Chapter 8.
In the dark do secrets lie. The unescapable truth.
The portal exit was in the club room of the ORC. Rias was not here thankfully, but Shirone was here. She was sitting on a brown couch with a bag of sweets and a stuffy face. Too proper like the other Ravel. She watched Akeno and I with a critical eye on us. Before returning to her sweets. I don't stare as I'm not sure what I would say to her. I focus on Akeno. Akeno just leads me to a couch and sets me down there. She then says to me with both anticipation and dread.
"I'll get Rias. We have a person that can do the test. Please wait here."
I nodded and then looked down to the floor. Akeno goes off and exits the room through the old wooden door. The room grows silent other than Shirone eating her sweets. I catch out of the corner of my eye that she does eye me more closely. Frowning at me. She doesn't say anything. Just watched me. I don't want to say anything that makes me come off as a pervert or anything to give her the wrong idea because her punching hurts. She continues to not say anything for a few minutes. Before saying in a voice unlike her base self which was completely emotionless. Here she is like Ravel truly in being stuffy.
"Stranger-san. I have seen you before. You bought weights. Akeno-senpai brought you through a portal so you know. Are you considering joining Rias-sama's peerage?"
I smile a little because that is funny. Shirone is this place's Ravel truly. She can't see my amusement there but continues watching me. I replied back.
"I'm not. I'm just here for something else white hair-san. I'm Gregor. May I have the right to know your name?"
Shirone watched me more closely but was pleased I was being proper. She replied.
"You may. I am Koneko. It is interesting to meet you Gregor-san. You are different from most. I think you should join. Rias-sama is a wonderful king and will be a good choice for you."
I don't think she will like me much after my answer.
"I'm good being human Koneko-san."
Shirone frowned now deeply. She doesn't like humans I guess. Like the other Ravel too.
"You'd gain more being a devil. Humans have next to no redeeming qualities other than numbers. We are better than them."
She is close to OSF thinking there. That's not good. Why then is she up here near things she hates other than obeying her king? I don't like this.
"I am not interested Koneko-san. I prefer being this. I apologize if that offended you."
She glares at me hard now. Very hard and very painful. Her response was not good.
"You lost the right. Don't say my name again human. I have no time for worms."
She got up and left the room. Not looking back at me. So, she is a devil supremacist. That's going to be rough. I don't want to know what else is different here. Kuroka is fun. Shirone is not. I go back to waiting for another ten minutes. Before Akeno comes back and saw Shirone no longer here. She put two and two together. Answering the question, I clearly didn't ask.
"Koneko-chan hates humans. Someone tried something against her recently and poisoned her against them completely. She doesn't say much about it to us, but she hates it up here. I'm sorry Lex."
I sighed.
"It's alright. I'll stay away from her. The person doing the test is on the way here?"
Akeno nodded at the question and the understanding of her fellow, before she sat next to me.
"She is. Rias was able to grab her. She's usually busy but we caught her in a rare free time. Don't be scared too much of her. She is like Koneko in her stuffy attitude but is fun off duty. She gives good advice."
It has to be Grayfia. I'm proven right when Rias and said maid enter the room. Grayfia seems a bit more chill here since it's off time. Rias, however, brightens up horribly fast. She thinks I'm here to join probably. Rias is wearing a black shirt and a pair of jeans. Grayfia her maid outfit and she watched her sister in law brighten up out of the corner of her right eye but her eyes focus on me hard. Searching for something and was curious by something. Before she introduced herself.
"Hello Gregor-san. I am Grayfia Lucifer. I have been told much of you by Rias."
I was about to reply back but Rias interrupted so excited that I was here.
"Gregor-kun! You are joining! Thank the Morning Star!"
Akeno grew angry there as did Grayfia. She apparently saw the uncomfortable look that crossed my face while Rias is beaming with her eyes closed. I gently corrected that.
"I'm not Rias-san. I'm here for something else. I do want to help you and Akeno."
Rias grew horrified there not hearing the last part. Her bottom lip began wobbling. Grayfia saw the depression hitting full force and and puts an arm around her sister in law. That steadies Rias a tiny bit. Grayfia continues from where she left off.
"You don't know your father is what I am gathering from Akeno-chan. She has told me she believes it to be a Devil based off past interactions with your family. I can confirm this or prove it wrong. Would you like the test?"
The final test. The truth. I see Rias about ready to weep now that she has lost this hope of me being her new piece. Having heard nothing of the conversation. So lost in the depression now fully on display. I want to hold her, but the truth before anything, I nodded.
"I would. Please wait till after this Rias. I need to know this."
The fact I called her by her base name and no san makes Rias break from her depression. I will try for her. Grayfia smiled at me with a real smile on her face at me for the move I make. She prepared a spell in her right hand and then whispered a trigger phrase. I'm ready to know the truth.
The spell was blue in color and hit me gently with the force of a breeze. We all watched it dance around my seated body. It did that for ten minutes. After that time, it retreated and returned to Grayfia. It made a small display on her arm and her eyes widened to saucers seeing the results and confirmation of something. Rias watched and tried to get a glimpse. Grayfia stopped that with a look at Rias. The white haired maid kept studying the results. Before she said something five minutes later.
"I would like to run the test again. For double confirmation. Is that alright?"
I nodded again. Grayfia saved the result with another spell and then cast the spell again. It hit me and did the routine again. Akeno is looking at me worried. Rias is looking at me and her eyes are so wide with hope. Ten minutes later the spell ends and again returns to Grayfia. She read the result again. Her eyes widened again. She tripled checking the result. Her face not giving anything else away. We are all silent. Before Grayfia finally spoke again.
"Your father is indeed a devil. One I know well. He will be extremely happy to know you're still alive. However it will be incredibly hard to reach him. He denies everyone of us who tries to meet him."
Fuck. It really might be him. Rias asked now so desperate to know.
"Is it him Fia?"
Grayfia doesn't answer Rias. She instead gestures to me to come over to her. I get up and slowly make my way to her. Grayfia extended her arm to me while pushing Rias's head away with the other arm. Rias whines, but Akeno grabs her friend's arm and shakes her head in a furious no. I gulped and looked at the results.
It's him. It really is him. His face is looking up into mine from the spell screen. He is like always depicted in the series. Green hair and a small smirk on his face. He looks close to the pictures I have. Just aged a bit up. Here on the screen, he is in his mid twenties. Where in my pictures he is late twenties early thirties. Fuck. I'm in shit now. Grayfia finally says his name.
"Ajuka Beelzebub. I couldn't believe that grouch was married until earlier this year. He is always private with his personal life. However now knowing this you do look like him and confirmed the suspicion I had. I will attempt to get into contact with him. My husband is his best friend and even he doesn't know where even ten percent of where Ajuka has secret hideouts. It will be a while before we can get a reunion together. I am interested in getting to know you Greger-san. You are about to enter a very different world. I will keep this quiet until you are ready to share this."
Rias brightened so horribly with the name reveal. She looks at me like I'm the only star in the sky. Akeno looks at me with wide eyes at my dad's name. I am screwed. I'm a noble half breed like Vali. We get treated horribly. Vali got legit abuse from his family. Diodora is my uncle. The mind controlling, gaslighting prick who tries to fuck over Asia and successfully did get her excommunicated. Fuck. I might be heir. If the Satans don't have a hereditary system and even, then fuck if they do. I'm not the lord of flies. I keep looking at his face. His smirk is taunting me. I finally replied to Grayfia.
"Thank you for this Mrs. Lucifer. I'm using the correct title yes? I'm new to the other side and I'm missing many things or have incomplete information that's surrounded by myths. I don't want to cause offense."
Grayfia smiles gently there. Getting my hidden apology and my lack of knowledge for her. Rias wants to do something she will regret and Grayfia saw that too and glares down Rias. The strongest queen makes the redhead shake. It hits me too. I shake and don't ever want to piss her off. Grayfia tones it down and then responds back.
"I will let it slide because you are technically correct in your usage today. Otherwise please call me Lady Lucifer. I understand and can guess he continued his private self around you and perhaps your mother. I would be happy to help you by answering questions you have. After all you are my star son."
Holy shit. That's what! She's my godmother! Rias gets even more excited there. This can help her so very badly with them being friends and more. She will try for a marriage route now because I'm better than a technical second son like Riser if I am heir to the Astaroths. Oh, fuck off One Above All! Why must you torture me! Akeno looks at me with hope too. She tempers it with reality and her information of the other half of this. This, however, solves a few problems. Like money. Noble protection and the fact I can openly hunt strays. I risk pissing off Kuroka because I'm now possibly a noble. Thus, her greatest enemy. I could also be her potential greatest friend because I can push to help her get cleared possibly.
Grayfia hugs me. Before saying softly in my ear at a whisper.
"I was uninformed about that till he spilled that to my husband and I earlier this year when drunk. His secretive nature is terrible. He has been going through a very rough time. He thinks you are dead along with your mother. He hides now not because of privacy, but because he is very depressed. I promise I'll get him and you back together. He can then go back to his grouch self."
I softly say to her hurting that he was that private and sad.
"I don't remember him. I lost most of my memories because of how my mom died. I'm scared to fuck this up. I'm so lost."
Grayfia pulls my ear making me hurt from the action. She, however, does frown hearing that. Before she replies.
"No cursing like that in my presence. I understand. I will do what I can to help you. Please tell me the story. Rias out."
Rias whines and then begged.
"Fia he can help me! He is the best chance for me to get out of this! Please Gregor-kun I'll give you whatever you want! I'll be a good wife! Please help me from him!"
Oh, she really will do anything. That is pure begging. Grayfia is pissed at her sister in law. She increased the pressure from her strength making us all shake badly. Grayfia then spoke with us all shaking.
"Out, and do not beg. You are a noble daughter of House Gremory of the 72 pillars. You will say nothing of what you have learned here to anyone else. Including Heiress Sitri. If you do, I will have your camel petting rights revoked for three years. Understand."
Rias whimpered badly. I freeze because Rias likes camels! She hates those in base reality. It's her most critical anime flaw. I thankfully don't have Lasy-Chan needed as much, however I'm starting to pet machines in a not regular fashion. Issari had made fun of me for that, but gets it. Rias gets ready to beg me again. Grayfia increases the pressure once again and that makes me want to pass out. Rias finally nods before she ran out of the room. Akeno gets ready to as well, but Grayfia stops her with a look and with the pressure reducing dramatically.
"Stay. Explain to me what you know about this. He never said anything about the incident. Only that you and your mother died. Even then he was near black out drunk and doesn't remember confessing that to us. We pretend to not know."
Akeno's head nodded quickly and almost in a blur. I don't blame her for that because Grayfia is a hard ass maid who scares people and I get it now totally. Never piss her off. Grayfia leads a still shaking me back to the couch. Before throwing up privacy spells. I feel like a very small fish in comparison to her and I am. Akeno recovers first, but rubs my back trying to get me to settle down. I finally do and start while still shaking slightly.
"It was a car crash. I don't remember the cause or anything else. The first thing I remember is waking up to a bit of glass almost poking my left eye out. I didn't move till help arrived. They got me out and before I passed out again. I heard an explosion before the black took me. When I woke up next I was in a hospital bed being fussed over by a nurse. She immediately asked me if I remembered anything. I told her I didn't. She asked me if I remembered my name. I didn't. I was nameless for three days."
Akeno's heart broke there. Grayfia looks at me in pity. Before asking.
"Why the name now?"
I stuck with my story.
"I watched movies in my bed. The first one I watched was Star Wars episode two. I liked the second star there and when I looked up his last name. I liked it. According to the eventual papers they did find of me I'm named Alex. However i am Gregor to me and I don't want to use a name I don't remember. I only let Keno call me that. I don't remember much of anything from before the first time waking up except brief flashbacks of things. One of which I won't say."
Akeno doesn't say either. That's our story. Grayfia understands the need for control and for nothing to someone. She started out.
"I see. I have never seen them. You remember nothing else about your family? No names for them?"
I answer finally getting over the shaking.
"I know my last name is Mason along with my mom being a Himejima. No mention of my dad's name. I didn't know that till now, or that he was a devil. I'm completely confused about everything and my first experience with the other side was being threatened by a fox youkai to hang me from the doors of a temple I entered to explore because I was curious."
Grayfia grew pissed as did Akeno again. Grayfia, however, now realizes how badly out of touch I am. How bad I am with the current situation and my new heritage. Akeno asked.
"He is the heir isn't he Grayfia-sama?"
Oh no. Grayfia answered.
"Yes. Ajuka told me that too in that black out drunk session. Gregor-san you are the heir to House Astaroth of the Seventy-Two Pillars. Our noble houses for devils. I will inform you of more details and information about everything. Do not do something with Rias. She is desperate for a way out and doesn't understand what your situation is. I can see you're trying to help her with her problem, but do not do something that can cause more issues for you now. Make an informed decision when you have all the information."
Akeno giggles at the assumption of me not being who I am. I am screwed. Fuck dude. I wish Alex would help me from beyond the grave. The Machine God tells me that he is not going to be able to help much. Because he didn't know either. Fuck. I finally responded.
"I'm nobility? I'm just a kid who was getting ready for school to work my way to total emancipation because my mom made that a condition if she and my dad passed. I don't want to do anything without having all the information. I want to help Keno. I won't do something to risk hurting her and by extension Rias. Lady Lucifer I couldn't manage more than myself and I'm expected to manage a house of the nobility of devils who according to Keno have worse political infighting than regular human ones."
Grayfia gets more now.
"I will help you. As for your desire to help them without hurting their position more I'm sorry for assuming that you are like that. You're definitely his son. I will do what I can to help cover this up till we have a stronger position. House Astaroth has been silent on their internal affairs. The Heir is presumed to be your uncle Diodora by the pillars. Ajuka told us that they know you exist but nothing else. I will do my utmost to help you with this. I am skilled in the politics of the nobility and can advise you. You are planning on attending the school yes?"
I nodded.
"I am, I will however take no favors for entrance. I will earn it through hard work. If I am heir me being here could help Rias have an extra excuse to stay up here. She seems terrified of whoever she was begging me to protect her from."
Akeno widened her eyes. Remembering something. Grayfia is pleased that I'm trying to help Rias without doing anything radical and gives wiggle room to Rias.
"An excellent plan. I will inform my husband of the situation. As for your plan for Rias that can help immensely. Her parents are being pressured by the other party to withdraw her from the school before the year begins. They are close to saying yes. My husband and I can intervene there with you as a way to stop that. This shows me you do care."
I think of that woman in the closet. She hugs me ghostly and calls me that name again. Omnissiah. I am not that.
"I do care. I will never not care. I want to make my life mean something. I just worry about failing the people who rely on me. Leaders need to always remember that. Apparently I will be one."
Grayfia smiled more there. Akeno looks desperate too. Because this is the solution. The new unescapable truth. I make the collar stronger again. Shirone and Kuroka are going to hate me more. Shirone because she will think I played with her and because I'm a halfbreed. We are below that of reincarnated. I'm immediately the enemy of the OSF and the GKF. A worm who should not exist. Rias will suffer worse from me. We probably don't have another way out unless Rias trains her ass off, and they solve their potential problems. How bad must Riser be for her to look at a halfbreed with that much hope. Akeno hugs me. Whispering into my ear.
"You don't have to help us Lex. You can probably get any redhead you want. Your life matters too. You could probably get a group of them."
I softly say back to her.
"I just want one. I never wanted more. I just want one to understand my life. I would never ask that from anyone to give up that right as a person. I won't accept that unless I have no other choice."
She holds me. Grayfia closed her eyes having heard that. She looked both dreamy and sad.
"You will not have that choice Gregor. It's heavily expected and enforced by law. I will explain why. Devils are in the middle of a population problem. Our base fertility is incredibly low. The pure bloods like myself and Rias are incredibly small in number. The reincarnated are a little better off but the rates are still low. You being a half devil puts you in an unusual situation. You have a much higher fertility rate and that will increase your desirability."
It hurts knowing that i wont have that. I will have the harem it seems. Akeno says the blunt truth that Grayfia isn't saying.
"He will be hated by them. You have to tell him everything. He's against the whole system and needs to know everything. He might have that, but they hate him. My cousin is intelligent tell him everything."
Grayfia closed her eyes again. In true sadness.
"You are right Akeno. You will be hated. Our society is extremely different from human ones. While your fertility rate is vastly better than the rest of us you face heavy stigma. However, Akeno it's not as bad as you think it will be. It will still be a big factor in views on him, but Ajuka will be helping there. He is our race's true hero. This has won him much leeway, and this will help Gregor more than anything else. The comments will still happen, but Ajuka's legacy will soften the blow extensively. Without him we would have died out centuries ago. You will have new expectations placed on you to be great like him. Other Pillars will try something in multiple ways. No side of the politics in the underworld is clean despite how much my husband tries to make them be. You will face an uphill battle, but you know that. You face a new problem with your position too along with an advantage. Akeno, you know what I mean."
Akeno grew sad. They are talking about my gear. Before answering.
"I was going to mention it to him at dinner tonight. Lex you have what is called sacred gear. Why Rias was so determined before to get you into the peerage. Gear makes regular humans powerful. It can also be given to half humans. They are rare but it has happened enough that we note that."
Grayfia looks at me again closely. She squinted at me. Searching for something. I can't show them yet. Grayfia doesn't force the issue seeing how uncomfortable I am thankfully. She does continue while still watching me.
"I have never heard or felt a description for your gear. It feels like a blast furnace and also close to blade blacksmith, but it isn't that. We will have to investigate it more. However, this does make you more interesting and you now have the protection of being a Pillar heir so that will stop people like Rias from attempting anything. Your father helps here too because no one will anger him. Ajuka makes the pieces for future sets and no one else can do it. You will get a new set for a king. It will be a slightly harder sell for you because of the status and your current power level."
Oh fuck. I forgot about that in my horror of being his son. Nearly all nobles get sets. This could help free Kuroka! Help free the good strays! Help the reincarnated who are slaves! Because this is the ticket to understanding the system. I don't want slaves. I want thinking men and women. A group of scientists that can build more things that can advance humanity! It is a way to protect Issari from them if she doesn't want to become a perpetual. It could do so much good, but it would be a possibility with my status. I can abuse the nobles and their shit for actual good change.
I don't show any of that on my face. Just a cool private thought to them. Akeno was surprised because she didn't think of that either. Grayfia chuckled.
"You are indeed his son. You have the same look as he does when he is thinking of experiments."
Oh, fuck you dad. Hate that it's you, it's also ironic in a way. The son is a believer in science and faith as one. That's kinda funny. A half devil with a potential future as a champion of a god. The Machine God is also amused because I feel that. Grayfia and Akeno saw the slight smile on my face and Grayfia chuckled again.
"Most definitely his. You must have other questions. I will stay tonight to answer as many as possible and get you all a cooked meal. What would you like to have?"
I smile and reply.
"Something with fish."
I enjoyed the meal that Grayfia made. The fish was excellent. Akeno and Rias also enjoyed the meal during which Rias was busy looking at me with such hope. We were sitting in a room here in the building and Shirone was busy the whole time glaring at me. Her yellow eyes are boring through me, and she has been silently pissed. I also met Kiba at last. He is not like his base self either. Looks the same but he didn't have that one thing Issei hated.
He is not as brooding he is more genuinely friendly than base him. He doesn't hide the pain beyond a fake smile. He is instead like someone Issari would like. Damn cheese man. Poor Kiba because I'm going to be throwing him under the horny dragon bus. Kiba was immediately interested in me because of the sword stuff he saw. He opened there.
"I see you're a swordsman. I'm kinda that myself. You seem nice Gregor-san. Like Akeno-chan has said you are. Koneko-chan, you should give him a real chance. Otherwise, your eyes will fall out of your head."
That last part was teasing at the youngest here. Rias was about to crack down on her rook when I stopped that.
"White hair-san is alright to not like me. I'm not offended Kiba-san. As for being a swordsman I'm learning the blade. I want to be good in it eventually."
Shirone was surprised by the fact I used that instead of her name. Kiba grew more interested and eager hearing that. Rias has hearts in her eyes at hearing this. Akeno was just amused at the look as was Grayfia who was standing next to Rias. She hid it well, but it was there. Kiba smiled seeing his king happy. A real smile.
"I could always use a sparring partner to practice against. It's never bad to have that."
I smile there.
"It's not. My friend and I use a local dojo that has been good to us so far. The owner is knowledgeable and is a true teacher."
Kiba smiled obviously knowing which one I mean.
"Ohashi is indeed a good teacher. He is a very good instructor, and he can easily teach newcomers. The other dojos are good too, but he has won multiple dueling tournaments and is a legendary swordsman here in Kuoh. I'll have to drop by more. However with how busy I usually am I don't have the time."
That's interesting. Akeno saw the look I have asking what Kiba is busy with. She answers amused after looking at the pretty boy for permission which he gives with a stupid smile on his face.
"Kiba-kun is busy most of the time because he does charity work. He is rare among us in doing that. Especially with his sin."
I had picked up quickly that the other person reveals it, and you don't ask. Kiba is happy to explain it.
"My primary sin is greed. I feed it in a unique way. All of us do that. Rias is wonderful that way by teaching us ways to do it well."
Shirone is pissed by the lack of formality there. She huffs out.
"Rias-sama Kiba-kun. Please refer to our king properly."
Kiba is just more amused. As is Akeno. This must be a common thing then. Rias is just too busy watching me with hearts in her eyes. I, however, smile at Kiba. He's chill here.
"I get that. You look western so it makes sense to you. I was raised in the United States, so I get the whole idea there too. White hair-san I'll show my respect for that."
Kiba smiled broadly at someone getting it. Shirone glared at me for allowing Kiba an out. She softens a tiny bit by my continued nonuse of her name because of her words and the order she had given me. However, she still hates me. How did she become a devil supremacist? I'll have to ask Kuroka. Rias was still watching me with such utter hope, and I don't like what might happen if I say no to her. It's not manic but can easily turn to it. Grayfia pulled Rias's ear after the staring lasts five minutes. Rias whines.
"Please Fia. I need him! He is it!"
Grayfia is not impressed. Kiba is amused by the sight and Shirone supports the maid, but not in a good way.
"Rias-sama you would be better off with a superior devil than with a human worm. He is weak."
I'm not offended even though Akeno is for me. Kiba shakes his head at Shirone.
"Oh Koneko-chan not all humans are like that one. He was just an ultra-disgusting person. I'm sure Gregor is nice."
Shirone doesn't care nor is intimidated by Akeno. She just continued glaring at me. Rias is still getting her ear pulled and doesn't get involved. I don't push it with Shirone. Grayfia finally let go of Rias's ear and glared down the redhead.
"He is new to this Rias. Your staring is not going to win you his acceptance. You are missing key knowledge and will not understand things. Don't try what you are thinking. Because despite the fact you are in that you are making him uncomfortable. Gregor-san has decided to help you delay the next round of talks."
That surprised Rias. She looked at me with pure hearts now because of that. I offer the brick for Rias.
"Lady Lucifer has told me your situation a bit more Rias-san and I put forth an idea to delay it with me as the excuse. I do want to help you and Keno. But I don't know if it will be that way. We are strangers and I don't want to inspire something in you that you might later regret."
Grayfia nodded proper and backed that up while Rias is both happy I'm doing this for her and sad her now pure dream of being with me is possibly going to fail.
"Rias you will with me be helping him get used to his new status. We will be meeting twice a week to do this. He is free to choose what he wants."
Rias now has utter hope and despair on her face. Before she remembered my words. She grew ultra determined and then she looks me dead in the eyes. Before saying to all of us.
"I will earn it. You won't have a weak redhead. I will prove to you I want this and you for more than just the escape. Gregor-kun I will show you I'm not weak."
Oh, fuck come on. Shirone and I are sharing the same look. The white cat is in disbelief that a superior devil wants a human. Grayfia is amused as is Kiba. Akeno just wants to snicker. Rias continued on with no fear showing she has a kind of knuckle head side.
"My Lord of Iron will get his dreams utterly with me. He will see that I will never regret becoming his wife. Be ready to see the real Rias Gremory. I will earn your love Gregor-kun!"
Shirone shakes her head in open disbelief. Kiba began to bark out laughing. Akeno is just utterly amused at her best friend. Grayfia gently wacks Rias who oofs. The maid just shakes her head in dismay as I sweat dropped there. Grayfia finally says unamused.
"You're just like your brother Rias. Always doing things before you think. Don't attempt anything that can cause you and him trouble. You will be good, or the camels will not see you."
Rias wept waterfall tears there before begging to pet the camels. Especially one apparently named Mr. Humpy. I sweat dropped more. Lasy-Chan was never going to be abused by me. Note never let Grayfia near the gun. Second note pet machines more because that was something she can't easily take away if I can get rid of them. Kiba continued laughing while Shirone now looked at me suspiciously. She wants to ask but Grayfia turns her death glare on the cat. Shirone sweats. Rias promised to be good because Mr Humpy was the best camel who needs his best friend. That finally got Grayfia happy with the redhead. She looks to me and says while Rias is still weeping.
"I will arrange for wards at your place of residence sometime this week. I will make sure you get protection for your status, and I will do my utmost to get you into contact with him. Rias you will collect him for the lessons. What days are acceptable and open for you?"
I winced because that cuts down on stuff. I can't wiggle out of this. There is fire in Grayfia's eyes that promise eternal pain and suffering if I say no.
"I'll let you know Lady Lucifer when I have it. I have an extensive schedule for ways to get stronger as well. I will have to adjust things around, but I'm willing to make time."
Grayfia likes that answer clearly. Disappointed I didn't immediately fold, but accepted the answer.
"I will have Rias get back to me with the times. Your routine is commendable for understanding your disadvantages. I will be free for wards on Monday or Tuesday. I have prepared extra food for you this evening. You seem to be like him and pick up on things quickly. So, our sessions might be fast."
Shirone finally gets done with the vaguely hidden stuff and growls out to Grayfia.
"What is so special about this human vermin Lucifer-sama? They are nothing but a plague on the planet. He might have gear but it's probably a weak version of twice critical at best. A simple one very likely however."
Akeno's face grew pissed there. Kiba backed off a bit because he didn't want to be near the rage of the cat, and this just tells me Shirone is one of two juggernauts in the peerage. Grayfia is not impressed. Rias grew ultra pissed because Shirone is being a very difficult person now. I don't offer my opinion because it must be bad whatever set this off. She hates us. I finally ask.
"White hair-san What have I done besides being me that has angered you?"
Shirone glared at my face full force. She hissed at me.
"You are a human who denies the opportunity to escape your filthy existence as one to become superior to them. You cling to them like they are worth something. Devils are a superior species, and we have every right to do whatever we want to them."
The table stills. Rias gets even more pissed. As does Akeno. Grayfia looks at the cat in open disappointment. Kiba doesn't say anything. That woman and her face flashed again to me. Her being kidnapped and then killed by that fuck is ok for Shirone. We are nothing to her. That final look of pure horror on her face looking up into mine makes me pissed beyond belief and something cracked. I don't explode on her, but say with my eyes looking down at the floor.
"So, it's ok for strays to hurt us. To kidnap people for worse things and then kill them. To deny their loved ones the chance to see them alive again. You sicken me because no one with a soul should ever condone that. I will never accept that. I gave you a chance to prove to me you are a good person. That you think that is disgusting. Rias-san I will take my leave. I will not be near this."
Rias is pure horror now. Shirone's actions reflect on her. Shirone doesn't seem to care about this problem her king now has and how it might have truly screwed them over. Akeno is beyond pissed too because she gets sadistic and then makes lightning dance. Kiba is also scared because he was human too and the only thing getting him acceptance is being a reincarnated. Grayfia doesn't answer the original question, but her disappointment is very clear. She said instead in an emotionless voice.
"I will see you out. Rias speak with your rook. That is unacceptable behavior to a guest."
I get up from the table. The first thing I will make is an enhancement station. Get me up to a scion. Then beat down this cat. Because she would say that to the woman left in the dark alone and dead in despair. Her husband who was so upset and desperate for his wife and her fate. The unknown woman hugs me again and once more calls me Omnissiah. The true hero of her and her husband who will be sad but will thank whoever gets him the information. The people of the subway attacks by Aum if it's indeed him will get justice she says. I dont know why she is insisting that i am the Omnissiah. She tells me as I leave the room she will go to my God's afterlife. She had demanded that. To be with her hero forever. She wants to become a cog of our Great Work.
Grayfia hands me food for later while im deep in thought. I take it. I do say to her before I leave.
"They will never not have a champion in me. I don't care if that makes me hated. I get the feeling that is common throughout the world. I will never accept that crap. I will still try to help Rias, but if the girl tries anything I will show her my strength and certainty of steel."
Grayfia eyes me. Her face is completely schooled like a proper kick ass maid. She replied.
"It is common. I would as the professional recommend you leave that behind, but as your star mother I agree. The girl will get no support from me. I see you are indeed like him more. As for Rias you are generous with your time and effort. She has insulted you and you have cause for a demand of recompense."
I have to be a hard ass if I'm going to be a noble.
"I demand that she spend extra time training her peerage and herself. She will earn her way to me."
Grayfia smiles barely. Because that punishes Rias and helps her, because of the in between. She schooled her face again in a half second before answering.
"I will inform her of the demand. Have a good weekend Heir Astaroth I will open a portal to your home."
She does after learning my address. She must know the city well because of the Gremorys and the portal is in the forest close to my home. I exit it and give a proper bow. Grayfia simply bows in return and the portal closed. I keep the rage bottled up. Walking to my door and entering the house.
Kuroka is again playing on the Xbox. This time she is playing a surprise game. The strategy game of Command and Conquer. Her ears and tails are still out, and she looks to the door with a raised eyebrow. She saw the bag I carry, and she brightened up after taking a sniff.
"Oh, that's fish! You are definitely my favorite potential mate nya. You look ready to kill somebody and seem troubled."
I set the fish on the table for her and then responded in a very blank voice.
"Your sister is a bitch. As for trouble, I learned something Bad Cat. You might not like it. I didn't know about it before a few hours ago."
Kuroka frowned hearing me call her beloved sister a bitch. More so when I mentioned the next part. She kept frowning and asked.
"What did she do and what is it?"
I want to take my chainaxe and cut off Shirone's arms. I reply with my anger boiling in my soul.
"She said that strays like the sick fuck have the right to do that to humans like Chestnut. I also learned who my dad is. He is a horrible surprise."
Kuroka stilled hearing that. Searching my face for a hint of a lie. Her eyes grew wider seeing none, and grew increasingly hurt. Then she grew sad, then pissed.
"Dad always loved us nya. He pampered her. Called her the snow cat nya. How could she say that about them. Yeah we are stronger than them, but they are so interconnected with us nya. She really said that?"
Her voice sounded filled with so much pain if that was real. I nodded. Softening my rage for my roommate who was cool,
"Humans are worms with no redeeming qualities. I'm sorry bad cat. She said that to me too."
Kuroka's ears flatten in sadness. She is down now. I feel bad destroying that for her. She kept being sad. I try to cheer her up.
"Our situation has changed. I might be able to help you out more. I'll be gruff. I'm a half devil. My father is a noble. An extremely high one too. I might be able to get you a pardon eventually."
Kuroka had her ears go up in supreme surprise. She looked at me again. Before she searched my face again, she asked.
"Who's your dad and how nya?"
I prefer this to her sadness. She doesn't deserve to be sad like that. I answered.
"My father is Ajuka Beelzebub."
Kuroka widened her eyes and her mouth dropped to the floor. She then fell off the couch and hit the floor twitching. I get that feeling. I wanted to do that too. Finally, Kuroka gets up from the floor. She is in utter amazement.
"Why didn't I see it nya. The hair is almost exactly his. Oh, you're even more attractive now nya. He's a super devil, and the maker of the evil piece system. Our kittens would be incredibly strong nya! That might really work. Sexy your now number one if you do that nya."
I hate he's my dad, however it can help people.
"I'm Heir to House Astaroth. I can help you there too. However I need more combat experience. I need to get stronger faster than ever now. Because I'm facing a nobility that hates me bitterly. Bad Cat if I end up getting a peerage, I could help you that way too. It will like always be your choice. I'm stepping up my plans. I'll show you something tonight. I need true friends before I enter the rat caves with them. I trust you and Chestnut."
Kuroka widens her eyes again at the offer. Grew truly happy I was willing to help her in whatever way I can. She smiles in true happiness knowing I trust her despite the fact we have known each other for two days.
"You're better than nearly all the nobility nya. Risking that for me. I'll consider it nya. What are you going to show me?"
I consider before settling on the gene. I cut off a finger already and I need to test if I'm truly getting it stronger by inflicting damage on me. I ask.
"Please conjure a very sharp sword. It will be brutal. Don't throw up."
She pauses her game then does as asked. The sword is in a western style, and I test it for a minute. Before I prepare myself and ask the Machine God for help numbing the pain. I then cut off my left hand. The limb falls to the floor and blood flows out of it. Kuroka widens her eyes in horror there, but she doesn't throw up. It fucking hurts. I must purge weakness from my body forever. Kuroka dropped her mouth to the floor when my hand reformed in forty-five seconds. She kept staring at the dead limb and the new one. I say to her while still in horrible pain.
"My first secret with you. I'm something new to humanity and apparently devils too. One of my unescapable truths. I'm what I'm calling a perpetual. I have an insane regeneration factor."
Kuroka moved a tail and poked the dead hand. Then my new hand before she gets ultra down bad for me. She purrs out.
"Very strong kittens! You're the one now nya! Oh, my kittens will be the strongest and will have a very sexy daddy!"
I continued on there ignoring the horny.
"I need to get ready to clear up the magic one and the gear user. I want to do it tonight. I need to get the rage out on something that isn't your sister. I am going to beat her down for implying that strays are correct in abusing us. I'll show you more of what I can do. Later tonight and tomorrow when we are back at the station. My gear will be on full display, but the two strays first. Tell me everything about them."
Kuroka purrs more approvingly there. She likes a mate that takes charge on battle apparently.
"Blade blacksmith and a low tier mage, he only got in because of his sister. Both two pawns each nya. My mate will beat them! Oh, you're definitely the one I'm sticking with nya. An actual chance for pardon! A sexy pillar heir! Oh, the kittens will be so very strong, and I will be able to struggle snuggle my Shirone and then beat the shit ideas out of her nya!"
Kuroka keeps purring up a storm there. Those strays will die, and they will die hard. I get the information from Kuroka about where they are hiding. The doorbell rings out suddenly and Kuroka stops purring. She quickly cleans the blood along with opening a pocket spell throwing the dead limb inside before finally transforming into her cat form. I moved to answer the door.
I look out of the peephole. It's Akeno and Rias. Grayfia must have ratted me out to them. I don't want to talk to Rias who will beg forgiveness from me. Akeno will try to make me feel things that are not what I want right now. I remember Alex and his want. I silently apologize to him for not taking him into consideration again. I'm surprised when he responds. He just let me know it's alright. He's angry too with Shirone. He softly asked me to get with Kuroka. He revealed to me that his number one thing was cat girls, like how I love redheads. I tell him maybe. He accepted that.
I opened the door slightly to peek out at the two. Rias upon seeing my hair gets ready to sputter apologies. Akeno wacks her upside the head. Rias whined out but Akeno glared down her king.
"Don't talk. Koneko has already done us dirty. You will make it worse. Lex please can we talk. I wasn't the one who charged here."
I glare at Rias softly because she is trouble. I have a feeling this will become more common in hanging around with her. Keno didn't do anything wrong. I focus on my cousin and say with my red eyes on her purple.
"Here only. Rias say nothing. Your rook is the issue not you. Don't make this worse for you. Go ahead Keno."
Rias shivers in something there. Don't know what but Akeno nodded.
"Lex I'm sorry that was done tonight. We don't believe in that at all. She was wrong to say that period. Her situation was bad but is no excuse for that when you are trying to help us. Please don't hold her against us. Kiba likes you. Said he didn't say anything because he doesn't do conflict within the group. Please understand that."
I watched Rias and her reaction along with listening to Keno.
"I hold my issue on the correct person. I won't accept any apology until it comes directly from her and only when she truly means it. I believed I was entirely human till today. I refuse to let them who are seemingly regarded as less than dirt by your side be that. I am human before the other side first. Someone has to speak for them. I will be it."
Akeno nodded with my clear conditions. Rias kept her mouth shut. I do say something directly to her.
"I will not join the ORC to prevent problems with your group. I will limit my interactions with her to keep that from exploding again. I am open to spending time together outside that."
Rias got saddened hearing that. She brightens hearing the end. I then ask something of her.
"Please don't try to spy on me Rias. I don't want to have to be more paranoid than I already am. I do want to help you truly. I won't if you don't work with me. Please don't do something that destroys my goodwill. You are not the person I thought you were. I am truly serious about helping."
She looks for permission to speak. I give her permission with a nod.
"Gregor-kun I really will do anything to show you my interest. I believe you are trying for me. I will never spy on you. Please believe me."
I watch her again. No lying there. I finally nod my head visible to her.
"I will have faith in you. I need to do a few things tonight before I go to sleep. I have a big thing tomorrow with my friend and I want to make a good impression."
Akeno gets the silent dismissal. She began to drag Rias away and says to me with a small smile.
"Good night Lex. I'll text you tomorrow and see when you want to meet up."
I replied back to her with a small voice.
"Good night Keno. Good night Rias."
I closed the door. Before I prepare for a long night. Kuroka had been in cat form on my tv and returned to her normal form after. I tell her with a frown.
"I will be making something really quick downstairs. We also need to figure out how to make sure you can still stay in the house. The person who is going to ensure my safety in the house will be installing wards. I want to make sure you have the bed and shower."
Kuroka grew worried about that.
"Perhaps we can turn the station into a place nya? I can move to another place if need be."
I hated this.
"No. I will leave an instruction with them that nekoshou youkai can enter. Where was your last public appearance?"
She responded with no hesitation while smiling seeing the plan.
"Ireland nya. I keep going there to be seen constantly. So that Shirone keeps telling them about the past. Dad deserves better, he fought off fallen that tried to capture us when we were kittens nya. Mom helped him. Made me want a strong warrior like him. Shirone will remember dad correctly and when I'm free I will beat that into her nya! He was the best dad."
I can see that clearly on her face. Her dad was not an asshole here it seems.
"It will be ten minutes. I'm sorry for if you do get kicked out of the house."
Kuroka purrs.
"You're ok nya. I'm not joining your group yet. I'm here for my potential mate that wants to help me nya."
I smile a bit more. I like my roommate and she is cool. I rushed off to the stairs and I open the door and head down. I once inside the basement willed the anvil into existence and I grabbed the hammer before swinging it. Koriel instructed me on teleporters and their design and powering devices. I make one and then the plasma generators and then connect it to a wall near the vault. I power it up and then get ready for battle again even though my soul hurts. I then go upstairs, and I saw Kuroka waiting at the door. She smiles and then hugged me tightly.
"Good luck nya. Please stay safe."
I hug her back. I like Kuroka and Alex wants that. Damn horny kid. I got a feeling from him that he was calling me a boring adult. I exit the house and get ready for a battle tonight.
An. Here comes the Son of Flies. Yes Ajuka is the father and Gregor the son. Why the Riser arc will be a bit longer than you would expect. Shirone being a little shit is going to be expanded upon later. The reason Grayfia didnt know much about her star son is because Ajuka is very paranoid and with the state of the underworld. He absolutely trusts his best friend and his wife still he was trying to keep potential information from spreading to the GKF and OSF. Ajuka is also not from the branch family here. He is from the main family of the Astaroths. I greet you again my fellow and understand plot has to happen so the Machine God was introduced early for several reasons and some were shown here along with further things coming.