Stage 09, R e f r a i n
Next we see some corrupt people discussing illegal things, when they're interrupted by the Black Knights. Suddenly, Kallen in stands up shouting "The Order of the Black Knights" while in class.
Later on, Cornelia is discussing domestic problems with Area 11, saying that the widespread drug Refrain is a big problem, since productivity has decreased because of it and she must destroy a transport route. Euphemia interrupts her, asking about Zero, Cornelia replies she'll let him live a while longer.
Back in class with Kallen, she's heading towards the Student Council when she sees Lelouch being forced into a cat costume for Arthur's welcome party. While they're all happily talking, Suzaku suddenly starts crying, being so glad that they got another chance to do these things. Rivalz replies by tackling him, telling him to stop being so sentimental. Kallen smiles to herself, since she helped saved everyone.
In the next scene, you can hear Kallen's thoughts as she's explaining that the world's attention has been focused on Zero and his Knights, and how many people see them as heroes since they've eliminated those who can't be punished by law. They've quickly become heroes, and have gained many supporters, but because Zero murdered Clovis, there are still many who don't trust him.
After, Millay is visiting Kallen's house. While the maid seems very happy and invites her in, a woman who appears to be Kallen's Stepmother walks in and accuses Kallen of badly behaving while her father works in Britannia. Kallen snaps back, that she's the one really enjoying her father's absence. The maid suddenly breaks a pot, and cleans it up, apologising while the stepmother is criticising her.
A little while later, Millay gives Kallen her reports, because her grandfather thought it was inappropriate to give it to her at school. Kallen assumes it's because it's been exposed that she's a half Britannian and half Japanese. She explains to Millay, that her real mother is the clumsy maid, and that she has no choice but to smile weakly and do her work. Kallen says that although her family is a bit troublesome, it's not unbearable. Millay says not to worry, since she likes knowing secrets but not leaking them.
Meanwhile, an unstable Kallen's mother is unstable and taking out drugs.
Presumably the next day, Lelouch and Suzaku are discussing the Order of the Black Knights, while Lelouch is (obviously) supporting their actions while Suzaku is criticising them. Shirley comes in, and Suzaku walks out claiming he needs to go to the army, winking at Shirley as he leaves. Shirley is about to ask Lelouch out, but he's not even listening, instead rhetorically asking her if Suzaku belongs in the military now.
Next we see Kallen talking to Ougi about the drug "Refrain", it lets the user feel events from the past and that it's targeted at the Japanese. They can't leave alone such a drug so the Order is going to do something about it. When Kallen hangs up, she sees a Japanese hot dog stand holder being harassed by a bunch of Britannians. Kallen is about to do something, but she's stopped by Lelouch, saying that if she would to interfere, the Eleven wouldn't be able to do business the next day. The Britannian harassers walk over, asking them if they think Elevens are pitiful too, Lelouch replies by using Geass on them, telling them that they must be tired of bullying Elevens by now.
When the Britannian guys walk away, Kallen runs to help the Japanese man who is weakly getting up. He sees that she's a Britannian student, and welcomes her, asking her if she would like to buy anything.
Later on Kallen and Lelouch talk. Lelouch says that Area 11 is better since it has been colonised, as the economy and military have been stabilised. Citizenship can be easily attained too, but the only thing left is the people's pride. Kallen says those are the facts, but asks what Lelouch's opinion is, while he replies he doesn't really care, and that he doesn't have one. He says that it's easier to be like that, and she should understand that Eleven's example. That lowering your head to the Britannians is an easier way of life. Kallen is reminded of her mother; she slaps Lelouch, angrily shouting at him as she storms off.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah and Viletta are discussing that 'Orange' incident. She asks if it's true that he can't recall anything, and he replies he doesn't expect her to believe him. She says that she experienced something similar, and remembers a guy in a school uniform, and although she can't exactly remember his face she thinks it's worth investigating.
On that night, it's the operation Ougi was talking to Kallen about earlier. They attack the drug dealers' base, and Kallen storms in with her Knightmare. She enters a room and she sees people using the drug. They're all happily exclaiming the events of their past, remembering the Japan times. She sees the man she helped before, remembering the words Millay told her, saying that's why she's doing what she is now. She's interrupted in her thoughts by hearing her mother's voice, experiencing a time when Kallen and Naoto were younger and falling over into Kallen's Knightmare's hand. Kallen exclaims that she's such a weak woman, depending on Britannia, men and now drugs.
A Knightmare of the Britannian police suddenly attacks Kallen. Still holding her mother and being attacked, she's at a big disadvantage. She contemplates just leaving her mother but she can't bring herself to do it. Kallen's Knightmare falls and is being destroyed by the police. She's about to be finished off, and she screams at her mother to run. Her mother (still influenced by the drug) says that she'll always be here, and she'll always be with Kallen. Kallen always thought that her mother stayed because of her father, and is surprised that she stayed because of her. She realises how foolish she's been.
Kallen quickly uses everything left of her Knightmare to destroy the police's. The Knights run over to see if she's ok and to check out her Knightmare. Kallen runs out to check on her mother.
Later on, Kallen is with her mother in hospital. The after-effects of the drug cause the user to become, almost paralysed and unable to talk and it'll take years for her to recover. Kallen tells her mother to wait, wait until she can make the world better so they can live normally. Her mother whispers to her "Do your Best" and weakly touches her hand. Kallen holds her mother's hand in return, and cries and smiles, and says that she will.
Rating: 4.5/5
Comments/Review: New starting song pics. I'm pretty neutral about it, some new things are good, some new things are bad, but at least the new artwork is pretty! This is one of my favourite episodes, simply because I'm a Kallen fan. This episode explains a bit more about the Japanese/Elevens and what they're thinking as well as giving the Order more development. Plus, Kallen slaps Lelouch so a plus for that! -emily
