Richard Adams

I gasped awake, like the days before. The constant buzz of something in the back of my mind. My connection to Mimi letting me know she was up and about already. The last few days a stupor of trying to satisfy her, while sorting out everything I was getting from her. I knew that she looked over my memories again, that she was still struggling with trying to deepen our bond. She made absolutely certain that we were equals, and that our bond wasn't tampered with. Even after my crude attempt to point out how she might overreact to something.

Hindsight was perfect as always, and I was lucky to get off with a couple days of fun I couldn't remember. Carter on the other hand was worked to the bone with applying rituals around a few warehouses. He worked hard, but Mimi's demands were unreasonable. I sat up on the empty bed, scratching my chin. She was probably going to scare him with an empty threat of kicking him out of the Hive for what we did. I shook my head, walking out of the room. I really needed a bath, after all.

After clearing my head, I finally had time to think about the connection I had now. I managed to relax and focus on the things coming from Mimi, despite how subdued they were. I could feel that she wanted to give me everything, to fully accept me into her Hive. She wanted to let me become another mind among the many I could kind of sense through our connection. I felt she was holding herself back, if only because the bond probably wouldn't work after we crossed that point. We'd be the same being more or less, I'd be another mind, or soul simply trying my own ideas.

Because of that, I could feel the promise of power coming through our bond as well. Something tamers described as a sense of intimacy, like our very souls were connected. I could feel the potential to give Mimi access to my magic, as hers was filtering into me. I felt smarter, just because the entirety of the Hive accepted me to some degree. I just knew that the basic things I thought about was being handled by Berries. My head felt clear, my mind sharper. I could see everything more clearly, and I just reacted to it all faster.

This relationship we had, it was all dependent on where I wanted it to go, how far I could trust Mimi. She was offering everything, because that was her idea of love. To just accept any other mind or soul into them, and become one in a way I doubt I can fully comprehend. It also helped me understand why she seemed to struggle so much with what I wanted to teach her. On some level she understood exactly what I wanted, but it just didn't mesh completely with all the perspectives she had on the situation. One good set of memories didn't offer much, compared to hundreds of slaver memories. Most of them broken down to some kind of concept. That just made them heavier and more refined, it felt more real in a sense.

She was trying to understand, but her emotions were like a storm of glass shards. She was probably more prone to a huge outburst, but it took more to properly get her there. Ideals she set for herself, and things she intended on following through on. It was why I couldn't be too upset that she took my memories without permission. She was afraid of losing me should I choose to join her Hive, so she had a copy of my memories to make certain I was still there. She cared in her own way.

I also realized she was definitely evil by any standards people might hold her to. On the surface her actions seem generous, and kind. Then you start to look at the reasons she did it. Saving an orphan and giving them a home? Sounds good, until you realize she's watching them at all times to raise them down a path that benefits her the most. Not to mention they could have been spared trauma, but Mimi wants the intention of harm to be clear so she can use the law against itself. Drake probably has it the worst though, since he's effectively being groomed to replace me, or be eaten.

Even clearing out gangs, or murdering pedophiles is just another way for her to get bodies for Gray. Most of it isn't out of genuine kindness, but some kind of long term goal. Even Pandora's continued survival has more to do with the uncertainty Mimi has towards gaining her magic through eating her or not. I want to think she wouldn't, or would at least stop at the last second because there is some good in her. I really do, but the more I understand about her, the more she disturbs me. I just need to understand her, and help her get past some of that fucked up shit.

I got out of the tub, drying myself off. It wasn't going to be a question of if I could, but how long it will take. There is good in Mimi, and she just needs someone to accept her ideas, and explain why they don't hold up. I will help her become something more, and she will understand who she really is. There is hope for her, despite how few times that goodness does shine through. I dressed myself, ready to tackle the day. Mimi was with Robert, talking about today's plans. It was time to get to work.

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Lady Cynthia

Drake was fed, and Sarah was taking care of him while one of the priests watched the two. I looked around the garden, seeing the men and women tending to it. Since Mimi's sermon, we gained a steady influx of people joining the church of Bo'Chi. A good number of them from the slums, while others were defecting from the golden circle. I could hear rumors about some bishop declaring himself the arch bishop of Eclipse, but for now it hardly mattered. Grandfather was happy about the growth, as we suddenly found ourselves working on a forth church.

Coin was coming in like a strong current, as even healers arrived to join the former temple. Raul was worried about potential spies, but what could they really do? Mimi came and went as she pleased, and I handled the lesser nobles and trade agreements personally. Grandfather appointed devout followers into their positions because he knew them personally. We were too small to be infiltrated effectively, because everybody that could do something knew everybody else.

I smiled to myself, happy with how everything was turning out. It was a little lonely without Beru around, but a new bug named Silver introduced himself yesterday. He was a quiet one, but it was nice knowing someone comparable to Beru was ready to act. I felt the first rays of the sun peaking over the walls of Eclipse. The light hitting the dew soaked roofs of the city, making it glisten like countless jewels. This city truly was beautiful when you took the time to appreciate it.

I shuddered as I felt someone or something stare at me from the streets. Something oddly familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. I looked in the direction I felt the sensation from, unable to make out what it was, when Raul suddenly hugged me from behind. "Gah!" I let out gasp, as I was startled. The man kissing the side of my neck, a small smile on his charming mug.

"You're jumpy today, aren't you?" He raised a brow, going in for an actual kiss this time.

I smiled, kissing him while his hands traveled over my waist, bringing us closer together. I pulled back, once the sensation of being watched was gone. I whispered in his ear, "I thought I felt someone watching me just now."

Raul tensed his muscles, as he looked ahead. He followed my gaze onto the streets, with the crowd of people going about their daily lives. "Do you want to stay inside today?"

I started to shake my head, but reluctantly nodded. "It might be for the best. I... it felt familiar somehow. Not hostile, but powerful."

Raul nodded, "Lets get you inside." We walked into the church, avoiding the others going about their tasks. The sun had peaked over the walls, so a few people were coming for the sermon, while others went to pray in a separate room. We settled in one of the lounge rooms, while I tried my best to place the feeling.

Raul grabbed me a chair, before sitting down next to me. "Do you want me to try and find out who it was?"

I shook my head, "No, but I would feel safer if you stayed close by." I smiled at the man.

He smiled back, "Then that's what I'll do. Would you like to stay here, or should we go to the little ones?"

I leaned back a little, "I'd rather stay here, until I figure out who that might have been. I could just be going crazy, with all the talking I've had to do with nobles."

We both laughed a little, "I suppose we could use a day off for once, to get to know each other a little more."

I agreed, as we started talking about our past. Something we did very little of, given how much it hurt. Still, it was comforting to talk about who we lost. It helped to share that pain with another who understood it in their own way. The things we never could talk about in front of our children, how much it hurt to lose those you thought the world of. We spent an hour just sharing our woes, forgetting about the people outside for just a few moments.

While I was talking about my family, our house, and my formally arranged marriage, I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. I swallowed hard, as I felt the same something watching me again. My voice came out as a whisper, as I felt the presence of a true predator. I shivered, unable to hear what Raul just said. He looked concerned for me, as a knock came from the door. Raul got up, "We're occupied here!"

I struggled to breath, as the edge of my vision blurred. |"Bral is here... tell Mimi, that Bral is here."| I felt Silver try to reconnect after I sent the message to him. I was unsure why I sent the message to begin with. This was a happy time, Bral finally came back. Drake's father was here, we could be a family. I had to tell him what happened to my parents, this was like one of those stories. I focused on breathing, as the world grew darker.

A warm hand gripped my shoulder, "Are you okay?" Raul looked at me with a worried expression, as I gasped, coughing for air. The knocks came again, "Cynthia, what's wrong?"

I wiped my face, a few errant tears brushed away as I took a second to calm down. "I-it's Bral. He's here."

Raul raised a brow, "The dragon? That's good news, right? He's Drake's father, we should talk to him."

I swallowed hard, "No, you don't know much about how it works in the fire kingdom. If people are in danger, you give the dragon what they want." I struggled to get up, Raul grabbing my arm to help me keep my balance.

Raul shook his head slowly, "This isn't some village or town in the fire kingdom, this is Eclipse. Do you want to talk to him, or do you want to run away?"

I thought about running away, grabbing Drake and leaving with Raul and Sarah. He was right though, this was Eclipse. I took a step towards the door, grabbing the handle. I felt it open, as Bral opened the door. My eyes went wide, as the dragon disguised as a huntsman threw a strike right at Raul's chest. His voice low and bellowing. "Hands off my mate."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Raul's eyes shot open, as the strike connected but nothing happened. He glared at Bral, who seemed a little confused. Shadows swirling in front of his chest. "Did you just call her a bed warmer?" He took a step forward as shadow spikes erupted from Bral's shadow. I barely saw the flash of fire that erased them, before another strike connected with Raul's chest, the man flying backwards into the wall unconscious.

I blinked, unsure of what I just saw. Raul laying there, a dent in the wall from where he hit it. Raul was unconscious, blood dripping from his lips, his ribs likely broken. My body was shaking, as I turned towards Bral. He smirked at me, "I came to rescue you, grab our son and let's go."

He just knocked out Raul, his skin glistening in the light that filtered through the window. His muscles taut, a little blood on his fist from what he did. "Drake is..."

|"SNAP OUT OF IT!"| Mimi's voice came in like a brick to the face. Bral's presence still demanding my attention, while the realization donned on me.

I teared up, my voice choking, while Bral growled inside my mind. "H-he's dead?" Everything was coming at me all at once, and I wanted to make sure Raul was alright.

Bral looked at me, when the bells started to ring. He grabbed my wrist, dragging me out of the room, half carrying me as the priests were bodied into the walls. Most were left groaning while I couldn't keep up, my leg losing a bit of skin before Bral jumped onto the top of a building. He adjusted me in his arms, a smirk spreading on his lips as the bells on the West side were ringing. "Seems the king doesn't know everything after all."

He looked out onto the streets, jumping a few more buildings as the guards ran towards the West side of the city. Bral was heading East, while I started to pass out. Some kind of battle going on inside my head, Bral losing to Mimi as far as I could tell. My mind slipping, as sleep claimed me

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Argus, The Homunculus

The report came in from Silver, Raul had healers on him and the other injured at the church of Bo'Chi. Drake and Sarah were safe with the Deacon, but someone was fighting our Queen in a mental battle over Cynthia. The scary part was that whatever it was, they were proving to be a challenge. At the very least we were able to keep track of her, and where they were going. Rose reported that a rogue wisp mother had approached the walls, according to the things the guards were shouting.

Gray was hunting burrow worms, while Scix protected my brothels. Which left me up here looking for the false Queen, until this happened. Now I had to run back to the warehouse, to teleport down into the Underground, just to try and teleport and intercept whatever was kidnapping Cynthia. This was the worst time whatever this was could have happened. At least it meant I didn't have to waste another day searching for the false Queen, waiting for her to show up and pass off back to Gray.

My body was a bit slow, and got tired from physically running places easily. My lungs hurt, and I couldn't just leave it here for somebody to stumble on. I stumbled into the warehouse, panting, my robes sticking to me from the sweat. Lewis was there, with a few new alchemists, all looking at me with confusion. I waved my hands, "Robert needs me somewhere, and I have to hurry." They started to ask questions when I went into the teleporter that got me into the warehouse with the kids and Eris. I let out a small groan, about to teleport to the outer walls when new information came in.

Our Queen was watching the events with Cynthia, and planned on intercepting them outside the walls to prevent guards from attacking us. Gray was to complete his hunt during that time, and join when available. Scix was to refocus his efforts on taking over the whispering hounds with the information we got from Silver and the old Hive. Everyone else was to continue as they were, with the exception of Beru setting a net to allow complete vision of the area the kidnapper would be in. In the meantime I was to retrieve Drake and Sarah, to ensure their safety.

I hung my head low, running back through the teleporter. The alchemists looked at me again, "I forgot the kids!" I ran out of the warehouse, running towards the church where the Deacon was. I arrived in about ten minutes, getting updates on how fast the kidnapper was moving. He made it to the inner walls, and was working on a way to get through without being stopped by guards. Precious seconds being bought while I ran into the temple. Priests moved to stop me, as I blinked. "What are you doing!?"

The priest in question glared at me, "We just got word that something terrible happened, so we aren't letting harlots in right now."

"Cynthia has been kidnapped, I know Deacon Catswell, and an Entomancer is coming to tell you to fuck up" He raised a brow, before I kicked him in the stomach. He was left groaning on the floor while the other priest didn't move to stop me. I rushed to the office, where the old man was sitting at his desk. The two priests behind me at the ready since I just barged in.

"Who are you!?" That was all the other two needed, to unleash their magic. At least they tried to, when they passed out from a large amount of information slamming into their minds. They laid on the floor with bloody noses, while I held up my hands.

"I'm taking Drake and Sarah to safety. Healers are working on Raul as we speak, and it seems he'll wake up soon. Tell him to talk to the Entomancer priest when he comes here. I don't have time to waste!" I took a step towards the kids with each word, "So, yoink!" I grabbed them as the Deacon stood up. Information came in that a mob from the golden circle was approaching, and I really didn't feel like dealing with this.

Sarah screamed, which made Drake start crying. The Deacon ran after me, "You'll tell me everything right now, or you won't leave this temple!"

Priests hesitated, since I had the kids and I felt my muscles burning from all this exercise. "I'm carrying out the will of the daughter of Bo'Chi! A mob is coming this way, so prepare yourselves! The kids will be safe! Fuck all of you for making me run so much!" I jumped over one particular asshole trying to trip me, a flash of fire lightly burning his face. "Any time now mister Entomancer!"

Thankfully the priest stepped forward from the front entrance as I ran past him. He hurriedly explained the situation, but that was not my problem. I was very thankful Sarah was still pretty light, while Drake was starting to settle down. I gave him a few memories Beru felt was precious, with the Queen's help. She lost her battle with the kidnapper, because she didn't want to risk hurting Cynthia. Though she was being traced with a subconscious suggestion that allowed her magic to show us where she was even while she slept.

"Miss... where are we going? Where is daddy?" Sarah wrapped her arms around my neck to help me carry her better.

"Daddy's asleep right now, but he wants us to keep you and Drake safe. Which is why I'm doing just that" I turned into an alley, making sure to give the incoming mob a wide berth. I realized it would just be quicker to head to the other portal where we lost the false queen. A quick exchange with Gray had him agreeing to get the kids to Eris, while also being safer.

Sarah giggled a little, "Daddy doesn't sleep, he is the night. Tell me where he is, or I'll scream like I was told to do."

I panted, my run slowing to a jog as my lungs burned. "Somebody took your new mommy, and they hurt your daddy. I'm making sure your safe when he is healed enough to come looking for you."

Sarah frowned, "How can I trust you?"

I borrowed the local bugs to scout ahead, thanking the different Berries for their help. "I'm with Bug Nanny, the one your daddy said saved you. She did save you, but you probably want more. Beru told me your daddy reads you stories every night before he leaves, sometimes in the mornings when he isn't sure if he'll be back in time to watch you sleep. Do you trust me yet?"

She nodded, looking forward as I continued carrying her. "You're pretty out of shape for an adult."

"And you're pretty sassy for a little girl! Please stop, talking hurts." I coughed, cursing the kidnapper with every step I took. I cursed the whole city for not letting me teleport, by the time we reached the shop. Nothing changed since the last time we showed up, which was nice. The Trio and Dem were dispatched to help the Deacon with the mob. Evidently people were pissed one church was 'stealing' from another, but I couldn't care less. I got the important ones out, and Raul would mop up whoever was left when he was up again.

I ran into the teleporter, mentally thanking Gray for dropping the key off with one of his bodies. I set Sarah down, grabbing the key. "This isn't where we'd usually bring you, but someone will take you to where you need to go soon." We teleported down, to find Gray's carriage waiting there. The skin was tattooed to look like wood for the legs. The rest of it carefully inked to appear like some kind of flower yet to bud. It looked nice, and the people he showed it to didn't scream as much.

|"I'm still finishing up with the burrow worms, just get them inside it, and I'll get them where they need to go."|

I climbed up, helping Sarah inside, before I hopped in with Drake who fell asleep. I got them both out, before finally carrying Drake to Eris. Douglas was explaining the situation, while I just let that body collapse. I opened my eyes in the vat, my vision filled with green goo as bubbles rose to the surface. A quick teleport, and I was kneeling on the ground coughing up the goo. A couple gnomes saw this, and quickly brought me a towel, some water, and a set of robes.

"Please miss, you need to stop doing this to us." Their s's were short, sounding more like a huff with every word they spoke.

I cracked my neck, so glad to be in a new body that wasn't about to die from exhaustion. I stretched, making sure everything was right. Sadly the fun bits would have to be checked later. "Sorry, but we're in a panic right now. Everything going good on this end?"

The two gnomes looked at each other, "Well, there are a couple thugs on the first floor trying to charge far too much for the materials we need. Specifically for the brine to make more of us, I know we live long, but well it's been decades and some of us were lost during the gang battle..."

Gray was almost done with the worms, and the Queen was instructing Robert about what needed to be done. Richard was asking questions, but Beru and the old Hive was spread out along the tree line. The kidnapper was carrying Cynthia to the outer walls. The bells were still ringing, so he wasn't quite there yet. I looked at the gnomes, "Could you make me a better body if there were more of you?"

The gnomes blinked together, both swallowing hard, "W-we didn't mean to offend miss." "Yeah, it's just the one of us in charge is dead." "Yeah, very dead! All his notes are gone. This is the best we can do."

I waved my hand, "I'll deal with the thugs right quick, more hands should help you make more at the very least. We're not like your old bosses though, so don't be afraid to let us know if something is needed." I teleported to the first floor, finding the two lizardmen and one human in question. I really didn't have time for this.

The human grinned at me, while the gnomes paused and moved away. He was someone I saw at the brothel, that tended to leave those under my employ unsatisfied. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the mistress of the brothel. Didn't know you were coming here for gnome dicks, as a side hussel."

I smiled at him, "What can I say, I have a thing for little guys. You caught me in a precarious situation, why don't I give you a freebie. I mean you're all about the same here."

His face turned a few shades of red, unsure how to react to my suggestion and insult. The lizardmen snickered, while I took the initiative and stepped forward. "Don't fucking laugh!" That made his clearly bought guards straighten up a little, "And you!" He pointed at me, "I'll take you up on the offer, and you better make it worth my time. Otherwise, everyone will know your a bitch that gobbles gnome cock."

I rolled my eyes, while the lizardmen just grunted. I smiled, letting my playful voice come out. "Not much of a difference between a harlot, and a whore. Nor is there much of one for any girl having her fun with different races~ You don't need to threaten me with a good time, might even up my clients~" I moved towards him, an arm resting on his shoulder while my hand went down to his crotch. I could feel his excitement, giving him a couple rubs while he grinned.

"You're a clever bitch, but we both knoOOO!" He screamed, as my palm caught on fire burning into his hips. The giants that were hidden helped me focus my mental attack on the lizardmen, both of them passing out while my eyes glowed. The man fell back holding his smoldering wound, whimpering.

He was writhing, and groaning while I put a foot on his chest. "I really don't have much time, and I'm a bit upset after running around all day. So, unless you want to end up as a stain on the floor, you'll stop fucking over my gnomes coin wise. Otherwise I'm going to grab a dagger off one of your guards and make a proper woman out of you with the new hole I just burned for you. Am. I. Clear?"

He nodded, still groaning, "Holy, holy shit!"

I clapped my hands together, "Wonderful!" I walked over, grabbing a gold coin, flipping it onto his chest, "That should pay for a healer and your silence on this matter. Don't make me come for you later~" I teleported to the tree line, ready to help my Queen with whatever fight was about to happen.