[Action | Locked to Rin]

[shiftyredlamp]

[Lelouch always looks serious, but today he looks serious and focused on something, and about half as displeased as the day before when he was rigorously cleaning his scratched and dirt-covered little purple contact. Today he's been looking at his phone every so often, but finally he sets it down and goes to Rin's part of their hideout.]Rin. Have

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[pinnedbangs]

[While he didn't have a chance when he first arrived, Rin's taken the iniciative to resume his training. He's sure his teachers back home would be proud of his diligence. He doesn't want to lose control of himself no matter where he is. Rin's found three flameable objects and he's placed them all in a row. He sits in front of them, a concentrated look on his face. Occasionally one (or all three) are ignited by the blue flames, but this is not what he's going for. Having Lelouch approach him gave Rin a reason to take a break

[shiftyredlamp]

...It's a very long story, so I'll spare you the entire World History of Britannia. I don't know exactly where it has diverged from that of other worlds, but somehow Britannia became a powerful empire in a way it did not in other worlds. They began conquering other nations for their territory and natural resources. But when I was a child I had no idea

[pinnedbangs]

[It was a lot of information to take in at once. Some of it seemed unbelievable but the emotion was real. Lelouch's story was really a sad one, more so because of the political involvement of such young children. It made Rin's blood boil to hear of such cruelties going on -- made worse by the fact that he could do nothing about it. The way Lelouch spoke of his father reminded Rin of his own. With that sort of resolve coming from the Lelouch, it was hard to deny him. Besides, Rin wanted to help in anyway he could.]

Your dad's a fuckin' bastard. [Just sayin' it like it is.] I bet if anyone is gonna overthrow that power crazy asshole, it's gotta be you.

. . . So what's the plan, Lu? [That's about as close of nickname that Lelouch was going to get. Aside from "Princess Lulu". Or "Little Damsel Lulu".]

We're not going to let this guy show us what he's really capable of! And we can't let him think that he's gotten any power over the people here.

[shiftyredlamp]

[He probably wouldn't ever use the same phrase to describe his father but he thinks it certainly fits and appreciates Rin's words of support. He nods in agreement.]

Thank you.

[He's...a little less thrilled about the nickname but doesn't find it entirely bothersome and either way this isn't the time to nitpick. At least it isn't Lulu.]Right now the plan is to watch for any information that surfaces about the new leader in question. His identity or the way he operates, specifically. For example, we know he announced his claim to power just after doing something helpful and benevolent, but still did so without input from the people he would be ruling. He says it's to prevent a harmful vacuum of power. This means he will probably do whatever he wants for whatever reason he desires, then justify it to all of us in the best light so we don't rise up against him. He will do things that help us when they can benefit him as well, which will make him seem benevolent and prevent uprisings. But this means he doesn't have a strong

[pinnedbangs]

Don't mention it. I have a bastard I hate too. Once I become a full-fledged exorcist, I'm going to kick his ass to Hell and back.

[A much toothier grin crosses his face. There's a hint of something inhuman about it, but it's a fleeting vision. A moment later, Rin's smiling like he always is.]

I can do that. I might not look it, but I can be pretty sneaky. And I think I know a few people already we can ask to help us out!

[Rin's about as sneaky as a rock, unless he puts his mind to it. The he'll become as sneaky as two rocks. He's pretty sure he can accomplish something like an infiltration mission, especially if it's for the good of the people.

But what if they didn't want saving? What if the people of Aliunde were ready to accept this new man as their new leader? What was 'for the good of the people'?Rin, for one, did not want to accept this mystery man. Not if it meant the loss of freedom for everyone else.]

Zero? I don't remember seeing that name around... Ha! You really are like a hero from a sci-fi manga! [Yes, Rin reads

[shiftyredlamp]

[Lelouch smiles at Rin, softly.]

I'd like to hear your story too, Rin. I don't only have to talk about myself.

[Lelouch takes Rin's second statement generally at face value and nods. He doesn't need strong subterfuge, just the barest discretion. He's glad Rin is a very friendly and sociable sort; he will be useful.]

We don't have to do anything drastic until it becomes clear he's up to no good. It will look like we're trying to take over for selfish reasons otherwise, and it is possible, no matter how unlikely, that I'm wrong. But as long as we have people on our side, if and when things go bad we can react quickly and forcefully.

Ahh, here, if you didn't see them I'll show you...

[Lelouch holds up his phone so Rin can see the anonymous text he wrote in reply to the original anonymous announcement of leadership, as well as the ensuing messages.]

You have no right to rule - it is a privilege you must earn. Lead effectively and people will place their trust and support in you without threats and coercion. Lead ineffectively

[pinnedbangs]

My story? I was raised in a monastery. I lived there all my life. [For a second, it doesn't look like he'll continue but he picks up the thread of their conversation.]

The man who raised me and my twin brother, Yukio, was a priest. He was the one in charge of the monastery and he also acted as an exorcist to those who needed it. At the time I thought he was just a glorified guidance counselor. [Another pause. This will be the last one, he can't keep stopping like that.]Anyway, Yukio and I were completely different. Yukio was going to a high-class academy and I was looking for work. He's a hard worker and a dependable brother. But me? The old man had trouble with me. He was always trying to help me find a job, but no place would let me into their company for long. They don't need thugs at convenience stores. So, after losing another job, I got into some trouble with a street gang. I had some trouble with these dumbasses before, but this time one of them was possessed by a demon... It was when they tried to burn me with a metal rob

[shiftyredlamp]

[When Rin tells his story, Lelouch remains silent and gives the words his full attention. At the very end, after Rin made his declaration, Lelouch put his hand on Rin's shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze. He wasn't big on emotional displays but he wanted to do something.
Maybe they should make a toast to the downfall of their respective powerful fathers, he thinks, but right now isn't quite the time.]

I understand completely. When we first met I had to pretend there was nothing special about me. In my world, anybody who could figure out I was Zero would have me sold to the Emperor or killed, and anybody who found out I was a Prince could do me just as much harm. We're both on the run and have to be careful about who we trust.
That is the freeing thing about being here, on Aliunde...we don't have those same worries from the people here. At least, that's how it's been for me so far, but that might change.

[He laughs.]

And don't worry, I won't deal with anybody too dangerous. We'll find much more trustworthy allies among the

[pinnedbangs]

[Rin hadn't expected the reassurance from Lelouch. Until now he had been a little more reserved than usual, but knowing that Lelouch was on his side (that he had a friend, and a trusted one at that) it was comforting. Rin laughed, now that everything was out in the open between them. It was going to be okay.]

I gotta agree with that. [He says this with a sheepish grin.] It's nice not being called some stupid names. And hell, you didn't run away either that first time.

Good! I'd still save your ass, Lu.