A.N. This is the 2nd half of chapter three so I hope you enjoy it and I promise to try to keep the plot bunnies from overwhelming my fortress. *Sits down in turret in front of a large machine gun, pulls targeting goggles over eyes and silently waits for the countless plot bunnies standing across the gorge to attack.*

Fulcrum of Gravity

The shifting balance of conscience, distorted by lies and the illusion of dreams. The conscience that sways to unconscious polarities, drifting like a raft caught in the waves. Distorted imagery, starving for meaning and guidance, trying to balance on the center of gravity. -Center of Gravity by Dr. Kelly (creator of Ohnest Aeb)

He turned and stared at the owner of the voice, a lovely silver-haired woman wearing a sleeveless dress that fitted at the bodice and flared out at the skirt. Why did she look so familiar? He continued to inspect the beautiful woman, wondering why it felt like he knew her. When he looked into her eyes he felt like smacking himself across the head for being so slow. Those warm golden eyes glinting with mischief were indicative of a woman he knew four years ago. C.C.! "C.--!"

She put her forefinger to her lips in a gesture for him to be quiet. "Follow me."

Suzaku followed her behind the well-built structure on shaky legs. He'd been prepared for someone to blackmail him but he never expected C.C to be the one that wrote the letter. Behind the restaurant was a fine courtyard with flagstone paving and deliberately placed dining tables topped with white tablecloths and chairs perfect for dining alfresco.

"Sit." She gestured towards a table closest to the back door. The table was already furnished with food: a breakfast pizza accented with toppings common to Greek cuisine, and a cup of coffee and milk facing each chair. She eased down elegantly into the chair, crossing her shapely legs.

Suzaku sat down and looked at the pizza, unable to deny a smirk passing over his face. Leave it to C.C. to eat a pizza for breakfast. The two conversed off and on, at times allowing the waves crashing forcefully against the rocky cliff to pierce the silence. He finished his second slice of pizza, taking a sip of his coffee. They caught up on each other's lives and he tried not to glare at her when she compared him rather bluntly to his predecessor. He learned that she was a flight attendant for a few years but settled in Greece and decided to build Rocco's in an attempt to try her hand as an entrepreneur.

"So…" he swallowed the remnants of another slice of pizza and chased it down with a gulp of milk. "About the letter…"

She smiled a cat-ate-the-canary smile and sipped her milk. She produced a sliver of paper from one of her hidden pockets and slid it across the table to him.

He picked it up and opened it, reading the words on it. "What's this?"

"The address to Lulu's house." She thumped the key she set on the table to him.

He looked down at the paper lying against his palm and the key on the table as if they were the key and map to the Holy Grail. "Are you s-- why?"

Her expression turned grave and those warm eyes hardened. "I've been hearing…rumors of sorts and I-- I called you because I'm afraid for him."

"Afraid for him?" He repeated, brows furrowed in bewilderment. Why would she be afraid for Lelouch? Oh god was Lelouch in danger? A sense of fierce protectiveness spiked through him, blurring his other emotions.

"Because if the world he worked so hard to create crumbles…" She schooled her features into their usual indifferent façade and resumed speaking, "…he--. He will need you at his side he will need your strength, and the comfort of your friendship Suzaku. I know I have no right to ask anything of you Suzaku Kururugi for corrupting your dearest friend, but I ask you as the former knight of the ninety-ninth emperor of Britannia. Will you stand by his side while I cannot?"

Suzaku couldn't help but muse that the wise and canny C.C. was asking a stupid question. He didn't even need to be asked such a question, because it was an undoubted, resonant yes. However, he decided not to point at the fact that the question was silly and answered with a firm, "yes." Now that he knew where Lelouch was neither hell nor high water would keep him from his dearest friend. Never would he allow Lelouch to be alone again and if the former prince wavered because this newly reformed world started to crumble Suzaku would keep him stable. This was his silent promise.

Cassius sat in a chair upon the terrace, sipping his tea and looking out at the evening sun hovering above the horizon of the field of flowers. As usual he was attired in elegant clothing befitting an imperial (well formal imperial.).

"Why are you out here alone brother?" Guinevere asked, leaning against the open French doors.

He swallowed a mouthful of chamomile tea and heaved a weary sigh, dipping a cracker in the spinach dip in the small bowl in the middle of the plate of crackers. "I've grown quite weary of Duchess el Faite and Countess Vanderbilt's incessant bickering and have decided that solitude is better than dining at the table with such shrews," he answered tiredly.

"Aw." She closed the doors and sat in the comfortable wicker chair across from her sibling. "I know you aren't exactly fond of either of them brother." Gently she burrowed her fingers through his raven mane. "But be patient. Out of all of us they were the only ones able to keep most of their fortunes and we need their money to fund our fleet of Knightmares."

He grumbled exasperatedly. "I know, and as sad a fact as it is, I will continue to exercise patience."

She smiled sweetly at her half-sibling. "Thank you dear brother." She withdrew her hand from his hair, allowing her fingers to brush over his jaw line momentarily. Cassius was quite handsome and very desired by a couple of the female members of their fellowship. She'd even caught a few of them trying to sneak peeks at him as he practiced his swordsmanship (which he preferred to do alone and shirtless).

He smirked, azure eyes glittering triumphantly. "I have something to disclose to you."

She leaned back in her chair, dipping a cracker into the spinach dip. "Tell away."

"Odysseus and I were discussing the matter of why our dear brother Schneizel would so blindly follow the man he so ardently sought to vanquish."

"And?" She crossed her long legs, the fabric of her dress whispering as she moved.

"We came to the conclusion that perhaps somehow he is being controlled."

A ridiculing grin touched her lips. "Like what? Mind control?" She giggled as if she had heard a fairly humorous joke. "Dear Cassius that is utterly laughable, no it's preposterous."

Sky blue orbs shrank slightly. It really got under his skin when Guinevere laughed at him. "Lelouch was masquerading as the real Zero when the massacre at the Special Administrative Zone happened."

"So?"

"If he didn't have a special power how would he have driven our kindhearted Euphy to slaughter thousands of innocents?"

Her smug expression faltered. Damn, he had a point.

"And Zero was dubbed the Man of Miracles by the populace of Area Eleven."

"Correct."

He smiled ready to drive his point home. Guinevere wasn't the only one that could be cold and calculating in their small fellowship of scorned nobles. "Then how else would he have performed those so-called 'miracles'…" He took a sip of tea. "If he didn't have some sort of power that was kept secret from the world. Perhaps that would explain our most esteemed brother Schneizel's uncharacteristic behavior towards Zero now." The corners of his mouth twitched when he saw the ponderous and perplexed countenance she displayed.

"Quite a valid argument my brother. Perhaps we should…" She trailed off and quirked an eyebrow at him when he smiled slyly.

"I hope you don't mind, but I dispatched Satine to Area Eleven while you were away."

Satine was an assassin of one of the most prestigious martial arts academies that had acclimated herself into their inner circle. She was extremely deadly and dedicated to their cause- if only to please Guinevere- and would do anything to please the former First Princess of Britannia. Despite her total disregard for life and mental instability, she was their ace-in-the hole.

"Of course I don't mind brother. My resources are your resources. And since Satine is one of my resources then you are welcome to use her in any way you see fit." Her magenta eyes sparkled wickedly. "But tell me, why would you send her to Area Eleven?"

A malevolent grin played upon his lips. "If anyone is aware that he had some sort of uncanny power it would be his former second-in-command, correct?"

Her eyes broadened with delight. "The new Prime Minister of Area Eleven…"

He smiled, aware that his sister was thinking the same thing he was. "…Kaname Ohgi."

The two siblings shared malicious smirks, interlaced their fingers, rose from their seats, and departed the terrace for the dining room, thoughts consisting of malevolent ideas. They knew that Satine was an artist of the macabre and would spare no punches to get the information she desired. Ahhh, things were coming together rather nicely.

Suzaku stripped out of Zero garb until he wore nothing but his dark boxers. They'd arrived just as the sun crowned the horizon hoping that the early hour would keep them from encountering the paparazzi. Boy had they been sadly mistaken. The jet had landed quietly and as soon as they set foot onto Oxford pavement they were swarmed with the media. Until they reached the car they were held hostage within a throng of people simultaneously shouting out their questions in a roaring cacophony, numerous microphones and tape recorders shoved relentlessly in their faces, and incessant blinding flashes from their seemingly endless supply of cameras. Hell, Suzaku was still seeing spots.

His entire body was alight with anticipation. He could hardly believe he was going to see his beloved companion again. All types of questions floated through his mind. Had Lelouch gotten taller? Had he put on a little weight? Was he more athletic? He laughed aloud at that thought. Lelouch was waaay too lazy to even attempt anything athletic if he could help it. He rummaged around in his black duffel and found a suitable outfit for the day: a dark blue shirt that reminded him of his days as a Knight of Seven, a pair of grayish jeans, expensive sunglasses, and a matching skullcap. He shoved the keys to Lelouch's home and to his suite into separate pockets, checking his wallet to make sure he had enough cash for a taxi.

He took in a breath, trying to calm his jack-hammering heart, and opened the door, peeking timidly out to make sure the coast was clear. It had been hard to stand the disappointment in his Empress' face when he informed her that he would probably be unable to attend the ball Baroness Cheshire was throwing in her honor. It was even worse knowing he couldn't tell her what that "previous and important engagement" truly was. He hurried down the lavishly decorated hallway, making sure to keep his head down, and ran into the elevator.

He stood in the elevator alone, thinking over his life. He wasn't apt to admit it, but he wasn't torn up in the least about not attending that ball. It wasn't like he really cared for being in the company of those elitist snobs that tended to try schmoozing their way into his good graces in order to gain Nunnally's favor. Yep not going to that lackluster soiree was going to be a big bonus. He walked hurriedly through the extravagant lobby and onto the busy sidewalk, the blinding sunlight deflected by his sunglasses. He hailed a taxi and slid into the leather seat of the yellow cab. Nervous flips went through his stomach, making him fidget more than he already had been.

After all this time he would finally get to see Lelouch in the flesh and touch him and hold him. He could hardly contain his joy, feeling as if this was all some dream and that the Fates that were teasing him would at any moment awaken him to face reality's harsh bite.

11:38am

The tantalizing aroma of sautéed vegetables and mozzarella cheese permeated the kitchen and wafted into the sitting room. Lelouch grasped the handle of the skillet, giving the colorful array of sautéing vegetable an expert toss to make sure they were all coated with olive oil before lowering the heat to a simmer and sprinkling a dash of cilantro on them. Because of many sessions of lovemaking (and naps in between) they were eating a late breakfast- brunch- and Lelouch was currently the chef of the kitchen. Of course Lelouch didn't mind waking up late since he simply abhorred waking up early (7:30am was was his limit, anything before that he considered ungodly).

He lifted the foiled brick from the couple of Two-Cheese Roasted Turkey Panini and checked the doneness of each before flipping them and replacing the bricks atop them. He scowled immensely to no one in particular. God he was cooking another meal for her, his second to date, and had no earthly idea why. He merely awakened and decided on impulse that he would cook for them. He hated her so much. He'd sworn to himself that he would remain forever in shadow, but she was dragging him- kicking and screaming- into the world of the living. Damn you. He breathed in a whiff of the delicious aroma and glanced up when the glass doors of the terrace slid open and closed. "Done already?"

She nodded, craning her neck over her newly finished painting so her face was visible. She stopped in front of a vacant space on his wall, used the stoop, and hung the painting (an exquisitely painted scene of boats floating upon the serene harbor waters) on the correctly spaced nails hammered into the wall.

"If you continue to hang your paintings on my wall…" He checked the sautéing vegetables. "…how do plan on selling any?"

She swiped a hand over her neat ponytail, lovingly brushing the painting off with a hand. "Well, if you ever have anyone over other than me, you can tell them all your pieces are original." Without looking she stepped off the stoop and surveyed her work with a critical eye.

He smirked softly and strode to her, a spoonful of sautéed vegetables in a hand. He blew on the steaming morsels a bit before shoving them into her mouth. "Well?"

She chewed slowly, savoring the medley of tastes teasing her palate. "Delicious." She licked her lips for any leftover taste. "I thought you said you were fixing mushroom sauté."

He shrugged his slender shoulders casually. "You're allergic to them and if you die from anaphylactic shock then I'd have to go through the trouble of finding another decent screw buddy. It would be a most bothersome hassle," he replied offhandedly, brushing a hand through his inky mane. A small smirk crossed his mouth, violet eyes twinkling with evil. And the patented eye roll. He couldn't help it if he enjoyed irking her nerves. Hey, it wasn't his fault all her buttons were always glowing red with the words 'PUSH ME'.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm so happy to know you would be so broken up about my death."

His eyes glittered impishly while his face maintained its usual composure. "Honestly, there could be tears," he joked.

She laughed softly. "Yeah right."

His eyes narrowed to slits and he grasped her chin roughly, tilting her chin up to capture her perfectly sculpted lips. Hungrily he teased her bottom lip, plunging his tongue between the sweet lips that all too readily parted to allow him access. Tongues danced, hands roamed to impart sweet caresses, and bodies moved in an effort to be nearer to the other as they were swept up into the whirlwind of passion. One of his hands stopped to splay itself over one rounded buttock and squeezed firmly, causing her to give a throaty moan into the kiss.

They parted from the passionately kiss, Lelouch trying to enjoy the cute blush painting her cheeks instead of what words had not too long escaped her lips. He released her and turned towards the kitchen, not even breaking stride when she gave a soft apology. "Just set the patio furniture," he replied dispassionately. He glared when she hurriedly took down the breakfast dishes and headed out of the ceiling-high, sliding glass doors, and started meticulously setting the table. It sounded psychotic, but he'd actually entertained homicidal ideas about her. He'd thought about smothering her while she slept, poisoning her coffee, and even drowning her in the harbor. But when she looked up at him shyly and smiled that goddamned smile that tended to leave him (dare he say it) helpless and everything always melted away. He knew he could never harm her and that amazed and angered him at the same time, because it was a testimony to the treachery of his heart.

Suzaku's heart sped up with every step he took towards the door of -which judging by the address written on the paper- Lelouch's seaside condo. By the time he got to the door his heart had jumped into his throat and was doing triple time. Calm down Suzaku. He forced himself to take in relaxing breaths in… and out… in… and out. Despite this breathing exercise his heart still seemed like it was trying to hammer itself right out of his chest. What if Lelouch wasn't alive? What if he'd gotten killed in some freak accident just before he got here? His hands dropped limply to his sides. If Lelouch had drawn his last breath only after he'd located him, he would truly be crushed beyond repair. He clenched his jaw determinedly and rapped on the door.

The couple dining on the terrace were deaf to the persistent knocking on the door, their ear being filled with the cry of seagulls and other sounds of the harbor.

He waited impatiently before knocking a few more times with no results. He fingered the key in his pocket debating whether he should just let himself in. What's wrong with you, you can't just barge in a house that's not yours, a voice scolded. It's not like it was breaking and entering because he had a key. But still, it felt wrong. Although, it was better than standing out here like an indecisive moron. Maybe he shouldn't. It's not like he hadn't knocked, it was just that no one answered. So, the only logical course of action was to use the key and go in unannounced. Just do it you idiot. He gulped down a nervous breath and inserted the key into the hole, turning it slowly. He opened the door gradually, peeking timorously into the home. Steeling his nerves he entered the condo, closing the door behind himself. The family room was very tidy (even the kitchen which appeared to have been recently used) and decorated with deep rich colors. In the corner he noticed a chess set whose individual pieces were already positioned in battle formation, as if a match might be played at any given moment. A wide grin spread across his mouth. Yep, this was Lelouch's house alright. I finally found you.

His attention was turned to the sliding doors when it opened and a couple entered the room. He didn't hear the comment made by the woman because he couldn't tear his eyes from those unmistakable violet orbs staring at him in astonishment. Oh god, it was him. Lelouch was alive! An immense joy fired through him filling his soul with such a light that he wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. When he finally found his tongue he was able to utter in a small, trembling voice: "L-Lelouch?"

Spire of both overwhelming shock and delighted surprise spiked through his being. He'd found him. Suzaku had actually found him and he was standing right here in his home. I suppose sheer single-mindedness has to trump intellect sometimes, he mused fleetingly. He wanted to run to his cherished friend, fall into his arms, and soak up every ounce of familiarity and warmth Suzaku carried within his soul, but his legs refused to move. So, there he stood, an uncharacteristic expression of surprise on his face, knees buckling, heart drumming wildly in his chest. God he couldn't faint like a sissy now. Tears pricked his eyes relentlessly, but he composed himself before he spoke. "Su-Suzaku?"

Suzaku discarded the sunglasses and cap in one movement, chestnut locks spilling forth. Before the raven-haired man could react, he'd closed the gap between them and embraced him in a firm hug. He kissed Lelouch's forehead, his pale cheeks, his eyebrows and corners of his sculpted mouth. His dearest friend- whose supposed death at his hands still haunted his nightmares- was in his arms, quivering, breathing, and alive. Tears stung his emerald eyes and spilled forth, leaking down his cheeks.

He lowered himself, snuggling his head over Lelouch's heart. It was beating. Lelouch's heart was drumming in his chest, proof that this was not a dream. He was not tucked away in his bed right now, lost in dreamland. It was real and he was overwhelmed and beside himself with pure elation.

Lelouch tightened his hold on Suzaku, sliding his fingers through those beautiful brunette locks. Suzaku had found him. After four years of feeling alone without a single friend, his dearest companion had located him. Don't- please don't let this be a dream, he prayed silently. If this was a dream he would surely go insane upon awakening. His violet gaze fell to the chestnut locks lying just over his heart. Suzaku. He squeezed him tightly, weaving slender fingers through silky chestnut tresses.

Figuring it was time to beat a hasty retreat and allow the two newly reunited companions to get reacquainted, Stella picked up her purse, and threw a wink over her shoulder at Lelouch- who reciprocated with a knowing twinkle in his eye- before leaving.

Lelouch returned his attention to Suzaku. "How did you find me?"

"I talked to C2 and she gave me your address and door key," he responded, hoping that Lelouch didn't get irritated.

That was no surprise. "Ah… how is she?"

"She's well. She owns a bistro in Greece."

He shook his head, grinning softly. "Willful woman."

Suzaku nodded, burying his nose in the thinner boy's neck, drinking in his distinct odor.

"Why did you come here?"

Suzaku looked up timidly, expecting to see a scowl on his friend's face, but found only softness in wavering violet eyes. "I needed to see you alive Lelouch. I- I needed…" He faltered, the lump in his throat choking him, and ghosted his fingertips over the raven-haired man's pale cheek.

They stood there for a few moments more, holding each other and basking in the glow of their sweet reunion. Parts of Lelouch nagged at him to release the other male clinging to him, but instead he only drew him closer. "You know you risked exposing yourself coming here."

Suzaku stared at him, a fiercely resolute expression permeating his emerald depths. "I don't care!" He locked their gazes. "I had nightmares about murdering you for four years Lelouch. After learning you were alive I was desperate to see you and when I got the chance, nothing else mattered. So if coming here risks exposure of Zero's true identity, then so be it, because I haven't been happier in all these four years than I am now." He confessed honestly, blinking back the joyous tears cornering his viridian eyes.

Lelouch felt his heart clench in his chest at the Japanese boy's sincere words. He swallowed, but the lump in his throat refused to budge. "Idiot," he said with a hint of playfulness.

Suzaku smiled and that smile turned into a giggle which changed into an infectious full blown laugh that Lelouch soon joined him in until they were both gasping for air.

Night enshrouded the land, casting shadows upon the beachside estate of the Prime Minister. Armed guards roamed the premises, alert and ready to subdue or shoot any intruder on sight. Despite their diligent vigil they were unaware of the stealthy intruder slinking through the shadows.

Satine landed upon a high reaching branch of a tree. With feline agility she gracefully balanced her way to the window neighboring the tree, peeking in expectantly. Her keen eyes picked up the kiddy décor of the room. She smiled gleefully. Looks like I've found the little tyke's room.

"Hey you! In the tree-- aack!"

Before the security guard could finish his sentence Satine had hurled a pair of kunai into his throat. She dropped silently from the tree, landing in front of the man gagging on the small daggers, and dragged him to the shady side of the tree. She bent and cruelly yanked the kunai from his throat, running a hand through her loose dark hair, and licked his blood from the tips of the weapons. A shudder rippled through her when she caught sight of the blood gurgling from the two puncture wounds. "Mmmm…" She squatted in front of him, sliding a red-gloved hand over his bald head.

"As much as I'd love to watch you bleed to death, I mustn't give into my temptation. So sadly…" In a single deft movement she drew her tanto and plunged it into his chest, impaling his heart. She groaned quietly, when his body spasmed in surprise, eyes rolling in almost orgasmic pleasure when he breathed his last. She returned to the tree and after a few moments stole soundlessly into the room.

Oh my god. She groaned inwardly once she was inside the child's room. There were Hello Kitty plush toys, baby dolls, and bunny rabbit and kitten posters all over the room-even the chandelier was pink and froufrou. Ugh, the pink and lace were an offense against her very nature. She wanted to tear down each and every eyesore within in the room, but that would wake the child. And, presently, waking the child was a no-no.

Kyoko Morimoto sat in the posh family room avidly reading a romance novel. She had been babysitting for Mr. and Mrs. Ohgi for six months now and was utterly thrilled. The Prime Minister had done so much for Japan through peaceful negotiations instead of by force like four years ago. She admired him extensively for his mild yet resolute character and his wife for her many program foundations that she'd founded to reeducate Britannian and Japanese children about each other in hopes to stave off some of the prejudice ingrained in them. They were both inspirations to her, and she wanted to grow up to be just like them. Oh and she almost forgot about little Sachiko. The kid was a beaming light to everyone around her.

"Are you the babysitter?"

Kyoko turned quickly on the comfy cream-colored sofa, hazel eyes staring at the leather clad woman standing in the arch inquiringly. "Who-who are you?" She said warily, standing quickly. If this woman was a threat, all she had to do was press a button and the guards would be here in no time.

She didn't answer instead she flicked a kunai from its concealed location and threw the weapon. The kunai flew straight and true and buried itself in the girl's shoulder. In blinding movement she was behind the teenager, clamping a hand over her mouth before she could scream, while pushing the kunai deeper, severing muscle and important tissue. "Shhh sweetheart, or you'll wake the little girl."

Ohgi and Viletta strode towards the door of their home. Both were attired in evening wear and both wore relaxed smiles that attested to their delightful night out. Ohgi watched his wife with happy eyes as she hummed the tune to the opera they saw earlier tonight. "I take it you enjoyed the opera."

She smiled, her robin's egg blue hair flowing past her thin shoulders in ripples. "I did." She squeezed his arm, enjoying the feel of the muscles beneath the material of his suit jacket. When was the last time they'd made love? Two- three days ago? She looked up at her handsome husband and bit her bottom lip; she was overdue for a lotta loving. She smiled lustfully up at him, taking her place in front of him.

He raised an eyebrow. "Viletta?" He smirked lightly, brown orbs greedily feasting on the way the yard light highlighted her copper skin. God she was gorgeous with that delicious body and full lips. Raw want and need pierced him, and he found himself trying to vainly wet his dry mouth.

She clasped her hands behind his neck, drawing closer to him so that their bodies touched, and stood on her tiptoes. "I love you so much Ohgi," she breathed, her lips nearing his.

He bent his head, his mouth inches from hers. "I love you too." They shared an impassioned kiss before drawing away, both panting softly. He nuzzled her hair, sniffing in the scent of her flowery shampoo.

She looked up at him with seductive eyes. "How about after we send Kyoko home…" She walked her fingers up his chest teasingly. "And kiss Sa-chan goodnight I slip into that little black negligee you adore so much and we make up for three days of abstinence?"

He squashed the goofy grin that threatened to grace his mouth and managed a smooth one instead. "How about you go get ready and I meet you upstairs."

She grinned hungrily, hardly able to wait to see her husband naked, and sashayed to the door, opening it hastily. She stopped and stared down in horror at the spectacle in the family room. In the middle of the floor with her harms and legs nailed spread-eagle to the floor by four wicked looking kunai and her mouth taped over was Kyoko.

Ohgi's- who had entered behind his wife- eyes expanded in terror. His eyes rose to the woman standing over their babysitter, who was obviously in agony, and flared in anger. Instinctively he stepped in front of his wife protectively, glaring in hatred at the woman. "What--!"

She put a finger to her mouth. "Shhhh. Hush dear prime minister or you will wake your little princess," she said dementedly, taking a seat next to the still slumbering four-year old child. She quickly but gently laid the child's head in her lap, baring her throat to the tanto that seemed to appear in her hand out of nowhere.

Viletta felt her heart stop dead in her chest when she saw the blade hover of her beloved offspring's delicate throat. "Ohmigod, Ohgi," was all she was able to say, her voice choked with fear. Who was this woman? What did she want with them? Did she want money?

Ohgi gnashed his teeth wishing he had all the speed and skill of the world's greatest ninja so he could end the life of this assassin that had the audacity to enter their home and threaten the life of their child. But he knew there was nothing he could do, they were at her mercy. "What do you want?" He growled. Where the hell were the guards?

She crossed her long legs nonchalantly as if holding a knife to a child's neck was a common everyday occurence. "Sit down."

Neither hesitated and obediently took a seat on the loveseat. They both scowled at her with murder in their eyes. Their gazes shifted to the tanto she held prone in one hand while the other gently stroked their daughter's raven-locks almost in a maternal fashion. "Do you want money? Because we can give it to you, we are willing to pay anything," Viletta stated desperately.

A sneer crowned the woman's lip. "Your money is of no importance to me," she snapped venomously.

"Then what do you want?" Ohgi asked, keeping his voice calm. If she didn't want money, then she wanted something more, something that would come at a high price. But there was nothing in this world that was worth more than his family's safety.

She leaned into the couch. "I want you to show me how much you love your little bundle of joy here by giving me information about Zero," she demanded calmly keeping a fierce gaze upon the fretting parents.

Instantaneously, both knew she was not referring to the Zero that sought justice throughout the globe but to Lelouch vi Britannia, the Demon Emperor. A small twinge of fear wormed its way through their bodies, because they knew what subject she sought information about: Geass.

8:30pm (Oxford Time Zone)

San Marc Hall

San Marc Hall was a towering skyscraper that sat at the center of the political district of Oxford. The ballroom was lavish with sweeping arches, two-story windows flanked by deep silk red curtains, magnificent gold chandeliers, stainless marble floors, and exquisite artwork carved into the walls. The attendees of the ball complimented their surroundings perfectly in their expensive and glittering garb. Baroness Elizabeth Cheshire-who was busy mingling with her guests-, was a plump woman with ample breasts and hips that she dared to showcase in her elegant, but tightly fitting, gown. She turned when the door opened and all guests bowed to their Empress.

Nunnally smiled amiably at her subjects, glancing to her left at her Knight of Two, Gino Weinberg. It was not like having Suzaku near to be her support, but she still felt content all the same. "Thank you for coming on such short notice Gino, I know you were supposed to be practicing your sky acrobatics right now." She pressed the button on the armrest of her extravagant wheelchair and wheeled further into the arm, Gino and Cornelia striding dutifully at her side.

He gave one of his dazzling smiles to his queen. "No thanks is necessary, My Empress, it is my pleasure to be at your side," he said humbly, giving a deep bow that he couldn't help but accent with a playful wink.

She smiled fondly, turning her head to Cornelia to hide her blush. "Something wrong sister?" She asked when she saw the pinched expression gracing her graceful features. She knew Cornelia did not want to be here (getting her to put on an evening gown had almost proved to be a deadly experience.). Thank god for Guilford.

Cornelia calmed her features. "No my dear. Now, gird yourself, here comes the Baroness," she whispered.

Nunnally fought back a grin and merely gave a smile of recognition as the robust woman greeted her.

"Your Majesty, I am so happy that you were able to make it!" She bowed low and kissed the delicate hand Nunnally offered.

"As I am happy to be here," she replied graciously.

"Forgive me if I overstep my boundaries Majesty, but is the Second Prince going to attend tonight?" God she hoped Schneizel with his disarming smile, charming persona, and godlike beauty would attend so she could ogle him.

Cornelia kept back a snort. Oh god not another Schneizel groupie. The young women that pursued him like female dogs in heat were bad enough, but my god didn't the baroness have the dignity to understand that she was too old for such schoolgirl crushes.

"I'm afraid not. As Prime Minister of Britannia my dear brother has many obligations and sadly they hindered him from being here tonight," Nunnally answered with a comforting edge to her voice.

"Oh well another time then."

They engaged in light small talk with the middle-aged baroness. Cornelia couldn't help but feel pity when she noticed the predatory glances the other woman kept sending towards the willowy blonde knight. The Baroness followed them around the room as they greeted and were greeted by the other nobles in the ballroom.

The Darby construction site was empty and deserted. The only thing inhabiting its five hundred square feet was the connecting beams that served as the frame of what would soon be the Darby Tower. Construction machines sat unmoving in their spots, their odd shapes and colossal sizes making them appear ominous against the darkened night sky. Standing in the cabin at the top of the soaring Tower Crane smoking a sweet-smelling cigarette was Raephe. He smiled as he surveyed his surroundings. After going to the top of the San Marc Hall he'd found that this spot was ideal for a flawless shot. Perfect. He put out the cigarette and dropped to the metal flooring carefully (no need to disturb his already precarious perch) and unzipped his duffle bag. With the sensuous movements of a man caressing his lover, he assembled his high-powered sniper rifle. Nadia, the rifle, was of his own design and one of kind, named after his first love. She was smaller and lighter than most sniper rifles of her caliber, but she could still shoot circles around them. He stroked the sleek, black barrel gently and opened the window, crouching onto bended knee (ignoring the small space) with his gun in sniping position.

He closed his eyes momentarily, tuning out the sounds of the city, and concentrated on a lightly babbling brook, the ocean on a summer day, allowing the stillness of the moment to wash over his soul like balm to a wound. He removed the cap and took a preliminary look through his scope, adjusting the magnification until it was clear. Through the scope's lens he could see clearly into San Marc's ballroom as if he were right outside the window instead of nearly two kilometers away. Ahhh. There she was…the Empress.

He inspected Nunnally through the scope, taking note of the rare jewels adorning her neck and ears which complimented the ethereal gown that was her attire for the night and her sapphire eyes. Not bad at all. He could appreciate beauty when he saw it, disabled or not. To him she looked so frail that it seemed absurd that she was such a threat to those whiny nobles that frequented his favorite gentleman's club. He shook his head. Ah well, this was business. He let out a calming breath, adrenaline pumping lightning into every synapse in his body as he prepared for the shot. This was going to be beautiful, watching her blood splatter when the bullet blew a crater through her skull and she collapsed in a lifeless heap.

Lovingly he caressed Nadia's barrel, giving his lips a predatory lick. Then without further ado, he aimed and pulled the trigger, the silencer attached to the muzzle of the gun quieting the shot to a mere Pip. The bullet sped through the air on its deadly trajectory towards its intended target, breaking through the window pane and the stems of wineglasses before claiming its victim. Blood sprayed forth, spattering crimson onto the expensive clothing of some of the guests, and hysteric screams erupted into the ballroom.

A.N.: There you have it, the fourth chapter that was really supposed to be the third chapter. I hope you enjoy it. Yay! I can't wait to start the next chapter because one of my top six favorite characters makes an appearance. Oh and sorry for the cliffie-bats eyes in a feigned apology- but it seemed like a good place to end. Anyhow, R&R because they make me happy! Thanx.

Next Chapter: Suzaku-Lelouch pillow talk. The return of Orange (yay!). Gefjun Distributors. A sinister plot. All of this in Razor's Edge.

TTFN!