"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.
"What do you mean, Zero." Leila asks. Zero then sees her eyes, blue with geass.
"Your eyes. I've never seen it blue before." Zero says.
"What do you mean?" She asks.
"The reason it didn't work is because Kingsley is beyond that power." Zero says. "This is something that the two of them need to settle between themselves."
In R's world, Akito finds himself alone. "Where am I?" He says to himself, looking around the dimension.
"Do you like it?" Says a voice approaching Akito. Akito turns to face the voice and sees Zero approaching.
"Zero, what are you doing here?" Akito asks.
"I belong here. I am Zero, but not the Zero that chose you." Kingsley says. "I see that you wish to kill me." He says, seeing Akito clutch his dagger.
"You are responsible for the Ark Fleet that brought terror to the EU." Akito says. He then sees Zero snap his fingers and a red glow envelop him. When the glow fades, Julius Kingsley is standing in front of Akito.
"Then kill me. Punish me for my crimes, the atrocities I committed in all of my lives. I deserve atonement, but can never achieve it." Kingsley says, presenting himself to Akito.
"If I kill you, how will I get back?" Akito asks.
"Smart. Not wanting to take the risk." Kingsley says. Then some of Kingsley's memories appear. Akito then sees Kingsley's expression change to that of anger. "If I ever meet that man again, I'll kill him for what he did to me." Kingsley says, seeing some of his memories of Shin Shiang.
"What did my brother do to you?" Akito asks, lowering his dagger.
"Brother?" Kingsley asks. "Shin Shiang was your brother?"
"Yes he was. He wanted to kill me, but I stopped him. I freed him of his madness, of whatever was possessing him." Akito replies. Kingsley walks towards Akito.
"Let me look into your memories." Kingsley says. He then raises his right hand, but before he can place it on Akito's cheek, Akito slits Kingsley's throat. Kingsley gasps and clutches at his throat, falling backwards.
"Shin should have killed you." Akito says, sheathing the dagger. "Now, how do I get out of here?" He says to himself, looking around the dimension.
"How indeed." Kingsley says. Akito then turns to where Kingsley was, but sees that the body is gone. "The dead have a hard time of actually staying dead." Kingsley says, reappearing behind Akito. Akito draws his new sword and swings at Kingsley, who draws his own blade.
"Are you like Zero?" Akito asks, as they lock blades.
"Am I like Zero? I was Zero!" Kingsley says. "Your brother found this out about me, and that ruined my reputation. I can't remember much after that."
"You did a good job of doing that yourself." Akito says.
"That is the past, good and dead. I look to the future." Kingsley says. "We do have to test your new knightmare after all."
"Fine." Akito says, disengaging from Kingsley. "We'll settle our differences later."
"Fine by me, but I don't want to kill you." Kingsley says, sheathing his sword. Akito then does the same, and they exit the realm.
Back in the hangar, a red glow appears. "Welcome back Kingsley." Zero says. As the red glow fades, Kingsley and Akito return to the real world.
"Right." Kingsley says. "Now Akito, your new knightmare awaits you." He says, indicating the Arthur.
Akito looks at Kingsley, then heads towards the knightmare. "You're going to need this." Lloyd says, handing Akito the activation key for the knightmare. He then climbs into the knightmare and starts it up. "Alright, Sir Hyuga. Let's take it to the skies." Lloyd says.
"Let's get this over with." Akito replies, getting the Arthur airborne. Zero and Kingsley then move towards the knightmares in the hangar.
"Zero, Kingsley the Merlin's activation key is right here." Lloyd says, holding up the Merlin's key. Zero then flashes Lloyd the Shinkiro's key, while Kingsley heads towards one of the Wards.
"The Merlin was our knightmare." Zero says.
"It was an experiment, and nothing can top it. But I think Merlin would be too much for Akito." Kingsley says.
"You're not both going to fight Akito now, are you?" Leila asks.
"I am merely going to watch." Zero says, removing his cape and folding it up. He then climbs onto the Shinkiro and enters the cockpit. Kingsley climbs onto one of the Ward's and does the same. "Alright, Kingsley. I want to see the Arthur be tested to its limits." Zero says, stashing his cape into a compartment near the seat.
"Don't worry Zero. This will be an event we all won't forget." Kingsley says, removing his eyepatch. When they activate their knightmares, they exit the hangar and meet up with Akito. When they arrive, Zero splits up from the group and sets the Shinkiro into fortress mode. He then opens the cockpit and stands up. "Alright, Akito, I know what this knightmare is capable of, but I want to see what you are capable of." Kingsley says to Akito, as he draws and prepares his MVS.
"Let's get this over with." Akito calmly replies. He then sees Kingsley charge at him. Akito reacts by raising the Arthur's right gauntlet, producing a blaze luminous in front of the hand.
"I see that is finally working." Kingsley says, backing off. He then pulls out the VERIS from behind the knightmare and takes aim. When he fires, Akito raises the left gauntlet and blocks the shot with radiant wave energy. "Even Lloyd knows just how useful radiant wave surgers are." He says. "Now, Akito, try and take me down." He demands.
"Kingsley?" Akito asks.
"I am your enemy right now. Defeat me, before I defeat you." Kingsley explains. He then charges towards Akito, who dodges the swing of the sword and then blocks the shot from the VERIS.
"Kingsley, this is a test." Akito says.
"I know it's a test. I am merely testing your combat prowess." Kingsley says, charging again. Akito raises the blaze luminous hand and blocks Kingsley's attack.
Kingsley then hears Akito chuckle. "Die." Akito mutters under his breath. He then disengages from Kingsley. Kingsley then looks up and sees the Arthur in its full glory, looking like the Guren and the Albion, with a red and green glow around it.
"Such beauty." Kingsley says. His expression changes to that of panic when he sees the Arthur dive right for him.
"Die!" Akito shouts. When he approaches the Ward, he prepares the radiant wave surger to destroy the knightmare. Kingsley evades the sudden attack, seeing the left gauntlet going off, but fails to see the right gauntlet being launched right at him. When he finally sees it, Kingsley evades, but the knightmare gets hit by the gauntlet.
"Die!" Akito shouts again. When the right hand returns to the Arthur, he begins to fire volley after volley of radiant waves and blaze luminous at Kingsley. Kingsley is dodging as best as he can, but Akito's shots are very precise, hitting and damaging the Ward.
"Die!" Akito shouts for a third time. He then grabs the hilt of a bladeless sword, and when both gauntlets are holding the hilt, the blade activates. Kingsley watches as the blade forms, seeing the blaze luminous contain the radiant wave core. He then sees Akito charge right at him.
"Well, it's been fun." Kingsley says. Before Akito destroys the Ward, Kingsley pulls the ejection levers and ejects from the knightmare.
After Akito's rage has died down, he sees Kingsley's ejection seat floating down to the ground. Zero takes action and enters the Shinkiro. "Akito, that's enough. Return to the palace, I'll fetch Kingsley." Zero says to Akito.
"As you wish, Zero." Akito says, heading back to the palace.
"What was that?" Kingsley says to himself. "Such savagery, such brutality. How can anyone fight like that, or against that for that matter?" He continues. "He's the Knight of Zero, he is cursed by geass." Lelouch says. "Lelouch, stay out of this!" Kingsley says. He then grabs his eyepatch and places it back over his left eye. When he finally lands, Kingsley exits the pod and looks around until his sight falls upon a very familiar sight.
"No." Kingsley says, seeing Aries Villa. He then proceeds towards the building. When he arrives, he removes the eyepatch and takes in the full sight of Aries Villa. Kingsley then runs towards the entrance and enters the building. "This can't be. Why… why would she… Nunnally, why?" Kingsley says. He then heads up the main stairs.
"She can't seem to let go of the past, either." Zero says. Kingsley turns around and sees Zero standing in the doorway.
"The past is good and dead, Zero." Kingsley says.
"And it is. This is Nunnally's home, although Alistair is here more than she is. Lelouch, tell me, how long was Nunnally here?" Zero asks, removing his mask.
"Seven years." Lelouch replies. "Suzaku, you're breaking part of your contract." Lelouch says.
Suzaku just smiles. "Who's here to see my face, Lelouch. Besides, you're not wearing your eyepatch." He points out.
"It's been a long time, old friend." Lelouch says, heading towards Suzaku. When he gets close to Suzaku, Suzaku grabs Lelouch's left arm and pulls him along.
"There's something I want to show you." Suzaku says, excitedly. Suzaku drags Lelouch with him until they enter the gallery. Front and center in the gallery is a large, painted portrait of Nunnally, dressed in her Empress's robes.
"She's…" Lelouch says, speechless.
"She's very much your sister." Zero says, indicating the painting.
"That position her arm is in." Lelouch says, recreating his gesture for using his geass. "Was she surprised when she did that? I mean, I did that to her on the Damocles." Lelouch says.
"She said that it felt natural. She liked how it makes you focus on her eyes." Suzaku says.
"She's just as flamboyant as me." Lelouch says.
"No one is a flamboyant as you, Lelouch." Suzaku says, laughing. When he stops laughing, he sees Lelouch looking at him with his arms crossed. "Oh, right." Suzaku says. "Well, let's return to the palace. From what I gather, the wedding is still on." Suzaku says, putting his mask back on. Lelouch, putting the eyepatch back on, follows him back to the Shinkiro.
Later in the day, everything for the wedding has been prepared. In the Great Hall, where Akito's knighting ceremony was held, has had the decorations changed for that of the wedding. All of the guests have returned to the hall and are standing, waiting for the event to proceed. Alistair, standing at the altar, looks down the aisle towards the doors and waits for Nunnally to arrive. When the doors open, the Knights of the Round enter the hall and walk down the aisle. Before they reach the altar, they stop and turn to face each other, the even Knights turning right and the odd Knights turning left. They then draw their swords and raise them up at an angle.
After the Knights have done their preparations, Cornelia and Guilford walk down the aisle. When they arrive at the altar, Guilford walks beside Alistair, while Cornelia stands near where Nunnally will be standing. The sound of footsteps can be heard through the hall, and all of the guests look towards the doors and see Schneizel escorting Nunnally towards the Altar. Nunnally, dressed in a rippled teal dress, walks down the aisle towards Alistair, the Knights sheathing their swords as she and Schneizel pass. When they arrive at the altar, Schneizel walks behind the altar and just before he starts, he looks up towards the balconies and sees Zero and Kingsley.
"Let's see if I've still got it." Schneizel says. He then clears his throat and the guests quiet down and look toward the altar. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to commemorate the marriage of Empress Nunnally and Sir Alistair." Schneizel says, starting the marriage. Alistair looks at Schneizel as he calls him 'Sir'. "Alistair, do you take Nunnally vi Britannia to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do." Alistair replies.
"In sickness and in health? In life and in death?" Schneizel continues.
"I do. Nunnally, you are my light at the end of the tunnel. You have brought me from the darkness and have cast me upon a path towards the light. Nunnally, no words can be said for how grateful I am to have met you, for what you've done for me." Alistair says.
"My dearest sister, Nunnally. Do you take Alistair to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Schneizel says to Nunnally.
"I do." Nunnally replies.
"In sickness and in health? In life and in death?" Schneizel continues.
"I do. Alistair, it is in my best intentions to bring out the good in people. I saw the darkness that clouded you, and I was the ray of sunshine that you needed. Alistair, you have changed a lot since I first met you, and we can all agree that it was for the better." Nunnally says
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Schneizel says. "Ring bearers, if you may." He says to Cornelia and Guilford. They hand Nunnally and Alistair both a box. They open the boxes and look at the ring for the other. Nunnally sees a silver band studded with rubies and sapphires, and Alistair sees a band of pure rose quartz. They then take the rings out and hold out their hands, placing the rings on the other's left ring finger. With the rings placed, they pull each other close and kiss.
When they stop kissing, Nunnally turns to face the gusts. "Ladies and gentlemen, there is something I would like to say." Nunnally addresses. With all of the guests looking at her, she continues. "I, Nunnally vi Britannia command you, enjoy yourselves." She says, doing the same motion with her right arm that Lelouch did. "The garden is where the reception will be held." She adds.
Later, in the palace garden, all of the guests are enjoying themselves, talking with one another, enjoying the food and music, and dancing. "Oh, Akito, this is the best. What do you think?" Leila says.
"This garden is something else." Akito replies.
"What you did at the wedding was remarkable." Leila says.
"It wasn't my idea. You can thank Kingsley and Zero for that touch." Akito says. He then sees Yukiya, Ayano, and Ryo at the catering tables taking as much food as possible.
"It looks like they haven't eaten in ages." Leila says. She then hears Akito chuckle. "What's so funny?" She asks.
"Nothing." Akito replies, heading towards the catering tables.
Alistair and Nunnally are dancing along with some of the other guests. "Oh, Alistair, I'm so glad that this finally happened." Nunnally says.
"As am I, Nunnally. As am I." Alistair replies. As they continue waltzing, they see Kingsley approaching.
"If I may, I'd like to have this dance with the bride." Kingsley says as he approaches.
Nunnally and Alistair look at each other and nod in agreement. "Well then, Kingsley. Shall we." Nunnally says, extending her hand. Alistair heads off as Kingsley takes Nunnally's hand and begin to waltz.
"Alistair!" Allison shouts, as she and the others approach.
"What are you guys doing here?" Alistair asks, pleased to see them after some time.
"Zero invited us." Connor says, holding Morgan's hand.
"Sorry we didn't make it to the wedding." Morgan says.
"It's alright, guys." Alistair replies. "Cyrus, something on your mind?" He asks, seeing Cyrus looking around the garden.
"There's so many voices." Cyrus says, looking around. "Alistair, I'm not sure if you're aware, but…" He continues, lowering his now tinted glasses, revealing his geass encompassed eyes.
"Cyrus I had no idea." Alistair says, shocked. "Maybe Kingsley can help you."
"Kingsley. One of the few I can't hear. How could he help." Cyrus says, looking Alistair straight in the face. "Your eyes, they're… normal. How?" He asks, seeing Alistair's teal eyes.
"You can hear my thoughts, so you already know." Alistair says. He then removes the contacts from his eyes.
"Alistair, that's incredible." Allison says, as she sees Alistair's eyes.
"I know, and I can thank Kingsley for giving me these lenses." Alistair says, placing the lenses back into his eyes.
"As much as I'd like to be seen as normal again, I won't ask for those lenses." Cyrus says, covering his eyes with his shades. "Those lenses would only mask the pain my geass causes."
"Cyrus, although you can't deactivate your power, just remember that we are here for you." Morgan says, wrapping an arm around Cyrus's shoulder.
"Yeah. You can't be rid of us that easily." Alison says., wrapping her arm around Cyrus's other shoulder.
"No matter how much pain you are in, remember there are those who support you." Connor says.
"Cyrus, they're all telling the truth. Besides, the Black Knights could use someone like you." Alistair says.
"Thank you, Alistair." Cyrus says. He then looks around, this time searching for someone. "Where's Zero?" He asks.
"I think he's up in the sakura tree." Alistair replies.
From his vantage point in the sakura tree, Zero watches the party without being seen."Euphy, I'm glad that you're enjoying the event." Zero says, removing his mask.
"I'm glad that Nunnally's happy." Euphy's spirit says, appearing before Zero. Thank you for giving me a chance to live again." She says.
"You're not really alive, Euphy." Zero replies.
"Suzaku, I don't care if I'm not really alive. I'm with you and with my family, that's all that matters." Euphy says, hugging Zero.
"You won't be with me forever, Euphy." Zero says. "I lost you before, and I'll lose you again."
"Nonsense, Suzaku. As long as I'm a part of your memories, you'll never lose me." Euphy says, kissing Zero. "Now, Zero, would you care to dance?" She asks.
"I'd love to. Give me one moment." Zero says. He then distorts the space around him and leaves his body. "There, no one will know that we're there." He says. He and Euphy then head towards the waltz and join in.
"Don't be to reckless, Nunnally." Kingsley says.
"Reckless? What do you mean, Kingsley?" Nunnally asks as they waltz.
"I saw that move you did after the wedding, and I saw you portrait. Nunnally, just be careful." Kingsley replies.
"Kingsley, if you're thinking that I'm like my brother, then think again." Nunnally says. "Everyone in the royal family is dangerous. Schneizel is a brilliant manipulator, Cornelia is a skilled soldier, and Lelouch was…" She says, trailing off when she starts to speak about Lelouch.
"Was what?" Kingsley asks. "I never met your brother, so I don't know what he was like."
"Lelouch and I are similar, I won't deny that. But he was more direct with his thinking." Nunnally says. "A master of chess is what he was." She says to herself. She then sees Kingsley smile.
"Now how about you, Nunnally?" Kingsley asks.
"Lelouch was fueled by hatred and darkness. I am the opposite of him. I am a brilliant mind set for peace, and I'll see that through any way possible." Nunnally replies. Nunnally and Kingsley then end their waltz with Kingsley releasing Nunnally. Nunnally then pirouettes a couple of times, and when she stops, she courtesies towards Kingsley, who is clapping as she does this.
"Empress Nunnally, I bow for no one, but you are deserving of my respect." Kingsley says, bowing to Nunnally. As he bows, a cloaked and hooded figure enters the garden.
"Akito." Leila says, getting Akito's attention.
"Yes, Leila." Akito replies.
"I think that's her, the Witch in the Forest." Lelia says.
"Are you sure, Leila?" Akito asks.
"It's been awhile since she saved me, but that cloak looks the same." Lelia says. She then heads towards the figure. The cloaked figure heads towards Kingsley and Nunnally, and as she arrives, she clears her throat.
"Can we help you?" Nunnally asks the figure.
"I wish to speak with Kingsley. Zero too, if I can." She replies.
"Well, I think this party is wrapping up." Kingsley says. "Nunnally, if I may."
"Go ahead, Kingsley." Nunnally says. She then leaves and heads towards Alistair.
"Alright Zero, come along." Kingsley says.
Zero then returns to his body and places his mask back on. He then descends the tree and runs towards Kingsley and the cloaked figure as they head out of the garden. "You knew I was there?" Zero asks Kingsley.
"With Euphy." Kingsley replies.
The cloaked figure then looks around and sees no one else nearby. "R.R., Z.Z. there is something that the three of us need to deal with.." She says.
Kingsley and Zero look at each other. "There's only one person I know that'll call me that." Zero says.
"It's been awhile, hasn't C.C.?" Kingsley says.
"Let's take this to the roof." C.C. says, leading the way.
"C.C., why are you here?" Zero asks.
"I sensed a powerful geass spirit here in Pendragon." C.C. replies.
"I destroyed it." Kingsley says.
"No you haven't, R.R." C.C. says. "I'll explain when we reach the roof."
When they reach the roof of the palace, C.C. removes her hood. "Now do you care to tell us what's going on?" Kingsley says.
"We are going to stop this spirit from spreading even more malice. R.R., you still don't want anyone to undo your hard word, now, do you?" C.C. asks.
"Alright, C.C., what do we need to do?" Kingsley asks.
"We need to banish or destroy this spirit entirely." C.C. replies. "Zero, I want you to stand to my left. Kingsley, my right." She says. When they are in position, the skull with the geass symbol appears and laughs.
"You think you can destroy me." The skull says, laughing.
"Not alone." Kingsley says, extending his right hand out.
"We are stronger together, than we are alone." Zero says, extending his left hand out.
"We'll end your suffering." C.C. says, her code glowing.
"You know nothing about me!" The skull shouts.
"I know that you are dead, yet never dying. I wish to set your soul at ease." C.C. says.
"You think the three of you can do that?" The skull says. "My body has been lost to time, there is no way you can destroy me." A red glow starts appearing from the trio. From above, the geass symbol can be seen.
"Collective conscious, hear our request!" Kingsley says.
"Bring life back to this spirit." Zero says.
"And take his soul into your grasp." C.C. says. The light from them gets brighter, then disappears.
"Is that the best you could do?" The skull says, laughing. The skull stops when it sees its hand in front of it. "How can this be?" The skull says, becoming a full skeleton.
"You are about to become whole again." C.C. says. A red glow encompasses the skeleton. When the glow fades, a samurai stands before them.
"I'm whole. Am I really here, or am I still buried on that island?" The samurai asks.
"Island?" Kingsley asks. "Kamine Island." He says, realizing that M.M. had rebuilt the Kamine Shrine.
"My island, yes." The samurai replies. "Now that I am whole again, I shall end all of you." He says, drawing one of his katanas.
"You won't last long in this state, Lord Kamine." C.C. says.
"You know my name." Kamine says. He then changes towards C.C., but Kingsley and Zero draw their swords and block Kamine's attack. "You fools, I'll kill all of you if I have to!" He shouts.
"You can try, but you can never succeed, my lord." Zero says. He and Kingsley then push the samurai back.
"Don't think I'll fall that easily." Kamine says. "That Babylonian caught me off guard when he killed me." He says. He then charges towards the two again. Zero and Kingsley hold out their hand and create a barrier of geass blocking the samurai's advance.
"You want to stick to the past." Zero says.
"But the past is good and dead." Kingsley adds.
"So begone, you relic of the past!" Both Zero and Kingsley shout. Kamine is pushed backwards, and starts to fade away.
"I will not be disrespected like this!" Kamine shouts. He then advances towards them once again. Before he can strike any of them, he sees the three of them bow before him.
"You are not disrespected, Warlord Kamine." C.C. says.
"You will be remembered for as long as we live." Kingsley says.
"And for as long as there is geass in the world." Zero says.
"Then honor me by keeping my shrine alive." Kamine says, sheathing his katana and saluting the trio before he fades away into nonexistence.
"Let's return to the palace interior. I'm sure that we might be missed." Kingsley says.
"R.R., I'm not entirely welcome here, you know." C.C. says.
"We're all not really welcome here, C.C." Zero says. They then return into the palace and head back to the garden.
When they return, they see the garden has been cleaned up. There is no one in the garden, except for Nunnally and Alistair, laying down in the distance looking up at the stars. "Are you the one who saved me, all those years ago?" Leila asks, as she approaches the trio from her spot near the wall.
"To whom are you addressing, Miss Breisgau?" Kingsley asks.
"Her." Leila replies, pointing at C.C.
"I could be." C.C. says. She then walks up to Leila and grabs her hand. Her code lights up as she looks into Leila's memories. "Indeed I am. You have geass, like I gave you, but are not bound to a contract with me." She says, after seeing her memories.
"Contract?" Leila asks.
"If I had made a contract with you, you would have to grant my wish. I would have also been by your side for that time." C.C. says.
"I granted you your true wish." Kingsley says.
"Indeed you did, R.R." C.C. replies. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to return to my duties." She says, placing the hood back over her head and leaves the group.
"Wait!" Leila says. C.C. stops and looks at Leila. "I… I never got the chance to thank you for saving me back then. Because of what you did to me, I managed to save Akito from his brother." She says.
"There is no need to thank me. I have lived too long, that I don't even need to be thanked." C.C. says. She then turns towards the door and continues her path. "Oh, you can keep your geass, by the way." C.C. says, leaving the garden.
"I guess I better return to the others. See you around Zero, Kingsley." Leila says, leaving the garden. Zero and Kingsley then head over to Nunnally and Alistair, laying down and watching the stars with them.
