Disclaimer: This is a rewrite of the original chapter. Characters of Code Geass will undergo changes, like real people do with time, and if you don't like how I portray them years after, go find another story to read.

I do not have any sort of ownership of the series nor of its characters, except my OCs.

All nonconstructive criticism will be ignored and if it escalates admin will be informed of your immature actions.

Chapter 1 Rewrite

Undeserved Peace

Two years later… (Plus one year in the anime)

VvVvV

A masked figure stared out of the window, its body smothered by a black cape tucked against its slim frame, its collar jutting forward with gold sown into it. He was Zero, the slayer of Lelouch the Demon Emperor and hero of the world. No matter where he where he go, the people rejoice at his very presence. Men, women and children flocked to him, wanting to shake his hand or merely thank him for what he did, for what I had to do…

Zero shook his head and continued to watch the setting sun, its golden rays slowly melting into the horizon, shedding its last remnants of light, orange, pink and purple danced among each other.

The man behind the mask gave a quiet sigh as all the glorious rays of light were enveloped by the cool night. Street lights and houses lit up, brightening the whole area, the bustle of night life began to fill the cool night, their voices inaudible to the man.

The man continued to watch the scene before him, his mind began to once more drift off; he wondered what everyone he knew was doing? Anya is helping Lord Jeremiah maintain an orange plantation, Gino is still a Knight of the Round, Kallen is going to an university, Villetta and Ohgi are married just like Tohdoh and Chiba. I know Rivalz is doing alright in the casino business and Nina is…

Suzaku Kururugi deeply sighed at the fate of the maker of the destructive weapon, FLEIJA. Not only did the world frown at Nina, she was forced to remain in the homeland until the world populace could forgive her. Many of her former co-workers who helped make the damned weapon were likewise asked to lay low and were constantly watched just like Nina. Their families and friends were either subjugated to their punishment or forced to banish them at the requests of the exiled.

All the information on the FLEIJA have been destroyed, the remaining warheads sent into the sun and the ones who made and assist in making are in hiding and 'imprisoned'…

Suzaku thought over the damage and lives the FLEIJA took, by the hands of Schneizel and himself. He felt a tear slid down his face for the most heinous sin he had caused to his homeland in years past. That crater…it was like a pit he found himself almost every night after the incident, only it was filled with blood. Hands grabbing him and pulling him under while the screams of the millions voice called for his just punishment by their hands.

Suddenly, watching the sunset became nauseating and he turned away from the window, his heart pumping faster than usual. He took several deep breaths and tried to regain his former composure before he heard soft footsteps in the carpet hallway.

Suzaku quickly straighten up as he saw the Empress of Britannia, Nunnally, slowly walking down the hallway. Suzaku was about to run to her until he noticed several of her attendants came pouring in, worried and frantically sweating. Even behind the mighty mask of Zero, Suzaku couldn't help but chuckle at a scene he had deemed the norm. Empress Nunnally had began to walk again, only returning to her wheelchair from exhaustion, but she was getting better. It was only short strolls or walks between meeting but now she was able to go almost the whole day without the assistance of her wheelchair.

Ah, Lelouch if you could see Nunnally now, you would be so happy…

Lost in his thoughts, he nearly missed Nunnally,who before disappearing in the midst of her attendants, waved at him before she was escorted to a meeting of sorts. Zero gave one back however, was not sure if the young Empress had seen him waving back. Suzaku stared at his hand for a moment, what am I doing…this is the hands I used to kill her beloved brother…and my best friend…

Suzaku let out another sigh, this one was heavier than usual ones he had, before turning and walking back to his room. The people he passed usually tried to start a conversation, luckily most of the employees and personnel he met on a regular basis soon grew out of it. They still, however, gave him a friendly nod and smile with the accompanying greeting of the time of the day.

Despite seeing this kind behavior over the years, however made every step felt each heavier than the last. He soon reached his room, swiped his card through and entered his room, making sure it was securely locked and ensure there was nothing left on check so no one would walk in with his mask off.

Suzaku removed his friend's mask, holding it with one hand and running his fingers through his wet hair, "The weight of this mask has grown considerably…since Lelouch has worn it." Suzaku whispered before he noticed his computer had the alert window for a message on, taking a seat in front of it, he began to read through file, message, notice, report and such until he reached a familiar name,

To: Zero, From: Lloyd Asplund,

Request audience for briefing of Knightmare Frame, Lancelot Supreme 1st Class. Asap.

Suzaku stared at the message for the longest time. Since he had taken the mask and name of Zero, only a few people knew who was underneath the mask. Those who help prepare the Zero Requiem and Lloyd and Cecile. While he could hide his face and be considered dead, he could not hide his ability and style of fighting, pressured enough, he would fall back to his old fighting techniques, much to his dismay.

I've spent the last three years trying to unlearn all the fighting and lessons Tohdoh taught me…but I can't let escape me, it clings on like a stain on my soul…

Suzaku typed on the computer and tried to figure out a time he could meet the Earl, scanning the calendar. It was littered with meetings and appearances, speeches and all sorts of things Lelouch had once did as Zero, but this was heavily taxing work. Suzaku yawned while unbuttoning his clothes, he winced as the fabric brushed against the scar, he groaned, okay, that still smarts…

He looked at the scar he received from Kallen from their fight that day. The scar started from his right hip to almost the middle of his torso, a jagged diagonal line of proof that would be beginning of Lelouch's end. The tissue did not respond while he moved but only if something rubbed roughly against the tissue did he feel it. Turning back to his computer, he decided to meet Lloyd in two days after a back-to-back meeting before he headed off to the bathroom for a quick shower, eager for a hot dinner and some shut eye.

In the farthest reaches of space, an armada of titanic proportion sat idly, looming over all who dare approach it. Inside the largest ship, the Celestial class Galactic Warship, a great number of shadowy figures sat on thrones in a circle in the bridge, murmurs and whispers went about the occupants.

The talks between the shadows were soon interrupted by an approaching figure draped in a white robe, several unusual devices were seen incased its neck, arms and visibly underneath the robes. The shadows shifted their attention towards the walking speck of white, one shadow lean forward to make itself heard amongst the audience of shadows.

Ah, I am so glad you have come; my colleagues and I are intrigued by your fickle quandary. Did you figure out what caused that mystifying energy bloom, Doctor?

I have. The bloom was minuscule when I noticed I thought nothing of it, but that was because we were so far. When I applied more time on this strange irregularity I find myself surprised at what I have discovered.

And what would that be Doctor? Do not keep me waiting.

Hush, let the good doctor speak.

It seems we have found some very 'intelligent' species living among that star.

At the words of the Doctor, a ripple of giggles to full-blown laughter echoed throughout the bridge of the Celestial class Galactic Warship.

We've found 'intelligent' species before, what makes these ones different? Pray tell, Doctor.

Yesss, Doctor. Whyyy?

Apparently, these species must have sent something quite…dangerous into their central star, something that is not seen visually, but caught on our radar and scanners. They probably don't know what their actions did, but it has probably garnered the attention of factions far and wide.

The audience murmured amongst themselves. Some scoffed at the news before they returned to their former position. Some gave the Doctor a word of congratulation at its discovery.

As troubling as it sounds, why do we need to worry about them, Doctor? Are they technological advance enough to stage a threat, no matter how minuscule?

Wretched things…

So, what if a civilization wants to blot out their sun? It has happened before.

Because, my fellow Dread…after careful researching and a stroke of luck or coincidence I have chance upon, I am gravely worried.

Every shadowy figure gave a raised-brow expression at the Doctor, who refused to be stared down by all that were present.

My, your worry has all of us shaking stupid.

Your sarcasm is duly noted.

Explain yourself.

Oh, we are all interested in this, Doctor.

That is enough of your foolish prattle. Why are you so worried?

At the words of the leader Dread, who sat on a mighty throne, its tone commanded utter authority and power over the domain of the fleet. The other Dread nervously squirmed in their respective smaller thrones, few dared to look at the Dreadnaught, whose eyes gleamed dangerously at the lone figure in the middle. The Doctor chose the next words with great care, it was not everyday did the Dreadnaught spoke with such a tone.

…this planet is one of few of planets, our brilliant yet foolish ancestors have bestowed…the Code Geass upon.

In a faraway farm, away from prying eyes and curious ones as well, sat a small farm managed by its one owner and his wife. The land was uncultivated when the couple arrived; the only structure that present human habitation was a humble two story cottage that sat before an open plain.

And in a few hard months, by the farmer along with his loyal friend, they began to nurture the land into something the two could smile and congratulate one another in the end of the day.

Soon, the farmer was the only one managing his humble estate, tending to crops, caring for his livestock and his two horses he used to ride and pull his cart. A medium size red barn with a fence encompassing a rectangular area could be seen from the porch of his cottage, which was made possible with his friend's connections. The farmer liked doing things with his own two hands, he had the genius brain to make it possible after all, but after his friend pointed out several things to the farmer and despite his misgivings, he agreed.

And now the said farmer wiped the sweat on his brow, staring at the fruits of his labor, it stood magnificently on the land that he had made into his home. It will withstand the scorching sun, the frigid nights, the terrible storms; even fires would shrink at the sight of this monolith structure I have built!

The farmer smiled as he gently patted his monumental achievement, nothing can ruin this mome—

"Hey, Mr. Farmer, are you done fixing that rickety shack yet? I want some pizza for my afternoon meal."

The farmer whipped his head towards the direction of his humble cottage, his wife leaning against the door frame, her green hair framing her face with a slight pout. Her amber eyes lazily inspected his labors, before she gently smoothed the front of her sun dress, her cheese doll idly sitting on the chair on the patio.

"That shack of yours is going to be blown over again."

The farmer was about to confidently proclaim that his shack was structurally sound, then a particularly strong gust of wind came and flipped the folds of his wife's dress and toppled his shack on its side like a house of cards.

The farmer's wife settled her dress while the farmer stared at his yet-again dismantled shack, "Ah, and you were so close this time."

The farmer grumbled at the sight of his shack, he looked at the box of tools near the toppled shack. He was about to do the task of building it again until he felt something soft on his back, arms slowly snaked around his muscled torso before his wife's voice tickled his ear, "Why don't you go to the kitchen? I'll tidy this mess for you."

Lelouch, once the Emperor of Britannia and the first Zero, groaned before turning and wrapping his arms around his wife's waist, C.C. hung her arms around his neck and kissed her husband, "Hurry up now, I'm hungry."

Lelouch, seeing no other means to delay the inevitable, the two walked back cottage he had repaired once he had moved into his new life with C.C., he still wondered what would become of him and his immortal witch, time is no longer effect either one of us, we'll continue living, but what of the world? I can't simply…no, I gave my life so the whole world could live peacefully for once…no more unnecessary war or bloodshed…

The former emperor was shook out of his thoughts as he felt the warm hand of his wife slowly entwine his, a plain silver ring glittering on her hand proving she was his and he was hers, immortality alone is a punishment…but I'm not alone, I have my beautiful witch at my side.

Lelouch couldn't help but smile as the two walked through the door of the cottage and the farmer found himself making the food that his wife loved so much. C.C. took a seat for a table for four, flipping through mail and papers before pulling a piece of paper from the stack, her face brighten up as she smirked at something.

"Oh yes, Jeremiah sent another crate of oranges to us, along with this." C.C. held up a poster with Anya, the Knight of Sixth, sitting on a crate of oranges and sipping a cold glass of orange juice, in her blue overall and white tang top that looked cosmetically dirty for the shot. Jeremiah, on the other hand was on-the-job dirty and in the back of the poster, walking with a basket full of the oranges with a smile, Lelouch chuckled at the sight of it.

"He could make an empire built upon oranges if he continues at this pace." Lelouch laughed as he masterfully twirled the pizza into the air and continued molding the dough. C.C. smirked at her husband. Lelouch continued to work the pizza and soon, carefully begin pouring tomato sauce, cheese, herbs, some chopped sausages and a bit of pepperoni, he gave his creation a dab of hot sesame oil. C.C. smirked at what he did before walking over to the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of 100% Orange Juice with the smiling mug of Jeremiah printed on the front and poured the juice into two glasses.

"Here you go." C.C. said handing him a glass of cold orange juice after he slid the pizza into one of those old fashion ovens.

"Thank you, dear." He said to his wife and sipped his juice before sitting across her, "So, what's the plan for today? I hope you're not going to just bug me to make more pizza."

The witch smiled, "Maybe. I was thinking after lunch, we can go on a stroll to the lake, visit Jeremiah and Anya and take the rest of the day in bed? On less you want to spend the rest of the day fixing that shack for the eleventh time?"

"Your plan sounds much more enticing than that." Lelouch smiled as he leaned over and kissed her Code riddled forehead. She smiled, settling both their glasses down, before dragging her husband to the living room, undoing his shirt before slipping out of hers and the two fell into each other's arms, lips pressed.

C.C. felt up his body, feeling the muscle he obtained from working all day out in the fields and tending to the farm. She snaked her hands before groping his bottom, making the former emperor break the kiss, blushing, the witch smiled,

"Why so surprised? You're not the only one who enjoys a bit of ass." His wife slyly said, before she began to undo his pants, Lelouch helped her until it rested on his ankles. Grinning, C.C. gently pushed the farmer and watched him collapse on the couch, the farmer gave her a not-so-amused smile.

"What's this? You like being on top?"

"I sure do."

The witch gently slid up against him, her skin against him made his usual calm psyche go nuts with excitement. C.C. planted soft butterfly kisses on him before she looked down in alarm, before a cat-like grin made Lelouch tremble.

"I see someone is more than ready."

Before Lelouch could make a response saying it was her fault, his witch and wife, he gasped as five digits firmly grasped his member and playfully tugged it.

"Just sit back and relax, Lelouch, you've been working hard. Making a rickety shack and all." Her voice full of mirth as Lelouch outwardly blushed and inwardly groan at the mere mention of his shack. Giggling, she brought herself to the member, it stood of at attention just for her, she gently blew on it before letting a sliver of spit land right on the head and slip down to the base.

She glanced back to the farmer's aroused face, before bent over ready to envelope the head in her warm, velvety mouth.

"Master Lelouch, I noticed your—aahhhhh! Forgive me for intruding! I just saw the—ahhhh!" babbled Jeremiah as he saw a naked C.C. and Lelouch in the living room while carrying a crate of oranges. He tried to hurriedly turn around to avoid staring at the scene before him only to end up smashing against the door frame and plunging everything to the color orange.

"Jeremiah!?"

"Did you call him here?" C.C. asked sweetly, her hand grasping his member a bit too tight, she did not look one bit happy. He gasped not only at the pain of his tender member but who came with Jeremiah. She raised her mobile phone and snapped a photo, making C.C. loosen her fingers before she stood up in all her glory.

"Recorded."

Lelouch quickly put up his discarded pants before he grabbed a nearby couch cover and draped his wife, Jeremiah was busy with his back turn picking up oranges and stuffing them back in the crate. Anya remained where she was with a bored expression, as if what was going on was the normal to her.

"Forgive me, Master Lelouch and Lady C.C., be merciful!" said Jeremiah, making himself aware once more.

C.C. turned to him and angry glint in her eyes, "Oh, I'm going to be very merciful."

Years ago, Japan was the very center of the war, producing the messiah to the world: Zero. And after he had heroically slain the Demon Emperor Lelouch, Japan was one of the first nations to shed its Area number and reclaim its former glorious name.

Reconstruction all over the nation gave the people the will and fortitude to take up their nation's fate in their hands. In a few, but busy months, the new Japan was visibly seen from its ashes. Homes, schools, roads, hospital and the like were rebuilt with the massive influx of volunteers and workers ready to shape the nation once more.

Many of the Black Knights who survived the war instantly became icons of freedom and hope, however some hung up their heyday uniforms and went back to their lives. They had their fill of blood, violence and despair and just wanted to enjoy the peace they worked for. Some went off to live their lifelong dreams or former jobs before the war broke out or occupation of Britannia.

It was a slow, but steady pace to reconstructing a nation that had been through a lot in the past years, but with Britannia no longer breathing down their necks, they could finally recover.

Kallen Kozuki, Ace of the Black Knights and former Personal Guard to Zero, sat on a bench in her university flipping through her text book, groups of giggling and whispering girls not far off from her. The sight would have been completely alien three years ago, but nowadays it was the norm. She had become the local celebrity in Japan, from invitations to parties to her hand in marriage, Kallen found herself in a life she could hardly imagine.

Ugh, are those girls following me again? No matter where I go, there is always one tailing me! They're like a plague!

Kallen gruffly closed her book before tucking it away in her bag, before she headed off to class. The girls immediately followed the red head, Kallen sighed before walking a little faster, only to have it to be matched.

"Tch, annoying." Whispered Kallen before she sprinted off to her class making the girls stare at the speed of the Ace Pilot, the groups slowly coming to a halt.

"Was that just the infamous 'Hightail run'?!"

"Ah! I don't believe I got to see it!" "Hey, what do we look like? Cardboard cut outs?!"

"Kallen Kozuki can really run, like a gazelle!"

"Yeah, but much more graceful and beautiful! Ahhhh."

The group soon began to confer with each other about what they had just seen, some began to update their blog and social media from their mobile phones. The scene despite how full of delight and light-hearted atmosphere made some people walk in disgust, however the boys were secretly doing the same.

"Dude, did you see those legs?"

"Aw, man, what would I give to run my hand down those legs!"

"Kallen Kozuki has it going on for her from top to bottom!"

"Her top especially, I heard her grades haven't slipped once!" "Brains and a body like that? Damn!"

Kallen stared at the groups from the relative safety of the second story window as they continued to talk before slowly dispersing, the Ace Pilot sighed, feeling a slight sweat running down her back, she loosen the top button of her uniform trying to cool herself down. Finding it was not sufficient enough, took two more down revealing her bountiful cleavage, however the Ace failed to notice it,

These girls are almost bad as the paparazzi every time they see me…

Glancing to her right, she noticed that students were getting into class and without buttoning her uniform, hurriedly went right in. The students, male and female, found their undivided attention firmly focused on Kallen or more precisely, her cleavage and the light sweat that clung to her fair skin and spiky red hair.

"Looking good, Ms. Kozuki!" chirped an enthusiastic group of girls; the boys stared, faces red with the sight before them. While the taken males were painfully nudged or reprimanded by their significant other, Kallen immediately took a seat and began to fix her attire, earning some disappointed sighs from both genders.

It's like they haven't seen a woman's cleavage before, half the girls here are advertising theirs! Kami, that isn't enough eye candy for them?

Kallen shook away her annoyance from her classmates and open her text book and continued where she had left off before she was rudely interrupted. The class slowly calmed down and on schedule their professor came in late, but that was the good part about him. His usual tardiness gave his students time to get to class before him, much to their relief.

Kallen glanced over her textbook and paused at the sight of her instructor, the 40-something graying hair teacher, only she saw a mop of black hair draped over his face. Some students whooped at the sight of his dyed hair, he brushed his hair away revealing his amused blue eyes.

"See, Mr. Lakentic, you look 10 years younger!" yelled a girl behind Kallen. Other students joined in, congratulating their instructor, Mr. Lakentic made a mock exasperated face,

"I don't know why I let you kids talk me into this. Now, my wife thinks I'm trying to be cool with you, young people." He laughed, the group joined in, Kallen however began to imagine her teacher with amethyst eyes and without warning, his face appeared.

Kallen felt her heart race before she looked back at her textbook, a blush coloring her cheeks, tears welling up. The memories of Lelouch began to flash in her mind, each one coaxing her to let out the tears she held inside. And those memories were winning, his handsome face, his amethyst eyes that belied deviousness and his playful smirk and sexy voice.

Before any more of the memories of Lelouch could wear her down, she felt a hand on her shoulder, glancing to her right she saw the concern look of one of her classmates, Cassandra Ito.

"Are you alright, Kallen? You've been…"

The Ace Pilot quickly wiped tears and sniffled; Cassandra blinked and tilted her head slightly.

"I'm fine." Kallen said firmly.

Cassandra nodded before heading back to her seat, the class took their seats still chatting and giggling at Mr. Lakentic's hairdo.

"Okay, class, that's enough, let's get back to business." He typed into his laptop before bringing up a graphs and charts to the class. They quickly looked it over, before Lakentic addressed the class, "Does anyone know what these mean?"

Several shot up in the air including Kallen's and Cassandra's, Lakentic smiled before pointing to Kallen. The Ace Pilot stood up; much to everyone's delight, and spoke in an audible voice, unlike her Britannian persona.

"The graph designates the results of many projects the nation is working on, from homes to government buildings. Also, the man power available, funding, time period and materials, these are used to calculate how many projects will be completed in the time allotted."

At the end of her answer the class all began to clap, Kallen sat back down as Lakentic continued with the lesson, "So, why did I all show you this graph to you all? You don't need to raise your hand, just say it."

"Is it because you can't wait for that new café to open?" asked a youth with brown hair and a grin, Lakentic sighed, "No, Satoshi. I have no interest in that cosplay café." Making the class burst out in laughter, Kallen rolled her eyes.

"With all the reconstruction going on, you'll be able to come to class early from now on?" asked Cassandra, the whole class groaned, Lakentic chuckled, "No, I'm going to come to class late."

The whole class cheered.

"No more traffic jams?"

"You wanted to ride the trains?"

"You want to eat traditional Japanese food?"

The class began to shoot off their answers in rapid succession; Lakentic took the time to answer each with a yes or no answer. Once everyone had their fill of questions, Kallen felt it was her turn to give an answer, Mr. Lakentic was more than happy to oblige. Standing up and taking a breath, the Ace Pilot spoke,

"Mr. Lakentic, the reason you showed that graph was…you wanted to see Japan back in new grandeur." Kallen said confidently, the class gave and awed gasp, while Lakentic clapped his hands, smiling at the local celebrity.

"You're absolutely right, Ms. Kozuki. We'll be able to see Japan from its own makings."

Kallen smiled, no longer seeing her teacher but Lelouch's face in his place, she sat back down as a single tear slid down her cheek, her mind swam with the thoughts of what Lelouch's sacrifice gave to the nation.

Scribbling on her text book was the name she was so fond of…

"Lelouch…" before her teardrop splashed and bled the ink.

After classes in the university, Kallen found herself dodging even more paparazzi and giggling groups of girls. Thankfully, with her athleticism she was able to outrun the flashes of cameras and girls.

Taking shortcuts and detours, a walk through a park, she found herself home in record time despite the sweat that covered her arms and legs. She didn't know how much she had pushed herself until a breeze chilled her sweat-covered skin.

"I have to find route without all these people bothering me." Kallen muttered before inserting her house keys and entering her home, seeing her mother resting in the living room with a broom and dustpan she decided to wake her later.

She quietly went upstairs, removed her wet school uniform and tip toe to the bathroom in her birthday suit. She quickly filled the hot tub before she sat on the short bath stool she rinsed herself of the sweat that clung to her skin, she gently scrubbed her hair, blowing shampoo suds from her bangs before running her hands down her skin to remove the sweat more thoroughly. Feeling her soft fair skin, she quietly marveled at its pristine state.

After taking stock of herself, Kallen slipped into the warm bathtub, soothing her muscles and relaxing her mind after a long day in the university.

Just a few more months and I am out of there…with all my grades as there are, I won't have a problem graduating a year early from a four year institute. I wonder what I should do…?

Kallen thought, staring at the bathroom ceiling thinking about her future, it was something strange to do for her when it wasn't a luxury before.

The future…it seemed like a dream before, Lelouch. With all the mad schemes you were making and the master plan you made that day…

She began to reminisce about the old days, back when she was younger, the time in the Ashford Academy and the Black Knights. She spent another 10 minutes in the tub, thinking about the past before the present knocked on the bathroom door.

"Kallen, dear, are you in there?"

"Yes, Oka-san, I'm about to get out now." Kallen said as she quickly climbed out of the bathtub and grabbed a towel to wrap around her curvy frame before grabbing another for her hair as she stepped out of the bathroom.

Kallen's mother, Kyoko Kozuki, leaned against the door frame, her face slightly sweating, Kallen looked alarmed, "What's wrong?!"

"Bathroom!" She urgently whispered before running in, Kallen gave a relieved sigh, before she heard her mother talk from the other side of the bathroom door.

"Kallen, dear, after you dress up come to the kitchen I'll have something ready for you."

"Thank you, Oka-san!"

Kallen smiled as she returned to her room, she dried her hair first before drying the rest of her body. She retrieved her light red undergarments from her drawers, then choosing a simple white blouse with a short blue skirt. She ran her fingers through her wet hair before grabbing a comb and began to comb it, removing tangles and moisture.

Her hair now had grown from her earlier years and now it hung squarely on her shoulders, she twirled hair a bit before deciding it was alright to leave her hair down and not spiked. She raced downstairs to find her mother tending to a kettle, a plate of rice crackers on the table.

Kallen smiled before she went over to the nearby cabinet and pulled out two mugs, some tea packet and the utensils. Sitting, Kallen watched her mother slowly shifted, side to side, humming underneath her breath, so different from the demeanor she had many years ago.

Once the kettle whistled with hot steam, Kyoko carefully carried it to the table, making a surprised face seeing the whole table already prepared, Kallen grinned.

"You were so busy watching the kettle, I thought I would get the table set for you, Oka-san."

The elder Kozuki smiled before carefully pouring the boiling water into the mugs and dipped the tea packets. Kallen watched the water slowly darken to the color of the tea until the packet had completely been diluted, attaining a rich caramel color. She leaned forward and blew on it causing a thin trail of vapor to rise. Kyoko didn't bother following her daughter's method and raised it to her lips, blowing on it inches from her face before enjoying it.

The two sat in satisfied silence, enjoying their tea, before the elder Kozuki decided to break it, "So, how are your studies coming Kallen? Not staying up too late doing it are you?"

"You don't need to worry about it, Oka-san. I'm acing all my classes." Kallen said smugly, Kyoko smiled, "Have you decided what you're going to do after you graduate?"

Kallen thought over what her mother asked, she was taking classes that dealt with the Knightmares, but what other avenues could she go to? Maybe she should contact Rakshata again, she hasn't heard from the woman in a while now, maybe she built a new and improved Gurren, but that seemed unlikely during the quiet peace time the world was enjoying.

Kyoko reached over and touched her daughter's hand, jolting the red head back into reality, Kallen blushed. Kyoko smiled softly at the blushing red head.

"Sorry, I must have drifted off."

"Mhmm, maybe you were thinking of someone special?"

Kallen blushed a deeper shade than her hair, she sputtered, trying to answer her mother, "N-no! I was just thinking about my Knightmare!"

Hearing about the machine her daughter piloted years before made Kyoko purse her lips, worried her daughter would do something dangerous again. Kallen couldn't help but feel deflated seeing her mother like this even though she explained what she did many years ago as resistance fighters and the Ace of the Black Knights. However, her mother couldn't help but feel she was part to blame.

The two sat in silence, watching the contents of their tea swirl, Kallen reach over for a rice cracker and nibbled on it. Kyoko took another sip of her tea before she decided to get the oppressive silence out of the way. But Kallen beat her to it,

"Oka-san, if I were to go back to the Black Knights, will you object to it?"

Kyoko paused with her mouth agape, before she slowly shook her head, "I don't think I could, Kallen. From what you told me and what I read about in magazines and on the television, the Black Knights need you. I just don't like you to go off and fight again, but I know you can make a difference."

The Ace pilot nodded taking into heart what her mother said, "Not only the Black Knights, Zero especially before we joined the UFN."

Kyoko made a thoughtful face at her daughter's expression, "Zero was Lelouch, right? The Emperor of Britannia before his little sister?"

Kallen nodded, without warning tears began to quietly well again, Kyoko knew the story between Lelouch and her daughter. Sometimes at night, she could still her call out to the former Emperor, Kyoko would watch her daughter from the doorway as tears ran down her sleeping face and sometimes a blush redder than a tomato.

"What was he like? Well, when he was himself or Zero?"

Kallen smiled, the tears on the verge of spilling again, "Lelouch was a genius, he was always doting on Nunnally and charismatic when he wanted to be but he was very frail, easily exhausted, aloof and sometimes cold. But when he was Zero, I saw nothing of Lelouch Lamperouge in the persona that radiated with such charisma, authority and cunning."

"I didn't trust him at first, like all of the future Black Knights. But time and time again he proved to me and the Black Knights wrong, he gave us hope that Naoto's dream would come true… then when the Black Knights betrayed him…I decided all the horrible things he had done as the Britannia Emperor had to end and I would be the one to end his life…the last kind act I would do as the captain of his elite guard and…the last person in the Black Knights who still believed in him."

Kallen paid no mind to the hot tears that raced down her cheeks as they continue fall. Kyoko internally flinched at her son's name, but nevertheless reached forward, gently wiping her tears. Kyoko watched in silent dismay as her daughter's once cheerful face expressed profound sadness for the man that the world focused all their fear, fury and hatred upon.

"But that day, when Zero killed Lelouch, I understood why he did all those terrible things…with his death, the world would be free from the vicious cycle of hate…and at the end of that cycle he had left me."

"You still love him, don't you?"

"I love him, Oka-san. I still love Lelouch." It was his name that finally caused her to break down, hands covering her face as she let her withheld passion for the man that conquered the world, burst free. Her heart ached for the only man she had ever loved as her mother came over to her and wrapped her arms protectively over her, trying to soothe her heart-broken daughter.

Suzaku stood waiting for the usual hustle-bustle of the employees, attendants and guests to pass, carrying in their arms were a variety of binders, folders, papers, clipboards and oddly enough a dusty old scroll. Some had their phones attached to their ears, their speaking lost as they rushed through their conversation while avoiding a collision with other people in the hallway.

As the path soon lessens with its occupants Suzaku took the long scenic route as opposed to the shortcuts to meet the Earl of Pudding. If he wasn't Zero, he would have made good time in reaching his destination; however, he didn't want to meet anyone today unless it was absolutely necessary.

Taking several staircases, Zero descended to the familiar docking area where Lloyd and Cecile spent most of their time other than the lab. The sound of heavy machinery and the yells of the engineers and technicians echoed all over the place.

Suzaku silently walked past the workers as he made his way to a typing Lloyd while Cecile, he spotted, ran about the area with a clipboard, talking to the working personnel. Zero stood in front of the scientist for a full minute before the Earl looked away from his laptop and at the mask of Zero.

"Ah, Zero, how nice of you to drop by, I was wondering if I would have to swim through a meeting to get an audience." Said the Earl, however his usual smirk was absent and Suzaku didn't know why.

"Well, Earl Asplund, where are the specs for the new Lancelot model?" Suzaku asked politely as he slowly scanned the busy dock, unable to see the whole area with all the commotion going on, several large objects hidden under tarps and screens. The Earl pointed at the small office at one end of the docks before getting up and walking towards it, Zero followed behind him, dodging carts and mini-trucks logging around machine parts.

Entering the small office, Lloyd locked the door before covering every inch of the windows, Suzaku was used to the routine, everyone who knew who was under the mask was very cautious whenever they talked.

"I called you down you here not only because of the Lancelot, but others things I wish to discuss."

Suzaku sat down, while Lloyd set up the specs for Suzaku's new Knightmare Frame, "Well, here we go. This model is a pretty piece of work from the last one, all the upgrades and modification Cecile and I made."

Suzaku scanned the screen, noticing several changes while others remained the same, he pointed at the most obvious upgrade.

"Do I really need two cannons mounted on my back?"

"Yes, you do, when we installed one, it made you off balance, two cannons balances out that little problem. But that is if you want to use two cannons in a fight, unless you're semi-serious about destroying your enemies."

Suzaku chuckled before looking through all the improvements, giving an occasional groan and comment, on in particular one.

"You took that out? I liked that one."

"That's not my doing, Zero, Cecile asked for that to be removed so take it up with her." Huffed Lloyd, leaning against the desk, glancing at some photos on the far side wall, some years ago others recent. Reports and plans also kept the photos company with a variety of colored sticky notes.

Suzaku spent a good half an hour reading the new Lancelot model, from the littlest changes to more less-subtle ones. Lloyd busies himself with leaning against the desk, imitating a statue.

When he had finished looking over the changes, he flipped to the last page and stared at the modified face of the Lancelot. The once familiar face had several new adjustments to its mug, making it look more like those knights in ages past.

"Alright, I've seen all the changes you and Cecile has made, nothing would affect my ability to fight. What else did you want to discuss?"

Lloyd leaned off the desk, before sitting on a chair opposite him, Lloyd's eyes strangely curious as if he never seen Suzaku before he let his head down and sigh. Suzaku didn't know what to make of this until Lloyd looked up again,

"Suzaku…when you and Lelouch changed the world that day…did he foresee all that has happened up till now? The disbarment of all weapons, the exile of Damocles, the disintegration of Britannia, the way people treat us now and all that has changed? Cecile wants to talk to you about something too, but she's busy right now."

Suzaku thought over what the Earl had said; times have not been merciful to the once great empire. Prejudice and hatred for the people of the empire was evident, no matter where they went, the world felt they were as much to blame as Lelouch. However, it was very discreet and the victims refuse to step forward, fearing it would be a talk of karma-is-a-bitch or something of the sort.

It only has been three short years but the hatred won't be solved so easily even after Lelouch died, the smoldering remains continue to burn, I've seen it…back in Japan, the Britannians have been chased by mobs from their homes, the guilty and corrupt deserved it… but the innocent weren't spared from the violence and harassment, I suppose this is just another unfortunate result of our sacrifices…

Suzaku, thankfully schooled his face and did not reveal how troubled he was, then he tried to lighten the atmosphere swirling between him and Lloyd inside the little office.

"Would it make you feel better if I told you Lelouch left a highly detailed document stating what he theorize what the world would do for the next 50 years after the time of his death?"

Lloyd's frowned at what Suzaku said, a flash of amusement raced across his eyes, "Don't get my hopes up, Suzaku, for a second there I nearly believed you."

Zero shrugged, "I wouldn't be surprised if Lelouch did."

The two sat in silence, the noise of angry and bustling machinery in the background, the Earl spoke up over the noise, "What were you two trying to achieve, Suzaku? With him dead and you in his place, what did you two intended to happen? The world is suddenly rid of an emperor who would go down in history as the most evil man the world has ever seen. This peace we have…it's almost like a fantasy."

"…why are you questioning things now, Lloyd? It's been three years since I..." Suzaku said before he mumbled out the rest under his breath. He took a moment to compose himself before spoke up again,

"Are you unhappy with the outcome of the Zero Requiem?"

The Earl gave a deep sigh, age finally reaching the eccentric man, he removed his glasses, peering into the clear lens, he spoke,

"Suzaku, you were the one who had to personally go down and subdue rogue factions that were the relics of the old aristocracy. Not everyone is happy, that much is apparent, and the reconstruction of the world is not the only factor that has people upset. The transition from waging war to get a point across to sitting down and talking it out is almost alien, it's like making an illiterate barbarian to drop his club and take up a quill."

His stoic grayish blue eyes met sad green eyes.

"People of my profession will also become scarce, Zero, Knightmares have a limited place in this era save for commercial and industrial. Soon my occupation along with those workers and Cecile will shrink, I'm thankfully I can still count myself as an 'Earl'. These unforeseen results of the sacrifices you and Lelouch made caused a great deal of good along with some problems that you must deal with. Though, I'm not making little of what you and Lelouch have done, never that."

Suzaku let out a tired sigh, before he stood up and paced around the small office, Lloyd set his glasses back on the bridge of his nose before he picked up the Lancelot specs.

"Have I upset you, Zero?"

Suzaku stopped at mid-stride before he shook his head, "No, Lloyd. You've gave me the results of what we have done. I'll look into this, I cannot have thousands of laborers suddenly laid off because of the occupation they only know how to do. I need to find another outlet or profession they can do, but Lloyd will you help me? This is too much for me alone."

The Earl gave a casual wave of the hand, "I'll contact you again once I get everyone in this dock and any more area I can reach in paper. But before that, why don't you test my latest toy?"

Suzaku smiled, seeing the familiar eager gleam in the Earl's eyes,

"Sure thing, let's call Cecile so she doesn't miss out on this."

Lloyd chuckled, "Cecile was the one pushing me to get you here so we show you your new Lancelot after the other one…"

Suzaku ruefully chuckled, "I know, I'm not going crush the Lancelot into a tin can with those two prototype cannons again."

Suzaku retrieved Lelouch's mask and quickly put it on, feeling the mask incase his identity once more. He spoke to Lloyd in the most reassuring tone with his modulated voice, "Lloyd, I'm sure it will all work out, maybe you should take a day off, ticker some more or you, me and Cecile should go out on a picnic."

The Earl shot him an alarmed look, "Okay, now, I'm really worried about my health, Suzaku."

"Oh…right, sorry."

Warp Gate Operational. Dimensional warp systems and protocols...acknowledged. Star fleet in formation and accounted for.

Location set. Warp drives and engines calibrated waiting for further commands.

A small fleet of ship formed a V formation, their flagship spearhead of the formation. The captain activated the fleet-wide audio transmission.

My soldiers, my people, we have discovered yet another wretched planet blessed with our birthright! Like many planets before them, they were mistakenly granted what is our sole gift by our brilliant yet naïve ancestors! Our ancestors thought by spreading our gift to other planets would benefit every species that it was bestowed upon, but lo and behold the atrocious folly they have caused us!

The whole fleet rumbled as the crew roared with both agreement and curses, the captain compose itself again before speaking,

From their mistake rose a civilization that rivals ours! They swept through our home like a plague destroying everything in its path! Now, our broken home world is rebuilding itself, vulnerable to all attacks by our hateful enemies! We must strike at them before our enemies, their allies do so! We will show them why we are the Dread!

The leaving fleet including the main body shook in by the enthusiastic agreement, the leader Dread looked at the captain for moment on various floating screens before switching it into another one. Gleaming eyes narrowed, slightly…

Warp Gate releasing safety measures…1… 2… 3… 4 and 5 locks removed. 6… 7… 8… 9 and 10 locks lifted. Preparing Warp jump systems…

The whole fleet rumbled at anticipation, ready to thrust themselves into a world they could win glory and honor for themselves and the names they bear on their shoulders and minds.

…activated. You are all clear to enter the warp gate.

The flagship slowly pushed itself forward and in a ripple effect so did the others, the main body fleet let out whoops for the fleet who would scout the planet before the cavalry came in. The captain looked at its side to see the good doctor, who stood arms folded and lips in a thin line,

I'm sorry Doctor, I—

Don't be Captain. Once we reach our destination, I'm quite sure you'll…repay me generously…

The captain gave a hearty laugh before clapping its hand on the doctor's shoulder; the doctor smiled and began to laugh as well, their laughter filled with twisted mirth.

While the fleet was in good spirits, however the same could not be said with the leader Dread, several of its retainers were nervously waiting for their orders. The leader wasn't smiling or even remotely aware that a fleet was going to leave on a scouting mission to investigate a planet with their gift. Its gleaming eyes were glued to the screen before it widen, it immediately stood up, frightening its attendants, one falling to the floor.

Fire at that fleeing—!

The Dread leader was too late before one of the ships blew up as something incredibly fast zoomed towards the warp gate. Without a second thought or hesitation, several gunners began to fire at the object that the Dreadnaught incompletely instructed.

A voice crackled into life in every ship in the fleet, the Dreadnaught's lips curled in utter rage at the voice, the voice of defiance and rebellion,

"You tyrannical loathsome monster, I banish you to the crushing abyss of the Void with this! Dark Matter Cannon, Maximum Output!"

Every Dread stared in horror and awe at the sight of the figure, a Mech, charging some unknown weapon as blasts after blasts struck its projected shields or outright missed the Mech.

Then came another Mech, chasing after the first one, the two slammed into each other trading blows before the first Mech unveiled two blindingly energy blades that nearly sheared the other Mech into pieces. The pilot of the other Mech's voice echoed across the whole fleet as did the first one.

You insidious traitor! I will put an end you and your treasonous folly!

"No more than you! You may all bend a knee to that thing! But I will not! I'd rather die a hundred-thousand times than be its eternal slave! My father died making this machine beyond anything you could ever hope to match! Storm Wraith, tear a hole through this fleet and a future for us all!"

The Dreadnaught's eyes widen as the Mech unleashed the Dark Matter Cannon, the whole fleet shuddered as the destructive beam tore through a dozen ships' shields and hulls causing them to erupt into a ball of fire and causing nearby ship to suffer the same fate. Crew members stared baffled in their stations as the shields for each ship was torn through with impunity, their screens showing irregularities before going haywire.

The intercepting Mech hung back before dodging the beam as the Mech began to slowly rotate itself destroying even more ships, however several crackles of electricity raced all over its body. The destructive Dark Matter Cannon lessen in volume.

Panic and confusion racked the whole fleet however, the scouting fleeting did not halt their progression into the warp gate, ignoring the destruction of the fleet. The Storm Wraith powered down its Dark Matter Cannon before activating its massive thrusters and boosters and zoomed towards the warp gate.

The Dreadnaught's eyes gleamed brightly for a second before it stretched out its hand and made a clawed gesture. The Storm Wraith pilot, after shifting the Mech into its Jet Convoy form, felt an enormous crushing presence all over his body as if a space worm had constricted him,

Daring attack, boy, but a futile one.

"Ah! You came to see me off!? Ack! You're a little too late saggy space tits!" wheezed the pilot, as the pressure increased, he felt two of his ribs crack, his muscles screamed in pain, but the pilot resisted. He was already inside the warp gate before he felt the constricting presence left him.

The pilot smiled before his eyes, nose, ears and mouth began to seep out blood, he shakily glance behind him and saw the Night Shadow Mech, his pursuer was hot on its trail, but it was not the assailant of his bodily attack.

This boy is my parting gift to you. Even with immediate medical attention, the damage I did to you already will kill you in a week's time.

The pilot gave a bloody smile and thought, that's what you think…

The pilot rolled the controls, rotating the Jet Convoy form Storm Wraith to face the Night Shadow, its chest piece opened revealing a similar construct to the Wraith. The pilot instantly locked on the opposing Mech as it began to charge its own weapon,

"There can only be one!" the Wraith pilot roared, using the Dark Matter Cannon again, to his eternal disgust the Night Shadow used a similar yet weaker version of his weapon. The two deadly beams came into contact and the two beams began to overwhelm each other, the Wraith pilot felt more blood pour down his mouth before increasing the output of his beam until it was nearly entering the Night Shadow's chest piece.

You will not escape! Even if it means my death, Gibb!

"Argh! I won't be able to kill you myself, but I will relish every moment you will suffer when you do!" yelled Gibb as the beam at last reached the chest piece interior causing the Night Shadow's chest to cave in and exploded sending the Mech spiraling out of the warp gate before it promptly closed, the scout fleet were merely feet away.

The Night Shadow drifted, sparks shot of its chest and body, before it bumped into the flagship. One arm and one leg detached itself from the Mech and drifted away, the pilot cursing inside the cockpit.

The captain slammed its hands against the controls, its eyes bulging and veins clearly visible, teeth barred at what it witnessed. The captain yelled out several orders setting the whole scouting fleet into a frenzy of work, the atmosphere absolutely malicious.

The doctor however expressed no signs of aggression as the scout fleet and the main fleet began to radiate anger, rage and frustration.

The Doctor darkly smiled.

Gibb, the Storm Wraith pilot leaned against his seat bloody and tired, the adrenaline pumping through his veins was the only thing keeping him awake.

[That was quite a battle, Gibb]

"Thanks…if you weren't designed…by my father…I would be somewhere…unpleasant."

[Noted]

Gibb hacked up more blood before opening a control panel as the screens began to film him, he did his best to speak clearly, "Now…AI, I want you to record this and keep it safe until all…ah, requirements are met…it's imperative this is kept secret until…the time comes…are you ready?"

[I understand. I will revert back to my Mech form once we exit the Warp Gate]

The Wraith pilot grinned before taking a deep breath and spoke. Gibb didn't know how long he talked but he aware at the end of his narration he drifted into a pained slumber, his eyes gleaming slightly.

"Lelouch…Lelouch…LELOUCH, I'm going to knock over your shack again."

The former Emperor immediately sat up, C.C. was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring brow-raised at him, "Oh, the very mention of that shack gets you up faster than sex?"

Lelouch groaned, flopping back onto the soft mattress, C.C. continued staring at him, Lelouch sighed, his eyes closed, "Because after the sex you want pizza."

"As much as I like the sound of pizza four in the morning, there's something...bothering me. I feel my Code reacting to something, its nudging me to the sky, Lelouch." C.C. said getting up from bed before walking towards the window, Lelouch's white long sleeve draping her beautiful frame.

Lelouch, troubled by what his wife had said, sat back up and saw C.C. staring at the early morning sky, she shivered in the cool morning air. Carefully getting out of bed, Lelouch joined his witch by the window, comfortably wrapping his arm around her waist, she leaned against him.

"Don't you feel it, Lelouch?"

Her warm hand entwining with his, his Code was indeed reacting to something, just as C.C.'s own. The two immortals stared up in the starry sky, wondering what in the heavens was going on?

[We have reached our destination, Gibb]

Gibb groaned awake, blood oozing out of his nose and the corner of his eyes, he unsteadily grabbed the controls and began to stabilize the Mech as it drifted about in space. He punched in some buttons on the controls on the side of the cockpit.

"AI, what is the closest place for us to land and recover?"

[The closest place for a safe landing is the planet that the Dread intended to invade]

"Well, I'm not going to the place then." He sighed, more blood dripped from the corner of his eyes. Dry blood covered his pilot uniform and left the cockpit a mess, I better clean this place when time permits.

[Then how about their moon]

Nodding, Gibb tapped the controls getting a visual of the Earth's moon, its lunar surface speckled with craters.

"Okay, then, set the coordinates, I'll get us there…" he whispered, blood welling up in the corner of his eyes, he felt more blood slowly dribble down the sides of his mouth, the metallic taste of blood was nauseating. He groaned before activating the screens to be reflective, he took stock of himself before his eyes glowed red.

"With this gift of my ancestors…I bestow onto myself…the acceptance! I accept…these wounds will not…kill me until I have done my mission!" twin red sigils burned both his eyes forcibly making the damage the Dreadnaught had wrought on him to alleviate as he focused on the single thought of his mission.

Hah…take that…you saggy Dread—AHHHHHHH!

"Ahhhhhhh!" the pilot roared as his body suddenly dipped in neck deep of agony, his body thrashed in the cockpit. The AI could only watch as its pilot let out terrible blood curdling screams and his arms and legs randomly slamming into the controls sending the Storm Wraith heading head first into Earth…

And there you have it, a rewritten first chapter that fits the direction I want to take this story. Also, there are a number of things I want to get clear so I don't hear someone's whine later.

1. I view Kallen Kozuki like Yoko Littner, not only because the two are red heads and hot as fuck. Yoko no longer started a relationship with anyone else after she fell for Kamina and I see Kallen as the same character type.

2. Zero-Suzaku is piloting the Lancelot. No biggie.

3. The state of the world, reconstruction opens both solution and problems. More on the next chapter. As for Lelouch's plan to destroy the cycle of hate, he did it, but what Zero-Suzaku is dealing with is the remains of that cycle that refuse to be burnt out, it's not going to be gone like magic.

4. Not all original Code Geass characters will be present in this story, unless requested by you, the readers.

5. Lelouch, the farmer.

6. Changes will be made to the Mech specs and whatnot.

7. I'm going to exploit the ambiguousness of the series conclusion; it was after all open to interpretation. Along with some other things I can dig up about the anime.

8. Updates. I think once a month is fair, however it all depends on my end. Less stress, more updates.