Maxine regained consciousness and nearly gasped at the pain coming from her left side with every breath. She also felt like she tried to drink sand and as if she hadn't eaten in days. She opened her eyes and looked around. She was in Kerrigan's room within her hive and for some reason, she was naked. Her left arm was bandaged heavily and had been tied against her lower ribs to prevent it from moving. Kerrigan must've tried to patch me up. She seems to have done a fairly good job. She even reset the bones in my left arm while I was unconscious. But I don't see anything to eat or drink nearby and I definitely need to get both.
Maxine transfered some water from her dimensional ring directly into her mouth and drank several mouthfuls. Unfortunately, she didn't have any food in small enough portions to fit inside of her mouth. She was about to call out to Kerrigan when she heard voices approaching.
"By the maker's breath, how long does it take for us to navigate your hive, you filthy insect?" an angry woman said in the local language.
"Insult me again and my warriors will dine on human flesh," Kerrigan replied coldly. Huh? When did Kerrigan learn the local language? She must be a faster learner than I am. And why did she just threaten to feed that woman to her warriors? Did I miss something while I was unconscious?
"You wouldn't dare! The Alchemists Union would ensure your demise," the angry woman threatened.
"But you would still die very painfully and they would be none the wiser," Kerrigan retorted, "So mind your tongue. I've paid you to heal my mother, not to be insulted." Shit! It sounds like they are just around the corner and I'm still naked! Maxine retrieved a large piece of hide from her dimensional ring and did her best to cover herself up with just her right arm. It was just in time too. Kerrigan, a middle aged woman that she heard earlier and Cassandra of all people walked into view just as she covered herself.
"Now where's my patient?!" the alchemist complained, before his gaze landed on Maxine, "A shadow lord? It's rare to see one of them alone."
Maxine wanted to retort against that statement, but when she tried, a sharp pain from her jaw assaulted her senses. She groaned in pain and did her best not to move. She didn't want to aggrivate her other injuries or have the hide covering her knocked off.
"Mother!" Kerrigan shouted with joy as rushed to Maxine's side, "You were unconscious for three days. I was worried that you wouldn't ever wake up."
[I told you I would be fine,] Maxine reminded Kerrigan, [Did you find more snake fruit?]
[I only found one and that's the one I pulverized for you to drink before you passed out,] Kerrigan responded, [So I was forced to seek out a healer and this woman was the only one available. Her demands were ridiculous, but I was so worried about you.]
[What did she ask for?] Maxine asked.
[A cup of royal hive jelly,] Kerrigan replied and Maxine became instantly furious. That's robbery! Royal jelly from a hive is horrifically expensive! She could've gotten a dozen healing pills for a single cup of it. It can cure thousands of poisons and has a chance to improve the bloodlines of certain beasts making them stronger. And it only requires a teaspoon worth to do it.
[She's conned you. Your royal jelly is extremely valuable. You could've given her a teaspoon of it and you would've still overpaid her,] Maxine explained to Kerrigan.
[I know, mother, but it was the only way to ensure that she would come,] Kerrigan said.
[Did those 'others' tell you the worth of your royal jelly?] Maxine asked. Yeah, there is almost no doubt in my mind that she talked to other hive matriarchs. That could be both a good and bad thing though.
[Yes, they did,] Kerrigan answered calmly, but Maxine could tell that this topic was making her uncomfortable. Thankfully, the female alchemist spoke up.
"Am I going to be treating her wounds or not?" the female alchemist asked impatiently, "Regardless, I'm keeping my payment."
"I thought alchemists were known for their patience and etiquette," Cassandra said off handedly.
"I can behave how I see fit," the female alchemist retorted and Maxine finally noticed the badge on her hip. It was an Alchemists Union badge and it denoted her as a iron-tier alchemist. Really? An iron-tier alchemist is this cocky? The Alchemist Union wouldn't even bother avenging her, even if Kerrigan killed her.
"Why is an iron-tiered alchemist acting haughty for?" Maxine asked even though it hurt her jaw to speak, "It's especially odd after my daughter paid you enough to satisfy a gold-tier alchemist. I wonder what would happen to you if I reported this." The female alchemist started to sweat, but didn't drop the act.
"Hmph, that doesn't mean I don't have silver, or even gold, tier potions on me," the female alchemist said.
"Mother is a queen-class cultivator. She needs peak silver potions of the highest quality to have a sufficient effect on her," Kerrigan said coldly, "I mentioned this before you came here, but what I didn't mention is that my mother is an alchemist herself." At this point, the female alchemist's facade was starting to look fearful.
"Where's her badge then?" the female alchemist said angrily, but Maxine could still detect fear in her voice.
[My master never saw a point to joining the union, so neither did I. Something about them being nothing more than a group of corrupt and greedy fools,] Maxine lied via spiritual sense, [Regardless, get on with it. I don't have all day.]
"Fine," the female alchemist said in a huff as she walked around Kerrigan and placed her hand on Maxine's wrist before spreading her spiritual sense throughout Maxine's body, "There are multiple fractures throughout your left side and you have some damage to your left lung. What happened to you?" Now she wants to act like a professional? She should just pick an attitude and stick with it.
"She got hit by a huge warhammer wielded by a the leader of the four-horned kanzils," Cassandra answered, "I thought she was dead when I saw her take that hit."
"I saw that. I'm surprised she didn't explode into a bloody mist. That female four-horned kanzil is a half-step immortal," the female alchemist retorted. She obviously didn't beleive Cassandra.
"Half-step immortal? What's that?" Cassandra asked. Thanks, Cassandra. I was wondering that myself.
"They're beings that have surpassed mortal cultivators, but are not quite immortals. If you want to know more, ask someone more knowledgeable," the female alchemist answered vaguely and retracted her spiritual sense from Maxine's body, "I can heal her, but it will take some time for her to heal. I estimate no less than two weeks to make a complete recovery." She knows her stuff, but she's treating me like a normal human. But she forgot to factor in my bloodlines.
"Huh? She doesn't need that long," Cassandra spoke up and Maxine finally noticed that Cassandra had a backpack on, "I've seen her regenerative abilities in action. All she needs is to eat some of the local fruits to heal."
"That's impossible. She would have to possess a powerful bloodline that highly emphasizes regenerative abilities and even then, it would require a very special medicinal perfectly suited to stimulate it," the female alchemist retorted, "I doubt your local flora could produce such a herb, even if she had such a boodline."
"I don't know about any of that, but when she ate purple snake fruit, I literately saw her regenerate a limb," Cassandra replied and pulled off her backpack before pulling out a purple snake fruit, "You can see her regenerative powers in action yourself, if you don't believe me."
"Hah! If it works like you say, I will give those two a full refund!" the female alchemist said confidently. However as she finished speaking, Kerrigan snatched the fruit out of Cassandra's hand before she ran to the kitchen and pureed the purple snake fruit a blender. She quickly added some essence honey to it as she placed it in a large cup and brought it to the bed.
Kerrigan sat down beside Maxine before propping her up and feeding it to Maxine. As before, the mere scent of it made Maxine forget her sore jaw and she swallowed it down greedily once it was brought to her lips. Maxine's wounds began to heal rapidly beginning with her bones before extending out to her muscles and organs. Unfortunately, it stopped just before all of her injuries were a third of the way healed. Still, she was grateful that she could now breathe with far less pain than before and her jaw muscles had healed enough for her to speak without much pain.
"That's... incredible!" the female alchemist said excitedly.
"Yes, it is, but it only works for her," Cassandra said, "And she can only eat so many of those things a day." Shut the fuck up, Cassandra. She doesn't need to know that.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
"Interesting," the female alchemist said as she looked at Maxine like she was a research specimen, "Can I have a sample of your blood?"
"No," Maxine said firmly as she tried to sit up, but Kerrigan pushed her back down. That bitch is probably thinking about how to get a hold of my bloodlines.
"Don't move, mother. Your wounds have yet to heal," Kerrigan said with concern, "I don't want you to undo what little you just healed."
"Alright," Maxine acquiesced.
"Are you sure I can't?" the female alchemist asked once more.
"Yes, I'm positive," Maxine replied very firmly.
"Very well," the female said regretfully and tossed Kerrigan a small bottle, "As promised, I'm returning your royal hive jelly. I have to maintain my integrity, even if it's with a hive matriarch."
"Thank you for honoring your agreement," Kerrigan said respectfully.
"Now, get me out of this place. I've wasted enough of my time as it is," the female alchemist complained. Kerrigan motioned for her to follow before the two of them left.
"That was a bit interesting," Cassandra said, "So do you need me to feed you? Or can you eat on your own?" She set the backpack on the bed beside Maxine and revealed that the backpack had another five purple snake fruit inside of it.
"As long as it's within reach, I can feed myself," Maxine answered honestly, "So, how did the fight go? I'm assuming that it didn't go too badly or you wouldn't be here."
"They retreated a few minutes after that four-armed bitch knocked you to the ground. That bitch requested a prisoner exchange with Seton Academy. They argued for half an hour before they agreed to exchange that four-armed girl you brought with you for two young women. They were in pretty bad shape," Cassandra said angrily, "Those fuckers had raped them repeatedly, but the wierdest thing is that after a few hours one of them changed into a man. The Seton Academy's elder freaked out when she saw it and took him to the ship." So she really did do it. Sandra better have a good fucking explaination for this. Wait, she said two young women. Who was the other one?
"What about the other young woman?" Maxine asked.
"It wasn't that girl you kept talking with, if that's what you wanted to know, but she was wearing the same kind of badge on her waist," Cassandra answered.
"I see," Maxine said and quickly diverted away from this depressing topic, "Well, thank you for bringing those fruit. I should be on my feet sometime tomorrow thanks to you."
"Don't mention it. If it wasn't for you, several draconic warriors would've died," Cassandra said, "It's just too bad I couldn't smuggle more of these over here."
"Don't worry about it. These are more than enough," Maxine said and saw Kerrigan return back from escorting the alchemst out.
"Thank you again for bringing those fruit," Kerrigan said gratefully, "They have greatly hastened mother's recovery."
"You're welcome," Cassandra said happily and started to head for the exit, "Now, I best head back. No offense, but you are really creeping me out. I can find my own way out."
"None taken and have safe travels," Kerrigan said and Maxine said, "See you later." Kerrigan grabbed a purple snake fruit out of the backpack and made Maxine another cup filled with pureed snake fruit and essence honey mixture. This dose healed Maxine's ribs healed the muscles on the left side of her chest just enough that she could move around without hurting herself. Unfortunately, she would still feel pain if she decided to move around, but her left arm was still too badly damaged for her to move it. The damage apparently was far more extensive than she realized. Due to the extreme pain she felt at the time, she failed to see numberous micro fractures scattered throughout her left arm. If she had been hit even a few ounces harder, the bones in her left arm would've shattered. As it stands, only the bones in her left arm had recovered. Her muscles were still in horrendous condition and it would take at least another two doses for her to fully recover. Well, this sucks. I can maybe drink one more of those before they stop working for the day and I don't think I have enough stored up nutrients to finish off my regeneration anyways. Time to eat.
"At this rate, you should be able to move your left arm by tomorrow," Kerrigan said.
"That's probably the case, but for now, don't give me any more of those fruit smoothies today," Maxine said, "I need to build up some calories and nutrients before you give me another dose of it."
"Very well. What shall I make?" Kerrigan asked.
"Something with a lot of meat," Maxine answered reflexively, even though the thought of eating meat still made her feeling queasy.
"I know just the thing," Kerrigan said as she flew to the walked to the kitchen. After a few minutes, Maxine could smell turkey bacon being cooked. Yep, that's definitely what I would make if someone said they wanted meat. It would be that or homemade meatloaf. It didn't take long for Kerrigan to finish cooking it, and Maxine saw a plate with bacon, sausage and ham slices heaped onto it. The mere sight of it caused Maxine to salivate.
"That looks absolutely delicious," Maxine declared.
"I'm glad you you like it," Kerrigan said happily as she set the plate down on Maxine's stomach, "Can you feed yourself?"
"I should be able to," Maxine said as she started to eat what she hoped was her breakfast.
"Mother, I think you've already realized that I've been talking to other hive matriarchs," Kerrigan admitted just as Maxine was finishing her meal, "But I have to know. Do you hate them?"
"Not particularly," Maxine answered honestly, "Why?"
"Because they've been telling me you will use the spiritual mark within me to control me and force me to fight for you," Kerrigan answered, "But I told them you are different than other humans that are driven by fear and greed."
"They are not wrong that it's possible," Maxine admitted, "But why would I ever do that? Besides ordering you to not attack humans, unless you are attacked first, I don't recall using that spiritual mark to order you to do anything that you wouldn't do in the first place."
"And I'm grateful for that, mother, but the other hive matriarchs do not believe your intentions are completely pure," Kerrigan explained, "In fact, they are threatening to invade if I'm not released."
"Are they listening now?" Maxine asked and saw Kerrigan nod before she continued, "Okay, you retards. Listen closely because I am not repeating myself. If I take that mark off of Kerrigan, the other humans will, I repeat, will kill her. There is no ifs or ands about it. If you don't like it, kiss my ass. She's my daughter and I will do what I think is necessary for her to survive. Is that clear enough for you? Or do I need to draw you a picture book?" Kerrigan giggled at the end.
"They are not happy," Kerrigan said in amusement, "But they agree with you in that respect. They also want to know when you will release me."
"When you reach gold stage," Maxine answered, "I doubt even immortals would want to come after you at that point. And it would help if you advertise you are not hostile by offering to trade for your honey. That stuff goes amazingly well when used in chocolate based goods."
Kerrigan's eyes widened in surprise as a thousands of voices thundered in Maxine's head in perfect sync via spiritual sense, [Very well, human. Even we can sense you speak truth, so we will trust you for now. But if you betray her even once, we will ensure that your demise is as long and torturous as we can make it.] Maxine wanted to answer, but the spiritual sense connection was abruptly cut off.
"I'm sorry about that, mother," Kerrigan immediately apologized, "They acted before I could stop them."
"It's fine," Maxine replied, "I'm just surprised they are so protective of you."
"They're treating me like thier long lost sister," Kerrigan said, "From what they've told me, new hive matriarchs are a rarity. I'm the first one to appear in the last thousand years."
"Jesus!" Maxine exclaimed, "No wonder."
"Indeed, mother," Kerrigan said, "Now you should get some sleep. You seem to heal faster when you were sleeping."
"Alright, but I will check on how the others first," Maxine stated, "I'm not exactly sleepy right now."
"Okay, mother. Just be sure to rest up immediately after," Kerrigan reminded Maxine.
"I will," Maxine said and she sent her spiritual sense out towards the city.
It's walls were still standing and the soldiers were in rough shape. There was barely a single person amongst those standing guard that weren't injured. Half the weapon emplacements had been destroyed as well. They had a rough fight, but they are still kicking. The four-horned kanzils weren't doing much better. Their basic warriors had nearly been annihilated and the few that were silver stage and higher had various injures. A few were missing limbs. Even the female leader had visible burns on her face and arms. I see my lightning bolt did some damage, just not very much.
Maxine redirected her focus to the students from Seton Academy. Most of them had light injuries, only a few were seriously injured. However, when she found Aziel Kelborn, he was curled up on his side weeping in a room on the outer layer of the ship. Yep, that looks about right after what he's been through. I wouldn't wish that nightmare on anyone. Now, where's Sandra?
Maxine searched around the city, but didn't find her. So she looked inside of the ship and found Sandra in a room that was completely reinforced with formation arrays. Sandra was wearing manicles with their own arrays inscribed into them. She tried contacting her via spiritual sense, but one of the arrays on the manicles glowed before a barrier appeared blocking off her from contacting Sandra.
[Have you seen enough?] Elder Miyan asked via spiritual sense.
Maxine jumped slightly and winced in pain before she answered, [Yes, I'm just disappointed that Sandra actually did that and I wanted to hear from her why she did it.]
[But can you blame the poor girl?] Elder Miyan asked, [She was being forced into a marriage with a vile man she hates. Worse things have happened when men or women were put in similar situations. The only good news for her is that no one has ever done anything quite like this before, so there is no precedent for me to dispense punishment.]
[How could it be worse?] Maxine asked and regretted it immediately after.
[One girl ran away from her clan the morning of her wedding day,] Elder Miyan said sadly, [They found her six weeks later in a prison cell filled with rapists on a planet sixty lightyears away. She was half mad and pregnant.]
[I'm not even going to ask who her groom-to-be was to make her feel like that was the only way out,] Maxine said angrily.
[That's where you are wrong,] Elder Miyan said angrily, [She didn't throw herself in there. Her groom did. I believe his reasoning when confronted about it was that she humiliated him by leaving him at the altar and needed to be punished for it.] What the fucking shit?! Who is that fucked up?
[That's horrible!] Maxine exclaimed, but in truth she was furious.
[That it was,] Elder Miyan said sadly, [That woman was my mother and she died a few months after giving birth to me. I killed him just before I became a teacher at Seton Academy. Strangely, his family hasn't done anything to me in the past three hundred years I've been teaching.]
[I see. So I can expect you to punish Sandra quite thoroughly,] Maxine said.
[Yes, I definitely intend to,] Elder Miyan, [Is that one of the reasons why you sent your spritual sense out here? To plead for her?]
[No, I did it only to confirm whether she did it or not,] Maxine answered, [But I've already got that answer. Feel free to punish her however you deem appropriate.]
[I wish it were up to me,] Elder Miyan replied, [But it isn't. The headmaster will determine her fate once we return.]
[That's too bad,] Maxine lamented, [Well, I need to get back to resting.] Elder Miyan didn't respond to her before severing the spiritual sense connection. Maxine mentally shrugged and tried to relax enough to sleep. I really wished that Sandra hadn't done that to Aziel. I know he was a douchebag, but even he didn't deserve that. Perhaps, his clan has someone like Madam Neshan to help him recover from that trauma. In any case, I need to heal up for the next round of fighting. The four-horned kanzils won't wait long before going on the offensive again.