Gray The Great

Something happened a few weeks ago, or had it been a month? The Underground seemed to change during that time. Packs of ravenous beasts were invading from the dead-zone. They came and went just as quickly, but there was an intelligence to their actions. Their movements betrayed something leading them, something familiar, but I didn't know what. There was some unseen force guiding them, but their erratic attacks made it impossible to pin them down.

Then there were the remnants of the Fiend's Eye. They called themselves the Blind Eye now. They were led mostly by some harlot that hid in the shadows. Her movements were more precise, as the territories she claimed were well defended within a day. I felt I should know her name, who she was. I just couldn't remember.

I couldn't remember much after the fire in one of my warehouses. The harlot turned a good number of my bodies to ashes, with a few of the bugs. She wasn't aware of the backups I had in my sewers, but I wasn't some rat. I didn't quite remember who I was, but I knew I was a vampire. I felt like I had been important, I just couldn't remember.

|"GRAY! GRAY! GRAY!"|

Tiny voices echoed in my Mind, the name sounded so familiar. I could barely see hounds chasing after tiny bodies. I had so few bodies left after the fire. I had fewer memories, but what I recalled was a need to protect those calling that name. It had to be my name, no one else was responding to it. I couldn't see anyone jumping into the alley to save these children. The whispering hounds were almost upon them. One of them fell, the other stopping to try and help them up.

I needed more bodies, I needed answers, I needed so many things right now. A memory surfaced, a mother crushed under a collapsed building. She was cradling her infant, even while her lower half was essentially gone. I remembered taking the child, I could see her glaring at me, demanding I protect it. "GAH!" I held my temple, as the memory ended abruptly. Who was that? How long have I been alive? Are those children and that child related?

Two bodies were moving, two of me. I felt I was missing something, that there were supposed to be four of us. The harlot did this, she made me forget. There was no time for puzzling this out. My vision suddenly changed, as I teleported between the hounds and the children. I felt their prehensile tongue pierce my arms legs and torso. There were four of these creatures chasing after two children in the dead of night. This body was lost, but I felt warmth knowing the little ones were quickly scrambling to their feet and running. One shouting their thanks, despite my sordid state.

It was strange, I almost saw confusion in from these beasts. They lacked eyes, with their heads shaped like arrows. Their fur was a light gray, unlike the wolves that stalked the grounds outside the walls. How did I know that? Bits and pieces were still there, but nothing was joining for the full picture. The beasts should be trying to drain my blood, so why were they hesitating? Was there truly intelligence there, or was I imagining it? Did they understand black blood would make them sick? Was there more? Could they be reasoned with?

I decided the answer didn't matter, I lost another body, but they would lose four. My free body emerged behind them, while I shifted out of the still dying one. The one of me behind the hounds quickly buried its claws into their chests. Red blood spilled out, while the other me severed two of the tongues that couldn't free themselves. They were slow to react, and I wouldn't give them the chance. Once the two closest to the back body went limp, both lunged at the rearing hounds as they laughed out a cry of pain. They were dissected down the middle, as I collapsed to my knees with both bodies.

Hunger filled my thoughts, I bit into the fresh flesh, my two sucking stingers going on either side. I needed blood for my bodies, the two fountains I had were not enough. I sucked both corpses dry, before returning those two and bringing in two more. Each body could only teleport twice. More if they had a displacer bug inside them, but I was lacking material to keep them fed.

After my feeding, I grabbed two bodies each with both of mine. My bugs needed to feed, or all would be lost. I couldn't remember where they came from, but I felt like I stole them. I could control them, I knew how to make different types, but they didn't hold the answers I needed. All they had was hunger from me not bringing enough flesh for them.

The alleys were deserted, the crystals above were dim. I had multiple routes up, though it typically involved paying with my rapidly dwindling coin. It had been a couple of days since the fire, or I think it had been. I spent my time puzzling out exactly what happened, and who I was. This wasn't going to allow my survival if I continued. My hive needed flesh, and I knew they allowed me to do other magics. Were they left by my sire? Was I controlled by them at one point? I shook my head to free myself from such useless thoughts.

First I needed to get my hunger situation under control, then I needed to make more bodies. I might pick up a few along the way to the first goal, given they had to have specific criteria in order to become one. Survival first, then we'll tend to the lingering questions. I knew I could control blood as all vampires did. I understood that I was special since my stingers allowed me to take blood from others and use their magic. I also could control multiple bodies at once. Unlike other vampires, I could drink black blood from other monsters. This suggested my sire was quite powerful, and everything should work out if I found them.

No, I cannot afford to waste time searching for a lead I know so little about. Survival first, then the questions. There were just so many of them compared to what I knew. I stalked the alleys, avoiding any other encounters as local gangs rallied to fend off the beasts. The Minotaur was making moves on the south side while the east was being plagued. I understood the cold calculation behind it since it would leave this side weaker in the long term. The west side had more or less united under the emblem of one tribe instead of the many that were there. The various beast people working together... How did I know that?

Such information wasn't relevant to me, and yet the politics of this damn place were what stuck with me. I grit my teeth at the frustration while sneaking my way to one of the portals leading up. I swallowed my pride as I paid the two silver needed to get topside. I discreetly exited the tailor shop through the back and made my way to the closest sewer with the dead bodies. It wasn't subtle, nor was it sustainable. Sadly, I didn't have a way to just teleport back and forth with these things. I needed four bodies to make the teleportation station function since they were effectively four of my bodies stitched together.

Whatever I wasn't using was put in a dormant state, which helped reduce the hunger quite a bit. Some of the weaker bodies were used as flesh for the hive, but it was still a struggle to get through the day. Thankfully the sewers were much calmer, with only the occasional viper rat scurrying away from my path. Those few foolish enough to attack were a welcomed snack for my bugs. I let them feed on the bodies, while I switched mine to two fresher ones. I closed the hidden door behind us, as both bodies walked onto the streets of Eclipse.

It was a cool summer night, the moon waning as it rose over the walls. Nights were longer the further North one went, while days were longer further South. Both bodies flicked the other's ear to stop thinking about pointless facts. We had eleven hours of night left, compared to the thirteen we started with. An hour to save children, an hour of brooding, and I the hunger hasn't been helped by much. More ground covered, meant more opportunities. I couldn't teleport inside the city, but the sewers and Underground were fair game.

Body one started stalking the alleys while body two went back to the tailor. One convincing lie later, and body two was back in the Underground without more coin spent, one extra teleportation charge for emergencies. Body one moved towards the trashcans of local restaurants aiming to gather scraps for the bugs. Body two moved out in search of potential blood fountains, or new bodies. More focus was used on body one given that it couldn't escape easily, while two updated anytime it saw something move inside the alleys with it.

I hated how I had to pilfer trash for my hive. How I had to sustain it on the undesirable goods left to rot. Festering fruits and rotten bread would help my hunger tonight, as the hive would be satisfied. The eternal thirst of my kind still weighed down on me, but it was countered by the bugs with full bellies. It made everything just a little more bearable.

Body two found a small group of thugs preparing for something. They were associated with a very minor gang, their daggers and maces ready. Body one had gathered enough food for the hive tonight, now all that was left was blood. I only had one fountain and needed two more for the eight bodies I had remaining. So few, but I wasn't supposed to just pick off random thugs. They needed to do something to deserve death, even if I saw two potential bodies right in front of me. Why am I clinging to this notion?

I stalked them from the shadows, moving body one back into the sewers with the food that was gathered. The thugs began moving down a few alleys. I climbed to the roof of a building, watching them from above. A part of me wanted to plant bugs on them, to let those tiny things help me keep track of them. Yet, I had none down here. I could carve up my chest, and bring enough down with a teleport, but the blood loss might send it into a frenzy.

It was frustrating, but I had to do this with grace and precision. Not a sound was made from body two as it moved from roof to roof, following behind the unaware group of thugs. The hive got its food, allowing me to think a little clearer. My movements were even more precise, as I continued stalking.

I stood atop a house, as they went down another alley. My body seized, as I fell to my knees when I thought about following them. It wasn't my territory, I couldn't retrieve them. Why!? My head throbbed, as I curled up on the roof. Something was keeping me in this specific area of the Underground. No matter how I tried, I couldn't force my way through it. Was it for my safety? Some trama from my memory? I didn't know, but I had to stay hidden until I needed to act.

I pulled body two back to its feet while sending body one back above ground. That same barrier was above ground as well. I was limited to one restaurant, and a set of alleys. I needed to expand if I were to get more blood, if my hive was to grow. I needed answers, but I needed to survive. I couldn't do both at this rate, so body two began searching for more potential blood fountains. Body one was moving back to secure as much food it could tonight. With luck, it would gather enough for the next day as well. Once all edible waste was gathered, I needed it to search the sewers.

I couldn't order the bugs beyond simple commands, but I should have more control. I remembered as much, a time when I could use them as I needed. They refused to leave our home as if they were terrified of something. That, or they were being controlled by another. I felt the throbbing in my head again, that line of thought killed. I blinked, having forgotten it. Survival first.

Gray Gray Gray

Many questions filtered in and out of my mind. Most of them were centered around what happened after the warehouse burned down. I have nine bodies left, but I lacked a method to get to the sewers. Evidently, the fire somehow disconnected my connection to the bugs above me. I was stuck down here in the Underground, stalking the alleys and roofs. I already had three blood fountains to keep the thirst at bay, but food for the hive was an issue. Thankfully, they weren't picky and four more thugs just entered my territory.

It was strange that I couldn't move past the invisible barrier. Sometimes I wondered if I could even see past it, as I noticed movement on the opposite roof. There was nothing there, which made me wonder if there was a talent being used. I focused back on the thugs, while my second body was patrolling my hunting grounds. The four thugs didn't seem to have any ill intentions, though I wondered why they were carrying weapons. It was a shame that they wouldn't become food for the hive. More blood fountains should solve that problem, and I could keep them alive longer that way.

I hopped from roof to roof, tracking them. They found the vendor that locked themselves away inside their tiny room. They had food and other goods inside, but a gentleman doesn't steal. If I lost my pride, what dignity would I have left? I had already scoured every nook and cranny of my territory for coin, and it had helped the last week I managed to recall. There was nothing amiss with the thugs as they purchased food, while coin was exchanged. Such a shame none fell out of their pockets for me.

I eavesdropped on their conversation. Thug one, their leader, speaking first. "Have you seen any stray hounds around the area?" A wonderful topic, but they learned to stay away after I slaughtered a group of them a few days ago.

The vendor shook their head, "Not since a few days ago." Ah, it was wonderful to have confirmation that I wasn't losing track of time. "It's the strangest thing, If you ask me, I think the local monsters in the area are dealing with them." Yes, I know, I'm a monster. I'd appreciate some food for my services. I smiled to myself, as he continued. "What brings you boys out here anyway?"

Thug one shrugged, while the other three kept watch for him. "Dunno, the boss asked us to buy some food from you. Not the stall closest to us, but we had to spread out. I guess he's expecting another famine this year. Probably wants us to see who's selling what so he can take stock." How interesting, I'd love to talk to your boss. Maybe there might be some protection fees thrown my way given I'm keeping this place safe. We've been a crime-free zone since I could remember. Doesn't matter if that's only a week ago.

The vendor grinned, as he rocked behind his door. He didn't have much meat on his bones and might have a few mental issues. A shame I lacked the ability to fix that. "He's a smart one then, make sure he keeps his business out of the brothel districts. I heard horror stories about what's been happening to the gang leaders that try anything."

Thug one nodded, "Boss knows, trust me. It's odd, he won't even leave his territory as he calls it." Sounds like someone I can relate to. "Anyway, we need to get going. I don't want us getting hounded."

The vendor chuckled, "Come back and see me when you can. Always good to talk to reasonable people down here." The thugs waved as the vendor closed their door.

I moved to a different spot to see what gang these thugs were a part of. They had an inverted gray triangle on their chest. Simple as far as designs go, probably something I would use if I had a gang. Shame it was stolen, I could only control four bodies at the best of times. I wondered where that power went, but perhaps I split into different copies? My head throbbed, as I collapsed on the roof. Ah, another thing I wasn't supposed to think about.

The thugs left my territory, probably going back to their area. My head was still throbbing, but the idea was there now. Something was preventing me from leaving my territory, and there may well be another me out there. I was used to the pain, the hunger, the thirst. It might be for the best if I got my own gang going to try and communicate with my other-self. We could use people and sapient monsters to communicate. The tragedy was that when we did come into contact with each other, one of us would likely fade away. The other version was probably doing better given that they already had people under them. It was such a shame I was the one that ended up with a bad territory resource-wise.

The Real Gray

Something was amiss here. My four humans came back with their haul of food. Beggars were sent out to the market to bring back coin, and gather information. It was a shame humans needed so much sleep. I had to work their schedules around each other, listen to their complaints and provide agreeable solutions. It was frustrating work, but it was worth it since they could leave past the mental barrier in place.

At least these humans in particular lacked the qualms of working under a monster. That might be because the Fiend's Eye was run by the hags until recently. I found four copies of myself spread out past the barriers already. Communication was promptly established, even though they all admitted to not being able to cross the barrier. Granted, I had to admit my own inabilities in order to have them admit such, but such was life. Some force was keeping us apart, and I had no idea what it could be.

Stranger still was that each copy could only control two bodies, while I held four under my control. I realized my personal territory was expanding, and pushing the others back, but that wasn't much of an issue. The others seemed to forget their past territory, just assuming the new lines had always been there. There was evidence that there were even more copies out there, but I struggled to grasp how something like this happened.

Two seconds had passed since my underlings gave their report, that line of thought needed to be put on hold. I addressed them with a smile. "Well done gentlemen, and you were certain you weren't followed or spotted?"

Their assigned leader, Brad, rubbed the back of his neck. "That's the thing boss, it felt like someone was watching us, but then they left. Then I think I could feel someone eavesdropping, but they weren't entirely there."

I smiled, nodding my head politely. The man had a talent that warned him when he was being followed, even if he didn't see it himself. It told him the nature of the following party's intention, as far as I was aware. He was invaluable to discovering the others. I put both hands behind my back, while two other bodies calmly took the food and sorted through it. They were keeping well, which suggested the vendor had their methods to preserve such goods. "Excellent work, regarding the two areas you were both in. Did any of you happen to see anything amiss? Is the food vendor in the second area the only one, for example, what about the first area? Any blood splatters?"

Brad looked at the others before nodding. "Yeah... Devin is the only guy selling food in the second area. I didn't see anyone else. Now that you mentioned it, there was that one alley where there was fresh blood. Why do these matter, boss?"

I brought two clawed fingers to my chin, "Mainly confirmation. Information is an important asset in any venture. You four did well tonight." I turned to my desk, grabbing two stacks of silver and copper. "Now hold out your hands." They did as I asked, and I let the appropriate amount fall onto their palms. Trade was going well with one of the copies that hunted in the dead-zone. Coin wasn't hard to come by with the materials others provided.

"B-boss, this is more than we agreed on!" Brad's eyes were wide at the extra silver I gave them.

"I'm aware, but trust is important. You can't buy it, and it is all too easily broken. You could have lied to me, and tried to return to the spots I sent you for more, but you were honest. Such traits deserve a reward." I placed the remaining coin back on the desk. It was becoming easier to condition the men that sought out protection from a gang. Perhaps I was becoming more accustomed to reading the human psyche. "I will take care of those I can trust while using those that feel my kindness is expendable. It is as simple as that. Now your job is over, and I would have you well rested for tomorrow's."

"G-got it, boss. Thank you!" The four quickly left, as I sent a body to make sure they got home safely. Two others were patrolling, while I flipped through the papers brought to me. It was information about the movements of the hounds, and harlots. None of our territories stretched far enough to watch the Minotaur, and Mal has been silent this entire time. If any of the copies had any idea as to what happened to us, they weren't sharing.

A knock came on my door, "Come in." I couldn't look through the bugs, and they weren't following my orders as well as they should. The door opened as I peeked over my shoulder to see one of my couriers. Micheal, as he was called. A scrawny man with a limp, that only told the truth. I smiled, welcoming him as he held out a package for me. We exchanged formalities, while I looked over the trade agreement one of the copies had written up. They wanted another blood fountain and stated their price. It was reasonable, and Micheal would get frustrated if he made too many trips between us. I signed the agreement, with the pickup times and places to retrieve the goods.

I had to consider the favorable terms needed to keep negotiations with the other copies. All of them believed they were the real Gray, even if they didn't openly say as much. Something happened when the warehouse burnt down, and all of us were searching for answers. Not all of us looked to the consequences of such an event. Whatever happened it separated us into different copies, that were separated by a barrier. Our minds might not be able to handle fusing, and it could be completely unconscious efforts on all our parts. We could realize others were out there through conscious effort, but it still left those questions lingering.

I waved Micheal off while I counted the coin in the package he brought. The man getting a few silver for his work. Brad made it home safely, and that body teleported to another group that should be ready. It was strange that I could see through the bugs for teleportation only. Another tic gained from the trauma of all those bodies lost? I shook my head, having the group come to me, while I prepared offerings for the other two copies I found. After all, each copy was growing, and it was for the best that I knew just how far along they were. I wouldn't let them replace me, because I was the real Gray.