Turn 02: Transfer Student Time

The sun's morning rays pierced through the glass windows, bathing the student council room in a warm glow. Echoing across the room, the rhtyhmic ticking of the wall clock sounded in tandem with the pen tapping absentmindedly on a stack of papers, its holder staring at the uncomprehensible rows and columns of numbers and letters within his field of vision.

Wearing a bored expression with his chin propped on his right hand, Lelouch was the very image of a lazy secretary slacking off while his boss was away. Slouched against his seat and looking like a useless employee, the former prince read the financial reports and requests with unattentive eyes, occassionally writing his signature when needed. Though signing documents was a part of being a vice president of the student council, he'd rather be doing something more productive than this monotonous job - like polishing his plans for the Black Knight's next operations in the near future. This was Rivalz' jurisdiction as the official secretary, anyway. And he would be more than happy to trade places with his blue-haired friend just to escape.

He glanced across the table. Unfortunately, Rivalz was busy with his own assignment just like the rest of the council. The secretary sat with a deep frown, scribbling on his notebook while casting the occassional furtive glance at the President, who was busy conversing with Rolo about the next school activity. To their left, Shirley stared at her book with so much intensity that Lelouch could almost imagine it burning under her gaze, all but forgeting the cake she was supposed to have finished half an hour ago. Meanwhile, there was Suzaku waging a losing war with Arthur as he tried, quite comically, in vain to prevent the cat from nabbing the strawberry atop Shirley's desert. It was kind of funny seing the Knight of Seven losing a battle against a cat despite his exceptional skills in Knightmare Frame combat, suffering numerous bites and scratches from the angry feline.

Scowling, Lelouch wrote his signature for the twentieth time with a harder than usual stroke of his pen, almost tearing a gash at the paper - an action that didn't escaped Rolo's attention. Many times the former prince wished he could just order his fake little brother to kill the traitorous bastard for using Nunally as a bait to lure him out as well as the other transgressions he had done. He was the greatest obstacle in his quest for vengeance, and every plan he had concocted so far fell apart in an instant because of his sudden intervention. He sometimes wondered if Suzaku was a clairvoyant considering he could always anticipate his movements and respond in accordance, a fact that irked him to no end. But since it was Schneizel he was often under the command of, the idea was pretty laughable.

Still, he couldn't kill him yet. He still has plans for the naive hypocrite, and he couldn't enact them if Suzaku was dead. Besides, there's still Nunally to worry about. He didn't know where she was, but the Knight of Seven most likely did; he was the one who called her a few days ago, after all. Therefore, even though he wanted nothing more than to see his corpse rotting at his feet, Suzaku Kururugi had to live... for now.

He stood up, shuffling his papers and rearranging them to a neat stack with the pen on top. Immediately, the others looked at him in surprise.

"Lelouch, where are you going?" Milly frowned.

"Gym class," Lelouch responded in a monotone and briefly caught Rolo's eye. "Ms. Villetta asked me to participate this time."

Everyone's eyebrows shot up. "Seriously?" Suzaku said in disbelief, momentarily forgeting about his duel with Arthur and enabling the cat to finally snatch the strawberry.

"Yup."

"You're not going to use this as an excuse to gamble again, are you?" Shirley narrowed her eyes dangerously before glancing at Rolo. "Is this true, Rolo?"

"Ah, yes," the assassin nodded, his eyes darting briefly to Lelouch. "I was there when she told Nii-san," he added.

"More like ordered," Lelouch snorted. "In any case, you have nothing to worry about, Shirley. My gambling days are over."

He flashed her a smile, and her expression immediately softened. But there was still doubt and suspicion lingering in her eyes. "You better be telling the truth, Lulu," she said.

"I am," he reassured her, then smirked. "Besides, if I really wanted to gamble I would ask Rivalz to drive for me. Unfortunately," the former princed lifted the stack of papers and dumped it in front of his blue-haired friend, "our dear secretary seem to be busy at the moment."

"What's this?!" Rivalz yelped at the amount of work he had been thrusted into.

"Your assigment, Mr. Secretary," he grinned. "There's no problem with it, right?"

"There is!" the council secretary stared in horror at the pile of papers. "I'm not yet finish with my report on the school budget!"

"Well, that should help you finish it faster. That's alright, isn't it, President?" Lelouch turned to Milly.

For a moment, the heiress of the Ashford family tapped her chin thoughtfully, a smile stretching on her lips. She couldn't play favourites, but she didn't want to burden Rivalz with so much work either. The young Cardemonde already had his hands full, and anymore than that would stress him out. However, Lelouch was physically unfit for someone his age, and she didn't want that too. In case of emergency, he would be most likely carried by a much stronger individual due to his abyssmal stamina. It didn't helped that he easily got winded which might make him prone to heart diseases. Therefore...

"I see no problem with that," Milly shrugged.

"No!" Rivalz groaned and slammed his head on the table rather melodramatically. "President, why did you do this to me?"

"It's for Lelouch's health, Rivalz," the buxom head of the student body gave the former prince a disapproving look. "I mean, just look at him. He could pass for a scarecrow if dressed the right way."

Lelouch grunted. "That's kind of insulting, Milly."

"But you know it's the truth," her smile returned in full force. "Besides, think about it. How are you suppose to have kids if your body can't handle the job of making one?"

There was a collection of choking sounds, most notably from the target of the obvious insult itself. To the side, Suzaku shook with restrained mirth, trying hard not to fall from his seat. Meanwhile, Shirley's face turned as red as the strawberry Arthur had just eaten.

"That's uncalled for, President!" she scolded the older girl while blushing furiously.

"Nonsense," Milly huffed and planted her hands into her hips. "You of all people should understand what I mean. After all, you always fantasize about Lulu having se-"

"I'm going out," Lelouch cut her off before she could finish her sentence, flustered beyond imagination. "Rolo!"

"Right behind you, Nii-san," the assassin answered obediently and stood up. Though judging by his faint smile, he was most likely going to tease his fake older brother as soon as they were out in the hallway.

"If you will excuse me," Lelouch muttered, flashing Suzaku a heated glare before turning to his heels and finally marching out of the room, his little brother following closely behind.

For a moment there was silence. Until, with the exception of Shirley who buried her face in her hands, everyone finally broke out in hysterical laughter.

"Pervert."

Muttering under his breath, Lelouch strode along the hallway with a flushed expression, grumbling all the way at Milly's jab to his physical prowess. True, he was not strong enough to even compare with Suzaku, or any of his Black Knights for that matter. But he was not that weak; he managed to take care of Nunally during the times there were just the two of them, after all. And that should prove how capable his body was.

"She has a point though, Nii-san," Rolo trailed beside him. "You should be more physically fit. The Black Knights' operations will just get more difficult, and you need to be able to protect yourself."

"I have my Geass," Lelouch grunted as they went through a junction. "I could simply order someone to protect me. Besides," he glanced sideways and smiled. "I have you, don't I?"

Rolo immediately turned away in embarassment, a smile of his own touching his lips. "Not all the time, Nii-san. You know that. We may get missions that would force me to leave your side."

"Well, we'll just make sure your missions are easy to accomplish," the former prince placed a hand on his shoulder. "Easy enough that you could return to my side quickly."

"Knowing you, Nii-san, I doubt if that will ever happen," the assassin snorted.

Lelouch chuckled, but remained silent. As they walked together along the hallway, he took note of the students passing by or chatting idly near the windows. It was almost 10am, and most of them were getting ready for the next class. Occassionally, girls would began to whisper the closer he got, giggling and pointing in his direction, while the boys would scowl in jealousy and envy, casting dark looks on him. He had already grown accustomed to this though, and he payed them no attention. He was actually fortunately; this was nothing compared to the murmurings whenever Suzaku appears.

He suddenly frowned. Speaking of the traitorous Eleven, he was seeing more of the Ashford Self-Defense Force lately. Perhaps it has something to do with the Honorary Britannian ace pilot and White Knight had re-enrolling in the academy this week, and the obnoxious group was fearing an uprising from the Japanese students because they finally have a hero whom they could rely on. That, or they wanted to keep watch on the Elevens in case some of them attacks Suzaku for siding with the Britannians despite the SAZ massacre, though he doubt that very much; even outside the Lancelot, the pilot was just as formidable as the Knightmare Frame itself.

Well, whatever the case, it's not his problem but Milly's. He's just the Vice-President, after all. And the majority of control fell into the Ashford heiress' hands. He could only help in her decision making and by adding suggestions. But otherwise, he didn't want anything to do with running the student body. He had too much in his hands as Zero, and he'd rather spend his efforts running a nationwide rebellion than promoting peace and equality inside the school.

Although that would just make him a hypocrite, but whatever. He didn't care much about the ASDF anyway, no matter how he loathed the arrogant fools and their violent ways. As long as they kept their methods from causing unnecessary trouble for the council and the academy itself, and he wouldn't witness their actions himself, they could do anything they want.

Lelouch glanced at his watch. 09:56am. They still have 30 minutes before the next class starts, more than enough time to see Villetta. Despite his excuse to Milly and the others, they were not really going to meet with her on the gymnasium. Although that was not a complete lie either. Rather, he and Rolo would meet her beneath the academy - right where the headquarters of SIA was located.

"She better have information about Nunally's whereabouts this time," he muttered while keeping his attention focused ahead. More than a week after Suzaku's failed attempt to lure him out by using Nunally as bait and he still didn't know where his little sister was. Of course, since this was a princess he was talking about, he doubt if the information would be easy to get. It took a year for C.C. and Kallen to retrieve him, though he could just attribute it to the fact that the Black Knights were scattered and leaderless.

"Don't worry, Nii-san," Rolo said reassuringly. "I'm sure she have it this time. The Office of Secret Intelligence is formed by the Emperor himself, after all. They are bound to know her location if they were monitoring you."

"They better be," Lelouch grunted.

They continued in silence, going through another hallway leading to the library. By now the students had thickened as they rushed to change classes, and they pressed forward as the corridor became more crowded. The enrollees this year seemed quite numerous than the previous one, and he heard the academy was going to construct a new wing just to accomodate the new batches. Most of them were Britannians, as always, though there were also Japanese students; Ashford Academy was one of the few who would accept both as the school was previously own by a Japanese. Unfortunately, enrollment rates for the Elevens dropped considerably compared last year - probably because of the SAZ massacre.

The memories suddenly came rushing at the forefront of his mind, and he touched his left eye out of instinct as he tried to push them away. Whenever he remembers the demented smile on Euphie's face, his Geass would always burn, as if mocking him of the sins he had unwillingly commited. Many times he wanted to claw his left eye out, realizing a minute later what a foolish thought it was. He wouldn't be able to repent for his crimes if he did, and bearing the Power of Kings as a form of curse was already a punishment in itself. He just hope he would be more careful next time; he had quite the habit of blurting out the wrong things at the wrong time which would always cause serious repurcussions in the future. Euphie's death had thought him that much, and he didn't want an event like that happening again.

He checked his watch again to dstract himself from any more negative thoughts. It read 10:07 AM. Just a few more minutes and they'll reach the library. From there they would meet Villetta for a short briefing of any information regarding Nunally, and then they would go to the next class. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes, and they should be able to-

"Stupid Eleven! Just give us your damn money!"

Lelouch suddenly stopped.

"Nii-san?" Rolo immediately turned his head after realizing that his brother was no longer beside him. However, the prince kept his sight in front with a hooded expression, prompting him to follow his gaze.

On the far corner of the hallway which turned left, a group of three sophomores surrounded a student, standing impassively with arms crossed and faces scowling in anger. The armbands on their forearms identified them as members of the Ashford Self-Defense Force, and even a fool could understand that they were doing one of their 'disciplinary methods' - which was just a polite term for a hostile act against an innocent. Meanwhile, the victim, an Eleven girl by the looks of it, lay trembling and cowering at their oppressive presence, pressing herself against the wall and clutching her bag in fear.

Lelouch frowned. She was small in stature with wavy black hair that framed her face, and bangs that prevented him from seeing her eyes. For a moment, he was reminded of Nunally with the way the student tried to make herself looked smaller than she already was, despite the fact that his sister didn't wear a wire-rimmed reading glasses and had never been that weak-willed. He didn't know why though, but he suddenly had this nagging feeling in his mind that made him want to defend this girl much like how he wanted to protect Nunally. And it was a shock since he didn't even recognize her. In any case, he couldn't just stand here and do nothing.

"Go ahead," he said quietly to Rolo. "I'll take care of this."

"Nii-san?" the assassin frowned in confusion.

"I'll be fine. Tell Villetta I'll be late."

With that, he started to walk away, leaving no room for argument. As he approached the students, he began to catch bits of their conversation and observe the situation more clearly.

"Please! L-Let me go!" the Eleven whimpered and clutched her bag tighter against her chest.

"We will... if you give us your money," a Britannian scowled.

"Yeah! Don't you know this hallway is not toll-free? You need to pay!" the second of the trio slammed his palm beside her head.

"I-I didn't know!" the girl began to cry in earnest. "I just transfered into this school yesterday!"

"Excuses!" the tallest one in the middle, obviously the leader, bellowed. "Newly transfered or not, you stupid Elevens must go by the rules: our rules!"

"But I have no money!"

"Then give us your lunch," the leader smirked.

"L-Lunch?" she gulped. "I-It's not enough f-for three persons. And it's Japanese food. You wouldn't like it."

The term 'Japanese food' seemed to worsen their mood even more, and the trio made disgusting expressions at the word.

"Ugh! What a useless bitch!"

In anger, the leader finally raised his right hand, poised to strike down the poor girl. In an instant, the Eleven slid down to the ground and sobbed louder as she covered her head with the bag. Unfortunately, it was soon yanked away from her, spilling the contents on the floor. With the leering faces of the Britannians above, she used her arms instead to protect herself, clutching her head and shaking in fear and distress.

"Stupid Eleven!" the leader growled and raised his arms higher. "Just die already!"

He swung. But before his palm could connect, a hand caught his arm and stopped it.

And with his usual arrogant smirk stretching his lips, Lelouch spoke.

"Are you guys so weak that you decided to choose a much weaker individual just to show your strength?" Immediately, the trio spun around and faced the intruder.

"Vice-President!" the one to the right snarled. "Stay out of this!"

"You're ordering me?" the former prince raised an eyebrow while still keeping a firm grip on the leader's wrist.

"We are," he growled. "Or are you forgeting that our fathers are high-ranking officers in the military?"

"Actually, I did forgot," Lelouch admitted. And then his smirk grew wider. "Although forgive me if I did. I do not take the effort to remember fathers whose sons are useless and wimpy."

"You bastard!" the tall leader roared and tried to land a punch with his left hand. Unfortunately, Lelouch kneed him first, sending him wheezing on the floor.

"See?" he sneered and looked down at him. "Pretty weak. And because of that, you are picking on someone much weaker than you."

He narrowed his eyes at the others before turning his gaze to the Eleven behind them still cowering in fear. "Look at her. She's small, barely able to keep her head high. And yet you selected her to demonstrate your own lack of strength. Pathetic!" Lelouch scoffed. "You don't deserve to be the children of generals and commanders. You're just shaming your parents by your actions."

The three Britannians gritted their teeth, looking at him with blazing eyes full of loathing. His words had struck home, and their fists shook with restrained fury at the trueness of it. But they couldn't do anyrhing; it would just make matters worst, and their parents would certainly punish them severely.

The leader growled and slowly stood up. "This is not over, Vice-President," he hissed.

With that, he casted one last dirty look at him before storming off, his lackeys following behind in a hurry.

For a moment, Lelouch watched them with an amused expression. Nobles. Their ego was so bloated it was easy for them to be provoked. Easy to taunt, easy to trick. Fortunately, pick the right words and they would act like enraged monkeys - which did little to their reputation.

He looked down at the girl who was starting to gather her things now that the bullies were gone. She was still shaking from the ordeal, although her sob had already dwindled to a weak hiccup.

"Here," he offered kindly. "Let me help you."

The girl stopped. And for a moment, she was silent as her hand hovered on a textbook. Lelouch wondered if he had said anything wrong; her body was stiff and rigid as a statue. But as he was he about to open his mouth, she spoke in a gentle voice.

"T-Thank you."

For several minutes the two of them gathered her scattered belongings. Throughout the short interaction, the girl had become silent, and Lelouch was puzzled once more. He expected her to strike a conversation with him just like the others he had helped before. Perhaps it was because he was a Britannian? That might be it, but he was not sure. Plus, she still kept her head bowed, as if she didn't want him to see her face, which greatly added to the mystery.

Finally, he picked up the last item and they both stood up. Clutching her bag she accepted it gratefully, mumbling her thanks while keeping her head lowered.

"What's your name?" Lelouch asked out of curiousity. It would be good to remember it in case those three students harassed her again.

Once more she was silent. Shaking his head, Lelouch opened his mouth to tell her it's alright if she didn't want to say it, but shut them closed as soon as she spoke.

"Haruna. Haruna Mase."

Lelouch smiled and offered his hand. "Lelouch Lamperouge."

This time, she finally lifted her head. And when she did, he finally saw her face clearly.

A pair of hazel eyes brimming with tears gaze at him with gratitude. However, it was her gentle smile that made him froze on his spot - it was filled with longing and a sense of familiarity, as if she personally knew him despite this being their first meeting.

"Nice to meet you, Lelouch Lamperouge."

And with a respectful dip of her head, she finally walked away, leaving the Britannian prince more confused than he already was.

Another fairly short chapter, although this one is twice the length of the prologue. I was, and quite still, busy with rewritting my main WIP(which is still not finished). Plus, I am emotionally and mentally stressed these past few days, so please forgive me if this chapter is roughly written. Again.

Anyway, regarding the previous chapter, I seem to have made a mistake in the timeline. So let me clarufy again. This is set post-R1 and after Suzaku's welcome back party, but BEFORE the Black Knights tried to retrieve Nunally en route to Japan. Hope that clears it up. :)

Well, that's it. I don't know when I could update again, but hopefully before the second week of June. In any case, please Read & Review!

Until next time!