Chapter 300: My Children [1/2]
Then I felt a huge wave of soul. Seven of them. I turned around and saw that the Sirens all had their GRI's out. The same book I used with the QR code was before them. Then I felt transmissions through the air.
Ever since Raymond Gertrude pointed it out, I could now "feel" the arrival of digital transmissions. I didn't know how I knew, because unlike Raymond, I couldn't command the air.
"It's probably {Code}. Since Bella turned me into a technopath after all."
While I was busy contemplating my newfound insight, the Sirens' phones all began to receive messages like crazy. Funnily enough, my wives all had somber expressions on their faces as they read the incoming transmissions.
I remember the tension I felt the first time I saw the Dirge Sirens. Indeed, if the Reapers saw such information, they would understand how fragile the defenses were.
"Master was right to be concerned. I wonder if Asia is as bad."
"There have been 10 zones in the last hour. Just how many Reapers die every day? No wonder Husband was worried."
"I should thank Dearest for opening my eyes, it is different than just seeing it on a report. If I hadn't left Administration, I wouldn't have known how dire the situation was."
"You girls are too serious. Everything will be fine. Darling and his army have slowly been kicking ass. If we start fortifying the zones, we will ensure that none of them fall."
"Agreed. With Honey around, supplies and ammunition would never be an issue. He is a siege's worst nightmare."
"Robyn, what do I do? The GRI is beeping like crazy! Help!"
"Liv, why the fuck would you ask me of all people? I feel like a drongo just looking at this thing."
Chuckling as I heard my Northerner and my Aussie having problems, I walked over to them.
"My love, help! What do I do?"
I put my hand on Liv's cheek and smiled. The effect was immediate as she blushed and calmed down. Taking the GRI from her hand, I dismissed the messages and handed it back to her. Along with a quick kiss.
Robyn came forward and presented hers like a child. I opened the GRI and also removed the notifications. She also wanted me to put a hickey on her neck.
Afterwards I explained in a few words.
"Each of those things was a zone's dirge siren. That means the reapers defending them are all dead or dying. We as mercenaries can go to each one and kill the undead. Once each one is cleared, we call Administration for a new defender."
Finally understanding the implications, Robyn and Liv also wore grim expressions. The other five, on the other hand, were already thinking about how to answer the calls for help.
"Lilly, you can use {Portals} like doors, right? Is it possible between here and a zone? Like we did with Earth and Hellsgate?" Bella asked, deep in thought.
"I don't think so. We could only do that because I could visualize the origin and destination. I am not talented enough to use the {Portal} without sight. Perhaps if I could calculate it?"
"Jas and I can help, leave the calculations to us. She's a genius, if you don't know."
"Bella-san, your children are AI, right? Can't they help?" Aki reminded.
"I can't, they're not real AI, they are merely {Programs} using my {Fate}. I have to use some of my brain power to maintain them."
I pulled the two behind me to join the other five. "Everyone, can we also enjoy the discussion?"
"Master, everyone was just thinking about how best to act in this situation. Instead of joining together in one dirge siren, we want to imitate you."
"Me?" I parroted.
"Yes, dear. We all wish to take on a dirge siren alone. After all, unlike what you went through, you fought as a Wraith. As Phantoms, we should be able to do it as well."
"Husband, please let us do this. We want to prove to you that we are not weak. Robyn, Liv, do you both agree?"
"I do. If beloved wishes to retake the North, fighting alone is something we must all prepare for."
"Bloody oath! As if I would lose to any of you!"
"Heh! I knew it, we all want to follow Darling! Then we all agree we will fight Solo in our first zones."
"Um, I'm sorry to burst everyone's bubble, but I can't fight solo. I need help. Without my children, I cannot fight on equal footing with any of you. I need Lilly to at least carry my equipment."
This was probably why Bella asked for {Portal}. If Lilly didn't go with Bella, our children couldn't be used properly. The only alternative to packing the equipment would be to transport it through subspace via the {Portal}.
"I see. That was why you were discussing how to use the {Portal}."
"Yes. Funnily enough, without Lilly, I would not be able to fight on par with a Siren."
"Fufu, be ready to kneel and kiss my foot later, Bella, learn who your queen is."
"Shut up you pervert. I have videos of you playing with yourself while moaning Honey's name. Shall I show them to everyone?"
"YOU!!! WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS?!! DELETE THOSE RIGHT NOW!"
I quickly stepped between Bella and Lilly and mediated between them.
"Lilly, dear, please calm down. We all do it. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Bella feels inferior to the rest of you, please do not pick on her."
I then turned to Bella and ordered her sternly.
"Honey, I know you were only joking, but Lilly is sensitive about such things. Please delete all these videos and respect the Siren's privacy. I will allow you to spy on me as much as you want as payment."
"..."
"Bella..."
"Fine. I deleted them all. Does honey still want to check?"
I smiled as I shook my head.
"No. I know you would never betray me. I believe you."
I turned to Lilly again and asked her in a similar manner.
"Lilly, please help us find a way for Bella to bring our children. Only you have the subspace capacity for them."
"Are you not angry that I am enjoying myself while imagining you? You must think I am a disgusting harlot," she expressed in a hurt tone.
Amused, I used [Flash Step] and stole Lilly's lips. After a short, passionate kiss, I whispered in a voice only Lilly could hear.
"Far from it, Lilly. I would watch if I could. No matter. Come this Sunday, you will masturbate in front of me. If you want me to stick it in you, that is."
"You! You! How depraved can you be?" she said in annoyance as she tried to punch me in the arm. No longer angry, Lilly smiled naughtily.
I dodged her playful blows and laughed heartily at her embarrassment.
"Husband, I feel upset that you call those machines your children. Bella can delude herself all she wants, but I refuse for you to join her."
"Look here, you black-skinned bitch! Leave my children out of this! I only had them because of Honey! They are his!"
"Now, now. Everybody, calm down. I personally like Alfonso! He calls me Auntie! I have no problem with them being Darling's children!"