Di'Rex

Richard slumped where I held him, my fist knocking him out. "Thank you." Came a soft whisper, from Mimi.

I grunted, looking in her direction. I could see her glowing eyes despite the darkness, but nothing else. I set Richard down, gently. "I can't see a damn thing, and we have something important to discuss."

I heard movement, as Mimi relit the torch that had gone out with Richard mysteriously getting knocked out. She held it out to me, and I took it. The bodies were concerning, but I saw the ferals counting rice. It shouldn't matter, but I found my curiosity winning out. I gestured to the fused vampires, noting the silk binding them together. "What's all this?"

She returned to carving their flesh, glances given to Richard. "Just making teleporters with the ferals this village managed to capture. You know I teleport, this is so we can move humans and goods. Only what is inside something can be teleported, unless you're a mage that can make portals, but even then it's whatever can fit inside that circle of space. This is forced to work because of the Fukuma displacer fluid my bugs manage to replicate. It runs on blood, and it can die in sunlight, but it works."

She felt more distant somehow, colder. I could feel the danger in continuing this conversation, but I needed to press on. I just hoped I had enough time to dance around these words. I needed her help, and the only one that could have convinced her easily was laying on the ground during a lapse in sanity. "What do you intend to do about him?" I gestured to Richard with the torch.

Mimi paused her work and looked at him once more. She let out a small sigh of disappointment, "After I finish this teleporter, I'm going to find out exactly what was said to him. Richard believes I did something awful, and I haven't." I gestured to the defenseless vampire bodies she was very literally fusing together. "This doesn't count, they were pretty much dead before we got here. I am feeding them and ending their pain. This is a kindness."

There was no honor in this, but I held my tongue. I reminded myself that I needed her. "While your asking what was said, maybe you should ask them about the hundred or so vampires the chief decided to lure to us."

She continued her work, "I thought you were playing around with your brother, what do you want me to do about this?"

"We had a good spar, but he kept moving back into the woods. There he told me about what has happened since the vampire army marched. That this village received news of the Count's death, and how they were retreating back to Eclipse. Segments have broken off, and an army of one hundred of the bloodsuckers are supposed to come here tonight or tomorrow." I finished, before being left in silence.

The silence dragged on with only the sound of the monster continuing her work. Bones snapped, the flesh was torn, she licked her hands a few times. It was strange to see her string the vampires, a crimson liquid injected into them. That explained why the guards were so pale and easy to get past. Minutes passed, and I couldn't wait any longer. "Did you hear me?"

"I did." She said matter of factly.

"Then you know we need to prepare. I'll take Richard, and make certain he's safe." I reached for the young man.

The bugs on the wagon began to march, "Remember what I said about Richard being my moral compass in a sense?" I froze at those words. "He came here and accused me of something, I was not given an opportunity to defend my actions. I do not even know why he is upset, when I find out what was said to him I will make my decision then. I will ask about the vampires that are supposed to come here, but if I do not like the explanation then I will leave this village to die from its arrogance."

Fuck. I looked back at Mimi, "These are the lives of my family on the line!" I took a step towards her. "I know everyone in this village, you will protect them!"

She raised a brow when she looked at me, "Richard is broken, can you fix him?"

I swallowed hard, thumping my chest. "If that is what I must do!" I was begging a monster to protect those I called my own. I felt burning humiliation scorch my very veins, but that didn't matter when everyone might die because this creature's feelings were hurt. Even if she didn't help, I would be outside the walls. I was prepared to die in battle to defend what I had left.

Mimi returned to her work, "I will make a bigger teleporter with eight bodies. That will leave me with four to experiment on. Should you die, I will put Richard and your family inside it and let them go to Luf'Ard. Unless you want to better spend your time forcing the others to polish their weapons and train. If this village is attacked tonight, then it is doomed, but surely the dozens of people living here might find a way to defend themselves."

I ground my teeth, knowing there was no room for negotiation. The creature was like a demon, keeping its promise in such a disgusting way. "Very well," I hefted Richard over my shoulder. "Let me know when he wakes up, and I'll try to help him." Bugs flew onto him, and my shoulder at the statement.

"Do send the village chief my way. I wish to have a few words, to better understand everything. The bugs on your shoulder will march three times when Richard is awake. Good luck fixing him." I grunted as I opened the door. I pulled it shut behind me, the four guards that still remained were shaking. I looked around to see my human brother tossing a pebble into the air before catching it. He was in his forties, the age showing on his form. He wore simple clothes with a fuzzy sleeveless jacket made from the pelts we hunted in our younger years.

Jack smirked, the whites of his eyes black from our constant sparring. Even after all this time had passed. His voice came in smooth, "I take it there's a complication?" A few teeth were missing, making it sound like he whistled while he talked.

I adjusted Richard, "A big one, you better not be lying about what you told me." I looked at Mark, "There are vampires coming, right?"

Mark swallowed hard, "Th-they are meant as a gift! The final proof to make the others believe!"

He was shaking even as he held onto his spear. The young boy was left pale from the blood Mimi had taken. It didn't stop me from slugging him in the face and knocking him out. Adam caught his brother, "You traveled with her! You should know what she's capable of." His eyes were desperate, clinging to the hope that the monster in the storehouse would save them.

Chief Dixon made a huge mess this time. I looked back at Jack, "It's worse than I thought."

Jack shrugged, "Yeah, as I said, I wasn't lying. Who's the guy you're carrying anyway?"

I rolled my eyes, "The problem." I started walking towards Dixon's house, Adam handing Mark to the other two. I grunted, "I know what she's capable of, and I doubt vampires would slow her down. Trouble is, she needs to feel like it." I didn't want them following me.

Jack stepped in line behind me, "Looks like some guards are already complaining to old Dixon. What was in the storehouse?"

I handed Jack the torch, "Put it out, and you don't want to know."

Jack rolled his eyes but did as I asked. "Mom's making some weapons."

"Really? How's she doing?" I strolled with Jack next to me. Richard was going to be out for a while, the bastard fidgeting in his sleep while I carried him.

"Hasn't aged a day, 'Elvish Lifespan' is a bew shit talent." Jack chuckled.

I rolled my eyes at that, "And, I guess 'What I Throw Teleports' isn't?" I saw the majority of the guards at Dixon's home. I could almost hear the shouting.

"Better than not having one." Jack joked.

I was used to his barbs, I am still proud to call him my brother. He became more reliable as the years passed. I just nodded slowly, "How many vampires do you think mom might put down?"

Jack shrugged, "She put down her bow after we were born. My guess is all of them if they can't get closer, she's a tough bitch like that."

I chuckled, "Yeah, she is." I could start making out what was being shouted now. Mainly how the guards were terrified by what they saw and asked how they could worship something so evil. How a monster like that might save them, while old Dixon was calling it a test of faith. "OUT OF THE WAY!" I yelled out to them.

They jumped to attention, one of the cheeky fucks realizing it was only me and closing the door. I gave it a good kick, making it fold inward, and landed on top of Phil. The room was quiet, just the way I liked it. Dixon was staring at me, his jaw almost dropping when he saw Richard slung over my shoulder. "Your guardian wants to see you, Dixon. Get your ass moving, while I give your bed to Richard."

"I-I have no need to fear! I go with the faith! Behold, I shall not hesitate, and I will return unharmed!" He struggled to get up, his legs shaking a bit. I held Richard out to Jack, "If you could, make sure he's safe. Don't fuck with him Jack, not unless you want a pissed-off monster wondering how you taste."

Jack laughed, while Dixon jogged out of his own home. "Fine, I won't draw dicks on his face. Sheesh, I'm a little older now, give me some credit."

"I mean it." I looked him in the eyes. Jack nodded to let me know he wouldn't try anything. I faced the five pale guards still standing in the room. I stepped on the broken door to keep Phil on the ground. He groaned from my weight. "Listen here, you lot. I don't give two shits what Dixon told ya. You were probably scared because of how close the vampires came when they were marching, I get that."

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I let the words linger for a few seconds while they relaxed, then I thumped my chest to make the snap back to attention. "That doesn't make what you did better! I mean seriously, you let Dixon talk you into placing signs and lures to get some vampires to come attack our village!?" I closed my fists, "What the fuck do you think guards are supposed to do!?"

Phil groaned, "Dixon said she needed vampires to make teleporters."

He tried to get my foot off him, "That's it? That's what you're going to tell yourselves when a vampire is ripping out the baker's throat!? Fuck, where is Micheal!? How did he let you guys do all this shit for Dixon?"

Derek spoke up, "He died last year from the drink. Drank himself to death."

I slammed my hand over my face, letting it fall slowly. Of course, he did. The only retired adventurer in this damn village and he drank himself to death. I understood it now, Dixon swooped in and told these kids where to place traps so they didn't have to fight directly. They didn't get the chance to learn how a real fight was like everyone else. It was a bloody right of passage, to be considered a man in this village! No-one stopped this!? I punched the wall, my fist going right through the stud.

Jack came back down, "Little guy's in bed. Woah, why are you punching the wall?"

I glared at him, "Micheal died!? What happened to the hunts?"

Jack rubbed the back of his head, "Dixon said they'd die if they went out hunting. So, we sent a paper requesting another retired adventurer to show them the ropes. The village has kind of been depressed since a garrison from Fis'Ton took the brats away." Ah, so that was why there weren't any kids here.

I cracked my neck, "Great, so some prick of a noble from Fis'Ton decides to take the brats to safety, and everyone loses their balls. All while some power-hungry soothsayer makes his move to take over and start a fucking cult." I don't think I could get any angrier without raging. "Why did Fis'Ton take the kids?"

Jack crossed his arms, "Might have had something to do with the vampire army, happened the second Eclipse declared war on the Kingdom of fire. We're just caught in the middle and they had fifty armed soldiers just march here and take them. Good thing too, since Dixon wouldn't have been able to convince anybody to leave if they had been around. You take some, you lose some."

I let out a deep breath, "Jack, get these idiots outside and at least teach them how to hold a damn spear." I felt calm, serene even. I was pushed past the point of anger. Just letting the stupidity wash over me. We had a wall, and there was supposed to be a monster helping in the defense. What were a hundred vampires supposed to do against that?

Jack nodded, "You heard him, boys. Better pray that monster decides to help before the vampires bite down on your neck." He chuckled, chomping his teeth together. I let Phil get out from under me, as I started to follow them. I needed to make sure we had some decent weapons compared to the rusted shit these idiots had. Mom wouldn't let the guard get away with not taking care of their spears unless she had a plan. I started to walk towards her smithy when the bugs on my shoulder started marching.

I scowled, as I turned around and marched up the stairs. Richard was laying on the bed, crying. He was muttering, "What have I done?"

I walked through the large room with the kingly bed. I could see the window just past it, pressed into the wall as it was. Definitely the best room in the village, with a few perfume bottles resting atop a dresser with a mirror. I grabbed the chair Jack had put right next to the bed. He probably got tired from carrying Richard. Shaking my head, I finally sat down in front of the muttering man. I had hoped he'd stop once he noticed me. "What have you done, Richard?" I repeated back to him.

He paused, looking as if someone slapped him. "You were right." He teared up, "How could I have been so blind?"

I nodded slowly, "I'm usually right. Though I need more than that. What did Dixon tell you?"

Richard swallowed hard, "Dixon?"

"The Chief." I supplied.

"Ah, I never got his name." We sat there in silence for a few seconds, it was important to let him talk on his terms. "Dixon?"

I nodded, "Chief of the village, third generation. Grandson of the founder, Dixon. Founder of Whe'Di. The one in charge of everyone here it seems. The one that made Di'Mark, Di'Phil, and all the others do something incredibly stupid."

"H-he saw the future. He said that Mimi took over the vampires." He looked at me, his eyes glassy. "She lied."

"I don't understand, how did she lie?" I leaned forward, knitting my fingers together.

"She said she wouldn't, no... I thought she wouldn't. We saved them! She took over the vampires!" Richard paled, looking sick. "I just believed her, by the gods... all the others in the Underground."

"What others?" I kept my voice calm, I knew they had a gang or something. Though I hadn't cared enough to ask for the details.

Richard swallowed hard, "Gray... he had over a hundred bodies. She said they were from slavers, from pedophiles." He cupped his hand over his mouth as he almost puked. "All those people that were turned, and used. I trusted her!"

I nodded, "People die when others trust a monster. That's how things work."

Richard shook his head, "She was supposed to be different!" He was starting to sob, "I should have asked for proof instead of blindly believing her!"

"You are bonded with her, correct? Force her to tell you the truth, make her yield through that magic. For every life she took, make her save a dozen more." I looked at him.

Richard started shaking his head, "I can't."

I gripped his shoulder, "If you don't, people will die Richard. You must!" I felt anger rising, I couldn't let his emotions get my people killed. I knew they were bonded, he told me as much.

Richard stared up at me, "I've been trying to break it!"

I let go of him, staring at him, "She bonded to you?" I felt pity for him, realizing the cruelty of the monster he found.

Richard shook his head, "We bonded to each other through ritual. We both have to want to break it. We can't force the other to do anything. I-it was meant to be equal."

I ground my teeth, realizing my mistake. I had proven that I was willing to use Richard to save my village, that I would force him to use his bond to save it. I had wanted to deal with this later and allowed my desires to force my hand. I looked out the window and saw Mimi halfway to my mother's smithy. Richard slumped, as I saw him pass out again. The bugs on his shoulder staring at me. I jumped through the window, rolling once I hit the ground. "JACK!" I started running. "JACK! GRAB MOM'S DAGGER AND THROW IT AT THE MONSTER!"

I knew Mimi heard me, but that didn't matter. She was going to slaughter everyone if Richard wasn't already dead. Jack came running, reaching under the pelt vest to grab the weapon. He was further away than me, but that didn't matter. I had to stop it here!

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Mimi

I wasn't sure what upset me more; the fact that Richard's faith in me was shattered through a simple misunderstanding, or the fact that Di'Rex just tried to use him to force me to save this idiotic village. Dixon was bound and gagged inside the storehouse. Workers were licking the blood off my hands, cleaning everything off me as I headed towards the smithy. I heard the window shatter, as Di'Rex called for his brother. I looked over my shoulder and smiled at the magic radiating from the dagger itself. It was an impressive piece of work, made all the better by how worried Di'Rex was.

Scouts had already been dispatched in an area to search for the vampires. I was going to find them and crush them tonight. Luf'Ard needed a good runesmith, so letting this place die was only as much an option as me letting potential slip through my fingers. Besides, I needed to send a very clear message to the Count for what he did to Gray. "Aim for her heart, Jack! The stingers explode!" Di'Rex called out to his brother once more.

I saw the divine magic of Jack's talent activate as he threw the dagger towards me. The thing teleporting through space itself to land just millimeters in front of my chest. I felt it sluggishly cut into my elastic chitin before I grabbed the hilt and pulled it out. It hadn't even scratched the flesh underneath. I crossed a threshold, as magic lit up and caused a reaction inside the smithy itself. I smiled as I watched the interlocking runes activate one after another. The ward against monsters couldn't stop me, but it forced my bugs to spread out while I held the dagger.

I took another step, as Di'Rex continued running at a full sprint. Jack asking what happened, when the dagger's magic didn't do anything. I couldn't hear any sounds inside the abode. Kicking open the door, I saw a young woman launch herself at me, feet first. I blocked the strike with my upper arm, as she jumped off me and threw two silver daggers at me. They hummed with power, as the two runed things soared through the air. I caught them both by the tip with my upper hand.

The tattooed smith with a half-shaved head smirked, "Die, ya git."

I looked at the daggers in my hand, a spark running between them. How wonderful. She had made them react to being so close to each other. When the woman hit the ground a barrier was erected just behind the doorframe. The explosion was a mix of fire and ice, the strength of it claiming my hand and blowing the top layer of flesh off my face. I gave myself a healing sting while entering combat form.

Di'Rex tackled the back of my knee in an attempt to knock me down. The smith's eyes were suddenly wide with concern. A pebble broke against my head, "NOT MY BROTHER!" Jack's voice came in clear as the useless guards of this village held their weapons unsure about what to do. Jack threw another pebble, followed by another. The amusement was quickly wearing thin.

I picked Di'Rex up by the scruff of his armor, as he let out his battle cry. His fists striking against my helmet. My hand had regrown, and my face was back. I looked at the orc, even as his fists started to bleed from how hard he punched. "I want an apology."

Di'Rex's eyes widened, "You'll have it! Just spare them!" The smith had retreated further inside, but I wasn't left disappointed. She came back with a runic bow. Silver arrowheads radiating Aether that just needed a spark to ignite. Her hands were shaking.

I moved Di'Rex in front of the doorframe, "Good, but I had no intention to kill anyone." The pebbles were still hitting me. I crossed my lower arms, looking down at the Orc that opened his mouth in surprise. "Tell your brother to stop, before I lose what patience I have left."

"JACK, STOP!" One last pebble hit the same exact spot all the others did. Di'Rex looked up at me, "You made it clear we don't stand a chance, I'm..."

I put a finger to his lips, "No, no," I wagged a finger in front of him, "I want you to apologize for what you tried to force Richard to do."

"What?" He looked stupefied. Then scowled, "Never!"

I tilted my head, at a complete loss. He was willing to apologize to save everyone, but apologizing for trying to use Richard was too much? It made no sense. "Explain."

"Richard couldn't force you to do shit! I used him because I wanted to save my people! I would do it countless times if I felt it might save anyone here! Apologizing for that is meaningless, as much as it was honorless to use the boy!" The smith put her bow down, the barrier dropping.

"Di'Rex, who's this creature!?" She gestured to me, trying to get out from behind the orc.

I appreciated the sentiment and decided to not press the issue anymore. "Fine, I'm going to drag the chief out here. You deal with everything, just remember that I don't exactly have a reason for protecting this place from the vampires. I'm going to go sulk. I don't want anyone entering the storehouse." The smith just ignored me, as Jack hugged his mother like a child and landed a few hits on Di'Rex.

Di'Rex looked at his mother, "A surprisingly generous monster. Mom, we need to prepare for the vampires. I doubt she'll help us."

The smith huffed, "Where's yer tribe!" They were going to be a while by the sounds of it.

I opened the storehouse doors, the wagon moved to keep any light from shining on the vampires. Dixon was quivering in his bonds, crying without an ounce of dignity. I dragged him outside, not wanting to deal with the pitiful man. The people of this village were still hiding inside their homes, the guards coming closer. I could almost smell the fear, as I addressed one at random. "I have come to this village, and my herald has been hurt by the perceived lies of this man. I have been attacked by your smith and have been informed that you were foolish enough to lead vampires to this place."

I heard murmurs from the young guards. Some of the people even poked their heads out from behind their doors. "I will not kill you, but I will not save you. You are to follow Di'Rex's orders and save yourselves. Anyone that comes into my storehouse will die. Anyone that harms my herald, will die. Do not kill each other, because you will need all the help you can get. Pray to whatever gods you wish, for the vampires will come tomorrow."

I turned leaving the village in silence. I closed the doors behind me, as my scouts found the scent of blood. The vampires were closer than expected, but I would give this village a single night to prepare. Richard would either snap out of it tomorrow night, or I would leave him behind.