Compass (Re:make)

#17: A fateful Decision

Chinese Land Cruise

Xing Ke dropped Guren on the garage for nightmares. The knights of round also went back since the chinese federation called of their order. "As our thanks, we are giving Guren to you", the head eunuch smirked at Saphira. "The Black Knights are still heading towards you", Saphira warned. "What can they do without their ace?", one commented. "We thank you for your gift", Suzaku bowed and signaled Anya to get Saphira out of the place. They all went back to Avalon.

The next days...

Ashford Academy

Shirley opened the television and watched the news. Black Knight succeeded on taking over Horai Island and even taking charge on the colonies of Chinese Federation because of the rebellion caused by the head eunuch. Zero released the recording he had with the head eunuchs which gained the hatred of the people. They went into Zero's side. "I knew they would be crushed by their own hands", Saphira commented as she sat down around the table. "Geez. Saphira. You never told us that you were a princess!!! How am I suppose to address you? Did you know that you're also a part of the student council? What do you think of doing on President Milly's graduation?", Shirley asked. "Just act like how we were before. I'll be leaving this school with Milly. Why is it that we are the only ones here?", Saphira looked around. "I see. Suzaku is at the army. President Milly just came from the cancelled wedding of Prince Odysseus. Rivalz went to purchase food for the welcome party. Rolo and Lelouch are running around the place again", Shirley answered. "Its been a year, isnt it?", Saphira asked softly. "Did you say something?", Shirley asked. "How about you? You've been out for how many days? Did you date Suzaku outside the campus?", Shirley teased. "What are you saying? That Knight is crazily fighting on the air, land, and sea", Saphira sighed. The door opened and Milly entered. "I just saw Lelouch at the library", Milly informed. Shirley rushed to see the guy and an unexpected event happened.

Sayoko, who replaced Lelouch for a while, gave a kiss to Shirley. She went into their secret base to exchange with Lelouch. "You kissed Shirley?!!!", Lelouch shouted. "Oh, you're now gaining popularity", Sayoko showed a list of Lelouch schedule for dates. "Give me a break, Sayoko", Lelouch faced palmed. "I just wish that Japan would be having an urgent war", Lelouch sighed.

Class 2-1
Lelouch stepped in and saw Suzaku waiting for him. Were you expecting me to be so obvious? "Welcome back, Suzaku", Lelouch faked a smile. "I'm actually glad to see you here", Suzaku smiled back. Gino peeked and saw Lelouch. "Oh, you are an upperclassman!!!", Gino tried to hang around his shoulders but he evaded. "The Knight of Three", he was caught off guard. He heard a camera sound and saw Anya taking a photo of them. Even the knight of six is here?!!! "Lelouch, I'm back as well", Saphira peeked and walked towards Lelouch. "Why is the princess still here?", Lelouch asked and bowed. "Raise your head Lelouch. I asked a favor to everyone that they'd be acting around me the way it was before. I'll also be leaving when Milly graduate so I want to make the most out of everything", Saphira explained. "That's so sad. Reaching you would be hard as well", Lelouch shrugged. "Why?! I have another rival?", Gino looked at Lelouch.

Class ended and a lot of girls are hunting for Lelouch. "Did he owe you money?", Saphira asked. "Lelouch had been dating girls", Shirley explained. "I didnt know he has the habit of doing so", Saphira laughed and looked at Suzaku. The guy averted his stares. Shirley pouted and walked away. The student council except of Shirley had their meeting.

Student Council Office

"Woah! So this is where school activities are being discussed", Gino looked around in amazement. Anya just took pictures and also wrote something on her diary. They sat down around the table. Saphira went to prepare tea and cookies. "Your highness...", Gino stood up but Suzaku shook his head. "Gino, you're unexpectedly young", Milly commented. "Yeah, and I also missed school. When was the last time I entered school?", Gino searched on his mind. "Grade school?", he tilted his head. "When did you start being a Number?", Rivalz asked. "Middle school?", Gino laughed. "I've been asked by so many girls in my class. What's your type of girl?", Milly asked. "I thought we're going to talk about the event?", Gino looked at them. "President is always the final say when it comes to event", Suzaku explained. "Well. I want a girl who's courageous and as strong as me", Gino chuckled. Saphira had someone in mind. They talked for sometime until they heard noises outside. They peeked and saw Lelouch being chased by girls. "Now I know what's for my graduation!", Milly exclaimed.

Viceroy's Palace
Conference Room

"Come on. Its not fun if you're not there", Gino whined as he entered with school uniform on. "Sorry for being late", Suzaku apologized and sat beside Guilford. "Is taking care of the Princess too much for you?", Guilford asked. "I can give some advices if you like. Princess Cornelia and Princess Saphira has a lot in common", Guilford pointed out. "You can go to school for your president's graduation. We'll manage here somehow", Cecil permitted. "I still have responsibilities here", Suzaku refused the offer and discussed about Guren's pilot. His plea not to execute Kallen as to use her as a bait for Zero.

Dorm

Lelouch walked at the corridor and saw Saphira playing with Arthur, Suzaku's cat. "He doesnt usually loves people", Lelouch stood behind her. "Lelouch, I'm glad I was able to escape for a while for Suzaku. Your friend really is scary. He appears in the most unpredictable moments", Saphira reported. Lelouch stretched his limbs and remained silent. He saw fireflies near the fountain. He led Saphira and they sat at the fountain area. "Fireflies?", Saphira was amazed. "I didn't know they could still exist here", Saphira laughed. 

"Lelouch, is it wrong for me to just be on the neutral side? I don't think Zero is mistaken and I don't also think Suzaku is. Zero is challenging the system while Suzaku believes that the system exist to serve the people", Saphira opened. "I am not sure what to answer, your highness", Lelouch had a short laugh. "But Zero had killed important people and also caused blood to spill. Suzaku, in the other hand, is taking a very long time to achieve his goal. His people are dying everyday", Saphira added. "I cannot decide for you, your highness. But if you approve of both, it means you're not approving of either the two. How can you love two ideas at the same time? It's either you hate one and love the other", Lelouch went closer and was about to test his geass on Saphira but her phone rang. 

Nunnally: Saphira, I heard Kallen was held captive. They're discussing of her execution. I hope you come back as early as you can.

Saphira: Execution?!

Nunnally: We wont let this happen. Help me convince Brother Schenizel about it.

Saphira: I'll be there.

Saphira ended the call. Execution?! Can it be? Kallen?! "Did you catch another Black Knight?", Lelouch asked. "She's not just a member. She's the personal guide of Zero. We caught Kallen back at the battle with Chinese Federation", Saphira answered. "Wait... you were there?", Lelouch asked. "Yeah. I am the sub viceroy after all. The court is thinking of executing Kallen. She's our classmate back then, right, Lelouch? She acted sickly before", Saphira remembered. "What are you going to do?", Lelouch asked. "What do you want me to do?", Saphira asked. Lelouch remembered that he used geass of Saphira. "I want you to free her", Lelouch ordered. "As much as I want to but I will do my best not to harm her. She's my friend after all", Saphira answered.

That time, Saphira was certain of one thing. Lelouch's memory came back. There can be no one else but Zero who can pull out such tricks. 

Author's Note:

Thanks for reading