I am really, really sorry. I've had a lot of perwonal issues going on, and it really put this story on the back burner. For that, I'm sorry. But still, I hope you enjoy.

"You should know, Sir Kuruugi, though I recognize your merit, being in here in my presence is a privilege not even the Knight of One is granted regularly. You'd best have a good reason for that."

"I do not presume myself to be better than any of the other knights under your command." Suzaku replied. "But seeing that I was the one who returned your errant son to you, I do feel I am owed…answers."

"What answers do you seek?"

"Lelouch has grown back into his Zero persona." He replied as he followed after the emperor. "He has not fully recovered his memory, however."

"Then deal with him. Had Schniezel not sent all but Bismark out for that very reason?"

"There's more to it. Britannian officers suddenly initiated an attack without our orders and jeopardized everything. They were under your command, correct?"

Charles had to smirk. The audacity of a knight questioning, no, accusing his own monarch! The gal of him! And yet…it was refreshing. As powerful and celebrated as they were, the Knights of the Round would normally bend the knee and yield completely to their lord. Even the insane and depraved Luciano Bradley watched his tongue in his presence on the rare occasions they were in the same room. After a moment, the emperor stopped himself from sneering as he answered. "You are half-right, Sir Kuurugi." He said. "I was not directly involved in that operation; there is another, the one who helped set me on this path. I believe you two have already met."

"We have?"

"You learned of Geass through him, correct?"

Suzaku thought back to Euphie's passing. The little boy who appeared and informed him of the Geass… "All this time, I never thought to seek him out…"

"Unfortunately, VV is rather hard to reach." The emperor said. "And even if I managed, I doubt he will see you. VV only shows himself when he wants to be seen and heard."

"Then the burden is on you, your majesty." Suzaku boldly declared. "I need answers. Not just because I want to know what happened, but your so-called 'master' is now interfering with our battles."

Charles decided to let the idea of VV being his master slide…for now.

"I cannot serve as your knight to my full potential unless I know what it is you are trying to accomplish."

"You think yourself that important?" Charles said.

"I am no pawn." Suzaku declared. "I know it, you know it. When I delivered Zero to you, you could have simply taken him and executed me just for being a number. Or used your own power on me. Yet, you didn't. You rewarded me as I requested. So yes, I think I am worth your time, and entitled to know what is happening, and no more vagueness. I want the full truth, even if I wind up hating the answer."

Charles eyed him from behind, silent. "Follow me." He walked forward with his cape bellowing. Suzaku followed after him.

"Attention Black Knights." Zero called across the intercom. Everyone stopped what they were doing as his voice grabbed their attention.

"I apologize for making this announcement so late. India did not go as planned; I imagine we all needed time. For now, all I ask of everyone currently not on duty to rest. We will convene in the war room at 500 hours. That is all."

"Yeah!" Tamaki cheered, fist pumped. "That's Zero for ya!"

Even Ohgi had to crack a smile. "Sounds like he's found another plan of attack."

"What do you think, Todoh?" Chiba asked as she and Todoh sat in the lounge, having overheard the announcement there.

"India did indeed go poorly." Todoh said as he rose towards the world map on the wall. "I admit, it wasn't Zero's fault. Whatever happened was beyond even Suzaku's control. Something else is at play here."

"And will Zero tell is what it is?"

"Unlikely." Todoh sighed. "He can't reveal that which he does not know, which I'm certain he doesn't. Otherwise, he would have accounted for it."

"Then what is it he wants us to do?" Chiba asked. "Any plan he now has may be doomed to fail!"

"I am no mind reader, Chiba. But…" He paused for a moment. "I may have an idea."

"What?"

"He's hunting." Todoh said. "He's hunting for the ones who threw the previous operation into disarray."

"We should be focusing on Britannia!" Chiba protested, slamming her fist on the table.

"Don't worry; he hasn't forgotten." Todoh clarified. "But if we don't solve the unknown in this equation, it could become even more dangerous than the empire we are trying to topple."

"Is it always like this?" Shaurya asked, having walked into his sister's lab for small talk.

"Actually, I don't think we've experienced anything like this in a long time!" Rakshata smiled, twirling her pipe as she typed on the console.

"You're hoping for revenge?" Shaurya asked.

"Revenge is nothing more than a fool's game. Tempting as it is…and Zero knows it."

"Does he, now?" Shaurya asked. "His very actions suggest otherwise."

"Oh, I don't deny it is an excellent motivator." Rakshata countered as she typed away. "But Zero keeps in mind the bigger picture."

"Usually." She reminded herself. Though she escaped during the Black Rebellion, she couldn't deny she was pissed at Zero's abandonment. And yet, he knew the way right back into her heart. Curse him.

She began to hum pleasantly as an arm came down to start on the Guren, welding away the scratches. "You should rest now." Shaurya said. "After all, you've got an important meeting coming up."

"What do you think I'm doing?"

"I mean really rest." Shaurya insisted sternly. He knew what she was like when her mind got going.

"I'm a Knightmarephile and workaholic. A dangerous combination." Rakshata said without turning back to look at him. There wasn't a trace of dread or guilt in her voice. She just smiled as usual.

Shaurya sighed. "Fine." He stood, holding his hands up in surrender. "If you insist, may I at least get you a cup of coffee?"

"For once in your life, you're being a dear." Rakshata turned to wink at him. Shaurya gave a slight smile, and walked out.

The loss of their father was still on his mind. But a morbid upside to his passing was that he was now free to be the sibling to Rakshata that he wanted to be.

Suzaku followed his emperor to the same platform they were at before, when Lelouch first returned as Zero, if only in name. "The Sword to slay God." Suzaku muttered.

"Indeed." Charles confirmed. "I showed this to you once before, yet you didn't question it further. Believed me delusional, didn't you?" He sneered.

"I figured you meant it symbolically. At least, that's what I told myself." Suzaku looked away.

"For what it is worth, I don't blame you entirely." Charles said, sounding rather understanding. "Still, I was rather disappointed you left it at that."

"Does Bismark know about this?"

"Indeed he does. He wouldn't be the Knight of One if I didn't want him to know." Charles said.

"Very well. Please, your majesty. Explain it to me."

Charles took a deep breath. "Here, and in Europe, many believe in two afterlives. Heaven for those who were good. And hell, for those who were bad."

"In Area 11, my people believe the underworld to be the same, for heroes and sinners alike." Suzaku added. "Until they are eventually reincarnated, their past life determining their next life. And for those who are truly holy and detached from earthly needs, find nirvana and escape the karmic wheel."

"And yet still others believe there is nothing after death." Charles said. "Nothing but an unthinking void." He sighed. "What if I told you…we were all correct?" Suzaku's eyes lit up. "Geass is not magic. It is a source of energy, a source that comes from beyond our living dimension. An extension of the souls of those who have already passed." Suzaku's eyes widened. "That is what God is." Charles continued. "It is not some omnipotent being that watches over all we do. It is the will of all who have come before." Charles looked up, smiling. But it was a grim smile. "But, because the individual souls within are so vast, it is hard for such a collective to come together and directly affect our lives. And I intend to find a direct line of communication."

Suzaku, who earlier was fearless in front of the emperor, looked afraid. "When you say to slay God…you would…?"

"As far as we are able to discern, Kuurugi, it is impossible to erase consciousness entirely. We can kill the mortal shell, but it seems that which some call the soul will remain forever." Charles said. "But no, I do not intend to slay God in the literal sense. Rather, I intend to release those poor souls from their bondage. And no…before you think of asking, they will not return to the mortal plane."

"Why, though?' Suzaku asked.

"Tell me, what do you think the greatest sin is?'

Suzaku was taken aback by this question. "Um, stealing? Murder?"

"Lies." Charles said, expecting the answers Suzaku gave him. "Lying is the greatest sin. It is the one sin that ultimately leads others to act on the other sins. Imagine if honesty was absolute: people would never be taken advantage of again. Could never be preyed upon."

Still, Suzaku was apprehensive. Truth would have never saved his father from himself. "Where does VV fit into this?"

"VV and I once shared the same goals." Charles said. He almost sounded regretful. "We still do, actually. But we disagreed on the approach. We didn't quite go our separate ways, but often it feels that way."

"He's one of your brothers, isn't he?" Suzaku did his best to stop himself from sounding accusing.

"Yes." Charles answered. "Like past emperors, my father had many concubines. And lots of children. In spite of being born into positions of power and wealth beyond the common man, it was not enough for them. They all coveted the throne."

"And you didn't?"

"Maybe once before." Charles sighed, as if he had regrets. "It feels like a lifetime ago. But I witnessed all my siblings die, one after the other. An attempt was made on my life as well; I still haven't figured out which one of them put the hit on me. But they all failed in the end. And, in time, I had lost all taste for the throne."

"Yet here you are."

"Yet here I am." Charles agreed. "A necessity. Either I took control…or my other siblings would. And my children…still I had to keep up appearances. To accomplish this goal, I need the empire."

Suzaku trembled. "And this world without lies?"

"It's within our grasp; just a bit longer. Just imagine." He began to smile maniacally. "No one will have to hide who they are. We will truly be able to trust one another."

"What if they don't accept? Not even you can change human nature so much in a single lifetime." Suzaku said.

"Depends on the length of that life." Charles answered. "But, those who refuse the gift will have nowhere to hide."

"This thing you call 'God'. Being a collective conscious of those who passed?" Suzaku breathed deep. "Were you able to sense Euphemia?"

"I was." Charles answered. "It's not a simple singling out or conversation. But she was there." As if sensing his next question, Charles further explained "I have tried to establish a link with her. But, I fear, she does not wish to speak with me. Not that I blame her; even as a little girl she feared me more than she loved me."

Suzaku raised his head. "Is it possible for me to find her?"

"As you are now? No." Charles sighed. "But we are veering away from your original question."

"Yes." Suzaku agreed, finding his resolve once again. "As…fascinating, as this all is, what does any of it have to do with the covert operation I was not made aware of?"

The Black Knights later converged in the meeting hall. As usual, CC was at the front while Kallen joined her fellow knights; here, Zero did not need his bodyguard. It would serve Kallen better right now to reinforce she was one of them.

Zero entered and revealed the large tv screen behind the wall. "First, thank you all for coming." He said. "I understand I had failed in India. I am only thankful that we lost none of our own. I had tried to repeat what we accomplished in Arabia, but even if Britannia had never interfered, who knows how the Federation would have reacted?" Zero nodded his head. "Apologies again. I am getting off track; there is no point in talking about what-ifs."

He pressed the remote, showing the globe with all the political colors. "I had originally planned to use India to stage a frontal assault on the beach of Area 10." Zero said, pointing the cue on the oddly shaped peninsula. "Had we succeeded, we would have installed an ally to fortify the local army." Turning back to the audience, he said "In spite of what happened, I have decided we are still heading to Area 10."

The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves. "Zero, to launch an assault as we are now-!" Chiba protested. "Even with our strongest knightmares, it would be suicide!"

"I never said we would launch an attack." Zero clarified. "I merely said we are going there." Chiba looked at the audience glaring at her, and sat down, her cheeks turning red from embarrassment. "You are correct though, Chiba. Such a tactic WOULD be suicide. Which is why we will be going in covertly." The knights nodded amongst themselves in approval. "There will be no safe beaches for us to anchor incognito. However, there are a series of atolls…" He pointed his stick a little off the coast. "…here. About 20 miles west. From there, we will rotate treks by boat."

"Doesn't sound like we'll be able to accomplish much." Urabe commented.

"No." Zero concurred. "But my reason for scouring the colony…is a little bit more complicated than that."

He then switched the projection to an old news article. It detailed the Britannian's acquisition of an old Ankor temple. "Damn Britannian dogs." Tamaki spat. "Always taking sacred grounds and turning them into exhibits."

"Can't say anyone here disagrees with you, Tamaki." Zero agreed. "Except for that last part. This temple is closed off to the public, Number and Britannian alike."

Many murmured. "You think it's a weapon silo?" Kallen asked.

"Maybe there's knightmares inside we know nothing about!" Another shouted.

"Perhaps." Zero said. "But there is no record of the temple being raised like other sites. It was largely kept intact upon conquest." The crowd stood silently. "Then what is it?" He asked rhetorically. "I don't know. However, I suspect whatever they possess within those sacred grounds is also what that unknown faction was after back in India. I intend to find out to prevent further interference…and to find out what this war is really all about."

"And then what?" Everyone turned to see Shaurya leaning against the doorway, arms crossed.

"Simple, we fight." Zero replied. While he was skeptical about Rakshata's little brother being on their side, he did not expect this, not so soon. Right now, he was a wild card, liable to explode at any minute. And this problem wasn't going to go away by ignoring it.

"And that's that?" Shaurya said, walking up towards him, stunning the audience. "Much like how you fumbled the planned allegiance with my homeland?"

"I am planning this trip to ensure that never happens again." Zero replied. "But, I sense this is not just about that. Seems like there is something else you came to say, Shaurya. So, if you do, now is the time to say it."

Shaurya paused. He didn't expect for Zero to quickly address the elephant in the room, nor did he expect to be offered a voice. Now he had no choice but to say his piece. He walked forward next to where Zero was standing to face the crowd. "I understand you all are desperate to take your country back." He began. "My own people had been making plans against the federation. But in our unit, we trusted one another, we knew each other. Especially our superiors. That didn't make us perfect, but it left little doubt of an alternative agenda. And yet, I understand you did not have that luxury that my people did." He took a deep breath as he prepared to get to the point. "We have studied the tactics of your army. They are admirable, yet all of your victories should have been impossible without the coincidences that occurred." The Knights murmured amongst themselves. "Nothing is known of this man, not to the outside world!" He pointed his arm at him. "And what do you know about him?" He turned back, giving him a dangerous stare. "Only that he's not one of you."

"Damn it." Lelouch was cornered here. In Britannia, it was said that "Honesty is the Best Policy." But what could he tell them? Yes, he got some memories back. But could he honestly use those memories with conviction? He already gave the Black Knights an explanation, but now…"

"He means to avenge his brother." Kallen spoke for him as she too stepped up to the podium.

"I'd rather hear from- "

"I am Zero's elite soldier and bodyguard, but I am still a Black Knight first." Kallen cut him off. "I was with Commander Ohgi and Ensign Tamaki since the beginning when we were mere flies to the empire. So don't you dare try to insinuate my work with Zero taints me." Shaurya stared Kallen down but didn't reply. "I won't deny Zero has things to hide. But if those secrets were revealed, you will destroy perhaps the world's only hope for freedom!"

"Every country keeps secrets from its people. But its soldiers-?"

"Like what your father was guarding?" Kallen spat back. "Let's say we never arrived, and your father went about his plans, but you found out! Would you find if so easy to speak up?

Shaurya was now at a loss for words, struggling to counter. "Even so, how can any of us trust him?!" He shouted.

"I don't recall asking you to trust me." Zero stepped forward. "That is something I only ask of my soldiers. Are you one of them? I don't seem to recall recruiting you."

Shaurya spat. "Then why do you even have me on board here?"

"Simply because you're the brother of my engineer, nothing more." Zero said. "Had you been anyone else, I would have left you to mourn in your shame back in India."

"And my knightmare?"

"Well, I'm not just going to just hand it over to you, if that's what you are asking. But it has potential." Zero stepped forward. "For the record, if it is your wish to go, I intend to release you at the earliest opportunity. But don't you dare try to insinuate discord among my men while you are a guest here. Are we clear?"

Shaurya growled, looking to the crowd. It seems none of them were moved and stared daggers at him. He stormed off the stage, realizing they would not budge.

"You have all been loyal soldiers, and I thank you for that. Let it be clear though, I want actual humans in my army. Not lemmings. I know things were tense when I returned, but if any of you still hold grudges, now is the time to let it all out."

None of them raised a word. Zero looked to Todoh, who stood stoic as ever. Chiba gave him a rather suspicious look, but sighed and looked away.

Zero nodded and continued. "As I was saying, what really interests Britannia about the temple is unknown. Whatever it is, I assure you it is likely of the utmost importance. Had it been something frivolous, Charles would have whatever treasure that lied inside moved and the media would be left none the wiser."

"And shall we still look for aid among the locals?" Ohgi asked.

"The Area is not particularly strategic; the local government gave up without a fight, much to the chagrin of its people. But nonetheless, we shall continue to recruit whenever possible. Kallen will scout. Any questions?" Afterwards, the room was silent, but Chiba raised her hand. "Yes, Chiba?"

"Suppose you find whatever it is you are looking for in the temple? Will you tell us?"

Well, damn. Looks like his saying about not wanting lemmings came back to bite him. "I cannot imagine hiding something so grand from any of you. After all, if none of you know what it is we are fighting or why, how can I trust any of you to do your duties, and help me with mine to yours?" The room nodded. "I can only promise whatever you need to know, I will tell you. At our present course, we will arrive in Area 10 in 4 days. Prepare yourselves."

The projector retracted, and Zero stepped off the stage.

As Zero made his way back to his quarters, Kallen caught up with him and CC. "That was close." She said.

"Tell me about it." Zero opened the door to his quarters, inviting CC and Kallen inside. Taking off his mask, he continued "But otherwise it went as it should have." As Lelouch approached his chair, he said "Thank you for that, by the way, Kallen." He said.

"Hey, for the mission, right?"

"Still, Shaurya's outburst presents a problem down the line." Lelouch pondered as he brought his fingers together. "One I was sure I had taken care of when I came into the fold…again."

CC lay back on the bed. "He did have a point though. An army that doesn't know its commander can only function for so long."

"I imagine you are smart enough to understand the implications if I revealed myself to them. Especially when not even I am convinced about what and who I am." He turned to Kallen. "Kallen, what do you think I should do? You have the privilege of knowing me, but even that may not be enough."

Kallen sighed. "I don't know. I mean, you know I had a bad reaction upon seeing your face. And they didn't have the same attachment to you that I did."

"Or Zero for that matter." She thought.

"Indeed. But I think in the long run I will need to open up to the others. Britannia is taught to fight for the emperor, essentially treating him as God. I do not have that luxury of birthright, not among the Japanese or anyone else who would be our allies. Nor do I want that kind of command. Even so, in Britannia, the soldiers believe they know what they are fighting for. The Black Knights? It's an alliance, but there is no real loyalty. The majority are suspicious of me, and they should be."

CC sighed. "Well, I don't have much expertise with this, in spite of my long, long life."

"If you will pardon me for saying so, CC, you're in a similar position as Lelouch here." Kallen interrupted. "I imagine you have been ever since we knew you." She turned back to Lelouch. "I don't know if you remember any of this, but back when we were planning to ally with the JDF, you revealed you were not Japanese. The head, in spite of that revelation, told us to trust you. Even though we acknowledged their corruption and extremist views, they were still one of us. So, learning that tidbit did help us in the long run."

"But now that little tidbit of knowledge may become a liability down the road. I may have expanded our army back in Arabia, but other than that I've nothing to offer the Knights as a whole."

Kallen crossed her arms, looking around uncomfortably. "The only thing I can think of is getting to know them."

"I don't think I can invite them in here for dinner and ask to join their school club."

Kallen chuckled. "I didn't mean it like that. But maybe if you open up just enough, you might get on good terms with the rest of them."

Lelouch sighed, swiveling slightly. "All that matters right now is the current mission. But…I suppose I'll think on it. Thank you Kallen." Kallen nodded and began to walk away. "Kallen!" Lelouch called suddenly.

Kallen turned around in surprise. "Yes?"

"You ARE a true friend here. To me. I just wanted you to know that."

Kallen gave him smile, and a nod. As she walked out, she thought about what he said. "Friend…" It felt good to be called that, yet it felt empty too.

"Enough." She told herself. "Whatever you felt back then, whatever that could have been…that's gone forever. The Zero you loved is no more, and he may as well have never existed."

"I know." She whispered out loud.

Shaurya strolled angrily down the hall. Zero made a fool of him, and all that coward had to do was let him speak! He only had himself to blame! He may as well have just called the Black Knights fools to their faces! He might have gotten similar results, but at least he would get credit for being blunt!

"Hold up there."

Shaurya turned to see one of the knights tailing him closely, a Japanese man who looked to be in his forties. He may have been a bit old, but he was fit, and Shaurya could tell he was a true warrior. "If it's about Zero, forget it! It's clear you all made your decision…" He waved him off, walking away…

"You are mistaken if I'm coming to you on behalf of Zero."

Shaurya turned around. "Oh?" He then noticed the man was carrying two mugs of coffee.

"Our partnership with Zero is…complicated, at best." The man nodded towards a small table. "Sit with me."

Finding nothing hostile of his intentions, Shaurya followed. "I didn't catch your name-?"

"Kyoshiro Todoh." He said. Upon sitting, he passed a mug to Shaurya. "It's not the greatest coffee in the world, but it does its job."

Shaurya took a sip; indeed, it was a rather poor coffee. "So, you are secretly opposed to Zero or something?"

"Well, I doubt I could safely say that here, but no." Todoh said after a sip of his own. "I am, however…skeptical of him, you might say."

Shaurya raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"You know of Zero's many victories. And therefore, you must also know of his greatest failure."

"The Black Rebellion." Shaurya nodded. "He abandoned you. And just when it was looking good."

"Indeed." Todoh nodded.

"And you follow him anyway."

"Politics seems to demand strange bedfellows." Todoh agreed at the irony. "And, in all fairness, it seems he at least had a reason."

"A commander has no reason to abandon his troops in the middle of a battle." Shaurya argued.

"Britannia took his sibling. Even the most driven and ruthless warriors and generals would stop everything for family." Todoh said, surprisingly sympathetic.

"That's what he told you? And you believe him, just like that?"

"He is hiding something, that much I know. But yes, I do believe he was at least partially telling the truth. If only because there is no other logical explanation I can think of." After a long sip, Todoh addressed Shaurya more directly. "Still, it is the secrets that have been a problem, and could potentially get worse in the future."

"You're planning a coup d'etat?"

"As a last resort." Todoh said. "Such a thing would cause chaos and divide the knights; I'd rather not cross that bridge. But, for now, let us think of ourselves as preventers, of sorts. We keep Zero as honest and on the level as possible, we have a chance against Britannia, everyone is happy in the end. Theoretically."

Todoh took a moment to let that sink into Shaurya's mind. "Sounds like you are in a very difficult position." The young soldier shrugged. "Are there any others that share your skepticism?"

"Very few, I'm afraid." Todoh said. "Chiba is probably more wary of Zero than even me. Ohgi is not a fool either, but he is reluctant to go against Zero. I could use someone who shares my fears. It would benefit the knights to have a little fear." He then looked at the Indian dead in the eye. "Tell me something: are you certain that you will leave this sub at the first opportunity…or do you wish to fight?"

Shaurya paused. Then, he clenched his fist. "I wish to fight more than anything. The empire, the federation…their two sides of the same coin. And the Ashura-! It is now all I have left."

Todoh nodded, and stood. "Come meet me in the training hall tomorrow at 6:30, if you are certain that is your answer."

Shaurya gave no outward surprise. He understood what Todoh had in mind.

They were to spar.

CC looked out the window into the underwater sea. The oceans were said to be teaming with life, but if that was true, they weren't showing up for her. "See anything worthwhile?"

CC turned to Kallen, a bit surprised she approached her. "No. Seems the fish and whales have taken a day."

"It can get boring in here. I can't wait to get back onto land." Kallen stretched, and turned to CC. "And you? What are you waiting for?"

CC made no visible movement. "I don't wait for things anymore. If something big is coming, it will. When you lived as long as I have, you learn to wait for anything."

"Yes, I imagine you could." Kallen acknowledged. "Would you rather wait for fish that never come?"

"Do you have something in mind?"

Kallen turned to her, smiling. "Take a bath with me."

CC had spent time in Asia before to know that many Asian cultures considered bathing a social experience akin to going out for a drink. She wasn't afraid of Kallen doing anything untowards to her; that would be Fadah, and she mostly did so as a joke. She sprayed the water on her with the shower head, just like Kallen did as they sat on the stools. "So, what exactly do you want to talk to me about?"

Kallen sighed. Well, the cordial part was over now. "I need to know about this contract you have with Lelouch."

Straight to it then. Kallen seemed to avoid asking about the pact. CC was grateful, but she knew it couldn't last. "Why now?"

"Lelouch got a piece of himself back." Kallen answered as she ran the shampoo across her hair. "And I'm worried what that entails with you. For his sake, I have to know."

CC sighed. "You won't like the answer."

"I imagine." Kallen said. "I wouldn't be asking if I was concerned about whether or not I would like it."

CC took a deep breath. She turned, pointing to the Geass mark between her breasts. "Geass is a power connected to God. Or at least, a force that the masses would think of as 'God'. Those who are 'blessed' with its gifts become immortal."

"It sounds tempting. But I can imagine where it leads." Kallen nodded. "Is it possible to break this curse?"

"I'm getting to that." CC said. "You may find someone who is willing to bear half the code, which manifests as the sigil in the users' eye. Both with repeated use. At that point, the code bearer will have a choice to transfer the full code to the one he or she made the contract with. Their power will vanish, but they gain immortality in turn."

"And do you…die?"

"No." CC stood and joined her in the main shower. "Not instantly. The former bearer is simply mortal again. But based on my experience, most bearers who are free from the curse make like lemmings and find the nearest stairway to hell." As she washed her own hair, she said "I don't believe I told you of my original Geass."

"You haven't."

"I was a peasant girl in what is now called France. Every day was a struggle to survive. Then, one day, a woman, a nun, approached me. It sounded like madness, but I couldn't take another day of starvation and beatings just for what I was. So, I accepted her contract."

"And what could you do?"

"I had the power to make everyone fall in love with me." CC said.

"Was it on command like Lelouch's-?"

"At first. But when my Geass manifested in both eyes, I lost control and everyone fell in love with me. EVERYONE." CC said.

Kallen could only imagine how hard that could have gotten for her back then if she accidentally Geassed the wrong gender. It certainly sounded like a power right up Fadah's alley.

CC paused to shut off the water and walked over to dry herself with the towel, with Kallen doing the same. "It was an improvement at first. I got to eat the best food, try on pretty dresses…" CC went to the basket where she folded her clothes; Kallen remained standing in her towel. "But soon, I realized it was all an illusion. I was robbing others of their free will without meaning to, and I realized whenever they professed their love to me or bearing gifts, none of it was real."

As she got dressed, Kallen guessed the next part of the story. "You wanted your benefactor to take the gift back."

"Yes." CC asked plainly. "Once I felt I had everything, I wanted to try and earn love for myself. Real love. But my Code Bearer did not reveal to me the whole truth of Geass. Had I knew I may have went to a different extreme. She laughed like a maniac, saying I fell for it. She mortally wounded me, forcing me to accept the code. The process must have caused me to faint; next thing I remember, she lay dead at my feet, by her own hand. She did as I asked; she took back the gift with her to her grave. And I had forever changed."

CC, her vest still open, turned to show off her sigil. "It took me a long time to learn what this meant. It wasn't until after I revived from being burned at the stake did I realize the implications."

"Really? Just then?" Kallen asked as she finished toweling herself off. "In your shoes, I would have been thrilled." As she moved to reach for her own clothes, she said "But something else happened that made you realize the curse of immortality, didn't it?" CC said nothing at first. "You had a family, didn't you?" The red head asked, but quickly deduced the answer for herself. "And you outlived them all."

CC stopped, and turned to give he a cold glare. Though she hid it, it was enough to give even Kallen the chills. As the witch zipped up and got ready to leave, Kallen called "C2!" Though she didn't turn to face her, it seemed she was at least giving her her attention. "I think I understand; you feel there is nothing left for you on this plane. I can't imagine what it would be like to watch everything and everyone you love wither and fade while you remain. All I ask is that you don't give Lelouch your code!"

"I have no intention of giving that boy my code. Not as he is."

"I mean NEVER." Kallen corrected her. "If he gets back his memory or not, I won't let you pass the curse to him, no matter the contract between you."

CC finally turned to her sneering. "You've always had nerve, Kallen, but this? I didn't think even THIS was a line you were willing to cross! Lelouch made his choice! I promise I won't act until we restore him, but until then-"

"Do you intend to commit suicide right after?!" Kallen interrupted. "Easy way to not find out if you can live with yourself after dooming him, am I right?" The silence between the two was thick. "I'm not asking that of you just because of him. I'm asking you because you're my friend too! Please, there has to be another way to turn you mortal again- "

"I'm sure you would think spending another few decades alive while your body ages and rots would be appealing to you, but I have seen enough. I don't want a normal life, I do not want to get old-!" She suddenly punched the wall, hard enough to dent it. That impressed even Kallen. CC scowled, as tears ran down her eyes. "I just want it to end. Plain and simple." As she rubbed her knuckles, she said "I wish there was a better way, I truly do. Even as his full self, Lelouch was a good man. At heart, if not in action."

"Then WHY do you insist on punishing him!?" Kallen demanded angrily.

"I'm not doing this to punish him, I do it because he's the only one who can bear the burden when the time comes!" CC shouted back. "Remember what I told you about Mao?! You think I abandoned him because his Geass drove him crazy?! I let him go because I could see he didn't have it in him to take the code! Either the Geass would kill him inside or the code would! Lelouch will inherit my code because he can use this curse to do real good!" CC stormed out.

At Pendragon, Suzaku stepped out of the Sword of Akasha once more, Bismark acknowledging his reappearance. Before, Suzaku came in with a look of determination. And he was determined for answers, at what cost, most would fear the worst. Bismark respected such an attitude, but it had no place here.

Now, Suzaku looked absolutely overwhelmed.

"It is a beautiful thing, isn't it?"

Suzaku blinked. "Of course you know its purpose."

"I am His Majesty's bodyguard, after all." The Knight of One answered plainly.

Suzaku looked about. "How did you get mixed up in all this, Sir Waldstein?"

"All this was set in motion long before when any of us were born." It was then Suzaku realized: those rings on his eye! He too had a Geass! "I was with the order that granted his majesty the gift of memory implantation. And I am charged with his protection. Both by Royal Decree…and outside forces."

Suzaku stared at the Knight of One. "And you agreed to it?"

"If I hadn't, I wouldn't be here where I am. Perhaps I would've been a nobody instead, a captain of some random squadron at best." He approached Suzaku, staring him down. "Kuurugi, tell me something. Do you trust man of any nation to single-handily be the solution to peace among our species?"

That was the first time Suzaku heard any Britannian think they and the numbers were one and the same. "No. I don't." He answered honestly. "Humans are a fighting animal. And it seems no matter how much progress is made we continue to find excuses to fight."

"Exactly."

"And yet, knowing this and wanting to prevent it His Majesty expands the war?" Suzaku questioned.

Bismark remained unmoved, but asked "Do you know how we put out forest fires?"

Suzaku blinked. They were a common occurrence in Japan, but they were outside Suzaku's area of interests. He certainly learned nothing about them under his father…or the Britannian military. "I would guess water? Flame retardant chemicals?"

"All valid. But there is another, a counterintuitive technique: Starting fires of our own."

"Starting fires to fight fires?"

"Yes; it is common on the West Coast. You create a fire parallel to the encroaching fire coming towards you." Bismark explained. "It uses up the natural fuel, and when the primary fire arrives, it has nothing to move forward with."

"So what you're saying is the Empire fights in order to starve the ability of other nations to fight?" Suzaku deduced.

"That is correct. It is a harsh truth, but that's how it is."

Suzaku turned sharply. "And yet even within this power, there is disagreement."

"What will you do now?"

"For now, I will return to my duties; Nunally needs me in Area 11." Suzaku was almost surprised by how easy he was able to refer to his home as an Area. "But I must meet with those higher on the food chain within this Geass order."

"A Herculean task." Bismark said. "If His Majesty had complete control over all aspects of the order, you wouldn't have come here."

"Do the other Rounds know?"

"As far as I know, only you and I." Bismark answered.

Suzaku nodded, and bowed. "Thank you for your help, Sir Waldstein…and your hospitality." Bismark bowed back.

As Suzaku walked away, Bismark called "Kuruugi!" Suzaku stopped to turn. "Pursue the order at your peril but heed my warning. This hounding of His Majesty…it cannot happen again. If you question further, we will have no choice but to brand you an enemy."

Suzaku nodded. "I have no intention of letting that happen." With that he flapped his cloak over his shoulder.

Bismark stared passively as he watched him leave. "You are a kind soul, Kuruugi. Your homeland may never appreciate the pure soul that you are. I hope the new world His Holiness will create will be a kinder and gentler world towards you."

Sharyua was guided to the training hall. Todoh sat in the center in seiza, his eyes closed. At his right was a bokken. Looking to Chiba, she inclined her head towards the weapons rack. More bokkens. "I am not familiar with the Japanese Sword." He said.

"Would you let that stop you?" Todoh asked. "A warrior must work with the tools he is given; he will not always have the tools he wants…and the enemy will never offer you a fair fight."

Shaurya nodded. "That is a good point." He walked over to pick up another bokken. It wasn't too much different from a talwar sword, but he was used to having a shield as well, something that seemed foreign to East Asia. But he would make do. Shaurya kneeled, doing his best to imitate Todoh's posture. "I must warn you, I am not entirely familiar with your customs. Please do not take offense to any mistakes I make in this session."

"None taken."

Todoh opened his eyes. Putting his hands on the floor, he bowed. Shaurya did the same. Todoh quickly stood, picking up his bokken, as did Shaurya. Todoh held his weapon in the way standard to budo while the Indian Man held it in accordance to Kalari, with one hand. Todoh sliced down while Shaurya blocked. It nearly fell out of his hand, but he held firm. The veteran smacked the offending blade again, driving it to another angle before pulling back his own training sword and went in for a stabbing motion. Shaurya got low and swung his sword, knocking Todoh's out of the way. As soon as Todoh's blade was out of the way, like a frog Shaurya leaped and planted both feet into Todoh's chest. Kyoshiro stumbled, and blocked before Shaurya could land a hit on him. "I'm sorry, is hitting with anything besides the swords not allowed?"

To his surprise, Todoh smiled. "Technically no. But I was hoping you would try something like that!" Todoh suddenly grabbed him by the wrist and twisted. Shaurya found himself going with it. It wasn't because Todoh was so strong that he could make him fly with the wrist alone; rather, if Shaurya didn't follow the force, his wrist would snap. He managed to land on his shoulders, avoiding injuring his neck.

As Todoh went in for a killing stab, Shaurya smacked it out of the way and rolled up. Seeing that anything goes, the Indian leaned back into his stance and sprung back. Todoh blocked again, but if they were fighting with real swords, the tip would have cut his brow. Shaurya was adapting the blade as his own rather quickly; normally Todoh would have been furious with anyone else seemingly treating the blade as a baton. But Todoh knew better than to let his patriotism blind him to the truth and beauty of the young man's art; it was surprisingly efficient and powerful despite its flare. The two exchanged heavy, powerful blows with their wooden blades. Shaurya displayed incredible grace and agility with his technique; Todoh remained committed to speed and power. Todoh went in for another stab to Shaurya's left. He blocked, and spun with it, springing up into the air. As gravity brought him back down, Shaurya twisted so that his blade would land on Todoh's shoulder had he not held back at the last minute.

Shaurya froze, not out of winning gracefully. He froze because of the bokken tip nearly jamming his throat. Had they been using real blades, Todoh should have lost an arm. But Shaurya would have lost his life. Todoh smirked in satisfaction, withdrawing his bokken, Shaurya doing the same. "Thank you." Todoh bowed. "That was very instructional AND fun."

"Same." Shaurya bowed.

"More importantly, I have confirmed you are just what we needed."

Shaurya blinked. "What?"

"You haven't figured it out?" Chiba smirked. "Todoh wants you to join us."

"As a Black Knight." Shaurya realized.

"Not just." Todoh proclaimed. "As one of the Four Holy Swords." Todoh's face turned to its usual stoic self. "I imagine this is a lot. And I understand this will most likely be temporary. But I can see you will most likely join us anyway; so why not join as one of our elite divisions?"

Shaurya's eyes seemed to go through a multitude of emotions. "It's true, I have no home to go back to. I was going to fight as a way to survive…" He straightened up to face Todoh directly. "…But more than anything, I want to make Britannia pay! I would honored to be part of your group, even as a substitute, for as long as you will have me!"

Todoh smirked. "If you demonstrate that same level of strength out in the field as you showed here, I see no reason to not consider a permanent tenure. If we survive." The two bowed respectfully.

Zero walked down the aisle, the various Black Knights flanking him, much like a king and his soldiers. They saluted him the further he walked along.

Underneath, Lelouch only regretted he could not reveal his face and thank most of them. By all means, they should have questioned his leadership, especially after the India debacle. Yet now, he felt they were more loyal than ever. Making his way to the front, he ~ cue from Oghi. "Thank you." He then addressed them all. "First, I would like to thank all of you for following me. The road has not be easy and the last mission…I am grateful you remain by my side. No matter your reasons."

"You still have your sight set on that temple?" Ohgi asked.

"Very much so, yes." Zero replied. "But in addition, after much pondering, I came to a realization. Arabia was a success because we sought out the local rebellion, and succeeded. In India, we appealed to the local authority, and in the end, failed." He took a pause. "I have decided to search for other rebellions, and this time, within the Chinese Federation." The group murmured amongst themselves.

"I'm sorry, Zero, but I fear it would be a distraction from our fight against Britannia." Chiba said respectfully. "And if we start trouble within the Federation we could very well have two empires to fight."

"You're right in a sense." Zero surprisingly agreed. "Creating two powerful enemies would be foolhardy. Which is why discretion will be of utmost importance."

"You think we can find some people willing to fight?" Ohgi asked.

"In the Siam region?" Zero said incredulously. "I hear they LOVE to fight." Zero said confidently. "The real questions are if they will fight for us, and can they fight against the Federation effectively? That is what I intend to find out. And if they can, well, that will be the easy part."

"You intend to bring the federation down so they will ally with us!" Kaguya exclaimed in admiration.

"In the long term, yes." Zero said. "But that will be most challenging, and for now, a far-off goal." He waited to see the Knights settle. Both Kallen and CC looked at him, their faces inscrutable. "Even so, I must confess: there is another reason I intend to begin anew in Asia." He said.

The knights starred intensely. "There is another force at play in this conflict. Perhaps since before this war even began. They are what ultimately interfered in India and made the whole operation go south. The Temple may be related to that. I don't know if we will be able to stop them, not yet. But I have to try and understand them." Zero turned his attention to the group as a whole. "I am asking a lot out of you, perhaps more than I have any right to. So, allow me to make this offer to all of you: if anyone wants to escape the fighting, I will let you go. You may have a chance to start a new life, but if you truly wish to continue to fight against Britannia, your only chance to do so will be with me. We will have struggles, many of you will likely die in spite of my best efforts. If you choose to stand by me in spite of all that, I need you all to stand."

Tamaki quickly stood. Of course. Then, Kallen. CC. Ohgi, and soon Todoh followed. "I am surprised, Todoh."

"Do not get the wrong idea. I still intend to keep an eye on you." His look softened. "But, more importantly, I must fight against Britannia, no matter the cost. And even with our struggles, with some of our misgivings…you are still our best hope." The rest of the four swords, Shaurya included, rose along as well.

Zero observed no one sitting down. "Whatever else happens, I am truly grateful to have all of you by my side." He bowed to them, and they bowed back.

"So you understand, we cannot have him interfere again." VV said as he sipped his tea.

Villetta puckered her lips. Ever since she came into contact with this cult, she realized she was but a fly in a spider's web. And the spider would only spare her so long as it found a use for her. "I understand."

"I have no doubt you understand." VV replied, his childish smile never leaving him. "I just question if you will do as you are told." Villetta tried to speak, but VV held up a hand. "I can always take you before the emperor. I remind you, he is less forgiving than me; in fact, it is because of me that you were even allowed to remain as you are. I don't know what little Charles originally had planned for you. A vagabond? Sounds fairly merciful. Perhaps one of the family's maids? Why, he could even make you believe you belonged in some work in the underground. Britannian soldiers need pleasure of the flesh, after all."

Villetta shuddered in fear. "This power…this Geass…no one should have that kind of power, not even the emperor-!"

"Consider this a test of loyalty." VV spoke again as if to silence any answers. "If you succeed, there won't be a problem. We may even restore your former rank…perhaps even make you a noblewoman. If you fail…well, it will depend on my mood."

Villetta squirmed. "With all due respect, Master, I'm worried I will have a hard time succeeding on my own."

"I concur. Which is why I'm sending you in with a partner."

"Please don't let it be Rolo…" Villetta prayed silently.

If there was some God in this universe, either her prayer didn't take off or he was especially cruel. Rolo appeared by VV's side. "Will we be hunting Lelouch now?" He asked.

"Yes. In fact, I think a family reunion is long overdue, don'r you?"

"I do." Rolo nodded. "Do you know where brother will reappear?"

VV gave a small smile. "As a matter of fact, I do." He leaned in, tapping his shoulder. "In fact, if you don't hurry and kill him soon, I fear Lelouch will forget about you."

Though Rolo was normally emotionless, his eyes betrayed a slight sense of fear and jealously.

And his Geass manifested on reflex.

"This will take time." One of the conspirators said. "And the Emperor will only grow in power by then."

"Time is a luxury we don't have." Benjamin said. "But I fear that it's not just the standard military might of the empire we will have to contend with."

"What? The Federation? The Alliance?"

William shook his head. "It is within the Empire, and yet…an entity unto itself."

"You're not speaking sense, Ben! What is it?"

"I do not know for sure." He answered honestly. "But, if my source is to be trusted, we could very well be in over our heads!"

"Who is this source?"

"Let him speak, and we'll decide!"

"I knew you would say that." William said. With a snap of his fingers, a servant wheeled in a desk with a tv on top. "So we will hear it straight from the horse's mouth."

The tv was turned on, the brief moment of static quickly clearing up to show a teenage boy with blue hair. "My name is Rivalz." He said. "I am…was, a high school student." He looked away nervously, scratching his head.

"And how did you get mixed up with the likes of us, young man?"

"To make a long story short, my best friend was charged with murder and disappeared." He took a moment to gather his words. "Another friend of ours was killed too. She was his supposed victim."

"I am sorry for your troubles young man, but a mere criminal act…even one as heinous as this," One of them said. "Is beneath our scope."

"Hold your tongue, Sir Edin." Benjamin warned him. "There is more to his story. Please, continue."

"Shortly after, our homeroom teacher resigned out of the blue. I won't bore you with the details of our trauma…" He trembled, clearly wanting to mouth off something. "But I have done some of my own digging. For one thing, I found out the background of our teacher…Villetta Nu…was falsified."

There was some murmur amongst the group. "Mr. Rafa, wasn't there a soldier that goes by that name?"

"Yes, I remember! She was the right-hand woman of that disgraced Jeremiah, of the purist faction!"

"The shame may have been too much for her after his reputation was tarnished; she could have went to find a new life."

"I doubt it; most of them are too stubborn to admit defeat. They are a tenacious bunch; even if you pin something dishonorable on them, they find a way to claw themselves back to where they were."

"If what you say is true, that makes sense." Rivalz said. "But that's not all. There's this." He held up a crumpled up piece of paper to the screen, close enough so the handwriting could be seen. "The handwriting was Shirley's; that much I know. When I heard what remained of Shirley's belongings were about to be taken and bequeathed to what remained of her family, I…well, I broke in." He chuckled nervously. "I really shouldn't have, but I guess some part of me wanted to find some clue, ANYTHING that would make sense of this before it was lost forever, and I found this under her bed. The gist of it is that our friend Lelouch…is Zero." There were murmurs amongst the members.

"A Britannian student? Running a terrorist organization?"

"Look at us: it's not impossible."

"But highly improbable." Benjamin agreed. "Did she have any insight on the how?"

"I'm afraid not." Rivalz shrugged. "It's mostly about her surprise and despair about it; I'll send you a copy. But there is something else. In it, she fears what Lelouch's sister Nunally would think of all this." Giving them a moment to take it in, Rivalz looked back up to the camera and said "Lelouch doesn't have a sister. He has a brother, Rolo."

At first, their faces seemed to dismiss the whole thing as curious…but then, one of them said "Isn't the 3rd Princess named Nunally?"

"Yes…and if I recall correctly, she had a big brother. I believe he too was called Lelouch."

"Lelouch Vi Britannia died a long time ago, the same night the empress was attacked."

"Her Highness Nunally was also believed to be dead until recently. Who's to say her brother Lelouch also could not have survived?"

"Interesting questions indeed." Benjamin agreed. "But nothing as frightening as what Rivalz has to say next."

"Here's the thing: I remember Lelouch and Rolo together as long as I can recall knowing them." Rivalz said. "And yet, Shirley's letter tells us otherwise. Even distressed, there is no way she would just invent an imaginary sibling for him out of thin air! Especially in grief!" He seemed to hesitate at what he was about to suggest next. "I…I think someone tampered with our memories. Not just me, but everyone who knew him, including Shirley herself. I know how out there it sounds…but given everything that has been happening, it's the only thing I can think of."

"Thank you, Mr. Rivalz." Benjamin interrupted. "We will be in contact again shortly; in the meantime, I suggest you keep digging into anything and everything within your area until I find something on my end."

He shut it off, and addressed the group once more. "I understand what he is saying is farfetched, but given the nature of Zero's "miracles", Euphemia's madness and this revelation of the terrorist being one of our own teachers…I cannot help but feel some force we do not comprehend is at work here."

"You really believe we are dealing with something supernatural in nature?"

"Who knows? If it is something that belongs to the world of mortals, nothing would make me happier." Benjamin answered. "But we must account for as many possibilities as possible, no matter how far-fetched."

He then tapped a spoon against his glass. His servant came in once again, rolling a tray for them. The servant handed each guest a glass of water, along with a white pill. "Now, I am about to ask of you all something enormous."

"Is this pill cyanide?" One said at an attempt at dry humor.

"Yes. But not instantaneous." Benjamin held one up. "Those pills are containers meant to remain in your system. It will not digest, and it cannot be removed without surgery." The others murmured. "I have carefully approached each of you because we all have our disagreements about the empire. Some of us believe there are other, worthier heirs to the throne, like her Majesty Nunally. Sone of you believe the very idea of Monarchy an absurd notion. And others still, want to seize power for themselves. And yet, we all agree: Charles and his children, for the sake of our great nation, cannot be allowed to continue on this course. Though the odds are heavily stacked against us, with the return of Zero…symbolically if not literally…I believe we can sew the seeds of revolution, and unlike Washington, succeed. It will not be easy or pretty. Which is why loyalty is essential…and I need a means to enforce it."

He brought his hands together. "If anyone here has any doubts, even the slightest idea that you could betray me or even disapprove of all this…I must ask you to leave. I cannot silence you, but I implore you to forget everything here. Everyone else who is willing to see this through to the end…" He raised his glass, giving a sad smile. "Well, cheers."

Three or four of his invites left. The rest drank the pill. He hated the fact he placed bombs inside these men…yet after the out he gave them, he swelled with pride. He felt lucky to work with them. "You honor me. Thank you." He bowed, and they bowed back. "That is all for today. Please, return to your homes. In a week's time we will begin. This I promise."

I hope you enjoyed, and hopefully this was worth the wait, even if not much happened. Action should return for the next arc