The Chinese Federation.
An alliance of nations boasting the largest population in the world.
But the truth is that it can already be called a weak old man.
The symbol of this alliance is the empress.
The ruling class which control society from her shadow has grown exceedingly tyrannical,
while poverty and stagnation have sapped the life from the nation's people.
It is to this Chinese Federation that the Black Knights have fled Japan.
The High Eunuchs, the most powerful men at the time, have lent the Japanese people...
the manmade island of Horai, built for tidal power generation...
off the coast of Jiangsu province in the Yellow Sea.
While this arrangement had been worked out in advance,
it was only later that the political implications of this became clear.
Morning and night, I long for you Asa mo yoru mo koikogarete
I'll become a star and protect you Hoshi ni naru yo kimi mamoru
No matter where the battle may take me Tatakai wa yukue shirazu
At the intersection of tomorrow and yesterday Ashita to kinou no kousaten de
You and I can't be together Majiwaranai kimi to boku
I'm a shooting star, on my way right now Ima iku yo boku wa nagareboshi
Even if the world crumbles apart Sekai ga kuchihatetemo
There are things which will never change Kawaru koto no nai mono ga aru
Even as we bear tears in our eyes Namida wo koraete demo
There are things we must protect Mamorubeki mono ga bokura ni wa aru
A message that's been in my body Nanman'nen nan'okunen mae kara no
For thousands and millions of years, Message ga tainai de
Springs out (I have no reservations) Uzukidasu (Mayoi wa nai)
Roars out (It's easy) Narihibiku (Kantan da)
In a hoarse voice (Calling tomorrow) Shagareta koe de (Asu wo yobu)
With my wounded hands (I protect you) Kizudarake no te de (Kimi mamoru)
I continue to fight!
Morning and night, I long for you Asa mo yoru mo koikogarete
I'll become a star and protect you Hoshi ni naru yo kimi mamoru
No matter where the battle may take me Tatakai wa yukue shirazu
At the intersection of tomorrow and yesterday Ashita to kinou no kousaten de
You and I can't be together Majiwaranai kimi to boku
I'm a shooting star, tearing fate apart Sadame wo kirisaku nagareboshi
I'll take away your overflowing tears right now Afureru kimi no namida boku ga ima ubaisaru
A BRIDE IN THE VERMILION FORBIDDEN CITY
JAPANESE LOAN DISTRICT - HORAI ISLAND
Man, the Chinese Federation's really giving us a lot of recognition, huh?
There was that whole bit with Sawasaki, too. Think they're pro-Japananese?
The High Eunuchs?
Asahina, did you hear this? The High Eunuchs may be guys...
but they've got no junk down here!
Tamaki, you're gonna get us in trouble for making fun of stuff like that!
Aw, c'mon!
Hey! Can I get some help off- loading some Knightmares?
They're already here?
For India to be giving us this much cooperation, something must be going on behind the scenes.
No, they may be surprisingly serious about this.
They're trying to get their independence from the Chinese Federation, too.
Rakshata mentioned that, too.
Well, considering how they get called the land of barbarians by the Chinese...
We've finished picking out candidates for staff leaders.
Should we station them aboard the Ikaruga?
Correct. That leaves us with the civil administrators.
I agree.
Let's work with the intelligence section and get that set up.
Now, if you'll excuse me...
Can we depend on Diet hard?
He tends to act on his own, like Sayoko that time.
To the contrary, he's become even easier to read.
He's trying to make Zero a symbol of God.
Starting from there, you can guess what actions he'll take, right?
Besides, he has a useful talent for manipulating information.
Okay, that just about does it. That just leaves the combat carrier.
You're installing the Gawain's system onto the Ikaruga, right?
The Shinkirou utilizes it as well.
The main body looked so damaged when we salvaged it from the water.
What about the unit that sank with it?
The one they're calling the Knight Gigafortress?
I tried looking for that myself, but...
You're serious about wanting to take down the capital of the Chinese Federation?
In a way where we won't be considered to be the aggressors.
If we can take down Luoyang, we clear a lot of conditions for defeating Britannia.
Looks like he's all right now.
I wasn't sure what he was going to do that time.
What's up?
Tell me, Lelouch. Tell me why you came back.
Kallen... When this is all over, would you go back to Ashford Academy with me?
I...
Tabasco.
How long have you been there?!
It needs Tabasco, but all we have is this Chinese spiced oil. What to do?
Um...
Now what do we do?
Master! Ero, please come to the Ikaruga! We've got trouble!
What? A political marriage?
Yes. I received an invitation to the ceremony through the Sumeragi Conglomerate.
The bride is to be the empress, who's the symbol of the Chinese Federation.
She wants me there as her good friend.
And the groom is to be the first prince of Britannia.
That one they call Odysseus.
It's too soon to activate the plan we've prepared.
I never thought the High Eunuchs would...
No, this is a Britannian plot.
In that case, what do we do?
This is the worst possible case for us.
And I was going to move against the empress before they could!
I never thought that mediocre man would move so fast!
Aw, don't sweat it! It's not like we have anything to do with Britannia!
We've been exiled, remember?
Um... That doesn't mean they've excused our crimes, right?
Besides, a political marriage...
It's possible the Chinese Federation might attack us.
Then what?! Are the Black Knights a wedding gift for them?!
Actually, that's a good way to put it.
You're developing a nice, useless talent there.
This is no time to sit around joking! We're in big trouble here!
Which is why...
we're discussing it right now!
Zero, behind this...
Yes. There's one other person.
Only one man could reverse their poor relations with the Chinese Federation overnight...
by making such a devilish move!
Would they dare? Sell Her Majesty to the Britannians?!
LUOYANG - VERMILION FORBIDDEN CITY Reception Hall
The empress has consented to this, hasn't she?
That's what they said, so we have to take their word for it.
Besides, this is one path to peace.
Right...
Let's just enjoy ourselves as guests.
Suzaku! I found it!
This is that charred newt stuff you told me about, right?
How do I eat it?
That's just a decoration made out of food.
Decoration?
But you just ate a bird like this before, didn't you?
Bird... You mean the Chinese phoenix?
Oh, is that what it was? I thought it was meat, but it was made out of carrots...
Is this made out of potato? I can eat it, can't I?
Sir Alstreim, you're getting e-mails here in the reception hall?
Uh-uh. I'm memorizing this.
Oh, that's a diary?
Then it's "recording," my dear!
Um, Lloyd, am I still your fiancée or not?
Huh? We haven't canceled it, have we?
Well, this is a rare sight.
I figured you would skip the celebration party and just attend the ceremony tomorrow.
Suzaku sometimes gets mad at me and says I should act more like a fiancé.
This young lady here being the cause of that.
How do you do? I'm Milly Ashford.
A pleasure. I'm shocked Lloyd would show any interest in anything human.
Well, I guess I'm growing up.
This is Earl Kannon Maldini, Prince Schneizel's aide-de-camp.
In matters public and private.
I'm kidding.
Prince Schneizel likes unusual things.
Myself included.
Announcing the prime minister of the Holy Britannian Empire!
Second prince Schneizel has arrived!
It can't be... Nina!
Ah! I never thought my younger brother would be so steady in his choice of escorts.
Ah...
Who is that girl?
Isn't she the chief of Invogue?
Yes, the prince's research team.
She's awfully young.
She should know her place!
Be strong. Euphy was always quite grand.
Yes.
It's been a while.
His Majesty has ordered that we take orders from you in this land.
Three of the Rounds? How splendid! However...
What, sir?
This is a celebration! You should relax a little more!
Understood, sir!
Suzaku, is everyone at school well?
Yeah. See for yourself.
Hi!
Milly!
The High Eunuchs and Prince Schneizel have already set up a secret agreement.
Once she's married, they'll cede our territory to them.
He's said the High Eunuchs will be given Britannian titles of nobility.
Titles of nobility? They'd sell their country for that?!
And what about the people?!
Death to the High Eunuchs!
We need to stop this wedding, even if it means starting the plan early.
But if we stage a coup, it'll mean war with Britannia.
Either we have to ensure peace, or else...
But, Your Majesty, this man tried to unlawfully save a prisoner.
But... I get brought medicine when I'm sick, so?
There's no comparing that prisoner with you, Your Majesty!
The banquet will be starting soon! Do as Her Majesty commands!
But, if he's taken to face the law, he'll be executed!
But, that's wrong!
That's wrong! He was doing something good!
Well, you see...
Officer's school?
Yes. That's how I'm using the life that you spared, Your Majesty.
I wish to protect you in any way I can.
I'd like to go, too. Outside.
Outside?
Out of the forbidden city. To the sea, or maybe to school.
Where there's hot foods and friends to make.
Very well, then.
One day, I will take you out of here, Your Majesty.
Really?!
As thanks for your sparing my life.
We make promises like this outside the city.
A promise made...
for all time.
The choice is either protect Her Majesty or allow an alliance to ensure peace.
Anyway, I'm certainly glad of this!
I'm no good at fighting.
Does His Majesty plan to attend the wedding?
He said he would attend the banquet back in the homeland.
The representative of the Sumeragi Conglomerate!
Miss Kaguya Sumeragi has arrived!
Kaguya? What?!
Zero! How dare he!
And that's the Guren pilot with him, isn't it?
- Who invited him?! - To a place like this!
He's a terrorist!
Well, well, well!
Schneizel! So, you are the puppet master behind all this!
You're nearly ready to graduate, aren't you?
I suppose I should finish, huh?
Still, I'm happy for you. You seem to be doing well for yourself.
I'm a little relieved.
Relieved?
If anything happens, you can come to me for advice.
Stop that.
Milly, I like you, but I hate women who have no depth to them.
Princess Euphemia didn't run away.
She risked her life to save me.
Princess Euphemia was the only one who helped me.
And I'll help you, too.
Stop just mouthing sympathy for me!
You always play around, and then retreat behind Ashford like it's a shield!
Your engagement to Dr. Lloyd is just like that!
You always look down on me, acting like you're my guardian while you swim in your own hypocrisy!
I've changed! Now acknowledge that!
Kaguya!
Our wedding gift has shown up on its own accord.
What a wonderful thing!
You're giving Kaguya to Britannia as well?
Forget her. Her crimes warrant the death penalty.
That's wrong! This isn't Britannia!
The Black Knights killed Gao Hai.
Just leave the politics to us.
Isn't that what you've always done?
But, she's my friend.
Can't we stop this quarrel?
Today is a day of celebration, is it not?
But...
Miss Sumeragi, could you please not have Zero escort you at the wedding tomorrow?
Well... I suppose it can't be helped.
If that is what the prime minister of Britannia says... Withdraw!
So, Schneizel... You appear right before me?
As watchful as always, I see.
Mr. Kururugi? Do you remember me?
It's me, your cousin.
Of course I do.
We're the last survivors of the Six Houses of Kyoto, aren't we?
Kirihara and the others were supporters of terrorists.
Their executions couldn't be helped.
Have you forgotten? Master Zero once saved your life.
Do you plan to execute someone you owe your life to?
That has nothing to do with this!
How sad. If only we could kill with our words alone.
Prince Schneizel.
Would you care for a game of chess?
Oh?
If I win, I'd like to have Sir Kururugi.
I'll give him to Lady Kaguya.
Oh! That would be a most lovely present!
Enjoy your anticipation of receiving it.
If I can get Suzaku out of here, I can use my Geass on everyone here.
A checkmate that would turn everything around.
Well then, if I win, will you remove your helmet for me?
Very well.
This has turned into a fine evening's entertainment!
Surely we don't have to stay in a separate room away from the show?
He's playing a terrorist. Something might happen.
How absurd. My husband is the one who will win.
I understand how you feel,
but I can't imagine anyone but my brother Schneizel winning this game.
So, this is the ace of the Black Knights. The pilot of the Guren.
The one from before? She looks a lot prettier than her wanted poster.
Just my type.
He's good! He's pushing in on His Highness!
Oh? You're fighting back better than I thought you would.
He's good, just as I'd expect of my brother.
He's the only man I could never beat.
However, that was eight years ago.
Your king?
If the king doesn't lead, how can he expect his subordinates to follow?
A fine philosophy! Well, then... I'll move mine, as well.
Well, now... I wonder who's going to win?
They're evenly matched.
Stubborn competition. Practically a fight!
Well? You can't advance any further, can you?
At this rate, we'll fall into a threefold repetition.
It wasn't my intention, but shall we just declare this a draw?
No.
Hm?
You'd do well not to underestimate the white king.
You wouldn't!
Checkmate.
If Zero moves his king...
then he'll...
...capture Schneizel's king!
Oh, that's too big of a joke!
Is he intentionally losing?
What is this?
Are you just handing me a victory?
If I take this invitation, it means giving in to his plan.
I can't allow this! This humiliation!
The emperor would have taken it without any hesitations.
I've learned just a bit about what kind of man you really are.
Schneizel! You dare look down on me like that?!
Zero! Princess Euphemia will be avenged!
Stop it, Nina!
Why are you stopping me?!
You were her knight, weren't you?!
That's right. So, why...?
You're just an Eleven after all, aren't you?!
Nina!
Kallen! You're half-Britannian, so why?!
No. I'm Japanese.
"Japanese?" You mean Eleven, right?
You're an Eleven, and you dared to act like my friend?!
Give her back to me! Give back Princess Euphemia!
I needed her! She was a goddess to me!
Nina...
Zero killed her, but you!
This is just one more tragedy! Ero's caused.
Nina...
I'm sorry about everything that's happened. But even so...
Kallen... You haven't changed at all.
Even during the Black Rebellion, you were worried about us.
Even so, I...
I can't turn back now!
Forgive me, Zero. Let's end our little game here.
Also, I'd like to confirm...
that you will not attend the ceremony tomorrow.
Next time, a game of chess won't save you.
Have no fear.
That's right. Once I'm married to this man tomorrow,
I'll leave the forbidden city and go to Britannia as a hostage.
I never thought this was how I would finally go outside.
It'll be my first and last time.
I'll never return here, will I?
I... I...
We ask this question!
By the voice of heaven, the roar of the land, and the hearts of the people!
In what way does this marriage represent the will of the Chinese Federation?!
Terrorists?!
Don't you mean a coup d'etat?!
Have you lost your mind, Xing-ke?!
Silence, Zhao Hao! In the name of the people, I challenge the legality of this wedding!
Hold him back!
It's strange.
As much as I pray to save the people who are starving,
I'm only thinking about Her Majesty's welfare.
Right now...
I am...
Stop the broadcast!
This is terrible-
Hey! What about the Prez?!
Lady Kaguya, let's get out of here.
What?
Suzaku!
Right!
Don't shoot! If anything happens to the Britannians, it'll be disastrous!
Seize him!
Traitor! You think the empress is yours alone?!
That's right.
I have no idea if this is what Her Majesty desires.
She may not even remember what happened 6 years ago.
Even so, I made an eternal promise to her in return for her sparing my life!
A vow I swore in my heart!
I will take the empress! To the outside world!
Xing-ke!
She does... She remembers!
In my heart, I have no hesitation!
Xing-ke!
I appreciate this, Xing-ke!
You've made it easier for me to make my move.
Th-That man, too?!
Zero, what's the meaning of this?
Don't move!
How cowardly!
Zero... Even after I warned you...
I thought the Black Knights owed us for what we did for them in Area 11.
Which is why I'm ruining this wedding.
Just as you people wanted.
However, I'm taking the bride with me!
Xing-ke!
Your Majesty!
You scum!
Oh, am I?
Yes. Zero's true objective...
If it's here, that could mean trouble for us.
Yes. Is that why you've made preparations for me?
It is.
Thank you very much.
Once I'm properly adjusted, C.C. And Lelouch will be no match for me.
Your expectations of Jeremiah Gottwald will be met...
With all my strength!
Someday let's try to pick up and rebuild Mune no naka itsuka hirotta
The fragments of happiness in our hearts Shiawase no kakera atsumete miyou
That nearly forgotten melody Wasurekaketeita melody
Stay vivid, deep inside of me Iroasezu boku no man'naka ni
I thank you from the bottom of my heart Arigatou kokoro kara
Everything I have now, I owe to everyone Boku ni ima ga aru no wa minna no okagesa
I thank you from the bottom of my heart Arigatou kokoro kara
Next I'll send happiness to everyone Tsugi wa boku ga minna ni happy okuru yo
I won't forget anything Nanimokamo wasurenai yo
Because I'm still the same as I was that day Ano hi no boku mo boku dakara
You need me to keep on saying Daisuki da yo'tte itsumo
How much I love you Itte agenakya dame da ne
On those long nights, your tears about to overflow Namida ga kobore sou na nagai yoru wa
Just turn around Futto furikaette
Follow those footprints Ashiato wo tadorun'da
So that you'll never forget that day Ano hi wo wasurenai you ni
Even if they try to move now, it's too late.
The empress, the symbol of the Chinese Federation, has fallen into my hands.
Xing-ke, the High Eunuchs, even Schneizel...
Let them all dance to my plan!
I'm through positioning my pieces.
This is no game of chess.
I'm going for a checkmate of the nation known as the Chinese Federation!
And once I have, I'm coming for him!
I'll have the power to approach the emperor of Britannia!
And for that, I swear, I'll!
WHEN SHEN HU WINS GLORY