Code Geass: Fukkatsu no Lelouch

by Death Can't Be Trusted

It was thought to be peace after Zero Requiem. Yet some twenty years in the aftermath, a new threat arises. The Geass Crusaders believe they have found the reincarnation of Lelouch vi Britannia. It is now a race between the Black Knights and the Geass Crusaders to either destroy or restore the world as it plunges further into chaos. Rated M for adult and violent themes

6. Stage 05

Death: Holy crap. I'm firing up a storm here. And not to mention this chapter was 22 pages on WordDoc ;A; Well, I hope it's long enough for you guys. Aaaaand there's finally some action! Not to mention a few things you may recognize about our Lelouch~

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Well, to be technical, I own the OCs in here, as well as the knightmare frames that aren't a part of the series.

Stage 05: The Demon Awakens

=3=

He didn't know if that had truly been a dream or not, but it had been powerful enough to break through his Geass. He remembered. He remembered the life of Lelouch vi Britannia, later taking up the name Lelouch Lamperouge. He remembered creating the Black Knights on a whim. He had planned to fight Britannia alone, but Cornelia proved he needed an organization to pull it all off.

He remembered everything. All the horrors, all the schemes, everything associated with the Demon Emperor. He was somehow given a new chance, a new life. And yet he was cursed to remember the horrors of his previous life a child should not experience. The deaths of Euphemia and Shirley haunted him in his nightmares, drowning out his betrayal from Suzaku, the Black Knights, and even Nunnally.

And yet strangely he didn't give a damn about all of it at this moment. He silently cursed that it was Suzaku who broke through his power. It was the sight of those tears as he whispered those sweet words of comfort. It was not what the man had said that did it, no, it was the sight of those tears finally breaking through and streak down that handsome face.

That had to be a dream. In it Suzaku hadn't aged at all. He was still the same young man at eighteen. He saw no difference in that face. He knew there should have been changes, or else his own body wouldn't have been so short compared to Suzaku. As Lelouch, they were near the same height with an inch or two difference between them.

Whatever the case, what Suzaku had said was true. He was Lelouch. He was good with strategies. If he can escape then he will take the chance. For now, he will have to build mental walls to protect any information that would prove him harm should Ambrose find them. To do this he had to build a lie, and turn that lie into a belief.

He did not create the Black Knights as Lelouch Lamperouge. He was not the original Zero. He did not stage his death and greet it like an old friend. Suzaku was not the current Zero. He repeated these phrases over and over in his head while he locked away the information away, out of reach for Ambrose. A part of him still believed everything was true, though. So he will have to do what he could to keep Ambrose distracted, keep him away from the secrets that would surely mean the man would kill him.

He felt his hands began to twitch of their own accord. He gulped at the realization. Even though he had one dose of Refrain, it was enough for his body to become addicted. He was experiencing withdrawals.

He didn't hear the door open, but he saw the movement. It was the same nurse who helped him sleep earlier. Now that he was fully rested as he could be under the circumstances, he had a clearer mind. It was perhaps the best opportunity he could have before Ambrose chose to come in and check on his progress.

"Miss, could you please do me a favor?" His Geass activated, and she was instantly under his spell.

He gave her a long and somewhat complicated order, but she understood what was meant to be done. He was lucky he has the same power as the previous life, but he will have to do a few more experiments to see if it was truly the same or if it had a few other limits. As Anghel, he wasn't curious at all what the power could do.

Memories of both lives smashed together. The mix up was giving him a headache. So he quickly concentrated on something else. And suddenly the ceiling became very interesting. He counted how many cracks there were. He wondered if the cracks would match up and create an image of some sort, like a line drawing or connect the dots. He was debating whether it looked like the shape of some deranged apple or the head of some bird of prey when Ambrose strolled in.

"Ah~ I see you are awake. And the nurse informed me that you remembered?" The albino was smirking.

"Yes, and I would appreciate it if you would allow me to stretch my legs." He was not going to use his Geass on this man. Not yet. He was going to make this man pay first.

"Not until you make me a promise that you will help us in our cause, first." Ambrose reached over for his hand to touch his forehead.

He allowed the man to look through his memories. He was careful to only allow the man see a few things. When the albino strayed too close to a certain secret he changed the scenery to something else. Ambrose didn't seem to notice, too caught up in actually seeing through the actual memories of Lelouch vi Britannia.

"What would you have me do, swear an oath like some knight of justice?" He joked. Yes, he could be Lelouch for now.

"We are knights, since we are the Geass Crusaders." Ambrose replied, withdrawing his hand.

Now that his mind was his own once again, Lelouch filed away information about the man's power. It would seem Ambrose needed to touch someone in order for it to be active. He could create illusions and hallucinations within the mind that was within his grasp. But did that mean he could give orders as well?

"A catching name, to be sure. Something like that would surely attract the masses." Lelouch watched the man smile. Ambrose was not well educated about flattery. "But remind me again on what your cause is?"

"The Black Knights have failed in returning peace into the world. Wars still rage in the poorer countries. Africa and the Middle East seem to be the most troublesome of areas where there are mass starvation, disease, and bloodshed. The world is still in chaos. Therefore, it is my belief that we should remove the blemish that has prevented the world from moving on."

He narrowed his eyes in response. He wasn't so sure if he could pull off the first part of the plan now.

"What you say is false." He hadn't meant to say this out loud. But the words flowed out and he couldn't stop more from coming. "You're nothing more but a child in the way you view the world. You think the world is in a dire state now? It will only become worse as you continue to wage war against the Black Knights. There can be no peace without innocent blood sacrificed. Is this all a scheme for you? To resurrect the Demon Emperor from his death bed and use him against the rest of the world? Because this silly plan of yours will not work. I will not succumb to your plan! No matter how much you torture me, no matter how much Refrain you give me, I will not be any part of this!"

Ambrose stared at him with a mix of shock and fury. He smirked at the sight of the man's jaw clenched tightly. And without another word the albino turned to leave, but paused at the door to give an order for the nurse standing outside.

"Give him five milligrams of Refrain and LSD. I don't care if it's more than his body could handle. Just do it."

'Do they run some kind of drug cartel or something on the sidelines? Would explain how the Geass Crusaders have all of this equipment.' He felt even more disgusted about these people.

He watched as the nurse came in, her lips trembling and tears breaking through. He almost apologized for her grief, as he was sure she didn't want to be a part of this mess. But he held his tongue. He wouldn't know if she joined the Geass Crusaders out of her own free will, attracted to their cause only to realize that it wasn't as she thought it was.

"I'm so sorry…but if I don't put in the amount he wants, I won't be able to be of any help to you." Her voice sounded so young, couldn't be much older than his sister. His head hurt when he couldn't place which sister he was referring to.

And perhaps she wasn't the fool, but he. He couldn't keep his mouth shut and now he was paying the price. With a sigh he closed his eyes. He couldn't watch as the nurse put in the amount of the drugs into the IV. Instead he mentally prepared himself for the spiral downfall of Refrain made stronger with a mix of a hallucinogen.

He had sighed in relief when he felt the familiar substance of Refrain enter his body. His arms stopped shaking almost immediately after the injections were given. But then there was an itching sensation that crawled up first the arm that had the IV in. He couldn't quite recall how long the drugs will take effect, but it was working rather fast.

'Suzaku!' Was his last thought before he lost all sense of awareness and time.

He didn't know how long he was under the influence. It all seemed to drag on for an eternity. He saw strange things, horrifying things. Snakes slithered out of the wall that seemed to melt. Colors blurred and blended. At some point Refrain kicked into the mix when he began to experience hallucinations of the people he killed.

He screamed when a girl with pink hair and pale lavender eyes covered in blood, someone he knew should be dead, stood next to his bed. Her eyes were accusing, and he couldn't stand the sight. Although he was most likely deaf in the ear closest to her, he could still hear her voice demanding and screaming at him why he did what he did. He tried to struggle, but snakes bound around his limbs prevented him from escape.

When the girl was gone another took her place. This time it was the second girl Ambrose tried to use against him. She too, was covered in blood, but it was all from a wound. Her eyes weren't accusing but sad. She was crying. She wouldn't stop asking him why he couldn't trust her to help him. They could have worked together. She begged that she could have been of some use to him in his fight against Britannia.

At some point he clenched his eyes shut, to hide away from the hallucinations. But even then he couldn't escape from them. But he heard with great clarity a familiar voice. A voice that belonged to someone who was an ally once upon a time.

"There are times in life when you have to distance yourself from those you love, because you love them."

"Go away….witch…"

"No matter how great you make yourself sound, you're still a naïve boy who's all talk and who only dreams of victory in his head."

"Shut…up…"

"False tears bring pain to those around you. A false smile brings pain to one self."

"Just stop…"

"Lelouch… Do you know why snow is white…? Because it forgot what color it was."

"Shut up…"

"You said that Kirihara was weak, and that you would walk down the path of carnage."

"Shut up."

"But the one who is weak is you. Did you think this is a game? Up till now, you have killed a lot of people. Using your hands, or should I say your words?"

"Shut up! I am not weak! You don't know what you're talking about! Leave me alone!" Suddenly he wasn't in the room anymore. He wasn't on the bed made of cheese, restrained by snakes.

He looked around frantically. There was no color that he could see. Everything was in black and white. It took him a moment to realize he wasn't wearing the hospital gown. Feeling a little conscious he sat down, knees pulled against his chest. For the first time in what felt like an eternity there was silence. He reveled in the silence, grateful for all previous illusions done. Or perhaps this was another illusion? Either way, this was an improvement on his part.

He nearly jumped when a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind, a taller body leaned against his back.

"You're brave to face all of this alone. But you didn't have the heart to follow through the plan you had set. It would have worked, but you would have given away the fact you're just saying what he wanted to hear so you get a little more freedom. So perhaps it was better you didn't try." That voice…it sounded like…the same as his?

"And you could have succeeded? Is that what you're implying?" He didn't want to turn around. If he was losing his mind, he didn't want to acknowledge the voice behind him. But he couldn't help but respond.

"I have killed by the thousands. What's a few more? I know you have higher values to never use your Geass to kill. Even if it meant your escape, you wouldn't do it. Considering who the Thornbergs used to be, it's really of no surprise. But you know of the secret of your mother's side of the family, do you not?"

"It's only speculation. There's no evidence that it's true." He didn't want to believe it to be true.

"You wish it were not, and therefore you deny the evidence. Radimir lied to you. That is not his true name, in fact he should be V.V. and not R.R. At any rate, we will need his help to escape. That nurse is still under your influence, it would be simple to ask her to grant him the chance he needs to get out."

"We? How is it that we share the same body, unless I have truly lost my mind and I'm speaking to demons within my head?" He almost turned around to glare, but he refused to do so. He did not want to see for himself that he had gone mad.

"I may have been called a demon, but I assure you I am a mortal soul just as you are. You see, when I was given a second chance to inhabit another body in the process of rebirth, your soul had already claimed the body that was the perfect structure for me. I decided not to devour you, but allowed you to live. Of course it gave this body a few complications, such as being born a month early."

"And should I believe in everything you say? How can I trust you, when I wasn't even aware of you until now?" He still didn't want to believe.

"You weren't aware of me because I built a cage where I could not intervene with your life. Unfortunately, it proved to be a stronger cage than I anticipated when you were about to jump off that cliff when you were thirteen. I couldn't reach out to you."

"And? What's the difference now?"

"When your Geass broke, my cage crumbled with it. It was me who urged you to create that plan. I could influence you to some degree, but I had misjudged how high your values are. Thus the reason why I have come to you now, and not revealed myself to you the moment you awoke. You are afraid to kill, while I am not. However, I cannot kill you. I have come to think of you as another piece of myself that died the moment I accepted the contract C.C. had given."

"Are you saying you want a collaboration of sorts? How do I know I won't lose myself as we walk down this bloody path of yours?"

"It's simple. We merge. We're two separate souls, but in one body. This is problem for the body we inhabit. It is fragile and frail. If we merge together then we won't have that experience. And together we can be the best of both worlds. We'll be one mind, one soul, but it can only work if you truly agree to my proposal. If there is even a moment's hesitation, there will be far more problems in store for us than there are now."

"…Will there be fewer headaches? Less confusion of what our identities are?" He was hesitant, but he wanted all of the memories to stop interfering with his life.

"It will take a while I imagine, but yes. Once we figure out who we truly are, then there will be no more pain."

It was tempting. It was so tempting. He swallowed a lump in his throat and very slowly he glanced over his shoulder. He stared into the same face as his own. Same black hair, same pale skin. The only difference between them was the eye color. Violet eyes stared back in equal curiosity.

He felt his heart stop, and he found it hard to breathe. The memories of the life of the young man behind him were the truth. But he had not been prepared at seeing the man in person. A hand shifted to cover the area where his heart was. It took a moment for him to realize the hand was not his own.

"Just breathe. I know it must be a shock. But you have nothing to fear from me." Lelouch smiled reassuringly.

"How…how do I know you're not going to use me? Like you used everyone else?" Anghel flinched at how smooth that voice was. It was disturbing when it was his voice as well.

"You're a part of me, just as I am a part of you. All I want to do is help. You know you can't seek vengeance without my help. I know how to play this game, as do you, you have my memories now. But can you play the game and willingly follow the path of blood?"

"I…I don't want to kill. I just want Ambrose dead. But more than that I want him to pay for what he's done." Anghel's face hardened. "But what are the conditions of us merging? Is this permanent? Or can we separate later down the road?"

"Even if we could, I don't think we would want to. By then we would be too used being one person. So I imagine this is permanent. Has to be, I don't think a soul could be split one it's been made whole." Lelouch shrugged. He didn't seem too bothered by the prospect.

Anghel thought it over. Although this would probably be more permanent, he didn't mind it too much. So long as the headaches would go away and there would be less confusion on who he was then he was fine with this deal the demon offered. But there was one significant thing that bothered him.

"That night before you…before you staged your death, were you honest…? What you said to him, I mean."

Lelouch blinked for a moment. Then he smirked. It was a knowing smile, one that made the younger boy uncomfortable.

"It's no surprise you would admire him. He can be a sweetheart when the mood strikes him. That night had been a momentary weakness for me and for him as well, I imagine."

"But were you honest?" Anghel narrowed his eyes at the other with an accusatory glare.

"All right, yes, I was honest that night. You should know, you have my memories now." The demon frowned, clearly irritated.

"I know. I just had to hear it from you. So how about we stir up some confusion and fun?"

Both mirrored young men smirked at the indication.

It took three days for their merge to be complete. The merging was a slow process, but eventually he became mind and soul of both Lelouch vi Britannia and Anghel Thornberg. Upon awakening after the short comatose state, he had another plan set in motion. There were still headaches, still pain of the memories that tried to flood through his head without his permission. But it seemed more bearable this time around, which he took as a good sign.

This time around he was able to convince Ambrose he was on their side. The albino was pleased and immediately allowed him freedom.

"It is good you have changed your mind. And so quickly, might I add. No matter, you've joined our cause, which is enough. Let's prescribe you some pills that will help you with your withdrawal symptoms." Pale red eyes watched as the small lithe body stretch.

"Would you please stop eying me like I'm a bloody piece of meat?" He glared, the use of a swear word he had grown accustomed to living in Britain. Perhaps he hadn't lost the influence at all. Although the merge rid his voice most of the accent.

"One can't help but admire you." Ambrose smirked. "Stay tight, I'll fetch those pills. That nurse ought to be back soon with clothes that should fit you."

"Like I can go anywhere with my ass presented to the world? Unlikely." He snorted, now moving on to relieve the tense muscles on his arms.

"Oh, and we have your contractor. He has yet to accept joining us, I was wondering that sometime later you could convince him?" Ambrose inquired. And before the young man could reply the albino left the room.

'So they do have R.R. Why didn't they use him against me? Or the other way around for that matter?' He narrowed his eyes with growing concern.

It was something that he shouldn't ignore. And where was the immortal responsible for Ambrose's power? Was he or she here in the same base now? Or was the immortal placed away from Ambrose, as a means of protection should the Black Knights arrive? The latter seemed most likely the case. There was no doubt Ambrose knew what the Black Knights do on their spare time when they're not fighting in wars or supervising peace treaties.

What was also concerning was why R.R. had not made a move yet. The only reason he didn't was because he couldn't. There were very few things that could be effective against an immortal, but they still contained a body with limits. If they pumped him full of drugs as they had done with him, then they used powerful drugs on R.R. as a means to subdue him. And they would have to continue pumping the drugs through his system since immortals burn through the effects of drugs.

This was a concern he had to eliminate. It would take some time for R.R. to recover, but once he was stable enough to continue the plan, then hopefully they could last long enough for the Black Knights to arrive. Because the longer they hold on like this, the greater the chances of Ambrose finding out that this was all just a play. They could not afford that situation to rise.

The nurse entered with a fresh pair of clothing. Good, it was the same nurse as before.

"I have another favor to ask of you." His Geass activated, if he was going to test how his power was now compared to his previous life, he needed to know if it shared the same limitations.

=3=

For the past few days Suzaku has had little sleep. The Black Knights were not used to seeing his face after so long with the mask. And yet they felt a little more at ease around him, now that he was without the mask Zero seemed a little more human. No one knew of this sudden change, or why he suddenly seemed more determined than before.

C.C. had a few guesses, but she could only speculate when he wouldn't answer any of her questions or remarks. In fact he seemed to avoid her, which she found annoying. How childish he was, but then again he had every right to give her the cold shoulder for withholding information that he should have known since he became Knight of Zero.

Yet strangely she could not find any evidence of Suzaku being furious at Lelouch. No, there was something else driving him. It was not anger, but something else entirely. She didn't want to think of the concept she knew to be true, but did not acknowledge it. It was too soon to know if it was old feelings of love that drove Suzaku or not.

She watched him now as they poured over all details they have gathered about the Geass Crusaders. Apparently they have been recruiting for their cause for roughly five years. The Black Knights were stumped on how this lot has not been found under their radar. And for the moment Zero was furious as to why they haven't found word of this until now.

"I thought we have a special intelligent source monitoring every piece of the internet for movement about a group being formed in mass numbers. Why haven't they caught wind of this until now?" Suzaku's voice was hard as he slammed the folder on the desk.

"We didn't find anything about it until now. We've been mostly keeping a watch for such groups within Britannia, we didn't search very far within the EU. There has been no need until now, sir." The informer replied. To his credit, he didn't stutter or flinch.

"Just set up someone who can win their trust to consider recruiting. We have to find out where their base of operation is. And I would hope none of the countries within the EU are behind them." It was bad enough relations between the Black Knights and the EU were strained, and how they were walking on thin ice with Earl Thornberg's son taken hostage.

The informer left, and before the door could close another person walked in. A familiar face with blond hair and blue eyes, a contagious smile and carefree attitude that usually brightened Suzaku's day, but right now he was too emotionally and physically exhausted to return a smile of his own. The blond frowned, and his carefree attitude disappeared.

"Hey, Suzaku. Glad to be able to see that face of yours instead of that mask. You know that mask is quite intimidating, right?" The blond slung an arm around the other's shoulder.

"Gino, I thought you were within the EU supervising treaties?" Although he was glad to see him, Suzaku hoped the man didn't bail out in the middle of a job.

"Don't worry, those people don't need me sticking around. Besides, I hear we're about to go on an all out war. I wanted to come by and be a part of it. You know I've been itching for a good match on the battlefield." The blond waved off.

"While that may be true, are you sure it's not because you wish to fight alongside Kallen?" Lloyd was just finishing the last touches of the Guren Mk IV, which should be ready for her maiden battle when they face the Geass Crusaders.

"What can I say? I love that woman. She's a great pilot. She's a bit of a spitfire, but everything needs a little spicing up, right? And she's great being a mother, so that's a bonus." Gino laughed. "I just wish she would get over about her son. It's about the only thing holding us back, you know. I mean, I like the boy, honest, but he's so angry all the damn time it's hard to get through that stubborn skull of his."

"I know exactly what you mean. I have to work with him in battle, remember? And do you know that the adoption papers are almost completed?"

"Yeah, and she's worried. She has every right to, since her son is going to become Nunnally's heir. But the only thing that's holding those papers back is that he's hesitating again. I think he doesn't want to be her heir if it was to put Kallen in danger. He has a good heart that one. He just doesn't know how to show it." Gino shrugged, seemingly fine about all of this. "Maybe this Thornberg boy might do him some good, if he truly is Lelouch reincarnated."

"Good, how? All I can imagine is Zaniel trying to strangle the boy." Suzaku dead panned.

"I don't know. Maybe once he realizes Lelouch isn't so bad under all that prickly exterior of his, he wouldn't hate him so much." The blond grinned. "Anyway, can I be part of the front lines when you take the battle to the Geass Crusaders? Please?"

The brunette sighed. "I may regret this later, but yes, you can be in the front lines."

"Score!" Gino threw his hands up into the air while doing a mini victory dance. To Suzaku's luck, before the blond could throw his arm around his shoulders again and lean on him like the old days, the door opened to reveal Zaniel, out of breath as he had been running as fast as he could.

"Someone sent us a message, telling us where the Geass Crusaders are keeping the Thornberg heir!"

The three occupants in the room sprang into action. Gino became more serious while the other two were more curious. Together they followed the red head. When they arrived Kallen and Tohdoh were already there, while Lloyd was going over the message with curiosity.

"Aha~ It appears dear Suzaku, that our little demon has awakened. This line is one he created, and only you and he know how the pass code to use it." The man grinned, adjusting his glasses.

"But could this be a trap?" Suzaku frowned, skeptical.

"Just read it and find out for yourself. You're the only one who can determine if the demon is genuine or not."

Suzaku stood next to the earl to read the message's content.

In this file folder are satellite photographs of the base they're keeping me. I should warn you this is not their main base, how many more they have I cannot say. They won't tell me either because they don't trust me, or because the only people who do know are within the small circle Ambrose trusts.

Try to arrive here within twenty four hours max. They have set up devices that can detect unregistered knightmares some 20 kilometers in a full circle of the base. I will disable their alarm systems around 1700 hours. It will take approximately thirty minutes until they realize something is wrong.

Yes, I could escape on my own. But that scenario will get me killed, as everyone who can pilot a knightmare in this silly cause of theirs has a Geass power. There is one individual who has a particularly dangerous power that can render mine useless. This chance I cannot take, thus why I am asking for your help.

If you don't believe me, then consider us enemies. And should I die, good luck explaining to my father how you allowed me to die at the hands of these bloody bastards when I called for your help. He has enough power and influence to prevent the EU from backing the Black Knights. This not exaggeration, it is fact. We are the few noble families all countries within the EU can respect even if they don't care for Britain.

P.S.

Together we can pull anything off, right Suzaku?

The current Zero reread the message. There was genuine fear in these words, he could sense it. The boy had everything to lose by sending them a message. He risked his life by doing this, and even setting up a plan to disable the alarm systems to warn the Geass Crusaders the Black Knights were just outside their doorstep. What really caught his attention though was the last sentence.

It was the proof he needed to know that this truly was the boy acting of his own accord, not a trap set by the Geass Crusaders.

"Pull out those photographs, let's see where they are." Lloyd did, and everyone present examined them with scrutiny.

"It looks like they're in…Norway? They're close enough to the coast line, as well as a short flight from the UK. And it would be easy to obtain supplies from air and boat."

"Send out the location to all units throughout the EU. Have them ready to make the assault. Meanwhile, ready the Lamorak for departure. We might be cutting the time close, but if we go as fast as we can then we will make the time limit he has set for us." Suzaku was fully awake now, as the excitement that they were finally going somewhere was evident.

The Lamorak was an impressive battle ship. While it was good for Empress Nunnally to allow the Black Knights to borrow the Avalon when needed, it has become a hassle as of late for the Avalon to be shared between them. By pulling a few strings the Black Knights were able to design and construct a battle ship of their own. It has yet to be set on its maiden voyage, but there was an important reason. The Lamorak isn't quite completed yet.

"The Lamorak? But its defense mechanism hasn't been fully developed!" Lloyd cried as he waved his arms about. "Are you sure you want to take the Lamorak to battle?"

"It won't be in the front lines. We'll station a few Caerlon battleships to surround and protect the Lamorak. At the current moment we can't borrow the Avalon when it's already in course towards Her Majesty. Plus, it's not fast enough to get us to that base in time."

"What about the Guren MK IV? Is it ready for battle?" Kallen was eager for the war to start as much as Gino was after years of not being in the cockpit.

"I will have to rush things a bit, but I should have it done while we're on our way." The earl sighed heavily in disappointment. He hated rushing things, he truly did. Mistakes were easily made when there was a time limit concerned.

"Wait, what about the Galehaut? Can I still pilot it?" Zaniel perked up.

"I'm sorry, but it's still undergoing surgery. I'm afraid you'll just have to pilot something else." Lloyd shrugged half heartedly.

"What the hell am I supposed to pilot then? An old Burai?" The redhead spat, frowning.

"Well, there's always the original Lancelot~" Lloyd was grinning now, he knew what the answer would be the moment he mentioned the white knightmare.

Zaniel blinked, stunned for a moment before he mirrored the man's grin. "Hell, yes I'll pilot it!"

"Good, now that everything is settled, let Operation Thornberg commence!"

=3=

He was nervous, and he had every right to be nervous. He didn't want to give the Black Knights a time limit, but he had no choice. Eventually Ambrose was going to notice the drugs have stopped flowing into R.R., and then he will try and investigate why. Also, while he was confident he can pretend to be on their side, he wasn't sure just how long he can convince them.

It was perhaps fortunate he was still going through Refrain withdrawals. The shaking and twitching offered him the cover he needed to hide his nervousness. The pills Ambrose has given him have taken the edge off, though now and then his arms would twitch of their own accord.

But because he was still recovering from the LSD that had been put into his system, he often found himself getting dizzy spells and losing his appetite when he remembered the horrifying hallucinations. Which was quite often, unfortunately, which made him even more nervous since he needed enough food in his system if he was going to be part of the battle he had set up.

His mind was ready for the war to start. He had done this a million times that it should be second nature. Yet his body was going through reactions he thought he had left behind in his previous life. Perhaps it was because the only battle this body has experienced was fighting pneumonia and bronchitis infections every winter.

Though there was one concerned factor he had to eliminate. The prototype Volkov was creating, he had to make sure it was either destroyed or he had to prevent it from ever being used by the Geass Crusaders. The easiest way to go about this was to destroy it, but as he stared through the one way window, he couldn't help but admire it.

He would hate to destroy such a unique machine. And if the two special abilities Volkov put into it worked, then he wanted it all the more. A plan was beginning to form in his head, and now he was really tempted to carry it out.

It could be an even bigger risk than sending that message. But, if he succeeded, and if that machine works as Ambrose hoped it would, then the rewards would be all the more satisfying.

To his luck, Dr. Volkov was just stepping out for a coffee break. A devious smirk played on his face, and he walked over to the doctor.

"Sir, I was wondering if you could do me a favor." Within a second his Geass activated, and rings appeared around Volkov's eyes.

"Sure, what do you need?"

He gave the order he wanted. He was sure to be as specific as he was with the nurse, and once again there were no road blocks to his plan as the man nodded in understanding. He smiled when he was done granting the order.

"Yes, I can do that."

"Thank you I really appreciate it." And with that he turned around and walked away.

Now, all he had to do was to wait.

The waiting game was agonizing. He spent most of the time going over the plans he had set in motion over and over. He mulled over them to see if there were any loopholes, anything that could go wrong. His greatest threat was if it took half an hour for these idiots to realize their security systems surrounding the base was down.

Another high risk was that R.R. might go against his plan. Instead of running, he might remain and help him drive the Geass Crusaders back. There was nothing he could hold against the immortal, and it wasn't like he could order him around in the first place. But the Black Knights hunted down immortals, and he knew without a doubt they will not get a sworn oath from R.R. The man has the impulse to rebel against what others expect him to do.

Saving his life not once but twice was one of them. R.R. might go for a third if it meant protecting him, as it was his duty to protect the Vladimirescu bloodline even if the Thornberg tainted him. He was aware the dark secrets behind both families. And putting the two together was not the best mix at all.

In the Thornberg family tragedy always follows like a hidden shadow, claiming a young life of every other generation since they were founded. His father speculated it had something to do with the fact the first Thornberg was born from nothing and yet somehow died as a knight. The first Thornberg had risen to power to protect the last Tudor. The last rose in the British Royalty, and thus the reason why the knight in shining armor had taken the name Thornberg, as every rose should have its thorns.

And as knights it was common for a few members of the family to die young on the field. Their family has remained as knights until 1887, when they were granted the life of nobles having served their duty for over three centuries. It was thought the once knights would become the lesser of the nobles. Somehow that did not happen, and thus a string of strange circumstances happened within the family.

Young men or women died young from between fourteen to roughly twenty eight. The circumstances of their deaths were strange, borderline on murder if one thought too hard about it. What concerned him most was that the last person to die young was his grandfather's sister. This meant that he was the one who was supposed to die young in the family, passing away before he could survive his first day.

And now he was dangerously tempting death. R.R. would consider this and instead of fleeing he would stay at the base even if it meant the capture from the Black Knights. No, he would definitely be captured by the Black Knights just by remaining within the same area by the time they arrive.

'I would hope he has enough sense to do as I asked. The moment I join the battle I will not die, not with the Black Knights at my back. He should know that Zero would not allow it.'

=3=

Confusion was spreading through the atmosphere. People were running around frantically for the escaped immortal, the one who had a contract with the newly reawakened Lelouch. The boy didn't seem to have any idea what was going on, but just in case Ambrose had the boy locked away in a safe room.

Strangely the boy was calm, as if he was waiting for something. Ambrose didn't catch it as he would have if he was not distracted. The whole base was set in a panic as they continued to search for the escapee. They did not notice that in another room, a nurse was disabling the security system surrounding the base. No one realized there were two dead officers, or the fact the two were missing in the search.

No one took notice of Dr. Volkov as he deleted all files of information containing the knightmare prototype. Slumped around him were his dead assistants, everyone who had helped him work on the research put into the prototype. Everyone who had worked on it besides him was dead, and how he was clearing out all files on this base and the main base. He was not to leave out any information out as he continued to delete.

Then, roughly ten minutes after the panic had started, the alarms went off. There were alarms outside the buildings similar to the ones surrounding the base, but by now it was too late for the Geass Crusaders to flee. There was an army of Black Knights just outside their doorstep. To some who grew up with the Black Rebellion looked out to see a few knightmare frames that have come back from the grave.

In front was no doubt the Lancelot Azeran. Beside it was the original Lancelot, the very same Suzaku Kururugi piloted. It was back in action after years of being out of the game without a pilot. To the other side of the Azeran was a knightmare with the familiar makings of the Guren Mk III, no doubt piloted by Kallen Kouzuki. And floating next to her was none other than the Tristan in Fortress Mode.

While there was no sight of the Galehaut, it was easy for some to speculate the pilot was the one using the original Lancelot.

And behind the front lines was the impressive sight of a never before seen battleship. The Geass Crusaders cowered in fear, as they have heard rumors of this battleship being created by the Black Knights. It was said to be armed by four Hadron Cannons, as well as two cannons for the Zero Beam mounted on the front and back. To fit all of these the battleship was supposed to dwarf the Avalon, could even fit the Avalon inside its belly.

But the rumors had said this floating fortress wasn't supposed to be completed until next year. And yet there it was, the black and yellow giant that was the Lamorak.

Ambrose ordered an immediate retaliation, gathering all members of his army into their assigned knightmare frames. During the confusion no one noticed the boy slipping out of his guarded room. No one took notice even as he made his way to the hangar that held the prototype, which was fortunate that it wasn't completely finished as it was in a different hangar than where the other knightmares were stored.

As the Geass Crusaders readied for battle, the first knightmare frame to take to the air was a three manned piloted knightmare. It was bigger than the Azeran by far, could easily crush it by sitting on the Azeran. And it was intimidating as well as it was terrifying. The entire paint job was red with bits of white here and there. Covering its massive chest were eight slots for Slash Harkens. In the middle of the chest was the familiar protruding sight of a Zero Beam that was covered at the moment by its protective outer shell.

To make the massive thing float was a total of ten bars of a Float System that took a similar appearance to the Gawain.

"Cower in fear, Black Knights! This is my personal knightmare, Seraphim!"

The Black Knights stared at the massive machine with wonder and fear. Of all the things they were expecting from the Geass Knights, this was definitely not what they thought the group to have.

By the time the boy arrived at his destination, the portion of the army within the base was all set to engage in battle, leaving only the staff members to try and see if the prototype was ready enough for an early start. And before either side could declare the battle to start, the boy uttered one order to the entire staff members present.

"Die."

Guns were fired. Those that didn't carry a gun retrieved knives to stab themselves in the heart. The shots echoed throughout the building. The sound was so loud even that both armies in their show down heard it.

A minute went by. Then another minute passed, and a section of the hangar opened. Everyone who didn't have the chance to see the prototype stared, dumbfounded at the impressive sight.

It didn't have a paint job yet, so it was still the dull natural color of titanium. The overall theme was a wolf with the way the top of the head were wolf like ears. The face was mostly human in appearance with two eyes similar to the Lancelot's that glowed red. The tips of the hands were sharp to give the appearance of claws, if a little more mortal in appearance compared to the Guren or Galehaut. Even the feet in front of the landsliders were shaped to a wolf's hind legs.

"The prototype is ready for battle? But it hasn't been completed yet! Who is the pilot? Someone answer me!" Ambrose was the first to recover.

"I don't know about you, but that thing looks like a better opponent to take on than the stupid Seraphim!" The familiar voice of the pilot of the Galehaut came from the Lancelot.

The white knightmare frame lunged towards the prototype at full speed, swords drawn for a slice. The prototype appears to be weaponless. Therefore it was by his logic to go about fighting the it in close combat.

"Zaniel, no! We don't know what it can do yet!" Zero called out, but the redhead would not listen.

Just as the Lancelot was about to swipe the prototype, the thing disappeared into thin air. Zaniel paused in mid swing and pulled the Lancelot to a full stop, hovering in the air as he searched for his opponent.

"Hey…where are you? Is this some kind of trick? C'mon, you coward, show yourself!" And now the pilot's temper was taking full force.

"The..the Camouflage System works. It works! It can become invisible! But does the Geass System work?"

There was an eerie laughter in response. That voice sounded familiar, where had he heard it before? Suddenly the wolf like knightmare frame appeared in front of the front lines of the Geass Crusaders, facing against them. The eyes glowed, something was activating, the pilot was putting in the distance he wanted. Then a hauntingly familiar voice said only one word.

"Die."

The sigil of Geass sprang from the eyes of the knightmare frame, growing as it matched the distance the pilot put in. When the sigil touched the frames in front of it, the whole body glowed red. The pilots answered eagerly before thrusting their swords through the cockpits.

The pilot laughed, it was high pitched and familiar enough to the Black Knights to send shivers up their spines. The prototype pulled away from the front lines of the Geass Crusaders, the pilot still laughing as his voice took an even higher pitch.

"You…but you said you were on our side!" Ambrose was beginning to act like a child now with the way his voice wavered.

"You thought you could tame me, Ambrose? You're nothing more than a prettied up pawn pretending to be King in this game you set up. As for me, I've played this game enough times that I am a master in the art of war. Can you truly expect me to follow a fake king? Perhaps I should apologize, but I'm having too much fun at deceiving you." The pilot went into another giggle fit.

"You…you…curse you, Lelouch! All units, destroy him! I don't care if we lose the prototype, we still have the research files put into it!" The leader of the Geass Crusaders was panicking.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to recreate this knightmare frame, Ambrose. I destroyed all of the research that was done to create it. And everyone who did the research is dead." That voice sounded so smug, and it angered Ambrose even more.

"Destroy it! I don't care if we lose it, I want him DESTROYED! We can have someone else try and create another frame like it! It's just been proven it can be done! Destroy the traitor!"

Now there was no hesitation from the Geass Crusaders. The ones with a Float System charged forward while the ones on the ground took aim with their cannons. The prototype was fast as the pilot skillfully avoided all of the attacks, dodging all of them.

"I would appreciate it if I can have a little help, here." The pilot urged the Black Knights. "This thing isn't complete. Its defensive systems aren't installed."

Immediately the Black Knights snapped out of their daze and joined the fray. The Lancelot and Guren Mk IV took turns rotating around the prototype in fending off the attacks. The Tristan took care of the missiles by intercepting them with his own. When the Azeran came in close enough, Zero activated the Absolute Defense shields to surround the Azeran and the prototype, relieving Zaniel and Kallen from their rotated circle.

"Damn you, Lelouch! Hiding behind the Black Knights will not help you!" Ambrose urged the Seraphim forward.

But the large knightmare was intercepted by the Lancelot, Guren Mk IV and the Tristan, now in its battle mode. The three knightmares worked together to get in as close as possible and launch their Slash Harkens to harass the larger frame. Since the Seraphim was so huge in size its weight prevented the machine from having enough speed to counter them.

Knowing that Ambrose will be busy for a while, Zero put the mask on as he requested a private channel with the prototype.

"So, it would seem you really have awakened." The masked figure commented as the link opened.

Behind the mask Suzaku almost did a double take. The boy truly appears like Lelouch now. There were subtle changes one wouldn't know unless they knew Lelouch intimately. His eyes weren't as wide as the photograph reference. The color had darkened slightly from blue violet to a closer shade similar to Lelouch's violet.

"I'm afraid you will have to speak a little louder, I'm deaf in one ear." The boy replied, indicating to his right ear. "That fall from attempting to jump the log when the Geass Crusaders were in pursuit damaged my ear drum."

"And Ambrose couldn't fix it? He should have the resources to have at least done something if he has enough money to build that monster of a knightmare." Zero spoke a little louder.

"He did, but by the time the specialized doctor came it was too late. Could you please remove that mask? It will be easier for me to understand what you're saying if I can read your mouth." The boy frowned, replying half a minute later after processing the masked figure's words. "As it is that voice simulator isn't helping much."

"Do you really want to see my face?" Zero hesitated, he sounded a little cautious as he spoke.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that." The boy was irritated now. He knew Zero had said something, but it was all muffled by the device in the mask.

Before he could answer, both knightmares were shoved backwards as the Seraphim made impact on the translucent red shield. The prototype crashed into the Azeran, the latter didn't receive any damage, but the Float System of the smaller frame did. The link was still open and Zero could hear the alarms go off inside the other knightmare.

"Oh, bloody hell!" The boy cursed as he began his descent towards the ground.

Zero tried to reach for the prototype but Ambrose interfered, forcing him not to give chase to the falling frame.

"Damn it, why does this keep happening to the pilots closest to me?" Zero yelled as he pushed the big red knightmare back, the shields were still active and so he used them to his advantage.

"I got you!" Kallen raced over and released her slash harkens, wrapping around the limbs of the prototype. She suspended the knightmare in the air as if it were cradled. The force of the sudden stop made the pilot hit the back of his head against the door of the cockpit.

"Ow! Damn it, why couldn't they put cushions in these things?" The young pilot rubbed the back of his head.

"Um…can you use your slash harkens? I don't think the Guren was built to carry this much weight…" Kallen was straining to keep her knightmare level as she gently made their way towards the ground.

He silently cursed at how inconvenient the chair built into his knightmare did not have back support. He reached for the controls, but his arms were too short to reach. He didn't have the stomach muscles to pull himself up and there was nothing he could use to push far enough for him to grab hold of the controls.

"Kallen, let go of my legs!"

"Wh-what?"

"Just do it!" The moment he said it the line of one of the slash harkens snapped. Luckily it was the one that had the right ankle, and quickly Kallen set to let the other leg go quickly. But the strain was beginning to be too much for the other two.

Now that he was horizontal the pilot grabbed hold of the controls and released all four of his harkens to hold onto the red knightmare above him. The Tristan followed to fend off anyone who came too close to try and cut the lines.

"Never thought I'd see one of the former Knights of the Round join their ranks." The boy commented.

"I'm aiming to do some good in this world. So I thought, hey, might as well join these guys. As a bonus I just happen to be fighting alongside Kallen, here." Gino replied cheerfully.

"Hey! Don't talk as if I'm not around when I'm right here!" The redhead spat, though it wasn't harsh.

"Glad to see some things haven't changed. I was worried that you'd mellow out as time went by." The boy hadn't realized he had spoken aloud.

"Yeah, well, it helps when I have a stubborn son with a skull as thick as Suzaku's."

"Hey, I heard that!" Two different voices over the radio remarked, one he assumed to be Zaniel while the other was undeniably Zero.

The boy in the prototype chuckled. How amazing he felt so at ease with these people already. It didn't feel like he had never been away at all. He glanced around in their surroundings, realizing Kallen was not setting him down close to the base.

"Hey…Why are you setting me down in the small clearing?"

"To give you cover should they decide to attack you in greater numbers." Well he couldn't ignore her logic, but he felt a little uneasy about this ground.

Out of nowhere two red and white knightmares came at them from opposite sides. Gino blocked one but didn't have enough time to divert the other.

"Shit! They pulled one of the oldest tricks in the book!" The blond whirled around just in time to see the second knightmare cut the lines.

"No!" Kallen sped the Guren Mk IV downwards, but then the one that cut the lines intervened. Gino still had his own opponent to take care of, who then took the moment to slice off one of the Tristan's legs.

Within a second the redhead burned her opponent to melted metal. Just as she turned her knightmare around she stopped, her gaze fixated at the sight of a familiar glowing sigil on the ground.

"What…what is this? Another of those old ruins?" The pilot of the prototype, which had landed without damage since they were close to the ground anyway, could sense the ancient power.

Then the knightmare began to glow red, matching the sigil where it stood on. There was a terrifying scream as the power invaded his head, searching all of his memories as his soul laid bare to the ruins. As soon as the ruins were done going through his memories, another mind touched his, this one felt familiar.

And before he could react, his mind merged with the immortal he held his current contract with. He lost all sense of sight, hearing, and touch as they became the very core of the ruins as they came to life.

"Sleep mode deactivate now. Everything must wake. Transform into Defense, repel these insects called the Geass Crusaders. They are invading us. Transform Defense into Offense, destroy these insects. Anyone who isn't among the Black Knights are considered enemies."

It was the voices of the prototype pilot combined with the escaped immortal from earlier. However there was a sense that there were more voices joining them. Voices of young and old, ancient by all accounts, joining the two from flesh, all voices from within the World of C echoed in the air.

Red light from the sigil followed each crack of the ruins as they came to life as if it were water. Waves of energy reached out from the ground towards the red and white army but left the Black Knights alone. Those that were touched went insane and began to turn on each other. The ones that had a unique Geass power that prevented them from the mental attack, the waves of energy interfered with the core of the knightmare and shut it down. Strangely Ambrose and a few others could not be breached by this attack.

The ground shook as if there was a great earthquake, collapsing in on itself while taking trees and knightmares beneath. In the air Seraphim gained altitude to watch as the entire two miles of the ruins came to life. It was a spectacular sight to see, and it left everyone witnessing it in awe and in fear.

"What is happening? How is this happening? It is clear Lelouch and his contractor are the ones responsible but…" Ambrose was at a loss for words.

The voices laughed, the sound of them pierced the air and it was so eerie even those with a well guarded mind flinched.

"This is what happens when an immortal and mortal are in perfect sync with each other. Together we can activate and control these ruins. This is what happens when the two are in perfect harmony. Tell me, Ambrose the False King, can you say the same when it comes down to you and your contractor? Is the relationship between you have such a strong bond to successfully control any of these ruins spread throughout the entire world?"

And for the first time ever in his life Ambrose was speechless.

=3=

Death: There were many points where I was really tempted to do a cliffe hanger. There were several spots where it would be possible and just laugh at how horrible I treat my readers. But I told myself to keep going just a little longer, just a little more. And now I am satisfied how this chapter turned out.

The Lamorak: It's basically named after one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round, Ser Lamorak. Since the Avalon was basically a place from Arthurian legend, I decided the Black Knights should continue the theme. Thus the reason why the Galehaut is around. And to get a good mental picture of the Lamorak, think of the Avalon but three times as big. Yeah...huge.

Seraphim: Its the highest rank of the Christian angel hierarchy. This is a theme for the Geass Crusaders, there are frames that are similar but not quite as large as the toy Ambrose uses.

Some of you may wonder, "What? The original Lancelot is still alive!?" Well, yes, yes it is. Remember when it was nearly destroyed with its legs cut off, and then Suzaku started using the Albion? Yeah, it was never destroyed. It was just out of action for the rest of Season 2. Which is strange since it should have been used when Emperor Lelouch was dead set on crushing the Black Knights/Schneizel. Anyway, I thought the Lancelot needed a little love, so in this battle it's back in action.

The same goes for the Tristan. Though personally I would have thought it was destroyed due to that intense battle Gino had against Suzaku. But everytime I look it up the Tristan's status is "Damaged, Upgraded". And plus, Gino is alive, so yeah, he wouldn't be if the Tristan was destroyed. Also, I didn't feel like creating a new knightmare frame for him. I have too many on my created list already. That and I can't imagine another knightmare for Gino. The Tristan is like an extension of his character, and I just don't think I can successfully replace it.

The Geass ruins are protals to the World of C. There isn't really much to go on about how else the ruins can defend itself against people who shouldn't be there, other than the fact they have to be active. After all the first trip to Kamine Island, all Lelouch got was to fall down to the tunnel underneath. Then the second time? The ruins tried to reject him and C.C. from getting too close. Probably due to V.V.

Anyway, this is all pretty much speculation on how these ruins can be used to their full potential. The idea of an immortal working with the mortal they share a contract with seemed like a good idea at the time. But, like always, there's a catch. And that shall be learned in the next chapter.

I have Stage 06 halfway done, but now I have just learned something that has put my spirits down. Not to mention my neck is killing me so, I decided to update this anyway even though the next chapter isn't fully finished. So, without further ado, please leave a review.