A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed and yes to answer the question of an anonymous reviewer there will be some Mukuro moments coming soon. I picked this chapter's title based off of one of the achievements/trophies from Danganronpa V3, and I am sure it's a clear sign of what is likely to happen in this chapter.

I did consider holding it back for another chapter or two, but after some consideration, I decided to go ahead with it as I couldn't imagine any other time later in the story that would work.

Anyway, without further delay let us proceed.

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

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

Chapter 18

Giving it up

Traveling by taxi, the two arrived at the Tokyo Hospital where Nunnally, Milly, and Sayoko were waiting with Sayaka. During their journey to the hospital, Sayoko had briefed Lelouch about what had happened. The group encountered members of Hope's Peak Academy Security where Sayaka discovered what had befallen her friends. According to the head of security, who they met with at Sayaka's apartment, informed them that a raid was conducted early upon an underground club where some illicit activities and meetings with various criminals take place.

The police, under the direct supervision of Homeland Intelligence, raided the club. Lelouch learned it was part of Cornelia's efforts to crack down on internal corruption. To not only enforce discipline at the highest levels of government and the military but to clean out those engaging in criminal acts by catching them in the scene to give them little means of defense. The reason for the raid in the first place is due to the club possessing a reputation for meeting with criminal elements that sold and traded military secrets, intelligence, and weapons. It was merely the tip of the iceberg, but it was enough for Cornelia to order a raid.

As the police rounded everyone up, they discovered the members of Sayaka's idol group in the back of the club that operated a small brothel for wealthy clients.

I thought my Geass should've prevented something like that. I guess the other members of Sweet Orchid wasn't worth managing, Lelouch thought as he and Junko entered an elevator.

Lelouch learned that the individual members of Sweet Orchid, expect for Sayaka, were managed by the assistant to the man Lelouch ensnared with his Geass. It was no secret that Sayaka was the key to the group's success, which meant the other members weren't worth managing, so his assistant handled their solo performances and photo shoots.

That was just on the surface, but in reality, Lelouch thought as he remembered the more unpleasant details Sayoko shared with him over the phone.

He learned that the assistant to Sayaka's manager, through means unknown presently, had coaxed the members of Sayaka's idol group into selling their bodies as part of the club's brothel. Lelouch suspected blackmail and threats, but without any information, he could only speculate.

Turning a corner as Junko and Lelouch made their way through the hospital they came upon Milly, Nunnally, and Sayoko. The latter was busy talking to a tall, muscular man standing an impressive six feet tall with short dark greenish hair with pink eyes and a tanned complexion. He wore the blue coat and suit that Lelouch recognized belonged to the Chief of Security of Hope's Peak Academy.

"There you are," Milly said noticing the pairs' arrival.

"Where is Sayaka?" Junko asked as she scanned the area for the pop star.

"Inside that room," Nunnally answered as she pointed to a room opposite of where they stood.

"Thank you for coming so promptly Lelouch-sama," Sayoko greeted.

"How is Sayaka," Lelouch asked, but he knew Sayaka wasn't okay from an emotional perspective.

He couldn't even begin to guess how Sayaka must've reacted when found out, and the condition of her friends likely worsened it.

"I recognize you," the taller man began, "you are part of the new students for this year. You are in the same class as Miss Maizono."

"Lelouch-sama this is Juzo Sakakura, the Chief of Security and the former Ultimate Boxer," Sayoko said introducing the intimidating former Ultimate Boxer.

"Sayoko here has filled me in on a few details that have helped our investigation," Juzo said before explaining, "I did have a few questions I wanted to ask you, so thank you for coming."

"Sayaka is my friend and classmate, so I'll help in any way I can," Lelouch offered, but at the same time he was hoping he could use the subsequent discussion as a means to collect more details about what had happened.

"You spoke to Sayaka's manager before the entrance ceremony at the academy, right?"

"That's right," Lelouch answered. "I was browsing around for an apartment, and I was conducting an inspection of said apartments to see which ones could offer the best escape routes during a disaster if my sister moved in or visited."

That wasn't wholly true, but it would be sufficient to convince anyone who knew Lelouch to a doting and overprotective brother. Lelouch recalled and provided Juzo with a retelling of events involving Sayaka and her manager, although he did face the issue of offering a better explanation regarding how he convinced her manager to stop his unwanted advances without revealing his Geass.

Now that I think about it, Lelouch thought.

Lelouch suspected her manager must've been trying to press her into joining that brothel along with the rest of Sweet Orchid.

No, I am positive that's exactly what was happening, Lelouch concluded internally.

"So you managed to bribe him and talk him out of forcing Miss Maizono into," Juzo said, although he was trying to find the proper words of choice.

"I think he was trying to push her into joining that club's brothel alongside her friends. Or I suspect that is what he must've been trying to do," Lelouch said, but he was positive that bastard was also trying to force Sayaka into sleeping with him to preserve her career. "Thankfully because of Monokuma's Killing Game I convinced him that any kind of scandal involving some of Sayaka's fame could draw some unwanted attention."

Juzo had one hand on his chin in careful contemplation, "Or end up a target in one of Monokuma's sick games. Given how he went for those with the most skeletons in their closets."

"It wasn't easy, but when I mentioned unwanted attention, he seemed to begin backing off," Lelouch said lying with ease.

"I guess that lines up with what police found so far," Juzo said as Lelouch listened intensively to catch any useful details. "He was in the middle of a nasty divorce with his wife, so to keep him from cheating her out of anything she had hired a private investigator to get any kind of dirt she could use."

Lelouch noticed something in that last statement and given the questions he was asked he suspected Sayaka's manager was no longer among the living.

"He's dead isn't he?"

"Yes," Juzo replied, "I guess you noticed that."

"I suspected he was either arrested during the raid or somehow he ended up dead," Lelouch said. "Otherwise you wouldn't be questioning me about my encounter with him."

However, Lelouch believed that Sayaka's manager had likely ended up dead because of the order he had given him with his Geass to protect and work with Sayaka for her best interests and not forcing her into sex with him or anyone else.

I can't imagine his assistant was happy with his boss's sudden change, Lelouch thought as he suspected what events led to his death.

Its merely a question of how he died, but Lelouch was sure his assistant was somehow involved.

"Not quite, but around the time of the raid a fight between them broke out. In the ensuing struggle, the assistant clubbed his own boss to death with an iron pipe. We suspect he must've been planning to kill him, but the raid interrupted his plan. We don't suspect you of anything, but the school does investigate any student who might've been involved, indirectly or otherwise, as a precaution."

Lelouch's eyes narrowed as a thought came to mind, so the school can protect its own reputation since I imagine Hope's Peak Academy doesn't want any bad PR that could lead to people noticing the experiments they are carrying out in secret.

He wasn't that surprised by such a move given how much the academy valued its reputation as a prestigious academy being supported by the Britannian Homeland and the Emperor in a way, so it was unlikely they would allow anything to tarnish that reputation let alone permit any of its dark secrets to be exposed.

"What about Sayaka?"

"She's fine," Juzo answered, "And thanks to our own investigation into this matter you don't have to worry about something happening to her much like that fiasco with Suzaku Kururugi and Clovis's assassination. The school does look after its most prized students."

Lelouch suspected something else Juzo wasn't telling them, which led to him turning to Nunnally.

"Milly and Sayoko," Lelouch said addressing the two, "why don't you take Nunnally home. I am sorry you couldn't meet the rest of Sayaka's idol group."

Nunnally seemed disappointed, but she understood it was best if she left since there was little she could do to help Sayaka.

"I am sorry to have interrupted your evening with Junko," Nunnally apologized.

"Don't worry about it," Junko answered with a dismissive gesture, "this was something beyond your control, so you have no reason to apologize."

"We'll take care of Nunnally," Milly offered with a disappointed expression.

"I appreciate it, and we'll make sure Sayaka is alright before we leave," Lelouch said before hugging his sister goodbye and sending them on their way.

"It was nice seeing you again Juzo, but please give Chisa and Kyosuke my regards," Sayoko said to Juzo before turning to Lelouch, "take care, and I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thank you Sayoko," Lelouch replied.

Juzo merely smiled, "don't worry I'll tell them when I see them."

As the group departed, Lelouch made a minor mental note to inquire to Sayoko about her relationship with Juzo since he couldn't shake the feeling they knew each other. Still, that was a question for another time, and he had a more important question to ask Juzo.

Lelouch waited until Nunnally, Milly, and Sayoko were out of earshot before Lelouch inquired, "So tell me what became of the assistant?"

I can't shake the feeling he wasn't arrested, otherwise, why would there be any concern for Sayaka? Lelouch wondered internally, although it might've been just that Hope's Peak Academy had wanted to ensure there was nothing Sayaka was involved with that could be damaging to the school's reputation. On the other hand, Lelouch was sure there was something else.

Juzo hesitated before he relented, "they caught him, but he brought his way out of police custody."

Lelouch didn't seem surprised by this, which only reinforced the reason why Hope's Peak Security became involved and took steps to ensure any potential blame couldn't be redirected onto Sayaka, especially given what happened to Suzaku after Clovis was killed.

"I see, so I assume he has gone underground?"

"I think so, but beyond that, I don't know anything else," Juzo replied as Lelouch noticed the barely restrained anger as he was apparently displeased with the man walking free given that he was the one who put Sayaka's friends through hell.

Junko smiled, faintly, as she thought; I guess the Black Knights have their next target.

"Would it be alright if we could see Sayaka now?" Lelouch asked.

"I won't stop you, but I don't need to tell you Sayaka is probably not in a talkative mood," Juzo said recalling how crushed Sayaka was when she arrived.

"I understand, but I simply can't leave her unattended like this," Lelouch said as he prepared himself for what would come next.

"I'll be with him," Junko offered before she followed Lelouch into the room where the members of Sayaka's idol group were being kept.

Juzo didn't interfere and allowed the two to enter, but he was hopeful they could provide Sayaka with the help she likely needed.

Without any hesitation, Lelouch quietly opened the door and entered the large room where he saw four occupied beds, and Sayaka was sitting in a chair at the bedside of one of them. Lelouch glanced around the room taking in the state of Sayaka's friends and bandmates. The doctors had done an excellent job tending to their injuries, but the bandages on their arms, wrists, and necks led Lelouch to contemplate what state they must've been found in.

They were apparently beaten and abused in ways I can't even begin to…

Lelouch cursed his own mind for going through and providing possible scenarios that led to their current state, which was only worsened by the fact that all of Sayaka's friends were seemingly awake as they sat up in bed. The monitors linked to them provided a somewhat visible indication they were alive, but judging from their blank expressions and empty eyes they were invalid.

Were they even aware of what they were being subjected to?

He wondered if the drugs were used to make them more compliant or if they used them as a means of coping with the horrors they endured, or both. The doctors might've done an exceptional job patching up the physical damage, but Lelouch couldn't even begin to imagine the depths of the physiological damage and trauma they suffered as a result. It didn't help Lelouch that his own mind kept going through possible scenarios that left him feeling sickened because he knew this was just the tip of the iceberg when he suspected the depravity they suffered over what Lelouch suspects, although he had no real means to honestly know how long this has gone on for.

Studying the expressions and states of the bedridden girls, Lelouch examined the cart belonging to one of the girls. Reading through the information and looking over the symptoms and condition that was listed Lelouch suspected one drug was the cause for their invalid state, which was helped further by the fact that he knew that one drug could cause such a condition if used for an extended period of time.

I am confident refrain was used, which would explain the fact they appear to be invalid.

Lelouch thought as he was familiar with the drug that had been used on them. He had done some research on it in preparation for hunting down the various dealers of the illegal substance, which allowed him to deduce it was the substance used on Sayaka's friends judging from their appearance and the information gleaned from the cart of one of the girls. The fact that Lelouch knew their invalid state could only be caused by long-term use of refrain just confirmed Lelouch's suspicions that Sayaka's friends must've endured this for a long time meaning the abuse and treatment as brothel workers could've been going on for months.

Maybe even longer for all Lelouch knew.

I would just need to get confirmation to be sure, and if that is the case, it gives me a potential lead I can follow.

With that thought in mind, Lelouch had only to tend to damage control. Lelouch quietly approached Sayaka as he held the hand of one of her friends, Lelouch recognized the girl as Satomi Aoba who was seemingly identical to Sayaka regarding hair color and eye color from all of the photos he had seen of the group. Their appearances were similar too, but Lelouch knew for a fact that both Satomi and Sayaka were not sisters.

Lelouch stood behind Sayaka as she was crying while holding the hand of her friend, although Lelouch wanted to say something he found the opportunity to speak and what words to say difficult knowing situations like these must be handled delicately.

Thankfully for Lelouch, the young woman before him spoke, "why did this have to happen? We just wanted to make people smile, and it was a dream my friends, and I shared."

"You and your friends have no reason to blame themselves," Lelouch answered. "The people, Britannia are completely convinced of their superiority over others and feel entitled to indulge in whatever twisted fantasies they desire without consequences. This is especially true for members of the nobility or those who have the wealth and connections, all it would take is the right bribe here and there to get most people to look the other way. The fact you and your friends are Japanese means little to those in authority no matter how popular you but in fact, it would only serve the egos of those in power to make you all into their playthings."

Sayaka was quiet, although Lelouch's words were harsh it was the truth, and the proof was right in front of her.

"I am sorry if I sound cold, but I think it would be more hurtful than to look away from the truth than to face it. I don't doubt many of your fans would be angered by what happened, but it means little to those who hold power in Area 11 and its entertainment industry," Lelouch said, although he tried to be gentle with his words as best he could.

Sayaka was once again quiet, but after a moment she spoke.

"No, but you are right."

"Even so I am not asking you to accept it," Lelouch began prompting Sayaka to look up at him, "even if it's the truth there is no rule saying you have to like it."

"I know, but what should I do?"

"For the sake of your friends continue your dream, if they shared the same dream as you then you should continue on for their sake. It won't be easy I know, but I'll help you in any way I can that is within my power to do so." Lelouch offered as he put a hand on the chair, which Sayaka was sitting on. "Don't give a society that would enjoy seeing a non-Britannia crumble and fail the satisfaction of defeating you."

Sayaka turned around before looking up to meet Lelouch's gaze. She saw sympathy, but Sayaka saw something else that put her at ease, especially when she recalled the anger Lelouch displayed at the Viceroy.

"I'll try, but what can I do about my friends?"

"I don't know, but I know the damage caused by the drugs in their system will heal in time. I am certain however this will not go unpunished."

"You mean, Zero might go after them?" Sayaka asked almost hesitantly.

"The Black Knights have been targeting criminals and corrupt politicians as of late, and once word of this gets out, I am sure the man who put your friends through this will be hunted down," Lelouch said seemingly very sure of that fact.

Wiping away some tears from her eyes Sayaka smiled, "thank you, Lelouch."

Junko and Lelouch stayed with Sayaka until the hospital staff pushed her to leave for the night, so before returning to his apartment a weary Lelouch and Junko escorted Sayaka home. He wasn't tired from comforting Sayaka, but it seemed Lelouch would be much busier in the coming days. Junko knew it was a case of a win-win scenario for Lelouch and Sayaka. If Lelouch were to hunt down and punish the assistant manager who put Sayaka's friends through hell and exposed the corrupt justice department that allowed him to walk, then it would further the Black Knight's image as Knights of Justice and win additional support from the people.

Sayaka would get the benefit and the comforting knowledge that her friends were avenged.

That room in the hospital was filled with such sweet despair, although Lelouch's words did diminish it a bit it was so beautiful to take in, Junko thought, but she wondered what kind of state Sayaka's friends would be in if they recovered.

She couldn't imagine them recovering anytime soon even if the physical damage was healed.

No those girls have been damaged for life, and Sayaka knows it, Junko thought as she watched Lelouch lay down on the sofa.

Without hesitating Junko joined Lelouch on the sofa, although he paused at first Lelouch ultimately allowed her to cuddle up with him as she began hugging him from behind as he felt the alluring warmth of her body against his own. Lelouch adjusted accordingly until he had his back against Junko with the latter resting her head next to his while her arms were wrapped around his waist. He didn't want to admit it, but Lelouch felt more comfortable and at ease with Junko with the warmth of her body against his helped him feel more relaxed. His only reservations were that Lelouch feared his relationship with Junko was going to become a hindrance to his rebellion against Britannia, especially since he didn't want any unwanted distractions to bother him along the way.

Yet Junko was proving him wrong as had proven to be invaluable as an ally and someone he could trust and open up to more than anyone he knew.

On the other hand with C.C. nowhere to be seen Lelouch knew by allowing Junko this close to him will likely result in their relationship potentially taking a more intimate turn.

"Are you alright?"

Lelouch didn't look at Junko, but he did answer her.

"I knew those girls had to make some unpleasant sacrifices, but I never imagined anything like that," Lelouch said, but in reality, he knew deep down it was likely the case given some of the various nobles and people he had seen in some of the gambling dens and casinos he visited. Lelouch reasoned that some part of him was hoping to be wrong, but he should've known that reality would prove his worse fears to be true.

It should've been apparent when he discovered what Yuuma, back in the First Killing Game, had forced her own daughter to endure for the sake of their career. That only should've made Lelouch realize what Sayaka and her friends were likely suffering through, but it seemed Sayaka was fortunate although she was pressed into sacrificing her dignity for the sake of career.

All she had left was her virginity, but her friends were not as lucky which Lelouch understood must've been a ghastly experience for Sayaka when she found out.

"You suspected it through?"

"Yes I did, but I was really hoping for their sake that I would be wrong."

Junko studied Lelouch's features before realizing something else, "That isn't the only reason you seem wiped out isn't it?"

"Ever since I killed Clovis I expected some part of me to feel guilty for killing him, but with everything he did in Shinjuku, his secret projects and how he was part of a system that allowed Sayaka's friends to suffer like that. I feel no remorse for killing him even if Nunnally might feel otherwise I ultimately don't regret killing him." Lelouch said with a cold and hard tone of voice. "Knowing the bloody path I am on I am aware my actions will lead to the deaths of many on both sides, regardless if I intended it or not, but tonight has shown me that if my rebellion succeeds and Britannia falls then the new world will be something that'll be better for them."

"You have chosen a long and difficult road that much is sure especially with the possibility of the Emperor using agents with supernatural powers to stop you."

"That is true," Lelouch said in agreement, "but I am resolved to see this through to the end. I'll either succeed, or I'll die in the process; however, trying is better than simply just accepting my place among the mindless herds call masses."

"Give me liberty or give me death huh," Junko said causing Lelouch to grin.

"Gentlemen may cry Peace, Peace, but there is no peace. The war is actually begun; Patrick James I believe uttered those words around the time of the American Revolution."

"I am sure men like him were faced with some of the same issues as you, although different on an individual scale I am sure. Not everyone suddenly makes the decision to revolt against a country," Junko said as she held Lelouch closer to her.

"I don't doubt that, but maybe as a pragmatist and the research I have done in preparation helped me realize the road I shall walk and what will be expected of me," Lelouch said in a moment of calm clarity. "Knowing that I rather die fighting for a dream of a better world for Nunnally, and maybe one Sayaka and her friends can achieve their dreams without making such terrible sacrifices."

"You do know it may not work out that well?"

"That's true, but who can say the world that will be created when the old one is burned down won't be better? There is a chance it could be worse, but isn't an unchanging world far worse and boring," Lelouch answered with a smirk.

Junko merely laughed it off, "well I suppose that's true. Changing the world could either bring about the world you want or something else, but we won't know until it happens right?"

"Fair enough, and if the world doesn't turn out how I want it then I'll try again until it is just right?"

"You might be at this for a very long time then."

"Perhaps, but I am sure someone like you wouldn't mind since it could be interesting."

"Who can say," Junko said before adding with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "but I agree it could be interesting given what has happened so far."

"Indeed," Lelouch said in agreement as there were still many unknown factors to consider on the road ahead, but he needed to focus on the matters in front of him.

At that moment Junko moved closer to Lelouch's ear before whispering, "and I am willing to see it all through to the very end with you. I am especially curious to see what the full extent of your actions will cause and how the world will be affected by them."

Lelouch felt Junko move a hand onto his chest, although he was expecting this move from her. Still, he knew this was coming, but yet a part of him wanted it. He wondered if it was ok for them to further their relationship, especially in light of events surrounding Sayaka. Some wouldn't be in the mood, but it seemed that Junko wasn't going to be deterred.

"That's not all you want is it?" Lelouch asked aware of the fact he was taking the bull by the horns now.

Junko grinned before she playfully nibbled on his ear, "I told you already I love you. I am ready to show it."

"I don't think showing it is essential for a relationship," Lelouch said, although he would be lying he was tempted. On the other hand, he was glad at the level of self-control he was displaying compared to the last two moments things became heated between them.

It wasn't that he was embarrassed or ashamed because Lelouch was disappointed at how eager he was to kiss Junko and more. Lelouch cursed the hormones coursing through his body, but he couldn't deny that a part of him wanted things to advance between them. Not for the sake of intimacy, but instead he wanted to ensure that Junko would be with him because she, besides Mukuro, was closer to him than anyone else.

He valued her input, and their conversations were something he enjoyed her different view of the world, and her analytical abilities opened the door for discussions Lelouch couldn't have with anyone else.

I don't think this is something you can rush, the voice of reason within Lelouch's mind told him.

Closing his eyes, Lelouch carefully contemplated the choices in front of him while weighing the potential consequences of said choices. Junko's continued roaming upon his body didn't help matters, which was something else Lelouch was shocked after realizing he had grown accustomed to so quickly.

You know you want Junko to be more than a friend, given how much you have shared with her already.

Lelouch acknowledged that was true, but still, a part of him didn't want to ruin their relationship if he rushed it too quickly.

Taking a deep breath and throwing caution to the wind Lelouch decided to take a risky gamble, although he knew how the evening would end once he proceeded.

I don't know if this is the right thing to do or not, but…

Lelouch craned his neck to meet Junko's lips while using one hand to cup her cheek before slipping it into her hair towards the back of her head allowing Lelouch to draw her closer to capture her lips in a kiss. Lelouch felt the lovely scent of tropical fruits fill his nostrils which only relaxed him while indulging in his kiss with Junko as the latter sought to deepen it. Like the last kiss, it began softly, but once their respective tongues gained entrance into other's mouth, then the kiss went from lingeringly and slow savoring the moment to tentatively and insistent.

To further the level of closeness between them Junko began moving one of her legs over Lelouch's legs, which allowed the latter to run a hand up her leg starting from her knee before slowly traveling up until sliding over her thigh. Lelouch marveled at how soft her creamy skin felt as his hand slid higher touching Junko's smooth thigh, although the more he became loss during his kissing with Junko his hand began moving higher up her leg.

A delighted moan escaped her lips before a shiver caused Lelouch to pause, which led him to realize his hand had traveled much higher than he intended.

Lelouch expected Junko to be upset, but contrary to what he assumed she was pleased.

"Aren't we bold," Junko purred seductively.

"You know if we go ahead with this we can't take it back?"

"True, but why would we regret it?" Junko asked, but Lelouch thought about an answer he could give.

"Maybe we won't, but it doesn't bother you our relationship is progressing rather quickly?"

"A normal couple might be bothered by that or not if they just in for it for the physical aspect of the relationship, but we aren't a normal couple because of the fact we aren't normal people. I think we are both aware of this," Junko said before removing herself from Lelouch and standing up before offering her hand. "Who else is there for us really? Who would accept us for what we are and what we want in this world? I don't think every woman will react well to your true identity and what your life goals are, although there are some who might yet they might not agree with you as much as me."

Lelouch sat up on the sofa and looked up at Junko as blue eyes met amethyst eyes.

"I can't deny that, and besides Milly, Sayoko, Suzaku, Mukuro and you no one else knows the real me."

"The real you," Junko questioned, "then you might as well cross everyone but Mukuro and me off that list."

He chuckled at that point, "I should rephrase that, but my point still stands. However, only you and Mukuro know what I have done and what I plan to do."

"Because of how I am ordinary people and this world bores me to death, except for you," Junko pointed out. "Everything that someone else might find dazzling I see empty brilliance, a gray and dull world. I want to share the journey with you, and I am ready to commit my heart and body to you."

Junko unbuttoned her black cardigan before carelessly allowing it to fall to the floor, which was followed by her tie.

She offered her hand to Lelouch again, but said, "because of the path we walk maybe we both know it could end at any time. Isn't better we embrace what we feel and just ride the wave, because no one completes me like you Lelouch, so I am ready if you are."

Lelouch merely grinned, but joking aside he couldn't deny the possibility of him being killed during his war with Britannia could happen. Standing up from the sofa Lelouch removed the brown jacket he usually wore as part of his casual outfit, letting it join Junko's discarded cardigan on the floor.

He still had some lingering reservations, but it wasn't enough to deter Lelouch as he accepted Junko's hand before following her to his bedroom.

Speical Monokuma Theater:

Monokuma appeared to be standing in the middle of an amusement park themed around mice, but more specifically he was outside what seemed to be some kind of cartoonish house with a pink and red color scheme with hearts decorating it. One could easily mistake it for a funhouse, but Monokuma knew the house was home to one of the people he loathed the most.

"Anyway I promised lemons, so here they are," Monokuma announced gesturing to a wooden crate behind him marked with the logo and company name ApertureScience.

Monokuma picked up some lemons before handing some to the read while juggling the rest in his hands.

"You know that saying when life gives you lemons you make lemonade."

Suddenly Monokuma began hurling the lemons at the house, which started to instantly burst into flames setting the house on fire.

"You know a great man once said as a counter to that argument. When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade," Monokuma said before shouting as he hurled another lemon, "make life take the lemons back!"

Soon the rest of the amusement park began to catch fire.

"Demand to see life's manager, and make them rue the day life thought to give you lemons. So he made special lemons that could burn your house down. Isn't science fun!"

"Why does everything smell like lemons," Usami asked before she saw her house on fire, "MY HOUSE!"

Relaxing in her room C.C. didn't hear what was happening in Lelouch's bedroom, but she did overhear some of what had happened outside, so she knew what was likely happening inside Lelouch's bedroom after he and Junko went in there.

C.C. merely smirked, although she was alone she was speaking to someone only she could hear.

"I guess your son isn't a little boy anymore," C.C. mused knowing that would get a rise out of the one he was talking to, "oh please like you were any better with Charles."

The immortal woman calmly listened to the response of the woman he was speaking to.

"I am still positive you will like her Marianne, although she might not look it at first glance, she is just as devious as Lelouch if not more ruthless than him."

C.C. began laughing softly at the response she just heard.

"Well you and Charles did leave him to his own devices, and he had to grow up on his own and survive. All things considered, are you surprised if he found the right woman it was only a matter of time? Besides they knew each other for a good couple years, so it wasn't like they suddenly got horny. It was building for some time," C.C. pointed out.

Maybe if Lelouch doesn't live up to expectations, it might not be a bad idea to make a contract with Junko.

The following morning Lelouch awoke in his bed, although he wasn't sure how much sleep he had gotten because Lelouch didn't know how long he and Junko spent during an evening of intense and passionate lovemaking. His memory of what happened was hazy, but the proof of what happened last night laid intertwined with him and on top of his body with a bed sheet barely covering them. Junko and Lelouch remained joined in the most intimate embrace possible as the former buried her face in Lelouch's neck as his eyes wandered Junko's sleeping form.

She looks so peaceful…

Lelouch didn't feel any regret for what happened last night, and judging from Junko's calm and satisfied expression it was easy to assume neither did she.

He wanted to get up, but Lelouch couldn't bring himself to disturb Junko's slumber leading to him to lightly trace the curves of Junko's body.

Meanwhile, in the living room, C.C. was holding a box of tissue for Mukuro who had been crying upon realizing where her sister had been all night and the fact that Lelouch was still in his bedroom where his sister was told her all she needed. Mukuro had been in tears ever since with C.C. forced to handle damage control.

I had a feeling, but I didn't think he had the affection of both sisters, C.C. thought.

"Why didn't you attempt to win Lelouch before your sister claimed him? Surely you knew this would happen?"

"I know," Mukuro said accepting another tissue before tossing another one into the growing pile of used tissues, "but I didn't want to upset my sister."

In truth, Mukuro didn't want to incur Junko's wrath if she knew she had an interest in Lelouch, although Mukuro resigned herself to Junko taking Lelouch she never thought she would be upset when their relationship progressed to a more intimate one.

"Did Junko know about your feelings for Lelouch?"

Mukuro shook her head wiping away tears from her eyes.

"I see, so this is really your fault isn't it?"

"I suppose," Mukuro managed between sobs, "but I'll still support my sister and Lelouch in any function I can."

C.C. studied Mukuro and recalling what Junko had proposed she thought that maybe someone should mention it to Junko.

Later that evening Lelouch, as Zero, met with the Black Knights with Mukuro dressed as Null, although Lelouch didn't notice anything different he couldn't shake the feeling that Mukruo was very quiet, quieter than usual. Pushing that issue aside Lelouch addressed Ohgi and the other founding members of the Black Knights. Their meeting went over the general subjects including budget, recruitment and obtaining new weapons. Oghi had news that a group called Kyoto was wishing to provide them with Knightmare Frames. Following that Lelouch had just told them of his intent to hunt down the assistant to Sayaka Maizono's manager who was named Edward Zolgen, mainly because what became of the member of Sayaka's idol group was now public knowledge.

To Lelouch's surprise, he found most of the Black Knights, especially Tamaki who sometimes opposed him, eager to begin the hunt.

I guess Sayaka has a much more significant fanbase than I had even realized.

"Very well," Lelouch said as he turned to Ohgi, "I want all of you checking whatever connections you have that could lead us to the whereabouts of Mr. Zolgen. I suspect he might have some ties to the refrain drug trade so check with anyone who might know anyone involved in that trade."

"We'll tell you the first thing we find something," Kallen said as she was among those eager to go after Zolgen. Kallen might not have been a big fan of Sayaka like some of the others were she did respect what the girl accomplished and wished to be a source of inspiration for others, which seemed to be an honest and straightforward dream.

"Anything for me," Nagito asked.

"Actually there is something I have been wishing to ask you," Lelouch said gesturing for Nagito to follow him upstairs to the room that was used by Zero as an office. Once inside Lelouch showed Nagito to the laptop on the table.

Nagito glanced at the computer screen to see the face of his classmate's younger sister.

"Oh that is Fuyuhiko's little sister," Nagito said recognizing the young woman, which was helped by the fact she was identical to Fuyuhiko.

"By any chance do you know her?"

"I haven't met her, especially since she was in the reserve course."

"I see, so anything from your interactions with Fuyuhiko that could explain her motivations for wishing to join the Black Knights?" Lelouch asked.

"Sorry, although Fuyuhiko and I are classmates he never told me or really anyone in our class about his sister. The only who knew her to my knowledge was Maihru."

Lelouch was a little disappointed, but it was expected. He knew the chances of Nagito being familiar or knowing the younger sister of the next head of Area's infamous yakuza family was slim.

"As I am sure you realize she wishes to join the Black Knights, but I find it out the daughter of the leader of the Kuzuryu Clan wishing to join our organization to be a little odd."

Nagito contemplated it for a moment for concluding what Zero was concerned about.

"Ah, I see so you are wondering if she is joining of her own free will or it could be something that is part of some agenda related to the Kuzuryu Clan."

"Exactly," Zero confirmed, "I had hoped you might've known something about her to use as a reference to use as a means to potentially identify if she has some other ulterior motive for joining the Black Knights. It seems I'll be going into the meeting blind."

"Wouldn't it benefit you if you had an alliance with the Kuzuryu Clan?"

"Yes it would," Lelouch said in agreement and given their status and possible connections they could help further his goals. "They haven't shown any signs of supporting any of the resistance factions, but their power and influence were more than enough to keep the JLF from acting against them."

Perhaps they would have the means to track down my current target a lot faster.

"Yet I can't be sure if they would ally with me or treat me as an enemy, but if we refuse her, then I am concerned the Kuzuryu Clan might take it as an insult, which could complicate things for us at a delicate stage the Black Knights are at."

Nagito found little flaws with Zero's reasoning, but at the same time, he recognized that Zero's concerns are reasonable.

I wonder if I could be more useful and help Zero gain the information he needs, Nagito thought as an idea came to mind.

Around the same time back at Lelouch's apartment C.C. and Junko were watching a television program together as the former decided to bring a particular matter to Junko's attention. The revelation that Mukuro had a crush on Lelouch, and broke down into tears after learning Lelouch had become intimate with her.

Junko nearly choked on a cookie when C.C. told her.

"My sister has a crush on Lelouch," Junko asked after drinking a soft drink to wash down the cookie she almost choked on, but at the same time, she was trying to keep her composure.

How the hell didn't I NOTICE THAT!?

C.C. nodded her head in response, "yes and your sister was in tears this morning over the advancement of your relationship with Lelouch despite having accepted it."

"Huh, so I guess she did a good job hiding it from me," Junko said although she was surprised to be sure.

I suppose I should be glad my idiot sister at least has good taste inboys because I thought she would go for a poster boy for blind optimism and hope.

"Why mention this to me?" Junko asked giving C.C. a suspicious look.

"I thought you seemed intent on building a harem for Lelouch?"

"That's true," Junko admitted, but last night had her almost reconsidering that idea.

I ALMOST don't want to share him because he was so amazing, because making women despair over the idea they could never enjoy what I experienced. The best part was that I didn't get bored.

"I was open to the idea especially if he could seduce women with special skills and talents including those with connections who could be useful for the battles ahead," Junko explained. "Afterall I have no desire of just allowing any women to share his bed with me."

"I assume you have been looking at the Ultimate Students at Hope's Peak Academy?"

Junko nodded, "yes I have been, although getting them to join and Lelouch seducing them is a whole other issue. Lelouch won't do that just to gain an advantage. Not to mention he has some trust issues."

"You have a point, so I can't see him willing to open his bed up to anyone but you."

At that instant, a thought came to mind for Junko.

He might for Mukuro, Junko thought as a smile appeared on her face as she saw an opportunity.

Monokuma Theater:

Instead of Monokuma, Junko Enoshima was sitting inside her lair, the Monokuma Control room before a monitor and a computer keyboard. The opening credits of a video game began rolling with the title displaying the following text with Monokuma's visage behind it.

Danganronpa: Killing Game Simulator (Bachelor Edition)

Junko pushed the start button beginning the simulation.

Inside the auditorium of Hope's Peak Academy, the following characters began to appear inside the gymnasium. Sayaka Maizono, Celestia Ludenberg, Kallen Kōzuki, Seiko Kimura, Kirumi Tojo and Tsumugi Shirogane started to materialize in the game. They were followed by the likes of Kotomi Ikuta, Natsumi Kuzuryu, Aiko Umesawa, Mahiru Koizumi, Kiriko Nishizawa, Suzuko Kashiki, and Karen Kisaragi materializing as part of the simulator thanks to all of the information Junko had collected on them.

"Let's do a little testing and find out who among these girls will make a good lover for Lelouch alongside yours truly," Junko mused. She watched Monokuma appear from behind the podium to announce the killing game involving the fourteen women Junko had an eye for Lelouch or thought could make good candidates for a harem. "Maybe depending on how this plays out I might consider doing one for real."

"Uh, where are we?" Sayaka asked clearly frightened, while Junko was pleased with how accurately the simulator created her character thanks to the data she provided.

"Welcome ladies I am your headmaster Monokuma," Monokuma said introducing himself. "We are going to be conducting an extraordinary game, and all of you are going to be stars. This might take awhile, but don't worry we'll include updates and follow-ups to this multi-part mini-series."

"What kind of game," Kotomi demanded.

"Why a Killing Game of course," Monokuma announced happily much to the horror of those gathered, but a few managed to stay calm. "If you want to escape then you got to murder a fellow classmate and survive the class trial without getting caught."

Junko's dark laughter echoed through the control room before looking towards the reader, "Happy Valentine's Day!"

A/N: seeing that this is Valentine's Day and I am finally concluding the harem poll I thought about a way I could maybe turn it all on its head. I felt like the best way to give you guys something to enjoy until the next Killing Game is to host a mini one based on a simulator Junko is running to determine the best waifu through the best way she knows how.

(You can see the poll results on my profile)

To have a Killing Game of course, and the best waifu who gets away with it or is the last one standing wins. Its obviously not canon to the story, but who knows…it could be a sign of another Killing Game that could happen in the future. Or maybe a warning of what Junko might do to them, so you guys might want to rethink the idea of a harem with Junko involved being a good idea or not.

Now I was really going to try and do a genuine lemon, but two problems arose. One the site I planned on posting it on to avoid trouble with this site's administrators has a waiting list, and I got to wait until next month. And second I am not very comfortable with what I wrote so far so I don't know if I'll post it, but I'll toy with it a little more so I can say that I tried.

But I did at least deliver on the lemons, (after a nervous laugh the author ducks behind a wall to avoid being hit by the combustible lemons.)

Anyway, I am going to go back and edit and clean up the chapters (from 13 to 17) before working on the next chapter to hopefully provide a better reading experience.

I look forward to all of your reviews and feedback.