Sorry for taking so long. But I just finish my exams. YAY! I'll be using a different style of writing from this chapter onwards. Please have a look at it and see which one's better.

Other than that, read&review. ^^

Lelouch took the book uncertainly from the Knight and opened the page he was given to look at gasped. A figure with blond hair in gold armour with a crimson cloak stood on a white horse with red armour waving a sword in front of an assembled army. But it wasn't what so shocked Lelouch, it was the warrior's face. There was no mistake. It was his own.

Before he could do anything, everything suddenly changed around him. Images began flowing him again, the bright lights of the World of C dimmed down, becoming darker and darker until a flash of lightning cut through the darkness.

Suddenly he could feel the rain falling on his shoulders and hair, soaking his body and clothes quickly. He was in a forest now. It was not Britannia nor in any country in Asia. With practice eye, Lelouch quickly recognised the place. He was in the British Isles...the long lost homeland of his people.

"You will experience the true destiny of your birth." The Knight's voice rang in his mind. "As your ancestor himself..."

Lelouch could feel his heart pounding like never before so excited yet so frightened by the responsibility he would need to bear for the rest of his life. He was dressed in his finest garments, gold and black armour, a glittering red tunic with the golden dragon on it shinning like a beacon and the royal crimson cloak fluttering like a possess lover.

The young prince stood there kneeling before the golden throne, back grounded by a massive tapestry of red and black with the golden dragon of Camelot in the centre.

"Am I back in the middle ages?" Lelouch asked his mysterious escort. "I don't recognise their coat of arms but that dragon seemed to be oddly familiar..."

"It is something you have known all along but have long forgotten. Now watch."

Beside the throne, the royal knights in great helms watched dressed in the crimson cloak of the king. Much of their armour was covered by the cloak and the helm completely enveloped the face other than eyes, hiding any sort of facial expression. Lelouch knew this was done on purpose so it would intimidate the pensioners. Under the cloak, the prince knew that the warriors were gripping on their swords and shields; ready to bring them out as soon as they think the king was being threatened. Even if before him was his only son...

Despite himself, he found being in the presence of these royal knights extremely unnerving and Lelouch found himself turning back to look at familiar faces. A group of younger knights and men-at-arms watched him proudly dressed in their ceremonial armour of gold and silver with the same crimson cloaks. Many of the others were noblemen and higher ranking commoners. Lelouch thought enviously of how simple their lives were compared to him and how he had missed the times he had lived as a commoner before pulling out the sword in the stone.

"Sword in the stone...Is this...?" Lelouch noted.

"Yes. The one and only..."

"Arthur Pendragon!" A strong and intimidating voice called out. Lelouch at once turned to face the throne. An extremely tall and powerfully built man stood before him dressed in the gold and scarlet royal robes of the kingdom completed by the golden crown.

"Do you solemnly swear that you would govern this kingdom and its dominions according to the laws, statues and customs lay down by your forbearers?"

Lelouch swallowed slightly and replied.

"I swear, sire."

The king continued. "Do you promise to practice mercy, justice and honour throughout your reign both in the times of war as well of peace?"

"I do, sire."

His father gave a knowing smile for a brief moment before handing out the royal mace that symbolise the status of the crown prince.

"Then do you swear allegiance to the Crown of Britannia throughout your entire life?"

By now Lelouch was no longer frightened and took the mace and stood up speaking allowing his newfound confidence to take over.

"I so swear it, by my blood and honour to serve the people of Britannia regardless of ethnicity and swear to practice justice and honour."

The King nodded. "Rise Arthur Pendragon, Crown Prince of Camelot and of Britannia..."

"Huzzah!" Both nobles and commoners cheered raising their fists in the air, shouting or simply clapping.

Back in New Pendragon

Suzaku sat down leaning back on the deep violet chair, staring at the monitor screen of Arthur Peregrine...or rather the Ghost of Lelouch's personal profile. Many of it did not make any sense to the Japanese knight. There were many gaps in his life. Too many gaps. A distinguished Britannian knight who turned rogue then who then became a royal guard commander under Lelouch who led his armies that caused so much havoc on the Black Knights...if such a warrior had existed, how is it that he never knew of it? Lelouch would have used him against the Schneizel. He knew Lelouch long enough that the dead Emperor would use utilise all resources he possesses.

Perhaps, Lelouch wanted someone to look after the world just in case things might go wrong? He did always have a backup plan.

But if he did, then why did Lelouch not tell him about it?

However there was also another possibility that Arthur would be Lelouch's clone, created by the Geass Directorate. Suzaku had no doubt that the attack on New Pendragon was their doing and that they may even be the ones who started the whole civil war. It made sense.

How else would it be possible for the Purists to control the majority of the Britannian Army? Hadn't Lelouch made sure that the nobles would not stand against the new Empress? Hadn't he taken out any form of threat to his sister's new nation?

"Geass..." Suzaku whispered to himself. "It could only be Geass..."

This meant that the enemy he was fighting against was far more dangerous than he had thought earlier. It would also mean that the enemy was not just in Britannia.

Whatever it was, Geass had returned and with it came Arthur Peregrine. He could very well be an agent of the Directorate to come in as a hero before killing the Empress and destroy the empire from the inside.

However, Arthur seemed to be far too loyal to Lelouch to be such a thing. It was obvious during their meeting from his responses. While it may be an act, Arthur's words to Nunnally sounded truly honest and he did almost die trying to protect her...

And there was something else about this Arthur that doesn't seem to be right. Not only did he share Lelouch's face but his battle-tactics as well...while it took some time for Suzaku to understand, he recognise the patterns...only that he himself was more than capable of fighting on his own...he did not need fighters like himself or Kallen anymore. And while some would argue that it could just be a matter of coincidence as Lelouch's strategies were ever complicated...Suzaku knew Lelouch better than many. And also he noted of the red knight's fighting style. He was a skilled fighter, that was obvious but he was also a master manipulator where he would make use of everything around him, including the soldiers as well as the terrain.

That battle against the Black Knights was obvious. Suzaku later found out from other records that Arthur had used the ice of Alaska to his advantage. He had also tricked them into landing their forces in the snow where he had cleverly used sensor shielded platforms under the ice to make the ice seemly thick enough to land. Unaware, the Black Knights and their EU allies landed. Then once their forces had landed, he activated the platforms to disperse and dump their entire vanguard into the sea.

Then slowly he used some units to force them into entering into the ice-lands. Making them think that the battle was on their side, until it was too late. Once the bulk of the invasion force had arrived, Arthur had let loose of an avalanche which wipe out almost half their standing forces.

Once the enemy commander realised that the whole place was a trap, it was far too late. Battleships and Aerial-Cruisers of the Royal Navy and the Britannian Armada turned around and blocked all escape. Then and only then did the Britannian army showed itself.

The survivors would easy prey for his army.

"It's too similar..." Suzaku thought more than once. "But it can't be..." He stared at his hands. The hands that wielded the sword that struck Lelouch the fatal blow.

"You will be a hero..." Lelouch had said.

Suzaku realised that he may need to find out more from Arthur. He would have to talk to him. But another thought entered his mind as Suzaku put on his sword belt.

Does Arthur know who he was? That the new Zero was none other than the Knight of Zero himself?

Maybe...and from his reactions, Arthur seemed to dislike if not loathe the Black knights. After all, if Arthur was truly loyal to Lelouch then he would consider the entire world to be his enemy...and that made him even more dangerous.

The Lyonese Villa

The Arfon Knights' new quarters in New Pendragon

Above on the Third Floor of the Training Room

Arthur stood watching through the window at the skies of New Pendragon. They were beautiful and reminded the warrior of the peace that his lord and master wanted to obtain. While it was successful, Lelouch had never been able to experience it and Arthur felt guilty about it.

He flexed his left hand which seemed to shiver on its own.

Arthur remembered that he had once served the Empire proudly, following the traditions of the ancient knights of Camelot. He was named after King Arthur himself by his father who ruled the people in his land with justice and humility. In his policy, everyone, regardless of number or Britannian must work together as one to create peace. He would tolerate no discrimination and encourage the roles everyone holds. He had so believed in the ideals of honour that Arthur willing join the military to do his father proud...until that very day.

A terrorist attack...a terrorist they said...Arthur could feel the anger boiling in his chest at the very memory of it.

His mother, father, everyone else he had loved was taken away that very moment. Arthur was in New Scotia returning from a battle in Area 19 when he heard the news. Everyone knew it was done by the House of Perwell...a rival noble family but because of its close relations to the throne...it was utterly ignored and for his defiance against the royal family, he was stripped from his lands, titles and they were all given to their rivals the Perwell. Their family's favour like the Ashfords was lost since the death of Empress Marianne who his father had served.

Since everything he had cared for was gone, Arthur decided to lead a rebellion. He gained much support from his lands, the Britannians hunger for revenge while the numbers saw it as a chance for more rights. Regardless, Arthur had led the attack against the Imperial garrison in their lands, wiping them out in a few days.

The victory was short lived however when the Imperial Guard arrived. Despite their growing courage and determination, their old Glasgows and Centurion Tanks proved to be no match for the Imperial Gloucesters and Sutherlands. Arthur was captured, tortured and tied for treason.

Had he been killed, things might have been better. But he was not. The Empire was far too cruel to do that.

Arthur, instead of being shot to death or hanged, was sent to the Geass Directorate science facility in the Chinese Federation where they used him and many others as human guinea pigs as part of experiments.

Arthur would never forget the pain he had endured at their hands but at the same time however, he had been drastically altered...

The red knight paused to take out the white glove on his left hand.

His palm then suddenly glowed soft blue as the Geass symbol appeared on it for a second. Arthur quickly put the glove back on before anyone could see it.

It had been the result of his experiment. He had be...wired...he was not like a cyborg like Jeremiah Gottwald but inside his body...his bones, and much of his nerve systems had been replaced. He was twisted into something like those experimental monsters in those old films. A Frankenstein. Many times he had told himself that it was just a dream, something he had gotten as a youth watching horror films and Mother would be there for him...

But this was no dream and his mother was dead, slain at the hands of these same people.

The Cultists wanted more Geass operators so thus they sought to bring all users into their fold, by force or otherwise. The Geass Enforcers, the branch that would do it for them was set out. Jeremiah Gottwald was intended to be the leader if he hadn't disappeared. Instead Arthur was made to do so. Before that however, they had to make sure that he was loyal to them. Thus they...Arthur could not think of a better word than messed... with his mind.

But before his memory would be completely wiped out, came the attack.

Unknown Knightmares had entered the city that day, destroying everything, killing everyone who had anything to do with Geass.

Arthur, despite the damage on his mind, had realised his chance for escape had arrived, broke out, killing the scientists and guards with his newly given strength and burnt what remained of his torture chamber to the ground. He then escaped the desert with a stolen Vincent and returned to Britannia, confused and disillusions where the experiments had damaged him...until he had finally arrived at the graves of his parents where everything returned to him.

He had thought to have gone insane back then, spent the months living near the graves of his family...until he met Lelouch. At first, he thought Lelouch was part of a nightmare, an evil version of him due to their similar features and tried to attack him but he was soon convinced otherwise. The Black Prince had offered him a chance to redeem himself and Arthur gladly took it. Arthur did not at first trust him, not just because they had looked extremely alike but because he had sensed something sinister about him however, the former knight had saw the chance to avenge his parents and comrades and agreed. Since then Arthur had acted as a double for Lelouch when he became Emperor or otherwise command his armies.

Arthur had thought to use Lelouch only as a tool for his vengeance which they both shared against the cruel Empire. The feeling was mutual as he knew that Lelouch only required him because of his skills and the same face they bear but Arthur later knew that despite having him for nothing but his own purpose, Lelouch had come to genuinely like him and Arthur too shared the feeling. He also learnt the sinister presence was a mask that hid a good heart.

Soon, Arthur was given in charge of a black ops unit and helped Lelouch crush any Geass threat left in the world while Lelouch went on with his plans. During that time Arthur studied more about the new emperor he had been serving and learnt that he was the son of the woman his father as a former SIS agent had sworn to protect and of how Lelouch had wanted to create a better world for his sister despite his characteristics of a selfish power hungry man. And finally his sacrifice to bring peace to the world, he had abandoned everyone he loved so that they would live content...

It...It was the most beautiful thing Arthur had ever known...Lelouch was like the real life version of the King Arthur he had so admired as a child...so self-less...so noble...

And thus, Arthur begged his master to take the place of the sword which Lelouch's bastard friend the Japanese dog, Suzaku was going to end his life with. But Lelouch refused and instead free him from his service. Arthur however could not allow it to end there and asked of what he would want...and asked him to use his Geass on him. Lelouch was hesitant but in the end inclined.

Arthur never knew what the command was...but he trusted the Emperor and since lived on the British Isles...away from war and away from everything else that connected to his past.

Then Grand Master Bernard appeared who asked him to join the Arfon Knights, to stop this new threat that was coming. Arthur was hesitant but when he saw many of those who once served Lelouch including his black ops unit and those who knew the truth there, Arthur joined at once. Due to his independent nature, Arthur was given the rank of Commander and Captain of the Knights where he answered only to the Grand Master.

Arthur had his own personal suspicions on Bernard who seemed to know more about Geass than any individual he had encountered. He was likely a Code Bearer that was certain but he seemed to be more concerned with the world threat. Despite it, the mysterious nobleman was a powerful warrior in his own right and had been like a father figure to him ever since he had joined although he was not as gentle as his real father.

He absent traced the scar on his face, remembering the last lesson he was taught when Arthur had lost his temper in battle and fought rashly.

Later he recruited, Jeremiah Gottwald, a comrade in his services to Lelouch and the Japanese Sayoko. Arthur did not consider himself a racist but since the betrayal of Lelouch by the Black Knights, he found himself unable to not loathe the rest of the world especially the Japanese. He found that he detest them as much as he despise the nobles.

However, Sayoko proved to be as loyal as Jeremiah and all distrust washed away once he had learnt that she had sided with Lelouch over the Black Knights.

"Well, well, well! Here is the Ghost of Lelouch!" A very familiar jovial voice called. Arthur turned to see a lean thin, educated looking man with a cane dressed in a white scientist coat.

"I guess, your face had not been untouched yet...I wonder what they'd call you then-OW!" He was cut off as a file struck him on the back of his head.

"Sorry, Arthur. I know you were not a good mood but then again Lloyd is just Lloyd." Cecile Cloomy smiled at him.

Arthur gave her a half-smile and nodded. Those two had been the first ranks of the Arfon Knights outside their ranks followed by the scientist former Earl Lloyd and his assistance Cecile Cloomy, both brilliant engineers and inventors. They added the much needed technical support to the Order.

"Sorry about the Vincent Mark V. It was a great warhorse."

"Ah!" Lloyd exclaimed, startling both Arthur and Cecile. "Don't worry about it. The data from your battle had done much for your new Knightmare!"

"A new Knightmare?"

"Well...yes," Cecile blushed. "It was made just to suit your fighting style as well as your battle tactic."

"What's it called?"

"We don't know yet. But it's has a combination of the Shinkiro and the Lancelot."

"That sounds like a dangerous and expensive design. And may I ask how you obtain it?"

Lloyd shook a finger at Arthur. "Now, now, my dear redcoat. A good scientist never reveals his secret."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "I see. So when will it be ready?"

"We're doing a few more minor tests. It should be ready by your next mission."

"That's good to hear." Arthur nodded. "If you'll excuse me, I have to start my training."

"That's all and fine, King Arthur, but you must let me study your prowess one day! I think I have a theory..." Arthur grinned when he saw Cecile flexing her knuckles behind the former earl.

"Perhaps one day, Lloyd." He injected before the scientist gets another pummelling. "But for now, it's best that we are not seen together."

"Understood. We'll see you later in the hanger." Cecile nodded.

As they left, Arthur joined his fellow knights. Most of the junior knights were drilling under their various captains, whether in Knightmare or personal combat, while most of the higher ranking warriors were either practicing their sword skills or honing their Knightmare skills. Some especially the former Britannian military members were mainly preoccupied in the shooting range or with their Knightmares.

Arthur spotted Anduin and Harry duelling with the former armed with a straight bladed sabre and the latter with a small-sword.

As the knight commander approached, Harry had just knocked Anduin's weapon out of his hand despite wielding a lighter blade.

"You're still not familiar with your stance, Andy." Arthur commented as he retrieved the long sabre from the ground.

"Heh." The younger man grunted. "Give me a rifle or a pistol and I'll show you stance. I mean come on, man! I mean what's the point of using these blades. Now's the time where there's bullets flying everywhere. What good is a sword against a good old firearm?"

Arthur raised an eyebrow.

"I see. So what's that pistol are you using?" The white haired figure asked, pointing at the weapon on his belt.

"This?" Anduin pulled the gray long barrelled side arm, with a red dot sight. Arthur recognised it at once.

"A GP Automatic pistol...Britannian Special Forces standard issue."

"It has served me well." Anduin remarked, handing it to his superior and friend. Arthur inspected it, feeling the barrel and the balance before handing it back. "It's a good weapon." He continued once the blond knight had taken it back. "Now shoot me."

"What?" Anduin was surprised. "I want to see how fast you can draw it." Anduin looked at Harry who stood just shrugged. "Ok." He paused to give Arthur time to be ready, then without warning in a blur of motion, he had his pistol out. The on lookers gasped at the speed of his movement. However despite it, the weapon did not feel right in his hand as he stared down the barrel, Arthur smirked at him. "Feel anything missing?"

The red knight held out a pistol magazine. Alarmed, Anduin quickly checked his weapon only to find out that he was holding a pistol without any bullets.

"What the..." Before he knew it, Arthur's sword flashed out knocking the pistol out of his hand and steadied the point at his neck. "You see, my young friend, a gun is only a weapon so long as you have bullets. Without bullets, all you have is a hollow metal barrel." He spoke out, making it clear to everyone present. Sheathing his sword, Arthur reached the fallen pistol.

"The reason why we learn the way of the sword is to teach us the balance. For without it, we are left vulnerable." The Ghost of Lelouch inspected the pistol again and slotted the removed magazine into the pistol and put on the safety.

"A gun is a deadly weapon." He admitted. "But like any other weapon, it has its limits. This goes to Knightmare combat as well." Arthur walked over to Anduin taking his hand and putting the pistol in the taller man's palm. "That is the main point of learning this."

Anduin inspected the pistol sombrely and nodded. Arthur turned to the other knights who likewise nodded and had gone back to their own training. Anduin turned to Harry then. "Well, then I'm ready for another round." He raised his sword.

Harry smiled but shook his head. "Maybe later. I've got to file in a report to the Grand Master."

"He's in his quarters." Arthur informed him. Harry respectfully nodded and walked off, sheathing his sword as he did. "What are you doing here anyway?" Anduin asked, leaning against the wall, the formality between the two disappearing. "I thought you'd be playing chess with the Grand Master." Arthur shrugged. "It turned out to be a draw anyway. And there aren't any other challengers around either."

"Yeah, no surprise." Anduin laughed. "Why don't you ask one of the Imperials or the Rounds?" At that the knight commander smirked but did not say anything. His reaction reminded the blond knight of something he wanted to ask earlier.

"There's one other thing I've been meaning to ask, what do you have against the Black Knights and the Empire?" Anduin asked. Arthur raised an eyebrow.

"Why do you ask?"

"Well," Anduin fidgeted. "You seemed to...uh..." He tried to think of a better word. "...Dislike them for something."

Arthur turned to the door, gesturing him to follow.

"When I was young, my parents were murdered by the Empire," He began. Realising he had touched a sensitive topic, Anduin was quickly alarmed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..." But Arthur ignored him. "Then I led a rebellion..."

"The rebellion at New Scotia?" Anduin remembered. "Yes. It was a massacre. After that I was captured and was used as a test subject for the Geass Directorate." They had crossed the mess hall and were now standing in one of the massive Imperial Gardens.

"Geass?" Anduin muttered. "That's something I'll never truly understand. When I first knew of it, I was thinking I'd gone mad." Arthur nodded. "They tortured me. Experimented on me...deformed me..."

"And Lelouch broke you out?" Anduin asked. Like all members of the Order, they were told of the real truth that had happened in the Great War. It was hard to believe but everyone was convinced of it. Arthur nodded. "After that I had entered his service...before the Black Knights betrayed him..."

"Huh? I don't understand. I thought Lelouch was a Britannian prince?"

"He was." Arthur corrected. "And he was the first Zero."

"Zero! You mean he fought the Empire?"

"Yes." Arthur nodded. "That was until the Black Knights betrayed him to Britannia for the return of their shit-ridden country of Japan."

"Japan? I thought you used to be fond of that country?" Anduin asked. "I used to think of them to be like another version of Arthurian Britannia...the one that's not controlled by a Darwinist frantic." Arthur spat. "Now I see that they're nothing more than bloody hypocrites. This whole world is corrupt. There is no honour left. Lelouch's sacrifice was not worth their bloody lives."

"I see." Anduin now understood his outburst of in the court as well as his other reactions.

From a reasonable distance, Harry Dunford watched his two younger companions walking off.

"What do you think about him?" A deep voice asked behind him from the darkness.

The bronze skinned knight turned to see the tall imposing figure in blue stepping forward.

"My Lord Bediv...I mean my lord Bernard." Harry bowed low as per protocol of a knight in front of his liege.

"Relax, Son of Palamedes." The blue-clad figure put a fatherly hand on the younger man. "Well...he's not the Arthur we know." Harry remarked, recovering. "There's no argument about that. He has his leadership style is completely different from the king. He's arrogant, snide, ruthless and self-centred."

"Yet?"

"Yet...He's..." Harry Dunford was lost for words. "Inspiring...he knows the limits of his own Knightmare and abilities...yet he would always lead the attack on his own. That battle at Richmond...I've never seen anything like it. He had managed to predict the entire battleground and turned the tide with just his words and a few personal killings..."

"And now this..." The Arfon knight shook his head. "I've always thought those stories to be exaggerated but now I see them before my own eyes...I could barely believe the similarity between him and our very patron himself."

"Hmm...Perhaps it could be true after all these years." Bernard said. "I have wandered this world for centuries since Camelot fell with nothing but a good sword and an old promise... Perhaps...it has finally come to pass." "But my lord, what does Lelouch have to do with all of this?" The younger knight asked as the former Knight of Camelot walked into the darkness.

"That...even I do not know." Bedivere said. Harry knew that the ancient figure wanted to believe that was the case. After all, Sir Bedivere was known to be Arthur Pendragon's most loyal knight who stood by him even when the kingdom had been divided. But Harry however could not believe that Lelouch could really be Arthur, the cold-hearted Lelouch Vi Britannia was the descendant of benevolent Arthur Pendragon. He might as well as been son of that traitorous bitch Morgan le Fray! How and why did his lord and master was so insistence that, he did not understand.

"Have you examined the disk you got from Richmond?" The Grand Master asked as they entered his personal quarters. Harry nodded as he pulled out the small disk from his pocket. "We have. It contains a map to an old research facility." He stared at the silver device.

"But it's deep behind rebel lines. From what I've heard, it's held by the forces belonging to the House of Lambert. They've just recently rebelled against the throne after the assassination of the late James Lambert."

The old knight nodded. "Then tell Peregrine to assemble a team to invade facility." Harry's eyes widen. "But sir, I thought we were to engage the rebel army in Virginia? A quarter of the Rounds and all local forces have been rallied to battle them."

"I will be leading the Order. You and Arthur's men will go to Iowa."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. Your status as a former Britannian army officer would help gain the trust of the Imperial loyalists who might get in your way. Plus, I need you to watch over him. I know you don't trust him but I assure you, he is the key in the upcoming war."

"It's not that I don't trust him." Harry protested. "At least I do in a battle...but...I just...feel that he's loose cannon. He has too much emotional traumas. He could very well bring down everything we've fought so hard in the past years."

"All the same," Bernard replied. "I ask you to do this for me."

Harry fidgeted before finally nodding. Geass...the magic that links humanity, the power that grants individuals the power to manipulate the very existence of reality...the power he had dedicated himself to protect and destroy those who would abuse its power as an Arfon knight. It had begun centuries ago...long since the beginning of time...since the times of the Egyptians dominated the civilized world...since the times the Alexander's Empire reached its height...when Caesar's Legions roam the world... It had been the miracle, magic and in some cases the deity that many had spoken of in the legends and myths...the secret power that had been changing the fate of the history of humanity.

No one truly knew how it began not even to the Order of Arfon or the Geass Cult but all knew that there were six original code-bearers who had granted this gift...or curse to certain individuals. Legends say that these immortals were not even human to begin with...but while their identity was debatable, that they were connected to the very existence of humanity was clear.

After sometime, it was known that these immortals had passed down their code to different individuals. However, at the hands of the less experienced generations, they began to abuse their power and soon disorder scattered across all Geass-wielding factions creating massive wars across humanity. Some did not realise the consequences of their immorality and many were driven mad. Soon, several of code-bearers began experimenting this new power given to them creating many abominations that gave births to many creatures and stories only heard in legends. However, one code-bearer became disgusted with this monstrosity, departed away from it. Instead, the immortal decided to teach the new generations to use it for peaceful means. His name was...long forgotten until the Order had discovered was called...Myrddin Emrys...or... Merlin...

Imperial Palace Gardens

Zero spotted the red knight walking down a line of orchid trees alone, his black cloak following like a possessed lover. His crimson uniform was hidden under the mantle as was his sword.

Up close, Suzaku saw that Arthur did not just have a resemblance to Lelouch...it was more like he is Lelouch. Even the way he walked was like Lelouch, fluid and smooth like a born king. The only difference was the snowy white hair and the sky-blue eyes which he knew were both fake. The ghost of Lelouch walked on, pulling up his hood and occasionally pausing to look at certain flowers. Zero followed him, trying to figure out the best chance to approach him. He was not sure of the knight's reaction to him after considering the way he talked to them in the throne room. Plus, Arthur might as well be an agent of the Geass Directorate.

After looking at one of the rare and infamous black tulip from Holland, the black cloaked figure suddenly stood up and walked up to one of the shelters in the enormous gardens. As Zero followed him, the former Japanese knight saw the knight had walked differently. To an eye of a pass by there was no difference but Suzaku had grown up with Lelouch. He recognised that this was not the way he walked. Was he following the wrong person this whole time? Or was this a trick?

Then the hood fell back revealing a blue haired man.

Then suddenly, he heard something cutting through the wind and Suzaku moved out to dodge the projectile which turned out to be a rock. It smashed itself into pebbles as the rock contacted against the wall. But before he knew it, Suzaku's live on command suddenly forced him to jump away as a blur of red and black flashed behind him. Automatically, Suzaku's hand reached for his sword and drew the blade out as it contacted with a slashing sword. The impact was hard and it staggered him. Arthur then darted one side and lunged forward with a mighty thrust which might have skewered Suzaku had it caught him off guard. "Wait!" He shouted to the knight as he blocked another blow.

"I just want to talk!" Arthur's eyes narrowed at him as they stood blades crossing each other. After a pause, the white-haired Lelouch lowered his weapon. He turned away adjusting his cloak.

"What do you want?" He said, coldly as Arthur sheathed his weapon. Suzaku saw that the knight had a scar along one cheek, likely done by a sword. Whoever this was, he knew that this was a dangerous man for his live-on command to be activated like that. Whether it was because of his fighting skill or otherwise, he did not know though.

"I need to know," He began. "You claimed that you served Lelouch in the past."

"What of it?" His reply was curt. "You could always check the army records. Why do you bother wasting time coming down here just to ask me?" Arthur walked towards a bunch of red roses.

"Why? Because you want to make sure I'm not a spy? Or maybe you're just here to finish what you started with Lelouch? Or perhaps you think I'm Lelouch himself?" Suzaku kept his tone levelled.

"I'm just here to talk." He replied.

The white-haired Lelouch scoffed. "Well, then what do you want to talk about, dark knight?"

"Since you served Lelouch..." Zero began. "Then you would know what he desired?" At that Arthur gave a mocking laugh. "Of course I know."

"What is it then?"

"Why should I tell you?" Arthur snapped. "When you yourself was the one who led him on to this path?" Suzaku startled.

He knew. "So you know of the Zero Requiem?" He asked needlessly. At those words, Arthur's eyes narrowed and glared at him. "How could I forget? His voice became soft.

"The world lost an irreplaceable man." Arthur plucked out one rose. "I was the one who should have taken that blade." He muttered, gritting his teeth. "He didn't deserve that death."

"Lelouch had his own sins to pay..." Zero said.

"Sins YOU made him commit!" The knight shouted. A sinister smile crossed his face as he felt the thorns of the rose.

"You're probably wondering why he never told you about me. Well, who could tell the man who constantly betrays those who trust him?" Suzaku flinched at the memories. Back then he had thought of only to become the Knight of One to free Japan.

"And to make YOU above all to be his replacement?" Arthur muttered. "I'll make this plain. I don't like you. In fact, I want to tell the world of how you manipulated him into becoming the world's enemy and skewer you where you stand!" He reached for his weapon, as if wanting to carry out the threat but relaxed as his hand touched the sword hint. "

However, I respect Lelouch." He paused to sigh. "He...wanted me to be free. I swore to him that I would protect the world he wanted." Suzaku saw that he seemed to be struggling with his words.

"We...can work together." He managed although not without great difficulty. "I respect him that much."

"But..." He added. "If you ever...ever betray his ideals..." Arthur's intense gaze made even Suzaku unnerved and could not do anything but stare into those sky-blue orbs.

"I swear I will make sure you suffer a fate worse than death!"

"My ladies and gentlemen," Zero announced to the assembled officers. He stood in front a huge map of Central Britannia. "I would like to give news on the current front. "After the assault on New Pendragon, the rebel forces have begun to press their attacks on all fronts. On the Western Front, rebel uprisings have doubled. Many of our loyalist areas are under attack by guerrilla and other units throughout Central Britannia and Princess Cornelia have reported that the southern rebels have gaining higher numbers."

"Our lines are already pretty stretched," General Alexandros muttered. "We've already sent a quarter of the Imperial Guard to the frontlines. And if that isn't bad enough, we have 50,000 men fighting against a 200,000 strong rebel force in Settle. They're good men. Loyal and brave but they're badly outnumbered and out gunned."

"The rebels in Texas have been stabilised." Gino reported. "But Anya and Willard are in Louisiana engaging another uprising." Guilford shook his head. "This is getting really bad. If this continues down, they'll overrun us for sure."

Zero nodded. "This is why I propose to launch an attack on the main enemy army..." He pressed a button and the screen zoomed into the Country of Illinois. "We sent the 3rd Division and join forces with the 205th in Kentucky and attack the rebel army in Illinois. If we can defeat the rebel army there, we will destroy the main rebel force in central area." As the military officers discussed the unit logistics, two figures dressed in the Black Knight officer uniforms of a long ebony duster whispered to each other.

"This is a perfect chance to do it." Said one of them.

"Are you sure of it?" His companion asked. "If we attack one of the Empress's..."

"Would you rather let see that Demon in the world again? It has to be done. I'll let Senator Ryoma know of the details. Stay here and monitor the Britannians, Captain."

"Hai. Commander Fiji."

Two days later

In Illinois

Warrant Officer Weber's unit was one of the patrols spread out through the prairie that littered the land. They were to seek and destroy anyone that come in authorised and made sure that Lord Lambert's allies were not to be disturbed. "Sergeant Lambson, report." He ordered as he drove his Vincent Ward pass the prairie that left the plants dancing in its wake. His personal patrol consisted of five Sutherlands and with two other groups of six Knightmares; they were spread out within about 500 metres of radius within each other.

"Nothing yet, sir. It's just like any day." The Sergeant spoke with a well recognised Texan accent. The lieutenant could understand. No one would ever think that a secret underground base would be hiding down under the middle of nowhere. For that reason alone, they would sent out small groups of Knightmares to patrol in order to prevent suspicion from the local population. Not that he really cared. The peasants were in their place and if they try to do anything funny...well...they could have some fun with their new Knightmares.

"You heard of the new Vipers?" He asked Lambson. "I heard they did a mighty fine job at the capital."

"Yes, sirrr." He drawled. "Those nasties sure did teach dem Imperials a lesson." Lambson grinned. "Show'em that we means serious."

"Well...what about the...wait. I'm reading something on my IFF screen." Weber turned to the screen which showed blank. "That's a negative. I'm not reading anything. Think you've been drinkin too much cow dung..."

"Negative. I swear I saw the image there."

"Damn it, Mutton! I was just getting my beauty sleep." One trooper muttered.

"False alarm." Weber sighed.

"Incoming!" One trooper muttered as several missiles struck his Sutherland blasting the top portion of the Knightmare into dust. Another missile struck its companion destroying it in a single hit.

"Scatter!" Weber ordered as the surviving Knightmares spread out. He opened up to all rebel channels. "This is Daniel J. Weber of the 9th Patrol. We're under attack. I repeat we're under attack." He belatedly realised that all communications have been jammed and gritted his teeth as he fired his rifle at an upcoming missile. The Ward then moved in a zig-zag pattern to keep itself from getting hit.

"There it is!" One of the patrolmen shouted and fired its assault rifle joined by its companion. However, before Weber could even blink an eye several bolts of fire swept pass them and destroyed the two Knightmares.

"Damn it!" Ward then banked left and right to avoid the attacks. Did the locals get new hardware to use against them? His assessment was proven correct as he saw a lone tank firing its cannon at him. He dodge its fire and loosed his slash harkens at the base of the machine's chains sending it flying into the ground. He scanned the area for more enemy signature but found none and thus took this tank to be the main threat. Weber paused to scan the tank. It was indeed: a heavily modified Centurion tank with several missile launchers on its sides. He would need to irradiate what's left of the tank before locals come. As he readied the explosives, another Ward with a heavy lance arrived.

"Sir, are you alright?" The trooper asked. "I'm fine." Weber glared at the destroyed tank which probably squished its crew. "Get a detail to search for more hidden guerrillas."

"Yes, sir." The purple Knightmare moved behind Weber to cover its back.

"We'll need to report to the base personally. Someone has tempered with our communications system. There might be an attack on the operation...aragh!" He screamed as his spine shattered by an iron tip.

"Which is why you must die..." The other Ward pilot replied, pulling its lance out of the cockpit. As Weber's Knightmare exploded, the other Ward lowered its lance.

"Phase One complete, Lord Arthur." He said. "Commencing Phase Two."

*)^*&^ Haha! Cliff Hanger.