Tony was afraid and for the first time it wasn’t for himself, it was for the three people who stood before Dexter.

Well, Emilia couldn’t talk and was bedridden, but Riley and Yu-Jun were pretty much ok and they were the targets of Dexter’s wrath.

Emily was covered in many layers of bandages and according to the doctor, the chances that she would walk or even talk again were slim.

As for Yu-Jun, he was trembling and Tony doubted that it was because of Dexter.

Tony had recently learnt that all Kynigoi were made to prepare mankind for some kind of war against the Aethon’s.

Apparently, the Aethon’s would one day descend to earth and on that day the Kynigoi would help save mankind from being wiped out.

Tony looked at the sate Emily, Riley and Yu-Jun were in. He shuddered at the thought of facing off with Kiochi, let alone an Aethon.

“Do you three have any idea how bad we look right now?” Dexter asked with a smile. He wasn’t fooling anyone, because they could all clearly see the veins on Dexter’s temples.

“First Izanagi and Hanzo, now you three. How the hell are we supposed to call ourselves the best if one of us dies or gets injured every time we step into the field?” He continued.

“And you know what? I asked the council to send me out, but they told me not to. DAMMIT!” Dexter yelled.

All of his men, and Tony, flinched at this. It was the angriest any of them had ever seen Dexter.

“Now, I’m going to beg the council to let me kill Kiochi and hopefully that will calm their anger.” Dexter said.

“You know what makes this situation truly pitiful? We are the best mankind has. We are the ones who are supposed to stand up against the Aethon’s when they come. Yet I’m stuck with the likes of you.” Dexter said as he stood up.

“I will return with Kiochi’s head, or decapitate one of you as a substitute.” He left the room and almost immediately, Yu-Jun collapsed.

Riley sat on the chair next to Emily’s bed as he ran his hands through his hair.

Tony did his best not to imagine what the S ranked Kynigoi must have gone through to leave them the way they way.

Emily was broken, literally.

Yu-Jun was broken mentally.

Riley was the only one who retained the air of a super soldier.

Tony walked over to Camila who was quietly sitting on a nearby chair.

“What do you thinks gonna happen now?” Tony asked.

“I’m not sure, we’ll just have to wait and see if Dexter can kill Kiochi.” Camila said.

Tony compared the two in his mind, but he didn’t have enough data on Kiochi or Dexter. So comparing them would have to wait.

“Oh, where’s Izanagi?” Tony asked.

“Izanagi? Oh, he’s probably in his room brooding over something. You know how he’s like, hehe.” Riley said with an painful sounding laugh.

Tony was about to leave the room when Dexter suddenly reentered.

“Dammit! Pack your things, we’re going to Vestibule Beta.” He barked.

Riley stormed out of the room and Yu-Jun stumbled out, leaving Tony, Camila and Emily.

“What about Emily?” Tony asked.

“The doctor’s said that all her bones were shattered and that the chances of her moving again are almost zero. Anyway, it seems as though the council needs us at the Vestibule, because they sent a team of A ranked Kynigoi instead of yours truly.” Dexter said with a sigh.

“Why would they do that? Didn’t they see how your men got treated?” Tony asked.

“According to the council, our failures have been the result of insufficient field experience. So their sending A’s four, six, eight and nine instead.” Dexter scoffed.

“Anyway, enough chit chat! Get your things ready, we’re leaving soon.” Dexter ordered then left the room.

[The C.O.N. still hasn’t released any information that links Yamamoto Saito to the bombing in Mt. Takeo and we’ve just received a report from the local authorities near Mt. Takeo and it was reported that no lives were lost. Could Yamamoto Saito be innocent? We’ve yet to receive any word from his legal team.]

The reporter on the TV said.

“Why did the council lock Yamamoto up instead of just ordering his assassination?” Tony asked as he and Camila left Emily’s room.

“No idea. The world is going to change very drastically very soon. Maybe they wanted a scapegoat, or a distraction for the public. I’m not sure.” Camila said.

Tony sighed. If only things were simpler, then he wouldn’t have to think so deeply about everything.

Tony, Camila and the S ranked Kynigoi team readied themselves and drove to the secret location of Vestibule Beta.

It was hidden somewhere within the UK and only a handful of people knew

Tony wondered what grim fate awaited it and whether he would be spared from the enemies wrath. He couldn’t help but think that Kiochi wasn’t an enemy. He began seeing him as more of a cornered animal. One who had very few options left.

That was the worst kind of opponent.

.

..

Back in Japan, Kiochi had spent nearly the whole day recovering as his men tirelessly worked on repairing what the Kynigoi had damaged.

Kiochi knew that the council wasn’t just going to sit back and watch as Kiochi’s army grew in strength.

Blowing Kiochi and his men up was a pretty good plan, but fortunately Kiochi and his allies had Eve.

‘Thank you by the way.’ Kiochi said.

[For what?]

‘You know, everything. You’ve had my back this whole time and to be honest I wish there was someway I could thank you for all you’ve done.’

[No need. Just keep us alive and I’ll he the happiest girl in the world.]

‘So you’re a girl? Actually… what are you? We still haven’t made any progress on that?’ Kiochi asked.

[Hey, I’m a girl at heart. Also, I just can’t figure out what you’re made of. Your genetic information tells me that you’re human, but your abilities say otherwise. Maybe I’m looking in the wrong places…]

Eve said as her voice trailed off

‘Don’t worry too much about it. I’m sure you’ll figure it out someday. Also, I think it’s time to conduct that little experiment of yours.’ Kiochi said as he got up from his bed.

[Ok. Find a small group of people, we don’t know what’ll happen if I fail so keep that in mind.]

Eve cautioned.

‘Ok.’

Kiochi left his room and entered the war room were he found the usual suspects.

Yassine and David were tinkering with a strange spherical device, Mai and Johan were tallying up the damage reports from the day before and Rin sat in the corner quietly.

Also, Dr. Tahiri wasn’t there, but Kiochi didn’t pay it any mind.

Kiochi approached Mai and she gave him a casual salute.

“Sir!” She said with a smile.

Kiochi felt his heart rate increasing slightly, but he didn’t let that ruin his focus.

“At ease, how many did we lose yesterday?” He asked.

“five were killed and two were seriously wounded. This makes sense since our opponents were Kynigoi and the fact that we were unprepared didn’t help.” Mai reported.

“If you don’t mind my frankness, sir. Our numbers are just too small, fighting like this will only lead to more casualties.”

“I see. Mai, Rin, and Johan, gather two of the best men from your divisions and bring them to the hall. There’s an experiment I’d like to conduct.” Kiochi ordered and his lieutenants gave him sharp salutes as they exited the war room, all except Rin. He just casually walked out of the room.

“Experiment? What kind?” Kiochi heard David ask.

“Well, I’ve discovered that I can modify the human body using my cocoons. Actually, I’ve leant that they have many uses, but I’d like to test their limitations.” Kiochi explained.

“Now this I have to see. Yassine, go get Dr. Tahiri. I’m sure she won’t want to miss this.” David said as he placed his tools on the table. He followed Kiochi out of the war room and the two made their way to the hall.

“By the way, I often see you tinkering on that tiny desk. We should finish up work on the lab as soon as possible. That should make work a lot easier for you, no?” Kiochi asked.

“Well, yes and no. Yes, I’d have more space and easier access to my stuff, but I've already moved some of my things up here so I'd have to move them back down.” David said.

“I see. I’ve also been thinking about getting some more help in terms of scientists and medical personnel. Your thoughts?” Kiochi asked.

“Mmm… I know a trustworthy person who can help us out with that, but she’ll want to get involved with the war if she hears about it.” David said as he and Kiochi reached the halls entrance.

“Who do you have in mind?” Kiochi asked.

“Andrea Ross. I’ll contact her, but I’m worried she’ll get too involved with all this once she gets here.” David said.

“Why would she come here?” Kiochi asked.

“That’s just the way she is. If something piques her interests, there’s no way she’ll leave it alone.” David said with a sigh.

Kiochi and David entered the hall.

Kiochi saw his lieutenant’s and their men. He counted two from each division. He also spotted Dalila in the back of the hall.

Where was she during the attack? Kiochi wondered.

I’ll think about that later. Kiochi thought as he approached the podium.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to thank you for your brilliant service yesterday. You all fought valiantly and to thank you I’d like to gift you all with power. Well, I’d like to see if I can share my strength with you in the first place.” Kiochi announced.

His men all stood attentively.

Part of Kiochi felt honored that his men were so loyal.

Mai had reported that not even a single one of his men abandoned the school or their posts.

Each of them fought well and Kiochi it was more than fair that he reward them proportionally.

Kiochi descended from the podium. He walked past each of the men his lieutenants presented.

“You’ve been handpicked-"

Kiochi stopped when Rin, Mai and Johan joined the ranks.

“What the- what are you doing?” Kiochi asked.

“We sir, are also willing to undergo the modification. It would be unthinkable of us to let our men take risks that we ourselves cannot.” Johan declared.

“Plus, we have placed all of our faith in you.” Mai said.

“What’s the worst that could happen.” Rin remarked.

Kiochi gasped.

Not only his men, but their lieutenants were all so willing.

It moved Kiochi to the point where he could not imagine denying them this chance.

“Ok. Are you ready?”

“ “ Yes sir! “ “ Everyone said and Kiochi began his work.

All nine of them were lined up perfectly on the floor and so Kiochi crouched and placed his hand on the ground.

Yassine and Dr. Tahiri arrived moments later with the Ovum Vitae.

This caught the attention of some of some nearby soldiers, who watched closely as Kiochi was handed the Ovum Vitae.

The Ovum Vitae was placed about half a meter away from Kiochi, then suddenly a black vein sprung out from Kiochi’s skin.

It creepily attached itself to the Ovum Vitae.

Everyone gasped when Kiochi’s body convulsed suddenly.

JOLT!

Kiochi felt a surge of energy as the chord that was attached to the Ovum Vitae sent ethereal energy from the Ovum to Kiochi.

“Look closely David!” Kiochi instructed.

“Take notes because we’re going to be using ethereal energy far more in the future.” Kiochi said as numerous root like things emerged from his skin. They crawled and moved across the floor and began bunching up around the nine volunteers.

Kiochi could see the anxiety in their eyes, but beyond that, he could see determination.

Kiochi accepted their determination and planannedo pay it back in full.

The roots began forming cocoons.

Nine in total.

Not five minutes had passed until the last cocoon was finished.

“David, come here.” Kiochi instructed as various other vines formed a pedestal near him.

David looked at it in confusion.

“Place your tablet on it. I’ve devised a new way in which we can use technology in our fight against the council.”

[Sure, take all the credit. It’s not like I had to create a new computer language or anything.]

Eve scoffed.

‘Hehe.’ Kiochi chuckled internally as David placed his tablet on the black pedestal.

The tablet was a perfect fit for the slot on the tablet and almost immediately the tablet began downloading the code Eve had created.

“What is this?” David asked. His hands trembled as the screen his tablet flashed on and off.

Then after a moment, it displayed the status of the nine cocoons.

David touched the tables screen and it reacted. It now showed him detailed information on the third cocoon.

“Thanks to the tablet Ev- I mean, I was able to create an entire cloud service for us on the internet. That and we also have an entirely new digital network on the web. This will help a lot in the future. Yamamoto helped bring down Vestibule Charlie with brute force. But taking down Vestibule Beta will require us to use our heads.” Kiochi and everyone gasped.

“David’s tablet is now sending it’s version of the new code to all devices on site. This will make communication a hundred times easier. No longer will we have to worry about the leakage of information. We’ll cover the rest later, but for now let’s focus on the cocoons.” Kiochi said. He noticed that a small crowd had formed within the hall.

“Ouch!”

“Ay!”

Kiochi and everyone in the hall heard yelps of pain coming from within the cocoons.

Apparently, some black veins had embedded themselves into the volunteers.

“Don’t worry, those will help us monitor your vitals.” Kiochi said.

“David, what do you see?” Kiochi asked.

“I see everything! Heart rate, blood pressure… everything. How are we getting all this information? There’s not even one machine plugged in!” David exclaimed.

“Don’t worry about that. For now, just monitor their vitals.” Kiochi assured David who was sweating buckets at this point.

Eve then started the second phase of the experiment.

[BEGINNING PHASE TWO: SUBMERSION]

Kiochi felt all of his power move from his body to the cocoons.

Fortunately he was plugged into the Ovum Vitae, otherwise he’d have been sucked dry almost instantly.

“Umm… Kiochi, something is filling the cocoon!” Kiochi heard Rin say.

“Yeah, same here!” Johan confirmed.

“Don’t worry about that. It’ll completely fill the cocoon, but you’ll be fine.”

“What?” Rin exclaimed.

“Won’t we drown sir?” Johan asked.

“He said don’t worry, didn’t he? Have faith.” Mai said.

Rin and Johan eventually became silent.

“David, are they completely submerged now?” Kiochi asked.

“Umm, the display says that the liquid has reached around ninety percent. By the way, what is that liquid?” David asked.

“Um-“ Kiochi actually had no idea what it was.

[Just tell him it’s a mixture of various chemicals that help with the procedure.]

Kiochi repeated what Eve told him and faced nodded his head in understanding.

“Ok, it’s now saying that the cocoons are undergoing phase three. What’s phased three?” David asked.

[BEGINNING PHASE THREE: MODIFICATION]

JOLT!

Kiochi felt a large drain of power.

Some of the cocoons rocked slightly and the chord connecting Kiochi to the Ovum Vitae began heating up.

“It’s… phase three is the modification process…” Kiochi said as he wheezed.

David looked at his tablet which showed that the volunteers were indeed being altered. Even the Kynigoi’s from Ms. Hashimoto’s group of volunteers looked as though they were undergoing change.

A small crowd behind David and even they could see that the people within the cocoons would be very different when they came out.

Kiochi fought for his every breath and the chord began searing his skin. He formed a layer of armor where his skin met the chord, which was at the nape of his neck.

The armor distributed the heat evenly across its surface which did Kiochi good, seeing as it was only getting hotter.

Everyone in the hall now patiently waited for the cocoons to open.

Ten minutes passed, then twenty, but no one dared utter a single word as Kiochi worked.

TING!

A sound came from David’s tablet. The display showed that the process had been completed and that the subjects were ready for retrieval.

David and many others ran to Kiochi, who looked like he was semi conscious and helped him up.

David tried to pull the chord out from Kiochi’s nape, but instead burnt his hand as soon as he touched it.

“Somebody get some water and some clothes.” David barked and soon after, some men came with what he needed.

David, with the help of the bystander’s, yanked out the chord and severed Kiochi’s connection to the Ovum Vitae.

Meanwhile, Yassine and Dr. Tahiri were opening the first of the cocoons.

A large plume of steam rushed out of it as they peeled off the top, revealing a naked Rin.

Rin popped out of the cocoon and sat up. He coughed and choked on the strange white liquid for a few seconds before calming down. He then stood up and found that he was now a full two heads taller than Yassine. His hair was also pitch black and even the sclera of his eyes were now black.

The others awoke with similar appearances.

Some men rushed towards them with some towels and fresh clothes.

Mai Hashimoto also changed in appearance. She was slightly taller and eye's were also pitch black.

Everyone then turned to Kiochi.

Their leader. The one who had blessed them with new bodies that were similar to Kiochi’s ultimate form.

They all gave Kiochi sharp salutes as David propped him up so he could stand.

Johan stepped forward.

“Sir-" Johan stopped when he heard his own voice. It sounded like three people were speaking at once.

Everyone gasped at this, making even more people stand attentively.

“Sir, we humbly thank you. We shall use these new bodies to serve you and our cause with even more diligence.” Johan said with a sharp salute.

[Thank you.]

Johan said internally.

[You’re welcome.]

Somehow, Kiochi welcomed him telepathically.

All of the reborn soldiers gasped as they heard the voice of their leader within their heads.

Some of them collapse from the sheer shock of hearing Kiochi’s voice within their heads a d thier hearts.

Kiochi was then escorted out of the hall and into the medical bay in the west wing. He was then placed on a hospital bed where he received various check ups.

The medical staff were beyond shocked to see that he was completely fine. His blood sugar levels were really low, but other than that, he was ok.

Kiochi was then discharged and headed for his room. He fell into his bed and dozed off to the beautiful sound of cheers and construction.

Eve had given him and his men the means of communication they desperately needed and with this, they could conduct secret experiments without the fear of the council eavesdropping on them.

Kiochi had big plans for his men. For every once of respect that they paid him, he’d return it two fold. He hadn’t gotten a good opportunity to see his reborn soldiers but he was sure that they were more than a match for even A ranked Kynigoi.

The night went on and Kiochi slept peacefully.

.

..

Knock.

Knock.

Kiochi was awoken by the sound of knowing on his door.

“Who is it?” He asked sleepily as he checked the time.

It was slightly past midnight, so Kiochi wondered who it might be and what they might want.

“It’s Mai.”

“Oh, come in.” Kiochi said and Mai quietly entered, closing the door behind her.

Kiochi looked at her. She was slightly than before and her hair had gained a wierd metallic sheen to it. Her sclera had turned white, but Kiochi assumed that wasn’t their natural state.

Mai presented herself to Kiochi, half nervous that he wouldn’t accept her new form.

“Well? Are you coming or not?” Kiochi asked and that confirmed what Mai needed to know. She undressed and climbed into Kiochi’s bed.

“You never cease to amaze me, you know?” She gently said.

Kiochi knew more than anyone that life could surprise you.

So much had happened within the span of less than a month, but Kiochi couldn’t help but feel relieved. He looked back to when he was on the forest floor in Myanmar.

That night when he lost all of his men to the Aethon’s. He could have given up then and obeyed the council.

But that didn’t seem right. Not because he felt like some hero or anything, but because of the choice he made, he’d gotten to meet so many people and experienced many emotions.

“Yeah, I’m full of surprises, hehe.”

“What do you think?” Mai asked as she sat up.

Presenting her upper body to Kiochi.

Kiochi turned away from her and feigned ignorance.

“What do you mean?”

“My body. Do I still even look like a woman? How much did you change?” Mai asked.

Kiochi panicked.

“You look as womanly as ever!” He yelped.

Mai crossed her arms and began pouting.

“You’re not even looking.”

Kiochi remained silent.

“Turn around, now.”

Kiochi did as he was instructed.

Mai was to close to him that the only thing keeping Mai’s chest from Kiochi’s face was the grey tank top she wore.

Kiochi looked at her skin. It had a polished radiance and it looked so soft that touching it would cause permanent damage.

Kiochi placed his finger on her arm.

Mai flinched.

“What are you doing? You still haven’t answered me!” She cried.

Kiochi ignored her and traced his finger up her arm, up to her neck.

He felt her shiver as he raised his fingers.

“You’re still beautiful.”

Kiochi said.

Tears began to well up in Mai's eyes and her face turned beat red.

Kiochi panicked.

‘What did I say?’ He wondered.

[Smooth moves there, champ.]

Eve remarked.

“Why am I feeling this way?” Mai asked.

“All I think about is you now. I try to be a soldier like in the old days, but you keep doing weird shit like this!” She said as she wept.

Wait a minute! Kiochi realized.

‘Eve, did you remove her Kynigoi augments?’

[Yes.]

Eve admitted.

‘Oooohhh, that explains why she’s being an emotional wreck in front of me.’ Kiochi deduced.

[Sure...]

Eve remarked.

“It’s been this way for me ever since I first met you.” Mai said as she clumsily wiped her tears.

‘huh?’ Kiochi’s mental gears all stopped.

“Even back then, you were always so weird and weird and weird.” Mai said.

“Wait a minute, you felt this way since then? That was four years ago!” Kiochi exclaimed.

“Yeah? So what? It’s not my fault you’re a freak of nature.” Mai said.

Then Kiochi had a thought.

Women who became Kynigoi lost their ability to reproduce due to the countless augments they underwent. But Eve had effectively restored Mai's body and even made improvements.

Kiochi wondered if maybe Mai had regained her ability to have children.

A nervous smile formed on Kiochi’s face.

“What are you smiling abou-" Mai was interrupted by Kiochi as he gave her a hug.

Kiochi quickly let go and rolled himself in the blankets.

Mai had stopped crying at this point, so she crawled into the blankets with him.

“After this is all over-” Kiochi stopped himself.

“Mmm?”

“Never mind. Good night.” He said while wearing a big smile.

Kiochi celebrated the success of Mai’s recovery, but then a dark thought from the past resurfaced. He remembered what Mako Watanabe had once told him.

She had a dream of one day becoming a parent and the council had stolen her dream from her. But he managed to create the ultimate opportunity for Mai.

Kiochi eventually fell asleep, but his desire to destroy the council grew many times on that night.

.

..

Knock.

Knock.

Kiochi was awoken by the sounds of knocking once again. He began regretting his choice of leading the army as its commander.

Thoughts of ruling from the shadows crossed his mind briefly.

“Who is it?” Kiochi asked.

“It’s David. There’s a guest waiting for you in the war room.” David reported.

Kiochi looked at Mai who was so tightly entangled with him, it limited his movement. Her added height and weight didn’t help this matter either.

“Mai.” Kiochi called out, but she clung even closer to him.

“MAI!” He yelled softly and the woman awoke. Her black sclera were clearly visible in the morning light.

“You know, if you want to live here we could always give your room to someone else.” Kiochi said.

“What? No! That’ll give the soldiers the wrong idea about us.” Mai said as she waved her hands frantically.

“Ok, then what are we? Just in case someone asks.” Kiochi said teasingly.

“Well- uh- I’m like your reliable older sister. Yes! That works.” Mai said awkwardly.

“Ok then, older sister.” Kiochi said mockingly as he got out of bed. He was then met with a kick that threw him across the room.

The kick had so much force it’d could have seriously injured a normal person, luckily for Kiochi, he wasn’t normal.

“Don’t be so mean!” Mai said as she cowered behind the blankets.

Kiochi ignored her and quickly got dressed. He left his room, entered the war room and found David, his lieutenants, Yassine and Dr. Tahiri and finally a blond woman.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kiochi Suzuki.” The woman greeted politely.

Kiochi shook her hand and greeted her in return.

“Greetings. David told me that you’re trustworthy. To what extent is that true?” Kiochi got straight to the point.

“Well, to be honest, I’m interested in whatever dad and uncle Yamamoto do. So you can count on me to get the job done!” The woman said while flexing her nom existent muscles.

“Dad?” Kiochi asked.

“Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. Andrea Ross is my daughter.” David said.

Kiochi rubbed his temples with his fingers.

“That’s not the kind of detail one easily forgets to mention, no?” Kiochi said.

“That matters not. I’m here and I’m interested. I heard that you’re going against the council. This won’t be easy.” Andrea said.

“That’s pretty much obvious at this point. We have a lot of work ahead of us.” Kiochi asked as he extended his hand a second time.

Andrea shook Kiochi’s hand again and put on a smug smile.

“I’m looking forward to working with you.”