AN: Hey guys, what's going on? I've decided to branch out between Kamen Rider and Garo. So for now, I'll keep working on Garo for a little bit before returning to my KR roots. Now Showtime!
Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass: Akito the Exiled or Garo
Chapter 1: Discovery
(Years ago in a rural area)
The sounds of galloping filled the air as a horse treaded the ground. On it was a man in a white coat, his face was obscured by a white hood but he appeared to be in his mid-20s and had light skin. He soon saw a village out in the distance.
"A village. Good, I could resupply there." The man said before making his way there. When he arrived, he saw no one. He parked his horse near the tavern and entered but, to his surprise, no one was there.
He walked out and headed to the store but there was no one residing. The man had a skeptical and surprised face before checking all the other buildings, even the homes only to find no one present in all of them.
The man got out of the last house and looked at his silver gothic skull-themed ring.
"Zaruba, is there a Horror here?" The man asked.
"I doubt it, I sense no Inga or Gates." Zaruba assessed.
"I see, we'll check the last building and then leave." The man said before looking at the last building he hasn't checked yet, which was the church. He approached the entrance but had a weird feeling that he might not like what's inside. The hooded man went into his white coat and pulled out a red sheath with a sword inside.
He opened the door and kept a firm grip on the sword until…
"My god…" He let out. All around him were dead bodies, littered on the floor with pills and blood everywhere. It appeared that someone was cleaning house. He checked on a person. "Hey! Are you okay!? Hey!"
There was no response and his cold flesh indicated there are no vitals. The man got up and looked around for any person with the source of life still inside. The man soon noticed a little boy laid in the center. He was small and had blue hair with a braid in the back. The man noticed the boy's fingers twitching. He ran to him.
"Hey, kid!" The man called before grabbing him and checking his vitals. His heart was beating. "We have to get him out of here."
"Are you sure?" Zaruba said.
"Yes." The man carried the boy and proceeded out the church.
When there is light, shadows lurk and fear reigns. Yet by the Blade of Knights, mankind was given hope.
(Play Tusk of Thunder by JAM Project)
[Omae dake ga aoki yami wo terasu hikari…] The song starts as the sun was setting down on a pillar. The sun, however, reveals Garo standing on the pillar.
Garo becomes animated and pulls out his sword, ready for a fight.
[Kodoku nai kurai meiro samayoi tsuzukeru sadame. Demo kokoro no oki ni tomotta. Kibou no hi wa kakusenai.] The screen rotates around Garo who was posing with his sword. The screen focuses on Leila emerging from the dark background for a few moments before she faded.
[Onore ga taichi-kiru mono wa obie madou kinou. Furueru mune ni tonaerou katai senshi no chikai.] The screen then rotates around Zoro who was holding his double-chained blades. He looks up and charges. The camera then focuses on a Geass symbol, it soon became animated and flew into the camera.
[GARO!] We see Akito, in his Makai outfit, practicing his unarmed combat skills before doing a few kicks. He was soon replaced by Garo who stabbed the air with his sword.
[Akito hoero takaku! Kiba wo muite yuzuri uketa!] Akito was slashing the screen with his sword before being replaced by Garo who was doing the same.
[Sono chikara de uchi-kudake semari kuru yami wo! Yaiba tomo ni utaou.] Zoro appeared on screen as he slashed the screen with his double-chained blades before switching back to Akito who presumed slashing the screen before being replaced with Garo. Garo kept swing before being replaced by Zoro then Akito.
[Fukai jihi wo yatsu no inga ni. Omae dake ga ochita tamashii sukuu hikari.] Ryo Sayama in a dark outfit soon came into view as he threw something at the screen. We soon see Zoro and Garo slashing the screen before being replaced by the Ryo and Akito. Akito finishes off by sheathing his sword.
The song then continues with the sun shining down on Garo. His jaws became animated and roared before charging the screen.
(Years later)
The young survivor, Akito Hyuga, woke up as he snapped himself from the memory. It's only been a little while since his return from his latest mission; he was debriefed, promoted, and relieved of duty for now. He was in his room, staring at the wall before looking back at his drawer. He was about to touch it until…
"Will Lt. Hyuga please report to the commander's office?" The intercom requested.
Akito sighed as he got up and walked out of his quarters. Akito was a member of W-0 unit in the EU. A unit comprising of exiled Japanese (or Elevens) soldiers that the EU uses for suicidal missions or cannon fodder. Akito didn't mind, hell, he didn't really care about the conflict with Britannia's roaring conquest. He was only in the W-0 unit for a few different reasons.
He soon reached the commander's room and opened the door.
"Lt. Hyuga?" A female voice said. That voice belonged to the W-0's new recently-appointed commander, Leila Malkal. She had light skin, purple eyes, and long blonde hair. For some reason, she looks like someone that Akito knows but he can't place his finger on it.
He shook off the feeling before looking at Leila.
"Yes, Commander?"
"I must report to General Smilas about the operation at Narva and I would like you to be my bodyguard there." Leila requested.
"Of course, Commander." Akito answered.
"Excellent, our transport will be ready in a few minutes. Come." Leila said as she got up from her desk and walked out with Akito following.
The two entered the limo outside before it started driving. As it was leaving the W-0 base, which was a castle, Akito looked out into the woods as he was reminded of yesterday's mission at Narva.
(24 hours ago in Narva)
Akito was laughing maniacally as his eyes glowed red. He was in his Knightmare, the Alexander, in its insect mode, which looked like a giant spider. Alexander was firing away its ammo before Akito saw a fellow Alexander latch onto a Britannian Sutherland and exploding.
Their old commander issued orders to perform kamikaze attacks. Akito switched out of his berserk state, his eye going back to normal. He looked at the roster to see if anyone was still alive. Akito only had a grim expression when finding out that he was the only one left in the W-0 forces here.
"Am I surrounded?" Akito thought to himself before a pop-up message appeared on his monitor. They were new orders sent from the newly-appointed commander, Leila Malkal. He read them. "No more self destructions?"
His eyes instantly glowed red as his Alexander dropped the assault rifles that were mounted on to him. It then saw a platoon heading his way. The Alexander moved onto its way before the Sutherlands tried shooting down. The Alexander evaded all attacks before transforming into its Knightmare form.
It pulled out its stake-shaped combat tonfas and ran towards the enemies. The Alexander smashed the head off one Sutherland before charging again and stabbing the Sutherland's cockpit, killing the pilot.
The Alexander was dodging more enemy fire before jumping to the closest Sutherland and bashing it to death with its weapons.
"DIE!"Akito yelled in a maniacal smile. Akito watched the Sutherland fall and his eyes turned to normal when seeing more a javelin being thrown. The Alexander dodged it before Akito's eyes went back to glowing red.
The Alexander ran to the Glouchester and tried to strike but was blocked by the Glouchester's sword. Alexander flew back and charged again before disarming the sword and charging for the Glouchester.
(Present)
"Lt. Hyuga?"
Akito was snapped out of memory lane as he looked at Leila.
"We're here." She said.
Akito said nothing but got out. He followed her through the building. Akito looked around and saw guards, security cameras, and other fortifications that a typical military headquarters should have. He soon stopped at the entrance of General Smilas's room with two guards at the entrance.
"I'll be right back, Lt. Hyuga." Leila said before entering the office alone. Akito did nothing but stare at the two guards in front of him.
After a few seconds, Akito can hear a few things that were going on inside.
"Major Leila Malkal is hereby promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel." Smilas announced.
Inside, Leila looked at the general as he continued speaking.
"She is officially installed as the commander of Assault Unit W-0. The 40 Man Defense Committee approved it yesterday." Smilas placed down his book and looked at Leila. "In recognition of the success of the Narva evacuation plan, I assume. Congratulations, Leila."
"I gladly accept my new duties." Leila answered as she took Smilas's book.
"I expect great things from you." Smilas said as he stood behind his desk. "The W-0 unit was based on your proposal." He made himself comfortable on his chair. "It's only fitting that you should be its commander."
Leila only had an apprehensive look on her face. Smilas noticed.
"What's the matter? You don't seem happy about it." Smilas observed.
"General Smilas, the intent of my Attack Plan 145A is to launch sneak attacks on the rear flanks of enemy positions using Knightmare forces. For that reason, this plan requires the commitment of a large number of troops. If it continues to be carried out using small forces as it was this time, the losses incurred by W-0 will be untenable." Leila reported. The operation was a success but barely. They didn't have high numbers and the only survivor of the mission was Akito. They need more numbers to ensure that not just Akito will survive but everyone else. "Please let me expand the unit using European Army regular forces." She requested.
Smilas looked up at Leila.
"I understand your idealism, but sending regular forces isn't so simple, Leila." Smilas started. "Public opinion is against the idea of Republic soldiers dying in this war. Analysis by the Joint Chiefs of Staff determined that the survival rate of soldiers in Attack Plan 145A would be low."
This gave Leila an irritated look.
"Are you saying you're fine with people dying as long as they're Elevens, sir!?" Leila barked back. She hated the EU's treatment of the Japanese, or "Elevens" as they call them. So many fled to the EU after their homeland was conquered by Britannia, but they were treated like rats with discrimination. Leila created the W-0 to help them gain a home in the EU.
"Leila, only a fool tries to make sense of every little thing."
"But, sir-!"
"It takes more than sound arguments to win people over."
Leila only had a sad look on her face.
"In the Narva operation the other day, the number of Japanese soldiers who managed to come home alive was exactly one." Leila recounted.
"But you saved the lives of 15,000 European soldiers." Smilas turned and faced the window.
"I didn't-!"
"However, you really ought to show some regret over the incident with Lt. Col. Anou during the operation."
Leila cringed at the memory. Anou was W-0's last commander and the one who ordered the kamikaze attacks. He was forcibly removed from command.
"I do regret it." Leila said. "I should have removed him before the operation began."
"Typical…" Smilas muttered. "Anou has been reassigned to the Warsaw supply force. It would seem that HQ has finally realized where his aptitudes lie, too. There will be another meeting of the 40 Man Committee tomorrow."
"Another one, sir?" Leila inquired in a slight complaining tone of voice.
Smilas smiled as he caught it.
"Incompetent politicians and bureaucrats find comfort in meetings. It might do you some good to sit in on one as an observer."
"I understand, sir."
"That reminds me, Leila. Do you have any plans for later?" Smilas asked.
"I'm attending a party to celebrate the troops' return from the Narva operation."
With Akito, he patiently waited until the doors opened, revealing Leila.
"I'm sorry I kept you, Lt. Hyuga." Leila apologized.
"There's no need for an apology." Akito assured. "After all, my current assignment is to be your bodyguard." The two soon started walking down the halls.
"Right, right…" Leila recounted. "So Lieutenant, is this your first time in Paris?"
"I came here once, long ago." Akito answered. Little that his commander knows is that Akito was a Makai Knight, a person who defends the border between the natural world from the one of magic. But she didn't need to know that, a Makai Knight works only in secret, which is one of the reasons why Akito is a soldier of the EU here. He needed a cover.
"I see, anyways, we'll be attending a party later if that is okay with you." Leila said.
"Of course not, Commander." Akito answered. It was actually a problem though, he was needed a nighttime to perform his duties as a Makai Knight but right now, he had to keep this cover up especially since he's technically the only real soldier left in the W-0. But there are probably other Makai Knights operating in the EU.
(Later at night at the party)
"Here you go, sir." A serving girl said as she handed two champagne glasses.
"Thank you." Akito said as he got a glass for Leila and himself. He walked through the crowds of the arrogant people, unaware of the realities of what happened at Narva. As evidenced by the conversations that he overheard.
"That painting fetched a rather tidy sum."
"It's better to speculate in art these days, not gold."
"Nonsense, investing in national bonds in wartime is more lucrative."
"True, Britannia doesn't appear to have any interest in expanding the war."
Akito just ignored them even if they were all naïve.
"Look at her…can you believe she's wearing a military uniform here?" A party guest remarked as a few looked at Leila.
"Ah yes, that Malkal girl."
"Oh, the young lady that we've heard so much about."
Akito saw that Leila was against the wall while reading a book. Akito appeared in front of her and offered a glass.
"I see that no one comes over to speak to a woman who is reading Guilbert's A General Essay on Tactics at a party." Akito joked without a smile. Leila closed the book and put it away before accepting the drink.
"Why, Lt. Hyuga, you do have a sense of humor." Leila remarked as she took a sip. Akito looked back at the party.
"This is my first time inside the Palais des Tuileries, but this definitely lives up to my image of a Bien Natio conglomerate party." Akito said. "Wasn't this to celebrate the success of the Narva operation?" He asked because ever since the party started, not once has he heard anyone talk much about the operation of Narva. Heck, he would consider that he and Leila were the only ones here who knew and can actually talk about the operation.
"I have no idea what they're celebrating." Leila agreed before taking another sip. "We're the only two soldiers here."
Akito stared at her, giving a look that says 'I agree'.
"Leila!"
The two soldiers turned to see two older men looking at them.
"Leila Malkal!"
Leila seemed to have recognized them.
"Excuse me. Pardon us." The man said as he led him and his brother towards the two. "Leila, it's so good to see you again! Why didn't you tell us you were coming to this party? It's been a whole year since we last saw you."
"It's been too long, Brother Daniel. Brother Stefan." Leila greeted.
"Leila, what in the world are you wearing to a perfectly good party?" Daniel asked. "Please stop this boorish nonsense." Her brother requested.
"A military outfit is formal wear to me." Leila answered, plus it looked formal to her.
"I certainly see that your tone is the same as ever, Leila." Stefan remarked.
"As I live and breathe!" A new voice said. The four turned to see a young man with long brown hair and green eyes who was also being accompanied by a couple of mistresses. "If it isn't our enchanting little sister.
"Brother Joan…" Leila recognized but unlike Daniel and Stefan, she didn't sound happy to see him.
Joan walked a bit clumsily towards his sister and looked at Akito.
"Ah, now I understand. This is the lieutenant Eleven." Joan observed.
"This is Lt. Hyuga, my bodyguard." Leila introduced.
Akito examined his poor posture, his lazy-like expression, and meaningless smile. He just met him and already Akito didn't like him.
"Pleased to meet you." Akito said, out of formalities. He didn't really mean it.
"I'm another one of Leila's big brothers. Joan Malkal, the third and youngest Malkal boy. It's a pleasure to make of your acquaintance, Lieutenant." Joan said as he bowed but Akito could tell that he was just mocking him. No doubt over the fact that he is an Eleven. Joan looked at Akito. "Oh right, perhaps I should get this out of the way. Leila also happens to be my fiancée."
Akito was not affected but he was slightly surprised mentally. Leila just seemed a little shocked that her "big brother" just announced that. She then had an annoyed look. Joan looked and walked over to Leila.
"This young woman was adopted into the Malkal family." Joan explained before gripping Leila's hand and forcibly pulling it. "But she also happens to be the apple of our father's eye. So he went and decided that we should be married."
"Joan!" Daniel called, trying to break this up.
Joan didn't listen but pushed Leila, making her drop her drink. He then cupped her face.
"But the thing is, I have absolutely no interest in marrying the likes of you." Joan said before Daniel and Stefan tried to get between them.
"Stop this nonsense, Joan!" Daniel insisted.
"Behave yourself!" Stefan said before pulling Joan away from Leila but Joan didn't stop.
"Oh, I know! I'll make you my mistress! You'll be my kept woman! That's what would suit you best, Leila!" Joan declared, Leila only looked at him with an angry look as she clenched her fist. Joan started laughing like a maniac.
Akito, fed up with Joan's attitude and seeing Leila's distress, walked calmly to Joan before pretending to bump into him and spilling his drink on Joan's suit.
"Oh, my apologies." Akito said, even though he didn't mean it.
Joan was obviously irritated and raised his arm.
"Why you-!" Joan snapped before trying to hit Akito but Akito grabbed his arm and twisted it so he was facing Joan's back, surprising everyone even Leila.
Akito leaned into Joan's ear.
"Did you know that all Elevens are masters of bladed weapons? If you like, I'll be more than happy to carve your face to ribbons right here and now." Akito whispered, placing Joan in a state of fear. Akito backed up.
"Let go! Please, let go of me!" Joan begged. Akito did so and Joan back up before looking at Akito.
"Here." Akito pulled out a handkerchief and offered it to Joan. "You may want to use this."
Joan took it before Akito took Leila's arm.
"Shall we go, Commander?" Akito asked as he placed the glass away and walked away from the party with Leila. He personally had enough with it.
"Hey! Wait!" Leila said, trying to keep up. As they were walking, Akito looked back at Joan with narrow eyes before resuming his path.
The two soon sat in a table outside and no one was around to bother them. After a few silent moments, Leila decided to speak up.
"I had no idea you were a swordplay specialist, Lieutenant."
"Ah, that." Akito recalled. "You Europeans are all the same. You all think we're karate masters or master swordsmen. You fear us for no reason, or mock us."
"Not me." Leila defended.
Akito then decided to change the topic.
"Speaking of which, I heard you are a professional in aikido, Commander." Akito recalled.
"Where did you hear that?"
"Capt. Clement told me." Akito answered.
Leila just sighed.
"Anna really needs to do something about that gossiping habit of hers." Leila muttered.
Akito looked at Leila.
"So is it true that you and the Captain were classmates then?" Akito also recalled.
Leila nodded.
"When we were children, after I was adopted into the Malkal family." Leila explained before going more into details. "I was told that my birth parents with Britannian aristocrats."
"Britannian? They defected to the EU?" Akito asked. There were a few Britannian nobles who didn't agree with what the Britannian Empire was doing and fled here for refuge.
"Yes, but I was told that I was born here in the EU. But my parents died years ago, leaving me to fend for myself. The Malkals, a huge conglomerate family, took me as an orphan because they wanted to claim a noble lineage. Intending to eventually marry me off to loan, their youngest son." Leila explained. She was an exiled Birtannian noble who was adopted by the Malkal family for a high power.
"Which is how he's both your brother and your fiancé….amusing." Akito noted, surprising Leila. Akito called for a drink and he got one. "Always trying to see who has the best bloodline and fortune."
"Lt. Hyuga…" Leila let out, surprised that Akito made such a comment or observation.
"But if you don't like it, Commander…" Akito pointed his glass at the moon and glared at it. "Shall I erase it for you…that whole world." Akito then made a sinister smile.
Leila just stared at him, unsure of how to answer to that.
(In an abandoned tram station)
"85 of my crew dead, and another 37 in the hospital ICU." A man summarized.
Inside, a deal was going to down to hand over a Glasgow Knightmare. The deal was between the mafia and three Japanese teens.
The leader of these teens was the oldest. He was wearing a black outfit, had brown spiky hair, and brown eyes.
"And 20 of your own have set out for Heaven-." The mafia boss continued.
"Get your facts right, it was 18." The leader said.
"This is the first time a war this scale has reach the Underground." The mafia boss said. "Ryo Sayama, we've both paid a steep price. Let's put an end to this. With that in mind, I've prepared a gift for you and your buddies."
Meanwhile, the two other teens were watching with one of them looking at a touchpad. He had light brown hair, green eyes, and was wearing a blue suit. His name was Yukiya Naruse, a technical and demolitions expert.
The other was a female and the youngest out of the three. She had short black hair with russet-brown eyes with a pale skin complexion. She was wearing black denim shorts, white combat boots, a white shirt, and a white hooded coat. She also had a wakizashi hooked onto the back of her shorts. Her name was Ayano Kosaka.
"Ryo! I'm done rewriting the pilot ID!" Yukiya announced. Ryo responded with a thumbs up.
"Good job, Yukiya." Ryo complimented.
"There was a deposit in my bank account just now." The boss said.
Ryo looked at him.
"Is that so? Well, since we've paid for it, I suppose this isn't a present from you anymore." Ryo replied.
"Don't talk so big about paying with money you skimmed from net banks." The mafia boss remarked. "You bunch of two-bit thieves." He called, unaware that Yukiya just started a countdown on his touch pad.
"Why don't you do it, then?" Yukiya retorted as he placed the small computer away. "Assuming you can, that is."
"Watch your mouth, Eleven piece of shit!" A guard remarked before he and the other guards pointed their guns at the three.
"Come on, now. Let's not get so hot under the collar, alright?" The boss said before the guards lowered their weapons. "Ryo Sayama, you and your crew need to show respect to your elders."
"Big talk, coming from a thug. Right, Yukiya?" Ryo asked.
"Let him have his fun. After all, old people love to lecture kids, right?" Yukiya replied. Ayano walked up to Ryo.
"Ryo, we have to avenge Mariko, Shinji, and the rest." Ayano whispered, reminding him of what else that they have to do.
"Take it easy, Ayano." Ryo whispered back before Ayano started to hear something from Yukiya.
"15, 14, 13…" Yukiya counted.
"Well, how about it, Ryo? We could use people like you in our organization." The mafia boss proposed. "We can put your talents to good use."
"Thanks, but I'll pass. The thought of working with a flunky like you just makes me sick." Ryo replied.
"What did you say!?" The mafia boss asked, irritated at the language.
"4, 3…Ryo!" Yukiya reminded before hiding behind his spot. Ryo and Ayano soon hid under the Knightmare.
Everyone else was confused before the whole place started blowing up thanks to the explosives Yukiya planted earlier ago. The explosions and screams of agony continued for a while until it stopped. The three emerged and saw the place darkened with the floor littered with debris and dead bodies.
"Wow, everybody's blown to pieces…" Yukiya remarked, impressed at his own work.
"Man, this place is a mess. I feel bad for the poor sod that has to clean this." Ryo sarcastically remarked. Ayano was checking the Glasgow while Ryo and Yuikya met up. "Yukiya, we won't be able to use this ploy next time."
"I know." Yukiya stated
Ayano checked on the Glasgow and watched a minor piece fall off.
"Humans are such fragile creatures…" Ayano remarked.
"S-Somebody…help me…call a doctor…" The three looked to see the mafia boss sitting against the wall. He was bruised, bloodied, and missing a leg but alive nonetheless. Ryo approached him.
"Well, I'll be. You're still alive, huh?" He remarked.
"Please, help me…" The mafia boss begged.
"Sure, and what's in it for me?" Ryo asked as he knelt down to face the boss. "What's wrong? I'm asking you how much your life is worth." Ryo then laughed and stood up.
"Are you people…with those terrorists?"
"Huh?"
"The group you Elevens have…the Black Knights-."
"No. What we want…" Ryo turned and pointed a gun at the mafia boss. "Is world peace." He pulled the trigger and the boss was dead. Ryo turned to see Ayano and Yukiya. "Guys, next time it's the real deal."
"I got it." Yukiya said while Ayano just nodded in agreement. Ryo turned around and saw the boss's hand twitched. He looked back at his friends.
"Anyways, get the machine ready. I just need to check on a few things here." Ryo instructed.
"We'll be waiting for you at the usual place." Yukiya said before he and Ayano got in the truck, carrying the Knightmare and drove down the abandoned subways, leaving Ryo alone with the bodies.
Ryo knelt down at the body of the mafia boss he grabbed the face and examined it, seeing nothing but bruises and blood. He threw it back to the ground before going into his jacket and pulling out a shortsword. He stabbed it into the body's chest, making it scream with a demonic voice.
"As I thought…you're a Horror." Ryo confirmed. The mafia boss looked at Ryo.
"A Soul Metal blade!? You're a…Makai Knight!?"
"Remember this, I'm the man with the blood and duty to seal you Horrors." Ryo said in a serious voice, being quite the opposite that he was a few moments ago. "Ryo Sayama…also known as Makai Knight, Zoro!"
"You bastard!" The mafia boss said before regenerating his missing leg and kicking Ryo away with it.
Ryo landed with both feet on the ground as he pulled out another shortsword. The mafia boss screamed as he got on all fours and fire started emerging from his body. The transformed boss, stood up with hooves as his legs, a stronger dark body mass, and horns escaping his forehead. The Horror roared as it looked at Ryo.
"Hello, ugly…" Ryo remarked before placing both of his arms out, with the blades included. He moved both his arms in a circular motion, making two circles of light. He then jabbed the center of the circles with his blades, making the circles glow a bright white.
He relaxed his arms as silver pieces of armor emerged from the circle and fused with him. He had a black bodysuit, silver plated armor, his shortswords became silver redefined chain blades, and a green cape emerged from his back. The thing that stood out the most was his helmet, which was modeled after a wolf's head. A grille with a tiny headpiece was placed above his bright yellow eyes along with his asymmetric ears with the right ear being longer than the other. This was Makai Knight Zoro.
The Horror punched his fists before they became imbued with dark flames.
"How interesting." Zoro remarked before charging. The Horror tried impacting his fist on the knight but Zoro dodged at the last second.
Zoro then retaliated by swing his blades. When he did, the blades were launched with chains connecting them and the hilts. The Horror tried blocking them but the blades made a major cut before the chains dragged them back to the hilt.
Zoro stared at the Horror before sending his blades onto a piece of rubble. Zoro lifted and threw it at the Horror. The Horror smashed it away only to see Zoro face-to-face. Zoro impaled one sword into the Horror's forehead, making it scream in pain. Zoro then decided to end this by cutting the neck with the other, decapitating the Horror. The Horror's body fell with a loud thud before dissipating into darkness along with the head.
Zoro looked at his blades for a few moments before getting the blood off it. He soon dismissed his armor and his blades went back to their simple looking form.
This was one secret that Ryo kept from his friends. He was a Makai Knight, a secret guardian who defends humans from the demons known as Horrors. Ryo descended from a family that were a part of the Makai Order that used the Zoro armor. And Ryo, like his ancestors, inherited the armor through bloodline and training.
Ryo sheathed his blades and got on his phone.
"Yukiya, Ayano, it's me. I'm done here. I'll be heading back to you soon." Ryo said before hanging up. He looked around to see if there were still loose ends hanging, which there were not. Ryo then left into the darkness of the abandoned subway tunnels.
(Next day on the road)
Leila and Smilas were in a limo, on their way to the meeting with a few EU soldiers escorting them, Akito included. Akito was in a convoy in one of the Gardmare Knightmares, resting in the cockpit while Leila and Smilas were talking.
"Ever since the revolution 300 years ago, The United Republic of Europe has maintained its republic system." Smilas started. "However, what the revolution might really have given rise to is the money-worship that has overrun this republic. That is the end result of irresponsibility and self-interest. That's even true for those who claim to be this country's leaders." He observed, criticizing the government that he sworn to serve.
Leila just stared at him, continuing to let him speak.
"If this keeps up, the day that Britannia conquers us draws closer." Smilas continued. "By the descendants of the royals and nobles who were driven from this country and fled to the new world because of the revolution. That is why I think this way: 'If only General Napoleon Bonaparte, the hero of the revolution, had become emperor of all Europe rather than dying at the guillotine…'"
"But Napoleon tried to set himself up as a dictator." Leila recalled.
"The dictatorship of one talented man is more beneficial to humanity than the democracy of the ignorant masses. That' what your late father wished for, as well." Smilas recalled. "It was why he was murdered."
Leila seemed a bit surprised.
"I was still very young when Father passed away, so I don't-."
"Oh no, I wasn't criticizing him." Smilas assured. "Your father and I were best friends, of course."
The convoy continued on its route, passing through military checkpoints. Leila looked out the window to see Japanese vagrants barred by a fence with signs begging to equal treatment. She hated that sight, it was why she created the W-0 unit; to give them a chance for equality here in the EU.
"The fact that we keep Elevens who live in Europe locked away in internment camps like this is out of fear of Britannia is also cowardice resulting from republicanism." Smilas said. "Though I have little enough pity for the Elevens not resisting…"
Leila only had a sad look as the convoy continued down the road. They soon continued through one of the more run-down districts.
(In a nearby building.)
Yukiya was on his touch pad.
"Target has entered the area, right on time." Yukiya remarked. "Security measures…seem about just as we expected, too. Now then, let's get this game started!" Yukiya declared with a wicked smile on his face.
Meanwhile on another floor, Ryo was starting up the Glasgow Knightmare. Outside, Ayano was sitting on the rails of the highway, waiting for the convoy.
"T-minus 5 minutes." Yukiya announced via comms.
(Outside on the road)
Akito was still resting in the cockpit before hearing a small ticking. Outside, explosives that were placed at the support beams of the bridge. Some of the cars were taken by the collapse before the others stopped and were scattered on the highway.
Akito activated the interface on his Knightmare and tried leaving the convoy but the hatch was unresponsive.
"Jammed, huh?" Akito observed.
Outside, Ryo saw the chaos.
"Now, let's get started!" He said as he pushed the controls. The Glasgow soon moved out of the building and landed on the road. It pulled out its gun and started firing as it continued down the road. He shot down an intercepting Gardmare.
A part of him felt a little uneasy about this. As a Makai Knight, he can't kill a human unless under certain circumstances. But he has to remember that he was Ryo the Terrorist not Ryo the Makai Knight, though he was trying to make it easy for stragglers to get out which the soldiers fail to recognize.
The Glasgow soon moved up to another Gardmare and pulled out a pickaxe-like weapon and jammed it into the cockpit, killing the pilot. The Glasgow pulled out the weapon before kicking the wrecked Gardmare towards the soldiers. That Gardmare exploded and took the soldiers out with it.
Leila and Smilas noticed the approaching Glasgow.
"A Knightmare!" Leila recognized.
"Terrorists?" Smilas thought out loud. Terrorists were most likely the correct answer. Heck, he wouldn't be surprised if the Japanese vagrants were behind this, considering the amount of backlash that the EU has given them.
"Probably, we should stay put for the time being." Leila advised before noticing the hooded Ayano next to her window. Leila saw her pulling out a grenade and removing the pin. "General, we have to leave!" Leila pushed Smilas and herself out through his side of the limo while Ayano rolled the ticking grenade underneath the vehicle before running to a safe distance.
Leila and Smilas ran to a safe distance before the vehicle exploded with the force pushing Leila away while Ayano grabs Smilas and places her wakizashi against his neck.
"Want to see how sharp this blade is?" Ayano asked menacingly.
Ryo noticed the scene from the cockpit.
"Ayano has secured the target." Yukiya reported as he was moving away from his spot.
"Good, we're out of here!" Ryo replied before looking at Ayano.
"Okay!"
"Ayano! Take the geezer and meet up with Yukiya!" Ryo instructed before noticing bullets flying out of one of the convoys. It soon exploded and Akito's Gardmare emerged. It turned towards Ryo's Glasgow and fired its guns. "Damn it! Another one, what a pain…"
The Glasgow was dodging all the bullets before the Gardmare tried smashing it, only for the Glasgow to dodge it and pull out its gun.
"Taste this!" Ryo said before making the Glasgow fire the gun.
Inside the Gardmare, systems were failing so Akito unbuckled himself, took a grenade launcher, and ejected. The Gardmare exploded and Akito was running past the explosion towards the Glasgow.
"Who the hell is this guy? Trying to go toe-to-toe with a Knightmare? He's even crazier than we are…" Ryo remarked but he couldn't pull the trigger. This soldier was obviously a human and Ryo couldn't kill a human unless under certain conditions; only under self-defense, when one exposes/betrays the Makai, or if one is doused in Horror Blood. None of these conditions are applied here. But he had no choice, he placed his hand on the control throttle. "If you want to die so badly…I'll make it quick."
Akito stopped and aimed the launcher before pulling the trigger. Instead of a grenade, he fired a grapple, which stuck to the Glasgow's chest.
"Shit!" Ryo looked to see the grapple reeling in Akito, making him slide across the ground. "Damn it!"
Akito disengaged the grapple before firing the grenade at a leg joint of the Glasgow. The Glasgow soon fell to the ground with a loud thud. Akito rolled on the ground to stop before getting up and approaching the Knightmare.
"Ryo!" Ayano looked to see the downed Knightmare.
"Fuck…" Ryo cursed before Akito fired at the Glasgow's head, disabling all of its other functions. Akito then pointed the grenade launcher at the cockpit. "I guess I have no choice…" Ryo said before pulling out his Soul Metal Blades. He didn't care about exposing himself to the EU or his friends. They need help.
"Lt. Hyuga!" Akito looked to see Leila approach him. "Please don't kill them." She ordered, earning a nod of acknowledgement from Akito.
Ayano, seeing her friend in trouble, knocked Smilas out with her blade and ran to the scene. "Ryo!"
Leila turned to see Ayano about to strike her with her blade but at the last second, Leila grabbed her arm, flipped her to the ground, and twisted her wrist to drop the wakizashi. Leila looked at the Glasgow.
"Pilot of the Glasgow! Your friend is my prisoner! Resistance is futile! Come out at once!" Leila ordered.
Ryo cringed and placed his blades away, he had no choice but to comply.
"Don't kill her! Alright, I'm coming out!" Ryo announced before the cockpit opened. "Here I come." Ryo jumped out and stood in front of Akito with his hands up. He looked at Akito and saw that they were the same age. "What the hell? You're just a kid."
"I believe you two aren't that different when it comes to age." Leila said as she approached with a restrained Ayano.
"Commander, letting them live would only put us at risk in the long term." Akito warned, Ryo smiled at what he said
"Bingo." Ryo replied.
"He's right." Ayano agreed. They were enemies and letting them live can guarantee trouble.
"Let them go!" A new voice said.
Everyone turned to see Yukiya with a vest of explosives and the detonator in his hand.
"Do it now! Don't try to stall to buy yourselves time!" He warned. "Let them go now, or I detonate these charges."
Everyone was surprised, except Akito who just looked back at him.
"Try it and your friends die too." Akito warned, seeing that Yukiya didn't think this through. Yukiya was unhinged.
"Do I look like someone who'd back down over a threat like that?" Yukiya asked.
Akito scanned him for a few seconds.
"Yes." He answered, seeing Yukiya's bluff.
Yukiya cringed while Ayano just shook.
"Yukiya, do it! We'll be killed if they capture us, so you might as well. If we go down, we'll go down together!"
"What are your demands?" Leila asked, surprising everyone. She turned to look at Ryo. "If you were going to kidnap General Smilas for a ransom, what was it?"
"Top-of-the-line Knightmares." Ryo answered.
"Knightmares? Did you actually think you can get away with that after all this!?" Leila said, seeing some flaws in their plan.
"We'll see how far we can get. Don't think we'll go down so easily next time." Yukiya said, meaning that they make things up along the way.
Akito looked back at Yukiya.
"How naïve. The army will do whatever it takes to kill you, even from the air." Akito said, pointing out another hole in their plans. Yukiya cringed again.
"Please tell me, what were you and your people really after?" Leila asked Ryo.
"A place to belong to." The Makai Knight answered.
"A place to belong to?"
"God, you people are dumb. You can live in a rotten world like this, and be perfectly happy with it. But that world isn't where Elevens like us belong to." Ryo explained, which was partly true on his part. He had a place to belong to; the Makai but not others like Ayano and Yukiya. And even if he was forbidden to directly involve himself in human affairs, he wanted to help.
"If you wanted something like that, were you going to find a new country or something?" Akito asked smiling, silently laughing at the answer.
"Hey now, I wasn't speaking for all Elevens like you. We just want a place for us. And just for us." Ryo clairified.
"If you want a place to belong to, then I can give you one!" Leila responded, surprising everyone. "Join my unit! That's where you belong!"
"Hm, well…" Ryo started before seeing VTOLs coming with guns trained on them. "It's not like we have much of a choice, do we?"
Akito just smirked at the response.
"Welcome to the W-0." Akito said.
(Later at night in the W-0 base)
Akito sat against the wall in his quarters. Three Japanese teens tried to kidnap a Military General but instead end up getting recruit. What irony. A clock soon rang and Akito got up before noticing a red envelope on his desk, leaving his eyes narrowed. He look at his drawer and opened it, revealing multiple sets of his uniform and some casual clothes.
Akito brushed them aside to find a secret cabinet, which he opened. Inside was a black duster, a matching black outfit, a sword in a red-wooden sheath, and a skull ring resting on a stand. Akito changed out of his W-0 uniform and into his black duster and outfit. He looked at his sword, which also had the symbol of a golden triangle on the hilt.
He placed it in his coat, before taking the ring.
"Zaruba, it's time." Akito said.
"About time, where were you last night?" The ring asked.
"A party, it's a long story." Akito replied as he placed Zaruba on his finger.
Akito looked at the window and noticed a security cam nearby. He then pressed a button underneath his desk and the red light on the camera was turned off, signaling its cut. Akito opened the window of his quarters, took the envelope, and jumped out. His room was stationed on the 5th story, but he leapt toward the descending balconies of each level with agility. In a matter of seconds, he reached the stone floor.
"Is doing this really necessary, partner?" Zaruba questioned. "Why couldn't we have just taken the stairs like normal people?"
Akito just chuckled in a musingly. "We are far from normal, Zaruba. Besides, there was a greater chance of the security cameras in the hallway seeing us. And I am sure that Leila would want to ask what's going on."
"Oh, so you're worried about your girlfriend catching you?" The Madogu grinned in amusement.
The blue haired boy just shrugged. "C'mon, there could be a Horror lurking." He walked away from the castle, not even answering his partner's question.
However, from a window a few stories up the building, a certain blonde haired girl was watching the Japanese teen wander off. "Akito?"
Akito wandered away from the castle and deep into the forest. Once he was at a reasonable distance, he looked at the letter before taking out a gothic-styled lighter. He opened it, revealing a green flame. He burned the letter and it remains scattered through the air before forming a message. Akito read it.
"A Horror is posing as an EU soldier that is patrolling the W-0 base. Exterminate it at once." Akito read before the message vanished.
"Where do you think he is? He should be out by now." Zaruba pointed out.
Akito was thinking.
"If I remember correctly, EU soldiers that patrol the forest usually have camps set up at night. We can start there." Akito said before moving out. Meanwhile at a nearby tree, Leila took a peek to see what Akito was up to.
She overheard Akito talking but she was curious about who he's talking to.
"A Horror? What is that?" Leila muttered to herself. From the sound of things, it appeared as if Akito was going to kill someone that's posing as an EU soldier. Leila may not understand what is going on, but she was going to find answers from Akito.
Without another second to spare, lest she lost sight of him, Leila followed.
He soon found a camp but strangely no one was around the lit fire. Akito calmly walked towards it and sees a helmet on the floor. He picked it up to examine it.
"It's still warm...He must've been here." Akito mused before checking the tents. Inside, all he found was EU armor.
"Hey freeze!" A soldier said as he appeared.
"One soldier then...' Akito thought before walking up to him. "I'm a member of EU military on investigation."
"I need some ID then."
"So do I." Akito said before pulling out a lighter and opening it. The man's eyes lit upon the sight.
"Jackpot!" Zaruba remarked.
"I have you now…Horror." In a flash, Akito unsheathed his sword and swung the blade. The Possessed human leapt back, narrowly missing the tempered soul metal.
"It's can't be...a Makai Knight!?" The 'soldier' growled before roaring in rage, its mouth transfiguring into mandibles.
"That's right." Akito pointed his sword at the creature. "Allow me to cut away your Inga."
"Damn you..." The 'solder' cursed before firing his gun. Akito skillfully deflected the bullets with his sword and continued doing so until the soldier ran out of ammo. He threw the gun away before pulling out a combat knife.
He charged and tried to stab Akito but Akito blocked with his sword. He then elbowed the soldier's face before trying to slice his neck. The soldier ducked only to get a kick in the face. Akito then swinging his sword but the soldier stepped to the side, dodging them. Akito then saw the soldier trying to stab him again but Akito blocked it before headbutting him.
The soldier stepped back in pain before seeing Akito charge at him with his sword. The soldier jumped back before pulling out a pistol and shooting Akito, who just deflected the bullets. Akito charged as the soldier continued shooting. When he was close enough, Akito slashed him a few more times across the chest before kicking him away.
The soldier rolled on the ground and got up with red glowing eyes and an irritated attitude.
"That's it! Now I'm mad!" The soldier declared before his whole body turned black, it began to grow and became bulky. Its arm transformed into a chain gun with a bayonet and that face turned to a skull with red glowing eyes.
Leila, hiding in a nearby bush, gasped upon seeing the Horror but wondered why Akito wasn't afraid. Akito pointed Zaruba towards him.
"Horror Xander. He likes the feeling of authority and uses it on his solders to do what he commands especially if it means them being devoured." Zaruba analyzed. "His chain gun fired deadly bullets that can dissolve living organisms."
Xander roared before firing his gun.
Akito jumped to the left to avoid the projectiles. One of the bullets impacted against a tree and the trunk shattered into splinters. The Japanese teen ran across the clearing toward Xander.
"Die!" The Horror yelled as his other arm transfigured into an identical firearm and fired.
"Tch!" Akito clicked his tongue in annoyance as he tried to avoid incoming bullets from both arms. Whatever projectiles he couldn't dodge, he deflected with his sword.
Meanwhile, Leila was standing a few meters away, obscured by the foliage. "Wh-What is this?"
Xander tried hitting Akito with his gun but Akito dodged it before slashing him. Xander roared in pain and Akito pointed his sword up in the air. He moved his arm in a circular motion, making a circle of light. The inside of the circle turned white as gold pieces of armor fell out of it.
They soon merged with Akito. He had a black body suit and was outfitted with golden plated armor, making him look like a knight. His sword transformed from its simple-looking form into a long golden broadsword with a matching sheath. There were three distinct part of this armor. One was being Zaruba still on the finger, two being the golden triangle with a red center, and three was his helmet. It was modeled after a wolf and then his eyes opened, revealing a red color. This was the legendary Makai Knight, the Golden Knight; Garo.
Xander recognized him.
"G-Garo!?"
"Garo?" Leila wondered before she took a peek and saw a golden radiance around Garo that soon faded.
Garo didn't give any answer and withdrew his sword. He quickly charged before slashing Xander across the chest multiple times. Xander flew and rolled on the ground before getting up and turned his second arm into a gun as well before firing incendiary rounds.
Garo ran and deflected a few before flipping a few. While mid-air from a flip, Garo kicked Xander in the face before elbowing it as well.
Soon inside Garo's helmet, Akito's eyes started glowing red. From that, Garo's eyes turned a bright red before the faceplate became animated. He looked at Xander before roaring.
"W-What!?" Xander said, caught offguard before Garo punched and headbutted him. Before Xander can respond to anything else, Garo thrusts his sword into Xander's neck.
Garo watched as Xander gurgled in pain with blood coming out of the mouth. Garo twisted his sword and moved it straight down his body. When Garo removed his sword, Xander screamed before being not only split in half but exploded as well. Garo's eyes glowed bright before looking at the moon and roaring at it like a beast.
"Oi, Akito!" Zaruba called.
Garo shook his head as his eyes went back to normal and the faceplate went back to being inanimate.
"Sorry, Zaruba. I lost myself again." Garo said.
"Man, every time you let loose, this happens." Zaruba noted. "It's because of him, right?"
Garo nodded.
"And I intend to repay him for it." Garo confirmed.
"I know, just take things slow, alright? Anyways, time to take off that armor." Zaruba reminded.
Garo nodded before dismissing his armor, being Akito once again.
Leila, who saw the whole fight, was, for the first time, speechless. She had no idea Akito can do that or what power he possesses. Shad no idea of what to make of him until…
"Enjoyed the show, Commander Malkal?" Akito asked as he looked in the direction that she was hiding in, surprising Leila.
'When did he-?' Leila mentally questioned.
"I knew you were there since the start." Akito answered as if he was reading her mind.
'How did he-?'
"You may be my commander but you are also predictable. Now, come out here. I'm not mad or anything." Akito said before gesturing her to come out.
Leila just sighed before getting up from hiding spot and approaching Akito. She looked at him, more specifically his black outfit. She has to admit, Akito looked out without his uniform.
"If you knew that I was here earlier then why didn't you say so earlier?" Leila asked.
"I had much more pressing issues to deal with." Akito said, pointing at the spot where Xander exploded. Leila remembered the fight.
"What was that…thing?" Leila asked. She never saw a creature like that before nor the armor that Akito wears so she couldn't find a proper term for either.
"A Horror, creatures of the demon world. They live in darkness and consume humans." Zaruba explained, surprising Leila.
"Let me introduce you two. Commander, this is my partner, Zaruba. Zaruba, this is my commander, Leila Malkal." Akito held up his hand so that Zaruba and Leila can talk face-to-face.
"A pleasure, Miss Malkal." The Madogu greeted but for some reason, he felt that he's seen her before years ago but couldn't put his non-existing finger on it.
Leila was deeply surprised but she had to keep this conversation at a professional level, even to a talking ring.
"Same to you…" Leila replied as she petted the ring.
"That's a first." Zaruba remarked, he's never been petted before.
Leila stopped and looked at Akito.
"Lt. Hyuga, as your superior, I demand a full explanation for this." Leila ordered. Akito sighed.
"Very well, however once you hear these words, there's no backing out. You'll be involved in this as much as I am." Akito warned.
Leila thought about it, sure Akito's warning did sound scary but she wanted answers plus she was worried for Akito's wellbeing since he just fought those things.
"I accept those terms." She answered resolute.
"Like Zaruba said, that was a Horror. A demon of personified Inga, or sin you can say. They possess humans of equal Inga or anyone who has lost faith in humanity enough to accept them through items that act as conduits, known as Gates."
"Wait, possessed…that means you killed that soldier!" Leila realized.
"Let me finish." Akito said. "Little do they know, when a Horror possesses a human the Horror also consumes their soul and haves them cannibalize others. That soldier was long dead before I got here."
Leila's eyes were downcast.
"You couldn't help him?" She asked but she had an idea of what Akito's answer would be.
"My group have been doing this for centuries, if we'd find a solution then we would've used it now." Akito pointed out.
"And what group was that? That Horror called you a 'Makai Knight', what is that?" Leila asked, remembering the possessed soldier's reaction towards Akito.
"In short, we are hunters of Horrors. We are guardians of humans and slayers of demons, even if the world does not know it. Which is for the best." Akito summarized and he did make a point of secrecy. If the world knew that demons existed, every person will fear the night.
"And the name 'Garo'?" Leila asked, recalling the other thing that Xander called him.
"Garo is the name of my armor and I am its current inheritor. It's well-respected among the other Knights and feared among Horrors." Akito answered.
"How long have you've been a Knight?"
"A long time, even before we met for the first time." Akito answered, surprising Leila.
"So you've been sneaking out of the castle to hunt Horrors for as long as I've known you?" Leila asked.
Akito nodded.
"Yes, I'm actually surprised you just found me out tonight." Akito remarked in slight amusement.
"Indeed, didn't you tell me she was a military genius?" Zaruba teased.
Leila looked a little embarrassed.
"Anyways, it's getting late. You should head back." Akito advised.
"What about you?" Leila asked.
"I have some things to take care of." Akito said.
"I'm not leaving without you." Leila argued.
Akito sighed.
"Very well, I'll make it fast. Follow me." Akito gestured and Leila followed.
They were soon at a graveyard and Akito started making makeshift grave out of stones.
"What are you doing?" Leila asked.
"Fulfilling my promise."
"It's a grave for those who died in the Narva operation." Akito explained.
"A grave…for those who…" Leila started before her face was downcast with guilt. She created the mission and felt responsible for all those casualties.
"We made a pact before the mission. The survivors would build a grave for those who didn't make it." Akito explained. "I'm the only survivor."
"I'm partially to blame that they didn't make it home alive." Leila admitted with a sad face.
"It wasn't your fault. You had an incompetent commander issuing orders at first." Zaruba said, trying to cheer Leila up. Leila had a sad smile.
"At least someone finally agrees with me on that…" Leila said.
"They set out on the mission with smiles on their faces." Akito explained.
"That's right." Akito looked to see the ghosts of all the W-0 pilots who died in Narva. "Because we died in battle, our families have full rights as EU citizens. That's enough for us."
Akito just watched them. Zaruba can see them as well but didn't say anything.
"More importantly, Akito, why do you fight?" Another ghost asked.
"You don't have a family to protect."
"You're all alone. What do you live for?"
"So that I can die as Akito…and live as Garo." Akito quietly answered.
"Lt. Hyuga, did I say something wrong? You were spacing out all of a sudden." Leila said.
"No, it wasn't that. I was just talking to them, that's all." Akito answered, confusing Leila.
"Them?"
"They may be dead but I can hear their voices."
Leila didn't know how to respond before Akito turned to face her.
"It's because I…died before." He answered.
AN: Alright, there's my latest my latest Garo story and I'll return to my KR roots after the next chapter in this so be aware. Anyways, just a quick heads up. So, like always, you guys know the drill. Be sure to review or message me with questions or comments regarding the story. Also a big thanks goes to Code-Emperor07 for helping me with some of the dialogue. And don't be afraid to check out my other stories as well. Here's a little idea on the next chapter.
Next time, Chapter 2: Partner
Watchdog: Akito, say hello to your new Makai Knight partner.
Akito/Ryo: Me? Work with him?
Ayano/Yukiya: RYO!
Zoro: Alright, now I'm a bit mad.
Alright, I'm done, goodnight.