Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Giles. Bit of a stupid name for a Cricket, doesn’t fit his character if that makes any sense. Giles sounds made up.

“So uhm… Vi, Snakemouth huh?”

I look back at him, what else was over here dummy?

Don’t be mean Vi, he’s just scared.

“Yeah, you don’t gotta worry ’bout it though. The place is just a scary story they tell all the newbies to see if they’re up to snuff.”

He tugged at his cloak’s drawstrings, not meeting my eyes. Doubt he can tell I’m lying, I have an amazing Spy-Card face.

The Seedlings were perfectly docile at this time of the day, though there are a lot less out than usual. I bet it’s just that stupid “Seedling Slayer” or whatever.

“What d’ya think we’ll find? That treasure thing the throne wants to get her hands on?”

This guy is a lost cause I swear. It’s already rare for Crickets to be openly accepted into society, this guy might just get them all exiled.

“The Artifact is supposed to be there, but bugs of all kinds have tried to get the bag of berries for it. None had luck in finding anything, if they even live to tell their tale.”

“We‘ll be the first, what d’ya say?”

Giles strode to my side, a light glimmer in his eyes. At least there are some redeeming qualities in his personality.

“I don’t see why we can’t be, though that means we have to stick together. There might be things worse than Seedlings in that cave and I can’t have you leaving me out to dry.”

I dare to say that I am a decent fighter, I’ve trained against most any explorer that would give me the time. Eetl even stopped pushing papers for an hour to teach me how to deal with heavy hitting opponents. Scared me half to death with the offer alone.

Giles nodded, pulling his dagger to inspect the blade yet again. I don’t know if this guy can actually fight, I’m starting to think he can’t.

We reach a grassy area with Chuck whispering furiously to himself, at least I hope he is.

“Hello Chuck! I haven’t gotten a request for aid from you in a while, everything sailing smoothly?”

The older bug quickly turned around, beaming a smile like he wasn’t just conversing with a blade of grass.

“Oh ho Violet, always the joy to have around! My only concern is these unruly lawn conditions, but I haven’t found a need to send the paperwork in.”

This “lawn” looks inhabited by the fabled Seedling King, no wonder he is going crazy because of it.

“Well, we are just passing through to get to Snakemouth Den, but me and my new partner can do a little something if you’d like.”

Chuck stiffened his frame, shaking his head quickly.

“No need to waste a youngster’s time like yourself Violet. I’ll put the formal paperwork in before I do anything.”

Weird, he’s been dreaming of getting this little place into a safe spot for anyone to get rest since forever. Now he is turning down my help, maybe I should’ve just left our mission as a leisurely stroll.

“It is a pleasure having you visit me once again, and congrats on your partner. Tell me if you find anything in that old place, alright?”

I nod, there isn’t really any reason to press the issue further. But I will be coming back to cut this man’s grass when I’m done scaring my partner with little facts that I happen to know. Or happen to make up along the way.

“I’ll see you around Chuck, and don’t talk to the Seedlings too much. There are bugs not that far away.”

Giles is staring the old bug down with a strange intensity, he practically trips over himself when I tug his hand in the direction we are heading. Very intimidating.

We get to the last stretch of shady back trail before Giles finally speaks.

“T’guy was hidin’ sometin’.”

I stifle my laugh as I let go of his hand.

“Obviously. But it isn’t our place to get involved until it causes issues.”

Giles was, not impressed.

I will admit, I can’t help but wonder what Chuck was so protective about. Maybe I’ll ask him when I don’t have Giles tailing me, that might get a better response.

“We are almost there, keep that dagger at the ready if you value your life.”

I think he’s onto me, maybe just a little bit. Oh well, the most dangerous thing that should be here are just some aggressive Caterpillar/Pillbug things called Inicha or something. Zasp said that they aren’t that dangerous, probably told Giles too…

I think that Wasp ruined my fun from the start.

“I could carry our bag if ya’d like, neve’know what we’ll find.”

At least he isn’t a coward when it comes down to it, just a wimp when the idea looks at him too long. I unshoulder my bag and hand it to him, he will be more fit to carry our stuff. And give him a reason to not participate in all combat, but oh well. Less weight on my shoulders.

I let Giles go ahead as the cave’s mouth slowly grew. The weird formation of the entrance makes it look like a mythical creature of the past, earning it the namesake of Snakemouth. I am so ready to not have the time to research that trivia.

“Wha d’ya think we’ll find in there, like terr’in wise?”

“Hard to say other than ’cave,’ but I have heard murmurs of some huge door that no one’s been able to open. Brute strength couldn’t get it, else Stratos would’ve forced it-“

Something cracked behind me. I whip around with my trusty Beemerang at the ready, I am not getting jumped by no damn Seedling.

“Sometin there Vi?”

I really hope not, dear Venus please don’t let some stalking predators be in this place. Please just let me be losing my mind.

“Hopefully just the wind…”

I couldn’t hear anything, but I know that wasn’t just some rustling grass. That sound had weight to it, hopefully it’s just my mind playing tricks on me. Giles didn’t seem to hear it. I would hate to have to hunt this thing down because it attacks a poor kid or something.

We hurry our pace, I personally don’t wanna be the first victim and Giles can barely stand his ground against a Seedling much less some monster.

Even the cave's air feels wrong, not just stale and damp but also, rotten? Giles pulled his hood to cover his lower face, not that it’ll do much. Oh well, not much we can do about the smell.

“Awf’ly light for a cave, d’cha think?”

“Yeah, probably gonna just get darker from here. The ceiling isn’t gonna keep giving us the natural lighting ambiance for too long.”

The sky above us was thankfully bright enough to spare me the eye strain. The one downside of spelunking with my specialties, that and sudden steep inclines. But I am really good at climbing, so not much can stop me!

“Let’s just keep going, give the place a good once over before we need to break out the torches.”

Giles adjusted my bag, I made sure to pack everything we would need in there. Survival gear, field medical equipment, plenty of rations, and berries for days. Can’t be too careful, especially when getting caught with or without some simple thing can be the difference between life or death.

An Inicha had its stand made in front of a little green bounce shroom. Its little red eyes didn’t seem to focus on anything in particular, nothing really said it could see at all. I toss my Beemerang in the air and catch it easy, the little bug might not be that hostile but it can still be a threat.

I spin my weapon before throwing it in a curve around the little beast, the metal gadget picking up speed as it makes several rounds around it. The Inicha ended up on its spiny back, best to not harm it any more than we need to.

The mushroom got us up to the cavern wall, a very thin landing that almost didn’t catch me. I dropped over the new side and met the ground with a nice little dust cloud. A nice little stream was being fed off a weak waterfall in the ceiling. I guess there is a higher area to this cavern, might have some actual character.

Giles had a rougher landing behind me, strange considering that his species is known for jumping. Well, I mean. I guess I am a bit of a hypocrite.

“Y‘think ya can fly that? Get that bridge down?”

“Think you can jump that? That’ll end better than me flying.”

The Cricket gave me a strange look, not like I’m hiding anything. Just not telling him point blank.

I throw my Beemerang in a clean arc to clip the rope and let the bridge down, it still surprises me just how sharp I managed to get that thing. Once I learned how to use a whetstone properly, I was truly armed and dangerous.

The bridge fell with a sharp thud, the ropes falling slack and disrupting the simple water surface. Seems like no one’s considered leaving it down. Or they haven’t been able to get across at all. Makes sense.

“Int’ristin’, how long y’have that thing?”

Giles takes the first few steps on the bridge, glancing up at the simple pulley system that I dismantled.

“Coupl’a moons now. Got it for free as long as I take care of it and bring it in for updates. Prototype 1.0 with a bunch of numbers after that.”

I honestly forget what update I’m testing, last I checked it was like 3 or something.

”Well good thin’ ya got a good ’periment, word’s around that Bee tech is gettin’ ‘new head.”

“Yeah, the new gal is really buzzing Professor Honeycomb off. I haven’t bothered with talking to her much though.”

Another Inicha scurried away from sight as we rounded the little archway. That left a little note completely unguarded, but it is behind some shrubbery and doesn’t look legible. Looks urgent, and ancient. Same can’t be said for the webbing highlighting the wall, I really hope there aren’t Spiders here. I hate Spiders.

We continue through a carved hole in the wall, the throned vines spiraling up like some kind of supporting structure. The light allowed some moss and stuff to make a little off-green carpet, and a Seedling to nest in the middle. It didn’t seem bothered by us.

My interest lies with the strange formations in the far side of the cavern room. The ripple looking stones looked like some kind of foreign stuff, like from the North. Jaune used some of that marble stuff in a commission once. Turned out cool.

I could feel a slight shift in the center when I stomped on it, pressure plate of some kind. Maybe the conveniently propped up stone should be enough. The giant door this thing is probably connected to doesn’t look like it can be forced open.

The stone was about as big as my head, likely larger and definitely more dense. Has a hefty weight to it too. I get it to roll over the groves and rest in the middle with a bit of effort, sinking all of the rings inward until there was a click. The smooth material in between glows blue like the crystals that offer magic to the common bug. No idea what it actually does, but they do give people some luck at least. I think.

A sharp cry brought my attention back over to Giles, another stone hit the ground hard right before he did. This one looked far less worn, probably the hiding piece of the puzzle that kept others from finding the secrets of this place. Good, means we win.

“I didn’ mess sometin up, did I?”

“Nah, I think that needs to go on that other pressure plate. Should open that door.”

I gestured at it as if it weren’t making up most of the wall, somehow startling this guy. Just wait until we find something big that actually moves, I will bet berries that he bolts.

“Help me get it over there, it’ll be easier with the both of us.”

I crouched down and got my fingers under the rounded edge, this one seems just as heavy as the other one. I’m not carrying this one either. At least Giles complies sometimes.

“D’ya think we’ll be t’ones? T’get this ‘fact?”

That would be a great thought, with my luck I’m about due for a break. Maybe this will be it.

“We can both hope, though I can’t imagine your name being in a history book. We’ll have to find something cooler.”

“Cooler than ‘Violet’ hmm?”

Tempting thought is is to drop this rock on his feet.

“It’s Vi to you and anyone that wishes to take my story!”

We lower the rock into its place, the weight already starting to press it down. We move towards the door and the same blue started to filter out of the cracks of the pressure plate. The whole cave started shaking, the giant door was gonna be a monster wasn’t it? Hope this wasn’t turning into a cave-in situation.

The rumbling quieted a lot sooner than I would have thought, the door didn’t seem to have budged at all. A light splat turned me around, a single small mushroom was flattened against the smooth stone surface between the plates. It looked inedible, not like the ones I normally forage for to get a few extra berries on the side. Bleh.

“Just a ‘shroom…”

I lowered my head into my hands, what kind of sick trick is this?

“‘Lright! Who’vr made t’is place better hide real well! ‘Cause when I get m‘hands on ya…”

As much as I love listening to needless threats, we need to try and get to the bottom of this. I would like to know as much about this new development before I bring this information back. Second opinions are always best.

I crouch down to the mushroom, it seems mostly pancaked aside from the very base of the stem. Mostly filled with spores too, well, the spores are more outside than in I guess. Specifics won’t matter that much.

“It’s alright Giles, a flat mushroom shouldn’t ruin our pride. We did make more progress than anyone else to date. Let’s, just…”

The ground isn’t as smooth as I once thought, there is a very thin crease along the middle. The spores make it visible, just barely.

This is a trap, should’ve been obvious since the start. Guess I’m just not enough to trigger it. I breathe a sigh of relief, standing to face my partner once more.

“Wait-!”

Giles stepped down before I could stop him, the ground making a piercing screech as it gave out from under me. The Cricket jumped back before he could be dragged down with me. Good good good, he’ll save me. Or at least bring my body back.

I watch the ground quickly approaching, this was gonna hurt. I squeeze my eyes closed, never more in my life have I wished for a pair of working wings. Maybe then I could escape this one.

My leg twists the wrong way as I land, only breaking my fall a little bit before it all goes black.

——

My head feels like it’s spinning, already making it hard to want to get up. Not to mention the insufferable pain in my left leg, think I might’ve broken something.

“Hng… Giles? You there?”

Nothing.

I open my eyes and look towards the light, it was dimming quickly. How long has it been? Surely Giles hadn’t left me down here. Surely…

“Giles! You better not have left me to rot down here! Oh ho ho when I catch you I swear I’ll wring that little neck of yours off!”

I struggle to my knees, then to an unsteady foot. It burned to joust my leg at all, there was no way I was getting out of this place. The darkness seemed to span on forever, my eyes aren’t made for this kind of terrain.

I could make a torch, maybe find somewhere to camp out until someone else comes to check the place out. Oh right, Giles…

“You better come back for me right now! Bastard, should’ve known…”

I really shouldn’t have trusted him, not that much, not that quickly.

A lone crystal was the only light in this place that was gonna be around in an hour or so. It won’t be much, but it might be enough for me to find some supplies.

The remaining of my light waned as something looked down at me, the shadow cast was sharp but it held hope. It was no Inicha at least.

“Hello! Someone up there? Venus damn me if it’s actually you Giles.”

I doubt it’s him, but it would make me forgive him for giving me such a scare. The figure clacked away without a word, its foot falls were loud and resonated within the cavern. And sounded like they had a cane or something. I really hope Chuck hadn’t followed me here, it may not be that dangerous but it still is.

And… they were walking away. I sit back on the mushroom that caught me, it really wasn’t as soft as someone would think a giant mushroom would be. Kinda sucks if I’m being honest. This whole situation sucks, maybe I just wasn’t ready to be an explorer.

Something sounded like it was being dragged with great difficulty, what was this guy up to? It would be really upsetting if this guy is getting the artifact over saving me. Can’t say I blame them, but still upsetting.

Something fell over the edge of the trap, not far enough to hit me and instead hanging there. This guy was getting me a rope! And from the spikes, it looks freshly cut from the wall.

“Can you lower it? I can’t quite reach the vine!”

No response. I get back up while they seem to situate themself, why are their footsteps so loud? It can’t be Stratos, can it? I mean, he would do something like this to help me but still, he is rarely away from his partner and they talk a lot. Or maybe I just always catch them when they aren’t fully sober. I’m really hoping this is Stratos, I know he won’t make me walk the whole way home.

The vine lowered slowly, stopping after each drop. I hopped my way over and tugged on it once it was low enough. Seemed safe enough, and the spines would make it easier to climb. Even with one leg out of the game.

I heave myself up and slowly make my way up, almost falling when I was jolted upwards. Each bit of help was greatly appreciated, but a little warning would be nice.

There was a deep growl as the vine shifted from side to side, it felt like this guy was losing their footing. I wasn’t too far up, and I don’t think this was gonna end well if I didn’t get down on my own terms.

I make the jump back to square one as a heavy thunk makes its way down. I pull my weapon out as that creature screeched, it sounded like it was in pain. An injured monster is a scary one.

The vine jerked over the side of the mushroom as the figure from before reappeared, this time way too close to the edge. They hadn’t let go of the vine yet, and I don’t think they were going to.

The mushroom shook and threw me over the side when this bug smashed into the opposite end, I think they went straight through the flesh of the thing. A second thud landed rather close to me, the Inicha from the other rooms uncurled itself and hissed at me.

I backed up to the base of the mushroom, this one was more of a threat than before. Especially if it was what downed this poor bug. I hit it square in the head when it tried charging, startling it into fleeing. Smart, if it hadn’t I would have done something far worse. Thanks to that thing, I’m stuck down here.

A stunned groan turned my attention to the bug on the other side of the mushroom, they didn’t sound good. I really hope they aren’t that injured, if not, then I’ve just doomed two bugs to this hell.

Chapter Text

I lean heavily against the mushroom as I hobble around it. If it’s worth anything, I can at least try to be courteous and help them up. Maybe help them with any injuries, some kind of payment aside from berries.

“You alright? I don’t think we’re getting back up there unless someone else is coming for us. We might as well regroup a bit before anything else.”

No response like usual, I’m starting to think that this will just be a one sided conversation. Maybe they’re just in shock, or unconscious. Likely the first option, they seem to be trying to move.

With how dark it is, I can’t really see their condition, but I can make out the vine pinning them down. That can’t feel good. I hop over to their side and try rolling the plant off of them, it seemed caught on something.

It wasn’t the spikes, they were all broken off in this area and they wouldn’t have let me move it at all if it were stuck in this bug. I give the vine one more good shove, getting a pained whine from the bug before it was pulled back.

The bug started to get up, they were not like anything I’ve seen. And I can only get some of them. They were large, and their arms weren’t, what is wrong with this guy? One of their arms was stuck in the vine, and they kicked it off before looking towards me. Their eye, it was glowing.

They were struggling to get up, the faint glow from their face showing me more of them then I would have liked. Their arms were ended in blades, one was pinned behind them where they had skewered the vine. This thing was trying to get free, it couldn’t have the best of intentions for me when it did.

“Stay back, beast! I will strike you down if I have to!”

I can’t really do anything, not at close range and not with my leg. But maybe it will think I’m just as dangerous. It growls before finally getting the vine off of its arm. I really don’t want to do this, really really really don’t wanna do this.

It was getting closer, staying low to the ground with its front legs. Or were they arms? I don’t have a clue. I reached forward for another step, a deep rumbling sound coming from them.

I throw my Beemerang as hard as I can, the hard thunk with a yelp told me everything I needed to know. I hit my target.

“I said stay back!”

And with that, I was defenseless. This was a good run, should have just waited for an actually reliable partner though! I shuffle back, all this movement is making my leg ache even worse.

The beast had backed away as well, hunkering down some distance away. Man, night vision would be so cool right now. I might be able to lose its interest, if luck were gonna show her pretty little face and distract it. It peeked its eye back up at me, why wasn’t this thing just aimlessly attacking me?

“There’s more where that came from!”

Venus what am I doing? What am I supposed to do for that matter? Maybe this is just a Chomper situation, stand your ground if it is less than half your height. Problem being that this thing is probably taller than me, I don’t wanna find out.

A loud roar came from the darkness behind me, there better not be any god forsaken Spiders in here. I turn to the glowing crystal, if I could just catch a glimpse then I could tell just how dead I am.

I jump when I get nudged from behind, twisting my leg and going down. The beast stood over me, balancing on one of its forelimbs while the other was held strangely. It lowered itself, nervously flicking its gaze to the darkness beyond before looking me over. Seems this guy is just as afraid of it as I am.

It dropped my Beemerang in my lap, backing up and audibly settling itself down. Was it, well, intelligent? It at least understood that I was scared of it, maybe they aren’t a monster. Just a mildly disfigured bug that isn’t much for words.

Yeah that would be nice. Have a feeling that it isn’t that simple though.

I get back to my feet, keeping weight off of my left leg to hopefully stop myself from hurting it anymore. Hopefully this thing isn’t using some super smart manipulation to get me. That would be unfortunate.

I turn, crystals might just be lucky for the superstitious, but I would like for a little good fortune. I hear some have healing properties, but I am highly doubtful on that one.

The creature is at my weak side oddly quick, offering its head as support. Their shell was hard and undetailed, minus a hardly healed scar that reached further than I felt the need to feel. I can’t be screwing around with something like this, this isn’t some Pillbug or something.

It walked at pace with me, not using the limb closest to me to further show its passiveness. I stopped by the crystal and tried to get a good look at this guy, they weren’t letting the light hit them fully. They were shielding themself with my shadow, maybe they were scared of it.

At least they aren’t that upset by it, I don’t think they are anyway. Right now, I just need to make a light source of some kind, something that will actually allow me to navigate this place. I can make my weapon spark a little bit to start a fire, but what would make good tinder?

“Can you go get a scrap of mushroom for me? I might be able to make a torch with it.”

I lean against the crystal as they bound away. They are certainly a lot nicer than I thought, I hope they understand why I acted so rashly before. I would hate to have upset this guy, or hurt them for that matter.

The Beemerang’s panel pops up when I put pressure on it, the circuitry still looks really intimidating. If I screw my only defense up, then my story really does end this soon.

Beast Bug taps back up to me, holding one of its scythe arms out for me. A good chunk of mushroom was impaled quite nicely, now that I think of it we need something to hold the torch. Vines are the only thing I can see that would remotely fit, my Beemerang is a no go, I can’t just hold it.

I tug the fungus flesh off of the bug, letting them plant their limb back on the ground. Their arm seems to, extend past the elbow? I don’t know that much about anatomy of mystery bugs, but I don’t think that’s normal. It does come to a point like the other side, so maybe.

“Would you mind holding the torch? I don’t think it’ll burn that hot or fast so as long as your claw doesn’t…”

Oh what am I saying, I’m not going to set this guy on fire! Thinking of, what am I supposed to call this guy when all I get is growls and whines!

It nudged my hand gently, a quiet huff being its only response. They looked up at me, their single eye was growing less menacing by the moment. They just don’t seem to ever blink, at least when I’m watching.

“Blink if you are agreeing with my idea. No actually blink twice to make sure.”

And it did, I guess that is as close to a safety waiver as I’m gonna get. I stab the mushroom bit onto the top of their right claw, making sure it wouldn’t slide down or come off too easily. The shell was cold, so I don’t think they have anything in those parts.

Next step: not shocking myself or my companion as I set them ablaze. Not my finest work, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Now just to get a spark to actually catch the mushroom and light it up.

The sparks are just bouncing off the spongy flesh, dying before they can catch it on fire. Maybe it was just too smooth? Well this is just embarrassing, I figured we would have light just like that. I guess not.

I got one last trick under my fluff, always carry some supplies of your person in case your teammate leaves you for dead. I pull out a dry leaf and hold it to the hot wires. It starts smoldering, perfect!

My friend starts clicking, that’s the only way I can explain it. I really need to figure out a name for this guy, but when we find a safe place to rest. And after I get a better understanding of them. Can’t forget that this guy seems more sentient than a common pet.

I lightly blow on the ember, the fire finally catching on. The leaf is quickly consumed, becoming less than safe to hold as I hold it under the chunk of mushroom. Thankfully this was enough to kickstart the fuel. And even more thankfully so, the mushroom doesn’t burn up immediately. This isn’t ideal, but it works.

I smile at my light holder, seeing their face for the first time. They had a half effective mouth guard, the remaining metal being held in place by one of their scarily large mandibles. Beside that, their eye wasn’t centered on their face, so there is hope for them having some semblance of a normal bug, and their main shell held a brilliant green hue. The horn on their head, along with the addition of mandibles, pointed towards this being a Beetle. Venus, please let this not be a new species.

I tear my gaze away from them as the same roar from before echoed through the cavern, followed by a sickening crunch. Poor Inicha, I’m about 90 percent sure that was this thing’s first victim here.

My friend stood beside me, lowering the flame from my fluff in consideration. Burning would be a horrible way to go. While I think of that, they don’t seem fazed by the flame at all, so that’s good.

They looked at me, motioning into the darkness then tilting their head. I am pretty sure they are mute or something, not sure if there is another word for being physically incapable of speech. I just nod, we should at least try to be quiet after everything.

My leg is still aching, but I think I’ve started to grow numb or something. I take a quick glance at it, there is definitely some cracking. And that’s with iffy lighting and movement, who knows how bad it actually is. Worst part is, I don’t have any medical supplies on me, just another reason for me to hate Giles. Seriously, he couldn’t have at least left me some stuff if I were alive?

Ahead of us, there was a cobweb. Well, I hope it’s a cobweb and not a Spider web. I know that they’re the same thing, but Venus please don’t let there be a living Spider in this damned place.

All of my hopes and dreams are crushed with the looks of a figure in the web. I fix the wiring in my Beemerange and close the panel, holding it at the ready while we approach. The chances of this poor bug being alive are slim to none, there haven’t been any exploration attempts at least in the past Moon.

Beast bug holds the torch higher, getting a slight groan from the apparent living cocoon. Damn all logic, this guy is still alive and I think it is just better for everyone if we get this guy down and out of here with us. Time to see just how well my Beemerang cuts through web.

I limp forward and tentatively chop at the first ground web I reach, it frays and falls apart after a few attacks. The torch is held over my head, my friend keeping their eye busy with the darkness around. They were shaking, but still followed me as I shuffle to my next target.

The higher anchors will have to be thrown down, but I can manage that. I think anyway, my aim is great when I can see where I’m throwing.

That screech sounds behind us, I am roughly shoved through the webbing before I can even think on it. I twist to see my friend get tackled, they held their own just enough to not be knocked around. The new beast towered over my friendly one, screaming in their face with its gapping maw.

Oh Venus, oh god why have you done this? I hate Spiders, you know this. Why have you damned me to this hell?

The Spider bites at my friend, being just held off by a scythe pressed to the face. They look absolutely terrified, their feet shuffling for traction as they are slowly pushed backwards.

I push myself back to my feet, trying my hardest to spot the anchoring strands. The light is not making this easy…

Maybe instead of taking the web, I just try to damage it enough at the core to drop the bug. I throw my Beemerang just above the figure’s head, making them lurch down a bit. Perfect.

The beast gets hit on the back, one of the Spider’s limbs trying to push them down. I need to hurry, my friend over there can’t do much. And the light is faltering, we won’t be able to do much of anything in the dark. I’ll be completely handicapped and I don’t quite know how good their eyesight is compared to a Spider that is already besting them.

I catch my weapon and aim another strike, this time in a slightly wider throw. Just had to not hit the Spider Chow and deal a bit more damage in the meantime. The bug was starting to become less stable, hanging a bit lopsided because of my uneven strikes.

The Beetle guy finally tried striking back, hissing in some kind of intimidation. They stood on their hind legs briefly and slashed their claws down, missing and just planting themself to the ground. They scream when the Spider tries biting them again, they barely block with their horn before a possibly fatal wound is dealt.

I need to focus on my job, not them. I have to finish this, one last throw and we can book it. I aim for the more strained strand, that should bring it all down. My friend gets back up just as I throw, charging at the Spider to get it away from the web. Away from me, I think anyway.

The unconscious but falls into a heap on the floor, a short gasp of pain escaping them when their head collides with the floor. Welcome back to the land of the living, dude. You are in for a rude awakening.

I catch my Beemerang and lower my aim to the Spider, landing a direct hit in its eye. It’s attention is finally drawn to me as my makeshift torch is jabbed into that same eye, extinguishing the flame and plunging the cave into darkness. It screams and flails, letting my friend retreat from the conflict.

They practically tackle me, sweeping me off my feet as they ran for what might as well be both of our lives. I hold onto their shoulder for dear life, seeing the Spider’s glowing eyes growing closer.

I am thrown to the dimly lit ground when we stopped, my friend turned back to the Spider. A low growl is coming from them as our pursuer tries to crawl through the entrance. It was just big enough for it to stick its head through, thank Venus.

Beast bug charged at the Spider, making it yelp and scurry away on the other side.

“I guess you dealt with that pretty well.”

They turn back to me, head tilted slightly. Their features are bathed in the glow from a crystal in the wall. This one seems to have crawled up the side or something. At least we have light, I may be able to start a new torch with something here. But we can’t stay too long, the Spider can reach us if that web has anything to say for itself.

I get back up, aided by the Beetle as they lean against me. They don’t seem that afraid of the light this time, or maybe they have given up. This one is bigger and brighter than the one by where we met.

A muffled groan sounds itself from the clump of string stuck to my friend’s other shoulder, I almost forgot about the poor bug. Glad big guy didn’t. I would’ve remembered that someday down the line, probably. If I lived that long that is.

I tug at the thick layer of web, this bug wasn’t getting out of that on his own. I get it to separate from his torso, letting me start cutting away at it with my Beemerang. I accidentally tore some neck fluff out in my attempts, but I think he’ll thank me later.

This guy, a Moth now that I get a look at him, starts to stir a bit more as I destroy his little prison. Not quite lucid enough to know what’s happening though, doubt I’d be any better. I can’t wake up for the life of me. This nightmare is a testament to that.

I grab his arm and drag him out of his cocoon, the creases in his wings will probably take weeks to undo. The circle pattern on them doesn't ring any bells, I don’t think I’ve so much as seen this guy in passing. Maybe he’s a hermit or something, stumbled into the wrong cave.

I lay him down once he is free, letting my still unnamed friend finally move again. They rear up and try getting the webbing off, I think I can let them be for a bit while I look Moth boy over for injuries. There isn’t anything I can do, but it’ll be nice to know before we start moving again. It’d be even nicer if this guy woke up, but I won’t go to extreme lengths.

His wings are all creased and wrinkled, like I first observed, but now it looks like they’re, I don’t know, molting? And not normal molting at all, like thin layers are flaking off the poor guy. Also there is a thin fracture lining the side of his face, my bad. Not much I could have done, but my bad.

I touch his shoulder and he jolts up, gasping for air as he looked around aimlessly. His eyes finally met mine, a slight sigh escaping him as he relaxed.

“Hey, nice to see you’re alive. I thought you were dead!”

Great start. Terrific first impression. He doesn’t speak right away, just stares. I really hope I don’t have to deal with two wordless bugs, I’m already sounding crazy when I talk to big guy over there.

“Well… Uh, my name’s Vi! You got one?”

He looks me up and down, I’m honestly starting to get a little creeped out. I can’t tell if he’s staring at me or through me. At least he opens his mouth this time.

“Fkjtbaicn rbekanfnrk snd dnwj.”

I… don’t know how to respond to that.