[Prologue] Lelouch vi Britannia: Origins

Throne Room, Pendragon – Holy Britannian Empire, 31 March 2009 a.t.b.

In the throne room of the Imperial Palace, a set of large doors swing open, letting sunlight grace the courtroom.

"Announcing the 17th heir to the Britannian Imperial Throne, His Royal Highness, Prince Lelouch vi Britannia!" A man's voice shouts across the room.

Through the open doors, a small child strides in. He has light, black hair with resolute violet eyes that weren't wavering from their target. He wore a small white dress suit with a black lining, a jabot and a red cape held by a gold aiguillette. Despite being a child, one could easily see him for the Prince that he was.

As he makes his way to the Emperor, the Royal Court, who was bowing before the young Prince, does what many in the Royal Court did when they thought no one could hear them.

Gossip.

"I heard the Imperial Consort, Empress Marianne, was slain within the Palace."

"There's no way terrorists could've gotten in."

"Which means someone must have been-"

"Shh! Quiet, lest you wish to regret those words."

"Yet, the boy remains, even after his mother's death."

"Doesn't matter. They're finished, and so are the Ashford family supporting them."

"And his little sister?"

"Heard that they shot her in the legs. Lost her sight, even."

"Blindness caused by trauma, no doubt."

"Makes no difference. Now she can't even be married off for political gain."

Lelouch heard them. He paid them no mind, however. They weren't the real reason he was here. No, he stared down at the one he was here.

Ahead of him sat an elevated throne. On it sat a large man wearing a full dress uniform with a purple frock jacket with golden lining, an aiguillette and a golden Britannian insignia on its left. He also wore epaulettes and light purple pants tucked into tall black boots, as well as a jabot. He has as well grey hair with long curls and a short beard.

Yet, the image that surrounded him was unmistakably that of a man who was the Monarch of the most powerful nation on Earth.

The Britannian Emperor, Charles zi Britannia.

Lelouch reached the foot of the throne and bowed before it. "Your Majesty, my mother, the Empress, is dead."

"Old news." The Emperor said without a shred of emotion in his tone. His violet eyes reveal no emotion as he stares down at his son. "What of it?"

Shocked, Lelouch looks up at his father with wide eyes. "What of it!?"

"You dare request an audience with the Emperor just to tell me that?" The Emperor turns to his advisor, who stands at his right. "Bring the next one in. I have no time to entertain children."

"Father, wait!" Lelouch tried rushing up the stairs. He stopped, however, as the Royal Guards of the Emperor stepped forward, blocking his way with their rifle-halberds. The Emperor, however, raises his hand, telling the Guards to stop.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The Guards said, pulling back their rifles and falling back to his side.

"Father!" Lelouch looks up at his father. "Why didn't you protect Mother? You're the Emperor, the most powerful man in this nation, if not the world. You should have protected her! And now, you won't even visit Nunnally!"

"I have no use for that weakling." The Emperor cuts in.

"Weakling?" Lelouch gaped at the Emperor's words.

"That's what it means to be royalty." The Emperor stated coldly.

Lelouch looks down, his body trembling with anger and frustration. "Then I don't want to be your heir anymore. I renounce my claim to the throne!" He glares at the Emperor.

Behind the young prince, many in the room gasped. Many began about this act. Lelouch ignores them.

"I'm sick of all the fighting and scheming to see who will succeed you! I had enough!"

"You are dead."

Silence grips the room. Lelouch gapes once again. But before he could say anything, the Emperor continues.

"You are dead. Dead from the moment you were born. Who gave you the fine clothes you wear, the warm comfort of a home, the food you eat, and your very life!?" Charles glares down at Lelouch. "All these things I have given to you. In short, you are nothing to me because you have never existed! Yet, you dare speak such foolishness to me!?" Charles stands up, towering over the boy. Lelouch cries out, falling back.

"Lelouch, you are dead to me. Therefore, you are not entitled to any rights." Charles said, cold eyes looking down at the boy. "I'm sending you and Nunnally to Japan. As prince and princess, you'll serve well as political bargaining tools."

-~-

Royal Infirmary, Pendragon – Holy Britannian Empire

Beep.

Why?

Beep.

Why was this happening?

Beep.

Just days ago, everything was okay.

Beep.

Where did it all go wrong?

Beep.

Those were Lelouch's thoughts as he sat on a chair, looking down at the floor. Next to him was a hospital bed and on it lay a young girl with fair skin and short brown hair connected to a monitor.

His eyes glance at the girl's legs. The hospital blanket may hide them from view, but he doesn't need to see them to know the state of them.

This girl was Nunnally vi Britannia. Lelouch's younger sister. And she just recovered from an attack that claimed her legs. While not needing to be amputated, the damage is severe enough that doctors doubt she'll ever walk again.

Lelouch clenched his fists. What did they do to deserve this?

He thinks back, remembering. He remembers seeing his mother's body over Nunnally, protecting her from the gunfire. Nunnally's wide violet eyes stricken with terror as her mother bleeds out above. And Him looking down at the tragedy. As well as a loud wailing that filled the room.

The young prince's eyes become wet, tears threatening to drop.

How? That was another question in his mind. How had terrorists entered Pendragon unnoticed? They were in the heartland of the Empire. The Capital. The most secure location in the Empire, short of an underground bunker.

How have terrorists snuck in, killed his mother and leave without so much a trace?

Foul play is the only thing he could reasonably suspect. Someone had helped them. Someone powerful. But who?

His mother had many enemies, given that, in contrast to other consorts, she was not of noble birth but a commoner. Yet, not only did the Emperor marry her, many could see that his mother was the most favored of all his wives. Which begs the question...

Why didn't his father do anything?

He may be a child, but Lelouch considered himself to be very perceptive. And he saw no action being taken. No sanctioned manhunts. No proper investigation. Nothing.

"Why..." He mutters, teeth gritting.

A groan from the bed draws his attention. Nunnally stirs awake. "Nunnally!"

"Lelouch?" She whispers. "You're there?"

Lelouch grabs her hand. "I'm here. I'm right here. Don't worry."

"Oh, okay." Her voice sounds weak. "Where are we?" Her head moves around, trying to see.

"We're in the infirmary. It's okay, we're safe here."

"Okay." Nunnally said before falling silent. "Lelouch, it's... really dark. Why are the lights off? Is it nighttime? And... why do my legs feel weird?"

Silence filled the room as Lelouch grimaced. His mind races. What can he say? How can he say it? And should he even say it?

Should he lie?

Nunnally, hearing nothing, turns to her brother. "Lelouch?"

Lelouch looks back at her, studying her expression. No, he can't lie to her. Especially about this.

So he spoke the truth. Spilling out everything that has occurred, from the moment their mother died to the moment their father sent them away.

After he was done, silence fell upon the siblings once again.

"Lelouch," Finally, Nunnally spoke. "Can you stay here?"

"Of course, Nunnally." Lelouch said, holding her hand up to his face. "I'll never leave you. Never."

"Yes." Her voice started cracking. "Please... don't leave me... don't go..."

Soft sobs prowled the room as he drew her into an embrace. The young girl let it all out on his chest.

At that moment, Lelouch made a vow.

He would protect Nunnally.

Whatever the cost.

-~-

Aries Imperial Villa, Pendragon – Holy Britannian Empire, 20 March 2009 a.t.b.

The Aries Imperial Villa. One of the most beautiful areas of the enormous Imperial Palace. With bountiful fields of vibrant flower beds and lovely green pastures, it's a beauty to behold.

And it is where the vi Britannia family will have their family portrait.

Outside, a group of three sat together on a red couch. In front of them stood a painter with his board in front of him.

"Are you done yet?" A young girl said, sitting on the right, face frozen with a smile. She wore a bright pink dress with small brown boots. She also had a pigtails hairstyle.

"Nunnally, you've been saying that for the past hour." On the left stood a young boy, keeping his face silted as well. Wearing a white suit with royal purple, as well as dark dress shoes.

"That's because he's taking too long."

"Just let him finish." Lelouch tries to not let his face drop at his sister's antics. Besides, the boy knows why she's being impatient. It's so she can go play with Euphemia.

"Now, now, you two. Let the poor man work." In between them sat a beautifully tall woman. She had raven black hair flowing to her back and striking violet eyes. She wore an indigo blue dress with a similar-colored hat. This was Marianne vi Britannia, One of the Emperor's many wives, an Imperial-Consort and the mother of the two children.

"Why couldn't Clovis do it?" Nunnally asked her mother.

"Because Clovis is still a young painter. Amazing as he is, it's probably for the best that we get a professional." Marianne explains, still looking ahead.

After a moment, the painter spoke. "All done, your highnesses."

"Finally!" Nunnally exclaims, jumping up and stretching. "I can move."

Lelouch silently agrees too, loosing up his limbs as well. Now then, where does one go looking for a chessboard? Maybe Clovis would like another game.

As Nunnally's done, she looks up to her mother, specifically at her big fluffy hat. A mischievous idea takes place.

Hearing laughter, Lelouch turns to see his sister running off with her mother's hat on her, Marianne's expression being that of surprise. "Wait, Nunnally! Give that back!" He chases after her.

Marianne lets out a giggle and a smile at her children's antics. Truly, no mother could ask for any better children.

-~-

Japanese Airspace – Japan, 2 April 2009 a.t.b

"Lelouch."

The young boy's eyes fluttered open. He looks around and sees he's in the interior of an aircraft. Seated next to him, Nunnally's hands shook him awake.

"Are you alright?" Nunnally asked, eyes ever closed, but the way her head tilted made it apparent that she was addressing him.

He shakes his head, getting rid of the grogginess. "I'm fine, Nunnally. Just had a dream."

"Oh, what was it about?" She perks up.

The young boy looks out the window, down at the beautiful Japanese landscape. Down at the massive mountain below them. Mount Fuji.

"Nothing too important."

-~-

Kururugi Shrine – Japan

Lelouch grunts as he takes another step.

"Are you sure you're okay, big brother?" Nunnally asked, concerned, as she rode on his back. The two siblings have touched down in Japan and were finally about to meet their hosts, whose home was the Kururugi Shrine, a shrine on a steep hill.

Why, Lelouch questions, taking another step, did the staircase have to be on a hill of all places?

A group of suited men accompanied the two royals, one of them carrying Nunnally's wheelchair while the others carried their supplies.

"I'm fine, Nunnally." Lelouch said, sweat pouring from his flushed face. It's pretty obvious that, no, he was not fine. However, he would rather bear this burden than allow anyone else to hold her.

Nunnally frowns, hearing the obvious effort required in his voice. She then tries to help by directing his attention to something else. "You said that we're going to meet the Prime Minister of Japan, right?"

Lelouch grunts, moving up the stairs. "Yep, Genbu Kururugi is his name." Though, given this nation's unique naming conventions, perhaps it was the other way around.

"Wow, so that means that Japan must have some royalty?" Nunnally asked, her face lighting up at the prospect of meeting other royals from another nation.

"Nope." Lelouch grunts. Another step. "They don't have any royals. Or a Monarch. Not anymore."

"Oh, what happened?"

"Apparently, the Emperor of Japan and his family died in the Great War." Lelouch explains, taking yet another step. ""

"Oh. Then why do they still have a Prime Minister?" Nunnally asked.

"Don't know." Another grunt. Another step. "My guess is because they haven't found his body since, they're probably holding on to hope that he's alive somewhere."

The two siblings continue their conversations until they reach the top.

-~-

A bald elderly man stood by the entrance of the shrine, watching and waiting. He wore a dark-tone kimono and held a cane in his hand. He was Kirihara Taizo.

A tired sigh leaves his lips, before looking at his side. Next to him stood a man with brown hair and eyes, wearing a white button shirt, dark green pants and boots. This was Kururugi Genbu, Prime Minister of Japan.

At his legs stood a young girl with long back hair and green eyes, wearing a white kimono with red lining. This was a 4-year-old Sumeragi Kaguya, Genbu's niece.

Near the pair stood a young boy with brown hair, green eyes and a white kimono. He was Kururugi Suzaku, son of Genbu and cousin to Kaguya.

They were all here waiting for their guest. Two Britannian royals. A prince and a princess. Apparently, they were here to study from home.

Kirihara narrows his eyes. One does not live as long as he does in his industry without having a keen eye for things like this. And this right here is looking downright suspicious.

Britannia hasn't been exactly too discreet about their intentions within the Pacific. From the small clashes with Japanese fishing boats to the encroaching Britannian presence from nearby Britannian territories such as the Indochinese Peninsula, Britannia has made it clear. It wants to be the most dominant power in the region. And given how the Chinese Federation is doing little to stop it, that may very well become true.

Speaking of China, the massive nation has been having internal problems lately over in the continent, muddling its ability to exercise control over the Pacific. Though frankly, Kirihara wasn't exactly torn up about it. He's positive that if these problems didn't exist, the Chinese Federation would be the next greatest threat to Japanese sovereignty.

Still, if there is still one thing that both nations agree on, is that Britannia could not gain a significant foothold in the Pacific.

The elderly man let out another sigh. Seems that this world is going mad, with three superpowers ruling the world with very few nations remaining neutral.

Though, it wasn't all bad news. After all, Japan had a unique position on the global stage. Japan was the world's largest producer of Sakuradite superconductors. Such a position meant that it was easier for these superpowers to just trade with them, rather than trying to grab those resources for themselves.

It also benefits Japan greatly, raking in large amounts of wealth for the nation.

Though, the industrialist wonders, how long will that status quo last?

Kirihara can't make out though why Britannia would send their royals here, of all places? What does Britannia hope to accomplish by doing this?

Before he could think on that further, he looks up, hearing grunts and steps. From the entrance, up came a young boy carrying a girl on his back. The boy comes to a stop in front of the group, panting.

The young boy stared up at them, watching them with obvious distrust. Not to say the feeling wasn't mutual among the Japanese.

A silence took before the princess spoke in English. "Lelouch, did we make it?"

Lelouch looked back at her. "Yes, we made it."

He then looks back at them and takes a breath. "Hello, I'm Lelouch vi Britannia, and this is my sister, Nunnally vi Britannia." And in a move that surprised them, he bows his head slightly. "W-we're grateful for your care." He said with reluctance in his tone.

Huh. Well, if there is one thing that the old man can make out, is that this is going to be an interesting summer.

-~-

Lelouch stares wide-eyed, gaping. This has to be a joke, right?

"Well, Lelouch, how is it?" Nunnally asked, seated in her wheelchair.

After their introductions, they were given their living quarters, which Lelouch had been gaping at.

A storehouse. A dusty, old storehouse.

"Lelouch?"

To his sister, there's only one thing he could say. "O-oh, it looks wonderful, Nunnally." Lelouch stammered. That might satisfy her for no-

"Oh! Then can you describe it for me?" Nunnally clapped her hands.

Or maybe not. With an internal sigh, Lelouch carries on. "Well, it has walls as white as snow, with flower patterns all over. It even has a picture a picture window."

"Oh, so it's like Euphie's room, then?"

"Yeah. Small though, but I think it'll be enough for us." Hell, he might make what he said a reality if he has. For her, he would do anything.

As he's about to tell her to stay here so he can clean up, he notices movement in the shadows of the storehouse. "Who's there!?" Lelouch shouts, making Nunnally jump in fright.

"Come out of there! Whoever you are!" Lelouch shouts again after hearing nothing. Then movement.

"Don't talk like you own the place."

The young Japanese boy from the entrance stepped out from the floor above them.

"This was my place before you got here." Suzaku Kururugi said in accented English, as he made his way down to them, glaring at them.

Lelouch glared back, while Nunnally sat quietly.

"You Britannians have a lot of nerve coming here." He said as he stood before them. "Trying to colonize Japan now, huh!?"

"Japan controls a lot of nations too, you know." Lelouch points out. "You just do economically, to underdeveloped nations."

Japan has made certain nations depend on them economically. Made all the easier when you have a very sought-after resource.

Taken aback, Suzaku stammered. "Um, well..."

Lelouch lets out a smile. "In my eyes, Japan and Britannia aren't any different."

"That's a lie!"

"It's not. Go ask your father."

"You're a liar! Why should I believe you when you lied about the walls here?"

"Huh?" Nunnally lets out. Lelouch frowns.

"White walls with flowers? And where is this picture window you speak of? You're nothing more than a liar!"

"Shut up!" Lelouch rushes the boy, but before he can react, the Japanese boy lands a gut punch, leaving the prince breathless. As Lelouch falls to the ground, holding his stomach, kicks start raining down on him.

"How do you like that, you stupid Brit?" Suzaku said as he continued his kicks. "Don't mess with us, you gaijin!"

"Stop it!" Lelouch tries getting up, before being stomped back down. "You barbarian!" The young prince grunts as the blows continue.

"Stop it, please!" Unable to bear her brother's pained grunts, Nunnally cries out. "I don't know who you are, but please stop! I'll do anything, just please stop."

Suzaku stops and looks at her. He then takes a proper look at her and notices that her eyes are closed. Just as they were back at the entrance. In fact, he hasn't once seen her eyes open...

"You're... don't tell me, you're blind?" He asks, wide-eyed.

"Yes." Nunnally answers, clasping her hands together. "So, don't worry about me. There's isn't anything I can do."

She places her shaking hands on her lap. "I can't run. I can't fight. So please..."

He stares at her before glancing down at Lelouch, who grunts as he picks himself up. He glances back and forth between the two siblings.

Then a conflicted look appears on his face. "I'm sorry!" The boy shouts before fleeing the storehouse.

Lelouch stares at the back of the running boy, making his way to Nunnally.

"Lelouch, are you okay? Please, tell me you're alright?" Nunnally asks, frantic about his health.

"Don't worry, Nunnally. He didn't hurt that much." He tries to hide the pain in his voice. Judging by the small frown on her face, he didn't succeed.

"Who was that? It sounded like a boy."

"I think that was the Prime Minister's son, Suzaku Kururugi."

He again stares out at the boy, long gone.

This was the first day the Britannian siblings interacted with Suzaku.

-~-

Living Room, Kururugi Shrine

"So, I heard that Kururugi-san had met up with the two Britannians." Kirihara said to Genbu, who sat across from him, drinking his tea. As the evening rolled on by, the men had a late night chat.

Genbu looks up at him. "So you've heard?" He sighs, putting down his cup. "Well, with how he's acting, looks like it didn't go well for him."

"Oh, how so? They didn't trouble him now, did they?" Kirihara asked. Though, given how the kids portrayed themselves, he doesn't see them winning the fight.

"No. He's uninjured." Genbu clarifies. "With how they looked coming in, it's unlikely they fought him. Though, what happened? He won't tell me."

The elderly man hums. "Well, you know how children are."

Genbu hums as well. "True. So," The man's gaze turns cold. "Did you find anything?"

Kirihara knew what he meant. "No. None of my sources found anything suspicious."

Kirihara had people search the Britannians' belongings and couldn't find anything worthy of note.

The Prime Minister furrows his brow. This whole situation was far too suspicious for his liking. The Britannians are up to something, and those children are a part of that thing.

Somehow.

"Keep searching. We can't let the Britannians get the drop on us."

-~-

Kururugi Shrine – Japan, 3 April 2009 a.t.b.

Lelouch opens his eyes as he's being nudged. Immediately blinding himself as the morning rays hit him, he turns to see that Nunnally has sat up next to him, her hand on him.

"Lelouch." She nudges again.

Groans leaving his mouth, he gets up. Looking around, he remembers that he and Nunnally spent a night in the storehouse. After much cleaning, he cleared a place for the both of them.

Still, this was obviously still a storehouse. Not much he could do.

"Hey, Nunnally. Slept well?" Lelouch asked.

Nunnally hums. "Yep. Now, come on. We have to get ready."

The young boy sighs before standing.

After getting ready, they headed over to the shrine. Inside, the cooks prepared the food, though Lelouch was insistent that he would taste Nunnally's food first before her.

Just in case.

Though, by the looks of everyone at the table and the chefs, his actions haven't garnered him favourable looks, looking offended at the insinuation.

As breakfast ended, the siblings were at a loss for what to do next.

"Hey, Lelouch. How about we explore the shrine?" Nunnally proposes as they moved about the shrine. Lelouch pauses in thought, with Nunnally glancing back at him, a smile on her face.

"Sure." Lelouch said with a smile of his own. It could clear the mind. As well as providing him with an overlay of this shrine.

-~-

Kururugi Shrine Dojo

Kyoshiro Tohdoh stared at the panting boy in front of him. A tall man with brown hair, Lieutenant Colonel Tohdoh is an officer of the Japanese Armed Forces, tasked with a multitude of responsibilities.

Currently, one of them is training the son of the Prime Minister in martial arts. However, he noticed today that something was off.

"What troubles you, child?" Tohdah asked the young boy, looking up at him.

"Nothing." Suzaku shakes his head as he gets up.

"Your moves are becoming more and more sloppy as time went on." Tohdoh points out. "Something is obviously clouding your mind. Speak."

Suzaku looks down, his face showing how conflicted he truly is. "Um, sensei?"

"Yes?"

"Does... does Japan control other nations using money?

Tohdoh raised an eyebrow.

"Why do you ask?" Tohdoh asked, prodding for more information.

"Well, I heard someone say that yesterday, but..." He furrows his brows. "They could be lying, right?"

Yesterday, huh? Wasn't that when the Britannians came?

"Hmm, what do you think? Are they lying?"

"... I don't know. Maybe. I thought of asking you. Maybe you know more."

"Hmm, it's not my area of expertise, but I do believe that we have significant influence overseas because of our Sakuradite. Again, I ask, why are you asking? What brought this up?"

Suzaku hesitates, then sighs, before telling Tohdoh what happened in the storehouse. The lying from Lelouch, the confrontation and the fight.

After he was done, silence filled the dojo.

"I see." Tohdoh said. So, that was the reason. Still, he could still tell that was not all. "I don't know why you're so troubled by this, though. Is there something else you're not telling me?"

Suzaku flinches, then sighs. Leave it to Kyoshiro-sensei to see through him.

"W-well, when I got a closer look, the girl was blind and in a wheelchair. Still, she was telling me to stop. She was protecting her brother, while I..." He looks away in shame.

Ah, there it is. Tohdoh could see it now. The boy's conflicted as the image of what he perceived about the Britannians didn't match with what he saw.

"Well then, what will you do now?"

Brown eyes look back at him, surprised.

"Now that you have this knowledge and shame, how will you go about resolving it?" Tohdoh stared at him.

Conflicted eyes meet the ground. "I don't know."

Tohdoh sighs. "Well, I know that, regardless of wherever you're born, it's common decency to apologize when you've committed a wrong."

Suzaku's eyes widen.

"Well then, I believe we've done enough for today. You are dismissed."

Tohdoh slightly bows to Suzaku, the boy slowly returning it. Then Tohdoh watches as the boy leaves, eyes still conflicted, but this time, a glimmer of resolve shines through that storm.

Tohdoh closes his eyes as he sits down to meditate. As he does so, a small smile appears.

-~-

Kururugi Shrine

As Lelouch pushed on Nunnally's wheelchair, he described all that he saw. The structures, the sights, as well as the symbols that he saw.

"Wow, this shrine sounds amazing." Nunnally said, her imagination going wild with all her brother's descriptions.

"Yeah." Lelouch has to agree. While not from Japan, he can see the beauty.

As they moved, they came across a small pond. On that pond floated some flowers, as well as some koi fish swimming.

"Hmm, is that running water?" Nunnally asked, head moving around as if to see.

"Yep, we're next to a pond."

"Oh, is there anything special about it?"

Lelouch inspects the pond. "Well, the water is clear. I can see everything inside. There are a couple of fish inside. They're red with white marks, like koi fishes. There's also a beautiful white flower blooming on top of the water."

"Oh, what type of flower?" The princess' mind conjures a multitude of flowers that she remembered reading about.

"Um, looks like some kind of special lotus flower." The brother tries to identify the flower. With its white petals and a golden center, it really looked like some kind of lotus flower.

"Hasu."

The sudden voice startled the siblings. Turning their heads, Lelouch sees that, not too far from them, stood Suzaku. The boy froze like a deer in the headlights at the sudden attention.

He looks down, closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "D-don't know what they call it in English, but we call it hasu."

Lelouch narrowed his eyes. What's going on? Is he planning something?

"What does it mean?"

The two boys look down at Nunnally, who kept her expression calm.

"What does the name mean?" Nunnally asked again, a bit wary as she remembered what happened yesterday, but curious about the flower.

Suzaku hesitates before answering. "Well, the flower represents purity. You know, like the soul." He moves closer to them. "That a soul can be pure, regardless of its environment."

"Sounds wonderful. Doesn't it, Lelouch?" Nunnally glances up at him.

"Um, yeah. Yeah, it does, Nunnally. Suits you very well." Lelouch answered, keeping an eye on the Japanese boy. One that does not go unnoticed.

As Suzaku stands before the siblings, he takes another breath and falls to his knees, stretches out his arms and plants his head on the ground.

"Please forgive me!"

"Huh?" The sibling said, facing down at the bowing boy.

"I'm sorry for the trouble I had caused to you yesterday. I-I have no excuse for my actions. Still... I must apologize for what I've done."

Wide violet eyes looked at him. Lelouch didn't actually think that this boy would apologize.

After a moment of silence, Nunnally makes her decision.

"May I have your hand?" Nunnally asked, making Suzaku shoot his head up in surprise. As she holds out her hand, Suzaku stares for a moment before slowly placing his hand in hers.

Nunnally smiles. "You have very soft hands. What was your name, again?"

"K-Kururugi Suzaku."

"Well, Kururugi, I'm willing to forgive you. Though that depends on what my brother says." Nunnally turns to Lelouch, who makes a sour face.

Clearly, the memory of what happened yesterday still made him unpleasant. However, looking at his sister's face, with that bright smile of hers, he feels like he'll let it go for now.

For her sake.

With a sigh, Lelouch says. "Ok, fine. I forgive you too. Just don't do it again, got it?" He crosses his arms and looks away. Nunnally chuckles, and even Suzaku lets out a small smile.

After a while, Nunnally asked. "Kururugi, would you like to join us? This is your shrine, so you know everything, right?"

"Um, right." Suzaku stands up and looks around. "This way, you may like this." He walks off.

Lelouch pushes Nunnally's wheelchair as they follow him.

"Thanks, Lelouch. I know it was hard for you to do." Nunnally said, twiddling her fingers. Seeing this, with a sigh Lelouch assures her.

"It's fine, besides that kindness of yours is what I like." He gives a smile. Nunnally, not seeing it but knowing it's there, gives one back.

And with that, Suzaku leads the smiling pair on a proper tour of the shrine.

Kirihara looked at the scene with surprise.

Suzaku was leading the Britannians on a tour of the shrine, explaining all that he could. While the brother pushed the sister around, each discussing whatever caught their eye.

Taizo hummed. He might not have to worry about the boy after all. Seems like he's getting along pretty well.

Who knows, this might even be the start of a long and beautiful friendship.

He then sighs. Now, if only Kaguya-dono was this welcoming to her peers.

-~-

Kururugi Shrine – Japan, 14 September 2009 a.t.b.

Nunnally took a whiff of the flower in her hands. Lelouch, behind her, described it as a flower with white petals and a golden center. It also smells very nice.

It's been almost half a year since they lived in the shrine. And it's been an eventful series of months. While they had a rocky start, Lelouch and Suzaku have been getting along well. Good, she was afraid that their animosity would be a hindrance during their stay here.

Now, those two usually just get into trouble with Mister Tohdoh and get scolded by him when caught.

Nunnally smiles at the fond memory. It's almost enough to make her forget what happened.

The smiles drop as she thinks back about Britannia. About her family. And about what happened to...

She shakes her head. No, she can't break now. Not in front of him. Not again.

She wasn't blind to her brother's effort to keep her safe and comfortable, ironically enough. Even since they left Britannia, Lelouch had since then picked up the slack.

And as time went on, the guilt within her grew.

Here was Lelouch, her brother, who would move a mountain for her if she wished so. And what does she have to show for it? Nothing but a smile on her face.

"Nunnally, you're alright?" Lelouch asked over her shoulder. "Your flower..."

Grasping with her fingers, she could tell she accidentally crushed the flower.

"Nunnally, what's wrong?" Lelouch asked, voice laced with concern.

"Ah, it's nothing, Lelouch. I'm fine." She puts on her brightest smile. She can't further burden him.

However, she feels even Lelouch doesn't believe her. Though, before anything could happen, the two siblings heard a loud shout.

"Kaguya! Where are you going!?"

The two siblings turn to where they heard the voice. It's Suzaku's voice. Though, why is he screaming?

"If you can't help me, I'll do it myself!" Another voice, a girl this time. What's going on?

"But wait, the sun's about to go down!"

As she hears the two argue, Lelouch speaks. "Well, I guess that's our cue to head back." And with, he pushes the wheelchair.

An odd silence follows the siblings as they make their way back.

"You're sure you okay, Nunnally?"

"Yes, I'm ok. Just... a little saddened that I lost the flower. It smelled really wonderful." That wasn't entirely a lie. She was a bit sad that she lost the flower.

Lelouch hums. "Don't worry. I'll get you another one."

"Really?" She glances back at him.

"Yep. Just you wait."

She smiles, but inside, she wilts a bit. Truly, what did she do to deserve someone like him?

-~-

Kururugi Shrine Dojo

Earlier

"Hah!"

Swing.

"Hah!"

Swing.

"Hah!"

Swing!

In the Kururugi Dojo, Suzaku stood in the middle of the room, swinging around his shinai. Sweat poured down his head, some even flying due to the force of his swings.

Near the door sat Sumeragi Kaguya with a bored look as she stared on. She was the heir to the Sumeragi Clan, a clan with close relations to the Kururugi Clan.

"Why are still playing with that stick? Practice was over a while ago."

Swing.

"I have to be disciplined if I want to be a good Samurai. And it's not a stick, it's a shinai." Suzaku answered, still focusing on his swings.

Kaguya tilts her head. "So, you want to be a Samurai? Why?"

"So I can be a good Prime Minister." He wipes off the sweat on his brow.

"You need to be a Samurai to be a Prime Minister?"

"Yes." Suzaku turns to her, lowering the shinai. "It was Tohdoh-sensei that told me that. Said both my mind and body must be tempered."

"So, you can become a Samurai with that shinai?" She asks.

"Um... well..." Suzaku tries looking for the proper words to explain.

"Can you become a Samurai if you want to?"

"Yep! As long as I work hard for it, I will definitely become one." Suzaku grins brightly.

"Oh..." Suzaku could pick a bit of a somber tone from her.

"Well, what do you want to be, Kaguya-san?"

"Huh?" She looks at him, surprised.

"When you grow up, what do you want to be?"

"Why do you ask?" She eyes with suspicion.

"You asked if I wanted to be a Samurai."

Kaguya frowns. "What I want to be has nothing to do with me."

"Why?" Suzaku asked, surprised with her answer. What does she mean 'has nothing to do with me'?

Kaguya growls. "Stop asking."

Suzaku, however, continues. "Don't you have a dream? Something you want to be in the future?"

Kaguya looks down. "Grr, stop asking already! It doesn't matter what I want. My father, my grandparent, my clan. They make the decisions, not me."

"Kaguya..."

Kaguya rises to her feet, glaring at him. "Enough! Kaguya wants to play something else. I'm tired of studying."

"Your studies will end in a few days. You just have to be patient." Suzaku explains, trying to calm her down.

"By that time, I'll be heading back to the Sumeragi House." Kaguya rants. "Having to do tea ceremonies and other stuff like that! That's not any better!"

Suzaku rubs his nape, unsure of what he must do. "Uh... well sorry, but it's something you must do."

"What I want to do is play something! So," Kaguya points at him. "Take me outside to play."

Suzaku shakes his head. "Sorry, but you heard Kirihara-sama. I'm not allowed to bring you out. I must heed his ord-"

SMACK!

"Ouch!"

Suzaku holds his head in pain. In front of him stood Kaguya, anger on her face and a shinai in hand. Which she used to hit Suzaku with. Repeatedly.

"Stupid! Fool! You're an idiot, Suzaku!"

"Ah! That hurts! Don't use it like that!" Suzaku cries out, blocking some blows with his shinai.

Kaguya huffs. "Fine then! I don't care about you!" She rushes out of the Dojo.

"Kaguya! Where are you going!?" Suzaku shouts from within the dojo.

"If you won't help me, I'll do it myself!" Kaguya shouts as she leaves the shrine and disappears into the shrine forest.

"But wait, the sun's about to go down!" Moments later, Suzaku emerges from the shrine.

"Kaguya! Where did she go!?"

-~-

In the shrine's forest, Kaguya walked, huffing and pouting as she did.

"Stupid Suzaku. Kaguya doesn't need him. Kaguya can do this all by myself." She huffed as she continued further into the forest.

Earlier this day, she was just doing studies as she was told by Kirihara-sama, because she was the heiress to the Sumeragi when she grew tired of it.

She's been doing all these duties, day in and day out, and honestly, she's becoming sick of it.

Like all children, she wants to do something fun!

The moment the opportunity came, she went out of the shrine to see what Suzaku was up to. Turns out he was just having a fun day catching various bugs with his friends. However, instead of letting her join him, he refused. Saying that wasn't an activity fit for an heiress such as herself. That Lord Kirihara disapproved of it. That it may look bad upon the Sumeragi clan.

Then later on, after Kendo training with Tohdoh-sensei, he continues practicing, leaving her in her lonesome.

Huff. Fine then! If he won't help her, she'll do it herself. She doesn't need him.

Though, maybe it wouldn't hurt to have company, she muses, glancing around at the darkening forest.

Wait, didn't Kirihara-sama say to her that an Oni lived in this forest? Demons that ate children?

You know, maybe she should have gone when the sun was still high up. Yeah, that's right. She can just go and-

She steps on a twig, its snap echoing louder than she expected.

"Who's there!? Come out!" A sudden voice angrily calls out.

"Ah!" She let out.

Taking fearful steps, she reveals herself and sees a pond. On the other side stood... something. She couldn't see actually as the sunbeam from the setting sun blocked her gaze. The only she could see, however, is that whoever stood there had bright violet eyes.

The boy in question, who was Lelouch, raised an eyebrow.

"What the... it's just a little girl?"

Is... is this what Kirihara-sama warned her about? He was a boy, but something about this boy told Kaguya that he wasn't like other boys. He stood there with clear lavender eyes and a white-pedaled flower in hand.

"Are... are you an Oni?" Kaguya asked.

"Oni." Lelouch mutters, rubbing his chin as he remembers where he heard that. "Japanese demons." Suddenly, a mischievous thought ran through his head.

"Perhaps I am."

Fear takes hold of the little girl. "Do... Oni's eat children?"

"Perhaps I do." The smile grew wider as he took a step forward.

"So you're going to eat Kaguya!? Wait, Kaguya isn't tasty!" Kaguya steps back, waving her hands as if to dissuade the monster.

"I won't know unless I try." Lelouch takes another step.

"Ah!" The girl tries to think of a way out. She perks up.

"If you eat Kaguya, then the Sumeragi clan will come after you!" She points at him triumphantly.

"Who?" The supposed raised an eyebrow.

Kaguya's finger wavers. "T-the Sumeragi clan, they'll become your enemy if you hurt Kaguya."

Lelouch scoffs. "And why should I care?"

Kaguya's eyes widen. "Huh?"

"That's just a human rule. Has nothing to do with me."

Baffled, she tries again to dissuade him. "Kaguya is the Sumeragi clan's princess!" She stands her ground, though the slight tremor in her stance betrays her fear. That's right, she's the Clan's heir, their princess. She should show this demon the respect she deserves.

"Really? A princess, huh? Still, how's that supposed to make me scared?"

"Um... Kaguya... they..." For once, the girl could not properly answer the boy. "T-they can fight you! Yes, we have the power to defeat you!"

Lelouch raises a brow. "Oh really? Ok then, what can you do?"

"Huh?"

"What can you," Lelouch points to her, smirking. "Do that can stop me? Alone as you are now?"

The girl remains quiet.

"Nothing, huh?" Lelouch waves away at the girl. "That's disappointing, especially after all that talk. Run along, little girl."

"What?"

"I said, go. I won't eat you. So go along. Shoo. Back to where you came from. Before I change my mind." Lelouch waves again.

The young girl stared wide-eyed. Was it that easy?

She can go back? Back to her clan, back to all the studies, practices and all the other duties that came with being the Priest Princess.

Kaguya frowns and looks down. Surprising the boy, she sits down on the ground.

"What's this? Why're you sitting on the ground?"

"Kaguya doesn't want to go back." Kaguya quietly mutters, the Britannian barely being able to make it out.

Lelouch blinks, then sighs, shaking his head.

This girl.

"Is that so? Fine, whatever. Do what you want."

He then turns around and starts picking up flowers from the pond, Kaguya watching as he does. She tilts her head, curious about the supposed demon.

"Are you going to eat those flowers?" She asked.

"No, these flowers are for my little sister. She said they smelled wonderful, so I'm going to leave her some next to where she sleeps." He explains as he continues to pluck the flowers.

"Onis have little sisters?"

"Of course I do."

"Huh."

It never occurred to her that Onis had families. Though, then again, it makes sense. Otherwise, how could they do things alone?

As Lelouch gathers the flowers, a moment of silence takes the two.

"Are you going back to the demon world?" Kaguya asked.

"Yes."

"You have no fangs." She said, glance at his mouth. "No horns either. And you don't look all that different from humans."

"What's your point?" He looks back at her.

The Princess stands up. "If... if you promise..."

"Promise?"

She takes a breath and speaks. "If you promise not to eat Kaguya, then Kaguya will allow you to take me away with you!"

"Ha?"

"Kaguya allows you to take her away from here!" She repeats, getting more vocal. "Kaguya has had enough of all the dancing, waving bells and incantations. I want to do what I want. Something fun!"

Lelouch sighs, muttering. "I guess Princesses are the same wherever you go."

Kaguya rushes up to him. "So, what life do you lead? Is it any fun?" She asks, exciting coursing through her.

"And why should I take you with me?"

"Huh?" Kaguya tilts her head.

"I ask, why should I take you?"

Kaguya steps back. "B-because Kaguya has allowed you..."

Lelouch narrows his eyes. "That still doesn't answer my question. Why should I take a boring girl like you with me?"

"Kaguya's not a boring girl!" She said, showing a frown. "And you should be honored to have someone like me by your side."

Lelouch rolls his eyes. "Why? Early, you had no power of your own. So, why should I listen?"

Kaguya open her mouth, but nothing came out. Try as she might, she had no actually answer.

"See, you are a boring girl, one with no value at all."

"Take that back! Kaguya is an important person, and you will do well to know your place." She will not take anymore slander coming from this demon.

The Prince scoffs. "Please, it's not you who's important but your Clan. You only have power because of your clan, not you. Nobody likes you."

"No, Kaguya's important. The Sumeragi members listen to me."

"Only because they ain't allowed to disobey you." A scowl appears on the boy. "I know your types. Because you are the Clan Princess, they obey you because it's their job. Not because you did something that earned their loyalty. Therefore, you're a boring girl."

"No, I'm not! Stop it!"

"Or what? You're going to give me an order?" He steps up to her, daring her to do so.

The girl glares up at him, however the tears and fear in them don't make for an intimidating sight. "I-I will. If you don't listen... then the Clan will-"

"And there you go again with your Clan. Can you not do anything on your own? Is your Clan all that you are? Truly, you're a boring girl." The boy before turning around and walking off.

"Huh? Where are you going? Come back!"

"No, I'm going. I thought taking you along would have been interesting, but I see now. You're a boring, obnoxious girl that nobody likes. Who'd want that?"

"B-but... I'm not a boring girl."

"Then prove it. Show me you aren't a boring girl. That your Clan isn't the only you have to your name." Lelouch looks over his shoulder.

"Until then, bye-bye, boring girl."

The supposed demon leaves the pond and heads into the forest, leaving behind Kaguya with tears threatening to fall.

Kaguya isn't a boring girl!

Right?

-~-

Meanwhile, Lelouch walked on, carrying those flowers. However, a thought ran cross his mind.

Regardless of wherever you were from, Princesses will remain the same. Guess Japan and Britannia ain't all too different.

Still, a part of him feels bad about making a girl like that cry.

-~-

"Kaguya! Kaguya!" Kaguya heard Suzaku calling out.

"Kaguya!" As Suzaku enters the pond, he rushes to the girl on the ground. "Are you okay?"

The sniffing girl looks at Suzaku, bloodshot eyes showing it wasn't too long that the girl was crying.

"Suzaku... why...?"

"Are you hurt? Do you want me to carry you?' Suzaku looks the girl over, trying to find any injures.

"Why are you here? Don't you hate me?" The girl looks down, uncharacteristically meek.

"Huh? It's heading to the night. And what are you talking about? Hate?"

Kaguya hug herself tighter. "Kaguya said mean words to you. Threw stuff at you. Hit you with that sword. Aren't you mad?"

"No." Suzaku answered, causing her to look at him with shock.

"But I hit you..."

"It wasn't as serious as you think it was." Suzaku tries to placate the girl. "Besides, I saw how lonely you were. So I'm sorry for letting you play with yourself. It must have been hard to get the attention you wanted."

Kaguya's eyes fill up with tears. "Suzaku! I'm sorry!" She hugs him.

"Kaguya!? Seriously, what has gotten into you?" He tries to calm the crying girl.

Through the tears, Kaguya thinks back on those words the Oni left behind.

Boring girl.

Can you not do anything on your own? Is your Clan all that you are?

Then prove it. Show me you aren't a boring girl. That your Clan isn't the only you have to your name.

Kaguya's not a boring girl.

A spark lit up the girl's eyes.

She'll prove it alright.

-~-

Kururugi Shrine – Japan, 09 August 2010 a.t.b.

"Checkmate." Lelouch said as he places the piece in his fingers down.

Across from him sat Suzaku, frowning as he stared down at the board game. Funnily enough, it wasn't Chess.

It was Shogi.

A Japanese board game that, once Suzaku had enough of losing in chess, decided that he would introduce the Britannian to a new game. One where the Japanese boy would certainly win.

"Cheater!" Suzaku pouted. It only took Lelouch learning the rules and one game to utterly trounce on Suzaku. Repeatedly.

"How can I cheat in such a game?" Lelouch raises his eyebrow, desperately trying to hide a smirk.

"You must have, somehow. No one can get so good so quickly." Suzaku pointed out.

"Sorry Suzaku, but Lelouch's always been like that. Winning every strategy game placed in front of him." To the side sat Nunnally in her wheelchair. "Back home, he would always win every chess match against anyone. Well, except for brother Schneizel."

Lelouch pouts. No matter what he did, whenever he played against Schneizel, he always lost. Sure, he was older than him, but it was still frustrating.

Suzaku lights up, inspired by an idea. "Ok then, how about we do Kendo next?"

"No." Lelouch immediately declines.

"Oh, come on, you need the exercise anyway."

Lelouch crosses his arms. "I won't engage in stick-hitting practice just because you're tired of losing to me."

"You make it seem like you don't do the same with chess." Suzaku said, doing the same with his arms. "And it's Kendo, not stick-hitting."

"How about we play something that I would like?" Nunnally offers, clapping her hands. "That's fine with you guys, right?" She gives her usually bright smile.

Seeing this, neither Lelouch nor Suzaku had the heart to disagree.

After all, who could say no to such a beautiful smile?

"Well then, what do you produce?" Lelouch asks. As Nunnally thought of what to do, Lelouch reminisced about his stay here in the shrine.

For many months, he and Nunnally had lived here, making it their home. A thought that doesn't displease him as it once did.

It's certainly helped when they had friends to weather through all that came their way. Lelouch takes a glance at Suzaku.

While they had a rough start, as time grew, Lelouch appreciated his presence. And even considers him he's best friend.

Turning to Nunnally, Lelouch smiles. While she may have hidden it well, he could still tell that she was still shaken up with everything that had happened. Her stiff smile. Her robotic-like movement.

The night terrors.

Yet, he could see that she was doing better in her stay here in the shrine. Not fully recovered, but that smile of hers is becoming more and more genuine and beautiful.

Even the people here weren't too bad. Well, except for the Prime Minister. But Lelouch can't exactly fault him. He'd make for a terrible world leader if he didn't suspect them.

But the others such as Tohdoh and Kirihara proved to be very interesting people. Even Kaguya, after the incident in the pond, surprised him. Huh, looks like there was more to her than just some boring princess.

He had seen many things over their stay here. From the cultural to the societal. There are many things in Japan that are new to the Britannian. Yet, there are also many things that are familiar to him and his homeland.

With that thought, Lelouch makes a small frown.

Britannia. He still has bitter memories and unanswered questions from his homeland.

Why was his mother murdered?

Why hasn't his father done something?

Why were he and Nunnally abandoned?

Why?

"Oh, I know." Nunnally perks up, excited. "How about we play Shiritori? It was fun the last time we played. Also, it would help us with our Japanese."

Ah, that game. Another Japanese game Suzaku taught them, where they would say words using the last sound from a previously said word. Similar to word chains, except instead of letters, they were using Japanese syllables.

Nunnally very much enjoyed that game. Very much so that even Suzaku had trouble keeping up. It was only Suzaku's experience and extensive vocabulary that won him the victory. Though, given how quickly Nunnally was picking up the language, it was only a matter of time.

"Come on, it'll be fun for all of us, won't it?" Nunnally clapped her hands, still giving her smile. The two boys glanced at each other before shrugging.

"Sure then, Nunnally." Suzaku said, smiling.

"It would be nice to improve my Japanese as well." Lelouch said, a smile also growing on him watching Nunnally's and Suzaku's expressions brighten up.

He may not get the answers he seeks, but he won't allow that to stop him from living his life. From cherishing moments like these.

You are dead.

But he will find those answers.

His mother's grave deserves that closure.

"Great! Let's get started!" Nunnally exclaimed, excitement practically glowing off of her.

-~-

Chiba's Coast, Chiba – Japan, 10 August 2010 a.t.b.

As the morning sun rose, so too did its people. Whether they were man, woman or child, all got ready for the day ahead.

Some went to work while others, especially children, played with each other. And some even took the time to enjoy the beaches.

Under the clear blue skies, everyone was just going about their daily routines.

That was until a military convoy rolled through the town. Rows of armored trucks passed through the streets, carrying troops and equipment. The sudden presence of the military unsettled the citizens.

Was this a military exercise?

Apparently not, for as soon as the troops disembarked from the trucks and spread out among the populous, the commander in charge of the group made an announcement via a megaphone. They were to evacuate and head deeper inland.

As the announcement continued, detailing what they were to bring with them, the confusion just kept growing.

Then, people started hearing a particular sound. A loud hum coming from the ocean. The Chiba residents looked out and saw what looked like dozens of dots dotting the sky.

As the dots drew closer, they could make out its shape. They were planes!

With a lengthy wingspan compared to normal aircraft, as well as swept wings with no tailfin, the presence was new to the Japanese civilians.

The military, though, recognized those planes.

Those weren't simply just planes.

They were bombers.

Specifically, the Capsule Corporation B-22 Strategic Bomber. A Britannian bomber.

The Commander, gathering himself, turns and shouts. "GET THEM OUT OF HERE! NOW!"

The soldiers snapped out of their awe at the enemy numbers and carried out their orders. Alas, they were far too late.

The bombers flew above them with their bomb bay doors open, releasing their payload. Under the pull of gravity, the explosive ordinates reached their targets and unleashed hell.

The detonations consumed all those nearby, killing many and wounding even more. Now thoroughly frightened, people abandoned any sense of calm and ran to safety. Sadly, with the number of bombers above, safety was nonexistent.

The soldiers picked themselves up, with some moving to secure the terrified and screaming populace, and others began digging in for the upcoming fight, especially as they saw the many ships on the horizon.

Ships that were distinctly not Japanese.

-~-

Near Kururugi Shrine

Lelouch and Suzaku stood on top of a cliff they had climbed over. In the distance, they could see many aircraft, fluttering around like flies around Mount Fuji.

Suzaku stared on with wide eyes at the explosions and smoke he could make out from the distance. While Lelouch grimaced as he recognized to whom those planes belonged.

They were Britannian military crafts.

It's clear to the two boys what was occurring before their very eyes.

The invasion of Japan has begun.

-~-

Unknown Location – 12 September 2010 a.t.b.

Lelouch stared down at the fire in a barrel in front of him, his expression blank. Next to him sat Nunnally in her wheelchair, just as quiet as he was.

Off to the side, Suzaku stood, watching the orange sunset. A somber look on his face as he no doubt thinks back on what has befallen his beloved nation.

The nation that fought for nearly a month.

And the nation that fell within that month.

An entire month.

That's all it took for Japan to capitulate. He could scarcely believe it, even though he just saw it with his own eyes. Yes, militarily, Japan cannot compare to Britannia, but he had expected Japan to put up a fight for maybe a year at the very least.

Goes to show how effective Knightmare Frames were.

Knightmare Frames. New giant walking war machines for the Britannians. Bipedal in design and towering over their enemies, they were also more nimble than tanks with similar destructive power.

Compared to them, the Japanese military was outmaneuvered, outgunned and with no allies, outnumbered. Adding the suicide of the Prime Minister, Genbu Kururugi, and the nation's fate was sealed.

Lelouch glances at Suzaku. The Japanese boy didn't take his father's death very well. He fell into almost in a shell-shocked trance. It was only his need to protect Nunnally and him that got him moving.

As the Britannia invasion drew closer and tensions boiling over, it became unsafe for him and Nunnally to stay there, as that would invite nothing but a justified excuse to get rid of them. Thus, with Suzaku in tow, they escaped from both Britannian and Japanese Forces.

The struggles didn't end there. As they traveled the country, Lelouch and Suzaku bore witness to the worst of mankind.

Corpses. An entire field of corpses. Bloodied bodies of men, women and children laid still. A pungent smell of metallic blood and other bodily fluids filled the air.

It was almost enough to make the boys vomit. Thankfully, Nunnally couldn't see it, though that didn't stop her from asking about the source of the repulsive smell as they travelled through the bloodied field.

Lelouch didn't have the heart to tell her the truth.

Now, here they stood, in the ruins of a broken coastal town. Brooding as day came to a close.

The former prince clinched his fists.

There has been a ringing in his head, even since his mother was dead. And it only grew stronger with his stay over in the oriental nation.

Why?

Why?

WHY?

Rage filled the boy as thought back on all that has happened. His mother's death. He and Nunnally's abandonment. The suffering the Japanese have experienced.

Rage aimed at the source of all this suffering. The Holy Empire of Britannia. At the one who stood above all.

His father.

"Suzaku.." The sheer venom in the boy's voice startled Suzaku and Nunnally. "Mark my words."

When Lelouch lifted his head, what Suzaku saw drove a chill down his spine.

Sharp violet eyes glowing with a passionate inferno.

"I... I will..."

An inferno that threatens to engulf all who wronged them.

"I WILL OBLITERATE BRITANNIA!"