All right fam. This was a tough one. Following some helpful advice from my beta reader, I decided to change things up and write this chapter from a different POV, which is something I plan on doing with different characters from time-time. I'll admit, I was never the biggest fan of this character, and writing him was extremely challenging for me. Nonetheless, because I promised to deliver and because I love y'all, I decided to go down this path - metaphorical labor pains be damned. It's a long one, so grab some extra popcorn and snacks for your reading pleasure. Appreciate you guys.

...

Yesterday was exhausting. Ever eager to develop his creations further, Lloyd had me participate in numerous combat simulations with the Lancelot given that currently, my opportunities to use it on an actual battlefield are scarce. Between testing the MVS' cutting potency, to assessing the Blaze Luminous' defensive capabilities more, as well as trying out Lloyd's newest addition to the Lancelot's arsenal - the VARIS Rifle - my day was full. Before I knew it, I had missed the whole school day. Hopefully, Milly will understand when I see her later.

"It's all worth it, though. With the Lancelot, I can protect the people I care about." I thought determinedly as I stepped out of my bedroom.

Currently, I didn't reside in Ashford Academy's boy's dormitory. Instead, I was just across the street in the military quarters at the university together with Lloyd and Ms. Cecile. There weren't any windows, and the cramped, generally bland, gray interior reminded me more of an old warehouse rather than a comfortable living situation, but I've been to worse places. It was home, I suppose - even if it was little more than four walls and a roof.

"Salutations and greetings, Suzaku. I suppose some congratulations are in order." Lloyd's monotone, yet elevated morning greeting echoed across the confined space of the military quarters as I exited my bedroom.

At first, I straightened to attention in soldier-like fashion, but after recalling Ms. Cecile's advice to be more casual, I relaxed my posture. "Uh, good morning Lloyd, Ms. Cecile. What are you congratulating me for?"

Continually clicking and clacking away at his keyboard, no doubt analyzing the battle simulation data from yesterday, Lloyd replied, "Why for your promotion, of course. Viceroy Cornelia bumped you up from Private to Warrant Officer."

Ms. Cecile, eager to chime in, also said, "The Viceroy was alerted about your contribution at the Shinjuku ghetto. Your hard work is already paying off."

I smiled, but before I could say anything, Lloyd casually dismissed, "Although, it's hardly much of a promotion if you ask me. Privates can't pilot knightmare frames, and given that you're a part of ASEEC, bumping you up to at least 'Warrant Officer' was necessary given that it's the lowest possible rank you can have in order to be a pilot."

Giving Lloyd a light smack on the shoulder, Cecile followed, "This is a good thing for Suzaku. To get noticed by the Viceroy herself is certainly no small accomplishment."

Lloyd narrowed his eyes with annoyance, "All I'm saying is that our chances to give Lancelot more combat testing on the battlefield haven't improved much. Without a real jump in the ranks, we'll still be anxiously waiting on the sidelines. We are a reserve unit, after all."

"Lloyd!" Cecile raised her voice.

Unfazed, I asserted, "It's all right. I see this as a start for me, and I can only hope to continue to prove myself from here on out."

"I wouldn't get my hopes up. Her royal highness makes it a point to be very discriminate toward Num-" Cecile grabbed Lloyd by the ear and started pulling him away.

"Ow-ow-ow! What did I say?!" Lloyd cried in protest.

Looking at me with a reassuring smile while dragging Lloyd out of the room, Cecile corrected, "I think what Lloyd's *trying* to say is that your journey is just beginning. You can only go up from here."

"Wait! Where are we going?!" Lloyd protested in exasperation.

"Suzaku needs space to get ready for the school day." She turned to me as she exited the room with her helpless boss, "Please help yourself to the lunch I packed for you today. It's on the top shelf in the refrigerator."

As Lloyd's reverberating cries of pain and annoyance faded, I made my way toward the fridge. Upon opening the door, I noticed a small reusable lunch box wrapped in a prim, pink bow.

"I wonder what it is?" I questioned as I reached for the neatly wrapped container.

Ms. Cecile was a very kind woman, but her tastes were definitely... unique. No one had the heart to tell her, especially after she looked at you expectantly while you forced yourself to swallow your first bite.

With a light shake of my head and a faint smile I thought, "Who knows? Maybe with time, I'll find that her recipes are an acquired taste."

As I headed toward the front entrance, I mulled over Lloyd's observations. "It may not be 'much of a promotion,' but this is my first step to ascend the ranks and change Britannia from within. I don't know if anyone will ever understand me or what I'm trying to do, but it doesn't matter. With the Lancelot, I finally have a clear path ahead of me. I just know it."

Eyes narrowing with resolve and with lunchbox in hand, I headed off to school.

Interrupting my train of though as I was crossing the street, the subtle vibrations of my cell phone buzzed in my pants pocket. "Hello. This is Suzaku speaking."

"Good morning!" A familiar, enthused voice greeted.

"Oh, hey Milly, what's up?"

"Oh nothing much," she replied with a devious undertone. "I just wanted to give you a heads up that Kallen called out sick from school today."

Concerned, I asked, "Oh no, is everything okay?"

"I'm sure everything will be, buuut!" She exclaimed with a dramatic pause.

"But what?" I puzzled.

"Kallen was assigned to help Rai recover his memories by taking him around the settlement to see if anything clicked. Since she's off for today and won't be back until tomorrow, I'm putting you on Rai duty."

"Oh. Yeah, sure. I can do that." I agreed easily.

"Perfect! I knew I could count on you! Listen, after school, take him for a short walk around, and keep him company. I'm worried about him. You should see the bruise on his face. When I saw him last night, he wouldn't tell me where it came from and just laughed it off. I want you to keep a close eye on him."

That was a little unsettling. He's only been in school for a day and on the campus for a little over two. Was he being bullied?

"I'll keep a close watch on him and make sure he settles in nicely."

With a slight whisper, Milly said, "That's good. And listen, keep this between us for now, but some time after the Cat Festival, I'm throwing a Handmade Dress Party not too long after, so do yourself and Rai a favor and start looking for something to wear so you're both prepared. That should keep him out of trouble for the day."

Confusedly, I asked, "A 'Handmade' Dress Party? Don't you mean, 'Handmaiden?'"

At first I thought my signal was going bad, but after a moment or two, I realized that Milly was making a loud "shhhhh" noise in response to my query.

"Not so loud! Nobody else knows yet, and yes, you heard right. 'Handmade,' not 'Handmaiden,'" she giggled mischievously.

She continued, "I'm having the girls all make their own dresses for a dance party. It'll be a chance for us all to show off our unique clothes designing skills, rather than the dance turning into a flashy price tag competition."

"Oh, uh sure. Yeah, we can definitely make our way to a tailor or something and get a head start on that."

"You're the best! Keep me posted if anything comes up!" *Click

As always, our student council president knew how to keep everybody on their toes. I took a few moments to look at my phone and smiled. "That girl sure knows how to keep herself entertained. I'm glad I can be of service, though."

...

Making my way toward the school entrance, I saw the usual crowd of eager academics waiting patiently for Kallen to arrive, although something about them seemed to be off. The group usually comprised a few dozen or so, but today it seemed to be about half that, and not only that, many of them were holding parts of their bodies as if they were in pain.

"I wonder what's up with these guys today?" I thought curiously.

Taking a few more assessing moments of observing the group of aching admirers, I noticed a patch of silver hair stealthily slithering through the crowd as it made its way down toward the front. Something about its movement reminded me of the dorsal fin of a shark penetrating the ocean's surface as it readied itself for the kill.

Emerging excitedly from his furtive slinking, the silver haired boy wrapped each of his arms around the necks of two of the students at the forefront of the mob. "Howdy fellas!"

I squinted, "Is that Rai?"

Stuttering, the portly boy on the left attempted to return the greeting, "H-hey Rai. Long time, n-no see."

Rai's playful grin expanded as he turned his head in the direction of the wide-eyed, lanky student on the right, who followed, "G-goodmorning. Nice weather we're having today, r-right?"

Letting them go and taking a few overly theatrical steps in the opposite direction of the crowd with his arms behind his back, Rai did an abrupt about face toward the group and shrugged. "I hate to break it to you guys, but your princess is in another castle."

"I bet you don't even know where that line comes from." A voice murmured from the crowd just loud enough for me to hear.

Jovially waving away the criticism, Rai replied, "Hey now - I heard that. You can't fault a guy for always being on the lookout for more material to add to his repertoire. I get the general idea of the meaning. Give me some credit here."

Awkward expressions of discomfort painted the faces of the students, while Rai continued, "Kallen's out sick today, and I'm sure whenever she gets back, she'll need some space to keep on recovering smoothly. In fact, I was thinking that she could do without the daily swarming the moment she steps foot on campus. You guys wouldn't mind putting this whole fanclub thing to bed, would you?"

The reactions Rai got were mixed. Some of the boys looked at each other nervously, while others sneered in anger and squeezed their fists while taking on stances like they were ready for a confrontation.

I narrowed my eyes, "I better get ready to step in and stop this."

At first I adjusted my stance in preparation, but then I relaxed my posture once I saw Rai holding up his hands up in a 'don't shoot' gesture as he started to approach them slowly; however, in the blink of an eye, Rai bolted toward the middle of the mob, moving like a blur.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise, "He's almost as fast as Tod-."

"Come on fellas," Rai playfully patted one student on his clasped shoulder, "I thought we were past all this. I'm just looking out for a friend. Do me a solid here, would ya?" Rai requested as he lightly nudged his elbow into the ribs of another achy academic.

Gulping, they began to scatter one by one until Rai was the last one on the staircase.

"Thanks for your understanding!" he bellowed with a wave.

Deciding it would be a good time to say 'hello' before he ventured off, I greeted, "Hey Rai!"

Turning in my direction, Rai gave me a puzzled look, "Heyyy... *mumble What's up?"

"Uh, it's me Suzaku. Remember?"

He rubbed the back of his head, "Right. Of course. I knew that."

With a soft chuckle, I replied, "Hey, it's okay man. You were pretty out of it when we met the other day. It's understandable."

Giving up the act, Rai smirked, "I appreciate it. I guess I'm still stuck at the two syllable level."

"What do you mean?"

"You know - all the other student council members have two syllable names. 'Suzaku' has three. Probably still above my pay grade."

I smiled, "You're a bit of a jokester, aren't you?"

"I suppose so?"

"No, it's a good thing. One would think in your situation you'd be a little more reserved. Having a sense of humor might show everyone you're approachable, which will help you make friends and fit in," I encouraged.

Cheery expression slightly deflating, Rai muttered, "Fitting in. Right, yeah. That's what I do."

"Everything okay?"

Doing an emotional 180, Rai forced out a smile, "Yeah, yeah. Everything's great."

Not wanting to keep pressing him until he became more comfortable around me, I changed the subject. "So what was that all about back there?"

Rai took a glance back toward the staircase. "Oh, them? The groupies and I go way back - all the way to about 24 hours ago, anyway. True, they didn't start out very fond of me. They thought I was hindering their chances at getting with Kallen since she's been helping me recover my memories, but after a little grappling in gym class yesterday, we sorted out our differences."

"So is that where the bruise came from? A gym mishap?" I asked with concern as I looked at the left side of his face.

"You could say that, but like I said, we've graduated from the mortal enemies phase once I won the grappling competition, although I am a little disappointed. I mean, the darker purple was closer my color than this nasty green, but I can't really complain since I'm healing fast." Rai shrugged with a sense of amusement.

It took me a moment or two, but his first sentence made me realize something, "You won? Wait, so does that mean you know how to fight? Is that something you remembered how to do?"

For some reason, my question didn't get the reaction I was expecting. I thought for sure Rai would be happy and excited that he recalled something about himself, but upon hearing my inquiry, Rai lifted his sleeve, took a look at his watch-less wrist and said, "Oh, would you look at the time, I better get to class."

I called out to him with a shout as he briskly ambled off, "Wait, Rai! Milly said I'm filling in for Kallen today! Where do we meet up?"

He stumbled and slowed down his pace to a walk. With one hand in his pocket and another up in the air making a slight waving motion, he said, "Park entrance. Right after school. See ya then."

...

Throughout the school day, the general reaction I received from my fellow schoolmates was mixed. On the one hand, I was happy that my presence was less intimidating to the general body of students ever since Lelouch and the student council stood up for me, but at the same time, I didn't always feel welcome. Some classes would still become dead silent once I entered the room, and racial slurs that I was all too familiar with were whispered just loud enough for me to hear whenever I passed by a small clique of gossipers in the hallway.

Even still, my focus was elsewhere. I wondered why I couldn't spot Rai anywhere the whole day? Based on his interaction with the now-disbanded fanclub, I didn't think he was one for subtlety. Even though I'm not fully accepted yet, I wanted to do my part to help him feel as welcome as the student council made me feel. Was he avoiding me?

After the last bell rang, I headed toward the park, spotting Rai for the first time in hours. He didn't say much, and his energy from this morning was all but gone. Even still, we agreed to head out to a different part of the settlement than from what was he was shown the other day by Kallen.

I noticed that the whole time we were walking, Rai's mind was elsewhere as he sauntered along with an unusually hunched posture, forward head, and pocketed hands, which led me to ask, "So what's been on your mind?"

"Hmm?" Rai just about vocalized.

"You've been mostly quiet since we started. Honestly, ever since I asked you about your knowledge of hand to hand abilities, you've seemed like you're pretty distant."

"Is that so?" Rai wondered aloud before conjuring a grin. "Nothing important's really been on my mind, but I can't help but feel distracted."

"How come?"

"I'm not trying to be rude here, but I find that hilarious." Rai pointed teasingly at the neatly re-wrapped, empty container Ms. Cecile packed for me. "I don't really think pink is your color," he snorted.

"Oh this? This was just a reusable lunch carrier the woman I'm living with packed for me."

Realizing what I had just said, I opened my mouth to correct myself, but before I could, Rai remarked, "Whoa-ho-ho."

"H-hey it's not like that," I protested.

After enduring a few more of Rai's jests, I quickly interrupted, "You've got the wrong idea. She's just one of my superiors. I'm living at the military quarters nearby off the campus. The three of us just rent the space there while I wait for a new assignment."

Rai's eyes widened with curiosity, "Military, eh? You don't strike me as the soldier type."

Great. I just blew my cover. Trying to correct my course, I stammered, "I mean. You know - I'm in the engineering corps, and well-"

Rai shook his head, "It's ok. Everyone has their own secrets. You can trust me."

Realizing that trying to save face was pointless, I surrendered, "Okay, you got me. I was recently hurt in combat, and I don't want to worry my friends back at school. My cover right now is that I've been reassigned to engineering. I just don't want them to worry about me."

"I see... How come it's just you and your superiors? Shouldn't you be in a barracks somewhere?"

"I'm in a reserve unit. It doesn't give me very many chances to be deployed, but I do prefer it over my previous arrangement. Lloyd and Cecile - they don't care that I'm an Honorary Britannian."

Rai's jaw dropped, "Wait. You're Japanese?!"

I blinked a couple times at Rai's second wind of energy, "Yes?"

After taking a few moments to process his observation, Rai stiffened while doing his best to hide his derision. "And you're fighting for an enemy nation? After everything they've done? I admit, I don't fully understand the whole context of the situation yet, but after seeing the ghetto yesterday, I-"

"You went to see the ghetto?" I interrupted in surprise.

Rai shot me a look of surprise and readjusted to his regular frame. "I just wanted to cover my bases. Just to see if anything there triggered any of my memories. Kallen didn't think it was a good idea, but I insisted. We only perused the outskirts to stay safe."

"But what made you think about going there?"

Now it was Rai's turn to try to save face, but he couldn't come up with anything to say, which made me guess, "Rai, do you think you might be Japanese?"

He sighed, "Okay. Fair is fair. A secret for a secret. Yes. I think it's a strong possibility. Yesterday a classmate of mine swore I fought with Japanese martial arts techniques, and I asked Kallen to take me to the ghetto to see if anything was familiar to me, and it was."

"And you're upset about that?"

"It scares me shitless. I already seem to be as popular as a steak at a vegan buffet, but if I'm Japanese on top of it? Yeah, I'd honestly rather not know."

"You can't be afraid of accepting what you are," I sympathized.

Rai shot me a disdainful glower, "Says the guy who rejected his identity by pledging allegiance to the nation that decimated his home."

I squeezed my fist, "I don't expect you or anyone else to understand why I'm doing this. In fact, I'm used to it. I'm trying to help Japan in my own way."

Rai arched an eyebrow in expectation. Evidently my answer wasn't enough to satisfy his curiosity.

"I was there, you know. When the invasion happened - I mean. We were severely outmatched and outnumbered. Britannia's military was far too advanced for the Japanese to defeat. It was a one-sided slaughter. My father..." I trailed off and squeezed my fists.

"Your father?"

"My father was the Prime Minister of Japan - Genbu Kururugi. He eventually realized that the fighting was pointless, but his underlings disagreed. He ended his own life in the hopes that Japan would surrender unconditionally."

Rai's assessing looked shifted from resentment to sympathy, and I continued, "I believe that there's no greater disservice to my father's sacrifice than engage in acts of pointless terrorism. I joined the military because the only option I see in helping Japan is to change Britannia from within. It's my way of honoring him, and I will make that dream a reality." I grimaced.

Rai took a few moments before responding. He looked upward in deep thought with his arms folded and posed, "Do you really think it's possible? To change them? Is that really the right way to go?"

"It's the only way." I asserted. "Japan can't win, and I'll do anything I can to avoid more pointless killing."

"And in the meantime we just deal with the discrimination?"

"I'm not saying this path will be easy. I'm just saying that it's the best one."

Rai's eyes sunk, and I encouraged, "Listen, I'll keep it a secret - you possibly being Japanese, I mean. Even if you find out for sure."

"You'd do that?"

"It's your decision, Rai. Although, I don't think you should be afraid of letting other people know. I went through my fair share of being shunned, but Lelouch, Milly and the rest of the student council - they all paved the way for me to become more accepted at the school, and they're all Britannians. The situation isn't all black and white. There are good ones and bad ones; the same could be said for the Japanese."

For the first time today, Rai's sullen expression relaxed, but not like before. He wasn't planning his next quip or scheming about how to tease. No, he was genuinely happy, even if it was only in the form of a faint smile.

Our conversation made Rai open up more, and we exchanged a few more words before finally heading to our last stop to wrap up our day.

...

"Please tell me you're joking."

"It's Milly's orders, I'm afraid."

Rai shot me an annoyed look. "Ever the obedient soldier, aren't we? I know you're all about peaceful coexistence, but how about exploring your rebellious side on this one? Can we just not go and say we did?"

"Come on, this'll be fun." I laughed.

"But think about it for a second - you're rebelling in order to change the system from within. Asserting yourself will bring about the revisions we all would benefit from. It's a win-win."

"There's no getting out of this one buddy." I patted Rai on the shoulder as I headed into the Tailor shop.

Doing a quick jog after me, Rai asked, "I don't see the point in doing this? I mean aren't dances an end of the school year kind of thing?"

"Our president is a big fan of hosting as many events as possible for the school. Besides, it'll be a good thing for you to attend a dance. Think of it as your next step in integrating and making yourself at home."

"Yeah, nothing says 'fitting in' better than sitting around at the rejects table in an overpriced suit." Rai muttered before taking a sip from his water bottle.

Encouraging, I said, "What makes you think you wouldn't have a date? I thought for sure you'd be asking Kallen to the dance."

At that, Rai coughed profusely, trying his best to not spit his water everywhere, which made the workers gave us confused and concerned looks.

Holding up his hand toward them in an 'I'm okay' gesture, Rai gasped, "What makes you say that?"

"Didn't you stand up to those guys earlier because you were worried about her? If that doesn't say you like her, I don't know what does." I mused.

He mulled over possible objections before settling on skirting my seemingly accurate guess. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Feigning innocence, I jested, "It's just a little payback for the teasing you put me through earlier."

Cheeks still red, Rai grinned in amusement. "Let's just get this over with."

After spending a short while at the tailors, we both opted for cheaper options given the size of our current budgets. I opted for a simple black tux with a gold trimming and an accompanying black bowtie and black pants, while Rai opted for a dark blue regency coat with a ruffled collar and tan pants. They were far from the fanciest options, and the material wasn't the best either, but they were passable enough. After getting our measurements, we headed back in the direction of the school.

...

With the gates of Ashford Academy in sight, I proposed, "Hey, Rai I forgot something in my locker. We can part ways at the campus entrance if that's okay."

Giving me a jocular look, Rai responded, "Nah. I'll tag along. Anything to give me an excuse to put off writing my history essay."

"Hey, you haven't been here long enough to earn the right to slack off."

"You're a real stickler for rules aren't you? Is that a military thing or a 'you' thing?"

"Perhaps a little bit of both," I chuckled.

"All I'm saying is that rules are sometimes meant to be broken." Rai shrugged.

Confused, I countered, "That's the literal opposite of why we have rules in the first place."

He shook his head with a grin, "It seems I have much to teach you in the art of having fun."

As we headed in the direction of my locker, we continued to poke at one another, sharing laughs and getting more adjusted to each other's personalities, until our levity was interrupted by the obnoxious laughter we heard around the corner from our destination.

"How long are we going to keep this up?" A nasally voice asked in amusement.

A deeper voice responded with a chuckle, "Until that filthy Eleven gets the message and stops polluting our school with his presence."

Rai and I poked our heads around the corner as we heard the sound of a spray can firing off.

'Ghetto.' That was the last word the frizzy haired boy with a bandana just finished writing with spray paint as the boy with the long blue hair tied in a ponytail held up my shirt.

This wasn't the first incident where one or more of my belongings were subject to vandalism, but it was the first time I witnessed it.

I tensed my whole body and looked away, while Rai started moving forward. Putting my hand on his shoulder, I whispered, "Rai, it's not worth it. You don't have to-" Before I could finish, Rai smacked away my hand as he strode angrily around the corner.

"Huh? Who are you?" The frizzy haired boy grunted as he made eye contact with Rai.

The student with the ponytail remarked, "That's the new guy. You know, the one with amnesia?" After a few moments of mutual silent staring, he invited, "I hate to break it to you new guy, but you're a little late to the party. Although," he snickered, "If you want to make your mark as well, there's plenty of room on the back." He grinned as he flipped my shirt over.

Rai remained silent.

The two vandals looked at each other in confusion for a few moments until the blue haired boy said, "What's your problem? Are you some sort of a sympathizer?" He stood up to full height and gestured his buddy to do the same. "To me, the only thing worse than an Eleven is a Britannian who fraternizes with them. So, what's it gonna be? Join in on the fun or-"

"I'm giving you five seconds to put the goddamn can down and walk away." Rai interrupted.

Rai's assertion fell on deaf ears as they jeered at him.

"Don't say I didn't warn you." Rai condescended malevolently as he sprinted in their direction.

I quickly bolted in pursuit, "Rai, stop!"

Yet, I was the one who stopped in his tracks as Rai grabbed the collar and the right sleeve of the boy with the bandana and stepped his right leg towards the boys' middle. Following this, Rai quickly turned, loaded the vandal's weight on his hip and used his back leg to assist him in throwing the boy and slamming him on his back.

"No way. Uchi Mata? So he really is Japanese." I marveled internally with shock.

I shook my head to snap back to reality, but it was too late. Rai had just finished a low spinning sweep kick, which knocked the blue haired student straight on his back. Wasting no time, Rai sat on his chest, crossed his wrists and grabbed both sides of his collar. Finishing, Rai leaned forward and pulled the helpless academic toward him - effectively choking him.

"Rai that's enough!" I yelled as I tried pulling him off the boy.

Sitting upward, he released one of his hands to push me away forcefully. Realizing that he was too infuriated, I applied more force to break his grip and hurled him off the bully, who finally gasped his first full breath of air.

Now on his feet, Rai tried taking a series of different grips on me, and I in turn did the same. We wrestled with one another - each of us shifting grips and stances as we circled around in a never ending stalemate. Finally, he broke free and jumped backwards.

My back now toward the two students, I glanced in their direction. "You guys need to get out of here."

"Eleven scum," they each scoffed as they ran off.

"What the hell's wrong with you, Suzaku?!" Rai yelled.

"What's wrong with me?! What about you?! You could've killed him!"

Rai winced, "I was only going to make him lose consciousness."

"Either way, you were out of control!"

Rai raised his voice, "And you were just standing there ready to take their abuse!"

Before I could respond, Rai continued, "You painted such a pretty picture earlier. Telling me that if we just cooperate we'll get accepted and everything will be okay as we all hold hands marching into the sunset together, but look at this!" Rai pointed at my shirt. "Look at what they think of our people! They hate us!"

I took a deep breath, "I also said that it would take time-"

"Time?! For what? Them to devise ways to finish the job from seven years ago?" Rai objected.

I retorted, "What happens when you attack them? They'll bring more of their friends in and come after you!"

"I can take them."

"That's not the point!" I shouted. "Eventually it'll be too much for you, and you'll find ways to get back at them, and it'll go on and on forever. Where does it all end?!"

"It ends when I make them stop." Rai gritted through his teeth.

"Do you hear yourself?! My father-"

"Don't bring up your father to emotionally blackmail me! What would he say anyway if he saw this? And why are we even arguing? I'm on your side!"

"If you were on my side then you'd see that it's all pointless. Trying to change things from within is the only path to peace."

"And in the meantime our people suffer under Britannia's boot," Rai disparaged.

"They can become-"

"Become what? Honorary Britannians who have access to clean air, clean water, and good food while the rest of their people suffer in the ghettos because they remember what Britannia did and can do any time?!"

I shook my head, "You don't understand!"

Rai slammed his fist into the nearby locker, making a sizable dent and muttered something under his breath as he stormed off.

"Wait!" I yelled.

"Tell them to wire me the bill for the damages. I'll pay it off eventually," his fading voice echoed as he angrily walked away.

I took several moments to process everything that just happened. Calming myself, I thought, "He may not remember much yet, but he's definitely familiar with being discriminated against. I won't give up on him. I'll help Rai let go of all that hatred. I'll show him that there's a better way."