Author: HyperiorV

" " – Talking

' ' – Thinking

[ ] – SFX, Soundtrack, Camera Positioning, Extra Descriptive Details

( ) – Grammatical Clarification Notes, Extra Details, Author's Asides

[Music: Code Geass OST 3: "Prologue"]

Prologue:

[Bong]

January 1st, 2021; 3rd Year of Light Sum

[Bong]

Jerusalem, Holy Faith Nation of Zilkistan.

[Bong]

A church bell rang out three times in the midnight gloom, signaling the death of the year 2020. Outside, Jerusalem was alight as the people celebrated wildly. Cheers of families and friends, and the sounds of fireworks spread through the air. But while others celebrated, a few unkinder souls were about.

Out from the barren desert wasteland of Israel, a hay cart driven by two steeds entered the silent outskirts of the city. The hooves of the horses click and clack as they slowly move forward to a journey's end. The sound of fireworks went off in the distance. The fireworks briefly illuminate the two travelers. The cloaked driver wore a coolie hat with a shawl over his plain white shirt and black pants. A black overcoat hung over his shoulders. The passenger was revealed to be a beautiful young woman with long green hair who wore a casual red and white dress and hugged a vintage Cheese-kun plush toy. As the passenger peacefully laid resting on the driver's shoulder, the cloaked wagon's driver restlessly looks ahead, keeping an eye out for trouble. From the corner of his eye, the driver spotted something. Out from the shadows several figures emerged from the town gate.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!" one of them shouted in English..

The driver gently nudged his companion before a blinding light from one of the figures shone onto them. Their combat uniforms and aimed rifles with flashlight attachments were now clearly visible. As they approached, the driver pulled the reins of the horses. They slowed down to a trot as the soldiers surrounded them.

"OFF THE CART! NOW!"

"…Understood, sir." The driver dismounted from the wagon and advanced towards their leader.

The soldiers pointed their guns at him. "WAIT! Take off your hat!"

The driver complied, slowly taking off his shawl.

It was an old man with white hair. A simple silver cross necklace hung from his neck.

"What is the meaning of this?" the old man demanded in a strong tone.

"Routine Inspection."

"Please sir, I'm just a cart driver. I carry nothing illegal," the old man pleaded. The old man offered his identification card which was briefly inspected and then thrown to the ground.

"Doesn't matter." Under the hay a metallic gleam reflected off the captain's eye. The leader pointed his gun at the old man and turned slightly towards two soldiers. "CHECK THE CARGO!"

Some of the flashlights darted to the wagon's side as several of the soldiers removed the hay. In the cart, the lights passed duffel bags, suitcases, a massive travel pack, and vintage "Cheeze-kun" backpack before stopping on several large and rectangular metallic containers. One of the soldiers whistled. "High-grade Sakuradite. And a lot of it! I bet we could sell this for a pretty penny!"

"Sell?" inquired the driver. As the driver examined the Captain once more, his eyes glared at the defector accusingly. "You are deserters!"

The captain closed his eyes and grinned savagely before bringing down the butt of his rifle on the driver's head. As he fell, several of the other bandits fired into him. "Correct." The brigand leader stated. The green-haired passenger looked away with her eyes closed, scowling. Blood crept out from the corpse as they walked past him.

The leader turned to the other passenger. "You too! Get off the cart!"

"Unless you're part of the cargo," joked another soldier.

Laughs went around as CC put a disgusted look on her face.

"How long are you going to leave me waiting, huh? Lelouch?"

"Lelouch?" said one soldier confused.

[Music: Ending of Code Geass:"Grand Fleet" OR Code Geass Fukkatsu no Lelouch: "Lelouch of the Resurrection"]

Behind them, they heard shuffling coming from the man they had just shot. A chill up went up their spines in the cold night as they turned. His pale hair reflected the white moonlight. His clean shirt was now stained with blood. And his face… The soldiers turned and watch terrified as recognition dawned upon their misshapen faces. They gasped and backed away. His face… was that of infamous Lelouch vi Britannia. The dead "Demon Emperor" of the world. But that was not what scared them the most. It was his eyes. His evil eyes flamed up with a mysterious glow.

"What's wrong? Not going to shoot? Or have you forgotten… The only ones who should kill are the ones prepared to be killed!"

Lelouch dramatically 'offered' his hand as his right eye turned green. And from his other, a red sigil of wings flew towards them into their eyes before darkness engulfed them.

[Code Geass OP 1: COLORS]

A darkness is upon the screen. And then. Several beams of light shoot forth into the center circle of the screen and the screen rushes forward. Then a red streak of lightning streaks horizontally across the screen before the circle emanates and the beams of light quickly shoot out. More red lightning appears before a satellite view of the Northwest Pacific Ocean is shown. The drumroll begins as a cursor made of four cardinal arrows lines up. It first scrolls left to Horai Island (east of Japan) before going back to Japan and blinking/activating. The screen shoots forward and the cursor turns counter-clockwise as the four arrows rotate. Skyscrapers aside, ruins below, and the light of the rising sun behind him; Lelouch walks forward resolutely. The glowing gold title screen arrives as yellow gold streak of lightning shoots horizontally, revealing the subtext as the surroundings turn to black again.

.

.

Code Geass R3:

-/\/\/\/Rei of the Rebirth/\/\/\-

.

.

Several images flicker across the screen as the drums roll again. The surroundings are of a prison lineup with several black horizontal lines shooting across. They show Suzaku frowning, unmasked in Zero regalia. Then CC with narrowed, hateful eyes in a green, red, and black uniform befitting an Empress. A battle-tested Odysseus li Britannia in a red, black, and gold military outfit, looking similar to a younger Charles zi Britannia. A figure in a golden helmet with a blue geass sigil with a sword through its center. And then finally a symbolic scene of a skull with a upside down geass sigil/trident with a circle engraved on it with the petals of roses all around it.

Jibun wooo!

Lelouch's raises his face to the screen as a red geass flies out from his left eye towards the viewer, becoming golden green.

Sekai saemo kaete shimaesouna. Shunkan wa itsumo sugu sobaniiiiiii!

The screen travels forward through stream of the blue collective unconsciousness. Variously colored neurons shoot out. Now however, there are some red lines that are much more straight appearing more like wires. CC [white straightjacket] flies towards the screen. She smiles with tears in her eyes as she offers her hand. Then she turns and flies forward off into the stream.

Kakusenu iratachi tooOOoo...

Lelouch's figure moves left in the afternoon, showing phantom images of himself in the past; 1) Zero and then 2) Emperor Lelouch Vi Britannia. Then the phantoms simmer and fade as the surroundings become shrouded by black clouds with skulls and red particles/roses fly right. Then, appearing from left to right are 1) The original Lelouch figure, 2) A hatted figure smiling sadly in Sunday Uniform [Black overcoat, white suit, cross necklace, black pants.], 3) A figure dressed in white plate armor with black cloth between pieces. That person also wears a white outer and black inner cape and the now white, modified Zero helmet from the Resurrection Movie.

The flag of the Holy Faith Nation of Eden Vital flashes; a golden crimson geass sigil with a sword pointing through it; appearing like the cross at the cross sections of the geass-sword intersection and the sword's crossguard. Behind each point there are four golden elegant cardinals/arrows at the north, east, south, and west too.

The background shows the prison lineup again as a blond-haired priest - who greatly resembles a fully mature Nunnally with a softer face and curly hair - appears with hands clasped in prayer or planning. She tearfully closes her eyes.

Then CC appears in her white straitjacket.

Then four divine figures look down upon the screen from elevated chairs. However, they are in the distance, so their elevation is below C and CC; (reflecting authority dynamics)

Tachitsukusu jibun wooooooo… Mitsuuume!

Zero appears on the pole at the top of a building (Babel Tower II) before falling forward.

Numbers and data go across the screen and quickly reduce from 999999999 to 000000000.

Mayoi. Nagara.

The screen pans to the left revealing several more knightmares from Britannia and their pilots, before the Babel Tower II in Tokyo Settlement. On the left are the purple and black Primrose Knights (Black Knights subgroup). They are led by Cornelia. To her side is Gilbert G.P. Guilford and Claudio S. Darlton. In the front is Nunnally in her wheelchair and blue UFN humanitarian organization outfit. Sayako in maid attire is behind and left of her. To the further right are some Britannian officials; there's an aged bearded man with a Captain's hat and the secretary of state, Beatrice Franks (former Knight of 2) in priest-like robes. To the left are the royal guard's purple-white themed variations of the Vincent; the Vincent Ward, Gram, Snipe, Blaze, and Command Model. On the right are the purple and black Primrose knightmares; the Quadrose, and Cornelia's custom one that looks like a cross between it and a Gurren. Behind them before the Babel Tower II is the Empress's Logres Class Airship, "The Marianne".

Nayami. Nagara.

The screen pans to the right, showing the various knightmares and pilots of the Glinda Knights. A matured Oldrin Zevon stands in front of them. The pilots (in order of proximity to Oldrin) include Nonette Enneagram, Oiaguro Zevon, Leonhardt Steiner, Marika Soresi, Sokkia Sherpa, and Tink Lockhart. Their knightmares include the Vincent Gram, Oldrin's Lancelot High-Grail, a Bradford Brave, a Zetland Heart, a Sheffield Eye. Behind them are the mass produced knightmares; the Gloucester Glinda, the Sutherland Glinda, and several Vincent Glinda Knightmare Frames. The Caerleon-class airship, the Grandberry, is behind them.

Kuyami. Nagara.

The screen then travels downward, revealing the Black Knights in casual attire. They pose for a photo in front of the first Café Zero Ikaruga in the Japanese Forest as Ohgi's Wedding goes on. [Alan please add details]

Doves fly out right above a grove of roses. But it turns to night as a grey owl's feathers falls down from above onto the roses below and obscures the scene.

Kimerebaiiiii. Sa Kimiga. Kureta.

(*Retconned) In the city of the Geass Order are several children taking a still picture, which moves to the right. Left to right, there are several other characters in black agent uniforms. In the left corner is VV who smiles amused at the childishness. A young middle eastern tomboy with wild, short, and silver hair who raises her hand jovially (KoK) Dalque; a European girl with blond hair and braids who meekly waves to the screen (KoK) Lucretia. In the center is a young girl that looks like a young, female, Japanese Lelouch (KoK: Younger "Sancia") with her long black hair, dressed in a scientists/priest's uniform. She frowns. Aside and behind her is a much older, elegant Australian woman with long light-blue hair and a very, very cold face. She also wears a scientist's/priest's uniform and puts her hand on the side of Sancia's shoulder to stabilize or reassure her. To her right, she holds out a golden helmet [same one from earlier in the OP] to the skies. In the far-right corner far away from the others is a white-haired Chinese girl (KoK; Mao) who looks away to the right, though her narrowed eyes look left to the group. In the background, there is a young shota (female looking) boy with wild short silver hair grinning a blond short-haired girl whose helmet covers her eyes and wields a pole, a blue haired Australian girl wearing a scuba uniform for some reason, and a German girl standing at attention with an empty face. She hides her right hand behind her and holds out her left. There are many other children in blue "surgical" uniforms, but their faces are figuratively blank.

Kotoba. Hitotsu.

Tomadoi wa kiesari…

Another still picture appears moving to the right, focused/centered on Sancia. This time, they look much worse for wear as they stand in the ruins of the Geass Order sometime after it was attacked by the Black Knights. All of them look weaker and dirtier. Some of them wear ripped or makeshift clothing. From left to right;

VV is obviously gone. Dalque is sickly and weak; she crouches but smile enthusiastically as she rubs her stomach in anticipation for dinner. Lancia looks depressed but manages a small hopeful smile. Dalque and Lancia gets closer to the center of the photo. Sancia alone beams as she holds out an injector with fluid and a device with a chained glowing blue geass sigils, which is also attached to the wrists of the other agents in the photo. Coming from above her is a golden red beam of light coming from a hole on the ceiling, though there are also several other ones visible too. On the ground below her are several more canisters of fluid, Sancia's personal laptop computer with a grey cartoon owl screensaver, several relics and modern items with geass sigils on them, and stacks upon stacks of research papers. The blue haired woman next to her is also gone. In her place is Mao with a large white bandage wrapped over her left eye. She smirks, bemused as she holds Sancia's hand (lewdly). To her right is a suitcase filled with fluids and crates of food/water/etc. supplies; replacing the golden helm. And after that are custom Knightmares made from the scrap heaps of leftover Gekka. There is another to the right, but the picture doesn't capture it. Most of the children behind Sancia have disappeared aside from the ones mentioned. In their place are other modified knightmares that tower over the group [x3 other visible].

Karappo datta boku no heya ni hikari ga sashita…

A silver cross necklace rotates while falling in the moonlight sky. It descends and lands on Lelouch's hand before his right eye. Then he lowers and closes his hand before his heart in hesitation and surprise, revealing his right eye with a green geass sigil.

Miageta! Oozora aoku

A Black Lancelot (Lancelot siN Zero) appears and launches from the left from a Avalon-style ship. The knightmare looks similar to cross between the Lancelot Albion Zero and the Lancelot siN. (from the Resurrection Movie) It descends downwards and to the left, fireing a red Hadron Beam. Then it changes directions and moves backwards slightly as the rifle changes form, becoming a purple "beamsaber".

Sumiiikitte ga yuku.

An image of Kallen in the cockpit is shown as she clenches her teeth in determination. As it ascends to the right, a draconic-looking Gurren (Gurren Special Type II/Gurren Slifer) swings aside a whip sword "dragon tail" from its right hand to the right and raises its "muscular" left claw hand naturally.

Near the where the circle of the Radiant Wave Surger was in the last scene is the center of Jupiter's cloud storm. From it, a negative white/black beam shoots left into space, turning everything photonegative and then bright.

Tozashita mado wo hiraku koto wo kimeta!

A hand reaches outward as time flies by from blue day to red evening to starry white and black night. As is grasps forward, it falls before finally reaching upwards towards the symbol of geass with the Caretaker of Spacetime/Dimensional Supervisor (from Akito the Exiled) before it. It zooms on her and the surroundings turn to a water mirror floor and a starry sky. Behind her is a gate/arc with the "stream of the collective consciousness" effect. She frowns and looks down [below the camera] with a raised eyebrow, before hesitatingly lowering her hand.

Jibun wo!

A red and green, larger, and bulkier Mordred (The Mordred Frontier) launches upward with a downwards swing of its energy wings. In the cockpit is a grown-up/teenager Anya with longer hair and bigger "sizes". An illusionary ghost of Marianne appears behind or before her. Together, they push her knightmare left and downwards with expressively angry faces. However, a grin appears on them combining as their figures merge.

Sekai sae mo

Then several more images flash by. In a cloudy sky, a large white, orange, and green airship (The Menorah) flies by in the sky leftwards.

An image of a vastly expanded "Ashford Academic University" appears. New grey buildings appear behind the old campus.

And then an image of Babel Tower II appears splitting the screen; towering over the Tokyo Settlement.

Kaete shimaesou na!

The old military man returns, appearing menacingly with his subordinates around him dressed in modified (terrorist) Britannian Military Attire with red wings. A red beam of energy/lava erupts behind him vertically, as he points towards the screen.

Shunkan ha itsumo sugu soba niii...?

Facing the right, Lelouch takes off the black mask of Zero, revealing himself as he looks left, directly towards the camera. His right eye glows red with geass. Then, the picture flashes photonegative; now, he wears a white Zero uniform and mask, white hair, and a green geass eye.

A glass, rainbow reflecting/glowing king is thrown into the air and disappears.

With the last note the screen flash transitions to the episode number, surrounded by black.

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Act 0: Lelouch of the Resurrection

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A trumpet sounds; "Duh nuh nuh… nuh Nah!" "Lah la lah la la la!" a choir echoes.

A stagelight shines down revealing a chessboard. At the end of the board is a tipped over black king "killed" by the white knight. Around them in the graveyards are the other pieces lined up in the order of the Zero Requiem, each piece reflecting a different person. However, the death/displacement of the black king has revealed a white clear king in the background. It glows green. Then the stage-light darkens until the green light is extinguished.

Tokyo Settlement, Imperial Crown Colony of Japan

[Music; Code Geass: "Pure Feelings". Has a slow drum beat that speeds up.]

"CC, are you going?"

I turn around. It is Lelouch vi Britannia, the first and newly crowned ruler of the world. The prince who was thought to be dead, suddenly appeared, and usurped the Britannian throne.

Britannia's traditions, nobility, royalty, government, even its historic monuments. All of these things were destroyed. Those who opposed him were silenced by Suzaku Kururugi's sword, as he gathered every power in the world under his authority. It only took months.

Today, he's feared as the demon emperor by the world and showered with obligatory praises. However, the Lelouch in front of me is just a boy. He has a sad, gloomy, but determined face. Far from the so-called demon emperor. He looks somewhat uneasy; delicate, and pure. Seriously…

I smile wryly in my heart. Only you could show that kind of expression when facing the world.

Lelouch, your soul is beautiful. And hence, it's fragile. It is precisely because of that, you've been fighting up to this point. But soon, it will be over. At tomorrow's parade, the Zero Requiem will be completed. Your fight too, shall finally come to an end.

"Yes. I no longer have any reason to stay here, after all." I reply with a tone as casual as possible. Don't bother yourself with my plans, Lelouch.

You've steeled your resolve. For the World. For Suzaku. For Nunnally.

Only I still linger in your mind. But, that's fine.

"I see… you're right." Then Lelouch gloomily dropped his gaze.

I know, Lelouch. You feel apologetic, right. You couldn't kill me. You couldn't keep the promise you made to me when we first met.

After this. After you, I will continue living my endless life. You can't express your sorrow in words. But you don't need to.

Lelouch, I will give you a feeling of regret. A scar of wishing to live a bit longer. I am a witch after all.

"Listen, C.C. I…"

Yet, toward the Lelouch who begun to speak with determination, I said, "Stop it, Lelouch."

I won't let you continue from there.

"If it's apology or confession of regret, I've had enough of those. Everyone who died before me had said it before. 'I'm sorry'. 'I regret it'. But there's no point in those words. The fact is they died, but I can't. That's all there is to it," I say coldly. I must continue wearing the mask of a witch, just for a bit longer. I'm C.C. after all.

"Rather than just words, I'd prefer a farewell gift. Like delicious pizza or a car."

He looks down sheepishly. "...Already prepared."

My eyes wander to the exit behind him. On one of the benches is Cheese-kun and near the door is a large suitcase.

"As expected from his Majesty, the Emperor."

I show him a smile. But, Lelouch won't smile. You should smile, Lelouch. Right now, you're standing at the top of the world, you know. You are free. What will you do about the things you can't do anything about anyway?

His eyes glance upwards at me. "C.C., you… from here on, what are you going to do?"

Aah, geez. Don't make that kind of face, "Demon Emperor".

"For now, I will at least offer some prayers."

"Prayers?" Lelouch smiled a little. A sarcastic smile that's typical of Lelouch. I feel a bit relieved. Certainly, it is ironic. What prayers can we offer to a God that we saw almost die.

[Music: Code Geass: "If I were a Bird". Heavy drum beat accelerates. ]

Lelouch hesitates. And then speaks out confidently. "C.C., I once made a contract, from me to you. 'I won't let geass destroy me. I will conquer its power and bend it to my will. And use it to change the world. I will fulfill your desire and my own. And complete the contract that others could not."

His voice softened. It's a gentle, apologetic tone that he rarely uses. "I know that I may never be able to make you smile again. However. Let me at least fulfill your wish."

My Wish?

He puts his hands on my shoulders. Lelouch draws close. I feel his steady breath on me.

"CC. No..."

[The screen fades to dark for a few moments. Thunder erupts as a single drop of water falls outside, before being followed by a downpour that drowns out what Lelouch is saying. The heavy drum beat in the background skips for a moment.]

The sound of shattering glass rings out in my heart as the mask of the witch breaks.

I immediately slap him over his face. He recoils but takes only a single step back.

"You selfish boy!" I glare at him.

How could he? How dare he?

But at the same time, I felt water steak down my face and a forgotten feeling well up in my heart. This sensation. This feeling. The one I last felt long ago, before I was betrayed by the one I trusted. The one that I longed for. No. The one that I lived for.

Lelouch gives me a knowing smile. "I'm not sorry."

One last time, I ask a question that I know the answer to.

"Is there anything that can change your mind?"

"No. There is nothing."

Lelouch walks towards the door. Towards his future.

"Tomorrow I will be dead. And we will both be free. Good night and goodbye."

Tomorrow.

[Music; Remixed Code Geass: "Madder Sky". Slower and Softer. A soft "flatline" hums continuously.]

CC: It was the year 2018. Two months ago, Lelouch Vi Britannia, 99th Emperor of Britannia, had done the unthinkable. He had taken over the world.

Two years ago, Lelouch, a prince of Britannia, had been granted a special power from a special girl. Geass. The Power of the King. The ability to command others to do absolutely anything. Using that power, he shrouded himself under the guise of a vigilante, Zero, and begun a rebellion against his homeland that forced oppression and tyranny unto the people he found himself surrounded by. And when those people betrayed him, he killed the previous emperor, Charles zi Britannia, and ascended the throne. Upon it, he accomplished the dream long held by the Empire of Britannia. He became the ultimate authority, of both unification and oppression. But today, a miracle was granted. Rising back from the dead, Zero suddenly reappeared. The masked vigilante claimed the life of the "demon emperor", and brought peace to the world. Shouts of joy and relief sounded throughout the streets. Throughout the world! But one woman mourned alone.

Ashford Academy Church

It's dark outside. It's quiet. It's cold.

Just as he planned, the Zero Requiem had been completed. Donning the disguise of Zero, Suzaku Kururugi would appear before Lelouch's parade and run past his guards. When Zero faced Lelouch, it would be the end. Lelouch would die under his own order. At the side of Nunnally with all his traitorous friends watching. I felt my connection to Lelouch die as he did...

But Lelouch wouldn't want me to stay in my grief. I get up and looked around the empty church. I needed to get out of the country and quickly. Sooner or later, they're going to be looking for "Zero's Mistress" for answers. It's best that I exit the stage, like I always have.

I head to the exit and grab my beloved Cheeze-kun from the bench. At least… Cheeze-kun won't leave me.

I open the suitcase at the door. Lelouch's farewell present. In it there's everything I need. Clothing. A familiar disguise. Legal documents. Bills and coins of different currencies. A key to a car. A piece of paper with the location, and access code of a shuttle. And a half-bitten pizza.

I smile incredulously. Seriously, Lelouch? No one wants to eat a cold pizza.

Suddenly, I see something glimmer out of the corner of my eye. It's a beautiful ring. A pure emerald green gemstone encrusted within a golden handle. Engraved in black gold on the inside is my name. My real name.

I shed another tear as I put it on the middle finger of my right hand.

I will never forget you, Lelouch.

I put my hand on the handle of the door.

Where will I go now?

[Ba-bump]

I gasp in shock and back away from the door. I feel something. Is it… possible? I know I shouldn't hope for the best. Hope has always seemed betrayed me. But in my heart, I feel… something. It must be true.

I close my eyes and concentrate on my link to Lelouch.

[Ba-bump]

…I… can feel it. It's weak, but it's there!

I turn back towards the church alter and make a quick prayer. Thank you, God, for this miracle. Thank you for answering my prayer. Thank you for returning him to me.

I grab the car key from the suitcase and headed out. Parked outside was a massive truck. No doubt packed with all sorts of treasures. I smelt fresh pizza in a heater as I entered it and started the engine. But my craving for pizza paled in comparison to desire I now wanted.

I followed my connection to Lelouch in the van which led me to a local morgue. So much for those plans to bury him next to Suzaku's fake grave. Nunnally probably wanted to bury his body in his real home, Japan. Somewhere that those who visited would be only those who knew of his sacrifice.

The backdoor was unguarded and unlocked. Inside on the benches were a couple of drunken guards, passed out and in a deep sleep from their private celebration. It wasn't every day that the "Demon Emperor of the World" was killed. I grabbed their keys and walked into the next room. I felt my connection to Lelouch grow stronger with every step.

As I quietly paced through the hallway I saw two coffins. One I recognized immediately. It was a white casket made from a steel frame with golden engravings and red highlights. It was adorned with the flag of Britannia and other small decorations. It was a coffin designed for an Emperor. The other was likely the one Lelouch would be placed in. A coffin of pure black with a golden trim. On the edge of the frame were four locks. No. They wouldn't place him there yet.

Inside the cold chamber, I swiftly found a clipboard and went down the line. My trembling finger stopped at "L. Lamperouge. Chamber #007."

This is it!

I drop the clipboard and opened it slowly, until the tray was fully extended. All that remains of his injury is a scar before his chest. Where Suzaku's sword pierced his body. But his hair has turned snow white. And upon his neck is a silver cross-shaped necklace. Where I see a familiar mark. Could it be?

My hand trembles as I reach for him. But I manage to put my hand over his scarred heart. I… I need to be sure…

[Ba-bump]

I feel his heartbeat. A feeling of relief and joy welled up in my long dead heart and spread through my body. I don't know how, but you've done it, Lelouch. You've created your own miracle.

It took a while, but I manage to drag his corpse away from the morgue, leaving another corpse in Lelouch's place and no trace of my own presence. Inside the van I drove out into the morning.

I'll be able to see a lot more sunrises with Lelouch.

"To love another is to see the face of god!" - Les Misérables

[Code Geass Fukkatsu no Lelouch: "The C"] OR [Code Geass: "Strange Girl". Quieter. Fades over time.]

[Lelouch in a white undershirt with his eyes closed. His hair has turned snow white and his hand is above his heart. Around him is the "Stream of the Collective Conciousness" Effect that activates when a geass is used.]

It felt like a dream. Thoughts and memories appeared in Lelouch's mind only to fade as quickly as they had appeared. It felt like passing though a stream of consciousness.

'So this is Death,' he thought.

A warm chill emanated from his heart, slowly spreading through his body. A blackness darker than dusk shrouded him. And yet…

"Are you going to sleep there, forever?" a familiar voice called to Lelouch.

Lelouch opened his eyes and looked around. Though dimly lit, he could never forget this room. The one he had slept in for years. It was his bedroom at the school clubhouse. Impossible. This room... it was destroyed by the FLEJA.

"Good morning, Lelouch."

Outside, the sun began to rise. Sitting on his desk was an extraordinarily beautiful woman with distinguishable long green hair and yellow eyes. Her natural beauty clashed horribly with the black straight-jacket on her. A gentle smile adorned her face. However... it was also a false one.

"CC?" Lelouch asked confusedly.

"No. That's impossible," Lelouch mind quickly argued; the gears in his mind began to turn once more. "That's right. Suzaku killed me in the Zero Requiem. This can't be C.C.; she's immortal!'

Lelouch's eyes narrowed. '…and she actually let me sleep on my own bed.'

"Your observations are correct, Lelouch vi Britannia." The C.C. lookalike nodded bemusedly.

Lelouch narrowed his eyes, "Then who are you?" he demanded.

CC's form flickered for a moment. In a flash of gold and purple light, CC rapidly transformed into several figures resembling the common depictions of god including an old white bearded man, a shaggy bright-haired priest, and a transparent entity.

"There are many names that I am called. The Watcher of the Collective Consciousness. The Ruler of Eden Vital. The Allfather. The Creator. Some even refer to me as 'God'." C smiled self-deprecatingly before transforming into a slender person shrouded in white, purple, and golden priest robes.

"In truth I deserve none of those titles. I'm simply a sad girl who wished that everyone was happy. But you can call me 'C'. And this is my world." She gestured around her as she began floating, blue wings spread out from her back.

The scenery changed as a golden yet darkening light enveloped them. Lelouch moved towards what appeared to be a floating railing and looked around. It was a familiar realm with an endless green sky. But it was different from what he had seen before. Impossible sights ran throughout his vision. It was a central city, but not one he could have ever imagined.

C's World: Capital City Asgard, Holy Faith Nation of Eden Vital

Immaculate floating buildings resembled temples and castles, their architecture seemingly breaking the laws of physics at a whim. Large structures moved and floated at a whim. Solid steel bent and stretched, creating floating fountains and monuments of sorts. The glass of the buildings around them blinked with lights like a circuitboard. Fabrics and flags changed their colors, creating screens. Figures in white dresses and amour flew throughout the city or otherwise appeared and reappeared out of nowhere. Doorframes - no portals - planted throughout traffic lines. Red and black liquid flowed through the sky like a river with white gelatinous spheres traveling alongside it.

But there was more. In the far distance were endless rows full of canvases and paintings of memories among more ruins. The same one that CC had sent him to when he had his second encounter with his father. Lelouch's eyes spotted several shadowy figures within them, just out of sight. And then there were what looked to be several ruins of thought elevators. And a forest of trees, flowing without wind. Mushrooms, massive and small, among them. They were harvested by strange cubic machines that resembled flying tractors. Or perhaps blood cells? There was too much to see and few little he could understand. It was... amazing.

"I am the king of kings. Look upon my great works and despair," announced C both sarcastically and grandiloquently. "Welcome to Eden Vital... or Heaven as you call it now."

He turned around. "So. What business does God have with a lowly, lifeless mortal like me?" sardonically asked Lelouch. "Divine Punishment?"

C smiled. "You are not dead. Not alive. You are living a life unlike any other: a different providence, a different time, a different life."

C's eyes glowed gold with geass and a purple light came out from her hand. After the light faded, a large hand mirror materialized in C's hand, which she turned towards Lelouch. His hair had turned ghost white. Lelouch's eyes met his reflection, with his two eyes flaming with geass. But on his neck, where he couldn't check before, he saw the red mark of Code.

"This is…"

"It's Code." affirmed C. "From your father, Charles."

Lelouch recalled the last words of his father as he had grasped his neck; "Do not judge me! Good and bad intentions are two sides of the same card!"

"He did love you, you know. Out of all of his many children, Charles saw the most of himself in you. In his own twisted way of thinking, he wanted to spare you from the tragedies that he himself faced. But just like the Code, Love can be both a curse and a blessing." C noted.

Lelouch put the mirror down, and it faded into purple particles. "I see. But you haven't answered my question, 'God'. Why did you appear before me? What do you want?"

"Impatient as ever, Lelouch," said C calmly. Her markings glew again. "I appeared to you, so I could tell you a story. My story. So 'Be quiet for now and listen' like a good child," she ordered as her eyes flashed.

[Code Geass (Fukkatsu no Lelouch): "Passing by Each Other" and "Stargazer"]

The surroundings shifted drastically around them, transforming into a balcony above what was probably an ancient Roman city. A servant walked through Lelouch's body towards a blond androgynous child who sat alone, looking out into the streets below.

'A memory?' thought Lelouch, recalling a similar experience with CC. He tried to speak out, but found himself unable to. As if C herself was silencing him.

C's voice echoed around him. "Like you, I was born as a child to royalty. Being the youngest child of an Emperor, I was born into a life of comfort and luxury. I could have anything I ever wanted."

The scene shifted as C led Lelouch outside. Suddenly they were transported to the luxury box of a coliseum. They observed Nobles in white togas watch a bloody gladiator fight. Slaves against slave. Brother against brother. Around them, the nobles indulged themselves with food, women, and expensive accessories. Below them, men in rags cheered as they forgot their troubles, watching the struggles of life and death. The young C to looked away in disgust towards the dirty, poverty-stricken streets below.

"The times were not prosperous, yet the patricians continued to avail themselves to pleasures at the expense of our citizens and conquered tribes. And our citizens too, ignored their own problems as they watched the suffering of others. However, while I lived my life of luxury, I could not ignore the sins and vices that I saw in those surrounding me. Nor could I ignore the suffering of the people, our supposed subjects."

The scene shifted again to a temple resembling the ruins of the thought elevator. An older, teenage C dressed in the garbs of a priest prayed as a beautiful meteor shower and eclipse took place above in the night sky. "And so, I abandoned my destined throne and spent my days in charities and orphanages. Every day I prayed to somebody - anybody - that the evil and corrupt people would realize the error of their ways and that the people would no longer experience such suffering at the fate of their blackened hands. I wished for others to understand another's sufferings. I wished for a people without sin. And for myself, I wished for... For redemption of my own sins."

The sunrise appeared in the distance and doves flew into the dawn.

"And one day, my wish was granted."

With a flash a particularly large meteor appeared and fell into a building in the distance. Shocked, C stood up and ran outside the temple. Lelouch felt compelled to follow the real C outside as well. The scene changed to the scene of the impact inside a small barn outside the city.

The young C entered the barn hurried, looking for survivors. Behind her were three children. Immediately, C spotted a woman in a black dress laying at the center of the crater, seemingly undamaged in contrast to the burning scene around them. The mysterious person had short black hair with purple tips. Upon her neck was a purple geass sigil and more markings across her body.

"Are you all right?!" C traveled down the crater and reached towards the stranger.

"Thank you, human," she said. The woman suddenly grabbed her hand. A glow Red makings briefly flashed in the young C's eyes before turning golden.

[Code Geass Fukkatsu no Lelouch: "Stairway to C"] OR [Xenoblade Chronicles 2: "Where it all Began"]

"I was the first to receive the True Power of Geass. The Power of God" narrated C.

The scene shifted, showing an image of C preaching to the masses with her geass ablaze. "With my geass, I was able to link and manipulate minds, creating what you now call the collective consciousness. A collective of people's minds and memories. A sea of great transmigration. The great consciousness. One that was subject to my own whims. By manipulating their souls within it, I was able to create the change I desired in the people I absorbed. Their perceptions, their desires, their beliefs, their memories, their personality. All of it. I could recreate them anew."

Another scene showed C burst into the Emperor's throne room, her geass flashed into the eyes of the politicians.

"And under my influence, the corrupt and powerful realized the pain of their errors. Humanity's sins and vices disappeared, replaced by peerless virtues of my own making. Using the power of the king, my people cooperated and prospered. But my ambition grew. I wanted a world of peace not only for my people, but for all of humanity. And so, I spread my influence and my geass across the land, sparing none from my 'mercy'. But it wasn't enough. I soon desired to preserve those who crusaded alongside me. Eventually, I learned the ability to share my powers with my followers. Powers that today you call 'Code' and 'Geass'"

C led Lelouch up stairs that appeared before him. She sighed as the scene shifted again.

C appeared in an advanced temple/lab, both eyes blazing with bright gold geass as red markings grew on her body. C reached out to a hooded, kneeling child and put a bloodied palm to his head. C then moved her hand aside to reveal glowing red marks upon his forehead. The scene shifted to a vague symbolic whiteness. C appeared with several centralized gears rotating below her. A circle of children surrounded her on different layers. As they grew close, the lettered gears connected to the one below C and began to rotate as well. C then disappeared as others surrounded the 24 members, with their gears intertwining as well.

"But of course, as my territory and powers grew, opposition to me in other nations also began to rise."

A small army marched in the sunrise. Their flags and armor bore the sigil of wings. C emerged over the hill before them, riding a pure white horse. She bore a golden helm and wore a majestic pure white plate mail with a blue cape. On it were glowing blue markings and a glowing gold geass sigil. C brought her horse to a stop as she saw a massive opposing force on the horizon. Five figures stopped behind C. One drew a trumpet and the horns of war sounded. The eyes of her soldiers glowed red as they charged into battle.

"But they were no match for my orderly, unified nation. One that worked as one under my power, to create the better tomorrow that I envisioned."

Another scene showed an old city at dawn, transforming into brick and concrete buildings in the afternoon, then city skylines at dusk, and finally glowing futuristic buildings at twilight, Jupiter clearly in the skies above. Lelouch's vision zoomed outward as he saw a map of Europe with split across boundaries from no historical nation he knew. Each nation with their own colors and flags. But the red and gold of C's army quickly spread, dying countries in the red of her nation, Eden Vital. The world split in to red and blue, before turning a final crimson purple. Then his vision drew out further to reveal a conjured a globe in the real C's hand, before him.

"Eventually, I succeed. Using the first elevator of thought and space, I unified the world under my palm. I led humanity to a better future."

[Code Geass Fukkatsu no Lelouch: "Outrage" and "Promised Ruin"] OR [Code Geass: "Devil Created"]

"However, soon, I had grew bored. There was no war, no strife, no struggle, no death. There was no evil to vanquish. No injustices to cry out against."

C tilted her head towards Lelouch and gestured towards her figure with her second hand. "How did this person say it?"

Lelouch recalled that time he had learned CC's true wish. "Without death, all we have are random events. Accumulation. You can't call that life!" stated CC.

C loosened her grip on her conjured globe and it fell to the clean ground with a sickening crack that resounded in Lelouch's heart. Her hand now free, she rose it the heavens above. "And so, I sought the ascension of mankind itself. Even against the warnings of the Dimensional Supervisor, I began to further research the power given to me. It led me to the discovery of an ancient portal hidden within Jupiter."

The screen then showed C fly forward in Jupiter's fog. A glowing red geass symbol outstretched from the back of her white and blue armor, creating wings. Behind and above her was a massive spaceship, glowing of green and white. Seven guardians in heavy armor followed C as she stopped to gaze at a massive ethereal gate in front of her. At the peak, a cross and a golden symbol of geass was etched on while the floor reflected the green skies like water. In front of it, the Caretaker of Spacetime appeared briefly and frowned. She stood in front of C with crossed arms, but was ignored. C continued on past her and extruded a hand through the door. The markings upon her skin blazed up, causing C to recoil as information and experiences passed into her.

"The thought elevators I created to unify the world and to protect ourselves from the higher powers were nothing compared to what we found. A portal to higher dimensions of thought. The true Collective Consciousness across time and space. Within it are memories from countless parallel dimensions. I exploited it, gaining untold knowledge and infinite energy."

Lelouch stopped with a frown, causing C to turn around to him. The scene shifted again. A white and red temple/laboratory of unknown technology appeared. A geass symbol was engraved onto the floor and a mass of figures in ancient garbs encircled C and black hooded figure upon a pyramidal platform. C reached out and the marks of those surrounding them glowed red. "Using the knowledge gained, we experimented to draw out the true power of Geass and then to replicate it's true form. And we succeeded. We created another link to the divine. The first "Wired" Geass. However, I had gone too far. The dimensional supervisor granted him yet another power. The power required to destroy what I had created."

Suddenly, the room shook and the children screamed out as flames erupted from them. They all fell lifelessly to the floor, like puppets whose strings had been cut. The past C activated her wings and flew backwards from the threat as she watched the black hooded figure squirm in the middle of the room. Red lightning shot outwards from him. And then he finally ceased. However. The Caretaker of Spacetime suddenly appeared with a face full of disappointment and disdain. She touched the figure in the center with her markings aglow before disappearing once more. The hooded figure began breathing again to C's relief. She slowly flew towards and reached out to the black hooded figure with a raised hand. But it was rejected. A blue sphere erupted from the masked figure, turning the surroundings to black.

As if even affecting her power now, the scene shattered and Lelouch's consciousness returned to the World of C. Lelouch faced C amongst the field of memories. In the canvases were memories [from C's point of view] showing an image of a young C taking care of an enshadowed younger brother with black hair. Then the scene shows a dark warrior in pitch black technological armor in the destroyed ruins of a city behind him.

"Among my empowered followers was a boy dearly beloved to me. My older brother. I had not known it, but he had been the first... but not the last victim of my geass. And my cruel ambition. In a just twist of fate, my most loyal companion suddenly became my most bitter foe. He called my world a lie, that I was denying people true freedom with my geass; no better than nobles and tyrants that I had once hated. ...You do indeed remind me of him in that sense..."

Lelouch felt C genuinely smile upon him, before continuing on with resentment. Her marks glew again and he was once more subjected to visions around him. Lelouch saw visions of military's bearing unknown technologies. Behind C were four figures with faces shrouded by their armor or cloth; the other side lead by three. The armies clashed, transforming the beautiful cities into ruins.

"The moment it was left it to its own devices, as soon as it was granted free will, humanity showed its true nature. A fierce rebellion broke out. My worst fears became realized. Using his power, my brother managed to free the world of my control and me of my dream and delusions... But still, I persisted in my arrogance." Lelouch followed C up some conjured stairways.

[Code Geass: "Stream of Consciousness"]

"In order to obtain victory, I passed through the archway and went briefly into the collective consciousness. The knowledge and power I gained would indeed allow me to execute the rebels and sentenced the Fallen Angels and Lords to imprisonment. However, there was a price. My power grew uncontrollable and I began to lose myself in the collective subconsciousness that I had created in my conquest. I experienced the truths of my despair."

C flew into the Arc Gate and her markings began to glow. But she soon shook and recoiled in pain as many more memories, energy, and information was forced into her. The Caretaker of Spacetime appeared. With a flick of her hand, C was sent flying out of the Arc. The Dimensional Supervisor looked down upon C in fury and disappointment as she continued convulsing, creating ripples on the mirror water's floor. C grasped herself and shivered as the glowing green markings continued to grow on her body.

Lelouch felt a deep, cold sorrow come from the C aside him. A regret.

"In foolishness and angst, I tried to rid myself of the pain and suffering. I heeded the words of the Dimension Supervisor and I cursed the world that I had created. Fire. Rain. Plague. Death." spat out C bitterly. "In my angst, I nearly wiped out all but a few good souls."

Another image flashed in Lelouch's mind. He briefly saw a tanned, well-built man inside a giant floating shuttle above the Earth (Australia). The man's eyes flashed with blue geass. But they also reflected the red and pink flames of the Earth below him. Around him was his family and various animals and people. Lelouch looked in horror as a ray of light descended from Jupiter and hit the Earth. Spaceships and large humanoid robots in white and gold ravaged the land, raining destruction on the cities. Tectonic plates were disrupted, and the icecaps melted. A geass symbol struck the world and people collapsed into death. The land itself began to boil and reform.

A thick book with a golden cover materialized in C's hand. "I reset the world, creating one where I had never intervened. The only records I left were the tomes; records of my failures as such a sinful god. Something that you can read in my 'Bible', though the original copy and intent has been lost to time and translation. I hoped that humanity would learn from my mistakes. That given the freedom they had sought, they would progress to a better tomorrow, eventually. But my hopes were betrayed once again."

"The sins and suffering of man continued, unabated. Sometimes even justified in my name. Sloth. Envy. Gluttony. Pride. Hatred. Lust. Greed. Despair." More images flashed in Lelouch's mind demonstrating each sin, before stopping back at C herself.

"No." she continued, "The nature of humanity is that of tragedy. A tragedy that I am personally forced to suffer though, now as another Watcher of the Collective Consciousness. As one who "sees" (C's) all. For centuries, I prayed for a better tomorrow as I watched the suffering of man. However, even after thousands of years, humanity did not change. And so I continued to suffer... And so I planned a final, desperate solution to end my madness."

Lelouch's eyes widened and he stopped. He found he could speak once more as he cried out. "...You can't mean!?..."

C grinned ironically as bookcases appeared and slid in front of her. "Why else would an all-seeing god allow themselves to be killed? Where else did Charles and VV get their ideas from? It was all part of another unknowable, grand plan, as expected of 'God'."

She placed her Bible on the shelf before the bookcase slid out of existence. "I couldn't outright kill myself, you understand. Nor ask that of one of my angels. No, if I was to die, then someone would need to take my place. For the last hundred years, I merely watered the seeds that would ultimately result in my death. Tales of an unjust god. The idea of a collective consciousness. The discovery of the Thought Elevators. The designs for the Sword of Akasha. If your parents had succeeded, I would revealed myself to them instead. I would have granted them my power and my kingdom; allowing them to do as they wished, as the new gods of the world."

"So, it was you who was responsible for my suffering fate? For the suffering of the world? All because you couldn't handle the desires of man? Because you wanted to die?" Lelouch balled his fists together and stepped forward.

"Oh, don't get so upset Lelouch," said C, amused. "I think that you would know quite a bit about wanting to kill yourself. That goes for Suzaku and C.C. too. But you know better than anyone that you could have led humanity to the brightest future. But ultimately, you gave up the future I planned for you and the world. You gave it up for Suzaku, for Nunnally, and for yourself." C pointed at Lelouch.

A pang of guilt ran across him. "No different from the Zero Requiem. That is true!"

His hand rose, grasping for the skies before pushing onto his chest. "But what should people live for? Who should they live for? They live for themselves! They live… to harbor desires and struggle to realize them – that is the natural state of man! To want a humanity free of its sin and desires is to want a world without life itself!" shouted Lelouch. He threw his hand aside.

"You say this so easily. You haven't yet endured the torment of experiencing a trillion existences all at once," C noted callously.

Lelouch's arms spread out as if embracing the heavens. "No. But I have seen an infinite shore, one that stretches out before me beyond what the mind can comprehend. Each grain of sand on that beach, each droplet of water and molecule of air is a story to be told. Each is a song to be sung. Each of them is full of life, of laughter, of misery, of hate, of color! They are all the same, even as they are all different."

"Humanity suffers. I suffer," C said quietly.

Lelouch pointed at God and accused her. "Don't give me that excuse! You have spent so much time focusing on the humanity's sins that you believe matter, that you have forgotten humanity's virtues!" The surrounding shifted, showing scenes of Lelouch's past. "Even as I struggled against the world. Even as I saw the depths of its cruelty. I saw Fortitude. Temperance. Prudence. Diligence. Faith. Charity. Justice! You cannot have happiness before suffering! Nor can you have suffering without happiness!"

Lelouch put his hand afore his heart. "And you've forgotten the most important one! HOPE!"

"Hope is a lie. A social device created so man would not fall into despair and die. You know this." Scenes of C preaching out to a downtrodden group of warriors appeared. Mirrored by Zero speaking out to the Black Knights in the ruins of the 1st Japanese Special Zone.

"No. It's real!" Lelouch shouted.

"I've seen it in the hearts of those that strode against me!" A phantom image of Suzaku standing at attention.

"I've seen it in those that have followed me." Then Kallen appeared, crying at the side of her mother.

"I've seen it in those beside me." Then CC appeared, curled in the fetal position, smiling.

"I've seen it in the ones that I've fought for." Then Nunnally with a sweet, innocent smile.

"And I've seen in it myself now! Everyone is seeking something. For humanity, hope of achieving what we desire is what drives us forward into a better tommorrow. You can't call that a lie!"

"...A lie, hmmm?" C sighed and put her hand to her face. She recalled something from her past and looked down into the distance. "Perhaps… you are correct Perhaps it was I who had lost hope. Perhaps it was my just my own selfishness again. But it's all in the past now. It's already too late, Lelouch. While you may be very much alive, I am already dead." C smiled sadly once more. She curled her fist and the scenery around them suddenly shattered revealing the true appearance of the thought elevator. A metal shell of unknown composition surrounded them. However, unlike before, some of the temples were in severe damage. The floors were cracked apart and floated about while the columns had been upturned or had fell into the void below. Above them, a stream of red blood was pouring down from Jupiter. And suddenly, the Sword of Akasha appeared from a purple haze.

"I thought you stopped the Sword of Akasha?!" shouted Lelouch in surprise.

"But that's not what you asked me for, right? Instead of concern for another person you had never met, of an uncaring god, you wanted me to not stop the flow of time. You wanted a future. And a future you shall receive once more."

The Thought Elevator returned its original form, a ruin in the twilight. C reappeared sitting on one of the ruined columns gazing at the horizon. C's form began to flicker and fade as it returned to the lonely child Lelouch had first seen in C's memories.

"...My time is short. In a few minutes the sun shall set, and I shall finally fade into the darkness. Regardless of what I want now. There is nothing either of us can do. The only reason I've been able to speak to you sanely is because I lie on the eclipse of death."

So now, I'll answer your question. Why did I bring you here? I've already made peace with my past and set up preparations for the future. But right now... if I could trouble you... could you... please sit with me, please? Until the very end?" she asked sadly. "I don't want to die alone."

With a sigh and a nod, Lelouch walked to her side and sat on one of the ruined columns. The dying god held Lelouch's hand as they watched the sun finally drop into the darkness.

"… If you truly wanted to die. If you truly wanted an end to humanity's so-called suffering, then why did you grant my request back at the Sword of Akasha?" asked Lelouch calmly.

"...The recent years leading up this day have been… enlightening. I never thought that there would be another with my power. Or that there would be another one of pure heart."

C unhooded herself and turned to face Lelouch. He examined but and drew a small gasp of surprise. Her purple-blue eyes shown with a golden geass sigil. But her face... looked almost identical to Nunnally's. No. It couldn't be her. In that case, could he be…

C took a cross-shaped necklace off her neck and placed it upon Lelouch's hand. "And I certainly never foresaw you. You, who would challenge the world. You, who would gather the wishes of the people. You, who would wish that I "live". You, who reminded me of what I once was. Who I once was. In you, I saw an innocent wish. And I saw a future. A shooting star in the darkness. A Light at My World's End. And so, I granted your wish. Time continues on. And you too, shall be granted a future as well."

As darkness began to set in, C closed Lelouch's hand in prayer. "Lelouch. You once said that geass is like a wish. And that you'll take the geass that is the people's wish with you. Then please… take my mine as well."

The blue markings on her body lit up and a golden light in the shape of crescent wings emanated from C's eyes into Lelouch's.

Lelouch opened his eyes. His body was laid out at the altar of the Ashford church that he had left CC in.

Above him, CC drew her face away from his, her eyelids closed.

Red marks from tears were on her face.

CC cupped his hand in prayer, but as if expecting his awakening, she opened her eyes, looking at him. They widened as she saw him blink his.

"You've... kept me waiting, huh?" scolded CC.

"So did I do it? Did I... fulfill my promise?" asked Lelouch.

"Yes. You have."

CC smiled.

A few days later.

Dressed in a black and golden green dress with a thick veil, I arrived at the graveyard. Like most I've visited, it's quiet, save for the whispers of the wind. My gaze rested upon Lelouch's funeral in the distance atop a lonely hill. Compared to the grandiose memorial of a Britannian emperor or the funeral of Lelouch's brother, Clovis, the procession was rather small. Just like Nunnally had intended, the only people present at Lelouch's true funeral were those who had known his true identity and his sacrifice. I can't be sure how many of them understand the truth of the Zero Requiem, but each of them deserves to be present.

As both Zero's mistress and Lelouch vi Britannia's witch, I have an obligation to be here. But now that Lelouch has returned to me, I have no tears to share with them. I shouldn't let them know the truth. Not yet. Or perhaps not ever.

Lelouch's black and gold coffin was taken out from the hearse (funeral car) by Jeremiah "Orange" Gottwald, Lelouch's most loyal retainer. He's proud of having served his master to the end but saddened that he had to see Lelouch go.

As Lelouch's black and golden coffin made its way to the grave, Tamaki Shinichiro began to bawl loudly about how he "always believed" before Kento Sugiyama elbowed him silent and Yoshitaka Minami handed him a handkerchief. Rakshata Chawla smiled sadly. Todoh Kyoshiro honored the coffin with a heartfelt salute while Nagaisa Chiba nodded in respect. Ohgi Kaname closed his eyes and looked away in shame toward Villeta Nu, who emotionlessly acknowledged the coffin. Most of the heads of the Black Knights are in tears. Guilt and shame plague them. Oh, if only they hadn't betrayed him. If only they had continued to believe in him like he had believed in them. Something burns in my chest and spreads across my skin. They deserve it. The deepest pit of hell is reserved for traitors, after all. They're lucky that Lelouch is so kindhearted. If it had been me...

I then glance at the exception, the "Ace of the Black Knights" and "Zero Right Hand". Kallen Kozuki sheds sobbing tears over her red eyes. I understand how she feels. She's deeply affected. The queen has lost her king. Poor girl. But she will move on, carrying the last order given to her. The last order of Lelouch as Zero. To Live.

Kaguya Sumeragi cries too, but there's a faint smile on her face. She always did know his pure heart, but she couldn't reconcile that image with his terrible deeds and his identity as a Britannian Prince. But now she finally understands. His determination to destroy; destroy the old world; and even oneself. That wisdom will not only serve her well, but those that Kaguya herself serves in the future. To her side is her friend, Empress Tizani. She is too young to truly grasp the complexity of Lelouch's deception. But she does know the meaning of sacrifice and losing those you care about. Tizani clings to Li Xingke's robe, who honors Lelouch with a slight bow.

On the other side of the procession are Lloyd Asplund, Cecile Croomy, and Nina Einstein. The three engineers who knew the about the Zero Requiem before it even happened. After the casket passed them, Lloyd frowned before complaining about finding "a new job", earning him a small smile from Nina and an angry nudge from Cecile. Well… that's to be expected from him. Lloyd and Cecile only knew Lelouch for a short time professionally as Emperor after all. On the other hand, Nina knew Lelouch personally from their school days. And she was once obsessed with killing Zero for the murder of Princess Euphemia. But I think Nina has forgiven Lelouch; or at the very least understands his reasons now.

Then next to a quiet tearful Milly Ashford, Rivalez Cardemonde sobs. He still doesn't know anything about Zero or Lelouch Vi Britannia. All he knows is that his best friend is dead. As the casket passes him, I also spot Gino Wienberg with a respectful, serious look on his face. As Jeremiah and the coffin passes, Anya Alstreim trembles. She covers her face, "showing" an unusual amount of emotion. She's no longer under the curse of geass. She remembers everything. But it was too little, too late.

Schneizel el Britannia is present. He smiles as the casket approaches him and says something I can't make out at my distance. Probably some admission of defeat and acceptance. Meanwhile behind him, his assistant Kannon lets out a sigh of great relief. With Lelouch "dead", Schneizel should no longer be under his control. Probably.

Finally, Lelouch's casket reaches its end. As Lelouch's coffin is placed into the ground and buried by Jeremiah, I finally see her. Appearing from behind Sayako, Nunnally rolled her wheelchair to the front of the crowd. Though I can still make out the red marks of tears, she isn't crying. Nunnally offered a resolute speech to the others about Lelouch's sacrifice. It's nothing special. Nothing I haven't heard of before. Thanking everyone for coming. Apologizing for his deeds. Recounting their terrible childhood. But I can see the resolve in her eyes as she promised to not let Lelouch's sacrifice to go in vain and to not let such a tragedy repeat itself. What a strong girl she is, right Lelouch?

However, there are some who won't forgive him.

On the edge of the crowd, there's Cornelia and her knight Guildford. Guildford stands at the side of his princess attentively while Cornelia glares. She still won't understand him or forgive him. For her, it's a trick. A trap. Another one of Zero's famous deceptions that killed millions, destroyed the Glaston Knights, and murdered her brother, Clovis, and beloved little sister, Euphemia. If only she knew the truth. Still, Lelouch was still her brother. A half-brother. She closes her eyes and a tear streaks down her face and drops onto the ground. But only one.

Then there's him. A dark emotion comes from my breast. I ball my fists in anger and narrow my eyes. My blood boils with a feeling I was once deeply familiar with as "the Witch of Britannia": Hate. Next to Nunnally's side is Suzaku Kururugi, draped in the dark garbs of the friend he once fought. He ceremonially regards the coffin with respect before looking away. At me.

You understood him.

Of a brother filled with love and kindness for his sister.

Of a exiled prince filled with despair and agony.

Of a young child crying out from his silent suffering against injustice.

You may know who Lelouch Lamperouge was.

You may know what Lelouch Vi Britannia wasn't.

You may know the truth behind Zero's mask.

But even so, you will never understand Lelouch as I will. You will never be as close to him as I will be.

You will never know his self-sacrifice and forgiveness.

You will never know the evils that he bore upon himself.

You will never know why he wore the mask of Zero.

Not just for himself, but also for others that had placed their hopes upon him. You'll soon learn the true burdens of being Zero. The weight of the mask that Lelouch had bore for so long. That is your punishment. Yet, for me who has understood Lelouch's depths, for me who is the demon's accomplice, for me that understands his suffering; it is a punishment far too shallow. I feel a fire burn around me and in my heart.

Now that you will be forever masked as Zero, I won't be able to read your face. But I know what you are feeling right now. Perhaps the same thing you felt as your blade cut through Lelouch's heart; Zero (Nothing). In your head, you want to believe Lelouch deserved death. And perhaps that's true. When I first made a contract with Lelouch, I sensed his determination. He was willing to sacrifice everything and now he has. "Those who kill must be prepared to be killed." However, what a stupid, selfish friend you are, Suzaku. A real friend would forgive and accept his friend's errors, just as Lelouch has done for you, always. Not to drive them toward death. Not to continue harboring a false grudge. To continue the Zero Requiem after he had been given a hope and despair in the form of his living sister. A false love indeed.

You will never truly forgive him. And so I will never truly forgive you.

Hmmm... Perhaps we are even more similar than I thought.

My anger recedes as I remember the future I will have with Lelouch, who is alive. Our eyes break contact. He turns down toward Nunnally while I glance out towards the beautiful afternoon sky.

[ED: Code Geass R2: "Continued Story"]

The funeral is over. Slowly, one by one, everyone begins to leave. The Britannians. The Black Knights. Jeremiah. Kallen. And finally, the new Zero and Nunnally.

I take off my black shroud and move towards the grave. It was a tombstone of pure white marble, surrounded by black lilies and a red cherry-blossom tree. I read the inscriptions aloud:

Here Lies Lelouch Lamperouge

Loved and Loathed by All

Forgiven by Few

2000 till 2018

Suddenly, the air before me began to waver and Lelouch appears before me. He takes off a straw hat, revealing his now white, but still messy hair. His new "green geass" fades from his right eye. It seems to work on even Codebearers to a degree. I'll have to make him promise to never use it on me later.

"So how does it feel to watch your own funeral, Lelouch? How does it feel to be free?" I ask him.

Lelouch closes his eyes and bows his head. "It feels... strange."

I shouldn't have asked him that. He's probably still guilty about surviving.

"Would it really be that bad for you to live with me forever?" I tease.

He smiles and shakes his head. "Certainly not, witch."

I smirk. Yes. And if I'm a witch then he's my... "Demon. So, now that you are immortal, what would you like to do first?"

The winds faded. "CC. I've accomplished everything I've ever wanted. I've gotten both revenge and freedom and sacrificed it to lay down a bright future for everyone. I've found out who killed my mother and killed both of my parents. But I've had enough of warfare and politics for today. Tomorrow, I would like to explore this new world of mine."

He extends his hand towards me.

I reach out my own. But I hesitate.

"...Why didn't you reveal yourself to them? ...Most of them would be happy to see you."

Lelouch approached me and looked me in the eyes. "Because that would make my sacrifice a lie," he stated. "Nunnally has grown up, following her own decisions. Suzaku too, has a new life as Zero. As for me… The people of the world can call me whatever they want. An unsung hero. A villain. A demon. But from now on… I'll be known as LL." Lelouch kneeled and kissed my right hand. The one with the green emerald ring he had left me. My heart flutters. Ah… this intoxicating feeling again.

"I don't know what will happen in the future, but I do know who I want to spend it with."

I smile again. "I'm glad."

I grab his hand and together, we walk out of the graveyard into a brighter future.

Act 0 Last Edit: 5/12/19

Author's Epilogue

Hey, HyperiorV here! I hope you enjoyed reading. It might take a while to update this fic at first because I'm still planning and re-planning where the journey should lead. I also like to write things thoroughly from "top" (concepts, symbolism) to "bottom" (writing). I'm not very good at the latter unless I have basic material to add to/modify. If there's a "beta" writer willing to help me, I'd love to exchange contact info.

Additionally, this is my first ever fanfic, so I'll be learning as I go along. I will be reviewing, updating, and adjusting previous chapters as I progress. I've already updated Act 1 several times. If you notice anything that could be improved, please leave a review. But also to show some support. I'd appreciate it. Knowing that others have enjoyed my writing gives me hope and pride.

In the future, I plan to incorporate elements from the side stories including the official R3 Promotional Videos, the Resurrection movie, Knightmare of Nunnally, Lancelot and Gurren, Renya of the Darkness, Akio the Exiled, and Oz of the Reflection. In particular, Lelouch's Birthday OVA and the Nunnally of Wonderland are the main "inspirations"/canon of this story. However, keep in mind I haven't read all of them fully since there aren't translations for all of them. I also like to reference various medium such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, other anime, history, and various mythologies. I want to state that my vision for the future of the fanfic is mostly already decided. And that while I may incorporate characters/elements from the upcoming official movie and R3, I'm not straight up ripping off the official material. It would be amazing, however, to see some already planned aspects of this fanfic be found in the official sequel material.

I want to thank Mononoke. I used and modified his translation for the first part of this chapter where Lelouch confronts CC for the final time. I am also using his other translations to further the fanfiction.

I also want to thank Krygor for inspiring me and for helping me write out my fanfic in the future. (?) Originally this started out as an edit, but I wanted to make some massive changes to the story, so I decided to make my own.

Thanks for reading.

- HyperiorV

REFERENCE NOTES:

OP

I've always loved analyzing openings. I'd explain what mine is in every detail, but that would involve lots of spoilers and an entire chapter's worth of analysis. I will be shifting through the OP's and updating them as the story progresses. However to not pad out space, I'll only add them in the beginning of each Act; never between them or in Asides.

...If you don't like them, feel free to skip it.

MUSIC

You may notice I sometime put multiple suggestions in separate brackets. That's because sometimes, I can't decide which track would be better and also sometimes feel that it would be difficult to find the music. The first suggestion will always be my prefered choice, but may be harder to find. I'd recommend using "Soundcloud" to find the music I list. Otherwise Youtube. There's this one youtube video that I can't link that shows all the Fukkastsu no Lelouch/Lelouch of the Resurrection Movie's music. Even though the writing for it was pretty bad, the music was awesome and is definitely worth a listen, even if you don't do it for my fanfic.

Depending on the reception of my fanfic, I might create a playlist containing all the images/music/memes etc. to the best of my ability.

REFLECTIVE ANALYSIS

(If you don't like boring analysis stuff skip this)

I want to be someone who says. "I've planned it all from the beginning!" (that's a quote from Goro, one of the Code Geass Creators)

I put a lot of thought and time into writing this story, so I want to share my thought process and show the deeper literary devices of my story so that you can appreciate my writing a bit more. I'll try to keep the Author's Notes to a minimum as they break the story's flow, but I plan on putting a reflective analysis at the end of most of my chapters. Though not all of them will be as long as this one.

Opening Scene

I wrote my prologue in an attempt to demonstrate and foreshadow multiple things. First, it introduces the world. The celebration of New Year's Eve reflects the Zero Requiem where Lelouch dies and a new Era is born. It shows that while generally the people of the world are happier there are still evil in the shadows (represented by the deserters) that Lelouch and CC must deal with in the future. Secondarily as a result of the peacetime since the muggers were ex-soldiers from the Resource Wars. Sakuradite is rather rare in the world after Lelouch blew up most of it in R2. I'm reinforcing this fact as well as showing it for future use.

Symbolically, LL also disguises himself as an old man with a cross, referencing the common western depiction of the Christian god. The old god "dies" and a new "god" is reborn. Not so coincidentally, it's also three years after the Zero Requiem, similar to how Jesus was resurrected on the third day. I wanted to publish this fanfic on January 1st for extra symbolism, but unfortunately, I was not finished at the time. So, you'll have to settle with the day 21 instead of the year.

In terms of narrative, the prologue shows a bit of tension where Lelouch and CC are threatened by physical violence instead of starting with an info dump. It then hits upon the theme of resurrection where LL "dies" and recovers while also showing that he has CODE. Then it shows Lelouch's new geass, which should make the reader a bit curious to its origin/effects. Finally, it shows what the reader (presumably) wants to see. Lelouch alive. And also reflecting the ending of the first PV for the official R3.

Lelouch's Crypt #007

My trembling finger stopped at "L. B. Lamperouge. Chamber #007."

The crypt number is significant because 7 is the number of God, according to a lazy google search and a consultation with a priest. 7 sins (and virtues) that C was obsessed with, though in reality, there are much more explained by modern psychologists and philosophers. In addition, it references the fact that Lelouch literally met God while he was in there (well his mind/"soul" anyways). And a small reference to Agent James Bond, codename 007.

Originally, I had the number be #666; the number of the Devil. However, I changed it for two reasons. First was the fact that no local morgue would have a that many places for bodies (6*6*6 = 216 minimum). 7 is a much smaller and more realistic number. Second, 6 (from 666) + 1 = 7. Lelouch, as the "demon king", being "666".

Rome || Britannia

Anyway, thinking about it, Rome mirrors Britannia. It was an extremely large empire (for its time) that thrived on the subjugation of other civilizations and, during the time of Nero's rule, had a largely corrupt and extravagant patrician class. So "C" rejected that reality {and substituted her own} when she was granted True Geass from a/the Keeper of Spacetime.

C || CC

C is different from the Caretaker of Spacetime/Keeper of the Collective Unconsciousness from Akito the Exiled. C's true name is most probably "Sophia si Christus", or some other variant of it. I had "C" or "God" appear as CC. This was for several reasons.

First, I wanted to do a narrative "bait and switch" where the readers would think that it was indeed CC waking up Lelouch. Second. "World of C". "C". "C, C2, CC". Third I wanted to keep "God's" gender neutral in the spirit of mythology, even though the Christian God is typically depicted as Male. [Note that from henceforth I will refer to C as a female] Fourth was CC's desire to die. I asked myself why a powerful omniscient would allow suffering and Charles and friends to try and kill him/her. The solution; God wanted to die and it was part of God's plan all along. The best anecdote was the most cliché: disillusionment and cynicism with humanity and its sins. It's also appropriate that she wears CC's straightjacket, which ties into the insanity experiencing humanity's collective consciousness and her self-induced restraining of herself, her powers, and view of mankind.

I've already stated that she looks like Nunnally (and for a very good spoiler reason too). But if you want to know what she looks like, then in the Damocles, she looks similar to the statue that Schneizel and Cornelia argue between. You know, the one that Schneizel declared he'll become a god under?

C's Backstory

As for her backstory, I had C be an offspring of Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the emperor of Rome, although technically since I never stated it; it could have been any ancient Roman-like civilization at any time. I based C's background first on the Roman sculpture carvings/rose petals/flames from the Opening of R2. And the Britannian-Roman Parallels. And the fact that Christianity really took off in Rome. Interestingly when you take the "N" from "Nero" and rotate it 90 degrees, you get the name "Zero". Another character will be taking the use of this name. Also, C might not have been the only one who was granted power by a greater god; she came into conflict with several others with the same level of power. They shall remain clouded in mystery for now.

C's Code True Geass/Ceass [Maiden's Heaven] (not JoJo's [Made in Heaven])

The Power of God, granted by the Dimensional Supervisor/Keeper of Spacetime. Absolute mental control. In her case, C became virtually omnibenevolent, omniscience, and gained the ability of "human (re)creation".

[Maiden's Heaven] was a very powerful ability that added people as a part of C's 'collection' of her (un)consciousness. It literally stripped people of lies (and free will) in a manner similar to how Charles and friends wished the world was. Beyond that she could rewrite memories, personality, perceptions, and beliefs of people that she geassed according to her own will. Basically an "omni-geass" once you were in her world.

However, it still had limits. It only worked if you were within her "sight". (The loophole was that she could look through other people) And beyond that her ability could travel over time and space. It could not affect the material world. Furthermore, it contradicted C's highest held belief; hatred of slavery in all forms. Physical, but also mental. The acceptance of bread and circuses. And the de-evolvement into a collective 'mob'. Basically, she really hated the Coliseum.

Leila Macal and that Priest from Zilkistan from the Resurrection Movie had similar powers. Each could create a collective subconciousness. In a sense, their abilities are even a bit more powerful due to the fact that their power can travel over time. (Giving Eden Vital a much bigger headache) A true fragment of geass, as the Dimensional Supervisor claimed in Akito the Exiled.

However, as her ambition and power grew, C's research into her power soon led her to new discoveries about it. Ultimately she gained the ability to replicate/share her power; granting Code and then Geass, which allowed one to manipulate those in her collection. Geass are simply terminals, or masks, that allow one to use an aspect of her power, personal to each person. And then she created of Wired Geass. An artificial geass not limited to her own. (C managed about ~4-5 before she was stopped). This was much to the chagrin of the Dimensional Supervisor/Keeper of Spacetime, who only intended to grant a power to her alone. Who feared... rebellion.

Divine References

I also referenced mythology when writing C's backstory. C's rejection of royalty and sinfulness to become a priest also mirrors Lelouch but also Buddha, who sacrificed earthly pleasures for enlightenment. And technically Jesus, though I'm not quite sure. I also implied that C used her geass on the entire world to create a world of peace and prosperity. C's implied decision to geass the entire world into submission reflects how God initally stripped Adam and Eve of Free Will in the Garden of Eden. Also, C's destruction and recreation of the world also reference the Great Flood. The dude you saw was Noah. The Arc and Ark may play an important role later on, since the survivors went to Australia.

In particular, I subscribe to Gnostic beliefs. Sophia is one of my favorite goddesses/Aeons. However, technically, the 'upper' 'Sophia' in this story may just be the dimensional supervisor. Since well… she was the one that introduced geass into the world. No word on who created the world yet though...

Zero's "Black" Motif

In R1 and for most of R2, Lelouch is typically portrayed with the motif/theme of the color Black. Black is a color of Emptiness or "Zero". Lelouch is wiped from the history books after he's banished and enters the story hiding with Nunnally from Britannia. It also reflects how Zero appears to be an "empty" being without desire who absorbs the light/wishes of the people. Zero himself drapes himself in a black robe. However Black also alludes to darkness, which alludes to mystery; referring to Zero's secret identity to the world and his perchance for making the unknown; the impossible, possible. In Japanese/Asian Cultures, Black is a "good" color while it is an "evil" color for western society. Lelouch as Zero is a terrorist who Chaotic Evil to the Britannians and Good to the suffering Numbers's. There are the Black Knights which mirrors Black pieces in Chess, which also reflects Lelouch's mindset ("In chess, black moves second"), general battle strategies, and his desire for revenge. This motif appears throughout the entire series. There's a lot of cool stuff. I recommend looking a video about it.

Lelouch's White/Light Motif

The black motif is contrasted with Suzaku and Britannia's motif of white, which I will explain in another chapter. However, after Turn 21; The Ragnarök Connection where he becomes the Emperor of Britannia, Lelouch swaps colors with Suzaku. He bears the white of Britannia. He shows initiative by claiming the throne, creating the ambush at the UFN, and attacking the Damocles. Light also represent self-sacrifice in terms of exothermic reactions where one releases potential energy.

In my fanfiction, I will be "continuing" the light and morning motif as it pertains to Lelouch. In this chapter alone, I've made like 5+ references. After his code activated, Lelouch's hair turned white, referencing his original concept design. Lelouch also is described by God (C) as "The Light at My World's End". Lelouch IS C's light in this case. He represents a hope that she was wrong and that Lelouch can carry on her wishes, legacy, and geass to a brighter tomorrow. The 2nd OP [World End] alludes to this with the reoccurring lyrics "The Light at My World's End". In the case of night being the world's=day's end, the "light" can be represented by stars, planets (like Jupiter), and shooting stars (which symbolize wishes). Lelouch literally ends the old world with his death to bring about a new era, a future/tomorrow (a new day is marked by a sunrise), and hope. The sunrise motif is appropriate given the Studio that owns and created Code Geass. However, in literature and mythology there's one significant other that is also associated with these themes…

Lelouch has at least two other main themes/motifs I will be giving him and other characters also have certain colors that they are associated with, but that's for another chapter's analysis... ;)

Lelouch as Snow White

"I don't know why snow is white, but I think it is beautiful" - Lelouch to CC, Narita

Lelouch's hair has turned snow white. This reflects his original concept art by CLAMP, but also demonstrates that he's changed permanently, now that he's immortal. It also references the story of Snow White and the witch. And of course it reflects his white theme that I explained above as well. I also imply that Lelouch was awakened with a kiss, just like Snow White.

The Contract

As with the first chapter of both R1 and R2, Lelouch makes a contract/geass with "CC" in the first turn, though in this case it's C/God. Lelouch's green geass is going to be significantly different than normal geass. It's going to be called a "C"eass (Ceass).

The Funeral

I expanded upon the funeral, so I could introduce most of the other characters and their relationship to Lelouch. While I could have expanded on their reactions, I felt that it would be too drawn out to an already massive chapter. Interestingly, when C states that "she know what Suzaku is feeling", she doesn't actually completely know what he's feeling at all since she's blinded by hate and can't see his face. It's a classic example of an unreliable narrator. Second, while CC is looking at Suzaku, Suzaku is also looking at CC too...

Extra

"It was his eyes. Yes.. his evil eyes..." - Edgar Allen Poe Reference

"Just in case, the guards would be carrying blank rounds often used in movie sets." - Removed

In a flash of golden light, CC rapidly transformed into several figures resembling the common depictions of god including an old white bearded man, a shaggy bright-haired priest, and a transparent entity. - Father, Son, Holy Spirit; Amen.

"I am the king of kings. Look upon my great works and despair," - Ozymandias reference

Fabrics and flags changed their colors. - Heh. Colors. Colours.

"You are not dead. Not alive. You are living a life unlike any other: a different providence, a different time, a different life." References when CC gave Lelouch his first geass.

24 Members/Followers of CC = 24 Codebearers; one for each letter of the alphabet. The gear symbolism is also consistent with the designs of the show. Not all of them will be shown or mentioned (most are in Eden Vital), but I can list off the ones that will be: AA, BB, CC (x2), II, GG, SS, VV (x+3), UU, ZZ

The Arc Door is the same type as in Knightmare of Nunnally.

"But what should people live for? Who should they live for? They live for themselves! They live… to harbor desires and struggle to realize them – that is the natural state of man!" - The Architect from Xenoblade Chronicles 2

"To want a humanity free of its sin and desires is to want a world without life itself!" - Oswald Mandus from Amnesia; a Machine for Pigs

"No. But I have seen an infinite shore, one that stretches out before me beyond what the mind can comprehend. Each grain of sand on that beach, each droplet of water and molecule of air is a story to be told. Each is a song to be sung. Each of them is full of life, of laughter, of misery, of hate. They are all the same, even as they are all different." - The final report of SCP-3812.

"I never thought that there would be another one of pure heart." - C - Referencing Leila's Blue Geass from Akito the Exiled.

"You've... kept me waiting, huh?" - A Kojima/Metal Gear Reference.

"So did I do it? Did I... fulfill my promise?" asked Lelouch. -

Lelouch: "I promise you the smile you never had!"

CC: "Get to the Damocles. Just be sure to come back, alright?" Lelouch: "Yes! I promise!" (CC's last words to LL in R2)

Schneizel el Britannia is present. – Formal tone. And also a reference to Lelouch's quote that "Charles sought the past. You seek the present. But I seek the future."

"Here Lies Lelouch Lamperouge. Loved and Loathed by All." - Lelouch does indeed "Lie". Also Alliteration of "L".

…Don't ask who Rei is. That person won't "officially" appear while. Or perhaps you've already 'seen' her/him…

Again, thanks.