A/N: Thanks to Jameyofthemegacosmos for his beta work on the story.
Thanks to everyone who had reviewed it, favorited and put down a follow for it.
Now I'll take care of the reviews I could not reply to.
Captain Imaginat: I can do that, although they be competing against the group Ardyn, Nagito, Shinji, and Oriko. However, the two groups are pursuing different goals and methods with Kingdom Hearts being the end goal. For instance, Maleficent and her group are gathering the Princesses of Heart seeking to open the Door of Darkness while the group Ardyn is with has a non-aggression between the two.
Per that deal they give them any Princesses of Heart they find, in exchange Maleficent doesn't mind if the ask for the services of one of her allies.
A small spoiler there, but I will say Organization XIII won't be the main villainous faction in the story. Even they'll be present and they have a role, but I can't talk about it without heavy spoilers for the story.
But I will Ardyn's group is presently seeking Keyblade Wielders, and gathering resources to eliminate any other factions or beings that could threaten their plans with Kingdom Hearts. The last part of that bit is a hint at why Ardyn is working with them.
I can do form changes for Lelouch and Sora, as well as other Keyblade Wielders who will appear in the story. But I am doubtful on the Disney Attractions since it was one of my least favorite bits of Kingdom Hearts III, however I might instead retool it to something more practical and original for combat. That is further down the road for the time being for both Lelouch and Sora.
Anyway, on with the chapter with some new characters introduced and some hints of what is to come.
Chapter 2
The Dawn of War
Seven days after the invasion of Akademeia, the city had been partially restored, but there was still extensive damage to some parts of the city. Lelouch was walking around the academy, noticing much of the grounds had been restored. Still, he recalled seeing the devastation the academy near the heart of Akademeia endured.
Even as he walked silently, Lelouch's mind was processing everything he had been told regarding recent events. Much of it had happened just as he had expected it.
It was much worse than he had expected.
What a complete disaster, Lelouch mused internally. The Dominion went from a country with a large territory to this island.
Lelouch had learned bits and pieces but learned a foolish idiot had recalled their legions to Akademeia. It was a tactical blunder, granted the reinforcements could've quickly demolished the Empire's forces. But without their magic to aid them, those legions were massacred, allowing the Empire to claim virtually all of the Dominion's territory except for Akademeia.
The Empire counted on Akademia to recall its legions, so it had prepared a ambush for them. With most of its standing military forces annihilated, the Empire has gained an advantage in this war.
The outcome all but certain was that Akademia's academy students would now have to replace the legions they had lost. In terms of numbers, it would be a far cry from what the Dominion's armies had, but many of their cadets are highly skilled in using magic and combat. It would be a question if quality could truly stand against quantity.
But the Milites Empire possessed a weapon that could cut off Dominion forces from the source of their magic.
In terms of statistics, the Empire has an excellent chance of winning the war, Lelouch mused before adding bitterly. It's not MY war through.
Lelouch walked out towards the Chocobo Ranch, located in a forested area outside the academy on a small island. The young man sought some time alone, and he knew the Chocobo Ranch was sparsely populated with a few people at a time.
It was an ideal location for Lelouch to be alone with his thoughts.
Locating a tree, Lelouch decided to sit down beneath its shade; as his mind began wandering to them, he arrived on Orience.
It had happened six years ago while he on his world of Earth. Lelouch remembered being with his sister Nunnally and his friend Suzaku.
(August 20th, 2010 ATB.)
"Are you sure this is a safe place, Suzaku?"
A ten-year-old Lelouch followed a boy with brown hair and green eyes. He wore a faded red shirt and jeans with shoes. Despite their situation, Suzaku Kururugi was optimistic about the location he had found, which he hoped could be a temporary haven for them.
This hideout was a cave near a mountain. There was no sign of anyone occupying the cave, but the question was if any safe places remained.
"Suzaku, you realize we're near the base of Mt Fuji?"
"Yeah," Suzaku replied.
"The location of the Sakuradite Mines, the very location Japan is being invaded for," Lelouch pointed out.
"Do we have anywhere else?" Suzaku pointed out bluntly as his optimism faded slightly.
Lelouch considered that forcing him to agree reluctantly.
"Brother, are we going to be okay?"
The third voice came from a young seven-year-old girl with sandy hair, wearing a pink jumper and a white shirt. Her eyes were closed due to trauma-induced blindness. Her legs were useless from wounds sustained during that same trauma-inducing incident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.
"We are Nunnally; we are at least far away from all of the fighting," Lelouch said reassuringly to his younger sister.
Entering the cave with Suzaku taking point, Lelouch noticed the den was surprisingly spacious. However, strangely at the far end of the cave, Lelouch saw an old wooden door. After finding a place for Nunnally to rest on the ground, Lelouch and Suzaku investigated the strange door.
"What is a door doing in this cave?"
"I don't know," Suzaku commented as he placed a hand upon it. "It doesn't look like it can be opened, and it doesn't seem like it's been used in a long time."
Their suspicions were due to the moss and vines growing over it. However, although the door wasn't blocked, Suzaku tried to open it the door wouldn't open.
"That doesn't look like the door goes anywhere," Lelouch said, studying the area around the door.
As Suzaku walked away, preparing to search for wood to build a fire, Lelouch continued to study the door.
A minute would pass, but when Lelouch moved a hand upon the door, a golden keyhole began to appear. His curiosity compelled him to investigate the door as he reached his fingers into the keyhole, wondering if the door would open.
Lelouch opened the door with the young man, surprised by how easy it was when Suzaku couldn't open it. Lelouch saw nothing inside the door; all that was beyond the door was a never-ending abyss. As Lelouch prepared to close the door, a powerful vacuum from the door began trying to pull him in.
"BROTHER," Nunnally cried as she was getting pulled in.
Suzaku returned to the cave to learn what the commotion was before he was caught in the vacuum struggling to hold onto something.
"LELOUCH, NUNNALLY," Suzaku shouted as he tried to hold onto a vine. He was also trying to secure himself so he could try to save the siblings.
Unfortunately, there was nothing no one could do; despite all of his screaming and struggles to hold on, Lelouch was sucked in. He was followed by his younger sister Nunnally who was pulled in, but the door was pulled back into place, sealing it.
Suzaku was dazed and horrified over what just happened. Still, upon recovering, he ran over to the door, trying to open it in a vain effort to save the siblings.
"Lelouch, Nunnally," Suzaku called out, "what happened to you two!?"
Lelouch opened his eyes to the sensation of falling through a deep ocean of darkness. Panic gripped him as Lelouch helplessly through the abyss. He noticed his arms and legs were not moving as he willed it, but after falling through the darkness that seemed like an eternity, he saw the light.
The closer he drew, the light grew brighter until he saw it was some kind of platform on a colorful stain-class surface.
Lelouch's fall slowed as the young man drew closer to the platform until his body turned upright, allowing him to stand upon it.
Finally able to move his body again, Lelouch was confused and alarmed before examining his surroundings.
"Where am I? What is this place?"
-This is a place deep within your own heart! -
"What, who are you?!"
Lelouch didn't hear a voice through his ears, but rather this otherworldly voice spoke directly to his thoughts.
-I have no name worth mention, but what is essential is that you have been chosen. The balance of light and darkness, and even time itself, has been uprooted. Those who once protected that balance and the worlds are no longer present to defend it, so new champions must be chosen. -
"Chosen for what?" Lelouch demanded, growing both angry and impatient.
-We have little time. One day you must face the darkness that will consume all, so we must begin and awaken the power slumbering within. -
"I hope you realize that isn't very helpful."
-You must awaken the power within, or all will be lost.-
"You said that," Lelouch said, growing annoyed.
-You shall awaken on a new world, seek the Archsorceress. She can help you realize your full potential and teach you to use the weapon. Its power has been stirred by the door you opened, so now you must call it forth! –
"Damn it," Lelouch said, losing all patience, "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!"
Without warning the platform, Lelouch was standing on crumbled away before the darkness enveloped him.
-Remember, not only shall you open the door. Through you, the fates of many shall change -
It was a time before Lelouch regained consciousness, he found that he was lying in a grassy field. The found man might've thought he was dead, but there was a sign he was very much alive when he felt pain. But where he was precisely was a different matter.
"What," Lelouch said as he refocused his eyes. "Where am I?"
Lelouch struggled to his feet as soon as he felt enough strength in his legs to do so. As he did, the boy came face to face with what appeared to be a giant yellow chicken that stood as tall as him. The black-haired boy jumped back in fright before his back was against a tree.
The young Chocobo reacted to Lelouch with confusion and curiosity before approaching him and affectionately nudging its head against his hair.
"Uh, what are you?"
"He's a Chocobo," a voice replied before asking. "You've never seen a Chocobo before?"
"Huh, no, I haven't," Lelouch said before he saw a young boy appear next to the Chocobo.
"Weird, everyone has seen a Chocobo at least once in their lives," A young Ace commented.
"Why," Lelouch said before realizing he didn't see Nunnally anywhere. "Wait, where is Nunnally!"
Lelouch took off running, leaving both a surprised and confused Ace behind as Lelouch ran off to look for his sister. In his mad dash to seek his sister, he wandered around the forest until he came across Nunnally lying unconscious in the grass.
As Lelouch approached his sister, a noise drew his attention. At first, he thought it was Ace or the Chocobo but saw what he could only describe as a giant blue blob-like monster. It had red eyes and a translucent blue body with a mouth.
"What the hell is that," Lelouch exclaimed in shock before he realized the Aqua Flan was targeting Nunnally.
Lelouch tried to scoop up his sister, but he realized he wouldn't have time to pick her up and run. So instead, he found a stick and hoped a show of aggression might scare it off.
"YOU STAY AWAY!"
The tactic didn't work, but Lelouch hurled the stick where it just bounced harmlessly off the Flan's body. Running out of time and options Lelouch went to pick up something else to use as a makeshift weapon in a desperate effort to save his sister.
However, the Flan, despite it appearing to be impossible for it, leaped into the air to tackle the siblings with its body. In a moment of survival instinct and the desire to protect his sister, Lelouch thought he grabbed something and tried to swing it at the creature in a final effort to save Nunnally.
But Lelouch didn't pick up a stick.
Upon contact, a blinding light repelled the Aqua Flan sending it back until it collided into a tree, snapping it in half. Upon inspecting the so-called stick, Lelouch saw it wasn't a stick at all but instead a strange key-like weapon.
"What is this," Lelouch asked, inspecting the weapon.
"Look out," Ace shouted as the Aqua Flan recovered from Lelouch's attack as it was moving to retaliate.
"You will not go near her," Lelouch said in determination as he held onto his weapon tightly.
He may not know what it was, but Lelouch knew the Keyblade he held was the best weapon he had now.
"I SAID STAY BACK," Lelouch roared with a fierce protective instinct as magic began to surge through the Keyblade.
As the Aqua Flan charged, Lelouch swung the Keyblade attempting to repeat what he had done earlier. However, he unknowingly cast a destructive spell that was unleashed upon swinging the Keyblade. Ace and Lelouch were blown off their feet when Lelouch released an Ultima spell against the Flan. The monster was vaporized, but the shockwave of the magical explosion sent Lelouch flying back until he hit a tree, knocking him out.
"What was that," Ace said, seeing the small crater Lelouch's magical attack had left where the Aqua Flan once stood.
After spending more time unconscious, Lelouch opened his eyes, but this time he was lying in a bed with red walls surrounding him. Lelouch was confused, but his memory of what happened before he lost consciousness again came back.
"Did I do that," Lelouch said, thinking out loud before he reached out with his hand.
Without realizing it, he summoned the Keyblade to Lelouch's surprise.
"What is this?!"
"That is a Keyblade," a voice asked.
Lelouch looked up and saw the door leading into the room had opened. An older woman in her late twenties with black hair, brown eyes, wearing red-rimmed glasses. Her seemingly casual yet revealing appearance gave out an aura of authority and intrigue.
"I've read the legends, but I never thought I would see one."
"Who are you?"
"My name is Dr. Arecia Al-Rashia," Arecia said, introducing herself before approaching Lelouch's bedside. She pulled a chair closer to bed to sit down near the young boy as she regarded Lelouch with curiosity. "One of my children said they found you, and you passed out after unleashing a destructive spell."
"Me using magic?"
"Yes," Arecia nodded as she provided a demonstration by conjuring a ball of fire above her open right hand.
"Tell me where you come from, young man," Arecia inquired.
"What happened to my sister?" Lelouch demanded.
"She is fine, but I would like it more if you could answer my question.
Lelouch weighed his options; although he could've been more defiant, he recognized that wouldn't benefit him.
"I was in a place called Japan, but I opened a strange door, and I ended up here," Lelouch answered.
"Japan never heard of such a country," Arecia mused.
"You're kidding," Lelouch said in disbelief.
Arecia merely smiled, "I think this is going to be a long and enlightening discussion for us both."
"Lelouch," said as a voice brought his mind back to reality.
Lelouch turned around to see Deuce standing right there.
"Mother sent me to find you," Deuce referred to Dr. Arecia by the name all members of Class Zero called her.
"I guess she wants to see me, alright lead the way."
Mother was not something Lelouch would call her, but he was grateful for taking him and Nunnally in.
That is until they could find a way to leave Orience.
"So what is this world?"
Shinji was following Nagito as the pair had been tasked with exploring a world that had drawn the Supreme Commander's attention. On the surface, it was very much like the worlds Nagito and Shinji had come from, Earth. However, it was more similar to how Earth was for Nagito before a terrible incident caused the world to collapse.
"It's called Earth," Nagito mused. "At least another, one of many different versions."
Shinji sighed before folding his arms.
"Ok, let me rephrase that. What is different about this Earth?"
"It has Magical Girls," Nagito replied.
"Wait, so Kyubey is running around this planet?"
"No, not those kinds of Magical Girls," Nagito said with a dismissive hand wave. "These are different."
Moments later, both Shinji and he heard the sound of people screaming and running from something. The pair edged closer to the rooftop.
Shinji and Nagito observed people fleeing the streets; some even abandoned their cars as a giant sloth plushie was making its way down the road. At first glance, the multi-color plushie seemed cute and harmless other than its massive size. However, it was swatting cars aside, and the monstrous plushie devoured anyone unfortunate to be caught.
"It looks like a mutant plushie toy used for a kaiju film," Shinji commented.
"I know those things look freaky, but according to our initial intel, they are called Disas," Nagito explained. "They came from another dimension that began invading this planet for some time. At first, they were subtle, using those who can shapeshift and walk among humans to infiltrate their highest positions of power. Then later, they began openly attacking humanity in a worldwide conflict known as the Distorian War."
"I guess humanity won, didn't they?"
"They did," Nagito acknowledged. "It was thanks to eleven young girls who gained the ability to wield magic as magical girls. Sadly only five remained by the time of the final battle where they killed the leader of the Disas."
"But I guess that didn't stop the Disas from continuing to attack," Shinji said, observing the monster's continued attack.
"Yes, they are an occasional problem, but the conflict forever changed Earth," Nagito noted with a grim expression. "Magical Girls are found in militaries and organized crime organizations with even a boom in human trafficking. Why even some people kidnapped civilians as offerings to interdimensional beings for magical artifacts."
"That was just the start, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, that was the tip of the iceberg," Nagito remarked before adding. "Instead of Warriors of Hope, they have been used as living weapons of mass destruction. Then that gave birth to groups who sought to kill them."
The conversation was interrupted when a stream of fire engulfed the giant sloth. Tracing the flames back to their source, Shinji saw a young girl with long gray hair tied into a long braided ponytail with blue eyes and pale skin wielding a flamethrower. Despite her youthful appearance, Shinji believed she was a military officer, given her attire and how she carried herself.
"Well, this is lucky," Nagito commented. "She is one of the world's top Magical Girls, Tamara Volkova. She was one of the five Magical Girls who survived that final battle in the Distorian War. According to our info, she joined the Russian Military after the war."
"She can manipulate fire right," Shinji said, taking a guess given how the flames were consuming the monster but not spreading beyond.
"Good eye," Nagito complimented with a nod. "She can manipulate flames, which gave the nickname Phoenix."
"She roasted that creature like it was nothing," Shinji said, praising Tamara's efforts as she dispatched the creature.
"Our intel does say she is among the top five?"
"Who is the best among the five?" Shinji asked, causing Nagito to put his finger on his chin in contemplation.
"That would be Asuka Ohtori, nicknamed Rapture," Nagito answered. "She is the strongest of the five Magical Girls who faced the Disas King."
"What happened to her," Shinji asked before Nagito shrugged his shoulders.
"We're not sure, but word is she retired after the war."
"Okay," Shinji said as Tamara was starting to look around. "Uh, maybe we should go. You know if she sees us, these black coats make us look suspicious after all."
"Right, we got enough for a first visit. We'll check somewhere else, but the Supreme Commander is very interested in this world," Nagito said as he opened a Corridor of Darkness, allowing him and Shinji to escape.
Tamara looked over to the rooftop where Shinji and Nagito had been but saw no one there.
I could've sworn someone was there.
"Still eradicating stragglers," a sixteen-year-old girl with long blue hair and blue eyes came into the scene. She wore a black military officer uniform with a circular emblem cut into thirds of green, black, and blue. Her decorated medals hinted at her rank of Major in a particular military.
"I don't recall Arahi coming in for assistance," Tamara retorted.
"General Ishida requested me here, as did General Tabira and the Spirit Realm," Major Maxine Stapleton of the Arahi military addressed. "As part of the Intelligence Division, and thanks to diplomatic relations, being on this nation's soil is completely legit."
"The UN still does not take kindly to former terrorists."
"That was more than a year ago, with a very different political climate," Maxine sighed in stress. "Yet, even now, there are still those who are trying to kill girls like us."
"That will be done under our jurisdiction," Tamara insisted. "If you want to participate more, you'll need to discuss diplomatically through the Magic Security Council."
"Which we already did," Max got annoyed by repeating as the slain Disas disintegrated. "Besides, it's not like you don't have any problems. I thought the Disas were all rendered docile."
"Even now, the world is still reporting some who remain in their previous forms. There's no way we can get them all under control."
"Even when we have the king...or rather, the Queen on our side now."
"I know how it feels when you find someone come back to life all of a sudden," Tamara recalled a few individuals that did just that. "But some of them should remain buried as they are."
"As if we can say that for some of our friends. I doubt our enemies will abide by that."
"The UN is more than capable of handling that, Arahi girl," Tamara remarked. "With the AMF in ruins and their leadership gone, there's no need for you to get involved."
"Even you know that's not true, Phoenix," Maxine crossed her arms with confidence. "The AMF isn't dead. All we did was cut down the tree and pull out the main root. We still need to get the others before they sprout up, and if we're lucky, find the seeds. It's only over once we get it all in one big bonfire and watch it burn."
"Not if you end up burning the whole world first."
"Maybe if they don't stop seeing us as such," Maxine became a little annoyed. "Arahi may be run by girls capable of leveling continents, but our origins are vastly different from yours. Furthermore, it was our power who saved the world from even bigger threats than the Disas, no? If you can believe and understand us, you can easily know that our system is completely failsafe by itself."
"Maybe," Tamara acknowledged calmly. "But things can easily change."
Before the Distorian War, Magical Girls were known to the world after their reveal on an island known as Arahi. However, their debut created fear by normal humans because of their capabilities. Instead of being acknowledged, it gave rise to organizations hellbent on stamping out their existence, all linked to society known as the Anti-Magic Faction. Some say the Disas furthered such conflicts so they could wage their war against the Earth themselves, with everyone else too busy being at each other's throats to stop them. Fortunately for humanity, the Magical Girls were able to score a victory against the Disas that ended the Distorian War. Likewise, they manage to gain the support they need to gain the upper hand against the Anti-Magic Faction that lasted until half a year ago when the organization was seemingly crushed and scattered. Since then, the Magical Girls were granted their own country on Arahi Island, recognized by nearly all states, save for a few where the influence of the AMF's remnants remained high.
"Although the UN now recognizes the island and acknowledges your role in stopping the AMF and...other things, the responsibility of further cooperation is on you."
"Arahi's reach is boundless, yet we'll sure never to disappoint you," Maxine placed a hand on her hip before transforming. Her uniform then turned into a typical blue magical girl dress with a red jewel on a blue bow. She now wore blue boots and gloves, in addition to wielding a blue pen-shaped staff with a red gem on top and a blue diamond-shaped tip on the other end. "In any case, we should search the area for any more of these creatures. If we're lucky, we might find a culprit behind this one."
Tamara reluctantly nodded as they pressed forward, allowing troops and the nation's emergency services to secure the area. Jobs involving magical girls once identified as terrorists didn't sit right with her, even though she'd been working with Maxine more for the past year. Admittedly, like the others from Arahi, the Major was far more tolerable than most. With the Spirit Realm and now the UN supporting both sides, she didn't mind cooperation. Yet, the fact Arahi was run by magical girls, plus Maxine's relationship with another girl, gave her uneasy feelings.
She's starting to remind me more like Francine every day.
Max had similar thoughts but for different reasons. Initially, she was ordered by her superior to investigate while he went alone elsewhere. She already knew his location, and while she worked with her commanding officer for a long time, she had an uneasy feeling. For one thing, she assumed his current location was within Russian territory. While Tamara was one herself, her experiences from the latest war brought some unpleasant memories that prompted the UN to put her under their care. Of course, that was all the reason the Major had to careful working with her.
I pray that you're safe working there, Maxine thought as she hoped for the best. I pray for you, too, Haku. As well as you, Aya.
"So you want me to keep quiet about Class Zero's secrets?"
Lelouch was sitting inside Dr. Arecia's office after Deuce fetched the young man for her. The office of the arch-sorceress had the appearance of a private library with shelves of books surrounding them. There was even a row of heavy tomes lined up on Arecia's desk. The rest of the room was red like most parts of the school, with polished red marble columns.
Sitting next to Lelouch in a chair was Deuce, who kept quiet throughout the whole exchange.
"That won't be a problem," Lelouch replied while Arecia merely looked at him. "I barely talk to anyone outside of Class Zero."
"Well, part of the problem will be two new students are going to be joining you," Arecia said with obvious disdain.
"Ah, I see politics are involved in this," Lelouch said, deducing what has likely happened.
"It's as you think it is," Arecia said without bothering to hide her annoyance. "I am sure the new boy is a spy in the Commandant's employ."
Lelouch had heard that among members of the Consortium of Eight, the one who oversaw the Dominion of Rubrum's Military, Commandant Suzuhisa Higato, was a fierce critic and enemy of Arecia. The two had always been hostile to one another, with the Commandant believing Arecia has too much power. Arecia, in turn, has had less than a positive impression of the Commandant.
"Who are these new students," Deuce inquired.
"Machina Kunagiri of Class Second and Rem Tokimiya of Class Seven," Arecia answered.
"Kunagiri," Lelouch said, recognizing the surname, "the younger brother of Izana Kunagiri that's low."
"What do you mean?" Deuce asked while Arecia had already come to the same conclusion as Lelouch.
"Izana Kunagiri was Machina's older brother who was a legionnaire. You don't remember him, but he worked at the Chocobo Ranch Ace likes to visit whenever he can. He and Ace bonded over their mutual love for Chocobos, becoming close friends. So right before the mission to liberate Akademeia, Ace requested Izana be the scout to deliver the COMM device for his team. I tried to talk him out of it, but Izana insisted," Lelouch said, recalling how he tried to talk Izana out of it, knowing the dangers.
"Why did Ace ask him to undertake such a mission if it was so risky?"
"Because Ace wanted someone he could trust on his first mission," Lelouch answered.
"Then he was killed carrying out his mission," Deuce said, piecing the rest together.
"Yes, and as Lelouch has concluded, the Commandant likely plans on using this to push Machina into spying on you. It is all to find something to discredit me or, better yet, for him remove me from my position," Arecia said, which was the same conclusion Lelouch reached.
"Like I said it's pretty low using the death of a family member like that," Lelouch said with anger in his voice.
"What about the other one?"
"I wouldn't worry about Rem," Arecia replied. "She is too kindhearted to be a spy, though given her relationship with Machina as childhood friends."
"The Commandant is using her as a means to motivate Machina further to spy on Class Zero," Lelouch deduced, having an even lower opinion of the Commandant. "Probably threatening to press her into spying on Class Zero if he won't."
"How terrible," Deuce remarked.
"As I said, the Commandant is scum, but now that we have established that," Arecia cautioned, but Lelouch understood why. "Do not allow them to know the details behind Class Zero's phantoma-based magic that is classified. It's better no one knows,"
I guess she is worried some people might be unsettled by Class Zero harvesting phantoma from felled enemies that allows them to use magic, Lelouch thought. Or better summarized as harvesting their souls to wield magic.
Lelouch was the sole exception to this due to his Keyblade allowing him to wield magic naturally without outside sources.
"Now that we have addressed that," Arecia said as she rose from her chair. "You two should hurry to class. You'll be meeting your new commanding office now that you are officially cadets and part of the Military now."
"You're not going to be over us, mother?"
Arecia shook her head, "No, but rest assured, I chose your commanding officer myself. He is more than qualified to oversee you. Rest assured he receives orders from me alongside requests from Command, so just think of him as a overseer who helps me especially when on the battlefield."
A short time later, Deuce and Lelouch were walking together, heading for their classroom.
"I don't like what the Commandant is doing," Deuce finally said, once she was sure no one was nearby.
"I agree with, but there isn't much we can do about it."
"So we just keep quiet and watch ourselves around Rem and Machina?"
Lelouch nodded, "It's all we can do for now."
"Does it bother you?"
"I don't think we'll have any problems around Rem and Machina," Lelouch answered.
"No, I mean remembering the dead," Deuce said with concern. "We forget the dead so that we can move on, but you don't."
Lelouch considered an answer for a moment before answering.
"It doesn't actually," Lelouch replied to Deuce's surprise. "I am not trying to be disrespectful because I am sure forgetting someone who has died can allow you to move on easily. Their death wouldn't tie you down, but I wonder if it is a double-edged sword."
"What do you mean?"
"I think the Commandant using the demise of Machina's brother is a good example," Lelouch answered.
Lelouch didn't quite understand why he was able to remember those who died. The same applied to his sister Nunnally allowing Lelouch to assume they were not born on Orience being the cause. However, his time led Lelouch to suspect two things.
Now that I think about it, if you can't remember those who die, you can't be guilty about taking lives. In fact, in such a setting, nations would be willing to wage war without those who died holding them down.
And finally, Lelouch wondered how did Arecia know about the invasion of Akademeia. Considering how sudden it and the attack on Akademeia were, how did she know about it?
Lelouch might've been grateful to Arecia for taking them in, but that didn't mean he fully trusted her. It was incidents like her seemingly advance knowledge of the invasion of Akademeia that justified his distrust of her.
He kept that thought to himself to avoid conflict with the rest of Class Zero.
"Good point, using the dead and his lack of memories of his brother to control him," Deuce said as she walked alongside Lelouch.
"Yes, but," Lelouch began, but he paused when he heard a loud crash in the room ahead.
"Did that come from inside our class?" Deuce said as the duo had been close to the door when the noise was heard.
"It did," Lelouch said, summoning his Keyblade.
Deuce and Lelouch hurried into the room to discover a scene unfolding before them. Rising to his feet was Nine. Judging by his position, it seemed someone had thrown him across the room, impacting the east exit near the podium. Standing near the platform was a man in his late twenties wearing a custom black and red uniform. The lower half of his face was covered in a black mask, but he had blue hair and blue eyes. Despite facing down a furious Nine, the man kept his cool. However, Lelouch observed Nine rush towards the older man.
Despite Nine's ferocity, the older man caught his punch before tossing him aside like a rag doll.
At this moment, Cater and Ace joined in, but their attacks were swatted aside. The older man unleashed a casting of Blizzard, sending a wave of ice that knocked Cater back, disarming her. Ace's cards were shredded by the man summoning a long sword composed of ice before Ace could use them.
"Wow, this guy is pretty tough," Jack commented.
"What's going on," Lelouch asked, dismissing his Keyblade.
"This guy says he is our new commanding officer," Jack replied as Lelouch and Deuce approached the former lazing about in his seat.
"Right, mother mentioned him."
"So they got the Ice Reaper to be our commanding officer," Lelouch said, recognizing the man.
"Ice Reaper?" Deuce inquired.
"Kurasame Susaya hailed as one of the Four Champions of Rubrum. He's one of the best students the academy has ever produced," Lelouch said, clearly having heard of the man. "Of course, seeing how he handled Nine, Ace and Cater should be proof of his skills."
"I DON'T CARE WHO HE IS," Nine roared. "I am taking him down!"
Thankfully Queen intervened before things could escalate.
"But he said it was mother's decision," Queen said, scolding the volatile young man. "Are you going to disobey a command from mother?"
Despite his rough temperament, Nine was among the most loyal to the mother of Class Zero. So without a word, Nine stood down.
"Satisfied," Kurasame asked, but when no one said anything, he moved onto the next topic for discussion. "Good, subsequently, you will execute Dominion missions under my command. When you have no assignments, you will live here at Akademeia with the other cadets."
"On-campus?" Cater asked while folding both arms over her chest.
"We've never had to do that before," Jack commented.
Probably because everyone knows about Class Zero, so we are expected to mingle with the other cadets now, Lelouch thought.
"Does that come from mother, too?" Cater inquired.
"Yes, these orders come from Dr. Arecia," Kurasame answered. "Also, Cadet Rem and Cadet Machina! Enter!"
Entering from the eastern door were two cadets, Rem and Machina. The pair stood before the class, wearing the red capes of Class Zero.
"As of today, two new cadets have been assigned to Class Zero," Kurasame explained.
"Machina Kunagiri, Hello."
"Rem Tokimiya, nice to meet you."
"Let me guess, chaperones," Queen commented.
"Now your time is yours until you receive further orders," Kurasame said. "I have high hopes for all of you. May the crystal guide you."
With those words, Kurasame left while Lelouch was wondering what would happen next.
Across the land, somewhere in the desolate and snowy mountains of the Milites Empire. Its barren and arctic conditions left the Empire with fewer resources than other nations. They compensated for their lack of resources and the harsh environment by being the most technologically advance of the other nations.
Using their crystal to power their technology, their capital Ingram stood a testament to the Empire's advancement.
Two tourists used this chance to explore the city of Ingram. Their attire made them stand out due to both the coloring and the style.
The tallest of the two was a young man dressed in an imposing, regal black armor with purple in his early twenties. He had blonde hair and wine-red eyes. His companion, who was around thirteen years of age, has long gray hair and red eyes. Her black attire, complete with a gold and jeweled headdress, gave her an air of regal authority despite her young age.
"To think some worlds could build cities of such size and scale," Xander said, looking up in awe at the buildings around them.
"The buildings here are certainly big," the girl beside Xander remarked.
Xander couldn't tell if the girl wasn't interested or jealous.
"Yes, but I am grateful for the Supreme Commander's lessons about science and technology of other worlds. It made accepting how advance some of these worlds have become easier to accept," Xander commented as the pair stopped to observe a truck parked outside a tall apartment building.
"I suppose I would've been trying to grasp how they built a city like this. Still, I am surprised they are willing to abandon it all."
"The Supreme Commander showed them their inevitable future, or rather in the case of this world's future that has played out over six hundred million times. The details and some events might've differed, but the results were the same. The end of the world would happen, humanity would be slaughtered then it would repeat. All for the sake of some experiment by the gods," Xander remarked with disgust.
"I can't imagine accepting such a truth was easy for them."
"No, it wasn't," Xander said in agreement. "But now that events of the failed occupation of Akademeia having played out exactly as the Supreme Commander told them."
"They are convinced, so now everyone is abandoning their homes."
"Yes, and as per an agreement with the Supreme Commander. The people of the Milites Empire have been granted a new world to rebuild upon. A lush world with plenty of resources and the Supreme Commander's support to aid them in whatever they need," Xander explained.
"Still abandoning their homes is a bit extreme," the girl said.
"Perhaps, but given how often the end of the world comes, what was their alternative? Sometimes to win, it's better not to play the game at all."
"Prince Xander and Princess Veronica, I see you two are enjoying your exploration of Ingram."
Xander and Veronica turned to see a young man wearing black robes with a white toga. He had short black hair and dark eyes. Although his youthful appearance seemed non-threatening, it hid a terrible power and curse that coursed through his veins.
"Lord Zeref," Xander greeted politely. "I wasn't aware you were here in Ingram as well."
"I wanted to visit this world before the Supreme Commander decides to allow the Heartless to consume its heart," Zeref replied. "I might also be involved in helping him seize the Princess of Heart we have discovered in Akademeia."
"That's unexpected," Xander admitted.
"Yes, we were pretty surprised when we found out ourselves. Nevertheless, we must seize on this opportunity and recruit the other Keyblade wielder presently unaware of his powers. But we are going to wait until the Milites Empire has finished evacuating all of its people," Zeref answered.
Xander regarded the black mage with a suspicious look before asking, "Tell me is part of the reason you are here was to ensure the White Crystal's l'Cie didn't try to stop them."
Zeref smiled, "Not quite, but I thought I should be here just in case there was a problem. After all, the Supreme Commander and I share similar goals, so I assist him when I can."
"I see," Xander replied.
It would've made sense for Zeref to be involved since Xander had heard about the l'Cie on this world. Each of the four crystals chooses a human to be their champion or servant; sometimes, there is more than one. When a human is selected and accepts becoming a l'Cie, they gain tremendous magical and physical ability. They even acquire eternal youth for their service and skills depending on the nature of the role their crystal gives them. Unfortunately, those who become l'Cie will slowly lose their humanity, beginning with their memories and emotions over time. Furthermore, they must obey the Focus their crystal gives them, their purpose, or they will be punished severely.
"I doubt they will be a problem for you and the Supreme Commander," Veronica remarked.
"True, but the Supreme Commander is one to never be overconfident in his power," Zeref pointed out.
"What of the Empire's forces still in Dominion territory?" Xander inquired.
"They will be evacuated as well. The Heartless will be used to cover their retreat so they can depart this world before we unleash them. We have already located the keyhole of this world, and once we are done, they shall consume it," Zeref answered.
Veronica had been told about the Heartless, and they sometimes sent an unpleasant chill down her spine. The Heartless are beings of living darkness, either born from the Realm of Darkness or when a Heartless takes the heart of a person. Any trace of the person they were is destroyed upon becoming one of the Heartless. All they have is the instinctive drive to take the heart of another in a vain effort to replace what was taken.
The Heartless are driven only by instinct, and they can come in a wide range of different forms. However, as Zeref, the Supreme Commander, and others have proven, it was possible for someone powerful enough to command the Heartless. All they need is a tie to the powers of darkness and enough energy and will to control them.
There were even artificial ways to produce them, which made them effective expendable soldiers.
However, what made them truly dangerous wasn't just how easily they could multiply by consuming their victims. They could swallow whole worlds because, like living beings, even planets have hearts, and if a world's heart is devoured by the Heartless, then that world is lost to darkness.
"I can't say I agree with letting this world be consumed, but considering the cycles this world has been through," Xander said reluctantly.
"It sounds to be more merciful," Veronica pointed out.
"Perhaps, but if we do nothing, these people will die and die again when their history repeats," Zeref pointed out.
"When will the Supreme Commander strike?" Xander asked.
"Soon, Ardyn has already gone on ahead to infiltrate Akademeia," Zeref replied. "He is quite interested in finding out about this new Keyblade wielder after all."
A/N: Well, that's going to be trouble for Lelouch with Ardyn poking around Akademeia, and Orience likely to end up consumed by the Heartless once their new allies finish abandoning their world.
Speaking of new allies we are introduced to a few more with Zeref, one of the three leaders alongside Ardyn and the Supreme Commander.
Furthermore, we meet Prince Xander from Fire Emblem Fates and Princess Veroncia from Fire Emblem Heroes who are counted among their allies. For what reason and purpose, they are involved with such men is the question, but some can suspect what a reason might be.
Now to address the elephant in the room, I have introduced the world of Magical Girl Spec Ops Asuka as a future world Lelouch and friends will visit. However, I did merge it with Universal Lady Justice Aya to expand upon their world since it has Magical Girls in a real-world setting, but one that is much further along let's just say. This in turn did accelerate some events in Spec Ops Asuka, but if you guys are fine with the merger or not let me know since I can change it.
I would elaborate more on the reasons behind the fusion, but I don't want to give away too many spoilers.
Lastly there is the poll which is still ongoing on my profile page.
Presently Yuffie is winning the poll and enjoying a secure first place position, but beyond second place which happens to be Kagura there are a lot of ties that need to be broken. Regardless twenty more votes until the poll ends, but if votes remain constant for a time I might leave it open for longer.
Anyway, that is it for me, so thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next chapter the identity of the unawaken Keyblade Wielder Zeref mentioned will be revealed. Including a glimpse into the method used that coaxed Shinji to join the side of the villains.
See you next chapter.