Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Code Geass.

Discussions within Pendragon

Suzaku was sitting on the floor of his cell and was thinking about the conversation that he had with Nonette.

Flashback

"Prince Schneizel will be coming to speak with you but there's something I have to tell you," Nonette said.

"What is it?" Suzaku asked.

Nonette narrowed her eyes, "Kururugi, you cannot at any point and time reveal what you know about the identities of Zero and Void and you can't reveal the existence of Geass."

Suzaku was shocked, "But why? If I explain things to Prince Schneizel, then surely—"

"Don't do it," Nonette interrupted strongly, "not even Prince Schneizel can know. You keep your mouth shut about Geass and the identities of Zero and Void."

Suzaku was shocked again and couldn't believe what he was being told.

"Look, the reason for this is because of the serious breach," Nonette said.

"Serious breach?" Suzaku asked, "What do you mean?"

Nonette sighed, "Look, the fact that you were told the truth about Zero and Void's identities and the existence of Geass by VV may not be really a problem but it does makes things complicated."

"What make it complicated?" Suzaku asked.

"VV," Nonette said, "Do you know why he went out of his way to reveal himself to you and told you about Lelouch and Nunnally as well as Geass?"

"Well initially I thought that he was being helpful and wanted to help me help Euphie and finally put an end to the rebellion helping Britannia," Suzaku replied, "but now I know it was for his own scheme. He must have wanted either for me and Lelouch to kill each other or for me to capture and/or kill Lelouch and turn him over to the emperor considering he truly wanted Euphie dead."

"Exactly," Nonette said, "but since none of those things happened, you are just left with the information that he recklessly imparted on you."

"You're saying it's a mistake that I learned what he told me," Suzaku said.

"Yes, one can look at it that way," Nonette said, "and I know you want to tell Prince Schneizel and let him know that you were deceived and tricked into taking action on the false premise that Zero was going to have Euphie killed but I need you to keep quiet about it."

"But I…" Suzaku spoke and had his head down.

"Look, I understand," Nonette said, "To be honest, I don't like this myself."

"Lady Enneagram?" Suzaku replied looking at Nonette.

"I don't like the fact that the little weasel was instigating such grief and trouble as well as orchestrating the massacre of the Special Zone and deliberately tried to have Euphemia killed," Nonette said bitterly, "and I don't like the fact that His Majesty has ordered me to keep quiet about it and I'm here telling you to do the same thing because I was ordered to do so by His Majesty."

"I see," Suzaku said, "so it's the emperor that ultimately wants this under wraps."

"Yes and if this gets out of what we know," Nonette said, "it could cause unnecessary panic or even people vying for the power of Geass… at least that is what they have told me."

"But isn't it irresponsible to keep quiet about this?" Suzaku asked, "Especially when it comes to someone who has caused huge problems and a type of power that exist."

"It feels that way but His Majesty wants to keep it under wraps," Nonette said, "I have been forced to promise to keep quiet about this and now I am here by orders of the emperor to have you make sure that you do not spill the beans."

"But it's not right," Suzaku insisted, "After what happened and what VV and Pluton have done…"

"You're right, it's not right," Nonette said, "but look at this at another way. Say you do tell Prince Schneizel, what if there's a possibility that he does not believe you?"

"Huh, what do you mean?" Suzaku asked confused.

"After the stunt you pulled when you blatantly disobeyed orders and especially when you told Prince Schneizel himself that you were not going do what he told you to do and stay put, you really don't have much credibility anymore," Nonette said, "anything you say that could seem outrageous and he's going to want proof of the things you tell him."

"Well then I can mentioned you as well as Sir Trenton and Sir Waldstein and then—" Suzaku responded.

"In which we will deny it, feign ignorance, and accuse you of saying anything just save your own ass," Nonette interjected.

Suzaku was shocked in what Nonette said.

"Y-You would do that," Suzaku said.

"Yes we would," Nonette said, "so you may believe that you can tell Prince Schneizel about what you know but really after what you had done and had disobeyed orders going against military protocol, he would want you to provide proof and really, who's really going to aid you to prove what you said is true. Me?" Nonette shook her head, "I have my duty and I will deny everything you said and you can be assure that Jarvis and Bismarck will do the same thing especially Jarvis who would use it as an opportunity to just shame and humiliate you."

"Humiliate and shame me," Suzaku said looking a bit sad, "Yes, I can see that he would do that actually."

"Yeah, he really doesn't like you especially after you made a fool out of him," Nonette said, "So who's the next choice? Maybe Euphie… or even Lulu and Nunna…" Nonette shook her head again, "That won't do either. After what you did, they would not do anything to help you and they're not willing to expose the truth of their identities and confess that Lelouch himself has Geass. Would you really expect them to help you after you well… turned on them or really turn on Euphie?"

Suzaku had a sad expression and looked away.

"There is another reason as to why I say that you speaking on these things will just complicate things," Nonette said, "there is someone else who has the power of Geass and that is the emperor himself."

Suzaku was shocked and looked at Nonette.

"Wait, the emperor has Geass as well?" Suzaku asked.

"Yes and his Geass is different from Lelouch's," Nonette said, "while Zero has the Geass of making people obey him and follow his commands, the emperor has Geass that can alter someone's memories."

"Alter their memories?" Suzaku replied shocked.

"That's right," Nonette said, "he can use his own Geass to make people forget and even alter the memories of others. It might even make someone to become a completely different person with the memory alteration. So let me ask you this Kururugi, knowing that emperor wants to keeps things under wraps and he would be willing to use his memory-altering Geass on people he deems should be in the know especially most of his own children, do you think he would not do that to you and possibly use you for his own ends?"

"Use me?" Suzaku asked shocked, "Wait, he would really do that?"

"It's a possibility that he would," Nonette said, "like I said, the existence of Geass, VV, and even the identities of Zero and Void are things His Majesty wants to keep under wraps and it would just complicate things if you start spilling the beans."

Suzaku looked away with a sad expression.

"I know you don't like it and don't think it's right," Nonette continued, "Honestly I feel the same way but we're dealt with the hands we can play. If you spill the beans, it's possible that you would be able to get an upper hand and maybe Schneizel will think differently and actually understand… but at the same time, it could lead to the result that Schneizel and those around him might suffer the consequences for being informed on something he shouldn't know and you may end up most likely having your memories altered and being a pawn for one of the emperor's plans and for you particularly… well, it would be even worse than death."

Suzaku clenched his teeth as he was frustrated with what he was told.

"I'm saying this for your own sake Kururugi," Nonette said, "Don't say anything."

Flashback End

Suzaku was still sitting on the floor within his cell. He suddenly heard footsteps and he looked and saw two guards. One of them unlocked the cell while the other pointed his assault rifle at Suzaku.

"Suzaku Kururugi, get up," The guard that unlock the cell said.

"I take it that Prince Schneizel wants to see me," Suzaku said.

"You keep your mouth shut for now," The guard holding his rifle said.

"Hurry up," The other guard said.

Suzaku didn't respond and just got up and got out of his cell. The guards then escorted Suzaku as they were walking through the hall. Not long, they arrived to a door that led to the interrogation room. One of the guards opened the door and Suzaku saw Schneizel sitting in a table with Kanon standing next to him along with three soldiers that were loyal to Schneizel. The guards signaled Suzaku to get in and sit down and Suzaku sat across from Schneizel and Kanon. Afterwards, the two guards that escorted Suzaku took their leave and waited outside as they guarded the room.

"Now then Suzaku Kururugi," Schneizel said, "Here's your chance. Now I am in the mood to hear your reasoning for your actions."

Suzaku had a sad expression and had his head down as he held his hands together for a bit and then he looked straight to Schneizel.

"Prince Schneizel, I would like to apologize for my actions, for breaking military protocol," Suzaku said, "what I did was unacceptable and inexcusable and was not the action fit as a soldier. I just wanted to—"

"I didn't come here to hear your apologies," Schneizel cut off, "I don't want to hear any apologies, all I want to hear is your reasons for the actions you have taken, for the reason that you as a soldier under my command dare disobeyed my orders. I want to hear what was going through your mind when you made the decision that you somehow knew better than me. You said that you wanted to explain yourself so I want to hear you do just that, nothing more. So do not waste my time with your pitiful apologies and explain yourself."

"…Of course," Suzaku responded softly.

"Back on the Avalon, you said that you were made aware that my sister Euphemia was in danger," Schneizel said, "yet you refuse to indulge in that matter which made no sense to me. Why would not tell me in the first place considering she is now with the Black Knights. I want an explanation, not apologies nor excuses."

"Yes of course," Suzaku said sadly and then he held his hands tight as he thought about VV and how he manipulated him and then he thought about the conversation he had with Nonette, "Okay, the truth is… I was deceived."

"Deceived?" Schneizel asked, "What do you mean?"

"I'm ashamed to say this but I was tricked," Suzaku said, "by someone who actually wanted Princess Euphemia dead and… this person was the one who was the mastermind of the massacre of the Special Zone."

Schneizel and Kanon raised their eyebrows in what Suzaku said and the soldiers with him were caught off guard.

"You expect us to believe that you were tricked in taking action and that the one who convinced you is the one who was behind that disaster?" Kanon asked.

"It is true," Suzaku said feeling ashamed, "someone showed up in the Avalon and told me something false about Euphemia's situation. He made it sound like it was a life or death situation for Euphemia and the danger that Zero and Void were planning for not only Euphemia but for everyone in Japan."

"And who was this person that basically lied to you Suzaku?" Schneizel asked.

Suzaku thought about what Nonette said and thought about VV and then he closed his eyes.

"Answer him Suzaku," Kanon demanded being a bit impatient.

"Kanon," Schneizel spoke glancing at his aide.

"My apologies Your Highness," Kanon replied backing off.

"I… I don't know," Suzaku answered, "He really didn't introduced himself. In fact, he never told me how he was able to get in the Avalon."

"What did he look like?" Schneizel asked, "Do you have any clue of who this person was or who he was associated with?"

"A young looking man, dressed like a noble, had very long blonde hair, and had red eyes," Suzaku described, "and he made claims that he had connections to the very top."

"Hmm, is that so?" Schneizel responded.

"Your Highness," Kanon said.

"Yes, this might go in hand in what Cornelia has said," Schneizel said.

"Princess Cornelia?" Suzaku asked looking at Schneizel.

Schneizel just looked at Suzaku.

"I suppose it won't hurt to inform you," Schneizel said, "Yes, my sister Cornelia also suspected that the person who was behind the Special Zone disaster is someone who has closely tied to the upper echelon. It's possible that he may have ties with someone within the imperial family… or even the emperor himself. Cornelia is looking into things right now. She is certain that she will learn the identity of the person who was ultimately responsible for that tragedy of the Special Zone of Japan."

Suzaku just looked at Schneizel and blinked his eyes.

"What I don't understand is how did this person get in the Avalon and how did anyone else not notice?" Kanon asked.

"I have no idea," Suzaku said, "I know that he was adamant that I do not say anything about his presence."

"And you just listened to him, no questions asked, right?" Schneizel responded.

"Y-Yes," Suzaku responded just looking at the table.

"How and when did you realize that this mysterious person deceived you?" Schneizel asked.

"…As embarrassing it is," Suzaku said feeling ashamed, "it was actually Zero who provided proof."

"Zero again," Kanon said.

"Yes, when I chased him on Kamine Island," Suzaku said, "Zero provided proof that he actually obtained from Princess Euphemia."

"My sister provided the proof," Schneizel said, "I see."

"So that is how," Kanon said.

"Yes," Suzaku said softly.

"May I assume that Zero and Euphemia still have the proof they showed you?" Schneizel asked.

"Yes I'm sure they do," Suzaku answered.

"Hmm, maybe I might be able to work through this and get them to cooperate with me," Schneizel said, "at least with my dear sister Euphie."

"Hopefully they would be willing," Kanon said, "since it's most likely they already know who this mystery person is."

Suzaku was feeling nervous when he heard what Kanon and Schneizel were saying.

"Is there anything else you can tell us?" Schneizel asked, "Anything else about the person that spoke to you?"

"…No, nothing else," Suzaku replied softly.

"Are you sure?" Schneizel asked.

"Huh?" Suzaku responded surprised and looked at Schneizel.

"Are you certain that there is nothing else that we should know?" Schneizel asked looking at Suzaku intently, "Anything I need to know?"

Suzaku opened his mouth a bit and closed and it and shook his head.

"No, there's nothing else," Suzaku answered, "I don't know anything else."

Schneizel closed his eyes and sighed.

"Very well," Schneizel said, "then we're done. Take him back to his cell."

Kanon called the guards outside the room and they came in and took Suzaku back to his cell. Kanon looked at Schneizel who was thinking.

"My lord, may I ask what you are thinking about?" Kanon asked.

"Just taking in what Suzaku said," Schneizel said as he opened his eyes and stood up, "We head back to the palace. I'm going to meet with my siblings and then make the final preparations as we take on the EU and counter against the rebellions in the Areas."

"Yes of course," Kanon said.

Suzaku was shoved back in his cell and the two guards closed and locked his cell. Suzaku looked back seeing the two guards glaring at the young Honorary Britannian soldier who then left. Suzaku had a depressed expression and went to lean on the wall and slowly descended on the floor to sit. Suzaku was contemplating his choices wondered if he was going to be able to make things right.

"I wish I could talk to Euphie again," Suzaku said, "really give my genuine apology for what I've done and when I tried to force her to come back against her will."

Meanwhile in the Pendragon Imperial Palace, Cornelia was walking through the hall. She then saw someone who was standing waiting for her and it was her mother Victoria li Britannia and she had two maids accompanying her.

"Cornelia," Victoria said.

"Mother," Cornelia responded, "I didn't expect to see you so soon. I assume that you would have head back to the villa."

"I would have," Victoria said as she approached her eldest daughter, "Well to honest, I am relieved."

"Relived?" Cornelia asked.

"Yes, it seems that you were not punished for your failure and allowing Euphemia to stay with the Black Knights," Victoria said.

"Mother…" Cornelia spoke.

"I'm just glad that both of my daughters are alive," Victoria said softly, "even if it is upsetting that one of them is with the enemy. I still can't comprehend what was going through your mind by allowing Euphemia to stay with the enemies of the empire."

"I'm sorry Mother," Cornelia responded with remorse, "I really am."

"Well there's no point in dwelling on it now," Victoria said and she sighed, "I knew your sister was stubborn but I didn't realize it was this extent. I should have known."

"There you are," A woman said suddenly, "Please, I must speak with you."

Cornelia, Victoria, and the maids looked and saw someone approaching them with concern and sadness. It was a woman with mid-length light blue hair and yellow eyes. She wore a white and blue dress. The woman was accompanied by her own two maids. It was Leda rui Britannia who was one of the imperial consorts and the mother of the deceased Castor and Pollux rui Britannia.

"Lady Leda," Cornelia said.

"I must speak with you Cornelia," Leda said.

"Leda, what do you want from my daughter?" Victoria asked looking at Leda with suspicion.

"What I want is justice," Leda said, "I want justice for my sons."

"Justice for your sons?" Cornelia replied taken aback, "What are you talking about?"

"You know what I am talking about," Leda replied, "My precious sons was murdered and they were murdered by that masked terrorist freak Zero. I want my sons avenged."

"How dare you," Victoria spoke upset, "How dare you make such a request to my daughter, the second princess given in light what your sons were trying to do. Your sons were involved with Pluton and willfully participating in having both of my daughters murdered along with Marrybell."

"But it's not true," Leda responded.

"What?" Victoria replied as she and Cornelia were shocked, "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying is that what was said about my sons is not true," Leda insisted, "I know that they were innocent and all of this is actually the work of that evil masked terrorist Zero and his minions."

"Lady Leda, are you actually denying what was revealed with all the proof that has been backed up?" Cornelia asked shocked to hear what was said.

"I am certain that my sons were innocent," Leda said, "I am certain that they never actually desired for your death nor the death of Marrybell and…" Leda glanced at the side bitterly, "Regardless of Euphemia's despicable foolishness, I don't believe that they were involved in framing her and the murder of other Britannians. It's horrible that my sons are dead and now their good names are being dragged through the mud as they are being framed from something they would never do."

"Lady Leda, do you actually have any proof in what you are saying that counters the audio and video evidence that has spread all over the world?" Cornelia asked.

"Of course I don't," Leda replied frustrated.

"Hmph, so you're in denial," Victoria spoke in disgust, "Pathetic, you simply can't accept the fact that your sons were involved and tried to have both of my daughters killed. You're just like Gabriella when it came to the misdeeds and disgraceful actions of her son Clovis, you refuse to accept reality."

"My apologies, but I must get going," Cornelia said, "I have work to do and a meeting to attend to."

"Of course you do," Victoria said looking at her daughter, "do please find out who ultimately orchestrated and tried to have your sister killed."

"I will Mother," Cornelia said with a nod, "You can count on it."

"I believe you will and please," Victoria said and had a solemn expression, "if some way, help your sister, bring her back. I don't want her with the Black Knights."

Cornelia had a solemn expression as well and thought about Lelouch and Nunnally who revealed themselves and informed her what they knew and the conversation she had with her and Euphie.

"I can't guarantee it Mother," Cornelian said, "but I will do what I can."

"That's all I ask," Victoria said.

Cornelia left and soon Leda left feeling dejected with her two maids following her. Victoria watched Leda leave and looked at Leda with disgust and left with her maids. As Cornelia continued walking in the palace hall, she thought about what was discussed with her.

Flashback: Building within Japan

"Cornelia, be very careful," Lelouch said, "we suspect that our father will want to keep things quiet and will use any means to make sure that happens."

Flashback End

"I understand Lelouch," Cornelia said in her head, "with everything you and Nunnally have told me, I will take caution along with my subordinates. I am counting on to look after Euphie and continue to look after Nunnally."

"Cornelia," Someone called suddenly.

Cornelia looked and saw Schneizel as he was approaching her.

"Oh Schneizel," Cornelia responded, "You're back Brother."

"Yes, I'm assuming you're on your way to meet with most of our siblings," Schneizel said.

"I am," Cornelia said with a nod.

"Then let us walk together, shall we?" Schneizel replied.

"Very well," Cornelia said with a nod.

Schneizel and Cornelia walked together to head to the lounge. Meanwhile Leda accompanied by her two maids was very upset as things didn't go as she wanted.

"I can't believe that there is hardly anyone who is willing to believe that my sons are innocent," Leda said sadly, "they were just simply boys. They would never really hurt anyone."

"Milady," One of the maids said with concern.

"You must be tired," The other maid said, "maybe we should back to the villa and we can prepare tea for you."

"What I want are my sons back to me," Leda said gradually getting angry, "they were murdered and no one seems to really care to actually make this right. Not even the emperor himself as he is just letting this insult stand."

The maids looked at each other with concern.

'That is just how it really is," A male voice said.

Leda and her two maids were surprised and they looked and saw the person and it was VV.

"What is this?" Leda asked, "Who are you child and why are you here?" Leda looked around, "Who let a random child roam here in the palace halls? Where are the guards?"

"Please calm down Leda rui Britannia," VV said, "I actually want to help you."

"Excuse me?" Leda responded looking at VV suspiciously, "What do you mean by that?"

"I'm willing to help you get justice for your sons, Prince Castor and Prince Pollux," VV said.

VV's words surprised Leda and her two maids.

"What do you mean?" Leda asked.

"I feel bad," VV said with a sympathetic expression, "I was actually well acquainted with your sons."

"You were?" Leda asked.

"Yes and for that, I actually want to help you," VV said, "I can do that by aiding you in avenging your sons' death and letting you that—"

"Found you," A male voice interrupted, "I knew we would find you here."

Leda, the maids, and VV were surprised and the child Code Bearer was annoyed as they looked and saw Bismarck and Jarvis approaching them.

"Hey now, it's not a good idea for you to just run off," Bismarck said, "and it is in bad taste to bother a lady who is grieving."

"Apologies Lady Leda," Jarvis said, "this boy's rudeness is unacceptable. We will be sure to chastise him for his unsightly behavior."

"Sir Waldstein and Sir Trenton," Leda said, "are you two familiar with this boy?"

"We are," Bismarck said, "apologies for his actions."

"No, it's… fine," Leda said, "He said he knew my sons and wanted to help me."

"Apologies Lady Leda," Jarvis said, "I'm afraid the boy was lying. He says things like this all the time. Kids these days really say things that they know nothing about and have no means to do so."

VV gave a hateful glare to Jarvis and was about to speak up but Jarvis palmed his head.

"We are very sorry if he got your hopes up," Bismarck said, "but a child like him has no means to actually do anything."

"So he was lying about being able to help," Leda said.

"I'm afraid so," Bismarck said, "A prank in poor taste."

"I should have known," Leda said and then turned to VV with disgust, "wretched child, how dare you make a fool out of me. I demand to speak with his parents."

"He doesn't have any," Jarvis said, "but we will lecture him harshly for his behavior."

"…Very well," Leda said feeling defeated, "I can't believe I allowed myself to get hopeful like this."

Leda left with her two maids and Bismarck and Jarvis sighed and then turned to VV with glares.

"Well you two are quite rude," VV said as he was annoyed.

"You have some nerve to say that to us with what you were doing," Bismarck said.

"VV, are you stupid?" Jarvis asked, "Are you just incapable to understand the severity of your actions?"

"You need to watch your mouth Jarvis," VV responded irritated with the Knight of Two.

"It's you who needs to watch yourself," Jarvis said as he was getting annoyed, "You haven't learned a damn thing from what happened with the Black Knights. It's bad enough that you ordered Pluton to go murder crazy all over Japan and it is also bad enough that you ran your mouth to Kururugi about Geass and the identities of Zero and Void. Now what the hell were planning to tell Lady Leda?"

"Master VV, it's seems that you still don't understand the severity of the actions that you have taken recently," Bismarck said, "What do you think you were doing approaching Lady Leda?"

"I felt bad for her," VV answered, "I just wanted to help and bring her piece of mind."

"That is definitely a lie," Jarvis said glaring at VV, "we know damn well that you don't really help or even care for people in general. In fact, you don't really care about anyone but yourself. Oh sure, you say you care for His Majesty but with the way you have been acting, we're starting to have doubt on that."

VV did not like what Jarvis said and glared at him again and clenched his teeth. He then turned to Bismarck.

"How dare you," VV responded feeling insulted and not liking the implication and then he turned to the Knight of One, "Bismarck, surely you don't think the same way as this idiot does."

"Your actions have been out of hand recently," Bismarck said, "all you have done recently has given advantages to our enemies. You can't deny that."

VV was taken aback and looked away as he was annoyed.

"Things didn't go as I wanted," VV said.

"Of course they didn't and that is done by your own action," Bismarck said, "His Majesty isn't happy with you right now."

"Oh, are you peddling the same lie Jarvis told me?" VV asked looking at Bismarck with a bit of amusement.

"If you feel that it is a lie then let us go see His Majesty and ask him," Jarvis suggested.

VV narrowed his eyes at the two Knights of Round as he was feeling worried what his younger brother might react if they were telling the truth. Meanwhile Cornelia and Schneizel arrived to a door that led to a lounge that was exclusively used by the children of Charles zi Britannia. Schneizel opened the door and they were already some of their siblings that were in the lounge sitting in their seats. It was Odysseus, Guinevere, Cassius, Xavier, Rowan, and Carine. They turned to Schneizel and Cornelia who had arrived.

"Well now, look whose here," Cassius said, "our shameful brother and sister who gave up and failed to reclaim the grip of Area 11."

"Cassius," Cornelia said narrowing her half-brother.

"Hmph, it's unbelievable that you two would lose," Cassius said, "Cornelia abandoned her duty and allowed Euphemia to stay and join those damn terrorists and Schneizel failed to secure victory and gave in their demands."

"Say what you will," Schneizel said as he and Cornelia sat in their seats, "I did what was the best solution for the situation."

"As for me," Cornelia said, "the circumstances made me see the situation that had happened with what was really going on."

"Well frankly I'm just glad that both of you are well," Odysseus said, "and regardless of the circumstances, I am just glad Euphemia is alright."

"So am I," A female voice said.

The others looked and saw Marrybell who arrived and sat in her seat.

"Good that you made it Marry," Odysseus said.

Marrybell nodded at Odysseus happily.

"It still doesn't excuse the embarrassing display," Guinevere said, "Father may not have you punish you for your failures but it's still a stain on both of you."

"Something we understand and accept as we will work hard to redeem ourselves," Schneizel responded confidently, "Besides, we have more important things that we have to deal with right now."

"Yes, we should get started," Odysseus said.

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Discussion and plans to set for the Black Knights.