A/N: This chapter is going to be a pivotal moment for everyone. Though not very dramatic, things are about to change and this story is going to start moving at a faster pace. Get ready!

Disclaimer: Code Geass and Sailor Moon do not belong to me. I only own my original characters and the Red Tycoon. Also, I do not own the following songs.

1.) Reminiscing with Grandma~ from the Anastasia movie soundtrack. This is an instrumental piece and is the first song in the concert that will be mentioned.

2.) Finale~ from the Anastasia movie soundtrack. This is also an instrumental piece and is the final piece that will be heard in the concert.

3.) Don't Stop Till You Get Enough~ by Michael Jackson. Not part of the concert but is mentioned later in the chapter. I won't spoil the surprise for you.

4.) Journey to the Past~ by Aaliyah. Rei will sing this song at the end of the chapter. And again, it's from the Anastasia movie soundtrack. (As you can see, I love that movie and the music in it is just fantastic, so I had to incorporate some of it in.)

To get the full effect, when in the chapter someone starts talking about music, especially during the concert portion of the chapter, look up the songs and listen to them. Same goes for the other two songs. When they come up, look them up and listen. After all, I'm trying to paint a picture in your head of what's happening. Music is a bit part of that.

Chapter 25

Setting the Stage Part 3

It is a cool night in the Tokyo Settlement of Area 11. Cars whiz by in a frenzy as people strut down the streets toward their destination, wherever it may be.

Within a mansion within a prestigious neighborhood, Rei Hino dresses for a date with her on again off again boyfriend Rivalz Cardemon…that is if you could really call Rei blowing him off on dates and taking pity on him a few times a boyfriend girlfriend relationship. It depends on your perspective really. In any case, tonight she had chosen to go with him to a concert to distract her mind off of her growing list of problems.

Back at Ashford Academy, Lelouch Lamperouge is dressing accordingly for his date, Shirley Fennette. They are also going to a concert in the downtown area of the Tokyo Settlement. The point of the date for Lelouch would be along the same lines as Rei: to distract himself from his growing list of problems. Of course, Lelouch's list of problems dealt more with conflicting memories than emotions. Even so, he hid his problems from the sight of others just as Rei did.

All the while, in the heart of the city, others lurk in the dark. There's Luciano Bradley, the Vampire of Britannia, waiting for orders from E.E. as she prepares to instigate her next plan, which involved what else but malevolent phantoms from C's world. E.E. herself was also among the people, but she was not alone. Tonight she was being escorted by three key operatives of the Black Knights: Sugiyama, Minami, and Tamaki.

Easy to say that there's something going down in the Tokyo Settlement tonight. As of now though, it's too soon to anticipate what will happen next.

Inside Rei's mansion

Rei P.O.V.

4:51 p.m.

"Oh, dear lord! What am I thinking!"

Serena, Ami, and Lita stare at me like I've gone out of my mind. "What makes you think we know?"

Rolling my eyes, I trudge up the stairs to grap the white shall that I'd forgotten. "You guys could at least give me some advice."

Serena laughs from downstairs as I enter my room. Before grabbing my shall, I take one last glance at the mirror. Tonight I decided on wearing a strapless, knee-length red cocktail dress that flares out at the bottom and black elbow-length gloves since Rivalz had told me that this concert was a black tie event. I hope he didn't splurge on me again. They guy should know by now that money doesn't interest me…that much.

Sure, any girl would love to live lavishly, but what about chemistry or romance. Those sorts of things are what appeal to most girls. I'll speak for myself though, money may be nice, but it's more important to have things in common and be able to share secrets and sorrows.

When it comes to Rivalz and me, we just don't click in that way. He may like me, but most of that probably has more to do with what I look like and not what makes me, well, me.

"It doesn't really matter though," my conscious stated suddenly. "This'll still be fun. Rivalz is good company, even if you don't like him romantically."

That was true, but I can't help but feel like I'm leading Rivalz on.

With a shake of my head I quickly reach for my shawl and put it on, then I take one last look in the mirror. My pinned up hairstyle was trying to fall, so with a quick bit of primping I fixed it back up.

"Good enough."

"Hey! Are you coming back down or what?"

I roll my eyes again at Serena's comment. "I'm coming down now," I shout back, staring down at my wristwatch to get a vague idea of when Rivalz will show up. Hopefully five minutes.

"Ding dong!"

"Well, I'm out of luck," I muttered, trouncing back down the stairs as gracefully as possible in four inch-red pumps.

"Looks like Rivalz is here," Lita remarked, giggling a bit. "I'll open the door for him."

"Thanks," I replied, a small bit of sarcasm coming out. Maybe there's some guilt there too.

"Well, you have fun," Serena interjected, quickly sizing me up to make sure I'm picture perfect. She gives me a thumbs up after her inspection is done.

"We'll be waiting up for you, so try not to come back too late," Ami added, smiling before coming closer so she could whisper something in my ear. "Also, there's something I want to talk to you about when you get back if that's okay."

I nodded. "Sure."

It's not a second later that Rivalz comes bounding in, wearing a black tux and a giant grin on his face.

Is there any way to back out?

Rivalz eyes scan the inside of the house in wonder. "Wow! Talk about fancy. Your grandpa must be rolling in cash."

"You could say that," I replied, giggling nervously.

"And all of you live here?" Rivalz asked, staring at the chandelier hanging over our heads. "This place must be huge!"

"Would you like a tour?" Ami questioned.

"I'd…"

I slapped my hand over Rivalz's mouth. "I'll take you on a tour next time. We're actually running late.

Rivalz nodded as I released him. "Okay, let's get going then. I don't want to miss a second of the concert."

After saying goodbye to Serena and the others, Rivalz leads me to his motorbike and gestures for me to get into the sidecar. At first I'm reluctant to get in, but Rivalz convinces me that my skirt won't go flying into the air while we're speeding down the road, so I get in. He hands me a helmet and goggles. Again I'm reluctant to put on either. I did put in a lot of work to get my make-up and hair just right after all.

Still, it wasn't long until Rivalz was driving us down the road. The wind was a bit colder than I expected since it wasn't quite nighttime yet, but the bite of the wind calmed me from the nervousness I felt inside. Sure, Rivalz and I didn't click romantically, but that didn't mean that I wasn't paranoid around him. Like Chad, this guy totally drools over me.

And like Chad…Rivalz isn't someone I can love.

"You okay back there Rei?" Rivalz asked cheerfully, his grey eyes showing his excitement. My guilt increased.

"I'm fine," I told him as he drove onto the interstate. "Just a little chilly."

Rivalz smiled. "Don't worry. I'll keep you warm all through the night my darling rose."

My mood soured. "Okay…" Is it still too late to put an end to this ridiculousness?

"Look up ahead," Rivalz ordered as he drove off an exit. "That's the theater we'll be going to for the concert."

It took me a moment to spot what Rivalz was talking about, but once I did I felt my stomach twist into a knot. The building was tall and circular. The surface of that building from here looked like it was made out of gold.

"Rivalz, I hope you didn't blow a fortune just to take me to this concert," I muttered, narrowing my gaze at the back of his helmeted head.

"No, not at all," he answered, winking back at me. "It didn't cost a fortune to get the tickets at all."

I sighed in relief. "Good, because…"

"The tux is what cost a fortune."

My expression at that point was probably a mixture of annoyance and worry for Rivalz's growing financial troubles. There's a reason why he's always gambling with Lelouch and it's not because Rivalz is trying to escape boredom. From what I've heard, Lelouch doesn't even keep the money he wins.

"Rivalz, you don't have to splurge on material things to impress me," I stated bluntly. "I like you just the way you are."

"Yeah, you like him…as a friend and nothing more than that."

I inwardly groaned. My conscious just loves to get on my case every chance it can get.

"There's no need for you to worry about my finances Rei," Rivalz replied, turning a corner that brought us into the downtown area. "I just like to treat you to nice things. After all, my princess has to be pampered."

"You're terribly cheesy," I remarked, turning my gaze away as a blush crept onto my face. The guy did know how to be charming every now and again. In some ways, Rivalz is extremely similar to Chad. The goofy smile, the unyielding admiration for me, and the somewhat dumb exterior that hides the intelligence within are all things that the two have in common.

If I get too close to Rivalz, is there a chance that he'll end up like Chad did?

"You let me die."

I shake away the thought. The one thing I'll never do again is let anyone I care about die again, not without doing everything I can to protect them.

Even so, I don't want to push Rivalz away from me. Even if I can't love him, we can still be close friends right?

"Alright we're here!"

Blinking I force myself to stare up at the building in front of me. It looked even more grand up close.

Rivalz gets off the bike and ditches the helmet and goggles before reaching a hand out to me. "I'll help you out."

I eyed him warily. "If my dress starts…"

"I know, I know," Rivalz cut in, playfully rolling his eyes, "look away or face severe consequences."

"No," I answered, a smirk on my face, "look away or die."

Rivalz swallowed as I placed my hand in his. "O..kay."

With a gentle tug of his hand, I carefully step out of the sidecar. My dress decided to cooperate, which was fortunate for Rivalz. After that, he took my hand and led me toward the massive building before us. In some ways, it resembled one of those old opera houses from another era.

"I think a classy lady like you will enjoy this," Rivalz stated as we entered the building. My eyes widened as I soaked in the elaborate interior of the building. Small chandeliers with crystals hanging off them hung on the ceiling. The golden colored walls were covered with different paintings. The floor was made up of red carpet that led to a ballroom that had floors made up of cream marble. Inside the ballroom hung a giant chandelier that looked like it was made out of gold and a huge fountain that resembled a swan stood in the center of the room.

Directly across from the ballroom were cream French doors with golden handles. Adjacent to that door stood a winding staircase that led to an upper balcony on either side, which had similar French doors at the top.

The whole scene was straight out of a fantasy.

"Rivalz," I gaped, scanning every inch of the ballroom as we entered. "I totally feel underdressed."

"No way," Rivalz replied, nodding at the few people that passed by us. "You're gorgeous. You could have shown up in jeans and a t-shirt and no woman here would be able to outshine you."

I rolled my eyes. "Probably because I'd stick out like a sore thumb."

"I meant that you're so pretty that you look good in anything you wear," Rivalz amended, a blush rising on his cheeks. "Um…I'm being cheesy again aren't I?"

With a smile I gave Rivalz's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Yes, but I don't mind. It's charming."

Rivalz's face darkens and I laugh, glad that I said yes to this date. Even if I'm leading him on, that doesn't mean I can't have a night of fun. Besides, for once I want to forget all about my troubles. I want to let go of responsibilities and guilt. For once, I just want to live without any inhibitions or regret. Tonight, I want to be a normal girl.

"Alright, up the stairs we go!" Rivalz cheered, leading me up one of the winding staircases.

"Did you get balcony seats?" I asked excitedly.

Rivalz nodded. "Only the best for you my princess."

I allowed myself to smile at his compliment. Maybe if I can let go of my grief for Chad…there's a possibility that I could…that I could…

"Rivalz?"

"Rei?"

Rivalz turns to face the voices before I do, not quite recognizing them.

Unfortunately for me, I know immediately who the voices belong to. Rather, I know the voice that called my name, and for that reason alone I hesitate to turn, knowing that all the hopes I'd had for this night were about to fall down the tubes. All it would take was one glance.

Even so, I have to keep up an act.

Unwillingly I turn just as Rivalz is bounding down the steps. I barely see him though as my eyes catch sight of Shirley first. Her hair is tied up in a bun and she's wearing an royal blue, knee length satin dress with bell sleeves and white elbow length gloves with blue strap on heels. A bright smile is on her face.

The time that I really see her is only for an instant as my gaze catches sight of Lelouch. He greets Rivalz when he reaches them, but his gaze is locked on mine.

Lelouch stands out among the crowd of elegantly dressed people. The other men that I had seen passing by us had all worn black tuxes, but Lelouch was wearing a white tux with a royal blue vest underneath. Inwardly I wonder just how Lelouch had found the time to coordinate his outfit with Shirley's and how the two of them had managed to get tickets to this concert in the first place. The scenario was straight out of a romantic comedy.

I swear I'm going to kill that authoress for this atrocity.

"Hey Rei!" Shirley exclaimed as I finally stepped off the last stair. In the next second she was hugging me. I returned the gesture, but inside I felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach.

"Fancy running into you here," I commented sweetly after our hug ended. With a smirk I sent a playful wink to Lelouch. "Hey Lula."

Lelouch immediately scowled. "Don't call me that here."

"Please, I'll call you what I please," I reminded him, taking a hold of Rivalz's hand again. "Anyway, it's crazy that you guys ended up here too."

"I know right," Rivalz added, smiling broadly. "Hey! I just had an idea."

"Uh oh, what convoluted scheme do you have in mind this time?" Lelouch asked.

Rivalz's grin widened. "Well, after the concert is over, we can go get a late dinner. Make it a double date."

In two seconds flat I was ready to beat Rivalz to a bloody pulp.

"Well, I don't…"

"That's a fantastic idea!" Shirley cut in, interrupting Lelouch. "Hey, do you guys have balcony tickets?"

"Yeah!" Rivalz shouted, his grin widening even more. "Let me look at yours real quick."

"Okay," Shirley replied, holding out hers. Rivalz quickly took it into his hands. For a moment, his eyes scanned the small piece of paper.

"Wow!"

"What is it?" I questioned, hoping against all hopes that they weren't sitting right next to us.

"Your seats are right next to ours!"

Mentally I sighed. "This is just not my night. Can't I get a break anywhere?"

"That's so cool," Shirley exclaimed, clasping her hands together before turning to Lelouch. "Looks like we can start the double date early."

Lelouch simply smiled and nodded. Smart move.

Even so, it was evident that he really didn't want to be part of this either. Knowing him, he had probably wanted to spend the night alone with Shirley, but her social butterfly attitude put that notion into the wind easily. Besides that, I could see that the girl was still a bit shy around Lelouch. I'm sure she wants alone time with him, but her nerves are probably eased with me and Rivalz here to watch over her.

As for me, I'm stuck with the consequences of accepting a date that I really didn't want to go on. I suppose this is what I deserve for leading Rivalz on in the first place.

"Come on!" Rivalz exclaimed, squeezing my hand as he started to lead me up the stairs. "The show is about to start."

Lelouch took Shirley's hand. "This'll be fun."

I turned my gaze away from them. Watching them be ridiculous love birds was not on my list of things I wanted to do. One thing I hate indefinitely are public displays of affection. In recent years, I'd seen enough of it from Serena and Darien, who had just broken up with me at the time. Such was destined, but that doesn't mean that I didn't feel anything from it. And while I've moved on, sometimes it's difficult to watch when I see them together, not because I'm jealous that Serena has Darien and I don't, but because she's in love and I'm not.

I tried to be in love once. I tried to be in love with Chad, but I felt nothing romantic wise for him despite wanting to. He loved me and for that reason I wanted to return that love. Doing so was wrong and in the end, trying to delude myself is what caused me to turn away when he needed me the most. Chad would still be alive if I had acted on love instead of selfishness.

Chad may have forgiven me, but the process of forgiving myself is agonizingly painful and grueling. Sometimes it makes me wish that I would've died on Kanime Island that day because now I have to live with the pain every day of my life. I have to live knowing that I caused a friend's death.

"You let me die."

I'm not about to let my mind take me any further down the road of despair. Lelouch and Shirley may be an annoyance, but I can still salvage this night and have fun. Ignoring them should be simple enough, right?

After presenting our tickets to the ticket-master, Rivalz opens the French doors that will lead us to the balcony seats of the theater where an orchestra will most likely be playing for us.

I think I would've been happier if we had come to see a rock band instead.

Nearly two hours later

Lelouch P.O.V.

I kept my eyes trained on the orchestra before us. My mind, with much effort, stayed focused on the music through most of the performance. On the stage far in front of us, I could make out a small choral choir that sang every once in a while as the violinists played soft melodies. Every so often a few notes would be played on the piano as those playing on flutes and clarinets hummed out a softer melody than the last.

And then in a moment of weakness, as the music rose in a crescendo, I shifted my gaze and caught sight of her again. Through the night, she had been silent, but in a single instant I had heard the softest of whimpers.

She hid her sadness well, whatever the source of it was. Only one tear slid down her cheek as she closed her eyes. A calm, serene smile was on her face. When she opened her eyes again, her gaze was tilted upward, toward the ceiling, but from the look in her eyes I could infer that she was really staring up into the heavens.

In that one second I found myself transfixed by a beauty that probably wouldn't make sense to anyone else. Though her sadness is clearly displayed before me, she brings a feeling of hope and of gratitude. In her eyes I see remorse as well as contentment.

She is a living paradox: a contradiction that exudes intelligence and grace as well as stupidity and clumsiness. All of these things are displayed at different times, but the truth of who she really is remains lost in her eyes. The truth is laid out in plain sight, but remains hidden thanks to an expression that usually doesn't match what's portrayed in those dark violet orbs.

Yes, violet. Not emerald.

As the violinists play softly again, I question the reason why I don't feel guilty for being mesmerized by a girl who isn't my girlfriend. Did I really consider the strawberry blonde haired girl next to me my girlfriend? Was I acting a part? Did I care one way or the other?

My gaze shifted away from her and back to the orchestra as the flutes played again. This piece was close to its end. Following it would be the finale piece, the shining piece of the nights symphony.

The music slows and then stops for a short moment, the audience claps. Many give standing ovations, including Rei, Rivalz, Shirley, and myself, but the music starts back up again a few seconds later. We all sit back down, listening as the violins and cellos begin. The music swells and changes keys for a moment before shifting to the main theme of the music that had been played continuously tonight. The small choral choir sings for a moment and then the music changes keys again. The music then rises in volume before the French horns play, bring the music into a crescendo again, and take the music to its peak. The violins play faster with the cellos and base accompanying it.

All the while, my mind wanders slightly. I'm not one to daydream most of the time, but a wide array of things have changed recently. Lately, my mind has come out of its dull state of stagnant inactivity. Though some of that has brought on nightmares and inner turmoil, it has also brought some new things to mind. For the first time in what seems like years, I feel for things, and though I'm unsure of what those things are, I know there's a spark that's been ignited within me. At one time, I was emotionless and dead inside.

Now, with thoughts of dancing with a girl I hardly know, yet have known forever, shakes away my zombie-like state. Yes, a girl with long raven hair and mysterious violet eyes that mirror mine…

"No," my conscious blurted suddenly. "You have Shirley. She's the girl you need to be with right now. That is what's expected of you now. You have a role to play. Besides, you know that Rivalz loves Rei. She isn't yours to have."

I shake my head a bit. Rei is definitely off-limits, not just because she's dating Rivalz and I'm dating Shirley, but the fact that we're just friends. What can I be thinking? She doesn't feel anything for me and while I may have some lustful thoughts, I don't feel anything for her either. We're meant to be friends and nothing more than that.

Seconds later, Shirley, Rivalz, and Rei have all gotten out of their seats. The sound of clapping slams into my senses, and I immediately jump to my feet to join them in giving support to the people who performed in this symphony. The music had truly been amazing even if I had been in dreamland through half of it.

The lights brightened over our heads as Shirley spoke. "That was fantastic."

"It really was," Rei agreed, wiping away a stray tear. "The melodies were totally awesome."

Rivalz grinned. "See, I knew you'd like it. Well, for once I'm glad I splurged."

Rei gave him one of her signature death glares. "I thought you said these tickets didn't cost that much?"

"Um…"

"Looks like you've gotten yourself into trouble again," I commented, smiling despite feeling somewhat conflicted.

Rivalz laughed nervously as Rei continued to glare at him. "You could say that again."

"Oh, come on Rei," Shirley laughed, walking over to her side. "We had fun didn't we?"

Rei sighed. "We did." The death glare turned into a smile. "Nice work Rivalz, though next time, don't lie to me."

"Okay. My bad."

She responded by giving Rivalz a quick kiss on the cheek. My stomach twisted into a knot, but I kept my composure.

"So, where should we go eat?" I asked, wrapping an arm around Shirley. She blushed, but I barely noticed.

"I didn't think about that," Rivalz replied.

"The Red Tycoon has great food," Rei stated. "I can get you all in for free thanks to employee benefits."

"Free food!" Rivalz shouted. "Count me in!"

Well, you know he wasn't planning on splurging anymore.

"Sounds great," Shirley agreed. "What do you think Lulu?"

I gave a nod. "Sure. Let's go."

The next twenty or so minutes happened in a blur. Rivalz and Rei led Shirley and I to the Red Tycoon on Rivalz's motorbike while I drove a car Shirley's mother had rented a week prior. Apparently, Shirley had been planning this ever since our first date.

Once at the Red Tycoon, Rei, as promised, got us a free table and free food for the night thanks to her employee benefits. She then told us the best things on the menu before we ordered.

I was astounded to find that Rei wasn't kidding when she said that this place had exquisite food.

"Wow Rei, you weren't kidding!" Rivalz cheered, taking the words right out of my head. "This food is great!"

Rei took timid bites of her chicken alfredo as a blush rose on her face. "Thanks."

"I can't believe you work here," Shirley stated, her eyes traveling around the interior of the restaurant/dance club. "It looks like it came straight out of one of those old jazz movies."

"It does resemble that," I commented, taking a sip from the tea I'd ordered. All the while I glanced around the place again. The neon lights yet classy decorum made for something that looked almost timeless. The dance floor in particular was something out of another era, maybe the 1970's. I can't be sure.

"I remember seeing you sing on that stage up there," Rivalz added, nodding his head toward the stage that was elevated above the front of the dance floor. A band was playing an old song, again from another era though I couldn't identify what.

Shirley blinked in surprise. "You sing here too?"

"Don't tell me you forgot Shirley!" Rivalz exclaimed. "Milly raved about it for a whole week after seeing her."

"If I remember correctly," I began, "you, Milly, and Suzaku followed her here to spy on her."

Rivalz blushed instantly. "We weren't spying exactly…"

"Oh, yes you were," Rei cut in, speaking up for the first time in a while. "I busted all three of you." She paused while rising from her chair. "Then, I made all of them dance."

We all stared up at her, wondering where she was getting at.

It wasn't long before she was holding out her hand to Rivalz. The band was beginning to start on a new song. It only took me a few seconds to realize what they were playing.

"Don't Stop Till You Get Enough," I mused, laughing a bit. "Michael Jackson, Rei? Seriously?"

"This song is a classic," Rei argued, her eyes begging for Rivalz to take her hand. "Come on and dance with me Rivalz. It'll be fun."

Rivalz nodded wordlessly as he took her hand. She brought him to his feet and immediately brought him toward the dance floor.

"We may as well join them," I muttered, rising. "That is, if you want to Shirley."

"Oh…yeah, definitely," Shirley replied, blushing as she took my outstretched hand.

On the dance floor, Rei was spinning in circles and shimming her shoulders while Rivalz imitated Michael Jackson moves, including the moonwalk. Dancing wasn't really in my strength range with the exception of classical dances like the waltz and other ballroom dances. This type of dancing was a bit different, but I put in some effort as I twirled Shirley around. As long as she had fun with it, the rest didn't really matter.

With a glance at Rei, I figured that the point is just to have fun.

From across the floor I could hear Rei's laughs as Rivalz dipped her and spun her in all sorts of directions. Then in seconds, she was dancing alone, not because Rivalz left the dance floor or anything, but because she just stepped away. In seconds she was performing her own dance moves, placing her hands on her hips and swaying and moving in time with the music.

When the guitar solo came up, Rei broke out into a variation of salsa moves that consisted of fanciful footwork. Again I was mesmerized, but I did my best to keep my focus on Shirley.

Eventually the music started to fade and at that point, we all found each other on the dance floor. Rivalz was sweating. I was panting from exhaustion.

Shirley and Rei started dancing with each other, twirling around as if they were at a slumber party instead of a restaurant.

Despite all this, everything was right in the world.

"Rei! Thank goodness you're here!"

We all turned to the sound of a new voice. An ebony skinned, tall, muscular, bald headed man wearing a bold and flamboyant orange suit and sunglasses came toward us.

Rei paused in her dancing. "Mr. C?"

The man practically knocked Rivalz out of the way as he frantically waved his arms in the air. "It's a disaster! I know you're off duty tonight, but Rei, please, these people were promised Christina Aguilera and she came down with the flu!"

"Oh, that's terrible," Rei murmured, giving all of us an apologetic smile. "I know how much you were looking forward to a celebrity coming."

"Yes, but worse than that, she canceled at the last minute!" Mr. C exclaimed. "Please Rei, take her place and sing a song for everyone. I don't care what, just hurry and get it set up so I won't die of a heart attack!"

"But Mr. C I…"

"Good luck," he interrupted, running off in the opposite direction.

Whatever Rei had been about to say was left hanging in the air. With a sigh she turned toward us and gave a shrug. "Sorry you guys. Looks like I'm on the job again."

"It's no big deal," Rivalz answered, smiling broadly. "Now you can show Lelouch and Shirley what your made of. I know you sang at the festival and all, but these two were so busy they probably couldn't appreciate the wondrous gift that's your voice."

"Rivalz, stop," Rei beamed, "you're making me blush."

"And a beautiful blush it is," Rivalz replied. "Now go. Go and sing!"

Rei nodded and took off.

"Good luck Rei!" Shirley shouted. Rei waved back, barely slowing her pace as she did.

In the meantime, while Rei started preparing for her performance, we sat back down at our table and ordered a cheesecake for dessert. While not as delectable as Lita's, we all agreed that it was delicious.

And then, in a flash, Rei was on stage, looking almost petrified.

Rivalz and Shirley immediately started clapping, much to my disdain, but I clapped too…silently so I wouldn't embarrass her. After all, it's not like anyone else is clapping right now.

"Hey," Rei began, smiling shyly at the crowd before her. "I know tonight you were expecting a celebrity, but she couldn't make it. So, Mr. C, the owner of this great establishment, asked me to fill in for her. So on that note, I hope you all enjoy this song that me and the band wrote a while back."

Rei stepped back from the microphone for a second and took a deep breath, closing her eyes as if she were about to say a silent prayer.

Then the music started, the beat and melody sounding familiar to me. A few seconds passed as Rei opened her eyes. She stepped up to the microphone again and began to sing.

"Heart don't fail me now,
Courage don't desert me,
Don't turn back, now that we're here.
People always say,
Life is full of choices,
No one ever mentions fear.

Or how a road can seem so long.
How the world can seem so vast.

Courage see me through,
Heart I'm trusting you,
On this journey…to the past."

Rei's smile widened then. The look in her sparkling eyes displayed growing confidence.

Somewhere down this road,
I know someone's waiting,
Years of dreams…just can't be wrong, no.
Arms will open wide,
I'll be safe and wanted,
Finally home, where I belong.

Well, starting here my life begins.
Starting now, I'm learning fast.

Courage see me through,
Heart I'm trusting you,
On this journey…to the past."

"What is it about her," I wondered, staring as she closed her eyes again. Her stance had changed from shy and vulnerable to powerful and brave.

"Heart don't fail me now.
Courage don't desert me."

And then her voice changes again, capturing the innocence of a child, waiting, hoping, and wishing for a dream to come true.

"Home, love, family.
There was once a time,
I must have had them too.

Home, love, family,
I will never be complete until I find you.
Yeah!"

As much as I forced myself to wear a mask of indifference, Rei had me captivated, entranced, completely lost in a vision of grace. I knew I had to snap out of it soon, but the task was becoming more difficult everyday.

And while I still have some unresolved and unexplained anger towards her, there's something I admire in her spirit as well. Something I can't put to words.

"One step at a time,
One hope than another,
Who knows where this road may go?
Oh!
Back to who I was,
On to find my future,
Things my heart, still needs to know!

Yes, let this be a sign!
Let this soon be mine!
Let it lead me to my past!

Courage see me through,
Heart I'm trusting you,
To bring me home…
At last!
At last, ooh, yes, ooh, ooh."

She raises her arms in the air as the repeats the last few lines of the song. Her voice rings out, bellowing out her hope of a better future.

"Yes, let this be a sign!
Let this soon be mine!
Let it lead me to my past!

Courage see me through,
Heart I trust in you,
To bring me home.
At last!
(Courage see me through).
(Heart I'm trusting you).
At last!"

In those last few moments I'm able to identify where I heard the melody of the song before. Tonight, during the symphony. The main theme was this same melody.

That's either coincidence or fate. In either case, I'm sure I'll never forget it.

The crowd cheers and I allow myself to rise to my feet before Rivalz and Shirley do, even though they were a bit more enthusiastic about it. Rei sent all of us a wink before exiting the stage, smiling from ear to ear.

She has no idea of the impact she just had on me. She doesn't know that all at once, I'm falling into a trancelike state of no return.

Controlling myself at this point is really going to be a pain.

In the heart of the city

"Is it time?"

"Just about."

"Very well, I'll keep waiting."

With a click, the phone call is disconnected. A young woman with nearly shoulder-length blonde hair and leaf green eyes places her cell phone into the pocket of her black denim skinny jeans.

A smile is on her face as she turns to her escorts.

"Are the knightmares in the planned position?"

"Yes, milady," they all reply.

The woman nods. "Good, get to them and await orders."

"Yes, milady." The three Black Knight operatives take off.

Now the woman is alone, still smiling, but bracing herself for what she's about to do.

Taking a deep breath, the condescending immortal witch known as E.E. lays her palms out, facing the concrete ground of the alleyway she stands in. Adjacent to the alley is a clear view of Tokyo tower, glowing brightly in the now dark night.

Closing her eyes, E.E. begins to chant, waving her hands back and forth. The ground begins to shake a few moments later, then it glows with the symbol of the red crane: the symbol of Geass. As the ground cracks, vines rise from underneath the surface.

"I think it's about we brought the roots of the Xenian blossoms back to life and add to their power."

E.E.'s eyes open, revealing two glowing red orbs.

A/N: And that ends this chapter. Okay, so far this chapter was the most fun to write. I love creating romantic tension and as you can see, there's about to be some conflict because Lelouch, whether he realizes it or not, is starting to develop some feelings for Rei. And Rei will probably never admit it, but she's starting to develop some feelings for Lelouch too, but he's not the only one. Though not prevalent yet, Rei has some issues regarding Suzaku as well. And then there's the issue of Ami and Rolo…we won't talk about that yet. As for what's to come…action, drama, and complicated madness await in the next chapter. Stay tuned! Please review.