Haho again! Here is the second chapter. I had this typed up already and possibly the third chapter as well but that pretty much where I stop for now. School is really picking up, it's the final stretch and I don't know when I can get to it. Still, hope you enjoy what I have so far.

Disclaimers: Same as chapter 1

Warnings: Angst, self depressive thoughts, internal mullings, quiet deaths (not gory)

Rating: K+ to T

Seventy years. It had been seventy years since the Zero Requiem. Seventy years since the world fell into a state of peace. Sixty-nine years since Suzaku had lost the ability to die. Completely.

But that was fine. In fact, it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. He was able to continue serving as Zero, his physical ability never deteriorating due to the inability to age. No one questioned his age or identity, the full faced masking hiding everything. And through it all, through his lies and disguise, the world was able to stay peaceful.

However, the biggest hit came when Kallen passed away. Through all the years of service, Suzaku actually forgot that he didn't age, but others did.

He attended her funeral and stood silently, not saying a word. Then, in the privacy of his own chambers, he let himself break down amongst the sheets, muffling his sobs in the pillows so that no one would come check on him.

The painful reality was that he would outlive everyone. He would live forever unless he decided to give a geass to another and then force them to take the code. Yes, force. Because no matter how Suzaku looked at it, this immortality was a curse.

And today, that painful reality was rearing its head once again.

The Benevolent Empress Nunnally vi Britannia was on her death-bed.

Suzaku had been informed by one of her personal maids that she was requesting his presence, all her other siblings unavailable due to being out of the country or long gone. The fact that she probably had some final orders for him were also highly likely.

So here he was, standing in front of her door, holding back tears and preparing himself mentally for what was to happen.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Upon entering, the kind empress slowly turned her gaze on him and it finally hit Suzaku how old she was. Which was funny since he had been serving her for years, but now? Like this, propped up in a bead with wrinkles adorning her once supple face, her lavender eyes still gentle but dull with time. Compared to the vibrant young girl confined to a wheelchair, this girl, no, woman, was a wise, exhausted leader.

"Zero" she called in a voice that sounded sleepy as well, worn with the pathways of time. "I'm glad to see you."

Suzaku approached her bedside and sat down on a nearby stool taking Nunnally's hand when it reached for his.

"My lady." he acknowledged only for the woman to shake her head.

"Please, call me by name."

Suzaku obliged.

Seeming satisfied, the Empress closed her eyes briefly before opening them and gazing out the window.

"I want to thank you, Zero, for sustaining the peace that so many have sacrificed their lives for." She smiled. "I appreciate all you have done."

Suzaku couldn't help the feeling of fondness that bloomed in his chest. Oh Nunnally. He thought to himself. Always so kind towards everyone. Even me.

"It was my duty My La- Nunnally."

The Empress simply smiled in amusement. Then she turned more solemn.

"I don't have many regrets in my life." she mused. "So there is not much to talk about, however. I do wish I could have spoken to your predecessor."

Suzaku blinked.

His predecessor? Did she mean Lelouch?

"He was the only one other than myself who knew the full story. The story behind the Zero Requiem."

Suzaku furrowed his brow, already having an idea of where this was going, but remind silent.

"My brother, Lelouch vi Britannia, who the world knows as the Demon Emperor, died that day. He died in the name of peace."

So it was about Lelouch. But not wanting to talk to him?

"I know it sounds ridiculous but Lelouch never wanted to rule the world." Nunnally smiled sadly, a tear trickling down the side of her wrinkled cheeks. "Instead, he took upon the responsibility of becoming an icon of hatred for the world so that his death would bring a peace like no other. No one remembers him for that though. In fact, I only figured this out as he spoke his last words beside me. And while he died for the world you see today, the world hates him like the plague and celebrates his death."

She looked at Suzaku, years of living reflected in her eyes.

"I wanted to tell you this, because with me gone, there is no one else to remember. It was why I wanted to talk to your predecessor before he died so that he would be reassured that I would pass on the truth. However, he passed away without so much as a goodbye."

Suzaku waited. He was confused. But something told him to wait, to see what the Empress would say next.

"I am unaware if you know, but my brother's most beloved friend was also his Knight. The Knight of Zero."

Wait…

"Suzaku Kururugi was this Knight, and your predecessor."

Oh.

Oooh.

Suzau couldn't stop the chuckle that bubbled up from his chest, gloved hands tightening their grip on the frail one they held. He looked up to see a somewhat scandalized look on Nunnally's face and tried to quiet his laughter.

"Oh Nunnally." he breathed out. "Most of the time, you are so smart. Figuring out the identity of one of the best kept secrets of the world. But at the same time, you can be so easy to deceive."

He reached up and pressed the button on the side of his helmet, hearing the tell-tale hiss of it releasing, and pulled it off.

It took a few seconds to sink in, but once it did, lavender eyes grew wide.

"S-Suzaku." she whispered.

The brunette smiled.

"Hello Nunnally."

The woman, still far too stunned to speak, reached up with shaky hands and Suzaku leaned in, allowing her to cup the side of his face. Upon contact, the Empress let out a gasp.

"It is you. It really is you." she said with a smile cresting over her disbelieving expression. "But…how? I don't understand."

"You can blame all this," Suzaku gestured at himself. "On the geass. Or more specifically, its Code."

"Its Code?" mumbled the Empress. "You mean, you're a Code Bearer?"

"I have been for nearly the past seven decades." Suzaku clarified, helping Nunnally lean back against her pillows. "And I will be for all eternity if I can help it. There won't be another geass wielder. I'll make sure of that."

It was with those words that the Empress relaxed and let out a deep sigh.

"Oh Suzaku." she said gently. "You were always so selfless. And everyone else seems to take advantage of that."

The brunette simply smiled.

Selfless? That was a first.

Then Nunnally let out a rattling breath which earned her a concerned look from the unmasked Zero.

"Would you mind, Suzaku, if I gave one last request?"

"Of course not Nunnally." and Suzaku tried even harder to hold back his tears knowing they would be far to visible.

"Please, look after Alexandria."

Alexandria vi Britannia was Nunnally's oldest daughter. Nearing her forties, she was married to a duke and had two lovely children. She also had a mind like no other, her wit and tactical outlooks a near complete replica of Lelouch. She was to be the next Empress. Nunnally's successor.

"Of course." Suzaku replied. "I will look after her, and her successor, and the successor after that. I'll look after all your future family members Nunnally and keep them and the world safe."

The woman chuckled gently and reached up.

"Don't cry Suzaku."

With those three words, the brunette couldn't help but do just that. He hunched forwards and let his forehead fall against her hand, a sob racking his shoulders. The Empress smiled and petted his hair wondering when her brother's poor best friend would finally find peace.

"Thankyou Suzaku." She said and lifted his face, whipping away more of the tears that pooled around his beautiful green eyes. "Every old end brings a new beginning. I have done what I can. Now the next generation needs to take over and do what they must so that their children will have an even brighter future. I've made mistakes, but I regret nothing, for I have learned from them, and I have grown from them, and now I can die peacefully because the world has learned as well."

Her wise words struck something in Suzaku, and the young man nodded, clearing his face and taking a shuddering breath.

"Don't worry Nunnally."

She smiled at him one last time.

"I won't. Thank you."

And with that, she closed her eyes, her breathing evened out, slowed, and then came to a final stop. One of the machines nearby flashed as the heart monitor flatlined but Suzaku ignored it in favor of bending over his Empress and letting the tears fall silently. Un-best known to him, one of the nurses chose that moment to open the door, her junior right behind her. But upon seeing the form of Zero, his mask on the side and the back of messy brown hair, next to the Empress with shoulders shaking, she closed the door and waited, stifling her own sobs.

Suzaku wasn't aware of how long he had been grieving when he lifted his head, Nunnally's hand cold in his. With a deep breath he stood up as gracefully as one could with the weight of death on their shoulders, grabbed his mask and exited the room.

100 years later

The sound of laughter and happy conversation sounded throughout the ballroom of the imperial palace, the many nobles gathered together for the celebration of King James's daughter's 10th birthday. Women and men of many different colors and physics littered the room, performing in ideal chit chat as their spawn flounced around, chasing down one another with gleeful grins. Amidst the bright clothes and sparkling jewelry a single lone figure stood to the side, an ever present shadow even where there was no light. The figure stood cladded in a form-fitting suite of deep indigo, the accents a a moonlight silver, the patterns on his inner cape a gradient of the two colors. His mask remained near unchanged, with the same hues of purple, if a bit dull and containing a few new streaks of silver. The ornate sword on his hip, a simple decoration for most, a lethal weapon to him. In an era where long and mid range warfare was preferred, swords and knives were nevertheless useless. Unless wielded by the royal family's ever present shadow. Always present, yet never there. Simply nothing.

Zero.

It was the quick footsteps and shrill yell of a child that got the shadow to look up. A small blonde girl with beautiful purple eyes bounded up to him, a drop of sunshine butting every other source of light to shame.

"Sir Zero!" She called out happily and Suzaku couldn't help the fond smile that sneaked onto his face.

"Good evening Princess Ashley." he acknowledged with a theatrical bow. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

The young princess giggled at her family's most prized guard's reaction.

"It's just Ashley silly." she said with another laugh. "But if I'm your Princess, then you have to be my Knight."

Suzaku chuckled and stood up straight.

"I am afraid your father already took me for himself in that regard, however, if you become a queen, that might be a different story."

Two other children bounded up beside the princess, a young boy and a young girl around the same age. Both had beautiful tan skin with sharp amber eyes and obsidian hair that reflected the light in a shimmering way.

"If Ashley becomes the queen, then Nari can become her King." Teased the girl, her long braid waving as she twirled.

"Layla!" Yelled the boy and crossed his arms. "Although she's not wrong."

Ashley frowned and placed her hands on her hips, a look of authority on her face, much like her father.

"Nari, if you want to be my King then you have to beat all the other boy's in a-a-"

"Sword fight?" Suzaku suggested and the blonde princess nodded.

"A sword fight." She nodded. "And that includes my brothers too."

Nari let out a groan of annoyance and Suzaku could understand why. The two sons of King James were by no means lazy royals. The first prince, Roland, preferred ground fighting and the second prince, Wilbur, had a passion for the navy, they were both trained in ceremonial arts, including the art of the sword. Nari was going to have a hell of a time against them.

"Come on Ashley, let's go bug your brother's right now." Layla urged, a light blush on her cheeks. "Bye Sir Zero." she called and tugged away her brother and best friend.

"Happy birthday Ashley." Suzaku called after them but there was no more humor in his voice. Ashley's birthday. It fell on the same day as that day.

The Zero Requiem.

Making note of how the festivities were going, Suzaku waved at one of the guards to let them know he would be stepping out for a minute.

Outside, the clouds were beginning to cover the moon and the first drops of rain splashed against his mask.

How long has it been? Suzaku wondered, making his way over to one of the many tables in the small garden plaza by the door. How long since that day. The Zero Requiem. Over a hundred years ago, this day would have been celebrated as overcoming a tyrant but now, even that was lost amongst the streams of time. In this day and age, no one remembered the Demon Emperor, or the Knight of Zero. The Black Knights were nothing but children's fairy tales, and Knightmares were fantasies that scientists scoffed at. The very military arsenol of the world had been destroyed by none other than Empress Alexandria after her husband had been killed in terrorist attack. But the world found new toys to play with, planes of speeds unreachable by the past's mecha-bots. Weapons of mass destruction that kill millions. The FLEJA warhead was kept of course, but it's neutralizer was lost somewhere down the line. And through it all, the peace had somehow been kept. Perhaps not always, a few scuffles always broke out but Suzaku couldn't help but applaud himself in his ability to take care of them. The past century could only be described as an era of fruitful peace.

But for Suzaku, it has been nothing but a constant stasis.

Truth be told, he feels better about the Code and his immortality but he finds himself many times drifting off into a memory unable to tell whether it is his own or someone else's. His repeated detachments from reality have become somewhat of a concern for himself, the constant peace not helping him ground himself.

Perhaps that is what he was doing, standing out in the rain, reminiscing about the times of old. Shirley, Milly, Rivalz, Nina, Euphy, C.C, Kallen, Nunnally, Lelouch.

"Lelouch.." he murmured.

I wonder how he's doing.

King James vi Britannia let his feet carry him outside the ball-room. His wife was enjoying her chatting with the other noble women, however he himself had enough chit-chat for the night fully intent on enjoying the rest of his remaining waking periods with his daughter. If only he could find her.

His search led him out onto the garden patio, the overhanging cover protecting him for the rain.

Pity. He thought. Such a wonderful night, ruined by the rain. At least you can still see the moon somewhat…..

The king's train of thought trailed off however as he noticed something on one of the tables. Deciding to investigate he walked closer and picked up the item a sudden pang of horror sparking in his gut.

This is Zero's mask.

If Zero's mask was here then…

The blonde man looked up and out over the garden, finding a figure standing in the rain. They stood there, arms hanging limply by their sides and their head tipped back. They didn't seem to care as the rain came battering down on them, their brown locks soaked to the bone along with their dark suite.

A very familiar suite.

"Zero…" the king mumbled and glanced down at the mask in his hands. If Zero was there, and his mask was here.

His mouth settling in a frown, King James made his way out into the rain, ignoring the way his heavy cloak sagged and his hair began to flop. The grass squelched under his boots and he had difficulty making his way over to his Knight. His knight who looked every bit as graceful as the stories and arts depicted, drenched as he was. Yet upon getting closer, the majestic image was dulled and the king slowed down.

The figure before him wasn't a man, wasn't one of his age or older. No, it was a child. A teenager just stepping out into the world of adults. His jaw still smooth, hair still gray free.

But his eyes were a different story.

Green orbs were dull, lifeless, as if the soul of the poor body had left leaving behind nothing but a corpse. They continued to stare sightlessly up into the sky, not caring of the rain as it trickled down his face.

James looked closer.

That wasn't just rain.

No, the boy before him was crying.

It hit King James then, that his most prized soldier, the warrior who has kept the peace thus long, was completely and utterly lost.

Lost in whatever pain he had concocted for himself.

Making up his mind, the blonde cleared his throat, catching the attention of Zero. Said man turned his face towards him, green eye seeing yet not. There was something very familiar about him. Something James had only seen in one place.

Empress Nunnally's photo album.

The album contained countless photos from the time of the Empress, passed down from generation to generation. However, it had gone from relieving memories to hiding secrets, the photos containing people and places that no longer existed both in the physical world and the minds of the people. James wasn't sure but…the boy before him. He looked like that one student from a photo that had the Empress surrounded by her friends.

What was his name again?

"I believe this is yours." the King said instead and held out the mask. Zero blinked slowly, seeming to not be present in the world, eyes falling to the purple helmet.

King James watched as sudden recognition flashed in his eyes and life returned to the corpse. With inhumane speed, Zero pulled out his sword and held its tip beneath the blonde's chin.

His eyes were wide with absolute terror.

The king proceeded to watch calmly as the Knight took deep shuddering breaths, slowly calming down. James waited patiently as Zero realized what he was doing and quickly sheathed his sword. His hands shook as he picked up the helmet, yet he didn't put it on.

Then it hit James.

"Kururugi." he said and Zero went still. His breathing slowed down even more and Zero turned away.

"Kururugi is dead." he whispered. James shook his head.

"I do not believe so. After all, you're here."

His knight showed no expression, simply tightened his grip.

"I'm not him. I am Zero."

The king sighed and, surprising even himself, reached out, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. Zero twitched and glanced up at him, emotion returning to his eyes.

"Zero is nothing but a mask. A puppet. An icon. In order for him to work, there must be someone pulling the strings. And that person is you, Kururugi."

The brunette simply started with a shocked expression. He blinked once. Twice. Then lowered his head in defeat. But James still saw the small smile on his lips.

"I see." he murmured before slipping on his mask. "I apologize to your majesty for the slip up you just saw. Please forgive me. I shall be returning to my duties now." And with that, Zero walked past the king, forever graceful, making his way back into the ballroom.

James sighed and looked up at the sky, the moon which peaked through the cracks in the clouds. The clouds that seemed to stop shedding their tears once their partner in guilt stopped shedding his.

I wonder, the king thought. When I will learn all your secrets, Zero.

And once again, Suzaku stood before the doors of the King's chambers. Only this time, his tears were non-existent and his posture was relaxed. Gone was the feeling of pain and grief. All that remained was a sense of cold emptiness.

Okay.

That was a lie.

Suzaku grinded his teeth and clenched his hands. Everytime. Every god-damn time. Whenever a ruler succumbed to the call of death, he found himself by their sides, trying not to drown in the amount of grief coursing through his body. Nunnally was first, then Alexandria, then her son, then his nephew, then a few more down the line, and now Fredrick.

King Fredrick had been Queen Ashley's Successor, who had been King James's. He had been a kind ruler, gentle with the ways he conducted diplomacy. It wasn't just the Britannian nation that loved him, but the entirety of the world. Having wedded the daughter of the Emperor of Japan, a strong alliance was formed. An alliance that resulted with the least amount of terrorist activity recorded in the ear of Peace. King Fredrick had accomplished many great things and now, he was finally going to rest.

With a deep breath, the masked figure opened the door and entered. Unlike with Nunnally, the King had his family around, thus he would need to make this quick.

The man in the bed was old. Very old. His once dark hair was almost snow-white with age, his purple eyes sunken in and his hands boney and frail. He looked as if a single breeze would send him into a pile of bones. He never had been the healthiest of kings, always suffering from one thing or the other. But his wife, Hikari, had been patient and with her knowledge of medicine, helped him heal faster than any other doctor could have. She couldn't heal herself on the other hand, and had succumbed to an illness that had taken over the Britannian Empire by storm. Suzaku was partially sure he had almost fallen ill as well, but the Code had made sure he healed quick enough that it didn't inhibit his performance.

The man in the bed turned his gaze on him and smiled.

"Ah, Zero, just the man I was looking for."

Suzaku took a seat next to him, just like he took a seat next to all the other rulers.

The following minutes were spent with, as usual, the "thank yous" and "well dones". Nothing new, the same old, but nevertheless appreciated. And Suzaku always ended it with a reassurance that he would continue to watch over the generations of royalty to come.

Only this time, the King looked solemn as he said so.

"I am afraid it won't be as easy this time Sir Zero." he rasped and Suzaku sat straighter.

"In my will," began the man. "I have given my throne to my daughter, Cornelia Marianne vi Britannia."

Suzaku blanked.

What.

King Fredrick had four children. The first prince was Schneziel Alexander vi Britannia. Terrifyingly, he resembled his namesake in both looks and wit. Whenever Suzaku was around, the blonde would show an uncomfortable amount of interest in him. Almost as if he was becoming obsessed with finding out the person under the mask. The second prince was Charles Wilbur vi Britannia, another dangerous one. Everyday, without fail, Suzaku has seen him down on the field beating up poor soldiers whom he ordered to challenge him. The man was built like a giant, with shoulders and arms that could in all honesty, easily break Suzaku in two. Not a pleasant image. The third prince was Vincent Vance vi Britannia. He was an annoyance but dangerous. The third prince was known for his short temper and nasty attitude. With his other qualities of finding enjoyment in torturous activities, many rumors had spread around the court. The only reason they tolerated him at all was due to his scientific findings and knowledge. The first princess on the other hand, was something else. Like her namesake, she was smart, with a thirst for battle like no other. However, she was much more level headed and kind than the other three, no malicious intent in her eyes. Polite and to the point, she was beloved by the nation. Her beauty also added to that love, blazing purple eyes and soft pink hair. Pink hair that reminded Suzaku all too much of Euphy.

Yes, passing the throne onto her would be a wise decision if only…

If only she wasn't so young.

Fourteen to be exact, fifteen in about four months.

"I'm sure you are aware of how my other children are. It is the biggest regret in my life that I was unable to raise them into proper princes. Their infatuation with old legends and fantasies has driven their minds to the precipice of insanity. THye care for nothing but themselves even if they excel in wit, strength, and knowledge."

The king turned his sunken eyes on Suzaku and grabbed his hand.

"I ask of you Zero. Please, protect Cornelia. Her brothers will, without a doubt, detest my choice and ignore my will. They will place her in danger and I can not allow that to happen. I know we may have disagreed on decisions in the past but this time, I implore you to please-"

"Your Majesty." Suzaku interrupted, sending a small squeeze into the elderly man's hand. "You need not say more. I will keep her safe. And I will help her watch over this kingdom as I have done for you."

The King chuckled softly and let out a sigh.

"Thankyou Zero. Thank you."

Then the door opened and the subject of their conversation burst in, followed by her brothers. Suzaku took this as his leave and stepped aside, allowing the small family to grieve and say their goodbyes. The masked man turned and left, closing the door as he did so.

He took a deep breath.

The princes aren't going to like this. He thought to himself. Should I notify the princess, or wait and see what happens?

With his options limited, Suzaku retreated to his chambers.

It wouldn't be long before the funeral was held, afterall, the King's passing was due to happen any day now. Till then however….

The brunette removed his helmet and ran a hand through his hair. The moonlight filtered in through the detailed window, the colors of its stained glass muted in the silver glow. A perfect backdrop to the shadow of the empire. Eternal, yet alluding. He placed the mask on the table, and then proceeded to lay his jacket, cravat and blouse on the chair. The immortal then flopped down on his bed cladded in only his pants and sleeveless black turtle-neck. He heaved a sigh and turned his head to face the only mirror in the room. An ageless face stared back, eyes half-lidded, and bangs falling to one side. A bright red, bird shaped mark danced across his forehead.

Suzaku scowled and turned the other way, not wanting to look at the one thing that kept him from his own eternal peace.

Although, he must admit, he was thankful for it on some levels. He has been able to preserve the peace that Lelouch had 'died' for. Preserve it for centuries in fact. How long has it been now? Almost 200 years? That was a long time for peace.

The young man flipped onto his back and stared up at the ceiling, a conversation of the past running through his head.

King James's wise words, to this day, had not left him. Zero really was just a mask, an icon. Since that night, coping with the world had slowly become easier. His moments of stasis were gone now. Not completely, but episodes only around once every two months was better than once every week. He wasn't sure if this was a side effect of the Code, or simply living for as long as he did, his mind unable to tell apart information from old and new.

Still, he was alive. Suzaku Kururugi was alive. And he would make sure the world remained in peace for as long as possible.

Okie, chapter 2 is done. Comments, favorites and so on are appreciated. This is not beta read so feel free to give me suggestions or corrections.

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