This script was written for the first episode of "R2", originally to take place directly after the season finale (STAGE 25) for CODE GEASS: LELOUCH OF THE REBELLION. This script predates the decision to move the show's time-slot (from "late at night" to "5pm on Sunday"). The first episode had already been completed, but it was assumed that a Sunday evening time-slot would mean a wider audience, which, it was thought, would probably include many people who had not watched the first season and would be experiencing the world of Code Geass for the first time. For that reason, this script -- which picked up directly where the first season left off -- was set aside, and a new first episode of "R2" was written.



Compared with the completed work, one aspect -- a geass being applied by the Emperor -- was unchanged, but the parts before and after that (such as Lelouch confronting the Emperor directly and of his own volition, or being confined to the school's basement) developed very differently. The "R2" season premiere that aired, with aspects such as Lelouch having lost his memories and Rolo shadowing him, are not reflected here because those ideas were developed for the revised vision of R2.



If this had been the first episode, what direction would R2 have proceeded in? One cannot help but wonder.

'Bye!



See you tomorrow!

Understood. 5pm, via Route 32.

Lelouch!

Suzaku. You don't have work today?

No, I'm off-duty. I guess I should put in the occasional appearance with the student council, huh?

Who cares about the student council, you should visit Nunnally.

'Who cares', is that really something the vice president should say?

Well, I might be the vice president, but first and foremost, I am Lelouch.

Lelouch! Suzaku!

Did you hear? The Black Knights are at it again!

House of Lords member Eckhart, who for some time now has been embroiled in persistent rumors of corruption, has been murdered. Evidence of his corruption was found at the scene of the crime, as was the following statement from the Black Knights--

Man, the Black Knights are so cool! They're like, criminals with a code of honor2, you know?

Indeed. They pass judgment according to principles that villains could never follow.

Do you think they're on the side of justice?

That's what I want to know. I mean...

Hey, guys, over here!3

Why are you all... and Nunnally, too...

Our cheerleaders are short a few people at the moment, so...

So, those of us in the Student Council are filling in4!

And that's why... it's a Presidential Order. Suzaku! Hold Lelouch down!

Huh? Yes, ma'am.

Because you'll be helping them out, too, Lulu.

What?!

We need one more person to complete our formation.

Well, you're definitely the best choice.

Don't worry, Lelouch, we'll make sure you look beautiful.5

Both of you, shut up. Let me go, Suzaku!

Sorry, Lelouch. President's orders, so...

Somehow I don't think you're really that sorry!6

Give it your all, Big Brother~7

Mew!

Hey, Kallen! Save me!

What do you want?

On the surface, it was just like any other festival day. Peaceful, ridiculous, with Suzaku, from whom I'd been separated for so long, and everyone else... a moratorium on our separation.

However...

Lelouch... I didn't want to believe it.

In the year 2010 of the Imperial Calendar, the Holy Britannian Empire declared war on Japan.

Japan became an imperial territory, and their liberty, their rights, and even their name were stolen from them.

Seven years have passed. Now called Elevens, the oppressed Japanese people are finally--

Don't falter. We're about to take back our Japan from Britannia!

Unit 4, all stop!



Ensign Takamine has been killed in action.



Passage B4 has been blockaded!

As expected, they're tenacious.

They don't have the largest military force in the world for nothing.

Don't falter. Now is the time to repay His Majesty the Emperor's faith in us!

Though we've been united by Zero's charisma, the Black Knights are still, for the most part, a militia.

Without his influence, our forces will deteriorate into a mob.

And that's why he's necessary. We need Zero!

Shit. Where did you go at a time like this, Zero?!

Zero is... Lelouch?

Yes, that's right. I am Zero. Leader of the Black Knights, he who would challenge Britannia... and the man who will hold the very world in the palm of his hand.

Lelouch... I didn't want to believe it.

You already knew, Suzaku?

I wasn't positive. So I stayed in denial. Because I wanted to believe in you. But...

Answer me, Lelouch. Euphy, why did you--?

...It was necessary.

Don't give me that! Even though she was your little sister, the first time someone reached out their hand to you...!8

Reached out her hand...? The both of you were always like that, so condescending...!9

By working with both of you, I thought we could change things, but now I see...!

You can't change anything with pretty words alone!

I'll10 prove that I can!11

Please... help Lelouch...

...!

L, Lelouch...

Still alive, Lelouch?

This is...?! ...Lelouch!

Ahh--!

Damn!

Accept this ending I bring you!

You aren't dodging?!

Too bad for you. Because mutual destruction... is my specialty...

Sorry, Lelouch. After this...

Stop, that's...!

It'll be fine if all of us, if everything -- ends here!!

No...

It's not exploding... why!

It's a dud!

Nina! Quickly--

This was going to be Princess Euphemia's revenge. I, I need...!

Nina...

In the middle of a war, people can still fall in love.

Yes, and that's why I...

Isn't it a wonderful thing, war. The mother of invention!

Lelou... ch...

Deputy Commander, please hold on!

Chigusa... Chigusa, you're...

Suzaku?!

Suzaku. You... (You couldn't shoot, because we're friends?)12

Eu... phy...

--!

Is this it, Euphy... I... made another mistake. At the very end, I13...

You're wrong, Suzaku. Your mistake wasn't in your means. It was the master you had to serve.14

No. This is my punishment. That's why.... ah--

Suzaku?

Live. I, will -- live. Live, live, live--

Live!

Is this it? My geass... no, more like my curse.

I will -- live.... <hack>

C.C.?

Him again?!

D, don't move... You, I'll...!

Kallen, return to the Black Knights.

What? I...

Captain Kouzuki Kallen of the Zero Squad. This is an order from Zero.

--!

Suzaku. I'm going to get Nunnally back. And then, my friend, I will take care of you15... I swear.

Dammit. How come the government office hasn't fallen yet!

Hey, that's--

A castle?

Don't talk crap! You're pointing at Tokyo Bay!

But, it's...

The Great Britannia has entered Tokyo Bay!Maintain speed, systems normal!

We await your orders, Imperial Majesty.

Ready the Jupiter Howitzer.

Yes, Your Majesty. Ready the Jupiter Howitzer!

Deploying Jupiter Howitzer!



First and second safeties, released!



The target is Shinjuku, Sector B17.



Output is at 3000!

Fire!

There's a castle floating over Tokyo Bay?!

What's with this intel? Our people must be...

How could this have happened...?

The Jupiter Howitzer?!

--Those words...!

The Great Britannia...!



It's His Majesty! His Majesty the Emperor is here...!



All hail Britannia!

All right, gather our remaining forces. Now's the time to launch our counterattack!

Disperse! We're easy prey huddled together like this. Asahina! Organize the Suicide Corps. Stop that ship's munitions!

Run for it! We can't win this one!

Run where?!

That banner!

The Imperial Regiment?!

Takeuchi's force has been wiped out!



All Bay-area units, requesting assistance!



They're breaking through our line of defense in GODAN!

All for naught. Japan's independence, its freedom...

Zero...

The Great Britannia has entered Toukyou Bay?

This will be the end of an independent Japan.

For His Majesty to personally appear on the front lines...

...just to suppress a rebellion... no, there must be more to it than that.

Incoming transmission from Sir Victor, SETAGAMA Region is under our complete control.



Sir Carmine has made contact with Sir Guilford.

It's decided17, then?

As you like. Though you may be worried about Her Highness Cornelia's safety, the others...

Coming in at 12 o'clock, there's an airframe approaching fast!

What did you say?

Identification signal Z-01, unit name...

...Lancelot!

Stop right there!



This is His Majesty the Emperor's personal warship!

Z-01, you have rammed our gun turret on deck 14!



No response from the pilot!



Service Squad #11, moving at high speed!

'Lancelot'?

Yes, Your Majesty, Prince Schneizel's...

Ah, yes. That one.

Hey, are you all right?



What's your rank and affiliation?

I've been waiting for this moment.

Huh?

When you become convinced you've won, in that instant... the seed of your downfall is sown.18

You, you're Zero!

Zero commands you. All of you, die!

Roger that.

Well, well. My turn now.

Rebel army, dispersing.



Sir Victor has reached Shibuya.



Jupiter Howitzer, recharged. Firing!

What's the matter?

It seems that...

What?!

Monitors for Sector D are unresponsive!



Our systems are being hacked. It's coming from an inside line!



Power out in Block E!



Communications failures are failing throughout the ship!

We're seeing short-circuits all over the place!



Systems are 43% down.



Hurry up and identify the source!



It's no use, we're hemorrhaging power here!

Just watch, C.C. I can do it all myself. I'll get Nunnally back from him. And then...

Well, personally, I never was taken in by any of Zero's smooth talk. I always suspected he was only feigning loyalty to Japan...

It's stopped firing, did you notice?

Huh?

The Jupiter Howitzer. It stopped firing a little while ago.

Now that you mention it...

--!

Die, Elevens!

What the?!

We're not Elevens. We're Japanese!

The Guren Mk II... Kouzuki Kallen?!

You've returned, Kouzuki-kun? Where's Zero?

Safe. Headed for the Great Britannia.

By himself? That fool...

It's Zero! Zero has appeared!

What did you say?!

Well, it's just that, until now, Zero was...But why?!

Dispatch the Royal Guard. After all, he's only one man...

We can't reach Sir Victor.

What?!

The Britannian Government Office called on him for support.



ODAIBA Bridgehead has been destroyed.



The rebel army has been launching counterattacks all over the place, distracting our forces.

Zero... could it be, this entire war of independence has been nothing but a stupendous decoy?!

This fool acts like he's the king of this backwater island19!



Let's remind him who his betters are!20

One of our own Knightmares is protecting Zero?!

That pilot is under my geass. And my order was...

Protect me with all your might!

Yes, Your Highness!

Dammit, scatter them!

Now to relay Zero's orders. One by one, first on the Open B line...

Toudou. Take Squad One and Squad Two on a detour through SAGAMO. The government office's forces will soon be coming out of the interior in an inattentive attempt to surround the building. When they do, strike from the rear.

Acknowledged!

Gentlepeople of the Six Houses, I beseech you to bring inspiration to the Japanese people.

Well, that was awfully formal! As your future wife, I wouldn't mind if you were a little more commanding~. ♪

Diethard, begin broadcasting my image now.

Show the Intelligence Bureau my unaided infiltration of the Great Britannia. This will be a duel, between the Emperor and myself, for the two of us are equals, despite his propaganda.

Understood, Zero!

Good people! The Britannian Emperor's participation in this war, the disembarkation of the Imperial Regiment -- all of this is well-within parameters. There is no need for fear; we have entered the final stage of my strategy.

Lelouch... you've got my faith for now. But if you were willing to shoot a close friend...

Confirm your identification signal!



Respond! Who is currently piloting this Frame!



Have we been betrayed? No way...

Your Majesty, what is it?

Fine, then, Zero. It would seem you've earned your personal confrontation...

Lulu...

So you've come, Zero. Or should I say... Ghost?

What do you mean, 'Ghost'?!

You could not bear to fade into society's herd, but neither could you expose your face where I might see it. You are not alive, but neither are you dead. 'Ghost' is the perfect word for you!

Neither alive... nor dead... Yes. Until this moment, that was true.

On that day, my mother was murdered. On that day, Nunnally lost both the light and her legs.

All this time, I've been living a lie. My personal history, my very name... nothing by lies. I was sick to death of a world that would never change, but I couldn't let myself give in to the lie of despair...

But then, it came to me... power.

And with that...!

Look at Prince Lelouch's eyes, it's as if he died too.



After what happened to his sister? With her body the way it is, she isn't even useful as a political pawn any longer.



In this race, someone will hitch a ride on her sooner or later...



Heheh, it's a bit early for that change of attitude...

Leave this to me.

Zero... this mayhem in my ship, and this latest uprising... it's all been part of your scenario?

That's right. All of this has been a plot to manipulate you to this point.

Ha! For that, you used Area 11 and the Japanese?

I won't choose just any means to reach my ends. Though I'd rather not acknowledge it, we do share blood... Father!22

...

Had you forgotten? Before you stands the eldest child of the late Empress Marianne, seventeenth in line for your throne: Lelouch vi Britannia.

But now I've returned, to change everything!

Everything! Bold words, Lelouch.

I'll show you I can do it. With all the power of the Emperor of Britannia, you couldn't protect even one woman you loved -- but I'm not like you!

Are you saying you plan to become Emperor of Britannia?

Even if it means making myself the enemy of the whole world, even if it means killing my closest friend with my own hands23, I'll show you I can protect Nunnally. And so...

Lelouch vi Britannia commands you to...

You foooooool!

Geass?!

They call it the 'sigil of the gods'. Isn't that a lovely phrase?

Mother!

Not so defiant now25, are you, Zero. Or should I say...

...Lelouch Lamperouge?

TRANSLATOR'S COMMENTARY:

1. Japanese place names in ALL CAPS were originally written in katakana, e.g. TOKYO = トウキョウ. This is only done when referring to the cities after the occupation, and is probably meant to communicate that they are now being referred to in Britannian. (For some reason, Tokyo Bay is an exception, still written with kanji.) This is consistent with title cards used in the original Japanese version, throughout the anime.



2. There are two different units here with names that might sound like they're the same group: the IMPERIAL REGIMENT and the ROYAL GUARD. The IMPERIAL REGIMENT, which has a special coat of arms, is described like something the viewer has never seen before and might have eventually been developed into the Knights of the Round. The Royal Guard, on the other hand, is probably the same group that appeared in Stage 1.



3. There are two footnotes within the original text; they are indicated by (*).

A draft for the original second-part conclusion of. It was included with the collector's edition blu ray for R2, released in 2015. Please enjoy!I will also be cross-posting this to my new tumblr,, just like with all of my other translations. Follow there or here. :) Whichever works best.But lbr, we all know that long text posts on tumblr are sort of awful...Lelouch (=Zero)Suzaku KururugiC.C.NunnallyShirleyRivalzMillyNinaKallenOugiTamakiInoueMinamiSugiyamaDiethardToudouAsahinaChibaRakshataKaguyaKubouinLloydCecileJeremiahGuilfordEmperorStaff OfficerVillettaDESCRIPTIONCaptioned: "a.t.b. 2017, Tokyo"STUDENTSKALLEN is on the phone.KALLENSUZAKUHe runs up to LELOUCH.Finished with his phone call, LELOUCH pockets his cell phone as he turns to address SUZAKU.LELOUCHSUZAKULELOUCHSUZAKULELOUCHLELOUCH displays a smile.RIVALZ is maintaining his motorcycle. Beside him, a news program is playing on a computer that has been left running.RIVALZHe waves at the cheerful-looking pair as they approach, with a tool still in one hand.RIVALZAt this, SUZAKU'S expression hardens.NEWSOn screen, the body of the parliament member is shown, strung up. Next, ZERO'S image appears.RIVALZLELOUCH***From the second floor of the clubhouse, C.C. is watching LELOUCH and the others.***RIVALZSUZAKUMILLYMILLY and the rest of the STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS run up, dressed as cheerleaders. SHIRLEY is also pushing NUNNALLY'S wheelchair.LELOUCHNUNNALLYMILLYNINA looks embarrassed.MILLYSUZAKUHe promptly pins LELOUCH'S arms behind his back.SHIRLEYShe produces another (female) cheerleading costume.LELOUCHNINARIVALZMILLYLELOUCHSUZAKULELOUCHNUNNALLYARTHURNUNNALLY and ARTHUR, on her lap, CHEER in chorus.LELOUCHHe directs this at a passing KALLEN, bringing her to a halt.KALLENHer gaze is cold.LELOUCH continues to struggle noisily as all the others force him into the cheerleading costume.LELOUCH'S VOICELELOUCH'S VOICELELOUCH and SUZAKU stand with guns drawn and pointed at one another.SUZAKUAn ordinary street in Tokyo can be seen, no different from the Tokyo of today. Abruptly, the BRITANNIAN ARMY is all over it, attacking the fleeing populace.NARRATORA unit of GLASGOWS overwhelms the more traditional arms of the JAPANESE ARMY.NARRATORA young LELOUCH and SUZAKU stare, numb with shock, at the ruined territory of Japan.Japan's flag changes to Britannia's. The flag flutters above a Britannian government office. The center of Britannia's territory expands.The stripped, mechanized face of Mt. Fuji can be seen.NARRATORBattle erupts. In the TOKYO Settlement, BRITANNIA'S ARMY, the army of a federal state, wage ferocious war.MILITIAMENAs he speaks, in the debris on a mountain top, Japan's flag is being raised, inspiring all the people of the militia. But then, the impact from an enemy projectile blows it away....which is mid-capture by the Black Knights.TELECOMM VOICESCHIBA uses her FACTSPHERE to examine the Britannian government office.CHIBAASAHINA***Via landspeeders, GUILFORD'S unit rushes along, piercing a BURAI as he passes it.GUILFORD***Using their Slash Harkens, the BURAIS attempt to scale the walls of the Britannian government office. But, alas, they are shot down.TOUDOUKAGUYA watches the battle progress intently.KAGUYADIETHARDHe GRIPS his incomm TIGHTLY.TAMAKISUZAKU'S bullet halves ZERO'S mask. The face beneath it is that of LELOUCH.KALLENSUZAKU, on the other hand, is surprisingly calm. A villainous smile touches LELOUCH'S lips.LELOUCHSUZAKULELOUCHSUZAKUHe points his gun at LELOUCH.SUZAKULELOUCHSUZAKULELOUCHLELOUCH draws his gun.SUZAKULELOUCHSUZAKU***FLASHBACK: Avalon interior. EUPHY is on the verge of death.EUPHY***SUZAKUWith his finger on the trigger, SUZAKU makes the mistake of hesitating for an instant.Bang. LELOUCH has pulled his trigger.SUZAKUGut-shot, SUZAKU collapses.The LANCELOT stands abandoned. In the skies above, the GAWAIN flees at top speed. The SIEGFRIED is in pursuit.C.C.She watches LELOUCH through a crevasse.An electronic hum. C.C. checks the monitor -- it shows the GREAT BRITANNIA approaching.C.C.She POUNDS on her keyboard.C.C.And cries out as the cockpit rattles around her.The SIEGFRIED has pierced the GAWAIN with its Slash-Harkens.C.C.JEREMIAHHe retracts the Harkens, and in the same instant charges. But the GAWAIN presents no resistance, instead meeting the SIEGFRIED head-on.JEREMIAHBoth KMFs strike each other simultaneously. The SIEGFRIED'S blade pierces the GAWAIN'S abdomen, and C.C.'S body within it.C.C.As C.C. pushes her transmission button, a smile touches her lips.C.C.Both KMFs sink beneath the waves.A majority of the city's levels have collapsed. Only the government office and Ashford Academy have so far been spared.NINA sits inside the GANYMEDE. Before her, MILLY and the others.RAKSHATANINASo saying, NINA pushes the switch. EVERYONE holds their breath. But there is no explosion.NINAShe pushes the switch again and again.NINARAKSHATA realizes what's happened.RAKSHATATAMAKI and the others rush the GANYMEDE. Battle is about to break out once more.MILLYShe embraces the GANYMEDE.NINAIn a state of panic, NINA is still pushing the switch over and over.MILLYSHIRLEYCECILE is returning fire.CECILELLOYD rushes to take shelter.LLOYDThe sounds of battle CONTINUE.An unconscious VILLETTA begins to stir weakly.VILLETTAA classroom, serving as a field hospital. OUGI is undergoing emergency surgery.MILITARY PHYSICIANOUGIKALLENLELOUCH gazes down at the unconscious SUZAKU. His expression is conflicted, mingled regret for SUZAKU's defeat -- and confusion.LELOUCHSUZAKULELOUCHHearing EUPHY'S name from SUZAKU, LELOUCH'S temper flares.SUZAKULELOUCHSUZAKUHis eyes turn red (as per the geass invocation).LELOUCHSUZAKUSUZAKU attempts to drag himself to his feet. But the strength has already drained from his body, and he can only writhe in a pool of his own blood. It is an unsightly struggle.***FLASHBACK: ZERO uses his geass on SUZAKU.ZERO***LELOUCHHis expression turns bitter.SUZAKUHis words are broken off by a burst of coughed-up blood, as still he struggles to move.LELOUCH'S cell phone vibrates.LELOUCHHe looks at the message on his phone.LELOUCHWith a determined expression, LELOUCH turns on his heel to leave. But then suddenly he pauses, looking back over his shoulder: KALLEN, pointing her gun at him in astonishment.KALLENShe can't finish her sentence. Does she hate this man, or does she still need him? KALLEN'S gun-sight is wavering.LELOUCHKALLENLELOUCHKALLENLELOUCH MONOLOGUENUNNALLY is sleeping. Surrounding her, a group of PRIESTSstand wielding swords emblazoned with the geass sigil.The BLACK KNIGHTS are having a rough time of it.TAMAKISUGIYAMAHe points in the direction of Tokyo Bay. A silhouette like a castle can be seen.MINAMITAMAKISUGIYAMA...and the approaching super-dreadnought warship stronghold, GREAT BRITANNIA. It really does look like an enormous floating castle.OPERATOR VOICESOn a central throne, the EMPEROR sits.STAFF OFFICERThe EMPEROR nods in placid acknowledgment.EMPERORSTAFF OFFICER***From within the Great Britannia, a truly enormous howitzer emerges.OPERATORSEMPERORThe Jupiter Howitzer is fired.BLACK KNIGHTSINOUEThe impact of the Jupiter Howitzer destroys INOUE'S squad.A monitor is displaying the terrible spectacle of the crater from the howitzer's impact.DIETHARDLLOYD and the other Britannians have been taken prisoner, surrounded by the BLACK KNIGHTS, whose weapons are being pointed squarely at them.CECILERAKSHATABRITANNIAN SOLDIERSThe BRITANNIAN SOLDIERS' spirits are lifting.GUILFORD***TOUDOUNo sooner has TOUDOU spoken, but the impact from the Jupiter Howitzer's attack destroys the ALLY FORCES.***TAMAKIMINAMIOn the bay, the EMPEROR'S elite personal guards are disembarking in GLOUCESTERS. A coat of arms can be seen (is it a flag?), a sword encircled by serpents.TAMAKISUGIYAMAThe BLACK KNIGHTS will be wiped out by the IMPERIAL REGIMENT.OPERATORSA monitor displays a map of the battleground; bit by bit, the BRITANNIAN ARMY is taking control of the region. On another monitor, the SIX HOUSES of Mt. Fuji and those related to them.KUBOINKAGUYAA very young EMPRESS is sitting on a throne much too large for her. Beside her stands YANG KWEI-FEI(*).YANG KEWI-FEIEUNUCHThe EUNUCHS sit apart from the EMPRESS and YANG KWEI-FEI, at the lower seats of the table. The MILITARY OFFICERS, too, are seated there....where the bulk of the BRITANNIAN NAVAL FLEET is ADVANCING.SCHNEIZEL'S VOICESCHNEIZELHis expression is pensive.OPERATORSEMPERORSTAFF OFFICERSOLDIER via TRANSMISSIONSTAFF OFFICEROPERATOROPERATOR'S VOICEThe LANCELOT bursts into view.PILOTSThe PILOTS are VTOLing to assume an intercept course, but the LANCELOT breaks right through. The LANCELOT continues on the same vector, and crashes into GREAT BRITANNIA'S gun turret.OPERATORSEMPERORSTAFF OFFICEREMPEROR...where SERVICE SQUAD #11 is rushing on the scene.A figure can be made out, through smoke and fire.SERVICE SQUAD #11ZERO'S VOICESERVICE SQUAD #11As the smoke clears, the figure within the blaze is revealed. It's ZERO.ZEROSERVICE SQUAD #11They draw their pistols. The eye slot on ZERO'S mask opens.ZEROThe members of SERVICE SQUAD #11 are afflicted by his geass.SERVICE SQUAD #11They turn their weapons, previously poised to kill ZERO, on themselves -- and pull the triggers in unison. ZERO watches placidly to make sure it's done, then turns his attention to the Keep above.ZEROOPERATORSBut the Howitzer is unable to fire.STAFF OFFICEROPERATORA monitor showing the Jupiter Howitzer goes dark.STAFF OFFICEROne by one, the other monitors begin to go dark.On a map of the warship's interior, which is divided into sectors, those in the vicinity of the Jupiter Howitzer are beginning to turn red (signifying areas that are being lost to the enemy).OPERATORSA group of red-eyed SOLDIERS is in the middle of committing sabotage.OPERATORSA group of red-eyed OPERATORS are hard at work. ZERO manipulates a neighboring console, confirming his route to the Emperor's chamber.ZEROKAGUYA and the others watch the battle progress intently.KUBOUINKAGUYAKUBOUINKAGUYAKUBOINAn ENEMY attack destroys the Bridge's facade.KAGUYAThe IMPERIAL REGIMENT has leapt onto the G1 in their GLOUCESTERS, and they loom over the now-exposed Bridge.PILOTBut, just in time, the GUREN MK II arrives to defend against their attack.PILOTKALLENKALLEN destroys the GLOUCESTERS.KAGUYAOn the monitor, TOUDOU is displayed.TOUDOUKALLENTOUDOU...where ZERO is standing.OPERATOR'S VOICEOn a monitor, ZERO'S form is displayed.STAFF OFFICEROPERATORSSTAFF OFFICEROPERATORSSTAFF OFFICEROPERATORSOn the monitor, ZERO points directly at the Keep.STAFF OFFICERThe GLOUCESTERS belonging to the EMPEROR'S personal guard are rising up out of the Deck.ROYAL GUARDSSo saying, the ROYAL GUARDS start to rush their target. But ZERO continues walking towards the Keep, without flinching. GLOUCESTER A'S blade is almost within range.At the last second, SUTHERLAND A appears suddenly from GLOUCESTER A'S flank, and takes the blow.ROYAL GUARD AThe PILOT at the helm has red eyes.ZERO'S VOICEZERO'S VOICEPILOTSA large unit of SUTHERLANDS advances on the ROYAL GUARDS.ROYAL GUARD BThe ROYAL GUARDS attack all at once. The result is a chaotic, violent blur of warring Knightmare Frames -- and through the center of it, ZERO walks on placidly.KALLENAs she manipulates the console, ZERO'S image disseminates.ZEROTOUDOUZEROKAGUYAZEROOn the monitor, ZERO'S image is now projected, walking along the deck of the warship.ZERO strolls unconcernedly amidst the battling KMFs.ZERO'S VOICEDIETHARDHe trembles with emotion.ZEROOho! The members of the Black Knights pump their fists above their heads.KALLENSUZAKU'S bodyis missing.OPERATORSSuddenly, the EMPEROR lets out a hearty, ringing laugh.STAFF OFFICERThe EMPEROR is glaring at ZERO on the monitor.EMPEROROne of Clovis's portraits, featuring Lelouch and his immediate family, has fallen to the floor.Some of the BLACK KNIGHTS are keeping watch over their hostages: SHIRLEY, RIVALZ, and MILLY. On the floor, what remains of a previously-completed string of 1000 paper cranes lies scattered and carelessly trampled.SHIRLEY hugs her knees to her chest.SHIRLEYShe utters his name like a prayer....as ZERO enters it.In the heart of the Keep, the EMPEROR sits on an enormous throne. There is no one else around.EMPERORZEROEMPERORZEROSo saying, ZERO steps forward. Facing the EMPEROR head-on, he walks down the long, red runner that spans the distance between them.ZEROFLASHBACK: NUNNALLY, being sheltered by her mother's slain body. NUNNALLY, on a hospital bed.ZEROLELOUCH, looking bored at school. LELOUCH, gambling on chess matches. LELOUCH, riding in the sidecar of RIVALZ'S bike.ZEROLELOUCH, receiving his geass from C.C.ZEROThe scene blurs subtly to eight years ago -- and the Britannian Palace, where the EMPEROR is taking audiences. ZERO'S mask is gone, and lining either side of the red runner are members of the aristocracy.ARISTOCRATSAt the far end of the red runner stands LELOUCH as a child. He glares at the EMPEROR, his shoulders trembling with fury and nerves.A hand settles on the young LELOUCH's shoulders.LELOUCHSo saying, he evinces a small smile.Then the scene wipes back to reality -- and the deserted Keep. Before one's eyes, the EMPEROR.EMPERORZEROEMPERORZEROEMPERORZEROAs he speaks, ZERO throws down his mask (while sliding his hand over his face, concealing his left eye from the EMPEROR; even though he isn't currently invoking it, the geass sigil still mars his eye).LELOUCHEMPERORLELOUCHEMPERORLELOUCHFinally, LELOUCH looks up at the EMPEROR, away from his mask. In his left eye, the geass sigil is visible.LELOUCHEMPERORAs he roars, a geass sigil flares to life in the EMPEROR'S eyes.LELOUCHLELOUCH'S eyes widen in shock. BOTH of them use their geasses in the same instant (but the EMPEROR is faster).A blue world of synapses. Within it, the EMPEROR'S memories and LELOUCH's memories are......blending together in the World of C.A nine-year-old LELOUCH makes his request at an audience with the EMPEROR.Young children, with the geass sigil on their foreheads.The Aries Villa, MARIANNE and LELOUCH with his SIBLINGS. They look happy.Kamine Island, two children stand before the shrine. V.V. and V.V., a pair of identical boys (one of them is the EMPEROR in his youth, and his forehead lacks the geass sigil).Jupiter.Then, with sudden clarity, an image of MARIANNE. She is wearing an experimental pilot suit. From the letters of her name, wiring emerges.MARIANNELELOUCH(*) SIGIL OF THE GODSIn Jungian psychology (where the concept of 'collective unconsciousness' was proposed), the core of the heart ('soul') was the('self'). For the religious, 'sigil of the gods' is a phrase best avoided. When MARIANNE uses it, she's speaking more generally, about the Ragnarok Connection system.A flock of birds takes flight (from hear on, it's one year later).From here, it looks like very little has changed about the campus.Click-clack, the sound of high-heeled footsteps echoes.The heels belong to VILLETTA. Her appearance indicates that she has been granted the rank of Baron. She steps forward, and opens a heavy-looking iron door to reveal...A young man, bound by chains. His hands have been spread wide apart, and he had bowed his head. His positioning resembles the crucifixion of Christ.VILLETTASlowly, the youth lifts his face. It's LELOUCH. The geass sigil is absent from his eye.VILLETTAEND (200 words, 82 pages)(*) On analysis, this character does not seem to appear in the production version of R2.