As soon as Hikaru went into the hangar of the NSX, Umi was the first to appear before her and Rayearth. The moment Hikaru came out of her Rune God and landed on the walkway, Umi immediately hugged the Flame Knight out of relief.

"Dammit, Hikaru! You had us worried, again!" Umi wailed as she place her hands on both of Hikaru's shoulders. "Why is it that every time you tried to back up Zero, you ended up in hot water?"

"Sorry about that, Umi! It was a rough ride back there!" Hikaru apologized, before turned towards, Geo, Clef, and Lantis. "What took you guys so long?"

"Well, we were being intercepted by several more VTOL Gunships while trying to rescue you!" Geo said, feeling a bit disgraced for not rescuing Hikaru in time. "It wasn't a pretty sight since we're running low on Sakuradite Energy for the Cephirian Knightmares and that we're running low on ammunition for the Battleship's gun emplacements. We're sitting ducks out there, so we had no choice but to keep cloaking in order to avoid enemy detection."

"It's good to see you again, Hikaru. Though I must say, you look terrible!" Lantis exclaimed upon noticing that Hikaru has minor burn injuries on all over her young body. "What happened to you?!"

"Let's just say that Euphy was trying to help me recover after that fiasco I had with Suzaku," Hikaru said in embarrassment.

"Wait, seriously?" Umi gasped out of confusion. "Wasn't Suzaku promoted to be Euphy's knight?! If so, why would she be treating your injuries when she is a Britannian Princess?"

"Zazu was right at one point, Euphy is nothing like Cornelia to begin with. She was just trying to convince us that there is still light within the Empire!" Hikaru replied, much to the disbelief of Umi and the rest of her friends. "Wait, where is Fuu?"

"She's resting at the sick bay!" Geo told Hikaru before she and Umi went down to see the Wind Knight.

"Geo, it's time to head back to base for a debriefing with the Black Knights!" Clef ordered grimly. "I'm going to need a long talk with Zero myself!"

"Understood, Master Mage!" Geo acknowledged before issuing out orders to the rest of his crew.

In the sick bay, Hikaru and Umi appear at the entrance to see Fuu having some breakfast on a table nearby her bunk bed. Upon seeing Hikaru again, Fuu could not help but feel relieved again that the Flame Knight is okay. After embracing Hikaru in her arms, Fuu was slow to notice that the Fire Knight has burns all over her body. Without hesitation, Fuu casted her healing spell to vaporize all of Hikaru's burns from her skin and thanking the wind knight in return. After Hikaru told her story upon meeting Euphy at the island that she was in, Umi and Fuu couldn't imagine that Euphy is actually nice enough to become friends with the Flame Knight.

"So, you're to say that Ms. Euphy is actually trying to help us in secret?" Fuu asked, trying to get the full picture on what Hikaru is elaborating.

"We may have faced Princesses that are just as crazy as Cornelia is, but Euphy is a completely different story!" Hikaru added in. "Something tells me that we may need to trust her in order to win back our parents and our former country."

"What makes you think we can trust Euphy?" Umi asked, not feeling confident in what the 3rd Britannian Princess is intending to do. "She might just try to deceive us!"

"What choice we have?!" Hikaru snapped, taken back by Umi's point of view. "Ever since she made Suzaku her knight, I'm getting the feeling that she wanted him to find a better future so that he'll know who he's truly fighting for!"

"You mean just like the time when we we're fighting for Cephiro as Magic Knights from another world and for the people we love?" Umi pondered.

"That and she might have feelings for that Honorary Britannian!" Hikaru wagered.

"Well, if it's true that Euphy may be trying to help us avoid our conflict with Britannia, we might as well try again in having her sign that peace treaty!" Clef announced as he entered the sick bay, much to the surprise of the Magic Knights. "But if she planned to lure us into a death trap, we won't have any choice but to capture her immediately!"

"That reminds me, how's Clovis doing?!" Hikaru asked the Master Mage, referring to one of the Princes of Britannia.

"He's being a bit stubborn and prideful in not giving us any detail about the Britannian Government Bureau and the prisoners incarcerated there!" Clef replied in a disappointing tone. "Anyway, Geo is still trying to pick his brain!"

"Anyway, let's head back to base to resupply!" Lantis told everyone at the sick bay.

Without further a due, the two Cephirians and the Magic Knights let the sick bay to report themselves to the bridge of the NSX. Along the corridors, they see several Autozamian soldiers and Cephirian guardsmen standing by at the barracks and mess hall.

In Hikaru's mind, after socializing with Princess Euphy at Kaminejima Island, she might be able to find another opportunity to halt Britannia's Invasion in Cephiro. Is there any other Britannians out there that might help Hikaru and her friends resolve their conflict in the New World and Area 11? Is there actually a small ray of hope dwelling within the shadows of Hikaru's domain? Before Hikaru could think about it anymore, Mokona and Primera appeared in front of the Knight of Fire making her snap out of her thoughts.

"Hey Hikaru?" Primera asked. "What's up?"

"Oh, nothing usual Primera!" Hikaru replied anxiously.

"Pu Pu!" Mokona chirped as he jumped on top of Hikaru's shoulders.

"Do you think we can tour around your school one of these days?" Primera asked further.

"You may both need to wear disguises there so that you won't attract any attention from the Britannians!" Hikaru told the little fairy.

"Oh puw-leeze!" Primera scoffed. "Me and Mokona will still find other places to hide at the school, since we're both small creatures!"

"Well try not to push your luck, Primera!" Hikaru warned Primera. "You're still all outsiders in Area 11, apart from me, Umi, and Fuu!"

Feeling stunned by what Hikaru say, the fairy watched Hikaru head to the Bridge along with Mokona before they disappeared behind the automated doorway.


Meanwhile back at the Britannian Government Bureau, inside Euphy's office, Suzaku shows up in front of the 3rd Britannian Princess feeling a bit ashamed from what happened at Shinkene Island. The Honorary Britannian also felt a bit confused from his flashback that took place several days ago when they arrested him for violating his military protocols.


Flashback:

"MAJOR KURURUGI! FOllOW YOUR ORDERS!" The Britannian Commander shouted through the "Sound Only" communicator.

"SHUT UP!" Suzaku shouted back. "Who cares about them?! I have to LIVE!"

Upon hearing the recording from the speakers in front of him, the Commander turns around to face Suzaku sternly before clarifying on the evidence that was recently recovered from Shinkene Island.

"I don't know how the hell you got out of the Lancelot, but you have blew up a golden opportunity to put an end to those terrorists in order to save your life according to this!"

"No way?!" Suzaku muttered in shock. "That was me?"

"What?! Do you have any reason to protest against this evidence?!" The Commander snarled. "Let's face it, this is nothing less than insubordination!"

End of Flashback.


After a few minutes of silence, Euphy comes up to Suzaku to check up on him after their misadventure at Kamine Island.

"Suzaku, what's wrong? It's not about that fiasco they were accusing you for is it?!" Euphy asked, feeling concerned for her personal Knight.

"I dishonored you, your highness!" Suzaku responded in a grim tone as he handed Euphy his Knight badge. "I'm not worthy to be your knight!"

"If this was because of what happened back there, I'm sure this was all a grim misunderstanding," Euphy said, protesting against Suzaku's guilt. "Besides, Schneizel has already confirmed that there is nothing to worry about back at Shinkene Island!"

"Even so, I can't forgive myself for not bringing Zero and Cephiro's Magic Knights to justice!" Suzaku continued, feeling ashamed for his recent failures. "The thing is, I also dishonored myself in front of those Eleven turned Lady Knights! I killed my father and betrayed them all, but before I fought them in battle, I was never punished for it. Soldiers die and Elevens suffer. I don't really deserve this kind of Knighthood."

"But Suzaku..." Euphy said before Suzaku handed his knight badge to Euphy.

When Suzaku left Euphy's office without another word, she could not help but feel sorry for the Honorary Britannian.

"If Hikaru was able to display her honors as a Knight of Cephiro, then so can Suzaku..." Euphy thought to herself as she held the Knight badge close to her chin as tears fell down her closed eyes. "Oh Hikaru, what should I do?"

In the hallways outside of Euphy's office, Suzaku trotted down the corridors before heading back to Lloyd's ship. As he looked out the windows on his left, Suzaku could not help but think about what Clef and the Knight Elevens told him before double-crossing them at Shinkene Island.

"If you were to be a true Knight fighting for a country that isn't your own, just what are you trying to protect right now?"

In just a few minutes later, Suzaku snaps out of his past thoughts as he sees Earl Lloyd and Cecil appear on his right.

"There you are, Kururugi! We have just received another mission from Viceroy Cornelia taking place at the Kyushu!" Lloyd told Suzaku, getting straight to the point. "They said that the forces of the Chinese Federation are regrouping at Kyushu and are launching massive attacks on Japan, led by a former member of Genbu's Cabinet, Atsushi Sawasaki!"

"What do we do then?!" Suzaku asked the Earl of Pudding.

"We'll head down there with the Avalon and the Lancelot, as well as waiting for orders from Lord Guilford!" Lloyd continued.

"By the way, how did it go with Princess Euphy?" Cecil asked, noticing Suzaku feeling a bit depressed.

"I turned down my knighthood service towards Princess Euphemia!" Suzaku responded in a dark tone.

"What?! But why?" Cecil gasped, realizing that Suzaku threw away his destiny right in front of her and Lloyd.

"Let's not push it, Ms. Cecil! I'm pretty sure he'll find a way to make it up to Euphy later on!" Lloyd told his partner in a confident tone.

As the three went onboard the Avalon, Suzaku couldn't tell if he made the right choice or not. However, he is still unable to understand how did Hikaru gained her own Knighthood when venturing in the New World three years ago. Did she do it out of honor or out of pride? If so, how is it that the natives of the New World felt nonchalant about the three female Elevens being promoted as Magic Knights? In his point of view, there is still some strange things in Cephiro that are still unknown to him.

When the Avalon took off, Lloyd and Cecil went to work on the flight system for the Lancelot inside its hangar.


At the oceans of Kyushu, the battle rages on as gun fire erupted from the forest all the way to the sea. Despite Britannian's Navy attempting to surround the Chinese Federation, the tide was turning against Cornelia's forces for they were unable to land any of their troops on Kyushu's shores. When the Britannian ships are struggling to hold back the rough waves and the thunderstorms, the Chinese Federation defenses were taking advantage of it by shooting down their ships and Portmans.

In the Kyushu Block, Fukuoka Base, inside the command bridge, there is a tall, slender man dressed in a dark-green formal suit. He had shaved black hair and dark brown eyes. He is Atusushi Sawazaki, the former member of the Kururugi administration. After Japan was defeated by Britannia, Sawazaki fled to the Chinese Federation and has taken command of its forces with the help of General Tsao. When Zero caused the civil unrest in Area 11, Sawazaki took advantage of this by using Kyushu Block as its starting base before carrying out his objective in resurrecting Japan.

As he stood by from the Command Bridge, General Tsao appears on his left. Upon noticing that the weather is in favor of the Chinese Federation, Sawazaki believed that heaven is on their side.

"It won't matter what those Britannian scum throw at us right now! We're going to win this war and take back Japan with ease!" Sawazaki announced to Tsao.


As the NSX arrived at base, the Autozamian Battleship landed at port. Unfortunately, the Chizetians and the Fahrenians are a bit preoccupied in maintaining their sentry all around the base as their forces stay on guard incase they detected any intruders encroaching their hideout. However, the Princesses of Chizeta and Fahren went out together with an undercover escort, to seek more info from Area 11, leaving the Autozamians hanging around the base alone with a detachment of Cephirian warriors. During their R & R, Zazu picked up another broadcast coming from the News headlines at the Tokyo Settlement. Without hesitation, the young mechanic turned on the speakers before making his announcement to the people in the mess hall.

"Everyone, there is another broadcast being played out as News Flash! They're saying that another force called the Chinese Federation is launching attacks from Kyushu Block to resurrect Japan!"

Upon hearing Zazu's announcement from the speakers, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu ran out from the mess hall, leaving their breakfast on the dining tables, and head straight to the NSX's bridge to watch the News Broadcast.

"Atusushi Sawazaki, Leader of the Chinese Federation forces, was Chief Cabinet Minister of the Kururugi Administration in the former nation of Japan," The news reporter announced from the channel. "After the war of Japan, he fled to the Chinese Federation and is apparently making his move in response to the actions caused by Zero, the Black Knights, and the Warriors of the New World. Is there a possibility that the Black Knights and Cephiro's Knights played a role stir up Sawazaki's actions against the Britannian Empire? Stay tuned, as we are currently investigating in these unexpected current events!"

After listening to the broadcast on the command bridge, the Magic Knights couldn't imagine what will Sawazaki's try to pull when leading the Chinese Federation in pressing attacks against the Holy Britannian Empire.

"I'm not so sure this guy can be trusted as another ally!" Geo grunted in suspicion. "I mean, what kind of political member from Area 11 would single-handedly gain allegiance to a nation that's not of his own after running off like a coward?!"

"Hey, you should be grateful we were able to win yours, Aska's, Tarta's, and Tatra's allegiance before defeating Lady Debonair when she is at her weakest!" Hikaru retorted. "If we can get his attention in rally his allegiance towards us, we might be able to have a bigger chance in saving Japan from Britannia!"

"Well, his methods are entirely different matter, unlike ours!" Geo continued as he glared at Hikaru. "I mean, something tells me that this Mr. Sawazaki is not being clear on where his political loyalties would really lie!"

"I think Mr. Geo maybe right, Ms. Hikaru!" Fuu added in. "There's still a possibility that he's just being used by the Chinese Federation so that they would move in and cause more conflict with them and us Japanese."

Before Hikaru could say anymore, a female reporter is now on the air as she announces more details on Sawazaki's actions in resurrecting Japan as an independent nation.

"Sawazaki's group was working in conjunction with a terrorist organization at Kyushu after cutting off vehicle access from Ponshou and Shishouku! Furthermore, he has gained support from the Chinese Federation at Military District in Myauo. Their occupation is expanding from Kyushu, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Ouweta!"

While the female reporter continued to announce her broadcast about the Chinese Federation and Sawazaki, Hikaru couldn't imagine what will they do to her people after they resurrect Japan, driving Britannia away from its former nation.

"I guess we may not risk letting another foreign country get involved in invading Japan now, would we?!" Hikaru exclaimed, summarizing on what Geo, Umi, and Fuu are all getting at. "I see, they just going to control us, they way Britannia is trying to control us, aren't they?!"

"Exactly!" Umi and Fuu replied in unison.

"If that's the case then, I don't think Sawazaki has any honor in fighting for Japan anymore, despite his role in the Kururugi Administration," Hikaru continued. "It was thanks to Suzaku that the Kuruugi Administration we all know is dead!"

"Hey guys, we're receiving a communication channel coming from Zero!" Zazu announced as he spotted a urgent message coming in from his laptop.

"Put them on screen!" Geo ordered the young mechanic.

As Zazu went to work on his laptop, a huge screen appeared, covering up where the News Broadcast screen was at. When the screen stretched out 800" by 600," Zero appears before the Magic Knights, Clef, Lantis, and Geo.

"Greetings everyone, I do want to apologize for hindering your attempt to have the Britannians sign in your peace treaty at Shinkene Island!" Zero announced. "But we have more matters to discuss before we continue our campaign against Britannia. You all watched the latest News Broadcast, right?!"

"Yes, we did!" Hikaru responded before any of her friends could say anything to Zero.

"I've made my decision with the rest of the Black Knights! We're not going to collaborate with Sawazaki and the Chinese Federation. His methods are not independent!" Zero continued with his announcement. "I received reports from C.C that he was being used as a puppet, just to taking advantage of the rebellion that we have caused in Area 11!"

"So, what do you think we should do to bring honor for Japan than rather rely on a former cabinet member that may try to trick us into resorting to a false allegiance with the Chinese Federation?" Hikaru asked Zero.

"I decided to unify all of Tokyo into an independent nation!"

"AN INDEPENDENT NATION?" The Magic Knights exclaimed in unison.

For Geo, Clef, Lantis, and Zazu, they all stood there with eyes widened with surprise after hearing what Zero just said. Zero's true goal of an independent nation may be easier said than done because it leaves them all wondering: Which countries will accept this kind of accord? Before any of them could say anything to Zero, the masked hero continues his speech on the screen.

"If you girls were able to unify all of Cephiro and its neighboring countries into an independent nation in the New World, we can do the same for our world as well!" Zero added in.

"But Zero, do you have any idea on how many countries the Britannians have conquered over the past few decades?" Clef asked, feeling outraged by such an impossible dream and of disbelief. "We may have been able to succeed in doing so out of our own will, thanks to the Magic Knights! However, this isn't Cephiro! It's not always easy to achieve dreams like that, not even for me. Before I became Master Mage, there was a lot of things I have to learn about magic and about the world of politics around me first, the same thing goes for the rest of the Cephirians."

"Mr. Clef is right, Mr. Zero!" Fuu said, siding with the Master Mage's groundings. "Britannia's Empire is a lot more bigger than Cephiro's Unified Alliance."

"Well, who else is going to try to stand up against Britannia if not for the Black Knights or your Unified allied Countries?" Zero asked persistently. "You all know that there is no turning back because if we don't help unify Japan into an independent nation now, then that someday will never come!"

"So, what should we do now Zero?" Hikaru asked the masked Black Knight Commander.

"Since Rakshata is now ready to deploy your upgrades for your Rune God Knightmares, you and the Magic Knights are to meet me at these specified coordinates!" Zero acknowledged.


After being rejected to aid her brother during the battle of Kyushu, Euphemia took another detour around Britannia's Art Museum, this time without General Darlton as her personal escort. As she went down the Art Gallery, Euphy could not help but think about Suzaku and Clovis while looking at the portrait of her prince. At the same time, Euphy may need help from Hikaru on how to make up to her losses after Suzaku dismissed himself from being her personal knight. But how can she when Hikaru is one of Suzaku's tedious enemies?

At sunset, just when Euphy is about to leave the Museum v.i.a limousine, she spots a random young girl appear at the gateway calling out her name, making her snap out of her thoughts with Hikaru and Suzaku. Unfortunately, several Britannian security guards caught up to her and attempted to restrain the poor girl. After getting a good look at the woman from the window of the limousine, Euphy suddenly realized that she was actually one of the girls that were being held hostage by the JLF! Just when the security is about to arrest the girl for trespassing, Euphy came out of the limousine.

"Stop! That girl is actually a personal friend of mine!" Euphy ordered at the top of her lungs. "Officers stand down!"

"What? Really, your highness?" One of the guards exclaimed. "But she made a foolish attempt to..."

"I don't care!" Euphy snapped. "Just let me deal with her instead!"

"Y-Yes, your highness!" The officer said as he bowed before the 3rd Princess of Britannia.

With one wave of the officer's hand, the other guards unrestrained the young girl before she stood up before Euphy. As the security guards went back to their posts, the girl couldn't help but sob uncontrollably as Euphy apologized and brought her into the limousine before heading back to the Government Bureau. After treating the girl with hospitality the moment they got there and gave her new clothes to wear, she introduces herself as Nina Einstein towards Princess Euphemia. After discussing what happened during the hotel jacking, Nina couldn't help but think of Euphy as her goddess, much to the Princess' delight.

As Euphy and Nina traded compliments towards each other, Euphy finally found a way to make it up to Suzaku Kururugi. Nina couldn't help but hate herself for not having the courage to thank Euphy for saving her from the JLF. But now that she did, it may be the time to convince Suzaku not to hate himself for the sins that he caused in the past.

"Say, you didn't actually met one of the Magic Knights in person did you?!" Nina asked, feeling afraid about what would the three female Elevens would do to her.

"Actually, I did!" Euphy said as she smiled at them.

"Why? They didn't hurt you did they?! I-I mean, they're Elevens too, just like Sir Suzaku, right?" Nina asked further.

"I just wanted to see them in a better point of view than what my elder sister did!" Euphy replied. "That's when I met Lady Hikaru!"

"She did not try to get revenge on you did she?" Nina gasped.

"No she didn't. I actually saw her seven years ago after Cornelia took her parents away for slavery. I know that deep down, she must've hated herself for not being strong enough to save her family when my people took over her land." Euphy continued. "In her eyes, she just a kind and caring person who just wanted to protect the people she loved. It was during the time I met her in person at the New World and at Kaminejima Island."

"How can you be so sure?" Nina asked shyly.

"She already told me her stories about how she survived in the New World three years ago." Euphy explained to Nina.

After several minutes of explaining Hikaru's story to Nina, she couldn't help but feel thrilled on the path Hikaru took to fulfill her destiny.

"So, what I'm trying to say is, if Hikaru was able to live her life as a true knight to be with the man she loves, then so can I!" Euphy summarized. "Ever since I met Suzaku, I couldn't help but fall in love him of the way he is naturally."

"You mean, you actually find that Eleven Knight an inspiration to your presence?" Nina asked, trying to get the picture while referring to Hikaru.

"Yes, I do!" Euphy said, answering Nina's question. "In fact, I do believe that Hikaru is actually a good person for some honorable reason!"

"If so, then please, I need you to show your goodness and her goodness as well!" Nina begged.

"Thank you, Nina!" Euphy said, acknowledging Nina's request. "I think you and Hikaru did helped me understand something!"

After their conversation, Euphy takes out her cellphone to make a call to Lady Hikaru.


At the ocean during nightfall, 300 miles west of Fukuoka Base, the NSX was able to reach the rendezvous with Zero's Black Knight Submarine. As the battleship opened up the hatches, the three Rune God Knightmares flew out of the hangar and navigated their way towards Kyushu. At the same time, the NSX shoots out three missiles at the Magic Knights. When the missiles closed in 30 feet away, they broke apart, revealing three Sakuradite Evolutions Orbs. They were glowing in three separate colors: red, blue, and green.

The moment each of the Rune Gods touched them, the orbs were immediately absorbed into the huge robotic Knightmares. As a result, they could feel a harmless magical aura flowing within their veins, as well as the Magic Knights themselves. In an instant, the Rune Gods were transforming into a more bulkier version of themselves, changing a bit of their color, armor, and pauldrons.

As Selece is powering up thanks to his Evolution Orb, his tail gets slightly longer, his dragon wings expanded as they changed into a turquoise blue, and its armor became more sharper with adding dragon spikes on its pauldrons and additional plates on its breastplate, covering up the both of the Rune God's lower abdomen. While Umi could feel her magical aura flowing through her body once more inside Selece's cockpit, she started hearing a faint voice coming from inside her head.

"I'm now Selece Omega!"

"How does it feel getting this upgrade, Selece?" Umi asked her Rune God.

"I feel more stronger and faster than before!"

When Windam and Fuu touched their Evolution Orb, a bright green-yellow aura started empowering them from the inside. Before Fuu knew it, Windam's Eagle Helmet sprouted horns coming from its back. Both of Windam's wrists sprouted Eagle-like talons and a Eagle Long Bow appeared with its string hanging onto the Green Rune God's right shoulder down to its lower left waist. The Long Bow has a green handle in the middle and made out of strange Hickory Wood, with both of its ends encased with eagle talons. In other words, Windam's embroideries changed from golden to yellow-orange and its armor from green to yellow-green. After Windam finished its transformation, Fuu started its voice coming from her head.

"I am now Windam Delta!"

"Delta, eh?!" Fuu smirked with interest. "Let's do it, Windam Delta!"

For Rayearth, his left pauldron transformed into the same to that of his right pauldron. His shield became wider, with two talons jutting out of both of its sides in the middle. As for Rayearth's helmet, it added two flame jets coming out from its back. Rayearth's armour got bigger as it changed color from red to crimson and its embroideries from yellow to vermillion orange. On Rayearth's back, two huge jets of fire spew out than rather just one, indicating that the Red Rune God has gained more mobility than ever before. What's interesting is that both fire jets where shooting out towards the sky than rather shooting down to the ground below him. As soon as Rayearth finished its evolution, he started reintroduce himself while speaking to Hikaru inside her head.

"I'm now Rayearth Alpha!"

"Alpha, now that's something I want to record later on!" Hikaru cheered.

From inside the Black Knights submarine, Rakshata couldn't help but chuckle a bit after seeing all three of the Magic Knights' Rune God Knightmares undergo a complete transformation while in mid-air.

"Quite impressive isn't it?!" Rakshata muttered to herself before speaking to Hikaru from her communicator. "So, what do you think of your new upgrades for your toys?!"

"This feels incredible!" Hikaru responded with delight. "I could feel Rayearth getting more stronger than ever before. You have my thanks, Rakshata!"

"Oh, think nothing of it!" The Developer smirked. "After all, I always enjoy tinkering with all sorts of unique Mechs similar to Knightmare frames as part of my secret experiments! Now you go have some fun with your Magic Knight comrades!"

"With pleasure!" Hikaru acknowledged as she flew forward with Selece and Windam. Before she could say anymore, Hikaru's phone started beeping from inside her pocket. The moment she took it out, Hikaru hears Euphy's voice speaking out to her.

"Lady Hikaru, I may need your help with Sir Suzaku!"


The moment the Avalon approached the Fukuoka Base 1,000 miles away, Lloyd and Cecil made preparations in launching Suzaku's Lancelot out into the night sky. In retaliation, Sawazaki ordered a full barrage of missiles to target the encroaching Avalon. Just when the missiles hit their target, at first Sawazaki congratulated himself that the Avalon is destroyed. However, after the exploding missiles left behind a huge smoke, the Avalon came out unscathed when the Lancelot activated his huge core Luminous Shields, protecting the ship from damage.

"It seems that the Lancelot's shields have finally improved on the battlefield!" Lloyd grinned with success.

"Major Kururugi, your orders from Lord Guilford are to engage the HQ at the Fukuoka Base in a direct assault!" Cecil announced to the ex-Britannian Knight. "Be careful when using the Float System because it consumes the energy filler faster than it does with the Lancelot's shields."

"Understood, ma'am!" Suzaku acknowledged as he prepares himself to launch the Lancelot out into the battlefield. "Lancelot, launch!"

As the core luminous inside the White Knightmare spins around, the Lancelot hurled himself out of the Lancelot and activated its Flight System, which is mounted on top of its humpback cockpit. At the same time, the Lancelot drew out its VARIS before heading out to battle. Upon detecting the white Knightmare heading their way, Sawazaki ordered the CF gunships to engage the Lancelot.

However, the Lancelot retaliated as it fired its Slash Harkens, destroying most of the gunships that opened fire with their machine guns and missiles. At the same time, the Lancelot dodged most of the missiles in various barrel rolls and blocked some of them with his Luminous shield. After taking down several squads of VTOL gunships with the Lancelot, Suzaku receives a incoming transmission from Sawazaki himself. As the screen pulled up on the monitor from inside the Lancelot's cockpit, Suzaku sees a full image of the ex-cabinet member.

"This is Minister Sawazaki!" The former cabinet member announced himself. "Are you Prime Minister Kururugi's son inside the Knightmare's pilot seat?!"

"That's right! I'm Major Suzaku Kururugi from the Special Corps of Britannia!" Suzaku replied in a stern tone. "Surrender yourself, and I'll spare your life!"

"You wish!" Sawazaki retorted. "Do you really think you can take us all on at once with just your Knightmare?! Why would you fight for Britannia than rather fight for your father's honor and for Japan? I've known him for a long time even before you were born! Yet, you dare to rob Japan of its freedom?"

"I want to see freedom unfold from the inside of Britannia, not like this!" Suzaku replied, referring to the illegitimate interference with the Chinese Federation.

"Are you saying that you're doing this out of selfishness?!" Sawazaki snapped through Suzaku's channel. "Such ideology!"

"No it's not, it is...UGH!" Suzaku protested as he descended his Lancelot from taking flight. Without warning, Suzaku felt a rumble impacting him from the rear.

Before he knew it, the Lancelot was immediately meet with gunfire coming from behind. In just one swift action, the VARIS was blown apart by enemy fire. When Suzaku looked up to see where the gunfire is coming from, he spots several squads of strange Knightmares close in on his position.

The Knightmares used by the Chinese Federation are known to be Gun-Ru's. They're dome-shaped Knightmares painted in a green color with red trimmings. They're armed with shoulder-mounted Machine guns on its top and shoulder-mounted Cannons in its bottom. Despite its weaponry used for long-range combat, the Gun-Ru's lack the ability to excel in close combat due to its lack of proper body limbs. However, since Suzaku is getting overwhelmed by the Gun-Ru's, the Lancelot ran for cover as it started to take heavy fire from them.

As he continued to watch the battle turn against Suzaku, Sawazaki started chuckling underneath his breath.

"That boy still has much to learn about knowing his place in Japan!"


During their flight towards the Fukuoka Base, the Magic Knights and their recently upgraded Rune Gods meet up with Zero and the Gawain. Upon noticing that their Rune Gods have changed a bit, Zero couldn't imagine what kind of new powers will the Magic Knights may try out on the battlefield.

"So girls, are you all ready to fight for independence and for honor?!" Zero announced from inside the Gawain.

"You bet!" The Magic Knights all said in unison.

"Though, I'm not sure if its right to intercept Suzaku's mission at Fukuoka Base!" Umi protested.

"He may be our enemy, but that's no excuse to disdain him as a Knight fighting for honor!" Hikaru said, denying Umi's protest. "After all, he's still Japanese just like the rest of us are, apart from Zero!"

"If that's true, then I'm sure we'll work something out with Mr. Suzaku in our second diplomatic attempt," Fuu wagered.

"Also, Euphy wanted us to show Suzaku how a true knight displays his or her honor on the battlefield!" Hikaru added in.

"Are you sure about this?!" Umi asked, feeling anxious to see the Honorary Britannian again with the Lancelot.

"We were able to achieve our knighthood before Suzaku did. If we were to help him out just for once, he may find his place in Area 11, whether or not he sides with Britannia!" Hikaru concluded.

"I hope you're right, Ms. Hikaru!" Fuu told her red-haired friend cautiously.

"Let's move out, Magic Knights!" Zero ordered the female Eleven trio. "Our glory for independence awaits us all!"


Meanwhile at Schneizel's office, the doors opened before Darlton and the 2nd Britannian Prince as Princess Euphemia entered the room.

"Schneizel, may I have access to a private communication line?!" Euphy asked her elder brother.

Just when the Lancelot is about to leave his hiding place with his Energy Shield on, he was met by more continuous fire coming from the Gun-Ru's. Just like that, the Lancelot's shield blew up along with its float system. What's worse is that the Lancelot's energy filler is running out, much to Suzaku's and Lloyd's horror.

"This is bad!" Suzaku thought. "I can't hold them off any longer."

"Suzaku, redirect all power to combat systems!" Cecil ordered from Suzaku's intercom.

"Roger that!" Suzaku acknowledged as he disengaged the Lancelot's factsphere sensors, turning off the light inside his cockpit and leaving behind a glowing red light coming from the interface.

"There's no escape, Suzaku Kururugi!" Sawazaki smirked triumphantly. "Since you're the son of Prime Minister Genbu, I will guarantee that you'll be well-treated as our prisoner!"

"I refuse to surrender!" Suzaku denied. "And besides, I won't forgive myself if I were to mention my father's name! This is between you and me!"

"Then, you are just as foolish, reckless, and stubborn as he was!" Sawazaki sneered.

Before Suzaku could continue his fight with the Gun-Ru's, another screen appeared above him with Princess Euphemia announcing herself from a private channel.

"Suzaku Kururugi! The truth is you and I...well that is..."

"Sorry your highness, but this is not the time for any conversation!" Suzaku replied, not wanting to lose his concentration with the encroaching Gun-Ru's.

As the Lancelot drew out his Maser Sword and cut off several gun-mounted limbs from a couple of Gun-Ru's, Euphy continues with her conversation with Suzaku.

"I hereby command you to love me!"

"Yes your high...wait?! WHAT?" Suzaku gasped in confusion. Just like that, Suzaku became completely shocked by what Euphy just told him.

"And in return, I would love you evermore!" Euphy continued. "They way you showed me your sad eyes, your clumsiness, your stubbornness, and your strength. There is nothing that I hate about you at all!"

"Why are you telling me this?" Suzaku asked while still in a state of shock during his fight with the Gun-Ru's.

"I'm saying this because you don't need to hate yourself of your past sins!" Euphy answered.

"So, you were actually worried about me, weren't you?!" Suzaku thought as he knocked out a Gun-Ru with the Lancelot's Slash Harken. In less than a minute, the Lancelot whiplashed several more Gun-Ru's with its right wrist-mounted Slash Harken, making them topple over each other to their left. "You really are impulsive, especially when we first met, when you told me you were a princess, when you sent me to Ashford, and when you made me your knight. I could not bear myself to argue with any of it. Now that I think about it, there was more than one door that I'm willing to open."

As the Lancelot moved forward straight to the HQ, Sawazaki is becoming more impatient with the incompetence of the Chinese Federation forces.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOU IMBECILES?! STOP HIM NOW!" The former cabinet member shouted as he clenched one of his fists.

When Suzaku noticed that the Gun-Ru's are circling around him and the Lancelot in front of CF Headquarters, preparing to finish him off, Suzaku makes one final request to his would-be lover Princess Euphemia.

"Princess if something happens to me, I want you to destroy all of my records and erase any trace of my background so that no one else will know about my fate. I don't want any of my friends to be sad. Just make up some story to cover it all up and please say goodbye to Lloyd, Cecil, and Prince Schneizel for me!"

"Suzaku, don't tell me you're going to..." Euphy gasped out of worry for her personal knight.

"Sorry, Euphy! But I was always stubborn to the very end!" Suzaku spoke, considering himself to be his last words after seeing his energy filler completely drained.

"DON'T DIE, SUZAKU! YOU'VE GOT TO LIVE!" Euphy wailed as she held both of her cheeks with her hands out of horror. "HIKARU, PLEASE SAVE HIM!"

"FINISH HIM OFF MEN!" Sawazaki ordered at the top of his lungs, preparing to take down Suzaku and the Lancelot. "FIRE!"

"METOER VOLLEY!" Hikaru roared from above, as a barrage of meteors rained down on top of the Gun-Ru's that surrounded the Lancelot.

In an instant, all of the Gun-Ru's were obliterated in an instant, leaving behind a circular molten slag of destruction around the white Knightmare.

"What the hell was that?!" General Tsao gasped.

"Sir, we've detected four more unidentified Knightmares coming down from the sky!" One of the CF soldiers announced, upon seeing them from the radar.

"No way?!" Suzaku gasped as he turned around behind his shoulders. "That's..."

In a sudden surprise, the Gawain, Rayearth, Selece, and Windam make their appearance on the battlefield in Fukuoka Base. When another squadron of VTOL gunships opened fire upon the incoming interceptors, Windam Delta repelled their missiles and gunfire away with his Wings of Protection before the Gawain returned fire.

"These people are in my way!" Zero smirked as he fired the Gawain's Hadron Cannons.

After Windam got out of the Gawain's line of fire, its Hadron Cannons finally fired two huge red beams at the gunships, blowing them all sky high. After noticing that the Gawain's main weapons are complete and that the Cannon's beams are able to converge, Lloyd started trembling in horror for not being able to finish its weapon systems. At the same time, Rakshata chuckled a bit that, despite the Gawain being an advance experimental Knightmare, she was able to fully install the Hadron Cannons to its fullest.

As the Rune Gods made their landing in front of the Lancelot, their feet started shooting a small jet of flames, water jets, and small gusts rendering them to hover while moving a bit faster while on the ground. Without hesitation, Umi and Fuu immediately engaged the Gun-Ru's with their upgraded Rune Gods, while Hikaru and Rayearth approached the Lancelot in a calm manner.

When Selece drew out his sword, it started glowing in a blue-fiery aura wrapping around the blade, coming from its hilt. As Umi and Selece made one thrust with her rapier, it shot out a long-range icicle spearhead. Upon impact, it didn't just wrecked the Gun-Ru's, they completely froze in place, along with its pilots, who now turned into frozen corpses. In addition, the ground surrounding the wrecked Gun-Ru's turned into an icy field.

"Agh! T-Too c-cold!" One of the CF pilots shivered before turning into an ice cube from the inside.

Umi wasn't done yet with piloting Selece, she unleashed another new spell that allows her to focus all her water magic into the palm of left right hand. In an instant, the water turned into a frozen solid ball with a small glowing energy coming from inside it before slamming Umi's magic into the ground.

"FROZEN NOVA!" Umi roared.

After Umi smashed her frozen ball of water to the ground, her spell immediately dispersed in a larger circle from where she was standing, leaving behind a surrounding barrage of long ice missiles that struck the Gun-Ru's surrounding her Rune God. Before the Gun-Ru's had a chance to fire upon Selece, they were immediately struck by the encroaching circle of her magic and then blasted away by its ice missiles upon impact.

When another squad of Gun-Ru's opened fire at Umi, she called forth her 5th spell out on the battlefield. Before they could see what was going on, Umi raised both of her hands up to the sky as two water dragons broke out from the surface below her. As both of her water dragons merged into each other, it transformed into a huge one. This time it had water tusks jutting out from its cheeks and wings sprouting from its serpentine-like body. As Umi aimed both of her hands at the second squad of Gun-Ru's, her merged water dragon spell headed straight for them.

"OCEAN WYVERN!" Umi shouted at the top of her lungs as her 5th spell ran right through them, flipping most of the Gun-Ru's off-balance, while those directly in its path were pushed straight into the buildings behind them before exploding upon impact.

When Fuu makes her move upon the encroaching Gun-Ru's, she drew out her Eagle Long Bow with her right hand. Despite not having any quivers on Windam's waist, Fuu used her left hand to summon an enchanted green arrow before loading it onto her long bow. As she stretched out the longbow's string with her left thumb and forefinger while holding onto the back of the arrow and aimed it at the squad of 5 Gun-Ru's, Fuu released her arrow, letting it fly straight at them. When the green arrow closed into its targets, it ignited into a fiery-green aura and transformed into a huge green eagle as it spread its wings out wide and aimed its beak and claws at the Gun-Ru's.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING?" One of the Gun-Ru pilots shrieked as he frantically opened fire at the oncoming eagle.

Unfortunately, the green eagle did not took any damage from any of the Gun-Ru's weaponry and instead, it flew right past them in a flash. In just mere seconds, all five Gun-Ru's were ripped apart in two before they exploded into nothingness.

While Umi and Fuu spread out to disperse the attacking Gun-Ru's, Hikaru and the Gawain both stop at a few feet in front of the Lancelot.

"Suzaku, is the Lancelot still operational?" Zero asked, confirming his white Knightmare's current status.

"Zero! I didn't think you and Hikaru would show up here too, along with these Eleven Lady Knights of the New World!" Suzaku announced sternly.

"You may need this, Suzaku!" Hikaru said as she summoned an energy filler with her magic before handing it over to the Lancelot with her right hand.

"Why are you helping me, Hikaru?!" Suzaku asked cautiously.

"It was your princess' request. She wanted me to show you how a true knight displays their honor regardless of his or her painful memories!" Hikaru acknowledged. "About the part where you killed your father, you're not the only one who has reluctantly committed such murder before everything fell apart!"

"What do you mean by that?!" Suzaku asked further.

"I'll explain later, Suzaku!" Hikaru replied. "We'll go on ahead to take down their Command Center. What will you do?!"

"Sorry, Hikaru!" Suzaku denied as he took the energy filler from Rayearth's hands and using it to recharge the Lancelot's Yggdrasil Drive. "You can't always get your wish! I'll be the one to hit them first."

As Hikaru and Suzaku drew out their swords and after the Lancelot is fully charged, they both engaged the Gun-Ru's head on with everything they've got. At the beginning of their resumed attack upon the CF Headquarters, a background song is being played out from the 4th wall.

Hold on, to that dream!

Tomorrow knows, where and when

Back at HQ, General Tsao was able to listen to the open channel from Kururugi when speaking to Zero.

"It's Zero and the Knight Elevens from the New World?!"

"Is that an open channel?" Sawazaki asked his subordinates, getting a positive response in return. "If so, stay on them and find out what they're after!"

It's true what you believe,

Don't let go, the world will never end!

As three Gun-Ru's opened fire upon Rayearth Alpha, Hikaru veered left and right while using her flame-sprouting jets from the Rune God's feet to move around with more speed, just like the Lancelot, to avoid getting shot at. It didn't take that long for Suzaku to notice this, much to the Honorary Britannian's curiosity. Before Suzaku could see what was happening, Hikaru raised both of her hands out wide as she summoned two red balls filled with Fire Magic. The moment she clamped both of her hands together with her Fire Magic, they converge into a huge ball of conflagration energy.

"HOWLING BLAZE!" Hikaru shouted as she unleashed a huge red wolf illusion followed by a powerful torrent of fire in its wake.

As the red wolf charged itself towards the Gun-Ru's, most of them were set aflame before they collapsed on the ground and exploded behind Hikaru's new spell.

The sunset melts into the deep blue sea

It turns into a crimson shade, a wonderful freefall!

"Resume attack!" Sawazaki ordered as he reached his hand towards them on the screen. "Stop them! Stop Kururugi, Zero, and the Knight Elevens!"

Just when several more Gun-Ru's opened fire upon Rayearth Alpha above them, Hikaru charged up her sword. This time, the white flames that came out of her blade turned bright red. With several swings of her sword, Hikaru let loose multiple mid-air red, slashing arcs at the Gun-Ru's, decapitating their armaments and legs, making them immobilized and disarmed all at once.

When the Lancelot charged forward below Rayearth and shot out more Slash Harkens as they decapitated several of the Gun-Ru's cannons into ribbons. Up ahead, Hikaru let loose a "Ruby lighting" at several enemy CF tanks while the Gawain shots down the ones that haven't got caught by her spell with its Hadron Cannons.

I just want to have the wind, take me far away! (Take me far away)

I've cleared impossible hurdles before

But I know that there's more

And I know I can make it!

As the fight raged on, the Magic knights, Zero, and the Lancelot rampaged throughout the entire Fukuoka Base, destroying all CF forces without holding anything back. Due to their efforts, they left behind a trail of destroyed Gun-Ru's, VTOL Gunships, and CF battle tanks left and right. When the Gawain approached the command center and opened up a huge gapping hole in its exterior walls, Sawazaki started questioning his actions.

"Zero, shouldn't you and the Knight Elevens be fighting together as comrades side-by-side?!"

"Sorry to burst through your ranks at a time like this, Mr. Sawazaki!" Fuu replied for Zero sternly. "But if you really are fighting for Japan, why rely on a foreign army from another country to do your bidding in Area 11?! How are you going to pay them back with?! We would accept your allegiance if you stay in Japan after Britannia's invasion!"

"Fuu's got a point, Sawazaki!" Suzaku added in. "I doubt the Chinese Federation is going to get their noses into Japan's independence! You should've stayed for everyone's sake!"

"YOU'RE STILL A CHILD BACK THEN!" Sawazaki snapped in anger. "Bring out the Shogun Knightmare!"

Who's to blame when it is not the best

That I can achieve?

As soon as the Rune Gods and Knightmare Frames entered inside the enemy HQ, they were met by a huge barrage of gatling fire and missiles coming from the shadows in front of them. As they evaded the enemy fire inside the HQ, a huge Knightmare appeared from the shadows. It happens to be a Knightmare similar to that of the Lancelot, except it has a dark-green color all over its body with red linings and with a kensei samurai features on its face. It's armed with a huge gatling cannon with a missile launcher attached to it, mounted on its left arm. For its right arm, the knightmare is carrying a ballista-like cannon on its wrist, which is made out of steel. On its right hand, the Knightmare is carrying a Yari spear. On its back, the knightmare is carrying a dai-katana in its sheath. On its chest, the Knightmare is equipped with a grappling claw that can be used to drag its opponents towards their feet before resorting to a killing blow up close and person. Upon seeing this strange Knightmare appear before all 5 people inside their own Knightmares, they all stared at it in surprise. Before anyone could say anything, Hikaru was the first to ask about the unidentified Knightmare.

"What in the world is that?!" Hikaru gasped in shock.

"That will be my secret weapon in taking back Japan from Britannia!" Sawazaki cackled in amusement. "This is known as the XII Class Shogun Kensei! Developed by the Japanese as an experimental Knightmare Frame. Genbu Kururugi planned to create this to help drive out the Britannian scum away from our country. But since he was killed before Japan was taken over, this Knightmare was never finished in time. So, I had it secured and shipped to the Chinese Federation to have it fully completed. I was about to send this as a little greeting to the Britannian Empire residing in Area 11. But since you jumped the gun here, I think I'll take this for a test drive right here and now. SHOGUN KENSEI, ATTACK!"

Hold on, to that dream

Tomorrow knows where and when

It's true what you believe

Don't let go, the world will never end

As soon as the Shogun Kensei opened fire again, the Rune Gods flew up above the Knightmare and evaded its gatling fire. For the Lancelot and the Gawain, they returned fire with their Slash Harkens and the Hadron Cannons. Just when the Harkens and Cannon fire is about to close into the Shogun, it moved faster than the Lancelot to its right.

"Emerald Typhoon!" Fuu shouted as she threw a gust of wind magic at the Shogun.

The moment Fuu's magic got close to the Shogun, the green Knightmare spun its Yari Spear around in a circle, parrying the spell before he thrusted it at where Windam is. In a fast reaction, Fuu barely had enough time to veer away from the Shogun's spear only for it to nick the sharp tip in Windam's waist.

Keep trying to believe the biggest part of you

And now you're ready to go!

"UGH!" Fuu grunted as she felt a bit of pain in her waist. "Take this!"

In retaliation, Fuu fired another green arrow at the Shogun. However, before the arrow was able to hit its target, the Shogun fired its ballista at its arrowhead, making it explode in mid-air. At the same time, the explosion sent Windam flying backwards before slamming its back on the ground.

Umi and Hikaru make their move as they both charged from both of the Shogun's sides. As they attempted to strike the Knightmare down with both of their swords, the Shogun blocked both blades with its Yari and swung at them with its right end. The moment both Rune Gods backed away, the Shogun unleashed another barrage of gatling fire and missiles at Rayearth and Selece.

The Lancelot appeared on the Shogun's left and fired its Slash Harkens at he gatling, missile cannon. The moment the Lancelot charged forward and attempted to slam both of its MVS on the Shogun, it activated a tower-like red luminous shield. The white Knightmare jumped back when the Shogun made a failed attempt to bash the Lancelot with its luminous shield before firing its ballista at him.

How much long do I have to cry

Before tomorrow's light, a night full of sorrow

All at once, I find today

I finally hid my limits (Hid my limits)

No one saw Fuu got up as she leaped next to the Lancelot and cast a "Wings of Protection" spell to block the incoming fire heading directly at the white Knightmare.

"Fuu! Why would you...?" Suzaku asked the wind Knight as she held onto her wind spell to ward off the Shogun's attacks.

"We knights all have taken an oath to fight for sake of the people we truly loved in all our hearts," Fuu said, immediately answered. "I'm sure you have someone that you're worth fighting for too deep down in your heart as well, Mr. Suzaku?!"

"Well, ever since I met Euphy and how she fell in love with me, I guess you could say that I'm actually fighting for her sake!" Suzaku acknowledged as his face turned slightly red.

I'm sure that, when you are falling in love

It's just like blinking your eyes

Before you know it, it flies away

"There's actually nothing wrong with that, as long as you do the right thing!" Fuu added in. "Ms. Hikaru has Lantis worth fighting for! For Umi, it may either be for Mr. Clef or Mr. Ascot. For me, I've always been fighting for Ferio ever since I met him in the Forest of Silence. My story of how I met that swordsman, is actually similar to your story!"

"Then, I guess we're not so different are we?! Me and Hikaru!" Suzaku grinned.

I just want to learn how strong I can be

When I'm searching for love!

After Fuu smiled at Suzaku and disengaged her protective spell, the Lancelot jumped high into the air above Fuu and leaped at the Shogun with its swords draw to a breaking point. With just one strike, the Lancelot's dual MVS was successfully able to chop the Yari into three pieces before it fell on the ground. But as Fuu launched her "Emerald Cyclone" at the enemy Knightmare, it steered away to its right and launched its grappling claw while aiming it at Windam. However, before the Shogun could grab the Green Rune God Knightmare with its claw, Rayearth bursted through and unleashed another "Howling Blaze" directly into it. Upon impact, the claw exploded as it disintegrate into nothingness.

Hold on, to that dream

Tomorrow knows where and when

In a rage, the Shogun's pilot started emptying its gatling cannon at Rayearth but with little or no damage at all. Thanks to Rayearth's upgraded shield, Hikaru was able to activate an red, electrical barrier around it, improving the shield's durability and defenses. As Hikaru was able to defend herself against the oncoming fire from the Shogun's bullets and missiles, she charged forward with her Rune God, with her shield up front and her sword held next to her waist. In just one quick motion, Hikaru was able to decapitate the gatling cannon and missile launcher with her sword with a fast slashing, horizontal arc.

My lips, tightly sealed

But you can see it, in my very eyes

When the Shogun back away from Rayearth, he drew out his dai-katana from the scabbard on his back. The moment the Shogun's dai-katana has been revealed, its blade lit up in a bright, green light. Before Hikaru even knew it, the Shogun launched itself at the Flame Knight, wielding the dai-katana with both of its hands. Hikaru barely had enough time to block the oncoming blade with her Escudo Broadsword. The Shogun wasn't done yet as he made several more attacks with his dai-katana from all sides of Rayearth. Ultimately, Hikaru was still able to parry against every incoming blade from the Shogun with decent reactions thanks to her mastery in Kendo.

I traveled down that road

And found a greater love

This time I know it is real!

While setting its sights on Rayearth, the Shogun did not see Selece and the Lancelot charged at him from both of his sides with their swords drawn. The moment they both swung their swords at the Shogun, it activated its rotating core luminous shields. However, due to the pressure of both the Lancelot's MVS and Selece's Escudo rapier, the Shogun's shields aren't able to hold up for long. So, the Shogun flipped backwards and landed 25 meters away from the two Rune Gods and the Lancelot.


As they watch the battle of Kyushu continue from afar, both sides could not help but feel a bit surprised when Zero and the Magic Knights committed a joint operation with the Lancelot while engaging the Chinese Federation at will. For Euphy, she felt even more relieved that Hikaru and Lelouch are able to pay her back by aiding her beloved knight on the field after treating the Flame Knight of her injuries and when helping her brother find food at Kaminejima Island.

"Thank you, Hikaru! Lelouch!" Euphy muttered in happiness as she held the knight badge up to her chest. "I'm not worthy!"

I've cleared impossible hurdles before

But I know that there's more

And I know I can make it!

While Cornelia was engaging the Chinese Federation forces with her Gloucester onboard a Britannian battleship, she couldn't believe on what just happened at Kyushu.

"What?! Hikaru just saved Kururugi?!" Cornelia said in disbelief. "What the hell is she thinking, fighting on our side?!"


For the Black Knights watching the battle unfold at Kyushu, Diethard confirmed that Zero's plan was to infiltrate Kyushu with just the Gawain while meeting up with the Magic Knights, who were all cloaked underneath Britannia's radar.

"This is very astounding that the Magic Knights would come to Zero's aid after helping them drive Britannia away from Cephiro earlier!" Diethard summarized. "By fighting honorably as Knights they truly are, they will be known from around the world of how they live up to their reputation! Also, knights that are defending their beloved country will be considered an independent, noble cause. Hence, the people that they're defending will be convinced to believe that they would win back their future; that is how we Black Knights want to show what the Magic Knights have shown when the people of Cephiro put away their fears and replace them with the honor they all deserve!"

But when I got up to the starting line

My legs are frozen with fear


After several sword strikes, magic spells, firing Harkens and shooting out cannon fire at the Shogun, it eventually started to lose its energy filler as its luminous shield slowly faded away and that it's dai-katana was shattered into a million pieces. Seizing the opportunity, the Magic Knights called out forth their ultimate spells before the Lancelot could finish the Shogun off.

"Lighting Inferno!"

"Ocean Wyvern!"

"Emerald Twister!

Simultaneously, a huge conflagration with lighting tendrils, merged and tusked water dragon, and a powerful green tornado-like spell headed straight towards the downed Shogun. When all three spells struck the Shogun, it got blasted straight into the wall from behind as it collapsed into a smoked wreckage. For the Lancelot, he finished the Shogun off the moment it struggled to get back up.

Hold on to that dream

Tomorrow knows where and when

Before the Shogun could fight back, he was met with a clean cut to the head as the Lancelot decapitated it with his MVS. As a result, the Shogun Kensei is defeated by the teamwork of the Magic Knights and the Lancelot. Upon seeing all of this happen right before his very eyes, Zero could not help but grin at their allied victory against the Chinese Federation.

Unaware of the Shogun's defeat, General Tsao and Sawazaki made their attempt to escape the Kyushu Block while using their experimental Knightmare to keep them distracted. As they reached their helicopter by jeep, a flying Escudo sword was thrown straight at the cockpit, disabling the aircraft and killing its pilot, much to Sawazaki's horror.

Reach out with both your arms

And take the key that opens up your heart

When the Lancelot jumped up in front of Sawazaki and the CF General, the Gawain appears above the white Knightmare.

"Sawazaki, that's far enough!" Suzaku said from inside the Lancelot.

"What the?! But what about the Shogun Kensei?!" Sawazaki shrieked.

"You mean this piece of junk?" Hikaru clarified as she appeared behind the former cabinet member, along with Selece and Windam.

Before they knew what the Flame knight was getting at, Hikaru dropped the severed head of the defeated Knightmare right in front of Sawazaki's feet.

"NO! T-They took down the largest force in all of Kyushu, along with Genbu's experimental Knightmare Frame?!" Sawazaki screeched, realizing that he has been defeated.

"Face it, Sawazaki!" Hikaru shouted angrily at the former cabinet member. "Your independence for Japan right now is dishonorable!"


Hold on to that dream

Tomorrow knows where and when

On the next day, after the Gawain and the Rune Gods left the area and leaving Suzaku and Cornelia to leave Sawazaki in their own hands, the reporter makes her broadcasting announcement all over Area 11.

"The terrorists lead by an anti-government in the Kyushu Block was intercepted by Princess Cornelia's sudden attack! Atushi Sawazaki and four other members of the former Japanese Government are arrested. About half of the Chinese Federation troops were captured as well. Despite the recent events at the Kyushu Block, the leaders of the Chinese Federation have all agreed that Sawazaki's acts are declared unauthorized and have issued an order to have the Britannian Empire to hand over all of their POWs to them."

It's true on what you believe

Don't let go the world will never end

As the Avalon safely landed at the Government Bureau landing pad, Suzaku appears before Princess Euphemia as he makes regal bow towards her.

"Warrant Officer Kururugi reporting for duty!" Suzaku announced, as he display his formal response to Euphy.

"Suzaku, welcome back!" The 3rd Princess smiled.

"Is it true? Did you really send Hikaru to back me up?!" Suzaku asked, showing his concern for what the Flame Knight did last night.

"Yes, I did. Well, when Hikaru told me about how she met Lantis and was able to fall in love with him, despite her sins and her tragic tales and all that, I actually learned something from her." Euphy nodded. "There's no need to live in the past anymore. I wanted to do this just so that we can live together and be happy, just like the way they did in the New World."

"I never thought of that!" Suzaku said in embarrassment.

"Therefore, it's what my heart honestly said to me!" Euphy concluded.

After a few seconds of silence, both Suzaku and Euphy started chuckling together.

"Other than that, I just wanted to see Hikaru and her people smiled again!" Euphy added in. "I can assure you that Hikaru's wish was actually the same as my wish. So, will you help me find happiness? Will you be my knight?!"

As Euphy handed over Suzaku his knight badge, he finally understood what Hikaru has really been through in the New World.

"Yes, your majesty!" Suzaku replied in a positive tone.

The moment Suzaku politely took his knight badge from Euphy's hand, he was immediately met by a kiss from the Princess up to his lips while embracing him in her arms. Feeling the comfort from Euphy, Suzaku felt paralyzed by such romantic behavior. After a few seconds, Suzaku ended up kissing her back, making Euphy's heart started to soar as the song ends.

Keep trying to believe the biggest part of you

And know you're ready to go!


From a distance away somewhere in a nearby forest, Hikaru was able to see clear view of what was happening between Suzaku and Euphy while outside of Rayearth Alpha. Upon seeing them kiss each other through a magic bubble, Hikaru couldn't help but smile at both of them as a tear fell out of her eye as she closed them for a bit. In her theory, after Hikaru opened up her eyes and wiped them with her right arm, Suzaku may actually be able to find his place, not just amongst Britannia, not just amongst Area 11, but also deep within his heart.

"I guess there is nothing Suzaku, Lelouch, and I can't do together in both worlds!" Hikaru thought as she made the magic bubble disappear into thin air.

As Hikaru went back inside Rayearth, she disappeared deep into the forest and went back to base.