Cemetery
Rain tapped the rows of black umbrellas like the ticking of a clock—slow, relentless. The priest's voice rose above the whispering wind.
"He was a good man. A husband. A father. A friend to us all. May he rest in peace, cradled in the arms of our Lord."
The first shovelful of dirt hit the coffin with a dull thud.
Then—
"No!" a scream tore through the silence.
Everyone turned. A woman collapsed to her knees, clawing at the wet earth. "Don't bury him again! Please! He's suffered enough!"
"Mom!" Shirley rushed to her side, pulling her close as the woman sobbed into her daughter's arms. "Please... don't leave me, too."
Shirley's voice trembled. "He's gone, Mom. He's gone..."
The crowd stood frozen. Uncertain. Awkward.
In the distance, beneath the crooked shadow of a tree, a lone figure observed. Tall, composed, sipping soda like he was watching a play.
Zartan.
Dressed in a sharp suit, his shades mirrored the mourning crowd. Behind him, the wind carried ashes into the sky. The funeral was over. But the real performance was only just beginning.
After the Service
Mourners trickled away. Shirley stayed, clutching her umbrella like a shield. Kallen lingered nearby, guilt etched across her face.
"I'm... I'm sorry," Kallen said, unable to meet her eyes.
Shirley blinked, surprised. "For what?"
Kallen hesitated. "For not... stopping any of this."
Shirley gave a hollow laugh. "That's not on you."
Then Rivalz stepped forward, fidgeting. "I thought the Black Knights were heroes," he mumbled. "When I saw what happened in Narita, I even posted online about it—like an idiot. I'm sorry, Shirley. I really am."
"I said stuff too," Shirley replied, her voice quiet. "We all did. Back then, none of us knew what it meant."
"Shirley, stop," Milly cut in, her voice tight. "Have you even cried? Really cried? You're bottling it up, and it's going to break you."
Shirley stared into the grave. "I've cried," she said. "More than you know."
Then—
"Cowards."
Everyone turned.
Suzaku stepped forward, fists clenched. "Zero. The Black Knights. They think hiding behind masks changes the world? They stir up chaos and call it justice. They're no different than terrorists."
CRACK!
The slap echoed through the air. Everyone gasped.
A man in a cobalt-blue suit lowered his hand. Cobra Commander.
"We're at a funeral, you disrespectful whelp," he hissed.
The crowd parted. Even Milly stepped back.
Cobra Commander moved to the grave, placed a single white lily on the headstone, and stood still. The wind shifted. Tension rippled like a fault line ready to break.
Shirley approached him, eyes wide. "My lord... I didn't know you would come."
He bowed his head slightly. "Your father deserved better. My condolences, Miss Fenette."
Kallen stiffened. Lelouch's jaw clenched. Suzaku's eyes narrowed. None of them trusted Cobra—but now, here he was, offering sympathy? Something didn't feel right.
Later
Only Lelouch remained. Cobra joined him. Zartan lounged against the tree, crushing his empty can.
"Funeral was dull," Zartan said. "Hey, Lulu. Still striking out with the redhead?"
Lelouch's voice cut like a knife. "Don't. Call. Me. That."
Cobra chuckled. "He's always been sensitive. Let it go, Zartan."
Lelouch glared, eyes burning. "Why are you here?"
"Family reunion," Cobra replied. "And business."
Flashback – Ashford Academy (Yesterday)
Rain pattered against the windows. Inside the student council room, Lelouch sat across from Cobra Commander. Tea steamed between them. Cobra lifted his helmet just enough to sip.
"I know what you're thinking," Cobra said. "But if I wanted to poison you, I'd be more creative."
Lelouch didn't smile. "What do you want?"
"A partnership," Cobra said smoothly. "Not with Britannia—with me. With Cobra. Your Black Knights have fire, but no structure. I can give you both."
"And in return?" Lelouch asked.
"You survive the coming storm."
Cobra leaned forward. "You think Britannia is your enemy. They're just the beginning."
Then—quietly—he asked, "Is Nunnally here?"
Lelouch's breath caught. He nodded.
Cobra stood and followed him to her room. She slept peacefully. Cobra knelt beside her, silent for a long moment.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I should've protected you both."
Lelouch swallowed. "You still care... after all this time?"
Cobra slowly removed his helmet. Lelouch's eyes widened at the sight.
"She lost her eyes and legs. I lost everything but my hate. We're both broken, Lelouch."
He stood, armor gleaming in the dim light. "But together, we can shatter an empire."
Back to Present
Lelouch stared into the distance as the memory faded. Zartan popped another can open. "So, boss, Destro's flying in soon. Says the Gundam needs repairs."
Cobra groaned. "If this is about his wife again—"
"Nope. He's got your new pilot suit too."
"Fine," Cobra said. He turned to Lelouch. "I'll see you at the docks. The mercenaries will be waiting."
"You sure they're loyal?" Lelouch asked.
Zartan's grin turned wolfish. "We don't break contracts. Unlike some 'Knights' we've seen."
Victory Palace
A private jet touched down. Crimson Guards lined the path. Destro emerged, briefcase in hand.
"An honor," he said to the waiting nobles. He turned to Suzaku. "You pilot the Lancelot. I'm Destro. It's a pleasure."
Then his eyes found Lloyd.
"McCullen," Lloyd sneered.
"It's Destro, you tin-plated dandy."
"Oh, I see you've upgraded your forehead."
They moved closer.
"I fixed my rockets. Have you fixed your pride?" Destro snarled.
"Enough!" Cobra snapped. "Get inside before I throw you both in the dungeon."
Destro bowed. "As you wish, Commander. I've brought your new suit. And your Baroness."
Castle Halls
The Baroness leaned against a pillar, eyes glinting. "Late as ever, beloved."
Destro smirked. "Blame Lloyd."
She pulled him in for a kiss.
A gasp broke the moment.
Euphemia?
"You scandalous fools! Kissing among the sacred stones of Britannia!"
Baroness groaned. "Zartan."
The illusion shimmered. "You gotta admit," he said, now in Suzaku's voice, "I nailed her tone."
Firefly passed by. "Enough games. Council's waiting."
War Room
Around the table sat Dr. Mindbender, Storm Shadow, Snake Eyes.
Cobra Commander stepped in, now armored.
"We begin. First: Zero is my brother, Lelouch."
Gasps.
"We won't expose him. Instead, we support him. Quietly. From the shadows."
Docks – That Night
Zero stood before his troops.
"Cornelia moves to crush the JLF. We strike first. We show them the Black Knights are not shadows—but thunder."
The troops saluted.
A voice rang out from the loading bay.
"Yo, Zero!"
Everyone turned, hands on weapons.
From the shadows stepped a gang of rough, dangerous-looking men.
"The boss said you've got work for the Dreadnoks."