The Knights of the Round. To counter Europia United's attacks on his European ally, Emperor Charles sent two of his best knights: The Knight of Nine - Nonette Enneagram, and The Knight of Twelve - Monica Krushevsky. However, he didn't anticipate the Black Knights' involvement in the war between Euro Britannia and Europia United… and he paid the price... when one of his best knights was captured by his worst enemies up to date: his disgraced son, Lelouch vi Britannia, who is also known as Zero, the Black Knights' founder, and Destiny, his son's co-leader... and the man responsible for revealing Britannia's involvement during the SAZ Massacre… even though it's not entirely his fault. If not for his brother's stupidity, his ultimate plan would now proceed without unnecessary complications. So, to cover his brother's mistakes AGAIN, he decided to use someone... who can use his daughter, Princess Nunnally vi Britannia as bait, and bring his foolish son to him… and that man's name is Suzaku Kururugi, the newly promoted Knight of Seven.
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Transcontinental Railroad: Sankt Petersburg Station
Two days after his promotion, as ordered by His Majesty, Charles zi Britannia, the Knight of Seven has arrived on the Euro Britannian capital to assist General Shadow in defending Euro Britannia against the Europia United forces and their new contenders of this war, the Black Knights.
"Knight of Seven, welcome to Euro Britannia! I'm General Shadow, the Commander of all Euro Britannian forces in the name of our Emperor." The loyal General introduced himself with an enthusiastic voice.
"And I'm Monica Krushevsky, the Knight of Twelve. I hope that the Emperor's trust within you wasn't misplaced. Anyways, I look forward to working with you as fellow Knights of the Round." The Knight of Twelve introduced herself with a hint of politeness hidden in her voice.
"Please, call me Suzaku, General Shadow, and Lady Krushevsky. I'm just following His Majesty's orders." As Suzaku simply bowed to them in respect.
"Well, in that case, call me Monica, Suzaku. Besides, I don't care if you're a 'Number' or not. All I need from you is your trust. No hard feelings, okay?" Monica reminded the newly promoted Knight of Seven.
"No hard feelings, Lady Monica." Suzaku simply replied as he raised his head.
"Anyways, you're just in time. Monica and I are about to initiate training courses for our Knights of St. Raphael. Come and join us, Suzaku. I believe that your presence in our training grounds will be most inspirational to our main forces." General Shadow reminded Suzaku.
"It will be my honor, General Shadow." Suzaku complied with a hint of seriousness in his voice.
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Near Neva River (Forest Covering)
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Euro Britannian capital, the Black Knights are preparing for the diversionary battle, proposed by the co-leaders of the organization, Zero, and Destiny... as the Euro Britannian forces are unaware of their presence.
"It's finally that time, huh?" Destiny said as he looked at the city.
"Yes, my equal. Today, we'll rescue my little sister." Zero replied as he stood beside the Code Geass user.
"But, are you sure that our forces can hold out the Euro Britannian counterattacks until we rescue Nunnally, Zero?" Kallen questioned her great leader as she finished prepping her Guren and Destiny answered her honestly on his co-leader's behalf.
"Let's see... We have 2 Raikōs, 60 Burais (distributed equally to the 3 Squads participating in this operation), plus your Guren, my Lancelot, 8 Gekkas, Nonette's Lancelot Club, our very powerful flagship, Ikaruga, and finally, we have 2 secret prototype weapons in our disposal."
"What secret weapons?" Kallen curiously asked.
"Yeah. I don't remember putting them in our flagship. Let me guess, Nina and Rakshata asked you to sneak those weapons for our operation." Zero deduced as he never heard or knew about them until his co-leader informed his Q1 and him recently.
"They did. Honestly, after I invented the 'Stealth Mode' System, they asked me to improve our arsenal of weapons along with them. And... I granted their wishes, starting with Euphy and Nina's project that I found out recently with the help of my Knight, Nonette Enneagram." Destiny answered with honesty.
"Thank you for complying with their wishes, Destiny. It seems that I got nothing to worry about the enemy's counterattacks." Kallen sighed as she ensured herself that she can fight the Euro Britannians without worrying about her co-leaders' safety.
"Unless... Suzaku comes again on our battlefield and smashes our plan into pieces." Zero said with a conviction as he had a feeling that his former best friend, now known as the newly promoted Knight of Seven will arrive to crash the party.
Suddenly, Euphy stood beside her beloved partner, Destiny as she shouted with fury.
"Don't mention that name! He broke our only promise to stay at Ashford Academy after my supposed 'death' one month ago!"
"Euphy..." Zero thought sadly.
"It's okay, Euphy. When that traitor comes after us, I'll deal with him." Kallen said with determination as the Former Third Princess simply smiled brightly with passion.
"You're a very good friend, Kallen," Zero said with a very proud voice and the Red Queen simply gave a big smile to her beloved friends. Euphy, on the other hand, has calmed down, knowing that she could count on her partner Destiny, her half-brother Zero, and her new friends to deal with her former chosen knight.
The Code Geass user also smiled behind his mask at his co-leader's comment. Then, he asked amusingly to his co-leader's Red Queen.
"I wonder, did you and Zero make love with each other yet... if you both get what I mean?"
"DESTINY!" Zero and Kallen shouted in unison as the Code Geass user saw the Red Queen's cheeks turning bright red while Lelouch, behind his Zero's mask, is also giving a slight blush on his cheeks.
Just then, C.C. has just arrived at the scene to inform Zero when she saw the events happening right in front of her.
"My Warlock, all the preparations are com- Hmm?"
As she saw the bright red cheeks on Kallen's face, C.C. shouted in anger.
"Kallen, what's the meaning of this?!"
"N-nothing at all! R-right, Zero?" Kallen stuttered as she tried to hide it from the Immortal Witch.
"That's right, Kallen. I-it was a joke. A-am I right, Destiny?" Zero stuttered as well.
But the Code Geass user simply laughed at the predicament they are both in and bluntly said in an amused voice.
"Don't try to deny it. From the looks of it, it seems that you both have done it on purpose."
"Pervert." Euphy simply commented as the misunderstanding between C.C., Kallen, and Zero continued to unwind.
"Not you too, Euphy!" As Zero tried to take control of the situation.
C.C. laughed slightly as she calmed down and replied, "Well, I don't blame you at all, Zero. Besides, I already kissed you twice and that's enough for me. I'm just waiting for you to tie my knot."
"Not if I have a say about it!" Kallen argued as she tried to take C.C. out of HER competition.
"Mou..." Euphy pouted silently as she couldn't gather up the courage to do the same with her partner... even if it's only a joke.
"Alright, that's enough. We got a job to do." Destiny said seriously without teasing his friends in any manner possible.
"You're right, Destiny. Guess I'm a little bit jealous of C.C. since she kissed my great leader not once, but twice. Despite that, I believe that I shall have my moment with Zero very soon." Kallen boldly said.
"Good luck with that, Kallen," C.C. said amusingly as the Red Queen and the Immortal Witch are staring at each other with sparks in both of their eyes.
"Ahem! As much as I wanted for this to continue, we need to review our operation battle plan. Nunnally's counting on us!" Euphy said as Zero simply nodded at his half-sister's statement.
In respect, C.C. and Kallen stopped staring at each other. Then, Zero pulled out the two things he received from Alice: his little sister's letter, which he read aloud 2 days ago at the Black Knights' Secret Base in Italy and a map showing the weaknesses of the Euro Britannian capital as the diversionary battle of Sankt Petersburg is about to begin.
After getting the final adjustments on the plan made by his co-leader Zero, Destiny passionately declared,
"Comrades, the time has come! Execute Operation Enduring Support!"
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Palace Training Grounds
At that same moment, General Shadow, along with the Knight of Twelve, Monica Krushevsky, and the Knight of Seven, Suzaku Kururugi has just arrived on the training grounds to start their courses with the reorganized Knights of St. Raphael. However, a report just came in through the General's radio.
"This is Recon 1 to General Shadow. I am finishing my patrol. The sector is clear."
"This is General Shadow. Are you certain, Recon 1? We have unconfirmed reports of enemy troop movements near the Neva River perimeter. Have you double-checked everything?"
"I am most certain! I have not seen anything for hours now. I'm returning to base after this."
Just as the patrol Knightmare is about to go back, Recon 1 saw something as he said through his radio, "What was that?"
Before he can check what he just saw, the unknown entities suddenly fired upon him and in just 5 seconds, Recon 1 is no more as his Knightmare blows up into bits.
"Recon 1, what is your status? Recon 1, report!" General Shadow is trying to figure out what's going on as his transmission only met with static.
"What's up, Shadow?" Monica asked.
"I have lost contact with one of our patrols on the Neva River," Shadow replied to the Knight of Twelve.
"Could it be the Black Knights?" Suzaku deduced.
"Unclear. After their massive attack at the Tokyo Settlement one month ago, there's a low possibility that they would attack here in the capital. It would be a suicide mission for them." Shadow replied to the Knight of Seven.
"But they managed to capture Nonette during the last phase of the Battle of Narva three days ago." Monica reminded the loyal General.
"True. We were unprepared for their intervention with our war with the E.U. at that particular point. However, with our defenses here, I'm sure that we could manage even if the Black Knights decided to attack here." Shadow said with a prideful voice.
"Even so, we need to be ready for them. If we're not careful enough, the E.U. could take advantage of the situation." Suzaku said in a serious tone.
Just before Shadow and Monica say something else, the Knight of Seven suddenly shouted in a loud voice.
"Zero and Destiny's methods are cowardly and unacceptable! Why must they interfere and cause such unnecessary conflict?!"
"Suzaku, if there's one thing that I have learned during this war, it's this particular statement. Innocent people die all the time." Shadow boldly replied as the Knight of Seven stayed silent in shock at what the General has said to him.
Suddenly, a loud voice is heard in the area.
"Greetings, Euro Britannia! I am... Destiny!"
To say that Suzaku, General Shadow, and Monica were shocked by the sudden voice would be an understatement. Both Knights of the Round took out their weapons as they are on high alert. On the other hand, the loyal General simply puts his Knights of St. Raphael in full readiness as he's trying to contact the other patrols on the Neva River perimeter using his radio. But... they were met with static as the voice continued to echo for the entire Euro Britannian capital to hear.
"To all Euro Britannian military assets in the area, I have one ultimatum! Surrender immediately or face the consequences! You have 5 minutes to comply! We of the Black Knights will await your reply. I hope you will make the right decision, especially you, General Shadow."
Skies of Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Black Knights' Flagship, Ikaruga
As Destiny finished delivering the message to the entire city using the speakers on the Black Knights' flagship, Ikaruga, which is now hidden from the eyes of the enemy using the 'Stealth Mode' System, Zero asked his co-leader with a hint of curiosity.
"Destiny, why did you give them time to surrender? You know that this General Shadow won't just accept defeat very easily."
"I already knew that's going to happen. That message is only our diversionary intention. If we could convince General Shadow that our attack is a full-out invasion, then, we can rescue Princess Nunnally without any difficulties." Destiny replied.
"Thus, making him prioritize the frontal defenses first instead of the rear. Very clever, Destiny." Zero concluded as he understood the Code Geass user's motives. Suddenly, Ohgi reports the new information that he just received from the surface.
"Excuse me, Destiny. We're receiving an unknown transmission. It's General Shadow on the line."
This action gave the Black Knights on the bridge a big shock as no one is supposedly able to access their communications. But Destiny calms them down as he said,
"Put it through as I intentionally leak one of our networks to our enemies. Besides, how can I manage to get my answer if they can't contact us? Don't worry, I will remove this after the operation."
With trust in their co-leader, the Black Knights complied with the order and opened the enemy's transmission as General Shadow himself appeared on the Ikaruga's bridge screen.
"You got a lot of nerve coming here to Sankt Petersburg! Do you think that I would just bow down to you and grant you, terrorists, an easy victory?! Don't make me laugh!"
"So, I take this as a 'No', then?" Destiny simply asked the loyal General of Emperor Charles.
"What do you think?! I know who you are, Destiny! You're the one who dares to embarrass my Emperor after what happened at the SAZ one month ago!"
"How is HE embarrassed if it is the truth?! After all, if Princess Euphemia is still alive right now, she would be fighting alongside Zero and my Black Knights. And then, she would have the chance demanding the Emperor to relinquish his title immediately!"
"Heresy! That bitch deserved to die after she made a mockery to Britannia itself!"
"Those are bold words coming from you, General Shadow! I wonder how Suzaku would say to those insults you made for his Princess."
"That won't matter if I managed to push your forces out of MY capital!"
"So... I see that you decided to follow your pride and stand against Zero and me. You will regret that decision, General. Prepare to meet your end!" As Destiny ordered the Black Knights to end the call and finally start the operation.
"Zero, give me a sit-rep. It's time to save Princess Nunnally." The Code Geass user said as he gave the go signal to the Gods' chosen one. As such, Lelouch, behind his Zero's mask, finally calls out to his forces on the ground using his radio built-in on the Ikaruga.
"This is Co-Leader Zero of the Black Knights! All Ground Units, report in!"
"Zero, this is 1st Squad, standing by!" Asahina responded in compliance with his co-leader's orders.
"This is 2nd Squad, standing by!" Senba complied as he followed suit.
"This is 3rd Squad, standing by!" Nagisa responded with confidence.
"Our 2 Raikōs are ready to blast their defenses, Zero! Just say the word!" As Urabe is in charge of the Black Knights' artillery.
"Zero Squad, awaiting your orders, Zero!" Kallen (Q1) responded with loyalty.
"Destiny Squad, all prepped up and ready to go!" Euphy (Q2) said seriously with a lot of courage.
Back at the Ikaruga, Ohgi reported professionally, "Zero, all Ground Units are in position! We only await your command!"
"Destiny, will you do the honors?" Zero asked his co-leader as the Code Geass user stood up from his seat and finally said his first order in this operation with a firmly loud voice using the speakers on the Ikaruga.
"BLACK KNIGHTS, COMMENCE FIRING!"
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Ceasar's Palace
Just as the Black Knights are about to attack, Nunnally, inside her private room, activated her Geass to read the Lines of the Future, in which the functionality is identical to precognition, and shares it with Nemo since they are partners. In her vision, she saw General Shadow looking at the new Knightmares, which are appearing to be part of a mass production line of seventh-generation Knightmares.
"Did you think that you have a chance against us, Black Knights?! While both of you are too focused on destroying my defenses, Zero and Destiny, these Vincent Knightmares will be your downfall!" The loyal General of Emperor Charles said in a prideful tone as he looked at them with full confidence that these new Knightmares can defeat the Black Knights for good.
Then, she saw her Big Sister Euphy (Q2) in her Gekka getting surrounded by 4 Vincents as she tries to escape her predicament.
"Damn, these new Knightmares are too strong! Moreover... Nonette and Kallen are still fighting against Suzaku and Monica to buy more time to save my little sister! Alice... Sayoko... please hurry! Save Nunnally before all is lost!"
Finally, the princess saw Milly, Shirley, and Rivalz having the same predicament with Euphy as all seems lost for the Black Knights.
"Damn it! We lost all our Burais! Hold the line! Push these new Knightmares back!" Rivalz (K3) ordered as he tried to hold out the onslaught along with his friends.
"K3's right! We're Destiny Squad! And we won't falter until our honorary member is saved!" As Milly (Q3) keeps on shooting down the Vincent Knightmares.
"Lulu would never give up on Nunna so we must never give up on her too! Long Live the Black Knights!" Shirley (Q4) shouted with courage.
"Long Live the Black Knights!" All Destiny Squad members shouted in unison as the Vincent Knightmares are moving closer and closer as the vision ended.
As Nunnally deactivated her Geass, Nemo asked her partner in a worried tone using telepathy.
"Are you sure that you can do this, my princess? There's still time to back out."
But Nunnally, with newly found resolve, shook her head as she replied in her mind using the same power that they both shared.
"I'm tired of being the one on the sidelines, Nemo. I saw in my vision that my friends are willing to sacrifice everything to save me despite General Shadow's new Knightmares that they may encounter sooner or later. It's time to do my part for my Onii-Sama's sake."
"Alright, Nunnally. You're my partner and I'll support you in every action you take to change this world for the better. Oh, and before I forget about the most important part, you're finally able to walk again. I have been exerting my power to repair the damages that you have experienced during the last seven years. Surprisingly, I managed to repair them to their full strength during the last month that we have been together."
The princess smiled as she said in her mind, "Thank you, Nemo. Finally, we can use our very own Knightmare together. Our Mark Nemo."
"Should we get going now, my princess?" Nemo asked.
"Not yet. We need to wait for Alice and Sayoko to rescue me. I want to surprise them." Nunnally replied in a happy tone.
"As you wish, Nunnally." As the Geass doll simply complied with his princess' request.
Suddenly, both of them hear explosions from the city as the Black Knights already started their attack.
"My princess, it looks like the Black Knights are finally here. We better get ready for our escape from this despicable place." Nemo informed his partner.
"Thank you, my partner. I'm done hiding from my past. If I want a gentler world for me and my Onii-Sama to live on, I must get my hands dirty. Long Live the Black Knights!" Nunnally declared in her mind using telepathy.
"Long Live the Black Knights!" Nemo followed suit as they wait for Alice and Sayoko to rescue them.
At that same moment, Grand Duke Velaines is gathering information from his forces on the ground with General Shadow now beside him in his throne room.
"Your Eminence, the Black Knights are now commencing their attack!" One of his soldiers reported.
"What's the enemy's Military Strength?" General Shadow asked in a serious tone for his leader's behalf.
"General, our defense forces report that 20 Knightmares are striking our left flank, 20 Knightmares on our right flank, and 20 Knightmares on our center. Also, we have unconfirmed reports that the Black Knights has a squad of seventh-generation Knightmares somewhere in the city. Our forces are holding but... I'm not sure how long."
"What can we do to push these terrorists out of our homeland, General Shadow?" Grand Duke Velaines professionally asked.
"Order No. 227." General Shadow simply declared in a serious manner which gave a shock to both Suzaku and Monica, who have just arrived for the meeting.
"I was afraid that this could happen." Grand Duke Velaines simply stated grimly.
"General, please reconsider! We don't want to shoot our forces when they retreat on their own!" Monica begged as she doesn't want to sacrifice her forces.
"I'm sorry, Monica, but it's already been decided. If we retreat now, the Emperor himself will kill me. Besides, we only have two options. We stay, fight, and possibly be killed by the enemy, or retreat and be executed by our forces as cowards and traitors!" General Shadow said in a harsh voice, making the Knight of Twelve shudder in fear.
Then, to Monica's surprise, the loyal General holds both her hands as he said with regret hidden in his voice.
"Monica, I fully understand that using Order No. 227 is a despicable crime before in Euro Britannia and also, an unorthodox to your idealistic beliefs, but... if the Black Knights want to take our capital from us, then, we must fight back in kind no matter the sacrifices that we have to make."
"He's right, Lady Monica. I refused to make sacrifices back at Area 11 when I was Princess Euphemia's knight and look what had brought me. My princess was killed by Zero even though it was ordered by Euphy herself and I never did have the chance to say that I loved her with all of my life. Since then, hatred has fueled my vengeance towards the Black Knights, Zero, and Destiny themselves!" Suzaku said as the Knight of Twelve saw the hatred in her fellow Knight of the Round's eyes.
Now filled with confidence, Monica replied as she calmed down, "I understand, General Shadow. Well, in that case, I shall show these terrorists what happens to people who oppose us with my Lancelot Club and give these Black Knights a beating that they will never forget!"
"I got your back, Lady Monica." Suzaku simply said in a serious tone.
"Thanks, Suzaku. I see why the Emperor chose you as the Knight of Seven. I will trust you on this one." Monica replied in a serious tone as well.
"Now, if you excuse us, General Shadow, we will head out now to destroy these fools." Suzaku reminded General Shadow.
"Said the man who is a fool himself. Change Britannia from within?! What a load of crap." The loyal General commented in his mind as both Knights of the Round went out to get their Knightmares and crush the Black Knights.
Skies of Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Black Knights' Flagship, Ikaruga
Meanwhile, inside the Ikaruga's Launching Bay, Destiny is preparing his Lancelot for battle along with his Knight, Nonette Enneagram, who is also prepping her Lancelot Club as part of her Master's orders.
"Nonette, are you ready for battle?" Destiny asked the former Knight of Nine.
"As ready as I'll ever be, my Master." Nonette mindlessly replied as she finished her preparations on her Knightmare for the battle ahead.
"Good. Anyways, I'll ask you a question." Destiny said as he also finished prepping his Lancelot.
"Ask away, my Master," Nonette replied in a monotone voice.
"Answer this on your own volition, Nonette. If ever I ordered you to attack Monica with your full strength, will you do it even though you are friends with each other?" Destiny asked with honesty.
The former Knight of Nine paused for a moment as she's processing the question provided by her Master. Destiny, on the other hand, is very curious to see if his True Geass command will be overwritten. After about 20 seconds, Nonette answered in a monotone voice.
"No matter what my former self's relationship with Monica is, your commands are absolute and so, I must obey your orders with dignity. However, I can still feel my former self in my mind... as in she's begging for your mercy so that you could spare the Knight of Twelve from being exposed to your True Geass. Therefore, I ask of you as one of your most trusted Knights (as Nonette kneeled before her Master). Please spare Monica from your true power."
Destiny was utterly dumbfounded at his Knight's answer. And so, he kneeled and bowed his head in front of Nonette as he replied in a soothing voice.
"Nonette, my Knight, say no more for I promise you this. I swear to my home, C's World, that I will never order you or anyone else influenced by my True Geass to kill people... unless it is necessary. So, don't worry about your fellow Knight of the Round... for I will never command you to kill Monica or your Britannian friends. All I wanted is to fulfill Nunnally and Euphy's wish of a gentler world as the Gods asked me to do with the help of my chosen one."
As he raised his head after his statement, Destiny saw Nonette crying even though she's under the control of his True Geass power. After a moment, she said in a rare and grateful voice.
"You are a kind person, Lord Destiny. If I knew that you are honest and straightforward with your Comrades, then, I would have accepted your gift of my own volition. Besides, I'm tired of being a Knight of the Round... obeying the commands of a man who banished Lady Marianne's children all for his conquest of world domination." The former Knight of Nine wiped her tears away as she's now filled with the determination to bring down anyone who stands in her Master's way.
"I see now. You were present on that day when both Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally were banished from their homeland." Destiny said as he realized the connection between her and his chosen one.
Nonette nodded in approval as she confessed everything to her Master about what happened on that specific day in her life in a serious tone.
"I never forget that day, Lord Destiny. After Lady Marianne's children left, I saw Euphy crying in front of her Big Sister Cornelia as I tried to calm her down, knowing that it's useless to disobey Emperor Charles' orders. It was on that day that I swore myself along with Cornelia that both of us will find the man responsible for the death of Lady Marianne! And... even the Emperor himself won't stop me from finding the one responsible for her unjustified death!"
"Well, it's a good thing that you are the first person influenced by my True Geass. Besides, if you return now with the accusations you made towards the Emperor, you will be executed for treason against the Holy Britannian Empire." Destiny said with a chuckle.
"In that case, I'm glad that you used your True Geass on me, Lord Destiny. I could never have asked for a better Master." Nonette replied as she was thankful for what her Master did to her former self.
"It's all part of my duty, Nonette. Anyways, let's go to our Knightmares and show these Euro Britannians what we're made of!" Destiny ordered the former Knight of Nine as the Code Geass user stands up and reached out his right hand towards his Knight.
"Your wish is my command, Lord Destiny," Nonette replied and stood up as well as she accepted her Master's gesture and went towards her Lancelot Club followed by her Master, Destiny in his Lancelot.
"Zero, our forces are experiencing heavy resistance from the enemy." One of his operators informed as the Black Knights' flagship is directly above Sankt Petersburg with their enemies oblivious to their presence.
"As expected from General Shadow. The Euro Britannians won't give up their capital and my little sister Nunnally without a fight." Zero thought as he was dumbfounded to see that his enemies reacted exactly as his co-leader Destiny said would happen.
"Zero, we have detected two Knightmares coming out of Ceasar's Palace!" Ohgi reported.
"Show me." Zero simply ordered as the Ikaruga's captain put the footage on the Ikaruga's bridge screen. As he requested to zoom in, Zero saw the insignia of the Knights of the Round on the right side of both Knightmares. Like fire, the Black Knights' co-leader automatically warned his forces on the ground using his radio built-in on the Ikaruga.
"To all Ground Units, this is Zero. Be advised. Two Knights of the Round are inbounded on one of your locations. If you spotted them in your area, don't engage. I say again, do not engage the enemy. Let Q1 or Destiny Squad deal with the new threat if they are present in your area."
"Roger!" All Black Knights' Squads, including the Zero and Destiny Squads, simultaneously complied with Zero's orders.
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Battlefield (Middle Area)
At that same moment, Kallen Kōzuki, in her Guren, along with her Zero Squad, is dealing with the last pockets of resistance as the Euro Britannian forces are slowly being pushed back. Then, the Red Queen saw something barbaric in the distance as she hid behind a building, where she just located the enemy's main defensive lines.
"We can't hold this position any longer! Retreat!"
"Fall back! Fall back!"
But the unfortunate soldiers were suddenly blocked by their own Sutherlands.
"By orders of General Shadow... all who retreat are traitors to our beloved homeland! Turn back and fight, damn you!"
No one followed the orders of their senior officer, who is an eighteen-year-old young woman with a very petite build, has blond hair, cold blue eyes, and a fairy-like face, which looks ill when coupled with her pale complexion. With her Assault Rifle aimed at the disgraced soldiers, she shouted her order in a very harsh voice using the speakers of her Sutherland.
"203rd Battalion First Company, COMMENCE FIRING ON THESE TRAITORS!"
In an instant display, the Sutherlands under her command fired their Assault Rifles at their disgraceful men. No one was spared as General Shadow implemented Order No. 227 during the duration of this important battle.
After that's settled, her second-in-command moved towards her commander using her own Sutherland and asked her with concern hidden in her voice.
"Major Tanya Degurechaff, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, First Lieutenant Visha Serebryakov," Tanya replied in a serious tone.
"Major, are you sure that our forces truly get the message if they retreat without General Shadow's permission?" Visha asked her commander.
"Lt. Serebryakov, only idiots won't understand how Order No. 227 is enacted during an important battle. Besides, General Shadow personally asked us, the 203rd Battalion, to hold this position at all costs as this is the direct path towards Ceasar's Palace. If our defenses fall, the Black Knights will have a straight path towards our main headquarters and so, we must not let this position fall to these terrorists." Tanya reminded her second-in-command with conviction.
"I understand now, Major! We will hold our lines here. These Black Knights will pay for their arrogance." Visha boldly said as her Sutherland is now in position.
"Indeed, they shall. 203rd Battalion First Company, push these terrorists away from our defensive lines!" Tanya ordered her men with a condescending sneer as her Sutherland is now ready to crush the invaders of her homeland.
Kallen heard everything that woman had just said and she was horrified at what she saw as the Red Queen commented in her mind.
"How could they do that to their soldiers?! This General Shadow is worse than the Second Prince himself! Even that idealistic fool, Suzaku won't agree to this! I must warn Lelouch about this development!" As Kallen tried to move away from the area but her escape route was now blocked by a new Lancelot model.
(Music: Super Robot Wars Z2 OST - Previous Notice)
"It has been a long time since we last met, hasn't it, Kallen?!" The new Lancelot's pilot said using his Knightmare's speakers.
"That voice! Suzaku!" Kallen said in anger as she was surprised by her worst enemy's appearance.
"That's right! And this time, you won't stand in my way for I'm now the Knight of Seven! Your co-leaders, Zero and Destiny will both pay for orchestrating the Black Rebellion, and now, this cowardly attack towards Euro Britannia!" Suzaku boldly shouted as he pulled out his MVS and was ready to fight his rival.
At the same time, the Knight of Twelve, Monica Krushevsky has arrived on her Lancelot Club and she draws her MVS too to participate in the fight. Unfortunately for the two Knights of the Round, a second Lancelot Club has joined the fray and both were surprised to hear the pilot's voice.
"You won't get near Lord Destiny for I will stop both of you from reaching him." The former Knight of Nine mindlessly declared as she stood her Knightmare beside Kallen and readied her weapons as well to fight for her beloved master.
Inside her Lancelot Club, Monica saw her fellow Knight of the Round standing beside the enemy and she was in disbelief at what she just saw.
"Nonette... Why?!" The Knight of Twelve simply commented in her mind as she wanted to believe that this is a nightmare that she must wake up from.
"Impossible! I heard that the Knight of Nine, Nonette Enneagram was captured by the Black Knights and wasn't supposed to be here in the first place! Unless..." Then, in disbelief, the Knight of Seven widens his eyes in horror as he just realized the only reason why their fellow Knight of the Round is opposing them.
"This must be the work of Destiny's Geass; it's the only explanation why the Knight of Nine is against us. Destiny, why did you have to make things so difficult?! Is revealing the true reason behind Euphy's death not enough for you?!" Suzaku thought as he clenched his hands at the controls of his Knightmare.
"So, Suzaku, what's your decision?!" Kallen asked the confused idealistic fool.
"Kallen, prepare yourself! Don't expect an easy death!" The Knight of Seven boldly declared as his MVS is now pointing at his rival's Guren.
"I won't back down! Besides, it doesn't matter if you're now the Knight of Seven or not, I will beat you with my Guren!" The Red Queen declared as well as she draws out her Left Handheld Fork Knife and pointed towards the new Lancelot model.
"I would love to see you try!" Suzaku mocked Kallen as he just issued a challenge.
"For Zero and Destiny, I'll fight no matter where I am! Let's go, Nonette! Both of us should be enough to tear that new Lancelot model to shreds!" Kallen passionately declared and issued her orders to the former Knight of Nine through her earpiece as Destiny himself gave the Red Queen temporary control of his beloved Knight.
"As you command, Q1." Nonette mindlessly complied with the order.
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Ceasar's Palace
While the Black Knights are providing a diversion to General Shadow and his Euro Britannian forces, Sayoko and Alice have already infiltrated the palace and they're on their way to the location where Princess Nunnally is being kept as a hostage. On their path, some guards are patrolling in the area. Using the surroundings to her advantage, Sayoko threw some kunais at the unsuspecting patrol while Alice finished them with her silencer gun before the guards trigger the alarm.
"These Euro Britannian patrols are poorly trained; pushovers!" Alice commented as she checked the bodies for additional ammo for her gun.
"Easy, Alice. Lady Nunnally's safety is at stake here! Are we at the right location?" Sayoko asked the chosen Knight of her Lady.
"We're very close, Sayoko. Just a bit further to the right." Alice answered as she finished reloading her gun.
"As expected of Lady Nunnally's Knight. I'm glad that you're one of us now, Alice. Just like how Master Zero trusted me, he trusted you with my Lady to ensure her safety." Sayoko said as she picked up her kunais from the guards' corpses.
"That's because Princess Nunnally herself asked me to become her knight... and I gratefully accepted the offer. Because of her, I have now a purpose: to help my Princess achieve the gentler world that she wished for." Alice said as both of them are already beside the room where her Princess is located.
Before Sayoko could compliment the loyal Knight, Alice passionately declared, "I'm the Knight of Princess Nunnally; I will keep on protecting her until the end."
"As do I, Alice. I have protected her for the past seven years and my loyalty towards Master Zero and Lady Nunnally is absolute. Thus, our loyalties towards our masters mean everything to both of us." As Sayoko supported Alice's promise towards her Lady.
As Lady Nunnally's chosen Knight tries to get the door open so that her Princess can escape with them, Sayoko said her thoughts in her mind.
"I always wonder how my Lady managed to convince Alice to join our just cause. But I'm glad that it happened and now, both of us can work together to protect Lady Nunnally from harm. Besides, I'm overjoyed that my Lady is now considered as an honorary founder of the Black Knights, as Destiny reminded them yesterday of how important this operation is to the Black Knights' survival. He directly stated to them that if Lady Nunnally never wished for a gentler world for us to live on, Master Zero would never have managed to create our organization in the first place to defeat Emperor Charles and his Britannia." As she's grateful that the Black Knights are now considered as her Lady's Knights of Justice, just like Master Zero wanted for them to be.
"We shall probably talk more about our experiences with our Princess once our operation is over," Alice said to her Princess' Supermaid as she smiled slightly, knowing that they have become the best of friends.
"Agreed. Have you managed to unlock the door?" Sayoko asked.
"Almost got it... There!" Alice said as she opened the door with ease.
When they enter, Sayoko and Alice were surprised to see their Lady/Princess Nunnally stand up from her wheelchair on her own two feet and open her eyes to see the faces of her rescuers.
"Alice... Sayoko... It's nice to see you again." Nunnally said as she slowly walked towards them to give them a big hug.
"Lady/Princess Nunnally!" Sayoko and Alice shouted in unison as they hugged her back in return.
"You can walk again! I'm so proud of you, Princess Nunnally!" Alice said happily and in cheers.
"And you can see as well, Lady Nunnally! Master Zero will be overjoyed to see you again!" Sayoko said in a happy tone as well.
"Onii-Sama... I'm glad that you respected my wishes to fight alongside you. Now, I can finally help you against our father with my Knightmare, Mark Nemo." The princess said in her mind as Nemo replied in return using telepathy.
"Yes, Nunnally. Finally, it's our time to shine! Let's show them that they should not underestimate the Former Fourth Princess of the Holy Britannian Empire and now, the White Witch of the Black Knights!"
Nunnally simply smiled at her partner's encouragement as she released her hug towards her Supermaid and her chosen Knight. She said with the courage to fight for her big brother and her friends.
"Sayoko, Alice, let's get out of here. When we are finally outside, I have a big surprise for both of you. I believe it's now the time to repay the hospitality that General Shadow gave me... in kind."
With happiness written on their faces, Sayoko and Alice passionately complied with Lady/Princess Nunnally's wishes as they replied in unison.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Just as Princess Nunnally, Sayoko, and Alice are about to escape, General Shadow is now looking at the new Knightmares, which are appearing to be part of a mass production line of seventh-generation Knightmares... created by the Camelot's Advanced Special Envoy Engineering Corps or ASEEC, led by Earl Lloyd Asplund and his assistant, Cécile Croomy.
"Ah, hello, General Shadow, what can I do for you?" Lloyd enthusiastically asked the loyal General.
"Earl Asplund, are those Vincents ready to deploy?" General Shadow simply asked back to the self-proclaimed sociopath.
"Yes! Considering that these seventh-generation Knightmares are the first to be mass-produced, they're not as strong as MY Lancelot that Destiny stole one month ago, but they should be enough for this battle. Besides, I don't care if they get destroyed or not. With the Sakuradite Mines back in Area 11 now operational once again, we can create Vincent Knightmares more powerful than ever with the data from this battle. I assure you that it will be beneficial to all of us." Lloyd replied in a serious tone.
"That's a very dangerous tactic, Lloyd. What if Destiny manages to engage the Vincents in combat with the stolen Lancelot?" Cécile countered.
"Then, it will be the end of him. Although he managed to retrofit MY Lancelot with some kind of stealth device, according to the reports that we received from the General himself, the specs remained the same. So, we could only hope that the Black Knights' co-leader himself isn't as skilled as Suzaku. Otherwise, we'll be in deep trouble." Lloyd reasoned with his assistant.
"Then, I just have to make sure that it doesn't come to that. Ready my Knights of St. Raphael for battle. I'll be joining shortly." General Shadow ordered.
"Yes, My Lord!" The two scientists simply complied with the order. As Lloyd and Cécile are now prepping the Vincents for battle, General Shadow laughed hysterically as he said in a prideful tone.
"Did you think that you have a chance against us, Black Knights?! While both of you are too focused on destroying my defenses, Zero and Destiny, these Vincent Knightmares will be your downfall!" As the loyal General of Emperor Charles looked at them with full confidence that these new Knightmares can defeat the Black Knights for good.
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Battlefield (Middle Area)
(Music: Super Robot Taizen OE OST - Knightmare)
Back on the battlefield, Kallen and Nonette are surprisingly having a hard time dealing with Suzaku and Monica. Even though their Knightmares are evenly seventh-generation, it all depends on the skills of the pilots inside these powerful machines. The Knight of Seven used his VARIS Rifle and tried to destroy the Guren's Right Arm-inbuilt Radiation Wave Unit but Nonette blocked the shots using her Lancelot Club's Blaze Luminous, surprising Suzaku in the process. On the other hand, the Knight of Twelve used her two MVS to strike on her former friend as she tried to disable her fellow Knight of the Round's Knightmare. However, with a quick recovery, Kallen managed to block the attack as she destroyed the Knight of Twelve's melee weapons with her main weapon, surprising Monica as well.
In response, both Kallen and Nonette used a combination attack towards the two Knights of the Round. The two sides fought valiantly with shock and awe. In a safe distance, Destiny, in his enhanced Lancelot, was watching the battle unfold as he was hidden in plain sight with his 'Stealth Mode' System active.
"It seems that even with my True Geass command active on Nonette, her skills remained the same. I definitely should keep that in mind. I told you so, General Shadow... you can't stand against the forces of destiny... well, in this case, the Black Knights themselves."
Just then, multiple enemy signals are transmitting on his Factsphere as he saw new Knightmares entering the area. The color scheme appears to be gold with a hint of red, black, and grey stripes on the sides of the incoming Knightmares.
"This must be the Knightmares C.C. and Nonette told me about... the Vincents. How ironic since they are named after V.V.'s first name. Nevertheless, it's all part of the plan. I hope Sayoko and Alice managed to reach Nunnally in time for it's about to get even uglier. The longer we're still here, the more the Euro Britannian attacks grow in strength." Destiny thought.
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Battlefield (East Area)
At that same moment, Destiny Squad has managed to secure the right flank with the support of their comrades' Burais. But as the Euro Britannian soldiers retreat, Euphy, Milly, Shirley, and Rivalz all managed to see their enemies going to a destined and hapless fate awaiting in their rear.
"In the name of Euro Britannia, not a step backward, or we shoot!" A senior officer ranted as the rear forces aimed their Knightmare weapons at their disgraced men.
"No retreat! Not a step back! No mercy! Deserters will be shot!" Another senior officer ranted as well.
"Fire! Shoot the traitors! Cowards will be shot! No mercy for cowards!" Both senior officers shouted their orders as the rear forces fired their weapons at their men without question.
One by one, they fell by the hundreds. No, by the thousands. Euphy, inside her Gekka, is shocked at what she has seen. By one moment, she knew... that this is worse than what she did at the SAZ while she was accidentally under her half-brother Lelouch's Geass one month ago. But... she didn't falter... She held Destiny's gift tightly, and finally, when the shooting stopped, Euphy brought up her courage and move forward to protect her comrades, for her half-sister Nunnally's sake.
"I can't believe this! This is worse than what happened during the Black Rebellion! Those unfortunate soldiers... even though they're our enemies, were shot down just because they're trying to retreat! Lulu would never have accepted this loss of life!" Shirley shouted in rage, surprising Milly and Rivalz for they didn't see this side of their beloved orange-haired friend before in their lives.
"You're right, Shirley. This is the price of royalty and soldier pride." Destiny said using her earpiece.
"Destiny?!" Milly, Shirley, and Rivalz said in unison.
"What do you mean, my partner?" Euphy questioned the Code Geass user.
"Euphy, pride can be good or evil on many occasions. For instance, if you're on the winning side, you feel joy and happiness when you defeat your enemies. On the other hand, if you're on the losing side, you will disregard everything to get the job done: morality, mercy, and even your true self. Just because I'm leading the diversionary attack along with Zero, it doesn't mean that we should lose ourselves in our pride... for it will be our downfall." Destiny answered in a serious tone.
"Agreed." As Milly, Shirley, and Rivalz accepted the logic behind their commander's statement.
"I understand about what you meant, Destiny. So, does that mean that you have principles to live by?" Euphy asked as she was curious.
"Too many, Euphy. But for this important battle, two of these principles apply—Deus lo vult and Belli dura despicio!"
"God wills it and I Despise the Hard Knocks of War... Those two phrases only exist in some books in the Royal Library back at Pendragon! Destiny, could it be that you're a Britannian Royal too?! If that's the case..." Euphy thought as she realized that these principles given by her partner might be clues to his true nature. But her thoughts were interrupted by Destiny's warning order.
"Speaking of our downfall, enemy reinforcements incoming on your position! Stand your ground, Destiny Squad!"
"Understood!" All Destiny Squad members complied with the order as their Gekkas are now prepared to intercept the new enemy units.
Rouen, Normandy, E.U.
October 2017 a.t.b.
Undisclosed Location
Meanwhile, amid the chaos happening in the Euro Britannian capital, the Commander of the wZERO Squad, Leila Malcal, along with her bodyguard, Lieutenant Akito Hyuga, has just arrived at the coordinates where a secret bunker is located... which both of them never even knew that there's a hidden base right under their noses.
"Commander, are we at the right location?" Akito asked.
"We traveled due north, according to these coordinates. This should be it." Leila replied.
"Stay back, Commander! Somebody is coming out from the bunker!" Akito said, readying his sidearm as he is being cautious.
As the secret bunker's doors finally open, a short, stocky, and sun-browned 19-year-old woman, who is wearing a set of pure white armor, appeared before them. She has black hair with dark eyes and Leila noticed that the woman has a red birthmark behind her left ear. Then, Akito drew his sidearm as the woman draw out her sword, which her commander noticed that it has five crosses upon it.
In a light feminine voice, the woman asked both of them, "Who are you?! This place you're standing on is holy ground!"
"Lt. Hyuga, lower your weapon," Leila ordered her bodyguard.
"But Commander... that woman is armed!" Akito protested.
"Trust me..." Leila said as she put her right hand to Akito's chest, trying to calm him down.
Reluctantly, Akito replied, "I understand, Commander." As he puts his sidearm back to where it belongs.
Then, the wZERO Commander looked towards the woman and asked her, "Before I answer, here's a question for you. Does the name Joan of Arc mean anything to you?"
The woman in question was surprised to hear that someone in this generation still remembers that name. In respect, she pulls back her sword and responded with a smile on her face.
"Now, that's a name I haven't heard for a very long time. It's been almost 600 years since the last time I used that name."
Leila replied in shock, "Then, the stories about the famous Maid of Orleans turned out to be true?!"
"Indeed, child. Let me introduce myself. I'm the saint who was commemorated by the E.U.'s founder, Napoleon Bonaparte... Saint Jeanne d'Arc, at your service." As the woman named Jeanne bowed down to Leila and Akito, surprising both of them in the process.
"Please raise your head, Lady Jeanne. It's nice to meet a legend like yourself. I'm Leila Malcal, the Commander of the E.U. Special Squad, the W-0 Squad... and this is Lieutenant Akito Hyuga, the famous Ghost of Hannibal of my Squad." The blonde commander introduced herself and her bodyguard to the saint before them.
Jeanne raised her head and replied, "A pleasure to meet you both. Anyways, what's your business here? I'm sure that the both of you aren't just visiting, right?"
Akito responded, "Actually, one of the Black Knights' co-leaders wanted to give you a message. While the letter given to the both of us is very confusing, the sender said that you could understand what it meant."
"I heard about the Black Knights. Give it to me so that I can translate it." Jeanne said as she wanted to know the given message.
In respect, Akito drew out the letter himself and gave it to the saint, which she accepted with dignity. When she opened the letter, Jeanne was surprised that the words she had seen are written in Old French, which only people during the Hundred Years War period would understand. Once she finished translating the letter, it read like this:
To the Maid of Orleans,
At long last, I have returned from C's World, my Saint Joan of Arc. It's been almost 600 years since we last fought side-by-side as Master and Apprentice. Sorry for leaving you alone after all this time. As you may already know, humanity, as we know it, is now facing a worldwide crisis. As we speak, Emperor Charles zi Britannia, the current Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire, has already begun the preparations for the Ragnarök Connection using his conquest for world domination to capture the Thought Elevators: the gateways of C's World to wipe out the Gods from the face of the Earth.
As one of my most trusted knights during the Hundred Years War, will you help me and my chosen one fight against an Empire, whose people were blinded by the great catastrophe about to befall before them? If your heart and happiness have guided you to serve me once again, meet me and the Black Knights at the Euro Britannian capital, Sankt Petersburg as the battle for our beloved future has already begun. Bring our Templar Knights along with you as my E.U. friends, Leila Malcal and Akito Hyuga will guide all of you to your new Knightmares. Consider them as my long-awaited gifts for almost 600 years after the Gods gave you and our Knights a portion of my beloved Code. Always remember: May the Grace of the Gods guide you always, Saint Joan... No, Saint Jeanne d'Arc.
Your Beloved Savior,
Destiny
As she finished reading the letter, Jeanne was showing tears of joy because her beloved savior has finally returned to change the fate of the entire world with his chosen one. Her heart was pounding loudly as she never felt so alive after almost 600 years... waiting for Destiny to return. With her sword now drawn way up high, pointing at the high clouds, she passionately declared in her mind as the saint wipes away her tears.
"I won't disappoint you, my Master! You have shown me the right way back during the Hundred Years War and that will always guide me to victory! My loyalty and chivalry towards you, Lord Destiny, will always be with you! Viva la France! Viva la Resistance!"
"Are you alright, Lady Jeanne?" Leila asked worryingly to the saint.
"I'm alright now; thanks to you, Lady Leila. It says here in the letter that Lord Destiny needs my assistance in your war against Euro Britannia." Jeanne replied as she just gave a half-truth to her beloved savior's E.U. friends.
"Really?!" Leila and Akito said in unison.
"Yes. You are both lucky as it's also stated here that you will give me and my forces new Knightmares to use. Therefore, as of now, the Templar Knights will be at your disposal... for our master, Lord Destiny." Jeanne declared as more people are coming out of the bunker, all wearing the same armor as the saint herself, surprising both Leila and Akito once again, considering how many knights are here on this holy ground, all awaiting their master's call even after almost 600 years of hiding. Who knows how many secrets that Destiny has... just to reveal them to the whole world at the right moment?!
"So, these are the hidden allies of the unexpected co-leader of the Black Knights, Destiny. I should thank him for giving me and my wZERO Squad this opportunity. Also, I should thank him for telling me about the hidden power within myself: the power of Geass. Maybe... with Zero's Black Knights, Destiny's Templar Knights, and my wZERO Squad, finally, we can win this war without the help of the incompetent Europia United Council, the Council of Forty. I'm so glad that I agreed to this Unholy Alliance!" Leila thought as she was very happy that ever since their alliance between the Black Knights and her Special Squad was secretly established, things are going smoothly and on schedule.
"I have never seen the Commander so happy today, not since the day that our wZERO Squad was created as 'sacrifices' for the E.U. Army. For that reason, I will keep protecting my Commander and her happiness until the day I die. Also, I'm so glad the curse forced upon me was now cured thanks to Destiny. Who knew that my condition was caused by Geass, the same power that my Commander has at her disposal?! Destiny trusted me and my Commander to keep this information safe and hidden from anyone who wanted to use them for their selfish gains. Not even our E.U. superiors should know about the power of Geass; it's too dangerous for them to know. Fortunately, only Zero, Princess Euphemia, Kallen, Nina, and the members of Destiny Squad knew about this power... and it should stay that way. Until then, I will keep fighting for our future!" Akito declared in his mind with courage.
Just then, Jeanne is now leading her master's Templar Knights to prepare and join the battle ahead at the Euro Britannian capital.
(Music: Girls Und Panzer Das Finale Version OST – Chanson de l'oignon)
"Templar Knights, rejoice for our master has finally returned! Today, after almost 600 years, we can finally fight again for our beloved future! Our loyalty towards Lord Destiny has been tested... and we didn't falter! So, perhaps it's fate that today is Friday the 13th of October, and we will regain the honor that we lost all those centuries ago... not through injustice and corruption that our forefathers were unjustly accused of, but through discipline and chivalry that Lord Destiny had taught us! We're all fighting for our right to live! To exist in the world that we live in is the greatest blessing that the Gods gave us! Now, my brave Knights, are you with me and our master until the end of time itself?!"
"We are always with you and Lord Destiny, Saint Jeanne! Viva la France! Viva la Resistance!" All Templar Knights chanted with honor.
"Viva la France! Viva la Resistance!" Jeanne, Leila, and Akito all chanted as well for the world will now feel the wrath of the Gods.
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Battlefield (East Area)
"Damn, these new Knightmares are too strong! Moreover... Nonette and Kallen are still fighting against Suzaku and Monica to buy more time to save my little sister! Alice... Sayoko... please hurry! Save Nunnally before all is lost!" Euphy said as her Destiny Squad is getting surrounded by General Shadow's new Knightmares, the Vincents.
At the same time, the Burais defending the rest of Destiny Squad have been torn apart like a hot knife cutting through butter.
"Damn it! We lost all our Burais! Hold the line! Push these new Knightmares back!" Rivalz (K3) ordered as he tried to hold out the onslaught along with his friends.
"K3's right! We're Destiny Squad! And we won't falter until our honorary member is saved!" As Milly (Q3) keeps on shooting down the Vincent Knightmares.
"Lulu would never give up on Nunna so we must never give up on her too! Long Live the Black Knights!" Shirley (Q4) shouted with courage.
"Long Live the Black Knights!" All Destiny Squad members shouted in unison as the Vincent Knightmares are moving closer and closer to their position.
(Music: Super Robot Wars Z2 OST - Colors)
Suddenly, an unknown Knightmare has just arrived on the scene and began slashing the Vincents using its Katana. Using its acrobatic movements to its advantage, it kept on destroying the enemy's seventh-generation Knightmares like it was nothing. Moreover, it also unleashed six remote wired rocket anchors that worked like Slash Harkens, except that they possess sharp blades on the end that can penetrate any Knightmare Frame and can also drill rapidly on the ground, destroying even more Vincents along its path. When the unknown Knightmare finally eliminated every single enemy, the pilot inside it spoke with a big smile on her face on Destiny Squad's private channel.
"Honestly, these Knightmares are seventh-generation?! Their firepower and armor aren't strong enough to defeat the White Witch of the Black Knights!"
"Nunna?!" Milly uttered in disbelief.
"Did you miss me, Milly?" Nunnally asked the former Ashford Academy's Student Council President.
"Of course, we did, Nunna! We came here to distract the Euro Britannian forces until you're rescued!" Shirley answered on her friend's behalf.
"But in the end, you saved us instead. Thank you, Nunna." Rivalz said in gratitude.
"You're welcome, Rivalz. I see Onii-Sama finally trusted all of you to tell his secrets." Nunnally said with a sigh of relief.
"So, you knew that Lelouch is Zero?!" Milly asked the princess.
"All of it, Milly... and it seems that I made the right choice to join the Black Knights," Nunnally replied with a smile on her face.
"You sure did, Nunna!" Euphy said as she moved her Gekka closer to her half-sister's Knightmare.
"Big Sister Euphy! Thank goodness that you're still alive!" As Nunnally moved her Knightmare closer as well.
"I'm not the same person as I was. Thanks to Destiny, I can finally fight against Britannia!" Euphy declared in a serious tone.
"Me too, Big Sister Euphy! Now with my Mark Nemo, we are one step closer to the gentler world that we desired! And, I'm sure that Destiny is a good person because he's helping my Onii-Sama." Nunnally declared as well.
"He sure is." Euphy simply replied with a slight blush hidden on her face.
"Everyone, heads-up! More enemy Knightmares are entering our position!" Milly warned her friends as all Destiny Squad members are now ready for battle once again... along with Nunnally's Mark Nemo.
As the Vincents are getting closer, the White Witch of the Black Knights finally declared in a loud voice.
"My friends, let's show these Euro Britannians that they're messing with the wrong organization! Long Live the Black Knights!"
"Long Live the Black Knights!" Euphy, Milly, Shirley, and Rivalz all chanted with honor.
Sankt Petersburg, Euro Britannia
October 2017 a.t.b.
Battlefield (Middle Area)
"C.C., are our 2 secret weapons ready to be deployed?" Destiny questioned his chosen one's Code Bearer using telepathy.
"They are good to go, Destiny. What do you need them for anyway?" C.C. asked the Code Geass user.
"They're for our reinforcements."
"Reinforcements?! I thought that this is only a Black Knights operation! Is the wZERO Squad part of Operation Enduring Support too?"
"Partly. I only asked Leila and Akito to deliver a letter to my hidden allies."
"What?! Could it be that your hidden allies are the Templar Knights themselves?"
"Precisely. How did you know about them?"
"I heard about them before when I was the director of the Geass Order. Legends say that every member of the Templar Knights has a portion of the power that only a Code Geass user could have. Let me guess: you're its creator."
"Not really. I only revived the organization almost 600 years ago for the preparation of the Hundred Years War. The original Templar Knights were already dead and burned to the stake as all of them were disgraced on the 13th of October, 1307... Friday the 13th, which is very unlucky."
"Did you mean that Nunnally unknowingly guessed the day of the Templar Knights' disgrace?"
"You're correct, Cera. But did you think that it's just a coincidence? I think not. Besides, today is Friday the 13th too. So that means..."
"That the Euro Britannians and General Shadow will regret everything that they did during this battle?"
"Exactly. That's precisely what I'm aiming for."
"You, Destiny, are a cunning and evil man. I wonder what would Charles, V.V., and Marianne say to your diversionary attack if they managed to figure out the logic behind it. Hopefully, Lelouch would figure this out too."
"I'm sure Zero will realize it sooner or later. Anyways, it's time to initiate the second phase of Operation Enduring Support."
"Indeed, we shall, Destiny. According to the latest wZERO Squad report, the Templar Knights will be here in 1 hour."
"Then, it's only a matter of time. Hopefully, our Black Knights could hold long enough for them to arrive."
"I'm sure they can. Trust your chosen one. Lelouch has done this before during the Battle of Narva so the principle is the same here."
"You're right. Now then, Cera, let's see if General Shadow could handle my Templar Knights when they arrive." Destiny declared as Phase 2 of Operation Enduring Support is about to begin.
Author's Note: And cut! Finally, we can see a portion of what Destiny truly is. True to his words, he only revealed secrets at the most opportune moment. Who could have guessed that he is also the leader of the Templar Knights?! Moreover, Tanya von Degurechaff, Lt. Visha Serebryakov, and Saint Jeanne d'Arc have also joined the fight. I know what you're thinking; why did I put them here in my fanfiction story? Because it's simple: Tanya DESPISE the Gods or Being X as she calls them, so it's only fitting that she would stand against Destiny, knowing that he came from C's World, although she doesn't know about it yet... And Visha would be her conscience whenever her commander becomes a crazy person (which is honestly hard to do so). As for Saint Jeanne d'Arc, it makes sense that she would support the Code Geass user's actions due to her nature of believing the words of the Gods.
Spoiler Alert: So, expect these events in the next chapter: The conclusion of the First Battle of Sankt Petersburg, the arrival of Shin Hyuga Shaing, and finally, Destiny's life story before he became a Code Geass user.
Oh, and one more thing, Advance Happy 22nd Birthday to Lelouch vi Britannia! (This would be his age right now if he didn't sacrifice himself for his ultimate plan to save the entire world in R2: Zero Requiem.)
I will NOT let Lelouch die in this fanfiction story! That's a promise!
Next Time on Code Geass: Forces of Destiny, "The True Price of Victory".