Gray, The Grand

There were several days left before this 'carnival' started. Tomorrow would be yet another month missed when my Queen reconnected with the others. Winter was coming, the army of another kingdom would arrive on the first snowfall. I was able to pass information to them by continuing the light 'war' we had in the background. Warehouses with my teleporters were captured, while I reclaimed them. It was so similar to the children in my classes passing notes between each other.

I understood it, however. Knowing that compulsion to talk openly and freely with one's peers, while an authority kept you from doing such. I learned as much from my students as they learned from myself. The joy of watching them slowly gain hope was indescribable. From dull hopeless eyes to those hungry sparks that sought to consume knowledge on their own. The beauty of my classrooms holding children from each of the races; monster, beast kin, and person.

That sensation of promoting understanding, destroying the ignorance that divided them, slowly nurturing such young seeds for a better tomorrow. I had no words for such elation. Even as I adjusted my suit and hat, I wanted nothing more than to personally teach those innocent minds that this world wasn't so rotten. A sigh escaped my lips, while I finished adjusting myself in the mirror. Those lined with silver refused my reflection, revealing me as something different from other vampires.

It was quite strange, knowing that some bodies would be burned by silver, while others couldn't drink from those that died. All of us could drink from monsters, a unique trait we shared, but individual bodies had different rules as it were. The texts given to me by Benjamin helped shed some light, but there was no guide to every bloodline's unique interactions with the world itself. At the very least, a good number of lesser shades developed into proper shades. I wasn't alone, and only they knew of my existence, compared to the lessers. That was likely to change soon, however.

Today was the day, I was personally called to meet the Count during an important meeting. I had obeyed his orders, uniting the dukes and duchesses of the Underground. Orphanages were opened above ground for my students to live in as a reward. 'United' might have been the wrong word. It was more that my shades took over the jobs that needed to be done, then politely asking those in power to step down. The infighting was ridiculous as every duke or duchess seemed to believe they were the only ones capable of running the Underground.

Just thinking about them gave me headaches still. Useless politics, all of it. Vampires were so much worse than dealing with spoiled children. It was as if they couldn't comprehend anyone knowing something more than themselves. It felt as though they truly believed they were the greatest existence on Xentos. It grated every shade, as all of us just wanted to not deal with such foolish entities.

Tangent aside, I took a second to calm myself. A quick double-check assured me that my suit had nothing out of place. Older vampire bodies allowed for more dread stingers, this one holding eight. I gently grabbed my ivory mask, modeled after my original form. Polished bone refined and made creamy white for this occasion. It took weeks to ensure it was perfect with all the adornments and fitted just right. The best mask, carved from the ribs and bones of those enemies I loathed the most. Turned into trophies to be worn and displayed for all the world to see.

Personally, I would have called it vain and petty. Sadly, such trivialities were the only things most vampires understood. I knew that others knew me as the 'masked one.' They expected me to always have a mask, and that perception forced me to comply if I wanted anything meaningful to get done. I hated every minute I had to work under the Count, even if his rewards were potentially better. It felt as though there was no structure, no loyalty among these fellow monsters. Just from the way they spoke about the Count, as if they were all licking their lips, waiting for him to slip and promptly devour him. Those desires made all too clear to allies that would sooner throw each other at the Count's feet to get something better.

Night was coming, the sun falling past the horizon as my bugs were reported the light growing dimmer. It was time; all my students and their families were instructed to head above ground. Coin was distributed by the lesser shades to ensure there were no problems. While those closest to me were allowed to use my personal teleporters. The Count had ordered me to bring all those I cared about above ground. That housing would be provided for them, but I was to bring every shade and copy to this farce of a ball.

A single thought was all that was needed to arrive in the empty room. An estate that allowed others to teleport inside it. A mansion tucked away and hidden by all those around it along the innermost walls. Those same maids in the castle were here, tending to everything so that the dark blue floors and scarlet carpets were pristine. Every color was dark and muted, save for the scarlet hues of red that trailed like veins down every column. Bright crimson ribbons hung between the posts holding up the railing for upstairs and the second floor. There was no ivory marble, only dark starry blue stone that I did not know the name of. Light flickering from torches hung in naturally formed sconces.

At the top of the stairs sat the Count on a throne, his inky hair merging with his dark raiment. His fangs were polished and glistening while his pale skin stood out against the darkness around them. Like a beacon with those red hues and almost radiant skin. The Count tilted his head back, "You're early, typically others arrive on time or twenty minutes early to negotiate with me. The maids and butlers haven't even brought out the tables yet."

I bowed, "With all due respect, you asked me to come here at night. Nightfall is upon us, so I figured this was night." I looked up at the man, "Do you usually sit here on the throne?" The Count and I had become fairly well acquainted since he would poke his head into my affairs to check on me now and then. Most likely just to confirm I wasn't ending any bloodlines.

"You have gotten rather cheeky. Do mind your tongue when the others come. It is well enough that you came early, I trust you heeded my advice?" He spoke casually, while still phrasing it in a way that made it clear who should listen to who.

A slight nod, "Yes, I am bringing them up as we speak. Will you tell me why?"

The maids and butlers began bringing out dark wooden tables. The scent of dried blood was apparent, just like the stains I could make out despite how dark the room was. The Count didn't move an inch, "I will give you a choice; you may know the why, or you may know when I intend to let you return to your Queen."

I couldn't suppress balling my fist or biting my lip. I tried to weigh my options, tried to keep my composure. I couldn't, the word came rushing out of my mouth. A hiss coming out with it, "When."

He raised a brow at me, the slightest smile making him smirk as he looked down at me. I couldn't meet his gaze, turning it towards the stairs. The Count's voice became softer, "Loyalty is such a precious commodity." He savored the words, knowing I wanted him to just give me an answer. "I am not doing this to shame you, young one. A battle is coming, one that you could die in. I have already discussed this with Charles, and one of your kin is destined to die."

The monster was smiling down at me, as my fists shook. He knew what I wanted to ask. He knew exactly every question that was running through my mind right now. More importantly, we both knew all too well that I couldn't force a single thing out of him. He made me wait there as those seconds passed us by. He had to be lying! Our Queen wouldn't let anyone in our Hive die so long as she could help it!

"Good, you're almost where you need to be. I am reluctant to let you go, but Charles has already negotiated this with me. I will be meeting a copy of your Queen tomorrow, but you shall be allowed to return to the Hive if you survive this battle and ensure everything I want is met." His smile had faded, as he continued looking down at me.

I lowered my head, "Name them..." Blindly agreeing would be too foolish, I needed to hear the terms and conditions. What exactly did he want from me?

"Everyone will receive a set of papers," he clapped his hands and a maid came towards me with a stack. "You are to memorize all of this and ensure as many conditions are met as possible. Pass the information to your shades, make certain every body you have knows about what I want to be done. The sewers and this manor of mine will be untouched when the carnival starts." He waved his hand, "Follow the maid to a side room and have your shades, or whatever you call them, join you. She will tell you when to come out."

The maid left me away after I gave the Count a slow nod. What I held in my hands was a rough draft of the most likely formations the enemy would take. How they would most likely spread out after entering. My job was to spread out and monitor the situation and watch everyone to ensure no bloodlines ended. I only had a thirty percent chance of succeeding according to the papers, but even if one fell hundreds more would rise. Four thousand vampires were to face off against over forty thousand soldiers.

I would have called the idea mad if I didn't read through the papers provided. A start of guerrilla tactics, where scouts would be picked off and turned. They could become ghouls, thralls, and even vampires themselves. Certain conditions expressly explained why certain vampires would attack certain areas. All to get individuals with a unique talent that would result in a new bloodline for the Count to welcome into his 'family.' That was the reason for letting the kingdom of Fire believe he was dead.

No matter what, our numbers would increase. Thralls and ghouls would advance, becoming fodder while the vampires crept among those ranks to deliver fatal strikes or abduct those on the paper. Names, descriptions, pictures, which vampire(s) were meant to bite and why. Some require two marquis to bite at the same time, others once the infection starts to take root. The scope and scale of this operation, the planning involved left me staring at the stack as I quickly went page by page. The fifteen other bodies I controlled entered the room to absorb what was needed faster.

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By this point, I was able to utilize thirty-two bodies, but the efficiency depended on how much processing power I would have. Not to mention that these numbers were four times as effective when it came to control, compared to using as many bodies as possible. The stack was divided as we tore through the pages, the hives in the sewers committing this all to memory. A butler came in the precise moment I finished. "Please send ten bodies to follow me, sir."

Reluctantly, I followed his request. I realized he was giving separate rooms for each of my shades to come in through. An hour had passed and vampires were filtering into the main lobby. I spread the order out for the shades to start coming with the supplies requested. Given that I had a possibility of dying with them, a little extra was brought. We only needed to ensure the plans succeeded, then we'd be able to help our Queen again. The veil was pulled back so that even the lowest shades and new members realized what was going on.

All of us connected, the web fully made aware of itself. Certain shades now able to communicate with others they established links with beforehand. Looping strings of information working their way through these connections to reinforce where everyone stood. Even if I were to fall, the web would still stand strong. I could only command the strongest shades that I had pulled close to me, while they could only command those connected directly to themselves. Some of the lesser and even the newest split between others above them.

There were no kings, none of us were in charge. Some just had more pull compared to others, a sort of foundational webbing. Even if I were to fall, another would simply take my place with time. The idea struck me that I needed to make certain all of us were on the same page, that we all shared fundamental beliefs. We had a culture to define now, even as I knew I wouldn't be able to continue surpassing those beneath me. My head start would only harm us in the long run, as our strength needed to double before anything worthwhile came from it.

From one to two. A single spider to a member of the Hive piloting a vampire's body. From two to four, as the union grew, our bloodline cemented itself. There was no difference between what we were and who the vampire used to be. Their souls trapped as we bounced the magic they used to do. From four to eight, the memories of past lives faded. Eight to sixteen, casting aside our old forms. Understanding we were no longer spiders. Sixteen to thirty-two, realizing our potential to the Hive.

This meant the next time I grew stronger, I'd be able to control sixty-four bodies at a time. My headstart was good enough to ensure I was the most powerful among us, keeping it this way would only hinder our potential. I contacted the one calling himself 'The Real Gray.' We exchanged thoughts, the greater shade among the others. He held the most potential, I felt he might even surpass me if given enough resources.

TRG appeared in the same room as myself, four curled locks for his mustache. He was dressed in regal attire, with colorful feathers sticking out from his tophat. He had accomplished much during his month-long trial, successfully climbing to the height I was at a week ago. He was rather nonplussed upon realizing he wasn't the real one. Still, he took it in stride and accepted becoming my right hand so to speak. The man ran a gloved finger along the brim of his hat, smiling back at me. "The others will be arriving shortly."

I nodded, "Wonderful, I'm expecting there to be a sign of sorts as to when we should go out and mingle. Before we do, however, I have a plan."

A raised brow met my response to him, his monocle firmly in place. "Oh? You wish to discuss it with me, rather than inform the others?"

"Yes, you know my vision. I'm worried that some of our younger versions may have forgotten important ideals. Whether on accident, or not, we need to ensure that the foundation survives the ordeal in front of us." I gave him all the information I received from reading the stack of papers.

He was silent for a moment, moving it through his own sewer Hives. "What foundation are we talking about exactly? Shouldn't you give it to myself to review before handing it to the others?" He froze as I gave him a copy of the doctrine. Then his smile grew just a bit more. "Yes, that is an excellent idea."

Two more of our shades entered the room, one of them with a mask bound to his flesh. A cursed item he had fallen victim to, that spread from one body to all the bodies he could control, a simple theater mask that would change expressions instantly. Gray spoken thrice bowed, as we gave him a quick explanation. The velvet curtain we had slowly being pulled up. These four were simply the ones that realized my original ploy and worked around it.

The other shade simply calling himself the great version of myself, was had the same exact features that I held. Only he had a simple triangle where the chin should be on his mask. We gave him the same information as well. With the four of us here, we slowly started to spread the information throughout our web and connections. One body each for everyone, while they all finished the tasks given in the background. Even the newest shades coming to this event.

All five hundred of us were present, split between the large rooms. The manor itself was big enough to hold all four thousand members the Count intended on having. We were a fourth of the army, we were essential to him spreading information and ensuring that the plan worked. With little prompting, the shades connected directly to me began distributing the information. Strings pulled, as the Aether in the area around us grew heavy. A marvelous display of mind magic, everyone receiving a copy as well as spare bodies such that there were ten extras for everyone.

Each room was silent, no one declining extras, each one with extras shuffling to ensure even those that struggled the most had what was needed. Then again without prompting everyone shared what we knew about the third-tier bugs our Queen had blessed us with. Berry, Clarice, Argus, and even Scix sharing such information with us by trading hive nodes. It was why I had eight stingers, while TRG had six. It was what allowed me to finally control all thirty-two bodies at once, despite only using sixteen right now.

With the velvet curtain lifted, they all saw behind it. I took off my mask, holding it up. All eyes on me, everyone wearing a mask, save for TRG. I spoke, addressing everyone in the room. Some of them still silently talking through direct connections, but it was kept to a minimum. "My brothers, you know why we are here."

Affirmation filled the room, as they all stood still. So few of them even bothered to nod, because it was a silly statement to make. Just something to make sure they were listening. "I know it has been hard for many of you. Personally, I have seen many of you struggle or I have heard about it from those I am directly connected to." I slide the mask back over my face. Letting silence linger for a few seconds.

"I have split those that grew in power the fastest, allowing them to have their direct subordinates. Clones of clones, and I realize that none of us are entirely the same entity anymore. I am Gray the Grand, the first, the one who created all of you. Currently, I am the strongest among us. That may change in time, and I welcome such a thing. If any can better serve the Queen thanks to their own views, their personal experiences, I beg them to stand before her and serve in my stead."

A few steps one way then the other as I paced slowly. Each of them followed just slightly with their heads. It confirmed that I held their attention, even while they dealt with whatever needed to be tended to in the background still. "As you become greater shades, you will be given the knowledge to split your memories. You will be able to make subordinates for yourselves and facilitate the growth of stronger webs with you as the foundation."

My hand was raised into the air, then I slowly pulled it to my chest. "We have learned much serving under the Count, that time is almost at an end, however. We will be returning to our Queen after our success in this battle." We cannot fail, we will not fail. "This is our opportunity to return to our Queen, to serve her once again. She who gave us purpose, that molded us into what we are today." I felt the slight connections between a few. Some that did not know our origins, this was why I needed to establish our foundation.

"Take these, my most precious memories. Understand what I mean when I say these words. The origin of our legion." I let my most intimate memories trickle out to them. "Our time as an arrogant spider in the woods outside Eclipse. Our webs spread out through the trees from branch to branch. The talent we lost, because we knew not how to use it. Our time used as a test for the patrols, the fresh guards that had us keep the whisper wolves at bay."

What happened when our Queen came for us, "Oh, how we attacked the one we would come to respect. The one we would call our Queen. Any lesser being would have slain us there. We were given a chance, an opportunity to be a part of something more. Never forget, Beru, our brother who stood stalwart and taught us what loyalty meant. His stories as one of the first personalities, how he died thousands of times, how he would die hundreds of thousands of times more for our Queen."

I turned to face them all, spreading those few chaotic moments where we had to work together. Those feelings I held when a new personality was made. How our Queen always guided me, and finally the gift she left behind after separating past the walls and our connection. "We will rejoin her, but the Count has told me that another of our kin will pass. Our Queen will grieve, as she has for Beru. How she felt anger when Richard was threatened by those terrible hags of the Fiend's Eye."

So many memories, all those thoughts shared. I held my hand over my heart. "I do not fear death, I fear hurting our Queen. I was foolish when I spoke to the gang leaders. I realized all too late how much I gave away. We are young, we will make mistakes, but for the Glory of the Hive we must help one another. I thank you all for allocating resources so that we all stand on even terms. Now, I beg of you, I ask you to all keep these memories close."

Affirmation swelled from each of them, all the shades carving it into their hearts, designating these memories deep within their hives. "Remember these truths, no matter what happens. This will be our foundation, the doctrine we shall all follow; We serve our Queen, for she was the one that granted us life." They silently repeated it, as we couldn't let the vampires that filled the lobby hear us.

"Everything we do, we do for the betterment of our Hive. Even if we must go against the Queen and question her." She did not need blind followers, but those that would serve the vision we knew she had. "We may go against the Hive, if only to better serve it in the future." Situations such as the Count, and hopefully those gang leaders. "If a mistake is made, we shall own up to it. We will do everything in our power to rectify such."

I lowered my head, "Finally; none of us are an island. We are a Hive, we cannot be independent. Our resources are meant to be shared, to elevate our fellows. Personalty, copy, or even solitary bug. We will ask when help is needed, and we will give help when asked. We are the Hive, the Hive is us."

All of them put their hands over their chests. A surge of magical mind magic rushed from each of them. |"GLORY TO THE HIVE!"|

A smile crept under my mask, "Wonderful, now, let's get this done. We have a Queen to return to." Everyone began talking to each other, as a knock came at my door.

The maid quietly opened it, bowing politely. "The Count has requested your attendance when you are ready." She stepped out of the way, as my other bodies opened their doors. All of us began pouring towards the lobby, ready to greet the vampires we'd be working with this time.