Chapter 29: Sentai no Jasutisu no Lelouch

(A/N: Hi folks and welcome to another exciting chapter of Soul Chess. Here comes a moment I think many have been looking forward to. What that is precisely…well you'll know when you get there. In other, more exciting, news, SOUL CHESS HAS ITS OWN TVTROPES PAGE WHOOHOO! I'd like to thank Rock2161 for that. I really it appreciate it.)

Disclaimer: Bleach and Code Geass copyright their respective owners.

3rd Person pov

All actions have consequences. Some are good and some are bad. Lelouch's actions were no different. Although Soifon and Yoruichi were off together, and very happy, their families were suffering. The Shihoin clan, having lost its most prominent figure and being slandered with her being called a traitor, was on the verge of collapse, as the Fon family had done after it lost the only remaining member of the youngest generation, especially since she was indicated as a traitor by Lelouch's reports.

Lelouch was, of course, aware of this, but there wasn't anything he could do about it. He also didn't care that much for the nobility at all. Sure he had friends that were nobles, but, in his opinion, a few golden apples didn't save the rest of the rotten fruit. He found a caste system appalling, especially the 80 sections of Rukongai. Why couldn't people just refer to each other as people? Why did it matter their background or where they came from? Such things were what Lelouch was aiming to correct on his rise to the top, but of course those in his way had to be…removed.

As if that didn't make things imperfect enough, things were not all gummy bears and ice cream at the Kuchiki manor. As had happened quite a few times over the last decade and a half, Rukia was causing a fuss within the manor on this particular day. She was not adapting well to life as a noble. She was constantly in the shadow of her sister and her brother-in-law and more was expected of her than she was willing to give. To complicate matters, she and the house head didn't exactly get along all the time.

Rukia stomped down the hall at top speed before reaching an intersection and shouting, "All right I get it!" Her outburst was directed at her sister. "I'll be more 'respectful' next time. Just leave me alone okay?" She ran down the hall and out the door. She decided she'd go to work early that day. She'd spend the day with Kaien. He always seemed to make things better for her, no matter how bad of a day she was having.

Ever since the Miyako incident, Rukia had risen again in rank, but only by one level. Hisana was very insistent that unless Rukia started showing remarkable skill she wanted her no higher than 6th seat. Rukia, of course, was completely oblivious to this.

Shaking her head, Hisana stood at relatively the same spot Rukia had been moments earlier. "I just don't get it. Why is she being so difficult?"

Byakuya walked up next to her. "This life is very foreign to her. You came directly here from Rukongai. Rukia spent the entire time you were here growing up on the streets. To her, without other records indicating otherwise, you're almost an identical stranger. Your bond of blood runs deep only for you. Rukia never wished this life. You sort of almost forced it upon her."

"What could I do? I just don't want my sister to be miserable. She belongs with me and I belong with you." Hisana said holding her hand to her heart.

Byakuya put his hands on Hisana's shoulders. "She'll slowly learn proper respect, but it'll be a long and grueling process. If this is what it's like to raise children, I dare say I'm not looking forward to the day you tell me you're pregnant." Byakuya joked.

"Actually, about that…" Hisana began.

Byakuya's heart skipped a beat.

Hisana laughed. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding." She leaned backwards into her husband's chest and let his arms drape loosely around her. "I'm not ready for children either, Byakuya-sama, but we should start considering it."

"We should work on getting your sister under control first." Byakuya stated.

"You say that like she's a wild animal that needs to be tamed." Hisana chuckled.

"She is sort of like one." Byakuya was teasing, though his tone indicated otherwise.

"You're bad." Hisana chuckled and turned her head and tilted it up to kiss her husband.

"Nee-san I have a…OH! UGH! I DID NOT NEED TO SEE THAT!" Rukia had just come back through the hallway now holding a long, white envelope she seemed to have picked up, in front of her eyes so that she didn't see the sight of her sister making out with her brother-in-law. Rukia knew they did stuff like tthat, but…well it was her sister!

"What do you have there, Rukia?" Hisana asked her, breaking away from Byakuya.

"I dunno, but it has the gaming club's emblem as a seal." Rukia told Hisana. Said seal was a black king and queen's chess piece crossed in an 'X' formation.

Both sisters had joined Lelouch's gaming club when the Vice-Captain created it a month ago. Lelouch was a co-founder with Nemu and Kaien was voted, or rather dictated, club president. The club was rather popular with many Soul Reapers. Interestingly enough, Lelouch was more or less unbothered by the fact that Aizen attended some of the meets. The club was sponsored and funded by the Shibas and the meetings took place on clan soil.

The club was orchestrated as a means for many Soul Reapers to just kick back and enjoy themselves with various board games including, but not limited to: shuffleboard, chess, checkers, Parcheesi, Go, and also virtual games set up on computers that had been purchased from the Department of Research and Development. Mayuri was content with parting with said machines, they were 'outdated models' as he put it. There were also regular and collectable card games available too.

However this was the first time anyone, as far as Rukia and Hisana's knowledge went, received letters from the club.

"It could be dangerous. Perhaps you should just get rid of it." Byakuya warned about the envelope. Despite his closeness to Lelouch he wasn't eager to partake in, what he deemed, a childish club for meaningless frolicking. Hisana had told him he needed to lighten up and enjoy himself once in a while, but when Byakuya started getting stubborn she dropped the subject.

"Perhaps you should…" Rukia was about to open her mouth, but her sister glared at her and she dropped the snappy remark. "Whatever, if there's poisonous powder in here at least we're together." Rukia tore open the envelope. She pulled out a small letter.

Kuchiki Hisana and Kuchiki Rukia, you have been chosen.

The letter then mentioned an area on the borders of the Seireitei on the borderlines of 13th Division's jurisdiction and requested that both Rukia and Hisana go to that location at a specific time. Rukia looked at the clock on the wall and gasped. "Nee-san we have to hurry. We might miss the deadline." Rukia took off.

"Ah, Rukia!" Hisana hated it when she was impulsive. She could've at least told her what the letter said. "If I'm not back later, you'll just have to go to the meeting without me!" she told Byakuya.

"I doubt the Elder Council will be disappointed at your lack of attendance." Byakuya meant that wholeheartedly. The elders of the noble families beneath the Kuchikis really had it in for Hisana. However, Rukia was always at his wife's side to allow the former commoner to keep her head held high. Byakuya remembered how much Hisana's vitality returned to normal after Rukia re-entered her life. If only he and his sister-in-law could get along. Taking a small moment to collect his thoughts, knowing that Hisana and Rukia would be safe so long as they were together, Byakuya went to go have something to eat before heading to work.

2nd Division

Naomi Libra, currently an 11th seat of the 2nd Division, was at the 2nd Division's box office picking up her mail. She thanked the woman who handed her all the work she had for the day and returned to her office. As she went through the stack of files an envelope, identical to the one Rukia and Hisana had received, caught her eye.

Libra Naomi, you have been chosen.

Naomi read the rest of the letter, grabbed her Zanpakuto and headed out.

3rd Division

7th seat of Division 3, Kira Izuru, was busy writing a Haiku for the Seireitei Communication when there was a knock on his office door. All Izuru heard was, "Kira, mail for you," before an envelope was slipped under the closed door to the blonde's office and landed a few meters away from his desk. It was a white envelope with the game club's seal. Inside was a letter.

Kira Izuru, you have been chosen.

Chosen for what? Izuru wondered to himself. If this is Lelouch's idea of gathering a committee, he has a funny way of doing it. Izuru put down his pen, left his office, locked the door and took the key with him and headed out.

4th Division

As Isane was performing a routine checkup on a 7th Division member, Hanataro came trotting by with the mailbag. "Ah, fukutaicho, I have a letter for you."

"A letter for me?" Isane froze. She never got letters, ever, at least not unexpectedly. Her heart started pumping of the many possibilities, but her nerves were calmed when she saw the game club's emblem as a means for sealing the envelope. There was a small letter inside.

Kotetsu Isane, you have been chosen.

Isane didn't know what she was chosen for. She was slightly flustered, but also very anxious to find out what she had won or been selected to partake in. Hurriedly she finished checking her patient and bolted out the door without a second thought, excited, nervous, and invigorated.

5th Division

As Hinamori Momo, now 8th seat of the 5th Division, finished her early morning paperwork, she began to gather it all in a neat pile when she noticed an envelope sticking out. "That's strange, was this in my mail this morning?" she wondered. She had been rather hyper-focused today. The letter was addressed to her and she was a part of the game club so she opened it.

Hinamori Momo, you have been chosen.

Momo looked at the instructions and became even more excited than Isane. She felt like a little kid about to go out on a make-believe adventure. She raced towards the requested location.

6th Division

Shapikni Susanna, the proud 4th seat of the 6th Division under her two former classmates, Kuchiki, formerly Sayuri, Hisana and Kuchiki Byakuya, finished mail duty for that day and began to open her own. Besides some perfume she had ordered from a catalog, she had received a white envelope that, unbeknownst to her, several other Soul Reapers were receiving identical copies of. The envelope contained a declaration that she, like the others, had been chosen for something, as well as a list of instructions to go somewhere at a specified time. Susanna was nervous about this; she did not enjoy social situations very much. Her reasoning for having been part of the game club in the first place was because her former sensei had co-founded it and her own classmate was a member. Still, curiosity built within her and created a temptation to great to resist. She gathered her resolve and headed off.

7th Division

Keshiba Ryou, formerly an 8th seat of the 6th Division, now the 5th of the 7th, was picking some oranges from the division's fruit bearing trees that were in bloom. He loved oranges, they were his favorite fruit. When he had a small basket full he sat down against a wall and began to peel and eat them.

"Ah, Keshiba-san, there you are." A deep booming voice stated. A large figure hulked over Ryou, blocking out the sunlight.

"Ikkanzaka, do you mind? You're in my sun." Ryou said as he munched on an orange.

"I may go wherever I like, for I am…"

"Jirobo the Kamaitachi and blah, blah, blah heard it before." Ryou was normally very respectful of superiority, but he found people like Jirobo who were all bark and very little bite to be rather irritating. It was true that Jirobo did have the skill to back up his boasts, but he spent more time flapping his gums then actually fight a lot of times. "Do you need something with me or are you just here to ruin my mid-morning snack?"

"Hmph, I'd watch your attitude if I were you. I have a letter here for you, but it seems very suspicious to me, very suspicious indeed. If you are going to be rude perhaps I will not give it to you." Jirobo taunted. In a flash, Ryou stood up, leapt into the air and tackled Jirobo to the ground with his arm around the front of the Kamaitachi's large neck. The aforementioned letter went floating through the air like a feather and Ryou caught it in midair.

"You know, it's a shame this isn't Eleventh Division or I would've had your position a long time ago." Ryou said matter-of-factly as he opened the letter. Ryou was perfectly content with rank as a 5th seat. It was enough for him to gain respect, but it was low enough that he wasn't too swamped with work. He showed immense dedication towards his work and the squad, but it was his laid-back attitude that had his captain and Vice-Captain hesitant to make him a higher rank. "Let's see what we have here." Ryou said as he tore open the letter.

Keshiba Ryou, you have been chosen.

Ryou noticed what was suspicious about this letter. There was no telling who the sender was, even on the envelope. How this got past the main offices was beyond him. Still, he was very interested in seeing what all this was about. He grabbed a fresh orange and ate it on the way to where he was asked to go.

9th Division

Hisagi Shuhei, recently promoted to being the Vice-Captain of the 9th Division, was panicking over the fact that the Seireitei Communication was short a very important report. The deadline was tomorrow and the paper had to be printed within 48 hours.

"Fukutaicho!" A journalist opened the doors to the offices.

"Oh, please tell me you have the report we need." Shuhei was hopeful.

"Well…actually no. I have a letter for you sir." He handed Shuhei a white envelope. "Whatever it is, it looks important. The handwriting is very professional."

Upon reading the letter in said envelope all Shuhei could sense was the scent of a big scoop. Something was going down involving the game club and he was going to find out about it. "Zakura-chan!" he called to the division's 5th seat, his secretary for the newspaper's offices

"Yes fukutaicho?" she asked, picking her head up.

"Hold all my calls and fill out my forms. I've just picked up what could be the Seireitei Communication's greatest scoop since my interview with Lamperouge-fukutaicho." Although they were the same rank, Shuhei was mindful of his former sensei and addressed him formerly out of respect. Lelouch was not one to trample on such admiration.

Shuhei proudly strode off in search of a story.

10th Division

"Taicho, have you seen Lelouch anywhere?" Rangiku asked as she bounded into Isshin's office. Inside, the black haired, bearded captain was stroking his chin and looking at a letter that had magically appeared on his desk that morning.

"Nope, haven't seen him, but this letter is really suspicious." He told her.

"Letter? Ah is it from the game club? I got one too! That's why I wanted to know if you've seen Lelouch anywhere." Rangiku responded.

"I see." Isshin rose to his feet and lit up a cigarette. After he puffed out the smoke he said to Rangiku, "Let's go see what all this ruckus is about, shall we?"

"Shouldn't we look for Lelouch?" Rangiku asked.

"If this is involving the game club, I'm sure he'll be there. No sense in wasting time." Isshin said. "Now let's go."

"Hai, taicho!"

11th Division

In the squad's main dojo, Aloman Shisato and Madarame Ikkaku were fighting each other yet again. Shisato was determined to get her place back as third seat and she wasn't about to let anything stop her. She and Ikkaku were bitter rivals in the squad, always competing for the right of 3rd seat. They had clashed 2130 times in the last 23 years of Zaraki Kenpachi's captaincy. Of all those clashes only 161 of them had been official. Ikkaku won every last official match, but Shisato wasn't about to let that stop her. She would not stop until she had her original position back. The rest was just training to see if Shisato even stood a chance at beating Ikkaku.

This was one of their regular matches in which Ikkaku would use either a shinai or a bokken, sometimes both, and Shisato would use her fists. This particular match was being observed by Renji and Yachiru, who were sitting against the wall watching their comrades go at it. Today Ikkaku was using both weapons, one in each hand, and Shisato was doing rather well, but Ikkaku still taunted her.

He swung with his Shinai and Shisato dodged and let drive a roundhouse kick towards his gut. Ikkaku blocked with his bokken. "Come on Shisato, you can do better than that. Are your reflexes slowing down?"

Shisato threw a right hook and managed to slam Ikkaku in the face. The bald brawler recovered rather quickly and came back at Shisato with a spin attack. Shisato did her best to guard.

As the two clashed, Yachiru and Renji followed them, watching the senior officers go from side to side across the dojo. "Ne-ne, Pineapple-kun," she said to Renji, "When this is over let's go have snacks."

"Uh…sure." Renji replied. The redheaded Soul Reaper had achieved the rank of 6th seat in his time as a Division member in the 11th Division. He had trained under Ikkaku and gotten stronger. He had fought against both Shisato and Yumichika last two years in an attempt to climb higher. Both kicked his ass, Shisato more thoroughly.

Renji respected his superior officers, he wanted to become strong like them, but his greatest desire was to surpass and match the rank of two particular individuals: Shiba Kaien, and Kuchiki Hisana. The former was because Rukia often spent more time with Kaien than with Renji and Renji believed she was losing her to the now single Shiba clan head. He wanted to surpass Hisana because he believed it was her fault Rukia had been taken out of his life in the first place. She was thrust from the life she once knew into this new life that, from what Renji had heard, she hardly understood. Renji had spoken to his former sensei, now Vice-Captain of Squad 10, Lamperouge Lelouch about this, but Lelouch said that when it came to impressing women he had no idea what could be done since the black haired bishoen was a natural chick magnet.

As the fight continued Yachiru called out: "You can do it Blondie!"

"Hear that?" Shisato chuckled to herself as she used her arm strength to push away Ikkaku's Shinai. "The Vice-Captain's on my side."

"The Vice-Captain's always on your side." Ikkaku practically rolled his eyes. He knew he and Yachiru never got along. Yachiru would root for anyone else over Ikkaku unless 'someone else' was a hollow or something similar.

As the skirmish continued it was interrupted by Yumichika walking in with a packet of papers under his arm. "Excuse me." He announced his presence. "I have some mail to deliver."

Shisato turned in Yumichika's direction just as Ikkaku was coming at her and without even turning to look in his direction punched him square in the face. Ikkaku fell back onto the ground. He got up with a nose bleed. "Gah! What the hell were you holding back?"

"What are you," Shisato to look at her superior in rank, "Oh my kami, are you all right Ikkaku?" It was as if Shisato hadn't even recognized that she just punched the guy out in order to get her mail.

"Forget about it." Ikkaku said wiping nose with his sleeve. "Whatcha got for us Yumichika?"

"I have your magazine subscription." He handed Ikkaku his monthly issue of Swords Illustrated. He went over to Yachiru. "I have a package of cookies from an old friend."

"Yay! Snacks!" Yachiru tore open the bag and began devouring the sugary treats.

"And it seems you two," he addressed Renji and Shisato, "have mail from the game club."

"Mail?" Shisato and Renji were both confused. In an entire month no one received letters from the game club, but both opened the letters anyway.

Aloman Shisato, you have been chosen.

Abarai Renji, you have been chosen.

Renji was confused, noted by the scratching of his head. Shisato looked over to him. "I know where this is, you in Renji?"

"Lead the way." He said.

"Wait, where are you going?" Ikkaku asked. "We're in the middle of a fight here."

"Sorry," Shisato apologized, waving her hand flippantly, "Important business. I have to go. We'll just call this a draw." She then thought of another idea. "Hey, fukutaicho!" she called to Yachiru.

She wouldn't. Ikkaku had a bad feeling of what was about to come out of Shisato's mouth next.

"Take my place for me will you?" Shisato requested.

"Okay blondie, I'll fight Pachinko ball for you!" Yachiru waved, holding a cookie in her hand.

"Ta-ta," Shisato and Renji then both went out the door.

Shisato. Ikkaku grit his teeth. He remembered how embarrassing it was the first time he lost to Yachiru. "I'M GONNA FREAKING KILL YOU!"

12th Division

At her desk in the Research Department, Nemu was playing chess on her computer. She noticed how much her precious 'Lelouch-sama' loved chess, even going so far as to use the pieces as part of the club emblem, so she was learning how to play. She had started last week and was adapting quickly. She was nowhere near the level of skill Lelouch, Aizen and Byakuya were at, but she was slowly getting the hang of the game. She was eager to show her skills to her fellow co-founder at the next club meeting.

As she sat there, playing, a container came shooting down the mail tube to the lobby. Unlike the other divisions, the 12th Division had set up a system of tubes and pipes to create and automated mail system that delivered packages, letters and papers throughout the research department so as not to disturb hardworking scientists, like the captain itself. A pleasant little 'ding' could be heard when a cylindrical container, containing mail for the intended recipient, arrived. Nemu stopped playing and went over to collect her mail. There was a letter from the game club in it.

Odd, I don't believe there was supposed to be any letters from the game club coming in. Then again we don't yet have a committee for the club to discuss such things. Nemu thought to herself. She opened the letter and read the instructions. Although her captain had ceased being able to hurt her, he still flared up in a rage fit whenever she did something 'wrong'. Still, Lelouch had taught her how to start making decisions for herself, and she was very interested in seeing what this was about. Perhaps she could even tell Lelouch about it, if it turned out to be a scam of sorts. Whoever the sender was, they were using the game club's seal. If they were not affiliated with it, it was grounds for fraud and Nemu knew how much Lelouch despised criminals.

She shut down her game, saved her work, and headed out.

13th Division

Shiba Kaien was retelling his battle with Metastacia, which was approximately five years ago to date, to a bunch of new, rather young, recruits. Of course his version was a little different than the actual truth.

"So there I was, out in the forest at night staring down this big ugly and gruesome hollow that had devoured my precious Miyako." he spoke. "I ran it and slashed it up good, hacking off two of its limbs before it even had a chance to do anything. Then I leapt into the air and shouted 'Rankle the seas and skies, Nejibana!' I used my powerful Zanpakuto to—"

"Oh is that how it happened," A disbelieving, mature and feminine voice, called out, "I heard it told rather differently."

Kaien felt his heart go straight into his small intestines. He craned his neck to look at the door behind him. "Oh…h-hey sis. What are you doing here?"

"Mail delivery, you got a letter from that game club. If you're the president shouldn't you have told me about this stuff?" Kukaku questioned. She knew the letters were being sent out; she was in on the whole deal. She could play dumb very convincingly though.

"Sis, not in front of the newbies." Kaien whined. He didn't want the new recruits to think he was all talk. Sure he had inflated his battle with Metastacia a bit, but…

"Take the letter, read the contents and let's get going." Kukaku held the letter out to her brother. Kaien took it and opened it.

"Going, going where?" Kaien asked, but his question was answered when he read over the letter. Kukaku held up a similar one.

"It's our grounds being used, so it seems our mysterious benefactor considers me a club member." In truth Kukaku was an honorary member herself. She wasn't a Soul Reaper so she couldn't be a full-fledged member, but since she was Lelouch's income, he saw fit to let her partake in the meets. In truth, Kukaku knew all about what was going on and had been instructed to act as if she didn't, for effect of course.

Kaien sighed. Rukia wasn't here yet so he couldn't ask her to take over for him. He only had one other option and he was loath to set off chaos, but what had to be done had to be done. "Sentaro! Kiyone!" he called.

"Fukutaicho!" Both showed up in seconds.

"Look after the new guys will you, I have somewhere I need to be right now."

"Leave it to me!" Both of them said. Kaien left before the situation started getting ridiculous.

Well, if anything, at least they'll be entertaining for the kids. He said as he left with his sister.

Secret Underground Training Base

The location that the letters had mapped out was none other than Urahara and Yoruichi's supposed to be secret underground training area. As those that were chosen gathered together, many began pointing fingers and discussing the mysterious letters with each other.

"No sign of Lelouch." Rangiku said to her captain.

"That's weird. You'd think he'd be here considering the president and the other club founder are here." Isshin found this all to be very suspicious. Everyone waited around for the specified time, most everyone was early. The time came and went until five minutes past.

"Wonder what's keeping our mysterious benefactor waiting." Kukaku joked, despite knowing that the delay was intentional to make sure that all participants had arrived.

No sooner had she said that did the lights to the base go out. Isane whimpered, scared of the pitch blackness.

"What's going on?" Izuru asked.

Maniacal laughter echoed through the area. The laughter was followed by a speech: "When the law fails to punish those who deserve to be, I will take matters into my own hands and strike down my own hammer of justice upon the damned. I am the protector of the weak and the bane of the strong. I am the noble demon to counter the corrupted angel. I am the Black Void. I am the Mind of Steel. I am the Just Phantom. With my own two hands I shall purge the corruption of this world with the light of redemption and divinity." Lights came on around a very tall cliff as a figure stood atop it. "I am Zero!" Water and fireworks shot above and around the masked vigilante. Kukaku admired her handiwork.

You do indeed have a thing for theatrics. She chuckled to herself.

"That's…Zero." Rangiku recognized the person who Gin had said kidnapped her.

"What? Zero the vigiliante?" Isshin was the most shocked.

"Yes it is I, Zero!" Zero announced again. "I have called all of you here because you all have proven yourselves both worthy," he flung out the right side of his cape and held out his right arm, palm towards the sky, fingers bent, "and qualified to join me in my quest," Zero clenched his fist, "for revolution!"

"And just why would we join you?" Hisana asked. Join forces with a man who the Central Forty Six had deemed the 'enemy of the Soul Society'? Zero certainly had guts to ask for such a thing.

"Yeah, you kidnapped me!" Rangiku shouted.

"And who told you that?" Zero asked. "Before you make wild accusations against me, you should check your sources." Rangiku was going to argue, but knew Zero had a point given how Gin would lie, even to her.

"How do you know none of us will leave and report that you're here?" Susanna asked, pointing at the masked vigilante.

"Unless you're some runaway member of the Zero Division, which is why you're calling yourself Zero," Shisato said rather haughtily with both hands on her hips and her head tilted to put a very smug expression on her face, "There's no way you could take us all on at once."

"I have no intention of fighting. I am no enemy of the Soul Society, merely a 'Criminal with Good Intentions'. Shiba Kaien and Shiba Kukaku!" Zero addressed the 13th lieutenant as he pointed down a him, "You know my first action and why I did it."

"Kaien, Kukaku, what's he talking about?" Isshin asked.

"That man, along with one other, broke Urahara Kisuke, Shihoin Yoruichi, and Tsukabishi Tessai out of the Central Forty Six chambers." Kaien stated.

"What? That was Zero?" Isshin asked.

"But I heard there were two Zeroes that day." Shuhei stated.

"Wait, I'm confused. If there were two Zeroes then why aren't there two now?" Rangiku stated.

"It's simple. The other Zero is no longer here. She escaped to the World of the Living." Zero responded. "She was not even me, she was my doppelganger. A woman I helped because she was in need."

Realization hit Kaien, "Wait, so then Soifon didn't betray the Soul Society as Lelouch's reports indicated. The other Zero…"

"Yes, the other person that assisted me all those years ago was the Executive Commander herself!" Zero declared. Disquieted murmurs ran throughout the underground pavilion.

"I don't understand though." Isane said. "Why would the former Executive Commander have turned to your aid?"

"The Gotei 13, while a very solid organization, sometimes let's criminals walk away or punishes the wrong people. It is my ideal to expose the truth, to reveal the conspiracies and show the Gotei for the fools they can sometimes be!" Zero declared, completely dodging the actual question.

"But revolution is qualification for treason." Momo cried out.

"You are correct Miss Hinamori, but we are not revolting, we are assisting the Soul Society, showing them errors that they must correct. In a way we are a dark shadow cast by the sun to assist the Gotei."

"Isn't that what the Special Tactics and Reconaissance Unit of the Onmitsukido is used for though?" Naomi asked.

"They are only as intelligent as their commander, the Fourth Seat of Division Two. However, I am on a level far above any of them. I am a tactical mastermind far beyond their capacity, even the members of the unit itself." Zero stated.

"My, someone's full of themselves." Shuhei snorted.

"All right, I've heard enough!" Hisana declared and pointed at Zero. "If you want us to join you, give us one good reason why we should. Your intentions are true and that's enough that I myself won't do anything, but until I see some good reason why we should risk our necks for you, I'm not moving." Many of the other officers seemed to agree with Hisana's outburst.

"I figured you might state that." Zero stated. Unlike last time I'm pulling this team together from scratch rather than taking over an already existing team. I knew identity revelation would be absolutely necessary, but I trust them. They are…my friends. "Behold the face of Zero." The rest of the lights came on as Zero placed one hand on his helmet and let the back of it retract exposing his black hair to the cavern air. As he pulled the helmet down and away from his face, many people were in shock as the identity of Zero became revealed to be one Vice-Captain Lamperouge Lelouch.

"Lelouch?"

"Senpai?"

"Lelouch-dono?"

"Lelouch-sama?"

"Lamperouge-sensei?"

"Lamperouge-san?"

"Lamperouge-fukutaicho?"

The various declarations of Lelouch's name were outcried simultaneously by his comrades. "Yes it is I." Lelouch said, tucking his helmet under his arm. "I am Zero!" Lelouch thrust his other arm out, palm facing towards the ground. There was a pause. "Is this enough reason for you to trust me Hisana?"

"I don't understand. Why are you doing this senpai?" Naomi was completely confused. She had known Lelouch to be a kind, caring, supportive individual, if a bit blunt and abrupt, what reason would he have to resort to being Zero? Why was he Zero?

"When I first came to the Soul Society I had every intention of becoming much like most of you, a good soldier doing his duty with the noble intention of becoming captain and vocalizing new policies to make the Soul Society the paradise we make it out to be. However, all of that changed with Akari-taicho's death. She was cut down and the man who was responsible was another captain that was involved in some shady business." Lelouch stated.

"So that's why Homura-taicho left without a word." Isshin realized.

"Yes, Yuna, on Akari-taicho's honor, left to chase after Hoshima Treva, whom she later tracked down." Lelouch explained.

"You were on site when Yuna was found dead!" Rangiku remembered.

"I was. It was I who delivered the final blow to Hoshima. I caught him off guard and I brought peace to Yuna and Akari-taicho's souls." Lelouch declared.

"But Hoshima is dead and buried why do you still fight?" Shisato asked.

Lelouch put his helmet back on. "As long as there is corruption in the Soul Society, I will be there to put an end to it when the Central Forty Six would rather turn a blind eye. Also, Hoshima may be dead and buried, but he was not acting alone." Lelouch explained.

"What do you mean?" Izuru asked. "Are you saying Hoshima has a successor?"

"No. Hoshima was just a pawn for a much more sinister man, a man that has been the cause of my pain as well as the pain of several of you." Lelouch stated and pointed at Hisana. "Who was it that lusted after you in an attempt to coddle you to his side and turn you into a willing subordinate?" he pointed at Rangiku. "Do you know who it was that Ichimaru Gin swore revenge on?" He pointed at Shuhei. "Do you know who it was that caused that hollow attack when I saved you, Momo, Renji, Izuru and Rukia?" He pointed at Kaien. "Do you know who it was that created the hollow that devoured Miyako?" Lelouch asked.

"Lelouch, wait are you saying that he's behind everything?" Hisana shouted.

"That is precisely what I am saying. My friends and comrades, the man who is the source of all of these atrocities is none other than Fifth Division Captain Aizen Sosuke!" Lelouch declared.

Momo looked like she was going to have a panic attack at the declaration of Aizen being an evil mastermind. "No…no that can't be true."

"Seek it in your heart. You know it to be true." Lelouch stated and added, "Would you doubt the word of your favorite sensei?"

"I…no…but…"

Hisana put a hand on Momo's shoulder and stared up at Lelouch. "I believe him. Is that why you called us here Lelouch? You want our help to take down Aizen in a way that doesn't involve tarnishing our reputations? You want us to form a union."

A light bulb went off in Kaien's head "I get it. Your little game club was so you could have us all in one place. The game club is a decoy so that the Central Forty Six won't realize our true intentions. You had Nemu and I become the leaders while you shadow everything behind the scenes. I got to hand it to you Lelouch, you really know how to make a plan come together."

"Is that true Lelouch?" Rangiku asked.

"It is true. I need allies willing to stick their neck out for me and you have all been my comrades. I believed that I could trust you all with this. Do not prove me wrong." Lelouch declared.

"Hey if you wanted company you should've just asked." Isshin folded his arms and smiled. "Do you think we would've said no?"

"I couldn't take the risk that Aizen would be listening in by asking in person. He is every bit the mastermind I am." Lelouch stated. "I befriended you all in hopes that you would, in turn, return that trust now. When I was alive I did not show that same trust I show now. I know what I am asking for is a lot, but it has been my hope that you will all throw yourselves at my cause. Those of you that wish to stand by me step forward and declare yourself my comrade in arms."

Susanna was the first to do so. "I'm with you Lelouch-dono." She said and walked towards the cliff Lelouch was on and faced towards the others. She held one clenched hand up by her heart and threw the other out at her side. "I believe in my former teacher."

"And I as well." Hisana stepped forward. She turned around. "I know Aizen is a creep. If Lelouch believes he can expose that," she clenched a fist in front of her, "then I will stand by him."

"If nee-san believes in Lamperouge-sensei then so will I!" Rukia joined her sister and stood at her side.

"If Rukia's in this, then so am I!" Renji declared and joined Rukia, Hisana and Susanna.

"What kind of captain would I be not to trust his Vice-Captain? I'm in." Isshin declared and added himself to Lelouch's team.

"So this was the crazy secret my sister's been hiding all this time." Kaien scratched his head. "Well, you did save my life," he folded his arms and smiled, "I suppose I owe you for that much."

"Lelouch, I must say you are absolutely crazy. You remind me of Kisuke so much it hurts." Kukaku laughed as she walked up alongside her brother.

"You knew about this didn't you? You knew about this when you handed me the letter?" Kaien said, getting in his sister's face.

Kukaku, rather than reacting violently, playfully pushed Kaien's head out of the way. "Knock it off Kaien."

"I am your ever loyal subordinate Lelouch-sama." Nemu joined Lelouch.

"I will place my faith in your hands Lamperouge-san." Isane joined up.

"Lelouch, you said that Gin swore revenge on Aizen?" Rangiku asked.

"I did, but he is trying his revenge in a way that I cannot approach him. He is not one of us. He is trying to gain Aizen's trust so that he may, at some point, backstab him when it would hurt him the most. It is possible you may have to act against him. Knowing that, will you join me?" Lelouch asked.

Rangiku took a deep breath. "I will. Gin keeps secrets from me all the time. It's high time I kept something from him."

"If Rangiku-san is joining then so am I!" Shuhei ran to join his former teacher.

"I believe in my senpai." Naomi said with gusto and joined the others.

"Personally I think this whole thing is crazy." Shisato stated. "But what the heck? Why not? I owe Homura-taicho, Akari-taicho this much. If Aizen-taicho is a surviving cause of their deaths, then you can count me in."

Momo, Keshiba and Izuru were now the only ones who hadn't thrown themselves on the bandwagon. "Momo," Lelouch said, "I know you joined the Gotei 13 to become like Aizen, but he's not who he appears to be. As I stated, when I protected you all he was intent on taking the spotlight by calling more hollows. I have evidence that points directly to him, but it's not enough that the Central Forty Six will believe me." He looked at Izuru. "Izuru, what would you rather do? Follow orders or follow what you believe is the right thing to do? Who is more of a hero, the man who follows his orders and leads his whole unit on a blind charge and dies with them or the man who disobeys his orders, mutinies against his superior," Lelouch clenched his fist, "and eliminates his enemy on the spot? And Ryou I know that you have a strong sense of justice. You do not frown upon those that operate outside the law, but you say that you yourself will never become one of us, but surely you realize not everything can be done within the boundaries of the law. If you truly wish to show your dedication to the Gotei, fight at my side!"

Izuru understood what Lelouch was telling him. "I understand sensei." He walked forward and joined the others.

Ryou took a deep breath. "Lelouch, I must say when we had a discussion about morals, laws and boundaries I never thought that this is what it amounted to. However, I'm not about to betray your secret or your friendship. I'm just not that kind of person." He pointed at Lelouch with a grin. "You want my allegiance? You got it pal!" Ryou sidled up right alongside the others.

Momo was left standing alone. She had idolized Aizen. She joined the Gotei because of Aizen. Now she was being told he was an evil man with selfish ambitions. She trusted Lelouch, she had feelings for him she still didn't quite understand yet, but she didn't know if she would betray her idol over him.

Lelouch noticing this leapt of his perch, using his cloak to create air resistance so he didn't plummet straight to the ground, and stood in front of Momo. "I can gather what you might be thinking right now. Who should I trust: my idol or my friend? Momo," Lelouch removed his helmet and put it on the ground and put both his hands on her shoulders. He looked at her seriously, "I will never betray you. I didn't save your life just so you would return my trust to join me. I saved yours and the others lives because I cared about you and I still do care about you. Your life and the lives of everyone else here mean a lot to me. You are all my friends. I wouldn't ask you all to be here otherwise."

"But…what if you're wrong?" Momo looked like she might cry. "What if like you…Aizen-taicho has his reasons?"

"If he has his reasons he can explain them to you when we capture him and hold him for trial. Momo, he betrayed his own captain. He caused the Soul Society to lose several important figures, including a noble house leader." Lelouch was speaking factually and not accusing Momo of anything, including her denial. He was just trying to get her to understand. His tone was serious, but his voice was as calm and serine as a stream on a warm summer day. "What would you rather do? If you think I'm a liar don't join me, but if you trust me, follow me. If you don't want to believe that Aizen is capable of such things. Or if you believe he has his reasons join me and we will find those reasons together. It's not just Aizen I'm after either. He is just one corrupt man out of so many. Don't you want to be there to help the Soul Society in a way you can't by being saddled with rules and regulations? Didn't you say in your written exam you wanted to make a difference? Well here's your chance. Here's your chance to help benefit the Soul Society. Join me Momo. Help me make the Soul Society a better place."

"Sensei." Momo teared up and gave Lelouch a big hug. Many of the people behind the pair went 'awwww' at the cute sight. "Gomen…gomen…" Momo was hyperventilating slightly. "Gomenasai."

"It's okay Momo." Lelouch rubbed her back.

"I don't distrust you. You saved my life. I could never betray that. Lamperouge-sensei." Tears continued to drop from the plum haired girl's face. Lelouch helped her to calm down and then Momo stood up and put her game face on. "Right! I'm with you sensei!"

"Good to hear." Lelouch said. Momo ran towards the others and Lelouch picked up his helmet from off the ground and put it back on before turning to face his friends. "Listen up everyone! Now that you've decided to join me I will explain the next step. If we're going to band together as one we will need a name befitting who we are and what we stand for. As Zero, I have already put the Soul Society on edge. Although I've only made my appearance known twice, for the Central Forty Six, and the Head Captain, that's two times too many."

"So what will we call ourselves?" Shuhei asked.

"We will be known, as the Fantomu of Jasutisu!" (Phantoms of Justice) Lelouch declared. He pulled out a hyperspace capsule from his pocket and unleashed a small box containing colored wristbands identical in design to the one Lelouch had given Vera. "These wristbands, designed by me and completed by former captain Urahara Kisuke hold the power of our team."

"How the hell did you get in contact with him?" Kaien asked.

"Me of course." Kukaku said, shocking everyone. "What? You think this guy could've pulled this off all on his own" she went up to Lelouch and shook his shoulder, well maybe, but I helped."

"Anyway put these on." Lelouch then chucked a wristband at each person calling out specific names for specific colors. Everyone put them on.

"Wow, these look great. You really have a knack for fashion Lelouch." Rangiku complimented as she looked at hers.

Kaien Nemu and Kukaku were the only ones without wristbands. The first two had to work consistently at the game club meetings to orchestrate it. Both understood the important task they were being given. Kukaku was Lelouch's financial manager, but Lelouch wanted her in on the whole thing, since she knew so much already.

How to activate the costume was that each person had to call out "Watashi ne," (I am) followed by their name, "Fantomu," and then the color of the wristband, which was written on the side of the band since a few of the bands looked similar. The then had to press a small button on the side of the circular device on the band. There had been complaints about how…ridiculous the command sounded when Lelouch demonstrated. In response Kukaku mentioned, quite truthfully, that anyone who didn't follow the rules would be shocked, as per a little additive Urahara added. In the interest of self-preservation the entire group complied.

Everyone was instructed that while in these alter-egos they could not use their Zanpakuto to prevent their identity from being revealed. Lelouch said he believed that those he had selected would not be hampered by such things since they were proficient in combat without their Zanpakuto releases.

"Right then," Lelouch said when everyone understood the position they were in, "Let's give this a test! Fantomu of Jasutisu! Kesugo suru!" (Unite)

Hisana was the first to go. "Watashi ne Kuchiki Hisana, Fantomu Gurin!" (Green) Each costume was outfitted with a cape that cloaked the wearer's reiatsu, a suit similar to the original Zero outfit Lelouch used to have and helmet much like the ones Lelouch used to have the Black Knights wear, but the visor was tinted to be the same color as the rest of the suit, which matched the color of the wristband. Hisana's was bright green like CC's hair. "Check it out."

"Did you design these yourself?" Rukia asked.

"Well Urahara Kisuke put the finishing touches on the suits, but he followed my blueprints." Lelouch said.

"They look…well…goofy." Rukia stated.

"Hey, I put my heart and soul into these things. They look damn good." Lelouch took offense. "Besides I added a little something to yours."

"Well, let me see then." Rukia readied her wristband. "Watashi ne Kuchiki Rukia, Fantomu Howaito!" (White) Rukia emerged in her costume and Lelouch held up a mirror to show Rukia that her helmet had a pair of white rabbit ears on it. Rukia took back what she said by replacing it with. "Sensei, you're the best."

Naomi went next. "Watashi ne Libra Naomi, Fantomu Kurisutaru!" (Crystal) Her outfit, dubbed as such, was a crystal blue color.

"Watashi ne Kira Izuru, Fantoumu Indigo!" (Indigo is the same in Japanese as it is in English for this translation) Izuru was impressed with the suit's ability to magically tuck the part of hair hanging about an inch in front of his face to the side.

"Watashi ne Kotetsu Isane, Fantomu Gure!" (Gray) Isane was very pleased with the fact that Lelouch managed to get her suit to compliment her rather abnormal height. Her cape was even long enough to touch the ground and no stretches were in the leather.

"Watashi ne Hinamori Momo, Fantomu Baioretto!" (Violet) Momo looked at her outfit and then to Lelouch "I would've preferred peach, sensei." She stated.

"Yes, well I was having trouble getting my hands on that kind of leather, besides it matches your hair and it's easier to differentiate." Lelouch said in response.

"Watashi ne Shapikni Susanna, Fantomu Iero!" (Yellow) Rather than looking like a giant banana, Lelouch had dulled the yellow of Susanna's uniform making it a very dusty yellow rather than vibrant.

"Watashi ne Keshiba Ryou, Fantomu Oranju!" (Orange) Keshiba rolled his eyes and looked at Lelouch. "Lelouch, I know oranges are my favorite fruit, but…"

Lelouch was quick with a response. "You remind me of someone I once gave a similar name to. Such pneumonias make things easier for me." Keshiba was not about to inquire what would've caused Lelouch to call a person like him any variation of 'Orange' so he dropped the subject.

"Watashi ne Hisagi Shuhei, Fantomu Birijian!" (Viridian) In contrast to Hisana's vibrant color, Hisagi showed a much darker shade. Lelouch certainly was nitpicking. He had to since there were only so many normal colors.

"Watashi ne Kurosaki Isshin, Fantomu Burakku!" (Black) Isshin was the closest to the original Zero as anyone was, except that the inside of his cape was also black, as was the visor to his helmet. He also, like the others, wasn't wearing the exact same helmet Lelouch had.

"Watashi ne Matsumoto Rangiku, Fantomu Pinku!" (Pink) Rather than being a vibrant pink, Lelouch had gone with the less vibrant color and made Rangiku's most of a summery, pale pink. "Hey, Lelouch couldn't I show at least a little bit of cleavage? I feel so trapped in this. It does look good though."

"Do you want to give your identity away incredibly easily?" Lelouch asked. It was true that Rangiku's massive knockers would give things away all on their own, but at least without the cleavage bit it would be much less conspicuous to a degree.

"Watshi ne, Aloman Shisato, Fantomu Buru!" (Blue) Unlike Izuru whose uniform had specifically been made Indigo, Shisato had the traditional brightly colored shade that most would think when they thought of the color blue.

"Watashi ne, Abarai Renji, Fantomu Reddo!" (Red) Renji's shade was the same as Shisato's only for his respective color. He really played the part of 'Red'.

"Ya Watashi ne Lelouch vi Britannia…Fantomu Zero!" Lelouch was the only one with the traditional Zero helmet and his cape, suit and visor did not match in color like the others. Lelouch's visor was blue, his reiatsu concealing cloak was dark green and he was the only one wearing a standard Shihakusho, albeit with much less baggy pants.

"Wait, vi Britannia?" Rukia asked.

"Lamperouge Lelouch is an assumed identity I created to hide my identity from those I believed would recognize me otherwise. The details are complicated and I don't feel like explaining it right now." Lelouch stated. Rukia dropped the subject.

"You guys look awesome." Kaien stated with a grin.

"The costumes came out just as you designed, Lelouch-sama." Nemu added bowing.

"This is quite the team you've put together." A female voice said as two more individuals, both of which were women, approached from behind. Naomi lit up like a one thousand watt bulb when she saw said individuals.

"Glad you could make it." Lelouch smiled at the newcomers.

"Come on, did you have any doubt I would show up?" one of the newcomers held up a golden wristband.

"You and I are friends," the other newcomer held up a silver wristband, "This is proof of that."

"Well, we're all in costume, you two do it to." Lelouch stated.

Both women nodded.

The one with the silver wristband went first. "Watashi ne Fon Shaolin, Fantomu Shiruba!" (Silver) The wristbands only reacted to the person's actual name, nicknames, as explained to Soifon by the twisted shopkeeper himself, would result in being shocked into submission.

The other woman went next. "Ya Watashi ne, Shihoin Yoruichi, Fantomu Gorudo!" (Gold)

"Soifon-senpai! Yoruichi-san!" Naomi was bouncing up and down, ecstatic.

"So does it feel as ridiculous to wear that as it did last time?" Lelouch teased Soifon.

"Of course not." Soifon stated. "This costume, designed by you, is proof of your determination. For Yoruichi-sama's honor I will wear it with pride."

"That's very kind of you Little Bee," Yoruichi chuckled.

"How does it fit?" Lelouch asked.

"I agree with what I heard Pink say earlier, you have a knack for fashion Lelouch." Yoruichi responded.

"Good, Then we are all assembled."

"What do we do now?" Susanna asked.

"I'm glad you asked Yellow," Lelouch stated and was given looks. "We'll have to refer to each other by code name when we're on the field anyway, we might as well start now." Everyone returned to looking relatively normal. "Our first assignment is I have discovered a person of interest, Atrumier Rehten!"

"Wait, are we breaking into the Atrumier manor?" Shuhei asked.

"We are indeed, Viridian." Lelouch responded. "Your captain, Tosen Kaname, is not only blind in the literal sense, but he is also blind to the truth. Many of you might recall the article of how Tosen spoke of his fallen friend. Well, I have reason to believe that there are things he is not necessarily aware of. The Central Forty Six ruled temporary insanity on Atrumier Rehten, who has long since turned in his Zanpakuto and spends his days sipping expensive water and reading the news and old fashioned poetry. I…we are going to break in, and make the Atrumiers talk."

"I thought we were going after Captain Aizen." Renji stated.

"Aizen is but one of many corrupted individuals in the Soul Society. Our objective encompasses all individuals who would dare to abuse their power. We shield the weak from the strong. However, before we can go about gaining the faith of those around us, we must first make a debut and that means blasting whatever corruption is going on inside the Atrumier household right out of the water. My fellow phantoms and comrades in arms, are you with me?"

"We're with you." Susanna stated. Everyone seemed to agree with her statement.

"Then that settles it then. Fantomu no Jasutisu, move out!"

To be continued…

(A/N: And thus Lelouch formed his team and their journey together begins. Just what sort of secret is lurking within the events surrounding the death of Kozou Mariko? Are all the members of the Fantomu no Jasutisu undyingly loyal to Lelouch? *looks at Anti-Momo fans who think she'll betray Aizen to Lelouch with a menacing glare* Will they be able to expose Aizen as the traitor that he is? You can only find out the answers to that and more, next time on Soul Chess!)