Toa Solaric: Welcome back to another chapter of Code Zangetsu: Lelouch of Divine Providence, folks. Had been out of touch with writing since I was busy searching for jobs despite the struggles.
I don't own either Code Geass or Kamen Rider Zangetsu!
Code Zangetsu: Lelouch of Divine Providence
Ch27: Uncover The Mystery
Within the forest of the EU border, a dozen of Britannian Knightmares are currently advancing through the trenching of the woods. There was no doubt that they are trying to reach a certain meeting place if they are all going in the same direction.
Soon something unexpected happens as unexpected vines spread out of nowhere and catch some of the Knightmare in binding. It wasn't only just that but Helheim flora spreading across the area and mutation the place by every second. The Britannian Knightmares were alarmed and tried to help their comrades out but they were assaulted by fireballs from out of nowhere that destroyed their robotic limbs.
"What the hell was that!?" One of the Knightmare pilots exclaimed loudly in horror.
"I don't know… but it looks like things might be—AAAAH!?" One of the Britannian Knightmares had been mysteriously sliced in half before exploding.
Suddenly the Britannian Knightmare pilots heard brushes rustling nearby and prepared for what was like worse by firing at the place. They only stop when their guns were already run out of bullets.
As the explosion faded away, a figure emerged out of explosion and it wasn't a human being at all. The figure's body is mostly dark green and yellowish green. But what is even more unusual were the head resembles that of a rooster and there are red peacock feathers attached to the rear of this figure. The figure seems to be laughing while holding a twisted sword that resembled peacock feathers which startled the Britannian pilot in shock.
The Britannian Knightmare pilots soon moved their machines in panic and turned around the corner. But the rooster-like figure won't allow them to escape as the vines of the forest spread out and snatched them in the process.
The pilots were trying to eject out of their machines but found themselves unable to do so due to how tightly the vines of the forest keep their machines constrain. The rooster figure soon waved their hand and the vines were used to crush their knightmares as they exploded in the process.
(Reality
The video ends thereby Orpheus clicked on the pause button as Lelouch ponders what he just witnessed.
"I can see why you think it might be concerning…" Lelouch stated. "Did something happen to the Peace Mark agent that recorded the attack?" he asked grimly.
"No, that was a droid plane that was sent to record considered how dangerous the fight between E.U. and Britannia had been lately. They did try to follow that Overlord but it was cut down by the Overlord when trying to pinpoint where it might go." Orpheus revealed darkly.
"How far did the flora spread?" Lelouch asked.
Orpheus presses some keys and shows Lelouch the map of the E.U. with a green circle that shows an indication of how much Forest's flora started covering the E.U.'s land. But Lelouch does notices that it is in the City of Slonim that is marked on the map.
"It looks like it is in Slonim and the area around it." Orpheus nodded.
"According to Peace Mark, the flora or the Overlord hadn't made any progress into the city but there was no telling how long before Britannia and E.U. noticed the presence of the Helheim flora." Orpheus continued.
"The only reason why they might not spread would be the presence of the Overlord. They might be looking for something or someone." Lelouch hypothesized the reason why Overlord popped out there.
"It might also be a trap," Orpheus added warily. Not to mention that if Lelouch ends up dying in it, then the rebellion in Area 11 would end up be wipe out.
"I know. But we need to take some risks to understand these Overlords and find out how to prevent their mistake from us." Lelouch said. If there is a possibility of finding a cure for those like Euphemia, then it might make the trip a bonus.
"I understand that. But something like this won't be easy to come by since that Kozuki and Redyue incident." Orpheus pointed out. There is no wonder what possible trap these ancient residents of the fallen world might pull.
Lelouch won't deny how Redyue can manipulate Kallen, but he was also responsible for what happened that made her act this way. The only way for him to move forward is to face her head-on as a leader who has taken responsibility for his action.
"There is a possibility that I'm willing to risk if it means confronting the Overlords, even if it means the likeness of walking into their trap." Lelouch answered with full confidence.
(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.
"Going back to that filthy E.U. again… that would mean dealing with that suicidal W-0," Yukiya remarked. In their resting quarter was where Lelouch, Ayano, and Ryo are currently hanging out.
It wasn't that long since Lelouch told them about the new lead with a new Overlord that was spotted in the conflict between E.U. and Britannia.
"Hey Lelouch, what are your thoughts about the W-0?" Ryo asked. While they were still recovering, Ayano told them a lot about what she had seen and heard in the W-0 that leave a quite negative impression on them.
"Though they might be assisted in the deployed against Britannians, they are soldiers are used as canon fodders so E.U. soldiers won't have to shed their blood if they don't have enough soldiers themselves." Lelouch giving his two cents. "I'm aware that Malkal is trying to change how things work in W-0, but I won't give my complete trust over the ones who are sitting in a higher position than her."
"But do you think that it is worth to assisted the E.U. with something like this? No offense, but we can at least try to sneak into the area and try to investigate the Overlord while their conflict is going on." Yukiya pointed logically. With how the Lockseed bikes and hover bikes travel the dimension, they can easily go there without going through the process of asking organizations like W-0 to let them in there.
"Sure, there are some possibilities of that working." Lelouch agreed. "But I also can't simply neglect the W-0 since they have something that can tip the balance of war if they fall into Britannia's hand." He wasn't talking about Riders since he knows Akito and Leila can survive by working together.
"You're talking about the Apollo's Chariot, right?" Guessed Ayano.
"Those rockets that sent their Knightmares into the outer woods to fight with the Britannian swarms?" Ryo inquired. Ayano nodded confirming.
"If Britannia gets their hands on it, they can remodify it to become a weapon that hit almost anywhere in the world." Lelouch deduced the worse possibility if the Britannia get their hand on it. And he can see that happened if no one keeps an eye on the W-0.
Ayano and her friends can see it can be used terrifying way as Lelouch described the very possibility. Even though the E.U. might use it to transport their suicidal soldiers across to face Britannian, they could easily use the Apollo Chariot to destroy their opponent like Britannia's mainland. If E.U. was that serious and competent enough to do it.
"I can see your point. But there is one more thing that I want to ask…" Yukiya said amused grin, "Considering how incompetent the E.U. is with the technologies, did you ever think about trying to use it on the Britannia capital if you were granted the chance? Won't a weapon like that be more suitable for the Black Knights in their crusade?" he asked mischievously. Lelouch's expression hadn't changed after hearing the question as if it was something the former prince prepared for.
"I won't deny that if I have a chance of using something like that, it will make victory swift against the Emperor. Showing that man isn't truly invincible and nothing can protect him. But the economic effect of it will have a large impact on the entire world." Lelouch answered coldly. He indeed has some time to ponder the idea of using the Apollo's Chariot against the man who abandoned him and Nunnally. But it ends up more dangerous than Lelouch had wished for.
"Just because if we wiped out Britannia and its Emperor off the map, there will still be brewing conflict between whatever nations are still left due to the balance of power. Something else will need to be done after facing the Emperor so the world can prevent its worse fate." The young man said grimacing. "Another Blood Emblem."
"What… the heck is that?" Ryo asked confused.
Lelouch's expression still hadn't changed as he impassively stared at them. "With Emperor gone, who do you think will suffered the acuminated grudge against the crimes committed by the Empire? Who will be there left to throw their frustration at?" He asked straightforwardly with the edge of cold in his voice.
"D-Don't tell me that you and Nunna-chan might be… hunted down?!" Ayano gasped sweating in realization and fear.
"Along with many other Britannian like Leila Malkal who will be witch-hunted down if I wiped Britannia off the map with something like the Apollo Chariot." Lelouch continued as the thought of his and Nunnally's future will be at risk if something like that happened.
"Won't you be protected since you work with that Old Man?" Pointed Yukiya.
"We might even be on time before other nations do something reckless regardless of their military involvement in it or not. Eventually… they might have no choice but to get rid of us in the end." Lelouch answered.
"So you and your sister will be screwed if the entire country sank." Ryo surmised it up.
"Yeah… so I have much in stake despite how much I wanted to give the death sentence from afar." Lelouch acknowledged somewhat bitter. 'If something like that were to occur, I would have to work with Leila Malkal to figure a way out of the witch-hunted…' He mentally added.
"Ryo, what do you think?" Asked Yukiya, looking at the older of the trio.
"I guess it's fine either way, we will have to set things with the suicidal brat sooner," Ryo responds. It occurs that Akito had fought him several times when he was under control and might need to settle the matter.
"Do you think it will be alright if we leave with how Cornelia is right now?" Asked Ayano slightly concerned about the status of Britannia force being quietly at the very moment.
"I think it will be fine with Rai and Ohgi in charged while we head out." Lelouch said. But if something serious needs his attention, he will least make the effort to come back.
(At the W-0)
Akito Hyuga in his W-0 uniform just entered the cafeteria that was serving breakfast. He soon spotted an empty table and planned to sit there to eat his breakfast.
He then looks up to someone who made his eyebrows narrow in annoyance.
On the opposite side of his seat was a girl with long blond hair with a braid tied back and emerald, green eyes. She dressed in a W-0 uniform for females. Her name is Charl Arisaka.
"You….!" Akito and The girl said at the same time with annoyance as everyone turned slightly away as if they are familiar with the antics of these two.
"I was here first!" The girl started.
"Funny, I'm the same." Akito retorted.
"Well, I didn't think you two will be arguing as usual, Arisaka. Hyuga." A male voice remarked.
The one who spoke was a young boy around their age with lengthy white hair that was tied into a ponytail and headpins on his hair. He has pale blue eyes and glasses while dressing in his W-0 uniform. His name is Nier Gauches.
"Well, you don't know what it is like when the musclehead trying to fight me, Gauches." Akito continued eating his breakfast. This makes the girl's eyebrows twitch in the process.
"Hey dare you to call a girl like that!?" The girl known as Arisaka argued, clenching her spoon hard.
"I see that everyone seems to be doing well alright." A familiar voice interjected. They turned to see Lelia with her tray of food.
"M-Morning, Ma'am…" Arisaka said timidly as her speech of tone turned 180.
Leila soon sat down next to Akito before everyone ate their breakfast at the moment. As Leila eats her breakfast, the commander of W-0 still can't help thinking about what happened last night.
(Last Night)
Leila's eyes can't help but widen at the new order while Kalus sits on the chair opposite her desk.
"I mean, we've been tasked with another difficult mission, Commander Malkal," Kalus said, looking over his virtual map before putting it away. "This says that they're moving the Warsaw garrison force, but they're for internal matters. The latest public opinion poll must've rattled the government bigwigs something fierce." He gets out his liquor bottle.
Leila can't help but stare in shock at the order.
"If they keep the eyes of the populace distracted outwards, they'll be able to cover their butts for the time being." Kalus finished drinking.
"Is that why they're having the Wyvern Squad drop inside enemy lines?" Asked Leila, slamming her fist onto her table.
"Well, to be blunt, they're to be decoys. Or sacrificial pawns, I suppose." Kalus replied dryly.
"They don't have the manpower they need to carry out the mission!" Leila argued.
"You mean to say that you can't simply disobey orders?" Kalus asked. "You do know that sound reasoning isn't going to help you, don't you?"
Leila looks slightly hesitant.
(Present)
This left Leila contemplating what to do in regard of the difficult mission that was placed on them. Sure, becoming a Rider and learning of Helheim have benefits, but Leila still had concerns about her squad as they're still in small numbers. Could they really overcome something like this and still be able to protect their world from the invasion forest?
"Commander, I received a message from Kingsley," Akito said quietly as this snapped her out of her concerns for the W-0 around the mission.
Leila is surprised despite not showing it on her face when hearing Kingsley. She is surprised to hear that Lelouch reaching out to her. She was certain that he might be busy with how things are going in Japan. Her thoughts race to the possibilities of what it might be. Did something happen with the Black Knights? Or is it something up with… the Forest? And for what is the purpose? She took the slip of paper and unfolded it before her eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"What is it, Ma'am?" Arisaka asked, looking concerned. Gauche is looking curious at his commander too.
"An invitation. That might help with a certain problem I have." Leila answered before placing the slip of paper away.
(Later)
It wasn't long until Leila left the base with Akito through the Helheim and met up with Lelouch in what looked like a mansion. They soon discussed the reason behind the meeting with Lelouch presented new information that caught their attention.
"So an Overlord somehow got into the messed between E.U. and Britannia fight?" Leila remarked calmly as possible after seeing the footage.
"That is corrected. My connection wasn't able to get close without alerting the Overlord's presence." Lelouch said, sitting on the opposite couch from her.
"This will raise the FUBAR if the High Command isn't aware of anything about this…" Leila scoffed icy. In her mind, she is furious with her superiors for not informing her of this discovery. If she didn't know about this, the level of casualties for her squadron will be immense!
"It must have been very tough to deal with them," Lelouch said, feeling sympathized with Leila's struggles. But this raises the question in Lelouch's mind if the higher command in E.U. knows or didn't bother to choose to tell Leila about it? They don't know how invaluable Leila's skills as the commander really are and throwing her aside will doom their country in unmeasurable ways.
"Yes, there is a recent mission by them around the same place as the Overlord sighting, but we aren't informed of this piece of information…" Leila replied deadly cold. "You seek the possibility of what these Overlords know too?" She asked, getting her head out of the previous struggles.
"With a global threat looming, we need to subdue them alive to find out more about their history with the Helheim. But I also believed we need to watch each other's back in the upcoming time of the forest spreading." Lelouch answered.
Leila now understands why Lelouch wants to communicate with her as this will benefit both of them by increasing their chance of learning about the Overlord. And that they had a mission of going behind enemies' lines means Leila and her squadron have more chances of survival.
"I agree. This might be a trap, but we don't have any other opinions on the table for a permanent solution." Leila said.
This made Lelouch quiet for a moment. Yes, they still didn't know about the existence of the Golden Fruit or were aware of the Overlord currently in possession of it. He knows that it might be dangerous to spread such knowledge to the public. However, Leila is one of those people he knows will see things similar to him and understand why it will be dangerous. And Akito is close to her that Lelouch is certainly that the blue-haired Japanese would watch her back.
"There is something. Something happened while we were back in Japan..." Lelouch said as this caught both Leila and Akito's attention.
"What is it?" Asked Leila curious.
(One story later)
After Lelouch told them about the encounter and the possibility of even a dangerous threat in form of the Overlord's ruler, it made both of them lost their composition at the revelation.
"So they really have a figurehead behind them…" Akito remarked darkly.
Leila has sheer concern in her expression when hearing about the existence of the Golden Fruit and the power behind it. They don't just have a world invasion, but a dangerous battle royale for the ominous power that might change the entire world! She is aware of the term never look a gift horse in the mouth as she spoke up about her suspicions.
"Something about this Golden Fruit made me feel unsettled if the Overlord says it is a solution to all of our problems. If the Overlord had it for long, why they didn't fix their world? There is also a hidden clause about something like this." Leila stated grimacing. "What do you think, Lt. Hyuga?" she asked.
"I will be blunt. If someone has that much power, there will be betrayals and distrusts. This world and the forest taught me the dangers of it." Akito commented in a dry tone.
"Same here. It is the reason why their civilization fell because the power drew them to madness." Lelouch said, "If the words about the Golden Fruit is spread…"
"Then all three factors will not stop until one gets their hand on it. And doomed everyone in the process by doing something much worse." Leila finished as the possible disaster of their world end. Not to mention adding another greater stake in this global invasion of the entire war.
"The only reach for answers is by beating the Overlords down," Akito interjected as he see one road for their survival against the threats of Helheim.
Lelouch nodded.
"I would be honest that I thought of sneaking back under W-0… but that would probably raise suspicions among the higher command if they would get words of me coming back with a large number of rogue Japanese," Lelouch said.
"You are going to ride there, huh?" Akito remarked.
"And meet up with your lot in the enemies' den to confront the Overlord. We should go with large numbers to trap and subdue the Overlord while crushing any Britannians along the way." Lelouch said. As for those who served the Euro-Britannia, Lelouch knows quite a number of traps to destroy Knightmares without any chance of them finding out that they were there.
"Who did you bring with you anyway?" Asked Akito.
"Besides Ayano and Orpheus, I have brought Ayano's friends here as well," Lelouch said, making Akito's eyebrows narrow.
"Lelouch, don't you think that is kind of reckless for someone like you?" Akito questioned bluntly. "I would expect you sent for those who have more experience and a close encounter with the Overlords. But having those two might seem risky especially—"
"It's a surprise that you even care." A familiar voice said, making both Leila's and Akito's eyes widen.
Standing not far from them were Ayano, Ryo, and Yukiya coming through the front door. Akito's eyes glared directly at both Ryo and Yukiya mostly.
"Out of all the people, you had to show your face," Akito said coldly.
"The feeling is mutual." Ryo countered with a mocking tone.
"You guys regain consciously?" Leila noted despite how guarded she was with those two in her presence.
"Yeah, it was something we don't want to endure again," Yukiya said. "Not to mention how much it going to be if we had to deal with you W-0." He remarked.
"As much as we don't like the idea, we should get answers from Overlord soon as possible," Ayano said calmly as possible.
Lelia looks at the trio with a careful expression before turning back to the former Britannian Prince.
"I know what you think," Lelouch said. "Even though there might be some risk but I will give them a chance to make some difference by giving them an olive branch." He said while understanding their concerns due to their previous clash with them.
"Considered you hold a ridiculous record of going up against Britannia force with the Japanese that you recruit, I will trust you for now." Leila said finally. "I will see you later at the meeting place… in a few days?" She proposed their meeting in the land.
"I take it that it about why Command never tells you about the presence of Helheim flora where you are going right?" Asked Lelouch.
"Indeed. It's not that I don't trust your claim, but I believe you enough that you come all the way to communicate with me about the matter." Leila said.
"Hmm. Sounds like they're likely hiding something from you." Yukiya said, rubbing his chin. "Would you like me to hack their serves?" he offered his hacking skills.
"I have connections that I'm going to try first. But if I can't get anything, then I will accept your offer." Leila said.
(Meanwhile in the Euro-Britannia)
There were the sounds of firing coming from Britannia Sutherlands who fired their rifles at their target. The target happened to be a Rider. The Rider resembled that of a bipedal skeleton dragon. The bodysuit is black with crimson bones on the arms and legs. The chest armor has a large purple claw mark with one side have to head of a purple dragon while the other has a crimson and black cape attachment. The helmet is mostly black with wild white hair growing out the back, a red skeleton attachment, and two silver draconic horns attached on the top. Around his waist was a Sengoku Driver with two Lockseeds—both Lockseed and Energy Lockseed in them.
The Rider swings his cape attachment to the side and deflects the bullets to the side as they struck hard to the ground. He then leaps into the air and moved at incredible speed that the Britannian Sutherlands weren't able to predict as their limbs and heads were cut clean without causing an explosion.
As the Rider land on the ground, two more Sutherlands come toward him with their axe-type weapon in their hands. The Rider called out his sword which is mostly black with the skeleton of a dragon on the hilt of the blade and pressed down on the Cutting Blade once.
"FIFTEEN SQUASH! CHAILMAIL DRAGONFRUIT ENERGY SQUASH~!"
He soon released a demonic energy wave that resembled that of a dragon at the two Sutherlands and consumed them in a small explosion.
The Rider made his sword vanish as all the pilots of the downed Sutherlands emerged, unharmed yet disoriented.
CLAP! CLAP!
The Rider looked behind him to see a gray haired man in Britannian military uniform, and a red cape. This was Michele Manfredi, the Grand Master of the Holy Order of Michael. He had been watching the performance of the Rider as if it was being evaluated.
"I must admit that you have performed quite admirably in that form, Shin Hyuga Shaing." Michele complimented as the rider reverted back to the form.
In the Rider's place was a handsome young man with dark blue hair in a ponytail and green eyes. He dressed in a Britannian uniform.
"Of course. If my performances with this Driver, we might be able to make better suits for our nation." Shin said. A year ago, Shin was invited to a private Britannia division in order to test out new weapons that might potentially changes the world. But the conditions were to keep the existence from the Holy Order… and they have the Emperor's official seal with them.
While it did seem suspicious at first, they can't ignore something like this if it did indeed come from the Emperor himself. When Shin first transformed, they were both shocked and astonished by the sheer power that he possessed as "Grimm". And they have been testing a lot before the organization sent a new package that gives them more power to test.
"You have been truly getting stronger, Shin." Michele compliments as he placed his arms on Shin's shoulders with a content smile on his face.
"Thank you for allowing me the chance to be so, My Lord. Any word about Emperor's authorities?" Shin asked. While Shin knows the true purpose of the organization, Michele has been insistent on verifying whether they did come from the Emperor especially considering he used to be the Knight of Two from the Round Table, the Emperor's personal force.
"Still no words. It doesn't surprise me, I can imagine His Majesty being too busy with the affairs of the nations; both internal and external."
"My Lord, I do request that this power be taken out of testing and be brought out onto the field."
"Yes, you have been cooped up for far too long and I think we have all the data we need." Michele nodded in agreement before thinking of a proper field test for Shin's powers. "Hmmm… our spies have caught wind of a rebellion forming by the local militia that once occupied this territory. Our sources have managed to track down their headquarters down by the docks."
"Understood, I'll take care of it," Shin said before Michele adopted a serious expression.
"A word of warning, Shin. The instruction of that organization was clear; no one outside our Order must know about your powers. Make sure there are no witnesses. I'm afraid I cannot provide any further aid."
"It is enough. I'll depart shortly." Shin looked like he was getting ready to leave before looking back at his commanding officer. "After this mission, if I may make a request."
"Hm?"
"When I get back, I propose a much more suitable opponent for my powers; The fabled Ghost of Hannibal."
*Timeskip*
The W-0 four member-squadron now descended from the atmosphere thanks to their Alexanders- white skeletal-like knightmare with white facemasks with two green eyes that remind of a doll's face-' parachuted beneath them. Accompanied them were the orange droids that resembled the Alexanders.
It wasn't long until the W-0 squadron and their mini droids descended to land before the knightmares went into their Crawler Mode.
"Commander, I find remains of a Britannian Knightmare. It looks like it was still fresh." Gauches said as Alexander analyzed the debris of Knightmare.
The Britannia Knightmare was in a complete wreck as vines sprang from within the mecha and the corpse. As for the corpse of the Britannian pilot, the vines around sprung out from where the heart and the eyes are.
"There are some over here too," Akito said, glancing at the remains of the Knightmares. "It looks like the beasts of the woods overwhelmed them…" he said cryptically. Though he preferred transforming to face them, he only used it if things got out of hand.
Despite the sight of their remaining making Leila shudder, she keeps her composition intact to focus on the mission at hand. At least, it is corrected that there are Britannian soldiers in the land.
"We will keep going now," Leila said without any hesitation.
"Command, look at the city!" Gauche shouts in surprise.
"Yes, I can see it from here…" Leila said grimacing as she and others stare at the sight in complete horror. She had been preparing for this very day to expect something like this to happen.
Not far from where they are was the city of Slonim… completely covered in Helheim flora and vines. The Command rejected her request for a satellite scanning of the area as it was a waste of resources. With what she witnessed, Leila feels a sense of relief that Lelouch gives her a warning about the current state.
"The city itself is nearly overrun by it," Akito remarked quietly. And if there is Overlord here, won't they be spotted at once?
"I don't spot any enemies. What do we do, Ma'am?" Asked Arisaka warily, looking at her scanners for any Britannian Knightmare.
"We will move carefully as planned. Watch your surroundings, everyone." Leila instructed calmly as the Alexanders and their droid companies move forward toward the very city.
But it wasn't long until they were greeted by unwelcoming guests in form of flying Inves that came out of the woods.
"Looks like we have unwelcoming companions…" Gauches remarked before Alexander turned into a humanoid model and unraveled the chainsaw sword in hand.
Gauches soon swung his light-up chainsaw blade and slashed at the incoming flying Inves, but more popped up in their place.
Akito then spring forward next and shifted his Alexander into humanoid mode as he slammed one of the Berserker Inves down hard to the ground before impaling their vitals with the stake-shaped Tonfas. He then swings the corpse of the Inves against another before pulling out the tonfas to impale them hard.
Unknown to Leila and her squadron, there are Britannian Knightframes in secluded spots that were waiting for what likely guests are going to come in here.
"C-Commander Ashra… h-how long do we have to wait in here?" One of Knightframe pilots asked nervously in being in the infected forest-covered city.
Standing on top of a tall building was a crimson Gloucester with two swords under its belt. But resting on top of the Knightframe's right shoulder was a young man with wild orange hair and reddish color eyes in a scarlet robe over a Britannian uniform. But one thing noticeable was that the young man was playing with a Lockseed that has a red banana picture on it.
"Are you scared of what lurking out here… Joannes?" Asked The orange hair boy with a wild grin. This is Ashley Ashra.
"N-No… It is just how something like this happened. And these monsters." The Knightframe Pilot stammered nervously.
"I don't know much about it either. But I'm sure this place will test our chances of survival." The orange hair boy answered smirking.
It wasn't long until something happened the sound of a bullet hit near where the Britannian Knightframes were.
"What the hell was that!?"
"An enemy!? But I don't see anyone on my sensory!"
"It looks like we picked up something…" Ashley said with a wicked grin. "Go find those…. Ghosts."
Soon some of the Knightframes began to move out of their way and went through the streets. They were trying to find out where their attackers were, but they weren't able to find anyone or any tracks to indicate anyone there.
But one Knightframe pilot looked around so warily that he didn't notice there was a very thin wire across the street before crossing it.
And unleashed the largest explosion that took the Knightframe and the pilot in the process. Watching from nearby the building was none other than Gridon with a binocular.
"It's been a while since I've done something like this…" Gridon giggles before going back to hiding once more.
Leila and Arisaka soon activated their shoulder guns and missiles to fire at the Inves coming at them until the sound of explosions from the city seems to catch their attention.
"What in the world was that!?" Arisaka questioned in complete shock.
"We will find out soon enough," Leila said as she turned her attention to her squadron. "Everyone, let's go." She responds.
Soon the W-0 Squadron and their droids make their way into the city of Slom at the very moment. They soon just witnessed Britannian Knightmares sliding across the street to avoid an incoming mechanical watermelon bombing that sent their companion's Knightmares down to ruin and was launched out of nowhere.
"Whoever you are, fight fair!" One of the Britannian Knightmares exclaimed angrily. "Come out and face the Asura Squad at this moment, you damn ghosts!"
"Is that possible…?" Leila muttered quietly as she have an idea of what is likely going on here.
"Damn, how did these ghosts be so slippered!" Another Britannian Knightmare exclaimed as another explosion can be heard from afar.
But it wasn't long until they were faced with barrage fire from W-0 droids upon spotting the enemies in sight. Arisaka and Gauches charged forward with their Knightframes to unleash the surprise attack that certainly caught them by surprise.
"What the hell!?" A Britannian Knightframe Pilot gawked before Arisaka knocked the weapon aside and shoved the lance into the stomach hard. It caused the Knightframe to explode at once.
"Commander, stay behind me," Akito said calmly as the Alexander stand in front of Leila. "We can't lose you here."
"Akito…" Leila was left completely speechless by his sudden action.
"Until we end up losing all the droids available on the field," Akito added, making Leila flustered as she almost got her heart popping up.
"I-I will. I will make sure that everyone makes it back safely." Leila said, regaining her composition as the two Knightframe moved forward.
Zangetsu-Shin was currently standing quietly inside a clock tower building's viewpoint where he can see W-0 squadron and their droids had finally joined in the battle.
'At least, they were able to take away from the energy blasts with how dense Helheim covered for them…' The white Genesis Rider thought to himself.
It wasn't that long ago, how he and his makeshift companions made it here after looking for a large hole infested close to the city itself. Considering that they don't want the Britannia to find out that they are there, they planned for the most stealth and underhand tactics to lessen the number.
"How are things looking over there, Ryugen?" Asked Zangetsu-Shin quietly through the communicator in his helmet.
"It looks like whoever is in charge still hadn't moved from where they are," Ryugen said. "But I don't see the Overlord yet."
Zangetsu-Shin was about to say something before Gridon entered the communication chat in his helmet.
"Hey Boss, something seems to be wrong with those W-0s! They seem to be viler than before!" Gridon said nervously.
"How exactly…?" Zangetsu-Shin asked, confused.
"He means savage and reckless than before!" Bravo answered with a scared tone. "Not to mention I heard them shouting 'Die'…" This made the back of his head sweat at what he just heard.
"Oh shit." Ryugen cursed quietly as the ones who are familiar with the condition understood what this meant.
"You guys… better moved away from them at this instant," Zangetsu-Shin said with a serious tone. If what they are saying is true, then the likeness of Akito's curse might be more dangerous with Alexander's system.
"Do you know what is-" Habikiri tried to ask what made the white genesis Rider's attention…?
"Trust me. It's better you moved away from them at this very moment." Zangetsu-Shin insisted with a serious tone before he soon focused on the battle outside of the clock tower at the moment. He saw the berserker Alexander who is currently engaged in battle with a crimson Britannian Knightframe with dual swords.
The only one that wasn't moving was Leila's Alexander as Zangetsu-Shin figures that the program in her Alexander might be different from others. There is no telling of how horrified Malkal is at the uncontrollable condition that her squadron was in right now.
'Hyuga, soon or late… your Geassed might be out of the bag,' Zangetsu-Shin mentally concluded, looking back at the berserker Alexander.
The Genesis Rider got out his Sonic Arrow readily as he pointed out from the window. The initiated plan of helping the W-0 from the shadow is going to be thrown out of the window at this moment with Akito's Geass going to berserker at the very moment.
He soon sniped the crimson Britannian Knightframe's one sword arm with an energy arrow. And it exploded in the process.
"What the hell!?" Ashley's voice exclaimed with complete shock at the unexpected attacks.
Before the Berserker Alexander could advance any further, Club materialized out from above and smacked it and its pilot down hard to the ground. The white Genesis Rider keeps pressing fires at the Britannian Knightframe who trying to move away.
But Akito still let out a vicious roar as Alexander struggled to get freed from the grasp of Club, who does his best to restrain him.
"Lt. Hyuga!" Leila shouted as she made her way toward the out-of-control Alexander. "What's happening to him!?"
"You should get it away from him." The Club said, struggling to pin down Akito's Alexander.
"Damn it! This is going to be it for me… if I don't do something!" Ashley cursed at this strange predicament. There was that option in mind but with how he was being pinned down by energy arrows, he will be nothing more than a sitting duck!
"Commander Ashra!" A Knightframe jumped in front of the armless Britannian Knightframe and took the blow for him.
"J-JOANNES!" Ashley screamed in shock as he watched his most timid crewmate… died in front of him. "Y-You won't get away with this as long as I live!" he growls viciously.
'Swear all you want, but you lost your choice of escaping,' Zangetsu-Shin mentally added as his hand pulled the bow back again and pointed directly at the pilot.
He then fired the energy arrow at the Britannian Knightmare without any second thought. Before the attack land a blow, purple smoke surrounds the Britannia Knightframe in the instant after the smoke takes it and the pilot in.
"What in the world…" Leila uttered in disbelief.
"My, I never imagine someone putting Ashra into such a situation." A voice from the purple smoke said, making Zangetsu-Shin's eyebrows narrow.
'So that man is here too…' The white Genesis Rider never forgets that voice.
"No. It can't be…" Akito whispered, despite being in his cursed state.
Out of the purple smoke was Grimm, who stood rather menacing in front of them.
"But I never imagined what an unexpected twist turn out to be. But you are still alive, Akito." Grimm said, removing his helmet to show his face to the entire crowd.
Akito emerged out of the cockpit despite Club holding down the Alexander as the young Japanese man emerged to get a better look at him.
"Nii-san…" Akito whispered at the familiar face in the monstrosity armor.
"W-What? Brother…?" Leila asked with a disbelief expression. How could someone like that be Akito's brother?
Not far away from them were Habakiri, Gridon, Bravo, Arisaka, and Gauche emerged as they all witness the presence of the new Rider.
"What in the world…?" Bravo asked.
"Why is Hyuga acting like this?" Asked Habakiri.
"Could that be his brother…?" Asked Gauches confused.
"I see. So that is the reason you are here. The gods allowed you to live for my sake. For my great cause." Shin said, reaching out his hand. "Akito. Take the blood oath with my Order of Michael. And then offer up your life for the creation of a new world."
"Nii-san, are you telling me to…"
"That's right. I want you to die." Shin said. "For my sake."
But Shin/Grimm moved out of the way when Zangetsu-Shin come down with an energy slash that was aimed at him before moving out of the way. This action allowed seems to cause Akito's geassed eyes to cancel out.
"Enough!" Zangetsu-Shin growls menacingly at the unhelmet Rider. 'So that was his Geass… what conditions could it have?' he thought curious at the brief glow of the Geass.
"How uncivil of you, Zangetsu. You came all this way from Area 11 to interrupt our sibling bond." Shin said with a glare.
"You call that sibling bond by using that on him? It is more of lunatic do if they don't have it in them to do it with their own hands." Taunted Zangetsu-Shin in a mocking tone which made Shin looks angrier.
"How could you do this to your brother!?" Leila growls, preparing Alexander's rifle. But there is some part of her have some doubts about pulling the trigger here.
"You know what? I will have the pleasure of wiping you off the face of the Earth." Shin said before putting his helmet back on as his visor glows ominously. He got out his sword ready as the two opponents started clashing with each other at this very moment.
Zangetsu-Shin continued shooting his arrows at Grimm who deflected the arrows and gain close to making the two fight in close clash battles. But Grimm used his cape attachment to block most of the attacks before kicking the white Genesis Rider a few feet back and trying to fire black flames with his hand.
The white Genesis Rider rolled across the field to avoid the black flame. Before Grimm was able to continue the fight, he was struck by incoming black bullets and turned around to see Gridon in the Kuroi Arm and armed with the Kurovolvers.
"DURIAN AU LAIT!"
Soon Bravo released an energy slash with his Duroi Doki that made Grimm jump out of the way. But Habakiri came right after him with her dual swords from the air. But Grimm used his cape attachment to protect himself before throwing her back away.
Bravo made a dash and swing his Duroki Doki at him before being knocked back by Grimm who used his sword. Gridon tried to fire more distance shots with the Kurovolvers but they were blocked by Grimm. Grimm was going after Gridon before Habakiri unleashed a surprise kick against the gut and pressed down her Cutting Blade.
"SOIYA! BLUEBERRY SQUASH!"
Grimm brought up his sword again take the energy of her attack and sent it back at her. Fortunately, Habakiri moves out of the way in time as Gridon tries to do another few shots that do hit him.
It wasn't long until Zangetsu-Shin added his arrows into the firing before Grimm went into accelerated speed. Zangetsu-Shin pursued him at the same speed and swings his Sonic Arrows against Grimm who didn't flinch from the blows before swinging his fist at him.
But Zangetsu-Shin moved out of the way as Club swing down his blade at Grimm, knocking the black skeleton Rider back.
Zangetsu-Shin insert the Lemon Energy Lockseed into his Sonic Arrow when something else distracted Grimm.
"What is wrong, Jean?" Asked Grimm.
"The Euro Britannians are trying to send in reinforcement while we have those unwanted guests attacking the camp." His aide said as Grimm growls at what he just learned.
"Damn them…"
"It looks like your army has a problem…" Zangetsu-Shin remarked, pulling his bow with glowing yellow energy readily.
"Oh don't worry, I will keep silent about this event. After all, I won't just be able to slay you and Akito at your best condition." Grimm gave a mocking salute.
"Yeah right." Zangetsu-Shin had already fired at the black Rider as the smoke takes the black rider with him.
"His heat signature is gone. That Lockseed's power reminds me of Blood Orange Lockseed." Club analyzed the power demonstrated by Grimm.
"Not to mention it is called Fifteen making it even more suspicious," Zangetsu-Shin remarked quietly. But Grimm's new upgrade form is a surprising twist from the last he saw that monster. But he also remembered that Britannia had been kept quiet about Helheim due to a certain group.
Even though Shin did promise to keep it quiet, Zangetsu-Shin still held skeptical about him keeping his word. After all, the words of a certain leader of Black Knights being in E.U. than Area 11—
"Lt. Hyuga!" Zangetsu-Shin turned around and saw Akito collapse to the ground as Leila and others came to his side.
But Habakiri approach him as she stood right in front of him.
"Lelouch. I think it is about time you tell us what is going on here." Habakiri said seriously, crossing her arms against her chest.
"Hey man, I want you to give a head up on something," Ryugen said suddenly in his helmet.
"Well, you better come back first. Fifteen has a Geass similar to mine." Zangetsu-Shin said as Ryugen cursed in the background.
"I will be there shortly." Zangetsu-Shin then looks down at Habakiri.
"Let's find a place to rest briefly. It will take some time to… explain Hyuga's condition." Zangetsu-Shin said.
(Later)
After Kamen Rider Grimm left the area, both parties went into a secured apartment where they could briefly rest. But there are some struggles on the W-0s after learning what happens to Akito and what made him this way.
Akito is currently resting nearby with Leila watching over his resting condition.
It wasn't that long after Lelouch and Orpheus revealed what they know likely about the condition behind Akito's 'curse' from their first time meeting in the Helheim.
"Wow. I'm surprised that neither of you was killed when hanging out with him." Yukiya remarked.
"And you never know it back then?" Asked Ayano surprised. Lelouch nodded.
"So what we saw in there… it was a result of Hyuga's geassed command?" Arisaka asked hesitantly, still disturbed by the mere memories that she witnessed.
"To be honest, I never imagine it is possible to see into someone's memories with the Alexander when they were Geassed," Lelouch said.
"I have to admit that the system can do something like this," Gauches said, still recovered from the emotional experience on the Alexander. "But his brother… ordered him to death. That's just crazy."
"If I had a brother like that, I will probably be sickened," Ryo remarked after hearing what they witnessed.
"Why didn't you tell me about this?" Leila asked suspiciously.
"Because Hyuga says that he wanted to do it. But with how Alexander brought unexpected revealing to your crew and his brother showed up. The cat is out of the bag." Lelouch said with sarcasm at the last part.
"It looks like you have encountered with him before…" Ryo comments.
"You can say something like that, there were vicious crimes a year back but they were caused by someone who been secretly selling dangerous Lockseeds that allowed users to control Inves. They all described him as a man known as Fifteen. Or that is what his Lockseed call him." Lelouch said.
"Fifteen is the weirder Lockseed and looks like something from a horror genre movie." Orpheus comment.
Leila looks down at Akito who is current rest.
"But how did Akito… survive?" Asked Leila.
Thankfully, this is something Lelouch had been thinking about after learning more about Geass.
"I have a theory..." Lelouch started. "I think it was possible about how young Akito was back then before he received his Geass command. He doesn't have enough knowledge about death and his mind likely interpreted the command as something else." He hypothesized.
"Isn't there a way to help Hyuga with his Geass command or get rid of it?" Asked Gauche.
"I might have something that works…" Orpheus said, making everyone look at him. "It is a souvenir that I brought back from Kamine Island." He said, getting out of the relic that he took from the island.
"Why didn't you tell me about it?" Asked Lelouch.
"Well, I didn't find the time since we have been dealing with Inves going FUBAR around Japan, especially those Overlords," Orpheus said, holding the relic in his hands. "In theory, it might shut off Geass ability like mine. It might even negate the Geass command on Hyuga."
"Let me see that for a moment," Lelouch said before taking the cube from Orpheus's hands.
Soon the cube glows briefly as Lelouch's eyes widen in shock as the memories of the time when geassed himself appeared in his mind and vanished completely.
"You are alright there, man?" Asked Ryo as Lelouch regains his focus.
"Yeah, it felt so unreal…" Lelouch said before Orpheus took it from his hands.
"At least, it works against yours. Let's see if it will work on Hyuga." Orpheus said.
"That won't be necessary…" A familiar voice said as Akito regained consciousness.
"Lt. Hyuga…" Leila said with worried in her voice.
"I'm fine," Akito said, getting himself back from the ground. "I don't need it, Zervon."
"Don't try to act like a tough guy," Orpheus said stoically. "You were going to end up falling into his control-"
"I say that I'm fine…" Akito refuted.
"Akito, why don't you want it to remove?" Asked Leila.
"He will come back. And I will use the same curse he flinched on me to get back at him." Akito said with a rare sinister grin on his face. This startled those in the room except for Lelouch and Orpheus.
"He is insane," Yukiya whispered to Ryo and Ayano.
"If that is how you are going to do it, suit yourself," Orpheus said, putting the relic away.
"But he is your brother! Surely, there is a way for both of you to understand each other." Leila protested.
"I highly doubt it." Akito turned to Lelouch, "You once say that Britannian had no Riders being announced publicity right?"
"That's right. For some reason, they don't want to be public knowledge." Lelouch agreed.
"Then he is probably after the Overlords like we are. For their greater power." Akito deduced the reason why his brother has in this matter.
This made Leila looks rather saddened by this fact. 'Akito's brother wants greater power even if it means throwing his brother away…' she thought.
"Sound plausible." Lelouch said, "Orpheus, you say that you discovered something, right?" he asked.
"Yes," Orpheus said. "I thought that I managed to track that overgrown chicken's whereabouts through this Helheim infested before losing sight of him in an unusual underground cavern."
"Underground cavern? There is no underground cavern in Slonim." Leila stated.
"That overgrown chicken led me into an underground beneath what looks like a school building." Orpheus continued.
(Flashback)
After dematerializing his Knightframe, Ryugen went into the school building in his Jimber Matsubokkuri. It might be reckless to fight the Overlord alone, but he can at least safely get away if things become an utter mess.
The Rider opens the door carefully and looks inside the abandoned school building. Everything looks completely deserted and not touched except for the vines and flora lurking around the corner.
He suddenly hears the sound of cracking from one of the rooms up ahead of him and makes his way forward before breaking down the door.
Only to witness a large cavern hole in the middle of the room. And there is an iron plate door nearby, Ryugen quickly believed that it was ripped open.
"Why is there a big hole here?" Ryugen wondered in confusion.
(Present)
"Judging by the depth… it is pretty deep down." Orpheus finished. "I don't think neither our Knightframe nor Alexanders would be able to fit through the tunnel."
Both Lelouch and Leila are deeply thinking about this unexpected information related to the Overlord. Not to mention there is a secret tunnel under a school building.
"Looks like this city has more secrets if there is a metal door keep it shut. That an Inves chicken wants with the place." Yukiya gave his two cents on it.
"But what is this tunnel for and why exactly?" Gauches pondered about the purpose of something like this here.
"I supposed we should see what the Overlord wants with this cave," Lelouch said.
"It will be a risk if we accidentally collapsed the ceiling in engaging direct combat," Leila added. Not to mention she is still trying to figure out how to explain to the base that Slonim is covered in Helheim vines.
"So what do we do about the city? Should we burn it down with the flora?" Asked Ayano, making Leila flinch at her words about burning down the city.
"We will decide on that after we find out why the Overlord was after this underground cavern," Lelouch said.
"I will come as well," Akito said.
"Are you sure that you can do so?" Leila asked.
"I'm fine," Akito said, removing her hand from his arm.
Everyone was soon led to the underground tunnel that was lies in front of them.
"So who wants to dive in first?" Asked Yukiya.
"SILVER ARMS! HAKUGIN NEW STAGE!"
"MELON ENERGY ARMS~!"
"BUDOU ARMS! RYU HOU! HA-HA-HA!"
Zangetsu-Shin, Kamuro, and Ryugen donned their armor before they leaps down to the hole first.
"Lt. Hyuga!" Leila said before getting out her Ringo Lockseed and placing it on her Driver.
"RINGO!"
"Ma'am, wait for me!" Arisaka said before taking out her Lockseed that has a picture of a cherry.
"CHERRY!"
"Hang on!" Gauches said before taking out his Lockseed with the picture of an eggplant.
"EGGPLANT!"
In a flash, the three ends donned their armor jumping next into the hole.
"They are serious about falling from this height…" Yukiya said, sweating.
"I think we will be fine since our armor can handle fall damages," Ayano said, patting Yukiya on the back. "Don't be scared, Yukiya."
"We will be right here with you," Ryo said smiling.
"Hey, guys… I don't know—AAAAAHHH!" Before Yukiya realized, Ryo and Ayano pushed him off with them at the same time.
"BLUEBERRY!"
"DURIAN!"
Yukiya quickly got out one of his spared Lockseed.
"BANANA!"
(In the underground cavern)
It wasn't that long until the Riders had landed at the bottom of the stone cavern thanks to their armor supporting their fall from height place.
Zangetsu-Shin looks around carefully at everyone as he noticed two new Riders beside Idunn.
The first one was male with a bodysuit color of white and orange. But his chest armor resembled the interior of eggplant in the shape of a large v-mark. He also has two purple shoulder pads hanging on both sides of his shoulders with a green stem of eggplant on them while hanging on his back was a purple-colored cape attachment. His helmet resembles much of Baron, but the color of the helmet is white with orange lines running across the helmet while two purple horns are shaped like eggplants on the top of both sides of the helmet with light purple fur on top of them. This is Kamen Rider Croise.
The second one was female with a bodysuit color of dark green with silver gauntlets and a silver collar. The shoulders were also green with rectangular ends to the sleeves and silver biceps. Underneath her Sengoku Driver that attached to her waist with a pale tunic that reach down her knees. As for her Arms, Zangetsu-Shin recognized it does resemble that of Cherry Energy Arms, but this is more of a feminine build that fits with the Rider's physique. She has a flat shoulder armor that resembles that of a leaf and the stem of a cherry. There is a gray helmet that looks like something from Nord myth based with a semicircle red visor. Attached to her back was a weapon resembled that a red crossbow gun. This was Kamen Rider Jord.
"It looks like almost everyone here," Idunn said.
Before they heard a scream as Habakiri, Bravo, and screaming Gridon fell next. But Habakiri and Bravo helped their friend to get his grip on falling by stabbing them close to the walls.
"It's okay, Yukiya," Habakiri said. "We managed to make it through."
"A-A-Are you sure…?" Gridon asked, struggling with what happened.
"Yep. We are at close range. Don't worry." Bravo reassured. "Just look down."
Gridon reluctantly looks down to see that they are telling the truth.
"I see. So we didn't get flat as pancakes." Gridon remarked before his friends released him for him to land safely on the ground.
Habakiri and Bravo joined them next as everyone look around the underground cavern that they jumped into at the moment.
"It is unbelievable there is a cavern here." Idunn comment.
"It doesn't look like there are any Inves here. But it is very spacious in here." Croise said.
"Well, there is something here. Some kind of mural." Zangetsu-Shin said, approaching the wall.
The other Riders soon give their attention to the wall that interested the white Genesis Rider and gives closer look. It was a mural of what looked like a village-ending attack.
"I have never seen anything like these before," Idunn said with amazement.
"Look over here. Are those Inves terrorized them?" Ryugen asked, pointing at the Elementary Inves storm the village.
"Yeah, it does look like them," Zangetsu-Shin said.
"But why are they here?" Asked Bravo confused.
"Hey, does this remind you… of someone?" Asked Habakiri, pointing at a red monster with yellow eyes and a sword.
"Yeah, it looks like Demushu," Zangetsu-Shin answered grimly at the savaged Overlord on the wall. But why does this cavern in the middle of a city?
Fortunately, Zangetsu-Shin decided to bring a camera for something like this. He soon takes a couple of pictures of the mural that is a present here.
"Yeah, I can see that ugly smirk of his," Ryugen remarked as he take pictures with his camera.
"There is another mural here. A very disturbing one." Gridon said, looking at the other wall.
This version of the mural has the picture of human beings in shackles together as they made their way into a vortex guarded by a white Overlord with the head of a bison.
"Everyone here has a pretty clear idea of what this means. They take a human as their prisoners back to their world." Zangetsu-Shin stated.
"How do you know that they are going back to their world?" Asked Jord.
"Look at this." Idunn pointed her finger to the vortex. "This is mostly like a Crack that they used to send all those people into their world." She explains calmly.
"Oh my, you can't tell that." Gridon chuckled, getting the nerves of the female Rider.
"What was that?" Jord growls.
"It is not easy to depict what these murals are since their mind might not be able to make sense of the Crack." Croise defended in his teammate's confusion.
"And this place has them," Zangetsu-Shin commented before taking more pictures of these murals. "remains of what happened when they came to this world."
"Do you think the bull is still around?" Asked Bravo.
"It's mostly possible after seeing Demushu," Zangetsu-Shin said.
"That isn't the only Overlord in the mural. Look at the one standing on top of the hill looming over the slaves." Ryugen said as he pointed to the small green figure.
"That is definitely like the one we faced in the forest," Zangetsu-Shin said. 'And the same one that tempted Kallen…' he added.
"Do you think that someone left these murals here as a warning?" Asked Habakiri.
"Maybe. Judging by the condition of the cavern, it looks like no one had been here for a long time." Zangetsu-Shin hypothesized from the murals.
"If so, why do you think they come back for? What is their aim?" Gridon asked.
"That's hard to say. But we should keep exploring the cavern for more clues." Zangetsu-Shin said before they make further depth into the tunnel.
This time, they came across more murals that are posted on both sides of the cavern.
The group of Riders focused on the left show picture of a human woman with blonde hair and a white dress standing in front of a tall, white humanoid Overlord having a ponytail standing on one knee and holding her hands with his.
"Hmm…" Zangetsu-Shin carefully looked over the mural, especially the woman. Something about the appearance of the woman is familiar.
"A woman and an Overlord Inves?" uttered Habakiri in surprise.
"It looks like they're in love." Idunn comment, making those around look a bit surprised.
"Really? I thought their race seem to care about enslaving humanity." Gridon remarked in sarcasm.
"But not this one…" Zangetsu-Shin said. "This white Overlord… holding her hands with his own as they look at each other. A man usually stands on one knee prepared to propose to the woman. That position commonly symbolized loyalty to one they swore their life to."
"Yeah… I can see that," Ryugen whispered. 'Something about this woman's appearance reminds me of someone…' he added. "But what do you think of the status in their society? I imagine this behavior is probably frowned upon," he asked.
"Unless they are higher noble. Or the Overlord is truly strong. This mural might be taken due to how significant these two truly are." Zangetsu-Shin hypothesized before taking photos of the mural.
"Do you think they can co-exist?" Asked Idunn.
"It's illogically considered how dangerous Inves' biological background overwrites everything," Kamuro said.
"What do you make of this mural?" Asked Bravo, pointing to the other mural.
This mural has a zigging line in the middle as the Overlord Inves were seen on the top and the humans on the bottom. What else is noticeable was the thundering clouds above the Overlords.
"I think this one focus on the separation of the two races. Although there is something mysterious about how this even occurred in the first place… Considered how they can easily get into our world." Zangetsu-Shin commented on the mural in front of them.
"But what could it cause back then?" Ryugen asked.
"I don't know. If we have a clue, maybe we have an answer to our problem..." Zangetsu-Shin said, taking every picture that he have on this mural.
At the same time, Redyue is standing on top of an abandoned building in the city with another Overlord's knee in front of her. She never thought of entering this world after a certain tragedy happened in the past. But one thing that about this world never changes were that humans… are all her playthings.
"So you weren't able to find the Thought Elevator, Dyudyuonshu?" Redyue asked.
"Forgive me, Redyue." The bird theme Overlord apologized. "It seems this world has changed a lot more than we once remember."
"I see," Redyue said. "I expected you to keep on searching for it. It will make our abilities spread out quicker than before and retrieve a certain someone's soul."
"I understand." Dyudyuonshu acknowledged before leaving immediately.
'With the thought elevators, I will prevent those foolish so-called 'gods' from making this world my toys…' Redyue thought with a twisted giggle.
To be continued…
AN: And that is my latest update for Lelouch of Divine Providence. I hoped you've all enjoyed it with the twist of the new arc here. I thank my friend Unicorn 359 for his OC Nier Gauche and suggestion for the name. If you were wondering why Akito and others didn't jump into fight against Shin, it was because they were still in a daze of Akito's Geass in their mind similar to the original Akito The Exiled.
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.