A/N: WHAT'S UP EVERYONE?! Are you happy right now?! Are you standing on your feet cheering for joy?! ARE YOU SO OVER ENTHUSIASTIC THAT YOU THINK CAN DANCE THROUGHOUT THE DAY?! I'M SURE I DO! Want to know why? Well newsflash guys, the wait is OVER! Yes after 5 months-again- of waiting I'm now back in writing! It felt like ages after that period of waiting, and it feels like I lost the motivation and the skills in writing anymore, so forgive me for all of that, since this is kinda feels new to me. But don't digress since today is an important day. Not just to me but to you as well. Want to know why? Well, let me give you a hint…

THE SECOND TO THE LAST CHAPTER OF MY STORY!

Meaning just one more guys and I have completed this story. And let me tell you, this ride is full of ups and downs. For days, months, and years, since I started this story I've learned so much and encounter new things to improve my English since like I said in the beginning I'm only doing this because of the fact that I wanted to improve my English…and the fact that writing is my only hobby than eating, sleeping and playing League of legends. And to be honest… I've learned a lot. Also, I really appreciate all of your criticism, while others won't take it much likely, for me, it's just show what you want me to improve on and every time I saw your critics on me…it only pushes me to improve more as a writer. So I'm truly grateful for every review you've sent me-even if only Chapters at least three reviews I only get…for me that's enough to show that you like my story, and I'm truly grateful.

So yeah, in short, I just wanted to say: THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

And to say thank you for the ones that review the last Chapter…shout-out for these people:

Now onto the second to the last chapter and I will give you just a recap of the last chapter since I wasn't able to summarize it at the end. Last time, the Britannians that served Princess Guinevere, or to be precise the ones that attack the Zone that was being led by Vice Admiral Thaddeus Bristow and Captain Christopher Storm, are now helping the Royals that was being trapped in the Viceroy Palace, to escape the island and give Area Eleven to the Black Knights that was preventing them from doing so. It was actually planned by the two Lelouch that they must exile the people inside the Palace in order to get Area Eleven and of course to attack V.V. Also the Chinese that wanted to help the Black Knights are decimated by the Britannian fleet that was blocking the Royals from the sea. And once again this was part of the plan in order to get the allegiance of the Chinese Resistance Movement. And at the end, the people of the Tokyo Settlement are now migrated back to the homeland.

So in this Chapter, this will continue what happens previously and of course the debut of one of the main villains of the Anime…V.V! (I hate that little immortal) and also this will be part Episode 24 (The Collapsing Stage) and of course the final episode (Zero) however, like I said just parts of it; meaning the start of this Chapter is part of the last part of episode 24 then the first part of episode 25. I'll make this quick since I'm really excited about this chapter. All I'm saying is…expect the unexpected!

And we can't continue further more without doing…the WORD HUNT! Since this will be the second to the last chapter, I think you know the mechanics so I won't tell you how this work. Instead, I will say…HAVE A GOOD HUNTING!

Disclaimer I don't own Code Geass and its Characters.

Add to that disclaimer is the OCs you've seen throughout the entire story that isn't mine, which is: S.S that is own by Shimmering-sky and the entire Raven Squad that owned by Ebony Sword. The only thing I own is the Xavier siblings and the future OCs Elizabeth ni Britannia and Sean Kristoff/Xavier.

So without further ado Chapter 49 of Code Geass: Black & White.

*FANGIRLING RIGHT NOW*

Chapter 49: Final Act.


Beginning, middle, and end.

First Act, Second Act, Final Act.

If you heard these words first thing that comes to mind would be a theatre play, right? And you're absolutely right on that. These words are associated with the division of a play. The meaning of an act is that is a division or unit of a theatre work, including a play, film, opera, and musical theatre. Commonly we used a three-act play (Act I, II, III) however in times we also use the Five act plays, like the ones that were used by William Shakespeare.

In the first act, obviously will be the beginning. The main introduction would be happening here. Also in here, the exposition will happen. Few incidents will happen here and there, however, it wouldn't be the climax of the story. The second act is the middle of a story. In this part, the main plot thickens. The conflict/obstacles would be discovered and the main protagonist or the main characters will be unable to achieve his/her dramatic need, which is known as the Complication. In this part, it would seem that the characters will fail from achieving their dramatic need or objectives and there is no way now they can succeed.

And of course the final act. Here the climax occurs, as well as the denouement. In other words, this will be the resolution. Here we will see the finale of the act of the play. Either it would be a tragedy or euphoria, we will know here. Meaning this will signal the end of the play.

Of course divisions of play are also used in a storytelling. Like them, they have a beginning, middle and the end. However, we mostly called them the 'element of the plot'. Same with a play, a story has an introduction where we will meet the characters. The next will be the 'rising action' in this part; the characters will soon find out the complications of the story. The problems or conflicts will introduce here, and the characters discover this and must work through it.

Climax, also called the turning point of the story, is where the main characters feel like he/she is in danger or possibly failing at resolving the conflict. The conflict, as you might know, comes with a different criterion: Man vs. Man, Man vs. self and so on and so forth. Right after that is the falling action, and this is the opposite of the Rising Action, where the conflicts appear, here the conflicts will either be solved or not. Here the characters will present the solution and doing it to solve the conflict(s).

And lastly…the resolution; as a play this will be the ending of the story. The conflicts have been dealt with. The tying up the loose ends so to speak, the conflicts are concluded and the outcomes can either be good (Happy Ending) or bad (Tragic Ending…I prefer this one). Also in a story, the main character will summarize what happens from the past and may predict the future if they want to set up a sequel.

Now as you might have known by now…this will be the last part of the story. Also if you want to know what am I using for the story… I'm using a five-part story or five act play; there's nothing much of a difference here between the Three act play and the five-act play, it's just that a five-act play is longer than a three-act play. If you guys don't know the parts/acts of the story…let us recap: The first part/act of the story is obviously is Chapter one where of course the protagonist (Future Lelouch) starts his adventure from going back in time, in order to meet his doppelganger from the past. There the entirety of the first part will be the first chapter (The Day two Demons were born) until the day where they are separated with each other or chapter 11 to be precise (Goodbye Past, Hello Future).

The second act of the story will be the separation of the two Lelouch and what they will be doing right after. Here they will encounter conflicts and the antagonist appears. Prime examples of this are of course the Battle of Narita and the introduction of the Knight of Two, the second act ends on Chapter 20 (Aftermath).

The third act of the story is where the rising action appears and in here the conflicts will just starting to get harder and the protagonist is having trouble dealing with it. Part of this act is where the protagonist struggles of dealing with the conflicts. In this story, the Third act started at Chapter 21 (A date with destiny) until Chapter 31 (A special announcement).

Right after the third act is, of course, the fourth act, in here the climax occurs and the protagonist must deal with it in order to advance. The fourth act is also where the denouement happens for a brief while. The start of the fourth act is Chapter 32 (Black Knights' Reaction) until Chapter 39 (A Wedding Interrupted).

And finally my personal favorite, the fifth act or for me…the final Act. Like stated earlier, this will be the ending; where they will tie up the loose ends, where the conflicts have been solved and the ending will occur that either will be a tragedy or happily. The start of this finale is the Spark of the Rebellion (Chapter 40) until the still unnamed chapter.

It also suited with the premise of the story, since our main protagonist Zero and Prince Lelouch treats the whole world as a stage, and they truly take the quotation of Sir William Shakespeare into their heart. From the media or just Diethard, he treats all of this as an act or a performance. And for him, every battle he participated is the conflicts that he must solve and the ending will be the downfall of the empire. Add to this is that he is also used the flair of theatrics whenever he is out to the public on giving a speech; waving his arms, voice latched with determination and of course the swaying of his cape seems like it that he was an actor, and some of them think he was.

Here in this chapter, this will obviously (Spoiler alert) a two-parter chapter. However, this will tie up the loose end; this will mark the end of the ending. In this chapter, the conflicts will be resolved, however, this wouldn't be the part where I will tell you what will happen to the main characters.

Now I have been talking for so long and let's get started to the story, shall we?


04:14

Somewhere in the Pacific…

The freedom fleet, that came to Area eleven three days ago, that has a total number of over 200 ships and submarines, the ones that were led by the now deceased princess, Princess Guinevere, are getting back to the mainland from their assault to the SAZ and their mission: an enacted attempt of removing the seat of power of the ones ruling there, namely Princess Cornelia as Viceroy, Princess Euphemia li Britannia as the Sub viceroy, Prince Lelouch as the minister of Defense and of course the whole cabinet of Area Eleven. They weren't returning back to the mainland, with a triumphant victory from their engagement, or tragic loss from their enemies, however, they are returning to migrate the people out of Area eleven.

For the last couple of days, fighting was seen throughout Area Eleven right after the declaration of war by Princess Guinevere to the whole government of Area Eleven. On those days, the freedom fleet fought against the combined forces of the Royals and the Black Knights that defended the Island until to their last breath. And they were successful on that and they manage to kill their commander on the second day.

Right after that, they have an unofficial truce; however, the Black Knights crossed the royals that once they've helped in order to get the liberation of Japan. The latter tried to retaliate, but the Black Knights have come prepared and they were reinforced by the Chinese Naval forces, preventing the Royals from striking back against the Black Knights. Now that's where the remaining of the Freedom fleet comes in. They decided, under the command of Vice Admiral Thaddeus Bristow, that they will help the Royals that was now trapped by the Black Knights and the Chinese so that they will get a pardon from the Emperor from saving not only one, but four Royals. And of course, they wouldn't let any low life forms (Europeans, Chinese and the Numbers) beat them.

An hour ago, the Britannian fleet met up with the Chinese on Tokyo Bay, where the former was able to decimate the whole Chinese Fleet and no survivors were seen. Although they also suffer casualties and the former 106 ships and submarines are right now, only 65 ships and submarines, it was still enough to transport the people out of Area Eleven; in fact, it was more than enough. It was exactly three thirty in the morning where the ships were docked and the masses of people get onboard. The Royals as well was also onboard of the Ships that came to save them.

Fifteen minutes later everyone was onboard and the only one that was left behind was Prince Lelouch since he insisted that he must leave behind since he will conduct the terms of surrender to the Black Knights because of the fact he was the Prime Minister since the last Prime minister, his older half-brother, Prince Schneizel was tragically been killed by Zero. Which so, they left him behind and set sails to the mainland.

Onboard, everyone was having mixed emotions that couldn't be counted however only three things that stands out than the rest. First is the depression; depressed since first of all, they were forced to migrate from their homes that they lived for the last seven years since its colonization. And even if it was that short, they treat the Tokyo Settlement as a home. There, they lived happily; the children were going to school, the parents or the adults are going to their respective jobs, and the elderly are either in a home or in a retirement homes taking care of by nurse/maids. They were content, so it was truly depressing when they see firsthand the destruction of the city being bombarded and turn into flames and ashes. The once was glittering Tokyo settlement, is now nothing more than a haunted city, filled with littered bodies, broken homes, torn outbuildings, wreckages and of course the cemetery of hopes and dreams.

The second thing that was everyone was feeling right now is anger. They were truly aggravated to the people who have done this, and what truly ticks them is ironically the ones that save them and the ones that was shipping them back to the mainland are the ones that bombarded the settlement. Though it wasn't exactly them, since Admiral Bristow and his men only attacked the zone, and it was Princess Guinevere and the deceased Admiral Nelson and few others are the ones that attacked and bombard the settlement. Still, they work for them so technically they are still the ones to blame.

And lastly, the last feeling that they were experiencing right now is none other than…gratefulness; glad that this nightmare is over. They were happy that they can sigh in relief at last. Happy, that at least they were still alive from all the chaos that they went through, and it means that the future was only bright. And of course glad that this war…the Third Pacific War will come to an end, and they were happy that they will be safe and sound since they will be at the mainland when that happens. There they can live a new life, start anew once more.

Aboard the ships, the Royals, surprisingly weren't given a special treatment since of course they are a Royal, meaning living extravagantly was the main priority whenever or wherever they go. However, that wasn't the case here. Since they are too many people, they couldn't accommodate all of them, and the Captain's quarters where the Royals should be resting right now was given to the needed, or in other words, the ones that were truly injured and the ones that couldn't get inside the medical bay. So the Royals right now can be seen at the deck with the other people, blanketed and leaning on the rails watching the dark abyss called the ocean. Even though it was four in the morning, the moon was still up and the stars still littered across the dark skies. They watch in amazement, that despite from all the wars and chaos they've been through there was still light, and they agreed that no matter what happens that there must be light.

I wish…Lelouch was here…

Was the thought the last sub viceroy of the formerly called Area Eleven, thinking the person that was left behind in order to negotiate the terms of surrender with the Black Knights, Princess Euphemia li Britannia. She clearly remembers seven years ago, that they once watched the glittering skies when they were young and carefree. Every time they do that with her, and Nunnally they tried to guess the names of the constellation of each star that they saw, though only Lelouch can name it all, since she was still young at the age of eight years old and Nunnally was only five years old, they were still happy seeing the stars, and to past the time they instead made up stories about them.

One of them is that they exemplify the stars like them. The Orion's belt stars were Lelouch, her and Nunnally. The Northern Start was Lady Marianne since she was always nearby, and of course, she was the light of a home as a mother. It feels like it was yesterday when we gaze at the night sky, isn't it? The princess murmured to herself; however, it was heard by her knight in shining armor, and Lelouch's best friend Suzaku Kururugi.

"Euphy? What's seems to be the matter?" The young Knight asked his princess, concerned seeing her with a long face and just by looking at her he knew what was troubling her. But Euphy gave him the answer that he was anticipating. With a long sigh, she answered.

"I'm worried…it feels like it's wrong leaving Lelouch all by his own…even though he wanted to, in order to give us more time to escape…I-I don-t…I don't want him to di-" before she finally lets out the emotion she was hiding ever since their departure from Area Eleven. Seeing this, the young white Knight pulls her into a tight embrace to comfort her, but to no avail.

"Don't cry Euphy. I'm sure Lelouch can get handle this, without our help." Suzaku spoke softly, and she knew it was pretty genuine. Although she doesn't know the connection of Suzaku and Lelouch back when Area eleven was just Japan, she knows enough that she must trust her Knight's word.

"I know…it's just I wish we could help him in any way." Replied Euphy to her Knight facing him, Suzaku couldn't answer, since he too believes that they must help Lelouch. It's not because they don't trust Zero enough to honor his words, it's just…they're concerned. Lelouch was all by himself, with no reinforcement, and the entirety of Black Knights is knocking up on his doors.

They both stayed silent. None of them could think what to do as of this moment, and if this goes on then maybe it's too late to save Lelouch from certain doom. They need to act fast or else…Which is why they come to the person that always knew what to do when things go dire: Her sister, Princess Cornelia li Britannia.

The Princess, alongside her Knight Guilford, with the students of Ashford Academy, Prince Lelouch's fiancée Shirley, and of course Sayoko and Nunnally was at the bridge with the same look as hers. They too were worried about Lelouch's condition with him leaving alone in Tokyo Settlement to negotiate the terms of surrender. If things go well, then Tokyo and the entire Area Eleven will now be liberated from the grasp of the Holy Britannian Empire. But if it doesn't…then the Black Knights will push their Royalty Kill counter up to 4: Prince Clovis, Princess Guinevere, Prince Schneizel, and Prince Lelouch. And they don't want that to happen.

Right now her sister was talking with the Commander of the fleet that was sailing towards the homeland, Vice Admiral Thaddeus Bristow. They seem to be talking about the course of action and the latter couldn't able to agree to her sister's statement, since not only she is a royalty, have a higher rank than his, and has authority but also the fact that that the man tried to invade Area Eleven and supported Princess Guinevere's plan of coup d'état against them. After what it seems to be a very long talk, the Admiral finally conceited, and follow her sister's orders.

Euphy couldn't help but smile a little, that even in time of chaos and destruction, her sister is always determined, headstrong, and kept her attitude of 'Witch of Britannia'. 'Like a true Princess of Britannia would act…' she recalled the quote of her father, his Majesty, Emperor Charles zi Britannia, but quickly pushed it away and quipped to her sister: "Punishing yet again another subordinate sister? Aren't you a little bit cruel for doing so?"

The latter sighed and faced her and answered her with a monotone voice with a hint of mischievousness in it. "It is not considered cruel if the subordinate in question is clearly at fault, and beside…technically he isn't my subordinate but Guinevere's. So no, Euphy I'm not being cruel." But her face spoke differently and Euphy couldn't help but giggle, Cornelia as well, joined into this light-hearted moment.

"What is troubling you Euphy?" Cornelia probed to her seeing that she came here with a troubled face, and when she heard Cornelia's concerned voice she knew that she can't dodge this question and she must tell her the truth, and she did, in the long run.

"I-I was just wondering…what do you think will happen when we get back from the homeland?" Euphy told her sister, but she wasn't buying it, so Cornelia being a great older sister she is, she puts her hand on her cheeks the same way she always did whenever she wants to comfort Euphy and tell her the truth. "Euphy…I know that wasn't why you came here, please…tell me what is it that troubles you?" She asked once again.

Euphy hesitated, since if she did tell them about her concerns to Lelouch this will only make them worry much worst, especially Nunnally and Shirley, and she didn't want that, but she didn't want to let Lelouch fend off the Black Knights by himself, and be dead right after. She needs to decide fast, and so, she turned to face her Knight to see what he has to say about this. Suzaku gave her a reassuring nod, and that was the only thing Euphy need to tell her sister that truth.

With a deep breath, she finally lets out the truth. "Sister…I-I am worried about Lelouch…worried that he might end dead like Clovis, Guinevere, and Schneizel. Although I know that he will just set up the terms of surrender of Area Eleven, I just get this feeling that things will get worse from here on out." She murmured silently so that the others won't hear what they were talking about.

Cornelia listens tentatively and she heard the worry in her voice and it's making her feel scared, although she was trying to hide it, Cornelia knew that this matter needs to be solved immediately. With a long sigh, she replied to her sister. "I knew you were about to say that, and it concerns to me as well." Sure enough, Cornelia knew that Lelouch's action, although heroic, would be considered a suicide as well. Since for one, he is alone with enemies in all flanks, with no chance of escape, reinforcement and the chance of Victory is very slim. And she doubt that the Black Knights would keep their honor in letting the negotiation for surrender to happen, since after the incident on Lelouch's wedding they took upon arms and decided to strike Tokyo with all the confusion, and they've done that RIGHT after the fact that they had a truce to join in battle to defend the settlement. Although she might be wrong since Zero is, in fact, a man of honor and he'd probably choose the less bloodshed in favor against a total war. Still, it's a mistake to leave a member of the Royal family defenseless.

Seeing that her sister is concerned with Lelouch's condition she asked her. "What should we do about it?" She asked her sister. She thought that she will answer very quickly and decide a plan to get back to Japan and get Lelouch, instead, she gets this:

"Come with me Euphy." She ordered before she leaves the bridge with Guilford in tow. Euphy still trying to think what she wanted, still obeyed and her own knight following behind her. She followed her sister until they arrive at the deck of the ship where some civilians currently reside since the ship has not enough room to accommodate these entire people. Some are sleeping, the parents are tending to their children, the elders are knitting, or chatting with fellow evacuees, some children are playing one another, and some just gazing at the ocean, and feel the breeze of the Ocean, the warm air, the peaceful sound of waves, very opposite from Area eleven where it was total destruction. Cornelia stopped at the end of the ship, and she stands right beside her on the railing, their gaze is onward towards Area Eleven where Lelouch is.

After a moment of silence between the two royal siblings, the older one spoke. "Do you still remember the time when Lelouch and Nunna left the homeland?" She asked her, and although it was weird for her to say that since she was little back then and couldn't understand onto why they left in first place. She did remember it actually, and whenever she does remember it brings her pain.

"…Yes, I do remember…" she answered softly, since she doesn't want that to rise ever again in her memories, that was the day she marked as the worst day of her life, much worse than three days ago when Guinevere attacks Japan. Cornelia seeing that her sister knew about that day, continued. "Then you must know that after a year when they left home, we attack Area Eleven, the same place where they were ordered to be put?" And once again she was reminded of a bitter truth and she was sick of it, so she asked.

"What are you trying to imply sister?" and knowing Cornelia, she would not try to anger Euphy, she answered truthfully. "I'm saying, even though we invaded Japan, both Lelouch and Nunnally survived, and they were just mere children back then. If they can fend off then, surely Lelouch can do it again, now that his matured, I'm sure he can do well now." Cornelia proclaimed, but Euphy wasn't satisfied with her answer, so she continued. "And besides, we cannot argue that Japan…has become their home Euphy, and we can debate that it was their home. So, imagine leaving it knowing that it will tear down to ashes, surely you'll ensure that it will stay intact when you leave." Euphy quite surprised that her sister used Japan and not Area Eleven, and she also agreed that Japan was home. Not only to Lelouch and Nunnally, but to Euphy as well; the culture, scenery and the people, was definitely different from Britannia, and that made her fell in love to the land of the rising sun.

"Still, we cannot let Lelouch face Zero and the Black Knight himself without ensuring his safety." Euphy tried to persuade her sister to no avail. "I know Euphy…but if we decided to turn back now, and then War and destruction is the only thing we can bring to Lelouch and the settlement. Besides, as Princesses of the realm, our first priority is the safety of the citizens. And right now we are fulfilling it." But Euphy doesn't want that. She doesn't want to have another part of her family, be taken away from her again, especially the one that she dear the most, which is why she tried once again.

"I know sister but, we must at the very least let us support him." And before Cornelia answered and this argument escalated more, her Knight humbly proclaimed with pure confidence: "I'll go and save Lelouch your highnesses" and both Princesses were shocked to hear this. Especially Euphy and asked him, "Suzaku…but why?"

Suzaku kept his pensive expression and answered. "Because he is my best friend your highness…and I will do everything to protect him; the same thing he has done to me in the past." Euphy realizing that this was pure suicide disagree and told him to rethink about this. However, her knight wouldn't and proclaimed. "Don't worry Euphy, I'll be fine, we both will." To reassure her, he kissed her forehead and whispered to her "I promise we will be back." And Euphy smiled a little and told her knight. "You better be."

After their tender moment with one another, Suzaku faced the furious Cornelia that her eyes still peered at them like a hawk, and asked her: "Permission to save Prince Lelouch, your highness?" And after what could be like a minute or two, since Cornelia was caught up with their moment, she answered with a stutter. "Permi-permission granted." And before Suzaku ran to where Lloyd and Cecile are, which was in the hangar, she stopped him and asked. "And how can you save Lelouch?"

Suzaku only offered a smile and answered her princess "Don't worry…I got the Lancelot." Confident with his answer she let him be. Suzaku bid her adieu, and goes to the hangar to fetch the Lancelot that was done repairing. Although Euphy was glad that at least Suzaku was going to help Lelouch, she was still saddened with these events that occurred even though they shouldn't since they are now safe, she can't be happy with how things go. And as if on cue, some band group played an old English ballad song, which was fitting for this moment, although not exactly since this was supposed for the Christmas time being banned back then, since not only were they defeated by the Japanese against a whole empire, but the fact that they are suffering and severely depressed even though they are safe, and the war is now far from them, which was entitled 'The World turns upside down*.'

Listen to me and you shall hear, news hath not been this thousand year:

Since Herod, Caesar, and many more, you never heard the like before.

Holy-dayes are despis'd, new fashions are devis'd.

Old Christmas is kickt out of Town.

Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.

The wise men did rejoyce to see our Savior Christs Nativity:

The Angels did good tidings bring, the Sheepheards did rejoyce and sing.

Let all honest men, take example by them.

Why should we from good Laws be bound?

Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.

Command is given, we must obey, and quite forget old Christmas day:

Kill a thousand men, or a Town regain, we will give thanks and praise amain.

The wine pot shall clinke, we will feast and drinke.

And then strange motions will abound.

Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.

Our Lords and Knights, and Gentry too, doe mean old fashions to forgoe:

They set a porter at the gate, that none must enter in thereat.

They count it a sin when poor people come in.

Hospitality it selfe is drown'd.

Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.

The serving men doe sit and whine, and thinke it long ere dinner time:

The Butler's still out of the way, or else my Lady keeps the key,

The poor old cook, in the larder doth look,

Where is no goodnesse to be found,

Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.

To conclude, I'le tell you news that's right, Christmas was kil'd at Naseby fight:

Charity was slain at that same time, Jack Tell troth too, a friend of mine,

Likewise then did die, rost beef and shred pie,

Pig, Goose and Capon no quarter found.

Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.

Everyone seemed to heard the song and followed along, and some sleep during the entire song. At this point, Euphy saw the Suzaku aboard the Lancelot Conquista, flew past them and going towards the settlement. Euphy couldn't help but feel worried and think for herself.

Suzaku, please save Lelouch…


03:32

Now…all that is left is V.V….. and all of the conditions will be cleared…

Was the thought of the young prince who left behind in Tokyo settlement and watches as the 65 ships of the former 'Freedom Fleet' that was led by the deceased First Princess of the Realm, and Lelouch's older sister Princess Guinevere, as he waves to the ships that were sailing towards the Homeland. Although he would want to be part of the populace that will evacuate, especially since his family is in there, he cannot. He has a duty to uphold, not only that but he has a plan that needs to be fulfilled right now in order to launch the next phase of his master plan, which is battling the Empire on their own territory. To do that, he needs to have a foothold, rather a stepping stone, and both Lelouchs decided that Japan would be sufficed.

If things go according to plan…then our plans will be advanced sooner than later as I predicted…and if not…

Murmured Lelouch to himself, pondering on what is about to happen. If he remembered correctly, from the past timeline this was the time where V.V stole away Nunnally when he was busy extracting information from his older sister Cornelia, which proves to be worthless since she doesn't know who killed his mother. It was thanks to C.C's awareness via the Cs' world, was he able to know that V.V just kidnapped his beloved sister, and managed to track him down to Kamine Island. On that island was also he was confronted by his best friend slash enemy Suzaku Kururugi; he offered help from him in order to get Nunnally, but he didn't know that V.V was the one that told everything about his Geass powers and he was still enraged about Euphy's death that when both of them duel it out, where Lelouch lost, he was apprehended by him and taken to Emperor where he wiped his memories.

No! Not again! This time, I won't let that happen again!

After he was brought to the Emperor, he spent a small time as a Military Advisor in Euro-Britannia, under the alias of Julius Kingsley, until his memories were rewritten once again, and this time around he was back to being Lelouch Lamperouge. This time, however, there are spies observing him, including his false brother, whom he accepted in the end as his younger brother Rolo, real name Nigoros. It was once again, thanks again to C.C that he regained his original memories as Zero.

In short, if it wasn't for that little midget, named V.V, then things could have gone according to plan. The Black Rebellion would be a success, his memories would be still intact, and most of all he wouldn't be separated from his sister Nunnally. Which is why, ever since he was blast to the past, he has a name that needs to be crossed on his list. And on top three was none other than V.V himself; the older brother of his father Charles zi Britannia.

From afar he can hear the chorus of hoorahs from the Black Knights and the Japanese populace, that was also watching the Britannian occupants that were inhabiting the settlement, including the entire cabinet of the Government Bureau of Area Eleven, including the Viceroy and Sub-Viceroy Princess Cornelia and Princess Euphemia li Britannia respectively which was the leaders of this client state of the Empire. Which leaves Lelouch as the formal leader of Area Eleven, however, he will discard this, since it was already agreed in order to have their plans to become a fruition, they need Japan to be liberated from the Empire.

This is why he is now rendezvousing to his doppelganger's location which is on the gate of the Government Bureau, in order to negotiate the terms of surrender of Area Eleven and the Empire that holds it and give it to the Black Knights. However, there are two things that he needs to do first. One is to eliminate V.V and second to place his pieces in the board for the next match, and now it will be against Charles himself. And to do that, he needs to have the Knight of Two and his Raven Squad back in Pendragon and to avoid suspicion. And speaking of the devil…both of them arrived.

Francis Xavier, alongside with his sister Gwen Xavier, his Raven Squad…has arrived at the port to greet him and he also brought an unfamiliar face, that Lelouch hasn't seen before. A girl, just a little bit taller than he is and probably on her mid-twenties, has blonde hair, and blue eyes, and her garments are only covered with pink and white. However, what strikes him the most is that he felt that the girl he is facing is…supernatural.

Does she have Code as well? Like C.C and V.V? Is she an enemy or an ally?

Lelouch wondered, he never seen this girl in the past timeline. In fact, he never knew that there was a Knight of Two in the past timeline. However, he concluded that it must because of the Space-Time Continuum thing again. After all, this timeline is completely new. Anything that he changed from the past drastically changes the future. So, this is just one of those changes he'd done.

But Lelouch can ponder these speculations later on, right now; he has a plant that needs to be unfolded. "Your Highness, I've completely eradicated the troops that try to usurp your power. Ms. Villetta is now with Zero awaiting further orders." The young Knight, that is now his Knight and thus dubbed as the 'Demon's Knight' stated with no hind of emotion and a cold tone. It kinda reminds him of Suzaku for once, but he shrugged it off since he needs to prepare the next objectives and the steps ahead.

"Good…I will now take over the entire Area Eleven as Prime Minister and negotiate the terms of surrender to the Black Knights and hand it over to them. I have no further use of you and your squad as of this moment; however, you must go back to Pendragon to avoid suspicion from the Emperor." Lelouch ordered 'And besides, I need to make sure if you're part of V.V's OSI (Office of Secret Intelligence)… Lelouch added to his mind. He knew that his father sends the Second Knight of the Round, to spy on him, however, there's a chance that it was set up by V.V himself since that was the same plan by him on the past timeline through Rolo, only this time around it was this Knight. Add to the fact that if his companion is indeed has a Code then he might be a threat to him and his plan. So the best course of action is to take him further away from Lelouch to avoid these threats to his plans.

But first…

"I haven't met you before…are you in somewhat related to Sir Xavier? Or just part of his Raven Squad?" asked Lelouch to the blonde girl that he never met before. The girl in question seems to be perplexed by this and asked him to clarify albeit stutter and comedic way. "M-me?" pointing her index finger to herself and Lelouch couldn't help but sigh to this.

"Yes…you. Ms.?"

The girl chirped and scratches the back of her head and answered. "Oh…my name is S.S. And I'm not technically related to Francis, although I am his accomplice. Hehe"

"That's a strange name…is that your initials?" He asked to S.S; if it does then it lose the prospect of a Code user. If not…then…

"Actually…I don't exactly remember…all I know is that I go by the name of S.S" the girl answered after a short period of time. And that was exactly what Lelouch needed. However, his questioning was stopped when he saw the glare of the young knight and he knew that he was up to something. In which he dropped the topic and concluded.

"I see…well, it's a pleasure to meet you Miss S.S." before offering his hand. The girl, smiled and shakes his hand replied. "The pleasure is all mine…your highness."

"Well, then…I'll take my leave. There is a cargo shuttle nearby and you can take it back to Pendragon. And if the Emperor asked about me; just tell him that there's no suspicious activity coming from me and is completely normal. Understood?" He proclaimed to Francis and his companions before they answered in unison.

"Yes, your highness!"

Francis and his Raven Squad left the docks and go to the shuttle as instructed. Meanwhile, Lelouch makes his way towards Zero's location and the Black Knights. However, he made a little detour first near at the Government Bureau. Outside the bureau, there still soldiers and Knightmares defending the Viceroy Palace, mainly the ones that didn't leave the settlement. This is what Lelouch exactly needed, and ordered them to come out of the open.

The soldiers were confused by the Prince's orders but followed in the end. After that, he removed their mask and for those who were in the Knightmares open their hatches. Lelouch lets out a devilish smirk and removed the two contact lenses that were hiding his Geass, and ordered them the following:

"Good…now, I order you to defend the Palace at all cost! Until I told you not to! Is that understood?!" and he received a chorus of 'yes your highness'.

Good because of this, the media will think that Black Knights and the Britannians are still fighting, when in fact that the Empire has already lost this one…

Lelouch mused to himself before he goes to the G1 of Zero. He does this to avoid suspicion of him and Zero working together and still pain themselves as bitter rivals that are fighting against each other. However, in reality, the two doppelgangers, in fact, plan this from the start, including the surrender of the Britannian Empire to the Black Knights, and liberating Japan. Although it took them a much longer time, it was still worth it, as long as they both solved the mistakes he has done in the past.


04:02

Lelouch finally arrived from the G1 aboard his Knightmare 'Arthur'. He has no escort and no reinforcement that will back him up. In ordinary eyes, it was as if he was going alone into the lion's den without anything to protect him, other than himself. While in reality, this was just a setup for the next phase to happen, and that is the capture of V.V.

The Black Knights all surrounded the 'Arthur' and when Lelouch comes out of it; they have their guns pointed at him. However, Lelouch wasn't deterred and still step out without fear. The Black Knights were about to open fire until Tohdoh stopped them and exclaimed.

"Hold your fire…he is our ally…" Although hesitant, they followed suit and lower their guns. Lelouch muttered a small thank you to him and led his way to the G1 with Tohdoh and his four holy swords leading the way. They made their way to the hallways that past the medical bay and he can clearly hear Tamaki's outrage of him being gunned down rather early in the battle. And that makes him smirk a little.

It wasn't long before they finally reach the meeting room where it would seem, everyone was waiting. Zero, C.C, Ohgi, Kaguya, Diethard Reid and surprisingly Kallen and Rai, was there. When he saw them he needed to make a play as if he was surprised that they were part of the Black Knights.

"Kallen…Rai…I didn't know that you were part of the Black Knights" Lelouch acted with a sincere voice to them, and surprisingly they seem to have fallen for it. Kallen was the first to answer and followed by Rai. "Yes, in fact, we were part of the Black Knights long before." "We are doing this to liberate the Japanese."

"I see…well then, I hope that with this declaration of surrender that we may become friends…or at least allies, instead of enemies." And it shocked everyone after he proclaimed that declaration…well except Zero and C.C since they already knew that this was already coming.

"You mean…that Japan, is free?" asked Ohgi, still flabbergasted with these turn of events up until now. He wasn't alone either, in fact, half the room was shocked by his proclamation. After seven years of occupation that was filled with turmoil, destruction, discrimination, and chaos they were finally free.

They were smiling, some were crying in tears because of this delighted news. It was because of Diethard that ruined the moment with his question. "Wait a minute…is there a catch in this, is there?" Assumed the media man and for once he was spot on.

"Correct." He answered and everyone went back to their serious face and wondered what this catch he was speaking of is. "Well, then…what is this catch you speak of, Prince Lelouch?" Kaguya Sumeragi asked him. He was glad that he wasn't Zero as of this moment since in the past timeline she proclaimed herself as his wife.

"Nothing to be concerned off…I just want to have a hunt with Zero that's all…"Hunting for a Code User that is…and everyone was both intrigued and confused with this 'hunt' the Prince was talking about. However, he continued. "Fret not, because this will only take an hour, and by the time sun rises again Japan is free. And what we hunt is none of your concern, but I can assure you that there are no tricks up on my sleeves; and to make sure of that, I wish to have Kallen and Rai as our escort."

The Black Knights we a bit skeptical at first but when they heard that they will be escorted personally by Kallen and Rai, they felt at ease. After a moment of deliberation, they have finally decided. "It settles then, I will join Prince Lelouch on this hunt he speaks of. Kallen, Rai prep your Knightmares we leave immediately." And both them answered in unison of 'Yes Zero!' Lelouch nodded back to his doppelganger signaling the final part of the plan is in motion.

Well then…


04:00

Charles…why can't you handle your own children very well?

That was the thought of the little midget and the current director the Geass Order, V.V real name Victor zi Britannia, the older brother of the 98th Britannian Emperor, Charles zi Britannia as he makes his way out of the Viceroy Palace after finding out that the entire cabinet of Area Eleven was leaving Japan and back to Pendragon.

I came all the way in here, only to come back to Pendragon…

V.V was furious at this fact. His mission was to track down C.C, and to do that, he needs to confront his nephew Lelouch vi Britannia, however, when he arrived in Area Eleven via the thought elevator in Kamine Island, he saw that it was total war in Area Eleven. It would seem that his first niece Guinevere de Britannia launch a full-scale invasion to Japan against the Royals in Area Eleven. So that is why it took him much longer time to go the Viceroy Palace, albeit discretely to avoid the guards.

When he got there, however, he found out that they were preparing to evacuate back to Pendragon. Although he could still confront Lelouch, it would be dangerous since he will be heavily guarded. So it was obvious what he needed to do…retreat.

The only reason why he needs Lelouch is the fact that he knew as his brother knew that he has a Geass, and it was solidified when his brother send a Knight of the Round to spy on him –although he could have just sent his own OSI agents, it was just his brother was faster than he is-, and it was later been concluded when the aforementioned Knight reported that he has Geass: The Absolute Obedience. And they wondered who could've given him his Geass. Obviously, it wasn't him, since he hated the spawn of Marianne in the first place, so much so that he killed her. Don't tell Charles about that. Because of this reasoning, they sum it up on one person that could've given him his Geass. And that's C.C.

It will also support this speculation by the fact that C.C have gone off the radar and her last sighting was in fact in Japan, THE SAME PLACE where both Marianne's spawn was sent to by his brother. So, put that two on two, together they came up a conclusion. They can speculate that during the years before Lelouch and Nunnally's reappearance, C.C could have found Lelouch and become her contractor, and given him his Geass. So, in short C.C give Lelouch's his Geass, Lelouch knows C.C and know where she is and probably is around with him, both of them is in Area Eleven, find Lelouch and you will find C.C!

But first, what is the reason for V.V to chase down C.C in the first place? Although she was the former Geass Directorate, he always hated her, because of her leadership and the fact that she doesn't share the same idea of his and his brother's idea of World without lies, which is why he banished her never to see again. In order to create a world without lies, they must first kill the Collective Unconsciousness otherwise known as God, by the power of Sword of Akasha that can only happen via the Ragnarok Connection in Cs' world, to do that they must have all ten thought elevators scattered all over the world, when everything is in place the Sword of Akasha can only be used by person that has a code, which was V.V.

However, there was a tiny, very little, minute, a small detail that they missed…they needed two codes instead of one. So they needed C.C since she has a code other than V.V. Thus begin the wild goose chase, and that brings up to the present. (Well that was very long).

Because of the fact that he can't find Lelouch and in turn can't find C.C, the Ragnarok Connection will be postponed, yet again. However…there is another entity that has a code…V.V mused to himself. And he was indeed correct. He was talking about S.S. However there was a slight problem, he doubted that she can power up the Sword of Akasha, since first of all, this S.S was created in Cs' world and was not natural born or inherited the Code, meaning this may cause a problem in their plans.

He knows about this since he also felt the same presence in Cs' world that there is another entity that has a code, this time around in Europe, however, this entity is once again undefined and can be called as unnatural and can be called as a ghost**. And there's a problem, this person or entity that has a code…V.V doesn't where he or she is!

This leaves him to C.C that has a code as his final option to use the Sword of Akasha to kill God. But it would seem that he failed in his mission was returning back to Pendragon. And unlike the royals that will need ships to transport them away. V.V only needed the thought elevator to teleport everywhere he wanted. The thought elevator in Japan is located in Kamine Island the place where he is now going to.

Currently, he was aboard a royal shuttle with few OSI agents as his guard en route to Kamine Island. Also, I forget, the OSI is also under the control of the Geass Order, although not completely in control, they still operate under the supervision of V.V. He was in complete silence until a phone rang and one agent gave it to him saying it was urgent.

"Brother…were you successful of capturing C.C?" It was Charles zi Britannia on the other line and V.V kept his unemotional tone and kept his cool and answered truthfully. "No, brother I wasn't. It would seem that Lelouch was not in the Viceroy Palace and that C.C wasn't there as well. However, I have information that they are now sailing towards Pendragon."

There was a pause, and then Charles answered. "I see…if that's the case I will have my own men apprehend Lelouch and find C.C myself." "Then do so." before V.V cut the line. Although he doesn't approve Charles interfering with his plans, if this will help them achieve their plans, then he let them be. V.V let out a very long sigh and asked the pilot:

"Pilot, how long can we arrive on Kamine Island?" The pilot answered to him and stated: "ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) is 1 hour my lord." If that's how long the trip would last then he could get a bit of a shut eye. In which he does, and not too soon he was fast asleep.

No matter…the Ragnarok Connection is inevitable, and soon…I and Charles can now create a world free from lies!


05:05

It all comes down to this moment. If this was a story, then this would be the climax part of the story. For both Lelouchs, of the past and the future, this would test them; it is the 'make or break' moment of their lives. Sure, they have done and corrected almost all mistakes of Lelouch of the future before, like the Siege of Saitama, prevented a slaughter of innocents during the Battle of Narita, and of course having the SAZ of their sister Princess Euphemia li Britannia as a success rather than a failure, and in turn her not being dead this time around. Overall, whatever the mistakes the future Lelouch had done in the past-future-they have corrected it. Because of these changes, they've gained momentum. It was as if, they were unstoppable due to their actions, and in fact they were. However, there is one last thing they have to do. This would be the icing on the cake. This would be the final boss per se. And this 'boss' is none other than V.V himself.

First thing first, why prioritize this little midget? Shouldn't they focus on Charles rather than his brother? Why that might be true, there two reasons why they wanted to take out V.V out of the game for good. First is that he is a current Geass Directorate of the Geass Order; The Order, in which Lelouch is furious of, so much so, that in the other timeline, he massacred every people including children not letting a single life be alive. He does this since the Geass order is straight up evil cult. V.V was the one that proposed to kill the Collective Unconscious otherwise known as God, not only that he was the one that killed Marianne-even though, in the end, Lelouch was glad that his mother was 'dead' since she approves of his father's plans as well-seven years ago. And lastly, no one can ignore the fact that V.V, KIDNAPPED NUNNALLY! Which was a big no-no for him, if you even lay a single finger on her, then what you're actually doing is practically suicide. To prove this was the fact that the future Lelouch abandoned the Black Rebellion just to save Nunnally. And remember, that the Black rebellion was the turning point of the war. If they've won then Japan could've been liberated.

So, that is why both Lelouch right now is prepping their Knightmares for what could be the final battle before Japan would be liberated, only this time around…only the commanders of both sides will fight. The two Leaders of Black Knights and the Royals respectively could be seen walking down the hallway of the G1, exchanging information to one another.

"So…I take it that you have Sir Xavier and his Raven Squad be sent back to Pendragon?" Asked Zero to his doppelganger. Earlier today the aforesaid Knight of the Round was here in G1, talking about how he is now part of their plans and would be Lelouch's second Knight in his board completing his pieces. Due to this, both can now engage the battle against Britannia as one, however, before they can begin such an attempt they must take out V.V.

"Yes, I did. And what about Villeta? What's her status?" questioned Lelouch to his doppelganger about his sleeper agent that up to this point is still under the influence of his Geass command to obey all of his commands. "She's in the brig." Before Lelouch could retort Zero chimes in. "Don't worry, Ohgi doesn't know that his girlfriend is here." He says this because of the fact that this would only create an internal conflict within the Black Knights. And as his second in command, he mustn't be involved with a relationship IF he can't choose between responsibility or his love life.

They stayed silent until they are now out of the G1 and they both saw that both of their respective Knightmares are fully prepped, and now waiting for their devicer to use them. Before, Lelouch can go to his Knightmare Zero stopped him and told him the following: "No matter what happens next…the plan still continue…and if things won't go in our way, you still remember our contingency plan right?" Probed Zero to him. Lelouch affirmed this by a single nod. Up to this point, they were undefeated in all of their battles. Meaning that they didn't resort to using their backup plans. However, they have a feeling that they will use this plan on their final battle. This battle, would it be changed…or history will once again repeat itself?

As the two commanders fully prepped for the final battle, their two escorts, which is Kallen and Rai are also prepping their Knightmares inside their respective cockpits. Although they will only escort the two Lelouchs to Kamine Island, they still felt a little tension for this. And Rai too, can feel this pressure building up, so to let out a little relief he started a chat to Kallen: "Hey Kallen…after all this, what would you do?"

And Kallen…wasn't sure what to say. Sure Japan is now liberated, then what? She can be a full-time Black Knight member and Captain of Zero Squad, or she can go back to Ashford Academy if it still open that is…so for the time being she has nothing to say. "I don't know Rai…I can fully be part of the Black Knight, or I can go back to Ashford and finish school…what about you? What would you do after this?" Kallen replied truthfully.

Rai seems to ponder this for a moment and answered rather blissfully "Honestly…I really don't know either. As you said, I also can fully be part of the Black Knight. Or maybe we can go back to Ashford and finish high school." 'I see' was the only reply Rai, heard so he continued. "But…I think I should find my own memories first…after that maybe I can decide" Rai commented with a small smile.

"I hope you find your memories, Rai-" however their private talk was cut short when Ohgi both flashed up on their screens. "Ohgi!" both cheered in unison. "Kallen…Rai…be careful out there, you got it?" Ohgi asked with real concern on his voice.

"Don't worry, Ohgi, we'll be fine. I'm not the little Kallen you've known before." Kallen retorted to him resulting Ohgi to elicit a small chuckle. "Indeed you're right. But Naoto wouldn't approve his little sister be harmed." Ohgi argued.

Rai cuts in and answered him. "Don't worry sir; I won't let anyone hurt Kallen! You can count on me! Isn't that right Red lotus?" Boldly answered by Rai to Ohgi and his last line gave Kallen a small blush since that was the nickname she gets from him and she still embarrassed from it. "Ri-right…" Kallen murmured embarrass, causing both guys to laugh at her. However, their conversation was cut off once again when another person cuts in and it was the Miracle Worker himself: Tohdoh.

"Colonel!" both teens said in unison surprised that Tohdoh wants to talk to them. Kyoshiro Tohdoh remained stoic and pensive and only has this to say to them. "Kallen, Rai…when you arrive in Kamine Island, if things go dire, your first priority is Zero you got it? You must save him no matter what." Ordered to both of them and this complicates things, which is why Kallen voiced her opinion.

"What about Lelouch-I mean the prince, should we let him die is that it?" Kallen argued to the Colonel. Although they are technically enemies, Lelouch hasn't done a single bad thing during his time when he was reconverted back as a prince of the realm. In fact, it was the polar opposite. He was helping the Japanese people by ensuring policies in against Refrain, and he did support the SAZ after all. Also, he is the brother of Nunnally. Just saying this makes you feel guilty about killing him or letting him die since Nunnally is the most precious, kind and good person Kallen have known or met in her entire life. And that is saying something.

However, the Colonel countered and simply said: "I'm not asking you to abandon the Prince, we are asking you to save Zero first before Lelouch. Is that understood?" And they can't argue with that, and besides, he is technically a higher officer than both of them so they have no choice but to obey. So, both of them replied with 'hai' in unison. "Good…Godspeed to both of you" Tohdoh stated before cutting the connection. Ohgi was next to leave and told them: "Good luck and please come back safe."

After both Black Knights cut the comms they heard Zero proclaimed: "All right then…onwards to Kamine Island!" And the two gigantic Knightmare float to the air thanks to their 'Float System', meanwhile the Guren and the Gekka must use VTOLs to carry their respective Knightmares. And onward they go towards to the place where the fate of the world hangs in the balance.


At the same time…near the Tokyo Bay…

I must hurry! I need to save Lelouch!

Suzaku Kururugi was also en route towards Area Eleven, but not to Kamine Island just like the four people who were going there to confront V.V. His mission was pretty simple, save Lelouch and bring him back to Pendragon per the request of his princess Euphemia li Britannia or just Euphy. I

If we are to talk about what SHOULD be happening about right now in the original timeline, then instead of saving Lelouch…he would outright kill him. That's right, kill him. Unlike in this timeline, where they are truly best friends and would gladly offer their life for the sake of the other, in the other timeline…it was the polar opposite. They were practically arch nemesis for each other. Both wanted to get rid of the other. Reason for all of this? Two words: Euphy's death. As stated before, the SAZ was a total disaster back then, mostly because of the fact that Lelouch accidentally Geassed Euphy during their talk and ordered her to kill all the Japanese, creating a mass genocide. And Lelouch has no choice other than killing her.

Suzaku saw it happen. And the once honorable and merciful White Knight was so enraged and blinded by hatred that he literally kills anyone who stands in his way to kill the guy whom he hates the most: Zero aka Lelouch vi Britannia. Not only that as an added bonus to fuel his rage the fact that ONCE again, V.V told him about his Geass of Absolute Obedience making him furious much more. Which is why, he chased him down like a bloodhound until they finally confronted each other on Kamine Island…and the rest is history.

However, since on this timeline the SAZ is a success and Euphy is still alive, and Lelouch is working in the system, they are both best friend! So, when he heard that he was going to fall behind to negotiate the terms for surrender all by himself, he was concerned. It's not like, he doesn't trust that he can't survive on his own; it's just that the Black Knights might pull off a trick of their own and kill him. They weren't afraid that would happen since they have already crossed them once so, trusting the Black Knights right now is pretty difficult. Even so, if they did honor the surrender then, at least give Lelouch a bodyguard for goodness sake.

So he pushed his Lancelot Conquista to its limit to reach the Viceroy Palace in time. Right after Lloyd and Cecile just finished repairing the Lancelot, he didn't waste time to use it to go fetch Lelouch. And not before long he saw the Viceroy Palace in the distance, and he also saw fumes of smokes from the buildings that were still wrecked due to the destruction of war.

I won't let this happen ever again!

Suzaku vowed to himself. He was surprised that the fighting seemed to stop. Suzaku thinks that they were already talking about the terms for surrender that is why they were no more fighting. If that's the case, then no more blood needs to be shed and his mission would already twice be easier and completed much faster. So he drops down the Lancelot to the gate of the Viceroy palace where some still defending the Palace.

"Sir Suzaku Kururugi here, where is his highness, Prince Lelouch." He asked nicely to the soldiers that were manning the gates and few Sutherlands. However he doesn't know that this was the men Lelouch Geass with that he ordered to defend the palace, which nobody is allowed in and out of it. Because of this Geass command, they considered Suzaku as a threat, and the Geass kicks in and attacks him.

"Nobody is allowed to get in the palace!" Roared a soldier before hailing a barrage of bullets to Suzaku's Lancelot, and Suzaku was baffled by this and luckily Knightmare armors are bulletproof. So it was futile but still, this makes Suzaku confused onto why they are firing at him. "Hey! I'm at your side! Just tel-"before he completely finishes his sentence two Sutherlands charged at him with both lances pointed at him intent to kill him. Suzaku on instinct jumped to dodge it and fired his slash harken on the chest on both Sutherland to have both Cockpits eject.

Suzaku gritted his teeth onto why they are doing this and have no time for this, which is why in an instant he charged towards all five Sutherlands that was defending the Palace with both MVSs branded and slice them into pieces but not enough to completely destroy, just enough to make them eject due to severe damage. After destroying the Knightmares, he just flew inside not worrying about the foot soldiers. After disembarking the Lancelot, he ran as fast as he could to the throne room and every room of the palace only to find out that it was completely abandoned.

Damn it!

Suzaku cursed, now how can he track down Lelouch? And suddenly he remembered that Lloyd always has a tracking chip to all of his Knightmares including the Lancelot and the Arthur. So he goes to ASEEC room and saw the computer for Lelouch's Arthur which was headed towards Kamine Island, with three red blips surrounding him. That's odd…why would Lelouch go there? Suzaku wondered until he came up with a horrifying assumption. "Maybe he's been kidnapped!" Acting quickly he ran towards his Lancelot. Although it would take it an hour to get there, if he sacrificed his power to into his Float system then theoretically he will be able to catch up. He pushed his Lancelot into its limits as never before, although this will render other abilities of his Knightmare useless in the end, he doesn't care. All he cared about is saving Lelouch.

Don't worry Lelouch, I'll save you!


Meanwhile, the aforementioned Lelouch and his companions just arrived at Kamine Island, just shy minutes away from V.V's. 'All right…Kallen, Rai you stand guard here while I and Zero go inside the cave' Zero heard from his doppelganger ordered his both Black Knights before lowering their Knightmares to the ground. Aboard the Gawain was also C.C since it needed another co-pilot. Before he could leave, however, C.C stopped him.

"Lelouch…are you afraid of your past?" C.C said out of nowhere to him, though he could've shrugged it off, he didn't and answered. "No, I'm not, C.C. In fact if without the past then what good would be the present?" Zero countered, however, C.C remained stoic and stated: "Then, you are not afraid of what comes next…" C.C questioned him and this time around he can clearly hear the concern the voice on her voice.

Zero was…somewhat surprised by this. "What are you talking about C.C?" He asked him, but it would seem that C.C was back to her usual self and faced him and told him one last thing before he leaves. "Nothing…just remember to fulfill our contract, my dear warlock…" before kissing him on his lips. He didn't push her away, in fact, he accepted it. It was the first kiss he had, and it was C.C herself: his witch. Their kiss only lasted a short period of time but still, it felt like a lifetime. After that, he grabbed his mask and put it on and whispered to his witch: 'I will' before disembarking. His doppelganger was already waiting and the Guren and the Gekka on standby ready to defend the cave that was the thought elevator.

Before going in they both readied their guns and ask him by Lelouch of the future. "Ready?" And Zero only chuckled in response and rebutted: "Are you?" before making their way to the place where the fate of the world is now sealed.

Along the way, Zero asked his doppelganger from the future this question: "Tell me…what exactly happened in here, at this time?" Curious as to what happened to himself in the original timeline. Lelouch was surprised by this and he answered with: "I don't want to talk about it" signaling that it was a bitter topic. However, he was already reliving on what actually happen on that faithful day…

Lelouch garbed with his Zero outfit just arrive in Kamine Island, thanks to C.C dropping him off and fending off Jeremiah by her own and goes to the cave where the thought elevator is, he knew this place since it was the same place where he stole the Gawain. And he knew that it was supernatural, and since they were no other place they could've gone off to, this was the logical place where they could be transported.

He was going to touch the wall until a bullet him near to his face, making him turn around on who was the assailant, only to found out it was Suzaku coming out of the shadow. And ordered him to turn around and face him. He reluctantly did so and after that onto why he was he fighting for Euphy even though she created a mass genocide; however, he was cut off when Suzaku told him that he knew about his Geass, and how he was coward using it. He then proceeds to call out Kallen out of the open to find out on who was Zero. Kallen protests, but Suzaku shoots Zero's mask, causing it to split in half, revealing Lelouch's identity while also grazing the top of his head. Kallen overwhelmed with shock, falls to her knees, but Suzaku merely shakes his head. Left with no choice, Lelouch confesses

"Yes, I am Zero. The man who leads the black knights, who challenge the Holy Britannian Empire, the one who holds the entire world in his hand"

Kallen, however, begins weeping and told him "You used us Japanese…you used me?!" However, Lelouch countered back and stated. "Japan will be free as a result. You've nothing to complain about it surely?"

Suzaku then muses he should have questioned Lelouch long ago, having suspected him but refusing to believe himself. He then criticizes Lelouch and claims that Lelouch was lying to everyone; ignoring the subject, Lelouch reveals that Nunnally has been kidnapped.

"Suzaku! Can't we have a temporary truce?! I want your help to save Nunnally! There's nothing you and I can accomplish!"

Meanwhile, Kallen begins shivering, but Suzaku refuses, claiming he should have helped Euphemia and not killed her and he does this while threating him by holding him at gunpoint.

"That's all in the past! It's done!" Lelouch argued and making Suzaku only reply 'The past?!'He then proceeds to use the fact that he also done this to his father Genbu Kururugi, and suggesting that he can mourn them later. Suzaku as of this point was at his breaking point and stated:

"No…you're hopeless!" making Lelouch muttered a 'what?' Suzaku continued and proclaimed to him: "In the very end…you betray the entire world like it's betrayed you! I can't let your dream be realized"

Lelouch then countered him by his philosophy that ideals can't change the world as Suzaku wanted, but if so…he taunted him to shoot him while placing a liquid Sakuradite where his heart lies, meaning if he dies…then he would take both them out with him. After which, he asked on who told him his Geass and if they were the same people who kidnapped her. But Suzaku dodged the question and refuted.

"Nothing that happens now is any of your business! Your very existence is a MISTAKE! YOU HAVE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE WORLD! I'LL TAKE CARE OF NUNNALLY!"

Enraged he points his own gun at Suzaku and so did he…

SUZAKU!

LELOUCH!

Lelouch fired first, but it was dodged by Suzaku may be due to his Geass live command or was it his instinct…Lelouch was betting for the latter. Then Suzaku fired back… this time he aimed for his hand making drop his own gun. Suzaku then used his spin kick on him and making him fall. And the rest was history…

For Lelouch he never wanted that happen ever again, 'And I'll make sure that it will never happen again…'After a short walked they saw him. V.V alone and was preparing to go through the though elevator probably to teleport him back to Pendragon. Firing a single bullet to stop him, he called him out.

"Where do you think you're going V.V…? current Geass Directorate of the Geass Order, the one that proposed kill the Collective Unconsciousness and of course…the older brother of the 98th Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire…Charles zi Britannia, otherwise known as Victor zi Britannia…" Lelouch stated with a smirk plastered on his face.

V.V though, surprised, remained his unfazed look and turn around. Seeing him do this, Lelouch steps out of the shadow, and boldly held him at gunpoint. "So…the spawn of the wretched Marianne has some knowledge about me…how frightening…what now Lelouch vi Britannia …11th Prince of the Realm?" V.V asked the man who had gone to the future. Lelouch couldn't help but give a maniacal laugh.

"Aren't you going to ask to whom or where did I get this information?" Lelouch proposed rather tauntingly. V.V didn't seem to take the bait and answered. "I already know you've got it from. It was from C.C was it?" Although he was correct Lelouch only gives a small smirk…

Oh…you have no idea…

V.V continued and asked him: "So…what now? If you already everything about me, then you would know that I am an Immortal right?"

"Oh, I know that…which is why I'm glad I have this…" before he takes out his two eye lenses to reveal his two Geass in his eyes. And this time around he was now flinching. "If things go south…I have him" signaling his doppelganger that now came out of the open. Zero also points his gun at him.

"It's over V.V…this is checkmate…"Lelouch stated preparing to take his code and by that killing him. However, V.V made a devilish smirk and countered to both Lelouchs: "On the contrary…it is I who have checkmate you." Before snapping his finger 'What the?'

…and all of the sudden both Lelouchs couldn't move but V.V can. Out of the shadows, Nigoros appear with his Geass activated. "Well done, Nigoros…I couldn't believe that I will kill two birds with one stone. And I thought the son of Marianne would put up a fight…such a disappointment. Very well, Nigoros…you know what to do." He ordered to the young brunette that in the other timeline is Rolo Lamperouge.

"Yes my lord." Was his only response like a trained assassin, without a hint of emotion. Since using his Geass also stops his heart he needs to does this fast so pointed his gun first at Prince Lelouch. He was about to pull the trigger, until…

BOOM!

The cave was disturbed by a loud explosion outside and Nigoros had tripped and sent the gun flying over, and deactivating his Geass. Because of this, both Lelouch was now freed by the influence of Nigoros Geass. And it took them a minute to realize what had just happened when Lelouch finally gained his senses he saw Rolo.

Rolo what are you doing here?!


At the same time…outside

Suzaku has just arrived and he was indeed correct that Lelouch was being kidnapped since he just saw him with Zero going to the Cave. He was about to get him only to be interfered by both Kallen and Rai. "Kallen, Rai! Get out of my way!" Suzaku threatened to fire his VARIS rifle towards them however they dodge it, causing an explosion that disturbed the cave.

"We won't let you get in here Suzaku!" Rai proclaimed before firing his finger slash-harken at the Lancelot, which it dodges. However, it gave an opening to Kallen's Guren to fire her Radiant Wave Surger. Suzaku seeing this was triggered by his live command and quickly discarded his float system wings in order to drop back to the ground quickly. When he landed both Knightmares charged at him. And soon, the battle ensued.

Back at the cave…

V.V only got a minor headache, but when he sees that both Lelouchs still standing, he gritted his teeth and proclaimed. "Idiot! If you have to do something, do it yourself…" before revealing a trigger mechanism that will bury everyone inside the cave while maintaining the structure of the thought elevator, and pressed it.

Zero after regaining his senses caught sight of this and screamed at the top of his lungs…'NO!'

However, it was too late…

Boom!

The entire cave was starting to collapsed, the stalactites were also dropping from the ceiling, and they were all going to be buried alive here, and to make the matter worst it also triggered the Volcano nearby meaning they really need to get the heck out of here. V.V made his way towards the thought elevator, but before he does he was shot twice by Zero in the chest and legs, forcing him to leap away. "Damn you!" Zero spat before checking where is his doppelganger.

Back outside the battle was evenly match, until they heard the resounding explosion that was coming inside the cave that made them stop. Only did they realize that both of their respective commanders were still inside. Which so, they stop their battle and made a temporary truce to save both of them.

"Kallen you must save Zero! We need to make sure he is alive!" Rai ordered to her and she made her way to fetch Zero. Suzaku meanwhile has the same idea, I need to get Lelouch! However, bad luck was upon him as he soon found out that his energy fillers have run out…

No! Not this time!

Inside the cave, Zero has finally found Lelouch which was tending to take care of the one that supposedly killed them off. "Hey, we need to get out of here…" He said grabbing his shoulders, but Lelouch was emotionally attached to the assailant since this was the false sibling that he accepted and only at the end did he accept him.

"No, I won't leave him!"

He was going to grab him, but he was the one that was grabbed first courtesy by the Guren. "No, wait! We need to save Lelouch!" Zero roared to Kallen. However, Kallen with tears flowing already answered her commander: "I know Zero… but you're our first priority…"Zero was trying to get out the clutches of the Guren and screaming to Lelouch to get the hell out of there. Once the Guren was outside with Zero at its hand the Guren and the Gekka goes to their respective VTOLs and fly away with Gawain in tow.

Meanwhile, Lelouch was still inside still taking care of Rolo, and stated to him: "Don't worry…big brother won't leave you this time around…I promise" accepting his fate that he will die. Outside Suzaku gets out of his Lancelot and ran towards the cave…but it was too late. The cave had already collapsed, and Lelouch was still in there.

Suzaku face was plastered with shock…regret…and anger, how can he go back to everyone and say that Lelouch is dead? How can he tell this to Nunnally and even Shirley that the one they cherished the most is now at the other side because of him not fast enough?

Suzaku kneeled down, for the first time, and wept…wept like a child. It was the same thing he had done when he killed his father, but this time he was the one responsible for the death of his best friend. "No, no not again…this is my fault…" Suzaku talks to himself, between tears…he couldn't believe it. He failed. Again.

Suzaku screamed at the top of his lungs…

LELOUCH!


I FINALLY DID IT! AFTER TWO YEARS, MY STORY IS NEARLY COMPLETE! I'm so happy right now, I could die in happiness…just kidding. But for real though, I'm so glad that my story is nearly complete, like one chapter away. I was planning for this story to be completed since last year, but due to unexpected loss of inspiration and of course writer's block, I wasn't able to. Still, though, I'm proud for myself that at least I, F.C.C.S manage to complete his first story. The reason on why I wanted to finish this so badly is that in the past I read well-written first story for new Authors, but sadly…they never finish it. It's either they abandon it completely or just discarded it.

Anyways…there's no one I should be thankful for, other than the readers who follow this story from the time it first started to the days this was inactive and back to active once again, I'm really grateful for you guys. Right from the start, I never expected that this story will gain a large number of readers or fans, I just wanted to share my story that was completely out of the blue and wanted you guys to read about it. For me, numbers…is just numbers; as long as there's one person…just one person that still waited for the next chapter of Code Geass: Black & White, that's enough for me. Since back then, I was that kid. That one kid that stayed up all night reading fanfics, and waited days, weeks and even months for an update. And I hope that there is one, even though I won't be able to know you guys, I just hope there is.

Oh man, the waterworks…(Don't cry F.C.C.S it's not over yet). Well, that's about it. I don't need to explain the next chapter since it's fairly obvious that it would be the conclusion. And, before you go and rant when would it be, I promise you that it won't last a day after when this story first publish (November 16, for people who wanted to know). In fact, I'm writing it now, and nearly halfway there.

With that over with, WORD HUNT!

'The World turns upside down'-If someone going to ask me where I know this then I would be blunt: 'I heard this from the Hamilton the Musical' there I said it alright. But, I do know that it was supposed to be a song when Christmas was banned in England years ago. But hey, I may be wrong.

Ghost-Hmm…what ghost am I referring into, that is in Europe…hmm…if you know the answer please share down on the review J

Almost forgot.

Happy Bologna day (Wait…what's bologna?)

How to celebrate:

Make a bologna sandwich for all your meals. Try pairing it with different condiments to mix things up.

For a special dessert, try making a bologna cake - a cake made by alternating layers of bologna and cream cheese.

Make your own bologna sausage from scratch. (Hmm…that easy, too bad there's no bologna here in the Philippines)

So…this it guys, you already know the drill. This may be the last time I say this to you:

Please read and review.

F.C.C.S out!