A/N: First I want to thank you guys for the reviews and feedback, and although this chapter is probably going to be the shortest so far it's merely a prelude to what will happen next chapter. I tried to make it a little longer, but I found what seemed to be a good cut off point.

So let us move forward now.

2/13/18: edited and cleaned up.

"Dialog from a flashback and the person reading something in their mind."

Thoughts (unless used to emphasize a word in a sentence)

Chapter 10

The calm before the storm

The following day Lelouch had been busy knowing that with Clovis dead, although it had yet to be announced publicly. Lelouch suspected that given recent events surrounding Monokuma, the death of the Chinese Federation ambassador, the murder of the Knight of a Round in Area 11, the leadership of Area 11's government feared that announcing his demise to the public would lead to anarchy. It likely didn't help them that the killer, thanks in no small part to Lelouch's new power, just walked in and notably shot the Viceroy at point blank range.

If they couldn't explain how a severe lapse in security occurred without the assassin in custody, then it would only be worse for them.

Some his time was spent right now visiting with Mr. Vendeur, who was to help Lelouch with one part of his preparations. Of course, given what he had in mind Lelouch subjugated the old man under his Geass as soon as he arrived and gave him some explicit commands with some precise instructions.

"Mr. Vendeur I command that you have an outfit using this inspiration as a base for the design," Lelouch said as he handed the old man a folded up piece of paper. "I need the mask able to slide open over the left eye. Then, once you are finished, and I have the finished product I want you to destroy all evidence of everything you have done related to this order and all evidence of us ever meeting including forgetting you saw me at all during that time. I will require two copies of this suit and mask. This should help cover all necessary expenses including extra to help silence anyone who might ask questions. If it doesn't work, contact me and provide with all of their information to track them down."

Lelouch gave Mr. Vendeur a stack of Britannian Banknotes, which included the cost of the costume, its production, and materials along with extra to buy the silence of anyone who might ask questions.

"Yes sir and I'll have the best in the business to work on it, but the slide system for the mask might take time."

"Excellent, but do not worry about rushing. I want this to be of exceptional quality, so I do not want this to be rushed."

Lelouch wasn't the only one busy in the wake of Clovis's demise. Junko as Monokuma wasn't wasting time, but unlike Lelouch, she was preparing for another event that was sure to unleash chaos and despair upon Area 11. She was controlling Monokuma from the secret control room as he was relaying orders to various sub-leaders of Ultimate Despair. This was because Junko had just finished going over the casualty report related to the members of the military slain in the battle for Shinjuku Ghetto.

The name Suzaku Kururugi was nowhere to be found.

Junko was smiling maliciously as she had a hunch as to what became of Suzaku afterward. She was only waiting for her contacts to confirm it, but if she was right then a golden opportunity to further destroy the government's credibility and the public's faith in the military and law enforcement. Not to mention if the Purist Faction acts as she is anticipating, assuming her suspicions regarding Suzaku are correct, then she'll be able to destroy them as well.

"So what's the verdict?" Junko asked upon noticing that Tsumugi Shirogane had entered the room.

"I've confirmed that Suzaku didn't just only survive being shot in the back, but he was chosen to pilot ASEEC's prototype the Z-01 Lancelot."

"Oh, that is very interesting."

"Yes, our contacts within the military have confirmed it with a transfer notice of Suzaku being transferred into the Advance Special Envoy Engineering Corps this morning" Tsumugi added as she adjusted her glasses.

"I want them to keep an eye on those idiots belonging to the Purist Faction. I'll bet ten grand they pull a power play with Clovis out of the picture."

Tsumugi seemed doubtful, "is that wise given the scandal involving Kewell Soresi only recently?"

"That is exactly why they would pull a publicity stunt by framing someone like Suzaku who was the son of Japan's last Prime Minister who was involved in the battle even if he helped them."

The blue haired teen understood Junko's reasoning. "I see they are desperately trying to salvage their reputation."

"And their desperate need for a scapegoat is what will doom them and cause chaos to spread like wildfire before leaving despair in its wake."

All Junko needed for her plan to come together was for the Purist Faction to follow through on her expectations.

"I want to be told the moment Suzaku gets arrested because I am planning something big for when they parade him to the courthouse."

Following his visit to Mr. Vendeur, the former prince was sitting at a fountain located in a small park outside of Hope's Peak Academy. He had just finished delivering the papers necessary for his admittance to the school. The female clerk at the desk quickly processed his paper collecting some additional information. He was finished much quicker than he was expecting, although Lelouch had some issues with school security when he arrived. Once he showed them his paperwork, he was allowed entry to meet with the administrator clerk.

Lelouch thought about exploring the school, but it didn't seem possible until he was an official student. With some extra time, Lelouch decided to explore the grounds outside the academy, but there was much to speak of so Lelouch chose to rest sitting at a bench by a fountain in the heart of a small park.

Security here seems tighter compared to most government buildings I have seen.

Lelouch's cell phone began going off, prompting him to answer it. He saw Sayoko's name on the caller ID just as he took the call.

"Hello, Sayoko."

"How did it go?"

"It went surprisingly faster than I had expected," Lelouch said as he leaned back against the bench. "I thought I would take a look around before I come back, but I guess that isn't possible."

"I am glad to hear that, but when do you plan on telling the others?"

Lelouch sighed at this, although he knew Milly might react the most to his departure yet it wasn't like he would be gone forever. He made arrangements to continue staying at Ashford Academy thanks to his sister still attending the middle school division. Commuting from Ashford Academy to Hope's Peak wouldn't be much of a problem, but Lelouch began to wonder if obtaining his own place might be a good idea considering he might be much busier in the weeks to come.

The further I keep Nunnally away from my efforts to crush Britannia the better.

Lelouch had no intention of losing to Britannia of course, but he would be an idiot not to plan for the worst-case scenario. His discussions with Mukuro and what had happened yesterday has driven that point home. No matter how well he might prepare for the future unknown factors beyond his control could doom him if he wasn't careful.

"I'll tell them soon, but I just don't want my departure," Lelouch paused for a moment to consider his next words carefully, "to be too much of a big deal."

In fact, when Lelouch made the arrangements to keep his living conditions at Ashford Academy, he had made sure to keep it clear that Milly was to stay in the dark. He knew she would find out eventually, because she had ways of learning about such things, so the longer he could delay it the better.

Sayoko chuckled on the other side, "I understand, but that could…make it more chaotic."

"Fair enough, but it doesn't sound like it will end well either way," Lelouch answered before deciding to begin wrapping up the conversation. "Anyway, I should go, but I'll see you and Nunnally this afternoon."

"Very well, I'll see you later then."

"I shall, goodbye," Lelouch said before hanging up, but moments later a girl to his right asked.

"Hajime?"

The girl was shorter than Lelouch by eight inches even though, he didn't know it yet, she was a year older than he was. She has light-pink hair that is slightly curled at the ends hanging down to her shoulders. She wore a white hair clip with a spaceship modeled after those from the game Galaga on the bangs on the left side of her head.

She possessed a fair skin complexion and pale pink eyes. Like all female students from the main course, she wore the standard dress shirt, skirt, and red ribbon tie. However, under the uniform jacket, she wore a cream-colored hoodie instead with hood possessing hornlike points and pink eyes making it identical to video game character. The last of her attire consists of a pink backpack with a cat's head, and she wore a pair of black thigh high socks and white loafers.

"Excuse me," Lelouch replied politely, but his confusion was evident on his face.

"I am sorry I thought you were someone I knew? Your voice sounds exactly like his."

"Really," Lelouch inquired, "do we look alike?"

"No, his hair is a different color with an ahoge on top, and his eyes were different too," the girl answered, "but you do look to be as tall as he is."

"I see," Lelouch replied, "I am sorry about getting your hopes up Miss..."

"I am Chiaki Nanami."

"Lelouch Lamperouge," The former prince said, introducing himself, "are you a student at Hope's Peak?"

Chiaki nodded her head.

"I'll be attending myself in the next couple days."

"Oh, and what is your title? I am the Ultimate Gamer."

"Ultimate Strategist."

Chiaki's expression indicated that she was intrigued by his title as she tilted her head to one side. "What kind of games do you like?"

"Chess is one of my favorites, but I suppose if I go over the games I have played I would have to say," Lelouch said pausing to consider a list of favorite games. "To name some that left a positive impression would be Civilization, Starcraft, Gala Omega, Double Dragon II and..."

Lelouch was abruptly interrupted as Chiaki moved closer to Lelouch, so much so that he could feel her breath on him as she was inches from his face. She had even leaned forward to be close as possible.

"REALLY," Chiaki exclaimed excitedly, "You played Double Dragon II and Gala Omega!"

"Uh-yes," Lelouch replied as he was caught off guard by Chiaki's passion for the subject of video games. "Seven years ago I had a friend who played Double Dragon II. I usually don't play fighting games, but he convinced me to play."

Lelouch answered while recalling in the past that Suzaku asked him to play because he didn't have anyone else to play the game with. On the one hand, Lelouch suspected it was because Suzaku had always found Lelouch easy to beat in the two-player versus mode. Suzaku couldn't beat him at any other games, except blackjack where he oddly got all of the right numbers, until one day Lelouch did beat Suzaku in Double Dragon II.

He was probably careless that day.

The young prince played Gala Omega with Nunnally and his half-sister Euphemia, who both loved the game themselves and pressed Lelouch into playing it with them when they were children.

"Hardly anyone plays those games anymore," Chiaki commented happily.

"Yeah, I recall some copies were lost during the invasion."

"I still have the game consoles too, but they weren't easy to hold on to."

"I don't doubt that," Lelouch said before deciding to ask, "so was your friend a serious gamer like you?"

"Well," Chiaki was thoughtful for a moment, "he was kinda an average guy, but he was the only person I knew who played Gala Omega around five times."

"I see, so do you know what happened to him?"

"I don't know what happened to him." Chiaki said as her expression saddened slightly, "We used to meet up here everyday, but one day he just stopped showing up. I don't know what happened to him. My teacher told me he was fine, but I still haven't seen him."

Lelouch's eyes narrowed as a thought came to mind.

"Was he in the same class as you?"

"No, he was a Reserve Course student."

Could he be the student used in that experiment?

Lelouch did consider this information was too convenient, but it was a name he could use in his investigation into the project he was planning to conduct.

"His name was Hajime?"

"Yes, Hajime Hinata."

Lelouch made a mental note of that name.

"Maybe I'll ask around, and perhaps I might find out what happened to him."

"You will?" Chiaki said as her expression looked more positive than it was moments ago.

"Sure, because I am curious about meeting him now."

"It would be wonderful if you learned anything, but you are welcomed to visit our class. We are of the 77th Class."

"I see, so you are a year ahead of me then."

Chiaki nodded before adding, "We are thinking about having a video game tournament. However, we are one player short."

"Your class doesn't have a full roster of sixteen students?"

"Yeah, so you would be a big help."

"I would be interested."

Maybe it wouldn't hurt since I might find those some worth recurring later as allies. Lelouch though as he saw a potential means of gaining possible allies against Britannia in the future.

Later that day Lelouch had managed to return to the school in time for the Student Council meeting to go over the upcoming budget for the clubs next month, so far no one seemed aware of what the young man had been up to. It didn't help matters that Milly hadn't warned them about the budget nor had the spending reports from the other clubs.

Thankfully she remained unaware of his impending departure from Ashford Academy.

"Lelouch you better not think about nodding off," Milly warned with a stern tone as she slapped a large rolled up piece of paper.

"It would be a problem if you told us about this yesterday instead of waiting until the last minute," Lelouch grumbled in annoyance.

"Well we can," Milly said looking for a way to change the subject. "But there is another matter we need to discuss. Did all of you know Lelouch got accepted to Hope's Peak Academy?"

Lelouch internally groaned as he prepared himself for what was to come next, but Junko was struggling to hide the devious smile on her face as she might've let it slip anonymously about Lelouch gaining acceptance to Hope's Peak.

"YOU WHAT!?" Rivalz and Shirley exclaimed together before Lelouch felt the eyes of everyone in the room upon him.

After a moment of uneasy silence, Rivalz was the first to speak.

"Graduations buddy..."

Shirley seemed more emotional than Rivalz as she asked. "Oh Lulu, why didn't you say anything?"

"It is because there was a certain someone would've made too much of a big deal out of it," Lelouch replied prompting all eyes on Milly who stared blankly at the group for a minute before...

"Oh Lelouch," Milly began shedding tears, "how can you be so mean?! Don't you remember all those good times? How can you say I would make a big deal out of it?"

Lelouch used a free hand to massage the right temple of his head having been proven right once again.

"This is exactly why I didn't tell anyone."

"You should've said something, Lulu!" Shirley said joining the argument.

"And have a repeat of what happened during the last farewell party, we had for the departing former members of the Student Council?"

Everyone was silent, but Junko flashed a toothy grin recalling said party.

"That's why I propose someone else should plan my departure celebration, so we can hopefully avoid a huge," Lelouch suggested before pausing to choose his next words carefully, "mess..."

"Not me!?" Milly said, seemingly on the verge of tears once again.

Lelouch wasn't buying it but instead sought to choose someone who would be the safest person who could be picked to plan the party. He pointed at Mukuro who was understandably surprised by the fact Lelouch was selecting her. Just as Junko was as her jaw looked ready to fall to the ground in shock.

"WHY Mukuro!?"

"I think that's obvious Junko."

Lelouch didn't need to explain it, especially since she knew the members of the student council as well as he did.

If he had picked Shirley, then Milly could've manipulated her using teasing and more to shape the party towards her tastes. The same thing would've happened with Nina, but unlike Shirley, the busty blonde could just play the childhood friends card to get her way. Rivalz was out of the question due to his unrequited love for Milly as he would've planned the party more in Milly's favor.

Junko was out of the question because she realized Lelouch would bring up what happened during the Candy Exchange during Valentine's Day.

When one considered those facts, then it was obvious that Mukuro was the safest choice.

"But," Mukuro was apparently sure that she was the wrong person to ask, although her voice was shaken out of fear what Junko might do to her.

Of course, it would wait until they were alone; because Junko avoided mistreating her knowing Lelouch would disapprove of it, causing the young man to alienate her which Junko didn't want.

"I mean you should pick..." Mukuro tried to think of someone else, but the only person she could think of was, "Nunnally."

Lelouch had to admit in some way that choice was likely a much safer choice, but he didn't want to burden his sister with such a task. He did consider that Junko or Milly would sweet talk her into doing the party their way.

"Nunnally isn't part of the student council, and besides, she has much on her plate to deal with," Lelouch replied, although that wasn't entirely true, it wasn't entirely false either. Besides school, Nunnally had physical therapy and an occasional doctor appointment.

"Well, ok," Milly said with a sly smile, "we'll let Mukuro plan, but there is another matter we need to take care of."

"What would that be?" Rivalz inquired.

"The introduction of the newest member of the Student Council. How many of you know Kallen Stadtfeld?"

No one answered, although technically Junko and Lelouch were familiar with her.

"For those of you not familiar with her Kallen has had issue attending clubs," Milly explained since it was required of all of the students to be part of a club. "Since Kallen has been absent for a while due to her poor health it was decided by my grandfather that she join the Student Council."

Poor health, yeah fucking right. Junko thought while trying to suppress the need to laugh.

"Junko, would you mind fetching her?" Milly asked. "I guess you can bring Mukuro along. We're going to throw a party to welcome her."

"Sure, Mukuro and I can take care of that. We'll make sure she doesn't collapse or something." Junko said with a smile before waving for Mukuro come with her.

Once the two had left the rest of the student council left the meeting room to gather in the ballroom where the induction party would be held. The party's setup was simple enough as the food was being prepared by Milly with pizza being delivered to provide more variety for the celebration.

As the last minute preparations were taken care of by Rivalz and Nina, the former prince saw an opportunity to formulate a plan. Ever since Shinjuku, Lelouch has been working on the way to create a plausible excuse to meet with Kallen privately to avoid making her suspicious of him. His Geass could only work on the same person once, so he deemed it was the best he could create a situation that would give Kallen to not suspect him of anything.

With Mukuro's help, it didn't take long for Junko to track Kallen down. Once she had been found, they brought her to the ballroom of the student clubhouse.

Compared to when Lelouch had seen Kallen last she carried herself in school very differently regarding both appearance and personality if her expression was anything to go by. Her red hair was combed down straight while Kallen appeared more to be a milquetoast and withdrawn girl.

At that moment Milly arrived rolling in a cart while wearing a light blue apron.

"Is everyone here?"

The cart was loaded with large plates and a pot full of beef stew. Milly began unloading the silver pushcart with her placing the food on one of the round tables in the room as Junko put one hand on Kallen's shoulder.

"They now include the newbie!" Junko announced.

"Welcome Miss Stadtfeld," Milly greeted with a smile as she finished setting the table. "I am Milly Ashford the Student Council President, a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh," Kallen replied timidly, "it's nice to meet you too."

"I am Rivalz, the secretary, if there is anything you need, then I am your man."

"Shirley, but I am also a member of the swim club."

"Hi, my name is Nina."

"And this is soon to be our former Vice President Lelouch," Milly said, putting a hand on Lelouch's shoulder before adding, "he's going to Hope's Peak Academy."

Lelouch was annoyed if his expression was any indication, but he brushed it aside. The sooner this day was over, the better.

At that moment Nunnally appeared, as her wheelchair rolled into the room, carrying two boxes of pizza on her lap.

"I am sorry to trouble you Shirley, but could you help me put these boxes down on the table?" Nunnally asked sweetly.

"Sure thing Nunnally."

As Shirley took the pizza boxes from Nunnally, the student council president provided an introduction.

"This is Nunnally, Lelouch's little sister."

"I am only in the middle school division so I can't be part of the council."

"That's alright; you are an honorary member in our book," Rivalz noted, which Nina didn't disagree with.

"It's a nice to meet you, Kallen." Nunnally greeted kindly.

"Likewise, it's a pleasure to meet you as well."

"Ok," Junko said while hiding how bored she was, with a remote in her hand. "Why don't I put on MTV for this party?"

Little did anyone know Junko had an alternative motive for switching on the television that sat near the stairs inside the ballroom. She had received a particular text message while she and Mukuro tracked down Kallen. Seemingly unaware of it, but knowing what would be on was the best way to kill the partying and cheerful atmosphere that was making her feel nauseous. Upon turning on the television, it was displaying a breaking news report, which Junko was hoping for.

"We interrupt this program for an important announcement from the Viceroy's Palace," a female newscaster announced. "We have received word that Prince Clovis has been assassinated, although the identity of the culprit has yet to be announced we bring you live in the State Broadcast room for an announcement from Margrave Jeremiah Gottwald who has been appointed acting Viceroy until Princess Cornelia arrives to relieve him."

The next scene viewed on the television showed a man in his mid-twenties with tanned skin, blue hair and gold eyes wearing a formal blue military uniform. Standing him with we're other members of the Purist Faction. Jeremiah stood behind a podium addressing a crowd consisting of reporters and cameramen and women.

"Prince Clovis has been taken from us. He fought for peace and justice, against all of the elevens!" Jeremiah declared before dramatically raising a fist. "He died a martyr!"

What a joke that is, Lelouch scoffed internally.

"We must all bury our sorrow and carry on his will."

The scene switched back to the newsroom where Lelouch and everyone else saw the newscaster given a sheet of paper.

"We just received word that the man suspected of killing Prince Clovis has been captured." The newscaster reported before the screen switched to a live broadcast displaying a pair of soldiers escorting a clearly confused Suzaku who was wearing a prisoner jumpsuit. "Private Suzaku Kururugi, a former Eleven and Honorary Britannian."

Lelouch was utterly stunned, although Junko put upon a mask of surprise, she was grinning on the inside.

"I repeat Suzaku Kururugi has been arrested for murder."

Just like that no one was in a partying mood. Lelouch, Junko, and Mukuro were walking Kallen back using the time to give her a formal explanation of her duties as a member of the student council. Little did Kallen realize Lelouch was using it as cover for something else.

He managed to speak with Junko and Mukuro beforehand while everyone managed to partake of the feast Milly had prepared so it wouldn't go to waste.

"I can't say much except, sorry about the party ending before it began," Lelouch said as they neared the girl's dormitories. They rounded a corner while Mukuro was very discreet in being aware of their surroundings to signal Lelouch that the opportunity was right to cast his Geass on her.

"It's hardly your fault," Kallen replied, but she actually didn't mind either way, "I guess it was bad timing, but the president offered to get together tonight in the bath."

"Really, but I should tell you though," Lelouch said activating his Geass, "I want answers."

Mukuro began keeping an eye out for anyone who might happen on the scene. Junko watched as Lelouch started to interrogate Kallen as she snapped to attention entirely enthralled by Lelouch's Geass.

"Of course."

"Were you piloting the Glasgow in Shinjuku?"

"Yes."

"Why terrorism?"

"Because I am Japanese, although technically I am Half-Britannian."

"Half-Blood," Lelouch was a bit surprised, "why go so far?"

"It is because of my older brother and the friends I had who are Japanese. My mother gave me to my father when his official wife couldn't have children altering the records to hide my heritage." Kallen explained. "My brother led our resistance group originally, but he was killed before we stole the poison gas."

"I see, and what are your thoughts about the man who saved you and commanded your friends?"

"I am not sure why he helped us, but we are interested in meeting him so we can find out how he negotiated that cease-fire."

As Kallen answered, Junko moved behind Kallen before waving her right hand in front of Kallen's eyes. When she didn't respond, she proceeded to use both of her hands to grope and feel Kallen's chest and body much to Lelouch's annoyance.

"What are you doing Junko?" Lelouch said, trying to keep his voice low so he wouldn't draw attention, but despite Junko's actions, Kallen remained virtually motionless and unaware of the inspection Junko was conducting. Kallen stood completely still with no sign of protest or any sign of being aware of Junko's actions.

"I am curious if they are responsive to anything you do to them while under your Geass," Junko answered with a mischievous smirk. "I guess unless you order otherwise they are completely indifferent to anything else. Hell, I think I could get away with striping her naked or putting a bomb vest on her."

Lelouch tried to ignore what was happening in front of him as he put one hand over his eyes.

"Kallen, I assume you maintain contact with your resistance group? If so how?"

"Yes," Kallen replied stoically. "I use my cell phone with a location scrambler attached to it."

"Could you give me the number?" Lelouch asked before turning to Junko. "You better stop that."

Junko ceased her attacks as Kallen gave Lelouch the phone number. Once that was over Kallen was released from the influence of his Geass. Once Lelouch saw that Kallen was fully aware and in control once again, Lelouch resumed their conversation like nothing had like happened.

"You shouldn't go to that get together as the President can be quite eccentric to put it lightly. I would strongly suggest that you should skip out on that."

Kallen was slightly confused but resumed like nothing had changed as she didn't notice anything was amiss.

"I'll think about that," Kallen said as the group reached the entrance going into the dorms. Once Kallen was gone Lelouch shot Junko a glare as she and Mukuro began walking away from the dorms.

"What you did was uncalled for, what if someone saw it?"

Junko was unaffected by Lelouch's reprimand. "Mukuro would've warned us, besides you learned something new didn't you?"

"I don't see how your," Lelouch said before pausing to choose his next words carefully, "inspection was necessary."

"It would've gotten a reaction out of her. Besides, if she wasn't under Geass I am sure she would've reacted in a very...energetic way I sure."

"Just don't do it again."

Once she was inside her room, Kallen laid down on the bed. She was busy processing the news report about Suzaku being arrested for Clovis's murder, but she wondered if Suzaku was the one who had helped them in Shinjuku. Before she could give the matter any more thought her cell phone began ringing.

She pulled it out of her pocket, accepted the call without seeing who it was, and brought the receiver next to her ear.

"Hello..."

"Glad you're still alive Q-1." Lelouch leaving Kallen stunned as she recognized the voice as the same one who directed them in Shinjuku. "Sixteen hundred hours the day after tomorrow. The observation deck at Tokyo Tower. Come alone."

"WAIT!?" Kallen snapped, "WHO ARE YOU?!"

There was no response as Lelouch hung up.

The former prince began walking back to his own room, although on the one hand, he was glad Suzaku was alive the news of him being arrested would no doubt forced him to accelerate his own plans.

Even so, he was determined to save Suzaku.

As Suzaku who never would've expected he would be offered up as a scapegoat was sitting alone in his cell with his arms tightly bound because of the prison jumpsuit he was dressed in. Sitting on a chair before him outside of his cell was Lloyd who had come with his usual oddly cheerful demeanor. Considering the violent and rough treatment, he had been given since he was arrested Lloyd was a welcoming sight for the young man.

"I got good news for you," Lloyd began while smiling, "those three you asked me about were not on the list of casualties."

"That is good news," Suzaku let out a sigh of relief.

"I can't say the same for you through. No one is pulling for you, and our testimony got thrown out."

"What," Suzaku said clearly surprised, but deep down a part of him told him that this should've been expected. It was apparent he was being offered up as a scapegoat since it was painfully clear that the authorities couldn't catch the real killer.

"You'll get a trial though, but it's going to be nothing more than a well-scripted performance."

Suzaku's face changed to one of grim resignation. "I see, so be it I have no regrets."

"Not sure if that would be a good idea, especially if the real killer were to claim responsibility."

Suzaku suddenly realized something after thinking about everything that happened recently. If Suzaku was tried and executed, but then if the real killer appeared and revealed it was him or her then the people would lose complete faith in the government. Not to mention it would be a colossal embarrassment and whatever influence and power the Purist Faction had would be gone with no way of ever recovering.

"It would be pure chaos."

Lloyd adjusted his glasses with a knowing smirk on his face. "Glad to see we're on the same page, which is why I am trying to get in touch with the Prime Minister and see if we can straighten this whole mess out before this turned into something a lot worse."

In another corner of Japan an elderly man with translucent white hair, a matching bushy beard, and a mustache. He wore a pair of glasses over his pale brown eyes and a white dress shirt and dark pants sat on a black sofa. Next to him was a young woman of seventeen years of age with a height of five foot six. Her purple eyes, pale complexion, and waist-length lavender hair made her stood out. She wore a white blouse with a light brown tie along with a short purple skirt and heeled-knee purple high boots.

Her hands were covered by a pair of custom-made purple gloves.

The two had just watched the latest news report regarding Suzaku and the murder of Prince Clovis, the older man, Fuhito Kirigiri turned to his granddaughter.

"So Kyoko do you think Mr. Kururugi is guilty as they say?"

"I cannot be sure without evidence, but I find it highly unlikely he could've been in the position to kill someone of Clovis's position and title as a prince." Kyoko Kirigiri replied bluntly. "There has been no report on how someone of Suzaku's position could've gotten close enough. The army never used Honorary Britannians soldiers as guards for those of Clovis's position nor would they allow someone to just walk in and kill him."

Fuhito nodded in approval, "yes you are probably right. This is just one big publicity stunt for the sake of the Purist Faction, which if it works it will pave the way for Margrave Jeremiah to shut down the practice of giving honorary status to non-Britannians."

"Yet if the real killer is discovered or announces him or herself?"

"Then the Purist Faction will be finished, so I suppose it might be fortunate you'll be at Hope's Peak Academy should the truth get out. When that happens coupled with Princess Cornelia assuming the position of Viceroy that school might be the safest place to be."

Kyoko glanced at her grandfather, "I know you don't approve of my enrollment at Hope's Peak."

"No, but I understand your reasons for it." Fuhito said with an expression of understanding. "On the other hand with things as they are maybe your time, there could be helpful since detective work for the Kirigiri Family has become difficult ever since Japan became Area 11. Even though we have done as well as one can expect, but once Cornelia comes to power, I fear things will likely become more difficult."

The young woman leaned back against the sofa wondering if the real killer would be revealed and what would happen next.

Monokuma Theater:

Monokuma is standing on a large stage wearing a tuxedo while he was behind a podium as a spotlight was shined down upon him.

"Now it is time for us to reveal the top ten of which Danganronpa characters should survive this story, so drum roll please," Monokuma said before pulling out an envelope. "Our champion is…"

The two-tone bear tore open the envelope to read its contents.

"Chiaki Nanami!" Monokuma announced, "Wow so the gamer girl has quite the fan base then, so our second place winner is Sonia Nevermind."

Monokuma tossed the envelope aside.

"No big surprise there, but for those wondering the author is planning a Sonia and Gundham pairing," Monokuma announced before he could hear someone asking a question from the audience. "Oh what about Kazuichi Soda?"

The bear began laughing.

"That loser was among four characters who got NO votes, besides another fanfic featuring that couple plus the game and the anime sold him on the idea. He'll be lucky to survive this story." Monokuma replied before pushing a button to pull back the stage curtains to reveal a bound and gagged Yasuhiro Hagakure sitting in a wooden chair. "The poll to decide Yasuhiro's fate is still open until the next chapter comes out, so better cast your votes because…"

Monokuma's red eye began glowing before a burst of laughter echoed.

"So far the majority want him executed!"

Yasuhiro struggled like mad trying to escape while trying to cry out to the audience for help.

"Come back next time for a Monokuma Theater special that might include an execution!"

A/N: Yep as Monokuma noted Chiaki Nanami won hands down for my curiosity poll, but she is among those I am planning for her to survive the story. Of course, that may or may not be a good thing given what will lie ahead.

I am planning for Chiaki and Hajime, but that will depend on how "certain" events will play out. Until then she has Lelouch to hang out with, which as a fun fact for anyone who didn't know that Lelouch and Hajime share the same English voice actor. In fact, in a strange sense, Hajime and Lelouch are almost opposite of one another which I intend to use in the story.

Class 77 shall get a proper intro next chapter, but I did see an excellent chance to introduce Kyoko.

Now, as far as Kyoko and Makoto go that is still up in the air because Sayaka is still alive. I am content to let it play out and see who meshes better with Makoto based on how the story plays out.

On the other hand, Kyoko and Sayaka are among those I have as backup choices for Lelouch as a replacement love interest if he and Junko don't work out. The others for my backup candidates besides Mukuro are Seiko and Miaya Gekkogahara, so I am ready for. However, the story turns out when we get further in.

Class 78 will also be introduced next chapter.

So I'll see you guys next chapter, and I hope you liked this one despite how short it was.