The stale scent of gun oil and metal filled the old subway station.
The subway stations now served as one of the Black Knights' hidden military bases.
Graffiti lined the walls, cables hung overhead, and the gentle hum of machinery contrasted with the tension in the air. Maps of Britannian supply routes covered one side of the room, while open crates of weapons and field gear lined the other.
Lelouch stood at the center in full Zero regalia: the black cloak draped like a shadow across his shoulders, his mask reflecting the faint light from the tactical screens. His mere presence raised the morale of all the Black Knights.
He was not Lelouch Lamperouge right now. The boy genius at Ashford Academy.
He was Zero. The Commander. His voice boomed across the room.
"They're going to bait us," he said, gesturing toward a blinking mark on the map.
"The convoy's change in direction isn't random. It's too calculated. They want us to act impulsively. We won't give them that luxury."
Ohgi crossed his arms. "So we ignore the prisoner transfer?"
"No," Lelouch replied. "We hit them where they least expect it. Not the convoy, but the Refrain depot on the outskirts of Narita. Destroying it will hurt them more than one freed bureaucrat. And it sends the right message. The convoy won't arrive for a couple of days so we will have enough time to prepare. I will leave it up to you, Ohgi."
The plan was bold. A few of the Black Knights looked at each other in hesitation.
Kallen Kozuki, standing just behind Ohgi, listened closely, her gaze fixed on Zero. She didn't speak, not yet. She never interrupted him when he was serious. There was something magnetic about the way Zero moved, how he thought ten steps ahead of everyone else.
She didn't know who he was. Kallen had no idea what kind of man lies beyond the mask.
This mystery just added to her attraction for him.
After the meeting, she stayed behind as the others dispersed.
Zero remained by the central console, checking the final coordinates.
"I didn't expect you to stay," he said, without turning.
"I didn't realize you noticed me that much," Kallen replied, voice teasing.
"I notice everything."
Kallen crossed her arms. "You have immense confidence in yourself and all your plans seem to work out. Your voice doesn't sound like a guy who is inexperienced. I would like to test that theory out myself someday."
He paused, noticing her teasing.
"Oh?"
"I don't know." She narrowed her eyes slightly, watching him. "But if I ever find out who you are under that mask... I hope it doesn't ruin the image."
Lelouch knew Kallen was growing fonder of him by the day. He was thankful she just knew him as Zero and not as Lelouch. Hopefully it stays that way, he thinks to himself as he responds.
"Keep your focus on the mission, Kallen. That's where the truth matters."
"Yeah. But sometimes the truth wears a mask too," she said, turning away. "I'll be ready."
As she walked out, Lelouch exhaled slowly.
She was getting too close to him.
He had too many people to protect.
He left the hideout and went back home.
Zero was done for the night.
______
The next day had a completely different atmosphere.
The darkness of the underground resistance was replaced with the warmth and light of the sun shining through the windows of the Ashford Academy gym. Laughter bounced off the walls, interrupted by the occasional crash of falling decorations. The other student council members had an effect on Lelouch which made him even chuckle a bit.
Milly Ashford stood at the center of the gym like a wedding planner gone rouge.
"Rivalz, move the flower arrangements closer to the center! Shirley, we need more gold streamers!"
"I'm working on it, Milly!" Shirley called from the ladder as she carefully strung a ribbon of lights across one of the beams. Lelouch was sitting at one of the tables, watching Shirley from afar to make sure. Shirley turned around and caught his gaze. She smiled.
"You aren't even pretending to help," Milly said, walking up to Lelouch. She lowered her voice. "At least you are working on your chemistry with Shirley."
Lelouch remained expressionless at hearing the tease. Even though Milly was a bit too bubbly, he did care for her as well in his own way. He was about to respond when he spotted Rivalz doing something stupid with the flowers. Milly caught Lelouch's gaze and sighed.
"I'll be back," she said as she goes to help Rivalz with the flower arrangements on the other side of the gym. Lelouch returned his gaze back to Shirley, who was on the ladder still putting up the gold streamers.
He found himself entranced by her. He noticed the way the sunlight caught the deep shades of autumn from her hair. The way her silver necklace reflected against her neck. He caught her side profile for a moment. Her soft pink lips parted slightly as she continued working.
Her eyes are so beautiful.
Lelouch shakes his head for a moment.
He got up from the table and started helping with the streamers as well. He might as well get some actual work done. He can't let his emotions get the best of him. After a while, the gym was finished being setup for tomorrow's masquerade ball. Lelouch sighed as he wiped off a bead of sweat.
He might be one of the world's best masterminds, but when it comes to physical activity he was beat. He had stamina meant for other things, but not putting together a high school dance.
Shirley walked over to Lelouch and handed him a towel.
The coolness of the wet cloth felt great to him.
"Thanks, Shirley," he said as he finished cleaning his neck and face.
"Of course, handsome," she replied back while smiling.
Lelouch did his best to pretend he didn't hear that.
Rivalz and Milly came back over to confirm some final things with everybody. Once that was done, everyone went home. Everyone was looking forward to the dance, even Lelouch.
Though he had the Black Knights' operation on his mind more than anything else.