Mimi, Daughter of Bo'chi

The priests spent their time preparing for today, most of them out in the streets announcing my sermon. I was secretly glad that Beru had insisted on reading the doctrine that the former father wrote. The city of Eclipse acknowledged Cynthia's grandfather as a deacon now, and he heard whispers from the spirit itself. What little I knew about priests, confirmed that the powerful figures could commune with the beings they worshiped. It was supposedly harder if they had some type of magic that didn't involve being a priest, but it could be done. If anything, it showed the man's devotion to his chosen idol. He overcame a high hurdle, but was managing somehow.

Last night was peaceful, with all of the priests informing everyone they could. I got to sit down with Raul and Cynthia, while enjoying Drake's simple affections. Beru himself was nervous, since the Opera he watched always had something terrible happening on the horizon. Especially after a beloved character appeared back in the lives of the main cast. He zealously watched hanging fixtures, and kept looking for shadowy figures intending to do me harm.

I enjoyed the company, even managing to get Sarah to warm up to me after Raul encouraged her. She was still timid, but that was for the best right now. I played with the two, while the adults spoke of what was to come. Raul and Cynthia shared kisses, before he left that same night to spend the entire day preparing everything. She looked at me, as if she wanted to say something, but stopped her when she saw the two small figures resting in my wings.

Which brings us to today, with little Sarah and other priestesses weaving flowers along my stingers. Cynthia had a trusted maiden taking care of Drake, while Beru kept watch. Cynthia was overseeing everything, and had assigned everyone to the spots they needed to be. I knew the names of every priest and priestess within the church itself. Most of them were helped by my Hive in some way, and eager to stay on Cynthia's good side.

The woman in question stood before me, her arms crossed with a smile over her face. "You know, when I first saw you after so long, I almost didn't recognize you. I was worried you wouldn't come this month, yet here you are." There was no malice in her voice, just friendly banter, as she prodded me to talk to her.

I gave her a small smile, "Cynthia, we talk almost every other night through Beru. You insist on telling me how your day goes, then ask me to let you know about mine."

Cynthia playfully huffed with fake exasperation, "It's nice to make sure you're okay. I'm still cross with you, for not even telling me what's actually going on down there. You didn't even tell me about the changes. I mean look at your wings! They are so pretty now."

I looked at them, the long silky hairs changing shades and color while I endured the flowers. The patterns that idly traced along them in an almost hypnotic fashion. They were warm, and soft, but still stood out too much. If I focused, I could make them change into the colors I wanted, but they were not capable of hiding me yet. "I don't like standing out, you know that. Why did I even let you talk me into this again?"

Cynthia's grin curled a little more, "Well, you agreed because I was upset about the secrets you kept from me." She put her hands on her hips, "Plus your share of donations might have had something to do with it. If you do it right, we'll make more donations today, than we have from you healing people. Can you make your wings glow?"

I let out a small sigh, while my skin started to give of a radiant glow. I made my wings a little lighter, to really capture the effect. Cynthia gave me a huge grin, while Sarah whispered, "So pretty!" The other priestesses clasped their hands together in prayer, uttering how I truly am a blessed monster. I wanted to say it was just bioluminescence that came from a few things I ate, but stopped myself.

Cynthia clapped her hands a couple times, "That's perfect! Make sure you do that in front of everyone. Everybody is just going to love you!"

I shuddered a little, realizing that I had to probably deal with Eric, and the other priests that appreciated my form a bit too much. "I can't say I want to be worshiped instead of Bo'chi. I'll make certain they know who they need to follow, and I'll use the glow to impress certain points better."

Cynthia nodded, clearly knowing this was a battle she couldn't win. Still, she was a woman used to getting what she wanted. "That's fine, and we do have the food outside on the tables. Just in case anyone gets hungry." I gave a curt nod, realizing that while she didn't have anyone we planned on healing. She was prepared in case I saw anyone that needed to be healed. Then she continued, "I'll also be walking out there with you, and a few others."

I raised a brow when I heard the tone in her voice dip a little. "Who do you have planned? What else is there?"

Cynthia grinned, "Oh, it simply won't do for you to go out by yourself. We are your maidens, and caretakers when you arrive after all." She gestured to everyone in the room, implying it was only them. I learned to tell when she was lying, and this was one of those moments. I let out a small sigh as she grinned, thinking I fell for it. "Also, don't you think it was a little strange Raul left early?"

I focused on her again, my stingers twitching when they started to weave the flowers around them. It took some effort to make certain I didn't sting anyone by accident. "Perhaps I did, though I felt you would tell me if it was important." They both knew that my bugs could listen in on them, so they took to whispering about 'surprises' or things they wanted kept secret. It did hurt me on a small level, since I wanted to know everything at all times, but I had learned to let it go.

Cynthia's grin grew a little more, "Well, let's just say that if this goes well, we won't have to worry about a lot of little things."

I moved my senses through the Hive in an attempt to figure it out. The people were slowly filtering in, while the Deacon was doing his best to organize everyone. Then I saw it, a few lower nobles from the Ball arrived with body guards. I was stunned, for a second, at the influence Raul still managed to have.

Cynthia realized what I saw, as she clasped her hands together. "What do you think? I'm honestly surprised you didn't notice them sooner." It really didn't help that Beru was a traitor, telling her when I used the bugs or not. Even keeping secrets from me now. His growth was going well, and I smiled to myself.

"I suppose I'll have to meet a few of them after. They are people Raul trusts?" I finally stood up, getting a hug from little Sarah, before a few priestesses took her to the VIP room with Drake. Other children were kept in a separate room, so the adults could focus. The remainder started to weave the flowers into the innocent dress they tied around me. I only wore it, to not feed undue desires to people like Eric.

Cynthia nodded her head slowly, "A few might be a test, to see if you can tell who is good or not. Raul might have let it slip, as to who was coming today. Do you still have those cards?"

I memorized them ages ago, but kept the actual physical copies safe with. I nodded back, "Not on me, but I remember the contents. Is there someone you really want?"

Cynthia stuck out her tongue, when no one was watching. "Someone in the builders guild would be nice for us expanding in the future." The priestesses stepped back, as they finished. I was covered in different flowers, with Bo'chi's kiss being used the most. I looked at myself in the mirror, my form not really changed besides the wings. My armor was a little darker, but the real changes weren't noticeable. Still with all these flowers I looked like the picture of a gentle mother. Most of the flowers had frilly tongues that hung, giving me the appearanceof wearing a very frilly dress. My stingers were hidden, and I was able to angle my wings just right to really seal the look.

I lowered my head, practicing a few subtle movements to carry myself properly. "I'll see what I can do during the gathering tonight. Now, who is joining us in front of the crowd exactly?"

Cynthia let out a small sigh, which she always did whenever she was caught in a lie. "Mostly the priestesses like myself, and two others. That's three out of the four mind you. The other one? Well, I had to get someone to do a few things around the church. Plus we need people to protect you just in case." Her voice went lower, as she casually whispered Eric's name.

I had to admire that she was able to motivate the man, and he did decent work. I let out a small sigh myself, "Just keep someone beside him, and tell him I'll give him one of my flowers later. Hopefully he'll listen to what I have to say while I'm out there in front of the people." I knew the man wouldn't try anything, but I still hated the obsession he and the others had with me. He even started a small little group calling themselves my knights.

Cynthia smiled and nodded, until I spoke up. "Also, I want another five percent of the donations." She let out a small chuckle before agreeing.

The Deacon (Cynthia's grandfather)

Everything was ready, as the flock still filtered inside our humble walls. The pews were reserved for those that could not bare standing for the sermon about to begin. I looked over my flock, the believers that had come to see Bo'chi's greatness thanks to lady Mimi's wonderful guidance. Truly she was a gift, from the spirit himself. His will guiding her to save my precious granddaughter's life, and her son. It was a revelation when I understood the meaning behind it all.

Drake was born of person and beast, and was saved by a monster. One that then cared for the two, even guiding a powerful guardian to her side. There was no difference between the three in Bo'chi's humble eyes. All of us are equals, and the only true defining trait is sapience above all else. I could hear whispers of his musical voice in my dreams. Powerful visions of the doctrines I needed to write. I woke up gasping every night for the past week, as I was told to record what this daughter of his had to say before the flock.

A priestess gave me the signal that everything was ready, and I raised my hands before the flock. The light filtering in from above with the stained glass we installed with the coin we made. The alter of Bo'chi positively radiant from the multicolored rays. The banter ceased in seconds, a hushed whisper coming over everyone as all eyes went towards me. There were rough figures in the crowd, priests of the golden circle, guards, slum dwellers, and even nobles. All are equal before Bo'chi.

My voice rang out, my bones feeling less pain as I moved. "The time has come, to deliver unto you what I have promised. The daughter of Bo'chi shall grace this humble church with her presence, and speak the doctrines to us all. I was but a humble father, and she opened my eyes. I now sleep hearing Bo'chi's voice in my dreams. The soft welcoming whispers of our spirit. He is not a god, but he can become one with your worship. As I have had my eyes opened, I ask that you open your ears and let in these words."

There were hushed murmurs in the crowd, as Mimi stepped onto the stage. Her movements were flawless, each step subdued and gentle. There was a hint of nervousness to her gait, as she smiled at the people in the crowd. I moved to the side, by the alter while watching her take the center stage. Cynthia and the others following after, so I could give signals to the priests still behind the curtains. I had paid a bit of coin to prepare null magic stones to stop oracles, but I was surprised. Mimi straightened herself a little, as glowing eyes watched her. She did not flinch, and she did not back away. If anything the eyes were making her more convicted in this sermon.

I discreetly waved my hand, telling the priests to not activate the stones. They were to wait, just in case some idiot decided to use dangerous magic in a crowd. Still, I had to look over Mimi's form and how beautiful she looked. The light made her glow faintly, as she pressed her hands together in prayer. Any doubts I had about her being able to do this were dissolved on the spot. She wasn't lying when she said she had been paying attention to previous sermons.

The air was still and calm, as the flock basked in her radiance. Finally she opened her eyes, looking over them all. Slowly smiling at everyone that looked directly at her. "Thank each and every one of you for coming to this sermon." She looked at a few people, "Some of you I have helped before." She looked at the slums dwellers, "Some of you I have not helped yet." She watched every person in the room, holding them captive with her beauty and soft words. Her charisma washing over the crowd. I could see a few individuals fidget, as a rough group of young adults made their way to the food. She did not call attention to them, letting everyone soak in her words, her voice.

"Those of you that do not know me, I am Mimi, daughter of Bo'chi. A position given to me by this church. I have not met Bo'chi, and I am a monster. Still, I can hear his voice in the songs of Harpers as they pull their strings. I have saved children from terrible fates, and given others a new chance to live their lives. I have killed in the defense of others, and have been given equal rights to the people of this city."

The rough bunch grabbed their food, hesitating. Then one threw it, shouting, "MONSTER!" This made the flock jump, as Mimi effortlessly caught the fruit. She smiled at the man, while others in the group held theirs. They were unsure if they should throw it, and the tension thickened.

All eyes were on the bunch, and a guard started to move. Then the crisp sound of someone biting into fruit echoed across the room. Mimi was even more radiant when the eyes returned to her, as she held a hand over her cheek slightly tilting her head with a big smile. "Thank you, I was a bit thirsty, and a little hungry. These flowers took so long to have woven." The flock blinked as one, even the rough bunch stunned by the lack of anger. She swallowed the bite, letting them see that she had in fact bitten into it. "Why are you surprised? We all need to eat, do we not?"

A few in the crowd laughed, before the others laughed with them. Mimi gestured to the food, "Please, if you are hungry, then eat. It's hard to think when the pain of hunger gnaws at the back of you mind." A few of the slum dwellers teared up at those words, as they moved towards the food. The rough bunch were completely stunned, then looked panicked as a few guards moved towards them. Mimi held up a hand, stopping the guards before smiling at the bunch. "Thank you for tossing me something to eat. Please bring me a few more, and eat with me. Then we can truly start the sermon."

The bunch lost any will to flee, the panic leaving their eyes. The guards went back to their spots, as the situation was resolved in a playful manner. People in the flock moved to grab food, just to share a meal with the daughter of Bo'chi. The only one's refusing were the priests of the Golden Circle. A fat bald woman stood out, her face contorted with anger when she felt no one was watching. She was going to be a problem, but I couldn't have her removed. I was worried about whatever she might be planning.

Minutes passed, while Mimi slowly ate in front of everyone, others joining her as they ate their own fruit of choice. The slum dwellers looking extremely grateful as they likely ate their first proper meal in weeks. One member in the audience let out a burp, before withering from embarrassment as the people laughed at them. Then Mimi did the unthinkable, she let out a small burp herself, covering her mouth in embarrassment. "Oh, excuse me." The crowd laughed as she did.

I smiled to myself, realizing that she was making herself less different when compared to the flock. That she was winning their hearts, by showing she wasn't above them. Even as a monster, she was no different from the rest of them, properly showing one of the doctrines through example.

After everyone finished eating, she smiled once again. Her smile was met with most of the flock smiling back. Even the rough bunch were right in front of her, wanting to hear her words. "As I was saying, I am a monster, but I do not feel I am all that different. I need to eat, sleep, and use the restroom just like anyone else. I want to live my life, and protect those I care for. It hurts my heart whenever I heal someone, because it means they matter to me now. Every life I heal, I know there are more that I could not." She put a hand over her chest, looking down with regret. "I can only heal so many in a day, but out there, there are so many more suffering."

One of the golden priests spoke up in anger. "What do you know about suffering!?"

She gave them a sad smile, gesturing to the room. "I have known hunger, and starvation. I have felt the pain of death through my Hive." Bugs started to filter in, her monster bugs. They landed on the shoulders of those that were docile or didn't freak out. More landing on her outstretched hand. "I feel what they feel, when they die from old age, I experience that. When they are drowned, I have felt that feeling. When their wings are plucked by sadists, I have felt even that. They do not understand our words, but they do understand suffering and pain. I wanted to stop that feeling of pain, but I cannot." She teared up a little, "I cannot heal them, but I can heal myself, and others so much bigger than them. I know suffering on a scale you cannot imagine."

The room was stunned in silence, and reverence. The flock thinking about their own woes, and pain. The painful memories that lingered in their life, the regrets. The fat lady screamed, "You're a damned liar! There's no way you can feel what such disgusting bugs can!"

Mimi sadly shook her head, "I wish I was lying." She closed her eyes, pointing at a few people in the crowd. "You gently rubbed her wings, thank you." She moved to the next, "You stuck your tongue out at him, before rocking your shoulders in silent laughter." She went to the next, "You stuck him in your pocket, breaking a leg with the rough treatment. They have black blood, so please do not eat them." The man in question swallowed hard, gently pulling out the bug, while Mimi returned her attention on the one calling her a liar. That sad smile still there, "I really do wish I was lying about this. You have no idea how much I am hurting."

The mood dropped while those closest to her were stunned with the revelation. The bugs in question all started to fly away, a couple people even crying because they accidentally injured a wing. Other bugs helped those that couldn't fly, moving away from the flock. "When my hive touches you, you are touching them as well. I know your scents, your taste, your warmth. I want to help the people of this city, because most of you are willing to leave food on the ground. Most of you do not try to kill my bugs and hurt us."

The bald lady spoke up, "I'm an oracle! You're lying!"

One of the lesser nobles in the crowd coughed, "I am an oracle as well, and I can tell you that she is not. I also believe you have a vested interest in calling her a liar, as someone from the golden circle."

Another member of the circle spoke up, "You can't believe the words of a monster! They lie as easily as they breathe! There have been little lies mixed among her words!"

The noble shook his head, "Little lies, for things she cannot know truly. The things she has realized she cannot carry compassion for." The man stood up from his pew, walking forward, towards Mimi. "It does hurt you, when you heal others. Though you feel a sense of pride in doing such. You do not regret saving those you can, but lament those you know that you cannot save. Your healing is limited, is it not."

I balled my fist a little, terrified of the answer. This was the kind of question that could break all of this down. To my surprise, Mimi did not even hesitate. She gave a nod, before speaking clearly once more. "I have to eat much in order to heal one person. Every person I have healed, I carry no regret. Though I wish I could have helped them more. I can fix the physical pain, regrow their limbs, and cure the worst infections. But, I cannot help those that suffer with their thoughts, or have their faith shaken. I want to offer guidance as best I can, but still I can only heal so many."

The noble nodded, turning back towards the crowd, "On my honor, I will state when she tells a lie. I will ask her to clarify what she wishes to convey! It is not worth it to me, to be known as an Oracle that would lie in such a public setting for my benefit. Unlike the fools that spoke to diminish this wonderful daughter full of compassion! Will that diminish any fears of her lying!?"

The flock nodded, while members of the golden circle fled in disgrace. Still a few lingered, either blinded by fervor or their eyes finally open. Mimi spoke again, "I understand why they are reluctant and I forgive them. The last thing I want is a physical conflict between the churches. I will reach those I can in time."

The crowd was swayed, and I realized that most of the flock gathered here will truly join our church. Mimi told them the doctrines, even speaking of the ones I kept to myself. She explained them as she understood them, before going on about how one should go about worshiping Bo'chi. From the regret and near despair from how much suffering she endures with her bugs. She managed to give the people hope to cling to. The church offered everyone a chance to live their best lives, helping each other become better people. To protect those that cannot protect themselves. Such basic things that establish a sense of community, and belonging.

It was a humbling experience, and more than I could have ever hoped for. When the bowls for donation was passed around, each began to overflow as priests had to carry them away for more. Mimi sung the Bo'chi's praise, while others were struck by her wonderful voice. Others joined in, and she let their voices ring louder, using her own to elevate them. She guided them in singing, her wonderful glow filling the entire church with warm. I saw the stature of our lord smile at us warmly, as I joined in singing with the flock.