Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.
Past in Pendragon Part Two
It had been three weeks since Lelouch started his knightmare training and Lelouch was showing progress by learning the controls and specs of the knightmare he was training in quickly. Not only that, Lelouch was getting firearm lessons from Nonette and sword training from Bismarck. Lelouch was grateful to his mother for setting things up for him with the lessons. The training he was receiving from Nonette and Bismarck were harsh and extremely tough. Most kids his age wouldn't last long but Lelouch resolved himself to get through, no matter how much pain he was in and how much was winded as he didn't want to be physically weak and for Lelouch getting the harsh training from Bismarck who was the strongest knight of all the empire, he found it to be necessary to get the harsh training from the Knight of One. What had been unknown to Lelouch that during his training, there had been times that he had been watched by his father, Emperor Charles as well as VV, who was Charles's older twin brother.
Royal Lounge within the Imperial Palace
Schneizel el Britannia, the second prince and Prime Minister of Britannia relaxed in the lounge and he was having conversations of the state of the empire and what was going on with his sister Cornelia and his brother Clovis. There was a hot topic going on right now and it was about Lelouch training by not only his mother but also from two Knights of the Round, Bismarck and Nonette.
"Is it true that Lelouch is receiving knightmare training?" Clovis asked surprised.
"Yes, it is true," Schneizel answered with a smile, "I was quite surprise when I learned about it from Euphie when I stopped by at the Aries Villa."
"That's not all," Cornelia said, "he's getting sword lessons from Bismarck and learning the use of a gun from Nonette."
"Seriously?" Clovis said surprised and he was intrigued as well, "How wonderful, to think Lelouch would desire to be strong for the empire," Clovis smiled, "I'm so proud of our little brother."
"Well, I can't support it," Cornelia said.
"Cornelia, how could you not support it?" Clovis responded.
"Lelouch is only a boy," Cornelia pointed out, "he's too young to start training for anything."
"But it is Lelouch's choice after all," Schneizel pointed out.
"But even so—"
"Cornelia, Lelouch decided on this on his own. He wants to add himself as a valuable force for the empire. In fact, he's no different from you for that matter."
"I was older," Cornelia pointed out.
"I don't see the difference," Clovis said.
"Neither do I," Schneizel said, "and besides," Schneizel had a serious expression, "you know how some of our other siblings see and treat him and Nunnally and Lelouch's desire is that he doesn't want to just rely on other people to protect them and he wants to show his thanks for his mother as well."
"I…I know that," Cornelia said with a worried expression, "but still…"
Aries Villa
Nunnally and Euphie were sitting on the stairs bored and depressed and they sighed.
"It's not fun when Lelouch isn't around," Nunnally complained.
"Yes, I wish Lelouch would get here soon," Euphie said.
"Why does Big Brother feel the need to do this training?"
"Your highnesses, are you two unwell?" The voice of a man asked.
They looked over and they saw that it was Jeremiah in his guard uniform.
"Oh hi Jeremiah," Nunnally said and then went to stand next to Jeremiah, "Jeremiah, Lelouch is so mean."
"Mean?" Jeremiah asked confused, "How so?"
"Because," Euphie said as she went to stand next to Jeremiah, "he doesn't spend much time with us anymore. He's too busy playing with a knightmare and with the Knight of One and Nine."
"Your highnesses please don't worry," Jeremiah assured, "Prince Lelouch is working hard so that he can have the strength for the empire against our enemies and to be able to protect you two and Lady Marianne."
"Really?" Nunnally asked, "Is that true?"
Jeremiah nodded, "Yes, I can assure you that is the case."
"Still, we would like Lelouch to be around," Euphie said.
Nunnally groaned feeling sad and Jeremiah was doing what he could to cheer them up. The doors suddenly opened and they were looked and found Lelouch barely walking and panting heavily. Lelouch took a few steps and then collapsed on the floor still panting. The guards and servants nearby rushed to Lelouch and Jeremiah did the same thing. Nunnally and Euphie panicked and then Marianne came in and assured everyone that Lelouch was fine and that he was just got through the tough training by Bismarck and Nonette and herself as well. Lelouch struggled to get up and Jeremiah helped him up and Lelouch smiled and thanked Jeremiah.
"Go ahead and take him to his room," Marianne said with a smile.
"Yes Lady Marianne," Jeremiah obliged.
"Thanks again Jeremiah," Lelouch said.
"Think nothing of it Your Highness, I am a loyal servant."
Jeremiah took Lelouch to his room and helped him get to his bed and Euphie and Nunnally looked on with worry. Marianne went to the two girls and assured the both of them that Lelouch was going to be fine and said that Lelouch was strong and he was getting stronger with the training. Euphie and Nunnally felt a bit better hearing that.
Meanwhile, Lelouch was in his room sleeping and Nunnally and Euphie came in his room and decided to stay with him and keep watch over him. Two hours later, Lelouch was starting to wake up and when he did, he saw Nunnally and Euphie sleeping by him. Lelouch was surprised and then he smiled and patted the heads of his younger sisters.
"They must have been worried about me," Lelouch said.
The door opened and it was Cornelia that came in the room.
"Lelouch," Cornelia spoke.
"Oh hi Cornelia," Lelouch greeted with a smile.
"Hi Lelouch," Cornelia greeted back and then saw Nunnally and Euphie sleeping, "looks like stayed with you. They were very worried about you."
"Yeah…"
"Lelouch, are you okay?" Cornelia asked with worry.
"Oh I'm fine," Lelouch assured, "not to worry."
Cornelia kneeled down and held Lelouch's hands, "You know you don't have to keep doing this."
"Huh?"
"You have the basic idea of how to pilot a knightmare. That is good enough for you so, um, you don't have to feel that you need to force yourself on this. It's admirable that you want to do your part for the empire but you don't have to keep pushing yourself just to do it and Lelouch you should know, there are other ways you do your part without having to actually fight."
Lelouch thought about what Cornelia told him and nodded.
"I appreciate what you're trying to do for me Big Sister but I need to continue."
Cornelia was a bit shocked and decided to ask.
"May I ask why?" Cornelia asked.
"I need to prove myself. I need to have the will and strength to face whatever may come my way. To be able to defend those important to me," Lelouch looked at Euphie and Nunnally, "like these two," Lelouch then looked at Cornelia, "you for that matter," Lelouch looked to his front, "my mother and if I can, even the servants in the villa."
"Lelouch…"
"I know what you're going to say Cornelia and I appreciate you want to be protect us and I'm happy you volunteer to be head of security for the villa, I just decided that I should be able to stand on my own feet as well and that because…no one knows what will really happen in the future."
"Lelouch, what are you saying?" Cornelia asked confused.
"Just something I thought about with our life here and who knows," Lelouch smiled happily at Cornelia, "maybe we'll stand side by side fighting together."
Cornelia was amazed at what Lelouch was suggesting.
"I just don't want to just think that if I just come up with strategies that it would be enough and I want to be able to help my mother…like the many time Mother helped and defended me and Nunnally."
Cornelia suddenly had her hand on Lelouch's head and rubbed it and Lelouch smiled at the gesture of his older half sister.
"I can see that you're determined," Cornelia said, "okay, I understand your desire…I just don't you to push yourself or get hurt."
"Oh that's unavoidable," Lelouch replied.
Cornelia sighed, "I suppose…especially since you have Bismarck and Nonette taking part of your training."
Lelouch chuckled, "Yeah, they're tough."
Nunnally and Euphie started to wake up and then when they saw Lelouch, they held on to him crying about how worried they were and Lelouch apologized to them for making them worried and Cornelia simply smiled and calmed them down.
A few days later, Lelouch was up and ready to go again and deciding to continue with his training. After the progress Lelouch was doing, people were learning about it and were curious about it. Some cheered Lelouch on while other still had contempt for Lelouch and it was for the fact that he was Marianne's son who was of common birth. Eventually Jeremiah aided Lelouch in any way he could and even Nunnally and Euphie wanted to get involved just so that can spend some time with Lelouch again and Marianne allowed it and figured it wouldn't be a hindrance and Lelouch was dedicated to what had to do. Days went by as Lelouch continued on his path which would lead him to the course of his future.
Four Months Later
Lelouch was stepping out of the Aries Villa and stretched his arms. He looked at the sky and nodded as he was ready to do some practice with on his own. Jeremiah came out later on and looked at the sky as well.
"Time to see Lord Ashford," Lelouch said.
"Are you ready Prince Lelouch?" Jeremiah asked.
"Yes I am," Lelouch said, "thanks for accompany me Jeremiah."
"It is my pleasure," Jeremiah said with glee, "I want to do everything I can to support on your endeavor."
"I'm glad to have you with me on this," Lelouch said happily.
"I am unworthy of such praise," Jeremiah replied being humble.
Lelouch smiled and Jeremiah nodded with a smile as well.
"Well well, are you going to see Ashford, Lelouch?" A voice asked.
Lelouch frowned as he recognized the voice and he looked and saw that it was one of his older half-brothers who had short red hair, the 4th Britannian Prince, Cassius le Britannia.
"Big Brother Cassius," Lelouch said.
"Prince Cassius," Jeremiah said.
Cassius looked at Jeremiah and then back to Lelouch.
"Rowan and Xavier told me what you were doing and I have to be honest, I thought they were making it up…but it's actually true that you're training to pilot a knightmare," Cassius scoffed and in a mocking tone, "so, you want to follow in your mommy's footsteps, huh?"
"Prince Cassius, please," Jeremiah said.
"Stay out of this Gottwald," Cassius demanded, "a mere guard like you knows better than speak so freely."
"Don't talk to Jeremiah like that," Lelouch said and then he sighed, "If you have nothing important to say to me then leave me be Cassius, then I'm going to go now, Jeremiah and I have important things to do."
Cassius scoffed again, "I can't believe that Father is allowing you to be trained by Bismarck and Nonette, two of the Knights of the Round…you, the son of that common whore."
Lelouch and Jeremiah flinched and got upset and Lelouch looked at Cassius with a glare.
"How dare you!" Jeremiah responded angrily.
"I said for to be silence!" Cassius replied, "A noble who willfully throws away his pride to serve that common whore has no right to speak so freely," Cassius noticed the glare and gave his own glare, "What's with that look?" Cassius asked coldly.
"I don't care what you say about me but don't continue to insult my mother; otherwise, you might look so stupid later on."
Cassius raised an eyebrow and grabbed Lelouch by his collar. Jeremiah was about to intervene but Lelouch signaled Jeremiah to stand down and as Jeremiah insisted that he could not, Lelouch insisted strongly to let him handle it and Jeremiah reluctantly agreed but if things got worse, he would interfere.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you just threatened me," Cassius said, "you have guts, I'll give that."
Lelouch simply had a look of defiance towards Cassius.
"A threat?" Lelouch responded, "Oh no, no, no. It's just a simple warning, that's all."
Cassius clenched his teeth with what Lelouch said.
"You have some nerve; I think I need to teach you some manners, to remind you that you need to respect those older than you!"
Cassius brought out his free hand and was about to slap Lelouch and Jeremiah was about to intervene for real but then he saw that it was unnecessary as Lelouch caught his wrist and Cassius was surprised. Lelouch then countered by tripping Cassius and knocking him on the ground. Cassius felt embarrassed and had no intention of letting it go and got himself up and was ready to attack Lelouch while Jeremiah was impressed and amazed at the small prince.
"You're going to pay Lelouch!" Cassius declared.
"That's enough Cassius!" Schneizel called.
"You will cease this despicable act at once!" Cornelia said.
Cassius, Jeremiah, and Lelouch were surprised to hear their brother Schneizel and their sister Cornelia and they looked over and saw Schneizel, Cornelia, and three other people with him. One of them was Kanon Maldini, Schneizel's close aide and the other two were also their half-brothers as well. One of them had short platinum hair and had violet eyes and it was 5th Prince of Britannia, Rowan phi Britannia and the other had orange short hair and violet eyes and it was the 7th Prince of Britannia, Xavier sa Britannia.
"Schneizel," Lelouch said, "Cornelia."
Schneizel walked over to Lelouch and Cassius and had his hand on Lelouch's shoulder.
"Lelouch, are you all right?" Schneizel asked.
"Uh yes, I'm fine," Lelouch said.
"Wait a minute," Cassius said upset.
Cornelia suddenly slapped Cassius and that caught the others off guard and Cassius couldn't believe that his older half sister had just slapped him.
"You're despicable Cassius!" Cornelia said with anger.
"What a shameful display," Schneizel said glaring at Cassius.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Cassius asked, "Did you see what Lelouch did?"
"Yes I did, I saw Lelouch defending himself from your disgusting act. Are you not ashamed of yourself picking a fight, especially on someone younger than you?"
"You have some nerve insulting Lady Marianne as well," Cornelia added, "I will not tolerate such disrespect!"
Cassius clenched his teeth and glared at Cornelia, "All this for that woman and for the son of that woman."
"She is one of the imperial consorts, whether you and others like it or not," Schneizel said, "you are acting in such disgrace Cassius."
Xavier and Rowan chuckled.
"That has to be embarrassing," Xavier commented, "getting thrown around by Lelouch."
"It's obvious that you were picking a fight," Rowan added, "it shows that you really are a weakling."
Cassius felt embarrassed and red and he abruptly left and Schneizel sighed as he felt disappointed with Cassius's action and Lelouch sighed as well. Cornelia rushed over to Lelouch with concern.
"Lelouch, are you all right?" Cornelia asked.
"I'm fine," Lelouch said.
Cornelia then turned to Jeremiah, "Gottwald, how could stand by and let—"
"Wait Cornelia," Lelouch interjected, "please don't be mad at Jeremiah. He knew that I could handle myself and I ordered him to not interfere."
"But Lelouch, still…"
"Please Cornelia," Lelouch pleaded, "Jeremiah had my safety in mind and if I couldn't handle it, he was ready to swoop in."
"I'm sorry for what happened," Jeremiah said with regret, "even if His Highness ordered me."
Schneizel smiled, "Then there's no harm."
"Schneizel…" Cornelia said.
"Well then, let's go Jeremiah," Lelouch said, "we don't want to keep Lord Ashford waiting."
"Uh, y-yes," Jeremiah replied.
Lelouch and Jeremiah left to go to the Ashford Foundation.
Ashford Foundation
Lelouch and Jeremiah entered the building and were greeted by Reuben K. Ashford.
"Prince Lelouch, Lord Jeremiah, I'm happy to see both of you again," Reuben said happily.
"It's good to see you again Lord Ashford," Lelouch said and Jeremiah nodded as well.
"All right, now that you're here, we'll get started Your Highness."
"Yes."
February 24, 2009 atb
On a wide field, the Ganymede moved it arms and there people that were watching and it was Marianne along with Reuben, Jeremiah, Bismarck, and Nonette as well as Cornelia, Nunnally, and Euphie. Every move of Marianne's knightmare was crisp and smooth and there was no trouble. On the other side, Schneizel along with Kanon were watching as well and Odysseus eu Britannia, the Crown Prince and the eldest of all the Charles's children was watching with intrigue as well. He felt happy for his younger sibling and couldn't help but admire Lelouch. Odysseus was talking with Schneizel and it was a pleasant conversation between the two regarding Lelouch. Lelouch's knightmare demonstration was over Lelouch disembarked from the Ganymede and Marianne and Reuben were walking up towards Lelouch while Nunnally and Euphie were rushing to Lelouch and gave him hugs. Lelouch was talking to them as well as his mother and the old man Ashford.
Exelica Garden
Lelouch was spending time in the garden with Nunnally and Euphie. Lelouch felt relaxed being with his sister and then he picked up two flowers and put them on their hairs as hair ornaments. Euphie and Nunnally were happy with Lelouch's gesture and they hugged Lelouch at the same time and Lelouch smiled. Marianne was watching them from afar and Charles was standing next to her.
"Lelouch has come a long way," Marianne said.
"So he has," Charles said.
"He can be very useful to us with our goals."
Charles glanced at his fifth consort and then looked over to his children again.
"Well, we'll see what happens."
"Yes," Marianne said with a nod.
Aries Villa
Lelouch was playing a chess match with his brother Schneizel in the study room. It was one of favorite pass times. Lelouch enjoyed spending time with Schneizel who he considered as his favorite brother and he always took the chance to tag along with him. Although he was never able to actually beat his brother in chess, he still enjoyed spending time with him and playing chess against him. Lelouch was hopeful that he be able to beat his brother in chess one day. Schneizel and Lelouch looked at the chess board and they looked at each other.
"A draw?" Schneizel asked.
"Yes," Lelouch replied with a nod.
The brothers smiled and they stood up from their seats.
"Well Lelouch, I have to go perform my duties sadly," Schneizel said.
"I understand Brother," Lelouch replied, "you do have a lot of responsibilities. I hope you come by again real soon."
Schneizel smiled warmly at his younger brother, "So do I. You know Lelouch; I do want you to know that I am proud to be your brother."
"Huh, wh-where did that come from?" Lelouch asked.
"Just wanted you know."
"Schneizel, thank you," Lelouch said with a smile.
Schneizel left the Aries Villa where his aide Kanon waited for him, Lelouch was waving at Schneizel and Kanon and Kanon smiled and nodded at Lelouch as well as he and Schneizel left.
"You're always filled with joy when spending time with Prince Lelouch," Kanon commented.
"Yes, what can I say?" Schneizel said, "It does make me curious with the way Lelouch concentrates with his studies and his training, I feel it will be interesting to see how far he will go."
"I agree."
"What's on the agenda Kanon?" Schneizel asked.
"Right," Kanon said, "You have a meeting with…"
Lelouch looked on and sighed seeing Schneizel leave and he went back in the study room and picked up a few books for him to read. He opened one of the books and started reading. The door opened and Nunnally walked in and Lelouch looked up seeing his sister.
"Oh Nunnally," Lelouch said.
"Hi Lelouch," Nunnally replied, "did Schneizel leave already?"
"Yes."
Nunnally felt sad, "Oh, I wanted to play with him."
"Don't worry," Lelouch assured, "next time when he comes by."
"Okay…" Nunnally looked over at the books Lelouch had, "reading again?"
"Yes, well, I'm studying as well…strategies, history, philosophy…"
"Oh…"
Lelouch invited Nunnally to sit with him and Nunnally smiled and felt happy as it was a way to have Lelouch all to herself. Lelouch smiled and patted his sister on the head.
Villa of li Britannia
Cornelia was out of the patio of her home with not only her sister Euphie, but with Guilford as well and Cornelia and Guilford looked at Euphie stunned.
"Um, Euphie," Cornelia said, "would you mind saying that again?"
"I said I want to get the same training as Lelouch," Euphie said.
"Princess," Guilford said surprised.
"Euphie, may I ask why you want the same training as Lelouch?" Cornelia asked.
"So that I can be with Lelouch and help him when needed," Euphie answered, "please Cornelia."
"E-Euphie…" Cornelia said.
Cornelia didn't know what to say and Guilford didn't know what to say as well.
Throne Room, Pendragon Imperial Palace
VV had just entered the throne room and there he found Charles and Marianne talking to each other. VV looked and he was able to see Charles and Marianne were enjoying each other's company. VV had noticed these kinds of things of his younger twin brother. He knew Charles was like that with his other consorts and that he would never give an inch but with Marianne, she was the exception and would spend more time with her. VV noticed that and he didn't like it. He couldn't understand what was about Marianne that made Charles more drawn to her and the fact he would spend time at the Aries Villa more than any other villas of her other consorts. Even his own time he would spend with Charles was actually cut to spend time with Marianne and it made VV resent Marianne and he figured that if it continued, the contract between him and his brother would not be fulfilled and VV figured that he would left alone. VV shook his head as he refused to let that pass and decided to do something about Marianne.
"Big Brother," Charles called.
VV looked and saw Charles and Marianne looking at VV.
"VV, no need to just stand there," Marianne said.
"Please Big Brother," Charles said.
VV smiled, "Yes of course. I just want to ask where we are so far."
"Yes, as soon as CC gets here, we'll begin," Marianne said.
VV walked over to Charles and Marianne.
Aries Villa
It was later at night that Marianne arrived back in her villa and was out in the garden looking at the night sky and Euphie and Nunnally were with her. Two more people showed up and it was Lelouch and Jeremiah.
"Lelouch, you're finally here," Euphie said happily and then saw Jeremiah, "Hi Jeremiah."
"Oh Jeremiah is here," Nunnally said.
"Oh my Jeremiah," Marianne said with a smile, "nice to see you here."
"Uh, y-yes," Jeremiah said being nervous, "His Highness insisted that come along."
"You'll join us, right?" Nunnally asked being hopeful and then turned to her mother, "He can join us, can he Mother?"
"Please Mother?" Lelouch asked.
Marianne simply smiled, "Of course he can."
Nunnally and Lelouch cheered happily and thanked their mother. They were enjoying seeing the stars in the sky with Lelouch, Nunnally, and Euphie lying on the grass seeing the stars while Marianne sat next to her two children while Jeremiah was still standing enjoying the night sky as well. Lelouch looked around and seeing the three females that were very precious to him and then he looked at Jeremiah, guard who was a favorite to him and Nunnally. Lelouch looked at the sky again and hoped that things would last for a long time.
July 9, 2009 atb
A limousine was pulling up and the driver got out and then went to the other side and opened the back passage door. A little girl who was the same age as Nunnally came out and was nervous and she had pink hair and red eyes and she looked at the Aries Villa. Lelouch came out and was surprised to see the limo.
"Hello there," Lelouch greeted and then went to approached the visiting girl.
"Uh, h-hello there," The girl replied nervously.
The driver bowed to the prince, "Greetings Your Highness."
Lelouch looked at the girl and pondered and then he realized.
"Are you Anya Alstreim?" Lelouch asked the girl.
"Uh, y-yes," The girl named Anya answered still nervously.
"I see, I heard about you. You're here to take lessons in etiquette."
"Y-Yes Your Highness."
Lelouch looked at Anya and smiled.
"It's nice to meet you Anya," Lelouch said in a friendly manner.
Anya was surprised and when she saw Lelouch extending his hand, she hesitantly took his hand.
"I'll introduce you to some people," Lelouch said, "even though you're here to be taught in etiquette, you can still have a good time and it will make it easier."
"Prince Lelouch, th-thank you," Anya said.
"Come, follow me and we'll let my mother know that you've arrived."
"Yes Your Highness," Anya said feeling a bit happy.
Lelouch brought Anya with him in the villa and had the chance to show her around. Anya Alstreim met up with Marianne who smiled at the girl and was set to begin her lessons.
One week later
Alana eu Britannia, the first consort and mother of Odysseus eu Britannia was giving Nunnally a hard time and calling her terrible names and Euphie pleaded with her to stop only to have Lady Alana lash out at Euphie as well for being and acting friendly towards Lelouch, Nunnally, and Marianne. There was a sudden shaking and they turned to see Marianne piloting her Ganymede and Lelouch was in the cockpit with her. Marianne had a devious smile as Alana was shocked and couldn't believe what was happening. Marianne then directed Lelouch to take the controls and he did and piloted to the knightmare to chase Alana much to the first consort's horror as she was running for her life. Later on, Marianne along with Lelouch, Nunnally, and Euphie entered in the villa and Nunnally and Euphie were thanking Marianne and Lelouch for what they did and they were grateful. One of the female servants came by and whispered something in Marianne's ears and then Marianne had a serious look and nodded.
"Kids, there's something that needs my attention," Marianne said.
"Okay Mother," Lelouch said, "understood."
"Not to worry, Cornelia and Nonette will be here soon."
"Right…"
"I...I see…" Jeremiah said with a nervous look as he stood by and overheard.
"Hmm, is something wrong Jeremiah?" Marianne asked.
"N-Nothing Lady Marianne," Jeremiah replied.
"…Well anyway, I need to go take care of the small matter."
Marianne left with the female servants and Lelouch stood next to Jeremiah and was having a conversation with the man from the esteemed Gottwald family and Jeremiah smiled at his young prince and Nunnally and Euphie joined them. Anya came by and Lelouch greeted Anya happily and signaled her to join them while Euphie and Nunnally greeted Anya as well. Anya smiled and went over and felt grateful to Lelouch for helping her. Four hours later, Marianne was looking outside in the window. Cornelia showed up and approached Marianne.
"You wanted to see me Lady Marianne?" Cornelia asked.
"Yes Cornelia," Marianne replied and looked at Cornelia, "Cornelia, someone will be coming over tonight and discuss important matters with me. I need you to do something for me."
"Of course Lady Marianne, anything," Cornelia said willingly.
"Cornelia, I need you to withdraw all the guards and servants and I need you to leave as well."
Cornelia was shocked, "L-Lady Marianne, I must ask you to please reconsider."
"Don't worry Cornelia, it will be fine."
"Is there a reason for the need for all guards and servants to withdraw?"
"Yes, he's really the shy type and wouldn't be able to say anything to me with all the people around."
Cornelia was confused and Marianne kept insisted and Cornelia reluctantly agreed to her command.
Later on in the evening
Lelouch was outside and he was with Nunnally away from the villa on the backside of the villa and they were in the cockpit of the Ganymede looking at the stars.
"The stars in the skies are pretty," Nunnally said.
"Yes, they really are," Lelouch said happily.
"I'm happy I get to have all for myself," Nunnally commented.
Lelouch chuckled, "Oh Nunnally…"
Nunnally started looking at the controls and Lelouch pointed out the controls and the maneuvers that their mother taught him and Nunnally smiled and felt real close to her brother.
Meanwhile in the Aries Villa, Marianne was walking down the stairs, meeting with VV who had been waiting for her.
"What did you call me for today?" Marianne asked, "I've cleared everyone out of here. I even had Cornelia withdraw."
VV turned to face Marianne, "Sorry to do this, especially without Charles around."
"Is this about the Sword of Akasha?"
"Hm? Oh no, this is only about Charles. Ever since he met you, Charles has been acting like a different man. It seems to me that you and he have come to enjoy learning more about one another. You realize that if this continues, the contract we made will never be fulfilled. I'll be left alone."
"Hmm? What are you…?" Marianne asked as she was confused.
"From the beginning of time, it's always been the woman whose lead the man astray," VV continued in a cold manner.
Marianne instantly knew what VV was planning to do and her eyes widened.
"Lady Marianne," A voice called.
Marianne turned to see two of her servants coming down stairs.
"I told you to stay out of here," Marianne berated.
The former Knight of the Round went upstairs a little and VV pulled out his sub machine gun and shot Marianne and her two servants. They fell on the stairs and two servants were already dead and Marianne was seconds away from dying as well.
VV pulled out his cell phone and smiled of what he had just done.
"The job is done," VV said on his cell phone.
"…"
"Right, begin the cover up. Maybe we can make Nunnally out to be the witness. It's imperative that this looks like the work of terrorists."
Marianne looked around and was about to hit death's doorstep but then she looked and noticed someone from behind one of the pillars and it was Anya. Marianne quickly decided on something and activated her Geass for the first time and shots were fired towards the Aries Villa. Later on, the lights in the villa were on and people within the Aries Villa caught of sight of something horrible.
"What happened?" Lelouch yelled.
Lelouch and Nunnally came in the villa from the backside and they saw something horrible on the stairs. What they saw was the sight of their own mother on the stairs dead.
"M-Mother?" Lelouch spoke in shock.
Nunnally's eyes widened and walked up the stairs and looked at her dead mother and Lelouch joined her as well.
"Mother, you shouldn't lie on the stairs," Nunnally said, "they hurt and you'll catch a cold…that's what you always say to me…Mother…Mother, please get up."
Nunnally kneeled and shook her mother's lifeless body pleading her mother to get up. Lelouch walked over to his dead mother and placed his hands on his mother's arm. The vi Britannia siblings looked at their mother who meant so much to them and they both realized that their mother, Marianne vi Britannia was dead and they both wailed in despair.
Outside of the Aries Villa in a place where he was hiding, VV was on his cell phone and he was not pleased.
"Nunnally was supposed to be used as a witness," VV said, "What happened?"
The person in the other line explained and VV frowned.
"I see, that's what happened," VV sighed, "I wanted to make Nunnally a witness but I guess it was just bad luck…well, no matter, Marianne is dead and that's all that really matters. No one will be a wedge between me and Charles any longer."
VV hung up his cell phone and went on his way in the shadows.
The next day
Lelouch was getting ready and he had his imperial garb with a red cape and he was determined.
"Nunnally," Lelouch called.
Nunnally came by and her eyes were red from the crying she did. Lelouch went and hugged his sister.
"Lelouch, are you really going to see Father?" Nunnally asked.
"Yes, I was able to get an audience with him in the palace," Lelouch said.
"I don't understand, why…why did this happen and why won't Father…?"
"That's why I'm going to find out."
Nunnally sniffed and held on to her brother, "Brother, I'm scared."
"I know, but whatever happens, I'll protect you."
Lelouch hugged his sister again and Nunnally hugged back with more tears streaming from her eyes. She did not want to lose her brother like how they lost their mother last night.
A few hours later in the Throne Room, Pendragon Imperial Palace
The doors opened and Lelouch appeared with a brave and determined expression.
"Announcing the 11th Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire," The guard started, "Lelouch vi Britannia, 17th heir to the imperial throne!"
Lelouch looked forward seeing his father and he was curious about a man in cloak who had his face covered with a symbol on his hood. Lelouch wondered who that was but just walked in the throne room with high ranking nobles within the throne room as well. Lelouch looked around seeing the nobles and had nothing but contempt for them as he felt they were all scum. Lelouch also noticed that most of the nobles were smiling and he knew why they were smiling and it wasn't to show respect for him and it added as it why he despised every noble in the throne room.
"I heard Lady Marianne was killed within the Aries Villa," A male noble whispered.
"There's no way terrorists could have gotten through there," Another male noble whispered.
"Then that would mean that the ones who really did are—"
"Be quiet my friend, you'll only get trouble if someone heard you say such things."
"Still though," A third male noble whispered, "Prince Lelouch remains well and steadfast despite the fact that his mother is dead."
"It doesn't matter," A fourth male noble said, "it's over for the vi Britannia and the Ashford Family that stood behind them is finished as well."
"What of his sister, Princess Nunnally?" A female noble asked.
"As I understand, the whole thing was a complete shock and she stayed by her mother's dead body and that they had to actually drag her away from her," Another male noble whispered.
"It seems that Prince Lelouch stayed with her the whole night, it's amazing he's able to function right now, he probably didn't get much sleep," Another male noble whispered.
"I bet the way Princess Nunnally is going on, she may be deemed mentally unstable. No way she'll be married off for political gain."
Lelouch stopped and stood facing his father.
"Hail Your Majesty," Lelouch spoke calmly, "my mother, the Empress is dead."
"Old news, what of it?" Charles replied with a bored expression.
"What of it?" Lelouch replied surprised and narrowing his eyes at his father.
"You sought an audience with the Emperor of Britannia just to inform me of that?" Charles looked to his side, "Send the next one in," Charles looked back to Lelouch, "leave my sight Lelouch, you know better than to waste my time with such trivial matters. I don't have time for such childish games!"
"Trivial?" Lelouch asked angrily, "Childish games Father?!"
Lelouch ran towards his father and stopped as the two guards with spears rushed toward him and Charles signaled them to stop.
"Yes Your Majesty," The two guards said in unison.
"How can you sit there and refer to my mother's assassination as trivial?" Lelouch asked angrily, "Especially in the nature that was committed. It was deemed a terrorist attack but it's an obvious lie and you just callously call it trivial and childish games when my mother was murdered in what I'm sure it's a plot set by people who held my mother in contempt and Nunnally is suffering over what happened!"
"So what?" Charles responded coldly, "I have no use for that weakling."
Lelouch was shocked again, "That weakling…? Did you just refer to my sister, your daughter as a weakling?"
"Are you hard of hearing now?" Charles asked annoyed, "That's exactly what I said. It's what it means to be royalty."
Lelouch clenched his teeth and his fists in anger.
"So that's it," Lelouch said, "if that how you desire it then I don't want to be your heir," Lelouch looked at his father with hatred, "I give up my claim to the throne!"
Lelouch's declaration shocked and stunned the people in the throne room.
"I despise the fighting and scheming of who will succeed you Father and the fact that you're in actuality making us fight! Well I want no part of it, I've had enough!"
"You are dead," Charles replied harshly.
"What?" Lelouch responded with a glare.
"You have always been dead to me, dead from the moment you were born. Who gave you the fine clothes you wear and comfortable home? The food you eat and your very life? In fact, who was it that really allowed you to be trained by two of my Knights of the Round? It was me, not your mother but me. All of those, I have given to you; in short Lelouch, you are nothing to me because you have never existed. Yet you have the gall, the audacity to question me and dare to speak such foolishness to me?!" Charles stood up from his throne with authority.
Lelouch step back and but still didn't give in to fear towards his father and continued to glare at his own father who was very intimidating and while he was shaking and Charles continued to look at Lelouch with a death glare; it was as if the glare was piercing Lelouch's very soul.
Charles continued, "Lelouch, you are dead, therefore you are not entitled to any rights. I am sending you and Nunnally to Japan, as prince and princess; you two will serve well as bargaining tools. Now leave my sight at once!"
With all the things Charles had said, Lelouch felt his blood boil and then he looked down and then he suddenly ripped his cape off of him and simply walked away.
"I will find out who killed my mother," Lelouch declared and making sure everyone in the throne room heard him, "and when I do, they will suffer and receive no mercy!"
Lelouch stormed out of the throne room and the nobles were whispering and speaking among themselves about what they heard while Charles just looked at his son who was storming out the throne room.
Back in the present, Lelouch and Nunnally's residence
Lelouch was sleeping on his bed and he woke up. Lelouch looked at the ceiling and then sat up from his bed. He brought out his right hand and formed a fist.
"I swear, I will make them pay," Lelouch said in venomous tone and looked out of his window, "it's been eight years since then…"
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Cornelia plans a reenactment of the Shinjuku massacre in Saitama to lure out Zero and Zero and his group does whatever it takes to prevent another massacre.