Code Geass - Bonds of Rebellion 45 (Patreon)

Here's the next chapter.

To be honest, when I first started this story, I never imagined it would take this long to finish nor that so many people would be so involved with the story, I can't tell you how much I've appreciated your support over the years and I hope your all as satisfied with the conclusion as I am.

Anyway, I don't own Code Geass or any of the characters just the OC.

45. Operation Tabula Rasa

—…

As the final battle rages outside Damocles, Nunnally opens her eyes and stares intently at the four standing before her. Now inside the Damocles Garden, The vi Britannia siblings were facing each other, and neither one of them backed down.

"This is the first time in eight years I've seen your face," Nunnally said, gazing at Lelouch before looking over at his Knights. "And you three, in all my life, for as long as I've known you, this is the very first time I've seen any of your faces. The faces of dear friends and a brother and a murderer. And I wear the same face as well, don't I, Lelouch?"

Lelouch glared at his sister. "Then, it's been you firing the F.L.E.I.J.A.s up until now."

"Yes. I wanted to stop it all. Just to stop you, I would have done whatever I had to. Even if it meant killing my big brother." Nunnally declared emotionally. "That's why I can't allow you to have control of the F.L.E.I.J.A.s., why I can't hand this key to you. And I wouldn't even if you… Even if you use your Geass on me!"

Lelouch was taken back at Nunnally's declaration and then frowned as Suzaku spoke. "Nunnally, that… That would be impossible because—"

"Because what, my brother wouldn't use his Geass on me?" Nunnally practically dared him to finish that sentence. "Is that what you're going to say?"

"No, I was going to say that if Geass were to be used on you, you wouldn't be able to resist, no matter how hard you try to fight it," Suzaku said looking away. "Trust me, I know."

"That's not something you should be proud of," Nunnally said with a frown.

"We're not being proud of it, we're just stating a fact." Logan corrected her. "It's not something you can just fight against, the hold of Geass is absolute."

"Lelouch, what will you do?" Rolo asked, a bit unsure.

Lelouch then went to his thoughts. "Use Geass on Nunnally? It's true. Time after time I've wanted to use it on her. At the very least I wanted to use it to cure her blindness. The power of the king. But Nunnally was the reason for everything I've done. So I could never use Geass' power of absolute submission on her. But now… No, I can't! If I resort to twisting my own sister's will, then I'm…"

Ashford Academy

In the Student Council room at Ashford, Rivalz was looking through the photo album and had a smile on his face. Milly soon saw what Rivalz was doing.

"You're having any second thoughts about not running away?" Milly asked him.

"Just where exactly would I be running to?" Rivalz pointed out.

"You have a point, Rivalz," Milly said.

"What I wish for…" Rivalz said happily with a look of nostalgia. "Is to enjoy fun-filled days with the old gang again. The way we used to."

"I do miss them," Milly said with a smile.

Rivalz looked at one of the pictures that showed him and all the members of the council together being very happy and felt a wave of emotions.

In The Air

The Mordred and the Sutherland Sieg continue their battle with each other.

"You, power without a master!" Jeremiah accused.

"You, who have something to depend on. A weak man." Anya responded.

Meanwhile, Todoh continues to fight and defeat Knightmare units of Schneizel's forces. He is then struck by a Vincent Command Model and would have suffered more damage when the Chiba's Akatsuki intervenes and cuts down the Vincent Command Model with her Sword.

"Colonel! Slow down! You're taking too much damage!" Chiba warned him with concern.

"No, I have to take responsibility for starting this. Because that's what allows me the right to lead others." Todoh declared as he pressed on.

Damocles Garden

"Lelouch, you have no right to seize control of the world," Nunnally said. "You of all people who took the name Zero then bent the will of so many in order to serve your own."

"Are you saying we would have been better off to remain in hiding? Did you want a future of living in constant fear of assassination?" Lelouch reminded her. "This was for your future, too, Nunnally."

"My future?" Nunnally repeated appalled. "When did I ever say that I wanted this. Lelouch, I would have been perfectly satisfied by just living with you.

"Don't you see? All reality is restricted by all sorts of things." Lelouch informed her. "Our whole history is struggle."

"That's the reason we chose to fight on the side of resistance," Logan added. "To go against those restrictions."

"And Suzaku, what about you?" Nunnally accused her former aid. "Didn't you want to use the system to achieve your ideals?"

"I was shortsighted back then, I didn't think about the others. Those people who aren't allowed into the system." Suzaku admitted with regret. "I didn't understand their situation. How they'd never be able to voice their objection to anything."

In The Air

Meanwhile, outside the Damocles, Kallen and Gino were still fighting against the enemy as Kallen spoke her thoughts.

"But at the same time, I never considered the other side of things, about those who have no choice but to join the system," Kallen admitted with regret. "I was never fair with my judgments."

"You can't blame yourself for that," Gino told her, also being unhappy with himself. "We—All of us never considered the feelings of those on the other side, that's the kind of world we lived in, a world filled with conflict."

Meanwhile, Todoh, Chiba and Urabe were working together and defeating more enemy units.

"When you follow the methods of an aggressor, then you're only serving to legitimize them," Todoh said

"That's true," Urabe agreed. "And for that, we had to look at our own choices and actions as well."

"But while following those choices, our name, goals and even the enemies we fought were always changing." Chiba pointed out. "It feels like our lives are just a never-ending battle."

"I know that…" Todoh said almost ruefully. "This is the only way I know how to live…"

UFN Headquarters

"Why do people always have to fight?" Tianzi asked with a tearful and concerned expression.

In The Air

In the sky, the Shen Hu was cutting down enemies as it charged toward the Damocles.

"I fight because there is something that I must protect!" Xingke roared.

Horai Island

Cornelia looked down while resting in her hospital bed as she told those gathered around her. "It may be that we can no longer find morality or sense of dignity in our warfare."

"Regardless, I still needed to belong somewhere." Villetta thought to herself outside the room.

Ikaruga

On the bridge of the Ikaruga, Ohgi was watching the situation on the battlefield play out as he thought to himself. "For that reason alone we fought. Naoto, this is really the best thing for us?"

Avalon

Lloyd, Cecile, Nina, Euphie, Shirley and Sayako were having a conversation with Rakshata who appeared on the screen smoking her pipe.

"You know what they say, war is the mother of invention," Lloyd said.

"Nonsense, Earl of Pudding." Rakshata berated. "You don't care one bit whether or not your invention benefits mankind." Rakshata turns and looks at Nina. "Nina, was it? What about you, huh?"

"I was just…" Nina replied nervously. "Doing whatever I could…"

"You see, we simply didn't want it to happen again," Cecile added.

"Oh? However, people are subject to weakness." Rakshata said.

"That may be true," Euphie said. "However, people can overcome sadness and hardships that plaques them, as long as they don't give up on hope and strive not to lose faith in themselves."

In The Air

Tamaki was fighting more Knightmare units of Schneizel's forces in his Akatsuki.

"That's right. Even I have dreams, don't I? But now they're telling me I don't have any right to them!" Tamaki roared with passion. "I won't let anyone tell me I don't have the right to chase after what I want! I'm not just some fool!"

C.C was attacking the Damocles as well in her Lancelot Frontier.

"I've seen it before," C.C said to herself. "I've seen it over and over. Human history is one of struggle. Even so…"

C.C fired her missiles from her launching shield.

Damocles Garden

"The world and people in it, they'll never be what we want them to be." Suzaku proclaimed without a doubt.

"So now you force them?" Nunnally accused incredulously. "That's your solution? That's plain Despicable!" She proclaimed. "Using Geass, a power that manipulates the minds of people and violates their human dignity."

"How do you find the gal to throw accusations at in spite of what you've already done, what you've been doing and what you plan to do?" Rolo argued with his own accusations.

"He's absolutely right, you can't lecture us about robbing others of human dignity while you're sitting there with that control switch." Logan pointed out.

"My motives are different from yours," Nunnally argued back. "I only act to stop all of you from what you're doing, I won't condone your methods."

"Then what about the Damocles?" Lelouch responded with his own glare. "So would you agree that's a despicable method that forces people to obey?"

Nunnally paused for a moment and answered. "The Damocles… will become a symbol of their hatred."

Her answer left all four of them surprised and taken back by what Nunnally had just said.

Nunnally continued. "All their hatred will be focused here. That way people can move toward the future."

"I see," Lelouch said with no understanding. "So that's the solution you came up with, Nunnally. However…" Lelouch shook his head at her. "The type of future will never result in peace."

"And what makes you believe that?" Nunnally questioned him.

"Trying to create a symbol of hatred and have everyone in the world focus their hate on it so that there'll be none left to be directed at each other, once that happens, the mankind will be able to understand each other and create peace, is that the outcome you were hoping for?" Lelouch questioned her. "In that case, answer me this, how can that be called peace when it's being enforced under a threat."

"It's not," Nunnally argued. "Even if we have the Damocles and the F.L.E.I.J.A.s, I have no intention of ever using them."

"Nunnally, just because you swear not to fire your gun, it doesn't change the fact that you're threatening someone by pointing it at them," Logan informed her.

"And using the Damocles as a means of indirect rule isn't a true solution." Suzaku joined in. "Even if mankind directs all their hatred here, it won't be true unity, it'll just be the collective unconscious brought together through mutual hatred, their hate will never vanish, it'll only be placed on an unreachable target. That in true will only make their hatred grow and fester, they'll never be able to move into the future."

"It's happened time and time again, Nunnally." Lelouch finished. "Humans aren't capable of simply loving or hating a faceless system, a number needs a face, a sentient avatar to act as a physical representation of the symbol to act as the catalyst. Damocles is merely a machine, it could never be the catalyst, and even then, a symbol of hatred could never create a peace that will allow mankind to move into the future. It will only trap them in an eternal present, just as Schneizel intended to do."

"Then what is your solution?" Nunnally asked, almost challenging him. "Tell me, what is your path to peace?"

Lelouch looked at her with seriousness before answering. "Operation Tabula Rasa."

Nunnally stopped. "What?"

"Having all the hatred of the world focused on a target and then removing may sound like an adequate solution but when you take a closer look, you'll find holes in it," Lelouch said. "It's being hasty, trying too hard to get results without considering the means, something we decided we wouldn't do when we began."

Nunnally didn't respond, she just sat there and listened to him as Lelouch continued.

"It's not just about establishing peace but also maintaining it and to do that you need both time and trust." Lelouch went on. "Time to find all the real existing problems and inequities of the world and work to rectify them. And trust so that the people of the world know that our intentions are true and earnest, to that end, they will not only feel safe in accepting our aid but will be willing to offer their own if needed. With those, not only will we be able to create a peaceful world but a peaceful future as well."

"Then, if you say the means are as important as the result, what about how you took over Britannia?" Nunnally pointed out. "You used power to force yourself onto the throne and destroyed anyone who turned against you, wasn't that all for the sake of control?"

"No, it was a necessary step to reach our goal. Nunnally, I never once cared about controlling Britannia, what I wanted was to destroy the current Britannia." Lelouch declared.

"Destroy it?" Nunnally repeated.

"The people of the world could never have learned to trust the old Britannia. It started the war 8 years ago, created the Number system and treated every other race like they weren't even human." Lelouch reasoned. "So, we eliminated all remnants of the old Britannia—Traditions, leaders and the functions of society. All the foundations of the old Britannia have been removed and in its place a new nation that holds the same name was created that is working to right the wrongs of the old man, thus gaining the people's trust."

"You did all this so that the people of the world would trust you… Trust Britannia?" Nunnally asked quietly.

"Yes, proof of that trust will be Britannia becoming a member of the U.F.N. With that, the world will gather not for an exchange of force but for an exchange of open dialogue around one table. Mankind will finally be able to move forward into the future." Lelouch finished his explanation. "And that is Operation Tabula Rasa."

In The Air

Jeremiah and Anya were still battling it out and Anya fired her Stark Hadron Cannon while Jeremiah fired his Belly-mounted Hyper-velocity Cannon. The Stark Hadron Cannon rips half of the Sutherland Sieg.

"Why you…! Impudent!" Jeremiah cursed.

"Memorise recording, complete." Anya simply said.

The Sutherland Sieg is destroyed but the Sutherland itself charges toward the Mordred.

"Not quite!" Jeremiah declared.

Anya is surprised and quickly goes for the controls to activate her shield but Jeremiah goes through.

"Fire!" Jeremiah roared.

The Sutherland detonated and exploded and the top part of the cockpit of the Mordred is opened.

Jeremiah glides in the air with one of his blades. "Memorise this! Memorise Jeremiah Gottwald!"

Anya is shocked to see Jeremiah pointing his blade at her.

Jeremiah continued. "Commit it to memory! Because that's the memorable name of the man who has defeated you!"

"Memory? What memory?" Anya said sadly and then had tears streaming from her eyes. "I remember nothing. I have no memories."

"No memories?" Jeremiah repeated with surprise. "Could it be…?" Jeremiah activates and used his Geass Canceller on a confused Anya.

Damocles Garden

Back in the Damocles garden, after telling her everything about his intentions and their objective, Lelouch and the others silently waited to hear Nunnally's response. For a while, she just sat there, staring at him as if she was trying to decipher something.

Finally, she acted. Instead of speaking, she moved her wheelchair forward until she was right in front of Lelouch and reached out her hand.

"Lelouch, please take my hand." Nunnally harmlessly requested.

"Hmm?" Lelouch didn't know why she would ask that of him but did so nonetheless and held her hand.

"Lelouch…" Nunnally hesitated before asking. "Everything you just said, please tell me, is it all true?"

"It is, Nunnally," Lelouch said right away. "All that I've told you is the whole truth."

Nunnally waited a moment before she slowly pulled back her hand and looked up at him while she gave him a soft, smiling expression.

"I'm so happy, Lelouch." Nunnally looked so happy she could cry. "It seems that I was right all along to place my hopes on all of you."

Lelouch, Logan, Suzaku and Rolo were all in absolute shock as Lelouch spoke. "Wait a minute, Nunnally, what are you…?"

"Nunnally, what are you saying?" Suzaku uttered with confusion.

"I have to confess, I was testing you. I wanted to hear how you would respond and how you would react." Nunnally admitted. "I wanted to know what your true intentions were."

"What?" Rolo only became more confused. "I don't understand?"

Nunnally still didn't explain and held the Damocles Key in front of her and then held it up to her brother, offering it to Lelouch. "Here, take it. It's yours now."

"Before Lelouch could ask for asked an explanation again Nunnally continued.

"Lelouch, the things you said to me, I am now sure that you plan to do what said you will do, go ahead, take the Key and bring an end to this." Nunnally still held up the key.

"Just wait a moment." Lelouch finally made her stop. "Nunnally, please explain what you're trying to do? We can't understand unless you explain."

Knowing that they deserved an explanation, Nunnally calmed herself for a moment and decided to start again.

"The truth is that I intended to give it to you from the start," Nunnally confessed.

Logan looked at the Damocles Key in her hand and was still surprised. "I don't understand, Nunnally, you were completely adamant about not giving us the Key and now all of a sudden…"

"It's understandable you would be surprised and that you would have your doubts but it's like I said, I wanted to hear your reactions and feelings in the things I said. I'm sorry for calling you horrible names, even though I felt that I needed to do so, I feel terrible about insulting you like that."

They were taken back as Lelouch answered for the group. "Oh, well, there is no need to worry about that. It's fine really."

"Lelouch, the truth is I knew what Schneizel was really planning and I realized that he was lying to me about what they were going to do. Schneizel said that I would be the next ruler of Britannia but I knew that I would have no power, that he planned to take the world using the Damocles."

Lelouch was intrigued. "I see. Nunnally, when did you realize?"

"Do you remember the meeting we had after the U.F.N meeting?" Nunnally brought up. "When you all learned that I was still alive?"

Lelouch froze slightly at being reminded of that day, specifically, that particular conversation. "…Yes, I remember."

"After our conversation ended, I asked Schneizel about the F.L.E.I.J.A.s and how we would have to use them against all of you," Nunnally said with regret. "Schneizel told me two lies. The first was that even though a F.L.E.I.J.A. was used on Manhattan, all the people were evacuated and so there were no casualties."

They all reacted to this information as Suzaku narrowed his eyes. "I see, he told you that to manipulate you into firing the F.L.E.I.J.A."

"Yes, he knew I wouldn't have agreed to fire otherwise, not at innocent people." Nunnally's hands trembled. "I didn't want to believe it, but I knew I couldn't deny the truth. But by the time I learned that it was the truth, it had already been done."

"Nunnally…" Lelouch whispered, his heart ached at seeing his sister in despair.

"The second lie." Nunnally continued, not allowing herself to be overwhelmed by despair. "He told me that we would only use the F.L.E.I.J.A.s to stop you and after that, we would destroy them all, but that wasn't his true intention at all."

"Then, you knew what Schneizel's real objective was?" Logan asked.

"Yes, he planned to use the Damocles to launch F.L.E.I.J.A.s at every enemy nation around the world," Nunnally confirmed that she did indeed know. "He wanted to instil fear into the world and enforce control while acting as a God."

"But when did you find out about this?" Rolo asked. "And how?"

"I learned these truths a day after we spoke, as for how…" Nunnally contemplated on how she should tell them this next part. "I really don't understand it myself but somehow when I touch a person's hand, I can tell whether they are being truthful or if they're lying and even see specific images."

"What?" Lelouch said as the four of them were taken by surprise again at this information.

"I told you I don't understand it, but it's true." Nunnally insisted.

"Is that even possible?" Rolo asked.

"Regardless, she's definitely telling the truth," Logan confirmed it with his Geass. "Everything she's told us is the truth."

"Now that I think about…" Suzaku thought back. "I remember, back when she was the Viceroy and I was her aid, when Nunnally questioned the intentions of those around her after she held their hands, she could always tell whether or not they were lying."

"But if it really is true then when did she gain this ability and how?" Rolo asked again.

Suzaku shook his head. "I don't know."

"I don't know how I do it either but I know it's never been wrong," Nunnally said. "And that's why I knew you were telling me the truth."

"But what made you have such faith in us, to begin with?" Lelouch asked. "Even if you discovered Schneizel was lying to you, you didn't know what our true motives were until this very conversation, but you acted as though you had faith in us before we arrived here, why?"

"That's because of Euphie," Nunnally said.

"Euphie?" Lelouch repeated confused.

"After I learned that Schneizel was lying to me, I thought that maybe you were being sincere in trying to acquire peace, then I remembered something—Euphie wanted peace more than anyone and she chose to join your side even if it meant turning against Britannia, I never understood why but now, I think it was because she believed that helping all of you would lead to peace," Nunnally said honestly. "If she believed in you that much, then I wanted to believe as well, I wanted to believe in you, Lelouch." She then smiled at him. "And I now know that I was right to."

"I see…" Lelouch had a smile that appeared almost amused. "Even now, after all this time, it appears I'm still no match for Euphie."

Suzaku smiled as well as he thought of Euphie. "Euphie."

Lelouch paused for a moment. "All right Nunnally, if you know the truth, then I can go and—"

"Wait Lelouch," Nunnally interrupted. "There is one thing you have to do."

"Huh? What is it?" Lelouch asked.

"Lelouch… You have to kill me." Nunnally solemnly requested.

Once again, they were all shocked, Lelouch didn't even know how to respond.

"What?!" Logan exclaimed.

"Nunnally, what are you—" Rolo uttered.

"Why would you even suggest something like that?!" Suzaku asked, horrified at the thought of it.

"Please listen to me," Nunnally pleaded sadly. "What you said about me before was true, I am an enemy of the better future and I fired the F.L.E.I.J.A.s. Even though I knew the truth, I still went with what Schneizel wanted because I knew that if I didn't, he would find another way to use me against you, Lelouch and I didn't want that to happen. I also have also realized that I've been a real burden to you."

"Nunnally, that's not true!" Lelouch argued.

"Yes, it is!" Nunnally argued back and then had a soft expression. "Listen, Lelouch, you don't have to force yourself anymore for my sake. You began because you wanted me to be able to live freely without fear and provide me with a gentle world but then I was kidnapped and used by our father… And then Schneizel… you Lelouch were put in a bad spot. Lelouch, you can't afford to be lenient with me…therefore…"

"Nunnally…" Lelouch said.

"Lelouch, I told you earlier that the Damocles will be a symbol of hatred and when that symbol of hatred disappears, the people can really move forward. Lelouch, I am also part of the symbol of hatred as well. I fired the F.L.E.I.J.A.s and therefore I must pay for what I've done. Lelouch, my dear big brother, you must end this, the Damocles and me along with it," Nunnally had her hand out. "Lelouch, please."

Lelouch paused for a moment and then closed his eyes, "Are you sure this is what you want Nunnally?"

Nunnally nodded with acceptance. "Yes, I've thought about it since last night and because I failed to realize what our brother Schneizel really had in store, I believe that this is suitable."

"But you—" Rolo tried to say something but was stopped by Logan.

He shook his head and told him. "Let Lelouch handle this."

With that, the three Knights said nothing and waited to hear what Lelouch's response would be. Lelouch opened his eyes and went up to Nunnally and took her hand and kneeled before her. "Nunnally, you've grown up following your own thoughts without help from others, you truly amaze me."

"Lelouch," Nunnally spoke happily with what her brother was saying.

"However," Lelouch continued. "You shouldn't be so ready to give up your life so easily."

Nunnally was shocked, "W-What?"

Lelouch held his sister's hand with both of his own. "Nunnally, I believe that you still have a place for things."

"But Lelouch—" Nunnally began but Lelouch cut her off.

"Say I go along with your plan, sure, I could do it but do you know what will happen?" Lelouch asked.

"Huh?" Nunnally didn't know.

Lelouch had a sad expression, "I would be heartbroken."

Nunnally was taken back.

Lelouch continued. "Nunnally, I can't bring myself to do it, even if you believe that it would benefit the world."

"But Lelouch, I—" Nunnally attempted again.

"I know what you're trying to say but Nunnally, if you truly believe in me and what I'm trying to do, then I would prefer it that you were around," Lelouch looked at Nunnally with a smile. "In fact, I would like it if you help me."

"Help you… Big brother…" Nunnally repeated.

"Nunnally, you're really a kind and gentle soul and I still believe that and I feel that you should be around as we keep moving forward towards the future," Lelouch said honestly.

Nunnally looked at Lelouch with a surprised expression and remember the gentleness he always showed her back when they were together at the Aries Villa when they were younger.

"But Lelouch, I…" Nunnally tried to say. "I still fired the F.L.E.I.J.A." She said mournfully. "I killed so many people, how can I be forgiven after what I've done?"

"If we go by that logic, everyone in this room is far more unforgivable than you." Lelouch pointed out.

"What?" Nunnally looked up at him.

Lelouch looked back at the others as they agreed with that statement and Rolo spoke first. "Even since I gained my Geass power, I've done nothing but kill people with it." He said sombrely. "More than you can imagine."

"All over the world, people call me the White Reaper," Suzaku said, not proud of that name. "I'm a Knight who's killed more people than any assassin or mercenary."

"I don't even know how many people I've killed both as Soul and as the Knight of Zero," Logan added in the same mood as the others. "Even if it was for a cause, I think my kill count is higher than anyone's on this entire battlefield."

"Nunnally, the point is that we've all killed so many on the way here, too many to ever fully atone for, but if there's something we've learned, it's that you don't atone by offering up your life," Lelouch said earnestly. "To truly atone, you have to live, and use the life you still have to right the wrongs that you made, for those who are gone and those who are still here."

"But, I…" Nunnally still looked down. "Even so, how can I forgive myself."

"That's just it, forgiving yourself is the hardest thing to do," Lelouch told her. "Honestly, I still haven't forgiven myself."

"Years ago, after I killed my father, I knew I'd never be able to forget that or forgive myself, I still haven't in fact," Suzaku added before looking at the others for clarity. "But, I also realised something, even if you can't forgive yourself, that doesn't mean that others won't forgive you."

"Maybe it's better that we don't forgive ourselves, that's a sign that we fully comprehend all the things that we've done and the weight of our actions," Logan said. "What we've done can't ever be taken back, but as long as there are people who still want us to be here, regardless of our past actions and those who want us to keep living, then there's no doubt that we have somewhere we belong."

"Even if you can't forgive yourself, we'll still forgive you," Rolo assured her. "We already forgave each other."

"Everyone… Do you really mean it?" Nunnally asked with her voice strained, "Then is it really okay that stay with you? Is it really?"

Lelouch smiled and pulled Nunnally to give her a hug. "It is Nunnally, it really is."

Nunnally's eyes widened and tears streamed from her eyes and hugged back, "Oh Lelouch."

Nunnally cried with joy and Lelouch stroked her hair.

"We're finally together again," Lelouch said happily.

"Oh, big brother, I love you," Nunnally said emotionally.

"I thank you. I love you, little sister." Lelouch said softly.

The other three quietly watched this heartwarming scene with soft smiles of their own. They were happy for them both, happy that the Vi Britannia siblings were finally together again.

In The Air

Outside the Damocles, everyone was still fighting in their Knightmares, but the fighting was halted by a huge explosion that occurred in the sky and everyone on the battlefield looked up and was surprised. Knightmare pilots of Schneizel's forces were surprised and shocked that the explosion was caused by a F.L.E.I.J.A. that was fired from the Damocles but hit their own forces.

Damocles

Lelouch held the Damocles Key in his hand and on his right; Nunnally was next to him with Logan, Rolo and Suzaku behind her and on his left, Schneizel, who was still affected by Lelouch's Geass with the two guards that were holding Schneizel's aide, Kanon.

"Attention! All those on the battlefield! Hear my proclamation! I am Lelouch vi Britannia. Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire!" Lelouch announced over the Damocles' intercom.

In The Air

The Byakuen flew back to avoid the blast radius as Orpheus grinned happily when he heard that announcement.

"This confirms it," Orpheus said. "If Lelouch used the F.L.E.I.J.A, then that means…"

Xingke smiled within the Shen Hu. "It's been settled."

"They did it…?" Chiba said in realisation.

"They won." Urabe deduced with satisfaction.

"Hell yeah!" Tamaki cheered in celebration.

Todoh nodded. "So, he did it, he really did succeed."

C.C smiled with relief. "Finally."

Damocles

"Schneizel has surrendered to me." Lelouch continued with his declaration. "As a result of this, I am now in control of both the Damocles and F.L.E.I.J.A. weapons. The plan to threaten the world with the destructive power will not be a reality, as long as they are in my possession, the F.L.E.I.J.A. will never be fired again. Those who could challenge my place as Emperor no longer exist. Yes. From this day, from this moment forward, my reign over Britannia is absolute!"

Nunnally just looked at Lelouch with a smile and felt pleased. Lelouch felt the same way, but more than that, this was the moment where everything they had fought for since the very beginning would finally come to pace. He had, at last, succeed and brought it all to an end.

This was Checkmate.

"To all those in Schneizel's forces, surrender immediately. If you choose not to, you can expect no mercy." Lelouch continued, ready to finish off his speech. "To all those who have fought on my side and believed in me, we shall continue onwards and grasps the new age for a better tomorrow! This is our victory, a victory for a new era!"

In The Air

"All hail Lelouch!" Jeremiah calls out from atop the Mordred, with Anya lying unconscious in the cockpit.

"All hail Lelouch!" The rest of Lelouch's forces chanted as well.

"All hail Lelouch!"

"All hail Lelouch!"

"All hail Lelouch!"

"All hail Lelouch!"

"All hail Lelouch!"

"All hail Lelouch!"

The chants roared loudly in the skies as Lelouch's forces were able to claim victory. There were people who were happy with the turn of events and were relieved but also proud that they were successful in their endeavour. The chants continued with fists of the people and fists of the Knightmare frames in the air chants with passion for their 99th Emperor.

Horai Island

In one of the medical rooms—The same one where Cornelia was resting in, Villetta was on the phone talking to Ohgi. Cornelia, Darlton, Guilford and Claudio were there too.

"I see," Villetta said on the receiver. "That's good news."

Villetta was hearing Ohgi talking and the tone was that he was very pleased about what had happened.

"Yes, I understand, I'll let them know," Villetta said and then she hung up the phone.

"Well?" Darlton asked.

Villetta turned to the others. "It's over, Lel-, no, Emperor Lelouch and his forces won, Schneizel has been defeated."

Some of the others were wide-eyed at this information.

"So they won," Claudio said.

"And Prince Schneizel was defeated." Darlton summarised.

"Princess, what do you think of this?" Guilford asked her.

"Honestly, I think this might be for the best," Cornelia admitted her true thoughts. "At least now, the world won't have to live under the threat of the F.L.E.I.J.A." She looked at Villetta. "We're there any major casualties?"

"I can get a list of casualties if you're willing to wait a moment, but for now, I can confirm that Prince Schneizel and Princess Nunnally are still alive, as well as Miss Euphemia," Villetta said.

"I see, that's good to know," Cornelia said, not letting it show how relieved she was by that news.

Ashford Academy

Rivalz was on his cell phone talking to someone and the person he was talking to was Nina. Milly was also there wondering what were they talking about and hoped that Nina was okay.

"Are you really okay Nina?" Rivalz asked with concern.

Nina was speaking with Rivalz on the other line and the things she was telling him were making Rivalz feel relieved as he nodded.

"Okay, okay, that's great Nina," Rivalz spoke as Nina spoke as well. "That's good news and I'm glad that both you and Lelouch are all right."

Nina spoke and Rivalz nodded.

"Yeah, well, it's good that Shirley's all right as well."

Nina spoke again and Rivalz nodded again and Rivalz was happy to hear what Nina was saying.

"That's great Nina, yeah, we'll be looking forward to it," Rivalz nodded and had an understanding expression. "Okay, I'll let you go and I'll give the Prez your regards…Yeah, sure…. Okay, see you later Nina."

Rivalz hung up his cell phone and Milly looked at Rivalz.

"Well?" Milly asked.

Rivalz nodded. "It's over, Lelouch and the others won over Prince Schneizel."

Milly felt relieved and had her hand over her heart. "That's good… Thank goodness," Milly had a relieved expression and tears were coming from her eyes. "Thank goodness they're okay."

"It really is a relief. Nina and Lelouch have stuff they have to do but Nina assured me that she will come and see us… And Shirley will come as well."

Milly was happy. "I'm looking forward to it."

Ikaruga

Cheers were still roaring in the sky and the seas as the Lelouch's Forces chanted on as they were able to claim victory over Schneizel's Forces. The Britannian War was over and Lelouch was victorious over Schneizel and Lelouch was able to reunite with his sister Nunnally. Lelouch was able to say that he had truly won.

And because the battle was now over, all forces that weren't under Lelouch's command were now exiting the battlefield.

Both the Black Knights and the Ikaruga were getting ready to depart as the flight crew on the command deck were preparing to withdraw.

"Ikaruga preparing to depart," Hinata reported.

"All Knightmares on route to return to the Ikaruga," Minami reported.

"Good," Ohgi said.

On the monitor, Kallen appeared after contacting them. "Are you sure we should just be leaving right away?"

"From the start, we were just back up." Ohgi reminded her. "Now that the fight is over, the rest falls under the responsibility of Britannia."

"I know, but…" Kallen still seemed reluctant.

"Kozuki." Now Xingke appeared on the monitor. "I understand how you feel, but remember that Britannia has still yet to officially join the U.F.N. Because they are not affiliated with us, we don't have the authority to involve ourselves any further."

"The reason we took part in this battle was that the Britannia Emperor made a formal request to the U.F.N council, which they accepted," Todoh added, also appearing on screen. "We are the military strength behind the U.F.N, so we can't act unless we are first given approval."

"I know all that," Kallen assured them. "I just wish we could do more to help."

"Personally, I think they say we've helped plenty." Then Orpheus appeared on screen while wearing his Zero mask. "Emperor Lelouch requested our aid because he needed a more powerful force to win this battle. But being the person he is, I'm positive that he and those around him are more than capable of handling the aftermath on their own."

"Yeah, you have a point," Kallen said now in a better mood. She agreed that it was more than likely that the others would be able to handle things smoothly now that the fighting was over.

"On the other hand, we're not exactly free on time either." Zero pointed out. "Now that a major incident like this has been settled, the whole world is going to be going through changes."

"Indeed, and we're all going to have to work hard to stabilise this situation on every front," Xingke said.

"In that case, we better start by heading back to Horai Island," Ohgi suggested.

"What about Shirley and Euphemia?" Kallen brought it up.

"I got a message from them," Zero said. "They said they'll be fine and will have the Avalon drop them off later."

"Okay everyone, now that we're done here, let's go home." Ohgi proclaimed.

With that settled, the flagship Ikaruga fully turned around and flew away with many Knightmares flying around it. With their role fulfilled, the Black Knights exited the stage.

The Avalon

The Shinkiro, Lancelot, Agravaine, Vincent and the jet arrived within the Knightmare hanger of the Avalon and there was a welcoming party gathered to meet them as they arrived consisting of Euphie, Jeremiah, C.C, Shirley, Lloyd, Cecile, Sayoko and Nina as well. Lelouch got out of the cockpit of the Shinkiro and Logan, and Suzaku and Rolo followed suit as they met with their allies.

"Welcome back your majesty," Lloyd said casually. "It seems that you were successful."

"Congratulations and I'm glad that you're all," Cecile said more respectful but relieved all the same.

"Thank goodness all of you are safe," Sayoko said with a smile.

"It's good that you're safe Lulu," Shirley said happily.

"Well, of course, he's safe," Logan said like that should have been obvious. "Are you forgetting that we were with him the whole time?"

Shirley smiled in response and nodded. "You're right, there wasn't a reason to worry in that case."

"My lord, it fills my heart with joy that you succeeded and that you have returned safely," Jeremiah said.

"I had no doubt that you would win," C.C said knowingly.

"Thank you all," Lelouch said feeling grateful, "I couldn't have done it without all of your help."

"Suzaku," Euphie said with a smile.

Suzaku turned to Euphie and went to hug her and Euphie hugged back and the others didn't interrupt them.

"Euphie, I'm relieved that you're okay," Suzaku said with a smile.

"Of course, it was for your sake that I made it," Euphie said happily.

"And it was for your sake that I returned here alive," Suzaku replied happily.

"Logan," C.C said.

Logan turned to C.C. "C.C, we thank you as well."

"Well, we are accomplices and we still have a contract, remember?" C.C said with a warm smile.

"Yes, we do, still, thank you, thank you so much C.C.," Logan told her sincerely.

"Logan…" C.C said happily.

"Lulu." Now Shirley approached Lelouch. "After all this, you finally did it, you ended the war."

"I couldn't have done it without everyone's help," Lelouch said honestly. "Including yours, Shirley."

"I didn't do anything," Shirley said magnanimously. "Compared to everyone else, I didn't help at all."

Lelouch shook his head and denied that statement completely. "You're wrong, Shirley. You helped me, you have no idea how much your presence has helped me reach this point, I wouldn't have wanted anyone else here with me more than you."

"Lulu…" Shirley said happily.

Finally, Rolo stepped forward. "Excuse me, I hate to interrupt, but isn't there something important you need to tell everyone."

"I haven't forgotten, Rolo, don't worry," Lelouch assured him before facing the rest of the group. "Everyone, there's someone here who also played a large role in today's victory, I'd like you to say hello."

With that, the jet was opening up its door and someone was coming out, wheeling out the door was Nunnally.

Nunnally looked around nervously and waved, "Hello everyone."

"Nunna" Shirley said happily.

"Nunnally," Euphie said happily and went and hugged Nunnally.

Nunnally looked at Euphie. "Euphie, it's you."

Euphie and the others noticed something with Nunnally and were surprised.

"Miss Nunnally, your eyes… You can see?" Sayoko asked.

Nunnally nodded, "Yes, I'm able to see again."

"It's a miracle," Jeremiah said with joy, "Lady Nunnally has regained her sight again."

"It brings me great joy Lady Nunnally," Sayoko said.

"Joy?" Nunnally asked.

"Yes that you and Master Lelouch are together again."

Nunnally smiled. "Yes, it is."

Shirley kneeled in front of Nunnally. "Nunna."

"That voice…" Nunnally then looked at Shirley. "You… You're Shirley, right?"

Shirley smiled. "That's right."

"Shirley, it's good to see you, literally," Nunnally said with a smile.

"Oh Nunna, I'm so happy to see you," Shirley said as she held her hands.

"Shirley, will you come closer?" Nunnally requested.

Shirley was surprised a bit and looked at Lelouch and the 99th Emperor nodded with a smile. Shirley leaned closer to Nunnally and she had her hand on Shirley's cheek. The happy reunion continued on.

"I hate to interrupt," Lloyd spoke with his usual unreserved blunt way of speaking. "But, even though it's a good thing, can we please get an explanation as to how Princess Nunnally regained her sight?"

"I'd like to know that as well," Cecile said hoping she wasn't overstepping boundaries. "I was told that her blindness was caused by a trauma from her childhood."

"And more than that, what made her return with you?" Nina asked, also curious. "I thought you had chosen to side with Prince Schneizel, did they convince you to switch sides?"

"Well, we actually have a few things we need to explain," Logan said, not knowing where to start.

"Let's begin with this." Lelouch started by turning back towards the jet. "Come out here at once."

Upon hearing that order, the person who was still in the jet walked out and to the shock and astonishment of everyone who wasn't present at the events aboard the Damocles, Schneizel stepped out and stepped beside Lelouch.

"Prince Schneizel…?" Nina whispered in disbelief belief.

"But… How?" Euphie whispered, completely perplexed.

"As we said, there are some things we need to explain," Lelouch said calmly.

Conference Room Aboard The Avalon

After they left the Knightmare Hanger, everyone was now gathered in one of the private rooms where they could talk. Schneizel had been ordered to wait outside and so he stood outside the room while the rest of them sat or stood around the monitor to talk.

Right away, the five of them began to explain everything that transpired in the Damocles, about how Lelouch used his Geass on Schneizel, how Nunnally willing gave him the key and how she saw through Schneizel's deception and was never on his side.

"I see, so that's what happened," C.C said while leaning against her chair.

"I must say, you really surprised us, Nunnally," Euphie said, processing all this. "To think that you waited for Lelouch and contributed to his victory."

"Yeah, I definitely wasn't expecting that," Shirley added.

Nunnally nodded. "Yes, I was doing what I believe would be the right thing."

"Well, you definitely did the right thing," Suzaku told her.

"So, what's going to happen to Prince Schneizel and Kanon?" Nina asked.

"Schneizel will obey Lelouch from now on so we'll use him as a subordinate," Logan informed her. "He still has his intellect so there'll be plenty of uses for him."

"As for Kanon, he'll be placed in a holding cell until we decide what we're going to do with him." Rolo finished.

"I understand." Nina accepted that explanation.

"And, what about Diethard?" C.C asked.

"Now that his mission is over, he'll be returning to the Black Knights," Lelouch answered that one. "We've already sent word so they'll know he's coming."

"And, Lelouch," Euphie said getting his attention. "What are your plans now that the battle is over?"

"The same as what they were before the battle started." Lelouch proclaimed. "We'll meet with the leaders of the U.F.N council and ask for Britannia to become a member nation."

"Then, I should tell you that Xingke and Lady Kaguya have sent a transmission and would like to speak with you," Euphie informed him happily.

The four of them we somewhat surprised by this as Suzaku asked. "Are you serious?"

"They contacted us shortly before all of you returned," Cecile informed them.

"It seems they didn't want to waste any time," Lloyd added jokingly.

"In that case, patch them through." Lelouch decided.

"Pardon me, your majesty." Jeremiah stepped forward. "Please forgive me for interrupting, but there is a matter I believe requires your attention."

"Don't be concerned, Jeremiah, speak it," Lelouch said.

"It has to do with Anya Alstreim," Jeremiah said.

"Hmm, Anya?" Lelouch blinked. "What about her?"

"Well, Sire." Jeremiah started.

The cyborg then began to explain how he discovered that she had no memories due to being under the effect of Charles Geass and as a response, he used his Geass Canceller to free her from that effect at the end of the battle.

"Anya was suffering under the effect of father's Geass this whole time?" Nunnally realised forlorn.

"Wow, and all this time I thought she was just quiet and reserved," Shirley said, upset that she didn't realise it.

"Come to think of it, Charles did say he planned on using Nunnally and Anya as false witnesses," Logan said quietly.

"So he erased her ability to remember anything as a result." Rolo summarised.

"That's too cruel," Euphie said with sympathy.

"I knew it for a while now, ever since we spoke on the rooftop garden," Suzaku remembered that time he spoke with Anya. "I'm just glad she's been freed."

"And?" Lelouch addressed Jeremiah. "Where is Anya now?"

"She has yet to regain consciousness so I've taken her to the medical ward aboard the ship," Jeremiah reported. "What actions should we take after she wakes up?"

"That's a good question…" Lelouch pondered that question. "I know first-hand how difficult it is to adjust to things after spending a long time having your memories tampered with, but it's much worse in this case because it's practically been her whole life."

"Let me handle the matter with Anya." Suzaku volunteered.

"You, Suzaku?" Lelouch asked.

"I've spent the most time with Anya, me and Gino, if there's anyone who should be with her during this time and helping her adjust to things, I think it should be us." Suzaku reasoned with them.

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea," Shirley noted. "She did spend all of her time with you guys the whole time I knew her."

"Very well then, Suzaku, we'll leave the matter of Anya in your hands." Lelouch decreed. "But right now, meeting with Kaguya and Xingke takes priority. He turned to Cecile. "Prepare the monitor to accept their feed."

"Yes, your highness," Cecile replied and got to work.

With that, Cecile got to work on the monitor and after finding the correct transmission, she patched it through and put up a video call on the monitor. Appearing on the screen were the faces of Xingke, Kaguya and Tianzi.

Once they appeared on the monitor, everyone settled down and got down to the matters at hand.

"Emperor Lelouch," Kaguya started. "First off, we want to thank you for your help in stopping Prince Schneizel from threatening the world with the Damocles."

"Think nothing of it," Lelouch assured. "I do apologize that it had happened in the first place."

"Um, it's not your fault," Tianzi said. "You didn't want that to happen, they were the ones at fault for what they did, so please, don't blame yourself for the actions of others."

"Thank you for your words, your majesty," Lelouch replied giving the young Chinese Empress a warm smile.

Xingke nodded. "With that, as agreed, we want to know what you have to say about certain things before we make the decision to allow Britannia to join the U.F.N."

"Of course," Lelouch said.

"Then, please tell us what your intentions are regarding how Britannia plans to move forward after these events?" Kaguya questioned him.

"Britannia will function as a country that isn't motivated the same way when it was under my father's rule," Lelouch said. "I truly believe that in showing good faith that joining the U.F.N would do well but…Even if that is not to be, even if you and the rest of the representatives of the U.F.N decide not to allow Britannia to join the ranks, I will still rule the country as the country that doesn't invade other countries just to show might and led the path of a new era and have excellent relations with other countries. In fact, joining the U.F.N would be an excellent bonus. It may be difficult and there will still be those within Britannia who will go against my rule but I will continue on," Lelouch looked up. "It is my way to honour the memories of those who lost their lives needlessly… And those who are still around, yearning for a better future."

Everyone in the room smiled or at least felt satisfied by his answer. Even if some of them had different goals or motives for being here, they all wished for the same conclusion and that was what brought them all together. Even Xingke, Kaguya and Tianzi appeared to be satisfied with that answer.

Xingke nodded. "I'm glad to hear that, though it likely wasn't necessary to ask a question already knew the answer to."

"No, it was necessary," Lelouch said. "I wanted you to hear my true thoughts openly so that you would know that you can trust me."

"What point is there in that, we've already known that we can trust you for quite a long time." Xingke pointed out with a smile. "We know that everything you have told us now is the truth."

"I see…" Lelouch was somewhat flattered.

"We know you're being sincere and truthful," Kaguya said assuring him. "I have already known that right from the start, Master Zero."

"Kaguya, he's not Zero anymore." Logan reminded her in a good-natured manner. "He's Emperor Lelouch of the Britannian Empire."

"Oh, it's all the same to me." Kaguya waved it off lightheartedly.

Once again, everyone in the room smiled as they were all glad things worked out well for them.

"Now there is one thing we would like to ask," Kaguya said.

"You want to know what I will do in order to have Britannia be part of the U.F.N," Lelouch said.

"Yes," Xingke said with a nod.

"Oh yes about that, I've decided to cut the voting power of Britannia. I'm willing to keep things fair and even." Lelouch decided.

"I see," Kaguya said with a nod. "Very well, we'll have a meeting with the other representatives of the U.F.N but just to let you know, it doesn't mean that you'll automatically be allowed to be in."

"I'm fully aware of that," Lelouch assured. "I leave in the decision of the U.F.N whether or not they let Britannia in."

"We have a long road ahead," Logan said. "And a lot of work to do."

"Yes, we do," Kaguya said.

"Very well," Xingke said.

The meeting was over and the transmission ended as their faces disappeared from the screen. Everyone still in the room looked at each other and knew they had to start getting ready for their next steps.

Lelouch faced Shirley and Euphie. "I'm guessing that you two will be returning to the Ikaruga."

Euphie nodded. "Yes, we're still connected with the Black Knights so it's only proper that we return not everything has been settled."

"It's a shame that you have to leave so soon." Nunnally trying not to show that she was upset.

"I wouldn't worry too much," Euphie reassured her. "If all goes well, I'm sure we'll be able to see each other again very soon."

"And hopefully, we can all see each other again at some point." Shirley then looked at Suzaku, Lelouch, Rolo and Logan. "And maybe, all of us can go back and see Ashford."

Suzaku smiled at that. "That would be nice."

Logan nodded. "We wouldn't be able to stay for long, but I wouldn't mind stopping by."

"And then, maybe we can all shoot fireworks again." Lelouch thought fondly.

"Lelouch." Nunnally held his hand. "Do you think it would be okay if I went with you when you all go to Ashford?"

Lelouch gently placed his hand over hers. "Of course, it wouldn't be everyone unless you were there too."

"Well, for now, we should get going," Euphie said.

"Please, take Nina with you." Rolo requested. "We brought her with us because we needed her help, but now that the fighting's over, we should probably send her home."

"We could drop her off on the way back to Horai Island," Shirley suggested.

"Nina, would that be all right with you?" Euphie asked her.

"Ah…Y-Yes, I'd be delighted," Nina answered, both nervous and excited.

With that settled, the three of them headed for the door and after a last look and a goodbye, they walked out, exiting the room and on their way to depart from the Avalon.

Bridge Aboard The Avalon

Sometime later in the sky, the Damocles was moving up further to the sky and all people whether they were part of Lelouch's forces or they were part of the defeated forces of Schneizel looked as they watched the Damocles going up in the skies as it was heading to its final destination. Lelouch was watching the Damocles from the bridge of his flagship and he nodded.

C.C went up to Lelouch and asked. "So, where do you plan on sending the Damocles exactly?"

"The sun," Lelouch said immediately.

"The sun?" C.C repeated.

"The Damocles never should have been built in the first place, so I'm removing it from this world in a way where it won't leave behind a trace," Lelouch said seriously.

Lelouch then composed himself and sighed as he turned back to the others and addressed them.

"All right then, now that our business here has been completed, let us return to Pendragon," Lelouch announced.

"We're going back?" Suzaku asked.

"Yes," Lelouch said with a smile. "Let's go home."

Two Months Later

Milly was in the KT Studio in Tokyo and she was smiling as she was ready to give her report.

"This is Milly Ashford reporting to you from our new KT Studio in Tokyo," Milly began with a smile. "It has been two months since 99th Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia had ascended to the throne and he had made some huge changes for the country. It has also been two months since Emperor Lelouch led his entire military forces to victory against the rebel faction that was led by Schneizel el Britannia, the former second prince and Prime Minister of Britannia," Milly had a downcast expression. "It was a hard-fought battle in which both sides suffered huge casualties."

Milly continued with her coverage of Emperor Lelouch and his reign over Britannia that began two months ago. The coverage was shown of a cemetery that was for military personnel. It was shown of Lelouch along with high ranking military officers as well as his Knights of the Round, and with Nunnally, C.C, Sayoko, Lloyd and Cecile were giving prayers to all the soldiers who had lost their lives in the war against Schneizel and his forces. There were also the family members of the fallen soldiers who were grieving their loss.

Milly continued with the broadcast. "In spite of those tragedies, things have taken a brighter turn for the world after that battle. Emperor Lelouch restarted his request for Britannia to become a member nation of the United Federation of Nations and after the council voted an overwhelming majority in favour of that request, Supreme Chairman Zero and Chairwoman Kaguya Sumeragi passed the motion forward and allowed Britannia to join the U.F.N." Milly announced while images of the people in question appeared on the screen. "Now that wars and conflict have been left behind, the nations of the world are able to address other issues. In the past two months, many of the territories of the defunct Chinese Federation have been ratified and the nation is closer than ever to being fully unified once again."

The broadcasting team was making sure the feed was being sent outlive. The one leading them was Diethard who was making it so that the broadcast was being sent out all over the world. He smiled in satisfaction at how things were playing out.

Somewhere else in Tokyo, Villetta is revealed to be married to Ohgi and pregnant as well, watching the news inside Tamaki's newly opened bar. While Tamaki was shorting out the drinks, he walked by a framed picture on the wall that was a photograph of Ohgi and Valletta's wedding. The two of them were at the centre and surrounding them were all of their friends, including all the core members of the Black Knights, Lloyd and Cecile, Cornelia, Euphie, Darlton, Claudio and Guilford, Xingke, Kaguya and Tianzi, and Gino and Anya.

In a different part of Tokyo. Kallen opened up the curtains in her room and dressed up in her Ashford Academy uniform before fixing her hair. Now that the conflicts were over, she returned to being a student in Japan and is caring for her mother as she recovers.

After running out the door, Kallen heads for school and along the way, she runs into Shirley who happily greets her as the two of them head to school together.

"Now that the world isn't focused on war anymore, we've started fixing other problems like hunger and poverty," Kallen said peacefully.

"I know, it's like the whole world just took a brush off fresh air and now everyone has become more at peace with themselves," Shirley said happily.

Kallen smiled and looked upwards. "It's just like what Lelouch and the others said, we created a peaceful new world."

"Yeah, and we all did it together," Shirley said also smiling.

Before long, they arrived at Ashford and promptly entered the student council room where they were greeted by Rivalz.

"Hey, what took you guys so long?" Rivalz asked in a good mood.

"You know, we some stuff we wanted to talk about," Shirley said.

"Well, let's get to work." Rivalz decreed.

"Hey, don't start without us." A voice called out.

The door opened again and this time, Gino and Anya entered the room, both of them were also in their student uniforms.

"Hey, you guys made it." Shirley happily greeted them.

"Hold on, I thought you guys were too busy to show up to school?" Rivalz asked.

"Well, things have been going so smoothly lately that we were allowed some time off," Gino explained. "Until further notice the two of us are on standby until we're called in for duty, so we decided to spend our time here."

Kallen sighed. "Just goes to show how peaceful things are if even Knights of the Round can take time off."

"I could say the same to you, ace of the Black Knights." Gino shot back jokingly.

It was true after the final battle ended and Anya recovered from the experience of regaining her memories, Lelouch offered them positions in the New Knights of the Round and the two of them accepted. But they still acted as students of Ashford whenever they were free.

"Anya, how are you feeling right now?" Shirley asked her.

"I told you, you don't have to keep asking," Anya assured her, quietly but not as stoic as she used to be. "I'm fine, I'm perfectly okay."

"Sorry, I just can't help but ask to be sure," Shirley said.

"You can't really blame her," Gino said. "Your recovery and rehab process wasn't exactly pleasant."

"I know it took a while for me to fully adjust to things after I was cured, but I'm really okay now," Anya reassured them. "In fact, I finally feel like myself again."

"Well, we're all happy for you," Rivalz said before clapping. "Now everyone, we still have council work to do so let's get started."

"Yes, Mr council President," Shirley said almost jokingly.

"President, me." Rivalz sounded uncomfortable. "I still can't get used to that, I wish Milly chose someone else."

They laughed at his melancholy as the student council got to work on their business.

Japanese Government Bureau

Meanwhile, at the bureau, Euphie arrives by plane along with her escorts, consisting of Zero, Cornelia, Guilford, Darlton, Claudio and a Geass-controlled Schneizel. She is shown to be meeting with Ohgi, now Prime Minister of the United States of Japan, in a conference Milly reports on. Guarding Ohgi was Todoh along with the remaining two of the Four Holy Swords, Chiba and Urabe.

After meeting and entering the building to go into a conference room, both groups sat down around a large table to begin talking, except for Euphie and Zero who were still in the hallway. They were going to enter the room but first, they said they had something they wanted to discuss amongst themselves.

"How are you doing so far?" Euphie asked.

"I'll be honest, I thought that after the last battle, I'd be done with being Zero," Orpheus said behind the mask. "But then Lelouch told me that I had to cover today's conference for him. Doesn't he realise I'm not as good as he is at doing public events as Zero?"

Euphie gave him a lighthearted smile. "Don't worry, it's just for today and we all appreciate your help in this situation."

"I know, it's not that I hate doing this for him, it's just exhausting having to play the role of Zero while also talking and acting like how Lelouch does as Zero," Orpheus said.

"Well, he always did things in his own way," Euphie said.

"Speaking of doing things in your, I'm still surprised that Cornelia ended up joining the Black Knights," Orpheus confessed.

"My sister is a military specialist through and through," Euphie said knowingly. "Since every nation in the U.F.N has abandoned military power, the Black Knights was the only way she could still be a soldier."

"That's one of the reasons, but it's also like she joined so she could be beside you again." Orpheus pointed out.

Euphie smiled lightly. "Yes, you might be right about that."

"By the way," Orpheus said. "Not just Lelouch, but Nunnally isn't here either, what's so important about today that they couldn't make it."

"Oh, it's not that important, really," Euphie told him, still smiling. "It's just something they didn't want to miss."

Pendragon — A.S.E.E.C Knightmare Hanger

At the Britannian capital, Lloyd, Cecile, Rakshata and Nina were working with both Rakshata's team and the A.S.E.E.C crew on many different Knightmares.

"Goodness, it feels like our work never ends," Lloyd commented as he looked over their work.

"How far along are we?" Nina asked Cecile.

"I'd say we're right on schedule," Cecile answered.

Currently, both teams were working together to repair and or upgrade or redesign the Knightmares that were damaged or destroyed during the last battle. Currently, they were working on Jeremiah's machine which was taking longer than time than any of the others.

"Once we're done with this one, we can get to work on my Lancelot," Lloyd said excitedly.

"Don't get carried away, Earl of Pudding?" Rakshata argued with that statement. "First we're going to work on my Guren."

"About that name you call me, are you still bitter?" Lloyd asked, mildly curious.

"I could be. I could be not." Rakshata gave him a vague answer.

"What's up with them?" Nina asked, clearly more curious. "Professor Lloyd and Miss Rakshata, did something once happen between them?"

"It's hardly worth mentioning." Cecile looked up with a smile of nostalgia. "And when I think back on it now, it wasn't anything at all. It was just a starting point."

At that point, the door to the Hanger opened and Jeremiah walked in with Sayoko beside him.

"I hope you'll pardon the intrusion," Jeremiah said as he walked up to them.

"Not at all," Lloyd said.

"How are things going with my machine?" Jeremiah asked.

"It'll be ready soon enough," Rakshata told him. "As I said before, we can't replicate the same system that the Siegfried had, but with the combined data and resources we have now, it will be possible to build you a Knight Giga Fortress superior to your old one."

"Thank you, I greatly appreciate this," Jeremiah said earnestly. "Even though we're at peace now and there are hardly any insistence where we're in need of Knightmares, to begin with, I still feel better now that I have that device with if in case I ever need it." He clenched his fist. "It's a symbol of my loyalty and my vow to serve and protect the royal family."

"Spoke like a true Knight of the Round," Lloyd said lightheartedly. "On the other hand, I'm surprised none of the other Knights are with you."

"Yes, where are Suzaku and the others?" Cecile asked.

"They had another matter that required their attention," Sayoko said with a smile.

Pendragon Imperial Palace

Walking along the hallway of the Imperial Palace with the Emperor who ruled over it, Lelouch. And walking right beside him was his personal Knight, Logan.

Both of them were dressed in their formal Emperor and Knight of Zero uniforms, but without their capes and Lelouch wasn't wearing his hat.

As they walked, Logan let out a small yawn which Lelouch took notice of. "You okay? You seem worn out."

"Of course, I'm worn out," Logan said. "These past two months, I've had to play the role of both Soul and the Knight of Zero back to back, and unlike you, I can't have Orpheus switch places with me."

"I don't exactly get to do that often, we have both been working hard lately." Lelouch agreed. "Even with Orpheus, my duties as the Emperor keep busy around the clock, it was a struggle to just get today off."

"Who would have imagined that world peace would have just led to more work than ever before," Logan noted.

"Well, it's often much harder to maintain a new era than ending an old one." Lelouch reasoned. "Even if we've ended wars, there's no telling how long this age of prosperity will last, new enemies or threats might be out there and someday we may find ourselves in another battle."

"Even if that's true, that's why we're together now." Logan reminded him. "We created this age of peace together and if someone or something shows up again to threaten it, we'll handle it the same way we've handled everything else—Together."

"Yes, you're right," Lelouch said with a soft smile before they stopped in front of a door. "For now though, there's an old promise we have to fulfil."

With that, Lelouch opened the door and the two of them walked through. They were now in a large Garden room that was very similar to the Rooftop Garden at the Government Bureau in Tokyo. It also had a skylight to let in the sunshine. In the middle of the room was a rectangular wooden dining room table with a freshly made meal set out and five chairs around it.

Suzaku, Rolo and Nunnally were already sitting in their seats and there were still two open chairs for Lelouch and Logan. Once they were close enough, the others noticed their arrival and smiled.

"Hey, you were the last ones to arrive," Suzaku said greeting them.

"I hope we're not late," Lelouch said apologetically.

"You weren't. The three of us just got here a minute ago." Rolo assured them.

"And the food finished being made and brought here just before you two arrived," Nunnally added. "Please, have a seat."

"Don't mind if we do," Logan said as they sat at the table.

Now all five of them were sitting. Lelouch and Suzaku sat on one side of the table while Logan and Rolo sat on the other side and Nunnally sat at the head of the table.

Suzaku looked around at the group and spoke. "Now that I think about it, this might be the first time we've all done something together in ages."

"True, the last time was at the school festival last year," Rolo remembered.

"And it's been even longer since we've shared a meal together," Nunnally remembered.

"Yes, that was the night before Suzaku first transferred to Ashford," Lelouch remembered.

"And then we all promised we'd do this again sometime," Logan remembered.

"Who could have imagined it would take us so long before we did this again?" Rolo said.

"Yes, so much has happened," Suzaku said looking down. "It's only been a year but it felt like so much longer than that."

"We've come so far since then and did so many things," Nunnally said softly. "Too many to ever atone for."

"Who says we need to atone?" Logan spoke before the mood could become sombre. "Everything we've done up until was for the sake of letting humanity move forward into the future. Despite the fact that we succeeded, there'll still be people who only see our past crimes." Logan looked at Suzaku. "Reaper." Then Rolo. "Killer." Then Nunnally. "Traitor." Then Lelouch. "Usurper." Finally, he pointed to himself. "Murderer. Regardless of what they call us, we're the ones who created peace, so I rather look forward to what we can do instead of looking back on what we have done."

"Yes, you're right," Nunnally said having cheered up. She then looked at Lelouch. "Lelouch, do you remember what you told me the last we sat here like this?"

Lelouch remembered and smiled as he placed his hand over hers. His promise about how the day she could see again, the world would be a gentler place. "Of course, I remember."

"And you kept your promise," Nunnally said sincerely happy. "Thank you."

"I should be the one thanking you, all of you." Lelouch looked at his friends. "All this time, I was fighting so hard for Nunnally's safety and so that we could be happy. But you all helped me realise something." He looked up towards the sky. "You don't need to change the world to find true happiness, sometimes true happiness can be found in the simple things in life, like just sitting down and sharing a meal with loved ones." Lelouch let out a small chuckle. "I wonder why it took me so long to learn something so simple."

"Often at times, the simplest truths are the ones that get overlooked." Logan pointed out.

"Yes, you have a point." Lelouch agreed before changing the subject. "Hey, do you all know that Tabula Rasa can be translated to empty table?"

"Really?" Nunnally asked.

"He's right, that's the Latin word for it but it can also mean Blank Slate. It basically means to set everything back to Zero." Logan explained. "We chose that name because we wanted to go back to square Zero and let the whole world start again with a clean slate."

"And now that we've created that blank slate and set the world back to Zero, we've ended up here, back at the table, it's almost symbolic," Lelouch said before he looked back down. "Well, we've talked enough for now, let's eat before the food gets cold."

No one argued with that idea and everyone picked up their utensils and started eating. Why they enjoyed their meal, they also talked and started conversations, laughing about simple things, sharing moments of joy, happy to just be around each other. As Lelouch saw all this, the outcome of his journey, he felt strong happiness in his heart.

"We destroyed the world…" Lelouch thought as he looked back on everything that led to this point. "And created… A new one."

Private Lounge

In a private lounge somewhere in the palace, she was laying down on a comfortable couch while eating a pizza with the box on a nearby coffee table and next to it was a pink origami folded paper crane.

"I said that Geass was the power of the king which would condemn you to a life of solitude," C.C said peacefully while staring up at the ceiling. "I think maybe that's not quite correct. Right, Lelouch?"

~And They All Lived HappilyEver After~

And that's the chapter.

Finally, it's finally over. Now, how many of you are glad we didn't go the Zero Requiem route? I believed that having all of them live in the end to not only create peace but always work hard to maintain it was the better end game for Lelouch and his group.

I felt like creating peace only to die right afterwards is like leaving behind all of your responsibilities to everyone else and expecting them to handle it which is both irresponsible and short-sighted in the fact that you're not thinking about problems that could arise in the future. And for someone who's always looking towards the future, I thought that wasn't in character for Lelouch, or at least the Lelouch that had Logan.

And what did you think about the ending where the five of them ended up at the dinner table again? Ever since I first did that scene and made them promise they'd do it again some time, I've always wanted to make that the series ending. That was the first time they were all together and so their journey ends where it began, I like that sort of thing.

Anyways thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, if you want more leave a review, if you like the story click the follow/favourite, and as always have an awesome day.

This Has Been Code Geass - Bonds Of Rebellion