Entering a well decorated office, there the man who had immense influence on outer space stood; McMurdo Barriston looking every bit the the old man he was, cutting some small decorative tree. He only turned to face us when we stood right in front of his desk.
" So, you're here Naze."
That was when Naze explained our situation to the old man who had taken his seat.
" I see- so it was you guys."
The old man scrutinised me so I took off the hat and gave a slight bow, my settings on best behaviour, with a touch of kiss ass." It's an honour to meet you sir. It's not everyday I get to meet a man of such high esteem such as yourself."
The old man smiled, showing off the wrinkles on his withered face. " Quite well mannered, and I see that he's taken some inspiration from your attire."
Naze only chuckled, glancing my way. " Well, when the kid came to ask for fashion aid, how could I not?"
" So Naze, what did you want to do?"
" These guys aren't afraid of taking chances. Old man, I want to swear a Sakazuki blood oath to them."
The old man's gaze went back to me, an analytical look in his eye. " So, you regard his manliness that highly. I guess rare events do happen."
The old man stroked his moustache for a moment before nodding. " That's fine. I'll hold a ceremony for you to be sworn brothers. The Turbines and Tekkaden will be brothers. His worth?"
" Equal. Neither will be atop the other."
" Even if you're fine with that, others shall not be. It's too much of a burden for them, so let's make it 60/40."
I felt more like an accessory than anything but I guess it was fine. Still got what we needed at the end of the day, and this wouldn't stop me from overstating what happened. I could see It now.
It was a hard talk. The old man nearly refused but with my wit and tongue, I managed to secure us the oath.
Once that whole ordeal was over, I was told to bring Kudelia cause the old man had some words for her.
Walking off the estate and taking the canoe back, I only managed to get off the boat before the whole gang were before me, surprised at my attire on their faces but they were more interested in the outcome.
Tucking a hand in my pocket and resting the other on the fedora on my head, I had to hold back the grin threatening to split my face for a cooler smirk for the moment. " I don't know why you guys seem so worried. After all, if anyone can get the job done, it's Darius Kingston."
There was a collective sigh of relief before shouts of joy. I haven't even said what exactly happened but they were celebrating.
I wasn't done with my job though. Walking up to Kudelia who had been staring at me presumably stunned by my magnificence, I extended a hand to her. "Mr McMurdo would like to speak to you. I'll be accompanying you back to the estate."
Her eyes widened in surprise before she took a deep breath in, straightened her clothes and took my hand. "Understood,"
The trip back was rather silent as Kudelia likely thought about why the big man himself wanted to talk to her and I thought on my next step. With the oath sealed with Turbine, any ideas I had put on pause till I could confirm my future could finally be explored. They were only concepts and I still couldn't do much until this mission was completed but they were looking more and more plausible with every day that passed.
Arriving back at the estate, I helped Kudelia out of the boat and guided her back to McMurdo's office where I decided to stand in and listen just in case it wasn't about what I thought it was about.
Mr McMurdo soon made his reason why he called her clear. He stated how any time one wanted more rights, organizations would come out of the woodworks and start scheming, not to mention the friction between the parties even if her mission was successful which could possibly end in war, so everything I expected.
"...so young lady, how would you feel about appointing Taiwaz for this? By allowing us to work aside you directly on these issues, we can do something about the immediate problems you'll be facing, though there may be some things even we cannot avoid.".
This was a lot for her at the moment. She needed time to think this through, McMurdo was being a bit pushy and I needed more brownie points with her so the move was obvious. Channeling my inner white knight, I was about to take a step forward when she spoke.
" May I have a little time to think this over?" Kudelia asked, to which the old man frowned slightly at.
" It seems clear. Can't decide?" Mr McMurdo said, sounding a bit pushy.
" Sir, if you do not mind." Taking a step forward, I gave a slight bow of respect before continuing. "This is quite the big decision for Miss Bernstein. Even an hour, just to contemplate the decision would be most beneficial."
The old man leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. Even if I didn't think the old man would remove me from the picture, watching him silently smoke his cigar as he regarded me made me hold my breath.
A deep chuckle rumbled from the old man's chest that allowed me to breath properly.
"Fine," he relented. "A day. But that's all I'll give. After that, I'll be expecting an answer."
I didn't have to be told twice. I gave another bow of thanks, walked to the door and urged Kudelia to follow which she luckily did with similar haste, thanking the old man too.
The walk out and into the courtyard was silent but once we made it out, I took in a breath of fresh air and sat down at a nearby table.
The violet eyed girl followed suit, sitting opposite me and finally decided to break the silence."You didn't have to do that,"
I snorted. " Thank you Darius for standing up to your new boss and one of if not the most influential man in outer space. "
I then pretended to wave away the thanks. "No problem Kudelia. I didn't want you to rush into anything you didn't want. "
The noble girl smiled at my theatrics, some of the tension leaving her body. Thank you Darius. I appreciate it. You were right. This isn't something I can rush into."
Her smile became a frown. "But I have to ask, Darius… Why? Why go that far for me?"
It wasn't that serious. Well, it kinda was but it was a calculated risk. I mildly doubted that McMurdo would feel offended by the act. If anything, it would show off my 'manliness' so it could even have added a few points to his good books.
Most of all, who wouldn't want someone as influential as her feel indebted to you.
"That's what friends do. " I said simply. " Now stop focusing on me and think about your mission. We have enough time to talk later."
She blinked in surprise, caught off guard by my simple almost childish response but when she recovered, a smile began to form before she sat straighter.
"You're right," she admitted. "This decision could change everything. I can't afford to get distracted."
The smile came back however and it was warmer than before. "But… thank you, Darius."
One can argue that I didn't do anything and they'd be right in the canonical sense. However, that was in fact the goal. I wasn't trying to change what I knew yet. I wasn't worried to do so but why make your one major advantage null.
Atleast make full use of it before you do.
I was trying to put myself in the limelight. Ensure that when something happens, even if it may have happened naturally or have been done by someone else, it would be attributed to me.
Be the Aizen you wanna see in the world and it was to easy cause I was the smartest goddamn idiot in the world.
*******
" Ah shit. Fuck, my head hurts like a bitch. "
Before I could say more, I jumped out of bed and ran into the nearest room, luckily a bathroom and vomited my guts out into the toilet. This lasted minutes and I stayed on the toilet for what felt like forever before getting up so I could at least lie on the bed I was on.
I paused at the door, confused to see Harley staring at me with a smile on her face and Cassady lying on the other end. Harley? Cassady? What are you doing in my—" I blinked, glanced around, then exhaled in defeat. "You know what, I could have woken up to worse in a worse place."
Harley snickered as I stumbled my way back into bed, enjoying the soft cushy surface of milkers in my face. "Damn right, you could've. Not everyone gets the luxury of waking up next to me."
Cassady, still groggy, draped an arm over my back, her voice muffled into the pillow. "Mmm, shut up, Harley…"
I groaned, burying my face deeper into her breasts. "You two wore me the fuck out, didn't you. My body only felt this saw once and it wasn't long ago."
Harley smirked, tracing lazy circles on my chest causing me to shut my eyes and wanna sleep. "Tch, you were the one who came stumbling in here, talking about how you're a 'somebody' now and need to celebrate. We just helped."
Ah, shit…I was starting to remember it now. After Kudelia and that meeting, I wanted to do something nice and bought drinks for all the older guys and sweets for the younger ones. Next thing I know…I think I was down like…fuck, I dont know. A shit ton of drinks then things came back in blobs.
******
Flashback:
" OI, LISTEN UP YOU PLEBS. I, YESS THE HANDSOM, ILLUSTRIOUS DARIUS KINGSTON IS NOW THE BROTHER TO… Shit, who was it?"
I looked down to Andre for help only to find the guy getting a lapdance to what I was sure was a guy in woman's clothing if that jaw and adam's apple told me anything.
Looking to the table over, Orga was already black out drunk with Biscuit and Mika helping him up. That was when I felt the table under me violently move, causing me to fall over.
*********
" You want moreeee of this you mother donkey fucker!"
Watching a few drunk guys running off, I turned to my mates. David was helping a bloodied Robby up. " You dumb cunt Robby!"
" I didn't fuckin now that broad had a man!" He shouted back, coughing up a mix of blood, alcohol and what looked to be…was that a hairball?"
" That's not it. You're an idiot for losing that fight. Let me teach you someting."
Pushing off of Richy who somehow teleported next to me and stumbling over to Robby, using the fool as a stand, I focused on his face. " Only the losers are wrong and thus are idiots. Understand tHAT F act and tyoull understand life. E-got it?"
********
Harley, open thi fuckin door or ill break it motherfuckin down!"
Just as I said that, the door slid open to an amused Harley. "You do know it's like, midnight right?"
Walking in passed her, I began stripping, tumbling over as I tried taking my pants off. "Prime booty call hours if you as k-" I paused to let out a few hiccups." Me."
Standing back up and getting on the bed, I was surprised to see a mop of ginger hair. ' Oh, Cassady. Good you're here, I need to feel like shit wehN I walk up tomorrow."
" Wake"
" The fuck are you, my englishness teacher? Stop talking shit and make those lips do something more usefull."
********
Flashback end:
One more drink they said. It's not like it's gonna kill you they said. You're the man of the hour. God damn, why do I listen to idiots.
Oh god, if I got this drunk, I could only imagine what ditch Andre and the rest woke up in. The bastards drank like they had nothing to live for, especially Robby when he wanted OH SHIT.
I had to get up immediately.
I had a ceremony to be at. Finding my pants on the floor, I saw a few dozen messages and calls already.
" Fuck. The ceremony is today. Fuck, fuck, fuck."
"Hey, sorry not sorry, I gotta use some of your bathroom stuff. I'll pay you back later!" I called out, running into the bathroom and starting the shower.
I managed to bang out the normal morning ritual in only twenty minutes despite my aching head and worse body before running out and getting dressed. Sniffing my suit, I was happy to smell that it didn't stink of alcohol or vomit.
Putting it on, I turned to the two girls. "Do one of ya wanna come? I don't know how long or boring this thing is gonna be so I would like a beautiful face to keep me company."
That was partially even true. I don't remember how long it was in the show or if it was even shown but knowing ceremonies, it could take a while. I mostly needed them to help me to the venue and to possibly lean on.
Harley sat up, tilting her head. "Do we get anything out of it?"
"You get to look pretty next to me and make all the important people jealous."
Harley chuckled, rolling her eyes before standing up. "Alright, fine. But only 'cause I heard they serve top tier shit in those type of meetings."
I grinned, offering an arm. "Then less talk, more walk."
********
The ceremony was shorter than expected. Wear some black kimono or whatever it was called, drink some soju and say some ceremonial words.
All got done in, like ten minutes. There was a feast afterwards so that was nice, especially for Harley who darted for the food. I went around talking to everyone that came as the good diplomat I was. Kudelia even came to thank me for my words. Apparently it helped her make her decision.
What words one may ask. Who the hell knows. Must have been when I was drunk. Just meant I was a wise drunk.
Maybe I was being narcissistic but I think the old man took a liking to me. Offered that I should come around some time. Something about wanting to talk. I don't know. I was just nodding and agreeing with anything at that point.
My headache, although calmer, was not doing me any favours. That lucky bastard, Andre wasn't anywhere to be seen nor were the others. Well, Richy was here. In fact, he was the one who reminded me so I needed to thank him for that later
I walked up to Orga who looked as shitty as I felt who was chatting outside with Biscuit and placed an arm around his shoulder. " As nice as all of this is. The official stuff is done so we need to get moving. Ready the guys. We need to get going by tomorrow."
Leaving that half statement, half order with him, I decided to call it a day even if it was only midday. Finding Harley stuffing her face by the trays of food, I watched amusedly as she tried everything. Something told me she wasn't normally invited to such events.
I walked up next to her, taking a glass of champagne and downing it all before turning to her. " I'm done greasing my elbows and licking old men's asses for the next week. If you're ready to go, so am I."
She sent a toothy smile my way, what I guessed was chocolate cake covering her teeth before she swallowed. "About time, big shot. You looked like you were having so much fun pretending to care about all that political crap."
She pocketed the bottle from the champagne I drank then wrapped an arm around mine. "Let's bounce."
" I was planning to apologise for banging on your door at midnight and forcing you to take me in but I feel like you should be thanking me instead."
Harley chuckled, leaning into my arm as we walked. "Oh, absolutely. Free food, fancy drinks, and I got to watch you suffer through boring conversations with a killer headache. Best date ever. Even got to see, what was it you called yourself? The future god emperor of humanity put Cassady in her place yesterday. P.S, you're either an aggressive drunk lover, or you get really mad when people grammar police you."
She smirked up at me, tilting her head. "Besides, I had plenty of fun without you. I got to talk to some of the girls who where there. The girls and I had a blast talking about all sorts of things… including you and your friends."
Well that's ominous but I felt to shitty to really care and her next words made me lose any such train of thought.
"So really, I should be thanking you. But if you wanna make it up to me properly…" She gave me a playful nudge. "You'll just have to find a way to impress me all over again."
Taking a cursory glance around and confirming we were somewhere quiet, I pinned the multi-coloured haired girl to the nearest wall. " You know. I don't remember my celebration last night all that well. Care to remind me?"
"Oh, sweetheart," she purred, her hands sliding up my chest teasingly. "If you don't remember, then I must not have done a good enough job."
Her nails lightly traced over the fabric of my shirt just enough to make me shiver. "Guess that means I'll have to remind you… properly this time."
My lips crashed onto hers and I was ready to take her then and there but I luckily had the sense to not. Women have superpowers I say. My headache had magically disappeared and instead, I grew a third leg.
Grabbing her hand, I was practically running back to her room since it was the closest.
"Slow down, hotshot. I like the chase, but at this rate, we're gonna crash through my damn door!" she half-scolded, half-laughed, tightening her grip on my hand.
Safe to say that I spent my day right.