Mimi

Last night was eventful, and I managed to sort through everything that happened. The more I thought about it, the more it started to make sense. Vivian wanted me to kill someone, anyone, just to have the proper reasons to take control over me. Why have a monster with so much potential running around, without a proper leash? What hurt the most about it, was that I almost fell for it. It worked out in my favor, as they were so focused on myself, they ignored my other hives. Tomorrow I would have a foothold in the Underground, with Oswald supposedly dying today it will be the best place to go.

There was a chance that someone might attempt to intercept me, but with Oswald and Richard around, they can protect me. I looked through the darkness of my home, enjoying the warmth. There was snow outside, and all of my kin were staying warm inside the hive properly. It was early in the morning, and the white death blanketed every inch of the outside. I could make it to Richard in time for breakfast, but the real issue was that I needed more food for my hive here.

At the very least, we confirmed that Gray could not gather new abilities for the Hive by killing things with his vampire body. He could use magic, and it would count for us at least. At least the symbiosis was working well for the mixing of my breeder, and the fledgling vampire. We could test and see if that works for making a new blood line at least. So much to test, but at this rate the union between the two might take a week or two. It is a slow process, but Gray is at least keeping them well fed on blood and hunting.

Even still, Berry's hive took a great leap in attempting to work bone into our hive. I used to use my broken chitin, but if we could use the bones of other creature it would help. I thanked the one named Brick, but he was rather shy and only acknowledged the gratitude. At this rate, we might even be able to turn living creatures into moving nests for our Hive. I slowly plucked the curtain, to confirm with my own eyes how much snow there was. It was everywhere, as confirmed by the scouts.

I closed the curtain, contemplating the merits of seeing the king again. I needed to, before Vivian talked to him. There was so much more I still needed to do, but didn't have the time. I peeked outside one more time, feeling even more reluctant. The white death would cling to my chitin, and cover my wings. It sapped my body heat and made me sluggish, and I really didn't want to go out through it. I could tell this snow was different, because it had magic laced all through it. Every flake of it had some kind of enchantment or something, and I had no idea what it was. I really needed something that could handle the cold.

My Hive cheered me on, as I lowered my head. There was still the issue of the pedo ring that man was a part of. The morning was still coming, and the sun had not peeked past the outer walls yet. I could skip breakfast with Richard and Oswald, then I should have enough time to rescue the children. If no one was there, and there was no food, then the children would have starved anyway. People were ample food for the Hive after all. Yet, some part of me pushed the notion of eating such young ones aside.

Yes, it would be better to drop them off at the Guard station. If there were any monsters or people in the room with them, I could just kill them for my Hive instead. I knew the important memories of those that Gray captured, so there should only be two more members left. I stepped into the darkness, pleased that the snow covered everything under it in shadow. I moved quickly, as I still was on a schedule.

Going over the memories of the man with hypnotism, it appeared it was just another part of mind magic as a whole. The information I got from the man's memories were helpful, but ultimately I didn't gain his magic. It was as if the dreamer magic already allowed me to do such, and I wasn't limited to just illusions. It was rather embarrassing that I never attempted such magic on others, and solely focused it on my Hive and myself. Using those same memories, I was able to detect the minds of those around me. It did not matter if I was moving among the shadows or not.

Even if I could not read their minds, I could tell where they were and a general emotional state. Emotional states like fear from young minds being held in a basement close to the red light district. Frustration from the captors, that were waiting for their other members to return. The surprise both felt as I emerged from behind the two captors. The terror in the eyes of the little ones as I used two hands to effortlessly twist the necks of these same individuals. I couldn't afford to get blood on me, since I had to be well dressed after all. What surprised me most, was the fact that the individuals I slew without so much as a word or reason; their lives flashed before their eyes. I connected with them, taking those final memories. I learned of where they hid coin for their worst days. How they used the magic they had, fire elementalist and a priest.

I looked at the three bare children, their arms above their head in shackles. I saw an after image of Wyatt when he was smaller in them, making it clear my disposition towards not hurting them came from Alice. They whimpered, feeling complete fear at the monster before them. The bodies would be here when I returned, they needed help. Their bodies were fine, but their minds were much worse due to repeated hypnotic suggestions, and cruel tortures. I knelt before them, hugging the three shivering children, "You are safe now."

Thankfully my words calmed them, and I was able to tear the shackles from their wrists by my strength alone. I grabbed the three and a pair of blankets, before carrying them through the shadows to the closest Guard station. I wrapped them in the blankets, before dropping them off right at the gate, where a few guards noticed them quickly. I returned to that same room minutes later, grabbing everything of worth and left. The bodies were dropped off in the tunnel under my home. I felt a bit better now that my Hive wouldn't starve during the Winter, and we could experiment with using bones for our hives as well.

Overall, the ordeal only took an hour with most of that time being due to travel. I couldn't risk jumping from a high building to move quickly through the shadows, and had to more or less run the entire time. The best case is that I would enter my shadow on top of the snow and have to come back out just as quickly as I entered. Still I managed to make good time, especially considering that I didn't get any snow or blood on myself. I entered the shadows once again and made my way to Oswald's estate.

As I understood it, there were more of these detestable rings in the city. It was a way to get food for my Hive, and to make myself look better. The added kick that it meant Vivian would likely have to process more paper work, based on how many children I rescue was enough to motivate me to try again another day. I had names, faces, and places to look. Plus there was the added benefit that it satisfied some deeply buried desire within myself. It made me happy, and it made things safer for the Hive. After all, the Harper spiders were allowed to nest freely solely because they protected children.

I could not think of any negatives, besides earning the ire of a disgusting group of people. They wouldn't be able to fight me openly, and if all witnesses were disposed of, there would be no link besides the children. The children who would be in the custody of the Guard, and likely rehabilitated before going home, or to the orphanage. It really was a great fortune to stumble upon this free meal ticket.

I arrived at Oswald's estate, and briefly considered how to approach the two. I could feel they were almost ready to leave. I emerged from the snow, erupting out of the ground covered in the stuff. To my surprise, it did not feel cold. The air was chilly compared to the day before, but it wasn't as unbearable as I thought it might be. I held the snow in my hand, staring at it, trying to see if there was something wrong with my senses.

I quickly knocked on the door, and stepped back as it unlocked as usual. I moved inside the snow still held in my hand. Richard and Oswald both stared at me, before giving me a smile. Richard spoke first, "Hey Mimi, you seem confused. Is everything good?" I could feel him trying to check my emotions through our connection. He appeared to be in a good mood himself.

I held the snow out before the two, "Why isn't this cold? I know there is magic involved, but I do not understand." My hand trembled a little, at all the memories I had of this white substance killing my escorts over and over. How it was a bane to me as much as fire.

Oswald stroked his beard, "We didn't think you were going to come this early. I have the blanket I promised you upstairs. Richard, can you go upstairs and fetch it? I need to explain to Mimi why our snow is special."

Richard smiled, "Sure thing, and don't worry Mimi. It messed me up when I did my first exile. You get used to thinking snow isn't actually that cold or dangerous, but it only applies to the first snow." He left the room, almost running up the stairs.

I looked at Oswald, "This is White Death to me. It has killed many of my kin, and I apologize."

Oswald raised a brow, "Why are you apologizing?"

I listened as Richard was too far away to hear anything we said. "I apologize for calling it that, when there are rumors about what is to happen."

Oswald stroked his beard, "I see, you are forgiven then. You heard about it after you said that then?" I nodded as he let out a small laugh. "Can I trust you to watch over the lad and keep him safe lass?"

"He is a part of my Hive, he will be kept safe as long as he doesn't break his promise." I could no longer hear Richard since he was too far up now. I kept my ears ready, in case I needed to interrupt.

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Oswald smiled a little, "I'll be going away for a bit. It will hurt the lad, but I need it kept a secret. He needs to act genuinely, you're smart lass I know I can trust you to carry this through."

I kept my voice low, "I will not question your motives, or your reasons. In exchange, I need you to talk to the king on my behalf. I need the rights of a person, and my Hive protected. Are you aware of what the Guard did to test me?"

Oswald furrowed his brow, tilting his head. "I'm afraid not lass, though I will talk to the king on your behalf. He'll probably want to talk to me before I leave anyway. I cannot make promises, but we'll see."

I nodded, "That is all I ask. Vivian used a recruit, or hired someone to attack me. She had the Guard attempt to push me to a rampage, and I want to know if my assumptions are correct."

Oswald looked behind himself, "Lad is coming down. Vivian probably wants you working for her directly lass. Makes the most sense to me, please don't call her out during the Ball. Just act like the other nobles do, and keep things calm." I tapped my ear to let him know Richard was almost close enough to hear us. Oswald laughed loudly, "Anyway, as I was saying lass! We have magic users that can manipulate the weather. It takes a lot of concentration, but the snow is enchanted to not be cold. It lets everyone play with it, and in it without worry. You can eat it or whatever else you like. Vendors even sell flavored snow."

Richard came down with the blanket, and a satchel of what I assumed to be warming crystals. "Found it!" He smiled, as I moved towards him. I gently took it from him.

"Thank you Richard, and I see. It boggles my mind to think so much energy would be used to let the people enjoy the perfect snow day." I wrapped the warming blanket around myself under my wings, where it stuck to my silk vest. I tied the satchel around my waist to give it a little more stability. "What happens when it melts?"

Oswald walked towards the door, "It's the signal that Winter has come lass. The temperature will drop to just above freezing. Winter crops will be sown into the dirt, since everything was harvested over the course of last week. Hence the warming blanket. I'm hoping it can help keep you warm and moving despite the cold."

Richard rubbed the back of his head, before grabbing my hand. I looked at him curiously, feeling that he was a little embarrassed. Oswald turned and saw us, but said nothing. "Mimi, I know we haven't seen each other for a while." He looked up at me with a gentle smile, "I'm sorry I've been too busy to see you. I brought you here, and I couldn't help you get settled in properly. Please, let me escort you to the Ball."

I tilted my head, glancing at Oswald. "Why? What is the meaning behind this?"

Richard felt a little reluctant, but pressed on. "I missed you, and I just want to take you there. I know Oswald invited you and all, but he said I should escort you myself."

I looked at him, then back at Oswald. I let out a small sigh, "Very well, but once we are past the inner most walls, I will need some time to explore. I'm curious about the area."

Richard looked to Oswald, who nodded. "That's fine lass, but no bugs past those walls, understood?"

"I do not have an escort on me, so I agree. Would you like me to carry you Oswald? I can understand that the snow would be difficult for you to wade through." He wanted Richard to escort me personally, to assert that I belonged to Richard. This will be my first appearance in front of nobles, they will judge me based on this. Oswald wanted to assure the more dangerous ones that I was perfectly docile enough to be led around by Richard. It secured my safety during the Ball, and asserted Richard's power. A brilliant move considering Oswald would no longer be able to protect Richard after he leaves.

Richard smiled, "Just you wait, the king likes to throw a banquet with all the food that would spoil otherwise. There will be loads of the stuff, and you can eat the fancy stuff for free Mimi."

I smiled a little as Oswald nodded in response to my question. "Please do lass. In fact, I need to talk to the lad a bit before we properly enter. Just drop me off by the stairs to the palace and he can help me walk up them."

"Alright, I promise to not be gone too long after dropping you both off." After all, I just needed to find out who had the third ring of our set. I only needed to chat with them a little. I allowed Richard to lead me by my hand, as Oswald stepped outside. His estate that was such a nexus of magical activity, now a dormant husk of what it was. Everything was likely moved, or taken apart to not harm anyone that entered. Then I felt it after the door closed. A small spark of magic, as Oswald controlled what I could make out as fire. He was going to burn the inside of the estate to ash, but I didn't understand why. I couldn't ask him since I gave my word not to let Richard know his plans.

He gave me a knowing look as I picked him up. This was his warning, so that I could move any kin I left inside out. I softly placed him on my shoulders, tapping his leg to let him know it was fine and that I had noticed. "Lass, we will wait outside for you at the top of the stairs, would you mind carrying me in just like this?"

Richard laughed a little, "I told you, you could probably see a lot from up there. It's one of those things, where you want to look down on the nobles under you right?"

Oswald chuckled, "Something like that lad, they've been looking down on me for too long. It's about time I returned the favor, just this once. We'll have some suits to change into, to be more properly dressed. The Count is a stickler, and had someone tell me about this earlier." I realized Oswald wanted to ride atop me just like this. A move to further assert how docile I was, and that he was close enough to do as much. It would make me seem childish, and less capable intellectually. Something that would allow me to just quietly observe as others talked. After all, what harm could there be in talking in front of such a docile monster?

I smiled a little, "I don't mind one bit, just let me know when you grow tired of it. I'll set you down when you ask for it."

Oswald agreed to such, and I walked while Richard led me through the snow. I couldn't shake the fear I had gained towards the substance. It bothered me on a deep level, just to walk through it. My mind screaming at me, that we were going to die or be too hurt to hunt. That I should return to the Hive, even if I would eat my kin. So many times I had seen this snow, so many times I had to suffer because of it. To me, it was a white carpet that led to even more danger. White death was such an appropriate name for it, because I was walking towards the most dangerous place in all of Eclipse. The home and territory of the monsters that ruled this city.

I listened as Oswald talked to Richard. Oswald's voice hiding a bitter sadness to it, under a warm veil of calm and warmth towards Richard. Richard happy to have the three of us together, his family all in one place. Surely you understood Oswald, just how much you leaving him will hurt him. You want me to protect him at his most vulnerable, you do not know what he may do. You want me to stop him, if he were to do something drastic. To nurse him back to his usual self, but you will leave a scar deeper than any fiend could on his heart. I was no better, for agreeing to let you do this to him. My Hive meant more to me, than Richard's emotions.

We reached the gate of the inner most walls. I could tell just by looking at them, that every brick was enchanted. Every segment of wall held runes, and of the others, this was the tallest. What surprised me most, was how there was an area beneath it where no magic was able to be used. One could not use the shadows to sneak in, nor could they teleport. It was it's own fortress that stood as a testament to the strength of those behind it. We moved through the gate, guards bowing to Oswald as we walked past. Professional in every sense of the word. We were checked for weapons, trinkets and just about anything. Oracles looking over every inch of us without taking our clothes. I could even feel entomancers making certain I had none of my kin with me. There was no issue as we were allowed passage.

I could see beautiful mansions with fountains sprawling across the area. The inner most wall had it's own private farms, and work force as I could tell. Every bit of it shaped and built to appear gentle and warm. Even the snow appeared to glow with a kind of soft warmth, despite being snow. Everything I could see was expertly crafted, and put together to please the eye. Everything had a purpose, as it appeared anyone could actually drink from the water fountain that caught my eye. Even I understood, that the space inside the inner most walls was larger than it should be. I could sense the spatial magic allowing it to stretch and overlap the space outside, without actually going past the walls. If those walls were to fall, then whatever brought them down would be struck with the force and mass of these homes and buildings.

What truly made the space of the inner most walls beautiful, was the abundance of life moving through the streets. People shoveling snow with ease. Birds that flew towards magic flowers, while humming a gentle melody. Tiny creatures that cleaned other mansions, with their white caps. It was almost like stepping into another world.

Richard still knew the way, but had to tug a few times before I followed. I still observed that every building was made with the highest quality of wood, most of it steeped with magic. Then every stone had it's own rune, including the bricks that built these homes. Every single abode was itself, a fortress. I could feel they had magic underneath, allowing for private basements where no one could pry. Yet, not a one of them held a candle to the pure opulence of the castle.

It stood there, a testament to the king's might, and abilities. Each of the eight spires with a different color on their tops. Each one with eight windows made of stained glass, that moved to show a story with magic. A large dome connected each of these eight spires as it sat twice as large as any mansion. This same dome that could easily eat two of Oswald's estates, and have space for another half. The thing was massive, and more impressive compared to the walls. The runes etched on this monster of a building, so powerful that I could feel them radiating mana constantly. It was a marvel, that I would never forget. Something that took lifetimes to construct, and something that would not fall unless the kingdom itself fell.

I left Oswald, and Richard at the stairs of the palace. I just needed to find out who, or what was watching me through the ring. To understand what they could see, feel, or potentially even hear. I followed the direction that my ring pointed me in. Realizing once more, how incredibly thought out this place was. I turned around to realize how easy it would be to defend, as the roads sloped downwards around the mansions. That the mansions themselves were cover, for one to move between with ease when coming from the mansion. No expense spared in making it easy to defend.

After a good ten minutes of following the magic, I finally happened upon a well built balding man. He was potentially in his mid twenties, with an athletic build. He did not seem to notice that I was trailing him quietly. I walked past an alley, seeing a dark elf with purple skin, and light gray hair waving at me. I stopped, as he used the same backwards magic I saw before. Then that magic disappeared as his sapphire eyes started to glow.

The dark elf wore all black, with a cape that seemed to wipe away his trail in the snow. I could tell every inch of what he wore was saturated with magic, much like the palace I left the other two at. The man waved at me, smiling, "Greetings, I am King Charles and you're going to follow me down this alley. After that, we're going to have a friendly little chat."

I looked towards the person I was trailing, about to reply when he spoke before I did. "Yes, you don't have a choice. Don't worry the man is under orders to only report where you are if you are in trouble. Yes, I am aware that I'm answering questions right as you think them. I can see the future, and am merely taking the time to answer them preemptively. Now come along we haven't got much time."

I followed reluctantly, more than a bit curious as to where this will go.