Chapter 19: First There Was Smoke

The Britannian police force was almost non-existent. Policing relied either on citizen's arrest or a noble's own private police force. For prolific criminals, Britannia dispensed generous bounties to those who made the arrest. Bounty hunting was one of the most lucrative, but dangerous, trades for a commoner.

Unfortunately, Britannia's decentralized policing made it highly ineffective against anything more than petty crime. For serial killers, terrorism, and smuggling, the Birtannian army would often be called in. Of particular interest was the 712th Division which went from acting as bait to an effective task force against large scale crime.

— Policing in Britannia

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Area 11

Suzaku heard clay shatter across the floor and he stood up swiftly, bumping his head on the shelf hanging overhead. Wincing, he ran to the source and came to an abrupt halt. His boss stared at the small muted TV that Suzaku was never allowed to touch, and at her feet laid the shattered bowl, it's contents slowly soaking into the wooden floor. Hesitantly, Suzaku grabbed a towel and knelt on the ground, intent on cleaning up the mess.

His boss, recovering from her shock, stumbled backwards and leaned against the walls. Suzaku forcibly kept his eyes on the ground as he slowly sponged up the broth. It smelled appetizing, but food was provided at the end of the day. He wouldn't risk his job by sneaking a taste. Perhaps Tohdoh-sensei had a point that serving Britannia was an exercise of futility. He would never be accepted. But then not all Britannians were bad. Lelouch and Nunnally had been horrified by their country's actions. And then there had been the soldier, who had given him a meal and offered him comfort... Eira.

There had to be a way forward.

A way that would finally erase the accusing eyes of his father as he stumbled backwards from the sword and stared at him in incomprehension. Suzaku had done the right thing. Saved countless of lives and ended the pointless suffering. His sensei wanted to upset that by resisting and fighting against the legitimate government. He had done the right thing. He would try to balance his sin by living to his father's ideals... Even if it made Suzaku feel strangely hollow inside.

His boss fumbled with her phone and it rang as she paced back and forth. "Please leave a message after the—"

"—Damn it Adrian!" She slammed the phone down and began to redial. Her voice cracking, she begged, "Please Adrian. Picking up the freaking phone. Please."

Suzaku slowly inched out of the room, pressing himself against the outside wall. She cursed loudly and he could hear something shatter. Then she was crying and Suzaku could hear the phone continue to ring... waiting for someone to pick up. Walking to the storefront, he noticed in confusion as other Britannians stared at their phones and stalls began to close. Something had happened.

He looked back, listening to her quiet sobbing. It wasn't right to leave, but curiosity won. He slipped outside and sneaked to the neighboring stall of an old man who was hard of hearing. Peeking through the window,he spotted the blaringly loud TV.

Dark red flames surged behind a reporter. "If a loved one of yours lives in Truro, please check the BEMA website for the list of survivors and official casualties list. The list will be updated hourly as the situation unfolds. At this time, we are unsure regarding the source of the explosion."

Suzaku's heart went out to the people as the camera panned over the dark plumes rising from the ravished town. Bile rose in his throat as Suzaku noticed the number in the corner of the screen: 327 confirmed casualties. There should be no mercy for whoever was responsible. It was unimaginable.

Not willing to risk his absence being noted, Suzaku slipped back inside. Quietly, he resumed his own work and began to unpack the new shipment and sorting it in the backroom. The work was always tedious and he scowled, as once again, the product was obviously mislabeled. Emptying the shelves, Suzaku started from scratch, checking every item was what it said on the label.

His boss tumbled in the room, her eyes red and puffy, although her voice gave no hint to her earlier breakdown. "I'm closing up early today, boy. Go home."

Suzaku stood up and paused, wondering if it was appropriate to ask for payment.

Her eyes narrowed. "Go!"

He didn't need another warning and hurried out of the stall. Wandering down the streets slowly, and observing the sudden lack of Britannians, Suzaku felt their loss keenly. So many had died already in Japan, Area Eleven... then the terrorist attack in Area Two... and now a new tragedy was unfolding there. Life was filled with constant death and it wasn't fair.

On top of the old creaking stairs, past Yamamoto-sama's door, Suzaku paused. He didn't want to return home and see Chiba's disappointed eyes. And he didn't want to wrestle with the guilt of knowing she and Tohdoh-sensei were resisting Britannia's rule. They were all that was left of his family and he didn't want to turn them in, but wasn't that best for everyone? His father had always called the rule of law absolute and unquestionable. Not wishing to deal with his dark thoughts, Suzaku spun around and knocked on the old man's door.

The door swung open slowly and the old man smiled kindly at him. "Would you like some tea Suzaku-kun?"

Suzaku bowed and let the soft Japanese words wash over him. "Yes please."

The old man stepped aside and slowly hobbled towards the kitchen. "Make yourself at home Suzaku. Let me just wait for the water to boil."

"Thank you," Suzaku called back and he slowly lowered himself on a cushion, observing the worn, but meticulous surroundings. On the wall, various photographs hung, perfectly straight, despite cracks in the frame and glass. By the cabinet, Suzaku could see small pieces of pottery secured and glaring empty spaces where something once stood. Through the shoji screen in the corner, he could make out a large heavy futon, similar to the one his grandparents used before they had passed away.

The kettle whistled, cutting through the music playing over the radio, and the old man returned with two steaming mugs. "How is your little brother, Ko?"

Accepting the mug, Suzaku blew on it gently and inhaled the rich soothing scent. He missed Japan. "Ko is fine. And how are you Yamamoto-sama? Is there anything you need?"

Yamamoto chuckled and sipped his steaming tea contently. "Nothing at all. These old bones have been just clinging onto life, while everyone has moved on." He frowned and glanced at the window. "Your company fills me with warmth Suzaku-kun. You're quite an industrious child, working all the time. If only my daughter had your spirit..."

Suzaku blushed as the man trailed off. "Thank you. Have you had any luck finding your family?"

"No. Such is fate it seems. But you, you have much more to live for. The entire world is at your fingertips and one day, you'll be free."

And like Chiba and Tohdoh, Yamamoto did not accept the Britannians.

Unaware of Suzaku's turmoil, Yamamoto continued, "Never trust the Britannians Suzaku... not when they bomb their own citizens. Utterly shameful."

Hot tea splashed on his hands as Suzaku's head shot up. "Bombing?"

The old man poured himself another cup of tea. "Been on the radio all morning. Military annihilated Truro because they suspected that the mastermind behind the Bombing of Maineige Delac was there. Utterly shameful, but what can one expect of Britannia. They don't understand honor. 10,000 dead and they don't give a damn."

Suzaku took a large gulp of the scalding tea. Britannia wouldn't have done that. Lelouch had explained the difference between a War of Conquest and War of Honor. Britannia wouldn't target its own citizens. It didn't make sense... And Lelouch wouldn't have lied... But what if his friend had been wrong? Or lied to? Suzaku felt sick. "The news said... they didn't list that many casualties."

The old man rolled his eyes and set down the teacup. "10,000 missing. They're only dead if they find the body."

Suzaku shuddered and felt cold. How could anyone just target a town of innocents? It was unfathomable. And here, half a world away, Suzaku could do nothing. Lelouch's mother wouldn't have cared. She would have done it in a heartbeat if it earned her an advantage. And she was married to the Emperor... a man who had ordered an invasion while his own children were in the country. The village near the Kururugi Shrine had been bombed for the simple reason that Britannia had the power to do so. And for the same reasons, Truro had been bombed.

Setting his tea down, Suzaku said, "Yamamoto-sama? I think I should head back."

The old man nodded and guided him to the door. "Suzaku-kun?"

Suzaku looked up.

"Feel free to drop in anytime. It was a pleasure having your company. Good luck with little Ko."

Bowing deeply, Suzaku thanked the old man and returned to trek up the stairs to Chiba and Ko. Chiba who had already decided to fight and silently asked him everyday why he had given up before the fight had even begun. Britannians were monsters. But breaking the law was wrong.

Britannia murdered the Japanese, destroyed their culture. And now, that the war was over, Britannia continued to punish the Japanese for their own pleasure.

Britannia murdered its own citizens.

Britannians were monsters...

But Lelouch and Nunnally... They weren't. They were kind and smart and would never hurt the innocent. Or would they become monsters as well?

Suzaku opened the door to his home and closed it soundlessly behind him. Around the central table, young children worked diligently on scrap pieces of papers as Chiba gently instructed them. In the opposite end of the room, another teenager entertained Ko and various other little children, babbling in Japanese with them. Suzaku must have made a sound for Chiba turned around and regarded him in surprise.

Lowering his head, Suzaku asked, "Can I help?"

Chiba nodded and led him to the side to help the children with math. As Suzaku sat down and answered their curious questions, he embraced the warm feeling in his chest. Japan was in this room. He felt... at peace.

Fort Necessity, Pennsylvania

Frigid water trailed down Lelouch's face as he stared at the bathroom mirror. By the sink, lay a roll of tape, which Lelouch had used to splint his finger. Fortunately, it had been a clean break, which was perhaps the only bright spot in the day. Sharp lances of pain shot through his finger and Lelouch glared at it fiercely. There was nothing more that could be done.

"You know, there is sick call for a reason," Edgar commented as he took a step forward.

Lelouch looked down and forced his shoulders to relax. "I just tripped. There's no need to bother anyone."

"At least you could have let me help," Edgar complained as he reached out towards Lelouch's right hand.

His pulse skyrocketed and Lelouch snatched his hand back. At Edgar's startled look, Lelouch smiled quickly. He had nothing to fear from his friend, but his body didn't agree. Slowly, his heart rate began to slow down. There was no danger. Throwing the tape into his pockets, Lelouch turned around, "Let's go."

"Come on, let me see. You don't even know if it is broken."

Lelouch shook his head and walked past his friend. "My finger will be fine."

A weight settled on Lelouch's shoulder and he jolted forward, instinctively turning around and striking the arm. A second passed. Edgar stared at him with wide accusing eyes. Guilt welled in Lelouch as he stared at his friend. There had been no danger: just a concerned friend. Lelouch had struck his friend.

Edgar took a small step forward. "Lelouch?"

"I'm sorry," Lelouch whispered and he fled the bathroom.

Not willing to talk to anyone, Lelouch hid behind the covers of his history textbook. He saw Edgar exit the bathroom and stare at him from across the room. Lelouch dropped his gaze and stared at the floating words on the page. He couldn't trust his own body anymore. What if next time, he pulled a weapon on his friend? His mind was supposed to be in control. Instead, he couldn't hold a sword without thinking of that fateful day and the blood soaking the floor while a strange red symbol haunting his dreams and the order to relax. It had to be some strange manifestation of his consciousness although what it was trying to say, Lelouch did not know. It wasn't just memories that haunted him, now they seeped into the real word. And he was afraid. For the next time, he might attack someone thinking it was the assassin bearing down upon him.

"Hey," Alex interrupted his musings, "Bad luck with your finger. Guess I'll need ta actually attend class with the Major for once. But you should tell the sarge before Edgar does. Need any help with your work?"

It wasn't fair that Alex would pay for Lelouch's mistakes. Alex, who always stood by Lelouch's side to help him. Alex who had joined the army to survive. Alex who was Lelouch's... best friend now that Suzaku was gone. And because Lelouch wasn't strong enough, Alex would now pay for his crime. Sergeant Malfoire, or rather, Warrant Officer York had chosen well and found a weakness even Lelouch hadn't been aware of. Since when had he become so attached? Nunnally had always been the center of his world from the first time he saw her and his mother had allowed him to hold her in his arms. She had been so... fragile. Then she had grown and suddenly, Lelouch had someone who always understood and unlike everyone else, was always there. He would do anything for her.

Then there was Suzaku. He had to be alive, and Lelouch would entertain no other thought. They should have hated each other, had hated each other, but they had formed a bond. They had laughed, schemed, and fought while Nunnally giggled beside them, or edged them onwards. Then one day... Lelouch had known he would protect Suzaku. It had felt right. And he had tried, even when it was his mother on top of a knightmare frame demanding that he reveal Suzaku and offer him up for execution. Lelouch had always known it was a possible outcome although his heart hadn't been prepared for his mother to deliver those words.

In the hazy memories of a more ignorant time, he could remember his mother's beautiful and kind smile. Never had he believed her capable of harm. She had been so gentle and caring. She had preached empathy and held her head high when the other nobles hissed insults at her. And she had fought like a guardian angel when those insults were aimed at him or Nunnally. He had trusted her wholeheartedly, but she shattered it when they were abandoned in Japan.

Atop the knightmare, her mother, had let the wind carry the pieces away. It wasn't their mother that had retrieved Lelouch and Nunnally, but Empress Marianne. Perhaps his mother had always been an illusion.

Lelouch had joined the army so he could stand on his own feet and keep Nunnally safe. Without his family name, Lelouch had no weaknesses. Or so he thought. Alex was a weakness. His entire squadron was a weakness, but Lelouch would protect them still. Somehow, the OSI agent had known that Lelouch would protect them, even before Lelouch had realized it. If Lelouch did not solve the situation soon, he would be torn apart trying to protect them and end up hurting them instead. He had to reclaim his mind.

Lelouch looked up at Alex waiting patiently. "You don't need to worry Alex... I can use my left hand quite well. What do you think of Sergeant Malfoire?"

"He's great. Met with him an hour ago. He wanted to make sure I would keep up in my other classes. Although... he's insisting I learn the sword from him." Alex scowled fiercely, but then brightened again, "But he's far nicer than Major Maxwell and actually takes his time to explain. I think... I like him."

Lelouch's heart sunk; Alex was completely oblivious. And sword training allowed Warrant Officer York to dole out a punishment under the guise of a training accident. Alex wouldn't even know, but Lelouch would. If it hadn't been used to blackmail him, Lelouch would have been impressed by its effectiveness. At least the sword training limited the type of injury that could befall Alex, but Lelouch didn't allow himself to hope. If he stepped too far across the invisible line, the rules would change.

"Alex," Lelouch asked, "you will tell me if something happens?"

"Why would anything happen?" Alex asked incredulously. "But that reminds me, Sergeant Malfoire wants to see you again."

"Thank you." He said and stood up. He was ready.

Lelouch stood frozen in front of the door. He was not ready. There had to be another solution but his mind was too busy to form a plan. For every second he stood before the door, his pulse rose and apprehension threatened to choke him.

Lelouch reached out to the doorknob and his hand fell away. He turned around. He would take a breather to plan and regroup. All he needed was time to formulate a plan that would save everyone.

The door opened. "Lelouch. Come on in."

Bowing his head, Lelouch stepped inside and didn't react as the door latched shut behind him and the lock clicked inside. Sweat trickled down his back as the agent walked past him and sat down in his office chair. As Lelouch watched, the man straightened his paperworks and put his pens to the side.

Leaning back in his chair, Warrant Officer York stared at him strangely. "What do you think of Britannia?"

"It has strengths and weaknesses," Lelouch replied diplomatically.

"Weaknesses?"

Lelouch swallowed. It was a strange line of questioning. But then, York's entire demeanour was off putting. He was interested in Lelouch and suspected him of being a spy, yet did not detain him. Why? Raising his chin, Lelouch relied with false confidence, "Britannia has significant shortages among doctors and scientists. It's why Lord Ashford started a public school."

"And in your opinion Lelouch, would the Britannian army kill 10,000 civilians to accomplish a military objective?" York frowned. "The question doesn't even surprise you. Why?"

Britannia had murdered millions of innocent civilians in Japan. Lelouch had seen them. Had York expected him to be shocked? Surely, a spy would have known. "Wars of Conquests are quite clear."

York shook his head dramatically. "No. Britannian bomber's ISF signals were detected above a nice little town. Now, it's up in flames."

His father had… "That can't be. It doesn't help Britannia."

Smiling, York stood up. "It's not the numbers that shock you. 10,000 dead and you don't blink an eye. But the logic behind it… that's when you care. Does your squadron know you're that cold?"

"It's reality. I prefer to face it head on." Lelouch stared at the agent and smiled. "I had an answer for everything. You just have speculations. And while you could arrest me… I don't have the power to resist. It irks you to know that you're missing pieces."

York tilted his head back and laughed. "That's definitely a part." He grabbed Lelouch's chin and forcibly moved it to the side to inspect Lelouch's face. "People are like machines. Predictable and consistent. Each one is unique, but once you know how it works, you know everything and can make it dance to your command."

The dark glint in York's eyes caused a shiver to run down Lelouch's back. The man was a superb actor, but beneath the mask, there was just a void hungry to learn more and gain control. And Lelouch knew now what the type of man York was. He would have bombed a town of civilians without hesitation. There would never be remorse in his eyes and that made him dangerous because he would stop at nothing.

And Lelouch had attracted his attention.

"I wonder," York began as he circled Lelouch, "would you kill Private Fadiman to save Alex?"

Lelouch's heart thundered within his chest. Dangerous indeed. "You cannot kill a soldier within the army."

"Well legally speaking," York drawled, "but practically speaking? Oh… you don't know yet. Perhaps you can save Alex still by killing Fadiman, but Alex's chances aren't good either way. If he follows you, he dies. If he doesn't, he probably still dies."

Lelouch ground his teeth together. The man was implying Alex would die trying to follow Lelouch. What did he know to make that claim… or was he simply lying to unnerve Lelouch? Turning his head, to stare at the bastard, Lelouch growled, "What choice are you giving Alex?"

York ruffled his hair. "Not me. It's from up above. 10,000 people died. Britannia is at war, but just with itself, for the first time in years."

His mouth felt dry. It wasn't possible. But it was. Hoarsely, Lelouch whispered, "I'm being deployed."

"Yes. A real downer cutting our time short. But you drew the short end of the straw since the Major has a tad more influence than expected. He doesn't like Alex very much either." York looked at him inquisitively. "Do you have a plan to save your friends? Or are you going to die for Britannia?"

Lelouch left the room in a quiet daze. He… wouldn't get to see Nunnally again. With a lump in his throat, he slipped back inside the barracks. They would find out soon enough, but until then, Lelouch would spend every available moment enjoying their company.

Forcing a happy facade, Lelouch walked up to the group. "Anyone have time to play a game of cards?"

Glenshire Town, Pennsylvania

Nunnally let a disguised Bismarck help her down from the bus and onto the ground. Other people rushed past them, pushing and shoving, and she could feel Bismarck's hand tighten as he kept her close. She wanted to snap that she wasn't a little child that had to be protected, but without Allie, public transport felt unusually threatening.

"Stay here," Bismarck ordered and placed her hand on a nearby lamppost.

Immediately after, he left to help her mother out of the bus. Nunnally crossed her arms petulantly. While she was excited to see Lelouch again, the entire extravaganza of traveling with her mother and Bismarck masquerading as her uncle to ensure their safety, was beyond tedious. It would be great to return to Ashford Academy and its normality.

Dirt crunched together as her mother rolled up besides her. "Nunnally dear, can we please arrange our own transportation back?"

She shook her head firmly and grabbing her cane, took a step forward. Lelouch was awaiting her. "Everyone travels like this."

"And I for one definitely do not miss it," her mother muttered and then called out clearer, "Nunnally. You're heading the wrong way."

She flushed and allowed her mother to grab her hand and guide her through the packed streets. Cars honked and a motorcycle roared, while in the distance, the metal horseshoes clacked against the roared. Staying close to her mother's wheelchair, the crowd mostly avoided jostling her. Tokyo definitely had more room for foot traffic. The wheelchair suddenly dropped a few inches and Nunnally noted the curb.

Her mother sighed. "Bis—Nathanial. I know how to maneuver my wheelchair... although I never thought I would miss Paris." A car honked loudly and her mother swore softly. "Please tell me there is a more open area where families meet up?"

"They opened up the streets ahead to deal with the crowds. We should be able to find some space."

Nunnally grinned in anticipation. Finally, she and her brother would be reunited. It had been far too long. Almost a year and she couldn't wait. He would be so happy and surprised. Hopefully her mother wouldn't ruin it. They paused and the locks for the wheels clicked. Around her, Nunnally could hear people's soft conversations as they too eagerly awaited to be reunited with their family.

A woman sobbing. "I can't believe..."

"Do you think he'll like my poster?"

"Have you heard anything from Debra? She hasn't been answering her phone."

"No. You can't have more!"

Nunnally hopped forward in anticipation and listened for the sound of the bus's engine that would indicate the recruits arrivals. Other people shifted around her although the mood felt strangely somber. Hopping back to her mother, she asked, "Will Lelouch be able to see us?"

"We'll find him. Don't you worry." Her mother's phone buzzed once again. "I'm sorry Nunnally. Just give me a moment. This is... unfortunately rather urgent."

Bismarck's hand fell on his shoulder and he steered her a few steps away, deeper into the crowd. "Let us give your mother some time to herself."

"But she isn't supposed to be working," Nunnally whined. Her mother had promised that this would be their time together. Instead, work once again took precedence. But this time, Nunnally wasn't being taken to another room. This time, they were in a noisy crowd.

"Your mother has duties," Bismarck began to once again making excuses, but Nunnally paid him no attention.

Instead, she strained to hear her mother's voice: "What do you mean he had an ID! No—" a passerby shouted, "10,000 people are dead. Air strikes don't—" her mother briefly became too quiet to hear. "it's your job now. Why? Because you were on vacation while your friends—" a large rumble thundered through the crowd as the buses began to arrive. "Got to—two hours. Find me something—you arrested."

The phone call ended and her mother rolled over to them. "Are you excited Nunnally?"

Putting the confusing phone call out of mind, Nunnally beamed. "Yes!" People around her began to yell out names and Nunnally spun around. "LELOUCH!"

"My ears Nunnally," her mother complained.

Nunnally hopped up and waved her cane in the air, so her brother would be able to see her. "Lelouch!"

"Put that cane down. You're going to give some a concussion!"

Dancing out of her mother's reach, Nunnally resumed shouting. "Lelouch!"

And then...

"Nunnally?" Followed by a much louder, "Nunnally!"

Not able to wait another moment longer and her grin threatening to break her face in half, Nunnally ran forward, pushing her way through the crowd and following Lelouch's voice. Her brother was here! Finally.

Warm arms wrapped around and spun her around, "Nunnally! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school? Also watch the cane."

Two pairs of feet jogged up beside them as Lelouch grabbed the cane out of her hands and a smooth voice drawled, "Your sister is actually real. Imagine that."

Lelouch stepped back. "That jerk would be Roy. Roy, my absolutely adorable sister Nunnally who is by far smarter than you. And then this annoying midget would be Alex."

"Hi," a notably younger voice squeaked.

Nunnally inclined her head to the two of them. Alex would be the boy that her brother suspected had lied about his age. Roy would be Lelouch's other close friend although her brother never actually called him that in his letters. But Nunnally could read between the lines. She was glad that he seemed to be fitting in. "It is nice to meet you all... and that you actually exist."

Roy laughed uproariously. "I like her. She's a much nicer version of you."

Alex snickered.

Sighing, Lelouch wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I hate all of you. So Nunnally, how are you here?"

"Nunnally don't run off like that!" her mother shouted from somewhere back in the crown.

Nunnally winced and could feel her brother tense up. "That's how. Sorry?"

Wheels clacked over the stone and her mother came to a stop as Lelouch refused to turn around. Softly, her mother said, "Hello Lelouch."

"I'm not mad at you," Lelouch assured her and then he stepped away and his voice became absolutely emotionless with no hint regarding how he was feeling. "Hello mother."

Her mother rolled closer. "It's absolutely wonderful to see you again. I have missed you."

A small sharp inhale and Nunnally could hear the faint hint of anger in his voice. "That would imply you noticed my absence, but since you have hardly ever bothered to make time for us, that cannot be true. We were simply never there to begin with."

Perhaps, Nunnally should have pushed harder for her mother to stay away.

Her mother started to reply, before cutting herself off, aware of the ears listening in. "I apologize for not prioritizing your relationship. It was a mistake Lelouch. I was swept up in work."

"Spare me the paltry excuses. You would make the same decisions again because it is always the Empire first. You knew what Suzaku meant, we told you, yet you would have disregarded that, did disregard it, because he was just a little pawn that would be used and disposed of."

Leaning up to her ear, Roy whispered, "Who's Suzaku? And, how likely is it that Lelouch will try to kill his mother?"

Nunnally blinked as she considered the slightly too high probability. "Suzaku was our first friend... Please stop Lelouch before he does anything stupid."

"Haven't figured out how to keep him from being an idiot unfortunately," Roy whispered back, "But I'll try."

Processing the strange analysis, Nunnally tried to put it into perspective with the brother she knew. Lelouch hadn't been the best at keeping a cool head, but he never had been stupid. Everything he did was for a goal. It was Nunnally who always messed up plans by being clumsy or misunderstanding them. Lelouch wasn't an... idiot. But Roy said he was and he had no reason to lie. It was worrisome.

"Keep Nunnally out of your machinations," Lelouch shouted and drew her attention once more. "She is not some tool at your and Father's disposal, but her own person. Parents do not treat children like pawns."

Her mother growled, "I'm not treating you or your sisters as pawns Lelouch. But as you seem to be willing to enter life threatening situations to avoid me, I would at least like you to have an honest conversation with my son, and you currently make that impossible as your so called letters simply say, 'There is no need to concern yourself with my well being.' I am your mother! Your well being is my concern."

Nunnally pinched her nose and hung her head in shame as she heard Lelouch take a deep breathe to continue their yelling match. Roy was right. Lelouch was an idiot. So was her mother apparently. Were they even aware that everyone could hear them?

"Maybe," Lelouch shouted back, "you should have considered that before sending Nunnally and I away. What right do you have to call yourself my mother? And perhaps, you and father should get your stories straight. 'You are a pawn because you do not stand on your own two feet.' That is what he said. Not even a 'hello, how have you been?' No. Instead, he says I'm only alive because I am his son!"

Her mother took a full second to formulate a reply and then screeched, "He said what? That tactless buffoon! I'm going to punch his stupid smug face."

Massaging her forehead, Nunnally turned away from the explosive match between her brother and mother which had devolved into insults against her father. The perks of being anonymous royalty: one could shout treasonous statements to the world surrounded by soldiers and none would be wiser. Looking up, she beamed in Roy's direction. "This may take a while, but I think Lelouch doesn't want to kill her anymore... So how is my brother actually doing?"

Roy chuckled nervously. "He is a good friend... although a bit of a klutz and I don't think I have ever met someone who can piss people off that easily."

"Or someone who can breeze by all their classes, but struggles at history, while casually remembering archaic laws," Alex added.

History was only somewhat tortuous at Ashford Academy, but even Nunnally, having never had the opportunity to learn as much history as Lelouch, caught factual mistakes within the book. Milly complained about it constantly during their meetings, but apparently the textbook had been a gift from someone important, so Reuben had to use it. Nunnally simply said, "History is hard."

"You're in school, right? How are your classes?" Roy asked.

"They're great," Nunnally chirped, "except history. And math because the teacher thinks I'm stupid, even though I pass all her tests."

"Um, because you're blind?"

Nunnally nodded. "Britannia isn't very... accommodating. But it doesn't bother my best friend, and I can always rely on Lelouch."

"Everything makes so much more sense now," Roy mumbled. More clearly, he continued, "I'm sure you will do well. When you graduate, I could ask my father to allow you to work for us. I'm sure we would find something for you."

"Right. Fadiman Shampoo," Nunnally said as she connected the dots in her brother's letters. His paranoid need to always be cryptic made it hard to decipher his stories at times, but she indulged him. He already sacrificed so much; Nunnally could handle cryptic letters to ease his stress.

"See Alex! She knows. Lelouch is just oblivious."

Nunnally smirked. "No. Lelouch told me. I use Allie's shampoo."

Struggling with laughter, Alex teased, "Your marketing must suck dude."

Roy groaned. "No. I'm just surrounded by weirdos. Besides, we don't have labels on our bottles in that weird hole punchy language... I think Lelouch has embarrassed the squad enough for the week." Taking a deep breath, he roared, "Lelouch. Shut up."

To Nunnally's surprise, her brother fell immediately silent.

Her mother whined, "That never worked when you were younger."

"Lelouch," Roy growled warningly.

"Oh fine," Lelouch snapped, "I will be polite, not because I concede this argument, but because this is infringing on the time I could use to catch up my wonderful sister and I would much rather be ignore your existence."

Nunnally walked towards him and grabbed his hand. He felt tense and guilt welled up inside her because it had been her desire to see Lelouch that had brought her mother here. He could have been relaxing, instead, he had gotten into an argument. Smiling up at him, she suggested, "Let's get ice cream."

"Of course." Lelouch wrapped his arm around her and began to lead her away, "Gwen tells me the place on third is the absolute best."

Her mother's wheelchair clattered over stones behind them and Lelouch stiffened, but did not react. Nunnally was proud of him and leaned her head against him. He smelled different: more of sweat. Her nose crinkled. It wasn't anywhere near as comforting as she had imagined. But then he ruffled her hair, and nothing had changed. The old Lelouch was still there.

Guiding her through the crowd, Lelouch asked about her schooling and her friends. He listened with rapt attention as she described the student council and interjected with his own teasing. Then he abruptly fell silent and shifted her slightly behind him. Nunnally felt his pulse begin to race and her heart hammered within her chest in response. He was terrified.

"Lelouch... what an unexpected pleasure to run into you here," a cool voice commented. "And Alex. I do hope you studied the material I gave you. Private Fadiman."

"Hello Sergeant Malfoire," Alex responded cheerfully. "And I did."

Roy's uniform snapped. "Sergeant Malfoire."

A long pause stretched through the air and Lelouch slowly removed his arm from her shoulder, snapping to attention. "Sergeant Malfoire."

Nunally shifted closer to him, not liking the man's familiarity with her brother and Lelouch's hesitance to let her go. Whoever he was, he was dangerous. Tugging on her brother's sleeve, she whined, "Lelouch. Come on, I want to get ice cream. You promised."

Lelouch didn't drop his hands nor did Alex and Roy make a sound. Nunnally hid her small frown as she clung to her brother and hid behind him, pretending to be shy. The obedient person beside her was not the brother she remembered. But he didn't move even as his muscles coiled and Sergeant Malfoire began to take sharp measured steps towards her. Nunnally felt like she was listening to a cat trying to sneak up on its prey. It was disturbing.

"I don't think I have been introduced to the little ma'am," he said and his hand brushed against hers.

Lelouch somehow grew even tenser and Nunnally desperately searched for his free hand and clutched it. It was subtle. But his fingers curled against hers and she knew he would be there for her.

"What's your name?"

Under the din of the crowd, Nunnally could hear her mother's wheelchair clacking over the stones. For the first time, the thought of her mother interfering, relieved Nunnally. Making sure her eyes were wide open she looked in the general direction of Sergeant Malfoire. "I'm Nunnally."

"I wasn't aware your sister was visiting you Lelouch."

Her brother growled, "It was a surprise Sergeant Malfoire."

"She is quite adorable." The sergeant rested a hand on her head.

Lelouch finally moved and pulled her backwards. "Keep your hands off my sister."

"I was just trying to be polite," he said and he took careful measured steps closer. "You aren't being insubordinate are you Lelouch? You don't have that wiggle room."

Nunnally could feel her brother's pulse skyrocket once again and anger coursed through Nunnally's vein. Her brother was strong and this man... this man mocked him and threatened him. And Lelouch, for some reason that she didn't understand, could do nothing. Purposefully widening her eyes, Nunnally adopted the look that Milly and Allie had taught her. The one that made sure everyone could see her eyes and while the duo thought it was absolutely adorable, Nunnally found it had a tendency to make those around her nervous.

Tilting her voice and trying to emulate Milly as she put down Sally at the ball, Nunnally said, "You have not asked for permission to touch my hair or act familiarly with me, nor do I grant you permission to do so. You're intruding on my personal space."

The sun suddenly warmed her skin and Sergeant Malfoire suddenly chuckled. "There is a family resemblance after all. Quite adapt too although I wonder, who taught her. Was it you Lelouch?"

Oh. Nunnally let go of her brother's hand. The sergeant didn't believe Lelouch's identity and that was why her brother was incredibly nervous. He wasn't doing a very good job at distracting him, but Nunnally had no idea how many puzzle pieces he held and how close he was to the truth. She glared at him and answered, "My brother taught me many things, but so did my friends."

Lelouch poked her in the side.

"Friends?" And suddenly Sergeant Malfoire was intruding in her personal place again. "What sort of things do your friends teach you?"

Nunnally took an involuntary step backwards. he sounded way too pleased and she could hear his breathing becoming slightly faster. She had misread the situation and somehow made it worse. Malfoire did not suspect her brother? But then, why was he harassing her? Nunnally needed something to make him back off, "Milly, I mean, Lady Ashford teaches me quite a bit about budgeting."

His cold hands wrapped around her like a vise and left her no ability to escape. "Why don't we move this discussion indoors Lelouch? I can give your sister a wonderful tour of the base. It would definitely be a treat. And you boys can go on ahead. I'll even sponsor you some ice cream."

It wasn't a suggestion. Nunnally didn't need to read Lelouch's body language to know it was a terrible idea that should be avoided at all cost. And Lelouch was hesitating to speak, even though his thoughts must have been racing to try and find a way to escape. Nunnally trusted him. He would figure a way to protect her.

But there was a much simpler solution. Nunnally let out an ear piercing shriek: "Mommy!"

Malfoire stumbled back, releasing her wrist, and she could hear the familiar harsh boots of Bismark rapidly approaching, followed by the sound of wheels clacking over. Bismarck stopped before her, his body blocking the warmth of the sun and forcing Malfoire to take another step back.

And then, at last, her mother finally shouted, "Are you alright Nunnally?"

Nunnally shook her head and pointed to where she thought Malfoire stood. "He hurt my wrist."

Fortunately her mother was quick on the uptake and rolled forward and gently grabbed her wrist. "Oh Nunnally. You sir. By what right, are you manhandling my children?"

"Sergeant Malfoire ma'am. I'm afraid this is all just a big misunderstanding. But may I ask your name?"

"Warrant Officer Mary Lamperouge. And there probably has been a misunderstanding. My son is rather obstinate at times, but I suspect your own behavior might be at fault, as my daughter is definitely the more reasonable one." Her phone began to buzz and her mother sighed. "Do you know of someplace private where I can take this call.. and perhaps have our conversation?"

"Of course," Malfoire replied.

Her mother rolled back to them and pressed a bill into Nunnally's hand. "For lunch expenses."

"I can pay," Lelouch grumbled as Malfoire, her mother, and Bismarck departed.

Nunnally patted his arm. "I know, but it's free money."

"That was... strange," Alex commented and broke the quiet tension. "He usually isn't that... aggressive. But who wants ice cream?"

Roy sighed, "you're expecting me to pay aren't you."

"Of course rich boy," Alex shot back. "I can't afford it, but you most definitely can."

Nunnally held Lelouch's hand as they trailed after the bickering boys. She smiled. It felt similar to her and Allie and they felt like good people. Part of her had been afraid that Lelouch would be surrounded by the same type of people who burned Japan. But, they were just a bunch of young teens, who had probably never experienced the violence of war up close.

"Lelouch," she whispered, "do you know why mother's phone has been going off all the time? She won't talk to me about it, and she said it wouldn't be work, but... she keeps taking the calls. She just mentioned that a lot of people were dead."

Pausing in his stride for a moment, Lelouch leaned over to whisper into her ear, "Mother probably doesn't want you to worry, but Truro was bombed without any warning. Britannian bomber's ISF signals were recorded in the airspace ... But if mother's phone is constantly ringing and she's being called away... that means father didn't authorize it."

Nunnally wasn't sure if she wanted to be relieved that her parents were innocent of another mass murder or horrified that thousands had died because of someone's incompetency. A small part begrudged the fact that her mother hadn't trusted Nunnally to be able to handle the information. At the latest, she would have learned about it by the time she returned to school.

"Brother," she began, "why was Sergeant Malfoire so... interested?"

Lelouch sighed. "He thinks I'm a spy."

That was... Nunnally burst out laughing. "I can't believe, really? What did you even do Lulu?"

"Apparently burning mother's letters was suspicious."

Nunnally continued to chuckle. "Can I tell Allie? She believes you're totally a goody two shoes."

"No. Telling people would defeat the purpose."

Foiled again. Nunnally pouted. She needed something Lelouch would, no, could never deny to enlighten Allie. Eventually, her brother would slip. But for now, Lelouch would remain a wolf in sheep's clothing. "What if I tell her about the lime and—"

"—No."

Worldbuilding Thoughts:

-Fun little detail. Britannia doesn't have curb cuts where the sidewalk dips to make it more accessible. Curb cuts were mostly championed by some Berkeley students and other activists in the 60s and 70s. We're so used to them, but they really weren't a thing before. In a nation that promotes personal strength and ability, accessibility isn't a goal: hence no curb cuts and Marianne's frustration.

-Will be expanding on this later, but the anime basically said that Numbers weren't allowed to have cell phones. Cue a bunch of other social restrictions on things like schooling (since Ohgi *was* a school teacher), food, and medicine. Radios are one of the few things they are allowed to use because they're so simple to make.

-Extra Credit has a YouTube series on policing London. Highly recommend and sort of reminds you how much easier it was to be a criminal in the old days before surveillance equipment, street lamps, actual police, and centralized databases. Since every lord has almost unilateral control over their subjects and are often rivals with others, the army is the only one with a centralized database. It's not pretty when the army is used for policing work.

Author's Note:

Thank you x1tears1X on FFN for your help with this chapter. If anyone else wants to beta, just ask? :)

Here's the makeup chapter. We also reached 100 favorites. :) I'm so happy. Unfortunately, while I would love to release an extra update to mark the occasion, that would mean having completed Ch. 21 by this evening. I haven't. I'll do a bonus update in one of the coming weeks. But to mark the occasion and because FFN doesn't seem to have a plan to re-enable PM notifications, I created a discord server. Come in to chat and bug me to write more so I can get the bonus chapter out sooner. :p

Link in my profile bc FFN is annoying.