DESCENT OF THE KING OF KNIGHTS

Chapter One:- LEGACY

A knight first duty is to protect everything in this Earth created by God. It is his duty to preserve its beauty and its virtues. He must also be the aid of the weak in their times of need especially widows and orphans

- Conduct of Knights, Rome, year 100 atb

"Anya! Anya! God that girl…" said a part cyborg said as he tried to find his adopted daughter in his orange farm. His face bore the exasperation he felt at the moment. Seriously did her majesty had sent them summons and orders and the girl had the gall to disappear? He rummaged through the thicket near the boundary of the farm where she had made a hideout…

"There you are! And I was searching for you for the last 2 hours. Why do you make me worry so?" he said to the young teenager. He had taken her under his wing after the battle at Mt. Fuji. Having recovered all her memories, she was like any other normal girl. At her father`s rant she put her head down "Sorry, but it was a beautiful day and the outdoors were so inviting. I couldn`t…" at this she started to chock. All her life she was under the geass of the late empress .She had lost total control on her emotions. The slightest of correction or harsh talk would move her to tears. Jeremiah just sighed and felt guilty to put her in this situation "It`s alright, just don`t do it again. Besides, the empress has summoned us." "Nunnally has invited us?" she asked excitedly. She and Nunnally had become thick friends over the past years. Jerry just taped her on the head "Yes, but it is not all fun and games. She has asked us to consider the offer she had asked us to take. Also…" he lifted his head to the sky as the calm breeze brushed their faces. "We have to carry his final promise." She too turned her face to the sky breathing in the fresh air. "Has it really been 2 year?" She asked the elder "Yes, for the world to grow, an innocent had to be made the devil. Though is name is tainted, I am sure his highness is happy to see the world change for the better." " Indirectly, he is still looking after it." "How so, Anya?" she simply answered "who would believe that the greatest and most gentle ruler the world has ever seen was bought up single handedly by the so called demon emperor? Even so, he was that kind of boy". They both smiled warmly at this. He, for her rare insights and she at the proud yet gentle boy she knew when she met him those many years ago at the palace. "Come along now, we must start packing. No time to space out now." He said as he took her hand in his as he led the young teenager indoors.

The world, 2020 atb.

It has been 2 years since the demon emperor`s death. The world was now stabilizing towards a better future. Suzaku as Zero stayed back in Britannia. Due to public outcry, he explained that it was to monitor the empire`s working and to see they kept good their promise of basic human rights. Further he said he would like to give a chance to the current empress and protect her as the people and regime were still loyal to the old philosophy. (Though it must be noted, Lelouch made him rehearse this part). Thus, after much explanation from the geassed Schnitzel and Cornelia renouncing her claim to the throne, Nunnally vi Britannia was sworn in as the 100th empress of the empire. All this occurred within a week of Zero Requiem.

Restructuring of the areas were done. As soon as they were economically independent, they were released. Thanks to the master plan named "Resurrection" (planned by Lelouch and Suzaku); all the areas except the motherland were set free. The Empress however became the titular head along with the actual head. All nations thus joined the UFN where the superpowers of EU, Chinese federation and Britannia formed the main economic force, but equitable resource sharing was maintained and countries were reined in by chairwoman Kaguya. The Japanese armed forces led by the black knights formed the main strike force. With the help of the UFN and the constant support of Nunnally, Democracy was the way forward. It was not perfect but the world was certainly become calmer and gentler.

Back in Britannia, The nobility system continued to remain abolished. The wealth of all the High nobles was by default reduced by three-fourth (a step taken when Lelouch was the emperor). This gave the provisional government led by some people leaders under the guidance of the Empress and Cornelia, more money to spend on infrastructure and other development. The biggest challenge was sensitizing people back to the equality principle. It wasn`t easy and discrimination was not entirely done with. But at least they were tolerated at even spoken and helped by the many genuine sympathizers. All in all the rocky road was not over, but it was smoothening out quite well. The government moved from the Arthurian system of naming to a more equitable system. The biggest news was the selective disclosure of geass. As instructed, Sayako released the doctored video of Lelouch geassing Euphemia. It was made in such a way that it put the entire blame on Lelouch. This way, Euphemia`s name was cleared and the White queen was untarnished once again.

The Knights of the Rounds were abolished and the Holy Paladins took their place. Members were given access to the most elite military squad for their skill and no rank was given to them. Each one was a companion to the other in battle not individuals. Current members (and to be considered) are Gino, Anya, Jeremiah Cornelia and Zero.

In Japan, the six houses of Kyoto backed Ohgi to the prime minister with the Sumeragi`s remaining the first family. The nation`s relations with Britannia and the federations were extremely healthy. The old cities were restored and ghettoes were redeveloped as part of the city. In fact, the country was becoming an example of unity in diversity. Stray incidents of racism still occurred, but they were isolated cases which were effectively dealt with. The elite strike force within the black knights was the Shikigamis. They too were founded by the same principles of the Holy Paladins. The members include Toudoh, Chiba and Kallen with Zero holding the battle code Kami.

Deep in the imperial garden was a small unmarked grave with a small but intricate headstone. It stood in the place where the Aries villa once was. The only words written on it was "He who gaveth, but the world knowth not". Behind it was the statue of a young emperor who did not live. He is shown sitting on a simple chair while regarding everything with a small gracious smile. In this place, came a young girl in her teens on a ornate wheelchair and her masked knight. No one knew this place except the two of them for this was where Lelouch was buried. It was his second death anniversary. While the world rejoiced on this day, they spent it sorrow.

As she placed the white lilies and a red rose, Nunnally couldn`t help but burst into tears. She refused to be cured from her ailments as a 'punishment for hurting her big brother'. She was cared and loved by him so much. She wouldn`t deny it, she was the centre of his world and the cause for his descent into madness. Oh! Why did she wish for a gentler world? It just caused more chaos and madness. How could she be so careless to think her brother had abandoned her? All this and the guilt kept on building in her. Finally "Zero…I …I can`t stay here any longer. It is just too much. Could you accompany me to my room?"

"As you wish."

She was wheeled back to her chambers and set on the bed. As she saw the retreating figure of Zero, she broke down. To the world, she was a strong yet gentle empress. Inside, she was the weeping little girl of her late brother who only lived on the fact that he let Zero (whom she knew was Suzaku) protect and guide her.

Late at night, back at his grave, Zero came back. Removing the mask, the dearest friend, the closest confidant and equal to the late emperor, Suzaku was seen once more. "Hey Lelouch, I have come back. How are you anyway?" this was a weekly ritual for him. Today however he was there for a longer time. He would come and tell him about everything. His insecurities, failings, successes, state of affairs and about Nunnally. "You know, she is in this state because of you. Every night she cries for you to return. Now you even added Euphie`s murder and the SAZ incident to your name. it makes her feel even worse You are indeed horrible." There was a pause and later a chocked voice. "I…I`m sorry for everything I ever did and said to you. I know you would call me an idiot for dwelling in the past. But you're the biggest idiot. You caused us all so much pain with your death. Couldn`t you save the world without dying. I mean you could have ruled the…and… " He collapsed on his knees and continued "I know I sound childish, but please come back. I promise I will be the friend and brother you needed. I won`t backstab you. Just… come back. You are the man of miracles, not me. Just once more perform this miracle I ask of you." He remained like this for what seemed like an eternity. As the sun started to rise, he got up from the place he spent the night on and recomposed himself. "Anyway time to go now, duty calls. I have to look after Nunnally. Please look after me. See you soon" He gave him his trademark smile despite his sorrow and tears and left.

The reunion

They all had just reunited with their Ashford friends and catching up with each other. Suddenly the fireworks set by Anya and Jerry lit up the sky, making it a marvelous backdrop for the newly built academy. Everyone just watched as they illuminated the sky with various colours all the while remembering a promise made by all of them and those not present. "You know Lelouch; I never said this at your grave. Thank you. Thank you for giving all of us a chance to heal and move forward." said the masked knight in his mind. All of them were content for the moment and the world was moving to normalcy. All he had to do was to defend it for his dearest person he still held close to his heart, who sacrificed so much. It was their common wish after all…

Hey there everyone. This is my pet project. It more or less adheres to the story`s timeline and is loosely a continuation of my first story .Also I love the bit where it involves a little bit of religion Hope you enjoy it. Please review about the writing style. Enjoy!