Chapter Ten

Nunnally carefully maneuvered her wheelchair into place. She glanced around as the others set up the interview. The camera was calling for small changes to be made while Euphemia spoke with Kanon about some last minute details. Nunnally glanced behind her, mentally calculating the space she had left to not be sitting on the edge of the stage. She looked up as someone sat in the other chair. Milly Ashford smiled at her, offering Nunnally her hand. "It's an honor to meet you, princess. Is there anything you need before we start?"

"No."

"Then we'll just move the chair." Milly waved her hand, one of the stage hands moving the extra chair. Milly gave the man a thankful smile before looking back at Nunnally. "We want to show a strong princess, no matter how you look to the public. The people can see that you are in a wheelchair but it doesn't have to make you any different. Knowing the usual trend of the emperor's arguments, he won't hesitate to use that against you."

Nunnally sat back, shaking her head. She had never thought about the arguments that her father could make. The longer she stayed in Pendragon, the more she came to dislike her father. She looked back up at Milly, grasping the hand that was offered her again and shaking it. "And what do you think about it?"

"That it's a way for you to get around and nothing more. Nothing that everyone else thinks it says anyway." Milly smiled and sat back. "Which is why this will be all about you. You're already somewhat of a darling to the people and I intend to make you more of one. We haven't had a princess willing to speak to the people since Euphemia, so it's still something of a novelty. Besides, both you and Princess Euphemia working together will inspire the people, because you care about them."

"I'm sure that my other siblings do to."

"They do, but they prefer not to anger the emperor, especially when they feel that their positions are tenuous. The emperor has a lot of power."

"He does, but that hasn't stopped us."

"And that's why the people like you, you're very honest. Just keep this honestly all through the interview. I have a few premade questions but the rest I just may go off of what you say. I won't be formal, so you don't have to be either."

"I don't want to have to be." Formality was strange to her, something that she couldn't quite understand in full with all of the rules. She preferred to stick to what she knew so she wouldn't be trapped by what she said.

Nunnally took a deep breath, looking at Euphemia as she moved behind the cameras, giving Nunnally a thumbs up. Nunnally nodded and turned her attention to Milly, watching the countdown from the corner of her eye.

"Welcome everyone! We're interrupting your early morning lull to bring you our exciting new interview wit Princess Nunnally. And, before you can turn this program off, it is true. Confirmation of her royal bloodline has been tested and retested along with that of her brother in the Games. We have royalty in our presence folks, so please join me in welcoming Princess Nunnally."

Milly turned, sweeping a hand toward her. Nunnally gave the camera a small wave, accompanying it with a smile. She heard Milly chuckle before she turned her full attention to the interview.

"Thank you for your time, your highness, you must be really busy yourself."

"Not as busy as I could be. I'm doing much of the thinking and making contacts. It's better than I thought, I'm actually getting sleep."

Milly laughed, leaning closer. "Well, I expect that I can't ask too much about what you are planning."

"As of now, I just want to end the Games. They're an unfair punishment for all of us. The rebellions are over and none of us has brought up the subject until now. And even that is more of a request than a demand. Isn't that enough for the emperor to listen to this request? I know that I want to stress that I want this to be non-violent. We don't have to use violence not unless I know that there is no other way."

"So what are you going to do?"

"In ending the Games I want to create a kinder and gentler world. We're all Britannian, why should we keep trying to kill each other instead of working together? That's all I really want to try and create, a Britannia that doesn't need the Hunger Games."

"As you've said. But exactly how will you create that?"

Nunnally blushed. "Well, I'd like the change to come from the people. Royalty may suggest it and be able to do some things, but I want most of the push to come from the people themselves. They have just as much of a right to speak as the royalty does, and they haven't gotten a chance to speak in a long while."

"Did your days in Area 11 prompt this?"

"Yes. I wasn't a princess there. I knew that I was, but it wasn't anything that I could use, so I was just another person. I had to watch everything so I know what it feels like to be powerless. I know what it feels like to struggle and know that what you have is the best that you could ever get. And I know that it can get better. My brother, my mother and I had to work everyday to survive and it wasn't until this year that we had any extra money, just enough so that we could buy things when supplies were low. Until now, I never thought that I could do anything because I had never thought that I could make a difference. I guess when Lelouch volunteered for me I just snapped."

"That's when you finally came to the capital?"

"Yes." Nunnally looked down. "I admit that I was selfish and a coward, because I had only thought about saving my brother. It wasn't until I got here that I decided that I should actually act the part of a princess and help the people instead of myself. And, for that, I apologize."

She bowed at the waist, holding the position for a moment before sitting up. It wasn't a move that anyone expected, not even Euphemia. Nunnally knew that she was a princess, but there were times that she felt that sticking to the proper way to act would get her nowhere. The people would probably think that it was a ploy for their sympathy, but Nunnally was ready to prove them wrong.

Milly cleared her throat and shuffled through her papers before setting them aside. She gave Nunnally a grin. "Well, that sounds like a solid plan. But that leaves us knowing all about what you want to do but nothing about you. Prince Clovis blocked all of our attempts to find out about Prince Lelouch and Suzaku. So, tell us about your childhood."

"That's nothing different from any other story that has been told during the Hunger Games. The Areas have been getting better; they're not so impoverished anymore. But that doesn't say much. So my life was working hard and doing the best I could to help, which wasn't much, but it was something to help out." Nunnally looked at her hands, rubbing the calluses on them. "I don't have the hands of a princess anymore. Despite my brother trying his best to protect me and live a life of ease, I couldn't just let him and my mother work and do noting. Not even when Suzaku came to live with us."

"So, nothing special? Sounds pretty special to me." Milly chuckled. "Any story from the Areas is special because you made it so."

Nunnally nodded, surprised when Milly leaned forward. "So, are they're any secrets you can tell us about your brother? Just between us girls?"

Nunnally stared at her before relenting. "Well, I'm surprised that he's managed to get his far, not because he's weak, but just because he's so neat. I expected to see Lelouch trying to keep everything clean."

"I wouldn't have minded." Milly winked at her. "Area 11 sent two pretty boys to the Games."

"I-I wouldn't know."

"Really? Not even Suzaku?"

"No! Suzaku is like a brother to me." Nunnally pressed a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh. "The two of them were always trying to keep me safe. 'Nunnally, don't do that.' 'Nunnally, I've got this, don't worry.' 'Need me to do anything, Nunnally?'"

"Sounds like they were overbearing. It makes me glad that I'm an only child."

"Oh, I wouldn't have traded them for the world. Those were some of the best years of my life." Nunnally swallowed and looked away. "And, honestly, I would do anything to get them out alive and I'm sure that the families of the other tributes could say the same. I don't hate any of the other tributes, because they have someone at home who wants them back as much as I want Suzaku and Lelouch to live."

"But Lelouch is a prince. The rules of the Games allow him to get out."

"He won't leave Suzaku or the tributes that he's gathered. Lelouch had his pride and he feels some way about the Games as I do."

"You're not worried that Suzaku has disappeared?"

"I would be lying if I said no, but I trust the two of them to get out alive." Nunnally swallowed. "They'll do their best, which is why I'm rooting for both of them."

"Both?"

Nunnally looked up at Euphemia, eventually deciding that she could let some information slip. As long as she refrained from speaking about the possible coup or promise support that she didn't have she would be fine. Schneizel had left everything about the interview up to her and Milly had obviously put her questions aside, obviously a signal for Nunnally to speak freely. She smiled, shaking her head before meeting Milly's gaze. "I'm hoping that the people will come to their senses and call for a stop to the Games. If not, then I might have to pull royal privilege, but I don't want to. I don't want to behave like my father."

Milly looked at her in shock, staring for a moment before recovering. She straightened her skirt, clearing her throat before finally speaking. "I think that's a noble sentiment. Continue to keep up the good work, Princess Nunnally. Your have the support of the people behind you."

"Thank you." Milly reached for Nunnally's hand, shaking it when it was offered. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I like to keep up with what my brother is doing."

"I'm sure that Prince Lelouch appreciates that you are cheering him on." Milly sat back, Nunnally closing her hand over the scrap of paper that had been passed to her. Milly had moved on from there, turning to the camera and speaking. "You heard it here first folks. Princess Nunnally is out to change the world for the better, so send in your support to her and the two brave boys from Area 11. There's no doubt that they'll need it."

Nunnally joined in waving at the camera, waiting until it had shut off to look at Milly. The reporter was already gathering her stuff, pausing to look back at her. "That's my cell number if you need it. Call me for another interview or an in with the Ashford family. You can even call if Schneizel starts trying to pull the plan away from you. I know that he's your half brother, but he may try to grab power from this. Don't let yourself be pushed out because of him."

"I'm holding Schneizel to his word." She didn't need to add the 'for now,' but she did pocket the number, watching Milly nod her approval. Milly seemed like a person that she could trust and, if not, Milly was in a position that Nunnally could use.

She tired not to wince at the thought. She wanted to keep herself from settling into the mindset that her other siblings had. Nunnally was alright with entertaining the royal mindset, but not with allowing herself to use it. She wanted to appeal to the people, which was the one thing in her favor.

Nunnally wheeled herself over to where Euphemia was waiting. Euphemia exchanged a nervous glance with her. "I've been watching for you. Nothing has happened, but Luciano is on the move and Monica and Dorothea are back with him."

She shivered, not looking up at the screen. Then two female tributes had been sent after Suzaku with the assumption that they would return when he was dead, but there had been no cannon, no sign that Suzaku was dead, he had just disappeared. Nunnally slumped. "Luciano could have called them back."

"Which is bad news for Lelouch."

"But is gives Suzaku a break." He would need the break. The cameras hadn't been able to follow the entire chase, but Suzaku was probably exhausted from his run or bleeding slowly to death somewhere. Nunnally preferred to believe in the former. She cleared her throat. "Lelouch is more alert now; he'll be ready for whatever comes."

"I hope so." Euphemia wrung her hands, Nunnally reaching up to steady them. Euphemia smiled thankfully at her. "What do you want to do next?"

"Today I want to be visible to the people, to spend the day out and talking to them. I won't protest a guard, but I don't want it to be too obvious."

"I think that we could manage that. We'll have to go back to the palace to retrieve the guard and to have someone reporting what is going in the Games."

Nunnally nodded, giving the television a last glance before heading for the exit. She had confidence that her brother would survive what was going on. And, as much as the loss of Suzaku would hinder him, Lelouch would be that much more alert for it. Nunnally just hoped that Suzaku would turn up soon, she worried that he had disappeared completely from the Games. He had to still be alive, she didn't know what she would do if he was dead.

Lelouch pushed through a difficult patch of grass, holding it aside as the others passed through. Shirley was the last one, keeping a hand on Mariel's shoulder. The other tribute had come back, although it had been later at night, almost enough to cause Lelouch to worry. Then again, he had been listening intently for the sound of the cannon or Suzaku returning. Lelouch remembered starting and sitting up like he was about to stand as Mariel had climbed back into their hide out. He had even called out to her with Suzaku's name. He was sure that she had shot him a disgusted look, but it had been too dark to see. Mariel had been giving him the cold shoulder for the entire morning, looking like she was about to run away. It was under that assumption that he had asked Shirley to watch her.

He sighed and let the grass go, watching a few dry stands move back into place. Lelouch patted at them before walking after his alliance. That was the only good thing about the situation at the moment, their cover was coming back. Of course it would take much longer for it all to come back, but they needed the cover now. They were at their most vulnerable, their numbers were low and they were missing Suzaku. The latter shouldn't have mattered as much as it did, but it had killed the morale. Lelouch had thought that they had trusted him to lead, but the truth was that they only trusted him as long as Suzaku was there as well. He supposed that he should have been angrier than he was, but Lelouch just felt tired. He felt too exhausted to really feel anything. In retrospect, Lelouch realized that he had done noting to inspire trust. Suzaku had been the one to lead the attacks and stay calm. The environment of the Games was overwhelmingly in Suzaku's favor and not his own.

He sighed, reaching out to touch the grass as he walked through it. There was little use for him to be completely melancholy. They had found food earlier that morning, a rabbit that hadn't quite escaped the flood along with a few fish. They hadn't quite been rotten enough to be bad, but even cooking the food hadn't gotten rid of the taste. It had fed them and would tide them over until they got back to a stream, then they could fish while the girls made a run for the weapons that were still in the Cornucopia. If they were going after Suzaku they would need to arm themselves with something other than knives. Then again, sending Shirley alone with Mariel was probably a bad idea, Lelouch could no longer trust Mariel not to just turn on all of them. So that left the three of them moving together.

Lelouch looked up at the sky. He didn't know how to tell time by the sun, but he knew enough to be sure that it was past noon. Luciano hadn't appeared which probably meant that Suzaku was still alive. Lelouch wasn't sure if he wanted Luciano to appear. If the other tributes did, then it would give Suzaku a much needed break. He rubbed his forehead, wanting nothing more than to have more information about his opponents so he could predict what their movements would be.

He looked up as Rolo touched his shoulder, the boy jerking his hand away quickly. "We are close to a stream now, your highness."

"Drop the title. We don't have the time for it." Lelouch rolled his eyes. They didn't have time for any nonsense that the others thought was needed for his station. He looked off to his right. "That way?"

Rolo nodded. "Yes."

Lelouch glanced up at Shirley and Mariel, biting his lip. He had to come to a decision soon. He waited for Shirley to turn her head, using that time to continue to debate over what he wanted his alliance to do. She finally looked back at her, letting her had fall from Mariel's shoulder.

"Are you holding a conference?"

"Rolo found a stream." Lelouch raised his hand to shield his eyes. "We're close to the first hill and the Cornucopia. If you two keep going you should be able to get there before evening."

"So we'll keep going." Shirley patted Mariel's shoulder. "We'll scout the area and set up a camp."

Lelouch swallowed, quickly coming to a decision. He was going to look for Suzaku; it wouldn't be fair to leave his friend on his own. The move wouldn't be popular, but the alliance would have to follow if they wanted to stay together. "Don't make it permanent, we move back into the arena tomorrow."

Mariel narrowed her eyes and Rolo tensed, Shirley the only one to nod and smile. "Good, we're going after Suzaku."

"We are."

"Then we'll see you later." Shirley gave them a wave before leading Mariel away. She turned around to give them parting words. "See you tonight boys!"

Lelouch rolled his eyes but waved back, turning to Rolo as soon as Shirley was a good distance away. Rolo shifted nervously before taking the lead. They plowed through the grass, Rolo keeping his shoulders pulled forward. Lelouch watched him for a long moment before sighing, the sound seeming to be the trigger for Rolo to speak.

"Why are we going after him? Is it because he's your friend?"

"Yes. I owe it to him."

"Only him?"

Lelouch stared at Rolo. "I'd do it for all of you. We're an alliance."

"You didn't go after Sophie, but I guess that you didn't have time to." Rolo glanced back at Lelouch. "But you would have gone after her."

"Yes." He didn't have to think about the lie, anything to keep Rolo on his side. Then again, it wasn't too much of a lie; he would have done after Shirley and Rolo. He didn't care enough for Mariel and Sophie to try and save them, Mariel had only been useful for her technological skills. Even now he wasn't sure that he should keep her around. If anything, she was too much of a risk. Lelouch reached out to touch Rolo's shoulder, pushing the thoughts out of his mind. "Don't worry about me, Rolo. We're a team and we'll stay that way."

That was enough to get Rolo to smile, and it was probably enough for Shirley if he had to reassure her. Lelouch wasn't sure if he felt bad that he was lying to them or because he was generally fond of them and lying. Lelouch supposed that it was like lying to Suzaku, necessary but unsettling. And he would have to keep doing it through the Games to keep them all alive. Eventually he would be found out, Suzaku had figured out how to tell when he was lying quickly enough. But that was something that Lelouch would figure out how to handle later. As long as Rolo and Shirley were ignorant, he was safe.

"Rolo-"

"I'm loyal, your highness.' Rolo ducked his head, refusing to meet Lelouch's gaze. "What you said about my brother was right, he's just messing with the government but nothing will ever happen. It's not like we have it bad in Area 3, Princess Euphemia is very kind to us, but everyone knows that it can be better. The princess is trying her best, but she doesn't have the power to help everyone. When we get out of here you will, and you won't forget about us. I know it."

Lelouch wasn't quite sure what to say to Rolo. His plan was to leave Britannia until the opportune time arouse. Trying to gain control straight from the Games would be a terrible mistake. The way Rolo spoke about it made it sound like they intended to take control right from the end of the Games. It would take some convincing, but Lelouch was sure that Rolo would come with him no matter what.

He tipped his head back. "It will take some time to organize…but I won't forget. I came from an Area too; I'm more Eleven than prince."

"It won't take much to change that."

Lelouch shook his head. "You might be right about that."

Rolo turned around to smile at him before turning back to look at the stream that they were approaching. Lelouch watched Rolo move down to the bank, Rolo just splashing right into the water. Lelouch took his own time, stepping carefully into the water, watching as Rolo waded out into the middle of the stream. "What are you doing?"

"Something Suzaku taught me." Rolo spoke without looking up from the stream. "It's how he caught fish, so I finally asked him the trick of it. To be honest, I still don't get it completely, but I can catch a few fish."

"That's better than me. I'm useless without a line and bait. And I didn't even know that Suzaku could do this." Then again, it was something that was right up Suzaku's alley. Suzaku had enjoyed the outdoors more than anyone that Lelouch knew. He smiled wistfully to himself.

He took up the guard position, a strange place for him to be. For as long as he could remember Suzaku had been the one watching his back and vice versa. It was strange to be acting in the same position for someone else. Lelouch reached back for his knife, pulling his hand away at the last minute. He didn't want to scare Rolo into thinking they were in trouble during one of their rare moments of peace. Lelouch sighed and adjusted his position, contemplating getting out of the water. It would probably be better because he wouldn't scare the fish that Rolo was trying to catch.

Lelouch stepped out of the water, waving Rolo away when he looked up. There was no reason for Rolo look up for every move that he made. Lelouch shook his feet to get rid of the excess water before looking around. A light breeze rustled the grass, relieving a bit of the heat. The arena wasn't as hot as he had thought, but any breeze was welcome, especially when the grass wasn't around to block the sun.

The grass rustled again, Lelouch turning just as Rolo flinched and slapped his neck. In response to the raised eyebrow that Lelouch gave him, Rolo chuckled and rubbed his neck. "Bugs. They're probably out because of the flood. But that means that we'll have more water available while on the move."

"And we'll have a clear view of whatever comes our way. That's better than stumbling around blindly. Then again, hiding will be a problem. It's a fair enough trade." Lelouch drummed his fingers against his arm, scanning the open ground before looking back at Rolo. "We can always sleep in tress on the hills or find somewhere else like…Rolo?"

The young boy was clutching his chest, looking pale. Lelouch splashed into the stream, grabbing onto Rolo's arm and pulling him out of the water. Rolo immediately leaned against him, coughing weakly. Lelouch swallowed and looked around while rubbing Rolo's back. Rolo hadn't seemed to have any problems before, so there was no reason for him to be struggling now. Lelouch paused with his hand on Rolo's neck, about to ask him a question when his fingers brushed against something embedded in Rolo's neck. Lelouch frowned and pulled at it, surprised when the object came out.

He stared at the object, turning it in his fingers. What they had thought was a bug was actually a dart. Lelouch kept his fingers away from the end, not wanting to touch the tip in case there was poison. Lelouch hissed and dropped the dart, leaning partially over Rolo. Whoever had fired the dart had to be waiting, probably to see the effect on Rolo. Lelouch didn't want to stay too long and find out. He tapped Rolo's shoulder. "Can you walk?"

"I-I think I can." Rolo flinched and stumbled onto his feet, having to lean heavily on Lelouch. He coughed again, still not letting go of the cloth over his heart. "Can't run though. My heart…"

Lelouch patted Rolo's shoulder as a response, glancing back in the direction of the first hill before nudging Rolo in the right direction. They set out as a slow pace, Lelouch grunting as Rolo used him as a crutch. There was a danger that they were leading the person after them to the girls, but Lelouch was willing to take that chance. Rolo needed what help he could get and Lelouch didn't want to leave Rolo on his own; anything could happen to the boy.

He tightened his grip on Rolo's shoulder, letting go when Rolo gave a pained whimper. He couldn't lose Rolo, not when they were close to escaping. All they had to do was find Suzaku and run. And, if he couldn't protect Rolo, then how could he protect Nunnally? His sister's safety was something that he had never allowed Suzaku to take care of. Lelouch had always kept her close, but doing that would put her in danger as well, just as it had put Rolo in this position.

Lelouch patted Rolo's shoulder, not sure who the reassurance was for. "Don't worry."

"'M not." Rolo managed a weak smile. "We have our mentors working for us right now. And you're popular, that should get us something. Don't worry about me."

Lelouch sighed but didn't reply. He did worry, about nearly everyone in their alliance. Despite his best effort, Lelouch had gotten attached. He gritted his teeth and tried to take more of Rolo's weight. He couldn't get Rolo to move faster, but he could try and help Rolo further. He kept his eyes firmly on the hill, stumbling through the grass.

"Don't worry…"

Lelouch went to correct Rolo when he heard the grass rustle despite the lack of a breeze. He turned, his eyes widening as he saw Luciano crouching in the grass. He had thought that Luciano had been further out and busy with survival. And, if Luciano was here, then where was Suzaku? Lelouch swallowed, watching as Luciano raised a blow pipe to his mouth.

He reacted, wrapping one arm around Rolo's waist and giving him a shove forward. "Run."

Rolo stumbled forward, Lelouch nearly falling with him. He grunted and took most of Rolo's weight again as they managed to get into a run. Lelouch glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of Luciano standing up to target them better. Lelouch bumped Rolo, the two of them falling to the ground to avoid the dart. He peeked up as Luciano began to curse, the tribute must have missed them. Lelouch took the chance to pull Rolo to his feet. He could see the other members of the alliance popping out of the grass. With the entire alliance together, they had to move faster and hope that none of the others tried to come after them too.

To his relief, Luciano bellowed orders for retreat, Lelouch listening to the grass rustle as they ran away. He didn't bother to look over his shoulder, his focus back on the hill. Mariel and Shirley would be there soon enough to help him take care of Rolo. The sponsors would send a gift down to them, Lelouch was sure of it.

"Hold on, we're nearly there. You're not going to die here. You'll get out and we'll change the world. We'll make Britannia better. No more Hunger Games, no more Areas. Just Britannia."

Rolo didn't answer, but he did pick up the pace. Lelouch smiled at his willingness. It would be fine and he would prove to the world that they would not be beaten by the Games.

They kept up the pace for a few moments more before Rolo collapsed completely. Lelouch dragged them both for another step before he fell as well. He groaned and rolled to his side, scrambling to his hands and knees when he saw that Rolo had his eyes closed. He reached out to shake the tribute. "Rolo? Rolo!"

"Hurts."

Lelouch jerked his hand back, watching as Rolo panted for breath. He looked away from Rolo to stare at the sky, looking for the familiar parachute or to hear the beeping from the gift as it homed in. There was no reason that Lelouch could think of that a gift wouldn't come. They were the favorites of the Games, the ones that the crowds didn't want to see die. Then again, it was Pendragon. Lelouch cursed, tipping his head back to look at the sky. "Come on!"

Nothing answered his shout. Lelouch turned away, pulling Rolo onto his lap. He would carry Rolo all the way back to the hill if he had to.

"Lelouch…"

Rolo rested a hand on Lelouch's arm, Lelouch shaking his head. "No. I'm going to get you to safety and you'll be fine."

"They'll come after you. Don't want that to happen."

"Don't be stupid. Getting caught would be just as bad.'

"Hide me…then I'll come when I feel better."

Lelouch stared at Rolo, disturbed by the smile that Rolo was giving him. "No! I'm not just going to…I've already lot Suzaku, I'm not losing anyone else!"

Rolo looked surprised, the expression wiped off his face as another coughing fit took him. He curled up on his himself, not responding when Lelouch reached for him. When Rolo could, he reached back to push Lelouch's hand off of him, not quite managing it. "Your highness-"

"Stop that!"

"No." Rolo shook his head. "You saved us all when we were just going to play the Game as it had always been played. But you can get us out, I believe it and Shirley does. For that you deserve to be called a prince."

"I'm not a prince. I was disinherited when I was four. I can't help you as much as you think I can. I'm just trying to stay alive!"

"Then keep us all alive, I know you can."

"Are you listening to me?"

Rolo shook his head, patting Lelouch's arm. "Do what you can. No one will blame you. Get out as many as you can."

"What makes you think I can do that?" Lelouch gestured with one hand. "I can't even pull you to a hill."

Rolo didn't seem to hear him, staring up at Lelouch with an unfocused gaze. "Thank you, your highness. Thank-"

Lelouch stared at Rolo, waiting to hear the last part of Rolo's sentence. It took him a moment to realize that the tribute was dead.

He stared at the body, not sure how to react, or if he believed it. It was too fast and Rolo looked like he could be sleeping. Surely he could just shake Rolo and the boy would wake up. It had to be that simple. Lelouch sat and stared at Rolo's body until the cannon fired and even then he just slid Rolo off his lap. There were other tributes that could have died, Luciano and the others could have found another tribute. It wasn't until Lelouch heard the helicopter that he got to his feet and walked away. There wasn't anything else he could do here.

Lelouch stumbled away from the body, walking unsteadily toward the hill as the helicopter roared overhead. He paused, turning to see two soldiers scramble out of the helicopter and pick up the body. He didn't turn away as one of the soldiers aimed a gun at him, Lelouch remaining mute as Rolo was bundled into the helicopter and the machine took off. He turned to watch the helicopter fly away, following a moment later as he headed toward the hill. He was still in shock over the fact that nothing had appeared to help him save Rolo.

With their popularity Lelouch had been sure that something would have appeared, but nothing had, which probably meant that there would be no effort to save any of them. Lelouch looked toward the interior of the arena. That realization just meant that Suzaku was doomed as well. His own life was essentially forfeit, so there was almost no point unless he could win the Games, which would mean that he would need to sacrifice Suzaku according to plan.

Lelouch flinched at the thought. That would mean he was just as bad as the other tributes. Lelouch shook his head and stared at the ground. It wouldn't matter, he wouldn't win, he wouldn't be allowed to win. He was an unwanted prince and the emperor had everything that he needed to kill Lelouch. The others around him would die just to bring him down. That was the truth of the Games; the only ones that would win were the few that the emperor chose.

He trudged up the hill, surprised to see that Shirley and Mariel were already there. He froze under their stares, suddenly wanting to turn around and walk away. It would be far easier to have them by walking away now and leaving the two of them, but that wouldn't be fair to them and Lelouch was sure that Shirley would follow him anyway. Lelouch sighed and shook his head, about to give an explanation when Shirley rushed up to him.

"Oh good." She pulled him into a hug, only to push him away a moment later and slap his arm. "We thought that it was you and you didn't come back immediately!"

"No, it wasn't me." Lelouch swallowed and looked away, wanting to push Shirley away from him. He didn't want her sympathy, not when he had gotten Rolo killed. The worse thing would be that she would forgive him because she would see that it wasn't his fault, and he didn't want to be forgiven. He had been on guard but had managed to miss the approach of six tributes. That was unforgiveable, no matter what Shirley thought.

"I can tell that." Shirley sighed. "So what was the helicopter for? One of the alliance?"

Lelouch noticed that she hesitated before mentioning the alliance, probably just stopping herself from mentioning Suzaku, something that he appreciated. He looked away and shook his head, tensing when Mariel spoke up.

"Where's Rolo?"

Lelouch didn't meet her gaze, flinching away from Shirley as she moved closer. "Lelouch, where's Rolo?"

"He's," Lelouch had to pause to swallow, "he's dead. The alliance got him, they poisoned him."

Mariel huffed. "And you just ran away."

"No, I stayed with him until the end. I tried to save him."

"How hard?"

"I did everything I could." Lelouch turned to face her, his patience finally snapping. He took a step forward, watching as Mariel retreated. "I nearly dragged him all the way back here. I waited for something to that I could use to help him because I had nothing to save him with. We've lost everything that we had. I haven't made any attempts to kill any of you because I care."

"But you're a prince. You could be out of here in a moment." Mariel waved one hand. "Why would you bother to keep us alive if not for a kind of shield? You already let Suzaku take the fall."

"That was his own decision."

"How can you be sure? He's your best friend and you didn't try to save him at all." Mariel threw her hands in the air and stomped off.

Lelouch watched her go, shaking. He didn't know whether it was from shock or from anger, he couldn't quite separate the emotions at the moment. He ducked his head and took a deep breath, clenching his hands into fists. Lelouch didn't even move when Shirley reached out to touch him.

"What happened?"

"Poison of some kind. It did something to his heart and I must have made it worse because we had to run to escape the alliance."

"Lelouch, it wasn't your fault."

Lelouch gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay in place. "It was, Shirley. And don't try to convince me otherwise."

"I won't then, but that doesn't mean that I don't trust you. I'm sure you tried your best."

Lelouch shook his head. Rolo had basically said the same thing. Repetition was not helping the matter. It was only reminding him of the plans that he had started out with, all of which had failed. It was like getting beaten, and no one but him could see that.

"Shirley, it would be better if we split up. You stay with Mariel."

"What will you do?"

"I'll find Suzaku." Lelouch didn't have a plan after that. He just wanted to find Suzaku and play through the rest of the Games without any responsibility. He would have to use his clout as a prince, but that would do nothing. He was trapped and he hated the feeling.

He went to walk away, surprised when Shirley wouldn't let him walk away. He went to pull her off of him, yelping when he was pulled close. "Listen to me, Lelouch. I'm not going to leave because I know that you're my best chance to survive. I don't care what you think about what my motivation is, even if it is because you think that I'm using you to win the Games. I will just tell you what I really think of you. I trust you to get us out of here, even if that means cheating. I trust you with my life, Lelouch."

Lelouch slumped and allowed her to pull him into something like a hug, not returning the sign of affection. "Shirley…"

"I'll follow, because it's not alright for you to have to fight on your own."

Lelouch glanced up at her. "Thanks."

Shirley returned with a smile, blushing and ducking her head. Lelouch felt her tighten her grip on him. For a single moment, he thought Shirley would kiss him, relieved when she pulled away. She had been the only one, other than Suzaku, who actively touched him, even when it had been revealed that he was a prince. Lelouch wasn't sure when Shirley had developed what looked to Lelouch like a crush on him, but he hadn't been paying much attention to her at all.

He jumped as Shirley gave him a shove, Lelouch stumbling to the side. Shirley nodded at him before gesturing to the side. He was about to tell her not to go after Mariel, that it wouldn't be worth their time, but he let her go. Rolo had been from Area 3 as well and, while they hadn't been close, they had worked together. Shirley was the kind of person who would mourn for anyone.

Lelouch sighed and went to lean against one of the trees, closing his eyes. They would drift apart from each other and Lelouch would call them together again. They would move out before nightfall and would keep moving as long as they could. They had already tried staying still, so movement would have to be their next strategy. In any case, moving would give them an advantage over Luciano and the others; it would be changing their pattern. Lelouch could only hope that it would be enough to throw off the alliance.

He muffled a groan against his arm, closing his eyes. What he wanted right now was Suzaku. He didn't even want Suzaku for any advice; he just wanted the comfort and something from home. Something familiar. He squeezed his eyes shut tightly, taking a deep breath. Wishing would get him nowhere, he knew that but that didn't stop him from wishing that something would change.

Nunnally lifted the curtain from the window, her eyes widening at the crowd of people there. She hadn't expected so many to show up, let alone for two groups to form from them. There were a few who had gathered to protest the Games, but their numbers had dwindled since Rolo's death, joining the larger group of people with candles who were standing vigil in remembrance of the tributes who had died in Lelouch's alliance. Usually the mourning was just confined to the Areas that the tributes inhabited unless they were a favorite, but the support from a small group of royalty and nobles encouraged the people to show their sorrow for the deaths in the Games. The people seemed to like the fact that Lelouch hadn't used his royal privilege to get out of the Games and that he was actually trying to save the tributes.

Nunnally shook her head and let the curtain drop, turning to look at Euphemia. "They're still out there."

"Still peaceful?"

"Yes." Nunnally sighed. "They're listening at least. Just be sure that the guards know not to hurt them. They're not going to be a threat."

"I'm ahead of you there. The guards out there are up to date on what is going on." Euphemia leaned on the wall, taking the chance to look out the window. "But at least we know that we have made an impact. Now we have people working together instead of betting on the Games."

"I'll speak with them tomorrow." Nunnally planned to speak to the people every day that she could to keep up morale and to prevent any violence from occurring. If she could do that, then they would be able to keep ahead of any argument that the emperor could come up with. The people wouldn't be punished for asking for a change. Nunnally smiled to herself. "I want to speak with them as many times as possible."

"That's a noble aim." Nunnally turned around, hearing Euphemia squeak in surprise. Cornelia laughed, dropping her perfect posture to walk over to Euphemia. Nunnally saw the smile on Cornelia's face as she reached out to pull Euphemia into a hug. "Did I scare you? I didn't mean to."

"Well, you did." Euphemia crossed her arms to her chest. "Don't do that."

"Sorry." Cornelia hugged Euphemia close before letting her go. Cornelia took a glance out the window, Nunnally seeing her eyes narrow at the crowd of people. "It doesn't seem like you've taken the right precautions."

"We don't want to send them away or discourage them."

"I was talking about the safety of the people themselves. You could do with a few more guard further out, in case father turns to the police force. I'll lend you the Glaston Knights for the job."

Euphemia gripped, wrapping her arms around Cornelia. "You're going to help us?"

"I never said that I was against what you were doing. I was just cautious about the initial plan. I had four of my own to worry about. Now, it seems like turning to you is the best way to save them."

"They've joined up with Luciano."

"Apparently that was the best path for them." Cornelia didn't look convinced herself, but she just shrugged. "They had to make some decision, no tributes were allowed to just remain on their own this year, Luciano bullied them into joining or just killed them right out. As a strategy, it's one of the better ones."

Nunnally shook her head. "I'm not going to accuse them of anything and I won't try and stop you from saving them just because they're helping Luciano."

"If anything, Luciano would be removed entirely." Cornelia huffed. "Those tribute schools just train assassins for Father and I would feel safer without them around."

"I…I would not be opposed to removing Luciano." Nunnally blushed. She had never been asked to consider any tribute that she would prefer died in the Games. But she had never given any thought to keeping Luciano alive. She had always hoped he would die before she managed to stop the Games. He was the only tribute she couldn't convince herself to let live but, then again, she was biased.

Cornelia turned away from the window and came to kneel beside Nunnally. "Are you sure of what you are doing? Not about the Games but with Schneizel. You could be playing with fire."

"I realize that, and I'm trying to keep an eye on him, but that's a big job."

"I don't doubt that he wants the Games to stop, especially after watching Kanon compete. I can only guess that it is worse because it is Lelouch this time." Cornelia paused to look at the door, like she expected Schneizel to appear at any minute. "But I doubt that he doesn't have any ambition whatsoever. He's more likely to put himself in the place of the emperor. I don't think he'd make a bad emperor, but he calculates differently than the rest of us."

Nunnally shifted nervously in her wheelchair, not willing to voice her own doubts. She sighed and shrugged. "He's set Odysseus up as the next emperor if we need to start a coup. I've spoke to Odysseus and he seems willing enough, but we can't announce that without making it look like we are taking over Britannia. If nothing else, it's the support of the crown prince."

"And a puppet emperor." Cornelia cursed and stood up. She stopped herself before she began pacing. "Unfortunately, we need him; no one else can manipulate the government the way we need to. We'll find a way to check Schneizel somehow, and that is something that will be more difficult to figure out."

"We'll have Lelouch at that point. He should be enough. I've heard stories from Mother."

"About how Lelouch would bother Schneizel?" Cornelia laughed. "I remember that. It was normal to see Lelouch trailing after Schneizel. If he hasn't changed then we'll have no problem keeping Schneizel under control. But it will be a struggle."

"When is anything easy?"

Cornelia gave her a weak smile, looking back at Euphemia. "I'll take the guards and any military maneuvers you need. It's the least I can do."

"Then we'll leave you to protecting the people and helping get the military on our side. But don't attack anyone. We're the good guys."

Cornelia saluted, the more startling Nunnally. . "That's the best thing that I've heard in a while. There's no point in killing our own people."

Nunnally reached out for her, grabbing Cornelia's hand. "I'm sorry about Alfred and Edgar, but I'll try to save the other two."

Cornelia was visibly shocked, but she did nothing more than nod. Nunnally watched her go, aware of the slump of her shoulders. Everyone was suffering from the Games, even the royalty that were supposed to be above it. Nunnally glanced over at Euphemia, watching her half sister rub her hands together. She tried her best to smile, but Euphemia just shook her head.

"Why can't everything just be simple, like it was when we were young?"

Nunnally smiled, sure that Euphemia was thinking of a far different past, not the one where they were all separated. Nunnally suspected that she wouldn't have minded growing up with Euphemia and Cornelia, but she wouldn't have traded her childhood with Lelouch and Suzaku for anything. It hadn't been the easiest, but it had been a happier time, long before any of them had to worry about the Hunger Games. Nunnally was sure that she would have given up anything to go back to that time, but there was nothing that she could do to go back. If she spent all her time thinking about the past, then Lelouch and Suzaku would die in the Games.

She chuckled and shook her head. "If only we could, then we wouldn't have to worry about things like this."

"And maybe Father would have been a bit happier." Euphemia shrugged at Nunnally's surprised glance. "I've heard that he was happier when Lady Marianne was around, but I don't know how lenient it would have made him in the end, but it would have changed him. He wouldn't have felt so betrayed. Maybe he would have been willing to stop the Games."

"We could never know."

"I guess we couldn't." Euphemia sighed and glanced back to the window. "But that won't stop us from moving forward."

Nunnally nodded. "If we don't move forward then what can we do? As much as I enjoyed my childhood, I can't go back."

"And I can't either. I don't want to go back to being ignorant. I had to go through that realization once and I don't want to do that again. You were lucky, Nunnally, you were never hidden from the world."

Nunnally stared at her half sister. She had never thought about the royal life that way, she had just always thought that the royal and nobles hid themselves from the truth with the full knowledge of what was going on. She had never considered that the young royals were kept from the truth. She sighed and looked back to the window. There was so much that they would have to change when the Games had stopped, just to try and get Britannia back to its old glory. Nunnally rubbed her forehead before dropping her hands to the wheels of her chair.

"Off to bed?" Euphemia glanced over at her as she moved toward the window. "I think I'll stay up for a bit longer."

Nunnally nodded and turned around. She would let Euphemia think on her own, they both had been doing that more often. Now, it wasn't so obvious that they would manage to save the tributes. Nunnally was optimistic that they would stop the Games, but it was getting harder to believe that there would be more than one tribute saved. They still had to smile and carry on like nothing was wrong, and that was getting harder for Nunnally the longer she had to watch her brother suffer. But, if he could push through the Games, then she could continue to fight for them."

"Milly Ashford here, giving you the final report for day six of the Hunger Games, and we've got a few good hiders. We've only gotten glimpses of Kento Sugiyama from Area 9 over the past six days and nothing we've done has been able to spook him out of hiding for long. That leaves the alliances for the rest of us, and they're giving quite the show.

"After a slow start, Luciano is in full force. So far, Luciano has managed to hack Lelouch's alliance down to three members, first Sophie and Suzaku and then with Rolo Haliburton today from Area 3.

"Now, I have to apologize on behalf of the Hunger Games staff for a failure in the Games. We've lost Suzaku Kururugi. The tracking device was damaged and we can't find him. Officials are trying to get it back on line remote and will begin to search the arena for him tomorrow. The last I heard, they are giving Suzaku two days to appear before they declare him dead, although there is no talking of removing him from the Games if he is found. We'll be in for a surprise then folks, perhaps the best surprise of the Games. I can almost guarantee that."

Milly glanced over at Rivalz, holding her smile until he nodded. Milly reached over to over to turn the slideshow off, not wanting to look at Rolo Haliburton's face. The reports had come in that they boy had died because his head had stopped under the influence of a poison. It had been hard enough watching the boy die and realizing that nothing would come to help them. She had been sure that the mentor of Area 11 would have helped, but he had been blocked somehow. Milly was sure that those working on the Games and Schneizel would work to make sure nothing like it happened again. The Games were rigged and everyone knew it, but they couldn't be shown that way because the people would protest. They liked to try and believe that the Games were still fair. But the emperor was playing easily into the part of the tyrant, which was all the better for their cause.

She tuned out the wrap up of the day, staring at the desk as she calmed herself. Rolo's death had been heartbreaking and avoidable, which would help him attract some sort of fame. His death had touching, although Milly was sure that it had helped Lelouch's cause more that the emperor's. At least that was something, although Milly hated to think of Rolo as a means to an end. He was still a person, all of the tributes were, and that was her problem. Milly didn't think that Caesar Flickerman hadn't bothered to think of the tributes as more than entertainment. If she didn't learn the trick soon then she would have to quit her job, baring the fact that she hoped that the Games would be over by then.

She looked back up as Rivalz slid a drink onto the desk. He didn't speak, but just leaned on the desk, offering his silent support for her. Milly gave him a thankful smile, picking up the cup and taking a drink. Rivalz returned the smile and looked back into the studio. From the way that he clutched at his arm, Milly could tell that he was distressed and the fact that he had come to her made her smile. She wasn't alone and that was enough for her.