Season 2 opens with an illusion. Lelouch is cutting school and gambling. The Black Rebellion failed a year ago. Japan is being crushed under an even harsher heel.
But Lelouch has been given amnesia and false memories, to be bait in a trap set for C.C.
But C.C. springs the trap on the trapmakers, unlocking Lelouch's true memories.
The small handful of the Black Knights that are still free ask Zero what he would have them do.