Broken Valkyrie's Ascent

[Naron]

It was a pleasant day. Bright sunlight shone from the cloudless sky, reflected by countless buildings atop Tokyo Settlement. The topmost layer of the Britannian city literally rose above its surroundings, both a statement and a deterrent. The crowds paid what dwelled beyond no mind, colourful yet ignorant.

To Kaguya, it felt unwelcoming. Though she was part of the crowd, the sneers directed at her revealed what issues hid under the pretty facade. She was not a freedom fighter, nor did she dress outlandish for their tastes. Only her distinctly Japanese features were to their dislike, with Kaguya's long, black hair almost like a signalling post. It drew the eye, from which one then noticed the rest.

Shopping was her guilty pleasure, with emphasis on 'guilty'. Kaguya had the money to afford spending like this where her fellow Japanese wallowed in the slums, or worked themselves into an early grave with menial labour around here. In fact, she could feel the other 'Honourary Britannians' stares boring into her. They could tell from her clothes, a light blouse and jeans that did not look out of place from the crowd. They were fairly new, not like their worn-down things.

She was well aware nobody liked her here, neither her own people nor the Britannians. The casual derision and outright staring had her almost grasp the hidden taser's handle for calm. She felt like some rare animal at the zoo, quietly bemoaning that she refused a guard. Yet being unknown was a greater shield than a goon; having a suit shadow her would signal someone worth abducting to whoever was willing or desperate enough to try. But the constant worry was almost as bad.

This happened each time she came to Tokyo. Each time Kaguya wondered if this was really worth it. And each time she ended up coming back. Vanity was unbecoming, but she could not help it.

Though somewhat lost in thought, her attention remained on the area. She purposefully kept to the main streets, using the crowds for protection from any ruffians. Sneers and snide comments were the worst she had to fear here.

That attention was why she spotted something unusual just ahead of her preferred shopping area: a girl in a wheelchair, head down with an open book in her lap. She seemed unaware of the stares she garnered, almost as bad as what Kaguya got.

That was definitely odd, considering Britannia's stance on disabilities. People like her were usually kept out of sight. Kaguya's attention stayed long enough to notice the sundress she wore, quietly wondering if this was not a little cold for April. Then again, today was rather warm.

The girl's wheelchair had been parked next to an empty bench. All the rest were occupied, but nobody seemed willing to be near her. The sight tugged on Kaguya's heartstrings, a distant reminder of another girl like this. Someone she once called friend. Childish though the memory was, it never quite left.

She was not sure why she approached the girl. There was no reaction given as she drew near, which Kaguya took as a good sign. She took the time to study her a moment longer, but was taken by how that pale blonde hair cascaded down her back in visible curls. It may even be longer than Kaguya's own.

"May I sit here?", she asked in fluent Britannian, clearly surprising the other girl. Her head finally turned up, which surprised Kaguya in turn: her eyes were closed. The familiarity of this encounter began to feel surreal.

The girl herself brightened up. "Of course," she answered. "Please do."

So Kaguya sat and snuck a glance at the book before it was closed; much like she expected, it was in braille.

"Are you out on your own?" she asked next, curious despite herself. The answer was obvious to anyone, but it felt like a decent icebreaker.

The other girl shook her head in response. "Oh, no. My maid is buying groceries, so I asked to come along for some fresh air."

A light frown snuck onto her expression as she said it, though it smoothed out quickly. Kaguya did not really process it anyway, too busy re-evaluating after hearing the word 'maid'. This was not just anyone, but rather a wealthy commoner or perhaps even a minor noble.

The answer was followed by a somewhat awkward silence. Kaguya was stuck, trying to decide whether she should make up a painfully obvious excuse to leave, or risk being chased away once the maid returned. And then there were the renewed stares she now became aware of. People whispered, too quiet to hear for Kaguya. But the other girl's head twitched ever so slightly and her frown reappeared for a moment. It was already gone when she turned back to Kaguya.

"You, may I have your name?"

Though Kaguya kicked herself internally, her rigorous training made her not cringe visibly. She really wanted to, though, after forgetting something that basic.

"Of course, I'm sorry I forgot. I'm Kaguya."

She expected some sort of reaction as a matter of course. Perhaps disgust, or a demand to leave the girl alone. Then she remembered that losing one's sight would enhance the other senses, so the other girl already knew.

"Kaguya," she tested the name curiously. There was an odd tone to her soft voice, but the Japanese girl could not put it right now.

"How old are you, Kaguya?"

"Thirteen."

"So the same age as me."

She started smiling for some unfathomable reason, apparently not at all bothered by sitting next to a Number. Kaguya knew being a Honourary Britannian meant less than the paper it was written on cost. She was an Eleven to most Britannians, just like her once proud country became Area Eleven all those years ago.

But here was this girl, looking back down at her book with this unfathomable smile. The silence at least gave Kaguya a chance to get her bearings.

"What's your name?" she asked back, well aware the other girl had not given hers yet. It made that little smile return at once, as if she were privately amused about something.

"It's Nunnally," she said while facing Kaguya again.

Silence followed her introduction. Kaguya could only stare wordlessly as everything clicked into place. It was supposed to be impossible, but it could hardly be a lie; nobody knew they were once friends. It all fit, too; the invalidity, the blindness, the age, even her looks were similar. The hair was longer, her face lost the baby fat just like Kaguya's did, but it still looked so nostalgic.

She barely kept the emotions from her face. It was too good to be true, which was why she remained wary. Kaguya needed certainty first, so she hummed in thought.

"How is your brother doing these days?" she asked, the non-sequitur not even surprising Nunnally. It may be they played the same game.

"Oh, just as usual. Lelouch sleeps through half his classes because he's so bored, then goes off to gamble on chess matches."

Here Nunnally giggled a little and leaned in conspiratorially. "He even thinks I don't know about those, but it's an open secret at school."

Kaguya's mind raced, eyes narrowed as she tried to figure out what Nunnally meant to tell her here. Moreover, she dropped Lelouch's name on her own. Kaguya had to accept that it was actually true.

"Ashford?"

"Of course. The headmaster was so kind to accept me despite the obvious."

She motioned at herself with something approaching nonchalance, which was unlike what Kaguya remembered of her. The melancholy's grip grew so strong that she did not want to play cat and mouse anymore. But even just the off-chance she was lost in fantasy was too much a risk. She could not just take the plunge.

"Say my name. Please."

Nunnally smiled and did as asked: "Sumeragi Kaguya."

She even did it in the correct order, last name first.

Kaguya only barely did not break down, though she wanted to cry very much. Instead, she shuffled a little closer and snaked her hand into Nunnally's. Her old friend squeezed it gently.

"I never thought I'd see you again," Kaguya murmured.

"Right back at you."

Nunnally had been openly declared dead seven years ago. Meanwhile, Kaguya's fate remained unknown as she all but vanished from public perception. She was still young enough to slip under the radar of business rivals. The one member of the big six not advertised due to age; nobody wanted to risk her getting abducted.

Both of them were smiling now, oblivious of the stares, societal obligations, or anything else.

"I'm glad you're alright," Nunnally said, which Kaguya could only echo. To meet like this was a miracle in itself.

They caught up quietly on the others' life; Nunnally stayed with the Ashfords, Kaguya was squirreled away at Mt. Fuji. Neither of them went out to Tokyo often, Nunnally due to her disabilities and Kaguya because she was swamped in work as head of Sumeragi Zaibatsu. She carefully did not mention anything about Kyoto House, though; being part of a group arming freedom fighters was better kept away from the public.

Despite it all, there was a silent understanding that neither of them had done much of anything. Nunnally was confined in one way, Kaguya in another.

"How fitting for the Eleven and the cripple to waste space together," some middle-aged woman groused in passing. She was loud enough for Kaguya to hear, so Nunnally definitely did. Yet the other girl only moved her head the slightest bit. Kaguya squeezed her hands harder for a moment, uncertain whether it was for her own sake or Nunnally's.

"Sorry about that," she started. "I imagine it happens to you often enough."

Nunnally's smile was reassuring.

"Don't apologise for the actions of others, please. I'm alright and have everything I need. In fact, I have even more than that after getting to see you again."

And just like that Kaguya forgot the insults. Her own lips quirked up as well, almost magnetically bound into a smile of her own. She did not quite get what Nunnally giggled about just then, but it did not really matter. Kaguya was just happy they were still friends, like no time passed at all since last they spoke.

"Actually," Nunnally tried a moment later, a little hesitant, "may I have your number?"

She hopefully held out her cellphone, which Kaguya immediately snatched up. "Of course," she said while putting it in. The dearth of numbers in her friend's address book was graciously ignored.

"Now give me yours?"

Her question was answered with a string of numbers that she put into her own phone. Nunnally had it memorised and did not hesitate to share.

"I see the young mistress is in good company," a new voice announced itself. When Kaguya looked up, phone still in hand, she saw a clearly Japanese woman in a western style maid dress. The lady stood perfectly straight even while carrying a sizable bag of groceries. One could call her plain beside that, with short brown hair and a serene smile.

Kaguya threw a speculative look to Nunnally, more curious than suspicious. The other girl's smile had grown a fraction as she happily motioned for Kaguya.

"We're old friends," she explained. It was the first time either of them said the word, but it just felt right. Moreover, the maid clearly understood what Nunnally referenced here; a sharp look came Kaguya's way, studying her far more intently than before. But then the maid's gaze lowered to where they held hands once more and she relaxed. A small nod of acknowledgement was given to Kaguya, who returned it despite not quite knowing what went through the maid's head.

"I just realised I forgot something the young master asked me to bring," the maid then said, a faint smile on display. "May I ask you to keep the mistress company a while longer, miss?"

Now that she heard her speak longer, Kaguya realised that the older woman's Britannian was flawless; better even than Kaguya's own. She quickly agreed with the request, well aware this was just an excuse made for their sake.

She also noticed the suspicious quiet around them. There were no more agitated whispers from those who realised Nunnally could afford a maid; the implication that she was wealthy kept their tongues in check, though it did not stop the sneers.

Admittedly, Kaguya was curious too.

"You have a maid?"

Nunnally's answer began with a soft nod. "Well, I can hardly expect my brother to do everything. Even if he absolutely would if given the chance. Sayoko has been with us for about seven years now. It took a while for us to really get along, but I know I can trust her with everything."

"Everything?" Kaguya asked, just to be sure she meant it.

"Everything," Nunnally confirmed.

So the maid knew. But at the same time, Kaguya realised that her friend did not change her name. Lelouch apparently kept his, too.

"After all this time, you're still Nunnally," she settled on, a statement to hide the indirect question. Her hopes that Nunnally noticed were answered with a sad smile.

"Some things you just can't give up, no matter what."

The momentary break in her demeanour was wiped away about as soon as the last word was spoken. A contemplative silence followed, Kaguya now certain that the gentle persona was not entirely real. What she did not know was whether Nunnally showed her that on purpose. Then again, she had seen her friend throw vicious temper tantrums in the past; that knowledge may be how she noticed at all.

Kaguya wanted to pry into Nunnally's feelings, but refrained because she was aware it was too early to do so. Instead, she changed the subject to something more benign.

"So how is school? I never had a chance to go, so tell me about it."

Nunnally indulged her graciously. Her accounts might have been a little prettier than reality, but Kaguya as a home-schooled girl could not rightly tell.

They kept chatting for a while, swerving around any even remotely risky subject. Sayoko returned an hour later to fetch Nunnally, who sighed with some disappointment.

"I guess this is goodbye for now. Please call me as soon as you can, yes?"

"Of course," Kaguya agreed. "Does around nine work this evening?"

Nunnally tilted her head in thought before nodding. "It does, wonderful! Then I will hear from you soon, Kaguya."

They squeezed hands one final time while Sayoko dutifully took notes. Kaguya almost wanted to go for a hug, but knew there were still people watching.

"Bye bye!"

She felt she should wave, even though Nunnally would not see it. Instead she watched as Sayoko expertly maneuvered her charge through the crowds. She stayed in place until the pair vanished from sight, already reminiscing. It was not the first time something pleasant happened in Tokyo, but it was definitely the best encounter she had here.

Then she remembered her own shopping and got going again. Nunnally fell from her mind for a time, though their conversation left a pleasant haze behind. Most of her allotted shopping time was already spent, but that was fine. She did not even feel upset when one store turned her away for being a Number.

Another hour later, Kaguya covertly climbed a black car with tinted windows. A single bag of clothes sat on her lap, some Britannian sweets hidden at its bottom. She could never resist those.

"Good afternoon, Takeshi-san," she greeted the neatly dressed driver. "Thank you for the hard work."

"Good to see you in one piece, Sumeragi-sama."

It was all he said before the drive home took up his attention. Kaguya did not mind, well aware he preferred the quiet. Acting too familiar with your boss's boss was obviously not advisable, either.

After a few minutes spent in silence however, he spoke up again: "You seem to be in a good mood today."

"That I am," she agreed readily. "There are still nice people out there."

His snort was a clear enough response, though he did not actually challenge her about it. Japanese people were not well received among Britannians, but not all of them were bad. Many were just indifferent, which she still preferred.

And then there was Nunnally. The mere thought of having met her again felt like a fever dream; the odds of that happening were astronomically small and she doubted that it even happened for a moment. Yet Kaguya now had a new contact bearing Nunnally's name on her phone. She was tempted to call right now.

Then realisation struck her with the force of a sledgehammer. Kaguya's smile froze on her face and her entire body seized up for a moment.

Nunnally was an imperial princess. Even disinherited, that royal blood still meant something.

Kaguya's mind began to race with the possibilities. Backing from a Britannian princess could help the Japanese's fight for independence. She had a decent idea of how reverent people were of the royal family; old man Kirihara took her to several official functions as part of her lessons on how to navigate high society, which gave her great amounts of insight. Especially after seeing Prince Clovis on several of them. Not that she actually spoke to him beyond a faux reverent greeting.

A minute or two was spent fantasizing about the headway they could make with Nunnally's help.

Then reality caught up with Kaguya in a single, damning question: just how much more could be achieved with Nunnally as a hostage?

The thought alone felt heretical and put a severe damper on her mood. It was the prudent option, really. Nunnally would not be enthused about this, she was in hiding for a reason.

Kaguya thoughtlessly stared at the contact reading 'Nunnally' on her phone's display for a time. Then she changed it to just 'N'.

She was ready to give her time, her freedom, even her life for Japan. But this was where Kaguya drew the line. She knew without a shadow of doubt that Nunnally would be in horrible danger if anyone heard a single word of her survival. The Japanese were just as dangerous to her as the Britannians.

And then there was Lelouch. Just remembering he was also alive made Kaguya fully realise the mess she got herself in. She was now aware of a dangerous secret kept by a handful of people; if Lelouch was anywhere near as protective as she remembered him being, then breaking Nunnally's trust would be Kaguya's end.

Fear wormed its way into her heart at that thought. She was afraid of him, but not for her life. She still remembered the fire that burned in his eyes at times. If something happened to Nunnally because of Kaguya, Lelouch might not just kill her. He might finish what Britannia started and break the Japanese.

She knew she was jumping at shadows. Kaguya had not even met him. She never planned to exploit or hurt Nunnally. But the prospect of being responsible despite her best intentions filled her with dread.

She was tempted to delete the contact outright and wash her hands of it all. The screen asking for confirmation burned into her retinas as Kaguya hesitated. Then she cancelled it. She could not do that to her only friend, not when Nunnally was so happy to see her again after all this time.

So Kaguya sat in silence, anticipatory as well as worried. She silently bemoaned what happened to her day off.

She already felt that something irrevocably changed today. Yet she could never have anticipated the events that would follow this chance meeting.

---

And here we go. Time to give Nunnally the agency she has never gotten throughout all of canon Code Geass. And a bunch of other things I will not spoil here.

There is one thing I should mention now, though: while this setup may appear as a For Want of a Nail type story, where everything changes from a singular difference, this is not the case. I have done some background work to make CG canon's lore more coherent. These adjustments are inspired by Slayer Anderson over on Sufficient Velocity, whose CG Quest Semper ad Meliora is concluding after a five-years-long runtime. I can warmly recommend giving it a read.

 

[Naron]

Nunnally's good mood held for days. Even on Friday she still hummed to herself while holding onto some paperwork. She listened to the scratching of pens on paper and the rustle whenever a sheet was moved, receiving whatever came her way.

For once, her inability to do some of it herself barely bothered her.

"Now what do we have here?" Milly's voice disrupted the busy silence. From how it turned a little louder, the student council president must have fully turned Nunnally's way and leaned forward. "A rare cheerful mood from our junior member?"

The sounds of work cut off as everyone paused to indulge their most capricious member. Resistance was futile where Milly Ashford was concerned. Nunnally knew that too, not that she wanted to keep the matter to herself. She agreed readily while turning to the older girl in turn.

Then Rivalz chimed in from the side, just as playful as Milly had been: "Care to share what's got you in such a good mood? Anything Lelouch needs to go threaten someone over?"

Some chuckles followed from around the room, even Nunnally giggled. "Nothing like that," she denied with a little wave. "Though I like to think he wouldn't do that, even if I met someone. Though I technically did meet someone, just not like that."

The silence all around told her enough of everyone's curiousity. Nunnally was in such a good mood that she did not mind sharing at all. Of course Lelouch already knew, but he probably kept it to himself.

"I met an old friend a few days ago. She was just like I remembered her."

"That explains why you were so upbeat the last few days," Shirley mused. Nunnally graced her with a smile in response.

Meanwhile, Milly chuckled. "My, my. A friend we don't know about? When did you meet her first?" she asked, which gave Nunnally pause; the Ashford heiress was the only one here who knew the truth about them. Saying that it was before would make alarm bells ring in her mind.

Lelouch jumped in seamlessly to save her: "A few years back, it's been a while."

He then had to fend off some questions about already knowing, but nobody gave him much trouble about it. Them being close was no secret to anyone here. Nunnally just kept smiling to herself, at least until Rivalz turned back to her with audible confusion.

"Okay, but why haven't you seen each other in so long? Did she move away or something?"

"Or something, yes," she confirmed. "It was a bit complicated."

"And does this friend have a name?" Milly wanted to know next. "How about you invite her over so we can meet her?"

Nunnally nodded back. "I was meaning to invite her sometime soon, her schedule is just rather full at the moment. And I wanted to talk to you about it first."

"Oh, no problem at all. Now tell us more about her, inquisitive minds want to know."

Nunnally knew the older girl was being goofy on purpose, but she appreciated it; being the focus of attention was a rare occasion, at least in a positive sense. Most times people just kept hovering because of her condition, if they were kind about it at all.

Mulling it over, Nunnally put a finger to her chin. "Well, how to start? Kaguya is very sweet and considerate, not to mention smart. She told me she already took over most of her family business despite being my age."

She knew she had to be careful what to say exactly. But for some reason the answer she received was silence, the sort that felt somehow heavier than normal. Nunnally's head tilted ever so faintly, almost of its own volition. She did not give them anything incriminating. Perhaps they just waited for her to keep going.

"'Kaguya'?" Shirley repeated slowly just then. "Isn't that, you know, an Eleven name?"

More silence followed.

While the others waited for confirmation, Nunnally was dumbstruck. Her good mood took an immediate nosedive and familiar bile rose up from her gut. She carefully smoothed out her expression, head slowly turning toward Shirley; with the lack of reaction, she should have managed to hide how much that question upset her. The anger was pushed back down for now.

"Yes. Your point?"

Her response was too curt, but she could not help it. It was all she could dare doing to make her displeasure known. Perhaps it was not enough, seeing how Shirley did not pick up on her mood.

"I mean, it's just... are you sure you're alright? You know how Elevens are."

There were agreeing noises from Milly and also Nina, their most quiet member. Rivalz said nothing, just like Lelouch. Nunnally could not think about the implications for the moment, too busy fighting for composure.

She did not have problems like this normally. But after just meeting Kaguya again, she absolutely hated the prospect of someone, anyone badmouthing her. Especially Shirley, whom she sincerely expected more of. But she could hardly say that to her face.

While she still fought with herself, Rivalz picked up the conversation to prevent an uncomfortable silence: "I don't know, Nunnally is a good judge of character. Come on, you say something too."

He was clearly talking to Lelouch, seeing that his response followed right quick: "Is there any need to? Nunnally can be friends with whomever she wants to be."

"As long as you approve, of course."

The soft and smooth tone her brother took soothed her nerves a little, as did Rivalz's little joke. Nunnally even managed a weak smile, especially at the telling lack of response from Lelouch.

"But isn't it dangerous?", Shirley pressed, easily ruining their efforts. "You're always so careful with her, why risk her meeting an Eleven like that? Where did she even meet her?"

"P-Please tell me she didn't leave Tokyo," Nina added fearfully, the first time she actually spoke up in this whole thing. Her worry would have been touching, but right now it only compounded on the rising anger.

Nunnally's throat constricted, papers crinkling as she crushed them in her hand. Nobody noticed because they were all too busy talking to Lelouch, which was just typical. The moment he was there, everyone ignored her.

Her composure cracked then.

"I am right here and can be directly spoken to."

Her voice was devoid of warmth, a whipcrack that silenced the room. Nunnally stopped to bother looking sweet, frowning openly at where she knew Shirley stood from scent and sound.

"And Shirley, do please tell me how Elevens are, seeing that you are such an expert."

Nobody else dared interrupt. Shirley herself stuttered a little before actually finding her voice: "N-Now don't be like that, Nunna. I understand that you're happy to make a friend, but Elevens are still super dangerous. You know there's a lot of terrorist attacks, there's more and more each year. I'm just worried about you, we're friends after all."

She clearly meant to calm Nunnally down, but her words only managed the opposite. Nunnally hated being babied. She hated people acting like experts when they had no idea. And most of all, she hated others pretending to be her friends.

Pain blossomed in her forehead, a pounding headache out of nowhere. Nunnally ignored it away beyond a little wince, all her focus on scowling in Shirley's general direction.

"We're friends?" she asked back, voice calm once more. Tranquil and soft.

The immediate "Yes" from Shirley sounded all too self-assured. As if she thought Nunnally agreed, or was moved by a word with no meaning.

"You have a funny way of showing that, talking over my head and insulting someone you never met based on bias you got from the news instead of any personal experience. I would have accepted that from Nina, but not you."

There was a surprised noise from Nina at being addressed, but she did not speak up. Shirley tried to say something, but Nunnally cut her off. Her headache kept worsening, which only added to her foul mood.

"No. Excepting Lelouch, there is exactly one person in this room who takes time to talk to me and ask how I am. There is one other who occasionally spends time with me. You are neither of these two, it's Rivalz and Nina."

Nunnally left a pause for emphasis, the silence she inflicted weighing heavily on the group.

"Even that, I wouldn't call friendship, but they're both closer than you by miles. You're Lelouch's friend and ingratiate yourself with me, no more than that."

"Nunna...."

There was real hurt in Shirley's voice, but Nunnally did not care. If anything, that response only made her angrier.

"I said no!" she shouted back.

And something snapped.

The mental pain peaked, forcing her to pause on what she meant to say. Nunnally put her head in her hands, blinking.

"You don't get to act the victim after... after...."

She trailed off, still blinking at her fingers. The darkness was gone. Shirley said something in response, but Nunnally ignored her over what just happened.

Familiar hands touched her shoulder and she turned on instinct, only to see a familiar face. It changed from when they were little, but those lilac eyes were still the same. She never thought she would see them again.

Everything past Lelouch's face was blurry, so she focussed solely on him. His features were sharper than she remembered, more mature. Nunnally felt it often enough to know he changed, but the sight of it just drove the point home. Unshed tears glistened in his eyes, wide as they were in shock.

Nunnally felt much the same, her anger slowly replaced by surprised joy. She drank in the sight of him, fearful to close her eyes lest they would not open again. Then she had to blink, and they slid open again just as easily.

"Are you even... Nunnally?"

A blonde blob leaned into view, slowly sharpening into focus as a young woman. Milly recoiled and slapped a hand in front of her mouth as she met Nunnally's gaze.

"Stop it, Shirley. Her eyes are open!"

Everyone congregated around her in an instant, talking over each other. They seemed happy for her, but Nunnally could not understand much. To make matters worse, the noise they made added to the increased scent of three different perfumes. Combined with the sudden influx of sight, the overstimulation caused another horrible headache.

Nunnally was happy, but the pain drew her anger back out anyway. She had nowhere to put all these feelings and could not focus enough to get a hold of them.

In the end, she pushed everyone back.

"I need some time to myself," was all Nunnally told them. She received no response, but the noise of retreating footsteps told her they gave that space. Silence followed her as she maneuvered her wheelchair out of the room, eyes closed but peeking every few seconds. The colours were all so unfamiliar and too much, but she knew the way well enough in the darkness.

Nunnally counted seconds along the way as usual. This time however, she could not help but check how close she came to walls and such. Her vision grew blurry with tears, of which she gave no indication until in the safety of her and Lelouch's little flat. Only then did she allow herself to slump and sob. She had no other way to let all these feelings out.

Some time passed like this. Nunnally did not know how much and did not care. She only became attentive to the world when a tissue was pressed into her hand. She grasped it without thinking before looking at Sayoko. Her maid was just as surprised, but Nunnally only smiled.

"I can see now. Let me look at you?"

Reading the older woman's expression was hard; she had not seen anyone's face in years after all. Yet the gentle smile given to her was unmistakable. Sayoko kneeled before her, close enough Nunnally could cup her cheeks.

"Anytime."

This finally dispersed the last dregs of anger; it returned to bubbling in her gut where it belonged. Nunnally ended up feeling Sayoko's face as she studied it, putting sensation to sight.

"I lost my temper," she admitted. "Shirley was talking bad about Kaguya for being Japanese, and I just couldn't hold it in. I know she only means well, but I just couldn't take that sort of hypocrisy today. And then my eyes opened, somehow."

Her hands were dislodged when Sayoko dragged her into a tender embrace. Nunnally accepted it and leaned against her, unsure what to say or do now. A firm hand stroked her back.

"Shall I turn away visitors for now?" Sayoko inquired.

She considered for a moment, but shook her head. "I don't expect Milly or Shirley to come here. Nina and Rivalz might, but that is fine."

With her mind kicking back into gear, Nunnally eased herself out of Sayoko's arms. She tried for a serious look.

"Please find me some beginner's books," she ordered. "I want to read."

The realisation that she could do that now lit a new fire in her chest. Nunnally wanted to do all the things, reading and writing chief among them.

Sayoko did as told. She also tactfully said nothing about the quarter hour Nunnally spent in front of the mirror after washing her face.

Lelouch found her buried in books an hour later, hands aching from the unfamiliar movement of directing a pencil. Her letters still came slow and scrawly after seven years of neglect, but she did not let that stop her. She only realised he was there when a familiar hand clasped her left.

"Your hands will cramp up if you do this for too long. Take a break."

"Hence why I alternate hands every ten minutes," she shot back demurely. Lelouch took the pencil from her hand regardless. Nunnally glowered at him momentarily, but accepted his fussing. It was not like she started from zero, she just did not get far before that day.

For his part, Lelouch hugged her tightly. Nunnally forgave him at once.

"I am so happy for you," he whispered into her ear. "I knew you could get over that mental block."

She heard his faint sniffle, well aware her proud big brother was crying. The knowledge alone drove tears to Nunnally's eyes as well, but she held them in. They held each other tightly, basking in shared joy.

But Nunnally still kept thinking. Right now was a moment her brother would agree to a lot more than normal. She never had to beg for anything, but with her eyes available...

"Say, can I have a gun?"

Lelouch just stopped for a moment upon hearing that. He pulled back slowly and with confusion even Nunnally could identify.

"What for?"

"Protection?" she asked back innocently.

They stared at each other, Nunnally expectant while Lelouch was just dumbfounded. Then he shook his head. "You have a perfectly good taser," he lectured. "You don't need a gun."

"One of these does not work so well when you're sat in a wheelchair," Nunnally argued back. The reminder of her continued invalidity managed to sour her mood a bit; she did not bother hiding the edge to her voice. "We both know the taser was the only option while I was blind."

"That doesn't mean you need a gun."

"Maybe not need, but I want one."

She was not even sure what she would use it for, but she wanted it anyway. Sadly, she seemed to have pushed for too much after all; Lelouch shook his head.

"Still no."

Nunnally crossed her arms at that. She continued to pout at him for the rest of the day, convinced he owned at least one gun. Unfortunately, she had no idea where he hid them.

Everyday life at the Lamperouge residence quickly turned busy after that.

For Sayoko, the sight was envigorating. She had never seen her young mistress apply herself so readily. Even the weeks-long delay in her scheduled playdate with the Sumeragi girl did not seem to bring her down, though her friend being busy was understandable.

"Has she been like this before it happened?" Sayoko asked Lelouch quietly while the mistress worked away her Sunday.

He shook his head in response. "In a sense yes, but not really. She just started her actual tutoring back then. Nunnally was a little hellion as a child, always running around. Mother never scolded her for climbing trees or sliding down the bannisters. She only told her not to do it when guests were over."

He bore a faint smile as he recounted days long past, for once not bitter. Although it faded somewhat when he found back to their conversation: "I appreciate how hard she works, but she might hurt herself if she keeps going like this."

"Worry not," Sayoko reasurred him warmly. One hand found its way onto his shoulder to spend comfort. "Nunnally is a strong girl. She breaks before she bends, and a bit of work is not nearly enough to get her there. Although I noticed that she has grown a touch colder the last two days. Perhaps this is just how much she focusses, but have you noticed anything like that?"

Her change of subject caused a momentary grimace. Lelouch nodded.

"The student council feels it more than you do. Nunnally is perfectly polite with everyone, but she stopped smiling much. I told Milly long ago that she didn't like being a de-facto mascot with nothing to really do, but she didn't listen. I guess now Nunnally actually lets her know it, too."

"We both know the young Ms. Ashford only wished to include her," Sayoko mused gently. "Though I agree. I wonder why the mistress never said anything?"

Her question yielded no answer; she could tell even Lelouch did not know.

Before either of them could actually start theorising, a tap on the ground distracted them. It was not a supicious noise, but unusual enough to warrant attention. Lelouch and Sayoko rose as one to check on Nunnally, only to find her dragging herself into the bathroom on her arms.

Lelouch almost teleported with how fast he appeared by her side. He was not strong in body, but did not care one whit for it as he feebly lifted up his sister; Sayoko stood back to let him have his pride, though she kept ready to catch Nunnally in case his arms gave out. They never did when it was his sister, but caution never hurt.

"What were you doing?" he chided gently. "We're both right here, you could have called."

Nunnally frowned back at him, almost petulant in her response: "I wanted to do it myself."

"But you don't have to, you know that. I don't mind helping and neither does Sayoko."

"It's not about you minding."

"Then what is it about?"

"About doing it myself."

She did not raise her voice through the whole exchange, but there was a hint of a growl to it by the end. Lelouch noticed just like Sayoko, though he was taken aback where she just nodded sagely. Sayoko understood now.

With that new understanding, she wordlessly took Lelouch from the bathroom and closed the door. Once she thought the young mistress was unable to hear them, she explained to him.

"Please consider the matter from your sister's perspective for a moment. While it is true neither of us will mind or hesitate to aid her, she just got a first taste of independence. At the rate she learns, she won't need to depend on me to transcribe her homework before long. She no longer needs others to see for her. Is it any wonder she tries to do as much on her own as she can?"

Lelouch hummed in thought as she spoke. Then he made a bit of a face.

"That makes sense, but I'm not sure I like her thought process. What if she pushes too far and hurts herself?"

How very like him to just keep worrying. Sayoko graced Lelouch with a kind smile in response. "That is what we are here for," she said. "When the young mistress reaches her limits, we will be there to prop her up and raise her beyond them. As a family should."

Her absolute certainty made him calm down at last, it even drew out a chuckle.

"Sometimes I wonder if you're our maid or our mother," Lelouch teased.

"Alas, I can only be your maid."

Her being Japanese did not allow anything else. Then again, official documents had no influence on her feelings, or on his. They both understood that.

Lelouch let the matter drop like this. "So what do we do about Nunnally? Knowing her, she's too pig-headed to stop this anytime soon."

"Perhaps some light exercises for her arms?" Sayoko suggested in turn. "That way we know she can move around on her own if need be. I can oversee her practice."

He agreed readily and, as per usual, spent half the night researching; a training plan was drawn up and Nunnally's diet adjusted to accomodate the exercise. Lelouch then slept through half his classes on Monday, also as per usual. Sayoko simply smiled when she heard about that part from Milly.

 

[Naron]

Nunnally was last to leave the classroom as usual. She was hardly so impolite to force her way through her classmates, which they well knew. The mean comments were nothing new either; they had it out for her hair today.

It all slid off like water on the outside. She growled inwardly, but refused to give them any satisfaction for their bullying. Not like they could do anything that would force her to react; it had been years since any food or drinks 'accidentally' fell on her. Or since someone pushed her out of her wheelchair.

An unspoken agreement existed between her and the rest of the school: as long as they kept it at this minor stuff, Lelouch would not learn of it. She could not and would not hide anything that left marks; nobody forgot about the fact, even years later. No one managed to connect that particular incident to him, though everyone knew he was responsible. Nobody dared put a hand on her since then.

By herself, Nunnally felt a little bad about the disproportionate retribution. She forgot the poor girl's name, not that it mattered; her family had to leave the country after all their dirty laundry found its way to various key people.

Most of Nunnally's feelings were grim satisfaction, though. And worry, of course; not for the girl, but for Lelouch. They might get too much attention focussed on them if this kept on happening, hence this unspoken agreement with her classmates. Nunnally could bear these little annoyances for their safety's sake.

Then again, the week so far had less bullying than she was used to. Her eyes were clearly the cause, seeing how much interest the news of her regained sight garnered. Even the teachers were relieved they no longer needed to give her special treatment and derail the class.

Their feelings were no secret to her, but they ultimately did not matter at the moment. It was Thursday and she still felt that manic energy urging her to do things. So she maneuvered through Ashford Academy, now finally able to see the beautiful structure where she had to rely on descriptions before. It was a sprawling campus full of well-tended gardens and white stone buildings. She knew too little architecture to really compare, but it felt both grand and inviting in some sense. Although the crowd of students herding this way and that was far more imposing to see than it was to hear.

People grudgingly made way for her as she moved toward the administrative building. The downside of being able to see was that she could tell the many glares now, though Nunnally still ignored them.

In truth, she was giddy. Being able to see meant she could actually participate in student council work.

Nunnally entered the room with a soft greeting, absently returned by Rivalz and Milly. Nina sat in her computer corner, Shirley was not there yet, and Lelouch was already busy working. She took the spot by her brother's side, who pushed a small stack of papers her way without even looking up.

The work itself already lost its novelty, but she still kept at it. Unfortunately, Nunnally was slow compared to everyone else; her writing speed still left much to be desired, and she needed a dictionary to look up various words. But she got a little faster each day, so she kept at it.

In addition to being practice, the monotony and occasional chit-chat helped settle her feelings some more. She was not exactly mad at Shirley anymore, though she did not greet the older girl with a smile when she came in, either.

Then her pen leaked ink onto the paper she just spent five minutes working through. Nunnally scowled at it while trying to swallow her anger.

Lelouch's hand landed on hers a moment later, making her calm down instantly.

And just as always, their meeting transitioned into a social gathering after an our or two of catching up on busywork. Milly was the one to start them off, as she so often did.

"So, how are you holding up, Nunnally?"

"I can't complain," she answered non-committally. Transparent though it was, Nunnally appreciated the attempt to include her after she called everyone out on not doing so. It annoyed her at the same time, but she did not let it show.

"I'm glad to hear it," Shirley joined in. She paused a short moment to gauge Nunnally's mood, having walked on eggshells around her all week.

With no imminent eruption in sight, she absently carded through her bright orange hair. "Say," she tried next, "do you want to go shopping sometime? I found this cute cafe in town a few weeks ago. Um."

She shut up before Nunnally even said anything. Her frown must have shown.

The sudden tension was not what she intended to create, but now it was there. Nunnally allowed herself a little sigh and got about dissolving it. Shirley was just being nice, but how that came to be still annoyed her.

"Please let me make something clear," she started, "I do not hate you."

If anyone was not already listening, they were now. Nunnally focussed on Shirley, who seemed genuinely surprised. She did have a habit of jumping to conclusions after all. Nunnally shook her head.

"I'm still upset, but not so much with you as the circumstances. I made myself clear how I feel we stand to each other, and that's okay. You don't need to feel obligated to do anything on my behalf."

It was more true than she thought before saying it. The situation itself was what made her angry more than anything; playing house in hiding, having to fear for her safety at every opportunity. Not being able to even run away if needed. She was still defenseless and she hated it with a passion.

The others kept quiet during their exchange. Shirley nodded sadly.

"I'm glad to hear you aren't mad at me, but I still feel bad because you're right. And I'd like to be friends with you after all, so I got to make an effort."

Her words sounded earnest if nothing else. Nunnally tried for a smile, but it came out more curt than she wanted it to be. She could not quite decide what to say either; the notion made her a little happier, but she could not stop suspecting ulterior motives. Shirley had a long-standing crush on her brother, so she would not be the first girl to try getting at him over her.

"I mean, it's kind of hard," Rivalz interjected into the silence. His usual grin was absent, replaced with something that may be somber. He had their immediate attention and kept explaining his view: "We see Lelouch all the time in class and stuff, so you being the little sister just kind of... happens. And you being as you are makes it hard to invite you anywhere. Shirley just didn't want to bother you with something you couldn't enjoy, then it got out of hand."

"Yeah, that," Shirley agreed somewhat helplessly. "I never stopped to think about how you would see it, and I'm sorry about that."

In the end they were just too sweet to stay mad at. Nunnally heaved a little sigh and smiled faintly.

"I guess so. I believe you, but it's hard to just let these things slide entirely."

Then she had a thought, both a small test and a little revenge: "Actually, Lelouch? Did you tell them about the weekend after next yet?"

He shook his head, so Nunnally almost gleefully took to explaining to the curious group: "Right now I'm a little too busy to go anywhere, but there is something you can do for me. Kaguya is visiting Saturday of the week after next. Please be nice to her."

She noticed Nina seemingly shrink in her chair, but that was about the worst reaction she got. The mixed feelings were difficult to read from the various faces for her still.

Shirley only needed a moment to nod her agreement. "Sure thing. I just... don't really feel like I'm doing anything there?"

"It all starts with small things," Lelouch offered, which did not quite comfort his classmate.

A moment of silence followed, then Milly started teasing him about his philosophical comments. Nunnally only listened at that point, content to soak up the atmosphere. It was a nice enough breather.

They only got back to the subject later while walking toward the elevator. It was just Lelouch and Nunnally, so they could speak more freely.

"Shirley is too honest to deceive you," Lelouch started. He did not need to elaborate, though Nunnally threw him a look over her shoulder.

"As honest as she was when using me as a springboard for your affection?"

He contemplated this for a moment before inclining his head. "You have a point, but I feel she did not even realise she was doing it."

"Thoughtless malice is still malice," Nunnally responded evenly.

"Maybe I have to take your dictionary away."

"Only over my dead body."

They grinned at each other, well aware either side was joking. It was nice to transition between proper discussion and banter so easily. They never had any trouble with it before, but now it felt more seamless.

"I like being more independent," Nunnally mused. She got tired of craning her neck, hence why she missed the complicated expression on her brother's face. He did not respond, either. She could only hear some tapping on his phone, just as they entered the service elevator she used to traverse the building. Then, instead of the ground floor, Lelouch entered another destination.

"Where are we going?"

He kept quiet, not answering her question. This worried Nunnally even more once Sayoko slid into the cabin on another floor. She waited with curiousity and budding anxiety as they descended.

The sound of running water hit her ears through the walls about as soon as the doors opened. Everything else was dark, though the audible tapping of feet on concrete gave her a basic idea of the corridor ahead.

"Lelouch," she tried again, this time more pointed. "Why are we in the sewers?"

A lamp was lit. Sayoko took over pushing her while Lelouch led the way. He explained as they walked, complete with exaggerated motions for the sprawling area.

"I made sure even the blueprints don't show how big this place actually is. The lift needs a special password to even come down here, only Sayoko and I know it. I'll tell you later so you can memorise it. This secret area is two things mainly; first a retreat for us in case things go pear-shaped, second a storage for things nobody should see at school."

Nunnally listened attentively, though her gaze still raked across the area. She could not see anything forbidden yet. Her anxiety had melted away and let curiousity take over entirely. But Lelouch, ever the tease, stopped in front of another locked door. It looked completely unassuming before he slid a hidden panel away to insert a key.

Before he pushed open the door however, he turned around and knelt in front of her.

"I had to do some soul-searching the last few days," Lelouch began gently. His eyes never left Nunnally's, full of warmth. "Seeing you put so much effort into catching up made me realise that you're growing up. You will always be my little sister and I will always love you, but I feel you don't want to be just my ward forever."

It was heartwarming and a little surprising that he noticed on his own. Nunnally nodded, unable to vocalise her agreement. Lelouch smiled in turn.

"So I figured I should show you what I have been working on for a while now."

So saying, her brother put in a twenty-digit password before opening the door and showing them in. The lights went on automatically to reveal... a lot of stuff.

There was a complete computer station set up down here, cables vanishing into the walls. A filing cabinet with Lelouch's usual neatness of files stood right next to it. And then there were many caches of goods, most of them still in their boxes and crates. Nunnally tried to glean anything from the codes on each crate, but they told her nothing.

"This is where I store some of the less bulky things I got my hands on," Lelouch offered by way of explanation without actually saying anything.

Seeing that he took his sweet time, Nunnally cast a glance to Sayoko. Their maid was not surprised by anything in here. She even smiled upon noticing Nunnally's gaze.

"I was the one to bring most of this down here, young mistress. As per usual, nobody thinks anything of a maid carrying or pulling cargo."

Nunnally hummed in thought at that. The rustling of paper drew her eyes back to Lelouch, who started rifling through files. He prepared this, whatever it was. It was clearly not legal either, else it would not warrant hiding.

"How many weapons do you have down here?"

"Enough."

That was all it took to make Nunnally look back at the various crates. She considered asking for a gun again, but decided to wait for what Lelouch was planning. Maybe he even decided to give her one. She rather indulged her curiousity instead.

"What else do you have down here?"

He pulled out a particular file and straightened up, then began explaining as he checked the crates: "I started a few years back, but most of my efforts were focussed on funds. By now I have all the basic necessities; rations, firearms, ammunition, explosives, the like. The one thing I had to stash elsewhere is a platoon-sized complement of Sutherlands."

His nonchalance in admitting it made Nunnally gape. She figured where this was going halfway through, but the last part just left her dumbfounded.

"You got your hands on Knightmares?"

Lelouch glanced back with a little grin that made her feel a mite embarassed. She still underestimated her big brother. At the same time however, Nunnally was still exasperated. It deserved extra emphasis: "No, really. How did you get your hands on state-of-the-art Knightmare Frames? Did you steal them right from the factory or something?"

This time he scoffed in response, though more for effect than anything. He did not even stop his search as he answered her: "Of course not. I bought them. Corruption is such an awful yet helpful thing."

The quip coaxed a giggle out of her, after which Lelouch finally found the crates he was looking for. Nunnally took note that there were two dozen identical ones while he indicated to Sayoko. Their maid was suspiciously efficient with the crowbar, too.

"Anyway," Lelouch distracted her under the noise of creaking wood, "let's have a little history lesson. Some Britannian entrepreneurs tried to develop military power armour a few years back. The idea was to get a middle-ground between regular infantry and the Knightmare Corps. Less cost-intensive than a full frame, so that more soldiers can field it."

"Let me guess," Nunnally interrupted, though he did not seem to mind. "It failed. I'll even go out on a limb and guess the nobility did it because they didn't want their elite Knightmare pilots being weakened in station."

They stared at each other for one long moment. Lelouch let the tension build on purpose, only to smirk back at her.

"Full marks. You're completely correct. However, I got wind of the project in time to buy the whole stock before the manufacturer went under. Discreetly, of course. Thanks to the nobles trying to bury this avenue of research, nobody knows I have them.

"That could be useful," Nunnally mused, and she meant it. Knightmare Frames had issues maneuvering in urban combat that a person-sized suit did not have. At least if one wanted to keep the infrastructure intact.

"Do they work?"

"Yes, but not well. That's not really why I'm showing them to you either. The technology is new, but maybe if we find someone to refine it...."

Lelouch trailed off and nodded to Sayoko, who revealed a bulky full-body suit. It was still in Britannian blue and gold, but otherwise what one would expect; the design was not aesthetically pleasing to Nunnally's eyes, she liked the sleek curves of Knightmares better.

Squinting at the suit did not tell her why Lelouch would show her that in particular. Nunnally needed a few seconds longer before it clicked, but then her head snapped back to him.

"No way. I, I can use it?"

His expression softened in response to her hopeful tone. He came over to clasp her hand tightly. "I reviewed the specs. It should theoretically work. With how much you must miss walking, we can at least try."

The tears were wiped from her eyes before they could even fall. Nunnally sniffled once, then got herself under control and beamed up at him. Then she started turning her wheelchair, possessed by a sudden, frantic air.

"What are we waiting for? Put me in it, let's go!"

Her brother and maid both chuckled at her immediate turnaround, but they complied. Lelouch lifted her up and held her while Sayoko attached the suit's lower half according to his instructions.

It felt alien to be upright at all. Nunnally made her peace with the feeling because she had no hope it would ever change, but now she was here. Had she not been held so tight, she would vibrate with anticipation. Soon she spread her arms for the upper half.

Magnetic clamps clicked shut and she was inside.

It felt a little stuffy in this suit, what with her dress bunched up to fit inside. She was too giddy to even take it off. She also still could not move her legs, though she felt the comfortable stuffing in each leg piece.

Lelouch carefully explained how to activate the armour then, a manual in hand. Nunnally was surprised to notice they were almost the same height, but that did not stop her from listening intently.

Once the introduction was done, she put on the helmet. Her brother double-checked that it slotted in right, then activated the suit. A visor plinked to life and the half-dark was banished by sensor equipment. She could see the entire room in stark detail, even the shadowy corners.

The operating system was not configured yet, but she managed well enough. It was built with ease of use in mind, so all Lelouch needed to help with were some technical terms. Nunnally still just stood around for a while as everything was set up, but that helped her get used to it.

First she tried moving her arms, which followed the motions well enough. Then she held her breath and tried with a leg... and it moved! Her foot rose and slid across the floor in a lumbering step. Nunnally beamed and took another, then another. Her legs were still as before, but the machine made up for them.

"How does it feel?" Lelouch asked as she slowly made a round around the room. His voice came in clearly despite the thick helmet.

"Amazing," Nunnally answered breathlessly.

That one word carried all the emotions she could not express otherwise; her anguish at not having this of her own power. Her joy at being able to walk again. Her overflowing desire to just keep walking. She could say no more, too entranced by mobility she thought lost forever.

Nunnally made another round, then did a little hop. Coming back down with a loud thunk taught her not to repeat that one. But she kept on walking after; even if the space limited her severely, she loved every second. Lelouch and Sayoko stood aside, watching her with indulgent smiles.

She returned to them after ten minutes of walking and hugged them tight. Her soft "Thank you" and the tender gesture were at odds with the heavy mechsuit, but neither of them seemed to mind.

"It's a start," Lelouch reasoned. He rubbed her armoured shoulder soothingly, a sensation not felt but seen. "You can't wear this outside, though."

"I guess so. It's too unwieldy and conspicuous."

So saying, Nunnally hummed in thought. She remembered their earlier conversation and threw her brother a curious look. "Do you have any scientists who could improve it?"

He shook his head at that. "Not yet. Like I said, I focussed on material to start with. Troops and staff are on the list."

Even now he did not say what all this was for, though he did not need to. Nunnally could guess well enough, seeing how there was only a single possible reason. She let go and fully turned to her brother, not that he could see her face right now.

"You know I'm going to help you, right?"

Lelouch's expression froze up somewhat; it was the only sign of his surprise and quickly smoothed out.

"I don't want you in harm's way, Nunnally. I'd rather have you safe and happy."

"You can only have one of the two," she argued back. There was no way she would let him risk his neck without her. "Or you give up on this and stay safe with me," she added with a sweeping motion for the stuff around them.

Suffice it to say, Lelouch was not amused. Their impromptu staring match did not quite work out because Nunnally was still suited up, though. She still tried willing her feelings to him, just as he probably tried the same thing to her.

Sayoko interrupted evenly after a few seconds: "Perhaps this discussion is better had another time. Preferably when we are outside of a secret hideout."

She had a point, though Nunnally was hesitant to agree. She kept making use of her newfound mobility for a while longer, then Lelouch and Sayoko helped her take the whole thing off. Nunnally sighed heavily once back in her wheelchair, already longing for that freedom again. At the same time she felt a fledgling hope, now that she knew the technology existed. All it took was refinement.

Then again, this was not the main subject right now. She still had to mull over her short argument with Lelouch. They both probably agreed that getting into fights was out of the question for Nunnally. Maybe she had to start a little slower, just to get him used to it. Her gaze gravitated toward the filing cabinet, full of information she wanted.

"I want to look through the files," Nunnally declared. The other two paused where they still put the armour away once she spoke. "I want to know everything you got your hands on, and I want to know what you're planning to do next."

Lelouch hesitated. She could tell exactly what went through his head, that he did not want her to get involved. But when he met her determined gaze, his expression shifted.

"Alright, you can read them. But after dinner."

"Thank you so much, big brother!"

Nunnally beamed at him and all was right with the world. Though in the sanctity of her mind, she thought that he was too easy sometimes.