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Chapter Text

Tevatti became a leader of the Forest Tribe only a few years ago. He did not expect the war to  come, nobody has. The late High Priestess warned of a cataclysm to come; but even the stars  could not have predicted the approaching calamity. Perhaps the darkness of the beasts coming down from the skies obscured them even from the sight of the holy stars? 

Whilst the previous year was filled with bloodshed and combat, the battles slowed down as winter  came. As the first snow fell, the Shadows settled down in their positions, having claimed vast  swaths of land for themselves. Tevatti feared spring will wake up their blood-thirst, but for the time  being his territory remained relatively safe. As safe as anything can be during the times of war.  

The Forest Tribe was numerous, spread across multiple settlements which ranged from small rural  villages to sprawling cities. They were the largest and most spread out of the Moth tribes and  were unfortunately an easy target to the ravaging Shadows. Their numbers fell during the war and  many people were displaced from their homes. The Shadows were occasionally raiding  settlements; many Bugs disappeared from their homes, taken to never be seen again. Many  horrifying stories have reached Tevatti’s ears. Despite that, there haven’t been any sizable battles  in the Eastern Plains since the first snow fell.  

Tyrumi was adapting to the life within the new settlement. She came from a family of farmers living nearby the Lunar Temple in the west. Tevatti never asked about her past, he didn’t need to. War  has created too many orphans. He just hoped this poor child, handed to him by a twist of fate, will  be able to find peace. She was one of many lost and lonely children taken by the Forest Tribe.  Their towns were overflowing with refugees as the brutal expansion of the Shadows pushed many  bugs further south, fleeing to the territories that remained free and unclaimed. Many of them were  getting lost in the treacherous wilderness of the local woods. Tevatti regularly sent out scouting  parties to look for approaching refugees; he often wandered into the woods himself. Whilst the Shadows rarely approached those territories, Wasps, Mantises and wild native fauna could be just  as dangerous to unprepared travelers. They also needed to constantly be on lookout for any  danger coming their way. 

Tevatti entered an elevated hut that served as a meeting hall. He approached a leader of their  scouting troops. He needed to be up to date with patrol reports. 

- Greetings, Captain. - Tevatti spoke - Give your report, are there strange happenings?

- Nothing that seemed dangerous in the east. - the captain replied - We saw a patrol of  Shadows, but they were going the opposite direction of any known settlement. They ignored any creatures in their path. 

- Were you seen?  

- No, we remained unseen. But they clearly were not looking for conflict, ignoring paths leading  to settlements.  

The Forest Tribe knew their way around the woodlands. They knew how to remain unseen and  travel without leaving a trace. 

- Have you seen any refugees on the trail? - Tevatti asked 

- None today. It seems that after the last group things seem to have slowed down. Tevatti nodded and asked another question:  

- Have you spotted anything else worthy of our concern and attention? 

- We saw groups of Wasps, to the west, half of a day on foot from our settlement. Our scouts tried to follow them, they looked like a hunting party, they were carrying animal carcasses  with them. That was the last known sighting of them. 

Back in the day a sighting of Wasps would’ve been the highlight of the report. Not anymore. The briefing was interrupted by a child’s voice: 

- Will the Wasps attack? - Tyrumi was concerned 

- Tyrumi, my child, please wait and be patient as this meeting is very important. - Tevatti didn’t  answer her question

- Oh, don’t worry. - the captain spoke - Our town is too well guarded for any Wasps to get here.  

Tyrumi sat down on a nearby stool. Tevatti couldn’t get himself to tell her to leave so he  proceeded with the briefing. 

- We spotted one unusual thing. - captain continued - We are used to the sights of the Shadow  researcher wandering around in the area. She has never attacked one of our people, always  focused on her mysterious tasks, so we let her be. But today she is accompanied by someone  we’ve never seen before. There were far more of them escorting them to the area than we have  ever seen before. But now the duo appears to be on their own. 

- Is that perchance the aerial machine pilot? - Tevatti asked - The small Shadow with golden  rings in her hair? 

- No, it was clearly not her. The new companion appears to be a male. 

- Have they shown any hostility? 

- Surprisingly not. Their escort was heavily armed, joined by armored vehicles. But they were not  hunting for our people or even wild creatures, they were clearly an escort for the researcher and  her companion. They dropped them off and left the scene. We lost the track of the soldiers as  they drove away from our scouting territory.  

- Never have we seen such fanfare surrounding her endeavors. - Tevatti scratched his chin - Be it a new discovery, or is her companion a fellow of high renown? I cannot tell. They may anticipate danger. 

Tyrumi stood up, her eyes widened: 

- Was that Mariluna? - she exclaimed with excitement - Did she come back?  

The scout captain didn’t know how to respond. He has heard the tale of the gentle Shadow who  rescued Tyrumi and brought her here but he struggled to believe the authenticity of the whole  story. 

- Can we visit her? - Tyrumi pleaded  

- It is exceedingly dangerous, soldiers patrol the area. - Tevatti tried to shut her down.

- Actually, according to reports they are alone as their escort has left the area… Oh, sorry. - the  Captain realized his mistake too late. 

… 

It was not something he would’ve done even a few weeks ago. But the current times had shown  that anything seen as set in stone could be challenged. And there he was, taking Tyrumi to meet  the mysterious kind Shadow.  

He knew despite being an enemy, that strange soul took Tyrumi under her wing. She became a  mother to the lost orphan and Tevatti did not have the heart to sever that connection. He could  not deny a child her caring mother, even if it was a monstrous one. 

Tevatti knew it was not responsible, but he also trusted the assessment of his scouts and he knew  these woods like the back of his own hand. While many Moths came to this area displaced by  horrors of war, he hatched in those woods and grew up in them. He knew how to traverse them without being seen and how to find his way home. But Tyrumi was not taught those skills yet and  her wings were too small to fly. They needed to be careful. There was one gripe for Tevatti, related to his own capabilities. Most moths were capable of sending each other hidden messages. He was locked out of that since he was born.

They traveled in a small group, together with a handful of skilled scouts. A few of them went ahead to check for any dangers. It was a warm, spring day. Gentle sun rays glistened through the leaves. The trees were letting out their first sprouts and flowers, life was waking up from its winter  slumber. Snow was completely gone but some plants have not sprung back to life yet. The soil  was damp, fresh sprouts were piercing through the bedding of last year’s leaves.  

They walked for an hour. Tyrumi was getting tired so Tevatti took her for a piggyback ride. They  heard distant chirping of wild critters and the rustling of leaves moved by the gentle gusts of  wind. Another hour has passed. They came close to their destination. Tevatti asked the scouts to  stay behind to look out for danger and guard their exit passage. They had spotted the mysterious  duet of Shadows. Tevatti decided it was time to reveal themselves. 

The two Shadows flinched when hearing someone approaching them but they did not raise  weapons. Tevatti was unsure if they were armed. Mariluna let out a sigh of relief upon seeing a familiar  face and her companion was giving quick glances to the two Moths and Mariluna.  

The silence was broken by Tyrumi jumping from a bush and running towards Mariluna. She  tackled her in a hug, barely able to reach the height of her knees. Mariluna quickly picked up the  little Moth and lifted her into the air.  

- Mariii!!! - Tyrumi yelled - You came back! 

Mariluna gave her a gentle smile. 

- Tyrumi, you’ve grown so much! - she exclaimed. - I see Tevatti is taking good care of you. Tevatti came closer to the duo and spoke: 

- Little Tyrumi missed you. - he smiled - I provide for her as if she were my own. Even so, I cannot replace the bond you both share.

He stepped closer to Mari’s mysterious companion. 

- I recognize you not, and am most certain I have ne'er seen one bearing the slightest resemblance to your countenance. - Tevatti spoke - I am Tevatti, chief of the Forest Tribe and caregiver of the lost child whom your companion brought to me.

The unknown Shadow was a man, shorter than Mariluna and visibly older. He had short hair, a  rare but not unseen sight amongst their kind. His skin was dark brown, in a similar tone to  Mariluna. He wore a simple, heavy coat in an earthly green tone, heavy boots, simple pants and  black gloves. He was leaning on a simple, wooden cane. His outfit was simple and practical but  he exuded an aura of authority and elegance. 

- Greetings, Tevatti. - he spoke - I am accompanying Mariluna during her research today. Name’s  Revo. We are here for business, but who could say no to a good family reunion.  

So he was aware of Mariluna’s bond with Tyrumi. Tevatti was wary of it, but he told himself that  Tyrumi likely was not a secret. If Mariluna took her around across the facility, it likely meant that  numerous Shadows spotted her. Perhaps the unique status of the Flower Mistress gave her a  pass to display some eccentric behaviors. 

Mariluna couldn’t let Tyrumi go. Despite Tevatti’s suspicions, her fondness for the little girl  appeared to come from a pure place. If she had malicious intentions, she could’ve acted on them  way earlier. Neither has she attempted to find a settlement of the Forest Tribe. 

Tyrumi looked at Mari’s companion.

- Mari, who’s that? - she asked and hid behind Mariluna’s legs 

- That’s Revo and I trust him very much. He came with me… To study. - her voice cracked a  little. Tyrumi did not spot it but Tevatti did. - He is a part of my family. 

Revo approached them. 

- Hello little Tyrumi. - he said - You don’t need to be afraid. I know you met many bad people, but  Mari is a kind soul.  

Tyrumi nodded.  

- I haven’t seen you in company for quite the while. - Tevatti asked  

- Her tasks require precision and patience. - Revo answered for her - But not everything can be  done alone.  

Tyrumi pointed to a device Mariluna was holding and asked: 

- What’s that?  

- It’s a tool I use to study plants and animals. It can store information, like a notebook! 

The unusual quartet continued walking around the grassy forest clearing. Mariluna gave Tyrumi a  piggyback ride as the little Moth was telling her about everything she has seen and learnt upon  arriving in the Forest Tribe town. Tyrumi was entranced by being picked up so high. Mariluna  towered over everyone gathered here. 

- And the nurse said my wings are too small but I can fly this year! 

- I saw a biiiig snail, bigger than snails at home!  

- Scouts found a broken cart and a boy stole one wheel from it, the captain was so angry! But it  was a very cool toy! 

She grew curious towards Revo. 

- Mari said she can fly using her hair but your hair is very short. - she asked - Can you fly?  - I can fly but it’s way, way more difficult. - he gave her a mysterious smile - Some of us can fly  with short hair, but we need to practice more.  

- Will your hair grow longer? 

- It may, who knows.  

Tyrumi was overjoyed, telling stories about her time in her new home. She asked Mariluna  questions about strange plants they encountered. Her companion didn’t talk much but he  answered the occasional question directed his way. 

Tevatti didn’t really know how to perceive the situation he has found himself in. He felt relieved  seeing Mari and Tyrumi bond, but he had a hunch her companion was not telling the whole story  as to why he was there. Maybe he came to set up another weapon the Shadows were infamous  for? Perhaps he was a spy sent to discover where the Moth settlement was? Tevatti had to shut  down those thoughts for now. He had no proof other than his intuition about this strange man  possessing malicious intent. He knew Mariluna was someone recognized by her people, but he did not know the extent of her authority. If it was a trap, his people would likely spot it from afar, wouldn’t they?  

As if to echo his worries, a scout jumped out from the greenery. 

- They are coming! - he yelled 

Tevatti turned towards the two Shadows with sadness in his eyes. He shouldn’t have hoped they were different from the other Shadows. He cursed his foolishness. Once again, him being able to receive hidden messages would come in handy. He would know enemies were coming before the scouts arrived.

- So it was all a play? - he asked

To his surprise the duo seemed just as surprised as he was. 

- No, no. - the scout tried catching his breath - Not them. Wasps! 

Mariluna held Tyrumi tight. Revo clenched his cane. More Forest Tribe scouts revealed  themselves. Tevatti was shocked, but a part of him felt relief. He would rather be fighting Wasps than Shadows. 

- I see we had company from the very beginning. - Revo spoke 

Tevatti wasn’t sure if he was talking about the scouts or about the Wasps. To him it was just a  simple safety precaution but did they perceive it as an act of hostility? He for sure wouldn’t want  to have Shadows following him. But their situations were not comparable, they were ruthless  invaders who ravaged these lands. Despite that, from their perspective it may look like he was the one  planning a backstab.  

Tyrumi let out a scared cry, Mari comforted her. Tevatti couldn’t hear what she was whispering but  he could sense the care in her tone. Revo reached for something in his pocket. The scouts braced  themselves, preparing their bows, spears and slings. 

- Can we flee? - Tevatti inquired 

- Not enough time… - one of the Moths said 

She was cut off by the sound of a javelin flying through the air. It struck her straight into her chest.  She let out a gargling noise and collapsed onto the ground. The scouts fired arrows into the  greenery.  

The Wasps started to emerge from the woods, appearing between the trees, surrounding them on  all sides. Tevatti raised his staff, the Moths stood still, ready for counter-attacks. Mariluna  crouched, shielding Tyrumi with her body. Revo pulled out a small firearm. Tevatti was no expert in  those types of weapons, but this one looked like it was made for personal defense and not  soldier’s duties. It appeared light and Revo could hold it in one hand. 

The wasps towered over the Moths, a group of at least twenty approached from all sides. Some  were hovering in the air, some stood on branches. They were armed with sharp javelins. Tevatti  knew Wasps were skilled warriors in both ground and aerial combat and their weapons were  covered by dangerous venom. The dense tree branches blocked any potential escape path.  

- Surrender your weapons, brethren. - one of the Wasps commanded  

For a brief moment they stood in silence interrupted only by the gentle breeze and sound of  Tyrumi’s cries. 

Tevatti gave a signal of attack. 

The Moth scouts excelled at fighting in dense woodlands. They had more experience in those  surroundings than any of their enemies. But the small scouting party was vastly outnumbered. Some  of them tried to reposition themselves to gain a range advantage. The air was full of flying projectiles,  both sides were in a frenzy. Moth and Wasp blood was being spilled, yellow ooze mixed  together in the fresh spring greenery. They managed to take down a few Wasps but the first line of  defense was quickly broken. Scouts fell down to the ground, pierced by sharp javelins and wasp  stingers. Tevatti picked up his staff and swung towards the Wasp in front of him. He managed to  land a quick strike to their head and knock them down to the ground. Unfortunately for him, that’s  where his luck ended. A different Wasp knocked him down from behind. Tevatti fell down to the  ground. As he tried to get up, he felt the tip of a javelin pressed against his throat. 

- This one’s important, we are taking him alive. - another wasp hissed Wasp hissed 

Tevatti tried to free himself, but the much larger bug immobilized him with their body weight alone.  He held his breath as he felt the sharp edge of the weapon so close to his skin. 

Suddenly, the Wasp dropped the weapon and collapsed to the ground. Its yellow blood splashed  onto Tevatti. He looked up to see Revo pointing his gun. The Wasp was spasming on the ground,  gurgling blood. It didn’t take long before the Wasp stopped moving. Revo gave him a poignant  look before turning around and firing at the Wasps. 

Mariluna created what looked like a dark cloud around herself. Tevatti felt the unmistakable smell  of tar and smoke. This was a dangerous strategy with Tyrumi so close but he did not have the  time to question her choices. Suddenly, a spear flew towards them. A single Wasp hunter must  have lost his weapons and grabbed onto a spear belonging to one of his scouts. Tevatti heard a  muffled scream as the sharp tip grazed the edge of the cloud. He froze in fear. He couldn’t see  what was hit but the scream unmistakably belonged to little Tyrumi. He ran towards them but the  burning smell of the dark cloud made him slow down. Even touching the edge made his hands  shake in an unnatural fashion, his chitin began turning grey. He took a step back. 

- Tyrumi! - he yelled out 

He heard a cry. She was alive. Mariluna was trying to tell him something but he could not pick up  on individual words. 

Their defenses were falling. The enemy outnumbered them. He wanted to yell for Mariluna to run  away with Tyrumi, to take her to safety. He wanted to order his people to flee but he could not  leave the little girl alone. 

- Spread out! - he called out, words freezing in his throat 

What caught his attention was Revo. He stood up, holding both his gun and his cane. Numerous  Wasps were surrounding him, pointing their weapons.  

- Drop your weapon! - they ordered  

Revo tossed the gun aside. 

- The cane too. 

He stood still, not responding. Tevatti couldn’t read his expression. It didn’t look like fear, it didn’t  look like rage either. It was something unknown to him. 

What unfolded next had Tevatti as a loss for words. Revo tapped his cane on the ground. A wall of  black Essence rose around them. It looked like a breaking wave, a sudden tsunami arising from  the furious ocean. It engulfed all the wasps standing nearby. The sky itself seemed to darken. The  Wasps were swallowed by the ring of darkness, their cries muffled by the thunderous noise of the  cage they found themselves in. Tevatti stared in shock as the darkness cleared and numerous  Wasp bodies fell down to the ground. They were dripping black ink from their orifices, their faces  frozen in agony. Their bodies were dissolving, turning into grey mush. It took only a few seconds  to wipe out any trace of Wasp hunters.  

Tevatti dusted himself off. A few of his scouts were staring in shock at what had unfolded. The  cloud around Mariluna was dispersing, she was trying to comfort Tyrumi. Revo stared into the  distance before sitting down.  

Tevatti ran to Tyrumi.  

- What happened! - he yelled out  

- Something hit her leg. - Mariluna sounded shaken 

Tevatti got a look. The wound didn’t look as bad as he expected. The spear merely grazed her leg.  She was bleeding and her chitin torn in places, but it did appear her muscle was untouched. He  tried to comfort Tyrumi but he didn’t know what to say. Tyrumi was sobbing, clinging to Mariluna’s  chest. Mariluna started to wrap the wound in a white bandage. Tevatti wanted to do it himself; her 

did not trust whatever a Shadow had touched not to be dangerous to his people, but he needed  to take care of those who were gravely wounded first. 

Tevatti took time to check up on his scouts. Some were wounded, a few were beyond saving.  Mariluna joined him.  

- I have medical supplies with me. - she spoke - You have good reasons not to trust my kind but  I know how to help. 

Tevatti froze. Should he accept help in treating the wounded from a being of decay? It was a risk.  It would be foolish. He knew scouts would follow his decision. Whatever the Shadows were using  could kill. But was it his right to deny someone trying to save a life? He took a deep breath. 

- You may tend the wounded, but you will not use any of your devices. - he hoped he wouldn’t regret this decision. 

To his surprise, she had a good knowledge of medicine and anatomy. She tried offering Tevatti  supplies from her bag but he refused. He couldn’t even name some of them. Mari helped him to  tend to the wounds of the Scouts. The scouts in better condition joined in on helping those who  couldn’t walk. They were wary of Mariluna but were tolerating her presence. She did not have the  grace of a medic but was definitely trained in basic wound care. 

- My specialty is plants. - she whispered  

Revo was not helping them. He was talking with Tyrumi, trying to calm her down. His voice was deep and captivating. He tried to distract her from looking at the surrounding bloodshed. 

Tevatti approached him. 

- What are you? 

Revo looked him. 

- You don’t know much about us after all. I picked up a few skills along the way. Tevatti did not like him dodging the question. 

- You are not an ordinary Shadow.

- And are not an ordinary Bug. 

Tevatti didn’t know how to respond. Has he made the wrong assumption? Maybe despite all the  encounters, he had no idea what their kind was truly like? If they did not want to be perceived as  beasts, they had ample opportunity to do so. 

Something didn’t seem right. He has witnessed Shadows using their deadly Essence as a weapon  but never to this scale, never with that spectacular power. 

He noticed a detail he hadn't seen before. The upper part of Revo’s coat got unbuttoned, revealing  what was on the inside. A shine caught Tevatti’s attention. Beneath his coat he wore a beaded  necklace. It looked strange compared to the rest of his simple, practical outfit.  

Tevatti felt something strange when he looked at the necklace. He could sense some weird  energy. It didn’t feel like any kind of magic he was familiar with. It didn’t feel like life energy itself  either, it didn’t feel like the deadly Essence either. There was something special about this  necklace. There was some unknown weight Tevatti felt when looking at it. 

He didn’t get to stare at it for long as Revo buttoned his coat back up. 

- You should take the wounded and the dead back home. - he spoke

Tyrumi and Mari joined them. Tyrumi clung to Mari and asked:

- Can we meet again next time?

Tevatti looked at her consternated. He regretted taking such great risks but he also was well aware he opened these doors. Mariluna reached for something in her bag.

- Take this. - she said as she handed Tevatti a small sack. It was small enough to fit perfectly in the palm of his hand - If you ever need to find me, use this.

- I cannot take your device into my home. - he shook his head

- You do not need to take it. You can leave it here, put it in a tree hollow or wherever you want.

Tevatti wanted to argue but took one look at Tyrumi, clinging to Mariluna and caved in.

- Fine. Your gift will not see the walls of my city but I will not discard it.

Chapter Text

Taking a single step forward took her to a whole other world.

Everything was pulsating with life. Vines appeared to stretch in all directions, plants were blossoming in a pattern so rapid and aggressive, they covered the ground and the skies alike. All her senses were overwhelmed, colors flashed around her, she sensed a furious burst of raw life energy. She felt so many smells, both of the pleasant and unpleasant kind. The intense smell of pollen of various plants. The smell of ground after rain of air before a storm. A scent of blood reached her nose, followed by a cacophony of smells related to bodily functions. Various pheromones and excretions swirled in the air, blending into an overwhelming spectacle of scents. The sensations were sweet and they were vile, all at the same time.

This place was alive, it was pulsating with pure energy. Her vision was blurry, as she saw silhouettes of various creatures in the corner of her eye. They laughed, they screamed, they were giving birth, they ate and they defecated. They fought for their lives and they copulated. She couldn’t comprehend everything that was taking place around her. Her legs felt like jelly, she fell to her knees.

It lasted mere seconds before her surroundings began to quiet. To her they felt like minutes. She felt a sudden pulsating sensation in her implanted plant arm. Her vision was clearing, she could see the frenzied plants have formed a pathway, a tunnel leading deeper into the unknown. She stood up and took a single step forward, only to be pulled back to the surface.

Mariluna fell to the ground. She was back where she started. Back in the real world. Or back in the physical realm, whatever it was. She was breathing heavily and shaking.

- Are you hurt? - her companion rushed to her

Mariluna could hear the concern in his voice. She nodded and he reached out, helping her get up.

- I saw it. - she continued gasping for air - We opened a passage.
- Was it unstable? - he asked
- Seems like it.

She picked up the device that led them here. She glanced at the complex display of graphs and gauges. They were showing some disturbances, but nothing close to the pulses that led them there.

- Can we open it again? - he asked
- Not anymore. - she sighed - At least not right here. Connection was severed and we need to track another hot spot.

They came so close. She got a glimpse into the realm of the divine, into the beating heart of this planet. But it was not meant to be. Not yet.

- Perhaps we disturbed it earlier? - her companion suggested - When we were fighting these pests.
- That’s probably it.

It was supposed to be a discreet mission. A Wasp attack was not something they expected. Wasp rarely ventured that far east, into the heart of the Forest Tribe territory. Whoever was in charge of patrols and keeping the territory safe was in hot water. Using a rapid burst of Moja essence for sure damaged the delicate membrane separating the realms, but it was their only option.

- How long will it take? - he asked
- I cannot tell. - she answered - could be a few days, could be a few months.

The shock of witnessing what was on the other side of the ephemeral barrier was slowly settling down. She now felt bitter and frustrated. She came so close, she stepped into what could be the discovery of a lifetime, only to get violently pulled back.

…

~ Two days earlier, Moja Central Base ~

Mariluna arrived at the meeting together with her most trusted researchers. She requested it herself; she was close to a breakthrough but needed help from their leader to proceed any further.

He was awaiting her, surrounded by a handful of military officials. Mariluna herself requested them to be present. She knew most from afar but some were more intimate to her. Artylia was present, towering over everyone gathered, even when she was sitting down. Terencia was standing to her right, leaning on the wooden table. Mariluna and Artylia were the only High Command members in the room. She did not say it out loud but she was pleased with the absence of Rhonda and especially Trevoiy.

- You requested that meeting yourself, Chancellor. - Bon spoke - I assume it is important, if you request the commanders to be present as well.

Mariluna was taken aback, but quickly collected herself and requested one of her subordinates to display a presentation. A map of the vast Eastern Woodlands was displayed on a screen on the table. She zoomed in towards a particular area and spoke:

- We have studied the transit pathways of the flowers. We are almost certain they are a delivery tool for the deity to distribute life energy across the planet.

The people gathered here murmured. A few of them nodded their heads.

- So, are you getting to the point? - Artylia quipped which led to Terencia sending her a deadly stare
- Let her speak, General. - one of the commanders Mariluna didn’t recognize said

Mariluna cleared her throat and dropped the proverbial bomb:

- After weeks of tracking, we have finally found a possible entrance to the Goddess’ domain.

The crowd went silent. They stared at each other until Artylia spoke again:

- If we are not storming the place already, I can assume there’s a catch, isn’t there?

Mariluna nodded and continued:

- The Sacred Grove is not located in the physical realm. It seems to be a pocket dimension separated from our world by a powerful barrier of pure life energy. I believe we are capable of tracking spots where the barrier is thin, spots where we could absorb it to open an entrance into this realm. But the sheer accumulation of it would require sending an army there… Or one particularly strong individual.
- So, is there any reason not to send in a large group of Mojas? - Bonmucho asked
- The entrance point is very fragile and it changes location. The more people we send the more likely we end up disturbing it before we get there and losing connection.

The room seemed displeased with Mariluna’s unspoken suggestion of a dangerous mission.

- Sir, we cannot let you go without an escort. - Artylia objected - Not after the last two incidents.
- We would risk both your safety and your hidden identity being compromised. - one of the commanders chimed in
- We’ve been risking enough by letting you stroll almost unsupervised. - someone else added, scowling at Mariluna

Most of Mariluna’s studies took her into uninhabited wilderness. The few times she came close to settlements, she was accompanied by a handful of guards.

- Perhaps we could clear the area beforehand and observe them from a distance. - Terencia spoke for the first time since the meeting started.

Mariluna took the initiative:

- We narrowed down an area the size of around five square kilometers. This could be the answer to all of our problems. It is also located entirely within the territory of the Forest Tribe which does not attack unprovoked.
- Our existence is a provocation to them. - someone snorted
- I have to actually take her side here. - Artylia chimed in - My troops have faced the woodland Moths. They are cowards who do not attack unless attacked first.

The Supreme General seemed convinced by her arguments. They spent the following hours creating a detailed plan, arguing over the safe distance their troops would be stationed. Mariluna argued for the smallest amount of troops possible, to the disdain of the soldiers. Finding the balance between safety and minimizing the risk of closing the passage was no easy task.

The first rule established was not to attack without an explicit order. The soldiers would be stationed on the outskirts of the marked area and would not get close to the duo. Risk couldn’t be fully eliminated, but this could be a giant step forward for their cause.

…

~ A few days later, Forest Tribe town ~
Spring was in full swing. Plants blossomed, greenery was ever-present and all encompassing. Faint flowers on trees were being replaced by lush leaves. The sun was shining, it was an exceptionally warm and beautiful time of the year. Usually it would be a time of celebration, but now Moths dreaded that with the snow going away, the Shadows would smell fresh blood and resume their conquest.

Tevatti had his hands full leading the Forest Tribe. Their towns were overcrowded due to refugees coming. Winter slowed down fighting but there were still many Moths forced to leave their homes, whether due to the Shadows, conflicts between settlements or raids from rogue bugs like Mantises and Wasps. Due to the new threat posed by the beasts from beyond the stars, he has almost forgotten about the usual squabbles between mortals. But the last Wasp attack, killing some of his scouts and injuring many, was a somber reminder that even in time of a universal calamity, there was a time for conflict between common people.

All of the Moths who accompanied him have been taken back into the town. The dead were buried and wounded were brought to the infirmary. Tevatti personally checked up on them. Some of the scouts were in a bad state, but the majority of those who managed to come back alive, had a good prognosis. The Forest Tribe were not as skilled healers as their Lake Tribe siblings. However, they were no amateurs when it came to treating the ill. Their vast knowledge of nature allowed for crafting various remedies from things they could cultivate nearby or collect in the woods.

In better times they could trade for more advanced supplies, but this travel was so dangerous that they had to deal with what they could produce themselves or get from local towns. There used to be more healers capable of enchantments, but now they were so few and far between, they were swarmed by crowds.

It was time to visit Tyrumi. Tevatti cared about every child in the settlement, but she had a special place in his heart. She was the one who was like a daughter to him.

Her leg wound was smaller than it initially seemed. Tevatti did not want to keep her stuck in the overflowing infirmary if it was not needed. He believed fresh air and being with her peers will be better for her than the four walls of an already crowded infirmary. However, he did take her for daily checkups and bandage changes.
Tevatti found her playing with a group of children. The weather was perfect for outdoor activity and the local fields were safe from all threats, enclosed between the well guarded settlement walls. The kids were mostly Forest Tribe natives, but a number of them were refugees from all across Eastern Plains. Tyrumi herself was a Forest Tribe descendant but her family lived way further west, near the Lunar Temple.

Tevatti approached a group of children. They playing a complex game which included sticks, balls and markings in the sand. They were shouting the rules to each other in fervor. Tevatti himself didn’t understand the rules and wasn’t sure who was winning or losing at any given moment, but the kids accompanied each move with triumphant cheers or disappointed scowls. They didn’t even notice him approaching. It was Tyrumi’s turn. She gently picked up the ball.

Tevatti overheard an older boy saying:

- She spends fime with the Shadows, she will play like them. She will miss this shot.
- She probably eats Moths too. - another boy grinned
-
Tevatti stepped in front of them. The kids finally noticed them. Tyrumi was holding back tears.

- Boys, mind your tongues. - Tevatti's voice was firm and commanding - Tyrumi has braved the atrocities of war, and it would not do her well to suffer cruelty in her home. You are her kin, you shall treat her thus.

The boys looked embarrassed. They were still kids after all. But bullying must be cut at its root. He wanted to threaten calling their parents, but he realized a lot of the children here were orphans.

- If you continue such shameful behavior, you will be punished.

The kids respected his authority. It was his duty to protect the most vulnerable ones amongst them. Discord between Moths was akin to a disease which would spread if not treated.

- I need to interrupt you, kids. - Tevatti lightened up - I need to take Tyrumi to the infirmary for a checkup. You can finish your round but we need to go now. You will be able to return to your peers after that.

…

The infirmary was overflowing. There were only a few skilled medics in this settlement. Tevatti wanted to give them the best conditions possible, but he was not a miracle worker. His tribe could only do so much with the resources at their disposal. The medics and nurses worked tirelessly to treat the sick and injured. Tevatti was well aware a plague could be deadlier than war.

Gentle rays of afternoon sun made the hut feel cozy. The place smelled of herbs and dirt. Some patients groaned, someone snored, nurses were bustling around. The infirmary was crowded but clean, at least as clean as it was possible to keep it within the current situation. Tevatti realized it was much better than what most Moths in Eastern Woodlands had. However, he still wished it could have been better.

Tevatti brought in Tyrumi for a checkup and change of dressing. The nurse unwrapped the bandages from Tyrumi’s leg and proceeded to clean the wound. She held a wet cloth smelling of medicinal herbs to the slowly healing wound and moved her hands in gentle strokes. Tyrumi squeaked when the cold cloth touched her shell but did not say anything.

- Her leg is healing. But the process is slow. - the nurse told Tevatti - She won’t be able to run for a while but she can stay out of the infirmary.

Tyrumi was capable of walking, but she was slightly limping. She did not move very fast either.

The nurse turned to Tyrumi and said:

- You are a very brave girl.
The nurse stepped back to pick something from the storage unit. Tyrumi and Tevatti waited for her.

- I now need to apply a serum. - she said - It will sting a little. But it will help your leg heal. Soon you should be able to run and jump around. But as for now, be careful.

…

Tevatti was called in by a messenger coming from a different settlement. The scouts and messengers of the Forest Tribe were their pride and glory. They knew the treacherous woods like the back of their own hand and they could move around without leaving a trace. They were crucial in keeping settlements connected. Even if the Shadows rarely ventured this far south, one couldn’t be too cautious.

- The Mountain Tribe has formed a treaty with the Shadows. - the messenger exclaimed

Hearing that left Tevatti speechless. He could not believe what he had just heard. Last year was filled with bloodshed and warfare that, while vile, was to be expected. This year kept surprising him with unheard of developments.

- Impossible, Shadows are not capable of peace. - he responded, looking consternated
- And yet, they themselves reached out to the Mountain Tribe.

Tevatti thought that such a treaty would not last long. That it was all a ploy to make the Mountain Tribe lower their guard. But recently he has been learning that there were many things he did not know about the dark beasts yet.

- What are the treaty conditions? - he asked
- Both sides will recognize each other as lawful rules of their respective lands and cease all forms of aggression towards each other. The Mountain Tribe will gain access to trade routes. The Shadows will gain access to the capital city archives.

Tevatti felt betrayed. He has met Resheka, the leader of the Mountain Tribe before. She was always cold and pragmatic, but she came off as someone principled. Not a fool who would fall for obvious lies.

- They would abandon their principles to fraternize with savage monsters? - Tevatti yelled out

The messenger was taken aback, not certain what to say.

- I am just a messenger, sir. - he responded, lowering his head - But if I were to give my insight… It seems their survival was on the line.

…

Tevatti entered the elevated hut in which he usually held important meetings. The building was spacious but gloomy, with windows covered by twisting roots and vines. Only a select few could enter here which guaranteed privacy. Whether it be with his tribal warriors or foreign representatives, this was the place to talk to them.
Tevatti called in a trusted tribal elder, someone who had been by his side even before he became the chieftain. He needed to discuss the unfolding events with someone he could trust.

- A messenger informed me the Mountain Tribe formed a treaty with the Shadows. - Tevatti said

He expected outrage to match his own. However, whilst the elder seemed surprised, he remained calm.

- This could be a rumor. - the elder was not convinced
- I put my trust in our messengers.
- See, our scouts are the best in all of Eastern Plains, but the outside world can be deceitful. They would not lie, but someone might tell them lies.
- There is such a possibility. Someone could be trying to sow distrust and discord amongst the tribes.

Tevatti paused, lost in his thoughts.

- Yes, we should inquire with the Mountain Tribe themselves. - he continued
- Such a pact, if real, could be of benefit to Moth as a whole. - the elder added
- A treaty with monsters who spill our blood on the daily? - Tevatti was outraged
- Unfortunately, yes. People have grown desperate. They are noble and would not hesitate to fight till their last breath, but many would agree to a treaty that stops the bloodshed. Many have given hope the Shadows can be driven. Besides that, this deal may open up routes between tribes as well.

Tevatti was unsure how to respond. The final addition sounded trivial at a glance, but could see the point the elder was making. This past winter the Forest Tribe had faced an outbreak of a fungal infection which caused the shells of bugs to swell and itch. While the sickness wasn’t lethal, it took many bugs weeks to recover. There is a known remedy, but its key ingredient is a plant that only grows further up north, in a colder climate. Having open routes could’ve eased the pain of many moths under his care.

- I understand the desire to preserve your own people. It should be the priority of any leader worthy of representing their tribe. - he said - But the Shadows are savage and cruel. You cannot reason with them.
- Perhaps Resheka knows something you do not. You yourself stood face to face with the beasts and concluded they keep secrets beyond your reach.

Tevatti had to give the elder some credit. He was upset with Resheka, but  were her actions much different from him choosing to meet the flowering one and her strange companion?

- There is one more thing that I find worrisome. - Tevatti said

The elder nodded at him, prompting Tevatti to continue.

- The Shadow that followed the Flower Mistress was unlike the rest of their kind. - he blurted out
- What do you mean? - the elder asked
- He could control the Shadow essence unlike anyone I’ve witnessed before.
- Well, we have faced skilled warriors before. Perhaps they sent someone particularly proficient to guard the Flower Mistress.
- No, you haven’t been there to witness it. - Tevatti’s voice was shaking - He wiped out a squad of wasps within seconds, without so much as laying a finger on a single one.

The elder didn’t respond. Tevatti took a deep breath and said:

- If there is this mysterious class of warriors, capable of wiping out armies with a flick of the wrist, dark times lie ahead for our people.
- But there may be a reason such a power was never used before, perhaps it is too costly or too difficult to control. - the elder responded - Maybe even the beasts are wary of such a power.

Tevatti paused. His companion had a point. If such a power was common, it would’ve been used before.

- Perhaps they were channeling the power of darkness itself? - Tevatti asked, not expecting an answer
- We have seen the Lord of Shadows achieve such feats so far. Perhaps he is capable of gifting a fraction of his own might to his most loyal followers. Has the mysterious individual introduced himself?
- He went by the name Revo, but other than that I don’t know who he was. The Flower Mistress described him as a companion. - Tevatti was trying to put all the pieces together, but details of that day blended together to the point he was not sure what was a memory and what was a figment of imagination. He might have been a guard, but she did not treat him as a subordinate.
- To our knowledge she is an oddity amongst their kind. - the elder pointed out - Perhaps she has a different view of their authority.
- All Shadows are obedient zealots. But she is an exception to many rules.

The room fell silent. Tevatti was lost in his thoughts, chasing a thread that would connect all the dots. The elder spoke again:

- There is one more unsolved question: why did they let you go? If they possessed a secret power, strong enough to annihilate dozens of wasps within seconds, why would they let a group of Moths return home having seen that?
- It was because of Tyrumi. - Tevatti sounded certain - Mariluna, the flowering Shadow, took a liking to her. Which means other Shadows are aware of their bond.
- You shouldn’t have let little Tyrumi fraternize with them. - the elder said, putting a lot of emphasis on the last word - You scold our brothers in the mountains, yet you approach the beastly kin yourself.

Tevatti took a step back. He knew he was taking risks. But there was something deep within him that made it impossible to back off.

- I cannot orphan a child a second time. - he stated, his voice firm and confident - Tyrumi was saved and given the warmth she needed. Even though she was found by a beast, it would be sacrilegious to break that bond.

…

~ Moja Nursery, Central Base ~

There were thousands of little Mojas in this nursery alone. Their entire civilization consisted of spawns of the High Moja, so wherever the leaders went, that’s where new Mojas were brought into this world. Millions of them every month, born from an inconspicuous cluster produced by the body of a High Moja. After separating from the parent’s body, the cluster grew orders of magnitude in size, forming a cocoon carrying the growing embryos of a new generation of Mojas.

This colony was not intended as a long-term civilian development. This planet has been determined as a center of scientific and military operations. Whilst it had everything the Moja needed to live there for years, it was not a suitable place for children. The Empire had a large network responsible for sending both embryos and newborns both to Homeworld and colonies far more suited for younglings. Despite the government branch responsible for the process being akin to a smoothly oiled machine, the sheer amount of newborns slowed down the process.

The nursery was many stories tall, with walls covered in rows that narrowed as they went up. Each one contained hundreds of cocoon shaped cradles. Adult Mojas were buzzing around, tending to the infants. The nurseries and hatcheries were some of the highest security spots of the entire Empire, perhaps even more secure than their weapon development sites and military intelligence facilities. After all, losing a clutch would be a devastating blow and a tragedy.

Such a centralized structure of society had its risks but the Moja did not question it. After all, such was their biology. In a way similar to why a fish doesn’t question being in the water, they did not question their reality. It was to them a fact of life just as obvious as breathing and eating food were.

The nursery was a place where even the High Command members needed a special permission to enter. Located underground, highly secure, but buzzing with Mojas tasked with taking care of the spawns. Everybody needed to follow special safety and hygiene procedures that even the Supreme General went through.

Mariluna came to visit from time to time. She perceived these places as sacred; spots where life of her kind persisted against all odds. She believed she was better with plants than with children, but she had love in her heart for the younglings.

She came here to meet up with Bonmucho. His schedule was usually packed to the brim but he visited the nursery frequently. This time he requested Mari to keep him company.

- I sometimes wish I could spend time with each and every one of them. - his voice was filled with unusual melancholy

Mariluna was unsure what to say. He likely did not expect a response. They both knew it was impossible. But Mariluna couldn’t even imagine the responsibility placed on someone bringing this many new lives into the world.

Bon leaned over one of the cradles. He touched the head of a baby Moja. The baby had a perky nose, round face and brown skin with black spots marking where their body was connected to their growing cocoon. Baby Mojas had short locks that could twitch and move on their own. The baby laughed and grabbed Bon’s finger. He smiled.

- In a few weeks they will start growing teeth. Have you ever been bitten by a baby Moja, Mariluna? It can hurt.
- Never been, sir.

Baby Mojas were fed a mixture of finely ground up boiled meat, water and nutrients, affectionately called a meat sludge. Despite possessing bodily characteristics commonly found in mammals, these similarities were only surface level. Mojas do not produce milk, they are dependent on meat from the day of their hatching.

- I will outlive every single one of them.

Mari heard a slight crack in Bon’s voice. He did not show his feelings often, but little Mojas often got it out of him. They were his own flesh and blood after all.

- Long life is a blessing and a curse. - she said - But with time you gain more experience needed to give them the best future possible. Nobody else can reach such a level of insight.

Bon stood back up and looked at Mariluna, his expression turning serious again.

- You cannot keep going into the woods without a larger guard group. - he said
- I understand your worries, sir. But the signal gets disturbed the more Mojas are nearby. This will slow down our search by months, if not years. I’ve researched for months and only faced hostility once. A guard or two like usual is enough.
- If I wasn’t there the last time, this would’ve ended in tragedy. The Forest Tribe has tolerated our presence so far, but that might change soon. Bugs are getting more bold.

He was right. Despite their peaceful nature, the Forest Tribe was still an enemy. Mariluna was not a soldier, but her being an Ojaja made her naturally more powerful and imposing than most Mojas. Natives usually feared approaching her. But she wouldn’t be able to fight off a group of bugs.

- I have given all my studies to the research department. - she responded - My plant implants put a load on a body, but I am not the only one who can use them. There are many Mojas ready to sacrifice strength for knowledge.
- A replacement wouldn’t live up to your results for months. It is not time we are allowed to waste.

Mariluna wasn’t sure how to respond. The relationships between the Moja were strange. While Bon was their father by blood, he could not raise every single one of them. He was a distant figure ruling their kin to most, but he developed a bond with the ones closest to him.

- You have that kindness in you I could not allow myself to have.