Code Geass Heroes' Awakening: Stage 3 Part 2

1:29 p.m., Ashford Academy, Student Government Clubhouse. Alistair found himself in Lelouch's room after figuring out there was a Pizza Hut in Japan and that none of the Lamperouge family members ordered any pizza. It was then that he discovered a suspicious briefcase on the floor. After placing the pizza box on Lelouch's bed, Alistair opened it to find a strange costume that seemed familiar somehow.

Alistair: Huh. Never would have figured that Lelouch was an artist. Everything about this is impressive. The outfit itself, the cool cape, the mask...(pauses, realizes that the mask resembles Zero's)...Oh, crap.

It was then that a knock could be heard at the door to Lelouch's room. Alistair knew there would be a huge misunderstanding if the costume was found here and instinctively drew one of his Desert Eagles. He approached the door with his back against the wall.

Alistair: Hello?
Voice: (from behind door) Alistair? Is that you?
Alistair: Nunnally? (puts down Desert Eagle) I thought Sayoko said you were at the student council room?
Nunnally: I was trying to find Lelouch, but he wasn't there.
Alistair: (quietly, looking at mask) You and me both.
Nunnally: Why are you in my brother's room, Alistair?
Alistair: (normal tone) I'm trying to find Lelouch, actually. But he ain't here.
Nunnally: I see. Before I go, could you try to find C.C.(C2) for me? I thought she was here and felt a desire to look after her. No pun intended.
Alistair: (confused) C.C.?
Nunnally: A strange name, I know. I heard that she is a woman with green hair. And she is "snarky," like you.
Alistair: Yeah. I'll keep an eye out.

After a few moments, Alistair felt that Nunnally's presence was away from the door. However, he could feel a presence in Lelouch's closet. He walked toward the closet and opened the door. There was only one thing off about the closet, a mysterious girl with green hair.

Alistair: I'm gonna suppose that you're C.C. Your pizza arrived five minutes ago. (approaches bed, then stops) If this does not include cheese with your pepperoni, there will be trouble of the kneecap variety.

C.C. did not respond as she was surprised by the fact that Alistair had found her so easily. Alistair opened the pizza box with his Desert Eagle and saw that C.C. ordered half cheese half pepperoni.

Alistair: You lucked out. (holsters Desert Eagle) Your kneecaps survive. For now, anyway. (takes a slice of cheese pizza and begins eating, sits on couch) So, what were you doing, hiding in Lelouch's closet, anyway?
C.C.: I was hiding from you. I thought you were with the military.
Alistair: (looks left, then right, then back to C.C.) What military? All I saw up till now was a bunch of bad guys with military hardware and vehicular power armor. Unless you happen to be talking about those who work for that Zero guy. Fortunately they haven't done anything completely stupid...yet.
C.C.: I suppose you know Lelouch's secret, then?
Alistair: (twirling the Zero mask on his left index finger) Honestly, this kind of secret is something Milly would kill to get her hands on.
C.C.: How do you figure that?
Alistair: (stops twirling mask, resting its face on his palm) Wouldn't you be embarrassed if a friend of yours revealed that you were a cosplayer? I mean, with this outfit, he might be Zero's biggest fan or something.
C.C.: Yes. He is a "cosplayer."
Alistair: Since you never bothered to ask, my name is Alistair Wake. Please let that settle in your mind, 'cause I'm not saying it again.
C.C.: Tell me something, Alistair. When you look at me, what do you see?
Alistair: I see attractiveness, but I hear "Screw the rules, I have green hair."
C.C.: Really? You're not head over heels for me? You don't want to ask me out?
Alistair: Oh, I know damn well not to do that. Ever since I was...traumatized out of the dating game. You see, every time I asked a girl out, I ended up having my nuts kicked in and being curb stomped, literally, by the girl I was asking out. All because I wanted to get to know her, too. This happened 17 times, with me lying in a puddle of my own blood, straight from the wound on my head. Same spot, too. (points to right side of his forehead) Right here.
C.C.: (surprised look) That's... That's rough. I don't think I've heard about that kind of rejection.
Alistair: (gets up from couch, throws mask onto couch and finishes eating pizza) Well, since Lelouch isn't here, it looks like it's up to me to look after Nunnally. TTFN.

Alistair was three steps away from the door when, suddenly, he could feel a hand touch his shoulder and the door disappeared into a strange void.

Alistair: Oh, for God's sake! Now what!?
C.C.: I must ask that you accept my contract in order to leave.  By doing so, you will keep our meeting secret. Do you accept these terms?
Alistair: Screw you.
C.C.: Excuse me?
Alistair: It appears I have confused you. Please, allow me to elaborate. I responded to your offer in a way...(shouting)...that makes you run off to your personal corner of the world and go screw yourself!
C.C.: You do realize that you're basically stuck here if you don't say "yes," right?
Alistair: I can find my own way out.
C.C.: I am able to give you power.
Alistair: Screw power. Power's for pansies who don't even think once about growing up. Power is just some lame excuse to bring some chaos into the world. And once chaos reigns throughout the world, every living person is screwed. And I'll be honest with you on this: power doesn't exist. Strength does. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to find my own way out. Without your annoying ass.

Alistair took five steps away from C.C., seeking a way out of the mysterious void. At that point, a mysterious sound echoed in the void. Alistair opened his eyes and found himself back in Lelouch's room.

Alistair: That was pretty interesting.
C.C.: I can't believe what I just witnessed.
Alistair: What, your "contract" or whatever being utterly rejected?
C.C.: That's only half of what I can't believe.
Alistair: What's the other half?
C.C.: You still got the power. You received a Geass.
Alistair: A...Geass? (pauses) What exactly does that do?
C.C.: It differs from person to person. But what I can tell from you is that your Geass works on any living person and can be used unlimited times. The surprising thing is that I didn't give it to you. It somehow came to life and went towards you.
Alistair: Good to know. Probably won't use it, though. Once again, TTFN. If you need me, I will be with Nunnally.
C.C.: Wait. Where did that speech about power come from? How would you know anything about power?
Alistair: "Remember, remember, the 5th of November. The Gunpowder Treason and Plot. I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot." Hope is everlasting, C.C. Remember that.

Alistair exited Lelouch's room and went to the dining room to find Nunnaly with Sayoko. He decided to join them since he had nothing else to do.

Alistair: So, what's on the agenda for you guys, today?
Nunnally: I honestly have no idea.
Sayoko: I'm afraid I am unable to think of any activities that Nunnally has not already done.
Alistair: Well, what about me? Would you two like to learn about me?
Nunnally: (excited) That sounds like an excellent idea! Please, tell us.
Alistair: (laughs) Alright, alright. Hold your horses. (grabs chair and sits in front of Nunnaly) Well, I'm from America, for starters.
Sayoko: America? I have not heard of such a place.
Alistair: Really? It was founded in 1776. To you, that would be...1821 a.t.b. It took an entire war to ensure that name, along with the Declaration of Independence. Don't you know any amount of world history?
Sayoko: Apparently not.
Nunnally: Is your county led by a king?
Alistair: Not necessarily. Its head honcho is the President of the United States.
Sayoko: I remember, now. That area was supposed to be an extension of the Britannian Homeland, but the plan failed.
Nunnally: I'll learn about your country later, Alistair. This is about you.
Alistair: Well, I am 16 years old and I am a good guy mercenary.
Nunnally: Oh, wow! You're only a little older than me, then. That's great!
Sayoko: Mercenary? You mean you don't work for the military?
Alistair: I'd rather not join the military, or the five-oh, for that matter. Less friendly fire, that way.
Sayoko: I see. But you said "good guy" mercenary. What do you mean by that?
Alistair: Try "mercenary benefactor." I'm more good natured than any other mercenaries. Plus, the military factions in my country have to call me by a military rank. In the Army, I'm a Major. In the Navy and Marines, I'm a Captain, with my own fleet. Also, I'm a top-notch pilot for the Air Force, practically living Top Gun.
Nunnally: (surprised) You're that skilled?
Alistair: Oh, yeah. Didn't you hear that I ran up a wall to save Lelouch and Suzaku?
Nunnally: Oh! You're very impressive Alistair! You sound like an excellent person who has nothing to hide.

At the mention of those words, Alistair's smile disappeared and he slowly grasped at his left arm. He looked at Sayoko and gave her a signal to not react to what he was about to do.

Alistair: (sorrowfully) Nunnally, I have something to show you.
Nunnally: Alright.

Alistair removed both of his leather gloves, revealing that his left hand was made from cybernetics. He then took off his jacket to reveal that the cybernetic prosthetic reached his shoulder. Alistair extended his left hand toward Nunnally.

Alistair: Take my hand.

Nunnally seemed confused with Alistair's request. Nunnally reached in front of her to find Alistair's hand and grasped it. The look on her face showed worry.

Nunnally: (frightened) What...? What is this?
Alistair: What you feel is an arm created from cybernetic prosthesis. And it's not just my left arm. My right leg is also cybernetic.
Nunnally: Why? What happened to your arm and leg?!
Alistair: I lost them, like I lost my parents. By the guns of Glasgows. Knightmares. At the age of 6, mind you. The only thing that I can feel with these things is their movement. After the removal of said limbs, I was ditched in a crater somewhere in the Mojave Desert, which is the closest thing to Hell if you're not prepared. And, the crater... God, I can't...
Nunnally: Alistair, what was in the crater?
Alistair: ...Around 75 dead bodies.
Nunnally: Dead...bodies? Why?! Why were there dead bodies in a crater?! And how could there be Knightmares in your country?!
Alistair: That day, Britannia set foot on America with one purpose: utter conquest. America was practically the testing ground for the Knightmares, killing innocent civilians in the process. They didn't even give a damn about loss of life, as long as the result was in their favor. It was like...
Sayoko: Alistair. Please, stop. You don't have to let it out, all at once.
Alistair: I've been a victim for a majority of my life, Nunnally. I watched my own parents die, for God's sake. No friends left, no love, no family. I couldn't get a job until I was 13, which brings me to today. Before I even got here, it was hell. There was so much chaos, so much loss of life. It was worse than what Britannia had to offer.
Nunnally: (tearing up) That's...horrible.
Alistair: Sorry that I brought that up. I know that it's painful for other people to hear about. Especially since you lost your parents, as well.

Nunnally's face showed resolve as she put her hand to Alistair's cybernetic shoulder, dragged him towards her and hugged him.

Alistair: (surprised) N-Nunnally?
Nunnally: I'm sorry about what happened to you. I may not be able to make it up to you, but I can be a good friend to you.
Alistair: (hugs back) That's the best thing that you can do for me. Thanks, Nunnally.

The embrace that Nunnally gave to Alistair, soothed him, as he returned the favor. Alistair felt a sudden urge to allow himself to cry, if only a little. However, Alistair stopped hugging Nunnally once his resolve returned to him.

Alistair: I've gotta go. I'll see you later, alright?
Nunnally: Okay. I understand. But I must ask something of you.
Alistair: What is it?
Nunnally: (extending left hand) Take my hand.

Alistair did as Nunnaly requested. He took Nunnaly's hand and Nunnaly grasped his cybernetic pinky finger with hers, catching Alistair by surprise.

Nunnally: I want you to promise me that you will do good...by your terms.
Alistair: That's kinda part of my job.
Nunnally: (says nothing)
Alistair: Buuut I'll promise anyway. (tightens pinky, smiling) Just for you, Nunnally.
Nunnally: (smiling) Thank you!
Alistair: (puts on leather glove and jacket) I'll be off, now. See you later, alright?
Nunnally: Of course. Goodbye, for now. I just hope that my life can be a bit easier with you around.
Alistair: "Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one."

Alistair left Nunnally and Sayoko to their business and walked out the door.

Nunnally: Do you still feel threatened by him, Sayoko?
Sayoko: I...wouldn't think so. What happened to him...I wouldn't want that to happen to you.
Nunnally: Maybe I should have gone to America, instead of Japan. That way, I could have made his life less suffering. Maybe Lelouch and Suzaku could have helped him, as well.
Sayoko: I think you're easing his life, right now.
Nunnally: I guess that's true. I have to ask, Sayoko: what color are his eyes?
Sayoko: His eyes?
Nunnally: I want to visualize him in my imagination.
Sayoko: Well, to answer your question, he has blue eyes. But, I've never seen blue eyes like his, before. They were...icy blue, I think?
Nunnally: Icy blue... I remember that color. So beautiful. And his hair?
Sayoko: Brown and short, but a little darker and shorter than Suzaku's.
Nunnally: Sounds like a rare combination. Do you think he has a girlfriend, back home?
Sayoko: I...don't know.
Nunnally: Well, if he doesn't, he deserves one.

2007 a.t.b., Las Vegas Medical Clinic. Alistair had been laying in the same bed for weeks, with frequent visits from Carol and the bandages still covering his eyes. This time, Carol had good news for Alistair.

Carol: Alistair?
Alistair (Age 6): What is it?
Carol: It's time to remove those bandages.
Alistair: I doubt that I can see clearly, as is.
Carol: Just trust me. It'll be okay.

Alistair felt the bandages loosening from his face and a bright light shined in his sight. Alistair could see clearly, which confused him, entirely. He looked and saw a teenage girl with blond hair, looking at him, and assumed that she was Carol.

Carol: Cool eyes, "defender of man."
Alistair: How is this remotely possible? How can I see without my glasses?
Carol: Look to your left.

Alistair did as he was instructed and saw that his left arm had returned, except it was made of metal and wires. Alistair attempted to move this newfound arm, and he felt its movement as he opened and closed his hand.

Alistair: What?
Carol: Cool, right?
Alistair: Why? Why a prosthetic?
Carol: Well, they're more than prosthetics.
Alistair: "They"?
Carol: Right leg.

Alistair looked at his right leg and saw that it had also been replaced by a prosthetic leg.

Alistair: You replaced my missing parts?
Carol: We had to.
Alistair: Why? You could have just as easily put me in a wheelchair, save you some time.
Carol: That's the thing, Alistair. We had to surgically place those prosthetics, or else you wouldn't survive.
Alistair: So, this is the surgery? Prosthetics?
Carol: Prototype cybernetic prosthetics. You're the first person to have these prosthetics, Alistair.
Alistair: This doesn't make me a cyborg, does it?
Carol: (chuckles) No. They're just prosthetics. Really cool, extremely durable prosthetics.
Alistair: What makes these so special? What did you mean by "wouldn't survive"?
Carol: As I said, they're prototypes, one of a kind. They have some features that were actually donated from the military, just for you.
Alistair: Donated?
Carol: You're really well liked in the military. Those prosthetics' main feature is to serve as your arm and leg.
Alistair: So, that's why they look like the originals.
Carol: Yeah, we had to model them after your arm and leg.
Alistair: So, why did you need to put these on me, surgically?
Carol: The catch with those bad boys is that they're connected to your nervous system. That's why you can feel their movements, the way you do.
Alistair: And the survivability issue?
Carol: The wounds you had wouldn't heal and you lost too much blood, as it was. The only option was to implant the prosthetics into your nervous system, so it could maintain your condition.
Alistair: Is this why I can see without my glasses?
Carol: Yeah. The idea of the prosthetics was made by a scientist in India. Rakshata, I think her name is? Anyway, one part of the donations for the prosthetics was a function that healed whatever wounds you had, over a period of time.
Alistair: Who donated that?
Carol: A medical officer named DuFresne. A direct order from the head of the Medical Corps.
Alistair: What else?
Carol: Well, there's also some military-grade muscle fiber. Now, you can lift a car with one hand.
Alistair: There's a limit to the strength of the muscle fiber, right? It's not strong enough to lift a mountain?
Carol: God, you're smart. Yeah, you can't lift a mountain, like the Hulk. Unless they're augmented, you can only lift so much with that one hand.
Alistair: (sighs)
Carol: I have one more bit of good news. You have a place to live. (looks towards door) Mr. House? You can come in, now.

Immediately, the door opened, and a man in a suit entered the room. The man had black hair and a beard that surrounded his chin and the outside of his lips.

Suited Man: What's up, Alistair?
Alistair: Who in the world are you?
Suited Man: Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Robin Edward House. I own the Lucky 38 Hotel and Casino.
Alistair: Lucky 38? Never heard of it.
Robin Edward House: You would know it best as the Stratosphere.
Alistair: The big tower that lights Las Vegas. Why is it called the Lucky 38?
Mr. House: Well... There was an, uh...incident where the rides at the top of the Stratosphere were sabotaged and killed a bunch of people. When that happened, the place was shut down. After a long time of being inactive, I decided to buy it, change the tower to more of a roulette theme and rename it the Lucky 38.
Alistair: So, what do you need me for?
Mr. House: (reluctantly) I'm...uh... Well...
Carol: Just spit it out, Mr. House.
Mr. House: I'm, uh...kinda lonely.
Alistair: Excuse me?
Mr. House: I...need a roommate.
Alistair: A roommate? Are you kidding me?
Mr. House: Well, when you run the entirety of Las Vegas, and no girl ever asks you out, you'd want a roommate, too.
Alistair: You're in charge of Vegas?
Carol: Why do you think this place exists? Somebody's gotta run Vegas.
Mr. House: (normal tone) Yeah. Also, you need a place to stay and a job.
Alistair: So, I can't go anywhere that I please?
Mr. House: Not in the slightest. Britannia's set up shop and I'm not having you going toe-to-toe with Knightmares, again. They're making more Knightmares, as we speak.
Alistair: Not in Nevada, though?
Mr. House: Vegas is the only treasure this desert has to offer. Nothing else here, except for the Nellis Air Force Base, to the northeast.
Alistair: It's desolate now, isn't it?
Mr. House: Actually, this side of the country is a safe zone. Britannians might show up, here and there, but there's nothing we can do about it. General Chase is at Nellis and you're good buddy, Chief Hanlon, is stationed at McCarran.
Alistair: Chief Hanlon?
Mr. House: The big boss of the US Army Rangers, Chief Marcus Hanlon.
Alistair: If you know so much about me, then you know about what happened to my parents?
Mr. House: Yeah. Pardon my language, but you can be sure as shit that I'm going to help you, as best as I can.
Alistair: What sort of job are you offering me?
Mr. House: You are going to be a courier for the Lucky 38. You'll go around Vegas, delivering packages to certain people. I'm paying by the hundreds, by the way.
Alistair: You want me to be your roommate and you want to pay me for my services to Las Vegas?
Mr. House: It's the only life I've got for you.
Alistair: (deep breath) Very well. As of now, I'm a courier for the Lucky 38 Hotel and Casino.
Mr. House: (smiles) Awesome. Well, get up. Daylight's burning. You gotta see you're new digs, right?

Alistair dropped down from the bed and bid Carol farewell as he followed Mr. House to the exit of the Vegas Medical Center and towards the life of a courier.