Suzaku couldn't let go of that place, no matter how hard he tried, how tired he was, how much he wished he would drift into an endless sleep. No matter what he did, who couldn't simply let that desert be.

It was almost time for them to depart. His soldiers were ready and waiting to deal with the unknown enemy. They were eager to follow his orders, if only to preserve the fragile peace that somehow survived up to now. And he could understand their desires; he once had a home as well. But though it was only supposed to be a small force, soon, he found many people bowing before him, begging him to allow them to demonstrate "their valor." He had no choice but to allow them to do as they please. Even when Nunnally approved of their loyalty and scolded him for rejecting them instantly, he still couldn't help but feel awkward with the idea.

And suddenly, Suzaku had no time. Only regret seemed to linger, forging itself in the form of the sword to which he stabbed Lelouch. He shuddered at the thought of Euphie on the other side of the blade.

Whenever Kallen was training the Zero Squad for their ambush, and there were no other affairs that would take up his time, he would simply gaze at the Lancelot Knightmare, with Lloyd and Cecile explaining their latest configurations. He felt himself nod sleepily, though thankfully, neither noticed this. He's already tested out the product, feeling himself ready…and waiting still.

His eyes dropped to the finger idly tracing the cracks of the glass table. There were still two chairs, two plates, two forks that would've been used for cake, or strawberry, or whatever. The deadness of the scene before him remained where it was the weeks before. The stream of blood flowed through the once bright valley, and the loving gaze he always welcomed vanished into the burning horizon of an evening sun. He made it that way, seeing as how he kept saying goodbye to Euphie over and over.

He heard footsteps in the distance, though he refused to turn around. He wasn't in his usual garb; for some reason, he felt compelled to wear his old orange, military uniform. Euphie's badge was still plated on his left breast pocket. He felt two eyes boring his back, before the stranger walked beside him. "Is this seat taken?" the familiar voice asked.

He shook his head. "By all means."

The stranger sat in Euphie's seat, and stared out at the skies with Suzaku. Though the voice sounded familiar, melancholy kept drowning out the overwhelming memories. Suzaku had to content himself with another temporal visitor; was he going to disappear as well? Silence persisted between the two, so much so he felt compelled to converse with the stranger. "This used to be a valley…you know."

"I know."

"There was a woman too," he said. "She used to sit there."

"I figured."

A tight feeling gripped his heart, but he fought down the sob. Suzaku refused to act like a forgotten widower, but he knew he struggled to move on with his life. He couldn't understand why; he did it before, when he thought Euphie was dead. Why couldn't he do it this time? Their goals were different, and…it was obvious Guinevere wasn't his sweet, innocent princess. What had happened to her to make her become like this? Surely it wasn't that bad.

But he could tell through their meetings, through every dream…that it was. Her scars were horrendous, both physically and emotionally. He dared not say a word to her, and opened his arms only for comfort. It'd gotten to a point where they regressed to little more than two lovers on their usual trysts; they treated their meetings then, as though it was normal. It didn't strike him as strange that Euphie, even in death, would haunt him so readily. He was a fool, an utterly heartbroken fool.

The stranger sensed his thoughts. Suzaku heard him shift his weight, trying to get comfortable. "I bet she still misses you."

Suzaku barked out a harsh laugh. "I sincerely doubt it! The last time I saw her, she wanted to rip my head off."

"You're exaggerating." he calmly said. "You're just hurt; that's all."

"Oh? What gave that away?" Suzaku asked sarcastically. His finger ceased following the glass's irregular patterns, stopping altogether as he pushed away those painful memories. He took a deep breath, and apologized to his companion for his sudden outburst. "It's just…we've been together for so long. I guess I really am an idiot, if I couldn't save her."

"How did you know she needed saving?"

"I just…do," Suzaku finished lamely.

"Did she do anything drastic…?"

"She jumped off that cliff," Suzaku answered, pointing to the dried puddle of blood from afar. His eyes were tempted to catch sight of the stranger, but his body wouldn't agree. You aren't ready, you aren't ready, was all his heart seemed to say.

He laughed emptily. "I should've been there for her. I should've done more. If only I'd…If only I'd…" He realized he was shaking, and the tears that withheld themselves from his presence burst at the seams. What a humiliating display, especially since he was supposed to be Zero. And his appearance was in no way befitting to Euphie's former knight. He hastily wiped the troublesome things away. "Sorry," he choked.

"It's fine."

"But…I just don't understand. Why didn't she tell me? Why'd she do this? She was always unpredictable you know."

"I've heard."

"And now…" Suzaku wrung his hands together. He leaned over in resolute defeat, as if he was already surrendering himself to the torrent of emotions. "Now I'm going to do something I know I'll regret doing. It's just…I don't know what else to do for her."

"Oh?" the stranger implored. "If you love her that much, then it shouldn't be that bad, right? The end justifies the means?"

"No," he said mournfully. "No it doesn't."

"Is it really that bad?"

"It is."

"Out with it then," the man said softly. From the reflection of the table, Suzaku could make out the man's fingers as he delicately scooped up the tiny plate. The fork was missing too. He heard sounds from the background, and his somber attitude relinquished him from its grasp. He knew that smell anywhere; vanilla.

Suzaku's grip tightened. "I don't know," he replied. "How do I know I can trust you?"

"This is a dream, isn't it?" the stranger responded. "When you wake up, I'll be gone. I won't have anyone to tell except you."

It was a lie. Suzaku knew it was a lie. Questions built up inside his mind, the whole scene unfolding before him. He could hold the man down and interrogate him right then and there, he could just shoot him through the head, since he had his gun with him at all times; he could even shove him over the edge, into the depths of insanity. Like everyone else seemed to do now.

But instead, Suzaku sighed. His weariness showed itself in front of the man. "How then? How do you save someone from themselves…without going over the edge?"

"Interesting question," the man chuckled. "I guess it depends on how badly you want them."

"You answered that pretty fast," Suzaku observed.

"I know a lot of people like you."

"And how did they deal with it?" he asked, his curiosity arousing. "What did you tell them?"

"It's different for each person," the man admitted. "It's kind of like Geass." Before Suzaku could ask, he heard that tinkering laughter. "A figment of your imagination, remember? What you know, I know."

"Ironic that you're asking me all this, huh?"

"You were always headstrong." Suzaku closed his eyes, reminiscing his naive boyhood over again. It seemed he was always getting himself intro trouble, whether he meant to or not. And regrettably, he was usually dragging either Nunnally or Lelouch into the fold, neither of which had given him their consent. He'd forgotten to apologize to Nunnally for all those years; he should do that soon.

The stranger continued. "Geass manifests itself differently in every person. Some want to be loved, others want to be in control of their lives, and some…some just want to better the world. It all depends."

"So what of me? What am I to you?"

"You, Suzaku Kururugi," the man went on. "Are a fool. A complete fool when it comes to the ways of the world. You let your emotions guide you too easily, to the point where you will simply throw yourself in front of a train to save some insignificant insect."

"Harsh," Suzaku commented, though knowing it was all true. Many have called it honorable, yet others have deemed it stupid. But he just couldn't shake off his habit; it had already ingrained itself in his being, even with Lelouch's command screaming at its highest pitch. Still, it was probably what made him such a formidable enemy.

"Yet, at the same time, your problems are just as common as everyone else's. That same question is still lingering in your mind."

"And what would that question be?"

"When is it the right time to be selfish?"

Suzaku's eyes widened. His ears were attentive, and for a moment, his body stopped shaking. There was that tranquil quiet in his brain, and all the memories that had bombarded his skull were nonexistent. Seeing as how his audience didn't erupt, the man continued. "No matter how you look at it, everything a person does is out of their own natures. Whether it's world peace, or happiness…or seeing people smile, it's all just satisfaction in the end. But sometimes…sometimes there's another factor playing in it all. There are those few times when we act not for our own gain, but for someone else's gain. Sometimes, we neglect our human natures long enough to the point where we're just ready to burst.

"And in my opinion, that's stupid. Extremely stupid. In the end, we all expect something in return, whether we know it or not. It might be a little thing, or a big thing, but either way, that's how life works. You do a good deed, and you expect yourself to feel good about it, not beat yourself up for it. That's what you want in return, is it not?"

"I…guess…"

"Same thing with love," the stranger said, finishing the last of his cake. Suzaku hadn't even touched his, though he wanted to for a while now. "Jealousy, selfishness, envy, hatred…isn't that all apart of the experience? If love were just sweets and smiles, I guess by now I'd be dead."

Suzaku couldn't help but laugh at the satirical joke. "You really are a pessimist, you know that?"

"I'd prefer realist."

"So…when is it the right time…to be selfish?"

"Like I said. It depends on how badly you want it."

"Is that from experience?"

"In a way, yes. It's how you find happiness."

"Didn't you just contradict yourself there?"

"You can't have happiness without pain. You should know that, better than anyone else."

Suzaku scoffed, though the man's words still linger in his mind. His hands clutched themselves tightly, his fingers pressed against his skin. His eyes looked up, and stared at Lelouch's for the longest time. It wasn't a shocking reunion; Suzaku suspected his friend was alive for long, but his mind kept rejecting the hypothesis. The blood soaked Nunnally's red dress, and he even saw Lelouch's body laid to rest in a secret garden away from the masses. Suzaku couldn't even begin to count the hours he cried for his friend's death.

Yet here he was, with that arrogant smirk, but soft eyes, ones that betrayed his motives. Suzaku picked up his fork, and turned his attention to the cake sitting in front of him. "Euphie challenged me to a duel; I hope you know that."

"You're going to try and stop her, aren't you?"

"I am," Suzaku said, watching Lelouch turn his body toward him. He poured the tea for the both of them. "How long have you been with her?"

"A while. Everyone's happy, with the exception of our enemies, of course."

"I see," his voice trailed off, his tastes happily devouring the warmth of the frosting. It melted in his mouth, the same way Euphie's cake did. "Might I ask who those enemies are?"

"I'm sure you've already met them."

"Why then?" Suzaku asked, never stopping to look examine his friend. "Why did you let Nunnally deal with them?"

"I didn't know. I though we could handle it on our own."

"What about Arthur?"

"I don't know."

Suzaku paused, before stabbing the piece with his fork. It was a while before Lelouch spoke again. "So…that mistake you said earlier. Does Nunnally know about it?"

"She does. I don't think I can convince her that Euphie is dead."

"Can't lie to her either," Lelouch murmured. "How is she by the way?"

"Seeing and walking, thanks to Cornelia." From the radiant mood his friend illuminated, Suzaku was relieved to know that he still cared for Nunnally. But of course; he will always be her older brother, no matter what happens. "Nunnally might become your enemy. You know that, right?"

"I think my primary concern right now is keeping Euphie safe. Still, I wonder what you plan on doing with my sister Suzaku, after she's been taken." Lelouch's voice betrayed none of his emotions, though Suzaku could tell the ominous warning in his demeanor, one that dared him to try anything.

He, however, would not back down. "You know that Euphie's suffering, don't you?"

"We have the resources to help her. If you interfere, I doubt she'll get any better. Besides, if I were you I'd start worrying about myself."

"She's my-"

"I know. I still haven't approved of it, by the way," Lelouch remarked, causing Suzaku to blush heavily. "But I want you to understand something Suzaku. You are Euphemia's lover, correct? It means you have some of her magic in you, and since she's extremely powerful, many will seek after you. Alfheimr did once, remember?"

"What happened to them?" Suzaku interrupted. "Did…did she really…?"

Lelouch ignored the boy's confusion, and continued. "I want you to be careful from now on. I'd rather you didn't trust anyone's words. You don't know what you're dealing with."

Suzaku put down his fork, his green orbs evenly meeting the purple ones. "I can't just sit by and do nothing. You know that Lelouch-"

"And if you stick your nose in somewhere it doesn't belong, you'll probably make it worse, for all of us." Lelouch's arm reached out, pouring more tea into the tiny cup. "Even with the way she is now, Euphie is trying to help you; don't ruin her efforts by interfering."

"Do you have any idea what it's like to just…wait around?" Suzaku asked quietly. "While the woman you love is burning, drowning? I showed you where she fell Lelouch!

"You know more than anyone how important Euphie is to me! Even when she's fallen off the edge, I'll still find her! I'm her knight-"

"Former knight," Lelouch stated. "And even former knights don't just go and declare war on their lovers."

Suzaku narrowed his eyes. "You have no right. Aren't you suppose to be dead?"

"If it weren't for me, your precious Euphie would've been lost to Arthur by now." he replied in the same, snarky tone. He gripped the teacup tightly, taking in everything around them. This place was tainted, trampled over, dead. It harbored a kind of sick love Lelouch had grown tired of seeing; too many lives were lost because of it. It was disgusting, humiliating, degrading…he couldn't understand why Suzaku still traveled this road. Wouldn't it have been easier, for he and Euphemia, if he just forgot about her and moved on with his life?

Unfortunately, it seems life doesn't work that way.

Lelouch closed his eyes. "I'll take care of Euphie. Just…just stay away, for her sake."

"Why?" Suzaku demanded.

"If you come near her, she might just have you beheaded, for one thing," he said bluntly, C.C's words clearly ringing in his mind. "But I'm asking you now, Suzaku; we need you to stay away."

"We?" He asked incredulously.

"Euphie and me." Lelouch clarified. "Until we can get everything sorted out, it's better for the two of you not to see each other yet. We can't have Zero dying, after all he's been through."

"So that's it then?" he asked. Lelouch cut him off. "It is. Whatever happens is our problem; we don't need to drag anyone else into our mess."

It was the same words Nunnally so eloquently said. Perhaps it was the reason why Suzaku gave up so easily.

Vivien approached Kallen that same night, a serious expression in her eyes. It was three days time before they invaded. It seemed the days slipped by her fingers as she kept monitoring Lancelot's dreams. It was only when the commander disappeared from everyone's sight did she realize the boy was easily influenced. It was an unforgivable trait he nurtured, and it was that same trait that costed Arthur everything.

And what's more, it seems the white Knight had been conversing with Mordred, though she had no idea what. His very existence made it hard for her to breathe around him, but it was something that got her curious. He was an enchanting young man, even if he was bit too manipulative. After all, that's how he managed to sneak into Lancelot's dreams; Arthur must've told him how.

Not only that, but Mordred seemed to be Guinevere's sword. Vivien watched him carefully, ever since it was announced that Titania was overthrown. He was kind, no doubt, and she didn't expect him to be that carefree. However, he'd proven himself many times over, from the unexpected negotiation he obtained from the Wildelands, to taming Titania in all her glorious turbulence. Vivien remembered when Merlin tried to do the same things for Arthur, only to die many times over, so she was understandably surprised at how the Court Jester, of all people, could easily sway his audience.

Morgan was valuable as well, but she was too close to the queen. She was to remain at the queen's side as a Viceroy, a fool, if only to entertain herself a bit more. Morgan, no, C.C would never leave Guinevere's side; the two had grown too attached to one another.

Was Mordred the same way? What was his relationship with C.C?

She tapped the pilot's shoulder carefully, causing her to turn. Kallen trusted Vivien, but it was expected, since the witch was accustomed to illusions such as glamour. She nodded her head respectfully, but noticed the odd look she had on her face. "Ma'am, is everything alright?"

"I just received word from Zero. We're heading out now, Knightmares and all."

Kallen stared at the Lady of the Lake, disbelief shadowing her features. "He was to tell me."

"Change of plans," she urged, the familiar pulse of magic coursing her veins. She grew a bit lightheaded, but managed to keep herself upright to charm the pilot. "These are Zero's orders; gather your squad and go to Kanime Island."

"Yes ma'am," she said automatically.

"Go to Alpha C, and await for further orders," she continued, as she gestured Kallen away. The leader bowed once more, and turned her heel, leaving Vivien to her own devices.

She laughed, knowing well it would take a while before Lancelot would awaken. But that didn't leave her with much time. Her first object was to dismantle Guinevere's defenses. If she'd fallen to madness, it wouldn't take much to convince Mordred to join her side. C.C would be harder to convince; in fact, Vivien was sure she might just have to kill the girl a thousand times over before targeting the queen.

What would happen after that? If the fools were removed, Guinevere destroyed, then Arthur will be reinstated. And everything will go back to the way it was before. Vivien closed her eyes and smiled; it was painful when the world had to change. It would've been easier if everything remains as it was.