Hi everyone. So, when we last left off, Shirley believes her father to be dead, even though he and the rest of Code R are prisoners of the Decepticons, and Megatron has become aware of the existence of Geass. I remember how in the cannon episode, this is when Lelouch began to understand the consequences of his actions, but in this story, he's already learned that and has begun to open up with some of the Autobots, specifically Optimus and Bumblebee, even revealing his identity to Kallen and Rai, with letting Ohgi, Tamaki, and Kyoto see his face as well. But where does this leave him, especially with how hurt Shirley is, even though he's not truly responsible? Find out right now.

What is Justice?

To say the mood was depressing would be an understatement. Though that is one would expect from a funeral as an empty coffin was being buried at the headstone of one Joseph Fenette. Many people had gathered, not just Shirley and her mother, but several friends of the family, including the Ashford Student Council who hung in the back.

"He was a pure soul." The priest began. "Who always looked to god in his life, and a friend to us all. To his wife, he was a devoted husband. To his child, a loving father."

A single tear fell from Shirley's eyes. 'Daddy…'

"May he rest in peace, forever cradled in the bosom of our lord." The priest made his final remarks as the empty coffin was soon buried, during which, a certain memory of Shirley's childhood came to mind.

Flashback

"Guess what, Papa? Someday when I grow up, I'm gonna be your wife!" A five-year old Shirley told her father.

"Oh, that's very sweet of you honey." Joseph said to his daughter as he kneeled to her level. "But your teacher told you, didn't she?"

"Huh?"

"Someday, you'll meet the man you really love."

"More than I do you?" Shirley didn't quite understand.

"Hmm, it's hard to explain. Well, if you truly love that person, and he cares for you just as much, it would make me the happiest father on earth."

End Flashback

Everyone began to disperse, as even Shirley's sobbing mother was helped away. Though Shirley stayed behind a few more minutes before turning around to meet her friends from school, all of them gave her apologetic and remorseful expressions; though Lelouch's face was obscured behind his hair.

"Shirley… I'm so sorry this happened…" Kallen said sincerely, though she had tried to keep up her façade as the sickly schoolgirl, she truly meant what she said.

"Your father I… I'm so sorry Shirley I…" Rai stuttered, feeling responsible as he, unknown to most of his friends present, was the one who triggered he landslide in Narita.

"Oh stop, what do you guys have to apologize for, it's not your fault." Shirley told them with a sad smile; not noticing the guilty looks Rai and Kallen share with each other.

"We feel awful!" Rivalz stated. "It's just… when we were all watching the hotel-jacking on TV… I thought that the Black Knights and the Autobots were heroes. I mean… they saved you and everyone else… and who else doesn't get excited about giant transforming robots? I even posted some stuff online and…" He bowed his head to her. "Forgive me."

"Come on, don't be silly." Shirley told him as she walked toward her friends. "That has absolutely nothing to do with this at all. I mean, even I thought those guys were cool and…"

"Shirley, stop." Milly put both her hands on her friend's shoulders. "Seriously, I'm starting to worry about you here. Have you cried yet? If you simply hold it in, it's only going to be harder for you later on."

"You don't have to worry…" Shirley looked down. "Really… I'm fine. I've cried a lot." She said, remembering how she cried up a storm the previous night into Lelouch's shoulder.

"Cowards!" Suzaku spat in disgust as a scornful look fell on his face. "Zero… the Autobots… those Black Knights… their methods are just cowardly! They talk about justice and this is their end result?!"

"Suzaku, really, you're talking about this now?!" Rai questioned angrily as he pulled on his shoulder.

"But it's the truth!"

"Suzaku, this is a funeral!" Rai exclaimed. "You're entitled to your opinion, but now is not the time to express it!"

"Opinion?!" Suzaku questioned in anger and disbelief. "It almost sounds like you're actually defending them, Rai!"

"That's got nothing to do with this!" Rai argued.

"Guys stop, no fighting!" Shirley got in between then. "I… I don't want to see my friends like this, please."

Rai and Suzaku both looked away at that, while Kallen paid a concerning glance to Lelouch who had yet to even speak or make a move.

Milly sighed. "Well, I think it's time we head back everyone." She said to the Student Council before offering Shirley a friendly and welcoming smile. "Shirley, we'll be waiting for you. Back in the old student council room, same as ever." Shirley was truly grateful for the support her friends offered. She smiled back and nodded as Milly turned back to everyone else. "Come on guys, let's go."

"Hey uh… Lelouch." Rivalz tried to speak to him, but Milly pushed him away. "What? What I do?"

As everyone else began to walk away, Kallen noticed something fall out of Suzaku's pocket and went to pick it up. "Hey Suzaku, you dropped your…" Her pupils shrank as she saw what it was: a badge with the Decepticon insignia on it.

Suzaku quickly took the badge from her hand and put in his pocket before quickly walking away.

"Suzaku… what was that?" Kallen questioned.

"It's nothing, don't worry about it." He replied as he walked away, not noticing the subtle expression of disbelief she had on her face.

Meanwhile; Shirley was left alone with Lelouch as the rain began to fall over them. He wanted to say something to her, as he knew exactly what it was like to lose a loving parent, but he couldn't find the strength or courage to do so. What would he say to her? He was responsible for the death of her father, for causing her so much pain. Did he really have the right to express his sympathy toward her?

"Lulu…" Shirley spoke up. "Forgive me."

"What?" Lelouch did not expect her to say that.

"It wasn't fair… kissing you like that." She stuttered. "It wasn't fair of me at all. It was just… something I did! Forget about it, okay?! I shouldn't have put you on the spot like that!" Tears welled up in both her eyes. "I'm sorry, it was totally stupid of me! I mean… you finally kissed me… and I can't even be happy!" She ran away.

"Wha… Shirley!" He wanted to go after her, but his feet wouldn't move. Realizing he didn't know what to say to her, he turned around and walked away.

Lelouch walked until he made it to the parked vehicle mode of Bumblebee before getting into the driver's seat.

"[Hey, Lelouch are you okay?]" Bumblebee asked in concern.

"Take me to the Ark." Lelouch said immediately.

"[Are you sure?]"

"Just drive."

Before Bumblebee could drive away however, there was a knock on the passenger window. It was lowered and Lelouch could only look in surprise at seeing Kallen and Rai outside the vehicle mode of the Autobot scout with concerned expressions. Lelouch only nodded as Bumblebee opened his backdoor, allowing the two young Black Knights to step in before Bumblebee left with his passengers.

Meanwhile; after saying goodbye to everyone else, Suzaku hung underneath a tree as it continued to rain. He looked at the Decepticon badge in his hand with a serious expression before he pressed a button at the top, allowing it to open up and expand almost like a cell phone.

"Knock Out, are you there?" He spoke into it.

"Ah, if it isn't our newest recruit. What can I do you for?" Knock Out responded over the line.

"I want to meet with Megatron. Right now."

The Ark

Lelouch sat alone on the bridge of the derelict Autobot ship as he gazed up at the window and watched aimlessly as the fish passed by in the ocean just outside. Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, even Ironhide and Ratchet looked at the boy with concern. Bumblebee had already told the rest of the Autobots what had happened with Shirley's father and his supposed death. Needless to say, it wasn't hard for them to understand what Lelouch was feeling, they've all felt the same way more than once.

Fixit rolled up to Lelouch as he sat on the floor of a catwalk. "Can I get you anything Lelouch? Some hot cocoa or something?" He asked politely.

"Do you even know how to make it?" Lelouch asked autonomously, with no emotion in his voice whatsoever.

"Well, as we are housing our ever-growing Black Knight army, we've taken the liberties of acquiring human food." Fixit told him.

"That's good." Lelouch replied, not taking his eyes off the ocean.

"So, do you want any?" Fixit asked.

"I'm fine."

"You don't seem fine." Ironhide said as he was the first to walk up. He gave a sigh as he spoke. "Kid, look. As hard as it is to accept, this thing happens in war. You can't change that."

"I know that." Lelouch responded in a grunt.

"Are you planning on stopping?" Ratchet questioned as he walked up. "If you're going to fall apart when this happens…"

"Do you have any room to talk, Ratchet?!" Lelouch questioned as he angrily turned around. "You're a doctor, not a soldier! You got no idea what it's like!"

Ratchet slammed his fist down hard on a console, surprising Lelouch. "Just because I'm a medic doesn't mean I don't know what death is!" The white and red Autobot yelled. "I've had more than my fair share of patients die on my operating table! And I've been on the battlefield to and I've seen fresh carnage with my own optics! I couldn't even repair Bumblebee's voice box!"

Lelouch looked in honest surprise as he glanced at Bumblebee himself who gave a nod in confirmation as Lelouch instantly regretted what he said.

"It is the external wounds which heal the quickest." Optimus said as he walked up as well, closer to Lelouch than any other Autobot at the moment.

"I'm not the one who needs healing though." Lelouch hung his head down briefly before he glanced up to the Autobot leader. "Optimus, has this ever happened to you? Were you ever responsible for… hurting someone you care about?"

Optimus had a sympathetic yet serious expression as he gave his answer. "Yes, it has." Lelouch looked at Optimus in surprise as he continued. "I have commanded many battles in Cybertron, and in nearly everyone, I have had comrades meet the end of their lives. Autobots who were particularly close to them, those who fought with them as brothers and sisters in arms, seemed hurt the most. Even I have lost those I have cared about. However, that is all the more reason for us to stand and continue. Often times, people need a symbol, something to ignite a spark of hope in the hearts of those who lost it."

"Spark of hope?" Lelouch looked down in remorse again. "Yet I'm the one who caused my friend pain."

"Wisdom cannot be granted Lelouch, it must be earned. Sometimes, at a cost." Optimus told him.

"[Lelouch, ask yourself something.]" Bumblebee also said. "[Did you tell Shirley's father to be in Narita? Did you even know he'd be there? Did you shoot him yourself?]"

"No…" Lelouch muttered. "But… we evacuated the city! There shouldn't have been any civilian casualties! Even the police reports…!"

"Kid, one of the hardest things we must accept in life, is that there are things that always remain outside our control." Ironhide told him. "It's easy not to think about that when your playing a game of chess, but… I'm sure you already know that this isn't a game."

"I know." Lelouch said.

"So, what are you going to do?" Fixit asked.

Lelouch sighed. "I'm still Zero. I have every intention of continuing this, that will never change!" He stood up. "But… what about…."

"[Do you care about her?]" Bumblebee asked.

"Of course, I do." Lelouch said honestly.

"[Then be there for her]" Bumblebee told him. "[Help her]"

"How can I when I'm the one who hurt her?!" Lelouch questioned.

"[Zero is the one who hurt her.]" Bumblebee said. "[But… Lelouch is still her friend, a friend who understands the kind of pain she's going through. So, be a friend to her; I'm sure she needs that right now]"

Lelouch was surprised at first, but he seemed to understand that. He may not have any romantic feelings toward Shirley, but he still cared about her a great deal. The best he could do was to give her support as Lelouch Lamperouge, maybe it could help to keep her away from all this war and bloodshed. He looked to the Autobots with a grateful smile.

"Thank you. And Ratchet… I'm sorry for what I said earlier."

"It's fine, don't worry about it." Ratchet waved off.

Meanwhile; Rai was having a similar discussion with Bulkhead and Wheeljack in a wrecked hangar of the Ark that housed Wheeljack's ship, the Jackhammer. Rai had told them what had happened with Shirley's father, but Bulkhead already knew from Bumblebee and he told Wheeljack himself.

"You doing okay, kid?" Wheeljack asked.

"No, not really." Rai voiced as he sat on a pile of boxes to be on equal height with the two Bots. "I'm the one who started that whole landslide, remember? Shirley's father…. She lost her dad because of me…!" Tears were almost gathering in his eyes.

"Kid no, don't do that to yourself." Wheeljack told him. "If anyone's to blame, it's me. That whole landslide was my idea."

"Collateral damage." Rai muttered. "I mean, I always knew something like that would happen with us but…"

"You just never expected it would happen with a friend?" Bulkhead asked as Rai could only look down with a nod. "Look, Rai, these things… they just happen. There's usually no ulterior motive or anything like that… it just happens. And there really isn't a whole lot we can do about it."

"Has it ever happened to you guys?" Rai asked.

"Yeah, it has." Wheeljack nodded. "There's a price to pay for being a Wrecker. We might be able to duke it out with the toughest Cons out there, but we can't win em all."

"Roadbuster, Pyro, Impactor, Rotorstorm, I can name em all." Bulkhead commented. "Wreckers or Autobots, there just aren't that many of us left."

"You should have heard what Suzaku said about us though." Rai told them. "Called us cowards… like… like we're Decepticons."

"But we're not!" Wheeljack exclaimed. "We're not the ones who kill and destroy innocent people for fun! We don't destroy planets! You ask me, this Suzaku-guy has a real self-righteous complex!"

"But he's a good guy though, he's my friend." Rai said. "I just… I didn't like the way he talked about you guys."

"Not everyone has to like us." Bulkhead commented. "We got an army of Cons who hates us."

"This is different." Rai said.

"Rai… listen." Bulkhead began. "There are things that we just can't control. That's just how things are, and we can't change that. But what we can do, is protect and save all the people that we can. That's the difference between us and the Cons: protection. They couldn't care less about all the people who get hurt, but we do. Even if we can't save everyone, we don't stop trying."

Rai had a small smile. "That's right." He thought to himself. "We protect everyone we can. I couldn't help your father, Shirley. But I will protect you, that's a promise." He glanced at the two Wreckers. "Thanks guys."

"Don't mention it." Wheeljack gave a finger-salute.

Kallen meanwhile, sat alone in the open cockpit of her Guren as she looked at the photograph of herself, Ohgi, and her deceased brother. She could understand Shirley's pain all to well, as she herself still hurt from the loss of Naoto. But the fact that she may have been responsible for that pain… it made her wonder if she was in the right.

"Kallen?" She looked in surprise to see Arcee and Cliffjumper walking toward her. "How are you doing?" The blue Autobot asked.

"Not sure." Kallen replied.

"We heard about Shirley's dad from Bumblebee." Cliffjumper said.

Kallen looked at the picture again. "I know I said… I hate Britannia. And… what they're doing is wrong but…"

"Shirley's not like that, is she?" Arcee guessed.

"No." Kallen muttered. "No one from the Student Council is. They seem like good people, heck, one of our leaders is a Britannian prince for crying out loud. I'm not too closed-minded to think all Britannians are bad."

"And that's what separates you from those who are real terrorists." Cliffjumper told her. "You know the difference between right and wrong. Even after all the crap Britannia put you through, you haven't lost sight of yourself."

Kallen however didn't seem to smile. "I knew from the beginning we'd be killing. I've even killed plenty long before I met you guys. But… I kept telling myself, it was for the right cause, that our goal is justice. The only reason I kept fighting was because I felt it was the right thing to do, so I could live with the killing. But now… tell me, is this real?!" She looked up to the two Autobots with an emotional expression. "Is what we're doing really going to change the world for the better?!"

"It will." Arcee said. "Because if we stop, all those who died will have died in vein. We're facing an enemy that is beyond ruthless, not just Britannia, but the Decepticons. And I can personally guarantee, they are not going to show any sympathy, considering Megatron had no qualms with destroying Cybertron."

Kallen looked in surprise at that statement. "He… what…?"

"Megatron poisoned Cybertron's core." Cliffjumper said. "He felt he could control it, but all he did was doom our home. Now thanks to him, Cybertron is basically a graveyard, and he doesn't even seem sorry for it. You think someone who's alright with destroying his own planet is going to have any regrets for what he does to Earth?"

To say Kallen was surprised was an understatement. She knew the Decepticons were bad, she even believed they were evil if the likes of Airachnid were any indication. But to hear that someone would willing destroy their own home and even be willing to repeat the process to other planets was beyond bone-chilling. Not even Britannia would stoop that low.

"That's why we have to fight." Arcee said. "To make sure what happened to Cybertron doesn't happen again. And yes… people are going to get hurt, even those we don't want to. We got no control over that, but what's important is that we learn from it, and even pay our respects, otherwise we're no different from Britannia or the Cons. But Kallen, if you really wanna turn back… we won't stop you."

The red-haired girl looked at the two Autobots in sympathy and realization. She hadn't fully understood till know that they know exactly what they were talking about, not just them, but all the other Bot she worked alongside. They went through the same kind of hell she did, if not more. The Decepticons and Britannia aren't going to stop, the only way to beat them is to fight them, and that's exactly what she was going to do.

"I've already made my choice." Kallen stood up in her cockpit. "I'll follow you guys to the very end."

"I think you mean, ride with us to the very end." Cliffjumper said with a smirk. "We're your partners, not your superiors."

"Right." Kallen smiled as she offered her fist up for a fist-bump, which both the smiling Cliffjumper and Arcee returned with their own metallic fists.

The Nemesis – The Bridge

Megatron had walked onto the command deck of his personal warship with the human Suzaku walking beside him. He had arrived there via one of Soundwave's spacebridge portals after he contacted Knock Out after the funeral. He followed the Decepticon leader as he looked around the interior of the warship with interest, honestly feeling like a mouse walking into the Lion's den, given how small he was compared to everything around him, even some of the Vehicons at their stations.

"I must say Suzaku, I was surprised to hear you wanting to meet with me." Megatron told him. "But I am glad that you did. You should feel honored, the first human to ever step foot inside the Decepticon warship."

"Where exactly is this ship located?" Suzaku asked.

"It lies on the surface of your moon." Megatron answered as the main screen on the bridge turned into a window to show the surface of Earth's moon just outside.

"The… the moon…" Suzaku stuttered. "I… I don't believe it…"

"Must be a sight to behold, given how your planet hasn't invented interstellar travel." Megatron mused.

"But if we're on the moon… how am I able to breath?!" Suzaku gripped his throat.

"We were able to repair our vessel's life-support systems to allow oxygen to flow through this ship." Megatron answered. "However, that is among the few repairs we have achieved given our ship was damaged during the exodus from our home world."

"Exodus…" Suzaku muttered. He remembered when he was rescued by Optimus and Zero from the trial of the Purebloods and they told him about their home being destroyed, but he honestly found it difficult to believe. How can a whole planet be destroyed?

"I trust you find it hard to accept the concept of a planet being destroyed." Megatron said, reading Suzaku's contemplating expression as the young boy looked up in shock at how spot-on Megatron was. "Well I assure you Suzaku, such a concept is very possible, and very real." He pressed a few key commands on the console, causing the window to shift into a screen to reveal the now-dead planet of Cybertron.

The moment Suzaku's eyes set upon the lifeless husk of a planet, he gave an audible gasp as his eyes were completely round. "Is… is that…?"

"Cybertron, or what's left of it." Megatron showed Suzaku more images of the planet, and to say they were horrifying would be an understatement. He saw wrecked cities, corpses and broken remains of Autobots and Decepticons alike. "What was once a powerful empire now lies lifeless in the void; the Well of Allsparks, from which Energon, our very lifeblood, once flowed… is now run dry."

"And… the Autobots… did this…?" Suzaku stuttered. "How can anyone…?"

"Perhaps not intentionally." Megatron began to explain. "Before the war, our planet was very similar to the state of Earth, specifically the Britannian empire. There was a caste system; Cybertronians who stood at the top and gained all the power, while those at the bottom were stuck fighting over scraps. I was a mere gladiator, and though I started from the bottom, I vowed to change my planet, to see to it all Cybertronians were treated as equals. I even worked directly with Optimus."

"Optimus Prime?" Suzaku exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, we were once close friends." Megatron continued. "However, a rift formed between us. I proposed to the High Council, the current rulers of Cybertron and their 'puppet-ruler' Zeta Prime, how to change our planet. But they refused to grant me the power to do so. Optimus proposed a more peaceful approach however, and while I respected his opinion, such an approach cannot stop those that will do whatever it takes to maintain their power. So, I gathered those closest to me and formed my army."

"And you started a war?" Suzaku questioned, his eyes narrowing at him.

"No." Megatron told him. "I gathered my friends and allies, to show the High Council just how many wanted Cybertron to change, I never wanted a war. Unfortunately, that is exactly what they declared on us. They refused to give up their power and attacked! They forced our hand! And that is what started the war."

"So… who destroyed Cybertron…?"

Megatron shook his head with a sigh. "Suzaku, I mean no offense, but you seem to have a naïve mindset." Suzaku looked in surprise as Megatron continued. "You view things in black-and-white, that there is one side that is just, and one side that is evil; unfortunately, the universe is far more complicated. You asked who destroyed our planet? No one was directly responsible for it. I truly tried to save it and return it to glory, and I believed Optimus fought for the same reason."

"So why didn't you try to work with him again? If you wanted the same thing…?" Suzaku tried to ask.

"We may have desired the same result, but our approaches were different." Megatron explained. "I tried indeed to reach out to him and repair the rift in our friendship, but he refused. He viewed me as his enemy and so we became as such. The Autobots saw as monsters, even called us 'Decepticons' to demonize us, but instead, we choose to wear it as a badge of honor; for if telling the truth is deception, then we are gladly guilty."

Suzaku didn't respond as he just looked at Megatron with a serious expression. "Is that why you're here? To fight the Autobots?"

"That is part of the reason, yes." Megatron told him. "However, my main drive… the drive of all my friends and comrades is to protect this planet. When I first arrived, I saw how similar Britannia was to how the High Council's approach on Cybertron; I fear that if no one intervenes, Earth may suffer the same tragic fate as Cybertron."

"That can't happen! It won't!" Suzaku exclaimed. "I… I won't let it!"

"And how do you plan to accomplish this, Suzaku?" Megatron asked. "You desire to change Britannia from within, but do you have a plan on how to do that?"

"No… I don't but… but if I stop trying… then it's all for nothing!"

"Your resolve is iron-clad, young Kururugi." Megatron told him. "However, if you do not have a plan or a means to accomplish your goals, then your ideal will remain just that; an ideal. And ideals can only get you so far."

Suzaku grimaced and looked away.

"But… I can help you." Megatron said, getting his attention. "You joined the military to change Britannia, however, I fear that those in power will do everything they can to prevent you from making a difference. Those with power often do not want to let it go. But, once the Autobots and Black Knights have been defeated, my Decepticons and I can use our advances to stabilize Britannia, and show them an alternative course to their destructive quest for power."

"How would you do that though?" Suzaku asked.

"The Emperor has already granted me control of all military operations within Area 11." Megatron explained, surprising Suzaku with that statement. "Viceroy Cornelia herself answers directly to me now, and she may answer to you as well." That last statement completely caught Suzaku off-guard. A member of the Britannian royal family, answering to him!?

"I will show Britannia just what the Decepticons are capable of, and the harmony that we can bring to this divided world." Megatron continued. "Once we defeat their greatest enemies, they'll follow us as their heroes. And, if you were to be by my side Suzaku, you will have the power you need to change Britannia. As they are now, they're perfectly content with you maintaining a low-ranking position, or even sending you on a suicide mission. But as one of my soldiers, you'll have the opportunity to not just serve Britannia, but to lead it. And together, we can show the world the peaceful future that it is capable of having."

Suzaku took out the Decepticon badge once more and looked at it. Megatron was offering him a position that would enable him to change Britannia. The truth is, he was aware that Britannia put him in a position where he'd likely die, and he was acceptant of that. But, he has seen what the Decepticons were capable of and they easily made Britannia look weak by comparison, and if they could resolve all the war and destruction on Earth and show everyone that there could be peace… then maybe it would be worth it. But a future won't be possible with someone like Zero or even the Autobots constantly fighting. So, he clenched the badge in his hand and told Megatron his choice.

"I accept!" Suzaku told him. "Megatron, please accept me as one of your own. I'll do everything in my power to stop the Black Knights and the Autobots and save this world! I won't let this planet die like Cybertron! I swear to you with every fiber of my being!"

Megatron smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Suzaku. Welcome to the fold."

Suzaku then made his way off the bridge to head back to Earth, leaving Megatron alone to smile evilly. Suzaku was now one of his soldiers. He had incredible skill to rival the Autobots, and if manipulated the right way, could become a true harbinger of death and destruction.

Earth – the next day -Ashford Academy

Classes went along pretty normally, though Milly and given the rest of the Student Council the day off, mostly for Shirley's sake, and nobody was going to complain. Shirley had just walked outside the main school's building when she heard someone call her.

"Hey, Shirley."

She turned around in surprise to see Lelouch standing there. "Lulu!"

"Can we talk?" He asked.

Shirley was a bit surprised with that request but didn't see anything wrong with it. "Uh… sure." Lelouch had led her around the corner of the building where they can speak in private. "So, what did you want to talk about? If it's about that kiss…"

"No, it's not that." Lelouch told her. "I… I just never got to the chance to tell you… how sorry I am for your loss."

That caught Shirley off-guard, but she tried to give him a smile. "Thank you, Lulu,… but it's okay, really."

"No, it's not okay." Lelouch said immediately. "I know what that's like." He took a deep breath before he spoke up. "When I was… only ten… I watched my own mother die right in front of me."

Shirley's eyes widened as she did not expect to hear something like that.

"In fact… it was that exact same incident that cost Nunnally her eyes and legs." Lelouch continued.

"How… I… How did that…?" Shirley could only stutter

"She was shot and murdered." Lelouch explained, his voice becoming ragged as he recalled that very unpleasant memory. "She died protecting Nunnally, but her legs were also shot… and blindness caused by trauma…" He took another deep breath before he continued. "I know how much you're hurting Shirley, and what the kind of pain feels like…. And I am so sorry that you have to feel it. But I know what you're going through and…. If you need someone… I'm here. I know I haven't been the best person in the past but… I want to be. Shirley, if… if you need me, even if it's just a shoulder to lean on… I'm here. I promise."

Shirley had seen in his eyes that Lelouch met every word and had nothing but utter sympathy for him; she heard that he lost his parents but didn't know the details. To hear Lelouch confess something so deep and personal… it also caused her own pained feelings to bubble up inside her as she let herself feel the pain again; it may have hurt, but it also felt good; even as she wrapped both her arms around Lelouch and buried her face into her chest and cried her eyes out, almost exactly like before when she told him the news. Lelouch wasted no time in embracing her back as she cried, giving her the comfort that she needed.

As she continued to cry, Lelouch made a silent vow to protect her. She was a good person, one of the best he'd ever met, and he'd be damned if he ever let her come to harm. He did indeed hurt her, but that only strengthened her resolve to keep her from being hurt again. 'I will protect you Shirley. I promise.'

After parting ways with Lelouch, Shirley was about to walk off campus. It felt a little good to get some of that pain off her chest, as well as letting go of that kiss she forced on him a couple days ago. She could tell that he was serious about what he said, and she did offer him a great deal of sympathy after knowing the details about his mother's death and how Nunnally ended up the way she did, she was only slightly confused why Lelouch never mentioned his father. Didn't he die when Japan was invaded to?

However, her thoughts came to a halt as she saw a black car roll up to the Ashford gateway, the window on the driver's seat rolled down reveal Villetta. Shirley's eyes widened as she recognized her, this was the same soldier who told her of her father's death.

"Miss Fenette, we need to talk."

Shirley hesitated for a moment but got in the passenger seat as Villetta spoke.

"First, you have my condolences for your father."

"Thank you." Shirley nodded.

"Listen, I realize this may be difficult, but I need to ask you something." Villetta took out a photograph of Lelouch. "Do you know this boy?" Shirley's eyes widened at the sight of it. "There is a strong possibility this boy is linked to the Black Knights, and possible those Autobots as well."

Shirley's hands shook as she dropped the picture. "No… no that can't be true! He can't be with Zero! It's not possible!"

Villetta saw how emotionally shaken the schoolgirl was, probably still reeling from her father's death, but maintained a stoic look as she spoke to her.

"Listen very carefully, because what I'm about to tell you is military business and you're not to tell anyone else." Villetta began as she took out photographs of a port-area. "The military has seemed to track the Japan Liberation Front to Port Yokosuka, however there may also be a strong possibility the Black Knights and the Autobots will be there as well. If you're certain of this boy's innocence, then check his residency. We'll be attacking tonight. If he's still at his house and Zero shows up, then he's clear. If he's not there however… we'll have to assume that he is indeed involved with terrorism."

She opened the passenger door to allow the still-shocked Shirley to step outside before Villetta drove away. Shirley couldn't believe it, there was no way someone as kind as Lelouch would be involved with something like this. It just wasn't possible! Was it?

Camelot Division

Suzaku gazed up at the Lancelot as he wore his own white pilot uniform, as well as had the Decepticon badge/communicator pinned to his suit. He glanced up at the Decepticon insignia that was etched into the Lancelot's right shoulder and was deep in thought before a certain sociopath walked up to him.

"Do my eyes deceive me?" Lloyd asked as Suzaku turned to him. "Are you actually bearing the Decepticon insignia on your military uniform?!" He asked excitedly.

"Yes… I am." Suzaku answered. "I've accepted Megatron's offer, and now I'm officially part of his ranks."

Lloyd actually laughed at that. "Wonderful! I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that! So does this mean we'll be working more with beautiful Cybertronian technology as well?"

"Oh, you better believe it." Knock Out said as he walked onto the scene. "But of course, we'll take it slow. Wouldn't want to overwhelm our little rookie right here." He teased Suzaku.

"Knock Out? Why are you here?" Suzaku asked, not expecting to see him so soon.

"Lord Megatron has a mission for you, kiddo." Knock Out answered with his usual grin.

"A mission hmm? So, does that mean we'll get to see the Autobots in action?" Lloyd asked.

"Probably, assuming that arrogant little girl Cornelia can keep in line." Knock Out said with a grin.

Lloyd laughed. "Oh, that's rich! I never thought I'd hear someone insult a Britannian princess, much less that princess like that."

"It wasn't an insult; it was a fact." Knock Out joked with Lloyd.

"Oh, Knock Out." Cecile called to him as she walked up to the group with a tray of rice balls. "Would you care for a lesson in social etiquette? I'm sure you and Lloyd could use one."

"No thanks, I'll pass." Knock Out wasn't the least bit interested.

"Yeah, same here." Lloyd agreed before turning back to the red Decepticon. "Now what sort of mission does Megatron have in mind for us?"

The Ark

All nine Autobots, and virtually a dozen different Black Knights, including Ohgi, Tamaki, Kallen, and Rai had gathered together in the bridge of the Ark as Optimus stood at the helm, with Zero on a catwalk right beside him to put him on equal height with the Autobot leader. What stood out however, was the presence of Diethard Ried at the far-left end of the catwalk, with two Black Knights keeping their guns trained on him if he had any surprises.

"Zero, are you sure about this?" Fixit asked as he wheeled up to their leader. "This man was on the applicant list, but…"

"You checked him over, haven't you Fixit?" Zero asked. "No tracking or listening devices?"

"No, no trace of any spy-tear… spy-bear.. spyware!" Fixit glitched.

"And you're the one who brought us this information, Diethard wasn't it?" Zero asked the Britannian man directly.

"That's right, it is an honor to finally meet you Zero, you as well as your Autobot companions." Diethard honestly felt more excited than he had been in his life. He was finally in the presence of not just Zero, but the Autobots themselves! Giant sentient robots that have all but shaken Britannia to its core! It took everything he had to maintain a straightforward face. Though a few of the Autobots, particularly Ironhide, didn't quite trust him. He didn't seem like the type to spy on them, but something felt rather… off about him.

"How do we know this Britannian pretty boy is on the up-and up?" Tamaki questioned. "What if he's just trying to bate us?"

"Because we've made contact with Kyoto and they have indeed confirmed this information." Optimus answered. "Cornelia intends to completely obliterate the Japan Liberation Front as they attempt to flee the country."

"So, why don't we work with the JLF like we did in Narita?" Ohgi asked.

"Who says were not?" Zero questioned, much to the confusion of Ohgi and several other Black Knights. "Isn't that right, General Katase?"

Though the Autobots weren't surprised, the Black Knights all looked in shock at the image of General Katase appearing on the Ark's main screen as they had already made contact with him.

"Zero… Optimus Prime… I… It's an honor to finally meet you, all of you." Katase greeted in a humble tone.

Kallen and Rai exchanged glances, but quickly smiled. Of course, Lelouch and Optimus would think that far ahead and contact Katase. With the entire JLF being at stake, it only made sense.

"So, the information you have provided us is true? Cornelia has learned our location and intends to destroy us?" Katase asked.

"I'm afraid so." Optimus confirmed with a nod.

Katase looked in distress. "Then it seems our time is at an end."

"Whoa, you always this pessimistic?" Cliffjumper smirked, causing Katase to look in surprise. "What makes you think we're just gonna sit by and let this happen."

"Yeah considering we've totaled Cornelia twice already; it only makes sense we can do it a third time." Bulkhead added.

"What about the Decepticons though?" Ohgi asked. "Won't they show up to?"

"That is our conundrum." Ratchet said. "So far, we've received no indication that the Decepticons will make an appearance."

"But given what happened in Narita, the odds of them showing up again are actually pretty high." Ironhide added.

Zero glanced up at the image of Katase. "Tell me General, you and your forces are attempting to smuggle yourselves out of Japan with a tanker filled with liquid Energon?"

"Energon?" Katase didn't quite know what that meant.

"Sakuradite." Arcee clarified.

"Well, yes indeed. Over two hundred tons of it." Katase confirmed.

"How many Knightmares do you possess?" Optimus asked.

"Only seven Burais. Not enough to mount a full defense." Katase responded.

"But perhaps enough for a decoy?" Zero mused, much to Katase's confusion. He then turned to a certain Wrecker. "Wheeljack, I believe this may call for another Wrecker-approach, wouldn't you agree?"

Wheeljack could only smirk as he took out one of his trusty grenades. "Read my mind."

"Autobots, Black Knights, this is our strategy." Optimus began. "Using the Groundbridge, we'll extract all JLF soldiers from the tanker, while Wheeljack uses a separate Groundbridge to attach an explosive to the haul of the tanker underneath the water. The Burais will remain on the vessel as decoys, in order to convince Cornelia and the Decepticons the enemy is still present on the ship."

"Oh, I see." Cliffjumper smirked. "And when the Cons and Brits attack…"

"We blow the whole thing sky high!" Tamaki exclaimed as virtually all Black Knights erupted in a loud cheer and an uproar, even Kallen and Rai exchanged excited glances. This even gained smiles and nods of approval from most of the Autobots.

"And with the enemy in disarray, we'll launch a full-scale counter-attack of our own!" Zero announced. "Tonight, we pay back the Decepticons what they took from us back in Narita! We'll show them that even without the Autobots, the Black Knights are not to be trifled with!"

Even more cheers echoed throughout the entire Ark from the Black Knights as even Katase was beyond impressed with such an effective strategy. Ever since he lost contact with Tohdoh, they've had to resort to retreat, and it seemed like that was the only option. But now, it would seem his salvation has come. Perhaps these Black Knights and Autobots may be able to succeed where he failed, and truly save Japan.

"General Katase, prepare your soldiers for extraction." Optimus told him as the smiling general nodded and ended communication before the Autobot leader turned to his soldiers. "Ratchet, Fixit, prepare two Groundbridge portals immediately. Wheeljack, get into position. All Black Knights, ready your Knightmares; Autobots, prepare for battle."

Everyone nodded and smiled as they walked away, even Diethard was escorted away though kept under close guard. Though he could hardly contain his excited smile

"So that's their plan." He thought to himself. "This way, not only will the entire JLF survive, but they'll completely decimate what's left of Cornelia's royal guard! And it seems that maybe the JLF will even join them! Zero, Optimus Prime, you are truly things of wonder! Show me more! Show me what you and these Decepticons are truly capable of!"

As everyone else left, Kallen remained behind. "Hey uh, Zero, Optimus you got a minute?" She got the attention of both leaders. "I need to speak with you two in private. Uh, Rai, you to."

"Uh sure?" Rai was a bit confused but nodded anyway. Even Arcee, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Ratchet remained behind while Fixit went to the Groundbridge station and the other Autobots went to prepare for the coming battle.

Port Yokosuka

Starscream, Dreadwing, and Suzaku had gathered to meet with Cornelia, Darlton, and Guilford inside a large port-warehouse to discuss their strategy.

"Are you certain of this?" Cornelia asked upon seeing Suzaku. "Letting the son of the former Prime Minister serve as back-up for this operation?"

Suzaku didn't offer a response, but Starscream already had one to give. "I'm afraid it's the other way around, my drear Cornelia. You see, Lord Megatron is in command, and for this operation, Suzaku will be among those leading the charge against the enemy alongside our fellow Decepticons. You will be the one to provide back-up should the need arise."

Cornelia looked in surprise before her expression became one of pure ire. "I'm the back up!?" She practically yelled.

"Considering your track-record against the Autobots, it only makes sense that you allow more competent soldiers the opportunity to vanquish such a deadly adversary." Starscream voiced with a sneer.

"Why you…" Before Cornelia could react however, Guilford spoke in a rational tone.

"What do you mean by 'the Autobots'?" The young Knight asked. "This operation is to put an end to the Japan Liberation Front."

"Given how the Autobots and their Black Knight allies have a tendency to arrive unexpectedly so, it is reasonable to believe they will be here to potentially rescue the Japan Liberation Front." Dreadwing explained logically.

"Viceroy, he does have a point." Darlton spoke to Cornelia. "Not just for the likelihood of Zero and the Autobots showing up, but that it may be wiser to let the Decepticons lead this mission. As much as I hate to admit it, we don't stand a chance against the Autobots in close-combat."

Cornelia made no argument as she looked away with a scowl, refusing to admit that he was right. She lost against the Autobots twice already, but that didn't mean she was willing to let go of her pride or her grudge.

"Now then, shall we begin with the strategy?" Starscream began.

"Commander Starscream, by any chance, will Megatron be joining us?" Suzaku finally spoke up.

"It is Lord Megatron to you." Starscream clarified. "Know your place. But to answer your question, he will not." Suzaku looked in surprise as Starscream gave his answer "Our master is otherwise engaged. Therefore, I am in command of this operation."

"Oh? And what's so important that the 'mighty Megatron' would not grace us with his presence?" Cornelia asked out of spite.

"None of your concern!" Starscream told her. "Now then, onto our strategy. The leader of the Japan Liberation Front, General Katase, is stationed onboard a highly volatile transportation that could cause quite the explosion if ruptured. Therefore, we will use a more surgical approach as opposed to the use of a blunt instrument like what… some people may use." Starscream cast a glance in Cornelia's direction, causing her to scowl as Starscream continued. "Kururugi and Dreadwing, along with Thundercracker, Skywarp, Knock Out, and Breakdown will await on standby as several Vehicon troopers and Britannian foot soldiers enter the ship. They are ordered to bring the humans out alive. If all goes as planned, Kururugi will have the honor executing them."

That took Suzaku by surprise. "Execute?"

"Don't think I've forgotten about what happened in Greece, Kururugi." Suzaku told him. "You may have avoided causing any fatalities before, but that ends now, and I will not here any excuses. You are a Decepticon now, and now is the time where you prove your worth and value to our cause! Lord Megatron may see potential, but you won't be getting my approval until you start showing results! Are we clear?"

Suzaku didn't answer right away as he glanced downward. "Yes, Commander Starscream."

"Now then, everyone get into position." Starscream told everyone else as he walked outside, while Cornelia, Guilford, and Darlton walked to meet up with the rest of their unit.

Dreadwing however remained behind as he looked down to see the conflicting look on Suzaku's face. "Kururugi." Suzaku looked up at Dreadwing as he spoke. "I understand this must be difficult for you, but regardless, you are a soldier, not just of Britannia but of the Decepticon cause. And the duty of any soldier is to see his mission through, no matter what. I am sorry, but you cannot avoid this forever. The first kills are always the hardest, but it is a necessary evil."

"I understand…" Suzaku muttered as Dreadwing offered a nod of understanding before walking away. 'First kills… Hmm, if only he knew.'

Night had fallen over Port Yokosuka as Shirley entered the area. She had checked over at the Ashford Clubhouse to see if Lelouch was there, but Nunnally and Sayoko told her that he went out with friends. Though she wanted to believe it was just that, she couldn't help but think about what that woman in the military had told her earlier today.

"No Lulu… It can't be true." She muttered to herself. "You… you wouldn't get tangled up with someone like that…" She remembered how he told her about his mother's death and how sorry he was for what happened to her father, and she saw in his eyes that he truly meant every word. So why? Why was she having these thoughts about him? "It's a lie… it has to be a lie…" She continued to mutter, desperately trying to convince herself it wasn't true. "Lulu… I'm so sorry to be doubting you like this… but please! I want to believe in you!"

As she continued to walk and look for him, she failed to notice Villetta following her from the shadows. There was a part of her that hated to potentially put a schoolgirl in the crossfire like this, but right now, her own ambitions and vendetta outweighed any sense of morality she may have had.

'Damn it… where is he?' Villetta thought. 'I should have grabbed him when I had the chance back in Shinjuku, or I could have just gone to Ashford and grab him then. No, he would have been protected by those abominable machines! But I need proof! If he talks to her, I can learn his role in all this… maybe even find a weakness the Autobots might have." An ambitious look formed in her eyes. "I won't have to die, stripped of my position and honor, like Jeremiah. Hell, this is my chance to move back up again. So, I have to find a link to Zero! It has to be me!'

The Ark

"Are you sure?!" Lelouch questioned in shock as he, Optimus, Arcee, Bumblebee, Rai, Bulkhead, and Ratchet looked in shock. "A Decepticon symbol?!"

"Yeah, a badge, I guess. He had it in his pocket, and I don't think it's an accessory." Kallen muttered as her eyes narrowed.

"Why on Earth would Suzaku have something like that?!" Rai questioned. "And why would the Cons want him in the first place?! It's not like he can actually do anything for them!"

"[Actually… he can.]" Bumblebee pointed out, causing the two to look in surprise as he glanced at Lelouch who nodded. "[You guys know that… white Knightmare we've seen right?]"

"Yeah, what about it?" Kallen replied.

"It's called the Lancelot, and it's pilot… is Suzaku." Lelouch revealed; causing Rai and Kallen to look in shock.

"What…?" Rai almost didn't believe it.

"Are you… are you serious right now?!" Kallen exclaimed angrily. "You knew and you didn't tell us?! Did you guys know!?" She glanced at the Autobots in anger. "I thought we weren't keeping secrets anymore!"

"I'm sorry Kallen." Arcee apologized sincerely.

"It's my fault, don't blame them." Lelouch said. "I asked them not to tell anyone because I didn't want any crazy rumors spreading not just through our ranks but through the rest of Japan as well."

"How'd you even figure this out?" Rai asked skeptically.

"I had left to pay my respects for what happened in Shinjuku." Optimus began to explain. "I discovered a skirmish occurring between the Purebloods and the Decepticon Seekers, one which Suzaku promptly put to an end with the Lancelot. And I believe that is where Megatron had taken an interest in him."

"But why would Megatron even want Suzaku on his side? It makes no sense!" Kallen exclaimed.

"Suzaku, at his core, is a good person. I have seen that myself." Optimus said.

"It's just he's so damn stubborn!" Lelouch stated out of frustration. "Whenever a problem presents itself, he always insists on doing it the hard way and ignoring any other path! I've known him since we were kids!"

"Suzaku told us before that he believed Britannia can change for the better." Rai commented.

"Yeah, that'll be the day." Kallen said in obvious sarcasm.

"So, if he's riding with the Cons…?" Bulkhead began.

"It's because Megatron is working some kind of voodoo." Arcee finished. "Probably has him thinking that they're the good guys."

"In all likely hood, Megatron will have convinced Suzaku to join him because he'll grant him the position to achieve his goal of changing the Britannian system." Optimus said.

"And given what he said about us at the funeral…" Rai stuttered. "He probably fell for it like bait on a hook."

"Great." Kallen rolled his eyes. "Our classmate is a Decepticon, now."

"Being a Decepticon is a choice, Kallen." Lelouch told her in a somewhat angry tone. "One that I have a hard time believing Suzaku would make if he knew the truth."

"So why don't we just tell him?" Rai asked.

"It is not that simple." Ratchet spoke up after remaining quite for so long. "I have seen how Megatron recruits his followers. Some follow him out of fear, others follow him because they believe in his mission and even worship him. He carries a strong sense of charisma that attracts both the best and worst Cybertron had ever had to offer. How do you think he managed to recruit so many followers?"

"I'm surprised he even has any followers after what he did to Cybertron!" Kallen stated.

"It's because the rest of the Cons are either just as bad as he is, or just plain stupid." Arcee said bluntly.

"Or delusional." Lelouch added. "And I'm worried Suzaku might fall under the later if Megatron really got to him."

"But… if being a Decepticon is a choice, is it possible for someone on that side to walk away and join the Autobots? Has that ever happened before?" Rai asked.

"Believe it or not, it actually has." Bulkhead pointed out. "Some former Cons actually joined our side before Cybertron went dark."

"[And vice-versa to.]" Bumblebee added. "[A few Bots went and joined the dark side]"

"But it is a possibility?" Lelouch asked, specifically toward Optimus with something of a hopeful expression, wanting to believe that his friend can see the light and join the right side.

"Yes, it is possible." Optimus confirmed, causing Lelouch to form a hopeful smile.

"Yeah, possible, but how are we actually gonna do it?" Kallen asked.

"Maybe if we bring Suzaku here and show him what happened?" Rai offered. "Maybe even tell him who we are? I mean, he sees us as his friends, so…"

"I wouldn't consider that." Ratchet voiced. "There is a possibility that Suzaku may be watched, likely by Soundwave, and if you were to reveal your identities to him, the Decepticons would likely learn of it as well."

"So, what do we do then?" Lelouch asked. "If the Cons show up here, Suzaku could be here too."

"Leave Suzaku to me; I will deal with him." Optimus declared.

Before anyone else could offer a response, Fixit contacted them. "Zero, Optimus, everything is ready. Wheeljack has attached the device to the ship's haul, the JLF is now onboard the Ark, and it seems the enemy is ready to back… rack... attack!"

"Thank you Fixit." Optimus replied before turning back to everyone else. "We will discuss this further, but for now, we have our mission."

Optimus, Bumblebee, Arcee, and Bulkhead transformed into their respective Vehicle modes, save for Ratchet who remained on the bridge, as Lelouch got inside Bumblebee, Kallen sat on Arcee, and Rai got into Bulkhead right before they all drove out of the bridge and toward the Groundbridge bay.

Meanwhile, C.C. sat at the dining room table with Nunnally at the Ashford Clubhouse as she made origami with the disabled girl, who didn't notice the contemplating look on the immortal's face. She had remembered how welcoming Lelouch and Rai, and even the Autobots, were of her, despite them being distrustful of her at first, and even Kallen. They even addressed her by her real name which she had sense forgotten, or rather she tried to forget it. She glanced out the window as a look of frustration formed on her face.

'What am I doing?' She thought to herself so Nunnally couldn't hear. 'I just can't afford to make the same mistake here all over again.'

A man dressed in white with a visor over his eyes and a set of headphones over his ears walked through the park, the same one that had spied on Lelouch and C.C. the other day. He smiled as he had finally found the person he was looking for. But it would be that much difficult to get to her with someone like Lelouch and even the Autobots always around her. But he was certain an opportunity would present itself, one he wouldn't hesitate to exploit.

Port Yokosuka

Starscream stood at the center of a group consisting of Thundercracker, Skywarp, Cornelia, Guilford, Darlton, Edgar, and David, with their Knightmares in the warehouse behind them, and a set of aquatic Portland Knightmares right by the area.

"It's time!" Starscream announced. "Begin the operation!"

With that announcement, the Portland Knightmares dove into the water as ten Vehicons, in the form of jets, all flew out from behind the warehouse and shot straight at the tanker that supposedly had the JLF inside, with seven Burais along the deck of the ship, supposedly on standby.

Suzaku watched from the Lancelot as he stood alongside Dreadwing and a set of Sutherlands along one port on the side. Here, they would wait until there was certainty the Autobots and Black Knights would arrive, and once that was confirmed, they would attack.

The Portland Knightmares underwater shot their torpedoes and blew up the underwater wall, allowing them to move towards the moving tanker.

Shirley saw the explosion from a distance and looked in horror. "Oh my god… terrorists!?"

Villetta however kept a close eye on her, if need be, she'd pull the girl out if this got too hairy. However, she still needed her to draw out the student she was looking for.

The airborne Vehicons shot rapid-fire Energon-blasts as they flew towards the Tanker. Each blast hit the mark to obliterate the heads of the Burais, causing each one to fall backwards onto the ship's deck just as the alien-jets hovered above the tanker. Hatches at the bottom opened from the bottom of each airborne craft, allowing two Britannian solders from each Vehicon to descend onto the ship, bringing the total to twenty. Once they were all on-board, the ten Vehicons transformed and landed on the ship's deck themselves with Energon blasters at the ready.

"Vessel is secured, Commander Starscream." One Vehicon reported. "No sign of the Autobots or the Black Knights."

"Keep an eye out." Starscream informed them. "They are known for surprise attacks."

"Understood." The Vehicon replied as the Britannian soldiers moved into the ship to secure the rebels they thought were in the vessel.

Meanwhile; Wheeljack hid in-between two large warehouses a few kilometers away and saw the Vehicons land with a smirk before contacting his comrades.

"Yep, the Cons are here. And I've got my finger on the trigger." Wheeljack said as he held the trigger for the grenade he planted on the bottom-haul of the ship, just waiting to go off.

"Understood. Blow them when ready, Wheeljack." Zero told him but also had something to ask. "Any sign of the Lancelot?"

Wheeljack's optics surveyed the area until he spotted the white Knightmare and the Decepticon escorting it. "Got my eyes on it. Looks like Dreadwing's here to."

"When the attack begins Wheeljack, engage Dreadwing. But leave the Lancelot to me." Optimus instructed.

"Got it." Wheeljack nodded.

Starscream watched with a chuckle as the Vehicons continued to guard the ship while the Portlands underwater surrounded the tanker completely. "It would seem, your majesty, that this little excursion is all but over. Guess you weren't needed after all." He chuckled, earning a glare not just from Cornelia herself, but even her Knights present.

However, as the Britannian soldiers continued to search the entirety of the ship, they had yet to encounter the enemy, or any human being for that matter. In fact, every room they searched was empty. Even the captain's quarters was empty, save for the running controls that made it look as though the ship had someone at the helm, only for it to be moving on its own.

Even as the Vehicons pried open the cockpits on the Burais, there were no pilots inside, much to their confusion.

"Commander Starscream, the Knightmares are all empty! There are no pilots inside!"

"Viceroy Cornelia!" One Britannian soldier reported. "There is nobody on the ship! It's completely empty!"

"Empty?!" Starscream exclaimed.

"Empty!?" Cornelia, Thundercracker, Guilford, Darlton, Skywarp, Edgar and David voiced in complete shock.

Even Suzaku looked in surprise as he heard the report. "It's empty…?! Why? A decoy?"

"No." Dreadwing thought. "It can't be a decoy. The Autobots and Black Knights wouldn't leave without even putting up a fight first. Wait… what's in that vessel again…?" Dreadwing's optics widened in horror as he contacted his comrades. "GET OUT OF THERE! NOW!"

"And… boom!" Wheeljack pressed the button on the trigger.

*BOOM!*

The entire tanker lit up in a massive and gargantuan explosion of bright blue light that not only killed all ten Vehicons and twenty Britannian soldiers on the ship, including the Portland Knightmares that surrounded it, but sent a massive shockwave that rocked the entire area.

"What…?! What happened!?" Starscream shouted as he, Thundercracker, and Skywarp braced themselves while Cornelia and her Knights were slightly blown back from the shockwave.

Even Dreadwing had to stick his feet into the ground to avoid being blown away as he held the Lancelot's shoulder firmly to keep Suzaku from being blown back; though a few Knightmares around them were blasted away by either the shockwave or the debris that came toward them as they were closer to the ship.

Immediately, a Groundbridge portal opened up at the port in front of multiple Sutherlands. The Britannian pilots inside couldn't react in time as the vehicle modes of Ironhide and Bulkhead led the charge, ramming down multiple Knightmares with Arcee, Bumblebee, and Cliffjumper right behind them; alongside Kallen in her Guren MK II, Rai in the Gekka Pre-Production, Zero in his Commander Type-Burai, and a squadron of at least twenty Black Knights in their black Burais all rolled out and attacked immediately.

"What… what happened…? Was the ship just a decoy?" Suzaku thought as the surviving three Sutherlands pulled themselves up.

"Kururugi, watch out!" Dreadwing warned in time as Wheeljack in his vehicle mode drove up from the side before it slammed into the feet of the three Sutherlands and swerved to knock them down into the water before Wheeljack transformed and jumped to land a flying kick right into Dreadwing's chest and tackling him underwater.

"Dreadwing!" Suzaku exclaimed and was about to go after him, but a Groundbridge portal opened up right in front of him. Before he could even react, Optimus drove out before transforming and grabbing the Lancelot by the head and throwing it into the area filled with all large containers before Optimus ran in pursuit.

"All units, enemy attack!" Starscream exclaimed as he, Thundercracker and Skywarp readied themselves while the Britannians tried to mount their Knightmares

"Mount up and form a defensive line!" Darlton ordered as well as he, Guilford, Edgar, and David mounted their respective Gloucesters.

"How did they know we were here?!" Cornelia questioned as she tried to get into her own Gloucester as well.

However, the enemy had already arrived at the area. "Attack! Go! All Autobots, engage the Decepticons! Destroy them quickly! Black Knights provide covering fire!" Zero ordered. "Bumblebee with me!"

Cliffjumper drove and transformed before tackling Skywarp and crashed with him in a warehouse as Kallen in her Guren engaged Thundercracker, driving him back as she rolled forward. Ironhide also drove directly toward Starscream and transformed to deliver a punch right into Starscream's face and send him falling and crashing into the water as he, Bulkhead, and all the surrounding Black Knights opened fire with Energon blasters and their magnesium-rifles on the surrounding Britannian Knightmares.

Cornelia had already got into her Knightmare and was ready to power it up. "Your highness, we can handle this!" Guilford contacted her.

"Quiet!" She snapped. "Saitama, Narita, now this?! How many times do you think I'll allow them to mock me!?" However, she didn't even get a chance to get up as Zero rolled his Burai straight into Cornelia's Gloucester and sent it crashing into the wall and out of the warehouse, with Bumblebee driving right behind him.

Just as Zero aimed his rifle, Cornelia shot her slash harken which cut off the Bura's right arm. "Do you think you can best me in Knightmare combat?!" Cornelia exclaimed as she pulled out her rifle, but Bumblebee had already transformed to shoot his Energon blaster and obliterate the weapon.

"I might not, but I know he can." Zero said, smirking under his mask as Bumblebee picked up Cornelia's Gloucester by the shoulders before throwing it away.

"Your highness!" Guilford and Darlton were about to roll in after her, but Ironhide drove up and blocked their path before transforming.

"I don't think so! You punks are gonna have to go through me first!" The veteran Autobot declared.

Darlton narrowed his eyes. "Don't think you can take us both on, Autobot!"

"Then show me what you got!" Ironhide challenged as he opened fire with his Energon cannons.

Arcee had transformed and leapt onto a stack of containers as she opened fire with her Energon blasters to destroy two Sutherlands, but could barely back away in time to avoid a slash harken, which was revealed to belong to the Gloucester piloted by David as he had his Knightmare jump up to stand on the same elevation as Arcee.

"Don't think I forgot what happened in Narita, you transforming-freak! I'll pay you back for what happened to my brothers!" David angrily exclaimed as he brandished his Knightmare's lance.

Arcee drew her arm blades. "Bring it on." She clashed her weapons against his.

Bulkhead meanwhile used his mace to crush a single Sutherland but didn't appear to notice Edgar's Gloucester trying to come in and impale him with his Knightmare's lance from behind. However, with him so focused on Bulkhead, it left him open for Rai to come in his Gekka and use his Knightmare's katana to bat the lance out of the way. Taking advantage of his surprise, Rai, who's Geass had already activated, had lashed out his silver claw and grabbed the cockpit of Edgar's Gloucester.

Rai hesitated for a second. "Sorry…" He said before activating his Radiant Wave Surger. The entire Gloucester expanded and imploded on the inside before it exploded, killing Edgar in the process.

"Thanks for the save, partner." Bulkhead thanked.

Rai gave a small smile. "No problem."

Before they could continue however, several cargo containers were knocked out of the way to reveal a charging Breakdown with his hammer in toe. He gunned straight for Rai, but he rolled out of the way and let Bulkhead grab the hammer-strike, allowing Bulkhead to kick Breakdown in the abs and send him sliding back, right next to Knock Out who drove up and transformed next to his own partner.

"Thanks." Rai told Bulkhead.

"We're even." The green Autobot smiled back.

"Awe isn't that cute, your partners." Breakdown mocked. "I'm gonna enjoy turning you two to scrap. You especially." He pointed to the blue Knightmare. "I owe you for this!" He pointed to his face to show the metallic eye-patch over his right eye.

"You ask me, I think it suits you Breakdown." Bulkhead cracked, earning a growl from Breakdown who didn't hesitate to charge in as Bulkhead charged back and they grappled with each other.

Rai would have ridden in with his Gekka to assist but Knock Out had already appeared in front of him and lashed out his buzz-saw to keep him back.

"Sorry, but it looks like I'm your dance-partner, blue-boy." Knock Out challenged.

"Then let's tango, Con." Rai accepted as he slashed his katana at the red Decepticon.

Dreadwing flew out of the water in his jet-mode with Wheeljack hanging on. The Decepticon flew in the air erratically in an attempt to shake the Wrecker off, but he hung on tight. Seeing how this wasn't getting anywhere, Dreadwing shot back down towards the ground at the far side of the port before transforming and knock Wheeljack off just before he landed. Wheeljack landed on his feet to face Dreadwing.

"Can I assume the tanker was another one of your, Wrecker-tricks?" Dreadwing mused.

"So, you've gone up against us before? Not many Cons can walk away from a meeting with a Wrecker." Wheeljack mused back.

"And you will not be the last." Dreadwing stated as he drew a large sword from his back. Wheeljack, in return, drew his dual swords before they ran at each other and clashed swords.

Suzaku grunted as he pulled the Lancelot up from a broken pile of cargo containers and looked in surprise to see the Autobot leader approaching him. "Optimus…?"

"Suzaku Kururugi… I know you are the pilot of that Knightmare."

The young Honorary Britannian's eyes widened. "He knows…? But how…?"

"Is your answer still the same?" Optimus asked, causing Suzaku to look in confusion. "Do you truly believe Britannia can change for the better, now that you've worked more with their military?"

Suzaku had completely pulled the Lancelot up. "Yes, I do." He answered. "But it can't change if people are always fighting them!"

"Have you considered the reason why they are fighting? Perhaps it's self-defense." Optimus said. "Do you truly believe that Britannia is right in what it does? That the Emperor's philosophy is correct?"

Suzaku glared. "Britannia isn't perfect, I admit that, but it has to change! Otherwise… Earth will become the same as Cybertron!" Optimus' optics widened slightly. "Megatron told me what happened! Optimus, I don't believe you would want to destroy your own home… but maybe you and the Autobots could have worked with the Decepticons to find a solution! You didn't have to fight them!"

Optimus' own optics closed slightly. Megatron must have told Suzaku that he intended to save Cybertron, but he couldn't be further from the truth.

"Megatron only lives for conquest, he cares little for anyone else." Optimus said. "I have tried to reason with him, to change his mind, but he refused. When someone cannot listen to reason, the only option left is to fight."

"Fight… Fight?!" Suzaku exclaimed before he went on the attack. The Lancelot leapt into the air to deliver a spinning kick, which Optimus blocked by crossing his arms. The Autobot leader stood his ground and threw his arms outward just as the Lancelot flipped over and landed behind him before shooting directly at him with one of its MVS, but Optimus quickly turned around to block the sword-strike with one of his own blades.

"You don't understand! Your fighting breads nothing but harm! It's nothing more than senseless violence!" Suzaku exclaimed as he tried to press against Optimus, but Optimus stood his ground and was fast enough to swerve to the side and deliver an uppercut punch to the Lancelot's side and send it flying, but the Lancelot flipped in the air and used it's slash harkens to stabilize itself and land on a pile of cargo containers to face the Autobot leader.

Meanwhile, Cornelia's Gloucester was slammed back against several cargo containers, but before it even got a chance to get back up, Bumblebee grabbed the unit by its head to slam the whole Knightmare face-down on the ground and keep it pinned.

"Drag her out, Bumblebee!" Zero ordered as his single-armed Burai kept its rifle trained on her. However, before any move could be made, the Knightmare's systems picked up a life-signal close by. The screen zoomed in on the source to reveal a certain schoolgirl that Lelouch did not expect to see her.

'Shirley?!'

An explosion erupted from the ground behind Zero, causing his Knightmare to go flying in the direction Shirley was. She screamed as she ducked and covered her head right as the Knightmare crashed at least ten feet away from her.

Bumblebee heard the scream and his optics widened as he not only saw Shirley himself, but who shot the missile at Zero.

"You arrogant… worthless human!" Starscream exclaimed as he stood on the roof of the warehouse behind them. "It's long past time you learn your place, Zero! And it's under the heel of the mighty Starscream!" He opened fire with his Energon blaster.

Zero however was able to pick his Knightmare back up and grabbed Shirley with its only arm and drove away with Starscream transforming and flying in pursuit.

"[Lelouch!]" Bumblebee was about to go after him, but Cornelia was already back on her feet, having used her Gloucester's slash harkens to suddenly push herself back up before turning around and driving her lance towards Bumblebee, which he could barely catch in time.

"You're not going anywhere, vile machine!" Cornelia exclaimed as she continued to press on Bumblebee who tried to push back as well.

Meanwhile, Shirley held on for dear life in the Burai's hand as Zero drove into the maze of cargo containers to avoid the pursuit of the relentless Starscream who continued to shoot at him with bullets and missiles alike.

'Damn it Shirley! What the Hell are you even doing here?!' Lelouch practically screamed inside his mind as he continued to avoid Starscream's attacks.

"I need back-up! NOW!" He tried to contact anyone who might be listening.

"Sorry, we're all kind of busy right now!" Bulkhead said as Lelouch heard a grunt on the other side of the line, indicating he was still fighting.

Lelouch could only curse himself as he drove his Burai to get Shirley as far away from the fight as possible.

Rai lashed his silver claw out at Knock Out who swerved out of the way as he pulled out his Energon prong as he stuck it into the wrist of the Radiant Wave Surger and grabbed the Gekka by the face to pin it to the ground.

"Nice little accessory you got there." Knock Out smirked as he transformed one hand into a buzz-saw "I think I'll take it."

Before he could even begin try cutting it off however, he was pelted from behind by several magnesium bullets, and even on the side as Ohgi and Tamaki rolled up in their Burais, forcing Knock Out off the Gekka and to get some distance.

"Hell Yeah! Eat it Con!" Tamaki exclaimed.

"Rai, you okay?" Ohgi asked with concern as the Gekka Pre-Production picked itself up.

"Yeah, thanks for the save guys." Rai thanked.

Knock Out recovered and gasped upon seeing the holes and melted points in his paintjob. "Oh you're gonna pay for that!" His right arm turned into a drill and his left turned into a buzz-saw as he charged at all three of them.

Bulkhead slammed his mace across Breakdowns' face, who delivered the same sort of attack with his hammer to Bulkhead's face and send him crashing into a warehouse. However, Bulkhead ran out of the smoke pile as he yelled at Breakdown, who charged as well. They slammed their weapons together with all their might. The second the mace and hammer made contact; it sent a shockwave to rock the whole area as a vertical line actually cut through the concrete in-between them from the shockwave itself.

Kallen rolled backwards out of a warehouse as Thundercracker pursued her in his vehicle mode, shooting Energon blasts from his bottom-side. Kallen however was quick enough to avoid it as she didn't appear to notice she was backing away on the docks and closer to the water, just as Thundercracker wanted.

"Not so smart, are you human?" He thought, smirking inside.

Kallen however, knew what she was doing. Right before she made it to the edge, she got a little creative and plunged her extended silver claw into the ground behind her and activated her Radiant Wave Surger, creating an explosion that propelled the Guren into the air, much to Thundercracker's shock.

"What?!" He did not see that coming.

Using his surprise, Kallen roared as she delivered her own spinning kick, something she'd seen the Lancelot do, while airborne and land a good contact on Thundercracker's side causing him to go crashing down hard onto the ground. Kallen fell but used her Knightmare's slash harkens as a grappling hook on a warehouse, pulling herself down closer to the roof where she landed and dropped down onto the ground unharmed.

"Looks like I can fly to, huh?" Kallen taunted.

However, she looked in surprise to see Cliffjumper roll out of the dust of a collapsed warehouse with Skywarp running after him with extended claws, similar to Starscream. However, as he lashed out, Cliffjumper caught Skywarp by the wrist and punched him in the face before flipping him over his head and sending him flying. While airborne, Cliff activated his Energon blasters to shoot and send Skywarp flying further before crashing into the water near the area.

Cliff blew the smoke from his Energon blasters like a cowboy. "Cool off, Con."

"Not bad." Kallen said as she rolled up next to him. "That take-down was cool. But your quip could use some work."

"Right, like you're the mistress of finishing move quips." Cliffjumper joked as he high-fived her with her own Radiant Wave Surger.

Meanwhile; Wheeljack continued to clash his swords against Dreadwing's own blade. Though Dreadwing's was much larger, the fact Wheeljack had two blades only seemed to make the duel even between the two. Wheeljack jumped up into the air and yelled as he brought both his blades down toward his enemy, but Dreadwing was able to block the attack with his own sword before kicking Wheeljack while he was in the air sending him reeling back. However, Wheeljack landed on his feet and skidded to a halt before glaring at his enemy.

"Not bad, Con. Least you can make it a challenge for me."

"It seems you've underestimated me, Autobot." Dreadwing replied. "I've dueled even the likes of Optimus Prime!" He stated as he twirled his sword to show off some of his skills. But this only seemed to make Wheeljack even more excited.

"Oh well then, Mr. Fancy-swordsman, come and get me!" Wheeljack challenged as he ran and clashed blades with him again. Wheeljack swung his right blade, which Dreadwing blocked with his own sword, but this left him vulnerable to Wheeljack's left sword, which cut him along the chest. Wheeljack tried to press the advantage, only for Dreadwing to go on the offense for a change and swing his sword at Wheeljack so fast, he could only block with both his swords.

At the same time; the Lancelot rolled along the tops of the cargo containers as he pursued after the running Optimus through this maze and opened fire with his VARIS rifle, forcing Optimus to jump and dodge the massive explosions that erupted on impact. After dodging the third blast, Optimus rolled before pointing his right Energon blaster back and upwards and shooting to blast the VARIS out of the Lancelot's hands.

Suzaku grunted as he shot the Lancelot forward, jumping off the cargo containers and driving a chop towards Optimus, but the Prime was ready for him as he grabbed the attacking arm and the elbow attached to it and flipped the Lancelot over his head to send it crashing through several cargo containers, before skidding to a halt on the ground. Suzaku however was quick to get up with the Lancelot as he rolled it forward and pulled out both his MVS blades and slicing toward Optimus, who was successfully able to block not only the first strike with one of his arm-blades, but the second sword-strike with his other one. Suzaku tried to press forward with the Lancelot, but he wasn't prepared for Optimus to transform into his vehicle mode and ram into the white Knightmare before spinning a doughnut to trip the Lancelot over its trailer attachment.

While the Lancelot was down, Optimus quickly transformed and used his own strength to pull down on a single cargo container underneath a large stack, causing them all to fall down and pile on top of the Lancelot, immobilizing it.

"No!" Suzaku grunted as he tried to free himself, but the weight on the Lancelot was too much.

"This battle is over." Optimus told him as Suzaku only glared at him through his screen. "Suzaku, do you remember what I said before? When you returned to your court martial? I asked you, what if you were wrong about Britannia changing for the better. Have you given that any further thought?"

Suzaku's eyes widened as he did not expect Optimus to bring that back up again. "I… I can't be wrong though! I just can't be! Because if I am… then…."

Optimus could see the internal struggle within Suzaku and could only offer him a sympathetic expression. "As I told you back then, freedom is your right. You are free to choose whatever path you wish; I only hope that you make the right choice. But, please head my advice. Megatron is not to be trusted. At your core, you are a good person, Suzaku Kururugi. Listen to your instincts, and your heart, I'm sure they will guide you down the correct path."

The Autobot leader then turned around to walk away briefly before transforming and leaving the area. Suzaku saw Optimus Prime leave his sight as he let the words play out in his brain. "Listen… to my heart…?"

Meanwhile, Darlton rolled in his Gloucester and shot his lance at Ironhide, but he caught the weapon in his right hand before slamming down on his left to bend the weapon beyond any hope of repair before slamming his arm into the Gloucester's ab-area to knock it back before blasting his right Energon cannon at the feet of the Knightmare to obliterate it's lower half, but Darlton himself was still alive.

Ironhide didn't get a chance to recuperate however as he was knocked back slight by a dual-slash-harken attack from Guilford who charged directly at him. Ironhide however was back on his feet and firing with his cannons, but Guilford was fast enough to avoid each blast as he rolled around Ironhide and tried to drive his lance into his side; but Ironhide had already brought down his left arm and used his own cannon to block and parry the lance before he used his right arm to punch the Gloucester in the face, almost crushing it before Ironhide actually picked up the Knightmare and slammed it face-first onto the ground.

Even though it was likely inoperable from that, Ironhide didn't want to take any chances as he grabbed the downed lance and used it to impale the shoulder of Guilford's Gloucester and into the concrete to keep it pinned. Guilford couldn't even open his cockpit as he glared at the Autobot through his screen.

"You're good." Ironhide admitted. "But you still have a lot to learn, kid." He told him before walking away, leaving Guilford to hang his head in defeat.

Arcee crossed her arm-blades to block the incoming lance-strike from David's Gloucester. But she threw her arms out to knock him back, giving her an opening as she opened fire with both her Energon blasters to blast off both the Gloucester's arms, letting Arcee come in with a charge and jumping slice with her right arm-blade to completely slice the cockpit in half, including David, before she landed behind the Knightmare as it exploded.

"This is Zero! I'm being pursued by Starscream! I need help! NOW!"

"Hang on Zero, I'm on my way!" Arcee jumped off the pile of cargo containers and transformed into her motorcycle form and drove off to find and help Zero.

Bumblebee meanwhile rolled out of the way to avoid a charge from Cornelia with her lance. However, he was not in the mood to play around with her, not with Starscream chasing Lelouch, especially with Shirley caught in the middle of all this.

Cornelia roared as she thrusted her Gloucester's lance at Bumblebee, but he swerved out of the way and grabbed the Gloucester by the side and quickly rammed the Knightmare, head-fist, into a stack of cargo containers, causing them all to fall and topple over the Knightmare just as Bumblebee transformed and drove after Lelouch.

Zero steered his Burai and turned virtually every corner throughout the maze of cargo containers in an attempt to lose the pursuing Seeker. But since Starscream clearly had the advantage in the sky, losing him was proving to be almost impossible.

'Damn it! He's more persistent than Cornelia!' Lelouch cursed as he glanced at his Burai's only hand saw he was still holding the terrified Shirely. Just what in the world was she even doing here?! How did she get here?! And why now of all times?! However, this small train of thought was quickly caught off as Starscream flew over the Burai and transformed to land on a stack of cargo containers.

Lelouch's eyes widened as he saw Starscream aim yet another missile. Acting fast, Zero came to a quick stop and set Shirley down in a small alleyway between two stacks of cargo-containers just as Starscream opened fire. Zero was able to eject just in time before the missile hit the Burai, causing it to explode. The shockwave caused the cockpit to spiral and hit the cargo containers hard before skidding to halt on the ground, banging Zero hard on the inside.

Shirley only just peeked her terrified head out in the open, but her eyes looked in absolute terror at the sight of Starscream as he jumped to the ground and walked to what was left of the Knightmare. Fortunately for her, he hadn't even noticed her.

"Foolish human." Starscream mused with a chuckle. "This is what you deserve for challenging your supperiors. And now, Zero, you shall meet a quick and painful…" Before Starscream could attack however, Arcee suddenly drove out from a corner before transforming and leaping to deliver a palm-strike to the side of Starscream's face, sending him crashing and skidding down one path away and away from the ruined Burai, where the female Autobot ran in pursuit to engage Starscream herself.

This however left Shirley alone as she happed to glance in the direction of the damaged cockpit, which opened slightly automatically, revealing the semi-conscious form of the masked revolutionary known as Zero, hanging almost upside down from the damaged cockpit. Shirley, despite her head rattling with fear of being in the middle of a literal warzone, had never once anticipated she'd find Zero himself right in front of her, barley conscious and completely helpless.

When she backed away, her foot happened to come into contact with a stray pistol on the ground. "Is… is this Zero's…?" She picked it up and looked at Zero, but while she thought about pointing it at him, she just recalled how he saved her life from that giant robot who could turn into a jet, but she then recalled how he was responsible for her father's death. Her hands shook as she frighten pointed the gun at his barley conscious form.

"With this… I'll repay you…. For my father!" She exclaimed.

Zero could hear a voice slightly, but when he tried to move, he slipped into unconsciousness as his head turned and his mask slipped off before falling onto the ground, revealing his face.

Shirley's pupils shrank as she gave an audible gasp. It was Lelouch's face she saw! Despite the face-mask covering his mouth, or the blood running down past his eyes, she could recognize his face and raven-black hair a mile away. Her eyes wavered, as did her hands. Lelouch, the boy she had a crush on since her freshman year, the same one who began to open up to her and confess his mother's fate and express his sorrow for her father's death was Zero!

"Is that Zero?!"

Before Shirley could even collect all the chaotic thoughts in her head, she turned around to see Villetta walking past her and toward the cockpit. Despite her emotional state, Shirley recognized her immediately. Had this woman been following her!?

Villetta grabbed him by the hair and got a good look at his face. "Well, well, what a shocker. The student is Zero himself. A Britannian?" A borderline evil laugh erupted from her mouth. "When I bring him to Viceroy Cornelia, she'll make me a noble! Not just a knight of honor, real nobility!" She felt his pulse. "And he's still alive, too. What kind of grand execution will they have in store for him?"

"Execution!?" Shirley thought as her heart practically stopped. Was she being used as bait to draw out Zero? To draw out Lelouch?!

"Of course, you'll be rewarded to…!" Villetta's smirk faded as she looked in surprise to see Shirley pointing the pistol at her.

"Get… get away from him…" She stuttered as her hands shook.

Villetta scowled. "Stupid of me… he's your boyfriend, isn't he?!" She was about to draw out her own pistol, but Bumblebee suddenly appeared from around the corner and opened fire from his Energon blaster, shooting at the ground just below Villetta, blasting her back toward a cargo constrainer.

Believing he killed her, Bumblebee quickly ran and scoop up the unconscious Lelouch, along with his mask, and frightened Shirley before transforming and driving away. Shirley screamed as she suddenly found herself in the passenger's seat of Bumblebee's vehicle mode with the unconscious Lelouch in the driver's seat.

Fortunately, this was rather far away from all the fighting, so Bumblebee didn't have to drive very far to get to the exit of the port. He opened the passenger door for the still frightened Shirley, motioning her to get out.

"Go home kid." He played through the radio, causing her to look in shock at the fact that he just talked to her! A giant transforming robot just talked to her! Seeing how she wasn't moving, Bumblebee roared his engine, startling her and causing the frightened Shirley to get out of the passenger seat before Bumblebee closed the door and drove back toward the battlefield; leaving Shirley alone as she fell to her knees with shaky eyes.

Bumblebee had driven through the maze of cargo containers with the unconscious Lelouch still in his driver's seat and the Zero mask in his glove compartment as he contacted his leader. "[Optimus, we need fall back! Lelouch is down!]"

"Understood. Contact Ratchet and prepare for multiple Groundbridge extractions." Optimus relayed back.

"[Got it.]" Bumblebee replied but also winced inwardly knowing that Shirley has seen Lelouch's face. 'Yeah, this is gonna be a problem.'

Done.

Wow, this chapter was longer than I thought it would be. (Not as long as Narita, but still rather long). Anyway, quite a bit of stuff happened here.

First off, Suzaku seems to have fully accepted Megatron's offer and has become the first human Decepticons. But it seems that Optimus is trying to show him the light, realizing that Suzaku is a good person underneath his own issues, similar to Lelouch. But, it's going to take some time and a whole lot of sudden realizations before Suzaku even considers rethinking his current standing, given how stubborn he is. (of course, Kallen and Rai are now aware of Suzaku's status as the pilot of the Lancelot).

Second thing to note: Katase and the rest of the JLF have survived! And after this, they will officially join the Black Knights, increasing their ranks even further! And even the zealous Diethard has joined up, though Ironhide is among the first to notice that he might not be totally trustworthy, and it's not because he's a Britannian.

Also, the Glaston Knights' Elite are all but decimated. David and Edgar have fallen in battle just as Alfred, Bart, and Claudio have in Narita; leaving only Cornelia, Guilford, and Darlton as the sole survivors of the Glaston Knights. Of course, this means Britannia will have to step up their game as they will soon send some Knightmare pilot's whose skills surpasses even Cornelia. (I'll give you a hint, there are seven of them total, and while they won't all appear at once, some will appear sooner than others, they are the best pilots Britannia has to offer)

On a more important note however, Shirley has seen Lelouch's face and now knows his identity as Zero. But, one important difference to note here is that Shirley didn't shoot Villetta this time around, that honor belongs to Bumblebee (she knows she didn't shoot Villetta, but her mind is still a mess given all she's seen and experienced in one night). Is Villetta dead? Is she alive? You'll see in the next chapter as we meet a certain person that we all know and hate.

I'll see you all soon with the next update, until then… Roll Out!