Lelouch heads towards C.C., as Zero takes Nunnally. He then sees Kallen and Gino with C.C. "Are these people bothering you?" He addresses C.C.
"Not at all. I was just catching up on what has happened after I left." C.C. replies.
"Now who are you?" Kallen asks Lelouch.
"I am Lord Julius Kingsley, Britannian military advisor." Lelouch answers.
"Kingsley, eh. Has anyone told you how much you look like Lelouch vi Britannia." Gino says.
"Sir Weinberg, I get asked that all the time, and I know how much I look like him." Lelouch answers. "Gino Weinberg, you are the former Knight of Three turned Black Knight, and pilot of the knightmare Tristan. Lady Kallen Kozuki, you are the Black Knight's ace, and pilot of the knightmare Guren."
"How do you know so much about us, when we know so little about you?" Gino asks.
"I have taken an interest in the Black Knights after the Second Black Rebellion. Zero seems as great a tactician as myself." Lelouch says.
"The first Zero may have been. The new Zero has yet to prove himself on the battlefield." Kallen says.
"And another thing, Kingsley. What is with the eyepatch?" Gino asks.
"So you do not know how he acts in combat. I figured as much, considering we are in a time of peace and reconstruction. And as for the eyepatch. It is more for aesthetics, both of my eyes are in perfect condition" Lelouch answers. "Now then, C.C., would you like to join me in this dance?"
"I would love to, Kingsley." C.C. replies.

As Lelouch departs, Zero takes Nunnally to some of the chairs laid out for some of the guests to rest at.
"Thank you, Zero. My legs just are not strong enough to support my weight." Nunnally says.
"Lady Nunnally, I never thought I'd see you at the party." Ohgi says, as he approaches.
"Prime Minister Ohgi, how are you, and the family?" Nunnally asks.
"Villetta is here, but our son is with Kallen's mother. Naoto is doing well, thank you for asking. Now, how long do you intend to be here, in the USJ, Empress?" Ohgi asks.
"You named your son after Kallen's brother, that is so nice of you. Now in regards to your question, I will return to Britannia when I am feeling better. I, as you can see, no longer need my wheelchair, but I need to strengthen myself when it is time for me to lead my country into the future." Nunnally replies.
"I understand. Not all of us are natural born leaders. I was a teacher before Naoto Kozuki brought me into his resistance group. As a Black Knight, Zero had me as his second-in-command. And now, I am the leader of the United States of Japan." Ohgi says.
"We are both placed into positions that we are not experienced in." Nunnally says.
"Ohgi." Villetta calls. "The dance is about to start." Ohgi then departs for Villetta.
"Feeling rested, Nunnally?" Zero asks.
"Why?" She asks. Zero holds out his hand. "Oh. I couldn't. I… I…"
"You just have to hold on. I'll lead the dance." He says.

Some of the couples that arrived start to waltz as the music starts, while others are milling about talking with the other guests.
"Gino. I want to talk with Kingsley, alone." Kallen says to Gino.
"What do you expect to get out of him? He sounds legit." He replies.
"Yes, but he is with C.C., and I don't think 'Kingsley' is who he says he is." Kallen says.
"And what makes you say that?" He asks.
"He said C.C.'s name. Shouldn't that spark intrigue." She says.
"Very well. Right this way." Gino says as he waltzes with Kallen towards Lelouch and C.C.
"Lelouch, I didn't think you knew how to waltz." C.C. says to Lelouch.
"I have waltzed before some eleven years ago. But that was then, this feels much different." He replies.
"How so?" She asks.
"Back then it was with my sisters, but now it is with someone I respect. You should be feeling the same. Your geass had you not enjoying this. But now, are you enjoying the waltz, considering that I am not being forced to love you." He says.
"I'll admit that this is a different experience than all those years ago." She replies.
"Kingsley, mind if we switch partners?" Gino asks.
"Not at all." Lelouch replies.
The four of them do a maneuver where Gino and Lelouch send Kallen and C.C. in between them. Kallen and C.C. waltz until they separate and join the others partner. Lelouch waltzes off with Kallen as Gino waltzes off with C.C.
"Kingsley, I want to talk with you in private." Kallen says to Lelouch.
"Alright. Lead the way, Lady Kozuki." Lelouch replies. Kallen then takes Lelouch to a back room.
"Okay, no one should bother us here. Now tell me, how did you survive your assassination?" She says.
"Kallen, I don't understand what you are…" Lelouch starts.
"Don't give me any of that, Lelouch! I know who you are, so answer my question!" Kallen shouts.
"When did you figure it out?" He asks.
"The moment you came out with Nunnally. Now tell me! How did you survive!" She says as she draws out her knife.
Lelouch removes the glove on his left hand. "Better if I show you." He says. He then takes Kallen's knife.
"What are you going to do?" Kallen asks, as Lelouch sets his hand down on a nearby table. He then strikes his hand with the knife, and screams in pain. "Lelouch!" Kallen panics. Lelouch then removes the knife, as he then falls to the floor.
Kallen then grabs her phone to call for help. "Kallen… No need." Lelouch says in pain.
"But your hand! You'll die! You'll die?" Kallen says as she realizes what has happened. Lelouch then regains movement in his left hand, and then removes the other glove and shows Kallen his palm.
"This same symbol is on C.C.'s forehead." He says.
"Lelouch, since you are alive, who is Zero?" She asks.
"The man behind the mask can never reveal his face to anyone. Zero is the idea of justice, faceless and unkillable. He is who I couldn't be." He replies.
"That does not answer the question I asked." She says.
"No, but it answers the question you were thinking." He replies.
"Zero has geass?" She says, shocked.
"Yes. He has the power to conceal his identity from everyone. Well, except C.C., and I." He answers. "And another thing. I have no intention of becoming the emperor again."
"Then why are you here?" She asks.
Lelouch then puts his gloves back on. "I am here to observe the events that are going to happen. I warned Zero, whether he takes my advice or not is entirely up to him. Now shouldn't we be returning to the party." Says Lelouch. They then return to the ballroom.
Gino spots Lelouch and Kallen. "Well, looks like they're back." He says to C.C.
"Then let's reunite with our partners." C.C. says. Gino and C.C. waltz over to where Lelouch and Kallen are. They then do the same maneuver from before, but with Lelouch and Gino in the middle.
"Well, this is awkward." Gino says.
"Agreed" Lelouch replies. When they return to their partners, Kallen and Gino waltz away. "You witch." Lelouch says to C.C.
"Imagine what I was thinking when you sent me with Kallen. Anyways, what did she want to know?" She says.
"How I survived the assassination. And I showed her by inflicting myself with an injury that would have killed me." He answers.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for coming to this reunion, and celebrating the second anniversary of Lelouch's death." Cornelia says. "And we wish you all a good night." The guests slowly leave the embassy. The only ones left now are Kallen, Gino, Lelouch, and C.C. along with Zero, Cornelia, Schneizel, and Nunnally.
"Nunnally, allow me to take you to your chamber. You must be tired after tonight's festivities?" Lelouch says.
"That's very kind of you, Kingsley. Thank you." Nunnally replies. Lelouch then takes Nunnally and heads for her chamber.
"Well, that confirms that suspicion. Now there is only one thing left to do." Gino says. He then approaches Zero. "I'm sorry Zero, but I need to know who really is behind that mask." He continues. Gino is about to reach for the mask, when he hears a gun click.
"Gino, I can't have you doing that." Schneizel says.
"Are you going to kill me for being curious?" Gino asks.
"Kill you, no. You are an Ace of Zero, too valuable to lose. I will merely wound you." Schneizel says.
"Schneizel, let him unmask me." Zero says. Suzaku then activates his geass as Gino prepares to remove the mask. Everyone is in shock when no face is revealed behind the mask. "Now the rest of you know what is behind the mask"
"The rest of us?" Schneizel says as he turns to face Cornelia. "Sister, did you know?"
"I am not as surprised as you to find out that Zero has no face, but I do not know his name." Cornelia replies.
"So, let me get this straight. Lelouch is Kingsley, and Zero is no one?" Gino says.
"It matters not who is behind the mask, but the actions that are done. I am the embodiment of justice." Suzaku replies.
"C.C. does not seem as surprised as the rest of us." Kallen notes.
"Geass has no effect on me, Kallen." C.C. says.
"Geass. Zero you have geass?" Gino says.
"Zero, put your mask back on before you lose concentration." Lelouch says, as he returns. Suzaku then takes the mask back and puts it back on.
"Well this has been an eventful night. Kallen shall we leave?" Gino asks Kallen.
"Very well, Gino. Well, enjoy the rest of the night." Kallen says as she and Gino leave.
"Zero, if you wish to speak with me again, meet me at the birthplace of Zero tomorrow night." Lelouch whispers to Suzaku. "Now, C.C., shall we leave. I have some things I need to do." Lelouch says.
"Alright. It was fun coming to this celebration. I had forgotten how much fun these things can be." C.C. says as they leave. Zero then leaves the ballroom, and heads for his chamber.
"Schneizel, were you really going to shoot Gino?" Cornelia asks her brother.
"If it came to it, I would have. Preserving Zero's identity is vital to keep the symbol he is alive. I serve Zero, and I owe him my life after he killed… removed Lelouch from power." He replies.
"Alright then, Schneizel. Let's check in with the homeland." Cornelia says.
In Zero's chamber, Suzaku removes his mask. "Lelouch. Why are you doing this to me?" He says to himself. He then walks over to the wardrobe and places the mask on a stand, and hangs his cape up.
"I know what will happen if I use my geass too many times. Unless I can turn it off, I will fade from existence. I've recorded every time I have used it, as well as learned the limitations of my power. Lelouch, your actions may cause the Black Knights to turn on me, as they did you. But unlike you, I can still hide my face." Suzaku says to himself. He then enters his sleeping area, and then grabs a notebook and pen to record the recent uses of his geass. After recording the events, he then tries to get some sleep.

The next day Suzaku is in Nunnally's chamber, unmasked. "Suzaku, may I make a request?" Nunnally asks.
"Anything Nunnally." He replies.
"I'd like to see the Black Knights Museum." She says.
"The museum is still under construction. But Shinjuku is not that far from here." He says. "Shinjuku? That is where I met Lelouch and C.C. three years ago. He wants to meet me there, tonight."
"Really? He must have something planned. He may be in Shinjuku this very moment. If he is, I want to talk with him some more. I want him to explain what he meant when he said he had a plan to keep me safe." Nunnally replies.
"Very well, milady. How is it you want to go to Shinjuku?" Suzaku says as he grabs his mask.
"Oh, there's so many possibilities now that the world has opened up for me. But Shinjuku shouldn't be too far to walk, after all you took Euphy there." Nunnally replies. "Do you still hate Lelouch, for what he did to her?"
"I may not have forgiven him for that, but he sacrificed himself as well as cursed himself to atone for what he did to Euphemia." He replies. "Now let's get you into something that is less regal, and more everyday, like Euphy did."
Nunnally changes from her formal wear, to an outfit that would make her pass as a citizen. Suzaku, who has placed his mask back over his face, and Nunnally head out to Shinjuku. Along the way, Nunnally is seeing everything she can, for she was blind for eight years, and couldn't walk for two more.
Suzaku chuckles. "Enjoying the sights?"
"Yes, very much. This is the first time in years I can enjoy the world as it really is. Oh, what's this?" Nunnally says as she sees something she has not seen before.
"It's just street food. It is nice to see Japanese culture returning though. Here I'll order one for you." Suzaku says. He then orders one of the crepes and gives it to Nunnally.
"This is really good. Now, how much longer till we are at Shinjuku?" Nunnally asks.
"Not much farther, come on." Suzaku says. When they finally reach Shinjuku, Suzaku leads Nunnally to the museum. At the entrance Suzaku then pays for tickets to enter. Once inside Nunnally is amazed at all of the sights.
"This was Kallen's first knightmare?" Nunnally asks as she sees the reconstructed red Glasgow.
"Yes. I only encountered it at Shinjuku. Every other encounter was the Guren. Oh, and here is Lelouch's Burai, and the Lancelot." Suzaku points out. They then proceed on to the Shinjuku exhibit, there they encounter two people arguing.
"I have permission from the headmistress to use this data in my class!" Lelouch says to the guard.
"I don't care if you have permission or not. You can only have this data if you have permission from both ambassadors, or the Empress herself." The guard says.
Suzaku and Nunnally approach. "What is the meaning of this?" Nunnally asks.
"What? Oh, Zero. This man was trying to make off with the battle logs from the Black Rebellion." The guard says as he notices Zero.
"Well, let him have the data. I give permission for the professor to use this data." Nunnally says.
"Who are you to say something like that?" The guard snaps.
"I am Nunnally vi Britannia. Let the professor use the data." Nunnally replies.
"I am so sorry your majesty. Very well, you got lucky Professor Lamperouge." The guard says before he returns to his post.
"Thank you very much. Your voice is very familiar. Are you the one Suzaku had me talk to a few years back?" Lelouch says.
Nunnally is shocked that Lelouch would act like he had never seen her before. "Yes, I am. I am so surprised that you look very much like my brother." She says.
"Let's hope that's the only thing we share in common. Wow, I can't believe I am in the presence of royalty. Oh, forgive me, I am Professor Lelouch Lamperouge." Lelouch says as he extends his hand.
Nunnally takes his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, professor." She says.
Suzaku then leaves them to talk, as he starts to look at the exhibit.
"It's amazing that they would have information from both sides, isn't it?" Lelouch asks Zero.
"It is interesting that they would do this. History is written by the winners, but times have to change. A recent history museum, better that than have this built in the future, where most details would have been forgotten." Suzaku replies.
"Lelouch, what did you mean last night? What is your plan?" Nunnally asks.
"Nunnally, in order for us to keep you safe, I recommend that you re-attend Ashford Academy. No one found us there three years ago. Talk it over with Cornelia and Schneizel." Lelouch says.
"Ashford, that sounds fun. But I would be abandoning the throne." She says.
"Have Cornelia and Schneizel act in your stead. Schneizel is not as manipulative as he used to be, and Cornelia can be better reasoned with." Lelouch says.
The three of them walk around the museum seeing all events of the Black Rebellion from Shinjuku up to where the construction is, the Battle of Fuji/Damocles, and the assassination of Emperor Lelouch. "The knightmares aren't here." Suzaku points out.
"It explains the open ceiling. It's just a matter of time until they are ready to be transported in." Lelouch says.
"But the Guren and the Tristan are still active frames. Kallen and Gino would have to give up their knightmares in order for them to be presented here." Nunnally says.
"Unless their creators create shells of the frames. The Zangetsu is still commissioned to Tohdoh, but there is a replica here." Lelouch says.
"So that's how they're going to get the Albian and the Shinkiro here. It also explains the Gawain." Nunnally says.
"Well Nunnally, it's getting late. We should let the professor get back to the Academy, and get you to Cornelia and Schneizel to discuss this plan." Suzaku says to Nunnally.
"Oh, Zero. Bring the Requiem Blade, you'll need it." Lelouch says as he departs. Suzaku and Nunnally leave the museum and head back to the embassy.

Meanwhile at the Tokyo Airport, Cyrus, Morgan, and Allison arrive, and depart from the plane they arrived in.
"So this is the United States of Japan. Well we have our mission to do, so no time for sightseeing. Remember our task is to spy on Zero." Morgan says to the others.
"Morgan, we know that we are to be undercover, but I would like to see Tokyo Tower. If it's still there, that is." Cyrus says.
"Well boys. I think this is where we part ways. I'll keep in contact, but don't expect daily chats." Allison says as she departs from her group.
"Come on, Cyrus." Morgan says from a distance.
Cyrus readjusts his glasses. "I really hate that power." He mutters.

Later that day, Suzaku heads back to Shinjuku after taking Nunnally back to the embassy, and collecting the Requiem Blade. He heads for the Kozuki residence. Once there he scales the building to Kallen's room, and knocks on the window.
Kallen opens the window. "Zero! What are you doing here?" She asks.
"I have a favor to ask of you. There is going to be a fight here in Shinjuku, I want you to break it up when it looks like I can't win." Zero says.
"What? Fight?" Kallen says, confused.
"Lelouch wants to fight me in a duel. I want you to stop it with the Guren if it looks like I cannot win." Zero explains.
"Understood. The Guren is at the academy, but when I get it started I will be there in no time." Kallen says as she rushes to the door.
"Kallen, stay out of sight until the right moment." Zero says.
"Got it." She says. They both leave the building. Zero walks around Shinjuku until he finds where Lelouch has set up the duel, while Kallen rushes to the academy to fetch the Guren.
Suzaku inspects the area and finds it mostly shadowed. "Lelouch, here I am." He announces.
"Good. Earlier than I expected." Lelouch says from the shadows.
"Lelouch, show yourself." Suzaku says.
"Very well." Lelouch says. He then steps out of the shadows, and to Suzaku's surprise he is dressed as Zero, but white and gold. "Here we are, face to face once again." Lelouch says as he draws his sword.
"What is it that you intend to do here? You wish to protect Nunnally, but your actions say otherwise. You want peace, yet you seek violence." Suzaku says.
"Every time we have met we fought each other. Ten years ago when Nunnally and I arrived at the Kururugi Shrine. Three years ago during the Black Rebellion. Our paths start with conflict, and then we work together. I want to prove that I am your equal." Lelouch explains.
"My equal? Lelouch, you are the opposite of me. You think before you leap. I rush into conflict. You sought to live, while I sought to die." Suzaku says.
"True, we are different, but we are also the same. We are Zero." Lelouch says. He then charges at Suzaku. Suzaku then draws his sword and blocks Lelouch's swing. They then jump back and prepare for the others next move. Lelouch then moves around, but Suzaku keeps his guard up. Lelouch then charges again, but jumps over Suzaku as he prepares to block. Suzaku then evades the attack. Suzaku's order to live is telling him to run, but he refuses to show weakness and keeps up the defensive.
"Lelouch, you know we can't die. We would be at this for ages." Suzaku says. He then spots the Guren up in the sky.
"True, but unlike you, time has no grasp on me." Lelouch says. He then swings his sword and Suzaku parries, and they keep this up for some time. Suzaku sees that Lelouch is getting exhausted and he strikes, but Lelouch deflects the swing and kicks Suzaku to the ground. "Reckless as ever. Your will to live has lead you to this?" Lelouch says as he approaches Suzaku.
"Keep your hands off of him!" Kallen shouts as she traps Lelouch in a sphere of radiant wave energy. "Zero, are you alright?" She asks Suzaku.
"Yes I am, thank you Kallen." Suzaku says as he gets up onto his feet. He then climbs on the Guren until he is on its shoulder.
Lelouch then sheaths his sword and inspects the sphere. He immediately retracts his hand upon touching the sphere.
"Zero, why is he dressed as you?" Kallen asks Suzaku.
"Because, dear Kallen, we are two different sides of the same person. He is the Black Knight, a knight for justice. And I am the White Knight, a knight of chaos." Lelouch says as he removes his mask.
"Zero said it would be you." Kallen says.
Lelouch laughs. "Lelouch vi Britannia, once again under the mask of Zero. I am surprised you never realized why I made Suzaku Kururugi the Knight of Zero." He says.
"You made him the Knight of Zero so he could have power. I destroyed the Lancelot along with Suzaku." Kallen says.
"And here you are doubting that. Who else would I have protect Nunnally or kill me." Lelouch says.
"Zero, what is he talking about? Is this true?" Kallen says with disbelief.
"The Knight of Zero was never a position among the Knights of the Round. It was to be Zero's successor." Suzaku says. He then sees Lelouch nod, and he removes his mask.
"But Suzaku, how did you survive?" Kallen asks, shocked to see the man she thought she killed.
"I escaped the Lancelot just before it exploded. The world is better off knowing that Lelouch and I are dead. Two power hungry fools should not be alive in this world." Suzaku explains.
Kallen releases Lelouch, who then climbs onto the Guren. "As I see it, Lloyd and Rakshata's project might not work with the two of you." He says.
"Project. What Project?" Suzaku and Kallen say.
"If you want the details, why not ask them yourselves. I am also curious as to what they are working on." Lelouch says as he replaces his mask. Suzaku then does the same, and Kallen takes them to the Academy to return the Guren, and to report the results of the small test to Rakshata.

At the Academy research lab, the hangar doors open. "Back already? That was fast. I wonder if she got the results." Rakshata says.
Kallen lands the Guren. Both Zeros jump off as Kallen rides the cable down. "Rakshata, here are the results." Kallen says as she gives the Guren's key the her.
"Very well done, Kallen. Now…" Rakshata starts until she sees the two Zeros.
Lloyd, Nina, and Cecile arrive to greet Kallen, but Nina stops as she sees the two Zeros.
"Nina, what's wrong?" Cecile asks Nina.
"Nothing. I just thought he was dead." She replies pointing at the White Zero, as he removes his mask.
"Your majesty, welcome back from the dead. I am still interested in researching that power, that is if you will allow it." Lloyd says to the Zero in white.
"Lloyd, I no longer have geass. If you want to research it, ask him." Lelouch says indicating Suzaku.
"And…" Lloyd says to the Zero in black.
"Lloyd, the answer is no. People who research geass use it for evil. Even if you have good intentions, it might corrupt you." Zero says.
"Your majesty?" Rakshata asks Lloyd.
"I guess I forgot to mention, the Emperor planned his death. The three of us knew, but I dug deeper into the plan and C.C. told me that Lelouch would have himself killed to live forever." Lloyd explains.
"Now about the knightmare you mentioned the other day." Lelouch says.
"How do you know about it?" Rakshata asks.
"Now I know why those two looked familiar." Lloyd says, realizing that Lelouch and C.C. were at the academy the other day. He then goes to one of the many computers and pulls up the data on their project. He then displays it on a projector. "I give to you, Merlin." He says.