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7:00 a.m., Ashford Academy. Classes at Ashford Academy do not start until 8:00. Alistair walked through the front gate into the campus, seeking to start his new school life. As he began approaching the main building, he overheard other students talking.

Random Male Student: Who is that?
Random Female Student: What's with that outfit? It looks like our uniform.
Random Male Student: Is he Britannian? Then, he must be a transfer student.
Random Female Student: Could he be from somewhere else, though? There's something about that smile.

As Alistair took in the view of the academy, he noticed that it seemed a bit grand for a high school. Once he found the principal's office, he entered without knocking.

Alistair: Excuse me. I am looking for the principal. Does the person I seek happen to be here?

As Alistair entered the office, the man behind the principal's desk spun his chair around to face Alistair.

Principal Ashford: Yes, he does. I assume you are Mr. Alistair Wake?
Alistair: Correct, my man. Just leave out the "Mr." part.
Principal Ashford: Of course. I understand that you are from America. I hope that the students' opinions don't bother you.
Alistair: Trust me, bud, I am invulnerable to insults. I'm like a mirror when it comes to that.
Principal Ashford: Yes, indeed, sir. I have also heard that you are a "good guy" mercenary. Does this mean that you are willing to stop any crimes around the school grounds whenever you are around?
Alistair: That, and if any of those tyrannical, fake military chumps show up, they get their asses kicked. Do you approve of this?
Principal Ashford: (looks left and right, leans toward Alistair and begins whispering) I will pay you if you don't kill anyone in front of the students. A bonus if you lead any fights off of the school grounds.
Alistair: Sounds fine to me. What's my schedule?
Principal Ashford: (speaking normally) Right, your schedule. (hands Alistair the class schedule) Your first class begins in...(pauses and checks wall clock)...15 minutes. You're here early.
Alistair: Got up early. So, this building, yeah?
Principal Ashford: Uh, yes.
Alistair: (looks at schedule) History, huh? What's the harm in that? Just some natural Japanese history. Oh, and about the good guy mercenary thing? Try mercenary benefactor.

Alistair walked out of the principal's office to seek out his classroom and shut the door behind him.

Principal Ashford: Oh, boy. He is going to be very disappointed. (pauses) Wow. Benefactor makes plenty of sense.

The history class that Alistair was scheduled to take was about to begin when the teacher received an announcement about a new student coming into the class via text message.

Teacher: Huh. Well, class, apparently we're getting another new student.
Random Male Student: Another one?
Random Female Student: Could it be the one from the front gate?
Teacher: This new student...seems Britannian, but he's not. He's..."American." He's from the continent that was to be an extension of our Homeland, so please treat him with respect. I wonder where he is, though.

As soon as the teacher said this, the door suddenly opened and Alistair slid in with his back to the desks in the room.

Alistair: (smiling) Konichiwa, minasan! I am Alistair Wake. My hopes to enjoy your acquaintances are very high! Let us march forward, bringing revolution for the good of all!

Once Alistair's speech was complete, he turned around to see that every person in the room was not Japanese.

Alistair: (stops smiling) Wow. The first time I go to a Japanese school and I get the Foreign Affairs class? I'm gonna have to talk to that guy again, aren't I?
Teacher: Well, you heard him, class. This is Alistair Wake, your new classmate.
Male Student: What was with that "revolution for the good of all" crap about? Are you crazy, or something?
Alistair: Change is gonna happen, whether you like it or not. As long as it's for the good of every living person on the planet, it's all good with me.
Male Student: Oh, yeah? Well, what if that change brings anarchy? Or chaos?
Alistair: (laughs) Anarchy and chaos? They both fear me. I am what keeps them up at night, hoping I don't kill their sorry asses.
Male Student: Uh...Okay. I'll just...shut up, now.
Teacher: Well, Alistair, you can take a seat next to the other new student.
Alistair: "Other" new student? What do you mean by-?

When Alistair looked to where the other new student was, he noticed that it was a Japanese man who was greatly familiar to him. It was Suzaku Kururugi.

Alistair: Suzaku!

As soon as Alistair recognized Suzaku, he ran towards the desk that Suzaku was sitting in and sat next to him.

Alistair: I didn't know you went here!
Suzaku: Well, I just got here and...
Alistair: Look, don't worry me like that again, okay? You freaked me out when you went into that truck-van hybrid.
Suzaku: I could have sworn I heard you yell at me to not get in.
Alistair: That reminds me, are you alright? You didn't have any...shady encounters?
Suzaku: No. Why would you think that?
Alistair: You don't know vans like I do. Crap happens. Crap that...ain't human, dude. (lowers voice, frightened) Abomination of God.
Teacher: Can we start the class, now?
Alistair: (normal tone) Yeah, go ahead, dude. (to Suzaku) We'll talk later.

After class ended, Alistair was about to talk to Suzaku again until something caught Suzaku's eye. One of the students tugged at the collar of his blazer, left the room, then Suzaku followed behind the student. Alistair figured that they would be at the roof and he was correct. Alistair saw that Suzaku was talking to the student with black hair and purple eyes casually and decided to join in on their fun.

Alistair: So, what's going on in this neck of the woods?
Suzaku: Alistair? How did you-?
Alistair: It takes some damn good perception to notice your friend's signal that says "get on the roof."
Lelouch Lamperouge: You are quite perceptive Mr. Wake.
Alistair: Don't pull that "Mr." crap on me, dude.
Lelouch: Very well, Alistair, what do you think of Ashford Academy thus far?
Alistair: Could use a crap ton of Japanese students. It seems like this place is filled to the brim with foreigners, including myself. What's your name, anyway?
Lelouch: Lelouch Lamperouge.
Alistair: Well, Lelouch, I may be the first to say this, but there is a lot more to life than just being really, really good-looking.
Lelouch: Hmm. That's a surprising thing to hear. Especially since you're a new student.
Suzaku: How much education do you have, anyway?
Alistair: Considering that I was in Ranger School since I was 8? About 10 years worth of education.
Suzaku: Ranger School?
Lelouch: What's that?
Alistair: Let's just say that, with me, it was the military's attempt at education. Rangers are elite dudes, proficient in scouting and combat. You mess with one, they will chew you up and spit you out.
Lelouch: Noted.
Alistair: So, how long have you guys known each other?
Lelouch: That really isn't your concern.
Suzaku: Seven years.
Lelouch: Forget what I said, then.
Alistair: (whistles) That's one hell of a friendship you got going on.
Suzaku: Yeah, especially considering that Lelouch is Britannian.
Alistair: Do I give a damn about that? No. We are all friends here. So, don't do anything stupid, or I'll kick your asses.
Lelouch: Why, exactly, would you do that?
Alistair: I'm a good guy mercenary. It's what I do.
Suzaku: Oh. That explains the skill.
Lelouch: What skill?
Suzaku: Well, when I met Alistair, yesterday, he took down 15 gang members at once. And he didn't even get hit.
Lelouch: (surprised, nearly whispering) Whaaat?
Alistair: It's true. He witnessed it.
Lelouch: (normal tone) You're a mercenary? How old are you?
Alistair: 16 years of age.
Suzaku: You're a year younger than us?! And you're in our class?!
Lelouch: How did you even get into a private school?
Alistair: This is a high school. A grand one, at that. You really think a guy who makes a lot of money a minute can't make it in high school?
Lelouch: Considering what Suzaku said? No, I don't.
Alistair: Splendid.
Suzaku: About that remark that you made about Lelouch being good-looking? You're good-looking, yourself.
Alistair: Flattery gets you nowhere, Suzaku. Unless you're flattering a girl, in which case, it works. But not on me.
Lelouch: You're tough as nails, huh?
Alistair: Tough as obsidian, my man. (takes out schedule) Before I forget, better check the next class I've got. Math class? Sounds easy enough.
Suzaku: Not math. Anything but math.
Alistair: I take it that math's your worst nightmare. Don't worry, we'll get you through this.
Lelouch: Well, Suzaku's Japanese. A bunch of the students here don't really care about them. They think they should be slaves.
Alistair: (scoffs) So, what, are they like Rosa Parks and they want them to sit on the back of the bus?
Suzaku: More like keep us off the bus.
Alistair: (slowly turns head to look at Suzaku) What. The. Hell?
Lelouch: Let's just get to class. Worry about that at another time.

Once Alistair parted ways with Lelouch and Suzaku, he went off to his next class and went through the entire school day. The sun began to set as Alistair went to the principal's office again to speak with Principal Ashford.

Alistair: You in?
Principal Ashford: (through door) Come in.

Alistair opened the door and entered the office to find the principal standing up.

Alistair: Is there an exact reason why there are a majority of foreigners in your school?
Principal Ashford: This is a Britannian school.
Alistair: In Japan?
Principal Ashford: It's just the way things are around here. I know that you're going to change things for the better, but respect the way things are, now.
Alistair: (slams hands on desk) It's for the good of all that crap changes around here. The Japanese are getting treated like dirt and spoiled rich punk-asses prosper over what Japan's worked so hard to build. This bullcrap must end. No discrimination, no chaos, no anarchy, no evil of any kind. If any more innocent lives are lost, then I will be pissed. If anyone tries to destroy Japan, then I am going to be beyond pissed. And trust me on this: when my rage breaks, people fall down and never stand up again. Britannia falls and England returns. Do I make myself clear?
Principal Ashford: Yes. That's very mature of you to say, and you have my full support.
Alistair: Good. Where am I staying at?
Principal Ashford: Right, I never told you. Sorry about that. Come with me.

Alistair followed the principal to a building that was quite a distance from the main building.

Alistair: This doesn't look like your average dorm.
Principal Ashford: That's because it isn't a dorm. It's the Student Government Clubhouse.
Alistair: A clubhouse? And this thing has living quarters?
Principal Ashford: Yes. One specifically for you.
Alistair: Thank God. Now I have a place to put down this duffle bag.
Principal Ashford: You've been carrying that around all day?
Alistair: Yeah, but I can relax, now. I think I'll have pasta for dinner.

Alistair took a few steps towards the building when the principal spoke up again.

Principal Ashford: Alistair. When you take on Britannia, are you willing to accept the hatred of Britannia's citizens?
Alistair: I'm willing to get the citizens on my side, to overthrow their anarchic tyrant. This is an all or nothing situation. Either Britannia falls, or the world is screwed.

Alistair left the principal and entered the clubhouse. When he entered, he noticed that the lobby of the building was large enough to be a ballroom. He went up the stairs and found a door that had a note with his name on it. He removed the note and opened the door. The room was just as Alistair had expected, the right size and the right furniture: a desk, a bed, a couch, a coffee table and a closet. Alistair put his duffle bag on the floor, took off his hat and laid down on the bed.

Alistair: (exhales with relief) Finally, I can relax. God, am I hungry, though. Pasta sounds pretty damn nice, right about now.

It was then that Alistair could here talking coming from a different part of the building. He exited his room and went to find the source of the talking. Once he could listen clearly enough, he could tell that Lelouch and Suzaku were in the room and Alistair could smell food cooking from behind the door. Alistair decided to enter the room, and join his new friends.

Alistair: (smiling) Hi, neighbors.
Lelouch: (surprised) Oh, my God.
Suzaku: How lucky can you be? You keep finding us. Wait, did you say "neighbors?"
Alistair: Well, apparently, the principal never informed anybody that I was staying in this building. Then, once I start thinking about dinner, here you guys are, about to have dinner. That's quite the damn convenience, 'cause I am freakin' hungry.

It was then that Alistair noticed that there was a girl in a wheelchair in the room. Her eyes were closed and seemed quite young, around 13 to 14 years old.

Alistair: (stops smiling) Oh. I'm sorry, adorable one. I didn't notice you, there.
Nunnally Lamperouge: Lelouch? Who is that?
Lelouch: He's...my newest friend. He's a new student that arrived, just this morning. (to Alistair) This is my little sister, Nunnally.
Alistair: (approaches Nunnally) Hi there, Nunnally. I'm Alistair Wake. Please, call me Alistair. (extends right hand, then stops) Whoops. Forgot I had my leather gloves on. (takes off right glove, then extends right hand again) Sorry about that. And about the cursing.

Nunnally reached in front of her and found Alistair's hand. She grasped it gently.

Nunnally: Your hand...feels rough. Scarred, even. Yet, it's also smooth.
Alistair: I've done some dangerous stuff. Rock climbing, paragliding, all sorts of stuff.
Nunnally: (lets go of Alistair's hand) You're very brave. I couldn't do any of that. Lelouch wouldn't let me.
Alistair: (puts right glove on) Really, now?

Alistair then noticed that Nunnally's eyes had been closed ever since he walked in.

Alistair: What's with your eyes, Nunnally?
Lelouch: Alistair! Don't be rude.
Alistair: Hush, elder brother. We're talking medical stuff.
Nunnally: My eyes have been closed ever since my mom died.
Alistair: Traumatic blindness. But, in this case, the eyesight isn't gone, just closed off by your eyelids. Mind if I try opening them?
Lelouch: Don't you dare lay a finger on my sister!
Alistair: Unless you're a medic, I suggest you shut up so I can focus on the cause of this nonsense.
Nunnaly: Go ahead.

Alistair put his right index finger and thumb on Nunnally's eyelids and tried to open them. Nunnally's eyelids did not budge when Alistair gently pulled on them.

Alistair: (scoffs) Their stuck.
Lelouch: Thank you, Doctor Obvious. Now, can you leave my sister alone?
Alistair: Do you have any enemies, Lelouch?
Lelouch: Why do you ask?
Alistair: Because, if so, then your sister's a victim. It's like someone superglued her eyes shut. That's not normal.
Lelouch: Our mom died protecting her. She was traumatized by that event and hasn't opened her eyes, since. The doctors tried everything.
Alistair: Everything that wouldn't tear her eyelids apart. I've seen traumatic blindness and this ain't it. I'm going to find the source of this bullcrap and put a stop to it. Your sister's gonna see the light of day, and nothing can stop me from helping her.
Lelouch: (pauses) Thank you. That would be nice of you to help. Especially since you're a medical professional.
Alistair: Any time, man. (to Nunnally) Now, is it true that your mom protected you?
Nunnally: Yes. It was thought to be a terrorist attack, with military weapons.
Alistair: Wait, military weapons? And they shot a little girl?!
Suzaku: It's not uncommon for children to get caught in the crossfire.
Alistair: Well, it shouldn't happen, Suzaku! Kids are innocent!
Suzaku: Not all kids are innocent, Alistair.
Alistair: (pauses) Do you remember what I did to those gang members, yesterday?
Suzaku: Just saying. There's a chance a kid could...do something completely wrong.
Alistair: Back when I was 8, every school just taught kids how to kill people. Did you really think that your comment would cheer me up?
Suzaku: After hearing that, no.
Alistair: It's just something I don't allow. Chaos, anarchy, all the evil crap in the world. Kids shouldn't be introduced to all that. I had to deal with an entire city that was brainwashed into killing for a living and was trying to kill me, next, when I was 12. All I had was my traversing abilities and a 9mm pistol to get around the pit of Hell, avoid dying and save over 400 people.
Lelouch and Suzaku: (in unison) Good God.
Alistair: Yeah.
Suzaku: So, in general, you are not to be trifled with?
Alistair: Correct.
Lelouch: And you are willing to help my sister by getting rid of her blindness and, most definitely, keep her company?
Alistair: "Most definitely" is the correct term, Lelouch.
Lelouch: (looks at Suzaku, then at Nunnaly, then back to Alistair) Are you...single, by any chance?
Alistair: Yes.
Lelouch and Suzaku: (in unison, surprised) How?!
Alistair: I'd rather not go into details. You know, adorable, innocent girl in the room?
Lelouch: Fair enough. You should stay for dinner, Alistair.
Alistair: Oh, my God, yes. I am hungry. I am off to the kitchen!
Nunnally: Actually, Sayoko is cooking dinner, as we speak.
Alistair: (disappointed tone) I don't get to help?
Nunnally: I'm pretty sure that she's almost done.
Alistair: Okay. (normal tone) Wait, Sayoko? Isn't that a Japanese name?

As Alistair began to question this, one of the doors opened and a Japanese woman wearing a maid outfit entered the room. Alistair assumed that this person was Sayoko.

Sayoko: Dinner will be ready shortly. I hope it will be to your liking-.

It was then that Sayoko saw that there was a guest in the room, besides Suzaku.

Alistair: (smiles and raises his right hand) Hello!
Sayoko: (surprised) Yes. He-Hello.
Nunnally: Sayoko, this is Alistair. He lives in this building, like us.
Alistair: Second floor, across from this side. You're not threatened by me, are you?
Sayoko: No, no. I'm fine.
Nunnally: There's no reason to be afraid of Alistair, Sayoko. He's a nice person. He may curse here and there, but he makes it seem like he's not cursing at all.
Alistair: See, that is what makes you adorable, Nunnaly. (to Sayoko) What's on the menu, chef?
Nunnally: Alistair will be joining us for dinner. He even wanted to help you cook.
Sayoko: Really?
Alistair: I take it that pasta is not on the menu?
Sayoko: No, I did not make pasta.
Alistair: I'm on it.

Alistair walked into the kitchen to make dinner for himself after bringing his newfound friends their dinner, first. After nearly 15 minutes in the kitchen, he walked out carrying a pasta dish and sat at the table, next to Suzaku.

Alistair: How's this for cuisine?
Suzaku: Delicious-looking.
Lelouch: Artistic.
Nunnaly: (sniffs) It smells great.
Alistair: That's the sauce you're smelling. Utilizing tomato sauce and garlic to make it, I sprinkled some parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. And now...(picks up fork)...I eat.

Once Alistair began eating his dinner, it took him nearly 3 minutes to finish it. After eating, Alistair put down his fork and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Alistair: My hunger has been beaten, yet again.
Lelouch: That was not eating. I've seen eating. What I just saw was the cleanest, quickest way of eating in all of history.
Suzaku: I don't think I can eat like you can.
Alistair: Never underestimate hunger, brother.
Nunnally: I don't think any of us will, Alistair. And I'm blind.
Alistair: Ha! You got comedic. Adorable and funny, all in one. We're all gonna get along real quick.
Suzaku: Look, I've got to go.
Alistair: What? I just got here! You can't just ditch me when we reunited!
Suzaku: We just met yesterday.
Alistair: Yeah! And you went off to God-knows-where in a vehicle that was a cross between a truck and a van! A van of all things!
Suzaku: I still don't know what your deal is with vans.
Lelouch: I think I can explain what you're saying to Suzaku, Alistair. I'll see him off.

Lelouch and Suzaku left the dining room. As soon as they left, Alistair yelled at Suzaku from the dining room door.

Alistair: If you're having any sort of trouble, you tell me! Got it!?
Nunnally: You care about Suzaku.
Alistair: I care about all good natured people. Suzaku's Japanese, and I don't want him getting his face grated on concrete by some imperialistic thug.
Nunnally: How would you feel if Sayoko was being treated like that?
Alistair: I would be absolutely... I'm gonna use the word "livid," 'cause that seems like the more appropriate word to say in front of you. (yawns) God, I'm tired. I'm gonna go hit the hay. It's kinda late. Feelin' pretty tired. Goodnight.

Alistair left the dining room and went upstairs, to his room. During his climb up the stairs, he could hear Suzaku scream from outside the front door.

Suzaku: Oh, God! Is that true?!
Lelouch: Unfortunately, yes.
Suzaku: That is evil! That is sick and evil!
Lelocuh: I warned you.
Suzaku: I hate vans, now! Dammit, Lloyd!

When he entered his room, he switched to his sleeping clothes, got into his bed and began thinking to himself.

Alistair: (thinking) Alright, I need to balance this crap out. First off, I've got a school life to uphold. And then, there's the fight with Britannia that I've got to keep up with. Finally, there's the fact that I've got to erase all anarchy, chaos, and imperialistic ideals from Japan. Alone. Which sucks. But, I think I'll be fine. If someone actually has the nerve to help me, that's fine, too. Gonna need some sleep, for now.

With his thoughts complete, Alistair closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Meanwhile, back at the Lamperouge side of the clubhouse, Lelouch entered the dining room to see Nunnally and Sayoko, waiting for him.

Lelouch: Well, today was a little entertaining.
Sayoko: That Alistair man is quite the character.
Nunnally: He called me cute. He's a nice person.
Lelouch: His attitude pretty much says that, and so do his actions. Huh?

Lelouch noticed something on the dining room table, a small piece of paper. Lelouch picked it up and saw that it was a business card with Alistair's name and phone number.

Lelouch: He is a nice guy, Nunnally. He just left us his number.
Nunnally: (excited) Now, we know who to call when we're in trouble!
Lelouch: You know it. (thinking) I guess it wouldn't hurt to have his number in my phone. If I get into something I can't handle alone, maybe I can get him to understand. It's weird, though. The way he speaks... His words sounded...powerful. He must be a powerful speaker, not just a powerful combatant. Hell, if I get into a fight with him... Can't fight him. Do not fight him. But, still... What's a mercenary doing attending high school?