Prologue

They stood at the edge of the stone floor, gazing out over a world of rosy clouds. He held her hand gently in his, the only hand that would be with him for as long as he would live; for he would never die.

"Lelouch," She whispered, turning her calm yellow eyes on him. He met her gaze evenly, scarlet bird insignias flaming where his irises had once blazed violet. One slender eyebrow lifted, "You have done a great thing."

Lelouch smirked. He didn't need to say anything. She wouldn't accept modesty, she would rebuke arrogance. Such was C.C.

"This world… you have raised a strong child, Lelouch." She looked back out over the clouds, "I hope you realize… you've spoiled it, in a way. You've taken such good care of it, the child can never live without Zero."

Lelouch blinked in surprise. This was not the sort of thing C.C. usually said. He opened his mouth to object.

"Suzaku-"

"Will do well as Zero, in times of peace." C.C. countered his thoughts, "But he does not have your devious mind." She turned to fix him again in her gaze. But now there was passion; none of her usual tranquility was reflected there. Only intensity, "Humanity will be humanity, Lelouch. No matter how many times we defeat evil, more will rise with the next generation. This peace will not last. And then we will need a Zero; a Geass; with a mind meant for war."

Lelouch sighed, smiling again. This time, it was a soft expression. Not arrogant, as his smirk had been. Calm, soothing, accepting.

"Another Zero will come." He whispered, turning his back on her and pacing along between the stone pillars, "There will always be heroes, as long as there are villains."

"No," She whispered, catching his sleeve. He stopped, spinning to face her, shocked. Her gaze was like he had never seen it before; angry, determined, confident. He couldn't decide, "No, Lelouch."

Slowly, she stepped closer to him, stretching up until her face was barely an inch away from his. He could feel her warmth against him, and blushed at her nearness.

"You are the only true Zero. And as long as the world needs Zero, he will be there."