Gray The Great

The situation before me would be humorous, were it not for the fact that I was more or less forced to be here. The group was interesting, though clearly not comfortable with each other yet. The tallest one with a jacket of muscles appeared to be the leader. Bald, with blueish gray skin, ice crystals forming on it from time to time. A slight mist trailing behind him as he walked. Definitely the most dangerous one here.

I looked at the blind one, while the seconds passed. Likely trying to figure out how to start this conversation. Certainly the least dangerous one of the group as far as magic is concerned. Though the sword on his hip probably meant he had quite a bit of experience fighting. He was clearly an oracle, or one of the other seer types.

I didn't even glance at the last one, sir Bates as he was called. Belfrey cleared his throat, "Forgive me for taking your time. It's a very rare occasion when we don't have to fight a new blood into submission, to get answers. Just so you are aware, I can hear if you are lying or not. I will ask you to tell the truth, otherwise I'll have to be more direct with my questions."

"Of course, but I hope you will be able to answer my questions in turn. You have cut into my admittedly busy schedule after all, and I feel some answers are in order."

Sir Bates chuckled, "He has balls, doesn't he? Three vampires, and he's already making demands. We should put him in his place." The hot headed vampire smirked.

Master Bennett shook his head, "Don't start with this Bates, I already told you I'll kick your ass if you keep this up."

Bates hissed a little, but plopped down on the bed. Belfrey laughed a bit to himself, "Your terms are reasonable. How old are you as a vampire?"

I smiled under my mask, considering the question in many different ways. Could it be how old this specific body is? Perhaps the cumulative age of all the bodies in my possession? I decided that the most truthful version was when I got my first body. "A couple months or so. May I ask if the protection you are going to offer me, extends to others I wish to see protected?"

The others looked at Belfrey, as he nodded. "You speak the truth, though it is somewhat muddled. Perhaps it is more complicated than that, but we need not pry. As for your question, our protection will extend to your family, or those you care about as a new blood. Some grounding helps new bloods retain their humanity after all."

Bates laughed, "Yeah, at least you didn't die in a ditch with a dagger in your stomach and a hungry vampire nearby."

Bennett rolled his eyes, "Moving on, do you know who your sire is? Where to find them?"

I crossed my arms, realizing it was less about helping new bloods, and more about finding out the whims of those that create new bloods. "I first woke up as a vampire in the sewers above." If anyone was my sire, then it was likely the first vampire I took control over. Though that would lead to more questions. "I feel like the one that started my blood line is dead. Sacrificed to make me what I am before you. I know no other vampires were involved."

Belfrey tilted his head, "Strange, you are telling the truth, but what you said is difficult to consider. Did you kill your sire?"

I smiled under my mask, "No, I did not." His body was still around, his soul still somewhat bound to it, lost to an eternal slumber. "Other parties were not involved, it was merely my sire and myself to my knowledge. He attacked me, and I retaliated."

Belfrey nodded slowly, while Bennett flexed his muscles. "I see, you were in the sewers when you stumbled upon a vampire. Then you were turned after fighting your sire. You emerged victorious, but the vampire in question managed to get their blood into your system. You turned, and likely ate them from the hunger. Which explains why your blood is powerful compared to Bates here."

"Without going into details, that is very much the story I agree with. I'd rather not talk about it otherwise. Was that all the questions you needed to ask me?" I looked at Bennett, waiting for his reply.

Belfrey murmured a few words to himself, but Bennett stopped him from actually asking anything more. "Your situation is unusual, but we have no reason to doubt you. Belfrey here hasn't found any glaring lies, but you are stretching the truth somewhat. Either way, it doesn't matter too much since there isn't someone we actually need to hunt down. We'll schedule a time and place for you to meet the Duke in person. Notes will be left here, and this safe house effectively belongs to you now."

I gave a slight nod, "I don't suppose I could just forego the meeting entirely?"

Bates laughed, "Just like a true new blood! No matter how strong you think you are, there is somebody else out there that can kick your teeth in. I still want that fight though."

Bennett gave out a small sigh, "You're young, and even if you're confident in taking Bates, or Belfrey here, you aren't in the same league as the others I met. Even if your domination is impressive, for a mind blood."

All relevant information was sent to the Queen, to confirm if she wanted to establish connections with the Duke. A quick yes came as the reply, with Argus likely to take some responsibility from me. She wanted as much information as I could gather, so I shrugged at the group. "Quite, I have no notions that I can defeat you, master Bennett. Nor, do I wish to engage in hostilities against those that seek to offer protection. I will check this safe house daily for any notes left behind. You called me a mind blood, what kind of bloods are out there, if I might be so bold."

Bennett smiled, "You're going to go far one day, and welcome to the Leeches by the way. What do you know about being a vampire? Surely you found some things out already, I want to know where I should start."

"Judging by the new blood and other things you mentioned, most of us are identified by our age and the magic we can do. Though I am aware we have blood magic as a natural thing."

Bennett looked at Belfrey then Bates, "I need you two to head back to inform the others. I'll take care of the boring work here."

Bates shrugged, "Fine, just don't give away anything too important. Where's the fun if you explain everything. Also, don't listen to him about light blood. The man's obsessed." He grinned at me, his teeth showing, before he and Belfrey left.

With the two gone Bennett moved to a chair, sitting on it. He let out a small sigh, fog seeping out of his mouth as he smiled. "The new bloods don't understand." He shook his head, "What have you eaten, how is your hunger?"

"My hunger never ends, but I am able to keep it in control with some self discipline. If you're asking if I drank anyone dry, then the answer is no. Though with the state of the Underground, I have had to kill a few people. Their blood was not wasted of course. I found out I can drink monster blood from the fiend I slew. The taste isn't agreeable, but less people will come looking if a monster goes missing."

Bennett nodded, "I can understand that. Not a lot of vampires can drink monster blood, but your blood line seems special in that regard. The claws you have more prominent, and black. Like natural armor, and the those dreads you have seem different. I called you a mind blood before, but would it be wrong to say you're a bug blood?"

I ordered my escort to filter out, the holes below my shoulder blades letting them crawl out and letting a few filter into the room. "No point in hiding it."

Bennett smirked, "I thought I heard something inside you when we got here. If it helps, you're the most sane bug blood I've met. Typically they have a lot of problems with digesting, and processing blood, yet you can even drink monster blood. Your sire must have been a very strong vampire, who must have really wanted to die. It happens to a few vampires, taking our own lives is the most common way we die. The other is sunlight, followed by pissing off someone higher than ourselves."

"I can certainly understand why. What is the purpose of the Leeches exactly?"

Bennett leaned back in his chair, "Mostly keeping our kind protected, as well as keeping tabs on the others within our group. The dukes have a lot of pull, some of them even nobles in the city above. The most important thing to know is that the one we all serve is the Count. He is a vampire king, that serves the demon king."

I raised a brow, "The demon king?"

Bennett chuckled, "It's a well known joke among us. The king of Eclipse has a talent called Pact. The demons the older vampires have met, said they like their pacts. Which means the king is clearly a demon, and he's probably killed a demon before. Hence, he's the demon king."

"I see, you're very forthcoming with this information. Are we not supposed to be secretive, or keep ourselves hidden?"

Bennett shrugged, "What's the point? We can't really walk around in sunlight, and a lot of people can do magic. A lot of us try to remain hidden, but most of us are sleeping in the sewers. As long as we don't go into the city above, we're free to do whatever we want down here. Some of the young bloods run small gangs. Others actually set up shop as cooks, or even teachers. You only need to do a couple jobs to get a glamour charm or trinket of some kind. It just needs to hide your features and skin color, and no body knows what you are."

"Fascinating, I might have seen my own kind without even realizing it. What do you do about rouge agents? Ones that cause issues?"

Bennett grinned, showing his fangs. "Depends on who they are, and what they've done. Bates has been awake for only a couple years, because he caused problems. His actual age is likely twenty, but he slept for eighteen years thanks to a mind blood putting him to sleep. We typically go by how long we've been awake, or can remember. Everyone you knew or cared about will age and die. A lot of us calm down once we realize every connection we had is gone. Hence why a lot of new bloods are sought out to provide a stable connection so they can grow and develop."

"I don't suppose you'd tell me more about the other members? What kind of actions warrant sleeping for so long, and the many more questions you just inspired?" I took off my mask, to look the man in the eyes.

"You'll find out most of it, and someone will likely be assigned to help you. If you go on a killing spree, you get to sleep one year for every life you took. Which is why Bates slept so long. Killing without reason, or sucking people dry are the main things you need to avoid. As you become more familiar with our ranks, you'll learn a lot more about what you can and cannot do. Also, whoever is assigned to be your mentor is doing so because they chose to guide a new blood instead of sleeping."

"You aren't here to answer all my questions then, but the one tasked with such is doing so because they are being punished. An interesting system, what if they lie to me? If they give me false information, then I do something wrong, am I expected to take responsibility?"

Bates got up, shaking his head. "You're in charge of yourself, and you should really think about what you do or say before taking action. The only thing I'll warn you about; is that you should never turn a child into a vampire. At least with your current occupation. I'd suggest leaving the place, but you seem attached to your students already. Just stay out of trouble."

"Understood, it was not terrible making your acquaintance, master Bennett."

The vampire laughed, "You'll fit right in with us. Goodbye for now, sir Gray." He left without another word.

The Queen and Richard were enjoying their time together, and would likely not make moves that stood out. I closed my eyes, contacting the false Queen. |"Greetings, the former body you held is currently occupied. Now is the time for you to make your move towards the agreed area."|

|"Thank you for the information, Gray. My bodies are moving to the established warehouse. I'm pleased you even providing information on the movements of the giants themselves. Why have they not checked the entrance again?"|

|"It is as you surmised previously, my Queen. They already expected the exploration to fail, sending many of our Kin to die. Yet, you have enlightened the Berries in those tunnels, as you have done to myself. They will likely move there to investigate in a few days or sooner. I do not know how powerful the magic is that controls your old body, but I am concerned it might be too much for even you."|

|"We shall see, I have the Hive from the Cave moving towards this wretched place. If they can take the entire Hive from me, then I will need to slowly move through the ranks, reminding everyone who the true Queen is. Your loyalty shall be rewarded, and this kingdom shall pay for what it has done to us. The warehouse shall be claimed, and our Hive shall grow stronger by the day."|

|"Of course, my Queen. The creatures that dared to defy you, shall make an excellent feast of flesh. Their offspring will serve as future meals, and we will not fail. Glory to the Hive!"| The connection cut off, to let her sneak to the warehouse the prismoid had infested. It was hard to imagine how foolish the Bug Queen was, but I couldn't fault her without reflecting on myself. I had been just as arrogant as a spider, and now I was something more. Still following in the footsteps of my true Queen.

I moved between my bodies, the lessons with the children almost over. The new safehouse would serve as a good spot to build another nest. The dead-zones and the creatures within were being mapped out. Our Queen was leading another group into the Underneath in the endless quest for searching the tunnels. Despite the sudden visit, today was turning out rather well.

The hours passed quickly, day giving way to night. The food stores were doing well, more of them being filled with the surplus from the coin spent while prices were low. Everything preserved or pickled as best they could be with the help of gnomes, and Argus. A body was sent to explore the sewers a bit more, while two others continued the relaxing work of grading papers. The students really were coming far.

|"Gray! Gray! Gray!"| The chant came suddenly, as the lice heard my name called repeatedly. Scix was in the area, as he ordered his bugs to move and investigate. I saw a group of three thugs chasing after five unknown children in the alleys closer to the center. Drunks judging by the how they ran and staggered. The only reason the little ones had a chance of escaping.

I ground my teeth, realizing the lice our Queen made had spread a little more than intended. The rumor of my interventions likely having been spread by the others under our care. There was no reason for me to protect these waywards, nor were there orders to do such. Our Queen had not been informed, and I only needed to look away.

I closed my eyes, focusing more on the situation. I didn't need to do this, and yet, I could not ignore future students. Scix went back to his task, not even checking to see if it would be fine. I could not fault him, it was the correct thing to do. Yet, I would not look away. Three of the little ones escaped, while two others were less lucky. They were calling my name, while the men laughed, talking about the coin they'd earn for escaped slaves.

I changed into two fresh bodies, both wearing masks and cloak, prepared for just this kind of situation. The pair were holding each other, while the three oafs advanced. A dwarf child, holding back the equally young lizardman. They were no match for the three men, that had yet to notice my presence. One of them laughing, "Yes, yes, keep calling out that color. Tis only a rumor."

I could see the men grinning, as they held ropes and sacks. They hadn't noticed the bugs on the walls, or perhaps they thought them normal. The two became distressed, my person unseen through the mass of meat in front of me. The lizard child growling, while the men laughed again taking another step closer.

This was going to become a problem, especially if my protection extended to any child that just happened to have our lice. If these children were ours, the men would have been warned. I would have teleported in front of them, and offered them a choice. My uncertainty keeping me behind them. Another step was taken, as both of my bodies silently followed behind.

I made my choice, and knew what I wanted to do when I came this far. One of the men grabbed the lizard child when they charged forward at them. The same man that raised them up by the neck, lost an arm as soon as the little one saw me. A scream filled the alley, as the other two turned towards me. My voice low, as both bodies spoke in unison. "More flesh for the Hive."

I brief memory flashed before me, these wannabe slavers were apart of a small gang. Magic flared up from the two, while the third held the stump where his arm had been. Ghosts with sleeping venom moved silently behind the two. Fire shot out from the pyromancer, while the other one made stones spikes erupt from the walls and ground. I teleported backwards, out of the range of their attacks. One body wagging a finger at them.

The two pushed forward, as the third slumped from the venom. A bit of blood allowed both bodies to jump back quickly avoiding the next attacks. The venom making the final two slump. One body teleporting away so I could focus on the new carrier I had worked on at the start of the day. The alley just wide enough for it to fit. The two men falling with the next step, panic on their faces as they hit the ground asleep.

I smiled under my mask, the carrier arriving as the dwarf child screamed. The lizard child watched my every move, focusing while I grabbed the bodies, and tossed them inside the carrier. The three men never going to wake up, as they hit the inside. The arms closing from above as I gained three new blood sources today.

I picked up the lost limb, turning away and drinking it dry before leaving it there. The lizard child would probably eat it, but it didn't matter to me. A quick return to the warehouse, and two bodies were used to place the three men in their new home. More venom was used to make sure these blood fountains wouldn't wake up ever again. A few tests were run to see if I could use another body, and yet I could not. Four was still my limit, but my power was growing steadily.

The night went on like so many before, moving two bodies outside, while one worked on the carrier. One body was simply left to do very minor things, just in case my name was called again. The glamour trinkets sparked some inspiration. I sent messages to the Queen when she wasn't busy with Richard, or practicing something. Bugs that looked like jewelry, or perhaps even something else. Bugs just like Pandora and how much she looked like an elf maid. Something to give to those we trusted, or those that we needed to protect. Bugs that could actually see, and hear simple phrases.

The Queen adored the idea, promising to work on it soon enough. I smiled to myself, thinking about the potential of coin bugs, and how much easier Scix's job would be if they came to be. My wandering mind going back to the little one screaming. Most definitely because of the man losing his arm right before his eyes. Couldn't be my carrier, it was perfect just the way it was. Most definitely, Richard and Carter just couldn't appreciate the finer things in life.