Note: This occurs while Cade is in Japan vacationing.
While Cade is in Japan, the city has been quiet and free from any Gorven attack. This concerns Luke who knows that the overlords aren't dead and that the forest is still taking over parts of the city. There have been no incidents and the other Riders haven't seen any sign of the Gorven at all. As closing time approaches, Luke texts James, Russell, Owen, Joseph, Sarah, Max, Marvelous, John, Landon, Dorian, and Travis. He tells them to meet him outside of the former Pantheon facility and he heads out.
Moments later, the secondary Riders, including Marvelous and John meet at the front of Pantheon ready for their next steps.
"So Luke why did you bring us here?"
"Well James, hasn't it been strange that we haven't seen any Gorven attacks?"
"No, but is that a bad thing?"
"It doesn't sit well with me."
"Well Luke, it's strange but you have a point. There's something you need to know about the forest and everything that's been going on."
"Okay Max, lay it on me."
"I asked my mom for several books and she gave me this one."
"Okay, what does this have to do with the forest?"
"Well, according to this book, the forest is known as the Hilhelm Forest. According to the author, a being named Ventricus went to a barren world and discovered a golden fruit. He took it and using its power enveloped the world in a giant forest. Then, he used the power to create beings known as the Gorven. He wanted his people to be happy and to live peaceful lives. But six of them wanted to use the fruit for their own selfish reasons. That caused them to be corrupted and twisted by their own greed and jealousy. They tried to take the fruit from Ventricus, but he banished them to the farthest reaches of the universe. According to the book, they wanted revenge so they headed out to recreate their civilization. But, it was incomplete because they didn't have the forbidden fruit. Not to mention Ventricus made sure that no Gorven could touch it. So they created a staff that would allow them to wield it but they still can't touch it. That's why they recreated civilization, so they could bring the fruit here."
"That makes sense. Ventricus was trying to warn us about the fruit."
"Wow, all that shit just flew over my head."
"Landon, don't you see? This is what he warned us about. He knew that Pantheon would take the fruit so he kept it hidden from anyone. He knew that only one person could have that power, and that person is Cade. Somehow he and Cade are connected. And he did say that the woman in his dreams mentioned his father. It's only logical that Ventricus is his father."
"What? That's stupid. How could someone that cool be Cade's dad?"
"Owen, it makes perfect sense. After all, it was no coincidence that he found the Driver Belt."
"Yeah, but my question is what are we going to do now?"
"Russell, there's only one thing to do. We have to make sure they don't come back and when Cade returns, he's able to obtain the fruit."
"Fair enough, but I warn you they will find us. So, with my magic I can make sure that we can enter without any problem."
"Thanks Joseph I knew I could trust you."
"Well we better hurry up Luke, because those bastards are probably gonna come back."
"Dorian, you're right. Let's go already."
"Wait Luke, shouldn't we wait for Cade? I don't want anything bad to happen to him."
"Don't worry Sarah, he'll be back."
"We better get going now. Interpol hasn't heard from me in a while and we need to get there quickly."
"Got it Travis. Let's go now."
"Wait."
"What is John?"
"This is not a good idea. See this? Satellite imagery shows that there's something in there. And that's not good. We can't just enter without any preparation."
"John's right. Normally I'm okay with just busting in there but we need a plan."
"I do have plan guys, it's going in there and stopping their plans."
"If we're going to do that we're going to be discreet."
"Fair enough. Alright let's transform already."
"Accel!"
"Transform!"
"Sky Raider Power!"
"Special Ops, Energize!"
"Peach Energy!"
"Lemon Energy!"
"Pine Cone Energy!"
"Acorn!"
"Walnut!"
"Meteor On!"
"Set, Open, Lion!"
"Locks On!"
"Soda!"
"Peach Energy Arms!"
"Lemon Energy Arms!"
"Pine Cone Energy Arms!"
"Acorn Arms!"
"Walnut Arms!"
"Alright guys gather around me, I'm going to make you invisible for a brief time."
"Chameleon!"
The group gathers around and they become invisible thanks to Beast's Chameleon Mantle Ring. They walk towards the facility avoiding any signs of the Gorven. They make sure that no one is watching them and John analyzes the area using his tracker to ensure that no one is coming for them. They make it to the front door and they slowly force it to open. They enter and discover that the forest has taken over parts of the facility. The vines wrap the metal containers that once had the Driver Belts and the experimental chambers that housed the monsters are now home to trees and several bushes. They discover that the ceiling has been torn up and the trees have been growing over it. Beast disables his Chameleon Form and they prepare for anything that comes.
"Wow, it's really quiet."
"Yeah it is. Hey Owen do you see anything?"
"Nope, I see nothing, how about you James?"
"No, I don't see anything. Maybe they're really not here."
"Yeah, let's hope they're not here. This doesn't seem right. Hey Max where do you think the overlords are?"
"I don't know. As far as the legend goes, the overlords won't come until they have a reason to."
"Fair enough. Hey Travis, do you think they would be here if we weren't?"
"No, this is probably a trap to get us. Let's not take this situation lightly."
"Yeah, you're right."
They continue to search for the overlords, but they found nothing. Time goes by and there is still no sign of the overlords. They decide to rest for a while since they have no leads. However, Travis notices a strange fruitlock that is ruby red and pulsating.
"Hey Luke, look at this."
"Wow, this looks weird. How in the hell did this end up here?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure who ever had this here wants us to find it."
"Look, there's more of them. This is not good."
"You were right, they're ready for something and my intuition tells me that they're ready for war."
Before they can continue their investigations, the overlord Eris arrives and with an army of Dragon Gorven.
"Well well, it looks like we have guests. Let's welcome them."
Eris then summons Chimera, Berserker, Gargoyle and Bat Gorven and the Riders along with Marvelous and John prepare for battle.
"Alright guys let's go!"