Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Code Geass.

Reestablishment

"How could you do this?" Kaguya asked, "How could you use what happen for your own gain, to start the Black Rebellion?"

"Yes, how could you do that?" Todoh asked.

Lelouch had his head down in shame, he knew that it wasn't going to pleasant and he knew that they were not going to just let it go.

"It was terrible mistake on my part," Lelouch said with his hand together, "there's no excuse for what I did."

"Hmm, well, what do you say Lady Kaguya?" Xingke asked, "Emperor Lelouch seems very sincere…" The General Commander frowned, "although…we can't ignore the fact of some of the things he has done."

"That is true," Kaguya said and then thought about something, "although if it was revealed to the world, it would led mass hysteria and even riots may break out, paranoia would ensure as well. "

"Britannia will function as a country that isn't motivated the same way when it was under my father's rule," Lelouch said, "I truly believe that in showing good faith that joining the UFN would do well but…even if that it is not to be, even if you and the rest of the representatives of the UFN decide not to allow Britannia to join the ranks, I will still rule the country as the country that doesn't invade other countries just to show might and led the path of a new era and have excellent relations with other countries. In fact, joining the UFN would be an excellent bonus. It may be difficult and there will still be those within Britannia who will go against my rule but I will continue on," Lelouch looked down, "it is my way to honor the memories of those who lost their lives needlessly…like my sister Euphemia."

"Lelouch," Nunnally said as she held her brother's hand.

"It is my fault of what happened to Euphie," Lelouch said looking at the table with sadness, "I had a bit of a warning that something was wrong but I ignored it. I thought I would never let my Geass go out of my control but I was wrong."

Todoh, Tamaki, and Kaguya were still in shock in what they heard.

"That incident," Xingke spoke.

Hong Gu and Xianglin frowned while Tianzi looked around with worry and Nunnally was sadden as well as it was a heart wrenching reminder of the lost of their sister Euphie while Kallen and Jeremiah looked on with sadness as well. Odysseus looked around and decided to say something.

"What happened to Euphie was indeed tragic and heartbreaking," Odysseus said and then looked at Lelouch, "Lelouch, you were willing to work with Euphie in her special zone and had no intentions of what occurred. This wouldn't have happened if your Geass hadn't gone out of your control."

"It's still my fault regardless," Lelouch pointed out, "Just blaming it on the fact that my Geass went out of my control isn't going to cut it. I ignored the warning signs."

"Why didn't you tell the whole truth of what happened?" Xianglin asked.

"It wouldn't have matter, it was my fault nonetheless."

The others in the room looked at each other and then back to Lelouch and the 99th Emperor nodded.

"In case if there's still doubt, there is a way to prove that I'm sincere," Lelouch said.

"Really and how do you intend to do that?" Xingke asked.

"I'll use Geass on myself."

Lelouch's suggestion shocked the others except for Kallen, CC, Jeremiah, and Sayoko.

"A-Are you serious?" Tamaki asked.

"I am," Lelouch said with determination, "I did Geassed myself before in order to outwit someone and I had Jeremiah use his Geass Canceller to cancel it out for me so I can use my Geass on myself again."

"Is that true?" Todoh asked still being unsure.

"I can guarantee that Lelouch is being truthful," CC said, "Kallen can vouch for it as well."

"Kozuki?" Xingke asked.

"Kallen, is it true?" Kaguya asked.

"It is," Kallen said, "not long after the incident with Shinjuku, Lelouch did indeed use his Geass on me."

There were gasps in the room and Tamaki and Todoh looked as though they were ready to have some choice words with Lelouch.

"However," Kallen interjected strongly, "he used his Geass on me just to confirm if I was involved, fighting in the Glasgow against Clovis's forces."

"Oh, I see," Tamaki said and he rubbed his head.

"Do you know for sure?" Todoh asked.

"Yes," Kallen nodded, "when Jeremiah used his Geass Canceller on me, I remembered what happened when I was being placed under the power."

"Of course," Jeremiah said pointing his left side of his face, "The Geass Canceller negates the effects of other Geass, which includes restoring memories suppressed or modified through Geass abilities. In the case of His Majesty's Geass, it also removes the immunity gained from being exposed, so those "canceled" can be affected by it once more, although I myself am not immune to the effects of other Geass, I can however negate their effects by myself."

"So only those who have been affected by Geass can be freed by way of negating it is what you have Lord Jeremiah," Odysseus deduced.

"That is correct," Jeremiah said.

"With that Todoh and Tamaki, I understand that Schneizel made you believed that I may have used my Geass on you and the others and that is something that Ohgi believes, right?" Lelouch said.

"Um, well…" Todoh spoke.

"Jeremiah, go ahead and use on them first."

"Yes Your Majesty," Jeremiah said.

Jeremiah looked at the others and activated his Geass Canceller on them. They were confused and felt nothing different.

"I don't feel anything," Xianglin said.

"Me neither," Hong Gu said.

"Yeah, I feel nothing different," Tamaki said, "my memories are still all clear."

"That should tell you something," CC said with a smile.

"I see," Kaguya said and then she smiled, "so everything you've been saying is true."

"So it's true," Todoh said, "you really didn't use your Geass on us," Todoh sighed, "that should have been obvious to us."

"Dammit, we really were played as fools," Tamaki said disgusted with himself.

"It happens," Lelouch said, "Schneizel played me as a fool as well. Well anyway, it's time to get started."

Lelouch stood up and was ready to take out his contact lenses.

"Wait," Kaguya spoke.

"Huh, what is it?" Lelouch asked.

Kaguya looked at Lelouch and then she closed her eyes and nodded, "You know what, that won't be necessary."

Lelouch was shocked and confused and Xingke and Nunnally nodded as Xianglin, Hong Gu, Tamaki, and Todoh were confused a bit. Odysseus, CC, Kallen, and Jeremiah were also confused.

"We're started to get a better understand of how your Geass power works, because of CC and Kallen," Kaguya pointed out.

"If you're willing to use your power on yourself just to prove to us that you're being truthful if we were to ask you, then that should be obvious that you're already being truthful," Xingke said.

"I see…are you certain? I'm willing to use my Geass on myself so that you can ask away and I would have no choice but to be truthful."

"We're sure," Kaguya assured, "thanks for the offer but we're satisfied. We know that everything you have told us now is the truth."

"I see…"

Nunnally goes to Lelouch and hold his hand making Lelouch look at his sister.

"We know you're being sincere and truthful," Nunnally said, "I have already felt knew that when I took your hand."

"Nunnally…" Lelouch spoke.

"I am now even more convinced that you didn't use your Geass to make us follow you," Todoh said, "We did that with our own will."

"Yeah, and it was like CC and Kallen told us," Tamaki said, "If you had really used your Geass on us, there's no way we would have been able to turn on you."

"We should have known that Schneizel was feeding us half-truths."

"Well, it looks like it's settled," Odysseus said happily.

Kaguya looked around and nodded and then looked at Xingke and Xingke nodded as well and the two of them stood up.

"Emperor Lelouch," Xingke started, "we thank you again for aiding us in protecting the members of the UFN."

"Yes, I would like to give my thanks as well," Kaguya said.

"M-Me too," Tianzi said, "I would like to thank you Emperor Lelouch."

"It was my pleasure," Lelouch said, "I apologize that three of my siblings had entered Kagoshima and threatened your lives."

"Yes, I apologize as well," Odysseus said, "I'm sorry that Guinevere, Carine, and Cassius would commit such acts."

"There's no need for you two to apologize and it was thanks to you two that we are safe," Kaguya said.

"Yes, thank you so much," Tianzi said with a smile and then looked at Odysseus, "especially you Prince Odysseus."

Odysseus smiled, "My pleasure Empress and please, it's just Odysseus."

"I'm just glad that you all are okay," Lelouch said.

Everyone in the room smiled as they were all glad things worked out well for them.

"Now there is one thing we would like to ask," Kaguya said.

"You want to know what I will do in order to have Britannia be part of the UFN," Lelouch said.

"Yes," Xingke said with a nod.

"Oh yes about that, I've decided to cut the voting power of Britannia. I'm willing to keep things fair and even."

"I see," Kaguya said with nod, "very well, we'll have a meeting with the other representatives of the UFN but just to let you know, it doesn't mean that you'll automatically be allowed to be in."

"I'm fully aware of that," Lelouch assured, "I leave in the decision of the UFN whether or not they let Britannia in."

"We have a long road ahead," CC said, "and a lot of work to do."

"Yes, we do," Nunnally said.

"Very well," Xingke said.

The meeting was over and they all left the room speaking with each other and getting ready for their next steps. Lelouch and Nunnally were with Odysseus in the hall.

"So you're going to help out and work in the UFN," Lelouch said.

"Yes, I figured this is what I could do," Odysseus replied.

"I'm surprised that this would be what you would desire."

"I've had a lot to think about it," Odysseus sighed, "I was the Crown Prince of Britannia but I couldn't really do much like you or Schneizel or Cornelia or even Clovis for that matter. I was always looking for ways that were just the easiest for me and without conflict and I really couldn't make any real decisions without someone making up my mind for me," Odysseus smiled sadly, "I'm known as the Mediocre Prince and for good reason, I don't show decisiveness…honestly, if I was Emperor, I would have been easily taken advantage from."

"I think you're being hard on yourself Odysseus," Nunnally said.

Odysseus shook his head, "No, I know it's the truth…I've always known the kind the person I've been…I think really, I was always dependant on Schneizel to help me decide on many matters and always went with the flow, just like the marriage between myself and the empress, Tianzi…"

"And so you decided to change that about yourself," Lelouch deduced.

"Yes, to be honest, I really didn't look back on things until after Schneizel told us his real goal and when he shot Cornelia and as I looked at Schneizel's eyes…I could see how he really thought of me…"

Nunnally took her eldest brother's hand and Odysseus looked at Nunnally and smiled and Lelouch gave Odysseus encouraging words of support and the former Crown Prince felt grateful to his younger siblings. Sometime later in the sky, the Damocles was moving up further to the sky and all people whether they were part of Lelouch's forces or they were part of the defeated forces of Schneizel looked as they watched the Damocles going up in the skies as it was heading to its final destination. Lelouch was watching the Damocles from the bridge of his flagship and he nodded.

"We'll be heading back to Pendragon," Lelouch declared, "there's a lot that needs to be done…but before we do that, I have a promise to keep."

"Excuse me…um, Emperor Lelouch?" Anya spoke.

Lelouch looked and saw Anya.

"Oh Anya, what is it?" Lelouch replied.

"You're heading to Ashford Academy, right?"

"Yes," Lelouch looked at Anya and then smiled, "you'll come along, right?"

"…If it's okay."

"Of course it is," Lelouch assured, "I'm sure Milly and Rivalz would like to see you again."

With everything set, Lelouch's forces prepared to return to Pendragon. The aircraft that was carrying Kaguya, Xingke and their entourage were heading to Horai Island and Todoh and Tamaki were in their knightmare frames following them.

Horai Island

The aircraft had just landed on the landing pad. The doors opened and out came Xingke, Kaguya, Tianzi, Hong Gu, Xianglin, and Odysseus. They were greeted by Black Knights stationed on Horai Island and they were also surprised to see Odysseus with them. Xingke assured them that Odysseus was with them now with Hong Gu and Xianglin confirming with them. Soon, two knightmare frames had landed next to the aircraft and it was the Akatsuki knightmare piloted by Tamaki and the Zangetsu piloted by Todoh. There were people were coming to meet them and it was Ohgi with Villetta who were followed by Chiba, Minami, and Sugiyama as Todoh and Tamaki disembarked off their knightmare frames.

"You're back," Sugiyama commented.

"Yep," Tamaki said feeling proud, "we got through talking things out with my best buddy."

"The meeting did help us understand things and to know where things stand for now," Todoh added.

"I see," Chiba spoke.

"Um, we're curious," Minami said, "what was discussed with Emperor Lelouch?"

"Emperor Lelouch has agreed to one of our terms and he'll be cutting the voting power of Britannia," Xingke said, "we also gave our sincere gratitude to him for helping us rescue and protect the members of the UFN."

"What else?" Sugiyama asked.

Xingke looked at the former officers of the Black Knights and sighed.

"Well, if you must know…we also discussed about his Geass."

"Let me guess," Ohgi said, "he claimed he never used it on us."

"That's right and it's true," Kaguya said.

"And you believed him?" Villetta asked.

"That's right and he showed us something that gave us proof of what he told us. He gave us the full story of the things he did."

"Not only that, he was willing to use his Geass on himself just to prove he was being truthful," Todoh said.

This surprised the other former officers and Villetta.

"Are you serious?" Sugiyama said.

"Yeah, he did," Tamaki said and he crossed his arms, "should have had more faith in him, he's my buddy after all."

Ohgi clenched his teeth, "But even after all that…"

"Ohgi, as much as you hate what's going on right now," Xingke said, "the fact remains that Emperor Lelouch…Zero helped us and he stopped Schneizel from what he intended to do with the FLEIAs."

"I…I do admit that Lelouch did well and stop Schneizel from threatening the world," Ohgi said, "but that it doesn't mean that Lelouch can be trusted and that he could be scheming from behind the scenes."

"If anyone who knows anything about scheming, it's you Ohgi," Kaguya replied sarcastically, "as well as Villetta," Kaguya looked at Villetta, "isn't that right? After all, it's not like either of you two told the truth and Villetta was monitoring Zero for a whole year."

Villetta looked away with a sad expression.

"Excuse me," Odysseus said looking at Ohgi.

"Huh?" Ohgi looked at Odysseus.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't talk badly about my younger brother. Lelouch has made terrible mistakes and he's trying to atone for it and really, you of all people shouldn't say anything especially since you made a deal that would have actually destroyed the UFN."

"Look," Ohgi spoke defensively, "Lelouch is—"

"Oh, there you are," Xavier's voice called out.

They all turned to see Xavier sa Britannia with Miyako Asakura walking towards them.

"Oh Xavier," Odysseus said.

"Ah Odysseus," Xavier smiled, "I heard what you did and I have to say that I'm amazed."

"Well, it wasn't much…at least compared to what Lelouch and the others did."

"Heh, that's my Big Brother…."

"Hello," Xingke said, "Do you need something?"

"I just wanted to greet you all here," Xavier said, "I am Xavier sa Britannia, one of the elder brothers of the 99th Emperor. Next to me is my close subordinate, Miyako Asakura"

"It is a pleasure to meet you all," Miyako said with a bow.

"It's nice to meet you," Tianzi said with a nod.

"Yes, a pleasure," Kaguya said with a smile, "Lelouch did mention you Prince Xavier."

Xianglin, Hong Gu, Todoh, and Tamaki said their greetings as well.

"I would like thank you for looking after my elder sister Cornelia and providing her a place for her to recover," Xavier said, "Odysseus, thank you for bringing her in so that she could get medical treatment."

"Sure, it's not a problem," Xingke said, "Although it was your brother here Odysseus that brought her here."

"I'm just glad Cornelia is still alive," Odysseus added.

"Yes but still, thank you for helping you even though you had no real reason to do so after what my sister done in the past."

"Please think nothing of it," Kaguya said, "consider it an act of the UFN."

Xavier smiled and nodded, "Yes, you have a point."

"Your Highness," Miyako said.

Xavier looked at Miyako and then nodded, "Yes, I know," Xavier turned to the others, "we have to take our leave. We'll be meeting with Lelouch in Pendragon."

"Right," Xingke said.

"Take care of yourself Xavier," Odysseus said.

"I will, what about you Odysseus?"

"I'll be working with the UFN."

"I see," Xavier smiled again, "so you decided on the path for yourself."

"Yes, I have."

"Oh, if I may ask…" Xavier looked at the others.

"Yes?" Kaguya replied.

"I know that you meet with my brother Lelouch in his flagship. I'm just curious, what decision have you made? Will you allow Britannia to join the UFN?"

"That is something that will be decided in a vote."

"Hmm, I see."

"Prince Xavier," Miyako said.

"Right, thank you Miyako," Xavier said and then looked at the others, "we'll be leaving now."

"Right, take care," Kaguya said, "a pleasure to meet you Prince Xavier."

"Yeah, nice to meet you," Tamaki said with a cheerful grin.

"Hm," Todoh responded with a nod.

Xavier went to Odysseus and held out his hand and Odysseus took his brother's hand and had their own handshake.

"Take care Odysseus," Xavier said, "I wish you the best of luck."

"And you as well Xavier," Odysseus replied.

"Oh, before we go, there's one more thing I need to mention."

"Hmm?"

Xavier looked at Xingke and Kaguya, "There's a girl named Hiyori who's being held in custody right now."

Xavier gave his explanation of what happened between Cornelia and the girl named Hiyori and they understood the situation and planned to talk to the girl later on as well as Cornelia and Guilford. Afterwards Xingke, Tianzi, Hong Gu, and Xianglin said their goodbyes and Xavier and Miyako said their goodbyes as well as they headed to their aircraft and left Horai Island. Meanwhile, Cornelia was still lying on her bed with Guilford sitting by her side. Cornelia thought about the Japanese girl that had intent to kill her as revenge for what she did in Saitama and Cornelia was upset.

"So, this is how it was for them," Cornelia said feeling depressed.

"My lady," Guilford said with concern, "the words of that girl said still trouble you?

"Yes Guilford…"

Flashback

"How does it feel?" Hiyori asked pointing a gun at Cornelia, "How does it feel to feel helpless?"

Cornelia gritted her teeth and didn't know what to say.

Hiyori continued, "It's not fair, is it? Well guess what, that's how it felt for me and my fellow Japanese, all because you damn Britannians didn't see us as humans. Well, aren't you going to say anything? C'mon, I want hear you say something, anything, any excuse, your despicable reasons, c'mon, try to justify yourself. Say something you cowardly bitch!"

Flashback End

Cornelia clenched her teeth thinking about the girl that had managed to survive the Saitama massacre she orchestrated to lure out Zero and then she thought about what her brother Xavier had said to her and Cornelia had her head down.

"I did what I believed it was necessary," Cornelia said and then put her hand on her face, "I…"

Guilford knew that Cornelia was upset and he cursed himself because he didn't know what to say to her.

Ashford Academy

Milly and Rivalz were walking through an area of the campus and they looked around.

"Are you sure that Lelouch said to meet them here?" Milly asked.

"Yeah, this is the place that Lelouch said," Rivalz answered.

Milly and Rivalz waited a bit as they looked around.

"I'm glad to see the two of you here," Lelouch said.

Milly and Rivalz were surprised and they turned to see Lelouch with Kallen, Nina, Anya, Nunnally, and Sayoko who was behind Nunnally pushing her wheelchair.

"Aaaahhh!" Rivalz screamed and then he ran up to Lelouch, "Lelouch, I'm glad you're okay buddy."

"There's no need to yell Rivalz," Lelouch said with a smile.

Rivalz had his head down was getting emotional, "I'm just glad that you're okay."

Milly walked forward and was happy to see Lelouch as well as Kallen, Anya, Nina, Nunnally, and Sayoko.

"Thank goodness, you're all okay," Milly said feeling happy, "Kallen, I'm happy to see you again."

"Thanks," Kallen said happily, "it's good to see the both of you again."

"Yeah, so am I Kallen. I have to say, things didn't feel the same without you around," Rivalz said, "and Nina…you did it."

"Yeah, you really did," Milly said.

"She was a huge help," Lelouch said.

Nina nodded nervously, "I was just simply helping…n-nothing more."

"Anya, it's good to see you again," Milly said.

"Yes," Anya said with a nod and smile, "I'm been helped out."

"Anya, you're smiling," Rivalz said.

"Yes, I am," Anya said happily, "I was able to get something back dear to me," Anya looked at Lelouch, "thanks to Lelouch."

Lelouch smiled and nodded at Anya.

"Jeremiah is the one that helped you," Lelouch said, "I just gave him the direction."

"And looks who's here," Milly said happily looking at Nunnally.

"It's you…isn't it Milly?" Nunnally said and then looked at Rivalz, "…Rivalz?"

"Nunnally," Rivalz said.

Milly and Rivalz also saw that Nunnally's eyes were opened.

"You can see us?" Milly asked.

Nunnally nodded with a smile, "Yes, I was able to regain my sight. After eight years, I've finally regained my vision."

Milly suddenly hugged Nunnally, surprising her and then she hugged back.

"I'm so happy," Milly said as she formed tears, "Nunnally, I'm so sorry."

"Huh?" Nunnally spoke surprised, "Milly, why are you apologizing?"

"For forgetting about you, for the past year, we had no memory of you even though…"

"No Milly, it wasn't your fault," Nunnally said.

"But still we…" Rivalz spoke.

"No, you're not to blame," Lelouch said, "my father is. He's the one that violated your memories. You weren't given a choice in the matter."

"Still…"

Nunnally suddenly put her hands on Rivalz and Milly and had a warm smile. Milly responded by giving a huge hug and Nunnally hugged back.

"Nunnally?" Milly spoke.

"Yes?" Nunnally responded.

"Do you know about Shirley?"

Nunnally nodded sadly, "Yes, Lelouch and Kallen told me what happened. I'll miss her."

"We all will," Kallen said.

Lelouch felt broken up again and looked at the sky, "Shirley…"

Bridge of the Merlin

CC was sitting on Lelouch's throne eating a slice of pizza as she looked at the monitor. The door opened and Jeremiah came in the bridge.

"Oh Lady CC," Jeremiah said, "I thought you went with His Majesty to Ashford."

"I thought about it," CC replied, "but I felt it was unnecessary."

Jeremiah raised an eyebrow, "Really?"

"Lelouch, Nunnally, Kallen, and even Anya went to see their two friends. I wouldn't really have anything to do with them. Even Sayoko went with them."

"Are you certain of that?" Nonette said as she entered the bridge.

"Yes," CC looked at Nonette.

Nonette looked at the pizza CC was eating and then stood close to Jeremiah.

"This girl seems to eat nothing but pizza," Nonette whispered to Jeremiah, "how can she eat so much of it and not get fat?"

"I don't know," Jeremiah said with shrug, "but she does enjoy pizza a lot, so much she's willing go out of a limb for it."

"How Lulu puts up with it is beyond me," Nonette then smiled, "well I guess it's not really a bad thing."

CC just looked at Jeremiah and Nonette and continued to munch down on the pizza.

"Just letting you two know, you can't have anything," CC said in between eating her pizza.

"We don't want any," Jeremiah and Nonette said simultaneously.

"Just letting you know…"

Ashford Academy

Nunnally was looking over the flower bed that was done with Kallen, Anya, Rivalz, Nina, and Sayoko. Lelouch and Milly were watching them enjoying the flowers with smiles.

"I'm glad that you and Nunnally are all right," Milly said, "and it's good to see Kallen again."

"Yeah," Lelouch replied.

"You and Nunnally," Milly had her hands behind her, "you'll be heading to Pendragon, right?"

"Yes, there's a lot that needs to be done. Now that I defeated my brother Schneizel and his forces, I will continue my responsibility as Emperor."

"Yeah, that's only natural," Milly paused a bit, "say Lelouch?"

"Hmm?"

"What's going to happen to Suzaku…and Gino?"

Lelouch sighed, "Well, for now, they will be in prison back in Pendragon."

"Will you have them stay there for the rest of their lives or will you…execute them?"

"Milly…"

"I know that they went against you by joining Schneizel but um," Milly cleared her throat, "if it's possible Lelouch, I would like to ask Suzaku something. Well, not just me, I'm sure Rivalz would like to ask as well."

Lelouch looked over to his sister Nunnally and the woman he loved Kallen and then he nodded.

"Tell you what; I'll arrange things so that you can talk to Suzaku and Gino, for both you and Rivalz."

"You will?"

"Yes, besides, I'm sure Nunnally wants to do the same things. It won't be right away but I'll arrange it for you."

Milly smiled and then took Lelouch's right hand, surprising the 99th Emperor.

"Lelouch, thank you," Milly said warmly.

"Sure, you're welcome," Lelouch said with a smile.

Rivalz was talking he looked back and noticed that Lelouch and Milly were smiling at each other as they were talking and his eyes widened when he saw Milly's hands were holding Lelouch's right hand. Lelouch and Milly looked at the others and then walked over to them.

"Lelouch," Kallen said, "are we going to see Shirley?"

"Yes," Lelouch said with a nod.

"Okay…"

Cemetery

They arrived at the cemetery and were heading for Shirley's grave. When they got there, Shirley's mother was there praying for the soul of her daughter.

"Mrs. Fenette," Milly spoke.

Mrs. Fenette turned and saw Milly and the others.

"Oh, Shirley's friends," Mrs. Fenette said and she was surprised when she saw Lelouch, "Your Majesty…"

Mrs. Fenette was about to kneel but Lelouch stopped her.

"Please, there's no need for that," Lelouch assured.

Mrs. Fenette looked at Lelouch surprised, "But Sire…"

"Please, it's fine, I came here as a friend of your daughter."

"Oh right…you were a student in Ashford and one of Shirley's friends," Mrs. Fenette smiled, "my Shirley was very fond of you. She would talk about you so often."

"We were all very fond of Shirley," Lelouch said.

Kallen, Nunnally, and Sayoko approached and greeted Shirley's mother. They all stood looking at Shirley's grave and there was sadness all around. It was painful for them to know that Shirley was no longer alive and Lelouch hated himself for it and he said in a quiet voice how sorry he was for everything that she went through because of him.

"I just find hard to believe," Mrs. Fenette shook her head, "no, I should say that I still refuse to believe that my daughter committed suicide."

"You're right you know," Lelouch replied.

"What?" Mrs. Fenette looked at Lelouch.

"It is true that Shirley did not commit suicide…she was murdered."

Shirley's mother was shocked and wanted to know what kind monster would kill her sweet and innocent daughter.

"My daughter was murdered?" Mrs. Fenette asked shocked at what she just heard.

"I know this for a fact because the person who did it confessed to me and gave the details," Lelouch nodded sadly, "I'm very sorry."

"Who? Who's the monster that killed my daughter? Where can I find him?" Mrs. Fenette asked ready to seek revenge on the person who took her daughter's life.

"You won't have to worry about him because the person who killed Shirley is dead," Kallen said, "Lelouch actually saw him die."

"Is that true?" Mrs. Fenette asked.

Lelouch nodded, "Yes, it's true."

Mrs. Fenette looked down, "I see. Then my daughter's killer got what he deserved."

"I'm so sorry," Lelouch said, "she should have never have been killed."

"How could some do this?"

"Selfish reason, to protect what he thought he had."

"I see…"

Lelouch continued to explain things to Shirley's mother without giving too much of what was going on.

"I knew my daughter wasn't the kind of person who would kill herself," Mrs. Fenette said after hearing Lelouch's explanation.

"I'm truly sorry, I know nothing will ease the pain of losing Shirley," Lelouch said in a sad tone.

"You're right, it won't and to think that I just lost my husband last year," Mrs. Fenette said and then had a scowl, "Zero and his Black Knights killed him in that damn rockslide."

Both Lelouch and Kallen flinched at that remark. Nunnally and Anya looked at each other while Sayoko, Milly, Nina, and Rivalz looked down.

Mrs. Fenette continued, "And now, my daughter was murdered by someone who I can only describe to be a monster."

"What will you do now?" Kallen asked sadly.

Shirley's mother looked down with sadness.

"I don't know," Mrs. Fenette answered, "I just know that I have nothing left. I don't know how I'm going to continuing living my life when I've lost the only two people that mattered to me."

Later on Shirley's mother left the cemetery after giving her thanks to Shirley's friends and spoke how grateful she was with the 99th Emperor being here as well and made the comment of how lucky her daughter was to have such caring friends.

Ashford Academy

After things were settled, it was time for Lelouch, Kallen, Nunnally, and Sayoko to head back be on their way to Britannia's capitol.

"So time for us to go Pendragon," Nunnally said, "we'll come back here again, right?"

"Sure, when we have the chance," Lelouch said with smile.

"Okay," Nunnally replied relieved.

Milly, Rivalz, and Nina said their goodbyes to Lelouch, Nunnally, Kallen, and Sayoko as the four them left to go back to the Merlin and head for Pendragon. Milly was smiling as she was staring at Lelouch as he walked off and Rivalz and Nina noticed the expression on the Milly's face. Milly then realized that Rivalz and Nina were looking at her.

"Huh, is something wrong?" Milly asked.

"Uh, n-no, nothing Prez, n-nothing at all," Rivalz said.

"Yes, it's just that you're, well…how can I say this?" Nina said.

"Hmm?" Milly responded.

"You look happier after you spoke with His Majesty."

"Oh really?" Milly then smiled and blushed a little, "I guess I do."

Rivalz looked as he saw his crush with the happy smile and chuckled nervously.

Bridge of the Merlin

Lelouch entered the bridge with some of the staff members and CC who was still sitting on Lelouch's throne. The staff officers looked at the young emperor and Lelouch nodded.

"It's time to head to Pendragon," Lelouch said, "let's move."

The staff officers stood in attention and gave their salute.

"Yes, Your Majesty," The staff officer said.

Pendragon

The Merlin landed on the landing deck for the flagship and people were getting out of the imperial flagship and awaiting them were Carter, Jason, Sarah, Natalie, and General Bradford. They met up with them.

"Good to have you back Your Majesty," General Bradford said.

"Thank you," Lelouch said and then he looked back at the others that came with him.

"Prince Xavier waiting for you back in the palace," Carter said.

"Excellent, I'll be right there," Lelouch said, "we have a lot to do. I want the details of everything that we have going so far."

"Of course," Sarah said.

Lelouch headed for the palace with the others following him and they were all discussing things of what needed to be done and what they were going to do. Soon Lelouch arrived in one of the rooms in the palace where his half-brother, Xavier sa Britannia was there waiting with Miyako and Xavier greeted happily to Lelouch and Lelouch greeted happily back to Xavier.

Kagoshima

There was a meeting with the representatives of the UFN and Kaguya and Xingke were giving the details with what happened and what Lelouch had agreed on. In one of the corners, Odysseus was standing listening in and observing. Kaguya then called Odysseus over and the former Crown Prince was surprised. Kaguya smiled and Odysseus went over and stood next to Kaguya and then he introduced himself politely to the representatives. Afterwards, they were discussion of whether or not they would allow Britannia to be part of the UFN.

Pendragon Imperial Palace

Lelouch was sitting on the throne with Jeremiah giving him a status of how things were going so far.

"And that's the situation so far Your Majesty," Jeremiah said.

Lelouch nodded, "Very well. Join Carter and Jason in overseeing the plans to rebuild Ector."

"Yes Your Majesty," Jeremiah said with a bow.

Nunnally came in the throne room.

"Ah Nunnally," Lelouch greeted.

Jeremiah nodded with a smile and excused himself as he left the throne room.

"You wanted to see me Big Brother," Nunnally said.

"Yes," Lelouch replied as he stood up and smiled.

Exelica Garden

Lelouch was pushing Nunnally and were enjoying the scenery of the garden.

"It's beautiful," Nunnally said, "I'm so glad that I can see it with my own eyes."

"Yes, it really is," Lelouch said.

Nunnally put her hand over Lelouch's hand and Lelouch looked at his sister.

"I'm so glad," Nunnally said and then turned her head to face Lelouch, "I'm so glad to be with you again."

"So am I," Lelouch replied and then went on one knee and hugged his sister, "I really am."

Nunnally hugged her brother back.

"Thank you Nunnally," Lelouch said, "for believing in me."

"No, I should thank you," Nunnally replied, "and I'm sorry for—"

"No need for that Nunnally," Lelouch said softly, "you've said enough."

The vi Britannia siblings continued to bond again and enjoyed looking at the garden while they were being watched by Kallen, Sayoko, and Lelouch's Knights of the Round which included Jeremiah and Anya. They smiled and were happy with what they were seeing and then they signaled each other to leave so that Lelouch and Nunnally could spend more time with each other.

Two Months Later

Milly was in the KT Studio in Pendragon and she was smiling as she was ready to give her report.

"This is Milly Ashford reporting to you from our new KT Studio in Pendragon," Milly began with a smile, "it has been two months since 99th Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia had ascended to the throne and he had made some huge changes for the country. It has also been two months since Emperor Lelouch led his entire military forces to victory against the rebellion faction that was led by Schneizel el Britannia, the former second prince and Prime Minister of Britannia," Milly had a downcast expression, "It was a hard fought battle which both sides suffered huge casualties."

Milly continued with her coverage of Emperor Lelouch and his reign over Britannia that began two months ago. The coverage was shown of cemetery that was for military personnel. It was shown of Lelouch along with high ranking military officers as well as the his Knights of the Round, and with Nunnally, CC, Kallen, Lloyd, and Cecile were giving prayers to all the soldiers who had lost their lives in the war against Schneizel and his forces. There were also the family members of the fallen soldiers who were grieving for their loss.

Prison Tower

Suzaku wore a white straight jacket and was sitting in a cell sharing it with Gino. Suzaku looked down on the floor and was feeling bitter. He was anxious to know what punishment that Lelouch had in store for him. The rows of cells held the people chose to follow Schneizel sitting in their cells and there was a mix of bitterness, anger, and depression. In the cell next to Suzaku and Gino's was where Kanon Maldini was being held in. Kanon didn't know where Schneizel was but he wished he knew and he had hoped that Schneizel was doing okay. Two soldiers were walking and they stopped at the cell Suzaku and Gino were staying.

"Suzaku Kururugi," One of the soldiers said.

Suzaku looked at the soldiers in response.

"Get out, you're coming with us," The other soldier said as he opened the cell, "You're going to be questioned."

Suzaku just looked at the two soldiers and did what he was told and Gino wondered what was going to happened and he wondered what it was meant that Suzaku was going to be questioned. The former Knight of Seven was being escorted by the two soldiers and Suzaku had a guess of who was going to question him. They arrived to a door of a room and one of the soldiers opened the door. The three of them went inside the room that had a table and two chair and Suzaku saw someone with his back turned and looking out of the window.

"We've brought Suzaku Kururugi as you ordered Sire," One of the soldiers said.

Lelouch turned around and then he nodded.

"Very good," Lelouch said, "I'll call you to send him back when I'm done."

"Yes Your Majesty," The two soldiers said in unison with their salutes.

The soldiers left the room and Suzaku was alone with Lelouch.

"Suzaku," Lelouch said, "why don't you take a seat?"

Suzaku was silent and just sat down on a chair. Lelouch sat down across from Suzaku and held his hands together.

"It's been a while Suzaku," Lelouch said and then smiled, "so why don't we have a chat?"

Suzaku sighed, "What's the point Lelouch? There's nothing to talk about. What are you really planning to have me here?"

"Oh, why I just came to see you Suzaku, after all we're friends. I mean the last time there was such ugliness with what was going on…I chose my path and you chose yours and here we are as a result of the choices we made."

Suzaku looked away with a frown, "I have nothing to say…Your Majesty."

Lelouch shrugged, "Okay, then you don't have to say anything. You can just sit and listen while I talk."

Suzaku looked at Lelouch and Lelouch simply took a deep breath.

"Now then…" Lelouch said.

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The UFN's decision and an engagement party to a royal wedding.