Code Prime - R2: Revolution

by Iron117Prime

Britannia has fallen, and the Decepticons are well on their way to the complete global domination of Earth. However, hope is not lost. Six months after the failed Black Rebellion, Zero and Optimus Prime have returned to finish what they've started. With their Autobot-Black Knight alliance grown with new additions, our heroes have ever intent on freeing Earth once and for all.

7. Knights and Wyverns

Hi everyone, thanks again for your patience. Before we get started, I'm sure many of you have noticed how all the guest reviews have vanished. I deleted them. No offense to the guest reviewers, but they were cluttering up my reviews, filling it to the brim with fan theories, how they feel the story should go, and even arguments. Sorry, but my review box is not a place to debate, and it was getting under my skin. So, I apologize that I will no longer be accepting guest reviews, it just seems to be causing more trouble than it's worth.

Now, with all that being said, let's get this chapter started…

Knights and Wyverns

On one of the decks of Horai Island, just below the Ark, were two much smaller Cybertronian vessels, but no less impressive. One was the dark blue personnel vessel of Ultra Magnus known as the Iron Will, the other was the rebuilt Jackhammer that Wheeljack was allowing his friends and comrades to borrow as the team of Bots and BKs began to make their departure to the EU before saying their goodbyes.

"Good luck, to all of you." Optimus Prime said as he, Nunnally, Sayoko, Ratchet, Wheeljack, Ironhide, Ohgi , Cornelia, Kaguya, Tohdoh, and Shirley were seeing the others off.

"I could say the same to you." Lelouch said as he, Ultra Magnus, Kallen, Suzaku, Cera, Elita-One, Bumblebee, Arcee, Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Rai, Orpheus, Euphemia, Gino, Monica, Sideswipe, Prowl, Strongarm, and Jetfire were prepared to leave. "We'll likely each have our own battles to face."

Shirley and Kaguya shared a goodbye with Kallen, Rai, and Suzaku, while Wheeljack did the same to Bulkhead before looking toward Elita-One.

"Anything happens to my ship again; I'm coming for you." Wheeljack teased to the female Autobot commander.

"I can't promise no scratches or anything." Elita replied.

"Good luck, Euphie. Be safe." Cornelia shared a hug with her sister.

"You too, sister." Euphie replied.

"We'll make sure to come back in one piece, promise." Gino smiled.

"Yeah, you can totally count on us." Smokescreen added.

"Bad guys won't know what hit em." Sideswipe also added; causing many of the present Bots or BKs to wince slightly.

"Are you sure bringing these three with us is a good idea?" Arcee whispered to Lelouch.

"They've proven they can hold their own, so it should be fine." Lelouch assured.

"We'll be certain to make contact once we've established dialogue with the EU political parties." Ultra Magnus informed.

"And we'll keep you guys in the loop with what happens in the Chinese Federation." Ohgi put in.

"Just watch yourselves." Ratchet advised. "The Decepticons may be in disarray at the moment, but that doesn't mean they're out of the picture."

"Understood." Prowl nodded.

"Come on, let's get this party going!" Grindcore urged as he made his way to the ships. With that, everyone exchanged nods, handshakes, or hugs with one another as the team boarded their vessels.

Ultra Magnus went to his vessel, the Iron Will, with Lelouch, Bumblebee, Kallen, Arcee, Suzaku, Bulkhead, Rai, Smokescreen, and Cera; while Elita One went to pilot the Jackhammer with Sideswipe, Strongarm, Prowl, Orpheus, Gino, Euphemia and Monica inside. Jetfire, meanwhile, simply transformed into his own jet-mode.

"Big brother!" Lelouch heard Nunnally call to him as she looked with a sad smile. "Come back, okay!? Don't be gone too long!"

Lelouch smiled as he waved to his sister. "I will, but you've got friends and family here. So you won't be too lonely. Love you."

"I love you too." She smiled as she watched him enter the vessel before it closed behind. With everyone inside, the Iron Will and Jackhammer both hovered in the air before turning around and flying off into the distance with Jetfire's jet mode right behind them.

Nunnally couldn't stop herself from crying as she saw them fly away. These weren't so much tears of sorrow, but rather tears of joy. She was so proud of how much her brother has grown and knew that he was well on his way to making the world a better place, and she couldn't wait to see what it was. She felt a pair of hands on her shoulders as she looked up to see both Cornelia and Sayoko smiling in assurance, as well as glancing toward Optimus, who looked on with a nod himself.

However, as Optimus gazed into the direction where his comrades had already vanished from sight; he couldn't help but recall his conversation with Lelouch and Cera earlier.

---

Flashback

"You gave Leila a Geass?!" Lelouch questioned as he and Optimus looked in surprise.

"Well… sort of." Cera tried to explain. "This happened shortly after her parents died. Her father, as you know, was assassinated. Her mother tried to escape with Leila, but their car crashed. Her mother died there, but the girl survived and just ran. When I found her, she was drowning in a frozen lake. I pulled her out and offered her a contract."

"And she accepted it?" Optimus asked.

"Not quite." Cera replied. "I only left the power inside her at the time, along with the option of whether or not she could use it. She was only a child so she wouldn't understand."

"Yet you gave one to Mao when he was a child." Lelouch pointed out, causing Cera to wince.

"This happened after Mao." Cera explained. "I stayed with him and thought if I raised him, he would have a chance to help fulfil my end of the contract. When he was unable to, I left. And yes, that was cruel of me to do so. It was also one of the reasons I left the power with Leila before moving on. I felt she could be a possible contractor that I could fall back on if she choose to accept and use the power. But also, I didn't want to get her involved with the Geass Order."

"So, they were in pursuit of you even then?" Optimus asked.

"They never stopped." Cera answered. "I may have been a cynic at the time, but I wouldn't wish that on anyone, much less a little girl."

"What kind of power does she have?" Lelouch asked.

"I'm not sure." Cera replied. "I haven't seen Leila in years since then, she might have even brushed it off as a dream. I can't say for certain whether or not she's used the power at all. All I do know is that if she doesn't use it by the time she reaches adulthood, the power will vanish. Maybe if I'm able to meet her and make contact, I might be able to determine what kind of power she has, if she doesn't already have it activated."

Lelouch and Optimus exchanged glances with each other, not necessarily blaming Cera for anything, but more understanding the possible complications that could arise from this. All three of them knew the risks and benefits of Geass all too well.

End Flashback

---

Present Day - Paris

"Congratulations, Leila." General Gene Smilas told the young woman standing in front of him in his office. "Former Major, now Lieutenant Colonel officially installed as commander of the assault unit wZERO. The Forty-Chair Defense Comity approved it yesterday, all thanks to your Narva evacuation."

"Thank you general, I accept." Leila responded as Smilas handed her the documents.

"I expect great things from you." Smilas said as he sat down at his desk. "The wZERO unit was based on your proposal, so it's only fitting that you should be its commander." He noticed the expression on her face. "What is wrong? You don't seem too happy about it."

"General Smilas, my attack plan 145-A is to launch sneak-attacks on enemy positions, utilizing multiple squads and Knightmare forces." Leila began. "So, it will require the commitment of a much larger number of troops, which is especially prevalent in our current time! Those Decepticons have wiped out the entire Britannian Empire! A super power that has stood for hundreds of years, and they wiped it off the map in matter of months! How long before they direct their attention to the EU?! My unit can use the same sneak-attack methods to disorient their forces as well, but not as we stand as I only have one soldier left in the wZERO! Please! Let me expand the unit with European troops!"

Smilas gave a small sigh before replying. "Leila, you are right to be concerned with these Decepticons. But that is exactly why the joint-chief-of-staffs won't allow Republic soldiers into your unit."

"But General…!" Leila tried to protest.

"As you say, the Decepticons have all but completely destroyed Britannia, which had more advanced weaponry and technology than either us or even the Chinese Federation." Smilas continued. "What hope would we have if we were to engage in open war against them? Those in politics and government are only human, much like most people, they value their own lives above others." He commented in minor disgust.

"But we are not the only ones who would be fighting!" Leila stated. "We thought the Black Knights and the Autobots were wiped out more than six months ago as well when Britannia fell. But now they've returned! If we find a way to work with them, perhaps we can…"

"Do you have a means of getting in contact with them?" Smilas asked, causing Leila to look down in frustration, indicating she did not. "If we were able to talk to the Black Knights and these Autobots, then perhaps we would give more thought to your proposal. But as it stands now, the best we can do is maintain our own borders. Euro Britannia has been advancing even harder since the fall of their Homeland, and we can't afford to fight two wars at the same time. I am sorry Leila."

"I will fight for the United Republic of Europia." Leila stated. "That will never change. But I can't help if I only have one soldier in my ranks!"

"I'll try to talk with the committee, perhaps they may consider it out of a 'desperate times, desperate measures' type scenario." Smilas said. "But I can make no promises."

Leila couldn't help but look in disappointment. "Thank you, General." She turned around and was prepared to leave.

"You know Leila, there is a formal party celebrating the successful Narva Retreat." Smilas told her. "With all this talk about the end of the world, perhaps it would do you good to wind back."

"Thank you, but I don't plan on it." Leila said, not in the mood before exiting the office. Right outside, past the pair of guards standing at the door was her only surviving soldier, Akito, who had been waiting patiently.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Lieutenant Hyuga."

"It's alright, I'm on escort duty." Akito replied in a more straight-forward tone. "That's what I'm here for." As they walked down the halls, he noticed the look on her face. "I'm assuming from your expression that I might be the only soldier of your unit for the time being."

Leila sighed. "I can't stand politics. The world faces a grave threat, yet they seem more concerned with their own lives and careers than anything else."

"That's just human nature." Akito said. "When it comes down to it, most people only care about themselves."

Before she could even offer a chance at a rebuttal, she felt her communications device and answered it. "Hello?"

"And how is your lovely trip in Paris, Leila?" She heard the laid-back tone of one of her officers over the other line. "Enjoying the pleasant weather?"

"Claus, I'm afraid that I'm not in the mood for your games." Leila said as she pinched the bridge between her eyes.

"That's fine, because we need you back at Castle Weisswolf. We have some special guests that would love to meet you."

"I'll make arrangements for a flight…" Leila tried to say but was casually interrupted by her officer.

"Actually Leila, they say they've got that covered."

Before she could even ask what it was that he meant by that, both she and Akito looked in shock to see a large, neon green, and swirling portal open up right in front of them.

"Just step into the glowing swirly portal and you'll find yourself on a magical journey…" Claus told her over the communications before chuckling. "Just kidding, it'll bring you straight to Castle Weisswolf."

Leila couldn't take her eyes off the portal that shined right in front of her, completely unable to make anything of it. She almost found herself entranced by it, up to the point she gave a startled gasp as Akito placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I'll go in first and make sure it's safe. I'll contact you once I reach the other side, Commander." Akito told her before walking into the portal.

"Wha… Akito!" Leila tried to stop him, but he already vanished into the portal, much to her surprise and concern. A few seconds later however, and she heard his voice over the other side of the communications.

"Commander, I made it to the other side with little issue other than some minor nausea." Akito informed in a military fashion, despite Leila being shocked and relieved at the sound of his voice. "That portal will indeed take you back to the castle, but Claus was right. There are certain individuals here that you need to meet."

Though she was hesitant at first, Leila stepped into the portal, which closed shortly after.

---

Leila soon found herself on the other side of the portal, and in the courtyard of Castle Weisswolf, before hunching over and holding her stomach and the nauseous feeling Akito warned her about.

"Leila!" Anna Clement, Leila's childhood friend and scientist in the wZERO unit, ran to her side as she and Akito helped her stand on her feet.

"I'm alright…" Leila said as she swallowed a small amount of bile that made its way up her throat. She soon saw a bag being handed to her by Claus Warwick as he had a teasing grin

"You sure? Here's a bag if you need it."

"I said I'm fine." Leila assured as she stood up.

"I apologize for the surprise, Miss Malcal. But I felt it was urgent we meet."

Leila turned around to a sight that made her gasp and pupils shrink. Standing before her was none other than the masked leader of the Black Knights; Zero himself. And standing alongside him was a group of four Black Knights and eleven Autobots.

After overcoming her initial shock, Leila had introduced herself to Zero and his ensemble of Black Knights and Autobots. Currently, she, along with Anna and Claus were sitting at a table in the courtyard with Zero sitting across from them, with Kallen, Suzaku, Rai, and Orpheus sitting by his side as well. Akito was present as he stood at Leila's side like a soldier; and standing behind the Black Knights were Bumblebee, Ultra Magnus, and Elita One.

While they were in the midst of discussion, the other Autobots found themselves looking around the old castle, trying to get a vibe of the area, having a feeling they would be spending most of their stay in the EU here.

"Huh, nice place." Bulkhead commented.

"You sure?" Sideswipe commented, sounding rather unimpressed. "Seems like a rustic old mansion to me."

"Of course, you'd think that." Strongarm glanced at the red Autobot with slight glare. "I personally find it to be rather charming."

"Yeah, kinda reminds me of the Hall of Records back on Cybertron." Smokescreen said. "Wonder if they got a library or something in there."

"Never thought you'd be the type to read." Arcee said.

"Well Alpha Trion spent most of his time in the Hall reading, so I picked up a few things myself." Smokescreen replied. "When you're stuck in basically a large library, there's only so much you can do."

"Personally, I'd be interested in what kinds of Knightmares or other forms of technology this unit has been developing." Jetfire said. "Based on our intel, it's quite different from the EU's standard military protocol."

"To be expected, the wZERO is more-or-less a black op's unit, at least based of what we heard." Prowl said.

"My point is, even if it's less advanced than what we have on Horai Island, it could still be incredibly useful if we implement their tech with ours." Jetfire replied.

"Even their own battle tactics could open new doors for us." Strongarm agreed.

"That depends on whether or not they agree to work with us." Arcee said. "They could still say 'no'."

"I don't see a reason why they wouldn't." Bulkhead replied. "I mean, based on what we heard, this girl's supposed to be a humanitarian, so I'd say she'd fit in with us quite well."

"The wZERO maybe, but what about the rest of the EU?" Arcee asked.

"Guess we're about to find out." Bulkhead said as they glanced toward the meeting taking place between the leaders of both sides.

"I have to say, it is rather ironic." Leila began as she spoke to Zero directly. "Not too long ago, I was speaking with General Smilas about you, and the unfortunate circumstance that I was unable to get in contact with your organization. And yet, literally right after, I find you at the doorstep of my base."

"I suppose that is irony." Zero noted.

"But, let me just say that… I am honored to meet you Zero." Leila said with a smile. "And you as well." She glanced up toward Bumblebee, Elita-One, as well as Ultra Magnus. "For a long time, the Britannian Empire has been the spearhead for war and segregation in our world, and they showed no signs of stopping. And yet, when you first revealed yourselves to the world, challenging everything Britannia stood for… I couldn't help but find myself admiring you and what you were fighting for."

"Thank you. Thank you very much." Bumblebee played an Elvis recording through his radio.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Commander Malcal." Zero replied. "These are my subordinates; Kallen Kozuki, Suzaku Kururugi, Rai Kururugi, and Orpheus Zevon. The Autobots present are commanders Ultra Magnus and Elita-One, and the scout Bumblebee."

Claus chuckled. "Bumblebee, huh? Well, that's cute. You got any honey for my tea?" He teased, causing Bee to look at him with a little indifference.

"Nice to meet you all." Leila nodded. "Sitting beside me is Officer Claus Warrick, captain Anna Clement, and Lieutenant Akito Hyuga."

"Hello." Anna waved with a smile, while Akito simply nodded.

"So, what exactly have we done to earn the attention and audience of the people and robots who shook this world to its core?" Claus asked casually. "Hopping to recruit us to your cause?"

"Actually, yes." Ultra Magnus nodded. "But as well, we believe you may have a means for us to bring the EU over to our side."

"I'm sure you already understand at this point that your world is facing a force far worse than even the likes of Britannia." Elita-One informed.

"The Decepticons." Leila said with narrowed eyes.

"Indeed." Zero confirmed.

"They've already destroyed the Britannian Empire." Suzaku said. "It's only a matter of time before they set their sights on the rest of the world."

"We've got a small army with the Black Knights and what few Autobots who've arrived." Kallen added. "And we were able to hit the Cons pretty hard in our last with battle with them, but it won't stop them completely."

"If we're really going to stop the Cons, we need to build a force that's even stronger than them." Rai commented. "And the only force that can possibly reach that goal, is no less than the entire world."

"So, you're trying to get the EU on your side, well what about the Chinese Federation? They got more territory than we do." Claus asked.

"We already have an informant who's rather close to the Empress." Orpheus revealed. "And the rest of our forces, being led by Optimus Prime, are not only monitoring what's going on in the Federation, but even recruiting other small resistance groups across the world."

"Of course, simply repelling the Decepticons is not our only goal, but rather our immediate one." Zero said. "What happens after the Decepticons are defeated is just as important."

"Right, cause once the 'big bad' is out of the way, nasty politicians are gonna try to grab as much power as possible." Claus said. "I can definitely see something like that happening. So let me guess, you want to create a future where everyone in the world is holding hands and shouting 'kumbaya', or something like that."

"Not quite how we'd put it, but yes." Elita said.

"You… you really think you can unite the world?" Anna asked, sounding a bit unsure.

"Given the circumstances, it's the best chance this planet has at survival." Ultra Magnus replied.

"But yes, we do." Kallen confirmed. "The Black Knights aren't just Japanese, we got people coming in from all over the world."

"Heck we even got a few former Britannian royals on our side." Rai commented.

"Huh, that's a surprise." Akito commented. "And here I thought they were the absolute scum of the earth who did what they wanted and killed anyone who got in their way, even each other."

"Oh, several of them certainly were." Zero responded. "The late Emperor was among, if not the absolute worst human on the planet."

"But not everyone in the royal family was like that." Suzaku quickly said.

"Well I do recall a certain princess wanting to make life better for those who were stuck in Area 11 more than six months ago." Akito said. "And then turned into an absolute massacre."

"Euphemia had absolutely nothing to do with that!" Suzaku shouted, standing up from his seat and slamming his hand on the table, catching several by surprise, save for his friends and comrades who looked to him with concern. "She made a genuine attempt to help the people in need; only to get abducted and replaced with a machine that started that horrible mess. The Decepticons were responsible for that! Not Euphemia!"

"We do have solid evidence to prove that, if you would like to see it for yourself." Elita offered in a calmer tone as Rai helped Suzaku sit back down.

"Oh, that's not necessary. If you say it's alright, then it's alright." Akito said in a tone that left many uncomfortable as Lelouch couldn't help but eye him with suspicion. There was something about Akito that left him more than a little concerned, not that he was about to kill them or anything, but something else…

"If you don't mind me asking, how many former Britannian royals do you have in your ranks?" Leila asked, speaking more diplomatically.

"Euphemia is one of us." Orpheus said. "As is Cornelia."

"The Witch of Britannia, eh? That's a surprise." Claus said.

"When your entire empire is wiped out, it tends to put things in a new perspective." Rai said, he cast a glance towards Zero, who nodded in approval before speaking. "We also have Nunnally vi Britannia among our ranks as well."

That took the wZERO group by surprise. "I heard she had died when Japan was first invaded." Anna commented.

"She was presumed deceased but was taken in by friends of their late mother and sheltered before joining with the Black Nights shortly before the Decepticon uprising against Britannia." Elita informed.

"I also recall that she wasn't the only one who was 'presumed deceased' with Japan's invasion." Akito said. "Didn't she have a brother?"

"Indeed, she does." Zero said as he reached toward his mask before taking it off to reveal his face. Leila and Anna both gasped, even Akito's eyes widened, whereas Claus looked with a raised eyebrow. "Lelouch vi Britannia, former eleventh prince and seventeenth heir to the now non-existent throne of Britannia, at your service." He performed a bow.

"You're… a Britannian prince…" Leila stuttered, not over her surprise.

"Former prince." Lelouch put extra emphasis on that. "Even before the fall of Britannia, I've renounced my claim to that hallow throne, and I do not regret my decision in the slightest."

"Huh, well I'll be damned." Claus commented.

"The revolutionary movement that started in Japan, being consisted mostly of Japanese, and here they are led by a former prince of the Empire that persecuted them." Akito said before glancing toward Kallen. "Irony at it's finest, wouldn't you agree?"

"I know what you're going to say." Kallen began. "It's the height of hypocrisy, you're just a pawn to another Britannian royal, blah-blah-blah. Look this guy here had every reason to hate Britannia as much as we do. He's earned our trust through sweat and blood and has done nothing to make that trust falter. And honestly at this point, that's not even the biggest surprise." She glanced up to the two Autobot commanders beside her. "These guys are from another freaking planet! While I will say I'm proud to call myself Japanese, I'll still say that letting ourselves be blind by social and racial differences is pointless. Especially since the Cons will wipe us all out despite our differences."

"Still, that is a rather bold move." Leila said, looking to Lelouch directly. "To reveal your identity at our first meeting."

"I'm hoping that by doing so, I can earn your trust." Lelouch replied. "Which is the main reason we hope to reach out to the EU's higher ups through you specifically. Not just because of your connections, but your own familial history… Miss Breisgau."

Leila's pupils shrunk as Anna and even Claus were caught off guard, while Akito merely looked to Leila with a raised eyebrow in surprise.

"How…?"

"The Black Knights were recently joined by an organization called Peace Mark, which I am from." Orpheus explained. "We've got connections all over the world, so it's only natural we find yours." A small smirk fell on his face. "And hey, you're not the only odd ball here. I was part of a Britannian noble family that only had female successions, so I was basically disowned at birth. Not that it contributes to our main discussion, just saying."

"We've heard of your father." Suzaku got back to the point, speaking to Leila. "Despite being Britannian, he went against the ways of the Empire and defected to Europia, where he was praised for his ideals. And you have our condolences for your loss."

Leila looked down slightly, remembering the explosions that claimed the lives of both her parents, as well as the screams all around her. "Thank you…" Anna placed a hand on her friend's shoulder to comfort her.

"We realize we may be asking much of you, but we're essentially backed into a corner and are running out of time." Elita One said. "The Decepticons are coming, and when they do, they will throw everything at the EU until there is nothing left."

"Um… are you also forgetting the fact that the EU is currently at war with Euro Britannia?" Claus put in as he causally raised his hand. "I know it's all pretty minor in the grand scheme of things, but still…"

"What if were to convince Euro Britannia to offer a cease fire with the EU, and a possible alliance?" Lelouch offered, which caught them by surprise even further.

"We are well aware of the current situation and your skirmish against Euro Britannia." Ultra Magnus explained. "As we speak, Euphemia is meeting with Grand Duke Highland to negotiate a possible ceasefire."

"But, we also know that there is a possibility the Cons will try to force Euro Britannia to cooperate with them, so if and when that happens, we can work with Highland to organize a coup." Rai put in.

"We try to look into the situation as much as we can before going in." Kallen said. "It's better than just going in blind."

"Huh… well damn." Claus smirked. "Gotta hand it to you, you think of everything."

Lelouch couldn't help but smirk before getting serious as he looked toward Leila again. "I'm hopping that with this, we can begin to build the foundation of something for this planet. Not just a means to fight back against the Decepticons, but to build a world better than the old one. We'd be privileged if you would join us…" He offered her his hand.

Leila almost couldn't believe it. The masked revolutionary that she had come to admire since his first appearance in Japan and continued defiance against not only Britannia but also the Decepticons, was offering her a chance to join and fight alongside him, him and the Autobots that she had also admired. She could tell right away that unlike the Decepticons who seek to put every human on the planet under their heel, the Autobots and Black Knights worked and fought together as equals. Zero even went so far as to reveal his identity to her, hopping to extend trust. Perhaps a chance at world peace was possible after all.

"I… still have commitments to not only my unit the army." Leila said, trying to speak in a professional manner, despite her inner giddiness almost coming out to the surface. "So, I can't officially join the Black Knights."

"I'm not asking you too." Lelouch said. "Just a chance for us to work together. If you are able and wish to join us, we'd be happy to have you onboard. Otherwise, simply working together is fine. It's your choice."

Leila smiled. "Well in that case, I would be honored." She accepted his hand. "I look forward to working with you, all of you." She smiled to not only Kallen, Rai, Suzaku, and Orpheus; but also, Ultra Magnus and Elita One. Most all smiled in return, while Magnus simply nodded.

"With that all settled, Miss Breisgau…" Lelouch began.

"Please just call me Leila."

"Very well, Leila, there is someone else I'd like you to meet."

---

Lelouch led Leila through the woods that surrounded Weisswolf castle alone. Akito insisted on coming along with her, but Lelouch assured him that he had no intentions of harming her. It wasn't until Leila ordered him to stay back that he allowed her to follow him.

"I apologize for Akito." Leila said as Lelouch continued to lead her.

"It's fine, I get it." Lelouch assured. "It's to be expected when you're asked to follow someone you just met all alone to a secluded area."

"I suppose you're right." Leila replied. "But the fact you revealed your identity at only our first meeting shows that you are, above all, an honest man. So, I'm not worried."

'An honest man, huh?' Lelouch silently noted the irony. Never once did he imagine that he'd be viewed as such. True, he knew how much he had changed since first meeting the Autobots in Shinjuku so long ago, but it still felt like a surprise to him to hear others say that. But it was a welcomed surprise as he smiled inwardly.

"But if you don't mind me asking, why exactly are we meeting this person in such a secluded area?" Leila asked as they were further into the forest, having crossed a small river with little issue.

"It's not that she's shy or anti-social or anything, but the topic we're discussing isn't exactly one you talk about in casual conversation." Lelouch explained as they made their way to a large tree, where the person in question was waiting for them. Once Leila saw the flowing green hair and golden eyes, she could have sworn she felt her heart stop.

"Hello Leila." Cera greeted. "It's been a long time."

"You…"

---

Flashback

The young Leila struggled to pick herself up on the snowy ground as she glanced back to the burning and turned over car behind her where her mother still remained.

"Leila…!"

"Mama!"

"Run away, sweetie! Hurry…!" She told her as the flames consumed the car even further.

With a heavy heart, she ran away, just before the car exploded, taking the life of her mother. Despite being so young, she knew that her mother was gone now, as was her father. She ran straight, her mind racing as tears flowed down her eyes. The bitter cold and icy wind biting against her face as she ran with no set destination in mind. That is until she ran onto a frozen lake, and the ice caved, causing her to fall into the freezing water.

It almost seemed as if that death would claim her as well, just like her mother and father… until she spotted a figure in a hooded white robe above the frozen surface of the lake that she was trapped in.

"Will you live?" The figure reached down and pulled her out of the lake. "You could if you possessed the power. I'll make a deal with you. If you accept my contract, then your life will be that unlike of any other human's, as long as you live in the same world as them. In another place, and another time."

The figure stood up and removed her hood to reveal her long green hair and golden eyes. "The power of the king will set you apart. If you feel ready for it, I will grant that power." Said power manifested in the young Leila as the red sigil of Geass briefly shined in her left eye before vanishing. "Still, you are but a child. For that reason, I will give you till the time you reach adulthood to make a decision." She put her hood back on before turning around and leaving. "If you accept, there will be no turning back. If you refuse, it will cease to exist."

End Flashback

---

Cera looked toward Leila as the young woman looked like she had seen a ghost, which caused Cera to form something of a smile.

"I'm glad to know you remember me." The immortal said, upon reading her facial expression. "I'd rather not have to bring up an awful memory for you if I could avoid it." She looked deep into Leila's eyes. "I can see the power still exists in you, but you haven't used it yet. Though… perhaps it has gone through a change because of that, so I am curious as to how it's developed."

"You… I… how…?" Leila couldn't get over the surprised look on her face as Lelouch took a few steps back, letting Leila sink this in on her own. "Who… who are you?"

"Back then, I was known as C.C. But I would prefer you call me by my true name, Cera."

"You… look the same when I saw you… all those years ago…" Leila stuttered.

"There's a reason for that, and it's the reason why Lelouch brought you here to see me." Cera explained.

"Geass…" Leila remembered that word.

"Yes." Cera confirmed. "I will tell you everything I know about it now; including its connections and possible origins to that of the Cybertronian race."

---

Euro Britannian Capital – Sankt Petersburg – Catherine Palace

Grand Duke Augusta Henry Highland, also known as Grand Duke Velaines, entered in his own private quarters in exhaustion before sitting on the nearest chair to pinch the bridge between his eyes. Yet again, he had to deal with more and more nobles of the Britannian homeland that had escaped the fall of the Empire and had instantly demanded he take immediate action against the Decepticons. Of course, he had to deal with the EU forces that had sought to take advantage of the chaos and push back against his own territories, which led into the stalemate he found himself in against the enemy superpower.

But that wasn't what made him truly exhausted. He knew it was only a matter of time before the Decepticons came knocking at his door. He suspected they would either seek to obliterate Euro Britannia the way they did the homeland or force his people to submit to their will. In addition to Britannian nobility, he also had to see to the common citizens that had fled to Euro Britannia, which was already causing a great deal of unrest with his own citizens. To say he felt like he was caught between a rock and a hard place was an understatement. But no matter how strong the forces of Euro Britannia were, he suspected they wouldn't last long against the Decepticons, much like how the homeland didn't last six months before being completely erased. At this point, he had hoped a miracle would somehow come his way and provide an answer to work with.

His thoughts were interrupted at the sight of a swirling portal that suddenly appeared before him. He stood up in alert, his hand on the nearest sword as he prepared himself for a fight, but he was not prepared for the three individuals that stepped out of the portal.

"Grand Duke Velaines!" Euphemia exclaimed with a smile as she, Gino and Monica entered the room before the Groundbridge portal closed behind them. "It's so good to see you after so long!"

"Pr… Princess… Euphemia!" He stuttered, never expecting to see her again, much less literally popping up in his own private quarters.

"Sorry for literally showing up out of nowhere." Gino said as he nervously rubbed the back of his head.

"Maybe you should sit down sir." Monica said with a similar expression.

Velaines fell back on his chair as his mind caught up with everything. Soon, he smiled as he looked toward the familiar faces he had never thought he'd see again. "I'm… I'm glad to see all of you. Princess Euphemia, Sir Weinberg, and Lady Krushevsky."

"Eh, there's no need for formalities man." Gino told him in a friendly tone. "As you can see, we're not exactly Knights of the Round anymore, and Euphie here doesn't consider herself royalty."

The Grand Duke took notice of their attire, particularly the joint-emblem of the Autobot-Black Knight alliance somewhere on each of their persons. "You're Black Knights."

"Yes, we are." Monica confirmed.

"I'm sorry if you feel disappointed in that." Euphie began. "But… despite what Britannia might have said about them, I know each and every one of them are good people. The Autobots, even before coming to Earth, truly fight for the freedoms and rights of all sentient beings, regardless of their origin. The Black Knights follow that ideal as well. I could no longer serve Britannia after seeing how far they're willing to go to strip those rights away."

"Honestly, I cannot say I'm surprised." Velaines commented. "You were one of the few individuals in the royal court that I could have a decent conversation with, without it going into all the details about making others submit. I may be Britannian, but that does not mean I approved of your father's methods."

"I know you didn't, and that's why we came here now." Euphie said.

"You know, your face has caused a lot of controversy with all the people here, Euphemia." Velaines told her. "What happened at the Special Zone in Area 11…"

"Hey, that wasn't her!" Gino tried to say, even though Euphie looked away with a shame-filled expression as Monica put a hand on her shoulder in comfort. "The Cons replaced her with a robot, and that turned the whole thing into a mess! It's their fault!"

"It's alright, I believe you." Velaines assured. "I know you, Euphemia. You've never once picked up a gun in your life, and I know you wouldn't put so many innocent lives in danger, regardless of whether or not they aren't Britannians."

Despite the guilt she still felt about the whole mess, she smiled at him. "Thank you, sir."

A small smile fell on his face in return before it faded slightly. "Why do I have the feeling though, you didn't just drop by in order to catch up?"

The three got serious as Monica began. "We believe the Decepticons are going to make their move regarding Euro Britannia relatively soon. We've dealt a crippling blow to them in our most recent battle, but it's not going to stop them."

"We think they're gonna come to Euro Britannia to try to recruit and/or enslave you to their cause." Gino put in.

Velaines sighed. "Yes, I figured that would happen sooner-or-later. I'm assuming you have a plan to counter this?"

"Yes." Euphie confirmed. "Zero and a few Autobots are in the EU right now, talking with someone who might be able to reach out to you and offer a cease fire between them and Euro Britannia, maybe even a truce. We're trying to bring the world together so that we stand a better chance at fighting the Decepticons, as well as creating a brighter future for Earth."

"Heck, we've even got some guys working in the Chinese Federation for the same reason." Gino added. "It's pretty crazy, let me tell ya."

The Grand Duke of Euro Britannia couldn't help but chuckle. "The world becoming united… and all it took was the invasion of potentially-genocidal aliens to do it."

"Do you think maybe you can help us?" Monica asked. "If we were able to convince the EU to offer a truce and a ceasefire, would you be willing to accept it? As well as join the coalition of nations that we're building."

"Yes." Velaines answered without hesitation as he stood up. "As I said before, I may be a Britannian, but if there is a chance to end this fighting once and for all, I'll take it. Those monsters must be stopped, and I'll do what I can to help, even if I have to cooperate with the EU."

"Does that include Optimus Prime and Zero?" Euphie asked. "Those that were considered the worst enemies of the Empire."

"Britannia is all but gone." Velaines responded. "There may be some people here who won't be happy about it, but I can make it work. And yes, if I have to negotiate with those that were once considered Britannia's enemies, I will do it."

Euphie shared an emotional smile with both Gino and Monica. "Thank you, sir." She bowed her head. "I'm so grateful to hear that."

"Please take this." Monica handed him a small communications device. "When the Decepticons arrive, and things change here, please contact us. We'll keep you in the loop with what happens in the EU too."

"I understand." Velaines nodded as he put the device away as he offered his hand for Euphemia to shake, which she did without hesitation. "However, there is one thing you should know. Your sister, Marrybell is here."

"What?" Euphie looked in surprise, as well as the two former Knights of the Round.

"As is her personal squad, the Glinda Knights." Velaines informed. "You know how ruthless Marrybell was in regard to the Empire's enemies. But since Britannia's fall… she's taken it rather hard. And she will be the most difficult to convince to cooperate with you."

Euphie had a conflicted look on her face. While she wasn't particularly close with Marrybell, not nearly as close as she was with Cornelia, Lelouch, and Nunnally, she still cared for her. At the same time, she knew how ruthless and dangerous she was, even more so than Cornelia when she served Britannia. There was a part of her that hoped Marrybell could join them, but if they had to fight, she would accept that as well.

"Thank you, I'll let everyone else know as well." Euphie nodded as she accessed communications. "We're done here, please send a Groundbridge." A second later, another portal opened, and Euphie turned to Velaines one last time. "I hope to see you again soon."

"As do I." Velaines nodded as he watched the trio enter the portal before it closed completely.

---

Meanwhile, there was an unfinished and abandoned city that appeared to be rather far out from the Europia capital of Paris. It seemed like it would be a busy metropolitan area, one that was incomplete if the construction equipment and unfinished buildings are anything to by. However, the entire project seems to have been more-or-less abandoned for some reason, and the only inhabitants appeared to be a few homeless people here and there, as well as a small black-market group that was currently making a deal in an abandoned subway station.

"I lost more than a hundred people from my crew to get all that." The man who appeared to be the head of the group said toward a trio of Japanese teenagers that he appeared to be dealing with. "Hope you're satisfied."

The young man with brown hair and eyes looked toward a large Britannian transport vehicle that had a total of twenty Sutherlands installed. "What about the other piece that we asked?"

"Right here." The man snapped his fingers as one of his underlings brought out a large box, which he opened to reveal a large mechanical device akin to a computer hard drive of sorts.

"Yukiya, this what you're looking for?" The leader of the trio asked as the other Japanese young man with light brown hair and green eyes apparently named Yukiya walked up to inspect the device himself.

"Yep, that's it, Ryo." Yukiya confirmed. "I can get this hooked up to all the Knightmares by tonight."

"Gotta tell ya, the Fall of Britannia's been nothing short of good for business." The black-market leader began as he sat casually with all his men standing behind him. "While the metal giants are busy stomping on all the 'meatbag' bugs on the surface, people like us have all the opportunity we could ask for."

"I'm sorry, but 'people like us'?" The girl with black hair and pink eyes questioned with a glare. "You think we're the same?"

"Easy Ayano." Ryo put a hand on her shoulder, while also sending a discrete nod to Yukiya, who pressed a small button on his watch, which began to count down from thirty.

"Yeah, I mean we're all rats just trying to scrape by." The black-market leader continued. "But with the world in chaos, anything can happen. And you know the old saying, there's strength in numbers, right? So why don't you and your crew come and work for me? While all the metal giants and big empires duke it out, we can help ourselves to all the spoils they leave behind and even make our own underground empire. We may be rights, but we'd live like kings. So what do you say?"

Ryo actually chuckled. "Ya know, that's actually not a bad offer, except for one thing." He scowled at the man. "You make me sick!"

"What was that?!"

"Ryo! Now!" Yukiya warned as he jumped over the steel girders behind him for cover, while Ryo and Ayano did the same behind the Knightmare transport when suddenly, the entire area had been lit up with explosions from bombs that the trio had planted earlier. The explosions appeared to be coming in from all directions as all the armed men were blown to smithereens, even those that tried to make their escape were blown up by motion-censor bombs at the exit.

The smoke and dust began to clear as everyone appeared to be dead, save for Ryo, Yukiya, and Ayano as they pulled themselves out of the cover to survey the damage.

"Wow…" Yukiya smirked at his handiwork. "Body parts everywhere…"

"Man, what a mess." Ryo said. "It'll be a bitch to clean up. Good work, but it won't always be this easy. It certainly won't be easy if we end up dealing with the Cons."

"Come on man, you heard him." Yukiya said causally. "We're just 'meatbag bugs', it's not like they're gonna notice us even if they're standing right in front of us.'

"Guess that's the difference between us and them." Ayano commented. "They're practically indestructible, and we're so fragile."

"Somebody please…!" They heard the pained grunts of the black-market leader, who still appeared to be alive, even though he suffered several severe injuries, including a lost right leg. "I need a doctor… it's over just… help me…"

"Well, I'll be, you're still alive, huh?" Ryo said as he walked over to him.

"You've gotta help me…!"

"Sure, I'll be happy to help you." Ryo smirked. "For a small fee, I mean your life isn't worth much. Give me a ball-park estimate." He laughed at his own joke.

"Wait… don't tell me…! Are you kids with those rebels… those guys who joined those other metal giants?! The… The Black Knights…?!"

"Nope. We're not with them, just a bunch of Elevens trying to get by in this batshit crazy world." Ryo answered before pulling out a pistol and aiming it at the man. "But you don't need to worry about it." He put the man out of his misery with a shot to the head.

---

Paris – The Next Day

Leila was able to successfully arrange a meeting between General Gene Smilas and Zero, under a few conditions. The meeting would take place in the form of a convoy between the Europian capital and Castle Weisswolf, in order to give off the impression that Leila was being escorted back home. Smilas felt it would be best if the politics and bureaucrats did not know about the presence of the Autobots and Black Knights in the EU at this time, which both Zero and Ultra Magnus found to be acceptable. The second condition was that if any other Black Knights were present, they could not have their Knightmares; it was a diplomatic meeting, nothing more than that, and Smilas felt it would be unnecessary if they had Autobot escorts, which was indeed the case.

Currently, Zero and Suzaku both sat in the limousine with Leila and Smilas that made its way through Paris with a military convoy around them. Driving with the convoy were the vehicle modes of the Autobots Ultra Magnus, Elita-One, Bumblebee, Arcee, Bulkhead, and Prowl. Kallen, Orpheus, and Rai were also present, but they stayed with Arcee, Prowl, and Bulkhead respectively. Akito was also present, but he sat in the cockpit of one of the Knightmares being transported with the convoy.

At the same time, Jetfire, Smokescreen, Grindcore, Strongarm, and Sideswipe stayed at Castle Weisswolf alongside Cera, Euphemia, Gino, and Monica as they got to know the officers and staff within the wZERO unit. Cera and Lelouch had also expressed to Leila that both Cera's existence, as well as that of the Geass, was to be kept an absolute secret from even General Smilas; she hadn't even told Akito or the rest of her unit about it. While she didn't like the idea of keeping secrets from those closest to her, she saw the reason why when Cera and Lelouch explained to her everything about it; from Lelouch's own Geass power, as well as that belonging to Rai and Orpheus, as well as the Prime Geass belonging to Optimus; and even V.V., the Geass Order that was being controlled directly by the late Emperor Charles, and even Megatron's own Dark Geass, and the possible origins to Unicron. Leila felt it was a little overwhelming at first once she heard it all but agreed on the necessity to keep it secret for the time being.

The convoy made its way through the streets of Paris, passing by the runes of Notre Dame as the meeting went underway.

"I can't help but note the irony." Smilas began. "Just yesterday, Leila had expressed the urge of working with your organization, yet we had no way of contacting you. And yet you were able to come to us."

"Leila herself noted the irony." Zero answered, causing Leila to stifle a chuckle before sitting straight. "So, shall we get started?"

"Yes." Smilas nodded. "While I do agree that the human race has a better chance at survival against the Decepticons by working together, and I do see the possibility of that happening as this Megatron has given the humanity a common enemy to stand against, there are two critical things that have to be taken into account."

"The fear that the Decepticons instill, as well as what happens after they are defeated." Zero said.

"Correct. If nothing else, you appear to think ahead, Zero." Smilas granted.

"We're at war, it's crucial to think of the consequences of one's actions. Both good and bad." Suzaku commented.

"I agree." Smilas replied. "So, tell me, what kind of world do you envision creating once the Decepticons have been dealt with? What sort of society would you make?"

"Currently, we are working with certain groups and individuals who would help to create a charter of nations." Zero explained. "This charter would include larger superpowers, such as the EU and the Chinese Federation, as well as smaller and independent nations. Here, the leaders of each nation would speak together as equals."

"A charter, you say? I never quite pegged you as an idealist." Smilas said.

"Take a look at the world we're in now, General Smilas. The people could use some idealism." Zero told him.

"Perhaps you may be right." Smilas glanced out the window. "You know, ever since the revolution three hundred years ago, Europia has maintained its republic system. But what the revolution might have actually given rise to, is this devastating money-worship. The end result of a lifetime of self-interest, that's true for even those who claim to be this country's leaders. Even with the shadow of the Decepticons looming over them, those in power seem more content with retaining what power and money they have, rather than the people they should be protecting. If this keeps up, the Decepticons will wipe out the EU even more swiftly than they did Britannia."

Suzaku, Zero, and even Leila seemed to silently agree. One look at the EU's politics and they could tell that they seemed more concerned with themselves at the moment.

"Which is why we are speaking to you, General." Suzaku said. "You are one of the most well-decorated soldiers in this superpower, more people are willing to listen to you. If the people of the EU follow you, and us if you choose to work with us, this country might stand a better chance."

"I feel you give me too much credit, Mr. Kururugi." Smilas glanced at him directly. "But if I may ask, why did you side with Britannia before? You may be a Black Knight now, but people still remember you as a soldier of the Britannian Empire, even a knight to Princess Euphemia."

"I thought I could work within the system to change it." Suzaku answered, though he would keep the reason for atonement of his father's murder a secret for obvious reasons. "With her optimimism and humanitarian goals, I felt that Princess Euphemia had a the ability to do just that."

"Perhaps she did have the ability, but even if the Decepticons didn't turn against Britannia themselves, I feel that the Emperor would have simply turned all of Britannia against your princess in order to maintain the status quo." Smilas commented. "That's not pessimism speaking, it just seems to be the nature of those with power. Which is why I can't help but think, if only General Napoleon Bonaparte, hero of the revolution, had become Emperor of Europe, rather than dying at the guillotine like he did…"

"He tried to make himself a dictator." Leila said.

"I'll have to agree." Zero added. "Napoleon was a competent strategist and a great military leader, and I have respect for his tactics, I cannot condone his desired result of making himself the sole ruler of an entire continent, to rule with an iron fist like that of a Britannian emperor."

"The dictatorship of one talented man is far more beneficial than the democracy of the ignorant masses." Smilas argued.

"Then wouldn't it make more sense to teach the people?" Suzaku asked. "From what I've learned, the leaders don't make the country, it's the people they are supposed to serve. Kings, presidents, even emperors are supposed to serve the people, not the other way around."

"Unfortunately, not everyone feels that way." Smilas replied.

Zero gave a small sigh before speaking. "General Smilas, do you know how the Decepticons came to be?"

"Please enlighten me." Smilas encouraged.

"Cybertron, long ago, was once divided into a caste system." Zero began. "Those of the higher class had more power and looked down upon the lower classes, creating an inequality among the masses. Sound familiar? Two Cybertronians sought to change it; one was librarian named Orion Pax who was mentored by a previous leader of Cybertron, the other was a gladiator who worked his way up from the bottom to get where he wanted to be, his name was Megatron. Orion and Megatron approached the Cybertronian High Council, the party that would select those who would lead Cybertron, known as the Primes, and proposed their vision for a new society. Much like Napoleon, Megatron was and is a tactical genius, he's outwitted myself more than once. He's also a brutal warrior, taking pride in his years as a gladiator; for his genius, strength, and cunning, he developed a strong sense of charisma which gained a loyal following. His vision for a new society on Cybertron was to overthrow the old guard with force as he demanded to be named the next Prime."

Smilas remained silent as he allow Zero to continue, listening to every word, as did Leila who narrowed her own eyes at Megatron's tactics, particularly how he 'demanded' to become the next leader. It left quite a bad taste in her mouth.

"However, Orion proposed a more peaceful method to bring a new Golden Age to Cybertron." Zero continued. "The High Council was so moved that they decided then and there to make Orion the next leader; and he would have led Cybertron into a new era of peace and prosperity. But Megatron didn't like that, he wanted all the power for himself, so much so that he waged open war on all who opposed him through his growing army of followers which he named, Decepticons. The end result of the war? Cybertron is now a husk, unable to sustain any form of life; and they have every intention of doing the same to Earth. They will drain our world dry until there is nothing left."

"General, you said how you felt the late Britannian Emperor would turn against Euphemia for challenging his views, and I do see that happening." Suzaku began. "Which is why I also have a feeling that if Britannia continued along their set-path, even without the intervention of the Decepticons or even the Autobots to stand against them, they would have destroyed the Earth too, just as Megatron destroyed Cybertron."

"And I feel that Napoleon, or one of his successors, might have done the same if Europia had become an empire like Britannia." Zero continued. "True, those in power have made this country less-than perfect, but it's not the power or the system itself that's the issue, it's the people in charge. Power can be corruptive, yes, but it's not truly evil nor is it truly good; it's up to the people who wield that power to make it so. And I have seen that those with a great deal of power and strength use it to protect the weak. Optimus Prime is capable of just that, as is Euphemia, and I believe there are those in this world that also have the capability do so as well."

"And you can do that too, General." Suzaku said. "Even though those in politics might have more political power, you're someone the people can get behind. If you follow a similar example, maybe the people can strive to make this nation better. Unlike Britannia, there is still hope the EU can be changed."

"I admire and respect your idealism." Smilas replied. "And your friends have my sympathies for the loss of their home…" He glanced out the window to gaze at the vehicle mode of Bumblebee that stuck close to the limousine. "But it's not exactly an easy process."

However, while Smilas seemed somewhat skeptical, Leila couldn't help but look to Zero and Suzaku in awe, doing her to maintain a professional disposition. From the beginning, she knew what the Black Knights and the Autobots stood for, but to actually hear them say it, she could tell right away that they had every intention of making their dream a reality. Is Optimus Prime like this as well? She had hoped she would meet him soon, as well. If she could help them in creating a better world than the one that they currently have, she would help with every fiber of her being.

Soon, the convoy passed over a bridge that left the inner most city of Paris, before passing by the internment camps that contained a large number of Japanese refugees. Seeing all these people behind caged walls made every Black Knight and Autobot wince; Kallen and Rai, and even Orpheus; Arcee, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, even Prowl looked disturbed, especially Elita One. Even Ultra Magnus couldn't help but look in sympathy to the starving people. For many of them, this reminded them too much of the ghettos back in Area 11 under Britannian subjugation.

"Why are there internment camps here?" Suzaku couldn't help but question. "Prejudice against the Japanese, against all non-Britannians is a Britannian policy, and Britannia doesn't exist anymore."

"While that is true, it was the decision of the politics when Japanese refugees entered our borders." Smilas replied. "They feared Britannia would attack if we offered them sanctuary. Now that fear has grown even more with the Decepticons; after all, the Black Knights originated from Japan and you and the Autobots are the only ones who are directly fighting them."

Leila and Suzaku looked in sympathy out the window at the sight of the people locked away, while Zero's fists clenched under his cape. He would totally see Britannia attacking the EU just for offering sanctuary, and the same for the Decepticons as well.

Outside, Kallen's hands clenched hard on Arcee's handles. "Take it easy, Kallen." Arcee told her partner, even though she felt the same thing she did.

"I know, I know, still pisses me off though." Kallen muttered.

"Ya know, a part of me wants to just call up a Groundbridge right here and now and get these people to Horai Island." Rai said over the communications he, his friends, and the Autobots shared so they wouldn't disturb the meeting.

"I hear ya, buddy. At least there they'd be safer." Bulkhead agreed.

"We cannot do that, however." Ultra Magnus commented. "If we did, it would compromise our negotiations with the EU, which we cannot afford."

"Magnus is right." Orpheus agreed. "Look, I understand how you guys feel. I may be a Britannian, but I was once in these people's shoes as well, being stuck and alone with no help… it's torture on the inside."

"But we can't help them by blowing stuff up or anything like that." Elita-One also said. "Unlike with Britannia, we have a chance to negotiate with the EU, and a chance to help these people that doesn't involve fighting."

"I agree." Prowl said. "We need to take this one step at a time."

"But I promise, we will help these people." Magnus vowed. "You have my word as an Autobot."

"Yeah…" Kallen breathed a little easier now. However, her Autobot partner noticed how their party's scout had remained silent.

"You've been awfully quiet, Bee. Something on your mind?" Arcee asked.

"[Yeah… it's Akito.]" Bumblebee said, causing everyone to look in the direction of a Knightmare transport where Akito was located, sitting in the cockpit of a Knightmare. "[There's just… something about him. I can't quite explain it but… something in his eyes… it's… different than most other people we've seen]"

"Yeah, I noticed it too." Kallen agreed. "Like there's something missing inside him… something that's…"

"Dead?" Rai finished. "Like he's dead inside? Yeah, I've seen that look before… on Lelouch at the beginning, and even myself."

---

After a few hours, the convoy began to pass through a certain abandoned city, making their way straight through on the main express routes that crisscrossed their way throughout the massive infrastructure, unaware that they were being watched.

Whether it was a slight shift in his speed or something else, Orpheus sensed the Autobot he rode in was feeling a slight unease. "Prowl?"

"Be on guard." Prowl warned the group over the comns. "I've got a bad feeling."

"You sure you're not just getting a weird vibe from this creepy city?" Rai asked somewhat skeptically.

"Well, I'm getting a haunted vibe from here." Bulkhead pointed out.

"Prowl's instincts are usually spot-on." Ultra Magnus said with a serious tone of voice. "Keep your guard up, prepare for a possible ambush."

---

"Target cited… Right on time…" Yukiya said as he monitored the convoy from an unseen position. "That's weird… got a few civilian vehicles passing through."

"Probably just cover for the military." Ryo said over the communications.

"Then why do they have military vehicles with them?" Ayano questioned. "I think we should pull out; I don't l like this."

"No. We may never get another chance like this. We're taking it." Ryo stated.

"Alright then, let's get this game started!" Yukiya smirked wildly.

---

The convoy continued to make their way through the central road before coming to a certain point where a series of bombs went off at the struts of the road, causing the path in front of the convoy to cave in, taking down the front escort military vehicles, but the Autobots quickly put the brakes on their respective vehicle modes, jostling some of their human occupants before rolling back toward the limousine that still had Zero, Suzaku, Leila, and Smilas.

Likewise, the Knightmare transports had to skid to a halt, while the one Akito was in accidentally smashed into a military vehicle before crashing into the side of the road.

Sensing he was needed outside, Akito activated the cockpit of the Gardmare he was currently in and tried to open it. The EU-grade Knightmare was fully functional, save for one small problem…

"Damn! The hatch is stuck!" Akito cursed.

"What's going on!?" Zero questioned.

"Ambush!" Elita-One exclaimed. "Autobots, be ready!"

"Do not transform yet! I repeat, do not transform yet!" Zero ordered. "Form a perimeter and see who's attacking us first!"

"Rodger!" All present Black Knights and Autobots responded.

"Driver, pull us back twenty meters! Let the Autobots encircle us!" Zero ordered.

"Y… Yes sir!" The panicked driver did as he was told as he pulled the limousine back and allowed the vehicle modes of Ultra Magnus, Bumblebee, Arcee, Bulkhead, Prowl, and Elita-One to form a complete circle around them; with Kallen, Rai, and Orpheus reaching for their guns and keeping eyes out for the enemy.

"You two, stay as close to us as possible!" Suzaku told Leila and Smilas, as they both nodded in understanding.

"Movement! Twenty units encircling us!" Ultra Magnus reported from his built-in Radio.

"Decepticons?!" Elita questioned.

"Negative. They appear to be Britannian signals." Magnus replied, just as twenty Sutherlands all shot out from the buildings surrounding the group.

All Knightmares except one were being remotely controlled by Yukiya from his hiding spot using the equipment he and his friends got yesterday.

Ryo, piloting only a single Sutherland, appeared from behind and already fired the Sutherlands rifle at the Gardmare that just unloaded from one transport to obliterate it. "This is too easy! Come on! Show us what you got!"

"Autobots, attack!" Magnus ordered as he and the other Autobots transformed and returned fire with their Energon blasters, already taking down six Sutherlands before the puppeteer pulled the others back at a distance.

"What?! Are you freaking kidding me!?" Ryo exclaimed in shock.

---

"Hold on… Are those Decepticons?!" Ayano practically screamed over the communications as the shocked Yukiya saw it all through his screen. But he wasn't too shocked to notice the emblem on Magnus' shoulder.

"No… different symbol. Looks like they're the Autobots we've heard about…" Yukiya said.

"That's it! We're pulling out now!" Ayano exclaimed.

"No! It's too late to go back!" Ryo ordered. "Yukiya, you and I will distract the big guys! Ayano, grab the target!"

---

"Alright, let's see what these guys can do…" Yukiya controlled his Knightmares as they fell back to the buildings around them to shoot at the Autobots and keep up suppressor fire.

The Autobots returned fire while keeping a perimeter around the limousine, with Kallen, Rai, and Orpheus each pulling out what appeared to be a miniature gun, which suddenly transformed into a something as big as an automatic rifle of Cybertronian design as they stuck closest to the limousine underneath the Autobots.

"I'm looking at around fourteen targets remaining!" Arcee reported.

"Maintain permitter!" Magnus ordered.

"Negative, split off!" Zero countered, catching most of them by surprise.

"Hold on, what?!" Bulkhead questioned. "And you leave you guys open!"

"Yes!" Zero stated. "They're not hear to destroy us! This is an attempted kidnapping of at least one or two high value targets." He looked toward Smilas and Leila, with eighter one or both likely being the target. "We're going to lure them in. Autobots, fan out and take out the Sutherlands! Prowl, search the permitter for anyone else, just in case! Kallen, Rai, Orpheus, help the military personnel that are still alive! Suzaku, stay here with me, help watch over Leila and Smilas!"

"Rodger!" Everyone except Elita and Magnus replied. The former looked toward the latter, who nodded in understanding, seeing the tactical brilliance of that plan.

"You heard him! Move out!" Elita ordered as the Autobots went off in separate directions toward where the remaining Sutherlands were hiding, all except Prowl who swiftly jumped over the bridge and landed underneath it before activating his cloak to begin his recon.

Arcee transformed into her motorcycle form as she drove off the road and into one ruined building where two Sutherlands were located before transforming in mid-air and using her arm-blades to swiftly decapitate both right before landing. She quickly ran toward one of them and pried open the cockpit only to discover it was empty, save or the crisscrossed wires everywhere.

"They're empty! There's no one inside!" Arcee reported.

---

"Well, looks like we're busted." Yukiya said as he saw Arcee's face through the screen.

---

"They're spreading out!" Ryo kept his Sutherland a bit further behind as he shot toward the military transports to keep them pinned, even as Kallen, Orpheus, and Rai helped the surviving soldiers and drivers find cover behind the transports. "Move now Ayano!"

The young girl swiftly jumped up from behind the railing and made her way over to the limousine with a grenade in hand. However, she was surprised for the door on the side to be kicked open as Suzaku shot out and delivered an airborne spinning kick to knock her back before rolling on the ground, keeping a firm hood on her grenade, and making sure the pin was still intact. She glared at Suzaku and was ready to draw her kodachi…

"I'd advise you to surrender!"

Her pupils shrunk as she saw the armored figure standing alongside Suzaku, protecting the military officials inside the vehicle. Though the armor was different, she would never mistake the mask that was known all over the world.

"No freaking way…"

Zero held out his right arm as the armor shifted to reveal a glowing blue blade attached to the armor, which was enough to snap Ayano out of her stupor and jump back down over the railing and below the bridge.

"Suzaku, capture her! But be careful! We don't know what she can do!" Zero ordered.

"Understood." Suzaku leapt over the railing in pursuit.

"You two, stay with me!" Zero told Smilas and Leila as they stepped out of the vehicle.

Meanwhile; Bumblebee slid into one building where two remote controlled Sutherlands fired their slash harkens at him. He ducked and rolled to deliver a kick to knock one Sutherland down before delivering a powerful punch to knock down the second. He then produced his Energon blasters to obliterate the unmanned cockpits and disable them.

Bulkhead appeared before three remote Sutherlands as they also fired their slash harkens at him, but he allowed it to happen as they barely scratched against his armored hide before forming his dual maces and rushing them. They tried to pull back, but Bulkhead was already on them as he brought down his right mace to completely obliterate the center one, swung his left mace to destroy the second and sandwiched the third in between both his weapons and leave almost nothing left of the upper half.

Elita One fired a precise shot to take off the head of one of the Sutherlands she was facing, leaving only two as they tried to retreat, but she quickly transformed and gave pursuit, easily catching up with them inside the building before transforming and leaping to grab hold of a support beam on the ceiling and thrust her feet out for a kick to destroy the head off one Sutherland. She then leapt to the ground and delivered a hand-thrust to knock the final one down before swiping her hands in the form of chop to decapitate it.

Ultra Magnus had begun to barrel through the gunfire of three Sutherlands shooting at him before appearing before one to deliver a powerful uppercut to send it crashing through the ceiling of the building, they were in. He then grabbed the second by the leg before bringing his arm down to crush and separate the leg while using it as a makeshift weapon to pummel the third before using it to crush the Sutherland from which it came from.

---

"Damn… that leaves all except Ryo!" Yukiya scowled as he saw all his remote-controlled Sutherlands being taken off-line. However, he noticed something from their camera feed. He didn't know much about the Autobots' features, they were moving too fast, but he recognized the colors from when the first appeared. And during this, he only saw the two blue ones, along with the pink, yellow, and green ones. But…

"Where's the white one?"

Suddenly, a bladed shuriken was shined in front of his face as Prowl appeared out of nowhere, directly in front of him.

"Right here."

Yukiya desperately reached for a switch to a set of bombs he wired to himself, only to find the switch had been severed.

"I just severed it." Prowl revealed.

"How in the hell… someone as big as you… something so small…!?" Yukiya stuttered.

Prowl smirked. "Proper training."

---

Underneath the bridge, Suzaku kept his eyes out for Ayano as he searched, keeping his guard up all the same as he knew she had a grenade, but that was the only weapon he saw on hand. Who knows if she had any other weapons he didn't see, or if she had back up down here?

Ayano however hid behind a support beam, seven feet from Suzaku's spot. She scowled before pulling the pin on her grenade and throwing it in his direction. However, Suzaku heard the noise of the pin being pulled and quickly grabbed a rock to throw it in the direction he heard the sound, striking the grenade and sending it away where it exploded without hurting anyone. However, this also worked in Ayano's favor as she used this opportunity to make a break for it.

"Damn it all… this whole operation has gone to shit!" Ryo cursed before his Sutherland shook, it's right gun arm being blown off by gunfire from Kallen, Rai, and Orpheus. He pulled back to gain some distance, almost on instinct. "What… what kinds of guns are those!?"

Rai smirked as he held his rifle in his hand. "Hight heat magnesium rounds. They used to be just for our Knightmares to fight evenly with the Cons, but now they're handheld."

"Not to mention they can transform into something that looks like pistols and we don't have to lug them around." Kallen smirked as well. "God, I love Cybertronian tech."

"Heads up! He's coming back!" Orpheus warned, just as Ryo shot his Sutherland forward at such speed, that they were unable to shoot back and tried their best to find cover as Ryo shot his Sutherland's built-in gun, gunning down a few unfortunate EU soldiers.

Lelouch scowled underneath his mask as he saw the situation his friends were in. "Damn it…!"

"Go, help them!" Leila told him.

"I'm not going to leave you open!" Zero quickly said.

"Your soldiers need your help! We can handle ourselves! Go!" Leila told him.

Though he didn't like the idea of leaving the people he was supposed to be protecting open, even if it was for a short time, he knew Leila was right. He had to disable that Sutherland before anything happened to his friends. With that, his armor's feet activated some form of hover-skate feature, with a faint blue glow that allowed him to shoot at twice his normal speed straight for the Sutherland.

Ryo noticed the incoming individual and his screen zoomed in on the target. "Holy… is that… Zero?!"

Suddenly, one of the Knightmare transports was shot open, catching Ryo's attention, as well as that of Zero, Rai, Kallen, Orpheus, and even Leila and Smilas. A Gardmare, which happened to be piloted by Akito, leapt out from the vehicle, landing by the surprised Zero.

"I'll go from the left; you take the right!" Akito stated.

Surprised at first, Lelouch quickly got over it before nodding and zooming in the direction Akito said to take as the Gardmare went in the opposite, both gunning straight for the Sutherland. Seeing the Knightmare as the largest threat, Ryo fired his Sutherland's remaining guns and slash harkens to tear the Knightmare to pieces, which happened just as Akito leapt back from the cockpit to run forward, using his gathered momentum, and the now abandoned Gardmare as a shield to cover himself as he advanced forward with a grenade launcher in hand.

However, this also left Ryo open as Zero came in from his blind spot, a boost of energy coming in from his hover-feet to allow him to leap to equal height of the Sutherland. Ryo only just noticed him in time to see Zero's armor reveal a set of short blue Energon blades from his arms, which he used to cut down the gun on the cockpit before slicing off the remaining arm on the Sutherland as he fell before a small gust halted his descent just before making contact with the ground. Akito was left to deliver the finishing move as he slid directly under the Sutherlands legs and fired his grenade launcher just below the cockpit to disable the Sutherland permanently.

"Whoa…" Kallen muttered as she, Rai, and even Orpheus looked nothing short of surprised.

"He's good…" Rai stated.

"Not bad." Orpheus smirked with a nod.

"You're quite the soldier, aren't you Akito?" Zero commented as he and Akito stood before the disabled Sutherland.

"And I see that armor isn't just for show." Akito replied.

"Designed by one of Cybertron's greatest minds." Zero replied, silently thanking Perceptor for this gift. 'That and the hellish physical training from Sayoko and Tohdoh I've endured for six months has certainly helped. But it would seem Akito here could give either of them a run for their money.'

Leila breathed a sigh of relief, seeing how the fighting had come to an end. However, she did not appear to notice Ayano leaping back onto the bridge, just behind Smilas to strike the back of her kodachi into the back of his neck to knock him unconscious, which drew Leila's attention as Ayano made her way toward her.

'We were just here for the old man! But if we can take her hostage…!' Ayano thought just as Suzaku appeared behind her, ready to grab her…

However, Leila thrusted both her hands to block Ayano by her knuckles and swiftly grabbed her by the wrist and threw her over her shoulder toward the ground, causing her to drop the weapon, which Suzaku quickly grabbed as Leila pulled Ayano up and kept her arms pinned behind her back.

"Leila, you okay?" Rai asked as he quickly made his way toward her just as Ultra Magnus, Bumblebee, Elita, Arcee, and Bulkhead arrived back on the scene.

"I'm fine, but what about General Smilas?"

"He's alright. Just unconscious." Orpheus said as he and Kallen checked on the general. Prowl had also walked onto the scene, keeping a firm hold on Yukiya in his hand.

"I found the one controlling the Knightmares remotely." Prowler reported.

"Yukiya!" Ayano exclaimed as Leila kept a firm hold on her.

"Sorry Ayano, got busted." Yukiya shrugged, acting rather causal for someone who just got captured.

"Was there anyone else?" Arcee asked.

"No, just these three it would seem." Prowl answered.

Bulkhead got a good look at both Yukiya and Ayano. "They're kids!"

Ultra Magnus and Bumblebee made their way closer toward Akito and Zero, before standing in front of the Sutherland as the Autobot commander aimed his Ion cannon at the cockpit.

"Pilot, exit the Knightmare now. All your associates have been captured, and your weapons are disabled. You have nowhere to go." Magnus told him.

"Alright! Just don't hurt them! I'm coming out!" The cockpit opened to reveal Ryo, who kept his hands raised before eyeing the masked revolutionary. He then chuckled.

"Care to explain what you find so funny?" Zero questioned.

"You." Ryo said. "The guys we bought this from thought we were Black Knights, but here we are faced with their leader and alien robots. It's funny in an ironic sort of way."

"Akito, stand back." Zero said, causing Akito to take a few steps back as Zero walked closer toward him. A slit in his mask opened up to reveal the Geass emblem in both his eyes. "You will tell me everything I need to know."

Ryo gasped as the sigil flew into his eyes, his brainwave patterns rewritten, and a red ring formed in each of his eyes. "Sure thing. What do you want?"

Akito eyed Zero with some suspicion. He wasn't sure, but just now, he felt an odd sensation coming from him. It was a sensation that felt oddly familiar, and though it wasn't as twisted as the last time he felt something like this, it didn't make feel any less uncomfortable.

"Who are you?" Zero began.

"My name is Ryo Sayama."

"And your associates?" Zero asked once more.

"The girl is Ayano Kosaka, and the guy is Yukiya Naruse."

"Is there anyone else you're working with?" Zero continued.

"No, it's just the three of us."

"Are you working for someone?"

"No."

"What was your objective here?"

"We were trying to capture General Smilas."

"Why?"

"We were planning to offer him in exchange for Knightmares."

"Even though you already had twenty?"

"We were going to ask for more advanced Knightmares."

"Why?"

"So, we can fight against the Decepticons if they attack us."

"You want to fight the Decepticons?" Zero asked in minor surprise as the other Autobots and Black Knights looked in surprise, along with Leila.

"No, but we think they'll attack the EU soon. At least this way we can defend ourselves from them and retreat." Ryo replied, still under Lelouch's Geass.

"This was all about Knightmares?" Leila asked aloud before a serious expression formed on her face. "Suzaku, please take hold of her." She requested, refering to Ayano.

Suzaku nodded as he grabbed Ayano's hands and kept them pinned, allowing Leila to quickly step toward Zero, with Akito, Magnus, and Bumblebee still present as well. She stepped close to Zero and spoke in a whisper.

"Turn off your Geass. I want to speak to him of his own accord."

"I can still get the truth out of him like this." Zero whispered back.

"I know, but I want to hear him it say it, not forced out of him. Please." Leila requested.

He gave a sigh before doing it. "As you wish." He turned off his Geass, causing the ring in Ryo's eyes to vanish. He gave a slight gasp.

Even though she spoke in a whisper, Akito was still able to hear the unfamiliar word spoken by his commander. 'Geass?' But he chose not to say anything as he deemed it unimportant at the moment.

"What just…?"

"You said you had plans to fight the Decepticons." Leila told him.

"What?! When did I say that?!"

"Just now! You literally told them practically everything!" Ayano shouted at him, causing Ryo to look in confusion.

"For what reason would you seek to fight the Decepticons?" Magnus asked. "Are you planning to wage war with them?"

"Wage war with the guys who wiped freaking Britannia?" Ryo replied. "We're crazy, but we're not that crazy! If you guys wanna fight them, go ahead! We won't stop you! Heck, we'll be happy if you guys, by some miracle, manage to take them down!"

"Yeah, you guys wanna play revolutionary, go ahead." Yukiya also spoke out. "We? We just want to survive. Blend in with everyone else."

"You mean with the slave labor force?" Kallen questioned. "Hate to tell ya, but if you end up picking a fight with the Cons, they'll hunt you down and gun anyone in their way."

"She's right. As you stand now, you wouldn't last ten seconds against them." Arcee added. "Heck, if this was Con envoy you were attacking, you three would already be dead."

"But… I think you three already know this." Elita said, which caused Ayano and Yukiya to scowl. "You claim to be crazy, and maybe you are, but you're not stupid. You don't seem like the type to throw away your lives when you know you have no chance at victory. You have another goal in mind."

"Oh really?" Ayano scowled.

"Really." Suzaku replied. "I know when someone is acting to deliberately throw their life away, and I know you three weren't planning on doing it here!"

"There has to be more to it!" Leila insisted. "This isn't just about Knightmares, or even fighting the Decepticons! What is it you three really want?!"

Seeing no way around it, Ryo spoke the truth. "A place to belong."

'To belong?' Lelouch, Elita, and Leila all thought at the same time.

"First Britannia practically destroyed Japan, turning all of us normal people into 'Elevens', not even worth sparing so much as a sideways glance." Ryo began. "Then the Cons showed up and really made a mess of things. But I will admit that seeing Britannia wiped off the map did bring a smile to my face, no less than what those bastards deserve. But I also know that the rest of us are next. Pretty soon, the EU and even the Chinese Federation will get wiped away too. First there was no place for us Japanese, and soon there won't be a place for anyone."

"You're not wrong." Akito admitted. "As things stand now with world politics, the Decepticons will conquer everything before they know it."

"So, you were what, hopping to start your own colony or something for other refugees?" Orpheus asked.

"Looking for a condo on the beach or something?" Bulkhead also asked.

"Hey, I don't have any interest in becoming the representative for all Elevens or other refugees or anything like that." Ryo replied. "All we want, is a place to call home. So, a condo on a beach actually does sound nice. You got the keys ready?" He attempted a joke, which earned a slight snort from Bulkhead, but also a slight scowl from Ultra Magnus.

"Your predicament is no excuse for the actions you've taken, placing innocent lives in danger and even the act of killing." Ultra Magnus said seriously. "These are serious crimes, and you will face the consequences."

"Yeah, yeah, we know when we've hit a dead end." Ryo admitted. "But at the very least, I'm glad we went out with a bang. Fighting the Black Knights and the Autobots? Now that's one heck of a way to go. If I was going to get my ass handed to me by anyone, I sure as hell didn't expect it form the infamous Zero." He glanced toward the masked revolutionary as Lelouch's eyes carried a serious yet sympathetic expression.

The other Autobots and Black Knights, and even Leila, looked toward Ayano and Yukiya, one look in their eyes told them they felt the exact same way as Ryo. Whatever fate they would have, they would share it together. That was enough for Leila to make her choice on what to do with them.

"Alright, if you want a place to belong, I can give you one." Leila said, getting everyone's attention. "Why not join my team? It's as close to a home as you'll find."

"Commander Malcal, I most protest." Magnus said immediately. "They're actions…"

"I know what they've done, Commander Magnus. Which is why I am placing them under arrest." Leila explained. "These three are now in my custody to do as I see fit; such as providing them with food, clothing, and whatever necessities they require."

'I see what she's doing.' Lelouch thought to himself. 'Even though they are technically under arrest, she's giving them a chance to not only atone, but also the place to call home they desperately crave. Not to mention they've proven to be skilled combatants and strategists, having sprung this ambush on us. If this were against the Decepticons, while I don't see them winning against Megatron, they can still do a number on them. And right now, we need all the help we can get.'

"Ultra Magnus, I believe that is the best option." Lelouch spoke to the Autobot commander. "Even so, it's not really our call to make. We're guests here in the EU and are unable to pass judgement on these three. And seeing how General Smilas is still unresponsive, Leila is the only one here who can make that call, so it's up to her and no one else."

Leila turned toward Zero in surprise before smiling, realizing what he was doing. 'Thank you, Lelouch.'

"Yeah, I think we get it." Ryo said in acceptance, causing the Autobots to lower their weapons, as well as the Black Knights and other soldiers, even as several EU military aircraft arrived on the scene. "If we say no, we go boom. That's it right? We don't have a choice."

"No, you do have a choice." Elita began as she walked up to speak to Ryo directly. "All living beings have the freedom to choose. You can choose to come with us, and we'll give you not only a place to call home, but even the means to fight the Decepticons like you want. But you can still say no, in which we will leave you to the proper authorities. Granted, it doesn't seem like much of a choice, but it still is one." She kneeled down to be at eye-level with the young man before holding out her hand. "So, choose."

Ryo was more than a little stunned. This giant alien robot was talking to him as an equal. Even though he heard all the televised speeches of the BKs and Bots preaching 'freedom is the right of all sentient beings' and stuff like that, he had expected at least some of them were acting all high and mighty, particularly their leadership. But it would seem that is not the case. There was something in Elita's eyes that seemed to put him at ease and cause him to smile.

"Alright." He accepted her hand. "We're in."

---

Euro Britannia – Istanbul – Headquarters of the Order of Michael

"Duke Velaines has issued a command that all four Holy Orders are to relocate to Sankt Petersburg." Michele Manfredi explained as he sat in his command chair, talking to one of his most trusted subordinates; a young man of Japanese ethnicity with green eyes and long indigo hair tied back in a ponytail.

"All four Orders, sir?"

"The Order of Rafael had sustained significant damage in their last battle." Manfredi replied. "But more importantly, Duke Velaines is expecting the Decepticons to finally make their move on Euro Britannia. Even Princess Marybelle and her guard will be there too."

"Do you suspect we will go to war with the Decepticons? Or are we going to try and appease to them in an effort to avoid suffering the same fate as the homeland?"

Manfredi sighed in mental exhaustion. "Honestly Shin, I have no idea."

"Perhaps the time to strike is now." The soldier named Shin said. "If you haven't heard, the Black Knights and the Autobots have resurfaced, and they've caused enough trouble with the Decepticons that has spurred a series of rebellions and uprisings across Decepticon occupied areas. Perhaps we can find a way to take advantage of that."

"Perhaps… but it's not my call to make. Ultimately, that belongs to Duke Velaines." Manfredi answered.

"Can I ask you a personal question, sir?"

"Of course." Manfredi encouraged.

"As the former Knight of Two, do you regret not being there in the homeland when the Decepticons attacked?" Shin asked.

Manfredi didn't answer right away. "A part of me does, yes. But there is no sense in dwelling on the past. If we are called to battle against the Decepticons, then I will lead the Order of Michael to victory against those vile creatures."

Shin narrowed his eyes. "Thanks to them, the world is in chaos. The late Emperor was a fool to ally with those monsters, they will drain our world dry."

Manfredi smiled. "Do not worry, Shin. Our cause is a righteous one, and I believe that the Decepticons will be brought down by the blade of justice. Shin, the blood of warriors of orient flows in your veins, and your commitment to Euro Britannia is unquestionable."

"Your words honor me, Sir Manfredi." Shin replied. "And now… I will take over the Order of Michael."

Manfredi looked in surprise, but it soon turned into a hearty laugh. "You know, you're always so serious. It's difficult to tell when you're joking." He walked to his trusted subordinate and placed his hands on his shoulder as he smiled. "In another five years, I will step down and you will lead the Order of Michael as my successor. Assuming the Decepticons don't wipe us out before then, that is." He attempted a joke of his own before speaking sincerely. "Shin, you've come to mean more to me than my own brother."

"Brother?"

"That's right." Manfredi continued. "Let us save this world together and lead it into a bright new future."

"You're horrible…"

That took Manfredi by surprise as Shin stepped back. "Shin…?"

"It's rather unfortunate. You don't have what it takes to command the Order of Michael." Shin stated.

"What are you saying?!"

"You are unfit, apologies…" With a wave of his hand, the red sigil of a Geass manifested in Shin's left eye "Sir Manfredi, please begin your journey."

With that command, a red ring formed in Manfredi's eyes, and he was under Shin's total control. "Of course. It is time." Manfredi drew his sword and brought it toward his own neck. "At your command, Shin Hyuga Shang, my lord." With that, he shoved the blade into his neck, ending his life in an instant, his bloody corpse falling to the ground as it gushed over Shin, who seemed completely unphased by it, as if he were just hit by nothing more than rain.

Shin then smirked. "Safe travels Manfredi." He chuckled as he looked out the window. "The time has come… for this world… to end."

Done.

Sorry for the delay, I was hit with writer's block early on in writing this chapter, but now it's finally up, and I hope you are pleased with it.

Good news, the wZERO unit has now formed a working partnership with the Black Knights and the Autobots (Leila has even reunited with Cera, who has explained to her everything she knows about Geass), and are establishing dialogue with the EU. They've even recruited/arrested Ryo and his friends as well, and I am looking forward to seeing them interact with the Autobots; particularly a certain trio of Autobots from RID who are with the group currently.

We also appear to have Euphie reaching out to Duke Velaines in Euro Britannia, who seems to be open with cooperating with the Black Knights and the Autobots himself. However, it also seems that Marybelle and the Glynda Knights are in the EU too, and from what Velaines has said, she might not be so willing to cooperate.

But, Marybelle will be the least of their worries as Shin Hyuga Shang has taken over the Order of Michael, and seems to have plans of his own.

In the next chapter, the Decepticons will be making an appearance and we'll be seeing how things are going in the EU, as well as the Black Knights and Autobots' interactions with the wZERO unit. Until then, stay safe and stay healthy out there.