Mimi

My body woke up without any issues. It took me a few seconds to get up and stretch, as I felt better than I had in a while. All that testing left a sour taste in my mouth. I already messaged Beru, about my plans. With his reports, I realized it would take some time before Cynthia had an actual answer. It was very convenient that I could have Beru talk to her and establish a good form of communication.

I called a small escort to me, with two breeders hidden beneath my wings. All I needed was a foothold in the Underground to truly get started. With that in mind, I grabbed the coin purse off the wagon, and separated some of it into another that might be used to bribe the guards at the gate. I took the handles of the wagon, and slowly made my way towards the gate, while the elites in training began to follow. The rotation of the guards at the gate changed since I was last here, and I had to explain I was ordered by my Tamer to return the wagon.

There was some back and forth, and I had to offer the man asking questions a silver coin to hurry along. Thankfully he was greedy enough to stop asking questions, when another guard stated he saw me at training last night. After further explaining that I was a part of the Guard, and planned to be while Richard was Oswald's apprentice, I was allowed through.

Thankfully there was plenty of time in the day still, even as the sun was creeping closer to the horizen. I made my way to Oswald's estate, and dropped off the wagon where I found it. Once again letting myself in by knocking on the door and stepping back. I entered, to find the place deserted. I flicked my ears a little, hoping to find them breathing upstairs, or doing anything. They were both gone. I moved to the kitchen, to find there were leftovers, only recently cleaned dishes with just a little bit of soap and water on the bottom.

Then came the worst news yet, the clouds over us were to release snow tomorrow or the day after. There were too many scents in the city, and I could tell magic was being used on those same clouds. If the snow came now, I would struggle very hard. The other hives might fail, since snow was still cold. I fully understood why I wasn't an extreme threat to these people, all they needed to do was make it snow to stop me. Once the snow fell, my hive couldn't move and if my body died everything was over.

My hands shook, and I hugged them to myself shuddering lightly. If I tried to run, I would be leaving the other hives behind. Without me, they would likely be killed anyway. I was followed, so they wouldn't lose their biggest problem. The elites in training were a ruse, to keep me in check. I knelt on the floor, as I heard knocking on the door. I warned the other hives about the snow, hoping they might be able to do something to stay safe. There was nothing the slum hive could do (Berry's), but Cynthia was thankfully giving Beru some warm crystals. It was possible that his hive might survive. I held little hope for Gray's hive, since the cold could creep down there easily.

The door opened, and I silently moved towards the frame. I flicked my ears once more, to hear two figures approaching. I recognized their voices and felt relief washing over me. "Can you believe they'd make an old man and his apprentice walk all the way to pick up the rings themselves lad!?" Oswald seemed to be in a sour mood.

I could hear them as they walked in, "Well, they just did brother. At least you got some coin back after you raised the hells." Richard laughed cheerfully, holding a box in his hands. I did not need to peek out to see them thanks to my ears, which I kept adjusting to hear better.

Oswald let out a deep sigh, "Boot lickers, the lot of them! They didn't give me a discount because I raised the hells on them lad. They gave me a discount because of my title and name. You need to watch out for boot lickers more than anyone else. They are the kind that will do absolutely anything for coin."

Richard nodded his head, "Yeah, just like swindlers brother. I know a bit about how coin works, it just surprises me that this thing happens to nobles as well."

I felt a slight prick, as Gray needed my attention for a moment. I saw the problem, and promptly broke whatever the issue was. Gray could use the body for all I cared, it would help his hive succeed. He needed help, and it just fell into our lap. The memories washed over me, and were copied to the hive with most of them being discarded outright. The vampire in question didn't deserve a name, he was just an arrogant asshole that wanted more power than he had.

Oswald stroked his beard, "Aye lad, they are everywhere. Even with titles, nobles are just bigger crooks and their families born into it are even worse. Sure there are exceptions to everything, but you need to keep from trusting others. Everyone wants power, and to keep a comfortable life lad. The nobles just like to pretend they are better, even if they are worse. You can trust the Count, and the King though. They'll guide you, if you need help."

Richard nodded, "Got it, brother. How about lunch?"

"Make something nice lad, if Mimi hasn't already come she'll be fuming if you don't feed her." Oswald laughed.

"Of course, I'll make it up to her with a large lunch. Then I'll give her, her ring." I went through my memories, and realized a ring was a symbol of union. I put my hands over my mouth, to hide a small smile. It was nice that Richard was so willing to fully join my hive.

I poked my head out from behind the corner as they started to approach, "I'm already here, what do you have for me?"

Richard jumped a little, and Oswald stroked his beard. I clearly surprised them both. I was smiling a little, trying to stay formal and suppress my own surprise. Oswald raised a brow, showing that he recovered first, but it was Richard that spoke first. "H-hey Mimi, didn't know you were here." He laughed a little rubbing the back of his head, still holding the small velvet black box with a golden signature on it. I couldn't explain why I was feeling so wonderful about what was happening.

Oswald coughed, and nudged Richard forward. Richard took a few steps towards me, as I looked down at him surprise on my face. He didn't even need to kneel, because he was so much shorter. I couldn't explain the happiness welling up, just because of what was to come. Richard coughed into his free hand, "Anyway, I had to get this. Oswald paid for it, and you need to wear it all the time. It will allow you to go around the town without an escort." Richard smiled at me a little, not seeming to understand what was going on with the mood.

I glanced at Oswald to see him stroking his beard with a small frown, but he was probably trying to not laugh. I smiled back at Richard, "I'm afraid that I do not understand. What is all this about?" I found the remnants of Edna scattered in my memories, the longing for such romance. I killed those feelings, helping me think a little clearer about all this. It made sense that he would not be proposing, as we only knew each other for a week, and left each other alone for longer. Something about this might have been mentioned, but I had so many other things to focus on.

Richard swallowed hard, but continued to smile at me. Even while my face took on a more passive look, the smile much less sincere. "Well... it's enchanted magic rings. These two allow for us to be connected like Tamers, and their pets. You know like those guards and their Whispering Wolves?" Ah, I was a pet to him. He came out and said I was no better than those hissing creatures.

I smiled gently at him, "I understand, thank you Oswald for buying this." Richard flipped the lid, to reveal two ornate rings inscribed with runes, and three different gems. I reached for the larger one, putting it on the lower index finger where it could fit snugly.

Oswald nodded, just choosing to remain silent. Richard smiled at me, "This kind helps us just skip the first steps of taming and stuff. It's like we're already friends as I understand it." He reached for the second ring, but I stopped him with my lower hands, the upper set resting on his shoulders.

Richard jumped a little, freezing in place. I understood at the very least, where we stood now. I smiled at him, "Yes, we are friends Richard." Using my lower set of arms, I took his hand and the ring. I slowly put it on one of his thick fingers. He shuddered a little, but didn't look away from me. "I came here to let you know that I already ate at the church this morning. I plan on eating there for the next few days as well. You do not need to worry about making portions for me."

As the ring slid on him, I could feel his emotions. I realized he would be able to feel my own, so I suppressed them, hiding them from him. He did not need to feel how I was hungry right now. This was nothing compared to the weeks I went between meals before. He did not need to feel the slight bit of anger at how he didn't see me as a person. Even though I told him that was something I very much feared. I could feel the slight fear from him as I held him there, looking into his eyes. I allowed him to feel the small bit of joy I had because he called me a friend at least. I could feel his uncertainty, how he wasn't sure what to say going forward. I could feel he was a little upset I didn't want to eat his food, but he just accepted it.

He looked down with a smile, "Okay Mimi, thanks for letting me know. If you need me, just let me know. The ring lets us track each other..." Richard rubbed the back of his head again. "Umm... thanks for not being upset. You're a really nice person for not using the ring to bombard me with emotion." I realized that my own emotions were too strong for Richard to handle, as he was becoming happier due to how I felt. I found the link, and cut them from him completely so he couldn't feel what I even more. He jumped a little looking at me, "Why did you stop it?"

I pulled back from him, closing the box, then letting him go. "You have things you need to focus on, as do I. I'll be leaving you alone for the coming days." I needed to cut off my emotions, as there was one that was starting to overwhelm the others. The stinging pain of regret for having thought for a second he'd see me as anything more than a helpful monster. The embarrassment of falling for that trap in Edna's memories. I moved towards the door.

Oswald spoke up, "When the snow falls lass, meet us outside the main gates to the inner most walls. Your presence is required at the Ball. We will be waiting for you, and there will be a few warming crystals you can take with you."

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I glanced at Oswald, nodding a little. "Very well, I do not do well in the snow however." I just wanted to leave the estate, and go about my day by this point. I could feel Richard was worried he did something wrong. Though he was too afraid to ask what it was. It made sense, as my mood shifted from happy, to muted and I disconnected my emotions from him. He probably couldn't figure out how to keep his emotions from coming to me, but that was fine. It was no different from having another officer in my Hive.

Oswald nodded, "You can rest here tomorrow night if you'd like, or you can come early in the morning. We'll have a warming blanket for you to keep on you. I would also like to discuss a few things."

The fact that he mentioned it here, and wasn't discussing it now meant it was about Richard. That, or he didn't want Richard to know what we were going to discuss. I looked at the ceiling, as if thinking about it. "I'll come in the morning. Thank you for telling me when the white death will fall." I slipped the words in there on purpose which left Oswald blinking.

"White death?" Richard murmured, but I did not stay to answer his question. I left out the door, closing it behind me. I could see a man already picking up the wagon. He gasped a little at my presence, but relaxed when I showed him the ring on my lower hand. It was clearly useful, even if it marked me as someone's pet as Richard put it.

I lingered to the side of the door, listening to what the two were talking about. I could sense a little bit of anger in Oswald's voice, even though he kept his voice calm. "That could have gone better lad." He let out a sigh, to calm himself further.

Richard let out a small sigh himself, "Honestly, I was afraid I'd lose myself to her emotions for a second there. They were all nice and pleasant, but I think she was able to hide other stuff."

"Aye lad, she's able to use mind magic. Which means her emotions are whatever she wants them to be. You should keep her from showing them to you, since they will make her lies more effective." I could almost see him stroking his beard.

Richard shook his head, as I figured out how to echo locate through doors. "I want to feel them, if I pull away from her, how can she trust me brother?"

"She's a monster lad, and she's a woman. Both of those lie without feeling remorse." My opinion of Oswald dipped down a little.

Richard laughed a little, "Nah, she's a person brother. Plus you said it yourself, everyone lies. Some are just better at it than others. I know that's true from my time in the Underground." This was surprising, I had not known he lived there at one point. I could hear the two heading into the kitchen where the other noises made it impossible to hear what they were saying.

I felt a little better to know Richard was saying nice things about me, though I did not know if they knew how far I could hear yet. They likely thought I could hear as well as any other elf, or simply thought I stormed off in a huff. It bothered me that Oswald was upset about something I said, though I had no idea what it may have been.

I looked at the ring on my finger, an ornate piece of work. It was a silver ring, with gold around the edges. The area between the gems held runes etched with mithril. These runes were exactly the same on each space between the gems. The gems themselves were sapphire, ruby, and amethyst. I could feel my gem was the amethyst. The more I focused, the more I could see the two connections between the three gems. The ruby one led to Richard, while the sapphire led deeper into the city. I smiled a little, as the elites in training were leaving me alone finally.

I was being tracked through a ring, to an unknown party. They were likely associated with the Guard, or someone above the Guard. I only needed to follow the trail with this ring to talk to whoever they were. That was something to do after I tended to the other things on my ever growing list.

I left Oswald's estate, letting Richard feel a small bit of joy from the words he said. He was surprised at first, but happily let me continue feeling his emotions. It helped me understand people just a bit more. After a bit of walking, I arrived at the safe house before the sun went down. Knocking on the door, I could hear that the two inside were a little occupied with each other. I could hear Robert swear as Eris giggled and let out a moan.

From what I understood it took three seasons for humans to have offspring. It made sense to me that they would be more inclined to participate in these actions during Fall or Summer. I could hear them finishing up, while Robert seemed to get dressed himself. I merely sat outside the room to the side. It did not take long for the two to be in a better state. I opened the door as Robert approached it, "G-greetings boss."

I could smell the musk still lingering in the air, but it did not bother me at all. I let myself in, closing the door behind me. "Greetings, I am glad to see you two are doing well."

Robert rubbed the back of his head, while Eris giggled, "We have to make sure my goods still work dear. You're more than welcome to join us next time." She winked at me, as Robert shot her a look and turned pale.

I laughed a little, "No thank you, if I were to desire offspring, I'd want to do so in the early days of spring. Elves are a little different when it comes to their offspring. It might take a whole year, or it might be sooner."

Robert relaxed a little, as Eris winked, "Whatever you want, virgin~"

Robert stood up straight, "I'm sorry about that boss, please... she's not right in the head still."

I held up a hand to stop him from continuing, "Do not worry about it, we have more pressing things to discuss."

Eris giggled again, "See Robert? I told ya, she was an understanding kind. Like one of dem elf nobles that help the people proper. She ain't a monster."

Robert looked at the ground, "You weren't there when she took down four people like it was nothing." I decided to let this continue to hear what they were saying about me. It was clear Eris had some kind of issue mentally, but I could appreciate that someone wasn't treating me like a monster finally.

Eris shrugged, her loose shirt showing one of her breasts. "I keep tellin' him miss, but he don't listen. About right for men, ain't it?"

I found myself smiling a little at the comment, "I like you Eris. You can rest if you'd like today since we have enough coin for what we'll need going forward." I turned to Robert, tossing him all the coin I had left. "I'm going to put a few bugs in this room, make sure they have water and food Robert. Your job is to slowly take them to your home in the Underground. I don't care how many trips it will take, and don't do it all in one night. Remember we are ghosts. Also call me Specter instead of boss. It's better for both of us if you feel that is my name."

Robert caught the coin and nodded, "You mean it boss... er I mean Specter? Eris doesn't have to whore herself tonight?" He looked at me with a small smile.

I nodded, "Yes, you can wait on that since you should have enough coin for a few trips back and forth with those people you're supposed to find. Plus, if Eris is to have a child I would rather you be certain it is yours."

Robert blinked, "W-what do you mean?"

Eris chimed in, "I'm pregnant~" She giggled while holding her sides and kicking her feet.

"Was there a reason she wouldn't be after you two did that act?" I tilted my head waiting.

Robert rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry boss, but the gang she was protected by... they took out her womb."

I looked at Eris who took off the blanket to show the scar that was hardly even there anymore. She was holding her very large shirt up so I could properly see it. "Yep, they cut me right open, and well that doesn't grow back. Unless you fixed it with your magic Missy."

I looked back at Robert, "It's very possible it has grown back. I've had a man regrow an entire arm from one sting, and I gave your wife two Robert. If she does have a child, I will protect them as well."

Robert seemed to change different colors from pale, to red, and even blue as he forgot to breathe. Eris jumped at him from the side, and he caught her. "He does this when he's unsure how to feel. Though he's also mostly happy." Robert gasped for air, as I hid my own smile. "You have to pounce on him to unbreak him. He's been like that ever since we were kids."

I shrugged, but let them see my smile. "Anyway, I have to go. You have your orders Robert, I'll be by around three in the morning. I'll give Eris the week off before she has to work. That way we'll know for certain it's yours. I would prefer men in my gang, but again loyalty above all else. You can move Eris down in a week since you should have my Hive in your home by that point. Leave them with food and water, and refill it if you see the containers are empty."

"The goal is to take your Hive down, so they can set up. While bringing people up here to join your gang is a convenient cover, correct?" Robert looked at me, hugging Eris back as she kissed his neck.

I nodded, "Yes, and it is more important that no one knows my Hive is setting up. They will be weak at the start, but give them a few weeks and they will be able to protect you very well. Remember we are ghosts, and no one should know about the Hive at all. I'll be back later as I said earlier. Do whatever you want during your down time. Just don't spend all the coin, I will be making some tonight hopefully."

Robert nodded, and I left while Eris was sticking her hand down his pants. Humans and their mating habits. I just sighed as I closed the door, and headed towards the barracks I trained at last night. The sun had set over the walls, while the sky overhead was dark and crimson. I could see the magic swirling in the clouds above, thankful that I had tomorrow to continue preparing for the snow.

The sun had complete set by the time I reached the Barracks. I sensed magic coming towards me, and moved out of the way. I saw it was Wyatt, and he gave me a small smile. He walked towards me coughing, "Sorry about that." His voice was low, "I'm used to whispering to people with my magic. Anyway, I'm glad you came." Some of the guards on the walls around the Barracks were watching us curiously.

I nodded, "It's fine. What were you trying to tell me?"

Wyatt looked up at me, "Ah, Vivian wanted to know if you needed anything to go to the Ball. It's supposed to be the day after tomorrow. It's really nice too! Like a festival, there will be snowball fights and everything. I was hoping I could show you some stuff after the Ball. Help explain things if you don't understand them."

I tilted my head, "Explain things if I don't understand them?" I almost laughed thinking it was a joke, but Wyatt's sincere expression told me otherwise. I pulled him into a hug, using my wing to block the rock thrown at me by Eren. "I would like that Wyatt, I'll tell you my answer to Vivian's question after tonight's training. You need what rest you can get."

He pulled back, not even hearing the rock, as some guards restrained Eren and dragged him away. Wyatt nodded slowly, "Yeah, she did say I needed your answer before going back. Please don't hug me in front of the guards next time... I shouldn't be this close to a... you..."

I pulled away with a small smile, "Of course Captain, what is today's training?" It honestly hurt a little, but I was getting used to it. There was no point in making the Guard angry, so it was better to just slowly change their opinion with kindness.

Wyatt took a step back, "Thanks for understanding. Today's course is about monsters. Everyone will be given a book to read through the night. It's a monster manual written by Oswald, and every recruit is expected to know it by the end of Fall. If you don't, then you'll stay a recruit next season. Though we don't accept new recruits during Spring and Summer. Do... do you know how to read?" Wyatt asked the question in our native tongue.

I replied in kind, "I know a little bit, but could use some help. The signs help."

Wyatt blinked at me, "W-what about the book of laws you were given?"

I memorized everything important, and used it as material for the Hive. I tilted my head a little the other way, "It was given to me, and I was asked to use it. I thought they wanted me to get rid of it, so I tore it apart and made combs out of it."

Wyatt laughed a bit, smiling at me, "I see, well I'll teach you how to read tonight okay? You shouldn't be walking around without an escort though." I showed him the ring I just got today, and he nodded. "Fair enough." We went back to the local language as he guided me through the gates again. "Do you need anything to help you study?"

I smiled at him, "I'm starving right now Captain, I've been too busy to eat. Would you mind buying me some food?"

Wyatt hesitated for a moment, when we both saw Brian half jogging from the building. "Wyatt!? What a coincidence seeing you here buddy. Now about that loan?" He stopped in his tracks, as we both smiled at him wickedly.