Chapter Text
Hornet stared out towards the wild lands with a mixture of hesitation and anticipation. The space that lay between civilizations was a land harsher than any other, and while she knew she would have to cross the deadly lands at some point, standing here made the journey seem ever more daunting. And made the comforts of Pharloom seem ever closer. She hadn’t even said goodbye to anyone yet! She should…. She should head back for a day, give people time to prepare for her departure…. Inform Shakra that while they may never meet again, she will never forget her.
Yes, there were still many things to do that…
No
No, she had put off her pilgrimage for long enough. While Hornet was still unsure if she would remain in Hallownest, there was someone she needed to speak to. Well, technically, the remnants of someone. The little ghost was long gone after all. It had been changed into a being even she could not begin to comprehend, and yet, a fragment of them must have remained. Why else would they and their siblings have saved her so? She needed to give thanks to all her siblings, even if her words would never reach them. There was no time for distractions, no time for doubt, no time to address a gnawing sense of guilt. It was time for her to begin her journey, and like all paths, she had to take the first step.
Unfortunately for Hornet, there existed one entity one step ahead of her. And unfortunately, being a distraction was her favorite pastime.
“My oh my, Hornet! Is our savior escaping from this corpse of a kingdom so soon?” A shrill voice called out from behind Hornet. Hornet didn’t need to look back to know who it was.
“While I do not wish to understate the aid I gave to your kingdom, the title of savior is one I will not claim. I have seen far too many people suffer under such a title.”
“You would rebuke all those in the citadel who chant your name? Ice truly does run through your silken heart!”
“And I shudder to think what runs through yours.”
“Tsk tsk, Hornet, do you forget your past deductions so easily? I have no such thing as a heart!”
“Nor a brain, it would seem. I see no other explanation for why you think it’s smart to mock me before making your request, child.”
Lace scoffed loudly at the remark before loudly stomping over. Well, she was trying to stomp loudly, but being made of silk makes one awfully quiet. Much to Laces' annoyance and the relief of every other bug in Pharloom. She was loud enough already.
“Must there be a transaction every time we meet? Am I not allowed to simply converse with an… oh, what should I call you now? A helpful hag? You are the age!” Lace said mockingly.
It was the Hornets' turn to scoff. “You can call us Ally's child, though every remark you make strains that arrangement.”
“Well, am I simply not allowed to converse with an ally then?”
“You are allowed to child. You have simply chosen to never exercise that allowance when engaging with me.”
“Well, if you allowed me to engage with you more, mayhaps you would receive more than requests, HMMMMMMMMM?” Lace said, leaning forward so that her face was a few inches from Hornets.
Hornet sighed but offered up no words to the contrary. She had been rather… mobile in the past few weeks. Hornet had spent the last several centuries standing as Hallownest's guardian, and she had no intention of serving such a role again. She had become more and more reclusive in the weeks following the fall of grandmother silk, hopeful that their reduced appearance would cause fewer of Pharlooms' citizens to rely upon her. It was becoming abundantly apparent that her absence had not gone unnoticed, however. Sherma had started to set off supplies for her to take when she would set off into the wilderness. Pavo had begun to dust her Bell home when she was not around, assuring she had a clean space to stay for the few days she would return. And Shakra… Well, after a “chance” meeting with her in the wilderness for the fifth time, Hornet was starting to doubt whether or not the wasp truly was just “making sure her maps were still accurate”. The people of Pharloom were oddly affectionate. It was unfortunate that such affections were misplaced. Hornet was a hunter, and a hunter—
“And then during the few times we do meet, you choose to ignore me. My non-existent heart is in tatters, hornet. TATTERS!” Lace’s shrill voice rang out yet again, snapping Hornet out of her thoughts. She sighed before stepping back slightly, putting some distance between her and Lace's pouting face.
“I do, in this specific case, apologise for my aloofness, child. I have a great deal of thoughts plaguing my mind, and your words have only caused more to surface.”
“I said something capable of making the great huntress think? Why, if my mother were still alive, she would shed a tear out of pride. Well, she wouldn’t, but I can certainly act as if she would!” Lace let out a laugh, but Hornet could detect a pain behind it. A pain that Hornet had some level of understanding of. She, too, was born with a purpose in mind, a creature conceived of a contract rather than raw compassion. Yet unlike lace, her mother had at least———
A silken claw pushed itself up against Hornet's face, yet again breaking her train of thought. “Or mayhaps you are always so aloof! Drifting away twice in the same conversation! Oh, it's a wonder you made it as far as you did, little spider! I’m almost impressed that a pond skipper didn't send you into an existential crisis along the way!”
“I assure you, I am not so distractible. Usually.” Hornet responded as she batted Lace’s claw away.
“Oh ho ho ho! What is so unusual about today?”
Hornet let out a sigh. “ I am thinking back to our escape from the void. While you were unconscious, I… encountered someone from my past.”
“Within the void? Little spider, the dust from the wildlands must have slipped into your mind! Nothing survives down there for long. Certainly, no something old enough to be from your past.”
“Not something, child. Someone. A sibling, similar to me. Though they were born nearly entirely of void and soul. They saved the kingdom of Hallownest at a cost of their own life. Or so I incorrectly assumed.”
“Our great savior admitting both mistakes and confusion on the same day? Oh, what has Pharloom come to!” Lace clasped her hands in mock prayer. Hornet glared at her for several seconds before continuing to speak.
“During our ascent from the void… my strength alone would not have been enough to ensure our escape. They made sure that my lack of strength didn’t spell the end for us both.”
“Ahh, so I should call them my savior, hmm?”
“They have earned such a title.”
“And so what, you intended to go on your own little pilgrimage to offer thanks? The people of Pharloom must have seeped into your soul, little spider!”
Hornet paused. She had spent so much time considering how she had affected Pharloom; she hadn’t considered that the opposite was true. After all she had—
“If you start to ignore me one more time, I’m using your cloak as a pin cushion.” Lace said matter-of-factly, prodding Hornet with her pin. Hornet let out a small hiss and batted it away. She turned away from Lace and back out to the wild lands. Hornet took a singular deep breath and began to stride forward.
“You would do well to make good on such threats soon, child. I cannot say for certain when I shall return to this place.”
“Hmm, yes, stabbing you while we’re on the road could make travel difficult after all. I suppose I shall stay my hand until we reach this Kingdom of yours”.
Hornet stopped dead in her tracks. Or at least she did momentarily, as the force of lace colliding with her back pushed her an inch or so forward.
“We?” Hornet asked in utter confusion.
Obviously, my dear Hornet! Why the thought of you being out there alone, oh, it makes my metaphorical heart ache!” Lace responded, rubbing her eyes as silk teardrops poured down her face.
“We?” Hornet asked yet again with increasing incredulity.
“Why, but of course! Allowing our savior to fall outside our flourishing kingdom would bring shame to all of Pharloom. I must be at your side to keep you safe!” Lace said with a completely solemn face, a claw placed over where a bug's heart would usually be.
“WE?” Hornet asked a third time, finally turning back to look at lace.
“YES WE HORNET! In case it has somehow missed your astute gaze, there remains exactly NOTHING for me here in Pharloom! Seeing as how you dragged me out of a death I was more than content to take, it seems only fair that you provide me with something to do in this “life” of mine.” Lace spat out the word life, her voice dripping with venom. Hornet would normally ignore such a demand as she was a solitary hu———-
“WAIT!” Hornet hissed out, grasping Lace's hand to prevent her pin from jabbing the red cloak Hornet wore. “Let me consider your statement." Lace seemed both surprised and placated by this response, driving her pin into the ground and leaning upon it while Hornet deliberated. While Hornet preferred to travel on her own, she could not deny feeling some sympathy for Lace. Lace, like the vessel’s hornet called her siblings, had been made for a purpose. This purpose meant the vessels received little kindness and even less companionship. Mayhaps had the vessel possessed more of a mind, they would have turned out like Lace. Lashing out at the world around them as they sought something to give them the compassion they were denied. A compassion Hornet herself had denied countless vessels….
………..
Hornet supposed Lace deserved some kindness.
“Fine, out of respect for your new life, and respect for my past siblings, I shall permit you to travel with me.” Lace’s eyes lit up like a soul fly’s.
“On three conditions.” Lace' eyes became as dark as the void below.
“One. No one else shall be dragged along for this journey at all. You shall not take anyone else with you, and more importantly, you shall not take anyone back with you to Pharloom.”
“OH NO! I suppose I shall have to disappoint all of the friends and companions I certainly have here!” Lace said mockingly as she rubbed fake tears from her eyes.
“Two. Once we arrive, you shall meet me back at Hallownest’s gate after two weeks! Any time less and I shall not be there. Any time more and I shall have already left. Is this understood?”
Lace let out a huff, “Oh, and I was just thinking of buying a long-term home! Then again, I don’t suppose Hallownest has any massive citadels with higher beings at their peak. It's sort of my whole aesthetic.
Hornet chose to ignore Lace’s sarcasm.“Three. Once we reach the kingdom, you shall leave my side so I may attend to my personal concerns.”
Lace crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. “Yes, mother! I promise to be a good little bug and let mommy deal with her issues.”
“Good. In that case, come along.” Hornet said, walking back into Pharloon.
“Oh my! It appears the dust really did get to your brain. You appear to have gotten turned around!”
“That is not the case, child. If you are to travel in Hallownest, you shall be provided with the most basic of maps.”
“Oh, you know of a map maker that has been to Hallownest?”
“No, but Shakra and I have spent a good deal of time conversing. While originally I was simply recalling the path my captors took me on, she soon asked about the contents of Hallownest itself. If you are fortunate enough, she may have enough information to give you a simple map both to and from Hallownest, and a basic idea of its appearance.”
“Ahh, yes, providing me with a map that will pale in comparison to anything that could be found in Hallownest itself! I am sure that is the reason you wish to converse with your wasp friend, hmmmm?” Hornet let out a deep-seated sigh.
She was already starting to regret this.
———————------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After purchasing a few treats from the courier brothers, which Hornet hoped would keep Lace distracted during the discussion with Shakra, the pair made their way over to the corner of Bellheart Shakra called home.
“POSHANKA!” It is good to see you again, needle-wielding Hornet! And you have brought along a friend this time as well!” Shakra called out, her face brightening as she saw Hornet and Lace approach.
“POSHANKA!” Hornet called back as she slammed the rings Shakra had given her together. “It's good to see you as well, Shakra. I trust all has been well?”
Shakra let out a laugh. “As well as all can be in Pharloom! The pondskimmers have steadied themselves, and the spearmen are still opting to maintain their distance!”
“Well, it is good to hear that Bellheart is still not in danger, but my question was meant to address your wellness, friend.”
A small blush came onto Shakra's face. “Ah, I see! Well, needle-wielding hornet, I am doing rather well, though I do find myself faced with a bit of boredom these days. While I have no desire to spend every moment of my life in conflict, the creatures of Pharloom have become far less aggressive and thus far less combative in the past few weeks. I haven’t had an intriguing battle in quite some time, and there remain few places I have not yet ventured to, and so I find myself with little to do.”
“Oh ho! Then, do allow us to temporarily alleviate your boredom!” Lace finally chimed in, apparently finishing off what sweets she had brought from the courier brothers. Hornet silently cursed herself for not buying more.
Shakra turned to face Lace with a look of curiosity.“You require my services, pin-wielding child?”
“Oh, but of course!. You see, my dear ally Hornet and I were planning to journey to a place called Hallownest! I was told that you two had quite a discussion about the place, and I was hopeful that you would be able to provide a basic sort a map based on your talks!”
Shakra placed a claw to their chin and began to scratch it.“I suppose it would not be impossible, silken child. But it would not be an accurate map in the slightest. At best, I could provide a vague sense of locations, but you would best be served by purchasing a map within this Hallownest itself.”
“Which is exactly what I thought, dear map maker! Yet when I brought up my concern to our dear little spider, she seemed certain that you would be able to help.” Lace said happily. Hornet attempted to but in, but a silken claw was firmly placed over her mouth. “I mean, she was so insistent that even with the sparse knowledge provided, your skills would let you make a map of no equal!”
The blush on Shakra's face deepened at Lace’s comment. “Ahh, I see! Well, I would not wish to disappoint! Especially after a glowing recommendation from a friend so dear! It shall take some time, but I shall see what I can create for you, pin-wielding child! Assuming you have the rosaries, of course!
Lace removed her hand from the hornet's face and mimicked reaching into nonexistent pockets. It was clear she had no intention of paying. Hornet let out a small sigh. “It would appear that I shall be the one paying for this gift, Shakra. I hope this causes no issue?”
“None at all, needle-wielding hornet! Though, while I do have your attention, I do have a request for you!”
Hornet tilted her head to the side. “A request? You have not misplaced another master, have you?”
Shakra let out a bellowing laugh. “No, my request is of a different nature this time!”
“Well, I should quite like to hear it then.”
“Well, needle-wielding hornet, if you were intending to head to Hallownest, would you mind holding back for a day or so? I intend to explore your kingdom, and having a guide so well versed would be of great assistance!”
Hornet found words spilling out of her mouth before she had a chance to process what had been said. “I will not lie, Shakra. That request is rather tempting.”
“I would hope so, friend! I understand you are a solitary creature, but I found myself quite enjoying our time map-crafting together, and am not so eager to give up that companionship!”
Though she did her best to suppress it, Shakra’s face was growing increasingly red. “Can I assume that to mean you agree?”
Hornet found herself stunned, unable to figure out her best course of action. She had never lost control of her tongue before and was thrown off entirely by how quickly she nearly agreed to the offer. Hornet wanted to spend time with Shakra, after all, she too had loved the time the pair had spent together. But that in itself was an issue. Hornet was a solitary hunter, moving from place to place as she saw fit. Adding another bug to her lifestyle would complicate things, and Hornet had no desire to deal with such things. But she did have some sort of desire for Shakra. But did that desire outweigh her want for solitude?
Yes, yes, it did.
“Well, Shakra, this may seem strange for me to say.” Hornet began before swiftly being cut off.
“But you have your own business to deal with and do not wish for me to disturb you,” Shakra said, disappointment dripping in her voice.
“..... what?” A confused Hornet responded.
“While you were thinking, your silken friend explained your desire to travel with as small a band as possible, as you are dealing with a rather personal quest.”
Hornet's head sloooooooowly turned to Lace. “Oh? She did?”
“Indeed, I did!” Lace chimed in with a bright smile. “ While I am sure the map maker has only the noblest of intentions, you made it abundantly clear that no one else was to go on this journey with us! And even if you were seeking more compatriots, you made it clear that I was to leave your side once we got to this Hallow nest, and so it only makes sense that your “friend” Sharka would have to do the same, yes?
Sharka sadly nodded, “Indeed, it does, Pin-weilding child.” Sharka turned back towards Hornet. “I would not wish to disturb you on your own journey, especially after you proved so helpful in mine.. I shall simply hope that our paths cross in the kingdom itself! Then we can exchange stories and maps again, yes? Shakra asked, hopefully.
Hornet did not immediately answer again, though the explanation for her silence was a now a bit more obvious to Shakra. It is hard to converse with one person and strangle another simultaneously after all. Hornet had wrapped her claws around Lace’s silken throat, but after a few seconds, it became abundantly obvious that Lace did not need air. With a sigh, Hornet released lace from her grasp. She then wiped her claws on her cloak and turned to Shakra as if she hadn’t just attempted murder.
“Indeed, friend. Indeed, as in I too hope our paths converge yet again. And as in we can exchange stories. And maps. And assumedly the rosaries for said maps. Though if we are making assumptions, all of these points could have been assumed to be implied had I just said yes… so yes.” Hornet managed to jumble out, her cool exterior melting down at both the rage she felt towards lace and the …. Affection she had towards her wasp friend.
Shakra laughed in response. “Well, that is great to hear, dear needle-wielding hornet! I shall get to work upon a map for your silken friend then!”
“You do step ahead rather quickly, Shakra. I have yet to give you your payment.”
“Indeed, you have not!” Shakra responded. Then again, I suppose Hallownest will have few sources of rosaries, so mayhaps I shall waylay your payment for today. That way, you can pay me when we meet again!”
“Flawed logic aside, I have no desire to take advantage of our friendship in such a way, Shakra. I wish to pay you for services well wrought.
“Fair enough, I suppose you must make some sort of payment. Though seeing as I am the seller, I reserve the right to adjust the cost.” Shakra said with a smile.
“Oh my oh my little spider, are all of your friends such swind— “ Lace's statement was cut off by two separate claws placed overtop her mouth.
“And what would you change the price to be, dear friend?” Hornet said, attempting to ignore the wet feeling of lace pressing her tongue up against Hornet's claw. Why lace had a tongue, and why it was wet, were questions for another day.
“For your needle-wielding Hornet…. I shall charge a smile.” Shakra responded, doing her best to ignore the …. Saliva? Silk?.. Whatever it was that she felt dripping onto her claw.
“A smile can be found anywhere here in Bellheart. I see no value in such a thing.”
“Well, normally you would be correct, but a smile from you? Why that is priceless.”
Hornet's cheeks began to burn red. “Priceless, hmmm? Then it seems I am getting a rather sore deal as it were.”
“Indeed, you are. I suppose you shall have to bring up any complaints when we next meet in Hallownest, yes?”
A smile slipped onto Hornet's face. “Yes, I suppose I shall.”
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“My oh my! The noble huntress falling for a mere mapmaker! Oh, the scandal!” Lace loudly laughed as the pair once again approached the wildlands.
“Firstly, Shakra is no mere map maker. The quality of the map in your hands is clear evidence of that.” Hornet said, gesturing at the map they had been provided. “Secondly, I have not fallen for her child; if anything, I was wooing her. Not that it's at all relevant. Sharka is simply a friend. A concept foreign to you, I assume.”
“You are too cruel a bug, Hornet.”
“And you are too loud a child. I suppose that leaves us equal.” Hornet yet again came to a stop at the edge of Pharloom and cast her eyes to the kingdom at her back.
She could still turn around. Or at the very least, she could leave Lace here. No matter the conditions lace had agreed to, there was no doubt in Hornet's mind that lace would find some infuriating way to ruin this excursion. This journey was already plagued with doubt; did she truly need Lace here to make such thoughts worse?
“Having second thoughts right out of the gate, little spider?” Lace said aloud. While their tone of voice wavered only slightly, Hornet could hear a fear behind it. A fear that Hornet had lied to her. That Hornet would abandon and ignore her, just as all of Pharloom had seemingly done.
.....
Did any of her siblings have such fear when they moved through Hallownest? Did they fear being forgotten and abandoned by the kingdom they sought to save? Did any of her siblings have such fear when she clashed her needle with theirs?
.......
Where they all just as scared as lace had been, yet lacked the voice to say so?.......
Hornet paused for a moment longer and then continued to walk onwards.
“Not any longer. Keep up, child.”
And with that, the silk-bound pair finally set off.