Richard Adams

"W-what!?" I stammered, half blinking at Mimi. The surprise written on my face. No one had come tonight, not even Oswald. Which meant it was just Mimi and myself tonight.

She tilted her head, flexing her stingers a little. She had managed to work them free somehow, but that was more because she grew a new set. Only nine of them were bound, which made it easy enough for the other three to free the rest once they grew back. "I said sleep with me tonight, please." She seemed confused, while I took a second to breathe.

"I... I can't undo your bindings, you know that." I swallowed hard, before looking down a little embarrassed. The captain really shouldn't have taught her to say such things.

I looked back at her, to see the realization appear on her face. She seemed surprised herself, before blushing a little. "I meant just sleeping, like laying together. I just want hugs." She kept watching me, as a smile crept across her face. "Though now I know what you want to do.~ You might have to show me your version of sleeping together another time."

My face turned beet red at this, as I realized I was the one leading the conversation down that road. I shook my head slowly, "No, I misunderstood what you meant. With how you drew the words out and stuff. Anyway, I will sleep with you tonight." I moved to her side, holding her a little. She seemed to relax, before softly holding me with her stingers. She soon fell asleep, as I joined her in slumber, preparing myself for the next day.

The next day came, and I was woken up by Mimi gently shaking me with her stingers. "Someone is at the door Richard."

I blinked the sleep from my eyes, rubbing them a little before nodding. I quickly got onto my feet, and headed towards the door. It was far too early for the sun to be out. I made it to the door, to find a group of guards had already come in and were waiting. There were roughly six of them in total. "You guys aren't supposed to come in, unless invited." I frowned at them crossing my arms a little.

The one leading them stepped forward, a crest of wings glowing on his chest. These weren't regular guards, these were elites wearing full armor with runes etched on them. "Forgive our rudeness, but by orders of the king, we have been dispatched to help escort your companion to a holding cell where her bindings may be removed."

I blinked, before standing up straighter, "What do you mean? Is she in trouble for something?"

"She is not in trouble, and we are only taking her to a holding cell to be contained until an interview has taken place. The king himself wishes to expedite the process of her joining the guard. This is more for her comfort, and to protect the citizens in the event she is capable of screaming like a youngest Banshee."

"If I refuse?" I moved back a little.

The guard chuckled a little, "Your compliance is optional. If you refuse, you will be rendered unconscious but wholly safe. If you accept, we are allowed to escort you with us."

I nodded, before walking to the stairs. I had to ask, just to make sure. "Do I get to watch the interview?"

"That is for the interviewer to decide, or through request of your companion. She shall be informed of such. The interview is to start a few hours after sunrise." The guard's voice was low and stoic, as they followed after me. The others trailing in a slightly spread out formation, before getting single file at the stairs.

I nodded, "She's right up these stairs, I'll lead you to her." One of the rules for surviving in the slums, is that you don't fuck with elite guards.

We headed back to Mimi, to find her resting against the wall. After a small exchange, she accepted being taken to the cell. Though she was clearly conflicted about such. I was surprised when she went into one of the guards' shadows at their request, but it did confirm that she ate a Banshee.

We walked through the empty streets, the two other groups moving from the rooftops. Finally we entered an alley, where a man wearing a unique set of robes was waiting. He seemed to be an older guy, but didn't say anything. Before our eyes, a portal opened, leading to a cell with runes etched onto the bars and stone. I winced a little, because it probably was meant to hold very strong monsters. We walked through the portal, as the guard with Mimi in his shadow walked into the room. He tapped his foot on one of the stones in the middle of the cell, as Mimi came out from under him.

She looked around the cell itself, and seemed to relax a little. Though I could tell she was a little nervous about all this. Her bindings were undone, as she flexed her muscles. The guard left the cell with the bindings, as another locked it without a word. They left through the portal we came from, before it was closed by the same old guy. I looked down the hallway, seeing other cells, far too spaced out for the people or monsters inside to communicate. I thought about walking around, just to see what was inside, but decided against it.

Mimi coughed a little, "Excuse me Richard, but I would like some privacy for a moment. I need to use the little bugs room."

I swallowed hard, not even looking at her, before walking far enough away that I wouldn't hear anything. The cell I walked towards was empty, which made me feel a little better. Though, I felt like I was being watched at all times. I made my way back to Mimi, fairly confident that all the cells in this hallway were empty. I moved to the wall just before the bars started, and sat there. I was still tired, and didn't even know where to begin if I tried to talk to Mimi. I just closed my eyes and waited.

Mimi

After answering nature's call. I felt a bit better, since I wasn't restrained anymore. Though the whole situation I was in now, left me with many questions. I thought about asking Richard for some answers, but judging my how quiet he was, he likely didn't know more than I did. I had heard what the knights said to Richard, but made sure to ask the same questions he did all the same. I could sense the magic within this cell, where the runes did not react or give off any kind of magical presence unless they were active. Which meant I could only feel the magic of the bars when I touched them.

Which meant that the magic I sensed in the cell was given off by runes meant to be active in restraining me, or keeping me comfortable. It was probably a mixture of the two since I was still in contact with my hive, but also unable to enter the shadow under the bedding placed in the corner. It was as if tiny holes were punched through space, each the size of a needle, to allow my connection to the hive to remain unsevered. That could likely change very easily, which meant it was in my best interests to stay inside the cell itself.

Richard was here both as a way of saying nothing bad will happen to me, and a very good reason for me to not try escaping. If I did break through the bars, the magic keeping me connected to my hive would likely fade. Then the first person I would kill while in my berserk state, was likely here. Overall, the plan for keeping me here was surprisingly well thought out, and showed they had experience with dealing with monsters potentially worse than myself.

I moved to the bars, reaching a hand outside of it. This caused them to light up a little, but nothing major happened. I sat down in the corner next to where Richard was sitting, and stuck a hand out again. "Richard, I'll be sleeping until they come for me. Will you hold my hand?"

He seemed to jerk awake a little, then grabbed my hand, "You're taking this surprisingly well." He laughed nervously.

I could feel he was sweating on his palm. I gently rubbed his wrist, trying to calm him down. "They have no plans to hurt me, and I feel they just want to talk. There are easier ways of dealing with me, than sticking me in a cell to rot. Especially since I was restrained before coming here." There was no reason for him to fear for himself, which meant he was feeling anxiety for me, and my well being. It touched me a little, in a way that made me smile softly. Even if we couldn't see each other's faces at the moment since the corner hide us.

"Yeah, but they said they wanted to have you join the guard on the king's orders. Aren't you worried about that? What that means for you?" He squeezed my palm a little, "You're cold, aren't you?"

The cell was a little cooler than outside from what I could tell. Though that didn't matter, "I'm not cold, they have bedding in here that I can wrap around myself, but my wings are enough. I don't know why the king wants me to join the guard, but Wyatt probably wanted it too. I think I impressed them." I kept my voice light and warm, to try and soothe him.

"Speaking of Wyatt, he came back looking like shit. What happened out there?" We finally settled for just holding each other's hands.

"Not much really, we bonded a little. He was impressed by my ability to fight, and found me reasonable I think. Honestly the scariest part was fighting a giant spider. How was your week?" I smiled, while closing my eyes.

"The scariest part was a giant spider? It must have been huge then. Um... my week was pretty nice in comparison. I spent most of it training, and Oswald helped me figure some things out. Do you mind if I ask why the giant spider was the scariest part?"

It really wasn't that bad, but he seemed to be calming down. I smiled a little more, "Honestly, I am a little scared of spiders. I don't know if it's because I'm a bug, or if it's the fact they have too many legs. I used to think their webs were scary too, because they were always so sticky, and always right at just the right height to hit your face."

Richard laughed at that, "You have to be kidding me, you're a monster that can take out a fiend with your bare hands, and it's spiders that scare you? What are you really afraid of?"

"Please don't call me a monster Richard. It hurts coming from you of all people." I softly squeezed his hand, "I have a lot of things I'm afraid of though, I'm worried my hive will die without me. I'm scared I might actually become a real monster. Then there is that feeling of being alone I can't shake. Usually I cry whenever I disconnect from my hive, not during my rampage, but after. That's probably what scares me the most."

He seemed to straighten up a little, "I see... sorry for calling you a monster Mimi. Honestly, you feel like more of a person than most of the people I do know. You're kind, smart, funny, and a whole lot of other great things. I shouldn't have laughed when you said you were afraid of spiders..." He moved a little to get more comfortable.

"Thank you for apologizing. It means a lot to hear you say nice things about me." He seemed to slump a little, as we sat in silence for a few moments. I finally broke it with a question, "So... what scares you?"

Richard shifted uncomfortably, "Oi! Why do you want to know?" He sounded a little hurt, but stopped before saying anything more.

"I told you what scares me, shouldn't you tell me the same? I mean, it's only fair." I softly spoke, trying to coax it out of him.

Richard grumbled his reply, "I'm a man, and a Dwarf, only should be brave."

I gave him another gentle squeeze, "Please? I won't think less of you. The only time we can be brave, is when we are afraid."

He froze for a few seconds, before finally relenting. "Promise you won't tell another soul?"

"I promise Richard." I leaned back, feeling slightly frustrated at how difficult he was being.

After a few moments passed, he finally said it. "I'm afraid of losing the family I have again. I lost everything before when my father died, then again when I left the orphanage. You and Oswald are the only people I have... I don't want to lose either of you."

He sounded sad as he said such a thing. As if he were afraid that saying it, would make me pull away. I gripped his hand, "Sounds like we both are afraid of the same thing. Don't worry Richard, you're a part of my hive. I won't leave you, I promise."

Richard relaxed, "Thank you Mimi." His voice cracked a little as if he might have teared up or started crying.

"You're welcome, and thank you for accepting me. I'm going to sleep now." I entered a light sleep, hearing him thank me once more.

It felt like a few hours passed, before I opened my eyes to the sound of footsteps coming in the distance. I carefully squeezed Richard's hand, and tugged on him a little. He moved sluggishly, before letting out a small yawn. "Hey Mimi, some guards are coming with what looks like a mage."

"Thank you Richard, any idea who they are?" I could feel him move away a little, letting go of my hand to stand up. I quickly got on my feet as well.

Richard whispered back, "I believe it's Vivian, I can see the magic arm, and those look like her robes."

I frowned to myself a little, I knew a bit from what Wyatt told me. Though I also had to protect Wyatt by asking the right questions. "Who is Vivian?"

"Someone you don't want to mess with. I'm sorry I can't tell you more." Richard took a few steps towards the group, "Hello! It's a nice morning isn't it? Kind of upset you dragged us here in the dead of night, but you had your reasons right?"

A calm female voice replied, "You have my apologies for that, apprentice of Oswald, but my reports tell me the king sent a Herald to retrieve you. I thank you for complying with them, and am fully aware this is an unusual situation to be in. Orders are orders however, and the protection of the people takes precedence over individual freedoms. I am sure you know why I am here?"

"Yeah, you're going to interview the one I tamed right? I keep saying she can, if she wants to."

I heard the woman let out a small laugh, "Sir, you have not performed a ritual to tame the creature we are holding. You were brought here to keep the creature calm, especially during the interview." Her voice was low, as if she was trying to keep this from me. "If she so chooses, she can leave your custody, as you have failed to provide proper documentation of her being tamed within a week of bringing her to the city. I do not have to go through you to talk to the creature in question. Now that it is clear where we stand on this, I will advise you to stand aside or help us in escorting said creature to the interview room. It is already set up, and I'm afraid I do not like being up this early."

I could hear Richard ball his fist, as he stepped aside, whispering back to her. "Don't take the protection I can give her away. I'll help you, but don't force her to do anything she doesn't want to."

It took me a moment to understand what happened, but thanks to Edna's memories I had a grasp. I was brought here as a tamed monster, under Richard. All tamers have a week to properly document their bonds with any monsters they bring in. Because Richard wasn't a tamer, and didn't have a ritual conducted to bind us, I was essentially a rogue monster. A rogue monster, that was potentially manipulating Richard to get to Oswald, Wyatt, and anyone else in power for my own benefit. The fact that Richard probably told someone about my swarms separating into the city, meant I could potentially be killed off. Though that made me wonder why they haven't done as much yet. They either really wanted my ability to heal enough to take the potential risk, or there was something that made the king move to take these specific measures.

Vivian just walked past Richard without a word. She was a slightly tall mildly chubby woman, with a large chest. Curly blonde hair fell out of her robes, as she looked at me with brilliant blue eyes. I could tell that she was a rather beautiful with noble features. She clearly took care of herself, using just enough makeup for the natural look as well as accenting the features she wanted to show off. The only flaw on her body, was probably the metal arm enchanted with various runes that allowed it to function. Just by looking at this arm, I could tell she had a way to protect herself if needed. Though using it was probably lethal to whoever was on the receiving end.

Vivian crossed her arms, "Before I open your cage, can you promise not to cause any issues?"

I looked down at her, more than a little upset at how she talked to Richard that way. The fact that she wasn't treating me as anything more than some monster or beast to lead around. Her eyes were glowing, with a magic that I saw from that one fat lady. I smiled, after realizing what it was from Gray's memories. "I promise not to cause any issues, so long as you do not provoke me. I will defend my tamer, and myself if needed. I also request that he be present during the interview, since it will help me remain calm."

Vivian nodded, then snapped a finger, as one of the guards moved to unlock my cell. I finally figured out where we were, as connections from outside the cell were allowed in finally. I could escape, but it would be difficult. Especially if I needed to take Richard with me, which I would have to do. Then the portals that allowed my connections cut off behind me. Thankfully I didn't need them, but it proved what I thought. Vivian hates monsters. Perhaps, even more than Wyatt himself did. I smiled warmly at Vivian, finally understanding that she wanted Wyatt to kill me. I just didn't know why, and felt she wasn't the type to act purely out of hatred. These guards were not elites, but they clearly knew what they were doing. Each of them positioned in a way to allow Vivian time to run.

Vivian seemed to return my smile, as I slowly walked out of the cell. I stood above her, still looking down, "Follow me, to the interview room. I have read up on your files, but it seems we'll have to update it constantly given your talent." She turned and began to walk down the hall. I could sense another portal up ahead, but I could also sense more connections through it. We were going somewhere even closer to my hive.

"My apologies, as that must be a lot of paper work for you to process." As we moved closer, I could see it was a wide room, with a long table, with different light crystals placed among the ceiling. I also noticed more a few guards standing in the corner of the room, with more probably positioned behind the portal itself.

"Don't apologize for that, I actually kind of enjoy doing it." She stopped before the edge of the portal, before turning around to look me in the eyes again. "Before we cross, you must understand that testing begins once we are inside the room. Everything you do, and say will be recorded and processed. Please be on your best behavior, and conduct yourself in a proper manner." She then walked through the portal, followed by a guard a few seconds after. "We will be entering this room one at a time as you can see. Portal magic can be fickle, given the spatial distortion within the city itself."

I didn't have much of a choice, so I walked through the portal, and waited. Another guard walked into the room, then the portal was dispelled. I flexed my muscles, preparing to defend myself if needed. Especially since the portal had five more guards hidden behind it. Which meant this room was filled with nine in total, not including Vivian herself. I was thankful that I already reestablished another back up link with the hive once I walked through. Though this was becoming rather frustrating. I contemplated the likelihood that Richard was in danger, and figured he might be knocked unconscious if he was to fight the guard with him.

None of the guards moved, as I kept my focus on all of them. Vivian moved first, as my combat form covered my body. This caused the other guards to jump a little, but still none of them moved. Then I heard Vivian slow clapping, as I grinded my teeth. "Congratulations! You passed the first set of tests. I can now put you down as extremely passive, unless threatened." I took the second she paused, to observe the room more. Behind the guards was a set of doors, with mirrors lined along the walls. I could sense magic coming from the other side of the mirrors. As I realized they were double sided, as Edna had encountered them before.

The room itself was made of stone, with a few runes likely etched in places. It was unfortunate that I couldn't detect them until they were active. Vivian moved to one side of the table, as a guard pulled her chair out for her. Once she was seated, he would push her in. Vivian sat in front of a magic bell. The table itself had curtains draped over it, to hide what was under the table. Which was another bell that could be rung by her tapping her feet, if I was hearing right. Vivian made herself comfortable, before gesturing to the chair opposite of the long table. "Please have a seat, the bell in front of me is a lie detector of sorts. It rings whenever someone says a statement they believe is false. For example, my name is Adam Brown." *Ding* The magic bell rang, without showing any signs of having done so. Though I knew it had.

I moved to the seat, taking it as my own. I rested my upper hands on the table, while keeping my wings close to me. There was a long silence, as I did not utter a word. Vivian let out a small sigh, "You are upset correct? This interview will move along quickly if you answer the questions I ask you. Though I understand you probably have a rather unpleasant view of myself currently. Would you be more willing to talk, if the guards left the room?"

I nodded slowly, as Vivian snapped her hands. The guards seemed a little reluctant, but filled out of the room one by one. "This is a privilege that can be afforded to you, because of how you passed the previous set of tests. We can both ask each other questions, as this interview is to test both your intelligence and to find out your motives. Naturally I have no intentions of telling you anything too important."

The door behind the guards closed, and I decided to speak up before they moved where they could hear me properly. "You almost got yourself killed, as well as the guards. The portals mess with my connection to the hive, and if that is severed I enter a berserk state. Please refrain from using portals where you can, when transporting me." I calmed myself down, and managed to shift in the chair a little.

Vivian's eyes flicked to the bell, before nodding. "That shall be added to your file properly. It was theorized, but the report at the gate stated you came in and only attacked the Whispering Wolves, before passing out due to Oswald's use of gas."

I shrugged slightly, "I do not recall any of that, and I was worried I might have hurt a person, until Richard told me I had not. Losing connection to my hive is like a darkness washing over me, where I have no control over what I do. I am telling you this, for the safety of everyone. I do not know if I might kill Richard, Oswald, or anyone else, when that happens."

Vivian nodded, "We will be more careful going forward, thank you for the warning. Now then, let us start this interview properly. Please introduce yourself."

I looked at my hands on the table, figuring now was as good a time as any to test the magic bell. "My name is Alice Nevaeh Lindell." *Ding* I smiled a little, "My name is Mimi?" *Ding* I pretended to look a little upset, "My apologies, but Mimi was the name given to me by Richard, and Alice was the name of the person that became me. I don't have a proper name yet, but you can call me either." I gave Vivian a small smile. The bell itself seemed to count half truths, as lies. Which meant it will ring if I'm not careful with my word choice, or on things I myself am uncertain about.

Vivian smiled back a little, "Well met, my name is Vivian. I will not tell you my last name, since that is not important. Everyone knows who I am, and if you ask for me they know where to find me." The fact that the bell didn't ring, was proof of her confidence on the matter. Asserting that my theory was correct, and it would accept clearly false statements. After all, not everyone would know who Vivian was. She puffed out her chest a little, "Why did you come to Eclipse?"

I closed my eyes a little, "I came, because Richard brought me here. I didn't think someone like that could survive on their own, which meant there was more. At worst you were all a free meal to the me from back then. Though I hold no desire to eat any of you now." This seemed to make Vivian happy. I looked into her eyes, as she scanned me with her magic. "Do you hate monsters?"

Vivian seemed a little shocked, before letting out a small sigh. "Yes, I do. Though over the years, I have more and more trouble telling who the real monsters are." I raised a brow at this, as she suggested I wasn't really a monster in her eyes. "I can understand how you came to that conclusion because of what we just put you through. I needed to make certain who I was going to have working for us in the near future." She rested her fake arm on the table. "By this point, it's clear to me that you have passed the intelligence test. Since you just tried to use the bell against me, as well as testing it with your names. There isn't too much of a reason for us to go further, since the bell is now useless in my eyes."

I frowned a little, "That is a shame, I would have enjoyed talking more. To learn some new things, but I am worried about there being more tests."

Vivian nodded, "There are, but these two are the hardest ones. The rest is testing your physical body, and the magic you may or may not be able to do. I do apologize for making you do all of this, but the only true way to test someone is by doing it while they do not know. I am pleasantly surprised by how stable your mind seems, and your ability to remain calm in stressful situations."

I crossed my arms, "Thank you, I suppose. Though I would prefer to go home and assure Richard I am okay right now."

Vivian snapped her fingers, and a few moments later a guard opened the door. "Please have a nice day. One of the guards will help you relocate to your new home. They will hand you papers to read over, which will tell you what you can and cannot do. You may join the guard which will give you the benefits enclosed. Feel free to grab some coffee on your way out, as well as a pastry. You are required to come back tonight, for the physical tests. If you are unable to make it, please let us know, but you have a week before we are forced to subdue you again. Goodbye dear."

I left without another word, having to lower my head from how short the door frame was, as well as the ceiling for the hallways. I could hear Vivian talking to the guard as I left. Though I couldn't make most of it out, as another guard gave me the documents I was promised. After walking to the stairs that led up, I found a plate of pastries, and some coffee. The coffee itself was a luxury item, from what I understood. I took it, as well as a few pastries before heading home to Oswald's estate. Flipping through the pages with every step. Until my ears flicked, and I saw Wyatt staring at me, with his jaw dropped. "You're alive!?" He seemed both shocked and happy to see me at the same time. I gave him a small smile, before walking towards him.

"Yeah Captain, I'm kind of hard to kill if you haven't noticed. We'll talk later if that's okay? I have to move my hive, and a lot of other stuff today. I don't have time to talk."

He blinked, before nodding. "Tonight then?"

"If you are observing my physical tests, then yes. Otherwise, I have to do that first, and I would like to do it sooner than later. Especially since I've recently developed a reason to dislike teleportation and portals." I turned to walk away.

"Thank you for saving me back there... I'll be there to watch over it, don't worry." I was happy for him, he looked a lot better than when I last saw him.