Mimi

The training went rather well, and I felt stronger for it. I would never have guessed I could graze the light to pass through smaller places. I could have never figured out that I could enter my own shadow to keep from taking damage while falling. So many little things that Edna missed out on. It truly was wonderful to have someone capable teaching me things that were useful.

I still had a few hours before the sun fully set. With that in mind, I jumped from the top of a building into a dark alley. I kept my wings close until after I entered the shadows, using the momentum to propel myself from shadow to shadow. I could stay in the light for half a second at most, but that narrow margin could be the difference between life and death one of these days.

The only downside to traveling like this, was that I am unable to hear anything going on above. It was great for moving from one place to another very quickly, but then I'd miss the small things people in the area were saying. The same people that indirectly told me about Oswald's death tomorrow. I also needed to know exactly where I needed to go, otherwise I'd end up in a new location if I wasn't paying attention. Thankfully I could still communicate with my hive, and by feeling our bonds; I was able to know where I was in relation to them.

I emerged in the dark alley that had the safe house, and listened to what was happening inside. Judging by their breathing, the two just finished another bout of skinship. Robert was talking to Eris about who he was going to gather today. I knocked on the door, which stopped them. I entered after they didn't move for a few seconds.

Looking around the room, everything seemed much like it was yesterday. Robert lowered his head as if to apologize. I closed the door behind me, before patting Robert on the shoulder. "Why are you bowing?" Eris was just twirling her hair, as if to stay busy and quiet.

Robert looked up to me, "I could not find anyone else to bring last night. I was hoping to surprise you, but people are being cautious."

I smiled back at him, "It's fine, I used my healing up already. Take the day off, and tend to other things. Make coin if you can help it. I won't be here tomorrow, so don't worry about gathering others until I'm free to move again."

Robert relaxed, and nodded. "Thank you boss."

Eris giggled at Robert, "You won't be getting any sleep tonight~"

Robert rubbed the back of his head as I let him go. "One more thing Robert, I would like you to write reports on those you do recruit. You can read and write, correct?"

Robert smiled, "I learned it through my talent. I can translate written words, and write it in whatever languages I've heard before."

"That is rather useful actually." I changed my words to Alice's native tongue, "Can you write it in this language?" I could feel Robert using his talent, then he nodded.

I kept using that language, "Wonderful, write out their talents, abilities, the job you have them doing, and anything else that is important. I would like these reports weekly since you are supposed to be running the gang by yourself. Keep feeding the hive below, and within a week you shouldn't have to worry about hiring help."

Robert nodded, speaking in the same language, "What will you be doing?"

Eris sighed deeply, speaking in the local tongue, "Okay guys, you can stop making fun of me." She pretended to pout so the mood was light.

I smiled a bit, returning to the local language myself. "I'll be going to the Ball, and handling other business. I'll come here to talk to you in a few days more than likely. Though you can write and leave messages for the hive down there. They will get smart enough to read after a few days have passed."

Robert smiled a little, before hugging Eris who started kissing his neck again. "Alright, I'll wait for you to tell me when you're ready for more members. I'll do what I can with who we have already."

I nodded, and left the two alone. I entered the shadows to pop up in another alley, before making my way towards the barracks. On my way, I saw Brian stepping out of an alley, smoking some herbs again. "Hey, we need to talk."

I raised a brow, before following him further into the alley. After he stopped, I took a second to look around. It was a dead end alley, without anything worth a second glance. "What did you wish to talk about?"

Brian took one last drag from his herbs, and tossed the remainder on the ground before stamping it out. His eyes glowed a little from magic, as he gathered it inside himself. "Today's training is going to be active sparring. I'm going to have to be your partner today, and you'll need to lose."

I tilted my head, "Why is that exactly?"

He looked down, "Vivian told me to provoke you into actually fighting. She'll be there to observe today, since you are going to the Ball. As the vice, I need to make it seem you are not enough of a threat to be taken seriously in a place with the nobles."

"Why are you telling me all this?" I leaned against one of the walls.

Brain gave a sad smile, "It's because I'm Wyatt's friend. I want what's best for him, but he struggles. I can see you're helping him in ways I could never do. I want you to keep helping him if you can. I'll hit you with my hardest punch in the stomach. It will probably mess your insides up, so don't freak out when it happens."

I nodded, "Thank you Brian. I'll try to act like it hurt even if it didn't."

Brian's eyes lit up as he looked at me, "I promise you, it will. I'll be putting everything I have into the punch, so Vivian knows I'm not pulling anything. I just need you to pretend to be arrogant until it hits. Then I need you to not freak out, my magic ignores armor after I tap it a few times."

I nodded slowly as Brian walked past me. "I'll keep that in mind and will try to act appropriately. Thank you for the warning Brian."

He just gave a back handed wave as he walked out of the alley. I only needed to wait for a good twenty minutes until it was clear we didn't come together. All this to trick Vivian in what could have been a terrible situation. He could be lying to me however, but I didn't see much of a purpose in doing such. He admitted to not thinking he could win a fight between us, which was a good way to ensure you'd lose.

The city grew darker, as the sun set. I arrived at the Barracks to see other recruits training. Charles came towards me, and told me to spar with some of them for a bit. Explaining that I needed to work on a form that didn't rely on my armor as much. I kept an eye on Eren, even while training. I expected him to hurl a fireball or something at me tonight, but the whispers of others seemed to assert this was his last chance. He would be expelled from the Guard for the rest of this season and the next if he acted out.

It was simple enough to spar with my opponents since they were only recruits. It gave me the free time to watch as the veterans used their weapons. The recruit seemed to be getting upset with me, as I didn't give them my attention. After they attempted to strike me when I looked away, and failed they settled for imbuing magic into their sword. I watched as frost seemed to fall from the thing, a small mist rolling down it's hilt. The boy shivered as it seemed to make him cold.

He charged at me with a smile, that soon turned into fear as I kicked the sword away. The boy closed his eyes, flinching as I reached towards him. I ruffled his hair, patting his shoulder, "Please do not use magic against me." He turned red, and nodded before going to pick up his sword. He made a few more attempts to strike me, but I merely pointed to the veteran with the better sword play. "Watch what he does and how he moves. See how he isn't fully committing to every attack. He's feinting, and keeping his sword close to deflect the blow from his opponent. In a long drawn out battle where you can't hurt the other, you need to focus on not being hit yourself. You need to save your energy and deplete the strength of your enemy."

"Thank you..." He started to feint at me a few times, but wasn't too good at such. His hands were shaking, and his posture was weak. He didn't seem to want to be here, and it made me question the blue haired youth's reasons. Still as we continued, he was steadily becoming more capable. I let him strike my abs a few times, when he made the correct movements. This seemed to properly encourage him. It was nice to watch someone become less afraid of me.

Then the others around us stopped, as I heard clapping. I noticed Vivian and Wyatt entered through the gate, as Brian came towards me. "Well, well, well. It seems you're starting to get along with the recruits. Though I'm starting to wonder how capable you really are."

The boy moved away, as I looked down at Brian. "Capable enough, but there is still much for me to learn. I do not wish to use a weapon since, I'm afraid of breaking them with my strength."

Brian frowned a little, because I wasn't acting arrogant as he wanted. If I acted in such a way, then it would only serve to lessen the other's opinions towards me. "Then how about a spar with me?" He tried a new tactic, smiling at me.

I fully unfurled my wings, as Brian channeled magic into his body again. All four of my arms exposed, "I am honored that you think I am capable of such. I will do my best not to disappoint you."

Brian took a rather open stance that allowed him to move as he needed. One that seemed full of openings, but were likely meant to pull the target into attacking those spots. He had his vitals covered by his guard, and his eyes were glowing. I could feel Vivian watching us with her magic. Wyatt and her talking about how this will go down. It seems that Wyatt never could actually beat Brian in a one on one fight. Which made sense, as Wyatt was much better for killing or attacking a group.

I focused back on Brian, assuming his same stance, but modifying it for my four arms, and wings. He moved towards me with a hop, and I leaned forward with my reach to strike at him. My punches and strikes were pulled so I would not hurt Brian. After all, I needed to lose here to not be seen as a larger threat. Still to everyone, but Wyatt and perhaps Vivian. It would seem I was doing the best I could. Brian himself had a fast reaction comparable to Wyatt, and seemed to smile a little as he used the magic stored in his limbs to adjust himself. He struck me in the abs, and I could feel his magic going through the armor.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

I moved forward with a kick, while my arms reached to grab Brian. He used the same magic to hop back out of my reach, and spun. It was interesting to watch how capable he was with controlling it. He brought magic into his body to make himself stronger, and expelled it for momentum. It was very likely he'd have some kind of armor that could aid in this, just like Wyatt did. Yet, here he was without any armor to defeat me without trying his hardest. I jumped towards him, before flapping my wings to avoid another punch aimed at my abs.

Brian flexed his legs, and launched himself towards me, as I took swipes at his head. He ducked mid charge, and uppercutted my abs. He used more magic to launch himself away from me grabbing at him again, as he started to sweat. I let out a small hiss, to keep up the act. I was supposed to be upset that he was evading my strikes after all. If this were a real fight however, he'd be dead by now.

I kicked some of the dirt at him, as he rolled out of the way. I used this as a chance to try grabbing him again, but he naturally saw this coming. He struck with more force this time hitting my stomach three times quickly. He used his magic to soften the blows on his own fists, while striking me with enough force to blast me back a little. My abs were ringing in a sort of gentle message kind of way.

Brian was pulling Aether back into his limbs, and this would be the perfect time to end him. Still he shrugged, "The next punch will end this spar. You can yield now, or I'll show you how strong we are as people."

I crossed my arms, "All you have been doing is running away. Your punches are weak, how exactly do you expect to win?" Brian laughed to himself as I pretended to act arrogant. He knew he needed time to prepare, and I was giving it to him. The others were watching us with interest, "If I'm still standing from this punch, then will you yield your position to me?" I grinned at him.

Brian took a deep breath, "Fine, I'll take that bet. You better be ready to heal yourself though." He walked towards me, as I exposed my stomach to him.

Wyatt let out a groan, and looked away. Eren was moving closer, but he wouldn't be foolish enough to try something right? He would be expelled if he did, but even still I kept an eye on him. I nodded, "I'll be ready, just be ready to back off yourself if I lash out."

Brian grinned as he stood in front of me. "Don't worry, I won't let you go on a rampage in front of the Captain." He pulled his fist far back, taking a stance. His other hand's palm touched my abs for a second. Then he struck me. I could feel his magic going through my armored abs, using them as a medium for the strike. I could tell it wasn't a talent at work, but pure skill based on the magic he was using. I felt the intense pain as my organs ruptured from the magic blasting through them. On instinct, I entered my combat form, but the damage was already done.

I vomited blood, as I fell to my knees quickly stinging my side to heal. It took everything I had, not to tear Brian's arms off in that instant. Then I felt magic behind me. I saw the fireball coming right towards me, followed by other magics likely trying to stop it. Brian didn't notice as his attention was on me, but he was starting to look up. I quickly grabbed Brian by the waist with two arms, the neck with another and a shoulder. Brian threw a punch at my head on instinct himself, and I bit into his arm to catch it. Then we entered my shadow, as the fire ball passed over us.

Half a second passed, as Brian pulled his forearm back, cutting himself on my mask and teeth. I stung him with a healing stinger before tossing him away and jumping above Wyatt's strike as he aimed for one of my arms. I understood that he wanted to make sure Brian was okay, and was truly thankful he didn't aim for my head instead. Vivian watched everything, yelling for everyone to stand down. More magic was aimed at me, and I realized I had enough of this farce. I dodged another strike of fire that Eren threw at me, because no one tried to restrain him this time. I was still in the air, slowly falling, and decided to just go home.

Killing them would only endanger my Hive. I could hear Vivian cursing, as I dived into the shadows of the gate and left them there. So much for joining the Guard after all that work. I really should have just left them after the second night. I felt pain and anger welling in me, as my Hive started to react to those emotions. I focused on suppressing them, and managed to calm down much more as I made it back to my little shack.

I felt my stomach, and flexed the muscles I could. It was going to snow tomorrow, and my Hive underground was no where near ready. I could only hope that it would stay warm enough for them down there. Then there was the fact that I ran from the Guard. It's likely they are sending groups to search for me. Vivian probably went to Oswald's estate, to talk her way out of being there. Brian would likely be sent to the safe house, if they knew about it. Wyatt was probably ordered to come here, and it was only a matter of time.

I used the time I had to arrange ghosts above the curtains, with warriors on either side. Even if they sent Wyatt, I wouldn't know if they decided to put me down, or talk it out until he got here. I needed to act afraid, and convince him to stay on my side. Yet, he mentioned a pact with the King already. I just needed to show I wasn't too much of a threat, but even that was uncertain. Eren would have a painful death if I were to ever find him alone. All of this just because of him.

I sent the order to Gray, that Eren was to be properly removed tonight. I am going to show him what it means to make an enemy of my Hive. Then there was a knock on the wall outside, disrupting all the plans I made for hurting Eren. Grey himself expressed concern over the idea. After calming down again, I told him to ignore the order. After all, if the youth disappeared now I would be a prime suspect.

The knock came again, and I still did not answer it. I could hear it was Wyatt outside, just as I thought he would be. I moved to the wall as warriors and scouts started to crawl over me. I had them marching their wings as a warning. After all, I needed to be properly afraid. I could tell Wyatt lowered his head, with a sigh. "Mimi... may I please come in? We need to talk." He paused for a moment, "Pretty please? I won't hurt you, I promise."

I stopped the marching, and timidly whispered, "Leave your weapons outside." It was a relief he didn't come with the intention of fighting.

I could hear the pipe being laid against the wall outside, as Wyatt slowly opened the curtains. He squinted, as his eyes seemed to adjust. "It's a bit dim in here isn't it?" He smiled a little looking at me, while my eyes still glowed.

"I'm used to darker. The world outside can be too bright, and I like hiding in the dark." I could see Wyatt frown at that.

He looked at the ground, before sitting down. "When did you have your bugs cover the light crystals in here? It shouldn't be this dark."

"I had them build some parts of the Hive over it today. You aren't here to talk about my living conditions are you?" I didn't need to move since he could hardly see me. I kept the others away from him since he showed no signs of hostility.

Wyatt looked down, "We did a lot of talking out there past the walls. Most of it about me, and how I did without Alice. The nightmares and stuff, how you helped me get rid of them. I... it came back when I thought you died."

I just stared at him, watching as he rubbed the back of his head. He smiled sadly when I didn't speak up, or say anything.

"Look... I know about Alice. She's a part of you, but there were some things last night that she'd never do. Mimi... why did you go easy on Brian? Why... did you let him punch you?"

I looked down, "I didn't want to hurt him. I didn't want to hurt anyone. You were there, and I was worried if I hurt your friend, you'd attack me."

Wyatt winced a little, because he did attack me after hurting Brian. "Are you only trying to be good, because you're afraid of me?" He sounded a little hurt.

I shook my head slowly, "I like it here, this cave is warmer than my other one. I was able to eat every day, except when I got too busy trying to explore. There are so many people, and I like seeing them smile." Where else would I really go anyway Wyatt? I could maybe leave and establish a good Hive with what I know in Spring, but leaving now would be suicide. My Hive would die, and then I would die if I got caught in the snow, or it became too cold.

Wyatt closed his eyes, and flicked his ears a little. "Are you speaking like a child on purpose Mimi? Do you really like it here?" He looked at me with his eyes dimly glowing.

I focused on him for a second, and realized he was using magic to hear something outside. I adjusted my hearing, upset that I couldn't see him using magic in this moment. "A little... you're nicer to me when I speak like this." Wyatt raised a brow, and then I continued. "I like it here." Then I heard it *ding.* He was using his magic to convey this conversation to a lie detector. Vivian likely carried it on her, and my earlier assumption was wrong.

Wyatt himself frowned a little, then looked into his lap. "You don't have to lie Mimi. I know we haven't been the nicest to you."

I remained silent, as I contemplated how to go about this. I needed to let them think I didn't know about the lie detector, while saying the right words to make me seem better. What were they trying to get me to admit to exactly? What was the point in this? They probably saw this coming, so they didn't need to check the other spots. How far ahead were they?

Wyatt swallowed hard, "If you could leave... would you?"

"How did you know I didn't like it here? What gave it away?" I kept my voice calm.

Wyatt looked at me, "Alice wouldn't like it here. I doubt any monster would go through half as much as you have. What is the point? Why aren't you going on a rampage or something?"

I tilted my head at this, "I thought the tests were over. If I lashed out, then I would potentially die, or be contained. I can't leave because it is cold outside. Was all of this to push me to my absolute limits? Is this something not written in the laws? Please explain it to me, because I am currently past my limits right now."

Wyatt stared at me, in a small bit of shock. He blinked slowly, before taking a breath. "You can't leave because of the cold? What about the silk you make? Can't you just make enough of that, and go?"

"Wyatt." My voice was low and clear. Judging by the way he stiffened up, he was starting to feel a little bit of fear. "I told you a few answers, now answer my questions. The last thing you want to see, is me going on a rampage. Tell me, were the tests not over? Was this all to push me to my limits? Because as a person, I have already been pushed past that point. As a monster, I am acting solely on benefit to my Hive. I believe more would die, if I attempted to leave, versus staying here."

Wyatt gulped a little, before nodding. "P-please go back to the nicer voice. For... for new monsters we need to see how much we can push before they actually lose control. It isn't in the laws, but I am sorry I couldn't tell you about that."

He looked down after he finished, I narrowed my eyes at him. My voice not changing back, "This is stupid." I covered my face with my hands.

Wyatt stayed silent, only nodding slowly.

"I mean, I honestly tried to make this work Wyatt. There were so many benefits to being a part of the Guard." I shook my head in my hands, almost laughing.

Wyatt looked at me, "There are a lot of benefits, including being treated like a person potentially."

I looked at Wyatt, as his hair stood on end. "Right, because I'm a monster in the eyes of the law. In your eyes, I'm a monster that stole your sister from you."

"I didn't say that..." He seemed upset now, but I didn't care.

"You didn't have to Wyatt. It's a shame this couldn't work out. I did like you, and I wanted to help you, truly. You are no longer a part of the Hive Wyatt. I will not be attempting to join the Guard any further. Please leave, before I go on the rampage you and Vivian tried so hard to provoke out of me." I glared at him, my warriors marching.

Wyatt looked around, unable to see them. He lowered his head, "I'm sorry, is there anything I can do to make it better?"

"Now is not the time to ask that question Wyatt. I am angry, I am hurt, I am betrayed, and you let this happen to me. Now leave."

Wyatt got up and left, grabbing his pipe from outside. He ran away leaving me alone in the dark again. On some level I could understand why they needed to test me, to see me rampage. I understood that the best place for that to happen was in front of a bunch of guards. What I didn't understand was the purpose of potentially pissing off a monster that could cure the damage they cause. Unless the goal was to have me kill someone. Then Richard would lose any power he had as my Tamer, and I would be under direct control of the Guard.

It started to make sense when I thought about it that way. Why have me be tied to just one man, when the Guard could threaten my Hive, and use me as they saw fit. What's a couple recruits when you gain something that could cure more? It would weaken the Golden Circle, as they used my abilities to grow their own power. Wyatt would have never figured it out, and it was in the best interests of the Kingdom.

More importantly, was the timing. Today was their last chance to do this, because I would get to see the King tomorrow. Vivian likely hoped I would be too upset to want to see the king of the city that tried to harm me. The question became why? After a bit of thinking, I realized something; the King would have to take responsibility for the Guard trying to provoke a needless rampage. He would either need to give Richard another apology token, to make up for an organization trying to steal away what technically belongs to him. Or, he would need to give me full rights, and acknowledge me as a citizen. Vivian would likely come clean about what happened tomorrow, hoping for the former. I smiled to myself, realizing I could ruin her plans tomorrow. I just needed to make my way through the snow, with Richard and Oswald.