Chapter 11.
Prepare your mind as much as your sword.
The way to the park is packed with people enjoying a Monday morning. It's actually not hot today. Just a comforting warm. I have not received a text from Murayama yet, so I don't know what is going on there. Money, however, needs to be considered. Stray hunts only last so long, and I need to hide more from the Himejima. They are still dangerous. I have no idea when Suzaku takes over but till then if it happens, I need to disappear as much as possible from them. I don't want to use Astaroth money yet. I'm surprised when I catch something very unusual. It's Issari. And who she is with is crazy. It's Murayama. The two are giggling at each other over something. Like friends. Murayama smiled catching site of me as does Issari. The two waved me over. When did they meet again?
I approached them and Issari beams at me with a gigantic grin. Murayama does too. I'm still confused on them, but Issari guessed the question. She told me finally when I got in range.
"Gregor-kun! The answer is we ran into each other earlier and started talking. Murayama-sanis cool! She is kind of cultured unlike you!"
They giggled evil together there. Of course, they did that. Murayama confirmed it.
"Issari-San is funny Gregor-kun. She isn't anything like I expected. We are similar and she too likes swordsmen! I have been telling her of one at Kuoh called Kiba-kun. He's so dreamy."
They both sighed together. Damn perverts/fangirls. I'm not impressed and Issari just smiled again perverted. I sighed and shook my head at her. Murayama asked me as they unconsciously followed in behind me.
"What are you doing today Gregor-kun?"
Issari looked interested in the answer too. I simply continued onwards and replied.
"Right now, I'm getting ready to run with my cousin. Then later tonight I'm planning on doing a couple of things. I need to find something for later use."
Before Issari could make a hint of her accompanying me Murayama smiled wide and said.
"Is it alright if I meet your cousin Gregor-kun? You seemed extremely defensive of her Saturday. She must be very important to you."
Oh, that's not good. Because Rias might go after Issari there. Now that she can't get me. Maybe she might go after Murayama too. Issari doesn't get the hesitation here and just plowed through still a little rusty with social cues despite the new influx of them happening for her.
"I'd like to meet your cousin again properly Gregor-kun! She seemed fun but with our first encounter I didn't get to know her well."
Damn pervert. You backed me into a corner. I smile my new trademark smile smirk and I will get my revenge on her later.
"Of course. Just follow me. We are going out to lunch after so you can pay for it Issari-chan. I'm still on my budget till Wednesday when my next paycheck comes in."
Fucking rat, suffer this way. I need to get off that too. Less of a paper trail for the Himejima. I don't know how deep they are in the government. Issari did get the memo on the money, and the Himejima. Murayama beams not getting the hidden stuff. Issari apologizes with her eyes. I don't take it. We just moved towards the park together and I hide the tension the pervert started.
"How has Katase-san been Murayama-chan?"
Murayama grew a bit more confident about that.
"She is alright. Still a bit sore from her loss, but she does say she is now sorry for her implication last Saturday."
Katase still has no sympathy from me, but that is better.
"I will accept it fully when she apologizes to me publicly along with my cousin and Issari-chan. I however will treat her better next time I see her."
Murayama understands. Growing certain on something before saying.
"I will make her apologize and won't let her back out. You were not unreasonable the whole time. I want you to join the Kendo club. You could help us a lot and hopefully get us close to a win on the circuit. Our previous captains couldn't do that. They once they saw they couldn't do it started preparing us for this year."
Makes sense and Issari prepared to do a pledge to help if she can. But us getting to the park and meeting the two others stops that. Rias is not looking at Issari at all she is focusing solely on me. That's not weird. Akeno is wearing her teasing smile at her king and did raise an eyebrow with Issari, and Murayama. I stare down my cousin in warning. She takes the hint, but promised me with a slight sadistic look that I will explain. Or else. I don't back down on her. Three kills help a lot here. Plus, two more soon. Rias just continues being her love-struck self. Murayama widened her eyes at Akeno, and Rias. Not as much there. Which implies something that might mean she is not the queen bee of the school. Akeno is most definitely but that might explain more about Rias. More her lack of confidence. Akeno simply started us off.
"Gregor-kun it's good to see you. Hello again Issari-san. I don't believe I have met the other one. Why don't you introduce us."
I keep my smirk and replying.
"This is my new friend Murayama-chan. She and I met at the dojo last week and we hit it off. Murayama-chan this is my cousin Akeno and her friend Rias. Issari behave."
Issari had done just that. Making Akeno amused and Murayama can't seem to blame her new friend. Akeno is very beautiful. Rias sighed dreamily at me making Issari snicker. Murayama gets a little angry but she didn't start things off on the wrong foot. Akeno watched that like a hawk. Before getting a smirk similar to mine. She then smiled evilly and remarked.
"My baby cousin is a ladies' man. I'm not surprised. First Rias and now a beautiful woman like Murayama-san. When will you stop. Probably when you get them all chasing you."
Fucking rat. I don't like that implication there cousin. I don't want the universe to punish me there. Second off fuck you. Don't tease them like that. Make friends not rivals! Rias stopped her glances at me. She looked up and down at Murayama and then grew calculating. Machine God damnit. Issari joins in tormenting me with snickers that set off Akeno who starts Fufufuing at my expense. Murayama just gave Rias the same look of calculating. They each then grabbed onto one of my arms. Making Issari snicker more with louder Fufufuing from Akeno. Rias whispered into my ear.
"I'm head wife. She can be there but I'm in charge."
Damn cousin why! Now they will fight each other! Murayama whispered into my other ear.
"I'm going to win. You're better than Kiba-kun. I'll show you that."
The two new rivals now stare each other down. Rias pouting at me as does Murayama. Akeno keeps being a bad cousin. Issari keeps being a shit friend. The two feed each other. I promise them both additional pain for this. Especially Issari because this is her fault. My beat down of her will be legendary. Issari is too busy snickering to see the promise of pain for her. Akeno is however still Fufufuing and started the walk/run. The two rivals don't leave me and pull me along the way. Damn bat. Issari and Akeno fall into a discussion on the school. Murayama just watched her new rival. Rias was now more determined to win and that makes this worse. She will focus more on this then on her own making herself stronger. I use that again. Even though it's kind of mean.
"Murayama-chan I think you might be able to catch up to Katase-san fast. Your decently strong at the blade."
Rias grew even more determined there. Akeno smiled and Fufufuing again. Murayama clearly took the pride there and replied.
"I will with you helping me Gregor-kun. I do hope you get into the school. We could use you on the team."
Rias gets angrier there.
"He can also do well in my club. Gregor-kun has a great mind and that will get him far."
They glare at each other with lightning sparking between their eyes. I now promise pain to Akeno for this. She shivered in her way and then smiled more. Her nature almost broke through there. Issari shivered at that and started being more of a menace. She watched Akeno more closely. The walk was turning up as we continued. Murayama replied with a very unimpressed look at Rias.
"Gregor-kun is a natural with the blade. His talent would be nurtured there. What even does your club do? Chase ghosts? Those are not real, and he would become a legendary swordsman in my club."
Oh shit. That's brutal. Rias is equally unimpressed by the barb.
"The club that failed so badly at last year's opening season is definitely going to grow his talents. Gregor-kun could probably with his mind prove that ghosts are real beyond doubt."
I can. They are called machine spirits Rias along with the regular ghosts and poor kendo club because Murayama winced at the shot. Meaning that it's true. The two rivals continue their barbs for the next ten minutes of the way making me prepare waterfall tears. Issari huffing in amusement with Akeno's fufufuing. Rias is now very much against Murayama. The same was felt by the swordswoman. The barbs get more deadly, and Akeno asked me something.
"Does Issari-san have any idea of what club she will want to join? I think she and I can get along famously. Aren't you two kind of a package deal."
Don't want that. Issari is torn because swordswomen on one hand and Akeno on the other. She gets dreamy eyed and that makes me want to beat down my cousin because this is nothing but torture for torture's sake. Rias and Murayama both immediately offer Issari the privilege in their own opinion to join their clubs and I finally see what she did there. Make the competitive natures of both rise and make Issari have more choices and another angle to push me on. Smart rat cousin. You'd fit in with the Skaven. Imagining Akeno getting chased by dwarves with massive axes while dressed as a Skaven makes me happy. Issari however shows her own brains and replied.
"I think I'll have to get back to you on that Rias-san. Murayama-san. I might try out for the engineering club. I do want to learn that."
Kiss ass. You're not getting away from my wrath Issari. That makes Akeno guess my sin. She smirked darkly there. She surprised me.
"I'm that way too Gregor-kun. I remember them. You'd think it was the other one but it's not."
Wow. Didn't expect that. She is also wrath. Understandable with the Himejima. I guess we are definitely cousins. We watched each other more closely. Issari got the hidden message. Rias and Murayama were too busy glaring at each other to notice. Akeno then asked as we pass by an arcade.
"Does my new friend in Issari-san know Gregor-kun? She has to know eventually."
Queen of the rats. That's Akeno. The king is probably Rizevim, but Akeno is not getting her missed birthday presents there. Issari watched her new potential friend with caution. That answers the question making Akeno smile. I will make them both suffer. Issari will get her beat down tomorrow. Akeno however will get it starting now.
"You are very arrogant for someone in tickle range Keno. I'll make it worse for you if you don't just keep fufufuing. I'm sure someone would like to help me there."
Akeno giggled happy at the threat. Evil pain loving cousin. Rias and Issari get excited for very different reasons. Murayama giggled at the threat and the fact this makes her think we are extremely close cousins. That makes the tension break for the rivals. For now. We settle into a better walk. We stopped at a restaurant and Issari did pay for it. I made my displeasure known to her by the fact I order steak. She tears up there, but my eyes promise more pain to come. Akeno does corner me near the end of the meal close to the bathrooms.
"Your friend. Is she being considered for your possible future peerage?"
Rat. I narrowed my eyes there.
"She might be. Keep Rias away from her. She is not meat."
Akeno doesn't look intimidated.
"Noted. Rias is all on board the marriage train. She is considering begging her brother to get you granted the set as another way to convince you of her. Your status could make the other party back off from the deal. They aren't as invested in it as they could be. If it was Heinya they would get the trait they desire. I still support you, but this could help us. I won't say anything to Rias about your friend. I'm also almost sorry about them. It's funny and this could help Rias if you say no."
Clever girl. Same idea as me. However, I promise she will suffer.
"You have earned a major grudge here. I will have my revenge. I will help Issari get you. For throwing me to the wolves."
Akeno grew happier there.
"I like both. Your friend is fun. She can try. She and I can probably torture you better together anyway so by all means help her. She is one of us. Just haven't realized it yet. Kinda like you."
Hold up wait a minute! I'm not into that dude. The glare increases now, and Akeno smiled her sadistic grin.
"You will see. I'm good at knowing that and haven't been wrong yet. I said your kind of that way. Enough is there but you are not the full deal. Same with your friend."
No, she won't because that is Slannesh territory and Issari hates it. She won't ever consider that. You are wrong about me. Wrath is bad enough as a problem I don't need sadism there too. I just glare down my cousin more making her smirk. I'm not happy with you.
"She should still train. I'm not convinced on her yet and I'm still young. Favors won't win me over."
Akeno kept her smirk. She does concede there.
"I told her that but she is desperate to prove to you that she can provide any and all advantages to you. It's noble thinking there. Rias might be a romantic, but she is very aware that you could have a better pick of stronger people and or an heiress. She will do the hard work of getting you."
She won't win if she tries to bribe me. Koriel smacked me in my soul, and it hurts. I glare at her too. She just wacked me again. Telling me to stop being stubborn. Accept the redhead. Get access to the system and then learn everything about it. I wacked her area back and growled to her no. That started an internal fight, and we continued that till we got back to the table. It was not destroyed by the rivals thankfully. They instead look smug on something I can't get a hint of. I don't like that. Issari was weeping seeing how much lunch had cost her. I punish her further by ordering another steak, and fish. Akeno fufufuing there while Rias and Murayama kept watching each other. I don't want to know what they were smug on but another wack in my soul really hurts and I then just decided to ignore my partner. She kept wacking at me and I kept ignoring her. As Issari wept waterfall tears at the price of lunch I whispered in her ear.
"This has just begun. You are a bad dragon and will be punished for making my life worse. Payback is a bitch."
Issari tears up more and shakes. Begging me with her eyes for mercy. Along with a small whisper.
"I'm a good dragon. Just wanted to see pretty cousin. Machine God please help me."
The Machine God is amused at the sight. He says to her that this is a her problem. As we left Rias and Murayama reattached themselves to me making it harder to move because of the new steak and fish leftovers. That makes Akeno happier than ever. Issari cried crocodile tears as I'm winning the supposed game here which is not happening. Rias promised me something in my left ear.
"I'm the better choice. My Lord of Iron will get the Gremory library if he says yes to me."
That's tempting but no. Murayama says to me in my other ear.
"I'm adventurous. I'll do and try new things for my brave swordsman. You don't need her."
That's not good either Murayama don't say that shit. You might regret this later and with me being a perpetual there is little chance of us getting together. I sighed because this day is shit. Started great but turned to shit thanks to stupid horny lizards. Issari whimpered her sadness here. It feeds Akeno making her break the mask. She smiles evilly and lick her lips. I'm the only one who catches that. As we left the restaurant the standoff between the two increases to another new level with the two rivals busy in their glaring. I want to strangle Akeno for this.
Our walk and my torture mostly ended when we get back to the park. There Rias promised war to Murayama with her green eyes. Murayama doesn't back down and I give her credit there. Akeno smirked her pleasure causing this for me. Oh, you will suffer. Issari is now begging me for pure forgiveness. The two devils say their goodbye and leave. Once they are gone Murayama spoke up.
"I can't believe you're related to the onee-sama of the school. No wonder you defended her so much from Katase. She will now really try to get in good with you. The redhead is just her hanger on."
Yes and no. Rias is the king, but it seems that Akeno wears the pants in their relationship. Actually, that's probably accurate with most monarchs come to think about it. Koriel wacked me extremely hard and I actually groan. She growled at me.
"Get the set. Gather knowledge you stupid bitch. Accept the redhead and you can get us what we want. You with your stupid hair color and me with knowledge. Do this and make our eternal life easier. She will live long enough for us. You can get vengeance on your cousin by making her realize that she failed torturing you. Do. It. Now."
I growled a fuck you to her. Before answering Murayama.
"I didn't know she was that. Her friend is ok Murayama-chan. Just has a problem that's not easily solved. What were you and she smiling about when I got back?"
Murayama smiled mysteriously there. Issari is now crying softly that her wallet was missing so much money. Murayama has answered with that smile.
"Oh that. She offered something that I might take. However, I believe that you will make the correct decision with me. Even if you don't I won't hold too much of a grudge against you. You're a good man Gregor-kun. I get that more with what Issari-chan has shared with me about you. You saw past the thing and gave her a chance. Like how you did with me despite Katase doing her fit. I don't think that you are a bad person. Just stuffy. Issari-chan cheer up. I would like to spar more with you too."
Issari brightened horribly at the new honorific. She is feeding the dragon there. As for the offer don't take it Murayama. It's a trap! Either way is bad. I don't like that at all. Koriel wacked again and I want to groan openly. She snarled at me and called me a massive bitch again. Just take the offer of a redhead waifu! Abuse being a noble.
It means her family you dumbo. The maid. The sis-con brother. Her new very powerful sister that I have no clue on. The mother who will beat me down with manners and her prim way. Her father who is a weirdo. And then Shirone and Gasper. The little guy is fine, but I don't want to be his counselor. Shirone hates me and I'm not going near her. Koriel just called me bitch again. Issari bounced making Murayama laugh and she promised something.
"I'll duel you whenever Murayama-chan! I need so much practice and I could use a senpai! Please be it!"
Murayama laughed at the enthusiastic reply there.
"I'll happily be your senpai! We can beat down these perverts you told me about! The ones that told that horrible lie about you. You're a pervert but I understand you more. Maybe you can help me get an advantage on the redhead!"
Issari giggled thinking of beating down the perverted duo. That sets off Murayama and finally me. I really want to beat down the size scouter. The bald one was just collateral damage. The three of us enjoyed that together. Don't like that Murayama is now becoming Rias's rival but that's Issari's fault. That was where we were surprised again. Because Katase found us. She was dressed casually for the weather with a short sleeve brown shirt and jeans. She nervously looked at me and then Issari. But she had heard us bonding over violence. Katase also looked at me with something new. Lust. Please don't tell me she has a defeat kink. She does start the branch to Issari right.
"Brown hair-san I'm sorry. I was wrong about you. Gregor-san I will apologize to her again along with your cousin at the school. I am sorry for my implication. You're not a pervert. Please don't hate me for my mistake. I asked around more and found that you were right."
The fact she said that makes Murayama beam at her friend. Issari smiled and then said to Katase who felt a bit better from her friend being happy.
"I will help beat down perverts who go too far! I know the tricks they use and can help catch them for the four of us plus anyone from your club! I forgive you!"
I shake my head at the easy forgiveness there but tell Katase who looked both extremely happy to beat down actual perverts and a little disturbed that Issari knows how they think.
"I still don't like you much Katase-san but Murayama-chan has tried for my friend so I will try for her's. I accept the private apology. Just don't assume things of others that way again if possible."
Katase was still a bit bitter. Because she flashed angry there. Before the lust returned and was directed at me fully. Please don't have that kink. Issari was about to be a bad friend again but a flash of warning from me makes her remember the pain of her empty wallet. Along with more to come. Murayama saw Katase do her thing too, but she smiled.
"Mine. You had your chance I will win the game. No red or pink hair will stop me!"
Machine God damnit. I'm not meat! Katase grew determined there. Issari wants to both hit me and cry happy tears because I'm 'winning' the game. Why are they multiplying! I don't want a fan club! Those are cursed. Katase replied to her friend.
"He will get the strongest swordswoman. This man who is like a real samurai come again. He who knows honor and the way of the warrior. You will fail Mura. I will rise!"
I'm not a samurai! I'm a skitarii damnit. The two new friends\rivals now watched each other with hawk like precision. Murayama smiled mysteriously again. I slowly back away from that and Issari does too. I said quickly.
"Bye Murayama-chan! Bye Katase-san. I will try to get to the dojo when I can. Busy week and all."
I ran fast and at the same time Koriel punched me deep into my soul. It hurts. Issari just followed behind me and we flee from the swordswomen. Katase I noticed did smile dreamily at me. She probably does have a defeat kink. Issari followed like a good lizard. Once she and I are farther away she begged.
"Please forgive me Gregor-kun! I'm a good dragon! Please teach me how to get them all!"
You stupid lizard it's not that. It's the fucking universe and anime logic for a main character and I'm not that! Not me trying anything. I'm not built that way you evil iguana. You must be as Akeno says you are. I hate today. Issari kept begging.
"Let me have the pink one Gregor-kun! She is sexy and can help me! You have Murayama-chan! Let me win too!"
I growled back at her.
"Take the pink one. I don't want her. Just beat her down you idiot. It's really that simple but you're a bad gecko. I wanted to die, and you fed my stupid sadistic cousin. You helped form a rivalry over me. This is and will always be your fault."
I get to my home and Issari immediately froze at the edge of the property. I simply drag her onto the property. She squinted at the weird feeling, and I key her into the wards. She relaxed and I entered the house to find Kuroka isn't sleeping. She is actually playing another strategy game and im sad because this one goes out of existence soon. Of course i hear the line that brings back so many memories.
Kuroka perked up at the smell of fish. She turned towards us hungerly and I still lost in memories speak up.
"Don't mind us. Issari is just getting punished for creating evil. No cat for you!"
Issari wept. She got on her knees and wrapped herself around my legs begging me.
"Nooooooooooooo. I need the cat Gregor-kun! How else am I supposed to win! You have your redhead let me have the cat! I'll give you anything you want except this!"
Kuroka is weirded out here. Not getting the issue. I don't have sympathy for Issari because she made a fan club potentially. I feed wrath now.
"This isn't about winning you iguana girl! This is your punishment for making a new love triangle for me and I don't ever want what you want. I will beat you black and blue for making me suffer. I just wanted to see pretty cousin you said. Well, you did but you lose my roommate. Actions have consequences Issari. This is yours."
Issari wept more. Kuroka enjoyed two idiots torturing each other. She smiled a Cheshire grin and enjoyed the water works. Issari isn't deterred.
"I need the purrs! The other cat girl is the white hair one and she hates me! Please Gregor-kun anything but this! I'll buy you any porn you want! All the redheads you could ever desire! Just please don't punish me this way!"
I growled back at the pervert while simultaneously getting more pissed because Koriel is now punching me harder each second.
"I don't care you dolt. I don't need porn when science is more productive and useful. You made my partner mad thus making me mad because she is taking pot shots at my soul! You stupid horny gecko!"
Kuroka looked up hearing I have a partner. Knowing it's from gear relaxes her. Issari wept further. The gauntlet returned and Ddraig supported me.
"Green man is in the right here partner. You are indeed the gecko."
He is smug. I turn my wrath on him. Kiss ass dragon. You urged her to kill me!
"You have no right to not be the gecko you horny fuck! You deserve to have your waifu kill you constantly! You broke our world, and you suffer along with her!"
Ddraig wept alongside new tears from his host at the brutal words. The ultra comfort and support started again for them. They go to a corner of the living room and cry together. Kuroka however is amused by their suffering, and she begged me with her eyes for the fish. I give her the fish and rice. Saying this to her in smug happiness.
"All fish from this moment on comes from Issari. Another part of her punishment. No cat and extra empty wallet. Along with multiple beat downs and more to come. I don't need a fucking fan club! You have started one Issari and I will make you the target of that too if you continue being bad."
Issari wept more tears picturing the empty wallet. Kuroka shivered at the dreaded words. Fan girls and or boys are the bane of many. For Kiba and that grouchy fuck ninja. Kuroka does brighten up more knowing she is going to get fish straight from Issari's pockets. She then gorges herself on the fish and rice. Issari weeping and curling into a ball. My wrath is fed now. I ask my roommate.
"You have that list? I need money now and we need a bigger place by the end of the week. I also need to get myself into that school. Stop crying you iguana and tell me where the signups for the school are. You lose a small part of the grudge here."
Kuroka nodded and hands over the list from a pocket spell to me while still eating fish. I take the list. Looking it over and I noticed that I have three other targets besides the tengus I think I can fight. Another gear user. There was also a newish rook who was being troublesome and their comrade in a dryad who was a bishop.
Issari got up and her face begged for pity. I don't have much for her. Kuroka, however, apparently does feel something there. She gave Issari hope by saying.
"Chestnut is ok to keep chasing me nya. Just won't be easy. Not that type of girl despite the front nya. She is getting stronger."
Issari brightened up and then fist pumped the air. I shake my head at Kuroka. This was her chance to be free of the dragon completely. Kuroka smiles at me, and I see the hidden game. Stupid idea of me having hope in others here. Koriel punched me so hard and deeply into my soul that I groan and fall face first into the carpet. Issari and Kuroka looked extremely worried and confused. Koriel barks out from the ring.
"Just accept your destiny being a noble grox humper you fucking bitch! Get your damn redhead and me knowing the system! Do it now or I will keep punching you into the ground for three decades! I want knowledge and you will get it all!"
I groan into the carpet. Kuroka is surprised because she didn't expect my partner to be vocal especially given the last few days. Issari fist pumping the air again.
"Listen to your partner Gregor-kun! You can be less grim and grumpy! Fulfill your destiny and get the redhead who wants you desperately! Then I can have the cat!"
Kuroka is just amused more. She laughed at my misfortune, and I groan again. It hurts. Not as much as the gene application itself did but close. I don't want a noble daughter! I'd take anything but that at this point. Why must I keep suffering. I slowly get up but get knocked down again by another punch. I landed with an ooof. Kuroka takes pity on me while Issari is now the happy one.
"You can't outrun this redhead nya. I'd listen to your partner. Your being stubborn for stubborn sake nya. I'm not pleased about this, but I can work with this. Should be easier for us if you just accept nya."
Issari beams at something. I groan again as she spoke.
"I know what they were smiling over! Forgive the grudge and I'll spill. I'll still get my cat fish because I need to prove I'm strong too!"
I groan again as Koriel punched me again.
"Everything you're worried about can be fixed by just accepting her! A bigger place! Money! Connections! Knowledge! Just get your damn redhead! Make her earn it but just say yes you troglodyte!"
It hurts. Oh, it hurts. I'm curious about what they were smug about. I ask Kuroka to get my laptop so I can do the school application. The cat does as asked. Her tails wagging as she gets her fish. I finally asked Issari when the cat is gone.
"What were they smug about? The grudge will be somewhat forgiven."
Issari beams.
"She offered Murayama-chan a chance at monetary compensation for you. Murayama-chan said no. She then offered something different. Murayama-chan said no again. Finally, she said that this is not over. Before she wrote something on a napkin and gave it to Murayama-chan. The whispering that followed that was intense and Murayama-chan seemed interested, but I don't know what it was. Please let me off the hook!"
Oh no. She probably offered the h word. Please no. Koriel punched me again and it hurts! Kuroka returned with the computer. She sets it on the table and then returns to eating the fish. Koriel growls at me to accept. I finally cave.
"Fine you stupid technophile! I'll accept her! Just stop punching me and let me earn my own fucking money! I'll message her just stop making it hurt! I might be that, but I don't want this!"
Issari clapped as did Ddraig and Koriel. Kuroka just shrugged and keeps eating fish. She does say.
"You're getting the h word. Made peace with that earlier myself but my mate deserves to be treated better than ever because you give up so much for others nya. Be selfish more."
I weep because I don't want that. Issari looked at me in awe for this which is the wrong thing to do. I'm miserable. I open the computer to get this done. Issari showed me the site and I start the application. I weep now because I am stuck with that. Murayama and her words make more sense. Koriel gets ready to punch again when after I did my application and I tried to renege on my promise. I reluctantly text Akeno to have Rias meet me at the park. Alone and in a half hour. The punch does come, and it hurts again. Koriel growls.
"That's for trying to be a rat like your cousin! You're a stubborn bitch who needs to stop that. Try again and I will punch harder than ever."
I cry waterfall tears. I'm not the rat that is Akeno and Rizevim! I get a message from Akeno that includes a small video of Rias dancing on her desk while Shirone is watching her king dance and is ultra pissed. I softly weep again and Issari doesn't help me.
"I get to enjoy your suffering. My best friend gets the redhead he wants so desperately! Cat I will earn your affection!"
I whimper because the next message is from Rias who has gotten my number from Akeno and the text tells me that she will be the best choice I ever make. She sent a winking face and I weep because I have lost. Kuroka is enjoying this too. Her tails flick back and forth in pure enjoyment while enjoying her fish.
"It could be worse nya. You could have the end of the world happen. This is just a normal thing for pillar heirs. You're ok nya!"
The world will end if we don't kill Trihexia! And if there are Xeno like the Orks! Issari gets my now openly weeping self-ready for Rias. She babbles on how she wants an invite to the wedding and how she will score with Akeno. I don't want that either because Akeno is right. Issari is a sadist. Hidden from everyone else but now very clearly there. Kuroka prepares to enjoy another nap and Issari pushed me out the door towards the park. I am in the pit. I get the redhead but lose the war here.
At the park I choose the furthest most place to meet Rias. I am not prepared for this. Issari had run off and was now trying badly to spy on me. Typical anime behavior of not being sneaky. I prepare to run away at five minutes to and Koriel growled again and this time she won't punch. She had somehow managed to make a thunder hammer and had it cracking in warning to me. She said.
"Run and I use this. I don't think you will be a rat but this is here just in case."
I get ready to beg my divine patron to help me. The Machine God smiles and said this is a me problem not his. He is enjoying his time with the Shinto so far. They were getting along famously. Especially Susanoo and him. The storm god was interested in several things he saw apparently. I shake seeing the red hair. Rias is in a black beautiful dress, and she has gone all out here. I noticed that she has followers too. Akeno, Kiba and Shirone. Akeno has a camera probably for Gasper. Issari somehow got to the also badly hiding trio without startling them. I'm putting that up to her old habits. Rias saw me and beamed so brightly. Oh why is she this beautiful. I can't run or pain. I stay and there is more pain. I can't win here. Rias glides to me and oh her noble training is on full display. I quake again.
She arrived at my position under a tree, and I don't like the look of her face and the pure completion this is for her. I prepare for the worst. Akeno and Issari are now together in the background giggling in unison while Shirone is pissed. Kiba knows they were spotted and just waved a sorry to me.
Rias tilted her head, and the park noise began to fade. We looked at each other in silence for three minutes. Before I start.
"I am willing to help you. I, however, need the full story. Why are you willing to give up everything for a halfbreed like me? You risk social suicide with me."
Rias approached me and her eyes have happy tears in them. She said and this was her heart coming out fully.
"I want the man who has given me hope. You would treat me well. Not like him. He plans to make me do things that only he and his queen want. I can't say because of the contract but they involve me in extremely bad positions and situations. If I say no he will put a bishop in me. Letting Akeno and the others mutate. I understand that and had given up on everything. But you are the man I want to love. My brave Lord of Iron who has been nothing but honest and honorable with me. That's why. You will never have a problem with me. I'll do anything for you. I want a man who will truly love me for me. The weak redhead who is nothing to the nobles. Who gets only pity from my friends. You want me to be stronger and believe I can do it. No one else has ever done that for me. Why I will give anything for you. Please say yes."
It was horrible. Riser is a bad person here. To willingly let people mutate. No wonder Rias is clutching to me so much. She worries about them more. I finally say it now knowing this.
"I just want the real you. My potential wife will never be forced to do anything they don't want. I will say yes. Just please don't be disappointed by the idiot I am. How can I break the contract without putting myself into something I can't win."
Rias beams and then glides to me and slamming into me sending us to the ground. I landed ass first. She landed on top of me. She hugged me and weeps into my right shoulder.
"Thank you! There are several ways out! I found them all but the only one I had was the game! Now with you I can get my parents to use another one that is better. You are my hero! I don't think you will have trouble! I'll bully Koneko! I'll give you anything you want! My hero!"
She weeps and weeps as the pressure she has felt from this melts away. I am sure she has been doing only so well. I hug her and let her cry.
"Don't do any of that. Just be you. Tell me all the outs. Just in case. I'd rather we have multiple plans. Rias I want us equal here. Don't grovel to me. Don't act like you are below me."
She came up from my shoulder and her face has tear marks. But there is a bright smile looking at me and she says to me.
"I'll tell you everything I can. You are the best person I can ever ask for in a partner."
She blushes then whispered something in my ear. I gape. I gave her a are you serious look at the confession. She blushed more but said.
"I think it would be fun eventually. Please tell me what you need. I'll get it for you."
I'm about to say something when I start to shake. Because a shadow had come behind Rias. It's scary. Looking down on us is Grayfia. She is not impressed by the position we are in. I shake as her aura is let off. Rias does too. Grayfia just raised a white eyebrow at me. Her face blank. I am boned. The maid lets us shake for five minutes as the pressure increases drastically. Before she shakes her head with a slight smile.
"You're a very bad starson. You're lucky it's my off-duty time. Rias. You are also lucky I intercepted that text. I don't think you should do this but I'm going to help here. Because I'm tired of Lord Phenex fleecing us. He insinuated something today that has angered me. So, I will remind him that my husband is Lord Lucifer. He has given me his support here and I will give it to you. However, he wants a series of IOU from you Gregor when you get your official confirmation. In return we will help you get a set easier."
Fuck. Damn Sirzechs. Rias pleaded with me to take it. She is shaking from the pressure. I am too, but stay steady.
"Your husband truly lives up to his namesake. I'll agree to three. No more no less."
Grayfia raised the eyebrow in a are you really trying that look. I don't back down from her. We keep shaking for another three minutes. She continues the pressure and increases it. I am terrified but don't back down again. Rias is ready to babble out her obedience, but I catch her eye and shake my head slightly. She stiffened herself and that makes Grayfia smile and finally say.
"You are indeed a Lord of Iron like Rias told me. I will accept three official ones. You might survive the pit with a backbone like that."
Rias wants to beam at me. She just shakes on. I don't think this could get worse. So, I prepare for the next thing.
"Thank you Lady Lucifer. I appreciate you doing this. Is it possible to ask for a bigger place and protection from my mother's family? They are extremely hostile to me. I will earn the right to the place."
Grayfia frowned. Rias was confused but that was mostly to do with the still there pressure. The pressure receded and they then both widened their eyes. Rias over how she met Akeno and Grayfia putting the pieces into place. She immediately nodded her head.
"I will arrange something. The shock of the test and then several other things that happened this weekend led to that. Forgive me Heir Astaroth. Your question from earlier makes more sense now."
I dread to know what caused that because given history with Akeno that's a big thing to forget. However Grayfia has many more important things to do so it is understandable. Like beating up her slacker husband. Rias grips me tighter then grew angry and fuck that's hot. She immediately offered something.
"I have a larger place Heniya gave me. It's his. I want my betrothed safe Fia. He is giving up much for me. I will give him things to show him it's to his advantage. I will carve their chests in if they try anything!"
I don't like how sexy the rage is. Rias tighten her grip on my shirt, and I say to her.
"I will pay rent till I am confirmed. Then I will buy the property from you. It's yours and I'm not giving up too much. I will prove you that. Equals."
Rias saw I was not going to budge there. She reluctantly agreed. Grayfia prepared herself for removing the stones. I consider renting the house to Kuroka, but there needs to be a paper trail for the government to make sure I stay emancipated in the mundane side. I'll do that. Make Kuroka pay for it, but rent will be cheap and help when I start management of the estates. Be a good noble. Grayfia asked.
"Was the crash them? Killing the wife of a Satan and the attempted murder of a pillar heir and said Satan is cause for war."
That could solve our problem there but Suzaku is my cousin too and she tried hard for us. She is a good person who doesn't deserve death from me.
"I don't know. I was prepared to look into it when Akeno told me our past. I didn't bring it up because I didn't know how much she shared, and I want my cousin to trust me."
Alex growled at me in hate for protecting his grandparents. Along with relieved that I'm protecting Suzaku. He loved her deeply because she did everything to help him and Akeno. Risked being thrown out too despite her heiress status and her favor from the firebird. Grayfia accepts the answer.
"I will assign this to one of our number, and I will personally reinterview Akeno. I will not allow my husband's best friend to suffer that injustice if it is true. Rias show him the home tonight. I will get the stones at the same time. I have business to take care of."
Grayfia turned around and briskly walked off. She passed by the barely hidden four and they all shake. Issari, however, stares at Grayfia and I winced because that's bad. Grayfia didn't acknowledge them. Rias, however faced me and promised me.
"You will never be hurt by them again. I'll pick you up in a few hours for the home. It's closer to the school and I use it as a place to hide when he tries to visit to intimidate me. I promise you that it will have enough room for you. You will get more from me, and I understand that you want to earn things. I will earn the same from you."
Her eyes had such fire that I hate how that is so sexy too. The passion the anger and the hair. Oh, Machine God why! Why is she so hot! Rias enjoyed the look there and that makes her smirking sexy too. Oh, Machine God stop torturing me! My God smiled and said he didn't do this. I did. He does say accept the redhead because he likes her spunk. My patron says that Rias has his approval. Koriel smacked me again. It was a gentle reminder to obey this. Or else
I am stuck with Rias. For better or worse. I internally weep, but keep a strong face. The noise of the park returned, and I help Rias up. Akeno and Issari slithering over to us followed by Kiba and a very reluctant Shirone. I note how close the two sadists are. Akeno smiled dainty with Issari. Kiba inched away from that and Shirone hissed softly at them. Rias smiled so brightly and then told Akeno.
"You are the best sister ever! He said yes! I will get you that thing you wanted!"
Akeno beams and that makes her extremely happy. Kiba just claps twice. Shirone hissed at me. She wasn't focusing on Issari. Said person was grinning evil because she has an in now with Kiba and Akeno. Shirone spoke her anger at me.
"How is a regular human going to be able to help you Rias-sama! He's an idiot! Our race is superior to them."
Issari gets offended there. I am too but don't react. Shirone is mad. Kiba inches away again because Rias glared down her rook. That makes Shirone back up a bit. Rias then looked to me for permission to say my status. I'm ready for more hate so I just nod. Rias turned the glare up on Shirone.
"He is not just a regular human. He is the heir to House Astaroth. You will treat him with respect Koneko. I have let you get away with things far too long and you will be disciplined if you say anything about him being half human. The pervert with glasses is the problem not Gregor-kun. You can hate the fuck but not the man who is going to save you from being a toy to a bird."
Hold up wait a minute! Pervert with glasses! There are two of them and I know it's not Kiryuu. That means. Oh shit. Shirone and Kiba looked at me now with wide eyes. Shirone quakes. In fear and hate. Kiba quakes because he is reincarnated, and I was a noble. I settled his fear by speaking to him.
"Kiba I have no issue with you, and I prefer to be informal. The status changes nothing between us. You white hair san. Tell me now. Does this pervert that you have a serious problem with have glasses and black hair?"
The fact I was that blunt makes Shirone shake more. The rest watched me with interest. Issari especially because she widened her eyes horribly. Before she grew ultra pissed. That fed Akeno. Then Rias. Kiba was just relieved I was chill. Shirone kept shaking as I pour my anger at her into my presence. She really was used to getting away with stuff. She began to speak.
"Yes. He tried something and was close. He was thrown off by Kiba-kun. You."
Oh, I will kill him. Use my axe have it roar on this monster. He will die because that is disgusting. I glare her down again and she started quaking once more. Akeno feeds off my wrath. Rias gets angrier. I reply to the cat.
"He will die. I don't care about the fact you hate me. I don't care about the fact I'm inferior in your eyes. That is not something a real person would do anyone else regardless of origins. Those are degenerates that deserve death. He tried something with Issari there too. Blamed her for something he got away with and then he escalated on you. Shut up and tell me why you haven't killed him yet Rias."
I will crush him. Damn his dad for raising a shit son. Damn his mom for letting him continue his shit. I don't care what the answer will be. This is actual murder. Premeditated murder because this has gone on far too long. Shirone looked at me with amazement and hate. Rias answered.
"Because his father is a contractor for a GKF member with significant influence. My sister tried to use this as the first shot at them since she will eventually be Lady Gremory. We are NKF and sadly it failed despite the fact my sister is number three in the ratings games. The GKF said that they are fine with it. Reincarnated are nothing to them. Worms doing this to one another is fine. We tried the mundane side, and the investigation was shut down almost immediately. He will be in the school this year. Gregor-kun please don't be mad at Koneko."
I let evil enter my eyes. That makes Shirone back up more than ever. She shakes like I was Grayfia. Rias gets a look and she shut up, but also got extremely focused there. Not in a good way. Akeno smirked seeing me embrace the sadism. Issari spoke up.
"No wonder he gets away with so much. He has extra protection. That's horse shit! I'll join you Gregor-kun!"
I will destroy the GKF. I will rip them apart. They shall feel my wrath because this is hot garbage. They have earned an extra pissed off and immortal enemy. I will not rest until the entire system that propagates them is destroyed. I turn my eyes on Shirone. She now is extremely intimidated by me.
"You will get revenge. I will kill him and them. Continue to hate me if you want. I don't care. I am going to make them rue the day they let him get away with this. You shall shut up around me and I will say nothing to you after this. I am not happy. Understand."
Shirone just nodded fast and then hid behind Akeno. She smirked and claps at me.
"Excellent work. Now you truly are the best cousin ever. Retract the wings. Grayfia made the area warded when she arrived. But better safe than sorry. You are definitely getting your set. Rias what power class do you think he is in now?"
I blinked. I looked to my side and see the two wings of a devil but they are strange. They are silver and not black. The Machine God says that he fixed that. Strength and certainty of steel and all. He is happy I'm getting closer to accepting him fully. That means the ritual or whatever was keeping that from happening just failed I retract them. Rias smirked sexy at me and replied.
"Mid low high class. Well above the minimum requirement. The GKF has lowered the standards so as to get as many of their people their sets. Save the race and all. More like make as many slaves as they can. They are the reason we have so many strays. They couldn't deny you easily before but now they can't do it at all. My husband to be is sexy! Finally, I'm winning bitchs!"
Rias does her dance and I hate that. It just makes me want something that is not productive. One step closer to getting a peerage. I will fill it with men and women of science. I will get vengeance on the size scouter and the GKF. The heresy train has no brakes and I'm going in and am going to just start blasting. Kiba is happy he doesn't have to be near an angry me. Akeno is smirking and said while Shirone is now watching me behind her back.
"Told you. I know the signs. Rias you're winning more than ever. I want to be the bridesmaid!"
Rias kept dancing in her happiness of winning. Issari spoke up.
"Make me the first if the other thing doesn't happen. I'll make you and him proud. I will be like you and become a Warrior of Mars. Through iron and blood will I make my potential king proud."
Issari you idiot. Don't say shit like that. Akeno is just amused at the name of the duo of us she now knows. Shirone is still intimidated and says nothing. Her eyes watch me in a new way. Rias just clamped onto my right arm, and she is just happy. Kiba is amused and he watched Issari with interest. Akeno smiled a real big smile seeing Rias and me together.
"A cute couple. I'm so very happy for you two. Koneko we are going to get sweets. And if I hear anything about my cousin, I will make sure he knows. Kiba-kun come along."
Shirone glared at her queen, and then me. But the look carried something new completely. She followed Akeno and I don't like that last look I got. Because that was her sister there. Kiba followed along with the order. He was just being a pretty boy. Issari was about to leave too but Rias said something.
"Your welcome in the group that I will form for him but I'm in charge and that's undisputed."
Issari looked at me and I her. We looked at each other for two minutes while Rias is confused. I finally started snickers and that set off Issari. We laughed together and Rias looked hurt, and I said to her.
"This idiot is never going there. Your swordsman and my cousin are in trouble. Rias you and I will talk about that when Issari leaves."
Rias is amazed at the denial. Issari stopped snickers and answered in turn.
"He's like my cool brother and I'm not into that. I'm sorry Gregor-kun but you're boring and not fun like Akeno-san. Have fun with your redhead! I'm going to enjoy the rest of the day! I'm sparring with Murayama-chan tomorrow and I eventually do want to help out. As for the thing I want made I'm halfway there. See you!"
Issari skipped off and Rias and I are now together alone. I gently lead Rias off, and we start walking. She blushed red and mumbled out a sorry to me. I speak to her.
"Rias I'm not interested in that. I'm not the typical guy. But i know i will most likely have one.
Rias looked amazed there. She brightened and then put her head on my shoulder. However, she does say something that has me worried.
"You will. I accepted that i would be in one long ago. There is a law that was made early on by the GKF that normalized the unspoken tradition. Don't fight it. The penalties for doing so are stiff and you need at least three for them to not apply. Why I made the offer to her and the other. It would save you trouble."
I fucking hate this. Fuck dude it makes sense with the fertility problem. That's going to slow down the plan with that if i get chased too much. I then remembered her promise. I watched her and blushed. Rias smiled and answered.
"I like both too. Akeno showed me a few more things and that sold me there. I will never not be brave for you who is helping me. That and something else she showed me that I want to try just the two of us."
She whispered that in my ear, and I blushed more than ever. Why must I suffer. Rias blushed to but was very happy to have shared that with me. Being brave. I sighed. I'm stuck with a very likely trio. Or more. Rias was here fully and I finally say.
"There will be no favorites if and when I get this. No hierarchy of power. Everyone is equal here. That's my first unbroken rule."
Rias looked hurt there. She was silent for ten minutes as we walked around the park. Before she sighed softly.
"Ok. I'll follow that. It will be hard because they encourage the tiered system in the schools in the underworld. It was a shock when I came up here to know that monogamy was the norm up top. Please don't be mad if I fail at first."
That is horrible but given the GKF and their now obvious shit bag platform I don't like that. I will fund schools that destroy that. I'm going to be the Sona of this place at this rate. I'll talk to her eventually. Damn purebloods and their shit. I put my arm round Rias's back.
"Then we are in the same boat just opposite sides. I won't be mad too much there. The others will be expected to be the same. This main out. Does it involve fighting? Or something else?"
Rias smiles at me being more like her. When I got to the out she simply said.
"The out doesn't involve fighting. It will involve a buyout. The Astaroths have plenty of money and that's always what the Phenex wants. Riser will challenge you probably, but he is still a second heir to your primary heir. He would be seen as being petty and that will weaken his position and make the Phenex's reputation worse."
Fuck its money. Another reason for stray hunts, but I can do them more openly now. I'm hesitant to ask the price tag. Rias just tells me it in the ear. I am going to hurt from that but it's doable. I will probably have to dip into their money, but I can pay at least half of it with my hunts. I will need to get extra cash fast. I ask Rias.
"How often does your sister pay for strays? I'm willing to do that to get the money for this."
Rias grew worried there. But also, her green blue eyes widened at the intention. They then focus on my red ones, and she gained a glint that promised me something that was both sweet and depraved. She answered.
"All the time. Strays have never stopped coming here because we are close to one of the few surface entrances and they then don't leave. Many don't transform because of the demonic energy in Kuoh so they stay to not mutate as quickly. My sister does what she can for good strays by tacitly allowing them here without fear of retaliation. Her main way of striking back against the GKF. She knows all their crimes thanks to her boy toy. He slips the real reasons why some strays run. He's a good man despite his family. You're going to do that for me? Hunt them for the money to save me?"
I like Rias's sister. That explains why there are so many strays here and the good stray community. I promise her.
"I will. I will show your family and mine that I can back up my claim. That I'm strong and I'm willing to show them I'm self-reliant. They won't regret me. "
Rias shivered pleasantly at the words. Especially two ones in particular. Machine God damnit. I tell Rias while ignoring that shiver.
"Don't tell your sister or her peerage it's me. Let the surprise of me doing this win us more favor. That way despite the fact I'm me and a half breed the nobles will be a tiny bit more intimidated by me."
Rias now has that same look of sweet and depraved showing off fully. Machine God please help me I'm not doing it for the horny. I'm doing it to keep the nobles on the back foot! Rias nodded her head.
"I won't say a thing. Oh, my husband is going to be sexy. He will make Sona and my other friends jealous! Oh, I am so ready for this."
That's not the point Rias. Don't tell me lust is her sin. She caught the look and shook her head.
"Mine isn't that. It's greed. Greed for the perfect husband! I will never not have that now!"
That's less bad. But I'm not perfect. I need to go get ready for moving. I will tell Kuroka that. We stopped under the same tree, and I let go of Rias. She looked ready to grab me and keep me from leaving, but a look makes her understand. She does smile more than ever, and she lets go.
"I'll pick you up in two or three hours. Thank you again Gregor-kun. I want to be there with you, but I know you are private, but please let me in eventually."
I will have too. I offer her something.
"I will show you something this week Rias. And since we are in this together you can just drop the kun. I'm western and I don't really care about it. But when in Rome. I'll let you in. Just don't be disappointed in me."
She beamed that I was going to trust her with something and the name, however she said with a big smile.
"I'll keep calling you that. Because I'm a as people call it a weeb. Thank you for this, and the offer."
She then surprised me by kissing my cheek. I blushed because that was extremely unexpected. She then skipped off. Koriel inside me said after Rias was gone.
"There you go you stupid troglodyte. You finally got a redhead. Yes it comes with the other stuff, but you can get things done faster. We don't have to be rats in the dark. Just don't bitch out and I won't use the hammer. No running from this. No begging the god to save you. Just do this so we can get to Mars and you, and your future wife can have that."
Hate you sis. But fine. I hate this place. I hate the universe that likes to fuck with me.