940Hi everyone, thanks for waiting. This is where things are getting more interesting in Code Prime. Suzaku has been officially selected as Euphemia's knight, and there is growing tension between Britannia and the Decepticons, not to mention V.V. is in Area 11, against Charles' wishes. So much is happening, and it might all just explode all out at once. Will our alliance of Autobots and Black Knights be able to stand against the growing threat? Let's find out.
Tropical Skirmish
Zero stood on the catwalk that oversaw the bridge of the Ark, right by his side was Optimus Prime, with Lady Kaguya standing right next to the masked revolutionary. They all stood in front of the assembly of all the Autobots and virtually every Black Knight under their command. A part of Lelouch almost couldn't believe it. It wasn't that long ago that he and the Autobots were only allied with Kozuki resistance cell, since then they've brought in nearly every Japanese resistance group into their ranks, including the Yamato Alliance and even the Japan Liberation Front, there were even more than a few Britannians who joined up with them as well. With Kyoto's aid, this alliance has even made contact with a worldwide network group known as Peace Mark. Already, the Autobots and Black Knights together were likely the biggest Anti-Britannian organization in the entire world not aligned with any other superpower.
"Due to our reorganization and expansion, more than a few changes have been made within our chain of command." Optimus began. "First and foremost, our new chief of military affairs will be Kyoshiro Tohdoh, co-led by Ironhide who will be in charge of all Knightmare training and head of the vanguard."
There were some awes and murmurs of approval from many Black Knights as Tohdoh made eye-contact with Ironhide, both nodding.
"Additionally, the Four Holy Swords will work alongside the Wreckers Unit, consisting of Bulkhead, Wheeljack, and Rai." Zero continued. "Likewise, Ironhide and Tohdoh will act as your commanders."
"Sounds fair." Wheeljack nodded with a slight smirk.
"Wreckers, huh?" Asahina asked Ra with a slight smirk, liking the sound of that.
"Yep, and in the Wreckers, we don't call for back-up…" Rai looked towards Bulkhead as they shared a smirk.
"We call for clean-up!" Bulkhead and Rai said at the same time, resulting in some approving cheers from their Black Knight peers.
"Taking charge of all intelligence, espionage, and public relation matters with Kyoto will be Tatewaki Katase and Diethard Ried." Optimus continued. Though there were no doubts about Katase's placement as he himself approved of it, there was some murmurs of doubt in regard to Diethard who remained stoic during the whole duration.
"Zero, Optimus, I'm not a racist, but what's your reasoning for employing one of them in such a sensitive position?" Chiba asked.
"Reasoning? What of myself and my comrades?" Optimus answered the question. "We do not hail from Earth, yet you still choose to fight beside us. Additionally, we have several Britannians within our ranks." Shirley in particular, fidgeted slightly, but Rai put a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiled at her, resulting in her smiling back at him.
"In this organization, it doesn't matter who you are or where you are from, even if you're from a different planet." Zero continued to explain. "What we're looking for is what you're capable of contributing to our cause."
With those words from Optimus and Zero, everyone quieted down as they accepted their leaders' choice, though some more reluctantly than others.
"Getting back on track, our deputy commander will be Kaname Ohgi." Zero continued.
Ohgi was more than a little surprised. "Me? Really?"
"Do you object?" Zero asked.
"Well, no it's just…" Ohgi wasn't sure how to respond.
"You got what it takes." Ironhide spoke to him directly. "Zero and Optimus wouldn't have picked you for that position if they didn't think you can pull it off."
Ohgi then turned around to face several approving smiles from his former comrades in his old resistance group as they gave smiles and nods. He smiled as well as he turned around to salute both Optimus and Zero. "I won't let you down."
"Heads of the research and development branch will be Ratchet, Fixit, and Rakshata Chawla." Optimus informed.
"Well, looks like we're going to be spending quite a lot of time together, boys." Rakshata said casually as she held the pipe from her mouth, addressing the Autobot Medic and orange Mini-Con next to her.
"I look forward to working with you." Fixit said in a friendly fashion.
"Yes, I suppose we'll have to make do." Ratchet accepted the proposal.
"With the formation of the Zero Squad, we have Bumblebee, Kallen Kozuki, Arcee, and Cliffjumper." Zero spoke directly to the aforementioned redhead and Autobot trio.
"Zero Squad?" Kallen asked.
"An elite guard under mine and Optimus' direct command." Zero explained. "Think of yourselves as the vanguard of our alliance."
"Elite guard, huh?" Cliffjumper shared a knowing look with Arcee. "You hear that, partner? We're on the 'Elite Guard' now." He chuckled.
"Very funny." Arcee smirked with a raised eyebrow.
The window-screen of the bridge behind Optimus, Kaguya, and Zero turned on to reveal the branching structure of all the aforementioned groups as well as the squads and units below them under their command. "Look for your name on this list." Zero continued. "That will be the squad you are assigned to, and which squad will work directly under which unit that was spoken of thus far, that is all."
Everyone got a clear view of the organization chart and could clearly see their names. Most of the Black Knights present were placed in combat groups, others were placed in intelligence units. Shirley saw her name under the former category and smiled as that meant she'd be working with Kaguya, whom she'd developed a genuine friendship with since joining, but also, it meant she was actually making a contribution to this cause. To say she was honored was an understatement.
"Hey, check it out!" Tamaki saw his name. "My squad is under the Wreckers! Hell yeah!"
"If you have any questions, you may state them now." Optimus said. "Otherwise, you are dismissed."
With that, nearly every Black Knight quickly left the bridge now that the meeting was over. However, Diethard was among the few that stayed. "Zero, Optimus, there's one issue that still needs to be dealt with."
Area 11 – Royal Palace
This was the ceremony of Suzaku's ascension to knighthood. He was dressed in white formal attire with a sheathed sword at his side. Among those gathered were virtually every Britannian noble from Area 11, however, most, if not all, did not approve of this in the slightest.
"Who cares if he's an Honorary Britannian? Knighting an Eleven is just…"
"And broadcasting it live."
"How'd he ever win her favor, I wonder?"
"Well, even a princess has needs right."
Suzaku walked straight towards Princess Euphemia as she sat on her throne awaiting him.
Ashford Academy
Nearly the entire campus was watching the ceremony as well, several students watched from their personal mobile devices, and there were some that didn't approve either.
"No, are they kidding?!"
"No, this can't be happening!"
"They're making him a major! An Eleven!"
Nina didn't say anything but couldn't help but wince unconformably as she listened to the broadcast as well.
"Suzaku Kururugi." Euphemia began as she stood and Suzaku kneeled before her. "Will though upon this day pledge they fealty to Britannia? And stand as a knight to the crown?"
"Yes, your highness." Suzaku replied.
"Does though wish to abandon thyself, and be sword and shield for the sake of the greater good?" Euphemia asked.
"Yes, your highness." Suzaku repeated as he unsheathed his sword and handed the handle towards Euphemia. She took the sword in her hands and gently tapped his shoulders with the blade.
"I, Euphemia Li Britannia, do hereby dub thee, Sir Suzaku Kururugi…."
Camelot Division.
"So, who's payroll is he on now?" One member asked as the division watched the ceremony from their own television.
"I believe Lloyd's already working on that." Cecile answered.
"What about the Decepticons?" Another member asked. "How are they going to handle this?"
"Honestly, I have no idea." Cecile replied.
Euphemia handed Suzaku back the sword as he sheathed it and stood up to face the crowd of nobles. The ceremony was finished, he was now officially the knight to Princess Euphemia. Many of the nobles didn't even try to hide their faces of disapproval or even disgust. It was deathly silent, until Lloyd Asplund genuinely clapped for Suzaku.
It wasn't just Lloyd, both Suzaku and Euphemia heard a series of claps from the side as they saw Darlton along with the Knights of the Round; Gino, Nonette, Monica, and even the ever-stoic Anya, clap for Suzaku's success and even smile, with the exception of Anya who seemed physically incapable of clapping. Though the rest of the nobles still didn't approve, they too joined the applause, if only to keep themselves from looking bad on live television.
The Nemesis
Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Dreadwing, Knock Out, Breakdown, and even Airachnid all gathered on the bridge and witnessed the entire ceremony.
"Well, isn't that cute." Airachnid teased.
"Honestly, it makes me want to vomit." Starscream commented with a scowl. "That is what I would do if I were a human."
"Britannians knighting an Eleven?" Skywarp drooled. "Personally, I don't see a difference between the two, but this is gonna drive a lot of them up the wall."
"Yes, this will definitely cause them some problems." Thundercracker saw the logic.
"If he's working with Britannia now, does this mean I won't get a chance to work with the Lancelot again?" Knock Out asked.
"Eh, I don't really care." Breakdown shrugged.
"Why do you all seem so disapproving over this matter?" Dreadwing asked his fellow Decepticons. "Kururugi has gained more approval and this could help further cement our alliance as he is one of us."
"I don't know if you've noticed, Dreadwing." Starscream began. "But Britannia doesn't seem all that cooperative with us. This could be an attempt to dismantle our ranks from within. I never did approve of Kururugi joining us to begin with."
"This is not our choice to make." Megatron finally spoke. "Suzaku had the choice to decline Euphemia's offer, yet he accepted."
"Technically, I think he actually felt he had no choice." Thundercracker pointed out. "He's so complacent with following orders, he probably doesn't even take his own will into account."
Starscream groaned as he rolled his eyes. "Except when those orders are to execute an enemy! He still manages to find a way to worm his way out of that scenario every time!"
"What do you expect?" Airachnid taunted. "He's an idealist. And there's nothing I despise more than idealism."
"And there is nothing I despise more than your constant rambling." Dreadwing glared at the she-con.
"Why are you being so defensive about this, Dreadwing?" Breakdown questioned. "You got a soft spot for Kururugi and that little princess?"
"He was her bodyguard and… come to think of it, are you still her bodyguard?" Skywarp asked in a mocking sense to the glaring Seeker.
"Yes, Skywarp, I do believe he is." Starscream commented as he looked at Dreadwing right in the optics. "Which makes me wonder, where do your loyalties truly lie?"
"Don't you dare question me about loyalty Starscream, not with the amount of backstabings on your personal record!" Dreadwing exclaimed.
"Yet, I remain the second in command, not you!" Starscream glared back.
"Enough!" Megatron slammed his fist on the console to silence his bickering subordinates. "I understand what you are all saying. And I will agree that Suzaku has consistently found ways of avoiding dealing mutual blows to our mutual enemies. If this becomes a problem, I will personally order him to leave Euphemia's side and return to ours permanently."
"What if he chooses to ignore that order?" Knock Out asked. "I certainly wouldn't put it past the kid."
"I believe I may have a method of persuading him should he disapprove." Megatron said, sparing a knowing glance at Soundwave.
"Lord Megatron, I see no reason why Suzaku's status as Euphemia's knight would be a problem." Dreadwing spoke. "I admit, his reluctance of striking down our enemy is troublesome as he is a soldier. However, I have not seen any acts of insubordination from him."
"Maybe not from Suzaku himself, but from the side he has chosen" Megatron answered. "Britannia is starting to step outside their bounds with us."
"Is that why you had Soundwave broadcast our fight with the Autobots and the Black Knights during Tohdoh's escape?" Airachnid asked.
"Charles Zi Britannia has been planning something behind my back." Megatron revealed. "Something, I imagine, could be a potential threat to us. Speaking of which, have we received a response from Charles?" He asked Soundwave who only shook his head in response, which surprised many Decepticons present.
"What? He hasn't even made a public announcement?" Starscream asked, which Soundwave responded with another shake of his head. "That is most strange."
"From what we've seen, the Emperor always wants to have a tight grip on his kingdom." Airachnid said. "So, the fact that he hasn't even responded to our presence being broadcasted live is rather odd."
"So, why don't we just go over to his house and find out what he's up to ourselves?" Skywarp asked.
"Yeah, I mean we could Groundbridge there right now if we wanted." Breakdown stated. "Even tear up the entire palace until we find something."
"No! We cannot just attack our allies when we have no evidence of any transgressions!" Dreadwing stated.
"Dreadwing is correct." Megatron agreed. "We possess no evidence, only theories. Until we know what exactly Charles has planned, I cannot authorize any moves against him. So I will not tolerate any actions taken without my permission, Starscream!" He directed his look towards the Seeker, who only stuttered and stepped back cautiously. "Or from you, Airachnid." He looked at the spider-Con, who only scowled as she looked down. "Now, if there is nothing else you wish to say, you may leave."
"Yes, Lord Megatron." All the Decepticons said simultaneously as they left the bridge, leaving Megatron alone with Soundwave.
"Monitor all Britannian communications." Megatron ordered his surveillance chief. "Just because Charles hasn't made any public declarations doesn't mean he hasn't made a move. He and Victor are plotting something, and I intend to find out."
Ashford Academy Clubhouse
"I'm so happy for Suzaku." Nunnally said as she was handed a cup of tea from Sayoko, who in turn, offered one to C.C., which she accepted with a nod.
"As am I, lady Nunnally." Sayoko smiled as she left the dining room with the empty teapot.
"I don't want to sound too pessimistic, but military duties are more than a little dangerous." C.C. commented. "Especially given Britannia's discriminatory policies."
"I'm sure that Euphemia will help him every step of the way though." Nunnally said, her smile still present. 'She really hasn't changed.' She thought that last part with a reminiscent smile.
C.C. sighed with a small smile as she shook her head. "Nunnally, you are too pure for this world."
Nunnally stuck out her tongue in response and gave a small laugh. "By the way, C.C…."
"Cera." The disabled girl looked in confusion as C.C. spoke. "My real name… It's Cera."
"Oh, I like Cera. It's a very nice name." Nunnally smiled. "But what I wanted to say was, I'm a little surprised you're staying here. Normally, Lelouch doesn't let people stay here too long, except for Rai."
"Lelouch has been very busy lately working with some friends of ours, so he asked me to keep you company." Cera answered. "And before you ask, no I'm not dating him or anything like that. I'm not really interested in any romantic relationships at the moment."
Nunnally giggled in response. "It's alright, and between you and me, I think big brother might be interested in Kallen."
An amused look formed on C.C.'s face as she raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"
"Well, he did let us stay with her when Ashford was closed down recently." Nunnally commented. "And I get this feeling that she might actually like him back. I may be blind, but I'm not stupid."
Cera chuckled. "I take back when I said you were too pure; you got a real mischievous streak in you." She and Nunnally chuckled. However, Cera's gaze fell onto the window where she thought she saw a familiar figure outside. She stopped laughing and quickly made her way to the window. However, once she looked outside, the figure she thought she saw had vanished.
"Cera? Is something wrong?" Nunnally asked with concern
"I just thought I saw something." Cera said as she closed the window and casted a glare outside. There was no mistaking who she saw, she honestly had a feeling he'd try to get to Nunnally after she terminated her contract with Marianne. Which is why she told Lelouch that she'd be staying at the Clubhouse to protect Nunnally in case their assailant tried to get to her, that is until Lelouch decided it was the right time to move Nunnally to the Ark. Though in all honesty, she hoped that time would be soon.
Meanwhile, outside the clubhouse, V.V. hid behind a pair of trees as he had a scowl on his face. 'Damn it, why is C.C. here?! There's no way I can send Rolo or any of my other contractors to get Nunnally if she's there! Did she tell Lelouch about me? Did she tell the Autobots about me?! What else did she tell?!' He clenched his fists. 'This is exactly why you should have sent Pluton to grab her, Charles! Who cares about these worthless Autobots?! There's no way they can best what we've created, but no! You had to be all scared as usual. Well, if you can't help me, I'll just find someone else who can.' A sadistic smile formed on the immortal boy's face. 'And I think I have an idea on how to get his attention.'
The Ark
All eight Autobots were on the Bridge, alongside Zero and a group of Black Knights consisting of Ohgi, Kallen, Tamaki, Rai, Shirley, Kaguya, Tohdoh, Diethard, Katase, Rakshata, and the Four Holy Swords, all of whom sat in the lounge area alongside Fixit as the Autobots stood around them.
"Suzaku Kururugi, he's become a focal point among Elevens who are Britannian supporters." Diethard said. "I recommend he'd be assassinated."
"Absolutely not." Zero said immediately.
"He's right, we're not assassins. That's not how the Autobots or Black Knights work." Cliffjumper agreed.
"Even if that weren't the case, the Japanese, be they Britannian supporters or not, would be revolted by such a cowardly act." Tohdoh spoke.
"I agree with Tohdoh." Katase spoke. "Enemy or not, we will not assassinate our enemies."
"Exactly." Chiba said.
"I agree." Senba added.
"Same here." Asahina also put his two cents in
"Yep." Even Urabe nodded.
"That's right." Ohgi said as well. "The Black Knights and Autobots don't kill the defenseless!"
"So, what are we gonna do about him?" Tamaki asked.
"We have discussed the possibility of recruiting Suzaku to our side." Optimus answered, surprising many of the Black Knights present.
"Optimus' is right." Shirley said. "Suzaku may be working with Britannia and the Decepticons right now, but he's not a bad person."
"We've seen Suzaku outside of 'work' before." Rai added. "He's not a killer."
"Yet." Arcee put in. "Working alongside the likes of Megatron has not done him any favors."
"Buckethead always has a way of twisting and manipulating Bots." Bulkhead added. "So even if Suzaku isn't bad, actually convincing him to leave won't be that easy."
"I'll say, kid's as stubborn as a rock." Wheeljack added as well.
"But if we tell him how bad the Decepticons really are, it might convince him to leave, right?" Shirley asked. "Don't you guys have any evidence to show what they did to Cybertron?"
"Yes, we do." Cliffjumper said. "If we show him that, I'm sure we can convince him to leave the Cons."
"But it's not just the Cons we gotta worry about." Ironhide said. "It's also convincing him to leave Britannia."
"Ain't that the same thing?" Tamaki asked.
"No." Zero spoke. "We've already seen the signs, especially in our more recent battle with them. They're divided, this so-called alliance between Britannia and the Decepticons is beginning to crumble."
"We have seen signs that both factions claim to be superior over the other." Optimus added. "It may be only a matter of time before their weapons are turned toward one another."
"Isn't that a good thing, though?" Kallen asked. "I mean, if they take each other out, less trouble for us."
"What about the innocent people who'll get caught in the crossfire?" Arcee reminded her partner.
"She's right." Cliffjumper added. "If the Cons and Brits go to war with each other, you can expect the streets to run more red with blood than blue with Energon."
"Rakshata and I have run the numbers based on what we know of the Decepticons and Britannia thus far." Fixit pointed out. "And we have determined that if both sides were to fight one another, it is most likely that Britannia will moose… noose… loose!"
"Britannia might have numbers on their side, but the Decepticons have superior firepower and strength." Rakshata herself added. "Britannia might not go down without a fight, but their defeat would be all but certain."
"And if the Decepticons dowin in that scenario, it would only cause more trouble for Earth." Ratchet said. "They won't recognize civilians or differences in nationality. They would more than likely wipe out the entire human race and claim all the Energon deposits for themselves."
"Would they really go that far?" Katase asked as he looked at Optimus directly.
"Yes." Optimus answered without hesitation. "Megaton did not bat an eye when he caused the destruction of our home planet, and even prevented us from leaving once it was deemed uninhabitable. It is highly unlikely that he would allow humanity to prosper on a world that is not his own."
All the Autobots, including Zero, had similar expressions as they knew from the beginning what Megatron was capable of and what was at stake. In regards to the Black Knights; Shirley, Kallen, Rai, Kaguya, Ohgi, even Tamaki looked visibly terrified. Rakshata only raised an eyebrow. Tohdoh's eyes narrowed as the Four Holy Swords, and Katase had looks that mixed shock and anger. Diethard however, his face mixed between excitement and terror; one side was excited about such a battle, the other was more terror for his own life.
"He's really that bad, huh?" Urabe asked.
"You have no idea." Arcee commented.
"Hey, speaking of which, wasn't that fight we had with them broadcasted live?" Ohgi asked. "What did Kyoto say about that?" He asked Kaguya in particular.
"They were about as surprised as everyone else." Kaguya answered. "But what we're really concerned about is that the Britannian Emperor hasn't offered a response of his own?"
"Really? Nothing?" Bulkhead asked in surprise.
"He didn't go on tv and make another 'Social Darwinist speech' or whatever?" Cliffjumper also asked.
"No, nothing at all." Kaguya shook her head.
"That is rather concerning." Katase commented.
"Agreed, it's not like the Emperor to just ignore something like that." Zero said.
"We may be getting off track." Rakshata spoke up. "What exactly is our plan for Suzaku? You said you intend to get him over to our side, how?"
"Tohdoh, can't you say something to him? You we're his sensei before the occupation." Katase asked.
"I tried speaking with him during that last mission." Tohdoh replied. "He didn't appear to listen. However, I did notice some hesitance when I asked him if he were to choose sides between Britannia or the Decepticons when they turn on each other. He didn't even answer the question."
"Maybe that's how we do it." Arcee put her thoughts in. "If we get certain Britannians to side with us, maybe he'll follow them over to our side."
"It's not impossible, I mean we got Britannians sitting right here." Cliffjumper added.
"It would have to be someone pretty high up, though." Bulkhead said.
Shirley suddenly got an idea. "What about Princess Euphemia?" That question received both surprised and questionable looks. "When my friends and I were taking hostage at the Hotel Jacking, she stood up to the people responsible and even revealed herself."
"It's true." Rai said. "I was there to. She risked her life to save people who couldn't defend themselves."
"I can vouch for that as well." Zero added.
"A Britannian royal on our side?" Tamaki questioned skeptically. "I don't think so."
"Yeah, we might have Britannians on our ranks, but I don't see anybody from the royal family actually siding with us." Chiba said.
"I wouldn't be so sure." Zero said as he stood up. "After all, you're speaking to one right now." He placed his fingers on his mask and removed it to reveal his face. Many Autobots were surprised at Lelouch's gesture, with Bumblebee, Kallen, Rai, Kaguya, and Shirley being the most worried for Lelouch's sake. Though Optimus and even Tohdoh nodded in approval.
To say the remaining Black Knights present, excluding Rakshata, were surprised was an understatement. "Lelouch Vi Britannia, formerly the eleventh prince of the so-called Holy Empire of Britannia, and seventeenth in line for the throne at your service." The former prince gave a mocking bow.
Ohgi, Senba, Katase, and Asahina looked more than a little stunned, Tamaki's jaw dropped, Senba mouth hung open as even Chiba's eyes widened. Rakshata only gave a small raised eyebrow. Diethard's face was equivalent to that of a little kid who had just gotten the best Christmas present ever.
"You're… you're… a prince…?" Ohgi stuttered, though he and Tamaki saw his face during their first meeting with Kyoto, to learn that their masked leader was a prince of Britannia was more than a little mind-blowing.
"Former prince." Lelouch made sure to put extra emphasis on the former part.
"No fucking way…" That was all Tamaki could say.
'The dead prince…' Diethard's face trembled with a shaking grin. 'Of course, now it makes sense! Who else but an Eleven would lead such a rebellion?'
"Why do you all look so surprised?" Rakshata asked casually. "Considering we're working alongside giant sentient alien robots, this shouldn't be that big of a shock."
"That's pretty bold of you, Lelouch." Tohdoh had a smirk. "Revealing your identity, like this."
"When you form an army, it's important for their leader to establish trust. Wouldn't you agree, Optimus?" He asked the Autobot leader who could only smile in response.
"Yes, that is absolutely correct." Optimus confirmed.
"Tohdoh, you know him?!" Katase questioned.
"Of course, don't you remember, General?" Tohdoh asked. "Back when I served under Prime Minister Kururugi as Suzaku's teacher, I also got to know our former prince here, as well as his disabled younger sister. How is Nunnally, by the way?"
"She's doing fine, albeit still blind and crippled." Lelouch replied.
"Maybe I can get a chance to see her again?" Kaguya asked. "We were pretty good friends at the shrine."
"I think that can be manageable." Lelouch had a small smile.
"That's right, I remember that as well." Senba said. "You two were sent to Japan by the Emperor as a bargaining chip."
"That is correct." Lelouch nodded. "Only to be discarded like trash once 'dear-old Dad' invented his precious Knightmare frames."
"Did you guys know about this?" Asahina asked the Autobots directly.
"The first time we ran into Lelouch was way back in Shinjuku." Bulkhead answered.
"We took him back to the Ark after he killed Clovis." Ironhide added.
"We told him about the War for Cybertron, and once we all learned we had a common enemy, we decided to join forces." Cliffjumper said.
"Why only wait till now to tell us?" Chiba questioned.
"A Britannian prince leading a rebellion consisting of people who are oppressed by Britannia, how do you think that would go?" Arcee replied rhetorically.
"Point taken." Chiba confirmed.
"I apologize for hiding my identity from most of you." Lelouch said sincerely. "But I had to be sure I could gain your trust, and I wasn't sure if I could if you knew who I was before. So, I decided to prove myself with actions rather than words."
"That's right, Lelouch here has been kicking Britannia's ass since day one!" Kallen stated. "Look where are now, and all that we've gained since then! In fact, most of us would be dead if it weren't for him and the Autobots!"
"That's right." Ohgi said as his loyalty toward Zero appeared almost cemented now. "He's always been here for us, they all have! I don't care if he is a prince, he's my leader and I'll follow him into hell if he asked me to!"
"Damn straight!" Tamaki exclaimed before turning to Lelouch directly. "Remember what I said after that whole Scraplet-mess? I don't care who you are; Japanese, Britannian, Chinese, a werewolf, or even a bunch of midgets in a body suit!"
"Lelouch has every reason to fight Britannia as everyone else here in this room!" Kaguya said as she wrapped her arms around his. "He's my hero, and I won't let anybody else say otherwise!"
"And it's not just Lelouch, look at everything the Autobots have done for us." Rai said. "They gave us a chance to fight! A chance to finally stand up to both Britannia and the Decepticons! There's no way I'm gonna walk away from this fight now, not when we have a chance to win it!"
Shirley also stood up. "I might not be a soldier, but I still want to help in any way I can. Lelouch has my support to, Prince or not!"
Katase and the Four Holy Swords were more than a little stunned. They all knew the story of Lelouch vi Britannia and his sister, with their exile, and their supposed deaths. Yet, despite this reveal, most of the Black Knights still supported him and the Autobots. Even Tohdoh knew and offered his support as well, and if the Miracle Worker himself was willing to work with him as well, they would be as well.
"It seems that you've earned your follower's loyalty, Zero." Katase said with a smile. "And you've earned mine as well."
"If Tohdoh and Katase support you, then I do too." Asahina said, as his comrades also joined in.
"Considering the threat, we're up against, both Britannia and the Decepticons, we may not have much of a choice." Senba said. "But you got my support too."
"It took a lot of backbone to reveal your identity like that, I'm in." Urabe smirked.
Even Chiba nodded. "You may be a prince, but I can tell you have some honor in you. You'll have my support as well."
All the Autobots present smiled and nodded, even Ratchet was rather pleased. He, Arcee, and Ironhide were among those that were skeptical of Lelouch at first, seeing the similarities between him and Megatron. However, they've also seen how much he has changed, willing to establish bonds and trust with his subordinates, it was clear that Optimus had rubbed off on him. While Bulkhead, Wheeljack, Cliffjumper, Fixit, and Bumblebee were trusting of Lelouch before, they trusted him more even now. Even Optimus nodded in approval.
"I thank you, all of you." Lelouch said with a simple smile, doing his best to hide his emotions.
"Getting back on track, we still have to talk about Suzaku." Rakshata said. "Seeing as how you actually know him, maybe you could be the one to bring him in."
"Maybe, but I need to be careful so that I don't reveal my identity to the enemy." Lelouch said.
"Speaking of which…" Ironhide spoke up. "Optimus, Lelouch, Ratchet, Tohdoh, I'd like a word with you all in private."
"Private? Why?" Ohgi asked.
"Just trust me." Ironhide said. Though it was subtle, all the Autobots got the hint that they knew what Ironhide was talking about; even Kallen, Rai, Shirley, Kaguya, and Lelouch knew. It was best that this matter was discussed in private.
"It's alright, all of you go. This shouldn't be long." Tohdoh said.
"Alright, if you say so." Ohgi nodded as he and Tamaki stood up, followed by Katase, Rakshata, and the Four Holy Swords. Diethard waited a moment, but he stood up as well. They made their way down the ladder along with Fixit and prepared to leave.
Ironhide noticed how Kallen, Rai, Kaguya, and Shirley weren't moving. "You kids need to go to."
"No, we know what you're talking about Ironhide. We know what happened, and we want to talk about it to." Kallen stated.
"That's right, we're not kids anymore, we can handle it." Rai also said.
"If that's the case, I think I'll stay to." Arcee also said.
"Yeah, so am I." Bulkhead stood firm.
"[I'm staying here to.]" Bumblebee bleeped, having been silent during most of this conversation.
"Alright." Ironhide nodded.
They waited a few minutes before the Four Holy Swords, Katase, Rakshata, Ohgi, Tamaki, and Diethard to leave the bridge alongside Fixit, Wheeljack, and Cliffjumper. Once they were certain they were alone on the bridge, Optimus spoke.
"Ironhide, can I assume this is about Suzaku's father?" Optimus asked.
"That's right." Ironhide confirmed.
Shirley, Kaguya, Rai, and even Lelouch had sympathetic looks on their faces as Kallen had a small scowl, while Arcee and Bulkhead just looked a bit conflicted.
"Tohdoh, if you don't mind, what exactly happened back then?" Lelouch asked.
The Miracle Worker gave a sigh as he spoke. "As I'm certain all of you know, Prime Minister Genbu Kururugi called for do-or-die resistance against Britannia. Suzaku, a ten-year-old boy at the time, tried to oppose his father as he knew millions of people would likely die. But the Prime Minister was about as stubborn as Suzaku is now. When he wouldn't back down, Suzaku drew a knife, even then Genbu called his bluff. Before Suzaku knew it, he had plunged the knife into his own father."
The occupants in the room all winced in their own way. "He killed his own father when he was ten years old…?" Shirley couldn't even imagine what that was like for Suzaku.
"After that, he completely fell apart." Kaguya added. "Kyoto tried to cover up the incident so the population wouldn't try to lynch him. But after Japan was renamed into Area 11, he soon joined the military. He felt if he could work his way up through the system, he could try to change it."
Kallen said nothing but gave a scoff. 'Good luck with that.'
"So, all this time, he's been trying to redeem himself." Arcee commented. "He seems little more than a guilt-ridden child."
"Exactly, which makes it unlikely that he'd actually work with us." Ironhide said. "And that's not even counting what's been going on since Megatron got his hooks sinked into him!"
"You think Megatron knows about Suzaku's dad?" Rai asked.
"We discussed this and there is no way for us to know for certain." Ratchet said. "However, I agree with Ironhide. If Suzaku chooses to try and reform the Britannian system from within, it is highly unlikely he'll side with the forces that are directly opposing Britannia."
"But you guys literally just said Britannia and the Decepticons would turn against each other." Shirley pointed out.
"And if we convince Euphemia to side with us, he'll probably follow her to if she asked." Bulkhead added.
"It's not just that." Ironhide stated. "Look, I agree, Megatron might take most of the blame. We all know how much he enjoys his little mind games, just ask Optimus. But Suzaku's had issues before he even knew Megatron even existed. You remember that night after we rescued him, Lelouch? You offered him to join us, but he declined. And even then, before he joined the Decepticons, he was the pilot of the Lancelot and actually attacked us! He believes what we're fighting for is wrong and choose to become our enemy of his own accord! You all understand, don't you?" Ironhide continued as he gestured to Optimus and Lelouch specifically. "These two are our leaders, and Suzaku attacked them, calling them out on their ideals and trying to force his on both of them! We're better off without someone like that in our army. An army with no respect and leaders who don't demand it are destined to fall apart quickly."
Nobody in the room, not even Shirley, Bulkhead, Rai, Kaguya, or even Lelouch or Optimus had an argument to give. Even Ratchet, Kallen, and Tohdoh seemed to be in agreement with Ironhide based on the expressions on their faces.
Ironhide then looked to Lelouch specifically. "Look, I get it Lelouch. He's your friend and you want to help him. But you can't let him walk all over you and let him get away with all the stuff he's done! If you do that, then it's gonna be me who leaves!"
That took nearly everyone by surprise. "Ironhide, you're making this more complicated than it needs to be!" Bulkhead stated.
"Don't get me wrong, if Suzaku does join us, then great." Ironhide said. "If he's willing to accept responsibility for his mistakes, and actually wants to atone, then he'll have my support. But, if he doesn't apologize for what he did, that includes his dad, and tries to put the blame on someone else, then I won't forgive him and I won't stand for it. In other words, we'll treat him as we would any other enemy."
"Ironhide, wait." Shirley tried to speak. "Look, I agree that Suzaku has a lot to answer for, but he's not a bad person. I'm sure if we just try to talk to him, we can settle all that when he joins us."
"So, you're saying the fact that he killed his own father, or that he actually took arms against us, means nothing?!" Ironhide exclaimed. "He can do whatever he wants without consequence!"
"No… but I…" The brunette couldn't come up with a counter argument.
"Shirley." Kallen got her attention. "Ironhide's right. What Suzaku did was very serious, and it wasn't an accident either. We can't just overlook that."
"That's exactly right." Ratchet agreed as well. "If Suzaku's allowed to pull the same kind of stunt with his father on a whim, how are we supposed to trust him moving forward? How do we know he won't try the same thing with Optimus or even Lelouch if we do something he disagrees with?"
Shirley, Rai, Kaguya, and even Lelouch looked in alarm. Would Suzaku really do that? Would he kill Lelouch and/or Optimus if they proposed something he didn't approve of?
"We've seen that far too many times." Arcee added. "Some people and bots are capable of making amends and redeeming themselves. But… even if they start out as good… sometimes, they might just be too far gone."
Ironhide gave a small sigh as he set the record straight. "Look, it's simple. If Suzaku is willing to accept responsibility and wants to set things right, then we'll help him. But if he tries to make up some excuse, then he is not welcome here." He looked at Lelouch directly. "I'm sure you already know this by now, but this is reality, it's not a game."
Lelouch spared a glance at both Bumblebee and Optimus, and even Tohdoh. Though they said nothing, they agreed with what Ironhide said. Ever since he had used his Geass on Cornelia and learned that she would side with them to fight Britannia and the Decepticons, there had been a strong sense of hope that Suzaku could be redeemed as well. But, at the same time, he knew Ironhide was right. If Suzaku had to change, he had to be willing to change himself, they couldn't force it on him, no matter how much Lelouch wanted to.
"You're right." Lelouch spoke. "We've already gone our separate ways before. I hope we can change, but if he can't…" Though there was some hesitance at first, Lelouch's face became determined. "If he can't… then we have to do what we have to."
Euphemia's office
"You haven't said anything about it yet." The Sub-Viceroy commented as she spoke with her elder sister over a screen on her computer, even though she already had an idea what she would say in regard to her choosing Suzaku as her knight.
"Appointing a knight is a privilege of royalty, it's out of my hands, even as Viceroy." Cornelia replied, though Euphemia could easily tell Cornelia disapproved of her choice.
"Don't you see, Suzaku Kururugi is an Honorary Britannian, and he's proved himself more than worthy of knighthood." Euphemia stated. "But I didn't just choose him because of that."
"Oh?" Cornelia raised an eyebrow of skepticism.
"Don't you think it's odd that the Decepticons made their 'public appearance' during the fight at the prison recently?" Euphie questioned. "Why would they hide their presence only to try and reveal themselves now?"
"Yes, I admit that is rather odd." Cornelia acknowledged. "What's even more odd is that our father hasn't even made any statements in regard to that particular incident."
That took Euphemia by surprise. "He hasn't?"
"I've even tried to contact him directly, but I have not received any response." Cornelia replied, causing Euphemia to look in confusion. "But what does that have to do with Kururugi?"
"I choose him as my knight so I can get him away from the Decepticons." Euphemia stated. "With the exception of Dreadwing, I don't trust any of them. Suzaku is a good person and I can't stand the thought of him working alongside someone like Megatron."
"Even though you are right not to trust him, discrimination against the Numbers is our national policy." The eldest of the Li Britannian siblings reminded.
"Then it's time I tried to change that!" Euphemia stated.
Cornelia's eyes narrowed. "Oh, is it now, Sub-Viceroy. Well, when you become Empress, feel free to do so!"
Charles Zi Britannia still stood in the mysterious floating altar within the cloudy sky as he appeared to be speaking to someone that only he could hear.
"Megatron is attempting to get a reaction out of me." Charles spoke. "Perhaps he is growing suspicious, all the more reason not to do anything. I've known Megatron almost all my life and he is excellent at reading people. All I need do is keep him focused on Lelouch and Optimus. Yes, perhaps we do need to pick up the pace, but we can't do much until we have C.C. Yes, I understand."
Suddenly, someone clad in black, who appeared to serve the Emperor, walked onto the scene and whispered something into his ear.
"What? Schneizel?"
"Yes majesty, your orders?"
Charles had a small smirk on his face. "You needn't interfere. Schneizel is formidable, but he's no Megatron. I welcome a challenge from him."
Ashford Academy Clubhouse
"A toast to the newest knight of Britannia!" Gino raised a glass of soda to Suzaku, along with nearly everyone in the Ashford student body as they gathered in the Clubhouse ballroom for the celebration filled with pizza and soda.
"Congratulations!" All the students cheered.
Gino threw his arm around Suzaku. "Welcome to the club buddy, you're one of us now!"
Suzaku chuckled nervously. "I'm only Princess Euphemia's Knight, not a Knight of the Round."
"Eh, tomato, tomahto." Gino shrugged.
"Well regardless, congratulations Suzaku. You've definitely earned it." Monica smiled as she stood alongside Anya, Milly, Rivalz, and even Sayoko with Nunnally.
"And you have Nunnally to thank for all this." Milly said.
"I'm sure you're tired of the celebrations, if you don't mind, we'd want to honor you to." Nunnally smiled.
"Not at all, it's really kind of you." Suzaku smiled back.
However, not everyone appeared to be in a celebratory mood as Nina sat alone in the Student Council's meeting room at her computer in the corner, though she also looked at a magazine with Euphemia's picture in it.
"Oh, what am I gonna do, Princess Euphemia?" She asked as she clearly did not approve of Suzaku becoming a knight, let alone, Euphemia's knight.
"Good afternoon." Lloyd suddenly walked in casually. "Have you seen Major Kururugi? They said I could find him here." Lloyd glanced at what was on Nina's computer. "Oooh, looks like you're working on some fun stuff."
"You know what it is?" Nina asked in surprise.
"Oh, I can tell a uranium isotope when I see one." Lloyd said as he leaned over the girl's chair.
"Wow, you know your stuff!" Nina was actually excited to meet someone that actually understood what she was working on as she began to ramble on.
Meanwhile, Bumblebee's vehicle form was parked at the building's parking lot with C.C. in the driver's seat.
"You saw V.V.?! Are you sure?!" Lelouch questioned over the radio.
"It was brief, but I'm quite certain." C.C. confirmed.
"[Don't worry Lelouch, we're keeping an eye out on things here.]" Bumblebee assured "[I doubt he's gonna show up now, but if he does, I'll dropkick him.]"
C.C. chuckled. "That might actually be pretty entertaining to see."
"Alright, I trust you." Lelouch replied. "And Cera, listen. Thank you, for watching out for Nunnally."
An amused smirk fell on the immortal's face. "Who said I'd give you permission to use my name?" Bumblebee's radio played a laughing sound effect from a sit-com in response before C.C. spoke seriously. "But seriously, I'd recommend you move Nunnally to the Ark very soon. I'll stay with her until then, and while I can protect her from any Geass agents V.V. might send after her, the Decepticons are a whole nother story."
"I understand and thank you again." Lelouch said before hanging up.
"[Well, looks like Lelouch isn't the only one coming out of his shell.]" Bumblebee observed. "[Nice to see you making friends to]"
"Don't try and push it, you sound too much like a father." C.C. said in a bit of a joking fashion.
"[Really? I thought I sounded like a cool big brother.]" Bumblebee replied.
"Are you big? Yes. Cool? No." C.C. cracked.
"[Well that's just your opinion.]" Bumblebee joked back.
Meanwhile, back inside the clubhouse, Shirley looked at Suzaku for a moment and while she was happy for him, she was also greatly worried as thoughts of hers, the Autobots, and Black Knights' conversation regarding Suzaku back at the Ark still lingered in her head. While she did agree with them, she had truly hopped they can try to find a way to reach him.
"Hey, Suzaku." She quickly walked over toward him. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Sure thing." Suzaku followed Shirley away from the crowd and in a more secluded area. "What is it?" He noticed the look on her face. "Is something wrong?"
"Well, not really, it's just…" Shirley tried to find the right words. "I'm happy for you Suzaku, I really am. But, I'm also really worried. I've heard how dangerous being in the military is and if something happened…"
Suzaku gave a small smile as he put a hand on her shoulder. "Shirley, that's nice of you, but you don't have to worry. I can handle myself, besides, you know how Gino and the others are, I doubt I'm going anywhere without them following me."
"Yeah but… what if the people you're working for… don't have your best intentions at heart." Shirley tried to say.
"What do you mean?" Suzaku asked in confusion.
"I… it's just…" Before Shirley could offer a response, Rai quickly came in.
"Hey guys sorry to but in, but I really need your help Shirley." The white-haired young man said as he quickly grabbed her arm and began to walk away. "Congrats Suzaku."
"Okay…?" Suzaku really didn't know what to think as he saw Rai pull Shirley away.
Rai made his way to Kallen, who was hiding around the corner waiting for them. "Shirley, what were you trying to do back there?" The redhead asked her friend.
"I wasn't trying to do anything I just…" Shirley tried to speak.
"Shirley, look. We get what you want to do, I want Suzaku on our side as much as you do, but we have to be careful." Rai told her.
"I know that, and I know what Ironhide talked about made sense but I… I don't want Suzaku to be 'just another enemy'." Shirley said. "You've both seen that there is good in him."
"Maybe there is." Kallen admitted. "But he has to take responsibility for all the bad stuff he's done. If he can't, then we won't be able to help him. I'm sorry, but we have to trust the Bots know what they're doing."
Shirley did understand what they were talking about and while she did agree with them, there was a part of her that wanted to help Suzaku no matter what. But she also knew that they can't let their guard down while he was still in the Decepticon's ranks. So, all she could do was trust her friends.
Meanwhile, Suzaku was still somewhat confused by what had just happened with Rai and Shirley and was about to go talk to them and see if he could help with what they had needed her help with, but he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked in surprise to see Lelouch with a friendly smile.
"Hey Suzaku, sorry I'm late. I got held up with something." Lelouch told him.
"That's fine, I'm just happy you could be here." Suzaku smiled back before he remembered Lelouch had something to discuss with him before. "Hey, what did you want to talk about? You said it was kind of important, right?"
"Yeah, it is. But not right here." Lelouch told him. "How about, we talk in private? Sometime later?"
Before Suzaku could even respond, he heard a familiar voice call to him. "Bad news, Suzaku!" Both he and Lelouch turned to see Lloyd and Nina walk into the ballroom. "You just got even more work to do, I'm afraid."
"Oh, right." Suzaku said in acknowledgement.
"You know him?" Lelouch asked.
Suzaku winced slightly. "He's my boss."
Gino, Anya, and Monica walked up to him. "Oh, hey Lloyd, come to join the celebration?" Gino asked in a friendly tone.
"Fraid not, you and Suzaku got a special job to do." Lloyd said casually.
"Is it the Autobots and Black Knights again?" Anya asked bluntly, which caught the attention of every student there. However, Monica was quick to place a hand on Anya's shoulder and silently keep her from revealing anything classified.
"You know we can't exactly talk about it here." Monica stated somewhat firmly to Lloyd and her colleagues.
"Relax, no end-of-the-world scenarios or alien invasions yet." Lloyd brushed off.
"Oh Lloyd." Milly also walked up. "I… didn't realize you were coming."
"You two know each other?" Nina asked.
"We're to be married." Lloyd revealed like it was no big deal.
"HUH!?" Nearly every student exclaimed at the same time, even Rai, Shirley, and Kallen were stunned as they looked toward each other in surprise.
"Isn't that right, honey bunch?" Lloyd asked in his usual tone.
"Eh… yeah." Milly said embarrassingly.
"Secret's out." Suzaku commented.
"So you knew?" Lelouch asked his friend, who only nodded in response.
"Whoa, whoa, what's going on here!?" Rivalz ran up toward the group. "Who is this guy?" He asked Milly specifically.
"Earl Asplund." The blonde answered.
"Earl!?" He quickly turned to Lloyd. "It's an honor, your lordship." He said before talking to Milly again. "Now, what did you say your relationship was again?"
"She and I are betrothed." Lloyd answered simply.
"NNNOOOOO!" Rivalz screamed dramatically as he fell back, only to be caught by Gino and Monica.
"Awe, sorry buddy. But hey, plenty of other fish in the sea." Gino tried to cheer him up, only to receive a minor glare from Monica as she helped Rivalz sit on a chair.
"Sorry Rivalz." She then spoke to him in a whisper. "Just between us, it doesn't look like Milly's all that interested, and Lloyd probably couldn't care less. As a Knight of the Round, I could help call it off if you want."
Rivalz then looked to Monica with stars in his eyes. "Thank you!"
Despite the obvious awkward situation, Suzaku walked up to Lloyd and coughed to get his attention. "So, do I have military duties then?"
"Yes, an important someone or other is arriving by boat. You, me, and the four Knights of the Round are off to meet him." Lloyd said. "Along with the Lancelot and Princess Euphemia, naturally."
Though many girls gave excited squeals, as the other students looked excited as well; Lelouch spared a knowing glance with Kallen, Shirley, and Rai. Perhaps this could serve as an opportunity for them.
A few hours later; Suzaku, Gino, Anya, Monica, Nonette, Lloyd, and Cecile were on the boat that was heading for their intended destination.
"Why Shikinie Island?" Suzaku asked. "The Tokyo Settlement would have been a lot safer."
"Yeah, it is weird that we're meeting out here." Nonette admitted.
"Wait, you don't know either, Lady Enneagram?" Suzaku asked her in surprise.
"None of us do." Monica added.
"Ditto." Lloyd added as well.
"Same." Anya reported.
"Yep, totally clueless." Gino also said.
"You still shouldn't have said anything." Cecile scolded Lloyd slightly. "Afterall, your loose lips got our plans leaked onto the net."
"And Gino posting it on Facebook didn't help either." Monica added with lowered eyebrows as The Knight of Three himself simply shrugged and chuckled nervously.
"That girl was so charming though, I couldn't resist." Lloyd said as well.
The Ark
Zero and Optimus were on the Bridge of the derelict Autobot ship as they addressed all the Autobots and the Black Knights they had selected for this mission; including Ohgi, Tamaki, Tohdoh and the Holy Swords, Rakshata, Kallen, Rai, and even Shirley and Kaguya were present as well.
"Euphemia is going to that island to meet a noble from their homeland." Zero explained as a three-dimensional image of the island itself was projected in front of the group. "Her knight, Suzaku Kururugi, as well as the Knights of Three, Six, Nine, and Twelve will be accompanying her. And more than likely, we may see some Decepticons. That far out at sea, the enemy's strength will be limited."
"From the Ark, we'll also be able to create a signal that will jam all long-ranged frequencies, cutting off any possible Decepticon reinforcements." Optimus added. "Our primary objective is the capture of Suzaku Kururugi and the Lancelot Knightmare. This is our strategy." As Optimus began to explain, a series of dots appeared on specific locations on the island's image. "The Zero Squad, Holy Swords, and Wreckers will attack the base to get the enemy's attention. Once we have confirmed sighting of the Lancelot as well as the Knights of the Round; the Zero Squad and Wreckers will draw away the attention of the Rounds and any other Decepticons present. Zero and myself will draw the Lancelot away."
"We have several specific traps set in play for the enemy." Zero continued. "By reverse-engineering the Decepticon weapon known as the Immobilizer, we have created a new weapon that should immobilize the enemy units."
"However, the only issue is once the field is activated, we will be unable to activate a Groundbridge portal on that specific location due to the energy being generated." Ratchet added. "So, we will be unable to directly transport Suzaku to the Ark."
"You just let us worry about that, Ratchet." Zero told him.
A few moments later, Diethard walked into a Knightmare bay where Ironhide was waiting for him. "You wanted to see me?" The Britannian asked.
"I want to know what you think you're doing." Ironhide got right to the point.
"I'm not sure what you mean. Care to be more specific?" Diethard asked.
"Why are you here? With us?" Ironhide questioned. "I read your information; you may have been demoted, but you've never committed any crimes or made public displays of disapproval toward Britannia. So why join our cause?"
"You mean, aside from the fact that the Decepticons plan to commit genocide for all humans, Britannian or otherwise?" Diethard responded. "Think you what you will about me, but I'm not crazy enough that I'd support the complete destruction of Earth."
"You know Zero's identity." Ironhide stated. "Optimus has acknowledged that there are those capable of change, and I can agree with him. But I'm also smart enough to know when someone's just using a cause for their own gain."
"I have no intention of siding with the Britannians or Decepticons if that's what you're implying." Diethard said. "As I said, the Decepticons are more interested in the complete extinction of humanity, and Britannia would rather the world remain stagnant, never changing. However, when I first saw you and Zero that night you rescued Kururugi from the Purebloods… I trembled! It was like a new era had taken form and appeared before me! I wish to document the exploits of the Autobots and the Black Knights! To watch you topple Britannia and take this world for your own!"
"We're not trying to take the Earth; we're trying to liberate it." Ironhide narrowed his optics. "Let me make something perfectly clear, Diethard. We protect people, not govern them. We have no intention of ruling anything or anyone. You got that?"
"I understand perfectly." Diethard said casually. "You can do what you wish, but as long as I am here with you, to document the exploits of the legendary Autobots and Black Knights as their conflict against Britannia and the Decepticons shakes this world to its core!"
Ironhide scoffed. "Sounds to me like you're attempting to fabricate history, instead of documenting it."
"Objectivity is a fairy tale." Diethard said, his fanatic smile still on his face. "In the end, journalism of the human mind like everything else, or Cybertronian mind in your case."
"You can contribute to our cause, and Lelouch saw fit to reveal his identity to you." Ironhide stated. "But, if you do anything to endanger anybody here, or overstep your bounds in the slightest, I'll be the first one you answer to. Got it?"
"Yes, of course." Diethard nodded.
Euphemia had arrived at the docks of Shikinie Island, with Suzaku, Gino, Anya, Monica, and Nonette right beside her along with Lloyd and Cecile. The Camelot division's vehicles were unloaded, along with the personal Knightmares of Suzaku and the other Knights. They were greeted by not only the military escorts awaiting them but also four Decepticon seekers that arrived via their vehicle modes before they transformed and landed on the ground.
"Dreadwing, it's a pleasure to see you again." Euphemia smiled at him.
"And a pleasure to see you as well, Princess Euphemia." Dreadwing had a small smile of his own as he gave a nod.
Euphemia's smile faded once she saw Starscream, along with Thundercracker and Skywarp. "Starscream." She greeted professionally.
"That's Commander Starscream." The lead Seeker corrected before looking at Suzaku. "What is your malfunction Kururugi? Bow before your superior."
Suzaku was somewhat surprised and about to make that gesture. "There is no need for Suzaku to do such a thing." Euphemia said professionally while also giving a subtle glare in Starscream's direction. "Afterall, he is my Knight."
"He was our soldier, long before you." Starscream glared. "So, you would be wise to remember your place."
"I already know my place, Commander." Euphemia maintained her stance, not even remotely intimidated by him. "But I fear you may be overstepping yours."
"Oh, snap!" Gino snickered as even Nonette and Monica smirked. Cecile looked somewhat worried, while Suzaku was more than a little shocked.
"Well, who knew Princess Euphemia was such a savage?" Lloyd commented.
Starscream growled as even Thundercracker and Skywarp smirked themselves. "Why you insolent little…!"
"That is enough!" Dreadwing pulled back on Starscream's wing. "We are not here to cause, trouble. Understood?" Dreadwing gave a glare at Starscream, causing the Seeker to glare back before he backed away.
"Ahem." One military officer got Euphemia's attention. "Your majesty, we've prepared a room for you back at headquarters, if you care to await there."
"Is it safe to assume that the ship is docking here?" Euphemia asked the officer.
"Yes, that hasn't changed." The officer replied.
"This will do fine, then." Euphemia said.
"Very well, I'll just arrange…" However, the officer suddenly got an alert on his personal radio.
Multiple explosions erupted all over the base as the Autobots and Black Knights begun their attack.
"Zero Squad, Holy Swords, and Wreckers begin your assault!" Tohdoh ordered as he was in his custom Gekka. "First and Second Squads, cover their flanks!"
On the right side of the base; Kallen's Guren took point as she used her Radiant Wave Surger on a Sutherland to reduce it to flames in mere seconds. Her colleagues drove around her as Bumblebee and Cliffjumper transformed and opened fire with their Energon blasters to take out the incoming helicopters. Arcee shot in between them toward an incoming Sutherland before she transformed and flipped over the Knightmare to shoot at it from behind and destroy it.
"Metal abominations!" One Sutherland's pilot exclaimed as it shot at the charging Bulkhead who completely obliterated the Knightmare with a single mace-strike.
"Talk about packing a punch." Asahina commented as he sliced a Sutherland in half with his Gekka's katana as Rai's own blue Gekka covered him with a projectile from his Radiant Wave Surger.
Ironhide, Senba, and Chiba formed a circle as seven Sutherlands appeared to surround them, but a few blasts from Ironhide's cannons were able to blast three of them away, causing the remaining four to scatter, but both Chiba and Senba were able to intercept them easily and cut them to pieces with their Gekka's katanas.
Wheeljack had sliced one Sutherland in half with his sword as he came back-to-back with Urabe's Gekka. "That's six Knightmares for me." The Wrecker smirked.
"Bet I can double that." Urabe challenged.
"You're on." Wheeljack accepted.
Meanwhile, Optimus and Zero's Burai stood on the cliffside above the base, observing their comrades' attack.
Lelouch chuckled in spite of himself. "Tohdoh was able to hold back the Britannians without a single Knightmare. Now that he's got a unit himself, and he's working alongside us, I can't wait to see what kind of trouble we'd give Megatron."
"He is indeed a powerful warrior and a keen strategist." Optimus nodded. "However, Lelouch, you are aware of what we must do if Suzaku does not wish to join. Do not get me wrong, I am hopping he does, but I have seen far too many times how far a pure soul can fall."
Lelouch winced. "Yeah… I know. But, for Nunnally's sake… I hope he listens."
Back at the docks, the group of Britannians and Decepticons could see the smoke from the base even from their location.
"What in the scrap is going on over there?!" Skywarp questioned.
"We've received confirmation that headquarters is under the attack of the Black Knights and the Autobots!" One Britannian officer reported, alarming much of the group.
"The Bots and BKs are here?! Awesome!" Gino pumped his fist, only for Monica and Nonette to both elbow him into the sides. "Oh, I mean, that's terrible." He tried to correct himself.
Starscream tried to contact the Nemesis. "Soundwave, we need reinforcements immediately!" However, he only got static in response. "Soundwave?!"
"They must be jamming us." Thundercracker deduced.
"We did point out the poor safety and strategic position this island had." Anya pointed out stoically.
"Maybe we should withdraw back to the Settlement." Cecile offered.
"Negative." Dreadwing countered. "Without access to the rest of our forces, we can't arrange a proper escort. The enemy could easily capture the Sub-Viceroy."
"Euphie, everything is going to be okay, I promise." Nonette placed her hands on the princess' shoulders in comfort and assurance.
"We won't let any harm come to you, your majesty." Suzaku added.
However, Euphemia was far from scared. "No Suzaku. I want you, Nonette, and the other Knights of the Round to help these men fend off the attack. Dreadwing, you should accompany them as well."
"You will do no such thing!" Starscream exclaimed. "Kururugi is already on thin ice as it is! I will not risk sending a liability such as him into the battlefield, especially against an enemy that he has not once bested!"
"Uh, you do realize you're criticizing a member of royalty, right Starscream?" Lloyd put in.
"It's Commander!" Starscream exclaimed. "And I do not care if she is royalty! Euphemia has no say in this matter!"
"The hell she doesn't!" Nonette stepped up. "She's still a princess and has the right to make the call on whether or not to send her knight into the battle if she wants!"
Starscream was about to retort when Dreadwing placed a firm hand on the Seeker's arm. "Starscream, we cannot contact for reinforcements. It's logical that we use all the tools we have at our disposal."
The lead Seeker growled as he reluctantly accepted. "Very well but take Thundercracker and Skywarp with you. I will not leave this to some lowly Britannians alone!"
Euphemia then looked at her knight "Sir Kururugi, demonstrate your valor for us today, so that we may finally silence all these naysayers, be they Britannian or Decepticon."
"Right." Suzaku nodded.
The last of the Sutherlands appeared to have been cleared out as Bumblebee punched down one Sutherland and crushed its head with his foot to render it immobile. "[That's the last of them!]" However, the Guren suddenly rushed past him to leap into the air use its knife to bat away an incoming Slash harken which was shot by the Lancelot.
The white and gold Knightmare was at the front, followed by the Galeschin, Tristian, Mordred, and Florence; followed by Dreadwing, Thundercracker, and Skywarp as they arrived in their respective vehicle modes before transforming and opened fire with their respective Energon blasters, or cannon in Dreadwing's case.
"They're here!" Ironhide stated as he attempted to return fire. "Proceed to phase 2!"
"Holy Swords, time to disappear!" Tohdoh ordered as his Gekka, along with the four comrades of his released their Chaffsmoke to create a large smokescreen and blind the entire group of knights and Cons.
The Lancelot was among the first to drive out of the smoke when a powerful Energon blast was shot near its feet. Suzaku looked through the Lancelot's screen as it zoomed directly toward Optimus and Zero who stood right outside his Burai.
"Zero… Optimus… there you are." Suzaku's eyes narrowed.
"They're getting away!" Monica exclaimed as the last of the smoke cleared out. Tohdoh and the Holy Swords were nowhere to be seen; but one group consisting of Bumblebee, Arcee, and Cliffjumper drove away in one direction from the base in their vehicle modes alongside the red Guren; while another group consisting of Ironhide, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack in their vehicle modes drove in the opposite directing alongside the blue Gekka.
"Weinberg, Enneagram, you and Thundercracker proceed after one group!" Dreadwing ordered. "Skywarp, you take Alstreim and Krushevsky and pursue the other! Kururugi, you are with me! We're going after Prime and Zero!"
"Yes sir!" All the Knights replied at the same time, as the two Seekers said nothing and they each split off in their respective directions, with the three Decepticons transforming into their respective jet-modes.
Back at the docs; while Euphemia was with the Camelot Division inside their vehicle, Starscream paced on the ground impatiently as he voiced his thoughts aloud. "Why we continue to work these imbeciles is beyond me! They're constant arguing and bickering is getting on my last nerve!"
"Britannia is incredibly prideful, unfortunately." A new voice contacted Starscream through his comns, much to the Seeker's shock.
"Who is this?!"
"Oh, forgive me, where are my manners. My name is Second Prince Schneizel El Britannia, and Prime Minister of the Britannian Empire."
"How did you get this frequency? The enemy has been jamming our long-ranged communications!" Starscream stated.
"Perhaps, but I'm already within range of the island." Schneizel replied calmly. "It seems the enemy didn't account for any communications short-term."
Starscream rolled his optics. "I already have two royal headaches to deal with, I do not need another!"
"Just hear me out, Commander Starscream." Schneizel maintained his calm demeanor. "I believe I may have a plan to remove Zero and a good portion of the Autobots from the equation."
The backstabbing Decepticon only sighed as he had a feeling this 'Schneizel' wouldn't leave him alone until he talked about his plan. "What did you have in mind?"
Thundercracker flew above the canopy as he spotted the vehicle modes of Ironhide, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack alongside the Gekka Pre-Production. "The enemy is making its way toward area point seven. Move in and intercept!"
"Rodger!" Gino and Nonette said simultaneously as the Tristian and Galeschin both suddenly flipped out of the canopy to land in front of the Wreckers and Ironhide, seemingly blocking their path as Thundercracker transformed and landed alongside the Knights of Three and Nine.
"They got nowhere to go!" Nonette stated as Gino and Thundercracker smirked triumphantly.
The Guren took the lead in front of Bumblebee, Arcee, and Cliffjumper's vehicle modes. Kallen's radar picked up an incoming projectile as she shot her Surger forward to create a wave of destructive energy that intercepted the missile that was shot by the hovering Skywarp as he flew above the Mordred and Florence.
"Enemy units have been cornered." Anya reported.
Zero's Burai and Optimus' vehicle mode both drove off in separate directions once they reached the beach-area. "Dreadwing, I'll go after Zero!" Suzaku told his partner as he pursued the black Knightmare in the Lancelot.
"Understood, I'll deal with the Prime." Dreadwing flew in his jet-mode to intercept Optimus.
Suzaku saw the path the Burai was taking. 'He's not equipped for that sand he jumped into. Could he be drawing me into a set-up, using himself as bait? Doesn't matter! He doesn't have the Autobots to protect him this time!'
The Lancelot shot a slash harken from its right wrist to block Zero's path as the Lancelot landed in front of it, both black and white Knightmares stood in a pit as the Lancelot drew its MVS and pointed it at the Burai's face.
"Zero…" Suzaku scowled. "I've got you…."
"RATCHET! NOW!" Zero ordered.
With that order, a ring of generators shot out of the sand around the pit and generated a wave that traveled along the ground and into the pit, shooting both the Burai and Lancelot with a Knightmare that rendered them immobilized.
"What the…?!" Suzaku exclaimed as nearly all the power in his Knightmare went dead and the controls would no longer work. "It's frozen?!"
At the same time, another ring of generators shot up around Thundercracker, the Galeschin, and Tristian before the same kind of energy surge shot from them. The two Britannian Knightmares were both frozen as their systems went offline, while Thundercracker himself became completely frozen in place.
Fortunately, though; Ironhide and the Wrecker trio had backed away from the rings as they emerged so they were doing just fine.
"It worked." Ironhide stated.
"What's going on? My Knightmare won't move!" Gino tried to get his controls working.
"It's frozen!" Nonette exclaimed. "I can't even get communications online!" Her eyes suddenly widened. 'Just like with that Immobilizer-thing Airachnid used on us!'
"Did the Autobots and Black Knights find a way to replicate its power?" Monica wondered aloud, coming to the same conclusion as well, as the frozen Skywarp fell on top of her Florence as well as the Mordred, knocking all three of them down in the middle of the ring of generators as Bumblebee, Arcee, Cliffjumper, and the Guren remained outside the ring.
"All systems are completely inoperable. I cannot move." Anya said stoically.
"We can see you guys are all tied up right now, so we'll be on our way." Cliffjumper snarked as his, Arcee, and Bumblebee's vehicle modes drove away alongside the Guren.
"Kururugi!" Dreadwing turned around in his jet-mode, breaking off his chase from Optimus, to try and fly to help his friend. However, this proved to be a mistake as Optimus transformed and wielded the Immobilizer itself. He aimed and shot it at Dreadwing, scoring a direct hit, freezing the Decepticon as he fell and landed hard on the sand.
"Dreadwing, forgive me." Optimus said as he passed by and joined the large group consisting of his fellow Autobots, Four Holy Swords, and other Black Knights as they surrounded the pit, remaining outside the rig of generators that kept the Lancelot and Burai frozen.
No matter what Suzaku did, the controls wouldn't respond. "No good…"
"We need to talk, Kururugi." Zero said as he stood up from his Burai's cockpit. "I suggest you come out; your secondary systems should still be functioning. I promise, no harm will come to you, I only want to talk, nothing more."
"I don't care! Tell Suzaku, Nonette, and the others to abandon their units!" Euphemia exclaimed to Lloyd and Cecile. "What can possibly be wrong with them?! Why can't they move!? Why can't we even talk to them?!"
"Something's happened to the Sakuradite that's powering all their Knightmares." Cecile informed. "Though the one affecting the Lancelot's isn't as strong as the others, it still won't move either!"
"A Gefjun Disturber." Lloyd said in an unusually grave tone.
"You mean…?!" Cecile exclaimed.
"But they're actually using it as a jamming mechanism." Lloyd continued. "I thought it only theoretical, but it seems the Autobots have proven me wrong. It really is you Rakshata."
The Ark – The bridge.
"It worked!" Ratchet stated as he had remotely activated all three traps at once. "The Lancelot and the other Britannian Knightmares have been immobilized."
"We've even managed to neutralize Thundercracker, Skywarp, and Dreadwing!" Fixit reported.
"Of course, it worked." Rakshata said as she sat casually on her a couch in the living quarters of the bridge, with Shirley and Kaguya standing beside her. "That Immobilizer device is really fascinating. For a bunch of evil alien war mongers, the Decepticons come up with such fascinating toys."
"But Suzaku, Gino, Anya, and Monica are all okay, right?" Shirley asked with concern.
"Yes, they are." Fixit reported. "The Gefjun Disturber only affects Cybertronians and electrical based machines, it has no effect on organic life."
"That's good." Shirley breathed a sigh of relief.
"But of course, the Disturber unit around the Lancelot is much weaker." Rakshata added. "That one can't affect Cybertronians like the other two."
"Why?" Shirley asked.
"It's for Lelouch's own protection." Ratchet answered. "If he can't get Suzaku to come with us, willingly, the Autobots can still step in and protect him. As much as it pains me to admit it, if we can't bring Suzaku back to the Ark as our guest, we'll have to take him as our prisoner."
Shirley looked down at that particular thought, but her thoughts were brought to an end by Kaguya as she put a hand on the older girl's shoulder. "Don't worry Shirley, that's where you and I come in. If Lelouch can't convince Suzaku to leave the Decepticons, then we'll do it. I'm his cousin, and you're his friend from school. If he's willing to listen to anyone, it's you."
That caused the schoolgirl turned Black Knight to smile as she formed a determined look on her face. 'Yes. If I can help Lulu, Suzaku, and Optimus, even a little bit, I'll do it. Don't worry Suzaku, I can help you. I want to help you.'
Suzaku lowered himself from the Lancelot's cockpit via its cable as Zero had already done the same while keeping his pistol trained on him, though he had rubber bullets loaded in as the last thing he wanted to do was kill his best friend.
"I'll get straight to the point, Suzaku Kururugi, I want you to join us." Zero told him.
"Is that a threat?" Suzaku responded. "Well you can forget it! I already told you, results gained through contemptible means are worthless to me!"
"So, would you call the actions of the Decepticons to be honorable?" Zero asked. "You've already seen that most, if not all, only have their own interests as their first priority. Can you honestly tell me that a chronic backstabber like Starscream, or a serial killer like Airachnid, are honorable warriors?"
Suzaku had no response to give but refused to lighten his glare.
"I'm assuming Megatron told you he's some kind of freedom fighter? Did he tell you that the Autobots destroyed Cybertron?" Zero continued.
"No. Cybertron was destroyed because both sides refused to quit fighting." Suzaku replied. "Because Optimus Prime refused to listen to Megatron."
"You're wrong." Zero told him. "Optimus was the one to try to reach out to Megatron, to stop the fighting himself. But Megatron refused to listen. He may preach unity to you, but really, he's nothing more than a war monger who only seeks power. All he had to do was say a few words and it seems that enough was to secure your loyalty to him, which it makes me wonder if you're really a Knight to Princess Euphemia? Let me ask you, Kururugi, did Megatron order you to spy on Princess Euphemia? Perhaps use her as a hostage to keep the Britannian masses in line?"
Suzaku could not believe that Zero would suggest such a thing. "What?! No! I'm not using Princess Euphemia! I am her Knight!"
"So, which is it? Are you a Knight for Britannia or a Decepticon?" Zero asked. "You've already seen the signs that their so-called alliance is beginning to crumble. So when the shots are fired, which one would you side with? Your princess or your master?"
Suzaku tried to come up with an answer but couldn't.
"To be honest with you, I'm rather worried for Euphemia." Zero's words caught his attention. "I met her during the Hotel Jacking, she risked her own life to save those innocent hostages. That act alone proved she was a selfless soul; one I was honored to meet."
"Of course, she's selfless." Suzaku replied. "I told you and Optimus that Britannia can change for the better, and she can help bring that change."
"Perhaps you're right." Zero admitted. "I'm not blind to the fact that there are those among Britannia that want to things change. However, have you ever considered those within Britannia that don't want it to change?"
"I can change their minds though!" Suzaku stated. "That's why I became a Britannian soldier!"
"But what if they do something you disagree with? What if Euphemia were to ask you to do something you couldn't do, hypothetically." Zero questioned further. "Would you refuse her order? Or do something that would endanger her life?"
"No! I already told you I'm her Knight! I would never do anything to hurt her!" Suzaku exclaimed.
"I'm sure that's what you thought about your father, before you ran that knife through his heart." Zero said, causing Suzaku's eyes to widen as his pupils shook with shock before he stumbled back.
"How… how on Earth… do you know that…?"
"Kyoshiro Tohdoh told me everything." Zero said, surprising Suzaku. "Optimus and the other Autobots know the truth, as do a small handful of Black Knights. They want to help you; I want to help you. You made a mistake and you want to find a way to atone, I understand that. But there are other ways to do it besides sacrificing your own life. You can work with us, you as well as Princess Euphemia, I've already opened the Black Knights to the possibility of that. We can show the people, not just of Japan, but the rest of the Earth that they have a chance at a bright future. That they can stand and fight the Decepticons."
"Fight them? Are you serious?" Suzaku's eyes narrowed.
"A fight against the Decepticons is all but inevitable." Zero replied. "Sooner or later, they will attack. I just want to see to it there is a force strong enough to defeat them. Otherwise, they'll run all of Earth into the ground just like they did Cybertron. It won't matter if your Britannian, Japanese, or otherwise, all of humanity will suffer if Megatron has his way. Please, come with us Suzaku. At the very least, come to our base so we can tell you our side of the story, what really happened to Cybertron. It's only fair that you listen to both sides, right?"
Suzaku honestly had no idea what to say. Was Zero really willing to listen to Euphemia? Did he actually convince the Autobots and Black Knights to do so? He found himself looking toward Optimus above the pit as the Autobot leader's eyes carried a calm, yet desperate pleading, within them. There was a part of Suzaku that actually did consider it, if only to hear their side of the story. However, his thoughts were interrupted by static-transmissions in his communications' device.
"Kururugi…. Respond…. Suzaku Kururugi… respond immediately!" He heard Starscream attempting to contact him.
"May I?" He asked Zero.
"Yes." Zero nodded.
"This is Major Kururugi." Suzaku answered the calls.
"This is your Commander Starscream. Britannian forces have launched surface-to-surface missiles against the enemy! Kururugi, I am giving you the easiest assignment I can possibly give, keep Zero there! Do not let him leave, no matter what!"
Lelouch scowled underneath his mask as he also heard those orders. "Damn you, Starscream!"
Immediately, Suzaku wrenched the gun from Zero's hand, grabbed him by the wrist and put him in a hold while keeping the gun trained on him. "What are you…?!" Zero struggled, but Suzaku's grip was too strong.
"I can't approve of your methods!" Suzaku stated, however, he was stopped from going any further as Bumblebee leapt behind him and pointed his Energon blaster at him.
"[Let him go!]" Bumblebee exclaimed, even though Suzaku couldn't understand his bleeps, though he was surprised at how easily the yellow Autobot stepped into the field without getting frozen like the Lancelot.
"Wait… how can you…?"
"Starscream just launched surface-to-surface missiles at our coordinates!" Zero exclaimed to the Autobots and Black Knights present. "Be prepared to evacuate!"
"Wait! Starscream, you can't do this!" Euphemia exclaimed as she, Cecile, and Lloyd stepped outside the Camelot's transport.
"You're going to destroy the Lancelot?!" Lloyd exclaimed.
"I'm not the one who issued the launch for those missiles." Starscream smirked at them, specifically toward Euphemia. "I'm just giving Suzaku a chance to be useful for once."
"And who's idea was this?!" Euphemia exclaimed. "Major Kururugi is my personal knight!"
"Your dear brother, Schneizel." Starscream sneered, causing Euphemia and Cecile to both gasp as even Lloyd looked in minor surprise. "It seems there's at least one member of the Royal Family that can actually contribute, not unlike you or your insufferable sister."
Euphemia clenched her fists as she ran past Starscream straight towards an empty Sutherland and prepared to board it.
"Princess Euphemia?! What are you doing?!" Cecile exclaimed as she was already in the cockpit.
"Contact my brother and tell him to stop the attack! I'm going to get Suzaku myself!" She was already inside and drove the Sutherland away.
Once it was already gone, both Cecile and even Lloyd looked in shock to see Starscream actually laughing. "Oh, this turning out to be better than I thought!"
"But Starscream… if Princess Euphemia is caught in the attack…?" Cecile tried to speak to him.
"She's the one who's throwing her life away." Starscream sneered. "And if she loses her life in the process, well it means one less annoyance for me."
Cecile gave a horrified gasp. "You would willingly sacrifice Princess…"
"Oh, don't look so surprised." Starscream stated. "After all, it was the Emperor who sacrificed his children Lelouch and Nunnally when he took this pitiful country seven years ago. As much as the Royal Family drives me up the wall, there is one thing I like about them: they're expendable."
Nonette had used her a knife to cut open the Galeschin's cockpit systems and hot-wire the controls to force the cockpit to open as she crawled outside when she felt her own personal cellphone ring, much to her confusion.
"Hello?"
"Nonette!"
"Euphie? What's going…?"
"Suzaku's in trouble!" Euphemia exclaimed. "They've launched missiles at his location! I'm already on my way there!"
"What?! Euphie you can't…!"
"I already am! Just please get here! Help me save Suzaku! I need you!" Euphemia hung up.
"Euphie? Euphie! Damn it!" Nonette cursed as she crawled from her frozen Knightmare, and even the frozen Thundercracker's face.
"Hey!" She heard Gino knocking from inside his Tristian's frozen cockpit. "What's going on out there?!"
"Gino, I gotta go! Find a way to help Anya and Monica!" She was already running as fast as she could to try and get to Suzaku and Euphemia.
"Multiple missiles incoming on their coordinates!" Ratchet exclaimed as he saw them on the radar.
"Missiles?!" Shirley practically screamed, even Kaguya gave a gasp.
"Fixit, prepare multiple Groundbridge extractions immediately! We're pulling them out!" Ratchet stated as he tried to contact Optimus.
"I'm already on it!" Fixit said as he scrambled to try and access the remote control for the Groundbridge.
"Missiles are already on top of us!" Ironhide exclaimed as the Autobots and Black Knights readied their ammunition to shoot them down. "All units, cover yourselves and be prepared to evacuate!"
Zero was able to wrench himself free from Suzaku who tried to shoot at him with the gun, only for Bumblebee to block it with his arm as he stood in front of Zero. "Suzaku, come with us right now!"
"I can't!" He exclaimed. "I have to follow orders!"
"And what of Euphemia?! Are you willing to abandon her so easily?!" Zero practically screamed in frustration.
"I'm not abandoning her!" Suzaku argued back. "Viceroy Cornelia and the Knights of the Round are more than capable of protecting her!"
"Not from Megatron!" Zero exclaimed.
"Zero, hang on!" Kallen instinctively drove her Guren into the Gefjun ring.
"Kallen, wait!" Arcee tried to stop her, but she was already inside, where her Guren short circuited.
At the same time, Rai got out of his Gekka to try and get down there himself. "Zero! Suzaku! He tried to call to them.
"Here they come!" Ironhide exclaimed. "Open fire!" All the Autobots and Black Knights shot at the incoming missiles, throwing up a barrage of bullets and Energon blasts. Arcee wanted to go down and help Kallen, but Rai was already sliding down to try and get her, while also trying to help his friends.
"Suzaku! It's us! Rai and Kallen!" The white-haired Black Knight tried to call to him, but the gunfire and missile explosions drowned out his voice and even Kallen's calls.
"Suzaku! Look at us! Look at your friends!" The redhead called desperately.
Euphemia piloted her Sutherland, trying to get to Suzaku as her heart pounded in her chest. Every instinct screaming at her to save him. 'Suzaku, you can't die now!'
Nonette was running through the woods as fast as she could. "Euphie! Suzaku!" She shouted as she came out into a clearing just at the top of a cliffside to arrive at the beach.
A Groundbridge portal opened in the area outside the ring. "All units, enter the Groundbridge now!" Optimus ordered. However, before anyone could even make a move toward the portal, a large shadow loomed over the entire area, causing everybody, Autobot, Black Knight, and Britannian soldier to gasp as the saw it.
It was a massive aircraft, though not nearly as big as the Ark or the Nemesis, it appeared large enough that it could hold a small army of Knightmares. Most of the Black Knights and Autobots redirected their fire towards the craft, but some form of invisible barrier protected it from both Knightmare ammunition and Energon blasts.
"You gotta be scrapping kidding…" Cliffjumper muttered.
Euphemia's Sutherland just arrived as she stood up from the cockpit to see the vessel herself. "That's… my brother's Avalon… Schneizel…?"
"My god…" Nonette breathed as she saw the ship as well.
At the haul of the ship known as the Avalon, a large compartment opened to reveal something resembling a Knightmare attached to it, though it's exact features were obscured by the shadows, it had a two shoulder-mounted cannons that each generated a large red light, preparing to fire.
"All Autobots, return to be immediately!" Optimus ordered. "I'll retrieve Zero and the others! But you must fall back now!"
"Optimus…!" Tohdoh tried to protest.
"That is an order!" Optimus exclaimed as he slid down into the pit, behind Bumblebee and in front of the surprised Rai and Kallen. "Suzaku, come with us now!" Optimus exclaimed.
"I can't! I have orders to keep you here! You can't leave!" Suzaku exclaimed.
"YOU STUBBORN FOOL!" Zero yelled as instinct took over, his mask's slit flashed open to reveal his left eye as his Geass sigil manifested. "LIVE!"
Right as that command was given, the Knightmare hooked inside the Avalon opened fire with a barrage of red energy projectiles that would level the entire area. And with everyone focused on the ship, nobody could see the smirking face of V.V. as he stood on a cliffside to observe everything.
C.C. gave an audible gasp as she fell to her hands and knees in the Ashford Clubhouse. Her face drenched in sweat as she felt a pulse in her forehead, the Geass emblem on her forehead glowing briefly. Somehow, she knew something was wrong and she knew exactly who was responsible.
'V.V…. what did you just do…?'
Done.
Talk about a cliffhanger. Schneizel and the Avalon have finally made an appearance in this story, and it seems that snarky little bitch V.V. has something planned. But what is it that he has planned? What fate has befallen Lelouch, Optimus, Suzaku, Bumblebee, Euphemia, Kallen, Rai, Nonette, and the other Black Knights and Autobots, and even Dreadwing who is still frozen by the Immobilizer in that area? I guess we'll just have to wait and see, I've got some very special surprises in the next chapter.
Also, there are some things to take away from this particular chapter…
*Charles hasn't really given any sort of response to Megatron and the Decepticon's appearance in the previous chapter. He knows Megatron and believes that if he were to react, he might give something crucial away to Megatron, which he doesn't want to happen. Unfortunately, it seems V.V. has something planned that not even Charles knows about.
*Zero has revealed his identity as Lelouch Vi Britannia to Katase, Diethard, Ohgi, Tamaki, Rakshata, and the Four Holy Swords, his Inner Circle of Black Knights. And he has gained their unquestioning trust in doing so. (Spoilers: The Black Knights will NOT betray Lelouch in this story like they did in the cannon)
*C.C. will be staying with Nunnally for the time being to protect her in case V.V. or any of his cronies try to kidnap her, at least till Lelouch finally decides to transport her to the Ark.
*Ironhide has spelled out a very important point that wasn't established too much in the cannon in regard to Suzaku. If he really is going to change for the better, he has to accept responsibility for his mistakes and shortcomings, including his father's death, and all he's done in the Britannian military and with the Decepticons. That's always been a major issue for Suzaku, especially in R2, he seemed incapable of accepting responsibility for any mistakes he's made and always tried to put the blame on someone else, particularly Zero, even though he himself became an even worse monster than he claimed Zero to be. And all it took was him accidentally nuking Tokyo, and even believing he killed Nunnally, for him to finally see the light, but at that point, it was already too late for him. He crossed a line of no return in my opinion once he got to that point in the cannon series and (in my personal opinion), did NOT deserve to become the next Zero. Sorry if I ranted a bit, I just REALLY hated Suzaku in R2, even more than I did Nina (and that's saying something).
But my point is, Suzaku's main issue was his inability to accept responsibility for his short-comings and admit when he was wrong. But I plan to change some things from the cannon, you'll see in later chapters.
Transform and Roll Out!
