Chapter Four

Memories

The sun overhead was blazing and his back was soaked with sweat, but Lelouch carried on. His legs were shaking from Nunally's weight and from climbing up the many stone steps. He was exhausted, he was tired. He could feel his frail body shaking from fatigue but he paid no heed. The dark-haired boy continued to walk up, no matter how much his mind had screamed he needed rest. Young as he was, he knew he has to do his priorities first. And that priority meant his little sister.

"A shrine?" Nunnally asked, her voice soft and curious.

Lelouch nodded. "Hm. It's the Japanese version of a church."

"Is the Pope the Emperor of Japan?" She asked again.

"No," Lelouch couldn't help but smile at her ponders. "Japan doesn't have an Emperor." For one second, the young boy paused to breathe and continued on at explaining. "The person who gets selected during an election becomes the Prime Minister. It's only by coincidence that Prime Minister Kururugi's personal residence is a shrine."

Nunnally's next words were anything but a curious question, after noticing how often her older brother staggers. She could feel the hard rise and fall of his bony chest, and her brows furrowed, almost hating herself for being such a heavy burden. Maybe she shouldn't eat as much from now on.

"Brother, are you all right?" He was breathing much too heavily now, and the six year-old girl couldn't help but feel worried. "These stairs seem fairly tall."

"This is nothing. I can handle it."

But Lelouch knew otherwise. Back in his princely days, stairs were his enemies. He couldn't run around as much, and it would only slow him down when he and his siblings play tag. What he was doing was torture, climbing up the steep stairs with Nunnally riding on his back. But now, there was no time for complaints or refusals. There wasn't any other way. And Hell has to freeze over before Lelouch would let any Japanese person touch his sister. Nunnally has to rest soon — and the only way up to their safe haven are these elevated steps.

"Ne, Brother. What do you think Sister Valentine is doing now?" The young boy nearly tripped when Nunnally mentioned their sister's name.

Sick in bed, as always, a part of his mind wanted to say but Lelouch shrugged it off. It sounded too insensitive somehow. But it was the truth. For the past months, Valentine was stricken with a strange illness and was forbidden to see them. The last time he saw her was…was…

"I don't know." He answered honestly after a very long pause. "But I'm certain she's safe."

"You think so? I really hope she's okay, and she'll get well soon enough so she can go visit us here."

Lelouch only made a small sound that signaled his agreement. Nunnally didn't know — yet, anyway. Of how their father had sent them off here in this wasted country to fend for themselves, and certainly, he didn't mention anything about seeing them both again. He knew it was wrong to lie — but if it makes life easier for his younger sister, then he would do it. No matter how hard the gods will punish him for it.

"Hang on, Nunnally. We're nearly there." Lelouch panted, feeling every bit of his energy fade as soon as he caught side of the spacious compound. Just a little bit more…

"Brother, are we there yet?"

Lelouch could only stare at the place given for them to live in, agape and speechless. The young boy expected nothing luxurious — probably a bed, some furniture and all but seeing their so-called "room", the word simple became an understatement.

It was nothing but a small storeroom within the Kururugi Shrine.

The ancestral residence seemed empty and quiet but they dared to knock — or rather, Lelouch did, despite his weariness — and was immediately answered by a kindly servant, who was rather apologetic after explaining Prime Minister Kururugi's absence and saying he'll come back later to settle the matter. Desperate, the young boy had no choice, but to accept any sort of shelter from the family.

It was dark — as most storerooms go. With bare walls and ghastly-looking windows. Everything around them was made of wood though some corners of the room were mangled with dusts and cobwebs. It looked like it never have been cleaned. Lelouch quickly thought that even the servants back at Pendragon never lived in a place like this.

"Y-Y-Yes…" Lelouch nearly choked, realizing how deep they have fallen. From being children of the most powerful Emperor to…this. Strangers. Plain kids stripped of their title and honor.

Nunnally, however, beamed. For a blind girl, Lelouch knew she was excited. "What kind of room is it? How is the new home for Brother and I?"

The former prince fell silent. He couldn't — not to Nunnally —

"It's a wonderful place." He finally said, wincing at the dingy, visible metallic roof and the stacks of hay placed on one corner. "The walls are white like snow, and there are windows with flower decorations."

"Sounds like Euphy's room."

"Yes. But it's a bit small. But since it's just Nunnally and I…" Lelouch fought hard to contain the dismay and sadness in his voice. He knew it was wrong to lie to Nunnally, but he couldn't just let her see this, to let her realize they're all alone now.

"Who's there?" A strong, high voice broke through the dark-haired boy's reverie.

Both Lelouch and Nunnally flinched. It seems as if it came from the floor above.

"You over there, come out." Lelouch found himself saying. He was in no mood to deal with things like this.

"Don't speak so arrogantly." He was surprised to see a young brown-haired boy wearing a traditional Japanese clothing and was glowering at him. "This used to be my room, after all."

"Yours?" Lelouch repeated. Who is he, anyway?

The stranger continued to glare at him, his light-green eyes almost glowing with irritation. "Britannians are so shameless. Do you intend to colonize Japan too?"

"Japan is trying to enforce dominance as well. You enforce sanctions on countries you deal with." The former prince shot back, raising an eyebrow.

As if revealing his true nature, the young brunette flinched, lost for words after hearing Lelouch's sharp statements. "Erm —"

"Japan and Britannia aren't that different from each other."

"Lies!" The boy cut off, his eyes burning with fury.

"They aren't lies! Try asking your father!" Lelouch yelled back, his fingers balling into fists. He was tired — physically and mentally — and yet this boy continues with his ignorant jibes.

"You're a liar! What's this about white walls?" The raven-haired boy cringed when he heard Nunnally gasp in surprise. "Where are the decorated windows in this storeroom —?"

"Stop it!" He screamed. He couldn't see his sister's reaction, for his anger at the stranger was momentarily blinding him from everything.

And with that, Lelouch charged at him without thinking, but quickly fell into the ground as the boy's knuckle connected with his face. And just like that, the former prince collapsed at the stranger's feet, his face reddening from the direct hit.

He thought it was over — but it wasn't. The brunette clambered on top of him before he could stand up and punched him repeatedly in the face, over and over. His fist fell on him like raining concrete, hitting him on the jaw, the nose, and even the eyes.

"How's that, you Britannian bastard?" He growled as he threw blows after blows on Lelouch's face. "Don't look down on the Japanese!"

"S-Stop it!" Lelouch couldn't fight — physically, at least. He knew he was no match for this boy's strength — or even anger.

"You barbarian!"

"Please stop!" Nunnally's pleas cut through the air, hearing the commotion between the two. "I don't know who you are, but I'll do anything you tell me!"

All of a sudden, the boy froze, dumbstruck as he looked at Nunnally. "You…don't tell me you can't see?"

"Yes, so please don't be alarmed. I can't do anything…whether it's fighting or running away…t-that's why…" Her voice was soft, almost at the verge of tears.

"Then…" The brunette's voice trailed off as he slowly came upon the realization. Lelouch could only watch the exchange, as he was still lying on the ground, feeling the pain from his punches.

To his surprise, the boy started to tremble and began looking around frantically, as if panicked. And all of a sudden —

"I-I'm sorry!" He yelled and quickly bolted out of the room.

"Brother, are you all right?" When Lelouch didn't answer, still surprised at the stranger's unexpected reaction, Nunnally became more afraid. "B-Brother?"

He blinked. "Nunnally, I'm okay. It was nothing serious." Another lie, as he grimaced in pain when he tried to stand up. But again, he didn't want her to worry.

"Who was that? He sounded like a child."

"Most likely, Kururugi Suzaku. Prime Minister Kururugi's child."

And that was the first time Lelouch had met his first ever friend — who, later on, would become his worst enemy.

Lelouch vi Britannia couldn't hide the surprise on his face.

"From today on, I will be a student at Ashford Academy. I'm Kururugi Suzaku. Pleased to meet you."

His whole body tensed. He couldn't believe it. Suzaku is here.

Memories immediately began to swirl into his mind — his childhood, seeing him as a soldier, rescuing him and of course, Suzaku's blatant refusal when he had offered him an alliance. Unconsciously, his fingers curled into a fist, remembering the fury and irritation he had felt back then. Of how often he'd thought Suzaku was foolish to turn his proposal down.

"He was a suspect, right?"

"In that case with Prince Clovis."

"Teacher said he was wrongfully accused."

"But he got caught, so there must be something suspicious about him, right?"

"He's not a terrorist, is he?"

"Ah um — n-no…"

"Of course he isn't. The school would at least do a background check."

Voices and whispers filled the spacious classroom as most of his classmates continued to shamelessly stare at the young brunette — Lelouch could even make out Nina, Rivalz, and Shirley's conversation. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and stood up, unable to keep on not acknowledging him. Though his back was turned, he could feel Suzaku's burning gaze, following his every move.

Perfect.

He walked out, and just as Lelouch had passed by the door, he stopped. With a small look, he raised his collar — trying to make it appear as an unconscious as possible, so as not to ruin the signal. And he left, knowing his friend would follow soon after.

"It's been seven years since I used this signal." Lelouch immediately spoke up, straightening up his collar as he did so.

Suzaku grinned, walking closer to where he stood. "'Let's talk on the rooftop'."

"Yeah."

A pause. Then —

"I'm glad you're safe." His voice was gentle — an obvious sign of relief.

Lelouch leaned back against the railing. "It's all thanks to you. If you hadn't covered for me…" He mentally shuddered, recalling the moment where Suzaku's superior didn't even hesitate to shoot him from behind.

"I just returned a favor from seven years ago."

Lelouch nodded and transferred his gaze below to the ground. As if remembering something, Suzaku blinked and suddenly asked

"What about that girl? Remember? The one from the capsule?"

He didn't even hide the concern in his voice. Suzaku was referring to the green-haired young woman — and of course, that only meant C.C. But as far as Lelouch was concerned, she was only a stranger to him, a mere innocent civilian, nothing more. "We got separated during the confusion caused by the battle. Wouldn't you know more?"

Lelouch kept his ears open, waiting for some sort of information. Suzaku might have a clue — and that would be a problem, though how little it would be.

But Lelouch breathed out a sigh of relief as the brunette only shook his head. "No…I guess no one other than His Highness' personal unit knew."

"I see."

He believed him. Lelouch knew that Suzaku was better at honesty than he was. And it was one of the qualities that made him a good friend.

"Uh…" He looked up to see Suzaku with such a hesitant face. "Is it okay to call you Lelouch?"

"On record, the former me is dead." Lelouch explained, letting the breeze pick up a few strands of his dark hair. "I'm going by Lelouch Lamperouge now."

"I see."

"How's the court martial coming along?" He asked instead, trying to divert the subject somewhere else — and not on the past. "And to be enrolled here…"

To that, Suzaku's face suddenly lit up. "I was surprised too. I didn't think you would be here, Lelouch. There's a certain person who is seeing the investigation be carried out properly. That person said 'if you're seventeen, you should go to school'."

"Then, I'm glad." The brunette could only stare as Lelouch stood up straight, his violet eyes as intense as always.

"Glad that what?"

"That you're safe with us."

"Us?"

For a split-second, a full smile formed unto the raven-haired boy's lips. "Suzaku, are you free this afternoon? If it's okay, I want you to meet someone. I bet she'll be more than happy to meet you."

The door suddenly slid open, revealing Nunnally dressed in her usual Ashford Academy uniform, and was being wheeled in by Sayoko.

"I'm back, Brother." She announced happily.

Lelouch looked up from the book he was currently reading and stood up. "Welcome back, Nunnally, Sayoko. I have a present for you today."

"Oh, I wonder what it is." His sister eagerly replied, smiling in excitement.

Lelouch flashed her a smile and held a finger on his lips, motioning this to Sayoko, who tilted her head curiously but didn't say anything. Looking at his left, he ushered someone in — and Suzaku stepped out of the shadows, looking nervous as he settled his gaze on Nunnally's still form.

The raven-haired young man could only watch his friend swallow and head towards his sister and bent down. But before he could do anything, Suzaku shot Lelouch a hesitant look. He only gave him an encouraging nod and with that, the brunette placed a gentle hand on Nunnally's.

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise as she immediately clasped a small hand over Suzaku's large ones, instantly knowing who her mysterious visitor is. "These hands…" She could only gasp, fingers trailing over his tanned skin.

Both Lelouch and Suzaku smiled, relishing the joy on Nunnally's face.

"I'm so happy." She whispered, as tears began to fall from her closed eyes. "You're safe, after all!" Small, delicate sobs began to rack her body as Nunnally clutched their twined hands closer to her face.

Suzaku smiled too. "It's been a while, Nunnally."

Later that night, Lelouch could only stare at the ceiling.

At the sight of his father's familiar face, he could feel the anger rising up again. So many memories — so much want for revenge. He knew that the Emperor couldn't care less about Clovis' death, but merely, saw the devastation as a sign of weakness among his citizens. And now, with Suzaku appearing again…Lelouch felt that there was something coming up. He couldn't tell what it was — but he was certain it was something big. And something that would later, take him back to the past.

"It's coming back." He found himself whispering.

A soft rustle was heard, and another voice spoke up. "What's coming back?"

"It's none of your business." Lelouch snapped, to which she merely chuckled.

"I told you that mistakes would eventually come to haunt you — especially wrongdoings done in that past. That's why a lot of people try to do as little as possible." C.C.'s voice sounded indifferent — though quiet. "Are you scared, Lelouch?"

"You've taken my bed. The least you can do is to stop talking and go to sleep."

"Are you refusing to answer my questions, boy?"

"I've learned from the best."

He could feel her smirk, even in the dark. And all of a sudden, everything became quiet, except the rhythmic, steady, beat of her breathing. Lelouch thought that the green-haired woman had already fallen asleep.

Until —

"You shouldn't worry, Lelouch. After all, you've got a lot to fight for, don't you?"

The raven-haired young man didn't reply, and instead, turned his back against her direction. Even the lights were off, he could feel C.C.'s gaze, and for some reasons, it made him uncomfortable.

But she was right. Nunnally is worth fighting for, isn't it?

And of course, Valentine — her deceased sister. Remembering her face, it only made Lelouch's chest feel much heavier.

They're going to pay, Valentine, Nunnally. I swear it. I'm going to destroy Britannia once and for all.