^^ Wren ^^

--- Wren's POV ---

"Now. How about we talk about why you took my sigil, Wren?" Garth raised an eyebrow at me imperiously.

I laughed. "Ah. That. Sorry, but you were kinda dying, so... I figured 'why not?' You know? Here." I clasped his wrist, holding his pendant, and carefully sent back only his sigil, not the Third Eye.

He winced and hissed in a breath when his sigil, a simple circle, appeared once more on the patch of burnt skin on his forearm. "Thanks..." he said softly, and began a coughing fit, spitting up blood.

"Sit still." I scolded him softly, and channeled my Ankh into him again, and healed what I could of what was broken. 'He'll never be able to fight again, though, that's clear by the state his muscles are in. That's fine... he's a politician now, anyway...'

He grinned. "It's bad, isn't it? How bad? Give it to me straight. Like... wheelchair bad, crutches bad... cane?" He asked hopefully.

"Could be Cane, on your good days, after a year or so of treatment. At the moment it's full-on wheelchair, my friend." I sighed.

He nodded slowly. "Alright... well, I can handle that. Men in wheelchairs have been on the Council before."

I smiled. "That they have. Now, moving on. Princess. Now that you've seen Garth and talked to him, and now that you know he'll be seeing you quite often, would you care to go back to your Island?" I asked, finally dropping the hostility towards her, after I realized it was both useless and boring.

She smiled. "Sure!"

"Yay." I said dryly, and looked at her Guard. "And your name is 'Sam', she said?" I asked.

She blushed, and mumbled, embarrassed for some reason. "Sam Vaqueros, Honor Guard to the Princess Romani, Platinum Knight of the King's Clan."

I whistled gently. "I always appreciate a strong woman... now. Suppose I would ask if you were married, or in a relationship?" I asked, leaning a forearm against the wall next to her, while keeping a proper distance.

She blushed even harder, to the ends of her slightly rounded ears. "I-... princess, we should go..." she picked up the princess, and walked past me, ducking her face into the princess's hair.

"You'll never get anywhere with her. She's as shy as a fox." Garth chuckled.

"Mm... she's certainly foxy... and I'll be the one to decide what 'never' means. Get some rest. Takeo, this man will teach you how to be a politician. Learn from him well. Elena, we have to go haul those Islands, we're behind schedule." I said, and walked out.

Once we reached the ship, I smiled at the princess and her guard. "So. Your sigil... what does it do, exactly? I'm extremely curious..." I asked.

She smiled faintly. "The fact that no one knows is my families greatest advantage."

"Oh I wouldn't say that... those beautiful eyes would disarm most men, and most women as well..." I grinned.

She blushed, and the princess laughed, holding her warm cheeks, teasing her as I walked away. 'I'll take it slow... she isn't James. She'll take a while to get used to me, before anything happens.'

We set sail for the nearest of the old Ira Islands, and once we arrived, we found 5 other ships hooked in already. I grinned and flew over to the nearest, which was Günter's Bastard.

"Oi! Günter! Nice day to haul an island, huh?" I laughed.

He grinned. "Nice day to haul 9! We're getting all of them hauled in one day, Boss. Your Cousin's Fleet is already at work, this is the last one!"

I nodded and flew back. "This is the last one. Set the hook and Winch." I said simply.

Elena turned and began shouting orders, telling someone to make sure the Island Inhabitants were aware they were about to be Shifted.

We then set the Hook, which was what used to be an Anchor in olden times, and turned around in synch with the other ships, dropping down and opening the throttle.

The island started moving slowly, about five Knots, and I went to Sam and the Princess. "This will take a while, so would you like me to fly you back?" I asked.

The princess grinned, nodding. "Yes please!"

Sam narrowed her eyes. "Can you make that flight? It's... a bit far."

I laughed. "I could get you there in moments, if I wanted, but you might puke from motion-sickness. It'll take a few minutes, the nice way." I picked them both up, savoring the incredible feeling of the woman in my arms, and raised an eyebrow when the princess mounted my shoulders, holding my hair.

She leaned down into my sight and grinned broadly. Then she leaned back, and flicked the braids she'd put into my hair like reigns. "Gee-up!" She shouted, giggling.

I hummed. "As you wish... hold on tight." I leapt off the ship, and spread my wings, gliding on a few thermals for now, then once they both got settled, I started flapping, speeding up in just a few seconds to full speed.

The princess's cheers and Sam's whimpers of fear reached my ears, making me laugh. "Enjoy it, Sir Sam. I won't drop you." I reassured the shivering Knight.

She pointed above me, and I turned. My face paled, when I realized a Core Flare was almost upon us.

I immediately grabbed the princess, and rolled them both up in my wings, plummeting towards the water as the Flare hit my exposed back and legs.

Harsh burns spread quickly, but my Ankh got to work repairing the damage as we hit the boiling water. I used the Bioelectric abilities my Roanokian DNA had given me, and moved the water around is in an Air bubble, moving swiftly away from the Flare.

Once we were far enough away, I opened my wings, keeping the Air bubble around us, and completed the journey underwater, to distract the princess. As I wasn't physically injured, (that she could see,) she was quickly entranced with the sea life, especially the Sharks that followed us curiously.

Once we'd reached the Capital Island of the Southern Archipelago's, I rose out of the water, and flew us to the docks, where I set them down. Guards immediately started swarming, so I grinned and kissed Sam on the cheeks before she could react. "See ya, babe." I winked cheekily, and barely dodged the sword she swung at my throat, lightning quick.

Laughing, I spun around and dove off the docks as she gasped at the view of my scorched back.

I healed it as soon as I was in the water, leaving a web of thin scars for now, and went back towards the Ships and Island being Hauled, XM23.

They were nearing completion, setting the Lines for the bridge that was going to be built. All my Islands that weren't mines or connected to the Mantle, (namely Ursa Minor and Major,) were being brought together around my Monolith Island, with a several hundred-yard gap between each of them for safety.

The bridges would begin construction immediately. Lord Ira's family had controlled several Mines, but also two residential Islands. I ordered those pulled in closer, and then commissioned a ferry to traffic people, as well as a bridge, though the bridge would be for goods, and the ferry for people.

Gantegüt, which still sat under my Monolith Island, was now completely invisible, unable to be seen from the Sky, for which the residents were very thankful.

I also commissioned several sets of Rails, to protect each island even better than the pathetic Rails they had now. They were obviously cheap, and not very well made, so I ripped them down and took them to my lab to study.

Elena took over charge of the positioning after I left, and I settled down to study the odd metal.

---

"So perhaps with a Cosmic Anvil it would be possible, but I don't have access to one of those, man. We just can't exert enough force on the Hydrogen, not nearly enough." Takeo sighed, kicking his feet up and leaning back.

I hummed. "I see... so how much force is necessary?" I asked.

"Hmm... somewhere close to 25GPa. GigaPascals... astronomical units." He shrugged.

"I see..."

"Please stop that, you're not a musical villain, stop repeating yourself." He groaned, covering his face.

I laughed. "Yeah, well... I'll get you a Cosmic Forge, Taki. For now, just focus on refining what we have." I nodded and jumped out of the window, flying towards Arthur's Office.

I knocked, folding my wings up. "Enter." She called out.

I opened the door, and snagged the person who tried to run past me on an instinct. I sniffed, and looked down at him, then grinned. "Ahh. Hello. Arthur's husband, I assume?" I asked, shaking his hand.

He blushed. "T-Timothy."

"Mm? Tiny Tim... I like it. Come on, no need to run. Sit with us, have a drink." I grinned and drew him into the room.

"How'd you know he was my husband?" Arthur asked, pulling him into her lap reflexively.

I sat down. "It's rather simple, actually. You're a woman of rare morality, and he smells like sex. I knew you wouldn't cheat on your husband without his cooperation or permission; ergo, he must be your husband." I stated simply, and laced my fingers together.

She smiled. "Interesting logic... and true. Alright... what did you need, Wren?"

I laughed. "I need a cosmic forge. I have the formula for Rail Metal, and I want to produce it. However, I need a Cosmic Forge to do so, it seems. I was hoping you'd lend me one, or perhaps point me towards where to buy one." I asked.

She blinked. "Oh. That's an interesting request... I have a counter offer."

"Let me guess. 'Fight Me'." I said, my boredom clear as day.

She blushed. "Not what I was going to say, though I understand your annoyance with my repeated attempts to spar you. No, what I want is much more challenging. I want you to join my clan, and marry-"

"I'm already Engaged to Shinzo Tojo." I interrupted.

She blinked. "You are? Damn... you can't have a concubine before you're actually married... tsk."

I laughed. "You're okay with your daughter being a Concubine?"

She shrugged. "She's the one who put forward the idea, and I honestly agree. Your Seed would prove very good for our clan. And our Sigil's are quite similar, in a way."

"I have a counter to your counter. Make me a real part of your Order through giving me the recently vacated title of Grand Knight, and I'll give your daughter my seed, and she can be a concubine when I'm married. I'm actually quite positive I'll have several." I grinned.

She hummed, tapping her fingers on the desk. Her husband stood, bowed politely, and kissed her cheeks, before walking out with a first and last comment. "I'll leave you two to it..."

I smiled, and waited as she went through the scenario. Finally she sighed. "It'll have to do... I accept. Stand up." I stood, and she walked around the desk. "Kneel." She said quietly.

I knelt. "Always with the bowing." I muttered.

"Quiet. This is a solemn ritual..." she hissed. "Is your name Wren Niklaus Polisavich?"

"It is." I nodded.

"Do you have the necessary skills and strengths to become a Grand Knight of the Uruk Order?"

"I do." I said easily.

"Do you swear never to betray the trust of your Order, and to always uphold the values of Chivalry, even if doing so brings about your untimely death?" She asked.

I raised an eyebrow.

She sighed. "I'm aware of your thoughts on our honor code. But it's simple. We never harm the innocent. We never harm those unable or too feeble to protect themselves, and we do our bests to be kind to those who seek it."

I nodded. "Easy enough. I swear to uphold my views of honor, and hope they match yours." I smiled.

She smiled as well. "Good. Then rise, and speak your Truth, Sir Polisavich, and accept your place among us as Lord Polisavich, Grand Knight of the Uruk Order."

I stood, and grunted when my wings began to burn. They turned golden and copper at first, but then slowly turned Gold and Platinum. "Fuck that hurt." I chuckled.

She raised an eyebrow. "Interesting Truth." She grinned.

I laughed. "Interesting... so I really was almost on par with that guy..."

"Ira? Yes. He was a Bronze Grand, and you were perhaps a Silver Grand, but when you defeated him and took his Runes and weapons into yourself, you got much stronger... though, your Fire and Ice Rukh are sorely weakened, compared to your Lightning Rukh." She smirked.

"Yeah, well. I never had much use for them." I shrugged. "I don't really use magic while I'm fighting. I use the others for building and healing."

She nodded. "I know. Now. Tojo turns 18 in five days, on September Seventh. You'll marry him then, I presume?" She asked.

"Yes. And I'll send our combined DNA to a Breeder soon after that." I nodded.

"You're using a Breeder, not a Surrogate?" She asked incredulously.

I grinned. "Do you honestly think anyone who does Surrogacy would ever want to have my children inside them? I'm a Plague to most nobles. You all avoid me and ignore me like a leper, or a mangy mutt that'll leave if you don't feed me."

She frowned. "I'd happily find a surrogate for you! Though, you're right... that is how most nobles treat you when they have a choice in the matter..."

"I'm sure it would go better if my name wasn't mentioned... but my DNA has been severely altered, and I'm not done yet... I'm going to keep going. One last change... also, a Breeder has no chance of Infant mortality because of faulty Surrogacy practices. My DNA has Human, Roanokian, and even Draconic Genomes. What human could carry my child?" I chuckled and sat down in a chair.

"So... what's your plan, then?" She asked. "Because if no human could carry your children, how would you have them with my daughter?"

"I was hoping to ask Dentara to Surrogate, because, as a Roanokian, she's much stronger than any human, and she's able to handle the Electricity naturally..." I nodded.

She blinked. "Interesting... you're on personal terms with a Roanokian?"

"Several. Dentara is James Pantera's Wife." I grinned.

She dropped her face into her palms. "You're personally friendly with your fuck-buddy's Wife?"

"I am." I shrugged simply.

"Okay... well, your logic is true, she'd be able to handle the child... would she do it?" She asked.

"I think so." I grinned. "If she refuses, I can find another. There are quite a few of them, after all, and I can be very persuasive."

---

I lounged on a sofa, watching Tojo try on tuxedos. "I like that one." I said, as he slid a red silk jacket on, with a black shirt underneath.

He hummed. "I like the material... but the color is a bit gaudy. A darker red would be wonderful." He said.

The tailor bowed her head. "Of course, Lord Shinzo. Excellent choice."

I sighed. "I hate that subservient tone... please, my dear. While it's just us? Say your thoughts. You know much more about clothes than I, so I've no clue if you're just being subservient or you actually agree."

She flinched, and looked at me. "I'm... I'm not at liberty to-"

"I am giving you permission." I stated simply.

She chewed on her lip nervously, and Tojo placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "He's very indelicate, but he speaks the truth. I know little about fashion. What are your thoughts?"

She sighed and centered herself, then spoke clearly. "Your skin is too light for a darker red, it would simply contrast your skin, which isn't what you want. You want something that compliments."

"I see... so what color would work?" He asked, slipping the jacket off slowly and carefully.

"Well, red simply isn't your color. If you like silk, I have a selection of white and light blue silk tuxedos that would fit you much better. And the opposite is true for you, Master Wren. Your skin is darker, and must be complimented. A dark Amber would set off the gold in your eyes, and also make your black hair appear more vivid." She replied easily.

I smiled. "I like you much better now... how would you like an Investor to expand your business?"

She laughed. "I like my business exactly the size it is."

"What about someone to fund your Silks?" I hummed.

She blinked. "Why-"

"Done, then. Wonderful. Also, I want you to make him a Kimono, purest silk, spare no expense. A work of Art." I smiled.

He blushed. "That type of money..."

"Is acceptable." I said sternly, and shook the shocked woman's hand.

She grinned, shaking herself out of it. "I think you and I will be very much good friends, Master Wren."

I chuckled. "Perhaps. As for now, what would fit him and I for tuxedos? All silk."

She darted off and returned quickly with a pure white silken tuxedo, with matching pants and a baby blue undershirt and shoes. Mine was Scarlet, with a black shirt and shoes, with a Silver and Platinum Tie, which I found incredibly amusing.

Then I remembered the reason I was here, and grinned. I walked up to Tojo as he looked at himself in the mirror, and hugged him from behind softly. "So. I have a serious question for you." I said slowly, leaning on his shoulder.

He hummed. "Uh-oh... serious? I don't know..."

"Shush you." I nipped his ear. He squeaked, and I chuckled. "Now I've got your attention..." I let him go, and stepped back a step, then knelt, fishing in my pocket for his ring. "I've been told this is customary, so I took into account your Birth Month. I hope you like sapphires... otherwise I spent close to 9 billion Yuan for a ring I'd have to return..." I muttered.

He turned sharply, confused, until he caught sight of the ring in my palm. It was Platinum, with white and blue sapphires laced through it, and atop it in a triple flower setting.

The twin, which was much more demure and thicker, to account for my lifestyle, was Platinum with one single Sapphire, and the inside was made of Rail Metal, engraved with several borrowed or stolen Sigils. His had my sigil engraved inside the gem's casting, which was also made of Rail Metal, though only just enough.

He slowly touched it, and flinched. "9... Billion?"

"Or somewhere close to that. It's the best ring I could have made... your mother insisted." I shrugged. Masa, who'd been totally silent so far, chuckled and then silenced herself. "Now. The serious question..." I breathed deeply.

He smiled. "Shoot."

"Okay... here goes. Will you marry me, Shinzo Tojo? I won't be the best husband... not by far. I will have other lovers, other children, but I will be your friend. I will not always seem kind, or just. Hell, I will not always be kind or just. I will often use those around me as pawns to further my own goals. You may even be one of those. But I will care for you, and I will be your family, and all that goes with it. Knowing that, knowing the raw deal you're getting with me, do you still want this?" I asked, staring into his eyes to let him see the truth I spoke.

He laughed. "Why not? I've always wanted a friend who couldn't leave me when they realized I was a dork." He kissed me, and I stood, slipping the ring onto his finger.

"Good. Because I think your mother was planning on eviscerating me if you said no." I whispered conspiratorially, smiling.

"No, she-... oh. She was. Hmm. Well, good for you I said yes, huh?" He looked at his mother, who's claws were unsheathed and sparking, and laughed. "When's the wedding?" He asked.

"Up to you... I think a New Year's Wedding would be nice, don't you?" I asked, sitting on the couch and setting him in my lap.

He hummed. "I think that sounds awesome."

"And remember, now you're stuck with me. And like a snake, you might just be safer letting me eat you..." I hummed, and grinned.

He smiled. "You're all talk, you know. You wouldn't hurt me. I can see it."

I laughed. "I meant safe from my enemies, little wife." I smirked mischievously.

He blushed. "I'm not your wife, I'll be your husband!"

I laughed again, and gripped his ass, watching him moan femininely. "Sure. Whatever you say." I smirked.

He pouted, and I grinned, patting his head. "Now... let's discuss wedding preparations..." I grinned at the challenge of organizing a Gala on par with Arthur's...