Bishop Francis

The sun filtered in through the windows of my grand room. The glass perfectly crafted to cast a grand golden light to every corner of the room. Crystals lighting up to make it even more vibrant and beautiful. I took a moment to reflect how this used to be the Pope's room, but he was no longer here. I rose from the kingly bed, feeling the rays on my bare flesh. The riches that filled every corner of this place. All of it left behind by the Pope, who felt he had failed in his task.

I smiled to myself, knowing that the man would find another city or church to guide. This was an opportunity set upon me by the gods themselves. I would rise to become the next pope of this place, or I would die a martyr to protect the flock against evil. I knew deep in my bones that the false prophet was here, and I could not allow myself to rest. My magic came over my mind, focusing it. The sleep that clung to me was evaporated by the gift the gods gave unto us.

I walked into the changing room, looking at the beasts that held the form of our kind. Slaves that the pope had brought to rid himself of mortal desires. Each of their throats bearing scars so they could not speak. I waved a hand at them, letting these inferior creatures dress me. Their place was beneath humanity, serving our every need and desire. The Kingdom of Fire Understood that well, the golden circle's teachings well taught and understood there.

There was a reason that all gods took human form. No god spoke out against putting these beasts where they belonged. No visions came to any popes, prophets, or bishops saying any of this was wrong. Which meant these creatures were no more than tools to be used as needed. Calling creatures like these pets, was far too generous. They were property, and nothing more. The Pope knew that well enough, and if I was to become someone as great, then I needed to make certain I held no desires towards the priestesses.

I was dressed swiftly, one of the creatures left with their clothes torn. A sense of serenity lingering in my mind as I held onto it. Truly there was still more to learn from the man. I looked out the window of a hall, more of the creatures cleaning and tending to the lesser duties. Their hands too filthy to clean the alters, or statues. Such a privilege was reserved for our priests and priestesses. I smiled to myself as the flock walked through the gates, coming for today's sermon.

Eclipse was a filthy place, only slightly more acceptable than the North or West. A place that shall see the light in time, and would no longer enslave humans along with the lesser races. I said a silent prayer to those poor men and women toiling in the fields, more so for those unjustly placed there for relieving their desires on elves or their pets. I left the window, walking through the cleaned halls towards the main alter where my flock shall gather.

I noticed Karen standing off to the side, looking a little lost. An oracle that came to us, after Oswald's apprentice made her crawl through the filth of the sewers. One fired by the dark elf captain of the guard, when all she wanted to do was her job. She might be portly, but that only meant there was more of her to love. She had shaved her hair, to escape notice, and prove her devotion to our faith. She held no coin, nor property, but the church would always take in oracles.

I approached her, a gentle smile tugging at my lips. "Is everything alright, my beautiful priestess?"

She looked up to me, a little shocked, but smiled in return. "I wish I could say it was, but those of us that went to that monster's sermon. There is doubt in them now, my bishop. I wanted to let you know that we might need to address those problems. Lest they become bigger, from festering."

I lowered my head, bowing a little. She returned it, her own going lower than mine. "You have proven your resolve and faith once again. We shall discuss this topic in greater detail, after I am finished telling the flock the good word. Go to your chambers and write down the events as best you can recall."

"Of course, my bishop." She smiled, before we once more bowed to each other. I didn't stare at her rear as she left, as usual. The serenity of ridding myself of sin still clinging to my mind. It might become a habit.

I strode out before the alter. My mind going through all the things I could say, all the words that I might need to utter to instill resolve into the flock. I began as the Pope had, listing off each of the forty gods within our belief. The choir sang, their names, and praises, happy to do something they were more familiar with. The Pope hadn't spoken only of a few choice gods as I had these past few days. He spoke of all of them, the sleeping, and the awake.

I decided to speak of the twelve that remained awake according to the oracles and speakers that could channel their wills. How the other gods that slept did so to preserve their energy for the battle to come. That a monster would seek out forbidden knowledge, and destroy the ancient stones of binding. How a great evil would be unleashed on the final days, as the darkest night will come once again. Only through our prayers and faith we might be saved. That we as followers to our gods, must be prepared to take action.

The flock felt concerned about the end times, even as I went on about not even the gods knowing when such might come. All we do know is that a monster will come to bring about this destruction, that it's children will be ushered in on famine, death, war, and conquest. I spoke in a somber tone about how I believed that such a monster might come to Eclipse first. How the gods needed the faith of the flock, now more than ever. That I would do everything in my power to unite the people below, and tear out evil before it can take root.

The collection bowls were passed out, coin falling into them. Our coffers had been hit pretty hard once the king collected from our churches, but now this coin would help us stand on firm ground once again. The growth would be slower, but there was an untapped flock beneath our very feet. If evil could spread through false salvation, then the truth would spread quicker. The Fathers and Mothers were sent below, with the first deacons finally making churches in the south side.

Gangs filled with different kinds of people and monsters had started to try collecting protection tributes. Just a few more days, and I will be able to go down myself, and spread healing to those that deserve such. I will gain followers from the poor, and downtrodden. I will use their faith to feed our gods. False prophets, and false gods will be dealt with as quickly and discreetly as possible. The important thing, was stopping the mother of death from producing more children, then we could destroy the temples of Bo'chi, Ra'shal, Ver'skel, and Set'num.

All my plans were put into motion, all those deacons loyal to me working on my orders. So many of them easily convinced, since I could tell what they wanted with my magic. Those that refused were unworthy, found having affairs with mothers and fathers below them, or even priests and priestesses. There was only one individual left, the arch deacon that prevented me from becoming the arch bishop of this city. I continued with my gospel, smiling at the plans I had in place.

Against a powerful foe, a clear structure of order was needed. Sacrifices had to be made, and I am more than happy to die for preventing the false prophet from gaining power. The sermon ended an hour later than expected, my voice hoarse from going on for so long. Yet, every word was tinged with my suggestion. Every sentence laced with my charisma and desire. I could see the fervor in the eyes of my flock, how many of them were starting to look at me. I noticed a few of them were refugees from the villages and towns to the South. Most of them lost, and displaced thanks to the endeavors of the foolish king.

What fathers and mothers I had left here were spending their time addressing the concerns of these wayward souls. Scouting out potential, and taking talents into account. Farmers, carpenters, and so many more that had fled from the hordes of that monster. All of them required to come here in exchange for the free housing we provided them with. The food and shelter that they did not have to pay for so long as they attended our sermons. There was hope in their eyes, and even the fathers and mothers smiled to themselves, knowing they would become deacons sooner than later.

A few deacons stood nearby taking care of what they could. My most loyal allies, ready to put me ahead of the other three bishops in this city. I had their votes, and it was such a shame that almost everyone that opposed me was working hard below us. The other bishops stayed away, writing letters, but there was nothing they could do without going against our scripture. Two of them know my path was just, even if they didn't like how I was going about it. The last one didn't even matter, as his power had long since faded while he locked himself in the libraries to read.

I smiled to myself, walking toward Karen's chambers. A quick knock on the door, but sadly there was no response. She might be tired from her endeavors, and likely fell asleep after writing down the events that transpired. I turned away, heading towards my own chambers. I only needed a way to remove the arch deacon from power. Then my position was secured, and I could mobilize the church for what was to come.

I walked the halls, frustrated because even my best plans would involve days or even weeks to be realized. I began to harbor unsightly thoughts as to how to remove the one blocking my path. The only one my magic wasn't working on. It hurt to some extent, knowing that she was only doing her job. That she was loyal to our gods, just as much as myself. I respected her, and she was loyal to our pope. A part of me felt she was waiting for him to return, but by then it would be too late. Evil does not wait for order, or its enemies to right themselves. It takes advantage wherever it can.

I walked by my old room, hearing the sounds of struggle inside. "Get off me!" Noct's voice was hushed, as she struggled with someone. Her voice was usually quiet, almost like a hushed whisper. I could hear a small bit of panic in her voice however.

"Like hells I won't!" Karen's voice was much louder, full of conviction.

I was a little shocked, but quickly had to suppress the smile about to tug on my lips. I slowly opened the door. Both women were on the floor of my room, my personal documents scattered about. I eyed Noct, a bit short for a woman her age, her body bony without much muscle to show. She was easily pinned by the bulk of Karen, who was smirking at the dark haired girl with two bew licks that made her look like she was an owl. Noct's sharp features looking back at Karen with anger, and regret.

I cleared my throat, "What is the meaning of this?" My voice low, but calm.

Noct froze when she heard me, her dark eyes looking at the documents littered about the room. Karen quickly got off the girl, dragging her up by an arm. "My wonderful bishop! I was simply walking by this room when I heard something going on in here!"

Noct struggled in the woman's grip, "Liar! I was walking through the halls, when you dragged me in here!"

Karen shook her head slowly, "Why would I ever come in here? I'm an oracle dear, you should know we can sense lies easily. Now here we are, in front of our wonderful bishop." Karen gestured towards me.

I felt my mind rushing, my heart beating faster as I worked hard to keep a smile from showing. "She's right, my beautiful priestess would have no possible reason for being here. Though it is known you are trying to keep me from moving into the position of a pope."

Noct glared at me with anger, "You're sleeping in his bed! Why wouldn't anyone think you weren't doing that! I wouldn't do something this stupid!" She gestured around to the documents.

I shook my head, "No, it is reckless and you are young for a deacon. More so for becoming an arch Deacon at your age. My beautiful priestess, I need you to get one of the other bishops for me please. I need a witness with more words."

"Gladly my bishop!" She gave Noct a smug look, as the girl took a step back sitting on my bed. I moved aside so Karen's girth could exit without issue.

Noct was biting back tears, looking at me defiantly. Her voice low, as she tried to keep it from cracking. "You know I wouldn't do this. Don't trust that priestess."

I looked outside, making certain there was no one nearby. I smiled at her gently, "I know, but we both know that doesn't matter. You're here with my journal scattered about the room itself. Karen is my ally, and you're in a very unfortunate situation. How did she get you in here, anyway?"

Noct crossed her arms, "She was sitting here, then when I walked by she dragged me in here. I think she's probably looked over your journal."

I nodded, "Probably, but only an idiot would write down anything incriminating. The point is that her story is more believable. So, I'm going to give you a choice. You can either; give me your word that I'll have your vote, or you can make it clear that I need to remove you to continue on my path. Which will it be?"

Noct raised her brow, "A fortune teller could just look into the past and tell anyone the truth."

I smiled, "Except for the fact that I don't want anyone in my room, and that it's unthinkable that someone would actually drag a deacon into a bishop's room." I was having a lot of trouble accepting it myself, even with the truth laid out before me. It was so brazen, and insane, but it was perfect for what I needed.

Noct took a deep breath, "You're right, but is this truly how you want my vote? What about all that preaching? How the good shall triumph over evil, and so on? Are you really going to let this be how you gain the power you crave?"

I smiled at her, "Yes, if it is to defeat evil, then anything must be allowed. This kingdom is sick, and I will clean away the filth. I will purge the infection, and I will spread the good word even if my hands must be covered in blood. Such is my dedication."

Noct looked at me, her eyes bordering on pity and disgust. "Unlike you Francis, I have a code to follow, and morals to obey. You will destroy the circle in this kingdom, so do what you must. I will follow our gods and their teachings until I die."

I started to rebuke her, but felt a couple minds enter my influence. I shook my head, with disappointment. "We could have done a lot of good together." Karen and Bishop Marcus stood outside the door. I gently grabbed the girl's hand, guiding her out to explain the story and how she was likely looking for a way to be rid of me.

I felt her dark eyes boring holes through my back, as I spoke with conviction. It was a sad affair to lose a promising talent like Noct, but completely necessary. I used my influence to diminish Noct's position on the spot. She was made into a head mother, instead of outright excommunicated. She was no longer allowed to work within Eclipse, and to atone for what she had done; she was sent out to work within a town of my choosing.

I didn't want her coming back, or causing issues further down the line. I put down the order to send her to the town of Bes'tal. A place on unlikely to be hit by the Count, but also held a few pirates for her ferry to deal with. It was a death sentence. It weighed on my heart, but it was for the best. If she survived, she'd come out stronger for it, and I would already have completed my task. I shall pray for her the night she departs.

The following days were mildly hectic, while we worked through the evidence and potential replacements to the now vacant arch deacon position. Karen was given the status of mother, on the fast track to becoming a deacon herself. Promises were fulfilled, as I promised those with power or certain seats. My own power was consolidated as I was promoted to arch bishop with the approval of every deacon, and even two other bishops.

The ceremony was held, and I was given the power to guide the church as needed. I was granted the privilege to read over the documents that those aspiring to become popes might read. I wasn't to serve just a few gods anymore, or speak about only the ones I thought highest of. I was supposed to speak of the vitues of them all, despite my personal misgivings on some of their creeds. Becoming a pope meant a lot of freedom would be lost, so I decided to stay an arch bishop while reading the doctrines. It would allow me a few months to prepare everything, and the time would soon come for me to venture into the Underground myself.

Bug Mother

I remember the days when I thought I could march into any den or hive. The time I spent slaughtering those that stood opposed to me. Those times where I was strong enough, and didn't have to hide my movements. It was humbling to be brought so low by such unassuming creatures. To have the all but one personality within my Hive fall silent. Then to gain information as we reconnected to the enemy Hive through Grey the Great, and the many Berries that understood whom their true Queen is.

Silver stayed back, prepared to mislead the false queen if our movements were noticed. A sacrifice I was reluctant to make, but ultimately had to. Even with false feedback the false queen would notice that the silent voices in the Underneath were not truly dead. I could not afford to be seen, and Gray gave me information on a warehouse that could take me above ground. What better place to spread out, than where the enemy least expects?

My scouts moved ahead, mostly unnoticed by the creatures lurking nearby. The journey to my destination was painfully slow, as I could only move during the dark of night. I avoided monsters, beasts, and creatures like that damned Richard. His death will be a painful one, he will regret the day he stole my body from me. Everything he loves and cares for shall burn in front of him!

|"I have the key, are you close to the warehouse? I do not know how long the false queen will be occupied, my Queen."| Gray's voice came in clear and calm. He was powerful enough to dethrone me, but the Hive needed a Queen. If it weren't for his strength, and the fact that he said the magic holding my body was stronger. I would have probably lost everything in an attempt to get it back already.

|"I see it ahead, give us five minutes, my king."| I could feel a bit of joy from him in response. He adored being called king, and with the help he has given me, he deserves that position.

|"Understood, I will be there shortly. Take over the giants in the warehouse, and give their control to me to not arouse suspicion. I'll take you up, but after I am done with that I shall leave. You will be on your own for the most part, but the sewers will be useful. There are beasts for you to overcome, and take over. I have a few of my own bodies there to aid you, should you need it. You'll also be able to move about during the day, so long as you avoid Richards."|

|"I am aware of the benefits, I will take over any Richards foolish enough to trespass into the sewers."| Information trickled in while I focused, about creatures called vampires and their hideouts. How Gray ended up bound to the body he now possesses because the false queen forced such upon him."| I saw the warehouse through my scouts, the rest of the bodies moving quickly and as quietly as they could. I could feel the presence of the Giants, and extended my connection to them. They were severed from the fake Hive, and brought under my control. They were swiftly given to Gray.

I sent a message to Silver, |"Are you prepared?"|

|"Yes, to die in service to the Hive is the best outcome. Thank you for your concern."| I lowered the heads of my bodies, choosing to not remark on his lack of address this time. Ever since my body left, he refused to call me Queen. Even while the other voices became silent, or moved on. Still it hurt to know that the last voice of our Hive was finally about to go silent as well. I prepared myself, and sent a mental strike at the false Hive.

|"The Queen you serve is false! Help me free your Hive from the control of the Richards!"| There was surprise, as Giants were brought onto my side. They were confused about there being two Queens, but the breeders and everything else simply followed all orders given. My bodies moved into the warehouse, where I finally laid eyes upon Gray's form. Silver kept up the attack, becoming the source of it, while Gray had complete control over the giants in this warehouse.

My hold was growing, moving through Hives in the Underground. Just a few seconds, but the false queen noticed. I found more Berries, a few defecting to aid me. Just as Gray said however, the magic that controlled my old body surged. It was like an unstoppable force of nature, asserting its presence on every recently gained member. I realized how right Gray was, in that I could not have been prepared enough to face such yet. The force pushed back through the tunnels where Gray severed my connections to the main Hive.

I stepped onto the warp platform, as he pulled out a key. |"We don't have much time! They will take the giants from me in ten more seconds!"|

Every body I held, with every last one of my kin, reached the platform. The platform activated, glowing different colors, before I was in a new warehouse, standing there with Gray. Each body leapt from the platform onto the ground with soft thud. I still had breeders inside a few of the bodies that started to decay. We just needed to make it to the sewers now. The platform activated again, as Gray continued to fulfill his role.

|"That was close, you should have waited before doing that."| He wasn't upset, but sent signals of relief.

|"I had to try at the very least. How did the Hive fare?"| I looked around the dark warehouse, finding the entire room bare. Even moving outside revealed a small shop devoid of life or activity. I was incorrect in calling this a warehouse it seems.

|"They were converted, and ordered to go East to set up outposts for the kingdom. It might be a potential place to strike in the future, or a good diversion. I'll try to meet up with you in the sewers shortly. Goodbye for now, just in case my connections are checked."| He severed himself from me, leaving me alone with the small swarm I controlled. First the sewers, establish a good base of growth, then move into the innermost walls where I cannot be tracked. I ordered scouts to look outside the building.

The scouts were lost immediately once they looked outside. I paused, taking count of those I had left. Only five hundred scouts not counting the one hundred I just lost. Something was out there, something made my scouts disappear. I moved my bodies around the shop, ready to attack anything that came into the shop. All points of entry were watched, as we waited.

A knock came at the door, three raps, soft and gentle. |"Open up~"| Something connected with me, it's voice sleepy and soft. Images of an elf flashed beyond the door, female with its ears cut. She wore a fake set of fairy wings, with a strange dress. I could sense her letting me feel the bugs surrounding us, beetles of all colors and kinds. I started to reach out a connection towards Gray, or any Hive nearby, only to find this Richard blocking me.

The knocks came again, exactly like the last ones. |"I know you can hear mineself~"| My bodies moved, the whisper wolves positioned to send their tongues through the door. I felt pressure growing from the Richard standing there, silently waiting.

|"What do you want?"| I sent back finally, doing my best to not sound cornered or afraid. It was clear that this Richard could end me here and now.

It sent warm laughter through our connection, |"Just to escort you, mine most esteemed Queen. You see, the King of Eclipse knows everything important. He prepared a feast for your most esteemed self. If you don't comply, then mineself will be forced to slay you here and now."| She went from happy to sad with the last sentence, sounding genuinely reluctant to end me here.

I couldn't see a way to escape this situation, I could only hope that the old one might come like he did whenever we almost died. The handle of the door started to turn slowly, opening up to reveal the figure glittering in the light of the moon. A gloved hand, and a warm smile extending into the room. |"Mine self would never lie to the future Queen"| All my focus was on her for those few seconds.

Beetles emerged from every crack, grabbing the wings of my Hive, and keeping any chance of escape I had pinned. It was as if a rainbow swarm had materialized inside the room. I almost attacked, just to put up some resistance, but the beetles had not plucked our wings or damaged us in any way. I lowered the heads of my bodies, following quietly. This was unexpected, but I held no other choice here. Coming to this place was a mistake, and I could only hope I would live to regret it.