It's been a long day without you, my friend

And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

"Are you sure about this?" Suzaku, fully clothed as Zero now, asked Nunnally who is seated next to him on the empress's personal transport. His attention were not casted onto the young lady, instead, his eyes were focus onto the ground. His arms were crossed across from his chest, deeply in thought.

"I am," Nunnally replied. "This is the best thing to do, Suzaku. You know about this. My brother might have expected alone that it will be only you. But, those last messages he has... It only means that after you see it for yourself, you need to share it with everyone he might have wronged." The young empress has her attention onto the road though. She smiled faintly. "I can't bear that the people who know his real identity will also be filled with hatred as well."

We've come a long way from where we began

Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

The drifting clouds outside covers the heat of the sun on its height, as if anytime, it will rain. It is totally the opposite compared to the day her brother had died. The sky is gloomy today but at the death of her brother, the sun shines down, as if to fulfill her brother's dream of a bright future. And somehow, deep down inside Nunnally, she is happy that her beloved brother managed to see the first second of light, of the tomorrow he had made.

When I see you again

When the limo had halted just by the front of the Ashford Academy gymnasium, the two are both aware that there is no turning back now. They'll let everyone see for themselves Lelouch's last message. The only thing that contains the truth, no lies, no betrayals. Just plain and simple truth.

Suzaku moved out of the vehicle and move onto the other side to open up the door for Nunnally. He gently picked her up and let her sit down on her wheelchair that the limo's driver had prepared after the latter parked the vehicle. Outside, Tohdoh and Ohgi were also waiting for them, to welcome the two.

"Your Majesty," greeted Ohgi with a hand offered to Nunnally and a smile. The empress took it for a firm shake. He then turned to Zero and acknowledge him as well. The masked man though just nod at his direction once.

"This way please, Your Majesty. Zero," Tohdoh stated, leading the two with Ohgi to the entryway of the gymnasium.

Damn, who knew?

All the planes we flew

Good things we've been through

That I'll be standing right here talking to you

'Bout another path

When the doors opened up, Nunnally and Suzaku were surprised that all of the people that they expected to be in had managed to make it. From the core members of the Black Knights, to the Student Council, to many other people that had been involved primarily with the lives of Lelouch and Suzaku. Everyone who is indeed close to them. Everyone were curious about what is the meaning of this sudden call.

Zero had settled the Empress just by the front, so that everyone could see her presence. The masked man then moves beside her and stand there in any case that she'll need help. Lelouch didn't ask for this, but when Nunnally learned about the message her brother had left, she wanted to do this. Being Zero, Suzaku can't do anything but support Nunnally in any way, just as Lelouch had asked from him.

"I am glad that you all managed to come here. I'm sorry that it has been a very short notice. But I am happy. My brother... might also be happy about this," Nunnally stated.

A sudden change in the mood of the room sprouted when the young empress had acknowledged her brother, the Demon Emperor, the Zero who had lied to all of the Black Knights, the Lelouch Lamperouge who have killed innocent lives.

But the empress didn't let it linger and disregards it. Instead, she turned to Suzaku and then ordered, "Zero, please."

Zero nodded at her direction and said, "Yes." He then moved behind Nunnally's wheelchair and pushed it next to Cornelia who is seated among the front rows as well. The masked man then moves away from a moment and to the corner where a projector was set up.

I know we loved to hit the road and laugh

But something told me that it wouldn't last

"What is this about, Nunna?" Cornelia asked, who was also confused as the rest of those who have gathered.

"This is the truth," Nunnally simply answered as light flickers to the projector and a video started playing.

Had to switch up

Look at things different, see the bigger picture

A loud gasped had come from the audience as the projector shows the face of a young man with raven hair and contact lenses violet eyes. No one will expect it but there in the screen shows the Demon Emperor casually leaning his head to one hand, an arm prompted up to support his casual pose during most of his videos. His hair is dishevelled, as if he had just woken up and didn't dare to fix it. The lighting is low, but it is visible in the shadows that Lelouch had recorded the video on the emperor's study room. The video was dated a day before his death, some minutes before the turning of the day.

Those were the days

Hard work forever pays

Now I see you win the better place

"I am making this video because I can't sleep," Lelouch stated from the video. "It is almost two months and I can't let myself to sleep at all. Preparations were all finished. Planning was completed three months ago already. I spent a week of a great reign, and instantly plummeted myself to the ground. It is indeed to be like that, as a make up for Euphie's sacrifice."

The whole room is already silent as they watch and listen what the previous emperor has to say to everyone, considering it as a last message for all of them for Zero and the young empress to call upon them. Nunnally felt her eyes start to moist in the corners upon seeing the face of her older brother, even if she herself had already saw the video. She then felt Cornelia's hands overlapping with one of hers, assuring her that it is alright or probably because Euphemia's name was brought up.

How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got?

"I always thought that to shed more blood will be able to erase what she had done, in order for those who have died before us will not have their sacrifices be in vain. And yes, it does." Lelouch then straightened up from his seat and intently look at the video with a small smile. "Well, it is easier to remember the Demon Emperor now than the Massacre Princess. Just as it is much easier to blame all the faults to a person than a system called Damocles."

The young man lowered down his gaze and continued on, "Two months have passed already. The world is indeed mine. I always know that it is so lonely to be at the top of the world. I should be able to rest myself right now because the whole world bows down at me and fears me, right? But if that's the case, then I myself should be sound asleep now, especially that the main leaders of the uprising against me are to be executed tomorrow. I should have had a peace in my soul. Well, maybe, it isn't the reason why I can't sleep. Maybe it was because of so many other things."

Everything I went through you were standing there by my side

Lelouch frowned, his expression seems to be filled with guilt and anger at himself but he isn't still looking at the camera after casting his gaze down. "I had visited Nunnally and a few of the other members of the Black Knights some hours ago. I even have the urge to come there with the Zero costume and the mask, specifically, because I really can't make up such a mask that will conceal my true intentions very well. Yet, I somehow manage to do so. Especially to Nunnally."

Nunnally then closed her eyes as she grips her hand that Cornelia has on her own. At a time like this, she needs at the most people that she can trust and had a fair share of love and time with her brother. No one will incredibly know Lelouch than a sister as well.

And now you gon' be with me for the last ride

"My dearest sister, to whom I dedicate this world I am creating and will have after the Zero Requiem tomorrow. I lied a lot of times, but I've done this for her. I am selfish, right? I don't want her to carry the burden that the reason I've done all of it were for her. I know she will shoulder it on her own, if she knew. I then thought, it is much better for her to hate me then. So that she'll see that I am selfish. I don't care. As long as, once the Zero Requiem was completed tomorrow, with her eyes finally open now, she can really see a peaceful world then, just as how I promised that she'll have it." Lelouch sighed heavily as he closed his eyes. He immediately opened them up as he glanced at his left as if he had heard something.

After a few seconds, he then continued, his eyes onto the camera now. "The betrayal of the Black Knights months ago, I incredibly didn't expect it. I know that no one from them will believe me, but never for once did I bend their will to join me. Their dedication and loyalty to Zero is based on their own free will. Diethard knows of it until his death, asking me to use my Geass on him. Among all, I treasured an army I myself had formed when I really have nothing but just my heart in vengeance and this Geass with me. My father had used me and my sister as tools, that's why I understand what it felt to be betrayed because of lies and be mere nothing but tools for his plans. That's why, even for once, I didn't dare to. An army that I valued, something that I have, formed by my own commands..."

He closed his eyes again and some sort of pain passed through his brilliant violet eyes. "I am so close to bring the heights of it, not until the trust they have placed onto Zero had gone. For all the lies then, I apologize. You were all invaluable. That's why, I saved all of you from an execution. And I'm intending to do the same thing tomorrow as well."

It's been a long day without you, my friend

And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

Lelouch sighed heavily again. "A few knows about the Zero Requiem. A few others will probably know of it as well afterwards. I don't care if anyone remembers or figure out that it is all orchestrated. Only those who pay close attention and who knows my identity, might be able to see it. Well, even if I am on your individual positions, I'll hate the Demon Emperor as well. I'll curse his name until the very depths of hell, let him drown onto the sea of blood that he had spilled."

We've come a long way from where we began

Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

When I'll see you again

The young man stops for a moment as if waiting for a reaction from the audience, but everyone were all anticipated for what he will say next. So they all waited as well.

Zero placed a hand by Nunnally's shoulder that causes the latter to turn at him. Suzaku though is staring at the video as well. Beneath the mask of Zero, he is also waiting for the next words even if he had watched this twice already-first upon finding the file, and the next is when he let Nunnally see it as well. But he must admit that he also misses his friend every time he watches the video.

First you both go out your way

And the vibe is feeling strong

"Everything is all prepared. I've already given the Zero costume to Suzaku."

There comes a reaction among the audience as they glanced at Zero's direction. They were all surprised to find out and conclude to themselves that Suzaku is alive and the one behind the identity of the new Zero. They have their doubts upon his first appearance and when he killed Lelouch, but it was not until now that they are sure of it.

As if according to the plan, Suzaku lifted a hand onto the Zero mask and removes it from his head. He shakes off his head for a moment as if to arrange his hair and lowered down the piece of cloth that covers the lower half portion of his face. He doesn't need to turn around to the audience to ensure them that it was really him. That familiar brown curly hair is enough to prove that it is the truth.

And what's small turn to a friendship

A friendship turn to a bond

"All of it, down to the very last paraphernalia the masked man has," Lelouch continued through the video. "He had accepted with the Zero Requiem. And there comes my fear about it. I know he has his doubts, if I were more like Scheinezel... well, probably there must be another way. Well, even if there is another way, I will still choose this one, this very path where I need to die for peace. But then, I wonder, if I die, will all of the evil die along with me?" He then sighed and smiled sadly at the video. "And then I assured myself; yes, because it was Zero who is going to do the killing. The whole world will see the tyrant, the embodiment of evil himself, be killed by a masked man, the miracle maker who protected justice. Just see it, the evil being defeated by justice."

Lelouch then leaned his head onto the rest and his gaze was cast onto the ceiling as his expression break into a suppress smile. The shaking of his lips and the way he stares at the ceiling so intently as if suppressing for any tear to fall. It then becomes much visible when he started speaking again, his voice somehow betrays his confidence, "Damn... I'll be deleting this video afterwards, I guess. Or I'll just keep it in the most hidden portion of my laptop so that when the right people managed to come to see this, he'll somehow understand and make a perfect thesis paper about his interest with the Demon Emperor's schemes and his death that resulted for world peace. How simple, the world just need to eradicate the dictator for world peace. There's nothing unique about it, just plain poetic."

And that bond will never be broken

The love will never get lost

He closed his eyes again for a moment and finally stare straight ahead, but not into the camera, something beyond though the camera, as if he is afraid to see himself being recorded into a video. "Zero Requiem... I don't have any doubts about it. There's just one thing I'm sure about. It wasn't because of this plan that I couldn't sleep. I always told myself that I am not afraid of dying. I am not afraid of death. But then... maybe, it's not. Everyone is afraid of dying. I keep on saying that I am prepared. This is the last trump card that I have. Then, I remembered, I am just eighteen, and I've killed a lot and made a lot of mistakes and foolish decisions. Still, one will say that the war isn't for kids. Well, in war, it was the young who must die."

And when brotherhood come first

Then the line will never be closed

Somewhere among the crowd finally breaks down finally. Most of them were the adult members of the Black Knights who might have agreed with it. Yes, in the war orchestrated and left by the elder, it was the young generation who fights and carry the burden until death. Nunnally also does suppress the cries she had kept, even Suzaku. Gentle tears fall down from their eyes. The hatred and tension in the room against the Demon Emperor slowly fades down, little by little.

Established it on our own

When that line had to be drawn

"Eighteen years..." Lelouch continued as he finally stared at the camera and smiled, but it is very visible that tears are forming on the corner of his eyes, that any minute now, it will certainly come into a rush. "I don't regret anything though if it is a talk about a peaceful tomorrow. But, I still have a lot of other things I wanted to do. I never wanted to enter College so that's out of the question. But, the time I have... Life is indeed unfair." The tears finally fall down Lelouch's eyes and his smile betrayed him totally. "This is a talk of justice so I couldn't say that it is an unfair judgement. Yet, I wanted to spend my life with the people I loved and I valued so much. I wanted to see them smiling as I... welcome death with open arms..."

The young man in the video instantly brought his face onto his hands. Anyone with eyes could see how his shoulders hitched, his whole body trembling so badly. Anyone with ears as well could hear that he is indeed crying.

Nunnally and Suzaku could also hear the sobs that grows behind them, coming from countless people, aside from their own. Lelouch had said all of the truth, no lies attached to them. But maybe, what really broke them is the realization how such a great actor the young man is. They might have seen him as a pompous arrogant person, a charismatic person who is so happy with such bloodlust, but still... he is still a human. Maybe he is an incredible person who hides behind a much built mask. And now, here in the video, they just saw him break down into his own tears. Maybe, it is true that the people who has the most precious smiles have the greatest burden to carry, and decided to cry on their own, silently, without anyone knowing, even if it comes to the extent that they might be hated by the whole world.

And that line is what we reach

So remember me when I'm gone

Lelouch brought down his hands and run a hand onto his hair. He then prompted his head onto one hand, a palm placed by his forehead as he stare at his laptop's keyboard. His cheeks were moist with tears, and there's still a few glistening his violet eyes. "How a fool I am. Crying about this life of mine. Well, no one will cry for the death of the Demon Emperor, right? That may be the reason I am crying. I might cry now for all of the regrets and fear. But maybe, later on, I'll finally be able to sleep and wake up in sunrise one more time before I take my eternal slumber with death embracing me. I will just cry out all of my regrets and fears, and then sleep. It's only for tonight. Because tomorrow, I shouldn't be the eighteen year old prince who was abandoned by his empire, an Ashford Academy student who seems to be so irritated with everything, a masked man who raised the banner of rebellion, and an emperor whose reign is of terror and the worst. Tomorrow, I'll just be Lelouch." He gulped in hard. "A young man... who is facing... an execution... in the hands... of my best friend."

How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got?

Everything I went through you were standing there by my side

And now you gon' be with me for the last ride

The young man in the video stops for a moment and steady his breathing. He closed his eyes as he breathe in deeply and sighed heavily. He then stared at the camera once more and smiled sadly even if his voice quivers when he speaks and tears are still falling down from his eyes to his cheeks. He is trying all he could to put on the façade of assurance, a smile... a sad smile. He then slowly speaks, "Black Knights, there will be no more wars. There's no need to be called as a resistance group. You are the Allies of Justice, and each of you will remembered, for you are a symbol. A symbol of hope to every man. Lloyd, Cecille, Sayoko and Jeremiah, thank you for all the efforts you've done. I and Suzaku are almost at the end of it. Tomorrow, all of those plans that the two of us formulated will be viewed by the world. Milly, Rivalz and Nina, you might never forgive me for hiding so many lies despite that I spend a lot of time with you. I'm sorry if I can't be the one to set the fireworks this coming school festival. Kallen..."

The ace pilot of the Black Knights snaps her head straight to the screen with brilliant tears flowing from her eyes in such harsh succession.

So let the light guide your way, yeah

"You are my most valuable piece among the Black Knights. Your skills are exceptional just as Suzaku. Thank you for loving Zero. And I can say that you've made it. You'll finally have the world that you've promised to your mother."

Kallen then turned her head somewhere and muttered, "Idiot..."

Hold every memory as you go

"C.C." Lelouch called next through the video.

Everyone inside the room then look at each other with tears on their individual eyes. They look for the green-haired woman among them but find no one at all. Among all of those who have gathered, it was only the witch that wasn't present. They then gave up and turned towards the projector once more and watched the previous emperor's video, his last message to all of them, the hero that died and they needed, not the Demon Emperor that they though he is.

"You already have a share. And all of my thoughts are with you already. You'll probably keep it and I don't want to say anything to you through this. You have a separate one. Since, you all know of this," Lelouch continued. He then sighed heavily and then continued, "Nunnally."

And every road you take, will always lead you home

The young empress then stared much intently at the face of her brother. She had heard his message already, yet, this is her brother's last words to her, something that she'll treasure forever as part of her memory of his.

"I'm sorry for hurting you. It's all fine. There's nothing to apologize because it is all my fault. I wanted to live on the same world where you'll be. But then... Don't worry, I'll always be watching over you. I love you always."

Nunnally then turned to Suzaku who had knelt beside her and brought her close to his chest as both of them cried. Suzaku's eyes though closed, knowing that the last few seconds of the video will be his last message to him and to the rest. He can't bear looking at the face of his friend who died with such a peaceful and serene face, instead, he just listened.

It's been a long day without you my friend

And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

"And finally, Suzaku. I know you'll be able to find this video as well except for that student who will dare to make a thesis about me in the future. You're my first... and last friend, my enemy. But it's all thanks to you that I was able to fulfill my wish, not only of Nunnally, but of the whole world. A wish of tomorrow. And yes, I have a hope with it," Lelouch continued. He closed his eyes as he breathe in a sighed of relief. He opened them once again with a much greater smile of happiness, contentment.

Not that of triumphant evil smirk, but just plain happiness like a child.

His tears had seize falling finally and have dried onto his cheeks as he continued for his last words, "There's still few hours before dawn. But, after all I've said, I finally was able to have peace with my mind. For now then, I won't be regretting anything. Because I hope for the best. Because tomorrow, it will be better. Just as the song of death as it is to be played and finally be completed tomorrow; where by the sword of my friend, my enemy, my strength, my weakness: I fall. I destroy the world and created anew. May this peace last forever, and may all the sufferings end. Please, God, let my sacrifice be not in vain, let my blood be spilled to spare the innocent."

We've come a long way from where we began

Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

Lelouch in the video nodded once, for the last time. "Yes, Zero Requiem... is the final chapter for the short life of the Demon Emperor, Lelouch vi Britannia."

The video then goes black as everyone inside the room cries on their own after learning the whole truth, the last message to them, and finally, the rain started to pour as well along with them.

When I see you again