Chapter 179: Dawn

Chapter 179: Dawn

I watched with a wry smile as Cecilia fussed over me. It was kind of heartwarming, even to my cold stone heart. Everything was in place, I had all my senior hive members check and re-check. When you have a gestalt mind of over a million individuals, you tend to avoid blind spots.

I was bringing a Vanguard Queen into hell, she would be useful for setting up a base of operations. Plus, a Light Vanguard Brood could be useful for scouting and this particular Brood Mother was designed to be slightly flexible in genetics. Meaning I could modify her in the field to something more combat-orientated, maybe even make the Hell equivalent of Nafas.

But that little possibility would have to wait. To be fair, utilising this opportunity to create a seperate Hell Hive was really REALLY tempting. However, the broader strategic needs came first. If the opportunity arose I would most definitely try it out.

I mean, just think of it: swarms of red flaming members of my hive swarming over the enemy. It would be absolutely amazing.

Ok, now remember when are down there do not try to antagonise the Daemon Princes first. Cecilia said as I glanced down at her.

Her brow was creased with worry, and her small pink lips, which were devoid of her usual lipstick, were upturned in a worry-filled scowl. Her fiery red hair was a mess, and she was wearing her silk nightgown very sloppily. So sloppily in fact that it was askew and a generous portion of her chest was exposed, alongside that the robe was fluttering so much a hint of her underwear could also be seen from time to time.

But Cecilia naturally didnt care, after all, when we started out she made it a habit of bathing and walking around nude. She did that less now obviously but there was this rumour going around that the Empress frequently spent time with me in the room in various states of undress. The rumour was relatively tame considering the truth was that she would take part in orgies in front of me

The only reason she was even wearing the robe was that Mahaila was in the room prepping as well. The Crowfather had left and was, as he said, laying his ravens. I checked in on this and I did notice that the crow population in Averlon seems to have gone up slightly. A closer examination revealed that they were magical constructs that acted as surveillance vectors.

He was still at it and from what I gather he might be laying some flocks in the neighbouring cities. Good that he was paranoid, it only inspired confidence on my part.

Mahaila was kneeling on the ground as she faced what could only be described as an armoury laid out neatly on the floor. She had an impressive arsenal of weapons. All sorts ranging from glaives, spears, pikes, sabres, short swords, long swords, great swords, claymores, scimitars, focii blades and several more weirdly shaped weapons.

Friend, are you listening? Cecilia asked hotly, worry clearly colouring her impatient tone.

Yeah, dont antagonise the daemon princes until we know at least who is on whose side.

Dont trust what Alastor says even if what he said is true.

Figure out the best way to get a working majority first before attempting to make a bid for the Black Heart.

Dont trust what Alastor says even if what he said is true.

Get detailed information on the troop composition of each of the rings and prepare for countermeasures.

Dont trust what Alastor says even if what he said is true.

Avoid the infernal sea, its too exposed even with flight.

Dont trust I said wryly but Cecilia just gave me a light slap upside the head for the teasing.

Ok ok fine Cecilia replied with a light laugh.

I know your worried but you have to admit it seems weird. I said with a laugh.

Cecilia gave a small sigh as she nodded, conceding the points. As she lowered her head in the sigh she noticed the state of her robe and went to adjust it. Now looking far more decent she decided to smooth out the mane of mess that had become of her hair.

Ill send messages back every day. I have a plan for interdimensional communication. I will need it since I cant exactly be cut off from the hive even if control is limited. Plus how will I know to rush back to pull you out of the fire in case something happens. I said with a grin.

So you rush out of hell to pull me out of the fire. Now thats an interesting line to put in a book. Cecilia replied with a grin of her own.

Well, hopefully, it wont be as dramatic as that, even if it would make for interesting reading. I replied with a laugh.

But seriously you are going to drop everything and rush back? I might be able to hold out for a while. Cecilia replied as she gestured in her general vicinity where the Briars were standing invisible.

Yes, current projections does put holding out a decent possibility. Not in the least since from what the Crowfather has said, the Drown Admiral will attack Divonia if such a thing were to occur. Naga and the Mugummans will do much the same for the Merchant Princes and Eastern Voleria. I would also bet that the Syndicate would pounce on this same opportunity and reignite their assault in the north. I replied and she nodded, agreeing that an attack by the angels would incite serious counter-offensives. At this time attacking me would quite simply start a world war. The Seraphim have made far too many enemies during their stewardship of this world.

Just as my mind wandered I felt Cecilia move forward and hug me. She was hugging me rather tightly and judging by the sensations she had just unset her robe again. I looked down and saw her heart hammering in her chest and she was filled with anxiety, separation anxiety to be exact.

I reach down and place a gently hand about as large as her around her and gave her a few gentle pats. Feeling this I saw the faintest traces of a smile on her lips before she separated from me her robe once again completely askew.

Sorry. Cecilia replied as she sniffed slightly and wiped the corner of her eyes. I knew why she was like this, she had been stuffed into a tower as a teenager and basically abandoned by her family. Compoud that with the fact that her first love was basically executed and she watched the whole thing she would have plenty of what was the word? Trauma? Yes that, trauma related to being separated to those she was close with.

Nothing to forgive, I broke you out of the tower remeber? I replied with another wry grin and that a laugh out of her.

How could I forget, we have been inseparable ever since. Cecilia said with another sniff as she blinked her tears away.

Come now, Empresses do not cry. I said gently, so gently in fact Mahaila paused from her work and she turned around to look at us in confusion.

Come on, get dressed lets spend some time together. I said and with a simple command one of my proxy bodies appeared. This was one looked like a human but its gaze and demenour fully betrayed the fact that I was in the pilot seat.

The other half of me will work with Mahaila, so dont worry. I said before Cecilia could protest, and she nodded gratefully.

I made the half of me that was controlling the body gently start to clean her up into something more presentable. In the meantime I used my actual body to approach Mahaila and stare down at her arsenal. When you went into battle it was always good to know what you had at your disposal.

Mahaila gave me a questioning look and I just stared back.

That I know all too well. Mahaila replied as she put the sword down.

Why dont you use it? I asked as I stared at it.

Too much of a giveaway of who I am, also I my master told me to find my own path, relying on his sword could be seen as using his blade as a crutch. Mahaila replied.

Huh, well it is far more powerful than any of the other stuff here. I mused and Mahaila nodded again, she of course was painfully aware of that fact.

But a bit of advice Mahaila. I said as I paused, watching her slowly turn to look at me, her gaze filled with curiosity.

Strength is strength

Doesnt matter where it comes from

I should know, after all, I am Firstborn

,`....`,

As I was scrutinising swords with Mahaila I was walking with a rather skittish-looking Cecilia as we headed to her private garden. Her garden was a very private place, no one other than her, me and some hive guards were permitted in.

Not even her own family has ever entered this place. It was, as Cecilia put it, a place of peace, far away from the rest of the world.

We walked in silence until we came to a quiet and simple little bench. It was a very basic-looking thing, but to Cecilia it held a very special significance. It was the same bench she would relax in when she was younger. Even now as it was old and creaky she likes to sit here and think about all that was to come.

You know a part of me likes it when you are like this. Cecilia said as she took in a deep breath.

Why? This body is weak, even if it is familiar to you. I replied as turned to look at her.

I dont know, I mean your expressions are far from human. Cecilia mused.

Dont really know how to be one honestly. I replied as the other half of my mind chatted with Mahaila.

I can imagine Cecilia said as she let out a small laugh.

You speaking with Mahaila now? Cecilia asked suddenly.

Yeah, why? I asked as I tilted my head which was a rather exaggerated movement by human standards.

Cant imagine having my mind in two places at once, let alone piloting two bodies at once. Cecilia replied.

Well, Im piloting a few more than that at the moment. Ordias needs something and Im spying on some angels chatting next to the temple. I said and Cecilia giggled in response.

Would it kill you to spend some one-on-one time with your favourite human? Cecilia asked wryly her tone betraying the fact that she knew it was a silly question.

Nows not that convenient. But sure when I come back I can do that. I said, and that caught Cecilia off guard.

Really? I mean, its obvious that you can easily do multiple things at once. Cecilia asked.

Its fine, if you want me to just talk to you for whatever reason, then Im happy to oblige. I replied with a shrug.

I see Cecilia replied with a small smile that seemed almost wistful.

Could you stay still for a moment? Cecilia asked in a voice that was just a tad too small.

Sure? I replied with another quizzical tilt of my head.

Cecilia in response leaned over and laid her head down in my lap. I saw her sigh softly as she lay there, seeming more relaxed than I had ever seen her.

Cecilia? I asked still confused.

Could we just stay like this for a while? Cecilia asked softly as she seemed like she just might fall asleep.

I could somehow understand vaguely why she was behaving like this. In those old memories of my past life that seemed so strange and out of place in my mind now. Like I was missing something

Hmm

Oh well, probably nothing important

Im going to miss you Cecilia said softly as if she was about to fall asleep.

Dont worry

Ill be back before you know it