Chapter 20.

The Warriors of Mars begin to form.

The dreams were again enjoyable that night. I was back in that house on Mars and the dream had more shape. The faces of two of my partners were revealed in Rias and Kuroka. Both are a tiny bit older and wear beautiful dresses that complement their hair and eyes. I can't see the others here. Nor the children that are playing around the house as known from the noise. But the woman who was watching us last now is here in the room I'm in which is the kitchen. It's Kate. Her face for me is pure love and regret. She and I look at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Before finally she spoke to me. Like the real her.

"You're not how you used to look. I like the green Greg."

Her voice holds all our emotions that we had over a decade together. It hurts and I show that. Kate does too. Her brown eyes are filled with her own sadness. Her own longing for me. My red holds the same. We are there together and I finally spoke.

"You're still as beautiful as the day I last saw you in person Kat. Is this really you or is this the warp fucking with me?"

She blushed at the pure honesty in my voice. She answered softly showing me the side I once loved so much because it was ours.

"I am real. Greg. I don't know how I know that it's you, but it is. I have missed you so very much. I regretted that moment we last saw each other every single second after I told you it was over for us. When you got on your knees and begged to do anything to keep me. I almost said yes. I should have said yes."

It's her. No one knew that but me and her. I let tears fall.

"How are you here? Did you?"

Die was what she knew I was asking. She runs to me and hugs me while weeping. Kuroka and Rias are just watching us with the other unknowns. The past and the possible future. I hold Kate and whisper sweet nothings to her. It hurts because I have started moving on finally. She understands that too.

"I didn't. I wanted to after they found you. They all thought you finally did the deed. Everyone knew you weren't doing well Greg. They wept for days after, and your dad was extremely cruel to me. Calling me the bitch who broke his son's heart that it led to this. Your mom slapped him and said that he didn't understand. That there were other things that you were going through too besides me. Did you do that? Kill yourself?"

I want to lie but I never could with her.

"I didn't. I wanted to though. I had rope that I kept hidden in my apartment. I never used it because of my brother. I saw how my mom was after he died and each time I considered it I remembered. I just went to sleep one night and then woke up in a new place. I'll tell you the story. I would never lie to you, and you know that. It's fantastical, but truth."

Kate was beyond happy to know I didn't kill myself. Horrified I had considered but curious that I have a story. We sat at a table, and it was just the two of us. I told her the story. She didn't believe me at first but listening as I told her what I have done. What I will do. She kept listening to me and she had so many emotions throughout the story. Pride at me helping people I am completely different from. Anger that I lied to Akeno and continue to lie to her. Understanding came there when I explained Alex. She was jealous I had two people chasing me. But also, happiness because of how I earned that. When I shake telling her I'm now a serial killer she squeezes my hands and tells me I'm not. It's a lie but it helps.

That I'm a noble son in this place makes her giggle and say I kinda was that to her despite the reality we had. That I don't want the multiple partners but must have them is sad for her. That my sin is wrath makes her say she knew that. I blinked rapidly there, and Kate said while holding my hands.

"You bottled that up. It was actually a red flag for me at the beginning. My mom warned me about you possibly unleashing that on me at the beginning too. But as she and I got closer to you we saw you never do that to me or anyone else. I know you had that day every three months when you just wanted to be alone and that's when you released it. That you hated yourself for that and always controlled it made me admire you more. You would never hurt anyone that hadn't hurt others willingly and happily. I loved that you were like a knight of old despite your wrath."

I don't know how to feel about that. But Kate urged me to continue. So, I did. Kate was amazed that our hobby existed in another reality truly. As does the place where I ended up. She was horrified I would willingly give myself immortality. But I did that for others and not myself makes her squeeze me again. That I am a future king of a peerage of reincarnated devils makes her shake her head in amusement but she looks over my shoulders and said again.

"You have them now. People who see what I saw. I believe you Greg. You are a good liar when you need to but you as you said never could lie to me. I can't have you back. So please let me go. Be who you are to them. I'm ok with it after hearing about everything. Greg you deserve to be happy again. Please let me go. This has helped me immensely with that."

I hate her asking me to do that totally. But I have already started doing that. I bury her forever now.

"I will do it for you."

Kate squeezed my hand again hard, and I winced.

"Do it for yourself. I am not there, and you are not here. Let's make life better for the both of us. I will talk to your mom and tell her you didn't commit suicide. She will believe me. She will believe anything but you doing that. Your dad is still pissed at me but he's coming around to your mom's thinking."

That my dad thinks I did that hurts. As does my mom believing in anything that isn't suicide.

"What did they find of me?

Kate was silent reminiscing about that. Before saying with new tears.

"That you just died suddenly. They found you three days later when I called the police. They found the rope, but you had no wounds indicating that. Despite the evidence your dad took that path of thinking because it was easy. Your mom, however, insisted that you would never do that. Because of your friend in high school. Now that I know you didn't do that makes me happy because your mom and dad can get that peace. I can use this dream to tell them. They always believed more in that sort of stuff."

They did. I wouldn't have. But knowing the warp is real I can't discount it anymore.

"Tell them I didn't and to prove it tell them I hid my will in a small lock box at this PO Box That way my dad won't call you that again. Just don't tell them the fact Im where I am now."

I told her the number for the P.O. Box and the entrance code. My home brew forge world's Skitarii maniple. I had my version of me in the maniple when I role played. He might actually exist. Kate smiled in remembrance, and it is of happy days. When we role played our other selves. I feel the dream coming to an end. As does she. I don't kiss her like I want to. It's clear she wants that too. This is the clean break we needed, but I don't think I will see her again. The dream fades and I hear something. Kate's face disappears last.

When I woke I hear the sound. It's sleepy purrs. Kuroka is snuggling into my left side and she's cute just purring in her sleep. I hear a soft snore and I blink because that's not Kuroka's. I looked to my right and its Rias. Also burrowing into me. I'm confused about why Kuroka is out in the open, but my sleep fog leaves, and I remember yesterday. She's free. I did that. I remember something else.

Grayfia will be here at ten. I peek over Kuroka at my clock, and I see it's just eight. So, I just let them continue sleeping. I catch sight of Maéva watching Kuroka warily from the hallway outside the room since the door was left open. Her white haired head peeked in but seeing me awake and fine she just went off and didn't appear again.

I let them sleep on till eight forty. Then try wiggling myself free of the two. That makes both sleepers cutely whine and i just continue to get out from them. They keep whining and Kuroka nyas three times, but I finally get out from between them. I tip toe to the bathroom and locked the door. Just in case. Before starting my shower.

It's the most relaxing one I have had. Koriel has been silent most of the time desperately trying to break the reader down in size. It's hard work because of the power requirements and because of the fact we are missing a few parts. She will keep trying but needs more time and will probably be silent for a while other than calling me a deadly troglodyte every so often. I don't care because it's true. I was midway through the shower when I think I hear something. I poked my head out and catch Kuroka trying to sneak in. With Rias behind her at the door.

I just shake my head at the two of them who froze.

"Nice try. Go out and wait. We can talk after I'm done. The three of us equally. Go or I will not be nice."

Kuroka sulked with her tails falling down but quickly turned that around and she smirked at me.

"I'll win eventually nya. Come Red we can talk till then."

Rias frowned but she pulled Kuroka by the tails into the bedroom getting a yelp. Before shutting the door. I finished the shower ten minutes later and dressed before entering the bedroom. Rias is on the right side of the bed and Kuroka on the left. They aren't glaring at each other, but they don't look friendly either. I sat at the foot of the bed with equal distance between them and we are silent for two minutes. Before Rias started this.

"We talked about this last night after you passed out and. We both want you. She and i have discussed this especially with the rule and we have reached a hard impasse."

That's not good.

"What is the issue?"

The two women watched each other for a second before both focused on me. Kuroka spoke softly.

"Kittens. Will equal apply to them too?"

Stupid nobility.

"I will say yes but I understand there needs to be a clear Heir. I don't know how I will choose that."

Rias looked worried there. As did Kuroka. They and I just thought about this but I offer something.

"When we get there, I have a few plans I have not shared with you yet Rias. I'll keep you both in the loop now. I plan to make two companies. One for the underworld and one for top side. They will help with this, and I think it will help settle the issue a bit. We however can agree that Kuroka is the very likely second Rias?"

Rias looked Kuroka up and down. She was curious what I mean by the place. Kuroka knows what that is Mars. It looks like Mars might become a feudal planet in governance. Rias finally spoke up.

"I will approve after I'm free. She and I are so different. Yet she like you said is fun. I like you Kuroka. Despite how sudden this is and your honesty about him is like me too."

Kuroka smiled there.

"I will help him with you nya. I'm no longer bound by stray conventions and I know the extremely bad ones. We will get you free faster nya. If this pig Riser tries anything to dispute the out then I will do a fight with our hero for you. You can make less deadly weapons for the game nya?"

I nodded slightly.

"I can. I'll make you armor and a mask, so you don't get too traumatized by me when I'm the Gorgan. I will Rias try not pull another one like that again. I hated the crash. I am willing to let Koneko into the house to get back with Kuroka. But no, her here till I get the apology. Riser is not going to like me. I really do think I have a potential Longinus. I have found no limits on my gear yet and I have many ideas that are very interesting. If Riser pushes it then he will not like me and my wrath."

That got Rias incredibly happy with both of us. She actually smiled at Kuroka. I ask Rias how many times Riser has had a challenge.

Rias answered.

"He's only ever had a fight once that was not a cake walk. That was against a good King name Halfter. That game Riser was demolished by the reincarnated there. Helped amplify his hate of them. Halfter is extremely strong and is also one of only ten reincarnated kings. He earned his way up and made the GKF hate him bitterly. He's apolitical and doesn't support the NKF. His only concern is getting stronger."

I have a plan. Challenge Riser's Phenex pride. Piss him off so royally that he doesn't think straight.

"I will try. Kuroka I will do the ceremony for you and Kiryuu when I get back. Do you still want the house or here?"

Kuroka just purrs and replies.

"Here with you. Sell the house for money and then convert it to Lilith nya. So, it helps. I'm ready to be with my forever king."

I will get the last of my stuff out of there and disconnect the teleporter. I tease Kuroka as I get up.

"I don't know. Maybe I should restrict you to a kitty house. After all you did try that earlier."

Rias giggled at the tease while Kuroka huffs. She, however, wasn't going to hold back.

"Maybe I should sleep in here with you and Red nya. Imagine the fun we could have."

Rias got a slight nosebleed imagining said fun and that sends us into chuckles. Rias composed herself quickly and mock glared at us. Before joining. We go down the stairs and when we hit the kitchen I see Kiryuu and Maéva. Kiryuu is in a book and Maéva is using her mechadendrites to make food. She looked over her shoulder and upon seeing the three of us she just remained professional. Handing out food to us.

"I have been told the cat's story young master. I don't trust her."

It was blunt like I encouraged so I'm not mad. Neither is Kuroka.

"It's fair nya. Just trust my mate. He has tamed this kitty nya."

Rias snorts and I reply with a smile smirk.

"Hardly. You're forever going to be the Bad Cat. But I'll eventually add something more to that. I don't think I'll be able to tame Red either. I like wild."

Kate let me go. So, I will too. It breaks the last chain there me with the first flirting for Kuroka and Rias. Both beaming there while Kiryuu keeps reading. The two of my inner circle beam and that makes Rias happy. Kuroka purrs and that is the start of a good day.

We eat as one and fall into a good routine of teasing each other together. Maéva still watches Kuroka but not as diligently. It's that scene that Grayfia enters in on. She announced her presence with jacking up her power. Making everyone jump. Kiryuu almost fainted from the pressure, but Maéva kept her up with her mechadendrites. The rest of us just shake. Grayfia asked.

"Are you ready Gregor and what are those things on your back maid."

Maéva answering the second question immediately.

"They are called mechadendrites Lady Lucifuge! The young master made them for me! They have helped increase my productivity!"

That was babbled out. I turn to Grayfia, and she is in her getup again. Her eyes are watching the extra limbs and she is interested there. I immediately answered the first question.

"Yes Lady Lucifuge!"

Grayfia gestured to me to follow. I do and I left my food there. Rias bid me goodbye.

"Good luck Gregor-kun."

As we enter the main hall Grayfia led me out of the house. It's there I see the outside for the first time. The grounds are well maintained and not too big. We walked down the path towards a section of trees that is more than enough to hide portals. The trees are next to the red brick wall that surrounds the property. There's a gate near the trees that is made of solid steel and Grayfia opened her inquiry.

"You made that. You have learned your gear?"

I nodded profusely.

"Yes. My gear builds things I imagine Lady Lucifuge. Like my gun and armor. The packs and I believe more. I'm calling it the Standard Template Constructor. Or STC."

Grayfia is interested. She seems to think of something. Before answering as we hit the trees.

"I would like to see it. I have never heard of a gear that makes permanent items usable by others. This is unprecedented. What else can you build?"

I smile and smirk that annoys and amused Grayfia. When we enter the trees she opens the portal to where we are going.

Once through the portal we exited into a room that was filled with machines and another person. A man wearing a lab coat. He turned to the sound of Grayfia's heels and when he turned to face us. He froze seeing me. I recognize who this is. It's a very famous person.

Nikola Tesla. By the Machine God I'm in the presence of a genius! He's wearing his black hair short and well groomed. His mustache is also well groomed and seems to shine actually. Grayfia spoke to him with a small smile.

"Nikola. I'd like you to meet Gregor. You should know who this is by the hair."

Nikola just looked at me up and down. Then grew incredibly still more than ever. I studied him and he's a reincarnated bishop and is a mutation one. He whispered out.

"Alex. Is that you?"

Nikola knew me. Grayfia, however, corrects him.

"He goes by Gregor now. Because of the incident. He lost his memories of most things."

Nikola had looked at me at the beginning with such joy and happiness that the second part was horrible. When he heard the memories he now looks at me with pity and sadness. He looked extremely down now Before he replied with true sorrow.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know that you lost those. I won't say that name again. I understand why you probably did that.

I can't believe I'm in front of Nikola Tesla. I say to him while being awe struck reassuring him.

"It's alright. I have someone else refer to me by that name already and you seem like you knew me before. You're welcome to call me that. Were we close and are you my dad's bishop?"

Nikola looked extremely happy there. He replied with a big smile.

"We were. I am your uncle Nikola. Yes I am. We in the peerage have been in the mud since we learned you were as we were told by Ajuka dead. That you are not is a miracle. Why didn't you tell me Grayfia! Was our friendship nothing!"

He was extremely angry there. He actually powered up and lightning forms on his hand so great is the rage of him not knowing I was alive. He must have been my favorite uncle. Grayfia answered.

"Because he has lost his memories completely as I said Nikola. Ajuka didn't train him for this. You would immediately assume this and with how inexperienced he is the nobles would rip him apart. It wasn't malicious."

That stopped Nikola. He depowered after five minutes of being angry.

"Juka wanted to start that this year. Why he and his wife were returning to Japan. They planned to enter the underworld and Juka would reincarnate his wife and then pass off his son as a full one. There was always enough demonic power there to sell the story. He wanted his son to grow up free from the animals they are. I'm so sorry Alex. We have tried desperately to contact him after the news was broken to us by a quick phone message. He has hidden away so deeply and well we can't find him."

So that's another reason why they were over here. To get me to the underworld to start the process. Ajuka wanted to give me a childhood and he wanted to not hide the truth in shame but because he knew the odds of me being accepted. Which I have destroyed. I feel horrible there. Grayfia pats my back in reassurance. Nikola just continues to be sad. Before he brightens immediately.

"He's here for the set! That's how you will draw Juka out! That's genius Grayfia! He has sensors at each of his holes! Telling him the demonic signature of the person attuned! Its the same as always!"

Nikola was ready to do a jig. Grayfia was amused with a slight smile there and she answered with real happiness in her voice.

"Battlefield promotion. Gregor has killed many strays of an unsavory nature. Has a title from it and with the ritual that kept him hidden failing he is beyond the point for a set. Thus, why we were here along with the original reason there. Gregor has earned this through hard work. I read the list of the strays and they are impressive. Now let's get this done Niko. I want to see the grump again. As does my husband and Millicas."

Nikola grew more and more wide eye at the words. Looking at me with hope and pride because he goes into the devil high there. That's getting easier and easier to see. He after it was done immediately moved with vigor and gestures to us to follow. Grayfia is amused but pushed me forward. We travel together the three of us down several hallways covered in wires and humming with machines. I'm looking at everything in awe because this is science. Real devil science and that doesn't even describe a percentage of what the machines do. We pass by windows that show a room with many more wires and machines at the foot of something.

We climbed up stairs and Nikola beams at me seeing the open curiosity. He said as we passed by a room that hums with electricity.

"You always liked science Alex. Many people would have been angry to learn that the gift of toys given to a child was ripped open and messed with. Not Juka and the rest of us. Your mother was always calling you her little scientist. You are still interested in that?"

I smiled real there.

"I am. I planned to go to school for an engineering degree. Now I want to forever learn about the universe. I have ideas that will shake everything we know and accept. They sound like a dream, but I can see them becoming reality. Would you like to see my gear Fia?"

Nikola widens his eyes hearing that. He studied me over his shoulder and his eyes widened even further. Grayfia just pulled my ear making me eep. She answered while pulling my ear down the hall.

"Grayfia for now Gregor and yes I would love to see it. Did Ajuka and or anyone else ever feel it Nikola?"

We continue down the hall and my ear and head hurt from being pulled. Nikola shook his head.

"Never. We never felt it. But given what we know of gear that's not surprising. It usually manifests during…"

I answered after the awkward silence.

"Extreme moments of significant feelings. I didn't know of it till Grayfia and my cousin informed me of it. I have run experiments on it, and I got this ring to appear but not much else. Please let me go. I'll be good."

Grayfia does. Nikola looked grateful I finished his thoughts. He's kinda scatterbrained. Given he's a genius it's understandable. Genius and madness are two sides of the same coin. Just depends on what side you land on. We entered a room that contained more machines with a door to the left and a window that showed Ajuka and his Magnum Opus. The machine to make the evil piece system. Nikola immediately went to a cabinet of things and as he's doing that Grayfia asked me.

"Show me the gear. I'm interested in this because I want to know how it enables you to make things."

I prepare myself and Koriel hides. When she's ready I summon the anvil. It appears and Grayfia takes mental notes of it. Before her eyes widening to saucer plates. She shakes. I have never seen that ever. I think I know why. Nikola returned with a chess set and upon seeing the anvil his eyes also widened to saucer plates and his mouth dropped to the floor. Before returning and he says in awe.

"A Longinus. This is a Longinus! How by science did we miss this!"

The cat is out of the bag more now than ever. Grayfia shakes still. Before she grew incredibly excited. It broke her mask to the world and revealed something. A very eager woman who is relaxed.

"It truly is. By the Morning Star. This is a once in a lifetime thing. A Longinus in devil hands directly. This will do so much. Show me how it works!"

That last part was a girly squealing that was extremely loud and high pitched. Nikola just watched the anvil while putting his free hand to his ear. I heard a banshee scream while hunting so this is nothing. The banshee had been of all things a mutation pawn. I now just ask.

"Sword or something else?"

Grayfia looks like she wants to drool. Given this increases the power of the NKF because I'm hard committed to them by oath. Grayfia has the honor of me being her starson and I'm to her mind totally committed to devils this makes sense. Nikola answered after the squeal was done.

"A sword."

I picked up the hammer and envisioned a power sword. The light blinds the two devils. Before it fades and I picked up a Mars pattern power sword. I then showed it to them.

"I call this a power sword. Here's why."

I hit the button and the sword cracks as lightning travels up the blade. Nikola looks like he is in love with the sword. A sword wielding bishop. That's funny. Grayfia is salivating and I wish I could take pictures here. Nikola does. A snap is heard, and he shows me why he was and is now my favorite uncle. He said while Grayfia is in her stupor.

"I'll share this with you Alex. Not often does this happen and you learn fast to do this when it does. Let me get the set into the machine. I would like to hold the sword after. If that's possible?"

I smiled real there and I tell my favorite uncle giving me blackmail and Grayfia who is still drooling at the possibility of this.

"I can share them freely. But I can will them away when not in use or needed. Thanks uncle Nikola."

The man beams and he begins setting the chess set in the machine slot. He quickly did that before he closed the hatch. Starting the machine. It and the nearby room hums to life and that breaks Grayfia out of her stupor. Nikola returned to us, and I turned off the sword. Before handing it to him. He gently took it and shows immediately he is a sword bishop.

Grayfia immediately went back to her hard ass maid personality. But we saw the truth, so we enjoyed the secret victory. No more scaring me with your presence! I'm winning here! As the machine continues its work Nikola swings the sword and he is definitely in love with it. The lightning makes him the happiest mad lad genius ever. Grayfia asked me.

"These mechadendrites. How do you control them? I'm interested because the house looked incredibly well maintained yet I saw the tv in the kitchen is well used. Meaning that the girl has been watching too much."

I smile and see my first strike on my conservative starmother.

"It's controlled by what I call a mind impulse unit. Or MIU. It's a neural connection that allows you control of the many limbs like they are natural ones. All in sync. I can make one for you. As a thank you for being my starmother."

Grayfia didn't understand everything there. But Nikola did. He stopped swinging the sword and begged to see the thing. Grayfia beams at me when she realized the offer and the trust here. She beams a real bright smile and nods. I swing the hammer and make the MIU. Before asking her to turnaround. She does and I warn her of the slight pain as it connects to her spine. She doesn't eep. Nikola watched in amazement. I make the pack and then hand it to Grayfia. Then gave the tips and once it connects Grayfia began moving the limbs almost perfectly. Nikola then asked.

"May I also have one? This will save me so much work on my experiments. This could revolutionize how we do work in the underworld! You have more ideas you said! Tell me another Alex! I knew I was right about you and will make Curie kiss my ass! My nephew is an engineer!"

Curie. Don't tell me my dad did the same thing I want to do for the majority of my pieces. Filled it with scientific minds. But given he's the man in the picture for scientific research in the underworld that makes sense. I tell Nikola while Grayfia is looking at the arms in awe.

"Of course. I have an idea for a power generator. I don't remember you, but I want to know the past as much as the future. Just don't want to deny who I am. I know that screws with his plan, but they matter too."

Nikola looks at me extremely happily and proud. He reached out to my hand that was not holding the hammer and holds it. He squeezed it tightly.

"You were always like that. Proud to help others. I didn't think you would be able to hide that forever from them. But this tells me your going to make them angry."

I simply say it as a way to bond with him and Grayfia.

"Fuck the nobles. You're a genius Uncle Nikola. I want to be like you and dad."

That made Nikola laugh loudly. I got wacked by three hands from Grayfia. The smile in her voice tells me it's not a bad wack. More fondness growing.

"No cursing in my presence. It seems I won't get rid of that in you but I am starting to see the charm. I get why you offered this to Sirzches last night. We could push on Rias's parents to drop the contract immediately with this new knowledge of a Longinus. Save you trouble and work. Do you want me to mention that to them?"

A way out. No more killing. No more mask for a bit. I am silent on this because this gets me out of the war. Grayfia waits and I finally say for them.

"No. Mention it when I break the contract the right way. Less scandal for her and the Gremory's. The big reveal could help the NKF more than ever to hit alongside the new development. I said I wouldn't get Rias into trouble. That I'd learn to be a noble. True nobles honor their words and oaths. Hard work earns more accolades than easy jumps to power. I want Riser to challenge me. For other reasons besides bullying Rias."

Wrath shows at the end. Nikola looks more proudly than ever at me. His eyes closed with a gigawatt grin. Grayfia entered my vision, and she was smiling too. Putting a real hand to my face.

"A good man. I won't say anything of this except to Sirzches. You are a good starson despite how troublesome you are. I'm proud of you. You will make Rias safer than ever. You have my full approval."

I take that. Because I am not going to take handouts easily. I make Nikola the MIU and then pack while the machine does its work. Nikola immediately starts using his new hands and Grayfia is just imagining the things she can do with this. After two hours of waiting the machine stops making the massive noises. My version of this will be the reader. My legacy to humanity and devils like this is for them now. I will credit Koriel Zeth at the very top of the list. Nikola opens the door to the room, and we entered.

The central object in the room is a massive machine with a stone in the middle of it. Across the walkway at the end, was a hand scanner and a slot opening. I am ready to get my set. Nikola says as we approached the machine.

"It's almost done. Just scan your hand and then the machine will measure you and make the final determination on what pieces you get. Along with attuning them properly. I don't think I have to ask this but don't abuse your pieces. It's a symbiotic bond and not what the shits try and force it to be. I'm right Fia so don't hit me. Ajuka has tried to tell them this for centuries but I have a good feeling about my nephew."

I replied.

"I will never do that. They are trusting me with everything. I will be a real king. Tell me what to do."

Nikola does. I put my hand on the scanner and the machine reads me. I feel like it's reading my soul. It scanned me and I don't remove the hand till it stops scanning twenty minutes later. It beeps then the machine whirls and whines. Before it starts whirling louder. We waited and finally it lets out a loud toot and boom before something drops into the slot. It's the set. I stand back and let the slot extend itself.

Fifteen pieces. All white and immediately I saw that I have several mutation pieces. My queen, bishop, rook along with three pawns. The rest are normal. The six mutation pieces are shown by slight cracks on the pieces showing black under the white shell. Grayfia is impressed. As is Nikola. I know Xenovia had a similar number of mutation pieces. For her ultra powerhouse peerage. I listen to Nikola say in a bit of excitement.

"You may take it. Impressive number of mutations there. The most I ever saw was with Sirzches. Then Ajuka. This is higher than normal. It seems that you have a higher power cap. Given the Longinus and Ajuka that makes sense. I hope you get the people your looking for."

I smile at him.

"I have two already. A queen and a bishop. I think she will get the regular one. I have a possible idea for the mutation one. Everything else is up for grabs."

Grayfia nodded and smiled in her voice.

"You're definitely going to shake up the underworld. I can tell you will. Let's go. Thank you, Nikola. Ajuka is lucky to have you."

Nikola barks out laughing.

"Damn right he is! I refined the machine further when I was brought in. I get to spit on that jackass Edison! That bastard screwed with the topside and I will get my vengeance on him eventually!"

Yeah fuck Edison! My uncle is better! Koriel doesn't know who either of them are but takes the interruption. Grayfia wacked Nikola softly indicating this was extremely common. They seem to be good friends.

"You are a foul mouthed man. Set a better example for your nephew Nikola."

Nikola scoffed there but was unashamed.

"Nah he will be fun at gatherings. I will try to visit you sometime Alex but I'm the one running the machine now so I'm ultra busy. Ill introduce you to the others again. Curie is the only one still here. The rest of us are looking for Ajuka. He should know now or soon but please try with him. He's wonderful to us and he when we got the call broken. He and your mom love you very deeply."

That will be rough but I'll cross that bridge when he showed up. I thank my uncle.

"The stuff is permanent Uncle Nikola. Just don't use the sword yet. It's brutal. Like all the weapons I make. I think it's my wrath there."

Nikola smiled and just shakes his head.

"We all knew that was it. But thank you for trusting me again. I won't. I'll just watch the current."

That revealed something that makes me sweat drop. He's an electro maniac. Grayfia laughs softly and helps me pack the set up. Teaching me the ritual on how to do reincarnation. I learn that you can use different words on how you do the deed. When I ask how I'm to reincarnate Kuroka Grayfia tells me that it will be painful. I have to remove the prior pieces by another ritual. Usually when a stray dies the piece returns to the king automatically. But sometimes a stray returns to their king reluctantly. A very cruel GKF king had found a way to make an example of the stray. By violently removing their piece. I will have to do that to get her the new piece. I'm sick hearing that. Nikola is just sad.

"It's why we hid as much of the system as possible. To make this not happen. This got out because of a very bad mistake that came when Robert got drunk and was spoken to by a GKF member. Robert has always had a drinking problem and they exploited that. Why when he drinks now he's in a special room we built for him. He used to drink because it was relaxing for him. Now he drinks because of the shame he did that to others like us. He will only do research to destroy that ritual completely as his redemption."

Holy shit. That's scary and I have to do that to my Bad Cat. She probably knows this. Yet still asked me to do this. I hurt there. Grayfia hugged me reassuringly. Nikola looked down too. I ask to move us past this.

"Are you all famous scientists and inventors?"

Nikola brightened and replied.

"We are. Curie is Marie Curie. Robert is Robert Fulton. I'm me the best of them and the others are all that. We only were missing a queen and that was for your mother. She and Ajuka got together because she wanted to become a famous doctor. Her work was incredibly good and Ajuka wanted to be her patron at first. Then they began talking and slowly fell in love. She didn't care he was the Lord of Flies. Nor he that she was from the Clans. They were the greatest thing together and when you came along it made them and us the happiest we had ever been. It's traditional for the father to choose the starmother and the mother to choose the starfather. I almost had it, but your mom always liked Sirzches better and well."

Grayfia broke in there.

"It was Ajuka that encouraged me to go for Sirzches. We were childhood friends before the civil war. I will never regret that day I did the deed. Why I want the grouch found because I miss him and his snark. You are very much like him there too. He was private before about everything but grew more so because of how his mother died three years after Diodora. He never did get over it entirely. I think we should get your queen her piece. I still disapprove there but she is no longer a criminal. Just make sure Rias is the controlling wife."

That was a threat there. Nikola shakes his head and interrupts me.

"The lad won't do that Fia. I can tell. He will treat his family well regardless of the expectations. That's shit anyway and is the crap they have been spewing on the kids. He will treat them all equally."

Wow Nikola. Get a soapbox and preach there. Grayfia just looked unimpressed by Nikola. But I need to help Kuroka. So quickly give Nikola my phone number and it's still a shock I have that. Nikola Tesla's phone number. Grayfia let's that finish before she opens her portal and I prepared to step through waving goodbye. Then passing through.

At the trees I want to run to the house but don't. I walked slowly and calmly while Grayfia began explaining the ritual. I have to dig the pieces out and then rapidly do the counter ritual. I want to practice so i will reincarnate Kiryuu first.

We enter the house, and no one is in the kitchen. The house is quiet except for the sound of an iron being used. I followed the sound as did Grayfia and we find Maéva doing five tasks at once and Grayfia is impressed there because it was done correctly. Maéva jumped when she finally saw us after humming her very church like hymns. She blushed then stood ramrod straight. Grayfia just asked.

"The others?"

The kick ass maid looked at my weird washing machine and dryer while Maéva answered still ramrod straight.

"The young lady Kiryuu is busy reading in the Library. The cat is busy sleeping. Lady Gremory left soon after the young master did."

Typical Kuroka. I can't blame her there the beds are soft. I will find Kiryuu and I thank Maéva as did Grayfia. Maéva immediately went back to her work and Grayfia is taking notes. She had thrown her pack in a pocket spell. We then go to find Kiryuu.

The good size scouter was deeply engrossed in a very thick book at one of the tables in the library. I approached her and coughed gently. That didn't get her attention. I think I know what her sins are very likely to be. But which will win? I coughed louder. No reaction. I then tap her gently on the shoulder. That got a reaction finally. Kiryuu apologizes as she looked up and saw me. Standing up.

"I'm sorry Gregor-kun. I was reading a fascinating book on ice magic, and I want to use that with my gear. Did you get the set?"

I brought out the set and unfolded the board. The pieces stay there, and I reach to my regular bishop. Kiryuu is ready and Grayfia leaves the room. She told me that the ceremony was considered like baptism. Private. I tell Kiryuu with my words.

"I as Gregor Astaroth give you new purpose. I as your king give you this gift. I ask for your loyalty and support. I ask that you further myself and my peerage. But I now say a new thing."

Kiryuu had been described the ritual it seems but not this way. I continue.

"I ask that despite what you become that you fight for the future of our world. For every being on it regardless of origins. That you become like I the defender of humanity. I ask that you know no fear in the face of the odds. Will you accept these requests?"

Kiryuu thought through everything. Her eyes study mine. Before she after thinking through everything says.

"I will do so on all requests."

That leads me to begin putting the bishop near her chest. Before I finished my Oath of Moment with her.

"Then I reincarnate you as my servant. Live for humanity and not me. So do I say."

I inserted the piece in Kiryuu's chest gently. It slides in easily and Kiryuu froze completely, which is normal. I withdrew from her and after three minutes she moved again. She extended her wings and instead of black they are silver like mine. I then say to her.

"Welcome to the Warriors of Mars. Our peerage name. I now say to you that you are welcome to slap me about if I do something that angers you badly. I swear to you as your king to treat you with respect. Your goals are my goals. You're never going to be forced to do something that you don't want to do. My bishop."

Kiryuu was happier than ever before. She looked at her wings in awe and answered while she practiced flapping them.

"I believe you utterly. My hero and now my king who was honest to me up front. I know you won't do what others would do. But why that name for us?"

I smile.

"Because I want to get us there in a decade at least. My gear can do things Kiryuu-chan that will surprise you more. I'll tell you more about it today and tomorrow. Now I must go do something not fun. Please don't follow or watch it."

Kiryuu looked curiously there but she agreed and I prepared to find Kuroka.

She was in a room next to mine sleeping on the bed in the room that is covered by black sheets. In a corner is her Xbox. Kuroka was snoring her snot bubbles. I gently poke her as Grayfia watched with amusement. Kuroka woke up slowly and upon seeing me she nyas and then got up. I tell her with a grim smile.

"I have the set and know what we must do. I'm sorry for what will happen to you."

Kuroka nods immediately and she grew grim. Her tails wrapped around my hand.

"I know it will hurt. I'm ready nya."

She laid on the bed and Grayfia brings out a weird looking knife. It's jagged and cruel looking. Kuroka shakes upon seeing it and I do too a little bit. Because it feels wrong. Like it had done many evils. I reluctantly take the knife preparing for the screams. Grayfia deafening the area around the bed, so we don't disturb everyone else. I then prepared to make the cuts with the knife. Putting the blade end next to where the pieces are. That second the blade touched skin that starts the screams. Kuroka's face takes on the pain and its extreme. We made sure she was strapped down beforehand. I cut through the skin in precision as Grayfia led me through it. I finally see the hated pieces in her body ten minutes later. Each cut increases the screams. I hurt every second I do this. But I finally extracted the two bishops. They are breaking down with several bits sticking to my hands and upon entering the air outside they crumbled into dust.

I quickly healed the wound and immediately Kuroka started hyperventilating. She thrashed and her tails were wagging in sudden rapid jerks. I shove my queen piece into her now shaking self. Saying fast.

"I as Gregor Astaroth give you new purpose. I as your king give you this gift. I ask for your loyalty and support. I ask that you further myself and my peerage. But I now say a new thing. I ask that despite what you become that you fight for the future of our world. For every being on it regardless of origins. That you become like I the defender of humanity. I ask that you know no fear in face of the odds. Will you accept these requests?"

Kuroka screams more but replied while Grayfia frowned because this was clearly not the normal king vow.

"I will do so on all requests!"

I finished this and then say fast because a lump of black is appearing on Kuroka's face and other places. Ultra-fast.

"Then I reincarnate you as my servant. Live for humanity and not me. So do I say!"

The mutation immediately went away as I said that. Kuroka stopped screaming finally and the queen does its work. Kuroka I realized had the failing pieces affecting her badly. Her skin became healthier. I thought she was just that pale. Her hair is more beautiful and luscious now where before it was greasy. I looked at that in awe. My cat was whimpering out many nyas and I hate that sound. I want the real ones. Not this. I start squeezing her hand and I say for her in a whisper. Because I can say it now with no regrets.

"I love you. My brave cat."

Her eyes which had been shut now opens a sliver for me hearing that. She purred reluctantly for me. But she was so brave, and I mean the words. Grayfia didn't hear that. She was still mulling over the ritual words I had chosen. I squeezed Kuroka's hand, and I promised things with her via my eyes. My unconditional support. My dedication to her dreams. A place where we are completely safe. She understands the unspoken promises. That made the purrs more real and as she slowly started recovering I wouldn't leave her easily. Or ever again. Grayfia watched this moment, and she embraced her romantic side here it seems. Because she softened her face, and she wrote something down. Before she started undoing the straps. Kuroka was slowly getting up and her face was now very healthy.

I want her happy forever more and I whisper again for her.

"I will break your piece. I don't care if I lose the mutation queen. I just want you free. Never be afraid to break my limbs if I abuse you. I want my queen to forever be happy and safe. This I swear."

Kuroka was just happy knowing I still mean to get that which she wants. Freedom from the system. She nuzzled me and she spoke softly.

"You will. But till then I'm the happiest I have ever been with you my king of kindness nya. My Red King of Mars."

Grayfia had left sometime while we talked. But I need to thank her for this. Kuroka still hurts but I have a machine in the hospital ward that can help. So, I gently lead Kuroka out of her room down the stairs to the basement. Grayfia had been in the kitchen with Maéva as the two maids were discussing mechadendrites. The two were so deep in their conversation they don't notice us. I tell Kuroka I will build us a place on Olympus Mons. All for ourselves and no one else will get the tallest mountain on the world. Kuroka purrs hearing my plan. When we hit the basement I lead my cat to the wing, and I gently set her on a bed that was for rejuvenation treatments. I immediately started the machine, and the purrs immediately became extremely loud and relaxed. The bed does its work. Kiryuu had apparently seen us going downstairs and had followed us because she spoke up from the door.

"What is all this stuff?"

I turned and said with a smile while the purrs grew louder.

"A medical wing for us. It's probably better than most things on our planet right now. I made this with my gear."

Kiryuu had her wings out still and her glasses were slightly leaning forward. She was looking at everything in awe and especially at the bed Kuroka was on. But I finally introduced them to each other properly for me.

"Kiryuu-chan this is my queen Kuroka. Kuroka this is my bishop Kiryuu."

The two looked at each other. Kuroka was enjoying the bed while Kiryuu saw how close we are. She said in a smile.

"You work fast Gregor-kun. But I can't say anything there because she's hot."

That's got a belly laugh from Kuroka and I smiled and spoke.

"Damn right she is. But I like the person beneath more. Now Kiryuu-chan. What sort of weapon would you like? I know you said you don't want to do melee and would prefer to be in the back. I have many options."

Kiryuu looked interested there and she replied.

"What are the choices? I want to embrace ice magic fully. When I was talking with Akeno-senpai I was seeming to understand it instinctively. I'm guessing it's part of my gear but being a one trick pony isn't good, so I want a bit more range."

I explain to her the choices.

"I got the bolter, but you probably don't want that. Then I got what's called a las pistol and a plasma pistol. However, that one can overheat and explode if you fire it too much."

Kiryuu blinked there. She looked at me as if I had grown three heads. Kuroka was interested to because laser guns and plasma guns. She hadn't known that. But now she looked at me and understood more that we have serious advantages. Kiryuu finally blustered out.

"Laser gun? Plasma gun? The supernatural have those?"

I smile and shake my head.

"They don't. We do. I will tell you of a place Kiryuu that was set in the grim darkness of the far future. It's real and now we have the technology of those dark times here in the third millennium. Where they were in forty second millennium. Our fight is against more than strays. We are the defenders of humanity and we shall Know No Fear. Now or forever more"