Author's Note: sorry it has taken me so long to post! Been busy with other stuff… anywho, here's a short chapter! will post soon, prolly later today, actually. And no, I do not own Code Geass or any of its characters., regardless of how much I wish I did… please read and review! thanks

Chapter Five

A look of frustration spread across the attractive new face of Lelouch vi Britannia. Well, Lelouch Williams, now. Half an hour had passed since he found the box, but he couldn't bring himself to open it.

He struggled with the fact that someone else – a complete stranger, no less – had managed to grab so much influence over him. Never, since his mother died and his father disowned him, had he allowed himself to be so powerless over his own situation.

But now it seemed that he had no choice. The Shepherd had kept his promises thus far, so Lelouch assumed that whatever was in that box wasn't too unfortunate.

With a resigned sigh, Lelouch opened the box. Inside laid standard identification–Britannian passport, driver's license, birth certificate and school records. He was surprised to see that Lelouch Williams was a standout student, at the top of his class. That was how he got into Ashford, no doubt.

There was also a fresh credit card (paid for by a mysterious "Mr. Williams") and a short biography. He knew that this would be the most important piece of information that the Shepherd would give him, so he set it aside to memorize. It wouldn't look very convincing for him to fumble on simple questions like where he grew up, or whether he had any pets.

Instead he examined his birth certificate. Apparently, Lelouch Williams had been born to Lily and Mathew Williams on February 21st, 2000 a.t.b. At least I'm the right age. To his surprise, attached to the document was also a death certificate, one made for his "mother" on the same day that Marianne had died. How appropriate. He knew that I would never forget that date.

Fury and pain surged through him at this thought, and he closed the box angrily. That is quite enough for today. I have a week before I need to attend school, so I might as well explore my surroundings.

He went to the bathroom, making sure it was stocked with washing necessities before turning on the shower. Then he went back to his bedroom to search for a towel. He found it in a small closet near the desk. When he returned to the bathroom, his shower was running hot. He stripped down and stood beneath the faucet, letting the water rush comfortingly down his back. He felt his energy and anger slowly washing away with the water.

He closed his eyes and a series of images flashed through his mind. Shirley's tortured face as she leveled the gun at his head. The feeling of her lips, so soft, and yet desperate against his as she clung to him in the rain. Her last words as she faded into oblivion. Her nervous smile as she invited him to that concert they never made it to. Her laugh as she recounted the ridiculous things Milly thought up for them to do. How cute she looked when she was concentrating on a test. Her triumphant grin as she got out of the pool after winning a race.

A tear escaped his usually cold eyes and ran down his face. He didn't even bother to wipe it away. Shirley, I promise you this. If you are here, I will find you. I will never let you suffer. I will never again be the reason for your pain. Never.

With this solemn promise, he finished bathing and turned off the shower. He wrapped the towel around his waist and sauntered over to the wardrobe. Inside he found several school uniforms, a few pairs of jeans and shorts, and an impressive assortment of casual shirts. Fitting for a schoolboy, really.

There was also a jacket on a hanger to the side, and a tuxedo, presumably for black tie events. These he ignored as he pulled out a pair of dark blue jeans and a plain black t-shirt. It was autumn, thus not cold enough to wear the jacket, yet still not warm enough to wear shorts. He pulled on a pair of sneakers he found in a drawer near the bottom of the wardrobe and prepared to leave.

There was a house key hanging on a nail close to the front door, and he remembered to grab the credit card from the counter where all his documents were still spread in a bizarre arrangement.

He locked the door behind him and wandered down the hall. His steps echoed with a strength he had never noticed before. He saw a sign mounted on a door to his left that announced the office of the landlord. Better stop in to see when my rent is due.

The door opened after the first knock, and inside stood the prettiest girl Lelouch had ever seen. She had radiant blond waves falling to just past her shoulders. With a petit frame, she didn't stand very high, although she seemed like a god towering over him (never mind the fact that he was several inches taller than her). Bright blue eyes sparkled with humor and intelligence and full, luscious lips were parted over a brilliant smile. She wore a loose sundress, but it hugged every curve just right. She said, "Hello, how can I help you?" in a voice that reminded him of a cold lake on a hot summer's day.

Lelouch was overwhelmed. He did the only thing a mortal man could do. He uttered a startled "gah" and bowed deeply.