A/N: While I had no intentions of posting any new stories, I ran into a problem. My other beta for my War of the Seven Kings hasn't finished going over the latest chapter in time, and I feel bad about breaking my chain of updates. Updating one of my other stories would've been preferred for me, but I had none that were ready, well more not ready in the way they didn't have their beta work done, expect for this ONE.

This was another being done by main beta and co-author Greatkingrat88 last year, and like my War of the Seven Kings story I was intending to stockpile a bunch of chapters pre-made in advance I got six chapters of this story pre-made with a seventh underway, but maybe posting this story for good feedback and allowing me to talk more about this story openly might help with its development.

I do intend on finishing my Fate/Grand Order and CG crossover, Danganrompa/CG (I just need a better beta for that one, especially for the killing games) Honkai Impact and CG and others I got my eye on, but I refuse to post anything that isn't at their best as they can be, so this is my first Code Geass story that starts Lelouch off as he had in canon unlike the Demon and his Knights, which I also plan to continue later once I solve the pacing issue, I felt things were advancing too fast.

BUT to avoid any copying and pasting of the main series, my goal is to make use of every OVA, light novel, games and side stories as well as changing events for better outcomes for Lelouch since my beta let's just say has some issues with R2 that I share, so don't expect a Zero Requiem in this. But everything else will be used to greatly expand on things and take things in new directions, so it will follow canon at least in spirit up to a certain point before diverging completely.

And inspired by a certain Seerking's Code Geass story, Lelouch is more proactive in preparing for his rebellion in ways you will see in this chapter. You'll see some Easter eggs and shout-outs/scenes inspired to his story as a salute for his story is one of my favorites and he did provide very helpful suggestions and ideas.

I will say this story was intended to have Lelouch and Monica Krushevsky as the main pairing, but after becoming aware of recent lore changes that has Monica as Lelouch's half sister, something I was left very salty about. So, the main pairing will be Maya Disel and Lelouch Lamperouge.

Now I know folks will ask, so let's get it out of the way, will it become a threesome or a harem. For a harem, probably not, but if I do it would only involve four women at most, since Greatkingrat88 has some strong opinions on Lelouch and harems, which I respect and understand. But he would have to be the one to convince me to go along with it, since I'll to justify it. A threesome is most likely through, but I rather focus on Maya and Lelouch becoming a couple first then worrying about that right now, so we'll see after the story reaches a certain point. I say that too, because I am not sure how open Maya would be a threesome or what would be needed to make it work best in a believable fashion. Since Maya will appear in chapter six, which should tell you how long ago these chapters were made and when including the information I used for ideas. Its just after all of the work I put into the early chapters I refused to let them go to waste.

So without further ado let us begin.

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." – Sun Tzu

Chapter 1

Know yourself

"Are you ready for this, Lelouch?" a cheerful, feminine voice called out.

Inside his cockpit sat a purple-eyed seventeen-year-old boy in a black school uniform with matching shoes. In her own cockpit sat Lelouch's opponent, around his age with long blood-red hair, green eyes, and a cocky smile on her face.

"I am ready," Lelouch replied, feeling confident.

Every time I see this, it always feels a little tacky.

Lelouch reclined in his chair. In between caring for Nunnally and living a life in exile, this little hobby of knightmare jousting had turned out to be a decent distraction. He had fallen into it only recently, and found it sufficiently challenging to be worth his time. It wasn't quite chess, but it required a keen mind and fast reflexes.

The arena they were in was based on a medieval jousting tournament, but whoever had designed it had taken too many liberties with it. Some were understandable, given the fact that instead of horses they were using large, humanoid machines. The arena was larger and more open to accommodate their use of Knightmare Frames. Still, at the same time, Lelouch questioned how colorful the rest of the arena around them was.

If I am not mistaken, balloons didn't exist during the middle ages, Lelouch thought.

He was piloting a Knightmare Frame model known as the RPI-13/G Prytwen, an offshoot of the Holy Britannian Empire's first combat-capable Knightmare. It had been unleashed seven years ago during the invasion of Japan, the RPI-11 Glasgow. Compared to the other Knightmare Frames used by the military, the Prytwen didn't quite match their combat performance, but the Prytwen did possess excellent mobility.

"Are you two ready?"

Lelouch spoke through the comms, addressing the two teammates who had agreed to join him in the coming battle.

"I am ready, Lelouch," came the reply from his teammate, the blonde, blue-eyed Monica Krushevsky. Like other female students of the school they attended, she wore a sandy jacket and a white dress shirt.

"I am good to go too." The third member to speak up was Marirrosa Noriega. She had long burnt-orange hair tied into a top-knot ponytail and brown eyes.

"Okay. Watch out for Sandra. She'll be our biggest threat," Lelouch said. "She'll likely be expecting us to be gunning for her first, so take out her teammates hard and fast."

"Going for three against one seems a little excessive," Monica commented, sounding unsure of the idea.

"Our opponent and her two teammates are part of the reigning KMF League champion team. We can't afford to go easy on them. I agree with Lelouch we need to hit hard and very fast," said Marirrosa.

"Thank you, Marirrosa," Lelouch said, appreciating the vote of confidence. "Sandra especially is the most dangerous as both the Captain of the Fireballs, and the best KMF League pilot."

Their opponent, Alessandra Dolos- nicknamed Sandra by her friends- was the Jousting and Formation Competitive Knightmare Frame League champion. She was also known as the Blade Gangster, a nickname she had earned for her preference for swords in her matches, and for being the granddaughter of Britannia's most notorious gangster, Ernesto Dolos.

Sandra had formed her own KMF League team, the Fireballs, with her childhood friends. The strong bonds they had developed as friends turned them into a highly competitive and effective team under her leadership. Their effectiveness had allowed them to claim the championship title two years in a row so far despite being in high school, making them the youngest champions the league had seen so far. With that in mind, Lelouch knew he was fighting an uphill battle.

"I am aware the odds are stacked against us," Lelouch admitted. "However, if we can swiftly eliminate her teammates, we might have a chance."

"Maybe, but her friends aren't pushovers either," Marirrosa cautioned.

"I know."

Sandra's teammates for this battle were Lily Erdmann and Matoaka Granger, skilled pilots in their own right.

Lily should be a priority to eliminate, since she is the more tactical of the Fireballs.

Lelouch knew from both his interactions with Lily and seeing her performance in past games that she was responsible for devising the group's tactics. These accomplishments and successfully applied tactics of hers were enough to have gained her the title the Queen of the Fireballs.

Matoaka, on the other hand, was the quiet one on the team. Not exactly stoic, but she simply didn't interact with anyone outside of the Fireballs, so Lelouch didn't have a good read on her skills as a pilot. Still, Lelouch had the footage of her past matches to go off, which showed Matoaka as one of the more versatile members who can play defense or offense. Furthermore, she was the most driven when it came to crushing opponents to the point some called her a savage, which was also due to claims she had the DNA of one.

They are likely to expect I'll target Lily first, so Matoaka would likely step in to defend her.

"So, what's the game plan, Lelouch?"

Lelouch weighed his options.

"Alright, this is what we're going to try…"

Meanwhile, Sandra and her teammates were discussing their own strategy before the battle.

Unlike a regular KMF league match, which involved jousting in formations between two teams with five members, the match would be fought in teams of three until one team had all of its members disabled. Lelouch did not yet have a full team, and the league had been kind enough to accommodate him.

"Alright, Lily, what do you have for a battle plan?" Sandra asked.

Lily was in quiet contemplation for a moment, before opening her green eyes. She used a hand to brush some of her long blonde hair away from her eyes.

"I believe Lelouch will attempt to eliminate me and Matoaka first," Lily answered. "In fact, because he knows I am your team's strategist, I'll likely be a priority target."

"Well, that's pretty ruthless of him," Sandra remarked.

"So, he wants to take us out so he can triple-team Sandra?"

Matoaka spoke with relaxed confidence. Her blonde hair and mocha complexion with her blue eyes made her the most recognizable among her friends.

"I won't let him hurt my babies," Sandra said, cracking her knuckles in anticipation.

"Don't worry. I know what we need to do to take him down," Lily offered with a smile.

A few minutes later, the two teams were ready for battle. Both teams took positions on opposite sides of the arena, knightmares at the ready.

"Prepare for combat," a computerized voice announced.

The pilots within their respective machines gripped their control sticks tightly as tension filled the air.

The tension kept mounting until...

"BEGIN!"

The two teams began racing towards one another as Sandra started grinning like a predator ready to pounce on her prey. She drew her machine's dual Electromagnetic Blades.

Lelouch boldly sped towards his enemy, his team zigzagging and moving in an evasive pattern. He knew the match would be decided on what happened the next few seconds.

"Hold firm," Sandra ordered, "Anticipate their movements and counter. Lily, keep to the back. We'll give them the rope to hang themselves with."

Then, at the last moment, the elaborate pattern of movement changed, Lelouch taking the fore with a direct charge right to the middle of the group.

What's going on? Why are they charging right at us? Thought Lily. She had expected them to try and find an angle to take her down, but instead Lelouch aimed right at Sandra, set on a ramming course.

"Damn it," Lily began, intending to warn her teammates.

Unfortunately, her warning came too little too late. Lelouch slammed right into Sandra's knightmare, the surprised team leader knocked off balance. Evasive maneuvers was core to the sport, and she hadn't expected her opponent to try and crash into her. Sandra braced herself, their machines grinding against each other. The chaos and surprise lasted but a moment, but it was all Lelouch needed.

Capitalizing on their confusion, Monica attacked Lily using her Prytwen's halberd. Lily narrowly dodged the blade aimed for the head of her machine, but she failed to notice the magnet harken fired at her. It struck the head of her machine before Monica followed it up with a strike with her halberd. The blow landed, eliminating Lily from the fight.

"That was a feint, a sneaky yet bold move," Lily complimented as a 'game over' screen appeared on her monitor.

"LILY!"

Sandra was stunned; what Lelouch pulled off aside was a bold yet dangerous move. However, she shoved that thought aside, intent on avenging her friend.

"You're going to pay for that one, Lamperouge!"

Lelouch grinned. "Maybe, but you're going to have to work for it."

Of course, that was easier said than done, and all Lelouch had probably done was anger a dangerous enemy. The shield was holding, but he knew it wasn't going to last unless Monica and the others took out Matoaka. If Monica and Marirrosa could join him, then Lelouch might have a chance to take Sandra down.

Unfortunately, Monica and Marirrosa were having a hard time trying to pin down Matoaka and eliminate her. Armed with reinforced knuckles on her machine, Matoaka was dodging and fending off Monica and Marirrosa, hoping to buy time for Sandra to take Lelouch down.

"Damn, she's really nimble!" Marirrosa remarked as Matoaka dodged a swing from her twin Electromagnetic Blades.

"Monica, take this!" Lelouch shouted as he backed away from Sandra, tossing his shield towards them. He quickly drew his own twin pair of Electromagnetic Blades to meet Sandra's own swords, as they quickly became locked in a sword duel. Monica understood Lelouch's idea, and fired a magnet harken to seize the discarded shield.

Spinning her machine while keeping the shield at a distance, Monica was aiming to use it as a blunt weapon to hit Matoaka's machine. Surprised by the unexpected move, Matoaka readied herself while trying to keep track of Marirrosa in one corner of her eye, who was moving to attack her from behind. Monica detached the shield once she was done using it to force Matoaka away. She released it after it gained enough momentum, swinging it around to hit the back of Sandra's machine. Rushing Matoaka, the pair were working to overpower the Fireball member.

Monica engaged her, trying to strike her limbs, but Matoaka dodged her attacks. However, Marirrosa struck from behind with her sword, mindful to avoid accidentally hitting Monica.

Meanwhile, Lelouch was struggling to stop Sandra from mopping the floor with him. Until now, every time Lelouch had faced Sandra or another member of the Fireballs, each bout always ended with a stinging loss. It was a track record Lelouch was not happy with, but through his losing streak, Lelouch had gained valuable experience. He had faced Sandra enough times to be familiar with her fighting style, some aspects he imitated for his own use while reacting on instinct. He might not be able to counterattack, but he could fight defensively against Sandra.

"You've gotten better. After all of those times I creamed you, I guess you can hold your own now," Sandra complimented.

"I guess I had to get better eventually," Lelouch said, deflecting another sword swing.

"Maybe, but how long can you keep it up?"

Meanwhile, Monica dodged a punch from Matoaka's machine, before the Fireball backed away to avoid an attack from Marirrosa. The brawler didn't waste a moment to counter thrust, aiming to take either of her opponents, knowing one of them would inevitably land a lucky hit on her. Knowing one of them would go down, Marirrosa charged in. Instead of dodging Matoaka's counterattack, she took the hit to grapple her opponent.

"Nail her, Monica!" she cried.

"Got her!" Monica shouted. Matoaka tried to move out of the way, but Marirrosa had a firm hold of her. Matoaka's blade run through Marirrosa's knightmare, twisting hard, and the damage was enough that she would be eliminated within seconds, but there was nowhere for Matoaka to run. With one clean swipe Monica beheaded the knightmare, instantly defeating her. Now it was two against one.

Lelouch saw that Monica was still standing, and grinned confidently. Sandra saw it just as well, but she didn't seem worried.

"Two against one? Bring it on!"

Lelouch was struggling against Sandra, but Monica quickly joined the battle with a grin on her face. Lelouch tried to break away to allow Monica to take his place and engage Sandra head-on. However, escaping from the Blade Gangster was no easy feat. Close quarters combat, as her nickname implied, was Sandra's specialty. As Lelouch tried to dash away, Sandra was hot on his feels, hammering his shield with her blades.

Thankfully, Monica was no junior pilot either, and charged right in. Forced to either collide or back off, Sandra picked the latter, meeting Monica head on. The two women went blow for blow, Monica's skillful handling of her halberd allowing her to parry Sandra's swords. The weapon had the advantage of reach, but with an opponent like Sandra, a single mistake could be fatal. Lelouch held back, waiting for an opportunity to join the fray and take Sandra out.

Without Marirrosa our chances of winning have dropped, but we still have a chance.

Should Lelouch fail to time his attack correctly, he could lose, or accidentally strike Monica, resulting in them both being eliminated. So Lelouch readied his blades and prepared himself to strike at a moment's notice, hoping his timing would be correct.

"You're a born natural at this, Monica," Sandra complimented.

"Thanks," Monica replied with a smile.

I am not sure why, but I am enjoying this.

"But you still lack experience," Sandra cautioned, just as she managed to slip one of her swords past Monica's halberd.

The strike nearly claimed her head, but Monica managed to evade it by just an inch. However, Sandra's attacks had disrupted Monica's momentum, allowing Sandra time to prepare a follow-up attack. It was now that Lelouch made his move, intending to attack Sandra from behind. However, Sandra had expected the attack. In a split second she decided to follow through with her attack, hoping to finish Monica and then parry Lelouch in time. Sandra rammed into Monica's knightmare with ease, driving her second blade into its chest, eliminating her from the fight. Now Sandra only had moments to react before Lelouch could deliver a finishing blow.

Sandra drew her sword out of Monica's machine, turning to meet Lelouch's attack head-on. In what seemed like an eternity the two closed in, Lelouch coming at her fast. At the last second, Sandra used one sword to deflect Lelouch's first strike. The second cut into Lelouch's cockpit just as his second sword cleaved the right arm of Sandra's machine off.

Lelouch had been defeated, and Sandra had won.

"I suppose this was to be expected," Lelouch said with mild annoyance, as the words 'Game Over' appeared on his screen. Exiting the cockpit he stepped out of the simulator, where he was greeted with lively applause. Besides Marirrosa and Monica waiting for him, their battle within the simulated arena had drawn a crowd.

"I am sorry we didn't win," Lelouch said, apologizing to his teammates.

"Don't sweat it, Lelouch," Marirrosa said, stretching her arms. "We all knew what we were getting into, but boy did we get close."

Monica nodded, "Yes, I agree. Your strategy nearly worked."

Suddenly, a girl wrapped one arm around his neck and draped it over his shoulder.

"How about that, the Vice President of the Student Council came close to taking down three of my friends!"

The girl who cheerfully congratulated Lelouch was a year younger than him, with short green hair and light blue eyes. She was dressed in the same school uniform as other students.

"Easy, Sokkia," Lelouch said, trying to free himself from another member of the Fireballs. "I didn't win."

"Yeah, but you got Lily and Matoaka. You even got close to getting Sandra, too," Sokkia Sherpa beamed.

"I say if Lelouch could find two more people, he could form his own KMF League Team," Sandra added as she, Lily, and Matoaka approached Lelouch.

"That feint you pulled off was impressive. You managed to fool me," Lily said, disappointed she was the first to be defeated. Even so, she was clearly impressed with his efforts.

"Considering my opposition, I couldn't hold back. But for my plan to work, I had to recruit the right talent," Lelouch said, nodding at Monica and Marirrosa.

Before today's match in the Knightmare Frame League Clubroom, Lelouch had needed at least two to serve as his team members. None of Lelouch's friends on the Student Council had the skills he needed, so Lelouch spent time observing those who came to the clubroom to challenge the Fireballs. Ultimately he had convinced Monica and Marirrosa, after determining they were the best candidates out of the other students who challenged them. Lelouch hadn't known them personally, so approaching them had been a little awkward. However, after some persuasion, the two joined him in his team battle against Sandra.

"I wouldn't mind joining you again for another team battle," Marirrosa said with a smile.

"I second that; your leadership was impressive." Said Monica.

"It was nothing," Lelouch replied.

"Nothing? Stop being so modest. I think your match is going to be the talk of the school for the next few weeks," Sokkia said, pointing to the students who had come to the KMF Club to watch the battle.

Lelouch sighed in mild annoyance, "I suppose."

Suddenly Lelouch felt his watch vibrate. Quickly, he took a look at it.

"Anyway, I need to go," he said, "I have an appointment to keep."

"Wait, Lelouch," Marirrosa said, trying to stop Lelouch as he attempted to leave the clubroom. "Could we meet up tomorrow?"

"Yes, I would like to get to know you better," Monica offered.

"I don't see why not." Lelouch said.

He might as well establish more friendly ties with two of the school's naturally gifted Knightmare Frame pilots. They could face down champion competitors like the Fireballs.

"Anyway, I need to get going. I'll see you all tomorrow," Lelouch said before making his way out of the club room.

"Man, he is always into something, it seems," Sandra remarked, placing both hands on her hips.

"Indeed," Lily said.

A short time later, Lelouch was riding in the back of a cab, alone with his thoughts.

A disappointing loss, but I suppose it was for the best. Defeating the reigning champion of the KMF League might have drawn far too much attention.

Lelouch Lamperouge wasn't fond of losing, but winning wasn't his real objective. True, he put a lot of effort into his plan to win and finding the best among those who challenged the Fireballs. His real objective, though, was to test his skills as a leader and a pilot, all for a specific goal. For a vow her made seven years ago.

I swear. I swear, Suzaku. I will obliterate Britannia one day!

Lelouch remembered the vow he had made to his first friend, following Japan's defeat against the Holy Britannian Empire. Seven years ago, one of the world's strongest superpowers had invaded the small island nation to seize its vast Sakuradite deposits, after diplomatic relations fell apart. Despite the people of Japan fighting fiercely, the small nation was quickly overwhelmed by Britannia's superior military the sheer size of the invading force.

Japan fell one month after the war began, renamed Area 11.

Surviving the war against steep odds, Lelouch had vowed vengeance. Not because Japan was conquered, but because of his deep and personal hatred for the Britannian empire.

"We're here," the cab driver said.

"Right," Lelouch said. He paid the driver, and stepped out.

Lelouch walked toward his destination. He could have had his friends drive him here, but the young man didn't want anyone from Ashford Academy to know about this. He had been careful to craft a very specific image of himself for the world to see, to make sure his fellow students didn't question the things he did. If they knew about the things he got up to, Lelouch feared it would raise too many questions.

Entering a shop, Lelouch was greeted by an older man in formal dress, wearing a pair of glasses.

"Ah, welcome," the shopkeeper greeted happily. "I am sure things are going well at school?"

"They are. But let's get down to business. Do you have my order?"

The shopkeeper nodded.

"Of course, sir. Everything has been done as you requested."

The shopkeeper disappeared into the back room, returning a few minutes later with a large package. He laid it on the table.

"As per your request, I have modified these copies of your school uniform," the shopkeeper explained. "Each of them has the special carbide panels I told you about installed in between the fabric. The latest in body armor, strong enough to protect against standard firearms."

"Excellent. This is even better than just the bulletproof vests I looked into," Lelouch said, pleased.

"Considering how dangerous Area 11 can be, sir, you can never go too far to protect yourself. In fact, many nobles in Area 11 agreed. Instead of wearing a bulletproof vest…"

"They instead had specialized plates woven in-between the fabric of their coats so they could wear a bulletproof vest all the time," Lelouch said.

The shopkeeper nodded, "Exactly. But please remember, even if the plates stop the bullet you'll still feel the impact. It will be painful. It can still break your bones."

"Better that than dead," Lelouch replied.

"Of course, sir."

The plates, as Lelouch was told, were carbide discs with ceramic matrices and accompanied laminate. When used, they created cutting edge body armor. Unlike a bulletproof vest, these could skillfully be woven into a jacket. The price for his school uniforms and a select few coats to have these plates inserted might have cost Lelouch a considerable sum, but the young man felt the price was worth the extra protection the plates would provide. He wouldn't have to worry about questions raised about why a high school student would wear a bulletproof vest. Of course, as far as anyone else outside of Ashford Academy would be concerned, Lelouch was merely taking steps to protect himself in a hostile Britannian colony.

It had been a useful excuse for him.

"Now I could order more or have some of my other clothes modified if I needed, right?"

"Yes, sir," the shopkeeper nodded. "Just provide the proper funds, and I'll handle the rest."

"Good," Lelouch said, clearly pleased. "Now, my other arrangement?"

"A car should be out back, ready to take you."

An hour later, Lelouch had been driven to an underground shooting range. The facility was discreetly run by a private military contractor, and it had everything a Britannian gentleman with a lust for war could desire- plenty of guns, an obstacle course, a gym, and ammunition for days. One of his old chess contacts had given him a recommendation, and for a modest fee Lelouch came here at least twice a week; more if he could find the time to get away. For what he planned, he would need to know how to fire a gun, and to build up a little stamina.

There were rows of booths, facing several moving targets, which were cardboard cutouts of people. Some looked like your average civilian, but mixed in among them was hostiles armed with guns. Wearing a pair of protective pair of earmuffs and safety glasses over his eyes, Lelouch used an assault rifle to hit the targets.

Mindful to avoid hitting the civilians, Lelouch struggled to shoot all of the targets in time. He aimed for the head and heart. Although he missed a few times, he did strike the targets.

"TIME!" the instructor shouted, and an alarm sounded. Lelouch stopped firing immediately.

"Three minutes and twenty seconds. You have improved by forty seconds," the gruff and imposing instructor said. He was a tall, muscular black man, bald and never seen without his shades.

"Thank you," Lelouch replied, putting the gun down.

"I know we can make you achieve a faster time. But for now, it's time to move onto shotgun and the course."

The instructor gestured for Lelouch to follow him, leading the young man to another room within the underground training complex. A mock-up of downtown Tokyo had been prepared. The instructor led Lelouch to a table where a shotgun, military issue model, was prepared.

"You got twelve shots and twelve targets," the instructor explained. "You'll be timed, but watch out for friendlies."

"I understand," Lelouch said, picking up the shotgun.

Knowing his instructor would judge him on his preparation and handling of the weapon, Lelouch carefully examined it before loading it. Once he was prepared, Lelouch waited for the alarm to sound before entering the course to seek out his targets. Upon coming around a corner, Lelouch nearly shot an unarmed woman, but he held off at the last minute. However, a hostile target appeared behind the woman target. Lelouch sidestepped to get a clear shot before opening fire, scoring a direct hit.

Moving through the course, Lelouch kept checking his targets, avoiding the civilians and firing upon any hostiles.

This training might have been tiring for him, but like his time at the KMF League Club, Lelouch's time here had a secondary purpose. Officially, he was undergoing firearms and advanced weapons training as a young Britannian learning survivalist skills. Thanks to Area 11 terrorist problem, no one questioned it. And as long as Lelouch had the money, no one really asked him for his reasons.

However, just becoming a skilled marksman wasn't Lelouch's goal. He wanted knowledge from the instructors, under the pretense of furthering his understanding of weapons to better defend his home from terrorists. Granted, the weapons and firearms training Lelouch was receiving would be useful, but ultimately Lelouch's goal was to learn about more than just weapons and firearms.

Upon eliminating his final target, the alarm buzzed. Although he successfully eliminated all twenty targets, Lelouch's overall time was not very impressive, to say the least. He knew why.

"Mr. Lamperouge, your shooting is good, but physically you are pathetic!" the instructor boomed.

"I know," Lelouch managed in between sharp, gasping breaths.

If there was a third reason for the training, he undertook it was to address what Lelouch saw as a significant liability. He had always been physically weak, with poor endurance. Although he might have ignored it, it was a liability. He did not imagine himself as a frontline fighter, but still, Lelouch recognized the potential dangers his frail body could pose to him.

"Okay, we need to address that. Spend two hours in the gym. Double time it!"

After changing clothes to a simple white shirt and black shorts, Lelouch spent the remainder of his time at the gym.

Damn it, it's been barely five minutes, and my body is ready to drop.

Using a treadmill as the first of his exercise regimen, Lelouch pushed himself. Yet, sadly it was already beginning to give out. He felt deeply frustrated over how weak his body was, which only cemented his reasoning. It would be a liability if he didn't take care of it.

"Lelouch, is that you?"

Surprised, Lelouch looked over his shoulder to see Monica. She was dressed in her own work-out attire, consisting of a black and green trimmed form-fitting tank top with matching Yoga pants.

"Monica!" Lelouch exclaimed; he was just as surprised as she was.

"I didn't expect to run into someone I knew here."

"Likewise," Lelouch said as he struggled to force his body to keep going.

"Maybe you should take a break," Monica said, noticing Lelouch's exhausted state. He was sweating profusely.

"I can't," Lelouch said in between breaths. "I need to keep pushing."

Monica sighed, shutting off the treadmill. Lelouch reflexively seized the moment to catch his breath.

"What, why?" Lelouch said after recovering himself a little.

"Clearly, you needed it," Monica pouted with both hands on her hips. "Have you looked at yourself in the mirror?"

Admittedly, Lelouch was aware of his exhaustion and the fact that his shirt was almost completely soaked in his own sweat really drove the point home. Knowing there was little more he could do to argue, he reluctantly conceded.

"Fine. You win."

Monica smiled, satisfied with her victory. A few minutes later, the two were sitting together at a table, drinking bottled water.

"So… like I said, I wasn't expecting to see you here," Monica commented.

"I could say the same thing."

"Have you been coming here often?" Monica asked, taking a gulp of water.

"Yes, for the past year, actually," Lelouch answered, taking a sip from his own water. "I've been wanting to keep anyone from the academy knowing, if you don't mind."

"I was actually going to ask you the same thing," Monica replied. "In my case, I don't want my mother knowing."

"Deal," Lelouch replied with a smile.

Monica laughed for a moment, before regaining her composure.

"Anyway, if you come here often, I wanted to ask if you would like to work out together," Monica asked before looking around the gym. "I don't see too many women who come here, so I feel a little nervous coming alone. It would nice to be here with someone I know."

"I don't see why not," Lelouch said, seeing little issue with the proposal. "Is it alright, though? You don't know me very well. Other than today, and maybe bumping into you once or twice, that is."

Monica simply smiled. "Then why don't we amend that?"

"How so?"

"Well, let's get to know each other better," Monica suggested. "I spent most of my childhood in the Homeland before moving with my parents to Area 14."

"That used to be… Papua New Guinea?"

Monica nodded before asking Lelouch, "So did you live in the homeland too?"

"I did. But after a while, I moved to Area 11."

"I see," Monica remarked before asking. "No parents then?"

"What makes you say that?"

"You didn't mention them," Monica answered before apologizing. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have assumed."

"It's fine. You're not wrong either," Lelouch acknowledged. "My mother died while we were young, and our father abandoned us."

Monica was at a loss, "I am sorry to hear about that. I am know what it's like, losing a parent, but I am appalled to hear you were abandoned."

I imagine you would be...

Lelouch had heard about the demise of Monica's father, Alexander Krushevsky. It had been all over the news a few months ago.

The Krushevsky family had first made their name in Britannia's earliest days during the age of revolution, rising from near poverty to build an empire of selling arms and ammunition. Their fame and power had only grown since, and today, Lelouch knew the Krushevskies controlled not only an extensive military company, but a veritable business empire of subsidiary companies and organizations, especially in media and technology. Most noteworthy to Lelouch was that following the Ashford Foundation's fall, Krushevsky Industries acquired many of the Ashford Foundation's former engineers and chief designers before producing the first successful combat-ready Knightmare Frame, the RPI-11 Glasgow.

During Britannia's invasion of Japan, the Glasgow's success had cemented Krushevsky Industries as the Holy Britannian Empire's primary supplier for next-generation military technology and weapons. Unfortunately, it also made Alexander Krushevsky- head of the family and Monica's father- a target of anti-Britannian Organizations. Despite being protected by his own private militia, during a weapon demonstration at Area 14, a group of terrorists infiltrated the demonstration, killing all Britannians present, including Alexander. Now Krushevsky Industries was being run by Monica's mother, Penelope Krushevsky.

"It's all water under the bridge now. It happened a long time ago."

"I suppose, but I blame myself for bringing it up."

"Don't worry about it," Lelouch said, realizing a change in subject was needed. "Anyway, what brought you to Area 11?"

Monica sighed, "My mother sent me here to attend Ashford Academy after she blocked me from joining the military."

I see. So you wanted retribution for your father's death.

"You're the only child of the family, right?"

Monica nodded.

"I imagine your mother didn't want to risk losing you as well."

"She said as much."

"Yet, instead, you've come here," Lelouch said, gesturing to the gym they were in.

"That is true," Monica said with a smile, "so can I assume your reasons for coming here are similar?"

Lelouch gave his response some thought before answering, "In a fashion, yes."

They spent the afternoon together, getting to know each other better. A few hours later, after doing a few more exercises, they parted ways.

At present, Lelouch was at his desk reading some books, writing down notes in a notebook. Among the books on his desk were volumes about Britannian military strategists and tactics, but there were others there as well. Some books were not of Britannian origin, but their text was in Japanese. However, Lelouch learned how to read and speak Japanese alongside learning French, German and Chinese. Learning how to read Japanese was mostly for reading the other books in his private collection. Still, the languages he had learned to speak and understand would be useful later. To bring down Britannia, Lelouch would need to convince the Chinese Federation and Europia United to aid him.

In the notebook, Lelouch wrote down a list of weapons he needed to acquire when gathering followers. The real purpose of his time with those men at the PMC was to learn more about firearms, so he could discreetly learn which weapons would be practical for arming his followers with. For instance, he had already learned that arming your followers with advanced guns would not be best, because some weapons required specific training to make the most of them. Then there was obtaining ammunition, and there was proper care and maintenance to take into account, not to mention cost.

These Russian weapons would be easy to obtain with the right source. They are user-friendly, and very little training is required to use them. They are more durable than the assault rifles from the Chinese Federation most terrorist groups use.

Upon finishing, Lelouch put down his pen before closing the book to read one of his favorite books, The Art of War by Sun Tzu. It was second to his favorite book, A General Essay on Tactics by Jacques-Antoine-Hippolyte, Comte de Guibert. He had not been able to find any copies in Britannian, only in Japanese, making learning how to read it a requirement.

No matter what, I still how much to prepare for.

Lelouch's thoughts were interrupted with a knock on his door. Lelouch quickly hid some of his books and move his notebook into his drawer. Once he was done hiding away what he didn't want anyone to see, he responded to the knock on his door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, big brother."

The door opened as a young fourteen-year-old girl in an electric wheelchair rolled into the room. She had long sandy brown hair, but she was left blind from the trauma she suffered as a child while paralyzed from the waist down.

"Nunnally?" Lelouch said in surprise before looking at the clock by his bed. "Oh, I see."

Lelouch had been so engrossed in his planning and studying that the former prince had lost track of time.

"It's time for bed, brother, but could you help me?" Nunnally asked. She was already dressed in sleepwear for the night.

"Of course, Nunnally," Lelouch replied, rising from his desk.

Around this time at night, Nunnally would come to ask her brother to move her into bed. On occasion, it would be the maid who helped care for Nunnally's needs, but it was usually Lelouch who was called upon.

"You seem so busy with your books, brother," Nunnally said as Lelouch followed her down the hall to her room.

"I have been fortunate to find some good ones that have piqued my interest," Lelouch admitted.

"Would you mind reading one of them to me some day, brother?"

Lelouch hesitated and almost said no, but instead, he replied.

"Sure, but I am not sure how interesting you would find them."

Moments later, the pair reached Nunnally's room. After she finished parking her wheelchair by her bed, Lelouch scooped Nunnally before laying her down on the bed.

"I just hope you are not pushing yourself too hard, brother. You seem quite busy these days," Nunnally expressed with concern.

"Sorry, but maybe later this week we can spend more time with one another," Lelouch offered, pulling the covers over his sister.

"That would be wonderful."

"Yeah, it will be. Good night, Nunnally."

"Good night, brother," Nunnally offered before going to sleep.

After turning off her light and leaving the room, allowing the automatic door to close, Lelouch recalled the events of that day.

Only a select few knew what really happened to Nunnally Lamperouge, what left her blind and unable to use her legs. Officially it was trauma from an accident when their mother tried to protect her, but the real story was much more tragic. Their mother had been gunned down right in front of them, shielding Nunnally with her own body. However, that was merely the opening act for the hard times ahead for the siblings.

They had been members of the Royal family, but after Lelouch confronted his father about his mother's death, about Nunnally's state, they had been banished here, to Japan, as political hostages.

Living in Japan under the care of its leader, Kururugi Genbu, had been challenging to say the least. At least Lelouch made friends with the prime minister's son, after a rocky start between the two. It had made life in Japan easier until Britannia invaded, abandoning the royal siblings to their fates.

Despite the considerable odds against them, the siblings survived the war.

I vowed I would destroy Britannia one day, and I shall once I have all of the pieces I need.

Lelouch walked back towards his room, anger flaring at the memory of those events. More than anything, Lelouch wanted to see Britannia destroyed. From the ashes of Britannia's destruction, he would remake the world into one where Nunnally could find happiness.

No matter how much knowledge and studying I do, I will make it happen. But first, I need to determine how I will begin.

A/N: As people likely noticed from my previous Code Geass story I just couldn't resist using something from John Wick, and expect some bits from Hitman at some point as I drew inspiration, but this chapter shows what I mean by Lelouch being more proactive in his efforts to prepare for his rebellion. Using his time at a PMC, which provides training for bodyguards and the like to not only make an effort to address his physical and endurance issues, but learn more about firearms in a way he can apply it to building his own resistance movement on what kind of weapons would be easy to handle and user friendly overall for civilians he would no doubt recruit from the ghettos.

And his battles against Sandra and her Fireballs, give him opportunities against live opponents in Knightmare Frame combat, more so than the simulator he owns as shown in Lost Stories.

Yes Sandra, Sokkia and her Fireballs are in Area 11 as part of a plan, as mentioned above, by Clovis to expand the KMF League to the other Areas of the Empire with a huge promotion campaign to say the least.

Marirrosa I brought in as a student of Ashford Academy, mostly to better refine her backstory since there were some things unclear about it, which all I will say at this point to avoid spoilers.

Maya's other choice of gender and identity Mario, I am considering bringing in as well as Maya's twin brother, and I got a plan in mind for that, so what say the rest of you?

Thank you all for reading and I look forward to the feedback, the next chapters up to chapter six are ready to go with chapter seven needing beta work, so I might do a new chapter posting every two weeks so I can have time in-between postings to make more chapters and get beta work done.