A/N: Welcome back to Of Gates, Heirs, and the Unhinged!
Ugh. This was not supposed to take this long. Been going for weekly updates. But then life got really busy for me for two weeks. Having to drive my mother everywhere because she doesn't have a car anymore (it was towed), being dragged to my nephew's football games (I love my nephews, but I hate football), and a bunch of other shit that had me driving a lot more than I want. Oh well.
Last we left off, the Ginza Incident had finished. Now we see what happens after.
Let's do this.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gate or any other properties utilized in this story.
It would be a very busy couple of months. For Japan, the world, and certain individuals involved in the Ginza incident.
For instance, Itami Yoji. JSDF Second Lieutenant. Because of his actions that saved countless lives, he had been awarded a certificate of achievement, promoted from second lieutenant to first lieutenant, and been recognized as a national hero. Newspapers and news stations everywhere spoke of his heroics. Not to mention that it had gotten out that Itami had been seen hanging out with Ciel Orion Greystoke and his bodyguard, the latter openly stating that they were the "Three Amigos". Needless to say, the spotlight was on him. And while the news of the heir/bodyguard duo contending with invaders also made major headlines, Itami was still a focus of attention.
Rather than be thrilled about all of this, Itami was annoyed at all the attention he was receiving. And he was more upset at the fact that the expo had been cancelled. No doujinshi for Itami. He wept in private.
What's more, because of the incident and promotion, he had had to work more weekends at the base. Which was a drag to the self-proclaimed otaku. For he always states the following.
"If I have to pick between my job and my hobby, I'm definitely picking the hobby. It's the otaku life for me!"
Or something along those lines.
In any case, Itami would find himself very busy in the few months that would pass until an expedition into the gateway was made.
The Japanese government would find itself busy as well. First, the burying and mourning of those lost in the attack. As well as imprisoning and interrogating several thousand enemy soldiers that had been captured. Then there would be the many debates about what was to be done. An expedition into the gateway, the other side being called the Special Region, was certainly the most obvious response. But much planning would be needed for such an endeavor. How many soldiers would be sent, what equipment they would use, food and supply, how much the expedition would cost in taxpayer money, etc.
And then there's the pressure from other nations. Russia and China were especially aggressive in their demands to be involved in dealing with the Special Region. The United States, while having their own motives for wanting to deal with the gateway and what lay beyond it, were more gentle in their approach. Promising to provide whatever aid Japan may need for when an expedition took place.
Another nation was at the table, so to speak, when it came to the Special Region. The United Kingdom. Why? Well, when a UK citizen who happens to be the heir to the largest tech conglomerate in the world is put in danger and nearly killed, then that certainly demands a response from the United Kingdom.
While that is understandable, Ciel and his father had other ideas.
"Her royal majesty, as well as the rest of Parliament, wish for me to contact the Japanese Prime Minister and negotiate our way into matters of the gateway and the Special Region."
"Those savages dared to bring harm to my son. This is an affront to the Greystoke family. Therefore, this is a Greystoke matter. Not a UK one. No offense to our beloved nation or her majesty, of course. This is simply personal."
"While I agree with you, neither Parliament nor the Queen see it that way. And like Russia, China, and the US, our country wants a piece of pie, as they say."
"You're the Prime Minister. And you've gained much influence in your long tenure. Surely you can keep them at bay. Or has your age finally caught up with you, old man?"
"Watch your tongue, Isaac. I can still make things difficult for you and Greystoke Industries."
"Oh? You would go to war with your own family? Perhaps you're finally going senile, Father?"
UK Prime Minister Alexander Greystoke glared at his son, the CEO of Greystoke Industries, Isaac Greystoke. Both were on side-by-side video screens, the former speaking from the office of the prime minister, and the latter speaking from the CEO office of Greystoke Industries. Alexander was an old man in his early seventies. His hair a grayish dark blue, and dull peacock-blue eyes. He wore professional attire as fitting for a prime minister of the United Kingdom. Isaac was a man in his early forties. Dark blue hair, rich peacock-blue eyes. A handsome man in business professional attire.
"Tch. Just because you're a grown man, you think you can disrespect me like this. I ran Greystoke Industries for nearly thirty years before I let you take over. Then our great nation for another twenty. Not to mention I raised you into the man you are today. You would do well to show me the respect I deserve."
"Oh, I don't know. Politicians rarely warrant respect nowadays. Always looking out for their own interests."
"Business leaders aren't looked fondly on, either. Perhaps the people would be interested if Greystoke Industries and you personally were audited. I'm sure you've made an honest living and run an honest business since you've taken over, so you should have nothing to worry about."
"You listen here, old man-."
"Will the two of you cease with the pissing contest?"
The two older Greystokes turned to the youngest, who was giving the two an unimpressed look from the underground laboratory of his personal facility. Kiyota sat by a table behind the heir, peeling a banana to eat.
"I swear," Ciel sighed. "You two squabble like children. How you've managed to run the UK and the company respectively is beyond me."
"And to think you could be next, Shorty."
"If I end up as immature as them, just end me."
"That an order or a jest?"
"Yes."
"Yes to what?"
"Yes."
Kiyota laughed at that as he took a bite of the banana. The father and grandfather of Ciel gave each other one more glare before turning back to the heir.
"Ahem." Alexander cleared his throat. "Let's say I were to convince her majesty and Parliament to back off. How do you intend to handle this?"
"It's simple," Isaac responded. "An expedition into the Special Region will happen. No doubt about that. I will speak to the Japanese PM about allowing Greystoke Industries to take part in it. I can promise weaponry, funding, any necessary equipment, even more manpower. We acquired a private military firm several years back. They've only done security detail since, and they've been itching for some actual combat."
"I recall that. I also seem to recall that group being...controversial."
"Name a PMC that isn't considered controversial. And besides, reports on their activities and how they operated were never proven to be true."
"Of course, they weren't. You had them discredited, and the reputations of those who made them ruined."
"I like to be thorough when it comes to those who try to cross us. As is the Greystoke way."
"I'm well aware."
Ciel frowned in thought. He remembered that private military firm. PointCorp. A squad from that firm had picked him and Kiyota up after...
He closed his eye and took a deep breath. He didn't need to think about that right now.
"I remember that bunch," Kiyota put in, taking another bite of the banana. "I call them 'Killers R Us'. Appropriate nickname, right?"
The older Greystokes deadpanned.
"...Grandson, why is he even here?"
"I agree. This is a private discussion for the family. Greystokes only."
"Kiyota is a trusted colleague. And my bodyguard. If he is to do his job properly, I will not keep him in the dark about important matters."
Kiyota flashed a peace sign and grinned.
"Back to our discussion," Ciel continued, turning to the screen with his father on it. "PointCorp being there will actually be useful for me. It wouldn't hurt to have soldiers that will listen to me."
"...Listen to you?"
"Ah. Yes. I've been meaning to bring it up. I intend to go through the gateway when Japan begins the expedition. With Kiyota, of course."
...
...
"ABSOLUTELY NO-!"
"I think it's a fine idea."
Isaac gawked at Alexander.
"You can't be serious?! Those savages nearly killed him! He is next in line to take over Greystoke Industries! And you think it's a 'fine idea' for him to risk his life in unknown enemy territory?!"
The elder Greystoke shrugged. "Kiyota will be with him. As will PointCorp, should you succeed in getting Japan to agree to their involvement. And the JSDF is a capable military. Ciel will be well protected."
He smirked. "And besides, he is a Greystoke. Your son. And my grandson. When we want something, we get it. One way or the other. Do you really wish to waste time keeping him away? Will it be worth the headache?"
Isaac rubbed his eyes and sighed, not saying anything for several moments.
...
"Hmph. Very well." He lifted his head. "Son, you will speak to the Japanese Prime Minister as soon as possible. If you can successfully negotiate our way into matters of the Special Region, I will say nothing against you going."
"I can manage that, Father. Grandfather?"
Alexander chuckled. "Oh, very well. I'll see about getting the rest of Parliament to back off. And convince her majesty to leave this matter to us Greystokes."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
"And one more thing." The elder Greystoke gave a small but genuine smile. "I look forward to seeing your passion project brought to life, Ciel."
"Indeed," Isaac nodded with pride. "As expected of a Greystoke."
Ciel nodded back. "Of course, Father. Grandfather. It will be done by the time Japan begins the expedition."
"I should hope so, son."
"Indeed. It wouldn't hurt to have that with you as well when you cross the gateway."
"It wouldn't, no." Ciel checked his watch. "I believe that should be all. I imagine you two are busy. As am I. So we should end it here."
"I agree. Son. Father."
"Son. Grandson."
Both adult Greystokes nodded and signed off.
...
"Always a pleasure speaking to family."
"Not like it's any better when you lot actually bother to get together."
"Can't say I disagree."
"Seriously, Shorty," Kiyota continued, finishing the banana and tossing the peel in the trash. "You guys have sticks up your asses."
Ciel deadpanned. "So you always say."
((Several days later))
Even with the influence the Greystoke family had, it would be several days before a meeting with the Japanese PM was finally had. Not that Ciel could blame the man. He was constantly dealing with other nations pushing to be let in on matters concerning the gateway. Not to mention his own nation demanding justice for what happened.
Ciel and Kiyota stood before Shigenori Hojo, who was ready to greet the two.
"Ah, Ciel Orion Greystoke," Shigenori greeted, shaking Ciel's hand. "A pleasure to see you, again. And Kiyota, as well. It's been a good while. Please, have a seat."
Ciel nodded and sat in a couch chair, Kiyota sitting in the chair beside the heir. The Japanese PM sat across from the two. Some tea had been set up for the three. The three picked up their cups and sipped.
"So," Shegenori began, setting the cup down. "You wanted to speak to me of an important matter in person regarding the gateway?"
"Indeed." Ciel steepled his fingers. "I'm willing to wager that there are talks going on about an expedition into the Special Region. I am here to discuss being a part of it."
Shigenori sighed with a frown. "I understand if the United Kingdom wishes to get involved. So do many other countries. But I and the rest of our government believe that-."
"Oh no, you misunderstand. I didn't mean the United Kingdom. I meant Greystoke Industries."
"Is that right?"
"Yes. This invading army dared to attack me. Nearly succeeded in doing so. It is an affront to the Greystoke family. My father certainly wants to ensure it does not go unpunished."
"I understand that you and your family are angry. And rest assured, Japan will see to it that justice is served."
"I'm sure it will be. But my father would like to ensure it will be settled. And the best way would be for a Japan-Greystoke Industries joint venture."
Ciel Orion Greystoke began his pitch.
"My father's company is willing to aid the Japanese government in this potential expedition. We can help provide funding, weaponry and equipment, and even more manpower. Courtesy of PointCorp."
Shigenori's frown deepened. "The private military firm?
"That is correct."
"...Forgive me, but that particular PMC has its fair share of controversy."
Ciel rolled his eye. "Name a PMC that doesn't."
"A fair point, but previous reports on PointCorp-."
"-are erroneous and never proven to be true."
"Hm, yes. I wonder why that is?"
"Who can say?" Ciel responded with a neutral expression.
"Yep," Kiyota finally spoke, voice dripping in sarcasm. "Who can really say?"
"Quiet, Kiyota. I'm negotiating."
"Whatever you say, Shorty."
Ciel rolled his eye and turned back to the Prime Minister.
"Mr. Hojo. While I understand the hesitance towards accepting aid from a private military company, PointCorp is not as egregious as the more controversial PMCs out there. Does it have its tainted history? Yes. But since being acquired by Greystoke Industries, they've been kept on their best behavior. One or two may cause trouble from time to time, but nothing newsworthy. And they are punished accordingly. Kiyota and I will stress upon them that they must not act out of line."
The Japanese PM raised an eyebrow. "You and Kiyota?"
"Shorty was gonna bring that up, yeah," Kiyota answered. "He wants to go in for his own isekai adventure."
"That is not at all how I would put it. I am simply curious as to this potential other world. And after everything that has happened, I would like to see what all the fuss is about."
The PM had essentially the same reaction as Ciel's father at that, albeit at a more controlled and less overly denying manner.
"B-Begging your pardon, young Ciel," the man started. "But that is simply out of the question. The Special Region is a complete mystery to us. The little we know so far is from who attacked us. Goblins, orcs, dragons. And who knows what else is there? It is simply too dangerous. Especially for one as young and important as yourself."
Ciel crossed his arms. "I will be fine. I'll have Kiyota with me-."
"Yo," Kiyota said, his fingers held up in the peace sign.
"-As well as the JSDF. And don't tell me you're not sending them. It's obvious you will. And then there will be PointCorp, once you agree to the joint venture. And finally-."
Ciel pulled out his tablet and opened it to reveal a display of a suit of armor.
"-I will have this done by the time the expedition begins."
Shigenori's eyes widened. "M-My word! That's-!"
"Yes. The Iron Man suit. It is close to fruition. Not only will I have this as added protection, but so will the JSDF. I'm sure you can see the benefits of a suit of armor such as this with your army. Not to mention extra help from PointCorp. And while you may still be on the fence about them, try to think of it in another way."
Shigenori raised an eyebrow. "What other way?"
"I imagine you and whoever replaces you will want to keep matters in the Special Region clean. Doing good and all that. Not giving the media any ammo to criticize. But there will come a time when...dirty work, will need to be done. The kind of dirty work you'd rather not have associated with the JSDF. PointCorp can handle such dirty work with discretion. And should such activities be discovered, that will be a matter for PointCorp, my father, and myself to address."
"Japan would still be criticized for allowing PointCorp to be there in the first place."
"That is something we can mitigate together. As part of the Japan-Greystoke Industries joint venture. Assuming you agree to it, of course."
The Prime Minister still seemed unsure.
"And having the publicity of Japan being the birthplace of Iron Man would be an added boost. Being able to hold it over the other nations. America, especially."
The man seemed to think it over.
...
...
"If I were to agree to this, would you promise that you nor your father's company would overstep their boundaries and try to take matters into their own hands? Your family has a history of wanting to be in control."
Ciel took a moment to sip his tea before answering.
"It wouldn't do for our public image if my family tried to take over an operation meant to seek justice for those killed. We will simply be aiding Japan on this journey. Your country will be in the lead on this matter."
Ciel set his cup down...then gave the PM a smile.
"That being said, if there is some form of opportunity that Greystoke Industries can exploit, then Japan will work with us to see that opportunity taken. This new world is a potential source of untapped resources. Resources that Greystoke Industries would certainly like to get their hands on before the other countries. But after Japan, of course. There shouldn't be an issue in agreeing to this. It is only fair since my father's company will be aiding your country in this endeavor. Quid pro quo, Prime Minister. And even if this new world is considered worthless in the end, then Greystoke Industries will at least have the publicity of joining in the exploration of this 'Special Region'. I myself will find it satisfactory enough. Does that not sound like a fair deal?"
Shigenori felt a shiver go down his spine. This young man should not be this good in negotiating.
"And as an added benefit, if everything I've stated is not enough, Greystoke Industries can help keep the other major countries off your back and whoever replaces you. We have enough influence to convince them to give you space. At least for a time. Eventually, they'll want to send representatives to see what's on the other side. But until then, we can convince them to stop breathing down Japan's neck about it."
The man stared at Ciel. Ciel stared back with that smile. While Kiyota was just sitting with a look of amusement.
...
"How old are you, again?"
"Fifteen."
Shigenori sighed but gave a tired smile. "You're going to be terrifying when you're older."
Ciel's own smile grew.
"I plan to be."
After the meeting, Ciel opened his tablet and contacted his father. Who answered immediately, his face appearing on screen.
"It's done, Father. The Prime Minister will be in contact with you soon to go into more detail as to our joint venture."
His father smirked. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you managed to convince him. I taught you well."
"Indeed."
"Hmph. I'll hold up my end, then. You may go with Japan when they explore the Special Region. I'll start preparations."
"Very well. Oh, and Father?"
"Hm?"
"I would like Burke and his squad under my personal command."
"...Ah, yes. It was he and his squad that found you after...that. Makes sense you would want them. Very well. I will let Burke know. Good day, son."
The video call ended. Ciel just stared at the screen. Kiyota noticed this and put his hand on Ciel's shoulder.
"You alright?"
Ciel took a deep breath and let it out.
"...I'm fine."
"You sure? Cause I know you toss and turn when you sleep. Hell, sometimes you just bolt up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat."
"I said, I'm fine."
"And I know I'm not one to talk, but maybe you should go back to seeing that thera-?"
"Kiyota. Drop it. Now."
Kiyota's mouth set in a thin line as Ciel gave a dark glare.
...
"Eh, alright. Just a suggestion. So, what now?"
Letting out a relieved breath, Ciel scrolled through his tablet to schematics for the Iron Man suit.
"Only one thing to deal with before the expedition."
((Another several days later))
Shigenori Hojo announced to the world that Japan and Greystoke Industries would be working together in conducting an expedition into the Special Region. And that soldiers from PointCorp would be supplying manpower to go with the JSDF.
There was backlash from the governments of other nations about this, demanding to know why a corporation could go while nations were kept in the dark. And why a private military company such as PointCorp was even involved.
Ciel's promise to the Japanese PM was kept as Isaac Greystoke helped in dealing with the backlash. The United Kingdom spoke out in defense of this as well, mostly due to Alexander Greystoke's influence. And even the United States defended the decision. Again, likely for their own motives. But Shigenori, and the one who would replace him, would take all the help they could get.
As preparations were being made, Ciel had retreated from the spotlight to his underground lab. He focused completely on the Iron Man suit. Spending many sleepless nights perfecting each and every part. Installing security systems, weaponry, internal mechanisms, the works. He needed the suit to be ready, functional, and armed to the teeth.
Kiyota would watch Ciel work at times. Checking to be sure his teen boss ate and slept as he should. And while the latter was a challenge due to the heir's stubbornness, the bodyguard at least made sure that he didn't work an entire week without sleep. And he definitely made sure that Ciel took mandatory breaks. In some breaks, Kiyota even invited Itami over to hang out. Finally getting Ciel introduced to doujinshi.
Ciel wasn't impressed. And he often wondered why some works had excessive fanservice. Kiyota and Itami would defend the fanservice, saying it was an essential part of works of art such as these. Ciel doubted this, obviously. And he debated locking himself in the lab, but quickly scrapped that idea when he knew Kiyota would just tear the doors down to get to him.
While these hangouts occurred, the heir and bodyguard were able to get to know Itami better. It was surprising enough that Itami was a JSDF soldier with ranger training and special forces training, but to also be married as well? Ciel had to actually hack into the registry just to see if that was true. Sure enough, it was. Though when Ciel saw a picture of Itami's wife, Risa, he could immediately tell that they at least looked like they belonged together. And when Itami explained how he and Risa got married in the first place, it all suddenly made sense.
Ciel wasn't a big fan of that type of marriage. Mostly because his father had tried to get an arranged marriage going between Ciel and different girls from influential families. The heir shut down everyone, as most were just gold diggers trying to get to the Greystoke name. And the rest were just as uninterested in the idea of an arranged marriage as he was. Even so, from what he heard from Itami, this Risa woman at least didn't seem like a gold digger. Simply someone who wanted financial stability. He wasn't about to fault her for that. Plus, she was an otaku as well. So, she and Itami at least had some form of common ground.
Kiyota would openly admit that he envied Itami for that. And that if there was ever a woman who wanted to marry him just for the financial stability, he would take the offer immediately. He may be handsome, but his mental state tended to be a turnoff for women. So, he'd take what he could get. Still, Ciel doubted Kiyota would ever meet a woman that would happily marry him for the same reasons Risa had with Itami.
In any case, the time would come for the prototype to be completed.
((Two weeks later))
"You sure you wanna test it yourself, Shorty? I'm pretty sure you could make it fly remotely if you take another day or two."
Ciel shook his head. He currently had the flight stabilizers on his hands and feet, ready for the test drive.
"Fortune favors the bold, Kiyota."
"You know what else favors the bold? Death."
Itami nodded. "Can't say I disagree."
...
"Kiyota, why is Itami even here?"
"We're the three amigos! Of course, I was gonna invite him to see you fly around in the Iron Man prototype suit. He's ecstatic about it, right Itami?"
"Well-."
"See? Ecstatic!"
Itami had an unamused expression on his face as Ciel did a final check on the suit's systems. The suit itself was a silver color, very much similar to the Mark II suit seen in the movie. Only Ciel's suit was the first prototype, ergo the Mark I.
Ciel rolled his eye. "Very well. It'll certainly be a highlight."
With a deep breath, Ciel started the assembly system and moved towards the assembly station. Mechanical arms reached out and started attaching the suit onto Ciel, screwing in the screws and placing the armor over him. Once it was done, he grabbed the mask portion and placed it on his face.
"Activate systems."
Like with many of the Iron Man suits in fictional history, there always needed to be an artificial intelligence to back the user up. So Ciel created one and named it Sebastian. A name from a dog he used to cherish.
"At your service, master."
"Engage heads-up display."
Several displays appeared before Ciel's eye.
"Check."
"Import all preferences from home interface."
"Will do, master."
Ciel soon had a clear image of what he would normally see without the suit. Kiyota was grinning, while Itami looked on in awe.
"Way to go, Shorty."
"Holy shit. It's real now."
"Yup. Bet you're glad you're here to see it."
"I am...but I still wouldn't mind some doujinshi, though."
Kiyota laughed. Ciel rolled his eye and continued.
"Everything ready, Sebastian?"
"Indeed. I am now uploaded to the armor, master. We're online and ready."
"Wonderful. Time for some baby steps."
Ciel carefully took a step forward. The armor was obviously heavy, but with the Ark Reactor powering it, he could move as though there was no weight. He took several more steps around.
"Aww, his first steps," Kiyota chuckled. "Good thing this is all being recorded. Such good memories being had."
Ignoring his bodyguard, Ciel moved his arms about. There was not much resistance. He gazed around the laboratory, scanning everything. Including Kiyota and Itami. Seeing their heart rates, heat signatures, x-rays, etc.
"Sebastian. Check all suit systems and mechanisms. Ensure there are no errors or mistakes."
"Very well, master."
Metal plates on the suit began opening, shifting, and closing as part of the test. Showing that everything was working as intended.
"Check complete. All systems and mechanisms nominal."
"Wonderful. All that's left is a test flight."
"I am not sure that is wise, master. This suit is a prototype, and there are many flight risks to be had if you were to-."
"Silence, Sebastian. This test is necessary."
Ciel turned to face Kiyota and Itami.
"I will begin the flight test. Kindly move back."
The two did as such, with Kiyota activating a panel on the wall. A part of the ceiling opened up, as did another on the first floor to allow for travel outside. Ciel took in a breath and let it out as he stood underneath the opening, keeping his hands facing down.
"Alright, beginning flight test. In three. Two. One."
The flight stabilizers activated. He briefly floated two or three feet in the air before the speed kicked in. And he rocketed through the opening and out into the open sky.
He felt fear for a few brief moments as he angled himself about to fly across the sky. How couldn't he? Ciel may be mature for his age, but he was still a teenager. And while he learned not to fear much anymore, traveling at high speeds in a metal suit at a great height tested his resolve. Regardless, he pushed on.
He flew over the city of Ginza, angling about the taller buildings to keep out of sight as much as he could. He scanned and zoomed in on the streets below, watching as the people went about their business. One civilian, a familiar-looking little girl, was eating ice cream when she looked up and saw him. She stared in awe, her ice cream slipping.
"That little girl...she's the same one from that day."
It was good to see she was out and about. She had apparently lost one of her parents that day and learned of it when Itami tried to help her. Ciel could empathize with her. He still missed his mother.
"Tch. None of that now."
Shaking off the brief moment of melancholy, Ciel angled the suit to head straight up. It was time for the final test.
"I advise against this, master. While you have prepared for this, there is still relative risk."
"I need to know for sure, Sebastian."
Ciel continued upward in his trajectory. Intending to go up to the atmosphere. And perhaps even beyond it. Assuming there was no icing problem, that is.
"Almost there. Keep going."
His alert systems kicked in.
"Master, there is a potentially fatal build-up of ice occurring."
"Not potentially. Very likely."
"Then perhaps you should fly down now?"
"I need the data. Record to the last second."
"Very well, master."
Ciel kept flying upward. Ice continued to build up all over his armor as a result. Until it finally reached the stabilizers.
They froze, and his suit systems shut down. He stopped in midair for a brief moment. Before gravity finally took over and brought Ciel down to Earth. Literally.
"Shit."
He fell at great speed. Which while not good, it would help in removing some ice. He quickly reached to the side of the knee joint and twisted a circular switch about. The ice cracked quicker, and the metal plates on his back opened out. Removing even more ice. As he closed in on the city, his systems came back online. Immediately, he activated the boosters and flight stabilizers. He scrambled about to gain control of his flight, nearly crashing into the ground and some traffic as a result. He barely managed to maneuver himself out of there and back to the sky.
Ciel no longer felt that fear earlier. Now, he felt excitement. It was intoxicating, flying about like this. He actually had a mad grin on his face, even letting out a short laugh as he returned to his home.
He made sure to hover over the opening from earlier.
"Decrease power in stabilizers and boosters."
He wasn't going to "kill the power" like Tony Stark had. Instead, he slowly (albeit still haphazardly) lowered to the ground until he managed to return to the floor of the underground lab. He landed with a thud.
He removed the mask part of the helmet and let out a shaky breath. Kiyota and Itami approached.
"So," Kiyota started. "How was it?"
Ciel turned to the two and gave a smile that sent a shiver down Itami's spine, while only making Kiyota smirk.
"Exhilarating," the heir answered.
There was still much that needed to be improved upon. That icing problem would need to be addressed, as well as the boosters and flight stabilizers. It wouldn't hurt to have easier flight. Perhaps he could use the material metals used for the Greystoke satellites. Might even make the suit more durable.
But it would be ready by the time the expedition began.
A/N: And that seems like a good place to stop. Next chapter will be the beginning of the expedition. As well as the battle of Alnus. All of them, hopefully. Depends on the flow of the story. Probably could've split this chapter in two, but I wanna get to the fantasy world now, so eh.
Anyway, now you all got to see the dynamic between Ciel and his father and grandfather. They're...something, I'll say that much. And you got to see how effective Ciel can be in his line of work. He'll be a force to be reckoned with. He has his fair share of baggage, of course. Which will be revealed in due time. And his prototype suit is a success. The true red and gold suit will be finished off screen and ready to use when the time comes.
Also, here's the two main protags themes.
Ciel's Theme: "Control" by Halsey
Kiyota's Theme: "So What" by Three Days Grace
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See you in the next update.
LATERS!