Kamine Island.

Sun was blinding and Gabriel covered up his opened eyes by his hand, trying not to get blind. His frame rose up and was now in the sitting position. Youngest Grayson looked around himself and saw that he was on the beach, practically washed onto the shore by sea, as it appeared. He was glad that Templar`s Standard G-suit was so well done and provided protection from heat, water and coldness, not to mention high pressures on the body. It also featured sections with stored away limited supply of medicines, rations and water, as well as pistol, signal rocket and a combat knife. Alex sure was picky about them, but it was worth it none the less.

Gabriel, after observing the beauties of the beach, got up on his feet. He was confused, to say the least, and wanted to know how in the world did he get here, where was that here and what happened with everyone else. All he could remember is that he was in his Templar and moving to save Suzaku from impending doom, accompanied with his mother, Princess Cornelia in her new personal KMF Morrigan. As Grayson recalled, they did reach the southern shore and saw how badly damaged Sentinel was standing still in a big, conveniently placed and guarded, pit hole, and in that place Suzaku was holding Zero in the tight lock. And then missiles started raining down on them all, both Britannians and Black Knights. This forced Templar and Morrigan to put up a barrage, along with Black Knights. However, that was just a distraction, as they then witnessed a massive floating air craft, surrounded by Luminous Shroud, opening the hatch and…. After that nothing, absolutely nothing afterwards.

As if someone had removed the memories of how he got here. And Gabriel after looking around one more time noticed that he actually recalled that place , but not so brightly as he wished. Still there was one way to find out what the hell happened to him. Gabriel`s Geass flashed out.

"Okay, what happened?" He issued the command and started to looking into his mind.

And, much to his surprise and dismay, his memory wasn`t giving him any answers, showing him nothing and not revealing him anything useful. It could be possible that he was off when he was transported here or somebody could`ve deleted his own memory on this subject without his own knowledge. After some thinking, Gabriel decided not to ponder any longer about it and was about to deactivate his Geass, until his memory flashed with the very familiar images of him and his siblings… arriving on this very island. Now Gabriel knew where the hell he was and, theoretically, had the idea what happened.

"Kamine Island." Gabriel sighed. "That goddamned loli had transported me here… Shit."

C.C., his benefactor and the one who had granted his Geass to him, warned him that Immortal`s, like V.V. are able to manipulate minds of Geass Users to limited extend, when they are in close proximity of Thought Elevator, like on Kamine, which Gabriel and Lucina had used. Even though he had immunity to Geasses, he wasn`t protected from the influence of Immortals, which actually sucked and made him vulnerable to them. His father, on the other hand, had a total immunity against them and, once he received his Geass, was practically their worst nightmare.

Turning away from the side thoughts, Gabriel started moving towards the forest. Right now, he needed to find a higher point to send out a signal flare for people to know that he is here. Shikine isn`t far away and could be seen on the northern part of this island. There was a possibility that BKs could spot it as well, but even then he had an idea or two how to get around. He was sure that Vergil and Lucina would vouch for him or even Kallen, whom Gabriel figured out about a few weeks ago.

While moving in the forest, Gabriel suddenly heard a noise coming from his left. He didn`t exactly recognize what was that, but he decided to check it out. Taking his pistol from the pocket, Gabriel moved a couple of plants away from his way and saw something that he really wasn`t expecting.

Princess Cornelia, Goddess of Victory and one of the toughest women in the world, not to mention his mother… on her knees and vomiting out on the ground. The scene was absolutely unpleasant and Gabriel`s stomach reacted almost accordingly, but he had more strength then to vomit himself. Once he saw that his benefactor stopped puking out, Gabriel came closer and took out his flask.

"That was something I wasn`t expecting to see." Gabriel announced his presence and drew Cornelia`s attention. "Here, this should help you out a little." He offered Cornelia his flask.

Cornelia after looking at him and the flask for a little while accepted the offer and took the flask and drank from it. Feeling that it was something unusual, Gabriel decided to check up on his med kit and see if he had something against this stuff. Cornelia finished up drinking and painted a little.

"Thank you, Gabriel." She thanked him. "Ugh… I`m getting tired of these damned vomits."

"Seems like we need to change up our cook." He remarked looking at the Princess. "Wait, that wasn`t your first time?" He looked at her, helping her to get up.

"I don`t want to discuss it. Not with you, anyway." Cornelia responded, dusting off her clothes. "We have other things to worry about. Like where are we and how did we get here?"

"Well, I know that we are on Kamine Island, about 5 miles away from Shikine Island." Gabriel replied. "As for how we got here, I have a couple of ideas, but it`s not January 1st and I don`t have a hangover, along with salad on my face, so they don`t count."

Cornelia actually laughed at this one, until she suddenly clutched her stomach, repressing another vomit coming out. This time, however, she managed to do so. Gabriel witnessed this and his eyebrow quirked up as he seen this. Maybe this wasn`t a food poisoning or stress…

Suddenly, a crazy thought had appeared in his mind and he unintentionally sounded it out loud.

"Your Highness, you wouldn`t happen to be pregnant, would you?" He chuckled like a fool at this one, until he met with his mother`s infamous killer glare.

Just one look in those sinister indigo eyes spoke volumes to Gabriel. He was acquainted with that look before. The look of furious admitting the fact of that. And Gabriel`s face suddenly appalled as he just realized the whole extent of this situation and entirety of this whole thing.

His mother was pregnant.

With his father`s child.

With Maria.

"Oh shit…" Gabriel cursed unintentionally, taking a couple of steps away from her. "Y-you`ve got be kidding…"

"Grayson, if you tell anyone about this, I`ll personally grind into dust and make sure that no one finds your body, not even Alex." Cornelia threatened him. "Do I make myself clear?"

"W-wait a minute, does father know about Maria?" Gabriel splattered out without thinking and before he could shut himself. "Oh goddamn it, my own mouth…"

Cornelia heard that as clear as possible and looked curious at him, to say the least. Did he know that Alex was the father? And… did he just referred to her own child as Maria, as if he knew her personally? And this curse… Cornelia always suspected that there was more to Gabriel than he ever let out to know and she was always skeptical about him, given his appearance and undying loyalty to her and Alex. She was thinking about it a lot and more she pondered about, the more she needed to know about him. And his refusal to give away any information was infuriating. Cornelia grew tired all his games and secrets and now she needed to hear a solid answer from him. Especially after this one.

She straightened up and looked with at him with cold glare.

"Gabriel, spill it out." She simply demanded it. "Now."

"Wh-what?"

"Gabriel, I need to know just who the hell are you." Cornelia stated. "You may`ve saved my life and life of my subordinates, as well as fought on our side ever since Narita, but I can`t put trust into the people who use lies and deceit against me. And do want to trust you, so tell me everything, starting with why you look like Alex and me?"

Gabriel`s mind regained all of his composure and he understood that he was backed down in the corner by his own mother. And he knew that she was fully capable of recognizing all kinds of lies and couldn`t tolerate them. Hell, she had punishments for that installed in her forces. And Gabriel knew that in order to keep her trust and position as her and father`s protector, he needed to open up his secrets to her. Otherwise, he would face a barrel of a gun. Besides, this whole lying and deceit also started wear him out and sicken him. It was very, very difficult always lying in front of his parents and trying not to tell the truth. And now, perhaps, was the perfect opportunity to open up. It will be difficult to explain to Cornelia, but he had no other choice. After all, she was the one that told him that truths is always tough to swallow.

After taking a long breath, Gabriel looked at her with serious look.

"Alright." Gabriel agreed on these terms. "But I warn, this is one truth you`ll find really hard to swallow."

"I`ve faced things hard to explain before. So spill it."

"Believe me, this one will top you list." Gabriel fully turned to her. "To start things off, my real name is not Gabriel Grayson. At least, that`s not full name."

Cornelia looked at him with curiosity, expecting to hear his real name at last.

"My real name is Gabriel Arthur li Britannia, Second Prince to the Royal Imperial Family of the Holy Britannian Empire, third heir to the throne, formally forth, in line of succession." Gabriel announced his full name and title before his mother.

"You… Impossible." Cornelia responded. "Do you honestly think that I`ll believe in this absurdity?! You can`t be the prince and there is no way that you are of my own bloodline. This is nonsense!"

"Trust me, Your Majesty." Gabriel specifically said "Your Majesty" instead of properly addressing his mother. "I`m of your blood. Yours and my father`s, Prince-Consort and Knight of One, Lord Alexander Grayson, also known to his family as Alexander Vladislavovich Kostin." Gabriel revealed his father`s name that used in his home world. "And I know far more than just that. I know that you`ve always wanted to be a mother and you treat your sister more like a daughter; you hate people who cross path with your closed ones and will deal with them personally; I know that you secretly always wanted to have a daughter as your first child, while Alex didn`t minded if it was a boy or not; I know that you always keep a gun under your pillow and has armored the entire room and did the same for Euphemia, fearing that what happened at Aries Villa might happen to you and your family. And I know for the fact that you never leave your sister`s side when she`s sick. And you never did when I was sick too." Gabriel smiled a little that. "If that`s not prove for you, than here is one more thing that might just convince you." He took out his pocket his own phone and, after typing some commands, gave it to his mother. "This is the photo image of our family portray. It was made when I was just three."

Cornelia looked at this image. She simply couldn`t believe her own eyes at what she was seeing before her. Second Princess was looking at the image of royal family of six members. In the center Cornelia saw herself, but a little older and in a royal dress instead of her uniform. Her hair were a bit longer and she seemed to have aged slightly, but this Cornelia looked happy on this image. On her left Second Princess saw a young girl with the same features as she had, but she possessed a slightly darker hair and was dressed in a princess outfit. She was an absolute copy of Cornelia in the childhood, save for hair. On her Right she saw a young boy in dark garments. His features were identical to Alex`s, but his eyes were her. He seemed younger than the girl. And then Cornelia noticed two little children sitting on her image`s lap. Boy and a girl of the exact same age, but with different features. Girl possessed more of Cornelia`s features, but her eyes were emerald, like Alex`s, and she seemed like a bit of tomboy. Boy was almost exact Alex`s copy, but with some of her father`s features and her own eyes and darkened hair. And behind Cornelia and children stood Alex himself, dressed in the uniform of Knight of One and with his hand placed on Cornelia`s shoulder. He also looked a bit older and with longer hair, with some gray even showing off, but the general appearance was the same. They all looked like one big happy family.

Princess`s mind was racing off limits, trying to comprehend this. It was simply… impossible. But, than how Gabriel knew so much about her? And this image of picture? Cornelia could tell the style of a Royal Artist anywhere and that was one. And it couldn`t have been created on pure fiction, no. It looked too natural to be an imaginary thing.

All these kids, Gabriel`s appearance, this image and the fact that Cornelia`s instincts were telling her to believe him and, somehow, her own heart felt like it was true… She looked at him with widened eyes and admitted in her utterly shocked voice

"You… are my son." She uttered those words. "Mine… and Alex`s."

Gabriel`s expression softened up and looked at his mother.

"Yes." He admitted freely. "I`m your youngest kid from the bunch, mom." Gabriel smiled to her. "The girl at your left is Maria, the oldest one and, if I`m not mistaken, one who is inside of you. The boy is my older brother, Vergil, real-life copy of our father. As for the kindergarten on your lap, the girl`s name is Euphemia, although, she prefers to go under Lucina in this one. She is my older twin sister."

"Maria, Vergil, Euphie and you..." Cornelia looked at the image one more time. "You are my children. Mine and Alex`s children. But, this is…" Cornelia was trying to make sense out all of this, but failed.

"This portray was made in 2026, 8 years in the future, as the birthday gift for Crown Princess Maria li Britannia from her parents, Empress Cornelia li Britannia and Lord Alexander Grayson." Gabriel explained. "To put it in different terms, this picture, as well as I`m, is from the future."

"The future?" Cornelia blinked, looking at her future son. "Wait, that`s… How can this be?"

"Practically the same way dad came in this world a few months ago: being pulled out his own reality and put into this one. Time traveling is very similar to Trans-dimensional movements, the only difference being instead of separate dimensions, different times are used. So, me and my siblings had traveled about 22 years from the future into this timeline. And, before you ask, I did read in Wikipedia in preparations for this kind of talk."

"Okay, I think I`m beginning to understand you. A little…" Cornelia added, breathing soundly. "Can I ask you a few questions, Gabriel?"

"Well, I`ve messed up the timeline quite a lot now, so it won`t hurt revealing some more." Gabriel chuckled at this one. "And, considering how Vergil is going to kill me for spilling my guts, the least I can do is answer all of your questions, mom. Go ahead."

Cornelia decided to sit down on the ground near the trees, with Gabriel also joining her in front of her. Once they`ve settled down, Cornelia began asking questions.

"First of all, you`ve called me "Your Majesty". What did you mean by that?"

"Easy enough." Gabriel shrugged. "By the time me and my big sister Euphie were born, you were the reigning Empress of Britannia, Empress Cornelia li Britannia, 99th Empress of Holy Britannian Empire. And, just a side note, your rule was considered to be a time of peace and prosperity for entire world. There was, of course, one big conflict with Middle Eastern Federation when those smacks decided to, quote: "… rebuild our mighty Islamic Empire all across the Mediterranean and expand to borders and past of those heinous unholy grounds of Britannia and their cursed lands." Needless to say, you`ve took it quite well."

"Middle East has always been the most troublesome region of all on Earth." Cornelia commented on that one. "And how did I take it?"

"At first, you`ve ignored them and concentrated on other stuff. But when they`ve started bombing Suez and Cairo, who were under EU`s protection at the time, and it was revealed that Britannian consulate, along with entire diplomatic mission, was annihilated, you`ve dispatched forces to quell down those terrorists and restore order. The whole campaign lasted just about three weeks and ended in absolute victory of Britannia-EU coalition against MEF forces." Gabriel explained. "The Aleppo`s Treaty ensured total desolation of Middle Eastern Federation and splitting the lands between EU and Britannia."

"Since when did Britannia and EU became such close friends that we fight side by side?" Cornelia was honestly surprised to hear that her future counterpart befriended with Europeans.

"If I recall correctly, it was when Euro-Britannia declared independence through revolution and proclaimed itself a Russian Republic in 2021." Gabriel recalled. "New country quickly became a big threat for both Britannia and EU due to Russia`s claims for Eastern Europe and Alaska. Emperor Charles decided to, quote: "Leave those pests to themselves, as they are nothing to me." That statement was… not very well received among the aristocracy and government as well, to say the least."

Cornelia could imagine the sheer shock of the court and anger of people for letting that insult go unanswered. Britannia never allowed anyone to threatened itself and was always ready to punish those who were compromising it`s safety and prosperity. It was the primary duty of the Emperor or Empress to stand as guardian of his/her Empire. Than how in the world did her father of all people let that insult slide?

"Gabriel, tell me something." Cornelia wanted to know. "What was my position at the court at the time and… your father`s?" She still had some difficulties accepting this whole fact, but her mind was already more or less okay with it.

"Well, dad was the Knight of Two and you two were married for four years by that time, with Maria around 4 and Vergil still an infant." Gabriel casually said it. "To tell the truth, you were the first ever to be married in that crazy family. Seriously, Odysseus was the second one to be married out, and that was when you and dad were celebrating your 6-year anniversary of marriage and having me and Euphie around as well."

Cornelia actually smiled to that one, picturing herself it in her head and thinking about this. A big happy family with 4 kids and a loving husband… It seemed like a dream come true. However, now she had a very bad feeling that something must`ve gone badly in the future or otherwise she wouldn`t be even talking with Gabriel about it.

"About your status, you were… how do I put it?" Gabriel scratched his head, thinking about a proper explanation.

"Just say it. At this point, I`m ready to accept almost anything." Cornelia sighed.

"Okay." Gabriel accepted. "You were the prime candidate to replace my dear old grandpa on the throne, as well as Lady Protector of Britannia and Viceroy of Japan." Gabriel spilled it all out. "So, no biggie, really."

Cornelia was agape at this explanation. And from the fact that Gabriel just… shrugged it off like that. Just what kind of a royal prince her son was?

"Anyway, back to Russian Crisis. President Sergei Volkov, 1st President of Russian Republic, had installed a very radical nationalistic policy, akin to that of Nazi Germany that dad had told me about. As a result, Russia quickly became a nationalistic dictatorship with the third biggest army in the world and one of the biggest deposits of various resources, including some of the biggest sources of sakuradite near Baikal Lake and Taman. Britannian nobility, both conservative and liberal ones, outraged and Emperor`s response didn`t quell them down. In fact, it only made things worse for the whole Empire, as, at that time, he was fully into his own shoddy mystical things, not caring for entire world and not giving shit about anything, essentially. As for EU, at first they were seeking to ally themselves with Russia and form an alliance against Holy Britannian Empire. However, that policy was quickly thrown out of the window when Russian Knightmares and armies had invaded EU without declaration of war. If I recall history correctly, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine and Baltics fallen in just about 2 weeks of fighting. At the same time in EU German party had taken over the power, overthrowing French and Swiss politics out of the window in favor of more… realistic actions. Johann Guderian, new Chief General and, essentially, leader of EU, had declared a do-or-die resistance and mobilized all EU forces to retaliate. As for Britannia, you and dad were the first to recognize the immediate danger of Russian-EU`s war to Britannia and what Russia`s rise and victory would mean to Homeland. And, when German Hummels were battling Russian-made Moscow-type KMFs, you, using your right as Lady Protector of Holy Britannian Empire, began the immediate mobilization of our Atlantic Fleets and Britain`s 3rd and 4th armies, along with Japanese army and Pacific Fleets. Which was taken by Emperor as…" Suddenly Gabriel shut himself up for a moment, until… he started laughing out loud.

He just simply realized that he was telling his own mother about all the future events that would happen… and she was listening like a fairy tale or an interesting lecture from a university professor. Just one look on her face made him laugh even more.

Cornelia blinked, getting back into the reality and seeing him practically laughing his ass out at some reason. Cornelia wondered why he couldn`t just continue telling her this. It was, after all, getting more and more interesting, to say the least. After about a minute, Cornelia got a bit annoyed by her 'son`s' laughter and decided to stop it right there.

"Just what`s so funny, Gabriel." Cornelia glared at him.

As expected, Gabriel did shut up in the instant and looked at her with a sheepish smile on his face.

"Wow, wow, easy there with your trademark glares." He asked jokingly of her. "Last time I was subjugated to that kind of punishment I ended up having nightmares for a week."

"Probably for a good reason." Cornelia added.

"Nope, it was because Euphie had eaten up that present Swiss chocolate without your permission and I just happen to be in cross-fire." Gabriel chuckled at this one, recalling it. "She was one heck of a sweet tooth. Probably gotten that from you, mom."

Cornelia wanted to interject and add that no child of hers would inherit such silly quality from her side, but then she had to stay silent. Because on this one, Gabriel was absolutely right, as Cornelia was a diehard sweet tooth when she was little and still retained some of her 'love' for the said delicious snack. Grayson personally found about 4 of her hidings with chocolate, and that`s just in their first week living together. And he even had enough nerve to straight up eat that milk Alp`s Swiss bar with a tea that Cornelia kept hidden even from her closest friends and especially Euphie, who had already appropriated 21 chocolate bar in this year already. So, for Cornelia to hear about her own future daughter being a sweet tooth was actually… quite funny. Like mother, like daughter. Cornelia chuckled as well, imagining that little girl all covered in Swiss chocolate.

Gabriel noticed that his mother had begun to laugh as well looked at her and genuanly smiled to this one. It has been a very long time since Gabriel had seen his mother laughing and enjoying the moment. To tell the truth, the fact that it wasn`t his real mother did sadden him quite a lot. While Vergil had managed to get over their parents` death and seemingly move forward, he still couldn`t do so, as he felt it would mean leaving part of his soul behind. Deep down, Gabriel still longed for those happy days with his mother and father when he was just a kid. Those were a much brighter days and they were happy. And then… Betrayals, assassinations, Kururugi`s madness and their parents death. Gabriel still had that image of his father buried under burning wood and Suzaku standing between them and… killing his father in cold blood. And then he turned around and pointed a gun at Gabriel. The only thing that saved him was that pillar that had fallen and gave him a chance to run. And once he was outside, saw his mother`s body… all in blood and in bullet holes. In her dead hands, she was clutching Euphie`s tiny frame, who was motionless and didn`t even move or breathed. At that moment, Gabriel thought that he had lost everyone and simply… ran into the woods. He ran for more than he could remember until he collapsed with an injured ankle. Voices were closing in and he was bracing himself for the worst… before he saw that it was his older brother and uncle Lelouch that came for him . But, ever since he saw those bodies and all their life essentially destroyed Gabriel had been plagued by nightmares and for him seeing his mother like this, finally talking to her as a son, felt both very well and sad at the same time.

Cornelia caught a glimpse of Gabriel`s sadness in his eyes and it made her wonder even more about the fate of her future self and Alex`s counterpart. There has to been a reason why he is here and protecting them. She felt like this is going to hurt for her to know the truth, but she needed to hear it. Cornelia simply… had to know.

In the moment instant, Gabriel rose up and spoke up.

"Well, as much as I enjoy our little chat, I wouldn`t mind getting out this island as soon as possible." Gabriel said. "Not that it's pretty though, but it has absolutely no civilization, communications and bathrooms and the rest things that our humanity desperately needs to survive. And once we out here and back in Tokyo, I`ll tell all that you want know with no problem."

"I hear you, but how do you suppose we get of here?" Cornelia also rose up. "Comm lines here are down and, like you`ve said it, there is no Britannian outposts here or anything."

"Yeah, I said it…" Suddenly looked into the skies very closely, narrowing his eye lids. "But, that doesn`t mean that I don`t have ideas. And, a rather curious opportunity is flying right above our very heads."

"Pardon me, but just what are you…" Cornelia rose her head up to see what he was looking at and then realized what he meant by those words. "Is… that?"

"Looks like it." Gabriel confirmed it. "That variable winged Knightmare… Is right above us. Could he be looking for someone?"

"In any case we better stay out that pilot`s eyesight and…" Her sentence was silenced once she saw how Gabriel sent a signal rocket right up in the skies, pinpointing their location for the BK`s flying Knightmare.

She was simply staring at her own son for doing such a stupid move. Gabriel simply turned to her and spoke up.

"Before you start killing me, one: this is the only option we have; two: we`ll reach Shikine in no time with it; and three: the pilot of that Knightmare won`t do anything to hurt you and me." Gabriel explained, looking again up in the sky. "Unless he decides to kill me for telling you about my real identity and stuff…"

Cornelia quirked the eyebrow up at that comment. Could it be that…

Seraphim had finally descended onto the ground and Vergil hit the controls to open the hatch. For the past four hours he has been looking all over Shikine and Kamine Islands in searches for Zero, Kallen and, most importantly, Lucina. After that damned Avalon showed up and, much to Vergil`s surprise and blood boiling, unleashed his hidden present in form of Gawain with his incomplete Hadron Cannons and rained down his particle beams at them all. As for Seraphim, who was in the skies near the place after putting up a barrage of bullets, was forced to retreat to the safe distance from his AA-guns. Only after Vergil was about a 10 miles away and contacted his comrades he learned about his superior missing, as well as Kallen and Lucina. As for their KMFs, Zero`s was obliterated, but Morgraine was safely recovered by Chiba. Euphie will probably upgrade Chiba`s Gekka for that for free. Or will give her a couple of advices on how to get a certain samurai to notice her as a woman.

Turning away from all those thoughts, Vergil stepped down on to the ground with his katana in sheath and a pistol at side just in case. Someone had sent a signal flare from here and there was a very good chance that it could be one of his targets.

"So, it really is you." Out of the tree line, suddenly came Gabriel. "I`ve figured that you were the only one capable of flying that thing and kick our asses in the process."

Vergil looked curiously at his younger brother.

"Gabriel? What are you doing here?"

"Waiting a taxi." He responded. "Do you take Master Card or Britannia National?"

"Cash only." Vergil humored his little brother. "Jokes aside, how did ended up here?"

"Via a certain loli transporting me and certain someone onto this island through some voodoo and giving in process a New Year type amnesia, but without all the fun stuff." Gabriel explained in his humoristic way.

"I`ve had my suspicions that he might be involved in their disappearance, but I wasn`t expecting to find you here as well."

"Looks like someone from your team is missing as well." Gabriel remarked. "Oh, and you might want to put away that metal thingy before you decide to test it out on me."

Vergil was well aware of Gabriel`s humoristic character, but that one was a bit too much. Why on Earth would he decide to utilize his sword against him…

And then it came to Vergil why Gabriel said such thing. Literally.

"Oh my God…" Cornelia said in awe, after she came out of the tree line. "You are… you look exactly like Alex…"

Vergil`s eyes widened once he saw his mother come to Gabriel`s side and looking at him like that. And that comment indicated one thing.

Gabriel`s mouth ran faster than his mind. Again.

Perhaps putting away katana was a good idea…

Avalon.

The operation was going for the last four hours and no word has come out of the room. Nonette was on edge, no scratch that. She was in full mode panic. Her cousins are missing, Gabriel is missing as well, Zero and his flunkies also got away, and, on top of all of that, one of her best friends is now in the operational room with no guaranties of his survival this time. Doctors didn't say anything and were doing their best, or at least, that`s what Nonette was hoping for. Near of her were Monica, who was worried sick for Gabriel, Guilford, mentally cursing himself and the entire world, Cecile, still shaking at the image of Alex, and Lloyd, who, for the first time in his life actually cared for the survival of someone. All were mentally praying that Schneizel's doctors could save their friend and comrade, but hope was all that they had and it was a very weak one.

Alex`s body was a complete wreck: bones and muscles shattered, veins destroyed, several internal injuries. But that wasn`t the worst. Alex, because of all that pressure from Extremis System`s output and his recklessness, had… a heart attack and a stroke. A deadly combination, but he had to pull through. He must pull through!

Suddenly, the door in operational opened up, revealing one of the doctors. The entire group immediately looked upon him for the positive answer.

But…

"I am sorry. We did our absolute best. But his heart… He didn`t even wake up."

Alexander Grayson, Lieutenant-Colonel of Holy Britannian Empire, Commander of Templars Special Force, one of the best Knightmare pilots in all Empire…

…Was gone…

…

Message to all those who claimed that my character was Gary Stu and wished to kill him.

There, I hope you are happy and will continue to read this story. I respect all opinions and I listen to all of you equally and take into consideration all opinions.

That was just the case of general public`s opinion outweighing my own wishes and making me correct my mistakes.

As for those, who were fans of Alex, I`m deeply sorry for this and I hope you`ll continue reading this as the general story is not yet finished.

Next time: Vergil faces off his mother; Black Knights now have a new symbol and Zero has a rival for power; Grayson`s last honors.

After next time: Aftermath of death; Gabriel takes a new responsibility. Cornelia`s new tragedy…