Mimi

The view of the rising sun was spectacular, made all the more special with Richard beside me. It was time to leave, so I hopped back onto the walkway. Richard took in the view one last time, before resigning himself to my embrace once again. I had already said my goodbyes to everyone in the Hive, but Pandora was being persistent.

|"Why not take Argus or even Scix? It would make things simpler."| She spoke to me through the Hive's connection. Her voice was one of the many hushed whispers that I will become quieter with my leaving.

|"Because simpler is not always better. Think of this as a test for the Hive, to see if they can survive if I am unable to come back. We are spread out enough that I know our Hive will not die. With my absence, it will be up to them to make decisions and grow their strength. If we are to spread out more, then I need leaders that can manage whatever I send them out to do. It is why I tried so hard to get them to question some of my plans and actions. Which sadly made this current situation unavoidable."|

|"There must be something we can do mother, something you need me to do beyond protecting this man."| Pandora almost pleaded.

|"Enough, you are the only daughter I have contact with. If you were lost, I do not know how it might affect your father. If there is something you must do, then keep an eye on the others. Ask them to let you observe so they do not go too far. Keep them from truly killing one another. That will be a proper task for you."| I could feel her shudder through the connection. It was idle chatter, while I glided down the wall next to the wagons. The only notable thing was a slight feeling of reluctance as I had to put Richard in the driver's seat.

The guards were no issue, both of them straightening up while we walked past them. One started to ask to see what we had but went quiet when the back wagon drummed with a warning. Pandora had been silent for thirty seconds, before finally asking, |"How do I do that?"|

It was disappointing to have her unable to figure it out for herself, but she was still incredibly young. |"You'll need a warehouse for a Hive. Then you'll need to convince the others to agree to let you hold an emergency body they would need. No one must know about this, otherwise, it will reveal a part of my plans. It may take months before you are able to properly do such, and I should check in by that time. Do not rush it, my daughter, secrecy is more important than quick progress. Do not fail in the task you have asked for."|

Pandora felt nervous but excited as well. The first true mission I've given her. |"I won't! Just wait, and you'll see!"| I sent her a few comforting emotions, to let her know that I expected great things from her. That even if she failed she would still hold value and my love.

The conversation could have lasted only a few seconds, but Pandora was a little slow with such communications right now. I did not begrudge her, as she was born from this body. Elven blood took a long time to mature, and it was impressive that she was already this mature. I shifted my attention to pulling every piece of my being to the hive in my wagon. Richard was making idle banter that didn't require much focus. He already agreed, and once the connection was severed it would be the best time to start forcing my body to grow.

Piece by piece my soul filtered into the bugs within my wagon. Every sense they had coming to my mind as their souls were pushed out. We were past the treeline now, the humidity of a recent rain lingering in the air. The smell of Eclipse's patrols was still in the air. I could taste the small creatures fleeing from my immediate area, others attempting to hide. Their simple minds were unable to feel me tugging at them. We would not go hungry with so much flesh around us.

It would take a day's travel to reach the edge of my Hive's influence. To truly pass the point where I couldn't communicate with them anymore. If the trio did their job well, then I should have small hives spread along their journey. They would allow me to reconnect so long as we followed, but the goal was to spread the influence and ensure the loss of a single node hive wouldn't sever future connections.

New scents came as we continued walking further from Eclipse. Whispering Wolf packs were the most common, but there wasn't anything I hadn't eaten yet. They were ignored, as they feared my presence. I was a predator they stood no chance against. The day gave way to the night, as the shade of the forest became darker. My body felt more awake, as I sent off a few hundred scouts to search for a good place to make a node hive.

We were deeper than the patrols were allowed to go. Richard agreed to let me press deeper into the forest instead of making camp. He was chewing on some jerky, and our supplies were largely untouched. There was less feedback from the Hive in the city, and I was starting to feel frustrated at the lack of new information coming in. I sent out a few more clusters of scouts with fifty warriors, and ten ghosts. It calmed me, as new scents and sights started to flow into my mind.

"So, how do you want to do this exactly?" Richard suddenly asked.

I didn't look back at him, focusing on the best route to traverse with the wagons. "Do what exactly?"

"The thing, you know? How am I supposed to know what to do or say when you're..." He gestured at me, as I saw him through the eyes of a few scouts. "Gone? Focused? Whatever you want to call it. We should keep a schedule at least." He was anxious, I could feel it through our bond.

"The schedule will be you setting up camp at midnight while I hunt us some fresh food. You will cook because you make it taste the best. After eating, I will keep guard while you sleep, then I will rest during the early morning. As for molding my vessel to hold my soul, I will tell you when I start. Ask me questions then, since I won't be able to deny anything you ask of me. You are free to change the schedule of course, since I will be vulnerable. Try to keep simple to commands. I want you to figure most of this out on your own. You could potentially bring me back with a command if the situation is more complicated, but would like to eat new things and grow this body's strength."

Richard smiled, "Fine by me. Though you might want to work on your monologues. You didn't even give me a chance to talk back to you. Are you sure you're okay?"

He was making a small joke while asking about my well-being. I nodded a little, "I'm a little frustrated about the lack of new information my bugs are giving me. I will work on it."

Richard stretched a little, "It's fine, I know you're only talking this much because nobody is around. I'm savoring these moments you know?"

"My Hive has stored the important parts as well. We're almost at the edge of its influence. I'll keep the connection tonight, tomorrow morning it will start." I let go of the wagon handles, grabbing a few bits of jerky and swallowing it whole.

Richard hopped up, before reaching behind the curtain. "Sounds good, how long do you think it will take you to hunt?"

"My scouts found five snakes, ten chipper squirrels, and a few young razor mouth toads. Any preference?" I turned to smile at him.

Richard pulled out a couple of pots before hopping off the wagon. "Squirrels taste better, but I'll admit I don't know how the toads taste. Are you going to tell me how long?"

"The hunting is already done." I shrugged, "I just have to collect the bodies and bring them to you."

Richard grunted, "That's scary, Mimi. I'll get some wood and start the fire. Mind doing the cleaning for me?"

"Of course~" I enjoyed watching how he shuddered before I took my leave. It only took a few moments to gather the fresh corpses, the squirrels skinned before I grabbed the next one. The toads were asleep thanks to the ghosts, and a quick tearing out of their heart made certain they'd never wake up. Richard had the fire going before I got back. I took a moment to watch as he moved his alchemy through it, shaping and controlling the fire. I raised a brow as I got closer, his arms controlled by the magic as well.

He smiled at me, "Got the fire going." He filled a pot with some spices and water, before pointing where he'd like the bodies. He whistled a warm tune while mincing the pieces. His fire cooking the flesh and allowing him to control the heat and how it was cooked. Richard had talent with his control, expertly cooking the meat and controlling the juices to make the meat tender and delicious. Not a drop spilled or wasted, as he cooked each piece perfectly.

I sat, watching his magic and enjoying the smell of food. I closed my eyes, while some of the bugs cleaned the fresh hides of flesh for Richard to prepare. We might as well sell something while we're out here. "What happened to your arms?"

Richard bobbed his head, "I thought you'd notice sooner actually. It happened when the shade appeared, I didn't know what was going on so I kind of did it."

I nodded, "It was the correct choice, but I did not bother looking. You usually tell me about these things."

He shrugged, "It screamed, and I figured I'd just fill my arms with fire and grow my focus that way for now."

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"When do you think you'll be able to move onto your legs?" I tilted my head at him.

Richard smirked, "I could probably do it now, but compressing the fire takes more focus. I also don't have a syringe to inject the brine for the other stuff."

"We'll stop by the first town or village we come across. I don't want you to forget how to work the brine." It helped his control grow along with his focus. It'd be best to have him doing both at once to accelerate his growth.

Richard shrugged, "Alright, whenever we find a syringe or the stuff to make one. Only because it's you." He teased.

He didn't know what he was agreeing to, but it would be fine. The night continued peacefully, even as Richard fell asleep in my wagon. Nothing happened during my watch, nor did it during his. It was later in the morning before we started moving again. The last of my connections to the Hive were severed, while I used the new node to keep in contact for a few precious seconds. I could feel the lack of noise, as it made me anxious. It was as if everything had gone silent, while my mind adjusted to only communicating to the wagon hive. "I'm starting now Richard."

He responded as I focused inwards. The world around me going dim, as I felt myself losing connection to my body and the bugs in the wagon. I could feel the voices and information around me, as my body still processed everything. It was much weaker than if I was in control, but this had to be done. I was standing before my vessel, still connected to it, as I was with the stars in the clear sky above. Each speck of light was a bug feeding me information, as they were a part of me as much as I was them. My magic was growing weaker, but I knew it would level out and quickly return whenever I reconnected with the main Hive. To my surprise it felt as though I could mold my vessel in steps, even taking breaks if needed.

I began the process, even as Richard's voice was barely a whisper lost among the others. I couldn't sense time here, I couldn't see outside, but I knew if something happened I would feel it and snap back to the outside. The only risk was if Richard made me do something stupid, or if my body perished somehow. It was humbling to feel so vulnerable, and rely on his kindness. I pushed those feelings aside, focusing on my vessel. I needed it to be stronger, I needed to keep control even if I was separated from my Hive. Richard would never betray me, so it was pointless to consider such an idea.

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Richard Adams

"I'm starting now Richard." Is all she said, as her walking slowed to a stop. I wished her good luck, but she didn't even respond. Mimi just stood there, looking ahead into empty space. I walked around her, clapping my hands together to see how far gone she was. Then I walked to the back wagon and found the bugs were barely moving. They formed neat little lines, eating away at the leftovers before either just standing around without moving or going back where their holes were. I thought they couldn't get creepier, but there was a certain sense of wrongness here.

I walked in front of Mimi, looking up at her. "Mimi, can you hear me?" She slowly tilted her head down and looked at me. Her eyes were still glowing, but they looked a lot dimmer. A few seconds passed before she looked ahead again as if it was the longest nod I had ever seen. I swallowed hard, "Please talk to me, can you hear me?"

"Yes," came the answer after a few seconds passed. I felt a little worried.

"Are you okay?" She did the slow nod thing again. "Please answer with words."

"Yes."

I rubbed my chin, really wishing she gave me more than just a yes. "How do you feel?"

"With. My. Hands." Every word came out with a second pause between them. I had hoped she was joking, but judging by the blank look on her face, she was serious. Okay, I need to be very precise with what I ask, got it.

"What is going on? Can you stop it?" I waved my hand in front of her, not even getting a response.

"Molding. Vessel. All. Focus." She didn't even answer my second question, so it meant she could only go one at a time.

"Can you stop it?" I felt my heart sink with each passing second. I didn't think it would be this bad.

Finally, the answer came. "Yes. Prefer. Not. Steps."

I felt a little relieved. I gently grabbed her hand, "I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to do what you asked, right?"

"Yes." There was no emotion there, no change of tone, just a simple answer.

I shook my head slowly, looking up at her. "Don't listen to anyone else, only me, okay?"

"Understood."

I climbed back onto the wagon. "How long will this take?"

"No. Idea." She kept looking ahead, hands still resting on the wagon's handles.

"What do you mean?" I looked around, feeling pretty alone.

"Cannot. Measure. Time."

I let out a small sigh, "Alright, let's get going then. Pull the wagons and keep an eye out for anything you might be interested in. Let me know if you find something please." Mimi just started walking as her answer.

It took some getting used to, as the pleasant ride was suddenly rockier. She was taking fewer turns while taking a more direct path over the roots. The day slowly turned to night, as Mimi didn't show any signs of changing. It felt incredibly lonely, but this was what she wanted. I heard the birds chirping around us now. It was peaceful.

We traveled until midnight, a few creatures moving between the trees in the darkness. Nothing got close enough to worry about, and it didn't feel like a good idea to send Mimi hunting like this. I spent most of the time asking her questions and getting honest answers. It really didn't feel like she could lie in this state. "Hey Mimi, how much jerky will your bugs need tonight?"

A few seconds passed, "Twenty. Pieces."

I nodded, setting it out with a few extra so they could eat during the day as well. I made a small campfire while eating some myself. I handed pieces off to her, trying to get a better understanding of how much she needed to eat. Our supplies were starting to dwindle, and I realized how much Mimi expected us to get by on fresh meals. At the rate we were going through it, we might have a couple of weeks. I rubbed the back of my head, with a small sigh. I'll try hunting tomorrow.

I sent Mimi to rest in the back wagon with the bed while I tended the fire. The creatures felt like they were starting to come closer ever since the birds started singing again. Almost as if Mimi's presence wasn't as overwhelming, but none of them got too close. I used the ax to chop some of the branches. At least I wouldn't have to pick up firewood tomorrow.

After enough time passed I woke Mimi up and had her keep guard. I asked her to wake me up when the sun rose, before going to sleep. A part of me hoped she'd snap out of it when I woke up. I was disappointed when I did wake up to her gently prodding my shoulder. This wasn't going to work, not if the whole journey was like this. I bit back the desire to tell her to snap out of it, compromising with another day as she stared at me blankly.

I ran out of things to ask her, as we continued on. I noticed she wasn't sending her bugs out, but that wouldn't be as bad as her sending out all of them because I said something wrong. I dozed in my seat, while she continued to walk. I jolted whenever the wagon suddenly stopped. I quickly looked around to find nothing amiss. It was late afternoon, right around the same time she started her thing yesterday. Mimi was just standing there.

She tilted her head, before flexing her fists. I greeted her with a smile as she turned around. "How long has it been?"

"A day," I answered. "Are you done?" It was good to see her eyes glowing brightly again. Oddly enough they seemed deeper somehow, like they had more depth now.

Mimi slowly shook her head, "No, there are more steps to take, but I am able to stop for now without losing any progress. It might be better to say that I completed what I set out to do, but without fulfilling the overall goal. My vessel holds more of my soul now, but it can't hold all of it yet. The next step should give me a more accurate understanding of how long this will truly take. My best guess is that each step will take twice as long as the one before it. So, a day for the first should mean two days for the next."

I frowned at that, "How many steps do you think it'll take?"

Mimi shrugged, "Maybe three or four? That's including the first one, but I'd prefer preparing it for more than needed."

I bit my lip, "Why?"

Mimi smiled, "I should grow stronger if my soul has more room to grow inside this vessel. At least that is my current theory, and it should help me understand a few things I don't get yet." Bugs started to fan out from the wagon. "I suspect that I will lose as much progress on the next step as I spend 'aware.'"

"Aware?"

"That's what I'm calling it whenever I'm responsive and reacting to things normally. Just like the other state will be called dim. Not asleep, but mostly unresponsive." She explained while I nodded. "I'm going to spend the next few days hunting with you, and getting my hive to make hooks you can hang hide sacks from. That should help with the food problem."

I coughed, "I didn't say anything about that."

"I took stock just now with my bugs. You're feeding me too much Richard." She narrowed her eyes at me.

I put both my hands up, "I told you to eat until you weren't hungry anymore. That's the best I could come up with."

She let out a small sigh, "Tell me to eat until this body isn't hungry anymore. I don't think I can tell the difference between my hunger and the hunger the bugs have while dim."

I scratched my chin, "Okay, got it. So, you said you'd teach me how to hunt?"

"Yes, we'll start tonight. I thought you would already know how since you said you've been exiled before."

I shrugged, "Usually I go out with a few weeks of rations, while covered in repellent. Then I pick a direction and start walking. I forage for berries and anything I can grab. It's kind of easy to tell what's poisonous or not as an alchemist."

Mimi tilted her head, "Wait, how do you even know where we are? I am keeping track with my nodes in relation to where the main Hive is, but how are you doing it?"

I smirked at her, "Oswald taught me a trick. It involves the stars though, but I can show you tonight. It might be more reliable than just using your bugs."

Mimi smirked back, "You say that, but I doubt whatever you're going to teach me will allow me to teleport."

I rolled my eyes, "You're right, but it still might be useful. I mean you are preparing for getting disconnected from your Hive anyway. This might let you find a way back to them while being disconnected."

Mimi smiled, "Tonight then, though I'm a cheater when it comes to hunting. My scouts do most of the searching for me."

"I know, do you think I could use them while you're dim?"

"Of course, just specify a number and what you want them to do. Make sure you make it clear I shouldn't send any bugs outside my influence and have fun. I'll make sure to make more whenever I'm aware. Just make sure you ask how many there are, and don't let the numbers drop below two thousand. The breeders can't do anything, and don't ask me to make giants. That's the only way you could mess me up, though I do have larvae that could fix it. It just means waiting two weeks before any new ones come out."

I nodded, that makes things a lot easier. We continued on our journey while I explained some of the commands I had given her, and she explained how to make them better. Sadly we didn't have any idea if previous commands carried over to the next time she went dim, but we would figure it out after I was comfortable with letting her try again.

That night I taught Mimi about the stars and how to find where you are on a map with them. Evidently, none of the memories she had from those she ate knew about this. It kind of made sense given how most of the people she took them from had lived in the Underground for most or all of their lives. I had thought the hags from the Fiend's Eye would have known it, but surprisingly they just followed the caravans from one city to the next. Mimi picked it up in a single night, commenting on how it was similar to how the dark elves navigated Dark Fell.