A/N: Now it is time to kick up the romance! There's nothing more I need to say. On to the chapter!

Disclaimer: Code Geass and Sailor Moon do not belong to me.

Chapter 50

Just Wanna Be With You Part 3

The next day

Chemistry class

Rei P.O.V.

Constant conflictions surround my life these days. When I'm not staring into the bleak reality of the Juban district turning into a ghetto or having a pointless argument with Tomaru about Britannians and what I did to Hotaru, I'm dealing with the fact that Serena's father is dead because of the actions I took.

Lelouch is the one that put things into perspective for me, but that doesn't erase the guilt and confusion that I feel. If things were the way they used to be, I would be the one chiding Serena for being reckless. Looking back now, I realize that I never should have allowed a stupid vision to coax me away from the temple. No, that's not what caused my inevitable departure, isn't it?

Maybe I would have ignored the vision and the mission M gave me if my grandpa hadn't told me the truth. I know it probably sounds like I'm blaming him for this. Who knows, maybe a small part of me places blame on him because I'm tired of blaming myself. Maybe no one was to blame at all. It's possible that this was a destiny I couldn't escape.

The faces of the people of Juban flash in my mind as the chemistry teacher drones on and on about chemical equations. Absentmindedly I write down notes without comprehending a word. Vaguely I wonder why I'm still trying to pretend that nothing has changed. Serena's father is dead, the rest of her family is missing, and Ami's mother has gone missing too. To top that off, Hotaru is in the hospital, Haruka hates the inner senshi, and I can't work up the will power to stop what I started yesterday at the IHOP restaurant.

I want to keep my promise to Nunnally, but is doing so worth the cost of my friendships with Serena and the others. All of them are drawing away from me little by little, not that I blame them, but I'm starting to feel lonely all over again.

"Suck it up Rei," my conscious chided. "This isn't just about you."

My head was beginning to pound with all these thoughts running about. Vainly I tried to focus on what the teacher was talking about, but I was getting absolutely nowhere fast.

Presently, the only thing I can be glad for is the fact that Serena and the others aren't in this class. Rivalz, Shirley, and Rolo aren't either thankfully. Suzaku would be here, but he didn't show up for school today.

So that left only one problem…

"Mr. Lamperouge, would you please answer this equation?"

I turned my gaze backward as Lelouch rose from his seat toward the back of the room. "Certainly, Mrs. Nelson." With slow and confident strides, Lelouch walked up to the blackboard at the front of the room. His fingers were deliberate as he reached for the chalk. His violet eyes glanced over the equation and an instant later he was writing. While he worked, I took the time to get a good look at the equation Mrs. Nelson had put on the board. From what I could tell it was a double-replacement reaction that had elements of carbon and other elements. Like I said before, I haven't been paying attention in this class, so I had no idea what any of the other elements were at the moment. Besides, committing the periodic table of elements to memory wouldn't do any good in my quest to save the world.

After a few seconds of placing numbers here and there, I was lost on what Lelouch was doing. Yeah, equations of any kind are definitely not my strong suit. I'm more of an English person.

Lelouch moved to his left so everyone could study the equation. My mind whirled, but I knew that all that junk on the board was the correct answer. After all, when it came to studies, Lelouch was almost perfect.

Mrs. Nelson studied the equation. "Beautifully done Mr. Lamperouge." She turned her gaze toward the class. "Now this is…" she trailed off, her gaze traveling toward the back. "Mr. Dowel!"

I kept my gaze forward as Mrs. Nelson went on a verbal rampage about how James Dowel talked nonstop every day during class. I had never heard him, but he sat toward the back. It would take bat ears to hear him which was something Mrs. Nelson didn't lack.

"Lelouch go back to your seat," Mrs. Nelson instructed once she had finished her tirade. She turned her gaze on me for a split second. "Mr. Dowel you will be taking Ms. Hino's seat up here where I can keep an eye on you from now on."

"Aw! Come on Mrs. Nelson!"

"Shut your mouth and move to the front," she replied, turning her gaze back on me. "Rei, you'll be sitting next to Lelouch from now on."

My mind blanked. Of all the rotten luck! Why me!

"Ms. Hino? You're not moving."

"What? Oh, sorry!" I exclaimed, rising hurriedly to my feet. In a rush I gathered my things from off my desk. After a few seconds I passed by James, who looked exactly how I felt about the situation.

My eyes locked on Lelouch. His gaze was on his notebook and he was writing something down but I didn't care to know what. I was too focused on the frantic beating of my heart. Oh, God, please don't let him hear it.

"Be calm Rei. It's going to be fine. Just chill out."

The little voice in my head that kept me from being irrational and panicky was doing a poor job of keeping me from becoming irrational and panicky. In fact, I was downright flustered as I lowered myself into my seat next to Lelouch. For once I was glad that he wasn't paying attention to me. If he had been he would have been able to see the rising blush on my face and would have heard the relentless pounding of my heart. Good lord it's getting hot in here.

"Breathe Rei. Breathe! Rei you aren't breathing!"

How could I even think about breathing at a time like this? How am I supposed to keep my stupid crush on Lelouch secret when I'm having a heart attack from just being near him?

"Now, back to this equation…"

For two seconds I had been determined to pay attention and write useless notes about the types of reactions and how to solve the equations that came with those reactions, but that was when pale fingers swiftly slid a folded note toward me.

"What do I do? What do I do?"

Mrs. Nelson was busy at the board. With slight hesitation I opened the note and laid it over my notebook.

So, are you going to tell me the real reason for why you kidnapped my brother yesterday?

The question knocked me off guard, but I wrote back an answer without hesitation.

I just wanted to talk to him. There wasn't really a reason behind it.

I shook my head as I silently passed the note back to him. "Embarrassing Rei. You know could have come up with something better."

Lelouch's written response was almost immediate. I opened the folded note again.

Okay Rei, that's just embarrassing. I know you can lie better than that.

What the heck! Is this guy reading my mind now? Well, it doesn't matter what he thinks. I have enough on my mind without him badgering me about something he doesn't need to know.

If you're so convinced that I'm gonna lie then why bother asking the question? Didn't Rolo tell you the same thing?

I slowly passed the note back, resolving that nothing he said would change my resolve to pay attention to this lecture. After all, there was a big exam coming up and if I didn't pay attention I was going to fail the class.

From the corner of my eye I watched him write. His eyes shifted slowly, following the words as he put his thoughts on paper. In some ways, this felt like having a window into his mind, a place he isolated himself in with or without his true memories.

His eyes suddenly shifted in my direction. Our gazes locked and suddenly we were in a tense staring contest. Mesmerizing as those eyes of his were, I held onto my sanity and broke the connection, opting to stare back at the board as Mrs. Nelson droned on and on. Her words made no more sense than those seven inch lime green stilettoes she wore.

Lelouch had passed the note over again. It took every ounce of willpower I had to leave it laying there for five minutes. Unfortunately, as those five minutes felt like five hours with the weight of Zero's gaze locked on me. I caved under the pressure.

"Stupid violet eyes," I thought, glancing up at the board before opening the note. It was a long one this time.

Rolo said the exact same thing that you did, but any good sibling knows when the other is lying through their teeth. And I learned a lesson about lying from you if you recall the wasabi incident. Would you like to talk about it after school Ms. Hino? If so, meet me in the student council room. There won't be a meeting today because Milly is visiting her fiancé downtown, so no one will interrupt us.

By the way, while it's still on my mind, I was wondering if you could tell me what's going on with Serena. She seems as carefree as she usually is, but something in her eyes was off? Is she okay?

Quickly I scrawled a note underneath is perfect cursive writing. Is there nothing this guy can't do?

Yeah, the wasabi incident was quite funny in my opinion. Are you planning something devious Lula? Well, if you are, I will be prepared. We need to talk about the festival anyway so I'll comply to your request. I had no idea that Milly was still engaged though. Truth be told, I was sure that she would have called the whole thing off by now.

As for Serena…she found out about her father's death. Don't worry, I know you didn't tell her. Serena has a knack for finding out secrets. You could say it's her calling. She's struggling through the grief. She doesn't want anyone else to know aside from me and the others that she lost him. Lita and Ami have been trying to cheer her up, but I decided to leave her alone. When Chad died I wanted to be alone in my suffering because I blamed myself for it. Serena is blaming herself for what happened even though it's far from being her fault.

With unsteady fingers I passed the note back to him. Stubbornness kept me from glancing over at him as he read the note, but inwardly I wondered if he could understand the confliction that surrounded all of us. Lelouch was no longer Zero, but did a trace of that man still exist within? I imagine it would, but I couldn't be sure of that. I couldn't be sure of anything anymore.

Pretty weird for a psychic to be without a clue, huh?

My gaze was on the board again but my focus had been pulled far away. Right now, it didn't feel like anyone else was in the classroom. It was just me and Lelouch, having our usual platonic conversation through the use of sharpened pencils and paper. Oddly enough, this exchange of words felt more genuine and natural than any other conversation we'd had.

Lelouch passed the note just as I began to reach toward the paper. Our fingertips brushed against each other, sending an electric shock up my spine. That one touch sent my heart hammering in my chest again. I kept my breathing as normal as I possibly could. Even now, I still can't believe that Lelouch has this effect on me. A crush is a crush, but an electric current flowing into my body because of a mere touch of the hands is not something I would call normal. I'm still having a hard time breathing right.

He drew his hand back, forcing me to lock all my focus on the folded piece of paper. I opened it gently, just as I had every other time.

Maybe I am planning something. After all, we promised not to lie to each other.

I had made no such promise, but Lelouch was the king of manipulating anything I did to his will. For now I'll let it slide.

Try not to be late alright. We have many important matters to discuss.

I'm sorry that Serena found out about her father. I know you were trying to protect her from feeling this grief. Is that why you stormed out of the meeting with your friends yesterday?

By the way, you need to stop blaming yourself for everything, especially Chad's death. None of the deaths were your fault Rei. The Black Rebellion was instigated by Zero and the massacre by Euphemia. Those are the ones that are to blame for all the suffering.

A laugh nearly fell from my lips as I started to write back.

To be honest Lelouch, I don't really blame anyone for anything anymore. The past is over. One way or another I have to move on. Serena will realize that with time just as I have. Everything will be alright someday.

With a small sigh I passed the note back to him. Our fingers brushed again, but the electric current wasn't as strong as before.

In less than a minute he had written back.

Someday doesn't have to be a lifetime away. Someday can start today.

I smirked as my pencil danced across the page.

No. Someday started four days ago…the day you found me.

A blush was rising on my face, but I pushed any embarrassing thoughts I had away as I passed the note back. There was no denying the crush now, so why fight it? Lelouch was not the only person who could start all over again.

Seconds later he had passed the note back.

I think maybe you were the one that found me. We'll talk after school.

Sincerely,

~Lelouch Lamperouge

My heart swelled at the words, but I made an effort to keep the happiness I felt hidden. Something deep in my heart told me it was wrong to feel this way with all the problems that were surrounding me and my friends. Even so, I was encouraged by Lelouch's words once again. He always knew what to say to make me feel like I wasn't alone.

Right now, with Serena so far gone from who she used to be because of her father's death, Lelouch is probably the person I'm closest to now. I suppose it's ironic for me to see him in that way, knowing the things that he did in the past. Perhaps I stopped caring about it altogether because I realized that he understood me.

And I was beginning to understand him.


After school

Student council room

Lelouch P.O.V.

Generally speaking, there are few things that make sense in my life. The gaps in my memories, the strong feelings of hate I feel towards Suzaku, and this nagging feeling that there's something off about Rolo proves that. However, there is one thing that I've been able to settle within my own mind.

Rei was still a mystery in many ways, but I understood who she was. The bitterness I had felt toward her was slowly disappearing, replaced by a connection I couldn't begin to explain.

As I step toward the automated doors of the student council room, I question whether or not I'm doing the right thing. Rather, I wonder if I'm doing what's expected of me from everyone else. Presently, I should be asking Shirley for a date right now. Instead, I'm standing outside of the student council room, hoping that Rei is inside.

The automated doors open, revealing the long empty table aside from the raven-haired girl that sat at the head of the table. Her gaze was up at the T.V. monitor hanging on the wall. Offhandedly I noted that it was a news channel.

An execution for a small group of recruits in the disbanded terrorist organization known as the Black Knights was halted today when knight of seven Suzaku Kururugi took in the prisoners for another round of questioning. It is not known what the ex-terrorists were questioned about…

Upon hearing that bit of the news, I focused my attention solely on Rei. Her hands were clasped tightly on the table but her expression revealed nothing. As always, Rei Hino is a difficult person to read. Knowing this is part of what makes her so intricately intriguing.

"The news is no way to get your mind off of things," I stated, setting my briefcase on the table. "We have festival matters to discuss."

Rei allowed a smirk to tug at her lips but her gaze didn't drift from the screen. "I have to keep an eye on things in the settlement Lelouch, you know that."

"Yes, I do," I answered, opening the briefcase. "However, if you focus too much on things that are bleak you're going to end up depressed."

With a sigh she turned off the television. "You worry too much about me Lula."

"Perhaps…" I trailed off, my focus shifting to the documents Milly wanted us to look over, "but someone has to look out for you if you don't look out for yourself. I imagine that there are still some sore feelings between you and your friends."

"Things are a bit tense right now," Rei replied, confirming my suspicions. "I'm okay though. Things are getting a little bit better every day."

I nodded, lifting my gaze to meet hers. "Very well, now about that lie you told in chemistry..."

"How about we just let it be a surprise," Rei cut in, her smirk returning. "We have other issues to attend to at the moment."

"Yeah, the main one being how to organize all the events Milly has planned. For one thing, this festival is supposed to be a week long. The last day of the festival will be centered on the Christmas Snowball…"

"Wait a second Lula!" Rei exclaimed, cutting me off for the second time. "A week-long festival! How are we gonna manage that? I nearly lost my sanity working on the last festival we had."

I shrugged, tugging more papers from out of my briefcase. "Prepare to be put in an insane asylum then."

"Why?"

With a groan I passed over the ten page packet of what Milly wants for the festival. Rei picked it up, scanned the first page, and nearly fell out of her chair in the span of fifteen seconds.

"What kind of list is this!"

"A list made by Milly."

Rei sent me a death glare. "Not funny Lula." She stared back at the list, shaking her head in disbelief as she went through the pages. "A production of the First Noel from the drama department, an orchestra sonata for every day of the festival, a mountain of gifts for the young kids from a Santa Claus, elaborate decorations covering the entire campus, fake snow…" Rei trailed off for a moment to glance up at me. "Fake snow? She's kidding right?"

"Keep going."

Rei looked back at the list. "Bake a cookie that's six meters long? What is it with this girl and massive sized foods?"

"Keep going."

"Don't tell me there's something more ridiculous than that?"

"There are plenty of things more ridiculous, but I think there's one thing you might actually like."

Her violet gaze traveled back to the list. She read through silently now, her eyes widening with each psychotic idea that had filled Milly's mind. After flipping a page though, Rei's eyes were as large as watermelons.

"A Christmas concert…from me!"

I smirked at that. "It's supposed to be a one woman show for the last night of the festival."

"But I…" she trailed off again. "Lelouch, a song is one thing but a whole concert?"

"You'll be amazing," I told her, looking down towards my own set of paperwork. "The problem is the planning. Milly wrote all of those crazy things down and expects everything to be done to perfection."

There was silence for a long moment. When I glanced back up, Rei was smiling at me.

"You really think I'm that good of a singer Lelouch?"

I rolled my eyes. "A ridiculous question Rei. You know full well what I think of your singing by now. You have the voice of an angel, pure and simple. Now, quit tugging for a compliment and help me sort through what needs to be done in the next few days."

"A voice of an angel, huh?" Rei asked. I noted that something had changed in her voice, but I kept my gaze on the paperwork. Silence filled the room again. This time however, there was something comfortable in it. The air between us felt light and easy instead of heavy and difficult to bear. I felt myself smile as the minutes of silence continued on.

After a while, I finally stared up at her. She was reading over the list again and crossing out some things with a red pen she was holding in her hand. There was a small smile on her face. It was clear that she was focused on working now and I was glad for it because I couldn't take my eyes off her.

My eyes had locked onto her hands first. They seemed so fragile and delicate as she used her fingers to brush her soft raven hair away from her face, but I had seen the true power of those hands. She was a warrior. She had blood on her hands. Despite knowing this though, I felt a need to reach out and touch those hands with my own.

Her full lips held my attention for the longest. She was only wearing gloss on her lips at the moment, but I remembered a moment when those lips were colored red and so close to touching my own.

I knew for a fact that her skin was warm to the touch from touching her face. At times, she was as fragile as porcelain and at others she was as strong as pure marble. In every sense of the word, she was a walking contradiction.

Her eyes held mine in a trance even though her gaze was far away from me. My heart performed acrobatics every time she was near.

"She has you wrapped around her finger," my conscious stated, laughing bitterly at me. "Pathetic."

Pathetic as it may be, I couldn't bring myself to care.

Rei's eyes finally met mine. The smile on her face fell into a confused scowl. "Lelouch, what are you staring at me for?"

I shook my head, her words breaking the spell. "No reason in particular…I just…"

"Yeah?"

A blush was rising over my face. "I was thinking that you look really pretty today."

Rei's eyes widened again. "Huh?"

"I mean…you look pretty every day, it's just that you look especially pretty today is all…just radiating beauty I guess…" I lowered my gaze to the table.

"What the heck was that babbling about?"

There was silence again for a long moment.

Then Rei abruptly rose to her feet, staring me down with a kind of glare that would strike fear into the heart of Coach Viletta and she was pretty scary in her own right.

"That's it! I can't take it anymore!"

In a flash Rei had tossed the papers and my briefcase aside. In a millisecond she was leaping across the table, her weight taking me and the chair I was in to the floor.

"Wha…Rei!"

Those delicate hands were on my face as she leaned her head down. Before I could ask what she was doing her lips were on mine and I lost all sense of myself.

We had rolled off the chair, completely lost in the passionate kiss that Rei had initiated. My surprise was lost in the mix of the swirl of heat that began to consume me. In an instant I was shoving my fingers through her soft hair and kissing back with the kind of force I didn't know I possessed. For a moment I wondered if I was hurting her, but when we rolled again I found that she was the one hurting me.

Her lips fell away from mine as she unbuttoned my jacket. Seconds later she ripped open my shirt and her lips came in contact with my neck.

"Lelouch…"

I couldn't say anything. My mind was swirling.

"Lelouch…"

She sounded almost annoyed now, but I still couldn't answer.

"Earth to Lelouch…"

I closed my eyes.

"LELOUCH!"

I blinked once and found myself seated back in the chair. The papers and my briefcase were back on the table and Rei was seated across from me. Her expression reflected horrified concern.

"Good greif Lelouch!" she exclaimed. "You scared me. I thought you were having some kind of weird seizure."

I blinked again. "What?"

"One minute you were giving me a compliment and then your eyes went wide, like saucer wide and then you literally stopped breathing."

A raised the palm of my hand to my head. "Was I daydreaming? It felt so real."

Rei stared at me as if I'd lost all sense. "Lelouch, is that drool coming from your mouth?"

I took that opportunity to rise from my seat. "I just…dazed out and I'm hungry. There is no need to worry at all. I'll be back in a minute." Turning away, I practically ran out the door. At this point she's probably wondering if there's something really wrong with me.

Truth be told, I'm wondering if there's something wrong with me.

"Dude, you're whipped! I knew this thing was bad but this is more than I can handle."

Yeah, my conscious had done such a good job of helping me do what's right before. I'm losing my sanity over a terrorist for crying out loud. She's a Japanese woman and I'm a Britannian man. I am not supposed to be losing my mind in lust over that girl!

Nonetheless, my conscious was right. I was in a complete and utter state of insanity over a girl I barely knew. For the first time in my life, I feel utterly ashamed.

A few minutes later I stumbled into my home on the other side of the student council clubhouse. Rolo was seated in the living room, watching the news…just what is with everyone and the news today?

"Big brother, are you okay?" Rolo questioned as I walked past him. "You look like you've just been attacked by a wild animal."

That was a pretty accurate conclusion considering that the wild animal was inside my mind. "I'm fine Rolo, just really hungry." With that said I entered the kitchen and opened the fridge. Haphazardly I reached for the sliced turkey and cheese. A sandwich may calm my nerves.

Still, I don't think any amount of food will chase that daydream from my mind.


Back in the student council room

Rei P.O.V.

I stared toward the automated doors for a long moment.

"What in the world was all that about?" I wondered aloud, shrugging as I reached for the remote. With a click I had turned the T.V. back on. The news cast from before was still blaring loudly from the speakers.

The execution will proceed tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 p.m. It would seem that the last round of questioning brought about little to no answers.

Immediately a scowl returned to my face. "Just what good will it do to execute them now, Suzaku? If you were still going to do this then why put off the execution for another day? What questions could you possibly…?"

I let the thought trail off as my mind took me back to my phone conversation with Suzaku just a few days earlier.

I only know that E.E. took over the Black Knights…

"Those men are under her control," I whispered. "And Suzaku knows that now, but…his duty comes first. He's not going to let them go and they'll die under E.E.'s spell."

"Unless…"

It became apparent to me in that moment that I had made another crucial mistake. When Tomaru came to the Hikawa Shrine, wounded and weak, I felt rage and in that rage I acted irrationally again. Maybe that's the real reason why Tomaru got away at all. E.E. must have figured out that I would call Suzaku and reveal everything that I knew about her.

The knowledge I had of E.E. wasn't much, but it was more than enough to trap me. Those men were under her control. If Suzaku questioned them as the news stated, then he must know that to be true. He can recognize Geass in a person's eyes. He must know.

"Then why? Why would he plan to execute them tomorrow?"

More words from the phone conversation popped into my head in that instant, revealing the exact point of where I had made each mistake.

If you don't stop her I will find a way to do it myself.

Yes, I know you will, Rei.

More than ever I felt like a complete idiot. By telling Suzaku about E.E., I had given him an excuse to see if I am Zera. He knows me. He knows that I would be watching his every move as the temporary viceroy of this settlement.

Then again, I don't really know what's going on in his mind at all. I'm not even sure of the real reason why he took on this temporary position in the first place. I would think it would be too soon after Euphie's death for him to be here. I can't understand any of it.

I suppose it doesn't matter if I understand what he's doing or not. Tomorrow those recruits will die. I may not recognize any of their faces but they're still part of the Black Knights. People assume that Zera is like the female version of Zero. Zero would save those recruits without hesitation and come out on top because he always had a brilliant strategy in mind and he needed the recruits to help him fulfill his personal vendetta against Britannia.

But I'm not Zero. I'm not Lelouch. Brilliant schemes don't just fall from out of my brain like nothing and if I try to save those people there's no doubt in my mind that Suzaku will see the woman beneath the copied mask. It would be one matter if my future was the only thing on the line, but I have Serena and the others to consider. Can I really take the risk? Should I take the risk?

"You have to, because it's the right thing to do."

I turned my gaze away from the T.V. and toward the doorway. Euphemia's ghostly form stood before me once again. A small smile was on her face.

"The right thing Euphie?" I questioned, turning my gaze away. "What about Serena and the others. I can't put them at risk…"

"Then you should ask them about it," Euphemia replied as she walked toward the table. "See what they think. You never know Rei, they could be watching the news as we speak."

"But…"

"You are a Sailor Scout," Euphie cut in, coming around the table so I couldn't avoid her gaze. "However, you are also Princess Julianna Kyuske of Japan. You have a duty to aid your people in the way you know is right. If E.E. is the one controlling them right now, then you must save them from this execution and break the spell. You are the only person who can Zera."

My hands clenched atop the table. Like it or not, Euphemia was right. I couldn't sit and watch those people be executed. In this situation, Suzaku has done something good. He has given me the opportunity to show the world what Zera is really about.

This is my life now. I have to accept it and the consequences of the life I have chosen.


That night at the mansion

6:00 p.m.

Serena P.O.V.

"No way!"

"There's no way we can take a risk like that."

I stayed silent on the couch, watching as Ami and Lita glared at Rei, who stood by the door of the house. Luna and I exchanged a glance. She knew as well as I did that my vote would be the deciding one.

But I didn't want to answer yet.

"We can't just let those people die," Rei stated. "Believe me, I don't want to take this risk either, but we're still Sailor Scouts. We can't run scared just because Suzaku is holding our secret over our heads. You don't have to be a part of it. I'll go alone if that would make it better."

"Do you think we'll be of help to anyone behind a jail cell?" Lita asked. "Come on Rei, think about this."

"I have," Rei argued. "That's why we're discussing it now. I won't be happy about it, but if all of you tell me that it's a bad idea I will let it go." Her violet eyes moved toward me. "And I mean all of you."

Ami stepped in front of me. "This is not the right time to be asking her anything like that. You know that she just found out about her father."

Rei nodded. "I realize the timing is terrible. Even so, I can no longer stand idly by and watch more of my people suffer. Like it or not, we are who we are. The Sailor Scouts are the defenders of justice! Where is the justice in allowing innocent people to be killed because of a trap E.E. set up?

"None."

Lita and Ami turned around, their gazes full of surprise as I rose from the couch. Luna stared up at me with evident pride in her eyes.

"Rei and I will go to the execution grounds tomorrow alone," I stated, my words carrying authority. "Ami, you should go on that date with Rolo. Lita, you should start getting to work on some of the food for the festival."

"Are you crazy?" Lita questioned. "Serena…"

Her words trailed off as I shook my head. "Rei is right. The people of Juban are suffering now because we didn't have our priorities straight. Our mission is to carry out justice and protect the innocent. Besides, this offers an opportunity to figure out some answers as to who E.E. really is."

"Even so Serena, this is a risky operation," Ami pointed out. "The two of you may get into the execution grounds but there's no guarantee that you will get out."

"Not without killing Britannians," Lita added. "Do you really think you can live with that Serena?"

A sigh passed through my lips. "I have to live with a lot of things now. Like it or not though, I'm still Sailor Moon and in the future I will be the queen of this world. At this point, I don't believe any path will be without sacrifice. Regardless, we have to do what's best for the world."

Rei nodded. "That's right."

I smiled if only slightly. "I'm in, Rei."

Ami and Lita exchanged troubled but determined glances. "Not without us you're not."

"Thought you'd say that." I placed my hand in the middle of the circle we had formed. "We fight together. No matter what happens we have to stay strong and keep moving forward."

Rei placed her hand in next. "We have to keep our priorities straight from now on. Not just for the sake of Japan, but for the sake of the world."

Ami placed in her hand. "Together we'll stand or together we'll fall."

Lita was the last to place her hand in the circle. "And if we don't get killed, I'll make a giant cheesecake to celebrate our victory and renewed friendship."

"We're Sailor Scouts forever!"


The next morning

The morning brought about new hopes and new fears for the inner Sailor Soldiers. All of them were prepared to go to the execution ground, but none of them were prepared for a bloodbath.

Even so, each of them went about their own path, following the plan that Ami had set up to bypass Viletta Nu's expert observation team. The four senshi went to their homeroom together as always. The execution wasn't scheduled until after school, so there was still time for them to add the finishing touches of their plan.

Unfortunately, Suzaku's attendance that day threw off the whole thing in a major way.


After homeroom

Suzaku P.O.V.

This was not going to be a good day. That much I was certain of.

(Flashback)

"We will tell you nothing. We are disposable in the plan and have no information to give."

Suzaku, Gino, and Anya stood before the five recruits from the Black Knights. Two of them were women in their mid-twenties, one was a boy of about eighteen, and the other two men were in their thirties. All of them had the ring of Geass surrounding the iris of their eyes.

However, Suzaku was the only person in the room who could see that. He was also the only person who could see the bite marks on their necks.

"Who's plan?" Gino questioned. "You better fess up or you're all gonna die."

"We were chosen to die," a woman stated. "We will die for the sake of the plan."

"What plan?" Gino asked again. "Who are you taking orders from? Is it Zera?"

"Zera, Zera, Zera, Zera, Zera, Zera."

"Wow, these people sound like they're from some kind of cult." Anya stated. "How mildly interesting."

Suzaku cut in on the chanting. "What did she order you to do?"

"Kill Zera, kill Zera, die, die, die."

"Okay," Gino droned. "I don't think Zera is their leader."

Anya shrugged. "How obvious."

"Does the name E.E. mean anything to you?"

"E.E., master, master. She will kill Zera. She will kill Sailor Mars."

The ranting held Suzaku's full attention now. "What does Zera have to do with Sailor Mars?"

"She will come. She will come. She will come to save us all."

"Who will come?" Gino asked. "Zera, E.E., or Sailor Mars?"

"She will come. She will come. She will come to save us all."

Gino shook his head. "They're not making any sense Suzaku."

"It doesn't matter. I have all the information I need. The execution will proceed tomorrow."

"She will come to save us."

(End Flashback)

The words of those people had done nothing to help me. The only thing it had done was heighten my concern. More and more I was coming face to face with the possibility that Rei was indeed Zera. Today I would know for sure and I would have to keep my word.

The symbol of Zero was born in a situation like this. I cannot allow for Zera to become a symbol of its own. The Japanese people do not need another masked hero or heroine to deceive them. This is the only chance I have to put a stop to another rebellion.

Still, my legs carry me down the hall toward the very woman I should have arrested long ago. Today…right now, I hope to make one last plead for her to stop in her reckless actions. This will not only throw her into jail after all but her friends as well.

"Rei…"

She slammed her locker shut before turning toward me. Her expression was bleak.

"Hey Suzaku, what's up?"

I sighed. "You know."

She nodded, sighing before leaning against her closed locker. "Suzaku, I'm sorry about what I said, but it was and still is the truth."

"Rei…"

"Don't say it," she cut in. "I know what you're going to say and what you intend to do today. After all, it's all over the news."

"Yeah, it is."

"More blood is going to stain your hands you know," she continued, her violet eyes finally locking on mine. "More blood of your people."

"Yes, that's true."

"Are you really prepared to walk that path Suzaku?"

"I must."

Her gaze fell from mine and her eyes closed. "I understand that you need to keep the promises you made to yourself just as I have to walk the path leading to my destiny. I only wish we could have walked those paths as friends instead of enemies Suzaku."

"I know."

Rei opened her eyes. "Soon, things will change and I'm sure…that you will be arresting me."

I gave a firm nod.

"I only ask that you spare my friends. They have nothing to do with this path I'm walking on. They won't interfere with yours…so please…" her voice faded out. With a shaky breath she tried to continue, but nothing came out. There was nothing left to be said. She had made her plea.

This was the time to be ruthless, to walk away and not look back.

But I wasn't Zero. Rei may believe otherwise, but I knew that I could never be like him. There was no way I could walk away or allow an execution of people who were simply victims of mind control.

The plan had been to harden my heart, but the expression on Rei's face made it impossible for me. Sadly enough, no other expression on anyone's face had ever been so compelling for me, not even Euphie's.

"Rei, you just aren't fair," I muttered, reaching into my pocket for my cell phone. "How am I supposed to harden my heart when you make a plea like that for your friends?"

Rei didn't answer, but her answering expression of confusion was enough.

"I'll cancel the execution so I won't be forced to arrest you," I whispered, dialing the number of the prison guard. "But you realize I have another secret on you, right?"

"I…Suzaku…are you really…" she trailed off again.

"You're the princess of Japan right? I'm supposed to follow your commands."

Rei remained in a state of stunned silence as I passed her. I didn't look back, dreading the fact that I would have to explain my change in decision again.

Truth be told, I'm not even sure of the reason.


Rei P.O.V.

I couldn't believe it. Suzaku was actually cancelling the execution indefinitely which meant two things.

One: He knew that I was Zera.

Two: He still cared about me as his friend.

The second realization filled me with more hope than I thought possible and I realized in the same instant that I wouldn't be arrested anytime soon. Everything was going to be okay. My life wasn't going to change again.

Which meant…

"Rei! Hey!"

I turned around to find Rolo rushing toward me. Without thinking I wrapped my arms around him the second he reached me.

"Gah! Rei! What's up with this?"

My eyes welled with tears. "I can't really say. I'm just…so happy!"

"Have you gone completely nuts?"

I nodded, releasing my grip on him. "Don't worry about it. We've got some things we need to get done today. Lelouch told me that he's going to the mall after school with Shirley to get more decorations for the festival. That will give us time to finish the song."

"Oh, that's fine," Rolo replied, his expression ranging from concern and discomfort. "Are you sure that you're okay?"

"Better than okay," I told him, choosing that moment to start off to class. "I'm ecstatic!"

There's a good chance that Rolo and a good deal of students watched me as I sprinted down the hall. Suzaku's decision to cancel the execution meant freedom for me and the others. I'm not sure how long that will last, but I'm going to enjoy each day as much as I can.

Soon Suzaku will arrest me and the others, but at this point in time, I'm just glad that the inevitable isn't going to be upon me tomorrow.


A/N: And that ends this ridiculously long chapter. It seriously took me two days to finish, but I'm really happy with how it turned out. Hopefully you all enjoyed it as well. Also, I decided to make Suzaku's flashback in third person for one reason or another. It just worked better for what was going on so I left it alone. Thanks for the support everyone. I hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter brings about more romance for our main characters.