Finally, I have settled into my new apartment in which I’ll be staying for another two years. With that and my persisting procrastination, I bring you a very late review of episode 13. Heck, I did not even managed to whore about the new OP and ED.

The girls are hogging on Shirley about her upcoming date with Lelouch when Villetta shows up. Strangely, she begins to talk about how Shirley loves Lelouch so much that she was willing to kill her – then, to remove a white mask and reveal her true former self. She runs away in fear whilst meeting all the students in the school, all wearing masks. And includes Lelouch who turned out to be Zero. Waking up, Shirley realized that it was Lelouch who killed her father. More after the jump.

The Black Knights are advancing well in the Chinese Federation – that includes the members’ report cards. With that matter behind, Lelouch goes to check his preparations in Tokyo while Shirley who is on her way to her planned date with Lelouch. That is when she meets Suzaku before Lelouch joins them. Back at the secret command room, Villetta used that chance to ask Rollo his reason of switching sides to Lelouch. However that conversation was interrupted when the intruder alert is issued. That intruder is none other than Jeremiah. Orange-kun. Having putting out many of the guards placed inside the school, Jeremiah confronts with the ninja-bred Sayako. Despite Sayako’s swift assault on him, that leaves him with no damage because his body is fully metallic. Yes, Orange-kun turns mecha himself. Hmmm… robot assassin. Terminator, perhaps? Meanwhile Cornelia and Bartley are inside the hidden city of the cult when she argued that there are no such things as gods. Without them noticing, V.V. appeared and agreed to what she had said. But he was immediately struck with a dagger from Cornelia. Even after killing the child-looking V.V., Cornelia said that they should not let their guard down even it is just a child because of their Geass. But they had the shock of their lives when V.V. stood up even after taking that blow from Cornelia, adding that he is proud of her as her uncle and mentioned of their promise to kill any gods that make men struggle amongst themselves. Back to the fight between Jeremiah and Sayako, Rollo comes in to aid her and uses his Geass to stop Jeremiah’s movement. However just as Sayako about to disable him, Jeremiah’s Geass Canceller dispersed Rollo’s Geass and he then slashed her before holding Rollo down. Villetta shows up and begs Jeremiah to stop. Asking him to save her, she told Jeremiah where Lelouch is. Later, Sayako received her treatment while Rollo questioned Villetta’s loyalty after she pulled that act earlier. Surprisingly, she told Rollo to get to Lelouch immediately before Jeremiah do while she stays behind.

Meanwhile in Ikekuburo, Shirley is still clueless about what to do about Lelouch now that she learns about his true identity. Before she could tell Suzaku about it, she also realized that they had been best friends and they might be working together. Horrified by the thought, she moved to the edge of the building as she feels herself being cornered by them. She then loses her footing and fell off the building. Fortunately Lelouch was quick enough to grab hold of Shirley and with Suzaku holding him (and her) from falling. Even after falling, she wanted Lelouch to let go of her. But when Lelouch said that he does not want to lose anyone anymore, she comes to her senses and agreed to be pulled up to safety. And yes, the ever formidable Suzaku saves them both. In the aftermath, Shirley cools down the atmosphere when she recalls on the similar incident with Arthur. They both had a good laugh on those good old days but then, Suzaku reminds himself about Euphy and turned back to his sulky self again. That is when Shirley realized that Lelouch is now all alone. Lelouch then received a phone call from Rollo who informed him about Jeremiah. It was Suzaku who begins to suspect Lelouch on plotting something but Shirley snapped him back and distract him away from Lelouch. By then, Jeremiah had already arrived at Ikekuburo. Lelouch learns about Jeremiah’s ability to counter the Geass effect and begins to make his move – first, by releasing smoke to trigger an emergency panic. Meanwhile, Shirley who is with Suzaku, told him that he likes Lelouch and asked him if he likes him. Though he mentioned that he used to like him, he did not answer her whether he still likes him now. Shirley finds it odd, considering that they were used to be best friends. He said that he could not forgive him but Shirley believes that nothing is unforgivable, given that she had already forgiven him. That is when Suzaku realized (I think, should Suzaku is a total dumbhead) that she had already recovered her memories.

Smokes billows out of the shopping mall and Suzaku immediately goes to the scene. He also requested the police to take care of Shirley. In the Chinese Federation, the Black Knights and Xingke’s rebels are on a meeting when Tamaki barged into the conference room and informs Ougi about Zero’s current situation, which was about Jeremiah. When he checked back on Zero in Area 11, he was surprised to hear Villetta on the other side. Back in Ikekuburo, Rollo had just arrived and rushed to get to Lelouch. Even Shirley also wanted to take matters into her own hands and tries to reach Lelouch, not wanting let him alone again. Reaching inside, she saw the bodies of two guards on the ground with a gun nearby. So she takes it. Lelouch on the other hand, made his way to the train platform with Jeremiah closely behind. However Lelouch had prepared a trap for Jeremiah as he released an array of Gefjun Disturber. He had originally prepares the system to paralyze the city’s Sakuradite-operated systems using the train line. By then, Shirley stumbled upon Rollo. Back to Jeremiah, he overcomes his disabled mechanical body and with his will strength, moved closer step-by-step to Lelouch. He questions Lelouch for his treacherous actions against Britannia despite being the Emperor’s son. So he reveals himself as Lelouch vi Britannia. He revealed his horrific past to him and Jeremiah too revealed something to him. He told him that he was the bodyguard on duty for Lady Marianne when she was assassinated and always been remorseful for not being able to protect her well that day. He also revealed that he remains loyal to Lady Marianne and not V.V. After hearing this, Lelouch immediately switched off the Gefjun Disturber and feeling so touched by his merciful act, he proclaims his allegiance to Lelouch. And I quote, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Things are different for Rollo and Shirley though. She asked him whether he likes Lelouch or not. He accepts this, saying that he is his only brother he ever have. Then she wanted him to let her join them, for Lelouch’s sake and also for Nunnally. I don’t know if Nunnally was the trigger, or perhaps he realized that Lelouch’s identity had been compromised with; after Rollo heard this, he activated his Geass. Lelouch was making his way out of the mall when he noticed a body lying in a pool blood nearby. Moving closer, he realized that it was Shirley. Shocked but well-composed, he tried to call for help but was stopped by Shirley. She revealed to him that she had regained her memories and felt scared after learning the whole truth and all the lies surrounding her. Even so, she acknowledges Lelouch for having to wage a war all by himself. That is why she felt that she needs to be someone important to him; something that is not fake. She professed her love to him, even after having her memories lost and manipulated. As she slowly losing her breath, Lelouch grows desperate of not wanting Shirley to die and used his Geass to command her to stay alive. Because of this, she is losing more blood and she keeps on telling Lelouch that she will always like him as many times, no matter what. Finally, she breathed her last. Off goes the dramatic scene of Lelouch screaming in agony in an empty hall.

Thoughts: There is no denying that the ending for this episode is tragic, especially for it to happen at this stage of the story. In fact, it is not surprising that she would die anyway, considering that she had already knows about Lelouch’s identity. And with some hints, I could even figured out who killed her. Yes, it was that loose cannon Rollo. Again, not so surprising that Rollo is the one who did the kill. His unpredictable behaviour was already noted for several episodes previously. Also, he also had his motive of not wanting to share Lelouch with anyone else. He wants Lelouch all by himself, all in the name of brotherly love. Or some sick brother complex. However for this to happen would also signal a new development for the story in the near future. I mean, I am still curious of how Lelouch would act after this but he is definitely up to something big very soon. Shirley’s death would only fuel his anger, hatred, frustration and bitterness that he has been holding inside for so long. In this way, I am glad that the writers put up this episode very well; despite of being a dedicated episode for Shirley, we are reminded that Lelouch has lost everything dear to him. He lost his best friend, Suzaku as his enemy. He lost his sister, Nunnally who turns out to be on the opposing side. He had already being robbed of his former identity and now, he have to cope with the loss of someone very dear to him and someone he loved, Shirley. I am not sure what sort of love he had for Shirley but the loss is definitely unbearable for him.

Now to the brighter side of things. Needless to say that Cornelia looked so >3 here and yes, I cry “MOE!” for it. Speaking of Cornelia, it is definitely surprising that V.V. is her uncle by blood. This would mean that he is Charles’s real brother, Schniezel’s uncle and as well for Lelouch. But hold on a second, V.V. is immortal for what it seems and doesn’t this make Charles any less different? Or could it be that V.V. obtained the same power as C.C.’s and ruled over what C.C. previously had, then shared some of his powers with his blood brother, Charles. And of course, with that power, they begin to take over the world. It is also questionable over the matters regarding gods and Geass. I have a feeling that their promise to slay gods is no other than to slay Geass users who are likened to be gods, thanks to their godly power of the Geass. Also questionable is Jeremiah’s allegiance towards Lelouch. Will he go down the path as Orange-kun or is his changing sides something believable? However his staunch loyalty towards Marianne is probably enough as his proof of loyalty for Lelouch. Hey, at least now Lelouch have the Geass Canceller to his advantage though I believe that the Emperor have a backup plan for that. Also let us not forget about Villetta and Ougi, shall we? Those cute couple is well on their track to reunion. Lastly is something probably never thought of. Suzaku may change his feelings for Lelouch. I know it’s a long shot but this is possible, given their moment together when they rekindle of the good old days. As much as I hate Suzaku now, it is nice to know that they both could patch up and be friends again. That makes one less Britannia to worry about. Or should it be an honoured Britannian knight? Either way, it is still a farfetched suggestion.

Next episode: The Black Knights begin infiltration into the Cult’s secret city. And emo Lelouch is in a murderous rage, probably.