A/N: Finally! I can write again! I've missed this so much and I'm so inspired! So let's not waste time with an author's note. Let's just get to the good stuff.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, Sailor Moon, or Code Geass. This is just an elaborate fanfiction that I write for the enjoyment of myself and hopefully others.

Special thanks to my reviewers and to those who have continued to support this story and my other works despite my horrible update schedule. You guys keep me inspired. Thank you.

Chapter 21

The Christmas Snowball Part 3

Accross the Tokyo Settlement in underground tunnels

7:12 p.m.

Loud chatter echoed through the deep tunnels underneath the settlement as knightmare frames and a few metal tanks were transported to the planned points around the government bureau. Though the security is low around the bureau at this time, the current commander thought it best to initiate a surprise attack.

The Black Knights were about to reveal themselves to the public again in a big way. However, none of them had consented to it. They wouldn't have dared an attack on the bureau without their leader Zero commanding it, but thanks to a little brainwashing, not one of them were given a choice in the matter. The basic rules were line up, shut up and do what your told, or die. It was plain and simple, especially with the brainwashing in place.

Included in the brainwashing was none other than the current leader of the operation, a woman by the name of Cecelia May Ashford.

But at this moment, she believes that she is E.E., the manic woman who hates all humans and in particular the Sailor Scouts. With the countless bodies lying in the wake of her serial killings recently, Cecelia certainly fit the bill of a manic woman...brainwashing or no brainwashing.

And due to the microchip installed in her brain and the Geass E.E. set in place to control her with, Cecelia was a lethal killing machine. As it stands, she can only function enough to stand atop the shoulder of her knigthmare as the Deputy Commander, Ohgi Kaname, and Leader of the Four Holy Swords, Kyoshiro Tohdoh, pulled her knightmare along on cables with their own frames.

Her fingers shook as she waited in tense silence. Her body was itching to kill, to see and taste blood. She could feel her control slipping, not that she'd had any control to begin with. A puppet master was pulling at the strings, forcing her to wait until the Black Knights began their assault on the bureau. Once the operation began, she would kill whatever she could get her hands on.

Even if it meant taking out some of the Black Knights. After all, Cecelia held no care for them and neither did E.E. What's the harm in killing one or two of them off? After that she can go through the military, slicing them up to bits before moving on to the civilians. It'll be a glorious amount of fun.

"Yes," she whispered, her body still trembling as unhinged chuckles slipped from her lips. "It'll be so much fun. I can hardly stand the wait." Her sapphire eyes glazed over and she stopped laughing. The blue orbs lifted toward the ceiling of the tunnel, but they were vacant of understanding...of anything at all.

Chatter from the Black Knights continued to echo through the cave, but Cecelia was silent. Her body ceased to shake.

"Mi...na..."

The name that fell from her lips was barely a whisper and after another brief moment of mental vacancy, the long-lost Ashford snapped out of it, the tremors in her body returning. She laughed again, louder this time, not comprehending the reason nor caring to know.

The only thing she desired now was to kill.

8:00 p.m.

Mina P.O.V.

Without a doubt I know it's been a while since I've felt true happiness. I feel like it's been ages since I felt content and whole. There are still problems I have to face and by no means are they small problems. Discovering that my mother was brainwashed into becoming a serial killer had been a terrible blow on my heart. Many of the things I learned about her were, almost to the point where I thought I hated her.

It was late September when Fernando gave me E.E.'s message. About ten minutes after waking from the virtual trap the Big Five had set, I found myself rushing home in the pouring rain. I remember standing outside of the complex and I remember standing outside the door to apartment. Back then it didn't register in my mind, but my hand was shaking slightly when I opened the door, expecting anything but what I saw.

Written on the back wall were these words in blood.

Your mother has paid the price for her disobedience and soon you will pay for her mistake too.

A rush of anguished emotions flooded through my system but then my mother came to me in a vision. She explained her past to me and helped me to understand it.

And after that...I put her out of my mind.

Other events came into play, the Special Zone Massacre that aired on T.V. two weeks after my mother's supposed death was one of them. And after that, my life became a routine of juggling jobs and school. There was no time to grieve. You could say that I never properly grieved my mother.

Does it really matter now though? She's alive, right? Sure she's brainwashed, but I can save her. I succeeded in convincing Milly to help me save my dad. Just because the paperwork hasn't been officially signed yet doesn't mean he isn't saved now. All it takes is a small little signature standing in the way and that'll be solved at the end of the ball.

I'm free from having to worry about my father now. My mother is alive. It'll be difficult to get her away from E.E.'s clutches, but I know I can save her. In my mind there is no fear of the future or grief in the past.

As Joey and I take our waltz to the center of the ballroom, the rest of the world fades away from me. The violinist play their song, accompanied by a pianist. The melody isn't familiar to me and I'm pretty sure it isn't a Christmas tune, but it fits this moment.

Dancing with him makes me happy. He's a little clumsy on the dance floor, but somehow we still glide across the ballroom. Somehow we still manage to grab everyone's attention as he guides me in each step.

"We've been in this dance for a while haven't we Joseph?"

Joey blinked in confusion. "Huh? We only started dancin' a minute ago."

Shaking my head I smiled up at him. "Sorry, I didn't mean that literally. I was just thinking out loud."

"How come?" he asked, a strange look coming over his eyes. "Something wrong?"

I shake my head again, choosing to focus more on the actual dance instead of answering his question. Truthfully there was something nagging at me. For one, I felt the need to apologize to Rei and the others, but at the same time I didn't want to speak to any of them. Serena had tried to talk to me earlier, but I turned away, dragging Joey along.

Another minute passes before I speak. "I was thinking about how you've guided me through the worst times of my life, kind of like how you're guiding me through this dance."

"Nah, you did that all on your own Mina," he replied, smiling down at me. "I just provided a little support that's all."

I shook my head, leaning into him as he continued to twirl me about. "No, you did so much more than that. You have no idea. I wouldn't have made it through all this without your help. You have my endless thanks Joseph Wheeler."

His arms tensed slightly. "Mina...I..."

And then his stomach growled.

"I'm hungry."

Shaking my head again in slight exasperation I pulled away from him. "I swear you're always hungry. Come on, let's go to the buffet table."

"Alright!" he exclaimed, gently grasping my wrist before pulling me off the dance floor. The song ended, replaced by a Christmas tune. As Joey and I walked, I let my eyes travel, landing on all the elaborate decorations that covered the place. There was so much joy in the air here, I could feel it deep in my heart, but at the same time I still felt that nagging emotion of guilt and something else that I really couldn't place.

"Wow, these look delicious," Joey stated, staring wide-eyed at all the different deserts that lined the table.

"Lita probably made them," I told him while pouring myself a drink. "She makes the best desserts."

Slowly he reaches for a chocolate cupcake covered in red cream cheese icing. Green tinsel like sprinkles covered the top of it, giving off the classic Christmas vibe. The cupcake wasn't the only thing giving off that vibe either. The entire ball was like that...

And yet, I didn't see the usual magic in Joey's eyes tonight. There was something off. In fact, I think something's been off for the last day or so, but he won't tell me.

Before I can ask Joey about it though, I notice Rei from the corner of my eye. She was headed right for us.

"Rei's coming," I whispered to him quickly just as he took a huge bite out of the cupcake.

"Good evening," Rei began, loud enough half the room to hear. Joey turned around first, still chewing on the cupcake. I took a little more time to turn around, faking a smile to keep things light when all I really wanted to do was choke her. I really am trying to get over the things she said, but it's not easy and honestly drugging her wasn't quite satisfying enough.

"Hey," I answered, setting the drink in my hand down on the empty round table next to me. "Having fun?"

"For the most part," Rei replied distractedly. "Can we talk Mina?"

"I don't think we have anything to talk about," I answered after a few seconds. "You've made your position clear..."

"No I haven't," Rei cut in softly, glancing at Joey. "I've had time to think about everything that's happened recently and..." she glanced at him again, clearly uncomfortable with breaching this subject in front of him. "Can we take this outside?"

Picking up my glass of punch, I sighed loudly. "Well, there goes my fun." Throwing my head back, I downed the rest of the punch and slammed the glass on the table for emphasis. "Fine. Let's talk Rei." Winking at Joey I added, "Wait here for me okay. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Joey nodded, an expression of worry clearly plastered on his face, but I didn't pay much attention to that. Seconds later I noted Serena racing over to him with Lelouch close behind her. The normally meatball headed girl practically dragged Joey over to the table while loudly exclaiming there was no way for her to eat all the food by herself. I figured Joey would be perk up a little now. Food was practically his drug.

Rei led me out of the ballroom through side doors that led into a long expansive hallway that connected the ballroom to the rest of the student council clubhouse as well as the area where Lelouch stayed. The hallway was dark, the only light shinning came from the stars through the windows. Rei stared at the sky for a long while once we were standing face to face. I ended up following her lead for the moment, taking in the beauty of the sky before impatience got the better of me.

"So what do you have to say to me Rei?"

"Mostly I just want to apologize for the things I said to you that night at Tokyo Tower," she stated, still staring at the sky.

I laughed at her. "You don't say?"

"I'm not trying to trick you or anything Mina," Rei continued, finally meeting my gaze. "It's just that this situation with your mother has gotten so out of hand. And...you probably don't know this, but throughout the week this school has been targeted. In fact, I believe that E.E. might be here somewhere."

My heart stopped beating in my chest for five agonizing seconds. When it started beating again, my ability to process what Rei had said had flown out the window.

"What?"

"E.E. came to me in a vision, telling me that tonight we would know true despair and fear," Rei explained, oblivious to my state of panic. "And if that weren't enough, Shirley's cousin and Fernando..."

"Wait hold on!" I exclaimed, reality snapping back into place. "Fernando is here! What the heck is he doing here! I'm fairly certain that Fernando works for her..."

"Not anymore," Rei cut in. "Mina, he's here as the head of Britannia's CIA. He told me about his work with E.E. and also revealed to me that he was the one that released her from E.E.'s prison."

She paused, taking a slow breath. "However, Fernando made a mistake. He didn't know that E.E. still has a firm grip of your mother's psyche. That's why she went on a killing spree in Britannia and here in the Tokyo Settlement. And tonight...everyone in that ballroom is in terrible danger. I don't have any idea what E.E. is planning, but if she's in there...it spells disaster for everyone."

Clenching my fists I willed myself to keep calm and took a deep breath because in the end I knew what this whole conversation was boiling down to.

"Do you still intend to kill my mother?"

"Only if there's no other choice," Rei replied immediately. "But for now, no it's not my intention to kill her. If it's possible, I want to try and save her because you're my friend Mina. I've talked to Serena and the others about this too. They want to help you save her. It's just that the possibility is so slim...we just don't know..."

"No matter how slim the possibility I still have to try," I interrupted, closing my eyes to keep myself calm. "And in the end I don't care what sacrifices have to be made. I'll save her and stop E.E.. That's what I'm here to do." After saying this I turned to face the window again, sighing in resignation that I might have to do something terrible to ensure my mom lived.

Could I do that though? Could I really harm my fellow Sailor Scouts. Could I bring myself to hurt my friends? Even kill them if that was what had to be done?

It didn't take long for me to find an answer. Of course I could. The Sailor Scouts have been my rock for a long time, but my mother brought me into this world. She did what she could to protect me and despite everything that's happened I still believe she can be saved. To give up on that is to give up on ever having a whole family again.

I hate the idea of hurting Serena and the others and even though Rei really pissed me off, I hate knowing that I had truly wanted to kill her a few nights ago. Even now I still feel that way and that scares me.

But I'll do what has to be done for the sake of my family. Nothing is more important to me than that.

"Please don't get in the way of that." I pleaded, hoping Rei would understand my position. I hope and pray that Rei and the others don't give up hope for my mom because if they do...

"Believe me, I don't want to."

I nodded, and kept my eyes closed so Rei wouldn't see that I was near tears. "Thank you for the apology. And I'm sorry for drugging you and the other girls. I had my reasons for doing so."

Rei didn't say anything and simply walked past me. For a moment I thought she left, but when I opened my eyes I saw that she was still standing nearby, having stopped dead in her tracks.

"What is it?"

Rei didn't answer at first, but after a few seconds she turned and smiled at me. "I was just thinking that you and Joey make a really nice couple.

I blushed. "We're not...oh forget it. No one believes me anyway. Just go away. I need time to think all this over."

"Will do," Rei answered, taking her leave. Once she was gone I turned back toward the window, deciding inwardly that I didn't really want to go back and face what could be lying within. If Rei is right and E.E. is here, then what am I supposed to do? And what about my mom? Is she here right now or is she somewhere else?

Wrapping my arms around myself I sigh, "Well, looks like this really is the end to the fun." Staring up at the sky I mentally add, "At least the paperwork is going to be signed though. I probably need to tell Samuel not to bring it to the ball now...then again I sent him back for it over an hour ago. It shouldn't have taken him this long to get to the estate and back. At the very least he should have been here five minutes ago, so what gives?"

It didn't really matter at this point. Paperwork or no paperwork, nothing was going to be signed tonight...

"Mina."

Flinching slightly I glanced over my shoulder to find Joey standing there.

"I thought I told you to wait for me to come back."

Joey shrugged. "Rei said you wanted to talk to me."

"She lied," I thought, letting out another sigh. "Then again, I'm worried now and I need to vent some of this emotion out."

"Mina, what did she say?"

"She apologized," I answered, turning to face him fully, "but as far as what might happen if my mom turns up hasn't changed and to make things worse...Rei told me that E.E. might be here."

"What!?"

"Yeah, I know that's how I reacted."

"But...well what are we going to do?" Joey asked shakily.

Turning away I stare out the window again. "I don't know. I really don't know what to do. If E.E. is here then my mom has to be nearby and that means that everyone here is in danger. Quite frankly Joey the issue lies in not knowing what I'm up against. I know I can save my mom but the thing is...I don't know how. I thought I had more time to figure it out but...there is no time and I..."

Before I could say anything more, Joey's arms were around me. After a few seconds I returned the embrace, leaning my head against his chest. We stayed that way for a long time, with him staring out the window and me listening to his heartbeat. My eyes watered up again and while I was determined to keep the turmoil raging within locked inside, the floodgates cracked open, allowing a few tears to fall. A small sob escaped me and Joey's arms tightened around me. He was trying to tell me that everything would be alright.

But as he held me I started to see something from his past...it was something recent...something Joey had failed to tell me.

Anger gripped at my heart, but I didn't react to it immediately, instead I leaned closer to him and whispered to him words that would eat him alive inside.

Thanks to my Geass I knew exactly what he had hidden from me.

"The only thing keeping me sane is knowing that my dad is going to be alright," I told him, tightening my grip to the point where I knew it would start to hurt him. Deep down I knew that Joey had probably been trying to tell me since it happened, stalling to tell me only because he knew that it would tear me apart inside.

But there is no right time to tell someone news like this and he should have told me the second he found out. I'm sure he's about to come out and say it now, but it's too late for him to come clean.

"The only thing keeping me sane is knowing that the paperwork necessary to save my dad is in my nightstand drawer," I continued, loosening my grip even though my mind was screaming at me to hurt him. "The only thing keeping me sane is knowing that my closest friend is always honest with me no matter how awful things get. He always tells me the truth."

By that point Joey had gotten the message. His arms fell away from me and he stepped back, staring into my eyes as I glared back at him with tears collecting in the corners of my eyes.

"Or at least he did," I finished, taking a step back from him.

Joey's expression fell into a solemn scowl. "So...your Geass kicked in..." he paused, looking anywhere but at me. "Mina...I was going to tell ya. I wanted to tell ya, but you were just so happy and I didn't know what to say..."

"Joey, I understand that," I told him calmly, not sure how I was managing that when every fiber of my being wanted to kill him. "I understand why you didn't say anything. I get it. However, that still doesn't make up for the fact that you lied to me when this whole time you've been the only person I could trust."

"I'm sorry."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "I know...it wouldn't be fair of me to be angry with you. You just tried to protect me. You've always done that...it's just that this time there was no way for you to do that." Clenching my fists I unintentionally raised my voice. "I thought I made it clear that there are just some things you can't protect me from! But you know what!? In the end it's my fault for dragging you into this. I wanted to repay you...I wanted to make this Christmas special for you because I understood what you were going through with your father. Instead of doing that I've made things worse...you've been miserable trying to figure out when to tell me something I would never be ready to hear."

"Mina stop..." he reached out for me and while I fought to get out of his grip he ended up pulling me into another hug anyway. My mind was running on an endless loop of enraged curses that wanted to spill out of my mouth. I still kept trying to fight my way out of Joey's arms as some of those curses escaped, but he wouldn't let go. He never lets go or gives up on anything. He's not one to run away either, not unless he's genuinely afraid of something.

And that's when it hits me that he's been afraid of me. He's been afraid of my unstable reactions to horrible news like this.

As that realization sets in I stop fighting and stand limply, my arms barely folded around him. My legs are shaking now and it's taking a lot of effort to keep myself standing. The heels really aren't helping in that department.

Joey pulls back, his eyes glassy with tears he won't shed even though he probably wants to.

"This is in no way your fault," he stated determinedly. "Mina, E.E. is a wicked person and she's to blame for all the bad things that are happening. We can get that paperwork back and we can save your mom. There's still hope. You can't give up."

"But Joey..." I trailed off, staring down at my hands resting atop his chest. "I just don't know how much longer I can keep fighting like this. I don't want to keep fighting like this. I just want it to end." I stared back up at him, watching sadly as a lone tear falls down his face.

I can't stay mad at him when he looks at me like that, but in the same moment I realize that I can't take the risk of having him tag along with me as I set out to save my mom. Based on what I saw of Joey's recent past, E.E. kissed him and then told him she'd kill him later before running off to capture my mother.

She's going to have to pay for doing that.

Raising up on my tiptoes I lift up my left hand and wipe away the tear before gently pressing my lips to his cheek.

"Thank you Joey."

Lowering myself back down I raise my right hand and slam it down on the side of his neck. His eyes widened as he fell to his knees and a few seconds later he slumped to the floor, unconscious.

Once I was sure that he wasn't going to wake up anytime soon, I dragged Joey down the hall and stashed him away in a moderately sized storage closet behind a tall filing cabinet. I have a feeling E.E. won't come looking for Joey right away. Most likely she'll want to get to Rei first. He should be safe here for the time being.

Closing the door to the closet, I withdraw my cell phone and dial for the mansion. Bruce picks up on the first ring.

"Good evening Mina..."

"Hey, can you put Hotaru on the line? I need to speak with her now."

Meanwhile

Fernando P.O.V.

"You have my thanks for the snack. I was in need of nourishment."

All I can focus on is the pain. My eyes dart around as my vision spins, locking on the puddle of my blood on the floor. My gaze lingers the spot where the blood puddle originates, the stump that used to be my left arm.

I can hear the sloshing sounds of flesh breaking apart and as my vision rights itself somewhat I can see A.A. sitting nearby, feasting away at my detached arm like the deranged cannibal he is. I could vomit from the sight of his teeth tearing through the skin and bone, blood staining his mouth and his clothes.

A.A. is a subordinate of E.E.'s, but he's not just any subordinate.

~One year earlier in an underground office within the Chinese Federation~

"I want you to work under this man for a little while."

E.E.'s delicate index finger pushed the rectangular photo of a man with long white hair and one amber eye towards across the desk. Fernando picked up the photo and examined the man, recognizing him as the creator of Duel Monsters.

"What for?" Fernando questioned, glancing at her.

"Well for one your dueling skills are pretty good," E.E. stated, better than most. "That and I sent A.A. there a few weeks ago and there was...an incident. Can't say I wasn't proud of him though. He makes mama proud."

Fernando groaned at the mention of A.A. and groaned again when said man entered through the door behind him wearing a black pull over hoodie and jeans. His shaggy blonde hair was messier than usual and his orange-colored eyes looked more unsettling than usual.

"What did he do?" Fernando asked, looking back toward E.E. and away from the annoying immortal man who was pretty much E.E.'s adopted son, though he wasn't the only one. A.A. had a twin brother and sister. In other words, there was three of them.

There's A1 who simply brooded about all the time saying nothing and then there was Ophelia Hyuga. She was quiet as well, but also very compassionate which sent Fernando for a loop when he first met her. She was a pacifist yet her brothers and adoptive mother were basically psychopaths with only one of them having a death wish.

It didn't help that the triplets were also immortal.

At any rate, of the three triplets, A.A. was the worst.

E.E. smiled at Fernando's inquiry. "Well, tell him what you did A.A."

A.A. bowed. "Certainly mother. Take a seat Agent Green."

Fernando did so. Leaning his head against the palm of his hand he prayed that this would be over fast. He had other work he needed to attend to that didn't call for A.A. being around.

"I didn't really do much of anything except get the wildest craving and act upon it," A.A. began, taking a seat on the couch across the room. Baring his teeth he added. "That guard won't be missed. Besides that, Pegasus' security thought the man was brutally attacked by a wild animal."

Fernando flinched involuntarily in his seat, his eyes widening in shock. A.A. laughed heartily at the Brazilian's expression before narrowing his gaze dangerously.

"Human flesh is quite delicious."

Fernando couldn't respond.

E.E. started laughing, pointing at Fernando like a child would while screaming, "You should see the look on your face. It's hilarious!"

And still, the golden-eyed brunette couldn't respond. He was still processing the information that A.A. had eaten somebody. Aside from being annoying and an expert at taking things that didn't belong to him, Fernando had never really thought of A.A. as a full-blown psychopath.

"Truthfully I'm very surprised at the addiction you've picked up A.A.," E.E. stated. "Truly it's interesting. My addiction is grape soda. C.C.'s is pizza. But you...oh your affinity is quite the shock. Then again, K3's addiction is similar. Of course, she'd never dream of eating her victims."

A.A. shrugged. "At any rate, I made sure to cover my tracks. No one outside this room will ever know what I've become." He turned to gaze back at Fernando with a deadly gleam in his orange eyes. "Isn't that right Fernando."

Fernando rose from his seat, bowing slightly. "Yes. Lady E.E., is working for Maximillion Pegasus my only assignment?"

E.E. turned in her rolling chair, waving her hand flippantly when she replied, "Yes, that's all Fernando. You may leave."

Fernando wasted no time getting out of there.

(End Flashback)

Groaning in pain I try to at least sit up. My eyes continue to linger of A.A. as he finishes biting off the last bit of skin left on the limb that used to connected to my body. Looking away from that sight I stare down at the blood continuously flowing. There wasn't much time. I needed to get a handle on the bleeding at the very least. If I didn't, I'd be done for.

A few seconds later, A.A. rose to his feet, tossing what was left of my arm to the floor. I didn't dare look over to see what had become of it, knowing I'd vomit all of this floor at the mere sight. Watching this demon lick his lips clean of my blood was already sickening enough.

He stared down at me, his smile widening. "I'll come back for your corpse later. First I have a job to complete."

"What are you talking about!" I shouted, my eyes searching for the short-sword Kaguya gave me...ironic that A.A. used her gift to me to chop my arm off, all the while mocking the message written in kanji on the blade.

Love saves

Perhaps I was wrong. Perhaps love is the guiding force that ends up destroying everything. Still, there isn't time to think on that. A.A. is walking away, without answering my question mind you, but I have a feeling I know where he's headed. There's one other person E.E. would want out of the way.

Kara.

While Kara isn't as knowledgable about Geass as I am, the information I've given her makes her a great threat to E.E. I tried to keep the truth from Kara, as a means to prevent her from being targeted like this by someone as sick and deranged as A.A., but that woman was far too persistent and intuitive for me to keep much of anything from her. At first it had been bothersome, but now her curious ways have put her in the worst possible danger. I'm certain she's never dealt with anyone like A.A. before. He may not have supernatural powers like E.E., but he's still a force to be reckoned with.

As strong as Kara claims she is, there's not way she could stand up to him for very long.

And in my condition, I don't even know if there's anything I can do. My vision is blurring and I'm not sure I can stop the bleeding long enough to get moving.

But I have to try because in the end all of this is my fault. It's my responsibility to settle this...at the very least I have to make sure Kara Fennette survives. She's one of the few people with enough power to halt E.E.'s plans. If for no other reason, she has to live on.

"Kaguya...I'm afraid this may be my last night on this Earth," I thought, ripping the jacket of my tux off with my remaining hand before ripping the sleeve off with my teeth. Seconds later I was maneuvering the ripped cloth around the wound using my hand and mouth, hoping it would at the very least stop the bleeding for a few minutes. If I tie it tightly enough it should work temporarily.

Once I had the wound wrapped I started crawling, pressing my remaining hand against the wall to help guide me along. My body was weak and I could tell without having to look at the makeshift bandage that it wouldn't last for very long.

"I can't let things end here!" my mind screamed. "I can't let my life end without seeing Kaguya again. I promised her. I promised her we'd meet again."

(Another flashback)

"But you can't go!"

The date was August 10th, 2013. Three years after Britannia had declared war on Japan. On the date when the war began, Britannia introduced the knightmare frame, a weapon that destroyed the Japanese forces within a month. The result of the short war forced the surviving leaders of the Japanese government to flee to underground fortresses and in some cases to other countries.

Fernando's best friend, Kaguya Sumeragi was the last of the Sumeragi clan which meant that her survival was an absolute priority in the early years of Japan's conquering. In those three years since the war ended, the young girl had grown up tremendously and had gained wisdom that was far beyond her age. Though only eleven, she had become a tenacious diplomat for the underground supporters of the Six Houses of Kyoto. Many had started calling her the new princess of the fallen Japanese people, later dubbed Lady Kaguya by all the people she came across.

At the age of fifteen, Fernando had become her valiant bodyguard. Though young, he had learned how to fight and how to pilot a knightmare frame. He was also Kaguya's advisor, helping her during situations that were above her head. He was at her side for those three years, always protecting her while listening for more information about her parent's murderer.

A few days before, he had learned the location of the woman who gunned them down. Upon this discovery, he decided he would leave on the anniversary of Japan's downfall. Though his homeland was and would always be Brazil, he had made a home in Japan with Kaguya and her family. He owed it to all of them to take down the monster that killed them.

Of course, though he tried to keep his plans secret from Kaguya, she caught him packing away his things. When questioned about where he was going, he couldn't bring himself to lie.

"What!"

That was Kaguya's immediate reaction as Fernando continued to stuff his belongings into a duffel bag.

"Kaguya, I have to do this..."

"No you don't!" she screamed, a distressed pout already on her face. "What is revenge going to solve! It won't bring my parents back! It won't change what's happened to Japan..."

"Then why support resistance fighters Kaguya?" Fernando asked, zipping the duffel bag closed before locking his gaze on the cream-colored wall behind his bed. "What's the point if our mentality is just to roll over and die!?"

"Fernando, it's not the same thing!" Kaguya argued, following behind him as he threw some extra things into a red backpack. "We're fighting for equality! Britannia stripped our nation of its pride and dignity. The right of freedom is something everyone should have, but under Britannian rule that isn't possible for anyone."

"You can't stop Britannia with ideals alone," Fernando replied, shoving a gun into the front pocket of the backpack. "There has to be action behind words like that."

Kaguya didn't respond, only stared as Fernando continued to shove weapons into the backpack.

"Kaguya, for all the people who've been murdered...there needs to be justice for them," Fernando said after a while. He zipped up the bag, slinging it over his shoulder.

"Two wrongs won't make things right Fernando..."

"You always were a fan of clichés."

Kaguya looked away, her emerald-green eyes filling with tears. "There's nothing wrong with a cliché if it speaks the truth. Fernando, please don't go. I need you here. You're the only family I have left. What if you get killed!?"

With a sigh, the fifteen year-old set his backpack down. Then, without a word he marched forward, pulling the younger girl into his arms in a tight hug. The younger girl returned the embrace, burying her head in her friend's chest as soft sobs escaped her.

"Kagu-chan, I swear to you that I'll come back," Fernando promised while patting the top of her head. "Come on now, don't cry. You've got to be strong."

Kaguya shook her head slightly. "I don't know how I can without you here. Can't I go with you?"

"No, not this time." He pulled himself away from her to look down at her tear-stained face. "You have a job to do here Kaguya. In the future I know you're going to help lead our people to salvation." Wiping his thumbs along her cheeks he added, "And I promise that when that day comes I'll be by your side."

The younger girl sighed, pulling herself away from his embrace. "Okay...I can't stop you. I know how stubborn you are. Still..." she trailed off for a moment. "Wait here for a second. I have something for you."

Fernando blinked in confusion while pointing at himself. "For me? Really?"

"Yes...," she answered, walking toward the door to his room. "Don't go anywhere I'll be right back."

Fernando waited for her and when she returned she brought to him an antique short-sword engraved with two simple words.

Love saves.

(End Flashback)

I've carried the short-sword ever since that day. I think about those last moments we shared all the time. It's those memories that have carried me through these tumultuous five years. The memory of the promise I made to her kept me alive, allowed me to do the horrendous deeds E.E. commanded of me despite my mind constantly screaming at me to simply attack the immortal woman, even if it meant my death.

Staying alive long enough to watch E.E.'s demise and reunite with Kaguya has always been my goal. To die now is to break my promise. I won't allow that to happen and I won't allow A.A. to do to Kara what he's done to me and so many others. As annoying as she is, she doesn't deserve to go through that kind of torture. Besides that, it's clear to me that there are a lot of people who depend her, who need her to stay safe.

We'll be enemies soon. I know that without a shred of doubt; however, this one time I'll protect her. I'll save her from A.A. one way or another.

A/N: And...while I want to make the chapter longer...I think what I have planned is better suited for the next chapter. So...stay tuned. Also, I need a little help. For the next two or three chapters, I need you guys to tell me your opinion on whether I should up the rating of the story. Right now it is at T, but I can tell you that from here on the story is going to get slightly more graphic and violent little by little. I'm pretty sure that what I have planned will warrant an M rating, but I want to run it by you guys first. Anyway stay tuned, we're really getting into the main action. Thanks and please review!