"Snipers are beginning to advance!" a sentry yelled below.

"There are about fifty troops behind them!" another called down.

They stood at the top of the barricade, looking down on the soldiers beneath them and taking their positions, each holding a gun in their hands. Their faces grim and determined, waiting for the word to start the fight. Lelouch held his gun tightly. He had next to no idea how to use it, but he was a quick enough learner. It couldn't be that hard, could it?

"FIRE!" Gino roared.

With that, the students began to fire down at the men, bringing down some on the very first wave. They then ducked down to avoid being shot as the soldiers retaliated with their fire. One of the students was hit by a stray bullet and they nearly fell off the barricade, if it weren't for Gino grabbing him. Another bullet barely missed the blond and he ducked down lower.

But he didn't notice another sniper aiming at him. Lelouch did and as Gino was glancing up to see the man, Lelouch immediately aimed his gun at them, pulled the trigger and the sniper fell to the ground. They continued to fire down until the soldiers retreated. A cheer went up into the air by the students as they climbed down to be greeted by the others who were stationed with medical supplies. The few women who joined them took care of the men and students who were injured.

"We did it, we've won the day!" Rolo exclaimed happily.

"Man, I wish I could see their faces! Fancy uniforms and fancy guns, but we kicked their asses!" Renya grinned.

"Don't gloat just yet," Gino said, but he was smiling too, "they'll definitely be back soon and attack."

He turned to Lelouch at this point, who looked tired and worn despite not having done as much as he could have.

"Thank you, really. If you hadn't shot that guy, I'd probably be dead."

"It's fine, really. no need for thanks," Lelouch said humbly, "but there is something that you could do for me."

"If it's in my power, then yes."

Lelouch glanced at Kururugi out of the corner of his eye before looking back at Gino, "Give me the spy Kururugi. i will take care of him."

Gino nodded his consent. "Do what you have to do. As for as I'm concerned, that man is yours." He then turned tot he others

"The soldiers might regroup. Take your positions and be ready for anything. The night is falling fast. This would be the perfect time for a counter attack."

Lelouch walked into the cafe. Kururugi was in the corner, his wrists bound behind him and secured to a chair. Surprise flickered in his eyes but otherwise, Kururugi looked unfazed. Lelouch closed he door behind him and locked it before turning back to Kururugi.

"We meet again."

"So we have," Kururugi said ruefully. He knew what was coming.

"Well, what are you waiting for? You can finally get me out of your life," Kururugi droned, a smile on his lips now. But it was everything a smile wasn't supposed to be. It wasn't happy in the least.

Lelouch then pulled out a small knife.

"How fitting you would use a blade."

"Suzaku, must you go?" Euphie asked, her eyes filled with worry.

Kururugi just put on his disguise and was going to the door. "If I don't, then no one will. I saw how afraid the others were. They don't want to die."

"And you do?!"

Kururugi then took her face into his hands, resting his forehead against hers. "What do you think?" he whispered.

They stayed like that for a while, Kururugi holding her face in his hands and Euphie's hands grasping his own.

"Please... please come back to me. I couldn't bear it if you died," Euphie murmured, tears beginning to fall from her eyes.

"Don't worry," with that, his lips replaced his forehead on her own before he headed to the door.

"I'll return without fail.

Suzaku's smile faltered at the memory but still stayed on his face.

I'm sorry Euphie, but it seems I won't be coming home after all.

"You talk too much."

With that, Lelouch cut off the ropes binding Kururugi and took him off the chair. Kururugi nearly fell forward from shock and because his legs were numb but Lelouch steadied him. "Your life is safe in my hands."

Kururugi stared at him, open shock on his face.

"Why...? I don't understand."

"Get out of here. There's a door on the side which you can use to escape."

"What kind of trick is this?"

"Clear out, before someone comes."

Kururugi glared down at the raven-haired man.

"Do you think this changes anything? You're still a thief, you're still scum."

Lelouch simply stared at him sadly. "You're wrong. I am a man, just as you are. You are free and there is nothing holding you back. No conditions, no bargains, no petitions. There is no reason why I should hate you, for you have done your duty and nothing more."

Kururugi stared at him in disbelief. He couldn't believe what he was hearing! This man was basically letting him free after all this time?!

"If I come out of this alive, you'll find me at fifty-five Rue Plumet. I have no doubt our paths will cross again. Now go!" with that, Lelouch waved him off. Kururugi looked back at him hesitantly, before running away.

... take care, Lamperouge. I'm warning you. I am the one who will bring you to justice. I cannot have you die before then!

Lelouch then fired his gun in the air before walking back to the others. They were crowded around, eating and drinking. Gino looked at Lelouch and the raven-haired man nodded. Muted applause broke out at this. Gino turned to Renya.

"Take watch. They won't attack until it's light out. Everybody stay awake. We need to be ready for the final fight."

They nodded at this. Lelouch heard a "Rai, come and rest" from the right and watched as the silver hired young man came down and sat by the barricade.

It's him.

...