Code Geass: The Birth of a Maelstrom

Disclaimer: Geass isn't mine, but Halbdenkul, Morgen, and Guistizia are.

This chapter gives a bit of information concerning the Original Charactes in my mainline fic, Code Geass: Knight of Revolution.

This way, I can continue the majority of that story without having to add flashback chapters that distract from the main plot. I also felt that the majority of the Knight of Rounds members were underdeveloped. Ernst gets killed so fast she doesn't even have half a minute of screen time! (What a simple job for her voice actor.)

That being said, I want to try to give the poor Knight of Rounds some time to shine. I mean really, they're supposed to be the best of the best Britannia has to offer. Yet Kururugi Suzaku kills them all in less than half an episode! While it isn't the five episode long screamfest/power up fest followed by the five-minute actual fights that are Dragon Ball and its sequel series and movies, that whole sequence of deaths is too damn quick!

Luciano at least died with our knowledge of his Knightmare Frame and a decent understanding of his twisted nature until Kallen gloriously blows the guy to space dust. -Yay! Knight of Nine Nonette Enneagram has less cameo background shots than Shiho Hahnenfuss from Gundam Seed and Destiny combined! GEEZ!

So, kick back, grab a drink and some snacks, this story may be a bit long. Enjoy.

Chapter 1: Knighting Ceremony

"Rise Halbdenkul Schlange, I Charles Di Britannia proclaim that you are now a Knight of Rounds."

The vibrant red-haired youth rose from his kneeling position before his Imperial Majesty and turned to face the assembly. Behind him, Charles outstretched his hand, presenting the newest member of the Knight of Rounds. Thunderous applause overtook the throne room and no one had any doubt that the same was being done nationwide. The ceremony was being broadcast all over.

At eighteen, Halbdenkul had risen in the world with his abilities and service of the military. His newly found position had elevated his family's status greatly in the eyes of Britannia, his father was a well established diplomat, but not one of any particular fame. No more than twenty feet from him stood his family, his mother cried as his father clapped and nodded his head in pride. His older sister Amelia Schlange clapped and smiled happily.

To the far left of them stood Empress Marianne, the woman who had taken an interest in him when he began to process military tactics and strategy utilizing Knightmare Frames. While he wasn't the best pilot, his extravehicular fighting ability was off the charts. It was her proposal that he be tested to qualify for a position in the Knight of Rounds. To the left and right of the Emperor of Britannia stood the current Knight of Rounds.

To this left, farthest to closest from him were Knight of Twelve Monica Kruszewski, Knight of Ten Luciano Bradley, Knight of Nine Nonette Enneagram, and Knight of Eight Guistizia Martin.

Continuing to his right from the closest to last were Knight of One Bismarck Waldstein, Knight of Four Dorothea Ernst, and Knight of Five Morgendammerung Falsetto.

The elite Knights of Rounds under the direct command of Imperial Emperor Charles Di Britannia himself; the sight was awe inspiring to the general populace. There was no greater position of trust in the Empire. The applause began to die down and Charles looked toward Schneizel, who subtly nodded. They had discussed at length which number to assign him.

"Halbdenkul Schlange, in accordance with the title of Knight of Rounds, you must be given a number. In addition, at the behest of the Third Prince Schneizel, I have ordered the creation of a weapon to suit your demonstration earlier in the week. A courier came forward with a long, curved weapon wrapped in fine silks. Hal knelt and accepted the object before unwrapping it. The weapon rested in an ivory and gold sheath with an equally white and gold twined handle and emerald pommel. Looking to his Imperial Majesty for permission, he nodded his consent.

Turning away from Charles, the weapon slid effortlessly from the sheath. Holding the weapon parallel to the floor in front of him, he clipped the sheath to his side. The blade then proceeded to whip about him as he stood at attention. He twirled it through his fingers with practiced ease as he simultaneously spun the weapon around his torso, switching hands as it circled.

The nobles present tensed, expecting the weapon to fly out of his hands and strike someone in the Imperial family, or worse yet, the Emperor. Charles smirked. After seeing the young man's alacrity with his peculiar weapon, he knew he was okay with the flashy moves occurring in front of him. Yet with the weight of the weapon, he found himself impressed with the man's speed. This was a man he wanted as one of his Rounds.

The curved sword flew up into the air in an underhanded toss. The tension in the air could have been sliced through with a knife as it fell back toward its owner. Several attendants who had not seen the broadcast of his demonstration and trial earlier in the week stared as the weapon unfolded on its trip back to earth. Hal spun in a circle, keeping his body low to the ground as the caught the falling blade behind his back. Finishing his spin, the weapon lashed out, creating a wind the people on the first two rows could feel as he stopped, the weapon held three fourths of the way down the now five and a half foot long shaft. His sister grinned at his display.

Returning to attention with the weapon by his side, it was a unique display. The Rounds all either wielded swords of some fashion. The only exceptions were Bradley and his throwing knives and Falsetto with her firearms, more notably, her sniper rifle. Hal's weapon was chilling, known as a farm tool, and a symbol of death, a scythe. Yet in its dormant state it looked like a unique double-edged falchion.

"It is perfect Your Majesty. Thank you, your Highness." His voice was crisp and respectful as he bowed to Schneizel for the considerate gesture. The prince smiled and nodded his acceptance. He actually quite liked Hal and his performance earlier told him that he'd be no ordinary Rounds member. He was going to enjoy the shock he would get, and he was very sure that no one but the Rounds members and him would be surprised which number he was assigned.

"Halbdenkul Schlange, now that you have received you weapon, may you serve Britannia to the best of your ability. I pronounce you to the position of Knight of Two!"

Hal stood spellbound as gasps of shock rippled through the crowd. The title proved too much for the young man's mother, who fainted, her husband barely catching her before she hit the floor. Two court attendants assisted the poor man in helping her to the side and out of the throne room. Amelia stood with her eyes wide and her hands covering her mouth.

To his left Schneizel could hear his mother chuckle. A bit farther away, he caught a glimpse of Empress Marianne smiling pleasantly; her children Lelouch and Nunally stared at the new Knight of Two. Nunally's was more in awe while her brother's was analytical. He couldn't help but smirk as the turned to face forward again.

'Always analyzing things. I wonder what you're trying to figure out about our newest Rounds dear little brother.'

Hal seemed to recover from his shock and knelt before Emperor Charles.

"Yes, your Majesty!"

The firm solidity in his affirmation drew applause from those who still held onto their wits at the proclamation. No one had thought that one so young would be given the number two slot. Odysseus clapped with genuine pleasure at the man's achievement. Carline and her older brother Hugh fumed at the man. Their mother had proposed Luciano, yet the man was so uncontrolled Charles had swiftly placed the man as the Knight of Ten, allowing him onto the Rounds to appease his wife.

The man's reputation for violence and a lack of respect even around the Royal Family, coupled by his overzealous killing on the battlefields left him with the title of Vampire of Britannia. It went unsaid that the rest of the Rounds didn't like the man. The only reason Monica was Knight of Twelve was that she wasn't made for the battlefield as a fighter, but a Field Marshall, her ability to see the big picture and command on a broad scale was immense. Her analytical abilities were second only to the Knight of One. Charles valued that and made her Knight of Twelve and placed in charge of the country's flagship.

"Very good Knight of Two, please greet your fellow Rounds and take your rightful place among them."

"Yes, your Majesty." Halbdenkul proceeded to approach Monica, who smiled at him as she extended her hand. Taking it firmly, he reciprocated as they shook once. He stepped to the right and held his hand out to Bradley. The orange cloaked Rounds member sneered at him, reluctantly taking his hand. He muttered under his breath.

"Watch your back." Hal gripped his hand until Bradley felt his hand pop, to either side of the two men, Monica and Nonette flinched. Luciano clenched his teeth together, refusing to even grunt in pain. Hal's return sneer was almost demonic from what his new peers could see. His grip had broken or dislocated joints in Bradley's hand, one of the two. Regardless, either one was extremely painful.

"Oh, I will Vampire, I will. Just remember that I make a habit of carrying garlic and holy water, white ash-wood stakes, and silver crucifixes and you'll be just fine."

Hal punctuated his statement by gripping Luciano's wrist with the other hand. Disguising his action by a sudden, powerful handshake, he yanked his hand, making the knife thrower visibly flinch, drawing attention from the Imperial family as he did so. Another pop could be heard from his hand as the force of the pull forced his joints and bones back into alignment. Luciano glared at his injured hand. Charles nodded slightly in approval.

'He's setting Bradley straight from the onset of his debut, a man of practical foresight.'

"Nicely done Knight of Two. I look forward to serving with you." Nonette whispered as they shook hands. He nodded and grinned with a bit of mischief.

"So do I Knight of Nine, and thank you."

Walking over to Guistizia Martin, the two men shared a firm handshake. The Knight of Eight gave him a look saying that they'd talk at length later. Proceeding onward, he stopped in front of Waldstein, nodding in deference to his higher position and role as leader of the Rounds. This action was met with approval from many of those present. The princes and princesses of Britannia could see the workings of a diplomat in the Rounds from his actions while greeting his peers.

"It's a pleasure to have you with us Halbdenkul Schlange. You've earned your title, be proud of it, and serve accordingly." Hal nodded in understanding, a small smile crossed his face. The two of them made mental notes that they'd be working closely in the future. Taking a step further, he saluted the Knight of Four Dorothea Ernst, drawing looks of surprise and some of indignation from the nobility present.

"Didn't Ernst say that she had been his superior at some point during the early stages of his career?" Cornelia whispered to her brother. Schneizel glanced at her through the corner of his eye.

"Yes, I believe that's correct. They were both Special Forces during the initial offensives into New Zealand. Rumors say that he was her personal guard at the time. Ironic isn't it?" Cornelia smirked at his question as she returned his salute before they smiled and shook hands. She could see her saying something to her former subordinate as he chuckled with a knowing grin. His response prompted her to do the same. Cornelia silently wondered what just transpired between the two.

Finishing out the greetings was Knight of Five Morgen Falsetto. As they shook hands, she smiled broadly. The two had known each other from childhood.

"You've finally made it. Ernst and I have talked about you on occasion. Good to have you with us at last." His content sigh brought back memories to her.

"I know. It feels like yesterday, but I'm here now. It's good to be here."

"Don't get too comfortable Knight of Two, the Post Ceremony Banquet is next."

He barely controlled his cringe as he took his place between Ernst and Waldstein.

"Trust me, I know."