Disclaimer: Code Geass is Sunrise’s, Sebastian Connor, Mark Lamperouge, and Elizabeth Li Britannia are mine, Nathan and John Anderson are WingCommander WhiteWolf

Rise Of Swords

By Storm Wolf77415 and Wing Commander White Wolf

On Silver Wings

The massive oak doors of the throne room flew open admitting an angry twenty three year old man with dark hair and blazing brown eyes, still clad in dusty desert fatigues. Rage punctuated every step as he came to the bottom of the throne containing the massive frame of His Royal Majesty, Charles Di Britannia, 98th Emperor of Britannia. "Your majesty...so nice to see you again...brother in law." The last words were spoken with hate. Mark Lamperouge, part of the elite Tactical Espionage Squad of the Britannian MI-6 intelligence division, and younger brother of Fifth Empress Marianne Vi Britannia, had returned to the cradle of the Empire.

The Emperor twitched, "What do I owe the pleasure of this…visit?" He had kept the man known as the Crimson Fox out in the wastes on an extended mission just to avoid this confrontation.

"You know full well why I’m here, your Majesty. Three months! Three months since my sister’s death! I’m knee deep in the sands of Africa, doing my job as a loyal soldier of the empire, observing the EU’s movements. And then out of the blue, I’m told my sister is killed, and niece is blinded and crippled! I’d think being the brother of a fragging EMPRESS would make me one of the first people you’d call! Marianne explicitly stated in her will, I was to become their legal guardian. So I will say this only once, where are my niece and nephew?"

The large man chuckled deeply, disturbing the man known as the Crimson Fox, "You mean those pathetic weaklings? They have been sent to Japan as political hostages. and I couldn't careless of what that woman said."

The Crimson Fox's hand twitched. "You son of a bitch," He hissed under his breath. "Then I’m going to Japan to be with them.”

“I wouldn’t recommend it if I were you. They might be happier if they didn’t know you were there. Lelouch is quite bitter, and he may take it out on you.” Charles rumbled. Mark’s temper flared even more.

“I will be staying around for awhile, I want to at least see their home."

The Emperor shrugged indifferently, "Suit yourself, As far as I'm concerned, they are dead to me. And as I told young Anderson I’m glad their dead. Along with his family." he sneered.

"Nathan's family is dead?" Mark said to himself, remembering his long time friend from the Royal Marine Commandos. Putting the thought to the back of his mind for them moment, he gave the cursory bow, "I see my lord, I take my leave of you."

Mark stormed out of the throne room, silently fuming at the quiet gossiping circulating between the assembled nobles and courtiers, "That damned, arrogant fool! I should have killed him when I had the chance!"

Nathan appeared out of the shadows, "That wouldn't have done any good, I approached him earlier about my Family's deaths. It’s not just him behind this." Nathan Anderson’s dark eyes squinted behind the steel frame glasses he wore.

"Nathan!" the TES operative said, giving his old friend a hearty pat on the back. "I thought you’d be hovering around. The Emperor said your parents are dead, is it really true?"

Nathan looked to the Ground seething with rage, "It’s not just my parents, Mark. They’re all gone, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, cut down in a single night. It’s just my brother and I now. But don't worry about it my friend, we’ll manage. My girlfriend took it rather hard." Nathan sighed.

"Viletta Nu right? I remember you telling me about her. Nathan, it's just wrong. Lelouch barely remembers me and I never even got to see Nunally."

"They've been exiled to Japan. Lelouch wanted to investigate Marianne’s death further, but he wouldn’t allow it. I never saw the poor kid so terrified in my life."

"Chuckie just told me that. I wanted to go after them, but the Emperor warned me against doing that. Saying they'd be happier that way. I can’t possibly fathom what he gains by sending a couple of children to a foreign land all alone."

"Happier? Pah. That slug wouldn‘t know happiness if it bit him in his fat ass. My brother and I are going with them, along with an Airship and an R&D department that were and still are loyal to my family." He spat, "and do you know what their deaths mean?" Nathan asked

"You inherited your family’s titles." Mark said it plainly.

"I'm now Grand Duke Nathaniel Anderson. I‘m not too thrilled on how I got the title." He seethed.

"I wouldn't either...if I had any titles to begin with. I'm just Mark Lamperouge now. So what is this whole thing about the Emperor not being the real threat?"

Nathan looked directly into his comrade's eyes, "I guess it’s more a case of him being one of several threats. Another enemy is the Fourth Princess as well." his tone was the same icy tone that indicated that he wasn‘t kidding around.

"Delia Le Britannia? Oh, I'm not surprised if that whole branch of the family is in on it. Delia, Cassius, and Carline, Rotten the whole lot of them, Lady Relena must be so ashamed to have children so twisted, given how gentle she is.”

"There are ONLY three, make that five people of the family that I‘m loyal too." Nathan reminded.

"Lady Elizabeth, Cornelia and Euphemia, I must imagine." Mark commented.

"Lady Elizabeth and my mother were good friends. She was my godmother, and there are your niece and nephew."

"Ah, just the man I was looking for." A deep regal voice announced, A woman in her late thirties, dressed in a simple pale blue business suit, with long purple hair tied in a pony tail and blue eyes walked up to them.

"Milady!" the New Duke placed his arm across his chest and kneeled.

"Your majesty," Mark mirrored his friend's action, bowing to one of the few Empresses he respected. Elizabeth Li Britannia, the Fourth Empress acknowledged the two men.

“Please come with me, Mark, there’s some things I wish to discuss with you in private, Nathan, you can come along if you wish.”

"Of course Milady." They proceeded to the Demeter Villa, home of the Li Britannias, sitting down in the plush sitting room Elizabeth kept for entertaining guests. The three sat down to tea as Elizabeth spoke.

“I heard you had returned, Mark. I'm...sorry about your sister. I never approved of making a commoner an empress, but I still respected her, if just for her military accomplishments and life was never dull with Marianne around. I'm here to give you an offer. I wish for you to join my personal guard." Both men whistled, joining the personal guard of a member’s royal family was one of the highest honors imaginable for a soldier. The only thing that could trump it was joining the Knights of the Round, directly answering to the Emperor himself.

Nathan stood silent and listened to the two.

"Really?" Mark said. "I'm honored you majesty."

Nathan smiled, "Congrats my friend."

"It's abhorrent how decadent the court has become. I pull for high standards, but what I’ve seen lately is just wrong." Elizabeth said. “Euphemia cried for three days after your Nephew’s audience with Charles, I even petitioned him to let me keep the children here, but he wouldn’t bend.”

Nathan nodded his agreement, "I happen to agree, you saw how your husband blew off the My and Lelouch's murder claims."

Elizabeth shook her head. "Mark, I hope we can find the answers, you have my full support in that regard. Every member of the royal family is allowed to have a dedicated contingent of soldiers protecting them. I just haven’t exercised that right until now. If you stay without a good reason, Charles may decide to just make you disappear, and then you’ll never find out what happened that night.” Mark said nothing, just nodding.

Nathan sighs he knows that the loss was tearing Mark apart on the inside, 'he's gonna need all the help he can get.' he thought

"Mark!" a voice came as a pink and yellow blur tackled the Crimson Fox head on. "Oh Mark!" Euphie cried, as the Crimson Fox stroked her back.

Nathan chuckled, "Hello Lady Euphiemia." he thought of her and Cornelia as sisters, having been friends for a long time.

"Euphie, you got big." he said. Cornelia, wearing a simple blue gown entered. Mark had heard letters from Marianne about how the young woman had been in charge of her personal guard, and how she had quickly grown into a force to be reckoned with in the military. Her beauty was also quite apparent. The normally commanding expression was one of melancholy and sadness. The Second Princess said nothing, grabbing onto Mark and crying her eyes out.

"The deaths of Friends and Loved ones are affecting all of us this day." Nathan muttered.

"I need a drink," Mark said.

"Mark." Nathan shot his Friend a Dangerous look that said 'Don't even think about it.' however it seemed that the feeling around the table was shared.

"It just burns my ass so much." Mark said. earning him a whap on the head from Elizabeth,

"You'll use no such language in the presence of my children, thank you!" She said as if addressing a child.

“OW! Yes milady!” He said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Forgive my friend, Milady but I must admit I'm having the same thoughts." Nathan admitted.

"Forgiven." she said. "You start your duties tomorrow, Mark. Be punctual. And start watching language in my presence and my daughters' presence."

"Yes my Empress." he bowed.

“Milady, how long has my family served yours?”

"For a very long time, Nathan. Your mother and I were friends since childhood. What Delia did was criminal and she deserves to burn for her sins."

"I plan on carrying on that Loyalty, I intend to take my little brother and What Forces are still loyal to me and my Family to keep a watchful eye on Lelouch and Nunally." He informed her, "I shall not let any harm come to them."

"I'd love to go with you, but I'm going to remain here. I need to learn what the Emperor's really up to." Mark said. "If you can do that, Nathan tell Lelouch and Nunally...I'm sorry."

Nathan nodded, "I'll do that. But we'll still be in touch." He pulled out a hand held com-system. If you’ll both excuse me I have some personal matters to tend to. I will see all of you again probably Mark and Cornelia sooner. I’ll take my leave of you now." Nathan departed.

“Alright, your majesty, how large of a detachment did you plan on having? Cornelia has Guilford and Darlton, plus the Glaston Knights, and a full division of 20,000 men at her disposal. But I doubt you want or need something that large.”

“Correct, I prefer a small, but elite group, no less than eight., easier to escape on ops of a sensitive nature that way.”

“I concur, that number is perfect. Standard TES doctrine entailed single operative missions, we rarely worked in groups. The largest we ever assembled for a mission was eight.”

“Make no mistakes, Mark Lamperouge, I have very high standards, and I expect those people under me to not just meet those standards but make them habit and stay at that level all the time.”

“In other words, disciplined.” The Fourth Empress nodded. “I think I can manage that, milady.”

“I’ll allow you to pick those you want on the squad, have a list of names for me ready by next week.”

“Yes, your Majesty” Mark said, saluting his queen.

First Lieutenant Jeremiah Gottwald was a bitter, unhappy man. Despite his recent promotion, he had little reason to celebrate. His failure to protect Empress Marianne would forever be a stain on his record and conscience. He wasn’t even able to keep her children safe, Lelouch and Nunally were now all alone in a strange land and he was powerless to help them. Needless to say he was suitably surprised by the arrival of his fallen mistress’s younger borther. Mark was now dressed in the formal garb befitting his status as the head of the Fourth Empress’ personal guard, a black long sleeved shirt, matching pants, and a long sleeveless red duster.

“Major Lamperouge!” Jeremiah snapped to attention.

“Lieutenant Jeremiah Gottwald, I’m here to speak to you about something. You served in my sister’s guard detail, did you not?”

“Yes, sir!” Jeremiah was ramrod straight. Fear coursed through every vein. He knew he’d pay the penalty for his failure, and now it came, delivered by Mark himself.

“You can relax, Lieutenant. I’m not here to condemn you. I reviewed your record and it’s been nothing short of spotless. I also read you had great loyalty to my sister. I have need of that loyalty now. Join me and consider your honor restored…will you do this?” Jeremiah dropped to one knee.

“All you need do is ask me and I will do so,” He said.

“Very well, then, Jeremiah Gottwald, as of now you’re under my direct command, and assigned to the guard of Fourth Empress Elizabeth Li Britannia. She reached out to me and offered me a chance to investigate Marianne’s death.” the Crimson Fox replied.

“It’s a pleasure to serve with you,” Jeremiah bowed, relieved he had the chance to restore his lost honor.

Three days later

The funeral was a sobering affair, despite being a bright sunny day. Mark stood next to Nathan. Watching as the line of coffins laid to rest. "At least you got to bury your family. I wasn't even informed of Marianne's funeral."

Nathan was dressed in a military uniform only he also wore a black and silver long coat with a silver winged shield on the left chest. He bowed his head, "I'd say I'm sorry but it wouldn't do any good. I tried to get word to you but my access was blocked it almost seemed like it was planed."

Mark snorted, "Well, at least now that I'm head of Lady Elizabeth's personal guard, I can dig around here for clues."

Nathan shot Mark a sharp look, "Don't dig too deep, he has eyes on her and her girls. knowing too much may put them in jeopardy."

"I have to do something. They can’t just bury all Marianne contributed to the empire, I mean Chuckie made her one of his wives for crying out loud." he pointed out. "Nice outfit by the way."

Nathan nodded, "Thanks I wear it as head of the organization I founded. I'm the leader of the paramilitary organization known as the Silverwing Brigade," He puffed out his chest with pride. “We’re dedicated to protecting all people, not just Britannians.”

"Nice, how large are your numbers?"

"One prototype airship, three incomplete custom Knightmares, and six experimental grunt units, plus infantry eight thousand strong, every one of them hand picked by me for their loyalty,” Nathan sighed, "The emperor didn't care its not of any loss to him... yet."

"No, that is a good thing. How may of these airships are there?"

Nathan’s eyes snapped back to Mark, "Three. The Saint Marcus, the Avalon, and the Great Britannia. The Saint Marcus was created by my family’s company and thus the crew is loyal to me."

"These things bring a lot of firepower to bear."

"Sixteen Knightmares, and the firepower of the ship itself not to mention it's Untested shielding."

"Where will you go now?" Mark asked

"Japan to watch over what’s left of your family, the Ashfords offered me a job as a teacher." Nathan explained.

"I'll remain here and dig up some dirt on Chuckie and the Black Widow. While at the same time protecting Lady Elizabeth and her daughters. "

"You better, to me apart from my brother they are the only family I have left." Nathan gave a sharp look to his old friend.

"As of now, they're my only family as well." His hand balled up. “If I can’t protect them, I have no reason left to live.”

Nathan nodded and placed one of his gloved hands on his shoulder, "Make sure you get Villetta under your command soon as possible. She’s going to be hurt and without direction, consider this your payback to me for looking after the kids.”

Mark nodded "I think she'll change her tune once she gets a two rank promotion from me when the time comes. Shell enjoy being a Captain.”

The young duke smiled and nodded, "Thank you my friend." He pulled another winged shield out his coat pocket and placed it in Mark's hand, "Here, effectively immediately you are also part of the Silverwing Brigade. Wear it in honor of those who have fallen unjustly, for we are the only ones that can avenge them!" Said the young duke sternly

Mark nodded and put it proudly on his duster. "I will. So this makes me part of your group now?"

"Yes but of a separate unit.... your own team. If Lady Elizabeth allows it, the other members of her guard will also be part of your division,” Nathan reminded.

"I have my division in Silverwing? You shouldn’t have.”

"You will command Bravo Division, the last part of the team will join you when the Vampire falls."

"Bradley? When did HE get his own unit?"

Nathan sighed in agony, "A few months ago, the Grasham Valkryie Squadron, formerly part of Cornelia’s 127th Division, was put under his command. You’ll love this, the team is COMPLETELY female."

Mark shook his head and said one thing, "I feel so sorry for those poor girls The only way it could be worse is if he made it into the Rounds."

Nathan shivers, "No what’s worse is who is attracted to him."

"Even I know that much, he's Delia's knight. The Vampire and the Black Widow, a match made in hell." Mark said as the last of the Anderson clan was buried.

Nathan snapped to attention and rendered a military salute to the graves of his family.

Mark mirrored his old friend's action. "We will avenge the fallen and protect what we have left."

"Lelouch and Nunally will be fine. I'll watch over them, and that’s not a promise, it’s a guarantee," Nathan assured him as the two left the graveyard, walking back towards the car.

"Thank you. I can’t imagine why they would be sent to Japan of all places, they’re not connected with the EU or the Chinese Federation."

"I believe I know the real reason for sending them to Japan."

"Oh?" Mark cocked his eyebrow

"It gives them a valid excuse to declare war and invade. They could say it was retaliation for the Japanese ‘unlawfully holding members of the royal family prisoner’ Even though it’s total bullshit."

"What does Japan have that we don’t? We control a third of the fricking world."

Nathan shrugged, "I can’t say I have all the answers, cause I don’t. Charles wants the world in his pocket, and everyone has to follow Britannian values or suffer the consequences." Nathan spat.

"Yeah." Mark agreed, "But there must be more than just that, for Japan anyway."

"I wish I knew." Nathan admitted, "But his lust for power is a problem."

Mark rubbed the bridge of his nose, he was starting to get a headache. "I’m thinking about it too much. So...now what?"

"Let this play out, we have no choice we can't act yet, the time isn't right." Nathan advised gently.

"Alright. I need to meet with Lady Elizabeth anyway.” Mark said.

"Pick up Viletta and Meet me at the harbor." Nathan requested.

"Got it," he said.

Nathan walked away looking back at the graves of his beloved family and as if it was completely out of character the assassin shed a tear before stepping into the back of a car.

Mark got into his private limo and returned the Demeter Villa, Jeremiah had come up with a few new selections and wanted to review them with the Fox. He looked out the window, wondering where in the forest of gravestones Marianne was buried.

Pendragon Naval Air Station, St. Marcus' docking cradle.

Nathan’s car reached the cradle where the Avalon-class vessel, St. Marcus, was docked. As their master tended to laying the dead to rest, the forces loyal to the Anderson family had been busy loading the massive airship with all the equipment they had at their disposal.

Nathan smiled and hugs his little brother, nine year old Jonathan Anderson, who had remained behind.

“Hey bro,” John said, “We’ve loaded up 95 percent of what we need, it won’t be much longer…and Viletta is here, like you requested.”

“Thank you, show her in.” he said, settling down in his command chair.

"Nathan." Viletta Nu came into the room in a violet jumpsuit that showed off her figure very well. Her long silver hair tied up in a loose ponytail. She had never looked more beautiful to the young noble.

"Viletta..." he said gently, "John can you excuse us please?"

The younger Anderson nodded “I need to speak to one of the techs anyway. Miss Nu.” He gave a curt nod to her and left the bridge.

"Nathan, what is going on?" Viletta asked, “I got pulled off maneuvers and brought here, your brother said you’re leaving, why are you leaving?”

"You heard about the deaths of Mark's sister and my Family, right? I'm taking my brother and those loyal to my family out of the county to Japan." Nathan said solemnly "as for why, I don't have a choice. My brother and I are still in danger." he told her, "Do you know who organized the slaughter of my family?"

"Who? Who in the royal family would order the death of your entire family? You’ve been nothing but loyal to the Emperor.”

"My loyalty to the Emperor was always dubious, I asked him to let me seek revenge for them, but he wouldn’t even let me have that. Although it was Delia Le Britannia who gave the order and her pet vampire, Bradley who carried it out! Mark knows this." He snapped trying to control his rage.

"Oh Nathan." she wept. She fell into his toned chest.

"I will always be faithful to you Viletta." Nathan purred as he embraced the woman he loved.

"Just come back to me, you’re one of the best things which ever happened to me."

"I can do better than that..." he trailed off as he closed the distance between them.

Viletta blushed slightly. "Nathan?"

Nathan's left eye started to glow an icy blue, "I need your full and complete trust. Do I have it?"

"I do." She said.

The duke pressed a kiss to the young soldier's lips. A fragment of his power left his left eye and entering her right.

"EHHHH! What did you do?" She said, reflexively grabbing at her eye.

It’s a power called Geass, how I got it is a long story, and I’ll tell you at another time. Suffice to say, I entered a contract with a person and they gave me this power in return. I can form a bond between us that can't be broke. his voice echoed in her mind.

She blushed.

"You can hear my thoughts when you choose and see through my eyes when you wish." Nathan said using his own voice, "It also allows you to use its true power even if it’s just a fragment."

"What is its power? What does it do?"

"Temporal loop. slowing down time only for you and I, making our reflexes faster, as well as predicting where a shot or a punch will go." he explained to her, "We will always be together."

"Amazing." Viletta couldn’t believe such a thing as Geass existed.

"I will tell this to you now, Viletta Nu, because it is the truth. I love you, and though I’m leaving you now, We will be reunited and nothing will keep us apart forever. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I know, oh god, Nathan, I’m so scared." she started crying slightly. "Do what you have to do. I’ll wait for you, my love. " He gently stroked her face.

"I'll see you again, body and all." he gives her one more deep kiss before letting her go.

"I...should go." she said, "Be safe my love."

"You too." he said placing a winged shield in her hand, "Have Mark explain that to you when the time comes. He may approach you about working for him in the future.”

"Okay." She nodded, she finally turned and ran away, willing herself not to look back, tears running down her cheeks.

'This is by far the hardest thing I've had to do.’ Nathan thought, hands balling up.

"Nathan, we should go now. We can’t delay any longer," said the St. Marcus’ captain.

He looked up. "Right! Launch the ship! Engines to full power!" he ordered confidence returning as he slid the mask of command back over his face. He couldn’t afford to look weak in front of his men now.

The St. Marcus' mighty engines roared to life and they lifted off.

For family, friends, and you my love. he thought to her.

I love you, Viletta's voice echoed.

'I love you too Viletta, his voice echoed to her. "Captain, set course for Tokyo harbor, max combat speed. Let them know we're not a threat. At least we won’t be for right now" he said that last part to himself.

"Understood, My lord." The captain said.

A few days later, Viletta was alone in her barracks, considering her options. The Purist Faction had approached her to join their ranks. But she hadn’t committed, her love for Nathan stronger than any “blood purity” propaganda. A knock at the door drew her attention. She opened it to see Mark. “Major Lamperouge, what are you doing here?”

“Hello, Lieutenant, Have I caught you at a bad time?” he asked, stepping in.

“No sir, I was just thinking about where I should go…With Nathan gone, I feel so lost. The Purist Faction wanted to recruit me, but I really don’t buy all the nonsense they’re spouting.”

Mark put a reassuring hand on Viletta’s shoulder, “Then would you consider an offer from me? I came back to the homeland to investigate my sister’s death. Lady Elizabeth allowed me to form a guard contingent for her, which secretly is running black ops into finding out who killed Marianne. I’ll admit Nathan asked me to watch over you, It’s my way of paying him back for looking after my niece and nephew. If you join this team, you’ll have a two rank promotion waiting for you. What do you say?”

“Promotion…to Captain?” Viletta couldn’t believe her ears. “Who else is on the squad?”

“Right now, there’s just two of us, plus…eventually, we may deploy to Japan, so I can be with my sister’s kids, and…you’ll get to be with Nathan.” Viletta put her arms around Mark, crying. “I take it this is a yes?” She nodded. “It won’t happen right away. We have to tread very carefully, or we’ll arouse suspicion. Are you in?”

Viletta delivered a perfect salute. ‘Sir, yes sir!”

“One last thing, a gift from Nathan.” He took the Silverwing badge and pushed it into her delicate hand. “You’re also now secretly part of Nathan’s personal army, the Silverwing Brigade, wear it with pride.”

Seven Years Later

"For your actions, Mark Lamperouge, I confer on you the rank of Knight of Two." Charles said, laying the flat of his sword on the Crimson Fox’s shoulders in succession. .

"Thank you my lord." Mark bowed deeply as the assembled nobility clapped for the latest induction into the pinnacle of the Britannian Knighthood. ‘The biggest break in the world’ Cornelia called it when they received the news Mark was to be inducted into the Knights of the Round after foiling an assassination attempt on Second Empress Loretta Su Britannia’s life. But not everyone was enthusiastic about the turn of events. Luciano Bradley, Royal Knight of Fourth Princess Delia Le Britannia, had also been inducted into the Rounds the same day, if only due to the Black Widow’s influence. Bradley wished nothing more than to use the weighted throwing daggers he carried under his cloak to strike the weakling named the Crimson Fox down.

"Commoner filth, enjoy your triumph while you can, soon you will know your place," the newly minted Knight of Ten muttered under his breath. He turned on his heel and with a flourish of his orange cape, left the throne room for the Helena villa, home of the Le Britannia line, to the comfort of his beloved. He found her naked body spread out on the huge bed in her luxurious room. Her long blonde hair flowed behind her freely.

"Ahh, Luciano, how are you?" Delia drawled. “I was just finished with Lord Winston here, she indicated to the corpse of the dead Earl next to her, “Be a dear and dispose of him? These nobles are such poor prey. They just can’t hold their arsenic very well. I can’t imagine why.” She laughed an annoying laugh. Luciano nodded and dragged the dead noble away.

"If I may speak freely, milady, I’m very annoyed and angered. Your father dubbed that commoner filth, Lamperouge, Knight of Two, only Waldstein himself has a higher station. Lamperouge will get the higher profile missions, and thus all the glory. I cannot live with that.”

"If he annoys you that much, then challenge him at the banquet in the next few days, put that commoner trash in his place before all the nobility, they always love a good show." She replied.

"I just may my lady." A feral sneer twisting his face. “It’s not often I get to hunt foxes.” Delia pulled a black silk robe over her slender features.

"There is another thing, Luciano. We may be expecting a new life soon."

Her Knight gave her a look that was priceless "you mean....."

She smiled evilly "you're going to be a father soon. Once the rest of my relatives are out of the way our child will be the heir to a new dynasty, and you shall rule with me as Emperor. A new golden age will start for Britannia."

Luciano smiled evilly yet proudly, "Then I shall return alive my sweet. Consider the Crimson Fox’s death the first step to that golden age you mentioned. I believe you have something for me now." His cape fell to the floor as Delia removed her robe…

As the Vampire and his Black Widow made time together, Another Princess and her Knight met.

"Princess Cornelia," Mark bowed, "It's good to see you again."

"Mark, I heard. I'm so proud of you." she smiled. “You’ll look good in Rounds white. I take it you’ll keep the duster?”

"Of course your highness, compared to the cape, it’s far more practical.” Mark bowed. “Although I’m a little weary of this promotion. I’m under the Emperor now and thus I’m subject to his whims. But if it means I can get closer to some answers, I’ll take it.”

"I have a reward for you...a reward to give you some more leverage in the court. As a Knight of the Rounds you are considered equal in rank to a Baron, but I'm going to push you the rest of the way...I hold six titles besides my status as a Princess. Three titles of Duchess, Margravine, and two titles of Countess...It's tradition for royalty to give a title to a friend, which I want to do now. Normally I'm supposed to give one of my lower ones. But I'm going to fudge it up and make you a Margrave....do you accept?"

Mark went to his knees, "I'm honored your highness." Cornelia’s features softened, as she held his face in her hands.

“There’s something else I wish to give you…my heart, Mark Lamperouge. You are one of the noblest, kindest men I’ve ever met. If I had to marry now, there’s only one person I’d choose…” she started blushing. Mark gently kissed Cornelia’s hand.

“You flatter me your majesty,” the Knight of Two said. “And might I say that if I had to marry tomorrow, you’d be the only woman I’d ask. You remind me so much of my sister, that same unshakable, iron will. You are truly the most beautiful woman in the empire.”

“Lord Lamperouge would you be my escort to the ball being held the night after tomorrow?”

“It would be my honor and pleasure, milady.”

Two days after the Knighting ceremony, the movers and shakers of Pendragon were in full force at yet another royal ball. Mark, now in the white and gold uniform of the Knights of the Round, red duster over it, could only roll his eyes in disgust as the nobles delicately sipped their champagne making crude jokes about the lower classes and how unfortunate the poor numbers had it.

On the opposite side of the hall Bradley stood his eyes boring into the Fox’s back. He decided to take action and strode boldly towards him. “You’ll be remembered for having the shortest career of a Knight of the Round.”

Mark took notice and started his own advance so they were now eyeball to eyeball in the middle of the room. "Something I can do for you, Lord Bradley?"

"Yes there is actually. You can go to hell you pathetic piece of filth." Bradley replied, “Why a commoner trash was made Knight of Two is anyone’s guess.”

"Is that reason to insult me? You’re going to have to try a lot harder," Mark said, turning away to get a drink. Bradley frowned, the Crimson Fox wouldn’t snap at simple retorts, he had to twist deeper.

“Perhaps I was wrong in that regard, you’re simply a dog of the military, shame I can’t say the same for your whore of a sister. A total waste of the Emperor's time!! Much less the children she spawned! A frail little boy who could barely run five feet without panting for breath! And a worthless little girl who wouldn’t even be taken by the lowest of nobles!" he shouted so loudly that the whole hall heard.

Mark's eyes hardened and spoke in the most frigid tone he could manage, "Lord Bradley, are you trying to goad me into a fight?"

"Actually," he drawled, reaching into his cape. "That’s exactly what I‘m trying to do! You and I, right here and now, your title as Knight of Two on the line!" he shouted, drawing a dagger.

“So be it.” Mark said. Removing his coat and handing it to Cornelia.

“Mark,” Cornelia said worriedly.

“Get your sister, and mother and get out of here. I do NOT want you seeing this.” He said in a tone that brokered no argument. The nobles all stopped their idle chatter and focused on the duel. Mark didn't budge an inch, Evading his slashes and swipes.

Bradley just took one swing after another. “What’s wrong, Crimson Fox?” he leered. “Afraid? As you should be! I will take what is most dear from you! Let me snack on your fear! Draw your weapon so we can continue!”

“If you say so,” Mark’s leg whipped out, embedding itself straight into the Vampire’s ball sack. And a meaty arm entrapped Bradley in an iron headlock. The Crimson Fox pulled his Heckler and Koch P2000 .357 pistol. "Although you really should have specified WHICH weapon you wanted me to draw! So now, answer this question for me, Lord Bradley…what do you treasure the most?” Mark uttered the first line of the speech he heard Bradley give on every mission when he had an enemy cornered. He delighted in the fear which resulted from it “You know what on second thought, forget it! Burn and die, Vampire!" He snarled, a single bang filled the now silent ballroom. Luciano Bradley, the Knight of Ten for barely forty eight hours, fell to the floor dead, a bullet hole right between the eyes.

Delia, with her emotionless face was screaming on the inside. Everybody's eyes widened, save for the emperor. Delia was starting to have a hard time keeping her tears in. 'he broke his promise.'

Mark turned on his heel, and walked out of the room, leaving Bradley to lie in a pool of his own blood. Delia stood over the body of her knight, face still contorted in a grimace of surprise at the brutal efficiency of which he had been dispatched. Her lover and the father of her child, Dead.

"Mark Lamperouge...be thankful your sister and her children are dead...." She hissed. The Crimson Fox made a line for the door, only stopping long enough to grab his coat from Cornelia and walk out the door. He needed to burn off his steam in private and didn't want to subject Elizabeth or Cornelia to it. Mark pulled out the com and called Nathan.

“Alpha Leader this is Bravo 1, please respond, now.” Mark said through clenched teeth.

"This is Anderson." he answered.

"Nate...it's me." Mark said, his voice still on edge, panting hard.

"You okay, Mark? Take a breath and tell me calmly what happened." Nathan tried to calm his friend.

"Okay, first things first. I was promoted into the Rounds as the Knight of Two. I saved Empress Loretta from an assassination attempt. We were celebrating tonight, and I got a small measure of revenge for your family. I just shot Bradley in front of the entire court."

"Y-you did?” Nathan didn’t want to believe it. The murderer of his family had fallen.

“Yeah, he was promoted into the Rounds the same time as me…Knight of Ten. He didn’t like it very much, and tried to fix that.”

“Did he challenge you openly?" Nathan asked, now hanging on Mark’s every word.

"Yeah, he called Marianne a whore, said some things about Lelouch and Nunally that I won’t repeat, and then pulled out a dagger and challenged me for my title."

"I would have ventilated him on the spot." Nathan fumed. "You didn’t toy with him, did you?"

“I kicked him in the nads and then ventilated his brain pan. I don’t think anyone was expecting me to do it that quickly. The nobles were expecting some grand duel, but when it comes to combat, I’m a pragmatist, act quickly and end it quickly.”

Nathan sighed in relief, his soul a little lighter, “Well, I’d have liked a crack at him, but what matters is he's out of the way, thank you, Mark. I know the spirits of my family are grateful to you for letting them rest in peace now. Was the witch there?"

"Yep, she saw everything. I'm certain she's sworn revenge already."

"Was she crying?" he mused.

"Hell if I know." The Fox replied, “I just wanted to get out of there as fast as I could.”

"Changing the subject, when are you coming out to Japan? I have some good news…Nunally’s starting to regain her eyesight, it’s been two months now, but it’s slowly coming back.”

"That is good news. I have some good news of my own. Cornelia gave me a real title. I'm now the Knight of Two and a Margrave."

"A Margrave huh? well you‘re lucky. This also qualifies you to be Cornelia's Groom."

"It wasn’t lost on me...Cornelia and Viletta have gotten real close to each other, I think she may get a title of her own soon. A barony, I believe."

"Good, You told our three charges about your Silverwing status?" he asked bluntly.

"Yes they have." Mark said. "Elizabeth, Euphie, and Cornelia are all in on it. She’s gone through the ranks of her own people, checking the background of everyone to be sure they’re trustworthy. "

“Good…Mark, listen to me, I hope you can find a way to get to Japan …I have this feeling something is going to happen soon. Something big, what that is I have no clue, but it’s just this feeling I have, and it’s not a good feeling.”

“The old soldier’s instinct kicking in?” Mark commented. It was a feeling the Crimson Fox knew too well. Years of being on the battlefield, hours and hours of combat experience gave people like Nathan and himself a sixth sense about certain things. “Nathan…would this have anything to do with Geass?” The Fox could have sworn he heard Nathan spit out his drink on the other end of the line.

“How do you know about Geass?” Nathan clearly upset at this turn of events.

“Because the Emperor and the Knight of One both have them, after I was knighted, they took me to Chuckie’s private study, and showed me their respective powers. Chuckie has the power to change people’s memories, Waldstein has a limited form of Clairvoyance, it seems the only person he ever used it on was my sister of all people. Nathan, the emperor has an entire organization of people with Geass…It’s headed by his older brother, Victor Di Britannia, or V.V”
It was now Nathan’s turn to start panting, “D-did you get a Geass?”

“I did…if only to keep my cover secure. But I think I’m better off without it.”

“What is your Geass?” Nathan asked wearily.

“I’d rather not say here, when we meet in person I’ll tell you then. In the mean time, Let’s just keep doing as we always do. As the Knight of Two, and with my intelligence background, I’m going to be doing a lot of the Emperor’s dirty work, so I won’t be able to contact you as regularly as I’d like.”

"I see. Mark, I have a confession to make to you. It’s not easy for me to say this, but I really can’t hold it in anymore." Nathan said.

"What is it?" Mark asked.

The bomb was dropped, "Before my parents were killed I was arranged to wed Cornelia. Believe me, it was not my idea! My father and the emperor came up with that one. She doesn‘t even know!" He blurted out all at once, bracing for his friend’s reaction. It was not what he expected.

"Well, it’s kind of a moot point isn’t it? I mean, your father is dead. You’re on the other side of the planet. Don’t sweat it, Nate. It’s not an issue anymore. Certainly not to me."

“Thank you for being so understanding. I love Cornelia as a sister nothing more. She’s always been into you." Nathan sighed. “When you eventually do come, are you bringing them with you?”

“It remains to be seen, Cornelia is going to be heading to the Middle East with the 127th, I could tell her to head there, and I could bring Euphie. We’ll just to have watch what the next few days bring.”

“Tell Cornelia about this arranged marriage, she deserves to know about it. I’m not one to keep things from her.” Nathan replied.

“I will. I take it Lady Elizabeth doesn’t know about this either?” A low chuckle was the response from the other side of the world. “I take it that’s a no. She’ll love that.”

“Yeah, it gives them a real good reason to hate that man. Good show on the Vampire front, although you should be mindful of a counterattack from her, Mark. Remember, she’s known as a Black Widow for a reason."

"Yeah, when we get here, we can finally take off the mask and start opposing Britannia. All of our planning and preparing will finally pay off, you should be very proud of all you’ve done so far, Nathan. ."

"The Codeword is Archangel, remember that." Nathan informed him. The morning bell rung in the back ground. "I've gotta go. Classes are getting ready to start. It’s time to mold young minds into model citizens, Lelouch attends my class as well."

"How does he do?"

"He does quite well, but he cringes when someone says the emperor or the bastard's name, and he has a bad habit of cutting classes to go gamble. I’ve been trying to figure out he evades us."

"Yep, he’s Marianne’s son alright. She was sneaky that way."

"I’m off, give Cornelia and the faamily my best. Alpha one out."

"Bravo One acknowledges."

Nathan cuts the line, 'It's time my dear.' he thinks to not only himself but Viletta.

‘We’ll see you soon, honey‘. Viletta‘s voice echoed. He smiled and composes himself for his class before he walks out of his office. “The time is upon us…”

Author’s Notes: This story was born out of an AU I had in mind for Three Knights. Where Mark did not become Marianne’s Knight, rather staying in Britannia and becoming Knight of Two. My Brother Wolf came up with the rest of the story plan, and it just grew from there.