war. I don't attend to lose another family member or a friend ever again. So please don't blame yourself on what happened to Aunt Hinagiku and Sophie."
"Kaguya is right, Rai."Rin agreed, walking forward."Regardless of what happened and what you did in the past, you are still a good person. You're kind, humble, calm and sensitive being."
"That's indeed true."Lelouch chuckled with a small smile."After what happened to my mother, I always took care of Nunnally and never really opened up to anyone. But after I started attending Ashford Academy and making friends there, you all helped me to see things differently, you changed me too. You lost two very close people, but you still have family members and loyal friends that care about you."
Kallen smiled fondly at Rai.
"Since you have the status as half-Britannian and half-Japanese, it has left you with a deep understanding of both cultures and of his surroundings as well."Kallen declared."I don't think I've ever met anyone amazing as you."
Rai was lost for words.
His relatives and friends still offered to help and maintain their friendship with him.
Even after revealing his horrible past to them.
"What has been taken from all of us, can't never return."Naoto stated, remembering Ohgi's death and the awful demise of others he witnessed."But all those that were close to us and not among the living anymore, they wouldn't want us to keep grieving for them. They would want us to remember them and continue our lives."
Tamahome smirked and gave Rai a thumbs up.
"Naoto is right."Tamahome chuckled."You're one of us and ally of the Black Knights without any doubt. That's who you are."
Rai looked at his friends, overcome with joy and relief before he started crying again as Kaguya comforted him.
Kallen and Rin went over to join the hug as well while Lelouch, Naoto, Tamahome and C.C share a smile with each other.
So Lelouch and Rin have decided to tell some members of the Black Knights about Geass as well as what happened to Rai. See you all in the next chapter and have a lovely day!