Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dear Diary,
Today I'm writing down everything I've experienced so far in my new life as a bug. I mean, it's not easy or fun, but hey, I'm getting somewhere... I think.
I was once a college student with a dream of becoming a hypnotist, but that dream was so out of reach with my low grades. I was always easily distracted by the things I liked, so I barely studied anything, BUT! that doesn't mean I didn't know how to make money. Even though I was going to fail my college, I was pretty good with tech and hypnosis stuff. It was great...until something exploded at the place where I work part time. At first I was terrified. It was so dark around me, so cold... so silent and empty. I couldn't move, I couldn't speak, I couldn't see, I couldn't hear. It was...

ANYWAY, after who knows how long, I woke up in... a forest. To be fair, a lot happened during my first day of waking up in this world, so I'll try to cut it down to fit these two pages. So I wake up, feeling confused, scared, and hyperventilating after what happened, realize I was lying on the grass and see everything looks big (it was great, totally great, definitely not in denial of my situation), get over my fear and confusion to find a safe place, immediately attacked by a creature I saw in a game before. At that moment, I looked at myself and realized that I'm a bee, which is not a bad thing since I've always liked bees. My body is skinny, my fur is colored in bright blue and black stripes, and I have a tiny wing on my back. Before I can think more about my situation (or my body), I've completely forgotten about the creature that attacked me, as it attacks me again.

When I finally noticed it, I put out my arms, trying to block or push them away (not really sure why I thought that was a good idea), and then there was a pink glow... but I didn't see it clearly because I was looking away, expecting something painful. I was waiting for... something, but it never came, even though I can hear the sound of them moving around. It wasn't until I looked at what was in front of me that I realized: The creature, which the Association calls a 'seedling', was looking dazed because it was having a hard time staying still in its place. It was also the moment I noticed my hand glowing briefly, some say it's magic...and I have to wonder why I felt so exhausted after that one use. I looked at the seedling as I moved around it, and its gaze followed me despite its continued struggle to stand still. (Does that count as standing for it?) My idiot brain thinks it's in a trance, but I've never thought about why or how, just assumed it was. Maybe they're right that I should stop reading hypnosis stories on the Internet.

I tried many things to get it to do what I wanted, but nothing works until I scream loudly for it to go away...which it did...while it was stumbling about, but I also felt more tired afterwards. I don't remember much of what happened next, as I pass out after that and find myself lying in some kind of bed back at the Association. They asked me if I was all right and asked me what had happened, who I was, and what I was doing there. I was too busy being shy, looking all sad and afraid to be somewhere I don't know again, and they just assumed I had amnesia because I stuttered a lot and never got past the first word for every answer to every question, or maybe because I looked so fragile at that moment... I miss my home. But hey, now I have a job as... um, surprisingly not a janitor, but as a mail carrier.
I'm still trying to adjust to my new body and to the food I've eaten here, and to how everything looks so similar and yet so different. I haven't told them about my magic...thing, just vaguely asked about magic, and I'm surprised everyone's so friendly. There's also these groups called Team Snakemouth that people call 'Hero of Bugaria' or something and some kind of idol that's very popular here. Being an introvert, I'm not sure I want to meet these people. Talking to the locals and delivering mail is hard enough for me. I'm going to focus on learning my magic instead. Who knows, maybe I'll learn how to use it properly and live a very comfortable lazy life. Man, I can't wait to get those maids and butlers I've been reading so much about.

PS: I forgot to mention how I know it's hypnosis. SO, I may or may not... had accidentally used it again, but this time I saw it. The effects aren't instant, I have to convince them to fall under my hypnosis unlike last time, and it's not as exhausting as before. I didn't do anything to them though, they're the friendly locals who helped me get oriented since I've been living here, so I whisper to them that they're feeling tired and want to go to sleep. But the point is, it's there, a real hypnosis magic! And they say that I am wasting my time studying hypnosis and psychology, heh. Oh well, I should probably finish my writing for today. These books don't come cheap, apparently.

Chapter Text

Ah... another day, another boring yet exciting job to do. You grab your bag, wear your hat, and the last item is... your notebook! Oh man, You would've been bored to hell without this. Your drawings, your research, your theories, and data of everyone around you is in here. Can't blame you for observing everyone around you, I'm bored as hell without your phone. You went walking to the mirror and... You frown. From your hat to bag, they all are colored green. Sure they all look good on you, but you prefer the same color as your fur, which is your favorite color! Oh well, it's for your job so can't complain. You walk out the room the Association provided for you with a smile as You walk out and went to check the mailing station for stuff to deliver.

"Hello Beso!" You greet Beso who's on the counter, checking out a bunch of papers. "Any deliveries for me?"

Beso stops for a moment to look at you. "Oh, You're up." He replied with a smile... before continuing his work. "Yea, there's a package in the back to deliver."

Beso is an dark brown ant who seems old but actually quite young. Maybe if his personality aren't like an old man that likes to play with their co-workers people wouldn't have mistaken him to be actually old, heck he flinched when you asked why everyone's calling him old and he just told you he thought that they see him as someone respectable. Even so, he always helped when you have troubles with your work, but he's scary sometimes and everyone knows that, though you wish they would've warned you about it. One time, someone was fighting over who's going to deliver the expensive looking item since they'll get paid if they're the one deliver the package or item, and then Beso came out of nowhere looking fury and yelled at them so loud that you thought you was near an explosion or something. After that scene, You make sure to never be rude to him like your first few days here. Anyway, focus...

"What package is it?" You ask curiously.

"Who knows, the bug who brought it said it's fragile and nothing else. It didn't look anything special anyway, but careful with it, son." Beso answers.

Fragile huh. Didn't think there would be something fragile in this world with how big everything are... oh wait, some fruit you know are still the same size though. You guess you'll just have to deliver it and then you'll know.

"Alright, thanks Beso." You waved goodbye as You ran to the back and he waved back.

You went into the back and look around for your station, hopefully the package still there. While walking, you thought about how many facility this association has. They say it's been here for years, but for how long exactly... Eh, doesn't matter. At least they still pay you... and you need to get your own home. It doesn't feel right to just live freely on someone's place, and you need to think about what I'm going to do after. *Sigh* Your life has always been on edge. You've got to practice all kinds of things, switching from job to job just to pay your living expense... You've barely had any time for your project... Wait, OH RIGHT! Your project, back at your home! I... will never get to finish that AI anymore. But you can still start over... hopefully... *sigh*. You saw your station and quickly went there to check and on the table, the package seems to be half of your size. The packaging seems ordinary and it seems light as you push it a bit. Are you supposed to deliver this alone though? The address mention of delivering it to... 'Golder Settlement'. You've heard that it's a place where the god they called 'Venus' located, but it's so far away...

"Urgh, I'm gonna regret this."

If distance is a problem then using the tunnels would've made it easier, but I'm too scared to go there, too many people... or bugs and the tunnels are so dark. Sure there's those glowing crystals, but this thing is big enough to block your view... and they expect you to go up after reaching the end WHILE carrying this 'thing'. ...Oh well, no time to complain. You started carrying the package and went to deliver it to the Golden Settlement. At the road, some bugs greeted you and you greet them back. They want to have a conversation with you, but you told them You busy and they understand. Sometimes you felt like I'm a bad person here even though you didn't do anything wrong. Eventually arrived at the tunnels after. You wonder why the tunnels are inside this... kingdom, and not outside or at the town instead. Before continuing on that thought, the guard stopped you and you showed them your badge. You went through the tunnel immediately after passing the guard, don't want to be here for too long. You was going to ran before remembering what Beso said, so you walk very carefully through the tunnel. It was... surprisingly a short walk, 5 minutes and I'm at the end and it looks like you don't have to climb like you expected. Once you got out of the tunnel, you put down the package first before cleaning myself. Not bad for your first time, but felt really chilling. You grab the package and went on to the settlement and suddenly someone greeted.

"Ah, are you the who brought our offerings?"

You jumped, but didn't drop the package at least. "Um, Yes? Who are you?" You asked. You would've looked at her if you can but all you can hope for now is she's not a bandit at least.

"Don't worry, little one. I am the one who order the package you are carrying."

"...You are?"

"Yes, I am."

She takes the package I'm holding gently. After not having to carry that big package, you get to see her fully. A mantis, quite tall too. You guess she's pretty but why would you can about that. She's smiling with joy at you though, not really sure why. It's just a package.

"Uhm, so... what's in there anyway?" You asked the mantis lady.

"Oh, right. It's an offering for our Goddess, Venus." She answers you with joy still. "Most of our deliveries always ends up damaged when they cayou, but you brought them completely unharmed. With that, you have our gratitude." She gives you a bow.

"Woah, woah, woah... No need to bow. I'm just delivering a package." You said, panicking a little.

"You're so humble little one. You see, this is our 8th order and if it were to be damage, we might have to postponed the festival." She replied.

"A festival?"

"Yes. Hmm, now that You look at you closely, you're not from around here, aren't you?" She asked, and you nod. "You would've love to tell you all about it, but we've got preparation to do. You do hope you'll come though, Aria would be happy to see you."

You tilt your head in confusion. "Why?"

"You'll see, little one. The festival will be held here in 3 days. When the time comes, I hope you'll enjoy the 'Harvest Festival'"

She handed you 50 berries for the delivery... Oh god. After that she went back to the settlement, probably doing her work or something. You should probably go back too... or you could... explore a bit. You haven't been outside the Ant Kingdom, so some new scenery wouldn't be so bad. With that decided, you went exploring the area. There's a lot of autumn leaves around here... This place **really** reminds you of how dumb you are when it comes to biology. You can tell some bugs or other stuff here, but never their varieties. Kind of regretting it now, but you can't go back anyway... You have to move forward.

Suddenly, a seedling appeared in front of you... and it looks different? It looks curiously at you and suspiciously moving closer and closer to you. You take a step back for each time it gets closer. You need to think, think... how do you get out of this situation... get out... or not... you guess? You manage to remember that you **do** have hypnosis magic. And... you really need to learn how to fight, outside town are never safe and who knows what job you'll be doing in the future. The thought of it already makes you shiver, and that seems to have made the seedling to attack. You dodge it, and think of what to do. You could use magic or you could just... fight... alone... It brings a lot of bad memories, but it's just one seedling.... just one... just... one. NGH no no, no need to remember the past... Hmm? You notice the seedling jumped back, looking scared... What? Did... did you do something... You decide to NOT think about and focus on your current situation. You think... and decide to try out your magic again.

You look around, making sure no one's around except you and the seedling. Now that you're not toot scared, you notice that this seedling looked like it's wearing an acorn as helmet, how cute. As how you're going to use magic... it'll be best to try anything at your disposal. You put your hands forward... or nub, or whatever. You focus... feel the magic... remember the feeling... flow it to your hand and then, cast it. A pink like glow appeared on your hands as you focus... you think it's the focus, at least. Either way, you focus it on the seedling. It looks confused and scared... probably from before and what I'm doing. It seems to plan on running away, but I don't plan on letting it go away.

"Stop!" you said somewhat loudly.

...It certainly stopped the seedling for a moment, but it shakes itself out of it and ran in fear. Maybe using it through your arms isn't the best way like the accidents before, and you probably didn't put enough magic because it doesn't shoot out. You wonder what cause the effect to work though... then again you probably did touch them and didn't notice it. Considering how scared you were when facing your first seedling, it probably shot out to the creature and only stuns them in confusion and quite docile state. You note things you've thought about in your notebook, and maybe for everything else in the future. You're not tired yet, but you think it's better to know other method that might actually works and act like hypnosis, and if you're correct, those previous two cast are only good for combat... now you feel bad for the bug you've influence with your magic before. You walk back to the tunnel and went to the Association. While on they way, you wonder if your magic isn't hypnosis, but more like a manipulation of sorts. Maybe if it's not forced like a shot, I will be like hypnosis or mind control or... You really need to stop relying on those fictions you've read in the past.

Minutes later, you arrived back at the association. Beso saw you enter and approach.

"So, how is it?" Beso asked

"It's... a weird delivery." You reply with an awkward smile.

"Oh? Why is that, boy?"

"Apperently, they've been ordering the same thing for quite a while, but the items are always damaged or something. Can you believed that?"

A few of your co-worker flinched after you said that, but you barely notice it and ignore them. Beso just laugh at you, but it doesn't looks like he's making fun of you.

"Oh my, that is unbelievable! Who would have thought our co-worker are so bad at their job."

Beso just keeps laughing while one of the bugs there complain about it being too fragile. You're sure Beso definitely going to scold him.

"Well, it is very common for them to mess up That kind of delivery." Beso states.

"Huh?!? Why??" You asked, feeling confused.

"You will know one day, kid. For now congrats on your first difficult delivery." He said happily and pat you on the back.

You're unsure of what he meant by that, but you doubt he's going to say anything more than that. You let out a laugh and had a few conversation with everyone there before you went back into your room. Today was tiring, fragile delivery, some weird mantis inviting you to a festival... and a failed magic attempt, but not fully in vain at least. But you're actually more worried about the festival... that mantis lady called them the 'Harvest Festival'... sounds like a lot of bugs going to gather there. You don't want to go, but... she asked you nicely to come... Well, one way or another, you're going to end up there anyway so might as well just go. That being said, you had some free time now. You went out to the market and bought some mushroom and eggs, go to the arcade and grind some money there, it's games after all. You've played them a lot to free up some stress in the past. You've never expect to use it to earn stuff this way, but it's great! You spent your leftover tokens and earned 113 berries! (Yay.) You would've played more but it's getting dark already so you decide to end it there. When you going to go out, you notice a blue ribbon. It's cute you think, you even plan on getting it... but you're not a girl. Tough choice... but it's a good decorative item for your bag, you thought, so went to get it and spent 90 tokens for it. You take the ribbon with a feeling of regret, but a decision has been made. Putting the blue ribbon away... somewhere, you went back home tired and exhausted. Playing games is just as tiring as working on building a computer, you thought to yourself. You put your bag and hat away and jump onto your bed, letting out a sigh as you let yourself relax... and sleep. Tomorrow will be another day to look forward to and the day for you take another step forward to your dream life... hopefully.

Chapter Text

After a mail delivery, Blu went walking around the resident area of the town as he always do every week. The point of this routine is to actually lessen his shyness and fear of crowd. He wants to be prepared for when he'll be doing a lot of important things... which he hasn't try to think about a lot. He just wants to live a lazy life, and with his hypnosis... err just magic, he might actually get it! ...Although now that Blu think about it, ever since he's here, he never gets tired easily unless he used magic. It's a weird feeling, but he thinks the magic might be enhancing his body and mind. More proof to this is that he never gets sick while here, even after getting wet for a long time... Thinking about wetness gives Blu nightmare about those big rain of big droplets of water. Well, not that big. It's actually quite smaller than what it's supposed to be... but for a bug, it's still big.

While Blu's deep in thought, he bumped into someone and falls over. The same goes for the person/bug he bumped into.

"Ow! S-sorry, I wasn't looking. Are you..."

Blu still rubbing his head was going to ask if they're fine before he looks at who he's bumping into... Another bee.

"N-no no, it's okay. I'm fine." The bee replies.

Blu remain still, staring at the bee. The bee gets up, and looked at Blu, still worried if he's upset that she bumped into him even though she looks like in a hurry.

"D-did I upse-"

"Oh! No, no you didn't do anything wrong." Blu respond after being silent and staring for quite a while.

"Oh, o-okay. Uh, sorry but I need to go right now. I-I'll apologize properly later. Bye!" She said before storms away.

Blu, still on the ground, goes silent again. From the outside, he might looked like he's in shocked or something like that, but in reality... He just saw another bee. It's not that it's 'another bee' though that kept him silent, but rather the cuteness, the fluffiness, oh how he adore those. Sure they looked alike most of the time and the same can be said with that bee, he might've been rubbing his own fur and feel it's fluffiness, but it felt better to him when it's the others. Blu pinch himself, obviously feeling pain from it... and he realized that some are looking at him as if he had a crush or something. So Blu stands up, dust himself up, and continue walking away in embarrassment. He might not go walking around the town next week after this. He kept walking around the town, some bug residents talks with him, and without realizing it  he's back at the plaza. He looks at the the building that are called "Explorer's Association", the place where most explorers and some normal workers like himself go to, and also the place he's living in for a while. Even though Blu do plan on moving out to his own place, he doesn't know where to start. He thought of building a house somewhere out there and don't have to bother with buying a house or land or anything financially, just a lot of hard work and sweat. He might be lazy, but he's willing to do it as long it's possible and also related to his desire. While he's thinking about his future, someone bumps into him. Although this time he didn't fall, it still hurts. Blu looks at who bumps to him, and to his surprise, it's the same bee from before. She's... crying?

"Are you... okay?" Blu asked hesitantly.

"Huh?" The bee notice you and tries to get up, but it's like she doesn't have the energy to. "U-uhm... Sorry sniff, I didn't s-see you there."

Something must've happened that made her sad like this. Blu helps her get up and asked why she's crying.

"It's... nothing." She answers quietly.

"I doubt that." Blu won't felt at ease just leaving her like this. "How about we get to my place and talk about it?"

"N-no, I'lm just going to-"

"Too late." Blu cuts her off and carries her to his place. There's some confusion among your co-workers when you brought a bee that seems to have trouble moving, but he ignores them. On the way, the bee keeps telling him that it's fine and that she just needs to rest and that kind of excuses, which also ignored. After arriving in his room, he put her on his bed and he sits on the chair. "I know you don't like me doing this, but I doubt you'll be okay sitting on the ground crying all day."

She flinched after you say that as her head facing down. She didn't say anything.

"Look. I know it's not my problem and I shouldn't be invading your life like this, but why are you crying?" You asked. "C'mon, I've learn that talking about your problem with someone could help."

She looks at him for a moment before looking at her hands. The room Went quiet for a while until she decide to speak up. "I... I lost my brother."

Blu is surprised, VERY surprised. He didn't expect it to be... 'that'. "Oh... uh... sorry to hear that." He felt bad for asking now.

"N-no, it's okay." She reassure him. "...He's been hospitalized for a while now after an accident." She stops for moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I've always... admire my brother. He... always take good care of me since I was young, when I'm all alone."

Blu had an idea what she meant by 'alone'. Some part of her story he can relate to since he lost his parents in the past, something he doesn't want to think about a lot.

"He always overworked himself even when he's tired, always smiling in front of me. But I know that he's not fine and I wanted to help him... but because of me, he-" She stops. Her body is shaking and yet she continues and tell the whole story.

Blu doesn't know what to do in this situation, it's new to him. He felt every emotion of what she said, see what happened throughout her story. She doesn't really need to tell him the whole story, and yet she did. He gets off the chair and gave her a hug. She... didn't resist the hug, but it definitely made her flinch. Her body felt cold and trembling. You can only imagine what she's been through during the time she's alone. After a while though, she hugged Blu back. Now he's the one flinch, but didn't resist it and continues to comfort her. At this current moment, Blu wanted to comfort her more but doesn't know how. And then he remembers that he has magic, the one that might be able to help. But the problem is he doesn't know how to utilize it properly... as hypnosis. He knows what he did yesterday was just the same as the 'accidents' that happened but he failed to fired it because of the low input of magic. Maybe it's what he focused on that affects it, maybe it's what tries to achieve, maybe... maybe it's not hypnosis. Whatever it is, it's related to the minds and able to affect them in some way. Forcing it would make them confused but still vulnerable to your words, but only to things they're willing to accept, not what will change or alter their minds. Blu thinks a bit deeper on what needs to be done... what will allows him to help here... how to use it as 'hypnosis'. Suddenly, Blu felt something evolved within him as a surge a information flows into him. His head hurts, dizzy even, but eventually it subside quite fast. He felt like he... understands more of his power.

...Hesitantly, he decide to try it out on the bee she's hugging. "Hey, I know this is a bit late to ask but... what's your name?" Blu ask her as he let go of the hug.

She slowly did the same before answering. "...Daisy."

Pretty name, he thought. Blu went to close the window and lock the door before going back standing in front of her. "Alright, Daisy. Mind if you look me in the eyes for a moment." He asks as he prepare his magic and flow it to his eyes.

Daisy are confused to what he's doing but comply anyway. She gaze into his eyes while still sitting on his bed. Suddenly, Blu's eyes change color to a mesmerizing pink that glows, catching her attention. She's surprised that Blu's eyes just changed, but at the same time she can't look away. Something about it is so mesmerizing to her, so pretty, so.. nice. Her eyes began to glow pink on the middle part of her eyes. It's kind of pretty, Blu thinks... but it didn't do anything to you other than as an indicator that she's under your trance... probably?. Blu speaks to her "Can you hear me, Daisy".

She's a bit confused, but that confusion quickly wash away as she drifts back to that nice thoughts she had. "Yes... I can... hear you."

You smile. "Good girl."

She doesn't know what's happening, but hearing her being called 'good girl'... by him, feels nice.

"Daisy, do you like to listen?"

"Listen...?" The question confused her again, but she didn't get the time to think about it as Blu's beautiful gaze brought her back to her nice and happy mind, slowly fogging away as thoughts are harder to form. 

"Yes, Listen to me. To hear my voice... To be called a good girl."

Hearing the words 'good girl' made her thinks of how pleasant it felt to be called that. "...Yes" She responds automatically this time while her gaze fixed to Blu's eyes. Her face began to blank away as this... 'hypnosis' continues. 

Oh, this reminds Blu of the part where they usually call their victim... "Good girl." He blurt it out as he thought of it. He caress her cheeks gently, pretend to not feel embarrassed about it, and she felt really happy with it. She smiles as her face looks a bit dumb, he thinks. He actually only wants to just touch her fur for a moment, but it still works in his favor. "Now, I want you to listen to what I'm about to tell you carefully." She nodded absent-mindedly. "Good. First of all, you will find yourself think of our time together from time to time. Each time you do, you will feel calm, happy, and relaxed. It's like a little therapy you're not aware of." You paused a bit before finishing your words. "We might be... stranger, but I want you to trust... talk to me, open up to me even, if you can." She seems to be startled by what Blu said before slowly, her gaze returns to blank little by little as she began to smile bit again. She also sees to drool a bit, but after reading a lot of hypnosis fiction, He doesn't seem surprised by it. Daisy then nodded after and he continues.

"Good girl." Daisy shudders in... pleasure, Blu thinks. It's probably not that much considering you only try attaching happy feelings with that word the first time, but for her it's enough to make her happy and smiling like a dumb bee. Blu never sure why one would smile when being hypnotized with magic... maybe because their mind don't have to think a lot, or even blank at some point, and that nice and pleasant feelings just piling up, making them happy and smiling on instinct. As for the drooling... probably something he doesn't know. He's tempted to take advantage of her (Not violence kind, just the one where he keeps her in this state while he cuddle with her), but he doesn't have time for that, he wants to help her first. "Second, you will not remember of anything that happened during this trance of yours, that we're doing right now." She nodded instantly this time. "You won't be aware of anything that might be different about you and every time you're awake from your trance, you will subconsciously fake your own memory to fit with what's happening and with words." She hesitates for a moment before nodding. It makes sense to Blu since it's... too demanding even for him. He decide to end it there, but he needs to properly end it first.

"Good girl." He said as he gave her a pat on the head. Daisy absent-mindedly leaning closer to his hand, smiling happily in the nice calm, relaxing ecstasy she's in right now. While she's doing that, she mindlessly repeating the word 'good girl' after every few seconds. Blu put his hand on her chin (Maybe that's a chin... or not) and lift her head up a bit as she seems to be bubbling around, probably tired. "Aww, you're so cute!" He smiles. "I would've done more, but I think you to need to rest." and he needs to not randomly makes her a slave without talking to her more. "When I push you on the head, you'll feel yourself falling into a deep sleep, and you won't be awake until you're fully rest up." She nods. Without waiting long, you push her gently on her head and she easily falls backward. As she fell, her eyes began to close while it's still gazing at your eyes while it's still open before she... fall asleep on your bed.

"*Sigh* That... was a lot of work." Blu sit on the chair, tired, dizzy... VERY dizzy, probably because he's using magic for too long. But then again, he felt like he could handle it a bit more after... whatever just happened before the hypnosis. It felt like something... unlocks within him, and it gives him a bunch of information of the new things he can do. But there's more... more power that seems to still be locked... Blu decides to just note it and not think about it anymore, he just wants a lazy life, not power. Now that he's done with... helping her, Blu doesn't know where to sleep. He decides to sleep at the inn for today, so he gets up... moves Daisy to a better position on his bed and put the blanket on her. He went out and it's already dawn. He ponders on how long was he hypnotizing Daisy. Couldn't be that long, right? Either way, he went straight to the inn, request a room, pays for it, and went to sleep. Tomorrow, he has work to do.

...It's dark out. ...You couldn't sleep. Your mind kept wandering back to what happened. ...You felt horrible. You just used her despair and hopelessness to your advantage. Planting suggestion that aren't really needed to help her. ...If she knows, will she hates you? ...Maybe she will, maybe she won't. You don't know here. You two are just strangers that just bump to each other accidentally... but you couldn't leave her alone. You felt bad for her... when in the middle of hypnosis, you felt like you need to give her... a reason, to live. You fear that she... might plan on ending her life... Maybe it's for the best you did what you've done. ...You should sleep. You'll ask her if she wants your help again... and you'll have to refrain from using hypnosis on her for now.

Chapter Text

It's so dark, so quiet... No one's around, can't move... can't speak... can't... b r e a t h e . . .

You jolt awake with cold sweats. You're breathing heavily and looking around franticly, as if trying to make sure that it was a dream and you're really awake. You calm down... slowly. You wonder why you dreamt about that. It's been weeks since the last time you... felt that. It doesn't really makes sense, in a way... but what exactly did happen during that time after you died. You were... floating, with no body, no voice, no eyes... nothing. It's like a void, or maybe it's a... dimension where nothing exist while your soul were wandering... somewhere? Wait, how did you end up here, why you have a body here and why is it so unique? Why... ngg... maybe later, you got a job to do and... You remember Daisy that you left sleeping in your room. You quickly grab your stuff and put on your Mail Carrier hat and run as fast you can to the Association building, which is very fast according to your co-workers.

Not long after, you arrived as you brake with your legs. You've done this a lot in your previous life that it felt natural to do. You ask around if anyone see the bee you brought to your room has left or not. They all didn't see her left yet so she got to be there still. You walk over to your room and open the door. In there, Daisy is sitting on the bed, looking out the window. You close the door behind you and then she notice you.

"O-oh! Uh... I..." She seemed to be having trouble saying what she wanted to say. "...I... read your notebook."

Oh yea, your notebo- WAIT YOUR NOTEBOOK?!?! Your face must be one hell of a surprise that it made her flinch. Your face redden and you try to cover your embarrassment. You can't believe you left your notebook here of all things that could've been forgotten.

"S-sorry, I didn't mean to read it. I thought it... was just a work book."

She's not wrong. Most bug here keep track of the things they do on their work, but you prefer to keep track of things that are important in your life. "It's okay. Just..." You pause. You wonder if she... suspect you... "DId you... also read about my power?" You ask.

"I think so..." She were silent for a moment before continuing. "Is that why... i feel calm right now?"

You don't have the answer for that, but answer anyway. "I don't know. I... just make you feel something positive... and calm... and relaxed... when..." You take a deep breath. "when... you think of our time together."

She seems surprised and her face began to redden too now. "O-oh..."

"Sorry... It was my first time."

She's surprised again. "Really? But I can't remeb-"

"Making someone forget probably are not that hard when that bug lets you change them, even a little." You cut her before she finished. You already know what she was going to ask, but you need to know something. "...So why... did you trust me? I'm still a stranger back then, even now."

She's silent. It took her a moment before speaking up again. "Because..."

"Because?"

"...Because... you seem nice."

"...I doubt that. Especially after what I did yesterday."

"But you didn't mean any harm to me"

"You don't know that."

She... smiled? at you. "But I do. I felt it during our talk before this... foreign memories in my head." She said while moving her right arm around your notebook surface. "And I think... you would have done something with this power long before now if you're bad."

You felt like you were stab with her words. The truth stings a lot. "S-shut up. I am bad... I just..." You can't finish your sentence. No matter how hard you try, you can't think of anything bad or any reason to be bad. But that doesn't mean you're innocent either, you don't even know the origin of your body.

"Even if you was bad before, you're not here, right?" She gives you a smile. It's like looking at an angel... maybe.

You can't help but smile looking at her. "But... what if I, i don't know, enslave you? Aren't I capable of such things?" You asks Daisy.

Her smile became a sad one. "Maybe... I would have been afraid... or mad, I'm not really sure anymore. But right now... I'm not sure if I want to live anymore." You flinch at what she said before she continued. "At least, before what you did to me."

You frown a bit and sigh in relief.

"See? you're not bad." She reassure you. "M-maybe... you're just blaming yourself. I know I do."

"You don't understand, I-" You paused for a moment... and speaks again. "I lost my family since long ago." She gasp and probably was going to say she's sorry before you cut her off. "My mother died because of me." She's confused as to what you meant by that. "...I killed her." You said with a shaking voice. Whatever face you're making right now are probably not good and you don't feel any good either. Daisy stay silent as you continued. "When a was even younger after my dad died, at some point I lost control of myself... Yeah, lost control sounds about right. I don't really know what happened in detail but I know what I did in those blank memories of mine... I killed her and I turn her into a life size doll. I even found my... stuff, that keeps the flesh from decomposing." Speaking becomes harder and harder for you. You keep talking, can't hear anything around you. "I saw her... I saw my bloody hands... I puke... I cried, I scream. I want to deny what happened, but I can't! I... I-" Daisy hugged you.

You... gone silent. It feels... warm, and nice. You hear her speak. "It's not your fault." You felt tears on your shoulder... you're also seem to be crying. "Things... might be hard right now... even for me. But... at least I'm not alone." She stops hugging you and looks at you with a smile with tears still on her eyes. "And so are you, Blu." Your name... she must've read the things you wrote about yourself too.

"...No privacy huh" You joked and let out a small laugh.

"Hey, mister." She continues. "I think... I wouldn't mind you enslaving me."

...Wait, what?

"I-I know it sounds crazy... but I don't have much to go for anyway. I'm still young so no one would let me work, and... I want to be closer to you." You're stunned. You don't know how to reply. She just giggles at your reaction. "Also, I hope you don't put... whatever it is deep inside me. I prefer remember what you did and have you change me without those."

"A-are you sure? It's... it's not going to be great with how inexperience I am."

"I'm sure." She smiles. "I trust you."

You didn't say anything. You... didn't expect her to trust after knowing who you are or your power, or what happened yesterday even. You always thought that you're going to be yelled at or blamed or anything. You've always blamed yourself for everything that happens before... maybe it's time to stop...? Daisy is looking at you, wondering why you're so quiet. "...Sorry, I'm just... reflecting on myself."

"Oh, uh... do you... want me to leave?"

"..No. It's fine... I think I'd rather have some company for now." You reply. "...And maybe I should also undo some of my suggestions, huh?"

"You should." She reply with a slight angry face. "I don't want to seem happy everytime I think about our time hanging out. People might find it weird."

You both laugh. It's been a while since you've laugh like this... or open up to someone. "But, there's one problem."

"Hmm?"

"I... don't know how to do that again." You tell her. She looks confused. "I know, I did do it yesterday, but it's more like it just.. happened, like a flow or something. I... still figuring it out, but I've never had anyone to try it out so..." You didn't say anything more...

After a while, Daisy breaks the silence. "How about me?"

You looks at her. "You... want to help me practice my magic?"

"It's not like I have anything left... Might as well just... let you do anything with me." She respond. You're not sure if 'anything' are the right word. You'll only do what you're confident it and nothing else... and it seems she notice you think about it.

"Either way... I guess you don't mind if I make you... mine?" God, that sounds terrible to say. She didn't flinch at your words and just nod with a smile. Her smile is so innocent and cute... But you need to hold back for now, it still feels awkward to do now. "Alright, are you ready?"

"Yes."

You actually have a job to do today, but this is more important for now. You sit with her on your bed and hold her right hand. You focus, letting your magic flow into your hand and... 'tried' to use hypnosis with physical contact. "Do you feel anything, Daisy?" You ask her.

"Hm... it feels like... I'm being lulled to a slumber." She reply. Her eyes began to droop a little as the same pink glow from last time appeared in her eyes dimly.

You could intensify it, but you... want to play it safe, and your magic capacity seems to only expand from tiny to small. You drag her closer gently with your other hand, letting her body touch yours. Your first thought when your body touch her is how soft it is. You can't help but smile at the thought and she's smiling too as you smile. "...Let's start." That was embarrassing. "I want you to close your eyes. Hear my voice carefully, feel how warm it make you feel, how it make you feel relaxed, safe, and... happy. Happy to listen, to relax, and to fall deeper, and deeper, letting yourself being engulfed by those feelings" She closed her eyes when told to. She slowly followed your every word, letting herself guided by your voice, it's very soothing after all. She trust you after all, so it's okay... it's alright. "Let yourself drift as my voice guide you through blissful trance. Letting your thoughts drown in ecstasy as fall deeper, and deeper, into a trance." It's okay for her to let go... trust the voice... no need to think... no need to...

From this point on forward, you kept going and bringing her deeper and deeper until you think it's enough. As you go deeper, the glow also intensifies little by little, until it stops at some point when it completely covers her eyes in it's own hues. You begin to tell her, who is deep in trance, to forget of all the previous suggestions you've told her previously, which she agrees to and you think she does so. It's much easier than last time and you know why. You begin on giving her the new suggestions... that you thought of on the spot. You didn't plan on using hypnosis again on her, and last time your suggestions felt like more of a forced commands. You try to do it properly this time with what you know. You speak to her gently.

"I want you to imagine yourself floating, feeling nice and happy where you are right now. As you look around, you see floating objects all around you. Some seems familiar while some don't. "

She didn't say anything. You can only see her there, asleep in a sitting position while smiling. You can only trust her that she still follows through your every words.

"Each of these objects represents something about you, a part of you. They are what roams within you, reminding you of past knowledge or memories." While you're talking, you kept thinking about hugging her, feeling those furs... but you restrain yourself. It'll be embarrassing if she asks you about it. "Somewhere in the distance, you can see a large box that contains things you do not want to remember or think about." Daisy slowly stop smiling after hearing that. "Right now, it is not locked. Which is why you still see those horrible memories you don't want to see and hear scary thoughts you don't want to think of." Her hand grips tighter onto yours, her face looks uneasy, but her mind are still in a deep sleep... or trance. You still never understand that part of hypnosis from anything that talks about it. "I can help you close that box and lock it for good, and all you need to do is listen to my voice, and follow it." She begins to calm down. You're glad starts to calm down again. "But first, let's put all the bad things in there. The worst are in there, but there's still a lot more floating around you. All you had to do is just listen and follow my words. You don't need to think about it. There's no need to anyway. After all, all you need is my voice to guide you." Her body has calmed down and her grip on your hands aren't gripping as hard, not that you mind.

You felt... something within her and It felt like... your magic? It's in her, flowing around, spreading throughout her body, and you also felt her soul through your magic. It didn't repel your magic away, but rather embracing or accepting them. "...Let's start by putting the recent bad memories you've gotten, imagine those memories floats away into the box. As each of those bad memories are put away, you felt much better, free, happy even. You're happy knowing you've gotten rid of those bad memories." As you finish your sentence, she smiling again. You give her a pat on the head with the hand that is not holding hers. "You're happy in doing what I told you to. You're happy that you listen to me, following my words. Doing what I told you is right, it makes you happy after all. And every time you listen, you felt pleasure from it. When you do as I told you to, you also felt pleasure washed all over you." She shudders. You kind of want to see what her eyes looks like right now because of your experience with the first one.

Her face is smiling mindlessly as her drool starts to drip out of her mouth. Maybe that's too much pleasure, but this is what you know from your past life. " Now that everything that is bad has been stored in that box, we're going to lock it up. When it's locked away, you won't be able to remember them nor can you recall ever knowing them before. I may have not let you put away the knowledge you don't like, but they're necessary if you want to follow my every word. You want listen to me, don't you?" She nods. "You want to do what I told you to, right?" She nods again. "You want to obey my every word, don't you?" Daisy nods. No hesitation in each answer as she just mindlessly nods to your every word. "Good girl." She moans in ecstasy. You might've... overdone it. You doubt most of this will stick for now, and she will remember so you can just ask her if she wants to continue with... being a 'good girl'. "Let's lock those bad memories away now. Behind you, a chain lock begin to form. They're getting bigger, longer, and stronger until they completely formed into existence within your mind. They flew onto the box, latching themselves on it and locking itself at the box. After it's locked, a dome began to form around the box, making sure nothing get past it to the box unless I give you permission. We might have some use of those memories after all, and having access to them while not having them roam freely in your mind is important for you. Don't you agree?" She hesitate for a moment, but eventually she nods.

You really need to talk to her about it later. "Good, and don't worry. You can always ask if you want to... see them clearly in your mind. It's yours after all." You assure her even if it's not necessary. There's no reaction from her... and that worries you. "I now want you to just let yourself float in silent for a moment. Let my voice filled your mind as I give you instruction that you will have to remember. Do you understand, Daisy?" She nods. "Good girl." She's shaking, not from fear, but from ecstasy you're guessing. Her body falls to the side onto yours. She might be attached to you and your words, but it won't last. It's still the first... or second, session after all. "For starters, you will remember everything that happens while you're in this state. It won't be fair if you suddenly can't remember this blissful experience when you're awake after all. And secondly, I want you to feel more confident in yourself. I know it's hard to lose someone important, but you're not alone." You hug her with your hand still holding hers as a bridge for your magic into her. "You did help me, even after what I did and learning about who I am, so let me help you too." ...She nods, still leaning onto your shoulder. It was a delayed response, but you're glad she agreed to be helped. "...Good, now take a good sleep, Daisy. You deserve it." She listened, and she falls into a slumber.

You gently move her from your shoulder, lift her to a better position on your bed... again, and tuck her in. You wonder if this is going to a reoccurring event for each hypnosis. She is cute, but you're not bad or anything... or you're just scared. You finally have someone to open up to, someone who understands what you feel, someone you felt... close to you... Either way, you've spent too much time hypnotizing her... again. When she wakes up, you should talk to her about what you've done to her. You've made sure her subconscious locks away those bad memories, whatever they are other than the one about her brothers death and her struggles. You... need a distraction for now.

You left your room and went to the mailing facility in the association. You went to Beso who's at the counter.

"...So, how did it go?" Beso asks.

...You have a guess he misunderstood the situation. "You do realized too young for dating, right?"

"Oh, sorry. I thought you finally found someone you love. Youngster like you should find someone soon."

"You're not even old."

"Maybe not, but my life are not as free as yours, son."

...

"...So, what brings you here this late?"

"...Delivery."

He was taken back by what you said. "You sure? It's going to get dark soon. You don't have to-"

"Please"

"...Alright, fine. If you think you can handle it. There's one package that no has delivered yet for days."

Not delivered? That's new. Usually they deliver anything no matter how hard it is.

Beso went to the back and brings back a package that is... normal looking. "This package needs to be delivered to the swamp."

...Ah. No wonder.

"Please be careful. If it seems too dangerous. Just run." His voice sounds serious and you know why.

The swamp is a very dangerous area for bugs, especially when it's dark. You'll need a lantern of some sort. "Do you have oil?"

"No? What are those?"

"...Nothing. What about something that I can use as light?"

He thinks for a moment. "Ah. We have those crystal lantern the association gave to explorers. i could ask to borrow one for you, if you like."

Perfect. "That'll be great, Beso."

Beso went... somewhere. Explorers, huh? You wonder... will you be able to be one? It seems profitable... but dangerous. You think about more and... money is money, right? You might even find something good while traveling out there. Your thought was interrupted by Beso coming in. He's carrying a simple but pretty looking lantern with a glowing crystal in it.

"Here you go, kid. Don't die out there." He hands over the lantern.

You take it and hangs it on your bag. "Thanks, I'll be back soon.."

You sprint out of the building and head over to the tunnels. The guards stops you, like always, and you showed them your badge and they let you in, but with a question.

"Why are you in hurry this late at night?"

"Delivery!" You shout while running.

You can guess that the guard ant are surprised that you're doing a delivery this late, and well... it's a good distraction despite the risk, and you're confident you can protect yourself. You've been scavenging random things you could find and you can do a quick craft to fight your enemies... or you could use something as a sword or club. Either way, there's a chance this delivery has a high reward anyway considering it's location, so it's a win win. No time to lose!

Chapter Text

You've been running for minutes after taking the job to deliver the package, at night nonetheless. Even with the tunnel as shortcut, your destination are quite far and dangerous. For the danger, you can just avoid them, but not if you're caught. Which is why night time is perfect for this... But who the fuck lives in the swamp.

"Urgh, my legs are killing me." You slow down and sit onto a tree to rest yourself up. You're near the swamp... It's right there, in front of you, giving you some creepy vibes. You wish you have a weapon, a bow maybe or a gun... Nah, they don't have guns yet, you thought. You took out a honey drop from your bag and slurp it up. You still wonder why your honey taste better than those at the stores, but you're not exactly a bee before, so the only way to find out is... ask the bees? Would they even take you seriously though? Of course not, you don't even know what kind of bee you are right now and asking a fellow bee about something that all bees should've known will be a big embarrassment for yourself.

After a few minutes of resting, you continue on and head over to the swamp. As you enter, you felt chills on your back. If you were in your previous life, this wouldn't be as scary as it is now. Everything just looks big and dark and... well, you've read about the many danger of this area. They say that some tribes lives here and claim this place as their territory. Maybe you should start reading more of the books in the library... but it's so boring. You're quickly interrupted with some noises from the distance. They looks like the leafbug you've read about back in town. They seem to be talking about something. You sneak closer and hide behind a rock and listen... It's gibberish. You don't know what they're saying, but you make a guess that they're the Leafbug Tribes based on their species alone. You don't understand their language if it's even one, nor do you want to know more about them. Right now, all that matters right now is that they're dangerous. Flying would've been so nice right now...

You sneak your way past the leafbugs by going around them through a bunch of tall grass and rocks. You thought you're safe, but there's more ahead, a lot of them. You sigh and contemplating your life choices. Eventually though, you did get past them all without problem, but your heart felt like it's going to burst at any moment from the suspension. You hate this place so much that you wrote a whole paragraph in your notebook about how horrible this place is.

You continue on with your delivery, which from this point on won't be a problem because the package comes with a map telling you where to go to find the house... That's what they drawn on the map. You're not gonna question it. Just gotta do the job and leave as soon as possible. You kept walking, following the map's directions until you eventually see... a wooden house. Strangely, this is the first time you've seen a house made out of wood ever since you got to this world. Most houses you've seen are built with it's surrounding natures like leaves, mushroom, some junk that being remodeled into a livable place, or something like that. You did heard that in some place, they built their house the same as humans did... and now you could see an example of that. A house that look like it was built with wooden planks and painted to form a simple house you mostly seen in games or photos of cottage. And while thinking of this, you've completely forgotten of where you are until you heard the creepy noise again. You quickly walk toward the house... Well, running would've been better, but you still need your energy just in case.

You knock at the door as soon as your arrive and then waiting nervously in front of it. It didn't take long for them to answer as the door suddenly opens and makes you jump. After the bug comes to full view, you can see a moth...? Definitely not the kind you've seen before since you don't read much about bugs and insects. Although, the moth in front of you look beautiful... if not for the dust stain on their fur.

"Oooh! Did you brought my stuff?" She said gleefully.

It snaps you back to reality and you take out the package out of your bag. "Um, yes. Here you go-" They too the package before you get to finish your sentence.

"Yes! YES! Finally, with this my house will be complete!" She opens the package, revealing a... plushie? She hugs the plushie tightly while giggling. "Oh right!! Come on in! Don't want my special guest be waiting out in the stinking swamp." She said boldly. Even you're not sure if you can say that to others.

You walk into the house and close the door behind you. As you look around, you're impressed, amazed even. This house looks very clean and comfy, filled with things you normally had in a house. It looks so perfect from your point of view, and you began to wonder how does a plushie is the one going to make this place complete... Oh well, better not ruin the moment asking about it. "So... nice place you got here."

"Aww, thanks cutie! It's been my dream living like this."

"Your... dream? You mean living in the swamp with all of those dangerous creature outside???"

"No, silly. I mean my house. I built this myself you know." She said with proud. Can't argue with that.

"But why built your house in the swamp?"

"Because no one will disturb me in my work of art here."

"Work of art?"

She just smiles and walks toward her closet and opens it, revealing... a lot of paintings. Not big, but they're pretty and detailed. "What do you think?"

"It's... great actually." You continue "But still... isn't there a better place to be alone in peace?"

"Oh no no. There's simply no better place than here. I've seen some bugs running around their houses and taking their stuff like it's theirs. Truly horrendous."

Why does this sound like what would people do in a game? "Oookay?"

She smiles at you, thinking you understand. "Oh right! I was so excited about my plush that I forgot to pay you." She rummage through her drawers and took out a similar crystal you've seen, but at the size of your head and it's also yellow. "Here, I'm pretty sure people would buy this for 1000 berries."

...What? You froze in place. "1- 1- 1000 Berries?!?"

"Yep." She said, smiling at you. "I would've just give you a bag for berries with the same value, but-" WHAT? "I think you might have better use of this crystal than others, so I think you should have it."

"Wait wait wait. Isn't this too much for delivering a plushie?!?"

"I mean, you could've died."

You instantly went silent. She's... not wrong there, but still... who's in their right mind pays someone 1000 berries for a delivery despite the danger nowadays? "um... thanks."

"Don't worry, cutie." She gives you a wink. "You should better worry on how to get back."

You flinch at her statement. Now that you think about it, how are you going to get back? Flying? Digging? No... you can only walk back. "...Thanks for the payment."

"Aww don't be so down. I'm sure you'll be just fine." Sounds like a foreshadowing to you. "I wish you good luck out there."

You just nod and leaves the house. She waves at you as you walk further away, back to the way you came from. On the way though, you notice a glass shard on the ground. You probably didn't notice it before because you were so focused on following the map... and because that thing is transparent. You hold it in your hands and look at it. It might seem like a good thing to have a round, but its edges are too sharp. You decide to bring it with you anyway, so you wrap it in a bunch of leaves you can find laying around. Some were cut because you're not careful and it makes the process takes much a longer time to do. Once you finish, you continue walking... until you heard something rustling in the grass. Screw that, you immediately run for your life. There's no way you would just stay and look at it and wait for whatever troubles about to come for you. Although that thought quickly cut short, because the creature jumps in front of you. It's... a giant spider. God why everything here are so fucking big here. It goes for a bite and you dodge it. You keep running, the spider is chasing you at the same speed you're running. You run and run and run, and eventually a group of leafbugs can bee seen and they notice you and the spider. They panic and runs away to a different directions. You were about to look back to check if the spider is close or far, but before you can see them, you are hit hard and thrown to a tree.

Everything hurts, your ears are ringing, blood gushing out of your head. It hurts. It hurts... It hurts... You don't want to die... You're scared... you're...

Your mind blanks during this moments, only one thought are in your mind right now. "I don't want to die." Your body stands up, walks over to your bag and grabs the glass. You... can't control your body. It feels like you're in the backseat and watching yourself moving on their own... You can still move your eyes and head slightly, but that's all you can do and it hurts. It hurts to move, but you don't want to die. You... try to move your body that is moving on their own, heading towards the spider. That creature is watching you, getting closer, ready to attack again. As you move along with your body, the pain... lessen, but you also finding yourself having a hard time staying conscious. You don't remember why you were scared before, but you keep going anyway, following your own body's movement. The creature jumps at you... and you move swiftly and attacks the creature.

You cut. It attacks. You dodge and attack again. It attacks back. You dodge and attack again. It attacks back. You dodge and attack again. It attacks back. You dodge barely... you attack, faster.... faster.... Faster! You kept cutting, slashing, over and over and over. You feel your left hand got hit, but you grab the glass with your other hand and continues to cut. You cut and cut... and cut... and cut. It tries to runs away. You chase them. Everything blurs out continues to cut them. You then jumps on top of them... and stab them right in the eye and push it through it's head.

...The creature screams, and falls... You also fall off the creature to the ground... You stand up... You grab your bag... You look at the creature... You drag the creature... You walk back home.

Beso has gotten very worried because Blu hasn't come back yet. It will be noon soon and there's still no sight of him nor does anyone see him. While scanning through his papers, he saw a glimpse of a shadow in the corner of his eyes. He turn up and see... He see... Blu, dragging a giant spider corpse. Not only that, he's bleeding everywhere, his arms are broken and his legs are misplaced. A lot of bugs gather around him, but he didn't stop walking. Blu lets go of the corpse and walks inside... and falls to the floor. It's not only Beso that immediately run to him as soon as he falls, there's even bugs from the expedition teams came to check out the bee. Some are horrified from looking at the wounds, some are impressed... and then there's a bee crying, hugging Blu on the ground. Beso recalls that it's the bee Blu brought into his room two days ago. Nobody stops her from doing what she's doing... everyone just watch. Beso decide to do something. A kid is dying and all they do is watch. If he's left like this for too long, he's going to die and Beso don't want this young bee to die from a job at a very young age when he can do so much more in life. He went out and search for a certain team explorer that are rumored to have known the Goddess in Golden Hill personally. He doesn't believes in god and that kind of stuff, but this is the only hope he has to save him. Beso prays that Blu will survive and that he can continue living and enjoy his life while he still can.

Chapter Text

Pain. Your whole body hurts. Everything hurts. Why do you still struggle? What's the point? But even so, you kept going. You... refuse to give up, even if the world hates you. You've forgotten why, but... it's not wrong to give up, right? ...For some reason, your body feels a bit better. Something smells nice. Whatever it is, it feels good. You want to open your eyes, but it's painful. It's still painful to do anything... but you want to open your eyes, so you keep trying. You keep trying over and over, the pain starting to disappear as you keep going. Eventually you don't feel the pain as much anymore, but you feel so tired.

"-sure he's okay now? He's not waking up..."

You hear a voice.

"I'm sure of it. You just have to be patient, dear."

"Yea, she might not look like it but her healing works wonder."

There's more of them. You try again to open your eyes. Light begin to seep through.

"Miss, please calm down. I'm sure he'll wake up soon."

"We could poke him.. That should wake him up"

"We are NOT doing that Leif!"

You force yourself to wake up... and you sort of regretted it. You... manage to open your eyes at least? Everything still hurts though. You groan in pain as you slump back to the ground full of... flowers? You look around you and you see some unfamiliar scenery, and some bugs you've never seen before, a plant lady, and Daisy... wait plant lady?? Wait Daisy?!?

"Blu, you're alive!" She jump to you and pull you into a hug. You feel her tears flowing down to your shoulder. Why is she crying? And where are you? What happened? You remember fighting a giant spider and... everything's a blur afterwards.

"Thank goodness. We were worried you're not waking up anytime soon." You're not sure who they are... but you're glad you're not dead at least... Although it hurts having Daisy hugging you. You look around your body and you don't see any wounds at all.

"Come on, Kabbu. You know how effective Venus's healing scents are." The bee spoke.

"Even so, his wounds was... very severe."

So you were dying... but now you're fine? And what's this talk about healing scent? ...You put that thought away for now, there's something else know. "Uh, anyone mind telling me what happened? Where the heck am I?"

Everyone is looking at you. "Oh, full of question, are we? If you must know, these group of explorer brought you here to save you."

"Save me? How exactly?"

"With my little buds healing scents, of course."

...Of course. Well, you are talking to a flower plant lady... or whatever she is. "Um... Thanks?"

"You don't sound very impress, dear."

"...I bet you already know who I am."

She laugh. "I didn't expect you to catch up that quickly."

You were right??? You were just guessing it from how she's rooted to the ground!

"Although, I have to admit. You are one peculiar bug. I can't seem to sense your presence, even now." She said. Sense? What does she mean? "But I do heard of you from one of my followers. From there, I try to find you and the only time I know where you are when someone is talking about you. You're almost like Leif over there, but different."

You're still wondering what she meant by sensing your presence, but I guess this is a good info too. You hear the explorers are talking with each other, obviously they've been listening. "Uhm... Daisy, can you let me go? It... still hurts."

"Oh, Sorry!" She let you go. "But you shouldn't have put yourself in danger like that!" She yell at you. This surprise you, you've never seen her like this after all.

"U- uh, sorry?"

"You better be!" She said with tears still flowing out of her eyes.

You're not sure how to react to this... or what to do. You give her a rub on her back. You look at the explorers. They all 3 are different from each other, and... well they seem adorable to you at least. A bee, a beetle, and a moth...? You felt... something from the moth. it's almost like when you sensed your magic in Daisy that grew when you use your magic on her constantly, but it always dimmed down when left alone. So... does this mean what you felt from the moth is... magic?

"Uh, Hello? Why are you staring at us like that?" The bee spoke.

"Wha?" You were cut off from your train of thought... Oh right. You should probably thank them... and the flower lady you suppose. "...Thanks everyone, for... saving me." You're still not sure what happened as the memory are still a blur, but thinking about the memory itself makes your heart beat faster. Maybe it's best to not know that blurry part of your memory.

"It's our pleasure to help you and your friend." The beetle said

"But you did make an old man worried over you." The moth spoke.

...Wait, old man? "By any chance, is he named Beso?" you ask curiously.

"Yeah! What? Is he a friend of yours"

"Vi! That is rude of you to-"

You laugh. Everyone seems confused to your reaction. Oh man, even here you still hear Beso assumed to be old. "Do all fo you assume he's an old man? He's 23 years old!"

"WHAT?!?" The beetle and the bee shout at the same time. You laugh even harder as Daisy and the moth seems to be laughing as well.

The moth then spoke. "Did you two really think he's old?"

"You knew?!?" The bee yells at the moth.

You are definitely documenting this moment in your notebook later. Wait... where is your bag? Your stuff? "...Daisy, where's my stuff?"

"Oh! I brought it with me." She stands up and go somewhere nearby and pulls out the bag from the field of flowers. She seems much calmer at least. "Here. I thought you're going to ask for it so I thought it would be a good idea to bring it with me."

"Thanks." Thank god it's not stolen. But... it's damaged. it's only a small hole on the fabric, you could sew it back like always. You take out your sewing kit and a cotton from your bag.

"Huh?" Daisy seems surprised. "You have a sewing kit?"

"Well, yeah. The bag usually gets damage while delivering package, so this is for fixing it." You said while sewing the damaged part of your bag in a way that it made it looked like it wasn't damaged before. 

"Woah." The beetle spoke. "You are good at this."

"Thanks." You smiled. After a while, you're done fixing your bag and put the sewing kit and the leftover cotton into your bag.

"Well, Blu." The flower lady spoke. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions."

You're not that surprised she knows your name. Daisy been saying it for a while now. "I do, but it can wait." Everyone except her seems to not know what I meant. "We'll be seeing each other soon tomorrow, yeah?" Then it clicks for them. The Harvest Festival. "I Was invited by one of your followers after all."

She laugh. "I'm sure we will. That is, if you succeed in doing so."

"Do what?"

After I ask that, everyone explain to me what they do during the festival and the explorer team explain about the offerings and the sparring match. What catches your attention is... Free food! just thinking about it makes you drool already. And then you realized everyone saw you drool. You wipe your mouth quickly before covering your face in embarrassment.

"A- anyways, the festival sound fun."

"Well, as long you don't embarrass yourself" The moth said with a smirk.

"Leif!"

"They're not wrong though." The bee spoke.

"...Say, I never got your name. Who are you guys?"

Daisy step in to explain. "They're team Snakemouth, blu. You know, the so called hero you heard a lot about."

"Oh." ...You don't show much reaction about it.

"The bee is Vi, the beetle is Kabbu, and the moth is Leif."

What a bunch of unique names. "...Hey." I look at the moth while asking Daisy in whispers. "Is the moth have magic too?"

"Oh right. You didn't know, huh." She whisper back. "Yes, Leif can also use magic. Ice magic, to be exact."

Ice, huh. That's nice. You wish you could use ice too so you can have cold drinks... but the magic you felt from them and you are different. When your mind was bombarded with information fo your magics, you learn you have 3... the question is what are they and how do you even... unlock them? Magic sucks sometimes...

"It would be a shame if your secret got out."

"!!!" You forgot about the flower lady.

"Just kidding."

"...I want to cut you." I said looking at her angrily.

"Oh don't be like that. It's just a joke. Although you two seem very worried about it."

You and Daisy looks at each other. Those 3 looks confused though.

"Urgh, we'll talk about it later when I met you again. So, what's your name, lady." Everyone seems to gasp except for Daisy that just gives a smile that seems to say like 'I knew you're gonna ask her like that'... ouch, and the flower lady just laughs it off.

"My name is Venus, known as the Harvest Goddess. Don't forget it." She said playfully at the end.

"Venus?" The name of a planet? ...Well that piles up to your stack of questions.

Eventually you left as team snakemouth escort you and Daisy back to the Ant Kingdom. On the way, we talked about things like how you and Daisy meet, why am I in the Ant Kingdom working as a Mail Carrier, and why was I dragging a... spider corpse? You... remember it a bit now... You were planning on selling it. Hearing that, Vi was very agreeing with me and ask if I could share some of berries I might get from it, and her team stops her. It was fun talking like this... but you don't talk much during it, Daisy helps you with it though. After you arrived back at the association, you see Beso running towards you and then hug you. You must've made him very worried with how bad your conditions were.

A lot happens... You're lying on your bed as the sky turns dark. You're not sure you manage to keep track of what did happened after being hugged by Beso. You remember that a lot of local bugs came to visit you to check in. We had some conversation, some jokes, some crying... so many. Daisy also goes to her home after all of those visits. You ask Beso if you could sell that corpse you drag all the way here and he, of course, was flabbergasted with the idea, but since it's my prey I get to do what I want with it. So I'm now waiting for the result tomorrow whether it can be sold or something else is prepared for it. Speaking of that, you REALLY need to not get yourself killed. Today was just a lucky day, you suppose. It might not happen again, you could just pass out with those wounds in such dangerous area... You could've... You need to stop thinking about this and look on the bright side. You still had the yellow crystal thing in your bag, and... you could try use it for something. Maybe accessories? or a machine? But you don't have the tools nor the place for crafting. You yawn, it's very late so you went to sleep. Hopefully tomorrow aren't so bleak.

Tomorrow has arrive... and you are still fucking tired. You wanted to sleep a bit longer, but suddenly a loud knocking sound coming from your room's door. You get off your bed and opens the door. The bug that was knocking your door was... Maki? The one known as the queen's royal blade??? Why is he here in front of your room???

"Blu, I presume?"

"Oh- Uh, yes. I am Blu." You answer nervously.

"Come, there's something we'd like to discuss."

You just nod and follow him. Did you do something wrong? No way, you're only a mail carrier... and you almost died while doing your job. Is that what this is about? Are they going to fire you? Are you going to- Maki stops and it took you by surprise. Thankfully you manage to stop yourself before bumping into him.

"We're here." He said.

Here? You look around, and you see a bunch of group of bugs in the building. They seem to be talking or discussing something with the ones they know. You look back at Maki and see there's a beetle right beside him. He... looks different than from the one you met at Golden Hills. Or maybe you're just dumb for not know about the variety of bugs in the world.

"Blu, this is Eetl. He'll inform you of what you're here for." Maki spoke

"You're Blu, right?"

"Uh... yea." You answer while still in confusion of your situation.

"Good. We'd like to offer something for you. It's related to what happened yesterday."

Yesterday... Is he talking about the corpse? He's not gonna fine your for it, right? "What about yesterday?"

Eetl looks at Maki and he gives him a nod, and then face back to you. "We'd like you to join an exploration team." 

...What?

"And with your record, you're allowed to be an explorer on your own." He continues.

...Hold on. What? "Wait, wait, wait. What do you mean by that? I don't remember doing a test or anything like that."

"We didn't just decide this based on your stunt yesterday. We've learned that you've been doing your deliveries alone without any help from an exploration team." Maki spoke.

"Huh? What do you mean?" What he said confuses you. "Aren't all Mail Carrier does their job alone?"

"Normally they would, but your record shows that you've been doing deliveries on dangerous areas and rarely used the tunnels to avoid them." Eetl answered.

"But... I thought the tunnels are for easy travel, not to avoid the roads."

"You might have misunderstood the purpose of it." Eetl reply. "The tunnels are made to make sure  the people can travel with ease and not have to worry of the danger they might face while on the road."

You're in disbelief. You could've avoid everything even that weevil you fought a week ago if you just ask explorers to help you out? "Well this changes everything. So... do explorers usually come in pairs or something."

"Indeed." Maki answers.

"But you're not the only one who got this kind of privilege. Take team snakemouth as example." Eetl also spoke.

Wow, what a privilege, you think sarcastically.

"Normally I would have to test you, but you've done enough to prove your skills and experiences to protect yourself out there." Maki said. For some reason, it feels very uplifting to hear him tell you that.

"Here's your permit." Eetl hands you the explorer's permit. You take it nervously. "With that, you should be able to go to places you normally not allowed to pass through."

"I hope you won't be endangering yourself like yesterday." Make spoke.

"Definitely. I don't want to die just yet." You reply with a sigh at the end.

"By the way..." Eetl spoke. "Do you have a weapon?"

"...No. I usually have to use what's around me or just punch them. I was planning on getting a sword or something like that." It'll be cool to swing a sword like back then...

"What about the glass you used to kill the spider?"

"It's not like I use that because I wanted to, I was forced to." You might've said that too harshly. "...Sorry."

"Don't be, I understand what you meant." Eetl replies.

"I have to leave now, I've left my post long enough." Maki said before leaving the building.

After Maki left, Eetl explains to you what being an explorer is like and what you can do. He also told you about how the permit can store data of your battles... It's a lot to process, but not as much as meeting a god with someone crying over you and you find yourself somewhere unfamiliar. He taught about the quest board where bugs all around Bugaria post their request and you have to complete them if you ever take them. The rewards will depend on what quest you're doing. Sounds like a game thing, but also not. You look at the quest board and there's a lot of them. Shouldn't there be less instead of more with all these explorers in here? Well, whatever. Tonight you have to go to the festival. You have questions to ask, after all.

"Thanks for showing me the ropes, Eetl." You said to him

"It's my pleasure, Blu. Stay safe!"

You left the building. Apparently you were in the Explorer's Association in the crossroad outside the town. Huh... well, you've got time before the festival, might as well play some game in the arcade... Your head hurts with all the information you've just gotten today.

Chapter Text

Blu is on his way to Golden Settlement to attend the Harvest Festival. He's sobbing on the way there because he just lost all of his tokens on the arcade games. He can't focus what all the recent events that has happened lately. Not only that, he's still tired AND hungry since yesterday. Imagine not eating for 2 days straight and only eat your own honey during those days. Oh well, Kabbu mentioned about a food competition at the festival. Hopefully it'll fill his stomach... and not some horrible food.

After being confronted by a few of those acorn like seedlings, and surprisingly no weevil, you arrived at the festival. Looking at all around him leaves him in awe at how big and crowded the place is compared to yesterday. Did they really prepared all this in one day? ...Blu shakes his head and reminds himself that this is festival and he should enjoy while he still can. Thinking so hard on everything will brings nothing but headaches. He went in and go explore the place.

While you were checking on what the place could over, you saw other explorers here too! One of them is team snakemouth, and also the only exploration team you knew as of now. You wonder if Maki also attends the festival or not.

"Oh you're hear!"

You hear a familiar voice. You turn around and see the mantis you've met before during your deliveries! "Oh! Uhm, hello miss."

"Indeed. I'm so glad you came. I thought you might not make it with the rumors spreading around." The mantis lady spoke.

"Rumors?"

"Yes. There's a lot of rumors of how you slay a beast and brought it back with you."

"Oh." You're not sure if you should feel proud of that or not. "Is there more to the rumors?"

"They said you almost died when you came back." There we go. "And that you were protecting someone from it." ...and that's where the truth ends.

"You know what... I think I'd rather not know the rest of it."

"Oh, alright dear. I'm sorry for interrupting your time, but I was wondering. Are you perhaps planning on meeting the goddess?" She asks you curiously.

You're surprised. "How did you know?" I ask back. It's not like Venus can move from how you see her before... right? Now you can't help but imagine her traveling around using her roots as legs.

"Miss Aria told us about it. She said the goddess is waiting for you up there."

Up there... You look up. And finally you see just how tall the place you came back from was. How come you didn't notice you were high up back then??? "Uh... I'll try my best?"

"Oh I'm sure you will, dear. I know you'll manage." She said those last words before going somewhere.

You still have no clue what Venus followers do everyday or today at all. They all seemed very devoted at least... maybe too devoted. Not your business, so you should just go explore more. Except that team snakemouth found you already.

"So you really do came."

"Um, of course I do, Leif. Why wouldn't I after what I said."

"You sure you're okay?" Kabbu asks worryingly.

"He's fine, Kabbu. You worry too much."

"Yea, Kabbu. Give him some slack."

...You can't tell if they're making fun of Kabbu or just telling him that. "Well, since I'm here... Care to tell me where do I get the offerings?"

"Oh right! You want to meet her again, huh. Well, I hope you can beat Leif during eating contest." Vi said.

"WHERE!?" You shout excitedly.

"Gah! Jeez, are you really that excited for that?"

You nod frantically. Your defense is that it's free food. what other reason you need to be excited about it.

The conversation continues a bit before they brought you to the contest. When we arrived, Leif mentioned about how the contestant increase from last year again. This might be tough. When the contest about to start, you took your seat and wait while they announcing the contestant. You notice that... uhm... there's some rivalry between each explorers. You feel so out of place here. You look at the pile of crunchy leaves on the wooden tray . You want to just eat them now so badly.

"Ready... Set..." Everyone is ready, and then... "Eat!"

You shove them into your mouth. You usually eat mushroom since they're much bigger and more filling, but crunchy leaves taste like potato chips, except double the size. You crunch them at normal speed and enjoy the large amount of leaves you just put into your mouth. When you're done, you're going to shove more... but there's nothing there...

"Stop! We have a winner!" Everyone is looking at you, surprised while you can't help but be sad. You're still hungry. Although, the others haven't touch much of theirs.

"...Can I eat yours too?" One of the contestant is flabbergasted while Leif laughs. There's also others, but they're not that surprised... maybe that guy just overreacting.

The contest concluded. You are crowned as the winner as they say, not literally at least, and earned yourself the moon offering... You're also not allowed to touch the other trays. You tummy is grumbles.

"Are you seriously still hungry?" Vi said.

"Not my fault, Okay! I haven't eaten anything since yesterday!"

"Oh no, that's terrible." Kabbu said.

"It is!" And you're very upset about it.

"Still, that was very impressive." Kabbu spoke again.

"Did you have fun shoving them into your mouth?" Leif ask.

"Yes... for a little bit."

"Alright, stop with this food talk. I'm getting myself hungry now because of this." Vi said with annoyance.

"Right, you still have one more offering to get."

"Where?"

He points to behind you. You turn around and see a sign with fences covers a large area. The worm competition...? "I have to wonder. Why have they not change the contest for these offerings?"

"Maybe they're just lazy?" Vi spoke.

"Or it's because of tradition." Leif also spoke.

Tradition does make a lot of sense. One wouldn't just change their tradition because it's been done many times. You've seen it for yourself in the past. "Well, whatever it is, I just have to win, right?"

"You have to smack 20 worms within a minute."

...Fuck.

You tried the contest and... hit at least 37 worms. You're so tired and your legs hurts from too much running at full speed. You got the Sun offering at least... Urgh.

"...Are you okay?" Kabbu ask.

"*pant*... what do you think?"

"Too bad, you still have one more to do."

You sit on the ground, trying to rest yourself up. You're not sure you hear what Leif just said.

"You're not gonna pass out, are you?" Vi said.

You want to swear so badly right now. "...No. Just... give me a minute." A minute eventually pass and you stand back up and takes a deep breath. "So... what's this last thing I have to do?"

"You'll see."

...Not much of a hint. Well you followed him anyway, hoping it's not going to be as bad. You seem to be going back to the center of the settlement, but something catches your eye. You saw a stall selling sticks... sticks. At least it's not a branch sticks, but a rod sticks... 20 Berries.. Hmm... You decide to stop by and get one. When you came back to the group, Vi ask you instantly.

"Why would buy a stick???"

"None of your business." You say with a smirk. You can try compromise with this stick as a weapon for a while with some modification later.

You continue following them and then they stops. Kabbu turns around at you. "We're here." ...You see two mantis on the wooden platform. One of them is her? "You'll be doing a sparring match up there."

"...Urgh..." You could only groan at this. "Well, thanks for the guide I guess."

"I'm sure you'll be fine. You have great skills, after all." Kabbu tries to comfort with his words. It did work, you feel a bit better.

"Thanks." You walk up the stage. They look at you.

"You did it!" She says with joy at you. "So, are you ready?"

...Does everyone here knows what you're doing? Not even asking if you have the offerings or explain what I'll be doing here?? "...Sure..."

The sparring ceremony, as they called it, went pretty smoothly. It's not as hard as you thought it would be, you and her face the one called 'Aria' in a sparring match as if we're dancing. it was fun and very freeing. You felt refreshed, before suddenly an earthquake happens and the statue moves up... wait, when was that road blocked? Also did they say something? You kind of spaced out there.

"Well, Blu. Whatever business you have with the goddess, I'm sure you won't do anything harmful towards her. I can feel who you are from our little sparring." Aria said.

"Oh, don't forget how beautiful you move!" She said with excitement.

You don't remember much what happened. Fault at your end. "...Thanks?"

You bid farewell to team snakemouth and Venus's followers... and take a fucking rest and tons of food. You spent 50 berries for it and you're not regretting it. You felt so full... and tasting new food was great. You didn't know you could ask the chef to cook the thing you bring for free. You should bring more later. You can just imagine the things you can eat without cooking by yourself.

Morning eventually came after a good night rest. You prepare yourself to meet Venus... again. Team snakemouth mentioned of how much usually of a hassle it was to get there the first time since Venus was protecting something so the machinery was put apart and placed in different places in golden hills. It's not the case anymore, but you're not sure how to get up there... you can't fly and you certainly can't use the crank and get up the elevator at the same time... You look at the crank, then at the elevator... You spin the crank with a hard hit and run to the elevator as fast as you can. Your hand hurts, that thing is too big... but it's still spinning fast at least. "...Nothing hap-" The elevator suddenly goes up very fast. You scream and panicking.

...Your body hurts all over. You didn't stick the landing at all. You get up, grab your back that flew a but further forward than you, and move on. You thought you could just walk in like you walk out yesterday, but the road is blocked. They did mention of how you had to place the offerings in somewhere... Ah. You see something above on both side... You understand what they meant by this being a hassle, even if it's not as much as what they have to do during their days. You went exploring... yay. Fight some weird snails shooting something from it's eyes, more of those acorn seedlings, and some chomper plants. This reminds you on a thought you have when you first fight normally as a Mail Carrier. Why do they drop berries? Where did it come from? They also sometimes drops something else like a dart or crunchy leaf or something else, maybe. Which makes more sense than berries... this world is weird. Also why is the currency are berries? ...You need to stop thinking about these things. They won't make sense no matter how hard you think about them.

You placed the last offering onto... the flytrap. Don't question it, just keep going. You do hear Venus spoke through them, but nothing really important than a thanks for the offerings. The gate made of vines opens up and you continue on, finally reaching Venus's garden... that's what it's called, right? When you arrived, Venus ask you a question.

"Did you enjoy your little strolls, Blu?"

"...Let's just get to the point."

"Oooh, impatient are we?"

You're really not in the mood for jokes.

"Don't worry, dear. You can just ask away your questions."

You decide to sit on the grassy part of the ground, letting yourself rest too while you're at it. "So... what do you mean by 'sense'? You mention something of sensing something with your buds?"

"That right. As long as my roots can reach it, I can pop one of my buds there and sense what's around there."

Doesn't sound very convenient as you expected.

"Besides, my buds don't have eyes. So all I can do is feel what around them."

"So what makes me not detectable to you?"

"Hmm, I don't know. Usually I could sense almost anything even when my buds weren't there. But for you, you don't seem to have any."

"...But why?"

She seems to be pondering a bit before answering. "Usually it's because a living bug is dead, the same goes for Leif."

Oh yea. She mention about Leif being similar to you, but... different? ...Wait, is Leif dead? A zombie?

"But in your case, you're not dead or infected."

"Infected?"

"I'm sure you'll learn that on your own. You can't call yourself an explorer without exploring now, don't we?"

"...I still have doubts about you being goddess. No offense."

"None taken, dear. I'm sure you have your reasons to believe so."

"...Don't worry, I won't be using my magic around you." It's not like you can do anything to her with how weak your magic are, but that seems to catch her off guard. Well she been acting a bit too considerate than yesterday, so you thought she's trying to not have a conflict or something... Or she's just surprised that I know. It's just a guess though. She's also seems to be more open to team snakemouth, maybe because they've known each other long enough? Beso doesn't say much about it, or because he only tells you what he knows. "But just for my curiosity, what do you think I would do with my magic?"

"I thought you would lift a giant boulder with your power."

"What!? I can't do that!"

"Oh. Well that's very disappointing."

That... hurts to hear, especially coming from a goddess. "Do you seriously expect me to have psychic magic?"

"Well, from what happens to little Daisy, Anyone would've assumed that's the case." ...She's not wrong. "Normally I would've played you of what you two were doing, but I have to be serious with you, Blu." Her tone changed a bit. It feels a bit unsettling for some reason. "When I try to recall any event where you talked with any bug, your voice doesn't seem to exist."

"...What?" You felt chills running though your back. "What do you mean by that...?"

"Oh dear, you know well what I'm talking about."

"But... that doesn't make any sense. Even if my presence not there-"

"I know, which is why I want to know something from you." This... the feeling you felt right now coming from Venus. This is probably why she is called the goddess. "Who are you?"

"Who... I am?" You're confused

"The very first hint of your existence I manage to find is from a seedling, and from how they reacted before acting weird was a surprised." Surprised? So the seedling was already there when you first appeared? ...Wait, so you pop into existence out of nowhere? "This is just my guess, but you are not from this world, are you?"

...You nod.

"Thought so."

Silence... a moment of silence. It feels so eerie.

"Let's move onto your next question, shall we?" She broke the silence with a smile.

"U- uh yea..." You... might have to do your own research of this later. "...Can you like... see what I wrote?"

"Oh, right. How come I never thought of looking at your notebook." She's giggling.

"...As much as I hate for you to read my notebook, it's probably better to have you know a few things of what I'm doing and researching." It's not like you wrote everything in there. Your past and details of you using your magic are left out and only being summarized for your sake to be fair.

"Alright, dear. So, anything else?"

"Hmm..." You think hard. There was something you wanted to know when studying in the library.... Oh right! The roaches! Those bugs who invented those very advanced techs and buildings. Sure it's now an ancient thing, but you're always excited to hear about inventions of those very futuristic technologies. You asked her about and well, she's definitely teasing you. Venus doesn't tell you much of the detail, maybe because she's not that interested in that or she likes to mess with me. Either way, you learned more than about them being the first to awaken, now you know how they built everything that explorers can find all around Bugaria. She mentioned that there's more outside Bugaria, but she said that it's impossible for me to go beyond for now. It's a bummer, really. You would've loved to be able to explore outside Bugaria after checking everything that has been documented here.

"That's all I've got for now." You spoke. But before you leave. "I... won't have to do that festival all over again to get here, right?"

She laughs at you. "Of course not, dear. You've proven yourself and I've given you permission to visit me."

Well thank god for that. You don't want to run around whacking worms again. "Oh, can you also make a better elevator, that thing almost killed me."

The conversation ends with her laughing again and telling you that she'll think about it... and told me to just learn to fly instead if I'm too impatient. Gee, what a goddess she is. But does that mean bees still do fly in this world? Aren't our bodies are bigger than our wings? ...Oh well, it's not like you're the expert here. You turn the giant crank, lowering it down and then you climb down. You're not riding that thing again. Once you've reach the ground, the sun are just about to set. Looks like you've been up there for a very long time. You head back to home by taking the tunnels instead of the road, and once you reach the Mailing Association building, you see a crowd in there. Beso came out of the crowd and told you that he has to announce something. He doesn't look happy and you don't know why, but... after his announcement, you kind of did. Beso announce that you've been... 'promoted'? into a explorer and that you won't be living here anymore since only those who work there can.

Beso and you are a close just because you two interact with each other more than others, and because of that you've always hear him talks about how he don't want anyone to risk their life just because of high rewards, that sort of thing. But... you've also told him of how you want to explore, how you want to have a home of your own, how you want to try all kinds of things, learns of advance technologies and try making them yourself if possible, and you've talks about how you wanted a lazy life without doing much... and that sort of conflicts with what you wanted and Beso laughs as he hears it. He understands what I want and won't stop me from reaching it, but he won't stop worrying. You don't mind that... if feels nice to have someone worry about you. But now... where the fuck do you sleep? You've packed your things and walks around to the area where you first wake up into this world. Not much good memories, but it's still very nostalgic. You grab some sticks, pebbles, rocks, and some leaves and make a makeshift tent. It... could be better. You're pretty rusty after having a place to sleep on for almost 3 weeks. You enter your tent and lay down, putting your things away and try to get yourself to sleep.

...You just realized that back then, you're suggesting Venus to be your stalker. I don't think any of them knows what stalker is... or maybe they do. She's not... just going to pop-up randomly to check your notebook, right? ...She might appears when you're asleep... hopefully. You also forgot to ask about why the festival is a thing and when did she gets her first follower and started whatever culture it is there... Oh well, it's better to not know too much. At least from Venus you learned that bees still fly like the one you fought there. You... could ask Daisy for help. Myabe... but you need to prepare a lot of things starting tomorrow, since you're homeless... again. Drowsiness takes hold of you as you fall asleep in your tent. You wish for tomorrow... will be better... like always.

Chapter Text

When you woke up today, you stretch up, do some exercise, and take a bath for the first time in these few weeks on the riverbank. It felt refreshing, even if you only need to wash your body when dirty and not daily, it feels nicer to take one once in a while... but after that you realized something...

"WHY THE FUCK DID I SLEEP OUT HERE!!! I COULD'VE SLEPT AT THE INN!!!" You shout in anger. You're an explorer now, you could earn berries in so many ways. You can always went exploring and beat up some critters or something and get some berries from them. But... where did the berries come from? For all you know, you saw them just sprout flying from the enemies when they're down, but you didn't see it happening with the giant spider you fought before. Your memories of it has gotten clearer and... it gave you chills. You seemed so scary to yourself in that moment. But no time to think of the past, you need to...

...You tried to go and kick your tent to free some frustration, but it crumbled before you even manage to hit it... that hurts your pride in your skills. You probably have to start re-learn everything about camping. You grab your bag and you wonder why you put the rod in your bag. Your bag are small and leaving it sticking out very long from your bag. You'll have to get a bigger bag soon... or later, and you need to carve the rod into something similar to a wooden sword, you've never done it before but you don't need it to be good, just enough to be painful enough when smacking something with it's front, and then you need to find a holder for your soon-to-be wooden sword. You're glad you get a rod that is thick with 50 berries. Could've gotten more, but whatever. You also need a carver or something similar to carve it. A lot of things to get yet you don't know where to get them. You could just start the day by asking Daisy... or not. Stupid anxiety. But you still have to anyway, she probably can teach you how to fly. Or you could also ask Vi... but yo don't have a clue where is she and her friends are... wait, do you even know where does Daisy live? ...Fuck.

You decide to go exploring for now, maybe visit some town along the way, but no tunnels for now. You had enough of that dark cramped place for now, maybe you'll go through there when you're in a hurry or something. After preparing everything, you head out to the Explorer's Association to check the quest board. Maybe you'll meet with Daisy or team snakemouth, or find what you're looking for while doing people's quests.

You're looking at the board, reading all kinds of request that are posted.

"Find some flower, fight some bandits, guarding request, find ingredients, missing bug, investigation... there's so many." A lot of bugs have posted their quests with rewards prepared. You have to wonder why couldn't they just do it themselves. Well, not all of the request are like that at least, a missing bug are very serious, but it's also been taken by some team of explorers at least. You keep looking, and you notice one quest posted here. "...'Preparing for war'?" It doesn't seem like a quest by a soldier or someone important. Not only that, the reward looks weird... is that a pin or something? Actually, nevermind that, this guy asking for someone to give them a bunch of stuff. "Aren't these a list of items available at the item shop?"

"Oh, Blu! Interested in that quest?"

"GAH!!!" You jump to your right as you hear Eetl spoke to you out of nowhere.

"Sorry, I thought you saw me coming."

No, you didn't. "Urgh, it's fine... So what's this quest all about?"

"Oh, it's nothing special really. Some ladybug came in, very paranoid that a war is coming soon, and even beg me to ask explorers to take the quest."

"...So is a war really going to happen?"

"Of course not! If that was the case, the queen would've announce it beforehand." He said, laughing it off.

It could be just an exaggeration... but your insecurity won't let you feel calm unless you ask the bug itself. You want to ignore the quest, you really do. It's a waste of money... but it might be worth it? ...You sigh. "How do I accept the quest?"

Eetl seems surprised, I mean of course he is, it's a stupid quest, but he didn't judge you for it and just tell you how. After taking the request, you head over to to the item shop and buy the things requested, which totals to 43 berries. Quite the expense, but nothing much at least considering you're buying so many. This better be worth it. You headed to where the bug lives which is somewhere in the residential area. You soon found it... and it's home made of stone and reinforced with some metal all over it. You can't see the entrance at all.... so how are you going to get in or even knock? You yell, calling for anyone if there's is someone in there... No response. But suddenly, a loud noise can be heard below you, like something opened up. You look below... you're standing on nothing, above a square hole.... Wait what?

You scream as you fall into the hole and the hole then close above you, making everything goes dark. Not long after, you landed onto something soft... it still hurts. You check what you landed on and it looks like... you don't know what it is. It looks like a giant cloth covering a lot of cotton cotton below it or something soft at least. You also realized that it's no longer dark... and your surrounding seemed like those room that are usually in a bunker.

"Who's there!" Someone yell out.

"AH!" You look at the bug who yelled and see them aiming a spear with sharp metal at the end of it. "Don't stab me! I was just trying to deliver the foods that are listed on the quest!"

"Eh?" He seems to be scanning you. You hope he'll put away the spear anytime soon. "Ah! So someone finally has taken my quest? Thank god!" He said with joy. You just notice that he's a yellow ladybug. You sigh in relief as he puts away his weapon. "Come, come. put the foods over here." He says as he brought you into something that seems like a storage room. When the door opened, you see many equipment, food, and tools stored there. He showed you where to put the stuff you brought in. You just comply... this bug is scary. He helped you put everything in this room neatly... you also began to feel cold as you stay longer in this room. You want to ask, but too afraid to do so. After everything done, he hugged you with a big smile. "Thanks kiddo! I thought no one would've taken my quest after days of waiting."

"Ahahah... Uh, yea...." You want to get out as soon as you can, but you see no exit.

"Oh and here's your reward." He hands you a- "It's a medal, a special on. Some bug friend of mine once studied the crystals and made this thing here. I had no use of it, but I thought I give it to the one who accepted my quest. He said something about it makes you understand magic. I had no idea what he's talking about, but it's gotta have something to do with how he's able to use magic when we met up weeks later." You're trying to process all of this, but he brings you out of the storage room while yapping about the medal that are called 'Magic Enhancer' and make you stand on a certain spot. "See you later, kiddo! I wish you luck up there!" He says. You were about to ask what he meant by that, but he pulled a level and a square hatch opens up above you. Without warning again, the floor you're standing on goes up at high speed. You still had trauma from the elevator, so you scream as you tear up knowing you'll be sent flying into the air again and landed to the floor hard.

You're at the inn in your room, lying on the bed while looking at the medal... What does this do exactly? ...You certainly feel something strong about it, but you don't understand why. One thing is clear though, you're not coming back there ever again. Not in a million years.

Eetl said this kind of thing can be used or equipped and will improve or allow you to do something you can't do before... So you decide to put on the so-called medal thing. You don't feel- "...Hm?" You feel your magic. You're not concentrating on it. Not only that, you feel like... you could improve your magic or unlocks the sealed power/magic within you... Well, not really. It's just a feeling and doing something like improving probably involves training while unlocking... You remember when your magic first evolved. It unlocks... information of your magic? It feels painful though... and you probably going to feel more of those, if not more intense. But why was it unlocked at that time? It doesn't make sense... But maybe this medal could help you. Whoever made it must've found out something and made this medal with whatever it is they found out. You might find out something going to the large blue crystal in the tunnel under the ant kingdom... you don't know why you think that, but... maybe the medal is connected to that thing? But this thing looks like it's made of gems and metals... a lot of them, but surprisingly light. And for some reason, the medal is shaking by itself... You'll need to learn more of this and magic.

The next day, you head out to the tunnels without delay. When you arrive. you feel it. The medal is the one that wanted to go here. Why? Is this thing sentient? ...No, it doesn't feel like it. Maybe it was made to be attracted to this crystal, or maybe it's really only improve magic capabilities... You try touching the big crystal with the medal in hand. When in contact, it glows for a moment, then the medal start to crack and everything around you begin to froze as if time has stopped. You look around in panic. For all you know, anything could happen right now. Why did the medal crack? Why is everything frozen all around you. The medal then shatters into pieces... and then it went flying to your hands. They're stabbing themselves to your arm... and dissolving?!? It hurts, it's burning. You fall to ground, holding your hand as the pain gets worse. You head start to hurt as well... this feel all too familiar. You feel the surge of information into your mind... and you feel your magic improving as well. You try to endure, but it's all too painful. It's not the same like when your magic evolves, yet you feel like you're able to use new magic that were once sealed. The pain begin to subside and you finally able to rest up... but once the pain are gone, you faint.

When you wake up, you're still exhausted. Although, what's more surprising is that you're still on the same place as you were before you faint. Wait, everything is exactly the same as it was before time freeze, except it's not anymore... and your hands are bleeding. Of course, someone saw your hand and ask if you're okay. You assure them that you're fine, but in the end you're getting some medical care before you can leave. You feel different, a bit more than last time at least. You try to recall the information that was injected into your mind... Something about reading minds? and hacking? That second one feel and sound more like hacking. You'll only find out about that probably much later. For now...

"...Reading minds, huh." You mumbles under your breath as you walk along the road. Your hand has been bandaged, not that you really need it, but they insist. You have to wonder what happen to the shards of the medal from before. For once, what was it anyway? It's... did the bug who created this went through the same experience? Did they make another one knowing this will happen??? That crazy bug did say he can use magic after they meet up again. So... maybe every bug has magic within them. You could probably ask Venus about this... maybe through notebooks. It... wouldn't work, but you're going to get more books to note things you learn about anyway. With all the new information you're getting and new things you can do with your magic, you just had to note them down. You went to the item shop and buy 2 big books, not a notebook since it won't last long. You titled the first book as your book for research like the bugs/people, magics, and anything else that might be important. The second is for noting down some items, enemies, and other stuff. You restock some other things, like cotton, some food, and lastly, a new bag. Finally, an expansion into a backpack! ...Alright it's not that big of a deal, but it'll help you carry more things, and you can put rod behind you like a sword... You need to find that carving tool soon. Having a sword there would be much cooler... and better for combat. But the quality will depend on your carving skill.

Satisfied, you head out... walking aimlessly and beat up some critters or some bad bugs in the wilds. You don't know what to call them so might as well call them bad. You really had made no plan on what to do now. Doing quest definitely not it... and you're not sure you want to right now. You could also just go look for Daisy or team snakemouth, either choice works as long you can learn to fly. You can also... practice magic, but you can only read minds, hack which is useless right now, confuse a critter or bug with a soothing light ball thing, and hypnosis... You could just try do it on a random seedling you encounter. It's better than nothing, and you've been wondering what would happen if you use your magic over and over constantly on the same critter or bug everyday. Your magic on Daisy evaporates when left alone for too long, making anything you've done to them to disappear but, if you make them forget, they'll still forget. That's reassuring, especially when the information are injected into your mind directly when you unlocks them, torturing you as it all went in.... You should go now.

Sometimes you wish you weren't so insecure of everything. Oh well, it's not like you can do anything about it. You walk to, if you remember correctly, are called 'Seedling Haven'. This area are easily accessible and the safest part of Bugaria. You don't know why an explorer permit was required in the past, but that doesn't matter now. You always like to sit by the river here and daydream, but you're not here for that, you're here for training today. You look around, trying to see if you can find any seedlings roaming around... nothing. Today are pretty quiet around here. Maybe some explorers just pass by here? You decide to wait by the river, like you usually do. You don't have anything better to do... well you do, but you're lazy.

You wait, and wait... and wait..... Alright this is too quiet. Where are all the seedlings??? No bugs pass by here either. I mean, you like the silence, but you were suppose to try be practicing, right? You're sulking at your own bad luck. It might've ran out after everything you've went through. But at least you've been using this moment to remember and arranging your thoughts properly with the information that was painfully injected into you... twice. With this done, you might be able to use your magic a bit better now. It's almost dark now, and yet no critters or bugs appeared. This kind of reminds you that you didn't see Daisy around when you're in town. Does she even live there? Actually, bugs other than ants are not very common in this kingdom, but I heard that this place were once filled with variety of bugs living here... Well, the book might be very old, but it's still a history. You might have to pay a visit to the library again... one day. There's too many books there for you to read, and you don't like sitting around only reading. You miss using your phone... again. You get up and went to the inn... oh wait, you could try your magic at the innkeeper if her business are quiet today. Hopefully that's the case, because you really want to see what this reading mind is like.

While on the way however, a plant like creature appeared out of nowhere and jumps at you, making you fall to your back. It chomps onto your rod and runs away with it.

"Oh no you don't!" You quickly get up and chase after it. You run as fast as you can and barely outpacing it. Whatever this little chomping plant is, it's very fast. You both went through the town, jumping over all kinds of things in the way and avoid crashing into other bugs that are still outside. Eventually, you manage to get close enough and jump over to the plant and catch them. Their mouth opens and the rod went flying, falls to the ground and continue rolling and... hits a bug's leg. You look up from the ground and see... Leif? There's Kabbu too.

"We see you met Chompy."

Chompy?

'Did... something happen?' Kabbu asks.

You stands up while holding the weird plant on your hand. "This... little plant stole my rod. You know, the one on the ground." The plant chomp onto your arm. You didn't flinch, in fact, it's not as painful you thought it would be and you don't any visible wound on your arm either. The plant keeps chomping on your arm though... well if it was trying to escape, it failed. "So... this is Chompy? Your pet, maybe?"

"Something like that." Leif answers. You pick up your rod before letting it go.

"You must have been very fast to be able to catch her." Said Kabbu.

"What do you mean?"

"Chompy is quite fast. So when it goes somewhere else, we have to chase after her for hours before catching her. Even when I run full speed, I couldn't keep up with her, and Vi also had troubles catching her from the air."

"Oh right!! Can I ask you guys a favor?" They both looks at you, Leif is petting the plant... creature thing, Chompy. You explain to them that you actually don't know how to fly and wants Vi to teach you how. Leif seems to find it odd that you don't know how to and Kabbu seems happy to help with your problem. Chompy bites your leg... You want to think it's a way for her to show affection... but is it? Well after some goodbyes, they left to probably their home you assume... Do you want to trail them? Nah, you go to the inn instead. You'll meet with them again soon anyway.

You walk in to the place and was greeted by the innkeeper. She always seems happy when you came in. Maybe because you always came here a lot. It's a surprise you still don't know her name yet, but you wouldn't ask her unless she tells you herself. 

"Ah, Blu! Come to stay for another night?"

"Yeah. As usual, please." You hand her 10 berries. She took them and gone to the back, probably accounting or something and looking for available room. This is probably... yes, probably, a good moment to try read her mind. You're not going to hypnotize her after all, that's just plain evil. You begin using your magic and focus on her... thoughts? You try to focus on her mind or whatever it is you're trying to read, maybe souls. When you feel like you're connected, you hear her thoughts.

'I'm so glad he always stay this inn so often. I really thought this business would've fallen apart weeks ago. Back then, a lot of bugs would stay here during their visit or travel, but nowadays I don't see many of them came here. Maybe I should thank him for this.' She is feeling very grateful towards you.

...Your face redden in embarrassment. She is talking about when you give her all your berries because of how shabby the place becomes. Well, the place now looks much better and broken beds are fixed. You didn't expect for your action to impact her so much. Also this feels bizarre to... read minds. You need to compose yourself before she went back. You feel bad for reading her minds...

Not long after, she walks back to the counter. "Here you go, sir. I hope you enjoy your stay!" She says with joy and a smile.

"Will do." You smile back as you take the keys to your room.

Once you're in your room, you jump to the bed and cover your face with the pillow, screaming into it which muffles it. Once you're done, you flip over, facing the ceiling. Tomorrow... you forgot to tell them where you're staying. You could just walk around the town and have them find you. Yeah, that sounds like a good plan for now... Everything is a mess.

Chapter Text

You're walking around in circle... for who knows how long. The sun is high so it must be noon right now. You're very anxious. Will you even see them agai-

"Hey!"

"GAH!!!!" You scream very loud from the surprise. You turn around slowly. And thank god, it's them.

"Wow, what a scream." Leif said.

"Don't scare me like that again!" You said angrily. You're also close to crying from worrying with the possibility of you just wasting time doing nothing.

"Geez, what's wrong with you. I was told you want to learn to fly, but aren't you like, supposed to know that already?" Vi said.

"No..." You try to hide your reddening face from embarrassment. You feel yourself on a rollercoaster of emotion right now.

"How come you don't know?" Kabbu asks you, and obviously you only have one answer.

"I just don't know."

"That's very vague." Leif reply back to you.

"Hey! Just because I don't know doesn't make me suspicious!"

"I've never tried teaching someone to fly before, but I'm sure I can do it! I'm the greatest bee after all!"

"You are?"

"What's with that question?!"

"Well, I do heard a lot of you guys, but I never really pays much attention to them."

"Do others like you don't fly either?" Kabbu asking you... How do you answer that?

"I... don't know. I've never met them before." It feels... so weird hearing that question. It's like a hole was put into your heart.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"...It's okay." You take a deep breath "Before we start, can I ask you guys something?" Kabbu looks curious. "Do you guys know where Daisy live? I don't really see her around anymore and I was originally going to ask her to help me with flying, but no one saw here around here anymore."

"Oh, that's because she's living in the bee kingdom."

"Bee Kingdom?" You feel like you've read about it... Wait, is it... "Don't tell me... She lives there!? The kingdom with those fancy machines!?!"

"Uh... yea. Why are you so excited about?" Of course you're excited. You've heard so many things of their technologies there. The same goes for the termites and roaches, but you wonder why the roaches disappeared. You need to get yourself focused on your current plan first... Why is Kabbu smiling and chuckling at you?

"A- anyways! Let's start the training."

Not long after a few tries and some yelling from Vi, which is very annoying sometimes, you manage to fly off the ground... and suddenly launch yourself into a house. "What the heck?! That's so fast!"

"Forget that! Blu's hurt!"

"Look at the hole he made." You feel like Leif is making fun of you from the way he said that.

Your head hurts, but it's not bleeding at least. You insist on continuing the training even with Kabbu is telling you take a rest. "I'm fine, I can still move around just fine."

"...If you say so." As much as you don't want him to worry, you have to continue practice flying. It's not like you can just learn it by yourself, you've tried before and it went horribly and embarrassing.

Vi continues to try to teach you to fly... and one thing you know is that you're horrible at flying. You might have the strength, speed, stamina, magic, but a slow learner. You've been crashing here and there, probably going to cost you a lot and worst of all, you haven't flew vertically but rather horizontally... at least if Kabbu did not insist on paying the damages himself. You wanted to refuse, but his stare are surprisingly scary when you're about to say it. You thought he's a softie... you need to rethink your judgement of the group. Vi is avoiding Kabbu's gaze and pretends to not notice it. After crashing again and again... and again and again, you manage to not crash, but it's because you manage to maneuver yourself for once and avoid the tree, but doing so makes you stop flapping your wings and fall into the river on Seedling Haven. You can't do a lot of things at once so it's not your fault... you hope. Everyone panics when you fall into the water... why? You swim to the surface and swim back to land and try dry yourself. It was silent... and some surprised faces from VI and Kabbu. Leif is also surprised, but aren't showing it that clearly.

"How are you still alive?!?" Vi ask loudly. You can hear your ears ringing... maybe because of the water, or her yelling.

"I... swam? What else am I suppose to do?" She went silent afterwards. "Let me dry myself off and then we'll continue." You said as you shakes yourself as hard or fast, you don't really know. It's easier to do so with your wings at least, so it's the first to dry off from the water. Kabbu is asking you how were you able to move around the water since apparently it's rare for bugs to swim, but not impossible. You guess it's because before they can learn, they'll drown first. So you decide to promise that you'll teach Vi how to swim, since she's the one teaching you right now and you want to thank her despite how annoying she can be sometimes.

"..Ah." You look up in the sky as you're still drying yourself up. It's getting dark... "Hey... Will I ever see you guys again?"

"What do you mean?" Kabbu asks. 

"It's not that I meant this is our last time talking, but I'm... not sure if I'll encounter you guys by chance again."

"Oh, we live in the red square house at the plaza." Vi said casually. "I don't know why you never see or hear of us live there before. We're the famous heroes, y'know?"

"Vi, none of the bugs talk about us like that anymore." Leif reply to her. What exactly do to be a hero so famous anyway? Vi seems really proud of it before... well they're arguing... maybe? You're not sure what you're seeing here.

"Sorry about them, they're usually like this most of the time."

"It's... okay." You're not really offended, you're just confused. Also new thing for the list of items: get a towel. "Well, I guess all of you should go home."

"Wait. Blu, where do you live?" Kabbu asks.

"Uhh..." Fuck, do you tell them? "I, uhh..." You probably should. "...I live at the inn." Yeah, that's... good enough you think.

"You live at the inn?"

"Yes?"

"I thought you were living in the Mailing Association. I remember they have dorm and stuff."

"About that... I'm now a full-fledged explorer." You let out a little nervous laugh. Their face also tells you they're flabbergasted, might be related to what Maki and Eetl told you about.

"How?! No test? Alone?!?" Vi asks you frantically.

"Maki said I have enough skills and experience to be one on my own, although I'm not sure how this really works honestly."

"That's.... amazing!" Said Kabbu, his eyes are full of admiration. You look at Leif, trying to ask for help understanding what's happening right now. He's pretending to not see what's happening with a smirk on his face. Sometimes you wonder if he cares about your or not. It's very hard to tell. When all of you about to part ways...

"Don't forget your promise, okay?!" Said Vi

"I won't, so you better not forget to help me fly the next time we meet again."

"What, not tomorrow?"

"Eh, I have things to find tomorrow."

"Like what?"

"...I'm not telling you that." It's a very embarrassing list.

"Fine, suit yourself. Just don't forget your promise." Despite all that, she seems excited to learn swimming from you. You better try your best to teach her how to swim, at least at the same level as her teaching. They went and you're standing there... actually, while looking at them, you thought of something. What magic does Leif has? Also what is he? Venus or Leif's friends might now, but you're the type of guy who asks of everything. You're trying to live a happy lazy life, maybe with a lot of brainwashed bugs serving your something... you still haven't thought it through how you're gonna even get one. Oh wait, it's getting even darker. You should go back now. After a few walking with pain later...

"...Back for another night?" The innkeeper spoke with a smile after looking at you, all dirty and full of bruises in a shocked expression you assume. It didn't take her long to compose herself back into serving me as a costumer though.

"I... had a long day. Let's stick with that."

She give a concerned look before nodding. After paying and getting your room keys... You noticed. You've been getting the same room. You try to remember every visit you did and... well, you did stay in the same room, but it always looks brand new everytime you visit that you never notice. You only notice it just because this room always been in the corner of the hallway of the second floor, on the left side. The key are also the same, and you just now notice there's numbers on them and on the door... You really sucks at noticing details at your surroundings. You could ask her... but what the fuck are you going to say? For all you know, you could be wrong, or maybe it's just a coincidence. It could be anything and you don't want to make her feel uncomfortable with you. Urgh... You go to your bed and just sleep, it's already been rough enough ramming though a bunch of walls... ow.

As you're walking through Seedling Haven, you thought of how you forgot to ask anyone of where the other town is... or kingdom. But you're an explorer, you don't need no damn directions, you explore and find things the hard way! You immediately bumps into a rock wall. Thinking while walking are a bad idea, yet you still do it. Looking at what you bump into is a rock wall... beside it is a cave entrance. It's dark... and cold...? Why is the air in there are so cold? You don't want to find out though, so you turn around and walk back to town. Whatever's in there is not worth the risk and it's very dark.

When you're arrives back at the town, you saw Team Snakemouth in the distance. They seems to have just come out from the item store considering where they are and what they are holding. Now that you think about... why do you like to torment yourself so much. You could ask someone like them to help you with your stupid item list. And yet you decide it's better you do it yourself without any help... and you still do. Well, they're coming closer to you now... is Vi running at you? Well, she did, and she ram into you after stepping on a pebble and slip right to you. If it's other people, that would've hurt a lot, but for you it only hurt a little bit... and you get to feel her fluffy fur, lucky.

"Ow... sorry about that."

"Nah, it's okay."

The rest finally catch up. "Vi, you shouldn't be running off like that."

"Yeah Vi, you might slip and fall to your lover." After Leif said that, she blushes and stands up.

"He's not my lover!!!"

Aww, she's cute when she's not yelling at you. Kind of wish you don't get you ears ringing though. You finally stands up after laying on the floor while Vi and Leif is arguing. "So, Vi... why are you running at me like that?"

"Oh, right. When are you going to teach me to swim?" Straight to the point, huh? You respond before Kabbu said anything.

"I guess now since I got lost not too long ago."

"How the heck are you lost? This place aren't even that big."

"...Let's just go." You refuse to elaborate about it. She still curious about it, but you ignore her. 

All of you are back at Seedling Haven... man, you're visiting this place way too often in a short span of time. You started teaching Vi how to swim little by little on the river. Sure there's current, but... well, let's say it's not as hard as it was yesterday. You don't know why, maybe because it's hotter today. Oh wait, maybe it is, the water are much shorter than before. Well, you continue training her, and she complain here and there but she still went along with your teachings. Surprisingly, Vi learns to the basics quite fast. Kabbu also join in sometimes but he usually gets swept away by the river's current and was caught by Leif's magic, which you learn is ice... Imagine being able to cool yourself with magic, kind of makes you jealous. Well, Kabbu might be able to learn to swim too, but you don't really want to spend all of your time teaching people what you know. You start help Vi with the advance part of swimming, and that means no more help from you. All you can do is watch her and brought her to land if she was swept away like Kabbu did. She did get swept a few times, but overtime before the sky gets dark, she began to get the hang of it. You're impressed, and she looks proud of it too. Well it doesn't mean she's done with traning though.

"Since you got it all right, don't forget to practice it a lot, okay? Also don't go swimming when you feel unwell." You said while drying her with a towel you get before starting this. It... doesn't look like towel, but it has the same properties. "The last time I did that I almost drown and die."

"That's terrible!" Kabbu exclaim.

"Yeah, so don't do that okay?" They both nod. You wonder if Leif doesn't like water since he didn't try swimming like the others. Oh well, not your business. Vi seems to be enjoying your rubbing. Well, it's not like you're not enjoying it too when you're drying yourself. Kabbu seems to be laughing looking at you and Vi, Leif is smirking, and Vi is grumpy now. You don't understand them. "Oh, tomorrow I might be free so I wonder if we could try flying practice again?"

"Huh, oh yeah, sure. I can do that." Vi said. At least you hope she said that while paying attention to you.

But that's good, you got something to do tomorrow... maybe you should ask them for direction also tomorrow. You don't want to risk your life like today. And you're not sure why, but you feel like Leif and Kabbu is giving a weird look as you're with Vi. All of you says your goodbyes before going to your own separate ways again. You, in terms of video game, went grinding for berries, and also practice your magic. Speaking of video games, you begin to wonder why everything looks so cartoony... and why you just instinctively knew how to speak bugnish but not flying... This will confuses you for the rest of your life unless somehow you get the answers for them. You continue grinding... it might also count as training to improve your ways of fighting. Using everything around you to your advantage while also trying to finish the fight without tiring yourself too much. At some point though you just ran into the enemy and hit them hard and that already knock them out, but that probably... definitely won't be the same for what's out there. You've only  been to golden hills and seedling haven, and you haven't tried going to places you don't know yet... mostly because you don't want to get lost. Do they not have a map sold or available anywhere? With that question in mind, you head to the Explorer's Association and ask Eetl about.

Short answer, in the past they do not have it before but now they do as to help new bugs be more familiar with Bugaria. Apparently they forgot to give you the map when they, dare you say again, 'promote' you into an explorer... You still don't know hell what do explorers do actually. Well now you have the map and that's all that matters, thank god. You look at the map... and the area looks like someone's backyard for some reason. The map seems to expand out a bit outside Bugaria, although it's not clear you saw the word Commintern. Is that a region name or... something else? You're sure it's a region. You probably have the chance to visit it one day, but for now... a bit more training is needed. It's also good exercises, helps you improve your health and stamina the more you do it or fought hard opponents more. This reminds you of that ad you saw on the street TV about overcoming your limits and stuff. It looks like a cool ad though. If only they didn't shove those drinks stuff thing a lot on the screen.

After thinking nonstop and beating up a bunch of critters and bugs that attacks you at Golden Hills, you wonder if you should head to that dessert. From what the map tells you, going through the gate near Golden Settlement will lead you to Defiant Roots. Look and sound like a dessert town, but why build a town on the dessert of all places... Not like you can argue with them. They built the town and live in it for a long time, so it could be a really good place to visit. You head out to the sandy plains... but then you notice your surroundings are getting darker and darker. Night is closing in.... so you go back to the inn and go to that town later, tomorrow you have a flight training to do.

"C'mon Blu! Stop covering your face while flying!" Vi yells loudly at you.

It's been a few days since you started being taught how to fly again by Vi. It's really... not ideal to be honest. But then again, she's been trying her best to teach you how to fly, so it's only fair you also try your best too. You've crashed through a lot more walls and trees, but day after day the casualties decreases and you manage to finally control your flying a little bit. Today you're being train to fly properly and not launch myself at any direction like I'm being thrown to that direction. You still don't like her yelling at you when you're close though. You shouldn't be spacing out right now because... you just hit a plant and falls to the ground.

"Geez, why are you spacing out a lot?"

"...Your concern is very touching, Vi."

"Oh, drop it. I'm very sure you're fine. All those crashes should be making you more durable, right?"

...You would argue, but you are feeling more durable than before. It almost felt like this world is a game where you can continuously grow by doing stupid things... or just training like a normal person. "Urgh, I don't think I cut out with this flying stuff."

"Nonsense. You're doing pretty great! I'd say you'll be flying like every other bee in just a few more days." ...Huh, she's surprisingly very supportive. And seeing her cute smile from you're lying on is pretty nice too. You wonder if all bees are just naturally cute.

You get up despite the pain you're feeling all over your body right now. You and Vi continue the training, she teaches you to fly while you continue to teach her to swim. You'd be lying if you didn't say you're jealous of her. She's doing much better at swimming than you in the past. Then again, you're self-taught for most things you know. You remember when you have to fake every documents needed to enter College and how tedious it is. At least you don't have to deal with those kind of stuff here... okay, you still have to handle some paperwork, but it's not as bad as before. Also you should stop reminiscing the past, because you just hit a wall. After that second crash, the training continue on until dark. Before parting ways, a familiar bee comes by.

"Um, Blu? What are you doing here?" You turn around to see it's Daisy. It took you a few seconds before recognizing her, but it's her. What is she doing here? "And why are you so battered up like that?" She asks worryingly. How are you going to... explain this? You worry you're gonna make her cry.

Vi step forward and decide to explain it herself... in her own way... No wait, her explanation are that far off from what has happened in the last few days. You thought she gonna exaggerate the story a bit or something like that. Daisy are still worried about you and telling you to be careful. You tell her you will try, but you didn't promise it. You're just bad at keeping yourself self. Last week is an example of it.

"Then... L-let me join in!" She exclaims. "I c-can also help you fly!" It sounds like she just want to watch over you. You also don't have the heart to say no... especially to someone you know and trust, so you accept her help. You didn't feel like Vi would ever do something like this, but you wish anyway it won't happen. Hopefully the gods listen to your prayers. After telling her that, she seems happy, and Vi is bragging something, you didn't pay attention. You're too exhausted so you head to the inn and rest first before Vi and Daisy.

As you lay on your bed, you wonder if your dream of having a peaceful lazy life is going to ever happen at all... You fear that your future won't be going any better than it is now.

Chapter Text

"Ngg... Everything still hurts..." You're still lying on your bed, refusing to get up. More of the sunlight getting into the room and you cover yourself with the blanket. You don't want to get up... but you're hungry and the honey prepared every morning when you stain in this inn... it's a bit far from the bed. Reluctantly, you get up and eat the honey. Going back to the bed won't give you the same comfort, so you get your things ready before going out.

"Are you sure you're doing okay, Blu?" You turn around to the voice. It's the innkeeper. "You've been coming here with bruises everyday and you never treat them. Is someone picking on you?" She is worried about you. 

"Uh, no. It's just... training." You don't have the gut to say you're training to learn how to fly. Plus, you're horrible at it which makes it sounds even more embarrassing.

"Oh... okay then. Don't push yourself too hard now, dear."

You nod and walk out. You could've swore she said something under her breath, it's probably nothing important. When you take a turn, you saw Kabbu, Vi, and Daisy... waiting for you, you think. Leif are in the distance playing with Chompy. First of all, when were they waiting for you and why are they even waiting for you in the first place? Urgh, you're still tired, your body still hurt all over, and now you have a migraine. You can still walk, so you're pretty much fine.

"Oh Blu! You're awak- Oh Venus, why do you look so terrible?!?" Kabbu said. What's wrong with your appearance?

Daisy and Vi turn around to look at you after hearing Kabbu words and were also surprised. "Blu, why you look so pale!" Said Daisy. You don't really know what they're talking about.

"What are you guys talking about? I'm fine." You smile. 

"Yeah... no. You look like a zombie right now." Vi said. Is it because of the bruises from before?

"B-but I'm fine. Really!" You tried to reassure them, but they seem to worry more. You walk forward. "Let's just... go..." Everything feels weird. Was the ground always been this wobbly. It's probably just your imagination. But... it's getting harder and... harder... to walk. Everything looks fuzzy... why are they panicking. You're... fine...

...It feels warm... and soft. What... were you doing again? You tries to open your eyes, but it feel so heavy. You feel so worn out... but you need to move... you have a lot of things to do. You can't lazying around like this yet. You also had a promise to keep too. When you manage to open your eyes, you see a familiar ceiling... and you notice a bag of ice on top of your head. You hear voices... you can't make out what they said nor whose voice does any of them belongs to... You're too tired to think right now. Maybe... a little more rest is fine.... You can't help but drift back to slumber, a very warm and comforting slumber.

"How is it, doc?" Kabbu asks.

"From what I've gathered, he's just sick from overworking himself too much. Other than the bruises, he should be fine." He handed medicine wrapped inside a leaf to Daisy. "Make sure he drinks the medicine when he wakes up."

"Thank you."

The doctor packs up his things and left the room. Silence filled the room.

"So... how did he get so tired and sick like this?" Kabbu asks Vi.

"I don't know! He was fine yesterday!"

"Yeah, he looks completely fine when I saw him too." Daisy put the medicine on the table.

"Maybe he's been hiding it." Said Leif. Everyone's looking at them. "We've always notice he's not very honest with himself. Maybe he didn't notice it himself, or he's doing it on purpose."

"...I think I can believe that." Daisy look at Blu who's on the bed, breathing heavily, with worry and sadness. She wished she would've met him sooner. Maybe she would've noticed it if she was there.

"...Is this my fault?" Vi said, feeling guilty of what happened to Blu. She don't want to admit it, but maybe she's been pushing him a bit too far.

"I'm sure it's not, Vi. Nobody knew that this would have happen," Kabbu said, trying to comfort her.

He's right, no one would've seen this coming since Blu unknowingly hides it very well that it's not apparent to the eyes of others. It's all because of how showing weakness in Blu's past life could be fatal and dangerous that he has to hide it everyday and pretends to always be fine. He's been doing so that it became some he naturally does everyday even after being reborn into this world. Blu also don't want others to worry about him, especially when the people in this world showed him what kindness is like.

"So, Daisy. Do you know anything about him? You both seem to be close." Kabbu asks.

"We're not that close, and... I don't know much about him. Only what I read from his book and what he's told me."

"Book?"

"Yes. He has a diary and research books that he carries around. Even though he wrote something about himself there, there's not much to find about his past."

"You read someone's diary?" Vi asks.

"...I was curious. And he kind of forgot to bring it with him that day." Said Daisy in embarrassment.

Vi and Kabbu looks at Leif... they suspect they might do the same if they also had a diary.

"L-let's take turn to watch over him." Kabbu suggested. "Who wants to go first?"

They began to discuss who's going to watch over in order. At some point, a few of the locals also came in to see Blu's condition. Beso came to check on Blu after hearing the news, and there's also the innkeeper that came in, telling them that she'll let him rest there without paying until he gets better. None of them actually knows why would they be visiting him, but the truth is, Blu has been helping the locals with their troubles way before he became an explorer, thinking of it as a way to pay back the kindness that was shown to him when he first arrived here. Normally, Vi would be overjoyed hearing about the free service, but she currently felt guilty of the current situation and kept pondering if she's at fault still. Kabbu and Leif would try to comfort her, telling her it's not her fault... but Blu didn't wake up for days, which worries them more as time goes on. The doctor were called back at the third day, but he can't find anything wrong with him. So all they can do is hope and wish for him to get better. On the fourth day, Blu shows sign of waking up.

You feel very sluggish. You're pretty sure you weren't sleeping for that long. You feel thirsty, hungry, but also refreshed. You open your eyes slowly... and the light entering your eyes feels so bright that you thought you're going to be blinded by them. Once your vision begin to settle in... well, it's a familiar ceiling alright, almost like at the inn you always stayed in a lot. Also the bed feels wet, from pillow to the blanket and the bed. You tries to get up... but you don't have much energy. It's almost as if you haven't eaten for days. But that can't be right? You were only sleeping for a few hours... but why is Daisy sleeping while sitting on the chair and resting onto the bed? You... don't remember much other than that time when saw them outside the inn.

"He's awake!!!" Said the loud screaming coming from the door. You thought you're going to have a heart attack. The scream also woke Daisy up in surprise. Kabbu rushed in while Daisy is shaking you violently in tears saying something, but you're too confused on what is happening to focus on that... but maybe you should.

You pat Daisy on the head, trying to calm her down, which she did. "Uhh... What happened?"

"Are you seriously asking us that? You collapse right in front of us and has been sleeping for 4 days!" ...Why Vi look like she's about to cry? Wait, did she says 4 days?

"I WAS ASLEEP FOR 4 DAYS?!?" Your throat hurts.

"THAT'S OUR LINE!"

You were taken aback by her reply. "...So that's why I'm so hungry and thirsty right now?" You look at your body and notice you'are a bit thinner than what you remembered. Also Daisy after hearing what you said went and go get the honey drop... that's a lot of honey drops piled up. She get one and brings it to you. You take the honey and slurp it... this reminds you of how the this honey drop, as they call it, stays like this and not just be like normal liquid. But it tasty, so sweet, so you decide to forget about it.

"...Why are you so calm about this? The only thing that concerns you are how long you slept." Vi asks.

"I mean, I've been lazying around all day, so I should-" You were about to get up from the bed, but Daisy stops you.

"You're not going anywhere, mister. You're going to rest until you get better! AND don't pretend to be fine when you're not!" She's very violent... and scary.

"But I am!" You genuinely feel fine... Maybe getting thinner isn't fine, but still-

"She's right, Blu. You need to rest. You still look a bit pale right now." Kabbu said.

"But I still have to earn berries somehow." You argue. "And I haven't mastered flying yet."

"Seriously... can't you do anything else than keeping yourself busy?" Vi said. For some reason, her words are filled with worry.

"Vi's right. Although being busy are good, your health is also important. Don't you have your family or friends you can talk to?"

Hmm? That's a new word. "What's a 'friend'?"

....The room were so silent you thought everything went mute until you heard Leif came in.

"Why all of you went quiet all of the sudden?" Leif asks.

"I... just ask them what is a 'friend' and they went silent."

"Oh... you poor little thing." ...What kind of reaction is that? There's barely any while the others are... well, maybe too stunned to speak. "Say, what do you think of us then?"

"You mean everyone in this room?" He nods. "Well, I think that we're close. It feels nice to hang out with any of you, and... it was also pretty fun too."

"Aww." That was Kabbu and Daisy. Leif only gives a nod of understanding from what you can guess... Why is Vi slightly blushing? They look happy at least, so that makes you happy too.

"There is also something else we've been wondering been wondering about." Leif said. You wonder what he wanted to ask. "Are you a magic user?" Oh... That's very late for them to ask that. You might be calm, but for some reason Daisy is the one panicking. She do know that it's your magic, right?

"M-m-magic? W-what magic?!?"

"Daisy, please calm down." You pat her on the head again. She eased up a bit, but she still look scared and terrified. "It's not that bad. Besides, I think we can trust them." She seems reluctant, but decide to trust you on this. Vi and Kabbu looks confused but also curious.

You explain to them about your magic, and since Daisy is also there, you also include about your new power that you can do with your magic although you only been doing it on random critters in the wilds. After hearing what you have explained, Kabbu is flabbergasted... his expression is so funny for some reason. Vi asked if I ever use it on her and I said no and she let out a sigh...? Maybe she has things she didn't want to share, so that could make sense. Leif then speak afterwards.

"We suspect as much. Maybe that magic of yours is also the cause of your invisibility to Venus." ...What does he mean by 'we'? The others definitely doesn't seem to know what he's talking about.

"Did someone call me?" Said Venus, popping out of nowhere. Everyone was surprised, clearly she didn't do this often. Well she is always watching... and listening... so those are her buds? It has no eyes or ears. Also... we're at the second floor, how did she-

"Venus, please. Don't do that again. I don't think my heart could handle any more surprises." Said Kabbu. Well... umm, you do pity him. You can see that he's at the brink of collapsing.

"Oh, sorry dear. I wasn't planning to surprise any of you." Said Venus. "But what you said does interest me, Leif. Tell us, what do you mean by that?"

"The magic Blu mentioned using are mostly related to either something physical or mentally. The way they describe it when he used them to 'hypnotize' Daisy to help her calm, he describe of using direct contact instead of the previous one he did. It also involves his mind and body, whether he grows, his power also grows."

"Um, yeah... that doesn't explain the 'invisible' part you mention." You interrupt.

"So... What is hypnosis?" Kabbu asks.

"...I'll let Daisy explain it." Even you don't really know. In the of science, it's still not clear what hypnosis really is other than it could be an altered state using trance... and stuff, you suppose. If it weren't your magic, you wouldn't be able to perform hypnosis.

"Let us cut it short. Blu, your magic is something that would be called psychic by many, but we think it's more similar to how computer works. You are able to read, create, or modify our core like data on a computer. Whatever it is, you have been unconsciously using it to hide your presence and there's a high chance it's because of who you are right now." Core? Does he mean soul or something? Also he knows computers? There's a computer? You need to process this...

...Wait a minute. "What are you saying? That I hide things? I'm very open you know!" ...Daisy and Leif is glaring at you. "...Okay, I might only be somewhat open..." They're glaring at you more intensely. "...I... might hide a l-lot of things... P-please stop looking at me like that." You don't see a change of expression on Leif face but for some reason, his gaze are very intimidating.

"Good." He stops gazing at you intently, Daisy still doing it though... Is she still mad?

She sigh. "I'll forgive you for now. Just... don't push yourself. I don't want to lose someone again." You... forgot about that. No wonder she's so mad.  You did tell her that you would be there for her... But you don't know how to care for someone, you never really had one in the past. Speaking of that, you don't sense your magic within her anymore. It's not like you've given her any suggestion that would change her anyway, but it does help you clarify that if you don't do it constantly, it won't be permanent and your magic would just disappear.

"So... he can just make someone change completely with 'hypnosis'?" Vi asks.

"That's... not how it works." Maybe it is, maybe it's not. You haven't tested anything that wasn't injected into your mind, so your magic is still a mystery.

"Either way, when the day comes when you're able to control it, you might be able to utilize it in more ways, and the same can be said for the others." You can't help but think that power is going to be used for robbery.

"Oh, Are you perhaps think of something dirty right now?" Venus said. Leif seems to know what she's talking about but you, Kabbu, and Vi have no clue at all, and you're very confused.

The day went by without you realizing it. Then again, when you're just hanging out with them, day seems to go faster without you realizing it. It's... nice. Just enjoying the day with others like this... You wish it could last forever. But everyone has their own lives, their own problems. They'll have to go eventually. The day has gone dark and everyone went home... except Venus.

"...Umm why are you still here?"

"How rude. Do I need a reason to stay?"

"...No." But it is appreciated. Although, you are getting tired. Daisy been feeding you with the honey drops available. Too bad there's none left.

"You should take a rest, Blu. Don't want your friends worrying on you again."

That's true... Maybe tomorrow you get to do something. It's just don't feel right to be doing nothing all day like this. You'll think of your problems later tomorrow. For now, recovery is your priority. Being trapped on this bed is so boring... you're aching to do some work.

Chapter Text

"...Blu, what are you doing?" Said the innkeeper, seeing you put a bag filled with 40 berries onto the counter.

"Uhh... paying for my stay?"

"Blu, you're not even fully recovered. And I already told the others your stay would be free."

"What?!?" You're confused. Why would she let you stay for free? "B-but it's been 4 days and all I do was laying sick on the bed! Wouldn't that affect your business or something?"

"Oh, come on now Blu. You've helped me before, so it's only right I help you, right?"

"I will still pay." You said, pushing the bag of berries towards her.

"You don't have to." She pushes it back.

This goes on for a few seconds until Daisy came in.

"Blu! Why are you out of your bed!?" She said with shocked expression.

"I'm fine now. So why shouldn't I?" You said while still in a fight of pushing the bag.

"Oh no you're not. You're still looking pale, not to mention, thinner than before. You need more rest."

"Oh come on! I can't just lazying around like that! It's so boring and I won't get anything from it."

"You'll get something, alright. And that's a healthy body. Don't make me force you back." She's glaring at you intensely. You're shaking in fear slightly.

"C-can't I have at least something to do while resting?"

She continues to glare at you... and then she sigh. "Fine, but you're staying in your room, got it?"

"...Got it." You should avoid making her mad in the future.

You walk back upstairs and then to your usual rented room. Even though you got your berries back, you're forced to stay here a little longer. Before she left, she asked you what you want to do and you told her that you'll read some books from the library. You don't know what books she'll bring, but you hope it's not something weird. You walk around the room, looking out the windows, do some knitting with your sewing kit and the cottons... Normally it's impossible to make clothes or make anything with just a tiny string of cotton, but for some reason the cotton felt different, like it's as fragile. Maybe because you're a bug or it's because of the world you live in. Either way, you've started to learn sewing and knitting a few weeks ago because you were bored. Working as a mail carrier doesn't earn that much of a pay most of the time.

"I'm back!" Oh! There she is- Oh my god... "I've brought you some books!"

"Uhm... Daisy... That's a lot of books."

"I know. Since you're going to be resting for a while, I thought you're going to need more things to read." 

That's great and all... but are you supposed to read all these 14 books? Well, some of them seems interesting and the rest are more of a history book or documentation of Bugaria. She must've tried to borrow books that you might read. "...Thanks." It's still a lot, but you don't want to make her sad with that adorable smile of hers. You should really visit the Bee Kingdom once in a while.

She sat right next to you on the bed. "Can I... read with you?"

"Sure, I don't mind." And being accompany by someone you know feels nice too. It's funny, you never really felt like this in the past. But ever since you're here, Beso, Team Snakemouth, Daisy, and everyone in this town, it feels nice to see them happy and their smile. It makes you feel warm...

You and Daisy spent the day reading books that day. She finished 2 books during that time which shocked you beyond belief because you only halfway reading the book you're currently reading. She even talks about them with you, which you don't really understand since you haven't read them yet, but you keep listening to her anyway. It's hard to belief that this bee has grown out of her grief that fast. Maybe your magic has something to do with it or she could just enjoy times like this and everything starts to feel fine. You don't know, but you sure does feel that way. It's so peaceful. After dawn came, she went home and told you again to not go anywhere and just rest until you're better. You don't know what 'better' feels like, because you feel fine still.

You wake up earlier today since you slept much earlier yesterday. You still yearn to go out do something productive... but you have a feeling everyone would tell you to rest instead.

"Oh, awake already?" The innkeeper said as she comes in, bringing the honey drop and put it on the table. You can never dislike those, they're sweet after all.

"Yeah... I'm still not used to this."

"I'm sure you will. From your looks, you might only need 2 more days of rest." She said with a smile.

"Mmm... I still think I should pay for my stay." She just shakes her head when you said that. "...I could try-"

"Blu, Daisy has told you how you won't stop until you repay someone's kindness." You flinched. "I would normally find that hard to believe, but yesterday already proved that already." You just don't want to feel indebted to someone... "I don't know why you're like this, but you should know that a lot of bugs out there are worried about you." A lot? You're pretty sure you've only known a few bugs that are close to you. She looks at your confused and expression and just sigh. "You'll understand one day." She left the room.

You feel like an idiot everyday... Maybe you are, but who knows. You eat... or slurp it, whatever. You consume the honey drop and continue the book reading. A few hours later, you manage to read the book you started yesterday. It's about how the Queen Elizant I rule and unite Bugaria. You're not really that interested in history or politics, but the contents are interesting... 14 more books to go. You miss reading fictional stories. Mainly because you're reading it on a electronic device and you don't have to worry of damaging anything other than your stuff. But these books are borrowed, damn it. You put the book down and take another one. You've got nothing to do anyway.

The day goes by as you read more. You finished another one today, and then tomorrow you read another... Uhh wait, you just thought about this now but... how are you sleeping like normal with your abdomen? You position yourself like you always when sleeping... oh it goes between your legs. How come you never notice it before? Suddenly, Kabbu comes into the room.

"S-sorry!" At this point, you're used to being surprised, but you still flinched. He walk up to you after closing the door gently. "You're looking better already, Blu."

"Um, thanks." You still don't feel a difference.

"Oh!" He notices the books that is besides the bed. "Where did these books comes from?"

"Daisy borrowed these books 2 days ago."

"Oh, You like reading books?"

"Sort of...?" Why he looks somewhat excited?

"Can I read these with you?"

You're even more confused... but the company sounds nice. "Sure. That'd be nice."

While you both reading books, Kabbu chat with you about the books you both are reading. He's very cheerful and enthusiastic about reading. You don't know what kind of person he is, but he seems like the kind of guy who puts others first and act kindly to them. You might be wrong, but you'll stick with what you know of him. While reading your book, you see this intimacy scene again that you're unable to understand. You know the meanings of these act, you just don't understand why it sounds like something special or important.

"Hey Kabbu?"

"Hmm?"

"What is love?" Kabbu jumped and accidentally throws the book he's reading which also surprises you.

"Uh- huh?" Why his face gotten red all of the sudden?

"Uhh, Kabbu?"

"G-guh um yes. So uhh... uhm..."  He's never going to finish that sentence, isn't he?

You changed the subject into asking him about the stuff they do. It sounds like they're doing fetch quest with boss fight like an rpg. Now that you think about it, you never see yourself having muscles despite the exercises you've done everyday during your previous job yet you've still gotten stronger. Your magic also are weird, especially when they were injected into your mind upon unlocking them, you didn't decide on the name, it's just what they're called, almost like the skill stuff in game. The only thing missing is the digital interface that you saw in fictions like anime, manga, or novels.... Urgh, why is everything has to be so complicated?

"Uhh, Blu. Are you listening?"

"Huh?! Oh, sorry. I uhh... Got something in my mind." You can't really control yourself with your thoughts. It's also a place where your imagination goes wild, but mostly because you're used to think a lot.

"If you say so. If you have something troubling you, it's okay to talk to one of us." He said that with a cheerful smile. It's bright, so bright.

Eventually, night came and he went back home and you went to sleep. Today, you've read 3 books thanks to Kabbu... Only 10 more to go... damn it.

You don't know how you got into this situation... but right now, you find yourself tied up, Chompy is chomping the bed, somethings burning outside, and Daisy is sitting next to you on the bed, reading you books calmly... What a weird day to be in. Eventually, you were freed, whatever is happening outside ended, Chompy jumped out of the window, and you somehow went through all of the books... and understand them...  Daisy can be scary most of the time. You have to wonder what kind of jobs she's been doing her whole life before meeting you. And what happened outside is still a mystery and she refuses to tell you about it. You're still forced to rest for another day, but she promise you that she'll help you tour around the Bee Factory when you come visit the Bee Kingdom tomorrow. It sounds nice, so you accept the offer. You can't want to see the technologies they had in their kingdoms just from hearing about it.

Chapter Text

You feel like you keep getting dragged into a lot of situation lately. Today, you were just trying to prepare yourself to head out for the Bee Kingdom, and then you met Team Snakemouth outside the in. Leif doesn't seem that good, so you ask Kabbu, and then you were led to somewhere private and were told that Leif made a bet with Vi. The bet is if she could get closer to you, which they assume would be hard for her considering her personality, but it happens without problem... but you feel like he left out something else in the detail, except you don't want to force him to tell you about it. You both then walk back to the other two and Vi's greet you back and all of you had a chat for a while... and now you're playing cards with Leif, which you don't know how to play despite being taught how to. More importantly, the cards are from the enemies I've spied upon out there... which isn't a lot.

"Looks like you lost again." Said Leif. Well of course you lost. You had no chance of winning to begin with. This moth has been using cards creature or bugs you never seen before. You wish you had data of that giant spider you fought before... actually, nevermind. You'll still lose either way. You don't go around and spy your enemies for data, you just beat them up for their berries.

You wanted to go, but instead you were pulled into more rounds and lost all of them. It's a good thing there's no bet in this. You would've lost everything if there's any. Eventually, Leif ended the game and you're finally free from the card game. Sweet, sweet, freedom. Oh how you miss it even if it's only been a few hours.

"Uhh Blu? Why you look like a mess?" Kabbu asks.

"...Don't ask." You said, crying on the inside.

"It's just a card game. Don't be such a baby about it." It hurts, Vi. It hurts a lot.

"...Can I go now?"

"What do you mean? You can always go if you want." Kabbu said. Maybe... but they're your friends, right? You're still not too familiar with it, but you don't want to lose them.

"Or you want another ma-"

"No, please. Thank you." You cut Leif's sentence and run of as fast as possible. "...And the problem solves itself."

***

"...How did I even get dragged into that game anyway?" You mumble to yourself as you're waking through the sandy plain. The place is as hot as a normal dessert would be. Well, in the end you ran away just to avoid playing that game again. You hope it's not a bad thing, but you feel bad. You look at your map... and it's not reliable. Although it does show where each kingdom is, if you can't see where the pathway is, it's not that helpful. More importantly...

"Hand over everything you have!" Said the bandit in front of it's group.

These bandits has been appearing a lot while you're here. You have no plans on giving them anything, but it seems they have more bugs with them this time.

"If you know what's good for you, hand over it now!!!" They shout. It's annoying.

You drop your bag to the ground and pull out your rod from your back. You sigh and prepare yourself to fight.

"Heh, what? Are you that terrifie-" You smack him in the head from the side with enough force to send them flying and not kill him. He flew and hit a rock and fell to the ground unconscious. The others looks at you, agitated. You've done this before in a few minutes ago, you can do it again.

"Why you little-" You move forward as fast as you can which surprise them and they let their guard down. You move in a zigzag as you hit them all on the head with enough force to make them unconscious.

"W-what...?" Said the last bandit before falling to the ground.

Looks like the flying training... err flight training makes you faster... you don't remember moving that fast nor being that flexible. Should you crash into more things? ...Nah, too painful. But... you still haven't finished your training so you might have to... Anyway, now that they're all down, It's time to rob them. You can't help but let out an evil smile as you see their stuff. It's like looting item from monsters in video game! They did tried to rob you after all, so it should be okay if you rob them instead, right? You ransack their berries and leave the food and other stuff in there behind. You're not that cruel that you would take everything and leave them to die with nothing. You know how it feels like firsthand... but they still annoy you, so you kick them all once on the stomach before getting your bag and continue your journey.

An hour after that encounter, you stop for a moment in a shade to cool off for a moment. You groan as you slump your back onto a rock and slide to the floor. You wonder if you even going to reach there at all. And... How are you going to go back? ...Let's not think of the unnecessary. After resting enough, you get up and continue on.... but after eating one honey drop.

After walking for who knows how far, you finally see a bug... thank god. You went ahead to them and talk to them.

"Hey, mister. Can I ask for direction? I'm a little lost." Maybe more than a little. "I'm trying to get to the Bee Kingdom, but the map I have doesn't show how to get there."

"Oh, you're pretty close already, kid. Just head over that path and go straight." He... or she... actually, you can't tell what's their gender. They pointed to the path on their right and on your left. Maybe you're just unlucky. but god... now that you think about it, the path seems just a simple straight road to reach there. You look behind you and it's the same. You feel like an idiot. "Hmm, you seem to be a little unique from the bees I've seen. Well, whatever business you got there, it's none of our business. If you want, you could tag along with us. We were just on the way there to visit a friend of ours."

"Oh yes please." You said without hesitation. Anything to get there without getting lost.

While following them, you notice that they're also explorers. But... there's only two of them. Isn't Team Snakemouth has three people? Hmm... You could just ask them later about it... or Maki or Eetl. Anyone will do, but for now you should just follow them. While doing that, you decide to daydream just so you can distract yourself from the heat. The sky starts to get darker as the sun began to set.

"Here we are."

You snapped out of your daydreaming and look around. What you see is almost like those dessert town in games or animated videos. It's... amazing, especially to see it in person.

"Is it your first time being here?"

"Ack! Um yeah..." You forgot they're there for a moment. "Will it be a problem if I ask where is the Bee Kingdom at?

"Oh, that's easy. It's up there." They pointed up so you look up there and see a beehive... makes sense. "You could get up there with the elevator over there if you can't fly." They pointed at... umm, a wooden platform with rope on it that goes all the way up there. There's also a guard standing there, is he an operator or a guard though?

"T-thanks for the help."

"No problem! We'll be going now then. See you later." They went to the right. You're not sure what's there, but you'll check over there later.

You look around before going anywhere, just trying to get you bearings on the area, and you notice... a tunnel. You... forgot that thing exist... Fuck. Whatever, you should be able to see Daisy if you up there before it's night time. You only take a step forward, but then an explosion happens up there. You look up, and something on the other side near the hive letting out smokes. You're confused as to what is going on but looking around, everyone seems worried. Some are panicking but some guards and a few explorers are controlling the situation down here. You run to the guard near the elevator, although they don't look well, you need to get up there. Of course, they don't allow it because of what just happens, but you got angry, telling them that you have a friend up there and you will get there whether they allow it or not. Reluctantly they let you get up there.

It's a long ride, but once you arrived, you start running towards the hive. Even after getting in, there's a metal door blocking your way with red lights flashing the room. You don't have time for this so you punch the door as hard as you can. A huge dent was created, your hand hurts... but you punch again, and again, and then... it breaks. The metal door went flying but not far and you quickly enters. But a certain bug you recognize made you stops for a moment.

"Blu?"

"Maki?!?" You shout. You didn't expect him here.

"Who is this?" A girl mantis is in her battle stance, ready to fight.

"Calm down, Kina. It's just an explorer."

"What kind of explorer would break a door with their fist?!"

"That kind." He said while pointing at you. You're not sure if you should feel offended or not. But no time to think of that!

"W-wait, Maki can you explain what the help is going on?"

"The honey factory's core blows up." A what? "It's a building right next to the hive where the bees produce honey from." Wait, they made honey with machine?

"Maki! You shouldn't be telling someone like him that kind of information!" She said furiously.

"Calm down. He's not as bad as you imagine him to be." After they talked about a few moments ago, you're still not sure if you should feel happy or not about that.

"U-um..." While they're arguing, you look around... a lot of bee seems to be gathering in this large room, but you can't seem to find Daisy. What if she...

"This is serious, Maki. You can't just go around and trust every explorers. Who knows whether this incident is an accident or not."

"I am being serious. We were here to investigate anyway. Having more explorers with us would be more helpful than-"

"CAN YOU TWO STO ARGUING FOR A MOMENT!!!" You shout loudly. "I'm here because I'm worried about a friend of mine and if you two keep arguing more and not do something about this, I'm going to fucking to beat you up no matter who you are!!!"

"..." They both went silent.

You're already stressed enough with the explosion, a missing friend, and now some explorers you thought are professional are really not. Now that you're forced to think about it, none of the explorers are normal. "Now... what are those investigation you're talking about, Maki?"

He briefly explains that they were originally were sent here by the queen to check on the unusual behaviour of the factory, but before they even started, an incident occurred. You notice your hands bleeding while he's talking, so you took out a roll of bandage from your bag and cover it up with it while listening. It seems that the incident occurred while it's still work hours. Daisy did tell you she has work back when you were talking about her brother. You hope she's doing okay wherever she is.

"Well then what are you waiting for? Why not go there immediately?" 

"We're gathering explorers that are available at this moment and preparing a investigation team." You look around again... and you see a group of bugs that aren't bees. Maybe that's the explorers Maki have gathered, but couldn't they hurry up the process? You are NOT just going to stand around and wait. He seem to notice your impatience and continues speaking. "The door to enter the factory are also shut closed. Doctor H.B. is working on it." You groan. Another door... really? "...Unless you want to force the door open also-"

"No, I'll wait." Breaking something from the very building that just explode could make it collapse all together, too risky. That other mantis... Kina from what you hear Maki said, is glaring at you cautiously... surprisingly it felt like she's just want to protect something from you.

"So who is this Doctor?" You ask. You don't have anything to do, really. So getting information is better than nothing.

"Some scientist that built the technologies around this kingdom." Kina said. You wasn't expecting her to respond.

You would be admiring the works you see in this room, but you still have something else to worry about. You wonder if Team Snakemouth would come here too... but you doubt that. It's late at night right now and there's not a lot of explorers are awake from what have gathered here. Oh, you saw those two bugs that you traveled with coming in... While the others are glaring at you.

Maki seem to notice and knew what you're wondering about. "...None would have guess a mere bee would destroy the door with their bare hands."

"Uhh... sorry?"...Hopefully they won't bill you for it. "But how long do we have to wait? You ask. It was immediately answered with the appearance of a bee with a lab coat.

"The door's has been opened. But let me warn you that there are a lot of abomihoneys forming up with the whole place are down."

"We'll be fine." Some doesn't seem like it though.

Maki gathered everyone and a bunch of talk about the goal of this investigation, to find survivors. Originally it's just a normal investigation, but now it's also a rescue mission. Once the briefing is done, everyone, including you, went to the factory... after crossing the eerie bridge. Who build that bridge? It's so unsafe...

Once everyone inside the dark factory, the very first thing that greets us are a bunch of those slimy orange creature... is that honey?

"Everyone, prepare yourself!"

Wait, hold on. What is this? But before you can even process this, one of them jumps at you. "Gah!!" You instinctively pull out your rod and smack it while it's in the air and they splattered on the floor. "W-What the hell???"

Maki briefly comes to you and spoke. "They're the abomihoneys." He said while slashing one with his weapon. Now that you get a closer look at his weapon, it's quite thick for a sword, but he's using it with no problem.

"What's abomihoneys?" You thrust your rod into another of those creature that jumps at you.

"Are you serious!? How come you don't know them?" Kina said. She throws the dagger at you. You know why and jump to get out of the way, but at least give you a hint or something. You hate that girl.

You land with your hand and launch yourself to the air. "What? Do you expect me to know them? I'm not even from around here!" As you're falling, you swing your rod down to one of those abomihoneys.

Everyone is focused on fighting and can't afford to communicate while you three are doing it, but you and Kina kept arguing even after the fight's over, although you two eventually get over it. You hear others talking with each other, but you didn't pay much attention to them. Eventually, everyone continue on.

"Anyways, back to my question.. What are they?" You ask Maki as all of you walk deeper. A few survivors were found on the way and some corpses are also found, but none that you recognize.

"They are honey monster that forms when a large amount of honey aren't mixed well or so they say. It is yet unclear as to why it happen."

A large amount... not mixed well? Does it matter how you mix honey though? ...Probably only for this world, but... you don't really know if it does apply in the previous world too or not. You wanted to ask if they eat bugs... or eat anything at all, but you probably shouldn't. Maybe for your own sake. But this place is so big. We've been walking for quite a while and the layout seems to be... well, too complicated. If it weren't for the rubbles, you doubt some of the explorers would be able to follow deeper. You also saw a bunch of robot that aren't functioning on the floor or down below... There's some place where if one were to fall, it'll be difficult to get up or might be straight up dead. We eventually hit a dead end for one of the road, so we all went back. You still haven't seen any hints of her yet. 

"What's wrong, Blu?"

"H-huh?" You look at Maki.

"You look quite tensed for some time now."

"...I'm just worried."

"Is this about your friend you mentioned earlier?"

"Yes."

"...I'm sure we'll find her."

"I..." You stop.
 
"...Blu?" You didn't answer.

He looks forward... and over there is a room mostly destroyed and covered in rubbles. The room... there's a lot of wounded bees in there. They looked as if someone has treated them... no, someone is treating them. They're there, tending to one of the bug's wounds, but even so some didn't make it... One of them, is her. She's lying on the floor with wounds that you're not sure it's recoverable. You... walk towards her dead body. You kneel down and look at her... You just look at her. And think about something what she once talked about.

"What do you mean everything's alright out there??? There's something burning out there and it's big!"

"It's fine. The others got it taken care of. Let me just read you some books and you can just relax." She said. "You too, Chompy."

Chompy is bititng the bed's leg. You wonder if that... umm... plant thing, even understand our anyone's words at all. "Can you at least untie me?" I said while looking at her with pleading eyes.

"No. If let you go, the next thing I'll see is probably you jumping out of the window." Ouch... shes not wrong.

You stay silent for a few hours while she's reading you the books you haven't read yet. It's fast... too fast, but you someone still follow up with her reading. She stops for a moment and spoke to you.

"Hey, Blu?"

"W-what?"

"What do you feel when you lose your parents?" That's... a very serious question.

"Hmm... When I lost my dad to an accident, it hurts. I was... crying back then, and I call out to him many times while leaning to his coffin. Mom also comfort me that time."

"Coffin."

"Something they use to store dead body before burying them." You continue. "As for mom..."

"Oh right... Your-"

"No, wait. I know what you're thinking. I might have wrote down that I was the one who killed her and made her into a live-size doll with flesh... but that was when I was younger." She looks confused.

"What do you mean?"

"I just wrote that to remember it, but to be honest with you... I can't remember anything that happens that day. I remember I was going to buy some groceries." She's listening at you very attentively. "A-and that was it." You look away at her, a bit embarrassed. "When I was young, I don't really know what happened and assumed it was my fault. But when I started studying, I learned about a certain drugs that matches too well with the symptoms I felt waking up that day. And it was called the Devil's Breath."

"Devil's Breath?"

"Yeah. It was said to be made from the seed of a bell flower, I think. I don't remember much if it was the seed specifically, but I remember the flower itself was used to make the drug." You've never seen the flower in person either, so you don't really know if the things being said in that book are even true or not. "Anyway, after learning that, I decide to find the person who use it to me. I don't really know the reason on why they made me do it, but they did it... so I took revenge."

"You killed them with your hand?" Oh boy, if only it was that simple. You don't really feel bad talking about this though.

"Uh, no. I use a gun that specialized in long range shot."

"Gun?"

"...There's no guns in this world?"

"None that I know of." Well that sucks. "So... what happens after you have your revenge?"

"...Nothing." You answer. "It feels... empty. Like I lose any reason to look forward for the future." You pause for a moment before continuing. "But a few days later, I started to get into reading stories."

"You mean those like a story book? I remember you wrote something about a 'fanfiction'."

"Yeah, it's similar. The point is... um... I read these stories and got interested with them. And from then on, I started to like stories where people change the fate of those who went through horrible lifes."

"So Hypnosis then?"

You laugh before answering. "It's not just that, honestly. There's also having an Ai as companion, or something fun like hacking evil AI and change them completely and make a fool out of them. Sounds fun to me."

She laughs too. "I guess it does."

You two shares some things you both experience sometime in life before continuing reading again. After all the books were read... at unimaginable speed, which still puts you in confusion. She said something that surprises you.

"If I die... what will you do, Blu?"

"Huh? Why you ask that?"

"Come on, I can ask it, right?"

"Well..." You think for a moment. "I think I might just stare at you."

"I'm serious, Blu!"

"I-I'm also serious. I don't know, okay? I never really think about it if I have to lose a friend."

"Then can you promise something."

"W-what?" She's not giving you a break, doesn't she?

"Promise me that if I were to die, or anyone you care, really... I want you to stay calm." Calm? Is that even possible? "And if you can, please. Don't blame yourself. You seem like you'll do just that, you know."

"...Okay." You don't if you would blame yourself. Doesn't sound realistic.

"Oh, and bury me with the coffin you talk about, okay?"

You chuckle. "Alright. I promise."

"Blu." Maki shakes you. "Are you alrgiht?"

You look back at Daisy's corpse. You caress her face, cleaning some of the dirt on it. "I'm fine."

"You could stay, if you want. No one's forcing you to continue."

"...I'll stay." You stand up and grab your rod from your back. You drop your bag onto the floor. "There's probably more thing, yeah?" You turn to Maki. "There's also still other places to check out too." You take a deep breath before continuing. "All of you should go. I'll guard this room."

He looks at you, seemingly worried, but he seems to trust you. "Alright. Be careful then." You actually thought he's going to try and stop you... but he didn't? He walks away from, but then stops after walking a few steps. "Losing someone can be painful. Not everyone would be as calm as you, but..." He turns around towards you. "Just remember that you're not alone. There's always someone out there who'll comfort you when you're having a hard time. So cheer up." He turns back. "...I'm counting on you." He then gathers everyone around. You don't know what he's saying to them, but Kina seems to object it but doesn't say it. They then depart, leaving you here with these wounded bees and some dead ones. 

"Cheer up, huh..." Tears comes out of your eyes after they left. You helped out the bee who's tending these bees while pulling out other medical stuff from your bag. There's not much since you've used most of it in the past few days of your training with Vi. And then, you hear noises from outside. It sounds like those creature.

"Oh no!" She seems to be in a panic.

"I'll take care of it. You stay and take care of them." You grab your rod that you put on the floor when tending the wounded, and go outside. Looking around, it doesn't seem that many... but that's now, not later. You can already see more appearing out from the dark. "...Don't mind me using all of you as a stress relief." You take a deep breath, trying to keep yourself composed. One jumped towards you from the wall behind you. You dodge them barely and smack them with your rod. What you didn't expect was they sprout out a spike out of their mouth. It didn't hit you, but it's something you need to take into account. You sigh heavily, and begin with your attacks. You swing your rod to the left, right, up, right, and then down. You can't do much with a rod other than swing them into a direction, but it doesn't mean your attacks can't just kill them in one hit. One of these things appears from the ground and form into a jaw, trying to bite you like a shark. You used your rod to get yourself high and avoid it, but your rod broke in half. You stab the abomihoney below you with the pointy part of your broken rod, killing it. You grab the other half and starts stabbing each and every one of them as you move around as fast you can. Each attack uses more forces as you get more and more tired. You gritted your teeth, trying to endure the pain as one of them manage to stab you on the side of your stomach, luckily not on your abdomen. You turn around and throw one of your weapon at it with all your strength and it explodes into a splatter of honey, the same goes for the broken half of the rod. You stab, kick, punch, bite, anything you can do to fight back. You won't die, and you will keep them safe... Maybe because of your own ego, but you rather live without regrets. You have a promise to keep... You have to stay strong... You're much more stubborn than these slimy creatures.

Kina throws one of her stinger at the abomihoneys and it splats from the impact. "I still can't believe you left only him to guard that place." She said while she and everyone walks back, on their way to that room of injured worker bees. Maki didn't say anything and just keep walking. "Hopefully they're still alive when we get back. I swear, I would give that bee a lectu-" She stops... she stops after looking what's in front of them.

"...How about now?" Maki reply to her.

What they saw... was Blu, standing in the middle of a splattered honey mixed with blood that pooled up into a large puddle. He's breathing heavily with small pieces of wood in his hand, a hole on the left of his stomach, arms shaking uncontrollably while also has many scars on them. The same apply to his face and abdomen. He looks at the group and yell.

"Don't just stand there! Go get them out of here already." He said in a shaky voice. "And... Maybe also get me out of here too." His body is shaking, and seems like it's about to fall at any moment. "I-I think... I'll p-pass out if... I move..." He said while breathing heavily.

Maki walks ahead first. The others soon follow suit after snapping out of their daze. It was not a view everyone was used to see.

"Just... what kind of bee did you bring into the association, brother..."

"Urgh..." You're sobbing on the bed feeling pain all over your body. Even after all that fighting, you're still not over your sadness... but the worst part gotta be the fact you're bandaged all over like a mummy. You really don't know which one you should be sad about first. Being trapped in another inn or your friend's death. But now that you can think a bit better... she would just tell you to focus on yourself than her. "...I wonder if they did what you ask them to do." Before you get mummified like this, you told them to make a coffin and put her body in it and bury it. You didn't give any details why, you just told them and tell them how it looks. It took quite a few drawings before they got it right... but now what? From the day you first arrived and now is not much different. You still lose someone dear to you even after getting stronger... You wish that you at least do more things with her before parting ways like this. The only reason you're not breaking down and crying is just because you're not really that close with her. But the time you have with her are still precious. You can't keep being sad all day mourning over someone who just died. "...Fuck" You cry. "...Why?" ...In the end, you cry. You don't want to feel like this... not again.... You just want to live happily... Is that too much to ask for?

A sound of footsteps can be heard. You wipe your tears and look at who it is.

"...Uh, did I interrupt something?" It's Kabbu. Ah crap, he didn't hear you crying, did he? 

"N-no! It's fine. I wasn't doing anything at all. hahaha..." Although you said that, there's no door in this inn.

"N-no no. I'm sure you need some time alone right now." Goddamnit he did hear it. Maybe he even saw you crying. Urgh... this is embarrassing.

"I'm fine now. And please forget what you saw or heard."

"Come on, it's nothing to be ashamed of." He walks towards you and sit on the bed beside you.

"For you maybe." You really wonder how someone like him get to be an explorer... Is he also not normal? Is he secretly a psychopath? You ponder hard on the unnecessary.

"...What are you thinking about?"

"Guh... umm... Nothing important." At least you hope it's not.

"Oh, okay then. You do seem to be better now than a few moment ago."

"..." You suppose you do need a bit of distraction. Thinking back, what you were saying in your mind sounds embarrassing too... "Hey, where's the other?"

"Oh. They're assisting Maki on a few things over there."

"And you... didn't join them?"

"Oh, no I would. But after we heard... the news. We discuss on who should go check on you."

"Hm... so how did you ended up being the one to check on me?"

"Uh..." Hmm? Why he's suddenly embarrassed. "We... play cards."

"...Ah." That horrifying game, huh? You feel bad for him... Although you don't know if he has played it before or not. "So... What now?"

"Oh, right!" He pull out a donut out of nowhere...? Wait, from where??? Is that a donut?!? "Here you go! I went to Crisbee's Bakery before coming here. She once said you like sweet things, so I thought you might like it."

"..." You... silently take the donut.... You still have mixed feelings. You feel grateful, happy, sorrow, and confused. You're not sure which one you're expressing right now, but you feel tears coming out of your eyes again so maybe you're sad. You took a bite of the donut.... and then push the whole thing into your mouth. It taste so good!

"Hehehe..." Kabbu laughs as he watches you eat it.

"!" Your forgot he was there. You gotta work on that later. "S-sorry."

"it's alright. I'm sure you're just hungry."

"Hey! I have you I... uhh..." Wait, did you even eat anything today? Or last night? You don't remember.

Kabbu just laughs at you. "You know, it's weird seeing you like this. I always you don't talk you were a someone who always know what to do, but right now it's like watching a toddler trying to be a grown up."

"A... what?" You don't understand what he meant. But you feel like it's a insult... and you didn't expect it comes from him, honestly.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out." He stands up from the bed. "...Blu."

"Hm?"

"It'll be fine." He looks at you. "Losing someone might not be easy, but... just know that you'll never be truly alone. There's always someone out there who'll reach out to you, comfort you." You can see a hint of regret in his eyes for a moment. "I once lost someone close to me to a beast and seek for revenge. But on the way, I found a new companion, someone I would protect with my life if I have to, but I was blinded by my goals that I almost got them killed in the process. Maybe they might even be alive right now if I continue on that path... but I'm glad I didn't."

"I... didn't know you went through something like that." You always thought he's just an innocent bug who always believe in justice or something similar. But hearing his own story really change your thoughts of him... "So, want me to address you like a warrior or something."

"N-no! I just meant you should stay true to yourself."

"Yeah yeah."

You might be dense, to be fair, since you don't understand the lesson there. You probably won't try change, but that's fine. Being 'yourself' is fine. Nothing needs to change just because something major happens. But... you have to learn holding back isn't going to cut it. Sure your magic fucking sucks or dangerous. They might not help you in combat, but it is in something else. You have to use it more often and forget some morality. The world is cruel after all... Let's just not use it on someone you know.

"By they way... Why are you covered in bandage like that?"

"You just notice that!?"

Chapter Text

"Hmm...." You're at a loss on what to do.

You've been resting for 2 weeks or 2 moons for this world, although Vi, Kabbu, and Leif visits you often, you don't have much to do lately. Even after recovering, you don't have anything planned. Usually you would immediately went to work like beating up lesser bugs (information learned from the book he read) or critters, or maybe helping out the locals... but you don't know anyone in this town. You've visited Daisy's grave yesterday, bringing some flowers that were given by Kabbu. You don't know where he gets it, but he finds them for you so you should just be grateful for it. You're still not that familiar with this world. There's a lot of mysteries you haven't solved either, mainly your magic. There's also that medal... or at least that what he said. And then there's also other places outside Bugaria that aren't shown on the map... well except one. You don't know what kind of place is the Commintern, but you might visit that place one day... and for some reason, the name sounds like politics.

You sigh while look back at the inn you were treated in. "...It's a bit more expensive than the one in the Ant Kingdom." You're a poor bug, so it's natural that money... berries are very important. Although you have more from robbing the bandits, you still need to save them up so you could, maybe, buy a land... or maybe you'll ended up finding your own place outside of Bugaria. You also broke your weapon, so you might have to find another one... Urgh, just imagining the price makes you don't want to get one at all. So much for planning things ahead. Although right now, you have a problem.

"...Uhm..." You're... a bit lost. You don't know where you are, but this place looks like an alleyway or some sort. You head into random direction and ended on the residential area... and it's big. You walk back from where you came from, hoping to avoid the big part of this town.

***

"...Finally... I'm back..." You're back at near the elevator after hours of circling around like an idiot. You don't know why you always get lost when exploring new places, but it's always happens when you have no guide to help you.

"Blu?" You face up to see who is it... Oh, it's Kabbu. "Why you looked like a bug who was stranded for days?"

"...I don't... want to talk... about it." You miss the greenery and the cool breeze.

"Okay... Anyway, I was actually just came looking for you."

"Huh? ...Why?"

"The queen wants to meet with the investigation team's members. I think she wants to discuss what happened that day."

"Oh, that sou-" Wait... queen? "I'm sorry, what? The queen?"

"Yes. Don't worry, she's a very humble and kind. I'm sure you'll be fine if you meet her."

"H-huh? W-w-wait! Hold on... I have to meet the queen?!?"

"Of course! It's an honor to be able to meet them in person even."

...You feel nervous... very nervous. You didn't expect to meet one at all, actually. Why would the queen... actually, nevermind. Hopefully it's just to talk about the incident... There's only bad memories during that incident.

"...Blu? Are you okay? You look pale again."

"I'm fine... I'm just trying to gather myself a bit."

"Aww, are you nervous. It'll be fine, I promise you that."

"Uhh yeah, thanks." You have thoughts in your head of trying your magic on the queen... but there's a huge risk for it and you're not up for it. You don't want to be a criminal. Not now, not ever. Makes you wonder why some love being one. "...Where's the queen's room again?"

"Oh, right. You've never been there before. It should be through the door in the middle of the room." That big door?  That... makes sense. Royalties do like big and fancy room, you think.

You thank Kabbu before heading to the elevator... you're still tired though. Once the elevator starts going up, you lay don on the platform and just rest...... You can't rest at all. You're still traumatized from your first elevator.You grab onto the fencing of the elevator platform and hold on to it tightly. When you almost arrived at the top, you get back standing in the middle of the elevator platform. Once at the top, you went to the hive, not like there's any road other than there, honestly. You're at this short hallway again, except the door to the main room is still broken and they're currently repairing it. Thankfully, they didn't fine you for it. Once inside, you see the big tall door in front of you, right as you entered.

'...this is still massive.' Why would a door need to be so tall? No bug that can enter the hive are that tall, at least not from what you know of.

"You're here." Maki and Kina are standing near the door. There's also others here too, but there seems to be less than when you all went to the factory. Maybe they're busy with whatever it is.

"..." You're not sure what to say, and it seems to be the same for them. Kina seems nervous around you, or maybe it's just you. The others are keeping their distance from you.

"Don't worry about them. Let's just wait for the call." Maki said. This kind of reminds you when that seedling that shape like an acorn were terrified when looking at you. Is there something on your face when you're deep in thought? You decide to just wait like he said and not long after, a guard opens the door and calls everyone in.

Inside was... well not as massive as the main room, but this is still pretty spacious. Maybe throne rooms are all like this... Err, you shouldn't get yourself distracted in a place like this. The guard seems to say something to the queen just now, maybe announcing our arrival.

"Welcome, dear explorers. I'm so glad to be able to see you all." Her voice sounds so gentle. Not only that, the room's atmosphere felt very calming for some reason. "I would like to thank you for saving my children from the incident that day." She now seems a bit sad. "If it weren't for all of you, maybe there'll be more casualties than what it is now."

'Ah.' That's right... there's a lot that died that day, not just Daisy. You're... horrible at remembering things, huh?

"So I'd like to thank you once again for your help." She then looks at you. "And you must be Blu, is that right?"

"Ah!" You calm yourself down and try to stay composed. "Y-yes, yes I am, Queen."

"I'd like to thank you the most for protecting them that day." She seems about to give a bow. That can't be right.

"W-wait, I didn't don much, really! If anything, I thing the others do more than I did." You look at the others. And they seems a bit skeptical. Why though, you stayed while the others explores everything else, right?

"You're forgetting that you're protecting the injured on that day, Blu." Maki reply.

"Ah!" You forgot. "...Nevermind then." You feel so embarrassed right now.

"Ahahah! It's alright. Seeing you like this are quite adorable." Ngg... You prefer calling others adorable rather than yourself. You can tell your face are very red right now. Well, might as well take it as a compliment. "If I'm not mistaken, you are friends with Vi, aren't you?"

"Huh?! H-how did you-"

"She and her team came to visit a day ago. She seems to talk a lot about you. It's rare to see her happy like that" She gives you a smile. "I hope you take good care of her as her friend."

"I... I will." It sounds like a heavy responsibility...

"I'm sure you will." She said to you gently with a smile. Her smile never disappears during this whole meeting. If it were you, would you be able to do it with as sincere as her? "The rewards will be prepared outside this room. I'd like to thank you all again, and I hope you'll accept them."

The meeting ended there and everyone left the room... well except you, you were in your head thinking of the things that just happens. "The meetings has concluded, young bee."

"Ah." You snap out of your thoughts. "S-sorry." You walk out of the room, you could've sworn you heard the queen giggles at you.

Outside, you were handed 200 berries and... a medal... This isn't the same medal as the one that stabs into your arms, right? Oh, the others seems to earn not as much as you though. But still... hearing about medals gives you nightmares.

"Looks like you're given a medal." Maki comes in.

"Umm... Yeah... Any idea what does this do? I've never wore a medal before."

"It's simple. Medals are a pretty unique item that most explorers use. Some can strengthen your body or your mind, heal you, gives you protection, and more."

"Hmm." You look at the medal again. There's a clover on it with some white star like stuff all around it. What does it do? You'll have to test it out... somehow. "Thanks for the explanation, Maki."

"No problem. Just don't forget to equip them. Oh and make sure you're not randomly equipping everything. Every bug has their own limit to how much they can gain from the medals they use." So... another RPG mechanic, huh? Oh well, makes it easier to understand.

After everyone's got their rewards, we all went our separate ways... except you. You heard a voice calling you out.

"Hey, Blu!" You turn around and see Vi. Huh, if you met Leif next, it would be something. "What are you standing around for?" She asks you curiously.

"Nothing... Just spacing out like usual, I guess."

"Why you always spacing out like that?" You don't know. You've been at it a lot lately.

"Maybe I'm just tired."

"Well, you did gone through a lot..." Vi sounded like she's worried about you. Hmm, it does feel nice to have someone worrying about you, but hopefully it's not to the extend that they'll tie you up. "I know! Let's visit my sister!" She said excitedly.

"Your sister?" She has a sister.

"Well, technically all bees here are sisters, but to me she's my one and only sis." ...You're still a bit lost. "C'mon!"

She guided you to a certain door that has paint bucket near it on the side. Once you're inside, you see that some part of the room are covered in paint. Most of the floors are filled with bucket of paints and painting tools and canvas, and on the wall you can see some paintings. You gotta admit, these paintings look great.

"Sis, are you here?" She shout. You wonder what her sis is like.

"I'm here, Vi. No need to shout, it's late already." A bee come out of the door in room, and wow... she's taller than me and VI. It's a good thing you assume yourself and Vi as short. But Vi might yell at you if you call her short. The tall bee looks at you. "Who's this?"

"This is Blu. He's an explorer too."

"...Hi?" God, is that really your response?

"Hmm, he looks shabby."

"I guess I am." Kabbu did say you look like someone who are lost for days... you should get yourself a hand mirror one day.

She seems to be looking you top to bottom. You wonder why- "Is he your boyfriend?"

"WHAT?!?" You and Vi shout at the same time.

"...No?"

"No! Of course not!" Vi answers.

"Yeah! W-we were just... umm, friends...?" You don't know what boyfriend means but it sounds like an intimate thing... You also felt like you've heard of that word before. Maybe from fictions?

"Y-you don't have to worry about that, Blu."

"S-shouldn't I know? T-this sounds important."

Jaune is looking at us with confused looks. "What are you two talking about?"

"N-nothing! Let's just talk about something else." You guess Vi is taking the lead of the conversation now.

You start b introducing yourself, and then Vi talks about the things that happens when she was with me. It's... embarrassing. You wanted to stop her, but her sister are enjoying the story, damn it! You ended up just sitting in the corner of the room that aren't filled with bucket of paints, thinking of your life choices. At some point, they checked on you if you're okay. Well, you're not fine mentally, you never will at this rate.

"Can I... just go home now?"

"Hmm? You have a home?" Vi asks.

"Of course not. I'm going to the inn."

"You don't have a home?" Jaune asks, concerned about your well-being.

"No. If I ran out of berries, I could just sleep in a cave or somethi- err.. nevermind." Even you realized that's dumb. But since you blurt it out, the others looking at you now. "Look, I get it alright? I know I made dumb decision and stuff, so stop looking at me like!"

"If you didn't look and sound like a dying person, I might not care as much." Oh... Vi's response back to her being Vi.

"Let's just talk about something else. Something that is not me, for example."

"But ain't there's a lot to talk about that's related to you?"

Jaune gets closer to Vi and whisper something. Something that makes her face red and scream at her while she is smiling and laughing at her. The rest is... another compilation of things that you do with her, mainly during flight training. Remembering that and comparing to your way of thoughts now... you think you're stupid for not trying to take a break at all. Isn't your goal to be lazy? Your exhaustion that day isn't the problem, it might happen again even when you didn't mean it. You hope you at least get smarter or something like getting intelligence point like in RPG, maybe that'll help. You also talk about the things you do with Daisy, and like VI, you didn't tell her about your magic and exclude it from the story, replacing it with something else. It's become very late so you all part ways and head to sleep.

***

You hate the economy. The price of the in here are 15... it might be just a 5 more than the one in Ant Kingdom, but you haven't gone stealing berries from critters or lesser bugs lately. Also, from what you heard from Vi back when you were sick, they used to be cheaper than it is now, but for some reason item prices are still the same. The economy are so unbalanced... Oh and there's no free food staying here.

"Alright, time to leave this place." You wanted to check around the place, but maybe later when you're rich or something. Today you'll go back and take some more rest, and tomorrow you could try experimenting with your power with the seedlings, if luck favours you tomorrow that is.

Chapter Text

"Hmm..." 'What to do, I wonder...' You've been standing in Seedling Have for a few minutes, not long. It's just that... you didn't really plan anything even if you hypnotize someone or something. You better think of something before something shows up...

....

...For someone who take psychology class, you suck at this. But to be fair, you also learn anything from that class since the teacher rarely enters the class to teach. Because of that, you spend most of your time working on your AI and also making your other techs back in your old life usig junks others thrown away. It's something you studied a lot by yourself. It's really fun... You're now wondering why those idiot throws away a perfectly good phones and computers like, what where they thinking? It's a good thing you're there to steal it. It would be a waste to have it get destroyed or something... Alright back to your problem.

'...Would it be weird to have seedlings as slave?' You're fine with trying brainwashing bugs or other creature too... except the weevil, or... any scary creature. You just don't like them. You want to have something cute to just fall under your magic or something like that. Maybe that's asking a bit too much, but that's your preference. 'Speak of the devil.' A seedling finally came to view... 'Why is it shaking while looking at me?' You try to read it's mind and... Oh, this is that seedling from back then. It felt scared and confused, wanting to run but for some reason decide to stay. Maybe every first time using a spell has some powerful effect on those that were influenced by you. You don't know how to use your magic properly yet, nor what can you do with it. You use your magic and flow it through your eyes. The seedling gaze then shifts a little to your eyes.

"Don't be scared." You say. "I'm sure you're feeling confused, but I assure you that there is nothing to worry about."

'Do they even understand you' You thought. Obviously the seedling are visibly confused now. At least it's not shivering anymore. That means they're not afraid anymore, right? You also need to train yourself until you can use more than one spell at a time because you want to be able to understand them while hypnotizing them.... and also your speech needs some work.

You sat onto the ground and spoke again while keeping your gaze at it. "Are you willing to come closer, little guy?"

...Nothing. Well, maybe like your mind reading translating what they're thinking and feeling, you need a to do some kind of telepathy... How though? Leif said you could try and figure out how your magic works, but how? The seedling seems to just stand there a bit far from you, and it's starting to look tired. Oh, and you're not tired yet. How much improvements did you get every time your magic evolves or grow?

'I'll think about it next time.' For now, you should focus on it. You should try reading it's mind while using hypnosis and just keep it active as long as you can. Not the best way to train, but what else can you do? This will be a long day.

***

You're lying on the bed at the inn. After pushing yourself quite far with the training... you almost pass out, feeling like your body losing it's strength and feeling like vomiting. It's a good thing you manage to hold on until you got to the inn. You get up on the floor, still feeling a bit weak, ate the honey drop... oh wait, you didn't eat anything yesterday...

You ate three crunchy leafs and one mushroom from your bag, and now you're finally full. You're ready to leave after packing your stuff, but you're still low on energy, so it's probably best to avoid using magic for now. You did manage to do it though after figuring out to make it work, and then you try to do many things at once with the magics you know of, which lead to what happened yesterday. 

You left the inn and do some quest. It went on for hours, but at least you get a lot of berries doing these stuff. There's no important quest on the board or weird reward like before, so there's nothing worth pointing out.

"You seem quite busy today, Blu."

"...I got some time to spare." Well... you didn't lie.

"I see. It's good that you have been taking quests again. I thought something might've happened to you during those 2 weeks." Err... well, he's not wrong.

"D-don't worry. It's not like I'm that active doing people's request." But the quests you saw on the board are rarely about exploration. "But why is most of the quest are just subjugation, finding lost items, escort, and other stuff like that but not explore new place or something?"

"Oh, that's because back then, the Explorer's Association were created to find the artifacts and the Everlasting Sapling. It's been 2 years now since the sapling were found. It seems only those who went there to stop the Wasp King knows what happens to it."

Everlasting Sapling... you remember hearing about it. Oh right, it was one of the tale Team Snakemouth tells you about. Is their hero title related to that?

"But it doesn't matter now. Everything is peaceful now and that great. Many were inspired by Team Snakemouth's heroic action and try to be like them."

"Is that why there's so many explorers here?"

"Why yes. Of course. Who wouldn't want to achieve the same glory as them?" Me, of course. He's very enthusiastic about it though.

You didn't say much about it and just say your goodbyes and left the place. You remember that there's a lot of blank area on the map... except Commintern. Again, that place sounded very political and you haven't heard anything about it... But you wonder... do they have the things human has but in bug size? Well, you're not strong enough nor have the courage to go there without help, so you put it aside for now. You went out and try practice your flying and you still ended up hitting plants a bunch, but you're getting the hang of it. The next day... another flying and crashing, but it's getting less and less each day. After 4 days of damaging yourself for stupid reasons, you practice your magic again, and understand more of it and not ended up using a lot like before. Apparently, hypnosis, mind reading, and this so-called hack doesn't use much of your energy, but creating that ball of light that makes someone dazed and confused are somewhat draining. You figure because you're forming it into something physical... but it's also the most useless magic you had. You really want to hypnotize the seedling but language barrier are still there. Why is your magic doesn't evolve or grow when you train yourself using it, but it did during a very random time and some weird item that stabs you? ...This world is just as confusing as your previous, just in a different way.

"...I could've ask Leif for help." Magic is too much for you to learn alone. Nor there is any helpful book that can teach you about it. All you got was moth was the most compatible with magic and that's all there is out here... Actually, you might have one more magic, Lately, you've been able to sense the bugs or monsters presence. It was very noticeable during your fight in the factory. You manage to sense them from your back, above, below, you sensed them all like you notice them without really seeing them. It was really helpful, except the fact you still got stabbed and wounded all over. Let's just call it psychic sense, cause why not. Leif started it-

You didn't notice where you were walking and hit a wall... That's embarrassing. You should've pay more attention to your surroudings... Maybe after going somewhere quiet. Everyone around here are staring at you.

You went to Golden Settlement... you didn't plan out what you're going to do in this place. So you went to the wilds and beat up a bunch of weevil and acornlings and get some berries. You wonder if you want to Vi or Kabbu, but decide to be against it. They are explorers, a well know one too so it's better to not try messing with their mind. As for Leif... something just doesn't sit right with you about him. The way he talks in plural is one thing, but when you're around him, it felt like there's two of them but different to each other and at the same time, are the same people- umm, bugs. Maybe it's just you, but it's probably best to avoid using any magic on him, especially when he also has one. You remember during your flight training, he were watching you on the air, sitting on his ice that is floating and not feeling tired or anything. It makes you feel like only yours that makes you exhausted when used. You walk back to Golden Settlement, and you notice two bugs talking to each other. It seems like a serious topic.

"Hey, did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"About the Bee Kingdom." Hmm? Didn't that happens almost 3 weeks ago now?

You pretend to be heading to the item shop to get closer to them, and just look around while listening to them.

"You mean the what happened to their factory? That's old news."

"I know, but for some time now there has been rumors the bandits have been acting up." The bandits?

"Really?!"

"Yeah, many bugs out there were robbed in plain sight in town." It must have been because of the lack of guards around town. Most of them were moved to the hive if you remember correctly.

"That's horrible."

"I know! I don't know if it's true or not."

"Let's avoid going there for now."

"I agree."

After the conversation moves to something else, you went and buy a clear water for 3 berries and drinks it... It's best not think too much about the water. More importantly, the bandits are acting up... You'll let the others handle it, not really your problem now.

You head back to the Ant Kingdom before it gets dark and while heading to the inn, you see the theater are very crowded. You see a familiar poster from before... but there's even more plastered on the walls.

'Concert maybe?' You can certainly heard a female voice singing inside... You ignore it and went to the inn and just sleep.

The next day, you see a notice plastered on the wall of the theater, mentioning the schedule of this Mothiva's performance. Should you care? No. Not really.

"You're not by any chance going to watch That bug perform right?" That's Vi voice. You turn around and see the whole team again.

"No? Why would I?"

"...It's nothing." She seems to went to normal from about to burst with yelling or something after seeing your response and reaction.

"Vi, I know it's frustrating, but we must not judge her too hardly."

"We are not so sure of that, Kabbu. Last time, you-"

"T-that was in the past! What's important is the present." What was that all about?

"Oh, right." Since Leif is here, might as well ask him for help. "Hey Leif. Can you help me learn magic?"

"...Us?" There it is again. Whatever, Your goal right now is to understand magic for now.

"Don't you already know how to use your magic?" Kabbu asks.

"Well, yeah. But what I mean is I want help to master this magic stuff." And not pass out. "So... can you help?"

"What do we get from this?"

"What do you like?" You see Vi and Kabbu went alert after you said that...?

"Hmm... Rent me a bedbug." Isn't that a bug that's famous for helping people rest while traveling or something. There's only one though from what you heard.

"I don't know if I can get my hands on that. Anything else?" He's thinking... You can relate to that. Having to choose what to get from a trade and all.

"Anything cute is fine."

"OH! You like cute stuff!?"

"Wha-?"
"What???"
Both of the seem confused. It's cute, adorable, little stuff. What's not to get?

"We see that you like them also."

"Of course! Hold on, I got something in my bag." You put down your big bag, which reminds you to ask about how they store stuff behind their back and disappear and stuff. You pull out a big soft plushie out. "Ta-da!"

"Ooooh." Leif sounded impressed... What's wrong with Kabbu?

"T-t-tha- That's the limited edition bug ranger plushie!!!" A what?

"...They have plushies?" Leif asks. You also were about to something similar.

"LEIF! WE MUST HAVE THAT!" He said while shaking him a lot... That doesn't look like the Kabbu you knew.

"U-uh-m, s-ure-e." His voice sounded funny while being shaked.

"Y-you sure? I don't think you're in a good condition to answer." You said while staring at Kabbu who looks desperate to get this plushie... reminds you of people who's obsessed collecting everything of a certain merchandise of a certain game. He just nod. "Alright then, I'm only using this thing as a pillow anyway."

I hand the plushie over to... Kabbu. He looks so happy that he's hugging it tightly. He looks like a kid like this. 

"Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow."

A single word of conversation that only you and Leif know seeing that Vi doesn't seem to get it and Kabbu is completely distracted. You and them say your byes and they went somewhere else, maybe home since it's gotten dark... Home. You might start searching for one soon, but after you're done mastering your wings and flight, and magic of course.

'...Ah.' It's raining. The rain... You should take shelter... now. Althought he giant droplet of water from the sky seems to be falling slower than when you're human, it's going to swept you away!

After getting into the inn,  you dry yourself off with your towel and wait for the rain to stop... it didn't and eventually you pay for your stay and went to sleep. Thankfully when you wake up, you're not sick after getting wet but slightly smaller rain water droplets compared to your world... bug and human sized stuff. All of the buildings seems to be fine too... Otherworldly logic, you think.

"Going out already?" The innkeeper asks as she saw you walks down from upstairs.

"Yeah, but I doubt I'll be busy today." Especially after the rain.

"Alright then, be careful out there."

You stare at her for a moment. "...Hey uhm... miss? Can I ask for you name?" 

"Oh?" She seems slightly surprised. "I thought you'd never ask. It's Lily."

"I- what?" You're confused. "I thought you're going to ask me why I ask something like that from you or-"

"Oh come on, Blu. Do you really want to keep calling someone you met so often by their occupation every time?"

"Well... no."

"There you go. That's your answer."

You scratch the back of your head, still confused, but decide to not argue about it. "Okay then. See you later, Lila."

"You too, Blu."

As you walk out of the building, you can feel the warm humidity in the air. Ah, humidity after the rain. You thought there would be flood when you wake up, but surprisingly, there's none of that, only a puddle of mud water and such. Maybe this world just a mirror of your world and just not advance enough to have everything. This makes you think of getting an umbrella, but why would you? It's just going to weight you down and take up space for your bag. You doubt Leif would be out-

"You're early."

"GAH!!!" You keep getting these surprises almost everyday, damn it! "Can you not do that!?"

Leif just shrug.

"Let's find somewhere secluded."

"Secluded? Not quiet?"

"Yes. It's important to not have interruption when concentrating on your magic during training. That is, unless you can use them naturally as moving your limbs." Is... is magic really that hard? "And for your kind of magic, having no test subject won't help you train them." So we're treating these other creatures as test subject... I guess it's not so bad.

"So where are we going?"

"To Snakemouth Den." ...Snakemouth Den?

"Is it-"

"No, it's not our den."

"Oh."

"You should have seen it by now. It shape just like a snake mouth, just like it's name." Snake mouth... You only remember stumbling into a dark cave, but then ran away without looking at it carefully. Hopefully it's not that. "We're here." You look ahead... Oh no, it's that cave alright.

Chapter Text

Blu laying on the ground, not moving and making groan noises.

"Get up. More are coming towards you."

"Ugh... Easier said... than done." Blu said with exhaustion.

Blu has been training, practicing, and experimenting with his magic for a week with Leif's 'help'. At first, Blu thought they went to Snakemouth Den for a normal magic training, but as time goes on Blu realized that this is going to be a long torturous training that just feels like it'll never end. He pass out a lot at the first few days, and it stops at some point and the training went on with experimenting with the magics Blu knows at the moment. Leif made Blu have to use his magic constantly without rest or breaks unlike his training with Vi. He thought his mind going to explode because of this training and would've prefer it were to happen than going through this hell.

He did learned that his magic is like pushing his will onto something and either controlling it or just dominating them.

'At least... that's what he... said.' He learned that he can use it in many variety ways his imagination allows him to. Blu still doesn't know why it makes their eyes just glow and not spiral or filled with colorful rings or something like that. He made a lot of assumption and guesses, but he's mostly wrong and just overthinking it. Leif already studied his magic during training and finds out it's just a simple as imagining things in his head and concentrating on those thoughts or something he wants to affect, except Blu is too stubborn and kept thinking it's a very complex magic compared to Leif's.

There's a lot Leif talked about with Blu about his magic. When using hypnosis, it either acts like a tool to put the target into relaxation or giving the feeling of safety, or it can be used to forced them to fall into deep trance. He hasn't learned how to do the latter properly yet, and so the incomplete version of it are named 'Confusion' which made the target confused and compliant to the him for a few minutes but it sometimes just not work at all. Blu thinks it's not useful, but Leif said otherwise but tease him that he would have to wish luck is on his side when using it. The only reason it was so taxing was because Blu was manifesting it into something physical before shooting at the target. Leif then helps Blu learn how to flow his magic from his body into an object. It was hard because none of them knew how, but Leif are more familiar with magic, and so they both learn to do it in a short time.

As for the present, Leif are forcing Blu to the creatures minds while putting enemies to sleep without hurting them too much, nothing more but Leif kept bringing more when he was so close to being done putting them to sleep. Leif are also training his magic, at least that's what Blu thinks because Leif is using ice constantly throughout this one week, and he doesn't seem to feel exhausted doing it.

"How... are you not... tired???"

"You'll get used to it."

'Getting used to it? I'm fucking dying here!'

Blu are pissed with that answer, but has no energy nor mental capacity to argue with him right now. Even when he felt his magic are improving and use less of his energy, it's still too exhausting, especially when being forced to use them non-stop for a whole week. The only time he gets to rest are at night or when he fainted. And now he is throwing pebbles at these creatures until they pass out with the command you into the enchantments that puts the into a deep sleep until your magic disappear along with the suggestions or commands.

"This will be the last day we'll be training like this, so at least try to do your best still."

"Then shouldn't... you let me... rest???"

"No." 

'I hate that smile.'

Blu wonders if he is trying to help your or just playing with you. This was because of the first 4 days when Blu have to hypnotize a flying mushroom squid (that's wat Blu calls it) and just doing it over and over at them. Somewhere between those days, his magic did evolve or grow, and he learned to talk telepathically which allows him to communicate with other creatures, at least that's what he's hoping for but it did allow him to do so, and his hypnosis improves from the repeated uses of it. And that's when the ridiculousness starts. Blu learns that Leif likes to mess with someone a lot, in this case it was him... and the creatures. The creatures might have gone through most of the torture, he thinks. Two of them became mind broken after Blu failing to measure the right amount of magic to use on them that do as told by Blu with no regards, so they killed them... and ate them. Leif wanted Blu to be a chef for being able to cook delicious meal, but he decline instantly. They also learned that Blu's magic, depending on how the suggestions/commands are given will either stay or disappear along with the magic marking. Although the marking itself doesn't do much, it's a good way to indicate whether this or that are still under the effect of the magic. But it can be permanent based on what they learn, but Leif mention to Blu that his magic are still in their basic form and can't do much for now. So there's no permanent changes that are possible from giving suggestions unless they change themselves consciously, the mark and the effect will disappear after 7 days of avoiding being influenced by Blu's magic, and memory wipe only partially work. Leif already demonstrate the difference between basic and advance magic, but what was displayed scares Blu, thinking he might die if he was the target of the attack.

'I suppose fiction becomes reality... Most from my world probably would be jealous of this kind of thing.' He thinks to himself.

But the next moment, he vomits from the nausea he's been having today. Time moves on and it eventually becomes dark outside and the glow from the crystals and mushroom in the cave became brighter.

"Looks like our sessions are over."

Blu lies down on the floor, feeling like a sludge. "Do you... always train like this?"

"No, we train while exploring. Nowadays we're just enjoying our days of peace in Bugaria."

"...Peace, huh?" Is there really such a thing as peace though? Right now, the Bee Kingdom is having bandits problem and you doubt it'll resolve itself with a few explorers handling it. "Say... do you know we're called explorers? Not adventurers?"

He's thinking... "We've forgotten. It's been such a long time since we've become one."

Blu wonders how long Leif's meant. He only knows that he became an explorer alongside Vi and Kabbu, and made a lot of achievements, nothing more than that. He proceed to try have a conversation and starts with a question he's been curious about.

"....Hey Leif?" He looks at you. "What are you?"

"...?"

"Every time I'm near you, it feels like I'm talking with two... err bugs. I thought it was just a feeling, but you also refer yourself in plural. What's up with that?"

He looks slightly tensed, although Blu not sure why yet. "...It's something personal."

Looks like you won't get your answers for now. "Alright then." You eat your honey drop as you leave the cave with Leif.

"...But we'll tell you one day."

"Hmm?" Blu was slightly taken aback. He did not expect Leif to respond again. "U-uhm okay, I'll look forward to it...?"

"...Heh." Blu feel annoyed hearing him let out a laugh like that after knowing more of him.

But the training does proves some improvement and rewards. He thinks this might be necessary for him to grow his magic again. For now, he wants to sleep for a long, long time.

"...Do you think I'll be able to lift objects and stuff?"

"Who knows. We'd love to see it being used for pranks."

"I'll target you first then."

"You'll never be able to."

"I'll never know until I try."

"Good luck, kid."

"I'm not a kid."

"You look like one." Blu wonders if that's true.

"Isn't that the same for Vi?"

"To us, he's still a kid."

"Heh, I guess she does sound like one."

"She might yell at you if she hears that." Blu chuckles imagining it happening.

"Says you. I'll ditch you if you ditch me."

"Fair."

"...Do you really have to that hard for the training though?"

"Yours are one that requires focus and will. Plus,  you seem to be very awkward when we first saw you use it, so we're just helping you to be confident when using them."

"Does it matter?"

"Yes. Like what we've discussed, your magic are an act of control with your will. So having confidence while using your hypnosis will strengthen it's effect. It might not apply to your other magic." Blu has to wonder why he hasn't thought of that. He's been using it so he should've known at some point.

"...I'll never understand magic."

"Don't worry about it." Leif said while smiling. "You still have a lot to find out yourself, like how long will your magic last if it wasn't made permanent."

"Oh right, how many kinds of magic do you have with ice?" He's been curious during the training since he's been using his ice in many ways that looks cool.

"We didn't count."

That's fair, he thought. "...Did you tell them that you and me are out for a week?"

Leif didn't answer.

"Leif?"

"...We'll figure it out." Blu couldn't understand him at all. At least that's what makes him Leif. "It would be great if we could at least have the plushie though."

"Ahahah..."

Chapter Text

"So that's what you two were doing?" Kabbu asks.

"Something like that."

After you came back with Leif, it wasn't like what you thought it would be. Kabbu forgot that we were going out for training, while Vi is complaining on why Leif stole some of her berries. You don't remember him leaving your side during the week, but maybe while you're sleeping perhaps? The next day, Vi was curious what we were doing for a whole week and Kabbu seems curious too even, so you tell them all about it the best you can. Leif doesn't seem to care much about it.

'Damn bastard.' You think to yourself.

"I thought you would've turn into a weevil after training like that for so long." Vi said.

"I dont think I'll grow m[[-My Fanfictions Index|Index]]

"Oh... Hey!"

"Heh." Leif let out a laugh... Technically, he also train like hell as he trains you like hell.

"But having your voice in my head..."

"Hm? Vi?" 

"...It's just weird." Leif said it feels somewhat nice and weird, so that's probably what she meant.

"But are you really okay?"

"I don't know. Does eating mushroom everyday and vomits them later is okay? I don't think so."

"O-oh, sorry."

"Uh, no it's okay." Maybe you shouldn't have joked about it.

You take a crisbee donut from the table and ate it.

"I gotta say, you guys have a nice house." Although it looks like a box painted red, the inside looks like a normal livable house. It reminds you of your delivery to the swamp... urgh, you hate that place.

"Eheheh, I know right." Vi sounds proud of it.

"Weren't you very opposed to buying this house back then?"

"T-that was in the past!" You feel like you've heard her say that before.

"Sure it is." Leif, please don't-

"SHUT UP!" Ouch, your ears...

"If it bothers you, why not use your powers?"

"Huh?" What?

"L-Leif!"

"Isn't it natural to use your power for your own benefit?"

"M-maybe..." You're fine using it on them, but... "But I think I'd rather talk with all of you as yourself and not someone I've influenced." It's just different. Especially after knowing them and hanging out like this quite often.

"Awww, how sweet."

"But I won't hesitate using it on someone else."

"Awww..." That's some shift of emotion from Kabbu.

"Anyway, thanks for the treat." You stand up and walk out before Kabbu calls you out.

"Wait, Blu. Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm?"

"We've been curious about this since you're back from the Bee Kingdom, but why is your body still bandaged over?"

"Yeah, I thought you're completely healed up."

"?!" Oh crap. "I-it's nothing! N-nothing's wrong w-with it! I just like this there! Eheheh..."

"No one's going to bought that, Blu." Yeah no shit, Leif. You even thought what you said was dumb.

"I-it's fine, really! It's nothing serious."

"Then why sound so nervous?" Vi asks.

"Umm... can you guys... not ask about it?" You try to show a smile, but it's hard to do so in this situation.

"Why? Is there something behind those?" 

You didn't answer Kabbu. He's pretty much right about that... It's just that you don't want anyone seeing it.

"...If you don't want to, we won't force you."

"...Huh?"

"You don't want to show it, right? Then don't. We're sure you have your reason for it." Leif...

"Aww., I thought we get to see it."

"I don't know what you were expecting to see from his body, Vi."

"Who knows, maybe he got some special treasure there."

"Ahahah..." You're not showing that scar from when you got stabbed back then. It's... ugly. "...I'll be going then."

"Oh! Be careful out there. We were about to leave too." Hmm?

"He's talking about the bandits in the Bee Kingdom." Oh. Right, explorers do stuff like that too... You don't want to get involved though.

"We'll just have to talk with their leader about it." Oh that makes se- Wait what?

"Excuse me? Their leader? Talk?"

"Oh, we didn't you that yet, huh? We know the leader of those bandits during our days searching for artifacts. The rewards was nice."

"Is... is it going to be fine?"

"I'm sure it'll be okay. Their leader are more reasonable than his subordinates." You hope so...

"I-I'm leaving now." You walk out, closer to the exit... before turning around and said. "And I'm not abusing my powers, Leif."

"I didn't say anything." His face says otherwise. He's definitely was going to say something.

You left their place without any more delay, just to avoid whatever Leif is going to say, and you hate seeing his face. You might forget about it, but for now, you hate it.

Leif sighs after Blu left their home.

"What the heck happened between you two?"

"Yeah, you two argue a lot lately."

"You two are just imagining it." He didn't lie. They both don't hate each other. They just gotten to know each other better and get on each other's nerves

"Then why are you sighing? You don't usually do that often."

"...It's nothing."

Leif used to be suspicious of Blu, especially after learning about his magic. It's weird enough that someone like him appeared out of nowhere, a bee who doesn't know how to fly and looks different from others, strong and has a very mysterious magic. But all that suspicion changed into worries. He's awkward, doesn't know a lot, easily distracted, act tough but actually not, and he's also emotionally unstable. There's a time during the training that Blu cried out of nowhere with a straight face and also unaware of why he's crying, and there's also a moment where he got so violent but then feel bad after realizing what he had done to the poor little thing. It's not as weird as Leif himself, so he don't really care much about it nor will they tell the others of it. They just hope Blu won't goes the wrong path and ends up like Hoaxe, the wasp king they took down 2 years ago.

"Umm... Leif? Helloo?" Vi is waving her hand in front of Leif who was lost in his thoughts. "We're about to go already. Why are you spacing out?"

"Don't worry, I'm coming."

Leif get ready as they all wen out of their house. Leif can only hope that he'll always be the way he is now.

You're lost... How did you get lost? You were doing flight training a moment ago and when you finally able to land normally for the first time ever, you find yourself in a very foggy place. "Where the hell is this?!?"

You look around you... but the fog's too thick. It's blocking your view. The air feels warm, and feels a bit suffocating to breathe in. It's almost like the air is from a factory smoke or some sort.

'...Can I go back if I retrace my steps?'

You try to remember which way you came from... You've forgotten which way was it. You look at the map and try to find which part of Bugaria is full of fog. It didn't take long since Bugaria aren't a massive region. You put your map away and starts fly around through the fog. It takes you about 2 hours to finally get out of there after crashing into metal pipes multiple times.

The fog itself already made it hard to travel through the fog, and you're still bad at flying. "Ngg..." You rub your head which is bleeding as of now. "Urgh, at least I'm out."

You look down below and... you shouldn't be surprised, but it's still weird seeing Bugaria is the whole backyard of a house... a shabby one at that. In the distance, there seems to be a fog also, but something about them feel ominous than the one you were just in a while ago.

'...I shouldn't find out what's out there."

You head back to the Ant Kingdom...

"UWAAH!!!"

You crash into someone while trying to land. Well, at least it's new. But their screams doesn't sound good. You get up and dust yourself off and look at... him.

'Ah shit.' He doesn't look well, you thought.

...Maybe it's because of this world logic, but none of his body part are broken. He looks like a moth... maybe?

'How many type of moths out there?' You could've sworn every moth you met is different. Wait no, he's still wounded because of you. You should at least treat him first.

You carry the limp... oh, he's still a kid... maybe? How do these people tell how old is everyone??? Eetl said you're 17 years old back when you were rescued, although you're pretty sure you're 24. Whatever, you carry him back to the inn. Lila were surprised that you brought someone, unconscious even. You told her how... the 'accident' happens, and she just believes it. No doubts or anything like that, at least from what you can see. She brought you to a room with four beds instead of your usual room.

"...Are you telling me to sleep with this kid?"

"Why not, it's cheaper than having separate rooms."

"...How much?"

"Since for one bug to stay in, it's 10 berries. You've been here for quite a while, so I'm sure you know that already." She said proudly. You're not sure what she's proud of. "But sharing a room with someone will have some cut to the cost, so it becomes 6 for the others." That sounds nice.

"I didn't know you have that kind of thing set up."

"Of course you don't. You always requested to sleep alone every day." ...Ouch. You just like privacy, didn't think you would miss on something like this. "Besides, are you sure you want to help this moth?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I've never seen him before, and from the way he looks, he seem to be homeless and his seems to have been through a lot. Kind of like you actually." She said that with a smile and a laugh... You're not sure you should feel offended or not anymore. Almost everyone said something similar to you already. Ignoring that, you wonder what she's talking about.

"How come he's homeless?"

"Like most bugs, you and myself included" Us? "They weren't able to get things because of inflation."

"I, Inflation..." Ah... The worst thing any kingdom, town, or cities could ever experience. "I guess I can see what's going on."

"To be honest, I was also on the verge of losing my inn, at least until you came in that day. Who would've thought you would donate all of those berries for my inn." ...She said it with joy, but you barely remember the reason you gave all your money to her back then... You do remember you want the inn to keep running and something about it look like it's about to crumble. Your memories aren't that great when you actually want to recall them.

"Hmm..." But do you want to take care of him... he is cute... and very huggable... Turning one into yours wouldn't hurt... right? ...Right??

"You seem to really want to take care of him."

"!? Uh, wha?"

"You face literally looks like they glistering like you want to adopt them."

"I-I am?"

"Blu, you're as open as a book." That's... hurtful. "Oh come on, don't be like that. It's great for someone like yourself. It means people could at least trust you more than your average bug."

"...I don't understand." You feel dumber and dumber everyday.

"You don't have to. Just stay true to yourself like now." You still don't get it. You both look at the moth that is currently unconscious still on the bed. "Let's take care of his wounds first."

You didn't really pay attention to the young moth's looks, but now you get a closer look at them while tending their wounds. You don't know what variants they are, but they're white with some brown on the middle end of their wings. You also see a few scars on their body, as if they've been living in the wild for a year or two. It's a guess from your own experience when you lost your home, not that it's any better than camping.

"Stop looking around and focus."

...You have a terrible attention span. You and Lila wash the moth's body, tend the wounds, and bandage it up.

"Say, Blu. What's wrong with your body?"

"Hmm?"

"Everytime you stagger, you hold the right side of your stomach. I thought that bandage was justs a decoration, but you're making me worried."

"It's nothing." You said calmly. "Just some scars that won't disappear. So don't mind it that much."

"..."

"...Please."

"Fine. I'm not the one who you're going to face if it's something bad anyway." Hm? You're confused as to who she's talking about. Daisy... uhh, it's definitely not her, so who? "Don't think too hard."

"Urgh, I don't think I can."

After everything's done, she pack everythings up and brings it with her.

"Call me if you need anything."

"Isn't this an inn?"

"Oh come on, what would I do if I lose my loyal customer?" Said her, smiling at you. You don't want to say anything about that because she looks so happy right now. 

She then left the room and now you're alone... with this young moth. You haven't decided whether you want to make him into something from a fiction story or have him adjust to living with you until you got a home of your own. Trying to use hypnosis to brainwash a young moth like him doesn't seem that appropriate for you. You want to at least have his consent first. If it were some evil person or bug, you wouldn't care if you got their consent or not... actually you might ended up killing them instead. Having someone you know was an evil person under your control won't ease your mind one bit, and the same can be said on the good or normal ones. You would feel guilty about it even if they're fine with it, but you still want to do it... somehow. Anyways, maybe if you do get the kid's consent, you should keep their will and self intact while adding other things like obedience or confidence, something you're lacking... Fiction seem to influence your thoughts a lot lately. Reading novels from this world does not help either.

'...But am I really going to sit here and wait?'

You want to stea- err earn some berries from the critters in the wild. But you're the who caused them to be hurt badly like this, so the least you can do is watch over them and maybe talk to them, see if you can help them or something. As for your magic... You'll figure it out later. Leif is away after all, so might as well focus on other things.

***

"Who are you!? Where am I?!?"

And that's his first reaction. Very alert and holding a knife, pointed at you. You were just waking up after having a good night sleep. Yesterday you hunt, read a book, and then went back to the inn and sleep, in a different bed of course. You want to hug a cute moth like him like a pillow, but you don't know what the outcome would be like. And today, he began to wake up slowly, mumbling to himself about what he last remember and then saw you and freak out after a few moment of silence. Now, what do you do in this situation....

"Blu, are you still asleep?" Lila enters at a bad timing... or is it a good one?

The moth rushes forward with the knife and lunges at you. It's not hard to stop it by grabbing his hand, but it might've surprised you if it were your first week in this world.

"Oh, looks like he's awake."

"...You seem too calm." You're keeping yourself on alert even though you disarm the little kid. No, actually everyone would've been surprised or scared seeing a kid attacking someone.

"You're here to protect me if anything happens, right?"

"I... guess?"

"Let me go!" The moth is throwing a tantrum.

"Umm... K-kid, I'm not going to hurt you."

"Liar!" Well, you do act the same way if you're suddenly in a unfamiliar place with unknown stranger around you act kindly towards you.

"Then what do you want? You can't expect me to know who you are or what you're doing out there." He flinched. "And I don't care if you agree or not, I'm adopting you."

"Do you even know what adopting means?"

"Nope."

Lila can't help but sigh to my words. For a few hours, you sit on the bed while holding the kid and make them sit on top of your legs. Lila went on and explain what adopting is and thankfully, you don't have to pay a single berry to adopt someone and there's no complicated stuff need to be done. You only hear the word adoption and see someone came out with a kid back when you're being trained to use a gun... Why didn't you even question it back then? It was a shooting range. Urgh... well it's in the past and there's no way you're going back there anyway.

The kid seems to be grumbling.

"What? Do you want to stab me again?" You ask casually.

"..." At least say yes or no.

"So what're you gonna do with him?"

"Huh?"

"You're adopting him, so you got to have something in mind for him."

"N, not really." You do. You just don't want to tell her.

"Oh well, not really my problem." She gave the honey drop to you before walking out of the room.

"...I can see why it's cheaper."

There's only one honey drop. Maybe it's tradition to only give one of these... or it's just business practice. You think for a moment on what to do with this.... Or maybe not. The kid seems like he's trying to hide that he wants to eat it and he's doing a pretty good job.

"...Here." You put in their hand before letting them go. They didn't eat it immediately and started eating slowly after staring at it for a few seconds. He looks sad while eating it. "...Does it taste bad?"

He flinched again. "N, no..." He looked away from you.

You don't know what to do with kids... Do they always act like this to stranger?

Chapter Text

"..."

"..."

You both staring at each other for 2 two hours now. There's no progress that has been made to have them be more acceptable of you. You don't know what to say either... and you wish they would say something instead glaring at you with hatred. Is his past has something to do with other bugs or just an accident?

"Hmm..."

"Why you keep making that face?"

"Huh?" Oh right, you forgot about that... How many times you've been deep in thought? Oh and you just did it again. "Just thinking."

"...That's stupid."

"It is." It's very stupid, but it helps you a lot and it's very necessary in your life. "What, never thought of anything you're invested in?"

He's back to being quiet again, but at least he's not looking away from you. You feel guilty looking at that sad face of his and you don't even know what to do to cheer him up. One would just use this magic of yours instantly to solve the problem. It's easier said than done, you still have to convince them to accept your word as truth and let it absorbed into their subconscious. Otherwise it will count as a fail and won't have any effect or mark of your magic left on them. You now thought of why it didn't disappear after using hypnosis many times constantly with proper breaks for their mind. It did diminish if it wasn't permanent and... you should just accept it and listen to Leif's word for once. He's a old bastard but he's an expert at this.

"There it is again."

"...Just get used to it already."

"Hm?"

"What's wrong, Leif?" Kabbu asks

"...It's nothing. Just felt like someone talking about us."

"You can do that?!" Vi seems surprised at what they said.

"No. Blu once told me if you felt an itch or sneeze out of nowhere, then someone must be talking about said person."

"Oh! That sounds very strange."

"Does that mean someone been talking about me over and over before?"

"Relax Vi, that doesn't mean it'll always happen, or so he said."

"Aww." Vi's disappointed.

"Brrr." You shiver... is because of the air of night time? Oh well, you're too tired to think about this, it's probably nothing.

The next day, you woke up early from the slight noise you heard beside you. The young moth is sneaking into your stuff.

'...Figures.' "Couldn't you just... I don't know, behave a little?" You get up and sit on the side of the bed. "It's not like I could do anything to you anyway."

"That's a lie."

"Tell me then. I'm not gonna bother think of any." It's a pain. The same for the whole hypno thing.

The kid seems to be waiting for you to say it...

'Urgh...' You want to escape and do something else... oh wait, you should just do that.

"Huh?" 

He flinch after seeing you jump out of the window with your stuff. You saw a glimpse of Lila entering the room although you didn't get the chance to see her reaction. You'll apologize to her later and maybe talk to the kid, if he's still there, but for now you want to hit some bandits to relief some stress.

"Why the window..." Lila facepalm and shaking her head.

She remembers the first time when He were to jump out but was stop by Daisy tied up to the bed. For some reason, the bugs Blu encounters are pretty bizarre and she couldn't help but feel frustrated when this kind of stuff happens.

"I- Uh- ???"

The young moth is confused as to what happened. He thought that the bee that adopt him were trying to trick him into trusting him and use him to his benefit, like other bugs he has trusted before. But for some reason, this bee just did something very unnatural and very dangerous, and the innkeeper are not surprise from his point of view.

"Don't worry, little one. He's always like this."

He doesn't know what she meant by 'always like this'.

"He'll come back during the evening hours. For now, you should eat. You look thinner than him."

He takes the honey drop with some hesitation. He wants answers, but at the same time he's still wondering what that bee was trying to do. He doesn't trust them still, but he wants to know why is that bee wants to adopt him.

"P-please! Have mercy!" The bandit pleads. "You want my berries right? So ple-"

"No, I don't feel like taking berries today." You crack your neck as you walk closer to her. "Besides, weren't you and your friends causing a ruckus at the Bee Kingdom? Such behaviour requires a beating."

"Heeek! Please, no! I-"

You punch him hard on the face, sending them flying and falls to the ground unconscious. You look at the others that are also unconscious. Doesn't seem as many as last time, but they're still causing problems. You wonder if what they said are true or not, because these bandits are not running away after those beatings from before but rather attacks you again after seeing you.

"They sure are stubborn."

It's a bit harder to fight with the pain on your body. You wonder if this wound will ever heal... You walk back all the way to the inn in the Ant Kingdom, and it took the same hours as when you went to the dessert. You wonder if you should've taken their berries, but you feel bad and thought they won't have enough for themselves. Berries are an important currency after all.... But couldn't they just eat it? It doesn't taste as bad as they claim it to be. While walking back, you wonder if team Snakemouth is doing okay right now. They should be, right? After seeing Leif's strength, they could just beat you in a instant if the others have the same kind of strength. You'd hate to be their opponents even if it's just a spar.

"Hm?"

You could've sworn you saw the moth walking around carrying something from the outside, but why is the door not closed? You walk closer and open the door wider. Inside is the kid, carrying... inn related items? Why a bucket are one of them?

"Oh, you're back."

"Uh, what's going on?"

"I could ask the same about you."

You wonder what she meant for a moment before look around yourself. It's hard to see without a mirror, but you can tell you're a mess. Must've been the whole ambush thing the bandits did.

"It's the same old, same old."

"Hm?" She doesn't seem to understand what it means.

"It's the same stuff that I've been doing, so don't worry about it." You take a deep breath and exhale slowly. "So... why is the kid... um..." You're not sure what he's actually doing.

"Oh, he's just helping me out around the inn." Helping? Him? "I taught him a little, of course. So he'll be cleaning around the inn until you two move out. Although, this was after our little conversation."

You're wondering what kind of talk they had until he's willing to help out.

"Of course, I'm sure it's partially because of you."

"Huh?"

"But I won't praise you for that." You felt chills on your back for some reason. "You know if you damage the inn, you have to pay for it, right?" Oh... You now know why.

Apparently, when you jump out of the window with your stuff, you broke the framing and some part of the room you step on, and now you're doing some work at the inn to repay the damages... by fixing it. You have experience in doing housework after all. And it's cheaper than having workers come and fix it. You still don't know why the kid is helping around the inn, but while working, he often give glances at you which aren't as hostile as before. It makes you even more curious about what they talked about while you were gone.

"So..."

"Yes?"

"What... did you two talk about?"

"Oh." She gasp. "I forgot I haven't told you that yet."

"Well, it's kinda partially my fault." Lila seems to be someone who really cares for this place. "And I think your business is getting busier nowadays."

It's something you notice while getting some material. While going back and forth between measuring and buying things, you see a lot of bugs coming in and out of the inn than the first time you visit the place. Maybe they're adventurers or a tourist, or just someone who's looking for a place to stay until have a home of their own like yourself.

"Yeah. So anyway, we were just talking about you."

"And?"

"Hmm... Nothing much honestly. He just suddenly ask me a few things about you after not wanting to talk for a while. So I told him what I know."

What... what did she say about you? "What did you tell him?"

"That you're a strong bee who's a softie and also stupid? ...Ouch.

"Is that the summary of your answer to him?"

"Something like that. You could just ask him, you know?"

"...Maybe later."

"See? A softie."

"I mean, I didn't deny it." You did do some stupid things just to make yourself feel better... at least that's what you think. You don't really know what you want other than the normal things and stuff. "Anyway, I think I'll be able to finish the repair tomorrow."

"That fast?"

"The materials are something else though."

"Want me help on that?"

"No. This is also good for me since I've finally gotten the chance to check on the prices of these materials." Even though your amount of berries almost reach 1000. The total for the repair are 200 berries, but isn't it just cardboards?  This is why you hate the economy. At least this cardboard acts like wood or stone that were used for house buildings, but since it's cardboard, you need to break it carefully and replace it with a new one, You did the same with with the lower roof... you're not an architect, so you only name them based on what you know. The next day, you did some final touch and you're finished.

"Whew."

"Thanks for the work." She seems to like the result "Why don't you become a builder instead?"

"Heck no!"

She laughs.

"..." He just stare at you with some sign of being alert.

"W-what?"

He walks away not long after and head upstairs, probably to our room.

"???"

"Don't worry, I think he's just shy." Which part made her think he's shy? "But I'm sure he'll warm up to you."

"I... hope so?"

"Why you look so unsure?" She laughs while speaking.

"...I don't know." You could also just hypnotize him... if the environment allows you to.

"Just try and talk with him, open up a little." She smiles. It feels nice to see it.

"I'll try."

***

You and the moth are silent, sitting on the side each own's bed, facing each other. You both been sitting in silence for a while now. You want to break the silence, but you have no idea what to say to him. What would someone talk about with a kid who seems to hate every other bugs. You also want to just use your magic, but you don't know what would happens if someone saw you use it or if you fails to hypnotize the kid. Convincing others isn't something you're great at.

"Sorry."

"H-huh?" The kid broke the silence... with an apology? "W-what for?"

"For... trying to hurt you and steal your bag." He looks a bit guilty.

"Oh. Don't worry about it. I'd like to think it's just karma coming to bite me."

He's silent again. It atmosphere felt so heavy right now.

"C-c'mon now. Cheer up." ...No response. You think hard on how to cheer this little guy. "Oh, hold on. I'm gonna cook some meal."

You head downstairs in a rush and ask Lila if there's a kitchen he can use in the inn. If there's anything that cheer you up, it's food. Not really understanding what you're going to do, she brought you to the kitchen anyway. The place is a bit dusty but she seems to have been to this room before. Oh well, it'll do. You've watch a chef once made crunchy salad before, so you made just that, simple but also fulfilling. You brought it back to your room and give it to the confused moth.

"Here you go!" You said happily.

From the look of his face, it's almost like he's trying to process the whole thing but also not sure of the food he's holding.

"Come on, eat it! I have to use my own supply for that."

"...Okay." He started eating it... slowly. You feel hungry looking at him eating... Why didn't you cook for yourself too? "...You want some?"

"N-no no no! It's okay. Just eat it." You said as you get rid of your drool.

You don't know how good is crunchy salad made of crunchy leaves, but it's a good meal for breakfast from what you know. Now, if you have an egg, you could try making a fried egg. But you're not sure if you want to use the aphid eggs. Is it just like a chicken egg for bugs? You don't know. Your stomach growls as you thought of these things.

"..." You take out your honey drop and eat it. It also reminds me when your first time making your own honey. Makes you questions things, but eventually you get used to it. "...Hm?" The kid was looking at your honey before looking away after you notice his gaze. "...Want some?"

...A silent nod. You feel proud with your food solution.

Chapter Text

You went out helping out others problem, or in other words, doing quests. After earning some berries and... medals, which you are not so sure how to use them or have any idea if they're as helpful as Eetl said about them. You've been waking up everyday and try to interact with the moth if possible, and he seems to warm up to you at least. After that, you went out to do quest to earn berries to buy something big. A house, a weapon, whatever it'll be you should choose. You've been feeling like something ominous is about to fall upon you like a sledge hammer.

"Why are you scared?"

"GAH!?" You're... still very jumpy. "I... I'm fine I think? I'm just not feeling well."

"Then why not rest?" Said him with a bored face. Maybe he doesn't want to be stuck here doing nothing but helping out Lila around. He is a kid.

"I just... can't? I always want move around and do something."

He seems to be thinking... and looking at him like this is kind of nice. That fluff... you want to hug him so badly after weeks being with him.

"Can you bring me with you?"

"Oh sure- wait what?"

"I want you to bring me with you."

That's not what you're confused about.

"You want to... go with me?"

"Who else is here?"

"...Li-"

"That inn lady are not part of the discussion." So serious, scary.

"But why would you want to go with me? Where are you even want to go to?"

"Anywhere is fine."

"Hmm..." You wonder if this kid wants to watch you do quest or not... You could also just stroll around with him. He did say anywhere is fine. "Then let's go for a walk."

....No answers, like most of the time. You wonder if this is really okay.

***

"Hmm? Who is right beside you, Blu?" Asks Maki.

You were just walking around the town with the kid, and he's actually... shy. He hides behind you a lot when someone were talking with you and you just realized that he doesn't mind being so close to you...? Well, either way you were just about to go to bank before encountering Maki on the road.

"Ah, um... Actually, uhh kid, what is your name"

It was silence for a few seconds before he replied. "It took you weeks to ask that?" You feel like being stabbed with a spear. "...My parents named me Motha." Motha... is it because he's a moth? "They're as bad as you at names." You feel like you were hit with another spear. Worse of all, you can't deny it because you KNOW you're bad at it, horrible even... that's twice now you've said that.

"Why is he with you?"

"Oh, um... I adopted him."

"...Oh."

"Wait, that's it?"

"I was expecting something more life threatening when it comes to you."

"Is that what everyone here thinks of me?!?"

"Yes." You feel so sad hearing that. "Maybe try build a better reputation next time."

"....What next time, exactly?"

"Who knows." He walks pass you. "I'm sure something will happen soon. It's been too quiet lately."

For a moment, you shiver from that sentence. You hope that nothing will happen though. You're not even in the right condition to fight properly.

"What's wrong?"

"Huh?" You look at the kid, and he's staring at bandaged body. It might be because you're currently putting your hand on the location of the wound, or scar... what does a hole in your stomach would be called? "It's fine." You want it to be fine. "Let's just go."

You continue walking, and he sounds like he's following you at least. You two walk for a while and reach the bank. You recognize the building as a candy machine... is it a coincidence? You make a bank account which cost 150 berries, stores around all of your berries which is around 1152 of them and get yourself the premium card. You wouldn't have known about this without Vi's money rant, so at least you get some interest but you don't know how much percent is it since you didn't ask her.

"Oh well." You ask to pull out 50 berries for now so you have something to pay with. "Now where do we go...?" You two have been walking at every nook of the Ant Kingdom's town, and traveling to other towns would take at least hours, plus it's dangerous.

"Can I eat that." You move away from your thoughts and look at where he's pointing at.

"Oh?" You see an ice cream stand which seems like a carriage or some sort. Although you don't know for sure what it is, you're sure it's able to be moved around. Looking at it makes you want to ice cream too. "Alright, let's buy us some of those."

***

'Wait a fucking minute.'

It took you hours after buying the ice creams and ate them, have a fun conversation with Motha which is quite rare, but there's ICE CREAM IN THIS WORL?!?

"Why you look surprised?"

"Eh? Ah, I- I just remember something. Ahahah..." ...The look he gave you telling you he doesn't buy it.

"Whatever." He rolls to facing the other side and put on the blanket. You should probably also sleep.

"G-goodnight, Motha."

"..." He must be asleep by now. You should also do the same.

For a moment, you could've sworn you hear him mumble something... Could've just been your imagination. It's a wild imagination, after all. The next morning, you do your daily thing before going out.

"You're going out again?"

"Of course! Berries aren't gonna fall upon us out of nowhere." Though you wish it does. "Besides, I probably be a bother to you if I stay here." He flinch. You might have been right there. "Then I'll be goi-"

"I'm going with you."

"...Eh?"

With no time were given to process what just happened, you are now out in the wild with Motha, and he's been... helping you hunt. You want to do the work, but now you're just picking up what was drop from these beaten up critters... or even dead one.

'H-his fighting style sure is brutal...'

It's not fast or effective, but it definitely get the job done in a way. You still help with the fighting... but you wonder if he's just want to vent out his frustration. Hours later, you've gathered a bunch of crunchy leaves and berries, and then you went buy groceries... random stuff from the local shop. You still wonder why Motha decide to come with you though. Looking at him, he seem normal and calm. His tattered cape made him look a bit cool, you thought. He look almost like a warrior that just came back from a battlefield, except in his case, it's the wilderness. Back at the inn, you can't help but indulge into your curiosity and ask him about today's hunt. It was met with silence and when you were about to go and sleep, he answered.

"I just want to help."

You don't really know how to reply... or if you actually believe that. But you believe it anyways, which felt embarrassing thinking he actually wants to help. It's kinda cute. But your face definitely showing your embarrassment.

"G-g-go to sleep already! Goodnight!"

"...Goodnight."

While sitting on a rock in beside the Explorer's Association Building, you wonder to yourself about Team Snakemouth. It's been a month since the day they left and they haven't came back. Not only them that take the quest, some are also ordered to help with the bandit situation, but you don't really care about them. Maki doesn't seem to go with them... but why you wonder. Is it because the queen might be in danger soon? A danger is closing in? Something?

"Aren't you bored thinking all day?"

You look Motha that is sitting beside you. "...No?" '...and he's silent again.' He does look bored though. But doesn't it feel great to sit out here and feel the breeze of fresh air? "C'mon, it's a nice day today. At least enjoy it and relex."

"What happened to your stupid daily hunt?"

"From what I learn, it's good to have a break once in a while." You learn that the hard way. "...And I don't really like working everyday."

"Why?"

"Why? Well, I want to be lazy, okay? Have everything ready without having to do anything and have a safe place all to myself. That kind of stuff." You said happily. "It's just that life are just... unfair, I guess."

The kid is fiddling with pebble on the ground with his leg. "Unfair..."

"...Let's talk about something else, for now. This gloomy talk kinda ruins the mood."

The kid just nod. It's not much, but you feel like... he's warming up to you, and maybe the same goes for you to him. It's nice... You wonder if your parents are watching right now, even in another world. Oh well, you just gotta live your best in this life, and maybe one day you'll get what you want.