AN: Greetings All! Fairly new to the Code Geass fandom, having only finished the season as of 2 days ago. I wrote this story as an experiment to see what would have happened if Lelouch didn't have Geass. Obviously, there are a few changes I had to make, but I tried to keep it as minimal as possible. The point of divergence is if a different squad found Lelouch on the subway of episode 1.

Inspired in part by "Dauntless" and "Lelouch of Britannia." 10/20/13

Disclaimer: If you seriously think I own Code Geass, I would question your mental capacity.

Arc I: Prepare to Play
Part 1: The Board is Set

"Shit." Lelouch muttered. It was an accurate description of the situation he found himself in. In hindsight, perhaps he shouldn't have decided to cut classes today just to play his highly illegal, but very lucrative chess match. He probably shouldn't have ditched Rivalz, his ride, on the highway either.

"Hands in the air. We have you surrounded." The officer said. As if Lelouch needed to be reminded of the 20 EK-68 assault rifles pointed at him.

Tentatively, he did as ordered, taking care not to make any sudden movements. Or, in general, give the soldiers a reason to shoot him.

The officer pointed to two of his subordinates. "You two, secure the gas." The officer noticed the Ashford Academy uniform Lelouch was wearing. "What's a Britannian school boy doing in the ghettos?" He asked.

Lelouch relaxed a little. They wouldn't dare execute a Britannian citizen without just cause. It might have been permissible and even encouraged against Numbers - the derogatory slur that encompassed all the colonized citizens of the Holy Britannian Empire - but Britannians, even commoners, were an entirely different story. "I saw the truck crash off road an-"

The officer interrupted. "And you thought you'd try to be a hero by helping out the survivors. Is that it?" He adjusted the unwieldy cape that was attached to his shoulder plates. Lelouch frowned. Why would an officer of the Royal Guard, men who were usually tasked with guarding royalty, get involved with a simple terrorist crackdown operation? Being hand-picked by Royalty meant they did not have to bother with mundane tasks unless their liege ordered them to.

"Yeah, I didn't know terrorists were involved. Good thing you guys came."

"Sir, gas is secured. The contents are untouched and the container is uncompromised." One of the soldiers reported.

The officer brought the radio to his ear and pushed a button, causing it to crackle to life. "We've secured the gas. We'll meet the VTOL gunships at the designated area for recovery."

"No, no problems encountered."

"Well…sir, we found a Britannian with the package."

"Understood, sir." The officer handed the radio to one of the soldiers. "You're coming with us."

Lelouch felt his heart stop. That couldn't be good. Getting arrested by the police was bad enough, but being taken by the military, in the middle of a ghetto? He might as well have been shot on the spot, and no one would have ever found out. "What for?" He went cold as he felt the barrel of an assault rifle poking his back.

"I suggest you keep your mouth shut." The officer replied curtly, turning on his heel.

Lelouch would have sworn again, but was keenly aware of the gun still at his back, and decided to take the officer's word to heart.

The group walked in silence; the soldiers out of discipline, the boy out of fear. It took a few minutes for them to reach outside of the subway. The sight that greeted Lelouch was unsettling.

They had turned Shinjuku Ghetto into a virtual warzone. VTOL gunships patrolled the skies, their mounted machine guns threatening to unleash death upon the inhabitants of the ghetto at the first sign of dissent. The unmistakable outline of the RPI-13 Sutherlands, humanoid robots two stories high piloted by the army's best, dominated the horizon armed with their giant assault rifles that cut could through crowds like a plasma knife through butter. It was almost unfathomable why the military would come out in such force to the nondescript ghetto near Tokyo Settlement.

He was brought out of his thoughts by a VTOL gunship landing in front of him. He was shoved forward, falling face first into the floor of the transport. Before he could attempt to get up, someone cuffed his wrists together with an ominous click. He was pulled up and thrown roughly onto a seat. It took a moment for his eyes to reorient themselves, and was greeted with the business end of a gun looming perilously close to his face.

"Prisoner secured. We are en route to the G-1." The officer said over the radio.

Lelouch's eyes widened. If they were headed to a G-1 Mobile Base then it could only mean one thing.

Prince Clovis, the Third Prince of the Empire and Viceroy of Japan - or Area 11 as it was now called - was on the field. Had his identity been compromised? Did Clovis find out that he and his sister were alive? More importantly, was Clovis going to kill them? It was likely, after all, that he would be assassinated. He was just another contender to the throne, after all.

But no, it seemed unlikely that the Third Prince was going to have him killed. Otherwise, he would be in a pool of his own blood right now back at the abandoned subway. Interrogation then? It was a possibility, but Lelouch Lamperouge had no information of worth for Clovis.

Lelouch vi Britannia, Eleventh Prince and Seventeenth in line to the Throne, however, was another story entirely. How could he forget that fateful day, seven years ago, when his mother had been killed. He and his sister had been abandoned, pounced upon by their enemies in court - the jealous consorts of the Imperial harem, their families and their supporters - with no friends able or willing to come to their defense. Even the Emperor, Charles zi Britannia, had cast them aside. They who were the children of his favored consort. Their father had called it "Social Darwinism", the Empire's excuse for imperialism and conquest.

Lelouch had called it barbarism. What else could call a system that approved, and even supported, of throwing away children deemed as "useless?"

His thoughts were interrupted when the VTOL landed softly onto the G-1's deck which also functioned as a makeshift landing pad. The door slid open and Lelouch stepped out at the "urging" of his warden. He was escorted hastily into, what he could only assume, was the command deck of the G-1.

He looked up to see the Viceroy of Area 11 seated on his throne. Clovis was dressed extravagantly in his so called uniform, which was restrictive and offered virtually no protection in battle. It was adorned with many commemorative ribbons and shiny medals. In short, it was the uniform of a politician playing soldier.

Clovis regarded his prisoner critically, not sure what to make of him. If the situation wasn't so serious, Lelouch would have assumed he was scrutinizing his choice of apparel. Then again, it was Clovis after all. Perhaps his Royal Guard had arrested him so he could be educated in what was considered as proper clothing for a Britannian in the ghettos? The thought brought a faint smile to Lelouch's lips.

It did not go unnoticed.

The guard beside him slammed the butt of his rifle into his back. The blow, unexpected as it was, sent Lelouch to the ground. He slowly pushed himself up so that he was kneeling on the floor.

"Stop." Clovis ordered. "What's your name?"

"Lamperouge, Your Highness." Lelouch said, praying to whatever deities that existed. that his brother would not recognize the maiden name of his mother.

"And your given name?" Clovis pressed.

Fuck. This was it. He was done for. After all, "Lelouch" wasn't exactly a common name. "It's Lelouch." Another blow came, forcing him back onto the ground.

"You will address Prince Clovis with his title, low-born cur!" The guard demanded harshly.

"It can't be him." Clovis muttered under his breath - apparently ignoring the conduct of his guard - frowning at the name. "Face me."

Lelouch did not move. The incensed guard grabbed the back of his head and pulled hard, forcing Lelouch to face his brother.

Clovis stood up and walked closer, turning pale as a ghost. "You're alive!" He exclaimed. "After all these years, I never thought…" He paused then snapped to attention as if suddenly realizing something. "Release him from his binds! I will not have a Prince of Britannia shackled up like some common criminal!" The guards, realizing that they were in the presence of not one, but two members of the royal family, reacted quickly. In what must have been record time, the guards managed to free his hands from the cuffs.

Lelouch smiled, flexing his wrists experimentally. They were a little sore, but the pain was minimal.

"Brother!" Clovis moved forward, enveloping Lelouch in a brotherly embrace, which was received awkwardly. "Does…does this mean Nunnally is with us as well?" His voice was tinted with hope.

And here was the question Lelouch had dreaded. If he said yes, he would be plunging his sister back into the world of intrigue that they had left behind all those years ago. If he denied it, and was found out, then surely both their lives would be forfeit before the Emperor for attempting to escape from their Imperial Duty.

But Nunnally, innocent, blind and crippled, would stand no chance in the Royal Family now. It would be akin to throwing a bleeding babe among ravenous sharks for him to do so. If their mother, the Knight of Two, could not protect herself from their enemies in the court, what chance did Nunnally have? Hell, what chance did he have?

Lelouch bit his tongue hard, creating a cross between a wince and a grimace to grace his face. "I'm sorry, brother. Nunnally was killed during the war." He replied bitterly. "It is difficult for a blind and crippled girl to navigate through a war zone."

A war zone that had been created by his own country, his own family. He still remembered the dread he felt as he saw the Britannian bombers unleash death upon the city which had sheltered him and his sister. The bile that he had to swallow as he waded through a field of fresh corpses, with nowhere to go to but forward; no one by his side but Suzaku. The loathing he had subjected on himself for having to lie to his sister, whom he carried on his back, about the smell of carcass.

"We're just passing by a garbage dump." That was he had told her. Even after all these years, he couldn't forget. He would never forget.

Clovis' grip tightened around him. "I'm…I'm sorry to hear that brother. I knew you two were close…closer than even Cornelia is to Euphemia." He released Lelouch from his hug and grabbed him by the shoulders. "Will you be alright?"

Lelouch shrugged him off. "She's been dead for years. I've mourned for her long enough."

"I can only imagine what you've been through. You must despise us, the family, I mean, for what we did to you. We traded you off like cattle and left you for dead in this God-forsaken land." Clovis remarked. "It's no wonder you never contacted us after the war."

Lelouch remained silent.

"I truly am sorry for your loss. Believe me, there were those of us who tried to get Father to stay his hand for a while. To delay engaging in hostilities until we could save you and Nunnally, but…" Clovis trailed off, looking around suspiciously.

Even here, so far away from the homeland, his brother still feared their father too much to speak ill of him. Lelouch considered his words for a moment. Clovis was a downright narcissistic flop, more concerned with his own well-being and image than anything else. It was unlikely he even had the spine to stand up to the Emperor as he claimed. Still, Clovis and Lelouch were close as children, and were friends even. Why else would the Third Prince consent to playing chess so often, even when he hated the game and lost every time, if only for the sake of his brother's happiness?

"Let's not dwell on the past." He would give him the benefit of the doubt - for now. "Where do we go from here? I very much doubt father will be pleased that I took this long to return."

"I haven't quite thought about that yet." Clovis admitted sheepishly. How typical of him. He never was a long-term planner. "But, it only makes sense that you return into the fold of the family. There's no need for you to keep living like this."

Lelouch frowned, uncomprehending his brother's train of thought. "Like what exactly?"

"I mean you no offense, of course." Clovis continued rattling on. "One must do what is necessary to survive. Now that you're back with us, you don't have to keep living in the slums."

"I don't live here."

His statement was ignored. "It's nothing to be ashamed of." Clovis paused. "Ok, maybe it's a little embarrassing you chose here of all places. I doubt anyone will judge you for that, of course."

"Clovis."

"What is it?"

"I. don't. live here." Lelouch stated emphatically.

Clovis' face scrunched up in confusion. "Then why the hell were you here in the first place?"

"Like I've told your men, I was trying to help the victims of a car crash, when I got stuck in their truck. As luck would have it, it would be the one carrying terrorists out of all the cars in Tokyo." Lelouch said. "And out of all the terrorists in Tokyo, it would the ones you've chosen to gone after personally."

"Then surely it is fate which has reunited us today!" Clovis declared dramatically.

Lelouch snorted disdainfully. "Coincidence. There's no such thing as pre-destination. Each man is an agent of change, with no higher force to compel him to act in a certain way."

Clovis sighed. "Ever the philosopher." His expression morphed into a solemn one. "We can't keep putting this off. I'll have to tell Schneizel of this. He'll know how to handle it."

Lelouch stiffened. He had hoped to delay this, but it was futile to try and stop the inevitable. "That's probably best."

Schneizel was the 2nd Prince of Britannia, and arguably the most intelligent among the Imperial spawn. He was the only person Lelouch had never beaten at chess, a feat that few could boast.

Clovis withdrew a phone from his ornamental robes and tapped 3, before pressing the phone to his ear. "Schneizel, it's Clovis."

"I found our brother."

"What do you mean which brother? Lelouch of course!"

"Yes, I'm certain. No, I'm not drunk."

"Here," Clovis shoved the phone into Lelouch's hand. "He doesn't seem to believe me. It pains me so that he no longer trusts my judgment in a matter such as this. I think I'd very well know what my own brother looks like." He grumbled.

"To be fair, we do have quite a number of brothers." Lelouch replied, before activating the phone's camera. Schneizel appeared on screen. "Lelouch vi Britannia, eleventh prince and seventeenth in line to the throne." He heard Schneizel's voice hitch in his throat. "It's been a long time, brother."

"It's good to see you alive, Lelouch. Father will be overjoyed to hear of this news!" Lelouch's grin vanished at the mere mention of him. "Hand me back to Clovis, would you?" He did as was requested and returned the phone to its owner.

"Told you so. Maybe next time you'll have a little bit more faith in me."

"It might take a while to do that though."

"At least six hours, unless you want to run the risk of having it drop from the sky in midflight."

"Alright, I understand.

Clovis cut the line with a click, and pocketed the phone once more. "The Prime Minister," Clovis made air quotes as he addressed their brother by his formal title, a sign of the clear disdain he had for the rank, "has ordered you to be on my plane in six hours. That is hardly enough time for us to do anything, much less hold a party. We'll have to put if off for another time, I suppose."

"Yes, another time." Lelouch copied, nodding his head.

Clovis snapped his fingers. "I got it! We'll hold a nationwide…no, make it Empire wide announcement!"

Lelouch faked a smile and watched as his brother began making arrangements.

After this, the game of thrones would begin once again.

At the Ashford Academy Student Council Room, a blue haired boy had just arrived. The door hissed as it slid open to reveal the other members of the student council lounging about. A girl with spectacles sat at the far corner, typing away at her computer, more concerned with the numbers and figures that appeared in her computer as opposed to her own surroundings. She was Nina Einstein, the resident genius of the group. Two other girls were flipping through the channels of the television, looking extremely disinterested. One was Shirley Fenette, who had brownish-orange hair that seemed a palette away from auburn. The other, Milly Ashford, was a dirty blonde.

"Rivalz." Shirley, greeted the blue-haired boy coldly, crossing her arms in obvious displeasure. Rivalz Cardemonde was well known to be Lelouch Lamperouge's partner in crime. Working together, they had become involved in a series of extracurricular activities, the most prominent being the illegal, high-stakes chess games. Rivalz provided transportation with his motorbike, Lelouch provided the victories. It was a mutually beneficial partnership, to say the least.

She looked around and frowned, failing to determine the location of their vice president. "Where's Lulu?" She asked, using the nickname of her beloved, all the while wondering where said beloved was.

"We got separated. Don't worry, I'm sure Lelouch will be alright." Rivalz reassured her. "He always manages to come out on top, in the end."

"You mean you left him alone during your little excursion?" Shirley asked, her voice tinged with a tone that promised pain and suffering if she found his answers unsatisfactory.

He began sweating nervously. He raised his hands in surrender to appease the obviously incensed girl. "It wasn't like that! We were driving along the highway when this truck crashed and Lelouch went to investigate."

"Guys," Milly, the president of the student council, said. "I think I found Lulu."

The attention of the entire room shifted towards the television. Even Nina, sensing something wrong, paused from her calculations to take a look. They were greeted with the sight of their Vice President in a ceremonial dress. He had a regal air around him, and though not particularly tall, seemed imposing on camera. His smile, though wide, was not genuine. His eyes lacked the mischievous glint it normally had. It was a fake smile - a dead smile. The bottom of the screen read "Lelouch vi Britannia, Eleventh Prince, found!"

"Residents of Area Eleven," he began, his voice devoid of emotion, "I thank you all for the hospitality you have shown me all these years. It has truly been a fascinating experience for me and I will carry a piece of this country with me in my heart. Now, however, it is time for me to join my family in the Imperial Capital."

"Lelouch was a prince?" Rivalz exclaimed, never having been made aware of his comrade's true status. "WOW! And to think that's who we've been friends with all this time. What the hell was he doing here with us anyway?"

"If Lu-I mean if Lelouch is a prince, doesn't that mean Nunnally is a princess?" Shirley wondered aloud. "She should be going back to Pendragon too, right Milly?"

Milly shook her head. "I'm afraid not."

"What? Why not?" Rivalz demanded. "They're brother and sister aren't they."

"Didn't you notice how they only announced Lelouch was found? If I had to guess, I'd say he was trying to protect Nunnally from the Royal Family."

"Protect her? From the Royal Family?" Rivalz repeated with a frown. "That doesn't make any sense."

"Milly, what do you mean by that." Nina pressed, speaking for the first time.

Milly moved to lock the door, before turning to her friends. "Ok, but you guys have to promise not to tell anyone. What I'm about to tell you isn't something the Royal Family want people to know." She waited for each of them to swear, before she continued. "When Lelouch was ten years old, his mother, the Empress Marianne, was killed. It was reported as a terrorist attack at first, but we, that is to say, the Ashfords and Lelouch, always suspected it was more than that."

Nina gasped, grasping the implication of her statement. "Are you seriously suggesting that the Royal Family would assassinate one of their own?" Her fists were shaking.

Milly shrugged noncommittally. "It wouldn't be the first time. For those of us in the know, the Royal Family is a vicious environment to grow up in. Factionalism and conspiracy are rampant in the game of thrones. That's why you can never repeat anything that we've talked about here. It's grounds for treason."

"So Lelouch's life is in danger because of this?" Shirley asked faintly. Her face had turned ashen.

"It's a possibility." Milly replied. "That's probably why he's trying to keep Nunnally out of this. She would be used against him in the Royal Court. That's why we have to keep her existence a secret! As Student Council President, I hereby swear all of you to secrecy."

"Yes, Madame Prez!" The three replied. Rivalz even saluted, not the least bit mocking.

Meanwhile, another member of the Ashford clan was talking about the same thing.

Ruben Ashford, Superintendent of the Ashford Academt, bridged his hands on his mahogany desk. He was a man well past his prime, with his head now having greyed all over. Before him was one of his more...unique servants. Ruben peered at Sayoko Shinozaki through his glasses. "I assume that you have heard of the news by now?"

"Of course, sir." Sayoko replied.

"Then you know what must be done." It was a statement, not an order.

"According to the instructions of Master Lelouch, I am to follow the procedures of his contingency operation. I will be moving to the Ashford Vacation House in Hiroshima with Mistress Nunnally for the time being. I will bring or destroy anything that might be a clue to the existence of Mistress. A week after these steps are completed, I will begin looking for a suitable location to move to, preferably near the Vacation House. I am not to make direct contact with the Master for any reason, and will await further instructions from either you or Master Lelouch." She answered without pause. "If necessary, I am authorized to use lethal force to protect the Mistress. I will attach a sensor to my heart. If I am killed in action, it will alert you of this as well as the current location of Mistress Nunnally via the tracker I have placed on her wheelchair. In the event that Master Lelouch is killed, I will begin with Contingency 3."

This was not the first time Ruben had heard of this plan. It was, in fact, one of the first things Lelouch had conspired to create with him when he first came to the Academy. He was certainly a sight to behold, sitting across the aged noble in his tattered clothes, looking like the very image of calmness as he explained, in great detail, what his plans for the future were.

Back then, both families were reeling from the loss of Marianne vi Britannia. While Lelouch and Nunnally had lost their mother, the Ashfords had lost a close friend and their patron. With her gone, it didn't take long for them to fall out of grace with the Emperor, and they were summarily stripped of their titles and lands.

"Very good." Ruben said. "I have faith in your abilities to care for Nunnally in the absence of Lelouch. Now go. I will lock down the Clubhouse and clear out their rooms." He said. "It was due for a renovation anyway."

Renovation. A fire then. "Take care, sir." Sayoko said evenly, curtseying before leaving.

Ruben sighed as she left, then looked up, as if to seek guidance from God. "The game of thrones has begun. I am counting on you Lelouch. Make Marianne proud."

Lelouch waved at his "fans" who had congregated to see him off. Half of these were nobles currying for favor with the Lost Prince of Britannia. The other half were adolescent school girls who had fantasies of being swept off their feet by Prince Charming. In a show of uncharacteristic discipline, he managed to keep his face clear from the obvious disdain he felt.

He gave a final nod to Clovis, who was easy to spot in the crowd with his robes practically screaming "Look at me!" For a moment, he noted, with amusement, the similarities between his brother and a peacock, before boarding the jet. Once he was seated comfortable, his thoughts drifted to the Emperor.

He was distinctly aware of his precarious position within the Imperial Hierarchy. His mother had been a commoner, as such, he held no place in nobility himself if not for his father's blood. Considering that he had lost his favor all those years ago, it meant that a baron's son might expect to be treated better than him at this point. The fact that he had only been "found" recently certainly didn't help. His half brothers and sisters had years to prepare and establish themselves as contenders for the throne. Very few of them would actually be pleased with his continued existence and most would see him as a threat to be dealt with.

Still, he wasn't completely without help. The Ashfords, stripped as they were of their title, still supported him in secret. Their loyalty to his line did not end with his mother, and, Lelouch vowed, if he made it through this alive, he'd reward them accordingly. Being a "wild card", he wouldn't be attacked right off the bat either. Many would wait for him to make the first move.

That brought a smile to Lelouch's face. The first move meant momentum would be on his side. In chess, 2 out of 3 games were won, given players of more or less equal skill, by white simply because of the first move advantage. In the hands of a master strategist, it was a godsend.

Being new to the political arena also meant that those who were dissatisfied with their current status would flock to him if they thought he was worth backing. Now all he had to figure out was a way for him to capitalize on his current popularity and neutrality.

Lelouch pressed the intercom button on his armrest that would open a channel between him and the pilot.

"Your Highness, what can I do for you?"

"Captain, when are we expected to land in Pendragon?" Pendragon was the name of the Empire's Capital. There the Emperor and the Royal family resided, officially, when not required elsewhere.

"In twenty hours, Your Highness." Lelouch glanced at his watch. It was 2 in the afternoon now. Factoring in time zone shifts, he would arrive at the Capital at 8 pm. The Imperial Court ended at 6. He'd have to wait an entire night before meeting with the Emperor.

"And how soon can we get there?"

"I'm sorry?"

"I assume we are not flying at maximum speed, Captain. Is that correct?" Lelouch asked.

"Yes, but-"

"Then if we were to travel as fast as possible, how soon can we get to Pendragon? It is urgent that I arrive there as soon as I can, Captain."

"Uhh...it would be at least sixteen hours if we pushed the engines, sir." The pilot responded nervously. Lelouch could hear him fidgeting in his seat.

"Very well, Captain. Kindly do so." Lelouch ordered. "Don't worry. I take full responsibility for this decision, Captain." He said warmly, doing his best to reassure the Captain.

"I...yes sir." The pilot closed the intercom and activated the speakers in its place. "All passengers, please strap yourselves in. We may experience some turbulence in the next few minutes. Thank you."

Lelouch grinned, and began preparing himself mentally for the dreaded meeting with daddy dearest.

Oh joy.

"...len..."

"...om...n...len..."

"Come in, Kallen." The radio crackled.

"This is Kallen." The spunky redhead replied.

"We lost the gas at Shinjuki." The half Japanese girl winced, as if she been physically slapped by those very words. Planning for the operation to capture the poison gas being developed by the Britannian government had taken them months. It was doubtful they'd ever get this opportunity again. "The Viceroy has renewed his hunt on us now that the new Prince is gone."

"What are your orders?"

"Keep a low profile. Go back to that school of yours. I'll contact you before the week's out to see if the situation has changed."

Kallen slammed her fist into the wall, not even bothered by the pain of the impact. "Copy that, Ohgi. Kallen out."

"We sure sent those rebels running fast." A man with a distinctly Australian accent remarked, puffing his chest out. "It's a shame too. I was hoping for a bit of a challenge."

"You'll get your challenge once we go up against the Japan Liberation Front, Kewell." A dark skinned woman responded.

"..." Beside them, Margrave Jeremiah Gottwald remained silent, focused on his musings.

"What's up with Jeremiah?" Kewell asked pointedly.

"The line of vi Britannia has returned." Jeremiah replied, as if those words said it all. To those who knew his history, it probably did.

"What of it?" Kewell asked dismissively. "They're only nobility by a technicality."

The dark skinned woman glared at him sharply. "Nobility is still nobility."

Kewell smirked. "Ah, that's right. I had forgotten about your pedigree, Villetta. My apology." He said with a mocking nod, not the least bit sincere.

"I used to be a guard for the Empress Marianne." Jeremiah continued. "I was there when she was killed."

Kewell regarded his statement silently. "I see."

"Do you really, Soresi?"

Kewell nodded. "Your vows as a Knight of Marianne bind you to the young Prince, does it not?" He asked rhetorically. "What now? I'm certain no one will hold against you if you choose not to return to his service."

Jeremiah frowned. "It's not that. I have a duty to uphold to them."

"Gottwald, be reasonable!" Kewell exclaimed. "The boy is a target. He'll bring down those around him with his presumably short life left."

"All the more reason for me to join him." Jeremiah replied with conviction, pounding his chest as if accepting a challenge. "If I abandon his Highness at the hour of his need, then I will have been derelict in my duty not once, but twice. All these years, I have been looking for a chance to redeem myself for failing to protect the Empress. I had thought that by serving another in the Royal Family to hunt down terrorists, I could do so. But now...now I have a chance to atone for my sins. Now, I have been given a second chance. If I am to ignore this blessing which God has seen fit to send me, then it shall become a curse that will weight me down for the rest of my life."

Kewell clapped mockingly. "That's an inspiring speech, Jeremiah. Really, it almost brought a tear to my eye. Still, you would throw away all we have worked for in the Purist faction for your vows? I cannot fault you for that, but as your friend, I must bring to your attention the consequences of such an action. Is it not your duty, as a Knight of vi Britannia, to go where your Lord commands? What if he decides you are of more use to him here then with him in Pendragon?" Kewell replied rhetorically. "I'm not saying you shouldn't go to him. Just don't burn your bridges just yet. You may end up regretting it."

"You show remarkable wisdom in the matter, Kewell." Villetta remarked.

He shot her an easy smile and gave them a dramatic bow. "I do try."

Jeremiah frowned at them. "I had not considered that option. Very well, I will do this through the proper channels."

The Pendragon Imperial Palace hadn't changed with the years.

The grand, oak double doors, the domed, high ceiling, the ornate marble flooring...and the sycophantic nobles, gossiping among each other behind gloved hands and fans.

He certainly hadn't missed the condescension in their whispers every time he appeared at court. With clenched fists, he strode forward with his head high, pointedly ignoring the murmurs around him. He had not forgotten what happened the last time he had been here.

"I am sending you and Nunnally to Japan, as prince and princess, you will serve well as bargaining tools."

That's right. He was nothing but a tool to his father. A pawn to be used, then discarded when the time was right. Lelouch smirked mirthfully. Be careful father. Haven't you heard? If you send the pawn to the enemy's line, it may just come back as a Queen

Ten steps away from the Imperial Throne, Lelouch dropped to one knee with his right arm crossed over his chest, and the left around his back. "Hail Your Majesty! I, Lelouch vi Britannia, have returned. I humbly ask that you forgive my past transgressions." Knowing his conceited father, demanding justice against his mother's killers was now considered a transgression. He stole a glance at his father from the cover of his bangs.

The man had the audacity to smile!

"Welcome back, my son." Lelouch went numb at his words. He had expected anger or indifference...but a welcome? With those four words, his position as a member of the Royal Family was cemented. His father had acknowledged it himself. It had bought him some time, at least, from the schemes of nobles. Though, to be honest, he did not know whether he preferred being at the mercy of nobles or being at the mercy of his father. "Where is the Princess?"

Lelouch gritted his teeth. "She was killed during the war, father. The foundations of the building we were in collapsed before I could get her out."

"I have no use for that weakling."

Yes, that was how things were done here...for now. He had to remember that. Only that strong survive. He could not afford to be complacent now.

"I suppose, given her handicaps, it was not unexpected." He answered, not sounding the least bit sympathetic. "But you...you were strong and so you survived."

"Yes, Your Majesty. It is as you say." It took all his willpower not to wrangle his father's neck right now. If not for the fact that he'd probably fail...

"Tell me, Lelouch, how do you plan to be of service to the Empire now?" Charles leaned forward, showing a surprising amount of interest in his answer.

That was right. Only those who were of use the Emperor were accepted. As little as Lelouch had meant to his father all those years ago, Nunnally was worth infinitely less. Given her crippled state, she was nothing more than dead weight, a purposeless lump of flesh that could not even be married off for political gain.

"If it pleases your Majesty, I wish to serve the Empire on the fields of war. I can think of no higher honor than to protect Britannia from its foes."

"Stand Lelouch." Lelouch stood up, meeting his father's calculating gaze unflinchingly. "Why is it that you have returned?" He asked, ignoring his previous answer.

Lelouch tried to quell the panic that was rising in his chest. Had his father seen through his ploy so easily? "I was found by Clovis. He was adamant that I return."

Nunnally, this is for you.

"And had he not insisted?" The Emperor pressed.

"I would have remained in Area Eleven in obscurity." Lelouch answered frankly. He was going to get it now.

Surprisingly, the Emperor smiled. He seemed...pleased by his answer. "Why is that?" The interrogation continued.

"Because you sent me to Japan as a political tool, your Majesty. My use to you ended with the conquest of Japan."

Charles leaned back into his throne, contemplating his response. "You are clever, Lelouch. Clever and pragmatic, but still presumptuous as ever. Your use to me ends when I say it does." He paused to stare at him. His black, soulless eyes seemed to pierce through Lelouch. "You are still useful to the Empire and to me." He ended with a tone of finality that allowed no further discussion. "It pleases me to have another son in the army. Still, do not think that it will be an easy task. You will have to work hard for your rank, and being a member of the Royal Family will not excuse you from the duties of a soldier."

Lelouch nodded, accepting his words. He hadn't expected any less.

"But," Charles continued. "you will make a fine soldier of Britannia. Go forward, with my blessing." Lelouch tensed at the unexpected praise.

Lelouch bowed low in a show of absolute obedience. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Charles nodded to himself, satisfied with the outcome. "The Court is dismissed." He declared, rising from his seat. He brushed past the still bowing prince, whispering as he did. "Do not fail me." It was said ever so slightly that none but he would hear it. It was a promise and a threat.

Lelouch remained silent and waited for his father to walk out before allowing himself to stand again. The nobles were already filing out at this point, discussing the most recent turn of events.

Once the court was more or less cleared, his half brothers and sisters in attendance surged forward. Lelouch had barely an instant to recognize the blur of pink hair that slammed into him. "Lelouch! I've missed you!" Tentatively, Lelouch returned the embrace that threatened to cut off his air supply.

"Give him some space, Euphie. He's only just arrived." Lelouch recognized the voice as that of Cornerlia's. She was a tall woman, standing at 6'3" with dark pink hair and dressed in an officer's uniform. Unlike that of Clovis', hers was functional, and a very real sword remained sheathed by her side. She was a true soldier, more than a match for the most hardened men in combat. "The Witch of Britannia" she was called by those who had the misfortune of fighting her.

Cornelia pulled away her overenthusiastic sister, before embracing Lelouch herself. "Welcome back, brother. I returned as soon as I received word." The children of Empress Gabrielle had always been on good terms with the spawn of Marianne. It seemed time had not caused any lost love between them.

Cornelia eyed him, then frowned. "You're too skinny. Do they not feed you enough?" She doted.

"Oh stop sheltering the boy, Cornelia. He's a man now." A young woman with vibrant gray hair said. "I can't imagine how dreadful it must have been dealing with all those numbers. I hope they weren't too much for you."

"You get used to them after awhile, Guinevere." Lelouch replied, correctly identifying her sister after a moment's thought. It was apparent to him that they remained out of touch with reality, as ever. As if dealing with commoners was the most difficult thing about living outside the Imperial Family. The delusion of the Royal Family had not declined either, apparently.

"What's this about joining the army though?" Cornelia asked. "Do you have a death wish?"

"Your faith in me is touching, Cornelia." Lelouch replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes as she slipped into her role of overprotective sister, one that was usually reserved for her younger sister Euphemia.

Cornelia frowned. "I didn't mean it like that, but the battlefield is a dangerous place."

"So? You're a general and you still take to the field in your Knightmare." Lelouch shot back. Generals, by practice, were not field officers, and thus, had no obligation to fight beside their men.

"I doubt you could stomach it." Carline inserted condescendingly.

"Lelouch will make a fine soldier." That voice was one Lelouch would recognize anywhere. Schneizel. "Personally, I think it was the better choice. A far superior use of his abilities as a tactician over becoming mere breeding stock for the family." Schneizel always did think like him, given their common love for chess.

"Now, enough with this talk. Let us proceed to the feast to celebrate our brother's return." Schneizel declared. Feast. Stay behind the group. It was a code from their earlier days.

"Ladies first." Lelouch said quickly, letting his sisters past first, trailing behind the group with his brother.

"I meant what I said about your choice." Schneizel began.

Lelouch grinned. "You always were able to know what I was thinking. Do you know what I plan to do now?"

"Long term, I'd say somewhere along the lines of getting revenge on Father." Schneizel mentioned without much care. "Don't look at me like that. It's obvious to anyone with a brain that you hate him for abandoning you and causing the death of Nunnally. Your secret is safe with me. Short term, I suppose you plan on joining the Army in training with the intent of becoming an officer in an active zone. When do you leave?"

"Astute as ever. I leave tomorrow for Montreal."

"Oh? Why not the Pendragon Academy of War?" Schneizel asked curiously.

"I have many enemies in Pendragon, you know this."

"Still, with my protection, you should be safe from harm." He pointed out.

And be a pawn under your thumb? I think not. "Right now, I'm a potential rallying point for dissenting nobles, but before I can step into the role, I need to establish myself as a credible individual without getting too tied down by politics. Enrolling in Area 2 allows me to distance myself sufficiently, while not being so far that my education will be discounted."

"And once you succeed, you'll return a hero with a base of supporters to draw on." Schneizel concluded. "A bold strategy. But you have enemies within the Military Hierarchy as well. Generals who would rather you fail or, better yet, die."

"I can handle them." Lelouch replied with certainty.

"I have no doubt about that, but if you ever need help..." He trailed off.

"I'll know who to ask."

Schneizel smiled, holding out a hand to him. "You know my bid for the throne, don't you? I could use someone like you."

Lelouch snorted. "I'm not interested in becoming a pawn again."

"A pawn? You underestimate your own value. You are as much a king as I am."

"Then why would you need me?"

"When the time comes, brother, I cannot be everywhere at once. I will need someone I can trust to make necessary decisions, not a tool. I will need partners, not followers."

"Partners?" Lelouch repeated, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"Yes, partners. Help me to the throne, and I'll give you anything you wish."

It was a tempting offer, but Lelouch was uncertain of who to trust. Everyone in court had an agenda. Still, to move forward without friends in high places was suicide, and who was higher than the Prime Minister of the Empire? He would be able to pull strings at the critical time. Lelouch grasped the outstretched hand with his own. "Deal."

Schneizel smiled. "Shall we then?" He gestured towards the banquet that was about to take place.

The board was set for the game. Now, it's time to move the pieces.

"The entry of Lelouch vi Britannia into the Imperial Army is, undoubtedly, one of the most revolutionary events in the history the Holy Britannian Empire. He was famous for numerous reforms such as the "KINGS" and "KNIGHTS" initiatives and was an ardent advocate of conventional weaponry. He is considered, by and large, as one of the most brilliant strategists of our time and is remembered for his theory on military army compositions, more commonly known as the Diversification Doctrine, which was used to devastating effect in North Africa (Area 17) and the Middle East (Area 18)."

-excerpt from: Chapter 23: The Anti-Knightmare Initiative. A History of Warfare by Field Marshal Alexander Wayne Smith

"His choice to enter into the military academy of Area 2 over the capital came as a shock to all of us. Still, in hindsight, it was a move that would define his entire military career." - Cornelia li Britannia

AN: So that's Chapter 1. Tell me what you think and leave a comment below
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