Rolo only stared, the geass sigil glowing dangerously, "I'm much more of a threat than Lelouch," He warned. "Do you want to fight me?"
Amu gritted her teeth in pure anger, then a rod appeared in her hand. Taking a stance, Amu braced for the worst. Closing his eyes, Rolo nodded, smiling as he pulled a switchblade out of his sleeve, "Then so be it."
With that, he seemed to vanish. Lelouch blinked, and then hissed at Amu, "You idiot! Don't try to be noble and attack him. You'll die."
Amu merely ignored Lelouch, and kept a sharp eye out for Rolo.
Lelouch winced as she ignored his words, and then Rolo reappeared, right behind her with his switchblade at her throat. "You can forfeit," He murmured in her ear, making it just graze her skin, not enough to draw blood. "I would rather you leave, but protecting Lelouch is my main priority, and one more death is not significant."
"Holy Crown!" A yellow beam shot at Rolo.
Rolo looked over, and tugged Amu with him, eyes narrowing as he pressed the blade into her neck, letting the smallest beads of red escape onto the silver metal. "Someone's an idiot, Tuftlet," He taunted. "You could have easily hit your precious Amu as well."

Amu's eyes shut, and her teeth clenched as she felt the cold blood run down her neck. "Tadase-kun!" She managed to shout.

"Silence," Rolo tightened his grip on her arm.

"Rolo," Lelouch warned. "Don't go too hard on her. She's just a girl."

Tadase watched as Rolo tightened the grip on Amu, raising his staff towards him. "Let her go," Tadase said, "There is no excuse for you to hurt her!"

"There is," His gaze hardened. "Although it is against Brother's wishes, I won't have her threaten his motives, nor mine. You all know this world isn't fair, and one child cannot make all the difference," Lavender eyes flickered to Lelouch. "At least not ones that are average, and those that are above have already been lost."
"She threatened me," Rolo responded. "A dangerous variable to the mission."

"Release her! Holy Crown!" Tadase shot another beam towards the assassin.

Rolo's eyes narrowed, and he released her, before activating his Geass and then heading behind the frozen blonde's form and pulling his hidden gun from his pocket, and made sure Tadase could hear the resonating click and feel the cold metal on his flesh.
"Like I said, don't interfere."

Tadase winced at the cold feel of the gun, and lowered his staff. He stayed still for a while, then shouted, "Amu-chan, run now!" Amu heard his voice, but couldn't move her feet. "Tadase-kun, I can't! I can't leave you!"

"Rolo, don't," Lelouch looked at him harshly, and Rolo's grip on the gun faltered for a moment as he looked into Lelouch's gaze. Suddenly, he pulled his hand back and hit Tadase's head harshly, enough so he'd fall unconscious, but not to permanent extent.

Tadase felt the rush of the gun, and fell like a rock on the ground. "TADASE-KUN!" Amu shouted, looking at the limp body in front of her. Amu's rod appeared back in her hands, and she took a powerful throw at Rolo. "Spiral Heart!"

"Stop!" Lelouch ordered as Rolo ducked, pocketing the gun calmly and regaining composure. "Both of you."

Amu's rod gracefully landed in her hands, and she made it disappear. "You hurt Tadase-kun," Amu said, "I...I really hate you. I hate you!"

A slightly saddened look rose on Rolo's features, and a bitter smile graced Lelouch's expression. Sighing slightly as he set his pizza box down, Lelouch took a step towards her, "Your friend will be all right. If you'd like, I could make you forget the pain. It'd be easier that way."

Amu then realized she still had the cut on her neck, slowly dripping beads of red. "I...." Amu said, pausing, "I...I guess. But, what will I forget, Tadase being hurt? Even if you make me forget, I'll see his body still lying on the ground."

"Heh, never mind then," A feminine voice made Lelouch look up to see C.C dangling on a tree branch, daintily nibbling on a piece of pizza. He looked down at the box; how had she snuck to it? "Lelouch, don't waste your time. We don't want Zero to be found simply playing psychiatrist, do we?"

Amu rushed over to Tadase, kneeling next to him. "Tadase-kun, please wake up," Amu said, her eyes filling with shining tears.

"He'll wake in approximately thirteen minutes and forty nine seconds," Rolo commented emotionlessly, walking over to Lelouch and C.C.

Amu looked over to Rolo, a worried expression still on her face. His eyebrow raised slightly, a questioning and challenging gesture.

"Please," Amu said, closing her eyes, "No more fighting. No more, no more."

Rolo merely looked away, a faint smile gracing his features. Lelouch sighed; the young assassin was a wonderful partner, but in terms of emotion, he was as smart as a puked up fish crumpet. Same with C.C, the bloody witch. "I'm sorry," He said earnestly. "We didn't want to cause such an event."

Amu stood up, still staring at the group. "I was so happy when I first met you," she said, "Now, all I feel is friction between us. This can't go on any longer."

"Likewise," C.C responded bluntly. "Actually, I just plain and simply don't like mortals. You're rather whiny, you know." She hugged Cheese-kun, which she'd somehow brought up with her when she climbed the tree with the pizza box, eating a slice. "Eh, but whatever. Your heart beats. I'm not sure about Rolo and Lulu... do they count? Their hearts stopped beating before."
"C,C!" Lelouch snapped in anger.

Amu stared at C.C, but didn't comment, fearing it would start a new dispute. "So, I'm guessing you come from a different land?"

"And how did you come up with that conclusion, little girl?" C.C responded sarcastically, leaning her head on her knees.

Amu nearly glared at the girl, but kept her cool. "How do you intend to return?" She asked.

"We don't," Lelouch intervened. "Nor will it ever occur."

"There has to be some way!" Amu said, "You got here one way, you can get back the same way then!"

Lelouch smiled slightly. "I've died once for my sins," he repeated. "And you know better than anyone there are secrets to be kept. If I were to return, I'd be executed."

Amu's eyes were wide in shock. "So, that's what you meant," Amu said, "You already died, so you came to this world."

"You don't want to die," Lelouch mused. "Though it was planned, it still hurt like hell."
"You don't know that," C.C commented. "You've never been."
Lelouch merely ignored her.

Amu looked down in shame. She had no idea what real pain he'd been through in his real world.

"Before anyone sees us, I suppose we should depart," Lelouch commented, realizing it'd be odd with two oddly dressed children, one unconscious, and then him, C.C and Rolo. "Your friend will be all right. He should be waking up in about thirty four seconds."

"Okay," Amu said, "Goodbye."

"Farewell," Lelouch smiled. "But don't forget we'll meet tomorrow, so it isn't the end of our story yet."

"Right," Amu said, remembering he was still an assistant at her school.

"Don't look so disappointed," C.C said as she jumped off the tree. "At least Rolo and I aren't there. Too suspicious for our work. We've got some stuff to do later in the week, anyways."

Nodding one last farewell, Lelouch made his way out of the park, and the last dwindling comment was of course, C.C's, "Lulu, you ordered anchovies with the pickle-juice. I hate anchovies on pizza."
"That's just sick, C.C."

Suddenly, Amu heard Tadase stir, and she knelt next to him. "Tadase-kun?" Amu said, looking at Tadase.

Tadase's eyes slowly opened, and he muttered, "Amu-chan.... Thank goodness, you're okay."

Tadase lifted his head, and stood up. Both of their transformations then disappeared. "Tadase-kun, are you still hurting?" Amu asked.

"I'm fine," he said, "And Lelouch?"

"They're fine, they left." Amu said. "We should be going too," Tadase said, "We've spent too much time here, our parents will worry."

"Right, see you tomorrow, Tadase-kun." Amu said, turning around and exiting the park.

When Amu woke up that Saturday afternoon, she set off to the mall, running store to store, looking for some sales. After she was done, it was surprisingly already late. 'I was gone that long?' Amu thought. She rushed home, and then set her bags down in her room. "Amu-chan, you got too excited,"

Miki commented, "Six bags of clothes!"

Amu sighed, then laid on her bed, and flipped on her television. "The news?" Amu said, "Why was it there?" Amu was about to change the channel before she saw a headline announcement; "Director of Easter; Mysterious Death." Amu's eyes widened at the statement. The Director...was dead? How?

"It was said a suspicious assassin came to the building yesterday and killed him," the reporter said.

"And it's true." The shock of hearing the voice made Amu turn around to see Ikuto standing in her balcony.

Amu walked over, and opened the door. "Ikuto, just what are you doing here?" Amu asked.

"Just thought I might tell you the news," Ikuto said, "But it looks like you found out yourself."

Amu looked back over to the T.V., then back at Ikuto. "Are you a bit, sad?" Amu asked.

"Maybe a bit," Ikuto said, "But, I i didn't like the old man too much."

Amu looked down, then said, "So, this means..." Amu paused for a few moments, "You're...free? From Easter?"

Ikuto looked out the window, "Yeah," he said, "I guess I am." Amu looked up at Ikuto, and he looked back.

"So," Amu said, "What do you do now?" "I really don't know," Ikuto said, "I've lived such a trapped life, I really just don't know." Amu looked away, hoping Ikuto wouldn't see her worried expression. "Maybe I can go on loving you." Amu's eyes shot open, and she immediately turned back to Ikuto. "I know I'll get you to fall in love with me," Ikuto said, leaning in to her face, "It's just one big game now."

Amu started to blush insanely, and looked away again. "Well, see you." Ikuto said, jumping off of the balcony. Amu ran to the edge of the balcony, but saw Ikuto no where in sight. 'Geez, annoying to the last second,' Amu thought, a gentle smile lighting her face.

***

'Director of Easter; Mysterious Death,' Lelouch paused from his cooking to look up at the television, looking mildly surprised. He'd found out Easter was a large, influential association, and for such a thing to happen without notice… Unconsciously, his gaze turned to Rolo, who in responded with a shrug, "It wasn't me," He stated. "I don't kill without order or good reason."

Yes, this would be rather troublesome, and now that the Guardians knew of Rolo's occupation, they'd definitely become suspicious. Hopefully they didn't have any connections, or Rolo might have to get his hands dirty again. Sighing as he flipped a pancake, Lelouch responded, "It's fine Rolo. The guy was probably some fat jerk with sixteen wives and three alleged sons."

Rolo hid a snicker, and C.C, who was hovering around the kitchen, simply smiled, "You really have a sense of humor for a mortal," She commented.

"Shut up about the mortal stuff," Lelouch complained. "It's almost as irritating as eating pizza for lunch, dinner, and snack."

"Well so what, Zero? At least you're eating. During the rebellion, you probably skipped. Can't have your subordinates knowing you're Britannian," Lelouch glowered at the girl, and sighed.

"Yeah, right."

***

That night, Rolo was heading through the park. Lelouch had been to busy to get the nightly pizza, and C.C would never go get it herself; may the gods forbid such a thing! So he was stuck holding a pizza box and incapable of reaching his weaponry. All sixteen pieces on person, hidden in various areas in undetectable areas.

Ikuto was laying in a tree, hoping to rest a while. Suddenly, he heard footsteps in the park, and couldn't resist to look down. Who he saw was Rolo, the assassin Amu told him about, and that she thought had killed his step father. Ikuto just smirked, and jumped down in front of the guy. "Hey, Rolo," Ikuto said.

Lavender eyes narrowed in mistrust, and the brunette responded calmly, "May I inquire where you came upon such a name, Ikuto Tsukiyomi?"

"I could ask you the same question," Ikuto said, "Amu told me about you."

"Of course she did," Rolo looked mildly irritated at the girl's name, and he paused, fiddling with the pizza box. "But about your question-You know I won't respond. But since Hinamori's already told you about me, I'll just say I did not kill the director."

"Eh?" Ikuto said, "Coming from a trained assassin, that might be hard to believe."

"Don't talk about things you don't understand fully," Rolo snapped, shooting a venomous glare at the cat-like boy. His hand was slowly making its way to his breast pocket as he pretended to just shift the weight of the pizza box.

"Hmm," Ikuto said, cat ears popping on his head, "Aren't you in a good mood?"

Rolo merely turned his head away, not responding to the idiotic question.

"I guess I'll go then," Ikuto said, "I guess no fight was to be made out of this......coward."

That did it. Swiftly, Rolo pulled out a dagger and shot it at Ikuto in a quick split-second, easily pinning his shirt to the tree behind him. "Shut up, you bastard."

Rolo caught it with ease, a slightly daring look returning the smirk. "You don't want to fight me," He said softly, dangerously.

Sighing softly, he nodded, "If you insist."

Ikuto pulled a giant claw in the air. "Aww, but this could get interesting, though." Ikuto said.
And then he was holding a knife to Ikuto's neck, pressing softly so the blood began trickling down the boy's neck.

"Clever move," Ikuto said, then he jumped backwards. He quickly shot the claw at Rolo. Quickly dodging, though the tip of the attack grazed his shoulder, Rolo seemed to flicker out of sight before reappearing behind Ikuto, and sending a quick slash to his arm.

Ikuto winced at the cuts, but immediately stepped back. "My own heart, unlock!" Ikuto started to glow, then it faded to show him in his transformation. "Chara-nari, Black Lynx!"

"Parlor tricks won't affect an enemy you cannot see," Though he was slightly daunted at the sight, Rolo hid it with ease, slipping into the mask of an assassin. "And it is foolish to threaten one of my occupation."

Ikuto ignored his comment, and jumped high in the air. "Come now, it was fun."

His eyes glowed red, and he watched as the frozen boy fell to the ground before letting him move again, "Looks like you don't even know how to move."

Rolo winced as he felt warm liquid rush down his arm, staining his shirt red. He glared at Ikuto darkly, and then activated his geass once more, before creating a shallow cut around the boy's neck. It wouldn't kill him, but would most likely cause him to stop.

Ikuto grabbed his neck, trying to avoid the pain and rush of red flowing on him. He glared at Rolo, then rushed in, knocking Rolo's tool away.

Rolo raised an eyebrow, and flicked his left hand to reveal yet another blade, "You don't expect me to have only one weapon. I've been playing, but if you insist on fighting, I will have to be serious. You know I can freeze you, leave you incapable of moving while I slowly slice your internal organs, leaving you to bleed on the cement."

I never did say this was a fight," Ikuto said, "A fun game, you could say."

"Like a cat and a mouse," Rolo responded, smiling slightly.

Ikuto smirked, then jumped back in a battle stance. "My move," Ikuto said, and then he pounced on Rolo, cutting his side.

Rolo winced slightly; he'd hit one of Rolo's hiding spots for a weapon, and the small blade fell out of the pocket. He picked it up daintily, and said with a small pout, "You dented my favorite knife."

"Aww, did the little boy love that toy?" Ikuto said sarcastically.

His head snapped up so quickly it was a wonder he wasn't hit with whiplash. Suddenly next to Ikuto, he drove the already bloodstained knife into his arm, "Don't say things without knowing their meanings," He spat angrily.

Ikuto fought back a scream, but a small cry managed to escape. He glared deeply at Rolo, hatred pulsing through his bleeding veins. "Be happy it wasn't your throat," Rolo looked back at him impassively, and flipped his other knives back into the cuff of his sleeve, before turning to leave. "Next time, it will be."

Amu was walking through the park, taking a casual stroll, when suddenly, she saw a strange figure that was somewhat...familiar. Slowly, she walked over to the figure, only to find it was Ikuto. Before she could say anything, he fell on the ground, gasping for breath.

"Ikuto!" Amu rushed to his side, staring at the limp body, covered in large cuts, and stained with deep red.

Watching silently with red eyes, the boy in the shadows stared at Amu Hinamori, as she turned around to meet his gaze. "You…" She muttered.