Queen's Harlequins Side-story: Girl
It was the same thing, every single time. Usually, either Lelouch or C.C would be out, delivering proposals to intellectuals, new edicts to the commoners, perhaps even a survey to make sure everything was alright. It was on Euphie's request, of course, and it would've gone smoothly, if it weren't for the girl that trailed after them.
At first, they both thought she was orphaned. Whenever they saw her, she wasn't with any adult, nor was she with any discernible group of peers. She was just always with them, her wondrous blue eyes taking in their actions. However, neither of them said anything, until the day they looked back, and found that tiny girl missing.
C.C stared at Lelouch. "Someone was always there," she said that day, sitting on a grassy plain near the outskirts of Avalon. "It's a lot quieter now…with them gone."
"You make it sound like she's dead," Lelouch commented, laying next to his partner. His lazy eyes took in the hazy skies. It looked like it was about to rain. "It looks like it's gonna rain," C.C said aloud.
"We should head back."
"We should."
Still, the two never moved from that spot. They simply stared at the villages below them, at the dogs and cats and people that moved out of the rain. Some were waiting eagerly, hoping to dance to the melancholic tunes of such a sad atmosphere. Lelouch couldn't blame them; he once dragged C.C out of his old home, and moved to those same lullabies. It was hypnotic. He would've gotten up and done it again if it not for that same tug at his chest.
"C.C," he said. "Do you think she'll be alright?"
"I don't know," she answered, with that same soft tone. "It'd be a shame if she got sick."
"It would."
C.C hugged her knees close to her chest, her eyes drifting to the grass. Even the creatures down below are getting ready for such weather. Maybe that girl was somewhere, in a warm home, tucked in, getting ready for bed…But she highly doubted it. She was always so filthy, and she ran after them as if she had nowhere else to go. She reminded C.C of herself when she was her age. "Lelouch."
"Hmm."
"Change is apart of human nature, isn't it?"
"It is."
"Why do I detest it so?" she asked, hearing the soft patter of the rain. Though the tree was massive, a few drops still managed to get through. There was a low rumble of thunder near the mountains. Lelouch sat up, tired of the drops falling to his eyes. "You've been alive for so long. I thought you'd have gotten used to the concept by now."
"I don't know. Have I?"
"I don't think so."
"I don't think so either."
They both stood, and went away from that spot. They searched everywhere for that little girl. Allies, taverns, libraries, schools…anywhere she could be. People stared at them, wondering what the two fools were doing now. It was so unlike them to become this disheveled, especially for one person. When the Queen presented them, they seemed so sophisticated. Even C.C, once a servant, was calm and imposing. Some almost called her intimidating, along with her companion, who reigned a darker, more subtle kind of authority. They seemed like people you wouldn't walk up to for a daily chat, or someone you'd share coffee with. No, you had to get an audience, was the general assumption.
It was surprising to see them so disheveled. And unfortunately, many could not help them find that one particular girl. It was only through the local herbalist were they able to get any information at all. "Lisette, you mean?"
C.C narrowed her eyes. "Yes. Do you know her?"
"Of course! She lives by the old farm, southwest of here. She helps me gather herbs. How is her Majesty-" But before the man could finish, the two sped out of the apothecary and out into the storm, which drenched them heavily. They continued that path for long, until at last, they found a tiny house near a small river, which threatened to flood. The lights seemed warm at the time, and shadows danced around the interior. Quickly, Lelouch knocked on the door.
He found himself staring at young woman, with raven black hair and pale skin. He began to ask if she knew anyone named Lisette, when the young girl appeared behind the mother's skirts. The two immortals stared at the child, who appeared just as surprised as she was. After a few moments passed out in the storm, she broke into a toothy smile. "You found me!"
"W-wha…" C.C stammered.
"I was playing hide-and-seek, but I got caught in the rain. But you found me, so I guess that doesn't count."
When Euphemia saw the two enter, she amusingly took note of their appearance and thanked them for making up her mind. The next day, she opened the castle for visitors, adults and children alike.