Hi everyone, thank you once more for your patience. I know you've all been looking forward to this particular chapter, as have I. I've been both excited and nervous to write it, and as I re-watched the cannon episode to get an idea how to place my events, it was just as much heart-wrenching as it was when I first saw it. But, while things are going to be obviously different (such as Euphemia living), things might be even more intense than it was in the cannon. This chapter is where everything changes, and there's no going back after it.

Also, I've heard quite a few people noting how Megatron's new Dark Geass seems over-powered as he can literally kill you just by looking at you, and it also seems to affect Cybertronians and even Code-Bearers. The reason it's so powerful is because of the Dark Energon part of it, not to mention Megatron's own strength of will. There have been hints that Geass is connected to a certain Chaos Bringer, and I can't make any confirmation here, but that might have to do with how well the Geass energy bonds with Dark Energon. But, that's not to say Megatron's Dark Geass doesn't have limits. All forms of Geass do, and this one is in exception. You'll just have to see later on what they are.

So, with all that being said, let's get started.

Façade of Blood

It was rather late in the evening as Lelouch and Sayoko packed the last of the suitcases into the trunk of Bumblebee's vehicle mode, Nunnally was present as well, along with Milly as the trunk was closed.

"So, this is it. You're really leaving." Milly said to them.

"Yes, I'm afraid so." Lelouch confirmed. "Thanks for everything Milly, but your family can't protect us, not against what we're facing."

"I understand." Milly nodded. After the School Festival had ended, Lelouch gave Milly a brief explanation of the conflict he, the Black Knights, and the Autobots were waging against the Decepticons.

Nunnally reached out to grab Milly's hand as the younger girl had a sad smile on her face. "Thank you for everything Milly. I'll miss you."

Milly had a sad smile of her own as she kneeled down to Nunnally's level. "I'll miss you, too." The two shared a hug. "Make sure you keep your brother out of trouble."

"I will." Nunnally giggled before they pulled apart.

Sayoko then walked toward the blonde. "Lady Ashford, it has been a pleasure." She bowed humbly to the schoolgirl.

"Take care of yourself, Sayoko." Milly smiled before she turned to address Lelouch.

"Milly, I know I already said it but…" Lelouch had a difficult time getting this out. "Thank you… for everything you've done for us… you're a good friend."

"You, too." Milly smiled before she and Lelouch shared an embrace of their own. "Please tell Rai I'm gonna miss him."

"I will." Lelouch said before they parted.

Bumblebee's backdoors opened as his backseats folded in to allow Nunnally and her wheelchair to enter the vehicle mode, with some help from Sayoko before she set into the passenger seat, followed by Lelouch in the driver's seat.

"Hey." Milly tapped the hood to speak to Bumblebee directly. "You watch out for those two, alright? Or you're gonna have to answer to me."

Bumblebee gave a honk of acknowledgement, as she didn't have a translator so Milly wouldn't be able to understand him even if he did try to speak. He then drove off with his passengers as Milly watched them leave the Ashford Academy grounds.

The yellow Autobot had exited the Groundbridge portal as he and his passengers had entered the Groundbridge bay of the Ark where Optimus Prime and C.C. were waiting for them. The doors opened as Lelouch and Sayoko stepped out before they helped to wheel Nunnally out, allowing Bumblebee to transform.

Upon seeing Optimus for the first time, Sayoko looked up in absolute awe and wonder, something that caused C.C. to smirk. "Close that mouth, you're drooling." The immortal teased.

Even though she couldn't see him, Nunnally felt that she was in the presence of someone else, someone who just made her feel a sensation of hope, comfort, and awe that she had never really known before. She had a good idea who it was but allowed her brother to make the introductions.

"Sorry it took so long Nunnally but let me finally introduce you to a good friend of mine… Optimus Prime." Lelouch introduced. Though he had a calm exterior, inwardly he was beyond excited at these two finally meeting.

"Hello Optimus." Nunnally smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Big Brother has told me a lot about you."

Optimus smiled back as he kneeled down to be closer to the young girl. "Likewise, I am pleased to meet you as well Nunnally. Welcome to the Ark. I promise you'll be safe here amongst friends."

It was almost impossible for Lelouch to contain his own joy as he could already tell how much these two were gonna hit it off, but above all else, he felt a great deal of relief to know that Nunnally was finally safe. Within the Ark, she was surrounded by people and Bots that would protect her, and she was far out of reach from their father and Megatron.

"Hey, I'm sorry to break up this otherwise touching moment, but the others are expecting you." C.C. spoke to Optimus and Lelouch directly, and they both had a good idea what it was about.

"Alright, can you and Sayoko help Nunnally get settled?" Lelouch asked the immortal.

"Of course." C.C. nodded.

"Lelouch?" Nunnally asked as she could almost feel her brother's anxiousness, while also having a good idea what they are talking about.

"Don't worry Nunnally, we'll make sure everything is taken care of." Lelouch assured his sister before Sayoko took her wheelchair and followed C.C. to the quarters that they had already prepared for the young girl. Not long after they left, Lelouch and Bumblebee followed Optimus to the bridge.

After getting changed into his Zero uniform, minus the helmet, Lelouch had arrived on the bridge of the Ark as he sat in the living area alongside Kallen, Ohgi, Tohdoh, Katase, Rakshata, Rai, Shirley, Kaguya, Diethard, Tamaki, and even Kirihara, with Fixit present as well. Standing around them were the Autobots consisting of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Arcee, Cliffjumper, Ratchet, Bulkhead, Ironhide, and Wheeljack.

"So, the Special Administrative Zone of Japan." Cliffjumper spoke first. "Definitely didn't see that coming."

"Did you know about this, Zero?" Katase asked their young leader.

"No, I had no idea about any of this." Lelouch replied. "How bad is the damage?"

"Nothing yet, considering it was announced only a few hours ago." Ratchet replied. "But we've seen that Euphemia is dead serious about it, they're already getting it set up."

"Already the SAZ has a great deal of support, unsurprising from the Japanese population." Ironhide put in. "Most are from those living in the ghettos, and we have some Honorary Britannians there as well."

"For all intents and purposes, Euphemia's declaration has been well-received." Fixit said.

"Any from our own ranks?" Lelouch asked.

"Nobody's officially joined yet, but we've heard a lot of Black Knights talking about joining the Zone." Bulkhead answered.

"It makes sense." Diethard commented. "Unlike with us, there's no risk involved in signing up for the Japan Special Zone."

"Besides, when you compare the pedigree princess with the mysterious unknown man behind the mask, as well as giant alien robots, it's obvious which one exults more appeal." Rakshata added.

"What does Kyoto have to say in regard to this?" Optimus asked Kirihara and Kaguya specifically.

"They're almost completely against it." Kirihara replied. "They view this as a pity-gift, and for the sake of their pride, they won't accept."

"But before they make any decisions, they wanted to get information from you two, given there is one particular wildcard up in the air." Kaguya said to Optimus and Lelouch.

"You mean the Decepticons." Optimus said.

"There's no way those bastards are gonna support something like that." Tamaki commented.

"And based on Euphemia's declaration, it would seem that she's trying to turn Britannia against them." Tohdoh said.

"Do you think it would work?" Arcee asked.

"I can think of a few people in Britannia, including some among the royal family, who might support it." Lelouch replied. "But there's an even greater number who won't, or just wait in hiding until the Decepticons are dealt with before they try to take over themselves. That's of course if it even gets that far."

"You think the Decepticons or Britannia are gonna try something?" Kallen asked.

"With so many people all gathered in one place, not to mention many of them are probably Black Knights, they'll see it as a way to get us all together and try get rid of us." Cliffjumper assumed.

"Even if it means getting rid of Princess Euphemia?" Shirley asked.

"My father didn't have any qualms about what would have happened to me and Nunnally, I sincerely doubt he'll show to mercy to Euphie, considering her actions are directly in contradiction to his own policies." Lelouch answered. "And that's not even considering what Megatron might do with this."

"I guess we better hope that Buckethead doesn't just straight up level the whole place to set an example." Wheeljack commented.

"That does seem rather reckless of him." Ratchet said.

"Oh, and destroying a whole planet doesn't count as reckless?" Rai questioned.

"I agree." Tohdoh spoke. "You said Megatron had no regrets about destroying Cybertron."

"Megatron may be evil, but there's always a reason behind his actions, albeit twisted." Optimus said.

"He's right." Ironhide agreed. "When Megatron messed with the core, he wasn't trying to destroy Cybertron, he felt he could control it. But, like you've said, when the damage was done, he didn't regret a thing."

"But that doesn't mean he won't try something with the SAZ." Cliffjumper said. "I mean, it seems like a golden opportunity to do something pretty bad, for whatever twisted reason he'll come up with."

"So, you guys are saying anything can happen?" Ohgi asked.

"Yes." Optimus confirmed.

"Um… there's also one other thing you should all know." Shirley got everyone's attention. "Before we left school, I heard from Gino that the other Knights of the Round have arrived in Japan."

That got everyone's attention. "Are you sure about this?" Tohdoh questioned seriously.

"Yeah, Monica and Anya even talked about it to." Shirley nodded.

"So, who exactly are we talking about?" Bulkhead asked.

Fixit pulled out a small Mini-Con console as he began to access its data. "Excluding the Knights who had previously arrived in Japan; those remaining consist of Luciano Bradley, the Knight of Ten, pilot of the RZA-10JS Percival, otherwise known as the Vampire of Britannia…"

"Guessing you don't get called that for being nice." Arcee commented.

"…Dorothea Ernst, the Knight of Four, and pilot RZA-4EE Palamedes, and Bismarck Waldstein, the Knight of One, and pilot of the RZA-1A Galahad." Fixit continued. "And according to these files, most of their Knightmares are built from data gathered by the Lancelot, while the Galahad was constructed based off the Gawain's design."

"In other words, all seven Knights of the Round, the best pilots in the entire Britannian Empire, with state-of-the-art Knightmares, are here in Japan." Katase said gravely as most of the group felt a great deal of pressure, all except Diethard as he tried his best to contain his own excitement.

'The Knights of the Round are rarely together… and for all of them to be called here…? I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.' The fanatic reporter thought.

"So, what is our plan?" Ratchet asked.

"Before I came here, I got into contact with Euphemia." Lelouch began. "I'm going to meet with her tomorrow night and we're going to discuss this. Though it looks like the SAZ is happening, our first priority, has it always has been, is to protect the people."

"Agreed." Optimus also said. "I am hopping, we are all hopping, that nothing bad will result from this. However, we must also be prepared for that to be case. So, should Britannia or the Decepticons attack, we must protect the innocent."

At the same time, in the Tokyo Settlement, a similar meeting was being held by many nobles of Britannia as they discussed what to do with Euphemia.

"About this Special Administrative Zone of Japan, there's some unpleasant rumors about Princess Euphemia."

"It must be due to the Kanime Island matter. You think she contacted Zero and those Autobots there?"

"I suspect there's a connection that goes all the way to the top."

"No connection. The Viceroy wasn't the only one asking what was going on."

"But in any case, our connections with them need to be…"

"Right, we'll have to sever ties with them at once."

Suddenly, the door opened to reveal Darlton as well as Bartley. "I'm afraid it's too late." They all turned around in shock to see the two military officers. "All of the evidence has already been gathered, Vice Minister. Nimely that NAC profit sharing bribe."

"I appreciate this, General Darlton." Bartley said. "With this… with this we can finally sweep away the parasites that are sucking Prince Clovis dry. Hmmp, there are more rats than expected, and all of them are confused by Princess Euphemia's Special Zone, aren't they?"

The next day was more than a success for Princess Euphemia. The stadium had been set up in record time, and countless people had all applied for it. She was honestly never more excited to actually do paperwork, especially if this meant finally mending peace with the Autobots and Black Knights. The paperwork took most of the day and into night as Euphemia also had to make some in-person adjustments at the stadium in Mount Fuji. Once it was done, she was escorted home not just by Suzaku, but also Dreadwing as the two rode in his jet-mode.

"Over two hundred thousand people have already applied to join the Japan Special Zone." Suzaku said. "And that's just from today. The way things look, that number is only going to grow."

"Thanks to you, Suzaku." Euphemia smiled at him. "Because of what you represent to the Japanese people, everyone is rallying. They believe in what we're creating together."

"No, you're giving me too much credit…" Suzaku tried to be modest.

"You are receiving the appropriate amount of credit, Suzaku." Dreadwing spoke to him. "Those people who follow you, follow you based on your actions. You have shown that no matter what your origins, you can rise in the world despite the obstacles they face."

Suzaku tried to hide a smile. "Dreadwing… I…"

"However…" The Seeker became serious as he spoke. "Euphemia, while I am proud that you have taken such an initiative, you must also be weary that there are those who do not approve of your actions, and many of them hail from Britannia."

Euphemia's smile faded. "Trust me, I know. I'm not foolish to think that everyone is going to support this, but I can think of many people who will; among them are likely Optimus and Zero."

"Are you really sure about that?" Suzaku sounded skeptical. "After everything that's happened…"

"Optimus Prime would not do anything that would put those people in danger." Dreadwing spoke immediately. "He may have been your enemy once Suzaku, but I know him, and he will never try anything underhanded."

"He's right Suzaku." Euphemia agreed. "I may have meet him only once, but I can tell that Optimus Prime is a kind and noble being. And Zero, while he may have done… some things… he's not a bad person. Maybe you could consider the reason why he was fighting, before jumping to conclusions. And besides, you've seen him and how he acts to protect people, he's even saved my life, and yours, more than once."

Suzaku said nothing but couldn't help but agree. Whenever he felt he had Zero pegged as a terrorist, or Optimus as an enemy, they went ahead and proved him wrong as they have shown to obviously protect their own forces and have even gone out of their way to avoid putting civilians in danger, even Britannians. Knowing that, he couldn't help but think about what Kallen told him on Kanime Island… maybe he did indeed misjudge them.

Dreadwing soon began to slowly descend toward the ground as he made his way toward Euphemia's private estate, where her bodyguards were waiting for her. Once Dreadwing landed, the cockpit opened up as Suzaku helped Euphemia out before Dreadwing transformed into his normal Cybertronian form.

The two bodyguards were immediately on guard once they saw him. "It's okay, he's with me." Euphemia told them, prompting her guards to stand down. She then turned to face Suzaku and Dreadwing. "Thank you both for everything and all your support. I'll definitely be counting on it in the future."

"Yes, your high…" Suzaku was about to salute her.

"Not like that." Euphemia stopped him.

Suzaku dropped the formalities before he smiled at her. "Yes."

"And of course, you have my support as well… Euphie." Dreadwing told her with a smile of his own.

Euphemia smiled at both of them before she quickly went up to Suzaku and gave him a kiss on the cheek, much to his surprise. She gave one final smile before walking into her estate, with her bodyguards next to her.

Suzaku felt the cheek where she had just kissed him before looking toward his hand with a smile. He then glanced up to Dreadwing who had something of a smirk on his face. "What are you looking at?" Suzaku asked in an almost playful tone.

"Nothing." Dreadwing replied in a similar tone before he transformed back into his vehicle mode, prompting Suzaku to step inside before they flew off.

Once inside, Euphemia was already in her own private room, with her bodyguards in the hallway outside, she looked at her watch and saw that it was 11pm exactly, the time that Lelouch said he'd meet her. Though she was uncertain how he'd get there without her guards noticing.

However, she did not expect a small Groundbridge portal to open up right in front of her, and Lelouch stepped out, clad in his Zero attire, but he didn't wear his mask. The portal closed behind him as he stepped into the room.

"Well, you certainly do know how to make an entrance, Lelouch." Euphemia smiled.

"Euphie, why didn't you tell me about the Special Zone sooner?" Lelouch got right to the point.

Her smile faded as she answered her brother. "I intended to, I was going to tell you and Nunnally when I was at Ashford, but… you know what happened once everyone else saw me. And with the press there… I just figured it was the best time to announce it."

Lelouch sighed as he pressed his fingers against his face. "I really, really, wish you would have told us about this in the first place."

"And I'm sorry about that, I didn't mean to cause you any trouble." Euphie replied. "Nunnally, is she…"

"She's in the Ark as we speak." Lelouch assured. "She's safe and out of reach from the Decepticons and Britannian forces." This caused Euphie to sigh in relief. "But still, have you even considered the consequences of what would happen from this?!" Lelouch continued. "I know you're trying to help us, and Optimus and I both appreciate that, but you have to think about the results! Do you really think our father would go along with something like this?! And that's not even considering what Megatron could do! Optimus told you, told us, what he did to Cybertron!"

"I know that!" Euphemia argued. "I'm not stupid, Lelouch!"

"I never said you were…" He quickly said.

"I know what Megatron is capable of, and I know how horrible our father is. You don't have to remind me about that." Euphemia explained. "That's why I invited you, Optimus, and the rest of the Autobots to the Zone. I plan to reveal the Decepticons there. I'll announce their presence, their crimes, and their intent. I already told Schneizel about them and he even supported my plan. Once the world knows what the Decepticons are, and the kind of threat they represent, I'm sure we can find a way to unite everyone and push them back. Isn't that what you and Optimus have been trying to do?"

"And what happens if they, or someone from Britannia, try something there?" Lelouch questioned. "All seven Knights of the Round are here, and there's no way they're not going to be present here. They answer to our father directly and he could easily order them to lay waste to the entire Zone, even with you there."

"Not all of them." Euphemia said. "I know Nonette, she's a good person, and you even told me about her being Rai's knight. I'm sure she'll side with us. And, I know that the other Knights answer to our father, which is another reason I want you and the Autobots there. If our father or Megatron tries something, I know you and Optimus will do everything you can to protect those people. Even Suzaku and Dreadwing will be there to help."

Lelouch looked to his half-sister in surprise, clearly not expecting such a well-thought-out argument from her.

"Look Lelouch, I know I can be naïve sometimes, and maybe I might not think everything through…" Euphemia continued. "But trust me, I thought this through. I know who we're up against, and I want to do everything in my power. This is what I can do, and I've done everything I can to make sure it's safe."

Though he could tell that she actually did think this through, there were still some potential consequences that could result. "Euphie, if and when something goes wrong, we might not be able to protect everyone. I ended up learning the hard way that we can't save everybody no matter how much we try."

Euphie's smile faded, as she then realized just what her brother went through. He must have gone through quite a bit of pain since starting this rebellion. Which only further strengthened her resolve to help him.

"We'll be there." Lelouch told her. "Optimus and I already spoke to the other Autobots and Black Knights, and our first priority is to protect the people, and that's exactly what we're going to do."

Euphemia smiled. "I know you will."

"I have to go." Lelouch said as he looked at his watch before accessing his communications. "Fixit, I'm done here. I need a Groundbridge." A portal then opened up behind Lelouch and he was about to step in, but Euphemia quickly ran to give him a hug, which he was eager to return.

"Be careful Euphie." He told his sister. "I love you."

"I love you, too." She replied before they parted ways and he walked into the Groundbridge portal, which closed a second after.

Euphemia walked out into the hallway, once her business was concluded. "I'm sorry about that I just need…" However, she was surprised to find her bodyguards weren't there. She looked across the hall to see the door on the other end was slightly open.

Curiosity taking control, Euphie walked across the hall and slowly opened the door. "Hello…?" However, once the door was opened, she gave an audible gasp at seeing her guards, or what's left of them, butchered, blood stained across the floor. She was about to scream when suddenly, she was pinned to the wall by a web-like substance. The webbing covered most of her body, up to her mouth to prevent her from screaming. She looked across from her to not only see a large gaping hole in the wall leading outside, but the smirking Airachnid before she shot some more web to completely cover the rest of her face.

The Next Day

"The Special Administrative Zone of Japan is the first attempt of its kind in Britannia and was personally proposed by her highness, Princess Euphemia, who has also personally invited Zero and the Autobots to join her. This youthful inspiration was an idea from her school years…."

Nina heard the radio broadcast as she was huddled up in Ashford's storage room with the Ganymede.

"If Princess Euphemia thinks it's a good idea… then even I have to…"

Ironhide's vehicle mode stood outside Ohgi's residence as he also listened to the same radio broadcast via his own radio. "The NAC, led by Kirihara Industries, gives its wholehearted-support to the plan." Ironhide then turned the radio off.

'Yeah, only after Lelouch spoke to her and he told us what she had planned.' He thought to himself. 'But, I gotta give the girl credit. She invited us to protect the people if Megatron tried something. Still though… anything can happen.'

"Ironhide!" He heard Ohgi call to him but was surprised to see the amnesic Villetta, know going by the name Chigusa, walking outside behind him. "It's alright, she knows."

"What?" Ironhide questioned, in a tone indicating he didn't approve.

"I told her about you, and me and… even about her past…" Ohgi rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

The door to Ironhide's vehicle mode opened. "Get in." He ordered.

Ohgi winced at his tone, expecting a verbal lashing from his Autobot friend and comrade as he got into the truck, followed by Chigusa before he drove into the streets and spoke to the pair.

"And what could have possessed you to tell her pretty much everything?" Ironhide questioned, getting right to it.

"Well, with what's going on with the SAZ, and how Megatron might try something… I got a little worried so…" Ohgi tried to explain it as best he could.

"You should have told me what you were going to do before you opened your big mouth." Ironhide scolded.

"Um…. Ironhide was it?" Chigusa spoke. "Please don't be too hard on Kaname…"

"So, you're on those kinds of terms, huh?" Ironhide questioned, noting how she used Ohgi's first name, causing Ohgi himself to look away with a small blush.

"But… he just wants to help, that's all." Chigusa said.

"So, how much do you know?" Ironhide asked.

"Well… he told me about you and the other Autobots fighting the Decepticons, and about your home…" Chigusa said. "He even told me about… my past."

"And you don't remember any of that?" Ironhide questioned.

"No, I don't." Chigusa answered truthfully. While the veteran Autobot wasn't a living lie-detector like Soundwave, he could still read people and could tell that she was speaking the truth. "I… wasn't the best person… was I?"

"No, you really weren't." Ironhide said bluntly.

"But I want to be better." Chigusa said, her face becoming a bit more resolved. "I may not remember but… I know I've done a lot of bad things. Whoever I was, I don't want to be that person again. I was an enemy to you, but you let Kaname look after me…" She then turned to Ohgi. "You took me into your home, an enemy, and you cared for me ever since. I… I want to repay that. I want to be someone who helps people, not hurt them. So, please… even if it's something small… I want to contribute. I… I want to join the Black Knights."

Ohgi looked in honest surprise, and Ironhide almost pulled over in shock over hearing that. "You… you want to join us…?" Ohgi stuttered.

"Yes. I might not be a soldier… anymore…. But I still want to help. Please." She bowed her head.

Ohgi wasn't sure how to answer at first. "Well Ironhide, what do you think?"

The Autobot veteran sighed. "You'll have to take it up with Optimus. If she does end up joining us though, you are responsible for whatever happens. Even she relapses, and tries something… you know what you have to do, right?"

It wasn't as if Ohgi was not expecting that, he did understand the risk. But he wasn't sure if he could actually do it. However, his thoughts were interrupted as Chigusa grabbed his hand.

"Kaname, it's okay." She told him. "I don't want to be that person anymore… but if I do… become her again… go ahead and do what you have to do. Protect your friends, even from me."

Though he was still hesitant, hearing her voice her resolve earlier as well as her admitting that she was fine with what they would have to do if she ended up relapsing, gave him a resolve of his own. "Alright. But I won't let you become that person again. Even if you do get your memories back, I'll do what I can to help you. You're a good person Chigusa."

She smiled at him. "Thank you… Kaname."

"Ahem." Ironhide coughed. "That's nice and all, but please try not to make a human baby, at least not inside me." That caused both of their faces to turn red as they heard the veteran Autobot snicker.

"The Special Administrative Zone of Japan." Bismarck acknowledged as he, and all seven Knights of the Round were gathered around a table inside the Settlement's royal palace. "Euphemia certainly seems serious about it."

"I'm completely against it!" Dorothea stated. "This goes against everything Britannia stands for! We should halt its progress and order it to be torn down!"

"Why though?" Gino asked. "Actually, seems like a good idea. At least this way we can stop all the fighting."

"Fighting will still occur." Anya said robotically. "Even with the proposed truce to the Autobots and Black Knights, there will likely be other parties that won't accept this."

"That's true, even among the royal family." Monica added. "We've even received requests from Guinevere and Carnie that we force Euphemia to stop the construction of the zone immediately."

"I got a better idea." Luciano said with a smirk. "When it's all built up, and all the rats are present, we go in and wreck the whole place!"

"Absolutely not!" Nonette exclaimed. "We'd kill countless people by doing that!"

"They're Elevens. Some of them might even be supporters of our enemies." Dorothea stated. "If they end up killed, it's less trouble for us."

"And what about Princess Euphemia?" Gino asked. "She'll be there too. Are you saying we should kill her as well?"

"I agree, we cannot just attack the Special Zone without reason." Monica also said.

"Oh, have the Knights of Three and Twelve gotten soft?" Luciano mocked. "I expected as much from little Weinberg here, considering he had extra helping getting that robe." That earned a glare from Gino as the Vampire of Britannia continued. "But you, pretty little Monica, are the leader of the Emperor's royal guard. You should remember your place."

"This coming from the man who joined the Knights just to kill people." Nonette glared at him.

"Justice is given equally." Monica said firmly. "If there are criminals in the zone, I will see to it they are punished. But I won't target innocent people, even if they aren't Britannian."

Dorothea scoffed. "Looks like being at that commoner school has made you soft." She told the Knight of Twelve. "I've heard they've even voiced their support to Zero and those infernal Autobots!"

"Hey, they got freedom of speech." Gino said.

"Not to mention there was that incident where two of the Autobots protected the school from a terrorist attack." Anya added.

"Exactly!" Gino agreed.

"Oh, well if you love them so much, why don't you just join them?" Luciano mocked.

"That's enough!" Bismarck slammed his hand on the table to halt their arguing. "We will be attending the event, and we will have our Knightmares present as well. But we will not attack unless ordered to. That is final. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir." All of them said, albeit some more reluctantly than others.

However, none of them appeared to notice Nonette deep in thought as she only had one thing on her mind. 'Euphie, Kaizaren, no matter what happens, I'll protect you both. I swear it.'

"Euphie really is amazing, isn't she?" Schneizel asked as he spoke with Cornelia in her own private office. "Now all the terrorist groups in Area 11 will lose their popular support and fall apart. Public order will finally be stabilized."

"I personally oppose this." Cornelia stated firmly.

"But since you understand the situation, you've sent Darlton to advise her, have you not?" Schneizel asked. "Or, is this because of the fight you had with her recently and you can't bring yourself to face her now?"

"That has nothing to do with what's going on now." Cornelia quickly replied, hiding the shame in her eyes. "Her actions go directly against the policies the Empire. But it's not just that…"

"You're concerned the Decepticons would try something?" Schneizel asked. "I wouldn't worry. I've made arrangements for the Knights of the Round to attend the ceremony, with their Knightmares. I sincerely doubt Megatron would be so bold to stage an open attack on live television with the Empire's best soldiers present."

"She also invited Zero and the Autobots to join her." Cornelia said, her eyes narrowing as she mentioned them.

"All the more reason why Megatron won't attack." Schneizel said. "He's smart enough to know he can't afford a mutual enemy with both Britannia and the Autobots."

"Your mom signed you two up for the Special Zone?" Rai asked in surprise as he, Kallen, and Shirley walked through the Settlement in their casual attire.

"Yeah, she did." Kallen confirmed. "Once she saw the announcement, she didn't waste any time."

"Well, that's good, isn't it?" Shirley asked.

"Provided the Decepticons and Britannia don't try to mess it up." Rai muttered angrily.

"It's not just that…" Kallen said. "It's because well… if something happens… I… might have to tell her what I've been doing."

That took them by surprise. "Wait, she doesn't know about you?" Shirley asked.

"You mean that her daughter, her only remaining child, is risking her life fighting alongside alien robots against an empire that controls one third of the world, and killed her own son, while also fighting an army of evil alien robots led by a genocidal psychopath?!" Kallen exclaimed.

Shirley was caught off-guard by her friend's angry tone but did see the point she made. "Okay, that does make sense."

Kallen appeared to have calmed down but wasn't done. "If I just tell her, she might be so shocked she could go back to Refrain. She's been doing so well, I… I don't want her to back to that."

"Well, we can help." Rai offered as he put a supportive hand on Kallen's shoulder. "And with Nunnally now living on the Ark, she can help to. I mean, she took everything Lelouch told her really well. Plus, you even said how much your mom gushed over her."

"And, maybe if she gets to know Arcee and Cliffjumper, she might actually get along with them." Shirley offered as well. "I'm sure your mom will be just fine with the Autobots."

Though she was still nervous about it, this did help to ease it a bit as Kallen offered her friends a smile. "Thanks guys, I…"

"I don't care about your special zone!" The three of them turned down the street to see a Britannian noble beating down a Japanese youth with flyers for the SAZ with a cane. "I don't care about support! I'd sooner die than sign that! You think you're equal to us, now?! The lower class should simply obey their betters without any backtalk!"

"Wanna back that up, asshole!?"

The noble looked towards the angry Rai as he walked toward him. "What did you say?!"

"You heard me, you arrogant piece of shit!" Rai exclaimed. "You think beating on someone smaller than you makes you strong!? Why not pick on someone your own size?!"

A Britannian civilian tried to walk forward and halt his advance. "Hold it schoolboy, just back off."

Rai activated his Geass. "Maybe you should just go home, sir."

The second Rai's words reached the man's ears, a red ring formed in both his eyes. "Yeah okay, I will." He then began to walk home, much to the nobleman's shock.

"What?! What did you say to him!? Come back at once!"

"What's wrong, Mr. Fancy Noble?" Rai stated as he stood in front of the recovering Japanese youth protectively. "Too afraid of solving your problems by yourself? I've met some pretty bad people before, but at least they can back up their talk! You're just all talk and no action, aren't you?"

"Why you…?!" The nobleman growled.

"What's wrong? You had no problem hitting this guy." Rai continued. "Why not try to hit me with that fancy cane of yours? But the second you do, I'm gonna snap it in half and most of your bones! So, go ahead and try it, you worthless piece of…!" Rai however stopped as he felt his Geass activate, which he was quick to turn off.

"Okay, okay, I think that's enough." Shirley said as she and Kallen got in between them to try and prevent something from starting. She then turned to the nobleman. "Maybe you should just go home, sir."

"What?! Who do you think…!?"

"Just go!" Kallen exclaimed. "If you don't, I might just call the cops!"

Deciding he had enough, the nobleman gave a scoff as he walked away. Once he was gone, Shirley went toward the Japanese youth and helped him up. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah… thanks."

Kallen then pulled Rai away from the scene and spoke to him. "Rai, what happened back there? You looked like you were ready to snap that guy's neck."

Rai appeared to have calmed down a bit. "I'm sorry… I don't know what came over me…" He felt his head.

"Are you okay?" She asked him with concern.

"I don't know…" Rai confessed honestly. "Just seeing that guy… reminded me of V.V. And just the thought of him makes me so mad…"

"I get it, and you got every right to be." Kallen told him. "But there's a time and place for that, and right now isn't it."

"Yeah…" Rai shook his head. "Also… I… I think I felt my Geass turn on… even though I wasn't trying to."

Kallen had a serious expression on her face. "Maybe it's because of that Thought Elevator thing. Lelouch has the same thing with his Geass because of that."

"Rai…" Shirley walked up, after helping the Japanese youth along his way. "Maybe you should talk with Ratchet and C.C. about your Geass. Like Lelouch, I don't think anyone would want that power going out of control."

"You're right." Rai said. "I can't go through that… not again…" He felt his hand across his face as Kallen and Shirley looked toward him with sympathy as they knew exactly what he was talking about. "Let's get back to the Ark."

Later that Evening

Darlton and Kirihara were both at Mt. Fuji, looking over the Settlement as the Britannian general spoke to one of the heads of Kyoto. "The NAC, or rather Kyoto as it's known among the terrorists… tomorrow, after the ceremony, why don't you dissolve your group and leave Mt. Fuji? We can talk about a legal agreement if you hand over the mining operation to us peacefully."

"You sound pretty confident, but you haven't won anything yet." Kirihara commented.

Darlton smirked. "Whether Zero comes tomorrow or not doesn't matter. With this, that man's downfall is assured."

"Are you sure it's Zero you need to be concerned with?" Kirihara asked. "Princess Euphemia's actions go directly against the policies placed by your Emperor. How can you be certain he won't retaliate? After all, he had no issues with killing Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally."

Darlton's smirk faded. "The Emperor did no such thing! It was your people…"

"Oh, drop the act, General Darlton. You know it's true" Kirihara continued. "Those two were exiled to Japan simply because their mother was murdered, and the boy demanded justice for it. We treated them with respect and tried to make their stay as comfortable as possible. It only became impossible, once your Empire invaded. Your precious Emperor declared open war on Japan, knowing his children would likely die in the process. That being said, how can you be so certain he won't try something similar with Princess Euphemia? If and when he does, what will you do? Will you prove yourself a loyal soldier to Britannia and execute her yourself? Or will you try to protect her and be labeled as a traitor?"

Darlton glared at the old man as Kirihara knew he hit the nail right on the coffin.

"And it's not just your Emperor." The old man continued. "There might be others not affiliated with your side or ours that have plans of your own. So, I'd watch your back if I were you."

Euphemia's eyes slowly began to flicker open, she felt something keeping her completely restraint. She tried to groan or even speak, but something prevented her from speaking. When her eyes fully opened, she looked around to find herself in a massive underground cavern with barley any light.

She tried to move but was unable to and looked down in shock to see she was not only completely suspended high in the air but was almost completely cocooned in a web-like substance that covered her from her feet up to her neck. The same webbing also covered her mouth to prevent her from speaking. Euphie attempted to struggle in her restraints but couldn't even cause the web to budge an inch.

"Awake, are we?" She looked in shock to see a familiar looking female Decepticon slowly walk toward her, on the ceiling via her spider-legs. "Glad to see the sedative finally wore off. I'd hate for you to miss even a second of what we have planned."

Euphemia tried to speak as she saw the She-Con slowly descend toward the ground in front of her.

"Oh, that's right, we haven't been properly introduced, have we? My name is Airachnid, and as you can probably guess, I am a Decepticon." Airachnid gestured to the familiar-looking emblem on her chest. "Oh, don't worry, nothing is going to happen to you… yet. Megatron has exaltedly ordered that you be kept alive, at least until our work is done."

Euphie's eyes widened in terror. This was Megatron's doing?! How?! Why?! What was he planning?!

"You know, you really should appreciate what we're about to do." Airachnid continued as she loomed closer to Euphie and brought her fingers closer towards Euphie, which only terrified her even more. "It's no secret how much you've despised Britannia, I myself am more than a little annoyed with it also. But don't worry, because I promise, within twenty-four hours or so, all that 'progress' dear-old-daddy preached about… is going to calm to a grinding halt."

The Nemesis

Megatron stood on the bridge of his warship as Starscream, Soundwave, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Knock Out, Breakdown, and even Hardshell were all present and making their reports to Megatron, along with Shockwave and Schneizel as their faces were brought up on the bridge's main screen.

"Lord Megatron, it pleases me to inform you that our ranks have just increased even further." Starscream informed. "My Seeker armada has arrived at our vessel and await our command."

"And as you requested, the Insecticon Hive has been divided to your specifications." Hardshell has also informed.

"Half of the Hive is on board the Nemesis." Thundercracker said. "While the other half is with Airachnid and our royal guest on Kanime Island on standby."

"Excellent." Megatron replied. "Shockwave, how is progress with 'Orange'?"

"Everything is prepared, Lord Megatron." The Decepticon scientist reported. "The subject has been thoroughly integrated into the unit Schneizel has provided. I have also made my own modifications to this 'Siegfried', and it promises to yield satisfactory results."

"Happy to be of service." Schneizel said with a smile. "And I have seen to it the Zone has been prepared on-schedule, nobody has even noticed Euphemia's absence."

"Why would they?" Skywarp questioned. "She's a Sub-Viceroy, it's not like she's important."

"Where is Euphie being kept, anyway?" Schneizel asked.

"In a secure location." Megatron told him.

"Understood. But what exactly is your plan, Lord Megatron?" The Britannian Prince asked.

"You've already been given your instructions, Schneizel." Megatron replied. "Proceed with them and our victory is assured."

"And I will, I would just like to be informed on how this will all start." Schneizel said. "I already know the plan and I will proceed; you just haven't told me how it will begin."

"If you needed to know that, I would have told you." Megatron insisted as his optics narrowed. "You know all you need to, now proceed."

"But if Euphemia is absent from the Zone…" Schneizel tried to say something only to be interrupted.

"Schneizel, trust that we have this covered." Starscream stepped up. "If our plan is to be accomplished, we can't afford to bicker amongst ourselves. Leave the kick-off to us and proceed with how you've been instructed. I promise you won't regret it."

Schnizel's smile faded, but he nodded with acceptance. "Of course. Farwell." His screen cut off.

"You sure it's a good idea to keep him around?" Breakdown asked. "I know the plan, but that guy reminds me too much of Starscream here."

"I'll pretend that was a compliment, Breakdown." Starscream cast a slight glare in the large Decepticon's direction.

"Lord Megatron, can Schneizel be trusted?" Knock Out asked.

"He is necessary for our next step." Megatron replied. "But should he attempt anything, he will be properly dealt with."

"So, is he gonna be the only Britannian to side with us?" Skywarp asked. "I get that most aren't gonna have a choice, but I can think of a few who might actually want to sign up. That Vampire-Knight-guy looks like he might fit in."

"I must advise against that." Shockwave stated. "His psychological profile has too many similarities with Airachnid. Should those two meet, it could create chaos and even descension among our own ranks. Bringing Luciano Bradley into our cause would be most illogical."

"Agreed, I have more than enough wildcards already." Megatron said.

"Speaking of which, what about Kururugi and Dreadwing?" Thundercracker asked. "There's no way they're gonna side with us after this."

"Perhaps not, but considering what we are about to gain, I'd say their defection would be a small price to pay." Megatron dismissed before turning to his communication's officer. "Is your latest toy prepared, Soundwave?"

The silent Decepticon nodded as it gestured towards the door to the bridge, which opened to reveal what appeared to be someone who looked identical to Euphemia li Britannia. However, one look into her otherwise identical eyes, and one could tell that this was not the real third princess.

The Ark

At the same time, Lelouch had sat on the couch in the living quarters of the Bridge, unable to get some sleep. He and Optimus already gave the Autobots and Black Knights their instructions and it seemed near full proof. He was even present as C.C. and Ratchet overlooked Rai's Geass to see it was growing stronger, much like his own. However, unlike Lelouch's Geass, Rai was unable to develop any kind of filter like Lelouch's contact lenses, so C.C. did what she could to suppress it, even though it wasn't a permanent solution. They even brought the amnesiac Villetta… or rather Chigusa onto the Ark, though Lelouch wasn't too happy along with that, along with Ironhide, it didn't seem like anything they couldn't fix if things were to go wrong. Everything seemed to be in place should something happen at the SAZ, yet, why did he still feel so uneasy?

"Lelouch?" He glanced to see Optimus walk toward him. "Is something the matter?"

"I couldn't sleep." Lelouch replied. "So much is about to happen tomorrow… and I don't even know what it all is. I get this sinking feeling… like something terrible is just over the horizon. Or maybe I'm just being paranoid."

"No, you are correct to be cautious." Optimus told him. "The Special Administrative Zone can serve to help our cause, and yet… it also has the potential to be a catastrophe, should others try to take advantage of it."

"There's been no statement from Charles that he's either supporting or denouncing Euphie's actions." Lelouch said. "And we haven't seen any sign of the Decepticons since the announcement. A part of me is thinking they're probably hiding because they're worried the world will unite against them. But then again, that's probably just wishful thinking."

"I once had similar thoughts myself." Optimus replied. "But Charles Zi Britannia does not seem like the kind of man who would permit this. And I know Megatron would try to view the SAZ as an advantage he can use, though I remain uncertain as to how he intends to use it."

"I'm scared." Lelouch confessed. "I'm scared of what will happen… but… I think I'm most scared for Euphie right now."

"I'm scared for Euphie, too." Both Optimus and Lelouch turned in minor surprise to see Bumblebee walking onto the bridge, while also carrying Nunnally carefully in his hand.

"Nunnally? What are you…?" Lelouch did not expect to see her like this.

"[She couldn't sleep either, so she asked me to bring her to see you.]" Bumblebee explained as he set Nunnally down toward Lelouch, who helped his sister to sit on the couch next to him.

"I'm scared too, Lelouch." Nunnally began. "I'm scared of what could happen to Euphie…" The girl smiled. "But I know you'll do what you have to. You, Optimus, Rai, Bumblebee, Kallen, Cera, all of you… I know you'll do the right thing. I believe in you, all of you."

"Nunnally…" Lelouch didn't know what to say at first, but hearing her praise, while it was greatly appreciated, there was also something on his mind that told him that maybe he hasn't truly earned that. "Optimus, Bumblebee, can I ask you two something?"

"Of course." Optimus nodded.

"[What is it?]" Bumblebee asked.

Lelouch struggled to get the words out. "Am… am I like Megatron…?" That took all of them, especially Nunnally by surprise. "When I heard about what you two tried to do, and make Cybertron better, Optimus… I… couldn't help but draw parallels between the two of you, and myself and Suzaku. You and Suzaku both offered to change the system through peace… But Megatron wanted to do it by force… and that's what I've been doing." He clenched his fists as eyes became filled with emotional turmoil. "I've always been afraid of becoming like my father… but… I'm worried now, I might end up… like Megatron… who's even worse."

"Lelouch…" Nunnally did not expect her brother to speak like this. She had felt there was something inside that was bothering him, but nothing like this.

"There is truth in what you say." Optimus began. "When we first met, I did see some similarities between you and Megatron, many of us did. However, at your core, the two of you couldn't be more different."

Lelouch looked towards Optimus in honest shock as he continued to speak.

"Even when you first allied with us, despite your righteous anger towards Britannia, you sought to end the prejudice and bloodshed that had been prolonged for years, all to create a world where your sister could find happiness." Optimus continued. "Nunnally had always been your first priority, and your affection toward her was never once in question. And when you made your first appearance to the world as Zero, you acted to save Suzaku from his court martial simply because he was your friend, nothing more than that. Yes, you have made mistakes, but you have shown that you are willing to accept responsibility for them and a desire to make amends, allowing yourself to become more open and trusting of others, not just through your words, but your actions. You became a hero that others could rally behind, even knowing your identity as a former prince, the Black Knights still choose to follow you because they believe in you, as do I and my fellow Autobots. That is what separates you from Megatron, who only ever fought for power, nothing more. You have proven yourself time and time again Lelouch, and I know you will keep doing so in the future, and you will make this world a better place. That is something I truly believe with all my spark."

Upon not just hearing the encouraging words from Optimus, but also seeing the genuine smile on his face, Lelouch couldn't stop tears of joy from forming in his eyes. He was even further surprised by Nunnally who reached out to caress his cheek with a smile.

"Optimus is right, Lelouch." Nunnally told her brother sincerely. "You're nothing like Megatron; you've not only taken care of me for so long, but you've made plenty of friends who trust you. And I trust you too, I know I've already said this, but I love and believe in you Lelouch. That'll never change."

"[Got that right.]" Even Bumblebee spoke in bleeps as he approached his friend. "[I'm not as good at speeches as Optimus here, but I've seen how much you've grown. No matter what happens, I'm your friend and I'll be with you every step of the way.]"

"Bee… Nunnally…" Lelouch could not voice the sincere gratitude he felt toward all of them. His father-figure in Optimus, his little sister Nunnally, and his friend and comrade Bumblebee. Genuine tears of joy continued to flow down his face as he knew he was surrounded by those he could trust completely, and he may have finally found a family that he can truly belong to. "Thank you… I promise you; I won't let any of you down."

Nunnally gave her brother a hug, which he was quick to return. This caused both Optimus and even Bumblebee to smile, the later smiling under his faceplate. After a minute or two, the two siblings pulled apart.

"Hey, Lelouch?" Nunnally asked her brother.

"Yeah?" He replied, calming down with a smile still on his face.

"I know it might be pretty late, but can I please talk to Euphie?" Nunnally asked. "I haven't spoken to her since the School Festival and I'd like to talk to her still."

"Sure thing, I don't think she'll mind." Lelouch took out the special phone he had to call only Euphemia.

Though he told her it was to be used only for serious situations, he figured he could make an exception this once. He placed the call, however, there was no response. Even after waiting a few minutes, there was still no response. This caused Lelouch's smile to fade as he looked in concern, a feeling that he shared with Nunnally, Bumblebee, and even Optimus. Something wasn't right.

The Next Day

This was it; this was the day of the ceremony of the Special Administrative Zone of Japan. Virtually everyone in the country, from all those of Britannian nationality, to every Japanese individual who did not attend the zone, even those at Ashford Academy, those in the Student Council including Rivalz, Milly, and Nina, all of them were watching the television or listening to the radio broadcast of the ceremony. And it wasn't just Japan watching and listening, other nations, including the other superpowers of the E.U. and the Chinese Federation had their eyes set on this event. Needless to say, the entire world was be watching.

"We're bringing you live coverage from the stadium where the inaugural ceremony will be held for the Special Administrative Zone of Japan. The place is already packed full of Elevens… sorry, I mean Japanese. And those unable to get in are gathered outside the Stadium."

It was true, the stadium was filled with countless people, all were eager to receive what they were promised with the inauguration of the zone. Of course, there was military personnel on guard, not just Sutherlands, but the personal Knightmares of the Knights of the Round. Nonette, Gino, Anya, and Monica had their own respective Knightmares of the Galeschin, Tristian, Mordred, and Florence, all of which were equipped with a FLOAT system.

But what stood out the most was the appearance of the other Knightmares owned by the remaining three Knights of the Round. The Percival, piloted by Luciano Bradley, seemed somewhat bulky compared to the others, but not as bulky as the Mordred; it had a light purplish color to it with a darker purple spikes on the shoulders, golden knee caps, a shield in its left hand, with a claw-like attachment on it's right arm. Up next was the Palamedes, owned by Doretha Ernst; it was a dark blue Knightmare, with gold armored chest plate and shoulder-pads, a built-in gun attachment on its left arm with a sheathed MVS blade on its side. Finally, the Knightmare that stood as the tallest among all others, was the Galahad, piloted by Bismarck Waldstein himself; this massive Knightmare was primarily white with black armor near it's chest, it had a white cape flowing down it's back with a red color on the inside, and it carried a massive MVS blade on its back.

But it wasn't just Knightmares present as well. Dreadwing himself was also there in the flesh, standing close toward the stage where Britannian nobles and others were present as well. Though everyone in the stadium knew he wasn't a Knightmare, they all seemed a bit on edge in regard to him, mostly because he was one of those giant robots they saw on the news of the prison brawl some time ago. The fact that he was among the Britannian military showed that he meant no harm however, so a panic was not in place.

Those gathered in the seats on the stage of the stadium were several Britannian nobles, including General Darlton, Kirihara, Suzaku Kururugi in his knight uniform, and of course, Princess Euphemia. But, nobody there had the slightest idea that the Princess Euphemia that sat before them was really an imposter.

The Nemesis

Megatron, Starscream, and Soundwave stood on the bridge as they saw on the main screen the broadcast of the ceremony as well, but not through the cameras, through the eyes of imposter Euphemia.

"Makeshift would have been proud." Starscream commented with a sneer. "It was through his design that we were able to construct this Pretender drone that can easily pass for humans. Those fools have no idea what is standing right in front of them." He commented with a snicker.

"And unlike with Makeshift, this drone is not sentient." Megatron said. "Through Soundwave, I can control it. Its actions are my own, everything I say, it speaks. A perfect puppet."

Airachnid's Cave

The real Euphemia, still bound and gagged in the webbing, watched the live broadcast of ceremony from a screen built into the cavern wall as Airachnid loomed close to her.

"You look confused." Airachnid observed the princess. "How can you be there if you're here? Let me make it simple for you, that is basically a drone disguised as you. Why would we go through such an effort, you're wondering? You'll see." Airachnid sneered. "Just a few more minutes, that's when it all ends… or should I say…. When it begins."

Euphemia had no idea what was about to happen, but something in her gut told her that it wasn't going to be good. All she could do was pray that Lelouch, Suzaku, Optimus, or Dreadwing will be able to identify this imposter and thwart whatever plot the Decepticons had intended.

The Ark

While Kirihara was attending the ceremony, the rest of Kyoto, including Kaguya and Katase, all watched the broadcast from a television screen in a private meeting quarters built specifically for them.

Chigusa sat in her own room that Ohgi sat for her as she listened to the hand-held radio.

From the bridge of the Ark; Shirley, Nunnally, Sayoko, and Rakshata, sat in the living quarters along with Fixit as they, and Ratchet watched from the main screen of the bridge as well.

"Princess Euphemia, it's time." Darlton spoke to the Pretender, still not aware it was an imposter.

"Right." The Pretender-Euphemia answered, or rather Megatron answered through the Pretender, with its voice sounding identical to the real Euphemia. It stood up and was ready to begin. However…

Everyone in the stadium, be they Japanese civilian, or Britannian noble and soldier, even Dreadwing, looked in surprise to see a Groundbridge portal open along the eastern side of the stadium. From out of the portal came the vehicle modes of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Arcee, Bulkhead, Cliffjumper, Wheeljack, and Ironhide, and even the Gawain, with Zero standing on the large Knightmare's shoulder (C.C. was currently in the pilot's seat). Once the portal closed, the Autobots transformed to reveal themselves.

The second the Japanese citizens all saw them, every single one of them cheered and shouted words of praise and thanks towards who they rightly viewed as they saviors and defenders of Japan. Among the Japanese populace who looked in wonder, Arcee spotted the mother of her partner, Kallen in the seats on the ground.

However, while there was praise among the Japanese, most Britannian nobles looked at them with disgust. In regards to the Knights of the Round; Dorothea glared while Gino had an impressed smirk, Anya and Monica had neutral expressions, while Nonette's was of concern, particularly for Kaizaren who was nowhere to be seen.

"So those are the Autobots, they don't look so tough." Luciano was ready to kill at a moment's notice, but he held himself back as per Bismarck's previous orders.

'So, that's my target.' Bismarck set his sights on Optimus Prime, who's size stood on equal footing with his own Knightmare. There was a part of him that was eager to test if he was a worthy opponent, but he would not act. Now was not the time for a duel.

'They really came.' Dreadwing observed.

"Zero… Optimus…" Suzaku muttered as he had mixed feelings about seeing them again.

"You accept that you've lost?" Darlton muttered with a smirk.

"Well, look who showed up." Cornelia watched the broadcast with a small scoff as she watched the broadcast from her own mobile base a couple of miles outside the zone, alongside several officers including Guilford and Bartley.

Schneizel himself watched from his personal office the royal palace of the Settlement, though he had no idea what to expect. 'What are you planning Megatron? How will this support us?'

"They've arrived, it would seem." Starscream observed. "Should we move now, Lord Megatron?"

"Not yet." Megatron responded before Soundwave tuned him back into the Pretender and he put on the act of Euphemia once more. "Zero, Optimus Prime, and valiant Autobots…"

"…Welcome to the Special Administrative Zone!" Pretender-Euphie seemingly welcomed them.

"Greetings, Euphemia li Britannia!" Zero greeted back as the Gawain kneeled down, allowing him to step to the ground as he walked closer to the stage. "I wish to request an audience with you."

"Just with me?" Pretender-Euphemia asked.

"Yes, with you alone." Zero confirmed.

Optimus and Bumblebee shared knowing glances with each other. Last night, Lelouch and Nunnally tried to call Euphemia via the private line four times, and there was no response each time. They even had Fixit trace the signal, only to find that they couldn't locate it. Lelouch told them that the signal could not be traced if it were turned off; so Nunnally assumed that she was simply asleep, but Lelouch then tried to call her again earlier in the morning before the ceremony, still no response. They told the other Autobots about this and that was the reason they came, to protect the people because this whole thing seemed to reek of a trap. Bumblebee even brought the Polarity Gauntlet while Arcee had the Immobilizer.

'Before, Lelouch had a habit of letting his guard down when he felt the battle was won.' Optimus thought to himself. 'But since then, he has learned to anticipate when things go wrong, and his instincts have become sharper because of that. His instincts are telling him that something might be wrong with Euphemia, and I feel it as well.'

Lloyd and Cecile also saw the broadcast from the Avalon's main screen. "I'm afraid something's going to happen. We should have gone there like I thought." Cecile voiced her concern.

"What for?" Lloyd dismissed. "It's not as if we had a choice in the matter, everyone said that if Lancelot was there waiting, Zero and the Autobots wouldn't show."

Once on the stage, a few soldiers ran Zero through a quick search to see he had no weapons, and he didn't appear to carry any. "It appears to be safe, your highness." One soldier reported to the Pretender-Euphemia.

"Then this way, please." The imposter directed Zero to the G1 mobile base.

"Princess Euphemia, it might be too dangerous to be alone with him." Suzaku said. "As your knight, I request that you allow me to accompany you to safety."

"No, it's alright. Please, just trust me, Suzaku."

With that, the false Euphemia led Zero toward the mobile base, while Suzaku cast a concerning glance towards Dreadwing, who felt equally concerned.

Meanwhile; in the forested area outside the stadium; several Black Knight Knightmares, including the Guren MK II, the Gekka Pre-Production, the Gekkas owned by Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords, and many other Burais, laid in hiding and waiting. Command was deferred to Ohgi after Optimus and Zero explained the situation.

"I hate this." Kallen voiced her thoughts aloud. "It's like we're just waiting for something terrible to happen and we don't even know what it is."

"Come on, what's the worst that can happen?" Tamaki questioned.

"You really wanna ask something like that? Knowing what the Birts and Cons are capable of?" Rai responded, as he anxiously gripped the controls of his Knightmare.

"Optimus and Zero told us to be on standby in case something happens." Ohgi said. "Besides the Autobots are all down there, and they got the Immobilizer and Polarity Gauntlet, I doubt even the Knights of the Round can fight against that."

"Even so, we have to remain cautious." Tohdoh informed everyone. "We've all learned by now, especially when it comes to the Decepticons, to expect the unexpected."

This made Kallen even more tense as she knew her mother was also down there, granted Arcee and Cliffjumper were there to, along with Lelouch and the other Bots, and she trusted them to protect her. But that didn't make her any less nervous.

Within the mobile base's control room, Zero shut down the cameras so that they could have the utmost of privacy.

"Is there something wrong, Zero?" Pretender-Euphemia asked.

That right there, she addressed him as 'Zero' and not by 'Lelouch', despite the cameras being turned off. That was enough to confirm that something was indeed wrong with Euphemia.

"He… He couldn't be suspecting us, could he?" Starscream questioned. "We took the upmost of precautions, and Schneizel even aided in covering our tracks with Britannia. There is no way he could be aware of something, could he?"

Megatron however felt something was off. 'He and Optimus were with Euphemia on Kanime Island, Lelouch could have revealed his identity to her. But did he? Without knowing the details of their relationship, it's almost impossible to tell. If I were to say his name, it could confirm my knowledge of his actions.'

"Why exactly did you request to speak with me…?" Megatron asked as Soundwave continued to sync him to the Pretender drone.

"…I've prepared the Special Administrative Zone for you and Optimus." Pretender-Euphemia spoke as Zero turned to face her. "If I have done something to displease you…."

'There's only one way for me to know if something is truly wrong with her.' Lelouch thought to himself. Before arriving to the Zone, he had his contact lenses removed, with his mask on, he wouldn't have to worry about it going out of control. However, he also was aware of C.C.'s warnings that even using it this once could cause it to become permanently active. But with so many lives in potential danger, he could afford the risk.

'Forgive me, Euphie.' Lelouch activated his Geass as the slit in his mask opened and he made eye-contact. "Eight years ago, you and my sister got into a fight. Why?"

This may have also risked his identity being exposed, but he had to ask a question that only Euphemia could answer.

"What…? What is he talking about?" Starscream asked.

'He's using his Geass!' Megatron's own optics widened in surprise before they narrowed. "Clever boy."

Lelouch's eyes widened beneath the mask as his Geass deactivated. 'She didn't respond! I know I've never used my Geass on her before, and the responses are always instantaneous!' Underneath the mask, Lelouch glared at the individual he now knew to be an imposter. "You're not Euphemia!"

Suddenly, the Pretender's right arm extended and grabbed Zero by the throat before extending even further to lift him into the air and pin him to the wall. Upon seeing the metallic attachments underneath the 'skin' of the extended arm, his eyes widened even more. 'Cybertronian?! It's just like with Makeshift!'

"What are you?!" Zero exclaimed as he struggled in the Pretender's grip. "A special type of Mini-Con!"

A chuckle escaped the Pretender's mouth as it spoke in a voice that was not Euphie's, but one that Lelouch could recognize in a heartbeat. "Not exactly."

"Megatron…?!"

"A pleasure to finally meet you, Zero." Megatron spoke through the Pretender as it smirked evilly. "You've caused me quite the headache along with Optimus since your appearance. But no longer."

"Where… where is the real Euphemia…?!" Zero growled, his eyes narrowing furiously underneath his mask.

"If I were you, I'd be less concerned about that one human, and more concerned with the thousands that are outside." Megatron said before the Pretender's swung Lelouch across the room to slam him against the wall on the other side before it quickly made its way toward the exit.

'No…! No, no, no! No!' Lelouch thought in dread as he tried to pick himself up just as the Pretender left.

Suzaku, who had stood outside the G1 to be safe, was surprised to see 'Euphemia' exit the base so quickly. "Princess Euphemia? That was rather fast are you…!"

He was suddenly cut off by an electric shock to his abdomen from the Pretender's left arm that converted into a taser-like weapon. It didn't kill him but was enough to knock him unconscious.

'Consider that your discharge from the Decepticons, Suzaku Kururugi.' Megatron thought as Pretender-Euphemia made her way back to the stage to put the rest of the plan into motion.

Quickly getting up, Zero was quick to access his comns as he tried to run outside and catch up with the machine posing as his half-sister. "Optimus! Evacuate the Zone! Now!"

"Lelouch? What is…?" Optimus asked over the comns as the other Autobots looked to their leader with concern before accessing the comns themselves to listen-in.

"That is not Euphie! It's a fake! We're being set up by Megatron!" Lelouch told Optimus, and indirectly the other Autobots, much to each of their shock. "Call a Groundbridge and evacuate the Zone now!"

The other Autobots saw that 'Euphemia' was already on stage and they all had a sinking feeling what was about to happen. "Ratchet! Prepare the evacuation!" Optimus contacted the Ark as the Autobots tried to run toward the stage and stop what was to come, much to the surprise of the Japanese citizens and Britannian soldiers.

"What is going on?" Dreadwing wondered as he and several Britannian Knightmares tried to block the Autobots path as Darlton looked toward 'Euphemia' in surprise.

"Princess Euphemia, where is Zero? And Kururugi?" He tried to ask the imposter, but it was already too late.

Megatron's malevolent smile only grew. "With this… I rise… and Britannia falls!"

Zero ran out just in time to see the Pretender-Euphemia's arm convert into an Energon blaster, which it shot into the crowd. A group of six of the front-most spectators were blown away by the explosion; much to everyone's horror.

With that one act, all time appeared to have stopped for virtually everyone. For Lelouch, Optimus, Dreadwing, Bumblebee, Nonette, Arcee, Gino, Cliffjumper, Darlton, Bulkhead, Monica, Wheeljack, Kirihara, Ironhide, even Mrs. Kozuki, and every single Japanese citizen looked in absolute horror, and that was only the start. With a woman's scream, Pretender-Euphemia's other arm converted into another blaster and resumed fire into the crowd.

"Princess Euphemia! Stop this at once!" Darlton tried to stop the Pretender, but it quickly turned around to deliver a backslap to send him crashing toward the side and knock him unconscious, much to the nobles' shock before resuming the massacre.

Suddenly, Bismarck's Galahad received an emergency communication, which appeared to be from the Emperor. "Knight of One. These are your orders. Terminate ever Eleven you see! Leave no survivors!"

"But your majesty, why would…?"

"There's no time for explanations!" Charles exclaimed. "Kill the Elevens! Now!"

"As you wish." Bismarck nodded before taking command. "Attention all soldiers, terminate the Elevens! Leave no survivors!"

"What?!" Nonette exclaimed as even Gino and Monica were beyond shocked.

"About damn time! I was getting sick of playing nice!" Luciano smirked as he drove the Percival into the fray along with all the Britannian military Sutherlands and opened fire into the stands to kill more people.

"There is no time for explanations! Kill the Elevens! Now!" Soundwave played the recording that he tuned to match Charles' voice for this specific moment, revealing it was actually him who gave the order, not the Emperor.

Starscream chuckled. "For someone so quiet, you have quite the dramatic flair, Soundwave."

"Send a squadron of our Vehicon soldiers to aid them." Megatron ordered. "We need to be part of this tragedy as well, do we not?" He mused with a sneer.

"By the Allspark…" Ratchet looked in absolute horror at what was being played on the screen of the Ark's bridge. Shirley covered her mouth as her eyes widened with terror, Sayoko wasn't that far behind either and neither was Fixit. Nunnally, though she couldn't see, had heard what was going on and was aware of what's happening.

"What… why is….?" Nunnally stuttered as she couldn't even think of a reason this was happening.

"Well, this is… something…" Rakshata said as she seemed somewhat disturbed by this as well.

"We… we have to evacuate them!" Sayoko was the first to regain her senses. "We need to pull all those people out! Now!"

Ratchet quickly regained focus. "Of course… Fixit, prepare to open multiple Groundbridges!"

"Already on it!" Fixit was at the console.

Schneizel had seen what was happening as well. He shot up from his chair as he saw the massacre unfold before his eyes, his face contorted with shock, clearly not expecting this.

"Was… was this your plan… Megatron?"

Back at the Stadium, Suzaku had regained consciousness as he looked in absolute horror at what was occurring. It looked like absolute chaos, the Autobots were doing their best to fight off the Britannian Knightmares that were opening fire onto the civilians as multiple Groundbridge portals began to open up. But despite their best efforts, the bloodied bodies of men, women, and children were seen everywhere.

"Come on!" Bulkhead exclaimed to a group of civilians. "Everyone into the portal!" He and Wheeljack covered the people's escape into the portal as they opened fire onto a group of Knightmares.

"Do not them escape!" Seven Sutherlands tried to rush in and stop them, but they would soon find their way barred by Optimus Prime.

"You will not hurt these people!" The Autobot leader exclaimed.

"Filthy abomination!" They tried to gun him down, but Optimus was quick to draw his new battle axe and deliver a circular swing to cut all seven of them in half in one stroke.

Ironhide also provided cover fire to allow Kirihara to lead multiple Japanese children into a Groundbridge portal as well, his targets being the Mordred, Galeschin, and Florence; though Nonette inside had a look of pure terror on her face as she dodged the Energon blasts.

'This… this isn't supposed to be happening…!' The Knight of Nine thought in shock.

Gino's Tristian also stood there as the Knight of Three looked in pure horror as he saw the dead and dying bodies of the people below is Knightmare. "No… I… I This… this isn't right…"

Even Monica looked in horror as she dodged the Autobot fire with her Knightmare. 'This isn't justice... this is insanity!'

Suzaku even saw some of the other Knights of the Round fighting against the Autobots as well. Bumblebee had used the Polarity Gauntlet to blast back four Sutherlands before using the device to act as a forcefield to block the missiles from the Percival's shield. Arcee used the Immobilizer in her left hand to freeze several Knightmares and cover Cliffjumper who was helping people to escape. But there were still countless people that couldn't be saved as they laid dead on the ground and in the stands, blood stained virtually everywhere.

"What…. What is happening…? How…?" Suzaku stuttered before he the Palamedes suddenly rolled up in front of him.

"Princess Euphemia opened fire into the crowd." Dorothea's voice spoke through the Knightmare's speakers.

"What?!" Suzaku exclaimed. "No! That's absurd! She would never…!"

"The Emperor also gave orders to terminate the Elevens." Dorothea continued. "And you're an Eleven, aren't you Kururugi?" The Palamedes aimed its arm-mounted gun at him, only to have Dreadwing suddenly swoop in with his sword and cut off the Knightmare's arm.

"What?! Dreadwing what are you…?!" Dorothea didn't get a chance to finish as Dreadwing grabbed the Knightmare by the shoulders and used his own strength to throw it toward the mobile base, causing the Palamedes to crash into the control room.

"Dreadwing…? What… how is this happening…?" Suzaku stuttered. "Did Princess Euphemia…?"

"I don't know." Dreadwing replied. Though he saw her, or someone who looked like Euphie, attack the crowd, he knew that she would never do anything like this. "But I intend to find out! Let's get to the Avalon. You'll probably need the Lancelot."

Suzaku's expression became firm as he clenched his fists. "Alright." Dreadwing quickly picked him up and transformed into his vehicle mode to fly away from the slaughter for the moment.

Back on the battlefield, Mrs. Kozuki had ran into a little boy who was crying over the dead bodies of his parents when a Sutherland suddenly rolled up to them. Mrs. Kozuki tried to cover the boy with her body, but the Sutherland was quickly frozen by a blast of the Immobilizer, courtesy of Arcee, who quickly ran up to grab the woman and the boy before running toward the nearest Groundbridge portal as Cliffjumper continued to cover her.

"Go! You'll be safe on the other side!" Arcee told the two of them.

"Wait… wait… I… I have a daughter!" Mrs. Kozuki tried to tell the fem-bot. "She was supposed to meet me here but…. I can't… find her!"

"Leave it to me, just go. I promise your daughter is safe." Arcee said. "Now get going!"

Though Mrs. Kozuki couldn't explain it, there was something familiar about this Autobot. Granted, she had seen her and the others on the news before, but something else made her feel like that she actually knew her from somewhere. And this feeling was enough to make her trust the Autobot as she nodded and helped the child into the Groundbridge portal, before Arcee turned around and tried to save as many more people as she could.

Bumblebee used the improvised magnetic forcefield of the Polarity Gauntlet to knock away the slash harkens from the Perceval before the Knightmare quickly rolled directly at Bumblebee, it's right claw-like weapon converting into something of an energy drill which it tried to burrow into Bumblebee, who used the Polarity Gauntlet's forcefield to push it back, but the Perceval kept pressing.

"Here's a question for you, Autobot." Luciano began. "What do people value the most? Here's the answer: their own lives! Can the same be said for you?"

Bumblebee's optics narrowed before he purposely deactivated the Gauntlet, letting Luciano loose control of his Knightmare's momentum, and allowing Bumblebee to deliver a powerful punch to its face and knock it back. With the Knight of Ten momentarily off-balance, Bumblebee reactivated the Gauntlet to send the Perceval crashing to the far end of the stadium where there was nobody else around.

Bulkhead brought his mace down onto a Sutherland to crush it as Wheeljack cut another one down and the two came back-to-back to cover more people escaping. However, an explosion erupted underneath their feet to knock them down. The Wreckers looked in surprise to see the Mordred floating above them.

However, what they did not notice was that Anya inside the Mordred, had a pair of red rings in her eyes as she even smiled and spoke in a tone that was not her own.

"I'm not sure what Charles has to gain from this." 'Anya' voiced aloud. "But he has my complete trust. So, I'll play along." The Mordred opened fire with its shoulder-mounted VARIS cannons, forcing Bulkhead and Wheeljack to split apart and avoid the blasts.

"Keep moving! Everyone into the portals!" Optimus held his axe as he continued to direct the last of the survivors into one of the Groundbridge portals. However, he spotted a series of slash-harkens shot his way, which he was quick to slice and bat away with his axe. He looked upward to see the Galahad as the attacker.

"Optimus Prime." Bismarck Waldstein acknowledged. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Is this your Emperor's doing?" Optimus questioned with a glare. "Did he and Megatron orchestrate this madness?!"

"I'm not entitled to answer that." Bismarck said as the Galahad drew its massive master vibration sword. "All you need be concerned with is your own life, rather than these insects." The Galahad shot straight toward Optimus as it swung the sword at the Prime, who blocked the strike with his axe.

At the same time, the real Euphemia screamed underneath her gag as she was forced to watch what could only be described as a nightmare unfold before her eyes. She tried to turn away and closer eyes to avoid seeing the carnage.

"Oh, don't look away now." Airachnid taunted as she held the girl's head and forced Euphemia to look directly at the screen. "The fun is only beginning." Airachnid's taunting laugh was the only company for Euphemia's horror-filled eyes.

Meanwhile, Zero had got back into the Gawain's cockpit with C.C. as the massive Knightmare began to ascend toward the sky and the three of them could only look in horror as they saw the fight and massacre unfold before their eyes. Even C.C. was visibly disturbed by this.

"Megatron…" Lelouch took off his mask to reveal the look of disgust and rage that filled his being. "All she wanted…. Was to help people… and this is his response?! He uses my sister's face to start a massacre?! The Britannians didn't even hesitate to join in on the slaughter! I swear… if it's the last thing I do…. Megatron will pay!"

C.C. looked with concern towards Lelouch as she saw the hate in his eyes. Before she had a chance to say anything however, an alarm sounded on the Gawain's systems and she looked on the radar. "Oh no…. multiple Decepticon signals are closing in around stadium! They're coming!"

"Of course, they are." Lelouch said in a hateful scoff. "At their master's bidding."

"The Decepticons are coming!?" Guilford exclaimed as he and Darlton saw their signals on the radar screen approaching the stadium.

"It seems so." Bartley said. "I have to say… I did not expect this from Princess Euphemia. She never seemed like the type to do something like this."

"She wouldn't!" Guilford stated. "I know her! She never even picked up a gun once in her life! She would never…!" He turned around to try and see how Cornelia would respond, only to find that she was no longer present.

Cornelia was already in her custom Gloucester as she put the ignition key in. 'I don't know what's going on, but I'm coming for you Euphie!' She started up her Knightmare and drove it out of her mobile base and directly toward the stadium, despite the distance. 'I swear I won't let you down again!'

"What is going on down there?!" Kallen exclaimed in fear as she and her fellow Black Knights could see the smoke even from their location.

"This is Zero addressing all Black Knights!" Their leader's voice reached all the Knightmare units on stand-by. "The SAZ was a trap! Princess Euphemia has been replaced by an android created by Megatron to start a massacre!"

"What!?" Rai exclaimed in shock and horror.

"The Autobots have evacuated most of the survivors and are engaging the Knights of the Round!" Zero continued. "But the Decepticons are in-bound! Here are your orders! Protect the people! Wipe out any Britannian and Decepticon military forces you see! Hurry!"

Multiple explosions erupted outside the stadium as the people around it tried to clear out as most of the Autobots all drove out toward the streets to get some space now that all the survivors of the Zone had been evacuated to the Ark. Though it pained them all that they couldn't save everyone, they still had to save all they could because there were countless people outside as well.

Optimus slid out of the smoke on his feet, his axe in his hand as he quickly recovered to block the sword strike from the Galahad that flew directly toward him. "Optimus, the Decepticons are here!" Ratchet contacted him right as a small army of airborne Vehicons flew toward the stadium and began to open fire on the area around it, causing explosions that would kill several more bystanders.

However, Optimus also glanced upward to see the Gawain opening fire with its Hadron cannons to obliterate at least fifteen airborne Vehicons before the rest had already transformed and began to target civilians directly.

"Is this what it means to be a Knight of Britannia!?" Optimus exclaimed as he continued to lock his axe against the Galahad's sword. "Countless people are dying, and you are more focused on fighting me?!"

"I have explicit orders from the Emperor to see your destruction, Optimus Prime." Bismarck replied. "Everything else is second priority!"

Optimus narrowed his optics at that remark and would have pressed forward had Ironhide not suddenly drove in with his vehicle mode to transform and deliver a punch to the Galahad and send it crashing to the ground, though it quickly recovered and faced the two Autobots.

"I've got your back, Optimus!" Ironhide stated.

"No." Optimus quickly said. "Help the others fend off the Decepticons and protect the humans. I will deal with the Knight of One."

Though reluctant at first, Ironhide trusted his leader and nodded. "Understood." He then transformed to rejoin his comrades as Optimus faced the Galahad alone.

"So, I see you've chosen to accept my challenge." Bismarck smirked.

"I trust my friends and allies to protect the people." Optimus replied. "If this is what it takes to keep you from ending more innocent lives, then so be it." Optimus ran at the Galahad as it shot directly at Optimus in return to collide their respective weapons again.

Meanwhile; around the stadium, Bulkhead drove around in his vehicle mode to avoid the VARIS blasts from the hovering Mordred before he transformed and fired at the bulky Knightmare, which actually flew down to ram into Bulkhead and knock him down, though he was quick to get back up and deal a blow to its face with his club to knock it back.

'What's up with this kid?' Bulkhead thought to himself. 'This isn't how she normally fights. It's like someone else is behind the wheel.'

At the same time; Wheeljack and Cliffjumper both engaged a squad of Vehicons as the Wrecker drew his swords to run and cut down three troopers while Cliffjumper opened fire with his Energon blasters to destroy the others. Arcee and Bumblebee also found themselves back-to-back as multiple Britannian Sutherlands and Vehicons surrounded them with their weapons.

"Wait! Hold your fire!" Gino's Tristian hovered over the group. "This isn't right! This isn't how we do things!"

"Sorry, but we got orders from a little higher up the ladder." One Vehicon stated. "Kill them both!" He and the other Cons and Sutherlands were about to open fire, when suddenly, a storm of Magnesium bullets tore through the enemy forces as one of many squads of Black Knights had arrived, this particular group led by Kallen in the Guren as she came in and made short work of the enemy forces.

Gino, though shocked by this, quickly flew back to avoid getting shot himself as the Guren made its way to the Autobots.

"Arcee, where's my mom?!" Kallen exclaimed in a panic. "She was in the Zone! Where is she?!"

"She's fine." Arcee assured. "Your mother is in the Ark with the other survivors. She's alright."

Kallen felt a great deal of relief from this. "Thank god…" However, it was quickly replaced with sheer anger. "Did the Cons really do this?!"

Arcee had a glare of her own. "Yeah. This was definitely Megatron's handywork."

The Guren's pilot clenched the controls of her Knightmare with pure rage. "Damn that monster!" With that she, Arcee, Bumblebee, and their squad of Black Knights moved in to clear out the enemy forces.

As the other Black Knights came in and regrouped with their Autobot allies, they were quick to turn the tide against the Britannians and Decepticons. Tamaki led a squad of his own along with Chiba and Urabe to back up Bulkhead and drive the Mordred back. Asahina and Senba rolled up in their Gekkas and used their swords to cut down the Sutherlands and Vehicons that attempted to shoot down more civilians before providing assistance to Cliffjumper and Wheeljack as they shot their respective ammunition to the nearby Florence as Monica tried to pull her Knightmare back and avoid getting shot.

Even Ohgi drove his Burai with a squad of his own to provide back-up for Ironhide and gun down a group of Vehicons. All the while, Ohgi could not contain the hate he was feeling right now.

"How dare you…! Trampling over the hopes of our people! Megatron…!"

"Damn humans!" One Vehicon exclaimed as he and four others opened fire on the custom Gekka piloted by Tohdoh.

"Now I see… you were planning this all along!" Tohdoh exclaimed as his Knightmare drew its sword, and he was quick to maneuver around the Energon blasts from the Vehicon squadron before he quickly moved in to cut down all five of them with little effort.

Rai roared in fury as he shot his Gekka's Surger Claw into the face of one Vehicon. "YOU DAMN MONSTERS!" He exclaimed as he activated the Surger, causing the Vehicon to explode.

"Kaizaren!" Rai turned his focus on the Galeschin that approached him.

"Nonette… did you do this!?" He exclaimed as he reached out with the Surger Claw again to grab the Galeschin by its head. "Did you do this!? Did you help Megatron start this?!"

"No! I didn't!" Nonette exclaimed. "None of us did! Kaizaren, please you know me!"

"Don't call me that!" Rai exclaimed. "I'm not a Britannian Prince! I'm a Black Knight! And you're a Britannian soldier… just like all these other monsters… so give me a reason why I shouldn't end you!"

There was no response from the Galeschin at first, until the cockpit opened up and Nonette stood up, allowing Rai to see the pleading and sorrowful face of the Knight of Nine, and he was even more shocked to see tears flowing down her eyes.

"I… would never… do this…." Nonette stuttered as Rai continued to listen to her please. "Kaizaren… or whatever you want to call yourself… you truly know me… do you really think I would do something so horrible?"

Hearing her words, made Rai think back to his childhood where Nonette looked after him, his sister, and his mother. He had always admired and respected her, and even considered her to be part of his family. That was right, he did know her. She was a good person, and she would never do anything like this. As his face clenched with so many mixed emotions, he withdrew his Gekka's Surger Claw to release the Galeschin.

"Get out of here." He told her as he turned his Knightmare away.

"But…" She tried to reach out toward him.

"Just go!" Rai exclaimed as he rejoined the battle, leaving the Knight of Nine alone with a feeling of disgrace and failure hanging over her head.

The Ark

"The Britannian and Decepticon forces are on the run!" Fixit reported. "And all people from the stadium have been safely transported to the Ark. Several medical Black Knights are seeing to it they receive the proper attention."

"Those who survived… you mean…" Ratchet said gravely, causing Fixit, as well as Nunnally, Sayoko, and Shirley to look down in shame and sorrow, knowing that they couldn't save everyone.

"Where is Suzaku?" Nunnally asked.

"I don't have his location, but it's reason to believe that he is there." Fixit assumed.

"Then send me there, too." Nunnally stated, much to everyone's shock.

"Nunnally…!" Shirley did not expect that.

"Absolutely not!" Ratchet exclaimed. "The Decepticons and Britannians may be repelled, but that site is far too dangerous, especially to a girl that can't even see or walk! You are not a Black Knight!"

"She might not be, but I am." Sayoko stated as she put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Lady Nunnally, is it safe to assume that you are going to look for Suzaku?"

"Yes." Nunnally answered. "If he knows what happened to Euphemia, he might finally leave the Decepticons and come with us."

"But it's too dangerous!" Fixit stated.

"That's right, you're not going out there Nunnally…" Shirley said before she smiled. "Without me."

"What?!" Ratchet exclaimed.

"I'm no soldier, but I'm a Black Knight too." Shirley said. "I want to help Lelouch and Suzaku as much as I can. I can help look after Nunnally and convince Suzaku to help us. If his friends are willing to talk to him, he'll listen." She looked up to Ratchet who seemed ready to protest. "I know I'm not a fighter, but what's the point of me being here if I can't help my friends! I promise Sayoko and I can keep Nunnally safe. We won't let anyone hurt her."

"Your resolve can't act as a shield if you three are bridged into a warzone without a proper escort." Ratchet stated, but when he saw the firm expressions in their eyes, and even with Nunnally despite her eyes being permanently closed. This seemed enough to waver his own resolve a bit. "And you need not look any further than the Autobot standing before you." That had Shirley and Nunnally share smiles with each other, as even Sayoko had a smile of her own. "Besides, even if I said no, you three would have probably snuck off on your own anyway." He then turned to only Mini-Con present. "Man the Groundbridge, Fixit. Let us know when you see the Lancelot's signal and open a portal to its location."

"Understood." Fixit nodded.

The Lancelot was launched from the Avalon and flew with its float-system, alongside Dreadwing in his vehicle mode right beside him. "Euphie! Euphie, where are you?!" Suzaku exclaimed in a panic as he and Dreadwing flew back into the warzone around the stadium.

"Priness Cornelia!" Guilford tried to contact her. "Don't act irrationally! We need you to...!"

She turned off her Knightmare's communication, however. "Euphie!" Cornelia called out for her sister as her Gloucester neared the area as well.

The Gawain's Hadron fired onto the ground to obliterate a group of enemy Vehicons and Sutherlands right as he was soon contacted by Bumblebee.

"[Lelouch, I've got eyes on the fake on Euphie!]" The Autobot scout reported. "[She's four kilometers from my position! I'd get to her, but my hands are full!]"

"Understood." Lelouch gritted his teeth as he piloted the Gawain to that location, with C.C. still looking at him with concern.

The Pretender-Euphemia had long since walked out of the stadium and had been placed on an 'auto-pilot' state by Soundwave long since the massacre started. Its only desire was to kill every human it saw. However, it didn't get much father as the Gawain hovered directly over it. Less than a second later, Lelouch hatefully opened fire with the slash harken on the Gawain's right finger to tear the Pretender in half.

Suzaku's pupils shrunk the second he saw that, even Dreadwing was caught off guard. Though Cornelia wasn't as close as everyone else, the screen on her Gloucester had shown her what had happened as her face went pale.

"NNOOOO!" Suzaku exclaimed as he shot the Lancelot directly at the Gawain to kick it down to the ground, shaking Lelouch and C.C. inside. Suzaku's face was filled with pure hate and ire as he aimed his VARIS rifle directly at the Gawain, ready to obliterate it and the pilots inside. "ZERO! YOU'RE FINISHED!"

"DON'T DO IT SUZAKU!" An ambulance suddenly arrived and came in between the Lancelot and downed Gawain. "DON'T SHOOT HIM!"

Suzaku's anger vanished as he recognized that voice. "What…? Nunnally…?"

The doors opened as Nunnally was wheeled out of the ambulance with Sayoko guiding her wheelchair, and Shirley also quickly came out before the ambulance transformed to reveal Ratchet.

C.C. also looked in surprise to see them there as well, but none were more shocked, or even terrified than Lelouch as he could not believe his own disabled sister was out here as well.

Cornelia even saw this from her Gloucester as well, her own eyes widened like dinner plates as she couldn't believe what she was seeing. "N… Nun…. Nunnally…?" However, from her location, nobody would even notice the Gloucester.

Dreadwing himself transformed as Ratchet stood protectively in front of the three human females as he was more than shocked to see the girl as well. Though he was aware of Nunnally vi Britannia and the relationship she had with Suzaku, he did not expect her to be in the company of a Black Knight female and an Autobot.

"Suzaku! Don't do it! Lelouch is in there!" Nunnally cried out.

Nobody was prepared for that. Suzaku, Dreadwing, and Cornelia from her unseen point, none of them could believe what they just heard as they saw the cockpit of the Gawain open up to not only reveal C.C., but also Lelouch, clad in the uniform of Zero as he had an unreadable expression on his face.

Optimus sliced his axe towards the Galahad as it blocked the strike with its sword, before the Galahad attempted to slice at Optimus, who blocked it with his own weapon before the Prime's left hand converted into his Ion cannon to fire at the Galahad as Bismarck pulled back, using the float system to fly into the air while also activating the Blaze Luminous shield to protect himself from the fire.

The Knight of One smirked as this was honestly the most fun, he had ever had in a battle. He honestly hadn't this much excitement since his last duel with Marianne. However, before he could continue to fight…

"Knight of One, retreat." The voice of Charles Zi Britannia (or rather Soundwave mimicking his voice again) contacted him.

"But your highness, Optimus Prime is right in front of me! I can finish him right now!" Bismarck protested.

"Another time! Most of the forces in this area have been wiped out, the other Knights are retreating. Fall back and report to Schneizel. I am deferring command to him."

"Understood." Bismarck accepted reluctantly before addressing the Autobot leader. "Optimus Prime, we'll have to resume our duel for later." The Galahad flew away, leaving Optimus alone as he put his axe away.

"Optimus, the Britannian forces have begun to retreat and most of the Decepticons have been neutralized." Fixit contacted his leader. "However, Ratchet has left the Ark, along with Sayoko, Shirley, and Nunnally. They are with Lelouch and C.C., along with Suzaku and Dreadwing."

Suzaku had to exit the Lancelot just to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him. Not only did he see Nunnally and Sayoko in the middle of this madness, along with an Autobot, and even Shirley in a Black Knight uniform, but clad in the attire of the masked revolutionary named Zero, was the person he considered his friend, Lelouch vi Britannia, or rather Lelouch Lamperouge, with C.C. right by his side. Dreadwing wasn't as emotionally shocked as Suzaku, but he clearly did not expect the masked Zero to be a prince of Britannia.

From her point, Cornelia looked in clear emotional shock through her Glasgow's screen as she saw the face of her half-brother in the attire of her enemy. Was Lelouch really Zero all this time?! And why was Nunnally here too?!

"Le… Lelouch…?" Suzaku stuttered.

"Hello Suzaku." He acknowledged before he turned to his sister and the other two young women. "What in the world you all doing out here?! Nunnally, you are supposed to be in the Ark!"

"Lelouch… I couldn't just sit by while you, Suzaku, and everyone else were out here!" Nunnally exclaimed.

"We asked Ratchet to bring us here." Shirley said.

"What?!" Lelouch fixed his glare up to the Autobot medic who looked with some form of shame.

"Don't blame him, my lord." Sayoko told Lelouch. "We convinced him to take us. He even tried to stop us."

However, before Lelouch could say anything else, Suzaku voiced his jumbled and chaotic thoughts aloud. "Why… Shirley… you're a Black Knight?! First Kallen, then Rai, now you!?" Shirley looked down in partial shame before Suzaku gave a hateful glare at Lelouch. "What did you do?! What did you do to bring them into this madness!"

"He's been trying to protect us, Suzaku!" Nunnally tried to tell him. "Everything Lelouch and Optimus have been doing is to help people!"

"Help…. HELP!?" Suzaku exclaimed in anger. "Nunnally how can you say that after everything that's going on right now!"

"We had nothing to do with this!" Lelouch exclaimed. "This was not our doing!"

"YOU KILLED EUPHIE!" Suzaku was ready to pull out his pistol and shoot him right then and there.

"THAT IS NOT EUPHEMIA!" Lelouch shouted back as he pointed behind Suzaku. The Honorary Britannian turned around to see something that made him gasp in horror.

It looked as if Euphemia had been torn in half, but a closer look indicated that it was not Euphemia, but rather a machine that looked like her. Metallic parts were scattered everywhere, as opposed to vital organs, and in the absence of blood there was Energon.

"I knew it!" Dreadwing stated, though he did not expect something like this, he knew that the real Euphemia could never have been responsible for such chaos. "She would never let anything like that happen!"

"Glad to see one of you has a sense of reason." Ratchet commented.

Cornelia could also see it. Her screen zoomed in to see that it was not truly her younger sister that had been torn apart, but a machine. "What…?"

Suzaku slowly walked toward the destroyed Pretender that bore the face of someone he respected, maybe even loved. He fell on his knees as he, with shaky hands, reached out to hold the face of the Pretender, his Knight attire already covered in blue stains of spilled Energon, his face and eyes shaking as an emotional storm raged deep inside him.

"It's… a robot…?" Shirley looked in surprise.

"It would seem so." Ratchet confirmed. "Much like with Makeshift."

"It was Megatron." Lelouch stated, causing Dreadwing to look at the young revolutionary with a shocked expression. His fists clenched underneath his robe. "He set this all up! And he used her face to do it!"

"But… Lelouch… where's the real Euphie…?" Nunnally asked, a feeling of sick worry for her elder half-sister forming inside her.

"I don't know…." Lelouch confessed, feeling a just as worried for her if not more so.

Cornelia clenched the controls of her Knightmare as she heard every word that was spoken. Megatron replaced her sister! Used her to start a massacre! With rage and hatred swelling inside her, she pulled on the controls of her Gloucester and left the area with only one thing in mind: revenge.

Dreadwing continued to stare down at Suzaku, who continued to hold the remains of the Pretender-Euphie in his arms. The more he thought about it, the more he knew that Megatron was the only one responsible for this.

"Did he do it?" Dreadwing spoke to Ratchet in particular. "Did Megatron… doom our planet? Did he poison Cybertron with the Blood of Unicron?"

"Yes, he did." Ratchet confirmed. "And Optimus did everything he could to save it, but… not even he could undo the damage Megatron did."

That was it. That was the same thing Euphemia had also told him, and the more he considered the idea of Megatron poisoning the planet's core, the more he realized that something like this would be child's play for the Decepticon leader, but that did little to deter the fury that had grown exponentially within him, up to the point that he yelled straight into the sky in a state of pure ire. Euphemia was someone he truly respected and considered a friend! How dare Megatron do this to her?! Dreadwing then made a silent vow that if his former leader did anything to Euphie, if she was no longer alive, he would kill Megatron without a moment of hesitation!

Suzaku, however, appeared to be in a state of mental instability as he tried to put all his jumbled and emotional thoughts together. 'I allowed myself to be deceived by Megatron…. It was a mistake to join him…! It was a mistake to even listen to a word he said…! This rebellion and all this violence is wrong, or is that just what I wanted to believe…?! But… then that means… No! I can't…. they can't be right about all of this! If they were right… and I was wrong… No! I can't be wrong! I just can't be!'

"This is your fault!" Suzaku turned toward Lelouch as Nunnally, Ratchet, Sayoko, and Shirley looked in shock over what he had just said, even Dreadwing did not expect that. C.C. glared at Suzaku while Lelouch simply let Suzaku continue. "If you and the Autobots hadn't fought Britannia, then the Decepticons wouldn't have gotten involved, and none of this would be happening!"

"This wasn't his fault, Suzaku!" Shirley quickly ran to him. "He didn't ask Megatron to replace Euphemia! Megatron is the bad guy, not him!"

Suzaku didn't appear to be listening as he simply pushed Shirley out of his way and glared even harder at Lelouch. "Why didn't you just work with Britannia?! Why did you have to fight them?!"

"Suzaku…!" Nunnally was about to talk to him, but when Suzaku turned with a glare towards her, Sayoko and C.C. were quick to stand in front of the disabled girl if he tried anything.

"That's not why you're upset." Lelouch began as Suzaku turned his glare back to him. "You're not mad at me, or any of them, you're mad at yourself for not protecting Euphie. But I shouldn't be surprised, considering that's how you've always been."

"What?!" Suzaku exclaimed in anger.

"This is what you've always done from the beginning Suzaku! Ever since I met you again in Shinjuku!" Lelouch stated, his voice slowly raising. "You always look for someone or something else to blame for what happened! It's so much easier to blame someone else than yourself, isn't it?! But I don't expect anything less from someone who's already given up! That's all you've ever done, Suzaku! You've given up! You gave up on your father! You gave up on Japan! You gave up on your friends! You even gave up on me, Nunnally and Euphemia! You gave up on everything and everyone! The only thing you've ever wanted was to die so you wouldn't have to live with the guilt that you've tried to ignore all these years, because you felt it was the easiest thing to do!"

Suzaku didn't expect Lelouch to say all that, and he tried his best to find a retort. "No… no… you're wrong! I don't have to listen to damn thing you say!" He yelled. "You don't understand! YOU COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND!"

"Oh, I think I do!" Lelouch exclaimed as he grabbed Suzaku by the collar and pulled him close to his anger-filled face. "You want to know why the Autobots and Black Knights all fight?! It's because of horrors and atrocities just like this!" Lelouch gestured to the ruins of the warzone, as well as all the dead bodies around them before he pressed Suzaku against the right leg of the Lancelot. "The Decepticons turned their own planet into a lifeless husk! Britannia destroyed entire nations and subjugated them to slavery! Look around you, Suzaku! Megatron started a massacre and used Euphemia's face to do it! The Britannians didn't even hesitate to jump on the band wagon and join the slaughter! That's why we've been fighting! Those people… Those monsters… Megatron… my father…. THEY ARE PURE EVIL! And you would sooner subjugate countless people to that evil and kill yourself so that you don't have to bear the responsibility! You would rather end your own life than admit you were wrong!"

"Lelouch…" Nunnally tried to say something, but Sayoko put a hand on her shoulder, giving her the silent message to let her brother continue. Shirley cast a glance to C.C. as well as Ratchet as they both thought the same thing. Even Dreadwing choose to remain silent as a part of him actually agreed with what Lelouch had just said, some of it even applied to himself as well.

"But… I… that's not…" Suzaku stuttered, but Lelouch wasn't done yet.

"And now… even after all that… you're still blaming others?!" The former prince exclaimed. "Just because you've made mistakes that you don't think you can fix, that doesn't permit you to run away and lock yourself in the darkness, pretending ignorant of all the people that you helped to hurt! Are you really going to take that attitude with Euphie?! Britannia is probably going to use her image as propaganda to further their own cause! Are you going to just sit there and let that happen?! If you're really her knight, you should be doing everything to save her! And if you can't save her life, then save her name! See to it that the world doesn't view her as murderer! That's what I'm going to do! But what about you?! Maybe you made mistakes, and maybe some people won't forgive you for them, but you still have to stand your ground without making excuses for yourself! You owe that to everyone who was hurt because of you!"

Suzaku looked at Lelouch, almost as if he was speaking a foreign langue, and yet at the same time, every word made perfect sense. His mind was in a such a contradictory, that he wasn't sure how to respond, but his current emotional state had him leaning a bit toward his darker side.

"Wha… why…? Why are always doing this…?!" Suzaku stuttered. "Ever since that night… You've always tried to get me to change my mind! Why?! Why can't you just let me be! WHY CAN'T YOU JUST LET ME DIE!?" Suzaku practically screamed as he punched Lelouch in the face.

Nunnally and Shirley gave audible gasps once they heard what Suzaku just said. Sayoko and C.C. both looked ready to attack Suzaku at a moment's notice, but Lelouch held out his hand to get them to stop as he didn't budge an inch, despite Suzaku's fist making contact with his face. Ratchet and Dreadwing both said nothing, but looked with tense expressions, wondering just how Lelouch would respond to what Suzaku told him.

"Because I'm the same as you, Suzaku." Lelouch told him, causing Suzaku to look at him in honest surprise. "I've been dead before. ever since I was a kid, I've been dead inside, just going through the motions of life. And I've made mistakes too. Some of those mistakes ended up hurting people that I've cared about." He cast a brief glance towards Shirley in particular before giving his attention to Suzaku. "But despite everything that's happened… I had people come into my life, wanting nothing more but to help me. Even after the mistakes I've made, they never gave up on me. Optimus never gave up on me, and neither did Nunnally, even after learning I was Zero. And because of that…" Lelouch grabbed the wrist of the hand that Suzaku punched him with and lowered it away from his face. "…I won't give up on you either!"

Never once, in a thousand years, did Suzaku honestly expect Lelouch to say something like that.

"You've made mistakes, and I've seen multiple times, just how close you were to falling into darkness." Lelouch continued. "But I won't let you do that. I won't you fall! Do you want to know why?! Because you're my friend, Suzaku!" That earned an honest gasp from the Japanese youth. "You're my friend… the first I ever had… and I don't want to lose you. Please… let me help you! I want to help you!"

Lelouch let him go as Suzaku stumbled back, his mind trying to process everything that Lelouch had just told him.

Before anyone could say anything else however, the vehicle mode of Optimus quickly made its way to the group before he transformed and walked forward. He looked towards Ratchet the instant he saw Shirley, Sayoko, and especially Nunnally out in the open like this.

"I assume full responsibility for this." Ratchet told his leader and friend. "I came here to provide my own protection for them."

"Only because we insisted!" Shirley quickly said. "This was our idea, Optimus. Nunnally and I wanted to come here because of… well…" She gestured to Suzaku who had fallen on his hands and knees.

Optimus, though disappointed, did understand their reasoning. "We will discuss this later." He told them before acknowledging Dreadwing's presence.

Suzaku almost didn't even notice Optimus' arrival as so many conflicted thoughts continued to jumble around his head. Despite everything he did, everything bad thing Suzaku had done, Lelouch called him his friend and wanted to help him. He almost couldn't believe it. His eyes closed so tightly, it looked like his eyelids might tear as his breathing became ragged. However, he soon felt a gentle touch on his cheek, one he knew all too well, as he looked up in minor surprise to see the smiling Nunnally, with Sayoko at her wheelchair.

"Do you remember what I said seven years ago, Suzaku?" Nunnally asked. "How a warm touch is good for tears?"

"But… I'm not crying…" Suzaku stuttered, oblivious to the fact that his eyes were already beginning to water.

"I know… you've done many bad things Suzaku…" Nunnally began. "But you are not a bad person. Megatron is the real monster, he tried to make you into something you're not. He twisted your heart, mind, and soul so much that it makes me cry just thinking about what he tried to do to you. But, I know you can be something better. Big brother wants to help you, Optimus wants to help you, Shirley wants to help you, I want to help you. Let us help you… let us help put your wings back together so you can be the angel you were before."

That was it, that was what made the dam break as tears fell down Suzaku's eyes and he openly cried, burying his face into Nunnally's shoulder as she pulled him into an embrace with a warm smile, tears of joy of her own as she stroked his back for comfort. Even Lelouch and Shirley walked up as the each put their hands on his shoulders.

C.C. gave something of an impressed smirk, not that she was happy about Suzaku, but more so proud of how Lelouch and Nunnally were able to pull their friend out of their darkness. She shared a smile with Sayoko who seemed equally proud of him. Optimus and Ratchet shared proud smiles of their own before looking toward Dreadwing who maintained a calm expression, one that carried neither anger nor happiness.

The moment was soon interrupted by the arrival of the remaining Autobots, as well as the Knightmares piloted by Kallen, Rai, Tohdoh, and Ohgi. They all pointed their weapons at Dreadwing the moment they saw him.

"Drop your weapon, Con!" Bulkhead exclaimed as he primed his Energon blaster.

"Hands where we can see them!" Kallen also stated as the Guren's Surger Claw was pointed to the back of Dreadwing's head.

Rai however quickly noticed the presence of two certain girls. "What the…?! Nunnally?! Shirley?!" He got out of his Gekka's cockpit. "What the hell are you two doing out here?!"

"It's okay, Rai." Lelouch told him. "Everything's fine."

Tohdoh also noticed Suzaku's presence but based on how he was still with Nunnally, it looked like he wasn't about to cause any trouble. He then turned his attention toward the Prime. "Optimus. All enemy forces have either been destroyed or retreated. The Black Knights are working to tend to the wounded as Fixit is opening Groundbridges to the Ark."

"Understood." Optimus nodded in acknowledgment.

"I want to join you."

Everyone turned their attention toward Dreadwing as most couldn't contain their looks of surprise.

"What?" Ohgi questioned in anger.

"Nice try, Dread-boy." Wheeljack glared.

"It's no trick." Dreadwing stated as he walked toward Optimus, all the Autobots and Black Knights keeping their weapons primed on him.

"Don't take one step closer." Arcee warned.

"Stand down." Ratchet told everyone present as Dreadwing faced the leader of the Autobots.

"I wish the join the Autobots." The Seeker began. "I can no longer be part of the Decepticon cause, now that I understand its true colors. I was only a fool to ever think otherwise."

"Finally figured that out, huh?" Cliffjumper commented.

"I understand that my actions will not allow many of you to trust me." Dreadwing acknowledged. "But I cannot and will not allow any of this slaughter to continue. So please." He bowed his head to Optimus. "Let me help you in stopping this madness."

Optimus could tell that Dreadwing was sincere, and he was right about not everyone trusting him right away. However, Optimus did trust him, and knew that if Dreadwing said he wished to help them, he meant it. "Very well." Optimus accepted. Though most of the Autobots and Black Knights were reluctant, they lowered their weapons, deciding to trust their leader's judgement.

Lelouch even nodded in acceptance, knowing they could use Dreadwing's help. But he still had one other thing to attend to. He looked toward the man he called his friend as Shirley and Nunnally helped him to stand on his two feet.

"Well Suzaku, what are you going to do?" Lelouch asked as Suzaku turned his attention toward the young prince turned revolutionary. "If you come with us, you'll undoubtedly face some resentment from those in our group, but right now, these people need all the help they can get. The Decepticons and Britannia are not going to stop with just the Special Zone. The people of Japan see you as a ray of hope, just as they see myself, the Autobots, and the Black Knights, as their saviors. And with everything that just happened, they need all the hope we can give them. But if you can't find it within yourself to join us… I understand. It's your choice."

Everyone, Bot and human, looked at Suzaku with mixed expressions. Though Lelouch, Shirley, Nunnally, and even Optimus had hopeful expressions Suzaku would make the right choice; Kallen, Ironhide, and Arcee were among those who were doubtful. Bumblebee, Ratchet, Wheeljack, Ohgi, Bulkhead, Cliffjumper, C.C., and Sayoko had more neutral expressions than anything else. Tohdoh, Dreadwing, and Rai however, despite the apparent stoic expressions on all their faces, there was something inside them that was praying for Suzaku to do the right thing.

Suzaku reached into his pocket to pull out the Decepticon pin that he still had for some reason. Why he still carried that, not even he knew. But the second he looked at it, his face twisted in disgust and anger, now that he knew what the Decepticons truly are… now that he knew Megatron for the monster that he is. He clenched the pin in his hands before turning around and throwing it away as hard as he could.

"I'm in."

Done.

Wow, another long chapter. Well, I guess that is to be expected given what had just happened…

Bet you all never saw this coming, huh? We all expected Megatron to find a way to use the SAZ to his advantage, but did anyone expect him to orchestrate the massacre himself, and even use a Pretender posing as Euphemia to do it? Really shows how far he's willing to go to get what he wants. Though he could have simply attacked the event himself, or even have Soundwave forge an order from the Emperor for the Britannian military to attack the zone, he went this route. It was not only effective but using Euphemia's face to do it was just his own sadism thrown into the mix. (If the conflict between Megatron and Lelouch wasn't personal before, it most certainly is now).

However, while the Autobots were able to save many of the people in the SAZ, roughly about half of them (including Kallen's mother), they could not save them all. I apologize if reading what happened was hard to follow, the whole event was meant to be total chaos, and that was the impression I wanted to give. However, the Black Knights and Autobots know that it was Megatron who was responsible for it, and now all the hate the BKs directed toward Euphemia in the cannon Code Geass series, is now rightfully directed toward Megatron and the rest of the Decepticons who follow him.

But… this is only Phase 1 of Megatron's plan. You'll see what Phase 2 is in the next chapter. Trust me, in the chapters that follow, there is going to be plenty of action as we see the Autobots finally take on the full roster of the Knights of the Round in a no-holds-bard brawl; with several other parties involved as well.

On the positive side however, it seems that Suzaku has finally come to his senses and joined the good guys, along with Dreadwing. However, not everyone will be so acceptant of them, which is understandable, and Suzaku still has some issues that he has to work out, which will be addressed in the next chapter. It's going to be a long road to recovery for him, mentally and emotionally, but now he's finally among people and Bots that he can actually trust.

Oh, and Chigusa is with them as well. Ohgi has told her about her past, and she does not want to be that person anymore (similar to how Rai is right now). I've said this before, but I plan to actually develop their relationship, as opposed to how it was handled in the cannon R2.

However, while Euphemia is still alive, she's in the not-so-tender care of Airachnid, who forced her to watch as someone who looked exactly like her started a massacre. Yeah… that's not going to be traumatizing or anything.

And it seems that not only is Cornelia aware of Lelouch being Zero (again), or of Nunnally being alive as well, but she also knows Megatron replaced her own sister. Given how she handled Euphemia's death in the cannon R1, you can imagine how she's going to handle this. Now, a sane person, would calmly report this to soldiers that they trust… but Cornelia, being the crazed, but well-intended, but overprotective-big-sister/battle-hardened-soldier that she is… rationality is the last thing on her mind right now.

You'll see what happens in the next chapter.

One last thing to note. The Knightmare of Dorothea Ernst, the Palamedes (also called Palomides, there's really no difference). I know it was never seen in the anime, but the wikia portrayed it as a hulking thing with just a bunch of guns, which didn't seem like something suited for a Knight of the Round. So instead, I'm basing it off the artwork on Deviantart "RZA-4R1 Palamedes" by "unoservix". Look it up. I actually like that design better.

So, I hope everyone enjoyed reading this, I'm rather pleased with how it turned out myself. But let me tell you, shit is about to get real in these next few chapters as we get closer to the final battle of R1 – Rebellion. Thanks for all your support and I plan to have the next update out soon.
Peace out.