Pandora

I quickly ducked to the left, avoiding the blunted dagger that struck where my head had been. Jordan smiled to himself, before stepping forward with his knee coming towards me. I used my lower arms to blunt the strike, letting the momentum help me move back. My legs skittered and scratched the floor to regain my balance. The strands of silk I left on his knee sparkled for a second before they were pulled taut. Jordan used his sharp knife to sever them before he lost his balance.

I was left panting and smiling, while Jordan took a second to grab another blunt knife from his hip. He was smiling right back at me, his love for fighting clear. I felt joy in returning that adoration, watching as his chest heaved, his skin glistening with sweat. I glanced over at Jacky, who watched while gripping his staff. I wondered when he would join, but I understood people didn't think as fast as mother or myself. My ears flicked, as Jordan rushed at me again. "You're distracted!"

Each step he took was slow to me, as if he were running through water. Still, I couldn't manage to scratch him. He was fighting defensively, despite being the aggressor in our spars. His strikes were quick swipes, and jabs that allowed him to back off if I tried to press forward. His footwork was impeccable for someone with only two legs. I stared at him, as the information of this battle went to the others in the Hive. I couldn't win against him in a direct confrontation, but surviving and learning how he fought would better the Hive.

I mimicked his fighting stance, upper arms brought close to my chest ready to strike. I adjusted my legs, ready to lunge at him and draw blood this time. Jordan threw his sharp dagger at my shoulder, trying to break my stance. A lower arm rose to catch the dagger, as the man jumped at me. He did a single flip, before his heel arced towards my head. I hissed, frustrated at my inability to give him the battle he wanted. I saw his blunt dagger ready to counter should I try to grab him, which left me with dodging to the right.

He landed, his body going down like a spring. I could see the instinct in his eyes, how he'd make the ideal choice in this situation. I jumped back, as he smiled. He relaxed, standing up straight and looking down at me. "You're doing well, but we're stopping here today."

I licked my lips, nodding slightly. "May I ask why? We should still have a few minutes left." I couldn't feel disappointment, only irritation that I was still unable to land a meaningful hit. That I still couldn't give him the spar he craved.

Jordan rubbed his neck, "I'm only doing this because Midnight asked." He smirked, "Plus if we kept going, then I'd be too tired for my job later today. Don't worry too much kid, you'll get there soon. You might even kick my ass if you keep up the pace. I mean shit, it's only been a couple days and you're making me sweat."

He was lying of course, I knew an arrangement was made between Midnight, Jacky, the Minotaur himself, Cheshire, and finally Jordan himself. My sparring was meant to replace Midnight's spars with him after she left. This gave Cheshire a chance to do whatever he wanted without me nearby, not that the bugs weren't watching him. It also helped with relations between the tribes and the gang, so a positive for all parties. Plus people admitted Jordan was calmer after a decent spar to start his day. I nodded slowly, "All I do is dodge, what good will that do if someone is attacking?"

Jordan laughed, "Listen kid, if someone is fighting you and you don't have backup, then the best thing to do is run and not get hit. It takes effort to attack, more than it takes to move out of the way. The number one reason a person wins their fight, is because they didn't get hit more than they could take." He held out a finger, wagging it back and forth.

I narrowed my eyes at him, my smile showing less of my sharp teeth. "I thought you said the number one reason was because you hit harder than the other guy?" I was a little confused, by his sudden change in priorities.

Jordan shrugged, "Each fight is different, if it makes you feel better you'll get a few hits in tomorrow." He winked, before walking to his punching bag. I looked at the sand pit we had fought in, trying to understand just what he was telling me. His work out room even had weapons lined up on a rack against a wall. Those would be more efficient to practice with.

Jacky cleared his throat, "It's time to go." He flinched a little when I looked at him too quickly. Everybody else just moved and talked slow, yet I still couldn't move fast enough.

I nodded, ordering the bugs under my armor to move the silk to let out some of my body heat. I shuddered a little, as I felt the cooler air help with the excess heat. Jacky was afraid of me, and I struggled to understand why. Mother pointed out that it was his intelligence that made him understand the threat we posed. It wasn't my intention to scare the fox man, and we both lacked the understanding to fix the situation. Jacky at least kept his promise about not telling anyone else.

We walked out of Jordan's training room, into the back halls of the arena. I grabbed Jacky's hand, as he shuddered a little. It was better than crawling on his back, which made his skin crawl as he described it in private with Cheshire. Lately he was actively checking for our bugs before starting his conversations. I tugged on his hand whenever I smelt a food we hadn't tried yet, pointing at a vendor. He agreed to buy me whatever food I wanted, so long as I kept quiet.

With our latest catch, and Jacky's coin pouch a little lighter, we sat down on a bench nearby. I silently bit into my burger of intestines and liver, not able to figure out what the meat came from. Jacky took a bite out of his, and turned a new shade of green, before handing me his meal. I happily set it on my lap, letting the bugs break it down so they could enjoy it as well. There were still so many vendors left, and so many flavors to send back to the Hive so everyone could compare them when they got better taste buds.

I smiled to myself, enjoying how pretty the crystals above were. The day would come when I could see the stars with my own eyes, and it made me excited. I had two sisters coming soon, according to mother, and I resolved to see the stars together with them. Everything was simply more enjoyable whenever someone else was there with you. I couldn't talk to the two yet, since mother wanted to make sure they were laid before we tried anything. I settled on trying to connect with father for the time being. His mind was slowly adapting, and mother kept him from feeling the worst of it.

My eyes went wide when I felt something connection wise. I gently tried to coax it, making sure not to hurt anything. Father was simpler than I thought, just a ball of instincts and little emotion. No, this was too simple. Whatever it was, the connection was established, and I saw through its beady eyes. I felt its hunger, the venom sacks in its cheeks. I thought about hopping, and felt the body move. Where it was appeared dark, and strange. A sweet scent lingering in the air, calling for it, hunger compelling it to move closer. Then I saw one of my legs through the eyes of the viper rat.

I felt a headache, and gnashed the teeth of the little thing. I had always felt them around, but this was something more. I was connected to the tiny creature, it's instincts and memories trickling in. Its mind belonged to me now, and it was just as intimate as the connection to the escort I had on me. I could feel its fear, at its sudden inability to control its body. I could feel its tiny mind struggling in a small panic as it tried to pry itself from my influence. Then I felt whatever will it had, suddenly breaking as it threw itself against my own.

Oddly enough, its being showed up on the path, as mother connected to me. |"Is everything alright?"|

|"Yes, mother. I was trying to connect with father, when I managed to connect with a viper rat."| I sent her my most recent memories on the event, as the world slowed down. My perception was enhanced, as mother gave me more mental power to look at everything. A quick focus on the link between me and the new addition to our Hive revealed I used magic that was slightly different compared to mother's.

|"Can you sense more? Try connecting with another creature."| It felt strange seeing the world move at a crawl. Scary even, as my own body couldn't keep up. I could see tendrils of magic coming from me, something similar to what Douglas or other entomancers had. Mine was darker in color, it felt more powerful than the memories I was receiving from mother. I could feel the little minds of bugs not connected to the Hive. I could feel the small minds of pests and creatures like the viper rat I just added to the Hive.

I spread out a few tendrils to the local insects, their minds crawling just like the rest of the world. They didn't realize a connection was made, even as I forced them out of their bodies. A few others I tried to suppress, taking advice from mother as I worked on the tests and tasks she gave me. The world was moving so slow, but it began to speed up at set intervals. Mother carefully helped to work my perception back to the regular speed, while watching how I dealt with the new additions.

I realized that mother could help me cast my magic better, as a wave of information hit me. I shouldn't take more than ten bugs at a time, but something in my mind clicked and helped me process it better. I could see through the eyes of the bugs I now controlled. I could smell, feel, and touch through them. Mother gave me memories on how she first dealt with such, and it became second nature after a few more seconds. All of it just felt natural, like breathing. I could feel the hunger of the bodies, but that was moved to the background, as I focused more on what I could make them do.

I smiled, no longer even noticing my food, as I controlled the new additions to the Hive. Time slowing down and returning to normal as mother helped me process everything. Information and ideas flowing into my mind, as I truly saw everything for the first time. The different angles, the different smells, the intensity of all the feelings. It was beautiful and almost overwhelming. Tasks that the Berries were doing, slowly shifted to me as I processed their memories of such. I improved the methods, grasping at the instincts of the other creatures I gained. I was able to use the natural instincts of these new additions to delegate the simple tasks to the others. A minute passed, and the Hive became more efficient.

Jacky touched my shoulder, "Y-your eyes are glowing..."

I looked at him, blinking as mother and myself stopped. We would do more tonight, but this changed so much! "Sorry, I felt something." I smiled at him, lessening it when I realized my teeth were showing.

Jacky blinked, "Why did your eyes glow? They don't do that unless you can cast magic." His ears went low, as he looked down at me with uncertainty. I could tell he was afraid, scared of how quickly I was improving.

I bit into my burger, giving him a chance to calm down. I licked my lips, making sure there was no sauce left over. Finally I looked back at Jacky, "I can cast magic now."

Jacky's eyes went wide, before he stood up right then. "We're going to Cheshire, now." He started marching.

I got up after him, the viper rat crawling up my leg, and accepted into my escort. I finished my burger on the way to the warehouse, Jacky not saying a word when we walked through the doors. The guards nodded at us, getting used to seeing me around. Jacky knocked on the door to Cheshire's office. He waited one second before opening it to find Cheshire pouring himself a glass of wine. The same smile on his face as always. "Is everything alright Jacky?" He almost purred the words.

Jacky hesitated for a moment, while I closed the door behind us. He hit his staff against the ground, gesturing to me as the illusions blocked our conversation. "She can do magic now!" His voice almost cracked, and I felt concerned he was about to break his promise.

Cheshire raised his glass towards me, before drinking half its contents. "Congratulations."

"Thank you." I smiled at him, going to the side of his desk to look over the papers he had laid out for me. A book on the side to read when I was done.

Jacky blinked, "You're taking this remarkably well. Aren't you worried?" He gestured at me again.

Cheshire leaned back in his chair, "Nope, because it was going to happen eventually. It actually saves me the coin I'd have to put in for someone else looking at her. Do you know what kind of magic you can do Pan?"

"It looks like entomancy, but darker." I went over the files, half paying attention to the conversation at this point. All information going to mother, and she pointed out things we could work on.

Cheshire nodded, "Yep, you control bugs, and pests. Kyu confirmed this with me a day or two ago, thought she'd tell you. Though the fact that she can control more bugs isn't that big a problem compared to shooting fire, or fucking with my memories." He flicked my temple, like he usually did whenever he recalled what Argus did.

Jacky swallowed hard, "Her magic is just controlling bugs?" He looked a bit lost, walking to the chair in front of the desk. He finally slumped down on it.

"Yep, her mother is the bigger issue though. Besides, Pan here likes being helpful. I don't know about you, but I think her controlling bugs that don't have black blood is better than any other kind of magic. I think she's a swarm caller specifically, but even Kyu isn't too sure about how strong her magic will get." Cheshire shrugged, "How about you Jacky? You seem tired." He leaned forward, looking at the fox man.

Jacky sighed, "Just... it's strange is all. You were pouring a glass of wine, what's that about?" He smiled a little at his boss.

Cheshire pulled out another glass, pouring Jacky some. "The tribes are getting along better, asshole gangs keep disappearing, and the harvest has come in so everybody's able to eat. We made it another season without too much suffering Jacky, it's a cause to celebrate." He pushed the filled glass to Jacky, before clinking them together after the man grabbed it.

Jacky let out a small sigh, "You're just saying that, because you expect something to happen this season."

Cheshire's smile turned into a smirk, "Of course, but why not have a little fun before it does? Change what we can sort of thing." He leaned back drinking, before shrugging and filling his glass up again.

Jacky frowned, "What do you expect to happen?"

Cheshire twirled the glass in his hands before setting it down. "A few things; Kobe will make moves once he figures out the East side is more or less under the Wraiths control. The church has gone quiet, and an arch deacon was sent out under strange circumstances. Which means an arch bishop is coming down to measure his dick against the local gangs." He finished his glass, before switching to the small amount left in the bottle. I opened the drawer, to place another where he liked to have it.

Cheshire patted my head, before taking a swig. "Also Mimi is having more of these." He gestured to me, as he laughed. I set the documents down, a bit embarrassed because I told him when I wasn't supposed to.

Jacky paled, "Dear gods..." He recovered, "I mean, that's a lot of work. I'll... yeah I'll go let Kyu know about that." He got up, "Wait, how did you find out about the East side?"

Cheshire laughed a little, "I asked, when I noticed the bugs on the churches in the area. You really should have told me sooner, I'm going to be switching you out with Levi though."

Jacky took a deep breath, before nodding. "Works for me, are you sure she can handle her?"

Cheshire rolled his eyes, "She's the least of my problems, and I did teach her to be quiet about these kinds of things. Ron should be up again, so get him caught up for me."

Jacky smiled, as he looked refreshed. It almost hurt a little to see him so happy to leave me, but it was for the best. "Sure thing." He left without another word, while I adjusted the silk under my armor.

Cheshire finished his wine bottle, letting me hold onto the empty one while my bugs cleaned it out. They made nice nests after all. "You really shouldn't tell anyone with a brain what you told me." He let out a small sigh, rubbing the top of my head.

I looked down, "I was told it's okay to make mistakes, because I'm still young. Trust is important for love to grow, so I want to trust everyone. I want to love everyone, and return their love. I really didn't mean to scare him so badly."

Cheshire gave me a few pats, before leaning back. "Yeah, and I'm inclined to believe you. People lie though, and that can be a way of showing love. The trick is knowing what to say, and when to say it. A good lie can be more important than the truth, especially when it comes to love." He poured another glass, raising it into the air for a moment. I saw his smile looked a little pained, but this was one of those times you don't ask.

His words left a lot to consider, and I spent the hours talking to mother about it. I gained new members to my Hive, and worked on helping other parts. Cheshire sat there, dozing and resting for some reason. Looking through the bugs, I saw everyone else moving or doing jobs. I recalled there being a chest with blankets, and set out to grab one. Once I returned, I placed it over Cheshire, and continued to guard him.

Finally the thought crossed my mind that I could taste through the new hive members. I smiled to myself, as I sought to taste everything through the new perceptions. To stroke the fur or scales of every little hive mate I now had. Understanding how different creatures felt, or tasted, would surely help the mother understand people more. I will understand all forms of love, and teach them to her.

Bug Mother

The walk to the castle was a quiet one. The individual known as Mal only introducing herself once we arrived in some sort of chamber. A room built entirely out of stone with magic flowing through every part of it. A cell of sorts, with a table filled with food. |"Mine former king shall be with you shortly. Eat until you are content."|

Mal left with the wall sealing shut behind her. My kin spread out to every corner, trying to find a way out. The expendable bodies sampling the food, while others searched. There was no exit, no hope of escape. My efforts refocused on making breeders, to at least have a few giants later. The food was safe, and a bowl filled with water kept refilling itself somehow.

Hours passed, while my Hive gorged itself on the food. When bones were left, they would disappear to be replaced with more flesh. It was unsettling, but there was nothing else to truly do. No prey to hunt, no way to escape, only the understanding that my Hive was so easily dealt with that they these Richards could afford to let us grow.

The food suddenly disappeared, as light flickered from crystals along the seams of the walls. Each member of my Hive was frozen in place, falling to the ground, or laying there unable to move. A magical pressure bearing down on us from all sides, as footsteps were suddenly heard. A wall opened up, revealing a pale purple dark elf wearing regal black leather. He smiled as he entered the room, the wall closing behind him. |"Greetings, plan B."|

His voice came in low and confident. I could only see him through the eyes of those that were looking in his direction before the light came on. |"Plan B?"|

He walked towards the food, air brushing away my kin. A gesture that displayed his power, and a certain kindness in how he didn't kill any under my control. |"Yep."| The seconds ticked by, as he grabbed a mutton and took a bite. Fire coming from his finger, as he heated it up. |"You are plan B, but also a part of plan A, at least until you rejoin the main Hive."|

I tried to attack him mentally, but he brushed it off like one of my kin landing on his shoulder. |"What are you using me for?"|

He took another bite, chewing on the flesh, savoring the flavor. |"Plan B, if needed." He laughed mentally, "A better answer is that I am using you to store memories of this conversation. You will rejoin the other part of your Hive eventually, and I need to make sure you understand why I can be trusted. In fact, I want you to make a nice sized hive and store what I'm about to say in it."|

|"If I refuse?"| The food disappeared at my question, only the bowl of water left.

|"Then you get to enjoy eating yourself until you agree. Do what I say, and you can grow and maybe go out on some hunts for me. You'll be helping your Hive grow, and ultimately ensuring your continued existence. You don't need to be hostile towards me, because I'm your friend in the future. You're the bug that revives my wife, and the future queen of this damn sand castle. I want all of these words in that Hive your giving me by the way."| The food came back, as if it never even left.

|"I don't understand, what is the point of all this? Why..."|

|"Shhh..."| He put a finger to his lips, |"All in due time, but know that I prevented you from dying Mimi. I redirected the Raven, I made certain Kobe couldn't get his hands on any beasts that would be too powerful. I allowed you and Richard inside my sand castle for fuck's sake. The only reason I'm telling you this now, and like this is because I killed the bug mother that would have been a problem after I exile your ass."| He hopped off the table, stroking a whispering wolf, "Well I didn't actually kill you, but you get the idea. It's the best chance you have for surviving, so get to breeding. The world out there is far more dangerous than these little slaps on the wrist I've been giving out. At least, she'll find out how dangerous it is tomorrow."

The lights flickered, and the king was gone. I was left with far too many questions, but this was likely the best chance I had. The king was insane, but I needed to do something beyond simply eating here. I could not allow my Hive to die, and his message was a warning to the false queen. I clicked my mandibles in fury, resolving to not be beaten and disgraced like this. I shall play his games, until the time comes when I can kill and eat that man. All Richards will be turned into flesh! Glory to the Hive!