Code Geass: Zero of the Aftermath

by Wolf Emeraldtalon

This is my take on what happens after the Zero Requiem. I recommend that you watch LotR1, AtE, and LotR2 before reading this story, for this is my conclusion to Code Geass. Happy 10th anniversary Code Geass.

3. Merlin

Lloyd and Rakshata return to their lab. "Now, Lloyd. We have to work together on this or else it will never be done." Rakshata says.
"Rakshata, I understand that we have to work together, and I would like to see this idea become real. But I think that we should brainstorm ideas separately, then discuss them amongst ourselves."
"Professors, your back. What are two you arguing about now?" Nina asks as she hears Lloyd and Rakshata.
"We are debating whether we do the impossible, or go on with our lives." Lloyd says.
Rakshata walks over to her station and grabs her pipe. She then takes a few puffs. "It's a shame I can't carry this around the academy. Now, where are they." Rakshata says as she is looking for her sketches. "Ah, here they are!" She exclaims, finding them. "Have a look at these, and tell me if you think this is still crazy." She says, handing the sketches over to Lloyd.
"You two are back. So, how was the meeting with Villetta?" Cecile asks.
"Oh you know. Students worried about our endless bickering, and she wanted to know the progress on our museum project." Lloyd replies. He then look at the sketches. "Rakshata, have you any idea how big those shields have to be?" He asks.
"Yes I do. That is why it has four arms. All knightmares have two faults. One, they can't attack with shields up. And two, they can't defend from a counter attack. This knightmare can attack and defend at the same time." Rakshata replies.
"Rakshata, do you know how much energy that will consume?" Cecile asks. "Lloyd, let me see those sketches."
"Me too. I want to help with this as well. The four of us can do more than just the two of you." Nina says.
"Fine, alright." Lloyd sighs.
"Excellent." Rakshata says.
Cecile and Nina look at Rakshata's sketches. "Lloyd is right, you will need two pilots to control this." Cecile says.
"What! You really want to do this?" Lloyd asks.
"Yes. I have not done much with you, except for the Guren, so I want to help make this a reality." She replies.
"And I can run simulations on the computer." Nina says.
"Now that we are in agreement, I want you to test a few things in your simulations, Nina. I want to have gefjun disturbers on it, as well as a hadron float system." Rakshata says.
"Are you crazy! A hadron float system would be hazardous to everything around it. And as for the gefjun disturbers, most knightmares have the countermeasure for them." Cecile says.
"I think I can find a way to make them work. But you'll need to make a countermeasure for the new disturbers." Nina replies. She then heads over to her station and starts running simulations.
"I have parts coming from India, they should be here within the week." Rakshata says.
"You already had parts ordered. Did you think we would agree?" Lloyd asks.
"No, of course not. I would have built it, but I lack a suitable crew. I just wanted to have them here so we could have something to work with." Rakshata says. "I want Shiva to be the best thing I, uh, we built."
"Shiva?" Lloyd asks.
"Yes, Shiva. For it will be the savior and the destroyer. Unless you have a better name for it, Earl of Pudding." Rakshata explains.
"In fact I do. To keep with the Camelot theme, I propose to name it Merlin. Now I regret saying this, for it has for it has sealed my fate in this project." Lloyd says. The three of them get busy with digital designing, while Nina is busy setting up simulations.
"Miss Rakshata, your gefjun disturbers are not powerful enough to enable the hadron float systems stability. No matter where or how many, it always fails." Nina says after testing many simulations.
"I thought as much. Then we might have to scrap it." Rakshata says disappointedly. "Wait! There was a theory that would have sakuradite power a device that could act much like the gefjun disturbers." Rakshata says, remembering an interesting idea..
"Rakshata, no. I have heard of this theory and I agree with the others that it is too unstable. The resonators would self destruct before they accomplished anything." Lloyd says.
"Resonators?" Nina asks. "I haven't heard of this theory. Do you mind explaining."
"Pure sakuradite resonators. They would emit a frequency that could blackout an entire town, if they don't explode first." Lloyd replies.
"I wonder." Nina says as she returns back to her work, looking into the resonator theory.
"Who's hungry?" Cecile asks.
"We could all use some food. It might help us out here." Rakshata says.
"Alright. I'll be right back" Cecile says.
"No!" Lloyd and Rakshata shout at the same time.
"I'll bring us some food. I know my way around food as I do a knightmare's circuits." Rakshata says. She then leaves the lab.
"Well let's examine the designs." Lloyd says. He and Cecile look at Rakshata's and their own designs.
"She really likes the radiant wave surger." Cecile says, pointing out the four radiant wave surgers on Rakshata's design.
"It has proven itself defensive and offensive, but there is a chance they might destroy each other. Now I have blaze luminous projectors on mine, as well as two VARIS arms." Lloyd says.
"Lloyd, why do you think you and Rakshata keep butting heads?" Cecile asks.
"I haven't the faintest idea. We are both brilliant minds, so it seems only natural." Lloyd responds.
"Maybe it's because you both don't incorporate each other's inventions. Rakshata's design is better suited for all types of combat. Your's is long range, except for the MVS's. Now how about we try combining your ideas." Cecile says as she goes to work on a new design. Lloyd watches in fascination.
"Cecile, that might just work. I can't believe the words coming out of my mouth, but Rakshata and I need to agree more than argue." Lloyd says. Rakshata then returns with some food.
"You two are standing, what did I miss?" Rakshata says.
"You missed the professor admitting that he should listen to you more often, as well as Cecile's new design." Nina says, still pouring over her simulations.
"Oh, let me see!" Rakshata says. She then goes over to the computer and inspects the design. "Shiva… uh, Merlin here we come. We will also need to get some blaze luminous generators." Rakshata says.
"We should have some. After all we rebuilt the Lancelot and the Shinkiro, and I wanted the Gawain rebuilt." Lloyd says.
"Good. Now let's assemble our teams and work on the frame for Merlin. We start the project tomorrow." Rakshata says.
"Rakshata, tomorrow is the party that we are invited to. The four of us had an important role in the war." Lloyd says.
"Fine. We will work on it until we have to go. The rest is up to the team, and the frame should be done in a few days." Rakshata replies.

The next day the lab is busy with Lloyd and Rakshata's team as they prepare to work on Merlin. Nina is still busy working on her simulations, trying to fine tune the resonators and the float system.
"Professor Asplund." Nina calls
"Yes, Nina dear." Lloyd replies as he approaches her.
"How are the two pilots going to control this knightmare?" She asks.
"Well, they would have to work extremely well together. Rakshata recommended Kallen and…" Lloyd looks around. "Suzaku." He finishes with a whisper.
"They are both exemplary pilots, but the question is will they work well together. She thinks he is dead, and the Guren would be decommissioned." Nina replies. "Once we have this knightmare built, I will run simulations of them piloting Merlin." She says as she returns to her work. Lloyd then returns to the construction, and sees Rakshata on a couch smoking her pipe.
"And here I thought you would be more into your work." Lloyd says.
"You aren't doing much either, Earl of Pudding. I'll help out when it comes to the circuitry and wiring." She replies. As the time passes the legs of Merlin are coming together, and work on the main body is about to begin.
"Lloyd! Rakshata! Shouldn't you two be getting ready for the celebrations tonight." Cecile asks as she approaches dressed up for the party.
"Is it really that time already?" Lloyd asks.
"Well, unlike you, I have members of the Black Knights I want to see again." Rakshata says. She then gets up from her couch and heads for her chamber to change out of her lab coat, and into an outfit for formal occasions.
"Maybe we can talk to Suzaku while we are there." Lloyd says to Cecile, as Lloyd heads for his chambers. When he returns dressed for the occasion, Rakshata and Cecile are discussing the future of the project, Lloyd heads over to Nina. "Are you going to come to the celebration, Nina?" He asks.
"Professor, I'll stay here and run the simulations. Besides, I hate my involvement in the second Black Rebellion." She replies.
"Afraid that someone might hurt you? You are the one that created the countermeasure to the FLEIJA." Lloyd says.
"We created it Lloyd. But I will remain here. The Empress has her reasons for not attending, and I have mine." She replies.
"If that suits you, then we will be off." Lloyd says as he and the others depart for the embassy.

At the embassy, Lloyd, Rakshata, and Cecile enter and mingle with the other guests. Zero is up on the second floor watching for Lelouch and C.C.
"Looks like Zero has no intention of involving himself with the others." Rakshata says.
"He may have his reasons." Lloyd says.
"Lloyd, I never thought to see you or Rakshata here." Schneizel says as he spots the trio.
"Ambassador Schneizel, if it wasn't for Cecile, we would still be hard at work on our project." Lloyd replies.
"I would love to hear about your project, Lloyd, but I am busy entertaining the other guests, that I cannot delay any further." Schneizel says. He then departs, as the Tohdohs approach them.
"Ah, Kyoshiro and Nagisa, it is so nice to see you again." Rakshata says as she greets the two.
"Rakshata, the feelings are mutual. What was it that Schneizel said about a project you are working on?" Nagisa asks.
"Oh, he was interested in the research we are doing. Our project at the moment is the construction of a new knightmare." Lloyd says. Kyoshiro then grabs Lloyd.
"Lloyd you know that the construction of new knightmares is prohibited. Why would you make a new generation?" Kyoshiro Tohdoh asks.
"Tohdoh let me explain." Lloyd says.
"It was my idea. I wanted to know if two pilots can control the same knighmare. It will be the only one of its kind, and we will make sure of that." Rakshata says. At that moment Zero then drops to the first floor and rushes towards Nunnally's chamber. "What's he in a rush for?" She says. Tohdoh then releases Lloyd.
"Just make sure it is the only one." He says. He then departs.
"Who do you plan to have pilot it?" Nagisa asks.
"We want to have Kallen and Zero pilot it." Rakshata replies.
"But what about the Guren?" Nagisa asks.
"Then we will find someone to pilot it with Zero." Lloyd says.
"But is there anyone that can pilot it with him, Lloyd?" Cecile asks.
"I believe that there is one person that can pilot it with Zero." He answers. Nagisa then goes over to Kyoshiro. The ambassadors then head in the direction Zero went. "Should we be concerned about that?" He says as he sees the two depart.
"Everything is under control. The ambassadors have the best guarding the building." Cecile says.
"Lloyd and Rakshata Asplund! I thought we told you, no new knightmares are to be constructed." Says Kaguya.
"Chairwoman Sumeragi, this knightmare will be the best addition to the Black Knights' arsenal, for it will be Zero's personal knightmare." Lloyd responds.
"Then why did you have the destroyed knightmares rebuilt. The Shinkiro was Lelouch's and the Lancelot was Suzaku the traitor's frame. As for the Knights of the Round, the Empress has not mentioned anything about reforming them." Kaguya says sternly.
"You can never be sure if any of the Black Knights have the potential to pilot those frames if they are not there. And also the former Knight of Three is an Ace of Zero." Lloyd says.
"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.
"Why is the Empress here tonight? I thought she would never attend this celebration." Rakshata says as she hears the announcement. "And who is that with them?" She asks after noticing Lelouch.
"I think I have seen him before. Three years ago, Suzaku was given a mission just after becoming the Knight of Seven. His mission was to escort and protect that man, Julius Kingsley. After Suzaku returned from St. Petersburg, the Emperor said that Kingsley had died there." Lloyd says.
"Yes, Lloyd. But he does look a lot like Lelouch though." Cecile states. Lelouch then moves towards C.C. and Zero and Nunnally go to a spot for her to rest. Kaguya then leaves them.
"The resemblance is remarkable isn't it. I just want to know how he survived St. Petersburg." Lloyd says. Schneizel then returns to the trio.
"Miss Cecile, the dance is about to start. Would you like to have this dance with me?" He asks.
"Ambassador." Cecile says, shocked. She then regains her composure. "I would love to have this dance with you." She then goes with Schneizel to the main floor, along with the other waltzers.
"Rakshata, would you like to have this dance with me?" Lloyd asks.
"My dear Earl of Pudding, no, I will not have this dance with you." She replies
"I thought so. Then what shall we do while we are here?" He asks.
"We will discuss our project. One brilliant mind to another, and all that." Rakshata replies. They go off to discuss their project as the waltz begins.

"So, Cecile, tell me about this project that you are working on?" Schneizel asks.
"Well… What is a knightmares biggest flaw?" Cecile asks.
"Flaw? Knightmares have little to no flaws. The newest generation has flight and gefjun countermeasures, not to mention the best shields known to man." He replies.
"Well a knightmares biggest flaw lies in their ability to defend or attack. The Shinkiro could not attack with its shields up, and the Guren can't attack when blocking attacks." Cecile says.
"So what you are saying is that you are creating a knightmare that can attack and defend? I like the sound of that, but you know the regulations the UFN has set. No new generation knightmares are to be created, but I can tell them that it is for research, like the Lancelot was back then." He replies.
"You'd really do that, ambassador?" Cecile says relieved.
"Like you, I have an interest in science. Whether it benefits humanity is up to the users." Schneizel says.
"Ambassador, we will not have another Damocles incident. We want to test the knightmare frame, along with all the other features we have planned." Cecile says, shocked.
"Oh, what features will this frame have?" He asks.
"Well, Nina is running simulations of these features, but if they work, it will have a hadron float system and pure sakuradite resonators." She says.
"I have heard of the resonators, but it sounds like they would overload sakuradite powered structures, and not shut them down. As for the float system, if it has to be that powerful then this thing must be a monster." He says.
"Well it is designed for two pilots." She explains.
"And who will be the pilots." Schneizel asks.
"One will be Zero, the other we do not know. Rakshata wanted Kallen, but she is the Red Ace, so Kallen is out of the question. But Lloyd knows who might be a better pilot for the frame." She says.
"And who would that be?" He asks.
"He did not say." She replies. They then waltz for the rest of the night, until Cornelia announces the end of the event.
"Well this was a pleasure, Cecile. I hope to see your experiment in action some day." Schneizel say as he bids Cecile farewell.

Lloyd, Rakshata, and Cecile return to their lab from the embassy.
"Well that was an interesting night." Lloyd says. "Now, where is Nina?"
Rakshata goes towards Nina's computer and looks at the simulation for the resonators. "Lloyd, I think she has the right structure for the resonators." She says. She then runs the simulation and watches it work beautifully. "Now we might get the float system to work, without it exploding of course."
Lloyd then goes to the computer and looks at the other simulations. "She has also made the Merlin in her simulation." He points out.
"Does it work?" Rakshata asks as she see her idea fleshed out on the screen.
"I am not going to test the float system, but here we go." Lloyd says he he starts the simulation. They watch the simulated four armed knightmare in its movement, defensive, and offensive modes.
"I found Nina." Cecile calls from across the lab. Nina then stirs from her slumber. "Oh, I'm sorry to wake you Nina." She apologizes.
"How long was I asleep?" Nina says as she gets up from Rakshata's couch. "How was the party?" She asks.
"It was different. You missed Nunnally." Cecile says.
"She was at the party?" Nina says shocked.
"Oh yes, she even danced with Zero." Cecile replies.
"She was out her wheelchair? But she was crippled ever since I knew her." Nina says.
"Nina, do you remember a man called Julius Kingsley?" Cecile asks.
"Kingsley? No." She answers. "Wait. I remember that the Emperor said he died in St. Petersburg."
"I do not remember him all that well either, but Lloyd seems to remember more." Cecile says.
"I was not present when Charles announced Kingsley's death. I was busy checking the Lancelot after St. Petersburg. It was a mess. Oh, Nina, good work on the simulations though." Lloyd says.
"Thank you Professor Lloyd." Nina says.
"Mind if I input some data for the pilots. This might solve our problem." He asks.
"Go ahead." She responds.
"What data is this?" Rakshata asks.
"The two devicers we are looking for." Lloyd says as he enters Lelouch and Suzaku's piloting data into the Merlin simulation. They watch as the knightmare stays stationary. "Well this is old data, so it is to be expected." He says.
"Lelouch and Suzaku are both dead, how do you expect them to pilot it even if they were alive?" Rakshata asks.
"They were the ones that stopped a FLEIJA and infiltrated the Damocles. So I would have expected them to work this together." He explains.
"Forget it Lloyd. The pilots will be Kallen and Zero. Do you understand, Earl of Pudding." Rakshata says as she switches Lelouch and Suzaku for Kallen and Zero. The knightmare then starts moving again.
"That may be true, but would she really give up the Guren?" Lloyd says.
"Let's sleep on this idea. I might change my mind about Kallen and Zero as the pilots, but I doubt that there is anyone that can pilot it with Zero. Unless you think that Kingsley person is capable to do it?" Rakshata says. She then heads for her chambers. The others then head for their own chambers to sleep.

The next day, work is continuing on the Merlin frame. Rakshata is standing in front of the Guren. "I have worked so hard on you, that I am afraid that we may have to decommission you. I know that Kallen is the best for you, but I want her to be the pilot of the Merlin." Rakshata says to the Guren.
"Rakshata, are you really talking to the machine?" Lloyd asks.
"My dear Earl of Pudding, this is my baby. As its mother, I have to sooth it, for it will not like to be neglected." She says to Lloyd. "What do you mean that Kallen will not be able to pilot Merlin?" She says to the Guren.
Lloyd walks towards the Lancelot. "I might talk to it if it were the original." He says. He then goes to check on the progress of the body of Merlin. The main body of the Merlin is almost complete, to the point that all that is needed is the sensory equipment and controls in the cockpit. "Make sure there is a connection point for the float system." Lloyd says to the crew. "And thinking about it, try and install an absolute defense grid."
As the time passes the body is connected to the legs. Lloyd and Rakshata begin laying the circuits of the motion controls for the land rollers. Kallen enters the lab and finds Nina running simulations.
"Nina! I missed you at the party last night." Kallen greets, panting a bit.
"Kallen, why are you exhausted?" Nina asks.
Kallen then catches her breath. "Zero sent me here to fetch the Guren. He said that I would need it to stop a fight." She says.
"A fight. Between who?" Nina asks, worried.
"Never mind that. Where is Rakshata?" Kallen asks.
"Oh, she is in the workshop with the others. I'll get her." Nina says as she gets up from her station. Kallen then looks at her work.
"Hadron float system? What is that for?" She says confused by the object on the screen.
"Kallen, go ahead and take the Guren. I need you to test something out for me though." Rakshata says as she enters the lab.
"Are the radiant blades ready to test?" Kallen asks.
"Oh no, those things are still unstable. I want you to test the Guren's containment field, if you have the chance that is." Rakshata replies.
"Alright, I'll be right back with the results. What is it that you are working on anyways?" Kallen asks before she enters the hangar.
"Something that I have thought of for a while. It will be the project that peaks my career, better than the Guren and the Shen Hu." Rakshata says before she returns to the workshop.
"I hope this fight does not make the news." Nina says, worried.
"Don't worry Nina. Kallen will make sure that it is over before anyone notices that it even began." Rakshata says. She then returns to the build and helps out with the head of Merlin. After some time Rakshata hears the hangar doors open. "I'll greet Kallen and collect the data of the test." She says as she leaves for the hangar.
"Suzaku told Kallen to take the Guren, right?" Lloyd says, with Rakshata gone.
"Correct, professor. Do you think he is here now?" Nina asks.
"Well if he is, let's talk to him. It has been a while since we have spoken to Suzaku." Cecile says. The three of them then leave their work and head for the hangar. Once in the hangar, Nina freezes once she sees two Zeros, and Cecile is curious as to why there is a second Zero.
Cecile then looks at Nina. "Nina, what's wrong?" She asks.
"Nothing. I just thought he was dead." She replies pointing at the White Zero, as he removes his mask.
"Your majesty, welcome back from the dead. I am still interested in researching that power, that is if you will allow it." Lloyd says to the Zero in white.
"Lloyd, I no longer have geass. If you want to research it asks him." Lelouch says indicating Suzaku.
"And…" Lloyd says to the Zero in black.
"Lloyd, the answer is no. People who research geass use it for evil, even if you have good intentions it might corrupt you." Zero says.
"Your majesty?" Rakshata asks Lloyd.
"I guess I forgot to mention, the Emperor planned his death. The three of us knew, but I dug deeper into the plan and C.C. told me that Lelouch would have himself killed to live forever." Lloyd explains.
"Now about the knightmare you mentioned the other day." Lelouch says.
"How do you know about it?" Rakshata asks.
"Now I know why those two looked familiar." Lloyd says, realizing that Lelouch and C.C. were at the academy the other day. He then goes to one of the many computers and pulls up the data on their project. He then displays it on a projector. "I give to you, Merlin." He says.