AN:

Ryuto: C.C definetly knew that OT Lelouch loved Kallen (Or at the very least had similar feelings). As for the second half, I'll say yes.

DarkDremora: As I was reading your review, I had an idea for how to implement a call from Nunnally through different means. As for what Nunnally actually knows about Lelouch, I've been keeping it very loose in my mind, so I suppose next chapter will finally be where I'll solidify the idea.

Alan Wake: Damn. Does Mario really feel like just a lackey? That's kind of funny, but also sad.

Chapter 115: Excess

Ikaruga Bridge.

Lelouch let out a frustrated sigh while taking a seat in the command chair, gazing upon the Vermilion City as the palace was being built in the center. Their ship was situated within a large cave just on the outskirts, where they set up a campsite just outside to deter travelers from entering.

"Is something wrong?" Tohdoh asked, noticing their leader's frustration.

"Just… thinking."

"Is it about Kallen?"

The Prince instantly sat up and faced the Miracle worker, "Shh. Don't say that out loud, especially now."

"Oh, right. My apologies."

"Anyway, do you still have the manufacturing reports? Or did you already give them to Naoto?"

"Ah, I did that a few minutes ago. Did you still need them?"

"No, it's fine. I'll just get them from Naoto later."

That's when Asahina entered the bridge, locking eyes with the masked man, "Zero. Princess Kaguya needs your assistance."

"Does she have an actual problem? Or does she just want to see me?"

"It's about the Empress."

"I see." Lelouch got up from his seat and headed for the door, "Then I'll head there immediately. Is there anything else?"

"Well… Bradley's causing a few problems."

"Seriously? Didn't I put Naoto in charge of him?"

"That's the thing…" Tohdoh stepped forward, "He's working on it, but apparently is being avoided like the plague. Though, I'm sure once Naoto finds him, Bradley will shape up."

"I hope so. I really don't want to step in, because I've got better things to worry about." Lelouch said before stepping out, opting to use the path that ran through the second Knightmare bay in hopes of spotting Kallen in the process. However, he would soon be disappointed as once he entered the bay, the only ones he spotted were mechanics, and pilots, who were bustling about, making sure their equipment was in order. Well, there was something notable; Mario exercising by the foot of his Sougetsu, doing one-armed pushups with Rolo sitting on his back.

This piqued Lelouch's curiosity, which led him to approaching them, "Hello, Zero." the former Assassin greeted the masked man, "What brings you here?"

"I was just on my way to Kaguya." Lelouch explained as Mario continued with his training, "What are you two doing?"

"Mario wasn't happy with how he lost to Rai, so he's preparing for a future rematch." Rolo explained simply, "And I'm helping him."

"But… his last loss wasn't exactly a reflection of his skill." the Prince added, "After all, the Gawain was clearly the inferior frame in that encounter, so there was no shame in-"

"A loss is still a loss." Mario muttered while struggling to push himself up, "I'm tired of losing to him… again and again." beads of sweat dripped off his face, and onto the floor as he finally completely his last rep, "Next time, I'm going to win." Rolo hopped off the boy, finally allowing him to get up, and turn to Zero, "Mark my words."

"I'll keep that in mind." their leader responded in a less-than-impressed tone, "By the way, have any of you seen Kallen?"

"No, but I overheard Clara and C.C scheming earlier." the former Assassin informed, "Something about ice cream, and girl time."

"Sounds about as ridiculous as I'd expect." Mario added while taking a sip of water, "I think Maya's in on it too, because she uncharacteristically got up early this morning."

"I see. Perhaps Kaguya has some answers." Lelouch began heading toward the furthest door, leaving the boys to their training, "Thank you for the information, and don't push yourself too hard. If you get injured, I'm sure I won't hear the end of it from Maya."

"Ah! One more thing!" Rolo ran up to the Prince and let out a breath, "Um… I… I got rid of that Geass command with Jeremiah's help."

"Really?"

"Yeah." the former Assassin braced himself for a shouting lecture, only to find Zero standing there motionless, "Are you… mad?"

"Depends on what choice you've made." Lelouch answered, "And considering that you've chosen to stay here, instead of run away, it seems like I already know the answer."

At first, Rolo didn't realize what he meant. Not until he recalled Clara's words from before, relating to staying with the Black Knights willingly, "My place is here, Lelouch." he said in a low tone, making sure no one else heard, "I've realized that now, especially with how differently I'm treated here, than in the order."

"I see. Well, it's good to know that you're now voluntarily staying amongst us, rather than from my own command." the Prince said while turning to leave, parting with one last comment, "And thank you for helping get Jeremiah back. I appreciate what you, Clara, and C.C did."

The former Assassin took a moment to process what had just been said, before responding with a smile, "It's no problem."

"Oh, and if things don't pan out, I might be joining you two later." Lelouch said one last line as the door closed behind him.

Zero's Office.

"Alright, I'll go out to meet the Pizza man." C.C said while getting up from her seat.

"What happened to not getting spotted?" Kallen asked as Benio began swaying from side-to-side anxiously.

"Well, someone has to get it." the Immortal teased, "Besides… it looks like things are about to get hectic."

Just as she uttered those words, Benio suddenly shot up, escaping the confines of the red head's lap, climbing up the ladder, and hiding amongst the bookcases on the second level like a cat, "Ah. Beni, what are you doing up there?" Maya asked while standing up, outstretching her arm, "Get down here!"
"Benio!" Kallen joined her friend, "It's dangerous up there!" she called as the little girl cutely poked her head through the railings, staring at them with wide-eyes.

"I'll leave you to it." C.C exited with a giggle.

Meanwhile, Clara sat in her chair, cheering Benio on by saying, "Don't let them catch you, Beni! You've got this! You deserve to be free!" she then leaned back, only to find herself falling out of the seat, "Ow…"

"At least help us!" Kallen complained while jumping to the second floor, just for Benio to leap down, landing on the carpet before dashing into Zero's sleeping area, "Maya! Why didn't you catch her?"

"S-sorry. I just didn't expect her to jump." the black-haired girl responded while creeping into the area, spying Benio as she bounced up and down on the bed, "Hey, Beni~ Come here. Give me a big 'ol hug."

"No." the girl protested in a breathless tone.

"What do you mean, no?"

"Because… I want to play."

"We can play later! Why don't we watch a movie now?"

"No! I wanna play!"

"Stop being a brat!" Maya shouted while lunging at the girl, only to be leapt over, allowing for Benio to run out the door, straight into Kallen's arms.

"Let go!" the little girl demanded while squirming.

"Yeah! Let her go!" Clara shouted while lazily putting her arms around the red head, distracting her just long enough for Benio to slip out, and under the couch.

"Clara!" Maya held her friend back, "Why aren't you helping us!?"

The pink-haired girl giggled while struggling against her friend's hold, "Oh come on. It's all in good fun. We have to let off some energy somehow, right?"

That's when Benio squealed as Kallen grabbed her foot, dragging her out from beneath the couch, "I don't wanna stay still!" she protested while kicking herself free, crawling beneath the sofa once again, escaping the other side.

The red head leapt over the cushions, trying to catch the girl there, only to find her running into the bathroom. Kallen managed to grab hold of the door before it closed, causing Benio to scream while hiding in the tub, "Get back here!"

"No way!" the little girl giggled, grabbing a towel in the process, and threatening to throw it at her opponent.

"Put that down! You have no idea where that's been!"

However, Benio defiantly tossed it at Kallen's face in response, obscuring her vision just long enough to run between her legs, escaping into the living room once again, just in time to spot Clara kicking off a nearby chair, sending herself and Maya onto the couch. Meanwhile, Kallen threw the bath towel onto the toilet seat and ran out, "What are you two doing?" she asked as Benio snuck back into Zero's sleeping area.

"Wrestling!" Clara playfully answered, pinning Maya beneath her, only to find the positions reversed once her opponent pushed her off, "Gah! Kally, help!"

"Oh!? So it was funny when you were winning, wasn't it!?" the black-haired girl responded with a smirk, "Well guess what!? Now you lose!"

The girls giggled as the red head tossed a blanket on top of them, rolling her eyes in the process, "Just go to sleep, you two." she then entered the Prince's sleeping area, scanning for the little girl, finding a small lump on the bed in the process, "So obvious." carefully, Kallen uncovered the sheets, only to find a pillow instead of her target.

That's when she heard faint footsteps run behind her, followed by Benio's distinct giggle as she retreated to the living room, "She hid behind the chair?" the red head thought while looking toward the corner, where it was too dark for her to see – but that's where she found a small area that the girl could've hidden in nonetheless.

Kallen exited into the living room, scanning for Benio once again, witnessing as Clara and Maya continued their scuffle beneath the blanket with various giggles. The first place she checked was the bathroom, before moving to the second level, coming up empty there as well. She finally entered the study, which she checked from top-to-bottom, finding no traces of the little girl anywhere. Kallen was just about to recheck the bedroom, until she noticed Clara and Maya's lump had grown significantly, "Very funny." she said while removing the blanket, revealing Benio as their third guest.

"She found us! Run!" Clara shouted while darting into the bathroom, leaving her friends to fend for themselves as they scattered into the other rooms.

Kallen let out a groan as she called, "Maya, why are you siding with them now?"

"Awe. Do you think it's unfair now?" the black-haired girl stuck her tongue out, "Afraid you can't catch us?"

"Oh? You're taunting me now?" the red head tensed her muscles, "I'm gonna make you regret that."

"Scary~"

In a burst of speed, Kallen leapt into the bedroom, narrowly missing Maya as she ducked the tackle. However, the red head followed this up by taking a blanket off the bed, wrapping it around her opponent in blinding speed, turning them into a tightly wrapped burrito, "There. Now you can't escape."

"Gyah! She got meeee!" Maya complained as she was placed on the couch, watching as Kallen moved to the bathroom, where Clara swayed from side-to-side, looking for an opening.

The red head moved in, throwing her hand out only for it to be deflected, followed by the pink-haired girl trying to run out. So in response, Kallen held her tightly, limping out of the bathroom where she spotted Benio trying to free Maya of her binds, "Oh no you don't!" she shouted while sending herself and Clara crashing into them.

Now, all four girls were sprawled against each other, panting heavily as they felt the cool air from the AC against their sweaty bodies, "She got all of us…" Benio mumbled, taking a pillow off the couch and holding it against her head.

"Not fair…"

"I don't wanna hear that!" Kallen shouted, playfully striking Maya's head.

"We just wanna be free…" Clara added while trying to crawl away from the mess of limbs, only to get dragged back in by Kallen.

"You'll just ruin the place if I let you run around any longer."

"Pft. Have you even seen the place? Lelouch's gonna be so mad if he sees it…"

"I doubt…" Kallen mumbled, "As long as there's nothing important, then it'll be fine, since we can just clean up later."

"Oh? Look at you. Talking about Lelouch in such a calm way." Clara nudged the red head, "No longer afraid of him, right?"

"Hush." she responded by putting her leg on the pink-haired girl's face, "I'd rather not clean the whole room. Just the living room."

"Sure…" Maya teased, only to earn a light tap on the back of the head in response.

Outside the Cave.

"Like I said, pal. You must have the wrong address." a Black Knight disguised as a hiker said to the Pizza man, "Nobody ordered a pizza here, let alone 10."

"Well, the location we were given leads straight to here, see?" the employee showed his phone, which another Black Knight checked out.

"Must be some kind of prank." the rebel responded, "Because I can assure you, neither of us ordered these-"

"Pizzas?" C.C suddenly came out from within the cave, "That'll be for me."

"Ah! Thank you." the delivery boy handed her the pizzas, followed by a large box, and a small one, "We're a bit short-staffed, so I got your additional items at the warehouse."

"Thank you very much." the Immortal responded with a smirk, "I'm surprised the points actually transferred, though."

"By the way, we really appreciate your business. Especially in such hard times."

"Right…" C.C responded nonchalantly while handing him a tip, and heading back inside.

Once the pizza man left, the Black Knight guards looked at each other in confusion, "I… suppose Zero's craving Pizza?"

"Maybe… but I'm pretty sure I've seen her order pizzas for herself before." the other guard said, "Though, I wouldn't question it too much. I heard the last time someone did, they went missing the next day."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. It turns out they just went to the store, but they still went missing for a day."

The first guard rolled his eyes and returned to his chair, "Whatever."

Ikaruga Left Wing.

"Kaguya." Lelouch knocked on her door, "You wanted to see me?"

The entrance suddenly opened, and he was met with the intense mixed scent of perfume and incense, "Come in, Zero." she called to him.

Lelouch stepped in, followed by the door closing behind him. Inside, he gazed upon a sitting table with a cushion prepared for him, and a shallow cup of tea, as if it was just poured, "How are you?" he asked while taking a seat.

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking." the Princess responded, "Could you take off your mask? It would be great if I could see your face."

He did as asked, setting his mask on the table, next to his cup, "Now, I heard you had something about the Empress, correct?"

"Ah yes. But we can do that later. Right now, I want to talk to you."

The Prince let out a frustrated groan, knowing that if he pushed back, she'd only refrain from giving the information he needed. So for now, he'd play along, "About what?"

"As your future wife, I naturally notice things about you that others may not – such as your current relationship with Kallen Kozuki." Kaguya said in an oddly serious tone, "Yesterday, I watched as she carefully avoided you in the halls. Passing your door, eyes filled with longing, only to never enter, nor even knock."

"What's your point?"

"It's no secret that her mood effects yours. I can tell – from how tense your shoulders are – that something happened. Mind telling me?"

Lelouch let out a deep breath, "It was just an accident, that's all. However, Kallen is probably overthinking it, and that's why she won't face me."

"I see… was it a big accident?"

The Prince hesitated for a second, before saying, "I suppose. But it wasn't her fault."

"Would you like me to speak with her? I'm sure we've got enough in common that I could get through to her."

"If you can find her, sure."

"In that case, would you mind if I gave you a shoulder massage? It'll help with the tension-"

"No way. Just tell me about the Empress now, please."

Kaguya puffed out her cheeks, "Jeez. You're no fun, Lelouch." she giggled, "Hm. Rolls right off the tongue. Lelouch. Lelouch~. Master Lelouch."

"Enough."

"Awe. Can I please do one more?"

"Kaguya-"

"Fine. Fine." the Princess huffed, "Now, where do I begin?"

Ikaruga Right Wing.

"Yo! Have you seen Bradley?" Tamaki asked a passing Black Knight, only to earn a shrug in return, "Man. This guy is hiding pretty well."

"Or maybe people just don't know him by name? Pretty sure everyone just knows him as 'that Britannian'." Naoto suggested, "Nonetheless, we won't find him by just asking around."

"So, what do you think we should do?" Urabe asked.

"I already told you." the Kozuki responded in a mildly annoyed tone, "We'll visit the bridge first, where I'll speak with Zero about the rest of the manufacturing documents, then we'll enter a full-blown search for Bradley."

"Oh. Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Naoto glared at the men for a second, before instantly calming himself, "I can't do this right now."

The trio quickly made their way to the bridge, where they met with Tohdoh, Rakshata, Nagisa, and Asahina. "Zero? Oh, he just left." the Miracle Worker told the Kozuki, which he responded by lightly punching Tamaki's arm.

"If we had just gone here first, I would've been able to get my part done. But now we have to search for him too."

"Hey! Arguably, Bradley's way more important!" Tamaki retorted, "After all, he's the one who stole our ice cream, and fucked with our door!"

Nagisa and Asahina facepalmed upon hearing the man's complaints, "Seriously? That's what you're angry about?" the former questioned.

"Hey! What if he moves on to stealing all of our food!"

"So what? You really think he took all the ice cream? Where would he put it?"

"In the sun, where it would melt, and be ruined for the rest of us!"

"You're a moron."

"It's not too implausible, Nagisa." Asahina added, "After all, purposefully spoiling our food could be a Britannian war tactic."

"I doubt he'd want to risk facing Zero's wrath, though." Tohdoh interjected.

"W-well… what about the doors!?" Tamaki shouted, "Yeah! Explain that!"

"The doors?" Rakshata raised an eyebrow, "Sorry, but there's no way a blockhead like Bradley would be able to damage them in the way that they are. After all, you'd have to have some serious knowledge in wiring to do so."

"Wait. It's internal damage?" Naoto asked.

"Not really 'damage' to say. It's rearranged, so nothing we can't fix in a few minutes." Rakshata responded plainly.

"Wait… so it was done on purpose?"

"Very likely. Though, they clearly weren't malicious. Especially when considering the damage they could've done after having access to the internal panels."

"I see…"

Suddenly, Senba walked in carrying a large brown box, "Tohdoh, Naoto, look at what we found from rearranging the storage room." he opened it to reveal a stack of firecrackers, firmly wrapped in plastic, "Where do you think these came from?"

"Ah, those?" Naoto picked up an open bag, "I can't believe we still have some left over from the operation." Tamaki grabbed one of the stray firecrackers and quickly pocketed it as everyone was looking at the Kozuki for a deeper explanation, "You know how we had those trucks rolled in to transport our Knightmares into the city? Well, we bought actual product to sell just in case. Though, I didn't know we'd still have so much left over."

"Hey, you think we can use some of these later?" Senba asked eagerly, "It might boost morale."

"Do whatever you want. Just don't let 'em off near the cave." Naoto answered, "By the way, where's Zero again?"

"He went to visit Kaguya." Asahina answered, "She had something to say about the Empress."

"Why do I feel like I'm not going to be able to view those Manufacturing Documents today?" the Kozuki thought as he moved to the door, "Come on, Tamaki, Urabe."

The trio chose the fastest way to the Princess' room, by cutting directly through the left wing hallway. On their journey, they managed to catch C.C walking in with 10 pizza boxes and a large package, "Oh hey. It's the secretary." Tamaki pointed at her, "Why do you think she's dressed like that?"

"Perhaps a lazy day at the office?" Urabe joked, only for Naoto to shake his head.

"Focus on the task at hand." the Kozuki ordered, "Otherwise, we might never find Bradley."

"Don't you think we should help her? After all, those boxes looked cumbersome."

"Normally I would, but usually she gets annoyed at anyone trying to help her out of the blue."

"Seriously? She has no problem bossing us around in the hanger."

"That's different, Tamaki." Naoto was just about to turn the corner, until he noticed the brief appearance of Luciano Bradley's face in the Knightmare bay as they passed it in the hall. Clearly his friends spotted him too, because they instantly ran out, dragging him with them.

"Where'd he go!?" Tamaki exclaimed, earning the attention of Mario and Rolo, who approached them from afar.

"I couldn't help but overhear a commotion." the Disel stated as he stood next to the Kozuki, "What's going on?"

"We're looking for Bradley. You know? The former Knight of the Round?"

"Really? What'd he do?"

"Steal some ice cream, I think."

Mario let out a heavy sigh, "Why did I expect an actual reason?" he shook his head, "Anyway, he's by the Kagero if you'd like to 'confront' him."

"Thanks man." Naoto headed toward the single Kagero as Bradley sat in the open cockpit with his ice cream bowl in hand, "What the hell are you doing with my Knightmare, Luciano?"

At first, the Britannian didn't answer him; only focusing on enjoying his ice cream, "Yo dumbass! We're talking to you!" Tamaki proclaimed.

Finally, the Vampire glanced at them, before returning to his ice cream, "I know you saw us, punk!" Urabe joined in, "You better talk, otherwise I'm gonna get up there and-"

"Oh my fucking god. Do you guys ever shut up?" Bradley snapped while finishing his bowl, "I was just interested in upgrading my new frame. What about you?"

"The nerve of this guy!" Tamaki clenched his fist as Mario and Rolo watched the altercation in the background.

"Well, sorry-not-sorry to be the one to break it to you, but you'll be using whatever frame we give you." Naoto retorted, "Got that?"

Luciano calmly licked his spoon clean, before hopping down, "Seriously? So boring."

"And one more thing." the Kozuki jammed his finger into the former Knights chest, "I'm challenging you to a Knightmare duel, whether you like it or not."

"Didn't I already tell you I wouldn't join, dumbass?"

"I'm not giving you a choice." Naoto put his foot down, We're fighting, whether you like it or not."

"Oh? Did you finally grow a pair?" the Vampire smirked, "Fine. What's in it for me?"

"Do you actually think you can win?"

"I know I can win, Eleven. Now, what do I get?"

"What do you want?"

"Hm…" it took only a moment for Bradley to think of something, "Once I win, I want you to lick my shoe clean, like the dog you are."

"Fine." Naoto responded, "We'll duel tomorrow, since it's maintenance day today."

"Works for me." just as the Vampire was about to walk off, he was stopped by Tamaki.

"Hold on just a second! Are we seriously just going to let this thief walk free?"

"Thief? I haven't stolen anything… yet."

"Liar!" Urabe jumped in, "You stole our Ice Cream! All of it!"

"This?" Bradley held his bowl up, "Oh please, you had plenty of tubs the last time I checked, so get over it, you babies."

"Quit playing dumb!" Tamaki circled his opponent, "We know you're the one who stole the rest of those tubs!"

"I did no such thing. I took whatever was remaining in one tub, and left. Unlike the rest of you, I have manners."

"I can't listen to this." Mario muttered while walking away.

"Yeah, my brain hurts." Rolo joined him as the altercation continued.

"Just admit it! You orange soda freak!"

"Where does that insult even come from?" Lucaino asked in an irritated tone, with a hint of confusion.

"Your hair! Everyone knows that if you drink a ton of orange soda, your hair will turn the same color."

"Ugh. I knew you Elevens were stupid, but I didn't know you were full of children too." Bradley rolled his eyes and tried to walk away, only to get cut off by Urabe, "Move it or lose it, wimp. You're starting to piss me off."

"The only wimp here, is you!" the Japanese men said in sync, "Now, admit to your crimes, thief!"

"Like I said, I didn't take your shitty ice cream, so scram."

"You're going to regret this." Tamaki warned with a confident smirk, "So you might as well fess up now."

Bradley walked past, making sure to shoulder-check them in the process, "Like you could do anything even if I did."

Tamaki and Urabe glanced at each other once the vampire left, "Naoto!" they turned to their leader, "There's no way we can let him get away with this!"

"And what do you suggest we do? Beat him up? That would affect his performance tomorrow, making my win dishonorable."

"Nah, we'd never do that." Tamaki smirked, "We're just going to play a practical prank on him." he reached into his pocket, pulling out the firecracker from earlier, "Look at what I've got."

"Seriously? You swiped one?" the Kozuki sighed, "Jeez. I can't take my eyes off you for a second."

"Can you imagine what kind of prank we can pull with that?" Urabe chuckled at the possibilities, "We're gonna get him so good."

"Both of you are idiots." Naoto responded with a blank expression, before putting on a smirk, "But I can't say that I'm not intrigued."

"Heh. Is that approval from the boss?" Tamaki asked while nudging his friend's shoulder.

"You didn't hear it from me… that's all I'll say."