Pendragon

More than anything, Lelouch felt alive and thrilled when the plane landed – even though he didn't want to be in the city. It was much better than being on the same boat as the man he thought of nothing but bloody thoughts. Really, if he had been alone with the man and had been a little more athletic, he would have considered jumping on the man when he wasn't looking and strangle him to death.

He would go on to proclaim himself Emperor of Britannia.

Lelouch snorted at the thought – if only it was that simple. Even if he does succeed in killing the Emperor, he would never become Emperor as he was – he didn't have anything. Schneizel would smooth talk the first Prince into allowing him to take throne and he would probably face prosecution by Britannia.

Well, if he managed to escape, any country would be willing to accept him for killing the man. Charles wasn't loved by most people in the world and anyone who murdered him would no doubt be a hero in their eyes. Lelouch had no plans on becoming a hero, but he could live with that mantle if it allowed him to make his sister's dream come to reality.

Lelouch felt a lot more energetic despite having deprived himself with sleep the night before – perhaps it was the thought of getting just far away from the Emperor that gave him energy.

Schneizel was waiting in arms with his flat smile – his faithful attendant standing behind him. There were no guards close by, and it gave Lelouch a thought of just bolting off. However, given his ridiculous stamina, he would probably get caught by the Knight of One before he could even make 10 feet. It would only serve to give the Emperor more ammunition to shoot.

Well, it wasn't like the man needed it anyway, by just being emperor, he could toy with his life in any way he liked. Lelouch despised how powerless he was against the Emperor. He was not planning for it to last for far too long though. He would get his day.

The 11th prince walked a bit away from the emperor and his loyal mad dog after stepping out of the plane. He wanted just to be far away from the man. It had been a suffocating journey and Lelouch could not remember how many times he had cussed and glared at the emperor.

It was even frustrating when the man didn't bother responding to any of his attempts to glare at him. He would have been in cloud nine if even Schneizel had called, but the Emperor had not accepted any attempt to connect.

Schneizel stepped closer to Lelouch with his smile painting a friendly image, but he first spoke to the Emperor, head bowed a little in respect. "Your Majesty," the Prime Minister acknowledged the lion in the space.

The Emperor acted as if he hadn't heard anything. He turned towards his Knight, "Bismarck, escort Lelouch to Aries Villa…"

Schneizel was quick to react before the Knight of One could. He had been surprised that the Emperor was instructing the Knight to take Lelouch to his residence, not that the man had ignored his greeting. It wasn't something that would surprise him because he had become used to it. The man's behaviour toward his children really didn't surprise him.

"I was hoping I could walk with my brother, your Majesty. It has been quite some time since we last spoke," Schneizel started calmly. "If it is not too much to ask, I will walk with him with my guards of course, just in case someone might attempt something."

The Emperor stared at Schneizel for a few seconds before walking away. "Lelouch is being punished; he will not talk to anyone nor meet anyone and will be locked up in Aries Villa for a week… with no network connection of course…"

The Emperor walked away – his mind would not be changed and he would not have anyone trying to second-guess him.

Schneizel faced Lelouch with an apologetic look on his face. "I had returned all the way from the EU to meet you, but I guess it can wait. We will talk after a week…"

Lelouch said nothing; he merely followed the big man in front of him.

He didn't even get into a conversation with the Knight of one when they got into the car that would take them to Aries Villa. He had not thought that the man would send him back to this place just after he landed.

He had thought the man would drag him toward the imperial court, look down at him as if he was god and then condemn him to his fate. It was ridiculous, but Lelouch was certain that it was going to happen, eventually. Maybe when he does leave the place, he would be sent to the Imperial court.

Lelouch could already see the look in the eyes of the imperial aristocracy – those insects. They would be making noise as soon as they come in terms with his 'survival' and would no doubt try to make his life a misery. Lelouch would not allow it.

He would not.

The Emperor could get away with it – for now at least. However, Lelouch would not take crap from those filthy creatures who preyed on the weak. He was by no means weak and he didn't like them. If they dared, they would not like how he would react.

Maybe he could just ignore them and build on his support base. It was going to be needed for him to hold some power to survive, not just the Emperor but his children as well. Living as a prince once more meant entering the survival game once again.

This time around, Lelouch would not lose; he would not.

When they arrived at his former home, well, it was apparent that this was going to be his home once again, Lelouch stared at the large entrance with an expressionless mask on his face. How had terrorists managed to get entry into a place that was surrounded by a wall and with the only entrance he knew being the front gate that was always heavily guarded, even now it was guarded.

The car moved once again as they made their way inside the silent palace. It stopped and Lelouch felt as if his whole world stopped. Everything just stopped for a moment before the strong voice of the Knight of one brought him back to the earth.

"Prince Lelouch," the Knight of One called. "Everything has been prepared… I will send a message when the Emperor wishes to see you."

The Knight of One got back into the car and disappeared.

Lelouch stared at the stairs – the all too familiar stares that had carried the corpse of his mother filled with bullets and bullet holes. That sickening moment that had driven him toward the cold and bitter embrace of anger. He had carried the whip of revenge since then, he still did.

He would get his revenge on whoever killed his mother.

Nunnally was blind and crippled because of it; he could not forgive it and would not. His sister has not lost her smile, but she lost those eyes that had once painted her face with innocence. She was blind to the world because of the unforgivable action. Until those responsible were dead and buried, Lelouch would not rest.

The Prince stepped through the stairs, perhaps he was seeing things, but he could see bloodstains around and bullet holes.

Lelouch shook his head. His brilliant mind was playing tricks. The stairs were repaired and cleaned. There was not even a sight of blood or bullet holes. You would not even know if it were the same stairs.

The prince looked back and around the front of the palace, everything appeared as if it had been taken care of and there were no changes. Nothing had changed. The place was maintained to keep its beauty. The only thing that was missing was the life that it had once held.

It was now just lifeless.

Nevertheless, Lelouch did not mind much – this would serve as his motivation; it would always remind him of what was done to him, of what Britannia had done to him; it would remind him of the joy that was ripped away from his life.

Lelouch stepped further toward the door, with a new renowned strength. As he got closer to the doors, they slowly opened and a young woman, short black hair, dark green eyes, a slender build and a warm smile. "Your Highness, I have been waiting for your arrival…" the woman said, her head bowed slightly.

Lelouch did not pay her mind. He merely nodded to acknowledge her presence and walked past her. The doors slammed shut after he stepped in.

The moment they did, Lelouch felt as if he had been locked in a prison cell. There would be no to talk to, no form of communication with anyone. It was going to be a problem. It hadn't hit him back then, but now he felt the full weight of the emperor's 'punishment'

He would not know what was happening around the palace, he would not know what was happening to his sister or what people were planning for him. Hell, by the time he does get out, he could as well find the palace surrounded by a bloody battle with his enemies fighting for the first position to kill him.

This was certainly going to be hell.

His enemies would be conspiring, cooking plans to trouble his life while he sat within the palace, ignorant of the plans. He didn't even know what the Emperor had in mind that would be his fate. It was truly going to turn out to be a cruel time for him.

Lelouch sighed; for now, he would have to sleep. His body was seriously tired. The nightmares of this place would not be a bother; he was too tired to think.

With Schneizel

The Second Prince and Prime minister of the Britannian Empire was sitting inside his fancy car with a contemplative look on his face. Of course, he was disappointed that he could not get to speak to Lelouch, but it was nothing that would trouble him enough to even go to the emperor and enquire the true reason.

He could figure out things by himself.

A simple man would not think there was a reason behind the Emperor's decision to forbid Lelouch from leaving Aries Villa and locking all forms of communication. The man always had his reasons for doing things, some he could come close to figuring out, and some were simple because there were no attempts to hide them.

Ignorance just played its part in other's minds to think through what was written in small letters.

"When we were told that his majesty would be coming back with prince Lelouch, I was quite shocked… it was hard to believe, but believable now that I have seen it," Konan said to Schneizel. "Still, why would the emperor do something like that for Lelouch when he was the one who cast him out?"

Schneizel put on his delightful smile before he responded. "For different reasons, but the clear one is that he has 'use' for my brother. If there hadn't been some use, I doubt my brother would have been called back to the city."

Konan raised an eyebrow, "That is when the assumption that he knew Lelouch had been alive all along is proved to be right…"

"It is correct; I have no doubt after giving it some thought. He knew Lelouch was still alive… perhaps not just after the war, but quite possibly some years after. It would have been impossible for him to keep an eye on Lelouch given the status of Area 11… but after things settled, he could have looked," Schneizel paused for a moment. "Well, if I had looked, I would have started my search with the Ashfords after learning they moved to the area. They had been great supports of the late consort Marianne.

They wouldn't deny Lelouch any hospitality after everything though the family did suffer a misfortune because they were supporters of his mother. Besides, for them there was always a chance of getting back their noble status if Lelouch does end up returning to being a prince."

Everything was limitless – he could be wrong about the Ashfords. Certainly, the chances of reclaiming their status through Lelouch bordered impossible in some angles. Lelouch had been 'exiled' and if the emperor had the intensions to see Lelouch die, he would have ordered for their execution for harbouring a 'fugitive.'

Despite how slim the chances were, Schneizel would not rule it out at this stage. Lelouch wasn't going to face any punishment of any kind from their father. He was going to live the life of a prince once again, serving the empire in some ways – either politics or Military. The Prime Minister would rather he choose politics so he could gain a compatible ally.

"It was a risk, but now Prince Lelouch does owe them a favour for everything they have done for him and his sister," Konan said.

Schneizel nodded. "I must speak to him quickly before they do. I don't want him to end up making a decision that would be unfavourable," the Prime Minister said. "It is interesting that his Majesty has secluded and taken up Lelouch himself, isn't it? By end day, everyone will know that my brother is very much alive, and by tomorrow, they will know he is staying at Aries Villa.

Those who hated him for being birthed by a commoner mother, will not be happy, perhaps will even be gleeful with the thought of crushing him, but anyone with brains will not do that. My brother was brought back by his majesty; the emperor flew from Pendragon to Area 11 just to fetch Lelouch. That certainly does send a message, doesn't it?"

Konan thought about it for a moment before nodding. "No one will make a stupid move towards him."

Schneizel nodded. "Lelouch… no, the vi Britannia were never well liked by the aristocracy who are too quick to judge on blood than looking at the potential. They possess the ignorant belief that because they are bone noble, they are superior in everything. True they do excel, but that has nothing to do with birth, they excel because they offer their children the best in education while ensuring that the inferior get nothing.

Lelouch is an example. They used to say the only thing that made him noble was our father's blood, but half of his being is common. That makes him a 'half-prince' in their eyes, but my brother was much more capable than any of our brothers and sisters. If he has dropped the naivety he held when he went to face our father years ago, then Lelouch would be my worthy successor."

Konan looked stared at Schneizel for a long minute. He didn't know much about Lelouch's intelligence, but the Prime Minister spoke of the vi Britannia with so much 'respect' that didn't come through a silver tongue.

"I see you're sceptical, but you will see in time," Schneizel said with a small smile on his lips.

With the Emperor

"That wasn't very nice of you, Charles," Marianne said to the Emperor – who was relaxed in his 'office' watching the surveillance cameras around Aries Villa. He had them installed just to see if there was anything he had missed in terms of security.

The place was made to be secure so that when Nunnally does return 'home' she would be secure. He didn't wish for anything to happen to the siblings. Lelouch had much use for him to die so soon. He would have the cameras removed by the time Lelouch could leave Aries Villa.

For now, the prince could curse, toss and turn inside the 'prison' he had made for him. No doubt the boy would be a little paranoid by the time he does come out of the place. It was just what he wanted. He wanted Lelouch to have some fire when he is summoned to the royal court. It wouldn't make things interesting if the boy just bowed and allowed him to walk over.

There needed to be some resistance. It would also gain Lelouch some admires, something that would give him a good start. That was all he was willing to give the prince though. A start, if he could not grow strong on his own feet then he would not challenge Schneizel.

"If I had allowed Schneizel to talk to Lelouch now, he would have found out some interesting things. Besides, it makes things interesting now that I have made things in this way. I will be able to see those who have the spine to challenge my word," the Emperor responded calmly. "Besides, the surveillance needs to be removed before Lelouch finds it."

"But my son will not be happy inside that place. He will get paranoid thinking too much. Do you want to drive him crazy?"

The Emperor gave a slight nonchalant shrug.

Marianne said nothing further on the matter. "How was your trip?"

"The ruins are in good order. At least this time I had a good reason to go that side. No one even will even suspect that I just picked up Lelouch on my way back from the real business I had gone out to handle," the Emperor. "Schneizel will have some questions, but by the time the truth dawns on him, he will be too late."

For now, he just had to watch his children fool around. They would be too occupied trying to outsmart each other while he handled important matters. Yes, the kids could play out in the field while adults stayed behind indoors dealing with the important matters that would change this world.

He would like for of them to remain ignorant of the truth. It would be much less of a hassle and he could amuse himself watching them plot. Well, with Lelouch's re-introduction to the chessboard, things were bound to become interesting.

"We don't have to worry about with Lelouch here," Marianne said. "I'm sure they will make good 'partners'" she paused. "Do you think there is a chance that they might work together? If they do that, it would make things a little difficult."

"Lelouch wouldn't want to work under anyone. He certainly doesn't like being told what to do and likes to think on his own feet. Schneizel can allow him to make his own decisions, but they would never truly work together. They are different and do not have the same agenda and even if they did, their methods are too different."

Area 11

When Villetta went to see Jeremiah, she was very surprised to see the man frozen behind his desk. There was a small piece of paper on the desk, but he was not staring at it. He appeared to be staring at the space ahead of him. She did not get the chance to see the man like that often – perhaps there was something that had rattled him.

"Lord Jeremiah," Villetta called out in a worried tone for her boss.

She did worry about the man she had grown to like as a soldier and the leader of The Purist Faction. Life wasn't that bad under the man, so she could not complain and had nothing but respect for the man. Therefore, when he appeared troubled, she did worry.

"Lord Jeremiah!" Villetta called once again, but this time, her voice was loud and firm. The man had not responded to her first call. He hadn't even blinked or moved a muscle.

Whatever it was that he had heard or read: it must have been a great shock to him. It got her curious, but she did not rush to demand answers.

Jeremiah blinked when he finally registered Villetta's voice. He looked at the woman for a long minute before shaking his head to as if to clear his thoughts. "Villetta…" he said.

"Is something wrong?"

"Depends on how you look at it, but from my side, everything looks good… perhaps greater since the death of Marianne-sama."

He had just received a good report that could change everything. No, it didn't hold a possibility of changing things, it would change everything for him. If it was indeed true and he was not being messed with, then things would change. Of course, he would go on a rampage if the information he had received was false.

No one had the right to make him happy like this by giving him false information.

Perhaps his body language may not show it, but he was actually excited to hear that Lelouch was alive and well. At least this time, he would not go wrong. He would have to get the opportunity to do so, but he believed that he would. If Lelouch was his mother's son, then things would go alright.

He would still accept death if it was the punishment the prince was willing to dish out to him for failing his duties.

This information had to come true though. There hasn't been any confirmation from the Imperial Family. The Emperor should have said something, but he has not, neither any of the royal family members. Still, Jeremiah had received the information from a credible source. It had to do with Lelouch; he could not cast it aside.

"What is it?" Villetta asked, doing her best not show her impatience. The man obviously had something in mind, and it was killing her because she was seriously curious about what it was.

"I have received word that Lelouch vi Britannia is alive. I'm told that he just suddenly returned with the Emperor, but has been staying in a heavily fortified Aries Villa. Of course not many eyes have seen him and the Imperial Family has not said anything," Jeremiah said. "But no one would make a joke about something like this."

"Vi Britannia?" Villetta appeared to think for a few moments. "Weren't they dead? If I am not mistaken, that person was said to have died in this very country during the Britannia's invasion."

She knew Jeremiah had some ties with the Vi Britannia and spoke highly of Marianne, even though she had been a commoner. The man respected her and spoke of regrets for failing to protect her. But for someone who was reported to be dead for far too long, Villetta didn't think too highly of the information. It has been years after all, and no one has said a thing about it.

Vi Britannia line was dead.

Jeremiah shook his head. "It is either the death was greatly exaggerated or this report is false," He didn't want to believe that what he had read was false. Jeremiah wanted to believe it. "If prince Lelouch is indeed alive, it changes everything. This is an opportunity that I cannot miss: I'm going to speak to Prince Clovis to ask if it is true."

Villetta didn't like the man's tone. She narrowed her eyes, "And if it is true?"

"I will leave for Pendragon after speaking to the Viceroy."

Villetta Stared at Jeremiah as if the man was crazy. How could he be so selfish? He could not simply say that he was leaving them like that. He was the leader of the Purist Faction; he could not afford to do something like that.

Besides, for the so called pure bloods, why would be support someone who is a half-blood?

Villetta shook her head. Perhaps she was reading this wrong. She had not become where she was by jumping into conclusions. How long has she known the man anyway? Maybe there was a reason. Maybe he would only be gone to see the prince and then return to them. They could not do without their leader.

Kewell was a good person, he was alright, but he was not Jeremiah. There was only one Jeremiah and no one could replace his him in their faction.

"When will you return?"

"I might not return to the Purist Faction," Jeremiah said simply.

Villetta looked baffled by that response – almost nonchalant response. The man had fought for the Purist Faction with everything he had. He was here opposing the Honorary Britannian system, how could he just leave everything that had appeared to be what he was born to do?

"You're not serious Jeremiah!"

"I am," Jeremiah responded in a very serious tone. The Margrave stood from behind his desk and walked up to Villetta. He stopped just by her right side and placed a firm hand on her shoulder before speaking once again. "If Prince Clovis confirms that the 11th prince is indeed alive, I will be on a plane. The Purist Faction isn't really controlled by the Viceroy. I can leave.

If I do end up leaving, Kewell will be in charge. Well, I wouldn't really care what happens after. My life will belong to Prince Lelouch and what he lives for. If it is revenge, then I shall also live for revenge. Nevertheless, I will not forget you, Villetta. Never. I will not."

The Margrave walked away, leaving a speechless Villetta.

Ashford Academy

When Clovis went up to see Nunnally, he was surprised to see Milly beside the Princess once again. She had been here the last time he came. He now knew she was from the Ashford family, but since they had nothing, he didn't value them. They used to have something back then, but now they had nothing. Besides, other families hadn't liked them very much for their support of Lelouch's mother.

Still, he could still be thankful that they had managed to take care of his brother and sister. What would have been of them if they had not taken them in? Of course, he wasn't going to go about publicly. He wasn't even allowed to talk about Lelouch in public as the Emperor said he would make the announcement himself.

People were asking questions because word had already spread through the Empire like a wild fire. Clovis was almost jealous of the attention Lelouch was getting now. He was a little thankful that the brother of his was under lockdown.

Was it right to think like that?

Clovis shook his head. Nobody could see his thoughts, so it was fine. Everyone had something hidden within.

"Nunnally," Clovis called with a smile as he settled down on a chair beside the princess. Today, he would not do the kneeling. That was a little low and out of the way. Once was enough, even for his blind sister.

"Brother Clovis," Nunnally said with a smile. "I was wondering when you'd return…" the smile on Nunnally's disappeared for a second. "Have you heard from brother? He said he would inform me when he lands, but he has not called, not even sent a letter. Well, a letter would take long, but I was expecting to hear from him once he lands."

Clovis sighed. He would have to break the news. Maybe he should have called to tell Nunnally about Lelouch's situation. He looked at Sayako – she was a number. He didn't comment on it, nor did his expression change. He would not even drink the tea she had offered.

Milly was also present but silent. How would he go about this with these people here? He could just tell them to disappear so that he can talk to his sister alone. Would they simply refuse a word of a prince of Britannia? They would not. Only those with a death wish would do something like that. In this land, his word was law.

Nunnally seemed to sense Clovis' dilemma. "You don't have to worry about Sayako and Milly…" she said.

"It is alright, mistress Nunnally, I will excuse myself," Sayako said. She could go do something in the kitchen.

Milly did not move a muscle even when Clovis was staring at her. The prince finally spoke after a long minute. "Are you my brother's girlfriend?" Well, she was here, and a former nobility. It wouldn't be off the mark to suggest she had something with his brother. He wouldn't advise for it to continue, but for now he was merely asking to know before he does anything.

Milly laughed, amused – not by the question itself but by the thought of Lelouch and girlfriend. "The only girl Lelouch's loves is his sister," she finally said after a few moments. Still, there was slight bitterness in her tone – it just slipped out, but luckily for her, no one noted it.

Nunnally agreed with a small nod. "Brother doesn't appear to be interested in relationships. Then again, I don't know much…" she tilted her head to the side. "Though, I wouldn't mind if you were his girlfriend," she said with a smile.

Clovis cleared his throat before the conversation could drag away from him. "Lelouch did arrive at Pendragon. The reason he was not able to call you is because he has no way to do so."

"What do you mean?" Nunnally asked, confused.

Milly assumed it was because he was cut off from any form of communication. And of course, anyone with the power to do that is the Emperor. How he went on about that, was something she could not conclude. At least Clovis was here, he would fill in the gaps.

"Lelouch has been locked up in Aries Villa since he landed. Father cut off any form of network – Lelouch can't use the internet, he can't watch TV and he can't make calls. He is not even allowed to set foot outside the walls of Aries Villa or talk to anyone. Not even Schneizel has been able to visit him. Father said he was being confined for a week while he decides what he will do with him," Clovis explained a bit nonchalantly as if it was a small thing.

He was certainly not worried about Lelouch's future. He was certain that Lelouch would be out soon and they would team up. He was already preparing for Lelouch to move in with him at the Viceroy palace. Of course, that would have to go through the Emperor first, but he would work out something out.

"Oh, brother…" Nunnally mumbled sadly, thinking of her dear elder brother. What could he be thinking now that he was cut from the world? He did not know anything and was all alone. Why could she not be there for him as he had been there for her?

Nunnally wanted nothing more than to get on a plane and go to her brother.

"Don't worry too much about him, Nunnally: I assure you, you will hear from him soon," Clovis said confidently. "Euphemia wanted to come, but Father forbade it until Lelouch is revealed to the public. He said you could stay here and finish your school though," Clovis before pausing. "OH, there is also someone who wants to see you."

"Who?"

"Jeremiah!" Clovis called out. "You can come in now!"

The Margrave was already beside the princess in the blink of an eye, tears in his eyes.

Pendragon

Cornelia looked pissed off and Schneizel didn't have to guess what had brought upon the mood. She must have gone to the Emperor to 'demand' why she was not allowed to talk to her brother. It was a little unfair, she had thought and believed that he was dead buy was now being told that he was alive, yet not allowed to see him. It had to be frustrating to the woman who had left the battlefield just to see her brother.

Then again, didn't he also left negotiations in the EU just to talk to his brother?

"I can't believe father won't allow me to see Lelouch, he won't even give me a reason why!" Cornelia was tempted to cuss at that moment, but Euphemia was right behind her, looking a little lost – probably because she had been ranting furiously since they left the emperor's side.

The man had simply told her that she could not see Lelouch and he did not have to explain why she could not or why Lelouch was locked up in the first place. He had gone on to warn her against going against his wishes and then proceeded to dismiss her. What was even infuriating was that he had even asked her why she had even returned when she was busy with her duties.

Wasn't the return of Lelouch important? If a member of royalty who was thought dead was actually alive, then it was a reason to stop everything, including war just to celebrate. If she went to the battlefield now, she would mercilessly crush her enemies. Then again, how would that be any different from what she normally does?

"Calm down, Cornelia," Schneizel said smoothly. "There is no need to be infuriated about it. It won't change anything. Patience at this moment is key," the Prime Minister said.

For a moment, Cornelia looked at Schneizel harshly before sighing. "Not everyone is like you," she said.

"That might be true, but it cannot be helped at this time. Once father has made his mind, he cannot be convinced to think otherwise. I tried it once and now I just decided to wait for a week. We know that Lelouch is alive and well. I saw him myself. A day or two now and we will have him to ourselves. What is a couple of hours compared to the feeling of knowing that you will never see him again?"

Cornelia had to sit down after Schneizel had spoken. "Knowing that you won't see him again, is painful but this is just frustrating. You know you have something, you can see it, you can smell, but no matter how hard you jump, you just can't reach it."

Schneizel did not respond to Cornelia, he looked at Euphemia, "Out of everyone, I thought you'd be the one making the most noise. You were closest to Lelouch and Nunnally out of everyone else…"

Euphemia looked away when both Schneizel and Cornelia stared at her. "Well…" she started. "Clovis actually called me yesterday when he was with Nunnally and gave her the phone, so I was able to speak to her… he did say I shouldn't tell anyone about it though…" she added sheepishly.

Brother and sister just shook their heads.

"Still, Lelouch must be losing his mind inside that place," Cornelia said, composed now. "And considering what happened in there, it must not pleasant for him."

He was locked up in the home that took away his mother and left his sister blind and crippled. He had returned but was locked up as if it was his prison. He could contact the outside world because the Emperor had cut all forms of communication. He didn't even know what his fate would be after everything that has happened.

"I raised that point with father, but he would still not listen," Schneizel said with a shake of his head. The man had said that if Lelouch went insane, he would be sent back to Area 11 and the Empire would never admit to his survival, even if people do see him.

That was unlikely to occur though. Lelouch would not lose his mind, not in a place like this. Schneizel safely assumed that his younger brother held some unspeakable feelings towards the Emperor. If Lelouch had been indeed hiding from the Imperial Family, then it was safe to say that he was being forced back into the fold because the Emperor has some purpose for him.

Schneizel would not allow the chance to pass. Lelouch was not going to face the axe – he wouldn't even be surprised if the Emperor doesn't even punish his younger brother. The confinement was not punishment; it was merely a game. Their father was watching, binding his time to see how the pieces were moving before he does make his own move.

"Well, there is nothing to be done now," Cornelia said with a slight frown. Aries Villa was heavily protected that even she could not get in. She doubted even Schneizel would be able to smooth talk his way into the palace or opening the opportunity for Lelouch to escape for a few minutes. "What do you think father will do after Lelouch is summoned to the Imperial Court? I don't want to lose him again."

"Don't worry, sister," Schneizel said smoothly. "Lelouch will be just fine. I can assure you of that."

"How sure are you?"

Schneizel merely smiled but it was a response that would satisfy Cornelia – at least he hoped it would.

A Couple of Days Later

It was finally time to face the music. For the first time Lelouch could look at the gates of Aries Villa and breathe a sigh of relief. He was finally going to leave those gates. He could be forgiven if he doesn't even come back tonight. He was missing so much; it felt like he had been starved inside the palace. There was a lot he didn't know, and a lot he needed to know.

The guards were certainly employed by the Emperor. There had been a man who had come to the palace, had fought with the guards when they refused to give him permission to enter the premises. At the end of the day, he had been sent to prison.

The woman cooking for him had informed him of it when he had backed her against a corner, and she had been forced to reveal the man's name was Jeremiah. It did not do much favour to the prince, as it was something that he could not use.

For now, he just wanted to speak to his sister, but he had yet to be given a phone. He was only being allowed to leave now because a limousine was waiting for him outside the gates. Just yesterday, a royal tailor had come to the palace to take his measurements and the royal white and gold clothes were delivered this morning.

And here he was, walking towards the limousine outside his gate.

Lelouch did not look surprised to see Schneizel inside the limousine. Perhaps it was because he had been starved of conversation with other people or because he was finally able to speak to someone he knew, Lelouch felt slightly happy. Of course, he did not smile, but he was happy – Even if it was Schneizel.

"Cornelia was worried that you might lose your mind," Schneizel started after Lelouch had kept his silence. The car started moving, slowly. "I have to admit, I worried a little. It appears there was no reason to worry, nevertheless…"

Lelouch said nothing; his eyes were focused outside. Just because he was happy to be finally out of that place didn't mean that he was going to be all chatty with Schneizel.

Without saying a word, Schneizel slipped out a phone from his pocket and dialled. The phone was on his put on his right ear. "Can I speak to Nunnally?"

That was the first thing that Schneizel said, but he was sure that the woman on the other phone would recognize his voice and hand over the phone to Nunnally without wasting time. His eyes were watching Lelouch firmly. The 11th prince's attention turned to him, his eyes staring at the phone hopefully, not at him.

"Nunnally, I trust you're still in good spirits since we last spoke… yes, I know it was last night… I have someone who wants to speak to you," Schneizel smiled thinly as he handed the phone to Lelouch. The prince more or less snatched the phone out of Schneizel's grasp.

It was indeed true, Lelouch was attached to his sister – he was like Cornelia. Both were strong people, but with one glaring weakness. For Lelouch it was worse because his sister was helpless without anyone by her side. It would prove to be a problem, but nothing that could not be solved.

Who knows, maybe this love for his sister would be one to push Lelouch towards greatness.

"Nunnally," It was a soft whisper. Perhaps he just didn't want Schneizel to hear what he was saying or it was just that he was trembling with both excitement and anger – directed towards the Emperor for making him miss his sister so much. He had worried. It was for the first time that a week had gone by that he had not heard from her.

Honestly, it had been hell.

Especially since he didn't know the Emperor's plans. The man could have sent his dogs to Area 11 and taken her away from him. She could have been used against him – that was the last thing Lelouch wanted. His sister was not to be used by anyone – not even the Emperor.

Schneizel just watched as Lelouch's mask slipped, a smile, relief on his face washed over. It was apparent that he was very happy to know that his sister was happy. Nunnally would be happy as well. Schneizel felt happy to be able to do something like this for his brother. Lelouch was still not supposed to have a phone, but who would tell?

The phone was his private thing. Its calls could not be traced, so he was safe, so was Lelouch.

He had figured that Lelouch would need a clear mind before speaking to the Emperor. It would do no good if his younger brother does one of the acts he pulled years ago. Well, he liked to believe that he had grown, but with a tantrum prone Lelouch, you never know.

Schneizel held out his hand, calling for his phone. Lelouch frowned, but he understood. Schneizel was only doing him a favour. The man had not been obligated to do this. Of course, he did have his own reasons. Even in a moment of weakness, Lelouch's mind would just not fail him. He had to be on his toes at all times in this place.

There was danger in all corners and if he was not careful, there would be hell.

The eleventh prince said his goodbye to his sister, telling her that he would call her again after he has spoken to the Emperor. Lelouch handed the phone back to Schneizel before speaking, "Thank you," he said a bit forcefully.

Schneizel merely smiled. "No strings attached," he said. "It does appear that you have grown a bit… but you should not be wary. I only want is best for you. Unfortunately, we don't have much time to talk. We will do that after your meeting with father.

"I don't think you have anything to worry about. Father has not been planning anything harsh. Then again, nobody really knows what he is thinking. In any case, you just have to be calm, and don't do anything stupid. Father will not wish to be disrespected in front of the royal court."

Lelouch looked outside the window – a much calmer expression reflected on the window. "I wouldn't do the same mistake twice. Circumstances have changed. Things are different, but the Emperor is still the same. For now, I am nothing. I denounced my claim to the throne, and that man responded by exiling me.

If I do something childish like that, it will be much worse. I have everything to lose now. Playing the obedient soldier is the best card I can play now…" Lelouch paused. "But I will not be a pawn in his chessboard forever," he said firmly.

Schneizel smiled. "You know the rules, Lelouch; a pawn can get promoted into any piece in the chessboard. It is all a matter of how you move other pieces and how you strategize."

Imperial Court

Britannian aristocracy had gathered in the court with the Emperor siting in his throne, the Knight of One by his side, as he always was. Many had not been informed of the reason for the gathering, but they could make a good guess. It had something to do with the son of a commoner who many had thought they had seen last when he was exiled.

Lelouch was alive; this had just confirmed it. The Imperial family had not commented on the rumours and other princes and princesses wouldn't talk or they also didn't know anything. The Prime Minister, Schneizel, was the people who knew everything, but try getting information out of that silver-tongued prince.

"Introducing, the Eleventh Prince of Britannia and Seventeenth in line to the throne, His Highness, Lelouch vi Britannia," the royal announcer shouted as the prince entered the court with grace and his head held high.

Lelouch would not show these parasites fear; he would not be a coward in front of them. They were the cowards who could not defy the Emperor. Being in this very place with them watching him like hawks and the two-faced snakes they were repulsed him.

He wouldn't be surprised if some of them were wishing for him to just mistime a step and fall over to his death. Strange things have happened, but nothing would happen on this day. They could go back to the comforts of their lavish homes and dream again.

These were the people who had rejoiced when the Emperor exiled him. They had hated his mother with everything they had. Worthless bunch of insects. Lelouch really wished he could squash them, or just strip them of every tittle they had so they could live as commoners. He would gleefully laugh at their predicament.

With as much grace and elegance as he could muster, Lelouch strolled through towards the Emperor. Even though that man was looking at him carelessly, Lelouch didn't let it bother him; not even the fact that he indulged in the thought of someone bursting through the ceiling and getting a jump on the Knight of One while he lunges towards the Emperor.

He would strangle that man to death while these parasites watch and thereafter, he would proclaim himself as Emperor of Britannia.

That was just a thought anyway.

Reality was that he had to get on a knee before the Emperor. He did not stare down at the crimson floor. He stared back into the eyes of the Emperor. He would show the man that he was not a coward and would not bow his head for everything to flip him in all directions.

If the Emperor was waiting for Lelouch to say something, he would have been disappointed. The prince said nothing.

For a second, he thought the Emperor appeared amused.

But that thought was dispelled by a cold-hearted look that graced the man's eyes, accompanied by an oppressing aura that made him slightly afraid. Yes, this man controlled Britannia. He alone stood atop of Britannia and no one would openly challenge him. No matter how powerful they were.

Charles zi Britannia was a frightening man.

"Don't you have anything to say, Lelouch?" The Emperor dared him.

It was nothing more than a play of power. The man wanted to remind him of who was sitting on the throne. Lelouch had to be humble before the man; he didn't have to show any spine. He would not give it all. Nevertheless, playing defiance would not do him any good. It would only get him in trouble and earn him more enemies.

He didn't even want to look at Schneizel at the moment, but he could feel man's stare warning him against saying anything stupid.

"I have honoured your summons, your Majesty," that was all that Lelouch was willing to say. He would not say anything about playing dead until the Emperor brought it up.

"And?"

'What?' Lelouch was tempted to say, but he gritted his teeth and held back. He would not be baited into saying something stupid. The man was testing him; he would pass this little test. For the first time since kneeling, Lelouch stared into the floor. "I humbly wait to accept what you have called. If his Majesty wishes for me to apologize for the childish tantrum I threw years ago, I shall; if you wish for me to face death, I will humbly accept your judgement as a prince of Britannia."

He hoped that was good enough because he would not sink any lower than that. If the man pushed, he would snap.

The Emperor stood up. "Questions have been asked about Lelouch's survival, this is the answer," the man pointed at the prince.

When Lelouch looked up, he realized something; there were cameras.

"Lelouch vi Britannia has returned home after his exile." The man said nothing further. Music rang through the court and the Emperor strolled out.

Lelouch was baffled.

That was all? The man had called the court, and him just to say that?

He wasn't going to say anything about the fact that he had been hiding in Area 11 for all these years and that Nunnally was also alive? He was just going to play it as if this 'death' had been nothing more than an exile, and now he was being allowed back into the Imperial family because his term of exile had expired?

This had been possibly on live TV… the cameras were certainly just for that. The Emperor's story would stick, no one would know that he had been hiding from Britannia and no one would question the Emperor.

Before the vultures could hound Lelouch – who was still on his knees, Schneizel seized the opportunity to get in a word. They would listen; he was after all the second most powerful man in the Britannian Empire after the Emperor.

"Just one more thing," the Prime Minister said, with his flat smile in display. "We will be holding a banquet later on to celebrate my dear brother's return. Those welcome should come…"

Those welcome, huh?

It was going to be something private, no cameras, no reporters, just a couple of good people. After all, Schneizel would be the one to organize this little thing. Only those who were 'welcomed' meant those who he had invited. He was merely making a point. He could have gone without telling the public.

Lelouch stood up from his knees and the moment he did so, he was engulfed by a pink blur. Euphemia didn't care if there were people watching or if the cameras were still rolling; she was just happy to finally see her brother alive and well.

She was truly happy.

"Lelouch," Euphemia mumbled her arms all around the fragile prince. Tears were threatening to break free, but she did not let them. She would cry when she was alone.

For a second, Lelouch didn't know what to do. When was the last time someone hugged him so tightly? Not to mention in such a suffocating way that he was struggling to breathe. It could only be his beloved Euphemia. Perhaps the person he loved the most after his beloved younger sister.

She was no stranger.

Lelouch smiled despite his difficulty to breathe. "Euphie," the prince said in a whisper, a small smile on his lips.

"I'm so happy that you are really alive…" Euphie said happily.

"You'll be sad soon if you keep this up," Lelouch said light heartedly.

Cornelia was above the two in a matter of seconds. She separated them, peeling her sister from Lelouch. "You'll kill him Euphie, and you shouldn't hug him so tightly," she said sternly. The second princess yanked Lelouch by his right hand; he almost fell in a heap. Cornelia frowned. "You're still fragile as ever…" she smiled beautifully. "Nevertheless, I am truly happy to see that you are alive. Welcome back home, brother," she pulled the prince over for a hug.

The moment was ruined when someone walked up to the three. "I see the commoner has returned," Carine said as he walked past the small group. "It would have been best for everyone if you'd remained dead."

Lelouch stepped away from his elder sister and flatly smiled at Carine. "It is lovely to see you as well, sister and I look forward to seeing more of you in the many days ahead of us…"

Carine twisted around to retort, her lips parted but she closed them she saw the expression on Lelouch's face – there was a flat smile that just reminded her of Schneizel and the cold eyes that reminded her of the Emperor.

She snarled and left without another word.

Cornelia raised an eyebrow at the exchange. She didn't think that he would have responded like that. It wasn't a bad thing really. It was good that he had grown, but antagonizing members of royalty would not do well for him.

"You should be careful with your exchanges," Cornelia said calmly. "You're already not liked by the majority of the Imperial family and the aristocracy."

Lelouch sighed a bit tiredly. "I know," he said. Well, at least he was in a comfortable position right now. Things had gone a lot better than he had expected. Nevertheless, of course he didn't think this would be the end of it. Schneizel would probably lay out the options for him later on.

"I'm glad," Cornelia said. The woman then folded her hands across her chest. "You do have a lot of explaining to do…"

Before Lelouch could responded, a smiling Schneizel spoke. "What is there to explain, sister? Our brother had been exiled from home and now father has decided that the sentence is enough and he can come home. You know when you're exiled from home; an attempt to return will result in death."

It was a sound argument and a military woman like Cornelia would be quick to understand what he meant. Of course, the 'exile' wasn't normal with Lelouch. If he had tried to get back home then, he wouldn't have faced any death. Perhaps death threats from Britannian aristocracy, but not from the Emperor.

Maybe he was even saying this because he wanted to the first one to know what had happened.

"For now, I would suggest that we allow our brother time to solve a few things. He dodged a bullet moment earlier. We can all get along later on, even Clovis will have landed by then," Schneizel said. "Besides, Lelouch has a matter to resolve."

Lelouch stared at Schneizel for a long moment as he attempted to understand what it was that he needed to resolve.

Schneizel smiled. "If anyone refuses you access, tell them the order is coming from me," the prince said. "I have a few things to do myself, so I will see you later. Do not be late. Formal invitations will be sent later before noon."

Later

Lelouch guessed it was now for the time to bring out the cards that Schneizel was hiding… they were in a small room, just the two of them, a chessboard placed between two small comfortable chairs. It has long since he was last lost a match. Schneizel was the only man he could never beat. He had drawn, but never won.

Never.

There was no taking it easy in a game with Schneizel. Lelouch knew that out of everyone, Schneizel was the one who did not understatement him. With how things have gone and what he has observed so far, to Cornelia, he was still just a kid. She would refrain from exposing some things to him and would try to shield him as she does with Euphemia.

Lelouch didn't want any of that. He had become an adult when the Emperor banished him.

Still, at least with Cornelia – if she is cleared from his mother's murder – he would have someone who he could count on without any strings attached. Overall, it wasn't looking so bad for him. Even if Schneizel would have his strings, he would still be able to play his own game. Not that he intended to be Schneizel's puppet.

Lelouch stared at pieces as Schneizel made his move.

"The powerful people you saw tonight are my backers, and some who are backed by me, some are being courted. Overall, I have relationships with them… mutual relationships," Schneizel said, his eyes staring at the board – he was focused.

"So, I was being paraded," Lelouch said, he glanced at the first prince – they seemed to have the same thought as their eyes met for a second, before returning to the game.

"More or less," Schneizel said, not bothering to hide it. "I have a lot of resources in my possession, but I am still nothing before our father. I believe that we can be something together. I know of your intelligence far better than anyone."

Lelouch frowned as he stared at Schneizel's pieces. He didn't seem too keen to make quick advances towards him. The man was busy playing his game in his 'yard'. He could not move recklessly. He would only end up being sucker punched quickly.

It was possible Schneizel was trying to see how he was going to play the game. Would he play it like they used to? Or would he play a different game that has matured due to his experiences in Japan? Lelouch still needed to see what kind of a game the prince would be playing. If he could understand it, he could plant his pieces in the right places.

"Why don't you start by telling me what that man has decided for me," Lelouch said, he could not keep his hatred hidden about 'that man'. Schneizel didn't comment on it though – he acted as if he had missed it.

"We can get to that after the game, but as you heard when you were introduced, you have been restored to where you were before you were sent to Area 11. Father has said he will not give you anything of his own, but you have access to everything your mother left behind. You will not be stopped from growing; no one will stand in the way, especially with me in your side.

"You might be just 17th in line, but that is just a number. A lot can change if you put enough work," Schneizel said.

Lelouch snorted at the thought of the first prince. "I assume despite being the crown prince, Odysseus is still a useless fool. Well, if you are the Prime Minister, and he is nothing, then he still is. That hardly surprises me though."

Schneizel smiled. "Don't speak like that of our brother, he has qualities."

"For being a tool in someone's game."

Schneizel didn't dispute this.

"I have said my share… why don't you tell me what happened?" Schneizel asked. "Father has his reasons, but I assume it is just to pit you against his other many children and make you useful instead of just living normally."

Lelouch shifted his gaze from the chessboard and looked at Schneizel for a second before returning to the game – which was starting to unravel by the way. "If I told you that I spent much of time gambling, would you believed."

"Surely you jest," Schneizel said.

Lelouch shrugged.

The Prime Minister didn't push. He could work around Lelouch in the end. Besides, the past didn't matter at this stage. If there was something that could cause damage, he would do damage control.

"You're being cautious," Schneizel said.

"Any reason I shouldn't be?" The man did throw this party for him and it was one that even some Knight of Rounds attended. He had to be cautious or else he would find himself in a deep hole he could not escape.

Schneizel didn't answer the question. "We will go on a trip tomorrow; I want to show you something."

Lelouch didn't let his frown show. He wasn't being given a choice. He hated moments like this. He really did. But he had to play along, for now at least. He was losing this game anyway, but the war was not yet lost. It was still early days.

"Aren't you going to tell me what the Emperor has decided for me?" The prince asked with a frown – it was what he was seeing on the chessboard that was making him frown.

"There is time for that," Schneizel said calmly. He looked at the board between him and his brother. … ah, he saw it now – the reason Lelouch was frowning. "We should go back to the party. I have yet to officially introduce you and it would be somehow if the main guest hides away while the party is still on."

End of chapter three

Not much fireworks between Lelouch and the Emperor, but I prefer things this way. Lelouch is still going to have a private chat with the Emperor - perhaps fireworks will occur there. The story is taking quite a slow start, I think. In any case, the next chapter should start revealing the direction of the story.

I know there are things that were cut off from the chapter, like Lelouch's meeting with Jeremiah, how the party started; they held nothing significant and would have just made the chapter long.

Thanks for the reviews.

The Omnipresent Sage