"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
- Revelation 1:3

Chapter XXVIII: Whispers of Armageddon

Campbell Barracks
Duchy of Khorasan, Area 18 (Middle East), Britannian Empire
August 26, 2025

Another day, another pound sterling, or so Corporal Patrick Smyth derisively thought as he wandered away from the hangar and toward a nice shaded corner of the base. It was well within the afternoon, the sun gradually moving toward the western horizon, yet still blazing over the barren landscape that surrounded Birjand. The west, Smyth mused. Where his Homeland and his Emperor remained virtually on the other side of the world, well beyond his reach, or anyone else unfortunate enough to be in this God – or Allah he supposed would be more appropriate – forsaken spit of land. Compared to the enemy being much, much closer, watching and waiting to follow what it had accomplished not too long ago.

As with several others in the barracks, Smyth was a survivor of all too recent events, having been stationed in what used to be Area 21 when the Red Rebellion had ignited. This had kept him away from the initial fighting in Area 22, but that didn't matter for long, as the Black Knights and the CLA came to visit soon enough while the Twenty-Ones "suddenly" became rebellious again. Those that had survived the blitz, Smyth among them, had ended up withdrawing to the west, their entry into Area 18 being their only salvation from the Demon King's legions. Said survivors had then been transferred to about the area, having little else to do but lick their freshly salted wounds while China reemerged with thundering vengeance. As though the latest rounds of setbacks in Eurasia hadn't been bad enough.

As luck would have it, the spot that Smyth ended up taking shelter in gave him a clear view of the barracks flagpole, upon which the white and red Imperial banner proudly waved against the wind. The Corporal stifled a grimace as he watched the St. George's Cross flutter with apparent bearing, as though it had been raised in triumph. That seemed to be turning into a rare commodity these days, as though Britannia's glories in this apparent new age were past and all but forgotten. Smyth certainly had some difficulty remembering that time, where it seemed the world lay very much within the Empire's grasp. The days in which China had been conquered without a single shot being fired – General Li's flight from Luoyang notwithstanding – and Eurasia barely held the line as Imperial forces landed in Kamchatka, Mauritania, Portugal and many more alongside. The days in which Zero and his twice damned Black Knights were dead and gone.

Smyth glowered that much more as the Demon King's image entered his mind. Zero. Even the word caused the Corporal's blood to boil, to say nothing of his comrades. Yes the Chinese Tiger and his ilk had been a particular thorn in the Empire's side, but they were nothing compared to the ghost of the Black Rebellion. Had it not been for his reemergence, Britannia would still hold dominion over Asia, and though it may have taken some more time, the CLA and the rest of the rabble would have been wiped away eventually. Britannia's rule would have remained absolute, and the world would have marched to tomorrow as one.

Instead, the worst impossibility of all had occurred. Zero had returned from the grave, and had wrought his vengeance upon Britannia, first at Pearl Harbor, and now Asia. All resulting in Britannia's assured victory over the world being cast into doubt, if not rendered mute entirely. A victory that had already been long overdue, alongside the Tomorrow that Britannia was set to bring about. All while the Empire's enemies to the east and to the north – as well as the Black Knights themselves – rallied in earnest.

For the life of him, Smyth would have loved a chance to even the score, starting with a renewed counterassault eastward. He would have given his left leg for a drive back to Luoyang, as well as his right to wrestle it – as well as the other former Settlements – back into Britannian hands. Unfortunately he knew that would not be any time soon. Too much had been lost, from the Red Rebellion to the westward flight thereafter, to even consider such an act, and whatever remained – Smyth among them – were in desperate need of respite or repair. And whatever reserves the Homeland held were obviously being focused toward the Eurasian fronts.

Thus it was all Smyth could do to again turn his gaze toward the east, his mind picturing the lands beyond. Where, once again, the enemy waited, entirely unopposed. Where the Demon King undoubtedly returned his gaze, and all others, and laughed.

Eventually the Corporal shook his head and turned away. Zero would get his, he resolved to himself. He and his Black Knights might have won a great victory, yet the war remained in place. And Britannia was a long way from capitulat…

Smyth suddenly broke off as his eye caught something in the relative distance. For a moment, he thought he saw the air "ripple", for lack of better word, as though the space had moved somehow. Again the Corporal shook his head. He had clearly been in the desert heat for too long, as he was already beginning to see mirages.

At least, that's what he thought until a crimson red bolt shot by him, slamming into the hangar he had just come out of. The first of many explosions that would erupt over Campbell Barracks.

Fools. Setsuna thought as he watched the resultant activity through his cockpit monitor, from various figures running up and down for cover to enemy knightmares scrambling. Only now were the Britannians undoubtedly realizing that they were open and vulnerable to attack, having neglected on reinforcing their defenses in their collective haste. As if the invisible borderlines that divided Area 18 from China were enough to keep the Black Knights at bay.

Well, that may have been the case for the regular Black Knights. Iga, however, operated on its own special terms. "All units, decloak and engage at will!"

One after the other, the Kageros of Hokage Squadron's First Team shed their Gefjun Cloaks and entered battle, firing more hadron shots as they charged from their respective positions. Having fired their hadron blasters, the shinobi were now vulnerable to IR and so no longer needed their cloaks. Besides, the operation called for shock and awe over stealth and subterfuge, and each Hokage relished the privilege; it was not every day they got to operate so "openly" after all. Thus the four black and grey knightmares launched forward on their landspinners, just as the first Sutherlands emerged to meet them.

Ninjato blades extending from his machine's forearms, Setsuna waded through the oncoming fire and closed in on the enemy blue knightmares almost instantly. The first Sutherland he came upon was just quick enough to raise its stun tonfas, but it hardly mattered as the ninja was more than able to duck under them and slice at the Britannian's waist. The cockpit module ejected right before the top half separated and fell to the ground, while Setsuna banked away as one of the others threw a chaos mine at him. He retaliated by launching one of his slash harkens which impaled the offending enemy knightmare and smashed into its Yggdrasil drive. Withdrawing the anchor, Setsuna turned away from the stricken machine – whose cockpit didn't eject – and slashed through another pair of Sutherlands as they charged, lances drawn. Both fell quickly, allowing the shinobi to proceed further.

More buildings and installations were obliterated as Setsuna moved forward, hadron shots practically raining throughout, while the Britannians struggled to contain him. They were making a valiant attempt, it was to be said, with another Sutherland team now moving to surround him, their fire ever concentrated. Unfortunately they just couldn't keep up with his eighth generation knightmare, and Setsuna had little trouble striking them down in turn, destroying two of the fifth generation units with a single hadron shot apiece. After that, he leaped into the air just as another one of the blue knightmares fired off a rifle grenade, to which he retaliated once more with one of his harkens, beheading the offender. That was enough for the devicer, who chose to eject thereafter, while his or her compatriots sped further, continuing to fire their guns in tandem. Setsuna was able to strike down another with a hadron shot before going back on the evasive.

Not far from his position, the Kagero belonging to Hokage Four entered into sight, firing off several hadron shots of its own. More emplacements went up as a result, while some of the Sutherlands that had been attempting to hinder Setsuna turned to face her. Zigzagging around the resultant fire, Hokage Four responded accordingly, extending both arm blades and charging into the fray, cutting a number of Sutherlands down along the way. This gave Setsuna more than enough breathing room as he mirrored her attack, slashing at the enemy knightmares from the opposite end. By now one or two Gloucesters had joined the fray, their capes indicating that their devicers were of higher rank. Not that it really mattered to either shinobi, who evaded their lance attacks and cut them down all the same.

In the midst of this, both felt their frames sudden as a great explosion erupted across the barracks. Apparently one of the others had struck a nearby recharging station; either that, or something that contained some amount of sakuradite. Regardless, it did not prevent either of the shinobi, or their other two teammates for that matter, from continuing their slaughter. Nor did it prevent the Britannians from dying, whether at Campbell Barracks or anywhere else in Area 18.

Where Operation Fukiya was executed in earnest.

Government Bureau
Riyadh Settlement, Duchy of Riyahd, Area 18 (Middle East), Britannian Empire

This…this can't be happening! Prince Cesare si Britannia, Viceroy of Area 18, trembled as he watched the command center monitor – which currently displayed the whole of his Area – flare up in red. Military installations along the eastern frontier were now under direct attack as black knightmares – of a design that Cesare had never seen before – pressed the offensive. Every man and machine that attempted to stand against them were systematically cut down – with such efficient that the enemy knightmares didn't even slow – while infrastructure burned and broke from the never-ending spray of hadron fire. And all Cesare could do was watch in horror with the rest of his staff as belated reinforcements were scrambled from the west.

"What the hell is taking so damn long!?" Cesare screeched, feeling as though his Area – and his claim to the Crown – were about to go up in complete smoke. "I want those Eleven vermin dealt with now!"

"Reinforcements presently en route Your Highness," an operator reported calmly after wincing from his superior's voice, which could hit surprisingly high notes when stressed. Though the main monitor displayed signals from said reinforcements as they advanced, the Colonel was apparently too overcome with terror to notice. Very typical. "ETA to first intercept three minutes and twenty one seconds."

Cesare could only glower in response, having to fight back his initial impulse to lash out at the operator. As much as he would have relished it, he knew it would not have improved the situation. Not when his worst nightmare – no pun intended – had at last chosen to attack Area 18. Intending to do unto it what it had done in Area 22 and the rest not too long ago.

Despite what some – up to and including his myriad siblings – thought of him, Cesare was no fool. He knew that these were the Black Knights – as if the black coating on the attacking knightmares wasn't indicative enough – and that they were mounting an invasion into his Area. These apparent stealth knightmares were merely the vanguard of that invasion; surely there were far more ready to advance once they opened up the lines, again from the Gulf and the Chinese border. Ready and waiting for the walls of Cesare's fortress to falter, thereby opening up a way for a full assault that he and his troops would be hard pressed to repel. Especially if Zero's mongrels were further augmented by Tianzi's.

Either way, Cesare couldn't allow the invasion to proceed, at least not beyond this stage. Once the main forces entered his Area, that would be it; Zero, and Li likely with him, would charge forward and sweep through Area 18 wholesale. It helped even less that Area 18 was very much underequipped and underdefended, given that the bulk of Britannia's assets were fighting the Eurasians. This was one of many reasons why Cesare had been dumped into the Viceroy position there, as opposed to some general or higher up noble, or any one of his more "prominent" siblings. The idiot brass back home simply did not see Area 18's vitality, or any reason why a worthwhile opposition would attempt to take it from the Empire. Naturally, that had been well before Zero's grand return, or the Chinese Federation's resurgence.

Either way, as the countdown continued to dwindle, Cesare watched with terror in his gut as the reinforcements drew closer – far too slowly in his opinion – to the rampaging Eleven hordes. If he could nip the bud now, there was a chance, though a slim one, that Zero would be forced to pull away. Otherwise, Cesare would be facing the same force that stormed Pendragon and Pearl Harbor, and all too recently wrestled control over one third of the world away from Britannia, on the open field. A thought that incited even further terror from within.

Campbell Barracks
Duchy of Khorasan, Area 18 (Middle East), Britannian Empire

The enemy barracks was very much an inferno now. If there was a building or piece of equipment that wasn't destroyed or in the process thereof, then Setsuna didn't see it. Not that he had time to look around that much, as there were still enemy knightmares present and they were still intent on killing him and the rest of his team. Such was the case as another caped Gloucester charged at him, lance in hand, forcing Setsuna to bank to his left to evade. He then moved to slash the fifth generation type at its flank, but as he half-expected the devicer was better than average, moving away before his arm blade could connect. The enemy knightmare then twisted around to fire off both of its harkens, but the Kagero evaded these as well, returning fire with a hadron shot that blasted off the enemy knightmare's right arm, which consequently had been holding the lance. A second one finished it before it could reach for its assault rifle.

Another blare from his sensors alerted Setsuna that he was being targeted once more, this time by a pair of bazooka armed Sutherlands in the distance. He attempted to take them out with his hadron blasters, but he couldn't get a direct bead, as the Sutherlands coordinated their fire and forced him to remain evasive. As such, Setsuna chose to simply close the distance, moving around their fire – which no matter how coordinated would never touch him – and cut them down in the usual way. The first one went down as such, its bazooka slashed at the barrel while the frame itself was cut at the waistline, the cockpit block ejecting right after. The second managed to hold out a little longer, throwing away its bazooka and extending its tonfas, then speeding into to club the Kagero's head in. The ninja simply parried the strike and then stabbed the enemy knightmare through the chest, withdrawing his now blood covered blade and reversing to allow the deadened machine to fall.

Setsuna then turned around to see Yukihiro's Kagero approaching his position, dispatching another Sutherland itself as it moved in. "Major, we're out of time," the Iga captain urgently forewarned. "Enemy reinforcements are approaching, and the other teams are withdrawing as we speak. I suggest we follow their example."

Setsuna had his knightmare nod to his subordinate's. "That would be prudent, yes," he agreed, surveying the now thoroughly ruined Campbell Barracks. I'd say we accomplished our mission anyway.

He then keyed in his other two subordinates. "Hokage Leader to Hokages Three and Four. We're done here. Withdraw to extraction point."

With that, the four Black Knight machines reengaged their Gefjun Cloaks and vanished as swiftly as they had initially arrived. Only minutes did the Britannian survivors who dare to look up found that they were indeed gone, leaving only fire, ruin and death in their wake.

Black Knights carrier submarine Ryujin
Gulf of Oman

Say what you will about those damned ninjas. At least they get the job done, the captain of the Ryujin thought as he observed the display, which showed a thoroughly emblazed tacmap of Area 18's eastern sectors. Unfortunately, he had not been able observe Fukiya's progress live, as that would require him to bring the Ryujin to periscope depth – something he dared not do in such close proximity to enemy territory – but at least he could still observe the operation this way. If anything, it had the benefit of his not having to see the wanton destruction the shinobi had left behind, something that the captain appreciated to some degree.

"Signal from Iga," one of the operators alerted, snapping the captain back to the present. "Operation complete. All objectives met," the operator then looked up somewhat hesitantly. "No casualties."

The captain could understand his subordinate's hesitance. On one hand, it was always pleasing to have a mission succeed with no casualties on the good guys' end. On the other, when one considered those who executed the operation…

He forced those considerations back, however, deciding not to dwell on them. Like it or not, the shinobi were fellow Black Knights. And they had just succeeded – quite spectacularly at that – where others would have failed.

"Remember Japan," the captain finally exclaimed, simply and solemnly, before shifting his eyes over the conn. "Helm bring us about, ahead one-third. Nice and steady."

Bracing himself as the Ryujin began her turn eastward, the captain looked back to the operator. "Relay to Naha at once."

Responding with a nod, the operator immediately set to work. Mere moments later, the message was transmitted back to Black Knights High Command. Which received it with much anticipation and relief.

Urasoe Castle
Urasoe, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

It was a dark and stormy day, Ohgi mused as Sayoko led him through Urasoe Castle's interior. Indeed, it was very much in the morning, yet in usual fashion of that part of the world, a storm had rolled in and darkened the sky in an instant, with rain and thunder following not long after. Fortunately he had arrived at the castle well before the latter had started, and so the General remained untouched by the weather as Sayoko, at last, directed him Urasoe Castle's private library. Though he could have phoned in what he was about to report, Ohgi felt it necessary that he be there in person. Especially if he was to gain his own set of answers.

Soon enough, Ohgi found the Supreme Commander of the Black Knights where he half expected him to be. Dressed in the Ashford Academy styled uniform he preferred as casual wear, Lelouch was the middle of the immense library, reading from a small book in hand and appearing entirely oblivious to the chaos outside, as well as any other form of disturbance. Of course, Ohgi knew much better than that. If anyone was as attentive and alert to his surroundings – no matter what part of the world they were in – it would be him. And even if he wasn't, he still had Sayoko and her retinue to protect him, something that the General kept well in mind.

Nodding his thanks toward Sayoko, who gave a responding bow before taking her leave, Ohgi proceeded, taking care not to disturb the tranquility of the setting. At least, not until he came before his superior and snapped a salute. "Zero."

Looking up, Lelouch nodded toward his Vice Commander. "General," he answered, waiting to hear his subordinate's report.

"Operation Fukiya is concluded," Ohgi stated crisply. "All objectives were met, and no casualties were received on our end."

Lelouch again nodded, this time in clear satisfaction. "Excellent," he exclaimed, closing his book and placing it on a nearby table. Ohgi saw that it was a copy of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters. "Most excellent."

"Indeed sir," the General answered, just as another clash of thunder sounded from above. "Though…"

Stifling a smile, Lelouch nodded once more. "You may speak freely Ohgi," he spoke softly, gesturing for Ohgi to sit down in the chair beside him – he had an inclination this was going to be a long visit. "It's just us in here."

Yes, Ohgi thought cynically as he took his seat, resisting the urge to glance around. Just us and Shinozaki's minions, who are undoubtedly watching and listening. "May I inquire as toward the purpose of the operation? I can understand if it was to throw the Britannians off balance, but…"

"That was the primary objective, yes," Lelouch answered, more thunder sounding from the outside. "At present, our enemy is divided. They know we will not stop at the Red Rebellion, but at the same time they have no clear indication as to where we will strike next, beyond our using China as an obvious foothold. Fukiya was to unnerve them that much more."

He then grinned, just imagining the stupefied expression on his brother Cesare's face. "As well as cause my fool of a brother to soil himself in the process."

"Heh," Ohgi couldn't help but laugh. That was so much like his superior, at least when he wasn't masquerading as the Demon King. "I assume the Britannians will respond by diverting reinforcements toward Area 18?"

"For a time," Lelouch replied knowingly. "Cesare will screech loudly enough, but eventually the commanders in the Homeland will catch on. It's doubtful they'll withdraw the forces already sent, as they know we will move into the Middle East sooner or later, but by that time they'll have figured out Fukiya's true intent."

"Assuming we haven't moved into the Far East by then," Ohgi posited.

Lelouch smirked in response. "Assuming that, yes," he confirmed. By that point, it would be pretty clear to the Britannians where their next strike was going to be. "In any case, Fukiya's secondary objective was to buy us additional time to prepare for Operation Akikaze. The longer Britannia remains shaken over our 'pre-invasion', the more time we will have to work in."

Ohgi caught the reference there. Operation Akikaze (Autumn Wind) was, as its designation hinted at, the coming (actual) incursion into the Far East. Which Lelouch had yet to elaborate on to the General Staff, but Ohgi tactfully refrained from bringing that up.

"On that note," Lelouch said, regaining Ohgi's attention. "What is the status of our expansion?"

Ohgi shrugged. "Still progressing, more or less. About thirty percent of our Asian facilities our operational now, and there's virtually no end to recruitment…"

"Good," Lelouch replied, almost sighing in relief. One his biggest headaches since becoming Zero again had been the Order's limited manpower. Even with a large amount of Devastation survivors, as well as native Ryukyuans, joining up with the Black Knights, the fact remained Lelouch's forces had been few in number; far too few to take the fight to Britannia as Lelouch had envisioned. Fortunately, the success of Operation Akatsuki had remedied that, among other things.

"In fact, our only real problem is with training," Ohgi continued. "We have enough facilities to accommodate, as well as experienced instructors to go around, but it still takes time to raise an army, especially when the bulk of our recruits are of proletariat quality."

Lelouch gave another nod, this time one of concurrence. He had expected that as well, and though it was something of an irritation, it was nothing he couldn't work with. As Ohgi said, the majority of their Asian recruits were poor, ill-educated worker types that had spent their lives around a singular trade – usually farming – and so knew very little of anything else. Thus it would take some time yet for them to become proper soldiers, even with the advanced training programs the Black Knights had since adopted.

"Even so," Lelouch went on, forcing back those thoughts, and whatever lingering doubts with them. "They will become soldiers regardless."

"Of course sir," the General agreed. "I would just prefer them to by the time we storm the Homeland again, to say nothing of when we go onto fight Marrybell."

The former prince stifled a responding smirk. "Rest assured they will by the time of the former," he reassured in a knowing tone. "And as for the latter, we may not have an army comparable in Britannian or Eurasian numbers by then, but I believe we will have adequate amount regardless."

The vice commander shrugged. "As you say so, sir," he answered simply, choosing once more to restrain his doubts and simply follow Zero's lead. As he always did.

Lelouch very much appreciated that. "Do not worry Ohgi," he continued. "When the time comes, we will be entirely prepared for our march northward."

He then cast a side glance toward his subordinate, his grin ever present. "And in the end, victory will be ours there as well."

"You have done well, Suzaku," the Emperor complimented as he walked down the mysteriously fogged corridor, the newly ascended Knight of Seven right beside him. "In spite of not being a true Britannian, your service to the Empire and to my will has proven to be quite invaluable, and your dedication well documented. I cannot say the same for many in my army, even those of pure blood."

"Your words humble me, Your Majesty," Suzaku replied as he made sure to stay close to the Emperor, his blue cloak wavering majestically as he kept pace. "I only hope that my continued allegiance will benefit you and Britannia."

"Indeed," the Emperor replied, nodding as he went. "Rest assured your skills will be necessary for the future, when Britannia settles its score with Eurasia and China. But that is for another time…"

Several ideas appeared in Suzaku's mind toward that mentioning, but he verbalized none of them as it was not his place to do so. Instead he retained his focus, peering down the path they were walking while also keeping watch of the Emperor's black cape, as if he were waiting for his liege to break his stride and do something unexpected. After all it was certainly in his power to do so.

Never forget that this is the man who exiled Lelouch and Nunnally over a mere outburst, Suzaku reminded himself as he continued his trek, feeling his stomach boil at the memory.

Though he had not been a Knight of the Round for long, Suzaku had managed to settle into his new position quite well. As Britannia was not currently at war, he spent most of his days giving lectures at West Point on knightmare piloting and hand-to-hand combat, but at times he would be summoned before the Emperor for a special assignment. Being on the call list of the most powerful man in the world was the only thing Suzaku still hadn't gotten used to by now, and he had yet to gain some form of understanding about his liege. As far as he could tell, Charles zi Britannia was a man wrapped in mystery surrounded by a layer of enigma and cloaked in a shroud of inexplicability, and even with his keen senses Suzaku was unable to break through any of those. Not that he was ever good with solving mysteries to begin with.

In his position he wouldn't have minded his inability to figure out the Emperor as much, but it was the way the ruler addressed him that bothered Suzaku the most. Though he never displayed any form of hostility toward the recently made Knight of the Round, Suzaku couldn't help but feel his liege was looking down on him in some way, as if he only put on an air of pleasantry because Suzaku had proven to be useful to his agenda. It would only make sense, given what he was before and what he had done to gain power and prestige. Even his promotion to the Knights of the Round had only been made because Suzaku had "gotten lucky" and not because he had earned standalone merit. And yet at the same time, Suzaku had no evidence to support this feeling, as in spite of being the head of an Empire well known for its unequal treatment of man, the Emperor never held his Japanese birth against him, nor that his father had once been an enemy to the Crown. Instead, he deigned him the same respectful tone he did the other Knights of the Round, for whatever that was worth.

As he thought of that, Suzaku once again partially regretted that he traded in his friendship with Lelouch for personal service to such a man. While he had not forgotten about Lelouch's long list of crimes to him and Japan, much less forgiven any of them, at least Lelouch had been a good friend and had always looked to Suzaku as an equal when he didn't have to. But as Suzaku summarized, what was done was done. Lelouch had chosen his fate, and Suzaku had done the same. There was no going back for either of them.

Breaking his thoughts, the Emperor's baritone voice spoke out once again. "What I am about to show you is one of Britannia's greatest secrets, which only my most trusted servants are allowed to know. Not even Schneizel and the other princes and princesses are aware of its existence."

Suzaku did his best not to show any peculiar expression, yet still managed to reply to his liege. "I am honored Your Majesty, but why me?"

The Emperor was just as quick to answer that question. "Because you are among the few that knows…" he then stopped in the midst of the fog, which enveloped around him and Suzaku. "…about Zero's identity and the existence of Geass."

When the fog cleared around them, Suzaku realized that they were no longer standing in the middle of a corridor. Instead, it looked like they were before a temple of some kind, one of striking Greco-Roman design. Surrounding them and this apparent temple was a twilit sky, endless in scope, while above them was an image akin to the planet Jupiter.

"This place…" Suzaku spoke up as he marveled at the scenery. "Is this a shrine?"

"No, it is not," the Emperor replied. "This is… this is a weapon for destroying God."

"A weapon?" Suzaku exclaimed, failing to understand the Emperor's choice of words.

The Emperor then turned to gaze back at him. "It is called the Sword of Arawn, and it is the most powerful weapon in Britannia's arsenal."

Taking in that explanation, Suzaku continued to look around his surroundings. While it all looked like the true sky, something in his gut told him it was not, and the image of Jupiter overhead seemed to support that conclusion. "We're no longer on Earth, are we?"

"No we are not," the Emperor answered. "We are now in the Otherworld, a collective unconscious of humanity formed out of peoples' minds and memories. It has also been referred to by others as the Sea of Transmigration, The Great Consciousness and even Heaven or Hell."

Incredulous disbelief welled up in Suzaku, which he fought to keep out of his expression. "A collective unconsciousness?" Suzaku found himself uttering. "How can such a world exist?"

"It exists only on this metaphysical plane of reality," the Emperor summarized. "Here, the wills and personalities of all forms of life, living and dead, merge together to create this space, transcending all individuality."

The Emperor seemed to regard the sky around them. "You could say that this is the purest form of existence itself."

Suzaku contemplated that for a moment, taking in its meaning. Metaphysics had always been more of Lelouch's favorite subject than his, but the way the Emperor described it, he seemed to understand to some degree. This world was basically the subconscious unification of all life that dwelled on Earth, perhaps in the entire universe, and that it existed on a level that surpassed normal understanding. Yet, it was shaped in such a simple form compared to what Suzaku would have thought, and he wondered why this was.

And once more, in the midst of his thoughts, the Emperor spoke. "Suzaku, in honor of your dedication to my service, I have one final gift to bestow upon you."

When the Knight of Seven turned to listen, the Emperor granted him a small, enigmatic smile. "…Would you like to speak to Euphemia one last time?"

Bering Palace
Saint George Island, Grand Duchy of Sunderland, Area 2 (Canada), Britannian Empire

"At last," Suzaku heard a voice speak from right above him. One that, through his wakefulness, he could just feel was complimented by a warm smile. "I was beginning to think we would be here for the entire evening…"

Eyes fluttering open, it took Suzaku several more moments to focus, and just as much time as to remember where he was. He was no longer in Eurasia. At his request, he had been granted a much needed leave from the fighting on the Western Front. He was now somewhere off the coast of Sunderland, staying within the single imperial estate on Saint George Island. He had been there for three days so far, a fair portion of which he had spent resting. Such as how he had ended up falling asleep on a random couch sometime before.

That being said, while he now remembered how he had ended up lying on said couch, he did not remember another being with him. Nor, for that matter, did he remember falling asleep with his head against her lap, such as it was now. "How long have you been there?"

"Long enough," Nunnally replied softly, stroking Suzaku's face with her right hand. "You were sleeping so peacefully I couldn't help but let you stay here, though I asked Elizabeth and Annabelle to help with our present arrangements."

"Heh," Suzaku laughed a little in response, now staring up at the face above his with clear vision. It never ceased to amaze him how much Nunnally had grown over the last eight years. As opposed to the young, crippled child he had known back in Japan, she had truly blossomed into a beautiful woman. Something he had done well to notice so long ago.

Picking up on his ease, Nunnally couldn't help but ask. "Did you have a pleasant dream?"

Suzaku felt himself sour for a moment toward the question – the memories threatening to return – but he forced it all back. The last thing he wanted was for Nunnally to pick up his discomfort. "Pleasant enough I guess," he replied, forcing the pain away from his voice as well. "Not that I can remember it exactly…"

Nunnally could tell that was a lie, but she ignored it. If Suzaku didn't want to talk about it, then that was that. "I understand," she said, still stroking his face. "At the very least you had a good rest out of it. I imagine you don't get too much of that in Eurasia."

Suzaku smiled sadly. "Not as much as I'd like," he answered, recalling some of his more recent memories on that front. It was strange, he had to admit. The darkness – both without and within – seemed so distant now, as though it would never touch this part of the world. As though, through some unseen power unique to her, Nunnally were able to keep it all from reaching over him in her little span of the world.

The princess was very much aware of this. That she and she alone was able to bring relief to the ever aggrieved Knight of Seven while keeping whatever personal demons he retained at bay. To say the least, she was very appreciative of this. "Well, I admit I would rather we spend more time together with you awake and active. But given the circumstances, I think I can make some allowance."

Her smile deepened as she added. "After all, nobody likes a sleepless knight."

Knowing that had been deliberate, Suzaku did his best not to cringe.

"Especially of the Round," Nunnally finely added on for further effect, once more feeling Suzaku's reaction as though she had felt a breeze.

"I think I've been away for too long," Suzaku couldn't help but shoot back, evidenced by his responding smile. "I don't remember you having such a biting sense of humor."

"Oh, I've always had that," Nunnally brightly retorted, once more taking great delight in her handiwork. "It's just I want to keep my 'frail' and 'helpless' image intact, so I don't show it to just everyone."

Suzaku sniffed bemusedly in response, this time reaching his own hand up to Nunnally's cheek. "You've never been frail or helpless," he said. "At least, not to me Nunnally."

Hearing that, Nunnally placed her hand against his, holding there against he cheek for a few moments longer. Softly yet firmly.

"I'm glad Suzaku," she spoke in a near whisper. Indeed, there was only one other who had thought of her as such. And he was well away from her now, much to her own grief. "I truly am glad."

Suzaku smiled back in turn, somehow knowing what – no, who – else came to her mind there. However, he would not dwell on that now. For the moment, and once more thanks to the one he was with, Suzaku Kururugi was at much needed peace and respite.

Everything else would be dealt with another day.

Vermillion Forbidden Palace
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation

Stifling a yawn and an accompanying urge to rub her tired eyes, Tianzi continued to scan over the next report on her monitor. There was just no end to them, such that a virtual sea of documentation was now cluttering up her terminal, to say nothing of her desk's physical surface. But then she had expected this would happen, even before she had officially resumed the Chairmanship. China had been in a state of decay and disrepair for quite some time, and only now – some weeks after the Red Rebellion's conclusion – was much needed refurbishment taking place. The transitioning of a comparatively ancient civilization, one that predated its counterparts to the west by several thousand years, into the modern age.

For now however, the main focus was on post-Rebellion restoration. As one would have also expected, much of the Federation's infrastructure had been damaged, if not destroyed, by the all too recent fighting. Thus, as was usually the case following wars, a period of rebuilding had settled in, with the bulk of her nation's present efforts being toward reconstruction and repair. That in itself would take a considerable amount of time, since virtually every major city in the Federation had served as a battleground, but at least the ball was rolling as the saying went. And as a bonus, it provided much needed labor for her people, which in turn provided decent wages and chances at better livelihoods. Granted those would only go so far under her nation's communism – something she intended to do something about in the future – but it was still much better than the destitution they had lived under Britannia's administration. And that much more compared to what they had dealt with under the original Federal regime.

All in all, things were finally moving along, for which Tianzi couldn't be happier. It had been a long road to get there, but her nation was finally on the path to healing. Both from the Rebellion itself, and all the events and history leading up to it.

That being said however, it remained frustrating all the same. Such that Tianzi found herself uncharacteristically glowering over the latest read, which was an engineering report on China's antiquated electrical grid. Just how in the eighteen hells could things get so bad? How could everything become so stagnant and distorted? Such that it felt as though China had been surpassed by the rest of the world by centuries?

Fortunately she wasn't so concentrated on her frustration that she didn't hear the door buzzer sound. Taking a moment to reorient herself, Tianzi then looked forward again. "Enter," she replied, hoping that it was a certain Chinese Tiger coming for a much needed visit.

It wasn't, unfortunately, but she wasn't too disappointed. Casually pushing a tea cart into the office, Zhou offered the Chairwoman an understanding nod. "Forgive my intrusion Your Excellency," she spoke upon entering. "But I thought you would appreciate some tea about now."

Responding with a half-smile, Tianzi allowed the strain to show. "At the risk of going against state doctrine, you're a godsend Xianglin."

The General smirked as she poured a steaming cup. "I try, Your Excellency," she retorted as she handed Tianzi the first cup, and then poured another for herself. "And while I'm sure you would rather have General Li making this delivery, I'm afraid you'll have to do with me."

Tianzi stifled a blush as she took a sip, already feeling refreshed. "Don't worry. I'm well aware Xingke is still in Delhi," she answered, hoping that her frustration in that particular area didn't show through her voice. It did, but Zhou pretended not to notice. "Though since you brought it up, I wouldn't have minded his early return…"

Zhou gave a mirthful chuckle, knowing exactly what Tianzi had really been hoping for. "Unfortunately that's not possible at this time," she replied, taking her own sip. "If the CLA is to be refurbished and modernized with the rest of China, then General Li must continue with his present assignment."

"Right," Tianzi waved her off before taking a much longer sip from her cup. She then dropped the subject for something less personal. "Since we're speaking of military matters, I heard plans to replace the Yaoguai have already been drawn up."

"Very much so ma'am," Zhou confirmed. "In fact, it was one of the first things on our agenda following the Rebellion."

"Of course," Tianzi spoke, this time allowing a smile to fold. It was no secret how the CLA – namely its knightmare pilots – felt about the Yaoguai. Not that the Chairwoman blamed them in the least, especially given the knightmare's overall performance over the last seven years. "I assume the new model is some derivative of the Four Beasts?"

"The Baihu, yes," Zhou nodded. "It's a standard eighth generation design, which means it won't be as fanciful as the Beasts, but it will retain much of their performance level."

The CLA General then offered a more anticipating grin. "Once it enters mass production, the CLA will well and truly be an army worthy of the Revolution," she stated proudly. "Cliché Maoist parlance notwithstanding."

"Excellent," Tianzi exclaimed, already picturing all the not so nice things Li and his sub-commanders would be able to do with such a weapon. Indeed, it was about time the People's Liberation Army fought at the forefront. Without having to sacrifice countless Chinese soldiers in the process. "It will be refreshing to see the CLA fight Britannia on equal ground for a change."

Her smile then faltered, but only slightly. "Especially in the near future."

Zhou nodded in agreement. Neither of them – to say nothing of the regular Chinese populace – wanted further bloodshed, but the fact remained China would never be truly free until Britannia was wholly dealt with. And that could only be accomplished through Zero's revolution, which was to take the fight onto the Homeland itself. Thus the Motherland's course was firmly set; it was only a matter of time and progress.

The door buzzer then sounded again, once more interrupting all immediate thought. Sighing to herself, Tianzi simply gave the go ahead. "Enter."

A second later, Calares entered the office. His apparent expression one of grave uncertainty.

Though both Tianzi and Zhou took note of it, the Chairwoman attempted to head it off regardless. "Ah, Reginald," she greeted, as though Calares had come to join in on the conversation. "I was hoping you would come by. Perhaps you could join the General and I on this apparent tea time?"

Taking a moment to gather himself, Calares then spoke. "Actually Your Excellency, General," he nodded to Zhou. "I think it's best that you both come with me at once."

Sighing – visibly this time – Tianzi felt her frustration begin its grand return. "What is it now?" she inevitably asked. "Don't tell me the Britannians are making another…"

"Not quite Your Excellency," Calares replied, in a tone that, if wasn't already apparent, affirmed to Tianzi and Zhou that he was very much serious. "But all the same, I have an inclination that what you're about to see is related to them."

Kouzuki Residence
Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

"This is boring," C.C. exclaimed for the sixth time and counting, just as another bit of thunder rumbled from above. "Just because it's stormy outside doesn't mean we can't leave the apartment, you know."

"As much as I appreciate that point of fact, we're still staying in," Kallen dryly retorted as she continued her work. Though she had yet to use her tanto in actual combat, the fact remained that it still needed to be cleaned and kept, and Kallen would be damned to let such a priceless weapon go to waste. "I have no interest in getting drenched or worse, and neither should you."

She then gazed sardonically toward the immortal. Who was presently lounging on the couch, sifting between TV channels with the blandest expression Kallen had ever seen on her. "Besides, you look really comfortable there."

"Comfortable but still bored," C.C. shot back while continuing to skip channels. "Even Lelouch didn't keep me locked up like this." Though he did try for a time.

Kallen didn't even flinch at the reference. "Don't worry, we're not going to be here all day," Kallen exclaimed as she polished her blade that much more. "Once there's a lapse in the stormfront, we'll head out for dinner or something."

She then added. "And no, it won't be pizza."

That last one actually caused C.C. to roll her eyes. "I wasn't even thinking of it," she spoke mildly while thumbing the remote further. "In fact, I was actually in the mood for lobster thermidor…"

It was then that she came across something of interest. An episode of Fawlty Towers specifically, if the sign that read "Fatty Owls" was any indication.

"Finally, the first decent program of the day," C.C. exclaimed, recognizing the episode as the one involving bad kippers and a newly deceased guest. "I was beginning to suspect IBC forgot about this one."

"Heh," Kallen let out as she looked over toward the TV. Admittedly it was one of the best Britannian programs ever made, even though it hadn't run for very long. Not that Kallen had been alive during said run. "I don't suppose you knew John Cleese at any point in time."

"Unfortunately not," C.C. answered. "And even if I did, what interest would he have had in Geass?"

"Sure sure," Kallen exclaimed with apparent understanding. "Not really the world conquering type, was he?"

That caused the Code Bearer to look up. "Well, I can't say all my partners were Alexandrian conquerors or warriors," she considered, taking another moment to recall. "For example, there was one around the sixties whose only interest was in music. He even claimed that his Power of the King would make him a 'King of Rock and Roll' or something to that effect."

Kallen raised an eyebrow. "Anyone I might have heard of?"

"Maybe," C.C. shrugged, retaining her bored expression. "Would the name 'James Marshall Hendrix' bring anything to mind?"

The Guren pilot blinked once, and then shrugged herself. "Not really, no," she lied, wondering exactly how many of C.C.'s "partners" were of modern legend. At this point, she could almost believe the whole of history had been influenced by her immortal roommate.

This brought to mind another subject matter altogether. One that had been nagging at Kallen for eight years strong. One that she knew, eventually, she would have to inquire on. "You know, ever since you granted me the Power of the Queen," she began, somewhat hesitantly. "I've wondered…"

C.C. felt herself frown that much more. She already knew what the question was, just as she herself had long wondered when Kallen or Lelouch was going to bring it up. It appeared that time was now.

"What…" Kallen continued, forcing herself forward after another brief hesitance. "What is Geass?"

If C.C. reacted to that exclamation, then Kallen didn't see it. She pressed on. "I mean, it obviously isn't just some special power that may command others or grant extrasensory awareness. It had to come from somewhere."

The ace then spoke knowingly. "In fact, considering your apparent lifespan, and the company you've kept throughout, it's obviously very ancient," she none too hintingly posited. "Just like that structure Lelouch and I saw on Kamine Island."

"I wouldn't know," C.C. responded, abruptly cutting Kallen off. "The only thing I care about, as far as Geass is concerned, is the fulfillment of my contract with you or Lelouch. Nothing more, and nothing less."

Immediately Kallen could tell she touched a nerve. And that her roommate knew more than she was letting on. "I don't buy it," Kallen pressed even further. "As long as you've been alive, and as inquisitive as you are…"

"Believe what you wish. It doesn't change what is and what isn't," C.C. stated, her voice remaining level yet holding apparent firmness. "Geass is simply Geass. The Power of the King, or the Power of the Queen, granted to those who desire it."

She then peered back toward Kallen, her amber eyes betraying an intensity that caused the Red Dragoness to nearly recoil. "There is nothing more beyond that. No 'what', 'where' or 'how' to be explained and dwelled upon," she spoke with a hint of warning. "It simply 'is' and nothing more."

The apparent ultimatum given, C.C. went back to Fawlty Towers. "You will do well to keep that in mind, dear partner."

Needless to say, Kallen was very much taken back toward her "partner's" exclamation. She had never seen C.C. project such force of will; in fact, she doubted anyone, including Lelouch, had seen it in any recent lifetime. Such that the Red Dragoness – for all of her own willpower – could only imagine what kind of nerve she had struck to cause such an uncharacteristic response.

Even so, despite the warnings, Kallen had only become further intrigued by the subject. In fact, her desire for answers now felt less like simple curiosity and more like a driving force within her soul. What was Geass? Where did it come from? Was it simply meant to affect the passages of time and history? Or did it hold actual purpose beyond even that?

Through all of those questions however, there was but one answer that Kallen knew to be truth. An answer that C.C. would never admit to her, but she knew anyway. Despite what had been claimed, Geass was not something that simply 'was'. It held much more to itself than that. Much more than what should have been, as though it was not supposed to be but was anyway. A power that was not of this world or any other Kallen could fathom.

The Power of the King. Born of Heaven and granted by Divine Right. Or so it seemed.

Even so, there was no point in dwelling beyond that. Like it or not, Kallen would not get any answers from her partner, and C.C.'s tone had been very deliberate on the matter. Thus the Ace of the Elevens resigned herself back to her present task, returning her attention back to her blade.

Urasoe Castle
Urasoe, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

"I see," Ohgi exclaimed as Sayoko, having entered back in during the conversation, handed him a tea cup, which the Black Knights General gratefully took. "So we're not going to reach out this time around."

"Unfortunately not," Lelouch confirmed as he took a sip of his Earl Grey. As usual, Sayoko outdid herself on the blend. "Though I would rather we not face Marrybell alone, the truth of the matter is we cannot rely on the Eurasians. Not even if President Kessler himself offered formal support to us."

"I suppose so," Ohgi responded with a fair measure of discomfort. Though Operation Akatsuki had been a stunning success, the fact remained that the Black Knights, even with Zero's lead, would not have accomplished it without Chinese support. He already imagined that the Far East was going to be a greater challenge – given the tactical and strategic conditions – yet they were going to do it without outside aid?

Seemingly reading his vice commander's thoughts, Lelouch offered Ohgi a reassuring smile. "In spite of that, however, I do not believe we will operate entirely alone. There are several other factions in the Far East that do not wish to live under Britannian rule, yet are otherwise separate from the Nationalist regime."

"The Restorationists?" Ohgi inquired, recalling the Far Eastern political movement that sought to reform Russia – or the Soviet Union in the more extreme cases – and secede from the west. Most of them were little more than standard rabble, not unlike the various Japanese resistance cells back in the day, but it was still better than the Black Knights operating entirely without.

Lelouch shook his head. "Not quite, though you're not far off the mark," he corrected, then looking down in thought while taking another sip. "Though the faction I have in mind are, or at least were, terrorists, they are both better equipped and considerably more effective."

He then gave the General another enigmatic grin. "But then, they would have to be given their original objective," he posited. "'The elimination of war and the completion of peace.'"

That immediately rang a bell with Ohgi, who understood that slogan straight away. Such that he didn't bother hiding his astonishment. "But they were wiped out," he nearly stammered. "Right after the Devastation…"

"I'm well aware of that, yes," Lelouch answered with another nod. "Fortunately several of their membership refused to die or surrender."

Ohgi could understand that, though he wasn't quite convinced yet. "Even so, how would they help us?" he inquired further. "Most of their kind are untrained freedom fighters at best and standard-line terrorists at worst. Hardly the kind of people we would want to support."

He then bit back the irony. "And yes, I know how hypocritical that sounds coming from me," the General admitted, doing well to remember his original station from eight years ago.

Not that Lelouch felt the need to press that issue. "Most but not all," he pointed out. "In fact, the leader of this particular cell is more soldier than terrorist."

Yet another conspiring grin. "Such that, if my estimations are correct, he has been giving both Marrybell and the Eurasians quite a headache for these last five years…"

Ohgi didn't bother hiding his intrigue there. Though the organization in question – back when it was active – had held some skilled leadership, he had never heard of any capable of such a prolonged campaign. A part of him wondered if he should have.

Now finished with his tea, Lelouch placed the empty cup on a nearby side table. "On another, less anticipating note," he exclaimed, already suspecting what he was about to hear. "Has any progress been made with that other matter?"

Again Ohgi instantly knew what his superior was referring to. "Intelligence is still looking into it, as is Iga," he admitted. "Outside the obvious answers however, there have been no breakthroughs regarding this Lelouch vi Britannia and his origins."

Having been afraid of that answer, Lelouch adopted a frown. That had been the one turn of events that had truly shaken him; not even Johann's presence in China had instilled in him such uncertainty. A very discomforting notion, given that Lelouch was quite used to predicting and anticipating his opponents.

Understanding that, Ohgi then offered another thought. "Have you considered that he might just be a mere imposter?" he posited. "An actor with a digital facemask and…"

"No," Lelouch responded straightaway. "I wish that were a possibility, but no. The Emperor would never make such a poor move, especially against the likes of me."

The former prince shook his head. "Whoever or whatever this Lelouch is, he is indeed my doppelganger," Lelouch exclaimed, his frown deepening. "One that will all too likely be a match for Zero when the time comes."

A disquieting thought to say the very least. Ohgi had long wondered how the Black Knights would fare in such a scenario, but had never wished to see it in reality. Unfortunately, that seemed to be their fate, and even though Zero was still their leader, victory would be far from assured. More than enough for Ohgi to dread over, even though – for all too certain reasons – he doubted that they would face "Prince Lelouch" in the Far East.

A feeling that Lelouch himself could feel welling up from within, to which he stifled somewhat with further thought and consideration. How in Hell's Heart had Britannia produced another him? Though the subject of human cloning had intrigued the science community since the last century, he had never heard of any real breakthroughs taking place. Yet at the same time he highly doubted he had a long lost twin, which left very few explanations for Lelouch consider. Not that he could verify any of them in his present position.

Either way, the (apparent) facts remained in place. The Black Prince of Britannia had returned, and he had set his sights upon Zero and the Order of the Black Knights. A match up that even Lelouch, the "real" Lelouch, was unsure toward.

Vermillion Forbidden Palace
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation

Though Calares' tone had been quite urgent, neither Tianzi nor Shou had realized the true seriousness of it until the Premier led them to the Palace basement. It was there they saw something most disquieting; an entryway to an underground passageway, placed at the center of the room, the floor receded to reveal a flight of stairs leading below. And though a series of lights illuminated the path downward, neither the Chairwoman nor the General could see what existed at the other end. Or even if the path ended at all, beyond the perpetually shadowed corridor.

"I assure Your Excellency and ma'am that I knew nothing about this," Calare stated to both senior officials straight away. "At least, not until I found a seemingly random report in the archives, which regarded some strange findings underneath the palace."

"What sort of findings?" Tianzi demanded, her voice filled with visible disturbance. It was fair to say she had lived most of her life within the Vermillion Forbidden Palace, and yet this was a fixture that she had never seen before. Her father, the preceding Chairman, had certainly never mentioned it, and she doubted Zhao Hao and the other traitors had even known.

Calares pursed his lips before answering. "Forgive me Your Excellency, but I think it's best that you and General Zhou see it for yourself," he answered, his tone betraying his anxiety. "Because nothing I may say can best describe it."

Both women were even further disturbed. What exactly had Calares seen at the end of that darkened passage? Such that he was now thoroughly distressed?

In any case, there was only one way to find answers. Thus drawing her sidearm, Zhou went in first, with Calares and Tianzi following behind. The three then proceeded down the steps, which turned out to descend much further into the earth than what was initially believed. By the time the group had reached the bottom, it felt as though an hour or two had passed. And yet, they were far from the end of their apparent journey.

There, the group found themselves standing before a great cavern. One that was even further enveloped in shadow than the initial passage had been, and appearing all manner of perilous. Even so, Calares gestured that they move ahead, so Zhou engaged her QSZ-92's illuminator and led further on, the two civilian officials trailing behind her.

Compared to the prior staircase, the cavern was somewhat easier to transverse through, being relatively level in terrain. It was clear that the pathway had been created by human hands – as had the said staircase obviously – yet something told both Tianzi and Zhou that it predated the Federation. Obviously that made little sense, given that the Qings and the preceding dynasties would have been utterly incapable of creating it. And yet it seemingly remained the truth, especially as both the Chairwoman and the General analyzed the surrounding rock layers, which appeared to have been chiseled out through means that neither of them could recognize.

Again much like with the staircase, the path ahead appeared endless, such that it felt a great measure of time had already passed. Through that span, Zhou was tempted to simply turn around and demand answers from Calares then and there, but ultimately reneged as her eye caught something further on. What appeared to be a glimmer of light, barely noticeable initially yet still quite present. Tianzi also saw it, causing her further disturbance. What exactly could be generating that? Especially through the present darkness?

The light only grew more intense as the three walked toward it, turning from a slight glimmer into something comparable to a lone star in the night sky. Drawing closer, Tianzi and Zhou could see it was not an artificial illumination. It was somehow more vibrant, more apparent than that. Such that Zhou ended up switching off her gun light toward the end, as the light up ahead was more than enough to guide them onward. As well as dispel the remaining blackness from the apparent corridor.

And then, at long last, they had arrived. Stepping out of the cavern and firmly into the light, the trio found themselves within a great and utterly mysterious space. A large area – one of even greater width and height than the main hall of the palace above – comprised of finely chiseled walls and pillars, not unlike a Greco-Roman temple. Only the architectural design was neither Greek nor Roman, much less anything remotely Chinese. Light, in turn, filled the space, yet there was no origin point of illumination; as though the light itself were its own entity, being entirely without generation of any kind. All the while holding a strange ethereal quality to it, as though it were an extension of the Heavens placed under the earth.

Yet, all were but minor details to what stood at the far end of the space. Which was consequently the center of the trio's attention, and unease.

A great monolith, several stories in height, standing upon an apparent altar. Tinted in various shades of color, gleaming against the light with an opal-like quality. Covered in intricate engravings that ran across its surface, forming into a six pointed cross of sorts. All centered upon a strangely shaped sigil, which was found comparable to a bird taking flight.

"As I said, indescribable," Calares exclaimed as he gazed up toward the monolith, his expression one of both awe and uncertainty.

"Indeed," Tianzi agreed, daring to take a step or two forward. "I can't believe such a thing could be underneath the palace…"

Though captivated herself, Zhou wasn't so much that she forgot a certain detail. "You said that this was related to the Britannians," she reminded Calares. "Care to explain?"

Calares nodded. "I can't speak out of certainty, but during my time here, there had been rumors going around the higher ranks. Rumors of strange ruins being found in territories Britannia had conquered, up to and including former Area 11."

The former Viceroy continued to regard the monolith. "And that the Emperor himself held some sort of interest in these ruins."

Both Zhou and Tianzi exchanged glances over that.

"Obviously this was never substantiated," Calares followed up with, as though that hadn't been obvious. "While several Areas indeed held finds that enamored the archeological community, it was never anything that couldn't be explained or historically connected."

"Yet I have a feeling that this…shrine is neither," Zhou pointed out.

Calares gave a concurring nod. "Apparently."

Taking several more steps forward, Tianzi soon came directly before the monolith. Yet again she failed to understand. How could such a thing exist under the Vermillion Palace? Clearly it had been here for some time, as it appeared very ancient and firm in its foundation. Yet she could not recall any particular civilization – much less hers – that could have built this, let alone in such a way that it remained seemingly untouched throughout the ages. Not even dust was present, either on the monolith or the immediate surroundings.

What are you? Tianzi couldn't help but think as she as she inspected the winged emblem upon the center. "How many others know about this?"

"Just us," Calares assured. "I did not think it necessary to inform anyone else."

Tianzi nodded in understanding. "A wise precaution," she replied to the Premier. Indeed this was clearly something she didn't want widely known, especially if it was actually Britannian related.

She turned to face the pair below, her expression one of utmost seriousness. "Contact Ryukyu at once," she commanded. "If there was something like this in Japan, I'm sure Prime Minister Sumeragi and/or the Black Knights would know about it. Perhaps Colonel Chawla can…"

It was then that Tianzi felt a sudden surge of energy from behind. Turning around, she – and Zhou and Calares below her – again gazed up at the monolith. Finding the central engraving now aglow.

Urasoe Castle
Urasoe, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

Abruptly Lelouch looked up in the air, appearing as though an explosion had just sounded in the background. It felt as though a wave of energy had washed over him – not unlike from an actual explosion – causing the former prince to become that much more alert and intent on finding the apparent origin.

Just as he felt his left eye begin to intensify.

"Zero?" Ohgi questioned, quickly realizing that something had happened. Even though he himself had felt nothing, much less reacted the way his superior had.

Having heard his subordinate despite, Lelouch opened his mouth to reply, but stopped short before he could utter a single word. Precisely when the pain began.

Bering Palace
Saint George Island, Grand Duchy of Sunderland, Area 2 (Canada), Britannian Empire

Suzaku had been near dozing off again when he felt it himself. Suddenly rising up, his eyes widened as a sudden, yet quite familiar feeling surged through him. A feeling he had not felt in eight years.

"Suzaku?" Nunnally urgently called out, having felt the Knight of Seven stiffen just before he rose up. "What's wrong? What's happening?"

The Round did not reply. His eyes were now fixed upward, staring into a seemingly invisible space, while his mouth hung open in sheer dread. As though the nightmares he had experienced at Kamine Island – and Narita some time before – had reentered his mind.

Kouzuki Residence
Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

Both Kallen and C.C. felt the surge, causing both to shoot up simultaneously. Though they did not know where it was coming from specifically, the effect it had on them was quite apparent. Kallen's left eye throbbed with increasing power, while C.C. felt her Code begin to rush with gathering energy.

Soon enough, the resultant agony emerged with force.

Vermillion Forbidden Palace
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation

"What…?" Zhou gaped as her eyes remained fixed upon the now vibrant sigil, as did Calares' and Tianzi's. The vibrancy of which grew more and more with each passing moment, as did the emerging light from the other engravings, until the whole of the structure shone in the deepest crimson any of the three had ever seen.

A sudden tremor then ran throughout the space, causing it to quake with full force. And though the apparent shrine remained completely intact – not a single piece of debris fell from above or around – the same could not be said about the cavern way behind them. From which the sounds of breaking rocks grew in abundance.

"Your Excellency, we have to go!" Calares called out, grasping Tianzi by the arm, pulling her toward the entryway.

Whatever her initial thoughts, the present situation was more than enough for Tianzi to act. Having no wish to be trapped within the shrine, she followed the Premier and the General out of the shrine. Taking only one last glance toward the monolith before reentering the cavern, where the three began their run toward the waiting staircase.

All while the light behind them grew more and more.

Urasoe Castle
Urasoe, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

Having thrown himself against the ground, Lelouch struggled from the anguish, his hands grasping over his left eye. Though he felt and heard the frantic calls from Ohgi and the other household staff as they attempted to support him, he could no longer decipher their words or actions. Instead, he was now in a world of his own. A world filled with agony as he fought to contain the intensity from his eye…

Bering Palace
Saint George Island, Grand Duchy of Sunderland, Area 2 (Canada), Britannian Empire

Knocking over a nearby table, Suzaku flailed about, crying out in apparent torment, as several of the palace staff attempted to restrain him, Nunnally's cries from nearby falling upon deaf ears. It really was like eight years ago. Whether from the cockpit of the Lancelot or standing atop Kamine, it was all the same sensation. The feeling of a long forgotten power awakening and filling Suzaku's head with its horrific touch…

Kouzuki Residence
Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

"Da…damn it…!" Kallen hissed upon falling from her seat, one hand gripping her now sheathed tanto while the other grasped at her left eye, Geass firmly aglow and active. Through its power – which wavered from the instability – she saw C.C. in a similar state across from her, her hands clawed against her forehead as her Code shimmered in light. Whatever was happening to them, it was obviously related to that power. Not that Kallen was able to process much thought on it, her struggles becoming more and more violent with the pain. Soon enough, it was all she could feel, alongside a sudden emergence of light…

Vermillion Forbidden Palace
Luoyang, Henan Province, Chinese Federation

More and more the light of the monolith grew in power, causing additional force to flow through its surroundings. Such that the quaking was not only felt through the Vermillion Forbidden Palace above, but through much of Luoyang, causing buildings to topple and collapse and streets to crack and fragment. The citizenry reacted accordingly, turning and rushing about in search of much needed shelter, all but running over each other in the process.

Yet for all of the chaos above, it was the aforementioned light that remained most prominent throughout. An unholy light that now filled the "shrine" in its entirety, as though reaching out beyond its physical space. Drawing upon those who retained the Power.

The sensation, long since dormant save for but one of their number, returned. The surge of energy – unlimited, unchecked energy – rushing over each and every one of them, as though they were drawn by some unseen force. An endless field enveloping them, causing their respective forms to resonate from within its scope. A power that transcended all that was, and all that would be.

And yet, as those four gazed out questioningly through it all, they felt something else come upon them. Visions, for lack of better description, fluttering between them like feathers in the wind, apparent one moment only to vanish in the next. "What…?" each of them exclaimed one after the other as the visions came and went with vivid intensity.

...an unknown civilization, its inhabitants garbed in white and gold, their flesh embroidered with the Sigil and other such markings…

...a great metropolis standing prominently upon the earth, seemingly eternal and indestructible against all else…

...those gathered around a mysterious temple, their hands held high in apparent worship toward…

...destruction - unyielding, unrelenting destruction in all forms - brought upon as soldiers clashed upon a single field with unknown weapons and technologies…

"What is this?" one managed to espouse – though the exclamation came out more as a thought than an utterance – as further imagery came about.

...soldiers landing upon a white cliffed shoreline, dressed in fine armor and led by a man of great power and infamy…

...a grand structure, set upon a twilit plain…

...another gathering of men and women before the structure, cloaked in shadow and led by another being of significant power, who smiled enigmatically as…

...all followed once more by various forms of destruction and bloodshed…

...each one as recognizable from the passages of Time as the last…

"…And so, it shall come to pass…"

And then the visions were dispelled as the voice – a literal voice – of another was heard. Each of the four looked about for the source of this voice, only to find nothing. Nothing but newfound darkness.

"…that which has been foretold, from the most ancient of times…"

"…the holiest of prophecies, passed down through the lineages of Man, begins to unravel and unfold…"

And then something else took shape before them. A monolith, perfectly shaped and otherwise featureless. Save for one particular engraving: that of the number 'II'.

"…by its accord, all shall stand upon the precipice, divided to the lines of Good and Evil…"

"…where the final, destined battle is to be fought and won…"

Slowly, the monolith faded away, replaced by another image. A singular, vague silhouette. One that held the shape of a human.

"…bringing this world…"

Gradually the silhouette became more and more evident. And yet, none of their number could decipher it.

"…this small, insignificant world…"

Suddenly overcome by a strange sense of familiarity, one stepped forward. Daring to move closer to the silhouette.

"…unto judgment…"

"Father…?" the one found himself calling out softly.

It was only then that the silhouette turned to face them. Its eyes retaining the Sigil.

Upon that sight, the four recoiled, becoming defensive. But the silhouette paid it no mind, instead turning away once more. Seemingly dismissive of its apparent audience.

"…the final hour approaches…"

"…the summit grows wanting…"

"…and the multitudes gather…"

The four watched as the silhouette begin to fade back. Just as they themselves were drawn away.

"…through this struggle, all shall fall short…"

"…all shall be reckoned with and sundered…"

"…as the flock before the slaughter…"

That one reached out toward the silhouette, as though he could grasp it. Yet it was well beyond his reach, and fading just as fast.

"…for in the end, the end of all things, there may be one…"

"…and only one…"

Even so, he continued to reach and grasp. Even as the silhouette drew further away.

"…who may stand…"

Until it, and they, faded away entirely.

"…before the Throne…"