Toa Solaric: I don't own either Code Geass or Kamen Rider Zangetsu. They belong to their respective owners just as anything that originated from other series. It's been a while since the debut of Black Knights and we get to see another Rider.
Code Geass: Lelouch of Divine Providence
Ch7: Into the Forbidden Forest!
Kallen stared at the Banana Lockseed in her hand as she continued on to school. It had been a few days since the debut of the Black Knights – since she had killed all those Inves. She shuddered at the memories, but shook herself out of it. She needed to improve as a Rider, if only to stop Helheim's tragedy from happening again – which meant that Lelouch was her only option.
It wasn't until she saw someone unconscious in front of school that she stopped. He was around her age with white hair. Kallen placed her Lockseed away before checking on him immediately.
"Are you alright?" Kallen asked. But the teen didn't respond.
"Kallen, what's going on?" Kallen turned around to see Lelouch approaching them quickly.
"I'm not sure, but this guy passed out in front of the academy. Do you know anyone like him here?" Kallen asked.
Lelouch glanced at the teen before shaking his head.
"I've never seen him before." Lelouch said with trepidation. He was going to search for anything dangerous on him when Kallen stopped him.
"We shouldn't do this here, but we should get him to the school infirmary first." Kallen suggested, also subtly implying that this person was no threat.
"Fine. But the first sight of danger, he's out." Lelouch agreed as he helped the rosette carry their new…acquaintance up and to their next destination.
(Cue X.U by Sawano Hiroyuki)
(Instrumental) The screen opens up to show Lelouch and Zangetsu back-to-back as light covered the screen before changing to show Kallen, Suzaku, Orpheus, Rai, Euphemia and Nunnally before the screen was covered with vines and purple fruits.
(I don't want nobody to get killed) Lelouch was sitting on his Lancelot Club with his hands supporting his chin as rain heavily cascaded around him
(I'll come and get, I am always ready to fight) The screen changed to show Zangetsu sinking into a lake while another screen shows Ayano with a hand over her chest.
(Instrumental) Lockseeds appeared before they were seen scattering across the world.
(So don't take all of the blame) The scene showed the Black Knights in their headquarters.
(We're all as bad) The Britannian Military came into focus.
(Ah wait, don't take all of it away) Now different factions from across Earth flashed by.
(You always do) Armored figures showed up in the darkness, the only lights being their visors.
(We'll always be something you cannot control) In the shadows, a flame-shaped head was flanked by two Riders with unique bows.
(We will overcome – Your salvation has begun) Deep in the forest of Helheim, a white creature wielding a Zanbato was leading an army of Inves.
(No suns, no lights) Lelouch was looking to the side before changing to Ayano doing the same thing.
(Such a mess all over) The screen changed to show Lelouch and Ayano holding their hands out to each other.
(Don't kill your hopes) Now CC was standing on an embedded Musou Saber as wind blew through her hair and clothes.
(You make me realize who I need) The screen changes to show Lelouch looking up with a determined glare before he is encased in his Zangetsu armor.
(I'll be there, hold on) Zangetsu charged forward slashing the Shika Inves with his sword.
(But it changes somehow) Ryugen fired at Inves and Britannian soldiers alike.
(So where are you now) Zangetsu and Ryugen jumped into the air and performed their Rider Kicks.
(I'll reach you, my darling) Baron pierced an Inves with the Banaspear before cutting two more in half.
(The shadows of the earth) Gaim slashed an Inves with his dual blades before combining both in a wide, area-clearing sweep.
(Illusions so bright) Baron and Gaim charged into a mixed army of Britannia soldiers and Inves.
(They're falling just to run – let them know-) Now the Riders watched as both the Black Knights and Britannia launched all-out Knightmare Frame attacks.
(When it's the pain that makes us so human after all) Leila was watching the battle as the rest of her force joins in the battle.
(Toward city, a border patrol) Lelouch kept walking alone in the city, strange plants growing behind his trail.
(1000 precious words, just to start with a spark) The camera turned to Zangetsu and others helping each other fighting the Inves before Zangetsu charged forward and clashed with the white figure swords-first, sparks blinding the screen for a bit.
(To the core) Soon Zangetsu, Baron, Ryugen, and Gaim appeared as the title page appeared.
(Ashford Infirmary)
It wasn't long until the stranger awakened, blue eyes opening to unfamiliar surroundings. Milly noticed this before she alerted the whole Student Council. "Everyone, he's awake!"
Everyone rushed in, hoping to high heaven that they could proceed peacefully.
"Who are you all?" The new teen asked warily.
"That's what we would like to know." Lelouch stated coldly – only to receive an elbow in the side from Rivalz.
"Calm down, Lelouch. This is an introduction, not an interrogation." Rivalz chided. "Besides, he seems alright so far."
"Where are my manners? I'm Milly Ashford, president of the Student Council of Ashford Academy – where you are now." Milly began gracefully.
"Ashford Academy?"
"A private school in the Tokyo settlement. Lelouch and Kallen found you out cold at the school gates. They were the ones that brought you here to the infirmary." Milly explained, also pointing to Lelouch and Kallen.
"Thank you."
"It's no problem. So, you are…?" Lelouch asked, waiting for their new guest's answer.
"It's… Rai."
"Rai? What an interesting name." Milly remarked. "Anyway, why don't you guys introduce yourselves?"
"Lelouch Lamperouge."
"Rivalz Cardemonde."
"My name is Shirley Fennette. It's nice to meet you!"
"The name is Suzaku Kururugi. A pleasure to meet you."
Lelouch decided to speak up after the introductions.
"So, Rai, where are you from and who are you exactly?" Lelouch asked. He can't allow anyone dangerous into the Academy ground unless they passed him first.
What Rai said honestly threw everyone threw a loop. "I…I-I don't remember." The poor guy trembled once he realized this.
"Amnesia? Oh dear, this is certainly no good." Milly stated sincerely, actually motioning to calm Rai down.
Lelouch was about to suggest going to the police, but stopped himself. Poor Rai would hardly be here if his situation was simple enough to solve.
"I got it! How about you stay at Ashford Academy?" Milly asked.
"Madam President, are you sure about this?" Lelouch interjected.
Milly turned to him with a rather serious, disapproving stare. "Well, we certainly can't turn anyone in trouble away, now can we?" she finished with a meaningful 'You're the same, too!' smirk.
"'Lelouch does have a point Ma'am Prez." Rai added to Lelouch's question. "Don't you think that this really seems like stepping onto something dangerous?"
"It'll be ok. My woman's intuition says so! Stay here while I register you in the school and find an appropriate place for you. You'll also need a sponsor. I'll volunteer for that. Whatever happened before all of this, you're here now, and officially, part of our school's family."
Milly turned back to Lelouch, knowing that he would have far more to say.
"Well, Lelouch?" Milly asked her Vice President.
Lelouch sighed before nodding. As eccentric as she was, Milly did allow him – along with anyone else he deemed needed – asylum in Ashford.
"Very well, Madam President." Lelouch said.
"Thank you."
"Now let's get you introduced to everyone else. First, the girl with the glasses is Nina Einstein. Second, the quiet one is Kallen Stadfield."
Nina looked nervous, but gave her greeting nonetheless. "…Hello."
"A pleasure to meet you." Kallen returned with a small bow.
Milly moved over, revealing Nunnally. "It's nice to meet you, Rai." Nunnally smiled.
The blonde soon walked over to Rai and whispered something in his ear.
"This is Lelouch's little sister, Nunnally. If you touch her in any way, Lelouch will not like it."
Rai nodded rather quickly, fully understanding the kind of trouble he could get into.
"Also new students are required at least one extracurricular activity. So, I propose that you join the student council, so I can keep a close eye on you." Milly said.
"Ok."
"Good, now go get some rest. If you have any questions ask me or any other member on the council."
"…thank you."
Everyone left the infirmary to give Rai some time to rest.
Lelouch was busy looking through the news before C.C. approached him, pizza in hand.
"So what are you going to do about the new kid?" C.C. asked.
"I can't really figure out what's odd about him…" Lelouch answered, tempted to use Geass on Rai to get more answers.
"Why don't you just Geass him? That's much less trouble for you to deal with." C.C. replied.
Lelouch shook his head at the notion. "Geass and memory loss seem like a disaster waiting to happen – which means that we'll just have to watch him the old-fashioned way."
"Recruiting him for the Black Knights, then?"
Lelouch set the papers down and faced C.C. in full. "He likely doesn't have enough knowledge about us to form any opinions for now, but if he does show any support for us or our ideals, he'll be a shoe-in for sure. Otherwise…"
Lelouch's cellphone interrupted him, also showing just who was calling: Kallen.
"Sorry, C.C., but I have to meet up with Kallen about something." Lelouch said as he drew his jacket on.
"But is she trustworthy?" C.C. asked.
"We both want to destroy Britannia, but it's never wrong to extend an olive branch to people who could become your allies." Lelouch pointed out.
"Does she know about your heritage?" C.C. quirked an eyebrow, knowing about Lelouch's situation and the possible dangers therein.
"Yes."
C.C. was legitimately surprised. She even considered talking Lelouch down about this, but one look stopped her cold.
Spinning her Lime Lockseed, the Witch could only sigh once more.
Lelouch got off his Sakura Hurricane as he finally arrived at an abandoned Shinjuku factory, meeting an already battle-ready Kallen with her Sengoku Driver on.
"Hey Kallen," Lelouch greeted his fellow Rider.
"I see you came, Lelouch."
"You're serious about training, then?" The redhead nodded affirmative.
"Shall we begin, then?" she added with an eyebrow raised as she spun her Banana Lockseed out.
Lelouch answered by unzipping his jacket, revealing his own Driver and the Melon Lockseed.
"BANANA!"
"MELON!"
With those calls, both Riders' respective fruits floated down from the Cracks above as they locked their Lockseeds in.
"LOCK ON!"
Both of their hands reached for their Cutting Blades.
"Henshin!" They shouted simultaneously.
"COME ON!"
"SOIYA!"
They charged at each other as their Arms landed on their shoulders before their bodysuits appeared and their armors formed up.
"BANANA ARMS! KNIGHT OF SPEAR!"
"MELON ARMS! TENKA GOMEN!"
Weapons clashed and sparks flew as Baron and Zangetsu finished their metamorphosis. Baron rushed in with her Banaspear as Zangetsu raised his Melon Defender in reply.
"Lose the damn shield, already!" Baron groaned in frustration as she kept slamming into the Melon Defender – Zangetsu truly was too handy with that thing.
"As you wish!" Zangetsu answered back by drawing his Musou Saber and shooting Baron down, who easily swept the bullets away with her lance.
"Keep it up, you're getting better!" Zangetsu smiled behind his helmet.
"Save the flattery for later!" Baron remarked as she charged again. She had been practicing on her own to see her new limits as a Rider. If Zangetsu was able to go this far, she had to do everything to outrace him.
Baron led with a lance thrust, the following ring of metal on metal giving her enough time to surprise Zangetsu with a sweep kick. Zangetsu looked up from the ground to see Baron about to pierce him – only for her to stumble in surprise as he vanished in a blur of motion.
"Where did you go?" Baron shouted – with Zangetsu replying via a slash to her back.
Baron almost fell over before she righted herself. She could only laugh to herself as she turned back to her opponent.
"This speed… You must have earned this from fighting as long as you have, Lelouch." Baron mused. Another thing for her to learn and consider...
"I need every advantage I can get for battle, Kallen." Zangetsu commented before taking out a Strawberry Lockseed from his Lockseed holder. "As promised, I'll show you another trick today." He said as he unlocked it.
Suddenly, an Elementary Inves appeared out of another Crack in front of them – only for Zangetsu to stab it in the back, the poor thing fading to dust nigh-instantly.
"Why'd you do that?" Baron asked with reasonable horror.
"You're going to get your first experience of what Helheim is like. If you wish to follow me…" Zangetsu trailed off as he stepped through the portal.
Baron stared the portal down before following the white Rider forward. The Crack soon closed behind her as Baron finally saw Helheim for herself.
"What the -?!" Baron turned a full 360 at her new surroundings.
The white warrior turned back to Baron. "Welcome to Helheim, Baron. This is going to be the training ground for any and all new Riders, 'specially you." Zangetsu smiled all too gleefully at his new hazing toy.
"So this is where you get the Lockseeds?" Baron asked.
Zangetsu nodded before approaching a vine ripe with Helheim fruit. As he plucked it, it changed into a Kiwi Lockseed before he tossed it to Baron.
"I get it…" Baron said, putting it away and approaching another tree.
She examined all of the fruits carefully, hoping to get a good haul for this first trip into Helheim. Plucking one hearty-looking fruit, she was pleasantly surprised to see it change into a Mango Lockseed. For her first time, this was definitely a grand find.
"So how do we get back to our world?" Baron turned to her senior Rider.
"You'll need one of these Lockseeds to get out." Zangetsu gestured to his Sakura Hurricane Lockseed. "If it's a flower-type, it'll definitely be a vehicle. Speaking of, do you have any driving experience?"
"Yeah, being a mechanic's assistant has its perks." She smirked. Though honestly, it felt more natural to her to pilot Knightmare Frames.
Any further banter was stopped when they both heard Inves calls all around them. Both of them were back to back, covering each other for the fight to come.
"Be careful whenever you're here, Baron. This is home turf for the Inves, so they'll definitely be more dangerous than back on Earth."
"I doubt you can control them with Lockseeds, right?" Baron asked. Zangetsu's silence was enough of an answer. "Just means more fun for the both of us, right?"
Elsewhere in Helheim, another Crack opened as a young man with blonde hair on a rose-themed motorcycle rode in. Orpheus looked around in silent amusement.
"I wonder if Lelouch is here…" The blondie muttered. "But this forest is still bigger than I remembered." He deadpanned.
He was interrupted by explosions sounding off in the distance.
"That must be him and a new rookie." Orpheus chuckled before taking out his Sengoku Driver. It was a green-helmeted face with a green background and the tell-tale rainbow visor of all Sengoku Riders.
"Take this!" Baron exclaimed as she pushed her Cutting Knife thrice.
"COME ON! BANANA SPARKING!"
Baron soon stabbed her Banaspear to the ground before light-based banana pillars struck the Inves en masse. Like before, the Inves were consumed with flames, banana peels and flesh also flying outward.
Baron breathed heavily as she and Zangetsu finished off their recent batch of enemies. Any more and it would have been too much.
Zangetsu sheathed his Musou Saber as he started off again. "…Baron, there's something else here that I feel you need to see."
Taking another fruit that turned into her own Lock Vehicle – Rose Attacker – Baron followed him forward without any further ado. She could feel Zangetsu getting more…weary as he was talking.
They continued walking for several minutes as they went to the deeper parts of the forest. They managed to avoid any Inves by hiding or using the Himawari Lockseeds Zangetsu harvested for exactly this.
"So where are we going?" Baron asked.
Zangetsu's continued silence only irritated Baron that bit more.
"What did you want to show me?" Baron asked, just wanting to get out as soon as possible – if only to avoid any more Inves. They stopped on a cliff overlooking a valley shrouded by mist.
"Just a warning in advance: What you'll see…might be too much to handle." Zangetsu said at last, but his voice still seemed heavy with remorse.
"An alien forest doesn't seem too bad. What could it have that'll shock me that much?" Baron started, only to see…
"The truth of Helheim Forest. The reason this place is even called Helheim to begin with – what else can you call a dead world?" Zangetsu chuckled darkly and bitterly.
"Lelouch…what is going on here?" Baron questioned, disturbed by the sight in front of her.
"This is what happens when power is abused." Zangetsu summarized. "Helheim covered this entire world, and the civilization that lived here was no different from humans. They attempted to use Helheim for their own desires, but it became too much for anyone to handle responsibly. Ultimately, this whole world turned on itself and self-destructed. Now all that's left are this…and the Inves."
"This… it's the same as our world. Divide by power struggles." Baron drew the connection, actually stepping back due to the weight of the realization. Zangetsu nodded grimly.
Baron followed Zangetsu as he made to examine the ruins much closer than before. Knowing now just what had happened here…
"Our world is in complete turmoil due to the three major powers: Britannia, the China Federation, and the E.U. If even one of them was to discover Helheim…I'm afraid Earth will be next." The white Rider said.
Baron had heard enough to make a final decision.
"Then we will have to crush Britannia before Helheim starts invading in earnest, Lelouch." Baron said, new determination rising in her chest.
Zangetsu nodded. "Indeed. For everyone's sake – even for those that have already fallen, Helheim or not – we have to end this. One way or another, Britannia has to go." Zangetsu then turned to look Baron in the eye. "Whatever comes next, nothing will truly be the same. Are you really ready for this, Kallen Kozuki?"
Baron smirked before she extended her hand as a fist of brotherhood. "I wouldn't be here otherwise."
"This is quite interesting. To think a woman got the suit…" a male voice chuckled, Baron snapping to attention at the call. "You certainly know how to pick them, old friend!"
"Who's there? Show yourself!" Baron snapped – only to look at Zangetsu when he started chuckling.
"So how long have you been here…?" Zangetsu asked.
Emerging out of the ruins was none other than Orpheus. But what really got Baron's attention was the Sengoku Driver around his waist.
"You're a Rider?!"
"It's been a while, Lelouch." Orpheus said with a smile.
"How've things been, Orpheus?" Lelouch returned the greeting as he de-henshined.
"Wait, you guys know each other?" Baron turned between the two in confusion.
Lelouch nodded. "Kallen, I did mention that there were other Riders before. This is a Rider who ventures through criminal underworlds." He said.
"I am Orpheus Zervon." Orpheus said as Baron turned to him in further scrutiny.
Baron closed her Lockseed and turned back to Kallen once she felt certain that this new arrival was friendly.
"How long have you and Lelouch known each other, exactly?" Kallen couldn't resist her curiosity.
"A few years back, along with that other guy. We've crossed paths enough times, even!" Orpheus replied.
"You didn't even know about Helheim the first time, smartass!" Lelouch jabbed at Orpheus with some glee.
Orpheus chuckled at the memory. "Another thing, Lelouch – I found out that I do have a connection with the Zervons after all." Lelouch widened his eyes at the implications.
"I take you aren't here to just tell me that." The raven hair teen said after some time.
"Yeah – looks like Japan and I have important business this time around." Orpheus replied.
"What is it?"
"I am looking for someone who belonged to a…particular group I'm hunting down. But I heard rumors that they were right in Japan." Orpheus said.
"Who is this person?" Lelouch asked.
"A girl with long green hair and gold eyes." Orpheus said. Lelouch failed to contain his surprise, and Orpheus capitalized on that.
"You know her?" Lelouch asked. Orpheus nodded.
"Is there something you're hiding from me, Lelouch?" Kallen asked.
"It's a long story." Lelouch answered before they spotted more Inves crawling up to them.
"It looks like there's still some more…" Kallen remarked.
"I got this." Orpheus casually assured her as he drew his Budou Lockseed.
"BUDOU!"
Going through a Shaolin stance as the Budou Armor Parts materialized above him, Orpheus then locked his Lockseed into place.
"LOCK ON!"
"Henshin!" Orpheus shouted before using his Cutting Knife.
"HAI~!"
The Budou Arms dropped on Orpheus's head and shoulders. A ripple of energy formed a bodysuit much like his outfit. It sported green gauntlets and boots with gold accents, black sleeves and leggings, ending with a green tunic not unlike a Chinese soldier's. Inside the Budou Arms, Orpheus's head became encased in a green helmet with a golden brow. A purple attachment then connected, covered in round studs with a purple tassel on top and ornate siding like a Chinese soldier would have, turning the eyes a deep purple. The Budou Arms opened and folded onto his body. The front folded in half, making a purple chest with round silver accents. The sides landed on his shoulders, making layers of shoulder armor before the top and back folded onto his back like a small pack. An ornate gun appeared in his right hand.
"BUDOU ARMS! RYU, HOU, HA-HA-HA!"
This is Kamen Rider Ryugen Budou Arms.
"Who is he?" Kallen asked.
"That is Kamen Rider Ryugen," Lelouch said.
Ryugen charged forward, dodging blows as easily as sniping any Inves foolish enough to stand still. Those hit were stunned long enough for him to end them with a roundhouse kick. Aerial Inves tried to take charge again, but Ryugen managed to avoid them easily as he pushed his Cutting Knife once.
"HAI~ BUDOU SQUASH!"
Little purple balls of energy looking like grapes formed at the sides of his gun, aiming at the group of Inves before the grape energy balls circled around the gun and became one big ball of energy.
"Eat this!" Ryugen shouted, shooting dozens of grape bullets at the Inves that exploded, target and all, in gouts of flame.
Before Ryugen could relax, he got slashed by another group of Inves, sparks flying in the air, before he tumbled back.
Kallen was all too ready to rush in before Lelouch stopped her.
"Should we help him?" Kallen asked. Lelouch shook his head.
Smirking, Lelouch replied with "You'd be surprised how tough he can get!" as Ryugen flipped himself back up.
"Time for close offense." Ryugen said before unlocking the Budou Lockseed.
"LOCK OFF!"
Then he took out a new one – L.S. 13, the Kiwi Lockseed – before he unlocked it.
"KIWI!"
The Budou Arms vanished, allowing a large metal kiwi to appear above him. Ryugen then inserted the new Lockseed before he locked it in place.
"LOCK ON!"
"HAI~! KIWI ARMS! GEKI, RIN, SEIYA-HA!"
The metal kiwi dropped onto Ryugen's shoulders with a splash of green juice energy before beginning to disassemble. The top slice lifted off along with the right side, folding onto Ryugen's right shoulder. The next slice and the left side did the same for his left shoulder. The front split off and folded onto his chest, showing the inside of the kiwi like a collar while the outside was a chest plate. The back portions did the same, and his head was topped by a green helmet attachment with wide fins on the side like kiwi slices. His eyes also turned bright green. In his hands was a pair of bladed rings with kiwi slices in the middle known as the Kiwi GekiRin.
Ryugen dashed towards the Inves and slashed them before following up with another in a deadly spin. Sparks flew as the weapons hurt the Inves. Ryugen swung widely and wildly, stopping the Inves dead in their tracks.
"One more special!" Ryugen shouted, slicing his Lockseed twice.
"HAI~! KIWI AU LAIT!"
Both Kiwi GekiRin glowed bright green before he swung at the Inves who surrounded him making a trial of light that formed a holographic kiwi slice before the Inves screeched in pain, destroying them.
Kallen looked at Ryugen in awe, realizing that there was still more to the Rider system than she thought. That's a lot to catch up to!
"What do you think, Rookie?" Ryugen asked with a smirk.
"Hmph… not bad." Kallen snared. "But I will catch with you boys soon."
"I'm definitely looking forward to it." Ryugen smiled as he dismissed his suit and reverted to Orpheus. Looking at Lelouch, he started again. "So…?"
"We've been here long enough, it's best that we leave now." Lelouch stopped him.
"So how do we use these things?" Kallen looked at her seniors as she held her Rose Attacker out.
"We have to reach a certain speed." Lelouch answered.
With a click, their Lockvehicles fully folded out as they gunned for a full 300 kph. Racing into the newly made flower Cracks, the Riders left Helheim once again.
"So those intruders left…" A new voice echoed.
The new figure was wearing a silver/white bodysuit with black designs on the side of his torso. He wore black boots with magenta highlights, black wrist bands, and his armor was made of black apple slices on his chest and shoulders. His helmet was mainly black flames with a magenta faceplate. This is Kamen Rider Jam.
The three emerged back on Earth, more importantly, the abandoned factory in Shinjuku. It looked like Lelouch and Kallen were safe from any unwanted observers.
"Never thought I'd appreciate even this" Kallen smiled at the irony.
"Helheim has that effect on people." Lelouch replied with a smirk.
Checking her watch, Kallen's eyes bugged out before she started racing out again. "Sorry boys! I'm pretty late, so see you again some other time!"
"Tomorrow at school then, Kallen!" Lelouch called back.
Kallen looked at him, then at Orpheus before turning to Lelouch again. "See you around…" she said before leaving. Lelouch, I will be watching you since I don't like being kept in the dark… she thought to herself.
"She's an interesting one, Lelouch." Orpheus grinned. "Are you guys in a relationship?"
"W-What!?" Lelouch exclaimed. "We aren't like that, Orpheus!" He protested.
"I take it that girl is in your home. Is it okay that I come over? I really miss Sayako's cooking." Orpheus said.
"If we're talking about her, I'm expecting you to finally tell me what organization you're hunting down." Lelouch said. Ever since Orpheus had mentioned it, Lelouch had been gnawed at by sheer curiosity.
"Sounds like a deal." Orpheus said without hesitation.
Jeremiah soon walking into the local bar and saw Villetta waiting for him at a table with a glass of liquor. He soon sat down beside her and made his presence known.
"I am here as you requested, Villetta." Jeremiah said.
"I don't know what is wrong with me…" Villetta said, holding her glass. "My head still feeling headache from that when I lost my Knightmare." She said.
Jeremiah knows what she mention since it was when his lord got his Geass from the mystery girl known as C.C. and noticed Villetta have the headache as the result.
"That was an unfortunately incident…" Jeremiah said calm. But if she does remember, he has no choices but to subdue her from revealing his lord's secret.
The bartender give him some liquor and he take some sip.
"You know… I still can't believe you were alright after those traitors try to ambush you." Villetta said after her third drinks.
"You can say that I was lucky to survive from the incident." Jeremiah said.
They were talking about casual stuffs for few more hours before Villetta collapsed from drinking liquor as Jeremiah decide she have enough to drink this time and asks the bartender to call an taxi for Villetta home soon. It wasn't until he hears screaming from outside of the bar and decides to investigate them.
"Watch over here," Jeremiah said stern to the bartender.
The bartender nodded as Jeremiah decides to check it out. After coming out of bar, he find civilians ran away from Elementary Inves came out of Cracks in the air.
Jeremiah frowned at this as he looks around to check if there are anyone nearby. When the coast is clear, he got out his Sengoku Driver and attached to his waist. Then he got out his Blood Orange Lockseed.
"BLOOD ORANGE!"
Suddenly a Crack appears above him and the Blood Orange descend as his Driver playing rock n roll music. Jeremiah locked his Blood Orange Lockseed into his Driver.
"LOCK ON!"
"Henshin…" Jeremiah said before using his Cutting Blade.
"BLOOD ORANGE ARMS! JA NO MICHI ON STAGE!"
The Blood Orange Arms dropped onto his head before morphing his body into his blue bodysuit then the Blood Orange Arms disassembled as armor for Bujin Gaim.
Bujin Gaim charges forward with his Daidaimaru as he slash an Inves that try to attack a shivering civilian and punched the Inves back.
"Under my lord's rule, I won't let you touch this streets!" Bujin Gaim declared as he slashes the Inves.
He then got out his Musou Saber and pressed the trigger as he shoots several rounds at the Inves around the street as they were nearly stunt.
Then Bujin Gaim went forward as he continued with his attacks on the Inves. It wasn't until he saw an Shika Inves try to approach an kid, Bujin Gaim then throws his Daidaimaru at the Inves and stabbed the creature in the back before it collapsed on the ground.
Bujin Gaim then approached the kid which is a young boy who looks awe at him. "Listen kid. Get yourself out of here, understand?" Bujin Gaim said as this made the young boy nodded before leaving.
Bujin Gaim then brought up his Daidaimaru from the ground before slashing another Inves coming at him then combined both of his swords together to form Naginata mode.
Coming down the streets in disguises were none other than Suzaku and Euphie. After the Black Knights' debut, they began to meeting in secret.
"Suzaku, over there." Euphie said.
"A-Another Rider?" Suzaku asked in shocked.
Bujin Gaim then twirled it around as he striking the Inves around him with great skill and speed. It wasn't until the remains of the Inves gather around him. Bujin Gaim saw this and quickly took out his Lockseed from his belt.
"LOCK OFF!"
Bujin Gaim then locked it onto his Musou Saber.
"LOCK ON!"
Bujin Gaim goes into a battle stance as his weapon glowing red. "Your end is near." He said.
"1-0-0-0! BLOOD ORANGE CHARGE!"
When the Inves were about to pounce on him, Bujin Gaim spins his weapon as he released red energy slashes as he destroyed the remaining Inves and noticed the Cracks vanished in the air. Bujin Gaim soon places his Lockseed back to his Driver and sighed.
He is about to leave when a voice calling out to him.
"Hold it!" A familiar voice shout before Bujin Gaim turns around to see Suzaku and Euphie as the pair wore disguises even though Bujin Gaim could recognized them through his military training.
"Who are you…?" Suzaku questioned.
"I am Bujin Gaim." Bujin Gaim said.
"What were those monsters?"
"Inves."
"Where are they come from?" Euphie asked.
"I can't revealed the information for it isn't allow to be fall into Britannia's hand." Bujin Gaim said.
"But why are you doing this…? Why is Zangetsu doing this?" Suzaku asked. "All of you are causing destruction!" he exclaimed.
This causes Bujin Gaim to frown. Suzaku is quite naive for joining the Britannia Army. If you're supposed to be his best friend, you would have sided with my Lord… Bujin Gaim thought with a grim expression. "You claimed that you don't want to see pain and suffering, but you forget there is always prices to pay after you enter a battlefield. Your hands are already covered in the blood of innocent people who perished in the Shinjuku Ghetto." He said.
This causes Suzaku to flinch at Bujin Gaim's statement and have no means to fight back as he falls to his knee.
"Don't blame others for their crimes when your hands too stained in blood." Bujin Gaim pointed out.
Seeing Suzaku's painful expression, Euphy decided to enter the conversation.
"There should be another way to resolved this…" Euphie said.
"Like what?" Bujin Gaim asked.
"Like I could become the Knight of One where I would be given the ability to govern any area of my choice." Suzaku jumped in.
"Even if you claimed to reach Knight of One and claimed Japan for yourselves, then what about those other Zones being oppressed by Britannia? Are you going to neglected their suffering by Britannia?" Bujin Gaim questioned.
This question left both stunned especially Suzaku never thought of it. Bujin Gaim turns away as he summoned a red colored Crack and jumps into the portal before it vanished.
"What in the world is he…?" Suzaku asked.
(Back with Lelouch)
They were soon driving down to Lelouch's home in Ashford Academy before they made their way to Lelouch's secret garage and parked their bikes. Suddenly, C.C. opened the door into the garage before noticing Lelouch and Orpheus. Her eyes widened in surprise at the other arrival.
"Perfect timing, witch!" Lelouch smiled all too eagerly. "A friend of mine wanted to meet you." He said.
Orpheus took his helmet off and looked at C.C. "It's been a while… ex-boss." he smiled wanly.
"Orphy…" C.C. started. "Why are you with him?" she asked warily.
"We're old friends." Orpheus answered.
C.C. turned to Lelouch with a darkened scowl, "Melon boy, you have some explaining to do."
Lelouch could only smirk as he shot back with "Same goes for you."
"Tell me Lelouch, are you aware of the power you received from her - Geass?" Orpheus asked. Lelouch nodded.
"I do. I also surmised that you were very similar to me, but chose not to reveal anything – at least until it was right." Lelouch said.
"It goes back to me and ex-boss here – we used to be part of the Geass Order." Lelouch raised an eyebrow at this.
"In other words, there are far more people that know the workings and implications of Geass, right?" Lelouch asked.
"Hold it, Orphy. It's better that I explain." C.C. interrupted them both. "Hmph! What poor manners, using your friendship with Lelouch against me like that." Orpheus shrugged.
"How many are there in the Geass Order beside you and Orpheus?" Lelouch asked.
"I left a long time ago. But I do recall there being fifty of us – but few were mission-capable." CC answered as levelly as a desk.
"Who's in charge now?" Lelouch asked.
"Another immortal like me."
"But get this: he's a friggin' midget!" Orpheus joked.
"I guess this is why you have to hunt them down after what happened to the village and Euria..." Lelouch said.
Orpheus looked downcast as he faced Lelouch again. "You still going to hold me not telling you about Geass against me?" he asked.
Lelouch simply walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What's passed is past, and I know that whatever happens, we face it together – especially if the Order's anything like you make it out to be." He said.
"Now you will answer my question: when exactly did you two meet?" C.C. snapped with authority.
"We bumped into each other sometime ago." Orpheus started, leaving out their third member.
"Just like that…?" C.C. asked as the two nodded.
"Were you expecting something else to happened, ex-boss?" Orpheus remarked.
C.C. just stares at them.
"Hey Lelouch, do you have any strange encounter with a blonde hair girl?" Orpheus asked as this made Lelouch's eyes wide.
"You too!?" Orpheus nodded.
(Flashback)
Orpheus opened his eyes and notices he is standing near a park.
"Where am I?" Orpheus pondered.
Orpheus, now confused, looking around for an answer until…
"Be warned…" A voice said.
The blonde hair teen looks at the direction of the voice to see the strange girl in white dress."Who are you…?" He asked.
"You are grasping for the reins of fate." She started.
"Eh?" Orpheus looks confused.
"Continue down this path… and there shall be no turning back." The blonde hair girl in white explained. "You will have to fight to the bitter end."
Orpheus thought about her words. He knew the worst case scenario could be death, but he has a reason to fight.
"But I need to avenge Euria and others... I know that I am not alone since I have my friends." He answered determined.
She stares at him after hearing Orpheus's answer, but she turns away and vanished.
(Present)
"I see..." Lelouch pondered. But he can't help get a feeling he knows the girl from somewhere.
"So Lelouch, how is Nunnally doing?" Orpheus asked with a curious tone.
"My sister is alright, but she will be happy to see you again- she does like your traveling stories." Lelouch said to Orpheus.
(Unknown location)
In a moving limo, a small boy with long blond hair and crimson eyes in a formal suit was holding a Lockseed that had a black apple with pink surrounding on it with the code 'LS-DARK' on it. He may seem like he is 10 years old but in reality, he is very much older than that. He was currently watching the debut of Black Knights.
"He is so much like you Charles, an actor wear a mask on stage…" V.V. said. "But I will be three steps ahead of you in the race, Lelouch." He said before relaxing in the car.
AN: That is the end of the chapter. Orpheus is Ryugen and an old friend of Lelouch. What do you think of this chapter especially the new OP I made? Anyway, be sure to review or message me for any questions, comments, or concern. And don't be afraid to look at my other stories.