A/N: This one is dedicated to all my reviewers. Thanks so much everyone.

note: Sorry for the long delay. I re-read the chapter and figured I could post it now since it didn't reveal anything that could spoil one of my other stories. (They tie together so that's why I had to be sure.) Anyway, enjoy it. This will be the last one for a month or two.

Disclaimer: Too tired to write one right this second.

Chapter 14

Stairway to Absolute Madness

At the Red Tycoon

Rei P.O.V.

"So far so good, so far so good, just keep walking and dunking every once in a while. He won't see you if you just keep cool."

Those thoughts were on repeat in my mind. The last thing I wanted was for Suzaku to notice me. Surely he wanted to talk to me. He was here, sitting at a table and waiting to be served.

Unfortunately, his server refuses to go over to his table.

"Order for table fifteen!" I shouted to the cooks while giving them a piece of paper with the customer's orders. "Is order seven ready?"

"Coming at ya now Rei!" one cook, better known as Rodger, shouted passing me a plate with a steak on it. I nodded my thanks and headed back out into the lion's den.

Things went on like that for another hour. I was sure Suzaku would leave, but that was not the case. His stubbornness and persistence kept him rooted where he was and if I didn't go over there soon, Mr. C would notice and chastise me over it. Still, that'll probably be better than getting arrested in front of all these people.

"But what if he doesn't want to arrest you?" my conscious asked. "What if he just wants to talk?"

Somehow I highly doubted that was possible. When he'd called me last week, he'd been accusatory. He wanted to know if I remembered what happened on Kaname island. I lied, stating that I didn't know, and him, being the idiot he could be sometimes, accused me of lying!

Well, I was lying but…that's not the point. The point is that he asked to confirm something. The fact that he's here now means that I'm in serious trouble.

Therefore, my only option is to find a way out. Then again, if I just walk out of here I'll have to find another job. If I don't get my butt over to Suzaku's table I'll lose my job. If I go over there I'll be arrested on the spot and in turn, lose my job.

So, this leaves me with absolutely no options that will put me in a good situation.

"Waitress!" Suzaku called suddenly. I mentally cursed my bad luck. He'd spotted me and if I walk away now, my job will be at stake. Still, a job compared to freedom isn't much of a choice. The obvious choice would be to put myself first.

That is, it's the obvious and logical choice. And by now my choices have long since passed the point of being logical.

So, like an idiot, I walked over to his table and got my notepad ready.

"May I take your order?" I asked pleasantly, being sure not to look at him as I reached into my pants pocket.

"Yes," he replied. "I'll have the grilled chicken fettuccine and an iced tea please."

Okay, hadn't expected that.

"Did you get that?"

"Oh, yes," I answered, quickly writing it down before turning away. "It'll be ready soon."

"Thank you."

Presently, I'm not sure of what just happened. Well, I'm not going to complain about it either. Suzaku regarded me as a simple waitress and not as Rei Hino. That in itself relieved me, though I also realized that I'd have to face Suzaku again soon.

"Dang it," I thought, getting a glass and pouring the iced tea in it after giving Suzaku's order to the Rodger. "This is not good."

Sweat was starting to bead off my forehead when I exited the kitchen. My heart was pounding in my chest and I felt as if I were going to pass out at any second. Also not a good situation to be in.

I reached Suzaku's table and carefully set the tea down. "Here is your iced tea sir. Your food should be…"

"Hold on," Suzaku interrupted. I paused mid-step, having already been heading back toward the kitchen.

"Yes? What is it?"

"Would you mind looking at me when you talk to me?" he asked. "It's a bit rude not to."

I involuntarily groaned and gave him a quick glare before taking off. He was not going to use my job as a means to get to me. I have pride and dignity. That won't be soiled by that stubborn knight. I simply won't have it.

My thoughts were temporarily adverted from Suzaku once I started serving other customers. However, in the back of my mind, I knew that he was watching me the entire time. He was just waiting for an opportunity to strike.

And that time was swiftly approaching.

"Order seventeen is ready!"

That was Suzaku's order and the sentence to my ill awaited fate.

"Thanks Rodger," I said, trying to be cheerful as I walked out of the kitchen again. The last thing I wanted was to bring this food to Suzaku, but what other choice did I have? He was a customer at my job. The hard fact is that I just can't ignore him.

Though it would have been nice if Tina or Fey had taken his order instead. Where are those two anyway?

Once at the table I looked at Suzaku before setting the plate down. "Here you go. Anything else you need?"

"Yes," Suzaku replied his emerald eyes twinkling with something I had never seen before. "I want to talk to you Rei."

"See, I told you!" my conscious exclaimed.

"You want to talk?" I asked, genuinely surprised. "About what?"

Suzaku's smirk faltered slightly. "You know very well what I want to talk about."

"Oh, that," I muttered. Clearly this guy wasn't going to take a hint and leave me be. "Fine. Go ahead and start."

"Nice try, but I'd rather talk in a place where there's less people."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes."

This sounded suspicious, but I decided that I'd take a chance on Suzaku. After all, we were friends once. I was the one who betrayed him, so I owed him a simple conversation.

"Very well," I agreed with a sigh. "Do you think you can wait until my shift ends?"

"I have food to eat to keep me busy for a little while," he replied. "Go on back to work."

I scoffed and turned away. "Don't tell me what to do Kururugi."

"Whatever you say your highness."

I wanted to slap him then, but decided against it. Slapping Suzaku would get me fired almost immediately. Still, referring to the fact that I was once the princess of Japan in a crowded place was like Lelouch taking off the Zero mask and shouting over an intercom who he is. Suzaku should know better than to broadcast information like that.

Whatever, at least this way I can find out what that guy is really after.

Meanwhile just outside the airport in Domino City

C.C. P.O.V.

"Will this vehicle do for you Miss Ivan?"

"Yes this will do just fine."

"Very well, thank you for the business."

"No problem. Thank you."

My fingers clasped around the lone key in my hand. The last time I found the need to drive a car was many years ago. I'm not entirely certain if I remember how to operate one. My initial plan was to catch a cab, but that plan became obsolete when I realized something fatal about this operation.

For one, I'm being followed.

For another, the people following me are V.V.'s subordinates. Escaping them won't be easy if they manage to catch up with me. Oh well, V.V. might be able to locate me, but he'll never be able to capture me. That fact is one I'm certain of.

After a moment's hesitation, I hoped into the front seat of the black convertible and pressed my foot to the break before turning my key in the ignition. The car started and I quickly switched gears. I was driving away from the airport seconds later.

"I don't know much about Mina Aino," I thought as I drove, "but if I can manage to escape V.V. and his men I should have enough time to locate her. After all, she has to be somewhere in this city."

The interstate wasn't very crowded. The time here in Domino was about four in morning whereas in Japan is was almost four in the afternoon. A twelve hour difference that would put an ordinary human off schedule. Of course for me that wasn't the case.

Even so, there still remained a very real danger for me. I may not have human limitations. I may not act like a human would in dire situations. But because of who's after me, I'm forced to accept the limitations I do have. One of them being my craving for pizza.

Those who are made immortal by the power of Geass, (with V.V. as the exception), end up obtaining an addiction of some sort. For D.D. it was E.E. For K3 it had been killing. E.E.'s addiction was her craving for grape soda.

And as for my addiction. Well, it should be obvious.

Likewise, the addiction can sometimes lead that immortal to trouble. In my case, it lead to me being captured by Clovis. Because of that, I suffered through all kinds of torture and humiliation. So, my sentiment now is to make sure I'm not captured again. After all, there's a lot more on the line this time around.

Although, if I do end up being captured…

"BOOM!"

"Dang it," I muttered aloud as I watched the glass of my windshield shatter. The rental dealer wasn't going to be happy about this by any means.

More shots fired, but luckily none hit the car or me as I swerved off the interstate. My foot slammed on the gas as I sped on through the highway. In my rearview mirror, I noted that three cars were following close behind. The only way to get away from them would be to divert them off my course somehow.

"I wish this kind of thing could have been avoided," I groaned while hastily reaching into my bag that was in the passenger seat. After hastily grabbing my silenced gun, I checked my rearview mirror again to see where they were. It seemed that they were starting to catch up to me.

My teeth clenched in aggravation, but I made no comment on it. Instead, I took a firm hold on the gun with my right hand. I positioned it so that it was aimed over my left shoulder. With little effort, I began to release my foot on the gas pedal and watched as the cars behind me drew closer. Just as one of them positioned himself to fire, I began shooting. My aiming was probably off, but I know that two of the cars leered off the road. Unfortunately though, my gun ran out of bullets shortly after I took care of them and one car remained. From what I could tell, four men clad in black suits were inside of the vehicle. It was probably V.V.'s personal forces.

Pressing the gas pedal to the floor, I stared firmly at the road ahead and prayed I'd be able to keep control over the car. My headlights were on, but the road seemed endless and black. If I didn't come up with a course of action soon, everything would fall apart. There'll be no one to guide Rei and the others. They'll be left to sort through all the twisted details of the origins of Geass and E.E. on their own.

Maybe…no that power is too dangerous. Using it again could disrupt the very flow of time. If that happens, everything will be thrown off balance and the world will be thrown into the clutches of chaos. In other words, E.E. will have all she needs to take over this universe.

Still, if I don't…if Rei isn't taught how to control the dark power that lives within her…the world will be resigned to the same fate.

Which means…yes it's the only way. The risk of endangering the planet is necessary. One way or another, E.E. has to be stopped.

My foot slammed on the breaks then. Once my car came to a halt, I slowly stepped out of the car. The other car was starting to slow, though I figured they would begin to shoot any second now.

"Use it now."

Centuries ago, I vowed that I would never use this power again. However…

I closed my eyes and waited as I summoned the power of my Code. Like Geass, the Code allowed me certain powers.

On the other hand, the power itself is far more difficult to control while it is being used. Even after all this time, I have not perfected it. The last time I used it, I nearly destroyed the entire planet.

I suppose it doesn't matter now. In the quest to fulfill my deepest wish, nothing is off limits. Especially not this.

After a quick moment I clasped my hands together as if I were about to pray. Then, I whispered out my request to the heavens in code.

"I now call upon the heavens to make a humble request. Please initiate Code Mars: sub code Rin Zen Kai!"

Power immediately escaped from the crane shaped scar on my forehead. I opened my eyes and watched as the red light ascended into the sky. Seconds later, the wind began to whip around and around like a tornado would until the wind turned into flames in the sky.

"Now, commence destruction."

The flames rapidly came crashing toward the ground in front of me. It struck the ground and then hurdled straight toward the car. The driver tried to drive away from it as the huge flames approached, but it had already been too late.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"MASTER V.V.!"

"SAVE US!"

I sighed sadly to myself. This is my burden. My just punishment for accepting Geass.

That's why I…

"NOOOOOOO!"

"THAT WITCH!"

The flames devoured the men and the car after only mere seconds. I turned away from the scene and got back into my car.

"You should thank me," I said quietly, turning the key in the ignition again before pulling off. "At least you have an escape from this wretched world."

"And someday soon, so shall I."

I heard the sound of their car blowing up behind me, but I didn't turn back. I simply pressed my foot on the gas and drove forward toward the rising sun.

Back in the Tokyo Settlement

4:51 p.m.

Rei P.O.V.

"Bad, bad, bad."

"So Rei, how have you been since that day on Kaname island?"

I groaned as I sat down in the booth. Suzaku had decided he wanted to take me to Pizza Hut. For what reason, I don't know, but it obviously can't be for the pizza alone. Of course it would have been enough to get C.C. here. I wonder what she's up to right now.

"Well?" Suzaku pressed, making me forget my wandering thoughts on C.C.'s antics.

"I told you Suzaku," I replied. "I have no idea of what you are talking about."

Suzaku frowned. "Listen, I'm not going to arrest you. I just want to talk. Please, just tell me how you're doing."

He had that sorrowful look in his emerald eyes and his lips were quivering playfully. I wanted to continue on with my charade, but he and I both knew I couldn't say no when he pouted like that. With a sigh I finally answered him.

"I've been better," I said. "A lot has happened recently." At least that much was true. I haven't ruled out my suspicions of him yet, so I don't plan on telling him any details.

Luckily for me though, he decided not to press me on that issue and instead went straight to the point. "I'm a knight of the round now."

That wasn't a surprise. "And?"

"And starting tomorrow, I will be in charge of Area 11 along with fellow knights of the round. I also plan to keep a close eye on Lelouch."

"What does that have to do with me?" I asked curiously.

Suzaku groaned in slight frustration. "It has everything to do with you. Do you not realize that I should be arresting you right now?"

"Well, then why aren't you?"

He paused.

"What are you trying to do?"

"I'm trying to protect you from the wrath of Britannia," Suzaku stated finally. "My superiors want you executed if you regain your memories. Of course, I've known all along that you remember everything. Isn't that right."

I crossed my arms over my chest and nodded. "So tell me, why are you protecting me after everything I did to you. If memory serves me correctly, we're not exactly on the same side."

"You handed Zero over to me," Suzaku stated matter of factly. "You betrayed Lelouch."

That was all true, but it didn't mean that Suzaku and I were on good terms. Last time I checked, the man was furious with me over the lies I'd told. He called me a coward. He blamed me along with Lelouch for Euphemia's death.

Or did he?

"Suzaku, have you forgotten that I'm partially responsible for what happened to the Special Zone?" I questioned, my tone bitter. "Along with Zero, I caused you sorrow. You can't tell me that you've forgiven me for it and not Lelouch. That wouldn't make sense."

"You forget that I never really blamed you for it in the first place," Suzaku proclaimed.

"But…"

"One pepperoni and sausage pizza!"

I glanced at the waiter. "Thank you." He left and I took a slice off the round dish. Stuffing my mouth was really the only response I had to Suzaku's words. So, he can show me mercy and not Lelouch?

And what about me? Have I forgiven Lelouch? I can't say that I have and I can't say I haven't. Truth be told, those emotions are a bit complicated. Probably better not to think about them for the time being.

Suzaku reached for a slice and began eating as well. Silence stayed with us for a long while after that.

Three slices of pizza later, I finally decided break it. "I don't understand you Suzaku."

"Don't you?"

"Are you mocking me?" I asked him, my gaze narrowed at the pizza dish. There was one slice left. My hand reached for it and then…

I felt pressure on top of my own hand. It was light, almost as if…no way.

Upon glancing up, I found that Suzaku was staring directly into my eyes. His gaze was confused, maybe a bit embarrassed, but at the same time there seemed to be something else in them.

We both retracted our hands away from the dish.

"You take it." we both said at once. We both frowned and looked away from each other. I'm not sure if there was a blush on his face, but there was definitely one on mine. Darn it! This situation is really starting to annoy me. Still, I don't think leaving is an option I can take yet. There has to be more that Suzaku wanted to say to me. He wouldn't have gone through all the trouble to make me listen to him otherwise.

"Anyway," Suzaku began, though he staggered slightly, "Try not to draw attention to yourself at Ashford. There are people there that will be watching you. They'll be waiting to apprehend you if you do something stupid."

Why do I get the feeling that Suzaku just insulted my intelligence?

"I know you don't understand why I'm telling you this," Suzaku continued. "Truth be told, I don't know why I'm telling you either. I guess I just don't want to see you get hurt after what happened on that island. You nearly died trying to protect me and Lelouch."

I sighed. "Suzaku, you don't have to repay me for saving you. My sworn duty is to protect the planet and the people in it. That includes my friends."

"Do you still consider me a friend?" he asked, his voice taking on a slightly bitter tone. At this I scoffed and he looked at me as if I'd gone crazy.

"What kind of question is that?"

He seemed puzzled, but said nothing.

"Listen Suzaku, what happened before is behind us now," I explained. "I have no reason to hold a grudge against you. Never had one against you anyway, so…lets just start over."

"Well…it's not…"

"I understand that you don't trust me," I cut in. "But please…let's at least try to be friends again…somehow."

He smiled. "The way you were avoiding me earlier it seemed like you didn't want anything to do with me."

"That's because I didn't want to get arrested."

He chuckled a little bit and then got up from his side of the booth. "As long as you don't do anything crazy you'll be fine. Keep an eye on Lelouch and let me know if anything changes with his condition."

Huh? He's asking what of me? Oh no, I didn't sign up to be his spy. Is that why he's letting me go so that I can keep tabs on Lelouch for him? Yes, that has to be the reason.

Still, that shouldn't be a problem for me. After all, I don't really have a reason to be loyal to Lelouch anymore. Then again…

(Flashbacks)

"You make it hard not to care."

"Don't you know that I'll always forgive you?"

"Maybe you should just follow your heart?"

(End Flashback)

Those words…I wonder what following my heart would do this time. Would I cause problems for everyone again?

Should I try going back to Juban despite the fact that it's a ghetto? Maybe escape to the Chinese Federation? After all, there might be clues on how to find my brother down there.

And if I found my brother: what would I do then? Would I stay in Area 11? Return home? What home could I possibly go to? Where do I belong in this world?

It certainly isn't here amidst the tyranny and war.

"You'll do that for me, won't you Rei?" Suzaku asked.

"At this point, I suppose I have no choice," I thought. "Yes, it's the least I can do for you for letting me go."

Suzaku smirked and put on his sunglasses though the sun was beginning to set outside. "Very well. I'll keep in touch."

He departed soon after he spoke those words, leaving me with a mountain of new worries. He knows that he's got me trapped. The whole act about how he still wanted us to be friends was just a means to lure me into his trap. I was a fool to fall for it.

And yet…I know there had to be some sincerity in his words. I'd seen it in his eyes. He really did care about me.

Likewise, he wanted to use me too. He knew that if Lelouch returned to normal, I would be the first to know. Suzaku believes that I'll tell him if such a thing happens.

I sighed and leaned my weight into the booth behind me. "How in the world did I get myself into all this mess?"

"Shouldn't that be obvious?" my conscious asked.

"Shut up!"

A/N: And that's the end of this one. Kind of short, but oh well. Hope you guys enjoyed it.