Toa Solaric: I don't own either Code Geass or Kamen Rider Zangetsu! Here is the official chapter 26 after the previous Interlude.

Code Zangetsu: Lelouch of Divine Providence

Ch26: Life of Black Knights

Lelouch is familiar with heights. There was that time when he and Nunnally were sent to Japan before the Emperor declared war on the place that was thought to be safe. And there was that time when he first rode in Suika Arms to time the control and soften his fall.

So why exactly was he so nervous?

"L-Lelouch… I can't believe you talk me into this," Ayano said nervous and holding onto Lelouch's arm tightly. She is currently wearing a brown jacket over a white shirt and jeans at Lelouch's behest to enjoy this date as a way to distract them from the stress of working.

Lelouch dressed in disguise -that consist of a black sports jacket, sunglasses, and fedora hat- stared at the great expanse before him- metal handlebars and a belt to keep him safe from the absolute horror that was the roller coaster they were riding in the amusement park.

"Just close your eyes."

"How in the world will that-"

But he didn't hear the rest of her questions as the rollercoaster dropped like a plastic bag of vegetable soup from the third floor. And the sound of machines and screams fill completed into the air itself.

(Play GET MY FUTURE!)

(Instrument) The song begins with a full view of ruin building in Japan before the scene started with a ruined building with Zangetsu standing watching over the Tokyo settlement when the sun is set before the entire scene was replaced with the title.

Kodoku ni yureteru Emotion

The scene began with Lelouch yawning as he lay on the schoolyard as he thought about his past before Ayano appeared behind him which caused a scene of him being chased by Ayano around.

Itsu demo jidai no hadō ni nomikomarete

Unknown to them, Orpheus was chuckled at the scene with amusing before he and Akito spotted each other. The two stares at each other before they went on their separated paths with their Lockseeds in their hands.

Samayotteta setsunai kokoro

In his room, Rai holds tightly on the Orange Lockseed as a memories of young girl flash in his mind. Soon the screen turns toward Gaim and he holds tightly on his Daidaimaru while looking at the viewers.

Just One Nation kizanderu I.D.

The scene changes to Helheim forest and shows Jam with a dark aura.

Doko e mo ikenai jibun ga

Suddenly the scene changes to Japan starts being covered by Helheim forest and Inves began their invasion. This cause many civilians to begin to start running for their life, though Britannian soldiers try to fight against Inves, they soon got overwhelmed by the number of creatures in the forest.

Modokashikute kuyashikatta

Soon the scene changes to the Black Knight headquarter as the operative members monitor events going on.

Sore demo yume ni miteta

As the Inves got closed to them, Lelouch and his fellow Riders got out their Drivers. They soon locked their Lockseeds into their Drivers before they transformed and charge into battle.

Haruka tōku taiyō no shizumu oto ga suru

The Lancelot Club is seen race across the field while taking out large Inves and Britannia Knightframes at the same. Soon the scene focused on Zangetsu running at incredible speed slashing through Britannian soldiers and Inves alike while explosions occur around him.

Ano basho e yukō Sekai no hate made

Suddenly he becomes Zangetsu-Shin before getting out his Sonic Arrow and delivering a powerful slash to destroy an unknown Knightframe.

Dare yori tsuyoku naritai Jibun rashiku aru tame Dare ni mo yuzurenai Passion Ashita wo ikiru tame

Habakiri did a spin slash with her dual katanas; Ryugen fired several shots with his gun; Baron spins her Banaspear and thrust it forward; Kurokage spins his weapon; Knuckle pounced his Kurumi Bombers together.

GET MY FUTURE shinjitai michi wo Hitasura hashireba ii Mirai wo kirihiraku Action Tatakau yūki wo Kono mune ni daite

Soon a Britannia airship dropped bombs on the city and caused the Riders to struggle in pain until Zangetsu-Shin shows up and destroyed it with his Finisher. The scene changes when Zangetsu-Shin and Jam spotted each other before they clashed with each other as sparks fly everywhere.

To Be Free

The scene changes to Lelouch and Ayano were walking together, then they turned around facing the screen, then it zooms out revealing Rai, Kallen, Nunnally, Orpheus, and Akito along with several members of Black Knights.

Rai arrived from the elevator and came out to reach a locked room with an advanced lock system. Not to mention that he is holding what looks like a lunch box with his other hand.

The silver-haired young man pressed on a few numbers before the door opened in front of him and he went straight into the room.

"How are you holding up, Kallen?" Rai asked.

Yes, the one who resided in this room was none other than Kallen Kozuki/Stadfeld, the pilot of Guren and Kamen Rider Baron. As for the redhead herself… she is dressing in her usual outfit, but she has a handcuff around her arms to indicate it will be bad to let her out.

"Are you here to convince me like Ohgi and others did, Rai?" The redheaded inquired.

Rai didn't flinch as it was agreed upon between Kallen's old group and Rai that they would be taken on the responsibility of taking food to her. But most importantly, trying to talk some sensed into their friend.

"I thought you would be hungry since it is already lunchtime," Rai answered calmly as possible. Fortunately, he learned Japanese cuisine after the Overlord encounter.

"Great…" Kallen said bluntly. Even though she might use this chance to escape, but Rai is probably the one she might have troubled against. "Won't you mind undoing the handcuff first?"

"Sorry, I don't have the key with me today," Rai answered honestly. "But don't worry, I won't mind feeding you sushi by hand."

"Ugh… I don't know how you could bear with that," Ayano said, still holding the paper brown bag with her left hand.

Lelouch get her a fizzing soda drink after they sat down at a nearby bench and Ayano accepted it. The two stayed there until Ayano feel better to walk once again.

"Better?" Lelouch asked.

"That depends on whether we're going on another doom site," Ayano remarked sarcastically after finishing her drink.

"I see," Lelouch said. "How are your friends doing? I heard that they regain consciousness." He was busy meeting Medical Division on their progress that he didn't have time to go with Ayano.

"They seem to take everything that happened well so far," Ayano answered as she think back.

(Flashback)

When she heard there were reports about movements from her friends, Ayano knows what she need to do and made her way to their prisoner room.

Though she is still a bit nervous about what she's going to say after seeing her friends once again. What if they were still under the control of the enemy? They won't be able to do much without their Drivers and Ayano is quite familiar with how their fighting styles are like.

In front of her, there were Ryo and Yukiya in their bed unconscious.

"…" Ayano stared at their unconscious forms carefully. But she noticed something odd.

"How long are you two going to keep on playing dead, idiots?" Ayano asked before smacking both of their heads, making the sound of a scream being heard in the air.

"W-What in the world was that for!?" The older of the two exclaimed in angry.

"If I were you, I would play dead to fool everyone else here," Ayano said sarcastically. "Although it is common for Yukiya to do it more than you, Ryo."

"Is my eyes seeing or you are a hallucination that they put up…" The younger of the two questioned Ayano.

"Let me remind you boys of the night you ditched me…"

(Present)

"The only things they remembered were locusts coming from that guy and nothing else," Ayano replied.

"And you trust them to tell you the truth?" Asked Lelouch.

"I'm positive," Ayano stated seriously. "And they want to meet you when you have the time…" she added quietly.

Lelouch has a feeling on their motivation considering how close Ayano is with the two. They practically family to her after she lost the rest of her family.

"I will probably arrange a meeting with them at another time," Lelouch answered.

"Thank you," Ayano said before looking out at the amusement park. "I never thought we're doing it again with… all things going on."

"I did promise that we will try another date," Lelouch said. Although it was more of Sayoko who felt that he was stressed from trying to find a way to cure his half-sister. And he is aware that Euphie won't be saved if he works himself to death. Furthermore, it will draw Nunnally's attention if she finds out that he is working himself to extend than before. The only solace that he have was that Euphie is in a deep sleep and her infection will be held back. "It's nice… that nothing seems to go wrong today."

"Yeah…" Ayano agreed as the pair watched onward at the amusement park.

Deep down… they know that the future battles are going to be the toughest especially if they are going to liberate Japan from Britannia's grasp. Though they aren't ready at that stage because China or E.U. would go after them next, they won't likely survive that unless they make one of the larger nations their ally.

If we win, will my people be able to go out like they did before Britannia invaded here?

Ayano won't deny that she wants kinsmen to be able to walk out free and being able to enjoy places like this amusement park here.

"Let us head to another ride, Alice," Lelouch said, adjusting his jacket collar.

"I hoped that it isn't a killing ride," Ayano remarked sarcastically.

"Oh, I promised that it wouldn't be." The former prince replied.

"I have to admit that you learned more about making good sushi…" Kallen remarked after eating her fifth sushi.

"That's good," Rai replied with a smile. At least, it wasn't that boring for him to stay in the Black Knight's hideout for his own sake.

"So what has been going on lately?" Kallen asked.

"We have been preparing for possibility chance whenever Cornelia is going on a reckless assault on us," Rai answered. "Do you consider returning to join the Black Knight rank again?" he asked.

"No. After what happened… why should I trust Lelouch?" Kallen snarled cold. "He could be using us to go for the Golden Fruit."

"Kallen, he isn't obsessive with the Golden Fruit." Rai refuted seriously. "And you shouldn't try to chase after it! The consequences of-"

"Like I care! Why can't you see it is the only way to resolve everything that happened in our world!?" Kallen retorted.

"We shouldn't look for one thing that resolved every problem in the world! There could be more than one way to resolve every issue, Kallen!" Rai retorted as the memory of what happened to Stella appeared in his mind. "Power like that… it isn't safe in human's hands."

"But what are we supposed to do, Rai?! What am I supposed to do about being controlled by Lelouch!?" Kallen growls before facing a fist against her face.

And the redhead was sent flying back to her bed.

"If you were under his control, then you weren't shown that expression on your face…" Rai said cold. "It's true that we might not have an opinion to resolve the forest and fighting against the spread might be pointless. But we might give enough time to find out what other opinions on our table."

"And how do you supposed we find them!?" Kallen growls, looking spiteful with the bruise on her face. "Where?!"

"If the Overlords want us to play with its prize… then we will find and exploits their weaknesses against them," Rai answered.

The idea is very risky and lives might end up lost in the process. The Overlord Inves are a dangerous factor of the Forest and likely responsible for leading Inves and infestation to their world. But if they find out more about them… there might chance to learn how to slow or seal off the Forest from clamping on their world.

"…"

Kallen remained quiet at this as Rai let out a sigh and walked out of the room.

Though the young man wants to help Kallen… it is something very difficult to overcome. The only thing he can do is help her remember that her thoughts are her own and not anyone else.

"What makes you think of considered Ferris Wheel as the last ride that we will ride today? Though it is something I usually see is when a couple does romantic things." Ayano asked as the Ferris wheel whirred its massive arms to bring them to the highest point in the makeshift park.

Lelouch shrugged.

"I thought to be away from others… but we can enjoy the view from up here without any interruption."

Ayano then looks out from the window.

"I guess that is fine. At least, we won't be interrupted by anyone…" Ayano said, "Do you have something that you want to talk with me about?" she asked.

She knows from spending time with Lelouch that she can tell that Lelouch wants to say something in private.

"You know that with the Overlords might eventually emerge out in the real world… it will get ugly," Lelouch said, looking at her eyes. "There is a slight possibility we might end up fleeing from Japan."

"It's hard to tell when Britannia will send reinforcement that might end us. I won't deny that possibility," Ayano breathed a sigh. "We still don't know how many Overlords there are, but we know that they can influence the flora in their world. They might be able to taint the soil and the water that it will be bad enough for anyone who lived here. If it can't be restored in time, we might have no choice but to leave Japan behind and come back to reclaimed it later."

"If it comes down to that point, we might have to leave Japan. There are two factions we might go to, though I know that you might dread the idea of going back to the place." Lelouch said. "I do not know what might happen, but I will try my best to make things bearable-"

"I know that it might come to that point," Ayano interjected solemnly. "With what we learned about the Chinese Federation being oblivions of Helheim sighting because of that organization, we should pick the place least troublesome. But remember… I will never give any allegiance to European Union after what happened to my family."

Without much information about Helheim activity in the Chinese Federation, it will be like walking blind through a field of landmine.

"I never blamed you for feeling that way, Ayano," Lelouch said.

"Though do you intend on telling Nunna-chan about it… if we reached that point?" Asked Ayano.

"That is something I wished that I could avoid…" It is one thing that Lelouch might dread when it comes to his little sister. "I want her to live ignorance of what's been going on and keep her being bliss happy under my protection after what happened to her. If she finds out what happened, she might likely not look at me once again."

I highly doubt that she'll look at you like that… Ayano thought.

"Maybe. But I doubt that she will be that upset for helping her regain her ability to walk again." Ayano replied, smiling. "Though you might get yelled at for your decisions, she might scold you next for the times that you have a close call. Considered that she know Zervon, she might press for stories about you."

"Ugh… I'm very dreadful of that moment if it happens." Lelouch deadpanned.

Ayano giggled.

Despite Lelouch being annoyed at the possibility of Nunnally doing if she finds out about his secrets, he does feel comfortable getting the dreadful possibility about their future might be if Japan becomes unsuitable to live.

At least we aren't doing any rush while we know that any day could be our last…

Todoh and his Four Swords are currently present when looking at scientists were experimenting on a lesser level Inves that bounding to hard metal.

"Todoh, do you think that Inves can easily be controlled?" Senba asked, watching the scientists doing their works.

"It depends if we can find other ways to limit future Inves activities," Todoh answered. At the same time, it felt morally wrong for those with weak consciousness to see the possibility of kinsmen being brought it like this way.

"I would say it is wrong…" Asahina said, looking at the Inves. "After all, bringing them into our rank might get others infected."

"And very reckless," Chiba added stoically.

"That is a possibility too. But Zangetsu says that if there is a chance that we bring them under control, we can use them for scouts than soldiers against enemy attack." Todoh explains calmly, making others look surprised.

After the scientists placed the makeshift collar on the lesser Inves's waist, they watched the scientists move behind the glass wall and lock the door behind them.

"Why do you think he might approve of something like this?" Urabe inquired.

"Compared to those in the JLF, he is the only one who looks further ahead out of his boundary. The Drivers and Lockseeds might make them feel invincible, but they're only tools in the end. Zangetsu wants us to be able to think outside of the box often." Todoh said. He heard from Lelouch that his Geass doesn't have any effect on Inves as they seem to be more immune to it.

Meanwhile, the scientists and researchers soon began their experiment after they released the metal-binding that released the Inves. The Inves eventually started moving before looking around the surroundings carefully until it spotted the scientists before charging at them.

It just happened that the collar on the Inves activated due to their foreseen of this very event.

This caused the Inves to scream in pain and caused it to collapse onto the ground before it could get anywhere close to the glass window.

But it wasn't long until the Inves slowly stirred up and tried to target the scientists once again. The collar is activated in the process to cause further pain to the Inves and make it stagger back from them. Though something unexpected occurs as the shock caused the Inves to growl further in pain before it tried hard to pierce through the collar on its waist with its claw-like hands.

One of the scientists look shocked at the result before pressing a button and speaking through a communicator. It wasn't long until the Inves break free of the collar and tried to bash through the glass window.

The scientists were shocked at the impact on the glass from the aggressive Inves who try to go after them. But the Inves was too focused that it didn't know that it won't last long.

Soon Genesis Rider Kensei come from behind the Inves and delivered double slashes that destroyed it in the process.

This made the scientists that were behind the glass wall sigh with relief after the experience with the Inves that they were trying to control through the metal collar.

(Next day)

Lelouch was in the meeting room with his chains of command in the Black Knight. The head of R&D, Rakshata Chawla was reporting on a recent project.

"Thanks to the data we got about how Crack Portals appeared, we managed to build a smaller prototype generation emitting the similar effects to the Lockseeds. But we have good news and bad news." Rakshata said.

"I preferred starting with the bad news, Chawla," Lelouch stated grimace that shown on other members who are present.

"It is considered both. The generation is function and looks stabilized on the outside, but those who go through will turn out badly on the other side." Rakshata said, getting out the remote and pressing on the television screen.

Everyone watched the screen to show the scientists sent a rat with a remote camera into the mentioned portal before the rat ends up burning crisp on the other side.

"Though it is functional, it still has the flaw of turning anyone to crisp," Rai remarked.

"What happens if something went through that portal to our world?" Diethard inquired.

"I ask Ohgi to go on ahead through his motorcycle and throws an Elementary Inves that ends up as a corpse at the same time that the generation broke," Rakshata said as Ohgi nodded in confirmation.

"I didn't go through even though I have armor considered what I have seen done toward the Inves. It is a good thing that the generation is broke." Ohgi said.

"Chawla, do you think that you can close the portal if it keeps functioning?" Lelouch asked.

Rakshata let out a sigh. "That is something I'm still trying to figure out, Zangetsu." She answered. "You mention that this other organization seems to have a portal open close with a tree, am I corrected?"

That is one thing that makes it hard to believe but none of them ever doubt Lelouch on his account of this organization that has been doing it for a possibly long time.

"Yes, I do recall seeing some kind of large tree in there. It might be from Helheim, but at the same time they were about to use it to open a portal into the forest." Lelouch recalled.

"So it takes them a single tree to open a portal? If they have many, they could open more portals in other places." Diethard hypothesized.

"But how they did get a tree like that in the first place?" Todoh pondered.

"Were there any unusual about the tree?" Rai asked. Rai himself didn't know about the tree even during those dark times that led him to lose Stella.

"It looks like it been uprooted from the ground and no leaves… but that is all I can remember of it," Lelouch replied.

"I see. If you somehow cross paths with them again, maybe come back with some sample of the tree." Rakashata said, holding her smoke pipe. "I might be able to figure out a way to tunning the generator."

(Later)

Ayano and Lelouch soon made their way toward the quarter that Ryo and Yukiya are currently been residing in after being taken in.

After they entered, they find the two currently eating lunch that happened to be curry rice.

"I see that you two seem adjusted well," Ayano replied.

"So Ayano… could this young man be the boyfriend you mention?" Yukiya asked sly.

"Yes, you can call me Lelouch," Lelouch answered. "It looks like whatever influence before you seem to vanish after what happened in the forest."

"Yeah... my memories of those times still hazing," Ryo remarked, putting down his spoon. "You have been successful far better than the JLF… and mocking Britannia at the same time."

"I will say thank you for you helping Ayano in E.U.," Lelouch said.

"There is no need. Ayano is very important to both of us." Yukiya said. "Just let you know that if anything bad happens to her, I won't be hesitant of bringing down your organization." He added with an ominous tone.

"Noted," Lelouch said.

"From Ayano told us, that the world is going to likely end if the forest invaded it, correct?" Ryo asked. Lelouch nodded.

"How long do you think we have exactly before the forest takes over this world?" Yukiya asked, narrowing his eyes to Lelouch.

"If no one interfered, it would take within 10 years for it to overtake the entire world," Lelouch answered with a serious expression.

"If it isn't for what happened to us, I will call that bullshit." Ryo deadpanned sarcastically. Though he may not care about what happened to other nations, if the Forest does ruin everything then it will be impossible for anyone to live.

Lelouch shrugged. "I don't blame you."

"So what are you going to do about us now?"

"I considered recruiting you guys to help with communicating with Japanese settlement still living in the E.U.," Lelouch said, making Yukiya and Ryo look surprised that he referred to them as Japanese and not Elevens.

"Hmm… if you think of doing that, I have a condition." Ryo said.

"Oh, what is it?" Lelouch asked.

(Later)

In a large training room of Black Knights stood Lelouch and Ryo. Both men were standing on the opposite side from each other as they have their Sengoku Driver and Lockseeds in their hands.

"Are you sure that you want to do this?" Lelouch asked.

"Of course… I have faced being mind-controlled by a midget, but I want to know if you are good enough for Ayano." Ryo said, holding the Durian Lockseed with his right hand.

"Don't blame me if you end up getting too beaten up," Lelouch replied.

Not far from where they are, Yukiya and Ayano are watching both of them standing ready against each other.

"MELON!"

"DURIAN!"

Soon appeared above them are their respective metallic fruit as both men pushed down their Cutting Blade and sliced their Lockseeds open.

"Henshin!"

"SOIYA! MELON ARMS! TENKA GOMEN!"

"DURIAN ARMS! MISTER DANGEROUS!"

They watch as Lelouch and Ryo donned their bodysuit then armor as they got out their respective weapon.

"So that is what Ryo looks like… in those suits," Yukiya muttered.

Ryo Sayama, or now, Bravo looks at the broad swords known as Duri Noko and his suit. He still finds it hard to believe that he has armor-like Zangetsu. Not to mention the tune from the Driver is quite badass in comparison—

Suddenly he was struck by memories that he barely recalls as memories of clashing with a Rider in cyan armor.

'Was it from that time?' The Durian Rider thought before he felt overwhelmed slash and being sent back a few feet.

"What the hell was that for!?" Bravo complained, glaring at Zangetsu who landed the first blow on him while he was in deep thought.

"You say that you want to fight. Not stare off to the distance." Zangetsu deadpanned, "From what she told me about you, I thought you would already plan on charging at me." Or Bravo might regain memories of his time under control.

This ignited the angry within the Durian Rider after hearing what he says. Even though he finds it unforgivable that he let himself and Yukiya under enemy control. But he can't help develop a grudge against the white Rider… regardless of whether he is Ayano's boyfriend or not!

"Shut up!" This made Bravo get back up to his feet and glared at the Rider in front of him. "I will get you for that cheap shot!"

Bravo soon moved forward and swing his dual Dori Noko onto Zangetsu, who sided step and used his Melon Defender to smack Bravo in the face, sending him skidding back a bit. But the Durian Rider growls and charged forward as his blades clash with Zangetsu's Musou Saber. Soon Zangetsu leap back when Bravo tried to slam his helmet against him, leading the Durian to stagger forward a bit. Zangetsu pointed his Musou Saber as he fired a couple of shots that missed Bravo who rolled out of the way from the bullets aiming at him.

The Durian Rider then got up and placed his hand on his Cutting Blade as he pressed down upon it.

"DURIAN SQUASH!"

Even though he didn't know what that will do like the combo of hair on his helmet starting to grow large, Bravo soon swung his head and the combo of hair sent toward Zangetsu in the process.

"I didn't know he can do that…" Ayano remarked along with Yukiya who look surprised too.

But Zangetsu moved out of the way by rolling to his left shoulder while Bravo continued to swing the combo on his helmet. Soon Bravo pressed down on his Cutting Blade, but this time he pushed down twice.

"DURIAN AU LAIT!"

With his Duri Noko glows, Bravo swings them to release energy Durians that caught Zangetsu after he escaped the next one. This surprised those who are present on the battlefield as Bravo pressed down his Cutting Blade once again.

So that is his plan… Zangetsu thought before reaching to his Cutting Blade.

"DURIAN SQUASH!"

"This is it…!" Bravo shouts before releasing his energy 'hair' and throwing it directly at Zangetsu who was locked in the Durian-like cell.

It hits the target and caused quite a large explosion in front of everyone in that presence.

"I guess that he can't escape that one, right?" Yukiya asked before noticing Ayano continued looking at the explosion with a serious expression.

'How could she be calm like this…? Unless-' Yukiya turned back toward the explosion.

As the smoke faded away, everyone noticed that Zangetsu survived due to the large energy-shaped melon surrounding him.

"No way…!" Bravo exclaimed. "There is no way that you could've survived that!"

"What can I say? Experience says everything about battles, Sayama." Zangetsu said as the energy shield disappeared.

(Flashback)

Zangetsu pressed down on the Cutting Blade three times.

"SOIYA! MELON SPARKLING!"

Soon a large melon-like projection appeared within the Durian energy shape after Bravo send his energy hair down to attack him.

(Present)

"My turn…!" Zangetsu soon charged forward at Bravo who tried to swing his Duri Noko at him.

But Zangetsu soon moved at an incredible speed to dodge and reappeared behind the Durian Rider as he released double slashes with his Musou Saber.

"GAAAH!" Bravo cried out as sparks flew off from his armor that led him to stagger forward.

Zangetsu is about to come upon him again before Bravo throws one of his Duri Noko toward his face. The white Rider moved out of the way from the throw as Bravo got up and charged at Zangetsu with the other Dori Noko in his hand.

Both Riders gritted their teeth at each other as their blade collided with each other. They soon traded blows with each other and moved around as sparks flew across the air from another as they sent each other back.

"Not bad. I'm impressed that you can last this long." Zangetsu said.

"Back… at you," Bravo said, getting his other Duri Noko from the ground.

Zangetsu soon pulled the trigger of his Musou Saber as Bravo blocked the incoming attacks with the Duri Noko and advanced toward him.

The Durian Rider throws one of his Duri Noko but Zangetsu has knocked aside with his Melon Defender. The white Rider then pushed down his Cutting Blade once.

"SOIYA! MELON SQUASH!"

Soon his Musou Saber glows green as he delivered a dozen slashes on Bravo until the Durian Rider was knocked out of his armor immediately before collapsing onto the ground.

Despite being in pain from the beatings that Zangetsu dealt with him, Ryo felt strangely elated from the experience of losing.

"Ha…Ha… Ha… So that is what an experienced Rider like!" Ryo laughing at what is to be his first loss after regaining his consciousness.

It wasn't long until Ayano and Yukiya come up to their injured friend.

"You take quite a beating there," Yukiya remarked to his older friend.

"And I almost thought that I got him!" Ryo said, looking at both of his friends.

"You're an idiot for thinking of taking him on after regaining conscious, Ryo," Ayano said stoically.

"Even so, I still make sure that he can look after you, Ayano..." Ryo said before looking at Zangetsu standing far from him. "The next time we clash, I promised it will be different."

"Suit yourself," Zangetsu said.

"Well, I don't want to be caught between you two when that happened," Yukiya stated. After seeing how Lelouch fights as Zangetsu, he doesn't want to be anywhere near the end of his blade.

But it looks like they might be sticking around with the infamous Black Knights especially for Ayano who adamant about is helping here. Though he might have some reserved, it looks like Ayano and Ryo have reasons to be here now.

"Anyway, we should get Ryo back to the doctors to patch up his injuries," Ayano said, helping Ryo by pulling one of his arms over her shoulder.

"That hurt…" Ryo cursed.

"Don't be a whimper, Ryo," Yukiya said, helping by moving his friend's other arm. "From the look of it, you haven't severed injury. So you might get up in no time." He continued as he and Ayano helped Ryo move through the hallway.

Lelouch moved forward and picks up both Bravo Driver and Durian Lockseed from the ground. As he was about to leave, he stops when he heard his cellphone rang and take it out as he answered the call.

To be continued…

AN: That is the end of this chapter. Finally, I got this chapter through now! And not to mention being free from my finals at my university is also good!

I thought of doing a breather chapter to focus on the small stuff that goes around the Black Knights and nothing immediately major events occur. Not to mention I decided to bring Ryo and Yukiya reentered the story as the buildup for the upcoming events that likely going to occur.

Anyway, be sure to review or message me with any questions, comments, or concerns. And don't be afraid to look at my other stories.