02x09 - A Bride in the Vermillion Forbidden City

[bunniefuu]

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 sh**ting 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 sh**ting 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

JAPANESE LOAN DISTRICT - HORAI ISLAND
Man, the Chinese Federation's really
giving us a lot of recognition, huh?

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 att*ck 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 w*r 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 ex*cuted!

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 t*rror1st!

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 k*lled 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 t*rrorists.

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
k*ll 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 t*rror1st.
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 b*at.

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 k*lled 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?!

t*rrorists?!

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 sh**t! 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 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!

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 .

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