Chapter 3

Euphie and Nunnally charged after the Fish-Man thief, trying to get through a crowd of people.

"Excuse me!" the sisters said, trying to push their way through.

Knowing they will need help trying to catch this thief, Euphie turned towards Nunnally and said, "Nana, please, contact Clovis and give him our location."

Nunnally nodded and got out her comlink and quickly contacted Clovis. "Hello! Clovis! Are you there? We need help!"

"What is it?" asked a concerned Clovis. "What's wrong?"

"A thief came out of nowhere and snatched Euphie's purse," Nunnally explained. "We need your help right away."

"Alright, calm down, Nunnally. I'll be there right away. Where exactly are you?"

"I'm not sure. But there are a lot of people in this sector…"

Unexpectedly, someone bumped into Nunnally's chair when the comlink slipped out of her hands. Then the worse came to happen when someone accidentally stepped and crushed the comlink.

"Oh, no!" Nunnally cried. "Euphie! It's terrible! I dropped the comlink and it's been smashed to pieces."

Realizing they can't call for help, Euphie replied, "This doesn't fair well for the both of us. But we can't let that thief get away with my mother's diamond heirloom. It's all I have left of her."

"What do we do now?" Nunnally asked, concerned.

Euphie sighed. "The thief is not too far. Perhaps if we let him know who we are, he'll give it back. Besides, any thief on this planet should know what will happen when you rob someone from the royal family."

"I hope you're right, Euphie," said Nunnally, as they continued to pursue the thief, who stopped somewhere in the middle of the street, waiting for someone.

"I've got you now, thief!" Euphie shouted, pointing at the Fish-Man as she caught up to him and tackled him down. "Give me back my purse! It's mine!"

"What are you talking about, girl?" spoke the Fish-Man who was named Hachi. "This is my bag. Go get your own!"

"This is my purse!" Euphie told Hachi. "Besides, I'm not stupid! I saw you clear as crystal. As the Princess of Britannia, I demand that you give it back! That purse contains a precious family heirloom passed down to me from my mother!"

"Unhand the bag now, miss Princess, or I will have to get ugly," Hachi warned her.

"Things don't have to get ugly if you comply," Euphie told the Fish-Man thief. "Look, as far as I'm concerned, you can keep the credits in this bag. But you can't have my mother's diamond necklace."

"Well, well. What have we here?"

A shadow fell over Euphemia. She turned to face another Fish-Man, who was twice as big than Hachi. He had a more muscular body, had sharp teeth that make him more frightening and a swordfish-like nose. The name of this Fish-Man was Arlong. Arlong stared at Euphemia with a grin that looked menacingly.

"Arlong, this brat was trying to steal from me," Hachi lied.

Frightened at Arlong's appearance as Euphie's legs shook with fear, Nunnally stood in and spoke out with no fear. "That's a lie! That purse belongs to my sister! Hand it back now or there will be consequences!"

"Brave talk for someone who can't talk, little girl," Arlong snarled. "I'd be more careful if I were you, unless you know who you're dealing with."

"And you should know you're dealing the heiress' of the Britannia family!" Nunnally spat back.

Arlong made a sinister cackle. "I admit, you got spunk little girl. But I'm going to have to fix that once I take you two to sell into slavery. Hachi! Take them to the ship! Strip off all their clothes and subject them to complete humiliation. Make sure they lose their will and their spirit."

Euphie and Nunnally's eyes were wide with shock as Hachi approached them and grabbed both their arms.

"Let me go, you wicked fiend!" Euphemia shouted, struggling. "We refuse to be subjected to anyone's pleasure!"

"You have no right to do this to us!" Nunnally exclaimed.

"Shout all you want, girlies," Hachi laughed. "No one is going to…"

"Unhand them at once!"

Seeing the sudden appearance of Clovis didn't effect Arlong, who only seemed more enthusiastic. "And what do we got here? If snatching two girls to sell into slavery wasn't good enough, perhaps we can turn this rich boy into an errand boy."

"How dare you!" Clovis shouted. "I don't serve no one but myself!"

"Oh, but you will," Arlong said, getting ready to attack Clovis.

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a small table was thrown at Hachi, smacking him at the back of his head and knocking him out cold. Arlong was caught off by surprise. He could have sworn that table came out of nowhere, as if it were floating.

"What the… who did that!" Arlong said in a state of panic. "Whoever you are, come out right now, you dirty coward!"

Revealing himself from the shadows was a young boy with a fierce look in his eyes. It was Lelouch. Arlong took a look at him and noticed he was wearing a Jedi attire.

"I am no coward, Fish-Man," Lelouch spoke. "And the way I see it, the coward is you. It's disgusting how your kind can think to take advantage of innocent girls for your own amusement. If you intend to fight me, then come at me. After all, you're dealing with a Jedi."

"A Jedi?" Arlong questioned, as he just laughed. "You're no Jedi. All you are is nothing but a brat. If you were real Jedi, you would have a Lightsaber."

Lelouch merely smirked. "How naive you can be. If you had a brain, you should know very well a Jedi doesn't always need a Lightsaber to protect himself."

What happened next was that Lelouch flicked something out of his wrist, extending a hilt and much light a lightsaber, a blade popped out. Only this blade was cackling with energy, almost like lightning.

Arlong laughed some more. "And just what is that supposed to be? You think that's more intimidating that a Lightsaber."

As Lelouch approached Arlong, he said, "A weapon can only be intimidating if someone is trying to install fear. I, on the other hand, don't intend to be intimidating. A weapon can only be deadly, depending on the person who is skilled enough to use it. This weapon is called an Electroblade. At the Jedi Temple, we only use it for practice on dummies, much like you."

Lelouch wield around and suddenly, strike the blade at Arlong's legs. Arlong crashed to the floor, staring up at Lelouch in disbelief.

"Do you want more?" Lelouch questioned, feeling that urge to strike Arlong again.

"You wouldn't?" Arlong questioned, having doubts Lelouch had it in him. "Aren't you trained by the Jedi to not torture?"

"Right now, the Jedi are not here," Lelouch corrected. "You only have me to worry about." Lelouch continued striking the blade at Arlong, who withered in pain. "Have you had enough yet, Fish-Man? You know what they say about your kind. The bigger they are, the harder they scream."

Getting back up, Hachi saw the state his boss was in. Staring at Lelouch with fury, he was about to charge in to attack.

"Look out!" Euphie warned.

But Lelouch didn't need Euphie's warning to know Hachi was coming for him. He merely raised his hand and pushed Hachi back, using the Force, against the wall. "If you two are wise, you'd be best to run like the cowards you are. Unless, you two rather endure more pain."

Frightened even just by staring at him, Hachi shook with fear and said, "Boss, let's get out of here before his Jedi buddies arrive."

Hachi made a run for it as Arlong pulled himself back up. The electroblade Lelouch had wasn't meant to kill. Merely, it was designed to stun an enemy. Arlong try to get away with his right leg limping.

Arlong took one last look at Lelouch and replied, "The next time I see you, Jedi, I'll rip your head off."

Lelouch wasn't phased by Arlong's threats and said, "Don't count on it."

Arlong disappeared into a dark alley. Lelouch stood where he was, scowling at the cowardly Fish-Man who ran for their lives. Lelouch snapped back to his senses when the two girls approached him.

"Are you okay?" asked Nunnally.

Lelouch sighed, and answered, "I'm fine. You two aren't hurt, are you?"

"No, we're fine," Euphie assured him. "Thanks to you."

"I'm fine too, thanks for asking," spoke Clovis, knowing he was being ignored. "Euphemia. Nunnally. Are you two okay?"

"Everything is fine," Euphie told her brother. "But did you see what that boy did, Clovis?"

"Yes, I saw," Clovis replied, who thought nothing much of Lelouch's actions.

"That was amazing how you took on those two vile Fish-Man," Nunnally said to Lelouch.

"Well, you two were lucky," said Lelouch. "You should be more careful. Those Fish-Man can be quite a vicious lot. They always take pride in their race, thinking theirs is more superior."

"Just so you know, I was about to save my sister before you did and…"

"Oh, stop your babbling, Clovis," Euphie told him. "You couldn't even handle that brute of a Fish-Man if you wanted. You still can't even beat sister Cornelia in a fencing match."

"What's your name?" Nunnally asked.

"Lelouch. Just Lelouch."

"Yes, well, thank you, Lelouch," Clovis replied, who didn't seem all that grateful. "Well, we better be off."

"Actually, if it's all the same to you, brother, Nana and I prefer to stay with our savior for a while," said Euphie.

"What?" Clovis questioned. "With him?"

"Bye, Clovis," Nunnally said to her older brother, shooing him away, knowing how he felt about Jedi.

Clovis grinded his teeth with frustration as he glared at Lelouch. "Alright, have it your way. But don't call me the next time you two are in trouble. After all, you have your so called Jedi protector looking out for you." Clovis walked away into the streets.

"I don't mean to be rude, but your brother sounds pretty much like an idiot," Lelouch told the sisters.

"Yes, he tends to be that way sometimes," Euphie replied, agreeing.

"I don't know what it is, but for some reason, I feel as though I know you," Nunnally said, approaching Lelouch in her hover wheelchair.

"Yes. It's as if we've always know who you are," Euphie agreed.

"That's strange, because I sort of feel the same," said Lelouch. "I felt it when I saw you two watching the demonstration."

A bit perplexed, Euphie asked, "Did you follow us?"

"Well, no… I mean, I… I sensed it somehow when you were in trouble," Lelouch explained, feeling a bit stuttered.

"And we're grateful for your help," Nunnally said, as she and Euphie bowed their head in gratitude. "Thank you for your help."

"We apologize for our brother," spoke Euphie. "He's sort of fool-hearty when it comes to Jedi. But allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Euphemia li Britannia and this is Nunnally vi Britannia, my half-sister."

"And you said your name was Lelouch?" Nunnally asked.

"Yes."

"Lelouch… your name almost sounds like a Britannian name," Euphie said.

"Well, I think you should know that I'm from your planet," Lelouch told him. "At least, originally."

"What exactly is your last name, Lelouch?" Euphie asked.

"I don't have a last name," Lelouch replied. "I don't really know who my parents were. I was only a baby when the Jedi found me and took me to Coruscant."

"A baby?" Nunnally questioned.

"Yes," Lelouch nodded. "We see, when Jedi travel across the galaxy, they tend to find us as orphans and can sense our potential through the Force. I was told I was found in the wild, with no one to care for me. If anything, my assumption my parents were killed by wild animals and yet somehow I survived. Guess you can say it was the will of the Force that I'm still alive right now."

"I see," Nunnally said, feeling sympathy for Lelouch, holding his hand. "I'm sorry."

Lelouch patted Nunnally on her head and replied, "Don't be. Like I said, I was only a baby, so I wouldn't have memory of them or any of this."

"Well, then, why don't we take a tour," Euphie insisted. "Nana and I would be happy to show you around. It's a great opportunity to know everything you can about your home planet."

"That's a great idea," Nunnally smiled. "Come on, Lelouch."


Lelouch figured he had no other choice since the two sisters insisted. The three of them explored the celebration together, tasting all kinds of food, and playing games the stands had to offer.

The more time Lelouch spent with Euphie and Nunnally, it felt as though he were walking into a dream. Though Lelouch knew nothing about his homeworld, it began to grow more and more familiar with him.

Where they three went to next, Euphie and Nunnally took Lelouch to a large-domed shaped building. As they climbed the marble steps, as Lelouch approached this building, he felt a strange power that he could sense was calling out to him.

Noticing a large room full of seat where hundreds of seats were displayed, Lelouch asked, "What is this place?"

"The Great Assembly," Euphie explained. I guess you can call it our own version of the Senate."

"Incredible!" Lelouch gasped, as the enormous size of the room. He noticed a symbol, supposedly where the Emperor himself speaks and asked, "And what does this symbol right here mean?"

"The symbol of the royal family," Nunnally filled in. "Mainly, me and Euphie. I guess we should have told you that earlier. You see, Lelouch, our father, is the Emperor of Britannia itself."

Realizing he should have put two and two together, Lelouch replied, "I thought you two having them name Britannia was only a coincidence. Now it all makes sense. And I take it Britannia was named after the royal family itself?"

"Yes," Euphie complied. "You see, according to the legend of our people, the planet was once part of the Sith Empire."

"The Sith?!" Lelouch gasped with shock. "Are you referring to the dark side wielders? The ancient enemy of the Jedi?"

"That's correct," said Euphie. "And according to our father, who is always babbling about this tale, our great-great-great-great grandfather led the charge against the Sith Lords."

"Your grandfather did?" Lelouch questioned. "That can't be possible. I've read the history about the Sith. They were powerful dark side Force Wielders. No normal humans could match their power. I read somewhere in the archives that it was the Jedi who aided the people in the charge."

"And you'd be right, Lelouch," Nunnally agreed. "You see, our people never wanted the aid of the Jedi when the Sith once took control of this planet. But the Jedi came regardless. Anything that has to do with the Sith is pretty much the Jedi's business. Even with the help of the Jedi, our grandfather discredit them from Britannian history, claiming it was our people who claimed victory over the Sith."

"Our father believes this story passionately and keeps changing different versions of the story and claims our grandfather took them on single-handedly," Euphie said. "I somehow doubt that because like you said, no normal human could take on the entire Sith Empire."

"You know, from everything I've read about Britannia and the history about the royal family, I'm still surprised our people are still part of the Republic," said Lelouch.

"Well, our father has no choice since the Assembly prefer to be part of the Republic," Nunnally told him. "And of course, according to father, he keeps saying the same thing of how Britannia can look after itself."

"Anyhow, enough about all of this," spoke Euphie. "We really shouldn't be here. Let's head out before father shows up… Lelouch…"

Suddenly, a carving caught Lelouch's attention. There stood the statue of an immense beast that was as big as the domed ceiling. The creatures crested head was thrown back and its jaws were stretched wide as if it were roaring at the stars.

There were sharp spines that stretched out the creatures back and its wings were spread wide as if it were ready to take flight. And then there were its eyes. Despite being a statue, those eyes somewhat frightened Lelouch.

"What is that?" Lelouch asked, frightened and yet fascinated at the same time at the statue's appearance.

"That's called the Tirra 'Taka," Euphie explained. "Supposedly, in legends, it was said the Sith captured these large reptile creatures and controlled them. The stories said they use them to crush those who dare oppose the Sith Empire."

"I don't know how to describe it, but this statue and create… it's beautiful," spoke Lelouch with awe.

For some reason, Lelouch couldn't look away. Staring at this creature felt as though he was in a trance. The creature to him looks so alive. Part of him felt as if the creature could come alive and smash right through the domed ceiling.

Then another feeling hit Lelouch. This sensation he felt, it was as if he could feel the creatures beating heart and the sound of its terrible roar.

Trying to snap Lelouch out of it as she grabbed his shoulder, Euphie said, "Lelouch? What are you doing? Please, you mustn't touch the statue. Our father says those who touch the statue it would bring great misfortune."

"So… beautiful," Lelouch replied, unable to help himself.

"Lelouch, don't!" Nunnanlly pleaded.

It was already too late as Lelouch barely touch the statue. Suddenly, the building began to shake and the floor began to crack and small piles of rubble began to fall from the ceiling. What Lelouch did was let himself be lured to a much darker power, a power that no Jedi should ever tamper with. Lelouch was unaware that he felt a small power of the dark side of the Force.