Code Geass and its characters belong to Gorō Taniguchi and Ichirō Ōkouchi.
I only own my OC, Lynn 'Rin' Rossellini (who is not a Mary Sue) and her family.
Zero's Lady
Chapter 28: A Life in Exile
The first thing that Rin did after waking up was head into the showers to refresh herself for the new day.
After washing herself, the brunette got dressed and went into the kitchen to place on her apron to start making breakfast.
Rin wore a yellow off-shoulder top with ribbon shoulder straps and a trim of pale yellow ruffles, striped light blue shorts and tiny star cyan blue earrings.
Since she was living in the Vermillion Forbidden City for the time being, she decided to prepare some traditional dishes from the Chinese culture.
The various dishes she prepared were rice dumplings, dim sum and jiang bing; quickly-cooked thin pancakes or crepes filled with typically savoury or spicy ingredients.
Rin removed her apron before leaving the kitchen to sit down in the living room as Kaguya showed up while covering her mouth to yawn.
Kaguya wore her usual pink-ish blouse that had detached sleeves along with a red miniskirt, white knee-high socks and black flats.
"Morning, Onee-sama."Kaguya greeted joyfully.
Rin smiled at Kaguya.
"Morning, my imouto."Rin replied with a small wave."Did you sleep well?"
"I sure did."Kaguya remarked as she sat down next to Rin and looked at the delicious dishes on the table."Yum! You've made some traditional cuisine!"
"That's right."Rin agreed with a nod."We are in a new country, so why not try and eat something new for breakfast?"
Kaguya picked up a deep-fried dough sticks with her chop sticks before dipping into a small pot of soybean milk before putting it into her mouth.
"Mmm!"Kaguya murmured in delight."This is delicious!"
"I'm glad you like it. The deep-fried dough sticks are known as youtiao or yu char kway in Southern China."
Rin picked up a bowl of congee (Chinese rice porridge) and began to eat it with a spoon.
"Onee-sama?"Kaguya asked.
"Yeah?"Rin said.
"How old were you when you became a woman?"Kaguya questioned curiously.
Rin looked at Kaguya with a awe expression.
"Kaguya, little girls shouldn't talk of such things."Rin commented.
"I'm tired of being a little girl."Kaguya pouted."I want to be a woman."
"Well…it's different for every girl."Rin exclaimed."Don't worry. Your turn will come. You just have to be patient."
"For how long?"Kaguya said.
Rin drank a bit of her lychee smoothie before responding to her cousin again.
"Like I said, you just have to be patient."Rin responded simply.
Lelouch, Nunnally and Euphemia sat down together having breakfast that Sayoko had prepared to them.
A small giggle escaped from Euphemia's mouth as she placed her cup of Oolong tea away from her mouth.
"What is it, Euphie?"Lelouch asked.
"It's amazing that we're having breakfast together again."Euphemia remarked."It's been so long."
Nunnally nodded as she munched on her slice of strawberry jam bread.
"That's true."Nunnally agreed and her smile shrunk a little."The last time we ate together was back in Aries Villa."
Lelouch used a tissue to clean away the crumps on Nunnally's mouth.
"At least we're together now, Nunnally."Lelouch complemented."That's what is more important."
Both Euphemia and Nunnally smiled at Lelouch as the three of them continued eating breakfast together.
"I have prepared an education plan for you."Lelouch admitted."History from 9:30 to 10:00 o'clock and English from 10:30 to 11:00 o'clock."
Nunnally giggled at Lelouch's declaration.
"Big brother, are you attending to be my tutor?"Nunnally chuckled.
"We may be in exile and not in Ashford Academy anymore, but that doesn't mean a complete break from school work."Lelouch clarified.
"But Lelouch, you have the rebellion to look after."Euphemia reminded."They need Zero."
Lelouch looked down in thought as Sayoko walked forward and placed a plate of tea cakes on the table.
"How about I be Lady Nunnally's tutor, Master Lelouch?"Sayoko requested.
"Are you sure, Sayoko?"Lelouch asked.
"Lady Euphemia has a point. You'll have a lot of schedules up your sleeves as Zero."Sayoko complemented."I'll be honoured home schooling Lady Nunnally."
Lelouch nodded at Sayoko.
"Alright, Sayoko."Lelouch replied with a smile."You can be Nunnally's tutor."
In a room of a hotel, Miaka was looking through information of countries that weren't fond of Britannian rule in her laptop while Naoto and Tamahome stood next to her.
"How about Russia?"Miaka suggested.
"That's a good choice."Tamahome agreed."I hear Russia doesn't like Britannia occupying their country. The people reside in Siberia gather their power to destroy Euro Britannia and give back all of Russia to the russian people."
Naoto nodded in agreement.
"The people in Russia suffered from sham election, corruption and censored press for many years."Naoto stated and then looked at the world map on Miaka's laptop."But…"
"What is it, Naoto?"Miaka questioned.
Naoto pointed at the location of the map that showed the regions of France.
"How about we go to Paris?"Naoto suggested.
"Paris?"Tamahome said in confusion.
"I hear Paris accommodated many Japanese who fled their homeland after Britannia conquered Japan."Naoto exclaimed."However, as they were not true Europeans nor citizens they were forced to live in ghettos on Île de la Cité, similar to those in Area 11. Although the living conditions were no better than in Area 11, at least they were safe from much harsher persecution, like their counterparts endured in Area 11."
This caused Tamahome to frown.
"And again, nothing good comes to those who are not Britannians and trapped under the Empire's rule."Tamahome retorted.
"Hang on a second."Miaka instructed.
Miaka typed a few things in her laptop that talked about the society of the Europian Republic.
"The Europian Republic came to being from the ideals of the French Revolution that originally started to overthrow the Ancien Régime of Europe that espoused the ideals of Liberty, Equality and Brotherhood. In truth, the United Republic of Europia was far from it. While the Republic can technically still be called a democracy. In reality however, the true power of the Republic came from the moneyed interest or the so called 'New Aristocracy'."Miaka declared."This means that the revolution did not bring change to the system but merely replaced the nobility with the capitalist class."
Naoto raised an eyebrow at Miaka's declaration.
"But the people knew how self-righteous their government was, right?"Naoto asked.
"That's true."Miaka agreed with a nod."The citizens of Europia know the hypocrisy of their government and still believe in the ideals of the revolution like supporting Assemblyman Briesgau that also supports the ideals for which the Republic stands, but unfortunately an explosion took Breisgau's life and cut the movement short. But it doesn't mean the people suddenly forgot."
Tamahome looked at Naoto.
"So you suggest our next move should be in Paris?"Tamahome assumed.
"I suggest a small group should go there and try gather more allies for the Black Knights."Naoto complemented as he sat on a nearby seat."Rin told me she has a few friends in Paris that are not fond of Britannia as we are. One of them happens to be a military officer in the E.U. Army and comes from a family of former Britannian nobles by the name of Leila Malcal."
A smirk appeared on Tamahome's face.
"Do you always have to agree what Rin says, Naoto?"Tamahome sneered.
"Must be my weakness."Naoto joked.
Naoto let out a slight chuckle while Miaka secretly frowned in jealousy, but didn't say anything.
In the control tower, Lelouch sat in front of a console while Rin was standing above him fiddling with a rooftop control system.
The former 11th Prince of Britannia's gorgeous purple eyes adverted from looking up at his girlfriend while thinking of his next strategy.
"With the High Eunuchs gone, Empress Tianzi is now officially the one in power over the Chinese Federation."Rin remarked.
"That is one problem solved. Though there are still so many to go."Lelouch complemented."Say, Rin?"
"Hmm?"Rin said.
"Why Paris?"Lelouch asked.
"Well, think about it."Rin insisted."There are people there that could really help the Black Knights and their goals. Not only that-"
Rin moved her legs a bit causing the box she was standing on to suddenly slide off causing her to fall onto Lelouch.
The couple toppled to the ground with Rin on top of Lelouch.
Their faces were only inches from one another now.
Lelouch's eyes were wide along with Rin's.
A small blush appeared on Rin's face as she pulled herself up to lift herself up a bit, but continued to look into Lelouch's eyes.
"S-S-Sorry, Lelouch."Rin apologised with a shy smile."Are you hurt?"
A small smirk appeared on Lelouch's face.
"Not a scratch."Lelouch replied and then changed the subject."Hey, Rin. When this is all over, would you return to Ashford Academy with me?"
"Of course, I would."Rin answered."We could also live elsewhere."
"Elsewhere?"Lelouch asked.
He sounded genuinely puzzled, as if the thought had never dawned on him before.
"London, Panaji or Rio."Rin suggested."Even Paris."
Lelouch's face softened and he took on a daydream expression, seeing their future in a different way.
"Paris."Lelouch responded."Paris is delightful, yes."
"Anywhere you want."Rin remarked."Even Milan or Italy."
"Seeing other places in the world sounds nice, Rin."Lelouch declared."But…I can't leave Nunnally by herself. I am the only fully biological sibling she has. She will need me."
A gentle smile appeared on Rin's face.
"I understand, Lelouch."Rin stated."Though nothing will ever stay the same. I learned that the hard way when Britannia invaded Japan and-"
Rin paused herself from finishing her sentencing and glanced to her left, not wanting to remember losing her mother during Japan's invasion.
"Sorry if I made you remember the bad memories."Lelouch apologised.
Rin looked back at Lelouch.
"No. It's fine."Rin assured simply and looked at Lelouch directly in the eyes."But none of us should always keep looking to the past. You won't find me there. I'm here."
"I'm here too."Lelouch admitted softly.
After placing her hands on his shoulders, Rin then lowered her face down to plant a kiss on Lelouch's face and he kissed her back.
She knew that he wanted her.
As Lelouch kissed Rin, his gloved hands travelled on her back before stopping to her striped light blue shorts.
It was quite intoxicating for him to control his hormonal urges.
Especially, if Rin-
"Am I interrupting something?"
Rin blushed furiously while Lelouch stared across the room to see Tohdoh standing in the entrance.
"Sensei! Hi!"Rin greeted with a nervous smile as she got off of Lelouch and went back on her feet."You aren't interrupting nothing!"
Tohdoh brought his attention on Lelouch, who still laid on the floor.
"Lelouch, Naoto wishes to speak with you on the next step of the Black Knights."Tohdoh clarified.
"Alright, Tohdoh."Lelouch answered."I'll be there."
Tohdoh then glanced back at Rin, who fiddled with one of her hair locks.
"Rin, Rakshata requires your help in the kitchen."Tohdoh commented.
"Yes, Sensei."Rin replied with a nod.
When Rin left the control tower, Lelouch stood up from where he laid.
"Tohdoh, about what you saw-"Lelouch started.
"Rin is a caring and intelligent girl. Her attachments to her family and friends are very high."Tohdoh interrupted with a frown."I specifically hope you don't see her only as an object for pleasure."
Lelouch immediately put his hands up in defence.
"I don't see that in Rin, Tohdoh."Lelouch answered firmly."She is the most amazing girl I have ever met. I don't ever attend to ruin her honour or make her cry."
"Good."Tohdoh replied with a nod."Be sure you're always true on that."
In a cockpit, Kallen was watching Benio practice piloting the Benihozuki.
The Benihozuki was functionally similar to that of the Guren Mk-II, except it was coloured in orange rather than red. The biggest difference with the Guren however was that the Benihoozuki's Right Arm-inbuilt Radiation Wave Unit was retractable, folding itself into a compact form to save space. It also carried a cannon on its left arm for range combat, however, sometimes the knightmare could use both weapons in conjunction.
Other than that, the Benihoozuki was as fast, deadly and agile as the Guren.
After doing a couple of swifts, Benio carefully made the Benihoozuki land in a standing pose before deactivating it.
Benio then went off the Benihoozuki and went up to Kallen.
"How did I do, Kallen?"Benio asked.
"You did great, Benio."Kallen praised, ruffling Benio's hair a little bit."Keep practicing and you might join me in the battlefield before you know it."
"Yippee!"Benio remarked in delight.
Rin stirred a pot of curry while Ayame, Minase and Hinata chopped a couple of vegetables.
"Hey, Rin."Hinata spoke up."Be sure to not overcook the chicken."
Rin nodded at Hinata before adding a few fresh spices.
"No problem, Hinata."Rin commented as she carefully stirred the hot concoction in the pot."I'll pop the chicken slices in 10 minutes or so before we're ready to serve."
As Ayame finished chopping the onions, a small giggle escaped her mouth.
"What is it, Ayame?"Rin asked.
"I never expected the guy behind Zero's mask to be so good looking and a former Prince of Britannia."Ayame declared as she placed the chopped onions in a small bowl."You're a very lucky girl, Rin."
Rin blushed and looked down with a shy expression.
"Be sure to also get an all-expense paid wedding reception if you both head to the next level."Minase sneered.
"Come on, guys."Rin chuckled shyly."It's not that big of a deal."
Ayame then took hold of Rin's hands and looked at her, determinedly surprising her.
"Of course it's a big deal, Rin!"Ayame admitted."If your relationship with Lelouch works out, you'll be the first half-Britannian and half-Japanese to ever marry a man born from the Britannian Imperial Family!"
"In other words, you can change history."Minase added.
Hinata nodded in agreement.
Rin sweat dropped and smiled sheepishly.
"Th-thank you, guys."Rin responded, not knowing what to say."That means a lot."
C.C smirked as she ate a slice of cheese pizza while holding Cheese-Kun in her free arm.
The immortal witch sat on a sofa, watching Lelouch look at information about Euro Britannia in his laptop while sitting in the desk of his new bedroom within the hotel room that he, Nunnally, Euphemia and Sayoko were staying together.
Though unlike the clubhouse in Ashford Academy, the room of the hotel was a bit more luxurious looking.
"Something on your mind, Lelouch?"C.C asked smugly."Are you thinking about your seductive girlfriend?"
Lelouch rolled his eyes before looking at C.C while his laptop showed information about the United Republic of Europia.
"I was thinking about V.V."Lelouch admitted, his voice mixed with anger and disgust at mentioning the wretched 'uncle' that destroyed his younger sister's future."As much as I want that sick and twisted bastard to suffer, I know building the rebellion comes first before anything."
C.C finished eating the slice of pizza she held.
"Are you also worried about Suzaku?"C.C questioned.
Lelouch shook his head.
"Not really. He chose the path he wanted to follow and wouldn't abandoned his loyalty to Britannia."Lelouch stated."Even if he is no longer Euphie's knight."
"And what if the Emperor makes him a Knight of the Round?"C.C asked."Would you and Rin fight him still?"
Lelouch let out a scoff.
"No matter what Suzaku does, the Emperor will always see him as a valuable pawn for him to play with and later discard him once his usefulness has come to an end."Lelouch admitted before he looked back on his laptop."Though Suzaku will think he will make a difference by getting more power and keep following his idiotic ideology."
"That's a very fine theory, Lelouch."C.C praised and then smiled smugly."You'll get Viscount Istvan's approval on dating his youngest daughter, if you keep thinking more carefully. Though he wouldn't take it too well if he learned you two slept together sometimes."
A shocked look appeared on Lelouch's face and blushed furiously at C.C's words.
"Shut up!"Lelouch snapped, feeling irritated with the immortal witch."Quit acting like you know anything that happens between me and Rin! I don't have no lustful feelings towards her!"
This caused C.C's mischievous smirk to grow, not believing what the former 11th Prince of Britannia was saying.
"Sure you don't."C.C replied casually and gave a wink."Just be sure you know completely the difference between love and lust, Lelouch. It would be unhealthy for your intelligent mind if you didn't."
Lelouch scoffed and rolled his eyes at C.C.
"Thanks a lot, pizza lover."Lelouch retorted sarcastically.
Lelouch focused back on his research while C.C continued watching him and eating a few more slices of pizza.
And that's our chapter for now. I actually attend to add the 'Akito the Exiled' events to the story.
See you all next time and have a wonderful day!