9 Chapter Nine: Island of Gods and Monsters.

Rai kept his distance from Nunnally in the following weeks. He wanted to respect her period of mourning for her friend Rivalz. He had been raised around death his entire life, he had become numb to it. But Nunnally was different. Even with what had happened with her family, with being forced to walk thought a war zone, she was still very much an innocent. The current dilemma had become a fixation for Lelouch. There were times that he would barely register Nunnally, leaving her to her own grief. It wasn't right for someone as kind and as pure as her.

"Don't think she's so pure," said C.C. "I've been very diligent with my training."

"I understand that Lady C.C," said Rai.

"You know you could just go to her," said C.C. "Let that goof of a brother of hers moan all he wants. She knows his secrets, she's merely waiting for him to get the stones to admit it to his baby sister. If you care for her then go comfort her. A fated pairing is rarely a one where love is a factor. Don't pass it up when it becomes one."

The witch continued to lounge over the couch and munching on her pizza, leaving Rai sitting to mull over her words. Rising to his feet he decided to act upon the immortal's advice. Leaving the witch alone with her pizza.

"There your daughter's love life is taken care of," said C.C. "What? Oh dear that could be an issue. I suppose you want me to tell your son? Very well."

Lelouch was slumped over his desk, exhaustion taking him over. He had bent over backwards in searching for any lead on the Narita Dead. His guilt over being responsible for the conflict that cost Rivalz his life was all consuming. He would go days without food or sleep and now it was taking its toll.

As Cornelia placed a pillow under her younger brother's head and a blanket over his shoulders she could see the misery on his face. He had spent the last several days in her palace using the resources she had to try and find his friend's body. His loyal guard Jeremiah had given a cover to the school that he had been ill. She didn't know what Nunnally was told. As far as Cornelia could tell her beloved younger half sister still was unaware of Lelouch's activities as Zero or of their alliance.

Sighing she took out the letter she had been given by the Chinese soldier, Li Xingke, weeks ago still unsealed. She dared not open the letter written by her idol. It was for Marianne's children and them alone. She didn't know what kind of message Lady Marianne would want to give her children. She hoped it would be something that would allow Lelouch the strength to look beyond his guild and despair. She gently placed the letter down in front of Lelouch, hoping he would not be angry with her about withholding the letter for so long. She left, giving a light kiss to her brother's temple, and thought about her own involvement in the boy Rivalz's death. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time but Cornelia still felt a sense of responsibility. As a member of both the royalty and the military Cornelia had been taught from birth that her duty was the protection and preservation of the lives and liberties of the people of Britannia.

Just as Lelouch was given lessons by the late Emperor Charles so was Cornelia. Although she was never as favored as the children Marianne bore him, Charles none the less would give special attention to her and Euphie as they grew. He taught them many of the lessons he taught Lelouch. He once took a young Cornelia, a mere cadet in the military at the time, about his favorite figure from mythology, the Titan Atlas. That although Atlas was punished for defying the Gods he none the less served a vital role. By upholding the sky he kept at bay the ever bearing down destruction that loomed over the heads of humanity. His punishment had become involuntary heroism in that regard. He told her that his great goal in life was to make his reign, and by extent the Empire, as strong as Atlas and to hold back the ever bearing down threat of chaos and destruction that threatened the world. It was a lesson he shared with all his children but Cornelia felt she understood it the most. She had to be the strongest and that any weakness was a failure and the doom of her society was advanced greatly because of even the slightest failure.

And she had made many failures since V.V and his Eden Elite arrived. She had failed to protect her father and family. She had failed to muster up the courage to fight her uncle's reign. She had failed to avenge her brother Clovis. She had failed to preserve her strength and was made a captive. The death of this young man Rivalz and her men as well as several of the Black Knights, were all a result of her weakness in her mind.

'I won't fail, ever again,' Cornelia swore internally.

Suzaku held the scythe in one hand. It was perfectly weighted and balanced. It was half a foot taller than he was pitch black along the shaft but pure white skull detail where the shaft met the blade. He flipped the weapon around and hit a hidden switch. Instantly the scythe's shaft shrunk down and the blade drew up on the skull, effectively turning it from a scythe to a sword almost in the style of a cutlass.

"It's perfect," said Suzaku.

"Thanks," said Cecile. "And the suit should be ready soon. Although I still don't think this is a good idea."

"Noted," said Suzaku. "But if Zero has proven anything its that a symbol can be more powerful than a person. Suzaku Kururugi can only do so much. But the Reaper has always been a thing to inspire fear in both king and commoner alike. The great equalizer, bringer of our final fate. It doesn't discriminate and neither will I."

"Zero and Reaper, sounds like the title of a best selling comic book," said Lloyd, looking over the prototype mask

Cecile glared at Lloyd for a moment that felt like an eternity before sighing and looking back at Suzaku.

"Suzaku, what you're saying you want to do, kill government figures whom you deem corrupt, can't you see how insane that sounds?" asked Cecile.

"It's not normal I'll admit that," said Suzaku. "But I think V.V has given us all a good idea of what evil looks like. I trained in the Homeland, I saw what he did there."

Cecile looked down, recalling the condition of the Homeland, how it still bore scars of V.V's bloody rise to power and the various purges that followed. He had transformed their nation into something ugly and cruel and their once beautiful Homeland was the proof.

"The world is full of men like V.V," said Suzaku. "Corrupt governments and vile dictators who betray the promise a government is supposed to fulfill. The purpose of a government is to end the natural state of war humanity finds itself in when order is removed from the world. To make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do evil. But instead these men act out as the greatest source of evil in the nations they're supposed to care for and protect. They've abused the power they've been granted and because of their power they seem untouchable or invincible. It's my goal to prove that this is a delusion. And the world will see how men in power who do evil are just as susceptible to death as they are the people will realize that these evil men are not invincible. That vengeance will be dealt to the ones who wronged them. And that it will be dealt to them if they choose to follow the same paths as the men who did evil to them and thus do evil to others. Too afraid to commit evil people will instead have no choice but to work tirelessly towards peace purely out of a sense of self preservation."

From outside the workshop Lloyd, Cecile, and Suzaku had sequestered themselves in Euphie stood, somewhat shameful of eavesdropping, and heard Suzaku's words. She was glad he at least had a clear definition of what kind of man he sought to destroy. Despite her hatred for violence she knew that such men as evil as her uncle had to be dealt with. And unfortunately violence of an extreme measure was often the only solution.

She caught a glimpse of Suzaku as he hit the reverse switch to make his sword into a scythe again. It made her feel so confused that a man who was so gentle and kind when she spoke with be capable of such willing violence and a desire to emulate the figure of death. To become a symbol of fear for the evil of the world to tremble before.

"You know Sensei believes this path I walk is setting me on the path to tyranny as if only rules who meet me idea of what a government should be would be allowed to live," said Suzaku. "Maybe he's right in some regard. But I don't want to conquer people. I don't want to scare average people just so I can feel powerful. I realize that this still might sound like the justifications of a would be tyrant. But I don't care what he thinks, despite my respect for him, even if what I do is consider nothing more than the actions of an assassin or an anarchist, I will continue on this path until the world becomes one where a symbol of fear is no longer needed because people no longer have any reason to fear."

Euphie smiled, hearing sincerity and goodness in his voice. Suzaku truly did want peace, despite his acceptance of violent means. Although she still disliked the methods by which he would carry out this mission of his, she felt the desire to make sure he had everything he needed to complete his mission. To create a world where fear would no longer be necessary to enforce peace.

The mood at Ashford Academy in the time following Rivalz's death had been sour at best. Milly just couldn't seem to get herself out of her depression. She had seemed to lose her shine and energy. Shirley and Nina attempted to try and offer some comfort. Of course it wasn't easy with Lelouch and Kallen both out sick and Suzaku busy with work in the military.

'My friends are scattering,' thought Milly. 'And given how mother has been acting I'm guessing Madame Marta Cyst is getting impatient.'

Madam Marta Cyst, the loan mistress who effectively held Milly's parents under her fat thumb, and the woman who would soon have her as personal property. Milly had met her once and she was filled with disgust. Marta Cyst was a terribly obese woman who liked to brag that her wealth was ten times her weight. Milly dreaded what the woman had planned for her when, not if, the day came when her freedom was finally taken from her and she would belong to Cyst for the rest of her life.

Milly suddenly felt her phone vibrate. Answering it she heard her mother on the other end.

"Come to the baths," she said. "You need to be presentable. It's time."

Milly shed a tear but still gave out a chuckle. How convenient that she had been contemplating her fate only for it to finally be sealed. Perhaps this was inevitable after Rivalz's death. Despite her many joking rejections to his dramatic and frankly ridiculous attempts to get her to date him, she honestly thought he would have been the person she'd have liked to settle down with. He was fun and she wanted to have as much fun as she could before she was doomed to her fate. Perhaps his death was an omen that her time of freedom was now over.

'I guess this is just my fate,' said Milly. 'To not have love, to lose my friends, and now my freedom.'

Milly put up her phone and walked towards the baths. Best to just get this over with and done. But she would have given anything just for one last year with her friends. They never even got to make a giant pizza like they wanted to.

'I bet it would have been delicious,' she thought.

In a different part of the world winds blew the smell of burning flesh and smoke over the lands of which a young man stood looking over the destruction. A ringing came in over his communicator, earning the young man's attention.

"It's done," he said.

"The Order requests you head to Japan," said the voice over the phone. "You are to gain the attention of Zero and serve under him."

"Very well," the young man said.

The young man set down the communicator and readjusted the mask over his face, brushing strands of orange hair from his face. Behind him burned the latest of a client's request for destruction. A Britannian military outpost full of potential Eden Elite recruits. Less soldiers for V.V's ranks.

The core members of the Black Knights and the Four Holy Swords partook some much needed break time in the officer's lounge of the Viceroy Palace. Ohgi sat that the bar with a half finished cup of coffee on the counter, his mind lost in thought.

"You seem troubled," said Tohdoh, taking a seat next to Ohgi. "Then again why shouldn't you be with this ghoulish business?"

"The missing bodies or Geass?" asked Ohgi.

"Both," said Tohdoh. "All of it appears...unnatural."

"Hey, I'm creeped out by Geass too," said Tamaki, from one of the pool tables. "But come on it's been pretty damn useful."

"It also has the power to rob people of their free will or toy with their minds by conjuring horrible illusions," said Chiba.

"Don't forget read minds and stop time," said Inoue. "Among who knows what Naoto had and whatever else V.V has access to."

"She's right," said Ohgi. "V.V has an entire army of Geass Users. We can't afford to pass up using the same power against him."

"Yet we still no next to nothing about the Geass Order," said Tohdoh. "You would think such an organization would have made its presence known much earlier. Especially if they have immortals are among their number."

Ohgi had given some thought of the secrecy of the order and believed he came up with a working theory.

"What if they couldn't afford to?" asked Ohgi.

"What do you mean?" asked Chiba.

"What if the Order couldn't risk their full exposure until they were able to sure up their power?" Ohgi suggested.

"I...don't get it," said Tamaki.

Ohgi turned towards the others to better explain his idea.

"Imagine that the Order was founded centuries ago, debating on how long, and while the immortals don't change human society does," said Ohgi. "Assume that there had been a time when the Order might have held tremendous power but lost control of the people. New ideas and revolutions costing them the power they once had."

"They suddenly find their Geass a thing to be outlawed and their mortal Users are hunted down and potentially destroyed," said Tohdoh, following Ohgi's trail of thought. "This leaves the Order with no choice but to remain in the shadows."

"The memory of Geass fades but because they seem to be led by immortals the Order survives," said Ohgi. "Their power becomes myth but suddenly they have the advantage."

"They do?" asked Tamaki.

"The devil's greatest trick is to make you think he doesn't exist," said Chiba.

"Exactly," said Ohgi. "This allows the Order time to rebuild their strength. To regrow their numbers and influence. At leas that's my theory."

"And if it's proven true?" asked Tohdoh.

"Then that raises another question," said Ohgi. "Just what have they been doing in all that time?"

Lelouch woke up and the first thing he noticed was an envelope propped up on his desk. He immediately noticed his mother's handwriting and immediately tore open the the letter.

It read:

Lelouch, Nunnally, my beloved children.

I'm so sorry for my actions for the past seven years. No matter the justification I left you two in danger. I betrayed my duties as a mother. While I ensured you were under careful watch from Sir Gottwald and Miss Sayoko, and I have had many eyes watching you, keeping updated on how you two have grown and learned. Lelouch, you've become so handsome, you'll remind me so much of your father. And sweet Nunnally, what a woman you're growing into. I wanted nothing more than to go to both of you. To have you in my arms and to watch as Lelouch was chased by all the girls, and Nunnally be fawned over by every young man wanting to court her. Oh how Charles would terrify any boy who dared attempt to try and date Nunnally. And how he'd fiercely admonish you Lelouch for skipping out on your school work to gamble of all things. But when we lost Charles, I was so lost and frightened. I had to make a terrible choice. The choice I made was to ensure I'd have all the power I'd ever need to keep you safe. But you've found power of you own Lelouch. I know of your deal with C.C. I know she hasn't answered your questions, as well as her activities with Nunnally, whom I'm sad to say you've not trusted with your secrets Lelouch. The two of you must never keep secrets from one another. You're stronger together than you could ever be alone.

Don't be too angry with C.C, if anything she's been so difficult with you as to get back at me. She and I have a history and a broken promise between us. Her vengeance is annoying you and trying to get Nunnally to take my place. I swear to answer all of your questions when I see you. And I will see you soon my precious son, my dear daughter. I know of the great things you've accomplished Lelouch. Zero is a terrific idea and I love how you've followed your father's ideals of justice to work to save both the Japanese and our people. It goes perfectly with the long running plans of the Order. Plans I did not want you apart of originally, but now fate has played me for a fool. I realize that this must only raise more questions for you my darlings. But I swear upon the memory of my beloved Charles that I will ask any question you and your allies ask. But as I write this I am in the middle of ensuring you will have more allies my son. I have secured China, swearing their darling little Empress and her trusted commander by a debt for doing them a service. C.C told me how you were thinking of reaching out to them and I wanted to help, to prove that I love you my son and to hopefully earn your love and trust, both of which I am sure I have lost. I have also reached out to an organization the Geass Order has considerable influence in, Peace Mark, so be sure to keep aware if they attempt to get into contact with you. There are other issues that warrant my attention and I fear I might not be able to reunite with the two of you as soon as I would wish. But there are activities in Europe that are earning considerable attention from your father's murderer and so my attention must look towards Europe as well. But I promise I will do everything in my power to resolve this and return to you. Until then I wish for you to know that I have always loved you both and will continue to do so as I am forced to live an eternity after you as punishment for the sin of failing you.

Love, until the end of time, your mother Marianne.

Lelouch felt the tears well up in his eyes and closed them tightly. He then wiped the tears from his eyes, letting his emotions flood through him. Relieve, hope, sadness, so many others he couldn't name at the moment. To finally have word from his mother, in her own handwriting, absolute proof that she was alive, it was almost too much.

He looked at the letter again and he noticed there was more.

P.S: Kallen seems like a lovely girl. Your babies will be beautiful.

Lelouch could easily name the emotion that followed that: embarrassment.

"Project Rebirth is showing promise your majesty," said the head researcher on the project, a man who appeared to be in his early fifties with sandy hair that held light grey. "We've had some losses but Subject 11-RC is showing a particular acceptance to the process. As is 11-QB."

"Well done Doctor Lovecrest," said V.V.

The emperor lounged on this throne observing the video screen the doctor spoke from.

"And has the device been attached?" asked V.V.

"It has, of course we will have to wait until we are able to fully test it," said Lovecrest.

"Time is nothing to me," said V.V. "No matter the troubles my nephew tries to aggravate me with, no matter what that whore Marianne plans, no matter what the petty resistance rats who plague me, I have enough time to deal with all of it. And fear no failure doctor. This, as all things are, only for me to kill my endless time. All entertainment for me and when I am truly ready to show my true works it will all be for naught."

"Peace Mark?" yelled Cornelia. "They're terrorists for hire, they sew chaos for the sheer profit."

"While I am inclined to agree with the princess, Peace Mark has been a reliable source of funding and power for the Kyoto Group and the JLF," said Tohdoh. "They're a useful resource against V.V."

"Besides this comes as a contract from Lady Marianne, surely you're not going to doubt her judgment Princess Cornelia," said Jeremiah, attending to keep an eye on Lelouch given his recent state of emotional unbalance.

"Of course not," said Cornelia. "Desperate times, desperate measures, but still Peace Mark cares next to nothing about peace in the world."

From his seat Lelouch listened to both sides, having at least shared some of Marianne's letter with his allies, save for the words that were meant for him and for Nunnally.

"If Marianne's words are anything to go by then the Order is the power behind Peace Mark," said Ohgi. "A way to chip away at V.V's regime and misdirect his forces."

"Whatever the true connection Peace Mark has considerable resources that can be useful to us," said Suzaku. "And given their connection to the Kyoto Group we can hope to arrange a meeting with anyone they're sending here. Actually...my cousin Kaguya would like to be the official representative of the Kyoto Group in the Black Knights."

"I'm sure she would," groaned Lelouch.

"Excuse me but I'd like to know exactly how Lady Marianne knows so much about our plans and operations," said Chiba.

"She knows through me," said C.C, holding a newly acquired Cheese-kun plush toy, a reward for her numerous pizza orders.

"Have you been spying on us this whole time you damn witch?" yelled Cornelia.

"No, for those of us with the Code we are able to communicate via means of telepathy with our various contractors," said C.C. "Even with other immortals if there is a previous connection."

"So you've been in constant contact with my mother and never really told me," said Lelouch.

"Cry me a river mamma's boy," said C.C.

"I hope what I'm thinking right now comes loud and clear in case you want to listen in on my mind," said Lelouch.

"Ha, he got you witch," yelled Tamaki.

"Be nice Lelouch or I won't tell you where the missing Narita dead are," said C.C.

The entire room was struck silent by C.C's comment.

"Marianne received information about an Eden Elite science unite performing experiments on the bodies they took from Narita," said C.C. "She told me this morning. It's not far."

"Where is it?" yelled Lelouch.

"Say please," said C.C. "Would you like for me to tell your mother you've become ill mannered?"

"Are you seriously threatening to tell my mother on me if I don't stroke your ego is that it?" asked Lelouch.

"Pretty much," said C.C.

Everyone eyed Lelouch as he grimaced deeply at this form of extortion.

"Please," Lelouch said, relenting.

"Kamine Island," said C.C.

Nunnally had been cast as the White Swan in her latest performance. She doubted Lelouch would attend. Her brother was consumed in the role of Zero and had barely acknowledged her in the past few weeks.

The frustration she felt acted as her fuel for her efforts. She worked herself constantly, at times dismissing Sayoko's attempts to give her meals, instead focusing all the pain through her dance.

'Lelouch...why do you continue to keep things from me,' thought Nunnally.

Sweat dripped down her entire body and her muscles ached. She could feel her feet cramping and her legs threatening to give way but she didn't care. She only wanted to work through the pain. The loss of a friend and the veritable loss of a brother.

'I don't care,' Nunnally thought. 'I don't...care..."

Finally Nunnally could no longer keep her strength and collapsed onto he ground of her private studio. Her hours without food and sleep had finally caught up to her. Nunnally wanted to cry out but right now all she could do was cry. Not out of the physical pain which would pass but of the loneliness that she felt since her brother had chosen to make his role of Zero take priority over his role as her big brother.

Although he had always allowed Nunnally a feeling of independence, Lelouch would none the less dote on his sister. He tried to take the role of head of their house, which in truth was the case in the absence of their mother and the death of their father. Nunnally felt the two of them could always trust one another with anything because they were family.

But now Lelouch seemed more concerned with avenging their losses of their father and their honor at the hands of their uncle. It made her feel so alone now.

'I feel so alone,' thought Nunnally, letting a tear fall.

She remembered the last time she had fallen. She was a child and before she could finish crying she had felt her father, during the times he was able to visit them, pick her up with just one arm. To her he had been the strongest man in the world, how he picked her up with no effort. And even more than that her father's arms her so gentle despite their strength. When he died she was just as devastated as her brother. But there was no one to help her up now. Her brother had all but abandoned her and her father was dead. There was no one who...

"It's alright, I've got you," said a confident male voice.

Nunnally looked up and saw Rai, the boy from her visions. In a swift motion he picked her up in both her arms, as if she weighed nothing at all. His arms felt strong but they were also so gentle.

A full campaign had been raised for the Kamine Island mission. Cornelia was eager to avenge her weakness and the desecration of her men.

"Are you sure Lady Marianne did not tell you any more of what they were doing with the bodies they stole?" hissed Cornelia, becoming more and more frustrated with C.C.

"No," said C.C, carelessly munching on pizza.

Cornelia began slowly reaching for her sword when she felt the gentle hand of her knight Guilford.

"Forgive me princess but the others are ready for the briefing," said Guilford.

"Of course," said Cornelia. "Besides I'd just have a mess to clean up since this creature wouldn't die anyway."

C.C. merely chuckled and Cornelia turned on her heels in a huff.

"If she is the one who 'trained' Lady Marianne then my respect for her is quintupled," said Cornelia. "I just hope Lady Marianne will be more helpful when we finally meet her."

"I'm sure she will be my lady," said Guilford. "Although I have to admit I'm somewhat apprehensive of her connection to Geass."

"Yes, given how little we know it is disconcerting," said Cornelia. "Even this ghoulish business of stealing the bodies of my men is somehow connected to Geass, at least how my uncle the Usurper uses it. But...I none the less have faith in Lady Marianne, the true Empress of Britannia. I only hope you Guilford, still have faith in me after my weakness caused this awful business."

"Princess you musn't say that," said Guilford. "If there is anyone who must be ashamed for the Narita incident it is I. I...I failed to protect you and allowed you to be humiliated by those vile beasts Mao and Rolo. If...if you have lost confidence in my ability to..."

Cornelia gently placed her hand on Guilford's lips, silencing him. The eyes she gave him were the softest she'd ever given to anyone outside of her family. The two of them had been through much over the years. All the campaigns she had gone on, conquering in the name of her uncle, in truth a slave not a princess, Guilford never complained or doubted her. He supported her and encouraged her and obeyed her. He loved her, she knew that, but she could not risk loving him. Not giving her uncle another pawn to use against her.

But they were earning their freedom from V.V's reign. She could dare to hope for a future with him. She could hope to love him.

"You will always have my confidence, my knight," she said, placing his hand on her chest, "and if you wish it, my heart."

Before Guilford could respond the sound of a man clearing his throat gained their attention.

"Sorry to interrupt," said Dalton. "Not that I don't think it's about damn time but we do have a meeting to get to."

Among the gathered members of the Black Knights, the Four Holy Swords, and Cornelia's own forces, Kaguya Sumeragi, upon her insistence came as an observer and representative of the investments of the Kyoto Group, and Li Xingke as a gesture of sincerity to the alliance he promised.

"Thank you all for gathering," said Lelouch. "In less than an hour we will approach Kamine Island where according to C.C this 'Project: Rebirth' is located. Unfortunately we don't have any more details on what the project entails or how defensible the project is. As such I suggest we send out a small scouting party to gather information."

"I agree," said Tohdoh. "We cannot afford to go in blind this time."

"Indeed," said Ohgi. "So do we have an idea of who our scouts are going to be?"

"Myself, Kallen, and Suzaku," said Lelouch. "We'll establish contact once we've confirmed the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy. Are there any objections?"

No objections were made among the gathered few.

"Very well," said Lelouch. "Then let this meeting be adjourned."

As the gathered individuals began to take their leave Lelouch beckoned to Xingke for a moment. As the others left the two men remained to speak, of a personal matter for Lelouch.

"My mother...I'm told you got to meet her personally," said Lelouch, drawing attention to the Geass in Xingke's eyes.

"Indeed," said Xingke. "Your mother performed a great service to my country."

"How so?" asked Lelouch.

"The Chinese Federation is supposed to be ruled by the Empress Tianzi, however because of the machinations of the High Eunuchs, the Empress had been kept a veritable prisoner in her own palace, treated as nothing more than a doll," said Xingke. "Her kindness was taken advantage of and her will was stomped on by those pampered, cock-less fools. They were planning to even sell the Empress to V.V in a hopes to dissuade an attempts he'd make an an invasion, especially given how the war is going in Europe. Your mother literally seemed to just walk into the Forbidden City and by some Geass mysticism I don't fully understand, or believe I want to. The Eunuchs now obey any command given to them either by the Empress or myself and my allies. We've effectively taken true control over our nation without a drop of our people's blood being spilled."

"And you made a contract with her as well?" asked Lelouch.

"Yes, well...I'm not proud to admit it but I was suffering a terminal illness," said Xingke. "However this Geass, I believe your mother called it Absolute Healing, has caused my body to go through a strange change. My illness is gone completely. I've spoken with doctors and they have no clue as to how this is possible. I do not know what Geass truly is but it appears indeed to be beyond science. Regardless once more I owed a debt to your mother."

Lelouch smiled slightly, glad to hear that his mother was doing such things and how she was ensuring he would have everything he would need to fight his uncle. He always admired his mother's intelligence and cunning.

But there was something else that crossed his mind.

"Did my mother say anything about a plan to operate in Europe?" asked Lelouch, recalling an earlier reaction he noticed from Rai and C.C.

"I don't believe so," said Xingke.

"Well, either way thank you," said Lelouch, offering his hand. "I hope we can do great work together."

"As do I," said Xingke.

The three traveled via speedboat to the south side of the island. Suzaku took the opportunity to debut his new suit and persona.

'Why do I suddenly feel naked?' thought Kallen, suddenly feeling odd that all she had was her pilot suit while both Lelouch and Suzaku dressed as figures from comic books and manga.

The three of them soon landed on the island and quickly made their way into the forests, sticking to the shadows. The ran quickly and silently, their senses sharply watching for enemy soldiers, until they came to a ledge. Lying down on their stomachs the three crawled over to the ledge and there they could see their objective. Several squads of Knightmare Frames at the ready, and several dozens of tank-like devices being worked over by men in lab coats bearing the Eden Elite insignia. Several guard towers were established and metal walls had been erected around their shelter which appeared to be some sort of ancient ruin, bearing the symbol of Geass. There were also two large containment units whose contents were hidden.

"What is this place?" said Reaper.

"Right now it's where the enemy is," said Zero. "That's our priority. Call it in and..."

Before Zero could finish his sentence a great beam struck the heart of the Knightmare forces.

"What the hell? gasped Kallen.

The three followed the trajectory of the beam and saw it had come from a large blue Knightmare Frame and a large black, white, and gold Frame that looked as if it held an even larger sword-like weapon on its back. The blue frame appeared to fly, with what looked to be a plum of energy feathers on its back in the fashion of a peacock's fathers.

To Lelouch it also looked like a highly upgraded version of his mother's old Ganymede Frame.

The other Frame then descended, drawing forth the massive sword on its back, and landing among the remnants of the Knightmare squadrons. The less advanced frames opened fire on the mysterious combatant. Their bullets did nothing as the mystery machine sliced through them with ease.

"Who are those guys?" asked Kallen.

"Worry about that later," said Zero. "Kallen, the two of us will secure the lab, you call in to the others."

Kallen wanted to protest, as it appeared she was being left behind on purpose, but her more rational side realized that the other two of her party had abilities that would suit them better in case the two mystery Frames turned out to be enemies.

And given the skill and power of the two new fighters, she hoped they weren't.

Zero and Reaper leaped over the protective walls of the compound and into the panicked group of scientists. Several soldiers ran up to meet them in combat. Between the two of them, their speed and their strength enhanced by their respective Geass powers, Zero and Reaper managed to make quick work of them.

"Surrender now," Zero cried out, his Geass spreading his will out to the scientists who all went to their knees.

All but one, who hid behind an armored tank labeled 11-QB. He then hit a switch on the side of the tank allowing it open and the water to spill out. Zero and Reaper took notice of this and ran towards it, and beneath his mask the former gasped in terror.

"N...Naoto?" gasped Lelouch.

Dangling from wires attached to his body was the form of Naoto Kozuki. However he was not as he once was. His body appeared to be covered in some kind of metal scales, his hands were artificial claws, his feet were artificial hooves, and most outrageous was the strange tail-like appendage.

"What the hell?" gasped Reaper.

He then noticed Lovecrest attempting to flee but Reaper caught him by the neck.

"What is this?" he yelled out.

"This is 11-QB, the purpose of Project: Rebirth," said Lovecrest. "The further enhancement of the Eden Elite. Combining their Geass abilities with advanced cybernetics."

"Is that why you stole the bodies of our comrades killed in Narita?" growled Reaper. "They were test subjects for this heinous experiment."

"All for the advancement of science," said Lovecrest.

Reaper struck the scientist into unconsciousness for his comment. He then looked back at Zero who only stood frozen as he looked at the still form of Naoto.

"If...if Kallen were to see what you have become," he said, clenching his fists. "Even more of a beast than you were before."

Naoto's eyes then shot open, revealing his still active Geass, and the monster he had become opened his mouth, revealing several sharp fangs.

"Zero," he hissed, like a serpent.

In his own tank, Rivalz could hear the sounds of the chaos outside and he was frightened.

'I don't know what to do,' he thought. 'I can't feel anything. It's all numb.'

He could hear the voices of Lelouch and Suzaku on the outside. The woman who seemed to appear before him had told him the truth. She had said so many other things. She was Lelouch's mother and that she was asking for his help. She knew of the experiments these men were doing on him. He saw her, or he believed he saw her, shed a tear over what was happening to him. But she told him of the device they were attaching to him and how he could use it as a way to get justice for the crime that had been done to him.

But Rivalz had never been a fighter, he had no idea how he was supposed to help.

On the outside Naoto had charged out of his tank at Zero, pinning him to the ground. Zero tried to resist with his enhanced strength but the cyber enhancements gave Naoto a significant increase of strength. Naoto opened his mouth, revealing his fangs, with the intent to bite down on his foe, but his attention was suddenly on the sharp pain in his back.

Reaper had driven his scythe into Naoto's back and used all his might to pull the beast off of his friend.

"You...cannot destroy me," groaned Naoto, straining against the tug.

In one motion he used his tail to whip Reaper away from him. He then pulled out the scythe and threw it to the ground.

"You...can...only make me stronger," he growled.

Zero, desperate to stop Naoto, knowing that he had the advantage given his cybernetics, activated his Geass. In his mind he screamed for Naoto to 'die'. Naoto appeared to sense this and as they did before countered with his own Geass.

Suddenly the ruins began to shake and the giant symbol of Geass on the ruin walls began to glow. From her position overlooking the conflict Kallen gasped in horror at the red glow.

"It's...it's happening again," she cried.

From his tank Rivalz began to feel the pain of the conflict. His mind was flooding with the images of his friends, Lelouch, Suzaku, Kallen, Shirley, Nina, Nunnally, and...Milly. The image of Milly seemed drained of her joy. Something was wrong with her, he could feel it.

He also saw images of the man who did this to him, Lovecrest, as well as Emperor V.V., and a monstrous creature with fangs and a tail. As well as the woman Marianne, a silver haired boy, an orange haired person, a man with his left eye stitched closed, a Chinese man with long black hair, and so many others.

Unlike the images of most of his friends, he saw Lelouch and Suzaku, as well as the others he saw, crying out in some terrible agony. They were in pain as he was.

It was killing him that he couldn't do anything. All he could feel was the pain in his right eye.

'Wait...this thing she gave me,' thought Rivalz. 'Maybe I can...'

Focusing the power he had been given Rivalz felt something on his forehead happen before finally his right eye opened.

Gaining upon the island where Kallen had reported the conflict the Black Knights could only stand and watch as the island began to glow an unearthly red.

"What in all of heaven?" gasped Kaguya, her eyes as wide with shock and terror as the others.

Earlier Xingke and C.C. had doubled over in pain and he had been been rushed to the medical ward. It happened the same time as the light began to shine.

"It's just like what happened in the sewers with Naoto," said Ohgi.

"Only this time it looks even bigger," said Guilford. "Could those new combatants be the cause of this."

"We won't find answers standing here with our mouths open," said Cornelia. "Deploy all forces, I'm not having my brother die on some godforsaken island among my uncle's abominations."

As she turned to go to her personal Knightmare, ready to rescue her brother and avenge her men at last, when suddenly the light began to change. She turned back and indeed the red light had suddenly become blue.

"What fresh hell..."

"Given what we've seen so far of Geass I don't think that's a good choice of words your highness," said Ohgi.

"We're being hailed," said one of the crewmen at the airship's controls.

"Sweet Christ by who?" yelled Cornelia.

"By a ship claiming to belong to...the Geass Order," the crewman said.

Lelouch gasped, the pain was gone and he suddenly find himself floating nude in a universe of infinite blue.

"What...where...am I?" he asked.

"Lelouch," said a voice he had not heard in years.

Looking around desperately Lelouch suddenly found a figure he thought he would never see again. His beloved mother, Marianne, floating above him, her hair flowing as if they were the wings of an angle.

"Mother?" he asked.

"Yes my darling boy, how you've grown," she said, tears in her eyes.

Lelouch looked around and he found it was not just he and his mother. He saw Suzaku, Naoto but without his cybernetic enhancements, Xingke, C.C, Bismark Waldstein the former Knight of One under his father, and many others floating among the blue. But most surprising was Rivalz.

"Rivalz?" asked Lelouch. "I don't...he doesn't have a Geass."

"He does now," said Marianne, "and more than just Geass. Go to him son, he doesn't fully understand what he can do. He could use a friend."

"But...how.."

"Reach out Lelouch," said Marianne. "We are all connected by the Geass. Reach out with your feelings."

Lelouch listened to his mother and looked towards Rivalz. He thought of their friendship, the times they would laugh and goof off together. In the years since having his family ruined by V.V, Rivalz had been among the greatest advocates of joy in his life. Although all Britannia was under the boot of V.V's tyranny Rivalz always found the courage to laugh and to smile. Lelouch had once thought he was just a fool. But there was a day when he realized he couldn't have been more wrong.

(Flashback, 2015)

V.V had finished a speech decreeing his intent on increasing the taxes of the Areas. As well as a significant cut in the Imperial Healthcare for non-nobles. He did it in such a tone as to condemn the common people of Britannia that Lelouch could barely contain his fury.

After classes had ended he needed to find a way to blow of steam. He walked away from campus, not wanting to be near Nunnally in his fury. Eventually he came to a scene of three men beating upon a fellow student of his. He had heard the kid's name was Rivalz. A regular class clown if Lelouch had ever seen one. He thought he was annoying to be honest. It was nothing that deserved a beating however.

Running quickly Lelouch delivered a kick to the man who delivered a recent kick into Rivalz's ribs. Taking advantage of the surprise of the man's friends Lelouch levied a strike into the stomach of the man on his right. The third man attempted to pull a knife on Lelouch, but Lelouch used his momentum and grabbed the man's wrist and back of his neck, driving him into the ground and striking at a nerve cluster.

"Nice moves," groaned Rivalz, straightening himself.

"Are you alright?" Lelouch asked, offering his hand.

"I kind of skipped breakfast but none the less fine," laughed Rivalz, spitting up a bit of blood before grabbing Lelouch's hand.

"You should see a doctor," said Lelouch.

"Can't I eat too many apples," said Rivalz. "Doctors won't touch me with a nine foot pole."

"Damn it you just got your ass handed to you and you look like you've got a busted rib," yelled Lelouch. "This is not the time to be a smart ass."

"Why not, it's the only part of me that gets good grades," laughed Rivalz.

Snapping due to the stress of the day Lelouch struck Rivalz across the cheek, sending him back to the ground.

"Okay, maybe I went a little to far," said Rivalz.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" yelled Lelouch. "You're beaten, your bruised, bleeding, and you're lying down in the dirt where you could just die right there and no one would give a damn about you. What about any of this situation could possibly justify cracking jokes like an idiot?"

Rivalz looked up at Lelouch, somewhat startled by the dark haired teen's anger. He looked down as if in shame. Lelouch looked down, feeling disgust, and some regret for his words.

Suddenly Rivalz looked up, a glimmer of determination in his grey eyes.

"Because my sense of humor, its the one thing I can't afford to lose," said Rivalz. "It's the one thing not anyone, not the guys I lose to and not even that asshole who calls himself the Emperor, cannot take from me. No matter what misery the world throws at me I'm going to keep laughing just to spite them all. I don't have much, I can't really do much, but I know I can laugh. If that's the only way I can rebel against the assholes of the world I'll do it no matter what. They can't break me, I won't let them."

Lelouch was actually surprised by his response. He actually felt...good. For some reason he couldn't help but smile. He offered his hand to Rivalz once again.

"Come on," he said. "I know someone who can get those injuries looked at. No cost."

"Cool," said Rivalz, taking Lelouch's hand. "I'm kind of tapped out."

"Did they rob you?" asked Lelouch.

"Not really, I just can't really pay some of my losses," said Rivalz.

"You gamble?" asked Lelouch.

"Only for fun, also my job doesn't really pay that well and I need to keep my tuition up," said Rivalz. "I'm pretty good at cards but its chess where I'm weak at."

"Really?" said Lelouch, smirking. "Ever thought of getting a partner."

(Flashback end)

Ever since that day, the two of them had been friends. In many ways Lelouch had begun to think of Rivalz as a substitute for Suzaku in the years before they had reunited. It was why he was so devastated when he thought he had died.

Before Lelouch realized it, in the infinite blue he had actually floated close to Rivalz. He placed his hand on Rivalz's shoulder and suddenly the blue world began to shine.

Lelouch woke up, glad to feel he wasn't in the same kind of pain he had been the last time he and Naoto had clashed. And unlike then Naoto had not escaped. He was unconscious, and being wrapped in heavy restraints by several Black Knight soldiers.

He looked around and saw he was in a set up medical tent with Suzaku lying in a cot next to him. He got to his feet and exited the tend, despite the protests of the medical staff.

"Lelouch," said Kallen's voice.

Lelouch turned and saw Kallen running towards him. She stopped short once she got near him, seeing her brother, and what he had become. Lelouch saw the misery in Kallen's eyes and his heart broke.

"I know," said Lelouch. "Kallen...there could be a way we could help..."

"No," said Kallen. "He's not my brother anymore. He's just a monster. I'm just glad you're alright. What happened to you?"

"I'm not too sure," said Lelouch, recalling the strange occurrence. "My mother is here isn't she?"

Kallen nodded, her face seeming apprehensive. It was understandable given the strange happenings of the day. Lelouch also looked around and saw the other tanks were opened. And the bodies of the Narita dead were being taken out. Their bodies all showing augmentation. However Lelouch doubted they were as well along as Naoto.

"Have you found Rivalz?" asked Lelouch.

"Yes," said Kallen. "But there's something you should know."

He had hoped Kallen was wrong. But just as Naoto had been changed so was Rivalz. His left shoulder and arm, his right forearm, both of his legs up to the knee, his hips, his back, and his right eye had all been replaced with machinery. There was also an oddly shaped red horn-like object on his forehead.

"Rivalz...what did they do to him?" he asked.

Lelouch was pressed against the glass of the isolation chamber Rivalz had been placed in aboard the medical wing of an airship that apparently belonged to the Geass Order.

"We...we're not really sure," said Kallen. "All we can tell so far is that Rivalz...he's been changed. He's...he's a cyborg. All we know is that his machinery is more advanced than almost anything we've seen. At least that's what Rakshata and Cecile said."

"What about Lloyd?" asked Lelouch. "No...actually it's better that Lloyd not go near him."

"We thought that as well," said Kallen. "But he's alive, isn't that a good thing?"

"Relatively speaking," said Lelouch. "But...my god Kallen...what did those bastards do to my friend?"

Lelouch was on the verge of tears and Kallen immediately wrapped her arms around him in a desperate bid to offer him comfort. Lelouch simply let her warmth wash over him, letting his tears fall on her shoulder.

He was about to return the hug when he heard the door slide open. Breaking off the hug Lelouch looked and for the first time in seven years he was face to face with his mother. She was just as beautiful as when they had been forced to part. Her dress was as regal as she was an empress. And her chest bore the mark of Geass, confirming the connection she had to the strange power.

She had tears of her own forming in her eyes and a small smile on her face.

"My boy," she said.

Acting on sheer instinct, Lelouch fell to his knees, and wrapped his arms around his mother, feeling like the boy he was seven years ago when they were parted. He felt her hand run over his black locks in an effort to comfort him, as she had done when he was younger and would come to her in tears. And in that moment, despite all his questions, despite his shock at his friend's fate, despite his pain, he felt...happy.