Richard Adams

There was a feast when we made it back to the warehouse. Mimi didn't want to go to the lizardman village for a few days, but wanted help with breaking down all the food and preserving it for the next couple months. There was far too much to stuff in the freezer, and it was overflowing. Then there was the fact that Robert was being escorted back to talk about what to do with all the meat we couldn't keep. Mimi's Hive was happily turning an entire worm into honey so that it could be spread to other hives. She was going to use another to start stock piling honey in the lizardman village, for the hive she was putting there.

Come to think of it, I hadn't seen Scix since we got back. I asked Mimi about that, and found out that he was hunting down certain people to make up for trying to kill me. I was surprised that the little guy actually was trying to do that, but was glad he didn't. If all goes well he'll mellow out, and rejoin Mimi as an escort or something. Naturally I didn't utter a word about how the beetles could understand what we were saying, or doing. I promised her that much after all.

Once Robert came back to the warehouse, we had the small meeting start. Burrow Worm meat was safe to eat, and actually tasted pretty good. We had enough food to make it through the month easily, but Mimi was worried people would ask questions about where the meat came from. Particularly how so much of it suddenly came onto the markets. We could sell one without raising too many eyebrows, but two was pushing it. Which meant we had one extra body that would be left to rot.

Robert was scratching his chin, "Maybe we could sell it to the city?"

Mimi slowly shook her head, "We haven't secured personal teleporter in the Fukuma area. I wanted to let the lizardman hive grow during the week, then move to secure it next week. A great exercise to have the ones training at the village, and the lizardmen grow even closer. A practical hunt for them."

Robert nodded, "Yeah, we'll lose some of the meat that way, but they shouldn't ask too many questions."

I really didn't have anything to contribute to this, since it didn't make a lot of sense as to why they wanted to keep how strong Mimi was a secret. Though my best guess is that she just didn't want to be swarmed with people wanting to join her gang. Even if she was paranoid that someone stronger might show up if we gathered too much attention. Then I remembered something, "What if we burned it?"

This caused both of them to blink, then they stared right at me. Robert opened his mouth, but stopped before he said a word. Mimi put her upper hands together, "You have a plan? Why would we burn it exactly?"

I rubbed the back of my head, "The journal mentioned that Oswald would burn or char his rations to make them last longer. Even turning them into ash because he could reverse the process. Your bugs can control fire Mimi, so you can get them to lock down a room and seal all the smoke inside it. Then whenever we wanted to, we could slowly turning back."

Mimi slowly nodded, "That is an idea." She turned to Robert, "Is Lewis in his lab? We could have Richard and him both attempt this, and turn one of the empty rooms on the forth floor into a room to store the ashes and smoke. If it works, we'll have a viable way to keep the meat longer."

Robert thought for a second, "Yeah, he returned with me when he realized Richard wasn't coming back to the village. He's taken a liking to you Richard. He also has five Fukuma sacs that he's hoping to break down and make Blue Haze."

Mimi tilted her head at this, "Blue Haze?"

I shook my head, "That stuff is dangerous, are you sure you want to make those kinds of drugs?"

Robert smirked while Mimi held up a hand, "I am afraid I do not know what Blue Haze is, please explain it to me."

Robert cleared his throat, "Blue Haze is a powder you can smoke, it's supposed to help you grow stronger with magic, since it pushes your focus more than it should. It helps you keep control over yourself, even while in the fog."

I frowned a bit, "It's highly addictive, and hard to make because you need very specific parts of magical creatures. It's called Blue Haze because while the powder is white and unassuming, it gives off a dark blue smoke when it's burned. It only works if you smoke it too, you can eat it and be just fine."

Mimi nodded slowly, "I see, I would assume this kind of thing is highly regulated given how dangerous it can be?"

Robert nodded, "Yeah, not a lot of gangs can sell it since making it wrong can make your eyes bleed. Then you go blind and hallucinate, but Lewis made a decent living while making it. We can filter some into the Minotaur's gang, or the Talons, and have them sell it for us. Letting our people stay hidden and keeping the heat off us. Your stingers can also clean out the addiction and help those of us trying to use the stuff get off it quick. It's your call if you want to go forward with it or not boss."

Mimi was a bit reluctant, but finally nodded. "Make a couple batches so I can test it. I'll be using it to see if I can grow a set of stingers the next time I change. Richard you should learn how to make it as well, just in case we need it."

We both nodded, as it seemed we were going to burn the meat to ash to try preserving it like in Oswald's journal. Then we were going to dip our toes into the drug market. Blue Haze sold extremely well, since it helped people develop their magic quickly. I looked at Robert, suddenly feeling tired. He slumped forward in his chair, falling face first on the desk. My eyes were getting heavier by the second, I looked to Mimi to see her standing up with her antenna bobbing. Something was going on, but as I tried to move, I fell out of my chair passing out before I hit the ground.

Mimi

It was night by the time we got back to the warehouse. The talk I had with Richard proved to be an enjoyable one, and I was somewhat starting to understand him. It still amazed me as to how he managed to convince Oswald to protect him in his own way. It was why I needed to understand his logic, and how he acted. If I had felt a single notion that he thought of betraying me, I would have killed him before even making it back to the warehouse. Yet, he was oddly accepting about the things I told him.

I decided to see where this would go, and entered a loose agreement to attempt a relationship with him. I understood that his emotions guided him, and that he wasn't smart. Despite this, he was still able to endear himself enough to be protected by my Hive. He was either incredibly lucky, or his wisdom on dealing with others was much higher than I could understand currently. I felt it might have been a bit of both, mixed with his personality. I needed to observe him closely to understand him more.

It was because of the above, that he was taking part in the meeting. Our next moves were charted out for the gang, with Robert expected to guide the members in the finer details. Blue Haze was a term I was unfamiliar with, and I received information about it through the other two in the room. There were enough benefits to merit the attempt of making some. I was curious to see if it might affect my giants, or others in the Hive. Even if it ended up killing them, we had plenty more on the way. Numbers were steadily becoming less of an issue, as we had ample food to sustain rapid growth. If food started to become short, then I could always go to the worm territory for more flesh.

Then it happened, an overwhelming amount of Aether suddenly moving at once. A single individual standing outside the warehouse, lit up like a beacon as the area around us became covered in mist. Robert slumped forward, succumbing first. Then Richard realized something was wrong as my antenna went up. Even my hive was succumbing to this magic, that was forcing them to sleep. Argus changed her colors to blue and dark blue, confirming it was a physical attack that was pervasive. The fog was sapping energy in the area, causing the others to experience fatigue. This would make them feel tired, and that was when the second part of the attack came. A simple hypnotic suggestion making someone that was already tired, want to sleep even more.

Thankfully it wasn't deadly, and I was able to shrug off the fatigue, but whatever was outside was stronger than the Count. I frowned, while it continued its attack. The giants that could control fire were already asleep by the time ten seconds had passed. The only ones awake being the telepaths and dreamers. What made it all the more impressive was the fact that I was certain only one person was causing all of this.

I used the eyes I had from the giants outside, to teleport right in front of the door. I could see the female figure smile, then heard her laugh as the fog parted around her. A short female with long black hair, and completely white eyes save for the pupil. Bloodied nun clothing, with cuts along the ribs. She was smiling in a way that made it creepy, as she just stared up at me with her arms wide. "My dear sweet child!"

I blinked, before unfurling my wings. "I shall ask you to cease your magic. As I understand it, you are the Princess of Eclipse. What business do you have here?"

She kept holding her arms out, before opening and closing them a few times. "I'll turn off the lullaby if you give your mother a warm hug. I promise not to harm anyone, so long as you do not lash out."

I stared at her, unsure what was happening. Everyone inside was already asleep, so removing the mist would do nothing. Judging by how she reacted, she knew this. I could sense the same backwards magic of people reading into the future. Her smile growing even creepier. "Such a good child, a smart one as well. It breaks my heart that you are refusing to give me a hug, but I understand you need me to make the first show of affection."

The mist disappeared as quickly as it came, but the people inside had to recover naturally from such an attack. I looked her over for weapons, before walking towards her. "I shall give you a hug, but I ask that you do not attack anyone else here, or myself. This includes my Hive."

"Of course! I will only take your toys away if you misbehave dear! I have such great news for you!" She opened and closed her hands, not moving a single bit beyond that.

I stood over her, picking her up before softly embracing her. I understood it was better to keep her from becoming hostile. The memories I had from Edna told me that killing her was likely impossible. I could feel a talent on her, keeping her safe. A familiar one, that originated from the king himself. Ready to save her life if anything was to happen. "You sound excited, and I thank you for not harming anyone here. What should I call you?"

She embraced me with all the strength her body could manage, while my lower arm supported her rear, and the upper her back. I wrapped my wings around her to give her exactly what she asked. "Such a good sweet child. Please, call me mother dear. I enrolled you in the contest two weeks from now. You'll have to decide who to bring, since you have black blood. I love you the same though! So no need to worry about my love being different. If anything, I love you more because you're closer to me!"

She pulled back so I could look into her eyes. "A contest? I do not imagine I have a choice in this matter, where is it taking place? What must be done?"

She grinned at me, "The arena dear! I entered your name as Vivi! Your tamer will be either the baby brother of Oswald, or your little translator toy. I know you can win in it by yourself, but it becomes much harder if you have to protect your toys while you do it. I want you to make me proud sweety." She kissed me on the forehead.

I frowned a little, "I see, thank you for this opportunity mother." I was nowhere near prepared to fight her, and entering the arena held the chance to profit from having someone bet on my victory. The issue was that I needed to abide by the arbitrary rules of taking a 'tamer' with me. I had plans on checking the arena out anyway, but now it was moved up on my list. "Is there anything nice for me at the end of this?"

The princess laughed happily, falling backwards, as I had to support her so she didn't actually fall. "My! Such a greedy child! I love it! You are honest, and you know not to tell me no!" She held her sides, before hugging me again. "I'll make arrangements to have those you kill put in a special room for you later. I know how much you love to eat, so why not your favorite meal?"

I tilted my head at this, "Thank you mother, is it alright if I hide my face from others? I would prefer not to let them know about me."

She stroked my stingers, "Fret not dear, you're beautiful just the way you are. None of the other children will bully you, but you may wear a jacket or anything else to cover up. I expect you to take first place, since mommy is going to be putting a lot of coin down. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to hurry back home." I gently sat her down on the ground.

"Thank you mother, please stay safe on your way back." It was better to play into her delusions, and hope she'll stay away. I was very much not willing to fight against her. Not when it would be so easy for her to ruin me. If that mist held the intention of doing harm, or if she set fire to the warehouse after everyone was asleep... There truly would not have been enough time to save enough. I needed to secure other warehouses to mitigate the damage going forward. It was very clear she came for me alone.

She grinned, "Of course dear! Don't play in the mud too long yourself. Ta-ta!" She vanished likely teleporting somewhere, but hiding the magic she used.

I lowered my head, hating this feeling. I needed a way to deal with powerful individuals and creatures. Forget killing a dragon and cocooning, I needed a way to ensure surviving in this city with such monsters. I needed to accelerate my plans, and in order to do that I needed more flesh. I walked back into the warehouse, to see others starting to wake up slowly. I moved back into the meeting room, explaining the situation and the new plans.

It would be simple, but effective. Lewis would make the Blue Haze, to help Richard grow stronger. Richard himself would train by fighting alongside myself. Robert was to find out what we could expect at the arena, and continue leading the gang as he was before. The Lizardmen would claim the new warehouse, and protect a new hive that was going to be grown there. The Fukuma territory would become our way out if we needed to leave quickly,

The goals after completing that, was to have the lizardmen scouting past the Fukuma territory with an escort led by members within such. There were a lot of dead-zones, and a lot of potential to find something unique or dangerous to hunt later. Which had to wait until after we made it through the arena in the next two weeks. Scix was to scout it out, and make reports in order to redeem himself. With Robert told everything he needed to know. I dragged Richard away for personal training in front of the warehouse.

In terms of cost benefit, bringing Richard was the safest choice. He could use magic, and that allowed him to lob explosives he could control. He was also happy to be given personal time, as we talked more where others could not hear us. Even if Richard was to die in the arena, it would not hurt the gang as much if we lost Robert. He did not enjoy having those facts given to him, but he did enjoy hearing that I felt he was more likely to succeed at this task. Two weeks was not nearly enough time to properly train him, but it was enough time to get him used to what I wanted through the ring. I was not going to let him die, if I could help it.

Kobe, The Minotaur

It was the middle of the night, when I felt something was wrong. I woke up, the fur on my legs and arms standing straight up. My barreled chest glossy with sweat, as I looked at the shadow sitting on top of my exposed waist. I narrowed my glare at the unmoving figure, that I was all too familiar with. I put one of my massive hands behind my head, while using the other to grab the hose of my hookah. I took a long drag, to wake up and relax.

Letting out a long stream of smoke through my nose, I looked the princess over. "What brings you to my chambers so late at night?"

I could see her grin, showing teeth that caught the dim light coming from outside. "I want to propose a deal."

I took another drag, looking at the pale skin of her thigh, the stockings cutting into her legs just right. The dress was hiked up as she had to really spread her legs to sit on my pelvis. I blew smoke at the hem of her dress, unable to move it so I could see anything underneath. "What kind of deal?" My voice was low and tired from having just woken up. I took a second to glance at the whore I rented for the night to find her throat slit. Princess was efficient when she felt like it. Much to my dismay when I had to fork over some coin to the gang I rented her from.

Princess grabbed the hem of her dress, lightly shaking it side to side to tease me. "In two weeks someone I was told I can't play with will be coming. I was told by my love himself. I want you to arrange something amazing at the arena that day. You'll have to play with them for me."

She grabbed my nose ring, pushing against my snout. I took another drag, considering what she said. "I see, you're going to be placing bets on them aren't you? How strong are they?"

She let go of my nose, grabbing the tips of my curved horns. "The one that matters has the strength of a fiend. I promised if she could entertain me, she can eat anything she kills. I want you to arrange that for me too."

I closed my eyes, taking another long drag. With a heavy sigh, I nodded. "Very well, but I expect you to meet my bets with a twenty percent raise. I won't rig the fights, but I don't have very many things that could fight a fiend and win. I'll have Marcus turn a few things into monster versions of themselves. How does that sound?"

She looked up at the ceiling bouncing on my hips while thinking. "Sounds good actually. You can't let the big one die, I don't care about the other she brings."

I set the hose back on the holder, resting both hands behind my head. "Fine, what should the prize be?"

Princess looked me in the eyes with an evil grin. "A talent that stops null magic. A good reward if she's able to keep her tamer alive. If not, well she doesn't get it because she is a monster." She stuck out her tongue.

I grinned, "Interesting, consider it done. What kind of monster are we dealing with exactly?"

Princess crossed her arms, "One with information not available to the public. Calls her race Vesp though."

I raised a brow, "Vesp? One of many? The legion that stand ready? Which meaning are we going with?"

Princess grinned at my confusion, "She's a hive mind, so they all apply. Don't worry about it, we're only going to allow her to bring in two bugs at most. After all, there is a new rule in place keeping entomancer bugs out of the arena. It just isn't fun, and it makes the crowd squirm."

I grinned at that, "That's fine by me. Now, did you want to stay and keep me company, or are you going to leave."

She stood up over me, putting a foot to my forehead, while I got a good view of what was underneath. "That's your down payment, if it all goes well I might be in the mood for that type of game."

I reached for her waist, as she disappeared into smoke. I grinned looking at the ceiling, one day I would break that crazy woman and make her mine. It was only a matter of time before I found the right talent to keep her in one body. Then I would repay her for everything she did to the people down here.

I sat up, frowning at the still warm body, covering her with the blanket. My hooved feet tapping against the floor, while my long tail with a bushy tip swished behind me. "It really is a shame." I said to no one that was listening. The whore behind me was good at her job, and I hated nothing more than losing someone with talent. It didn't matter what they did, if they were good at it, they deserved respect. It was why my gang would help the Guard whenever the bells sounded. One day, the favor would be repaid. It was up to me to decide if it would be help or blood.

I stood up in the dim room, grabbing a bag of coin. I couldn't go back to sleep when someone died right next to me. Not when I could have prevented it by sending her home with her coin for a good job. That bitch of a princess would pay in blood, and the king protecting her would watch as I took his authority from him. My people were down here serving on the scraps left by those above, while monsters crawled out from the Underneath every other month.

Royalty didn't care about the people under them. They just watched as those beneath them suffered. The worst would point and laugh, not knowing their turn would soon come. For too long we have been ignored. For too long we have struggled to survive while those in power above us grew lazy and fat. The people of Eclipse are starting to realize the Guard is not prepared to protect them. The smarter ones sell what little they have, to join us for protection. Those that have already lost everything, find purpose in working under me. I will tear out the fat nobles, and replace them with anyone that can do their job right. The Princess was just a stepping stone once she was caught.