Issei Hyoudou sighed as he gazed out the window of the therapy room at Akane Academy, a secret section of Kuoh Academy accessible only to those with special abilities. His mind drifted to the events of the past few months since he had discovered his status as a Savior, gaining a multitude of questions and new abilities in the process. However, Issei had to keep his new status a secret from Rias Gremory's peerage, Sona Sitri's peerage, and the rest of the girls at Kuoh Academy.

Issei's thoughts turned to his past lives, the legendary Dragon Breeder Ash Blake and Lelouch Lamperouge, whose hidden history as Zero and the Black Rebellion the formerly exiled prince turned maniacal Emperor'd lead as the masked "Man of Miracles" had seemingly been concealed from the world. Issei was still mastering the powers of his past lives, including Ash's ability to communicate with dragons like Eco, Ash's famous mount.

The door to the therapy room suddenly swung open, revealing the small, golden-haired form of Maya Shimon, the vivacious younger cousin of Mari Shimon, the enchanting headmistress of Kuoh Academy who shared her younger relative's sun-kissed tresses and cerulean-hued eyes. Despite her tender age, Maya harbored intense feelings for Issei and immediately snuggled up beside him, seeking his warmth and comfort.

The soft splat-splat of shoes hitting the floor indicated the arrival of Satsuki Ranjō, a chipper and hyperactive First Year at Akane Academy whose deep feelings for Issei had become notorious among the other students.

Her bubblegum-pink hair and deep blue eyes were just as loud as her personality, and the brown-haired young man wasn't surprised when she revealed to him during one of their rather frequent impromptu conversations together that the name of her past life was "Sarasha", an alias Ash had given Eco when they were out on the road during Ash's time as a student at Ansarivan Dragonar Academy during the reign of King Arthur, in order to protect her from being recognized by rouge Breeders, wild dragons and other bad actors that might be after the young girl due to her status as the Crown Princess of the Draconic Imperial Family and a dragon-human hybrid.

The current wielder of the Red Dragon Emperor was quite amused, as well as quite scared when he heard Satsuki refer to Ash as her "big brother Flaga" which was the name Satsuki used to refer to Ash when they were alone on the road together. The fact that Satsuki saw the relationship between the two of them in their respective past lives as a familial one and was willing to go beyond sisterly love was quite concerning this time around, but hopefully, it wouldn't go that far this time around, right?

Issei's sharp eyes immediately spotted Satsuki as the pink-haired girl made her way into the room and realized that she had been sent by Mari to locate her spirited cousin. Upon seeing Maya nestled against Issei, Satsuki's own possessive feelings ignited, resulting in a tense standoff between the two girls. Ultimately, they decided to set aside their differences and share Issei's warmth.

When Maya and Rias, the esteemed red-haired English teacher and Princess of the House of Gremory of the Underworld, as well as Issei's mistress unbeknownst to the majority of the student and teacher population of Kuoh, entered with Sona, the black-haired Student Council President of Kuoh, they were taken aback by the unexpected scene. Mari realized Issei could no longer conceal his relationships as the girls' bashful blushes and confused expressions gave away their own feelings for him.

Rias was the first to break the awkward silence. "Issei, what is the meaning of this?" she asked, her blue eyes flashing.

Issei rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, you see, I'm actually a Savior, with the unique status of being both a Shirogane and a Kuroma. I was trying to keep it a secret, but..."

"You should know better than to keep secrets from me, Issei," Rias said sternly. Her gaze softened as she added, "But I understand why you did it. Just don't let it happen again."

Sona adjusted her glasses, her violet eyes unreadable. "As Student Council President, I should not condone such dishonesty. However, I will make an exception just this once." Her cheeks colored slightly as she murmured, "Since I have also developed feelings for you, Issei-kun."

Issei's eyes widened in surprise. "Really, Sona?"

Sona nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. "Yes, really."

Mari clapped her hands together cheerfully. "Well, now that everything has been resolved, why don't we all get to know each other better over some tea and cake? We have much to discuss!"

Issei gazed around at the girls surrounding him, all of whom had accepted him despite his secrets and flaws. His life as a Savior with unique powers and abilities was shaping up to be even more interesting and fulfilling than he could have imagined. While there were still many challenges ahead, Issei knew that with the support of his harem, he could overcome any obstacle.

As Mari began serving the tea and cake, Maya suddenly piped up, "Does this mean we'll all be Issei's brides someday?"

Issei nearly choked on his cake as the other girls froze in place. An awkward silence descended upon the room once more.

Rias was the first to recover, clearing her throat delicately. "That is...quite a bold assumption, Maya. While I have deep feelings for Issei, marriage is still a long way off."

"Indeed," Sona agreed, pushing up her glasses in a flustered manner. "There are many factors to consider before reaching that stage."

"Aww, you're no fun!" Maya pouted. She turned her pleading eyes to Issei. "Ne, Issei, you'll make me your bride, won't you?"

Issei rubbed the back of his head nervously, stalling for time as he tried to think of an appropriate response. "Well, Maya, that's...I mean, we haven't even...it's too soon to..."

Maya's eyes lit up at Issei's flustered reaction. "Yay, I knew you'd want to marry me someday, Issei-kun!" She threw her arms around him in delight.

Issei's eyes nearly bulged out of his head at Maya's assumption as his face turned bright red. He glanced at Sona in a panic, only to find her blushing furiously behind her glasses, her violet eyes averted in embarrassment.

Rias sighed, shaking her head at the situation. "Maya, you shouldn't make such hasty conclusions. While I'm sure Issei cares for you, marriage is not something to take lightly."

"Indeed," Mari agreed. "You're still young, Maya. There's no need to rush into such a serious commitment."

Satsuki, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "Maya, it's not fair of you to put Issei on the spot like that. We all care for him deeply, but marriage involves many responsibilities that require maturity and life experience." A light blush colored her cheeks as she added, "Though I admit I have thought of marrying Issei someday as well when the time is right."

Issei's blush deepened at Satsuki's confession. His harem was becoming more complex by the day. While he cared for each girl in his own way, he wasn't ready to consider marriage, especially with so many supernatural threats still looming.

Rias placed a hand on Issei's shoulder as if sensing his inner turmoil. "There's no need to worry about this now, Issei. You have enough on your plate as a Savior and the Red Dragon Emperor," She gave him a reassuring smile. "Focus on your duties for now. The future will come in time."

Just then, the door opened once more to reveal Shizuno Urushibara, the purple-haired noble heiress and one of Issei's harem members from Akane Academy. Her emerald eyes widened slightly at the sight of Issei surrounded by the girls. However, her surprise quickly faded, replaced by her usual deadpan expression.

"Well, this is certainly an interesting gathering," Shizuno remarked in her snarky tone. She strode over to Issei and pulled him into an embrace, ignoring the others. "Honestly, Issei, must you always find trouble even when I'm not around?"

Issei smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, Shizuno. I was just trying to have some tea with everyone."

Shizuno sighed, though her eyes glinted with affection. "You're hopeless, you know that?" She released Issei and turned to the others, her gaze settling on Satsuki. "Well, if it isn't my dear rival. I should have known you'd be here trying to steal Issei away."

Satsuki bristled at the accusation. "I'm not stealing anyone. Issei invited us." She smirked. "Though I can see why you're jealous. Issei and I do share a special bond."

"Please, the only bond you share is in your imagination," Shizuno scoffed.

Maya giggled at the exchange. "Looks like Issei has some feisty brides-to-be!"

Satsuki and Shizuno both blushed at the implication. "W-We're not brides!" Satsuki protested.

"Not yet, anyway," Maya said with a wink.

The comment only flustered Satsuki and Shizuno further. Issei could only rub the back of his head in exasperation at Maya's teasing.

Rias cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the room. "While this has certainly been an eventful get-together, I think it's best if we end things here for today before any more misunderstandings arise." She gave Issei a pointed look.

Issei nodded gratefully. "Rias is right. We should continue this another time."

The girls voiced their reluctant agreement. As they began to disperse, Mari pulled Issei aside.

"My, you certainly have your hands full with that harem of yours," Mari said with an amused smile. "But I can tell they all care for you deeply, even if they have interesting ways of showing it."

Issei sighed. "That's putting it mildly. I just hope I can keep them from killing each other."

Mari laughed. "Have faith in them, Issei. Despite their differences, they will come together for your sake. You have a gift for bringing people together." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek, her blue eyes twinkling. "And don't forget, I'm also here if you need someone to talk to."

Issei's eyes widened at the unexpected kiss as his face flushed. "T-Thank you, Mari. I appreciate your support."

Mari smiled. "You're welcome. Now run along before your harem starts another fight over you." She waved as Issei hurried off to catch up with the others.

As Issei left the therapy room, his thoughts drifted over the eventful get-together. While his harem could be a handful at times, he was grateful for each of the girls and the irreplaceable bonds they shared. Together, he knew they could overcome any challenge, from supernatural threats to romantic misunderstandings. As long as they stood together, the future was filled with endless possibilities.

Issei's thoughts then turned to his past life as Lelouch Lamperouge and the mysteries surrounding it. He wondered if C.C., the immortal witch Lelouch had made a contract with, was still around or had been reincarnated as well. And what of Lelouch's dear sister, Nunnally? Had she been reincarnated too?

He wouldn't put it past fate, or the Gods now that he was a part of the moonlit world to try and pull a stunt like that, but it was never a good idea to hope too early and become over-confident, like what had happened to him in his past life as Lelouch

Issei was determined to uncover the truth about his past life and Lelouch's hidden history. Perhaps the answers lay within Akane Academy's records or among those who knew Lelouch best in the supposed pervert's past life as the Black Prince of Brittania. Issei knew Nunnally's reincarnation, if she had one, would be a high priority for Akane Academy to locate. She had been Lelouch's sole reason for living, and Issei felt a strong connection to her even now across lifetimes.

As Issei pondered these mysteries, he sensed a familiar presence approaching. He turned to find C.C. walking toward him, her amber eyes gleaming and green hair swaying. His eyes widened in surprise.

"It's been a long time, my dear Lelouch," C.C. said with a smirk. "Or should I now say, Hyoudou Issei?"

Issei stared at her, stunned. "You...you remember?"

C.C. scoffed. "Of course. Unlike humans, my memory is eternal. I have been waiting for your reincarnation to appear." Her expression turned serious. "There are things you must know about your past life, and a threat that still lingers."

Issei's heart raced. At last, he would uncover the truth about Lelouch and the secrets of the past. He would also ensure this new threat was vanquished

Issei's mind raced with possibilities. Could remnants of the infamous Geass Order have endured and somehow managed to make it to the modern day, even after Lelouch's attempt to annihilate the secretive organization as the Demon Emperor?

How were the events surrounding Lelouch's revolution and demise concealed from the world? Did Lelouch's acquisition of his uncle's Code upon becoming Emperor cause a reset of the timeline, erasing Sakuradite and Knightmares from history and causing the world to forget the Britannian Empire? Had this reset also allowed Lelouch's soul to reincarnate as Issei rather than revive as an immortal upon his death by Suzaku's blade after the completion of the Zero Requirem?

C.C. gazed at Issei knowingly. "You have many questions, and I have much to tell you. But first, we must deal with the threat at hand." Her expression darkened. "The Geass Order has survived in secret, and they seek to revive the Thought Elevators to access the World of C again. If they succeed, the world will be plunged into chaos once more."

Issei's eyes widened in alarm. "The Geass Order still exists? And they want to access the Thought Elevators again?" He clenched his fists. "We can't let them succeed. The world would be defenseless against the Holy Britannian Empire and the Ragnarok Connection if Brittania was ever revived."

Ever since he was old enough to understand his place in the world, Issei had always been somewhat amused by the [admittedly] toxic rivalry between the so-called "United States of America", the constitutional republic created by Washington's successful revolution that had been a major power in the strange new world created by the [partial] misfiring of the Zero Requiem, and its mortal foe during the so-called "Cold War", that had replaced the tripolar world of the original timeline, the pseudo-Syndicalist "Union of Soviet Socialist Republics", which had been formed in the aftermath of a Bolshevik victory in the Russian Civil War.

The Americans, particularly during the administration of Ronald Reagan, had called the Soviets an 'evil empire' and a 'menace to the peace of the world', while the Soviets had retaliated by denouncing the Americans as 'imperialists' and warmongers.

The brown-haired young man remembered having to sneak into a secluded corner of the male bathroom of the library and almost choke himself to death cackling at the stupidity of these idiotic politicians and military generals who made these delusional statements for the entire world to see, when thinking their modified FLEJA-tipped continent flight path capable cruise missiles made them safe when he was just a mere boy just ripe of elementary school age.

These fools had no idea what it was like to be on the run for your life through a war-torn hellhole while also having to protect your blind and paralytic little sister, who already adored you before losing her sight and mobility and was now dependent on you for almost everything.

They had no idea what it was like to escape from such a fate and once again be powerless to do anything, as you witnessed the forces chasing you and your beloved disabled little sister, that were also behind the destructive war to make matters worse, achieve total victory and rebuild the occupied land in their own image.

They had no idea what it was like to finally have enough and become a force for change, only to be betrayed and exploited by the very people you built up into a formidable military force.

Shaking those thoughts from his mind, the brown-haired boy let out a soft sigh as he stared at the woman who had meant everything to him in his previous life.

C.C. nodded grimly. "Exactly. The world has forgotten the threats it once faced, leaving it vulnerable. The Geass Order believes reviving the Empire and initiating Ragnarok is their destiny." Her amber eyes glinted with determination. "But we will stop them. The power of Geass must not be unleashed upon the world again."

"What must we do?" Issei asked.

"We must locate the Thought Elevators before the Order does," C.C. replied. "Once found, I can seal them away for good using my Code. Your role is to stop the Order through any means necessary." Her gaze softened. "You have inherited Lelouch's gift of strategy and leadership. With your harem and allies by your side, I know you can prevail."

Issei took a deep breath. "Understood. But do I still possess Lelouch's Geass power?"

C.C. shook her head. "No, your Geass did not carry over with your reincarnation. However, you did inherit Lelouch's Code, which grants you immortality and certain abilities." Her expression turned grim. "Explaining this to your harem and allies will be difficult, as will convincing the authorities. But we have no choice if we are to stop the Order."

Issei sighed, rubbing his temples. How would his harem and friends react to learning the truth about his past life and powers?

And would Russia and America even believe such a fantastical threat was real? He had no idea how to begin explaining the situation, but Issei knew failure was not an option.

The world was depending on him, even if it didn't realize the danger it faced.

C.C. studied Issei closely. "It's possible your powers are more than just Lelouch's Code. Ash Blake's ability to ride dragons may have also merged with your immortal essence, creating a unique power." Her lips quirked into a smirk. "How fitting for the Red Dragon Emperor."

Issei's eyes widened at the implication. If he wielded such a power, it would give him an edge against the threats he faced. But it also meant his role as a revolutionary was far from over.

C.C. nodded as if reading his thoughts. "Zero must rise again, this time operating in secret against the Khaos Brigade, supremacist devils, and dangerous political groups seeking to disrupt the balance of power." Her expression turned grim. "The path ahead will be difficult, but you will not walk it alone."

Issei sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility settle upon his shoulders once more. His life as a normal high school student was over. "This is a lot to take in. But how do you know about the supernatural world, C.C.?"

C.C. smirked. "There is little I do not know, Issei. I have lived far too long and seen too much to be unaware of such things."

As C.C. and Issei continued their discussion, neither noticed Maya spying on them from afar using a spell to eavesdrop. She relayed every word to Satsuki, who was helping her keep tabs on Issei. Upon learning the truth, sly smiles spread across the girls' faces. Their beloved Issei was far more than he seemed, and they would aid him in his revolutionary cause, whether he wanted their help or not.

Issei and C.C. finally ended their lengthy conversation, unaware of Maya and Satsuki's discovery of who his second past life really was. Issei's mind buzzed with all C.C. had revealed, still struggling to process the enormity of his destiny.

C.C. placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do not lose hope. The path is long, but you will not walk alone." Her amber eyes gleamed with determination. "Zero will rise again, and this time, the world will be remade for the better."

Issei took a deep breath and nodded. "You're right. Failure is not an option." He gazed up at the sky, thoughts of his harem and friends filling him with renewed resolve. "The world is worth fighting for, and together, we will prevail."

C.C. smiled. "Spoken like a true revolutionary." She turned to leave, pausing to glance back at him. "We will speak again soon. There is much work to be done." With that, she vanished from sight.

Issei stared at the spot where C.C. had stood, determination burning in his eyes. His life as a normal student was over, but his fight was just beginning. This time, he would build a world where those he cared for could live in peace. Just like how Nunnally would have wanted it.

As Issei gazed up at the sky once more, a familiar warmth filled his chest. His harem and friends were connected to him across lifetimes, tied together by bonds that could never be broken. No matter the challenges that lay ahead, their love and support gave him the strength to prevail against impossible odds.

The world was changing, but some things would always remain the same. Together, they would stand against any threat, natural or supernatural, and forge a future filled with endless possibilities. The time had come at last for the final revolution to begin.

Zero would rise again.