In the command center of Horai Island, the Black Knights detect a knightmare approaching. "Ace Tohdoh, We have a knightmare approaching the island." One of the knights on duty reports.
"Bring up a visual." Tohdoh replies. They then bring up a visual of the approaching knightmare. "That's the Gawain." He says, recognizing the knightmare. He then begins to contact the knightmare. "Pilot of the Gawain, do you have permission to land here?" He asks the pilot.
"I do, Tohdoh, sir." Alistair replies over the radio.
"Whom do you have permission from?" He asks.
"From Commander Zero and Dr. Rakshata." Alistair replies.
"So they're starting to move the knightmares here. When are the others arriving?" Tohdoh says.
"The Aces will be bringing their knightmares later." Alistair replies. "Do I have permission to land here, Ace Tohdoh?" He asks.
"We will open the hangar for you to land." Tohdoh replies. The knights on duty begin to open the hangar. "I'm going to greet our guest." Tohdoh says as he turns and leaves the command center.
"Kyoshiro, is that necessary?" Nagisa asks.
"He isn't one of our pilots, and we haven't heard from Zero in some time now." Tohdoh replies. "As Zero's Aces, we are to represent while the commander is absent." He says, leaving.
"Asahina, you're in control for now." Nagisa says.
"On it, Chiba." Asahina replies, as Nagisa leaves after Tohdoh.
Nagisa and Tohdoh enter the hangar and watch as the Gawain enters. "There's Tohdoh" Lelouch says, seeing the Black Ace. "Chiba's here too." He adds, seeing the Yellow Ace as well.
"How do you want to do this?" Alistair asks.
"Lelouch, he'll kill you." Zero says, starting to remove his mask.
"He'll try to kill you, if he sees that you have geass." Lelouch says, stopping Zero.
"I'll distract them. Besides they don't know you're here." Alistair says. He then opens the hatch of the knightmare and climbs down, approaching the two Aces.
"Now's our chance." Lelouch says, covering his face as best as he can. He and Zero jump down from the Gawain and rush towards Zero's quarters.
"Is that, Zero?" Nagisa asks, as she hears the two drop down and sees them run off. Tohdoh turns to sees a brief glimpse of both Zeros exiting the hangar.
"What are you playing at!" Tohdoh says, drawing his sword at Alistair.
"I'm simply following the orders I've been given." He replies, raising his hands. Tohdoh then swings his katana at Alistair, but Nagisa blocks the attack with her own katana.
"Tohdoh, Zero probably has his reasons for coming here unannounced." She says, defending Alistair. Alistair then falls back to the safety of the Gawain.
"That's if it's Zero." Tohdoh says, sheathing his sword and heading towards the exit.

After Nunnally's call with Lelouch, she's been worried for the rest of the day. "Something wrong, Nunnally?" Amanda asks.
"Something's come up with my brother, and I don't know what to do." Nunnally replies.
"He's your brother, you should be by his side." Amanda replies.
"I know, but this might be the last we see each other, Amanda." Nunnally replies.
"Are you leaving the country?" Miles asks, overhearing the conversation.
"I'm not sure. As much as I love it here, it's been awhile since I've been home." Nunnally replies.
"Well, go. I'll inform the principal that you left and returned home. That would be the homeland, right?" Amanda says.
"Correct." Nunnally replies. She then gets up and heads for the door. She then turns around and faces the council for the last time. "It's been fun here, for the time I was here." She says.
"It always is fun at Ashford Academy." Amanda says. The council waves goodbye to Nunnally as she leaves the room, and heads for the embassy.

At the embassy, Nunnally stands outside, looking at the building. 'I've never felt nervous about entering this place.' Nunnally thinks to herself. Just as she is about to walk forward, someone grabs her shoulder. She screams in panic and turns around to see her older brother, Schneizel.
"Nunnally, what are you doing here?" Schneizel asks.
"Schneizel, don't ever do that again." Nunnally says, panting. "Lelouch called me and said that I should head for Horai Island." She replies.
"He did, did he?" Schneizel says.
"He also said to bring you and Cornelia, and that I have to make a choice. I don't know what he meant by that." Nunnally says.
"Let's get inside and discuss this with Cornelia." Schneizel says, leading Nunnally inside. When inside, they make their way towards the conference room. "You wait here, I'll get Cornelia." Schneizel says.
"No, Schneizel. I'm not going to wait here. I'm going to get changed out of this uniform and into my dress." Nunnally says as she heads off towards her quarters.
"She sure does have his attitude." Schneizel says as he heads for Cornelia's quarters.
When Nunnally enters her quarters, she approaches her closet and picks out her empress's robes, a feminized version of Lelouch's robes. She stripps out of her school uniform, and begins to put on her robes. "What choices am I to make?" She asks herself. "Whether or not I join the UFN. But Lelouch said that wasn't what I was to make a choice on." She says. "The Knight's of the Round!" She says, realizing that they would be reformed or not based on her choice. "Now, why would I not join the UFN." She says. "Britannia still has the largest population in the world, so I'd either have to break up the empire, or enter with reduced votes." She continues.
"I believe in you, Nunnally. You'll do the right thing." Says a voice. Nunnally looks around and catches a brief glimpse of Euphy.
"Euphy." She says, after seeing her spirit. "Then I know what I have to do." She says. She then leaves her quarters after getting dressed in her robes, and heads for the conference room. When she enters the conference room, she sees Cornelia, Guilford, Kanon, and Schneizel all in the room.
"Your majesty." Guilford and Kanon say as they bow to Nunnally.
"We're going to Horai Island. There's something I need to discuss with the UFN, in person." Nunnally says.
"Nunnally, what is this all about?" Cornelia asks.
"This is for the future of the world, Cornelia. I have finally made my choice in regards to Britannia joining the UFN." Nunnally replies.
"Would you care to tell us?" Schneizel asks.
"I still need time to think my decision over, but everyone will know once we are at Horai Island." Nunnally says. She then turns and leaves the room.
"Nunnally. Everyone believes that you are back in the homeland." Cornelia says as she and the others catch up to Nunnally.
"There is no need to treat me like a child anymore. I've grown up under the protection of my brother for years, now is the time that I grow up by myself." Nunnally says. "Besides, it was all reports, there was no footage of me returning to the homeland."
"The flag ship is in the homeland, Nunnally." Schneizel says.
"We'll take a personal transport. Now let's go, let's not be late." Nunnally says, leading the group.

Lelouch and Zero enter Zero's quarters. "I think they saw us, Lelouch." Zero says.
"I'm not too concerned." Lelouch replies. "Now where are they?" Lelouch says, looking throughout the room.
"What are you looking for?" Zero asks. He then sees Lelouch open a secret panel.
"Here it is." Lelouch says as he grabs a spare mask from the hole in the wall.
"How long was that there?" Zero asks.
"Since we were given Horai Island. I had it installed to store spare uniforms, in case the one I wore was damaged." Lelouch replies, tossing the spare mask to Zero. Zero then removes the white mask, and puts on his signature black mask. He then sets Lelouch's mask on the center table. Lelouch walks over and grabs the mask, the panel closing behind him. Just as he places his mask on, the door opens and Tohdoh and Chiba enter the room.
"Ace Tohdoh, it's nice to see you again." Zero says, getting up.
"The same to you, Commander." Tohdoh replies. He then sees the white Zero. "I don't know who you are, but you are not Zero."
"Tohdoh!" Chiba says.
"Kyoshiro Tohdoh, I am very much Zero." Lelouch says. "You are one of the knights that pointed a gun at me. If those knightmare weren't there I could have made all of you stand down. Or I could have had you kill each other."
"You!" Tohdoh says, drawing his sword. "You are supposed to be dead!" He says, swinging his katana at the white Zero. Zero then draws his sword and blocks Tohdoh's attack. "Commander, why are you defending this demon?" He asks.
"Tohdoh, I know your hatred of the power of geass. But did you ever ask yourself if I had that power." Zero says to Tohdoh.
"Zero, if you have geass, then you're just as bad as him." Tohdoh says as he swings the katana again. Both Zeros jump out of the way and Zero sheaths his sword.
"Tohdoh, you'll gain nothing from fighting me." Zero says.
"Zero if you are a user of geass, then you shall pay for using such a power." Tohdoh says. "Chiba."
"On it." She replies, drawing her katana. They then charge the two Zeros, who jump over them and head towards the door.
"I think we should take this elsewhere, don't you agree Zero?" Lelouch says to Zero.
"I agree." Zero replies. He and Lelouch then exit the room and bolt away from the two Aces. When they exit the headquarters, the Aces are right behind them, and prepare to strike them again.
"Tohdoh, let's think this through." Lelouch says. "You're attacking your Commander, and for what reason." Lelouch says.
"I will rid the world of geass. No one should ever use that power." Tohdoh replies. "If I have to kill Zero, then I atleast remove geass from the Black Knights."
"Then strike me down, Tohdoh. If I die, the Black Knights will break apart." Zero says, holding his arms out.
"We Aces will see to it that the Black Knights won't break apart!" Tohdoh says. He then charges at Zero, his katana poised to pierce his chest.
"This is not where you die!" Lelouch says, getting in the way of Tohdoh, who pierces his chest. Tohdoh releases his grip on his sword, and removes Lelouch's mask.
"I thought Zero killed you." Tohdoh says, as he sees Lelouch's face.
"He did." Lelouch replies. He then coughs up some blood and collapses to the ground.
"Zero, why wasn't he dead?" Nagisa asks.
"Are you still going to kill me, Tohdoh?" Zero asks.
"Zero, you will always remain a mystery to me." Tohdoh replies. "At least I killed the demon." He continues, pulling his sword from Lelouch's chest.
"Ace Tohdoh, more knightmares approaching!" One of the knights in the command center reports.
"That would be C.C." Zero says.
"C.C. Why would she show her face here?" Nagisa asks.
"She is a friend. Let her and the others land." Zero replies. The Aces then head back into the base, while Zero picks up Lelouch's body and mask, and returns back to his quarters.
"Master Zero." Kaguya says as she spots Zero, returning to his quarters.
"Lady Kaguya, I'm busy at the moment." Zero says.
"Well, I'll just follow you. I have something to discuss with you." She says.
"And what would that be?" He asks.
"You're Nunnally's knight, so do you know the whereabouts of the Empress?" She asks.
"She's in Pendragon." Zero replies. He then enters his quarters, with Kaguya right behind him. He then lays Lelouch on the couch, placing his mask back on.
"What happened to him? Is he…" Kaguya asks, seeing the blood stained Zero set on the couch.
"He got on Tohdoh's bad side. As for the other question, he is not quite dead." Zero replies. He then takes a seat on the other couch.
"Zero, Nunnally is not in Pendragon. Every time I tried to contact her, I was told that she was busy and that I should speak with the Ambassadors." Kaguya says. "Zero, do you know the exact whereabouts of the Empress?" She asks.
"I do." He replies. "She will be arriving here later to discuss what the future will hold."
"Really!" Kaguya says, shocked to hear this. "Then I'll get everything ready for her arrival." She says, leaving the room.
"Is she gone yet?" Lelouch asks, as he hears the door close.
"She is." Zero replies. "How do you intend to activate my code, Lelouch?" He asks.
"Simple. You have to die." He answers.
"Lelouch, you know I can't die!" Zero says, angrily. "How do you intend to activate my code?" He asks again.
"You have to die." Lelouch repeats. Before Zero can react, Lelouch continues. "I'll be the one who activates your code. I'll be repaying the favor you did for me." He then starts to laugh.
"What's so funny, Lelouch?" Zero asks.
"During the Rebellion, we were always repaying each other favors. You saved me at Shinjuku, and I saved you from Jeremiah. You saved me from that fall, and I got you into the student council. Then there was the incident with Mao." Lelouch says.
"And we never knew we were each other's enemy." Zero says. He and Lelouch look at the door as it opens, and they see C.C. and the others enter the room.
"Lelouch, what happened to you?" Cyrus asks, seeing the blood stain on his chest.
"I should be saying the same for you." Lelouch says. He then snaps his fingers and returns back to normal.
"My geass went wild." Cyrus says. He then puts his hands to his head. "Professor… It hurts." He says, falling to his knees. "All the voices in my head."
"Cyrus there are two people that you can't hear." Allison says, comforting Cyrus.
"Thank you, but… Huh?" He says, as he sees Zero approaching.
"I had an encounter with someone who had the same geass as you do." Zero says. He then grabs Cyrus's hands.
"Zero, what are you doing?" Lelouch asks.
"He can hear my thoughts. There's not much I can hide from him now." Zero says. "Cyrus, look at me, and focus." Cyrus then looks up and stares at Zero's visor. He then hears all of Zero's thoughts.
"You! You're…" Cyrus says, as he focuses on Zero's thoughts.
"Do not say my name. I am a friend, and an enemy. I am a savior and a destroyer. I'm a hero and a villain. Justice and chaos. That is what Zero is." Zero replies.
"Cyrus, you have to keep it secret." Alistair says. Cyrus looks up at Alistair, and hears his more recent thoughts.
"You know too. You know that he's…" Cyrus says, but is stopped by Alistair.
"Secret, Cyrus." Alistair says.
"I think it's time I reveal what really lies beneath the mask to the Black Knights." Zero says.
"Zero, don't even think it." Lelouch says, angrily
"I have to. There will be other Zeros after me, Lelouch." Zero replies. "Have you not thought this through. We both know why Zero exists." He adds.
"Knowing you, I can't talk you out of this." Lelouch replies, giving up.
"You could try, but it probably won't work." Zero says, chuckling. He then heads for the door, but before he reaches the door Kallen and Gino enter the room. "Kallen, Gino, what are you doing here?" Zero asks them.
"Rakshata called us that you had returned to headquarters." Kallen replies.
"And that we were to take our knightmare back to Horai Island." Gino replies.
"Since both of you are here, I can get to my announcement." Zero says.
"What announcement?" Kallen and Gino ask.
"I will reveal what lies beneath the mask of Zero to the Black Knights." Zero replies.
"Well, I won't have any part in this." Lelouch says, as he heads for the door. "I'll watch, but I won't be involved." He says, leaving the room.
"Isn't Tohdoh going to kill him again?" Gino asks.
"You heard of that. He almost killed me, but Lelouch stopped him." Zero says.
"Zero, what you're about to do, will have repercussions." C.C. says.
"I know, but it has to be done." Zero replies.
"I'll go and make sure that Lelouch doesn't get killed." C.C. says, just as she leaves the room.
"Since we aren't Black Knights, at least not yet, I think we'll go with C.C. and watch the speech." Morgan says. He and the others turn and leave the room.
"Cyrus, aren't you coming?" Allison asks.
"I'll catch up with you guys later." He replies as they leave the room. "Sir Kururugi, it'll be an honor to serve with you." Cyrus says, saluting.
"The same to you, Cyrus." Zero says. Cyrus then leaves the room and heads in the direction of the others.
"You let him use your name?" Kallen asks.
"I told him he could." Zero says. "Now, let's get things prepared for my speech." They then leave the room and prepare for the speech.

When all of the Black Knights have been gathered, Zero looks over his shoulders and sees Tohdoh and Nagisa to his left, in their full Ace's uniforms. He then looks to his right and sees Kallen and Gino in their full Ace's attire. He then turns around and faces the assembly of knights. "My fellow Black Knights, who is Zero? Not which of us is Zero, but what it means to be Zero." Zero says. "We are all Zero." He continues after a brief pause. "Zero lives on inside of all of us, for I am an idea." He adds, moving his hands towards his mask.
"I am cursed with and by a supernatural power." Zero says, removing his mask. The crowd gasps as they sees what lies beneath Zero's mask. "I am the second in a long line of Zeros, for I will leave one day. But that day is far into the future!" He says. The crowd cheers as they hear this, and Suzaku looks up and sees Lelouch and the others watching from the catwalk, high above the crowd.
"I don't think he needs me anymore." Lelouch says, removing his mask.
"Professor, what will you do now?" Morgan asks.
"I don't know. I am at the mercy of time." Lelouch says. "Who knows, maybe I'll take up the mantle of Zero again."
"What reason would you become Zero for?" Cyrus says, still looking at the speech.
"So you know why Zero exists." Lelouch says.
"I do. You completed your goal, and he is working on completing his." Cyrus says.
"What is Zero's goal?" Allison asks.
"Well, Alistair will be happy to hear this." Cyrus says, looking at the group, seeing Alistair blush. "He is to ensure Nunnally's protection and maintain her peace." He continues.
"This is a nice calm we are having, but how long will it last?" Connor asks.
"It could be forever, but Nunnally wouldn't like it." Lelouch replies. He then goes to drop the mask, but C.C. takes the mask before he can drop it.
"Lelouch, the world still needs this Zero." C.C. says, holding the mask close to her. They then face Zero, as he starts to speak again.
"You all may have heard of the white Zero. Fear not, for he is no more. I have embraced my inner chaos, fully accepting who I have become. I am no longer a lost soul. Instead, I am the soul of justice, your leader. For I have accepted who I am." He says, placing his mask back on. "I am Zero!" He says, with a large flourish of his cape.
After the crowd has dispersed, Zero sees Lelouch and the others leave. "Zero, that was amazing." Kallen says, impressed by Zero's speech.
"You conceal your face with geass." Tohdoh says.
"I have to, for it is part of the contract I made with a demon." Zero says.
"The demon is dead, I killed him myself." Tohdoh says.
"Lelouch is a lot harder to kill now, Tohdoh. Besides, if it wasn't for him, I'd be dead." Zero says.
"Is he dead or alive?" Tohdoh asks. "You said that he was gone."
"His task has been accomplished. He no longer needs to be Zero again." Zero replies. "He is still alive, but you will gain nothing from killing him again and again. Now if you'll excuse me, there's something I need to attend to." Zero says, leaving the Aces and heading for his quarters.
"What do they have planned?" Kallen says to herself.
"Shall we find out?" Gino says, hearing Kallen. He and Kallen then head after Zero.

Back in Zero's quarters, Lelouch and the others wait for Zero to return. "Professor, what's on your mind?" Cyrus asks, as he sees Lelouch pacing the room.
"I'm just trying to figure out how to kill Zero." He replies.
"You're the one who cursed him in the first place. He can never die." Cyrus says.
"I know! I ordered him to live!" Lelouch shouts, facing Cyrus.
"Kamine Island." Alistair says.
"What?" The others ask, looking at Alistair.
"M.M. had the shrine rebuilt." Alistair replies.
"We know that, Alistair." Morgan says.
"Fight him in C's world. That should make it an even fight." Alistair says.
"C.C., could you take us to C's world from here?" Lelouch asks.
"No. I'd have to be near the thought elevator to do that." She replies. The door then opens and Zero enters the room.
"You took your time, Zero." Lelouch says.
"I'm ready for our last duel, Zero. Where are we going to have our duel?" Zero says.
"We will be going to Kamine Island." Lelouch answers.
"Kamine Island, why?" Zero asks, but then realizes the importance of Kamine Island. "C's world. But Lelouch, we destroyed the thought elevator." Zero says.
"You did what!" Cyrus and the others say, shocked to hear it.
"We don't need the thought elevator, for I'll be sending you directly into C's world." C.C. says.
"So, that's it then. Our next destination will be, Kamine Island." Lelouch says. "Cyrus, you and the others explore the base. This will become your home, someday." Lelouch adds. He, Zero, and C.C. leave the room and head for the hangar. Once in the hangar, Zero heads for the Gawain. "I think we should take separate knightmares." Lelouch suggests.
"Do you have any reason for that?" Zero asks, turning to face Lelouch.
"As it stands, I am not welcome here. At least in this current state." Lelouch replies.
"I'll stay on Kamine Island." C.C. says. Zero and Lelouch look at her. "Isn't this what you had planned, Lelouch?" She asks.
"Reforming the Order, yes." Lelouch replies. Zero then looks at Lelouch.
"You intend to reform the Order?" Zero asks.
"To teach how to use geass for good, not evil." Lelouch replies.
"When my contract is finally complete, we'll all do it, together." Zero says. He and C.C. head for the Gawain, while Lelouch heads for one of the Akatsuki's. With the knightmares powered up, they then leave the base and head for Kamine Island.

When Lelouch, Zero, and C.C. arrive on Kamine Island, they land their knightmares near the shrine. When they exit from their knightmares, they see some other knightmares as well as former members of M.M.'s Order. "We're making the world a better place, for everyone." Zero says, seeing the Order working on constructing shelters around the shrine.
"We will better the use of geass and prevent any kind of war that would use the power. For the Black Rebellion was the war to end all wars." Lelouch says. He then heads for the main shrine.
"The war to end all wars. That was the plan, and we saw it through." Zero says. He and C.C. follow Lelouch. When they enter the shrine, they all stand on the center platform and prepare to descend into the lower shrine.
When they enter the cave, Lelouch moves towards the thought elevator. "Who knows, maybe we'll rebuild it." He says, inspecting what was the thought elevator.
"We used radiant wave surgers, most of it would have vaporized." Zero says, looking at the damage they did a while back.
"It'll take all of us to reconfigure a new one." C.C. says. "Are you ready to enter C's world?" She asks. Lelouch and Zero look at each other and nod in agreement.
"We're ready, C.C." They both say.
"Then take hold of my hands, and I'll send you there." She says, extending her arms out. Lelouch and Zero both take hold of her hands, and watch as her code lights up. A red light encompasses the trio, and C.C. looks at both Lelouch and Zero. "Fair thee well, Zero" She says, before sending them into C's world. When they are gone, C.C. brings her hands together, as if in prayer. "Lelouch, I hope you know what you're doing." She says with concern.

There is a red glow with in the Imperial Palace of Pendragon. When the glow fades, Lelouch and Zero look around at their surroundings. "Pendragon?" Zero asks.
"We're in C's world." Lelouch says, removing his mask.
"How do you know?" Zero asks.
"Look around, Zero. You've been in my Pendragon, and you've been Nunnally's Pendragon. Tell me how they differ." Lelouch says, moving towards the throne. He then takes a seat in the throne and crosses his legs.
"This is the Pendragon that C.C. prevented from returning." Zero says, placing all the pieces together.
"Zero, I will put you to the test." Lelouch says looking around. "I will have our duel broadcasted to the entire world."
"Lelouch are you crazy! The entire world doesn't need to know of this!" Zero shouts.
"Ah, but they do." Lelouch replies. "Zero is an idea, and when the world sees what you are, they'll know." Lelouch explains. "Now, since we are going to be revealing this to the world, let's give them a show they'll never forget." He continues. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get changed to play my part." He says, getting up from the throne and leaving the room.
Zero takes off his mask and looks around the room. "So this is to be my home, for the rest of my contract." He says. He then sees a vision of Nunnally.
"Zero, won't you join me in this dance?" Nunnally asks. Zero then extends his hand out and takes Nunnally's. Lelouch enters the room dressed in his full emperor's robes, and sees Zero waltzing by himself.
"I don't mean to be rude, but what is going on here?" Lelouch asks. Zero then opens his eyes and looks at Lelouch. Lelouch then picks up Zero's mask and tosses it back to him.
"So this is how we'll do this, demon vs demon." Zero says.
"I have to put on a show. Besides, no one would ever want me back in power." Lelouch says.
"Then I'll help you put on that show." Zero says, smiling.
"It's so nice to see you smile again, Suzaku." Lelouch says. "Now get into position, for this will be our last show." He continues. Zero then places his mask back on and looks around the room, looking for the best place to enter the duel.
"I think I'll do the same thing from last time." Zero says, looking up.
Lelouch thinks it over until he realizes what Zero ment. "Oh! How to sell the show, Zero. Now go." Lelouch says. Zero then climbs up to the highest point in the room and waits for his queue. He then sees Lelouch raise his right hand above his head. "God, the Collective Conscious, hear my request!" Lelouch says, looking up. The ceiling fades a little and sky of C's world appears. "I wish to show the world the true power of Zero!" He then sees the geass symbol appear in the sky, and knows his wish has been granted. He then chuckles a little. "Let the show begin."

All around the world, all broadcasts are interrupted. "We lost the signal to Horai Island." Guilford says, as the communication with Kaguya suddenly goes black.
"Try and get it back up." Schneizel says.
"I've been trying, but there seems to be nothing wrong." Guilford replies.
"We're getting something." Nunnally says as the screen shows signs of power.
"Hear me world!" They hear from the screen.
"Is that…" Cornelia asks, after hearing the voice. Suddenly the screen shows Lelouch in Pendragon Imperial Palace.
"I am Lelouch vi Britannia, and I have returned from the depths of hell to reclaim what is rightfully mine!" Lelouch says.
"That bastard! We should have killed him when we figured out he was Kingsley." Cornelia says.
"Kaguya did say that Zero wasn't there." Nunnally says.
"You think Zero is with him?" Cornelia asks.
"If he is, he'll deal with Lelouch. Let this play out. I don't think we could intervene, even if we could." Schneizel says.
"There is nothing, anyone can do to stop my return!" Lelouch says, laughing. Zero then drops down from his vantage point, and when he approaches the floor, he does a spin and gets low to the floor. Lelouch stops laughing when he hears Zero land, and turns around to see him stand up.
"I let my guard down." Zero says standing up. "Now, I'll make sure you never return!" He says, turning around and drawing his sword.
Lelouch chuckles a little. "Don't you see, Zero. You're in my domain." He says, indicating the whole palace. "You have no power here, Zero. And when I finish with you, I'll be back to my full power!"
"I'd like to see you try!" Zero says as he charges at Lelouch, sword poised to pierce his chest. Before the sword touches Lelouch, he raises his hand and snaps his fingers, disappearing in a flash of red. Zero stumbles forward where Lelouch was, but quickly regains his balance. He takes up a defensive position when he hears Lelouch's laughter echo throughout the palace.
"It's time the world knows who you really are." Lelouch says. Before Zero can turn around and face Lelouch, he has already grabbed his mask, removing it. "Nothing? I hardly believe in ghosts." He says as he reveals Zero's face, or lack thereof, to the world.
"I am an idea, faceless and unkillable. I am Zero!" Zero says, turning around swinging his sword. Lelouch disappears and drops the mask, as Zero makes his move. Zero catches the mask and puts it back on. He then looks around for where Lelouch would pop up, when his order to live tells him to dodge, after he hears a sword being unsheathed. When he gets out of the way, Lelouch drops down, his sword penetrates the ground where Zero stood. Zero looks at the blade and sees that it looks very much like the Damocles.
"I'm impressed, Zero. Now we have an even match. I won't let you catch me off guard this time around." Lelouch says, standing up, drawing his sword from the floor. He then charges at Zero, and the two lock blades. The two disengage, Zero takes up the defensive while Lelouch swings his blade with grace and finesse. Zero sees an opening when Lelouch prepares a cleave, and makes his move. Lelouch, seeing that Zero has an opening, disappears when Zero makes his move.
'Where is he?' Zero thinks to himself. His order to live is telling him to run, but he refuses to be forced to flee. He then jumps into the air, when his order tells him to dodge. When he looks down he sees Lelouch, having thrust his sword where Zero was, watching where he will land next. Lelouch turns and blocks Zero's strike just as he lands. "We'll be at this forever, you demon!" Zero shouts, noticing that the duel could go on forever. He then goes against his order and charges straight at Lelouch.
"Reckless as ever!" Lelouch says as he sees Zero's charge. He stands his ground, swinging his sword just as Zero prepares to strike him down, knocking the sword out of Zero's hands. Zero tumbles to the floor, passing through where Lelouch just was, until his order screams at him to get up and flee. He then hears Lelouch's footfalls approaching, and looks up to see Lelouch preparing to impale him. "It's a pity it had to end like this." Lelouch says, raising his sword. Zero then propels himself back up, knocking Lelouch back. When he's back to his feet, Zero runs towards his sword and heads for cover, behind a column.
'Lelouch, this isn't going to work.' Zero thinks to himself.
"Suzaku, it doesn't matter what happens, we'll be together again at last." Euphy says, appearing before him.
"Euphy." Zero says. Euphy then kisses his mask and disappears in a flash of pink. Zero then looks down at his left hand, and his order to live is telling him something he never thought he'd hear. 'I have to… die' He hears the order say.
"So this is how you react?" Lelouch says, taunting Zero. "You're no hero, you are a coward who doesn't want to face his destiny!"
'This is it.' Zero thinks to himself. He then walks out from his cover, and sees Lelouch panting. "One of us dies here." Zero says. He then charges at Lelouch for the last time. Lelouch looks up and sees Zero's move, and smiles a sinister smile. Just as Zero is about to kill Lelouch, Lelouch jumps back and disappears, and reappears landing right behind Zero. Zero turns around as Lelouch thrusts his sword, and pierces his chest when Zero is facing him.
"I free you of your mortal life, my knight." Lelouch whispers to Zero. Underneath the mask, Suzaku's geasses are both broken and he fades back into reality. Lelouch then draws his sword from Zero's chest and wipes the blood off the blade. Zero then falls to his knees and collapses.
All across the world, everyone is mourning the loss of Zero. "Your knight has failed you!" Lelouch says, walking over Zero.
"He killed Zero!" Cornelia says, shocked. She then looks at the others and sees that all except for Nunnally are also shocked. "Nunnally, he's dead." She says to her half-sister.
"Lelouch always has a plan." Nunnally says.
"What do you mean, Nunnally?" Schneizel asks.
"Lelouch wouldn't do this if he didn't have a reason to." Nunnally replies.
"I will return and there is nothing anyone can do to stop me!" Lelouch says, laughing.
"We need to do something." Cornelia says.
"When we get to Horai Island, we can plan our move against Lelouch." Schneizel says. Everyone then looks at Nunnally, as she suddenly gasps.
"Zero! He's alive!" Nunnally says, crying with joy.
"Impossible." Cornelia says. She and the others look at the screen and see Zero moving. Zero grabs his sword and stands up. He then turns around and thrusts his sword into Lelouch's back. Lelouch gasps and his expression changes to that of shock, as he sees the sword sticking out of his chest.
"Did you forget, I am unkillable." Zero says. He then pulls the sword from Lelouch's back, and Lelouch falls forward onto his face. Zero then sheathes his sword and picks up Lelouch's body, just as the transmission ends Zero is seen taking the body away.

Zero places Lelouch's body down on the floor, propping him up against a wall. Lelouch then coughs and spits up some blood. Zero removes his left glove and laughs when he sees his hand. "Lelouch, it worked." Zero says, showing Lelouch his code. Lelouch then checks his hand.
"I've still got my code." Lelouch says, relieved.
"Of course you still have your code, you're still alive." Zero says, removing his mask.
"It's so nice to see your eyes again, Suzaku." Lelouch says, looking up at Suzaku's face. He then wipes the blood from the corner of Suzaku's lips. "With this out of the way, I think it's time to get out of here." Lelouch says.
"Lelouch, you can't be seen in the real world." Zero says.
"I have that covered." Lelouch says, snapping his fingers. A red light encompasses him, and when the light fades, Lelouch is dressed as Julius Kingsley.
"Don't forget who I also am." Kingsley says. "The world still needs me, although my time is limited. Now, let's return to Horai Island and hear Nunnally's decision for the future." Kingsley says, extending his right hand and holding it up.
Zero then places his mask back on. "I too would like to know what the future holds. Isn't that what we want? A tomorrow." Zero says, extending his left hand to Kingsley's extended hand.
"Yes it is. We will not bring back the past, and we will not stay in the present. We will seek the future. Now, let's get out of here." Kingsley says. Their codes then light up and a red glow surrounds them, when the light fades they exit C's world.

Back on Kamine Island, Zero and Kingsley return to the cave. "It worked, I presume?" C.C. asks, seeing the two return. Zero then shows her his hand. "I can see that you share the same scare as Lelouch." C.C. says, seeing the hole in Zero's suit.
"I think I can fix that." Zero says, placing his glove back on. He then snaps his fingers and a red light encompases him. When the light fades, Zero's suit is repaired.
"You two will be returning to Horai Island, correct?" C.C. asks.
"Indeed we are, C.C." Kingsley replies. "You're welcome to join us." He adds.
"I think I'll remain here. We need to teach them how to use and control their geass after all." She says, declining Kingsley's offer. They then head for the platform and return to the surface of the island. Once on the surface, Zero and Kingsley head for the knightmares, while C.C. remains by the shrine. "The power of the king will no longer lead us onto the path of solitude. We are all in this together." C.C. says as she sees the knightmares depart from the island. "Take care you two."

On Horai Island, Nunnally's transport lands. Kaguya is waiting along with some of the other Black Knights. Cornelia, Schneizel, Guilford, and Kanon exit the craft. "Ambassadors, welcome to Horai Island. Is the Empress ready?" Kaguya asks as she greets the four.
"She'll be down in a bit. She just needs to ready herself, finalizing her decision." Schneizel says.
"Is Zero here?" Cornelia asks.
"No he isn't, but the Aces are all here, if you wish to speak with them." Kaguya replies.
"That's fine." Cornelia says as she departs towards the Aces.
"When will Zero arrive?" Schneizel asks.
"We're not sure. He left just as suddenly as he arrived." Kaguya replies.
"Two knightmares approaching the island." One of the knights in the command center announces. "It's the Gawain and the Shinkiro." The voice reports.
"That would be Zero." Kaguya says. The knightmares land near the transport, and the cockpit of the Shinkiro opens with Zero hopping out of the knightmare. "Master Zero, congratulations on defeating Lelouch the Demon." Kaguya says as Zero approaches. "But Zero how did you survive?" She asks.
"I used his own power against him. He won't be returning anytime soon." Zero says.
"Zero, I've made my final decision." Nunnally says as she emerges from the ship. Everyone, except for Zero, bows before Nunnally as she walks onto the metal floor of the island. Kingsley, seeing this, opens the cockpit of the Gawain and sneaks away from the crowd. The Aces hearing this, look up and see Kingsley running.
"I think we need to speak with him, what do you think Kallen?" Gino says.
"He still has an obligation to the academy to complete." She replies. They then stand up and follow after Kingsley. When they catch up to him, they see him trying to take a knightmare. "Lelouch, what are you doing?" Kallen asks.
"You must be mistaken. I am Julius Kingsley, not Lelouch vi Britannia." Kingsley replies.
"Lelouch, you aren't fooling us. We saw you dressed like that at the embassy." Gino says. "Besides, don't you want to hear Nunnally's decision?" He asks.
"She would be expecting me to hear that, since I did tell her to come here." Kingsley says, looking down at the floor. "But I could care less, seeing that I am not needed anymore." He says, turning towards the knightmares.
"Lelouch, you still have you teaching to do at the academy." Kallen says. Kingsley then looks over his right shoulder and sees Kallen and Gino approaching.
"Whether you like it or not, Lelouch, you're going to hear your sister's choice about the UFN." Gino says, grabbing Kingsley's right arm.
"And we'll keep an eye on you, so that you complete your teaching." Kallen says, grabbing Kingsley's left arm. They both take him back outside towards the harbor.
Nunnally sees Kallen and Gino return with Kingsley, who is being dragged along with them. "Lady Kaguya, I have made up my mind about whether or not Britannia will become a member." Nunnally says.
"That's excellent, your majesty. I'm looking forward to your answer." Kaguya says, happily.
"Kaguya, I'm sorry to say this, but I have to decline the offer to join the UFN." Nunnally says calmly.
"What?" Everyone present says, shocked to her Nunnally's response. Kallen and Gino release Kingsley, who then brushes himself off and then begins to clap. All present turn to face Kingsley.
"An interesting decision, your majesty. What is your reason for declining such an offer?" Kingsley says.
"Zero." Nunnally replies. "He is my knight, but he is also the commander of the Black Knights. It's his choice whether to stay here, or protect me." Nunnally says. Zero faces from Kingsley to Nunnally and sees the crowd looking at him. 'Stay with me, Zero. I know what I'm doing here.' Nunnally thinks to herself.
Zero then bows. "I am bound by a contract to see that no harm comes to you, your majesty." Zero says.
"Thank you, Zero." Nunnally says. "My other reason is I don't want to show weakness, both as a leader and as a nation. I will however adopt the UFN standards for Britannia. Also, I wish to reform the Knights of the Round." Nunnally continues.
"Your majesty, why would you reform the Round?" Kaguya asks.
"Simple. The UFN has the Black Knights, Britannia will have the Round." Nunnally replies. She then sees Kallen and Gino look at each other. "But they will not be all Britannian. They will be the Knights of the Round World." She continues. "Kaguya, if you could, I'd like for the UFN to choose eleven of the knights. I will choose the twelfth, and Zero will choose the Knight of Zero." She says.
"Why would you bring back that cursed knight?" Kaguya asks.
"The knight of Zero will be Zero's presence in Britannia, while Zero himself stays with the Black Knights. I will not have Zero command Britannia. I will have my father's former military advisor have that job." Nunnally says, indicating Kingsley.
"I'm flattered, your majesty. But as it stands, I have to be late to the party, as it were." Kingsley says. Suddenly Alistair approaches Nunnally.
"Nunnally, I too wish to be by your side." Alistair says, panting as he bows before her.
"I can't believe Cyrus let him do that." Allison says.
"Well, he can hear our thoughts now. I was going to stop him, but Cyrus prevented me from doing that." Morgan says.
"I saw that, but who is this Kingsley character?" Connor asks. "I don't think any of us have heard of him before now." He adds.
"I'm trying to figure that out." Cyrus says, focusing on Kingsley. Kingsley senses Cyrus's geass and looks in the direction of the group and smiles. "I can't get anything. He might be coded." Cyrus says after trying his hardest to hear even a whisper from Kingsley.
"Thank you, Alistair. I really appreciate your dedication. There is one thing I'd like you to do first." Nunnally says.
"Anything, your majesty." Alistair replies.
"Stand up." Nunnally says. Alistair stands up and Nunnally kisses him. Alistair, shocked at first, embraces the kiss. When they separate, Nunnally looks over and sees Lelouch not at all pleased. "I'm sorry for rejecting your offer, Kaguya, but I see this as a way to maintain peace in the world." Nunnally says to Kaguya.
"I understand Nunnally. Although I am disappointed with the answer, I am pleased to have it none the less." Kaguya says to Nunnally. She then faces Zero. "Zero you are free to go with the Empress, but do stay in contact with us." She says. Zero then heads towards Nunnally.
"Zero, Alistair, I'd be glad to have you pilot these knightmares to Pendragon." Nunnally says.
"Yes, your majesty." Both Zero and Alistair says. They then both head for the Shinkiro and Gawain.
When Zero climbs onto the Shinkiro, he looks at the crowd and sees the other Aces approaching Kingsley. "Fear not my knights, for I will return here one day." Zero says, before he enters the cockpit of the Shinkiro. Nunnally and the others board the transport, and they and the two knightmares head for Pendragon.
Kingsley sees the Black and Yellow Aces approaching him. "That's my queue to leave." Kingsley says to Kallen and Gino. They then look and see him returning to the hangar.
"Should we stay here, or return to Japan?" Gino asks Kallen.
"Do you really want to keep an eye him?" Kallen asks.
"That, and I could learn a thing or two from him about the Rebellions." Gino admits.
"Fine, but we're going to need to do more than just keep an eye on him." Kallen replies, as they head for the hangar.
"I know. We could help out at the academy. I'm sure Villetta could use us there." Gino says. When they enter the hangar again, they see Kingsley powering up a knightmare.
"We'll be returning to Japan as well." Kallen informs Kingsley. She and Gino then head for their knightmares. When they enter their knightmares and power them up, they then head for Japan.