Author's Note: Chapter 24 is up and for those of you who are ShirleyXLelouch fanatics, this chapter will be a bit emotional and not so good for your couple.. Sorry in advance *sad face*

*Forget me…. Not *

Amidst the on-going battle, CC managed to arrive on the area secretly; leaving behind no trail to ensure that the Britannian Forces won't notice her. She could have just stayed behind and wait for Lelouch to come back, like what she usually does. But this time, something inside of her intrigued the doubts and gut feeling she has. This wasn't like anything she felt before, making her arrive on the decision of checking up on Lelouch.

"They're still going on at it." Said CC as she observed the battling machines. She turned around a corner and finally caught the sight of Lelouch; laying motionless and still unconscious.

"Lelouch.."

She approached the raven head and quickly checked his breathing. When she ensured that the raven head was safe from grave danger, she made a quick call to Ohgi to cancel their operation.

~ H-Hello, Zero? ~

"Ohgi, it's me, CC."

~ CC? Where's Zero? Did something happen to him? ~

"Don't worry. He can't move at the moment but he is safe from danger. More importantly, issue an order to retreat. If you don't pull out from this operation, our forces will be wiped out and it'll become a battle of attrition."

~ Hai. I will inform them. ~ *beep*

"Ughh.. This… my head.."

"Finally, you're awake." CC said as she noticed Lelouch coming back to his senses. " This has never happened before. I was starting to worry that you might have died from your battle. What's gotten up to you?"

"Damn.. That white helmet." Mumbled Lelouch as he broke free from his seat.

"I already issued an order for your Knights to pull out. They'll be heading straight to the secret base." Informed CC as he watched the raven head scramble upon his things.

"I've never seen you in this state before. Did the impact of your fall cause you to be disorganized?"

"That's not it." Protested Lelouch. " My gun is missing. It should be near this area if ever it fell when I crashed."

"Is there a deeper meaning behind that?" asked CC as she watched Lelouch carefully.

"It could be….. someone took it."

He took a few steps to examine the traces of blood on the side area.

"This blood here. This could mean that there were 2 people present at the time I was unconscious. One who got shot and another who took my gun."

"Then that means.. Someone saw your face." CC said in a serious tone.

"Possibly. So we gotta start searching for that person immediately, by tomorrow."

"Wakatta. And what about your plan to capture Cornelia?"

"Tsk. I must admit that we didn't succeed this time. However, we have made quite an impact so I'm sure that Cornelia won't be moving anytime soon. As for the JLF, unexpected scenarios came but still, I think it's for the best."

"Hmm.. If you say so."

Shugi's View:

"You won't get away this time."

Shugi continued to follow the Geass User; flapping her wings faster to catch up on the vehicle. A signal stopped her from her tracks and she landed on a nearby tree to answer the call.

"Dammit." Scoffed Shugi as she lost the vehicle. " You could have called on a different time but you chose this particular moment. What's up, Shi-ra-ha?"

~ You sound pretty upset. Did I interrupt you from having a good time? ~ asked Shiraha in a teasing tone.

"Actually, I'm in the middle of following something important.. Until, you've distracted me from doing so." Replied Shugi with annoyance.

~ Oh, I see. Care to share what's this important matter you're talking about? ~

" I discovered a whole lot of information." The blonde teen said as she leaned on a tree. " I even witnessed a battle between the army and the terrorists. And my wings are pretty dried-out to be boot." Added Shugi with a sigh.

~ Good for you. Anyways, the reason I interrupted you is because you are ordered to finish off some stray devils causing trouble near our place. ~

" What about you? You should be the one performing that task since I'm busy with another task here! " countered Shugi.

~ I've got my own set of things to do, dummy. You better get here to do the task and to report your findings as well. ~

"Kuh.. Ever the slave driver." Grumbled Shugi as she transformed back into her bat form.

The Next Morning:

" Lelouch seems to be absent for class, Buchou." Akeno said as she faced Rias who was sitting on a couch.

"Maybe not. There's still a couple of minutes before class starts and he might only be late. Besides, haven't you seen him with Issei this morning?"

"Nope, Buchou. Issei solely arrived on the campus and he wasn't with Lelouch."

"Is that so?" replied Rias as she started reading the contents of a newspaper. "Well, he might have his own reasons."

They both fell silent for a period of time and continued what they were doing. Akeno started preparing some tea while Rias remained sitting on the couch.

"Hmmm.. Port Yokosuka."

"What about it, Buchou?"

"It says here that an underwater explosion happened at the place last night. It was due to the conflict between the army and the terrorists of course."

"Ara, so they had a heated encounter again. They must be enjoying each other's company." Noted Akeno with sarcasm.

" It's just fortunate that there were only a few number of casualties, aside from the deaths between the members of the army and terrorists, of course. But still, there were little to no civilians involved."

"And luckily, that civilian includes Lelouch. Right, Buchou?" said Akeno with a wink.

"It's so early in the morning to start up with your antics, Akeno." Replied Rias with a sigh.

"Tehee. That reminds me… Isn't it strange how certain events fall on the time where Lelouch heads home to Ashford?"

"What do you mean?" Rias asked while raising a brow.

"Well.. Incidents like the Narita landslide or Port explosion happens whenever Lelouch is gone for the weekends. So who knows if a bloody battle might occur if he heads home next week?"

"That's not even funny, Akeno." Said Rias in a calm yet serious tone.

"Ara, don't take it seriously, Buchou. I know that Lelouch-kun doesn't have anything to do with those incidents. But still, it'll be a blast if ever he does." Akeno said in a mischievous tone which Rias couldn't identify whether there is a hidden meaning behind it. "And By the way, Buchou. Have you thought of my suggestion?"

" *sighs* For the sake of keeping you from your malicious thoughts and to gain information… Fine. I'll agree with your suggestion." Said Rias as she raised one hand in surrender. Akeno formed a smile and faced the red head.

"Shall I fetch Issei-kun so we can inform him, Buchou?"

"Please do."

Lelouch and CC's view:

"So, who are our possible suspects?" CC said who was sitting on the bed; hugging a cheesekun plushie.

"There's a possibility that it may be someone from the army."

The raven head grabbed his phone and started calling the first person that comes into his mind.

*(PHONE RINGS)*

~ Oy, someone's calling. Tone down a little! *ahem* Good morning, this is the Student Council of Ashford Academy. ~

"Oh, Suzaku. It's me, Lelouch."

~ Lelouch? Minna-san, it's Lelouch! What's up? Do you need anything? ~

"Ah, nothing really. I just called to ask whether there is anything strange going on around there."

~ Strange? Well Actually…. There is. ~ replied Suzaku in a mysterious tone which caused Lelouch to tense up. ~ It's the fact that you aren't here with us! Although Shirley is also absent and we don't know the reason why. ~

"Shirley? I see. Ja, I'll be going ahead then."

~ Ok. Aahhh! Stop it! ~

"Is there anything wrong?" asked Lelouch curiously.

~ N-Nothing. Hey, Arthur! Stop that! ~ *line cuts off *

"Hmmm?" uttered Lelouch as he slid his phone back. " Suzaku doesn't know anything. That eliminates the possibility of anyone from the army seeing my face."

"What about your soldiers?"

"The Black Knights?" replied Lelouch with a question.

"You can't be sure if nobody from your group was present at that time. There's a chance that one of them was the shooter in the first place."

"You have a point but I highly doubt that." *grabs phone* " Hello, Ohgi."

~ Zero! You're safe. We were worried that something might have happened to you. ~

" So they didn't know. Never mind that. I want you to check the Black Market and the area where we encountered Cornelia's forces last night."

~ Why, Zero? Is there a problem? ~

" We might find something or rather… someone."

~ Find someone? Wakatta. Ja, I'll be going then. ~ *beep* replied Ohgi although he was slightly confused.

"The Black Knights doesn't know. They should be in a ruckus right now but fortunately, they aren't."

" Hmmm… Then who else could be the suspect? It's a bit risky if ever it is an outsider." CC said as she lay down on the bed. Lelouch thought for a moment; fingers on his head while identifying a possible person.

"I want to check up on someone."

"Who might that be?"

The raven head got up and changed into his casual clothes.

"Shirley. There's a chance that she was the person who saw me. Besides, I remember seeing her image at the time I was facing Cornelia."

"Oh, you mean that girl who kissed you?"

"Will you cut that out?" replied Lelouch in an angered tone while CC remains unfazed.

"I'm just making sure, lover boy. How do you plan on confronting her?"

"We have to check her room first and might as well ask her room mate."

He approached the green head and looked straight into her eyes.

"And you're coming with me." Said Lelouch with finality.

Meanwhile, the person they were talking about has already went out of the school campus. She was on her way to board a train which is scheduled to Narita.

"Lelouch….. How could you?'

"Yes… How could you, Lelouch? Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Poor thing." Mao said as he read through the blonde's mind; following the latter in return. " It's easy to manipulate minds in chaos and you, a very vulnerable subject indeed." He said while forming a wicked grin.

Dxd View:

" Ohayo Gozaimasu, Buchou." Greeted Issei as he entered the club room.

"Ohayo. Please take a seat."

The brown teen complied and sat on the sofa. He then faced Rias and listened to her talk.

" The reason I called you here is to give you a special assignment and task."

"Special Task? About what, Buchou?" Issei asked with interest.

"Well….." Rias paused before continuing. " It's to keep an eye on Lelouch and to report whatever strange things you notice about him."

"P-Pardon?"

"Ara, you just have to observe Lelouch, Issei-kun." Akeno butted in. " Buchou just needs to gather some info so if ever you notice something unusual about him, you have to report it to us."

"But why would I spy on him?" asked a confused Issei.

"Among all of us here in the ORC, you're the closest person to Lelouch. And you're the only one who can easily get along with him since you are currently living under the same roof." Rias explained.

"But still-

" I can't assign this task to anyone else. Not to Koneko, Kiba or even Akeno. So please, Issei… Do me this favor."

" Crap.. How can I decline if it's Buchou?!" Issei frantically thought in his head. " I-I understand, Buchou. I'll do my best." He replied with a thumbs up.

"Arigatou, Issei." Rias said with a smile. " And one more thing, you should keep this as a secret from Lelouch, alright?"

"Hai, no problem."

Back to Lelouch and CC's view:

"I don't understand why I have to search through a stranger's underwear." The green head said while holding one. " This will cost you."

"Understood." Replied Lelouch without a thought. He was busy scanning the drawers and checking the cabinets one by one.

"You should have done these by yourself. I'm sure she wouldn't mind letting the boy she loves rummage her room."

"That's exactly my problem."

"Oh, so the Great Zero doesn't want to take advantage of the people close to him." Said CC while feigning an innocent tone.

"Stop talking and start searching." The raven head said in a slightly raised voice while holding a box.

" (sits on bed) This is hopeless. We already searched the entire room and there's still no trace on where she kept your gun. Her journal only records her activities up to the 14th day and after that, there's nothing else."

"14th? That's the day of her father's burial." Glanced Lelouch sideways causing the box he was holding to fall; scattering numerous pictures on the floor.

"What's these? Pictures of you…. How sweet." Remarked CC in a sarcastic way as she picked a photo. " How could you suspect her, Lelouch?"

"Stop saying it that way." Replied Lelouch with a glare as he picked a notebook from the corner. " Narita…"

"What's wrong? Did you see a sweeter photo between you two?"

"She got a ticket issued to Narita. Her schedule was 8:30 this morning."

"Oh… So she went to that damaged place. What's she gonna do in there?"

"I don't know." Said Lelouch with a mixed expression. " But we have to find her."

Shirley's View:

The blonde already arrived on Narita and headed to the place where the burial of her father took place. She dropped her bag which contains some photos of Lelouch and also the gun of Zero. She then started walking to approach the grave of her father.

"How could Lelouch do this….. Of all people, why him?"

" Why indeed, Miss Fenette?" Mao said as he emerged out of now where.

"W-Who are you? How do you know about me?" asked Shirley in a trembling voice.

"I know everything. Everything that happened on that night." The man said in a wicked smile.

"W-What are you talking about?"

"Ohoho… It hurts to know that the person you love killed your father. That of all people, he is the man behind that mask. That dear Lulu is actually the real Zero." This time, Mao was clapping his hands which only worsens the condition of Shirley.

"No! You're wrong! Stop it!"

"You used the death of your father to lure Lelouch into kissing you. What a pity… You're nothing but a witch who seduces men."

"STOP IT!" shouted Shirley as she fell on her knees while covering her ears.

" You also injured someone with your own bare hands… leaving her to bleed until she dies. That also makes you a MURDERER as well."

"I'm not… I'm not… STOP IT!" replied Shirley in a shaky voice. Mao approached her and lifted her chin so she can look directly at him.

" And this lips of yours… You used this to kiss the person who killed your father. You need to be punished as well… Both you and Lelouch should be PU-NISHED." Mao said as he laughed hysterically.

*(TRAIN SOUND)*

~ We will be arriving on Narita in 20 minutes. Passengers, kindly take your seats. ~

"So, do you love this Shirley girl?" CC asked the raven head who was looking out of the window.

"I don't know."

"So you hate her?"

"I don't know.'

"Then… Why are we going to Narita?"

"Because there's a possibility that she knows my identity, remember?" came the reply of Lelouch who didn't even bother to face CC.

" And if she knows then what's next? Are you going to kill her like the others?"

This question caught Lelouch off-guard and he gave off a shocked expression.

"I… I don't know." He said while looking down.

"People you care about should be kept at a distance."

"Is that experience talking?" asked Lelouch to CC. The green head didn't reply and just hugged her plushie tighter.

After 20 minutes, the duo got off from the train and decided to take separate ways so they can find Shirley faster. Lelouch kept walking until he reached a particular place covered mostly of rocks and debris. His phone rang and he immediately answered it upon seeing the caller's name.

" *beep* Hello, it's me. Where are you?"

"Hmmm.. I wonder." Replied Mao as he stood on the other side; opposite to Lelouch.

"Who are you?! And why do you have Shirley's phone?!"

" (claps) HA! HA! HA! Bravo! That's the look I was looking for! The look of a man who just got his girl stolen from him." Exclaimed Mao in amusement. He tossed Shirley's phone towards the raven head and showed him a chess piece.

"I learned that you specialize in this game. Why don't we have a match to see who's better? And oh, the winner gets Shirley… of course." Said Mao in an evil tone which increased Lelouch's anger. " And I know what you're thinking. You don't have to worry cuz Shirley is just fine. Not until you refuse my offer." He added with a smirk.

"Fine. Just make sure that you'll fulfill your conditions or else-

"Or else you'll kill me? Is that it.. Ne, Le-Louch?" continued Mao in a teasing tone.

"You son of a-

"Hai,hai. Let's get going if we don't want to end up with nothing, right? Follow me."

They arrived at another train station and immediately boarded on the vehicle. Both are on a myriad of emotions that they didn't notice the immortal in the area below.

"You don't have a picture or anything?"

"No. But I can draw you a sketch if you like."

"Then what? I'll have to wait for you to finish drawing? Sorry, but I'll pass. Just go and seek help from the local officials instead." Replied a driver to CC.

"I want to avoid any commotions at all costs."

~ Train will now be departing.. Please remain in your seats. ~

" Is that Lelouch? What's he up to?" uttered CC as he saw Lelouch on his seat; playing chess with a stranger. " He seems to have company. Who can that be?"

Her question was answered when the stranger leaned forward to place a chess piece and thus, revealing his face from the window.

"Masaka…. Mao?!" thought CC in shock. " No… this is bad.. Of all people, Mao is the person that Lelouch can't stand against. At the very least, he has little to no chance of defeating him."

She quickly rode on the motorcycle belonging to the man he asked.

"Hey! My bike! I'll report you to the police!"

"Sorry. I just need to use this real quick."

She drifted off and increased the speed of her vehicle.

Inside the train:

"Who can this man be? What's his intention towards Shirley? " thought Lelouch as he gazed at his opponent. Mao made his move and kept a calm façade which irritated Lelouch.

"Hmmm.. Not bad.. But moving your bishop won't be a wise move if you ask me."

" What? How did he predicted my next move?" the thought which caused Lelouch to tense up.

"Gotta keep your cool if you don't want to lose, Le-Louch." Said Mao with a grin.

After 10 minutes, their chess game was over and Mao watched the raven head sink in horror.

"Impossible… I got beaten?! It's like he was reading through my mind.."

"You got that right, Lelouch." Mao said as he removed his shades.

" Masaka… A Geass User?" the raven head said as he quickly activated his Geass.

"Nah..I know all the rules of your little gift, Lelouch." Shrugged Mao as he wore back his shades. " You have to look directly into a person's eye so you can issue your command and it can only be used on the same person once."

"Don't tell me…. You're a mind reader?" exclaimed Lelouch in shock.

"Bingo. Now, let's get off so you can finally reunite with your princess,ne?"

The train stopped near a staircase and there on top of the stairs was Shirley. Standing and pointing a gun to Lelouch.

"S-Shirley."

" HA! Ha! Ha! So, let's begin this dramatic tragedy, shall we?" Mao said while clapping his hands. He stood behind Lelouch and also pointed a gun at his back.

"Running away is useless. If you do, I'll shoot you immediately." He informed with an evil smile. " How ironic, Lelouch. You'll get killed using your own gun… And by your own friend, nonetheless."

" Kuh.. Shirley, get a grip of yourself! Don't let this man mess with your head!"

" No, Shirley. Go ahead and shoot him. Shoot the person who mercilessly killed your father!"

"Shirley, Don't listen to him!"

"L-Lelouch… Why don't we just atone for our sins.. Don't worry I'll die with you too." Shirley said with a blank expression.

"Wait, what?"

"Actually, she's the one who shot the second witness. She committed a sin because of you, Lelouch. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk."

"Then that blood…."

"Let's just die, Lelouch." Shirley said once more.

"No! Don't listen to him! If killing is a crime then you shouldn't compound it with more."

"Bravo, Lelouch! Your charming words and expert way of talking makes you capable of easily fooling others." Said Mao and clapped harder.

"SHUT UP! If there's a person here who is fooling others, then it's definitely you!"

"Oh, my. Isn't it the other way around? You're completely describing yourself, Le-Louch."

" JUST STOP THIS ALREADY! " shouted Shirley as she fired her gun. Luckily, Lelouch managed to dodge but he lost his balance; sending several pictures of him and Shirley flying in the air.

" This pictures….."

"What's wrong with her? Her thoughts are completely mixed-up." Said Mao as he scratched the back of his head.

"I'm…."

"Shirley!" Lelouch quickly ran forward to catch the falling blonde.

"That's it? I was expecting for a more dramatic ending. Geez, whatever. I'm off." Mumbled Mao as he waved his hand in surrender. He entered the train and waited for it to move while watching the duo hugging each other in sorrow.

"They're no fun." He said and diverted his gaze. Suddenly, the figure of the green head caught his attention and he immediately jumped from his seat to watch her from the window.

" Oh my god. It's her! I can't believe it! CC! She's still beautiful as ever!" he remarked in an ecstatic way while removing his shades. " Wait for me, CC! I'll reunite with you and we'll never leave each other again!" shouted Mao as the train drifted away further.

The green head just watched the train disappear and walked a few more meters where she saw Lelouch with Shirley.

"At least… they're safe. Well, It's up to you to settle things then, Lelouch…" said CC as she observed the emotional state of the two.

Lelouch and Shirley's View:

" I-I'm sorry… I tried to kill you but still-

"Sshhh.. No, Shirely. It's fine. I'm the one who should be sorry." Lelouch sadly replied as he hugged Shirley tighter.

"How could you? I still can't believe it…. Why…. *sobs* Why did you do it? *sobs* Why you, of all people?" Shirley said as she broke into tears. Lelouch could do nothing but feel an extreme sense of guilt and allow himself to get drenched by Shirley's tears.

"Why should you be Zero? Why can't you just be Lelouch? WHY, WHY, WHY?" cried Shirley as she threw punches on Lelouch's chest.

"I'm sorry….. "

"This whole thing….It hurts. It's killing me."

Lelouch closed his eyes and composed himself. He then looked straight into Shirley's eyes; with the saddest face he ever had.

"Shirley…. I'm really sorry. I'm an idiot. If I can do anything to pay for what I've done, then I'll do it. But still, it won't ever be enough. So that's why… *places hand on Shirley's shoulders* I'll make you forget everything. All these sorrow, grief and the root of it all…. Me."

" *sobs* H-Huh?"

"Shirley…. From this day onwards. I want you to forget everything you remembered about me. Our experiences… the days we were together… And from the moment you met me." He said as the Geass Sign flashed in his eye.

"NO! STOP! I DON'T WANT IT! I DON'T WANT TO FORGET ABOUT YOU! I DON'T WANT-

"I command you… Forget about me." Ordered Lelouch with finality as the Geass took effect on Shirley.

" I WON'T- Yes… I will."

"Good." Replied Lelouch to the hypnotized blonde. He didn't notice a single tear escaping from his Geassed Eye.

~TIME SKIP~

"I'll be going then, Papa. *sees the raven head* Oh… he's cute. H-Hello. Did you also come here to visit someone?" asked Shirley to the raven head. " Did he hear me? "

" It's more like….. to send her off." Said Lelouch sadly.

"I see…. Gotta think of something, quick! S-She must be important to you, right?" smiled Shirley although the awkwardness was obvious.

"Yes…. I didn't realize that losing her would create such an impact."

"Ah. Change the mood, baka! D-Don't worry. I'm sure she won't forget about you. Same as the way that you always remember her in your heart." Said Shirley with a thumbs up.

"I wish." Replied Lelouch as he turned away from the blonde. " Take Care." He said with a final glance before walking away.

"Y-You too." Shirley replied with a doubt. " Gosh.. Why am I being friendly with a stranger? And dummy, I forgot to ask his name! Wait.. What's wrong with me? Why am I fussing over someone I don't know? Grrrrr…."

*(DROP) (DROP)*

" Yikes! I gotta hurry before the rain pours harder. I'll be heading now, Papa!" waved Shirley as she ran faster to avoid getting caught up in the heavy rain.

*END OF CHAPTER*

A.N.- *sobs* *sobs* I'm crying inside Huhuhu. Yes.. And that's it for chapter 24. I've already watched this scene from the anime and I'm not a ShirleyxLulu fan that much but still, this scenario brings an ache in my heart. /3 And such a coincidence when it also started to rain when I finished typing this chapter. Why do you also have to pierce my heart, Sky-san! Moving on, next chapter will be a new one. (of course it'll be a new one. Baka Author-san -_- ) Meaning, it'll involve some scenes that is not present in the anime. Although I have to check up on the actual episodes and base some of the scenes on it. Anyways, thanks for reading Minna and have a good day ^_^ Oh, New Year is also right around the corner so before I forget.. ADVANCED HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! :D *trumpet sound*