(At last, we've arrived!

So sorry for the delay - I wanted to make sure I got the anatomy of things correct (I may or may not have stared at a picture of Ashford while writing this), and ran into some personal issues/a bad case of writers block. This is also my longest chapter by far, as I wanted to make sure everything was included.

Regardless, I hope you all enjoy. Thanks so much for the patience and for sticking it through to the end (for now! :) )

"You can't change the world without getting your hands dirty." — Lelouch vi Britannia

Once again, Rivalz scanned over the storage room, his conscience resting on pins and needles. "Are you sure about this, Milly?" he said, wringing out his hands. Even the crates seemed to be spying on them. "What if he finds out?"

"Sure I'm sure! And will you keep your voice down!" She did the same, eyes wide in the dark. "He won't find out. We just have to be extra careful."

"But this is Lelouch we're talking about," he whispered. "He's, like, a complete genius. He once aced a test without studying!"

"That doesn't make him a genius," Milly said, snorting. "And no amount of smarts will help him now. It's not like he can teleport across campus, can he?"

"I mean, I guess not." He shifted uneasily, close to toppling a stack of boxes. "But...I dunno, Milly. I'm not sure about this."

"Hey. You were the one who wanted to keep an eye on him." She leaned in, her face almost pressing against his. The scent of perfume, cloying and artificial, left his head swimming. The fact that it was Milly offered no help. "Are we doing this, Rivalz?"

"Uh...yeah."

"Okay. No turning back now. Repeat the plan to me again."

"Okay, okay!" He swallowed. For someone so sweet, she sure could be scary when she wanted to be. "Lelouch said he'd hide until the address, right? So once he's in the crowd, I'll scope him out. Then you and the reporters can put him on blast. That way, he'll be exposed to the world."

"And?"

"And then we'll call security. With Lelouch under hostage, Suzaku will have to listen. We'll bring them to whoever's visiting—they'll take care of it."

"That's right!" She moved back, smiling. "Good job, Rivalz! I didn't expect much, but you've got it to a T."

But for once, her charm did nothing to ease his nerves. He shook his head. "I feel bad about this, Milly," he confessed. "They're our friends, aren't they? I mean, Lelouch said so himself. What if he meant it this time? Are you sure we're doing the right thing?"

He expected a retort, for Milly to drag him through the mud for being so gullible. Instead, her smile vanished as she released a sigh. "I know," she mumbled. She sounded tired. "I don't like it either. I really, really wanted to believe him."

"But?"

"But it's either them or this school. And I won't let them trick us again. I won't risk it." Her expression changed, shifting into something almost unrecognizable. Gone were the swelled cheeks, the exaggerated batting of eyelashes. She looked exhausted, and resolute, and...and…

Scared. She's scared too. "I...I don't want to do this, Rivalz. But we have to."

"Yeah." His face fell, dragged down into the shadows. "Yeah, I guess we do."

"Whoa!" Gino's voice was anything but subtle. "Kallen, have you tried these?"

"No." She grimaced at the tray of appetizers, a pasty color of beige, the spinach inside trying to escape from prison. "Do I want to?"

"Trust me, you do." He popped another into his mouth, then lifted the tray to her face. "They're incredible!"

"Uh, I'm good." She turned away. Aside from the questionable hors d'oeuvres, the evening of the Lantern Festival had been a smooth walk to tread. The Ashford backcourts had been undoubtedly decorated with care, the benches and greenery wrapped in colored lights. Picnic blankets lay hidden under families. Even here there were more people than expected; Lelouch was not lying when he said the whole city must have heard. So numerous was the headcount that she could barely see the white sidewalks, the divided sections of grass. Some faces were old, others were new, but most were familiar, especially those of her class. A few wore casual attire, but the majority were decked out in fancy dresses and suits, an attempt to flaunt the wealth hanging from their family trees.

Guess Rivalz must have gotten his act together. It all seemed so normal, hearing them laugh. Exchange words and plates. Sip on glasses of wine. Where were the security guards? The promised visitors from Britannia?

She spun in a circle. I know they're here, she thought, the desperation wearing her thin. Where are you, you god damn—

"Uh, Kallen?" A gloved hand came into her vision. "Hey, Kallen? You there?"

"Oh! Uh, yeah. Sorry." She tore herself away from a suspicious-looking group, exchanging whispers in the corner. "I'm here. What's up?"

"Well, you're not eating anything," Gino observed. "Do you wanna do something else?"

"Sure."

She let him take her hand as he headed for the monument in the center, the heart of the cross. "Wait, where are we going?" she asked.

He shrugged. "Just figured I'd get you away from the commotion."

"Huh?" she said. "But this leads back to Ashford. The back entrance is up ahead."

"That's not where we're going," he answered, tugging slightly harder as they marched past. "I've got an idea. You haven't seen the front lawn yet, have you?"

"No. Is that your idea?"

"Just trust me."

"And why should I do that?"

"Because," he said as he gave her a wink, "I'm the one you're holding onto. Unless you wanna accidentally trip on your heels."

She nearly tripped regardless. "You wouldn't."

"Nah. I'm just teasing." They had made it out of the field, the lamp post guiding their way. His suit seemed to glitter under the light, matching the glint in his eyes. "C'mon, this way."

She made a hmph noise as she gave in, following him up the stairs and around the academy, their path blocked by barons and students alike. Twice she thought she had spotted Lelouch, a snippet of black hair that made her heart stop, but it was no more than her mind playing tricks on her. She hated it, that pit of unease. There was too much at stake and even more that could go wrong. And where was Schneizel? Cornelia?

"Penny for your thoughts?" she heard Gino ask, as if from far away. "You've been...awfully quiet."

"Maybe I just have nothing to say to you."

"Ouch. Even after I saved you from that?" He jerked his thumb back. "Unless you enjoy noisy crowds. And burnt spinach."

"I thought you said it was incredible."

"It wasn't. I just wanted to see you try it."

"Ugh." She briefly scanned the windows overhead, only to be disappointed. Lelouch, where are you? "I hope you know this isn't my idea of fun."

"Don't worry, we're almost there." He rounded the corner as he spoke, and nearly crashed into another lamppost. "Whoa! Never mind, we're here."

"Huh?" She could see the main entrance to the academy now, the square pools a short distance away. A massive black stage was lodged in front, surrounded by spotlights and students urgently running about preparing for the address. Off to her right were steps to the central court of Ashford, a sea of grass divided by paths of white. Tabletops surrounded the central walkway, covered in boxes of paper lanterns, waiting to be set free. The field was already littered with families and nobility, waltzing to music from the trees.

For a moment, she forgot where she was. "Wow," she whispered. It was her first time seeing it in person, how the council had set up. How grand it all was. The garlands of flowers (though why would anyone go with blue hydrangeas?) leading down the steps. The arches enveloped in fragments of colored light. And how everyone looked so happy. Like the area had never been ravaged by war. Like the haven her mother had always dreamed of. "Gino...it's beautiful."

"It sure is. You can blame yourself for that." He glanced at her, smiling. "You did a great job planning, miss Student Council."

The flush in her cheeks better have been her imagination. "Shut up."

"C'mon, what are we waiting for?" He motioned to pull her forward. "The people are already dancing."

"Wait, we're dancing?"

"Well, yeah. It's a festival, isn't it?" She had to lift her dress with one hand as they descended the steps, like some princess tugged along by her prince. A peasant, more like it. "You know how to dance, right?"

"I do," she said, somewhat proudly. "I used to practice with my brother in the backyard."

The arches winked at her as they walked onto the grass. "I didn't know you had a brother," Gino said as they made their way in, further east.

"I did. Have a brother." Luckily the lighting was dim enough to hide her expression. "He's been gone for a while."

A small pause. Followed by, "I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's fine. It happened years ago. You don't have to pretend like you care."

"I do." Hearing Gino not act a fool was strangely off-putting, in a way. "I'm sorry you lost him. That's a tough thing to go through."

"Yeah, it was." They had reached the edge of the field before Gino came to a stop. She saw him swivel back, and suddenly found herself closer to him than expected. Something fluttered in her chest. His body was warm, and the way he held her was bringing up thoughts. Embarrassing thoughts. And she used to loathe that smirk, but now... "But, er, I mean, do you have any siblings?"

"Nope. Only child." Gently, Gino began to swing her, the violins guiding their every step. The grass was soft, and she probably would have fallen ten times over, were it not for his sturdy grip. "Does that surprise you?"

"Not in the slightest," she remarked, though it lacked its usual sting. "Are you close to them? Your family?"

"I mean, I guess you could say that." He looked into the distance. "My mom's always been there. She's taken care of me most of my life."

"But your dad?"

"Never got to know him. He left when I was young." There was something wistful in his tone, a once-colorful palette smeared with gray. "Might've been when I was two. Or three? I don't remember."

"Oh." She sputtered the word without thinking. "Gino, I...I had no idea."

"I mean, how could you?" he said. "It's not like I tell people this."

Her fingers dug into his shoulder. "Then why are you telling me?"

"Good question." His eyes were missing their usual humor. Brimming with something unfamiliar. "Guess it means I trust you. Just a bit."

Her lip curled up. "Didn't I prick you in the neck?"

"Stabbed me in the neck," he corrected as he stepped—effortlessly, Kallen hated to admit—to the rhythm. They scraped past another couple, a whirlwind in slow motion. How did they manage to move so elegantly? "Before you left me to bleed to death in agonizing pain."

"How tragic." She glanced away from the ocean of dancers to the academy doors. Expecting them to swing open at any moment, and for chaos to overcome the night. Then at the trees in single file lines. The school buildings. Even the night sky held—nothing. There's nothing. Could it be that Lelouch had changed his mind? That Britannia wasn't trying to burn things to the ground?

"Okay, I'll bite. What's going on?"

"Huh?" She found herself face-to-face with Gino's scowl. "Did you say something?"

"I said, what's going on?" he pressed. "You've been distracted all night. Are you expecting something?"

"Uh, no."

"Look, I can help if you want," he said. "But you gotta tell me what's going on first.

"Nothing important."

"Come on, Kallen. We both know you're terrible at lying."

The noise she made was nothing short of embarrassing. "You—"

"Hey, am I wrong?" His shoulders lifted in a half-shrug. "I just want us to have a good time. No point in being here if we can't enjoy ourselves."

But before she could craft a suitable comeback, she heard a jarring cry. A high-pitched gasp, followed by whispers, as everything seemed to screech to a stop. Then another. Accusations being thrown, along with a scream or two, feeding the wildfires of panic. Not from the academy entrance, but from behind her: near the metal gates.

She knew the answer before she saw it. A head of black hair, next to brown. White, accompanied by black. He stood straight in all his regality, as if their symphony were a testament to his might.

"So." Gino released her to face the commotion. "He's finally arrived."

"So he has," she said, also pulling away. Here we go. "Lelouch."

"Careful," Suzaku heard Lelouch mutter. "Don't drop your guard, or they'll strike."

"Who's they?" Suzaku responded out of the corner of his mouth. Expressions of disgust. Horror. Women recoiling into their partner's arms, burying themselves out of sight. Nothing I'm not used to, he thought; his years of being Suzaku had desensitized him to the most visceral signs of fear. "I don't see anyone who could be a threat."

"Exactly," Lelouch said. "They might be hiding." He nudged Suzaku in the hip. "And stand up straight, won't you?"

"Oh, uh...right." The arches were but a short distance away, putting the stars to shame. "So what now?"

"We do as planned," Lelouch said. "We dance."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" he wondered. "They look like they want to burn us at the stake."

"Because they do." Lelouch moved closer to him, their shoulders brushing. "Look, Suzaku. The fear. The surprise. It's all going according to plan."

"You never mentioned that part of the plan," Suzaku said, wondering whether death had refined Lelouch's sociopathic tendencies to a sharpened edge. Not that it would have surprised him. This was the same man as Zero, after all. "This...this doesn't feel…"

"Right?" Lelouch pulled forward, and the crowd shrunk back. As if they were Nina in the Ganymede, about to detonate the FLEIJA. "It isn't. Rarely is the path to freedom spared from acts of cruelty."

"You're doing that thing again."

"Hm?" At that, he slowed. "What thing?"

"Talking like a pretentious madman," Suzaku answered. He stared at the Academy looming tall, ignoring the whispers begging for his head. "Now's not the time. Consider the situation."

"That," Lelouch said snarkily, "might be the best compliment you've ever given me."

"It's not meant to be one."

"Details, details." Lelouch faced him. "Shall we dance then, Suzaku?"

"Huh? Here?" He whipped his head back and forth. "Just in the middle?"

"Look around us." He gestured to the side. "Does it seem like we have another option?"

Suzaku paused. "I guess you have a point."

"Of course I do. Come."

"M-Milly!" Rivalz squeaked into the communications device. He dodged to his right, narrowly avoiding a collision with an awfully pretty student (Miya, he believed her name was?), his head buried in his coat as he scurried into the trees. Shit. Shit. Shit. She's going to kill me. And if not her, then they will! "They're here! Lelouch! And Suzaku!"

A crashing noise came from the other end. "What?" shouted a distressed Milly. "But why? They're not supposed to appear until the address!"

"I dunno!" He wiped sweat off with his sleeve as he snuck behind one of the thicker tree trunks. Then peered around the side. Helpless to watch as the two of them marched down the aisle. Like nothing in the world could stop them. "What should we do?" he asked. "Should we go with the original plan?"

"No." Milly's voice was firm. Something strange had to be taking place, for Rivalz could hear crackling noises. "That's exactly what they want."

"Huh?"

"Think about it, Rivalz," Milly said. "Why else would they walk out now? They must have a reason."

"Like what, Milly?"

"Not sure," she said unhelpfully. "Maybe they're trying to make a statement? You know how Lelouch can be."

"Really? 'Cause I don't think it's working." As if on cue, a young couple dashed into the trees, the schoolgirl ducking under her arms as she screamed. "Did you hear that? Everyone's scared out of their minds."

"Yes! Like I said, that's exactly what he wants!" Milly said with fervor. "And why we have to do something!"

"But what can we do?" He wrapped an arm around himself, trying to quell the rising panic. "Are you seeing this, Milly? Oh God, what should we—"

"Yes, Rivalz, I can see them. I can see everything. I told you before, I'm on the rooftop!"

"What?" He squinted at the clouds. It was hard to tell, but now that she mentioned it, he could just distinguish something, or someone, on top of the residential wing. Tall shadows, blocking the moon. The more he focused the more people came into form, surrounded by square pods on stilts. "Wait, I think I see you. Are you standing on the east wing with a bunch of reporters?"

"Finally, you see us!" One of them was jumping and waving. "But that's not all—look to your left. On top of the west wing!"

He did as he was told. His jaw dropped. "Wait," he said in awe, "are you telling me that's—"

"Mhm. I told you they'd come."

"Britannia." Lelouch spat the name out as if it were thistles in his mouth. "I see them."

"What?" He felt Suzaku stiffen first before he began to tremble, itching to survey their surroundings. Idiot. Don't let them know we found out. "Where? I don't see them."

"Rooftop. Northwest," he answered under his breath. "Don't make it obvious."

There was a moment of silence. "Got it," Suzaku confirmed. "On top of the academy wing."

"Mhm," he said. "Are they watching us?"

"Yes," Suzaku answered gravely. "I can see Cornelia. Schneizel. A handful of knights, no more than a dozen."

"Nunnally?"

"Nowhere. If she's here, then she's not with them."

"Tch," Lelouch muttered. "Of course she wouldn't be."

"So," Suzaku said as they approached the first archway, "what's next?"

"Nothing's changed. We do as planned," Lelouch said, though it was easier said than done. Don't look, he told himself. How he wished to wipe them clean, the stains of irreverence on his conscience. But it was of no matter—they could watch, if they so chose. They would learn. And they would remember his name until their last breath.

I'll find you, Nunnally. Wherever you are.

Suzaku flashed him a curious look. "You mean, we're still just going to dance?"

Lelouch responded by holding out his hand. "Take it, Suzaku," he said. "The spotlight's on us. They're all looking at you."

It took a few seconds—and quite a bit of staring at Suzaku's end—but he ended up placing one hand in Lelouch's, his touch delicate. "I don't think they're staring at me," he said as they proceeded ahead. Under the hanging lights, his hair was more golden than brown. "I think they're staring at you."

Lelouch chuckled; under different circumstances it might have sounded romantic. "At us, then."

They had reached the second milestone, a beacon of bowed grace. At Suzaku's nod, Lelouch drew himself close. His chest came in contact with Suzaku's crest. His fingers looped around his. "Follow after me, Suzaku," he commanded, hoping that he sounded more like an Emperor than an eager schoolboy. "Like we practiced."

"Alright." The hesitation was there, but only slightly, and Suzaku seemed fit to push the rest of his misgivings aside as their waltz came to life. Lelouch followed in step, making sure to guide Suzaku in time, aware of the stiffness to his body. How he just caught himself before stumbling. His movements were more steady than fluid, a stream within a sea of tides, the awkward gait undoubtedly that of a soldier's. And his suit was doing him no favors, the navy cashmere restricting his already limited repertoire to a simple step routine.

But above all else, it was Suzaku. For Lelouch, that was more than enough.

As Lelouch gave in to the music, his eyes fell closed. Shades of white and gold danced in unison, worshipping their chaos. From the sideline came noises; a pack of sheep without a shepherd. Gasps, murmurs, and whispering of their names like a blasphemous crime. Their empty (or so he hoped) threats tangled through the air, like dust on the wind, searching for a foothold in their sanctuary.

But no one's coming. Just as expected—they may be scared, but they were also fascinated. If there's anything people love, it's an entertaining show. And they had no reason to fear, for the shepherd would come. He would make sure of it.

"Why are you grinning like that?"

"Hm?" Lelouch broke out of his thoughts to see Suzaku watching him. "I'm what?"

"You're smiling really wide. Like this." He gave an exaggerated grin. "It's unsettling, to be honest."

"Oh." Guess he wasn't as subtle as he thought. "It's nothing."

"Is it because of me?" he joked, stepping to the side. The colors of his coat were stark to the light surrounding them. It served to make Suzaku more distinct, and Lelouch more aware of the absurdity of it all. Of Suzaku, in his arms. With him. "Am I that good of a dancer?"

"No," Lelouch answered honestly. "You're only slightly above mediocrity."

He swung Lelouch extra hard that time. "You know, it's strange."

"What is?"

"Even though you're testing my patience, all I can think about is how I wish this was real."

Lelouch blinked. "Is this not real?"

"Not to me. It's not how I imagined it to be." He gestured with his chin. "Not with so many people wishing us dead."

"I don't see how it's any different than before," Lelouch pointed out. His shoes made no noise on the pavement, though Suzaku was loud enough for the both of them. "Nothing is owed from noble intentions. And the pains of being a symbol, of being a hero...it carries its weight in evil. One we cannot win."

"The pains of being a hero?"

"You know it as well as I do," Lelouch said wistfully. "Think of what we lost."

"But that wasn't enough," Suzaku said. "It's never enough."

"Yet that didn't stop us." The grin was back. "We must hate ourselves."

"Not just ourselves, but each other. Hated the world for what it stole from us. But we still did what we could to save it.'

"And each other." He pulled back to see Suzaku fixated on him, his eyes dark with intent. This is real to me. You're real to me. "Do you trust me?"

If Suzaku was surprised by the question, then he hid it well. "You know it's more complicated than that."

"I do. But if we're to make it, I need your faith in me to be sound."

"We're already here, aren't we?" Suzaku pointed out. It almost flew past Lelouch, for he was growing ever-so-slightly dizzy, though whether it came from the waltzing or the fuzziness in his head, he did not know. "I'm willing to go as far as what you told me. You have a promise to keep."

"So, you believe that I will keep it."

"I can only hope."

"Good." Either they had decided to turn the speakers down, or things were getting harder to hear past the blood in his ears. This may have been a bad idea. "We...We, uh, we need to be there soon. At the stage. I have a distraction planned just in case."

Lelouch wasn't sure if it was intentional, but he felt Suzaku's lips brush his ear. "Like what? Should I kiss you or something?"

"No." I'd be the most distracted. "Could you imagine the headlines if they saw?"

"I remember those on the day of the Requiem," Suzaku answered as he spun him. "'Demon vanquished by Hero of Japan.' 'Zero saves us all—long live the Man of Miracles!' And everyone believed it."

"As they should have," Lelouch pointed out. "What else was the Requiem for?"

"Maybe," Suzaku said, "but it took you from us."

At that, Lelouch could think of nothing to say. He buried his face in Suzaku's shoulder. What was it that Kallen had said? That the Requiem had been selfish? But it had been designed for the world's sake. For Nunnally. If that was still selfish, then…

"Lelouch," Suzaku began. "I think they're planning something."

"What?" He scanned both sides and saw daggers. Of course—they were nearing the end of their fuse. Some had pulled out their phones, the cameras flashing red. Others seemed to be at wit's end, bracing themselves for something drastic. Not a single warm expression in sight. Especially not the one he had been searching for.

He slowed to a stop. "We'll be fine," Lelouch said with a nod. They had reached the last arch, the stairs up ahead. White, grand stepping stones leading to the stage. I should've known it would start here, he thought. At home.

"Let us begin the second phase." He gently squeezed Suzaku's hand. "Are you ready?"

His eyes met his. "Yes."

"Look at them just dancing," Gino spat out. "The hell are they thinking? Are they insane?"

Kallen said nothing, frozen in place. The way Lelouch was holding him. The way Suzaku snuck glances when Lelouch was distracted. Is that why? "Gino," she said, hardly able to form the words, "I don't...I'm not sure…"

"Kallen, come on." A hand shook her by the shoulder. "We have to do something. We can't let them get away with this. Whatever it is they're about to do."

"Right. Right, yes." Gone was Ashford, the tuxedos and ball gowns. Gino, too, felt beyond reach. "We have to do something. Lelouch. We have to."

"Huh?" He whirled to her. "Hey, Kallen. What's gotten into—"

"Hold on." She pointed, almost striking someone in the shoulder. "They're moving ahead."

"What?" He made an irritated noise. "Damn it. Don't tell me they're going up to the stage."

Going up. That's right, she thought, as Lelouch's plan came rushing to realization, knocking her back to her senses. "Of course," she whispered to herself. Her fingers clawed at her dress, the sequins scratching her palms. "That's why he wanted this."

"What who wanted?" Gino demanded under his breath. "You knew about this?"

"No," she said. "I don't know what he's planning."

"But you knew he'd be here." The accusation was a knife held to her chest. "You knew and didn't say anything?"

"Will you keep quiet!" she hissed. A handful of students had turned around, bewildered. She immediately pressed a finger to his lips. "I'll explain later," she whispered in his ear. She could practically feel the barrage of words behind clenched teeth. "Just follow my lead, okay?"

His glare spoke on his behalf.

"You don't have to trust me," she added hotly. Her head darted back and forth, but no one was paying them any further mind, their attention seized by a fear so thick it could have dulled any blade. "But at least hear what I have to say. You owe me that much, at least."

His eyes widened slightly. He gave her a nod. She drew back, and not another second passed before he let out a low whistle. "Damn, Kallen," he muttered, as he ran his hands through his hair, "I knew you were crazy, but this seems like much."

"For me, it's not." She attempted to peer above the multitude of heads. She could just make out Lelouch and Suzaku, nearing the end of their course. Of course. Lelouch, I should have known.

"So, what do we do?" Gino said from behind. The playfulness had returned to his voice, almost soothing. "Are we just gonna let them walk up there? Or are you gonna explain what's going on?"

"I told you, I don't know," she said. "Like you said, I'm a terrible liar."

"So he also left you in the dark," he observed. "Thought he would've revealed more since you guys are...y'know. Friends."

"That means nothing." He was trying to rile her up, she could tell. Worse—it was working. "I'm not involved in his schemes."

"Great." He took a step forward. "In that case, you won't mind if I do something about it."

"What?" She lunged out, right as he made to leave her behind, the golden threads on his sleeve wrinkling under lantern light. "Wait, hold on—"

"Knew it." His voice was light, but something was missing when he turned back. She held her breath. His eyes—their warmth had all but vanished. "I knew you were involved. Don't know what I expected."

She tugged again, harder. "No, Gino. Don't do this. You don't know what's happening."

"That's exactly what he said." He jerked his head towards Suzaku, partially hidden behind pinned up hair curls. "And now look. Not gonna fall for that again."

"That's not—"

"You see anyone else doing anything? They're all scared shitless. No security either." He shrugged her off. "But none of that matters. 'Cause it's Lelouch. Right, Kallen?"

"Gino…"

"I knew I shouldn't have counted on you."

Something inside of her froze into ice. "What?"

But he was already gone before she could follow up. Carefully, he weaved past a duchess in a large gown. Then not so carefully past a male student. His mouth ran excuses as he maneuvered through couple after couple, throwing formalities to the wind. Kallen, much to her dismay, was losing him as she sped after him. "Wait, Gino!" she cried, her hands pulling up her dress. She had to stop him before it was too late. Before Lelouch did with something worse.

"Lelouch!"

Whoever was shouting, it came from behind. Reluctantly, she spun back. And saw Villetta sprinting in her direction, not bothering to spout any excuses as she pushed aside anyone in her way. "You're not getting away with this!"

"Villetta?" Kallen said, dumbstruck, the thought of Gino slipping out of her mind. "Damn it, why now?"

"Kallen?" She sounded just as surprised as she slid to a halt. "What are you doing just standing around?"

"Nothing!" It was the worst possible alibi, and she knew it. "I was dancing. With Gino. But he, uh, had something to take care of."

But Villetta did not seem interested in whatever Gino had to take care of, for she waved Kallen's words aside. "Do you not see what's going on?" she said. "He's back! We have to do something!"

Oh, God. The cards were stacking up too quickly, on the verge of crushing her. "Uh," she began, "well, it's more complicated than that."

The look Villetta gave her could have broken glass. "Complicated?"

Kallen swallowed. "Sort of, yeah."

"You...are you saying you're helping him?"

"No!" The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as she noticed them turn around, their stares landing on her. Gaping at her. Shit. If they turned on her now, she would be rendered useless. Worse, she could end up a hostage. And with the way Villetta was glaring at her, she'd lose a lot more than just her relationship with Gino. "No, it's not that!" she continued. "I'm just—I'm saying we shouldn't jump to conclusions. Think this through for a second!"

"You're kidding." She had her knees bent, her fists curled. A gust of wind blew her jacket open, her ponytail dancing behind. "I'm not letting you get in my way, Kōzuki. Don't make me tackle you down."

Kallen sucked in a breath. "You'd attack a student?"

"To stop him?" Villetta said. "Yes. I'll do whatever I have to. Especially if you're helping him." She shook her head in disgust. "I'm disappointed, honestly. I can't believe I ever counted on you."

"I," Kallen began, "am so sick of hearing that."

"Enough. Move, or I'll make you move." Then she was barreling towards her at full speed, a Knightmare braced for impact. "This is for your own good!"

Caught unawares, Kallen stumbled back. Her body tensed, her dress flowing. Except it was not flowing enough, the sequined fabric having wrapped around her legs, leaving her wide open for Villetta to charge into her and slam her onto the grass, knocking the wind out of her.

"You know," Villetta said in between pants, "I'm surprised, Kōzuki. You're a fighter, aren't you? I thought you'd wear something more reasonable. Less tacky."

Kallen felt her jaw clench. "For the last time, I didn't pick this."

She shot up, her skull colliding with Villetta's. She heard a gasp of pain as she rolled to the side, the grass scraping her cheek, and swept her arm out. And felt something, her fingers managing to latch onto Villetta's wrist. With a jerk, she sent her tumbling to the ground.

Villetta snarled as she made to get up. "You little—"

But Kallen was already in motion, her grip never loosening as she rolled back and shot up. Her knees caught her by the hips, her hand twisting Villetta's arm behind her back while she seized the other as it clawed at the grass in an attempt to escape. "Sorry, coach," Kallen said as she brought them together and forced them down, locking her in place, causing Villetta to cough out grass amidst the slew of curses. "But I have to do this."

"Are you kidding?" she gasped out. It felt like Kallen was trying to hold a fish with her bare hands. "Do what? Help Lelouch? You were there! You saw the things he did!"

She's right. The thought came to her slowly. She was pinning an instructor to the ground. On the night of the festival. While Lelouch merrily made his way to the podium, causing madness wherever he so chose. He was a monster. Still might be. So why am I helping him?

"Maybe he is." Was she speaking aloud? "But you don't get it. Lelouch...there's more to it. A lot more."

"A lot more?" Villetta repeated as she struggled. "Who the hell are you? Did he use his Geass on you? Have you been helping him all along?!"

Kallen opened her mouth to answer, but something interrupted her train of thought. And before she saw Lelouch, before she saw students rushing to tear her off of Villetta, she saw black and gold moving towards the steps, brandishing Lelouch's name like an act of treason.

She cursed as well. "I forgot about him."

"Lelouch!"

Suzaku thought he must be hearing things. "Gino?" he said, right as he witnessed the soldier breaking through the frontlines. With one hand, he knocked a table over. Boxes of lanterns were sent tumbling. He staggered into the aisle, his exhaustion a candle to the flames of resolve.

Suzaku blanched. "How did he—where did he come from?"

"Hey!" Gino shouted out, his hands around his mouth. "You really think this is gonna work? Huh? You think we're just gonna let this happen?!"

"Damn it." How did he not see this coming? "What is he thinking?"

"Suzaku," he heard Lelouch say urgently, "the stage is right there."

"He's coming for you," Suzaku mumbled, afraid to break gaze for a split second. Gino was kneeled over, panting, his hands on his knees. It would not last long, Suzaku knew. "I can hold him off. If he comes after us—"

"You're not going to fight him," Lelouch spoke with finality. "You're injured, aren't you?"

"Do you have a better idea?"

"You're not doing this."

"Lelouch."

"I said, no." Lelouch's glare could have burned down the city. "I told you after what happened on the farm. I won't allow it."

But Suzaku shook him off. "You're wasting time. Go. I'll deal with this."

His face cracked. "For God's sake, can't you—"

"So that's how it's gonna be, huh?" Gino straightened up. "Even you, Suzaku? Whatever happened to doing the right thing?"

A flurry of words sought to escape his mouth, none of them too kind, but Suzaku held back. "I'll deal with this," he muttered again. One hand flew to his belt, reaching for a sword that did not exist. "Lelouch, go."

"Still? Have you lost your mind?"

"I know what you said. But we don't have a choice, do we?" When he looked back, he saw Lelouch flinch. As if surprised by what he found in Suzaku's expression. He wondered what it could be. "Do what you have to do."

"Suzaku…" Lelouch said to the back of his head. "You're choosing to trust me?"

The question sounded raw, a plea without hope. But Suzaku chose not to respond as he walked away. Gino was also making his way forward, his hands in his pockets, his walk slow and steady. As if he were planning to bore Suzaku over which girl had caught his eye. Or drag him by the ankles to Death's door.

"You told me—told us—you'd do the right thing," Suzaku finally answered, his voice thick, wondering whether Lelouch could hear him. "Promise me you'll stay true to your word, Lelouch."

He did not expect much. A roundabout excuse, at best. But his apprehension was short-lived, for Lelouch was quick to respond soundly with the words he once gave up everything to hear: "I promise you, Suzaku."

There was no further subtlety to Lelouch's movements—shoes slamming on concrete as he raced his way up, as fast as someone of Lelouch's physicality could move. It was enough to make Suzaku grin.

"Just like old times," he murmured. He and Gino, squaring off in the crumbling hall of Damocles as Lelouch hunted for Schneizel. Their only thread of hope, stretched taut, yet somehow sturdy enough to survive. History always repeats itself.

"Suzaku." Gino had shortened the distance from yards to feet. His hair was rumpled, the braids limp on his shoulder, almost blending in with his suit. His expression was empty. "Tell me why, first."

Suzaku stared back. "Where do you want me to begin?"

"I gave you a ticket out. This is how you chose to use it?" He scoffed. "You spoke of honor and doing what's right. How could you stoop to this level?"

"You still don't get it, Gino," Suzaku said with a twinge of sadness. "You speak of honor like it's only one thing or the other. But it's never so black and white. You should know that by now."

"No. I guess it isn't." For a moment, Suzaku saw something take over, a hardened soldier giving way to a schoolboy. "You ever wonder how things could've been? If none of this ever started?"

"I do." More than you know. "I could've been a student here. Had a regular life. Shown up and explained myself, instead of living the worst possible lie."

"Sounds like a pipe dream."

"No warfare. No suffering."

"No Lelouch, either."

"No Lelouch," Suzaku agreed. The thought, to his surprise, gave him a sliver of comfort. "It's what we fought for, you know. That idea of peace. Both of us."

"I almost want to believe it."

"Is there any way I could convince you?" he said, holding back the urge to comfort him. Gino, the fool who cracked more jokes than Suzaku could count on both hands. The soldier who jumped in to shield his comrades, forging a path for his country. Almost a younger brother. You were one of my first friends, Gino, he wanted to say. No one else would accept me in the Knight of Rounds. Except you. "Anything, Gino," he pleaded. "Please."

It was hard to miss the clash of morals on Gino's face. Suzaku could see it written around the corners of his mouth, the way his shoulders broke steady. An eternity came and went before he looked up, his eyes hardened. "There is," he said, removing his hands from his pockets. Whatever decision Gino had made, Suzaku could tell that it was set into stone. "You can get out of my way."

He rushed forward, right as Suzaku noticed the switchblade in his hand, catching the light from above.

"For Christ's sake," Lelouch gritted out as he rushed up the steps, "can something go right for once?"

He ignored the storm of hydrangea petals by his feet as he reached the top. The stage was but a short distance away, before him. A digital screen hung down the back, large enough for the world to see, the spotlights trained on the microphone in the center. There was no one around, not even the students from before. Good. The less distraction, the better. He only needed a few minutes, and then the stage would be set.

He glanced to the side and saw only pavement. "That's odd," he said, his eyebrows furrowing. "They should be waiting. Where could they be?"

But he did not have the chance to think long. Following his thought was a group of Britannian guards storming around the corner, their weapons drawn. They locked in on him. "Halt!" one cried as they sprinted to surround him, cutting off his escape route, the lance aimed straight for his head. The guard wore a cover over his eyes, hiding the one vulnerability Lelouch had to his advantage. Not just him—all of them. They knew. They knew I was coming. "Not a single move, Lelouch vi Britannia. Surrender, now!"

"What?" His eyes ran back and forth, like an animal cornered before slaughter. "You...you were waiting for me? Just to corner me like this? Is this some sort of joke?!"

"Not a joke, Lelouch." To add insult to injury, he saw Kaguya—Kaguya, of all people to predict his plan—step out from behind, the same shield protecting her. From her body hung her pink dress, secured with a red bow, the two pieces grazing the concrete. He didn't need to see her eyes to witness the disappointment. "You made a mistake in showing yourself tonight."

"Kaguya…" he rasped out, his hand clutching at his suit as if it were armor. "You knew? All along?"

"Yes, Lelouch. I know why you did it," she added. There was no anger, the solemn acknowledgment more distant than the mountains. "Over a year ago. Even now, I don't want to fight you. Come with us. This isn't how things have to end. We can find a way, I'm sure."

"Absolutely not," he spat out, well aware that he was burning the only olive branch he would ever receive. "If you know why I became Emperor, then you would know why I'm doing this now. Why I have to."

"Your methods…" she began, before shaking her head. "Don't you see it, Lelouch? There are better ways. There has to be. Don't make the same mistake twice. If peace is what you aim to achieve, then let us extend a hand instead of a weapon. A rule by tyranny is no rule at all. You know that."

"You don't understand." The situation was so ludicrous, he almost wanted to laugh. She dared pity him, now that he was cornered? "You don't understand what I'm doing. At all."

She flinched. "Lelouch—"

"In the end, you're still just a child." A pang of guilt struck him, but it passed quickly. If he was to die, he would rather die a martyr by his own rules than to falsities of grandeur. "A wise woman like you should know better than to support false hope. Is that the best you can do?"

"I…" Her voice tapered off. He could see stars in the jewel on her forehead as it lowered. "Very well. So this is how it ends.

"Kaguya," he said slowly, "you don't know what you're doing. You're letting this world fall into the wrong hands. Can't you see it? You're in the UFN; you must be aware."

"Maybe," she said, "but I'd rather be in those hands than yours." Her head snapped up. "Submit, Lelouch. Or we'll have to use force. I don't wish to start a fight here if I don't have to."

Whether to his luck or misfortune, Lelouch was spared from responding as wisps of smoke began pouring out of the ground. A steady trickle, almost naked to the eye. Then rapidly swelling into geysers, rushing forth. Pouring out of the walls of Ashford. The very pools of water, it seemed like, as pods of gas exploded and the fog swarmed his senses on the snap of a finger, thicker than the lies he was guilty of speaking.

He coughed, his vision obscured, the guards and Kaguya having vanished into the endless gray. "What?" He gasped, trying to shield his eyes. Blindly, he spun back and forth. There—he could see the stage above, calling out to him. He stumbled forward—he had to reach it before Kaguya did—as he heard screams rise behind him. Around him. People trying to seek shelter, like a terrorist attack gone wrong. Why. Is. Nothing. Going. Right. "Now what's—"

He felt strong hands seize him, gripping his shoulders. "Got you, prince," a voice snarled in his ear. "You're ours now."

"Milly! I did it!" Rivalz stuffed the remote control back into his pocket. "You were right—the smoke still works. Good thing we saved the machines from last festival!"

"I told you to save it!" she said eagerly. "Hm, seems like we're missing the bubbles though. Are you sure it's the same gas?"

"Uh, I think?" The realization that he forgot to check came up, but he quickly stowed it away. "Doesn't matter. With everything going on, they'll get Lelouch for sure."

"And once the smoke clears, we'll start filming. If they see Lelouch being handled by security…"

"They'll have hope," he finished. "And Suzaku will probably give up. Everything will work out."

"I can't believe it, Rivalz," Milly said. "We outsmarted Lelouch. We outsmarted Lelouch! Why didn't we do this to begin with?"

"It's weird though," Rivalz brought up as he peered out from his hiding spot. Shadows were running amok, the cries of pandemonium blending as people sought out their families. Their partners. Oops. They should have considered that before resorting to plan B, he supposed. "You'd think Lelouch would've seen this coming. Maybe he's lost his touch?"

"I'm not complaining." He heard a clicking noise. "Alright, we should be ready. As soon as the smoke clears, give me a heads up and we'll start!"

"A-Alright!" He could hardly wrap his head around it. They would stop Lelouch. Ashford would be saved. The festival would forever be a reminder that they, the student council, had taken down the Demon Emperor. Not that there wasn't guilt to be found—he still missed his friend, the old Lelouch, dearly—but that friend seemed gone for good, and he treasured his home more than a friendship riddled with questions. "I think it's clearing, Milly!"

"Perfect!" More clicks and shutters. A strange beeping sound, which he assumed to be cameras switching on. "I think we're good to go!"

His assumption had been correct—the smoke was thinning for sure. The people, too, were slowing down. "Hey, Milly," Rivalz brought up as he toyed with the branches overhead, watching the smoke curl around the leaves, "what're you guys gonna do with the footage, anyway? After showing it to the world?"

"What do you mean, Rivalz?" Milly said. "It's all for His Majesty, of course! Proof of his glory!"

His hand stopped. "Huh? What did you say?"

"There he is, Rivalz!" Her voice was eager, but something about it sounded eerily smooth, like a canvas wiped clean. Like she was being controlled from afar. Like...Nina. "There he is now!"

The dread was back. Twice as overwhelming as it was cold, shooting through his nerves. The branch snapped in his hand as the smoke gave way. A scene worse than any nightmare, for this was real. Really, really real. But we had him. We won. "Milly?" he said. "Are you there? What's happening?"

"So, this is what it's come to." Lelouch's voice was harsh, his smirk cruel. The spotlights shone brighter than the white of his suit. A gun was propped to Kaguya's head as she struggled in his arms. "Thank you, Ashford. I could not have wished for a warmer welcome."

"Your Majesty." The guard walked up to him. "Shall I hold her for you?"

"No need," Lelouch dismissed, more than certain of their loyalties, the crimson hiding their pupils. "I can handle her."

"Lelouch…" Kaguya gasped out, her tears sparkling under the light. "You cruel, insane—"

"Come now, Kaguya." He tapped the barrel to her head. She jumped in his arms. "That would imply I'm a madman without direction. I assure you, I have a plan. I am Zero, after all."

"I can't believe it." Her fingers pawed at his sleeve. "I thought you might have changed. That you would have learned from your wrongs. But you're the same. No more than a demon."

"Trust me, I have." He gazed out at the field. A part of him was registering that Kaguya was speaking again, but he chose to ignore her. They were watching him. The world was watching. Who was he to disappoint?

He grinned. "It is an honor to be graced at such an event," he continued. "To all who are watching—I have returned. Risen from the dead, as it seems. Lelouch vi Britannia, the 99th Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire!"

His declaration was a trigger, the dawning of their collapse. They began clutching onto one another, like broken promises trying to be whole. A few were sobbing. Someone was begging for him to release Kaguya. Another was calling for the guards to come to their senses. All attempting to wield their wishes like a gun lacking ammunition.

It felt oddly familiar, though not any less tragic.

"Look what you've done, Lelouch." Once again, Kaguya was speaking, albeit this time with anger. "You call this justice?"

"Is it any different than before?" he mused softly as he watched them cower. "The Requiem achieved the same purpose, and with much more bloodshed. You approved of that, didn't you?"

"Not the means by which you achieved it." She stared straight ahead as she spoke. "You can't see past your own hypocrisy. And you consider yourself a hero?"

"No," he said, his gaze naturally traveling to someone kneeling at the stairs. Green eyes and soft hair, the color of chestnuts. He was bleeding—were those cuts on his face?—and his expression was just as Lelouch had feared. Tearing at the strings of his heart, nearly cutting them loose. "It wasn't me who considered himself a hero."

Before it could haunt him further, he cleared his throat. "You've given me more than I can ask," he said into the microphone. "Now, I have a path towards the future." He pushed the gun into her head and heard Kaguya cry out. "I'm sure our head of the UFN would agree."

"Lelouch!"

The voice came from Villetta, standing in a clearing. Kallen was next to her, seized by a group of students, their hands over her mouth. Restraining her. Her dress was torn in multiple places, and Villetta was holding something to her throat. Something sharp. "Step down, or she'll take the fall!"

"Kallen." Were it not for years of hiding emotions, everything might have fallen apart then and there. "Damn it."

"Lelouch," Kaguya said furiously. "Surely you can see that this is hopeless. What do you hope to achieve by turning the world against you? Again?"

"You'll see, Kaguya." Something inside of him flared up. Not like this. "In time."

He could hardly keep his voice steady as he addressed her with, "Coach Villetta. You would harm one of your students?"

"To stop you," she exclaimed. "To end your plan before it starts. Before you destroy the world again!"

"So you're dirtying your morals to...what? Make a point that I have none?" He shook his head. "Harming one of your own—is that not what you criticized me for? And a student, at that. What makes you think you're any better?"

She hesitated, the shard of glass dipping. "T-That's—"

"You're correct, Villetta," he pressed on. "I am trying to destroy this world. To stop this false"—he waved the gun around—"thing you call peace, sullied behind closed doors. The corruption, the greed, the lies; I will see that they are brought to light."

He turned back ahead, trying to wipe Kallen's expression out of memory. Villetta was all talk, he knew, but that was of no comfort. If there was one rebellious rat, then there was bound to be another. He had to snuff out what resistance was left. Quickly.

"But I'm not the only one," he said. "Defy me, if you want. Perhaps you'll listen to him."

He gave a slight nod. From behind came the flick of a switch. The monitor buzzed to life, the emptiness filling up with color. Static coalesced into a solid image. Gauging by their reactions, his hopes were confirmed as he heard the monitor announce—

"I am Zero!" The image cleared to reveal the mask, as revered as he was cursed. "People of Japan. Of Britannia. Of the world. You will listen!"

"It can't be."

If Suzaku were not already kneeling, he would have fallen to his knees. Gino lay beside him, knocked out cold, the knife a few feet away. Blood poured out of more than one wound, but he felt nothing. The adrenaline was gone as he sank, a corpse in the ocean, oblivious to the rising panic of the night. "How? But that's not…he said he was just…"

"I am saddened." The voice was warped, like twisted steel. "I see countries hidden behind false smiles. Hands being shaken, the same hands that gave birth to cruelty." The mask spoke like Lelouch. It moved like Lelouch. But it could not be Lelouch. Unless— "For the lives that were lost. For ending his reign of terror. To see that my sacrifice has been wasted...I will watch no more. The charade has gone on long enough!"

Zero buried its mask within a hand. "I cannot remain a witness while this world crumbles. I see now where the path to freedom lies. For only demons see truth in evil as angels fall naive to grace."

Suzaku let out a strangled noise. The same pretentious nihilism Lelouch had preached to him before, even as kids. But it can't be. He had promised he wouldn't turn on them. On his home, on Ashford, on Kallen. This had to be some trick. All of this.

But if so, then why was the mask still talking?

"Watch those around you. Question the rulers who claim to protect you. For the enemy is not who it seems." Under the spotlight Lelouch's face was expressionless, but Suzaku could see the sparkle in his eye. No more clouds. Nothing hidden. "Nor is it Britannia. Japan. But those who lie in the shadows, laughing as we suffer. Who cast aside the weak to consort with greed. The ways of old run prevalent, but I refuse to give corruption a voice to be heard."

The figure spread its arms wide. "Change begins here. With us. If you believe in the oppressed, you will stand by our side!" it cried with fervor."You will reach past the web of lies to seek the truth. You will stand with us for a better world. For tomorrow!"

For tomorrow. The last words ran circles around Suzaku's head as the image fizzled out, a blank screen. Leaving their wishes trampled on the courtyard. Wind brushed through his hair, making rounds through the graveyard. The silence was only broken by their whimpering.

Followed by—nothing.

Time must have stopped, for it was quieter than Euphie's memorial. Lelouch's execution. As still as the sound of his heartbeat, as if it had come to a complete stop. Until, the voice of Lelouch as he declared, "So."

Suzaku looked up. Lelouch was there, the gun pressed to his cousin's head. "You've heard from your messiah. The die has been cast." Suddenly, he grinned. Under the spotlight, he looked paler than his own corpse. "Not even your savior can say otherwise. So what will you do, people of Ashford? Of the world? Who will you turn to now?"

More silence. Suzaku already knew what awaited. The lack of protests, of cries for help, spoke all he needed to know. And he was one of them, helpless to watch as Lelouch added another sin to his collection. As if his word to Suzaku had meant so little compared to the thousands running through him now, crushing him in the maelstrom.

"We cannot." It came from somewhere to his right. He no longer had the strength to look. "W-We refuse. You're a tyrant, Lelouch. A monster!"

The protest was followed by people agreeing. More dissents. It slowly grew, a wild beast being fed. Chants began to rise, mingling with false threats, as they collectively spoke out against Lelouch. Nobles and students, old and young. He could hear footsteps gathering, a mob prepared to drag Lelouch to his execution.

Weakly, he looked up at the roof. They're still there, he realized. Cornelia, Schneizel, and their pack of guards. Standing silent, spectating, passive to the shifts in course. But why? Why come, if not to encourage or halt the festival? Why watch their people suffer at the hands of their brother?

"Suzaku!" He could see bruises on Kallen's neck as she kneeled by him. "Are you okay?"

He blinked. "Are you?"

"I'm fine." She gently shoved him aside to get a better look. "Jesus Christ, did you knock him out?"

"I had to," he said. "He was going to kill me."

"I'm not accusing you," she said as she placed two fingers on Gino's neck. She sighed in relief. "I would've done the same. He's such an idiot. I'm sorry if he hurt you."

But Suzaku was too far gone to consider her apology. "Kallen," he mumbled, like a lost child stumbling in the dark, "what do we do? There's no turning back. And Lelouch, he…"

She drew back. "I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"They might kill him at this point." Blunt as always. "And I'm not sure if I should stop them, or join them."

Hesitantly, she looked up towards the stage. The horror that sprung across her face was immediate. "Shit."

"What is it?"

"No way. Not after what he told me."

"What?" He followed her line of sight. And felt everything come crashing down, just like the day Lelouch had awoken. "No," he strangled out. "He wouldn't...he said he wouldn't. He can't. "

"Bastard." Kallen said it as if she regretted every decision that had led to this point. "I should've known."

"Take her away, won't you?"

"Yes, my Lord." The guard approached him to take the gun, then Kaguya. She cried and kicked as they carried her off, similar to a struggling Viletta in the distance. And if her final words of "Lelouch, how could you?!" managed to lodge themselves in his chest like shards of glass, then he told himself it was only his imagination.

Weary, he watched through half-closed eyes as the citizens formed a half-circle, hoping to trap his mutiny under siege. He exhaled. Despite the road bumps, everything had gone according to plan. But strategy could only carry so far, and the battle was now his to lose. Only by moving Heaven could he sow the conditions to call checkmate.

So be it, then.

"Shall we fire, my Lord?" Another soldier came up. "They seem to be losing their senses."

"No," Lelouch said, watching them least with spoiled nobles, it had seemed fitting to resort to corruption. But to do this to commoners, to innocent students...

He shook his head. "I'll handle this."

The soldier nodded and drew back. Absentmindedly, he raised one hand. The same that had played chess with Schneizel. Flipped through fairytales for Nunnally. Gripped Zero's mask with his last breath.

You know, I've always thought I was no more than a sinner. He could still remember Suzaku's words from a night on Jeremiah's farm. A conversation between friends, the hanging stars, and the feelings hidden dormant. Maybe that's all I'll ever be.

"Perhaps, old friend," he murmured. His smile was one of grief. "But at least you'll never fall to Hell like I have."

He began removing his gloves. "I see," he said, louder. "Then, I have no choice but to ask you all a favor."

If they weren't concerned before, then they certainly were now. But he wasn't paying attention as they scrambled like mice, for he was focused on the pairs of eyes by the steps.

Blue like the sky. Greener than grass. The expressions they belonged to were torn, like the halves of his heart.

I'm sorry.

He drew his fingers over his eyes. "Acknowledge me!"

Promise me you'll stay true to your word, Lelouch.

Suzaku slowly rose to his feet. Heard the words leave Lelouch's mouth, no different than when they had stormed Pendragon. He spun in a circle. One by one, he saw them surrender to his power. To Geass. Their mouths hung open, like chess pieces waiting to be played.

I promise you, Suzaku.

"Mmph." A groan came from the floor. "What the hell…? What's happening?"

"Get down!"Kallen was immediately on top, covering Gino's body. Her hands knotted in his hair. "Don't look up!"

"Kallen? What are you—"

"Listen to me," she hissed in his ear. "I'll explain later. But whatever you do, don't. Look. Up. Trust me."

"And why should I do that?"

"Because if there was ever a time in your life where you weren't a complete idiot, now's the time."

"Kallen," Suzaku interrupted. "Get Gino up. Take him to safety."

She did not move. "How should I do that?"

"Cover his eyes. Take him around back into the Academy." His tone was sharper than the knife that scarred his skin. "I'll deal with this."

"But—"

"I said, take him." I did this. Their suffering. It's all my fault. "Let me handle this. Lelouch is mine to deal with. Please."

There was a pause as she shot him a strange look. "Alright," she eventually said. Whether she knew, or even understood, he did not know. "I'll take him. C'mon, Gino. Get the hell up."

Suzaku was hardly paying attention as she hauled him to his feet, one hand over his eyes, and slung him over her shoulder. Carefully, she began dragging him away, her dress falling apart with every step. As they slunk off to the side and vanished out of sight, the last of Kallen's words hung back in the air: "Thank you, Suzaku."

"Don't thank me," he muttered to himself. "I'm the reason this all happened."

Lifelessly, his gaze traveled to the knife on the floor. His hand reached for it.

I'll make sure history repeats itself.

"This is a festival, isn't it?" Lelouch was speaking again, crumbling whatever was left to ashes. "Why don't we celebrate? I believe we're just in time for the lantern ceremony."

Their cries were rooted in his will. "Yes, your Majesty!"

The crowd dissipated. He could hear arguing as they fought over one another, each of them hoping to catch Lelouch's attention. Disgust roiled inside, more bitter than the taste of his tears.

If being Zero was to atone for his crimes before, then what was left for him now?

Could this serve as repentance?

He looked down to see his gloves, bloody and worn, shaking around the hilt. The knife was cold. Whispering to him. A second chance to right their wrongs. But if that were the case, then why was it coupled with the stupid, absolutely stupid desire to save Lelouch from the fate he had sworn himself to? Why was his heart crying in protest?

I did this, he thought. Through the holes in his gloves, his knuckles were white. I did this. I did this. I did this I did this I did—

"Suzaku." He did not know when, or why, but Lelouch must have come down to him at some point. "Are you okay?"

He said nothing.

"You're hurt." His fingers were gentle—the same fingers—as he wiped the blood off his cheek. "What happened?"

Suzaku stepped back. "Don't."

Lelouch glanced down. "You're holding a knife," he observed quietly. He did not continue. Already, Suzaku knew that Lelouch understood. The other half of me.

His eyes met Suzaku's. "Come. Watch them celebrate with me."

"What do you mean?" Suzaku said.

"It's the Lantern Festival tonight. We should celebrate."

"Celebrate the festival."

"Yes. We've missed so many. Let's watch this one."

Suzaku remained silent. So did Lelouch. There was nothing left to him as he knowingly surrendered, with Lelouch moving to stand by him as the world fell at their feet. He remained quiet under the arches, his suit ripped and stained to Lelouch's pristine white. An uncanny resemblance to a certain Emperor and his Knight from a time beyond reach.

Like a butterfly chasing the sun, one of Lelouch's hands had found their way into his. His other trembled around the blade in his grip.

As one, they watched the people of Ashford storm the tables. Puff out whatever lanterns they could get their hands on. Eagerly lit matches. Gradually, the globes of light rose up, marking the night sky with one false hope after another. Just like the fireflies that once danced between two boys, a Japanese hopeful and a Britannian prince, as they dreamt of a better tomorrow.

The switchblade fell out of his hand. It struck the floor, joining the broken pieces of his faith.

You promised me, Lelouch.

"All hail Lelouch! All hail Lelouch! All hail Lelouch!"

(I currently plan on putting this on hiatus for now to work on the second half of this story, but will make sure to officially start up again once things are ironed out (likely in a few months or less). Until then, expect a few other updates here and there, as I don't plan on letting this sit quietly for too long. ;)

As always, thank you all so much for reading! Comments, faves or follows are always appreciated. I hope you've enjoyed the story so far, and stay tuned for the next update!)