A/N: Thanks for the reviews, and I am trying out a new grammar and sentence structure checker to help make my chapters better to read. I updated chapter one using this checker to see if the reading my chapters is better compared to chapters that follow, and if it works, I'll edit all of the past chapters using my new checker to clean it up a little better.

Still, I am seeking a beta reader.

Anyway to address a question asked and to answer it for anyone else curious as well. I agree Lelouch should suspect Junko, but at the moment he doesn't have any reason to right now, or maybe he doesn't want to. Regardless I don't want Lelouch finding out about Junko being behind Monokuma until a little later when I have the rest of the conditions I am trying to set up ready first.

I have an outline of the next Killing Game planned out, but I still need to work out some details (thank you for those who voted since it gives me information to use as I weigh certain options). I am not the kind who seeks to kill everyone in a story, but considering the universe involved with Code Geass, it's something I must consider. I won't kill off characters unless their deaths are meant to further the story, although there was one exception to this rule I won't do it to anyone else that one.

I almost considered typing out a complete play out of events in Saitama Ghetto, but it would've felt like a copy and paste, so I decided to take a different approach to a slightly different outcome.

Enjoy

02/15/2018: edited and cleaned up.

"Dialog from a flashback and the person reading something in their mind."

Thoughts (unless used to emphasize a word in a sentence)

Chapter 14

Despair Marches On

C.C. observed a recording of officially appointed the new Viceroy through a publicly broadcasted ceremony. It was brief, which wasn't a surprise to those close to the third princess. As a result, her younger sister Euphemia hosted and oversaw the rest of the ceremony allowing Cornelia to excuse herself.

"I guess she really is a hardened soldier."

Junko sat with C.C. on the sofa in Lelouch's apartment. She was drinking an energy drink while watching the broadcast with the green haired immortal woman.

"According to Lelouch, she never cared much for formal functions," C.C. noted from a discussion she had with Lelouch before leaving. "Unless her attendance was mandatory she'll never show. The exception to this would be a family related celebration."

"I heard something similar."

"She'll be a major obstacle for his plans to bring Britannia down."

Junko nodded her head, "I agree."

Junko had done some research on Cornelia, and she was intrigued by what she found. Against the wishes of her mother, she joined the military academy as soon as she was young enough. Cornelia had always expressed interest in becoming a warrior like the famed Marianne the Flash. Lelouch had also confirmed this fact stating that Cornelia had always idolized his mother, which was a factor in her becoming chief of security at their home the Aeries Villa as her first assignment as a soldier.

Following the demise of Marianne vi Britannia, Cornelia became the first pilots of the Empire's new combat-ready Glasgow Knightmare Frames. There was no information where she was in Japan during the war and what battles she took part in, but her actions during the conflict propelled her rise through the ranks. By the time Clovis was pointed Viceroy of Area 11, Cornelia was promoted to General of the Imperial Army. There were rumors that Cornelia was initially considered for the post, but the warrior princess had no interest in governing an Area and was more interested in establishing a new Area instead.

Regardless Cornelia became renowned as one of Britannia's fiercest battlefield commanders and an ace Knightmare Frame pilot with only a few capable of matching her. It certainly didn't help her opposition that her preferred machine was the Gloucester, which was the most formidable Knightmare Frame just below the Lancelot. Even her closest followers and her knight used Gloucester units.

Another factor to consider was that unlike most Britannian Commanders, Cornelia was willing to retreat if conditions had become too unfavorable and to avoid the unnecessary loss of her soldiers who have loyally followed the Viceroy into many battles.

The benefit was that they became fiercely loyal to her, more than any other soldier under a member of royalty.

That woman has no weakness; Junko thought before correcting herself, almost I should say.

Unlike most of the royal family, Cornelia was among the small few who actually cared for the well being of her fellow siblings, with her younger sister being the one whom she fiercely protected more than anyone else. On the one hand, it would seem insane to bring your beloved younger sister whom you have dotted on since she was a child to one of the most hostile Areas of the Empire. At the same time, it kept Euphemia close to Cornelia allowing her to protect her from the dangers of being a Britannian Princess.

Assassinations and conspiracies were not the only dangers Cornelia sought to protect Euphemia from, but as a Princess of Britannia nearing legal age for marriage, there was a high chance she would be married off to some essential noble or the leader of another country for political convenience. Junko assumed it was probably the reason she brought Euphemia from Britannia to Area 11 despite the danger it would put her in.

Still, that's pretty gutsy of her bringing her little sister to this hellhole. I guess things back home must be pretty bad. Junko mused because no other reasonable explanation came to mind.

A toothy grin appeared on her face.

A choice she'll regret when I am done drowning little Euphy in despair.

Junko's thoughts were interrupted by C.C. asking a question.

"You're supposed to have Ultimate level analysis abilities right? Cornelia is going to target Lelouch first isn't she?"

"That's obvious," Junko replied with a bored expression, "Zero is small and fairly new, so logically she'll take him out before he has a chance to gather followers and grow into a larger threat. Furthermore, he killed Clovis, so once he's gone, she can focus on Ultimate Despair and the JLF."

"Then she'll draw Zero out there."

"No duh Captain Obvious. Her best chance would be to recreate what happened at Shinjuku Ghetto to tempt Lelouch into going after Cornelia." Junko explained before adding. "She'll probably use one of the ghettos that are a hot spot for resistance groups to give herself the advantage of Zero being forced to use a resistance group he isn't familiar with."

"Meaning there would be a chance their dissimilar goals would work against Lelouch."

"Nailed it," Junko replied before eating a handful of potato chips.

"And Lelouch would be too prideful and overconfident to resist, so..."

Junko swallowed the food followed up by a slip from a soft drink before saying. "We need to hog tie his ass."

Unaware of the plotting happening behind his back Lelouch was meeting with Chiaki at the fountain. He had information about Hajime, but Lelouch decided against revealing what he had discovered for both Chiaki's protection and the fact she was better off unaware of what had become of Hajime. The two were playing a game together, wirelessly connected through their respective Gamer Girl Handhelds, although Lelouch was holding his own he was convinced of Chiaki's gaming prowess.

The title of Ultimate Gamer is well deserved for you. Lelouch thought although he was struggling he enjoyed the challenge he was facing.

"You are doing pretty well." Chiaki complimented.

"Playing this game must be second nature to you. You handle the controls so effortlessly it's impressive."

"Yeah," Chiaki shrugged her shoulders, "This was the first game I have ever played and still play it to this day."

"I am curious," Lelouch began as he glanced over at Chiaki, "has there been a game or disliked or had trouble with."

"I don't particularly dislike any genre, but I suppose I do have trouble with..." The young gamer shyly turned her head with a light blush on her cheeks.

Lelouch was met with silence, but he decided not to press the subject further.

"There you are," a voice called out, prompting Lelouch and Chiaki to seek out the source.

Chisa was spotted approaching the two at the fountain, apparently seeking Chiaki.

"I wanted to ask your opinion about teams coming up for the sports festival," Chisa asked before noticing Lelouch. "Oh, I am sorry I didn't notice you. I apologize for interrupting."

"Don't worry about it," Lelouch replied, "You are her teacher, I assume, so you needed her right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Miss Yukizome, this is Lelouch from Class 78," Chiaki said, stepping in to provide introductions. "Lelouch, this is my teacher, Miss Yukizome."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Lelouch greeted.

"Likewise," Chisa said before noticing.

His voice sounds like Hajime.

"I suppose this means we'll have to cut our time together," Lelouch said followed by a sigh of disappointment.

Chiaki seemed equally saddened. "It seems that way."

"I am sorry," Chisa offered, "but maybe I could pull some strings for you to have a rematch."

Lelouch raised an eyebrow with a curious expression on his face. "What do you mean?"

"One of the events for the Sports Festival this year will involve video games. It was to provide an opportunity for those not, shall we say, athletically inclined so no one would feel left out."

Lelouch wasn't convinced that was the only reason, but he saw nothing to gain by questioning it.

"I see, so Chiaki, being the Ultimate Gamer, will likely represent your class," Lelouch asked.

"That's right," Chisa nodded in confirmation, "however, it's going to be a team effort, so Chiaki needs to pick three of her fellow classmates to be on her team."

"Yes, and the whole team will be graded on their overall performance so if say Chiaki won every game but her team did poorly then another team could win."

"To encourage teamwork that makes sense," Lelouch noted, but he believed this was to ensure the other teams would have a fair chance to win given Chiaki's talent.

"I like it," Chiaki said as she was clearly interested. "I wonder who you'll pick for your team Lelouch."

"I'll need to find out what my classmates will be doing during the festival then I'll choose from those not involved in any of the events," Lelouch answered as he put one hand on his chin in contemplation. "I am sure you'll be doing the same."

"Yes, but I will be looking forward to it."

Lelouch smiled, "Then may the best class win."

The following day Lelouch was watching a television report about an announcement that the Saitama Ghetto has been surrounded by the Britannian Army led by Princess Cornelia to eliminate the Yamato Alliance resistance group. Even without announcing the time of the attack it was obviously a trap to bait Zero, which was what Junko and C.C were expecting to happen.

Even knowing it was a trap, Lelouch was intent on going.

"You know it's a trap and you still plan to waltz into it," Junko said, folding both arms under her chest as she was leaning by the front door of Lelouch's apartment.

"Yes, but they went through so much trouble to make it happen that it would be a shame not to disappoint them," Lelouch replied with a confident smirk as he was kneeling on the ground before a large case that contained his Britannian Army uniform he had used during the battle in Shinjuku Ghetto.

"I agree with Junko. Walking into this trap thinking it's going to go the same for you as it did in Shinjuku is a huge mistake." C.C. said as she stood near Lelouch clearly displeased about how overconfident Lelouch had become.

"I have predicted how this will go. There is an over ninety percent failure and death rate for you."

"I have proven your predictions wrong."

"Not with stakes like this." Junko shot back.

However, Junko was lying about her prediction. In truth Junko believed there was a much higher chance of Cornelia recognizing Lelouch, assuming he managed to get close to her G-1, who might spare him to speak to him privately. From there Lelouch could put her under his Geass and seize control of her troops or she might willingly join in Lelouch's rebellion. The latter seemed strangely likely despite the chances of that being reasonably low being based on what she knew about the new Viceroy, but regardless the outcome was unacceptable for one who wanted to plunge the world into despair. For Junko to succeed, Lelouch's rebellion needed to be long and bloody.

Of course, if her new Killing Game plays out as expected, then it would only sweeten the despair it would induce.

"Cornelia is just fooling you into a false sense of security before she'll use her experience and better tactics to blindside you."

"I still must press forward regardless of the risks, otherwise how can I find meaning, or rather," Lelouch said before glaring at Junko with resolve in his eyes, "I want to be freed of this lie of called the life of a student doing something with more meaning."

Junko merely sighed.

"I figured you would say something like that," Junko replied with a deadpan expression before snapping her fingers.

With barely a chance to react, Mukuro pounced on Lelouch. He was swiftly pinned to the ground while at the same time held at an angle that prevented the use of his Geass. Lelouch tried to struggle, but Mukuro was physically superior to Lelouch in every way so escaping her powerful hold was impossible.

"Now before you go into some rant about preferring to be dead than to go back to living a boring and dull life. I put together a plan of my own." Junko said before walking over to the pinned Lelouch lay. "If you agree to go with it, then Mukuro and I will help you."

Lelouch grunted in defeat as he tried for one final time, in vain, to get free.

"What did you have in mind?"

Shortly after six in the evening, the attack on Saitama Ghetto began after those who were in charge, you could hardly call them administrative officials, were mercilessly executed before Cornelia unleashed her forces upon the defenseless civilians slaughtering them by the dozens. Other than the intent, the attack on Saitama Ghetto played out precisely the same as the original start of the battle at Shinjuku Ghetto. This was done thanks to the help of the staff officers Cornelia had on hand to ensure a perfect recreation of conditions at Shinjuku.

Everything was progressing smoothly until…

"We just lost contact with Paladin Team." An officer standing at the tactical map on the bridge of the G-1 announced as two Sutherlands displayed on the map were declared lost.

"Ester Team, contact lost." Another technician from his station announced.

Soon reports began pouring in of ambushes and counterattacks coupled with news of the Yamato Alliance now possessing Sutherlands. Cornelia remained quietly passive as the reports continued to come in, and the comments from the Staff Officers who had served Clovis during the Shinjuku Disaster confirmed it was Zero who was leading the terrorists in an impressive and well-coordinated counterattack.

After losing two tanks, four Sutherlands and men upon a bridge that was blown apart by the enemy Cornelia at last spoke.

"That's enough," Cornelia said before calming ordering, "Order all troops to fall back. Further damage and casualties serve no point."

"With all due respect, we can still fight!" One of the staff officers protested.

"We can't fight like this."

"All units fall back to Ghetto Perimeter, formation doesn't matter," Dalton ordered on an open channel.

"Once all of our units have retreated," Cornelia began turning to her knight Guilford, "are you ready my knight?"

"It is my duty to serve you, your highness," Guilford replied with a bow before departing the bridge to broad his Knightmare Frame.

Almost ten minutes would pass after all military units under Cornelia have retreated as ordered; an IFF signal from a Sutherland suddenly appeared on the tactical screen within the ghetto.

"A Sutherland within the ghetto has begun broadcasting a signal again." An officer overseeing the tactical map reported.

"Quickly dispatch a rescue party."

"No," Cornelia interjected, "destroy it!"

"But," One of the Staff Officers said shocked by Cornelia's sudden order, "he could be a captive of the enemy?"

Cornelia was not deterred, "I ordered all forces to fall back. I have no use for soldiers who cannot follow orders."

The Staff Officers wanted to argue further, but the fierce look in Cornelia's eyes silenced them from further attempts.

"Do your duty even if it costs your life," Cornelia said as Dalton relayed Cornelia's order to Guilford and two members of the royal guard accompanying him, "and my subordinates follow that code without question."

It didn't take Guilford and his fellow soldiers in their Gloucester to swiftly overwhelm and kill the Sutherland and its terrorist pilot.

Cornelia watched the tactical map on the overhead monitor more carefully knowing Zero was likely to respond to this setback, but little did he realize he had already lost this battle.

Another IFF signal has appeared, Cornelia thought as she observed its movements as it moved to a position at an old hospital. He must realize we will kill the pilot unless…

"They've set up an ambush!" Cornelia called out before ordering, "Tell Guilford to hold position and dispatch more Gloucesters to surround them. Once they arrive order them to close in and wipe out the enemy."

However, thanks to Lelouch having access to the same tactical information as Cornelia the young man quickly realized the danger and ordered the units stationed there to retreat to avoid being wiped out.

"He anticipated my moves, so we are dealing with Zero." Cornelia mused before a dark smile appeared on her face confident she had Zero as good as finished.

All she had to do was wipe out the men he was commanding.

To make matters worse, as C.C. and Junko predicted, the members of the Yamato Alliance began abandoning their Sutherlands and their positions opting instead to surrender to Cornelia. Their different motivations and lack of organization formed out a sudden alliance for survival had quickly crumbled exposing a fatal weakness of Lelouch's strategy of recruiting the local resistance groups instead of his own troops.

Unsurprisingly Cornelia ordered her men to execute them using anti-personnel turrets mounted on their machines.

Then finally Guilford and the rest of Cornelia's Royal Guard swiftly wiped out the last of the Yamato Alliance, once they began disregarding Lelouch's orders, it was a foregone conclusion that his defeat was inevitable.

"This time things went differently for you Zero," Cornelia said with a smirk, unable to hide her satisfaction, "now are you masquerading around as one of my men or not?"

Cornelia suspected that while Zero was apparently a skilled tactician, his actions during their encounter confirmed that he was likely using one of their Sutherlands with its IFF still active to monitor their movements and make his plans based on how her own troops moved. This was supported by the fact that she had been very carefully observing every unit on the map as her units were deployed and mindful to keep a count on those whose IFF signals went off and any Knightmare Frames that didn't seem to actively take part in the battle to confirm her suspicions.

She spotted one Sutherland that reactivated its IFF and joined the retreating units, which was enough to convince her that Zero was among her troops right outside her mobile base.

His objective was to use the terrorists to create an opening so he could slip in and assassinate me just like Clovis.

Cornelia's last order was sure to seal Zero's fate.

"Attention all pilots," Cornelia commanded, "open your hatches and reveal your faces."

Or instead, it would've had Junko not anticipated what was going to happen had Lelouch taken the bait.

"Ok, so what do you say?" Junko asked with a big smile while blinking her eyelashes in a somewhat cutesy gesture, which wasn't doing a seething Lelouch any favors.

Thankfully Lelouch wasn't in the Knightmare Frame that Cornelia suspected he was in, but rather the pilot he had put under his Geass, under Mukuro's supervision. The two then set up a two-way camera with a long transmission range that could broadcast both video and audio allowing Lelouch to observe the battle through the Knightmare Frame's tactical map with the pilot he had enslaved under his Geass to assist him if needed. The pilot had his own radio allowing Lelouch to issue orders from the safety of an old building outside of Saitama Ghetto, and the building they were hiding in was tall enough to receive the camera's signal thanks to Mukuro hardwiring the remote camera to use the Knightmare Frame's own internal transmitter.

To say Lelouch was furious was an understatement, but it wasn't bad enough his plan had fallen apart so effortlessly. No, Junko's teasing that she had been right about what would happen had played out as she expected it would only sour Lelouch's mood even further.

"Alright you made your point," Lelouch said finally with some restrained annoyance, but he knew it was useless to dwell on it, "I got overconfident; are you happy now?"

Junko seemed disappointed by the response, "I expected something along the lines of I am sorry for doubting you Junko you wonderful person."

Lelouch was apparently not amused, although he didn't want to give her the satisfaction by arguing with her. Nevertheless he couldn't deny that his overconfidence had nearly cost him everything, and furthermore, it drove home the fact that relying on other resistance groups was a huge mistake. Lelouch understood if he wanted to challenge Cornelia, and by extension Britannia, he would need his own followers who shared his goals and would be loyal to him.

Perhaps he could shape them into a far more formidable resistance group that could grow into something much more with the right people.

Lelouch's pride had taken a blow, but he intended to repay Cornelia, and his only comfort was the fact that Junko had prepared for the outcome she had predicted. Unlike the camera and monitor, she bought at a high-end electronics store the next item was readied courtesy of Mukuro with the right parts and materials obtained from some unsavory black market contacts that could be trusted. Inside the cockpit of the Sutherland, whose pilot was enslaved to Lelouch, was a bomb with a remote detonator.

"I'll never make this mistake again. I won't let something like overconfidence blind me again, so…thank you Junko." Lelouch said settling his anger over the matter.

"A little better, but I'll take it." Junko said before pulling out a small radio, "Ok Mukuro time for the bitch slap!"

Just as Junko gave the order, Guilford made his way down the line up to the Sutherland in question, whose pilot had yet to emerge from the cockpit per Cornelia's orders, was now facing the Sutherland. As Guilford was ordering the pilot to open his hatch a soldier spotted someone they didn't expect to see atop the ruins of a small apartment building in clear view of Cornelia's G-1 base, but a safe distance away.

Instead of Lelouch, it was Mukuro wearing the cape and mask.

"Zero has been spotted!" A soldier announced over an open channel as all eyes fell upon the masked terrorist who stood defiantly before Cornelia with her cape fluttering in the wind.

"Ah ha, I knew it; Zero has a flair for the dramatic," Cornelia said having her first look at her quarry.

As soldiers below accompanied by a Sutherland began to surround the crumbling building Mukuro held out a small remote, which Guilford spotted from his Knightmare Frame. In moments a terrible thought came to mind, and with seconds to act he shouted. When he considered all other possibilities there was only one reason Zero would reveal a remote after revealing himself like this.

"EVERYONE MOVE AWAY!"

Acting on instinct, he ejected himself from his machine, which may have saved his life.

Upon pressing the remote the bomb inside the Sutherland detonated as the machine erupted in a giant fireball that caught the other two Sutherlands standing to its left and right causing them to explode. Guilford would've been engulfed in the explosion and possibly killed had he not ejected, but the blast caught his launching cockpit block damaging it before sending it flying into a ruined building.

Once her task was done Mukuro merely fell back and vanished behind the apartment ruins while Cornelia ordered men to recover Guilford.

Junko had hoped to kill Guilford as a consolation prize for Lelouch, but there was a chance he could survive. Still, it served as a decent slap in the face.

"You didn't get him?" Lelouch said suspecting that Guilford might survive.

"Well it was a long shot at best, but it's something at least," Junko answered with a shrug of her shoulders.

"I suppose," Lelouch replied because there was nothing further he could say. His plan had failed tremendously, and things could've been worse if Junko and Mukuro hadn't intervened with C.C. to stop him. He just had to swallow his pride, because keeping Mukuro and Junko as allies and friends in his plans to bring down Britannia was likely to prove essential. "Thank you, Junko."

Junko grinned, "Don't mention it, besides things would be so boring without you around."

I just made him harder to take down, because he'll never allow overconfidence to get the better of him again. So such despair it could bring if we ever had to face each other.

Later that evening after Mukuro, Lelouch and Junko escaped they returned to the apartment where C.C. was waiting, she didn't need to ask what had happened as the evidence was upon Lelouch's face. Lelouch lay down on the couch while Junko served herself a soft drink from the refrigerator. Mukuro sat down on one of the delicate chairs near the sofa waiting for Junko. When the young woman finally entered the room, she occupied the only unclaimed soft chair near Lelouch's head.

"So after that failure," C.C. began softly reprimanding the former prince, "what is your next step?"

"I'll have to use Ohgi's group as the founding members of my own organization. Once we have a chain of command and base of operations established, we can build from there." Lelouch answered before a smile appeared on his face. "We'll need an incident to demonstrate what we stand for, so I am thinking a Knight of Justice angle."

Junko raised an eyebrow, "Knight of Justice?"

"Yes," Lelouch said before explaining, "I am thinking of calling my organization the Order of the Black Knights. They would fight against those who abuse their power. Not just Britannia, but criminals and politicians who abuse the system and take advantage of those without power."

"I see, so taking advantage of the side of the Japanese population who hate Britannia, but despise terrorism?"

"Exactly, because if we have public support, then it will be easier for us to operate and fewer people would be willing to report our activities to Britannia."

Junko merely smirked, "you are just going to take advantage of them aren't you?"

"Of course," Lelouch replied without hesitating, "as long as Britannia falls anything goes."

"I get it." The blonde said as she took another sip from her soft drink. "You need something to show your intentions to Area 11, like some kind of event you could intervene in and unveil the Black Knights?"

Lelouch grinned in response. "Actions speak louder than words right?"

"True, but it sounds like you are going to need a hostage situation. However, it would have to be something Cornelia could not interfere with since she is likely to sacrifice the hostages to take out the terrorists."

The former prince felt an uneasy silence as a thought crossed his mind, "are you suggesting that Euphemia should be one of the hostages?"

"Cornelia wouldn't do anything to endanger her, right?"

"That's true," Lelouch admitted reluctantly, but a part of him was against such an idea. "However there is a high risk she could be killed to spite Cornelia."

"True," Junko replied nodding her head in agreement, "but are you saying that because it's true or you are trying to find an excuse to sidestep the issue?"

Junko didn't need an answer as the conflicted look on Lelouch's face was the only answer she needed.

"Maybe you should consider rephrasing when you say anything goes because clearly, not everything goes." Junko pointed out thoughtfully, although it annoyed Lelouch he couldn't deny that Junko was making a valid point the more intellectual part of his mind acknowledged.

As much as Lelouch would prefer it if Euphemia did not get caught in the crossfire in his war to bring down Britannia, he knew that even if she remained in the homeland, the chances were high that something terrible would befall her. Lelouch acknowledged that deep down he didn't want Euphy to endure the discovery of the cold and shocking truths of the royal family and Britannia. Her television appearances showed that she wasn't as pro-Britannian as Cornelia was. In fact, she was quite the idealist and treated Honorary Britannians and Numbers with more respect than what would've been acceptable among members of both royalty and nobility.

Such ideals will only put a bulls-eye on her back, and make her an ideal target for a competing royal to get rid of her and potentially Cornelia at the same time. Lelouch thought as he contemplated the worrying implications Euphemia might face.

"Have you considered that something happening to her will provide a golden opportunity for you?" Junko asked suspecting correctly what Lelouch was thinking about. "If you want to bring down Britannia you need to actually be serious about using whatever tactics and drop any hesitation since the chances of fighting Suzaku alone is high. Have you considered what Euphemia might do if you were successful in killing Cornelia after interrogating her?"

Lelouch showed no sign of surprise at that last comment, but deep down he acknowledged that Euphemia could become an enemy he would have to deal with. It was a realization that made him unconformable, but he recognized he would have to harden his heart for what was to come.

"I think it's better for you to address the elephant in the room before you get further along the path you have chosen."

In response to her worlds, Lelouch sighed before sitting up on the sofa, which Junko wasted no time occupying a spot right next to the young man. She sat directly next to him as she looked at his face prompting the young man to look into her own blue eyes.

A smile appeared on Lelouch's face, "you're right. I don't like the idea of facing Euphemia because I feel she wouldn't be able to endure what my war could do to her. Ignoring the possibilities would be foolish on my part."

Lelouch understood he needed to make peace with the fact to commit evil to destroy another evil he would hurt or even kill innocent lives along that road. No matter if it was anyone close to him it was bound to happen regardless if he wanted it to or not.

"I understand to walk this path my conscience is a burden I must cast aside. No matter what the world must change. Even if the cost will be high if it demands the sacrifice of soldiers and the innocent as well." Lelouch said with a clear clarity of mind upon the path before him. "Indirectly or otherwise there will be a trail of death in my wake. Regardless I already crossed the point of no return when I killed to survive Monokuma's game."

Junko smiled darkly at Lelouch's steely resolve.

The despair of living a lie coupled with the fear of being used and discarded as a tool fueled his rage.

Junko thought as she was pleased with the direction Lelouch was heading towards. All she had to do was provide the proper nudge here and there to set him on his course that will bring chaos to the worlds.

"I know Nunnally will not accept my choices and neither would anyone else," Lelouch said with a solemn expression.

Junko put a hand on Lelouch's left shoulder before saying, "she might not agree with it, but she would be the closest to understanding your motivations."

"True..."

"Besides people are only as good as the world allows them to be. If we weren't raised on concepts like law, punishment, and morality, I think our world would've been very different." Junko said before she continued to say. "Yet, even if some won't admit it openly, they will agree with your methods as long as it changes the world to something better."

"You certainly see the world very differently."

"We see the world differently," Junko said gently turning Lelouch's face to face her own using a sly sleight of hand to cup his cheek. "Ok, how we see the world differs between us, but I think we're both ahead of the curve when compared to the everyday sheep who just wanders around."

Lelouch merely grinned, "We aren't part of the herd, and frankly I don't mind in the slightest."

"Of course, but I am sure things will be more interesting with your new power and," Junko was saying before allowing her sentence to trail off before turning her gaze to C.C., "I wonder if are there more like you and others who possess Geass like Lelouch?"

C.C. didn't respond at first, but Lelouch contemplated a thought that came to mind before asking. "Actually that is something I have meant to ask. C.C. are there any others like you or others who might possess a Geass since Britannia was holding you captive."

Lelouch didn't overlook the question, but instead, it wasn't a concern Lelouch felt he needed to address immediately because even with such knowledge there wasn't much he could probably do about it at the moment.

The green haired immortal seemed visibly annoyed for a moment before she carefully contemplated her answer.

"There are, but I don't know them all personally. I do know of one close to the Emperor through." C.C. answered reluctantly, although she suspected that Junko might try to push her to reveal such information because it was logical to assume that Britannia didn't discover someone like her by accident. The secrecy and how they caught her in the first place could've been because Britannia and Clovis had been aware of her and her abilities for some time before her capture.

"I thought so because I doubt someone like Clovis could've found someone like you by accident?" Junko said which confirmed C.C.'s suspicions and had avoided being cornered.

Lelouch was considering this carefully, but this was a worrying complication.

Does the Emperor have Geass too? Lelouch thought as his mind was processing how this might affect his coming war with Britannia.

With a sigh, C.C. decided it was best to admit what she knew, but she had no intention of revealing everything to Lelouch.

"His name is Victor zi Britannia; he is the brother of your father the Emperor and your uncle. He goes by the name V.V. now, he can grant Geass like me, and he is immortal too having obtained immortality at a very young age."

"What," Lelouch said shocked by this revelation that he had an uncle and Lelouch's own uncle was an immortal like C.C., but with that information, it did confirm that his father, the Emperor, likely has a Geass too. "What kind of Geass does the Emperor possess?"

"His Geass allows him to manipulate and suppress memories however he wills through eye contact, he can go as far as replacing your whole identity with a complete set of false memories," C.C. explained to a surprised Lelouch.

"Wow," Junko said sounding impressed, "that must be very useful if he isn't limited to using it only once on the same person."

"No there is no limit, but rather I should say he can use it on the same person as much as he wants as long as the memories he tampers with or suppresses doesn't involve complete rewrites and the victim isn't introduced nor does anything contradictory that might weaken the seals."

Lelouch took a moment to process this information, but this brought a troubling realization to mind.

Could he have used it to manipulate or cover up the death of my mother?

Without further information Lelouch could only speculate at this point, so he decided to push it aside for now. Even so, this new information just made fueled Lelouch's vendetta against Britannia.

"The only other person is the Knight of One, Bismarck Waldstein who's Geass allows him to see a few seconds into the future to predict the movements of his enemies. He hides it behind the eye he has sewn shut, but reveals it in a battle that demands its use." C.C. revealed, which only added another complication and obstacle Lelouch would have to deal with.

Thankfully it would be some time before he would face the Knights of the Rounds, and as long as the Emperor didn't know, he had C.C. and the information she had then Lelouch could use that as an advantage to catch the Knight of One and the Emperor off guard.

"I doubt they are the only ones are they," Lelouch said realizing the Emperor wouldn't have stopped with the Knight of One possessing a Geass, "they probably other agents or maybe even other members of the Knights of the Round who are in possession of Geass."

"That is likely true since I heard there was one Knight of the Round who had possessed Geass, but I don't know if she or he is still among them," C.C. answered casually, although it was hard to tell if she was hiding anything else.

"So the Emperor, more than likely, has a secret army of supernatural power wielding followers. Well, this got both more complicated for you," Junko said folding her arms over her chest before thinking.

And more interesting…

Lelouch considered it, but if he was the Emperor of Britannia then, he couldn't think of any reason why the Emperor wouldn't have additional followers and agents possessing a Geass to help further his own agenda.

I can't imagine he would keep an army. If the powers of Geass vary from user to user and assuming they affect the mind, then the Emperor would likely keep a small group he can control to ensure none of them could oppose or even attempt to overthrow him. Lelouch reasoned internally, and also if he had a means of manipulating memories, he still found the possibility of the Emperor taking such a risk, which would confirm that whatever manipulations he could perform on a person's mind could be undone or some other unforeseen liability.

Lelouch could only guess at this point, but regardless this merely reinforced the fact that he wouldn't need ways to counter Geass he would need to find more information about the exact number of followers the Emperor had who could use Geass and what their ability was.

"As you've already guessed Geass varies from person to person," C.C. added although it was obvious at this point it was best to be said along with adding another fact. "Not even I could tell you what kind of Geass you could receive when I offer the power."

Junko's eyes narrowed as she thought, I wonder what kind of Geass I would get then?

"Then simply recruiting men and women to fill the ranks of the Black Knights will not be enough." Lelouch said after a few moments in deep thought, "I'll need highly exceptional people to join my ranks."

"Are you thinking about recruiting some of the Hope's Peak Academy students?"

"Yes," Lelouch answered before he explained, "I am aware that some of them would not fit well with the Black Knights depending on their talent. Aside from combat roles, I could obtain some scientists and researchers you could help me with developing countermeasures against Geass users and better weapons to give me an edge."

"I think it's a good idea, but not everyone who has the talents who might be useful to you would have good reasons to join the Black Knights." Junko pointed, although she wasn't trying to convince Lelouch that it was a bad idea she was cautioning him that not everyone might not have motivations that would align well with his own or the other members of the soon to be Black Knights.

"You have a point," Lelouch admitted before a thought came to mind, "but maybe the upcoming School Festival might provide me with an opportunity to do some scouting."

"What about Seiko," Junko asked referring to the Ultimate Pharmacist, "the stuff she can make would be a huge benefit to you wouldn't it."

"That is true, but I don't know if she would side with us. I don't know enough about her to be sure of that."

Junko nodded in agreement before saying, "fair enough, but if she has a thing for you then don't be afraid to take advantage of that."

Lelouch's expression soured at the idea, but he made the mistake of inquiring further.

"Something like that tends to backfire if she finds out I am using whatever attachment she has for me, if any, to manipulate her. Besides," Lelouch said thinking of his father, "what would make me any better than that man and how he uses his consorts."

"Well, for one thing, you probably would give more of a damn about the women in your life than he would, and besides I wasn't suggesting you make a harem out of Ultimate Female Students." Junko said with a coy smile appeared on her face, "but I don't mind as long as I can join in right."

Lelouch was clearly annoyed, but he didn't allow it to be expressed in his response, "I have no intention of forming some kind of harem and besides I am sure someone might be upset if I really did so."

"Who can say, but you should know by now that I find ordinary things boring," Junko replied with a sly smile, which made Lelouch cautious.

The former prince internally sighed as he couldn't grasp any woman who would be open to sharing a man beside Junko. Lelouch assumed it was because of boredom at how she efficiently predicts her daily life, might be open to the idea since it could offer a level of unpredictability for her compared to what an average relationship would entail.

"You overlook the obvious problem that besides you and Mukuro no one else knows about my true identity, which could become a problematic factor," Lelouch said intending to shoot down the conversation before it could continue on.

Junko was seemingly disappointed, but she would find a way to make a comeback. "I suppose, and Celeste might be more likely to sell you out for the right price if she knew the truth behind you."

Or she might be willing to share a bed with us if she found out about your former royalty status, but that probably wouldn't be enough. Junko contemplated because he knew the Ultimate Gambler could be useful in helping bring in additional funds for the Black Knights.

The problem with Celestia Ludenberg was that she was very greedy, so she would potentially be more of a liability than an ally.

Sayaka on the other hand, Junko thought while grinning internally at the thought.

She knew Sayaka well enough through the times they met at photo shoots where the former was to pose in Clovis's swimwear, and she knew Sayaka Maizono would do almost anything for the sake of her career. It was the reason she chose to be a part-time model for Clovis because it allowed her to continue her career as a pop idol without having to sleep around with different managers. If Lelouch hadn't intervened recently, poor Sayaka would've lost her virginity by now.

She might not be able to offer much to the Black Knights other than possible Public Relations support after Japan is liberated, assuming it is at some point, but…she could help me motivate Lelouch to the right direction to aggressively pursue his rebellion.

Junko was smiling deviously on the inside, although she would need to do some checking on Sayaka before she could begin manipulating events and her to suit her goals.

Not to mention if need be I could have her killed to motivate Lelouch further and to drown him in despair, or if Lelouch ends up dead then, Sayaka could help me infect the world with despair if conditions are just right.

That was the real reason Junko had contemplated encouraging Lelouch to form a harem with various women involved. If a member died then, Junko could inflict despair on Lelouch and make him more aggressive towards his goal, or if Lelouch died later, she could use them to motivate his followers to get revenge and sink the world into despair. This would leave many possible paths and outcomes open for Junko to explore depending on how Lelouch's war with Britannia plays out.

Of course, we'll have some fun in the bedroom in the meantime, Junko thought while she was grinning deviously on the inside.

"I suppose that's true, but let me remind you that you keep saying that you'll do anything to bring down Britannia. Let me ask you this, if it meant sharing your bed with someone else to gain a potential advantage over Britannia would you do it?" Junko asked with a smile as she verbally backed Lelouch into a corner.

Thankfully Lelouch was prepared with a proper counter for that, "you are assuming a lot Junko. That would be assuming she would be willing to share or you proposing some kind of arranged marriage?"

"I am just saying," Junko said shrugging her shoulders, "some women might not mind and some like me would probably enjoy it. Of course, if it gives you an advantage and grantees the loyalty of a potentially invaluable asset to you then I see little reason why you should deny it. Other than you being too prideful or against the idea for what would ultimately amount to petty reasons in the face of the war ahead."

Lelouch wasn't sure how to best respond to it because much to his annoyance Junko had once again brought up a valid point. He hated the idea she suggested, but he couldn't deny what Junko said, and he did acknowledge that depending on conditions there were certain advantages it could allow him. Still, it did little to quell the reservations he had about becoming involved with more than one woman.

Junko said nothing further as she cupped both of Lelouch's cheeks as she looked into his eyes, although Lelouch had been fully aware of how close Junko has been to him, Lelouch had been careful to avoid giving her any openings to tease him or derail the conversation. His time with Milly had been useful in that regard as he was more on guard whenever he was dealing with very mischievous blondes.

He wasn't prepared for what came next as Junko pressed her lips against Lelouch before swiftly wrapping her arms around his neck snaring him entirely with her lips.

Lelouch's eyes went wide in surprise as he didn't expect this from Junko, but some part of him was aware of Junko's attraction for him.

However, Lelouch didn't resist as his lips parted slightly giving her eager tongue access where it met Lelouch's tongue in a struggle for dominance. He found himself completely lost in the kiss as Lelouch fell back onto the couch, which Junko seized to straddle his lap. Junko pressed her pleasurable assault as she continued to massage his tongue with her with a kiss that was intense and demanding at the same time. Lelouch was surprised by his lack of resistance, but he avoided doing anything fully aware of the fact that an accidental hand on her thigh or breast could easily cascade to a loss of virginity.

After what seemed like forever, Junko drew back as she continued to straddle Lelouch's lap.

"I have waited a long time for that," Junko said with a triumphant smile before stretching her arms above her head in a suggestive pose. "I am a little sad you didn't take the chance to explore."

"It could've gone a little further than a kiss if I did that," Lelouch admitted almost reluctantly, but a part of him was angry that he allowed Junko to slip past his defenses. "Not to mention I don't think they would've liked to watch that."

Lelouch pointed to C.C. and Mukuro who were in the room still, although C.C. was seemingly passive Mukuro seemed oddly agitated, yet she has regained her composure before anyone could notice.

"Thank you for your consideration, Lelouch," C.C. said finally seemingly glad they didn't go further, but it was hard to tell if she was annoyed or angry with what had just happened.

"You're not jealous are you?" Junko teased as she exchanged a glance with the immortal woman.

"Me, don't be ridiculous."

"Junko would mind removing yourself," Lelouch said feeling somewhat compromised by his current position.

"Come on you enjoyed it. Even your body tells me it is enjoying it."

Lelouch grunted in anger, but he stubbornly didn't want to get Junko the satisfaction of her teasing was getting to him.

"No need to be angry or ashamed of it. Your body is merely responding naturally when you have a beautiful woman against you." Junko said as she, almost reluctantly, compiled and removed herself off of Lelouch. "Regardless that kiss and what I feel for you is real Lelouch."

"I know," Lelouch said as he straightened himself out as he sat up on the couch, "I just don't know if a relationship would be a good idea right now. I am fighting a war and today also reminded me that something could happen to me."

"And…" Junko merely replied folding her arms across her chest in a pouting manner.

"I don't want to leave anyone heartbroken over my death should it happen, but I have no intention of that," Lelouch said although he had no intention of losing to Britannia he had to acknowledge the possibility that the worse could happen to him and as such he should plan for the opportunity.

It meant that he didn't want any attachments that could distract him or leave behind should the worse happen.

"Lelouch, your death alone would be heartbreaking enough because you are the only person in my life to not only have exceeded my expectations but even defy them." Junko admitted before adding, "But life has been a lot more interesting with you around especially since you got your new power and what lies ahead for you because of it and its source."

"I see, so I guess too little too late then to avoid a relationship then is what you are saying."

"I practicality followed you to Ashford Academy and reentered Hope's Peak Academy when you got scouted for it," Junko responded as she raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry I won't rush anything with you we can take our time, but look on the bright side you can say that now we are dating you have a convenient excuse to dissuade any other woman from getting close to you."

That is true, and it would provide another excuse to explain why Junko and her sister spend time with me especially if they are going to become involved with my plans for the future. Lelouch thought as he had to admit it did provide a good cover story that could be useful to him.

"Why don't you sleep on it Lelouch and we'll talk tomorrow," Junko said before gesturing for Mukuro to follow her.

"Good night Lelouch," Mukuro said before departing with Junko.

"Good night both of you."

Once the door was closed Lelouch let out a tired sigh.

"I am sorry you had to see that," Lelouch said, although he knew he wasn't at fault Lelouch felt an apology was owed to the immortal woman since he had allowed that scene to play out. Perhaps Lelouch was trying to play the role of a gentleman, which led to him offering an apology.

"That seemed to be a long time coming, but if you are concerned about me being offended by what I saw then you need not worry," C.C. replied passively. "What happens between you and Junko isn't my concern, but I would appreciate it if I wasn't part of an audience if you intend to take things further with her."

"Fair enough," Lelouch replied, "still being a relationship with her could provide potential good cover stories I can use for my activities as Zero."

"And keep anyone else from getting too close to you."

Lelouch nodded in confirmation, "yes and I think it would be for the best."

He reclined on the couch in deep thought; although it was sudden Lelouch acknowledged he should've been more prepared for Junko doing something unexpected. Yet a part of him welcomed the level of the relationship between them because unlike the female students at Ashford Academy who hounded him Junko was very different. She knew the real him and knew he was Zero, although he was disappointed Suzaku didn't join him Lelouch had Mukuro and Junko in his place. Furthermore, Junko, although different, could be considered his intellectual equal.

Maybe I should take Junko's advice and sleep on it and think about it more tomorrow. Lelouch thought as he quieted his mind for now.

Some uncertainty remained, but Lelouch decided to see where the road he was currently traveling on would lead towards.

Monokuma Theater:

Atop of a large hill was a large pile of various and colorful fireworks, including rockets stuck into the ground ready for lunch, but a comically large firework rocket was the centerpiece of the collection. Tied to the missile was rabbit-like creature similar to Monokuma with one side white, and the other side was pink wearing a diaper and a pink bow on one of her ears.

"Happy New Year everyone, and Happy, upcoming, Chinese New Year!" Monokuma cheered as he was trying to light a match.

"Please someone help me," Monomi cried out as she struggled to break free of the bonds, "you can't launch me into the air like this."

"Oh quit whining, because big brother is going to send you to the moon," Monokuma replied followed by his signature laugh as he tried to light the match but found it strangely difficult to light one. "What better way to celebrate the year of the bear coming up."

"Huh, year of the bear, but it's supposed to be the year of the d-" Monomi was unable to finish that sentence as Monokuma finally successfully lit the match and lit the fuse before running away leaving behind a panicking Monomi.

The rockets, including the one Monomi, was strapped to, launched into the air coupled with the various fireworks on the ground began detonating leading to a dazzling display on the field and into the sky.

"Happy New Year and time for the year of the bear or rather the year of despair lies ahead."

A/N: I had planned to post this chapter on New Year's Day, but I, unfortunately, didn't finish it in time. Still, I had nothing else for a Monokuma Theater planned, so I thought I just leave it in.

Anyway, I thought it was an excellent time to further Lelouch and Junko's relationship, and I have to say I had a hard time writing out the scene because I was trying to capture how toxic and corrupting Junko can be while at the same time keep her and Lelouch in character. Lelouch I was trying to keep him defiant and stubborn, especially when his plan in regards to Cornelia came apart on him.

I did the battle at the ghetto the way I did because I didn't see any reason to go cover something that was exactly how it would play out in canon. It felt too much like a copy and paste, and so I did it the way I did since we all knew how it was going to play out and I wasn't trying to skim over it thoroughly.

However I am planning something different for the debut of the Black Knights, and it won't involve any hotels this time. It will happen after the School Festival, which will provide Lelouch with some opportunities to better familiarize himself with other Ultimate Students. Then it's merely a question of which ones could Lelouch recruit to the Black Knights.

And Junko did suggest the harem idea to Lelouch and her reasons Lelouch could consider it, but at the same time offer a reminder to the negative points of having one including Junko since her despair fetish will be a problem.

Thanks for reading the chapter and thanks in advance for your review/feedback.