Toa Solaric: I don't own either Code Geass or Kamen Rider Zangetsu! I hope you guys like the last chapter with the clashed between Lelouch and Mao especially the debut of Zangetsu-Shin!
Code Geass: Lelouch of Divine Providence
Ch15: The Escape Mission!
In Kyoto hideout, Lelouch with his hood on stood in the middle of tiled floor for Knightmare Frame testing. Kallen, Rai, Orpheus, Ohgi, and Tamaki stood far away from him. Each of them with a Lockseed in hand. Beside the Riders, there are four Burai with pilots in them. Some of them were confused as to why Lelouch ask them, but he assured this will be good for them.
Lelouch was calm as usual as he looked at his fellow Riders before he give a nod to begin.
Lockseeds were unlocked and portals opened to allow Inves to arrive. The Lockseeds were then relocked to close the portals, preventing the entry of stray Inves into the area.
Lelouch eyed the Inves that surrounded him and took out his Genesis Driver before strapping it on him. He then took out and unlocked his Melon Energy Lockseed, "Henshin."
"MELON ENERGY!"
A portal zipped open above him and released the Melon Energy Arms as it slowly descended. Lelouch then locked the Melon Energy Lockseed into his Genesis Driver's Drive Bay, securing it on the Lock On Arm.
"LOCK ON!"
He pushed in the handle known as the Seaboll Compressor, filling the cup-like Concentrate Pod under the Lockseed through the Vascular Duct with juice as said Lockseed snapped open.
"SODA~! MELON ENERGY ARMS!"
The Melon Energy Arms fell on top of his head and energy ripped to form his Genesis Wear. Soon the Melon Energy Arms opened to reveal his helmet while folding into pieces of his armor as Zangetsu-Shin.
A splash of juice-like energy immediately equipped him with a Sonic Arrow.
"Genesis Rider Zangetsu-Shin, on stage…" he declared.
Everyone looks completely shocked at Zangetsu-Shin's appearance.
That Driver… No way…! Kallen thought disbelief.
"What the hell!?" Tamaki exclaimed.
"When did he get one?" Rai asked confused.
"That is a Genesis Driver…?" Ohgi asked, looks surprised.
"So that why he call us here…" Orpheus wondered out loud with a grin. "Let see how well you are." he said.
On their summoners' commands, the Inves attacked and Zangetsu-Shin moved swiftly to counterattack. He fired a bolt at an Inves, stunning it before he turned and shot another. He continued to shoot at them, stopping them in their tracks. Soon the Burai go after Zangetsu-Shin with their blades, but the white Genesis Rider jumps out of the way and shoots arrows at them, causing the Knightmare Frames to explode. Their pilots soon ejected out of Knightmare Frames after their destruction as they groan in pain.
The Inves were injured but they were still alive as they resumed their attack. Zangetsu-Shin then switched to close-quarters combat as he used the blades of the Sonic Arrow to slash mercilessly at the Inves. He didn't forget to shoot them with the bolts though and he sent them scrambling back as he continued his assault on them.
Zangetsu-Shin then aimed high at the sky and pulled on the Sonic Arrow's shaft, stretching the string taut before releasing it. The charge at the tip was released as an arrow that reached the sky, trailing a huge melon behind it.
Soon the melon exploded as energy arrows rained down and fell upon the Inves, causing a series of explosions. The energy arrows caused the Inves being destroyed. The Lockseeds used to summon them were ripped out of their holders' hands before falling at Zangetsu-Shin's feet.
"Game over," Zangetsu-Shin concluded. He soon closed the Melon Energy Lockseed from his Genesis Driver before it cancel his transformation in sparkles of light. Looking at his fellow Riders as they look quite speechless.
"What did you guys think?" Lelouch asked.
Orpheus is the first to respond with a grin. "Beside the new toy, it looks like you won't have problem when it comes to long range."
"I had no idea that you are good with bow." Ohgi comment.
"H-How did you gained that power?" Kallen asked, looking speechless at the cloaked leader.
"It when I fought Sigurd again and I didn't hesitate to make him paid for hurting those I cared about before I killed him." Lelouch answered.
Watching from the balcony, was Kirihara and Kaguya.
"Impressive." Kirihara noted.
But Kaguya's attention focused on the cloaked leader with interested. "So he is alive whole time… and got stronger…" Kaguya said before have a smirk.
(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.
After the shows of Zangetsu-Shin, Kallen currently visited her brother's grave stone and paid her respect to the former leader of Kozuki cell. She soon thinking about Lelouch become Zangetsu-Shin and his account on finished off Sigurd.
Kallen have to admit that Lelouch has become stronger again when she thought she was almost close to his equal in power. He gained the power of Genesis Rider and able to crushed Sigurd.
I need to become stronger as well… Being able to stand as Lelouch's equal, Kallen thought with serious expression.
Kallen got this feeling that this won't be the last time anyone seen a Genesis Rider especially the power they wielded.
"I need to be ready…" Kallen said to herself.
Lelouch and Ayano are sitting quietly together in the hangar after they done sparring with each other. On their mind was Mao's words about Suzaku since that day.
"You killed your own father seven years ago. Hmph, he called for do-or-die resistance and you thought stopping him would end the war. What a childish idea. The fact is, you're a murderer!" Mao accused Suzaku of being.
Suzaku. The childhood friend they know and play with in the past.
Murdered his own father. This lead to Japan's downfall at the hand of Britannia.
Neither them of have proper conversation about what they learned from that day.
"Lelouch, why did the Black Knights did what they have to do?" Ayano asked.
"Not all of them refused to give up their pride as Japanese to become dogs for Britannian to beats on. Some of them even looks down on the Honorary Britannian system. Soon they choose to become terrorists to fight back against Britannian who strip their home from them. It was like that before I find them and shows them that their enemy is none other than Britannia's rule itself." Lelouch explains.
This made Ayano relax a bit before bring up another question. "Yeah. You know I never get to asks about the battle at Narita. Why did you evacuated the civilian even though they're Britannian?" Ayano asked.
"They aren't worth killing and it won't bring Japan back, they're nothing more dogs with no bite." Lelouch said.
"And we proved that Britannia forces aren't strong as they originally thought. This leads us gain more support from Kyoto in the fight against Britannia…" Ayano said with a smile.
Soon the two friends become silent immediately as they thought about their friend Suzaku. The two have their own thoughts.
Ayano is furious angered at Suzaku for what happened in the Britannia invasion of her homeland. Her parents and people she known while growing up were gone.
Lelouch finally understand why Sagara told hint about his childhood friend's guilty about what happened. If Sagara give him the straight truth, Lelouch will refused to believe it until he learns why Suzaku seek to change Britannia from within. Suzaku was alone as he try to atone for what happened.
"Should we tell Kallen and others about this?" Ayano asked.
"This information will not do any good to us for now." Lelouch answered. "But when the time comes, we will let Japan know about how their miserable life started to open Suzaku's eyes to his actions." He concluded.
Ayano have a serious look before nodded.
(Ashford Academy)
The student council have a surprised to see Rivalz with a cast left arm coming in the room.
"How is it going, guys?" Rivalz greeted nervously.
"Rivalz, what in the world happened to you!?" Suzaku asked in shocked.
"A mugger try to pickpocket me, I try to fight him off before my arm got twisted." Rivalz explained.
"Are you hurt…?" Shirley asked with worried expression, looking at her friend.
"I'll be fine, Shirley." Rivalz answered. "The doctor says that I still need to wear the cast before I could use my arm again."
"But it's good to see that you're back, Rivalz." Milly said. "Don't you agreed so, Lelouch?"
"Yeah… this place wasn't the same without you." Lelouch said. He soon thinking back to the conversation he had with Rivalz when his friend finally awake.
(Flashback)
When he hears Rivalz regain his sense, Lelouch went to his bed and saw him awake.
"Rivalz…" Lelouch spoke.
"Lelouch…?" Rivalz asked slowly. "Is that you, pal?"
"It's me, alright. You have been unconscious for a while." Lelouch explained.
"What about that psycho mind reader guy…? Is he gone?" Rivalz asked. Lelouch nodded.
"I take care of him. He won't bother anyone anymore… Rivalz…" Lelouch said before having a down expression. "Rivalz, listen… I am so sorry that you got involved in this."
But Lelouch felt Rivalz take his hand and looks at his friend. "It's not your fault, Lelouch. You didn't know this will happened neither did I. It's no one's fault, pal." Rivalz said.
"I see…" Lelouch said before Rivalz came with another question.
"Though there is something I want to know, Lelouch. Is your name really Lelouch vi Britannia?" Rivalz asked.
Lelouch knows deep down that somehow Mao revealed his secret to Rivalz.
"I-It's is." Lelouch said before his voice become cold. "Me and my sister were exiled by our father after the death of our mother. Do you know what he say to me? His exact words were, 'you are dead to me'."
Rivalz remembered the story that Lelouch told him before have a disgusted expression on his face. "I see… So that is what happened." He said.
"Rivalz, if you don't want us to be friends anymore, I…" Before Lelouch could even finished, Rivalz slapped him in the face, making the raven hair teen look shocked.
"Don't even think of doing something like that!" Rivalz shout, looking angry. "What he did is wrong! Your dad just practically told you that you didn't mean anything to him! What kind of monster is that?! And calling his daughter weak?! What the hell!?"
Lelouch looks completely shocked.
(Present)
"I guess this mean that I can't drive you around for gamble anymore, huh?" Rivalz asked, looking at Lelouch.
"Yeah… I know, Rivalz." Lelouch said.
"This calls for a celebration for Rivalz's return!" Milly declared.
(Black Knights' hideout)
"SOIYA! MATSUBOKKURI SQUASH!"
Knuckle soon rolled out of the harms' way after the screw kick by Kurokage himself before Kurokage turning quite dizzy and wobbling.
"My head felt so spinning…" Kurokage said.
"You really need to stop doing it…" Knuckle said with sweat dropped.
Kurokage soon shakes his head for few moment before taking out a Mango Lockseed.
"How about some mango, Ohgi!?" Kurokage asked.
"SOIYA! MANGO ARMS! FIGHT OF HAMMER!"
Soon Kurokage donned in the Mango Arms before welding the Mango Punisher then charging at Knuckle. Knuckle did his best to dodge against Kurokage's Mango Punisher before Kurokage thrust the mango like hammer to send him flying backward.
"It looks like I finally got you…" Kurokage mused.
"Not bad… Tamaki. But I am not done yet…" Knuckle said before removing one of his Kurumi Bomber and get out his Almond Lockseed.
"ALMOND!"
Suddenly coming from above Knuckle is the new Almond Armor Part descended when Knuckle takes out his Kurumi Lockseed and replaced it with the Almond Lockseed before locked it.
"LOCK ON!"
Knuckle then pushed down his Cutting Blade on the Lockseed, revealing its core which had the image of cut open almond. The back lid image showed the image of massive fist with almond design.
The Almond Arms landed squarely on Knuckle's shoulders after the Kurumi Arms disappeared in motes of light. It began to disassemble to form the new Arms. The top and the side parts split in two and lowered themselves to become new shoulder armors. As the back part flipped down to become the back armor, the front part flipped down to form a dark brown chest plate with gray highlights. Knuckle's helmet have dark brown and gray highlight decoration with jet fins hanging on both side of the helmet. His visor was still yellow and flashed briefly along with the rest of his armor as Knuckle raised his left fist into the air before it suddenly changed into massive mechanic arm, the same one as the back lid image showed. It was called the Almond Scrapper.
"ALMOND ARMS! MISTER CRUSHER!"
"That doesn't scare me!" Kurokage shout before charging with his Mango Punisher again.
But Knuckle charged at Kurokage before the hidden pistons in the Almond Scrapper went activated as the Mango Punisher and Almond Scrapper send their respective users flying backward at the first blow.
"That really pack serious punch…" Kurokage comment.
Knuckle looks at the Almond Scraper carefully before looking back at Kurokage.
"Bring it…" Knuckle said.
Euphie and Jeremiah are currently at the table as the servant pour them some tea before dismissed herself, leaving the two alone.
"How are you doing, Jeremiah?" Euphie asked politely.
"I am fine, Princess Euphemia." Jeremiah said, noticing the papers on Euphie's desk. "It must be hard that Viceroy burden with the paperworks while she out hunting terrorists."
"It's alright, Jeremiah…" Euphie said, waving her hand. "But it must be hard for you since you missed Lelouch and Nunnally as well."
The pink haired Princess know Jeremiah was once work as a guard for the late Lady Marianne and her two children. After the death of Lelouch and Nunnally, Jeremiah been grieving that he not able to protect their mother, but also fail to do anything for the kids as well. He went with other members to protect Clovis when he was the Viceroy.
"I do… I've been looking for any remains of them here. But I believed Prince Lelouch and Lady Nunnally still alive." Jeremiah said, catching her attention.
"How could you be sure?" Euphemia asked.
"Because I know that Master Lelouch is quite intellect enough to keep him and Lady Nunnally from harm as they might went hidden." Jeremiah said. "Your brother, Prince Clovis believed that they're alive before asking for my assistance due to my loyalty toward the Vi Britannia family in searching for them. This Operation known as Orange."
This made her look completely shocked. "Orange…? Then Zangetsu-"
"Zangetsu knows about Operation Orange and almost spilled its existence to public." Jeremiah explained.
"But why didn't you tell anyone?" Euphemia asked.
"Clovis made me swore not to tell anyone especially other Pureblood members. But I know others won't help me because Lady Marianne was a Commoner and they look down on her." Jeremiah explained. "When Prince Clovis got killed, it left to me continued searching for them and keep the Operation." He finished.
This made Euphemia looks sad and heartbroken at Jeremiah. "I didn't know that…" she said.
Even if they were find, not many of her family or countrymen will welcoming them back due to being Commoners. Her siblings doesn't trust anyone in their homeland anymore.
Is this why you never come back, Lelouch? Euphemia thought to herself. Not even her or Cornelia due to being betrayed by practically everyone he knew and loved only for them to ignore his pleas for help. As much as Cornelia or Schneizel cares about them and love them. No one tried to do anything for them at all.
(Orpheus's hideout)
Rai came into Orpheus's place when he learned the veteran Rider discovered something important.
"I find out how exactly this Jam was able to know where you're." Orpheus explain, holding a mini camera in his hand. "This thing. They have been place around the forest."
"How did I not noticed that?" Rai asked with shocked expression.
"You aren't the only one… They placed them in places that no one will noticed." Orpheus said. He only find out about the camera after trying to figure out how they know where they are and find them.
"So they can spot us ahead whenever we came into the forest…" Rai said with realization. "But where are their hideout?"
"I assumed somewhere close to their tents are." Orpheus said, thinking back to the previous time that they went in there.
"But we couldn't get in since Jam and his Kurokage Troopers will be on to us… we might need some help to distract them while others sneak in." Rai said.
"But we will focused them out later. A colleague of mine finds out that there is going to be a meeting between Pluton members soon and I need to be ready." Orpheus said.
"Is it alright if I come along?" Rai asked. "I want to know if there is a chance of find out more of my past."
"You can come as long as you don't chicken out." Orpheus said.
Zangetsu with his cloak on, shaking his hand with Katase.
"General Katase, of the Japan Liberation Front… It's a pleasure to meet you." Zangetsu said.
Katase smiled back as their hands removed each other, taking a step back.
"On the contrary, Zangetsu. I should be saying that to you. If not for you, my men and I would have surely been killed." He said.
"And yet, here you are."
"Thanks to you and Todoh."
"But, this information you've gained… is it accurate?"
The masked leader nodded gravely. "Yes. Tonight, Cornelia will try to eliminate the remnants of the JLF." He explained.
"I see… I can assume that you will help us once again?" Katase asked.
"Indeed. As matter of fact, I already have a plan. Your vessel carries Liquid Sakuradite, correct?" Zangetsu asked.
Katase raised an eyebrow, but he nodded.
"I am sure you are aware, Liquid Sakuradite is very flammable. One wrong move, and you will have one hell of an explosion." He said.
"Exactly, that is why we're going to need a diversion…" Zangetsu said, making Katase confused.
"Diversion for what?"
"Something that will work for both parties…" Zangetsu said with a smirk behind his cloak.
(Night time)
Most of the Riders and Black Knights were at the meeting point with Guren, Club, and few other Knightmare Frames behind them. Ayano standing behind Zangetsu as he looking at the newcomer who been pointed by guns from behind.
"Diethard Reed, I assume?" Zangetsu asked.
Diethard showed himself at the meeting point and was quite welcomed… other than having a couple of guns pointed at him.
"Yes. I have to say, it's an honor to meet you in person, Zangetsu." Diethard said.
"So it's true that Cornelia is planning on capturing General Katase of the Liberation Front?" Zangetsu asked.
Diethard nodded. "Yes. We're all ready at the network station for a special report." He confirmed.
"Todoh will never be able to rendezvous with Katase. In short, the JLF has no real military power at the moment. Their only chance of escape is the liquid Sakuradite they have." Zangetsu said.
"Zangetsu, this plan is…"
Zangetsu looks at his second in command who seem nervous.
"I am aware of the risks, Ohgi. But this is our chance to regain what we forgot at Narita. But I already meet with General Katase before coming here." Zangetsu added, making them look completely surprised.
Except Diethard himself. He knows Zangetsu is unlikely any person and being trying to find possible leads about him.
"Cornelia and her army knows that the JLF will be on a transport out of the harbor, carrying Liquid Sakuradite. They will think that they can get Katase and his men. However, what they do not realize is that Katase, nor any of his men, will be on that ship."
"So he let you used his ship to blow Cornelia's force if they get too closed?" Ayano mused, looking at him.
"Indeed, this will surprised them and we will have the chance of striking them down." Zangetsu said.
"So where is Katase and his men anyway?" Ohgi asked curious.
"They're already on a transport I provide them." Zangetsu said. With the extra money that they got from Kyoto, it was easy to get a submarine now.
(With Rai and Orpheus)
Rai and Orpheus soon approached a factory, outside of the city itself. It looks quite abandoned.
They land quietly on the rooftop of the building thanks to their LockVehicle before returning them back to their original forms.
"How many?" Rai asked to Orpheus who have night vision goggles.
"There are four guards the door." Orpheus said. "One of them looks very muscle."
"I don't see any cameras. But we need to take them out quietly without them raising any alarms." Rai said to Orpheus.
"Sound easy enough…" Orpheus said before spotted one of the guards wander closer.
Orpheus soon caught the guard from behind before dragging him back before choking the air out of him and left him on the ground.
"Can't you do that?" Orpheus asked.
Rai looks Orpheus and nodded. "You're on." He said.
(With the Black Knights)
Lelouch leaning against the Club's metal surface and looking out at the shadow.
"Thinking about finally catch Cornelia?" Club asked softly.
"Yeah… the thought of finally get some answers after all this time… but I'm still worried if more obstacles get in the way." Lelouch said.
"Like Suzaku?"
"Unlike last time… I am prepared to do what it takes." Lelouch said. If Suzaku is going to shows up, Lelouch definitely have a plan to outsmart him this time.
When he learns about Cornelia's plan of taking out General Katase, he considered simply blowing the old man and his crew as a distraction to sweep in and assault Cornelia's forces. However, he learned from Kirihara, Katase was the type that always repaid a debt and Lelouch could see some benefits for both parties. If Katase could get alliance from Chinese Federation, it will helps the Black Knights in getting weapons and possible spied network system in the Federation itself.
But I need to know if the Federation could be harboring any Riders… Lelouch thought to himself. The Federation is really a big place, there could be…
He soon heard footsteps and places his hooded back on.
"Who is there?" Lelouch asked.
"It's me." Ayano assured.
This made Lelouch sighed in relief before placing his hood down.
"How is it going with the traps?" Lelouch asked.
"Others doing well and Ohgi is teaching Diethard how to using a gun. But there are still some doubts about Diethard, some want to throw him into Helheim or feeding him to a Inves." Ayano said.
"Too bad. But I see there are some uses for his talents." Lelouch said before remembering something. "Hey Ayano… there is something I want to ask you." He said.
"What is it?" Ayano asked.
"It about what happened during fighting against Mao." Lelouch said. "Do… you want to go on a date after the mission?" he asked, nervous.
"R-Really…?" Ayano asked with surprised expression.
"Y-Yeah…" Lelouch answered.
To be honest, Lelouch didn't know what to do when it comes to romance and he is too afraid of talking about his personal life with either his friends at school or the Black Knights. Most of his friends at school tend to be idiots and bit pervert while the Black Knights have lack of social life. Orpheus knows what relationship is like, but he is focused on hunts Plutons. Both Jeremiah and Sayoko are busy with their duties.
The only person he felt confidential about talking is his little sister Nunnally. His little sister always know this day will happened and happy for him as she told him to take it slow and easy.
"S-Sure. I won't go out with any Britannians, but you're the only exception." Ayano said with hint of blushed. This made Lelouch smiled soon before they heard footsteps coming into the warehouse.
"It's me." Kallen said. "Everyone finished the preparations."
"Alright…" Lelouch said.
"Lelouch… How did you gain the power of Genesis Rider?" she asked.
"It's from a very unusually friend I made in the past. But I won't be surprised if he come to see you." Lelouch said. "Though I should warned you to be carefully around him."
"Why is it?" Kallen asked curious.
"Let just say that nothing come for free." Lelouch warned with a serious expression.
"I see…" Kallen said before Lelouch walk toward her.
"Since you're here, I need your help with something important for the upcoming battle." He continued.
"What is it?" Kallen asked.
"Its regards the possibility of Suzaku appearing here and it time we have some payback." Lelouch explains.
When the Britannian Knightmare Frames got onto the JLF ship, they were completely blown to bit pieces. This caught the Britannian force by surprised as they try to find possible survivors. But suddenly a white ship come accelerated onto land before revealing the Club, Guren, and other Knightmare Frames as they attacked the Britannian Knightmare Frames.
"Knock their Knightmares into the sea before their pilots can mount them!" Zangetsu instructed. "Habakiri, I need you to support others."
Ayano's Burai brought up its chainsaw blade and start slashing off Britannia Knightmares then shooting them with her gun.
The Club got out his Melon Defender before throwing it in the process and destroying couple of Britannian Knightmares in the process. Soon Club and others started destroying any Britannian Knightmares that they see.
It wasn't long until the white armored revolutionary turning his Club just in time to avoid a kick from the Lancelot that came crashing down on him from on high.
"Well, Suzaku Kururugi…" Zangetsu noted. "I never thought that Cornelia will invited you to this party~" he smirked. "How is it feel that you watched your kinsmen die?"
"Zangetsu! Just surrender now and this can all be over fast!" Suzaku said over the radio. "I won't let you hurt anyone else!"
"The world is full of evil. Evil beyond purpose or reason." Zangetsu said.
The Lancelot got out its MVS blade, charging straight to attack him, only to stagger as something crashed into him from behind. "What!?"
It was none other than the Guren itself.
"Not this time!" Baron snarled as the Guren coming at the Lancelot from the flank. The Guren been fighting behind the shadow while watching over the Revolutionary's back. "Eat this! BURST!"
The Lancelot suddenly got throws back as its arm holding the shield was cuts off, making him looks shocked. Suzaku then spotted the Club charging at him and made the Lancelot jumps into the air in order to avoid him.
"I know you're going to do that, Kururugi." Zangetsu said.
"SOIYA! MELON AU LAIT!"
Club's own sword suddenly glow as the Knightmare soon slashed the Lancelot's right leg, cutting it off in the process.
"GAAAH!" Suzaku screamed as the Lancelot collapsed on the ground in a terrible fall.
"Now how are you going to even fight us? You only have one arm and one leg." Baron taunted at the Lancelot's unfitting state.
"Damn you, you won't get away with this!" Suzaku screamed through the radio while the Lancelot struggled to even move.
"Let's go Baron, we have a Princess to visit." Zangetsu said as both Club and Guren left the disabled Lancelot on the ground.
"Wait, come back here!" Suzaku screamed in anguish, struggle due to the cripple Lancelot being unable to move or fight them. "Damnit! You won't get away with this!" Suzaku ranted before cursing Zangetsu as the devil who sacrificed these people.
But no one cared about his rant or noticed the crippled Knightmares as they're focused on the battle.
(Back with Rai and Orpheus)
After beaten up the guards, the two went inside the building. The two soon spotted couple of shadow figures talking nearby.
They got a little close to hear what the conversation from the shadow figures, but at the same time not letting them hear their presence.
"What is it do you need me to be in Area 11? You know that we're going to blow this dump of country after the Scalar is going to be completed." The first figure said.
"I need you to deliver this. This is the only remained data we gather about Code-R on that girl before the Black Knights trashed Narita." The second shadow figure said.
"Huh? Their base was in Narita?" Rai asked quietly, looking surprised.
"I'm surprised there is even a base there." Orpheus said, sarcastic.
He soon came out of his hiding spot before shooting one of the shadow figures with a silent pistol. This causes the shadow men looks shocked.
"Who are you!?"
"No one you should know." Orpheus said.
Suddenly the shadow men got out something from their pockets and revealed to be none other than Lockseeds themselves.
"It's a good thing that he provide us with these." The first shadow man said.
"Jail-break Lockseeds…" Orpheus muttered before Inves appeared out of the Cracks.
The Inves try to attack him, but Orpheus dodge before doing a swift kick at one of the Inves and shove back another then jumping backward.
Soon Rai joins him as the two place their Drivers on and got out their Lockseeds.
"BLACK ORANGE!"
"BUDOU!"
"Henshin!"
"SOIYA! BLACK ORANGE ARMS! KUROMICHI ON STAGE!"
"HAI~! BUDOU ARMS! RYU HOU! HA, HA, HA!"
They soon transformed into Yami Gaim and Ryugen with their weapons in their hands.
"ZANGETSU!" Club turns around and spotted a familiar purple Gloucester. It was none other than Cornelia's Knightframe itself.
"Well, Cornelia. Isn't this a pleasant surprised?" Zangetsu asked in a mocking tone. "You made it easier for me to find you…"
But the Gloucester starts firing at Club, but the Club was evading every single one of her shots.
"I won't let you best me again in Knightmare combat!" Cornelia declared as she was about to fire again but before she could, a slash harken appeared and disarmed her.
It was none other than Guren itself before retracted its slash harken.
"That new model again!?"
"It time for a rematch!" Baron shout before getting out the Mango Lockseed.
"COME ON! MANGO ARMS! FIGHT OF HAMMER!"
Soon Guren's other arm is replaced with a mace resembled the Mango Punisher before charging at the Gloucester. But The Gloucester jumps away from the attack as it created a massive crater on the ground in the process.
"Damn…" Cornelia gritting her teeths.
"Are you forget someone else?" The Gloucester turns around and see the Club behind it.
(Back with Yami Gaim and Ryugen)
The Riders start fighting against the Inves as the beasts come at them. Ryugen is focused on fighting against the Elementary Inves while dodging their attacks at him before firing his bullets at them.
"HAI~! BUDOU SQUASH!"
The Shika Inves blocks Yami Gaim's attacks with its arms as this caused Yami Gaim to growl. It wasn't until he finds a weak point in the defense and slashed the Shika Inves across the stomach, sending the Inves back, but strange orange energy from his Lockseed caused Yami Gaim flying back from the shock.
Yami Gaim saw something. A young girl with white hair picking flowers.
Is that Stella!? Yami Gaim thought with shocked.
Yami Gaim rushed to Stella before she vanished, confusing Ryugen.
"What are you doing?" Ryugen asked, confused.
"It looks like there is a draw back to your power…" The holder of Shika Inves said before commanded his Inves to attack Yami Gaim.
Shika Inves smacked Yami Gaim from behind, causing the Rider gasp in pain and rolling on the ground.
Yami Gaim then got up and clashed with the Shika Inves again before he slashed the Inves, result another orange energy that caused the armor to glow again.
Yami Gaim then stumbled back as he screamed in pain again. "AHHHH!" he roared holding his helmet.
The Shika Inves grabbed Yami Gaim by the neck and slammed him into the wall before jumping back. But Yami Gaim then brought up his Musou Saber before firing several shots at the Inves, to making the Inves stumbled. He then charged forward and slashed the Inves across the chest as another flash of orange energy caused his armor to burn.
Ryugen hears screamed before seeing what happened to Yami Gaim.
Rai? What in the world is happening to you? Ryugen thought with shocked.
"It seem that every time you fight, you hurt yourself." The Tamer of Shika Inves chuckled.
The Shika Inves soon unleashed flame at Yami Gaim, but it soon got hit by incoming kick from Ryugen in the process.
"Are you alright?" Ryugen asked to Yami Gaim.
"This… pain is… NOTHING!" Yami Gaim roared before stabbing the Daidaimaru through the Shika Inves' chest. The light shone and bathed Yami Gaim as his armor kept the orange color and his bodysuit suddenly turns blue, this result Yami Gaim see more vision.
Stella still collecting more flower before a younger Rai come to find her. Stella soon smiled at him.
Yami Gaim the pushed the Shika Inves off of his sword before he jumped into the air and coming down with a downward slash on the Inves.
"SOIYA! BLACK ORANGE SQUASH!"
The Shika Inves exploded before Yami Gaim is consumed by powerful orange light.
Then the siblings greeted a man who came through the front door. The man's face is a blur, but he seem to be smiling at the children and embraced them…
Yami Gaim then fell to the ground writhing in pain.
The man realized that he need to get away from them as he turns before he felt pain against his neck as he collapsed by Ryugen himself.
"What is this?! AHH!" He shouted holding his head as he threw his sword away. His armor was orange again as it burned him. Yami Gaim stumbled around the ground in pain as his armor flashed between black and orange, he then grabbed his helmet and ripped it off of him. "AAAHHHH!" he screamed as the rest of his armor vanished.
"Rai!" Orpheus said before hurry to him. "Are you alright?"
The silver hair teen holding his chest. "What the hell is this!?" Rai cried in pain. "Just what is this!?"
"Are you crying?" Orpheus asked, noticing tears flowing from his eyes.
"Who's crying! These… aren't… tears!" he groaned, passing out from his wounds.
(During the battle at the Ducks)
Gloucester did it's best to hold ground against both the Club and Guren as the three Knightmares clashed with others as sparks flying in the air.
When the Club throws his shield at it, the Gloucester brought out its lance and made it send flying aside. Soon the Guren come up next before delivering a swift kick toward the Gloucester's face and knocked the purple Knightmare back.
The Club came up next before bring up his sword as he charged at the Gloucester before cutting off the lance from Gloucester's hand before stabbed the blade straight into the cockpit.
In a blink of an eye, Cornelia saw the tip of the massive sword close to her face. She froze, cold sweat rolling down her face as the seconds passed.
"Can you really protect anything if you're so weak, Witch of Britannia?" Zangetsu asked in a mocking tone.
Cornelia can't help but frozen. Zangetsu have the control of the situation and he can do whatever he wants with her. If she made a wrong move, then this will be all over for her.
Zangetsu hears a radio message from Habakiri.
"Zangetsu. One of our scouts claimed that more Britannian forces are coming this way." Habakiri said.
"I see…" Club then removed his sword from the Gloucester before looking at Guren. "Baron, it seem there are more Britannia reinforcement come. We're done for today and it's time to regroup." Zangetsu said.
"Alright…" Baron said as the two Knightmares soon turned and leave.
"W-wait… I am not finished yet!" Cornelia said, trying to move the Gloucester to pursue them.
But the Guren turns and slashed off another arm from Gloucester before punched it to make the Knightmares stumble backward.
Soon the Club and Guren head for the transportation with other Knightmares before the transportation moved out.
Unknown to the Black Knights, a black armored figure with a skull like feature watching the whole fight.
"How amusing to see the Witch of Britannia lose again." The armor figure comment before he noticed something flow on the water.
An unconscious woman with bleed forehead, holding on a wood drifting in the sea.
"Oh, a survivor? Maybe she could be a used for his experiment." The black armor figure mused before he decide to take the woman and left.
(Next day…)
A day after the Black Knight successes in their mission, Lelouch and Ayano are currently walking together as they see students put out the display of works.
Today is Ashford Academy's Cultural Festival.
The two didn't know where they should go for their date, but this is better than going out to the theater to see the movie.
It better than letting Lelouch get recognized by people who knows him from his old royal life.
"So what should we do first?" Ayano asked.
"Hmm…" Lelouch didn't respond since Nunnally told him that the girl wait for the guy to decide on their first date.
Soon a thud sound caught his attention and Lelouch spotted something from the sport section interested him.
"Come on, you have to try this." Lelouch said, taking Ayano's hand as they started moving.
As they get closer, they saw a student practicing shooting arrows with bow to hit the target.
Ayano looks at Lelouch.
"Archery?" Ayano asked, look slightly surprised. "I don't know how to…"
It true since she knows her family sword style and firing arms. But she never something like bow.
"You won't know if it come in handle in the future." Lelouch assured before taking up a bow and arrow in the process.
Lelouch tested the string of the bow by stretching it before looking at the target mark from afar. He soon placed the arrow close to the bow before pulling the string back.
Soon Lelouch released the bow before the arrow move at acceleration speed.
It hits the target in the process with accurate.
Lelouch looks back at Ayano. "What do you think?" he asked.
"Hmm… it looks quite easy. All you have to do is pulled the string and the arrow goes." Ayano said.
"That is true. But—" Before Lelouch could finished, Ayano takes the bow from him and get an arrow out in the process.
(Few minutes later)
Ayano let out a displeased grunts when her arrows missed the target.
"I missed again," Ayano grumbled before she took another arrow from the barrel. It looked like archery didn't came naturally for her like swordsmanship was. She thought of copy Lelouch's stance, but it didn't work quite well than she thought.
When Ayano was about to take another shot, she was surprised when Lelouch pressed his body against her and corrected her posture up close and personal.
"Lelouch?"
"Keep your arm steady and don't twist your wrist when you release your arrow." Lelouch said close to her ear, this caused Ayano to blush a little.
"Umm… Lelouch?" Ayano said to her.
"Yes, Alice?" Lelouch replied.
"You're too close…" Lelouch blinks for a few moment before he really understand what Ayano meant. He soon blushed immediately.
"S-Sorry… but I can't ignored that you using the bow wrong." Lelouch said, still adjusting her posture for a moment. "Now you can try to shot, Ayano." He said softly.
"E-Eh? O-Oh, right." Ayano adjusted her posture like what Lelouch did earlier. She looks at the target before fire the bow.
The arrow soared through the air and pierced the inner ring of the target. It's not even where Lelouch lands his shot, but was a good enough shot for someone who started archery.
"You did well." Lelouch praised.
"Thanks, Lelouch." Ayano replied as she turned to face him, only to realize that Lelouch was still close to her and their faces were only inches apart.
"Do you want to continue…?" Lelouch asked.
"Not really, but I want to see what others have to offered in this festival." Ayano said, placing the bow back on the table.
"Okay." Lelouch said as they left the archery club.
"How about we checked the fashion club? I heard they have new clothes?"
"What?!" Lelouch look shocked. There is one thing that Lelouch might dislike as a male, girls take really long when it comes to looking at clothes.
He never thought Ayano will still have that habit.
"Are you serious!?"
"Now, let's get going!"
"You didn't answer my question!"
"I don't have an answer for you," Ayano replied with look over her shoulder.
"I'm afraid of that." Lelouch sighed in despair before dragging him along.
Unknown to them, a security camera watched them.
"How interesting…" A certain Ashford blonde comment.
Someone please kill me… Lelouch thought.
Being alive could really suck at times.
Lelouch was experiencing one of those times.
Soon Ayano find clothes for him, a white button up shirt with green stripes and a pair of khaki pants; she thought button up shirts looked better on him. Ayano herself settled with a white sleeveless shirt along with black pants.
"If this was really a shopping… I never want to go with you."
"What? Why?" Ayano pouted as she gave him a hurt look.
But Lelouch stand his ground.
"It's boring." Seeing her become crestfallen, Lelouch quickly continued. "Don't get me wrong I like spending time with you just as long as we aren't shopping."
"Ok." Ayano mumbled as she took on the look of a sulking child.
"Don't look all sad like that." Lelouch gently placed his hand on her head before he began to pat it. "We could still do other things like… get something to eat." Lelouch suggested as his eyes fell upon the baking club.
"Food… how cliché." Ayano snorted while she rolled her eyes. "Let's go!" once again bursting with energy, Ayano dragged Lelouch towards their destination.
This is much better… Lelouch thought with a smile as he was swept away in Ayano's pace.
They soon went to the bakery club as they saw different type of cakes and cookies before trying out some sample productions.
"Delicious." Ayano said, eating piece of cupcake.
Before Lelouch could continue, he glance from the side and noticed couple of students with cameras. Soon Lelouch take Ayano's hand then they started moving immediately.
"Lelouch—?"
"Let see another attraction." Lelouch answered.
The only reason why they are spied on us… it have to be her!
As they started moving, their stalkers seem to follow them from behind. But Lelouch saw a large crowd up ahead as he and Ayano ran through them immediately.
"Where did they go?"
"I am not sure. But I can't believe we lost them."
"Damn, she won't paid us."
Suddenly Lelouch and Ayano emerged out of an empty stand as they saw their pursuers left immediately.
"What is their problem?" Ayano asked with annoyed.
"I have one guess… Her President." Lelouch concluded with a frowned.
Milly always enjoy finding victims for her pranks especially when it comes to getting blackmailed evidences on him.
"So what do we do?" Ayano asked.
"We should try our best to avoid them while enjoying the festival." Lelouch said.
It turns out that Lelouch's plan didn't work quite well than he originally thought. Since it looks like Milly doesn't just hired students to get blackmail, but rigged some of the stands to cause the two have awkward incidents with each other.
Whenever the two thought that they could relax, they can even see more people spied on them and they're forced to move to several other locations to hide from them.
Lelouch and Ayano are currently on the running as the two dodging their stalkers and possible pranks from Milly herself.
"I am serious got to skin her alive after this…" Ayano cursed.
"You aren't the only one…" Lelouch said.
"Guys! Over here!" The two soon saw Suzaku wave his hand from near art gallery and went toward him.
"You guys alright?" Suzaku asked to the two.
"Thanks for your concerns, numbskull." Ayano remarked.
"Well, I don't see anyone coming around here. So you guys can be safe here." Suzaku assured to them. "I will tell anyone that I just saw you two, but you guys left."
The two watched Suzaku left before they sighed and sat on the ground.
"I am surprised that he isn't in a bad mood about what happened last night…" Ayano said.
"He try to keep his military life a secret." Lelouch said, trying to catching his breathes from the running.
Unknown to them, Suzaku walk a few feet away from where they're hiding. The truth is he wasn't going to do what his friends thought going to do. But something else more shocking.
The brown hair Japanese teen take out his walky-talkie before pressing the button.
"Milly, the lovebirds are in the gallery." Suzaku said.
"Thanks Suzaku, you have been helpful in my cause~" Milly finished.
Soon after Milly close her call, Suzaku hears sound of water before seeing Lelouch and Ayano being chased by students with water guns as their clothes are wetting.
"Oh my god…" Suzaku laughed loudly and hits the ground.
(Few miles in the Shinjuku settlement)
Lelouch and Ayano were currently in Kosaka resident as they wait for their clothes being drying from the water.
Lelouch have a towel on his head while Ayano paces around the room.
Ayano is angry. No, she is furious at two people interrupted her and Lelouch's date. She never felt so humiliated for her life while staying in Ashford Academy.
"I should know there was something fishy!" Ayano exclaimed. "He had it in for us, even though we're on different sides! That goddamn numbskull-baka!"
"I agreed with you, Ayano. Milly and everyone gone too far. They're going to get what coming for them." Lelouch said with cold expression.
"So how are we going to get back at them especially Milly?" Ayano asked. This causes Lelouch have a demon like grin on his face, this causes Ayano's spine to shiver a little.
"I glad you asks, Ayano. Milly thought she know everything about everyone in Ashford Academy, but I know much darker secrets than her." Lelouch said.
(Ashford Academy)
Many students were walking around as Rivalz along with Shirley are talking to each other until the announcement came on with a familiar voice.
"Hello everyone, Lelouch Lamperouge or you commonly know me as the Vice President of Student Council. And my assistant Alice Winton." Lelouch said. "Today, we have something that being brought to everyone's attention."
"We call it… The Dirtiest secrets of Ashford Academy students." Ayano said.
"Secrets I came across in the past, students begin their life to keep them from being handle over to Milly Ashford herself. We're going to revealed them today…" Lelouch said.
This cause most of the students to stop when their eyes wide and some of their faces turned paled.
"W-what are they doing?" Shirley asked with concerned.
"Do you know that Milly Ashford is secretly afraid of cockroach after one got inside her underwear when she was eight?" Lelouch asked.
This causes many students to gasp in shocked and looks Milly who seem to be shaking and red in embarrassed.
"Ma-dam Prezi… is afraid of cockroach?" Shirley asked in shocked.
"I-I have no idea what he talking about…!" Milly protested, nervously.
"How about this one? When looking for Arthur in the woods, Suzaku almost lost his manhood to Arthur's claw." Ayano said.
"Hahahahaha! Suzaku refused to come out of the nurse's office after that painfully incident even though he still love that lousy cat who nearly ruined his family jewel." Lelouch chuckled.
This caused Suzaku's face turns red bright entirely when everyone look at him with shocked expression.
Lelouch, you promised that you won't mention that to anyone! Suzaku thought.
"But I am sure that he doesn't know Milly attempted to draw a gender bender of him in a dress, right?" Ayano asked, this cause more gasp from the students.
"I can't believe it either especially how Milly able to make him into a girl in the drawing…" Lelouch comment.
This made Suzaku turns to look at Milly who move back from Suzaku.
"Wait, what!? Milly, how could you do this to me!?" Suzaku screamed in agony.
"Suzaku, I-I can explain…" Milly said awkwardly before start turning and running.
Suzaku then ran after her.
"Do you know that Rivalz like to sing in the Shower in the boy's dorm when no one is around?" Ayano asked.
Meanwhile on the other side of Ashford Academy is none other than Nunnally in her classroom. She is paying more attention to what her brother and Ayano doing like other students in her class.
Nunnally shakes her head with disappointment.
"Oh dear, Milly shouldn't pushed big brother too far... or this will happened." Nunnally comment.
(With Lelouch and Ayano)
Lelouch and Ayano are cracking up hard after making their escape from using the radio room. They have spent few hours of reveal secrets of students that would ridiculous funny.
"Y-You know, Lelouch… this turns out to be the most fun day." Ayano said, wiping the tears from her eye.
Despite Milly try to ruin their date, Lelouch still find it amusing when they plot their revenge against Milly and those who ruined their time.
"I have to agree." Lelouch mused.
"We should do something like this again when we ever have the chance." Ayano said.
"Yeah…" Lelouch muttered, can't help wondering. Will they even have a chance of spending time with each other if they win back Japan?
"Lelouch, is there something wrong?" Lelouch snapped out of his thoughts before seeing Ayano close to him.
"Just wonder if we're going to finally get Japan back in the future. Anything could happened in the war." Lelouch revealed.
"I am sure we will. And Lelouch…"
"Hmm?"
Ayano kissed him on the cheek, making his face red than Guren itself.
"Uh…" Lelouch stuttered.
"Next time, you better pay me back with interests." Ayano said with a teasing grin.
(Next time)
"I see that you made it, Lelouch." Akito said.
"So you're Akito, huh…" Ayano noted.
"It looks like Japan isn't the only one deal with this Scalar plan." Lelouch said, looking at the blueprint.
"Come with us, Miss Malkal. Or this won't be pretty." The Durian theme Rider known as Bravo said.
"Not them again…" Leila muttered.
Next time! A Visit of European Union!
AN: That is the end of this chapter especially with a lot going on in the chapter. It seem that something happening to Rai as he start to regain some memories to him and his armor giving off strange orange light which I got from the elements of Garo Yami wo Terasu Mono.
The mystery individual watching the fight between Black Knights and Cornelia's force… he will be quite a challenge and it seem takes a certain someone who was in the wrong place and wrong time.
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.