A/N: Most of the story will have canon events with elements of my original ideas mixed together.

We've entered the third millennium of the Imperial Calendar. The world had changed drastically for the past few decades. With the rapid growth of modern technology and science, Knightmare Frames came into existence. The birth of those war machines originated from Britannia and the C Empire; the long alliance they've had resulted in them gathering the most talented scientists, engineers and devicers which breathed life into the Knightmares. In 2010, Britannia invaded Japan and because of their overwhelming differences in weaponry and military power, Japan was defeated. After the conquest, Japan was renamed 'Area 11' with the people being forced upon the new term 'Elevens'.

March 2016 of the Imperial Calendar

"Your Highness, it's morning. Please wake up." A soft but clear feminine voice pleaded along with the sounds of knocking against a wooden door.

There were many voices that were heard gossiping with the occasional words 'Prince' and 'Engagement' repeating itself along with loud footsteps. It was clear that there were many servants walking past the chamber where the Second Princess of The C Empire was resting. With one leg raised and her forearm over her eyes, her lips twitched in annoyance.

The door of the chamber opened which made the servants stop and give all their attention to the princess that had emerged. The young girl dressed in a off-the-shoulder long-sleeved white dress which had golden linings (same dress shown in the cover image) was leaning against the door with her arms crossed beneath her chest. Her flowing grassy green hair draped over her like a cape.

"It seems like the servants of the Imperial Household really like to gossip."

The princess teased with a smirk as she stared at the servants in the hallway. Their hands were full of decorations, food, cleaning supplies and miscellaneous items. They all looked at the princess with a nervous look and lowered their heads.

A long inhale followed with a meek voice "U-um-"

A hand was stretched out and it made a 'shoo' gesture. It was the princess who had interrupted the maid's attempt to explain or apologise; whatever idea she had in her mind. It was evident that the princess was slightly irritated, unclear if it was waking up so early or the gossip that had caused it.

Once the servants went back to doing what they were supposed to do in the first place, the hallway was soon emptied. The princess closed the door behind her and strolled down the hallway which was relatively more peaceful than before.

"Cera! Come over here for a second."

The voice came from across the end of the hallway, where a beautiful woman was stood as she was conversing with a servant. It seemed like she was giving orders regarding the celebration that was taking place today. She was wearing a long-sleeved emerald green ballgown which had detailed embroidery in the middle from the chest to the bottom. Her light brown wavy hair was put in a intricate up-do. Truly a fitting image for a princess.

"What is it Camilla?"

"What dress are you going to wear today?" She asked intriguingly as she clasped her hands together.

"Does it matter which dress I wear? I won't be attending the celebrations anyways." Cera had retorted whilst looking out the huge window.

Camilla gasped and asked "What do you mean you won't be attending?"

"Only the Crown Prince and Princess have to attend anyways. It doesn't matter if the others do or don't."

With that, Cera left Camilla and made her way down the hallway again, this time without being stopped by anyone else.

After a bit of walking she was finally outside, away from all the noise and people. It was busier than usual because today some prince from Britannia was visiting. The C Empire and Britannia have an alliance since long ago so they decided to engage one of their princes to a princess from the empire. Not that Cera cared about it in any way. It was just another day to avoid because people will be coming to the palace. Soon she was far away from the palace. In a place surrounded by grassy fields and flowers. The only building visible from this area was an extremely tall tower which looked much older compared to the palace.

Cera opened the large wooden door and entered. The interior was old and empty with the focus being above. There were many stairs that lead to the upper levels with bridges connecting each side, almost like a maze. The ceiling of the building wasn't in sight from the bottom, almost like there was something hiding at the top. Cera made her way up the stairs and walked across bridges. The top floor revealed tall stone doors with signs engraved deep in, it was like a relic or old ruins of some sort. The princess placed her hand gently on the door and closed her eyes, red lights from the engraved signs flashed and a gust of wind blew her green locks.

The whole scenery changed and there were no signs of the tower. The area was surrounded by the evening sky, anyone could've mistaken it for Heaven. Cera was stood on the bottom platform, what appeared in front of her was floating stairs that led to a bigger platform. There were stone structures that resembled old Roman ruins. This was a place of peace for her, a place to avoid the whole world and her safe haven. She walked to the end of the main platform and sat on the edge, watching the beautiful sky. Time flowed differently here, the sky was always in a state of dusk. With nothing in sight, no land or buildings, it was just this floating structure in the middle of the sky. This was the World of C and this very temple was named Sword of Akasha.

After what seemed like eternity, there was a sudden sound of footsteps coming from the lower platform. This shook Cera and by the time she turned around, a young man dressed in an all black attire with intricate silver linings appeared. His face was full of amazement and wandered around until he locked eyes with Cera.

"Who are you?! How did you get in here?!" She interrogated with an authoritative tone as she hurriedly got up.

The young man put his palm over his heart and bowed slightly then answered

"I'm Lelouch vi Britannia, Eleventh Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire."

Cera approached him cautiously and circled him as he followed her with his eyes.

"May I ask who you are?" The prince questioned the woman in front of him.

"Second Princess of The C Empire, Cera C Carolingian."

The reply was quick and unfriendly, almost defensive.

"How did you get here?" She asked her question again in a louder and more demanding voice.

"I saw a tall tower from the main palace so I came over here. When I reached the top I noticed a flashing red light from the door so I touched it, and here I am with the Second Princess."

"You're telling me you found your way through the maze?"

"Well if I'm here right now, that should answer you question, yes?"

Cera's lips twitched. That question was rhetorical and it annoyed her that he answered it sarcastically.

She came closer to him and held his left arm then closed her eyes. A sudden breeze lifted her fringe which then lighted up a red sign on her forehead. Lelouch had a face that was amused yet confused at the same time but before he could ask anything, the light overwhelmed them and they both returned back to the tower, in front of the stone doors.

"I can't believe someone else besides me activated the thought elevator..." Cera mumbled to herself as she faced her back to Lelouch.

"Hey, where was that place and what were those signs?"

Cera turned around but didn't make eye contact. She walked past him and started making her way down the stairs with him following her behind.

"Nothing that concerns you."

The reply was cold and short, intended to cut him off from asking.

"Heh, interesting." Lelouch said to himself.