Chapter Two-Hundred Twenty-Two

Chapter Two-Hundred Twenty-Two

Im feeling a lot better about things after chatting with Teemo. Hes good at cutting to the heart of whats bothering me and reminding me whats important. It also helps that hes more than happy to point out mistakes, so when he says something is good, it rings true instead of just hollow praise.

I like to think I help calm him down some, too. Im not the only one worried about everyone, and both of us being able to vent those worries to each other really helps. It's technically nothing we haven't said nor heard before, but it just clicks better, I suppose. Whatever the reason, were both feeling refreshed and ready to get back in action.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

And looking at my dwellers as they prepare, I realize something Ive managed to miss. They should be alright without it, but the idea of them going without it makes me reject the notion that they should. Im Thedeim, the weird dungeon! If anyone can pull a technical war crime out of thin air, its me!

While I accept it wont be ready by the time they march, I refuse to accept that I cant have it ready by the time the fighting starts! Its going to take a lot of effort from everyone, though. I can feel my denizens reacting to my resolve, and Teemo is more than happy to help explain and get this project moving yesterday.

First hurdle: manpower. Its almost enough to tempt me to make the ant enclave, but theyd have to finish their transformation, and we just dont have the time for that. So Its going to have to rest on the backs of my magmyrm. My ratlings and aranea will probably help, too, but they have their places in me already. My magmyrm have still been searching for something to contribute, and this idea resonates deep in them. Its not going to be easy, but they are willing to give it their best effort.

The only potential problem with them is their temperature. Theyre kinda made from magma, or at least dont seem to care about the very high temperatures closer to the volcanic area. Then again, theyve been able to deliver sleeping potions to people who lose in the labyrinth without melting the glass or igniting the cork, and can carry the people out, too. I guess they can handle their temperature well, which is a huge relief.

I get a group of them headed towards Things private lab in the sanctum while Teemo explains the idea to him. He looks as eager to do it as Ive seen him before, and gets the magmyrm to clear a space for him to teach. I can feel theres a lot he wants to impart to them, but hes also not going to be their only teacher.

Queen is already organizing her own lab, setting up stations for the magmyrm to learn her trade as well. Alchemy is going to be a vital part of this plan, too. I dont know how much Queen can teach them on such a short notice, but she can probably squeeze at least a few basic recipes into them, as well as a bit of herbalism to be able to gather the herbs theyll need, too.

My ratlings take to the forges, working on the fine and delicate instruments well need. Im not completely sure if itll be needed, or if the magmyrm will even have the expertise to use what my ratlings are making, but Id rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Some of the delvers might actually have the skills for this, come to think of it. Ill have to have Teemo ask them once hes back to the front lines.

The aranea get to work weaving silk overtime, and even process some of the wool and mycelia fabric the enclaves have offered to my warehouse. Were going to need a lot of fabric, both for uniforms and for the actual work. For the uniform, I make a few alterations to the robes we made for Yvonne and Aranya well, I would say so long ago, but its only been a couple months. How time flies. Anyway, the uniform. I go with what looks a lot like sweatpants and hoodies. I think they look a little cooler than the fabric those usually use, but Im mostly going for utility, not fashion. Elastic silk at every opening in the fabric will allow for easy fitting without letting loose sleeves and legs to get in the way and snag on things. Even the bottom of the shirt has the elastic silk, to try to keep any mess confined to the fabric. The work can get more than a little messy, so the combination of a good fit and ease of changing will help keep things running smoothly.

I watch an aranea stitch some red fabric to the front and back of the shirt, as well as the top and bottom of the ant pants, and smile to myself at the old symbol. The red cross. Its an old symbol of healing, and a war crime to wear or even display if youre not actually part of them.

I pause as I see Grim step out of a shortcut and into the work area, his scythe free of grass and trimmings. He runs his skeletal hand along the edge before moving to help cut bandages, and dip them into the sealing wax to help keep them clean.

So yeah, I want to bring them here, to make them a symbol of help. If battles are anything like Ive heard they are, wounded can outnumber the dead, or even the living! If I dont want to add more bodies, I need to do something about it, and this will be that something.

Teemo chuckles as he watches Grim. You know the enclaves are going to be all over this once they find out, right?

Yeah, I know. The only reason I didnt already include them is-

Lord Thedeim? comes the surprised voice of my High Priestess as she sees all the activity in the sanctum. She stays well out of the way of my denizens and scions as they work, and her confusion gives way to a wide smile.

More healing, of course! The dwellers will be relieved to see you taking an even more active role in keeping them safe.

Not just them, corrects Teemo as he hops onto her shoulder, earning a confused look. Its a bit complicated, but its not just for our dwellers. Theyre going to heal every injured they can get their hands on, ours and the other dungeons.

She still looks confused at that, but smiles as she turns to walk towards my core and place a hand on me. That does sound like the kind of crazy idea youd come up with.

Hah, I wish it was my idea. Im not above borrowing the really good ones, though.