A/N: Hey everybody! Sorry, it's been a while. I've been busy with service, my brother's wedding, my Grandma's funeral and overall lack the motivation to write this chapter because of the politics that go into it and also ideas for other stories.

Also, I've been practicing typing with all of my fingers recently. It's a slow process but hopefully, I'll be able to type faster chapters in the future.

I do not own Code Geass or Gundam Wing they are owned by Sunrise.

So let's dive in.

"With all due respect Your Majesty, don't you think you're moving too fast?" Jeremiah asked his Emperor who returned after defeating the traitorous Knights of the Round. They were joined by Sayoko, who had a look of concern on her face as she gazed at her master.

"No," Lelouch stated bluntly. "Everything is on schedule according to the plan. If we continue at this pace, the Zero Requiem will soon be complete."

"Is that what you believe Master Lelouch, or is that what Zero is telling you?"

Lelouch turned to look at Sayoko with a raised eyebrow, then he released a sigh. Of course, they would be worried about that. But he didn't blame them.

After all, it's what he asks them to do.

"I understand and appreciate your worries, but they are unnecessary. My mind is still very much my own."

His two most loyal soldiers still looked skeptical, despite his reassurance.

"You used it, Your Majesty." Jeremiah stated it wasn't a question.

"Bismarck proved to be more trouble than I had anticipated," Lelouch admitted. "To overcome him and his Geass, I needed the full power of Zero. I only had it activated for a little over a minute, which was all I needed."

"Even so, you could have called for me your majesty," Jeremiah stated pointing to himself. "By using my Geass canceller, we could have easily defeated the former Knight of One together."

"No!" Lelouch said his tone firm. "That was my fight. I needed to prove to the entire world that I was not to be underestimated. It's all part of the plan."

Sayoko and Jeremiah looked as if they wanted to argue more, but they held their tongues, knowing their lord wouldn't listen.

"If you say so, Master Lelouch." Sayoko said. "Just remember what you ordered us to do should it ever come to that point."

Lelouch only nodded in acknowledgment as he remembered the orders he gave both of them: should it ever come to the point where he becomes consumed by Wing Zero, the two were to kill him with no hesitation.

Lelouch was determined to keep such an outcome from happening at all costs.

For the time being anyway.

"So what are we gonna do?" Chiba asked.

All the Black Knights who knew the "truth" were in a room on Horai Island, discussing Lelouch's request for Britannia to join the UFN.

"What do you mean what do we do now? It's obvious we accept his invitation!" Tamaki said with an excited grin. "I mean that's why he became Emperor isn't it, to help us out. It's clear as day!"

"No," Tohdod said with a stern frown. "It can't possibly be as simple as that. He's up to something."

Almost all Black Knights nodded their heads in agreement. Lelouch–Zero always had a scheme going on in the back of his head.

"What do you make of this Kallen?" Ohgi asked their resident ace but flinched when got a good look at her.

Her hair, while normally wild in an elegantly beautiful way, was now just a plain mess. There were large bags under her eyes, evidence that she hadn't been getting much, if any sleep. The eyes themselves, which held such a bright, rebellious fire, now seemed to be lacking that beautiful spark.

"I don't know," Kallen muttered under her breath as she turned and walked out of the room. "I just don't know anything about him anymore."

Many Black Knights, especially those in the Kozuki resistance looked at her in worry. The last time she had such a devastated look was when Naoto died. Ohgi in particular felt rage at the man responsible for all this. Lelouch would rue the day he ever made Kallen sad!

"Back to the topic at hand," Kayuga spoke up. "I might not know what exactly his plan is regarding the UFN, but I have an idea of how to keep him from taking advantage of us with his Geass."

Kallen stood on the edge of Horai Island, looking out into the ocean, in the direction of Britannia, his direction.

She had been tortured now for over a month. While her time in captivity in Britannia may have been longer and harsher physically, she always had that certainty of hope that Zero, Lelouch, would come to save her.

But now, as she was tortured both mentally and emotionally, she had no level of certainty, because she didn't know what to believe anymore.

She thought she was a pawn to him, his "greatest" pawn he called her, that she meant nothing. Then, when he was about to be gunned down, he told her to live. He had her at his mercy, just moments away from ending her life, but at the last moment, chose to spare her.

Since then, she's been so confused. She didn't know who or what to believe in anymore. Why was she fighting? And who was she fighting for? It used to be so much clearer back then, before the Black Knights.

All she wanted was to try and prove to Britannia that Japan wasn't dead yet. To prove that the spirit of the Samarui still lived in its people despite being rebranded as a mere number. Then after Naoto died, all she wanted was to make Britannia feel the same amount of pain she did. It was a foolish and vain desire that would only lead her to a pointless death, but it was still much simpler.

"The west entrance."

Then he came along, and everything changed. From the first moment, when she heard his voice and saw how his words and actions led them to victory, she began to feel alive again. That what she was doing did matter, and that Japan could once again be free. She pledged she would follow him, Zero, to the end and she meant it, with all her heart.

"Yes, I am Zero, the man who challenges the Holy Britannian Empire."

But then the mask shattered, and she saw his true face, one being the face of a boy she had grown to despise during her time at Ashford. She was angry, hurt, confused, and worst of all betrayed. How could the lazy, aloof, annoying Vice President of the Student Council be the same man she had grown to admire so much?

"Don't give up! I will save you!"

As time passed she slowly began to understand him, to see what kind of person he truly was under the masks. When she was kidnapped, he promised to save her, and she believed him. Her faith, while tested, was rewarded. He had rescued her, and during her time captive, she concluded.

She loved him.

She loved Lelouch vi Britannia. She loved Zero. She loved Lelouch Lamperouge.

But most of all, she knew him…

…Or so she thought.

"Kallen, you were my greatest pawn."

Then came the betrayal, from both the Black Knights and Lelouch himself. She felt like he had ripped her heart from her chest and crushed it in his hands. Once again, she had been fooled by his lies. She had known a facade, fallen in love with a mask, and that hurt more than his words could. She was ready to leave it there. Let the false love she felt for him die along with him.

"Kallen, you have to live."

She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked out to the ocean, a fierce determination in her eyes.

No more crying. No more running! She was getting her answers, no matter what it may be.

"He's obviously planning something with this move," Schneizel said to Kanon and Lloyd. "That show of strength, then announcement for his intention for Britannia to join the UFN. He's up to something."

"But what, your Highness?" Kanon asked.

Schneizel didn't answer and instead looked down with his hands folded. His gesture alone answered the question: he didn't know. If this was Lelouch from a few months ago, he might've made several guesses. But after Mt. Fuji, he wasn't sure what when it came to Lelouch anymore. With that blasted Gundam of his, he could predict any strategy that the Second Prince could make and counter. It was annoying! Infuriating! As if Lelouch was cheating!

Still, he had several wildcards hidden up his sleeve:

"How goes Epyon?" He asked the Earl.

Lloyd smiled as he looked over a tablet. "We've completed construction of the body, the blueprints and spare Gundanium we found in that bunker helped. The weapons and power source we managed to solve no problem. However…" He trailed off as his smile gave way to a frown.

"Go on," Schneizel demanded.

"This system," Lloyd began, a tone of hesitance and wariness in his voice. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen. A system that sacrifices ethics for results. While I would be ecstatic at such a thing, even this disgusts me." 'Especially after Mt. Fuji.' He left unsaid.

"Can you copy it?"

"No." He admitted. "I can barely read this, let alone have the skill to recreate it. The best I could do is create a clone of the original, but it would be significantly less powerful. However, the further pushed, the more danger the system presents to the pilot."

"That will have to do. Get on it immediately." Schneizel ordered. "As for the pilot, Suzaku Kururugi," At Lloyd's shocked look, he gave the earl a look. "He volunteered. Is that a problem?"

Lloyd opened his mouth, then closed it. While it may not have been obvious, he has grown to care for the boy who had piloted his masterpiece. And if what he could gleam from this accursed system was true, then the boy may be signing himself up for a fate worse than death. But that boy was always like that. Jumping into certain death, hoping to die. Why would now be any different?

Shaking his head, he left the room, leaving the prince and his most trusted advisor alone.

"How goes the construction of Damocles?"

"Construction is complete. The warheads are all loaded, and the float system is fully operational. Take-off should be able in a couple of days."

"Good," Schneizel said. "Have the first target be…"

After Kanon left the room to follow his orders, Schneizel ran a hand down his face. He's covered all possible bases. Ensured he had nearly every advantage he could think of. But that question still roaming around in the back of his mind:

Would it be enough?

Would all the preparation he's worked for the last month be enough to stop Lelouch?

He thought the combined might of his forces and the Black Knights would be enough, but Lelouch tore through them all, alone.

He had defeated the Knights of the Round, including Bismarck Waldstein, the Knight of One and the greatest warrior Britannia had ever seen, not even counting his Geass single-handily.

So would all his work prove to be for naught against his brother?

Schneizel shook his head.

No! Now was not the time for doubt. Because while brute force might've failed, he still had one more secret weapon along with the Epyon. One that Lelouch, even with his precious Gundam, would never see coming.

Days Later - Ashford Academy.

"Were coming to you live from Ashford Academy, my alma mater, where His Majesty Lelouch vi Britannia has just arrived," Milly reported as the camera focused in on Lelouch, who was waving to the crowd on the opposite side of a gate that was set up.

"Lelouch!" He blinked when he heard the familiar voice. He turned to the source to see Rivalz, trying to hop over the fence while being restrained by multiple guards. "Why didn't you tell me?!"

A part of Lelouch wanted to respond, to let his friend, know why he kept so many secrets from him, but he stopped himself. What he was about to do would paint him, and everyone remotely associated with him in a bad light. He didn't want Rivalz, a boy who just wanted to be his friend, to suffer for it, so he turned away and pretended he didn't see him.

Rivalz didn't buy it and tried calling out, only for a hand to pull him away. "Stop it Rivalz!" Nina, dressed in oversized clothes to prevent being recognized warned as she pulled him away. Rivalz frowned but relented. He didn't want to get Nina into any trouble.

As Lelouch walked into the courtyard, he blinked as he saw Kallen there, waiting for him. She must've volunteered to be the one to guide him, just as he and Zero predicted. He quickly put on a mask of strangers as he then approached her.

"Lelouch I–"

"Zero Squad Captain Kallen Kozuki, yes?" He interrupted her. Best to let her know where they need to stand.

Kallen seemed to understand as her face soon became crestfallen. "Yes. I've been assigned to escort you to the conference."

"Wonderful. Then please lead on. But would it be okay if we took the long way? I feel I need a moment to collect myself." He could tell she had something she desperately wanted to say to him, but he also knew they were being watched. Zero predicted as such. He didn't want any eyes on them as she spoke her mind to him. She deserved that much.

"Very well, please follow me," Kallen said as she began to lead the way toward the clubhouse where he and Nunnally used to live.

As they walked along the grounds, a flood of memories the two shared entered their minds. From their first meeting, he Geassed her when he grabbed her face to keep her from seeing C.C., etc.

Finally, they entered the clubhouse where the memory of her induction to the Student Council played in their minds. She still smelled like booze even after showering for a long time. That memory almost caused both of them to blush, but they kept their composure. Lelouch had to admit, that if Kallen intended to try and trip him up by taking a trip down memory lane, it was working.

But no, that wasn't the Kallen Kozuki he knew. She was straightforward, not willing to tiptoe around an issue and get straight to the point. It was something he always admired about her. Along with her spirit, loyalty, fighting prowess, and piloting skills, her beauty was also a plus. He always admired her.

Which made what he was about to do all the more painful.

"I… I am grateful to you." Kallen began. "If it weren't for you, we would have died back in the Shinjuku Ghetto. There wouldn't have been any Black Knights. I was so happy. I was honored that Zero needed me. But I didn't know what to do… when I found out Zero was Lelouch… Even so, I watched you fight against Britannia… What is that same person that is now leading the nation he once fought so proudly against… trying to accomplish this time?"

She looked back and saw he had a stone-cold expression on his face. He didn't answer her.

"Do you want power? Do you want status? Or is this all just another game?" Kallen asked as they started up the stairs. "Ohgi told me to protect you during the Black Rebellion. That you're… the successor to my brother's dream." She stopped. She needed to do this. Now, or she may never get another chance. Whatever his answer was, she needed to know.

She turned back to face him, a desperate plea in her eyes. "Lelouch, please just tell me, what am I to you?!" She begged. "On the day you left the Ikaruga, you told me "Kallen, you have to live". And at Mt. Fuji, you nearly killed me, but at the last second spared my life! Why?! Just who am I to you, Lelouch?!"

He didn't respond, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. She walked closer, causing Lelouch to look at her in surprise before she grabbed him by the face and their lips met.

A tidal wave of warmth and love flowed from Kallen and into Lelouch. He felt it all. Her passion, her affection, her fear, her anxiety. Everything. He knew the kiss was coming, Zero predicted it would. But this… this was something he could never prepare for. And he wanted nothing more than to return it all in kind.

But he couldn't.

So he just stood there, with his eyes closed, and let the kiss continue.

Eventually, she pulled away from him and looked into his eyes, desperate to see a reaction of some kind. Something to prove that she meant something to him. But she found nothing but emptiness in his violet eyes.

Looks like she got her answer. So why did it hurt so much?

"Farewell… Lelouch…" Kallen muttered, stepping away from him, trying desperately to hold back the tears. "The Supreme Council will convene in the gymnasium. I'm sure you can find your way there." She then turned and walked away up the stairs. She didn't want him to see her like this. So broken. He may not care, but she did. Cause even after all that, learning she meant nothing to him, she still loved him.

As she walked up the stairs, refusing to look back, she missed the expression on Lelouch's face.

Why?

His teeth gritted.

Why?!

His fist clenched.

WHY?!

A single tear fell from his eyes.

Why did someone he loved have to suffer because of him?! Why did so much pain have to come to pass to achieve his goals?! When would it end?! Would it end when he was dead?! Of would it continue?!

There was nothing more he wanted than to chase after her, to tell her how he truly felt, what she meant to him. To comfort her in her darkest moment, as she did for him.

But he knew he couldn't. If she was to live and have a peaceful life when the Zero Requiem was complete, he needed to push her away and do so in the most painful way possible.

So, steeling himself once more, he just said two words, words she would never hear.

"Farewell… Kallen."

After calming down his tumultuous mind and heart, he continued on and soon made it to the gymnasium where the members of the UFN were gathered. The whole room became silent as he entered. He smiled to himself. It reminded him of his time as Zero. As soon as he entered the room, all eyes were on him.

As he walked forward, he picked up the hushed conversation about him.

"Is that him?"

"The new Emperor of Britannia. He looks so young?"

"And so… normal?"

"I think that makes him even more terrifying."

"How so?"

"Think about it. Such a normal-looking person can kill the former Emperor and defeat the Knights of the Round. That's beyond terrifying?"

"Is he even human?"

Lelouch smiled at their fear. Good. Seems his plan to show off his power by eliminating the Rounds worked. Now they were weary of him. That would play well into the next phase of his plan.

He approached the stand in the middle of the gym and faced the chairwoman, Kaguya Sumeragi. The young leader appeared unphased by his entrance, but he could tell in her eyes that she was heartbroken, a heart he had directly shattered. Just another casualty in his schemes.

"Chairwoman of the United Federation of Nations' Supreme Council, Kaguya Sumeragi," Lelouch began, pushing that guilt down to the depths of his soul, "I ask you to acknowledge my Holy Empire of Britannia's status as a member of the United Federation of Nations."

Outside, many people watched the live broadcast. Kallen was one of them, but she looked dead on the inside.

"Master Zero…" Kaguya thought as she looked at the man who she once claimed proudly as her husband. Needless to say when she learned the 'truth' she didn't take it well. Learning that the man she loved used her and everyone around her as pawns broke her heart. But she had to stay strong and keep up appearances, for everyone else's sake. Thankfully the cover that Zero had 'died' helped her express some grief.

And now the man who brought her such joy and sadness was standing before her, as the Emperor of the nation she and her people despised. She tried to get a read on Lelouch's thoughts, but just as when he wore Zero's mask, his face was still as unreadable as ever.

"You understand at least two-thirds of the member nations are required, correct?" She asked, knowing he knew.

"Of course it is." 'I wrote the policy after all.' "That is what a democracy is all about, right?"

"Of course, yes." Kaguya agreed before pressing a button. Suddenly, a metal collum sprung up around Lelouch's stand, trapping him inside. The whole room erupted in confusion. They didn't know about this.

"Isn't this a bit rude?"

"I think Britannia's actions can be blamed on the previous Emperor Charles."

"When'd we even install that thing?"

Inside the collum, Lelouch had an amused smile on his face. 'Geass countermeasures, huh? At least this proves that only Kaguya and the core members of the Black Knights know about Geass. It seems that once again, Zero's prediction was accurate.' Lelouch shivered. The fact that Wing Zero was able to almost perfectly predict what happened was both awesome and terrifying. He's glad it's on his side, for now. 'Well, not like this will do anything since I didn't plan on using Geass here anyway.'

A television screen activated in front of him that showed Kaguya glaring at him with suspicion and betrayal. "What are you playing at Demon Emperor Lelouch." She spits his name and title out as if it were a curse.

Demon Emperor. A name given to him after he'd eliminated the Knights of the Round. Many who saw his deeds and feats believed that he was no mere man, but a demon in disguise. Honestly, Lelouch welcomed the title, it played a role in helping further along his plans. However, he needed to put on a show.

"I take that with expectation, Chairwoman. Isn't the current Britannia a beneficial country for your Federation?"

"Is that really so?" Lelouch turned to the side to see another screen pop up with Tizani on it. She looked at him with contempt. Most likely still furious with him after killing Li Xinge. "Resolutions in the United Federation of Nations are decided by majority."

Another screen with Tohdoh. "The electoral count is proportional to a country's population."

"With the collapse of the Chinese Federation, the country that boasts the largest population in the world…"

"...is Britannia!" Ohgi finished for Tizani as he came on.

"Were Britannia to join the federation as a member now…"

"...more than half the votes would be in your hands, Emperor Lelouch."

"In other words, the United Federation of Nations would be taken over by you, no?"

Throughout these claims and accusations, Lelouch's face had remained expressionless, refusing to betray anything about what he may or may not be thinking. And he was thinking of his next move. The moment he spoke up, the die would be cast, and there was no going back after that.

But…

"What do you have to say, Emperor Lelouch?!" Ohgi asked after Lelouch refused to answer.

"If you wish to disagree," Tianzi began, "Then we ask you to divide Britannia as a country or lower your electoral count down to proportional to twenty percent of your country's population."

"Chairwoman Kaguya. May I propose a question to you?" Lelouch asked, preparing to give the signal.

"What may that be?" She asked.

… he had cast that die a long time ago.

"What determines the right to govern the world?" 'No turning back now.'

"Pride and honor are necessary for people to govern others…"

"Very well answered." His statement surprised her as she saw a pleased smile on his face. "You are a gifted person after all." He genuinely complimented her, or at least it sounded genuine. "I, however, have a different answer."

"May we hear it?"

He smirked as he answered her, "The will to destroy."

"Destroy?"

"To destroy the world and ourselves!" He declared as he pointed to the sky.

Outside, Kallen had a frown on her face at Lelouch's phrase.

"Crap! Looks like he's planned something after–"

She stopped as soon as she saw an object fall from the sky and crash into the Gymnasium with all the representatives.

"Oh no!"

As the smoke and rubble cleared, Wing Zero stood proudly with its Wing Vulcans opened and ready to open fire on the terrified delegates.

"I will not tolerate you to treat his Majesty with such disrespect!" Jeremiah's voice boomed from the cockpit.

"Recon team, what are you doing?!" Tohdoh asked

"Forgive us, but that machine just came out from orbit!"

"What?! How is that possible?!" Tohdoh asked.

"Gundanium was a metal originally made in the zero-g environment of space, so it would make sense that it would be able to survive reentry. Not to mention the metal's special properties make it almost invisible to radar." Rakshata said with a frown. Despite being impressed with the Gundam's abilities, this wasn't the way she wanted to learn.

Outside in a news tent, Milly observed the broadcast with her coworkers.

"Does he plan on taking the representatives hostage?" She asked, confused as to what her former Vice President's goal was.

"Mobilize on Ashford Academy!" Minami ordered. "We must rescue Lady Kaguya!"

"Britannian forces had begun to move!"

"What?!" Ohgi asked, horrified.

"They are moving from the open sea into Japanese Territorial waters!" A screen popped up showing the invasion force.

"Launching a surprise attack here…" Tohdoh said in realization as he clenched his fists in frustration. "The participation in the UFN… the choice of the Academy… It was all to use himself as bait."

Ohgi couldn't believe it. "But, to betray the trust the international community gave him just for…"

"No, he no longer needs any trust," Rakshata said. "His objective is dictatorship after all."

"The man who has abolished the nobility, yet still refers to himself as Emperor. Zero… Lelouch has just declared himself the enemy of the world." He then moved to contact their ground team at the Academy. "Retreat! You must retreat now Kozuki!"

"I'm gonna be the one to kill Lelouch!" Kallen said with certainty. There was no doubt in her voice. She got the answer to the question she wanted, despite it being heartbreaking. She knew what she had to do now. And that was take Lelouch down!

"No! You're no match for that machine!" Tohdoh protested. "Besides, he's taken all the representatives hostage. If you move you could end up killing them. It's hard to admit, but once again, we've played right into his hands."

Kallen growled as his knuckles turned white on the Guren's controls. Once again, she let herself be fooled by Lelouch.

"It seems that's made his move." Schneizel commented as he watched the broadcast. While he still couldn't fathom what it was he had planned, it worked out well for him. He then turned on the comm to address a certain individual.

"You may fire when ready."

The bodies of the Black Knight guards littered the gym as Lelouch's Geass soldiers arrived and killed them, holding each of the representatives at gunpoint.

Kaguya looked up at the machine holding them hostage, a look of awe and fear. The Gundam itself was beautiful, especially with its pegasus-like wings. It made it seem like an angel. A fallen angel in service of the devil.

"Now then, Chairwoman Sumeragi," Lelouch spoke up, getting her attention. She quickly covered her face in an attempt to shield herself from his gaze. "I shall have you resume the voting process of whether you will accept or deny the country of Britannia."

"Doing it like this…"

"…leaves you no choice but to accept, I believe?" He said with a victorious smirk. Kaguya gritted her teeth. "Let's play the democracy game for a while, shall we?" He looked up at the Gundam. "You can come out now Jeremiah."

The cockpit opened and soon the Knight of Orange stepped out and landed in front of his lord with a hand over his heart. "My liege. I hoped I carried out your orders as you wished them."

"Have no fear. You've done well Jeremiah. Especially considering it's your first time piloting Wing Zero." Lelouch assured before turning serious as he noticed the beads of sweat on his cyborg Knight. "How are you feeling though?"

"I must admit, at first it was hard, even with my cybernetics and the limiter. It felt as if someone was trying to Geass me, and I had no means of countering it, even with my Geass Canceler." Jeremiah said. "I'm amazed you're able to keep in that much control, Your Majesty. How do you do it?"

"Practice, stubbornness, and a knowledge of what could happen if I lose control of such power again," Lelouch answered before moving past Jeremiah and entering the cockpit of the Gundam. "Take the representatives to the shuttle, we'll rendezvous at the airship."

"At once, Your Majesty!"

The cockpit closed around Lelouch as he felt the familiar feeling of Wing Zero powering up. There was that initial tug of war for control before Lelouch eventually won out. Wing Zero's green eyes flashed before with an ignition of its thrusters and a flap of its magnificent wings, took off into the sky. It then transformed into its aircraft mode and flew across the crowds.

Now that he was alone, he allowed the mask of a dictator to fall away as sighed. That was exhausting. Having to put up such a mask and make it seem like he wasn't. There was even a moment before coming here where he was tempted to try and Geass himself to make it through that meeting and the events leading up to it.

But that wouldn't have worked, mainly because he already used his Geass on himself when Mao kidnapped Nunnally (that felt like a lifetime ago now). Also despite how much they may hinder him, he needed his emotions, or else he'd be no different than the cog that Wing Zero wanted him to be.

Regardless of how he felt, he couldn't afford to slow down. Now the real work begins. And if his and Zero's calculations were correct–

Beep Beep

"Right on time." He said to himself before answering, the screen on the Gundam flickering on as it showed an image of a nervous officer. "Go ahead."

"Y-Your Majesty! It's Pendragon! The capital! It's gone! Just like the Tokyo Settlement!"

"Casualties?"

"Everyone in the Captial. Including the other members of the Royal Family."

Lelouch grimaced. It seems Schneizel's already made his move. He expected such a maneuver, but to still see he was willing to sacrifice the rest of his family as well as a city full of innocents. Well, it's not like he could condemn someone for sacrificing family and innocence, that'd make him even more of a hypocrite.

"I see."

"T-there's more." The officer hesitated. "We've received a transmission from the Second Prince Schneizel."

And once again, he was wishing he could Geass himself to act like a cold machine. He even felt the tug to become another cog in the Gundam more apparent.

'So this is it?' He thought to himself. He knew this was coming. The moment he first used Wing Zero to create the Zero Requirim, he knew this moment was coming. He didn't believe it at first, but Sayoko's confirmation when they reunited confirmed it.

He wasn't ready, but let's be honest, he would never be ready for this.

'Might as well get it over with.' Lelouch thought before steeling himself as best he could. "Put it through."

The officer shakily nodded and soon the image was replaced by a handsome blonde man. Lelouch fought back a sneer. This was the one who no matter how hard he tried, he could never beat in Chess. The man who turned his army against him, and was about to turn the one most precious against him. But he had to calm down, he couldn't let his emotions control him, or else he allowed Zero to take over.

"Schneizel." He greeted cooly.

"Lelouch." His half-brother said an amused smile on his face. "I must say, it's strange to see you here now. You used to always say it was never your intention to take the throne. Guess that was another of your lies."

"Is there a point to this call or did you just come here for a chat?" Lelouch bit back.

"Straight to business it seems." Schneizel conceded. "As you may have deduced thanks to that Gundam of yours, I've gathered up all the F.L.E.I.J.A. warheads into my new sky fortress, the Damocles."

"And since you now hold supposedly the most advanced weaponry in the world, you prepared to kill the Britannian Emperor." Lelouch cut to the chase. He'd rather not draw this out longer than it needs to be."

"I see that as a moot point since I don't recognize you as the Emperor."

"Oh? Do you believe yourself more worthy of the title?" He asked, the facade of amusement on his face. 'Just get it over with you bastard!'

"No you are mistaken, there is another who's destined for the throne." He acted surprised even though he knew beforehand where this was going. "The one who is truly best suited to rule Britannia is right here."

The camera moved to where he gestured and his blood went cold.

Despite knowing who it was, knowing that she had survived, and knowing she'd be used against him in such a manner, he still couldn't stop the look of shock on his face when he saw Nunnally standing before him in the video. And on her face was the most disappointed expression he had ever seen her wear, and it was directed solely onto him.

"N-Nunnally…" He stuttered, feeling his emotions run wild, and his control over Zero quickly slipping.

"Listen well, Lelouch." She said in a tone he'd never once heard from her before, and never dreamed it'd be directed at him of all people.

'No Nunnally! Please don't say it!' He pleaded, the last remnants of his will leaving him. He knew what she was going to say, and while thinking them was enough to wain him, hearing them straight from her lips was going to send him over the edge.

"I declare…"

'NO!'

"...that you're my enemies…"

His mind went blank–

"...from now on!"

–And Zero took control.

A/N: How's that for a cliffhanger?

Sorry, it took so long. Writing politics and philosophical scenes like this isn't what I'm good at. I'm better at straightforward scenes and things like that.

Hope you all enjoyed that.

Preview!

Preparation:

As Lelouch and Nunnally declare war on each other, both sides prepare for the final act. But in the dark, Lelouch struggles to gain control of the Gundam before it controls him.