[** Deep in the Colony **]

"So he is rebelling," said eerie voice belonging to intimidating creature wearing a torn gray robe and robust necklace. He had no legs and his torso was floating in the air. His arms were big and on his head, he had three red eyes and pair of wide horns.

"You mean the lost herm named Eclipse, Lord Black Doom?" asked smaller and similar looking henchman, but he had no horns and his robe was more colorful.

"Yes, I thought he is supposed to be still paralyzed, so I sent for him only one soldier. Did they do a half-assed job? I knew I should have got rid of them when they have born!"

"I can assure you, master, Cregal, and Cyzer did their best to bring him unharmed. He is after all the first lost herm. They had the best interest of the Colony in mind, just like always."

The leader of the Colony was thinking. "True, how did I miss him during the transformation day?" He shook his head. "Never mind, he shall answer me that... by hook or by crook."

"I shall send soldiers to capture him," the henchman bowed, leaving the huge room. Once he turned his back to him, the servant frowned. 'This was close.' He headed to his smaller quarters where he was taking audiences and giving orders to non-herm Darklings.

He was greeted by the said duo and other Darklings. "Cyzer, Cregal, the prisoner has escaped. Go and find him, I shall give three soldiers each of you."

"How did he escape? My shot should keep him paralyzed for at least another hour!" Cregal was surprised and nervous by this information.

"I know. I trust your ability but he somehow shook it off. I shall inform other Darklings thru telepathy."

"Yes, Master Black Death!" they saluted and once outside, they encountered six basic soldiers. Each took three and ran in opposite directions.

Black Death then spread the order thru the whole Colony in a matter of a minute, assigning soldiers to every Darkling for their use. It caused a small commotion, as they never heard of Darkling to rebel against their Lord or anyone hiding their herm-attribute.

They as well got excited, whoever will catch him, may get a reward from the Lord... like personal soldiers for their command. The usually silent colony was now buzzing with a noise.

[** Somewhere else **]

'Dang, it!' cursed Eclipse in his mind as he was sticking to the ceiling looking at a group of soldiers to run below him. It was already the fifth group they encountered after a few minutes since they break-out.

"They must have noticed our escape," whispered Mephiles.

"Great, that's what we just needed." He jumped down once Mephiles informed him the corridor was finally clear. "We have to move quickly now." He sped up with an adrenaline flooding his whole body. "Ack!" he barked as he turned a corner and clashed with someone.

Both parties were confused as they haven't expected anyone. The enemy was about to shout when Eclipse covered his mouth but three soldiers appeared in front of him. "Dang it!" He quickly jabbed the Darkling, before turning back and running.

Soon he heard they were behind him and since another group was right in front of him, he had to turn to another corridor, entering unknown territory.

"Stop!" shouted bulky looking Darkling, but Eclipse sped up, used his head as a platform, jumping over the soldiers who were trying to catch him and continued. The other groups ran after him and they clashed with the last group, jamming the space and giving the escapees a bit of time to gain some distance.

He continued running for several long minutes, avoiding groups or stunning their leaders to gain some time. Once he got lost he had no chance but to take a rest. He leaned against the warm wall. "What now?"

"We have to find a place to hide. I think we got closer to the core now, but I have no idea since this place is like a maze."

"Tell me about it! I never visited this part. And I swear where I lived that the corridors were changing after some time, making navigation even more puzzling."

They heard a silent creaking, Eclipse bristled, climbing to the ceiling digging his claws into a bit soft stone... like a meat. After long seconds at the end of corridor appeared a wagon full of red fruit pushed by single and small Darkling. He heard he is panting and judging by his physique he must have been fairly weak. When he almost missed them, Eclipse jumped down, grabbing him, covering his mouth and silently whispering: "If you don't want to be hurt, do what I say!"

He noticed the small body shivered and he felt bad for doing so, but he had no other choice if he wanted to leave this place. His hostage nodded.

"Good, I'll remove my hand. Try anything funny and I'll gut you." The small one again nodded and so he moved his hand away. The small Darkling immediately turned around, pressing his back against the wagon. His eyes were unfocused and gray. "Where am I know?" Eclipse tried to sound threatening and dominant.

"In... In the garden area... that's at the end of the corridor," his voice sounded so girly... this one may be more a girl than a boy.

"Good, which way I can leave the Colony?"

"I... don't know! Really!" She slit down shaking like crazy. "I was never out! I was always attending the garden!"

Eclipse silently cursed. Great, just when he thought he found a way out, he has to meet the gardener. He looked inside of the wagon, feeling hungry. He took two pieces, one he ate and he put the other behind, so Mephiles could have a meal without being seen.

The fruit had a bland taste and Eclipse completely forgot about it, but it was full of nutrition and energy. He took the next piece, giving it to the Darkling girl-boy. "Here," he simply said. She took it, without saying a word or actually lifting her head. "Hey," he lowered his head to see her face. "Are you blind?"

She nodded while nibbling the fruit. "I was like that since the birth."

Eclipse was quite surprised Black Doom let her live. He always feared he may be deemed useless and killed, but thankfully he was only kicked out. Actually, on the outside world he was supposed to gather information and gave them to messengers, but he decided to leave the Colony completely, living his own life.