Both Ikaruga and GST Redemption are under attacked by Heretic of Nod air force. The gun turrets fires on every enemy aircraft but they are too fast so they sent out gekkas to deal with them. The BK gekkas slices down few of Heretic banshees but most of gekkas were immediately shot down by banshees, phantoms, and laser venoms.

...

Meanwhile, to the GST Redemption, they are overwhelmed by Heretic air forces as they scatter around the ship to miss their targets. Strongarm was ok in the bridge room as the crew tried to keep the ship floating and defend it from enemy air forces. She sat on the chair as she said to everyone.

Strongarm: Keep this ship defended! Don't let it fall into the group damaged. EVA, what's the status of this ship?

EVA: The ship is taking 86% damage.

Strongarm: Damn... I didn't expect Nod here in our world. Just how the hell do they get here anyway?

GDI crewman: Sir! They took out some gun turrets. Shall deploy knightmare airborne units?

Strongarm: Do it. Also, send out Delta Eagle Force to engage the enemy.

GDI crewman: Aye, miss.

...

Ikaruga

Ohgi and the rest of the others feel shaking as Heretic air forces damage the floating ship. The alarm goes loud as more hits on the ship.

Ohgi: What's the percentage of radiant wave shields?

Futaba: 79% of radiant wave shield. They hit us hard.

Hinata: We lost 6 more gekka squads.

Urabe: Damn it! We've never known being attacked like this.

Asahina: It's not Britannian, for sure.

Ohgi: Everyone, send out anyone available to fight against them.

The screen opens the channel to see Strongarm contact them.

Strongarm (screen): Prime Minister Ohgi, what's the status there?

Ohgi: Not good. They took down a few gekkas. We still don't know what we are up against.

Strongarm (screen): I hate to say this, but the Nod has arrived in this world.

Everyone is shocked in this room that they're being attacked by the GDI enemy, Brotherhood of Nod.

Tamaki: No kidding!?

Sugiyama: They're here in our world? How?!

Strongarm (screen): We still don't know yet. But what I'm guessing is they must've possessed Scrin technology to build a portal and come to this world. Still, we have to take them out.

Tohdoh: And that's exactly what we're about to do. Holy Swords, follow me!

Urabe, Chiba, and Asahina follow Tohdoh to the hangar bay as they start up their knightmare frames and go out to fend off the enemy.

Back to the bridge room, Jeremiah asked her.

Jeremiah: Have you contacted Pres. Jefferson, Master Lelouch or everyone else yet?

Strongarm (screen): Not yet. But we still keep contacting them.

Jeremiah: Good. As for I, Jeremiah Gottwald, will go out and fend off those fiends.

He left the bridge room to ride on his knightmare to join the Holy Swords to the battle.

...

Grey wolf destroys two Heretic laser venoms using slash harken. He fired carbine rifles at more banshees and laser venoms. Four Heretic phantoms go towards him as they launch EMP missiles at him. But it was blocked by Iron Shooter, who equipped the forcefield around him. He fires the volley of rockets from the top of the shoulders to take down the phantoms. Iron Knight, Slayer, and Lady Fighter work together to destroy enemy fighters around GST Redemption. They deployed Orca MK Vs, hammerheads, and hurricanes to defeat the remaining enemy fighters.

Meanwhile, three members of Holy Sword led by Tohdoh piloting Zangetsu fight the enemy fighters. They joined the remaining Black Knights forces as they took down a few of them. Jeremiah is piloting a new type of knightmare frame called Sutherland Sieg made by Rakshata. He should have thanked her for building a knightmare for him, but right now he had other things to do. He approached four laser venoms and dared to attack him. He speaks to them.

Jeremiah (speaker): Beware, you insolent fools! For I am Jeremiah Gottwald shall wipe out Master Lelouch's enemy.

He fires missiles from the tubes to destroy Heretic laser venoms. He fires chest slash harkens onto Heretic banshees and destroys them. Zangetsu fires machine gun turrets on a small squad of laser venoms. Asahina's gekka fires a barrel hand gun at the enemy banshee as it shuts down. They keep fighting the enemy until there are no more enemy fighters left. They returned to their ships to repair the knightmares. Strongarm sent out GDI archangels to repair both ships.

...

Ikaruga

Ohgi: Are there more enemy fighters left?

They checked the scanners and then they said.

Minase: No enemy fighters detected. That's all of them.

They release a big sigh of relief that it is over. Until then, they got transmission on their channel.

Minami: I got transmission from GDI aircraft coming back from Forbidden City.

Ohgi: Put them through.

The screen shows Henry Jefferson as he said.

Henry (screen): This is Pres. Henry Jefferson, does anyone alright there?

Ohgi: Both ships are fine. But we lost many people fighting them.

Henry (screen): Then they already started it. But anyway, get the medical team immediately.

Ohgi: Huh? Why? What happened?

Henry (screen): It's Zero, Suzaku, and Goro. They got shot and wounded. Get them to the medical bay now.

...

Heretic Crabclaw destroyer

The door opens as Euphemia and Tianzi are thrown into the room where Nunnally and the others are held prisoners. The door closes behind them as Euphemia sees Nunnally and her friends are here. She went to her sisters to assure they are okay.

Nunnally: Euphie!

Euphemia: I'm here.

She hugged her then they let it go.

Euphemia: They captured all of you here.

Rivalz: Yeah. We saw them sneaking into the academy and they saw us so we're unlucky to escape.

Shirley looked at Tianzi as she said.

Shirley: Um, you happen to be an empress, right.

Tianzi nervously nodded at her.

Shirley: So what's your name?

Tianzi: My name is Jiang Lihua. But everyone called me Tianzi.

Nina: A Chinese empress. Why did they want you alive?

Tianzi: I... don't know for sure.

Laila: Euphie, I'm scared.

She said, shaking in fear. Euphemia went to comfort her, wrapping her arms around Laila.

Euphemia: We're all scared. But don't worry, we will be okay.

Nunnally went to Sayoko. Tianzi went to the Euphemia side. Everyone holds on to their lives hoping GDI and the Black Knights will save them.

...

Emperor Charles was on the screen talking to Jade as she explained the list of names they captured at Ashford Academy. He was shocked that Laila, who he thought she killed at the boat, is still alive and she stays in academy with Nunnally and her friends. Jade said to him.

Jade: That's all you know, Your Majesty.

Charles (screen): I see... I would like to deal with her soon. Right now, I have to make sure no one, not even my children know about this. I hope that you are doing.

Jade: Rest assured, they will be in our custody as Grandmaster Elder has plans for them.

Charles (screen): Whatever it is, I don't care. Do whatever you want to them.

Jade: I'll make sure of it.

Charles turns off the communication channel. Jade went to sit on the captain chair to take control of Crabclaw-class destroyer.

...

Lelouch is waking up as he ends up lying on the bed and the bandage on his shoulder has wrapped up. He shakes his head and sees Kallen and C.C are here with him. He asked them.

Lelouch: Ugh... What happened?

Kallen: Don't you remember? You were shot by that bitch. It's luckily Henry and the others able to take you here and patch up a wound of yours.

C.C: And you're not dead, that is good. Anyway, I'm heading out.

She left the room. Lelouch leans on it feeling bad for failing to find out the Heretic plan to kidnap Nunnally and his friends without realizing it. He had failed to protect her sister and he didn't do it. Kallen sees his expression blaming himself for failing to protect Nunnally.

Kallen: Lelouch...

Lelouch: I failed. I failed to see what they're planning before planning to kidnap Nunnally and the others at my back. I'm such a fool. An idiot.

Then, he received a slap on his face from Kallen and she said to him,

Kallen: Don't say it like you're giving up! This isn't Zero I know before.

Lelouch was surprised by her words.

Lelouch: Kallen...

Kallen: You listen here, my brother died because of Britannians ruled by Clovis. They took everything we live for. They took away our nationality and a nation. We tried to fight back but failed until you showed up. You create ideas, strategies, and tactics to make it a miracle for our victory! If you weren't part of the Shinjuku massacre, we would be dead and there wouldn't be Black Knights.

She said angrily. Her tears come out from her eyes flowing down her face at him.

Kallen: I... I will not just give up and become not who I really am. I will not let my brother's dream go to waste. You, Lelouch, you will not give up on our dreams. There's still a chance to save them from those fanatics. I want you to stand up and show them what Zero can do.

Lelouch was really surprised by her words toward him. He started to feel fire inside his heart as his confidence and determination got to him. He smiled at her as he said.

Lelouch: Kallen. I thank you for bringing back what I am. Yes, I am Zero and we are the Black Knights. We swore to protect the weak from the strong.

He gets out of bed and ignores his pain.

Lelouch: And I'll save them whatever it means to go through those bastards.

Kallen wiped her tears as she smiled to see his confidence come back and ready to fight the Heretic of Nod.

...

Henry and the others meet up Black Knight members to discuss this situation after the Heretic of Nod makes an appearance and slaughters everyone, including Princess Carine in the banquet party.

Milly: They have my friends, especially Sayoko, Nunnally, and Laila.

Daniel: Those bastards. They will pay for their crimes.

James: Well, they are a splinter group. But yeah, they will pay for their crimes.

Diethard: This is very interesting. Just wait what they can do to this world!

Minami: Diethard! Now it's not the time for interesting guys! They killed those people and kidnapped the empress and Chairwoman Euphemia.

Liang: Don't forget Nunnally and the others from Ashford Academy are also being kidnapped as well. They have watched us all along and prepared for the upcoming war.

Kaguya: But what is their goal? What's the purpose to be here for?

Capt. Smith asked Henry.

Smith: Sir, how's Suzaku and Azuma?

Henry: They're fine. They just needed to rest until they were ready to fight.

???: Then we shall fight now.

Everyone got attention from Lelouch wearing Zero costume and a helmet as he and Kallen went into the room and he sat on the chair.

Ohgi: Zero, thank god you're okay.

Jeremiah: Yes, indeed. If you weren't to make it, I would fail to protect Lady Marianne's children just like I failed to defend her.

Zero: There's no need to worry. But right now, we have a new enemy coming today. They killed those who aren't armed in cold-blood and we shall not stand for this. We must save Euphemia and the others and defeat the so-called Heretic of Nod. Mr. President...

Henry: I would rather be called by my name in this situation. But anyway, I have sent my recon drone to find where they are hiding. Apparently, they are still in the China Federation so they haven't left yet.

Rakshata: So we still have time to save them before they can leave elsewhere.

Tamaki: Then we just attack them in full force. The Black Knights will pull their pants down and see what happens to mess with us.

He said with confidence.

Strongarm: This ain't like Britannians. They are not idiots. They have faced us throughout the tiberium wars. They used guerilla warfare to sneak attack the entire army.

Cecile: So they're basically like the Brotherhood of Nod.

Lloyd: Don't forget though they might have knightmare frames of their own design.

Ryuma: I hope it doesn't happen. But if they did, what could possibly be used to defeat us?

C.C: Probably kill themselves and take us with them.

She chuckled.

Tamaki: You think that's funny, green lady bitch!

Jacob: Hey! Cool down. We're not fighting each other for nonsense.

Tanya: He's right. Let's continue to focus on the Nod splinter group. If they are still here, we just kick their asses.

Minase: Zero, I got an open channel from the Chinese Federation.

Urabe: The Chinese?

Zero: Put it through.

Minase opens the channel as Xingke pops on the screen as he said to them.

Xingke (screen): I am Li Xingke, military officer and commander of the Chinese military.

Henry: I'm Pres. Henry Jefferson and that is Zero. I assume you know his identity.

Xingke (screen): Yes. But there's no time to waste. I need your help to save the empress. The country is in a state of panic, wild spread and riots are all over every land. Without a High Eunuch, the prime minister is the only one to keep it order but it won't be long before my country will collapse soon.

Henry: Sure. We'll help you. I got the location from my recon drone that they are still here. I'll give you the location once we are ready to depart soon.

Xingke (screen): Thank you.

Zero: Li Xingke, that's your name, correct?

Xingke (scree) Yes. But what is it you want?

Zero: Once we save them, I like to have a meeting with your empress afterwards.

Xingke was thinking about his decision and then he replied.

Xingke (screen): Very well then.

He turns off the channel. Milly asked him.

Milly: What is it about, Lelouch?

He took off his mask.

Lelouch: I'm gonna tell the empress that India and some other countries under control of the Chinese Federation have their independence once we save them.

Everyone in the room was shocked and surprised.

George: Whoa. You're talking about giving up the territories from China. I wonder what they think if they lose it.

Daichi: There will be dissolution and riots will break out.

Henry: Lelouch, are you sure about that?

Lelouch: Of course. High Eunuchs are planning to sell their own country to Britannia in exchange for granting the nobility. That is unforgivable.

Leila: But they're dead.

Lelouch: Even so, someone like them will take control and do it again. The past must be behind and the future awaits for a better world. Tell me, do you agree with me?

Everyone looks at each other's faces and they look at him.

Henry: Alright then. We'll return to the ship preparing my troops. Capt. Smith.

Smith: Sir!

Henry: You and your units will stay here in case they are planning to onboard this ship.

Smith: Understood!

Henry: Good.

He looked at Leila as he said.

Henry: I also call my men to bring your knightmares from Russia here to join us.

Akito and the others are happy to have their knightmares here.

Leila: Thank you, sir. We'll fight with you.

Henry: I appreciate it. Now, let's fight them just like we did before in the Tiberium War.

He and the others went back to GST Redemption to prepare for battle. The Black Knights went to work too. He put his mask on when Milly went to his side as she said.

Milly: Lelouch.

Lelouch: Yes?

Milly: I want to help you too.

This is surprising for Lelouch that Milly is willingly to help him to save their friends.

Lelouch: Milly, you know that-

Milly: I know and I want to help you. Like it or not, we both wanted to save our friends.

Kallen: You hear her, you better decide, Zero. She won't accept any from you.

She teased him.

Zero: Alright then. Go and help Diethard on the monitors. He needs assistance.

Milly: Yes sir.

She said as she made a salute and went to help Diethard.

Kallen: Lelouch, will we be able to save them?

Zero: Yes. We will save them.

Lelouch (thoughts): Don't worry, Nunnally, Euphemia, Shirley, and everyone else, we're coming for you.

He said these thoughts. He clenched his fists to ensure they would be saved.

...

Sword of Akasha

Charles and V.V have a conversation about the new alliance of Heretic of Nod.

V.V: Charles, what do you think of them?

Charles: Them?

V.V: Heretic of Nod. They seem to possess such technologies and weapons we never invented before. What do they think of them?

Charles: Hmm... They're terrorist just like everyone else. But they are very organized and overzealous, better than Black Knights that my son created. It's good that they lend us their scientists to create weapons for Damocles.

V.V: Yes. And they create experiments on inhabitants living here. Such a shame. They could be useful. But I fear they will turn against us soon afterwards.

Charles: Let's not overthink, brother. They killed my daughter, Carine. But she is a fool and a complete fool, indeed.

V.V: Oh... You're such a cold-hearted man.

Charles: Hmph. I'm counting those who have strength to lead the empire to glory. With our new arsenal, this will change the war for good. But for now, let them deal with them as the Sword of Akasha is almost complete.

...

Avalon

The death of Princess Carine shows grief to everyone onboard the ship. Odysseus was saddened to see his half-sister had been killed by the Heretic of Nod. Gino is feeling guilty for not intervening to save Her highness. Anya shows no emotions but she also feels grief at Carine's death.

Prince Schneizel was feeling bad for his half-sister has been killed because she pointing at terrorist leader. Though, her personality is the lust of war and violence so it is best to get rid of her, however, it feels like he's careless about her. But nevertheless, he needs a payback on them such as Heretic of Nod. Kanon arrives in the bridge room as he asked.

Schneizel: How is my brother, Kanon?

Kanon: Well, your highness. He is fine although it is sadden for him losing Carine by the hands of the terrorist. If words come out, it would be a bad situation.

Schneizel: Yes, I know that. Perhaps it's time for payback. Captain!

Britannian captain: Yes, Your Highness.

Schneizel: Ready to move in. It's time to pay for what happened to those who rose against the Holy Britannian Empire and killed one of the royal members.

Britannian captain: Yes, Your Highness! We shall avenge Her highness by killing those filthy terrorist!

He ordered his crew to prepare to move the ship. Schneizel asked Kanon.

Schneizel: Kanon, what about GDI and Black Knights?

Kanon: They are preparing to move out. They are going after them.

Schneizel: I see... We shall follow them.

Kanon: But your highness, would it be wise to follow our enemy? We are at war with them.

Schneizel: We are the victims of the Banquet massacre too, Kanon. Killing Princess Carine and kidnapping both empress and my sister is something I don't want to tolerate. So it would be fair we go after them together as allies. Now, follow them.

Kanon: Yes, Your highness.

The Avalon moved in as they headed the same direction as GDI, Black Knights, and Chinese forces.

...

Heretic Clabclaw destroyer

A staff officer got something on the radar and said to his commander.

Heretic staff officer: Ma'am, they seem to have found out we're still here and headed this way.

Jade smirked on her face as she was likely to have a challenge from her enemy.

Jade: Prepare the forces. It's time for us to have a real challenge.

Heretic staff officer: Understood!

She leans back on the chair as she watches them doing their work on the ship.

Jade: Black Knights, GDI, we shall shred blood on the battlefield.

She makes an evil laugh for her confidence.

...

POW prison

The GDI prison guard went to give food to Cornelia to her cell as she opened the door and it was shocking to see her gone. He dropped the food as he tried to look for her.

GDI prison guard: What the-- Where is she?

Then, a woman's voice said to him behind the shadow.

Cornelia: Right behind you.

He turned around before Cornelia knocked him out to the face and fell to the ground. He gets the keys from him as she attempts to escape. She went through the hallway as she found a cell door and opened it to see Guilford wearing a prison uniform.

Guilford: Y-Your Highness!

Cornelia: My knight, let's go and free Claudio. We're getting out of this place.

Guilford: Yes, your highness.

They went to each room until they found a cell door and opened it to see Claudio here as well.

Claudio: Y-Your Highness and Sir Guilford. You come to free me.

Cornelia: Yes. And we are leaving this place.

Claudio: But how?

Cornelia: Just follow my lead.

Claudio nodded as they planned to escape the prison.

Timeskip

The three escapees made it to the knightmare garage room and they got activation keys from GDI soldiers which they knocked out instead of killing them. They went on their liberation knight cockpits as they turned the key and the system was activated.

Claudio: Seems like these outworlders learn to build these new designs.

Guilford: Indeed. The GDI has technology superiority to build anything they want. Frankly, they are much better than our country. We tried to develop new knightmare frames.

Cornelia: Focus on escape and return to homeland. We have to tell them to-

She accidently opened the radio as she heard Henry voice speaking to his forces.

Henry (radio): This is Pres. Jefferson, this is an emergency order for us to engage the Nod splinter group. They have taken Empress Tianzi, Ms. Euphemia, Nunnally, and the others from Ashford Academy as hostages. All units must come to the Chinese Federation to save them immediately.

Hearing him from the radio, this is shocking to Cornelia as Euphemia and Nunnally are being held prisoners known as the Heretic of Nod. Both Guilford and Claudio have heard of it as well.

Guilford: Your highness, what shall we do?

Cornelia is thinking about her decision whether she should go back to the homeland or help them to save her sisters she loves the most. She made her choice as she said to them.

Cornelia: We have to go save them.

Claudio: But your highness, we are their enemy and they killed my Gen. Darlthon.

Cornelia: I don't care! Euphemia and Nunnally are in trouble and I will save them at even cost in my life. Guilford, Claudio, you two should go back to the homeland, I'll head there myself.

Guilford: Your highness, I'm afraid I can't do that. I'm your knight and I will follow you until the end.

Cornelia was smiling to see him being loyal to her even though he disobeyed her order.

Cornelia: Alright then. You shall come.

Claudio: I shall go too. I pledge loyalty to you whenever you go, I will follow.

Cornelia: Very well, we shall go at once!

They move their knightmares and break through the garage door as they escape from POW prison. The prison went on high alert as they have prisoners to escape. Ignoring the alarms, they continue flying a way to the Chinese Federation to aid both GDI and Black Knights to save Euphemia and Nunnally.

Cornelia: Don't worry, my sisters. I'm coming to save you. I will not lose you two again.