A/N: Welcome to Dreams Turn into Nightmares 2! If you haven't read the first part, I'd suggest you do, but you don't have to if you don't want to.
Thanks to Saya and Hagi together 4 ever, Kiseki no Tenshi, cloveasmodeus, Bright Blade 7, xXxSapphireJewelxXx, Frieda, and CrAzYFaNgUrL01.
Rai Bakura howled out a battle cry as he tackled his friend Scott to the ground. Scott Daemon was laughing so hard that at times he wasn't actually making any sound.
"Scott you pain in my ass, why'd you tell them that I was in two freaking 'love triangles'? Last time I checked, I'm in zero!" Rai snarled, looking ready to strangle the boy underneath him.
"Rai! Scott!" James yelled to them. The panicky tone of his voice made both boys stop and look behind them.
The triplet brothers, Edward, Richard, and James, ran up to them. James was holding a poster or something. The three of them looked a little bit freaked. Rai got off of Scott and the two of them stood up. The triplets quickly pushed Rai and Scott into an alleyway, looking around as if to make sure no one saw them.
"What's wrong?" Rai asked, frowning at the mirroring expressions on the three brothers' faces.
"Scott didn't join the Black Knights, right?" Richard asked. Rai and Scott both nodded.
"Then why is he on this wanted poster?" James asked, holding the poster up.
Scott's picture winked at them, it looked like it had been taken at a concert. In big red letters it said 'WANTED' at the bottom of the poster.
Rai looked at Scott, and saw that…
Scott was happy?
"How cool is that!" Scott cheered. The others looked at him as if he were insane. "I'm a 'wanted man'-an outlaw!"
"That's not a good thing, Scott!" James told him. For once the blonde boy's voice was almost louder than at normal taking volume for normal people. There was a reason why everyone called James 'The Quiet Devil' Avery.
"Yeah stupid, if you're a criminal you can't be seen wandering around the settlement!" Richard pointed out. The obsidian haired triplet was known back home as Richard 'The Scheming Devil' Avery, because he was always up to something.
"An' if we get seen talkin' to ya, we could be consider'd conspirators with da Black Knights." Edward said. The triplet with green hair (Which everyone thinks is dyed, but no one can ever remember if they've seen it any other color) was called Edward 'The Stone Devil' back at Lucifer's Academy because no one could ever tell was he was thinking since he always had a neutral look on his face…that and there were many people who believed he was a 'Stoner', but were never brave enough to say that to Edward to his face.
Together they were known as 'The Akuma Trio', which is where Rai had gotten the idea for his Black Knight persona 'Akuma'.
Together, 'The Akuma Trio', glared (Well, as close to glare as Edward got) at Scott in annoyance.
"They're right, Scott." Rai said. "This is a big problem. We can't let anybody see you."
Scott pouted at that.
"Well that sounds like no fun~" Scott complained.
"Why do the English even think you're a Black Knight anyway?" Richard asked, frowning in thought. It was an inside joke at Lucifer's that Richard always frowned when thinking because it was so very difficult for him…the people who said that would usually get their asses handed to them by Richard, who was a bit (understatement) of a violent person.
"It's the 'Britannians', Richard." Rai corrected. Richard waved it off as unimportant.
Scott looked thoughtful for a moment before answering.
"I think that's it's because after I figured out how to get back home, I immediately went and found Rai…and at the time Rai was disguised as a Black Knight. So the fact that I was there and took Rai away and how I was also at the stadium just before everything went to hell-." Scott guessed.
"Would make just about anyone come to the conclusion that you were aiding the Black Knights." Rai finished for Scott with a sigh. Scott nodded. James thought of something at that moment.
"Wait, if both times Scott was seen with the Black Knight was with Rai dressed up as a Black Knight…and Scott and Rai were both seen together at the festival…" James voiced his thoughts. Rai snorted.
"If only the people around here were that observant. There are very few people who would put two and two together and figure out that I'm 'Akuma the Hellhound'." Rai scoffed. Richard grinned at the fake name, knowing where Rai got it.
"It's going to be fun showing these people what real devils can do!" Richard snickered.
"'Sides, people could think that even if Rai and 'Akuma' look alike, that it's just a coincidence." Edward said, ruffling his already messy hair.
"The only person so far that's figured out I was 'Akuma' was Milly, but that's because she had spent a while trying to hunt me down and make me join a club…how she didn't figure out that Lelouch was Zero and that Kallen was a Black Knight is something I'm confused by." Rai admitted. "Milly's smart enough to plan out things that even take Lelouch off guard, and she's one of the most observant people in the entire series."
"I guess that's just how some shows are." James said with a shrug.
"So what's da plan?" Edward asked. Everyone looked at Richard, since that was his field of expertise…when he wasn't being overly violent about something.
Richard crossed his arms and leaned against a building. His forehead wrinkled as he contemplated what to do.
"Rai, where are we in the series right now?" Richard asked. Rai looked around, trying to remember anything of use.
"We're probably right at the beginning of 'R2', which is why everything's so peaceful-a good chunk of people have had their memories altered by the Emperor, at least everyone at Ashford Academy. I recall going past one of those huge television screens that show announcements from the local government, and since it appears Nunnally isn't Viceroy yet…We are either right before or right after Lelouch regains his memories (which were also altered by his dipshit father the Emperor.)." Rai summarized. Richard frowned.
"If the Emperor has the ability to mess with people's memories, then he probably knows about you, Rai, which makes me wonder why he, or that Milly girl for that matter, hasn't told anyone that you're a Black Knight." Richard said.
"Milly's good at keeping secrets, after all she knew that Lelouch and Nunnally are royalty but didn't breathe a word of it to anyone. As for the Emperor, I think he just doesn't care. I'm just some boy who was hanging out with his son at one point. The most the Emperor would do is erase everyone's memories of me, but I don't see him even bother to do that." Rai said. Richard continued to frown.
"I'd think he would erase everyone's memories of you, since you 'disappeared' along with Scott, but then again, Scott's wanted (the Emperor has nothing to do with that I'm sure) so he might have altered people's memories to make them think you've transferred or died. We won't know exactly what the Emperor's done concerning you until we run into someone from Ash Fort Academy." Richard decided. "Considering everything you and Scott have told me, most likely no one has put together that you and 'Akuma' disappear at the same time and therefore could be the same person. However this time around, I think it'd be best if you personally don't act as 'Akuma' that way anyone who does figure it out will then believe they was wrong all along when they see you and 'Akuma' were at two different places at once."
"Wouldn't someone notice if 'Akuma' looked a little different?" James asked. Rai shook his head.
"There's a disguise I've seen used in the series that can make you look like someone else. I saw the Ninja Maid use it to pretend to be Lelouch at certain times." Rai explained.
"So who will act as 'Akuma' instead of Rai?" Scott asked. Everyone looked at him. "Hey!" Scott yelled. "Why me?"
"Ya're already an 'outlaw' as ya put it, anyway." Edward reminded Scott. "Ya'd be perfect for it."
Scott looked as if he wanted to argue.
"We better get out of this alley and find some place to stay." Rai said. "Law enforcement tends to be suspicious when a group of teenagers are hanging around in dark alleyways." The other boys agreed. Scott pulled a hat out of his bag (one that Rai had only just noticed he was carrying) and a pair of sunglasses.
Just as they stepped out of the alley, Rai saw Lelouch the side-car of a motorcycle drive pass them.
Rai and Lelouch made eye contact, both of them looking at each other in surprise.
"Rolo, stop!" Lelouch ordered the person driving the motorcycle. The boy driving stopped so quickly that Rai was worried he would cause an accident. The moment the motorcycle was no longer moving; Lelouch hopped out and ran to Rai and the others. "Rai? Is that you?" Lelouch asked as he looked absolutely shocked to see Rai. "Where have you been?"
Rai wasn't sure how to answer that question. It looked as if the Emperor did not do anything when it came to memories of Rai, but Rai didn't want to screw up if he was wrong…
"Oh he just went back to the Homeland for a bit." Richard answered for Rai, lying easily. "Everyone back home was so worried about all the fighting that was going on that we kind of kidnapped him." Richard said this with a smile.
"Only you would word it like that." James muttered to his brother with a sigh.
"I insisted on coming back, but since these guys were still worried that more fighting may break out, they decided to tag along." Rai lied.
"Brother, you know these people?" The boy Lelouch called Rolo asked. He had short light brown hair, and purple eyes that were a few shades lighter than Lelouch's.
Rai remembered Rolo very well. Rolo was, like Schneizel, a character that made Rai a bit uneasy. The look Rolo was giving him at the moment was amplifying that feeling tenfold.
"Rolo, you know Rai." Lelouch reminded Rolo. Rai guess by how Lelouch was acting that he hadn't regained his memories just yet. "He's goes…well he went to Ashford with us, remember? He was the Student Council." Lelouch then turned to Rai again. "Are you going to go to Ashford again?"
"Ashford?" Richard repeated. "I thought it was Ash Fort." His brothers, along with Rai and Scott, rolled their eyes.
"Sorry, he's not very good with names." James apologized. Lelouch didn't seem to have heard them, and he was still staring at Rai.
I wonder what Lelouch remembers about me…especially since he's acting so strange… Rai kind of worried about it. "Yeah, if I can I'm planning to go to Ashford again." Rai told Lelouch.
Lelouch looked oddly relieved at that, while Rolo did not look pleased.
"Well…I guess I'll see you later then." Lelouch said, smiling at Rai. Now, Rai was used to Lelouch's smiles meaning very bad things-but the honesty of the one Lelouch was giving Rai confused him.
"Uh, yeah, see you…" Rai responded. Lelouch and Rolo walked back to their motorcycle and rode off.
There was an awkward silence for several moments afterward. Scott took a breath, as if about to say something. "Shut up!" Rai ordered everyone, looking both annoyed and perplexed. "He's just acting…funny…because of the Geass his father put on him. Anyone who even alludes to anything will be hit. Hard." Rai told them.
He then turned on his heel and walked away. The others followed behind him, snickering to each other.
~Page Break~
They reached the gates Ashford Academy with no problem.
"Guys, I'm going to find somewhere to use as a hideout." Scott told the others. "I have some money I hid in an account that not even Schneizel knows about, so don't worry about that."
The others nodded.
"I think you should try to find a place that could fit all five of us. We could use it as a headquarters. Also it'd be easier than trying to sneak out of the Ashford dorms all of the time." Rai suggested. He remembered how tricky living in the dorms could get.
"Good idea. I'll find a way to contact you when I've found something." Scott said. Rai, Edward, Richard, and James went into the school grounds, while Scott quickly crossed the street and went off in a seemly random direction.
Rai was surprised how easy it was to simply walk into the main office and ask to reenroll himself and enroll his friends in school. The people in the office remember Rai, and bought the bullshit story he told them. Apparently all of Rai's possessions were put in a storage room since he had 'left so suddenly' and they weren't given an address to send all of it to.
Richard assured them as soon as everything was finalized that Rai's stuff would be taken to their new house (as soon, course, as Scott found one).
The four of them were allowed to wander the grounds for the day. Tomorrow they would have their first day of class.
"So," Richard began as they exited the main office. "It seems that-." Rai knew that he was about to say something about the Emperor, but also remembered that there were cameras everywhere all over campus.
"Hey Richard, remember back home how Derrick had 'eyes' everywhere? It really helped him know everything we said, didn't it?" Rai reminded Richard, hoping the boy would get the hint.
"Yeah, I swear I think he can also read minds." Richard sighed.
"I wonder if da clubs at this school are at all interestin'." Edward stated.
"Well I think you'd have fun in any of the sports teams. Maybe you should try soccer, that one's your favorite isn't it?" Rai suggested. Edward nodded.
"Do they a decent music club?" James asked shyly. He played the clarinet, the violin, and the piano. The one he was the best at was the piano. The other two instruments he was…okay at…
"There's a few of those. I'm sure you'll find one you'll like." Rai said. Rai then looked long and hard at Richard. "…Sorry Richard, there's no 'blow shit up and/or set it on fire' club."
Richard glared at him while James and Edward chuckled.
"I'm sure I'll find something." Richard grumbled. "What about you, Rai, what club are you going to join?"
Someone else answered that question for Rai, since they had just passed the open door to the Student Council's clubhouse.
"Why, the Student Council, of course." Milly said. Rai turned and smiled at her.
The moment Richard laid eyes on her he let out a low whistle…and got elbowed by both of his brothers for it.
"Long time no see, Madam Prez." Rai greeted. Suddenly a whirr of a person darted out of the club room and tackle-hugged Rai.
"Rai! You're back!" Rivalz exclaimed.
"Rai, we were so worried when you didn't come back to school!" Shirley said, coming out into the hall as well.
"S-sorry, I didn't mean to worry everyone." Rai apologized.
"Yeah, it was our fault that he 'disappeared'. We were worried that Rai might get hurt." Richard said. The Student Council members present looked at him.
"Who are you?" Milly asked, narrowing her eyes at Richard.
"I'm Richard Avery, and these two are my brothers Edward and James Avery. We're triplets." Richard explained.
"You guys certainly look like it." Rivalz commented, finally letting go of Rai.
"So, the three of you are going to go to this school?" Shirley asked, talking to the triplets. Edward, Richard, and James nodded in unison. "Are you guys going to stay at the dorms?"
"Nah, we're gonna be livin' off campus. Rai's gonna be livin' with us too." Edward told them.
"Is it just going to be the four of you?" Rivalz asked. This time Rai joined in when the triplets nodded. "That's awesome! You could throw the best parties and not worry about getting busted by your parents!"
"Why are your parents letting you live by yourselves?" Shirley asked, looking confused.
"Our dad lets us do pretty much whatever we want." Richard said. "As long as we don't end up in jail, or dead and we graduate from school, he won't stop us."
Their dad doesn't even care if Derrick makes people 'go mysteriously missing'! Rai thought darkly.
"Man, I wish my parents were like that." Rivalz grumbled. Richard chuckled.
"Oh Rai," Shirley said, seeming to remember something. "Did you hear? Zero's reappeared!"
"What?" Rai asked in fake-surprise. "I thought he was dead!"
"It was just on the news." Milly told him. "Zero gave a big speech and everything."
Looks like Lelouch has his memory back now…I wonder if he'll mention anything about how he acted when he talked to me earlier. Knowing him probably not, but it was still kind of weird. Rai thought.
Suddenly, Rai's cell phone rang. "Hello?" Rai answered.
"Hey Rai, tell the others I found a place for us." Scott said from the other end of the line. He sounded excited. "I'll text you the address.
"Yeah okay, see you then." Rai said. He hung up. "That was your guys' cousin. He said he wants us back at the house. I think it has something to do with what rooms we want." Rai told the triplets. After Scott texted Rai the address, Rai, Richard, James, and Edward first went to the main office again and told them the address so that the office could send Rai's stuff there. Then the four of them left the school and made their way to the location.
~Page Break ~
The house Scott had found was one with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a decent sized kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a basement, and an attic. It was a fairly average house, nothing really special to it, but it worked for what the five teens needed it for.
At the moment Rai and the others were sitting in the living room. There was no furniture yet, but Scott said he was planning on dealing with that the next day. They all sat on the floor and ate rice balls they had bought earlier.
"From the looks of it, the Emperor didn't alter anyone's memories of Rai, so they just believe exactly what we told them." Richard said.
"He would have to have altered Lelouch a bit, since a lot of Lelouch's memories of me also have to do with him being Zero." Rai said, frowning a bit. "At least now Lelouch has his memories back. Lelouch might try to talk to me about it at some point in the near future-that is unless he thinks I don't remember then most likely he's going to ignore me." Rai took a bite of his tuna-filled rice ball.
"Why do you think that?" James asked. He bit into his plain rice ball.
"The only reason why Lelouch dealt with me is because he wanted to make sure I didn't tell anyone that he's Zero. If I no longer remember that, then he wouldn't need to bother with me, and since I'm not of any real use to him in any other way, he'll just ignore me now." Rai told them.
"I'm going to have to correct you now." Scott said. Rai frowned at him now. "If Lelouch didn't give a rip about you, then wouldn't he have let you die after you were injured instead of saving your life? And let's not forget how he was so happy to see you even though he didn't even remember that he was Zero." Scott pointed out.
"Lelouch is one of the most manipulative people in all of anime." Rai countered. "He could have saved my life just so that I would feel the need to one day return the favor. That's pretty much what he does to Rolo in order to get Rolo to join him instead of spy on him."
"That still doesn't explain the way he acted the very moment he saw you again." Scott argued.
Rai rolled his eyes.
"That's just you reading too much into the situation." Rai said stubbornly. "He had been basically babysitting me for so long that even without all his memory, Lelouch was mildly concerned as to what happened to me."
"Even if that were true, that would then make your theory of Lelouch only being manipulative flawed. If he had no memory of why he would need to 'babysit' you, then wouldn't he simply dismiss the feeling and ignore it?" Scott questioned. Rai didn't have an answer for that.
"Leave Rai alone, Scott, he knows Lelouch better than you do, and if Rai says you're reading too much into it chances are he's right." James said. Scott shrugged and continued eating.