Mimi

I had to leave Pandora with Richard for his week, as promised. My body was frustrated to not be there beside her, to not physically watch her grow in my presence. It hurt, but it had to be done. Pandora's scent was like a drug to the bugs, dulling their minds and making them more pliable to her will. The effect clearly went on to other insects outside our Hive, as she was connecting them to our Hive as well.

Thus I left, teleporting in the dead of night to a tunnel the scouts discovered. One that was hidden behind the Cheshire Scix managed to poison and kill from the inside. Its memories added, as another internal evolution allowed me to teleport more in a day. I wanted to secure this tunnel, but my options were limited at the moment. Argus was still learning everything she needed to use her new body properly. Spending her time with the strumpets and other women that used their bodies. Occasionally helping Gray hunt for food.

Gray himself was the main hunter, moving his body around with ease. The new displacer bugs were working wonders for his mobility, and he was able to deposit small nests in the areas I wanted explored. There was ample food to be had in the Underground, but a balance needed to be held. Which meant Brick and Clarice couldn't be taken off their project. At least I was able to let other bugs eat the filth eaters, to start making workers that can feed and process the ample waste coming from the two cities. If they can get the algae growing at a consistent rate, then it would allow a lot of leeway towards the food the Hive needs.

Beru and Scix were doing their jobs, and couldn't be pulled away. Rose was still making her hives above ground, which meant I needed to rely on the Berries for securing this tunnel. I sent the order out, and made a few more of them to ensure that everything would be done properly. Then I felt a connection made above ground, information filtering about the trio and Dem'neh returning. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the small Hive I sent, had failed to reestablish itself with the old one. A new personality was coming, and it would attempt to take over.

I licked my lips a little, the few bugs that were controlled by Dem'neh giving me all the information they could. This was a challenge for the Hive, and a way to hear any issues my officers might have. I passed this information along to Gray, putting him in charge of dealing with it, as well as letting the new entity get fat. If it developed a soul close enough to my own, then I could devour it and become stronger for the nuisance. Gray could even guide it to taking on the original plan of spreading South towards the village.

All that was needed, was a proper motivation, and a tunnel lined with Berries likely to defect to get her where I wanted. I teleported next to the trio, and Dem'neh, causing them all to jump at my presence. "Greetings everyone, I must say you have excellent timing." I saw the outside walls of Eclipse in the distance, before bouncing the connections through the tunnel below to locate where the entrance might be.

Mark swallowed hard, "Y-you can teleport!?" He was at a loss, since he was the only one that didn't know who ran our little gang.

I looked at him, when Helmsman started speaking. "We failed, the bugs attacked our wagon and we had to flee from them. They had whispering wolves, and other beasts working with the bugs."

I tsked, "If you had failed, I would have been the one to say as much. While this was an unexpected event, the fault does not lie with any of you. I'll ask master Robert about erasing your debts, and continuing to care for those you wanted us to." I looked more at Mark with the last bit, while Bo'sun clasped a fist over his chest and bowed.

Dem'neh spoke in his native language, "My lady, what do you intend on doing with this development?"

I nodded towards Bo'sun, letting him know he could be at ease. I spoke back in the same language as Dem'neh, "In failure there is opportunity. The mind in charge of my old Hive is not a threat to me, or my current Hive. I intend on using them to carry out the original goals to see where the breaking point might be." I could see the eyes in the distance, I could hear the soft whispers of the mind chasing my little group. They were trying to connect, but I only teased them with one way connections as their knowledge flowed into me.

I was more disappointed that the 'enemy' mind wasn't even aware of it from this distance. They were lagging two days behind, razing everything they could eat on their way here. I smiled at the others, "Follow me, we recently discovered a tunnel to the Underneath. Robert tasked me with clearing it, but since you are back so soon, I wouldn't mind the help."

Dem'neh tried to connect with me, and I allowed the soft connection. |"What will we be doing next?"|

I walked towards the tunnel entrances, letting the group jog after my long strides. I ignored their whispers about how I currently looked, compared to when they left. |"You and the trio will recover, before heading South to the village Helmsman and Bo'sun came from. The goal is to leave a trail that the one chasing you will follow a few weeks from now. Something that won't be washed away if it rains. As per our agreement, you may check on your children as a part of your recovery. They were difficult to find, but they are safe now."|

Dem'neh's ears lowered a little, as he smiled peacefully. A great regret leaving him, as he continued following with the trio. |"Thank you for everything. I was afraid I would never see them again. Please protect them, while I am away. I cannot repay this debt, but I will do as you ask."|

|"That is all you need to do, and I will give you as much time as I can afford. You will be allowed to spend months, or years with them between my requests. Though I hope you'll come to see the three following behind us, as family as well. Humans have such short lives, and I'd like them to be happy while I still need them."| The trio in question were pushing each other, despite their exhaustion. None of them wanted to admit weakness in front of me.

We walked for an hour, while the trio bickered and bantered with each other. Dem'neh joining in with their language, or asking questions as I helped him understand the language better. Finally, we arrived at the base of a knotted tree. Its branches draped in different mosses, its branches stretching out to encircle the trees around it. Large roots rising up from the ground, gnarled as they rose higher than myself, and dove back into the ground to repeat such. It was an ominous thing, devoid of life.

Dem'neh clasped his hands in reverence towards the ancient thing. While I heard the slight croaking of razor mouth toads hidden among the cave system of roots. The trio made a token gesture of pulling out their weapons, before I gently grabbed their shoulders. "You are all tired, rest and let me handle this."

Only Mark stiffened at my touch, but even he relaxed as I marched into the connected tunnels. There was nothing the creatures could do against me, as I tore into them. A few caustic females were mixed in, but all their acid managed was cleaning their blood off my body. I left the remains as a welcoming gift for the one tracking us. My trio retched at the gore caking the walls of the tunnels. The viscera that littered the ground, while I enjoyed a small snack. The Berries were in place at the exit, and I escorted the group into the Underneath where giants could escort them back to the warehouse.

There was no challenge, since the cheshire Scix killed had kept the tunnels mostly clean. A few burrowing creatures were found, and devoured, which will help Brick and his workers. I teleported back out of the tunnels, with the few bugs Dem'neh had brought back with him staying at the entrance as ordered. One teleport regained per hour, with a maximum of six stored. Eating that cheshire was worth it, since it allowed me to shed any blood or filth caked on me, by simply teleporting away from it.

I climbed the highest tree, the night slowly giving way to the rising sun. I fell, entering a shadow, and rocketed towards the outer walls of Eclipse. It would be quicker, if the city actually allowed me to teleport within its walls. I wouldn't change that though, since it kept others from teleporting inside or around it easily.

A few hours later, and I would be within the city walls once more. Cynthia was still resting, but was prepared to bring in three people on our list. Raul himself was already up, and ready to spend the day teaching me what he could before night fell once more. He was standing watch on a roof near the church itself. The same church that started to spread to another area in a poor district. The Father becoming something like a Deacon from what I understood. It was nice to appreciate that the church was growing, and more followers were coming into it.

I decided to play a little game with Raul, using the shadows around the alleys to hide my movements. I crept closer, while stealing a few ghosts from Beru to surround the man. He noticed the bugs, and his eyes moved to where my shadow was located. He began to move towards me, as I moved deeper into the shadows. He stopped, before a grin crept over his lips. He was a healthier man now. A bit of life sparking in his eyes, but still he was haunted by his past. Raul was a man I needed, for his skills and position. He was able to keep me informed about the movements of the nobles, and a stalwart guardian helping Beru prepare for any ill attempts before they even came.

He was aware of where I was, giving me a challenge where he stood. I needed to surprise him, or show him what I've learned during my time in the Underground. There really wasn't much I could do to sneak up on a professional in this situation. Which meant I needed to withdraw away from his sight, and move fast enough that he wouldn't have the time to respond. Scouts were called to make a shadow ladder to the roof while I retreated too far for him to sense me.

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Raul noticed the small swarm circling in the air, tilting his head curiously at what I was planning. I rose from my alley, before climbing a building discreetly. No eyes were on me, and I once again fell, adjusting my momentum to rocket towards him. The shadow ladder was made when the scouts shadows overlapped just enough for me to change my vertical position.

Raul swung around as soon as he sensed my approach, but I was much too quick. I rose from the shadows with my speed launching me towards him. His arms encased in darkness, as he whispered to them. Hands reached for my legs, to slow my momentum, while I spread my wings and adjusted my body to stand in front of him. Raul raised a brow, before smiling a little. "That was unexpected, not many would be foolish enough to charge at a former blade. How would you have carried through though?"

I sunk inside his shadow, only keeping my head above the ground. "The bugs you didn't notice, landing on you." I grinned up at him, as a few ghosts buzzed their wings.

Raul gently peeled them off of himself, while they flew towards me. I let them crawl under my wings, with the others I called towards me. A small swarm slowly becoming my escort like old times. "A clever ruse, indeed. How many stings are needed to kill a man?"

"Just one, but it works faster if you are stung more than that. After all, it's better to not get yourself killed if you can help it."

Raul laughed a little, "I agree, and I applaud your use of distractions. However, if we weren't friends, I would have killed your swarm."

I shrugged, "If we weren't in Eclipse, I would have teleported behind you. What could have been, doesn't matter."

He nodded, "I see. Since when could you teleport?" He asked, curiously.

"Since I devoured a Fukuma in the Underground. Though that doesn't help much up here. I thought about asking for a key from the Guard, but it loses its power once I go back into the Underground. If I need one, I'll have it delivered to my home later. Which is what I plan on doing tomorrow, just in case."

Raul rubbed his chin, "I certainly respect that. Now then, would you like to eat before we start your training?"

"I ate before I got here. I wouldn't mind training and talking however." I grinned, as he moved to the edge of the building. I sank through his shadow returning to the ground level.

He nodded, before joining me in the dark alley. "What would you like to talk about?" He ran his hand along a few stones, "Just so we are clear, I'm doing what I can to teach you what I feel Banshee might be capable of. Tell me what you feel your limits are."

I ran my hand along the same stones he did. "I ate a shadow lurker in the Underground, and a few other beasts and monsters. Show me what you can do, and I'll try to replicate it. Also, a little bug told me that you're enjoying your time with Cynthia." I smiled at him, watching every movement his hands made to the shadows of the stones. He prepared all of this beforehand.

"Shadow lurkers are real bastards for shadow users. Though it does explain why you understand how to navigate the vertical parts of shadows now. Have you jumped into the space between them, or are you using the shadows of others as a ladder?" I could see him pulling the stone's shadow, tugging at it. "As for your statement, yes, I am. She is a free spirit, much like my wife was. A woman that revels in the joys of others, and cries with their sorrows. She is a balm to my daughter's heart, and mine as well."

I tried to grab the stone's shadow, my fingers sinking into it, before I had to retry after pulling it out. I knew that the shadow lurker could do this, I had its memories, but I lacked the special feelers it had. I could see Raul was using a bit of magic to help him initially grab the shadow, but after that he was just holding it with a natural grip. "That is wonderful to hear from you. I'm not going to ask you for more than you already decided to give me. I just wanted you to know, if the two of you do have a child, they will be protected just as much as the other two."

Raul let out a small sigh, with a smile. "You're giving your blessing then? I'm afraid that I am not ready for that kind of a step yet. I'm not sure if I should remarry... I'm not sure if I could."

"Everything in its own time. I'm not going to force the issue, but I did not want you using me as an excuse not to. Do you know the noble that killed your wife? Do you still want to make them suffer?" I watched his every movement, the slight hesitation, as he worked on grabbing the stone's shadow again.

Raul swallowed hard, "Are you going to say I don't have to?"

I shook my head slowly, "You do not owe me for saving your daughter, teaching me all that you can about the shadows was what I wanted. You are helping to protect Cynthia, and Drake, as well as your daughter. You care for them, and you are doing things that was not asked. You are a warrior of my Hive, and I want you to pursue what you feel is best for you. You are already giving back, without asking anything more from me in return."

"How can I ask you for more!?" He yelled, before realizing he shouldn't. I pretended to wince a little at the outburst, which might as well have been a punch to the man. He started to tear up, but held them back valiantly. "How can I ask you for more? You saved my daughter, when no one else could. You gave me hope, a place to stay and protect. I get to watch my daughter smile, as she and Drake play together. I get to see a wonderful woman nurture the only family I have left."

I gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "You can ask me for more, because you can do things that I cannot. I need you to protect them and keep them safe. Saving your daughter means nothing, if she is abducted or killed with Drake. I am not strong enough on my own, and neither are you. Which is why we are a Hive. If you need coin, ask. If you need a safe-house, ask. Whatever you feel is needed to ensure the safety of those that cannot protect themselves, ask. That is what it means to be a warrior of the Hive, because I am asking you to lay down your life to protect those you care about. Other warriors will lay down their lives to protect yours, and you must be willing to do the same for them. Can you trust us Raul? Can you promise me, that you will protect those that need to be protected?"

Raul swallowed hard, looking at his lap. I could see the conflict going on behind his eyes. He realized just what kind of monster he was dealing with. "I cannot swear fealty towards you, because of my pact. I want so much to kneel... to express my thanks to you. I will promise to protect whoever you need protected, and I will be a blade you can use. Just understand that I can never do Eclipse harm, or I will lose my memories."

I nodded slowly, finally grabbing the stone's shadow. "Is that why you haven't slain the noble yet? You need me to do it?"

He lowered his head, "Killing nobles... that will harm Eclipse."

"Consider this, Raul, it is not killing a noble. It is not harming Eclipse, to rid it of a man that would ruin another's life. A noble is not someone that hides in the dark like a coward, killing their enemy's loved ones while they are away. You are not slaying a noble, but a parasite that has grown fat on Eclipse's power. You are simply plucking a leech from the vein, and while it will sting, Eclipse will be stronger for it. You cannot tell me your pact, but do you feel resistance now?"

Raul relaxed, with a small grin. "A leech then? A disgusting parasite, indeed. When did you figure out that I was going to use you to kill that man?"

I held the solid shadow in my hand for the couple seconds it was there. It disappeared, but I was able to grab it again. I started to mold it to my will, coating my hands in the shadow to grab more. Weapons that would only break from light, perfect for an assassin. All I needed, was to create a caste that could use the shadows, an improved ghost. "I figured it out, when you lingered around for a month without doing much. You couldn't kill him, otherwise you would have already. Though do you feel like you cannot now?"

He shook his head, "It is for the betterment of Eclipse as a whole. I have the evidence if I am taken to trial, I know I'm not the only one he has hurt. I want him to suffer, however... I want him to feel the same pain he caused me. To make him understand what it's like to watch someone you love withering away while you can do nothing. I need you for that... but only if you are willing."

I nodded, "You will have to be the one to kill him, but I will make his final moments agonizing before he dies. Let's spend this day training, until you feel I am competent enough without your aid. I will spend tomorrow with Cynthia, and the little ones while you prepare our entrance. Then on the third day we will strike." I grabbed the stone's shadow, forming it into a dagger of shadow.

Raul got up, nodding. "With him dead, I will finally be able to live again. I will be able to let my wife rest in peace, and I will try to find happiness where I can. Thank you for opening my eyes, my lady."

I rose to my feet as well, using the shadows of the brick to pull weapons out. I refined the process with every shape, before reaching into my own wings. I pulled out more and more weapons. I coated my arms in armor, and my body with such. A lot of the shadow lurker's memories starting to click. Raul pulled out a dagger, asking if I was ready for the next part. "You are welcome, but what is the dagger for?"

Raul stuck his hand in the shadow, coating his arm, before stabbing it. The blade sinking into the shadows. "Let the shadows be a part of you, and they will never betray you. They are your armor, your weapon, your guide." The shadow armor disappeared along with the dagger. He reached into the shadows again, pulling it out. "Store what you need in the darkest places, where none can find them. Light will reveal them, but there is a more practical use. In the dark, you may become untouchable as you disarm your opponents"

He tossed the dagger at me, a slightly tarnished blade with a bit of rust. "Does this only work for inanimate objects?"

"As you know, you can drag anyone you want into the shadows with you. They do not stay once you let them go, but inanimate objects are easier. Tarnished metal, or things that do not reflect light are also easier to make stay. A coin pouch full of coins is easier to keep, than the individual coins. Weave the shadows over the metal, and when it stays we will move on to a cleaner blade."

I focused on the task given to me, my mind forming ideas of the traps that could be made with this and silk. The realization that whatever I took the shadow from, would be where the object came out. I started to understand why some shadows felt darker than others. They were places that received no light, while time made them feel that darker.

Raul went on to explain how shadow lurkers could use a sort of shadow exchange. Something he learned how to do from them. Something done by taking a bit of their shadow, and substituting it with our own, we can effectively switch places since our shadows were a part of our being. It wasn't teleportation, but merely returning to where our shadow was. A sort of anchor, that pulled us to the spot at blinding speed. One that was easily lost if light was applied to it, and could only be used with very 'dark' shadows.

It was always nice to learn new things, and now I could pass as a shadow user. I still felt reluctant about tomorrow. Especially since Cynthia was planning on holding a sermon with my presence as the center piece. If only it wasn't something I needed to do for the church to grow.