(Stares at review count for the last chapter)

Bakura: oh boy (plugs ears)

I GOT 15 REVIEWS ON ONE CHAPTER! HELL YEAH!

Lelouch: I think I'm deaf now

Suzaku: agreed

What? I never expected to get that many reviews on one chapter. Oh my goodness, you guys are awesome!

Thank you to PiroWolfxL, Demons Anarchy of Pride, Kallen, julini, Shadowstalk, ewertondragon, HufflepuffKat, HalFF, yuuram2fangirl, purpleswans, agarfinkel, Shadow-Shinobi666, Stargaze Valintime, davycrockett100, and Shimmer-Sky for reviewing the last chapter. You guys are awesome!

Bakura: you already said that, moron

Oh shut up, Bakura. Anyway, review reply for a guest reviewer since I can't PM them.

Kallen: I'm glad you liked it and, don't worry, if I'm determined to finish a story and already know how it will end (and, with this story, I am and I do), then I will finish it. It may take me a few months, it may take me a few years but I will finish it.

And, now that that's done, here is the Pendragon episode. Without the author's notes, it's a little over 8,000 words so that's good. There's also a note at the end that's important.

I hope that you enjoy this chapter and reviews, as always, are much appreciated.

. . .

. . .

August 17, 2010

Li Britannia Estate, Pendragon

Princess Euphemia li Britannia wandered around the gardens, smiling as she breathed in the smell of the flowers as well as the scent of rain on the air. The sky was overcast, indicating that it was likely going to start raining soon but the pink-haired princess decided she wanted to enjoy being outside for just a little while longer. The young eight-, almost nine-year-old wandered past a small artificial stream in the garden and smiled sadly at it.

Less than a year had gone by since she had been forced to watch her favorite half-brother Lelouch and half-sister Nunnally leave Pendragon and she still missed them. She had come to terms with what happened, somewhat, but that didn't mean she didn't miss them.

She giggled to herself as she recalled the memory of when Lelouch had been running from her and Nunnally when he was eight, she was seven, and Nunnally was five. They had been chasing him because they wanted to put flowers in his hair but he refused and ended up tripping and falling into the stream.

"Lady Marianne laughed too," she murmured, smiling sadly and wandering past the stream and toward where a clump of violets were growing. She bent down and gently plucked one of the flowers, sniffing it as a crack of lightning illuminated the sky followed by a loud clap of thunder. Then she felt a few raindrops land on her nose and she looked up as more raindrops fell.

"Your Highness, please come inside," one of the maids of the li Britannia Estate called.

Euphemia pouted. She didn't want to leave yet and it wasn't as if a little rain would hurt her. "Can I stay out for five more minutes? Please?" she asked pleadingly.

"Your mother won't be happy if you get sick, Your Highness," the maid called. "Besides, Princess Cornelia's here."

"Nellie!" Euphemia bolted for the doors leading out of the gardens. She hasn't seen her sister in months and missed her. A part of her wondered just why Cornelia was back so soon but she was mostly just happy that her big sister was back.

"Where is she?" she asked once she was inside and the maid was gently drying her off.

"She wants to talk to you. She's in her room, Your Highness," the maid said.

"Okay, thanks," Euphemia said brightly and darted toward the stairs.

She entered her sister's room without knocking to find Cornelia seated on her bed, holding a picture in her hands. Euphemia was about to launch herself at Cornelia when she noticed that her big sister…was crying?

The pink-haired princess stopped next to the bed, frowning. "Nellie? Is something wrong?" she asked.

Cornelia turned to Euphemia and wiped the tears from her eyes, one hand putting the picture she was holding back on the side table. Euphemia recognized the picture of her, her sister, Lelouch, and Nunnally in the gardens of Aries Villa.

"Euphie," Cornelia said softly. "I've got some bad news."

"What is it, Nellie?" Euphemia asked as she took a seat on the bed beside Cornelia.

"It's about Lelouch and Nunnally," Cornelia said.

"What about them?"

Cornelia turned to gaze at the ground, looking uncertain, which surprised the pink-haired princess. She had never seen her big sister look uncertain like that. It was almost as if she didn't want to tell her.

Even at almost nine years old, Euphemia knew that something was wrong. "What about them?" she asked again.

Cornelia closed her eyes and then turned to Euphemia. "I'm sorry, Euphie," she said softly. "But they're…they're…gone…"

Euphemia's eyes widened. "W…What?"

"They…didn't survive the invasion of Japan," Cornelia said, tears starting to fall from behind closed eyelids.

Euphemia's eyes widened in horror and one hand went to mouth as she let out a little gasp. "T…They're…dead?" she asked.

Cornelia said nothing but gently drew Euphemia into her arms as the pink-haired princess burst into tears, burying her face into her big sister's chest as she cried for the loss of her beloved half-siblings.

. . .

3

Homecoming

March 5, 2016

Li Britannia Estate, Pendragon

Cornelia li Britannia walked into the silence of her estate. Her mother wasn't home but she knew that her little sister Euphie had to be around there somewhere. Deciding to just send a maid to find her, she made her way into her study. She supposed she was still in shock at the news that Schneizel had given her the day before, news of the survival of two of her dear half-siblings.

Lelouch and Nunnally were alive.

As soon as she had heard the news when her conflict in the Middle East drifted into a stalemate and she had time to check her messages late the night before, she had immediately taken a few days leave. With both sides at a stalemate, it wasn't as if she would be missing much and if the fighting did start up again, Cornelia trusted Darlton to handle things in her absence. She wasn't expecting the fighting to start up again though, otherwise she would have stayed.

She smiled to herself as she thought about her two younger half-siblings. She had always cared deeply for Lelouch and Nunnally, just as she did for Euphie. She had been the head of Lady Marianne's Royal Guard and that meant that she and Euphie spent quite a bit of their time at the Aries Villa. She watched them grow up and remembered when Nunnally and Euphie would fight over who would get to marry Lelouch someday. She also recalled the days when Nunnally and Euphie would chase Lelouch around the gardens, trying to put flowers in his hair while he, desperately, tried to get out of it.

They had been so close and then Lady Marianne's assassination came and everything changed.

The door opened to the study and Euphie poked her head into it. "Hey, Sister. You wanted to see me?" she said.

Cornelia smiled. "Come in, Euphie. I have good news," she said.

"What good news?" Euphie asked as she made her way into the room, her long pink hair flowing over her shoulder.

Cornelia gestured to the armchair across from her and Euphie sat down, still studying her curiously. "Schneizel just contacted me and told me some surprising news. Lelouch and Nunnally are alive," she said.

Euphie's eyes went wide. "T…They are?" she stammered out. "But, six years ago…"

"Apparently, they survived but no one knew it. Schneizel just confirmed that they're alive yesterday," Cornelia said.

Tears appeared in Euphie's eyes. "T…That's wonderful! I'm so happy they're alive!" she exclaimed, her lavender eyes shining with joy.

"I am too," Cornelia said. But it had been six years. Cornelia frowned to herself, wondering why it took six years for Lelouch and Nunnally's continued existence to be brought to light. And why hadn't they come forward when the invasion had ended? There were a number of questions echoing in the vaults of Cornelia's head but she didn't have answers to any of them.

"So are they coming back to Pendragon?" Euphie asked.

Cornelia nodded.

"When are they arriving?"

"Probably not until late tomorrow or the day after. I hope so, at least. I have to return to the Middle East in a few days but I want to greet them when they arrive."

"So do I. But why not sooner?" Euphie asked.

"Lelouch was injured," Cornelia admitted, deciding to just tell her sister the truth. When she saw the horrified and worried look crossing Euphie's face, she added, "Schneizel said that he's going to make a full recovery when I spoke to him so you don't have to worry, Euphie."

"Oh, thank goodness. But what happened? Why was he injured?" Euphie asked with a frown.

"Schneizel said that it was an assassination attempt made on Clovis but, apparently, the assassin recognized Lelouch and Nunnally as royalty and decided to go after them as well. Both Clovis and Nunnally are fine," Cornelia said, adding the last part when she saw the fear appearing on her little sister's face.

"But why? And how did this assassin know about Lelouch and Nunnally but no one else did?" Euphie asked bewildered.

"They must have done a lot of research but I don't know for sure," Cornelia admitted. She placed her hands on Euphie's shoulders and smiled down at her. "Now that I have some time off, why don't we go to the gardens for some tea?"

Euphie smiled brightly. "Okay, Sister," she said and the two headed towards the gardens next to the li Britannia Estate.

. . .

Mercy General Hospital, Tokyo Settlement

The doctors still hadn't medically cleared Lelouch to leave and so he found himself spending most of his time staring at the wall or talking with Nunnally who visited him whenever he could. She wasn't the only one who was visiting them at the moment though.

"And I actually found a perfect backdrop for a new painting that I want to paint for Nunnally," Clovis said from where he was seated on a chair next to Lelouch's bed. Nunnally was in a wheelchair on the other side, one of her hands clasped in his.

Nunnally giggled. "He's thinking of using Mount Fuji before the invasion," she said.

"I've found plenty of pictures online that inspired me to do this," Clovis admitted. "Besides, Nunnally asked me to paint a painting for her."

"Do you think you can include big brother?" Nunnally asked.

Lelouch grimaced, which Clovis noticed because he chucked and said, "I don't think Lelouch likes that idea."

Nunnally pouted and turned her face to him. "Please, big brother?" she said pleadingly.

Lelouch sighed, unable to say no to his little sister. "Fine," he said.

Clovis laughed. "She still has you wrapped around her little finger," he said with a chuckle before he stood up and stretched, adding, "Well, I had best get back. I have a meeting that I must attend and a party afterward. Perhaps I can get Brother Schneizel to come with." He waved a goodbye to them and left the hospital room.

"Brother Schneizel has never seemed like a party person like Brother Clovis," Nunnally commented. "So I don't know if he'll be able to get him to go."

Lelouch hummed in agreement and turned to gaze at Nunnally. "How are you, Nunnally?" he asked softly.

Nunnally gave him a smile. "I'm fine now. No one's treating me differently since the news spread." She tightened her grip on Lelouch's hand and added, "I'm glad you're recovering, big brother. I don't know what I'd do without you." Tears appeared behind her closed eyes and Lelouch stretched out a hand and gently wiped them away, a soft smile on his face.

"It's all right, Nunnally. I'm here. I'm okay," he assured his little sister.

"Why'd you do it?" Nunnally whispered sadly.

"Because I couldn't let that girl hurt you," Lelouch said simply. He would never forgive himself if he let Nunnally get hurt; as it was, he was still furious at that girl for shooting at Nunnally. If he ever ran into that girl again, he'd kill her for daring to try to harm his little sister. But, for now, he didn't have to worry about that and focused on reassuring his little sister.

. . .

March 6, 2016

Mercy General Hospital, Tokyo Settlement

News of his and Nunnally's survival had, somehow, spread throughout the Tokyo Settlement like a wildfire, even though Milly had assured him that no one at Ashford Academy had spilled the beans. However, the following morning, when Lelouch was medically cleared to leave the hospital—with orders to take it easy—the entire front of the hospital was filled with reporters and cameraman. It made Lelouch want to strangle that purple-haired girl who had caused his identity to be revealed in the first place, not that he didn't already want to kill her for what she tried to do to Nunnally.

And Clovis for informing Pendragon, though he was expecting it to happen.

And whichever idiot let the information leak into the media, which was unexpected.

"Oh my, I wasn't expecting this. This might be a problem," Clovis mused.

Lelouch gave his half-brother a scathing 'you think?' look, which only Schneizel, who was standing on Clovis's other side, caught, judging by the slight twitching of his lips.

Clovis wasn't due to announce Lelouch and Nunnally's survival for another hour but some moron had leaked the news to the media. At the very least, Lelouch mused, Schneizel was able to talk Clovis out of the party that he was planning on hosting after the announcement was made.

"Big Brother, why aren't we moving?" Nunnally asked in confusion.

"Someone leaked the news of us still being alive to the media and there are reporters outside," Lelouch explained.

"Oh."

"Well, I was waiting until noon to make the announcement but now seems as good a time as ever. Might as well take advantage of all these reporters being here. I wasn't looking forward to trying to gather so many reporters on such short notice to ensure that the news spread," Clovis mused.

"Is this even necessary?" Lelouch asked.

"Of course it is," Clovis said with a grin. "This is wonderful news after all."

"Yeah, wonderful," Lelouch muttered to himself in irritation. It was certainly not wonderful for him that the life he had made for himself and Nunnally away from the Royal Family had been taken from him.

Nunnally slipped her hand into Lelouch's, which was resting on the arm of her wheelchair, and squeezed it. He smiled down at her, able to repress the irritation that he had felt, and squeezed her hand in response. Nunnally didn't seem as badly affected by the knowledge that they would be returning to their lives as part of the royal family but then she didn't know the whole truth behind what happened to cause their exile to begin with.

She just thought they had been exiled to keep them safe.

Lelouch didn't have the heart to tell her the truth.

Clovis straightened up and strode toward the doors to the hospital, walking out of them while Schneizel moved to Lelouch's shoulder.

"Do you suppose Big Brother and I will be asked to speak to those reporters outside?" Nunnally asked.

"I doubt it," Schneizel said. "For one, we do not have the time since we have to leave soon, hence why I convinced Clovis to not hold that party he wanted to hold and, for another, Clovis does enjoy the spotlight a bit too much."

"Like a preening peacock," Lelouch huffed and Schneizel's lips twitched slightly but he said nothing.

. . .

Student Council Meeting Room, Ashford Academy

Shirley sat in the Student Council Meeting Room, watching the impromptu press conference Prince Clovis had called in front of the hospital that Lelouch had been admitted to. News of Lelouch being a prince and Nunnally being a princess had spread throughout the settlement, though no one at Ashford Academy had leaked the news. They were taking Milly's orders seriously, though Shirley knew that many of the girls were heartbroken now that they knew that they probably had no chance with Lelouch.

She, herself, was upset because she knew she wouldn't get a shot with him either now that he was a prince. She closed her eyes and found herself wondering if she should have just told Lelouch what she felt about him when she had spoken to him in his hospital room.

She opened her eyes and shook her head. She couldn't tell him how she felt. She just always got so flustered when she was around him and attempted to tell him about her feelings and she was sure she would have ended up a sputtering idiot if she tried. She could speak to him just fine as a friend, even lecturing and scolding him whenever he and Rivalz would ditch school to go gambling, but when it came to her feelings was when she became a tongue-tied idiot.

"People of Area 11 and of all of Britannia. Today, I, Prince Clovis la Britannia, bring you good news," Clovis stated, standing in front of the mass of reporters and cameraman that had gathered in front of the hospital. "It is with great joy in my heart that I inform you that two members of the Royal Family whom were thought to have been killed six years ago are still alive. Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally vi Britannia have been found alive and well. However, in order to ensure their safety, they will remain out of the public eye for the time being."

"Prince Clovis! Prince Clovis! Why was Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally in Area 11 to begin with?" One reporter called out.

"Unfortunately, that is information that I cannot give out. Suffice to say, it had to do with their safety," Clovis said.

Milly scoffed under her breath, causing Shirley to glance at her. "Why were they in Area 11, Milly?" she asked.

"It's not my secret to share, Shirley," Milly said.

"Your Highness! What shall happen to the prince and princess now?" Another reporter called out.

"They will return to Pendragon but they will be free to visit Area 11 whenever they wish," Clovis stated. "Now then, I will accept no other questions. I will hold an official press conference later on today to discuss this matter more."

The screen changed and reverted back to the news station that the Student Council had been watching when the impromptu press conference started, signaling that Clovis was done speaking.

"I guess this means that they're going to be leaving soon," Rivalz said, looking sad. "I'm gonna miss him."

"I think we all will," Milly said and glanced toward Nina who looked up from her computer screen.

She nodded slowly in response. Nina would miss Lelouch. He was always nice and respectful toward her and they were on the same level when it came to intelligence to where they could actually discuss things that went over the heads of the rest of the Student Council. She saw a somewhat kindred spirit in Lelouch, even if he was lazy and skipped school a lot.

Shirley sighed sadly. "I hope we'll be able to see him again," she said.

The others nodded in agreement.

. . .

Pacific Coast Airport, Pendragon

Pendragon hadn't changed at all since Lelouch had last seen it. A metropolitan city of lights, beautiful gardens, and sprawling palaces and estates, it was beautiful and serene, untouched by war and strife. At least, that was how it looked like on the outside. Lelouch knew of just how much corruption existed within Pendragon's pristine walls.

He kept those thoughts to himself though and kept his face blank and impassive as the private plane that Schneizel had arrived in Area 11 in made its landing. He would be meeting with the Emperor in the morning, since it was too late to meet with him now and the Emperor had already informed Schneizel that the meeting would take place the next day. Lelouch was already attempting to figure out just what to say to keep the Emperor from harming Nunnally.

Bowing his head to the Emperor still made him furious though.

One of the things Lelouch was sure the Emperor would ask him was why he hadn't come forward after the invasion ended but Lelouch, after much thinking during the trip from Area 11—since he couldn't sleep, though Nunnally had fallen asleep rather quickly—had figured out just what to say. And as long as he did not say it in such a way that could be taken as an accusation then it should work to keep the Emperor off his back.

He knew that the hardest thing for him to do would be to keep the hatred and contempt he felt for the Emperor at bay.

He yawned and looked down at Nunnally who was fast asleep in her seat, her head pillowed on his shoulder and her hand clasping his. He smiled to himself. At least she can get to sleep, he thought, wishing he had been able to since he was starting to feel the effects of jetlag.

The plane landed and Lelouch gently nudged Nunnally awake, causing her to squeeze his hand and then slowly sit up, using her free hand to rub the sleep out of her closed eyes. Lelouch gently picked her up and carried her to the wheelchair, placing her in it.

"Thank you," Nunnally said with a smile.

"You're welcome," Lelouch said and yawned again.

Nunnally giggled. "You sound tired. You should've tried to get some sleep," she said.

"I did. Sleep didn't like me apparently," Lelouch said dryly and Nunnally giggled again, which brought a small smile to the older brother's lips. Even if he was going to be forced back into the folds of the Royal Family, at least he had Nunnally with him. And, while he didn't want Nunnally to ever be used as a political tool again and was going to do whatever he had to in order to prevent that from happening, it was refreshing to hear his little sister's innocent laughter.

A horde of Britannian soldiers were there to escort Lelouch and Nunnally and Schneizel, who was joined by his assistant Kanon, turned to them. "I will take my leave now. These men will escort you to the Aries Villa. I will be there in the morning to escort you to the palace," he said.

Lelouch nodded and Schneizel strode off with Kanon walking behind him while Lelouch, pushing Nunnally's wheelchair, followed the soldiers, examining the interior of the airport they landed at as he walked. It was dark and there weren't many people out and about at that time of day but the fact that the airport was a private one, primarily for the arrival and leaving of members of the royal family, meant their trek to the cars was uninterrupted.

They had only brought with them what they had managed to quickly grab when they had gone back to Ashford Academy to get their stuff before they left. They were only told to take what they absolutely needed and that everything else could be replaced; so Lelouch made sure to grab anything that held sentimental value. The locket that Shirley had given him still hung around his neck. He refused to take it off.

There was a car parked outside and Lelouch gently lifted Nunnally into the car, putting her seatbelt on while one of the soldiers folded up the wheelchair and put it in the back. They were certainly very serious, doing everything that needed to be done and not showing any emotion while they did so. Just like a soldier; just going about obeying orders like some dog for its master.

Lelouch grimaced to himself as he climbed into the back of the car next to Nunnally, thankful that she couldn't see it. He was going to be one of those in the near future, thanks to that bastard Emperor's decision regarding his future.

He lifted the locket into his hands and clicked it open, gazing at the picture of himself, Nunnally, and the Student Council and smiled to himself as he thought about the promise he had made Shirley.

…I'll never forget about you, any of you, Shirley. I promise.

"Big Brother?" Nunnally said.

Lelouch turned to his sister. "Yes, Nunnally?" he asked.

Nunnally turned her face toward him. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine. Just thinking about our future here and everything that's happened," Lelouch admitted.

"Oh. I hope that our future will be a happy one," Nunnally said with a smile.

Gazing at his sister, Lelouch found himself smiling. "I'm sure it will be, Nunnally," he said.

Right then and there, he made himself another promise. I will have my revenge, I will destroy Britannia, and I will ensure that Nunnally's future is a happy one, no matter what it takes. He closed the locket and clenched his fingers around it; the locket would serve as his reminder of his promise and his quest to get his revenge and destroy Britannia.

. . .

Aries Villa, Pendragon

Aries Villa hadn't changed much, if at all, since Lelouch had last seen it, except for the entrance hall. When he entered the entrance hall with Nunnally, he was instantly overcome by a flashback; of shattered glass, of his mother's bullet-ridden, bloodstained body, of his little sister's terrified, crying, and shaking form…

It was only because of Nunnally's concerned query that Lelouch was able to break out of the flashback and he assured her that he was all right. He tried not to think about that grand staircase as a tall, slim woman with long, fiery red hair dressed in a maid outfit joined him and bowing. "Your Highness," she said. "I am Mari Storm. I'm the head of the staff here. We were told you were arriving and have already prepared yours and Princess Nunnally's bedrooms as I am sure you've had a long flight and would like to rest."

"Thank you and, please, call me Lelouch," Lelouch said.

Mari looked surprised.

Lelouch gave her a patient smile. "I'm not exactly comfortable being referred to as 'your Highness' anymore," he explained.

"Oh, uh, of course, your…I mean, Lelouch," the maid said quickly.

"You can call me Nunnally too," Nunnally piped up and then yawned, adding, "I guess I didn't get enough sleep on the plane ride."

"No doubt the jetlag is catching up to you too," Lelouch said, glancing at his sister with a fond smile and then turning to Mari. "Will you escort us to our rooms?"

"Of course, your…er…Lelouch. This way," Mari said and led the way past the grand staircase to where an elevator would take them to the upper floors.

Lelouch's room was large, easily the same size as his and Nunnally's rooms combined in the wing they lived in at the Student Clubhouse. It was done in gentle earth tones with pale-brown carpet, forest green curtains that swayed in the breeze coming from the open windows, and a large canopy bad with a dark-green comforter.

The entire villa felt like something was missing though. It just didn't have the same feel that it had when Lelouch's mother had been alive. It just felt like a quiet, empty tomb.

"Princess Nunnally's room is right across the hall, your…Lelouch," Mari said.

"Thank you," Lelouch said again and dismissed the head of staff, who bowed and left, closing the door quietly behind her.

Lelouch wandered over to the bed and laid down on it. It was comfortable and Lelouch was tired. He didn't even bother on changing out of his clothes and, before long, he was fast asleep.

. . .

March 7, 2016

Imperial Palace, Pendragon

The Imperial Palace

Lelouch gazed at it with utter loathing in his eyes as the car he and his brother Schneizel were riding in made its way toward it. He had been woken up at seven in the morning by Mari who had laid out the clothing that he would be wearing for his audience with the Emperor. It was uncomfortable, mostly because Lelouch hadn't warn such fancy clothing since he had been exiled six years ago.

He was dressed in a black tunic bordered with gold that fell to his waist and black slacks over which was a black overcoat bordered by gold and with a dark-purple lining. It was similar to what he wore six years earlier. He had no idea who was behind it but, since it kind of reminded him of the Ashford Academy uniform, he let it slide.

Once they were outside the palace, Lelouch and Schneizel left the car and entered the palace. "I've already informed the rest of our siblings about when you and Nunnally were to arrive but only a few have agreed to actually come and greet you in person," Schneizel said as they walked down the elaborate hallway toward the throne room. "They are going to meet up at the Aries Villa after your meeting with the Emperor."

"You didn't have to accompany me," Lelouch said.

Schneizel glanced down at him. "I have something I have to report to the Emperor anyway so I thought I may as well come along with you, though he will likely want to speak with you first," he said.

They came to a stop in front of the throne room and the herald next to the door was quick to slip into the throne room to announce Lelouch's arrival.

He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, held his head high, and completely banished any and all emotion from his face.

"Now announcing Prince Lelouch vi Britannia, Eleventh Prince and seventeenth heir to the throne," the herald stated.

Lelouch, keeping his head held high, walked into the throne room as soon as the announcement was finished and walked down the aisle that was lined by nobility who were quick to start murmuring among themselves. He ignored them, his impassive gaze fixed on the Emperor seated on his throne, looking down at him with cool, unreadable purple eyes.

Lelouch came to a stop at the throne and, biting back his pride, knelt down, lowering his head and crossing a fist above his heart as was the signal of loyalty. "I, Lelouch vi Britannia, have returned and do humbly ask for your forgiveness," he said all the while having to bite back the bile that rose up in the back of his throat and not lift his head lest the Emperor see the disgust and hatred that glowed in his eyes that he was trying his hardest to repress.

There was a long moment of silence, then: "You will all leave us," Emperor Charles zi Britannia ordered, much to Lelouch's surprise and to the surprise of the nobility that were gathered. They, nonetheless, left, murmuring amongst themselves. While they did that, Lelouch finally managed to repress the negative feelings he was feeling and once again adopted a look of impassiveness.

"Rise, Lelouch," Charles ordered and Lelouch rose to his feet, lifting his head as he did so.

The Emperor left his throne and started to circle around Lelouch almost as if he was a bird of prey and Lelouch was the prey. "Why have you returned now after so long?" Charles asked, his voice cool. Lelouch was able to keep his feelings under control by adopting a poker face. It was due to that poker face that Lelouch was able to gamble as effectively as he had and it helped in preventing the Emperor from seeing what he truly felt. That was unless the Emperor already knew. Lelouch hadn't exactly hidden how he felt when the Emperor refused to look into his mother's assassination more thoroughly and had decided to use Lelouch and Nunnally as bargaining chips after all.

"Because my identity was revealed while I was in Area 11 and Brother Clovis decided that I was to return here to Pendragon, Your Majesty," Lelouch answered, deciding to be honest for the time being.

"And why did you not return sooner?" Charles asked, coming to a stop in front of Lelouch.

"Because I did not know whether I was allowed to return, Your Majesty," Lelouch said, sprinkling a little truth in with the lie. That was something that Lelouch had taught himself a long time ago and was what made him a good liar. He wasn't exactly lying though; while he was sure he would have been allowed to return, he and Nunnally had been ordered to Japan as bargaining chips and thus he made it seem as though he didn't know whether that order remained standing or not after the invasion.

Charles observed him for a long moment. "You have grown up, Lelouch," he stated finally. "You are no longer the child you were when you first came before me. Am I correct?"

"I have grown up to see that I had acted like a rash, reckless, stupid child. I am no longer that way," Lelouch said, keeping his voice level.

"Hmm." Charles studied him once again. "You are still of use to me. I trust Schneizel has already informed you about my decision regarding you and your sister, yes?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lelouch said.

"Good. I will give you and your sister one week to make your decision on where it is you will go. You will inform Schneizel of your decision," Charles said. "But you must prove that you will be useful to me, Lelouch." The or else threat was not said but Lelouch could hear it in the Emperor's tone and see it in the Emperor's cold eyes.

"I shall, Your Majesty," Lelouch promised. For Nunnally, he thought.

"Good. You are dismissed," Charles said and strode back to his throne.

Lelouch bowed again, turned around, and walked out of the throne room, keeping his face expressionless the entire time, even though that entire conversation with the Emperor had really done a number on his pride.

Schneizel stood up as Lelouch left the throne room. "Did all go well?" he asked.

"As well as I expected," Lelouch answered.

Schneizel nodded. "The car is waiting outside. It will take you back to the Aries Villa. I am sure that the siblings who wished to see you are already there," he said and then headed toward the throne room, entering as soon as the herald announced him.

Lelouch left the Imperial Palace, glad to be out in the open air. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as the warm spring breeze ruffled his hair, and relaxed. Opening his eyes, he walked over to the car, nodding his thanks to the driver who opened the door for him.

"Back to Aries Villa, Your Highness?" the driver asked.

"Yes," Lelouch replied and the driver bowed, closing the door, and moving around the car to get into the driver's side.

Lelouch relaxed against the plush seat, crossing his legs and gazing out the window as the car drove away from the Imperial Palace. He mused that it was rather easy for him to slip back into the role of prince.

I suppose it comes from living over half my life as a prince, Lelouch thought.

. . .

Aries Villa, Pendragon

Nunnally was in the parlor, drinking a cup of tea that Mari had been nice enough to make for her, and thinking about everything that had happened and what would happen now. She figured that her Big Brother would tell her when he got back from his meeting with their father. She didn't know what that meeting was about but knew that her big brother wasn't exactly happy about it, even if he didn't admit it out loud. She, somehow, just knew that Lelouch wasn't happy.

The door opened and Nunnally turned toward it. "Yes?" She said.

"Forgive me, Your…I mean Nunnally," Mari's voice said. "But you have a couple of visitors."

"Who?" Nunnally asked curiously.

"Princess Cornelia li Britannia and Princess Euphemia li Britannia," Mari replied.

Nunnally beamed at the mention of her two favorite half-sisters. "Send them in," she said with a bright smile.

"Yes, Your…Nunnally," Mari said and Nunnally heard her walk out of the room, closing the door politely behind her.

Only a few minutes passed by before the door opened and a cry of "Nunnally!" sounded just before Nunnally felt arms wrap around her, nearly causing her to drop the tea cup in her hand. Thankfully, it was empty.

She smiled because she recognized the voice and the familiar scent of jasmine. "Euphie!" She said and, putting the teacup down, wrapped her arms around Euphie.

"Oh, I've missed you so much," Euphie exclaimed, pulling back, a soft sob escaping her lips. "I thought…we all thought…but you're here. You're alive!"

"Don't cry, Euphie," Nunnally said gently, hearing the quiet sob. "I'm here. I'm still alive."

"I'm so glad," Euphie said.

"Is Nellie with you?" Nunnally asked.

"I'm here but a certain sister of mine is preventing me from greeting you as well," Cornelia's amused voice sounded and Euphie mumbled an apology before releasing Nunnally. A moment later, she felt Cornelia's arms encircle her and smiled.

"I'm glad you're alive, Nunnally," Cornelia said, releasing her a few moments later. "Where's Lelouch?"

"He went to speak with the Emperor. He should be back soon," Nunnally said. "Do you want to sit down and wait for him with me? Mari can bring you some tea or something." She heard Euphie flop into an armchair followed by a small chuckle from Cornelia.

"Very princess-like, Euphie," Cornelia said and Nunnally heard her take a seat as well.

The door opened again and Nunnally heard the shuffle of feet on the carpet. "Is there anything you need, Nunnally?" Mari said.

"Do you think you can get some tea for Nellie and Euphie?" Nunnally asked.

"I can. What kind of tea would you like, Your Highnesses?" Mari asked, directing the question at the other two princesses in the room.

"Black tea is fine for me," Cornelia said. "Two cubes of sugar and that's it."

"I'll have green tea. Four cubes of sugar please," Euphie said.

"Yes, Your Highnesses," Mari said and Nunnally heard her leave the room.

"Like you need any more sugar, Euphie," Cornelia said and then shifted in her seat. "What happened, Nunnally? We all got the news."

"It's a long story," Nunnally admitted. "Big Brother can probably explain it better than me."

"Explain what better than you?" Lelouch's familiar voice sounded and Nunnally turned toward it.

"Lelouch!" Euphie cried and there was the rush of feet followed by a startled yelp from Lelouch and a thud.

"Euphie!" Cornelia groaned and Nunnally started laughing since she had just pictured what just happened.

. . .

Once he had arrived at the Aries Villa, Lelouch was quick to find Mari who told him that Nunnally was in the parlor with guests. When she told him who their guests were, he had to smile; Cornelia and Euphie were his favorite half-sisters. Naturally, they would never take Nunnally's spot but they were close seconds.

He made his way into the parlor just in time to hear Nunnally say, "Big Brother can probably explain it better than me."

"Explain what better than you?" he asked, causing two sets of eyes to turn toward him.

"Lelouch!" Euphie cried, jumping out of the armchair she had flopped into and running across the floor to launch herself at him. He let out a startled yelp as Euphie crashed into him, catching him off guard and knocking him off his feet, sending them both sprawling to the ground.

"Euphie!" Cornelia groaned, hand over her face as she stared at Euphie who was now sitting on Lelouch's stomach, a sheepish smile on her face while Nunnally was laughing.

Lelouch, meanwhile, was trying hard not to react to the sudden pain that sparked in his chest from the sudden collision with the floor. "Euphie, I'm glad…to see you too but…please get off," he said through gritted teeth.

Euphie gasped as if she had just realized something and quickly scrambled off him. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I forgot!" she gasped as Lelouch sat up, one hand on his chest but it didn't feel as if the wound had reopened. He hadn't thought hitting the floor like that would reopen it but it had hurt.

"What happened?" Nunnally asked concerned.

"Don't worry about it, Nunnally," Lelouch said, pushing himself to his feet and ignoring the twinge of pain in his back.

Euphie still looked guilty. "I'm sorry, Lelouch," she said. "I forgot that you had just gotten out of the hospital only yesterday."

Lelouch's eyes softened and he placed a hand on Euphie's shoulder. "It's okay, Euphie," he assured the pink-haired princess. He always did have a soft spot for Euphie.

She bit her lip and then gave him a hug that was gentler, smiling. "It's so good to see you though," she said, releasing him. "When I heard the news, I was devastated."

"We both were," Cornelia said as she moved to Euphie's side and also pulled Lelouch into a hug, albeit a brief one. She stepped back and studied him, a small frown on her face. "Have you been eating at all? You look like a twig."

"Thanks, Nellie, really," Lelouch said dryly. The nickname that he and Nunnally used for Cornelia ever since they were little slipped out rather easily but he didn't bother on taking it back. "So what were we talking about anyway?"

"I was telling them that you might be able to explain what happened during and after the invasion better than me," Nunnally said.

"What did happen? How did you survive? Why didn't you contact us sooner?" Euphie asked.

Lelouch sighed and decided on giving them an abridged version of the actual story. "Let's sit down," he said and walked over to an armchair and sat down; Cornelia and Euphie followed suit.

The door opened and Mari walked in carrying a tray with two steaming cups of tea. She placed it on the table and bowed to Lelouch. "Is there anything you require, your…er….Lelouch?" she asked, quickly amending her question when Lelouch gave her a look.

"Nothing at the moment, Mari. Thank you though," he said.

Mari bowed and left the parlor.

Cornelia raised an eyebrow as she picked up her tea and blew on it to cool it down. She then sipped at it as she waited for Lelouch to start speaking.

"We were lucky," Lelouch said. "When the airstrikes began, Nunnally and I, along with a friend we had made within the family we had been placed with when we arrived, had been outside. It was difficult but, thanks to that friend of ours, we were able to get clear of the danger. After that, we split up, Nunnally and I headed to find the Ashfords and have been staying with them ever since."

"Why didn't you just go to the Britannians when the invasion began?" Cornelia asked.

Lelouch hesitated. "We were scared and all we could think about was getting away from the danger," he said, not wanting to bring Suzaku into the picture. He pushed the memory of the invasion out of his mind though since thinking about the Japanese boy he had become friends with brought with it bittersweet memories.

"Can we talk about something else?" Nunnally asked. He knew that she didn't really care for talking about what happened after they were forced to leave the Kururugi Shrine with Suzaku.

"What would you like to talk about then, Nunnally?" Lelouch asked.

"What's going to happen to us now, Big Brother?" Nunnally asked.

"Well, the Emperor has already made his decision for us, Nunnally," Lelouch said. "Schneizel told me about it while we were still in Area 11 but the Emperor just confirmed it today. We're both given a choice. Yours is you can decide to stay here in Pendragon or you can return to Area 11 and continue your schooling at Ashford Academy."

"And what about you?" Nunnally asked.

Lelouch's lips twitched into a slight grimace before his face went impassive. "The Emperor has insisted that I enlist in the military," he said. "But I get to choose where I will enlist; whether it will be here in Pendragon or in Area 11."

"The military?" Euphie echoed.

Lelouch nodded. "It's up to you, Nunnally," he said.

"Me?" Nunnally's face showed surprise.

"Yes. I go wherever you decide to go," Lelouch said. "The Emperor has given us a week to decide."

Nunnally bit her lip and then said, "I want to go back to Area 11."

"You do, Nunnally?" Euphie said, surprised. "B…But you just got back!"

"I know," Nunnally said with a smile. "But I've made so many friends at Ashford Academy and I feel so comfortable there."

"Are you sure, Nunnally?" Lelouch asked. "You do still have a week to decide."

"I'm sure," Nunnally said. "It was great getting to speak to you two again, Euphie, Nellie, but I really just feel comfortable at Ashford and don't want to leave all my friends, even if everyone will know I'm a princess when I go back, I still wanna go back. I like being able to attend an actual school, even with my special classes and my teachers are all wonderful."

"If you really are sure, Nunnally, then that's my decision as well," Lelouch said. He wasn't going to go far from Nunnally. If she was going to return to Area 11, then he would as well.

"We can still keep in contact, right?" Euphie asked. "I mean, both of you sound like you've made your decision."

"Sure we can, Euphie," Nunnally said with a big smile. "And with Nellie too, if possible."

"I probably won't be able to respond that often," Cornelia admitted. "I'm returning to the Middle East in a few days. I only took a few days of leave to come see you after Schneizel gave me the news. Just take care of yourselves, Lelouch, Nunnally."

"We will," Nunnally said.

. . .

Imperial Palace, Pendragon

Schneizel remained where he knelt in front of his father as he waited for the Emperor to respond to his report on the situation he had discovered in the Europia United right before he had returned to Pendragon and before he had gone to Area 11. The Emperor was silent, looking deep in thought.

"And you are sure that they have infiltrated the areas?" he asked.

"Yes. We have received reports that they have infiltrated as many as five Areas. I do not yet know if the others have been infiltrated or not, Your Majesty," Schneizel said, his face as calm and cool as his voice.

"Hmm. Which areas are these?"

"Areas 3, 5, 8, 9, and 11," Schneizel said.

"There has been a pretty strong terrorist presence in Area 11," the Emperor mused. "Has Clovis been made aware of this situation?"

"Not yet, Your Majesty. I shall inform him as soon as possible," Schneizel said.

"Let's see how Clovis handles this situation," the Emperor said.

"What of the other areas? Shall I send warning to them as well?"

"Do what you think is best," the Emperor said dismissively.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

. . .

March 14, 2016

Pendragon

For the next week, Lelouch and Nunnally spent most of their time with Euphie and Cornelia, until Cornelia had to leave. (1) During that time, Lelouch also focused on trying to get into shape for the basic training he would have to go through. He did make sure to take it easy at first since he was still recovering and really didn't want to accidentally reopen his wound. Euphie also came to visit them every day after Cornelia left and until the day that they would leave.

On the day of their departure, Lelouch had a meeting with his brother Schneizel in the study at the Aries Villa. Sitting at the desk across from the chessboard that Schneizel had set up, Lelouch studied his older brother. "So what's this about?" he asked as Schneizel gestured for him to make the first move. He moved a pawn forward and Schneizel responded by moving one of his own pawns forward.

"I just wanted to warn you. There is a lot terrorist activity arising in Area 11," Schneizel said as Lelouch made his move and he countered by taking one of his pawns. "I have no doubt that you will be placed in charge of a regiment once you complete basic training."

"Oh?" Lelouch raised an eyebrow as he moved his bishop to take Schneizel's knight.

"It is not uncommon," Schneizel said simply, his rook moving in to take Lelouch's bishop. "And it will help with our plan."

"What, exactly, is our plan? You haven't explained it yet," Lelouch said, moving his own rook to take out Schneizel's.

Schneizel's lips pulled back in a small smile. "For now, it is helping you to garner a reputation. Check." He had moved his second knight, putting Lelouch's King in danger and he quickly moved it out of the way. "And prestige as well as a better understanding of just how the military works. Check." He had moved his queen and placed Lelouch's king in danger again. He countered by using his own queen to take out Schneizel's and put his King in jeopardy.

"Check. So my part in the plan is to garner a reputation and prestige in the military," Lelouch said.

"Yes, for now," Schneizel said, moving his second bishop to take Lelouch's queen. "Checkmate."

Lelouch studied the board and sighed as he realized Schneizel, as usual, got the better of him. Someday, he would beat Schneizel in a chess game but it wasn't that day.

Schneizel stood up and, after putting the board and its pieces away, pulled something out of his pocket and held it out. Lelouch took it, recognizing it as a thumb drive. "On there is a list of all of my allies. Since we are working together, they're your allies as well," he said.

Lelouch nodded, slipping the thumb drive into the pocket of his slacks.

"Big Brother! The car's here!" Nunnally called.

"I'm coming," Lelouch called back and left the room to join his sister and Mari who had offered to push Nunnally's wheelchair.

When they reached the private airport, Euphie was there to see them off. She hugged both of them and then said, "Please keep in contact."

"We will, Euphie," Lelouch assured her.

She smiled and waved as Lelouch and Nunnally, with Mari behind them, headed for the plane that would take them back to Area 11.

. . .

(1): If you want to know what ends up happening during that week, keep an eye on my collection of oneshots and short stories called The Tales of Geass. It's where I'll post short stories and oneshots that couldn't fit in the main story for both Rise of the Black King and my other Code Geass fic Divergence because they would detract from the plot.

. . .

A/n what do you think?

Blaze: and that was the fifteen page Pendragon episode

Bakura: are you ever going to return to Pendragon?

Blaze: actually, based on the outline, the fact that things are going to get darker, and, as proven in the first chapter, the fact that Lelouch is not incapable of getting hurt, probably

Bakura: didn't you just spoil what you have planned?

Blaze: how can I spoil something I haven't exactly planned out yet?

Suzaku: but you just said…

Blaze: it's what I'm considering on happening but it just depends if things fall into place as I want them to up until where I currently am in the outline. In the outline, this will happen but I don't always follow the outline exactly as I have it outlined. The outline is basically just brainstorming for me.

Lelouch: in other words, you don't know how this story's going to end?

Blaze: actually, I have a very good idea of how this story's going to end. It's all a matter of getting there now

Lelouch: I see

Charles: hello

Suzaku: wait, you got a nuke dropped on you? How the hell are you still alive?

Charles: ask Blaze

Suzaku: (turns to Blaze)

Blaze: (shrugs) I enjoy torturing the characters I hate so I always bring them back to life in order to ensure that they can keep being tortured

Suzaku: how the hell do you do that?

Blaze: (holds up the Numeron Code from Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal) I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexalby the way

Lelouch: I'm not complaining (pulls out flamethrower)

Suzaku: where the heck did you get that? Wait, Weapons Building, never mind

Blaze: (chuckles) I hope that you enjoyed this chapter but, be warned, this is probably the only time that I'm going to update this story as quickly as I have. The next update will be sometime next week….possibly. As always, reviews are much appreciated and thank you for reading.