Meanwhile, the Black Knights returned to their hideout. Zero paced around the room, Diethard gleefully looked over the footage he recorded, and the Black Knights looked ashamed and concerned.

Ohgi looked up at Zero said, "Zero."

Zero said, "Yes, Ohgi?"

Ohgi asked, "What are we supposed to do?"

Zero asked, "What do you mean?"

Ohgi stated, "I think that goes without saying. We just lost a battle, with our enemies. What's our next step?"

Zero replied, "I think our next step is obvious. We continue brainstorming ways to defeat the Britannian Empire."

Ohgi stuck arms in the air and replied, "Hold on there, Zero. We just lost the war. Don't you have any advice or encouraging words?"

Zero sighed and responded, "Ohgi, it may appear we lost the war and if I'm brutally honest, Cornelia made us look like fools. However, we did get one thing."

Ohgi asked, "And what would that one thing be?"

Zero answered, "Our survival. Think about it. I know you guys work on my team and want to believe in me, but I also know that there's been a lot of speculation and doubt revolving around me. I'm not judging you, nor am I upset. If anything, your doubt shows that you're not irrational and won't believe everything that's told to you. A lot of you thought you'd have to sacrifice your lives, in order to win the war. However, that's not what happened. You all lived."

Ohgi said, "But we didn't get anywhere, did we?"

Zero replied, "I'm afraid you're wrong, once again, Ohgi. I've found Cornelia's weak spot. She has a sentimental desire to not lie to others, even to her enemies. It was one of the few traits she inherited from the Britannian Empire. That's what helped us get out of that situation, with our lives."

Tohdoh responded, "Zero, I do have a thought. As the leader, you're more than welcome to reject, but I think I know how we can get the advantage in this war." Senba, Nagisa, and Shogo smiled.

Zero said, "You're free to speak your mind, General Tohdoh."

Tohdoh replied, "The enemies are unaware of their hideout is, but we know where they are."

Zero put his hand on his mask, instead of his chin. Zero (talking in his head): "This isn't that bad of an idea. Princess Cornelia's the formal, organized type. When she wants to battle somebody, she's going to let them know it and she'll alert them of what time they want to fight. If we come to her palace and attack her, we'd be able to fight them, when they're not prepared. That should give us the advantage we need."

After thinking things through, Zero said, "General Tohdoh, this is a great idea." Senba, Nagisa, and Shogo gave Tohdoh a pat on the back. Zero said, "Princess Cornelia and her military team have a lot of experience. I'm going to be blunt."

Tamaki asked, "Emily Blunt?"

C. C. smiled, while saying, "Best actress ever." Zero angrily groaned, due to C. C. and Tamaki getting distracted.

Zero said, "Anyways, I don't have the years of experience that Cornelia does. She's a master of physical attacks, but she's not a mastermind and that will lead to us having the advantage."

Tohdoh asked, "When will we strike against Cornelia?"

Zero said, "If we did it during the day or even early in the morning, there'd be plenty of people around the kingdom, that'd be ready to bring us down. That's why our attack must be late into the night. We'll strike at eleven in the evening. Kallen, I hope that's not going to be a problem, because I assume you have school, tomorrow."

Kallen smiled, while asking, "Are you kidding me? When I want to get out of having to go to college, I make it happen. I don't let anything stand in my way."

Zero (talking in his head): "I'll likely be so tired, by tomorrow morning, that I won't be able to stay awake during class. It hardly matters, since my father could care less if I'm doing well in school."

Kallen (talking in her head): "If I wanted to find out if Lelouch is Zero, I could ask if Lelouch attended school today. Kallen starts looking nervous. Kallen: I better not try that. If I find out Lelouch is Zero, what would I even do with that information? Well, if I did find out, I could stop thinking about whether or not Zero is who I think he is."

Ohgi said, "I think this plan is going to workout great. We'll show those Britannians, that they can't make fools out of us."

Senba said, "I'm proud of General Tohdoh. He always comes up with the best ideas."

Zero replied, "I'm glad we all appear to be in agreement."

Diethard had a disapproving look on his face, while raising an arm in the air. He said, "Zero, I'm afraid I must disapprove of this idea."

Zero asked, "Oh, really? Why is that?"

Diethard explained, "We just had a fight with the Britannians, today. This is barely giving me time to edit the footage of that battle and get it on the air." C. C. and Kallen rolled their eyes, while Diethard folded his arms. Diethard said, "Besides, this is going to be a rather uneventful fight, if only one team is prepared for the fight. By breaking into Cornelia's palace, without her knowing about it, you'd have an unfair advantage."

Nagisa replied, "How predictable of the Britannian newsman, to complain about us not treating the Britannians fairly."

Shogo responded, "For all we know, he could be a Britannian spy."

Diethard replied, "Please, I find the Britannians as repulsive as all of you. My concern is that this fight will lack the excitement and thrills, of the previous fight."

Zero said, "Diethard, I'm afraid I must object what you're saying. We will fight the Britannians, tonight. You should go and get some rest, Diethard. I want this particular fight to stay a secret, so we don't need you on this mission." Diethard looked offended.

Diethard went to Professor Rakshata's lab. He walked around and recorded footage of the mechs, with his news camera. Rakshata put her pipe in her jacket and walked over to Diethard. She said, "Hi, Mr. Ried. How's it going?"

Diethard sighed and explained, "I was having great luck, earlier in the day, when I got to record Zero's thrilling battle against Princess Cornelia. However, I'm starting to have rotten luck. Zero's planning on a big, epic fight, tonight and he won't let me record it."

Rakshata patted Diethard's shoulder and replied, "That's too bad to hear. I can understand why you'd be frustrated, about not getting to broadcast the fight, because broadcasting major events is what you love. I love making mechs, but when the Earl of Pudding and I started working together, he wanted to have all the fun and he expected me to just stand around and look pretty."

Diethard said, "Well, I'm going to keep doing what I love."

Rakshata replied, "Good luck with that."

Diethard exited the building and ran to a nearby alley. He looked around, to make sure none of the Black Knights were around. Afterwards, he looked down at his cellphone.

A short time later, Guilford knocked on Cornelia's bedroom door. Cornelia put on a purple robe and opened the door. Guilford bowed to Cornelia and said, "My apologies, if I've come at a bad time, your majesty."

Cornelia replied, "Well, I was trying to rest up."

Guilford looked concerned, while saying, "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Cornelia put her hand on Guilford's face and jokingly pinched his cheeks. She said, "You always were the sentimental knight, Guilford. I assure you I'm fine. After all, I won the war. This is a perfect opportunity, to rest up, celebrate, and find more ways to stop Zero."

Guilford replied, "I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I keep thinking about what Kururugi was talking about."

Cornelia started to look annoyed, while saying, "Don't get me wrong. That Kururugi boy is one heck of a pilot, but he seems like the overemotional type. Plus, he's not exactly the most optimistic guy in the world. He tried to make our victory sound like a failure."

Guilford replied, "That's the thing I was thinking about. Although Zero gave up, he and his teammates still got leave. They're free."

Cornelia responded, "I hate to admit it, but Kururugi might onto something. I wanted Zero to stay alive, because I figured that Japan seeing their hero be humiliated would convince them that saving their country would be a hopeless case. However, I can't afford to let Zero roam around and play games with us. We must put an end to him and that's what I plan on doing, in our next fight."

Cornelia's cellphone started ringing. She walked up to the phone and answered it. She said, "Hello?"

Diethard said, "This is Diethard Ried."

Cornelia's angrily moved her eyebrows around, before saying, "Zero's newsman dares to call me? That was a truly stupid move. I can trace your call, find your location, and have you destroyed!"

Diethard smiled, while replying, "I love your overdramatic way of acting, Princess Cornelia. However, you shouldn't be threatening me, because I have a piece of information, that could really help you out."

Cornelia looked over at Guilford. Guilford asked, "What's going on?"

Cornelia said, "Zero's newsman claims he wants to give me a piece of advice. Sounds pretty shady."

Guilford replied, "True, but Diethard Ried is Britannian."

Cornelia said, "You better have something useful to say, Mr. Ried."

Diethard replied, "I do. Zero's planning on giving you a sneak attack, by coming to your palace and attacking you, at eleven p.m. He thinks you'll be unprepared, if he fights you, at night and without warning."

Cornelia asked, "Why do you tell me this? Is it because you're finally starting to see some value in your own country?"

Diethard replied, "That's hardly the case. It's because I want to be able to broadcast the most exciting fight, that I possibly can. If I didn't give you this warning, Zero and the Black Knights would of been able to defeat you and your guards, with ease. However, if both teams know what's going on and get their biggest and best plans ready, things can really start getting exciting."

Cornelia smirked, while saying, "I see. Well, you have no reason to worry, Mr. Ried. I'm going to give Zero and his teams their ultimate defeat."

Diethard got off the phone and grinned. He said, "This is going to be the best broadcast of my career."

Guilford looked concerned, while looking at Cornelia, who looked overly-energetic. He said, "Your majesty, what's going on?"

Cornelia grabbed Guilford and replied, "Start getting all of the members of the Britannian military ready. Zero's going to try to attack us, at eleven in the night, but now that I know about it, I'll stop Zero's plans from working out. Get everybody and every weapon ready."

Guilford responded, "Okay, your majesty."

A few minutes later, Cornelia stormed into Lloyd's lab, while wearing her purple military uniform. She looked around and was surprised to see that Schneizel was there. Schneizel waved to her and so did Lloyd, who was eating pudding. Cornelia said, "Prince Schneizel, what are you doing here?"

Schneizel replied, "I do admit, that it must be a rather odd sight, to see a prince of Britannia hanging around a laboratory. I came by, because I was interested in seeing Professor Lloyd's technique."

Cornelia responded, "That's nice and all, but I need Lloyd as soon as possible."

Lloyd grinned, while saying, "It seems like I'm becoming rather popular. How can I help you?"

Cornelia asked, "Have you been fixing up Jeremiah and making him stronger than ever?"

Lloyd replied, "I sure have. I've been spending hours working on him."

Schneizel explained, "Professor Lloyd worked, at a tireless, fast-paced rate. He never even had to take eating breaks, because he managed to eat pudding, while working on his robot. It was a rather intriguing sight."

Cornelia said, "I know this is sudden notice, Lloyd, but your robot is going to have to be ready be eleven p.m. That's when I'm going to make my next strike against Zero and the Black Knights."

Lloyd replied, "In that case, I have good news, because Jeremiah is ready."

Cornelia looked surprised, while asking, "Really?"

Lloyd explained, "He maybe a little out of it, for the next couple of hours. However, considering how much his loyalty inspires his passionate energy, I'm sure he'll be ready by then."

Lloyd signaled to a nearby curtain. Jeremiah came out of the curtain and stood before Cornelia. Jeremiah had been given robotic shoulders, a tech neck, and looked more indestructible than ever before. He bowed to Cornelia and said, "Greetings, your majesty. Avenging Prince Clovis has been a goal of mine. Another goal of mine is to bring down Zero and since Zero and Clovis' murderer are one and the same, I plan on finishing up two revenge plans, with one fight."

Cornelia replied, "I'm glad to hear that. Your loyalty is always appreciated, Jeremiah. You had to go through a lot of surgery and scientific experimenting to make you reborn with this new body. I hope you'll still be able to serve the Britannian family, with grace and honor."

Jeremiah smiled with pride, while saying, "You don't have to worry about, your majesty. I'm going to bring Zero down. He must face the ultimate punishment for his disloyalty." Cornelia grinned.

Lelouch went back to Ashford Academy. He started running to the school, before bumping into Suzaku, who had a backpack on his back. Suzaku fell down and a bunch of textbooks and papers fell on the grass. Lelouch nervously smiled, while Suzaku started picking up his stuff.

Suzaku said, "Oh, no, I hope my stuff didn't get ruined."

Lelouch replied, "I'm sorry, Suzaku. Do you need any help?"

Suzaku said, "That's okay."

Lelouch asked, "What are you up to?"

Suzaku said, "I had to miss today's classes, because I had an important military mission to work on."

Lelouch responded, "I see. How did that go?"

Suzaku sighed and said, "Technically speaking, everything went well."

Lelouch quickly noticed Suzaku's lack of excitement. Even though Suzaku was on the winning side, he didn't look like a winner. Lelouch wondered if Suzaku felt some guilt, for working for the Britannians. He had an amused look on his face, while saying, "No offense, but it doesn't look like everything went well. You look upset."

Suzaku replied, "The Britannians did win, because Zero gave up, but Zero and the others were allowed to leave. That shouldn't have happened. They should of been captured and brought to justice."

Lelouch (talking in his head): "Oh, Suzaku, you were my best friend during my childhood years, and after years of being separated and missing each other, we finally reunited. I was hoping we could be best friends, once again. I was hoping our different views, on how to save Japan, wouldn't compromise our friendship, but I'm afraid they have. As Lelouch, I still see you as my best friend and as someone I can still respect and trust. However, as Zero, I see you as an enemy, who is making foolish decisions. Do you really want to save Japan, Suzaku? You know you can't do that, by serving the enemies, you idiot."

Lelouch started looking frustrated, so Suzaku looked concerned about him. He asked, "Are you okay, Lelouch?"

Lelouch answered, "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

Suzaku replied, "You seem mad about something."

Lelouch said, "I am. I missed school today, because I had a cold, which I'm thankful about. However, I'm dreading all the catchup work I'll have to do."

Suzaku smiled, while saying, "Oh, Lelouch. You always get upset over the silliest of things."

Lelouch defensively replied, "School isn't silly. Frankly, I wish it was. Instead, it's boredom central."

Suzaku replied, "Your fears and angers are always so innocent and wholesome, compared to the dreariness of the war. It's always nice to hear from you. As silly as it might sound, it brightens my day."

Lelouch responded, "It's not silly. After all, we're old friends."

Shirley walked by. Lelouch and Suzaku waved to her. Shirley looked happy, while waving to Suzaku. However, she looked uncomfortable, while waving to Lelouch. Shirley (talking in her head): "What's going on? The mere sight of Lelouch's face makes me want to make a run for it, but why is that?"

Suzaku had a friendly smile on his face, while saying, "Hi, Shirley. How are you doing?"

Shirley replied, "Oh, I'm doing okay. I was just heading to my swimming practice. I didn't see you guys, today."

Suzaku responded, "Yeah, I had military work and Lelouch has a cold."

Shirley reluctantly looked at Lelouch and said, "Um, are you feeling okay?"

Lelouch replied, "I'm okay, but I still feel kind of out of it. I might take the next day off, depending on how well I feel."

Shirley responded, "I see. Well, I better get going." Shirley looked like she was in a rush, while walking away.

Suzaku looked back at Lelouch and asked, "How are things going, between you and Shirley?"

Lelouch answered, "There's nothing going on. She and I are just going our separate ways."

Suzaku replied, "Do you actually think that's what's going on?"

Lelouch said, "She wants nothing to do with me. She's made that clear. I don't blame her. I know I'm not the most reliable or mature guy."

Suzaku replied, "Lelouch, it was clear Shirley really likes you. She didn't always call you Lulu, just for the heck of it."

Lelouch responded, "She had feelings for me, at one time, but that's over with."

Suzaku said, "You probably just did something, that upset her. You should see what's going on and apologize to her."

Lelouch wished it was that simple for him and Shirley to start getting along. However, he figured his friendship with Shirley was a hopeless case, at this point. However, there was a tiny bit of him, that did some wishful thinking, so he said, "I might do that. I'll see you around, Suzaku."

Suzaku replied, "Okay. It was good seeing you."