Hi everyone, thanks again for your patience. Now we're back to the Code Geass plotline of this story and will be for pretty much the remainder of R1, save for one other chapter later on loosely based on a TFP episode, and I've got a very special surprise in store for the ending of R1.

Before we begin however, there is something I want to clarify in regard to the appearance of Dark Energon in the previous chapter. Some of you were surprised and confused at how Knightmares could become Terrorcons, thinking that it can only affect Cybertronians, but that is not the case. If you take a look back in the first few episodes of Transformers Prime, one tiny drop of Dark Energon was enough to turn Ratchet's medical equipment into a monster-like creature. Seeing how it's basically the essence of the ultimate evil, it's rather expected that it can do some pretty crazy and terrifying things.

So anyways, with all that being said, let's get on with this chapter.

Knights and Miracle Workers

The investigation into Ashford Academy had ended, though the military and the police couldn't find the terrorist (Mao) who stole the Sutherland and attacked Ashford, they had found nothing out of the ordinary in regard to the school itself, so they allowed classes to resume. Once all the students had returned, with Lelouch, Rai, and Nunnally returning to their residency at the school's clubhouse, the Geass effect wore off, allowing all the students and faculty to remember Lelouch, Nunnally, and Rai. And with some aid from Fixit, they were able to have their personal data put back into the school's database, and it seemed to have worked perfectly, with no one the wiser.

At the moment, Lelouch sat in the middle of the school's art studio in a position near identical to that of the Thinker with his hand underneath his chin, with more than a dozen students, including those in the Student Council, even those among the Knights of the Round sketching him. This of course also gave Lelouch some time with his thoughts.

'Though it's incomplete, the acquisition of the Synthetic Energon formula should prove more than helpful in our cause.' The young Revolutionary thought to himself before glancing toward Suzaku. 'Of course, there's still the matter of trying to bring Suzaku to our side. He's been living with the guilt of killing his father for almost a decade, I can't imagine how much of a strain that's had on his psyche. But if that information is leaked to the wrong people, it could cause all sorts of complications that won't help anyone.'

"Come on, Lelouch. Quit moving around, will ya?" Rivalz complained.

"Oh, sorry guys." Lelouch tried to put himself back in the previous position.

"No, you were looking down lower." Gino pointed out.

"Like this?" Lelouch tried to look down further.

"Incorrect. Look upward about three point four centimeters." Anya said robotically.

Lelouch tried to look upward based on that description. "No, no, now your expression is totally different." Rivalz stood up and tried to make the adjustments himself. "This was like this, that went kinda like that, and this was here. There!" When he was finished, Lelouch looked nothing like how they started, complete with something of a clueless smile.

'God I am glad Cliffjumper isn't here to see this.' Lelouch winced inwardly.

This also resulted in several complaints from the other students, particularly some of the girls who preferred the more stoic face he put on.

"Come on everyone, I prefer him looking clueless!" Rivalz argued.

"Yeah, he does look better like this." Gino agreed.

"Guys, knock it off, he's not your personal decoration." Monica chastised the two boys before smiling apologetically at Lelouch. "Sorry about that."

As this went on, Shirley and Rai exchanged something of a humorous smile as they sat next to each other, despite all the intense life-threatening situations they went through recently, it was rather nice to relax a tad bit like this. Nina sat down in between them as she addressed the brunette.

"Shirley, don't you have math for first period?"

"Don't you remember, it's Art Week." Shirley replied. "Clovis… I'm sorry, Prince Clovis had declared it that." Shirley honestly felt like she had forced the word 'Prince' out. Before meeting the Autobots and joining the Black Knights, she originally respected and admired Clovis. But after learning the truth about what happened in Shinjuku, any respect she had for him, as well as most of the Royal Family, had all but diminished.

"We will open Art Week with the dedication of the Clovis Memorial Museum of Art." The curator said as he gave the of the museum tour to Euphemia, Nonette, Darlton, and the Sub-Viceroy's personal bodyguards. "You, Princess Euphemia, will select the first-place winner among these submitted works."

Euphemia caught a small, yet humble, painting of a house with a garden in a rather serene background. This picture brought a feeling to that of a nice day at home to the young princess.

"Oh, this one's nice. I particularly like this painting." Euphemia said, even Nonette smiled a bit as she liked the painting to.

"It's regrettable that our investigation revealed that the artist happens to be one quarter Eleven." The curator revealed.

Both Euphemia and Nonette winced slightly. "Perhaps it should have been displayed here in the first place, then." Euphemia said. Though she held no discriminatory views whatsoever, she felt she had to put on this façade to appease the public.

"Well it's a delicate balance with our public." The curator said before turning to another painting, the largest painting in the museum, this one was that of Charles Zi Britannia raising his fist up high, as he was during Clovis' funeral. "Anyway, take a look at that painting right there. It was painted by the son of Marquess Nicolai."

Euphemia's face became saddened, yet before she could say anything, Nonette placed a hand on her shoulder as the Knight of Nine addressed the curator. "I'm sure it's a lovely piece, but I think it would be best to allow Princess Euphemia to decide for herself."

"Of course, Lady Enneagram." The curator said with a bow as he continued giving them the tour. Euphemia gave a small but thankful smile to the older woman, who responded with a smirk and a wink.

The Ark

Ohgi sat on a box in a cargo bay within the derelict Autobot ship as he opened his lunchbox to see what Chigusa (the name he gave the amnesiac Villetta) had made for him.

'Octopus Hotdogs? Hmm, that girl.' He had a small smile on his face.

"Your wife make that for you?" Ohgi looked back in surprise to see Ironhide smirking down toward him.

"What?! No! It's not like that!" Ohgi quickly said with a small blush on his face. "It was from… you know…"

Ironhide's smirk vanished. "You're house guest?" Ohgi nodded in confirmation. "Still nothing?"

"No, she doesn't remember anything." The Black Knight replied. "Say, uh… Ironhide. I don't wanna sound insensitive or anything, but can Cybertronians have relationships like we humans do?"

"Yes, we can." Ironhide nodded. "We don't have the same 'customs' you humans do, but we can form relationships with others."

"So… have you ever been in one?" Ohgi asked as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yes, actually." Ironhide replied, causing Ohgi to look up in surprise as the veteran Autobot smiled reminiscently. "Her name is Chromia, you'd like her. She's tough as nails, and really enjoys kicking Cons to the curb."

"So, where is she?" Ohgi asked, causing Ironhide's smile to fall.

"Don't know. We lost contact after Cybertron went dark. She could be anywhere." The black and red Autobot answered.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Ohgi said sincerely, causing Ironhide to nod in appreciation.

"Excuse me." General Katase walked onto the scene, getting their attention. "I hate to interrupt, but we have some very important visitors." He gestured behind him to reveal four individuals from the Japan Liberation Front, who bowed their heads in the presence of Ohgi as well as Ironhide.

"You're the… the Four Holy Swords!" Ohgi stood up and bowed his head in response.

"How'd you find them?" Ironhide asked Katase.

"Through Kyoto." The old general answered.

Ironhide however noticed something about then. "Where's their leader?"

Katase's face winced, as did most of the other Holy Swords. "That's why we're here." Senba answered. "Lieutenant Colonel Tohdoh has been apprehended. He sacrificed himself so that we could escape."

Ashford Academy

Lelouch sat inside Bumblebee's vehicle mode as he spoke with Optimus over the radio. "You're certain?" He asked.

"The Four Holy Swords as well as Kyoto have indeed confirmed it." Optimus replied. "Kyoshiro Tohdoh has been captured and is scheduled to be executed tonight."

"A schedule we'll have to change." Lelouch said with a smirk. "Get everyone ready, I'll meet you later this afternoon."

"Understood." Optimus hung up.

"[I'm guessing you know Tohdoh personally?]" Bumblebee asked.

Lelouch had a small smile on his face. "Yes, one of the few people who could challenge me at chess during my stay at the Kururugi residence, he even taught he Shogi. And he would be nothing short of instrumental in our battles against both Britannia and the Decepticons."

"[I heard about the Miracle of Itsukushima.]" Bumblebee said. "[Took down Britannia without using a single Knightmare. Like to see him bring the Cons to their knees.]"

"I'm sure he will." Lelouch said with a small smirk. The passenger door then opened, allowing C.C., in an Ashford Student uniform, to step inside.

"[Welcome back. How was your trip?]" Bumblebee asked the immortal as she sat down.

"Quite eventful." C.C. replied. "Those High Eunuchs are arguably the most egotistical people I've met in my immortal life. Other than Lelouch, of course." She smirked.

"Ah snap!" Bumblebee played a rapper's voice through the radio.

"Ha, ha." Lelouch gave a sarcastic laugh.

"But… I did end up meeting a soldier who is rather close to the current Empress." C.C. revealed. "His name is Li Xingke. Even though the Empress is technically a system orchestrated by the Eunuchs, Xingke and his inner circle of soldiers are more loyal to the Empress than anything else."

"[A possible ally?]" Bumblebee asked

"More than likely." C.C. confirmed.

"Good." Lelouch nodded. "If things keep proceeding like this, we may soon need all the help we can get."

Area 11 – Royal Palace

Cornelia stood outside her palace as both Guilford and Dreadwing stood behind her. "Today, Kyoshiro Tohdoh will be executed." Guilford stated. "Even though he isn't that much of a threat compared to the Autobots and the Black Knights, it should deal a significant blow to the Area 11 resistance movement."

"I myself will be there." Dreadwing said. "Even though he hasn't officially joined the enemy, it is likely they will be there to rescue him."

"I certainly wouldn't put it past Zero or Prime to attempt such a feat." Cornelia responded. "Unfortunately, I won't be present for that. So, we'll have to find a change of executioner."

"Actually, Viceroy Cornelia, Lord Megatron has already chosen Tohdoh's executioner." Dreadwing revealed. "It will be Suzaku Kururugi."

Though Cornelia wasn't too thrilled about being kept out of the loop, but at the same time, this might be a good opportunity. "You know, I might actually approve of that choice. It'll give Kururugi a chance to test his loyalty."

"Viceroy!" Euphemia called out as she walked onto the scene, when she spotted Dreadwing, she smiled and nodded at him, who returned with a small smile and nod as well.

"Sorry to summon you like this, how's everything at the museum?" Cornelia asked her younger sister.

"The dedication is later on." Euphemia replied. "Of greater importance though, the N.A.C. reported there was unrest in Ishikawa."

"Probably backed by the E.U. or the Chinese Federation." Cornelia assumed. "Given all that's been happening here in Area 11, I can't say I'm surprised. Still, it's our chance to bring Hokuriku under control." Euphemia's face slightly winced, knowing what her older sister meant by that. "I'll leave Darlton, Nonette, and the rest of the Knights here while I'm gone. If anything happens consult them, also, I don't want you making any dealings with the Decepticons." She turned to the one Decepticon present with them. "I trust that won't be a problem, Dreadwing?"

"None whatsoever." Dreadwing assured with a nod.

"One more thing. I noticed you still haven't chosen your knight yet." Cornelia handed Euphemia a binder, once she opened it, she saw the photo IDs and names of several Britannian soldiers. "You may choose any one of them, they're all excellent soldiers from respected families."

The Nemesis

Starscream walked onto the bridge to speak with his leader. "Lord Megatron, I heard that you have chosen Suzaku Kururugi to execute Kyoshiro Tohdoh, whom the Britannians have recently captured."

"I have indeed." Megatron confirmed as he turned around to face the sniveling coward who was his second-in-command. "Is that a problem, Starscream?"

"Possibly." Starscream tried to voice his opinion, while doing his best not to step out of line and risk another beatdown from his leader. "Suzaku is rather… insufferable, to put it bluntly. I mean, sure, he has followed all orders we've given to him, however, when it comes to executing others, even those who are clearly our enemies, he always shows hesitancy. I've also done some research of my own to see that Kururugi has a history with Tohdoh. If that boy is unwilling to kill enemies he doesn't even know, what makes you think he'll do just that to someone he actually does know?"

"He doesn't necessarily have a choice in the matter." Megatron replied. "This is an official execution, and unlike in the heat of battle, he will be unable to avoid it. And his history with this Tohdoh is exactly why I choose Suzaku to execute him."

"I… do not understand." Starscream confessed.

"As you say, Starscream, Suzaku has a history with Tohdoh." Megatron explained. "By executing someone he was rather close to, who is now his enemy, it may give him the push he needs to fully integrate himself into the Decepticon cause. The humans have a phrase for this: burning bridges, I believe it is."

"I supposed that does make sense." Starscream acknowledged. "But, what if Kururugi simply chooses not to execute this man? Surely you haven't forgotten his little 'episode' back in Naritia. While his battle-prowess is, rather commendable for a human, his mental state… leaves a lot to be desired."

"If Suzaku is unable to perform the task, then you will bring him here to be confined." Megatron stated. "I have Shockwave working on a special project, one that will enable us to see if he can truly contribute to us."

"Then who will execute Tohdoh?" Starscream asked. "Perhaps… I should be the one to do it?" Megatron looked at Starscream rather questionably. "I went through such trouble to try and terminate that insect back in Naritia, it is only fitting I attempt to finish the job, wouldn't you say?"

Megatron gave a slight scoff. "If you believe you are capable of doing so, then go ahead." Starscream smirked. "Only if Suzaku is unable to perform the task. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Lord Megatron." Starscream bowed as he still had a smirk plastered on his face.

Ashford Academy

"Yes, the pond does freeze solid in the winter." Nunnally said as she, Lelouch, Suzaku, and Rai sat outside the clubhouse. "Although Big Brother scolded me once when he caught me skating on it."

"Well, considering what could happen if you fell in, I'm not surprised." Rai said.

"We had a pond to at the Kururugi Shrine." Suzaku said. "It was small, but I used to catch zarigani… I mean, crawdads, all the time."

"Crawdads, huh?" Rai asked. "And what, you eat them?"

"Well, I never ate the ones I caught. But they're actually quite the delicacy." Suzaku replied.

"You would catch crawdads? How?" Nunnally asked.

"It's simple, you just tie a string to a frog's back leg." Suzaku answered.

"Huh? Frog? As in those things that sit on lily-pads and go 'croak'?" Nunnally asked in surprise.

"Toads go 'croak', Nunnally." Rai corrected with a small smile. "Frogs actually go 'ribbit'."

Suzaku had a small smile himself "Well, in Japan they go 'kero-kero-kero'."

Lelouch observed the playful conversation from the other table, though he was happy that things were going back to what one could consider normal, he paid attention to Suzaku's expression the most. 'He still cares about Nunnally, that hasn't changed. Which means Megatron hasn't completely turned him, there's still hope. But if things keep proceeding at this rate, Nunnally won't be able to stay at Ashford much longer. I will be taking her to the Ark soon. I don't know if Suzaku will be convinced to leave the Decepticons by Zero, or any Autobot, but maybe… maybe Nunnally might. If she knows about the Decepticons and how evil they truly are, she might be the one person who not only convinces Suzaku to leave them, but even give him a reason to live.'

"Hey Suzaku." Lelouch got his attention. "I have to tell you…"

"Suzaku!" A new voice called to him, getting everyone's attention. It was none other than Cecile who ran toward them. "Lloyd says it's urgent!"

"Who's that?" Rai asked.

"She's a soldier." Suzaku answered before standing up as Cecile arrived.

"Friends of yours?" She asked upon seeing the other three teenagers.

"Yes." Suzaku confirmed with a smile.

Cecile offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, but I need to pull Suzaku away from you for a while."

"Go ahead Suzaku, it's fine." Lelouch told him.

"Okay, see ya then." The Japanese youth nodded and was about to walk away.

"Please come again, Suzaku." Nunnally said.

"I will." Suzaku confirmed.

"Suzaku." Lelouch got his attention one last time. "When you return, there's something I want to discuss, it's an important matter."

Rai looked toward Lelouch in minor surprise as he had a good idea what it was about, but choose not to say anything without causing a commotion

"Uh oh, I'm nervous." Suzaku said in a joking tone before walking away with Cecile. "I'll talk to you when you get back."

Once they were gone, Rai stood up. "Lelouch, are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure." Lelouch nodded.

"Well, it seems that Suzaku is really important to them." Nunnally commented. "I'm glad."

"Hey, uh… Nunnally." Rai began. "How would you feel if you thought that… Suzaku was involved with some… bad people?"

Nunnally's smile faded into one of confusion and worry. "Is Suzaku in trouble?"

"Well, no not exactly." Lelouch quickly said. "But, what if he's with some people who might… try to make him into something he's not? What would you do?"

"I'd try to get him out of it." Nunnally said immediately. "Lelouch, Rai, do you guys know something?"

The two boys exchanged concerning glances. "Well… remember how we said we had some pretty good friends?" Rai tried to find the right words. "Well, those people know some other people who… might not be the best. And Suzaku might think they're actually good when they're really bad."

"I don't understand…" Nunnally wasn't quite sure what to make of this.

Lelouch kneeled down to his sister and gently held her hand. "You don't have to worry about Suzaku. I promise we're going to help him."

While Nunnally was still somewhat worried, she knew she could trust her brother, so she smiled. "I trust you, Lelouch. If you say you can help him with whatever trouble he might be in, I believe you. But… if there's anything that I can do…"

"We'll let you know, I promise." Lelouch said with a small smile.

Girls' Dorms

Shirley was getting ready to leave for the Ark, as she had looked behind her desk to find the note she had written after first learning Lelouch was Zero. When she pulled the note out and re-read some of its contents, her heart wavered. When she wrote that, she was emotionally hurt and confused. But now, she knew who Lelouch really was and why he was Zero, and she would support him with everything she had. So, she quickly opened the window as she tore the note into tiny pieces before letting it blow away in the wind.

She then heard a knock on her door. "Just a minute!" She quickly ran up and opened the door but was surprised at who was there. "Monica?"

"Hello Shirley." The Knight of Twelve greeted with a smile, as she was in her Knight of the Round uniform. "May I come in?"

Shirley winced slightly. "I'm sorry, but I have to be somewhere real quick."

"It won't take long, I promise." Monica assured. Seeing nothing wrong, Shirley opened the door wider and allowed Monica to enter. "Glad to see you and everyone else are settling in just fine." She said as she sat down on a random chair

"Yeah, things have been pretty crazy lately." Shirley said as she sat down on her bed. "So, did… did you find anything in your investigation?" She asked, hopping they didn't learn anything about Lelouch, Rai, Nunnally, or Kallen.

"I can't really answer that." Monica said. "You know, military protocol and all that."

"Right, sorry." Shirley replied.

"But… there is one thing though I wanted to talk about." Monica began, getting Shirley's attention. "When the military and I were investigating the school, we did some research on the students attending the academy, including you." That took Shirley by surprise. "I… I heard about your father."

The brunette gave a small gasp at that.

"I am so sorry Shirley." Monica said sincerely.

"It's alright." Shirley assured. "These things… they just… happen."

"They shouldn't." Monica muttered. "To lose someone you love in a terrorist attack it… it's something that should never ever happen."

Shirley wanted to tell Monica that the Black Knights and Autobots weren't really terrorists, but heroes and that the Decepticons were the real theat. But she knew if she did that, she'd end up revealing sensitive information about her friends which could put them in danger.

"I know how it feels." Monica continued. "When I was little, I lost my father to." Shirley's eyes winded in shock. "He dealt in arms dealing for Knightmares to military contractors. He was killed when his base in Area 14 was invaded by terrorists. I know how it feels when you lose a parent like that, if you need to talk to someone, I'm here. I promise."

Shirley had no response to give as she saw Monica stand up.

"I have to go, I just wanted to say that." The Knight of Twelve commented. "Even though I'm a Knight of the Round, I want you to know that you can consider me a friend. I'll see you later." Monica left, while gently closing the door.

Shirley sat in silence as she let all that information sink in. She did feel a great deal of sympathy for Monica, and after spending time with her and her colleagues in the Student Council, she could tell that Monica, Gino, and Anya were not bad people. Perhaps she could talk with Lelouch and Optimus about them becoming potential allies, though she had a feeling that they'd shoot down the idea, it would still be an interesting idea to bring up. But no matter what, her loyalty to the Autobots, Black Knights, and her friends remained cemented.

Clovis Memorial Museum

A press conference was being held at the museum before the ceremony would begin, and the reporters had quite a few questions to ask Sub-Viceroy Euphemia as Darlton and the museum's curator stood at her respective sides.

"Sub-Viceroy, is it true that no Eleven companies were used in the construction of this museum?" One reporter asked.

"Well… with regard to that question, I…"

"We're looking into it right now, so we have no answer at this time." Darlton quickly and professionally responded.

"Idiot." A female reporter chastised the previous one as he sat down. "Why bother asking Princess Euphemia about politics?"

Another reporter stood up. "Kerryman of Interstate, your highness, there have been rumors lately that you're close to choosing your knight."

"Um… a knight…" Euphemia stuttered slightly. "Yes, you see, I'm…"

"Ladies and gentlemen, we ask that you please limit your questions to those concerning the museum only." The curator told the reporters.

Euphemia gave a small sigh, wanting nothing more for this press conference to end. She always hated being in the spotlight like this, almost as much as he hated being a princess of Britannia.

The Ark

Multiple Knightmares, including the Guren MK II, along with the Gekka Pre-Production, and even four new Knightmares that looked almost identical to the Pre-Production, aside from their silver paint-job and they each lacked a Radiant Wave Surger, had all been gathered as several technicians, including Tamaki, were working on them, with Ratchet at a console on the side of the large chamber analyzing the data from these new Knightmares.

"These new Gekkas should prove most effective in future missions." Fixit said as he rolled up to Ratchet with a small hand-held device. "They're supposedly more advanced than the prototype Rai has been piloting, and the skills of the Four Holy Sword pilots are nothing short of edible… fencible… incredible!"

"Yes, yes, when compared to other Knightmares." Ratchet commented. "But whether or not they can match against the Decepticons is real question."

At the same time, the Four Holy Swords, along with General Katase, were talking with one another at the other side of the chamber. "Are you sure it's a good idea to throw in with these guys?" Asahina asked

"I can vouch for them." Katase assured. "Their piloting skills are some of the best we've seen, not to mention the Autobots themselves make even the most dangerous Knightmares seem like wind-up toys by comparison."

"What about those other living machines they fought against back in Naritia?" Chiba asked.

"The Decepticons." Katase replied. "They're supposedly the true masterminds behind Britannia and are every bit as strong as the Autobots themselves."

"If that's true, then us working with the Black Knights and the Autobots may be our best option." Senba commented.

"I wouldn't have brought you all here if I didn't trust them completely." Katase told his soldiers. "They've saved the Japan Liberation Front from complete destruction twice already."

"And now we're about to work alongside them to rescue the colonel." Urabe said.

Asahina smiled. "Well no matter where Tohdoh may be, it's the place I belong."

"Hurry up, will ya!?" Tamaki exclaimed to some technicians working on the Guren. "It's almost time to move out!" He climbed up into its cockpit. "Look, how hard is it? Just pull the damn trigger and…"

However, once Tamaki pulled the trigger he accidentally raised and activated the Guren's Radiant Wave Surger and shot a small red projectile that actually shot toward Ratchet, who gave a surprised yell as he dodged the blast that blew up the console he was working on.

"Well… at least we know the Radiant Wave Surger projectile function is working." Fixit said with a nervous laugh.

Ratchet, however, was far from amused as he glared at the one responsible. "Tamaki! I needed that!" He pointed to the blown-up console.

The Four Holy Swords were somewhat surprised as they looked toward Katase, who only shrugged slightly. Urabe chuckled. "I think I'm gonna like this place."

"Don't tell me this is how you treated my children!" A new voice spoke up, belonging to a young woman of Indian descent with long bright blonde hair and a purple bindi on her forehead, she also carried a brown kiseuru pipe as she was escorted by Kaguya and two other scientists. "As their mother, I will not tolerate this kind of abuse."

"Mother?!" Fixit, Tamaki, and Ratchet questioned at the same time.

"You've arrived on time." Zero walked onto the scene, alongside Shirley in her own Black Knight uniform, with both Optimus Prime and Bumblebee right behind him.

"Sorry it took so long Zero." Kaguya smiled. "But allow me to finally introduce to all of you, the creator of the Guren and the Gekkas, and arguably the best Knightmare engineer in the world: Rakshata Chawla."

"Lady Kaguya, I think you're mistaken." Rakshata said. "I'm the best Knightmare engineer in the world."

"After seeing the Guren and Gekka Pre-Production in action, I do not disagree." Zero said as he and Rakshata shook hands.

She then looked up towards the two Autobots, particularly their leader. "And you must be Optimus Prime, it's a pleasure. I've heard a great deal many things about you and your Autobots."

"The pleasure is ours, Rakshata." Optimus nodded. "We've been interested in your work for quite some time. Particularly your work in medical cybernetics."

Rakshata had something of a mix between an arrogant and humble smile. "I do hate talking about the past."

"Well, if you're looking for a challenge, then how would you like the idea helping to create a synthetic Sakuradite?" Zero proposed.

That earned an intrigued smirk from Rakshata. "Well, now you've caught my interest."

Shirley looked towards Bumblebee as the scout leaned down to her level. "She's taking being the presence of giant living robots really well." Shirley whispered.

"[I'm guessing it has something to do with her working with machines all her life.]" Bumblebee bleeped.

"That, and I'm not exactly one who's easily surprised." Rakshata said, earning a surprised look from both Shirley and Bumblebee.

"You can understand what Bumblebee is saying?!" Shirley exclaimed.

"Of course, silly girl." Rakshata said casually. "It's a relatively simple code to understand. So, your name is 'Bumblebee'." She spoke to the scout directly who only nodded, not quite over his own surprise. "It makes me wonder how an alien got his name based off an Earth insect. Perhaps Earth and this Cybertron have more than a few similarities."

"As much as I would love to discuss on such a topic, we do have a mission to prepare ourselves for." Ratchet said as he walked up.

"Apologies." Rakshata said. "I tend to get carried away when I'm invested in something interesting, it's one of my very few flaws."

Shirley looked to the side to see Kallen and Rai enter, each one of them wearing a special kind of pilot suit with some kind of armor around the arms, legs, and chests; Kallen's was red and Rai's was blue, and they both bore the Autobot-Black-Knight insignia on their right chest-plates. "Rai, Kallen, you two look great! You look almost like superheroes!"

"Thanks Shirley, but it feels a little tight…" Rai said as he tried to stretch his limbs out.

"Yeah, is this really going to improve the interfacing system?" Kallen asked as she looked at her own pilot's suit.

"No, of course not." Rakshata answered, much to everyone's surprise. "It's going to improve your life expectancy."

Night had fallen as Kyoshiro Tohdoh had been confined into what was arguably the most secure prison in the entire area. He sat meditatively in his cell, while also bound in a straitjacket, as a guard walked up.

"I just heard they changed your executioner." The guard said mockingly. "It's going to be Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi. You outta be glad it's someone you know." Tohdoh said nothing but looked upward in acknowledgment. "Also, I heard that if for some reason that damn Eleven doesn't pull the trigger, someone named Starscream is gonna be the replacement."

Starscream gave an annoyed scoff as he paced across the rooftop of one particular building. "What is taking them so long?" He voiced his annoyance. "Why should there be any formalities in an enemy's execution! If it were up to me, that wretched Tohdoh's head would be on a pike by now!"

"Britannia's ways are far different from our own, Starscream." Dreadwing said as he stood stoically at the edge of the building, observing the area. "This is their way of execution and we cannot change that."

Starscream growled. "Why we continue to work with these fools is beyond me."

Dreadwing said nothing in response as he glanced downward toward the window where his friend was likely facing a difficult decision. He didn't know the details, but he understood Suzaku had a history with Tohdoh, so it probably wasn't easy for him.

Lloyd had just finished sighing probably the fifth paper before, yet another form was handed to him. "Wha… you need my signature again?" He asked the official as he, Cecile, and Suzaku sat on the coach together, with Gino, Anya, Nonette, and Monica standing around them.

"Even though Princess Cornelia ordered this, there are still some formalities to be followed." The official replied. "A change of executioner is the most exceptional of circumstances."

Gino looked absolutely bored out of his mind. "Buddy, you've already made him sign five papers already. Can't we just go down there and pull the trigger? I mean, I blow up Knightmares all the time and I don't fill out any paperwork."

"Killing on the battlefield is a different situation than a formal execution." Anya said robotically as she kept looking through her cell phone's photo album.

As they continued to talk; Cecile, Nonette, and even Monica looked at Suzaku with sympathetic expressions as his own eyes shook. He was being ordered to execute his former teacher, who was almost something of a second father to him in his childhood. He had nothing but absolute respect for the man, even if they were now on opposite sides. He had already killed his father, now he was going to kill his sensei to?!

Suddenly, a loud explosion rang through the air, shaking Suzaku out of his distressed thoughts and startling everyone.

"What's going on?!" Nonette exclaimed.

"An explosion appears to have occurred." Anya said as she pointed to the window where they saw a large fire and smoke and had already multiple sirens going off.

"Good, now we're free of this hellish paperwork." Lloyd said.

"Finally! Some action!" Gino exclaimed with an excited grin.

More than two dozen Sutherlands poured out of the facility and made their way to the massive hole in the prison's outer wall that was blown up from one of Wheeljack's grenades. Out of the smoke poured the vehicle modes of Arcee, Ironhide, Cliffjumper, Wheeljack, and Bulkhead, all accompanied by the Guren MK II, the Gekka Pre-Production, and the four Gekkas piloted by the Four Holy Swords; and just like the red and blue Knightmares, each of the Gekkas had the Autobot-Black-Knight emblem etched onto their shoulders.

The Gekkas were the first to attack as they each drew a revolving-blade-katana as they immediately got to work, cutting down the front-most Sutherlands with little effort.

"Colonel, we're coming to save you." Chiba said as she wore a yellow Black Knight pilot suit.

"These Gekkas are awesome! Way superior to Burais!" Asahina stated with a grin as he and his other two comrades wore grey pilot suits.

"Yeah, you got that right!" Urabe agreed with his own grin.

"Come on guys, let's not let them have all the fun." Cliffjumper said as he shot directly at a group of three Sutherlands that fired at him with their rifles. Cliffjumper transformed and dealt a powerful punch to decapitate the middle Sutherland before sweeping his feet to trip up the two surrounding him right as he fired his Energon blasters to obliterate their heads and render them immobile.

Arcee rolled in her Motorcycle mode toward two Sutherlands that shot at her, which she expertly maneuvered around before sliding underneath the legs of one of them right as she transformed and opened fire with her Energon blasters at their backs to turn them both into scrap metal in seconds. A third Sutherland was about to shoot at Arcee, but the Guren suddenly appeared in front of it to knock the rifle out of its hands with its knife before it reached out with its Surger claw to grab the Sutherland's head before Kallen activated the Surger, causing the Knightmare to explode.

Ironhide had transformed as he activated his large Energon cannons and opened fire at a depot that had six Sutherlands already pouring out of it. Already those six Sutherlands had been destroyed in explosive fashion as Ironhide resumed his fire into the depot, and with a few more devastating shots, the depot itself had been completely obliterated.

The Wrecker Trio saw another depot to neutralize as ten Sutherlands total were already rolling out. "I got the depot; you guys cover me!" Wheeljack stated, while still in his Vehicle Mode. .

"You got it Jacky!" Bulkhead responded as he drove up toward the Sutherlands with Rai's Gekka-Pre-Production right by his side. Bulkhead took point as he drove directly into the group of Sutherlands that already opened fire. He immediately transformed and formed his mace in his right hand, which he used to obliterate one Sutherland with one swing before swinging it around him to destroy two more. The remaining seven tried to gain some distance, but this proved to be a mistake as Rai zoomed in with his blue Knightmare and used his katana to cut down two more before using his Radiant Wave Surger to obliterate a third. Bulkhead then formed his cannon in his left hand to blast away the remaining four with only two shots.

Already Wheeljack had driven into the depot where at least a dozen more Sutherlands were being prepared, he popped open his trunk to throw out one of his grenades before driving back outside. He transformed once he made enough distance before pulling out his trigger and pressing the button. The entire depot, and most of the building above, had been completely destroyed. It was a miracle that the tower didn't topple over.

"So, what do you guys think of the Autobots now?" Rai asked over the communication to the Four Holy Swords.

"I like what I see." Urabe never lost his grin.

"Most impressive." Senba added.

"Looks like Britannia might have to re-think their future." Asahina also said as he cut down another Sutherland.

Chiba said nothing but was more than a little impressed as she smirked and came back-to-back with Kallen's Guren to cut down five Sutherlands that tried to surround them, while Arcee provided some covering fire to shoot down two more incoming Sutherlands.

The Ark – the Bridge

Ratchet and Fixit continued to monitor the situation as the entire fight was being shown on the main screen. Shirley, Ohgi, Tamaki, Katase, and several other Black Knights, along with Kaguya watched as well along with Rakshata and her team.

Tamaki gave a happy sigh as he saw the Autobots and six Black Knight Knightmares make short work of the Britannian forces. "Ya know, I could watch this with some popcorn and a beer."

"It's no wonder Britannia's so afraid of the Autobots." Rakshata commented. "They make Knightmares look like cheap toys."

"Yes, the Autobots are amazing, aren't they?" Shirley added with a smile.

"Not to mention our pilots have plenty of skill as well." Kaguya also added. "You must be quite proud of Kallen especially." She said to Ohgi in particular.

"Yes, I'm nothing short of proud." Ohgi smiled as he saw the Guren, Arcee, and Cliffjumper work together so fluently.

"How come you're not out there with them, doctor?" Rakshata asked nonchalantly as she glanced at Ratchet.

"I'm a medic, not a warrior." Ratchet quickly said. "I'll fight if I have to, but don't expect me to be at the vanguard."

"So, when are we going to see these Decepticons?" Rakshata asked. "I'm curious as to see how the Guren and Gekkas fair against them."

"We have data recorded from our previous encounters with the Decepticons if you're interested." Fixit offered. "Not to mention information regarding the Decepticons themselves."

"Later." Rakshata said as she didn't take her eyes off the fight.

Back inside the prison, the guard had pointed his pistol at Tohdoh as he began to open his cell door. "My superiors have just ordered you'd be unofficially executed before you're busted out of here. Any last words?"

"It's a life I gave up once before." Tohdoh said with acceptance. "It's worth nothing."

"Don't be so quick to throw it away!"

Suddenly, the wall collapsed on the guard, killing him in the process. Tohdoh was nothing short of surprised as he saw the culprit responsible was the Autobot scout Bumblebee who broke his way into the building, alongside the Commander-Type Burai piloted by the masked Revolutionary himself who revealed himself as he began to lower himself down from his Knightmare.

"Zero." Tohdoh acknowledged.

"Kyoshiro Tohdoh." Zero began. "The only Japanese who seven years ago brought the mighty Britannian forces to their knees in defeat."

"You mean Itsukushima? You want me to perform a miracle for you as well?" Tohdoh questioned.

"That was no miracle." Zero argued. "It ended in victory because it was based on excellent intelligence work. That's why we want you."

"I pledged my loyalty to General Katase, now that he's…"

"He's alive." Zero quickly said, much to Tohdoh's surprise. "Despite Britannia trying to spread the false word of his death, Tatewaki Katase, along with the remainder of the Japan Liberation Front are now part of the Black Knights working alongside the Autobots. That includes the Four Holy Swords! Nagisa Chiba, Shogo Asahina, Ryoga Senba, and Kosetsu Urabe, all of them are outside right now, here solely to save you! Are you really ready to throw your life away and let them all down?! You must take responsibility! Responsibility for the miracle that you made!"

Tohdoh's look turned into a small smirk before he chuckled. "So, it is you. I've been wondering if it were the case, and now it seems I know for certain."

Zero removed his mask to reveal the smiling face of Lelouch. "Figured it out, huh?"

"It wasn't all that difficult, Lelouch." Tohdoh commented as the young revolutionary worked to cut the bindings around the old soldier. "For one thing you're still as dramatic as ever."

"I suppose so." Lelouch said as he allowed Tohdoh to stand up.

"So, who's your friend?" He asked, referring to the yellow Autobot present.

"His name is Bumblebee." Lelouch introduced. "He'd introduce you himself, but he's unable to speak properly."

"[Sorry about that.]" Bumblebee said in bleeps for emphasis.

"I trust you're not just here to recruit me into helping you defeat Britannia." Tohdoh said as he became serious. "Those Decepticons we saw at Naritia?"

"indeed." Lelouch confirmed. "It's a long story and I plan to give you the full explanation after we leave this place, but for now, will you help us? Just the Autobots and myself have already inspired a great deal of hope throughout Japan, we even have more than a few Britannians working with us. But with you on our side, the Miracle Worker alongside Zero and Optimus Prime, we'll cause more than just a simple headache for Britannia and the Decepticons." He offered his hand.

Tohdoh smirked as he shook Lelouch's gloved hand. "I'm in."

Clovis Memorial Museum

"And now for the highlight of today's events!" The curator announced. "Princess Euphemia will select the grand-prize winner!" He handed the princess a white flower on a gold plating. "The work of art upon which you place this flower will be deemed the winner, your highness."

Euphemia turned around, her eyes immediately setting upon the largest painting of her father. This was the one everyone expected her to deem the winner, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.

Meanwhile, back at the prison; all the Autobots, as well as Kallen, Rai, and the Four Holy Swords have made short work of the nearly all the Britannian forces stationed there. The entire facility was in a state of complete chaos as fires and the remains of over a hundred Sutherlands were scattered throughout the area.

The gate toward the most inward part of the facility had been blown open as the six Knightmares and five Autobots in their vehicle modes rolled out in the smoke. Several more Sutherlands attempted to stop them, but much like the rest before, they were quickly destroyed with the expert piloting of the Black Knights or the superior fighting prowess of the Autobots.

Once the area had been completely cleared, a single Groundbridge portal had opened up, allowing the vehicle mode of Optimus Prime to roll in with a large trailer attached. All the Autobots and Black Knight Knightmares regrouped around Optimus as Zero's Commander Type Burai, and Bumblebee's vehicle mode drove out of the prison, leaving a large explosion behind in their wake.

Optimus came to a stop as the backdoor to his trailer opened to reveal a customized Gekka. This Knightmare was mostly black with two long red hair-like appendages on the back of its head as it carried its own katana-like weapon. Like all the other Knightmares present, it had the metallic emblem of the Autobot-Black-Knight Alliance embedded on its chest. Bumblebee and Zero's Burai regrouped with their allies as all the Autobots transformed and formed a perimeter with Kallen's Guren and Rai's blue Gekka around the trailer as Optimus as well transformed. Inside the perimeter, Zero's Burai came to a halt as his cockpit faced the new customized Gekka, it opened to reveal Tohdoh who stood up as his comrades in the Four Holy Swords greeted him from their own Gekkas.

"Colonel!" Chiba exclaimed with relief at seeing him again.

"Welcome back, Colonel Tohdoh!" Asahina greeted with a smile.

"Thank you. You've all worked so hard for this." Tohdoh humbly thanked his comrades.

"No effort at all sir." Senba grinned slightly.

"Yeah, these Britannians were a piece of cake." Urabe smirked.

"Tohdoh the Miracle Worker, it's a privilege." Cliffjumper greeted as the other Autobots smiled.

"Welcome to the family. Let's wreck some bad guys." Wheeljack gave a thumbs up as Tohdoh nodded before turning to the Autobot leader.

"Optimus Prime, it's an honor to finally meet you face-to-face." The Miracle Worker greeted.

"The honor is all mine, Kyoshiro Tohdoh." Optimus nodded with a small smile, which Tohdoh returned before climbing into his new black Gekka.

"Cooperate with Zero and the Autobots, eliminate the remaining forces here!" He ordered

"Roger!" The Four Holy Swords all said at the same time.

Lelouch smirked triumphantly in his Burai. 'Now all the tasks at hand have been cleared. But still… this felt a little too easy' His smile fell as his gut told him that they weren't out of the woods yet. 'If my past experiences are any indication, it's never easy.'

Almost on que, Lelouch, Optimus, and all the others got an emergency alert from Ratchet. "Ark to Zero and Optimus, we're reading multiple Decepticon signals incoming!"

Right as that alert was given, a Groundbridge portal opened up a hundred feet from the area as the vehicle modes of Breakdown and Knock Out drove out, alongside Airachnid in her Helicopter mode before they transformed into their robot modes. Right as the Groundbridge deactivated, five unique Knightmares consisting of the Tristian, Mordred, Galeschin, Florence, and last, but not least, the Lancelot, rolled up as well. Finally; six flying vehicle modes came souring down from the sky before they transformed and landed in the middle of the gathered group of enemies consisting of Soundwave, Dreadwing, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Starscream, and even Megatron himself.

"Megatron." Optimus glared as his optics narrowed.

"Looks like we got company." Bulkhead commented as he formed maces in both his hands, and the other Autobots readied their Energon blasters. Kallen and Rai readied their Knightmares as the redhead glared at Airachnid, while Rai had a serious yet concerned expression upon seeing the Lancelot.

Megatron chuckled. "You didn't think it be that easy, did you?"

However, Lelouch still maintained his smirk inside his Burai. 'Don't think this will be like Naritia. This time, we're ready!'

Clovis Memorial Museum

Euphemia had still not declared a winner, everyone expected her to pick the painting of her father, but she wanted to pick a different one. "Please your highness, it's time for you to decide. We can't wait any longer." The curator urged in a whisper.

"I know, but I…" Euphie's indecision however was interrupted by a reporter's cell phone, but it wasn't just his, one-by-one, all the journalists' and reporters' phones rang, surprising Euphemia and even Darlton. A soldier quickly ran up to Darlton and whispered something to him that he didn't expect to hear.

"The Autobots?!"

Megatron fired his fusion cannon at the charging Optimus who deflected each blast with a blade before tackling Megatron to send him crashing back quite a distance away. The Decepticons retaliated with Energon blasts at the conjoined group of Autobots and Black Knights, combined with VARIS shots from the Lancelot, Mordred, and Galeschin; however, Ironhide was able to intercept the VARIS blats with his own Energon cannons, as the Autobots returned fire.

"Zero, I trust you have the most experience dealing with these Decepticons, as well as these particular units." Tohdoh contacted him. "What would you suggest?"

"First, I need you all to do exactly as I say." Lelouch began. "We're splitting off into groups! Arcee with the Guren, Bulkhead with the Gekka Pre Production, Cliffjumper with Chiba, Wheeljack with Urabe, Ironhide with Senba and Asahina, Bumblebee sticks with me. Split off, force them separate! Do not, I repeat do not engage Megatron! Let Optimus deal with him!"

"Roger." All the Autobots and Black Knights responded.

The aforementioned groups split off into separate directions, forcing the enemy to give in pursuit. Lelouch opened a private communication channel so that only Tohdoh could hear him.

"Tohdoh, listen to me. That white and gold Knightmare, the Lancelot, it's Suzaku." Lelouch revealed. "Cripple the Knightmare, but don't kill him."

"I understand." Tohdoh said as he shot his Gekka straight toward the Lancelot. Suzaku fired his VARIS rifle at the incoming black Gekka, but Tohdoh expertly avoided each shot as he drew Knightmare's his revolving blade katana and sliced the VARIS rifle in half, forcing Suzaku to activate the Blaze Luminous Shield to defend himself.

"Oh my…" Lloyd observed the fights occurring from a tower with Cecile. "So, we get to watch a brawl between the Autobots and the Black Knights against the Decepticons and the Knights of the Round? I'd never thought we'd be indulged to such a treat."

"Those Knightmares the Black Knights are using, they're not like the ones we've seen from them so far." Cecile observed with worry.

"You're not saying my precious Lancelot will lose, are you?" Lloyd asked.

"Given that Suzaku hasn't had much of a winning streak against the Autobots, I can't say it's an impossibility." Cecile commented.

The Ark

"So, those are the Decepticons?" Rakshata asked as she, the Black Knights present, as well as Ratchet and Fixit watched the fights play out from the bridge's main screen.

"Yeah, that's them alright." Ohgi nodded with confirmation.

"And it seems even Megatron has decided to step in as well." Ratchet observed.

Shirley gave a small gasp as she saw the largest Decepticon locked in a duel with Optimus. "That's Megatron?!" She almost screamed, never seeing anything more terrifying. Same could be said for Ohgi, even Tamaki as they gulped, having seen what the Decepticon leader could do first, hand. Even Katase and Kaguya sweated with nervousness a bit, while Rakshata just observed with a causal look in her eyes.

Clovis Memorial Museum

All the reporters and journalists looked in awe and amazement as the large television screen showed the epic battle that was taking place between the Autobots and Black Knights against the Decepticons and Britannia's elite. Though it seemed they were more-or-less cheering for the Britannian pilots than anything else. Euphemia looked on with worry for both Suzaku and Nonette.

Darlton discreetly contacted his forces. "Listen, send in everything we've got. Lend support to Kururugi and the Knights, and then make the report we're wiping out the terrorists. Also, watch your back around the Decepticons, expect a possible betrayal."

The soldier then turned to the screen with a hardened expression. 'Why would Megatron and the Decepticons reveal themselves now of all times? If he's planning something, I'll personally make him regret it.'

Optimus clashed and parried his right blade against Megatron's own sword before delivering a kick right to Megatron's face to knock him back a bit, but Megatron was quick to recover as he parried his sword against Optimus' blade-strike before slugging Optimus across his face, and another in his abdomen before delivering a powerful uppercut to Optimus jaw to send him flying back.

Megatron then saw how the Autobot and Black Knight forces were splitting off. 'Divide and conquer?' He thought before contacting his most loyal subordinate. "Soundwave, I'll let you handle this." He told his surveillance chief as he clashed with Optimus yet again.

Soundwave hung back away from the battle as he followed his leaders' instructions. His faceplate lit up as he showed the id signals of the Decepticons and Britannian Knights while delivering the data to them wirelessly to silently tell them what to do.

Gino received the data on his Knightmare's console. "Splitting up, huh? Alright, I'm game." He piloted his Tristian as he and Knock Out ran to engage Cliffjumper and Chiba; Bulkhead and Rai together engaged the hulking Breakdown; Arcee and Kallen clashed with Airachnid and Nonette in the Galeschin; Wheeljack drew his swords as he engaged in a sword-duel with Dreadwing, with Urabe providing back-up against Monica's Florence; and finally, Anya fired the Mordred's shoulder mounted VARIS, with Thundercracker and Skywarp opening fire with their Energon blasts as Ironhide's vehicle mode, along with Senba and Asahina, expertly maneuvered around the enemy fire to engage them in close combat.

At the same time, Soundwave deployed Rumble and Frenzy from his sides as they quickly ran across the battlefield, shooting directly towards Zero's Burai, which remained station at its current spot, only to be intercepted by Bumblebee as he opened fire to keep the two Mini-Cons at bay.

"[Zero, take a look at Soundwave!]" Bumblebee told him as he engaged Rumble and Frenzy.

Lelouch did just that as he saw Soundwave hanging back. 'He's not engaging, but rather he's coordinating the battle just as I am.' He remembered the Autobots telling him about Soundwave, being Megatron's top soldier as well as a tactical genius. Despite that however, Lelouch smirked. 'Still, I know these Decepticons, I also know how the Knights of the Round operate, I've seen the Lancelot fight enough to know how it works, not to mention Gino's always been blathering on about his and the other Knights' fight at school, guess them being part of the Student Council actually had its benefits. The Decepticons and the Knights of the Round are indeed skilled warriors, but they all have one glaring weakness: their lack of unity.'

Lelouch then worked on coordinating with his soldiers as he contacted each of them. "Kallen, Arcee, the Galeschin is a near exact copy of the Lancelot! It's pilot always goes in for close quarters combat!"

The Galeschin swung its MVS at the Guren, which blocked it its Surger claw just as Kallen activated it, this caused the sword to boil and melt before exploding. Arcee then leapt from the Guren's shoulders to deliver a roundhouse straight to the Galeschin's face before flipping over and landing behind it to cripple its back legs with precise Energon shots. Nonette grunted before the Guren swiped its feet, gaining added momentum from the land-spinners, to knock it down.

Airachnid was about to leap and pounce straight at the Guren, but Arcee had already planned for this as she leapt into the Guren's claw, which Kallen shot up to catapult Arcee right into the air to intercept Airachnid with a flying kick. Before she could even land on the ground, Kallen intercepted Airachnid with a pulsing Surger. She raised its claw to fire a projectile in the form of a red energy ball that blasted Airachnid to send her flying and skidding across the ground.

Breakdown ran directly toward Bulkhead and Rai as he tried to slam his hammer down, forcing the two to scatter just as Zero contacted them. "Bulkhead, Rai, you know Breakdown is a close-distance fighter! Rai, you keep him busy from a distance and divert his attention, while Bulkhead comes up on his blind spot!"

They did just that as Rai maneuvered his blue Gekka around Breakdown and opened fire with his arm-mounted gun, this seemed to irritate Breakdown as he shot at the blue Knightmare, fortunately, Rai was able to steer it back and keep his distance. With his focus squarely on the Gekka Pre-Production, it left him vulnerable for Bulkhead to rush up on his blind spot with a mace-attack right to Breakdown's face, sending him to the ground where Rai was waiting as he quickly shot the Gekka Pre-Production at the tumbling Decepticon, while reading his Radiant Wave Surger to deliver a Surger projectile right into Breakdown's falling face. This created a large explosion that sent Breakdown flying straight up before he came tumbling back down hard, leaving a large crater where he landed.

Cliffjumper came back-to-back with Chiba's Gekka as she used her Revolving Blade Katana to block an MVS strike from Gino's Tristian while Cliffjumper shot with his Energon blasters to keep Knock Out at bay. "Cliffjumper! Chiba!" Zero contacted them. "Knock Out will try to keep his distance, he values his paintjob more than anything else; take advantage of that. Inversely, the Tristian is a close-range Knightmare!"

"Let's switch things up!" Cliffjumper told Chiba as they swapped opponents, surprising Gino as Cliffjumper dealt a slug to the Tristian's face before transforming and driving away with the Tristian in pursuit. At the same time, Chiba shot her Gekka straight for Knock Out as he tried to swipe at her with his buzz-saw, but she was quick to maneuver around him and slice at his side, causing Knock Out to grunt as Chiba came to a stop behind him.

Knock Out gave an audible gasp as he saw the gapping gash across his paintjob. "Oh, you're gonna pay for that!" Knock Out appeared to have lost all common sense as he rushed at the Knightmare, where Chiba was able to take advantage of his anger, ducking and maneuvering her Knightmare around his relentless buzz-saw slashes before slicing at his backside and knocking him down.

'And I thought Britannians were narcissistic.' Chiba thought.

Cliffjumper continued to drive with Gino in pursuit before the red Autobot turned around and gunned right for him. Cliffjumper transformed and used the momentum gathered to deliver a powerful punch to knock the Tristian down. "What's the matter Gino? That all you got?" Cliffjumper challenged as he took a stance similar to a professional boxer.

"Oh, don't worry, I've got plenty of fight in me." Gino smirked as he pulled his Tristian up and tried to slice at Cliffjumper with his MVS, but Cliff was able to maneuver around each slice and deal a punch to the Tristian's haul. But with Gino so easily distracted with Cliff, it left him vulnerable to Chiba as she zoomed at him from behind and sliced at the Tristian's legs with her katana to cut the Knightmare down, right as Cliff dealt an uppercut to the Tristian's failing face, letting the severed upper-half fall back.

"Knick of time. Nice job." Cliffjumper gave a thumbs up in Chiba's direction as she smirked inside her Knightmare's cockpit.

Wheeljack swung his swords in fluent fashion to strike at and parry the equally fast strikes from Dreadwing's own sword, while Urabe maneuvered around the area in his Gekka, slashing at Monica's Florence as she parried his katana strikes against her arm mounted MVS claws. Just like with everyone else, Zero contacted them to relay instructions.

"Dreadwing is a tricky one, he's skilled at close and long-ranged combat. Wheeljack, you keep him distracted as Urabe maneuvers around to attack from behind. Once he's distracted, Wheeljack will work to quickly disarm the Florence. Be sure to sever the arms before moving to the legs. Once that is done, attack Dreadwing together!"

"Got it." Wheeljack stated as he continued to clash blades with Dreadwing. Urabe broke off from his fight from Monica to gun straight for the blue Decepticon from behind.

"Dreadwing, behind you!" Monica tried to warn, but Urabe already fired onto Dreadwing's back, drawing his attention away from Wheeljack who transformed and gunned his way straight for the incoming Florence. Once he was close enough, the Wrecker transformed and flipped over Monica, while also slicing his blades at the Florence's arm-joints faster than Monica could have blocked, severing the arms right as Wheeljack landed behind to sever the legs with his blades.

Urabe maneuvered around Dreadwing as he fired with his Gekka's wrist-mounted gun, though the magnesium bullets did some damage, it wasn't fatal. Dreadwing grunted as he drew his massive cannon and attempted to fire at Urabe, who could just barley dodge. Wheeljack's vehicle mode shot at Dreadwing, who turned around to shoot at him, but once he was close enough Wheeljack transformed and threw the grenade toward him. "Shoot it!" Wheeljack called to Urabe.

The Gekka opened fire and hit the grenade just as it flew in front of Dreadwing's face, causing an explosion that sent the largest Seeker flying and crashing into a wall.

"Not so tough now, eh Con?" Urabe smirked as he rolled next to Wheeljack, who smirked in response.

"You know, I think you and I are gonna get along just okay." The Wrecker commented.

Senba and Asahina kept their distance from Thundercracker and Skywarp as the pair hovered in the air and fired with their Energon blasters, but the two Holy Swords proved fast enough in their Gekkas to avoid the shots as Ironhide kept his own distance by firing his Energon cannons at the Mordred, which was able to shield itself from the blast as Anya activated its Blaze Luminous Shield to cover its front side. Anya then fired her shoulder mounted Hadron cannons, which Ironhide rolled to avoid.

Zero soon contacted this group as well. "The Mordred fights solely at long distance, though it's heavily armored, it's vulnerable at the joints. Use Chaffsmoke to blind it before moving in. Ironhide, I'll leave you to deal with Skywarp and Thundercracker."

"Understood." Ironhide nodded before he transformed and drove to meet with Asahina and Senba who past him in their Gekkas. Once they were close enough to the Mordred, they released a smokescreen from behind their Knightmares as they shot past the Gekka.

Anya's stoic face contorted that of confusion. "I am blind. My proximity missiles have nothing to lock onto. This isn't a normal smokescreen…" She soon grunted in surprise as the two Gekkas came at the Mordred from behind, using their katanas to slice off the Mordred's arms before swerving around to sever the legs at the joints.

"Hey, he's really doing it." Asahina commented with an impressed smile.

Ironhide rolled out of the way of an Energon blast from Skywarp before shooting at his right wing to disorient his flight and send him crashing to the ground. Thundercracker growled as he shot at the veteran Autobot with his arm-blade drawn, but Ironhide had seen this kind of move before as he was able to maneuver past the slice, grab Thundercracker's arm, and use his own momentum against him to spin and toss him into the recovering Skywarp to send them both skidding across the ground.

Lelouch couldn't help but smirk at his friends and comrades' success. They were actually putting the Decepticons and Knights of the Round on the run! He glanced at Soundwave through his Knightmare's screen. Lelouch then pictured himself and the silent Decepticon having a game of chess as they maneuvered their own pieces in the places they wanted, but it would seem that Lelouch had the upper hand here.

Bumblebee tried to literally stand his ground as he saw Rumble activate his piledrivers to send a tremor in his direction to slightly knock the scout off his feet as Frenzy leapt onto Bumblebee while he was down and tried to drive his plasma-blade into his shoulder. "We still owe you payback for Kaon, Autobot!" Frenzy stated as he tried to slice at Bumblebee, but the Autobot scout quickly transformed to shake Frenzy off before zooming directly at the surprised Rumble. The Mini-Con couldn't react to Bumblebee's speed enough as the scout swerved his rear to slam his rear-end right into Rumble to send him skidding across the ground.

Meanwhile, Suzaku continued to press the attack against Tohdoh in his custom Gekka, parrying his MVS against the katana, but it seemed that Tohdoh had anticipated nearly every one of Suzaku's moves as he sliced at him, but Suzaku was able to block it with the Lancelot's Blaze Luminous Shield before leaping back to gain some distance.

"Stand down Kururugi! I'll deal with him!' Starscream contacted Suzaku. "You just go for Zero!"

Suzaku's eyes narrowed as his Knightmare's screen locked onto Zero's Burai, which appeared to be vulnerable as Bumblebee was still dealing with Soundwave's Mini-Cons. "Yes, Commander Starscream." The Lancelot shot toward Zero's location.

"Zero, he's heading your way!" Tohdoh warned the young Revolutionary.

"Colonel, behind you!" Chiba called to him, which proved to be the warning he needed as he shot his black Gekka out of the way from where a missile had just blown up the spot he was previously at. The one responsible was none other than Starscream in his jet mode.

The Seeker flew closer to the ground as he readied another missile attack. "You know the phrase you humans say: payback is a bitch!" He shot two more missiles at Tohdoh, who actually sped his Gekka toward them and used his katana to slice through each missile, right before they exploded past them. He tried to slice at Starscream, only for the Seeker to maneuverer around the slice in his jet-mode before flying back into the sky.

Zero backed his Burai away to avoid the slash harkens shot at him by the Lancelot. However, the Lancelot leapt at the black Burai and was more than ready to deliver yet another spinning-kick attack, fortunately the attack was diverted by Arcee who quickly shot in her motorcycle form before leaping and transforming to tackle the white Knightmare to the ground.

Suzaku grunted. 'Zero… Why are you and the Autobots always getting in the way!?' However, right as the Lancelot stood back up, it was forced on the defensive as Kallen shot her Guren forward to clash its knife and Surger claw against Suzaku's dual pair of MVS. As they locked weapons, it left him vulnerable for Arcee to leap at him from the back. She drew her arm blades with the intent on severing the cockpit to disable the Lancelot, but Suzaku tried to react as he broke off from Kallen to intercept Arcee's attack, but as she pulled back one arm-blade she accidentally sliced off the roof of the cockpit.

"Damn it! It doesn't have an ejection block on it!" Lloyd exclaimed with worry.

Cecile was more than a little shocked by that revelation. "What?! You mean we didn't install one?!"

As the red Knightmare and blue fembot regrouped to stand protectively in front of Zero's Burai, they, as well as everyone else on the battlefield saw the open cockpit to see the glaring Suzaku.

The Ark

"Is that Suzaku Kururugi?!" Katase exclaimed in shock as the other Black Knights were beyond shocked themselves.

"What?!" Ohgi exclaimed.

"He's the pilot of that damn thing?!" Tamaki questioned.

Ratchet winced, as did Fixit. Shirley glanced at Kaguya with a surprised expression, who returned one of her own to the older girl. The four of them knew that if this fight was being broadcasted, it would mean that probably everyone in Japan was seeing it as well.

Clovis Memorial Museum

The reporters and journalists were all more than a little shocked to see Suzaku Kururugi, the same one who was framed for the murder of Prince Clovis by the Purebloods was the pilot of the Knightmare that had been fighting alongside the Knights of the Round.

"That's enough! Turn off the monitor, now!" Darlton exclaimed.

"Wait! Please!" Euphemia stopped him. "I'd like to watch it to the end!"

Optimus' optics widened upon seeing Suzaku's exposed face, however his attention was brought back toward Megatron as the Decepticon leader punched him to knock him back. Megatron tried to press the advantage with another punch, but Optimus was quick to catch the punch with one hand before trying to punch Megatron who caught the Autobot leader's fist in response. The two locked hands as Optimus glared at his enemy.

"You shouldn't be so surprised, Optimus." Megatron spoke with an evil sneer, as if he could read Optimus' mind. "After all, you have your own pawn in the form of Zero, it's only fair I acquire a pawn of my own."

"You're using him, manipulating him." Optimus glared.

"Try to tell him that if you wish, I doubt he'd believe you." Megatron continued to sneer. "He reminds me quite a bit of you, Optimus. Or more specifically, Orion Pax. I wonder, if you'd stay by my side during the war, would this be your future as well?"

Optimus responded to that comment with a powerful head-but to knock Megatron back. However, Megatron was quick to get back up and attack Optimus to keep him from getting to Suzaku.

Despite the cockpit being sliced open, Suzaku gripped the controls to see the Lancelot was still functional. "Good, I can still pilot!" He was about to re-engage with both Arcee and the Guren, but Tohdoh's Gekka was quick to intercept him.

"I'll deal with this!" Tohdoh contacted the surprised duo. "You take care of the flyer!"

Arcee and Kallen both saw the incoming Starscream in his jet-mode and understood. Arcee transformed and drove alongside the Guren to intercept the incoming Decepticon Seeker.

As the black Gekka locked with the white Lancelot, its cockpit opened to reveal Tohdoh. "Do not do this, Suzaku!"

"Colonel Tohdoh!" Suzaku exclaimed with a gasp before his eyes narrowed. "So then, you want to live more than you want to follow your own principles?!"

"Do I disappoint you? Very well, then keep to your schedule and execute me." Tohdoh stated, causing Suzaku to gasp.

Lelouch immediately contacted the Ark. "Ratchet, is this fight being broadcasted?"

"Yes, it is." Ratchet replied back in a grave tone, earning a scowl and a frustrated look from Lelouch. This was going to cause a number of issues for both him and Suzaku, from Japan's divided public all the way to the Black Knights.

The Guren and Arcee dodged another missile blast from Starscream's jet-mode as the ground exploded in between them. Kallen shot her Slash Harkens at Starscream who was able to avoid them, but this was what she intended as this put him in Arcee's line of sight as she delivered a precise Energon shot to his right wing, to send the Seeker spinning and crashing to the ground with a shrill scream.

'Guess I know why they call him Starscream.' Kallen thought with a smirk.

The Lancelot and the Gekka continued to wrestle as neither even made a move to kill the other. "What's wrong? That's the reason you're here, isn't it?" Tohdoh questioned. "You've become a cowardly boy who's afraid of altering the status quo!"

"Denying everything in our society is pointless!" Suzaku argued. "Once I make them trust me, I'll have the power to change it!"

"Who are you talking about?" Tohdoh questioned again. "Britannia or the Decepticons?" That caught Suzaku by surprise. "Do you really think either of them is truly helping the other? It's only a matter of time before they turn their weapons towards each other! And you'll have to make a choice!"

Before either of them could even make another move, Fixit's voice came as an alert through not just Tohdoh's communications, but the other Bots and Black Knights' as well. "Warning! Multiple Britannian units incoming! Over one hundred units total!"

All the Autobots and Black Knights present looked upward to see the fleet of Britannian areal units, each one carrying two or more Knightmares. Lelouch grunted in frustration. "Ratchet prepare a Groundbridge! All units, we're falling back! Withdraw immediately!"

It didn't take long for a Groundbridge portal to open up behind the Burai, with Zero being the first one in. All the Autobots, save for Optimus, transformed and followed suit along with the Four Holy Swords, Guren, and Gekka. Optimus paid one last glare at Megatron, who only smirked. Optimus then transformed as he was among the last to drive into the Groundbridge.

Tohdoh broke off his fight from Suzaku and drove toward the portal as well, but Suzaku tried to stop him. "Wait!" However, Tohdoh fired his Gekka's wrist-mounted gun to destroy one of the landspinners and immobilize it, allowing Tohdoh to escape just as the Groundbridge vanished.

Clovis Memorial Museum

"Look, they're running!" One reporter stated as they, Euphemia, and Darlton, all watched what had transpired.

"He fought them off? The Black Knights and the Autobots?!"

"Even the Knights of the Round had trouble with those guys!"

Euphemia breathed a small sigh of relief. 'Suzaku, well done.'

"Damn traitor!" That caught Euphemia, as well as Darlton by surprise.

"Why won't he follow them?!"

"Cause they're Elevens, like him!"

"And he's got his own Autobots with him!"

As Euphemia heard all their voices of contempt, her own hands clenched as she still held the white flower in her hand. "Princess Euphemia?" Darlton asked upon seeing her expression.

However, it wasn't just these people's doubts over this brave young man that she was angry over, it was the fact that Suzaku was still working with the Decepticons. She didn't blame Suzaku for that, but rather Megatron or anyone else who might have performed some form of underhanded scheme to get his allegiance, however, Euphemia might have a way to finally get him away from them.

"All of you!" She got the journalists'' and reporters' attention. "I'll now answer the question you asked me earlier. You had inquired as to whom I had selected to serve as my knight, correct? The knight I have chosen will be the young man you see before you: Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi!"

As the Decepticons recovered, while Gino, Anya, Nonette, and Monica helped themselves out of the remains of their Knightmares, Suzaku stood from the open cockpit of his Lancelot and stared off in the direction the Black Knights and Autobots had vanished.

"Tohdoh… I… I'm your… I am your foe."

"Kururugi!" He turned around in surprise to see an enraged Starscream marching toward him. "Explain to me why you did not execute him?! You had Kyoshiro Tohdoh right in front of you! This could have been our chance to deal a death-blow to Area 11's resistance, yet you allowed him to slip away! Why!?"

"Hold on a minute!" Gino ran up with his fellow Knights of the Round right behind him. "Those guys were plenty tough! I'm sure Suzaku did the best he could!"

"You shut your mouth, human!" Starscream exclaimed to Gino before turning back to Suzaku. "This isn't the first time you've disobeyed orders and allowed the enemy to escape! Explain to me why you seem incapable of killing our foes!"

"Because he has a soft spot for them." Airachnid said as she walked up to them, with Breakdown, Knock Out, Thundercracker, and Skywarp behind her. "What can you expect from the son of the former Prime Minister? Frankly, I'm surprised Britannia's even keeping you around and haven't just executed you because of your bloodline."

"Why would we do that?" Gino questioned. "Suzaku's never done anything wrong."

"Britannians seem to have a very skewered perspective on what's right and what's wrong." Thundercracker commented.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Monica narrowed her eyes, along with Nonette.

"It means you guys kill countless people in those ghettos every day, but when a person who's not in the ghetto is killed, you all have a freaking spaz attack." Skywarp translated.

"It's because the humans in the ghettos are 'Elevens'." Knock Out said. "Though personally, I don't see much of a difference."

"Yeah, as far as we can tell; Britannians, Elevens, Black Knights, you're all the same." Breakdown agreed. "Just a bunch of squishy little weaklings trying to act tough."

"I think we've heard quite enough from you!" Nonette exclaimed with a glare.

"What are you gonna do?" Airachnid teased. "You got no Knightmares, you're all helpless."

As Suzaku continued to listen to the Knights arguing with the Decepticons, Tohdoh's words replayed through his mind. "Do you really think either of them is truly helping the other? It's only a matter of time before they turn their weapons towards each other! And you'll have to make a choice!" He was about to call for them to stop when someone else beat him to it.

"That is enough!" Megatron marched toward them with Dreadwing and Soundwave by his side, the later having retrieved Frenzy and Rumble. "I thought I made it clear how much I do not tolerate infighting." He glanced at the Seekers and Airachnid in particular, causing them to wince. "And this division is what is allowing our enemies to succeed. However, I will agree with Starscream this once, Suzaku." Megatron cast a glance on the Japanese youth. "You cannot avoid this forever. When the time comes to kill your enemy, you must do so without hesitation, or else risk the consequences."

Suzaku looked toward Dreadwing, who could only respond with a small nod as he silently agreed with Megatron. Suzaku could only look down slightly. "I understand, Lord Megatron."

"Good. You and the Knights will allow the Britannians to pick you up, see to it your Knightmares are repaired as quickly as possible." Megatron ordered. "Decepticons, return to the Nemesis."

"Yes, my liege." Starscream reluctantly bowed with his companions as Soundwave opened a Groundbridge portal, allowing all the Decepticons to step inside.

However, Megatron stopped just before the portal before he whispered to Soundwave. "You are certain this fight was broadcasted?" Soundwave gave a nod, causing Megatron to sneer. "Good."

Flashback – The Nemesis

Megatron spoke alone with Soundwave on the bridge of their mighty warship. "Given Lelouch's history with this Tohdoh, as well as the influence from Optimus, it is likely that our enemy will seek to rescue him. If in the even that happens, we will join in the fight. However, Soundwave, I want you to see to it that this battle is broadcasted nationwide."

Soundwave nodded in understanding.

"We will allow Charles to deal with the fallout from this." Megatron continued. "Perhaps his reaction may give us some insight as to what he and Victor may be planning. You have confirmed that he is alive, correct?"

Soundwave's visor turned on as he presented data in regard to Victor Zi Britannia's apparent death, and despite his official record claiming him to be dead, no remains were ever recovered, which was all the proof Megatron needed to know that Victor was indeed alive somewhere.

"Good. Depending on how severe their transgression is, we may need to take a more… active role in this world." Megatron stated with a serious and ambitious look in his red eyes.

End Flashback

Right as Megatron left with Soundwave, and the Groundbridge portal vanished, Suzaku descended down from the damaged Lancelot to be greeted by the four Knights of the Round to ask if he was alright, or in Gino's case, to congratulate him for being the only Knightmare pilot to have a functional Knightmare.

However, what nobody appeared to notice was that they weren't alone. Standing on top of one of the buildings was V.V. who had witnessed the entire fight play out.

The Ark

The Black Knights and Autobots had returned to the Autobot ship, their mission being completed as they rescued Tohdoh. However, despite everyone being happy about having the Mirracle Worker by their side, they seemed more surprised with the revelation that Suzaku was the pilot of the Lancelot. All save for Kallen and Rai, as they met up with Shirley and Kaguya, along with Arcee, Cliffjumper, and Bulkhead. They all exchanged nervous looks as they could tell just how much trouble this could cause for them.

At the same time, Optimus, Lelouch, and Tohdoh had met up with Ratchet and Fixit privately on the bridge of the ship.

"So, how long have you known Suzaku was the pilot of that particular Knightmare?" Tohdoh asked.

"Ever since Shinjuku." Optimus confirmed.

"Well, technically speaking, we only learned of Suzaku's status as the Lancelot's pilot a few days after Shinjuku." Fixit corrected, only to receive somewhat-glaring looks from Lelouch and Ratchet. "But, perhaps that's not important right now."

"I see." Tohdoh said. He noticed a look on Lelouch's face, one that was easy for him to read. "You believe you can somehow get him on our side?" That earned a surprised look from the young revolutionary. "Don't act so surprised, you're not the only one who can read people, Lelouch."

"Yes, that is my hope." Lelouch confessed. "He's a good person, the one to blame is Megatron for manipulating him."

"While Megatron takes the blame for that, Suzaku himself still has quite a bit to answer for." Ratchet said.

"Indeed." Optimus agreed. "Tohdoh, we are also aware of the truth in regards to Genbu Kururugi's death."

That took Tohdoh by surprise. "Did Kaguya tell you?"

"She confirmed it." Optimus replied. "Someone else told us."

"Who?" Tohdoh's eyes narrowed, not liking the idea of that particular information being leaked.

"It's a long story, one that actually entails of how I became acquainted with the Autobots." Lelouch began as he told Tohdoh the whole story; he told him about the War for Cybertron, why the Decepticons were here, what happened in Shinjuku, and even about C.C. and his Geass.

Done.

So, quite a bit has happened in this particular chapter. Tohdoh, the Four Holy Swords, and Rakshata have finally joined the Autobots and the Black Knights (Tohdoh even knows about Lelouch's identity). Sorry it took so long. In addition, Euphemia has finally chosen her knight in the form of Suzaku Kururugi. One of the reasons why she wants him as her knight was because she wants to get him away from the Decepticons as she doesn't trust any of them (save for Dreadwing).

Also, looks like V.V. is in Area 11, against Charles' wishes.

Let me clarify something in regards to the fight that just happened. Megatron wanted it broadcasted, hopping to draw a reaction out of Charles that might give him an idea of what his former student has been plotting. And the reason why the Knights of the Round, some of the best pilots in the entire Britannian Empire, lost to the Autobots and the Black Knights was because the Bots and BKs are united and fight among each other as equals. Lelouch already knows just how divided the Britannians and Decepticons are with their so-called alliance, but also, thanks to being around Gino, Anya, and Monica, at the Student Council, he has an understanding of how they fight and their Knightmares operate, giving him an advantage over their enemies. I hope that makes sense.

So, now with the Black Knights growing in numbers and strength, and Suzaku chosen as Euphemia's knight, there is going to be quite a bit of tension moving forward as we near a certain point in R1 that had things go sideways in the cannon. But things are going to be different from this point going forward. I'm not saying what's going to happen, you'll just have to wait and see. Until then, stay safe and stay healthy out there.