The year is 2021. It has been several months since Empress Nunnally rejected the offer to join the UFN and reformed the Knights of the Round. All of the Knights have been recruited, with the exception of the Knight of Zero, for Zero is yet to find the right person for the role.
Cyrus has graduated from the Black Knight's Academy, and is of a higher rank than all of his fellow graduates. Lelouch has resigned from the academy after his first year of teaching, proud to have made a difference to some of the Black Knights. He leaves Japan and arrives at Pendragon, as Julius Kingsley. When Kingsley arrives at the palace, he is halted by the palace guards. "Halt! You may enter if you have an audience with the Empress scheduled." The guards say.
"Do you not know who I am?" Kingsley asks. "I need no audience with the Empress to enter the palace." He continues.
The guards then get a better look at Kingsley. "Are you…" The guards start to ask.
"Kingsley! I'm glad you could finally make it." Zero says, approaching the palace. When Zero approaches Kingsley, he looks at the guards. "I'll take him to see the Empress." He says.
"Right away, Zero." The guards say as they open the doors of the palace. Zero and Kingsley enter the palace.
"You took your time, Kingsley." Zero says, as they walk through the palace.
"I would've been here sooner if Kallen and Gino hadn't forced me to finish my teachings." Kingsley replies.
"So, how are the Black Knights that you taught? How's Cyrus?" Zero asks.
"Few of them actually beat me in chess, as to be expected. Cyrus was struggling, after all his geass is permanently active. Other than that, he's of the highest rank I could get him to, just as I promised." Kingsley replies.
"That's good to hear." Zero replies. He then stops and looks at Kingsley. "Lelouch, I know you are not to fond of Alistair, but Nunnally's wedding is around the corner." He informs Lelouch.
Lelouch is in shock after hearing this, but quickly changes his expression. "I guess I have to respect her decision." Kingsley says. He then snaps his fingers and creates a small wooden case. "I suspect that Alistair will most appreciate this gift."
"After you introduce yourself to the Empress, the Knights of the Round will be expecting you soon." Zero says as he starts off again. When they reach their destination, they open the doors and enter the palace gardens. The garden is like stepping outside into a field. The flowers are blooming, the trees are beautifully kept, and the sound of a stream can be heard in the distance.
"This… this is…" Kingsley says, speechless by the sight before him.
"I know. Nunnally had this garden specifically made for this reason. This is a place of peace and serenity." Zero says.
Kingsley then looks around until he spots something familiar. "That's a sakura tree." He says, spotting the tree and heading towards it. When Kingsley and Zero approach the tree, they hear Nunnally and Alistair laughing. Looking up, they see the two up in the sakura tree.
"Your majesty, there's someone to see you." Zero says, calling up to Nunnally.
"We'll be down in a moment." Nunnally calls back. Kingsley walks up to the tree and places his hand to its trunk, and gasps.
"So that's where you are." He says, as he removes his hand from the trunk and backs up.
"I can't recall the last time I had this much fun." Nunnally says as she and Alistair climb out of the tree.
"Neither can I, but I'm glad to share this moment with you." Alistair says, brushing himself off. He then sees Kingsley looking up and down the tree. "Julius Kingsley, I presume?" He asks him.
"Oh, you've returned, Kingsley." Nunnally says, as she spots him.
"Indeed I have. I said that I'd be late, so here I am." Kingsley says. "Now, before I head for the Knights of the Round, there are a few things that need done."
"What would those be?" Nunnally asks.
"First, are all of the Round here?" Kingsley asks.
"Zero is still seeking the Knight of Zero. Each time we've done something to find the Knight, Zero says that they're not suited for the task." Nunnally asks. Kingsley then looks at Zero.
"I may be able to help with that." Kingsley says. "The other thing that needs done, is this." He says, bringing the box out and offering it to the couple.
"Kingsley what's this?" Nunnally asks.
"An early wedding present. It's actually for Alistair, but I think that you'll both love it." Kingsley replies, offering the box to Alistair. He takes the box and opens it. When he opens it, he sees two, teal contact lenses.
"Is this some kind of joke, Kingsley?" Alistair asks. "My vision is just fine."
"They are no ordinary lenses. They may make your outward appearance more approachable." Kingsley replies.
"Alistair, just put them in." Nunnally says, encouraging him.
"Alright, I'll do it for you, my love." Alistair says. He then puts the lenses in and looks at Nunnally.
"Alistair, your eyes, they're so beautiful." Nunnally says as she finally sees Alistair's eyes without their geass.
"What?" He says in shock. He then runs from the group, heading for the stream.
"Where's he off to?" Kingsley asks.
"I think I know where." Nunnally says, running after Alistair. When Nunnally is gone, Zero grabs Kingsley's shoulder.
"What did you mean when you said that? How can you help my hunt for the Knight of Zero?" Zero asks Kingsley as he turns around. He then sees Kingsley tap at his left eye.
"Zero is cursed with geass, so the Knight is cursed by geass." Kingsley says. He then grabs Zero's left hand, and they enter a scene in a forest somewhere in the world. In the scene they see a large group of people, working near a river. When they look around the area, they see a blue haired man pull a dagger out at them.
All work at the campsite halts when the sound of a dagger splits the air. "Akito! What was that all about?" Leila asks.
"I'm sorry, Leila. I thought there was someone watching us." Akito replies. He then sheathes the dagger and continues with his work.
"I wonder what has him on edge?" Yukiya asks.
"Beats me. Just as long as he doesn't hurt anyone, it's fine." Ryo replies.
"That is definitely not fine. Grannies, do you know why Akito did that?" Ayano says.
"The boy is still cursed." The eldest of the gypsies replies.
"We should do a reading and see what caused this event." Another gypsy says. They then head for the main wagon, with the others following. When they enter the wagon, one of the gypsies grabs a handful of tea leaves, and starts uttering an incantation. When she finishes the incantation, she tosses the leaves into the air.
"It's as we thought. Akito is being watched by a demon." One of the gypsies says, seeing the leaves form into the shape of the geass symbol in the air..
"A demon? There's no such thing as demons." Ashley says. "And if there were, we'd make sure that none of them ever get their hands on Akito."
"Demons do exist. They are sometimes called witches." One of the gypsies says. Leila gasps as she hears this.
"The witch in the forest." Leila says, remembering the one who saved her all those years ago.
"Yes, she is one of them." The eldest gypsy says. "Now which of the demons is watching Akito?" She asks the leaves. The leaves then fall to the ground.
"Well, that didn't help one bit." Ayano says.
"These things are tricky to decipher." One of the gypsies says, looking at the pile on the ground.
"I've seen that symbol before." Leila says, recognizing the Britannian crest. She sees the others looking at her. "It's the symbol of the Royal Family of Britannia." She says, after gaining the courage to speak again.
"What would Britannia want with Akito?" Ayano asks.
"I don't know." Leila says, concerned. "No one knows we're here."
"That may be so, but we still don't know who is after Akito." Ryo says.
"We don't know if any of the demons are connected with Britannia." One of the gypsies says.
"Just keep an eye on Akito." Another says. The gypsies then sweep up the leaves and dispose of them in a fire. The smoke produced by the burning leaves billows from the fire, and a figure can be seen in the smoke. Just as suddenly as it happened, the figure disappears as the smoke dissipates.
"What was that?" Zero asks, as he and Kingsley emerge from the vision.
"I think we found your knight." Kingsley replies. "It's up to you to find him and bring him here." He continues. Nunnally and Alistair approach the two.
"Sir Kingsley, thank you for this gift." Alistair says. "You have no idea how much the others are afraid of me."
"Seeing as I gave you those lenses, I clearly do." Kingsley says. "Well, I'm off to see the Knights of the Round. Zero, I hope you find your knight soon." He then heads for the doors of the garden. When he reaches the doors, he looks back and sees Zero take a seat under the tree. He then leaves the garden and heads for the Chamber of the Rounds. When Kingsley reaches the Chamber of the Rounds, he enters the room as if he owns the place.
"Now who the hell are you?" One of the knights asks. Five of the knights stop what they were doing, and kneel before Kingsley.
"Do you know this man?" Another of the knights asks.
"Girisha, this is Julius Kingsley." One of the European knights replies.
"This is the man that Zero told us about?" Girisha asks.
"I hope I meet all of your expectations." Kingsley says. "As you were." He says to the knights that kneeled before him. They stand up and return to what they were doing. "Zero informed me that you all need my expertise in order to become the best that Britannia has to offer." Kingsley says, looking around the room. "From what I've heard, let's hope that you've all improved."
"You arrogant bastard!" The Britannian knight shouts. He then draws his sword at Kingsley, but before he can make a move, Kingsley already has his own pistol aimed at the knight.
"James Casady, is this how you treat your mentor?" Kingsley asks. "If that's the case." He continues, flipping his pistol about, the grip facing Casady. "Make it quick and shoot me."
James balks when Kingsley places his own life on the line. He then sheaths his sword and walks toward Kingsley. "You are either brave or foolish to place your life on the line, Kingsley." James says, taking the gun. He then places the weapon to Kingsley's head, who closes his right eye and smiles.
"You've all heard of me, so why not kill the man who uses terror as a weapon." Kingsley says. He then hears the gun being lowered.
"That was then, this is now." James says, lowering the gun. "If Zero trusts you, then I can try to as well." He continues, handing the pistol back to Kingsley.
"Thank you, Knight of Twelve." Kingsley says, taking his weapon back. "Now I'd like to see all of you operating your knightmares. Who knows, maybe you'll even get to fight me." Kingsley says, heading for the hangar.
Back in the garden, Nunnally and Alistair have left Zero all alone. Zero, having taken a seat under the sakura tree, begins to distort the space around him. When he looks up, he finds himself incorporeally back in the forest. He stands up and explores the area.
Akito, returning from his excursion away from the camp returns and senses the spirit again. "What is it that you want?" He asks.
"You know that I'm here, yet you can't see me." Zero says, looking at Akito.
"You aren't a ghost from my past, that I know for sure." Akito says. He then senses the spirit moving and follows.
"If I may ask, where are we?" Zero asks.
"I dread to think what would happen if I tell you that." Akito replies.
"Where's Akito going this time?" Ayano asks as she sees Akito heading back to the forest.
"That's unlike him, Ayano." Ryo says. "Ashley, how about we bring him back?" He asks Ashley.
"If he's following one of those demons, I'll be right by your side." Ashley replies. He and Ryo head into the forest after Akito.
"Leila, Akito might need your help." Yukiya says, after seeing the recent event.
"Right. He needs me." Leila says. She then runs after Akito.
"This place is so calming, don't you think so?" Zero asks Akito.
"I guess it is, although I wouldn't know." Akito says. "Why is it that you're here?" He asks.
"You are of great importance to me. You know, I don't even know your name." Zero says.
"Akito!" Leila shouts, seeking him out.
"Leila!" Akito calls back. Leila then enters the glade he and Zero are in, and senses the spirit as well.
"Akito, you were right. There is someone here." Leila says. "Do you know the Witch in the Forest?" Leila asks.
"The Witch in the Forest? Yes, I know a witch, but I wouldn't say she lives in the forest. At least not anymore." Zero replies. "Well then Akito, when I finally meet you in person, there is something I'd like to discuss with you."
"You're here now, why not say what you have to say?" Akito asks.
"Until we meet, Akito." Zero says, disappearing.
"He's gone." Akito says.
"Should we be worried about this spirit arriving here?" Leila asks Akito.
"He doesn't know where we are, so we have nothing to worry about." Akito reassures her.
Back in the palace garden, Zero returns back to his body and sees Alistair staring at him. "I've never seen anyone use code like that, Zero." Alistair says, as he sees the space around Zero return back to normal.
"I guess code is different for each bearer, as geass is for each user." He says, standing up. "Leila? Why does that name sound familiar?" Zero says to himself.
"Breisgau?" Alistair asks.
"What?" Zero says, confused.
"Leila Breisgau. M.M. sent search parties all over the EU to locate her. One of the teams eventually found her in the Warsaw area." Alistair informs Zero.
"Warsaw. Well, I now know where my knight is." Zero says, leaving the garden.
"Wait, are you going there now?" Alistair asks. "What about the wedding?"
"You can postpone it for a few days. This matter is more important at the moment." Zero says, leaving the garden and heading for the palace hangar.
"I guess I'll tell Nunnally the news." Alistair says, leaving the garden.
When Zero reaches the hangar he heads for a small transport craft. As he reaches the craft, he sees a familiar suitcase near the boarding ramp. "What's this doing here?" Zero says to himself. He picks up the suitcase and opens it. When he opens the case, he sees the white Zero suit inside. "Kingsley, you knew I'd figure out where my knight is." He says to himself. He boards the ship, and informs the pilot to take him to Warsaw. When the craft leaves the hangar, Zero looks out the window and sees the Knights of the Round up against Kingsley.
As the ship travels to Warsaw, Zero again distorts the space around him and tries to locate his knight again. When he appears at the camp, he follows the path through the woods before anyone can sense his presence. As he runs along the path, he finally reaches a small outdoor market. He looks up and sees his transport pass overhead, preparing to land at a nearby airport. With this information in hand, Zero returns to his body and leaves the ship when it lands.
Meanwhile in Britannia, Kingsley sees Zero's ship leave the hangar. "The best of luck to you, Zero." He says to himself. "Alright. I want you to impress me. If you can defeat me in knightmare combat, then you have what it takes to be a leader." Kingsley says to the Knights.
"Then let's get this over with!" James says as he charges at Kingsley's Ward. Kingsley dodges the attack and draws his sword. Before Sir Casady can react, Kingsley has the sword set to pierce the knightmare's chest.
"I have not gone up against most of these knightmares, but I have gone up against pilots like you." Kingsley says.
"You're not going to kill me now, are you?" James asks.
"If you keep this up…" Kingsley says, pressing the sword into the knightmare, cracking the chestplate of the frame. He then pulls the sword away from the knightmare. "You need to improve your discipline. You need to work as a group, utilize your knightmares and attack as a team." Kingsley says.
"Twelve on one isn't a fair fight, you know that Kingsley." James says.
"Even one on one isn't a fair fight. Someone always gets the advantage, and they use it in their favor." Kingsley says. "If you wish to fight me by yourselves, then find a way to get an advantage and take it. I'll give very little time for that to happen."
"Well, Kingsley, we accept your challenge." Girisha says as he approaches in the Tristan, followed by the Knight of Two in the Sagramore, and the Knight of One in the Galahad.
"Shirong, Girisha, let's show Kingsley what we can do." The Knight of One says, drawing his sword.
"At once, Eiji." Shirong replies.
"Gladly, Eiji." Girisha says, preparing his polearm.
"Let's just see how well the three of you perform." Kingsley says, surveying the situation. 'I know how they act, based on what Zero has told me, but that could have changed. I'm no match against the Galahad, but I might be a match against the pilot.' Kingsley internally says.
Meanwhile at the palace, Alistair arrives on the vast roof of the building and sees Nunnally watching the event. "Nunnally, I have some news regarding Zero." Alistair says.
"Really?" Nunnally asks, turning to face Alistair.
"He's gone to find the Knight of Zero." Alistair replies.
"Oh, that's excellent news. We will finally complete the Knights of the Round World." Nunnally exclaims.
"Nunnally, if I may ask, why did you decline the offer to join the UFN?" Alistair asks.
"I explained it to the Black Knights. I didn't want to show weakness." Nunnally explains.
"That, although is the truth, sounds selfish." Alistair says.
"It was my decision to make. I did not want it to be forced. Besides, the Black Knights are stationed at Horai Island. If something happens here, in Britannia, how long until they respond to resolve the conflict. The same could be said for the EU. They waited for my decision, and when I declined to join, the EU declined as well. I'm sorry for the UFN, having had them lose their European nations, but the EU is better off now." Nunnally explains in great detail.
"You didn't want one superpower in the world." Alistair says.
"No. However, the UFN doctrine is now universal." Nunnally says. "Now, I'd like to see how Kingsley can get out of this situation." Nunnally says, turning back to watch the event.
"The three of you are well coordinated, but don't get too predictable." Kingsley says as he starts to see a pattern appear in their moves.
"You can't hold out much longer, Kingsley." Eiji says.
"Eject now, or risk the destruction of your knightmare." Shirong says.
"Zero never said that you were stubborn, Kingsley." Girisha says. The three of them then go for the final push against Kingsley.
"So this is where we call checkmate." Kingsley says, preparing to dodge the attack. Before he can perform his dodge, he feels a couple of slash harkens attach to the back of his knightmare and pull him away from the three, just as their blades meet.
"You know, Kingsley, you deserve a lot more respect." James says. "I'd be glad to learn from you, as will the others."
"Thank you, Casady, I really appreciate it." Kingsley replies. "Now I can either get a knew knightmare and we can continue this, or we can settle our differences over some chess." He says, returning to the palace.
"You three were rough on him." The Knight of Nine says.
"Oh come now, Athena. He was rough on Casady." Shirong says.
"Yes, but did you notice that he didn't attack once." Athena asks.
"Now that you mention it, he did keep up the defence." Eiji says, realizing what Kingsley said. "I think he was about to attack before James stopped him."
"As if he could have done anything to the three of us." Shirong says.
"No, he's right Shirong. Kingsley would have attacked." Girisha says.
"I don't know about you, but I'm going to return back to the palace." James says. As he returns to the palace, he looks back and sees the others following behind him.
Back in Warsaw, Zero heads for the small market. When he arrives at the market, he seeks out the tallest vantage point. When he finds one of the towers of a nearby church, he climbs up the tower and watches over the market. From his perch, Zero sees a horse drawn wagon arrive to the market as well as Leila, Akito and four others arrive.
Leila and Ayano head into the market and look for items to bring back to the camp, while Akito and the others set up in the market. "So, I've found you, my knight." Akito hears a voice say.
"Who said that?" Akito says, looking around. His sight eventually leads him to the tower where he sees something move.
"No one said anything, Akito." Yukiya replies. "You know, you've been acting strangely all day."
"Yukiya's right, Akito. Ever since you drew your dagger at thin air, you've been acting rather strangely." Ryo says.
"I'm going to look around, and catch up with Leila." Akito says, leaving the group.
"This place doesn't have the best surveillance." Yukiya says, rummaging around in their supplies.
"What are you doing, Yukiya?" Ashley asks. He then sees Yukiya bring out a small case. When he opens it, he brings out a small drone and remote control.
"I'm going to search across the market and find what may be bothering Akito." Yukiya replies.
"What makes you so sure that it's here?" Ryo asks.
"Akito's actions. If you noticed, he was looking up at that tower." Yukiya says. Pointing to the bell tower. "If he can sense this… demon, or whatever it is, then it has to be here." He continues. He then sends the drone up and towards the tower.
Zero sees the drone ascend in the air and head towards the tower he is hiding in. 'No matter what I do, my cover will be blown.' Zero says internally. As the drone gets closer, he draws his pistol and aims at the drone.
"What have we… No!" Yukiya says, as he watches the drones footage until it gets shot down.
"Now may be the best time to leave." Ryo says, noticing that the people in the market are all panicked.
"I agree." Ashley replies. "Let's get the others and get out of here." He and Ryo leave and head out to find the others.
"Great, now I have to do this by myself." Yukiya complains as he starts to take stuff back to the wagon.
When Ashley and Ryo head out, they immediately run into Akito, Leila, and Ayano. "I'm glad that you three are alright." Ryo says.
"What's going on, Ryo?" Ayano asks.
"Someone shot one of Yukiya's drones." Ryo explains.
"Now let's get out of here before they start to shoot at us." Ashley says. He and Ryo lead the others back to the wagon. Zero puts his pistol away and sees the wagon leaving the market. He then jumps from the tower and lands in the market square. When he stands up, he takes off after the wagon.
"I think we're being followed." Akito says. He then gets the wagon to move faster.
"Akito, slow down. The horses can't take too much strain." Leila says.
"What's going on?" Ayano asks, peeking her head out.
"Akito thinks we're being followed." Leila informs her.
"I'll tell the others." Ayano says, disappearing into the back of the wagon. "Akito thinks we're being followed, guys." She informs the others.
"Really… Ayano!" Ryo says, as he sees Ayano head to the back of the wagon and look out.
"I think I saw something!" Ayano says, as she catches a glimpse of Zero disappearing into the woods.
"What was it?" Yukiya asks.
"Not sure. It was moving too fast." Ayano replies.
"Well, let's try the drones again." Yukiya says as he fetches another drone. He sends it out of the wagon and surveys the area. "I found movement." Yukiya informs the group. He maneuvers the drone to where he saw the movement and takes pictures when he sees a flash of black cross the screen. "I've got you know." He says, chuckling. He then brings the drone back into the wagon and analyzes the pictures. "Should we be worried about this?" Yukiya asks, showing the others one of the pictures of Zero looking right at the drone.
"Is that…" Ayano asks.
"No way!" Ryo exclaims.
"What's he doing out here." Ashley says.
"We need to inform Akito that Zero is after him." Yukiya says, making his way to the front of the wagon. Ayano stops him before he opens the front of the wagon. "Ayano, why are you stopping me?" He asks.
"We'll have a better time informing everyone, rather than just Akito. Wait until we return to the camp to tell the others." She replies. When they return to the camp, the gypsies approach the wagon and see the group emerging from the wagon.
"That was a quick trip." One of the gypsies says.
"Sorry, but something came up at the market." Leila replies. "Akito?" She says, looking at Akito and seeing him looking a bit spooked.
"So the demon is near." The eldest of the gypsies says.
"What?" Yukiya asks. "You mean that this is the demon after Akito?" He says, handing her the device.
"Yes, this is one of the demons." She replies, seeing the picture of Zero.
"Then why is Zero after Akito?" Ayano asks.
"I think he wants to make me a knight." Akito says. Everyone looks at Akito. "I need to clear my head." He says, leaving the wagon and heading into the woods.
"I'll go with him." Leila says, heading after Akito.
"Well, don't just stand there. Let's get ready for tonight. Chop, chop!" Some of the gypsies order.
Akito arrives at a glade in the forest and takes a seat on a log. He then hears something approaching from the tree canopy, and tosses his dagger in the direction of the sound. Leila sees Akito toss the blade towards the trees, and hears it clang against another metal object as it tumbles towards the ground. "Well, Zero, here we are!" Akito shouts towards the trees.
"Indeed we are, my knight." Zero says, sending his sword back to C's world.
"I am not your knight!" Akito shouts. He then sees Leila approaching. "Leila, what are you doing here?" He asks her.
"I'm keeping an eye on you, Akito. I helped you against your brother. I can help you against Zero." Leila replies. They then hear Zero laugh.
"I'm not here to fight. And if I were, you'd be dead already." Zero says.
"Then why are you here?" Akito asks.
"I'd rather speak to you in private, Akito. When the time is right, we'll meet face to face." Zero says and leaves. When the rustling in the trees stops, Akito heads over to the dagger and picks it up. Leila then heads over to Akito, and sees him looking at the dagger.
"He's not here to fight. Well I'll make him change his mind." Akito says, his eyes glowing red and a sinister smile across his face.
Later that night, after the meal has been eaten, everyone starts to clean up. "Leave a plate out for your masked friend. He's bound to be starved, after being in the woods all day." One of the gypsies says.
"Although that's a nice thing to do, why should we? He's after Akito, after all." Ayano says.
"He may be a demon, but not all demons are cruel. He might be looking for some entertainment in his long life." One of the gypsies says.
"Entertainment?" Ryo asks.
"Yes. They are immortal, so they entice mortals with power and watch the events play out." Another gypsy replies. Leila then sets up a plate for Zero, then she and the others then head for the huts and prepare to sleep.
After some time has passed, Zero sees that the camp is quiet. "I am hungry, though." He says to himself. He then descends from the tree he was hiding in and walks to the camp. When he reaches the table, he takes his mask off and takes a seat, facing away from the buildings.
Akito, having trouble sleeping, exits the hut he was in and takes a seat outside. He then perks up when he hears some noises from the tables. "What's making that noise?" He asks himself. He then gets up and investigates the sounds. When he approaches the tables, he sees Zero facing away from him and his mask on the table.
"Now we get to meet face to face." Zero says, grabbing his mask and putting it back on. He gets up from his seat and turns to face Akito, who is charging at him with his dagger drawn. Zero gasps as Akito thrusts the dagger through his chest. He then looks at Akito's face and sees the effects of geass around his eyes.
Akito backs up from Zero, panting. "Now you'll leave me and my friends alone." Akito says. He then hears Zero laugh.
"Now that you've killed me, what do plan to do now?" Zero says, pulling the dagger from his chest.
"I killed you. You're supposed to be dead." Akito says. Zero then hands him the dagger back.
"Akito, I'm not sure if you're aware, but I can never die. That is my curse, I am unkillable and always alone." Zero says. Akito takes the dagger back and sheaths it.
"What is it that you want with me?" Akito asks him.
"I want you to be my knight." Zero answers.
"What makes you think I'd be your knight!" Akito shouts.
"Then let me explain in more detail. I want you to become the Knight of Zero. I have sought for the Knight of Zero for months, but all were not suited for the task. I believe that you are the knight that I am after." Zero explains.
"The Knight of Zero?" Akito asks.
"Yes. You will be to Britannia, as I am to the Black Knights." Zero replies.
"Britannia!" Akito exclaims. "Why would I serve Britannia. I won't sell myself to Britannia as my brother did."
"Who was your brother?" Zero asks.
"Shin Hyuga Shaing." Akito replies.
"Then does that make you, Akito Hyuga Shaing?" Zero asks.
"Shin was my half brother. I am Akito Hyuga." Akito replies.
"Fine then, Sir Hyuga." Zero says. "If you choose to be the Knight of Zero, you'll be the leader of the Knights of the Round." He says, turning around and leaving the camp. "Just think about it, Akito. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'll give you until the end of the day tomorrow. If you don't show up, we won't ever meet again." Zero says, leaving.
Akito then looks back towards the huts, and sees Leila, Yukiya, Ayano, and Ryo outside. "Sorry to wake you." Akito says.
"Akito, if you go with Zero, we'll be by your side." Ryo says.
"Yeah, don't think you can get rid of us that easily." Yukiya says.
"Maybe then we might all be able to see Japan." Ayano says.
"Akito the choice is up to you. As much as I'd like to return home to Britannia, we are a family together. So where we are will always be home." Leila says.
"In the morning, we'll all go and meet Zero." Akito says, heading back to the huts with the others following.
In the morning when everyone has waken up, Akito and the others are preparing to leave. "Are you planning to leave us again?" One of the gypsies asks Leila.
"As much as we would like to stay with you, Zero has asked for Akito to be his knight." Leila replies.
"So the six of you are all going to leave?" The gypsy asks. "At least you're leaving us with Ashley's people." She continues. Leila then goes and hugs the gypsy.
"Thank you for this wonderful experience. I'll never forget this, and the happiness it has brought to me." Leila says to the gypsy.
"Thank you, dearie. We won't forget what you've done for us." The gypsy replies. Leila then leaves the hut and meets up with the others at the wagon.
"Alright, dearies, are you ready?" A second gypsy asks.
"I believe we are." Akito replies. The gypsy then gets the wagon moving and she heads for the airport. When they arrive, Akito and the others exit from the wagon and bid the gypsy farewell.
"Hey, there he is." Yukiya points out, seeing Zero standing near the transport. They then approach the aircraft.
"Sir Hyuga, I did not expect you to bring your friends." Zero says.
"Where Akito goes, we go." Ryo says.
"We are his squad mates, so don't even think about keeping us apart." Ayano says.
"I commend your loyalty to Akito." Zero says, bowing before the group. "Now that your decision is final, let's depart for Britannia. The Empress will be glad to finally meet the Knight of Zero." Zero says, boarding the transport.
"Empress?" Leila asks.
"Empress Nunnally vi Britannia, the one hundredth ruler of Britannia. I think you'll get along with her, Miss Breisgau." Zero says. When he and the others have boarded the aircraft, the pilot then takes off and they head for Britannia. "Here, Akito, change into this." Zero says, offering Akito the suitcase.
"Alright." Akito says, taking the suitcase and heading to a different part of the ship to change.
"So, what's it like in Britannia?" Ayano asks Zero.
"I am the Empress's personal guard, so I don't have a lot to do with anything outside the palace. Besides, my involvement with Britannia is only for the Empress. I am still a Black Knight." Zero replies.
"Is there anything that we should be aware of?" Yukiya asks. "As far as we know, the Britannians may still be the same as before."
"Britannia has drastically changed for the better. That was ensured by Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia." Zero replies. Akito then returns back to the group dressed in the white Zero outfit.
"Is there any reason why I have to look like this?" Akito asks. Everyone then looks over at Akito.
"You are to be my Britannian counterpart. I have no say in Britannian policies or the military for that matter." Zero replies.
"But why do I have to look like you?" Akito asks.
"You're to be the Knight of Zero. This differentiates you from the other Knights." Zero replies.
"Well, I think you look nice like that, Akito." Leila says.
"Take a seat and relax. We'll be in Britannia in no time." Zero says.
Meanwhile at the Imperial Palace, everyone is preparing for the knighting of the Knight of Zero, as well as Nunnally and Alistair's wedding. While most are preparing for the festivities, some are planning something devious. "We need to deal with Kingsley." One of the conspirators addresses.
"What's wrong with Kingsley?" Another asks.
"Have seen how much he looks like the demon, Lelouch vi Britannia." The first replies. All the others nod in agreement.
"Let's not jump to any conclusions. Yes, he very much looks like Lelouch, but that doesn't mean anything. We should prevent him from using terror as a weapon, if you remember the Ark Fleet and the North Sea bombing." The second points out.
"There is that going against him." A third agrees.
"I don't understand why the Empress would reappoint him as the military advisor." The first says.
"Then ask." Kingsley says. When he says this, all of the conspirators panic.
"Sir Kingsley, how long were you there?" The first conspirator asks.
"Long enough." Kingsley replies. He then moves towards the conspirators, who then draw their pistols at him. Kingsley then stops advancing, and looks at his right hand. "Go ahead, shoot. See what good that does you." Kingsley says, smirking.
"What do you mean by that?" A fourth conspirator asks.
"Because if you don't… I'll end up killing you anyways." Kingsley answers. "You want to kill me, here I am." He says, exposing himself. The conspirators then take aim and prepare to fire. When they shoot, Kingsley falls backwards, disappearing in a surprising display of red particles.
"Where did he go?" A fifth conspirator asks. Three of the conspirators investigate where Kingsley was.
"We shot him." The second conspirator says, finding Kingsley's blood.
"Right, but where is his body?" The fourth asks. They then hear the sound of a sword being unsheathed.
"My turn." Kingsley says, reappearing behind the conspirators and thrusts the sword through the first conspirator. The others turn around and see Kingsley without any bullet holes in him.
"What are you?" The third conspirator asks.
"I was human once." Kingsley replies. He then makes a quick move and kills two more of the conspirators. The remaining two backup and prepare to flee. "Just how long were you conspiring against me?" Kingsley asks. The two look at each other, then back at Kingsley, who is approaching them, with pure malice emanating from him. "I see. Ever since the Empress appointed me the role of military advisor." He says. One of the conspirators charges at Kingsley. Before Kingsley can react, the conspirator rips off his eyepatch.
"But… You're dead." The conspirator says, shocked to see Kingsley's face without the eyepatch.
Kingsley then kicks the conspirator to the ground, and draws his pistol, aiming at him. "You will not undo any of my work." Kingsley says, pulling the trigger. He then looks at the last conspirator.
"Please, spare me." He says, pleading for his life.
"Spare you?" Kingsley says. "Perhaps I can make you forget this ever happened."
"You know, Kingsley, I don't believe that you are Lelouch vi Britannia." The conspirator says.
"Really? Why's that?" Kingsley asks.
"Because everyone saw him die… again." The conspirator replies. "That's beside the point. Julius Kingsley, I want you to die." He says, activating his geass. Kingsley seeing this, raises his pistol to his head.
"I was tired of this life anyways." Kingsley says, pulling the trigger. The gun clicks, jamming. "What do you know, it's jammed." Kingsley says, tossing the gun to the floor and placing his sword to his throat. "Who gave you your geass?" Kingsley says, putting his hand to the blade.
"What? Why are you resisting?" The conspirator asks.
"Who is it that gave you your geass?" Kingsley repeats.
"He has no name. Now, Julius Kingsley, die!" He replies.
"As you wish." Kingsley says. He then makes a quick motion with his blade and kills the last conspirator. He then summons the sheath for the sword, and puts that and the sword at his waist. He then hears someone laughing. With the feeling of him being watched, he turns around and draws his blade. "Show yourself." Kingsley addresses to the air.
"Well played, Kingsley." Says a voice. Kingsley then sees a skull with the geass symbol on it appear.
"So you're the cause for this conspiracy?" Kingsley says, walking over to the conspirator he shot and picks up his eyepatch, placing it back over his left eye.
"You have proven yourself rather useful. I can see why Shin left you alive." The skull says.
"What do you know about me?" Kingsley asks.
"As much as I need to, Kingsley." The skull replies.
"Then you know that the three of us will stop you." Kingsley says.
"There is nothing you can do to stop me. You cannot stop Death." The skull says. Kingsley then swings his sword and smashes the skull into red smoke. "That was a mistake, Kingsley. I'll make sure that your short life is hell." The voice says.
Kingsley, sensing that the entity has left, leaves the room. "I'd like to see you try." Kingsley says to himself. He then sees one of the palace servants. "There's a mess in that room that needs cleaned up." He says to the servant, who then heads to the room. "I have a knighting ceremony to prepare."
Meanwhile on Kamine Island, C.C. senses the presence of a malignant spirit around Kingsley. "R.R." C.C. says. "You can't fight this on your own." She then gets up from her position in front of the thought elevator, and heads up to the surface of the island. She arrives at the main shrine and sees several of the New Order meditating.
"C.C., what brings you up here?" One of the members asks.
"Something's come up with the other coded that needs my involvement." C.C. replies. "I'll be in Britannia for some time." She says, grabbing her traveling cloak and leaving the shrine, heading for some of the still functioning knightmares. She departs the island and heads for Japan.
Zero returns to Britannia, with Akito and the others. When they leave the ship, they are greeted by Nunnally, and the rest of the family. "Zero, we were told that you would be returning soon." Nunnally says, greeting Zero.
"Now, Zero, who are these with you? And why is he dressed as the white Zero?" Schneizel asks.
"Are you saying that you don't recognize me?" Ashley asks.
"Ashley, calm down." Leila says. "I'm Leila Breisgau. It's a pleasure to meet you, your majesties."
"Yukiya Naruse." Yukiya says.
"Ayano Kosaka." Ayano replies.
"Ryo Sayama. I've looked after these two and made sure that they didn't get into any trouble." Ryo says.
"Ryo, you three were terrorists when we first met." Akito says. He then sees the Britannians turn to face one of their own, who then nods.
"Terrorists becoming knights. Only Zero would think of that." Cornelia says, chuckling a bit.
"We changed our ways when we joined Leila and Akito!" Ryo shouts.
"No, you didn't. Not at first, but you did change." Alistair says.
"Now who do you think you are, saying something like that!" Ayano says. Ryo then approaches Alistair.
"You clearly know more than you're letting on. How is it that you knew we were terrorists?" Ryo says, grabbing Alistair by the collar.
"Ryo, set him down. You're ruining our first impressions." Akito says. Ryo then growls and sets Alistair down. "I'm Akito Hyuga, and I'm the one Zero chose to be the Knight of Zero." Akito says.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet the Knight of Zero." Nunnally says, approaching Akito. "I'm also glad that the others came with you." She continues. "Now our military advisor has prepared the ceremony for your knighting, Akito." She says, turning around and walking towards the exit of the hangar.
At the ceremony, a large audience has attended to witness the knighting of the Knight of Zero. Julius Kingsley is in the audience, keeping an eye on the Knights of the Round. The knights from Asia are to the left of Nunnally, while the knights from Europe and Britannia are to her right. Alistair, holding a specially made sword for the occasion, is standing beside Nunnally. Zero is standing some distance from Nunnally. "Sir Kingsley, the Arthur knightmare frame is ready to be tested." Lloyd says, approaching Kingsley.
"Well done, Lloyd. I hope everything goes according to plan." Kingsley replies. "You and Cecile make a great team. I wonder what your wife and Nina are up to." Kingsley continues.
"Last I heard, Nina is still a professor at the academy. Rakshata, well you can never know what she may be up to." Lloyd replies. The doors to the hall open and everyone present turns to face the group entering. Yukiya, Ayano, Ryo, Ashley and Leila walk down the aisle, dressed in white Zero outfits, without the cape. They then stop before the steps leading to Nunnally, and turn around.
"Looks like that none of them are the Knight." Kingsley says.
"Have you not met the Knight yet?" Lloyd asks.
"Neither have you." Kingsley says, turning to face the entrance, where he and everyone else sees Akito enter the hall and approach Nunnally. The knights in front bow as Akito approaches, and then move out of the way as he proceeds up the steps. Akito, standing before Nunnally, bows before the Empress. Alistair hands Nunnally the the hilt of the sword, and she unsheathes the ornate, gilded blade.
"Akito Hyuga, do you accept the role cast upon you? To be sword and shield for Britannia. A leader and an equal among fellow knights. Do you, Akito Hyuga, accept this role of the Knight of Zero?" Nunnally addresses.
"I do, your majesty." Akito replies. Nunnally then places the blade against his shoulders, knighting him.
"I now pronounce you, Sir Akito Hyuga, the Knight of Zero." Nunnally says. Akito then stands up. "Sir Hyuga, I wish you to take this sword as a badge of your position. May it protect you." Nunnally says, sheathing the sword, and Alistair offers the sword to Akito.
"Thank you, your majesty." Akito replies. Zero then approaches him, offering him the white mask.
"Zero is a protector, and you are my counterpart. You are Britannia's Zero. If you choose to, wear this mask with pride." Zero says. Akito accepts the mask, and Zero returns to his position behind Nunnally. The Knights of the Round then approach Akito and circle around him, drawing their swords. They then raise their swords above Akito.
"Welcome to the Round, Knight of Zero" The knights say. Akito, looking around, draws his blade and raises it skyward. The audience then applauds the knighting. The audience then leaves the hall and heads for the ball room. Kingsley and Lloyd head for the hangar to check out the Arthur unit, while the Knights of the Round lead Akito and the others to the Chamber of the Rounds.
"Kingsley did a nice job preparing this event." Alistair says. He then sees Zero walking away from them. "Where are you going, Zero?" He asks.
"To the Knights of the Round." Zero replies. "Something may come up between Kingsley and Akito."
"Looks like we may still have our wedding." Nunnally says to Alistair.
"Then we need to get the preparations started now." Alistair says.
In the Chamber of the Round, Akito and the others are ushered into the room by the other Knights. "Oh, wow. This place is huge." Ayano says, as she enters the room.
"It's one of the largest rooms in the palace." Says one of the Knights.
"So, what are all your names?" Leila asks.
"Oh, how rude of us. We haven't introduced ourselves." The Knight replies. "I'm Altani Khan, the Knight of Five." She says.
"Khan? As in…" Leila says.
"Yes. His blood runs through my veins." Altani says.
"James Casady, Knight of Twelve." James says, bowing before Akito.
"Emanuele Argenio, Knight of Eleven." Emanuele replies.
"Damian Gruca, Knight of Ten." Damian says. "I don't think anyone wanted to be the Knight of Ten. Or Seven for that matter." Damian adds.
"Ah, yes. Sir Bradley was a nasty piece of work." Ashley says, and chuckles a little.
"What's so funny, Ashley." Ryo asks.
"Oh, I was just remembering something. If you thought I was a menace in combat, then be glad you didn't face the Vampire of Britannia." Ashley replies.
"At least I'm nothing like that man." Damian says.
"I am Athena Pallas, the Knight of Nine. It is an honor to finally meet you, Miss Breisgau." Athena says.
"You've heard of me?" Leila asks.
"I believe that all of the European Knights have all heard of you, Leila." James says. "You're just as famous as Sir Kingsley."
"Kingsley?" Yukiya asks.
"I'm not surprised that you don't know the man. I thought he was dead, but when Zero said that Kingsley would be our instructor, I had to know the truth about him." James says.
"And?" Yukiya asks, intrigued.
"Nothing." James replies. "It's almost as if he didn't exist at all."
"Well, back to introductions, I'm Rune Bergius, the Knight of Eight." Rune says.
"Kadir Apak, the Knight of Seven." Kadir says.
"What's so bad about being the Knight of Seven?" Leila asks.
"I'm not sure if you know this, but the one who held my title before became the Knight of Zero. Like Damian said, I'm nothing like the Knight I succeeded." Kadir replies.
"Who was the Knight before you?" Ayano asks.
"We've all agreed to never say his name. He was power hungry, and stopped at nothing until he achieved his goal of obtaining that power." Kadir replies.
"At least your predecessors are dead." Says one of the Knights.
"Sireen, I thought you liked Anya." James says.
"Oh, I do. She is something else, I'll tell you. Oh, I'm rambling. I'm Sireen Zamani, the Knight of Six." Sireen replies.
"I'm Ryang Songmin, the Knight of Four." Ryang says. "I guess that leaves them now, doesn't it."
"You got that right, Ryang." Girisha says.
"Well, let's get this over with." Shirong says. "He's the Knight of Three, Girisha Nadar." He says, pointing to Girisha.
"I'm not Shirong Shang, the Knight of Two." Eiji says, indicating himself. "That would be him." He says, pointing to Shirong.
"Then who are you, if you're not me?" Shirong says.
"I am… I am the Knight of One, Eiji Kurata." Eiji says, with a flourish of his white cloak.
"Oh, good. Now I can say what I needed to say." Cecile says. Everyone present looks at Cecile.
"How long were you there?" Athena asks.
"Long enough. Has anyone seen Lloyd or Le… uh, Kingsley?" Cecile asks.
"No. Why, Cecile?" Eiji asks.
"Then that means they're still back there." Cecile says, moving across the room towards the hangar. "Oh! Akito, you might want to follow me. There's something you might like to see." She says, remembering the knightmare.
"Right." Akito says, following Cecile. He then looks back. "Come on you guys." He says to his squad. They then follow after Cecile and Akito, and enter the Hangar. Zero then enters the Chamber.
"Zero, what brings you here?" Altani asks. She and the other Knights then bow to Zero.
"The Arthur knightmare frame is going to be tested, so I'd like you to watch the event. Also, I'm afraid that something between Kingsley and Akito might happen." Zero says, heading for the hangar.
Inside the hangar, Cecile and the others approach Lloyd and Kingsley near the newest knightmare. "Lloyd, Kingsley I brought the Knight of Zero to test his new knightmare." She says.
"Thank you, Cecile." Lloyd says. "Akito, do you have any prior experience piloting a knightmare?" He asks.
"Not the Britannian ones." Akito replies.
"Ah, but you do have experience piloting such a device though, right?" Lloyd asks.
"We all do." Akito replies. "The Alexander units from the EU."
"I've heard of those. Always wanted to see how they were built, how they worked." Lloyd says.
"Sir Hyuga, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." Kingsley says, appearing from behind the knightmare.
"No way." Ayano says.
"It's him." Yukiya says.
"You! Because of your Ark Fleet, you almost killed me!" Ashley shouts. He then draws his golden pistol and aims at Kingsley.
"Ashley, let me handle this." Akito says, lowering Ashley's pistol. He then draws his dagger and quickly rushes towards Kingsley. Kingsley smirks and moves his right hand to intercept Akito's dagger. When the dagger meets Kingsley's hand, the two disappear.
"Where did they go?" Leila asks. Everyone looks around the room, and then find Zero approaching the group. Leila then activates her geass, but nothing happens. "Why didn't that work?" She says to herself.
"They are beyond your help, Leila." Zero says.
