Gray The Great (Elite Officer) (Vampire Spider)

The winter had been a cold one, with the sewers becoming frigid thanks to the run off from those snow filled days. It all worked out in the end, as I was allowed to slumber through the growing pains of my soul becoming stronger with a larger vessel. I still have yet to finish growing, but I can control two separate bodies at once. A skill that I employed whilst moving through the alleys, to the teleporter.

I could feel the blood from that man in one of my stingers, while the other body curled into a ball on the floor. I no longer needed to direct it, since I could carry it to the other warehouse from here. There were still more bodies in the sewers, and I could continue idle work up there without straining myself too much. After all, I finally had blood to test, and if it succeeded it would help the Hive immensely. Picking up the body in front of me, I activated the portal arriving inside a rather cleaned up room.

The warehouse was recently renovated, the majority of the workers put here to accelerate the process so that the important people could be protected and live in comfort. Wayward children rescued from those accursed rings, with no where else to go. A crop we stole away from Mother Oak, as her age denied her to care for them all. I walked out of the room to find these orphans staring at me with wide eyes. Tilting my head, I asked Beru for some guidance on how to disarm children. They were clearly alarmed, while I accepted the memories.

Blast! I was ill prepared for this encounter. Silly faces would disarm Sarah, but I had a mask upon both of mine. I was truly hoping to not have to deal with this, but they were important to our growth. A request was sent to the Queen, while I noticed tears in one of the little one's eyes. Suggestions came quickly, as I recalled any that looked familiar. Yes, I saved a few of them. I sat the body down, kneeling and pulling down my hood.

Their mood instantly shifted when they saw the dread stingers, smiles creeping on their faces. "Greetings, young ones. Fear me not, for I mean you no harm. I am not the one you are familiar with, but..." They charged at me. Some form of ritual where the Queen would play along, pretending to be felled by their united effort. "Blast, and confound it all! I have been defeated!" They started to giggle, while Eris walked up the stairs.

She smiled, clapping her hands, "Well done, you defeated him. We should probably leave him alone everyone, he probably has things to do." There were a few groans as the children ran off behind her. Eris grinned, while I managed to right myself, dusting my cloak off. "Who are you?" I took a moment to look at her still growing stomach, able to feel the life growing inside her.

I returned her question with a graceful bow, "A member of the Hive, my lady. An elite officer, sent here to aid in a hunt that cannot start without my presence. I shall be leaving post haste, as I am aware my figure might unnerve others." She walked towards me, taking off the mask. A frown on her face, while she put it back. "I apologize, the skin has not quite grown back fully and I am more unsettling under the robes."

"Does it hurt?" She looked me over, "I mean... I never saw a face without skin before. Why is it missing? Maybe you should wear a suit when it grows back. It... it will grow back right?"

I nodded, "Yes, the skin shall grow back. I will wear a suit in the future to make up for this. Now please excuse me, I must be on my way." I picked up the other body, descending down the stairs. There were lizardmen and giants in the area, mainly taking care of moving everything where it needed to go. The lizardmen would tense when they saw me, but relaxed upon seeing those same stingers. I continued on my way, deciding that there was no real need for an escort. I wanted to see if I could withstand a Fukuma attack, to gauge exactly where I stood on this hunt.

I set the other body down, letting it get up, as we moved along the borders of the territory we carved. There were plenty of giants giving me a full view of the area between the buildings. Then I felt some of my workers die in the sewer hive. Checking on that, I realized Scix was using the older ones for his needs. An effective method where the ones killed were more likely to come back just to see what happened. After all, such simple minds only wanted to protect our Queen.

My stroll continued for a few minutes, before we finally sighted a rogue pack stalking for prey. This part of the territory was still dangerous given that Fukuma could strike and kill easily, but the lizardmen were durable enough to endure a surprise. The children inside the warehouse were a different story, so decreasing the surplus population was necessary. I flexed my claws, eager to top off my need for fresh blood.

My casual gait, inviting a feeling of carelessness. It did not take long for the Fukuma to notice my figure. Five in total, preparing to strike, while I felt their magic organ working. Four of them teleported at once, their leader staying back. Two in the front, and two behind. It was important to sever the head, or break the spine to ensure they did not escape. They would die, but that was extra walking I did not need. The world slowed down as both bodies took a step back in mock surprise.

The two behind me lunging for the nape of my necks. The blood magic flowed, increasing our speed, as both bodies spun in unison. Both claws carving through flesh and bone alike. The heads severed, as I moved towards the other two in a blinding blur of motion. Swift cuts to the spine, as all four fell within two seconds. The vampiric condition gave me speed beyond our Queen, but there was still precious little we understood. Blood was used for such outbursts, but it was worth it for the abundance starting to seep out. The pack leader left immediately after watching the counter attack.

Both bodies grabbed the closest corpse, and drank, sitting down in front of the next closest corpse and using the two stingers to drink even faster. Flesh regrew over the restructured faces, open wounds sealing while the flesh knit itself according to my will. The blood was easy to control given the innate talent of being a vampire. Both my bodies drank their fill, before I moved to carve their flesh open. Another thing to test, to see if we could gain the magic organ through eating it, or if perhaps draining such a sack might allow us to use its magic.

Halfway through the dissection, I received a report from the Queen that the Fiend's Eye is moving to surrender. We both agreed that this could not be trusted, but we were to give them the benefit of the doubt. Everything would stay where it needed, and I would move tomorrow and watch. My goal to secure the warehouse where the homunculus are made. If I can convince Isaac to join us as a vampire, then so much the better, but that was secondary. Much like this test, but this was deemed important enough to put off the hunt.

One body ate the organ, needing to use some blood to properly digest it. Sadly, I did not gain the ability to teleport with this method. Draining the organ itself bore the results we wanted. It's fluids would mix with the blood offering two teleportations per organ. I kept two charges in both bodies, having to test it twice based on my Queen's memories. Still this was very promising and one body was standing before a confused group of people.

"Greetings!" I studied each of their faces, who they are, and what they could do filling my mind. I gave them a formal bow while the earth magic body continued walking along the safer path. Getting introductions out of the way was the best way to spend my time, as we had to wait regardless. The three started to reach for their weapons, while I removed the hood. Only the Helmsman stayed his hand, the Bo'sun's sword half drawn when he noticed. Mark fully drew his weapons, while I put my hands up. "Just so you are aware, if you attempt to fight me, I will take blood as compensation."

Helmsman spoke up, "Stand down Mark, this must be Gary, or whatever his name was." He tilted his head back, smirking.

Mark scowled, still holding his weapons. "He's a vampire, just look at him!" His hands were trembling, no doubt due to the traumatic encounter he had with the Count.

Bo'sun lowered his head, "Are you certain, brother? He came out of thin air, much like a certain someone I used to be employed under."

Helmsman did a half nod, a gesture I recalled being a form of acknowledgment. He wanted me to explain myself, I formally bowed, a hand over my shoulder. "Yes, this body of mine is vampiric in nature. One that is not associated with the Count, but made by our Queen. As I understand it, Helmsman is aware of the Hive, but you two figures have not been fully made aware. Consider this hunting expedition a sort of right of passage as it were."

Bo'sun nodded calmly, while Helmsman kept his calm demeanor. Mark hesitated, but put his daggers away. He stared at me, while the Bo'sun spoke to break the silence. "I suppose this Hive you speak of is related to the one that healed my limbs?"

I nodded, "Yes, while you were accepted into the gang, you have yet to be accepted into the Hive as warriors. Helmsman is the first human warrior we accepted into our Hive, while I used to be a very special and conceited spider. I am currently waiting on my other body to make it's way here. I need to do a few tests with it, and this body will go dormant until it is needed. You are free to ask questions, and I will answer them honestly. After all, lying would serve no purpose."

Mark swallowed hard, before nodding. He started to speak, but the Bo'sun was quicker, talking over the man. "What benefits are there to joining the Hive, versus the gang?"

I faced the man, "More resources, more protection, while you are expected to give your loyalty in return. Despite Helmsman being a warrior, he hasn't truly needed to fight for us."

Helmsman nodded, "Yeah, it's actually a really cushy position. You get to do what you want, so long as it benefits whatever the Hive actually is in some way. The bugs will watch you spar and practice though, but if you have kids, or people you want to protect they get moved into the warehouse and the bugs will die protecting them."

Bo'sun nodded, while Mark spoke up. "If these bugs are so great, why even have warriors?"

"That's because there are things even the bugs cannot do. If they go too far away, then we lose control over them. We can't send them outside Eclipse, the Underground, or too far into the Underneath. People like you are able to go outside our range of control and move. When you leave for Helmsman's village, you will take a bit of the Hive with you, so that it can set up in the area around the village. You will be expected to protect it, until it can protect itself."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Bo'sun crossed his arms, "You just said you cannot control them outside a certain area. What promise do we have to ensure such a portion won't hurt our home village."

"We'll be sending an officer that can control the Hive, and make decisions based on certain stimuli." Technically a copy of the Queen's mind, but they didn't need to know that. "They will not attack people, and will flee if their hive is attacked by them. Hence why you will be warriors to protect it."

Mark cleared his throat, "What is an officer exactly?"

I put a hand to my chest, "I am the first elite officer. Those beetles are simply called giants. Officers come in different shapes and sizes depending on what task they chose to perform. Explaining the dichotomy of our Hive is not something I plan on doing since that will confuse you needlessly. To that end, it's safe to say we have two officers that can kill a burrow worm if given enough time to do so. I myself should be able to take on one, so this trip should be safe. I say should, because if one of you become overzealous, then your life and the consequences are in your hands."

Their attention turned to my other body as it strolled over towards us. I had it wave at them. Helmsman put his glaive down, "So... how many bodies do you have? Are they all vampires?"

"They are all vampires, since the type of body I can use has been determined as this one. I doubt that I can change into a homunculus, but I can also turn back into bugs if needed." The body I was talking with walked away to find itself a nice spot while talking to Douglas. The other standing in its place, "As I was saying, I will not give you the exact amount, but I have over ten at my disposal."

Bo'sun spoke, his voice low. "Where did these bodies come from? I don't expect them to all be vampires."

"One of them actually did belong to a vampire that I took over. From there, we experimented with the local pedophiles, and uncovered a ring of slavers we decided to deal with. We made certain to only attack them when it was clear what their intentions were. After all the law protects the Hive if we move in defense of an innocent." This made the three relax a bit more, though I somewhat understood why. They felt we were moving as heroes, when really we just wanted a way to legally acquire bodies. Still if it made them happy, why clarify it?

Mark wasn't wholly convinced, "So you said you saved children? Where are they?"

"They are in the other warehouse, and we escorted them from this one to that one since it was deemed safer. There is a portal that they can use to escape if needed, as well as lizardmen that will keep them safe" I began walking past the three, "We have a hunt to tend to gentlemen. If you want to see them, you may after you are accepted into the Hive."

Helmsman nodded, "I can vouch, there were kids there, and they were happy. I didn't know where they came from, and they always seemed a little shell shocked, but damn your Queen does good work."

Bo'sun lowered his head, "It is an honor to serve someone so noble, as to protect those that are the weakest. Asking not for compensation, if only our King was half as grand."

Mark let out a small sigh, "What if I want to leave? What about Sky?"

I continued walking, while responding. They followed after of course, "Once you are a member of the Hive you may leave at any time, taking those you want protected with you. You will have to swear to keep what you learned to yourself, and any debts you do have will need to be paid. Speaking of, both Mark and Bo'sun owe five gold coins for the healing they received. If either of you chose to leave, we will ask that debt to be paid within a month. If you try to hide and run away, we will capture you and remind you. After five attempts, you will no longer have to worry about it."

Helmsman laughed a little, "Don't worry, guys five gold coins is nothing. Hey Gary, how much debt do I have?"

"My name is Gray, like the color." The giant escort moved with us, Argus deciding to join since she must have been bored at the warehouse. "As per the amount you would owe, given that we had to repair your glaive, have the runes fixed, and so on. The total amount you owe stands at fifty gold pieces. Naturally if you chose to leave, we would try to work out a more reasonable payment, and would be happy to provide a suitable place to work."

Mark whistled at the number, "So you just plan on keeping us in debt, or you'll harvest our organs or something?"

I lightly shook my head, "No, Lewis our resident alchemist is free to leave and would be compensated with a platinum for his efforts and the drugs he allows us to sell. Douglas protects the warehouse, and uses the bugs of that one dead-zone to help us with food costs. He would receive twenty gold coins if he decided to leave. As for anyone leaving with a debt unpaid, we do not have a suitable reason for following or harvesting organs. Paying the debt simply allows you back into the Hive if you desire such."

Bo'sun spoke up, "I see, but what about the five months rule? It was implied you might end us in that case."

"To what end? If we might gain something from your death, then you are in the same amount of danger regardless. Five months is simply the amount of time we determined to entertain letting you back in. Once you are out of the Hive with such debt, we no longer have a reason to protect you." The walk continued with back and forth questions, where the two asked just exactly they were getting into. There was no reason to lie to them, and the talk further calmed them.

Finally we entered the burrow worm territory, after a mundane discussion as to why it wasn't their place to invite others into the Hive. The group became silent while Helmsman grabbed the buckets off the back of the giants. Mark swallowed hard, speaking first, "So... what exactly am I supposed to do here? I just have my daggers, and my bond with Sky isn't exactly enough to allow me to fly or anything."

I watched as the giants swarmed ahead of us, "Your job is to observe and remain safe. You are to keep an eye out for other individuals that might interrupt. A look out, as it were. Truth be told, this is more a test for myself and a display of power. Our Queen has hunted and slain over five of these creatures with this amount of support from the beetles before us." Argus lit the fire atop the giants, startling the other two.

Bo'sun readied his shield and sword, "Such fine mastery, are you telling me that we will blanket the ground itself with fire?"

I nodded, "Yes, the burrow worms are less likely to run through the fire. This will allow us hold them in place, while going about our task. Do be careful of the thrashing, since we cannot revive you if you truly do die. Are there any questions?"

Helmsman tapped the buckets, letting water slide over his glaive. Allowing it to flow around his wrists and feet. "The bugs controlling the fire won't hit us with it right?"

"Correct, they are watching your movements and will shift the flames around you." I took in some earth blood trying to feel if I could perform such arts now. I felt the faintest tingle in my blood, the magic trickling through. I managed to lift a couple pebbles, but this was ground breaking. Despite being weak, the magic was there, though it would not last for long. The potency might increase with more blood, but the duration appeared to be a minute.

Bo'sun walked through the fire, "To be honest, I have hunted these creatures before with Cheshire." He buried the tip of his sword into the ground. "With your permission, sir Gray, I would like to try calling one. Are we truly prepared for these creatures?"

"If nothing else, I am competent in my ability to grab two of you and run away. Ideally we only have to deal with one, if there are more than three we shall flee." I moved beside the man, hoping to observe how he used his magic to create explosions a little better. Learning what was possible gave us something we could achieve with practice and time.

Bo'sun lowered his head, channeling and focusing his power and the Aether around him. It moved through him like an inverted candle wick. The explosion was directed in a short series of pulses that he repeated every five seconds. "If I understand this correctly, it is similar to a newborn burrow worm calling out for aid. While crooked, it should ensure our prey as one typically comes to investigate."

"It must have taken you quite a few attempts to get it right." I smiled a little, admiring the tremors that made the ground around us vibrate. He controlled the direction and force of his explosions quite well. Soon we could hear a bellow in the distance.

"Indeed, it took a few weeks to practice, and we had to switch where we did such. Though, it is not something I could forget, given the results." He hastened the response after the bellow, our prey likely coming towards us. I used a little more blood, just to sense what was inside the ground. A smile creeping under my mask.

The adult worm erupted from the dirt, letting out a deafening cry. It was astonished to not find a bleating infant, but instead a sea of fire suddenly surrounding it. I sent Argus my plan, while she directed the giants to part the fire for me. I moved swiftly without words, my claws spread wide. Less than a second, I was there as the world slowed once more. My claws scraping against the beast's natural armor. In that moment I realized two important things. First, that my strength was only marginally greater than a regular human's. Secondly, the chitin that made up my claws were a weaker variant, than our Queen's.

While I left gouges in the thick scale, my own hands had been filed down to the point that they were bleeding. Mark was watching as instructed, while Bo'sun and Helmsman moved with Argus redirecting the fire so as to keep them from being burned. This was only a minor setback, as I forced my blood to harden and regenerate the armor on my claws. The worm thrashed, in an attempt to destroy my body. I climbed upon its back with blurring speed, knowing full well that any blood used here, would be repaid tenfold.

Helmsman called out, "You aren't alone! Give us orders damn it!"

I lowered my head, burying a claw between one of the scales to hold onto it. "You're right! I just realized my claws are not strong enough to pierce its hide!"

Bo'sun interrupted my banter, "Less words! Simple phrases!"

The worm was thrashing about, trying to dislodge me while I contemplated what I needed them to do. "Can either of you pierce it's hide with your weapons!?" The world was slow, so it was easy for me to keep the ire of the worm. Jumping upwards when it tried to smear me against the dirt, finding a new spot to hold onto. I had failed to come up with a back up plan in this event. I noticed Helmsman looking at Bo'sun.

Bo'sun himself launched forward before hitting the worm with his shield and throwing himself back with a greater explosion. "No! We can scratch it at best!" The shockwave was enough to make the worm reel back, its mouth opening to let out a cry of pain. A grin crept across my lips once more. I knew the anatomy of these creatures through the memories I gained before coming here.

The deafening bellow shook the earth, rattling bones, but I teleported above the creature itself. I dived into its very maw, forcing it to swallow me whole, much to the disbelief of the other three. I sank my claws into it's flesh from the inside, carving around bone to reach it's brains. I could observe the fruit of my actions through the eyes of the giants outside, watching as the worm spasmed, before vomiting a gout of blood. How it twitched in an attempt to dive back under the ground, before it could no longer move and simply skidded while Helmsman and Bo'sun moved out of the way.

I teleported on top of the beast, the blood and gore left inside despite coating me just seconds again. I clapped my hands, "Well done gentlemen! With this, we have secured food for the tribes, to fulfill our promise. Are there any questions? Any comments?"

Helmsman let out a deep sigh, "I figured you'd be alright, since you appeared above the thing, but you need to let us know what you're thinking. Thanks for making us feel useless though." He rolled his eyes.

I stood up, "You aren't useless, Bo'sun called the creature here with his knowledge before hand, and made it cry out in pain with his valiant charge. That helped a lot, and I understand that if there was ample water, you would be the most valuable asset to this hunt. We all have different niches, and I did not consider these before. Thank you for helping me grow as a leader."

Helmsman didn't seem very convinced, but the Bo'sun accepted my words and attempted to console him. It would be much easier if I could connect with them mentally, but I needed an unhindered link to Argus for this hunt. Perhaps next time, or maybe an expedition into the Fukuma territory to gain more teleportation charges? There was too much that I did not understand about these humans, even Mark was just staring with his knees shaking. At the very least, the Queen was enjoying some private time with Richard. I could look forward to the Hive's growth at least.