Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A month prior, Hornet has just defeated Lace for the third time, only this fight had been against the voided persona of her. It was a heated fight, and what came after felt surreal, she still found it hard to believe that her half sibling, the little ghost, or now, the Lord of Shades, has arrived to save her in the Abyss. When she awoke, the threads the wild void had climbed up were breaking away, and with her was Lace.
Waking up next to the Abyss like that was almost like getting up from a vivid dream. She looked over the surprisingly calm surface, half expecting to see her young sibling, only for her attention to get turned towards Lace, who stared a nervous laugh.

What happened next passed slowly, Hornet scooping up Lace, who remained quiet and still. Hornet walked them both to the armored diving-bell, everything oddly silent as they approached it. Hornet was careful to avoid the native creatures that wander the deep, but when it was a straightforward walk, she couldn't help but notice the feeling of the soft silk in her grip as she held Lace. The snow-white silken skin of her was oddly comforting to the touch. After what felt like hours, they made it to the bell and made the slow climb upward.

Hornet kept quiet in the bell with Lave, unsure what it is she should say. She felt like she should say something but honestly anything she could come up with sounded like it wasn't the right time or place. Eventually they reached the top. Lace was still quiet, but she was on her own legs now, and Hornet took her hand and lead her after. The normal thrums of the deep dock's walls filled the air, yet the silence that had followed them both up lingered. Hornet walked, barely acknowledging the greeting from the bell headed bug who had just brought up the diving-bell.

Through instinct Hornet made her way to the Bell-Station, where Eria, her trusted Bell-Beast companion waited, with her young beastlings all running around excitedly. Hornet climbed down onto the surface of the bell vein, letting go of Lace's hand to hug the large face or Eria, the beast purring as they just leaned against each other. Hornet felt content holding herself there, but the sounds of excited chirping from the young ones caught her attention, along with their mother, and they both pulled away to look over, seeing all four of the beastlings had started rubbing up against Lace who had stepped down onto the bells as well, and was watching the little ones with a curious look. She got down onto her knees and started petting the one beastling who managed to claim her lap first. A smile played on her face, her eyes softening.

They remained like that for a little while, but soon Hornet started to feel herself getting tired, and Lace was started to look a little deflated as well. Hornet got Lace onto Eria and they took off, heading straight for Bellhart. They arrived, and climbing out from the station, they were greeted by Pavo and Shakra. The greetings where a little bit of a blur, and where short lived, and Shakra was able to tell they were both ready to crash and insisted they both headed to sleep. Hornet made it to her Bellhome, with Lace in tow as she led her up the metal steps that hung from the ceiling above.

They stepped in and Hornet headed straight to the mattress. She took her needle and placed it carefully onto the floor next to the bed seconds before she flopped face first into the fabric. She breathed in the scent of the fabric as she laid there for a moment, before the movement of the mattress sinking beside her caught her attention.

Looking up she saw Lace sitting on the mattress's edge, looking unsure. Hornet rolled over and sat up, scooting over, "It's not a very big bed, but we can both fit."

Lace nodded, accepting the space, laying on her back next to Hornet, and she laid down next to Lace, and for a minute they both just looked up at the ceiling and the lights hanging from the ceiling.

Hornet turned her face slightly towards Lace, "I know we just went through a lot, if you want you can stay here. I'm planning to help try and get Pharloom back on it's feet again, so I'll be around if you need me."

Silence followed for a moment, and Lace nodded, "I guess...that sounds good for now."

With that, Hornet nodded back, before closing her eyes, letting herself drift off to sleep.

That was a month ago.

Hornet, as she had planned, had been helping with the people of Pharloom getting back on their feet. Today she was running a sting of courier deliveries for Tipp and Pill. After finishing the last one, Liquid Lacquer to the mask maker up in the Mountain, she rode home on Eria. Exciting the station, the sounds of Rings clinking together to the sound of Shakra's voice caught her attention.

She looked up to the ledge where she had taken up residence, spotting her doing some exercise, going through her battle stances. Hornet climbed up and jumped over. Shakra saw her as she was closing in on the ledge, and stopped to clap her rings together, "Poshanka, Hornet wielding Needle! How fairs you?"

"Poshanka, Shakra wielding Rings. I fair well. I've been busy running supplies today. The merchant brothers have been busy, and most everyone else can't deliver at the speeds I can so I get asked to help and today was a particularly busy day."

"Hmm, quite the job, running all over the kingdom in one day. I however might have something you want to manage the after effect." Shakra walked over to tarp she had strung up and returned with a bag, drawing out a bigger sized jar, "A mix of herbs and minerals. Add to warm water and wait for it all to dissolve, then soak yourself within. But do not let fabric materials touch, it's been known to fight with the materials and break them down."

Hornet nodded, making sure to note what she said, since hoping in wearing her cloak like she's been doing might be a bad idea, no matter how strong she made her cloack.

"Thank you Shakra! This is much appreciated. How much for this?"

Shakra shook her head, "Not a thing. My wares are maps and the items they use. This is a gift to a very busy friend."

Hornet bows, "I thank you greatly. If I have the opportunity, I would at least to repay you in some small way."

"If you truly wish, I won't stop you, but till then, I wish to return to my training. I must keep sharp to not let my skills dull."

"Very well, then I wish you good night Shakra."

Shakra clung her rings together, a "Poshanka!" in return, before returning to her stances, and Hornet took her new jar into her cloak before using her needle and thread to zip over to her Bellhome, eager to try out the mix in the jar. Landing on the platform in front of the door, she turned the handle stepping inside and spotted Lace on the floor. She had a mess of papers scatter across the floor, and a quill in hand. Hornet looked over the papers, seeing them all filled with drawings.

Hornet paused as she looked over the papers more closely. The drawings were all familiar, depicting places from across Pharloom, then there was some of creatures, plants, people.

Lace looked up from her current work, "Oh the little spider returns to her web. Where did you do today?"

Hornet closed to door behind her, slowly as to not stir up any wind to mess with the maze of paper, "A little bit of everywhere, running errands for the brother's again." She stepped over the papers, stopping by her desk to remove her cloak and setting it on the chair. Lace watched, her eyes widening in surprise, "Why Hornet! Are you disrobing? Don't tell me this is an attempt of seduction?"

Hornet let out a sigh, not in the mood for Lace's playful banter today. She didn't respond, just grabbing the jar and climbing up to the hot tub. It took a nice handful of rosaries to convince Frey to give her a normal ladder and a platform for the tub. The old one only worked if she jumped, and she would prefer to keep her jumping outside her nice house, since that had less risk of things falling over.

She poured the jar's contents into the water, watching as the rising water below the surface stirred it up, and after a minute the water was all clear again. Hornet raised herself up, then let her legs sink in, followed by her waist, belly, then chest, till all that was left was her head above the water. She sighed as the water's warmth soaked through her shell, and soon she started feeling the effects of the jar's contents, as a sense of soothing warmth seeped in as well, the effects of the mix working with the heat to relax her muscles, body, nerves, just everything.

The sense of bliss was amazing. She flouted in the water for a while, and eventually she get up, grabbing a towel from the rack, which also cost a nice bundle of rosaries, and started to whip herself off. Once she was nice and dry, she tossed the towel onto the ledge, planning to run it to Pavo later, since he insisted on washing her stuff since she was doing all this other stuff, which was a small thing she didn't mind him helping with.

Climbing down, Lace had gathered up her drawings, leaving them in a stack on the desk, and was now looking at some of the tools in Hornet's cloak, like a bored kid in a book store.

She was currently holding a Cogfly, dangling it from the pin between her fingers.

"Lace, what're you doing?"

"Curiosity. I've seen you use these tools in bettle, on me mostly, but never really got to really observe them myself. The work you did recreating these Cog work buzzers are amazing. Though I'm not sure why everything has to be red with you..."

She was cut off by the fly slipping off its pin and landing on the ground, before its wings opened up and it buzzed into the air, flying in circles.

"Oops! I swear I didn't mean to do that."

"It's...fine...I used a bit oil to make the pins easier to pull, and to let the gears move easier as well. I found it helped in the fights."

"Huh...I see...but why is it acting like that?" Lace's face was following the Cogfly going in circles in the air.

"I use my silk in making them, and since the silk in it is tuned to me as the source, it'll follow me around, but since I've been using silk to help patch you up," Hornet looked down at Lace's fingers, where she had given herself many paper cuts from her time drawing like crazy, "It's trying to follow us both."

"I see. So when does it stop?"

"I don't know. Usually, they're broken in battle, so I have to resort to making fresh ones when the current ones run out."

"I see. In that case, I'm going to see if I can play with it and the beastlings."

Hornet watched as Lace opened the door, and when the Cogfly was closer to her, she stepped out, the little machine following her out. After the door closed, Hornet sighed and then grabbed her cloak, pulling it on, and patting down her hidden pockets, finding that everything else was still in place.

Climbing into the bed, she pulled the blankets on, letting herself drift off to sleep.
Hornet woke early the next morning, finding Lace sleeping next to her, the Cogfly still in one piece now "resting" on the headboard above them.

Quietly getting up, Hornet walked out, grabbing her Needle, before looking over to Shakra's ledge, seeing the warrior was up, and working on some more of her maps again.

Lace woke to the sound of the door closing. Getting up, she looked around, finding that both Hornet and her cloak and needle were gone, meaning she was going to be gone a while. She turned her attention the desk, planning to grab some more papers to draw, when she spotted the empty jar sitting on the ledge of the hot tub up above.

She remembered Hornet poured it into the tub the night before, and she was pretty sure that whatever it was could still be in effect. Curious, she got up, moving from the bed to the ladder, the Cogfly whirring to life and following her. Getting up on the ledge, she leaned over it, smelling the steam. Something herby and earthy was present, and strong. She hopped and slid in, a small splash filling the air as she settled in, the water soaking through the silk as the blissful sensation seeped in, and Lace felt like melting into the water.

Hornet and Shakra had moved out to the flat stone area outside the entrance of Bellhart, their weapons clashing as they sparred, while Hornet vented as well, "It's the same thing every day, she's either drawing, messing with me my stuff, or she goes to play with Eira's young ones. Meanwhile I'm going all over, trying to help the people, and she just...AAAAGGGGHH!"

Hornet stabbed her needle into the ground, placing her forehead against it, while Shakra comes to a stop besides her, "Maybe a duel isn't the right outlet for this, you're barely wielding your needle as you do usually in our spars."

"Sorry, I want to, but just...Lace has been on my mind. She's doing much better then when we came back from the Abyss, but she's not making an effort to get up and, do anything!"

"Maybe she's tending to the Bell Beast and her clan of little ones."

"No, they don't need care. I give them lots of affection myself, but they handle their own food and other needs."

"I see. Well...maybe you should be talk to her."

Hornet look up from her needle, her mind racing back over the month Lace has been living with her. Between her running around, and then trying to rest when she's at home, she never thought about actually having a heart to heart with Lace about what's next, "Sweet silk I feel like an idiot..."

Lace was laying in the water, her face poking out of the water, as she slowly let her mind drift. She could see why Hornet removed her cloak for this. The sensation of the stuff in the water, she wanted to soak it all in herself. Though she has been in there for a while now, so it was probably a good idea to get out soon.

After settling in the water for a few minutes to work up the motivation, she finally started moving, standing in the water. Her eyes closed as she did, savoring the sensation as she climbed out, and she reached over to grab a towel, and she felt something clinging to her skin as she did.

She opened her eyes and looked over to her arm, expecting...something that wasn't her silk bodysuit coming apart at the seems.

Staring in disbelief, Lace, move her arm closer to her face, her silken suit ripping with ease from the movement. She jerked her hand away, which only made the ripping worse. Unsure what to do, she started to spin around, looking for something to possibly explain what was happening, which only made rips appear allove over the suit, and she tensed mis spin, and then she slipped.

She hit the floor with a thud, and she rolled over, and got up, looking down at where she had landed. The silk body suit she had been wearing like a shell was now in pieces on the floor. It had been made specifically to match her skin, to seamlessly blend in, and now it was gone, and she was standing there, bare to the world, or the bellhome and the Cogfly, but still, bare.

Her mind racing, unsure what else to do, she started picking up the pieces of silk from the suit, gathering them into a very small pile. She walked around the room, pacing as her mind kept racing, and then she passed by the door, and through the small window, she froze, as she saw Hornet walking back from the Greymoor tunnel.

Hornet, having talked it through with Shakra, had a rough idea what she wanted to say to Lace, and was now on her way to speak with her.

She slowly climbed up taking her time as she prepared herself mentally. She wasn't new to giving people stern talks, or the occasionally pep-talk, but this felt different, considering it was Lace somehow.

She paced outside her door for a minute, before finally taking the handle, and twisting it open. Her eyes went straight towards the floor, then the desk, before landing on the bed, where she was kind of surprised to see lace wrapped in a blanket from head to toe like a larvae in a cocoon.

She closed the door behind her, before walking over and taking a seat on the mattress next to the blanket cocoon, and Hornet who was holding very still, looking straight up.

"Hey Hornet!" Lace said, a bit quickly.

"Hey, Lace...what's going on?"

"Chilly! Just chilly."

"Okay..." Hornet was a little confused, but she had more important matters, "Listen, I think it's time we talked, heart to heart. You've been doing pretty good after what happened, and I think it's time you got out and started going some stuff. Stuff like helping the people, maybe running some deliveries, just some small stuff at least to get you back out there."

Lace nodded small quick shakes up and down, "Okay, yup, sounds nice!"

Hornet looked at Lace, a little dumbfounded. She had this whole speech in her head Shakra helped her plan out, and now it was like she didn't need it. Lace seemed to be hurried to agree...which might mean...

"Lace, are you up to something?"

"What me! No, just here. Haven't moved!"

Hornet looked at her, then to the Cogfly, which was now sitting on the edge of the mattress instead of the headboard from earlier.

"Alright, spill. Either your up to something or something happened."

"What, no, never! You're free to go, do something, and I'll work on getting out there..."

"Alright enough, get up and show me what you're doing."

Lace's face froze, her grip on the blanket from within it was very visible, like she was hiding something.

Hornet set down her needle, before reaching forward grabbing the blanket's edge, "Alright, what do you have in there?"

"Nothing I swear!"

"Yeah right, common, just spill it. If it's one of the beastlings again we'll need to get them back to Eira."

"Nope, go check, they're all with her now."

Hornet and Lace repeated this for a bit, both of them holding a tight grip, but Hornet had one advantage Lace, didn't, leverage.

Hornet placed her foot on the edge of the bed, the blanket in hand, and with one mighty tug, she pulled the blanket, and Lace inside of it, off from the bed, Lace falling to the floor as the blanket unrolled. Hornet tossed the bed back onto the mattress by the pillows, and looked down at Lace with a glare, which quickly turned to surprise and confusion as she took it in.

Lace was white as always, but this time it was different, new, as there were details and features, she hadn't seen before.

"What happened?"

"You hot tub! One minute I'm soaking the next my silk suit is falling apart and I have no idea what to do so I panicked!"

"Wait...you've been wearing a suit this whole time?"

"Yes! You didn't know? I don't have a normal shell like you, I have skin with a lace of a protective layering, why do you think my fingers get nicked by the paper so often compared to you?"

"...that...actually makes sense...but Lace, there was a reason I took off my cloak last night."

Lace stops quiet, realization hitting her like a gong. Silence hangs in in the air for a moment, before Lace speaks again, "Can I have the blanket back?"

Chapter Text

Hornet was pacing around Bellhart, her mind racing. This whole time she thought Lace was just shelled, but it wasn't, and now she had seen what was underneath. She recalled handing her back the blanket, her own hand brushing against hers, the touch was soft, but so smooth. The touch almost made her jump, which surprised her since she wasn't one to be jumpy. Her mind kept wandering back to the moment she laid eyes on her after pulling off the blanket, the smooth skin, the ample shape that had flowing curves the looks so smooth compared to how the suit made her look, apparently it tweaked her appearance slightly. Then there was what she saw between her legs, it wasn't unlike others she had seen before, but to see it so present instead of covered by a shell plate, it was like it was...

Hornet slapped her forehead, trying to snap herself back to the present. Focusing on what she saw wasn't important right now. She headed to Frey's shop, where the bug was currently stringing a necklace, but she set it aside when she saw Hornet approaching, "Ah, greetings fellow resident, how can I help my favorite customer today?" "Frey, do you have any fabrics? I need some for a bit of an, urgent, matter."

"Fabric? Hmmm, well only some in the form of some traveler's cloaks, heavy and resilient." Frey presented one, and Hornet took it in her hand. The material was a bit on the rough side to the touch, so probably not, since the suit Lace was used to had been so soft in comparison, this might be more uncomfortable. 

"I don't think this will work. Do you have anything that's softer, and somewhat stretchy?"

"Sadly no. But you might be able to get some up in the Citadel, the residences up there were known to have some fancy materials, what you're looking for might be up there." Hornet nodded in thanks, before turning to head to the Bellway station, mentally planning spots to stop and people to see who might be able to help her with what she was seeking.

Lace was sitting on the bed, the blanket wrapped around her again, though not as tight as last time.  She had it tucked just under her arms, so everything below the shoulders was covered.  Hornet had hurried off, saying something about getting a replacement, leaving her along again.

Trying to take her minds off things, she started rummaging through Hornet's desk, looking for some papers and ink to draw with, only to find some old notes.  She pulled them out and found they were written instructions and diagrams for some of the tools she uses, and how to make them.  Flipping through she found the papers for the Cogfly.  Looking it over, curiosity got into her, so she managed to find an old toolkit in the drawers as well and returned to the bed, where she took her Cogfly and pried it open.

She mostly just thought she could get it to fly faster with a few tweaks, so she started fiddling around with the gears to see what would happen.

Arriving in the grand Bellway, Hornet made straight for the Ventrica, stepping in and pressing the button for the first shrine. With a whoosh, she was swept into the tube system, and in about a minute, the Ventrica landed, coming to a stop in the familiar room.  Stepping out she noted how much better had come along since the collapse happened where she had to bust her way through to open up the Ventrica again.

From there it was a quick drop down and a little walk to enter Songclave. Things had been progressing nicely, the settlement having little houses for residents now, and some people were starting to expend by moving out into the vast spaces of the now quiet Citadel, the giant structure now starting to slowly become something like a giant city.

She smiled at the thought, before heading into the settlement, passing by many who gave greetings and thanks as she passed, till she made it to Jubilana, who had not set herself up a small booth and tent by the tall fence, where Sherma was as well, the young caretaker of the settlement.  Stepping up to them, Sherma greeted first, "Red Maiden, how great it is to see you here this lovely day!"

Jubilana smiled, "Indeed it is! What brings you here today?  Need someone to take some rosaries off your hands?"

Hornet let out a small chuckle to herself, knowing it wasn't a joke, but found it silly all the same, "It's great to see you both.  I'm here for a small errand that's a bit urgent."

Sherma pulled out his small chime, "Is someone in need of prayer?  Or maybe some medical supplies?"

"No good Sherma, not that urgent.  It is a bit of a personal matter, but I'm in need of some fabrics, soft ones, maybe with a stretchy quality if possible."

Jubilana let out a small chuckle, "This sounds like an interesting request, but I think I can help.  Some of the pilgrims here had recently found an old tailor shop that had fun contraptions, able to weave silk into sheets of fabric."

Sherma nodded, "That is true!  If you follow me Red Maiden, I'll take you to one of the bugs who's taken to working in the shop."

"Thank you Sherma, lead the way please."

Lace was having some on and off luck with the Cogfly.  First, she managed to get one wing to fly faster, but the other one slower, making it fly in funny circles.  Then she got it to roll, which she wasn't quite sure how she managed to do that, but now she was sure she was onto something.

She set it on her lap and pulled out the pin and waited.  For a moment, it was still, but then the sounds of it's gears whirring to life filled the air, and she watched, waiting for the wings to unfold and start flapping, when it started to strongly vibrate with a buzzing that caught her by surprise as it shook in place, the vibrations through the blanket making her skin tingle.  She quickly grabbed the Cogfly and pressed the hidden button, making it stop as she grabbed the pin and slid it back in.

She breathed in silence as she held it, her body tingling from the vibrations on her lap fading slowly.  Once the adrenaline faded, she looked at the fly.  She seemed to have successfully made the wings flap faster, but she somehow got their protective cover stuck in place, so the wings were trying to flap while pressed against the Cogfly's back.

And she popped it open to try and see how she got them stuck, she subconsciously adjusted her position, her legs pressing together as if trying to hold onto something that had been pressed between her legs.  Lace noticed this quickly as the sensation of the blanket getting pressed into her crotch sent a light shiver through her.  Her mind wandered back to the vibrations on her lap a few minutes prior.

She looked at the Cogfly, and she decided to try a new, experiment, and with the Cogfly's inside still exposed, she grabbed the tool kit and made a small tweak, turning the wing speed back down, and just that.

Closing it up, she held it in her hand, and pulled the pin again.  Like last time, it was still for a moment, but then it started to whir, and then vibrate.  She started at it, feeling the buzzing in her hand as she felt a surge of excitement and nerves in her body.

Hornet looked at the sheet of fabric she had just made with the bugs of the tailor shop.  The material was incredibly soft, and while it wasn't quite as stretchy as she had hope, it was also uniquely durable, as it yielded strongly against the tugs she gave it.

She turned to the bugs who had helped her, smiling with satisfaction, "This is amazing work, thank you.  Can we make some more?  I want plenty just in case, and as quickly as possible."

After a few minutes of mustering up the courage, Lace finally pulled the blanket off herself.  She set herself onto the floor next to the bed, and with a nervous swallow, she lowered the vibrating bug down, and spreading her legs slowly, she pressed the Cogfly into her crotch lightly. A small gasp caught in her throat as it sent sensations jolting through her body, and she felt herself starting to wiggle in reaction.

She ended up sliding against the side of the bed, and onto her back on the floor, her hands pressing the Cogfly deeper against herself without thinking about it, her back arching while her legs curled, her lips finding itself between her teeth, as everything tensed up in the moment, the one small Cogfly sending an indescribable pleasure through her body.  It felt like forever, and it felt like barely any time at all as something built up, ravaging for release like a beast in a cage.

Her beathing deepened as low drawn out moans came with her breathes, till it broke loose, and pleasure and ecstasy shot through her as a new moan left her mouth, her hands pressing the bug in harder, drawing out the sensation as her whole body tensed more, her back arching from the sensation, and as soon as it had come, it faded, and her body dropped limply to the floor, her hands dropping the still buzzing Cogfly onto the floor.

She laid there for a few minutes, or maybe it was longer, before she managed to sit up, grabbing the Cogfly, pressing the small button to reinsert the pin.  She looked down at herself, bewilderment at what her physiology was capable of was a surprise, but also not.  She wasn't unfamiliar with the ideas of such things, but she never thought herself capable considering her origin, but now...she wanted to know more, starting with how it would feel if she turned the Cogfly's wings speed up to max.

Hornet gathered up the sheets of silk fabric into a sack they bug had laying around, the bundle on her back reminding her of the big bags the merchant brothers had when first met them.

"Thanks again for your help everyone. If you ever need something and I'm able to help I'll be happy to return the favor."

With some quick thanks and byes, she was soon gone, leaving towards the Bellway to head home.  She passed by the theater on her way down, the sound of Trobbio's voice echoing out. He's been cooking up something, but the Pilgrims have been assuring her that he wasn't doing anything bad, so she's left him be, for now.

After entering the Bellway, she was greeted by Eria and the beastlings.  Giving them all some pats, she mounted Eria and they were soon off to Bellhart.

It took some fine tuning, but Lace finally adjusted the speed to something stronger but wasn't quite overwhelming either.  She managed to rerig it so that the pin was more like a key, twisting it activating the mechanisms, and the further it turned the faster it buzzed.

She pressed it's head to her crotch again, managing to press it in a bit, as she turned the pin, the buzzing slowly increasing to her pleasure.  Bit by bit she built it up to match her body's desire, taking it slow to try and make the climax feel extra special. It was a slow process, holding herself back from turning it up to the set maximum right off the bat, but she was able to manage.

After a small while of this, she finally decided it was time, and she twisted up the pin, and her body tensed with pleasure as it felt the full force of the buzzing in her.  She bit down on her lip again, this time stifling her moans.  She could feel it racing closer, her pent-up pleasure teetering on the edge, she needed a bit more.

Her eyes were locked ahead, staring off as her body shivered in anticipation, when the door quickly swung open and close as Hornet rushed in bag in hand with a smile on her face that soon changed to shock as she saw Lace, and back against the door like the sight in front of her just pushed her.

Lace felt a kick of panic as Hornet entered, and her mind went blank as it raced for an explanation, when the climax finally hit, catching her off guard from the sudden interruption distracting her, and her whole body tensed and her back arched, and she found herself falling to the floor as she rode out the climax with a load moan.

A minute passed, and Lace finally came to a stop.  On the floor she sheepishly turned off the Cogfly and set it aside, pulling the blanket from the bed over herself, while Hornet just stood, back pressed against the door, the bag dropped to the floor, both of them unsure what to do.

Chapter Text

Hornet was now sitting up in the for back of Shakra's ledge.  She wasn't quite sure what happened after walking in on Lace, all she knew was that she had wondered out, and was now on the ledge, having told Shakra what just happened.

Oh, and that she also brought the Cogfly with her, despite not remembering grabbing it.

The two of them were now sitting in silence, looking at it.

Shakra was the one who broke the silence first, "See your predicament, Hornet wilding Needle, this is quite the conundrum you've been presented.  Pray tell, why is it you've brought the mechanism to me?"

"I don't know, I was so spaced out, and Lace was hiding under the blanket, it was so little but so much, I don't think I was thinking at all..." Hornet trailed off, her thoughts struggling to make sense of any kind. All she could see what Lace on the bed, falling to floor while the Cogfly was buzzing...

Her head snapped up as the sound of the buzzing caught her ears, and turning to Shakra, she saw her holding the Cogfly, turning the pin to observe the buzzing.

"As odd as the use of this in such a manner is, you must admit, Lace wielding Pin was cleaver to have pulled it off.  I might not know the inner workings, but on the outside, just looking at it, I would think it was just another one of your normal little bug mechanisms."

"It was like the others originally. She set it off yesterday by accident, I just thought she would wear it out with the beastlings, but this..." Hornet's mind when back to the moment she walked in the door.

With a sigh mixed with a groan, she flopped onto her back, then rolled onto her front, then started lightly thumping her face against the ground, "I need a distraction..."

"Nonsense! This is just another challenge, and you must face it."

"HOW! First, I accidently make Lace naked, then I walk in on her with that...thing! Sure, I've had my embarrassing moment, but this! And it being Lace also makes it worse somehow."

"Hornet wielding Needle, when you say you left her naked..."

Hornet shot up, "NOPE! Whatever you're thinking, no! It was the bath mix.  She used it without knowing about its disagreement with clothing."

Shakra looked at her, still calm, bring her hand up to set on Hornet's shoulder, "Calm yourself, you mustn't let your emotions do that, or soon all of Bellhart, and possibly Pharloom will have gossip to share of their savior."

Hornet could feel herself getting red as she realized Shakra was right, and she dropped onto the floor again, letting her face hit the floor, "I should just throw myself to the void, it'll be easier at this point."

Shakra stood up, "Nonsense! You've braved the abyss! You've fought a god, how are you this eager to take the easy way out now?"

"Those were fights, this is worse."

Hornet heard Shakra moving, walking the ledge a bit, some rustling and clinking. Then suddenly Hornet found herself getting picked up. In her emotional turmoil on the floor, she didn't have the time to react, and she was soon tucked under Shakra's arm. She reached for her needle in instinct once her awareness had caught up to her, only to realize she didn't have it.  Somehow in her haze she managed to grab the Cogfly, yet she forgot her prized needle.

She silently cursed herself as Shakra started moving, though the journey was short as they only left over to Hornet's house in a quick jump that lasted a second. The tall bug proceeded to open the door, crouch and walk in, observe the room, located the blanket on the floor with Lace underneath, and then proceeded to walk over, place Hornet on the floor across from Lace with a small thud then turned around and walked out the door, closing it behind her.

Lace managed to pop her head out when she heard the steps, watch them both, then looking at Hornet. Hornet's mind raced, and after a moment, she got up, and walked right out.

For a moment, Lace sat in silence as she watched the door Hornet had just walked out of, only to hear the sounds of scurrying, like Hornet and someone else was running, jumping and...just moving around all over the place very fast, then with a small thump it was quiet.

A few minutes later, the sounds of the door handle again, and the door opened, and again Shakra walked in with Hornet under her arm, only time she was now wrapped and bound with ropes instead of her clock, which was in Shakra's hand. As Shakra set down Hornet again, Lace observed the ropes binding her, in a very unique pattern that crisscrossed her body, with knots small but tight.

Shakra tossed Hornet's cloak up onto the foot ledge of the hot tub, before turning to Lace, "Lace wielding Pin, you're to refrain from releasing Hornet until you both have talked out this, thing." She proceeds to place the Cogfly on the floor between them as she says that, before turning to the door and leaving again.  The sound of the door closing rings in the air for a moment, before the two bugs look at each other, staring at one another in a silent awkward tension.

Lace took this time to get a better look over Hornet's binding. Her legs had been bent at the knees, and the ropes crossing over them kept them that way, her feet placed against her rear, while she was forced to sit on her knees.  The ropes continued up, and onto her back, where her arms where placed in a box shape that was held tight against her backside.

After a minute, Hornet finally broke the silence, "I forgot my needle again, it's the only reasons you've got a show to stare at right now."

Lace was caught off guard by the remark, and searching for something to say, her mouth just started moving, "Oh, well...the view is certainly nice, though I think I'd much rather see you dance."

Hornet gave her a glare, before turning to face away.

"Sorry, reflex.  Let's take this seriously so we can safely let you out without Shakra coming back to tie us both up, okay?"

Hornet was still for a moment, before letting out a sigh and turning to her, "You're probably right."

"Okay, yes! So...what do we talk about first?"

Silence fell over them again, and Lace's eyes looked around, trying to figure it out, before her eyes landed on the Cogfly on the floor between them, "I guess I should start by apologizing. I know I was messing with your stuff.  The whole thing with this buzzing Cogfly, I wasn't even trying to do that it just ended up happening by accident...and then I started to fiddle with it...and then...you saw..."

Lace felt her face go warm as the thought of what happened and it took all her self control to keep her from tucking her head into the blanket again, when she noticed Hornet leaning closer.

"What, is something funny? Is my embarrassment amusing to you?"

"No, your face, it's turning pink..."

"It's called blushing you fool!" Lace reached onto the bed and grabbed a pillow, throwing it into Hornet's face, who gave her a flat stare in response to the pillow as it fell to the floor.

Lace silently leaned forward, grabbing the pillow and putting it back on the bed, "Sorry, I'm a little, worked up..."

Hornet let out a sigh, "I think we both are. Let's just try and keep it simple, okay?"

Lace nodded.

"Good, now to start, I want to apologize for not telling you about the bath mixture. I should have, or had the water drained and replaced, something."

"Okay, and again, I apologize for the...Buzzfly. Even if I didn't make it, I should have found a place for myself to have done something like that."

"That would have been preferred, though it's not like you could've gone anywhere else, considering your current, circumstances."

"Oh, like you're one to talk?" Lace gestures towards the bare shell under the ropes that did nothing to cover her up.

"This is, different..."

"Right, cause both of us are bare cause of Shakra right now. I think there's more in common then you're giving credit for."

Lace looked over at her with thinned eyes, before getting up, letting the blanket fall to her feet. Hornet's expression when into surprise as she walked closer and picked up the bound bug, then set her onto the bed, and then climbed in after, pulled the blanket over them both, and wrapping her arms around Hornet.

Silence was the only thing present for about a minute, before Hornet turned her head as much as possible to face Lace, "What's happening?"

"I need a nap, and I'm making you take one with me..."

"But..."

Her mouth was covered by Lace's hand, "I don't care right now.  Rest here or on the floor, either choose now or I choose for you if you keep talking," Hornet kept her mouth shut, "Good choice."

Lace soon drifted off to sleep, and her hands were gripping Hornet, one around her lower abdomen, and her other around her chest. Hornet lightly wiggled, trying to get a sense of her bindings, seeing if there was any points on it she could wiggle loose, but it held fast.

Shakra mentioned something like this to her a previous time, a binding technique using ropes, used by her tribes people to restrain those who would cause trouble... the name started with an S...

She put the thought aside and looked down at the ropes.  Studying them, she was only able to see a little bit since the ropes covered them up, but from her looks before, and her feeling of the ropes on her, she started to get a rough idea on how they worked on her.  She could probably recreate it with her own threads once she has her hands free, but that would probably have to wait until after she made Lace's new suit...

Or maybe... she could do the best of both.

Lace had ended up sleeping longer than she had anticipated, having woken up early in the morning, rather than later in the evening. She let Hornet loose, and their day kind of went off a bit more normal.

Lace went back to drawing, the blanket wrapped around her as she laid on the floor, quill in hand as she drew more stuff. Hornet was sitting at the desk, some tools in hand as she worked on putting together the new suit using the silk sheets, and her own threads. She worked slowly as she threaded the measured sheets of fabric.

About two hours had passed from the start, but she finally finished, and she turned to hold it up to Lace, "Here it is! Now I had to make it shaped closer to you, so it'll accent your body more than your old one, but you'll be able to move freely like it's nothing at all."

Lace stood up and grabbed it, turning around, musing over it, "Not bad.  Seamless, and soft.  Looks like you're living up to your heritage, little spider."

Hornet rolled her eyes as Lace turned away, tossing the blanket back onto the bed, before pulling the suit on.  Hornet watched, the suit sliding smoothly over her skin, while also fitting into place perfectly.  Hornet nodded with approval as she watched Lace twirl in place, "I say, it feels great as well."

"I do say, it does fit you nicely."

"Maybe you could become a tailer if the whole hero, hunter thing doesn't work out. And what are you doing?"

Lace watch Hornet picking up the blanket and sheets from the bed, "Taking these to Pavo for a cleaning. After your bare ass was in them all day and night, I want to make sure it's all cleared up."

Lace let out a halfhearted sarcastic laugh at Hornet's answer, before walking to the door, at which Hornet feigned a gasp, "What's this, Lace is willingly going outside?  Has the haunting returned?"

Lace let out a sigh, "I don't think humor fits you, maybe try sticking to swinging that big blade around instead.  But I am actually going to try and get out and do something for once, like you were asking me to get out, and that's what I'm doing."

Hornet nodded, "Right, I did do that. Well, I guess see if the brothers need a delivery done, they're always looking for new couriers."

Lace gave a nod, then walked out, leaving Hornet alone with the bedding. As she gathered up the materials in her arms, ready to take them to Pavo, she smirked as she awaited Lace to find the surprise.

Lace ended up getting a delivery run to Fleatopia. The name was odd, but with her luck, and the many maps of Hornet's she looked at on and off, she was able to find a path there, taking a route there from the roof of the citadel that even she had no idea existed, that for her past the route of Bilewater, which she greatly appreciated. And as luck would have it, the route in question also has a small tunnel system that went over the big tunnel with the creatures Hornet called Ductsuckers in her journal, but she did have to deal with some Spit Squits and Barkaks. The latter catching her by surprise, their vine-like tongue snagging her, once.

Making it to the tunnel entrance, she rushed in and nearly feel off the ledge into a moat of maggots. Catching her balance, she took a few steps back before taking a running jump over, and landing on the smooth stone ground before walking towards the settlement of fleas.  Walking around, the many "Ahh-WOO!" from the small fleas as she passed them, but eventually she spotted a taller flea with a mustache on a nearby platform on the shiny sand. Stepping up to it, she held up the package, "Pardon me, are you Mooshka? I've been quested to bring you this if so."

The tall flea turned to her, "Oh ho! Welcome! Yes I am Mooshka, the flea master!  Who might you be?"

"I'm Lace, I believe you know me, compatriot, Hornet."

"Ah, yes! It's nice to meet a fellow kindred spirit of our good friend and record holder."

"Record holder?"

"Why yes! Here we have the flea games, and currently Hornet holds the top scores for all three! The games are open to all at any time if you wish to try your luck at one now."

Mooshka gestured towards the nearby slab with the scored written on it. Stepping towards it to take a look, Hornet was indeed the top one on all, though oddly enough the same name showed up on the bottom of all three, Kratt. The name itself was familiar, Lace faintly remembering Hornet saying the name in some rant, but she couldn't remember what she had said exactly, just that it involved a spa somehow.

Focusing her attention to the top scores, the one with the biggest number was one called "Flea Bounce" and she couldn't help but think that if she could one up Hornet on this, the bragging rights would be useful for so much verbal ammunition.

"Hey Fleamaster, how do I play this one?"

She had to give Hornet credit, the Flea Bounce was a lot trickier then she had imagined. The concept was simple but getting to a high number took a lot of effort. Currently she was on try number... something above fifteen.

She was starting to find a rhythm, bouncing from one flea to the next, when the silver bell of Kratt popped out of the water with that lecherous look, and she took aim and dived.  With a satisfying ring, she knocked him back down into the water, only to realize she dived to hard and fell in right behind him.

Having hit the water, the round came to an end, and Lace begrudgingly climbed out of the water, deciding it was time to head home. She walked over to the Fleamaster, setting her pin against her hip, "I think I'll have to return another time, it' about time I get going."

Mooshka gave a nod, "Very well, we'll await your return with anticipation, but before you go would you like something to warm you up? We've got a fresh batch of brew over by Grishkin." He guestured to the big happy looking flea, who waved as they look over, when the sound of scurrying caught their attention and they turned to see Kratt approaching.

"If the lovely Lace wishes, my portable spa is nice and warm if you wish to soak and relax your body after all that work."

Lace noticed a small crease that looked like worry in Mooshka's face, but a warm dip sounded to good to pass up after all that.  She followed him over to his upside-down bell, where he opened the door. Stepping in and dropping into the water, Lace grabbed her pin and set it on the ledge, and let her self sink into the water. A sigh escaped her lips as she flouted, and her head tilted back to relax, when she spotted movement in a small gap in the ceiling, and instinct kicked in, she grabbed her pin and threw it, the handle end first, and a thunk was heard followed close by a yelp, and the pin fell into the water next to Lace, except she didn't notice, as the sudden jerk in her arms cause something to pull hard in her suit, and thing thin and tense pulled into her crotch, pressing past the lips of her opening and hard against her clit.

Moving slow, she pulled herself out of the water, feeling thin lines move pressing, tugging and squeezing her in response. Grabbing her pin, she slowly got out of the spa, one hand holding the pin while the other held the neck of her suit. Outside she stood, still as possible and her head move to look aroound, and she saw Kratt on the ground, a bruise on his face as he lay dazed on the ground with the fleas surounding him.

A gruff scarred flea that she believe to be Vox let out a sigh, "You'd think he would have learned after what happened with the first bug not flea."

Hearing that, she recalled what Hornet had said, Kratt trying to peek at her in the bell spa previously, only to get whacked in return. She raised up her own arm to smack her forehead for forgetting something like that, only for the hidden lines to tug at her again.

While the fleas were busy dealing with Kratt, she made her leave, walking towards the exit, only realize she had to jump across the moat of maggots if she wanted to leave.

She swallowed nervously and with her body tensing, she got as close to the edge as possible, then ran in jump, the lines hitting not just her crotch again, but not her chest as well, squeezing her sensitive bits on her chest. With deep breathes and stubborn determination, she did some more run and jumps, from platform to platform till she was in the safety of the upper tunnels, barely getting past the creatures along the way.  Leaning against the wall, she grabbed the neck of her suit and pulled it down, looking down to find a strange sight.

The inside wall of her suit seemed to have dissolved, as bit of broken and frayed silk fabric stuck to her skin and the inside of the shirt, but now there was thin silk ropes crisscrossing her body, almost like one Hornet had been tied in...

Realization dawned on her, and she angrily fit the wall, only to gasp as the network of ropes tugged.  She grumpily made her way slowly to avoid any harsh movement, doing as little as possible as she excited the tunnel into the upward tunnel that would lead to the bellway. She looked up at the platforms she would have to jump, and she groaned as she prepared to jump and climb.

It was torture, but Lace finally made it to Eria, and the ride home was hard, the bumps of the ride made her ropes tug, which squeezed and tugged. But once they arrived, she climbed her way up, trying to look as casual as possible, before making it into the bellhome.

Hornet was gone, which was fine by her.  She grabbed the neck of suit and pulled it off, making a few rips, but she didn't care in the moment, cause not only was she a little frustrated with it, she forgot about the ropes for a moment and they pulled hard.

Once she was out of the suit, she looked down at the ropes.  It was clearly done after the style of binding Hornet had been in, but with some tweaks, with the presence of a thin silk rope in her crotch, with a knot just over where her clit was, which explained why it felt the tugs so much, but also Hornet had managed to get knots to tighten around Lace's nipples.

With a steady hand, she grabbed a blade from the desk, and started cutting away the silk, still they lay on the ground, with Lace standing over them breathing.

Her mind raced as she thought up of ways to get back at Hornet, when her eyes landed on the bag of silk fabric set by the extra crafting materials Hornet had collected, and a sly smile crept over her lips as she walked towards them, a plan formulating in her mind as she started to craft, using a pair of small scissors to start her creation with the first snip.

Chapter Text

Hornet returned to her Bellhome, setting her Needle down as she looked at the pile of thread and fabric on the floor, a small chuckle to herself as she realized Lace had found her surprise.  She had managed to use a small coating of the bath mix from Shakra on the inner layer of the suit, and a starchy fluid on the ropes she had hidden on the inside layers made it go tight, both of them made to react in contact with water.

Hornet would every so often end up having to swim in water, or at the very least land in some as needed, so it was fair to say Lace was bound to as well at some point, though it seemed she ended up wet sooner than expected.

She picked up the silk pile on the floor, turning to the desk to salvage what was left for a new, regular suit this time, only when she looked at the desk, she stopped suddenly at the state it was in. The surface had been radically rearranged, where some papers and quills lefts scattered.

She took a moment to look around the Bellhome, realizing that despite the fact the remains of the suit were here, Lace herself was gone, as well as the bag of fabric.

Confused, she went back to the desk to see if Lace had left some kind of trace or hint as to where she had gone or what she was going.  A few images where present on some of the paper. She flipped through them, stopping when she found a bigger piece with drawings of a cloak design somewhat reminiscent of her own, but with an opening in the front. And some kind of simple design made of two pieces of smaller clothing that would cover her upper body and her waist region.

Since Lace wasn't there, it seemed likely she had made herself some clothes, probably based on these designs, and then left. Curiosity got to her, lead to her flipping back to take a closer look at the other designs Lace had drawn up.

Most of them where only half done, with thin lines drawn over them in a cross, leading her to believe that Lace decided they wouldn't work or something. One of them was still crossed out, but it had been finished by the way it looked.

The design was a simple, its appearance matched a leather belt, however its measurements showed it was smaller, like a necklace roughly, and in the middle was a Rosary. she observed it, reaching the conclusion it was probably meant to be a reusable Rosarie string, or necklace, so that you could carry all those beads, but not have to waste string by breaking it to get the beads, and instead just open the clasp at the ends.

The design was simple and practical for that purpose, though she found it odd why Lace scratched it out as she did.  The other designs she couldn't make heads or tails, part of it being they lacked as much details as the bead holder, but the details that were present, she wasn't sure what they could be used for, the shapes not making sense. She figured she would ask Lace later when they met again, but for now she would see if the Wish Board had anything she could help with. As she walked uot though, a thought did cross her mind.

After Hornet's little surprise, she was sure Lace would've been plotting some kind of revenge, instead of making accessories. Maybe she was wising up and maturing a bit after all.

Lace walked through the hot grassy plains of Far Field, a copy of Hornet's map in hand once again.  She made her over the lava pool, jumping from flouting lava stone till she made it across, finding herself in a wide-open area, where up above in the air she saw the red house made of inflated bags and thick tough fabric, the shape matching the drawing on the Map, so it seemed she had reached her destination, now she just had to see if anyone was home.

The Climb up was pretty quick, and the door was open, the inside being just a room, on the far side on the floor sat a bug draped in red. She was busy working an older weaving contraption, the name of which was just on the tip of her tongue. The name wasn't that important though, so she stepped in, and the seamstress quickly stopped what she was doing and turned to her, "Ah, another stray one wanders in."

Lace bowed to her, "Pardon my intrusion ma'am, but I came seeking possible request of your aid in skills."

"Oh, we have a seeker! What is it you wish to have me work my skills on?"

From under her cloak, Lace held out the paper with Hornet's design and measurement from the first suit, though thankful there was no mention of the ropes and disappearing fabric on the sheet of paper, so she had brough it without fear of a repeat, "I have brought my own silk fabric for this, and rosaries is needed."

The seamstress took the paper, looking it over, before turning back to face Lace, "I know this hand, this was done by the hand of the lost one who I made the drifter's cloak for on her journey to the citadel."

Lace gave a nod, "Yes, these are from Hornet. She's an acquaintance of mine."

The seamstress nodded, looking back at the paper, "She worked on this with great detail, I'm surprised she didn't make this herself, considering her weaver heritage, and the work on her own cloak."

"Oh, yes.  Well...she did but there was a small...incident...and Hornet was unavailable, so I came here hoping you could lend your aid."

The seamstress placed the paper down, "Very well, though in return I ask a favor. Go out into the fields and bring me back some flexible spines from the Hokers. You'll find the spines inside the spikes they shoot at you when attacked.  And leave your cloak here."

Lace was caught by surprise by that last bit, "My cloak, but why?"

"I see you made it in a hurry.  I won't have you running around with it in that condition, it'll wear out quickly."

She nodded quietly, and with slow hands, removed the cloak from her person and handed it over to her.

The Seamstress to it in hand and started looking it over, before looking back up and looking at Lace, "Quite an interesting outfit you have. Might I inquire its purpose and origin?"

Lace looked down at the two silk pieces on her, made for the purpose of covering her exposed areas. She looks back up, a little embarrassed, "The design was made after a old design I found in old archives, a suit worn for the purpose of swimming. It wasn't a very well used thing since most bug don't require such covering for such a purpose, it was more an aesthetic then anything."

The Seamstress nodded, before turning away, "Very well then, you may be off to gather the spines."

Lace let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, before turning to the door, her hand moving to the handle of her pin, before she turned back to the Seamstress, "How many would you like?"

The Seamstress let out a thoughtful hum as she tilted her head to the side to think, while also looking at the cloak still in her hands, "I think thirty, but bring thirty-five just in case."

Lace turned back to the opening, walking out onto the platform. She looked back to where she had come from. From Hornet's journal she knew the Hokers where native to the area, but she hadn't seen any on her way here, so she turned her attention to the other way, an opening to another area she hadn't been to yet was probably her best chance at finding them.

She found them, and they were annoying.

They weren't very active but poking one with her pin cause spines to fly, and she barely missed getting one through her leg.

She then watched as it grew new ones, pointing in different directions then the first ones it had.  She went around and grabbed the few she had cause it to fire out earlier, cracking them open for the flexible spines inside of them, before repeating the process, only she made sure to stand clear of the spikes beforehand this time.

The process was slow, but she took her time, taking them each and breaking them open, before counting them into a pile off to the side.

After what felt like ages, she had finally gathered the thirty-fives flexible spines. She was able to grab some thin vines from the ground and tie them around the spines so that she was able to carry them as a bundle instead of a loose stack. She made her way back to the flouting residence, where she walked in with the bundle. The Seamstress turned to her as she walked in, "Ah, the seeker returns, how was the gather?"

"I procured all thirty-five flexible spins, as you requested."

"Wonderful! Set them here by me. As for yourself, grab yourself a cover and a cushion, and rest for the night."

Lace turned to look outside. While the light of the sky didn't really reach the far fields, it did seem to have fallen still out there compared to when she had arrived.

She quietly followed her instructions, grabbing a blanket and pillow, taking them over to the wall laying down on the oddly cush floor. It felt odd just crashing like this, but she was stuck waiting anyways, so she let herself settle till she finally drifted off.

Hornet sat on the ledge outside her Bellhome's door, looking towards the different entries into the area. Reed had returned after his day of hunting, but aside from that no one else had come into the Ballhart since she's been home.

She tapped her fingers on the ledge next to her, when Shakra landed next to her, "Poskanka Hornet wielding Needle! What seems to trouble you!"

"Greetings Shakra. It's nothing, I'm just waiting."

"Are you awaiting a delivery of your own?"

"Oh, no.  Lace left, and I haven't seen her since this morning. I'm unsure where she had gone to and I'm left waiting."

"Oh, Lace wielding Pin went to the Far fields to the Seamstress! I was on the trail of a big beast with a head for ramming when I spotted her around the flouting hut!"

Hornet looked at Shakra for a moment as she processed what she heard, and then it clicked into place!

"OH! She took the finished designs with her to the Seamstress to have them made."

"Designs?"

"Oh, yes I came home earlier and found she had drawn up some designs, but the ones she had left were half finished ones that lacked a complete concept for me to read into and understand."

Shakra nodded, "Such is the work of perfecting. Well I shall return to me place for tonight's rest, for tomorrow, the hunt continues!"

Shakra took off, landing on her ledge before heading into it for the night. Hornet followed suit, heading into her bell.  She went straight for the bed, her mind now a bit eased about Lace, thought it still wondered about her designs, but she managed to set the thoughts aside for herself to rest, letting sleep take her, though it felt a little odd with just her to fill the bed.

Lace awoke the next morning, the sounds of wood clicking from the Seamstress's contraption filling the air. The Seamstress was still in the same spot, like she had remained there working through the night, and she just might have, cause on the floor in a nice, folded pile was a few new suits, and her cloak, now with blue lining.

Sitting up, the seamstress turned to Lace, "Ah, you rise early! I just finished making your things a bit ago. The ones in you bag were odd, but I appreciate a challenge nonetheless."

Lace looked at her confused and reached for the bag she had used to carry the silk fabric. Pulling them open, she let out a small gasp, a number of the binding garments she had designed were made, using the silk she brought, plus some other materials she hadn't brought. Her mind raced as she wondered how this happened, when she remembered how the Seamstress had her leave her cloak, which had all her designed in the pockets she made. She brought them along purely for the reason so that Hornet wouldn't see them and suspect anything.

She had planned on making them herself once she had the time, place and items, but this made things easier. She pulled out the arm binding garment she had designed and was pleasantly surprised to find it had been tweaked so that she could make adjustments to the size a bit to fit the wearer. She put it back in and dug around. There was still some items she hadn't made, like the rosary harness, and the few mechanical items as well.

Lace made a not to herself to be more careful with her designs in the future, but she closed up the bad, then stood, "Thank you seamstress, this was a very pleasant surprise I had not expected."

"Think nothing of it. What you'll be excited to try is the cloak first."

She had Lace hurry and dress into one of her new suits, before having her put on the cloak and took her outside.

She brought her to the ledge of the platform, "Towards the corners of the front of your cloak you'll find a pocket for each hand. bring your hands to them, then bring them together, pointing towards the ground."

Lace followed what she said, and watched as the cloak suddenly bent, taking on the same dome shape Hornet does. With an excited glee, she raised her hands upward in success, only to feel the cloak whoost and clock, and looking at them, she saw something reminiscent of bat wings had snapped into place, and the Seamstress was clapping, "This is the glide form! You can cut through the air like a knife with this."

With an excited giggle, Lace jumped from the ledge, letting the wings catch the air, and she was soon gliding over the ground, and for a moment it was just her and the wind.

After taking a moment to just enjoy this, she turned the Cloak towards the flouting residence again. She grabbed her bag and thanked the Seamstress again, using her new Cloak to glide over the ground again towards the entry way. After a few minutes of walking, she came to a rising air flow and using the hand pockets to activate the drifter form, based on what Hornet's cloak was called, her cloak caught the wind and she shot upwards. Reaching the peak of the flow, she flipped onto the stone and landed with grace, laughing at her new cloak's amazing abilities.

She rushed out into the tall cavern, using her cloak to ride the tall strong air flows, her aim taking her up to Greymoor.

From there she ran, glided and made her way to the Bellway station, and as luck would have it, Hornet wasn't using Eria so she was there quickly after calling, along with her beastlings. The ride took her strait to the Grand Bellway in the Citadel, where she quickly rushed over to the Ventrica, hopping in and activating the button for the High halls. From there she made her way up, heading into the secret workshop of the tinkerers who made the seemingly endless army of the original gold colored Cogflys.

She had to admit, the flouting ability of the cloak made traversing her way here very easier, and the glide was just amazing!~

But excitement aside she had work to do. Taking a bench, she pulled out her designs. She sorted through them, making two stacks, one being the stuff the Seamstress made, the other being the stuff she didn't make.

She had a nice few options of ideas to make, but she had a very specific one in mind first. From the stack she flipped though, till she grabbed the one for the Rosary harness. Her original one would have worked on most anyone, but then she had remembered that Hornet's head wasn't quite normal, so she had to scrap it and redesign it to fit Hornet's head. She looked at the design as she grabbed what she needed, before flipping it over to see what she imagined it on Hornet would look like.

It was a simple drawing made to replicate the shape of hornet's head, but with the rosary on the harness shoved in her mouth, silencing her, while two straps ran down and under Hornet's face and head, while a third one went up and over, the three straps meeting behind her head to lock together.

She giggled with mischief as she grabbed her tools and started her work, making the straps from leather she brought along, before sliding on the bead she had brought, her mind excitedly imagined it trapped in Hornet's lips, wet with her drool as she was helpless to her.

Chapter Text

Lace held the finished item in her hand, taking in the beauty of her creation.  It was rather in design, but she had taken a bit of inspiration from the Seamstresses work on her other items, making the straps of the harness adjustable, since she didn't have the exact measurements of Hornet's head to work with.

Looking it over, one last time, she set it aside with the bag of the items in question, before pulling up her stack of other designs, most of these ones a lot more mechanical in nature compared to the others. Thankfully she came to a workshop with plenty of parts, and old Cogflys she could tear apart to get to the stuff she would need.

But now she just needed to pick one of the designs to make first...

Hornet had gotten up and spent a while waiting around Bellhart, before deciding to head out. After a ride over on Eria, she made it to Far field. Using her cloak to flout down, she made it to the clearing where the Seamstress resided.

The Seamstress turned to her as she walked in, "Ah, the stray one returns! How has your travels been?"

"I've been well Seamstress. Though this visit exactly social, I came seeking Lace, a... friend, who's been residing with me, though last night I had been told she came here to you, seeking your skill I presume."

"As yes, the seeking one. She had indeed come to me seeking clothing of your design. Though I had some fun with her other designs, odd as they were the challenge of making them was quite a fun challenge unlike my usual works."

"Other works?"

"Yes, designs of her own hand. Somewhere based on thing requiring cogs and parts, things I have interest in crafting, but the ones made from fabric and thread I was able to complete. And her cloak, that was a project more for myself."

"Her cloak you say. Did you grant her a drifter's cloak as well?"

"Of sorts, but her cloak was open down the middle, granting me access to make the cloak able to open like wings to ride the air."

Hornet blinked, her head tilted, "You made her cloak able to fly?" excitement raising her voice an octave. An old memory of her younger days when she wished to fly like others with wings surfacing.

"You could say, though with it your friend can only move in the air from high up, she couldn't remain stationary in the air."

Hornet nodded at her words, the description reminding her of the flying dash of her sibling during their adventure back in Hollownest.

She put the thought aside, turning back to the Seamstress, "Would you be able to make my cloak do that?"

"Ah, very possible, but for that to work though I would need to cut a line down the middle of the front, and I feel like you're not interested in such a drastic alteration of your cloak."

Hornet nodded, "You believe right, for as long as I've had this, I wouldn't dream of such a thing." She let out a sigh, but she figured she could probably ask Lace to let her try it out later. "Well thanks for your help, I should be going then."

"Hold on a moment. I actually have a small favor to ask if you're off to find your friend still."

The Seamstress pulled out a small bundle of neatly folded fabric from her own cloak and presented it to Hornet, "Would you be willing to return these to your friend? She wore them when she arrived but left them by accident after changing into her new suit, I found them after she was gone and ended up making them water friendly to fit the intended use of swimming, she said they had been made for."

Hornet took the bundle, unfolding it with curiosity, seeing it was the two-piece outfit from Lace's drawing. Hornet nodded as she refolded and tucked them away in her own cloak, "I will return these to her, once I find her. You wouldn't happen to have an idea as to where she went off to?"

"She gave no mention to her next place of interest, but I'm sure she'll turn up in due time."

"Yeah, but knowing her, I'm aware there's a chance she'll get into trouble before then."

"There's always that, but I'm sure you could do to work out anything she might cause, after what all you worked out the troubles of the haunting and the abyss."

Hornet nodded, "Well then I should be off then, a good day to you then Seamstress, I'll be back another time."

"Same to you."

Hornet left the flouting hut, heading to the ground to play the Beastling call, summoning the Beastlings to her so she can follow them through their small tunnel to the Bellway station, quicker then taking the long route. She also couldn't help but wonder though, where was Lace, and what was she up to.

Lace was hitting a snag.

She had picked a design and was starting to work on it, when she realized she lacked a form of power for it, and for most of her other ones.

The Cogfly she had converted by accident was given power by slivers of Hornet's thread that carried energy, and while Lace was created by a similar silk, she lacked the capacity to wield it. And while there was spools of silk scattered in placed, it was unlikely she could use it for power.

She leaned over the table, considering what she could do to complete the half-made creation laid before her. She raised her head in thought, thinking about options.

The citadel itself was made from a lot of cogs and gears, though most of that power came from the steam and heat from the Deep Docks, where the raw energy was piped up straight up into underworks, where it was then converted into power for the cogwork core, which turned the gears through the rest of the citadel...

She stopped and stood up strait, she knew of a power converter experiment, where they used small pieces of Voltridian and Volt filament as smaller compact sources of power. She remembered reading about it in the vaults, with them having great success with the materials and making a lot of them, but then the moved onto making weapons out of them, leading to the Voltvessels she's come to learn Hornet had gotten her hands on.

She grabbed her pin and rushed out, excited to get her hands on them. She Rushed out and used her new Cloak to float down with the Drifter form, her marveling at the ease she was able to move while she slowly drifted down, finding herself envious that Hornet has such a great utility at her disposal for so long, and was probably used to helped her in her journey that led to her reaching the Cradle.

Well, no matter, she was able to as well, plus the glide! Once touching down, she dropped down into the Choral Chamber's long upper hall, rushing towards the Core, cutting through only briefly to run into the next hall, then reaching the bottom opening to the Memorium.

She always found it odd they would conduct such experiments right above the place they displayed the collected animals, but it was a location close to where she was working, so at least the trip was shorter. She climbed up, going through a few holes in the ceiling she was sure Hornet had been the one responsible for.

As she reached the top, she saw the sign for the Ventrica, and she realized she could have been here sooner if she had just remembered there was one in the High Halls where she had just come from, but at least she had a quick trip back.

Climbing up once more she made it to the Attic of the Memorium, running across to the small room where the Volt Vessel one used to be. The room was close to empty, but she had a small hunch. She walked over to the table where the empty glass case sat empty. She walked around the table, finding a tightly sealed drawer. The door has a lock with a hole for a key that had a good chance of being lost amongst the many shells that had been long cleared from the Citadel. Grabbing her pin, she lines up the point with the hole, then shoved it through, piercing whatever was inside the mechanism, and allowing her to yank it open.

Inside, she saw the purple glow of volt energy emanating from their small containers. She let out an excited squeal to herself, before grabbing them and stuffing them into the pockets of her cloak. Once she had them all, she grabbed whatever notes and papers were inside. She might need a way to make more later, but for now she was all stocked up, an excited chuckle she headed back the way she came, making a beeline for the Ventrica once it was in view, climbing in, and pushing the button, the closing of the door that took only a few seconds felt to slow to her as adrenaline made her feel all giddy and excited.

The day had gotten late, and Hornet had made her way home. She had been feeling worked up, running around looking for Lace. Once in Bellhart, she headed up to Shakra's ledge, thinking she could ask for a spar, getting her mind off Lace, and letting her body work off its tension, but she found the ledge empty, meaning she was probably out, and she didn't want to ring her back just for a spar, so she ended up going to her Bellhome instead.

She walked in and once she closed the door she headed to her desk, planning to try and piece together some new tools so she was fully stocked, only she found herself unable to focus.  She got up and headed to the bed, flopping down, trying to sleep, only to find her mind unable to quiet down and rest.  She turned to look up, thinking maybe she could jump in the hot tub to relax, but she dismissed the idea, knowing she would probably be unable to focus in the water as well.

Her flopped onto its side, trying to come up with some idea of what to do, and her gaze landed on the Buzzfly. She looked at it, while its powered down eyes looked back at her. Sitting up, she considered, what if I tried it?

Her mind went through a few different thoughts, "I could, it's right there. But it's Lace's, she wouldn't like it if I touched it. But it was made from my Cogfly. But then again..."

Her mind debated with itself, and Hornet ended up standing up, walking in circles around her home as she did.

Lace held up the first of her finally finished mechanical creations. After making a few tweaks for the Volt Source, she had it all put together. It was a long and thin piece, mostly a handle to grip, with a orb that vibrates on the end. The orb on the end was made of pearl. She had found it in the vault ages ago, a pearl that had been made to small by accident, so no one bothered to finish it, so it wasn't fully carved into a bead, and now it was going to make for the head of her device.

IF, it worked...

On the end opposite head, she had a pin, and much like her Buzzfly, she made it so that twisting would activate and adjust its power output, and she now reached and twisted, watching, listening, and feeling as the thing in her hand slowly came to life, the head of the device vibrating in place, while the vibrations carried down the handle a bit as well. Twisted the pin a few times, she concurred that everything was in working order.

She excited placed it with her other completed item, before turning to her papers for the next one. Excitement fueled her as she worked, picking the next one, this one a bigger contraption with a thrusting rod.

Hornet had finally managed to stop debating herself, and was feeling very tempted to try the Buzzfly though she was very nervous to try it. She had first locked the door, knowing she didn't want a repeat of last time, though on the other end of it. She had her cloak off and set aside, but now she was holding the fly while sitting on her bed.

Her finger was running over the pin, pressing it lightly, but not enough to turn it, but she was determined to not let this mechanical insectoid get the better of her.

With a deep breath, she finally managed to turn the pin, slowly, but there was a light click, and it lightly buzzed to life. She kept it low, before being it down to her crotch, her legs spreading, the shell covering opening up to reveal her genitals, an area that she had honestly not had a lot of, interaction, with for a long while, but she brought it against herself, and the buzzing touch sent vibrations through her, slowly as she started gently, but it soon spread as she pressed it in, the head of the Buzzfly pressing inward a bit, hitting her clit, which roused a gasp from Hornet.

She kept her breath as steady as she could hold it, trying not to let herself get too caught up in the buzzing. After a few minutes of this, she reached down with her other hand, turning up the power, her breath catching in her with a gasp, and she found herself ending up on her back as she felt her muscles reacting, tensing up, but wiggling as well, like she couldn't stay still.

Her body was tingling with an indescribable joy, yet its soon craved more, and without much tough, she reached down and twisted the pin higher, the buzzing increasing higher, and stronger than she expected. Her body wiggled, and she ended up flipped over, her body taking a new position, her legs pulling in till she was on her knees, her waists raised up, her ass in the air as her own face was buried into the mattress and blankets, while her hands remained firmly gripped on the Buzzfly, keeping it solidly in place, her pleasure escalating to an edge it desperately wanted to climb over, but wasn't quite strong enough to reach it. Her fingers managed to find the pin, and without hesitation, twisted it to max, and the hit was immediate.

Her legs clenched together, while her breathing was replaced with a moan mixed with a squeal, while her arms pulled towards herself, pressing it in harder, and for a moment, it was teetering on the edge, and then like running into a wall, it hit, the peak crashed into her, and the moan that slipped out filled the Bellhome's air, while her whole body tensed like nothing she and felt before in any battle.

It was a peak that felt like it would last for ages, but then as soon as it had arrived, it faded.  Her hands held the Buzzwing, pressing it in like they were ready to go again, only instead of a build up like before, she felt a sense of overwhelm, and she released the Buzzfly, and rolling onto her back again, breathing heavily as she felt her body relax, like it was trying to melt from the release of tension.

She remained like that, her mind hazy, but aware, while the Buzzfly remained buzzing next to her.  Eventually she reached down and turned it off, setting it back where it had been, before grabbing the blanket and pulling it over herself. She had no words r explanation for what had happened, she just knew it was something amazing, and she was starting to grow curious about more, her mind running back to recent things, Lace with the Buzzfly, getting dropped before Lace while wrapped in Shakra's shibari, Lace's arms wrapped around her in bed, Lace naked after getting uncovered...

Lace, lace, lace...

A surprise of realization hit her almost as hard as the climax she had just had. She wanted more, and she wanted it with Lace.

Chapter Text

Hornet could barely sleep. She spent much of the night tossing and turning, unable to settle as she grasped with her realization of an interest in Lace, but how?

It had been ages since she last attempted an actual relationship, and now here she was feeling that old spark once again. The way she had reacted earlier to walking in on Lace made so much sense now but also caused so many more questions. How would she progress from here? What should she do now that she's aware? What would Lace think...?

What WOULD Lace think? What would she feel?

Presenting this new proclamation to her might not end well. For one After what had happened with the ropes, Lace probably wouldn't be all that eager to reciprocate. She hadn't been back since, was she avoiding Hornet? Was she enraged with her?

Hornet' started pacing the room, her hand gripping the handle of her needle tightly, as a quiet dread filled her, when a bang reached her ears, and in a twist of tense reflex she twisted, brandishing her needle towards the source, only to realize someone was knocking on the door.

Lowering her needle, she approached the door, pulling it open, to find Shakra standing there, "Poshanka, Hornet wielding needle, Frey of the shop told me you had sought me out last night, so I came to see if you still wished to..." she went quiet as she looked over Hornet, then couched down, "Hornet wielding needle, are you alright? You look like you've been through the abyss again."

"Apologies for my appearance, I had a restless night. Nothing of concern."

Shakra leaned close, her eye narrow as she looked Hornet over, "Perhaps so, but I feel like there's something else you're leaving out."

"It's nothing important. Just some...personal matters...of my own."

The tilt in Shakra's head felt very skeptical, but thankful she leaned back, "Very well, but in other matters, how does the location of Lace wielding pin?" 

"Nothing yet I'm afraid, the Seamstress had no clue to where she was heading after."

"I see. So, she's been gone for the night. I think that might help narrow it down."

"Really?"

"Yes! Lace wielding in is a talent of great skill in combat, but she does come from a more lushed upbringing, I think it would be safe to assume she would be specific about where she would sleep."

Listening to Shakra's words, Hornet thought back through her tired haze back to when Lace had started to get back to her old self, complaining about the bed being too small and was rather ,exaggeratedly, flabbergasted at the idea of being offered a mattress, cot, or a pile of pillows on the floor, and begrudgingly choose to keep sleeping in the same bed with Hornet. While She may had been acting over dramatic, it also made sense that lace was picky about something like that as well.

"You're probably right, so here would that leave Lace options?"

"Well, the Seamstress's house is suitable as a giant bed, but we know she wasn't there since she had left there already."

"Right, but then what about the Halfway home in Greymoor?"

"Plausible, but the beds there ranges depending on which of the small rooms they have available."

"Yeah, that would make sense, Creige being the only one who runs the place, plus his works distilling drinks, he can easily lose track of some stuff."

"Indeed. Then how about the citadel?"

Hornet stopped to think about it.  It was very possible, the place could easily be a nice place to sleep, but why would she go there...

Then Hornet remembered what the Seamstress had said, how she made some things based on Lace's designs, but other's she didn't make since they were going to be made of cogs and gears. Shakra leaned in as she noticed the realization dawning on Hornet's face, "You look like you know something, speak of it please."

"I think you're right about the citadel, she made designs and took them with her, and the place she could make them would be up in the citadel."

"I see, then you plan to go?"

"I shall. If by chance she returns though, will you remain close to Bellhart?"

"That I can accomplish. I've no need leave soon since I've just replenished my own gathered resources."

"Thank you," Hornet drew reached into a pocket of her cloak and held out the item to Shakra, "Here, a rosary string if you need food or anything from Frey or something."

"Unlikely, but I shall keep it if needed, and upon your return it shall be given back."

"If you wish. I'll be off now, please take care!"

"Same to you Hornet wielding Needle," Shakra called out as Hornet took off, heading straight for the Bellway station.

She ran in, ready to jump onto Eria, only to come to a stop, almost falling onto the bell vein, in surprise to find the Bell Beasts were gone. Hornet looked around the room with confusion. There had been a few times where Eria herself had gone to find food for her Beastlings, but all of them gone together, this was a first. They were getting older, so maybe Eria had taken them all to teach them how to fend for themselves. IT was possible, but yet she found it unlikely at such a young age.

Maybe she would find out later, but for now she needed a ride, so she called out. There was times where Eira might take a while to get to her, but usually that was because Hornet ended up far away from where she had left her, so when it took a bit for the familiar rumblings of the Bell Beast's arrival, confusion did grip her mind, but for now she had a mission, so she hopped onto Eira's back, and with a dive, they were off to the Grand Bellway Station of the Citadel.

Earlier, Lace awoke, head slumped backwards. Sitting up, she realized she had fallen asleep in the chair she had sat on for the last few items she had crafted. Sitting up she rubbed her face, before looking at the table before her.  On it was the last item, or rather what was supposed to be.

The night before she had finished making the items that required power and moving parts, and had started making some more, hands on items. Technically this wasn't her own creation, but a replica of a phallic object to toy and play a person with had interesting implication, and she wanted to make a few in a variety, but that last one came out, odd.

Somehow in her tired state, she carved a pearl plug looking thing. It was shaped like a rain drop, but at the rounded base a thin stem came out, and then it was connected to a flat round piece. She held it up and rotated it a few times.  It seemed like a fun creation, but how would she use it?

She would figure that one out later. She grabbed it and her stuff, putting the bag, which was now getting pretty bulky.  She chuckled to herself as she headed to the door, pulling on her cloak as she pictured herself getting Hornet all bound and at her mercy...

She froze, stopping in place as she realized, she had all this stuff, but she lacked a method of getting them onto her.  She removed the bag and placed it down as she returned to the chair.  She wanted some way to surprise Hornet into a bind, like how she did that thing with the ropes to her.

It was circumstance that let Hornet do that, but Lace lacked that. Hornet only wears a cloak, but there wasn't anyways she could think of to get her cloak and change it into a trap.

Traps...

She could make a trap.

Despite her skills so far, she didn't really have much of an idea for a trap in regards for catching a person, she normally would just confront the person in question with her pin. But she was aware of the traps in Hunter's march from the Skarr's time there, before they had all migrated to the tunnels above Pilgrim's rest after the void was gone. Based on what she had heard from Shakra's conversations with Hornet, they were now reclaiming the tunnels they had come from and were now in mourning of their old leader who had passed in the process of giving her heart to save them and Pharloom.

She didn't have it on her, but she recalled the replica map Hornet had made, tagging the locations where she had some near misses with the traps they had set. She hadn't described what kind each one was specifically though, but she knew there were two types. One was a cage that would spring up underneath and curl around the person, locking them in, while the other was an oversized club with spikes that would come down and strike whoever had set it off, given they weren't fast enough to evade it.

The first one was of interest to her, but maybe...

She stood up and grabbed the bag again, planning on a trip to hunter's march. Her plan was simple, go find some traps, activate and observe them from a distance, see how they operate, tear them open, and see what she could learn, then make her own to snap Hornet into a bind. She stepped out, then putting her hands into the front pockets, letting the air catch the cloak, letting her flout down, the bag actually not hindering it at all. Once she landed it was a quick walk to the Ventrica, then a quick ride to the Bellway Station.

The station was empty, but not surprise, Hornet rode the beast often, she was probably just elsewhere. She hollered out, and in a few the rumbling approached, and out from the bells came the Bell Beasts. She took a minute to drop down and give the Beastlings some rubs, before hoping onto Eria and heading off towards Far Fields, that Bellway being the closest one to Hunter's March.

The ride over was smooth, though the bag bouncing on her back wasn't greatly appreciated. She made a mental note to herself to make one with more snug straps to help reduce this in the future.

Once they had arrived in the station, she hopped off, turning to give a bit more loving to the little ones, when they let out a noise she think was supposed to be a howl, and they all dived down into the bells again.  As the rumbling faded away, she looked at the spot for a moment, before letting out a small sigh, and was about to turn and head towards the exit.

She headed out and hopped into the nearby air flow, heading up to the tunnel leading to hunter's march, nearly hitting her head on the lowered bridge on the way up, but avoiding it, she pulled in the cloak, cutting off the air into it, and she flipped and landed on the opening and walked towards the tunnel, soon arriving at a drop, and using her cloak to drop down, and drift to the bottom. At the bottom there was a statue.

For a moment, she looked over that statue. She knew it had been here, Hornet's map having a small drawing of the statue, however the small doodle did it no justice, but it appeared it had been cleaned up and straitened.

This was a lovely spot, but she would have to come back to enjoy it some other time.  Right now, she had to locate some traps.

Hornet had arrived at the Citadel and had hopped into the Ventrica to head to the Underworks. Hopping out, she walked out, then hopped up a platform to hit the switch, activating the bridge. She headed across, then went through the small area built into the side of the cauldron, then up, making her way into the Architect's workshop. Using her needle and string, she jumped up and grabbed onto the hanging hoop, before swinging from the hoop and onto the ledge, opening the door into the workshop.

The inside was quiet, before her, the empty desk where the Twelfth Architect once worked. Last time she had been here, they had been slumped against the desk where they broke down. It appeared as though someone had now moved them elsewhere a while ago, judging by the dust now on the desk, however that also showed that Lace hadn't been here either.

She sighed. This was the best place she could've sworn Lace would be to work on her creations.  She decided to see if anyone else would possibly have seen Lace. Making her way back towards the Ventrica, she took it slow, walking, going slow and looking around, hoping to spot any small detail that could have suggested Lace having been here, only to see a lack of any possible evidence of anyone being here recently.

With a defeated sigh she left the room and made her way back to the Ventrica.

Her next ride took her to Songclave. Stepping out from the Ventrica, she made her way down to the settlement, where she spotted Sherma nearby, as he led a group of pilgrims that looked like that had just recently arrived. Smiling at the sight, she headed around the group, making her way to Jubilana's little booth, who smiled as she approached, "Ah, the dear one returns to grace us with her presence."

"Greetings Jubilana, I see business must be going well."

"It is indeed. I've even started a small side gig with some pilgrims who have taken up making Psalm Cylinders, who make their own music based on old sheets written and found across the Citadel. I share with them, they make the music on the cylinders, and I sell the copies. They have made some grand tunes, care to purchase? I'll gladly take some rosaries off your hands, and it won't be that many, I have a discount for the first one each person buys."

"As lovely as the music is, I came seeking information actually."

"Ah, that I can share, though if it's juicy..."

"Nothing like that, I'm merely seeking a friend I haven't seen in a bit, a bug head to toe white, wearing a cloak, and possibly carrying a heavy bag."

Jubilana nodded, "Yes actually, I head of someone mentioning such a bug they caught sight running through the citadel just yesterday actually, thought they were a ghost at first glance. However I know not much more, but maybe your friend made of metal can answer. They're always watching over the place, and they often watch over us as well. Up there now you can see them."

Hornet turned to where she gestured. Upon the top of the First Shrine, the building having undergone some clearing and repairs since the damage of the Abyss. Hornet thanked Jubilana, before heading over, once the Second Sentinal was close, and spoted her, she waved up at them, and they soon dropped down, "G-greetings, Silken one."

"Greetings Sentinel, I see you're as diligent as ever."

"One must always be on guard...when p-protecting."

"How true. Speaking of diligence, have you seen Lace? She's a bug about my size who will be made from silk, so you should be able to easily have sensed her."

"I had indeed-d, just yesterday. She was in the high halls, working in the workshop of the C-C-Cogflys."

Hornet nearly slapped her own head, cause of course there was another place Lace could go to make mechanical items. She herself had been in that room and learned how to make the Cogfly's there but had completely forgotten it had existed since then. "That's good to know. Is she still there now?"

"N-n-n-no. She left early this morning, having left via the Grand Bellway S-station."

Hornet almost slapped herself again. No wonder the Bell Beasts where gone this morning, Lace had used them to leave. But "where" was the question, again.

She raised her hand up, placing it on her chin as she thought about where she could have possibly gone this time. The Seamstress made sense due to the clothes, and the citadel made sense knowing she had mechanical creations, but where else could she go now? And for what reason?

"H-h-h-hornet. You appear, distressed and worn.  Would you perhaps like a p-p-place to rest?"

Hornet let out a sigh, "I'm just going to head home and rest there but thanks for the offer."

The second sentinel nodded, "Very well then. May your travel be s-s-safe."

Hornet nodded a thanks before heading towards the Ventrica, knowing she would need to rest before she went anywhere to try and find Lace.

Lace was getting frustrated.

She had found traps, but all of them where just the swinging spiked clubs. She was currently sitting on the only bench in Hunter's March, trying to come up with some idea. The mechanisms in the traps she found where interesting, but unless she was going to make a giant net on a stick, those probably weren't going to help her since Hornet had expressed these traps were dodgeable, but the other ones, they were up in a split second once triggered, however she had none to study.

From her cloak she pulled out the map and looked it over. Hunter's march was mostly just two main tunnels, one vertical and one horizontal, with a few smaller tunnels that sprouted off from them. Looked in all of them, even the one with the old dead Skarr husk with faded colors at the end.

With a sigh, her gaze drifted towards the upper tunnels of Far fields. She recalled Hornet's notes having mention of a large Skarr she had tracked that had managed to catch her by surprise with a rather well-hidden trap.

The lair was on the map, but it was pretty deep into the tunnels leading to the Skarr's new territory, but she could probably make it there is she remained quiet and stealthy. With that decided, she got up and headed towards the statue room again. When she made it there, she realized the way up was pretty far up, and she didn't have the same power throw that Hornet had that she used to fly upward.

With a bit of grumbling, she grabbed a rope from her bag, tying it to the end of her pin, before aiming it up into the wall of the hole up. She might not be able to do it exactly but if she could manage to get the pin into the wall of the opening above, she could wall jump up at least and head across the drawbridge to the tunnels, making her trip shorter than going all the way around.

Hornet arrived home and was laying down. Her mind started to race a little, repeating her earlier worries about Lace, but also some new ones about where she might be, but in time her mind finally got caught up with her tiredness, and she finally drifted off.

Lace finally made it! She stood over the hole that would drop her down to the big Skarr's lair. But she needed a way back up.

She could stick her pin in the ground with a rope, but she didn't want to dive down a mysterious hole without her weapon either.  She looked around her eyes landed upon a bit of a big rock on the nearby ground.  Taking off her bag, she set it upon the ground next to the rock and pulled out the rope and wrapped it around the rock, securing it with a knot before tossing it down.

She looked down the hole as the ropes dangled down.  From what she could tell it was close enough to the bottom she could get back to it and climb back up when she was ready. She looked back at the bag, the size could fit but it would be tight. Deciding it would better to leave it, she grabbed hold of some nearby tall grass and sliced at it with her pin. Placing the bag against the rock, she leaned the grass over it, making it tricker to spot.

Picking up the rope, she stepped into the hole, dropping down slowly, letting gravity pull her down. After a minute of sliding, she made it to the floor, she looked around the room. It was pretty bare. Hornet talked about how it had dropped down. Looking at the floor, she noticed an uneven spot in the middle. She let out a sigh as she took her pin and poked at the ground, till she slid the tip into a thin gap.  Pushing it in, she then pulled and with some leverage, she pulled up the platform to the trap she had been looking for.

Excitement rushed through her as she looked over inside.  The hole underneath the trap was a mechanism for the rod that raises and drops the trap itself. Pulling her pin back out from the crack, she  observed the raised platform and found a very small thin seam, and with her pin, she pressed it in, popping it open.

It was obvious that there was retractable bars, but those had been broken, but no matter, the mechanism that used them was still intact. She pulled out some papers and a small quill, making detailed sketches. It was a very interesting work, gears made of  carved bone and wood. The craft of material was astounding, and with the resources she had avalible up in the Citadel, she could very well make something binding based on this design.

Once she had obtained all the notes she could get from the trap, she tucked them away, before jumping up and grabbing the rope.  She climbed up, eager to get out, and back to the Citadel to begin working on her new creation.

The climb was slow, but she made it to the top, ready to get up and grab her bag, her hand grabbing the edge of the hole as she pulled herself out, ready to pull herself up, only to stop halfway as a group of Skarr standing around the hole looking at her. Everything was still for a moment as they Lave looked at them, and they looked at her. Lace counted a lot of Skarr scouts, and a handful of Skarr Stalkers, and a few flying ones with spears. There was even one with mismatching skin colors that looked like a Skarr Scout peeking out from behind the rock she tied the rope to, probably ready for a sneak attack if she got past the main group.

The group circling the hole started inching forward, weapons brandished. She loosened her grip and let gravity take hold, pulling her down.  She knew the Skarr's could easily burrow down after her, she stood a better chance on her feet then halfway out a hole, and the Skarr was unlikely to let her climb up, so dropping down was better.

Once she hit the ground, she brandished her Pin to the Skarr popping out of the dirt, ready to face her opponents.

Hornet had woken up and was pouring herself some tea. The cup was to her lips when the sound of something clanging on the side of her how caught her by surprise. Bursting out the door, needle in hand, she stepped out, when a ring whipped past her head. Looking back at the direction it came from, she saw Shakra chasing a blur of dark red weaving around corners, just barely dodging and avoiding the rings.

Hornet jumped down Needle in hand as she watch the blur, cutting it off, and it stopped a few feet from her, and she froze when she saw the familiar Skarr with the missmatched colored shell.

Shakra jumped out, rings raised, only to freeze when Hornet grabbed the Skarr and pulled them behind her.

"Hornet wielding Needle! Do you know this Skarr?"

"I do, we met before, they gifted me the Curvesickle."

"But the Skarr are a tribe fateful only to their own."

"Actually, I have reason to believe there are exceptions. I've met two other Skarrs like this one, with spots of grey, one a peaceful trader who I found dead later by the weapons of the Skarr, and a large outcast known as Gurr, though he was an enemy for his own reasons. But none the less, the grey marked ones appeared to be cast out by their own. They had once shown me help, and if they're here now I assume they have a reason."

Shakra relaxed her stance, but still kept her rings on hand, "Very well, but what's so urgent they burst into Bellhart?"

"Well let's find out."

Hornet turned to the Skarr, "Young one, what is it that brings you to me here of all places?"

The Skarr started talking quickly, though they stopped after a moment, realizing they didn't understand them, and they reached into their cloak, bringing out a shredded piece of while silken Fabric, handing it to Hornet. Holding it, she know of only one person who had this fabric.

"Where's Lace?"

Chapter Text

Lace felt herself feel severely sore, and with a groan she opened her eyes, slowly, as they felt heavy. As she looked around, she saw she was laying on her floor of a cage built similar to the ones she was studying, though this one was made with thick bone bars, and a lot of thick ropes.

She placed her arms to the floor, pushing herself up, only to feel her head bump something.  Looking up, she saw the cage was short. Adjusting her stance, she was able to sit up.

Looking around, the room was just carved from dirt, with some other cages, though the rest were empty as of now. Lace laid back against the bars, head, body, muscles, everything feeling heavy, but she couldn't just wait around. Looking down, her Pin was gone, as was her cloak and its pockets. It was unlikely she could break out easily as she was now without her weapon or tools.

She looked at the knots on the cages. Maybe she could undo the ropes enough to slip it loose enough to get out...

The sound of clacking from the far wall caught her attention, and looking over she saw a group of Skarr, walk in, though these ones, they were different. They were slimmer in form, and instead of bones and masks, they bore fabric and beaded necklaces. They did still carry Curveclaws, and some ropes, which by the way they were all holding the rope and walking towards her, wasn't a good sign.

They approached, calm, or so it seemed. They stopped before the cage, and talked to each other, their language leaving Lace more or less as confused as when she had awoken. She watched them as they talked.  They were deliberating something, like they were stuck trying to figure out something. There were gestures to her, so it probably required her at least in some way. For a few they went back and forth.

It started off paced, but for a minute it seemed to get heated, the shorter one looked especially peeved. but as they went on arguing, her focus turned away. Since she lacked the capacity to understand them, they had less of a chance of offering any info by accident that could help her. She examined the cage, looking down at the bars and ropes to try and see if there was a weak spot she could exploit, only to notice she had a tear on her suit's hip.

She thought back to the fight in the hole, it being a blur of jumps, attacks, dodges, it had probably cut caught by a weapon that came close to grazing her, but in the commotion, she ended up knocked out and here she was, a hole in her suit the only thing to show for it. Though in a way, if the only two things to happen was a bonk to the head and a hole in her suit, maybe she did pretty good considering the odds.

Which did beg the question, for a group of so many, why pick to bring her back to their lair, instead of finishing her off. Sure, they catch plenty of animals in hunt, but with trespassers they usually just leave out the heads of the empty shells on a stick to ward off other intruders.

Though Lace had more of a soft fleshier exterior instead of a sturdier shell...

A sudden creak caught her attention, and she realized the Skarrs had finished their disagreement and had started what they came to do. One of them had pulled a rope pulling it through the knot almost like a pulley, and the bone bars of the cage spread out almost like a flower. Neat if it wasn't for the fact the other Skarr there reached down and took firm, but not hurtful, grips on her arms and lifted her up. The one that had loosened the cage had grabbed their Curveclaw and was now holding it, making it clear that if Lace made any sudden movements they would strike first.

Lace nodded, knowing she wasn't in any condition, with her lack of Pin, and her body feeling heavy still, but they set her down on her knees in response. One Skarr took her arms and guided them over and behind her head, while the other Skarr took the ropes they had brough, these ones notably thinner once she got a closer look.

The Skarr took the ropes, binding Lace's elbows together right behind the middle of her head, and wrists together between her shoulder blades. Lace gave her arms a small wiggle, finding the binding unyielding. That's when she felt a sharp tug on her bound arms. Turning her head, Lace tried to see what was happening, though all she could see was the Skarr with the ropes still working. She felt them doing something to the ropes on her wrist, but she wasn't sure what else it could be, till a length of rope was passed between her legs. The Skarr who had been holding her arm reached down and grabbed the rope, pulling it tills the slack was gone, and the rope pulled her wrists.

Lace realized they had fashioned a leash to her using her arms in their position.  The Skarr gave a few more tugs to make sure it was secured, then handed it to the taller Skarr, who gripped it with a glint in their eye. Lave only just noticed it for a moment, before they yanked it, and from their raised position, the upward angle pulled the rope right against her crotch, the sudden pressure sending a jolt through her, and Lace just managed to hold in the surprised squeak that almost jumped from her throat.

The Skarr made a sound that sounded like a chuckle, but they turned around, positioning the rope over their shoulder and gave it tug, the Skarrs all heading towards the opening out. Lace hurriedly got to her feet and followed after, dreading what was on the way, and the rope between her legs.

Hornet and the Skarr had rode Eira strait to Far fields, and as soon as they hopped off, they were both off, rushing where, Hornet wasn't sure, but the Skarr knew where they were heading and that was enough for her.  Shakra was on her way, using her own speed to get to Far fields.  The Skarr had pointed out a spot on one of Shakra's maps, where they were all heading now.

While they were moving at max speed, Hornet felt like they were going to slow, so from her cloak she brought out two bottles of Flea Brew, passing one onto the Skarr, "Drink up, and we'll be there faster."

They looked at it, but quickly downed it with Hornet, and soon they both felt the surge, and a burst of speed as they started to quicken.

Hornet grasped the piece of fabric in her cloak, Lace the one thing in her mind as she rushed.

Lace wasn't sure how far they had walked, or for how long. It was hard to pay attention to those things while she focused on the rope. If she tried to get closer to gain some slack, the Skarr would deliver a tug, and at the angle it really dug in. Then trying to get some distance they also would pull. She managed to find a safe distance where the pressure was minimal, and the Skarr wouldn't give a tug to the rope. They passed through tunnels, where Lace managed to take moments to look at some details.

There were statues of the Skarr lady from the statue back in Hunter's March, though there was flowers, trinkets, and food offerings, like they were worshipping, or mourning her. They also passed by other Skarrs, who were all busy in one way or another. One some were carrying large bundles or stuff, like weapons, wood, flowers, stuff made of fabric. Some were hammering stuff together. Another she saw was sharping blades for a line of Skarrs who had covered themselves in paint.

While she wanted to take it in, she could only take momentary glances as looking for too long meant her attention to the rope diminished enough that she got to close or fell behind. From some glances she saw the Skarrs taking looks at her while she was being led. They knew something was up, and from the chatter they were all talking about it as well, but at the same time, they were all speaking their own language.

Between the rope and the language barrier, she was getting a bit frustrated, though she knew voicing it would be trouble. Though maybe now, since she lacked an understanding of their language, they might understand hers. But then again, Hornet's journals once mentioned two Skarrs she met that were helpful, one of them a trader who was able to trade with Hornet. He might have been able to understand Hornet, so maybe she should keep quiet.

Eventually their walking came to a big grand space, an arena of some kind, old, but was being restored and altered by the way it seemed now. It wasn't done yet, but it was at least done up enough to be usable for whatever it was they were doing now.

As they headed into the space, the Skarrs leading her slowed down, which gave her the chance to actually look around. Looking around, she saw that the Skarrs seemed to be split. There were pure red ones, holding weapons, watching from up above, yelling and pointing like they were giving directions to the other Skarrs, ones both red with grey blotches, wearing clothes that were ragged and thin, while using tools that were barely in usable condition, if they had any tools at hand to work with at all.

As she looked around, observing the apparent caste system, the Skarrs that were leading her led her to a bone bar gate, leading them away from the open space of the arena, and a short walk, they took her into a room. In the room, one of the two Skarrs that wasn't holding her rope placed a hand on her should, and pushed her down, putting her down onto her knees once again. Once on her knees, the one holding the rope crouched down, fastening the rope with a tight knot to a hook in the floor. They all looked.

Once they had it knotted, they all stepped back and looked down at her. She peered up at them. One of them made a gesture with their hand to her. She looked at up them with a shrug, but they did the gesture again. Unsure what else to really do, she gave a few tugs and wiggles against the ropes again and the new anchor they had been tied to.

Seeing the rope holding, they all nodded, then started moving around the room, one of them headed towards a chest over in the corner, made of bone. It seemed like almost everything the Skarr made was going to be made of, or involve bones in one way or another. Lace thought about Hornet's Journals, mentions of chests hidden here and there, most of them holding hidden caches of Rosaries. Some of them made of bone as well...

"Huh, I've read a lot of Hornet's journals."

Lace's moment of a small realization was gone in a quick moment, as the Skarr's hands gripped her head, firmly, and tilted it back. A stool was placed under her head, then they brought over a bin and a picture of water. She was confused as they placed the pin on the stool behind her, then filled it with water, when they then tip her head back farther into the water. She a moment, Lace was glad she was so flexible, or all this would've been a lot more strenuous on her.

She was still confused about what they were doing, when fingers started running through her hair. For a moment she as even more confused, then she realized that they were undoing her hard worked on her hairstyle. For years she had been using only thee top quality soap and conditioner for her hair to maintain her special style. She had even been paying top rosaries to Frey for it once she had moved into Hornet's bell.

Albeit she did pay Frey using rosaries she might have taken from Hornet's Crawbell, so maybe this was kind of a kind of karma?

Her thoughts were interrupted by another pair of hands diving into the bin with her hair.  It seemed that her special soaps and her hard work was paying off after all. She had used the specific products because it held her hair in place so well in a fight, and now the Skarr was having trouble washing it out of her hair. As they scrubbed, one of them turned to the third one, who had been standing near the chest, and said something to them. The Skarr turned to the chest and started rummaging around inside, till they pulled out an old bottle with a wax sealed cork.

Bring it over, they popped the cork, a loud pop shaking their ears in the room, and they then poured out the contents on Lace's hair and the water. The scent of flowers, herbs, and various other plants filling the room. It was a slow process, but she could feel the weight of her head shift as her hair started to wash out and come loose from the style she had mastered.

Bubbles formed and frothed, she could see it in the edges of her vision, while she felt it on her scalp, a purple in color that reminded her of the Pollip Pouch, but somehow softer. After a while more of scrubbing, the hands finally pulled away, and they took away the tub, pouring it into a grate in the corner. They brought it back, this time placing it empty under her head. They grabbed a picture again, this time pouring it over her head instead of into the bin itself. They took the bin and poured it into the grate again. They repeated it again a few more times till the soap was all gone, then two more again just for good measure.

They put it away, then returned with a scrap of thick red fabric. They wrapped it over her hair, before patting it up and down.  After a minute of this, they unwrapped her hair, a brush soon making contact with her head as it got pulled through in long slow steady strokes.

From what they've done so far, Lace was pretty sure she was being handled by female Skarrs. It wasn't relevant, but yet it kind of made sense with a tribe like this sometimes.

The slow strokes carried on for a few, before finally they stopped.  They brought over a smaller box from the chest, setting it on the stool, while talking to each other, discussing something. They looked like they were deliberating, again. This time they were calmer, but for a minute they went back and forth, when one of them spoke up, and pointed towards Lace, making a gesture downwards. The other two stood silent for a moment, considering, then nodded.

The Skarr nodded, then crouched down to Lace's level.  She grabbed the color of the white silk suit, pulling it away from her skin a few inches. Then with a swift hand, she raised up her curveclaw, and sliced down, breaking the weave and cutting it open, revealing Lace's bare skin underneath.

Lace's eyes went wide in surprise as she cut away the suit, peeling it away, even managing to take away the pieces under the rope tied to her arms. As they stripped, Lace felt her face blush, but she couldn't help wondering, for what reason would they have to peel away the fabric? What reason for the hair, keeping alive, why go to all this trouble?

Once she had been fully revealed, the Skarrs chatting amongst themselves for a moment, looking over Lace, before reaching for the small box again. They brough out small dainty items, and walking behind her, they started working her hair. Hands wove through her hair, moving them around, making her realize they were braiding it, and the small things they were picking out of the box where being used to decorate the braid.

Then they returned to the chest, pulling out garments of thin, see through, fabric, made of various vibrant colors and patterns. They held a few up to her, switching between them, till finally landing on a simple red, one strap top, and just that, draping it over her to hand from her shoulder and cover her chest area, though they could still see through it.

They look at it for a moment, then agreeing it seemed, they pulled it off, then returned with jars and brushes. It wasn't long before they were dipping the brushes in the jars and painting lines and swirls over her. Her soft white skin a canvas for them till from her cheeks down she was covered in a swirling pattern. The paint dried quickly, and they soon returned the see through top onto her again, this time leaving it on.

They chatted again for a moment, then one of them ran out of the room. The other two knelt down, one holding her shoulders while the other untied the rope. Once it was loose, they each took hold of her side and stood up, holding the position. Lace could only wait, but soon the sound of something caught her ears, and walking back in was the Skarr that had left, with something in tow.

It was a square with wheels on the sides, and from the middle of it was a pole that had a curved pole on it, one end of the curve longer than the other, with the end having a circle on the end. On the inside of the curve was two rods. She looked at it, getting a strong feeling she knew what was about to happen, and that's when the two Skarrs lifted her up, and spun her around. Her legs swung and kicked a little out of reflex, but since she didn't hit anything, they ignored it as they carried her over, and lowered her down, setting her right into the curve, the two rids, sliding in with a cold, chilling ease that sent a shiver through her. As her body wiggled in response, the third scar grabbed the rope still tied to the rope tied to her wrists, and tied it into the hole, locking her arms in place, and also making it harder to get pulled up and off the two rods penetrating her.

As she set there, leg dangling, with just her toes on the square, she realized she had an idea what they might be doing. She gulped nervously as the Skarr chittered excitedly, then they grabbed the rope on the front of the square, pulling her out, and back towards the arena.

The place was alive now, the giant space filled with Skarrs of all shapes and sizes, many painted like her, and dressed in see through, or just plain revealing clothing, if any at all, however she was the only one tied up. Most still carried weapons, and in the middle, where a raised platform now stood, was a tall female Skarr, sharing some traits to the one of the statues, but this one held a spear, and lacked the skirt. She watched them as she was rolled out. This one was apparently the leader, maybe through birthright, or maybe some right of challenge, who knew, but they had her now, in what she believed with their fertility celebration.

It was an event she only read about, but apparently these celebrations where when Skarrs would find, fight over, and obtain mates through serious combat, trials, but mostly personal duals. The leader stood before her as she was parked by their platform her back, pin and cloak were placed on the square around her feet, like bonus accessories if they win her. For a moment they just looked at her, then they open their mouth, and in very broken speech, "Such pretty lady, will win, obtain, be mine."

She blinked at them for a moment, "Your speech is terrible."

They shrugged, "Still new, will obtain learnings, but now I obtain and win."

With a snap everyone turned to attention, and they began speaking in their language, apparently officially commencing the celebration. They raised up their hands, speak in one, calling out to the crowd, then repeating the same thing but quiet it Lace's language, "Who wish to fight for white prize?"

Many strong looking Skarrs came forward, weapons posed, ready, and determination in their eyes, when lace felt something tickle her nose, and she sneezed.

The Skarr on the platform turned to her, expression neutral, when he saw something. Lace watched as he looked, like he was staring at empty air in front of him, but then she saw it too. Dust was falling from above. He looked up, and froze as the ceiling above them shook, cracked, and rumbled. The arena soon fell quiet as the other noticed them looking, and in the middle of the ceiling something stared to bore through, cracks spreading out, till it burst and something red, spinning and fast came rocketing down.

They landed with a thud as a cloud of dust and dirt fill the air. Skarrs where coughing, Lace felt her eyes water a big, but she looked, watch, as the dust cleared, and there was the dust was thickest, she could make out the head of the only spider she knew.

As the dust started to finally clear, the leader of the Skarr came forward, "Who dares...!"

He was cut off the sharp tip of her needle being raised inches from his head, "I, Hornet, slayer of Karmelita, challenge you, for Lace!"

Murmurs spread through the Arena, when Shakra fell down from above, the small Skarr with two colors she had spotted earlier on her back, holding curvesickles at the ready.

The leader looked at Hornet, then back at lace, then Hornet again, "She had died, but you be faking. Waste of time and tradition if not true."

"Then how about her heart?" The room went still as she held out a still, almost stone looking Skarr heart in her hand. Everyone stepped closer, but not one step more.
The leader looked shocked, and he watched, as hornet set it down, and started playing, the slow tune taught to her be the Snail. The heart started to slowly beat and thump, awakened by the song, when she stopped and jabbed it her needle down onto the heart, still beating, and threads of silk flew around her, glowing and chasing away the shadows, then it was gone.

The heart had vanished in a puff of smoke, and Horet tucked away her Needle, and from her cloak, came two curvesickles, "I've claimed your old leader's skill and power, is the last thing you wish to do fall by her dance as well?"

Chapter Text

Hornet and the Skarr with the limited speak circled around the arena, both standing ready. The quiet of the room was tense, many Skarr eyed Hornet with a nervous tension, familiarity in her stance matching their old leader's. Some of them looked nervous, others angry, some confused.

But the leader who was facing against Hornet, looked pretty angry, their grip on their bone carved spear evident with tension to strike, then with a battle cry, the Skarr charged, jumping into the air, weapon in hand, only for Hornet to charge in after, but instead of jumping up, she dropped to her knees, sliding under as she raised up her hands, Curvesickles slashing at the Skarr above her, who managed to adjust their grip on the spear, blocking the hits from hitting them.

Gravity and friction stopped them both, and turning back towards each other they ran, this time Hornet jumping over the Skarr, but this time instead of going right over, she kicked off the air using her cloak like below to push her down, and reflex took hold in her now power, and she spun, hands our ward, making a sharp circle with the blades in her hand, while the Sawtooth circle affixed to the edge of her cap popped out as well, slicing the air as she dove for the Skarr, who once against blocked her with his spear, only for it to snap in her grasp as she spinning stopped and she landed on her hands, then flipped backed, jumped and did a small graceful flip in the air before landing on her feet.

The Skarr tossed his broken spear aside with a roar into the air the reverberated through the arena, before another skar, one with grey blotches on their shell wearing ragged clothing, ran up, carrying a longer object wrapped in a leather covering. The angry Skarr grabbed it from them, pulling off the leather cover, revealing a bone weapon reminiscent of a nail in shape, but lacking a strait handle, and instead had a hole.

They swung it around, wildly, the blade giving a nasty slash to the grey blotched Skarr across the shoulder, rather close to the neck. The Skarr was serious but clouded with rage. Hornet stashed away the Sickles, and took her needle in hand, but then jumped backwards in the air, spinning like a saw, landing next to Lace, grabbing her pin from the square platform she was restrained to, "I'll need this, but you'll have it back."

Hornet charged forward, a weapon in each hand, rushing at full speed, then attacking, spinning like a top as the Skarr swung back at only to stumble back from the spinning force. Before they could recover, Hornet was jumping over, spinning in a blur of metal and fabric as she spun through the air, weapons coming down, hitting them repeatedly in the spin. They fell forward, and Hornet took the chance to jump over them again, only this time she whipped out the Delver's Drill, and revving it up, her cloak twisted with it, and she shot down, the sharp point hitting them square in the back, and with a sharp crunch, they were broke through, their shell giving way to the drill.

The air was quiet, still as everyone looked over the fallen leader.  Hornet stepped forward, grabbing his blade from the ground, raising it above her head, "Does anyone else wish to challenge me?!"

A few Skarrs looked like they considered it, but most fled to fide behind parts of the structure, while others shook their heads rapidly. Hornet walked back towards Lace, with a quick swish, she removed the ropes, and she helped her up, "Are you hurt?"

"Aside from my ass, mostly my pride."

"Your ass..." Hornet then noticed the two rods sticking out from the curve Lace had just been sitting in, "OH MY SILK!!! What's going on?"

"Fertility celebration."

Hornet blinked at Lace, then looked down at her body, the paint the top, "Oh...and you were the prize."

"At least they picked a worthy being to choose as their prize."

"I think your pride isn't as hurt as you think if you're cracking jokes."

"Please, it takes more than this to bring me down. Though I would appreciate if they all stopped looking."

Hornet turned back to the crowd, all eyes on them. "Shakra, can you and our friend get Lace out of here, I got a few things to take care of."

Shakra was beside them in a flash, with the Skarr who led them right behind them. When Lace saw the Skarr her eyes when wide in silent surprise, but her words failed to come out. Shakra picked up Lace's cloak from the platform and draped it over Lace, while the Skarr took hold of Lace's bulky bag, and then grabbed Lace's pin from Hornet's hand as she held it out.

Shakra picked up Lace, jumping up out of the hole in the ceiling, while the Skarr burrowed into the ground.

Hornet turned to the crowd, "Who here can speak my tongue?"

Chatter spread through the crowd, before a Skarr came forward, "I speak. Not fully, but enough."

"You'll do. You'll help me out, I think it's time we make some changes here."

Lace waited for Hornet, a few days having passed. A Skarr had arrived later the day she had been rescued, carrying a scroll from Hornet. She was staying in the Skarr's territory for a little bit. Having claimed the lives of both their old and new leader, they all saw her as a new leader through right of battle.

The Skarr that brough her stuff back with them had taken up the short ledge next to Hornet's. They had dug out the space, pulling bells out from the wall, and reinforcing it with braces made from things they gathered in Shellwood.

Shakra, Frey, Pavo, the brother's and the Skarr, had each taken time to come up and see her, bringing food, or some things they thought would help. Shakra took Lace out to spar a few times, a bit forcefully, but it helped calm her mind a bit. The Skarr would come over mostly with meat. They attempted to speak, but she had no idea what he meant.

However, she figured out that their name seemed to be Kurn, or at least they didn't mind being called that.

Today Kurn was out with Reed. Despite the language barrier they were both hitting it off pretty well, the two of them working together to hunt. Kurn taking to the Longpin pretty nicely, though they still used their own Curvesickles.

Lace had heard Reed speak compliments of Skarr when he brough stuff to her. She was grateful he was getting along with everyone but was also worried about Hornet alone with the other Skarr. She wanted to go back, pin in hand, with whatever tools she could find in Hornet's desk, but Hornet's note had said to not come back, saying the tribe was on edge after what they just went though.

Lace sat on the ledge of the bell home's door platform. Her legs hung over the side, light swinging in an unconscious effort.

She wasn't really expecting something, but she wanted to step outside for a bit.  For a while it was just her, sitting there, the cool metal seeping through her silken suit. A rustling below was heard and voices spoke, though it was probably just their resident hunters returning with a big catch again. Or so she thought till she heard grunts from a voice she didn't recognize as the residents.

Looking down, she saw the large Flea, Vog, climbing, ignoring Pavo on the ground who tried to speak to her. She watched as the large flea made it up, big jumps quickly getting her up onto the platform with Lace, "Greetings Bug-Not-Flea! I seek the resident bug of this home, a warrior in red."

"Hornet, and she's not home now."

Vog looked at her for a moment, then a small change in her otherwise passive expression appeared, "Oh, Lace not-flea! I hadn't recognized you. Your head's mushroom like head shape had been altered into something new."

Lace had been eating or drinking, she would've spat out or chocked, "Did you just say my hair looked like a mushroom?!"

"Yes, the inside of one when cut down the middle."

"Of course it did..." Lace flopped onto her back, "So why do you come seeking Hornet? Does the Caravan need help?"

"No, I was tasked with bring her this by request of the Fleamaster. If not for Bug-not-Flea Seth standing in to guard I wouldn't have made the trip, but my mapping had allowed me to find quick routes here so i was the one who could make it here quickest. Though with Hornet no-flea elsewhere I believe I'm still to continue."

"Why not give it to me?"

"Why should I?"

"I know where Hornet is, so I can have it to her shortly, plus I have access to the Bellways that link the lands, so I can have it to her faster, leaving you to leave now and return home to Fleatopia sooner." And Lace now had an excuse to go see Hornet.

Vog thought for a moment, then nodded, "Acceptable. Here's what is needed to be given, everything she needs to know is within." Lace was handed a scroll a bit on the thick side, "With that, I shall return to the fleas."

Vog hopped down, landing with a thud, before rushing back towards the opening towards Shellwood. Lace's attention turned to the Scroll in hand. She was curious as to what it was that Vog had come all this way to deliver to her, but she quickly stowed it under her arm. She headed into the Bellhome grabbing her cloak and pin, before leaving, closing the door behind her.

Stepping into the Bellway, she walked in to find Eira still there with her young, they being the ones who brought her back the other day. She soon mounted them, having Eira dive in and head for Far Fields.

Hornet stood at the table, looking over the written decree, she had drafted with the Skarr. They made it so the Skarr with grey in their shells would be no longer discriminated against. The Skarr kind of warmed to the idea, since they had no clue as to why they were even doing that. They also worked on some parts where they would fight against outsiders, within more reasonable scenarios.

There were some minor ones they added in as she found out some more about them. Then she was also overseeing the Fertility celebration, though the events where a bit quiet compared to how it had started when she had first busted in, the work they were doing now having some small dampeners on it, but they still did it, with willing and unbound members of their tribe this time.

Her work seemed pretty much done, but she waited to make sure they stuck with it. From what she could tell, they would listen to most anything that they were told by their leader, having a fierce loyalty to whomever that was, and that was Hornet after her fight. She had made it clear to them that she was leaving soon, and they were pretty alright with that, though she was a little worried about what would happen, but hopefully they could manage themselves on their own.

Once had reviewed the paper she handed it to the Skarr who had become her assistant, and he took it away. She stood up, about to head into the room she had claimed, when the Skarr came back in, "Hornet Queen, I bring visitor."

Hornet looked to him, "Is another Skarr here to ask about adding to the decree?"

"No, your mate has returned."

"Mate...?" She said in a low voice, when the door was opened further, and Lace stood there, Cloak wrapped around her and her suit, but her hair was still down, tied back in a bit of a fancy looking braid, "Hey Spider, how's the new web?"

Hornet's brain froze, unsure what to say.  Lace was here, but why? She came to see Hornet, so maybe something happened, was someone in trouble, did Lace want to leave again, did...

She blinked at the sound of the door closing, and she looked at Lace, who was the only other person, the Skarr having left the room. Hornet rubbed her hands together under her cloak, "Hi, how are you feeling? Everything alright? Need me to weave a cut or something?"

Lace let out a laugh, "Oh don't worry, nothing serious happened. I wanted to see you, for a few reasons."

Hornet nodded, "Why don't we talk in my quarters."

Hornet walked to the door on the opposite wall, pulling it open to reveal a large room with a bed, desk with a mirror made of a giant piece of broken glass. Lace walked in with a low whistle, "Wow, they really know how to treat their queen."

"I'm not their queen, but you do speak truth, they are treating me incredibly well now that I'm in  s position of power. The bon fires they make to cook me food at the end of the day's celebrations are just ridiculous."

A small playful chuckle came from Lace, "A half god princess annoyed by worship? Now I've seen it all."

"Lace, I would rather not please."

"Alright, well I'll keep it quick.  I want, no, I need to apologize."

"Huh, what?"

"I got to apologize. It was my own hubris that got me stuck here..."

"Hubris? Lace please explains. From the beginning."

"Okay...ummmm..." Lace's face turned pink, "So I was kind of...trying to get back at you for the thing with the ropes, and I've been running around Pharloom getting everything to make the stuff I had planned, and I was here in Far fields to get ideas for a trap to spring on you, only to end up...well you know the rest...sadly..."

Hornet processed what she was saying, before responding, "Wait, what was it you were running around Pharloom for? You got clothes, and then you made some accessories, like the reusable Rosary string."

Now lace was looking confused, "Reusable rosary string, the only thing with the rosary was the...oh!" She let out a small laugh, one that was kind of quiet, "Hornet, that was ah...gag."

"A what?"

"A gag, a thing used to muddle your voice and words. The fact it used was a rosary was because it was simple and would hypothetically fit in your mouth which is why I used a smaller one."

Hornet stood in a awkward silence, before finally responding "Ah well...I might have had that coming."

Lace blinked, obviously surprised at her words.

"Well, considering what I did with the ropes...I guess I am to blame for that. I do owe you one then."

"Okay.  Well before things get odd, again. I do have something else. I was asked to bring this to you."

Hornet watched Lace pull out a scroll with a sax seal with the flea emblem on it. Breaking the seal, she unrolled it, before reading it out loud, "Hear ye, hear ye, I the Flea Master, and the caravan, has personally invited you, and a very special plus one, to our annual spring love festival, a place to join your beloved in games, food and fun. Below are the lists of our games, events, food, everything you could ever imagine and hope for in this amazing festival for such a lovely occasion."

Hornet lowered the scroll, an odd expression on her face. "It looks like all the tribes are prepping for their festivals this year."

Lace had moved next to Hornet, looking at the list over her shoulder, "I say, this, sounds like fun."

A spark shot through Hornet, "You would like to go with me?"

"Well, you're the one with the invite, but I think you deserve this, since you rescued me."

Hornet nodded, "Okay, well let's see." She looked down at the paper, trying to read it fast to distract herself, but also finding out when it's available. "Looks like it's next week. I can be back home in a day or two, so plenty of time to prepare."

Lace nodded, "Yes! Finally something normal. OR I guess the bed would be more normal."

"Bed?"

"Yeah, I would like to crash with you, since it's getting so late, if you don't mind?"

"Oh, none, of course you're free to stay!"

Lace raised an eyebrow, noticing Hornet's sudden reaction. But she shrugged and climbed into the bed, tossed her cloak onto the nearby chair.  Hornet swallowed, before joining her, thought her cloak remained on.

"Hey Hornet, I have a question, before we go to sleep."

"Yes?"

"Why did the Skarr that led me to you refer to me as "your mate" when he saw me?"

Hornet's face went red, "Oh, umm..." Then she remembered, "Cause I beat the Skarr in the challenge, remember?"

Lace let out a sigh, "Oh I see. So, nothing official, by our laws of marriage.:"

Hornet nodded, but her face got a little warm, as Lace scooted up close, her back pressing against Hornet's front.

There they lay, Lace drifting off to sleep, while Hornet lay their away, red faced, arms wrapped around Lace's arm, wondering if she just agreed to take her "mate" on a date.

Chapter Text

With Hornet acting as the Skarr's leader, Lace had taken it upon herself to read over the full details of the scroll involved with the Flea's new festival. They were offering games, food, entertainment, and a lot of them involving pairs at the least. They were diving in on the theme.

Piece together more of the information, they were also offering a space for visitors to rest during their stay at the festival, though they weren't providing tents for the spaces. Thankfully, the Skarr's being a tribe full of hunter's, they had lot of stuff they could easily use for camping. Lace had managed to find another Skarr with the capacity to speak their tongue enough that she had them help her shop for a list of stuff she had put together. The biggest thing was a tent.

When had asked the Skarr about someone selling them, the options where actually pretty slim. Apparently, most Skarrs when out hunting would just make a fire and sleep next to it, or if needed burrow into the ground. However, they did know what tents where and the Skarr said having one made would be pretty easy if desired. Lace found the prospect a nice opportunity and managed to draw up a quick sketch of what she wanted.

They had it dropped off at some crafters who took it eagerly and began working on it as they left to head into the tunnels to vendors. With their own celebration still going they had many eager Skarr selling their goods. Lace got some of the necessities they needed, like some food, a plush and comfy camping mattress that was pretty big, she and Hornet could share it pretty easily.

As they walked though, she was also given a few free samples and items related more to the intended reason the celebration was going on, which she packed away in the depth of her cloak, not wanting to draw attention if possible. She knew these Skarr saw her as the mate to their leader, and if they saw her carrying any of the items in the open, they might start sending more stuff, which could cause some, shenanigans she wanted to avoid.

At one point while they walked, Lace saw a stall that was tucked into a crevice that was a bit out of sight, but stepping close she got a look, the items looking familiar, when she realized they were the binding garments she had made. Though made of different materials, they even had the Rosary head harnesses.

Apparent they saw her items, or the papers, during her captivity, and someone managed to recreate them. She was unsure what to do, but she carried on, deciding that it was unlikely their recreations would lead to trouble if it didn't leave the Tribe's secret location.

From there they shopped a bit more, till they had everything, plus some extras. Except the tent, but they assured her they would have it personally delivered to her in Bellhart once it was finished. Considering they had once already delivered a message to them from Hornet, she had no doubt they could do it. With that, she bid the Skarr who had helped her thanks, and farewell, and with her bag of stuff, headed back into Far Fields, making her way to the Bellstation.

The walk there was rather quiet, and walking in, she found herself greeted by to Skarr, one grey with blotches, guarding the inner chamber just before the bell bench. They both bowed to her as she passed, and she returned with a small bow herself, before walking past to Eira, and the Beastlings, who were playing with a large ball of leather. She laughed at the sight of the little ones jumping, bumping and headbutting the orb, then nearly fell over laugh when one landed on it, only to fall as it rolled under their weight.

Once she managed to get herself calmed down, Lace hopped down into the bells, rubbing their heads as they scurried over to her. After they gave all got their head rubs, Lace picked up the ball before hopping onto Eira, and they dived into the vein towards Bellhart.

On the way, Lace noticed the young ones running alongside Eira's left side particularly, eyeing the ball tucked under her arm. She smiled at them and their eagerness to play with their new toy. Soon they were jumping up as well, not really high enough to get it but they were trying.

They soon made it back to Bellhart, where Lace dropped them their ball, and they were soon running around with it with glee. Lace watched them for a few, Eira even giving the ball a bop to send it flying for her kids to chase. Lace soon headed out, walking out, and heading towards the Bellhome, only to get met with Shakra by the door, "Poshanka, Lace wielding pin."

"Greetings Shakra, how're you today?"

"Well, but I hope to ask if you're alright. You had vanished last night, after a mysterious flea had appeared and left according to Pavo-wearing-Bell."

"Oh, that was Vog, part of the Flea caravan that inhabit the lake past the Putrid ducts. She had brough a scroll for Hornet so I had taken it to her."

"A summons of urgency?"

"Nothing of the sorts, but actually an invite to a spring festival they're hosting. It was better to get it to Hornet sooner than later, so she was aware and able to prepare more thoroughly, while dealing with the Skarr as well. I managed to get good supplies for a stay over from the Skarr."

Shakra nodded, "Quite smart, I commend your thorough thinking."

"Why thank you Shakra."

"As for Hornet wielding Needle, is there an expected day for her return."

"Tomorrow, or the day after if needed, but unlikely."

Shakra nodded, "That is good to hear. Well then if you excuse me, I should be off."

"Where to now? Off to map some more routes?"

"Actually, I'll be joining Kurn wielding Sickle, and Reed wielding Longpin. Out to hunt with them to gather some food for myself but also aid in getting food for the denizens of Bellhart. Together they've been gathering more food, so with contribution from myself, there should be more to bring."

"I see. Well have fun, I hope you get a plentiful hunt."

Shakra bowed, before turning and leaping from the ledge down to the two hunters waiting by the tunnel to Shellwood. Once she was gone, Lace headed in, putting her back of supplies by the door, next to the bag if items she had crafted. She looked at it for a moment, before picking it up and putting it on the bed, and unpacking it, sorting out the items within. The binding Garments she extracted where all neatly folded, clean and pristine despite the journey they had been through in the bad. Without anything do with that at the moment, she placed them into a pile on the corner of the bed, before extracting the items she had made in the Citadel.

The number of Phallic shaped items she put together, next to the Plug thing she made.  She brought out her vibrating rod, the rod thrusting machine, then a piece shaped like a giant spool, cut down the middle, with the wide ends pulled off.

This item she felt rather proud of. The flat side is to be placed on the ground, while the curved side is up in the air, with a selected toy or accessory that she had made to go with it can get added onto it or removed. They items would vibrate, but she was hoping to later make it adjustable to make some added items spin or thrust.

Once she had them all out, she looked them over. Leaving them in the bag on the side probably wasn't the best idea long term. And leaving just laying out wasn't a good idea either, especially when having guests over. Looking over at the desk, there was some space underneath it, but then there wouldn't be much room for their legs when sitting at the desk. Hornet used it pretty often for her notes and such.

She then looked at the bed. It was covering a nice bit of space on the floor, so maybe under the bed, though there weren't any openings on the sides, but what about under the mattress? She picked up a corner and lifted it enough that the stuff wouldn't fall. Sadly, it was a solid piece of metal like the sides, so no way to slip them under.

She tapped her foot, pondering what she could do. Maybe she had some empty drawers in the desk she could barrow temporarily for the smaller ones, and the foldables. Walking over she pulled out a few drawers, when she stopped when her eyes landed on a mall bundle of fabric.  Picking it up and unfolding it, she found herself looking at two piece she had completely forgot about and had left at the Seamstress's. Picking it up, it had clearly had some work done on it, with the material feelings smoother somehow.

She set it down on the desk, deciding she would try it later. She turned back to the stuff on the bed.  Maybe Frey had a chest or box she could buy.

Hornet was relieved to get on Eira and head back home, but she was also feeling anxious. Her brain was racing as she thought about the festival coming up, and she couldn't help but worry about it. They were going, but as what? As friends, companions, or was this a date? If it was what should she do?

Should she do something? She had a few things given to her by the Skarrs, maybe one of them could make a nice gift.

Would she even want a gift?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the bells ringing as Eira burst from the Vien into the Bellhart Bellstation. She swung her legs and was about to drop down, when she saw the Beastlings scurry over to a corner, and started bumping around a ball. She watched them for a moment, curious about where they got it, but also happy they had something fun to play with.

She hopped down and headed out, entering Bellhart and heading up to her Bellhome, only to pass a Skarr coming down. They saw her and bowed, before continuing their walk towards Greymoor. She watched the opening for a moment after they were gone. Heading up, she wondered if they had installed their own version of a Crawbell to her home, only to find a bundle of thick fabric, bone rods, ropes, and bone stakes leaning against her home by the door.

Opening the door, she looked around, seeing two bags by the door, one full, the other empty, a new chest sitting by the bed, and then Lace's head poking out over the hot tub looking down at Hornet having just walked in.

"Ah, the spider returns! Welcome back!"

"Hey...uhh, did something happen while I was gone?"

"Nothing major I think, why?"

"Well there's...stuff...that chest there, these bags here, and a Skarr left a bundle of things by the door."

"OH! The tent arrived!"

Hornet opened her mouth to ask what she meant, only to freeze as Lace jumped out. She was wearing the two-piece water suit from the seamstress, revealing her skin, still covered in painted patterns from the Skarrs. She didn't have a good chance to take a look back when she rescued her, but now that she stood here, she took in the work of their craft on her skin now.

Sure she saw plenty of the Skarrs painted, but this was like a fresh painting on a canvas, and with Lace being that canvas...

"Is something wrong?"

Hornet's focus snapped to Lace's face, "Oh, umm...your skin."

"Oh, the paint. Yeah, it's strong stuff, I've been trying to scrub it off but nothing happened. Kurn did confirm it would fade, but it'll be a while before then."

"Who's Kurn?"

"Oh, our new neighbor, the Grey blotched Skar that helped you save me."

Hornet walked outside, Lace following behind her to check out the tent. Hornet looked around, then noticed the hole in the nearby wall of Bellhart where the short ledge used to be. The inside showed signs of a Skarr's work. "Huh, I thought he had returned to the wild."

"He's out hunting with Reed right now probably, they've been getting along pretty well despite the language barrier."

Hornet nodded as she followed Lace inside, her mind still wondering, "So what's the tent for exactly."

Lace feigned shock, "Why for the Flea's festival of course! You didn't expect us to just camp out on the open sand and stone, did you?"

"I actually...didn't think about it actually..."

Lace leaned forward, her teasing smile on her lips, "Don't worry dear spider, I'm here to help."

Lace walked over to the chest, popping it open to reveal her suits and cloak, though it did look shallow. While she picked up a suit and stepped away to change, Hornet stepped closer, and  lifting up a suit, saw the "bottom" was only a few inches below the lip of the chest, and moving the silk garments around, she found a hole, and sticking her finer in, she lifted it up, revealing a hidden space underneath, filled with some items she hadn't seen before, then she saw a piece made of leather bands and a rosary, and it clicked, these were things she had made and mentioned.

She quickly put it back in place then straitened up the suits, before stepping away. Lace was focused on getting her suit on, facing away from Hornet, which had left Hornet out of her vision when she saw the items. Acting like nothing happened she walked over to the bags on the floor, "So what did you get in here?"

"Oh, those are some camping things. Food and water made to last, though I presume we won't need much of that with the Fleas supplying food as well. Some tools, bedding, a blanket and pillows. And a few other things the Skarrs tossed in."

"I see..." Hornet drifted off, her mind thinking about the festival again, when Lace tapped her shoulder.

"Hey, you sleepy? You keep spacing out."

"Oh, no. I just have something on my mind, nothing important."

Her eyes narrowed, like she was doubting what she was saying, but Lace shrugged, "Alright. But I have a question for you."

"Uh, alright, what's up?"

"Back in the arena when you busted in, you did something with the heart you brought. And then you started dancing when you were fighting. What was going on with that?"

Hornet looked at her, then a chuckle slipped out of her lips, surprising both of them.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing, it's just I thought in all this time you've been here reading my stuff you would have found my notes on the crests." Hornet walked over to a desk, pulling open a drawer and pulled out a book, flipping open to the first page, revealing a drawing of a shape with three pairs of horns, shorter as they went from the middle out, and three pairs of slits that looked like eyes.

"Explain?"

"Alright, so to explain, a crest is the signifier of a bug's essence and their invisible yoke born through a lifetime, at least that's how the weaver's would describe it. While here in Pharloom, I discovered I could bind essence of others to myself, forming new crests."

"You can steal a person's essence?"

"Oh, no.  See the essence I was able to obtain, most came from those who had already passed, but their essence was strong enough to linger so I was able to bind it to myself."

"What do you mean, most?"

Hornet reached down and flipped through the pages, stopping at the Architect's crest, a drawing of it being made of gears and mechanical pieces, "This one I obtained from the Architect's workshop in the underworks. They had a locked chamber, with a central cog in the middle. My guess if that the Architect's all together worked on that piece so much it absorbed small bits of their essences, and since they were all so similar as beings made of machine, it harmonized and pooled together till I claimed it."

Lace nodded, and reached forward, taking the book, reading over the pages of the crest, reading it out loud to herself, "When I harmonize with this crest I find my wielding of the needle twist, turning it into a drill like attack when used to inflict a more bit of damage to those who are hit. I also find myself able to quickly whip up tools on the fly without the need to stop and focus on them in a calm place."

Lace turned to Hornet, "So this is why your needle work seemed to change. I thought I was just seeing it at a funny angle from a distance."

"Yeah, though I mostly use the Hunter's crest, which is my own. It's what I'm most familiar with, but I do switch when one ability helps more then another in a particular position. Lace nodding before flipping to another one.

"What about this one, the Witch Crest."

Hornet felt a shiver run down her spine, "Oh, that one. That one was a bit more, odd."

"Well don't keep me in suspense, tell me!"

Hornet sat on the bed, letting out a sigh, with Lace taking a seat next to her, "Well to begin, you know about my Pollip Pouch, which is used to give my weapon tools a bit of a poison touch."

This time Lace shivered, "Yeah, you used it on my in the cradle."

"Right...well, the person that gave it to me, Grey Root as I've come to call them, kept speaking of a "time of birth," and it was clear they weren't a bug, but they weren't hostile either. Not a bit later I came across this small bud of twisted tendrils, and it bore enough of a resemblance to Grey Root that I figured they were the same race, so I brought it to her, thinking she was going to raise it, but then when I offered to help, thinking I would get food for the young one, I was grabbed and used as the host, the bud having been a parasite. With some effort, I managed to find Yarnaby, a physician of unorthodox practices, but she was able to remove the heart of the bed, leaving its tendril within, that my own strength and power managed to overcome and claim, forming a new crest I had not intended to obtain."

Lace's eye were locked onto her for a minute, then with a slow nod she looked down at the book, "Alright, I see what you're saying, but at the same time, I am a little confused. It says here your bind is altered, so you drain from your enemies like the roots in the ground?"

"Oh, well...it's easier to show you. You might want to stand back first."

Lace stood up, and remaining facing towards Hornet, she stepped away. Once she was clear, Hornet let out a breath, then closing her eyes, she concentrated, focusing on the form of the crest, taking hold and bringing it out. There was a light shift in her as it took place, her body syncing with it.

Standing up, Hornet breathed in deep, then raising her arms, from under her cloak, roots, thin and grey, emerged from her cloak. Lace's eyes went wide in amazement, and stepping forward she set the book on the bed and raised her arms to feel them.

"This is incredible, extra limbs from such a thing."

"Well, I can only maintain them for so long. At first, I could only unless them for a moment for a healing bind that would drain my enemies, but it would only heal if I managed to hit the enemies. It's a bit tricky to use so it's not one I would use regularly in battle. I have been doing some practice in private here and there during my runs, but frequency and all..."

"Hornet, stop talking, let me just enjoy this."

"Hey, I did not get cursed with a parasite just so you could...what are you doing?" She watched as Lace started climbing the roots like there were tree branches.

"Wondering if I can cut these and use them for lumber..." Hornet retracted her roots, "..AAH..OOMPH!"

"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"Can I barrow your Cogwork Wheel next time?"

"Those are part of me, I'm not letting you cut them off like a tree branch."

"Maybe not. Unless I can get Shakra to tied you down while I do it..."

A root emerged from her cloak, wrapping around Lace's waist and tossing her onto the bed, "Try and I'll make sure to turn all your suits into rope traps. Except I'll make them oh so much more restrictive."

Lace laid on the bed, looking at her with a blank expression, before giggle started coming from her mouth, evolving into a full laughter, and somehow Hornet felt it rising in her as well, and soon she was laughing as well, unable to stand she fell onto the bed next to Lace. For a minute they just laid there laughing, till it came to a stop slowly, and they both laid there, breathing.

Lace turned to Hornet, "I missed this.  It's been almost two weeks, and we've hadn't had this one-on-one time. It feels good to get back to this normal again."

"Yeah...while it was nice not having you here to try and mess with me, it's nice to actually have it back strangely enough."

"What can I say, I'm just that attractive."

"Don't push your luck."

"Or what?"

Hornet's hand shot out, pushing an unsuspecting Lace off the bed, and as she landed with a thump, "I'll push you instead."

Hornet waited for a witty comeback, only to have Lace shoot up from the floor, leaping over the mattress, arms out as she tackled Hornet, the two of them tumbling to the floor. For e moment it was a flurry of blanket, limbs, and bodies, but it soon came to a stop, Hornet found herself on the floor, looking up, but instead of the ceiling, it was Lace, a hand placed on either side of her head, "Gotcha!"

Hornet stared up, then down, seeing Lace's legs were on the floor between hers. She sprang into action, wrapping her legs around Lace's waist, then rolling to the side, she had Lace pinned under her, and she quickly grabbed Lace's hands, pinning them on the floor above her head.

She smirked at the white bug under her, "Who's got who now?"

Lace face was surprise, but then she narrowed and batted her eyelashes, "My, don't you look proud of yourself. Maybe you wish to steal a kiss?"

The word hit her hard, her whole body froze. Kiss. The word bounced in her head. Her eyes moved down slightly, from her eyes to her mouth, lips just sitting there, unable to go anywhere...

Hornet released, Lace, standing up. And walked over to the bed, picking up the blanket and pulling it over herself as she laid on the bed.

Kiss...

It bounced around in her head, like an echo in a cave.  She didn't know why, but the word, it caught her off guard. She know how she was feeling, yet approaching it, she didn't know what to do.

A minute later Lace slid into bed behind her, "You must really be tired to have just get up like that, well don't worry, I'll be here to watch over you, princess!~"

Lace pulled herself into Hornet's back, arms wrapped around her, and Hornet instinctively wrapped her hands over Lace's. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't remain like this, she would have to confront this! Maybe later though...

Chapter Text

The next few days were slow, and Lace was so excited to get moving! She occupied herself with some drawing, a bit of sparring, even went on a hunt with Reed and Kurn. But finally, the day arrived. Lace and Hornet each had a bag with some stuff, and were up early, getting the tent bundle strapped to Eira's back.

"Are you sure you want to leave this early Lace? The Scroll said we can arrive today, but it starts tomorrow."

"Absolutely my good spider! The sooner we get there the better chance we have of getting a good spot to set up for ourselves. Imagine it, me, you, a spot set up just besides the water! We'll have an amazing view over the shore, and we'll be next to the festival so we can walk over with ease."

"You put a lot of thought into this."

"Of course! I'm the fun one!"

"Don't flatter yourself. I still have the best scores in the Flea games."

"For now!"

"So much energy. Maybe I should weave you to the side of Eira's shell with the ball so the beastlings can play with you while we ride there."

"You're just hoping I fall off if you do that, aren't you?"

"Not really, but the peace and quiet would be a bonus."

Lace feigned shock, "Oh, how douth wound me with thine words..."

"You coming or not, Trobbio."

Lace pretended shock, again. while holding back a laugh, "Did you just make a joke?  Wait here I got to tell the whole of Pharloom of this great miracle!"

"If you're going to do that at least start with Fleatopia so we can get going, considering you're the one who woke me up to get going so early."

"Fair enough!"

Lace climbed up behind Hornet on Eira's back, and they were off. Eira was going a bit slower this time, probably noy used to carrying bigger stuff like the tent on her back, but they made good time.

They finally made it to the Bellstation, and Lace was jumping off a bit soon, stumbling on her landing, but managed to pull herself up before falling. Hornet dropped the ball down for the Beastlings, before sliding off, and unstrapping the bundle. Lace rushed over to help, and soon they had it off of her. Eria curled up once free, settling back into the bells to nap.

Hornet, holding one end of the bundle, "See, even she thinks it early to be up so soon."

Lace waved her hand, "It'll be fine. If you really think you were up to early, how about you take a nap once we get the tent set up."

Hornet gave Lace the stink eye, "A nap, what do you think I am?"

"An old lady."

Hornet stopped in place, looking straight at Lace with a gaze that seemed to sear through her. For a moment all was quiet, Lace starting to feel like she said something wrong, when Hornet place down the tent, and from her cloak she extracted the Claw Mirrors from the depth of her cloak.  Lace recognized what it was and set down her end of the tent bundle, stepping away slowly, "Hornet, put those away please, I'm sorry I called you an old lady..."

"Come here, I want you to get a good look at your reflection, I think there's something on your face..."

Lace bolted, heading back towards the bell vein, jumping behind Eria, "I'm sorry! Please don't blow me up!"

"Oh, don't worry, I'm just fixing up your hair, I heard explosive glitter makes it nice and curly!"

Hornet and Lace had spent the next hour roughly running around the room, but eventually, they both ran out of breath, and taking a small break, they picked up the tent and headed out.

Hornet let the way, using her throwing tools to take out the annoying creatures in their way. Usually, they would've been there after a some running and jumps, but with the tent, it was a bit more effort, using some of Hornet's silk to pass it across gaps between them, nearly dropping it into a maggot filled waters once, but thankfully caught it before it got close.

Eventually they made it to the entrance to Fleatopia, with the nice surprise that there was a bridge to let them walk over the moat of maggot water, but as they walked down it, Hornet noticed that the water was looking clearer, and the maggots fewer.

As they walked away from it though, a familiar voice rang out, and looking over, she saw The Fleamaster and Seth walking over.

"Welcome friends! I'm glad to see you had received my invite!"

Lace spoke up from her end of the bundle, "We were actually trying to get here sooner!"

Hornet turned back to her, "And whose fault was that?"

"I'd like to think of it as a team effort."

Hornet couldn't help but give a glare at her, though she only chuckled in response.

They started walking again, Mooshka and Seth waking alongside them, "Well none the less we are glad to have you join us! And staying to by the looks of it."

"Yup! I made sure to have this made especially for the festival! I was thinking by the water!"

"Thankfully not too many people had come yet, so most of the space by the water has been unclaimed!"

Walking past the Caravan, the Fleas busy at work, they saw other tents up, or being put up. Lace, now excited at finally arriving, steered the bundle towards the wall of the large cavern. Setting it down, Lace pulled off her bag, which contained the tools. Opening it up, she pulled out a couple of stakes with holes in the tope, and a long bright green rope.

Hornet looked at the rope while Lace started hammering the stakes into the sand, setting up a perimeter, "Where'd you get a rope light that?"

Without looking up or missing beat in her hammering, "Kurn and Shakra gave it. Shakra said she needed to make some more and Kurn, knowing the foliage, brought her vines that had strong fibers in them, but the color came out bright, so she gave it to me for the campsite. Now we have an established space that no one can miss easily."

Hornet gave a nod, "You REALLY put a lot of thought into this."

Lace just turned to her, a bright smile on her face, "I'm just that good!~"

Hornet rolled her eyes, turning to the tent bundle and began to unfasten its straps.  Soon she had it rolled out, finding it was a lot bigger than she had thought. Thankfully Lace wasn't too long to set up their perimeter and came over to help. The basic idea was the tent was a cube shape, and they would use braces on the inside to hold its shape, and then ropes and stakes to hold it in place on the outside. Simple enough, except Lace had them make it out a heavy fabric that was hard to hold up.

After a few tried, Hornet had an idea. Using the Ascendant's Grip, she climbed up the wall, and with some silk attached to the top, she was able to lift it up enough to give Lace enough space to go into the tent and put in the supports. It took a bit to have Lace do it herself, but once it was all in place, Hornet dropped the silk and dropped down, popping inside to double check, finding it all secured.

She returned outside, joining Lace in staking down the corners and the ropes, but they quickly had it secured in place.

They stood before it, marveling at their work. Lace turned to Hornet, "I do believe we've accomplished the set up!"

"Seems so. Well I'm going to set up the bedding."

"Are you actually going to take a nap?"

"No, I wish to cook some of the meat we brough, but since it's in the same bag as the bedding, I figured I would take care of it now since I'm getting into the bag anyways."

"Well in that case, I'll get the fire started for you."

"Much appreciated."

Heading inside, Hornet let the flap fall shut behind her, and the bustling noise of the fleas and other campers went silent.  She turned her head back towards the closed flaps.  She could just barely make out the noise at all. Looks like there was an advantage to the thick material after all.

Opening the bag, Hornet pulled out a tightly bound bundle of preserved meat, and a few other things, before coming to the Bedding on the bottom. She pulled it out, then located an edge and then whipped out the thin plush mattress, watching it unfurl and land on the floor. She walked around, pulling out the corners to get it to full size, then returned to the bag, pulling out the small bag with Lace's spare clothes they had brough just in case, then pulled out the pillows and blanket from underneath, and standing it up she was about to toss it over the beddings but as she did something fell onto her foot. Looking down, she saw some kind of small belt that she didn't think belonged on the list of items Lace had made, so she leaned down and picked it up, freezing when she got a good look at it.

The item was kind of like a belt, but it had a wide piece of leather on a front with a third strap that went between the legs, and on the front where the three straps met, an object of phallic shape stuck out like the horn of a Rhinogrund. She stood in place, before turning to the door, "Lace! Get in here please!"

She waited, about half a minute passed, "Lace!!!!" She said with bit more volume. When nothing happened, she tucked it away in the bag, then walked over poking her head through the flap, seeing Lace putting legs of wood into a small pit she dug up in the sand.

"Hey good timing, think I can barrow your Flintslate?"

"Hold off on the fire for a bit. Did you hear me calling for you just now?"

Lace looking at her, slowly shook her head, "No, not a thing."

"Okay, so your tent is really soundproof. Second, can you come in here please, there's something to discuss."

Lace looked a little confused, but she got up and followed Hornet in, letting the flap fall close behind her, "Alright, what's up?"

Hornet reached into the bag and pulled out the harness from it, Lace's eyes going wide when she saw it. "Lace, did you bring this on purpose?"

"No! I had completely forgotten about that when I unpacked the rest of the stuff."

"Well then how did it get into the bag I was carrying?"

Lace looked at the bag, then realization dawned on her face, and she turned to Hornet, "Well, that is the same bag I used to carry all that stuff around when I was plotting a revenge scheme, I think I just accidently left it in there when I put the rest away, and it's just been in there since."

Hornet gazed at it, looking between her and her creation, before letting out a sigh and putting it into a small side pouch inside the bag, "Let's just remember it's in there when we head home."

Lace, who was looking a little pink in the face, nodded, "Sounds good! Let me just get the fire going." She turned to leave.

"Lace."

She turned back, "Yes Hornet?"

Hornet pulled out the Flintslate from her cloak, "Make sure you return it later, alright?"

She nodded, then taking it silently, she turned and left the tent.

Lace sat by the fire, poking at it with her pin. Seeing the strap-harness she had made in Hornet's hand like that had set her nerves on edge. She still wanted to try and get back at Hornet for the rope thing, but in a less worked up fashion then she had been in originally, in a way they would be more, acceptable to them both.

Though right now, she was just trying to cook watch the fire.

Hornet emerged from the tent, the package of meat in hand, "Fire looks good. Where's the cooking grate?"

Lace blinked, her mind going blank, before turning to Hornet, "The cooking what?"

"The cooking grate."

Lace looked up at her for a moment, "I...don't know what that it..."

Upon hearing this, Hornet started chuckling, which evolved into a small laugh, Lace turning red, and feeling it to, "Hey, what's so funny?"

"Just that...hahaha...you went too...all that trouble, and all this stuff, and you didn't know about the cooking grate. Wait here, I think I can find one."

Setting down the meat, Hornet took off towards the Caravan.

Lace stayed where she was sitting on the sand, her eyes on the fire, when footsteps approached. Looking up, she saw the thin bug from earlier approaching.

"Hello there, I don't think we've been introduced yet, I'm Seth."

She held out a hand to shake, "Lace, and I believe Hornet has mentioned, you live with the Fleas?"

"Indeed. After awaking with not but a few objects, I traveled the kingdom till I found the Fleas, who let me in open armed. Though Vog was a little stern at first."

Lace smiled, "Yeah, she's a rough gal, but she's alright."

Seth seated himself besides Lace, "So you're the one who came with Hornet. It's nice to see her bring a person so dear to the Love festival."

"Oh, I'm not too sure I'm all to dear to Hornet. I think I've been responsible for bothering her a bit."

"For what reason?"

"Well..." Her mind flashed back to the strap-harness, "Just embarrassing shenanigans that seem to follow me around."

Seth let out a chuckle, "That's something we all deal with at some point. Just the other day, I ended up drinking a bottle of Flea brew meant for Vog, the Fleas all went crazy thinking I was going to end up on the sharp end of her mighty weapon, but she honestly said that I deserved it for my work protecting the fleas and walked away."

"Well, Vog likes anyone who helps out the Fleas."

"True. Let me put it this way. Right now, Hornet is out there in the Caravan, asking if anyone has a Grilling Grate, she can barrow, for you."

Lace looked back towards the caravan, where she saw the familiar red of Hornet's cloak in front of a Caravan door, talking to a bit of an older looking Flea with his hair tied up, making his head look like an onion.

"She's going out there for me?"

"I believe her words were, Lace seems to not have had Grilled food before, so I was hoping to find a cooking grate in hopes of letting her try it. For All I've known her during her visits, she would at most tell another to try it if they ever get the chance to. She's actively seeking to get the thing for you personally."

Lace looked at Hornet, then at her own feet.  Hornet was going out of her way on her behalf.

Seth stood up, "Well I would love to stay and chat, but I should get back to helping the Fleas."

"Ah, alright, well thanks for stopping by."

She watched Seth head back, before turning to look at their fire, which was still going well. After a bit more, Hornet came back, jogging lightly with a metal grid in hand, "It took some looking, but Vog had an old one she hadn't used in a while so she said we could have it."

Lace watched Hornet unfold legs on the grate, then setting it over the fire. Hornet grabbed a knife from the bag, unwrapping it from the cloth they had over it, before unwrapping the meat, and cutting it into slices, it's juices pooling on the wrapper. Once it was all sliced up, Hornet picked up the slices and carefully set them onto the grate, the heating metal sizzling on contact with the juices on the meat.

"Do you prefer your meat well done, or rare?"

"Uhh, lightly rare."

Hornet nodded as she focused on the meat, using the knife to expertly flip them as needed. After a bit of waiting, Hornet finally pulled them off the grate and set them on a platter pulled from the bag. Setting it down on the sand between them, Hornet held out a knife to Lace, "The meat it pretty soft, you should be able to use the fork to tear it apart, but if you want a knife, I can grab one."

Lace nodded, before taking the fork, sticking it into the meat. Taking the fork at an angle, the meat broke apart easily, and she brough the small piece on her fork to her mouth. Her eye jumped open wider as her tongue took in the new food. The meat was cooked so the outside was a thin crisp later, but the inside was soft and juicy, and the fire, somehow the exposure to the flame added to the taste, and the fat...just wow...

Lace broke off the meat in bigger pieces as she ate, when she heard a chuckle, and looking up, Hornet was watching, "Sorry, it's like watching a child trying cake for the first time."

Lace swallowed what was in her mouth, "Sorry, before I moved in with you, I mostly are berries primarily, and some food I could occasionally grab from Mergwig before he could serve it to that huge bug."

Hornet nearly chocked on her food, Lace looking up at her, "What, are you okay?"

Hornet cleared her thought, "I'm fine! I just hadn't thought about those two in so long."

"You've met them?"

"It was an, interesting experience. I ended up running around Pharloom getting food ingredients for them."

"For what reason would you do that?"

"Pale oil for my Needle. Plinney was able to use it to restore it to its former strength, and then some."

"Wait, you actually managed to get him to hand it over? That was locked tight in that little case of his for ages."

"Yeah, though I think the one that took the most effort, was the one I got here in the Flea Festival."

Lace looked at her, eyes wide in surprise, "The Fleas had a pale oil? How?"

"Not a clue, and I never asked. I won it as a prize for beating all their records alongside a lot of rosaries and shards."

"No wonder you beat me, you cheated with a fancy weapon."

"You know as well as I do that it's not the weapon, but the one wielding it. Having good quality is just a bonus."

Lace rolled her fork in her hand, "Oh, I supposed that's true..."

She looked down at the platter, their food now gone. She stood up, heading into the tent.

Hornet sat on the sand, watching as some more bugs entered for the festival.  It was nice to see some more people actually coming to Fleatopia for once, despite the journey, but everyone who came seemed to be with at least one decent fighter bearing a weapon, so they were managing at least.

The sound of rustling fabric hit her ears, and she turned to find Lace in her water suit again, her painted body looking sleek, and in her hand, she was holding some kind of rolled up fabric in her own head of a dark red color.

"Going for a swim Lace?"

"Actually, we are." Lace unfurled the fabric, revealing a one-piece garment, with holes for the arms head and legs.

"Oh, ah..."

"I'm not taking no for answer. I'll drag you into the tent by the horns if I have to."

"Well, there not horns..." Hornet got and took the bundle from Lace's hands and headed into the tent.

She saw Lace's suit sitting on the end of the bedding, so Hornet pulled off her cloak, folding it and placing it next to the suit, before taking the water suit in her hand. She looked at it unsure how to put it on, before flipping it over and seeing a hook clasp on the back of the neck hole. Unfastening the hook, she stepped into it, getting her arms into the holes, then reaching behind her to grab the two parts of the clasp, only to find she couldn't quite get them together without being able to see them. After a minute of struggling, she gave up, and walked over to the tent flap, stepping out, "Hey Lace, think you could give me assistance? I can quite line up the hook on the back."

Lace chuckles slightly, "Alright, turn around."

Facing away from Lace, she looked out over the water she felt her hands grab the hooks. As she pulled the clasp, she noticed something.  Once the clasped was fastened, she turned back to Lace, "Hey, do you know what they're doing over there?"

Lace looked over in the direction, "I think they're bouncing a flea back and forth over a net."

Hornet looked at it, seeing she was right, "Let's go join them!"

"I don't know, with our skills we'd put everyone else to shame."

"Then how about we face off against each other?"

Lace's eye sparked, "Oh, alright, but shall we make this more interesting?"

Hornet raised an eyebrow, "A wager?"

"A simple one, loser has to do something of the winner's choice."

Hornet smiled, "Do you have something in mind?"

"Not yet. And whatever the winner picks, we could wait till we return home."

"Very well! May the best bug win! Now let's go ask what the rules are to the Flea game they're doing."

Chapter Text

The two of them had made their way over, and soon they were in, play what they found was called Flea Volley. The idea was pretty basic, just bump the flea over the next, and then the other team bumps them back, and whichever side of the net the flea landed in the water, the team from the other side of the net would get the point.

When Kratt had noticed the two over there, he quickly volunteered to act as the referee, but they chased him pretty easily and Grishkin stepped in, taking a seat on the sand where they used a small black stone to draw the point with a piece of chalk. Lace and Hornet each took a side, a few of the others who had set up camped offered to join them, but the two of them were both fine, locked in as the flea flew up.

Much like the flea games before, the flea wore a helmet, but instead of a metal one shaped like a bell, this one was padded on the outside, allowing them to bump the flea without any risk of hurting their limbs.

They both get set, waist down in the water, they watched as  Grishkin hold the flea, then tossed them up, and they watched as it fell.

Lace's eyes kept locked on the Flea, and she was sure Hornet was as well. So far neither of them had scored a single point, yet they've been going at it for a bit now, how long she wasn't sure, but a crowd had gathered, evident by their murmurs, Lace catching a few lines, some betting on who would score first, others recognizing Hornet, and then one or two complimenting on their outfits.

For a while more they continued, but then the flea stopped midair after Lace bounced them up, and they flew off towards the caravan, panting.

They stood there in silence for a minute, before Lace turned to look at Hornet, who was now soaked, and Lace was as well by all the splashing around. "So...now what?"

Hornet shrugged, but then turned to the sand, where Grishkin was chuckling, "I have an idea, wait here."

Grishkin got up, walking back towards the caravan. A minute later, they returned, following a new flea wearing the helmet. Taking their seat again, Grishkin pulled out a bottle of Flea brew, giving it to the Flea, "Let's see if speeding up the flea has an effect."

Once the bottle was emptied, the flea let out an energetic "Ah-WOO!" before Grishkin tossed them towards Hornet's side of the ring, picking up where the last Flea had left off. Lace watched as Hornet hurriedly lunged forward, just barely hitting the flea back up. Lace would have laughed, if not for the flea coming right for her at high speed.

She managed to bound the flea back up, but at a sharp angle, the flea just barely missing the net, heading for the water, but now Hornet was focused in and was more prepared, and Lace was getting back into it as well, as the high-speed Flea bounced back and forth.

For the next few minutes, all Lace was focused on was the Flea and getting them over the net. Back and forth, back and forth, till Lace saw her shot, the Flea was passing over the next by just a few inches, and in a rush of adrenaline, she jumped, arm outstretched, and with a strong smack down, the flea shot back downward towards the water on Hornet's side of the net, and Hornet was just far enough back that she was unable to lunge forward fast enough to fit it, and with two splashes, both the flea and Hornet hit the water.

Lace felt a surge of joy, amazement, just pure exhilaration, then gravity took hold, and she found herself falling forward, her belly landing on the top of the net, and before she could react, she was flipped forward, her legs over her head, and with a short yelp, she was falling back first towards the water, and she just barely braced for impact, when she felt something under her, only to for her momentum to pull that down with her.

For a second it was water, clear water around her, but then she was lifted out of the water, and as her eyes readjusted to the dry air, she saw Hornet besides her, holding her in her arms, and for a moment it was silence, just them breathing.

Lace was searching for words, when motion on the other side of Hornet, and she looked over, and her went wide, as anger surged as she saw...

"KRATT!!!" Hornet saw Lace's expression, and looking over, she saw the flea sneaking towards their tent, but now he had froze, looking over as he realized he had been busted.

Instinct kicked in, and Hornet adjusted her grip, and like she's done many times before, she through her needle.

Except her Needle was back in their tent...

Lace flew through the air, hands out reached as she made it strait towards the Flea, but just a moment before she reached him, he bolted. Lace managed to barrel roll as she hit the sand. Getting up, sand clinging to her, she flung open the flaps of the tent, grabbing her pin and Hornet's needle.

Turning, she saw Hornet charging after the small flea as he ran, weaving circles around the karts and structures, and the people.  Seeing the direction he was heading, Lace ran towards him, but he saw her coming before she could cut him off and her made a sharp turn,  but running up  behind him, Hornet skidded to a stop besides Lace for just a moment, grabbing a weapon and charging, and  Lace readied hers, stance ready, except it was heavier then she remembered.

Hornet only just realized she had grabbed Lace's pin, but by now she was already a good distance away, and from the side she saw Lace weaving around from the side, trying to cut him off. Making use with what she had, she swung at him, the Pin cutting smoothly and quickly through the air with a sharp thwip!

Hearing the thwip, Kratt let out a squeal, and started running faster, despite his short legs. He zipped past Vog, where Lace was waiting, jumping down from the top of Vog's cart, both hands on the needle as she brought it down point first. Kratt made it past before Lace could make it to the ground.

As Hornet ran past, she tossed the Pin up into the air, while grabbing the handle of her Needle and yanking it out of the sand as she raced after Kratt. For a minute they weaved around the caravan karts, before breaking out into the open beach where Lace was waiting, a bottle in hand. She swung at Kratt, who managed to evade it, but as Hornet ran up, Lace held out the bottle, Hornet recognizing it as the Flea Brew, and grabbing it as she passed, downing it as she chased, then feeling the rush of the brew, she was suddenly picking up the pace, the Flea slowly getting closer, but her then made a sharp turn around the bench, where Seth was sitting, and Hornet skidded as she was unprepared for the turn at the speed, and she bolted after him.

They headed towards the Caravan Karts again, only this time instead of weaving around them, Kratt suddenly jumped, and dove into his bell kart, slamming the door behind him.

Kratt breathed heavily as he heard the strikes of Hornet's needle against the bell, then with an exhausted chuckle he turned around, only to find the sharp thin point of a pin inches from his fast, and looking towards the end he saw Lace, holding it as she stood in the water of his spa bell.

Lace watched him fall backwards as he fumbled the door open, landing on the sand, only to have Hornet press her foot on his backside as he tried to roll over.

Lace stepped out from the bell, and standing on the other side of Kratt, she, with Hornet moving in sync with her needle, sunk her Pin into the sand next to his head, and the Flea looked between the two blades on either side of his head, silent.

"Hornet, what pray tell should we do with him?"

"I'm tempted to skewer him right here and now. I had warned him before that any lecherous act from him again would result in beath."

Lace notices him tense under Hornet's foot as she said that "Hmm, but he also tried peeping on me once before, so I'm not sure if one death would be enough."

"You know, I believe your right. But what could we do that would we do that would be equal to such a punishment?"

"We could always send him into the Flea games without a helmet."

"I'm not sure there's much left of a brain for him to lose, with or without a helmet."

"You're probably right, considering he was stupid enough to try and sneak into our tent."

"Maybe we could skewer something beloved to him."

"I'm not sure he has anything...actually, what about his bell kart?"

Hornet turned to the bell besides them, a sly smile on her lips, "I believe you might be onto something, what do you have in mind?"

With the help of Vog, they tore off the pipes sprouting from the top of his kart along with the covering, they lock the door tight and pumped it full of water to just below the brim. With the water full, they helped the Fleas set up a new game. Between Lace and Hornet, they rigged up a simple pulled system hooked up underneath a platform the Fleas weren't using. The pulley was hooked up to a target, when hit, would unlock the peg holding the mechanism still, and the pully would let a rope drop, with Kratt tied to the end, making him dunk into the water.

Vog sat nearby, with nothing else to do, they would turn the cogs to hoist him back up into the air.

Fleamaster Mooshka, who had been watching from a distance, came over to look over their new surprise attraction, "Quite the, interesting game. How does it work?"

Lace proudly held up her hand, which held a rosary. "Pretty simple, it's costs only one rosary to play. Just take the bead, and throw." She turned and with all her might, hit the target, an old bell helmet, and with a nice DING!  it fell backwards, and suddenly Kratt fell as the rope went slack.

As he went splash, and Vog started to pull him out, they watched as the Rosary that had fallen to the ground start to roll. The platform had a small tilt, and the Rosaries rolled into a gutter that rolled to the side and dropped the bead into a box underneath the corner of the platform.

"Quite a splendid rig! I think we might keep it around for later festivals!"

The target popped up and Vog finished turning the crank, and a small thunk was heard as it locked into place.

As Mooshka walked away, Kratt was starting to mutter to himself, and Vog spoke to him without turning, "Be glad you get to live, I would have tossed you to the Maggots."

Kratt went silent, and Hornet and Lace stepped down from the platform, Hornet smiling, "I must say, that wasn't how I expected our first day to go, but it honestly wasn't to bad by the end."

"And, we've made it so Kratt should be kept out of hair."

"Even if he does get loose, I think we don't have to worry about him trying anything again."

Lace smiled, "I guess you're right."

Walking back towards their tent, they saw Grishkin sitting by their fire pit, the fire going again. As they approached, they got up and smiled, "Hey! Welcome back! I see you two had an eventful time!"

Lace smiled, "Indeed..." a ding and a splash rang through the air, "But I think it's going to be a lot more eventful for Kratt."

They let out a hearty chuckle, "Well none the less, I hope you two plan on staying despite Kratt's interruption."

Hornet nodded, "We shall. But how yourself? Would you like to try the new game? First round on me."

Hornet walked into the tent, returning a moment later holding a rosary. Grishkin took it with a smile, "I think I shall. But before I do!" They pulled out a small bottle, this one filled with a pink liquid, "For Lace, a small bottle of Flea Fizz! No special effect, just a fun fizzy drink, this one tastes like strawberries."

With the rosary in hand, Grishkin walked away, and Lace, holding the bottle, turned to Hornet with a giddy expression, "Hear that! I was the winner!"

Hornet looked at her, light realization dawned on her face as she remembered the wager, "Are you sure you want to count that? After what happened with Kratt?"

"I had fairly won that point before Kratt, so I think it's safe to say I claim victory."

Hornet let out a sigh, though a lighthearted one, then with a sarcastic bow, "Alright, I concede to your victory, though a little begrudgingly."

"I don't care! I'll take it."

"Alright, so what is it you wish from me?"

"I have some ideas, but I'm going to save them for when we return home later, right now, I want to enjoy the festival."

"You know, that sounds nice. Since we're still in our water stuff, want to go swimming, only without the competition this time."

"Oh, I think I can manage that."

Putting their weapons back into the tent, they two of them headed back into the water, this time just relaxing with slow strides. They headed out, making their way over to the other side, where they found a spot that steamed lightly, and they settled into the shallow spot.

"To think they had Kratt charging money for his spa bell when this was over here."

"Should we tell the Fleas?"

"Hornet, I think this one should be out little secret."

"Well, alright."

With a smile, Lace leaned back, sinking down into the water with a relaxed sigh, closing her eyes.

Hornet watched her, feeling her heart flutter at the sight. She let out a silent sigh of her own. It was about time she addressed the matter of her feelings. She had a rough idea, she just needed to keep calm and not duck out of it before then.

Chapter Text

Lace was up the next morning, sitting up on the bedding to look around the tent. Looking beside her, Hornet's side of the bed was already empty. A bit odd to see her up this early. For as vigilant as Hornet was, she would sleep in when there wasn't a reason to get up.

But then against, they were at a festival, so maybe she was up from the excitement. Well, none the less, Lace was ready to get up and enjoy the day, climbing out of bed, grabbed her cloak and pin, before rummaging in the bag, grabbing a small bag of dried berries. Taking a seat on the foot of the bedding, she started eating the berries. A few handfuls in, she remembered the bottle of Flea Fizz from the day before.

She got up and picked it up from the floor where she had set it the night before by her pin. Taking the cork, she pulled it out, a sharp pop making her jump as it came out of the hole, and the bottle hissed and fizzed, small bubbles rushing inside the bottle before it stopped as suddenly as it happened. She brought the bottle to her lips, taking a slow drink, and found herself presently surprised, the taste was exquisite, and the fizzing bubbles dancing on her tongue was a new, but nice sensation.

She giggled as she let the fizz dance on her tongue, before swallowing. She couldn't help but giggle.

"What's so funny?"

Lace turned finding Hornet returning, "Oh, welcome back! It's this Flea Fizz! Come, try!"

Hornet stepped over, taking the bottle in their hand, lifting it to hers, taking a swig, her eyes popping open in surprise, and Lace notice her swallowing hard as she pulled the bottle away, "Whoa...I was expecting that to be more like the Brew. I see why they called it...Fizz."

Lace watched as Hornet's face scrunched up, "Are you alright?"

"I think so, it just feels like..." They both flinched as a sudden from Hornet's mouth, a noise a bit loud, and as suddenly as it had come it was gone.

Lace couldn't help but giggle again, "What was that?"

"I think...I drank it too fast, and all that fizz needed out."

Lace couldn't stop giggling for a minute, but once it was out of her system, she took the bottle back, "So aside from the surprise, how was it?"

"That, I'd say was pretty good actually. Just smaller sips from now on."

Lace stood up, "Good to know! So where were you this fine morning?"

"Oh, just, looking at the festival, they got it all set up now."

Lace walked over to the tent flap, stepping out to see. They had lights of pink strung up, with more things set up, a platform set up for a game, and a few different stalls with foods, items, then even some more.

"Oh my...I feel like...I...I don't know how I feel, but I like whatever it is."

This time Hornet was to one who chuckled, "I know what you mean, but I think first we should try their new game, requiring two people to work together."

"Oh, one of us shall be bouncing fleas, while the other one bounces off them after."

She turned to Hornet, excitement in her eyes, "Please tell me more!"

Hornet took Lace by the hand, leading her towards the big platform, "It might prove easier to show you."

As they approached, Lace saw the game was already in motion. There was the platform, a nice square space, and in the middle stood a small platform. Currently playing was Vog and Seth. Vog was on the lower platform, as Fleas flew by in waves, she would knock them upward, where set would then jump from his small platform in the air, and bounce from one flea to the next as they popped up. Once Seth hit them, they flew off, and the older Flea that looked like an onion, Varga if she remembered right, was nearby keeping score.

Lace watched with amazement as they went, "Yes! Just yes I want to try that!"

Hornet smiled, "Alright! We're up next then, I already got us signed up."

"Wonderful! I can't wait to get juggling."

Hornet looked to Lace, "You're willingly taking the bottom platform, I thought you would like the top."

"Yes, but you're more practiced with your drifter's cloak, plus the capacity to yank yourself back onto the small platform using your needle and silk."

Hornet looked at her, then she brought up her hand placing it on Lace's forehead.

"What are you doing?"

"Making sure you're not delirious with fever, that sounded so mature, it's unlike you."

Lace pushed away the hand while giving a sarcastic laugh, "Very funny. Now then let's get up there and show these plebians who we are."

"Oh, you're sounding better already."

Hornet stood atop the small platform, a few waves of fleas had passed already, and they were currently closing in on Vog's and Seth's score. So far it was one point for each flea they each gave a hit to. Hornet had made sure to sync with the wander's crest beforehand, so all she had to do was line up with the fleas Lace sent up, then she would knock them down. Thank fully the fleas would fly off before hitting the ground, so Lace didn't have to worry about trying to dodge them hitting the floor.

Much like flea juggle, they had three strikes, currently they only had one. Lace didn't have to worry about missing one, but once she hit it up, Hornet had to hit it, or they took a strike.

A new wave started flying in, this one a bit bigger, but thankfully none of them seemed to be zipping with flea brew. Lace was ready, and as the first one was in range, she lunged, striking her pin upwards, the Fleas flying up, and Hornet pounced, jumping over then knocking the flea down, and using the force to bounce herself back into the air and flip over towards the next rising flea. One after another after another, till the last one passed, and Hornet landed on her platform.

There was a ringing of a bell, and looking over, with Varga ringing it, "Congrats, you've passed the high score! As much as I would love to let you continue, the next pair is awaiting their turn, and the list is long."

Letting out a sigh, Hornet dropped down, "That was fun, though I must say it was a bit different trying to follow another person instead of just looking for the next flea."

Lace smiled, "Well maybe tomorrow is the line is shorter we can go again."

"I'd like that." Hornet looked around, that day was still pretty fresh, and everything was set up for later that evening, which meant they had time to kill. And she had to keep herself distracted long enough to not get nervous before then.

She looked around, trying to spot something, when she saw a familiar share of red walking by a bit away. Taking Lace's hand, gently of course, she walked towards the direction, and after a minute of walking, her eyes landed on two faces she hadn't seen in a while.

"Loddie, is that you?"

The ladybug turned, and a happy surprise expression crossed his face, "Ola! My Lady it is a pleasure to see you again."

"Same to you. I wasn't sure you had survived the collapse when I went back to the Marrow."

"Oh, it was a tragedy, but me and my assistant made it out and waited till the black curse have passed." His assistant, a small Ladybug with no visible limbs presented, flew over, buzzing happily.

Lace gently tapped Hornet on the shoulder, "Might you introduce me to your associates?"

"Of course, Lace, this is Loddie, he and his assistant ran a pin throwing game back in the Marrow, I played a few times there."

Loddie nodded, "True indeed! I ran out of prized for the fair lady and had to pay her by the strike of the target at times."

"It's true. I might have gotten carried away."

Lace nodded, before turning to the Lady Bugs, "So if you're here, does that mean you're setting up a booth?"

Loddie perked up, "Indeed Fair Madam! We have it all ready, we were just returning from lunch now."

Lace rubbed her hands eagerly, "Led the way then, I wish to give this a try."

Hornet was left following after Lace, where they soon made it to a long platform set off to the side. It has a wall of thin metal mesh on each side, and then another mesh wall opposite the end where a line was drawn on the floor. Lace stepped up, nodding at the simple yet effective set up, her eyes landing on the trunk full of pins, "Very nice, but you seem to be missing the targets."

Loddie let out a chuckle, and with a nod to the smaller bug, his assistant flew to the other end, then tucked their head in as they faced their red shell towards them, showing a circle painted on. Lace looked a little shock realizing the target was the little bug, but Loddie quickly noticed, "Don't' worry Madam, the pins are all dulled, but they fly just the same, plus my assistant's shell it quite durable."

Lace looked to Hornet, who gave her a nod. Letting out a relived sigh, Lace pulled out a handful of beads, passing them to Loddie, who counted them then passed back a few.

With a smile, Lace picked up some pins from the large chest Loddie opened, and she homed in on the small bug, and threw!

The pin was there in a flash, hitting the bug. They then moved, and Lace was quick to hit them again. The game progressed, and the small spotted target started moving in patterns, but Lace was quick to adjust her targeting, watching, waiting for the best time to strike, then in a flash they were struck.

This carried on for a bit, till finally they the small bug was able to come up with some patterns at a speed that was tricky enough to avoid Lace's pins. By the time she missed three, she had racked up a nice number of fifty-five points.

Hornet clapped for Lace as she took a dramatic bow, then turned towards Loddie, "Alright! What's my prize!"

"Ola! Well, fair Madam, I say for beating the highest score I've ever seen, you get a Pale Rosarie necklace." From under his red shell, he presented the strung beads, which Lace took with wide eyes, "But, as a bonus, since it's the Love festival, you also get a prize to share with you beloved." He presented from his shell another item, this one small and fuzzy, shaped like one of the many fleas flying about.

"Is this a Plush Flea?"

"Indeed! many of the games here have their own Plush's, and I was given some by the caravan since I hadn't had time to prepare my own." Taking the bonus prize, Lace stepped down from the platform, holding it out to Hornet, "Here, I know how much you like your fluffy animals, maybe this one can live up to the task for you."

Hornet took the small fake flea in her hands, the soft material on her felt so nice.  They never had things like this in Hollownest, but she could imagine it being popular. With a smile she tucked it away, "Thank you Lace.  How about you show me some more of those impressive throwing skills again at the dunking bell. My treat."

"Oh, yes!" Lace cackle a little, clearly envisioning tormenting Kratt. As they walked, Hornet's eyes caught motion, and turning to look, she saw Mooshka waving at her, and once she was looking, he gave her a thumbs up and a wink, before walking off like nothing had happened. He was all set, meaning all that was left was to wait till tonight.

Till then, Hornet was looking forward to trying to drown a certain Flea with Lace.

Chapter Text

The day went on nicely. They got Kratt dunked a few times, before going out and exploring more of the festival. They tried out a variety of the different snacks and drinks across the festival. They day passed quicker than they had anticipated, and soon they Fleas were closing up the big platform, and some of the other stuff, so they could start setting up for some more calmer things, the main one being a setup of tables for a lovely dinner, and a large space set up for a dancing space.

Lace walked around the Fleas setting up the giant set up, where that had a number of cooking stations prepped, and a band getting set up on a raised-up part in the middle of the dancing space.

The whole day had been a lot of fun, but a renewed excitement filled her as they prepped. They were still a little while away from completing their work on the set up, and Lace found herself trying to find something to occupy herself, but with most of the good stuff closed for the setup, she decided she have to hunt down Hornet and drag her to the tent to prepare her for the dinner and dance.

Walking around a bit, she spotted different fleas, Kratt, who was getting dragged by his rope towards one of the cooking stations by Vog. Smiling at the sight, she headed on, seeing more people, none of them Hornet. Though to her surprise she saw the face of thee most dramatic bug she knew walking towards the small band stage.

Following after she made saw him stopping at the stage, and from a box he carried he pulled out stage lights, and other items. Walking up, Lace managed to sneak up without him noticing, "How who it this I see out of his hole?"

With a flourish and sparkles, "It is I, TROBBIO!!!!!"

Lace gave a small clap, "Long time no see, and what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"I came upon finding out and have requested to perform a performance! For behalf of the love festival, I now plan to present the love story of two bug, tragically in love, despite their family's deep hatred for each other by an old grudge started long before their current generations."

"Tonight? I thought it was dinner and dancing."

"Sadly, not tonight, however, I have gained the privilege of letting the band use the incredible lights I have prepared for the occasion!"

Lace managed to hold back a chuckle at hie over dramatic flourishes as he spoke, "Well that just sounds amazing, I make sure to look once they band begins, but I should probably let you get back to it so I can have that chance."

"Ah. quite right! Very well then, till another time!"

Her turned back to his stuff, and Lace hurried off, letting the chuckles get out of her system while she put some space between herself and Trobbio. Once that was behind her, she refocused her efforts on trying to find Hornet, wanting to see her face once she told her that Trobbio was here.

After a minute, she saw the familiar swish of red, and heading towards it, she was indeed seeing Hornet, who was talking to the Fleamaster. Walking towards them, Lace saw the Fleamaster turn a little, like he was turning to look at her, but then turned back, said something hurriedly, then with a bow he walked off at a pretty quick pace towards the set up.

Hornet turned and saw Lace as she approached, then walked over with Lace smiling excitedly, "Hornet, guess who I just saw!"

Hornet blinked, seemingly caught off guard by this, "Ummmm...I'm not sure."

Lace, taking a pose, "TROBBIO!!!!!"

Hornet's eyes when wide, though Lace wasn't sure what kind of emotion was tied to the reaction. After a moment, Lace waved her hand, "Well anyways, that's not why I was trying to find you. I want to get us both ready for the dinner and dance tonight, so you, are coming with me now."

Between the sudden interruption, the mention of Trobbio, and then getting dragged back to their tent, Hornet had kind of gone silent. Once they reach the tent, Lace pulled her inside, then went for her bag of clothes. Hornet watch as she dug around, before pulling out a long red silk item, unfurling it to reveal it's form.

At first Lace thought she was looking at a red dress, but then looking it over, she realized the material from the waist down actually turned into leg sleeves, while the top half was sleeveless, and when Lace turned it around, it was backless too.

"So what do you think Hornet?"

"It's...striking...simple but lovely."

"Good to hear you say that, now put it on!"

Hornet blinked, looking between the garment in Lace's hands, and then to Lace, "Uh, for what?"

"For dinner tonight, and also the dance."

Hornet nodded slowly. She wasn't one to dress up, but at the same time, this would work to her advantage...

She jerked as she felt hands on her, only to realize Lace had walked up and was trying to pull off her cloak, "Come on Hornet, no need to be so jumpy, it's just clothing..."

"Alright! Just, step out, I'll get it myself."

Lace dropped the cloak from her hands, eyes blinking, before narrowing, "My, embarrassed to be seen naked? But I've already seen what underneath before..."

Lace walked over to the flap slowly, making sure to prolong the closing, but once it was closed, Hornet let out a sigh, before proceeding to pull off her cloak, and then pick up the garment Lace had left on the bedding, flipping it around a few time, till she saw how she believed was how she put it on.

It took a little fiddling, but she managed to get it on.  Once it was all in place, she looked down at herself, the top half was form fitting, matching her body shape, which she found a bit odd considering she's never worn it before, and the pants were almost like bells, slowly getting wider on their way down to the ankles.

Lace suddenly poked her head in, "Are you done yet...OOH! That looks great on you!"

She walked up, going around her a few times, before returning to the bag, pulling out small, gilded, ornate box, before sitting on the bedding, patting her lap, "Head here please."

Hornet slowly sat on the bed next to her, but she stopped before she moved to lower her head, and Lace noticed her hesitation, "Don't worry, it's just a simple makeup case, I have an idea, and it should've take too long."

With a nod, Hornet turned, lowering her head backwards, landing it on Lace's lap, and once it was in place, her hands came forward. Hornet's eyes closed on instinct, but she could feel her working around her eyes. Hornet had to focus to keep herself still, and the process felt like it was taking ages.

But finally, Lace removed her hands, "Viola! All done!"

Hornet sat up, opening her eyes. Her gaze swept the tent, looking for a reflective surface that wasn't there, but Lace drew a small round one from her box, and Hornet help it up to see, a red whirling pattern was coming off from the corners of her eyes, almost like flames were coming from her eyes and were trailing alongside her head.

She nodded, "This is, very nice."

Lace smiled as she stood up, picking up the clothing bag again, pulling out another bundle of fabric, this one a very light blue, it was almost white. She stood there for a moment, when Lace started doing gestures, "Come on now, your turn to step out now."

"Right, sorry." Hornet headed to the opening, stepping out and letting the flaps close behind her.

She paced around the tent a bit, leaving a ring in the sand, as she attempted to be patient, but then Lace finally stepped out. The light blue fabric she had was a dress, this one with a loose flowing skirt, and a top that covered the shoulder. Her arms were uncovered, the paint on them taking on a new radiant shade in the pink light, while her hair was now done up in a tight ball on the back of her head, with a braid wrapped around it. And then on her face, a blue swirl pattern was also done onto her own eyes as well.

"Wow...you look stunning."

"Why thank you my fair spider! Now then, shall we join the party?"

Lace held out her hand, and accepting it, Hornet noticed it was relaxed to the touch, almost dainty.

They made their way to the tables, all set up. Other guests were showing up, but as they approached, Mooshka saw them approaching, and personally walked over to greet them, "Welcome honored friends and guests! Glad to see you make it! We have a table ready for you both, if you'll follow me please."

Hornet nodded to him, and they followed him to the table they had discussed earlier, a bit out of the way, where the other tables out of earshot of them, but they had a good view of the dancefloor nearby, while also being close to a cooking station, one that wasn't being worked on by Kratt.

Once seated, a flea flew over, a tray hanging from him, on it a bottle of wine, which Lace reached up and grabbed it, the flea then flying off to serve another table. Lace looked at the bottle, "Wow, nice choice." She popped the cork, pouring them both a glass.

Taking the glass from Lace, Hornet took a sip, trying to calm her nerves. A minute later Grishkin approached, placing two small plates before then, with a vase of flowers, "Enjoy the small treat as prepare the main course."

They walked off, leaving them together. The plates had small slices of cake, topped with berries and a bit of strawberry gel drizzle. Hornet watched as Lace picked up her fork, taking a few bites of her cake.

Lace was busy on her cake at first, before noticing Hornet sitting without touching it, her gaze on Lace. Swallowing her bite, she set down her fork, "Hornet, is something on your mind?"

She nodded, "There is something..."

"Are you feeling alright? I know I might have gotten carried away with the dresses..."

"Oh, no, it wasn't that...well, I actually do want to know how you got my measurements for this dress."

Lace let out a sigh, "Okay, don't get mad, but you're actually a pretty heavy sleeper, I was able to get measurements and make your dress when you were out cold for the night."

Hornet laughed, then let out a small laugh, "Well, it could have been worse." Hornet then stood up, walked around the table, and then took her knee, her hands reaching out and taking hold of Lace's, "The truth is, I've been nervous trying to muster up the courage, but Lace, I like you. I'm honestly not sure when, and trying to deal with it has been, complicated, but I'm here now, keeping it short, trying not to panic, asking if you'll be mine."

It was like everything went silent. Lace could feel her heart thumping in her chest, while her stomach felt like it was unraveling.

The words just spoken to here awakened something she didn't realize she had.

Her mind raced for an answer, but opening her mouth, no words came out, so the only thing she could do, was raise her hands, placing it with Hornet's head on either cheek, and nod, slowly but she sped up, and Hornet's eyes went wide.

"Yes?"

Lace nodded faster.

"Yes!"

More speed.

Hornet's own hands reached out and took Lace's face, pulling her in and suddenly their lips where kissing. She didn't know what happened exactly, but next thing she knew, Lace had her arms wrapped around Hornet, and she was starting to feel lightheaded. She pulled away taking deep breaths as she released the breath she accidentally ended up holding.

Suddenly a number of claps caught their attention, and looking over, Lace saw a few fleas clapping, Mooshka included, "See! Love finds its way at the festival."

Lace turned to Hornet with a chuckle, "You planned this whole thing out, didn't you?"

She shrugged, "I had some help with some of the finer details."

"Well then, I hope they helped you pick out a song."

Hornet blinked and tilted her head, "Song?"

With a smile and nod, Lace took Hornet's hands and pulled her towards the dance floor as a new song started playing, this one a slow steady rhythm.

Hornet blinked, nervous starting to return as she was pulled out onto the floor, but Lace took her hands, guiding one to her own hip, while taking the other in her own hand, "Just keep calm, and follow me lead, and keep pace with the rhythm."

With a silent nod, Hornet followed Lace's motions, keeping it steady as they went. More bugs soon joined them, dancing circles around the band's platform in the middle, though a light seemed to be following them around, possibly Trobbio if she had to guess.

While they danced, Hornet could feel the slow and steady rhythm, her nerves calming down with them, step by step, her body fell into the pace and pattern.

Soon the music was done and they headed back to their table.

As the next song started, Hornet let out a sigh, "That was...fun."

Lace giggled, "Indeed. And just think that was just one of many dances I could teach you, I know many.

"Don't push your luck."

"Ah, but sweety, what else are we to do on a Saturday evening with not but us and the psalm cylinders."

"I'm sure we could find plenty of other options."

The tone in Hornet's voice caught Lace off guard, but she leaned in, a spark in her eye, "Is someone feeling naughty?"

Hornet slimed, "Maybe, but either way, I'm wondering how soon I can get you out of that dress."

Chapter Text

Lace couldn't help but feel giddy, Hornet's earlier words really keeping her a bit fidgety

Dinner was indeed tasty, but it was hard to focus on it, when she couldn't help but imagine what could happen later. Thoughts danced in her head, filled with threads of silk, gentles touches, a teasing grip...so many things, all so very desirable. All she knew was that it was going to start as soon as they were done eating, and back in their private, and thankfully soundproof, tent.

After what felt like ages, the fleas brought out the final course, dessert! The fleas all crowded around a caravan, and soon they all spread out, bring out a bowls of a soft, but cold treat to all the tables. Lace took the bowl and her spoon when it was brought over, ready to eat it down quickly, excited to get herself going, and she did have to admit, the treat was very nice.

However, she was on a mission, and getting big scoops, and ate, only after a few big mouthfuls in, she froze, then barely managed to set down her bowl and spoon, before placing her hands to her head, as a sudden chill ran through her head, like the inside was freezing over.

As she doubled over, she heard a chuckle, and managing to look up, she saw Hornet with a small smile as she stood up and walked over to Lace, "Ate to fast?"

Nodding, "How's you know?"

"When I was younger, we have a similar treat, a frozen juice on a stick. I would often chew them off the stick, and result in myself getting my head frozen on the inside, but it fades fast after a minute."

Sure enough, a moment later the cold started to dissipate, and was able to pull her hands away from her face, "What diabolical mind would create something so evil but so sweet?"

"Just, eat it slowly. I learned that eventually back in my youth."

Lace let out a sigh mixed with a lighthearted chuckle, and she watch Hornet return to her seat once she was sure Lace was good. Lace however was a bit conflicted, cause on one hand she wanted to get it done as fast as possible, but now she was stuck eating at a slow pace to precent her mind from getting frozen again.

She had gotten a good head start. And Hornet, who seemed to have a better idea on how it worked, had some bigger bites on her spoon, so she at least didn't have to worry about waiting too long on her, if at all.

Despite her efforts of eating small quick bites, Hornet got the lead and managed to finish her bowl a bit before Lace. Lace, taking the risk, took some bigger bites, and she thankfully managed to avoid another freezing spell. Once it was done, they got up, and waved over a flea, letting them know they were heading back, and the table was free to clear.

They started walking back, and Lace was holding Hornet's hand, excitedly leading the way, though once they had a bit of distance between them and the crowd, Lace felt Hornet's grip adjust, and then next thing she knew, she was getting scooped, an arm holding her up legs under the knees, and the other arm under her shoulders.

Now in Hornet's grip, she threw her arms around Hornet's neck, "My brave knight comes for her princess," she pulled herself up, and planted a kiss on Hornet's cheek, or she would have, if Hornet hadn't turned her head and intercepted with her own lips, stealing a small kiss.

A teasing smile from Hornet's lips dances in Lace's vision, and she turned away as a blush crept up her face. She was feeling so ecstatic, like sparks were dancing across her fingers where her hands where around Hornet's neck, and down her arms, and into the rest of her.

A smile spread across her lips as their tent came into view, she barely managed to keep herself from wiggling in excitement in Hornet's grip.

They were soon inside, and Hornet playfully dropped Lace onto the bedding before turning back to the flaps, using her silk to seal them close, ensuring no one could walk in.

As she turned back, Lace leaned back, an arm laid back support her wait, while her other arm gestured her over.

With a silent smile, Hornet leaned in, her hands closing in, making it to her hips, while he lips found Lace's again, before traveling to her neck, planting more kisses. She closed her eyes, awaiting her next touch, only to feel Hornet slow down, then pull away. Confused, she opened her eyes and looked at Hornet, who was on her knees on the bedding, looking at Lace, a bit of a blank expression on her face, when she spoke, "Lace, I know earlier I had made a bit of a, brash, exclamation about your dress. I know I've been really looking forward to this moment for a little while, but I don't want to rush into this either, so if maybe you want to hold off till you're more ready for something like this with me..."

Lace grabbed the straps of Hornet's garment and yanked her in, "Listen, and listen good spider! I was patient and waited for the whole meal for this, and I'm not ready to let it go cause of nerves! So, I want you to make good on the proclamation you made. And what more, I want you to show me your wild side, and prove yourself the hunter you claim to be, cause if not, I'm going to tear, no, RIP of that dress you're wearing off, with my teeth if I have to, I made it myself, I can just as easily fix it. Then, with either my pin, your needle, or one of the MANY tools you keep stashed in the pouch hidden in your cloak, to draw out every possible inch of silk from your shell, to use on you as I've been imagining what you would do to me all evening. So, one way or another one of us is getting ravaged tonight, who depends on what you do in the next minute, are we clear?"

The words had just barely left her mouth, when her wrists where grabbed and push, and she blinked, and found herself on her back, hands pinned above her head in Hornet's grip and she crouched over her, head closing in, then in a quiet, sharp voice, she whispered into Lace's ear, "Crystal...now prepared to be played like the threads of my needolin."

Hornet watched as Lace went quiet, her mouth opening but no voice coming out, and in the ended resorted to nodding. With a smile, she moved fast, grabbing the skirt of Lace's dress and pulled up, leaving her bare in one swift movement, and as it flew to the ground, she brought her hands to Lace's wrists again, only this time thread swirled between her finger, and in a moment Lace's wrists where linked together, and stuck to a thicker thread that was fastened to the sturdy support beam above the head of the bedding.

Lace's eyes looked up as she registered what was happening, and her gaze returned to Hornet, who was standing up, hands starting to remove her clothing. Unlike what she did with Lace's dress, she took her time, making sure to let Lace get an eyeful of the strip, before turning back, walking back, and with a quick weave, wrapped a strip of woven silk around her head, cutting off her vision as it landed over her eyes.

Hornet took a seat on the mattress, admiring her work for a moment, before leaning in, her arms wrapping around Lace's body, her lips meeting her neck again. She started with kisses, though this time she let her teeth graze across her skin as well, not leaving any marks, but she definitely felt it, judging by the reactions her body gave, shivers from her torso, and her legs bending with tension.

Soon, Hornet moved down, her kisses trailing down, making her way to her chest, where she made it to the chest nubs. Her hands, trailing Lace's skin, pulled their way back from around her to Lace's front, each one taking a soft mound, pressing them together, getting the small nubs close enough for Hornet's mouth to get them both, lips pressing tight over them, and her teeth squeezed over them, while her tongue pressed and rubbed.

The reaction was instant, a gasp came from Lace, her body squirming, and her breathing turning to low humming moans. With a bit more teasing, her left hand drifted down, tracing across Lace's body, passing over her belly and waist, slipping between her legs and finding their way to the soft creases of her opening, her thump placing itself pressing on the clit, giving pressure and a swirling potion, with two of her fingers sliding over the opening, back and forth in slow motion.

The sounds coming from the white bug beneath her was soothing, as she was played with. Hornet couldn't help but smile. Lace was apparently pretty sensitive, despite her experience with the Buzzfly she'd made...

Among other things.

She pulled away, slowly, but she slid back up to her ear, "Don't worry I'll be right back."

Hornet stood up, walking over to their bag, reaching in, and pulling out phallic strap she had found the day before. Flipping it around, she prepared to put it on, only to then see the strap had another phallic rod sticking out of it, this one smaller placed so that the wearer would get some sensation in themself while they used it on another.

A smile crept over her lips, and with it still in hand she walked back towards Lace.

Lace couldn't help but silently giggle to herself, knowing that Hornet had something cooked up, but due to the impromptu blindfold she had been subjected to, she couldn't see what it was. However, with the limited items in the tent, she didn't think there was a lot of options to choose from at the moment.

She then felt Hornet's touch against, this time around her waist, but there was something else, something cool trailing after her hands as they wrapped around her...and then she felt something press into her freshly teased opening.

At first her mind was racing, trying to figure out what it was, but then as she felt it get pressed in, then something tightening around her, she remembered, the strap! Hornet had pulled it out and had put it onto her, but why...

Suddenly she felt Hornet's hand again, this time on her ankle, and in a moment, something cold was placed against the backside of her ankle, before she felt silk wrapping around it, fastening it to the thing she thought was made of metal, and the process was repeated on the other ankle.

Hornet's hand released, and she wiggled her feet, leading Lace to realize they had both been affix to the same pole-like item, and a pretty light one too, as it was easy lift. Only as she was thinking that it was then tugged downward, and she felt something from it, and then a moment later, she wasn't able to pull it towards herself, her legs were stuck strait out, held down by something she couldn't see.

She wanted to speak out and ask, but she wasn't sure she should, like the thought of interrupting what was happening was taboo in some unspoken way. With nothing to say, and no way to really do anything else, she was left to ride it out, as Hornet lowered herself onto Lace, clearly sliding the outer phallic into herself. The process was slow as Hornet made her way down, hitting the base, and for a moment, both were still.

Hornet started to mauver, rubbing her hips forward and back, causing the one inside of her to move, with Lace feeling the minimal movement on all her sensitive spots, including the clit, the leather and the phallic both pressing on it with an angle that made it throb with her pulse.

The movement was making her hips squirm involuntarily, making them try to move, yet they were stuck in place. After a bit, she felt a crazing sensation she had felt before, when she had intentionally taken it slow with her fly, but this time she wasn't able to turn it up. She was at the mercy of Hornet's desired pace, which was somehow making it worse, unable to have it tweak to fit what her body craved.

Her body squirmed harder, to no avail, why her hips tried to buck forward, as if trying to dig getting the phallic in deeper. Hornet suddenly stopped her grinding. For a moment, they were still, when Hornet started moving, only this time instead of her hips, it was her position. Lace couldn't tell what she was doing, was she leaning forward, backwards, about to get up...?

Well whatever her position was, Lace started to move, up and down on the phallic from what she could tell. As she moved, that's when Lace felt something. From what she noticed, it seemed like Hornet had left some slack in the straps, cause when she lifted herself up, Lace felt the phallic inside of her get pulled out, then pushed back in as Hornet slid back down.

Her inner crave was barely adjusted by this change however, and her hips started to buck, and with no apparent objection from Hornet, Lace worked on finding a rhythm to match her, creating as much possible traction for herself, and in the process, more for Hornet as well.

After a bit however, the pace started to go off from Hornet's, and she realized she had started to speed up. She quickly adjusted, though it started to go off again, and she realized Hornet was increasing at a pace, and with what focus she had to work with, she worked on increasing in pace as well, tough it was easy to get off and have to readjust, till eventually it got to the point where Hornet was going faster then she could keep up due to how she was stuck in position. As it reached that point, Lace started to hear Hornet, her breathing heavier as she moved.

Lace wanted to whine, moan, groan, something, yet now more than ever, interruption felt wrong. All she could do was let Hornet jump up and down on the phallic, feeling her on and off, while her own self was stuck with only enough to keep her aroused.

Hornet's breathing changed, slight moans escaped, and as she rode, her position adjusted again, and Lace felt her hands placed on either side of her on the bedding as it sunk under the weight, and her hips went full speed, and somehow, Hornet sunk lower, till she was laying on Lace, and her lips met hers, her tongue finding Lace's, and somehow, despite the her body's craving sparking a spark of envy, her own tongue reacted, and started dancing with the bug atop, her, till Hornet's hip gave one might thrust, and  she tensed, and arched, her head pulling away from Lace as she moaned out, as climax hit, for what felt like an age to long.

Hornet finally started to relax on top of her, and just laid there for a moment, breathing as Lace acted as her mattress. After a bit, Hornet started to move, her lips finding Hornet's neck, as she lifted off Lace and the phallic, her hands tracing down. They made it to her waist, where they started to unfasten the strap, and then once it seemed to be loose, she started to feel it pull away, only for it to get pushed back in, then out, then in, and as realization hit, a moan finally slipped out.

Hornet held the phallic in her hand like the handle of her own weapon as she plunged it in and out of the silk bug, while she tasted and smelled her, not really having a reason why besides it feeling right. Her mouth moved back up, reaching her mouth again, where their tongues started their dance once more.

As they continued her dance, her busy hand started to feel through the phallic in her hand Lace's hips start to move, and in response she sped, up, though instead of a nice calm pace, she picked it up quickly, her back arching slightly in response, and her tongue tensing against Hornet's, yet she didn't resist, and taking the invitation, Hornet carried on, fast as her hand could do, and with plenty of force, with Lace's mouth soon moaning into her kiss with Hornet, and Hornet couldn't have asked for a better treat to dine upon.

Soon her moans and breathing were all her mouth could do, as her tongue returned to position, but Hornet found her lips moving back to her neck, though this time they bit lightly, her lips finding themselves open a bit wider than before, her taste not really describable, but she wanted more, when a loud moan finally came from Lace, her body fully arching, from shoulders to feet her body lifted off the bedding, yet Hornet kept going, full speed, drawing out the bug's ride over the edge, till finally she let out another moan, this one softer, exhausted, and Hornet slowed her pace, then pulled out the strap entirely.

She reached up and pulled off the silk from the Lace's eyes, the two of them breathing in silence for a moment, then Lace looked down at her feet then at Hornet, "Did you use my pin to bind me?"

Hornet shrugged, "My needle seemed a little heavy for this."

Lace let out a laugh as Hornet sat up, reached down and undoing the silk holding the pin to her feet, then putting it on the floor gently, she reached up to remove the silk from Lace's wrists, then once it was all gone, she reached down towards the foor, grabbing the blanket still left from when Lace kicked it down there that morning, and pulled it over them, and wrapped her arms around Lace, "Goodnight."

She felt lips pressed against her own, "Goodnight my spider."

Chapter Text

"Hornet...are you awake?"

Hornet curled up, pulling the blanket in closer to herself, while Lace stood over her, having freshly woken up feeling energized.

"Hornet, come on now, up and at 'em!"

"Mmmmmm...tired...to early..."

"Come on, the festival is starting up for the day, and I want to get out there and see it."

"Mmmmmm...it'll be there..."

"True, but the sooner we get going, more we can do."

Hornet managed to roll over and open her eyes, "Can't it wait just a little longer..."

"Come on spider, you're not going to let an early morning stop you, right?"

"Remember, I was up early, and up late yesterday. Might I remind you that you were there for the latter."

Lace chuckled as she remembered the night before with a grin, before lying next to Hornet, ""How about breakfast and some Flea brew to get you going?"

Hornet gave a nod, "Sure. Just make sure the food is nice and hot, okay?"

Lace chuckled, "Yes Ma'am!" Getting up, Lace hurried over to the bag, pulling out a suit and pulling it on, and pulling up the collar to cover her neck. Once it was one, she grabbed her cloak and pin and headed to the tent flaps, using her pin to cut the threads holding it shut, before stepping out. Once her feet hit the sand, she beelined for the caravan of Fleas as they all started getting up and moving. It wasn't long before she found Grishkin, sitting behind a food booth, who's cheery smile brightened when they spotted Lace coming towards them.

"Morning Miss Lace! Here for some food to start of your day?"

"Yes, and something for Hornet, along with a bottle of Flew Brew to get her moving for the day."

"Oh, trying to rouse Miss Hornet with the brew? A clever idea, but not one that would work. It energizes you to help you move swifter, but it doesn't do much to awaken a tired mind."

Lace let out a sigh, "Oh well, maybe I can rouse her another way..."

"Oh fret not! I have another option!"

Lace perked up, "Go on."

"We have another drink, served warm, that awakens the mind, but the taste is bitter by itself, so it's a bit of an acquired taste, but it is easy to add sweeteners or of flavors to it as well."

"Perfect! I'll take one to go! And what do you have that's good to eat?"

"Sandwiches!"

"Sandwiches?"

"Yes, we use freshly baked, buttery and fluffy bread, but instead of a loaf, we bake it into a small bun shape, then cut it in half, in which we add the food. For breakfast, out options are ham, sausage, or bacon for a meat, topped with a cheese from a nice variety, and eggs if you desire."

Lace nodded, "Sounds nice actually. I'll take one with sausage and an egg, and one with ham and cheese for Hornet. Just whatever would be your simplest cheese should work."

They nodded and quickly grabbed the stuff from the heat source behind the counter that Lace couldn't see from the angle. But soon she was handed two wrapped sandwiches secured with string and a warm sealed bottle, "Here you are! Enjoy!"

"Thanks!"

Lace hurried back, and was soon walking into the tent, and taking a seat next to Hornet who had drifted off, "Wakey wakey sunshine! I got the food, though I couldn't get the brew, but I got something that should work!"

Hornet sat up, a yawn escaping her lips as she looked at what she held. She took the held-out bundle and unwrapped it, seeing the sandwich inside, she tilted her head in a curious look, but then shrugged and started eating. Lace watched, Hornet's face was a blank expression.

With a shrug, she opened up her own bundle, and took a bite, finding herself pleasantly surprised by the meal. The wrapper it came in made for a great way to hold it without getting her hands greasy, while the combo tasted great.

Hornet had finished hers, and was nodding, her eyes more open and alert, and she reached for the bottle, popping it open, and taking a sniff. She gave it a curious look, before taking a sip. She swirled the bottle in her hand, her eyes narrow as she considered it, before shrugging and taking a bigger drink from the bottle.

"Any good?"

"Not bad, but not amazing either. Though I feel like most other bugs would feel it to bitter."

"That's, actually what Grishkin was saying about it."

"I see. Wonder why they would still make it if they know how it tastes."

"Because it helps one awaken themself, but also it can be added to with other stuff to improve the taste to a bug's own liking."

"Oh, that is nice." Hornet drank some more, then setting it down, she pulled the blanket off her legs and stood up, stretching, "Alright, let's get moving then."

Lace stood up behind Hornet, wrapping her arms around her, hands coming to rest over her sleek smooth chest, "Sounds good to me!" She leaned in and kissed her cheek. "So then, what's first on the agenda?"

"Well, I think I could go for a stretch to start off that day, shall we pay Kratt a visit at the dunking station?"

"Yes please!"

The next few days passed in a similar manner, the two just enjoying each other but, also sharing kisses, and an embrace that previously wasn't something they would consider, but it made the day feel just feel better. Finally, the day came were they festival had ended, and the two had woken up early in an attempt to get a head start on packing up to head home.

For the most part everything was smoothly getting put away, but then it came to the tent, they had a little bit of trouble trying to get the tent into a small a bundle as it had been when they had unpacked it, which was saying something considering the effort it had taken for them to carry it to the Festival in the first place as it had been.

However, thanks to the help of Mooshka, who pointed out the different parts of the tent could be carried separately, they ended up splitting it into two different bags they were both able to carry. Hornet took the one holding the support beams, and the one with the tent itself was with Lace.

It was still bulky, but easier to manage. They said their byes to the fleas and had a few last throws at the tank before they took it down, and then headed back towards the Ducts, though approaching Hornet looked down at the moat that divided the sand from the entrance, the water was indeed clearing up, and the maggots were much fewer. She smiled to herself. With the Citadel working on renewing itself even better than before, the toxins from it had stopped coming, and the edges of its blight was clearing up nicely by the looks of it.

However, the ducts still were pretty bad, but the number of the Spit Squits were fewer, though it might've been circumstances.

They made it to the Bellway in nice time, finding Eira and the beastlings there, excited to see them as they approached. The two bugs set down the bags they carried to stop and hop into the bells with the Beasts, Lace tossing the balls around for them young ones to chase, while Hornet hopped up onto Eira, rubbing her head a bit, before sliding down and getting her underside.

After a packed up, and they started the ride back. Hornet rook the front with Lace behind her, like usual, but this time, the arms wrapped around her waist felt nice as they went around her mid-rift. Usually on a ride she would be focused on the ride, despite the fact Eira was the one doing the navigation, but this time, her hand went to grip the hands on her front.

The ride carried on like that, till they made it to Bellhart, where she reluctantly released her hand from Lace's, and Lace's arms unwrapped slowly, like she was reluctant to let go herself. But once they had released one another they got down and retrieved their stuff from Eira's back.

Hornet and Lace stood on the ledge outside the bell's home. They had everything returned and placed back to where they had been before their trip. Now they just needed to figure out what to do with the tent.

Looking at the inside of the bell, they couldn't quite find a place to put it that didn't take up space they were using or would often use. Hornet was tapping her foot, trying to come up with a solution., while Lace was trying to come up with some ideas.

"Maybe we could keep it in the Bellway?"

"If we did that the beastlings might tear it up, or someone might steal it, and I would like to have to avoid tracking down the bug daring enough to try that."

"Right...those Snitchflies in particular still take anything left out. Maybe we could use another bell?"

"I don't think they have bells specifically for storage."

"Well darn, you'd think they would have something like that for storage overflow."

The two continued to try and come up with a plan or idea, when Shakra landed on the nearby climbing platform, "Poshanka, Hornet wielding Needle, Lace Wielding Pin. Welcome back, how was the celebration?"

Hornet turned to her, "Poshonka, Shakra wielding rings! The festival was a great event, however we're having a small bit of trouble trying to wrap up the put away. We have this tent, but now we don't have a place to store it."

Lace nodded, "The bellhome is too small and we lack another place to put it."

Shakra nodded, looking down at the tent bundle on the ledge. "It seems to be of quite a nice quality. I could take it off your hands, if that works for you?"

Lace perked up, "Oh, if that's alright for you, I wouldn't mind letting you hold on."

Hornet nodded, "You can use it yourself as well if you wish, though it was a bit tricky for use both to put it up, you think you can handle it yourself?"

Shakra nodded, "Stubborn tents is something I grew up dealing with. I can surely handle this one."

She hopped up onto the ledge with them, picking it up the tent, her size making it easier, before zipping away with it. A moment later she returned, "It is located on my ledge now. I'll take it with if I ever go on long trips, but if you ever need it for yourselves, feel free to tell me and I'll have it to you."

"Much appreciated Shakra. Enjoy the tent, and if you ever need help with it, ask whenever you can."

With a clang of her rings, she zipped away, leaving the two bugs to themselves. Hornet walked in, heading to the bed and flopping on it, "I'm going to take a nap."

Lace hopped onto the mattress besides her, "Really? Any reason why?"

"My body just needs a bit of extra rest."

"Alright, well I'm sure I can occupy myself for a bit." She grabbed the blanker and tucked it around Hornet, before patting her head, "Sleep well."

With a smile she walked over to the desk, and grabbed a few papers and a quill and started to draw, though Hornet turned around and laid on her side, and soon passed out.

A bit had passed as Lace worked, papers and journal from Hornet were piled beside her, Lace using them for reference, while she worked on putting together a new journal of her own. Her quill was busy sketching up a new design when Hornet walked over, "Hey, how's it going?"

"Welcome back to the land of the awakened dear spider. Things are going well, and your nap?"

"Nice, I feel better now..." Hornet froze midsentence before leaning forward to look at what Lace was making, and Lace couldn't help but smile at her reaction as she turned from the drawing to the one who drew it, "Lace, what's that?"

She picked up the mostly finished diagram, "This is a new design, based on the Bola Form of your Volt Vessels, except the orbs are tweaked so that instead of an electrical discharge, the energy is converted into a magnetic charge, so that when the orbs come into contact, they stick. And the rope linking them won't break, but instead extends and wraps."

"So you created this capturing device?"

"And more, for a new game I'm creating."

Hornet's head tilted with intrigue, "What kind of game?"

"It's a work in progress still, but the concept is more or less hunter and prey, the hunter having to use these tools to catch the prey, though I've added a few twists to make it, interesting.~"

The tone that came out of her mouth, Hornet knew exactly what she was thinking, and with a drip of interest in her voice, "And I'm guessing you'd like me as your prey?"

"You are correct!"

"Alright, but what makes you think I'd be willing?"

"Because you have to, cause if you recall, we did have a wager."

Hornet's eyes opened as realization dawned on her, "Oh, right, volley flea."

"Right against! You, as my prey, in my game, is my prize!"

Chapter Text

Lace looked over her plans, the whole thing looking great on paper. The rules were simple, the designated hunter would use the costume made tools to try and catch the prey, who would use all possible ways to evade capture. They would both be able to use their cloaks and weapons, but not in any offensive capacity, but for evasion and maneuvering only.

Since Lace would be using tools made to catch Hornet, she was allowed some tools as well, but they would have to go through and sort which ones would be allowed. Most of the weapon tools were a bit to damaging to a person. She looked through and decided the Strait Pin was alright, to use solely for cutting things. She also decided that the Throwing Rings, Cog Fly, and Flintslate could be used.

Then there were the charms Hornet used. Not something to often mentioned since they were pretty passive in use, but they were definitely helpful nonetheless in the right scenario. But she went through, and they worked out, she could use the Weavelight, Sawtooth Circlet, the Egg of Flealia, and then the snitchpick. Then the explorative tools, they decided on the Compass, Weighted Belt, the Magnetic Dice (thought Lace wasn't sure how they would help), the Ascendant's Grip, and the Silkspeed Anklets.

Next in the planning was broke up into two parts. First would be Lace making her new tools. That wouldn't be as hard, since Hornet knew she was making the stuff, she wouldn't have to run all the way to the High Halls again to make them, but some running for supplies would probably be in order. And that would be the easy part.

Next, they had to find a place to set up and play their game, that wouldn't have any rogues or enemies, just them, and an environment suitable for them to use.

While Lace was sitting at the desk, piecing together a device, Hornet was sitting on the floor, a large version of her map laid out as she scanned it over, looking for a spot, and Lace would toss out some suggestions.

"What about the Moss Grotto?"

"Maybe, but we'd have to deal with a bunch of Mossgrubs and Mossmirs, so maybe as a last option if we can't find anything else."

"Yeah, good point. Maybe...the old tower in the kingdom of Karak?"

"Not a bad idea, but the tower itself is long since gone, the only thing that remains is the bottom, and that's pretty occupied."

"Really? That's a shame."

"Yeah."

Lace focused on her creation in progress for a moment, looking back at her design to double check her work, and glanced at the Hornet's ring instructions, and a thought popped into her head. Setting down the stuff she had in hand, she turned to Hornet, "Did you get your maps from Shakra originally?"

"I had but had since collected them all a while ago."

"Well, she's always going off to travel and search, what if she's found some spot that could qualify?"

Hornet thought about it, "That could work. I'll see if she's around right now." She stood up and headed over to the door, heading out, leaving Lace alone, where she turned back to her work.

Hornet made it over to the Ledge, where she found Shakra, sitting on the ledge, quill to paper as she worked on another map.

"Poshanka, Shakra wielding Rings, how fairs you today?"

"Poshanka, Hornet wielding needle, I am well."

"Good to hear. Shakra, I come over seeking a small favor, if you're available and willing to do so."

"I am, but before that, I have an inquiry to ask of you, though it's possibly a little sensitive."

Hornet tilted her head, "I guess so, what is it you wish to know?"

"Currently there's been a small spread of rumor amongst the bell denizens, stating that you and Lace wielding Pin has become close in a romantic relation. I wish to know if that is true or just speculation."

Hornet felt her face getting warm, "Oh, well...yes it's true, though we hadn't meant to not inform you and the others, I guess it just slipped our mind to have informed the rest of you."

Sharkra nodded, "I see. Thanks for the confirmation, now onto you, what is it you wanted from me?"

"Right, so Lace had been fiddling with some designs, and we wished to try them out, but we wished to do so in an area where we won't be disturbed by any bug or beast, but also has a lot of room and turns, segments, and such."

Shakra lifted her head in thought for a moment, then reached towards a stack of papers beside her and pulled out a paper, "There's an area I found. If you pass the lair of the Craws, there's a small cave. If you pass through it, there's a recently collapsed ceiling that leads up into an area that seems to have once been a place of inhabited, but has since been cleared of inhabitant, but it's filled with many ponds, and new plant life growing."

Hornet stood a moment, as a sense of wonder took hold, and she reached into her cloak, extracting her map, then holding it forward, pointed to the spot labeled Verdania next to Greymoor, "Is this it?"

"Yes actually. You've been there before?"

"Kind of, it's a long story, but keeping it brief, I had visited it's past through the memory of its last living member. The one who's heart now resides in my home."

"Ah yes, I see the idea, but I'm sure there's more to it, but none the less I'm sure we can talk another time in more depth."

"I will make sure to do so when the time allows, but I should return to Lace and give her the news."

"Very well! But if I might ask, what exactly is the gear you're trying to make that needs such room?"

"Oh..." Her minds raced as she tried to come up with an answer, "Actually, the tools aren't nothing that special, we wish to have the space for some field testing."

"Ah, I see. Well then, I will leave you to your work with your creations."

Lace looked at her creation, studying it over, when Hornet walked back in, "Good news! We've got a spot."

She turned quickly to her as she closed the door, "OOH! Do tell please."

She stood over her big map on the floor, "Here, the place once known as Verdania."

"Oh, I remember reading about that. It was mentioned often in the records related to the creation of the Cogwork Dancers, how one of its greatest warriors of that land was the source of its power."

"Yes, I know of its origin as well. But another time, for now, how's your creation?"

"Looking good, I'm double checking it now before I start making it in mass."

"Sounds good. What's this one do?"

"Come now, if I told you what all of them do, I wouldn't have anything to surprise you with."

"Fine. So how long do you think it'll take for you to achieve your goal?"

"I want to make them all, so keeping it to just one bundle an item, I think one, maybe two more days."

Hornet leaned over her, head on her head and arms around her shoulders, "And how long do you plan on staying up working on these items?"

"I don't...see how that's relevant..."

"Lace, I won't have you trying to staying up all night on these."

"But..." She looked for something to say.

"But nothing, you've spent all day on them, I want you to take a break, eat some food, and get in bed with me. I'll make you with force if I have to."

"Alright. Let me just finish up this one I'm working now. You can get the food started if you want."

"That sounds reasonable enough."

Hornet planted a kiss on her, a thing that had become easily common for them both now, before heading outside. Hornet had mentioned wanting to try making more sandwiches kind of like the ones from the festival, so Lace guessed she was getting bread and other stuff.

She looked back at the item in hand, flipping it over, checking for any small detail that would mean tweaking. After confirming it was good, she set it aside and stood up, knowing if Hornet caught her making more, she would end up in trouble. Which might not be a bad thing...

Smiling to herself, she walked outside, looking around, and saw Hornet down on the nearby ledge were the brothers usually were. Hopping over, she landed, "This place looks empty, where's the two scamps trying to get us to run all over the place?"

"They're upgrading. They recently got themselves a bell down below and have started hiring couriers more properly, but they mentioned they would always by happy to have us for quick runs. Though speaking of quick runs, here comes their newest, and only, employee."

She looked down, seeing a blue bug some sprinting in, stopping at the bell that used to be unused, but now had an open door. The bug rushed in, then was out again, heading towards the Shellwood entrance, before waving up at Hornet, ""Greetings Nimble Bug!"

Once he was gone, she turned to him, "Is that the guy who gave you the Sprint memento thing on your shelf?"

"Indeed! He's since started running around looking new challenges and inspiration. The other day I bumped into him on a courier run and he asked what I was doing, and he took an interest, and now he's been running all over delivering a lot more of the smaller packages that we're not usually asked to do."

"I see. At least he's enjoying himself."

"Yup! So anyways, yours is almost done, do you wish to grab a plate?"

Lace took a moment to look down at what Hornet was doing. She had a small fire with a pan over top of it, so she was cooking on a lower heat. In the pan was a sandwich, but it had cheese and thin slices of meat in it, and the pan was lined with butter.

"Wow...that smells amazing. What exactly is it?"

"I was told it was called a grilled cheese, though the process doesn't involve grilling the cheese itself, not the full sandwich. But it promises to be an amazing meal if done right."

Lace nodded, before turning to head into the bell, "I'll grab us both a plate, and something to drink, we can eat outside today."

"That sounds nice actually."

Lace turned and headed back in, quickly grabbing the plates, and a bottle of Flea Fizz she had picked up, this one grape! Returning to the ledge, she set down the plates and bottle, and sat beside Hornet, who leaned over and once again kissed her, "Thank you Lace..."

She was interrupted by a gasp, and turning around, they saw Reed and Kurn standing there, holding bags with their day's catch, but they were looking at them both wide eyed, having just witnessed them kiss.

For a moment, all was quiet, till Reed reached under his wing cover and produced a string of beads, handing it to Kurn, who hung it over his neck. Though as he did, Hornet stood up, "Did you two bet on our relationship?"

Reed stuttered, "Well no, just a bet of if there was one..."

Hornet brandished her Needle, and the two guys turned and hopped down, though Hornet went after, though not at full speed like she had with Krill, but more in a menacing jog. Lace giggled as she watched Hornet run around, yelling after them. Well if the other's in Bellhart didn't know, they certainly did now with all the stuff coming out of Hornet's mouth.

As she ran, Lace took the sandwich, the bread turning a golden brown, so she assumed it done, and she made another one just like it with the stuff Hornet had left, and put it in the pan, watching the melted butter soak into the bread and then cook with the bread.

It cooked rather quickly compared to most other foods, and after platting it she hollered over Bellhart, "Dinner's done!"

A minute later, Hornet climbed back up and sat beside Lace, holding half a string of rosaries.

"So how did it go?"

"Kurn paid me half his winnings, and since you finished cooking, I decided I could let them off with a warning."

Lace giggled, before biting into her sandwich, "I wonder if there's any other bets...oh this is AMAZING!"

Chapter Text

Hornet was left with instructions from Lace, not to go to Verdania.

She wanted to prep everything first, which Hornet didn't mind, but also was worried about, considering Lace was possibly scheming something. But with Lace working on doing her prep, Hornet was left alone. It was odd, she had spent ages alone, but now here she was unsure what to do without Lace.

She hadn't realized how much stuff she had done with Lace, but now she had little to do. Maybe seeing if the wishing board had anything, it had been a hot minute since she's done a wish. Heading out of her bellhome, she headed down to the board and started looking it over. Most of the stuff was pretty simple. Plinney was requesting an assistant to help with polishing extra blades, Frey wanted a hand assembling a new table, the options were varied, but none of great interest, or reward, to Hornet's interest.

she turned, about to head into the brothers' shop to see if they needed a delivery ran elsewhere, when hurried footsteps approached from behind her. To her surprise, Ballow, the bell wearing bug from Deepdocks came running in from the entrance to Greymoor, "Ho Miss!!! I ask for your aid! The Deepdocks is being stalked by an unknown creature, a thing out of nightmares with a long sharp blade for a hand, tall and strong."

She stood to attention, "To the bell station, we'll board my beast, and you can explain everything on the way!"

Lace held a shovel in hand, burying a tube-shaped device just under a thin layer of dirt to conceal it. Once it was done, she pulled out her map and marked the spot on her map. She needed to keep track of all of them to avoid accidentally tripping them on herself at any moment. Not only would that mess up her chase, but it would just be flat out embarrassing.

None-the-less, she was excited. She had this first grand space rigged with her own contraptions, now onto the next ones. She picked up her bag and started walking towards the next area. She checked her map over, knowing that if she lost it that trying to get out of Verdania without the safe paths and areas she had set up she was likely going to be gone till found or if she could slip out.

The thought sent a charge through her. Maybe she should have asked Hornet to come, then they could have had some fun...

She shook her head. She was on a mission, and she wasn't going to stop now, she needed to get this ready.

Hornet and Ballow made it to the Bellway of the Deepdocks. Ballow shared what he knew on the way over, which wasn't much. All her know was that it had crossed over the Marrow from Bone Bottom and was now lurking in the lower parts of the Docks, looking for something supposedly.

While dismounting Eira, she was surprised to see the Forge Daughter there. She had a small portable table with tools laid out, and she was tinkering on something, but she looked up as Hornet appeared.

"Pointy bug! Long time since we last spoke."

"Indeed Forge Daughter, it's been a while, though I am surprised to see you outside of your forge."

"It's a shame, I was forced to seek camp here away from my work, as the lanky thing made it's way in and into the floors below. I moved before it could return and seek out harm."

Hornet tilted her head, "The thing, it had no violent intent?"

"Not towards a bug yet that I've noticed, yet it's wrecked destruction on many a door, and the lavalugs. Even the walls.  Like everything is blocking it's way."

"Interesting, I think I can follow it's trail then, but I ask you remain here for the time, Eira can help ward off danger if it comes seeking. But if something does come, I ask you flee with her into the bells."

"If it comes to it we will. Many thanks pointy bug."

Hornet nodded, before heading out towards the forge. Since the thing had been there, she would track them starting there.

Making it there, Hornet looked around the room, observing the damages. It looked bad at first, but mostly it was the door that led down that had the worst, the rest of it was mostly just knocked over stuff, and a few long scratches here and there. As she jumped down to seek out the creature, she thought about the note she left, hoping the if Lace got home she would see it and get back to her...

Actually, did she leave the door open? In her rush she might have.

Lace climbed out of the hole she had just made. Looking down she smiled at her set up contraptions inside of it, now she just needed to grab the covering to hide the hole...

"POSHANKA Lace wielding pin!!!!"

Lace jumped in surprise, then she slipped forward, then she whipped out her pin, and thrusted it forward. Everything was still and quiet.

Lace's feet were leaning forward on the very edge of the hole, and on the other side, her pin was in the ground just under the ledge of the hole's opening. Between the pin and her feet, Lace had become and arch, right over the hole.

She slowly turned to look over at the wasp who was looking a little embarrassed, "Apologies Lace wielding pin, but something I had saw I believe might demand your presence has come up so I came to get you."

Lace let out a sigh, "Very well, but first can you..."

Her pin gave out, a sharp snap filled the air, and the next thing she knew Lace was taken by gravity, as she flipped through the air, head down, then up, then she felt the thin threads she set up snap as she hit then, and then everything started spinning. Pressure was pressed against her as the contraption set up started spinning, weaving the bindings onto her.

As fast as it had started, it stopped. As it all came to a stop Lace took in her predicament. She was now hanging upside-down in the hole, on the floor of it above her head was the base of the windup gear machine, and besides her was its arms, a silk strap from each one was affixed to her ankles, and the strapped crisscrossed down to her mouth, where the very middle of the strap was placed over her mouth, where a rosary bead was now lodged in her mouth.

Lace let out a frustrated huff, when Shakra dropped down, and Lace's face when red as she crouched down, observing the scene before her, "Interesting contraption, it looks like Hornet left out a few details, Lace bound tightly."

Lace let out a growl, and Shakra slowly reached out, and gingerly removed the bead from Lace's mouth, "I don't plan on explaining, just flip the switch on the side then jump out quickly please."

"Right of course." Shakra leaned down, and for a moment she was still, before straitening back up, "There appears to be a complication."

Her eyes narrowing, she angled her head backwards to look at the device, and groaned as she took it in. The top half of her snapped pin had seemed to have fell onto the device and pierced its metal shell right over the switch. The reverse mechanism was not busted, meaning...

"Shakra, do you think you can untangle me?"

"Would it not be easier to cut the silk?"

"The only blade I have is snapped in two right now, and I don't think you carry a blade, just rings."

Shakra nodded, "Good point. Very well, I'll work out the tangles!"

She reached up to the arms of the machines, unfastening the hooks that held the strap's spool's and lifted Lace out of the hole, laying her on the ground and started untangling, though it was slow, meaning Lace had a good job done. Though the victory was short as she lifted her head again, "So what was it you came looking for me for?

"Yes! In your home with Hornet wielding Needle, she had left a note. I wished to alert you to it so you could return home to see it if you wished. Hornet wielding Needle was gone, and Pavo wearing Bell said she had left for Deep Dock to seek out a creature apparently creeping in the place."

"Wha...WHY DIDN'T YOU LEAD WITH THAT!!!!!!"

"You fell."

"And who's fault is that...mpph...!"

Shakra gave a tug on the strap in hand, and the whole strap pattern on her tightened, making the bead go back into her mouth.

"Apologies Lace wielding Pin, I was trying to get more strap loose."

Lace let out a sigh, not knowing if what just happened was intentional or not, but none the less, she didn't have time to complain. She needed to get back to Bellhart to get a pin on Plinney so she could go help Hornet.

Hornet's tracking led her on a familiar path, the tunnel she had once taken to and from the Diving bell. Walking through, the Lavalarga that once lived on the ceiling was now on the ground, nearly cut in too as it's hot goop pooled around it, letting off steam as it cooled against the air.

Hornet walked around it, observing the single cut. IT was one strike that fell it, and it felt familiar, but she couldn't remember anything in Pharloom that could slide like that. With her grip on her needle tightening, she followed her target's trail, though she knew where it was going. Reaching the end, Lace stood in the entryway, looking around. The trail led her here, so while she didn't see it yet, she knew they were here.  Knowing surprise was out of the option, she charged in, landing on the central platform next to the Diving bell.

She looked towards the bell, expecting whatever it was to be inside or behind, when something heavy struck the platform behind her. She whipped around, needle at the ready, her eyes landing on...

A nail, taller than her, held in the hand of a one-armed bug with a head shaped almost like hers. Her needle slipped from her grasp as she stepped forward, the bug coming down to their knees and lowered their head as she reached out, a hand touching their shoulder, as one word came to mind, and out her lips, "...sibling."

After what had felt like ages, Lace and Shakra had made the straps loose enough for her to get out, and they rushed. Lace was on Shakra's back, holding onto her shoulders and she zipped through the air. The air whipped past them, and Lace's cloak flapped with it, the noise being part of the rush.

Finally, they made it to Bellhart, bursting through the entrance from Greymoor, Shakra dropped Lace, who rushed up, heading straight for the pin shop. She threw the door open, "Plinney! I need a new pin! I'll pay you back later, but I need one now, it's an emergen-"

Shakra landed behind her, making Lace jump and twist, "The bellway rumble with the return of the Beast of Bells." Then she jumped back down.

Lace turned to Plinney, "Hold that thought."

Turning, she jumped down, just barely opening her cloak to stop her descent before hitting the ground. She was about to rush into the station, only for Hornet to step out, and Lace threw her arms around her, "Hornet! What happened? What was it? Are you alright? Did..."

"Lace, stop. It was nothing. Just a misunderstanding I was able to easily resolve."

"Oh, well thank goodness, I was thinking I was going to need to...whaaaaa...?"

Lace watched as a tall spindly bug like creature came out from the entry way of the bellhome, standing up it was like watching a... she didn't know what it was like...

Hornet noticed her looking with shock, and turned to see who she was looking at, then turned back to her, "Lace, I know this is a bit sudden, but I want you to meet my sibling, Hollow."

Lace looked at Hornet, then at, Hollow, her mind racing, "This, but... they look... but you..." as she looked, she actually noticed that their heads did share a pretty close resemblance in shape, "Okay...uhh, nice to meet you Hollow."

The bug crotched down, their presence over whelming in the simple act, but they looked her over, and Hornet stepped beside Lace, "Hollow, this is Lace, she's the one I was telling you about, my girlfriend."

They looked her over, and then from their cloak, their arm came out, holding a large white weapon, unlike any she's seen before, and stuck it into the ground, before holding out their hand. They held it out to her, and Lace reached forward, plaving her haan in theirs and it closed its fingers around her hand and shook. After that they retracted their arm back and picked up their weapon.

Lace turned to Hornet, "I have some question."

"As do I."

Lace jumped at the sound of Shakra's voice and she spun around, "Quit doing that!"

"Apologies Lace wielding needle."

Hornet chuckled, knowing she was going to ask about that later. But for now, she had other things to talk about, "I'll explain everything, but why don't we take this to a more private area. Shakra, would your ledge be alright?"

She nodded, "Indeed, but can your tall sibling make it up there?"

Hornet nodded back, then turning, she pointed out the ledge to Hollow who nodded, then vanished. Lace and Shakra looked around, then they saw them up on the ledge, looking down as they waited on them.

Lace and Shakra sat before Hornet and Hollow. Hornet let out a sigh, "Alright, so I know I've mentioned this to Lace, but I don't like bringin up my past much. It's a rough history, but here's the shorten version.

"Ages before I was born there was a pale being known as the radiance. She ruled a kingdom in this realm from a throne in the dream realm, however, a new pale being, a Wyrm of great size, showed up and found the land, and then assumed a smaller size to be amongst the bugs. He gave them smarter minds, and they soon formed a kingdom around him, and h became their king, the Pale king.

"For a while, he ruled. He took a wife with the White Lady, a pale being of fertility, and his kingdom expanded, bumping into other kingdoms, and they formed pacts of peace. But peace was soon disrupted by the Radiance. From the dream realm, she reached into the dreams of the mortal bugs, infecting them, turning them into mindless husks that emitted a physical orange goop that embodied the infection. The pale king saw what was happening, and was powerless to stop the radiance, who lived in a realm beyond his reach, so he used his intelligence to create something that could stop her." She pointed to Hollow, "And that created them.

"See, he found he could seal away the radiance, but he needed a mind empty of everything, so he took his unhatched eggs, and tossed them into a deep pit filled with a darkness, where they became hollows, blank souls inhabiting the shells of his kids, made from the void."

The two bug across from her gasped, but she kept going.

"He spent ages, waiting for them to climb out, but one after another, they all fell, or were deemed imperfect, till Hollow here climbed out. To my father, they were the perfect vessel, a Hollow mind and soul, with no will, no thought, no emotion, the Hollow Knight. The Pure Vessel. However, they were not strong enough yet, so he had them trained. During the many years he trained, he became working on the seal.

"The seal was a large black egg-shaped room made for those of the void. He would first have the Radiance sealed within the mind of Hollow, but he also needed to seal them as well, for reasons I'm not fully sure of. But to make the seal happen, he needed the help of three who possessed a link to the dream realm.  One of them, was my mother, Harrah the beast." Hornet took a deep breath, then resumed, "My mother agreed to help, on the condition he gave her a child, and so they made a pack, and from it I was born, a child of Weaver, and Wrym.

"A short while after my birth, the plan was set into action. The Radiance was sealed in the mind of Hollow, and then they were sealed in the black egg, as my mother and the other dreamers entered an eternal slumber to seal the egg. For a while things were peaceful again. I grew up, raised by my stepmother, the White Lady, and trained by the queen of the Hive, Vespa. But then the infection started leaking out. Apparently, the Hollow Knight hadn't been perfectly hollow after all, and my father knew no way to stop it this time. Thing kind of fell apart from there. The kingdom fell to ruin as most were claimed by the infection.

"But I stood watch, unsure what else to do, when a small hollow found it's way into the kingdom from the waists. Somehow, they traveled the kingdom of Hollownest, finding some way to fight the radiance without entering the black egg temple, and then it was gone, the infection, the curse that I had lived with, gone, and with no reason to be sealed, Hollow was freed from their binds. After that, we just got to know each other, for years, we just talked. I rather, I talked, they listened.

"Then one day, I was taken. I guess he spent ages looking for me in Hollownest, but then after the void, I'm guessing you felt their presence as well, and came looking."

The last bit was directed at Hollow, who nodded. Lace and Shakra looked, both with wide eyed expressions on their faces. Lace moved first, standing up and walking over, before getting on her knees before Hornet, and her arms sprung out, wrapping around and pulling her in, Hornet's face ending up in her chest, as Lace held tight, "I never knew...you should have...I don't know, but I'm glad you shared this with me."

She then let go of Hornet, and turned to Hollow, "And you...I can relate to your pain. I was once made by the hand of a Pale being, treated as a doll to be played with, with a sister just like me, but tossed aside when she was found defective..."

Hornet saw tears in Lace's eyes, and this time she got up and pulled her into a hug. For a moment they stood, and Hollow leaned in, wrapping his arm around them both.

For a moment, it was just them, and then loosening up their grips, Hornet looked to Lace's face, her face still teary, but she was smiling a small smile, "Thank you..."

"I think we're all in need of a calm day. What if tomorrow we spent the day somewhere?"

Lace nodded. Then she turned to Shakra, "Wanna join us?"

She blinked, surprised, "Are you sure? I wouldn't wish to impose."

Lace shook her head, "I think you deserve it as much as we do. You're always rushing around fighting."

She nodded, "Very well. But to where would we go?"

Hornet spoke up, "There's a room up in the citadel, with a hot spring. A little while ago I was told by the bugs of Song clave they were opening it back up as a spa service."

Lace perked up at that, "Oh! It's been ages since I've been there, yes lets! It's big enough for all of us!"

She turned to look at Hollow, "Though, we might need to make a stop at the seamstress's place."

Hornet looked down the ledge, a smile on her face, "Actually, I think I can solve that."

The group looked down at where she was looking, seeing Sprintmaster Swift doing stretches outside the brother's bellstore.

Hornet got up early the next morning, much to her own surprise, and stepping outside, she found a big, folded bundle of fabric on her ledge, a note tucked under the string binding it, "One speedy delivery, Compliments of Swift and the seamstress."

With a smile, she turned and saw Lace getting up on the bed, "Hey Lace, looks like we're good to leave sooner than we thought."

Chapter Text

Hollow, being as tall as he was, had ended up on the ledge with Shakra for the night, though they didn't seem to mind. What lace was wondering was how they were getting him through the Bellways. With their size it was amazing he fit on Eira the first time with Hornet, but now with both her and Shakra joining them for them for the ride?

Well, they would figure it out once they got to Eira. At the moment, Lace was packing up a small bag with her water garments and a spare suit, just incase, while Hornet packed her own water garments, a new one she got from the seamstress. It was two pieces like Lace's, but it was a bit more covering, the bottom having short sleeves that went down the legs just a little short of reaching between the knees and where the legs started, while the top had straps that went up and over the shoulders. She said it was designed to work better with physical activities.

As they stepped out, Hornet picked up the bundle that had arrived earlier and Lace, "What exactly is it you had made for your sibling?"

"A water suit. They don't exactly need it, but they'll enjoy it."

"If you say so. Though speaking of water suits, what about Shakra? I don't think I've ever seen her wear anything aside from that golden armor of hers."

Hornet stopped, head tilted as she thought, then shrugged, "I don't know, maybe we should ask before we leave."

Nodding, Lace headed out the door, before hopping down towards the bell station, were Hollow was standing, while Shakra was sitting next to them waiting. Touching down, Lace went over quickly to them, "Shakra, quick question, but do you have anything you can wear that's meant for getting wet?"

Shakra turned to her, "Worry not Lace wielding Pin, I come with clothes made for hunting in waters, but it will work well for the purpose of leisure in the spa."

"Alright." Lace turned, about to head up, only to see Hornet coming out of the bell, and Lace gave a thumbs up to her, and she nodded, then hopped down herself. Once she hit the ground, she held out the Lace's bag and cloak, "You left these behind."

Lace reached out and took the items in one hand, while she took Hornet's hand in her other hand, leaning down with a little dramatic exaggeration and kissed it, "Why thank your brave warrior, I shall remember this kindness and shall fairly repair you when the time proves right."

Hornet giggled a little, and taking hold of Lace's hand in her own, she started walking towards the entrance of the bellway, with Shakra getting up and following with Hollow right behind them. Eira was there and see the number of people her and her young ones wiggled excitedly.

Hornet jumped up onto Eira, rubbing her head, while Lace jumped up behind her, with Shakra taking a seat a little further back. Lace looked back, trying to determine how they were going to seat Hollow, when Eira turned, ready to dive, and she turned to Hornet, "Wait, stop the beast!"

Hornet got Eira to stop, then turned to Lace, "What, did something happen? Are we missing a beastling?"

"No, but what about your sibling? How are they supposed to come with they're not on Eira as well?"

Hornet looked at her for a moment as realization dawned, and then she started laughing lightly, "Hollow doesn't need to ride Eira, he's able to follow after on his own."

Lace was confused at the answer, and was about to ask for clarification, only to get interrupted by Hornet setting Eira on, and they dove though the bells. Once they were in the veins she looked, back, and say Hollow drop in after, and then taking a few steps, they suddenly turned into a flurry of darkness that flew through the air after them like a comet.

She turned back around to face forward, where she saw Hornet looking at her with a smile, "Surprised?"

"Yes, and I think my heart almost snapped like tread. Please don't do that again please."

Hornet chuckled, "I'll try to refrain, but I make no promises."

Hornet braced as Eira leaped, emerging from the bells and into the Grand Bellway Station in the Citadel, but to her surprise, she found a small group of bugs waiting. At the front was Sherma, wearing their white robe, with two other bugs in their own robes standing there.

As she climbed down, Hollow emerged from the bells, climbing out back in his solid form, and as he stood tall, Sherma approached them, "Red Maiden! Welcome to the Citadel."

"Greetings young one, what brings you here?"

"The Blue courier brought us a delivery early this morning and mentioned you were arriving with your recently arrived sibling, so we had prepared for you and your group of noble friends. The spa is all set, with your own rooms set up for your stay."

"Rooms? Young one, we came here just for the day, you needn't worry about prepping us rooms."

"Nonsense Red Maiden, for all you've done, we insist you get the full benefits of our relaxation stations, including the finest beds made for our guests."

Lace's hand landed on her shoulder, and she leaned in, "Why don't we accept it? You definitely deserve to have yourself pampered, and I wouldn't mind being right there beside you every step of the way."

Hornet let out a sigh, "Alright, we'll accept."

Sherma smiled at her answer, then turned to the other two with him, "These two here are your guides to the spa! They'll handle everything you would like or need."

Before them, the two bugs bowed, and turned, leading them forward. It was a bit of a walk as they headed to the other end of the Choral Chambers, and Hornet recognized they were heading towards the room with the big hot tubs in the floors, though once they got close to it, she noticed they had done plenty of additions and alterations to the place.

Once they made it there, they were directed to set of changing rooms, "Ladies on the right, and your tall gentleman on the left please."

Hornet was about to speak up and correct them, but Hollow stepped towards the door, but stopping before Hornet and holding out their hand. Since they didn't seem to mind, she reached into her bad and pulled out the bundle, passing it to him, and he walked into the door, and once he was out of view, the rest of them passed through the other door.

The inside was made of up a room covered in tiles, and some drains in the floor. Hornet was honestly impressed with the quality, especially considering how quickly they made this. Or maybe they worked on it longer than she had thought. But either way, nice quality.

There was also benches, and Hornet set her bag down on one, before she removed her cloak, folding it carefully, before extracting her water garments with Lace following suit beside her, pulled off her silk suit, and was reaching into her bag for her water stuff, when a hum caught their attention. Shakra, who they kind of forgot was with them, was taking a look at Lace's bare body.

"Interesting, the craft of the Pale being has come unique qualities. But I can see the appeal Hornet has in you Lace wielding pin."

Hornet watched Lace blush as she turned away from Shakra. While it was adorable, she gave a gesture for Shakra to turn around. Shakra nodded, and turning away she started to remove her armor. With Shakra occupied, Lace resumed and pulled her water garments on as Hornet got hers.

Once dressed, they looked over to Shakra, who's water suit was pretty simple, that being bandages stitched together to make a solid piece that slid into place. It covered more or less the same area as her armor, but it was more water safe compared to the metal.

They stacked their removed clothes into their bags and carried them with them out to the door across the room from where they entered. Exciting, they walked into the hot tub room, where they saw other bugs lounging on chairs, or in the water, while some in robes were working. Looking around, taking it in, the door nearby opened, and out came Hollow. They wore a loose baggy pair of garments. The first was a shirt that had no sleeves that hung from straps on their shoulders, then a loose pair of shorts with a strong strung through the waist that was tied with a knot.

They turned to them, and took a step over to join them as they walked into the room. Shakra headed into the hot tub, jumping in, and swimming down towards the deep end.

Hollow watched her go, they turning to Hornet, pointing over, then at himself, implying they wanted to know if it was alright they could go in. Hornet nodded, and he walked over, stepping right over some bug in the shallows, before heading into the deep end as well, passing by Shakra, then stopping just before his head touched the surface of the water.

The two bugs watched them as they walked in, and Lace chuckled a little besides Hornet, before grabbing her hand, "So what do you want to try first?"

Hornet looked around the room, seeing doors with signs, before seeing a sign, Massages. She was unfmailiar with the word, but it sounded nice. Pointing towards it she turned to Lace, "What about that one?"

Lace looked over, and then an excited smile crossed her face, "Oh, I would love to! I didn't think you'd be into those though."

"I don't know what they are actually..."

Hearing that, a glint appeared in Lace's eyes, "Oh we're DEFINETLY going then, come along!"

With Hornet's hand already in her own, she started walking, pulling her towards the door. They walked through to the counter, where Lace stepped up, skimming the sign listing options on the wall, before she looked at the bug sitting behind the desk, "Two for the hand massage with the herbal oil rub please."

The bug nodded, before turning to a tube in the wall, repeating what Lace had ordered, and a moment later, a voice returned from a pipe, and they bug turned to them, "Head to room 8 please!"

Nodding in thanks, Lace lead the way again, taking Hornet along, and they were soon in the room. Inside were two slim bugs in robes, standing next to what looked like tables with padding on them. The closest bug spoke, "Welcome, is this your first time getting a message?"

Lace pointed to Hornet, "It's her first time."

They nodded. As they gestured Hornet towards a table, Lace was already climbing onto the other one, lying face down, her face aligning with a hole she hadn't noticed previously. Following her lead, she laid onto the table facedown as well. She watched the legs of the bugs walking, each on taking a place next to each table. After a minute she hands on her shoulders, and she twitched at it, and the bug attendant giggled, "Don't worry, this is all part of it. Just relax."

Taking a breath, she let her muscles slack and the bugs worked on their massage, and she noticed their hands seemed slick. Probably the herbal oils Lace has asked for. After a bit, her bug spoke up again, "My, your muscles are so tense. We might need an extra pair of hand here."

The other one spoke up, "Really? Wow, she must really be an active bug."

Lace chuckled, "Oh you have no idea, she's an amazing warrior."

Hornet was about to speak, only for the attendant to speak again, "Oh wow. You should have mentioned that sooner."

Next thing she knew, she felt their hands pressing harder, not enough to cause discomfort, but it was a much more noticeable pressure. After a minute, as odd as it seemed, she felt a tension she hadn't realized was there in her muscles melt away. From her back, they moved around, doing her limbs, neck, shoulders, and her breathing slowed to a gentle rhythm with the relaxation from it.

After a while, the bug pulled their hands off of her, "There you go, would you like a hand up."

Shaking he head, Hornet got herself up, feeling like she moving a bit more smoothly. Lace was already up and holding out a hand to help Hornet down. Taking it, despite not needing it, she stood up and Lace smiled as she leaned in, "So how was it?"

"Surprisingly nice."

Lace giggled, "I knew it! Now then, let's go see what else this place has to offer."

They bid thanks to the massage bugs, before leaving, heading out, smiles on their faces as they walked out. As they decided what to try next, they ended up grabbing some drinks, fruit and juices mixed with ice in a glass tube with small sharp blades in the bottom. Cold, but nice, they took it with them, heading towards the sauna.

Chapter Text

Lace sat back on the bench in the sauna, sipping her cold drink while Hornet laid on her back next to her, her legs laid over her own lap. They sat there in silence for a while, just enjoying the warm heat of the room. Looking down at Hornet's exposed midriff, Lace admired the slim flat, but sturdy form of her, when a funny thought entered her head.

Cup in hand, she lifted it up and over Hornet's belly and set it down. Letting go, it sat perfectly balance, and Hornet lifted her head up to look at it, then to Lace with a smirk, "Really?"

Lace shrugged, but she didn't move to lift it off her, and instead, she leaned over and sipped the drink from the straw, leaving it right where it was. Hornet chuckled, and lifting up her arm, she picked the cup off, and she sat up to pass it back to Lace, "As much as I admire you and your whimsy, I'd rather not be the table for your chilling drink."

After Lace took the drink back, Hornet laid back, closing her eyes again as she let the heat of the steam wash over her. Lace looked her over up and down, then at her drink again, and a smile crept over her lips. Looking into her cup, she spotted a decently sized piece of ice in it. Reaching in she plucked it out, then set her cup down, then turned her attention to Hornet, who was spaced out on the bench. As gently as possible, she grabbed the waist band of the bottom piece, lifting it up slowly to avoid Hornet noticing, then with the ice in her other hand she slipped it in and released the fabric, though Hornet reacted to the sudden chill in her groin in an instant, her legs shooting upwards as her whole body jerked, with a surprised yelp, before it turned into a small shout as she fell off the bench.

Lace couldn't help but laugh as Hornet turned herself over on the floor, not mad, but she had a squint in her eye as she looked at Lace, "What are you up to?"

As her laugh passed, she slid off the bench, on her hands and knees, and she crawled forward, soon over Hornet's legs as she narrowed her eyes at her with a spark in her eye, and she lowers herself, landing herself on her legs, and he fingers  take the edge of the bottom part of her water outfit, pulling it down to reveal the groin between the legs.

Hornet was now aware of Lace's intent, and her voice dropped to a whisper, "Lace, are you sure? There are others..."

Lace's hand shot up and placed a finger over Hornet's lips, "Not to worry, the door is locked, we won't be disturbed."

Hornet looked at her with a bit of hesitation but then nodded. Smiling, Lace pulled the fabric down further, and leaning in, her mouth open as her eyes closed, letting out a slow breath as her tongue reached out...

Rapid knocking filled the room, the two of them jumping in surprise. They looked over at the door, waiting for a moment, and the knocking hit again. Lace let out a disappointed sigh before standing up. Walking over, as Hornet pulled her bottom back up, Lace made it to the door, and then once Hornet was covered and seated, she unlocked and opened the door, finding Hollow and Shakra there.

"Poshanka! Sorry to interrupt you both, but Hollow wielding Nail had seemed to be interested in joining, and I was included to come along. Would you be fine with us joining you in the steam room?"

Lace, her mind going blank looking for an answer, turned to Hornet, who nodded. Lace turned back and copied the nod, and Shakra bowed, and then walked in, Hollow right behind her.

The two took a seat, and Lace took her place next to Hornet, picking up their drinks and passing Hornet's hers. For a while they just sat there in silence, Lace feeling a bit deflated. It was the perfect opportunity, and it got squandered.

She let out a small sigh and brought her drink to her lips. She was staring off, not really paying attention to anything, till she felt her lap get something smooth placed on it. Looking down, Hornet was laying on the bench again, only this time it was her head on her lap. She looked down at her, seeing Hornet smile at her, before closing her eyes and with a slow breath out, relaxed into her lap. Lace, unsure what else to do just placed her hand on her forehead.

Weather it was the moment with Hornet, or the steam in the room, she felt herself relax, the tension of the interruption fading. For a bit, it was just then, and then a small sound caught her ears. Leaning down, she realized it was Hornet, lightly snoring.

"Wha...she fell asleep on me."

She heard a chuckle, and looking over, she saw Shakra trying to cover her mouth, while Hollow's head bobbed like he was chuckling silently. She realized she had said the thought out loud. Shakra then cleared her throat, "You know, I'm not to surprised now that I see it. Hornet does do a lot of physical work. Like running around the Docks, only to find her mightily sibling."

Lace nodded, it was true thinking about it. Though it was funny, if it wasn't for Hollow, they might've both been running around in Lace's game of Hunter and Prey, but considering she was getting relaxation right now, who knows what she could accomplish later when they finally get there, fully refreshed.

Later, when they were ready to get out of the steam room, Lace got Hornet up, and they tried the bit hot tub for a while, before they decided to retire to their rooms for the night. Hollow and Shakra each got a room of their own, and surprisingly they had a bed big enough for Hollow. Once they were in their own rooms, Hornet and Lace got into their own.

They put their bags to the side and pulled of their water clothes, though they didn't bother putting anything else on, and instead, they silently went to the bed. Lace sat up, while Hornet laid down, and soon Lace was on top of her, "So where was I?"

"Earlier, you looked like you were ready for a snack."

"Oh yes, I was. And you were the main course."

Before Hornet could respond, Lace dove in, instead of the slow tease she had done earlier, but just pushing in at full speed. Hornet let out a small, surprised sound, before clamping her mouth shut, stifling the sounds she was making. While she was sure the walls of their room would hold in their noises, she couldn't help but feel like she should keep it quiet with the people nearby.

It was simple, just Lace, her, on the bed, as she bit her own lip lightly. And Lace was working up her speed, Hornet's legs would've been quivering if she had been standing. Soon she could feel her lip slip as ecstasy hit, and a moan come out. As she breathed after it passed, Lace got up, "That might've been a little fast, huh?"

"Oh, I'll show you fast," Hornet got up, and playfully tackled, Lace, pinning her down, while also crawling over her to get to her groin area, then getting it lined up with her mouth, clamped down on it.

The next morning came to fast, Hornet moaning as she got up. Thankfully, she had a giant hot tub to jump into to help wake her up. After a bit they were all ready to go. Getting dressed, they all headed to Eira in the Grand Bellway Station. Once they all made it to Bellhart, they split up.

Lace dropped off her bag, then grabbed her supplies to resume her work in Verdania, while Shakra asked Hollow for a sparing Dual. While they headed out to Greymoor to do that, Hornet stopped by the brother's courier shop. They had a package for Bone Bottom, the small settlement at the bottom having ordered supplies as they've started work on more repairs.

Happy to take it, she loaded up the package and with her needle in hand, and her tools and cloak good to go, she headed through Shellwood. Making it to the elevator, she rode it up, then a quick climb up, she ran past the Bellstation, then headed into the giant opening upward, that she had come to calling "The drop" after having ended up dropping down it from her forced arrival.

From there, she jumped, then opened up her Cloak, letting the Drifter form catch the air and letting her slowly drift down. It was slow, but in comparison to the run that would take her around, it was actually pretty quick. It was a little slow, guiding the cloak to pass the small flying creatures, though she noticed the lack of hanging cages that once hung there. Looked like someone had finally took them down.

Once she touched down, she walked towards the small settlement, making her way to Flick the Fixer, who was currently working on fixing up one of the bone and tarp houses. Hornet though of them more as tents, but none the less, they were the living place of the natives.

Usually, she would a few to chat with Flick, but since he was busy today, she left the package with him, and with thanks he returned to his work, and Hornet decided to go for a bit of a walk. She headed to the Marrow, thinking it would be nice to take on a few creatures, get some shards while she was at it.

She walked around for a bit, and as she did, she noticed the Marrow was oddly silent compared to usual. The usual skuttle and scurries of the Skull creatures were gone, which was really odd. Even when she couldn't see them, she could usually hear them.

That's when something else caught her ears. A noise she was indeed familiar with, and detested hearing again. Buzzing, which was soon accompanied by their scent. She took a stance as it got closer, and with her Needle in hand, she watched as they all flew in, flies, dozens of them, armed with pins, cages, and some new tools, heading straight for her, and with a yell, she charged back.

Chapter Text

Lace was pacing Bellhart. Last night when she had returned home, covered in dirt, ready for a soak, she found Hornet wasn't home. It wasn't odd for her to spend a night elsewhere, so she hadn't worried, but it felt odd that she wasn't with her now, and now it was the next day and she wasn't here.

She hopped up to Shakra's ledge, where her and Hollow where, Shakra looking over Hollow's nail with curious interest, but she set it down and stood to attention to Lace, "Poshanka, Lace wielding Pin! How does your morning fair."

"A bit, concerning, Hornet hasn't come home yet, and I don't know where she is and I'm worrying, I know I'm probably overreacting, but I want to see if I can figure it out, so do you know where she went yesterday?"

Shakra nodded, "She had gone to the courier's shop, then headed off towards Shellwood, so either up to the citadel again, or down to the bottom. To know for sure, you'll have to ask the brother's."

"Thank you! If Hornet comes back, let her know I'm looking please."

"Of course."

Lace turned and hoped down, heading to the shop to get the information.

Hornet's head was groggy as she felt her eyes open. The first thing that hit her was the scent. It was the slab, a place she had wished to avoid. She tried to rise to get her bearing, only to find she couldn't move. Alertness crept in, and she was quickly more lucid as she reacted.

Her eyes moved around. She was in a cage, one of the cylindrical ones, but this one looked bigger than normal. she tried turning her head to see what was holding her, only to find she couldn't move her head, something clamped tied onto the horns of her head. Looking down with her eyes, and what she was feeling from her attempts to move, she pieced together that not only was she in a cage, but she was also suspended in the middle of it. She was covered in head-to-toe metal that was locked over her, which was then linked to chains that was linked to the cage she was in. It was like a metal spider web had been locked over her, ironic if it wasn't for the serious implications of her predicament.

She looked around, trying to figure out more, but with her head locked in place, she could only see so much, she had no idea where in the slab she was, but then the sound of metal caught her ears.  Buzzing filled the air, and in came a number of flies. Looks like they weren't sparing any chances, which to their credit was actually a smart move, despite the fact that capturing her was a stupid idea. She didn't know how yet, but given the chance, she would slip out and then exact her wrath upon them as she made her way out.

Though she watched the flies as they prepared themselves around her cage. It was odd to see them like this, but it seemed like they were up to something. For a minute, everything went still as they took position, and then a new buzzing filled the room. A fly flew in, pushing a cart with them. This fly was different, younger, wearing a pair of goggles over the bulbous eyes they had, and they stopped it in front of the cage, pulling out a ring with three keys on it. It looked like they were still using the same keys, which was good, wherever her cloak was, she was sure they left everything in it, and her keys from her last visit was still in there, she could use them once she found the location of her stuff.

The young fly opened up the cage door, and stepped in, picking up something from their cart as they did. As they raised it up, the metal of it clinking together, Hornet realized what it was, a head harness. The shape held a resemblance to the once lace had made, but this one had more straps, more metal, and instead of a rosary it was a thin pipe shape made from thick leather, like a mouthpiece used for a stead beast, and then as it was raised, she saw the metal disks as they approached her eyes, cutting off her vision, and soon it was strapped on tight.

She bit down hard on the leather bit on her mouth, trying to break it, only to realize it seemed to have metal underneath it, making her efforts useless. She angrily sighed into the leather, when she heard more metal, only this time it was different. Something was getting put together, the sound of metal getting slinked together in assembly filling the room. She knew the small group was still there, waiting in case she got loose.

For a moment, it went quiet again, but then something heavy was set down, shaking the hanging cage a little, making it swing. She hears more metal, then some clicked, squeaks, and other noises. Then something bumps her legs. The fly's weird language is heard for a moment, like the younger fly was getting yelled at, and they were yelling back, and the item touching her was pulled away.

She felt it touch her again, twice more, one on her other leg, then the middle of her midriff. There was a moment where it went quiet again, and then she felt it again, this time right on her exposed groin, and this was followed by noises of the flies again, this time their voices a more successful tone, and she felt it get pressed in harder.

Confusion set in, as she tried to piece together what they were doing, when the sound of cranking pulled her attention, down in front of her, and it sped up, then something puttered to life, and the pressing hard into her started to vibrate, speeding up.

Realization hit her, they were using sexual stimulation to prevent her escape on top of all the heavy restraints. It would keep her unfocused, and her body would tire from it. It was a crazy, but well thought out idea, and now she was stuck as she was, currently unable to make her way out, and was soon going to be unable to come up with any ideas for getting out, as the machine was slowly getting faster and stronger with no signs of being close to full power.

She heard laughs, and buzzing. The sound of her cage closing followed, and then her sounds of the flies faded, the group of at least most of them leaving the room, having accomplished their mission. She angrily bit into the gag, her body tensing as well, both in rage but from the thing they had set her up with. She knew she was helpless as she was, but maybe, there would be help...

Lace made it to Bellbottom on Eira, where she hopped out of the Bellway, and looked around. Seeing a nearby bug, she walked over, "Excuse me, I'm looking for Flick, do you know where I can find him?"

The nodded and pointed her towards a small bug with a hammer near a big tent, where he was helping patch it up. Rushing over, she nearly skidded to a stop, "Flick sir, I'm sorry to interrupt your work but I'm looking for Hornet, she came here for a delivery for you yesterday and hasn't been back since, do you know where she is?"

His face turned somber, and he nodded, "Follow me please."

She followed after him, leading her to a tent. He stepped in, then came out before she could follow him in, and in his hand, he held the familiar red cloak, and her needle. Lace picked them up, eyes going wide, before turning back to him, "What happened?"

"She dropped off her delivery and headed towards the Marrow, but she forgot to take her payment, so I went after her, only to see her fighting this large group of dirty bug wearing bronze with cages fighting her, but she was overtaken by their large numbers and was soon caged and carried away, but not before they took her stuff off her and tossed them away, like they were dangerous."

Lace nodded, knowing who it was that took her, and the danger Hornet would have posed to them with her stuff, they were playing it smart, almost too smart. She tucked the stuff under her arms and ran back to Eira. The ride back to Bellhart felt like it was taking too long, but as soon as they burst out of the bells she ran out, "SHAKRA! HOLLOW! KURN!"

Her voice carried over, and they were all there quickly hearing the urgency in her voice, with Shakra there slight before the others, "Lace wielding pin, what's the reason for your urgent calling?"

"Hornet was taken! The flies of the slab have taken her, and we need to get her back! Kurn, I need you to go to the Scarr tribe and get them to meet us at the Gate of the Citadel!" She turned to Hollow and Shakra, "Shakra, I need you to provide a map for them to get there, and then I want you to go through the Bellways to see if the entrance in the bottom of the slab is still open. Hollow you're with me!"

Lace then turned and headed up. She made it to the Plinney's shop, flinging the door open, "Pin Master! I know you were making a replacement blade, but this is an emergency, I need it now or I need to take another one."

Plinney jumped at the sudden burst into his shop, but he reached under the counter, "You couldn't have come at a better time, I have it ready for you now." He held it out, and she picked it up. The pin was smooth to the touch, but it was different, the color was different, and sharper looking, plus, past the handle, it was thinner, and sharp on the edges, instead of just the tip, she turned to him with a raised eye, "I took inspiration from the Needle you carry now. I know not what you're doing with it, but I trust you'll return it to its wielder."

With a nod, she turned and rushed out, past Hollow who was somehow standing on the bell's ledge, but Lace jumped across to the platform of her bellhome, charging in, to the shelf of Hornet's knickknacks and stuff, grabbing the iron memento sitting there and heading back out, and then dropping down to the Bellway again, running in with Hollow close behind. As she hopped on Eira, Hollow raised his hand, then pointed to the iron emblem in her hand.

She held it up so he could get a good look, "This is what Hornet calls the Craw Memento, and with it, we're hopefully going to recruit the court she got it from."

Hornet couldn't tell how long she's been there, hours, a day. Maybe longer, but she could barely think about that, as her mind was fuzzy, the stimulation was nonstop, forcing to the edge again and again. Her body draining as it went.

As it went, a new edge coming close, loud clangs came from the machine, and then it sputtered, and stopped. As it went quiet, she breathed fast, then slow, letting her body relax. It had stopped. For a few minutes, but what felt like hourse, it was just her beathing, but then the sound of the door opening was heard, and a sense of dread crept over her. Her cage opened, and then someone stepped in, and clinking was heard.

The sound of clinks, clacks, and metal grinding replaced the silence. She wished, prayed, begged silently to something, someone, anything, that they couldn't repair the thing, when the sound of cranking filled the air, and the machine revved back to life, and it started to move again, while the sound of the cage closing as the fly left and she was once again left stuck, awaiting something to come and help.

Lace rushed into the craw house, Hollow right behind her. Hornet had told her the story about the mementos, and she knew where this one came from.  Walking up to the door, she pressed her ear against it, and the sound of Craws squabbling was heard. She banged on the door, and a moment later the hole in it opened up. It was dark so she couldn't see anyone, but she knew they were there. She pulled out the Craw Memento and held it up for them to see it.

For a moment, nothing happened, but then everything went quiet. The hole closed, and then it creaked open. Lace walked in, finding a drop down. She turned to Hollow who nodded, and turning back she jumped. She landed with a splash, and then she swam out of the way as a moment later Hollow landed with a bigger splash. Once they climbed out, they headed over towards the next drop, landing in the court room. 

There were craws, wearing black and iron, all watching them. Lace pulled out the memento again, holding it up, "Listen! I know I can't understand you but when I speak you at least give me acknowledgement that you understand, okay?!" The many craws gave out nods, and a few small squawks, before going silent again for her.

"As you know, anyone who owns one of these has been called to your court and has won in a trial of combat, and is therefore absolved of crimes past and future, and this particular one belongs to Hornet, the bug who wears this, and wields this needle," Lace held them both up for them to see, and the craws were fluttering furiously in their seats for a moment, but then they settled back down when Hollow pointed towards them, and Lace resumed, "Right now, Hornet has been taken a prisoner by the flies of the slab, who are known for claiming prisoners for crimes that don't exist. I ask you now to join me in fighting these horrid bugs, who disrespect your laws. Will you fight to free Hornet and end their reign?!"

The craws raised up their weapons, all letting out a call she believed to be a battle cry, "Good! Head for the grand entrance of the citadel, there we shall met with the Skarr who will fight alongside us in our cause!"

With another cry, the Craws flew out, weapons in hand as they headed towards the sky, hopefully for the gate. Once they were gone, Hollow turned to her with a thumbs up, "Thanks big guy, though honestly, I was honestly winging it, I wasn't sure that would work. But let's not dally on that, let's get going!"

Once they made it to the gate, Shakra zipped over to them, "Here's the Skarr! And also the Craws! Both are bearing arms ready to fight."

"Good! Hollow, give me a lift up please."

Hollow lowered his hand, and picked her up, raising her to their shoulder, where she stood holding his horn, "Everyone! Attention to me please!" The army of bugs fell silent, "Today, we charge the slab! I want two teams! Everyone who can fly, you're with me," She slid her hands into her cloak, opening the glider wings, "We'll fly up from the bridge here up to the entrance to the door of the slap, I have the keys to let us in here! The rest of you shall go with Shakra, and Hollow, through the Bellways. You'll follow the bell beast to the opening in the belly of the Slab, where you'll rise up and take them by surprise! WHO'S READY!!"

They crowd roared before her, and then they were moving. A winged Skarr came up and grabbed her arms, lifting her up, the wings of her cloak making it smoother to take her. Down below she watched the other group head back towards the blasted steps, where Eira awaited them in the bell station.

It took but a few minutes, and they were at the bridge to the slab. The Skarr released her, and she glided towards the entrance, where she landed, and whipped out the key ring, quickly selecting the key that matched and then flung the door open. There was a group of flies on the other side, probably coming to see what the commotion was, only to freeze in surprise at the force before them. Lace drew out her Pin, dragging the flint slate across it, covering it with a red hot glow, then pulling out a handful of strait pins, purple with poison from the Pollip pouch, and then with a yell, she ran in, and the many Craws, and the number of flying Skarrs charged in after her, weapons ready, while the flies tried to retreat, only to meet their end at the end of one of the many sharp weapons.

She charged in farther, where they made it to an open wider space, where they found more flies, these ones having realized what was coming was ready to fight, though they were met with a great force. After a minute of slashing and stabbing, throwing her pins, a surge erupted from below, and a really loud scream tore through the stone walls, and then Hollow and Shakra emerged from below, followed by the rest of the Skarr, blades flying into the air, hitting the now overwhelmed flies. AS their enemies fell, their forces started to retreat, and Lace yelled out, "Take out any fly you find, and search every room! Leave no space untouched, beak down walls if you have to, but we're not leaving without Hornet!"

The sound of the door flying open and slamming shut hit Hornet's ears, yet she didn't, or couldn't, noticed it much. She twitched at the sudden big catching her by surprise in her state, while frantic talk from the flies filled the room. Back and forth they went, till they sound of something shifting filled the room and the flies went quiet. Something then cracked and the flies started frantic speak as something with clicking sounds appeared in the room as well. Next it was slashes, and thumps, then more clicks.

Hornet felt a bit of confusion through her haze, and then to her surprise, the sound of the cage opened, and the machine was pulled away, and then tossed and smashed by the sound of it. A moment later, hands were on her head, searching, and then the harness was pulled away. She blinked slowly as her eye readjusted, and in front of her to her shock, a Skarr warrior, and a few more. The one who just pulled off the harness looked over the metal on her body, trying to hit them with their weapons, but not luck. They turned to a Skarr scout and said something, and then they burrowed into the stone, the group having managed to have opened up the crack in the old stone by the looks of it.

Lace had a fly pinned to the wall, her blazing pin pressed against their throat as she demanded answers when a Skarr came up to her, waving frantically. He pointed to the red cloak poking out from under her own, then made a followed gesture, and knowing he had Hornet, she quickly stabbed the fly, then ran after him, He lead her to a big door, and on it a lock, thankfully it matched the Apostate key. She unlocked and headed in, where she saw Skarr around a cage, with Hornet inside.

With a flutter in her chest, she ran in, and stepping into the cage, she threw her arms around Hornet, unable to find words, and when she pulled away, she couldn't help but grab her face and give her a kiss before pulling away, "I'm so glad you're alright! What did they do? Does anything hurt."

"I'm fine, just, worn out mostly.  But can you get me out?"

"On it!"

She stepped back and looked at the cage, taking it in. They had her covered in metal shackles and chains pulled tight to the surrounding cage. The shackles used had padlocks, but they all matched the different three keys. It looked like they hadn't bothered to upgrade the locks. One by one she unlocked and tossed aside the padlocks, till Hornet was loose, and falling forward.

Lace caught her, and then got her facing towards her, "Hey, what happened?  Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, my legs are just, worn out. They had a machine that...well it's over there..."

Lace turned to look, seeing the smashed remains of a mechanical box. She looked at it, and seeing the exposed mechanism, she saw it's purpose, and shock overtook her, "Oh my...how did that manage to come up with that?"

She looked down at Hornet, who had passed out. With a sigh, she stood up and walked out. The Craws and Skarr had mostly stopped fighting, the flies that remained in sight were all dead, or locked in one of their own cages. She turned and started walking, heading straight for the Bellway and Eira.

As they saw her walking, they all raised their weapon and cheered, at least she thought they were cheering. After the cheer they resumed as they were. Lace let them, continuing to take care of the slab, for now, she needed to get Hornet out of here, and back home.