In the year 2017 a.t.b., Zero was given the power of geass. He used his power to try and find who had killed his mother, and to make the world a better place for his sister. After killing his half brother, he took up the mask of Zero, and waged a war with Britannia. The First Rebellion failed, and Zero was proclaimed dead.
In the year 2018 a.t.b., Zero returned after a year of being proclaimed dead, and started the Second Rebellion. After creating the UFN, Zero had one last battle to fight, that amongst his own organization, the Black Knights. After several months of being, yet again, proclaimed dead, Zero returned and dealt his last blow to Britannia, destroying the very man who created him.
The year is now 2020 a.t.b., and the world has been rebuilt from the destruction of the Second Black Rebellion. Zero is once again the commander of the Black Knights, and is Empress Nunnally's guardian. Two years have passed since he has killed Lelouch vi Britannia, the Demon Emperor, securing the future he has sought. But an ill wind blows around the world, as conflict will arise again in the near future.
"Lelouch, are you sure you want to go through with this? If you return to the world, problems may occur." Says C.C. to Lelouch, as they head to the Tokyo Settlement, in a horse drawn carriage.
"C.C. if I do not return to the world, then war will arrive." Lelouch replies.
"Even so, war will happen anyway, whether we return or not." C.C says.
"This is a war with geass, we both sensed it. Besides, our return will help Suzaku, and protect Nunnally." Lelouch answers.
C.C. chuckles. "Still stuck to the past now, are you? Very well, you altered our contract, but you intend to keep Suzaku to yours?"
"I altered our contract, because you wanted to die…" Lelouch starts.
"And I still do. I have lived too long on this earth." C.C. interrupts.
"But, I saw what you really wanted and that was to be loved and to never be alone. C.C. you have been alone far too long." Lelouch continues.
"Is that why you baited your father into giving you his code?" C.C asks.
"I learned how to acquire code from your memories, C.C. I merely had to kill a code bearer, then take my own life for the code to manifest." Lelouch says, showing C.C. his right hand.
"Very well R.R. you have mastered the power of the king, but it has not lead you onto the path of solitude, as I knew it to." C.C. says.
"In a few days, the Britannian ambassadors will hold a celebration in honor of my death, and I have every intention of being there. But first, let's make our presence known, once we get to Tokyo." Lelouch states.
"Your majesty, do you not intend to join the festivities this year?" Lord Guilford asks Empress Nunnally.
"That is correct, Guilford. The death of my brother may have brought peace to the world, but I do not wish to celebrate what I know to be a lie." Nunnally replies.
"A lie, your majesty?" Guilford asks, his green cybernetic eyes looking at Nunnally, when he sees her glare at him. "My lady." He says as he turns and leaves. As Guilford leaves, Zero enters the room.
"My lady." Zero says as he enters the room, giving a quick bow.
"Zero, as much as this celebration pains me, deep down in my heart, I know my brother is out there somewhere. You may have saved the world, but you have destroyed mine." Nunnally says. She then begins to cry.
Zero approaches and kneels in front of her, putting his hand on her cheek. Nunnally then looks up at Zero. "A friend once told me that a warm touch is good for tears." Zero says. "Nunnally, I will not force you go to the celebration, unless you want to on your own accord." He says, standing back up.
"You're not going to use your geass on me to make me go?" Nunnally asks.
"And what makes you think that I have geass, my lady?" Zero replies, chuckling softly.
"Lelouch was Zero and he had geass, so I thought that Zero would still have geass." Nunnally says.
"That is true, I have geass, just not his geass." Zero replies. "If you really want to know my geass, then unmask me." He says.
"Zero, I couldn't. Although your geass may not be my brothers, I have no intention of finding out your geass." Nunnally says, shocked.
"Very well then. If you need me, I will be in my quarters." Zero says, turning and walking towards the door. "If you need anything, just call me." He then leaves her room.
Once Zero enters his quarters, he removes his mask as the door shuts.
"Suzaku Kururugi, we need to talk." Says a familiar voice.
Suzaku then turns the lights on and is faced with another Zero. The other Zero removes his mask and reveals himself to be Lelouch. "You have a lot of nerve coming here, Lelouch. This was not part of the Zero Requiem." Suzaku says, angrily.
"I found it better to come to you, then have you try to hunt me down." Lelouch says.
"What are you talking about?" Suzaku asks.
"I am merely relaying a message. War will come." Lelouch warns.
"And how do you know this? We have had peace for two years now. Britannia, the EU, and the UFN have had no conflict after your 'death'." Suzaku says.
"C.C. and I both had a glimpse into the future, Suzaku. This war is a war of geass. We both thought we stopped them with the assault on V.V.'s base of operations." Lelouch replies. "You do not have to listen to me, of course, but I want my sister safe." Lelouch adds.
"I too wish Nunnally safe. But the future can change. There may not even be a war." Suzaku replies.
"That may be true. Now then, I must be off, I have business elsewhere." Lelouch says, walking towards Suzaku. "If you wish to speak to me again, I will be a professor at the Black Knight's Academy." Lelouch says, placing a hand on Suzaku's shoulder. "Heed my warning, Suzaku." He says, placing the mask back over his head, leaving the room.
Suzaku then replaces his own mask, and chases after Lelouch, once he departs. When he catches up to Lelouch in the main lobby, he jumps up and attempts to attack him. Lelouch dodges the spin kick and counters, knocking Zero on the floor. Zero then gets back up and sees that Lelouch is panting.
"You have improved, but you cannot best me in a fight." Zero says.
"I did not mean to fight you. This was your reaction." Lelouch says. "You know, our first encounters are always violent, wouldn't you agree." He adds.
"Enough!" Zero shouts. He then charges to strike Lelouch, who grabs Zero's arm and pins him. In the background the onlookers are surprised to see two Zeros.
"Two Zeros." "What could this mean?" "They seem equally skilled." "Someone get Cornelia." Some of the onlookers say.
Cornelia then enters the main lobby and sees the two Zero's fighting. 'So they were right. There are two of them. It matters not.' Cornelia mentally says. She then draws her sword and takes aim.
BANG!
The onlookers panic, the Zeros stop their fight, and Cornelia turns to see where the shot came from.
"Zero, I think that is enough play time for today." C.C. says, approaching the Zeros.
"Agreed. Now Zero, heed my warning." Lelouch says, and then departs.
Zero then departs for his chamber. "Zero, can you explain the meaning of this?" Cornelia asks, as Zero storms off.
"Lelouch, did that go according to your plan?" C.C. asks as they return to the carriage.
"To an extent. I did not expect him to fight me, but I had you in there, if there was a fight." Lelouch answers, taking off the mask and cape. "Now let us go to the academy, and set the rest of the plan into action." He says, as he prepares to change out of the Zero suit.
At the Black Knight's Academy, where the former government bureau was, Lelouch and C.C. arrive. "Villetta should be the headmistress here. I think she would like this more, instead of being a gym teacher at Ashford." Lelouch says.
"And if she isn't? What then?" C.C. asks.
"Then we ask someone who knows." Lelouch says as he leads the way. Exploring the campus they see many students from around the world, who are studying and training to be members of the Black Knights. They also hear a couple arguing over some experiments.
"Lloyd, we agreed to work together. That means you are not to ignore my ideas." Rakshata says.
"Rakshata, dear, I am not ignoring your ideas. I'm just saying that your proposal is impossible. In order for it to work, you would need two devicers, and even then, they would have to work extremely well together." Lloyd replies.
"My dear Earl of Pudding, we can have Kallen and Zero pilot it. Plus I have some sketches drawn." Rakshata says.
"Of course you do. Fine, we will work on it. But just remember, it will make your Guren obsolete." Lloyd replies, he then spots Lelouch and C.C. "Are you two lost?" He asks them.
"We are just looking for whoever is in charge around here. That's all." Lelouch answers.
"That would be Villetta Ohgi, we just came from her office." Lloyd replies.
"Thank you." Lelouch says.
As Lelouch and C.C. head for the headmistress's room, Lloyd looks at Rakshata. "Did those two look familiar to you?" He asks.
"I cannot say." Rakshata replies. "Now back to the issue at hand."
"Let's continue this in the lab." Lloyd says.
Lelouch knocks of the headmistress's door. "Enter." Villetta says.
Lelouch and C.C. enter the office, seeing Villetta hanging up a phone. "Villetta, it has been too long since last we met." Lelouch says.
"What are you talking about?" Villetta asks. She then turns to face Lelouch, shocked to see him alive. "You're supposed to be…" She starts.
"Dead." Lelouch finishes. "I know. I came here looking for a position as a teacher here."
"What makes you think I would make you a teacher here?" She says.
"Because, if I teach here, the students I teach will be better tacticians and strategists." Lelouch answers.
"Alright, but tell me this. How did you survive?" She asks.
"I didn't. I died that day, but that was the day my life changed forever." He answers.
"Alright, alright. Now what is it you intend to teach here?" She asks.
"I intend to teach strategy and tactics, and if I get the position I will be Professor Lamperouge. For only a small handful of people know that Lelouch Lamperouge is really Lelouch vi Britannia." He answers.
"Fine, Professor Lamperouge. But I expect you to be in class on time." She says.
"Villetta, you have very little faith in me." He replies.
"Guilford, are the preparations for the celebration in order?" Cornelia asks.
"Yes, Princess. We will have everything ready for tomorrow night." Guilford replies.
"Have you talked with the empress?" She asks.
"I have. She will not be attending the festivities this year." He replies.
"I thought as much. Has anyone seen Zero?" She says.
"He has confined himself to his quarters, after the incident recently." Guilford answers.
"Understood." Cornelia says. She then turns and heads for Zero's quarters. Once she reaches his quarters, she knocks on the door, which then slides open. She then enters the room and hears Zero's personal shower running. "I could find out who Zero really is, but if he has geass, he could make me forget once I find out." Cornelia says to herself when she sees Zero's outfit set out on the center table. She then goes and knocks on the door.
"Who is there?" Zero asks.
"It's Cornelia. Have you talked with Nunnally about the celebrations." She asks.
"Yes, I have, and her answer is no. You also wish to know who is under the mask, right Cornelia?" He asks.
"Are you willing to show your face to me?" Cornelia asks.
"In a sense, yes. Now enter if you wish to find out." He replies.
Cornelia enters the shower, but finds no one in there. "Zero, where are you?" She asks.
"Behind the glass." He says.
Cornelia moves to the stall. "There is nothing there." She says
Suzaku then places his hand against the glass. Cornelia sees the hand print, and backs up. "This is the result of me becoming Zero. I can never reveal my face to anyone. My life has become the embodiment of justice. All I am now, is an idea." He says solemnly.
"An idea? You may not have a face, but you are still human though." Cornelia says.
"Am I? Or am I another demon?" Zero asks.
"Demon or not, you freed the world from my brother and therefore you are in my debt." Cornelia replies. "You will be at the party tomorrow night then, yes?" She asks.
"Yes, ambassador." He replies.
The next day, the embassy is as busy as a beehive. The staff and ambassadors are preparing everything for the festivities tonight. Cornelia is running the preparations, giving orders to everyone.
"Cornelia, one quick question." Zero asks.
"Go on." She replies.
"Is C.C. on the guest list for tonight?" Zero asks.
"She was involved in the Black Rebellion, so she should be." Cornelia answers, and then goes back to giving orders. Zero then heads for Nunnally's chamber. He knocks on the door, when he arrives.
"Who is there?" Nunnally asks.
"It's Zero, milady." Zero replies.
"Enter." She says.
Zero then enters, and sees Nunnally staring out the window.
"Zero, when will my brother return?" She asks.
"I beg your pardon? Lelouch is dead…" Zero starts.
"I know he is alive!" Nunnally cries, turning to face Zero. "Just tell me when he will be by my side again, like he used to be." She says.
Zero sighs. "Hopefully, not for a very long time. To tell the truth, he planned his assassination so peace will reign."
"He planned his death? That explains the images he showed me before he passed." She says, realizing the importance of that day.
"Images?" Zero asks.
"I know who you really are, Zero. I want you to remove your mask when the three of us can be together again. It would make me so happy." She says.
"How long have you known my identity, Nunnally?" Zero asks.
"Two years now, Zero. If Euphy took Lelouch's to her grave, I will take yours to mine." She replies.
"Thank you." Zero says. Then there is a knock on the door.
"Come in." Nunnally says.
"Zero, we were told that you would be here." Kallen says as she and Gino enter the room.
"Kallen, Gino. What is it that you need?" Zero asks.
"We need to talk to you in private." Gino says.
Zero then looks at Nunnally, who then nods in approval. "Then we shall talk in my quarters." Zero says.
Once in Zero's quarters, Gino flops onto one of the couches and Kallen takes a seat in a nearby chair.
"What is it you wish to tell me?" Zero asks. Gino sits up as Kallen is about to speak.
"Villetta just told us that she hired a new professor at the academy, and you would not believe his name." Kallen says.
"Lelouch Lamperouge, correct?" Zero says.
"How did you know that? Villetta said that she hadn't told you yet." Gino says.
"It matters not. The fact is that Lelouch is still alive and may still pose a threat to the world, and to Nunnally, if he is not taken care of immediately." Kallen says.
"Do you really think you are capable enough to take on Lelouch?" Zero asks.
"I can beat anyone in a fight! Well, almost anyone." Kallen says.
"I think you just let him win. If you could beat Zero, you could be the leader of the Black Knights." Gino says.
"I am an Ace of Zero. I am not a power hungry fool, like Suzaku was." Kallen retorts. She then sees Zero tense after her remake. "Something wrong, Zero?" She asks.
"I thought… I thought I could make him a Black Knight. But his stubbornness was his downfall. Now, regarding Lelouch. I want both of you to keep an eye on him, after the party tonight." Zero says.
"After." Both Gino and Kallen say.
"This is Lelouch we are talking about. He has everything planned out. He will be here tonight, with C.C. If you find her, he will be close by." Zero explains.
In Lelouch's new classroom, Lelouch prepares the room, as C.C. sits on the center desk and watches. "C.C., in just a few hours we will arrive at the embassy, to attend the party in celebration of…" Lelouch starts. He then grasp at his left eye and groans in agony.
"Lelouch, what's wrong?" C.C asks with great concern, approaching him.
"Nothing. I just… remembered some… events that… happened after I was captured, three years ago." Lelouch says, in pain. "How long were you looking for me, after the First Rebellion?" He asks.
"After I recovered from destroying the Sigfred. I was hoping to find you earlier, but your name must have been hiding. What are the events you are remembering?" She answers.
"Julius Kingsley. I was… Kingsley." He responds.
"That's where you were." She says.
"Let us get prepared for the party. I have a reunion to attend to." He says, snapping his fingers.
Later at the embassy, there is a line of guests outside. All the guests have had some involvement in the Rebellion, one way or another.
"Villetta, you look lovely in that dress." Prime Minister Ohgi says.
"Kaname. I choose this dress to respect your culture, and I think it is quite pretty." Villetta responds.
"Is that why you had me dress as a Britannian nobleman?" He asks.
"Why else." She says.
"Names please." Says a guard.
"Kaname and Villetta Ohgi." Ohgi responds.
"Go on ahead Prime Minister, milady." The guard says.
The Ohgi's enter the embassy. "Prime Minister, we are so glad you could make it." Greets Ambassador Schneizel.
"The pleasure is all ours." Ohgi responds.
"Are you sure that he will be here tonight?" Gino asks Kallen.
"If what Zero said is true, then we just need to locate C.C. He should be with her." Kallen replies.
"Names please." Says the guard.
"Kallen Kozuki, Red Ace of Zero." Kallen answers.
"Gino Weinberg, Green Ace of Zero." Gino answers.
"Go on ahead, Aces." The guard says.
Kallen and Gino enter the embassy, and Kallen squeals when she sees Ohgi, running towards him.
"Kallen, it has been too long." Ohgi says, hugging her when she approaches.
Other guests arrive such as Kyoshiro and Nagisa Tohdoh, Lloyd and Rakshata Asplund, Kaguya Sumeragi, and other members of the Black Knights.
"Names please." Says the guard.
"Julius Kingsley." Lelouch says, dressed as Kingsley.
"I thought you were dead, Lord Kingsley." The guard says.
"In my experience, the dead have a hard time of actually staying dead." Lelouch replies.
"Kingsley… Kingsley… Sorry sir, but you are not on the list." The guard says.
"Is that so, then he will be accompanying me." C.C. says.
"And you are…" The guard asks.
"C.C." She replies.
"Very well, you may enter." The guard says.
Lelouch and C.C. walk in. Everyone is busy chatting, that they pay them no attention.
"I'm going to see Nunnally, so just wait for our return and enjoy yourself. This is my day afterall." Lelouch says, as he departs for Nunnally's chamber. Once he reaches Nunnally's room, he knocks on the door.
"Go away! I said that I'm not going!" Nunnally cries.
Lelouch knocks again.
"I said go away! I don't want to see anyone tonight!" She shouts.
"Then how about your brother?" He says.
The door then opens and Lelouch enters Nunnally's room.
"Is that you, big brother?" She asks, confused by his appearance.
Lelouch then bows to Nunnally. "I am the same brother knew and loved, Nunnally."
"Oh, big brother, I'm so happy. What about Suzaku, won't he be joining us as well?" She says.
"Later. There is one thing I want you to do first, Nunnally." He says.
"What would that be, Lelouch?" She asks.
"I want you to stand up." He answers, extending his hand.
"Lelouch, I can't. You know I'm crippled. I can't stand or walk." She says.
"And you were blind for years. This is no different. Fight it, and the last of father's geass will gone from your life." He says.
"What! You mean that I can walk again?" She says. Nunnally then closes her eyes and begins to concentrate. Lelouch is watching her fight the internal battle of her will and the influence of the geass she is under. Nunnally then opens her eyes as she feels her toes curl. She then starts to laugh. "Lelouch, I did it. I can move my legs again."
Lelouch then begins to cry from the excitement. "Nunnally, I am so proud of you. Now take my hand."
Nunnally takes his hand, he then pulls her up and wraps his arm around her to support her. He then leads her to the window. "The stars sure are pretty tonight, aren't they?" Lelouch says.
"They're even prettier than I could have ever imagined. Thank you, Lelouch." Nunnally says.
"Hey, see what I see." Gino says to Kallen.
Kallen then looks over to the direction that Gino is looking at. "Is that, C.C.?" She asks.
"I think it might be." Gino says.
Zero sees Gino and Kallen head off, and he sees where they are going. 'C.C., but where is Lelouch. Nunnally!' Suzaku mentally says. He then jumps down from the second floor and charges toward Nunnally's chambers.
"Well he was in a hurry. Where do you think he is going?" Gino asks as they approach C.C.
"He's going to a reunion. They have not seen each other in two years." C.C. says.
"I think we should go." Kallen suggests.
"I would hold off on that. The ambassadors, seem to be heading that way too. It would get ugly if we were there." Gino says.
Zero reaches Nunnally's room and the door slides open. "Nunnally!" He shouts as he enters the room.
"Zero, you came." Nunnally says. Zero sees Nunnally, and is shocked at the sight before him.
"Nunnally, you're standing. And Lord Kingsley, you're alive." Zero says.
"Isn't this great, the three of us together again, like the old days." Nunnally says.
"But you've never met Kingsley before." Zero says.
"Yes, I have. He is my brother, Lelouch. And who else would he chose to protect me than you, Suzaku." She replies.
"Nunnally, let's get you some rest, all this standing has to be tiring your weak legs." Lelouch says.
"Alright." She complies. Lelouch sets her on her bed. "Zero… er… Suzaku, you promised to remove your mask the day we would be together again."
"And so I did. Very well." Suzaku says, as he removes his mask.
"All this time, no one has figured out why I choose him to the Knight of Zero." Lelouch says.
"That's how far you had it planned?" Nunnally asks.
"Yes. We both realized it, that Zero exists through goals. Lelouch's was to create a new world, mine is to ensure your protection and maintain the peace." Suzaku says.
"Suzaku, the world thinks you're dead. If everyone finds out that you are alive…" Nunnally starts.
"We thought through that. Lelouch and I made a contract. He gave me geass, but it was idle until he was coded. When he died is when my geass activated." Suzaku says. He then activates his geass and his face disappears. "My geass allows me to become invisible, but as you can see, clothes are not affected. If I am ever to be unmasked, what they will see is nothing. For Zero is an idea, who is under the mask does not matter."
"Oh Suzaku!" Nunnally says. She then hugs him, just as the door opens.
"Zero! We saw you rush this way. Is Nunnally…" Cornelia starts, but stops as she sees Lelouch, and Nunnally out of her chair.
"Julius Kingsley, we all thought you were dead." Schneizel says, as he spots Lelouch
"Brother, I have been proclaimed dead four times already." Lelouch says.
"Brother? Lelouch, is that you?" Schneizel asks, seeing through Lelouch's disguise.
Zero replaces his mask. "Nunnally, would you like to attend the party now?" He asks Nunnally.
"I would love to, Zero." She says, standing back up.
"Nunnally, why the change of heart?" Cornelia asks. She is shocked as she sees Nunnally get to her feet and move around.
"I have been reunited with two people, very dear to me. To me, this party is not to celebrate the death of my brother, but his rebirth." She replies.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we would like to introduce a very special guest tonight. Everyone welcome Empress Nunnally vi Britannia." Cornelia says, as Nunnally is escorted into the ballroom by Zero and Lelouch.
"She is out of her chair." "Who is that with them?" Some of the guests say.
"Zero. Can anyone tell me who he is, or what his geass is?" Says a voice from underneath a black cloak and hood.
"Director, our sources have confirmed that he is not any of the Black Knights or a Knight of the Round." Says another voice, from underneath a similar cloak.
"Alistair, I trust you believe these reports are true." Says the Director.
"Yes, sir. We have also ruled out Lelouch vi Britannia, and Suzaku Kururugi, for their deaths are most convincing." Alistair says.
"Are you not convinced?" The Director asks.
"No, sir. Their bodies were never buried, and Zero had Lelouch's transported." Alistair replies.
"Damocles was destroyed, so it would be fitting for them to be destroyed with the very thing they captured. Now what of C.C.?" The Director asks.
"Nothing, sir. Her actions go against Zero's, so she is not Zero." Alistair replies.
"Alright. Cyrus, Morgan, Allison! I want you to go to the USJ and spy on Zero, see if you can find out who he is, and what his geass is." The Director says.
"Yes, sir! Right away sir!" The three cloaked figures say as they depart.
"Why not send me there. I can get the information easily." Alistair says.
"Unlike you, they can get the information without being detected. Cyrus can hear thoughts, Morgan can affect time, and Allison can disguise as anyone she sees. You have to talk to others to know if they're lying or not." The Director explains.
"Yes, sir." Alistair says, as he then departs from the briefing room.
