Chapter Seven: The Wizard Appears

Lelouch had claw marks that were already healing but the fact that he had claw marks of any kind made Kallen sick to her stomach. She was his body guard before but now Lelouch was deliberately throwing himself in dangerous situations and she was powerless to stop him.
"Oh Lelouch, why did you have to be such an idiot?" Kallen cried.
Lelouch was lying in a hospital bed with medical equipment all around him. Kallen sat by his side holding his hand.
"Don't leave me," she said quietly.
There was a curtain behind her where the returned Princess Euphemia was resting. Suzaku was beside her bed as was Cornelia, who was an emotional wreck. Her dear half-brother she wanted to save had just located her very much alive sister. None of it made sense to the second princess. She was used to battlefields with human enemies that were so simple to beat with a bullet through the head. Now she was up against superhuman threats that were so terrible the only conceivable option to fight them was with weapons like the FLEJA. The whole mess shook the war hardened princess to the core. She heard a breath and realized that as the breath of her sister. She looked down and saw Euphie's peaceful face. The chains that were on her were cut off and thrown aside. How dare anyone treat sweet Euphie in such a way?
Suzaku held her hand tenderly. His beloved and his best friend were both returned to him. He felt a great degree of happiness. But also a great degree of rage towards Bloodbeard. Lelouch had been tortured and Euphie had been enslaved. That was unforgivable and Suzaku would have his revenge. But now all that mattered was comforting the living Euphie and the wounded Lelouch.

"Are you serious?" yelled Tamaki.
Xingke and Kaguya reported on the situation at the UFN.
"I'm afraid it's true," said Xinke. "Many of the delegates are threatening to use nuclear arms if we don't discontinue our quote/unquote 'superhuman soldier experiments'."
"That's insane," said Chiba. "Nothing good could possibly come of a full scale nuclear assault."
"Besides Bloodbeard's monsters seem to be similar to a cockroach in physiology," said Lloyd. "Meaning dropping a few A-Bombs wouldn't help the situation."
"Our silence isn't helping either," said Tohdoh.
"Well what are we supposed to say?" said Ohgi. "Hell would anyone believe us. The world's going to hell and let's face it…it is our fault."
"What are you saying Ohgi?" Viletta asked in concern.
"I should say…this is my fault," Ohgi sighed.
Viletta caught her breath. Before anyone could speak up Ohgi interrupted.
"How is Lelouch's condition?" asked Ohgi.
"According to the doctors he's stable," answered Tohdoh. "Kozuki just had him put in his room."

Kallen fluffed Lelouch's pillow and kissed his forehead.
"Be well my love," she whispered.
"Kallen?" said Ohgi as he opened the door.
Kallen looked at Ohgi with certain distrust and got between him and Lelouch. Although Ohgi was one of her dearest friends, Lelouch was her one true love.
"What do you want?" she asked.
"I wanted to apologize to both you…and Lelouch," said Ohgi.
He walked forward but Kallen made a move for her pouch/knife. Ohgi got the message and kept his distance.
"What happened was my fault," said Ohgi. "I didn't get your side of the story Lelouch but could you really blame me? Superhuman abilities were real and we…I did what comes naturally to most if not all humans. I was afraid and right now that's how everyone else is feeling. Lelouch…the world is going mad in panic. I don't know if you can hear me but god damn we need you. Nuclear war seems to be the only solution, at least that's what the UFN is thinking. They're accusing us of creating superhumans who are leading a revolt against humanity."
Lelouch didn't stir.
"If you can hear me then please wake up and…lead us again," said Ohgi. "Things are worse than ever now. We need you Lelouch. More than ever we need you…Zero?"

Nunnally was looking over numerous forms and figures. Nuclear war was on the horizon, her brother and beloved half-sister were alive, and a Mad Titan was on the loose. People were looking to her for answers but she couldn't give them. Cornelia had no answers to give her. The Black Knights were dedicated but powerless. Schneizel had retired and settled down with Nina Einstein and Nunnally doubted that he would have an answer to the Bloodbeard situation. She sighed deeply and looked at the clock. It was three past midnight and there was so little she could do as the most powerful woman in the world. Suddenly she heard a flapping noise and onto her desk flew a little origami crane. She looked at it with a puzzled expression. She picked up the little blue paper bird and flew it off of her desk but it only flew back to her. It unfolded by itself and Nunnally saw that it was a note.
Have faith.
That was all it said.

Euphie had been moved to a private room but Suzaku refused to leave her as did Cornelia. Cornelia sat next to Euphie's bed while Suzaku stared out at the window. Storm clouds were forming and the fires were rising. Suzaku felt a great pang in his heart. He did not want to leave his love but he felt that he must be with his friend Lelouch.
'The two people I loved most in the world are returned to me in a time of crisis,' he thought. 'God must enjoy playing his jokes on me.'
Euphie began to stir and awaken. Suzaku rushed to the bed where Cornelia was already bringing Euphie in for a bear hug.
"Oh sister is it really you?" Cornelia cried.
"Yes, oh yes Cornelia," Euphie cried.
The tears in their eyes were flowing like waterfalls.
"E…Euphie?" said Suzaku.
Euphemia stared directly into Suzaku's eyes and he into hers. Without a moment's hesitation Suzaku ran for her and Euphie ran out of bed and both collided together in a passionate kiss.

Lelouch felt wet rain drip onto his skin. His mouth was filling with water and blood. The pain in his hands and feet had died out. He cried out into the heavens as a corpse rotted before him, rotting on a cross much like the one he was nailed to. He struggled against the nails that held him. He pulled his right arm free, howling in pain as he lost flesh, blood, and bone. He looked at the corpse before him and felt fury. He pulled his right foot out and then his left. A newfound strength allowed him to tear out his last nail. He went to the corpse that was once a beautiful girl and pulled her down. He collapsed with the corpse in his arms. He cried out into the heavens, demanding justice be done. A lightning bolt struck the cross the corpse once stood on and the energy of the blast coursed through Lelouch and the body. Flashes of war, blood, and death flew through Lelouch's mind. When he regained his senses Lelouch saw that the body had become ash. And in its place was a long purple sword driven into the ground. Behind him stood an elderly man with eyes of Geass.

Lelouch was on a boat with M.M on an eerie lake.
"Is this one of my memories?" asked Lelouch.
"Yes and no," said M.M. "These are your memories but not the memories of Lelouch."
Lelouch then made a startling realization.
"You're saying that I'm Arthur Pendragon aren't you?" he cried.
"Yes and no," said M.M. "Arthur too had the power of the king."
"You gave it to him," said Lelouch.
"No," said M.M.
"No?" inquired Lelouch.
"Did C.C ever tell you her name?" asked M.M.
Lelouch was taken aback by this but nodded all the same.
"Did she ever truly tell you what Geass was?" asked M.M.
"No," said Lelouch.
"It is power born from before the dawn of time," said M.M. "The power of the king is one of the most powerful forms of Geass in the universe."
"You're only making me more confused," said Lelouch. "I can only order people around."
"Exactly, the power to lead is one of the greatest skills one can have," said M.M. "Your power reflects who you are and you are a leader."
"Bloodbeard is a monster," said Lelouch.
"As such he turns into a beast and spreads his evil like a rabid dog," said M.M. "C.C wanted love, Charles was a liar, Bismarck was a soldier, Marianne was a coward, Mao was curious."
"What are you?" asked Lelouch.
"Something different," said M.M. "Much like your sword."
"Arthur's sword," said Lelouch.
"Your sword," said M.M.
"You're not making any sense," said Lelouch.
M.M sighed and tried to find the words to say.
"You dreamt of a memory recently," he said.
"C.C's body…it burned in my hand in a lightning bolt," said Lelouch miserably.
"And Caledflwch was in its place," said M.M. "Did she ever tell you where she got her name C.C from?"
"No…you!" Lelouch realized.
"Indeed," said M.M. "I found her, named her, and took her on as a sort of apprentice. We founded the Geass Order in my attempt to honor my dear friend."
Lelouch could hardly follow any of this.
"Where is this going?" asked Lelouch.
M.M glared at Lelouch and Lelouch shut up.
"You know the legends I'm sure," said M.M. "How Arthur was born under Uther and Igrane, raised as a farmer, pulled the sword from the stone, was betrayed by Lancelot and Guinevere, and ultimately slain by Mordred. You know of the legendary powers Caledflwch or Excalibur as you know it is supposed to have. You have dreamt of your pulling it from a scabbard of stone. At the heart of these legends is Geass, a power so old it makes the stars seem young. All the legends of the world have to do with Geass. The legend of Arthur is no exception. I caused Arthur to be conceived due to a contract with his father. I mentored Arthur and I admit he was like a son to me. He had such great dreams of being a hero for the people. I did not give him Geass because it was not my contract to make. I took him to this lake and the Lady made a contract with him on the grounds that when he died he return to her. The sword was my touch. It was forged in C's World and is against the normal laws of physics and is powered by Geass and is Geass given form."
"In the dream where I pulled it I felt like my head was going to explode," said Lelouch.
"That is because it helps to unlock the power of the king to its highest levels," said M.M. "When Arthur pulled it he experience a great increase in his power. The power of the king became power of the God-King."
Lelouch was frozen with shock. Power of the God-King, was that how he destroyed the bridge?
"I don't understand," Lelouch cried.
"Arthur could not be hurt, he was strong enough to battle a giant, and was only killed by another who bore such a great power," said M.M. "He died and now you live with the same power. The king is a rare power given only to a few. The power of the God-King is even rarer and is so great many believe it has a mind of its own and is able to choose who is given that greatness. It chose you Lelouch and gave you the memories and strength of the last person to bare such a great power. As such you are not Arthur Pendragon but Arthur Pendragon's heir."
Those only made Lelouch feel worse.
"I don't want this power," cried Lelouch. "I'm not worthy of it."
"The Geass would seem to disagree," said M.M. "It saw something in you that could take up the tremendous responsibility of kinship and thus blessed you with the conduit of its power."
"But why did C.C's body have to be destroyed?" cried Lelouch. "She couldn't possibly have known."
"When the power showed itself to you she was given a final rest," said M.M. "She is now part of the world. She is now part of the great mother and able to be loved by all of nature and as such return that love in some way. If you were to return to the desert you would find something beautiful there. And do not think that you are the only one who mourns and misses her. She was very special and made a very good lieutenant in my dream."
"

Lelouch growled.
"A failure on my part," said M.M. "I was inspired by Arthur; he held such great power with such goodness. He controlled himself with his powers. He was good and noble. He never acted as a dictator or as a tyrant. He…"
M.M was fighting tears. It was an old wound but a deep one.
"He truly was the prince of kings," said M.M. "He used his powers to protect the people without care of thanks. He was a hero in every sense of the word. He had a weakness but he overcame it and…sacrificed himself for the people. I knew he would live such a life but I still was surprised by him. I chose to honor him by trying to create more like him. I wanted to use the Geass Directorate to make warriors who would use their powers unselfishly to protect the world just as he did. But…I failed."
M.M slumped down in the boat and Lelouch saw the mourning and failure he felt. He knew how V.V used the Geass Directorate and could understand what M.M must be feeling.
"I'm sorry," said Lelouch.
"You are not the only one who grieves over failures my boy," said M.M. "I'll tell you a secret. When I feel overwhelmed by my failures I think about Arthur. He fell for the tricks of a temptress and gave into lust but he overcame that failure by forgiving himself and persevering into one last battle that cost him his life but earned him an even greater immortality."
Remembering Arthur brought tears to M.M's eyes and Lelouch felt a tear escaping from his eye as well.
"The Geass of the Absolute Greatness, the power of the God-King chose you for a reason," said M.M. "To make up for all of our failures perhaps and perhaps because there was need for a man of your power."
Lelouch couldn't speak.
"What should I do?" asked Lelouch. "Everything's going wrong."
"Set things right," said M.M.
"How? Zero's symbol has been ruined, the people don't trust the Black Knights anymore, and Bloodbeard just brought in this freak to help him," said Lelouch.
"Ferdinand the hunter," said M.M. "Power of the huntsman, Absolute Spoils. He's a Geass hunter."
"A what?" said Lelouch?
"He's a hunter of Geass and thus is able to rob others of their Geass abilities," said M.M. "He's very dangerous and has a very impressive record. You just saw two of his favorite powers. Absolute Multiplication and Absolute Weaponry."
"Just how many Geass powers does he have?" Lelouch practically screamed.
"Twenty," M.M answered.
Lelouch stumbled in shock.
"Twenty?" he shouted.
"You asked," Said M.M. "And just so you know the world is about to go into nuclear war."
"More good news," said Lelouch. "Bloodbeard is getting everything he wanted and I can't do anything."
"He doesn't have what he wanted," said M.M. "What he wants is something that will make nuclear war sound as inviting as a Sunday picnic."
"Oh great," said Lelouch. "What the hell does he want?"
"The Eternity Chalice," said M.M. "An ancient chalice forged in the very heart of C's World. The cup is a conduit that gives off the Geass of Absolute Providence, power of the Divine Life. It gives out energy that helps influence the health of the planet and its people. Should Bloodbeard corrupt it the world will be sent into a living hell the likes of which it might never recover from."
Lelouch couldn't believe what M.M was saying. That was what Bloodbeard was after.
"It has happened before," said M.M. "How do you think we got the Dark Ages?"
"That's why Arthur was given his power wasn't it?" asked Lelouch. "You knew that he would need the power of the God-King. That someone with those powers was needed to protect the people. But why me?"
"Because you are worthy of the power you have been given," said M.M. "I once thought no one could be as worthy as Arthur was, but he found one apparently and influenced the power to choose you."
"He?" asked Lelouch.
"There are some cases when a wielder of such a Geass has such great control over it that he or she can still have some influence over that power and become part of the collective unconscious of C's World," said M.M. "In short they join God as angels. It's time for you to wake up now Lelouch."
"Wake up?" the boy repeated.
"If we dwell on our dreams we forget to live," said M.M. "But before you go I want to tell you something."
Lelouch leaned in to hear.
"The key to happiness is to make peace with one's self," said M.M. "To acknowledge your pain and make peace with it. Only then can you defeat the man who feels no pain and can never make peace with it."

Lelouch awoke and saw Kallen sleeping on the bed next to him. Lelouch kissed her forehead and she sleepily giggled in peace. Lelouch got up and covered her with blankets.
"I love you," he whispered.
He was about to leave out the door but he heard Kallen cry in her sleep.
"Lelouch…" she said in her sleep. "Don't leave me."
Lelouch couldn't stand her crying. But he needed to think. He needed to sort out his thoughts over what he had just been told. He was the bearer of an even greater Geass than what he knew before. He held the power of the God-King. A power Arthur's soul had given him from the great beyond. He needed somebody to talk to. Suzaku and Cornelia would be busy with Euphie. Tohdoh and Xinke would be trying to deal with the insanity going on and he doubted anyone else wanted to talk to him. He slummed against a wall and sat down with his head in his hands. He heard someone walk by and stop.
"If you're going to shoot me please do so," said Lelouch.
He heard the person move and sit down next to him.
"Only if you shoot me next," said Ohgi's voice.
Lelouch looked up and saw Japan's Prime Minister and his betrayer.
"Glad to see you're awake," said Ohgi. "You look like hell though."
"I just came back from hell," said Lelouch.
Ohgi held up a bottle of water and Lelouch took a big sip.
"Thanks," said Lelouch.
"No problem," said Ohgi. "You looked like you needed one."
"I do," said Lelouch. "Did Suzaku tell any of you about my dreams?"
"He did," said Ohgi. "Three days ago."
"I've been out for three days?" Lelouch gasped.
"The guy found you under a pile of dead Infected with a hell of a lot of injuries," said Ohgi.
"Oh yeah," said Lelouch. "I kind of lost it. That hasn't happened since…"
"Since when?" asked Ohgi.
"Since I found C.C's doll again," said Lelouch. "When I got back in Japan I looked for that doll. Bloodbeard took it with him when he left me in the desert. I searched around until I found it in a pawn shop. The owner never sold it. He never even bothered to wash the blood off of it."
Lelouch fumed and rose. Ohgi rose steadily but kept his space.
"When I talked to him about it he said vulgar things about C.C," Lelouch yelled. "About what he would have done to her once I described her. What he used her doll for."
Lelouch roared in anger and punched a hole in the steel wall. Ohgi froze with shock at Lelouch's strength and at the same time his heart broke at Lelouch's fury. Lelouch continued to pound on the walls like some angry child and this did not go unnoticed by just Ohgi. Lelouch was under constant monitoring and in the meeting room many of the leaders were watching Lelouch's fury. Chiba felt surprisingly bad for the man she despised with a passion. He did not seem like the demon he made himself to be but seemed like a person in pain. She looked on the desk where Suzaku had left the bloody Cheese-kun. Viletta and Tamaki also looked at it. It was stained, torn, and had been treated so badly.
Back in the hall Ohgi put a comforting hand on Lelouch's shoulder.
"She wanted to die," Lelouch cried. "But by my hand as per our contract. I wouldn't have done it and if I did I would have made it peaceful. But he…he took that away. She died without dignity. Her last moments of life were filled with pain and suffering. I didn't save her. I didn't…"
Lelouch collapsed in tears and Ohgi knelt by next to him.
"Ohgi, I didn't even get to say goodbye," Lelouch cried with his tears chocking his body.
Ohgi let Lelouch cry out on his shoulder and could not help but feel pity for the poor boy. This was no demon. He was just a boy with a broken heart. He'd lost his mother, his sister had been crippled, his father rejected him, his family would not help him, and he was hated and distrusted everywhere. The world was a bitter and cruel place and so Lelouch became bitter and cruel just like them. Ohgi thought about what he would have done if he had been treated like Lelouch had. What he would have done of he was Lelouch's father. What kind of a father treats his son in such a way? From what he had been told a father who was selfish and cowardly.
The 'demon' emperor he had hated and feared was now coughing on his shoulder as he attempted to comfort the poor boy. He didn't know what to say to him. They were two different animals. The best he could do right now was just listening to him.

Ohgi took Lelouch to the lounge and the two of them just talked. Lelouch did most of the talking while Ohgi did his best to listen. Lelouch told about his latest dream, what M.M told him, and what Bloodbeard was apparently after.
"So in short he's after the Holy Grail," said Ohgi.
"That's the best way I can say it," said Lelouch.
"Damn," said Ohgi. "Well at least we know what he wants. Though to tell the truth the fact that he's after the Holy Grail isn't a comforting thought. Or that the Grail even exists."
"You get the good part pal," said Lelouch in a burp.
The two had partaken a few alcoholic beverages upon arrival.
"What's it like anyway?" asked a half-drunk Ohgi. "Having powers."
"At first it feels good," said Lelouch. "You think you're invincible and the world is yours for the taking. But then…as you go along you realize something. You realize that you're not like anyone else. You're not like everybody else. Everyone else is…different from you and you're…different from them. At first it doesn't feel so bad but when Geass becomes permanently active…you can never look someone in the eye without fear of consequence ever again. You'd have to hide it from everyone. Then you really feel different. You feel like a fugitive even among friends. Then you realize the most horrible thing about the power. It makes you absolutely alone."
Ohgi listened carefully and couldn't help but imagine how it must be for him. Especially now.
"That sounds terrible," said Ohgi.
"It is," said Lelouch. "Code is even worse. You can never die."
"Most people would like that," said Ohgi.
"Not until they realize how terrible it truly is," said Lelouch. "Unable to grow old, to watch your children grow while you stay the same. If the world were to go to nuclear war tomorrow then I would still be here with eternal life and nothing to live for."
All of this made Ohgi think about how he hated and feared Lelouch because of the mysterious power of Geass. But apparently it was Lelouch who was the cursed one. He was immortal and empowered with tremendous energy but he was alone. The only one who could understand that loneliness was dead and the only ones left of his kind were pure evil. The world was rejecting him in hatred and Ohgi realized then and there that the true enemy he had been against was never Lelouch, never Britannia, but the very concept of hatred.
"I'm sorry," said Ohgi. "I didn't bother to try and understand you that day. I was willing to kill Kallen because of my damn paranoia over Geass."
"You felt betrayed and hurt," said Lelouch. "I can't blame you. I should never have created Zero. All he ever did was…"
"He gave hope to people who needed it and became a symbol for something greater," said Ohgi. "You need to let go of all this guilt you're feeling Lelouch. I mean do you really want to live the rest of your life in misery?"
"No," Lelouch said quietly. "I…want Kallen. I've proposed to her. I don't know what I was thinking."
"You were thinking about the woman you love and what you want for your future," said Ohgi. "But the question is do you really want it? You say you want to marry her but in your hear you refuse to let go of your mistakes and drown in them. Ever think that's why Bloodbeard keeps kicking your ass?"
Lelouch showed signs of taking offence and Ohgi smirked.
"I bet you don't even mean it when you proposed to her," He mocked standing up.
"How dare you?" Lelouch yelled.
"If you meant wanting to spend your life with Kallen you'd be fighting with all your fire to fix things," said Ohgi. "You'd think of a rousing speech to unite the world and dissuade nuclear confrontation and unite against Bloodbeard. You'd lead us into battle against these demented supermen and win. Then once the battle is over and won you'd rebuild the peace with the truth. And truth is true power not your pathetic rage and lies. But you don't have the courage to even try and move on. You're a coward in every definition of the world. You have the audacity to lead an innocent girl on and only think about your own pain. You selfish whimpering coward, if you really loved her you'd fight for a world where you could be together. But I bet you don't have what it takes."
"How dare you insult my feelings for Kallen? I love her more than life itself," Lelouch yelled.
"Then fight for her you son of a bitch," yelled Ohgi. "Lead us on, fix the world, kill that bastard Bloodbeard and make an honest woman out of Kallen Kozuki."
"I shall," yelled Lelouch. "And Ohgi."
"What?" said Ohgi?

"Thanks," Lelouch said calmly.
"No problem," Ohgi said fondly as he clapped Lelouch on the shoulder and shook his hand. "So any bright ideas."
"Well I doubt a rousing speech is going to help right now," said Lelouch. "People are so afraid they won't listen. But they will respond to action. So far they've seen only the evil that can be done with Geass. Arthur showed the world the good such power can do and M.M tried to make demons into heroes. Ohgi…I'm going to need all the Black Knights who are willing to follow me to agree to a Geass contract."

Lelouch and Ohgi gathered the Black Knights and Lelouch explained his tale. It was fantastic although no one showed any signs of disbelief.
"So you're going to give us all superpowers?" asked Tamaki with obvious excitement.
"That's the best chance we have of fighting Bloodbeard and Ferdinand," said Lelouch. "If none of you want anything to do with the power of Geass I'll understand. It will only make you outcasts and make you a target for everyone. You and your loved ones."
Ohgi, Viletta, Tohdoh, and Chiba all had children but they knew that this was their best chance at giving their respective children a future.
"It's a risk that's worth taking," said Tohdoh. "I'm in."
"So am I," said Ohgi.
"Same here," said Suzaku.
"I'm in," said Cornelia.
"I made a vow to protect my country," said Guilford.
"Might as well," said Tamaki.
"It's the only way," said Chiba.
"We need to even the field," said Viletta.
"I'd rather die fighting and make it worth something," said Xinke.
"You have my absolute loyalty your highness," said Jeremiah.
"I'm not going to stand by and let these monsters destroy everything," said Gino.
"I want to help too," said Anya.
"I'm with you Lelouch," said Kallen.
"Please let me help," said Nunnally.
"And if it's all the same I want to help too," said Rivalz.
Lelouch couldn't keep the smile off of his face. He was making progress at last.

Ohgi was the first to volunteer and Lelouch and he made the contract. Lelouch didn't want death, he wanted Kallen. His deal with Ohgi was that he gives Kallen away on their wedding day.
"Man that was weird," said Ohgi as he put his head between his knees.
"Tell me about it," said Lelouch. "Feel any different?"
"I don't know," said Ohgi.
He stood up and Lelouch saw Geass in his right eye. Ohgi's skin then began to change from flesh to solid iron.
"Wow," he said in a metallic voice. "I'm made of iron. Look at me guys."
He went over to Viletta's chair and picked it up with one hand with her still in it. He then threw it up and caught her in his arms. Viletta laughed and the others showed their awe.
"Not bad," said Lelouch. "I have an idea. Think about gold."
Ohgi did as such and thus his flesh changed from iron to gold.
"Wow," said Ohgi.
"Gold is a soft metal," said an astounded Lloyd.
Ohgi didn't need any more ideas. He took his left arm and bent it backwards. He didn't feel any pain at all.
"Absolute Metal," said Lelouch.
Ohgi put back his arm and reverted to his normal looking form.
"Now that was something else," said Ohgi.
"Just remember one day your Geass will take over," Lelouch said grimly.
"So I'll be a walking metal statue forever one day," Ohgi rationalized.
Viletta gasped slightly at that thought. One day she might never be able to touch his soft skin ever again. But she knew that this was for the greater good and she soon would also gain a Geass.
"I'm next," said Tohdoh.
Lelouch then made his deal with Tohdoh. In exchange for Geass Lelouch's terms involved for Tohdoh to carry on. Tohdoh tried to focus on what his Geass was. He focused his eyes on the target Lelouch had set up, Ohgi who had become steel.
"Hit me with your best shot Tohdoh," laughed Ohgi in a metallic voice.
Tohdoh's eye turned to Geass and he unconsciously focused on Ohgi's eyes.
"Perhaps for you Tohdoh your Geass is more about the mind than the body," said Lelouch. "Try looking at me."
Tohdoh turned his gaze to Lelouch and his Geass focused on various pressure points on Lelouch's body. Lelouch walked up and Tohdoh saw numerous scenarios using the same pressure points and various others that would have killed him instantly.
"I can see an almost infinite amount of ways to kill you right now," said Tohdoh.
"Absolute Strategy," Lelouch said.
Xinke was next and upon his contract which was merely to continue on as is he felt different.
"I feel different but…not really changed," said Xinke.
He then coughed in his hand but to his astonishment there were not a trace of blood.
"We'll just hold off on that one shall we," said Lelouch.
Tamaki, Chiba, and Viletta were then rushed through. Tamaki found that he could deliver out a sonic energy wave from his voice. Chiba found that she was able to achieve impossible acts of agility. Viletta could disguise herself as anybody she wanted.
"My turn," said Gino.
Lelouch took Gino's hand and when the contract was made Lelouch's terms were different than most of the others. Gino was to be Kallen's bodyguard. Gino was shocked for a moment. His rival had just given him the responsibility of guarding the woman they both had feelings for. But Gino had to respect Lelouch for that and he had to respect Kallen's love for the prince and guard her with his life. Upon activating his Geass Gino felt his heart beat faster than it should. He took what he thought were two steps away from Lelouch but found himself on the other end of the room. He tried to talk but when he did all that came out was a sped up babble.
"Gino just slow down," Lelouch ordered.
Gino couldn't understand him and got angry. Everything seemed slowed to a crawl and there was only one person he could take his rage out on. He charged at Lelouch like a bullet. Lelouch tensed up as Gino was running at him incredibly fast. He willed for his sword, which was in the hands of the nearby Rivalz until he willed it to his hand. Lelouch nearly struck out at the charging Gino until some kind of wind knocked them at opposite ends of the room.
"Lelouch," Kallen cried as she ran to her fiancé.
"Gino," cried Anya as she ran to her friend.
In the middle of the room stood an old man in a long blue robe holding a long wooden staff.
"You're tired Lelouch," the old man said. "Giving out so many Geass contracts at once will weaken you. Take a break and start again tomorrow. By the way I'm glad you're trying to do what I once did. It is nighttime now and a beautiful night at that. Take your lady friend and enjoy the air while I take care of the boring stuff."
The old man gave Lelouch a smile who in turn smiled back even when some of the others pulled weapons on him.
"She's a very pretty girl," laughed the old man.
"Alright M.M," said Lelouch as he got up and put his hand in Kallen's.
She smiled and looked at the old man who gave her a happy nod. Lelouch and Kallen left leaving M.M alone with the Black Knights, or more correctly leaving the Black Knights alone with M.M.
"M.M? Merlin," said Suzaku.
"I was once called Merlin," said M.M. "But now I am merely M.M, wizard, prophet, and single for all the ladies who are looking for a dedicated and debonair gentleman."
Everyone rolled their eyes at the old man's words.
"So I see young Lelouch is trying to do what I couldn't," said M.M.
"What do you mean?" asked Nunnally.
"Why I mean my work with the Geass Directorate," said M.M. "My dream of a world where the Geass could be used to protect mankind. Alas it was…corrupted by the greed and selfishness of others. But that's all in the past. Who wants ice cream I'm famished."
Everyone was stupefied by M.M's words and suddenly a bowl of ice cream was in his hand.
"Where did that come from?" said Tamaki in his normal voice.
"Yeah, and can I have some?" asked Rivalz.
A bowl appeared in Rivalz's hand and a bowl flew into Tamaki's face. Nunnally, Kaguya, Tanzi, and just about everyone else couldn't help but laugh.
"You must be Lelouch's teacher," said Tohdoh.
M.M leaned on his staff while his ice cream floated in the air. He crossed his legs in the air and thus sat hovering as if by zero gravity. The ice cream then returned to M.M's hand and he began eating again.
"Yes and no," said M.M. "I taught his predecessor in the power of the God-King and during the time when Lelouch was granted that same power I nursed him to health and helped him a long. You see the boy is in a very serious mental state as of the moment. He's been traumatized terribly and I admit that I helped push along his mental anguish by revealing the truth to him so fast."
"Are you saying that you're only further Lelouch's psychological breakdown?" shouted Suzaku.
"When he is at his lowest point he will be susceptible to the greatest change," said M.M. "He has a great path before him as Arthur did."
"Arthur Pendragon's life ended in tragedy," said Suzaku. "Do you want Lelouch to suffer more than he already has?"
"It is not what I want Suzaku Kururugi but what the collective unconscious wants," said M.M. "Arthur himself influenced the semi-sentient power of Absolute Greatness to be granted to Lelouch."
"But why him?" asked Cornelia. "Hasn't Lelouch suffered enough already?"
"The collective unconscious gained an interest in Lelouch ever since he fought Charles in C's World," said M.M. "Besides the power was looking for a new host anyway and Lelouch seemed to be the best possible candidate."
"If the power is sentient then why would it need to be influenced by anyone?" asked Tohdoh in curiosity.
"The power is wild and free much like a child or dog but Arthur had a great amount of control of the immense power," said M.M. "He trained that power and gave it to a new master. He gave Lelouch much of the memory he had as to in some way prepare the boy. The power was so great Lelouch's mind had trouble registering it and thus I put him in a sort of hypnotic state to physically ready him. I placed him in Japan and let…"
"Let him out into the world with no one to help him with his powers," Ohgi scowled.
"I let him explore into his darkest parts of his heart," said M.M. "He explored the deep recesses of his guilt and anguish while still trying to hone him. That was his test to me to see if he would be dedicated to his path. I also had to see if his path would be about vengeance or justice. If it were used for mere revenge the power would have failed him as it was trained to only be used for noble purposes."
"Lelouch fought Bloodbeard to protect us from his Infected," said Suzaku.
"No, he was after his revenge," said M.M. "And thus the power never really worked out."
"He…"
"He came to your rescue because you were his friend and he loved you," said M.M. "This allowed him to use the power even though he didn't understand it. It's what caused Bloodbeard to feel pain for a brief second."
"But he could use his sword," said Nunnally, "after Bloodbeard tortured him during the interrogation."
"I influenced that a bit by giving him what could be called the command code for his powers," said M.M. "The sword's name acted like a jumpstart switch and when he fought against Ferdinand he went out to prevent innocent people from being hurt."
"So Lelouch is a hero, alright," cheered Tamaki.
"Yes but he is misguided," said M.M. "His mourning over his failures and his shattered confidence prevent him from using his power to the fullest. However I feel that he will slowly recover."

Lelouch and Kallen walked out of the building where they found a horse drawn carriage waiting for them. Lelouch couldn't help but feel M.M was responsible. He pulled Kallen along and helped her in. He wordlessly nodded to the driver to carry on and sat close to Kallen. She giggled and put her head on his shoulder while he put his head on hers.
"It really is a beautiful night," Kallen said looking up at the full moon.
"I've seen sights more beautiful," said Lelouch. "I've seen you."
Kallen sighed as Lelouch romanced her. She felt him move and saw that he was holding the hand she held her ring on.
"Kallen?" asked Lelouch. "Will you marry me?"
Kallen smiled and a small tear escaped her eye.
"How many times do I have to day yes?" she said.
"I mean it now more than ever," said Lelouch. "Kallen, I want a home, a life of my own, and maybe…"
"A few Britannian-Japanese babies," giggled Kallen.
"As many as you want," said Lelouch. "Kallen I want you in my future. I want a future. To forget everything horrible that has ever happened to me. To replace them with better memories. Kallen, please help me forget."
Lelouch hung his head down but Kallen brought it up and took her lips to his.
"Marry me and I will follow you to hell," she said.
"That's what scares me the most in this world," said Lelouch, "that I will only lead to your demise. That I'll let you down."
"Lelouch, look at me," she said.
Lelouch looked deep into her eyes and lost all thought.
"If we're going to be married then you have to be willing to let me into your life," said Kallen. "The good and the bad. Together we can do anything. Overcome any difficulty, face any foe, but I need you to trust me and not worry."
"Kallen you're the most important thing in the world to me," said Lelouch. "I can't help but worry that I'll…Kallen, I need you to accept a contract."
Kallen put her lips to Lelouch and the process went on. In exchange for Geass Kallen was to be at his side as his wife for all eternity. Kallen of course accepted this contract but they still kissed on.

Eventually they came to the park. Lelouch was still awake but a blissful Kallen was sleeping on his lap.
"You two seem like you're in love," said M.M's voice from the driver's seat.
"I love her more than anything M.M," said Lelouch.
M.M took of his disguise and turned to Lelouch.
"She is quite beautiful," said M.M.
"She's more than that," said Lelouch. "She's kind, she's brave, and she fights for what she believes in. She's…words just can't describe her. She's my Q1, my Ace, and my queen. I'm going to marry her M.M. I'll stop Bloodbeard from reaching the cup for her and the world I want our children to live in."
"Fighting for love is perhaps a more noble reason to go to war," said M.M. "Arthur would be proud."
"What was he like?" asked Lelouch.
"He was…the prince of kings," said M.M. "That's the best way to describe him. He was perhaps the greatest wielder of the Power of the God-King."
"He was your 'young Dragonslayer'," chuckled Lelouch.
M.M chuckled fondly.
"He was so enthusiastic to become a champion of justice and freedom," said M.M. "Yes, he was my Dragonslayer. And you are his Godsend."
"Godsend?" asked Lelouch.
"Well you're rebuilding your symbol of righteousness aren't you?" said M.M. "You've passed the title of Zero onto another. I was merely offering a catchy new title. Just imagine it: Godsend and Zero, sounds like a bestselling comic book and if you do give the rights I want ten percent of the cut."
"What would an immortal want with money?" asked Lelouch.
"What would an immortal want with junk food," said M.M. "We're still ruled by needs of flavor and satisfaction much like humans. My needs…are quite human if you know what I'm talking about."
Lelouch didn't want to think about it.
"Godsend and Zero," Lelouch chuckled. "Sounds catchy and since the Black Knights are going south I should rebuild them as…"
"The Dragonslayers," said M.M. "Keep up the image. The Black Knight was a symbol of a heroic rogue who fought against the system for the people."
"And as you told me before the Dragonslayer is the ultimate symbol of good versus evil," said Lelouch. "I guess I have no choice then. The Black Knights have been destroyed by Bloodbeard."
"And from the ashes rise the Dragonslayers," said M.M.
Lelouch smirked like he did before.
"You still have a long way to go my young friend and time is short," said M.M. "You need to rebuild your old skills as well as keep your new skills strong."
"I will," said Lelouch. "Thank you M.M."
"Don't thank me I am merely the teacher," said M.M. "Thank your queen she gave you one of the most important things you will need."
"What?" asked Lelouch?
"Something to fight for," M.M chuckled.

M.M finished his ice cream and relaxed in mid-air.
"He's making excellent progress," said M.M.
"What?" asked Nunnally. "Has something happened to Lelouch?"
"He's been bitten by the love bug and has begun to make plans," said M.M.
"So we're going to be going after Bloodbeard pretty soon," said Gino.
"Well actually he's making plans for his wedding to Kallen Kozuki," said M.M bluntly.
"They're…they're getting married?" Nunnally gasped.
Gino froze and M.M gave him a suspicious look.
"Man the guy works fast," said Tamaki.
"And of course he is making plans against Bloodbeard," said M.M. "Making symbols and battle plans. But of course the boy is being very romantic with the young lady, if you call giving her a Geass romantic. I would have done such things if I was only forty thousand years younger. Of course I'd still be ancient at that time but then if I subtracted eighty."
"You're over forty thousand years old," gasped Tanzi in surprise.
"I am an immortal after all," said M.M.
"I can only imagine what you must have seen sir," said Tohdoh.
"Seen and cannot forget," said M.M. "The good and the bad. I have seen countless wars, famines, and plagues and strangely felt a need to help humanity with these issues."
"What's so strange about wanting to help people?" asked Ohgi.
"I am an immortal and immortals have nothing better to do than deliberate over world phenomena that effect over billions and billions of years and generally do not care about the lives of mere motes in the river of time," said M.M. "However I was always something a sympathetic immortal and thus wanted to help the finite beings of existence. I chose not to directly interfere but rather influence. One of my greatest influences was…Arthur. Now it is Lelouch who takes up the responsibility of guardian of humanity."
"What gives you the right to thrust that kind of responsibility on a traumatized boy?" said Cornelia.
"It was not my choice but that of the collective unconscious that even a being such as myself must bow down to and obey," said M.M.
"All of this is hurting my head," said Tamaki.
"Everything hurts your head if it isn't as simple as shooting someone in the head," said Tohdoh.
"Even if they're kids," said Rivalz.
"How many times do I have to apologize for that," said Tamaki.
M.M sighed and leaned back. Bickering and squabbling like children and yet they were the ones who were going to have to save the world. They were perfect.
"M.M," said Nunnally.
The old man turned his gaze towards the empress.
"Yes my lady," said M.M.
"Since Lelouch isn't here can you…"
"You want me to finish the contracts he set out? Well I might as well since Lelouch won't be back until tomorrow afternoon," said M.M. "And by the way Xingke your Geass is the power of Absolute Survival."
"What?" said Xinke?
"You'll be able to survive anything short of all out nuclear war," said M.M. "And you'll find that you have more time than ever before."
To say that the brilliant and collected Li Xingke was shocked was an understatement. He had been cured by the man he once wanted to kill. He was cured.
Everyone else was equally surprised by this.
"My god," said Xingke. "What else can Geass do?"
"The powers of Geass are limitless," said M.M. "As limitless as mankind's imagination."
"What Geass do you have?" asked Nunnally.
"The power of the Magus," said M.M. "Absolute Possibility though I think I may have told Lelouch something different. These things slip my mind sometimes isn't that funny."
M.M broke out laughing and everyone else couldn't help but sweat with annoyance. It was like having a C.C with a personality.
"Anyway back to business," said M.M.
"I'm next," said Cornelia.
M.M touched Cornelia's forehead and made his contract with her. His terms were that Cornelia watches Lelouch as a concerned family member and Cornelia agreed. Cornelia nearly collapsed while the power took over her.
"What Geass…do I have?" asked Cornelia.
"Absolute…Healing," said M.M.

Lelouch was awoken by the sounds of singing from the shower. They were in Kallen's house. Her mother had been evacuated some days ago.
He walked up and entered the shower where he saw Kallen bathing herself and singing beautifully. He walked like a cat and once he got to the shower he reached under her arms and squeezed her breasts.
"Lelouch behave," said Kallen.
"Why are you going to slice my wrists?" asked Lelouch.
Kallen turned and pulled him into the shower and threw him to the ground. She sat on top of him and he grabbed her ass.
"Careful," she said. "I have a hickey down there and it's sore."
"Sorry," said Lelouch.
Kallen leaned down and bit into Lelouch's neck. She bit down hard but found that she couldn't break though Lelouch's skin.
"It looks like you're having trouble," said Lelouch with a chuckle.
Kallen grunted and crossed her arms across her breasts. Lelouch sighed because Kallen was denying him her glorious tits.
"Keep that smug attitude up and you'll get no more of my boobs or my butt," said Kallen.
"You can't deny your king or husband," said Lelouch.
"You're not my king and husband yet," said Kallen.
"But…"
Kallen put her foot on Lelouch's face and forced his head down.
"You won't be getting at my butt anytime soon," said Kallen.
Lelouch pulled Kallen's foot and pulled her leg. This caused her to stumble and gave Lelouch a shot at her buttocks.
"That wasn't fair you know," said Kallen, sharing her now filled tub with Lelouch.
"You had your foot in my face," said Lelouch. "You gave me the opening and the challenge. Besides you know you liked it."
"I liked having my ass chewed on," said Kallen.
"Chewed on and then kissed," said Lelouch.
"Now I'm going to have to rub medicine on it," said Kallen. "It's really sore."
"I could rub you," said Lelouch.
Kallen hummed.
"Fine, but just rub," said Kallen.
"You can't stop me from fantasizing," said Lelouch. "You're incredible by the way."
Kallen blushed until her face was as read as her hair.
"I think the water's getting cold," she said.
She activated the Geass in her right eye and a halo of golden light surrounded her head. A corona of heat then heated the water but Kallen over did it slightly and all the water evaporated. The tub also melted, as did most of the bathroom. The two teens were clean and dry though.
"The power of the Sun," said Lelouch in partial astonishment, "bsolute Heat, not that you weren't hot enough already."
Kallen blushed yet again. Lelouch then picked up his naked love and carried her into the bedroom. When they arrived they found a purple chainmail shirt like the one Lelouch had before only this time it was covered in a purple scale mesh.
"I think that's M.M's way of saying we need to get dressed," said Kallen.
"Let me put medicine on you and then I'll dress," said Lelouch.
"Dress and then put medicine on me," said Kallen.
Lelouch rolled her on the bed and gazed at her beautiful and shapely body. He then donned his cargo pants, boots, and put on the scale shirt. He looked on the nightstand and saw a jar of medicine and two spiked wrist guards conveniently placed there.
"M.M thought of everything," said Lelouch.
He went over and put the wrist guards on and then took up the medicine. He lathered it and then took it to Kallen's cheeks. Kallen giggled as Lelouch caressed her gently. The sensations in their actions brought passions in both of them.
"You're so gentle," said Kallen.
"I try to be," said Lelouch. "I try to do the right thing but it's like…no this is our moment Kallen. I'm not going to bring my problems into this."
"Lelouch you need to share everything with me if we're going to be married," said Kallen.
She turned her head to look at him and Lelouch sighed. He explained his doubts as the carrier of Arthur's Geass and as M.M's 'Godsend'. He truly felt that he did not deserve it and felt that he didn't truly believe in it. However he told her that the one thing he did believe in was that he was madly in love with her and would do everything in his power to fight for a world they would be free to raise a family in.
"Lelouch…I love you," said Kallen.
"I'll love you till after the universe ends," said Lelouch as he finished messaging her butt.
He couldn't help but feel that if he failed to stop Bloodbeard's corruption of the Eternity Chalice the universe would end. He pushed the bad thoughts out of his mind and then began messaging the rest of Kallen's body as she groaned in comfort.

Author's Note: I hope everyone who knows the Arthurian Legends and the Code Geass universe will say that I was able to merge both mythologies well and gave a good explanation on what I believe Geass is and so on. And please let everyone who sees parallels to characters such as Colossus, The Metal Men, and any character that the CG cast share powers with please know that I do not own any of them and am merely going with what I believe the existing characters would have as Geass powers. Also I know I explained M.M's power as something else but this just came to me as I thought it was more fitting