Half a World Apart by angelcloudy

Chapter 1

August 2010 a.t.b. – Aries Villa, Holy Britannian Empire

"Lelouch-nii!" a little girl squealed repeatedly through the wide hallways of the Aries Villa. Her voice rang and rang and rang until it reached the ears of her beloved brother.

"Where's everybody?" she asked stubbornly. "Mom said that she'll wake me up an hour before we all leave!"

"Hey, calm down! The two of us will just play for the mean time," he explained. "We can go with them the next time. Now just enjoy the company of your big brother, okay?"

"Yes, yes. Soooo…"

"Let's play?"

"But what game?" came her reply.

"Hide and seek?" he suggested.

"You're good at that, brother!"

"Chess?"

"You're best in that!" she cutely snapped. Her raised voice was then followed by a pout. Now it's time for her suggestions. "Doll? House? Dress-up? Make-over?"

"There's no way!"

"But, nii-san!"

"We'll just play rock-paper-scissors all day if you insist on doing those stuff," he threatened.

"Hai, hai! We'll just chase butterflies in your mom's garden then!"

"That's a nice idea Kallen-chan!"

With that, the jet-haired boy ran to the big arc which served as an entrance for the iris garden. The red-head, on the other hand, tried desperately to cope up with her brother – especially in her yellow sundress. "Wait for me, nii-san! Or else…" trailed off her voice.

He looked back and just smirked. "Or else what, Kallen-chan?" he shouted after turning to run again.

"Or else I'll tell on dad! Dad'll just embarrass you to our other half-siblings, Lelouch!" she insisted.

Young Lelouch just chuckled at the childishness and ran back at least 10 meters to get to her. He kneeled on the ground, with his back facing her, his hands ready to carry a big load. "Just ride already, Kallen! It'll take us forever if I wait for you! The butterflies are waiting,"

"Thank you, nii-san! I love you!" she giggled right after clinging onto his arms to lift herself up of his back.

"I love my sister, as well," he whispered as she continued giggling against the mass of his hair.

December 2010 a.t.b. - Aries Villa, Holy Britannian Empire

It was a nice Saturday morning. Despite being December, Marianne's garden still bloomed, for the villa was located in the equatorial part of Britannia. The Lamperouge, as well as the Kouzuki branch of the Royal Family always had fun Saturdays in the home they shared. But today was different…

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Yes?" a small voice answered.

"It's me Lelouch," he introduced. "Euphie, Castor and Pollux are here to play," The names mentioned were those of their half-siblings. A sister and twin brothers who are of the same age.

"Is that so? Come in, then, nii-san!" she cheerfully yelled through the door. But a tint of disappointment was heard in her tone of voice.

Once inside he plopped on her small bed, dangling the feet that didn't reach the floor. He saw her packing but he knew nothing of a family vacation. So, he asks, "Why're you packing Kallen-chan?"

She shifted to his side, temporarily stopping her work. She could've told the maids to do it but she was too shy to ask, he thought. "Mom says that we won't be living here anymore. After a week, we'll leave for Japan… I don't know where that is, though," she replied sadly.

"But why? Christmas is coming and it ought to be sad without you and Lady Kouzuki!" he asked further depite the fear of knowing the truth. Maybe she doesn't enjoy my company anymore. "Besides, don't you have rights and duties to the throne?"

Now the jet-haired boy started to sound frightening – causing Kallen to whimper in fear. She felt as if everything was her fault, though there was nothing wrong in the first place. Almost crying, she said, "Mom says it's best for me, and I believe her, nii-san! I already gave up my royal rights; I had no interest in the political race after all,"

Guilt crept up Lelouch's heart when he realized that he caused her fear. To be forgiven, he said a handful of sorries. Causing any of his half-siblings worry, fear, or any other negative emotions is a big no in the royal family. But of course, Kallen always forgives him, they were the closest half-siblings, anyways.

"Okay then. I'll leave you now," he stated after getting up, ready to exit the room.

Later that morning, the little prince approached his mother to discuss the idea he had in mind. Lady Lamperouge, who was then looking over the kitchen maids, was surprised by the presence of his son.

"Mom, can we move to Japan?" he asked as if it was only candy. The woman in the orange dress, knelt down to his eye level and explained, "Why go there, son? You know, it's half way around the world, Louchie,"

"Is that so mom? But Lady Kouzuki & Kallen-chan heading there! Are they not enjoying our company anymore?"

Marianne just chuckled, amused by Lelouch's attachment to his half-sister. The boy, on the other had, looked quizically at his mother. "I'll go to Japan, as well," he declared out of the blue.

This caused Marianne's expression to change from amused to shocked. "That would mean leaving all us here, Louchie. Nunnally and I will be sad. Plus, you won't be able to attend to your duties when you're away,"

With all seriousness he could muster, he anwered, "I've already thought about it, mom. I will not abandon my title," He paused to look straight in her eyes, showing his determination. "I'll do my best to be independent mother. And I promise that I'll send letters or even call everyday!"

She submitted to his request and just reminded him of something, "But ask the Emperor and Lady Kouzuki first, understand, young man?" With that she ruffled his raven hair while he squirmed away. He ran back to the kitchen door and shouted thanks to his mother.

Afternoon that day, Palace, Pendragon

Lelouch had traveled to meet up with his father, the emperor. Like always, when they were in each other's presence, they got straight to the point of discussion. "Dad-," he cut his own sentence off. "I mean, your highness, I asked for your audience to heed permission to go to Japan,"

"Do you even know where that is, son?"

The lad shifted uncomfortably, for he knew nothing of the place. He plainly described it to his father as the place that Kallen and her mother was moving to. Also, that it is half way around the globe. He thought roughly of what more to add, so that he won't look dumb in front of his father.

Despite the struggles, he didn't come up with anything. Then his father broke his train of thoughts with a laugh. Though curious why, Lelouch didn't bother asking. "Japan is where Lady Kouzuki has lived all her life before I took her as a consort," the older man explained. "Now, they'll go there for safety purposes. Kana feels that her daughter, as a half-Japanese, isn't safe in the premises of the empire while she still has the title of a princess,"

Lelouch had listened intently all the way ad now was his time to speak. "I ask again, your highness, can I go to Japan? I promise to be truthful to any task you give during my stay there. And I'll take care of your 4th wife and daughter!" he insisted, determined.

Like Marianne, Charles was amused by how Lelouch was so close to Kana and Kallen. It's not avoidable anyway, since Kana and Marianne were the only consorts who were in good terms and that their families are the closest as well.

Touched by Lelouch's concern to the welfare of a half-sister, he let him be. He allowed him to carry on with his plan as long as Lady Kouzuki will let him.

Dinner that night, Aries Villa

The prince asked, in front of everyone, Lady Kouzuki if he could come along to Japan. Everyone was shocked, but despite it, Kana simply said that they would not mind if Lelouch went as well. And in fact, Kallen was happy that her beloved half-brother would be coming, too.

December 15, Imperial Airport

"Bye, Kallen-nee, Lelouch-nii, and Kana-san," Nunnally said more to herself than her companions. Teary-eyed, she stared at the private plane take off, and continued to do so until it was out of sight. When that time came, she carefully wheeled her way towards the park lot, where Euphie, Cornelia, and Marianne were waiting.